Book Review - The Guesthouse by Abbie Frost

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Title: The Guesthouse

Author: Abbie Frost

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: HarperCollins

Publication Date: 9th January 2020

Rating: 5 Stars

Seven guests. One killer. A holiday to remember…
‘Addictive and fun’ Daily Mail
Not all the guests will survive their stay…

You use an app, called Cloud BNB, to book a room online. And on a cold and windy afternoon you arrive at The Guesthouse, a dramatic old building on a remote stretch of hillside in Ireland. 

You are expecting a relaxing break, but you find something very different. Something unimaginable. Because a killer has lured you and six other guests here and now you can’t escape. 

One thing’s for certain: not all of you will come back from this holiday alive…

Wow I did not see that coming at all. I had absolutely no idea just who the villain of the book would turn out to be, I just knew that this was a story that was getting creepier and creepier throughout. 

I have no idea if I'm going to be able to sleep tonight, after reading this rather disturbing book all evening and being barely able to put it down, was able to read it in a few short hours.  I was completely hooked in trying to work out what was going on before the characters could (and I failed).

Seven guests are all taking advantage of an opening week offer for a new Guest House in Ireland. However it soon becomes apparent that this may not be an ordinary holiday for any of them, but just what is going on and who is doing bad things.... well that is for you to find out. 

This is one claustrophobicly creepy book, it is full of atmosphere, set in a remote location that isn't even easily accessible by car, over of foggy and stormy week, full of power cuts, weird noises, possible ghosts and just a whole load of things that could make your skin crawl. 

I am so impressed by this addictive debut thriller novel, it is so accomplished and kept me on my toes throughout.  I'm already very curious to see what this author will write next. 

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

Book Review - My Pear-Shaped Life by Carmel Harrington - Blog Tour

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Title: My Pear-Shaped Life

Author: Carmel Harrington

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Harper Collins

Publication Date: 1st March 2020

Rating: 5 Stars

Meet Greta.

She’s funny.

She’s flawed.

She’s hiding so much behind her big smile she’s forgotten who she is.

But Greta is about to discover that the key to being happy is…being you.

Greta Gale has played the part of the funny fat one her entire life, hiding her insecurities behind a big smile. But size doesn’t matter when you can laugh at yourself, right?
Until Greta realises she’s the only one not laughing. And deep down, she’s not sure if she’ll ever laugh again.

But with her world feeling like it’s falling down around her, Greta is about to discover she’s stronger than she feels. And that sometimes the best moments in life come when it’s all gone a bit pear-shaped…

Wow, I don't know how Carmel Harrington does it, but wow! This book has just had me spellbound for the past 3 and a bit hours, where I couldn't put it down, didn't care about anything else I possibly should have been doing, and just had to keep reading. 

And its such an uplifting story, all about body positivity  , and how you should love yourself no matter your size which is a wonderful message.  I'm on the larger side myself and could completely emphasise with some of the descriptions of Greta.  Especially that moment when you realise you need to ask for a seat belt extension on a plane, for less than an inch of extra length needed, utterly mortifying. 

It's not just body image that is covered, in this there is also to start with an addiction storyline, that is present throughout.  The part in rehab felt very real and i can only imaging a large amount of research went into it. 

All of the tough subjects dealt with in this story, are done so with utmost sensitivity, and give you a great insight into them. 

And as much as I was gripped by the first parts of this book, it is the second half that really lifted me,and that I thoroughly enjoyed, at least as much as the first half if not more.  For it features one of those things i love in a book - travel, and an American road trip.  I'm not going to say why, or where, but I felt it was so well written that I was alongside Greta as she makes this trip, and the descriptions of the different towns and states match the little I knew of them. 

This is eye opening, thought provoking, had me literally unable to tear myself away from the pages while I was reading it.  This is Carmel Harrington at her very best, and I'm so glad that I've been able to read it.

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

Please follow along with the rest of the tour

Book Review - Rewrite The Stars by Emma Heatherington

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Title: Rewrite The Stars

Author: Emma Heatherington

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Harper Collins

Publication Date: 6th September 2019

Rating: 5 Stars

A stunning Christmas romance for fans of One Day in December and Jojo Moyes

From the moment they meet one December day there’s something between Charlotte Taylor and her brother’s best friend, Tom Farley. But Tom’s already taken and Charlie has to let him go…

It’s another five years before their paths cross again only a secret from the past forces Charlie to make a choice. She promises herself she’ll never look back…

The years pass and Charlie moves on with her life but she can never forget Tom. He’s always there whispering ‘What if?’.

Can Charlie leave the life she has built for one last chance with Tom?  Or is the one that got away not really the one at all…?

Beautifully written novel that has completely got under my skin and almost had me in tears on public transport! 

The book is so brilliant that pretty much anything I say wouldn't be able to do it justice.  

I'm trying to put into words what the story is about, but can't quite finish any sentence, so here are some rambling thoughts instead

 - How do you know who your true love is?  
- Should family loyalty and guilt towards your brother mean you give up on your true love?
 - Can you really be happy potentially living a lie, or will you learn what the true meaning of love is?
- Just how frustrating is that voice that says What If?
 - How well do you know someone no matter the connection you feel?

Well all of these questions and a whole lot more are certainly answered in this book.   

Charlotte's brother's story was the most touching of all and I really did have a lump in my throat a few times when we see what he is dealing with. 

This is a novel spanning many years, often in short-ish snippets as time progresses, which is a great way of seeing how life is going for our key characters.  

I absolutely love Emma Heatherington's writing style, it really gripped me and I was completely oblivious on my way to and from Birmingham on the train.  The book flowed so so well and I clearly felt a lot for all the characters. Someone more emotional than me probably would have had many tears at various key points. 

A truly wonderful book to warm your heart this winter, and keep your eye out for a Christmas Miracle too! 

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

Book Review - The Cornish Cream Tea Bus by Cressida McLaughlin - #HolidayReading Madeira

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Title: The Cornish Cream Tea Bus

Author: Cressida McLaughlin

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Harper Collins

Publication Date: 8th August 2019

Rating: 5 Stars

Baking fanatic, Charlie Quilter, inherits a vintage bus in her late uncle’s will and is keen to give it a new lease of life. Charlie thinks it will be the perfect mobile café for afternoon tea, so she heads to the picturesque Cornish village of Porthgolow, hoping for a new start. However, Daniel Harper, the owner of the posh spa up on the hill isn’t very pleased that her bus is parked outside his lovely hotel. Has Charlie’s Cornish dream developed a soggy bottom? Or can she convince Daniel that her bus could take them somewhere wonderful?

Make sure you have snacks by your side while you are reading this book, I failed to guess how hungry it may make me, and was rather frustrated reading it when the bar next to me had closed, so I couldn't get ice-cream and the other bar was clearly preparing a barbecue.   I definitely had food on the brain while reading the first two parts of this. 

That aside, OK, I do have a craving for a cream tea, haven't had Cornish clotted cream for yonks, this is a fabulous story, and I love all of it. 

Originally published in 4 parts, I read this lovely combined version, so was able to read it all in one go, but it felt as though each part could easily be read as a standalone,,, but why would you only want to read 25% of a great book?

I loved reading Charlie's story, discovering just how a Cornish Cream Tea bus make work.  i loved her ideas for rejuvenating picturesque Porthgolow. 

Getting to meet all the villagers, was entertaining, and young Jonah quickly earned a place in my heart. 

So many stand out moments, I adored every second of this book, 

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

Book Review - A Thousand Roads Home by Carmel Harrington - #HolidayReading Madeira

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Title:  A Thousand Roads Home

Author: Carmel Harrington

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: HarperCollins

Publication Date: 18th October 2018

Rating: 5 Stars

Meet Tom. Or Dr O’Grady, as he used to be called. When you pass him on the street, most people don’t even give him a second glance. You see, Tom isn’t living his best life. Burdened by grief, he’s only got his loyal dog, Bette Davis, for company and a rucksack containing his whole world.

Then there’s Ruth and her son, DJ, who no longer have a place to call home.
But Ruth believes that you can change the world by helping one person at a time – and Tom needs her help…

Wow, at utterly absorbing story that towards the end almost had me in tears.

I loved discovering both Tom and Ruth;s stories and seeing how the converged. 

I really felt for Ruth as at times it felt like the whole world was against her, and as you get to know her more intimately, you see what a wonderful but misunderstood person she really is. 

For attraction to Tom's story was to see if my suspicions as to why he was living the way he was, were correct, and also to see just how his story would connect to Ruth's. 

The subject matter and themes dealt with in the book are tough, proper issues, which have been written about in Carmel Harrington's normal, realistic style that draws you in and makes you really feel for her characters. 

It did take me a bit of time to get used to, especially the way Ruth spoke, but once I was on-board with what was happening, I was completely hooked and couldn't put the book down.   

It's another cracking book from an author that I love.  

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

Book Review - Seven Days by Alex Lake

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Title: Seven Days

Author: Alex Lake

Format reviewed: Paperback

Source: Felicity Denham at Harper Collins

Publisher: Harper Collins

Publication Date: 10th October 2019

Rating: 5 Stars

A race against time to save her child…

In seven days, Maggie’s son, Max, turns three. But she’s not planning a party or buying presents or updating his baby book. She’s dreading it. Because in her world, third birthdays are the days on which the unthinkable happens… she loses her child.

For the last twelve years Maggie has been imprisoned in a basement. Abducted aged fifteen, she gave birth to two sons before Max, and on their third birthdays her captor came and took them from her.

She cannot let it happen again. But she has no idea how to stop it. And the clock is ticking…

OMG - WOW!!! I have no other words...

.... go buy and read this book now, it is that AMAZING!

I've literally just sat in my garden for two hours and have devoured every last word of this book - there is great amounts of tension and the question that keeps driving the story forward is, will Maggie be able to save her son in 7 days time, and if so how. 

She was kidnapped and imprisoned 12 years before that and the man who took her, has fathered three children with her, and each one was taken away on their third birthday, never to be seen again.  Maggie is determined that it won't happen again this time, but equally she has no idea just what will work as she has tried to escape over the years. 

From the readers point of view we see the present day situation with Maggie, in addition to sections from her family members and police, all in incredibly short and more-ish chapters.   All the time lines are introduced clearly so you always know where you are in the story and who the current focus is on. 

I think the very short chapters work really well in this book as they create as sense of urgency, and I wouldn't  have been able to put this book down if you had asked. 

I've read most of Alex Lake's books and without a doubt this is an author who started off with fabulous books and is improving and writing even better, more addictive stories each time. This must be her best yet. 

From our viewpoint, we knew how had taken Maggie, but I just couldn't quite reach inside the pages and tell the police what was going on.  

Maggie's experiences are horrifying, I would hate to ever be in a similar situation but we also see how her being missing has affected the entire family.  

Simply put this is one fantabulous book, which hooked me in really quickly, from the prologue and didn't let me go until the last page. 

Thank you to Felicity Denham for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily. 

Book Review - How To Build a Boyfriend from Scratch by Sarah Archer

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Title: How To Build A Boyfriend From Scratch

Author: Sarah Archer

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Publisher supplied copy

Publisher: Harper Collins

Publication Date: 2nd July 2019

Rating: 5 Stars

Dating is hard. Being dateless at your perfect sister's wedding is harder.

Meet Kelly. A brilliant but socially awkward robotics engineer desperately seeking a wedding date…

Meet Ethan. Intelligent, gorgeous, brings out the confidence Kelly didn’t know she had and … not technically human. (But no one needs to know that.)

With her sister’s wedding looming and everyone in the world on her case about being perpetually single, Kelly decides to take her love life into her own hands – and use her genius skills to create Ethan.

But when she can’t resist keeping her new boy toy around even after the ‘I do’s’, Kelly knows she needs to hit the off switch on this romance, fast. Only, when you’ve found (well, made) your perfect man, how do you kiss him goodbye?

Easily the most original book I've read in years.  Whenever I wasn't reading this my mind was on the story, and Ethan, and frankly wondering if Kelly wouldn't mind producing me a boyfriend this amazing. 

For Kelly, who works in robotics and artificial intelligence, and while struggling on producing the human aspects of her care giver robot - and being driven mad with the pressure her family is putting on her, to get a plus one for her sister's wedding,  takes the impulsive decision to build herself a boyfriend. 

That's right Ethan is a robot, so life like that he really did feel practically real. The technology in the book was enough to satisfy my inner geek, and I'm not sure how far these advances are to becoming a reality, the thought that robots can teach themselves and start being sentient is rather impressive. 

In terms of what Kelly is trying to achieve with her Comfibot, all I could liken it to was a more human, realistic version of Baymax, from Disney's Big Hero 6 film.  And what Ethan is is almost another level too. 

This is a relationship that fools everyone, and even has Kelly forgetting at times, and it was all rather intriguing, but it's what follows, from what should have been Ethan's turning off date, after Clara's wedding, that is where this book kicks things up a gear. 

And wow I didn't see that ending happen, or pretty much any of it.   The book was tricky to predict, had me utterly enchanted and I just wanted to know more at all times. 

In amongst it all we see how Kelly's personality starts to change, how she gains confidence from her relationship with Ethan, to how she interacts with colleagues and family. Her family drove me nuts, and it was great seeing so many sides to our main character.  

This is a comedy with a difference, and I think it would make a wonderful film.  I really want the technology in real life to get to the stage that I could have my own robot boyfriend, they seem so much better than humans!!   

A truly refreshing and unique story that I absolutely adored and couldn't get enough of.  

Thank you to Rebecca Bryant at Harper Collins for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily. 

Book Review - The Dead Wife by Sue Fortin

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Title: The Dead Wife

Author: Sue Fortin

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Author supplied copy

Publisher: HarperCollins

Publication Date: 12th July 2019

Rating: 5 Stars

SINCLAIR WIFE DEAD!  HUSBAND CLEARED! 

Police have ruled out suspicious circumstances in the investigation into the death of Elizabeth Sinclair, wife of charismatic entrepreneur Harry Sinclair, found drowned in the lake of the family’s holiday park.

It’s been two years since the Sinclair case closed but when reporter Steph Durham receives a tipoff that could give her the scoop of the year, she’s drawn deeper and deeper into the secretive Sinclair family.

Elizabeth’s death wasn’t a tragic accident. And the truth will come at a deadly price…

Well that has completely fried my mind. was not expecting any of that finale, and the whole book was brilliant. 

I had a wonderful sense of unease the whole time of reading this, it was obvious that something wasn't quite right with the Sinclair family, but whether or not the truth would ever be discovered is another matter. 

2 years ago, Harry Sinclair's wife died, with the police ruling it as an accident. It has never sat well with Elizabeth's mother, Sonia, and she is determined to seek justice for her daughter. 

So when Steph, a travel reviewer is asked up to Conmera where it all happened to cover the relaunch, Sonia gets in touch and asks Steph to see if she can discover anything while she is there. 

There are two main viewpoints in this book, the present day story involving Steph and also Elizabeth's movements 2 years ago which may have led to her untimely death. 

There is a rather claustrophobic feel to this book, despite the fact that Conmera is a holiday resort specialising in outdoor pursuits and a fair amount of the book is set outside.  Although the fact that Elizabeth was drowned may have something to do with that feeling. 

This is some very clever writing, it keeps you hooked on the story and guessing the whole way through.  Although I had half an inkling as to the outcome I changed my mind a million times, and frankly it could have easily had something to do with at least 4 different people, possibly more!  

I was completely engrossed in the story and couldn't wait to keep picking i back up to read more. It is a very cleverly plotted book and I greatly enjoyed reading it. 

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

Book Review - A Postcard From Italy by Alex Brown - Blog Tour

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Title: A Postcard From Italy

Author: Alex Brown

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Harper Collins

Publication Date: 11th July 2019

Rating: 5 Stars 

Grace Quinn loves her job at Cohen’s Convenient Storage Company, finding occasional treasure in the forgotten units that customers have abandoned. Her inquisitive nature is piqued when a valuable art collection and a bundle of letters and diaries are found that date back to the 1930’s.

Delving deeper, Grace uncovers the story of a young English woman, Connie Levine, who follows her heart to Italy at the end of the Second World war. The contents also offer up the hope of a new beginning for Grace, battling a broken heart and caring for her controlling mother.

Embarking on her own voyage of discovery, Grace’s search takes her to a powder pink villa on the cliff tops overlooking the Italian Riviera, but will she unravel the family secrets and betrayals that Connie tried so hard to overcome, and find love for herself?

Where on earth do I start in telling you about this marvellous book? 

Would it be with the mystery element, of just why such valuable things had been left in a storage locker, and is there anyone to return them to? 

The mystery of what happened to Constance in her life, as told from snippets of diaries in the WW2 and post WW2 years? Despite my general dislike of history I was captivated by these sections and very glad I had hadn't walked away from the prologue set in 1939, even with its brief mention of Tindledale, and had faith that Alex Brown would deliver a book that I would enjoy. 

Should we start with Grace? The girl who uncovers not only the storage locker but delves deeper into it all with the help of her employees and their nephew. 

Or the more personal side of Grace? The way she cares for her housebound mother, who I don't think it's ever too clear precisely what is wrong with her.  In fact for me this is the thread that I unfortunately identified with the most.   Although I'm not a carer, my mum is disable and I fear she has some of the tendncies that Cora, Grace's mum shows.   Not just with regard to her mobility,  but both mine and Grace's mums are complete and utter control freaks. 

So much of what Grace was saying to people I found myself nodding in recognition and some explanations that were made about the behaviour, were cutting so close to the bone, I could have ended up in tears... but thankfully I was reading in a restaurant .  Funnily enough though mum is a huge fan of Alex Brown too, and I bet when she reads this she won't see a single similarity with herself, but perhaps the controlling aspects of her own parents... but doubt it will have any affect on her alas. 

Or do I start by telling you about how the adventure kicks up a gear once Italy is involved, and just how amazing the week Grace and Ellis spend is there.  Full of tasty food, some amateur detecting and the spark of something perhaps a bit more than Grace realises.  

But no where I should start is with telling you simply that this is a gem of a book, its writing is utterly captivating, its very easy to read, and its just a triumph of a book.  It has you thinking, I was completely amazed by the epilogue which words shouldn't describe as it would give away all the secrets.  This is romance, mystery and women's fiction wrapped up in a wonderful dollop of goodness... and there is even a brief cameo of Tindledale, in the past, home of some of the authors previous books. 

Or in short.. this is completely wonderful, whether you are new to the author or a fan, it is completely and utterly worth reading. 

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

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Book Review - Why Mummy Drinks by Gill Sims - #HolidayReading Thailand

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Title: Why Mummy Drinks

Author: Gill Sims

Format reviewed: Paperback 

Source: Purchased

Publisher: Harper Collins

Publication Date: 31st May 2018

Rating: 4 Stars

Tuesday 8th September
First day back at school. I am going to 100% nail being a school mummy this year. I can totally do this. Yes, this year is definitely going to be much better – I am absolutely not going to shout at the children, let them stuff their faces with crisps or goggle away on the iPad. And I most certainly will not slump on the sofa at the end of the day, glugging wine and muttering ‘FML’ repeatedly.

Unfortunately I have not yet actually managed to buy the bento boxes for their lunches or book jiu jitsu lessons, and I will have to learn to like green tea, as it is foul, and I have not yet mastered French plaits, but I am quietly confident that these are mere details in my grand master plan…

It is Mummy’s 39th birthday. She is staring down the barrel of a future of people asking if she wants to come to their advanced yoga classes, and polite book clubs where everyone claims to be tiddly after a glass of Pinot Grigio and says things like ‘Oooh gosh, are you having another glass?’

But Mummy does not want to go quietly into that good night of women with sensible haircuts who ‘live for their children’ and stand in the playground trying to trump each other with their offspring’s extracurricular activities and achievements, and boasting about their latest holidays.

Instead, she clutches a large glass of wine, muttering ‘FML’ over and over again. Until she remembers the gem of an idea she’s had…

Despite not being a mother myself, I can't help but feel that parents everywhere will identify with Ellen, and her thoughts on parenthood. 

Written as a sort of diary / in date sections over the course of a school year, you see how Ellen dreams of having the perfect family, with incredibly well behaved kids, and doting husband, and then you are shown the hilarious reality of her situation, 

Not only do we see Ellen's family but we also see snapshots in detail of two other vastly different parenting styles, from Ellen's sister Jessica, and sister-in-law Louise. Which makes for an unforgettable experience, 

At times Ellen is quite whiny, other times she is making fairly accurate observations, what I do know is she has over the course of the book got under my skin and I am now eager to read the next book in the series. 

For me not the quickest of reads, but after a certain point, I found I was enjoying it more and more, to the extent I was racing to finish it. 

Book Review - The Newcomer by Fern Britton

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Title: The Newcomer

Author: Fern Britton

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Harper Collins

Publication Date: 7th March 2019

Rating: 4 Stars

It’s springtime in the Cornish village of Pendruggan and as the community comes together to say a fond farewell to parish vicar, Simon, and his wife, Penny, a newcomer causes quite a stir…

Reverand Angela Whitehorn came to Cornwall to make a difference. With her husband, Robert, by her side, she sets about making changes – but it seems not everyone is happy for her to shake things up in the small parish, and soon Angela starts to receive anonymous poison pen letters.

Angela has always been one to fight back, and she has already brought a fresh wind into the village, supporting her female parishioners through good times and bad. But as the letters get increasingly more personal, Angela learns that the secrets are closer to home.

With faith and friends by your side, even the most unlikely of new beginnings is possible.

It was lovely to be back in Fern Britton's Cornwall, and more specifically Pendruggan, in amongst some very familiar faces.  

However there is one main difference, Simon and Penny have gone off to Brazil for a year, and so there is a new vicar in the village - Angela and her family. 

Angela brings some fabulous new ideas to the village but not everyone seems as keen to have her there. Plus she has a gorgeous husband and is worried that his eye may be straining. Add in their teenage daughter who has also agreed to support her mum, in her first parish and we have a lovely family.  Plus Auntie Mamie, whose stories about her past are always entertaining.. possibly embellished too but amusing! 

There is plenty of variety with the plot points, and assorted sub plots to get your teeth into, and all manner of fun and antics to be discovered.  I loved reconnecting with familiar faces especially Helen, Piran and Queenie - I just wish that there had been chapters showcasing Simon and Penny's new life if Brazil. 

Although the book predominately features a vicar in the vicarage there really wasn't much religion in this at all which I'm greatly relieved by. What I did notice though was the occasional mention of a hymn, some of which I then had in my head, having recalled either the tune or some of the words from my school days.  These are tunes I've not heard in 17 years or more but yet, seeing the name of some of them, especially "To Be A Pilgrim" brought back memories of assemblies from any years ago. 

I keep mentioning the familiar but I should say this can definitely be read as a standalone, it really is a whole new story, which new characters and focal points. 

I really enjoyed reading The Newcomer, and it was interesting to see how a new family would be received into this normally very welcoming little village.  

I just hope this isn't the last we have seen of Pendruggan as I really am fond of the location. 

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

Book Review - I Heart Hawaii by Lindsey Kelk

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Title: I Heart Hawaii

Author: Lindsey Kelk

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Harper Collins

Publication Date: 30th May 2019

Rating: 5 Stars

When Angela Clark’s best friend Jenny invites her to join a press trip to Hawaii, three days of sun, sea and sleep sounds like the perfect antidote to her crazed life.

At work in New York, she’s supposed to be the face of Having It All. But the only thing Angela feels she excels at is hiding in the printer cupboard, eating Mini Cheddars and watching Netflix on her phone and if this is living the dream, she's more than ready to wake up.

A few days away with Jenny sounds like exactly what she needs but Angela’s talent for getting into a scrape guarantees nothing goes to plan – and not even the most beautiful beaches, blue skies and daiquiris will get her off the hook…

Well if you have to end a much loved series, I can't think of a more perfect way for it to end.  Although I feel like I've been through the wringer emotionally with this book, as there is to my mind are rather ominous prologue, where I was fearing bad things. 

Thankfully my ability to predict what is going to happen in a book is rubbish as always,  and I loved every single second of the book.  

It was wonderful to be back with Angela and the gang, although I'm utterly bereft that we won't be getting another I Heart book.   This is just as much fun if not more so than all the others in the series, and easily a new favourite of mine. 

If you are a mega fan of Lindsey's you will spot other characters from her other series popping up, as well as the whole venue in Hawaii being incredibly familiar.  The second I started reading and Jenny was talking about the Hawaii trip my mind was thinking I'm sure I've read about the state in another of Lindsey's books, so delighted to see there was a link up. 

I even had to smile when I noticed in passing the name of a character who has had a series around him,  from another author mentioned.  As fans of both authors things like that always make me grin! 

This is Angela at her best, she is trying to cope with motherhood, is going back  to work, has approaches about joining a top mothering group, there is a talk of a big deal for her professionally - and yet she still has time for a 5 day press junket to Hawaii with assorted friends. 

When you put Angela Clark, Jenny Lopez, Louisa, James and Eva together on a tropical island, expect fireworks, and hilarity to ensue.   The scene with the horses is fabulous,  there is late night swimming, there is so so much fun to be had, as well as some more serious conversations between friends.  

I loved seeing how Alex was with Alice, he really is the best husband you can get in fiction, and a superstar to boot. 

From the second this book dropped onto my kindle, I knew I had to drop everything and just read it.  Lindsey Kelk is always a favourite author, and I would love to wax lyrical about the whole book for hours, but I fear boring you - plus I'd rather you go out and read it yourself. 

I have no idea if its readable as a standalone, I was far too engrossed in reading it, and being back amongst old friends, to even give it a second thought, plus all 8 books in the series are equally fabulous - so if you haven't read I Heart New York, go back to the beginning of the series, and lose yourself in truly entertaining stories. 

Excellent writing, fabulous humour, and everything you have come to expect from a book in this series,  I couldn't love this book if I tried. Well apart from when I remember that its the end of the series and then I just get upset.   

I truly truly hope this isn't really the last we see of these characters,  I'll settle for cameos in future books just to know they are all ok, and getting on with things.

Regardless if you love your romantic comedies, want to dream of going to Hawaii, or just generally want a wonderfully easy to read and incredibly entertaining story, you can't go far wrong with this one. 

But please.... Lindsey Kelk, can we have some more! 

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