Book Review - Chasing Moonbeams in Merriment Bay by Emily Harvale

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Title: Chasing Moonbeams in Merriment Bay

Author: Emily Harvale

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Author supplied copy

Publisher: Crescent Gate Publishing 

Publication Date: 30th March 2020

Rating: 5 Stars

Cat has found true happiness in Merriment Bay. Will a discovery in Devon Villa change that?

Cat Devon is finally with the love of her life – and she couldn’t be happier about that. But discovering the identity of her real dad and the fact she has two half-brothers was a shock. Getting to know her new family is now a priority.

Kyra Devon is only eighteen, but she’s more mature than her mum in many ways and is coping far better with everything that’s happened. Kyra knows what she wants and unlike Cat, she’s not going to let opportunities slip away.

Mary Devon has regained her daughter and her granddaughter, but she’s grieving for her mother, and also for the loss of the love she thought she’d found. Putting on a brave face may not be the best way for Mary to get over it.

When a long-lost painting called Moonbeams Kiss is discovered in a hidden cellar beneath the floorboards in Devon Villa, a story of love, loss and treachery unfolds, bringing with it repercussions for each of the Devon women.

This is Book Two in Emily Harvale's Merriment Bay series which is interconnected to her Wyntersleap series. Each series can be read alone, but several characters appear in both series.

Another triumph from Emily Harvale. A joyous story that let us see Cat's side of things from the previous interconnected Wynter House book, while also moving their story along. 

There is a fresh mystery to get your head around,  as well all manner of romances.

I love getting to know the Devon family even more, and seeing just how all 3 generations are moving on from the sad events of the previous book.

This could be read as a standalone but I think you would enjoy it even more if you have read others in the Merriment Bay and Wynter House series.

Incredibly likeable characters, all very relatable to and another jam packed book.

Well done to the author for yet another wonderful addition to the series

Thank you to Emily Harvale for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily. 

Book Review - New Beginnings at Wynter House by Emily Harvale

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Title: New Beginnings at Wynter House

Author: Emily Harvale

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Author supplied copy

Publisher: Crescent Gate Publishing

Publication Date: 17th January 2020

Rating: 5 Stars

The New Year brings unexpected revelations at Wynter House.

Neva Grey’s Christmas brought several surprises. Now a shocking secret has life-changing consequences for the Wynters, as the New Year brings revelations ... and relatives to Wynter House.

It also brings Hazel Smart and Amelia Goodbody. And it’s not just Adam and Rafe Wynter who are pleased Hazel and Amelia have come to stay. Olivia Wynter will enjoy bossing nurse Hazel around and she also makes it clear Amelia – who is handling the marketing for Rafe’s new business venture – is far more suited to be her grandson’s girlfriend than Neva will ever be.

Whilst Amelia is ensconced at Wynter House, Neva is busy with her new hair and beauty salon in Merriment Bay. Perhaps she should enlist her niece, Sasha’s help because just when she thought she had found the love of her life, old secrets, ghosts from the past, and new arrivals might shatter all her dreams.

At least she has her best friend, Jo Duncan to lean on. But newly single, Jo is determined to have some fun, both at Wynter House and in Merriment Bay. And so is Adam Wynter.

This is book two in the Wyntersleap series but it can be read as a standalone. The Wyntersleap series is interlinked with the Merriment Bay series and several characters appear in both series.

I need more, I am so hooked on both the Wyntersleap and Merriment Bay series and how they interlock that the wait for the next book will be unbearable.  

But alas I clearly have to wait,  I must say this story was a delight to read.   It took perhaps a chapter to remember the characters from the first book and from there on I was lost to the real world.

There is so much drama that had me on the edge of the seat.  And the gorgeous Adam Wynter may just be ready to change his serial flirty ways. There are some new characters introduced and I really took to Hazel, an incredibly talented nurse that can see through Adam's possible pick up lines! 

Neva and Rafe seem perfect together and I loved getting to know them more as well as seeing how the plans for the distillery are progressing. 

Sasha's rather ghoulish nature made me laugh again and some of what she repeats is hilarious.

Emily Harvale is a marvel, who just writes such wonderful stories, that draw me in and wont let go until I run out of pages. 

Another fabulous book from an author I adore. I just can't wait for more.

Thank you to Emily Harvale for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.

Book Review - Coming Home to Merriment Bay by Emily Harvale - #HolidayReading Mexico

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Title: Coming Home to Merriment Bay

Author: Emily Harvale

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Author supplied copy

Publisher: Crescent Gate Publishing

Publication Date: 16th December 2019

Rating: 5 Stars

This novel was originally a four-part, serial. This is all four parts and forms Book 1 in the Merriment Bay series. If you have read the four-part serial, you have read this book.

Cat Devon left Merriment Bay eighteen years ago with her baby daughter, Kyra. Now a letter from Cat’s estranged mum has brought them back.

Cat has tried to forget her heartbreaking past and forgive her mum, Mary and her gran, Viola. But nothing seems to have changed and Mary still insists on keeping secrets.

Sitting beside Viola’s hospital bed, isn’t exactly fun, so when Cat and Kyra stumble on a faded photo of an RAF pilot and a pile of unopened letters in a trunk in Viola’s room, they decide to find out who he is and what he meant to Viola.

Amias Wells, who owns Bay Water Sports but also flies a vintage Spitfire for the Merriment Bay WWII Museum, is the perfect man to ask. Except Cat and Amias haven’t spoken since the accident that killed his friend and left Cat scarred, eighteen years ago. Sparks fly when they meet again.

But Amias traces Bailey Mitchell, who lives thousands of miles away and is almost ninety-eight. Exchanging Christmas cards leads to revelations Cat had not expected. Then a surprise visitor means Cat’s Christmas takes a delightful turn. Now she’s facing choices she never thought she’d have to make.

When distressing events end more than one person’s dream, Cat realises what – and who – she wants. As Merriment Bay prepares to toast in the New Year, can Cat finally put the past where it belongs and find the love she deserves?

This is the complete book of Coming Home to Merriment Bay, which is also sold in four parts: Part One: A Reunion. Part Two: Sparks Fly. Part Three: Christmas. Part Four: Starry Skies. If you have read the four parts then you have read this book.

Dear Emily Harvale, 

I'm honestly not sure you could have packed more drama, emotion, highs and lows into such a fantastic story if you tried. 

I literally can't wait to be back in Merriment Bay and Wyntersleap for your next books. 

Please write faster

Rachel

......

If I was the sort of person to write fangirly emails to authors that is certainly what I would be writing about this book. 

As it is I'm attempting to write a review but all I really want to say is...

If you are an Emily Harvale fan, get this onto your bookshelf now and read it asap!! You won't be disappointed. 

And if you have never read an Emily Harvale book before, but love romance, drama,  stories that literally grip you and keep you reading on, with well thought out characters, and everyone feeling very realistic, then you are missing out on a fabulous author, and I'd highly recommend changing things and starting with this one. 

There were many times where I wanted to bash the characters heads in with a big big rock, as if only they would talk about their real feelings to each other, so much could have been avoided... but then the book would have been dull, so probably a good thing it's written like this, as it is fabulous. 

There are family secrets galore, old loves, new loves, shady characters, and interactions between Amias and his sister Natalia providing amusement, and so so much more besides. 

I'm so happy that I read this combined version, as I would have gone slightly bonkers waiting for each of these original novellas, as they are so good. 

If you are in any doubts as to whether I absolutely adored this or not...  well I did and I suspect you might too.   

Thank you to the author for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily. 

Book Review - Christmas at Wynter House by Emily Harvale

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Title: Christmas at Wynter House

Author: Emily Harvale

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Author supplied copy

Publisher: Crescent Gate Publishing

Publication Date: 25th September 2019

Rating: 5 Stars

After a frosty welcome, things soon heat up at Wynter House.

Neva Grey is looking forward to spending a quiet Christmas with her family in the cosy cottage they’ve rented in the picture-postcard village of Wyntersleap. Nestled between rolling hills and a gently burbling river, it’s going to be idyllic.

Except it’s not. Torrential rain causes the river to burst its banks and the quaint little village isn’t quite so cosy with water lapping at the doors. Add to that a power cut and a sudden blizzard and Christmas is looking bleak ... until gorgeous Adam Wynter invites them all to Wynter House.

Although not everyone is happy to share the ancestral home. Adam’s elder brother, Rafe is less than pleased. Their grandmother, Olivia extends a grudging welcome. And for Carruthers, the oddly arrogant butler, unexpected guests are a Christmas surprise he could do without. Especially one as troublesome as Neva’s eight-year-old niece.

But something’s not quite right at Wynter House. What is Rafe intent on hiding behind the locked doors of the old barn? And what really happened to his first wife? It’s a good thing Neva has a sense of humour. She’s going to need it this Christmas at Wynter House.

This is book one in the Wyntersleap series but it can be read as a standalone. The Wyntersleap series is interlinked with the Merriment Bay series and several characters appear in both series.

Emily Harvale is a romantic writing genius, this book kept me wanting more, I even want to start reading the interlinked series, instantly, as I just want more of these settings, characters.    

There are moments of drama with early power cuts and flood risks, there are a pair of ridiculously sexy brothers, there are secret passage ways,  a daring rescue of Tempest, and it was driving me mad throughout to discover just what was in the old barn. 

I started reading this reasonably late at night, and by the time I finished a chapter in bed, i was wondering why I really had to sleep as I just wanted to continue turning the pages. It's a book that really did cast a spell over me and although life sort of tried to get in the way, I read it in a day,  and just couldn't' get enough of it.   

The blurb to be honest covers the plot really well so no point me touching on the story too much, but safe to say that with both the Wynter Family, and the Grey family we have two sets of characters that have already touched my heart.  

From 8 year old niece, Sasha, who is obsessed with ghosts, zombies and death, as well as her new puppy (who is adorable), to Carruthers the butler at Wynter House and his expressive eyebrows, to Neva and her foot in mouth approach to conversations with Rafe Wynter, including making it clear how much she fancies his brother!   Then there are the soul sucking gossips in the cottage next to Neva, the rather cold Olivia Wynter, and then the wonderfully generous surprise gifts from Neva's parents. 

There are just plenty of fabulous characters. And that is before we get to Wyntersleap village, which had is not been for the torrential rain, river getting rather full, and ginormous hailstones, would have been incredibly picturesque.  I hope we get to visit it in the Summer where I'm sure it would be shown off to its best.  

 And the day trip into Merriment Bay, which is the setting for the author's next serial,  has whetted my interest even further for reading that! 

I could probably continue to wax lyrical about everything in the book, but honestly whether you are a fan of the author in which case you may agree that this is amongst her best work, or new to Emily Harvale, in which case you have picked a fabulous place to start - I would urge you to read this if you love your women's fiction and rom com. 

So easy to read, and get  absorbed into the story, this is one Christmas Cracker of a read,  and amazingly all the action actually takes place over Christmas, which is surprisingly refreshing from some of my festive reads this year so far! 

Thank you to Emily Harvale for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily. 

Book Review - Secret Wishes and Summer Kisses on Lily Pond Lane by Emily Harvale

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Title: Secret Wishes and Summer Kisses on Lily Pond Lane

Author: Emily Harvale

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Author Supplied Copy

Publisher: Crescent Gate Publishing

Publication Date:  26th June 2019

Rating: 5 Stars

Everyone’s got a secret wish in Little Pondale this summer. 

Mia’s been exceptionally lucky since moving to Lily Pond Lane. But even on her honeymoon with the man of her dreams, she still has one remaining wish.

Ella wishes Gill would propose. But since Mia’s wedding something’s changed in their relationship. Now he’s spending time with newcomer, Tabbie Talbaine, Ella wishes Tabbie will leave as quickly as she arrived.

Tabbie wishes she hadn’t driven her car into a pond. But it could be the best thing that’s ever happened to her. When she discovers Hollywood heartthrob, Justin Lake’s staying in the village, getting an interview for her popular blog isn’t her only wish.

Bree was told she couldn't have a baby. Now she’s expecting twins and is simply wishing it all goes well.

And as for Hettie ... she wishes she could get her hands on an old map of the village. Because there’s something hidden in Little Pondale that Hettie Turner really wants to find.

This is the final book in the Lily Pond Lane series.

Gutted to discover this is the last book in the Lily Pondale series, but equally what a lovely ending to the series it is. 

With the way this book ends you can draw your own conclusions but it seemed rather fitting.  But before you get to the end, there is the rest of the story to enjoy. 

In fact this new instalment starts with new character Tabbie driving her car into a ditch... I mean pond, purely by accident on her way to visit village hermit Aurelia.  The next few chapters bring us up to speed with various more familiar characters and set the tone for the themes in this book. 

I loved that without really being featured a huge amount it was as much a book about Aurelia, Hetty, their ancestors and past generally,  which goes a long way to explaining why they seem to hate each other. 

If felt like I was returning to family and friends reading this book, I love all the characters so much, it will be a shame to stop being able to visit Little Pondale. However despite it being the last book in a series, I do still think it works well as a standalone, there is plenty of backstory filtered in to give you a good idea about the key points about the various pasts of the characters ,  

Emily Harvale has surpassed herself with this book, its a pure joy to read, and I really did enjoy every moment of it. The pages just flew past and I was enthralled in all the various plot lines.    The writing is so pleasant and easy to follow, and there is just such a fabulous feel to the book, its warm and cosy. 

Between catching up with old friends, seeing how various characters stories have developed along with some new romance, this is a fabulous way to end a series, and despite my thinking the title is rather long - Secret Wishes and Summer Kisses on Lily Pond Lane - it is such a fabulous match for the contents, and really does sum up the book even better than a review can!   Really is a story filled with secret wishes and desires,  and also some summer kisses!! 

Thank you to the author for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily 

Book Review - A Wedding on Lily Pond Lane by Emily Harvale

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Title: A Wedding on Lily Pond Lane

Author: Emily Harvale

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Author supplied copy

Publisher: Crescent Gate Publishing

Publication Date: 26th March 2019

Rating: 5 Stars

The Angel Bell is ringing for Mia and Jet’s Big Day – but will the Wedding of the Year go without a hitch?

Every bride wants the perfect wedding and Mia Ward is no exception. But she is the only bride in Little Pondale and everyone in the village has ideas for her Big Day. Drowning in suggestions, Mia needs some help.

When she bumps into childhood friend, Breanna Wright on a shopping trip to London, Mia’s convinced it’s Fate. Breanna’s only ambition was to be a wedding planner with her own business, The Wright Wedding … so Mia doesn’t hesitate.

Breanna’s now got three months to plan a wedding where the sky’s the limit, budget-wise. She should be over the moon. Especially as she’ll get a chance to see old friends again, including her first love. There’s just one tiny hitch ... Breanna doesn’t have a wedding-planning business.

She should tell Mia there has been a slight mistake, but as usual Breanna’s life isn’t running smoothly and she could really use a break. And when you’ve dreamt about planning weddings all your life, how difficult can it be?

Will this be the chance Breanna’s longed for? Or will Mia’s Dream Wedding be Breanna’s biggest disaster yet?

I was deliriously happy to be hack in Little Pondale along with Mia, Jet and everyone else.  It feels like only yesterday that I read Return to Lily Pond Lane, so it was much easier for me to pick up the story than it had for me in previous installments. 

This book picks up pretty much where the previous one finishes, so I reckon its best to read these two as a pair, but they are both wonderful, and quick and easy to read, so it really wouldn't be any hardship. 

This was so amusing, romantic, and also just proves at a magical place Little Pondale is to live in.  It was lovely getting to know Breanna, and there is plenty going on to keep the village gossips happy. 

It's hard to know what to share with you, as the book is really quick to read, a sheer pleasure, a bit of a whirlwind, but with assorted sub plots. There are even some lovely surprises to look forward to.  

I loved every moment I spent hoping that the wedding would go smoothly, and that Mia and Jet would be happily married by the end of it.  Of course that doesn't mean that is the only romance, and there are some lovely interactions between some of the other villagers too. 

All in all another triumph of a book in this very popular series. 

Thank you to the author for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily. 

Book Review - Return To Lily Pond Lane by Emily Havale

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Title: Return to Lily Pond Lane

Author: Emily Harvale

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Crescent Gate Publishing

Publisher: Author supplied copy

Publication Date: 26th February 2019

Rating: 5 Stars

Life couldn’t be better for Mia and her friends in Little Pondale – until tragedy strikes... 

Mia Ward is on cloud nine after a magical Christmas and New Year and she isn’t the only one. Everyone on Lily Pond Lane seems to be living in blissful harmony. Until tragedy strikes… not once, but twice. And as Hettie Turner points out: ‘Bad things always come in threes.’ 

Whilst the other residents of Little Pondale are wondering what might happen next, Mia is busy worrying about her friends, and trying to help them with their grief. But she needs to be careful. Just when she thought she had everything, there’s a very real chance she might lose the only thing she truly wants. 

If you enjoy reading Sarah Morgan, Holly Martin, Cathy Bramley, Bella Osborne and Debbie Johnson, this book is for you. 

I am so enjoying my visits to Lily Pond Lane and my first thought on finishing this book was - omg I need more, I don't want to wait for the next one! 

Those dark clouds on the cover are very relevant, there some really bad things that happen in this book early on, and its how everyone recovers from them that is so key to the story.   

I loved seeing how Jet and Mia were getting on, given they were now living together.  And also meeting up with old friends all around Little Pondale.   

This was such a warm and cosy read, full of great moments, and although I would have loved to have read it in one go, I was just too tired, but overnight anytime I was even remotely more alert than asleep, my mind was wondering what was going on in Little  Pondale, and I was chomping at the bit to read the rest of it. 

Even if you haven't read previous books in this series, I do feel it will work well as a standalone. There are relevant snippets or reminders of backstory, in a way that you get the gist even if you don't know fully what was happening.   Although why you would want to miss out on any of the other fab books is beyond me! 

i really loved every second of this book and once again amazed at how talented Emily Harvale is. 

Thank you to the author for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.

Book Review - Bells and Bows on Mistletoe Row by Emily Harvale

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Title: Bells and Bows on Mistletoe Row

Author: Emily Harvale 

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Author Supplied Copy

Publisher: Crescent Gate Publishing

Publication Date: 5th November 2018

Rating: 5 Stars

It’ll take a miracle to make Juliet’s Christmas merry, but Mistletoe Row is the place to be when you need some Christmas magic. 

The last person Juliet Bell expects to see when she returns home for Christmas is Harrison Bow. Especially with the most beautiful woman in the world by his side. Twenty years ago, Juliet and Harrison had the shortest romance in history, consisting of one date – and one blazing row. But Juliet will never admit when she’s wrong, and Harrison doesn’t forgive easily, so they haven’t seen, or spoken to one another since.

Harrison Bow vowed he’d never visit his grandfather at The Grange, again, or drive along Mistletoe Row, the scene of one of the unhappiest times of his life. He hasn’t been back for twenty years and he’s only here now because his brother pleaded with him to come. At least with his executive assistant joining him, he’ll be able to do some work. 

But Juliet’s sister, Zoe and Harrison’s brother, Luke have some surprises in store for their elder siblings, and so it seems does Fate. After Harrison risks his life to save Juliet, the least she can do is be nice. The problem is, Harrison is hotter than the log fire in The Mistletoe pub, and when she’s surrounded by twinkling lights and softly falling snow, it doesn’t take long for her to realise she’s in love with the man she thought she hated. Even if he doesn’t appear to be in love with her. 

What an utter delight this book is, yet again Emily Harvale has written a Christmas book to be truly cherished and enjoyed. 

I especially loved that although this is completely a standalone there were a few nods to previous locations and characters from some of her other releases, which really did bring a smile to my face, even for short cameos from places / people that are familiar.  It does though make me think that Mistletoe Row is set in the most picturesque and quaint part of the country with other fabulously named places nearby too. 

The Bells and the Bows have almost a Romeo and Juliet feel to them, and if Harrison was called Romeo, I would definitely be comparing them!  As it is Juliet and Harrison had one date 20 years ago, and then haven't seen or spoken to each other since.  In fact they had a massive row and one of the first things I was eager to find out once I started getting know them was what the falling out was all about. 

The whole book had such a warm and cosy feel to it, that it was such a joy to read.  However for most of the book I couldn't help but feel that if the characters had all learnt to communicate and talk to each other, rather than make assumptions life would have been a lot simpler - but then again the book would have become boring - so its a good thing they didn't! 

There really wasn't a dull moment at all in this story, filled with potentially unrequited love, an action scene, a daring rescue, plenty of festive feeling and a whole lot of plot with wonderfully realistic characters.  

A rather quick book to read, but an absolute joy to read.  Even if I didn't know who the book was by, within pages I would have been able to tell it was an Emily Harvale, just the way she writes is so distinctive, that I knew I was definitely reading another fabulous book really early on - from the moment you realise that there is some sort of history between Juliet and Harrison, I was completely and utterly hooked. 

Thank you to the author for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily. 

Book Review - Christmas on Lily Pond Lane by Emily Harvale

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Title: Christmas on Lily Pond Lane

Author: Emily Harvale

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Author supplied copy

Publisher:  Crescent Gate Publishing

Publication Date: 18th September 2018

Rating: 5 Stars

Snow is falling in Little Pondale, lights are twinkling and the smell of pine trees and roasting chestnuts fills the air…

But Mia Ward is in a bit of a jam. She’d planned to rent out Corner Cottage for Christmas but thanks to best friend, Ella Swann, it’s double-booked. Now Mia’s got to let one ‘party’ down, or find another cottage – fast.

Best friends and single mums, Cathy Cole and Christy Franks want their kids to have an old-fashioned Christmas. Ice-skating, carol singing, making decorations, and tobogganing are on their list of festive fun and Little Pondale is the perfect place. Especially as it has no mobile phone reception. That will make it harder for Cathy to be found.

City banker, Leo Hardman is wondering if renting a cottage for Christmas as an anniversary surprise for his parents, was such a good idea. Little Pondale may be where his parents met, but his mum doesn’t seem pleased to be back, and his brother, Hal isn’t happy that the village is so tiny and only has one pub. 

Meanwhile, Jenny Lake is settling in at her cousin’s bakery, having left her (broken) heart in Florence, but Christmas was never her favourite time of year. And Reverend Glen Fox has taken over at St Michael and All Angels. He’s glad it’s a temporary post because village life is not for him.

But luckily, for locals and visitors alike, there’s a sleigh-load of Christmas magic heading for Lily Pond Lane; enough to put a sparkle in everyone’s festive season. Although Christmas may not go quite as each of them has planned.

What a simply wonderful book, I mean it is so Christmassy its fabulous, and I could really picture Little Pondale and all of its villagers. 

I'll hold my hands up and say that I now regret not having read the Lily Pond Lane serial released this year, only because from the hints at what went on it , I have missed something that would have been a whole lot of fun to read. 

However at no point did I feel lost or anything, and I got to grips with the large cast of characters really quickly,  including the two groups of people coming to the village to rent some cottages for Christmas, adding more people to the mix, everyone really was distinct. 

Loved Glen the vicar, he seemed so sweet, and Jenny in the bakery has been hurt before and up until now has been keeping to herself in the village.  There is Hettie the local gossip, there is Mia who is the main character, and has inherited a fortune, and those are just a few of my favourite characters. 

Mia may have suddenly had more money than anyone know what to do with, but she is generous to a tee, and comes out with some wonderful gestures for the whole village. to enjoy.  There are some many great things that come from Mia but I will leave you to discover them for yourselves. 

The more Emily Harvale Christmas books I read, the more I can tell just how much she clearly loves the season,  and this is no exception.  I loved all the snow, the decorations, happenings in the village, the wishing tree, and pretty much every single word in the book. 

Whenever I wasn't reading this I was resentful of what I was doing that was keeping me from reading more, as I was enjoying it that much. 

Christmas on Lily Pond Lane has left me with a smile on my face, and a craving to go visit Santa and hope that one day I may be allowed to have a pet reindeer!!  

Thank you to Emily Harvale for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily. 

Book Review - Blame It On The Moonlight by Emily Harvale

Amazon UK

Title: Blame it on the Moonlight

Author: Emily Harvale

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Author supplied copy

Publisher: Crescent Gate Publishing

Publication Date: 23rd February 2018

Rating: 5 Stars

An utterly gorgeous and heart-warming romantic comedy about friendship, family and following your heart - no matter where it may lead. 

Luna Blake wants a fresh start. Moving in with her uncle will give her that. She also wants to earn a living from her photographs and paintings of the moon. What she doesn’t want is to fall in love because the last time she did that, it broke her heart in two.

Severine Starr wants to spend as little time as possible visiting her family. She wants to get back to her new man and her new life in New York. She simply needs to persuade her teenage daughter, Raven to go with her. But things at home are far from how she left them.

Logan Dorset always wanted to open his own restaurant – and now he is. He also wants a woman he can’t have. A woman he’s been in love with all his life. A woman who’s in love with someone else. He just wants a chance to tell her how he feels.

Roggero Tazzeone disappeared from Michaelmas Bay more than fifteen years ago. Now he’s back and he’s trying to make up for his past mistakes. After all this time, he knows exactly what he wants.

But strange things can happen in the moonlight, and what each of them wants may not be as straightforward as they think. 

Absolutely fabulous, easily one of my favourite books by Emily Harvale, and I have read rather a lot of them in the past! 

This features a lot of love, in that many of the characters seem to think they are in, or are falling in love with each other and not  necessarily all of it is reciprocated, nor is all of it that easy to follow. 

At the centre of all of it is Severine Starr, she is the sister to Evie, who was the main character in the first Michaelmas Bay book, but this can easily be read as a standalone.  Severine is mother to Raven and she hasn't seen Raven's father Roggero since she told him she was pregnant 15 years ago.  Severine is currently pregnant with Harvey's child, but on her first night back in Michaelmas Bay, she kisses her teenage crush Logan. 

Confused?  Well then there is also Luna who has just met Logan and is determined not to let another man close while she is nursing a broken heart,  and a whole host of other characters all determined to act as matchmakers and gossips. 

It is fabulous, its a small knit community at its best, and the story only takes place over a few day period but the amount that is packed into those days is rather impressive.  We see the story from multiple focus points, which allows us to get a good feel for all the characters, and  the question on my lips for most of the book was, just who is Severine going to pick. 

This is a warm read that will get you smiling, and its a quick easy story to follow. I loved finding out more about Severine who had only been mentioned in the previous book, and reconnecting with the rest of the fabulous Starr family. 

Thoroughly enjoyable book, would love to see more from this series. 

Thank you to Emily Harvale for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily. 

Book Review - Christmas Secrets in Snowflake Cove by Emily Harvale

Amazon UK

Title:  Christmas Secrets in Snowflake Cove

Author: Emily Harvale

Format reviewed: Ebook 

Source: Author supplied review copy

Publisher: Crescent Gate Publishing

Publication Date: 26th October 2017

Rating: 5 Stars

The perfect book to snuggle up with this Christmas.

Christmas is a time for family and friends, miracles and magic, falling snow and roaring fires, fun, laughter and festive feasts. In Snowflake Cove, it’s also a time for secrets to be revealed...


Evie Starr is hoping for more than a sprinkling of magic this Christmas. The family-run Snowflake Inn is virtually empty and the Starr’s financial future isn’t looking bright. But Evie’s gran, Jessie has a secret that might help.


Enigmatic, Zachary Thorn is every woman’s dream. He’s also ex-SAS, so his secrets are classified. The Christmas Special of his feel-good, TV show is set in Michaelmas Bay – until a phone call means he’s spending Christmas in nearby Snowflake Cove.


Evie’s best friend, Juniper thinks boyfriend Darren has a secret. Evie knows he does. And Evie’s niece, Raven is hiding feelings for Juniper’s brother - who has a secret crush of his own. But the biggest secret in Snowflake Cove is the identity of Raven’s dad.


With snow falling thick and fast and secrets being revealed one after another, will everyone be snuggling up by the fire on Christmas Eve, or are some secrets best kept hidden...?

My overwhelming initial reaction to having finished this book is to crave more, I need more Michaelmas Bay and I definitely need more from the Starr and Thorne families.  I was enjoying the book so much that I really didn't want it to end. 

There is what could be considered an overwhelming amount of characters in this story but once you work out who is who and how they are related, it just adds to the fun of the book - with so many sub plots and secrets everywhere.  Although Evie is the focal point you learn loads about her friends, family and business too. 

The Starr family run The Snowflake Inn, on Snowflake Isle off Snowflake Cove - yes the setting is that picturesque and aptly named - and they have an unexpectedly large booking from Zachary Thorn's team who are making a Christmas special in the bay. 

I loved all the characters in this book and they really are what made the story special. It is another fabulous book from Emily Harvale, I love the writing style, the sense of humour and just how vivid some of the scenes were.  This is a gem of a book and I thoroughly enjoyed it. 

Thank you to Emily Harvale for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.