Book Review - Hattie Goes To Hollywood by Caroline James

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Amazon UK

Title: Hattie Goes To Hollywood

Author: Caroline James

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Author supplied

Publisher: Self published

Publication Date: 14th February 2020

Rating: 5 Stars

A Cumbrian Village...
Three suicides...
A red-hot summer...

When recently bereaved Hattie Mulberry inherits her aunt’s dilapidated cottage in the village of Hollywood in Cumbria, she envisages a quiet life. But retired hotelier Hattie is bored and when her neighbour asks her to investigate a suspicious suicide, Hattie’s career takes a new direction and H&H Investigations is born. During the hottest summer for years, Hattie discovers there have been three recent suicides in Hollywood and she determines to find out why. Temperatures rise as she throws herself into village life and, with mischief and shenanigans aplenty, Hattie has her work cut out. But will she establish the truth?

How good it was to be able to sink beneath the pages of a new Caroline James novel.  And as a huge fan of the author, it was even better when I finally realised that Hattie is a returning character - and although this 110% can be read as a standalone novel, there are odd references to previous books that her long term fans will adore seeing. 

What his is though is the first book in a new cosy mystery series, and I honestly wasn't entirely sure what the outcome of Hattie's investigation into her new neighbour's husband's suicide would bring. 

Hattie is settling into her new life in Cumbria, she is renovating her aunt's cottage and seems to be one of the most popular people in the village. The private detecting is  a logical endeavour for her, and her natural nosiness really does come in handy. 

However for me the star of this book is Drake. From the moment we are introduced to him, I could tell he was someone special .Drake seems to have great intuition, really cares about Hattie, and incredibly cute! Although I'm not sure Hattie was as keen at start, once he starts living with her, its another matter! 

(Oh and Drake isn't human)!

I loved this village and getting to know the various inhabitants, and the more you seem to get to know them, the more you realise you know nothing. They all seem to have hidden depths to them.  

This was a highly enjoyable first book in a brand new series and I know I for one am already very keen to read the next book in the series.  I am loving this motley cast of characters and look forward to getting to know many of them even better, I hope. 

Thank you to Caroline James for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily. 

Book Review - The Best Boomerville Hotel by Caroline James

Amazon UK

Title: The Best Boomerville Hotel

Author: Caroline James

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Ruby Fiction

Publication Date: 13th March 2018

Rating: Five Stars

Let the shenanigans begin at the Best Boomerville Hotel …

Jo Docherty and Hattie Contaldo have a vision – a holiday retreat in the heart of the Lake District exclusively for guests of ‘a certain age’ wishing to stimulate both mind and body with new creative experiences. One hotel refurbishment later and the Best Boomerville Hotel is open for business! 

Perhaps not surprisingly Boomerville attracts more than its fair share of eccentric clientele: there’s fun-loving Sir Henry Mulberry and his brother Hugo; Lucinda Brown, an impoverished artist with more ego than talent; Andy Mack, a charming Porsche-driving James Bond lookalike, as well as Kate Simmons, a woman who made her fortune from an internet dating agency but still hasn’t found ‘the One’ herself. 

With such an array of colourful individuals there’s bound to be laughs aplenty, but could there be tears and heartbreak too and will the residents get more than they bargained for at Boomerville?

It has been absolutely ages since I was last fortunate enough to be able to read a new Caroline James. Was it worth the wait though?  Yes 100% definitely this was fantastic, just a shame I now have to wait for the author to write another! 

All of this authors books are standalone and this is no exception but at the same time fans will recognise assorted characters from previous books, and I was delighted that we had more of Hattie and Jo's story. 

The Boomerville Hotel is set in the Lake District and is a hotel with huge grounds that has been opened up to give the Baby Boomer generation a new lease of life, with all manner of creative courses, some more normal than others!   

Over the course of the story we hear a lot about the various course, but not only that their tutors and all the guests at the hotel.  And what a varied bunch they are.   Where else but in fiction would you find such an eclectic mix of clientele - from a modern day looking James Bond, the titled eccentric brothers Sir Henry and Hugo, a down on her luck artist and Kate who is the other main character in the book. 

I absolutely loved hearing the antics of all of these characters, and when the tutors include a Shaman who seems to have rather impressive mystical qualities you know you are in for a book that is incredibly entertaining. 

There are so many funny moments that I wouldn't want to spoil them for you. It is always nice to read a book full of characters that are older than me, as it gives me great hope that my life could become a lot more exciting as I age disgracefully! 

There is certainly romance occurring all over the Boomerville Hotel, but I challenge you to at the start correctly predict the pairings that may occur - I would hazard a guess that you will be wrong about most of them. This really is one of those expect the unexpected sort of books, which makes it all the more entertaining. 

Absolutely adored this latest book from the author, and already want to read the next book by her, which probably hasn't been written yet! 

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

Cover Reveal - The Best Boomerville Hotel by Caroline James

She's back..........

....and with a brand new book, and a brand new publisher too...

.. its the one and only Caroline James and the long awaited (by me at least) new book The Best Boomerville Hotel.

I feel like I have been waiting ages for this, and today I am finally able to reveal the cover and blurb of this new book.

I know I will be first in the line on publication day to pick up a copy (ok I will have it on pre-order, or more likely also have a review copy but you know what I mean!)

So here it is............

Let the shenanigans begin at the Boomerville hotel …

Jo Docherty and Hattie Contaldo have a vision – a holiday retreat in the heart of the Lake District exclusively for guests of ‘a certain age’ wishing to stimulate both mind and body with new creative experiences. One hotel refurbishment later and the Best Boomerville Hotel is open for business!

Perhaps not surprisingly Boomerville attracts more than it’s fair share of eccentric clientele: there’s fun loving Sir Henry Mulberry and his brother Hugo; Lucinda Brown, an impoverished artist with more ego than talent; Andy Mack, a charming Porsche-driving James Bond lookalike, as well as Kate Simmons, a woman who made her fortune from an internet dating agency but still hasn’t found ‘the One’ herself.

With such an array of colourful individuals there’s bound to be laughs aplenty, but could there be tears and heartbreak too and will the residents get more than they bargained for at Boomerville?

‘Britain’s answer to the Best Marigold Hotel! Book me in for Sharing with the Shaman and Clairvoyance in mid-life – this book is fabulous!’

Nikki Ashton, Amazon best-selling author

PUB DATE:
13 March 2018

CATEGORY:  Contemporary/Romantic Comedy

The Best Boomerville Hotel Links:

Amazon: http://mybook.to/TBBH

Kobo:  https://goo.gl/VRh2XT

Ibooks/Google:  https://goo.gl/2aq7sz

Itunes:  https://apple.co/2lZrl6F

So what do you think? 

This is the first book being published under the new Ruby Fiction imprint from Choc Lit which makes it extra special.  I literally can't wait much longer to read this, but since I wil  have to, find out a bit more about Caroline James, and also see what the real advance readers think of the book...

Caroline James has owned and run businesses encompassing all aspects of the hospitality industry, a subject that features in her novels. She is based in the UK but has a great fondness for travel and escapes whenever she can. A public speaker, consultant and food writer, Caroline is a member of the Romantic Novelist’s Association and writes articles and short stories and contributes to many publications.

Her debut novel, Coffee, Tea, The Gypsy & Me is set in North West England, at the time of a famous gypsy horse fair.  The book went straight to number three on Amazon and was E-book of the Week in The Sun.

So, You Think You're A Celebrity...Chef? was runner up the Winchester Writers festival for best TV Drama and takes a light-hearted look at the world of celebrity chefs as they battle it out for fame and fortune. Coffee, Tea, The Caribbean & Me was runner up at The Write Stuff, LBF, 2015 and is an Amazon best-seller and top recommended read by Thomson Holidays. Jungle Rock, a romcom novella set in Australia, revolves around a TV game show.

In her spare time, Caroline can be found trekking up a mountain or relaxing with her head in a book and hand in a box of chocolates.

Caroline James Links:

www.carolinejamesauthor.co.uk   

Twitter:@CarolineJames12 

FaceBook:  Caroline James Author 

 The Best Boomerville Hotel – Comments from advance readers

‘Britain’s answer to the Best Marigold Hotel! Book me in for Sharing with the Shaman and Clairvoyance in mid-life – this book is fabulous!’ Nikki Ashton, Amazon best-selling author.

‘A lovely addictive read and one that I would recommend.’ Stephanie O’Neill, Ireland

‘Caroline’s characters shone their magic brightly and kept me hooked, evoking strong emotions. A triumph, I absolutely loved this book.’ Nicky Clifford, Author.

‘I really wish I could check into Boomerville and participate in the courses. I loved this book, it is a great read. Thanks to the author for bringing the crazy characters to life - I can’t wait for the next book.’ Ronnie Montgomory, London.

‘A coming of age book for those of a certain age.’ Ann Magbanua, Philipines.

‘I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Good to read about middle-aged people falling in love and reinventing themselves. Highly recommended.’ Tracey Owen, Cumbria.

‘Boomerville gripped me from the start with twists and laugh out loud moments. I loved it and hope we see more adventures in the future.’ Lisa Stewart, Southampton.

‘Caroline is a wonderful storyteller and I felt enveloped in a cocoon while reading Boomerville.’ Therese Ferguson, Author, USA.

‘I need to go to a place like this! Quirky characters, right up my street, I really enjoyed the story.’ Cal Sleath, Birmingham.

‘Caroline’s best book yet. I loved the characters and the Lake District setting was gorgeous. Boomerville is a wonderful journey.’  Amanda Williams, Wales.

Book Review - Jungle Rock by Caroline James

Amazon UK

Title: Jungle Rock

Author: Caroline James

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Author supplied review copy

Publisher: Ramjam Publishing Company

Publication Date: 21st November 2016

Rating: 5 Stars

Handsome young chef Zach Docherty is feeling the heat. Following an exposé in a national newspaper, his fiancée Poppy Dunlop has broken their engagement. Heartbroken at the thought of life without Poppy, Zach drowns his sorrows and, when his agent suggests that Zach becomes a contestant in a reality TV show, Jungle Survival, he reluctantly agrees. Plunged deep in the jungle, into a bizarre mix of talent and trials, Zach meets glamour model Cleo Petra, and the cameras go crazy. 

Will Zach survive and be crowned Jungle King? Or will his latest exploits push Poppy further away...

First let me take a moment to comment on the beautiful colour palette of this cover, it screams rainforest and warmth to me, which is perfect on a cold winter's day such as today. 

And the story definitely brings a warmth into my life, as it involved the jungle in Australia, where celebrity chef Zach is taking part in reality TV show Jungle Survival. It is obviously a fictional version of I'm A Celebrity, but I much prefer this version. Thankfully none of the really gruesome trials are talked about in any detail, more mentioned in passing. 

Zach's stint in the jungle has repercussions on various people close to him. We find out how Poppy is coping with her latest job, while having an eye on her ex-fiancee. Then there is Zach's manager Bob who is enjoying himself in the friends and family area in Australia. We also get to see what is going on in Jo and Hattie's lives. 

If you have read other books by Caroline James, some of the characters will be recognisable to you such as Jo and Hattie, but this definitely works as a standalone novella. 

As everyone around Zach gets sucked in by Jungle fever, I loved seeing just how Zach was doing in Australia, and he had some great tactics. 

Jungle Rock is an entertaining short novella, that is a highly enjoyable story, set over a couple of weeks, in a reasonable fast pace, and feels like another really good book from Caroline James. Easy to read, perfect to while away an hour, especially if you are a fan of I'm a Celeb. Even if you aren't like me, I still got a lot from the story, as it has quite a few different strands, and I was really hoping that Zach would do well. 

Thank you to Caroline James for my copy of the book which I read and reviewed voluntarily and honestly. 

Guest Post- Caroline James talks about Running - Booklympics

Rachel’s Booklympics - I hope that there is a category for veteran running writers!

This is how a woman of a certain age got her writing bum off the chair and learnt how to run...

Run, Forrest Run!

Whenever I watched the wonderful Forrest Gump movie I’d think about running. Forrest just puts one foot in front of the other and off he goes. What power, imagine the freedom! I’d stare at the screen and wonder how the hell anyone ever gets to run like that.

Running had never been a part of my life. It was something I steadfastly refused to do. At school I would find every excuse possible not to don the navy knickers and aertex shirt and trot along behind the lean mean fighting machines that most of the girls in my year seemed to epitomise. With a top-heavy chest that physically hurt if I broke into anything more than a jog, I skived off PE with a determined cunning that often failed and landed me in detention.

So how on earth did I take to this sport in the middle years of life? I’d never shown the slightest inclination to slip into a pair of trainers and hoof it out onto the streets and could never understand the passion and thrill that runners bang on about. I am perfectly happy walking, at my own pace, why break out of your comfort zone?

Couch25K...

I will never forget the day this clever little app came into my life. I was at an exhibition and overheard a group of girls discussing how they regularly ran 5K. “Thank goodness for Couch25K,” was the main gist of the conversation and when one mentioned that she’d lost 10lbs through using the app, I found myself slinking away to google it. Anything that induced weight loss had to be investigated!

And so it began...

The following morning I was up at dawn, long before the waking world would notice me. With T-shirt, trainers and scaffolding across the chest I put my head phones on followed the commentary on the Couch25K app and set off. For the next nine weeks I stuck rigidly to the programme and was absolutely gob-smacked to find that I was running 5K on a regular basis. When I say ‘running’ you have to understand that in the early days dog walkers would pass me and even now I have a very sedate pace. But oh... the joy of getting out there and the buzz that I get when it’s done! There is nothing quite like it. I find my best ideas come as I plod round the roads and my brain puts all the wrongs of the world right. Fictitious characters seem to talk to me and write themselves into my books – running is wonderful for writing.

Running is a drug...

I’ve never considered it that way but I do know that it releases endocannabinoids which are feel-good hormones and best of all completely free! Running can help with obesity, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, some cancers and improves the quality of emotional and mental life, all helping you live longer. Folk say to me, ‘I can’t run with my knees/hips/joints...’ but I have found that my joints get stronger and knee pain etc improves – you can run through the pain if you focus on another area of your body. It is a great mental discipline.

Years ago I trekked on the Great Wall of China. It was the hardest thing I’ve ever done. Off the tourist routes, the Wall is often rubble on terrifyingly high precipices with the steepest climbs you can imagine. The heat was oppressive at almost 40 degrees some days and my body had often had enough. But that’s when your mind takes over and something just clicks in. Running is like that – when you think you can’t, you can. Engage your brain and let it do its work, don’t fight it. If you want to really do something, you will. And age is no deterrent – look at me!

I often wonder if writing is like running, does it get better with practice? Am sure all of you running writers out there have an opinion on this!

Happy reading, writing and running everyone and big thanks to Rachel for hosting me on her lovely blog.

Caroline xx

Thank you so much Caroline, for taking part, and also for sharing your thoughts on running. I'm not sure even an app would get me up and about to that extent, but really glad its worked for you. 

Read Caroline’s latest novel: Coffee Tea The Caribbean & Me

Web: www.carolinejamesauthor.co.uk

Twitter: @CarolineJames12

Book Review - Coffee, Tea, The Caribbean & Me by Caroline James - Blog Tour

Amazon UK

Title: Coffee, Tea, The Caribbean & Me

Author: Caroline James

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: ARC supplied by Brook Cottage Books

Publisher: Ramjam Publishing Company

Publication Date: 12th February 2016

Rating: 4 Stars

From Cumbria to the Caribbean... 

Flying solo again in their middle years, can life really begin again for Jo and Hattie? Is there hope for the newly single baby boomers and can romance happen? 

Continuing the Coffee Tea... series, join Jo and Hattie as they romp into their future and prove that anything is possible! 

Coffee Tea The Caribbean & Me is a stand-alone read but also the sequel to Coffee Tea The Gypsy & Me which shot to #3 on Amazon and was E-Book of the week in The Sun Newspaper. 

"A story about friendship and loss...is there hope for those of a certain age?" 

‘The time to be happy is now...’ Jo remembers her late husband’s words but is struggling to face the lonely future that lies ahead. A heartbroken widow, Jo finds herself alone with ghostly memories at Kirkton House - a Cumbrian Manor that until recently, she ran as a thriving hotel. Her two sons have moved away, Jimmy to run a bar in Barbados, and Zach to London to pursue a career as a celebrity chef. Middle-age and widowhood loom frighteningly and Jo determines to sell up and start again, despite protestations from colourful friend, Hattie and erstwhile admirer Pete Parks. 

Hattie convinces Jo to postpone any life-changing decisions by enjoying a Caribbean holiday but their holiday sets off a course of events that brings mayhem and madness to Jo and her family. Confused and anxious for her future, can life really begin again for Jo? 

I really enjoyed Coffee Tea The Caribbean & Me, it is a fabulous sequel to Coffee Tea The Gypsy & Me, and is set over twenty years later. If you have read the first book, then it fills in the gaps of what has happened between the two books, and if you haven't then don't worry as this is easily readable as a standalone. 

Jo and Hattie have both had a tough time of it recently. Jo's husband suffered a shock diagnosis and death, and she is clearly still mourning him. Hattie's husband left her, after a string of affairs, and although she is upset and coming to terms with it, she is far more concerned about Jo. She decides that what they both need is a Caribbean holiday to re-energise them. 

Jo's sons are now grown up Jimmy (formerly Thomas) now runs a bar and entertainment venue in Barbados, and Zach  has become a Michelin starred chef, who has just moved to London, and his agents are trying to make him into the next big thing. 

Jo may feel like giving up on love, but she has no shortage of male admirers, with one being a fresh character to this book, and the other is Pete Parks, who has been her friend for many, many years. 

Throughout the book we have various focuses, as the story has many different threads. There are not only spotlights on Hattie, Jo and her two sons, but also on his agent, the various love interests. This gave a very well rounded view of many people's lives, and I felt like I knew them a lot better because of it. 

The Caribbean holiday is a big part of this story, as it changes the ladies outlooks on life. Although I didn't really get a great feel of Barbados, its clear that the locals are very friendly, and that there are some great cocktails available. 

As someone who had read the first book, it was fantastic to see Thomas (now Jimmy) as an adult, and to see just how he turned out. I did find it a bit odd that there was no mention of his biological father, and I couldn't help but wonder what had happened to him. 

I'm loving Caroline James' writing style, and her sense of humour is very entertaining. This is a lovely sunny book, with some slightly more mature characters, approaching the middle of their lives, and it's very heartening to see how they deal with what life throws them. 

Very much looking forward to reading the next book in this amusing and friendly series. 

Thank you to Brook Cottage Books for this review copy. This was my honest opinion. 

ABOUT CAROLINE JAMES

Caroline James was born in Cheshire and wanted to be a writer from an early age. She trained, however, in the catering trade and worked and travelled both at home and abroad. Caroline's debut novel, Coffee Tea The Gypsy & Me shot to #3 on Amazon and was E-book of the Week in The Sun newspaper. Her second novel, So, You Think You're A Celebrity… Chef? has been described as wickedly funny: 'AbFab meets MasterChef in a Soap…' The manuscript for Coffee Tea The Caribbean & Me was a Top Ten Finalist at The Write Stuff, London Book Fair 2015 and the judge’s comments included: “Caroline is a natural story-teller with a gift for humour in her writing.” Her next novel, Coffee Tea The Boomers & Me will be published autumn 2016.

Caroline has owned and run many catering related businesses and cookery is a passion alongside her writing, combining the two with her love of the hospitality industry and romantic fiction. As a media agent, Caroline represented many well-known celebrity chefs and is currently writing a TV script and accompanying book about the life of a well-known chef. She has published short stories and is a member of the RNA and The Society of Authors. Caroline writes articles on food and celebrity based interviews and is Feature Editor for an online lifestyle magazine. When she's not running her hospitality business and writing, Caroline can generally be found with her nose in a book and her hand in a box of chocolates, she also likes to climb mountains and contemplate life.

www.carolinejamesauthor.co.uk

E: caroline@carolinejamesauthor.co.uk

Twitter: @CarolineJames12

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