Book Review - Stuck On You by Portia MacIntosh

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Title: Stuck On You

Author: Portia MacIntosh

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Boldwood Books

Publication Date: 17th September 2020

Rating: 5 Stars

Could a post-it note really lead to love...?

Sadie doesn't have time for finding love. She's too busy as PA for famous artist Damian Banks. When she's not arranging exhibitions, she's organising his dry cleaning or dumping his never ending stream of girlfriends.

But when she strikes up an unusual friendship with her desk share buddy, she finds a confidante and a new potential love interest. Problem is, they've never actually met...

With Christmas just around the corner, can Sadie put herself first for a change and find what she's been looking for all along?The brand new romantic comedy from top 10 bestseller Portia MacIntosh. Perfect for fans of Sophie Ranald, Mhairi McFarlane and Zara Stoneley.

Oh I do love a Portia MacIntosh Book and this was certainly no exception. 

I loved the post it note messages between Sadie and Adam, the man she shares a desk with, especially as they both seem to struggle with their demon boss Damian! 

And Damian initially is a complete and utter nightmare, and I don't blame Sadie in the slightest for wanting to get a new job.  

However things change and from the middle of the book onwards you see a different side to some of the characters, a real friendship start to develop and you also get a family Christmas with a family and community that absolutely adore the holiday and have various festive themed plans for the whole week in the lead up to the main day. 

Including Dickens Day which if you are a fan of Dickens would be just wonderful, also a smaller version of Winter Wonderland, a competition to post Christmas cards, a trip to the cinema in pjamas and all manner of other festivities.   And as a huge fan of Christmas this really made the book for me, and I was starting to feel quite festive, to the extent that I didn't even blink when I ended up watching the new Grinch film on TV in August!! 

I loved the character development in this story and just the whole vibe I got from the book. I was hooked really early on and it was painful tearing myself away from a fabulous story, just to do real life things like work! 

It was a joy to read Stuck On You,  another top rom-com from this author. 

Thank you to Boldwood and Netgalley for this copy which i have reviewed honestly and voluntarily. 

Book Review - Christmas at Lock Keeper's Cottage by Lucy Coleman

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Title: Christmas at Lock Keeper's Cottage

Author: Lucy Coleman

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Boldwood Books

Publication Date: 3rd September 

Rating: 4 Stars

Join us for Christmas in the Cotswolds in this perfect festive escape, from the bestselling Lucy Coleman.

Imogen Tolliman never knew her mother. And when an accident robs Immi of her father too, she goes to live with her grandfather, Tollie, in his picturesque lock-keeper’s cottage by the Aysbury marina.

Tollie is the star of the Santa Ahoy Special each Christmas – a festive boat ride along the canal that enthralls both children and adults alike. And as Immi grows up, she starts to appreciate the magical community she is lucky enough to live in.

When Immi meets Gray Adams, she instantly realises he’s someone special. And as their relationship gets serious, they start to plan for the Christmas to beat all Christmases.

But as the day approaches, and the romantic snow showers turn into blizzards, their dream of a Christmas to remember, looks set to be one they’ll never forget - for all the wrong reasons. Can they salvage the festivities, or will old secrets that are finally uncovered turn Immi’s life upside down forever?

Let Lucy Coleman transport you away to a dreamy Cotswolds Christmas full of snowflakes and secrets, log fires, mistletoe, friends and much-loved traditions. Perfect for all fans of Trisha Ashley, Holly Martin and Sue Moorcroft.

What an eventful Christmas that was, well nothing is ever smooth running in fiction! And this really had all manner of drama, revelations and even had me gasping in shock right towards the end of the story. 

Yet I also feel there are possibly some loose ends, to the extent I wonder if there will be a sequel, as I would happily read more from Immie, Gray and everyone in Aysbury, which have become like my family over the last few days while I have been reading this.

I absolutely adore the the idea of the Santa Ahoy Cruises on the the canal, especially the ones featuring rather special Little Stars.  Tollie makes a fabulous Santa, and Immie is a rather great elf. 

Immie is such a lovely and kind hearted character, she is happy to put everyone else first, even if it does end up with her putting on Christmas dinner for perhaps more than would have been anticipated, and she does panic quite rightly. 

There is also an unlikely friendship struck up with Mrs Price, who is such a revelation as the story progresses. 

And then there is Gray, who clearly loves Immie, and although I didn't feel like you got to know him that well, when we did see him, I really did like him, and they are well suited. 

This is heartwarming, festive, and just an all around good story to read, with plenty going on both with regards Christmas, and also the sense of community, and friendships.  I'd certainly welcome a return to Aysbury in the future. 

Thank you to Boldwood Books and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily. 

Book Review - The Plus One Pact by Portia MacIntosh

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Title: The Plus One Pact

Author: Portia MacIntosh

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Boldwood Books

Publication Date: 21st May 2020

Rating: 5 Stars

What if your plus one could be the one...?

Cara has officially run out of men. Her most recent dates have gone from bad to worse, and when her dating app informs her there is no one left in her area to choose from, she is at a dead end.

But with a summer of events ahead of her, she needs to find a solution, fast; someone to keep her company at the never-ending weddings, family gatherings and gender reveal parties that she can’t face going to alone. So when she meets handsome, confident, Millsy on a night out she may be in luck. They could not be more different in personality, but he too has a summer of events ahead and is desperate to get his family off his back about finding a ‘nice girl’. What if they made a pact to help each other out and be a plus one for the summer? Just as friends of course...? A brand new romantic comedy from bestseller Portia MacIntosh, perfect for fans of Zara Stoneley, Sophie Ranald and Mhairi McFarlane.

Are you single, with a never ending series of family and friends events where you have been told you can bring a plus one? Ever get sick and tired of the expectation that you will have someone to drag to these events?

If so then you should be able to easily identify with both Cara and Millsy's situation and the pact they make as new friends to accompany each other to a whole host of gatherings.  

I loved how they were both adamant they weren't even pretending to be fake dates, and just purely a respectable plus one  for each other, and how a real friendship built up between them. 

With each event this pair goes to, something appears to go wrong, and it was great fun seeing how they got themselves out of various situations.   I also loved both Millsy and Cara's jobs - both quite different and in the case of Cara's especially not one I've come across in books before. 

This is a really amusing story that entertained me greatly in my garden in lockdown. Another joyous read from the always enjoyable Portia MacIntosh. 

Thanks to Boldwood Books and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily. 

Book Review - The Hopes and Dreams of Libby Quinn by Freya Kennedy

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Title: The Hopes and Dreams of Libby Quinn

Author: Freya Kennedy

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Boldwood Books

Publication Date: 5th May 2020

Rating: 5 Stars

Libby Quinn is sick and tired of being sensible.

After years of slogging her guts out for nothing at a PR company, she finds herself redundant and about to plough every last penny of her savings into refurbishing a ramshackle shop and making her dream of owning her own bookshop become a reality.

She hopes opening 'Once Upon A Book' on Ivy Lane will be the perfect tribute to her beloved grandfather who instilled a love of reading and books in her from an early age.

When her love life and friendships become even more complicated – will Libby have the courage to follow her dreams? Or has she bitten off more than she can chew?

If you are looking a book to escape into at the moment, then look no further than The Hopes and Dreams of Libby Quinn. 

It is such a calm and relaxing read, that I was very happy to sit back and just relax into the pages of the story.  I absolutely loved Libby's determination to open a bookshop as a tribute to her grandpa Ernie.  

Libby has bought the most run down place on Ivy Lane for this bookshop and it requires a very large amount of work on it.  Thankfully her family are supportive and so are the new friends she makes on Ivy Lane. 

It's a road that really is its own family and community as they look after each other.  Special mentions to Harry who runs the corner shop and is incredibly chatty and also very generous often giving Libby all manner of treats.  Also Noah from the pub opposite her shop who is gorgeous and once you get to know him an incredibly considerate and caring man. 

I loved how each chapter was subtitled with the name of a well known book, and it is clear how much of a bond Libby and her grandfather had, especially when it came to reading.  

This is just an incredibly sweet book taking a look at friendship, family, community and making dreams come true.  I really enjoyed reading it, and am very curious to see what Freya Kennedy will write next. 

Thank you to Boldwood Books and Netgalley for this copy which I reviewed honestly and voluntarily. 

Book Review - My Year of Saying No by Maxine Morrey

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Title: My Year of Saying No

Author: Maxine Morrey

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Boldwood Books

Publication Date: 16th April 2020

Rating: 4 Stars

Lottie Wentworth has never been more pleased to hear Big Ben ring in the new year and wave goodbye to The Year of Saying Yes!

When a long-term relationship ended, her best friend’s scheme to get Lottie back in the swing of things seemed like a good idea. She’s kept her promise to Jess to see it through but, as a lover of the quiet life, Lottie couldn’t be happier to say hello to a brand new year – The Year of Saying No!

Unfortunately, the one thing she still seems unable to say no to is the crush she has on her best client and now friend, Army veteran, Seb Marshall. But she’s working on it, and with rescue dog Humphrey at her side, she knows that she’ll manage just fine.

Lottie’s decision to stop trying to please everyone has brought a sense of relief beyond what she had expected. Her actions and determination have also begun to send ripples throughout her life and those closest to her, bringing about changes none of them could have expected.


But will all those changes be for the good?

Another very enjoyable story from Maxine Morrey. 

There were many many occasions where I wanted to either slam Seb and Lottie's heads together, or lock them in a room - either way for them to work out what I'd realised very early on that they would be made for each other!! 

Despite the characters not really wanting to admit to their true feelings, much less act on them, the rest of the book did nothing but please me greatly. 

I loved the idea of Lottie's year of saying no - well saying no to things she really doesn't want to do, and it's lead to her family viewing her differently and i loved the way it inspired positive changes in her friends lives too. 

One thing Lottie though did say yes to, was getting a rescue dog, and Humphrey is just adorable,and he's not even the only dog in this story.  I do love dog loving humans!

I really enjoyed Lottie and Seb's interactions, they have such a great connection between them, and I was willing them to see sense continually. Their friends and families were also characters I really liked. 

I always enjoy books from this author, and this was no exception.  I seem to have scrambled my brain so I can't get my thoughts in order, but I do really recommend it,  it's great to while away a few hours from the current horrors of the real world situations.  Pure fun escapism. 

Thank you to Boldwood Books and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily. 

Book Review - Rendez-Vous in Cannes by Jennifer Bohnet

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Title: Rendez-Vous in Cannes

Author: Jennifer Bohnet

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Boldwood Books

Publication Date: 7th April 2020

Rating: 5 Stars

A sweeping, bittersweet love story amidst the glitz and the glamour of the French Riviera.

Two very different women are starring in their own real-life dramas behind the scenes of the Cannes Film Festival.

Newly in love, Anna Carson returns to the Festival for the first time in nearly 40 years hoping to reconcile her past with her present-day happiness.

Journalist Daisy Harris is looking for a big scoop at her first Festival and is determined to embrace her new single status amongst all the glitz and glamour.

Behind the champagne and parties, secrets from the past are bubbling to the surface and difficult decisions need to be taken.

One thing's for certain - by the end of the Film Festival their lives will have changed forever…

What a simply beautiful story, set over the two weeks of the Cannes Film Festival, this is a book that has everything. 

Featuring the south of France, the hustle and bustle of the Film Festival, two very different main characters, new friendships, long lost past secrets bubbling up, fresh romance and some really sweet kids, this really is a joyous book to read. 

Well joyous but at times there were tears pricking my eyes due to events I can't specify as they would definitely be spoilers! 

We have Anna Carsons who is at her first film festival for 40 years and she is really hoping she can finally put the memories and past to rest, and be able to move on with her life and her new love.  Well until a bombshell just before the festival starts threatens to unsettle her a lot.

Then there is Daisy, the young journalist, who has never been to the festival before and it's through her eyes we can see the glitz and glamour, the various parties,  just how exhausting the whole two weeks can be for everyone attending .

Both Anna and Daisy are staying with Poppy, so although not a main character we get to know Poppy quite well too, and she is rather central too.  

As much as I loved Daisy's story and did really enjoy reading her sections, it was in the end Anna's that grasped me completely. I needed to know why she hadn't been to the festival for so long, just what she was hiding and once we knew that I need had to know, and was reading compulsively to find out how everything would resolve itself. 

The blurb is not wrong, lives really are changed forever over this rather special film festival, and I was delighted to be a fly on the wall watching it all play out.  I was loving every moment of the book and think it may just be one of my favourites from this author - and I do tend to love all her books! 

Thank you to Boldwood Books and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily. 

Book Review - Summer in Provence by Lucy Coleman

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Title: Summer in Provence

Author: Lucy Coleman

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Boldwood Books

Publication Date: 7th April 2020

Rating:  5 Stars

Is a change as good as a rest?
When married couple Fern and Aiden have a windfall, their reactions could not be more different. While Fern is content to pay off their mortgage and build a nest egg before starting a family, her husband is set on traveling the world.

Fern’s not much of a back-packer so, before she knows it, the idea of a ‘marriage gap year’ takes shape. And, as Aiden heads off to the wilds of Australia, Fern chooses the more restful Provence for her year out.

Set amidst the glorious French scenery, Château de Vernon offers a retreat from the hustle and bustle of normal life, and Fern agrees to help out in return for painting lessons from the owner – renowned, but rather troubled, painter Nico.

As their year unfolds in very different ways, will the time apart transform their marriage, or will it drive Fern and Aiden even further apart…

Let Lucy Coleman whisk you off on a heart-warming, sun-drenched and magical French adventure.

Please can I move to Provence and live at The Haven? I'm utterly enchanted with the setting of this book, a Chateau in Provence which offers various retreats and a chance to learn new creative skills, or start a new hobby. It offers volunteer positions too, and everyone that lives and works there has a real community and family dynamic.   It sounded like a marvellous way of life. 

It was a brave decision that after having a decent lottery win that Aiden and Fern decide to take a year out of their regular lives.  Aiden has always wanted to travel and explore the world, where Fern is more of a homebody, happy worrying about her family and being there for them continually. 

But once she reluctantly agrees to let Aiden spread his wings, she decides to indulge in a forgotten love of drawing and thus goes to volunteer at this retreat.  What neither of them could have predicted is in what ways a year apart would change them both. 

From the moment Fern sets foot in the Chateau and we meet who she will be spending time with, I felt incredibly relaxed, very comfortable and was just happy to sit back and absorb myself within the pages. 

It is a fabulous cast of characters and the story lines were so engaging. I loved Nico and his backstory, I enjoyed seeing Kellie come out of her shell, I enjoyed seeing how Fern's relationship with her family changed the more time she spent in Provence. 

And the grounds, and sights even just around the Chateau were vividly described, as were some of Nico and Fern's paintings. I could picture the studio and some of the various canvases.   It felt as though there is something for everyone within this feel good story. 

I felt incredibly peaceful as I was reading,  was gutted when it ended as I was so enraptured, but the way Lucy Coleman finished it all off, was rather special and felt like we had almost bonus material from the DVD.. which will make more sense once you read it yourself! 

Another truly wonderful book from this author that always manages to make me smile. 

Thank you to Boldwood Books and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily, 

Book Review - A Riviera Retreat by Jennifer Bohnet

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Title:  A Riviera Retreat

Author: Jennifer Bohnet

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Boldwood Books

Publication Date: 23rd January 2020

Rating: 5 Stars

Take time out to find what makes you happy...

When Retreat owner Amy offers three lucky competition winners a holiday on the Cote d’Azur, she has no idea that this simple act of kindness will have life-changing repercussions on her own life as well as those who join her…

Young entrepreneur Chelsea has just been subjected to a very public relationship break up and needs to get away to lick her wounds.


MP’s wife Victoria is at a crossroads in her life now that the children have left home. She realises she has ambitions of her own and needs some ‘me time’ to figure things out.


Recently widowed Matilda is assessing life without her beloved husband. Can she find the courage to follow their dream on her own?

The four women, despite their differences, bond and support each other, making memories and forming friendships that will last for years.

A heart-warming, uplifting novel, perfect for fans of Jill Mansell and Erica James.

The second I saw the combinations of gorgeous cover, always entertaining author, and the mentions of South of France and competition winners, in the blurb, I knew this would be perfect book for me. 

And my initial impressions were completely and utterly spot on.  I thoroughly adored this book, I loved all all three of the women that won the competition and also Amy the villa owner. 

What I don't think any of them would have guessed is how a 10 night holiday would change their lives for the better, in so many more ways than just having a wonderful holiday. 

We have Vicky the MP's wife, who is trying now her children have left home, to work out to become herself again, and not just an MP's wife.   Chelsea who has a very embarrassing incident that could affect her business and she needs to escape her life for a bit just until things die down.  And then there is Matilda, who has been widowed for 2 years, but she and her husband had always dreamed of moving to France. 

Three very different women who meet for the first time on arriving in the South of France, and quickly become friends. The book is split into each day of the holiday and then within the chapter, we get sections dedicated to each character. 

Between them, we are treated to life on the Cote D'Azur, trips to Cannes, Monaco and Antibes, French Food, sun, and it just screamed wonderful holiday reading book.  I would have loved to have read this poolside somewhere hot, with a cocktail in hand, it really did feel like a wonderful summery beach / pool read. 

For a book set over only 10 days there is an impressive amount of plot, character development, side storylines, and life changing moments packed in, and yet it all felt real, logical and felt completely right. 

i loved every moment of this book and already looking forward to the author's next story. 

Thank you to Boldwood and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily. 

Book Review - Villa of Sun and Secrets by Jennifer Bohnet - #HolidayReading Mexico

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Title: Villa of Sun and Secrets

Author: Jennifer Bohnet

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Boldwood Books

Publication Date: 8th August 2019

Rating: 5 Stars

It's never too late to live the dream...

Carla Sullivan’s 50th birthday is fast approaching when her whole world is turned upside down. Discovering her feckless husband is having yet another affair and following her mother’s death, she is in need of an escape. Finding an envelope addressed to her mother’s estranged sister Josette in the South of France gives Carla the perfect plan.

Seizing the moment, she packs her bags and heads to Antibes to seek out the enigma known as Tante Josette. But as the two women begin to forge a tentative relationship, family secrets start to unravel, forcing Carla to question her life as she has always known it.

A heart-warming tale on the beautiful French Riviera, which will keep you guessing. Perfect for the fans of Jill Mansell and Fern Britton.

Well there is a title that completely sums up the book, there is a villa that is key to the story, its set in the South of France in summer, so loads of sun.... and secrets....

...wow, that family is hiding a lot of secrets for many many years.  Aunt Josette has been cut off from her family for many years, but when her twin sister Amelia dies, and niece Carla comes to visit, well she knows its only a matter of time before the truth will out. 

There is such a lovely feel to this story, its, warm, had me smiling and gasping. 

I loved that it featured older characters, and how Carla is finally fed up of her cheating husband and is determined to start a new life for herself. 

Although I don't think anyone would be able to predict how different Carla's life would be by the end of the book compared with the start. 

It's a story that kept me on my toes and I couldn't stop reading it, determined to find out more the whole time. 

Just a really lovely story, and just what I've come to expect from this fabulous author. 

Thank you to Boldwood Books and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily. 

Book Review - My Great Ex-Scape by Portia MacIntosh

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Title: My Great Ex-Scape

Author: Portia MacIntosh

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Boldwood Books

Publication Date: 16th January 2020

Rating: 5 Stars

What if your future was somewhere in your past?

Rosie Jones has been dumped by every boyfriend she’s ever had - most recently by Dinosaur Dave, live on TV, during the ‘phone-a-friend’ segment of a quiz show. After the footage goes viral Rosie receives a bunch of flowers with a message:
I love you, I should have never let you go, I want you back x

But who sent them?

At a loose end and with £50,000 prize money in her back pocket, Rosie decides to take a trip down memory lane, visiting each of her ex-boyfriends to see not just if they are the one who sent the flowers but if they are the one.

Her journey takes her back to the house she grew up in and on a transatlantic cruise to New York, but can Rosie figure out which ex-boyfriend is the love of her life, or should the past stay in the past?

A laugh-out-loud romantic comedy from bestseller, Portia MacIntosh. Perfect for fans of Holly Martin, Sophie Ranald and Zara Stoneley.

The second I saw that cover I knew I had to read this book, after all I do love a good cruise. And when a first chapter involves Rosie getting dumped on live TV where all she was trying to do was call him  as a "phone a friend" style life line,  well the clip goes viral.  She does win the money, but needs to escape her life at the same time. 

She ends up on a journey to revisit all her ex-boyfriends as she is convinced one of them sent her flowers in the aftermath.  

This is one hilarious book, I loved every second of it, especially the cruise, her travelling companions, the fact it was a over 55s cruise line (and she is considerably younger), some of her ex-es are wonderfully entertaining,  its just all around one addictively feel good book. 

I just couldn't get enough of this story, I even very almost missed my stop on the tube while reading, I didn't even realise I'd left the starting station and suddenly twigged I needed to get off!!  Portia MacIntosh has a way with words that really works for me. 

I love her storytelling abilities and this is one that felt really fresh to me.  The descriptions of the cruise ship all rang true to me, and I would imagine it was possibly based on a Cunard transatlantic sailing, given the way the ship was described and my impressions of Cunard!    A magnificent ship, full of activities, formal dining and just keep your eye out for the Michael Buble tribute - he is gorgeous and rather key! 

Another simply wonderful book from one of my favourite authors. 

Thank you to Boldwood and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily. 

Book Review - #No Filter by Maxine Morrey - #HolidayReading Mexico

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Title: #No Filter

Author: Maxine Morrey

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Boldwood Books

Publication Date: 7th November 2019

Rating: 4 Stars

In an Instagram world, can you find love just by being yourself…

Popular lifestyle blogger, Libby Cartwright, is being boggled by business when help shows up in the shape of gorgeous but shy, Charlie Richmond. Libby’s determined to keep it at ‘just good friends’ – she’s dated someone from ‘Corporate Land’ before and it didn’t end well. As she and Charlie begin spending more time together, Libby is starting to waver  – until she discovers something which makes her question if she’s ready for love.

Still reeling, she suffers another blow as her blog is attacked in a national newspaper, for promoting unachievable perfection. Libby knows it’s not true – but the only way to prove that is to strip off the armour she’s been wearing for years.

Is she brave enough to show the world she’s far from perfect? And will Charlie be by her side if she does…

I do love a book featuring a blogger, and I really enjoyed getting to know Libby and her lifestyle blog. 

She is a bubbly person, whose mouth often lands her in trouble, not to mention she is just slightly clumsy!

It is clear though instantly that to my eyes that there should be something going on between her and Charlie.  

Alas being fictional characters it meant a large amount of wanting to knock some sense into them from this reader, before either of them may see the light. 

My one bugbear with this book though is actually the blurb, I kept waiting for things to happen thinking that the bits mentioned in the blurb are huge plot points... and well it was all things happening towards the end. 

So my advice to you, is don't even read the blurb, go in completely blind and fresh and you will have a much more enjoyable reading experience. 

Libby, Tilly, Amy, Marcus, Charlie and Alex are the main characters in this, and I loved the way they all interacted.   

It's an entertaining story and I'm glad I finally sat down and read it. 

Thank you to Boldwood Books and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily. 

Book Review - Look At Me Now by Simone Goodman - #HolidayReading Mexico

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Title:  Look At Me Now

Author: Simone Goodman

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Boldwood Books

Publication Date: 5th November 2019

Rating: 4 Stars

Gracie Porter’s life is in a tangle. Her television cookery show
is flailing and her boyfriend’s affections are waning. It's time for a change…


Best friend Faith rescues her place on the small screen when she unwittingly lands them both starring roles in a steamy spin-off that becomes an instant hit. The new show is more about relationships, sex and stonking big vegetables than cooking.

Throw in a fluctuating crush on her surprisingly irresistible agent, Harry Hipgrave, an unlikely friendship with a pair of D-list models and a gossip journalist intent on making her life miserable, Grace wonders if becoming famous is all it’s cracked up to be?


Romantic, utterly uplifting and poignant, perfect for the fans of Sophie Kinsella and Lucy Diamond.

How I loved the idea of Gracie and Frankie's new TV Show. Even the sauciness as it was being pitched to the executives had me chuckling. 

Seeing each episode take place was just pure gold me, and I also enjoyed seeing how the characters developed away from the TV show. 

Gracie... oh Gracie, you did get yourself into more than your fair share of scrapes, awkward situations, bad decisions and generally funny moments. 

I loved her but at times, I just wished she could see the blindingly obvious. 

From the first few chapters I was hooked, after all I am rather keen on books featuring food, or TV, so a TV chef who isn't a superstar is always going to interest me. 

This is a very funny and really entertaining debut novel, which I greatly enjoyed reading.  

Thank you to Boldwood Books and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.

Book Review - A Springtime to Remember by Lucy Coleman - #HolidayReading Mexico

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Title: A Springtime to Remember

Author: Lucy Coleman

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Boldwood Books 

Publication Date: 26th December 2019

Rating: 4 Stars

Let Lucy Coleman transport you to glorious, sun-drenched France, for the perfect feel-good read.Paris and the Palace of Versailles have always meant a lot to TV producer Lexie. Her grandma Viv spent a year there, but her adventures and memories were never discussed, and Lexie has long wondered why they were a family secret.

When work presents the perfect excuse to spend Springtime in Versailles, Lexie delves into Viv’s old diaries and scrapbooks, and with the help of handsome interpreter Ronan, she is soon learning more about the characters that tend to the magnificent gardens, now and in the past.

In amongst the beauty and splendour of the French countryside, a story of lost love, rivalry and tragedy unfolds. Can Lexie and Ronan right the wrongs of the past, and will France play its tricks on them both before Lexie has to go home? Will this truly be a Springtime to Remember…?

Let Lucy Coleman sweep you away with this perfect feel-good love story. Perfect for fans of Holly Martin, Sue Moorcroft and Heidi Swain.

It is clear from the detailed descriptions that the author has a clear affinity for The Palace of Versailles. 

Personally I'm not as keen on the building, or it's history, but I didn't let the sections that seemed to be dedicated to the Palace itself detract me from the story being told. 

And in fact everything to do with the gardens, I did find very interesting, which is lucky since Lexie is filming a series about the gardens and gardeners of Versailles. 

She is also determined to find out just what happened during her grandmother's year working there in the 60s, as it was never spoken about. 

Ronan is the chosen interpreter for this project but he also has a personal connection to the gardens, and its quite clear that there is a spark between him and Lexie very early on. 

I enjoyed the various plot points, and the writing, and although it's not my favourite book from the author, I still thought it was really good and entertaining. 

Thank you to Boldwood Books and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily,