Book Review - The Accidental Life Swap by Jennifer Joyce

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Title: The Accidental Life Swap

Author: Jennifer Joyce

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: HQ Digital

Publication Date: 1st September 2019

Rating: 4 Stars

Sometimes one moment can change your life forever…

Rebecca Riley has always been a bit of a pushover. When her glamorous boss, Vanessa, asks her to jump, she doesn’t just ask how high… she asks if her boss would like her to grab a coffee on the way back down!

So whilst overseeing the renovation of Vanessa’s beautiful countryside home, the last thing Rebecca ever expected was to be mistaken for her boss – or that she would even consider going along with it! Far away from the bustling city and her boss’s demanding ways, could she pretend to be Vanessa and swap lives, just for a little while?

Very enjoyable story about discovering what you are truly capable of, even if it takes partially impersonating your boss to do so. 

For Rebecca Riley has a massive confidence problem, she dreams big, but ultimately seems to be lacking a backbone to stand up to anyone. Hence why her boss Vanessa forces her to suddenly become the project manager for her new property in Little Heaton. 

Rebecca is normally Vanessa's PA at an events management company and dreams of stepping up to be an event manager, but first she needs to make sure the renovations are done in time for the house warming party, and standing up to a group of builder. 

Due to a slight misunderstanding on first meeting the builders they believe she is Vanessa, and suddenly Rebecca is channelling her inner Vanessa. 

What I really enjoyed the most about this book, is the animal sanctuary that is next door to Vanessa's property.  There are some really adorable animals in it, and Stacey and Oliver who run it are key people that I loved getting to know.  Any scenes involving the sanctuary are just a joy to read. 

My other favourite bits are the series of board games the Rebecca and Oliver play, being a board game fan myself.  I would have loved to have joined in with them, as I'm as competitive as them both!! 

On the whole this is a lot of fun, and the main hook of how long can Rebecca keep up the pretence and what will happen if the truth comes out, is very enjoyable and kept me reading on and on. 

A really entertaining novel from the always pleasing to read Jennifer Joyce. 

Thank you to HQ Digital and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily., 

Book Review - The Little Bookshop at Herring Cover by Kellie Hailes

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Title: The Little Bookshop at Herring Cove

Author: Kellie Hailes

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: HQ Digital

Publication Date: 10th July 2019

Rating: 4 Stars

The start of something wonderful…
Sophie Jones loves her little bookshop at Herring Cove. She’ll never give it up to big property developer, Alexander Fletcher – no matter how handsome he might be…

Yet beneath Alex’s sharp suit and persuasive manner, there’s something about him that makes Sophie want to trust him.

So when he offers to help make her little shop a success again, she wonders whether this could be the start of something wonderful for both Sophie and Alex – together?

Perfect for fans of Caroline Roberts, Cathy Bramley and Heidi Swain.

How I enjoyed this book, it was full of a lovely small town vibe, a bookshop that is trying to turn its fortunes around, a romance between two complete opposites who should be sworn enemies, a man having a slight crisis of job and being, a fabulous location and some great friends. 

Sophie is determined that she won't be forced into selling her beloved bookshop, just so that a developer can turn Herring Cove into a big soulless tourist resort. Her whole life is in that shop and location and she has many reasons why she wants to stay put. 

Alex is the man tasked with persuading her to sign and take a large financial settlement, but yet it soon becomes obvious they have have misjudged each other and that Alex may have hidden depths to him. 

It was incredibly sweet to see but to me I loved Alex's character development, turning from corporate drone Alexander into the man he is meant to be.  i couldn't help falling for him myself. 

There is just such a sense of sweet loveliness within this book, I felt completely at home within its pages, I couldnt' read it fast enough, reading well into the early hours of the morning in bed.   

You sort of knew where the story would end up, and I did  think at one point a certain happening was inevitable, but it was also amusing too. And I enjoyed reading this and just seeing how they would reach the ending you were rooting for! 

Another really entertaining and joyful story from an author that I love. 

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

Book Review - One Week Til Christmas by Belinda Missen

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Title: One Week Til Christmas

Author: Belinda Missen

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: HQ Digital

Publication Date: 1st November 2019

Rating: 5 Stars

Two people. One chance meeting. Seven days to Christmas.

Isobel Bennett is waiting for the number 11 bus when a man quite literally falls into her lap. Snow is falling, Christmas lights are twinkling, and a gorgeous man with dark brown hair has just slipped on ice and is now pressed against Isobel.

Isobel knows she’s not imagining the chemistry between them. But then his ride arrives and, embarrassed, he beats a hasty retreat, murmuring apologies – and Isobel realises only too late that she didn’t manage to catch his name…

When she runs into him again the next morning, she decides it’s fate.

It’s a second chance for Isobel and Tom – but there’s only one week until she’s leaving London for good. Seven days of enjoying all the festive delights the city has to offer: ice-skating at Somerset House, mulled wine on the Southbank, Christmas shopping at Liberty.

There’s magic in the air and mistletoe in the trees – but what will happen when the week is over?

It seemed rather fitting that as there really is only a week to go until Christmas to be reviewing One Week Til Christmas today... 

.. and given the way its written you really could read it day by day until the big day if you wished but frankly I'd recommend reading it in one go. 

What a simply charming and festive romance, from the first meeting between Isobel and Tom, which is rather memorable, to them meeting again and learning each others names, to just how they have spent a week in London. 

If you are wanting a guided tour through some of London's best love festive occasions and events then this is certainly worth a read.  As a Londoner I loved seeing the touristy side to my city, and was delighted to even note that the tube journeys and time to cross London underground, were pretty much spot on, which just adds to the authenticity of the setting. 

I loved the interactions between Isobel and Tom the whole time, and found myself whizzing through the pages eager to spend more and more time with our leads. 

An incredibly charming novella that had me smiling, giggling, despairing at times and hopeful for the HEA that I was craving.  This is only the second book I've read by this author and its clear how much her writing and story development has improved, as I loved every second of this book. 

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

Book Review - Snowflakes at the Little Christmas Tree Farm by Jaimie Admans

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Title: Snowflakes at the Little Christmas Tree Farm 

Author: Jaimie Admans

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: HQ Digital

Publication Date: 9th October 2019

Rating: 5 Stars

All she wants for Christmas…

Leah Griffiths has woken up after a few too many glasses of Prosecco with a hangover – and discovers she’s accidentally bought a little Christmas tree farm in Scotland!

At first she’s horrified, but perhaps it’s the perfect way to forget all about her cheating ex.

And when she meets grumpy (but ridiculously gorgeous) pumpkin farmer Noel underneath the mistletoe, Leah begins to believe that at Christmas time, anything can happen…

I'm sure we have all seen a Christmas Tree farm up for sale, at the other end of the country,  gone onto the auction site while drunk and purchased the farm without having ever seen it in real life, and then been shocked when it looks nothing like the pictures?

You mean you haven't done that - well it must just be Leah Griffiths, the heroine in this book, where she does exactly that and then has to somehow make a go of it, given she has sunk all her savings into the purchase. 

Leah wasn't expecting the handsome pumpkin farmer next door, and from there first meeting you would wonder why I'm even mentioning him at all, apart from the obviously adorable Gizmo the Chihuahua! 

And for a book about a Christmas Tree Farm I was shocked at the amount of pumpkin that gets into the story, in fact I think this could almost be re-titled 101 things to do with pumpkins, or how to be a pumpkin farmer - as that is exactly that Noel is, but thankfully unlike Leah he also knows everything you need to know about Christmas Tree farming. 

I have learnt a lot about how to be a tree farmer, to if the opportunity ever arises to drunkenly purchase a Christmas tree farm, sight unseen, then I will at least know a whole deal more than Leah did at the same stage. 

If you ever need to gain some new tree puns, please do talk to Noel, he is full of them, most will make you groan, but still rather amusing. 

The community feel of the small town was really strong and I enjoyed seeing Leah's ideas for their Christmas market, and the various tree decorations were really inventive.  The well meaning gossipy new friends were really sweet too, and I just had a wonderful community, feel good feeling from this book. 

I loved, loved, loved this book.  It flowed so well, the writing was great, and it has such imagination in it. I adored the concept and the story was just fabulous - easily one of my favourite books from this talented author. 

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

Book Review - Wishes Under a Starlit Sky by Lucy Knott

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Title: Wishes Under A Starlit Sky

Author: Lucy Knott

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: HQ Digital

Publication Date: 6th November 2019

Rating: 5 Stars

When life doesn’t go to plan, you can write yourself a new story…
From the outside, Harper Hayes looks like she is winning at life.

She has an amazing job as a script writer, a wonderful house, an awesome best friend and an incredible husband. Yes, life seems to be pretty, dare she say it? Perfect?

But life is about to throw more than one spanner in the works of Harper’s picture perfect existence and at the busiest time of the year too.

As Christmas approaches, Harper will have some soul searching to do to decide if there really is such thing as the happily-ever-after she writes about.

For fans of Josie Silver, Karen Swan and Sarah Morgan, Lucy Knott weaves a festive story that will move you to laughter and tears.

Harper Hayes may work for Pegasus Entertainment, a fictional TV channel that sounds  a lot like Hallmark, but i can't help but think Wishes Under a Starlit Sky would be a perfect Hallmark movie. 

It is full of heart, messages of goodwill for the season, a whole deal of love - family love, sisterly love, friendship love, and just a hint of romance too, although not as much for the main character. 

It's the story of three Christmases, and a small bit of life in between the festive periods.  The first one we see Harper heartbroken as her husband of 6 years demands he wants a break.   It's not the most cheery start to a book but really does set the scene for the far more healing and joyous Christmas the following year where Harper and best friend Madi go out to Colorado to stay with Harper's parents for the festive period. 

And its all the sections in Colorado that captured my heart and lead me to believe that Lucy Knott is becoming an incredibly accomplished author in just her third book.  I loved every moment of it - all the friends they make, the different snow based activities, the array of pretty things you could decorate cookies with, the waffles and pancakes,  seeing Harper attempting to snowboard and so so much more. 

There are deeper story lines within it, to do with families, which really did tug at my heart strings and leave me with a great big smile on my face. 

To me this book screams Christmas, not in the most obvious of ways but the general feeling of the story, the way it made me feel, the absolutely gorgeous wintery setting, and the general themes within it. 

I was completely hooked anytime I  was reading it and regretful at having to put the book down to return to real life. 

A truly joyous read and perfect for this time of the year. 

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

Book Review - The Little Bakery of Hopes and Dreams by Kellie Hailes

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Title: The Little Bakery of Hopes and Dream

Author: Kellie Hailes

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: HQ Digital

Publication Date: 8th November 2019

Rating: 5 Stars

The most magical time of the year…
Josie Donnelly spends most years pretending that Christmas doesn’t even happen! So, she hopes that the sleepy village of Sunnycombe will be the perfect place to escape the festivities…

Or so she thought! Spending time with (far too handsome) bakery owner Callan Stewart and his young daughter, Mia, makes her long for the family Christmas she’s missed out on.

Could the little bakery on the hill be her own recipe for a happy ever after this year…?

Well if there was ever a book to make you crave all your favourite festive treats then its certainly this one. I was permanently hungry while reading this delicious book, and some of the cakes sounded Bake Off worthy! 

I was hooked pretty much from the first few pages, I completely and utterly fell in love with Mia.  She is the four year old daughter of widowed bakery owner Callan and some of what she comes out with had me laughing. Literally "out of the mouth of babes" moments! 

And then there is Josie who has just moved to Sunnycombe, who has applied for the job in the bakery, and little does she know how much its about to change her life. She is wary of Christmas but Sunnycombe's traditions soon eek their way into her and may just start healing her too. 

Both Callan and Josie are broken for different reasons,  and it really is a bakery of hopes and dreams as the story progresses, I loved seeing how both of them developed as characters, and also a few of the other residents of the village. 

It is a book full of warmth and heart, that will give you a festive fuzzy feeling, and wow the finale section, was just wonderful.  Took me by surprise but really did have me believing in the magic of the season. 

I loved every second of this book, just a bit upset that I read it so quickly, that I ran out of pages. I would have loved more.  Well I console myself with the fact I still haven't quite got around to Kellie Hailes previous book, so still have another to look forward.. although one Kellie Hailes book to look forward to is never enough so I can't wait for the next release too... I really do love this author. 

Easily one of my favourite Christmas books for 2019 (and I have read many so far), this one was pure magic! 

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

Book Review - As Luck Would Have It by Zoe May - #HolidayReading Madeira

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Title: As Luck Would Have It

Author: Zoe May

Format reviewed: Ebook 

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: HQ Digital

Publication Date: 19th September 2019

Rating: 5 Stars

Natalie Jackson might keep up appearances on Instagram, but in reality her fiancé has just jilted her after the birth of their baby and she’s moved back in with her mum. Life isn’t exactly going to plan!

So when she enters the village raffle for the holiday of a lifetime, she thinks she has no chance of winning. But her name is pulled out – and, as luck would have it, so is a ticket bought by her childhood nemesis: Will Brimble.

Surely a romantic holiday for two is the worst idea ever…right?

Perfect for fans of Sophie Kinsella, Sophie Ranald and Lindsey Kelk.

I've been meaning to read a book by Zoe May for a while, so when I spotted a trip to Morocco in the blurb of this latest release, I knew i we going to read it, after all I do love a foreign holiday! 

Will and Nat were really close as children but then haven't spoken to each other in many years. 

When they both manage to win the same romantic holiday for 2, they agree to go together, as the both really need a break. 

Where the story really gets going for me, is once they are at the airport and given an upgrade, as they are on their "honeymoon". 

Even the luxury hotel seem to think they are newly weds and the lengths they go to to despite the fact that they barely know each other as adults, are really amusing. 

I loved getting to see Marrakesh through their eyes we really get a great feel for the city, and the writing really transported me there. 

This was feel good rom-com at its very best, and made for a wonderful couple of hours of reading poolside on holiday! 

Thoroughly enjoyable, I really do I need to read more from this amusing author.  

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

Book Review - A Summer To Remember by Victoria Cooke

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Title: A Summer To Remember

Author: Victoria Cooke

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: HQ Digital

Publication Date: 5th July

Rating: 5 Stars

Sam lives by the mantra that it is better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all.  

After the tragic loss of her husband, Sam built a new life around friends, her cat Coco and a career she loves. Fending off frequent set-ups and well-meaning advice to ‘move on’, Sam is resolutely happy being single.

But when Sam gets seconded to her firm’s Boston office for the summer, it is more than her career that is in for a shake-up. A spur of the moment decision to visit the idyllic beaches of Cape Cod could end up changing her life forever.

One thing is for sure, Sam won’t finish the summer the same woman who started it…

8 years on from the tragic accident that took her husband, Sam still hasn't really moved on.  Well in some respects she has but in others such as even considering dating she refuses to do anything that may sully the memory of Kev.

As a slight workaholic she is desperate to get the 3 month placement in Boston, but when she's finally gets there things don't exactly work out as planned. 

It is the new friendships with Barney as and Harry that make things start to improve out in the States. But as a reader it was the rather rude stranger which she then keeps having encounters with that kept me glued to the book. 

I loved discovering the laid back life in Boston, and also the ideas for the campaign she's is working on in her job. 

The whole book had a wonderful vibe to it, and just kept me wanting more. 

I loved the location,  the writing, the backstories, the humour and they way that Sam and Ethan developed over the summer. 

It truly was an enjoyable summer to remember, and I would love to one day return to this setting and see how all the characters stories have developed - yet again from a Victoria Cooke book I would quite like a sequel!! 

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

Book Review - The Ingredients For Happiness by Lucy Knott

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Title: The Ingredients For Happiness

Author: Lucy Knott

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: HQ Digital

Publication Date: 1st August 2019

Rating: 5 Stars

Three sisters, a stash of family recipes, the chance to make their dreams come true…
Amanda is about to open her very own café. She has the pastry sorted, but hasn’t a clue about the plumbing. With the love of her life by her side, surely nothing else can go wrong?

Sabrina has struck out on her own and is proving to the global music industry she has what it takes. However, balancing the business side of the band with her personal life will end up being more than she bargained for.

Louisa is drawing inspiration from the beautiful Amalfi coast, channelling it into creating gorgeous gowns for modern day Sophia Lorens. But putting herself out there in the fashion industry will present its own challenges, even with the ever-supportive Luca by her side.

With the right mix of perseverance, love and plenty of Italian delicacies, these three sisters are about to discover that when they support each other, the sky really is the limit! 

What an accomplished second book this is from Lucy Knott. 

I was onboard with the plot really quickly, and loved how the book alternated between Amanda, Sabrina and Louisa, so we could really see everything about all three of the sisters, who are all so different. 

There is Aamanda who is following her dreams of opening an Italian Cafe in Manchester,  Sabrina living in the states and managing a very popular band, and Louisa who is following her dreams in Italy of being a fashion designer.  

Add into the mix that Amanda and Sabrina are both dating men from the band Sabrina is managing,  and the extended Italian family out on the Amalfi Coast and you have a fabulous selection of characters to discover. 

As much as I loved the various storylines featuring each sister, to me the hear of the book is food. Every chapter starts with a family recipe for something Italian. Of course with the way Italian families work, a lot of the recipes involve remembering how your grandparents do it, instead of written instructions - so if you are partial to bit of cooking perhaps best to check the recipes against real life versions instead. 

Not only that but between the recipes on each chapter, and the setting up of a cafe, there is food to be had in all chapters.  It may make you crave some Italian food. 

This is s a story about sisterly relationships, dealing with fame and interfering family,.  It's a really lovely book  and  I really enjoyed every moment of it.  I enjoyed Lucy Knott's debut but I feel this one kicks her writing up a notch and I can definitely say that I look forward to more from her.  

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

Book Review The Time of Our Lives by Portia Macintosh

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Title:  The Time of Our Lives

Author: Portia Macintosh

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: HQ Digital

Publication Date: 11th July 2019

Rating: 5 Stars

Love is in the air…?

Luca is used to being the ‘single one’ at weddings – it happens, when all your other friends are engaged, married or taken. But when she bumps into Tom, her friend from university who broke her heart into a million pieces, she finds herself wondering what could have been.

It’s ten years later, surely she should be over that Tom by now? So why is he looking even more gorgeous than ever – and why doesn’t he seem to be able to keep his eyes off her either?

And as the champagne flows and old secrets resurface, Luca realises that perhaps the time to take a chance on love and life is…now?

So does fate really exist when it comes to your love life?  That is the question that I am left pondering after reading The Time of Our Lives, where you learn about a series of events, which if they hadn't occurred in the order they did may have led to a vastly different outcome. 

Luca is dreading going to wedding of one of her old uni flatmates, as she is the only one from their group that is still single. So  imagine her surprise when there is an ex boyfriend at the wedding too,  the man she almost got together with one New Years Eve, 10 years ago, and a seemingly too good to be true man all vying for her attention. 

Add in being roped in as a last minute extra bridesmaid, and you still haven't scratched the surface of what happens at this wedding. 

In addition to the wedding, we are treated to flashbacks of the year or so that the group all lived together,  not always in chronological order, but in a way designed to drip feed their pasts, and understand fully just how they have arrived at the situations they are now in. 

Expect lies and secrets to be uncovered,  definitely some romance, plenty of comedy, and just a massively gripping story, as everything is untangled. 

This is a cleverly crafted tale that is incredibly enjoyable, and it will certainly entertain you. 

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

Book Review - Coming Home To Wishington Bay by Maxine Morrey

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Title: Coming Home To Wishington Bay

Author: Maxine Morrey

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: HQ Digital

Publication Date: 1st May 2019

Rating: 5 Stars

Home is where the heart is…

Holly doesn’t have time for a holiday this year. But when her job threatens to send her over the brink, her boss insists she take a sabbatical. So she packs her bags and escapes to her beloved grandmother Gigi’s house on Wishington Bay, which has sat empty since Gigi passed away.

But Holly’s dreams of a coastal escape take an unexpected turn. Holly didn’t expect to spend time with any man this summer – let alone an Aussie Adonis…but when she meets her next door neighbour Gabe and his little dog Bryan, it’s clear her quiet summer of strolling along the sand and wandering through the seaside village’s tiny streets on her own will come with a hefty dose of distraction.

With a summer to fill and Gigi’s wonderful and surprising house to sort through, Holly knew it would be a summer packed with old memories. She just didn’t expect to make so many new ones…

Coming Home to Wishington Bay is the new gorgeous uplifting rom-com from Maxine Morrey, perfect for fans of Sarah Morgan and Tilly Tennant!

It feels like ages since I last read a Maxine Morrey rom-com, but falling into the pages of this book really did feel like coming home.   There was just such a comforting, cosy feel to this story, and even when I wasn't reading, my heart was with Hollie in Wishington Bay. 

I'll admit the basic concept is one that has been done before - girl inherits property from relation in different location to where she lives, and then has to decide what to do with it.  However its all the other bits of the book that make it so special. 

The handsome Australian doctor next door and his adorable sausage dog, Bryan who has an emotional back story of his own.  There is Holly's brother and his pregnant wife, who are so excited for the baby, but also really concerned about Holly.  And there is the Bay itself which is gorgeous sounding, and if its anything like the cover, probably stunning to live in too. 

I just really enjoyed the writing in this story, the descriptions and dialogue.  It doesn't have the largest amount of characters, but that just adds to its charm as the ones that are featured you get to know so much better.  Although not alive Gigi was also a big presence in the book, and I really felt I got to know Hollie's grandmother quite well. It was obvious she had a great sense of humour. 

As much as I was enjoying the book there were moments where I just wanted to lock Hollie and Gabe in a room together and not let them out until they had realised the obvious! 

Coming Home to Wishington Bay is a truly lovely story that I thoroughly enjoyed.  I really hope this isn't the last we see of this location or characters. 

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

Book Review - The Little Vintage Carousel by the Sea by Jaimie Admans

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Title: The Little Vintage Carousel by the Sea

Author: Jaimie Admans

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: HQ Digital

Publication Date: 3rd April 2019

Rating: 5 Stars

What if one moment could change your life forever?

Ness has almost resigned herself to being single forever, when she catches sight of the most gorgeous man she’s ever seen on the train to work.

But just as she plucks up the courage to speak to him – he steps off the train and disappears into the crowds, without realising he’s accidentally dropped his phone!

It’s her ‘glass slipper’ moment, she’s sure of it, she just needs to track him down – all the way to the gorgeous seaside village of Pearlholme, where she finds him restoring a vintage carousel by the sea…

Maybe it’s finally time to follow her heart?

A joyous read, this is absolutely wonderful. Its enchanting, and funny and just a fabulous story. 

The amount of times during this story that I was laughing along with Ness and Train Man's dialogue, was ridiculous. Just every interaction they had as sort of awkward, but sort of perfect at the same time. Train Man really is gorgeous but also a bit dorky, and Ness isn't the most graceful of women, so the pair just works.  

All the dialogue generally in the book was just en-point and engaging. 

However they are both adamant they aren't looking for love, but they really do bond when Ness goes up to Pearlholme to return train man's phone.  Previously there had just been eye contact and smiles on crowded commuter tube trains - which pretty much never happens in real life. 

It turns out that Train Man is a carousel restorer and we learn a lot about Carousels, and more specifically this rather special one. It has the most beautiful story behind it, which is slowly discovered. 

Pearlholme itself is a gorgeous little Northern coastal village, so picturesque, and when you meet Charles and Camilla there are even more laughs to be had. 

This book is just so funny and entertaining. 

My only niggle with the book is that the characters seemed to love the film Carousel so much, whereas to my own personal taste it is the only musical I've ever seen that I've not enjoyed one bit, even despite the iconic You'll Never Walk Alone coming from it.  There are just too many mentions of a film that sends me to sleep, and the stage show which I saw first was one of the most underwhelming productions of anything I've watched in the West End. 

Apart from that I can't fault this book, I just loved every moment of it.  Jaimie Admans is fast becoming one of my go to authors, and her books seem to be getting even better and better with each release. 

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

Book Review - The Little Unicorn Gift Shop by Kellie Hailes - #HolidayReading Mexico

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Title: The Little Unicorn Gift Shop

Author: Kellie Hailes

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley 

Publisher: HQ Digital

Publication Date: 2nd August 2018

Rating: 5 Stars

Life’s always better with a little bit of sparkle.
Poppy and Ben have been best friends forever and now they’re embarking on a new adventure together – opening a joint unicorn gift shop and cafe. Ben has one rule; no unicorn paraphernalia is to cross into his tea shop. But Poppy has other ideas…

They’ve always been there for each other, at least until Poppy went travelling around the world – without Ben. But now she’s back and she’s determined to stay put, bringing a little bit of magic back into Ben’s life.

Can they go back to the way things once were or will the years of distance stand in the way of their new shop and blossoming romance?

Before I started reading this i had forgotten how much I had enjoyed this author previously, which may explain why the book was on my kindle for months unread, despite my best intentions 

However from the first couple of pages I was smiling and knew I would thoroughly enjoy this story, which I did. 

Poppy's joy for life and her love of all things unicorn had me addicted to her from the first moments.  She is bubbly and loves nothing more than unicorns, glitter and sparkle!

She is returning from over a decade of travelling, and coerces her best friend from school to share the shop he was purchasing with her.

Thus is born Sparkle and Steep - unicorn gift shop in one half and an elegant teashop in the other,  Only one small problem, Ben isn't keen on unicorns!

This is a joyous story, full of laughs, moments when you want to knock Poppy and Ben's heads together, and and all round happy vibe to it.

There is depth, character development, a lovely story which is easy to read and hopefully means that I will bumping the next book by this author up my TBR a lot faster.  Simply put I adored this book.

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