Book Review - Dreaming of Italy by T. A. Williams

The Amazon Purchase link below is an Amazon Affiliate link.

Amazon UK

Title: Dreaming of Italy

Author: T. A. Williams

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Canelo

Publication Date: 4th May 2020

Rating: 5 Stars

Up for a dream promotion, Emma won’t let anything get in her way – not even love.
Working for a major Hollywood film company isn’t all glitz and glam. But when Emma gets sent to tour around Italy to scout the perfect location for a new blockbuster movie, she’s not going to complain. Especially when it could make or break her career…

Historical adviser Mark is a distraction that Emma does not need. As they explore the beauty of Italy, though, Emma starts to fall for the mysterious historian, finding herself torn between her job and her heart.

From the wild, northern mountains of Piedmont, down the vibrant coast of Cinque Terre and through the rolling hills of Tuscany, Emma’s journey becomes one of self-discovery as she questions her priorities in life.

This heartwarming story of romance and redemption is the perfect read for fans of Tilly Tennant, Holly Martin and Daisy James.

Utter perfection, everything you could ever want for in a T. A. Williams book, or a book set in Italy is present in this story....

... well with the exception of an incredibly sexy Italian male hero... but Mark is a rather gorgeous historian, Rich is a good looking heir to a Hollywood fortune, and there is Ethan an actual movie star - so the book isn't missing male eye candy at all, just no genuine Italians amongst them!! 

But besides that minor quibble which literally only just occurred to me as I was writing this, the story is utter perfection. 

Emma works for a big Hollywood film company and has been tasked with finding off the beaten track, away from the major tourist hotspots, beauty spots across Italy for locations of what they are hoping will be their new blockbuster film - Dreaming of Italy.  

What I really enjoyed was seeing how aspects of the movie plot, seemed to mirror the situations that the group that Emma is leading,  in a trip taking in the entirety of Italy.

Some of the places I've heard of, possibly in passing when looking at cruise ship excursions, others were completely new to me, but all sounded stunning.  

T. A. Williams knows his Italy very well, and everything was incredibly well described and it felt as though I was on this trip with the characters.  I loved the new fledgling romances that were popping up, the eccentric film director is far to hard to describe to do him justice but keep an eye out for him. 

All fans of the author will be delighted to see there is his trademark chocolate Labrador, this one called Carmen fitted seamlessly into the story. Carmen is a delight and utterly loves swimming pools! 

There is just so so much to love in this book, I read it in a few hours straight on a hot sunny afternoon, and it was my most enjoyable afternoon in a long time. 

While international travel is at a standstill, dreaming of far away places and holidays that we may or may not be having this year, then Dreaming of Italy will certainly take you on a much needed break from reality and on a wonderful trip around Italy! 

Easily my favourite book from this author for a while, and I do tend to love them all!

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

Book Review - Lost and Found in Paris by Sasha Wagstaff - #HolidayReading

The Amazon Purchase link below is an Amazon Affiliate link.

Amazon UK

Title: Lost and Found in Paris

Author: Sasha Wagstaff

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Canelo Escape

Publication Date: 4th April 2019

Rating: 5 Stars

Sophie Marchant needs a lucky break. First her boyfriend announces that, far from wanting to get engaged, he’s off to Dubai for work. Then, in Paris, her mother goes missing.

Feeling totally lost and with nothing to lose, Sophie travels back to her childhood home for the first time in five years to help find her mother and look after the family macaron shop in Paris. It should be a dream gig, but when it comes to family - and love - nothing is ever that simple, especially when there’s a sexy, complicated ex involved...

Can Sophie find her mother? Can she find herself again? Who is she truly in love with? Maybe Paris, the gorgeous city of romance can help her figure all of this out…  

Lost and Found in Paris is a triumph, a brilliant and moving tale of love, family and heartbreak, perfect for fans of Holly Martin, Jenny Oliver and Tilly Tennant

Well I wasn't completely expecting that ending, what a great way to finish the book, and potentially set up a sequel!! 

But before that we have a really enjoyable story, of Sophie Marchant who has returned to Paris after 5 years, when she left in a rush determined not to return, in order to help her twin sister Eloise look for their mother who has gone AWOL. 

The shocks keep coming for Sophie, as she discovers her ex is now working for her mother in the macaron shop, and that she needs to spend large amounts of time with the sexy Raff to try to work out where her mum is. But in the meantime, well the old spark is still there. 

Seeing Sophie re-discover her love of Paris, gives us a great tour of the city of love, and there is plenty of delicious sounding French food mentioned too, not to mention all the many flavours of macarons. 

This is a treat of a book, that has you rooting for Sophie and Raff, and there are some memorable characters, and it really is a lovely story line too. 

Thoroughly enjoyed what was the last book of my holiday, and can't wait for the authors next book. It's full of romance, food, Paris, sexy men, and just made me smile. 

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

Book Review - Dreaming of Verona by T. A. Williams - #HolidayReading Mexico

The Amazon Purchase link below is an Amazon Affiliate link.

Amazon UK

Title: Dreaming of Verona

Author: T. A. Williams

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Publisher supplied copy

Publisher: Canelo

Publication Date: 3rd February 2020 

Rating: 5 Stars

Verona is the City of Love. But will Suzie find romance there or, like Romeo and Juliet, will it all end in tears?

When Suzie is hired to accompany spoiled, abrasive Lady Alexandra Tedburn on an all-expenses paid holiday to Italy, she fears the trip will be a disaster.

But she soon discovers there’s more to Alex than shopping and tantrums, and she’s determined to help her realise her potential – against Alex’s authoritarian father’s wishes.

As they settle in Verona, Suzie can’t stop thinking about local artist Michael, who is still mourning the tragic death of his wife. With Suzie’s future uncertain, and Michael’s past
holding him back, it seems there’s no hope for romance in the city of
star-crossed lovers… or is there?

A gorgeously uplifting and moving story, Dreaming of Verona is the perfect read for fans of Holly Martin, Tilly Tennant and Jenny Oliver.

I love books set in Italy, I love T.A. Williams books, and Verona is a city I've never been to either in real life or virtually. 

So I was of course excited to tuck into, and feast up Dreaming of Verona. 

I loved the development of both Alex and Suzie as the story progresses, of their trip to Italy, and just what it develops into. 

I loved the windsurfing element to the story on Lake Garda, never seen it featured so much before, but enjoyed every second of it. 

I also adored the black lab that is introduced, he is adorable as always and his owner is a great addition to the book, and the way he plays a big roles in elements of the book is really interesting.

With Italian food, a look at what can be expected from family in a privileged lifestyle, a great deal of Shakespeare references and talk, and a very slow burning romance for the main character, this was a joy to read. 

I found I was whizzing through the pages a bit too fast, as it means there is an even longer wait until I get to read one of my favourite authors again!

Thank you to Emily Bedford at Canelo for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily. 

Book Review - Suddenly Single by Carol Wyer

The Amazon Purchase link below is an Amazon Affiliate link.

Amazon UK

Title: Suddenly Single

Author: Carol Wyer

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Canelo Escape

Publication Date: 8th April 2019

Rating: 4.5 Stars

When bestselling romance author Chloe Piper’s marriage implodes a week before Christmas, she flees her cheating ex and the village gossips for the solitude of the newly built Sunny Meadow Farm and the company of her hapless dog, Ronnie.

But Chloe is soon pushed out of her comfort zone. Because with a lively development building crew – headed up by charming Alex – and a larger-than-life neighbour determined to make Chloe’s love life her pet project, Chloe finds herself in a whole new world of chaos…

This enthralling romantic comedy of self-discovery and new beginnings is perfect for fans of Kirsty Greenwood, Colleen Coleman and Marian Keyes.

It took me a while to gel with this book, possibly in part due to exhaustion having just come back from a holiday, and partly as I think it took me a while to really understand Chloe. 

But wow once I had that empathy, and could  see just what she is living with, and discovered how much I detested her almost ex-husband, while loving the new key people in her life, and I started to really love this book. 

To me what really made this book incredibly enjoyable is the various singletons events that Chloe's neighbour Eleanor insisted Chloe to go to.   The sheer variety of events, regularity of them and in case hilarity of what was being described was brilliant.  If this club existed in real life near me I would potentially be tempted to joint, as who wouldn't want to do giant sumo wrestling, duck herding and tasks from taskmaster, to name just a few! 

There is a deeper side to this too, as this book focuses heavily on social anxiety, which Carol Wyer has clearly researched a lot.  I might be on the quiet / shy side in large groups but it's nothing compared a proper condition, in which Chloe let's us in regularly into the various  things that could happen in uncomfortable situations. 

Chloe hasn't had the easiest of lives but since moving to Sunny Meadow Farm, and meeting these new people her life is changing bit by bit and its so heartwarming to see. 

Oh and Ronnie the Dog is adorable, and  then there is the sorts of books that Chloe writes, I loved reading those sections too. 

A thoroughly entertaining book from an author that I love. 

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

Book Review - The Tanglewood Wedding Shop by Lilac Mills

The Amazon Purchase link below is an Amazon Affiliate link.

Amazon UK

Title: The Tanglewood Wedding Shop

Author: Lilac Mills

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Canelo Escape

Publication Date: 13th January 2020

Rating: 5 Stars

Something old, something new, something borrowed, something untrue…

Edie has enough on her plate keeping her tyrannical boss happy at Moira’s Wedding Shop. So when society bride Tia begs Edie to design her wedding dress – and keep it a secret from the domineering mother-in-law to be – Edie reluctantly says ‘I will’ to making Tia’s dream come true. If her deception is found out, though, it would mean losing her job…

Meanwhile best man James has his eye on Edie and he’s proving ever harder for her to resist. James is upper-crust and Edie’s one unexpected bill away from the breadline – they’re from completely different worlds and there’s no way it can ever work between them… right?

A charming, feel-good romance for fans of Daisy James, Holly Martin and Portia MacIntosh.

Easily my favourite book of this Tanglewood series - it has adorable animals, wedding dresses, a really lovely child, a fabulous book boyfriend and Edie who is just trying to make ends meet and provide for her son. 

First up I really need to say how much I really disliked both Moira, Edie's boss at the Wedding dress shop, and also Tia's mother in-law Julia. If they both such frustrating people, then Tia would never had to ask Edie to make her dream wedding dress come true, and and Edie may not have ended up in the sticky situation she was in. 

Although it is thanks to Tia, that Edie gets to spend time with James and its clear even if neither of them seem to realise it, that there is a connection between them, and that it could be only a matter of time. 

James is fascinating, he is so keen on wildlife and conservation, and his choices of locations to take Edie on dates are rather different. Although personally I'm not sure I would have fancied visiting an apiary no matter how much I may want to get to know the man. 

And I just loved Mary, she was adorable and some of the scenes involving her were both funny and hare-raising. 

Although it reads well as a standalone, I started this mere hours after I finished book 2 in the series and I'm so glad I did, as it made a lovely change to read books in a series one after another, thus instantly feeling at home with the characters, the recurring characters (Betty is such a tonic!), the location  and of course the engaging writing style. 

I really did enjoy every single moment I spent with Edie and James, and thoroughly enjoyed this book which I raced through in under a day. 

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

Book Review - The Tanglewood Flower Shop by Lilac Mills

The Amazon Purchase link below is an Amazon Affiliate link.

Amazon UK

Title: The Tanglewood Flower Shop 

Author: Lilac Mills

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Canelo Escape

Publication Date: 30th August 2019

Rating: 4 Stars

Love can be a thorny business.
When Tanglewood flower shop owner Leanne enters Budding Stars – a floristry TV competition – she’s shocked to make it through to the televised stages where the pressure grows to prove herself a success.

Luckily for Leanne, new Tanglewood park ranger, Rex, is a rose among the thorns as he provides support and friendship that could blossom into something more…

But Rex’s ex-girlfriend appears with some shocking news, and between busy schedules and the occasional mountain rescue, Leanne can’t see how romance could possibly bloom. And with a new job opportunity suddenly sprouting up, will she need to uproot her life and leave Tanglewood entirely?

This uplifting romance is perfect for fans of Daisy James, Holly Martin and Portia Macintosh.

It was lovely to be back in Tanglewood with a completely new standalone story. 

I have no idea if the Budding Stars competition is based on any real TV floristry competition but if it isn't i would have to see it made into a programme, as it sounds so creative compared with some of the other various TV talent shows out there! 

And of course I was willing Leanne on the whole time, and she comes up with some incredibly inventive ideas for her arrangements. 

But it is the interactions with Rex that I loved the most even if I did wish they would learn to communicate better.  Rex is wonderful even if he does have a rather dog like sounding name. Thankfully he is a dog lover and seeing him bond with his new puppy Nell is delightful. 

Of course Leanne would have liked to have kept Nell for herself as she was born in a litter at her family's farm and she also loved that puppy, but it gave her an instant connection with Rex.  I liked learning about Rex's job and his mountain rescue training too.  There is just something about that man that I fell for, and really felt sorry for him when a shocking blast from his past re-entered his life. 

For a good amount of the book I really was wondering whether or not this would be the most shocking rom com ever with regards the ending.  I really couldn't work out how it would come together for the ending I craved... but if you want to read an enjoyable story and find out for yourself then its definitely worth a read. 

In the meantime I'm opening up The Tanglewood Wedding Shop and going to curl up with the next book in the series, as just for once waiting to read the next book in a series seems like a silly idea, while I'm enjoying this series so much. 

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

Book Review - Christmas in Chamonix by Sasha Wagstaff

The Amazon Purchase link below is an Amazon Affiliate link.

Amazon UK

Title: Christmas in Chamonix

Author: Sasha Wagstaff

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Canelo

Publication Date: 19th September 2019

Rating: 5 Stars

When life goes downhill...head to the snow-capped Alps for roaring fires, apres-ski and festive romance.
Lily Jackson loves Christmas. She also loves her childhood friend Jamie, but when her plan to kick-start their romance goes drastically wrong and her job gets her down, Lily decides it’s time to make changes. A job opens up in snowy Chamonix and egged on by her best friend Imogen, Lily decides to go for it.

As Lily settles in with the eccentric Devereux family at their gorgeous boutique ski hotel, she starts to confront her past. But when she meets handsome ski instructor Luc, who hates Christmas, Lily might have taken on more than she can handle.

Can Lily make a new life – with or without skis? And can she get Luc to see how truly romantic Christmas can be?

A heart-warming, feel-good romantic comedy, perfect for fans of Holly Martin, Carole Matthews and Tilly Tennant.

Oh how good is it to see Sasha Wagstaff writing books again, it had been far too long as since I last saw a release from her, well apart from the one earlier this year which I haven't quite read yet!! 

And I'm delighted to say I still love this author as much as I have always done. From the moment that Lily took a chance and went outside of her comfort zone and took a job in Chamonix I was utterly hooked. 

I loved all the descriptions of the town, of the snow, of how to ski, Sylvan's in depth descriptions of the food he was making, and all the people we meet there.  I felt as though I was there alongside Lily, as she meets the Devereux family, the gorgeous Luc, and starts to face her fear of heights. 

All of this because she admits her feelings to her long time good friend, Jamie, only to then discover he has been in a relationship with her sister for a few months.  So Lily decides to not keep on at her job that was starting to suck the life out of her and take the biggest break from her routine in years, and move to France for  a bit, all without knowing how to ski. 

Everything was just so snowy, and cozy and exhilarating, and i really did love this ski resort.  I think I was even dreaming about it after reading before bed. Definitely woke up thinking I'd been skiing (that may explain why I'm tired!).   

I loved the main characters, seeing how Lily developed, seeing Luc's endless patience with her and seeing his hidden depths. And seeing all manner of other snippets of info.  about the other people working in the hotel. 

I completely fell for this story and adored it.  I do love a snowy winter / Christmas book, set in a ski resort and this was a fabulous story in that field (slope?!).   Thoroughly enjoyed every moment of this and I can't wait to read more from this author that I love so much. 

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

Book Review - The Cornish Village School - Christmas Wishes by Kitty Wilson

The Amazon Purchase link below is an Amazon Affiliate link.

Amazon UK

Title: The Cornish Village School - Christmas Wishes

Author: Kitty Wilson

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Canelo

Publication Date: 9th September 2019

Rating: 5 Stars

It’s the most wonderful time of the year in Penmenna…

Teaching assistant Alice has sworn off men, which is fine because with Christmas coming she’s super busy organising the school Nativity. This should be a blast with the help of close friend and village vicar, Dan – if she can ignore those more-than-just-a-friend feelings she’s developed for him…

Dan is happy to help Alice – his secret crush – but not only is his beloved Granny Annie about to be made homeless, the church choir has disintegrated and he’s battling some dark demons from his past.

With meddling grannies and PTA wars thrown in the mix, can Alice and Dan overcome their past hurts to move forward? Will they be spending Christmas together as friends… or something more?

A festive feel-good romance perfect for fans of Tilly Tennant and Holly Martin.

How sweet are Dan and Alice and how clearly made for each other are they?  Apart from the fact they don't realise they each have a crush on each other, and Dan especially is hiding things from his past that are affecting his decisions about future relationships. 

This is the book where we discover whether Dan and Alice finally move their friendship to the next level.  But in between all of that, we also get to see a hidden side to many of the other residents of Penmerra, such as Ethel, and beneath the surface of Marion. 

I loved Alice's approach to the school's nativity, in giving the power and responsibility to the children, with very little adult interference.  It was a lovely process to see and I couldn't help but smile at the overall show.   Alice is also determined to make sure there is a choir still in place for the Christingle service, which was a really touching moment too. 

It was so much fun to be back amongst this school in Cornwall, catching up with characters from the previous books, although this can easily be read as a standalone, Everything about this setting, the characters, the writing just speaks to me and its a series, and book that I was am thoroughly enjoying. 

One of those small touches that kept me amused throughout where all the different things that Alice called Dan's cat, Dave, who I have to say is not the most adorable of cats. 

Cornwall and Christmas just seem to go hand in hand, and this was no exception, another wonderfully relaxing and enjoyable story in this series, that I hope never ends. 

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

Book Review - The Cornish Village School - Summer Love by Kitty Wilson - #HolidayReading Madeira

The Amazon Purchase link below is an Amazon Affiliate link.

Amazon UK

Title: The Cornish Village School - Summer Love

Author: Kitty Wilson

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley 

Publisher: Canelo

Publication Date: 23rd May 2019

Rating: 5 Stars

Pippa Parkin thinks she has it all under control...
For teaching assistant Pippa, life in her home town of Penmenna is reassuringly predictable. Between managing the Easter Egg Hunt and dealing with her annoying but well-meaning family, Pippa thinks she has it all sorted. That is until gorgeous new substitute teacher Kam Choudhury arrives at Penmenna School, and turns everything upside down.

Pippa and Kam are instantly drawn to each other, but their priorities and their working relationship make it very hard to be together. Can they find a way to reconcile their differences and find their Happily-Ever-After?

I am loving this series so much, and enjoying every moment I get to spend in Penmarra amongst the teachers and pupils of school. 

For an initial meet cute, what better can you get than Pippa in an headless easter bunny costume, attempting to fix Kam's car!!

I loved the connection between Kam and Pippa from the start, its just that as they are going to be working closely together they know they shouldn't act on it. 

Add in two sets of interfering parents, another potential man for Pippa, and some adorable antics in the school are you are left with a rather pleasing story that is full of laughter and enjoyment. 

Even scary PTA lady seems a bit more human in this one, even if the glimpses are few and far between. 

A thoroughly enjoyable story, and I can't wait to see what happens next at the school, and its community.  

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

Book Review - Christmas Secrets at Villa Limoncello by Daisy James

The Amazon Purchase link below is an Amazon Affiliate link.

Amazon UK

Title: Christmas Secrets at Villa Limoncello

Author: Daisy James

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Canelo

Publication Date: 26th August 2019

Rating: 5 Stars

Escape to Villa Limoncello… where dreams come true in the most unexpected ways.
With Christmas around the corner, Izzie Jenkins is ready to kickstart the new ‘Snowflakes and Christmas Cakes’ course at Villa Limoncello with chef and business partner, Luca Castelotti.

However, secrets are stirring with their latest guests and when nasty accidents keep befalling the group it looks like Izzie will have to turn detective once more to protect the Villa’s fledgling reputation. On top of all this, Izzie’s been offered the job of a lifetime – back home in Cornwall. Will she be coming home for Christmas, or will Tuscany work its magic to keep her at Villa Limoncello with Luca?

A gorgeous festive read perfect for fans of Sarah Morgan and Jenny Oliver.

How wonderful to be back in Tuscany, this time in December and with a festive feel to the new course that Luca and Izzie are putting on.  I'll admit like Izzie I had no expectations of snow in Tuscany, but apparently there is some! 

I loved all the Italian food in this story, and also all the Christmas crafts that Izzie came up with. I wish I was talented enough to try to make some myself, as they sounded fabulous. 

This addition to the series didn't have a mystery as such in it, or at least nothing for Luca and Izzie to try their hands at amateur detecting again, but just from early conversations with each guest, you could see that there were a lot of secrets amongst themselves to see if they would be revealed during the book. 

I did though want to bang Luca and Izzie's heads together, as one simple honest conversation at the start of the week would have really helped (but the story would have been a lot shorter and less enjoyable),  but I'll admit I am incredibly satisfied with how the series has been brought to a conclusion. 

It was so great to catch up with my favourite Italian residents in the local area, I do love a familiar face in a series, and this one had plenty of them.    

I've loved all three books of this Villa Limoncello series,  and this was no exception. Filled with all the best things Tuscany has to offer,  some sexy men, delicious food, great craft ideas and plenty of secrets and intrigue - I whizzed through the pages in a state of pure bliss. 

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

Book Review - Summer Dreams at Villa Limoncello by Daisy James

The Amazon Purchase link below is an Amazon Affiliate link.

Amazon UK

Title: Summer Dreams at Villa Limoncello

Author: Daisy James

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Canelo

Publication Date:  13th June 2019

Rating: 5 Stars

Escape to Villa Limoncello… where dreams come true in the most unexpected ways.
Izzie Jenkins never expected to find herself living in a gorgeous oasis in Tuscany but when life gives you Villa Limoncello you say thank you and bake treats to celebrate!

Izzie and debonair chef Luca Castelotti are officially setting up shop together but when their inaugural ‘Pasta and Painting’ venture is sabotaged and one of their guests poisoned they’re forced to turn detective. Because if they can’t find the culprit, they’ll be out of business before they’ve even begun...

How wonderful it was to be back at the Villa Limoncello, only a few weeks after the previous book ends.  Izzie and Luca are embarking on their first week long course to help make the Villa profitable, and the course featured in this book is Painting and Pasta. 

So expect even more delicious sounding Italian food descriptions, which Daisy James is so good at.  There are even recipes at the back for if you are inspired to try out the various pasta's yourself. 

Believe it or not though at the heart of this book is a mystery, that had me stumped, after all there are 4 all equally likely culprits,  as to who caused Carmen's "food poisoning".   I loved seeing how Izzie and Luca tried to turn into amateur detectives - what can I say about that to them, other than don't give up your day jobs! 

As we get to know Carmen and her friends, it is clear Carmen isn't portrayed as the most likeable of people, although she grew on me towards the end,  but to think that one of her close friends or colleagues had deliberately made her ill, well I can see why all of them would want to. 

As we get to know Tom. Beth, Zara and Hannah we discover just what each of them is hiding, and how as a group none of them seem to know about the other's problems. 

There is just so much to love about this book and series, that I would urge you to read them yourself and discover their goodness for yourself.  This is a wonderful summer holiday read, it will transport you to the heat of Tuscany, tantalise your taste-buds, inspire your creativity with the painting suspects, and there is even a bit of local sight seeing too.

I can't wait to see what will happen in the next book in the series, as Villa Limoncello and its characters has found a firm place in my heart. 

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

Book Review - Wedding Bells at Villa Limoncello by Daisy James

The Amazon Purchase link below is an Amazon Affiliate link.

Amazon UK

Title: Wedding Bells at Villa Limoncello 

Author: Daisy James

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Canelo

Publication Date: 11th March 2019

Rating: 5 Stars

When Isabella Jenkins is unceremoniously fired from her fancy London job, she escapes to Tuscany. A few weeks hiding amongst rolling hills and grape vines at Villa Limoncello sounds exactly like the distraction she needs.

But Italy holds emotional memories for Izzie and with a hapless handyman, a matchmaking village matriarch and a gorgeous – if infuriating – local chef named Luca Castelotti, her quiet Italian get away turns into an unending cacophony of chaos.

Suddenly Izzie finds herself on a mission to pull off the wedding of the century and maybe get her life in order in the process. If only Luca’s gorgeous smile wasn’t such a powerful distraction…

Daisy James has done it again with another book that really transports you to the location, in this case Villa Limoncello in Tuscany, fills you with wonderful descriptions, and delicious sounding food.  

And better still its the first book in a trilogy, so I have a feeling I will be reading book 2 very shortly, as I need more of the Villa Limoncello and all the lovely new friends that Isabelle makes in my life. 

Isabella for the past few years has been living a grey and drab life, but she has good reason for it, and it takes for her getting sacked, and being co-erced into staging a wedding in a Tuscan Villa for her to start to come back to life. 

Every chapter is headed with a location and also a colour which really does help give a feeling for just how vivid and bright life is in Italy, and Izzie starts to realise life isn't all about lists, even though they are needed if she has a hope of pulling off this wedding. 

There are a few small mysteries in the book to add intrigue,  I loved all the people that we meet, some gorgeous Italian men, and some mouth watering food descriptions. 

This book has everything you could possibly want from a Daisy James rom-com, and its yet another incredibly enjoyable book by this wonderful author.   Bring on the next book! 

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

Book Review - Dreaming of Rome by T. A. Williams

The Amazon Purchase link below is an Amazon Affiliate link.

Amazon UK

Title: Dreaming of Rome

Author: T. A. Williams

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Canelo 

Publication Date: 6th May 2019

Rating: 4.5 Stars

Rome is where the heart is… The heartwarming read of the summer
Jo has had enough of handsome men. After a painful break-up, she’s decided she doesn’t believe in love.

Then, while on a professional trip to the magical city of Rome, she meets Corrado, a scientist and her brother-in-law to be, who doesn’t believe in love either. To him, it’s just a biochemical reaction. So what’s the problem?

Well, he’s gorgeous for a start, as well as charming, generous, intelligent and attentive, and she feels herself immediately falling for him, despite her new outlook.

The majesty of the Eternal City brings them ever closer together. But is their relationship doomed, or will love conquer all?

I think I'm in love... not with Jo, not with the sexy Corrado, not with the city of Rome.. but with T.A. Williams latest adorable labrador, Daisy.   She is adorable,  clearly cares about not only Corrado but takes a very fast liking to Jo too.  I was always smiling when I was reading about her. 

Of course she isn't meant to be the star of the book, those other things I mentioned really are, and its once again clear how much the author clearly loves travel and Italy, as it shines through in his words.   I'm also pleased to say its not just Rome featured, but some other locations too which are equally wonderful. 

I did though find it took me a while to fully get into this book, possibly because our two main leads neither of them believe in love, and they have so much in common it was frustrating me that they couldn't see what me as a reader could see which is that they were clearly made for each other. 

I loved Jo's main passion outside of work, was butterflies, I learnt so much about the various species that exist, and found myself with the word "Lepidoptera" running over and over in my head, after seeing it a few times in the book. I literally had butterflies on the mind, although I've never managed to get as close to one as Jo did to take photos or video.  

I believe there is a message in this book about the environment, conservation and the use of plastics, its rather subtle but fairly sure its there, but given Jo's occupation its not overly surprising.  

Although It took a while to get going for me, once I was, I was enthralled, and was enjoying every moment of it.   

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