Book Review - Foxglove Farm by Christie Barlow

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Title: Foxglove Farm

Author: Christie Barlow

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Harper Impulse

Publication Date: 28th June 2019

Rating: 5 Stars

Return to Love Heart Lane for friendship, romance and a community who will be be there for you no matter what…

Isla and Drew Allaway appear to have the perfect life – a strong marriage, two beautiful children and their picture-perfect home, Foxglove Farm.

But, new mum Isla is struggling.  She loves her little family but with Drew working all hours on the farm, Isla’s lonely.

When she discovers that Drew has been keeping secrets from her, Isla has to face losing the home they all love.

Can the Love Heart Lane community pull together once more to help save Foxglove Farm?  And can Isla save her home…and her marriage?

I didn't think anything was going to be able top Love Heart Lane in my Christie Barlow greatest hits list.. but it feels like Foxglove Farm has done exactly that. 

It was wonderful being back in Heartcross amongst familiar faces, and although Felicity and Fergus are present, this time the focus of the book is on Felicity's best friend Isla and Drew.  They live on Foxglove Farm and based on the arguments we are greeted with, things aren't going too well. 

However it takes a while for the reader and Isla to get to the root of Drew's bad mood with her, and all manner of circumstances and drama leads up to that point.  

This can easily be read as a standalone book although that would be depriving yourself of another fabulous book, 

From the first few pages I was utterly hooked, and given the majority of this book I read on tube journeys, the fact I managed to get off at the right stops is a mystery to me, as I have no recollection of even moving, I was that engrossed in the story. 

If you are looking for a book that features a lot of drama, a heartwarming and cosy feeling to it, with some big issues touched upon, all with fabulous writing, great location, small town community feeling and some humour, then without a doubt, give this book a try. 

This is a community of characters that has completely got under my skin and I'm already looking forward to Clover Cottage.   What I especially loved about this book was that it was about a married couple who needed to start trusting in each other more, and to not have secrets, rather than a brand new romance.  It just added a fresh vibe to the story. 

I'm not sure I can really explain just how much enjoyment and pleasure this book brought to me. I will admit I had suspicions about one character that proved completely correct, but even guessing part of one bit of plot couldn't detract from the sheer joy of reading more about Heartcross. 

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

Book Review - The Secret Cove in Croatia by Julie Caplin

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Title: The Secret Cove in Croatia

Author: Julie Caplin

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Harper Impulse

Publication Date: 19th July 2019

Rating: 5 Stars

Sail away to beautiful Croatia for summer sun, sparkling turquoise seas and a will-they-won’t-they romance you won’t be able to put down!

When no-nonsense, down-to-earth Maddie Wilcox is offered the chance to work on a luxury yacht for the summer, she can’t say no. Yes she’ll be waiting on the posh guests… But island-hopping around the Adriatic sea will more than make up for it – especially when Nick, her best friend Nina’s brother, is one of them.

Sparks fly when they meet on board and Maddie can’t believe self-entitled jerk Nick is really related to Nina. But in a secret, picture-perfect cove, away from the real world, Maddie and Nick discover they might have more in common than they realise…

I've only ever spent a small amount of time in Croatia, when stopping there on cruises but I've seen enough to know how spot on Julie Caplin is with her descriptions of the country. It really is as stunning in real life as it is in this book,  and if you don't fall in love with the place from this wonderful story the I'll be shocked. 

This may be the fifth book in the romantic escape series but it easily standalone. Maddie and Nick did feature a bit in The Little Paris Patisserie but if you haven't read it,  you can still easily follow this story, as they were never main characters, nor have they met each other before boarding this luxury yacht. 

You really do get to see how the other half live, with just who is on board this Croatian Gulet, you have a group of rich people, plus Nick who somehow has lucked into being supermodel Tara's boyfriend. 

To say that Nick, a sheep farmer, and a supermodel is an unlikely match would be an understatement, and their interactions amuse and frustrate me equally. 

There were a good few characters I would have loved to smack, they were rich,  self obsessed and treated Maddie appallingly, given she is working as crew on this trip. Nick and Maddie are both incredibly down to earth and do great banter.  Of the others on the boat trip, I really liked Siri and Douglas seemed genuine too, if a bit henpecked.

The encounter with the people on board a yacht had me gasping at one point and laughing a few mins later, it was fabulous, if a bit hair raising in the build up! 

I really did love soaking up every moment of this sun filled read. There is a clear connection between our leads  but for various reasons it was never going to be as simple as it may sound. Everything to do with Croatian food and scenery was so vivid it was like you were there. 

Julie Caplin has yet again written a wonderful romance set to a stunning backdrop that draws you into the story and just wont let you go. I just wish I'd been on their holiday too! 

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

Book Review - Edie Browne's Cottage By The Sea by Jane Linfoot

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Title: Edie Browne's Cottage By The Sea

Author: Jane Linfoot

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Harper Impulse

Publication Date: 24th May 2019

Rating: 5 Stars

Those who don’t jump will never fly…

Hurtling through the sky was supposed to be Edie Browne’s flight of independence. But when she falls head over champagne bucket while celebrating her successful landing, her life is changed in an instant. 

But starting over has its benefits, and as Edie relearns the basics under the watchful eye of her Aunty Josie and an entire Cornish village of new friends and neighbours, she finds love and joy she never could have imagined in the unlikeliest of places… 

Come home to St Aidan and Periwinkle Cottage for a romance full of love, laughter and friends for life!

I've been a fan of Jane Linfoot's books for years, so always excited to read a new one by her, and seeing this one was set in St Aidan home to some fabulous books by Jane, I was keen to see what this new story brought. 

And yet I couldn't have been more surprised by it if I tried, as it really did feel slightly different to the authors normal work, while still having at its heart all the elements of a fabulous Jane Linfoot book. 

Every chapter starts with Edie Browne's latest epic achievement, now these achievements may surprise you, as given what Edie has been through, and how she currently is, what are epic things for her, may just be small fry to you. 

It's Edie's journey over the course of the year since she did a sky dive to celebrate life being successful, and what happens shortly afterwards that changes her life completely.  Now if like me you have read many books in the genre, you will have a pretty strong idea of how the book is likely to end up. 

But its getting there that makes the story so special.  It really is quite eye opening in a way, and its Edie's friendship with 6 year old Cam that really makes the book, plus the  continual denial of her even thinking she feels anything for a certain good looking man, who always seems to be about. 

Edie is trying her best to get Auntie Josie back out into the world, and meeting people in St. Aidan, which leads to some wonderful antics at assorted classes.  There is masses of depth in this book, the characters are all really well developed, , some of the back stories are very emotional. 

In fact there was an occasional lump in my throat while reading this, but mostly its full of laughter, and a great heart warming feeling.  

I really don't want to say much more, as I went in blind, i don't think I even read the blurb properly, and thoroughly enjoyed reading the book, so especially if you are already a fan of the author, just read the book, you won't be disappointed. 

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

Book Review - The Wedding Planner by Eve Devon

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Title: The Wedding Planner

Author: Eve Devon

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Harper Impulse

Publication Date: 3rd May 2019

Rating: 4 Stars

Wedding bells are ringing and gossip is spiralling in Whispers Wood…

Single mum Gloria Pavey has a bad habit of saying exactly the wrong thing at the wrong time. Determined to make a positive change she can’t say no when her best friend, Emma, asks her to take on the role of her wedding planner. The only problem? Gloria’s co-planner – best man Seth Knightley.

Gloria is on a self-imposed man ban but pulling together the most beautiful wedding Whispers Wood has ever seen alongside gorgeous Seth is pushing her to her limits. As every interaction increases the tension between them Gloria finds herself wondering…could the happy ever after she never thought she’d have be in her future after all?

It was such a delight to be back in Whispers Wood, after what felt like a long gap between the releases of books 2 and 3. 

Really didn't take long to feel back at home amongst the characters, especially with the very handy character list as the start of the book - great for those new to the series, to get to know a small bit about the key players before you start - and for a returner to the series, a nice handy reminder, with enough of a hint that had me remembering. 

 This time our main character is Gloria, who we saw quite a bit of in book 2 if I recall correctly, and she was rather unlikable then, however she is on a journey to stop being a complete bitch and to embrace her own happiness, which means I really started to warm to her. 

Although she absolutely hates romance and weddings, can't see any more of that in her future, and the last thing she wants is to be named a bridesmaid at Emma's wedding, much less be in charge of wedding planning with Seth.   That is Seth, younger brother to the groom, and man that Gloria has struck up a friendship with - but is denying her true feelings for. 

It was great to catch up with Oscar, Emma, Jake, Juliet and Kate and everyone involved in the Clock Tower, and in Whispers Wood.   I'm loving how this friendship group of ladies is growing, and how Gloria fitted into it. 

I also loved Persephone, Gloria's daughter, and just how concerned she clearly is about her mum, and the purity of mother and daughter love that is inspiring Gloria to change for the better. 

I was completely and utterly in love with Seth, he is sexy,  and just wonderful, he couldn't put a foot wrong as far as I was concerned.  Certainly my latest book boyfriend, long before any romance develops in the book. 

Another lovely addition to this story, I just hope the next book doesn't take so long to appear, as I really want more!! 

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

Book Review - The Northern Lights Lodge by Julie Caplin - #HolidayReading Thailand

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Title: The Northern Lights Lodge

Author: Julie Caplin

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Harper Impulse

Publication Date: 16th May 2019

Rating: 5 Stars

Escape to the cosiest little lodge in Iceland for love, log fires and the Northern Lights…

With a shattered heart and her career completely in tatters, Lucy needs to get away from her life in the UK. But, when she takes a job as hotel manager of the Northern Lights Lodge, she doesn’t quite expect to find herself in a land of bubbling hot springs and snowflake-dusted glaciers – and in the company of gorgeous Scottish barman, Alex.

Determined to turn her life around, Lucy sets about making the lodge the number one romantic destination in Iceland – even though romance is the last thing she wants. However, as Alex and Lucy grow closer under the dancing lights of the aurora, Lucy might just learn how to fall in love again…

I feel like I had been waiting forever for this book to finally be available, but wow it was worth the wait. 

It is another excellent story from the always talented Julie Caplin, and its a story that is set in Iceland. 

Makes a change to read something light hearted set in Iceland, instead of a noir book, and this is set outside Reyjavik, in a small hotel that offers Northern Light chasing trips. 

This lodge also offers a lifeline to Lucy, who is struggling to get a new job after a rather unfortunate incident led to her getting sacked in her previous one.

I loved not only seeing how Lucy was able to adapt to life in Iceland, but the few excursions she did and learning the culture and customs of this proud Scandinavian country. 

This is fabulous poolside reading, especially if you need cooling down, it didn't really make me much colder but the humidity in Thailand is hard to counter act, even when reading about winter temperatures in Iceland.

I loved every moment of this wonderful book, and I'm already looking forward to Julie Caplins' next book. 

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

Book Review - Bridesmaids by Zara Stoneley

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Title: Bridesmaids

Author: Zara Stoneley

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Harper Impulse

Publication Date: 26th April 2019

Rating: 5 Stars

Meet Rachel, the beautiful bride with BIG plans for the perfect day! The venue is a castle and the dress is designer.  It’s just a shame her husband is a rat.

Maddie and Sally have only one thing in common – they both love the same man!

Beth is a newly single mum with a mystery baby daddy.  Surely the father isn’t someone the girls all know?

And then there’s Jane, the glue holding them all together, but being dumped doesn’t make her the happiest bridesmaid…especially with gorgeous flatmate Freddie complicating things.

Will the bride say, ‘I Do!’?  Or will her bridesmaids save the day…and find love along the way?    

The most hilarious, feel-good rom com of the year!

Completely hilarious and if you love characters that put 2 and 2 together and come up with fifty, then you will love Jane. 

The whole book is told from Jane's point of view, and after being dumped on her hen night, isn't that keen on weddings any more, so its rather tricky when best friend Rachel announces she is getting married.  Even more awkward when Jane knows a secret about groom Michael and has no idea what to do with it. 

Then there are the other bridesmaids /  close friends who Jane hasn't seen in years but Rachel keeps up with.   There is Sally who married Maddie's ex-boyfriend Jack, and well Maddie isn't as ok with it as everyone seems to think. 

Finally there is Beth, who is single mum to baby Joe, responsible for an amusingly disgusting instance in the dress shop, and Beth is definitely hiding things too, like just who the father is. 

Set in three parts, where we meed the bridesmaids,  the hen party and then the wedding, this is one of the most amusing books I've read this year.  If there are cross purposes to be had, then Jane is your woman. 

And in amongst Jane trying to make sure the wedding goes without a hitch, despite her misgivings and tension in the bridesmaids ranks - she is just coming to the realisation of what she feels for a couple of key men from her life. 

Bridesmaids has a wonderful feel to it, and I could easily see it as a film (although in some respects it feels a bit like elements from the film of the same name, but completely and utterly different too).  Or maybe it should be a sitcom, there is definitely enough humour, romance and conflict in this for a TV series! 

Another incredibly enjoyable and entertaining book from one of my favourite authors, Bridesmaids is triumph! 

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

Book Review - A Wedding at the Comfort Food Café by Debbie Johnson - #HolidayReading Thailand

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Title: A Wedding at the Comfort Food Café

Author: Debbie Johnson

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Harper Impulse

Publication Date: 7th March 2019

Rating: 5 Stars

Return to the Comfort Food Cafe for the wedding of the year!
Wedding bells ring out in Budbury as the Comfort Food Café and its cosy community of regulars are gearing up for a big celebration…

But Auburn Longville doesn’t have time for that! Between caring for her poorly mum, moving in with her sister and running the local pharmacy, life is busy enough – and it’s about to get busier. Chaos arrives in the form of a figure from her past putting her quaint village life and new relationship with gorgeous Finn Jensen in jeopardy. It’s time for Auburn to face up to some life changing decisions.

Settle in for a slice of wedding cake at the Comfort Food Café – a place where friendships are made for life and nobody ever wants to leave.

I can't believe after 6 amazing books we finally have to say goodbye to Budbury, and The Comfort Food Cafe.  I adore this series, but understand good things apparently must come to an end. 

So not only do we finally get Auburn;s story, we get to see Laura and Matt's story resolve itself. 

And what a story it is, with a massive secrete from Aubern's past being revealed. 

I loved meeting up with all the Comfort food regulars, and seeing the latest instalments in their lives. 

This was just a great feel good, massive celebration of a book, with a Wedding thrown in for good measure, and fabulous wedding it was too. 

I loved every second of this book. 

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

Book Review - Probably The Best Kiss in The World by Pernille Hughes

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Title: Probably The Best Kiss in the World

Author: Pernille Hughes

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Harper Impulse

Publication Date: 12th April 2019

Rating: 5 Stars

Jen Attison likes her life Just So. But being fished out of a canal in Copenhagen by her knickers is definitely NOT on her to do list.

From cinnamon swirls to a spontaneous night of laughter and fireworks, Jen’s city break with the girls takes a turn for the unexpected because of her gorgeous, mystery rescuer.

Back home, Jen faces a choice. A surprise proposal from her boyfriend, ‘boring’ Robert has offered Jen the safety net she always thought she wanted. But with the memories of her Danish adventure proving hard to forget, maybe it’s time for Jen to stop listening to her head and start following her heart…

I have to agree with the title, that almost certainly was Probably The Best Kiss in the World for Jen, after all she has been in a relationship for most of her adult life with a man that doesn't give her any excitement or passion. 

So when she finds there is even some attraction to the Danish hunk that fishes her out of a canal, which she fell into saving her mobile phone, her life goes a bit into free-fall. 

Jen loves control and to do lists, she has every second of a day mapped out, and hates the unexpected, so for her meeting Jakub isn't exactly in her life plan. After all she has a boyfriend, who she could be engaged to - but it is when she can't bring herself to start lists on her new wedding app, that the reader gets an inkling things aren't quite right. 

What I loved about Jen was her true passion, which is for craft beer, and you get to know a fair bit about it. I don't think I've read a book where craft beer and brewing plays such a large part before, but it was incredibly welcome. 

However as much as I enjoyed reading about Jen, it was the insights into her sister Lydia that added another dimension to this story.   Without giving anything away I will say that Lydia is an inspiration, and the tragic happening in the sisters past has shaped everything about their current character traits. 

From the first few pages I knew I would enjoy this,  from the funny start, to the company that Jen works for - again definitely not read a main character that is in charge or marketing incontinence pads before!  In fact Jen is just rather unique and every time I had to put the book down due to real life I did so with a smile on my face and a yearning to continue. 

This is the second book I've now read from Pernille Hughes and it is just a great as the first.   If you are looking for a wonderful rom-com, that also had a few surprises in it, then this is definitely worth a read. 

Many thanks to Harper Impulse and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily. 

Book Review - Passport to Happiness by Carrie Stone - #HolidayReading Thailand

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Title: Passport to Happiness

Author: Carrie Stone

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Harper Impulse

Publication Date: 30th May 2019

Rating: 4 Stars

Will the trip of her dreams…

Everly Carter is bored.

With her job, with her single status and with the never ending line of rubbish men on Tinder.  Tired of going through the motions of seeming happy, Everly wants to be happy!

So, in a spontaneous moment of bravery (perhaps spurred on by a few cocktails) Everly books a holiday.  Time away, alone, to find out what she really wants from life.

Become the journey of her lifetime?

Everly’s search for happiness takes her to picturesque Swiss villages and the sunsets of glamourous Bermuda.  But with every new stamp in her passport, Everly still feels as though something is missing…

Could it be that true happiness is hard to find, until she finds herself?

It seemed only fitting that I read a book with passport in the title all while on a plane somewhere exotic myself. 

Although unlike Everly I was on my Ford a holiday whereas she is on a journey of self discovery and in the pursuit of happiness. 

What I really loved about this book were the three foreign destinations,  Switzerland, Bermuda and Bali all of which were described so vibrantly that I could have been alongside Everly on her journey. 

Initially I wasn't sure what to make of it all but once I got to know the main character better and could see she wasn't as shallow as the early days in Bermuda made her seem,  I was really enjoying it. 

I loved her assorted experiences in the destinations,  while her Skype calls to her sister just frustrated me. 

This was a lovely,  relaxing story to read, perfect for whiling away a few hours of a long haul flight.  I just hope I enjoy Thailand as much as Everly enjoys her Far Eastern adventure.

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

Book Review - Sweatpants at Tiffanie's by Pernille Hughes - #HolidayReading Thailand

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Title: Sweatpants at Tiffanie’s

Author: Pernille Hughes

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Harper Impulse

Publication Date: 3rd August 2018

Rating: 5 Stars

Tiffanie Trent is not having a great week. Gavin, her boyfriend, has dumped her unceremoniously on their tenth anniversary, leaving her heartbroken and homeless.

Frank Black, the owner of Blackie’s boxing gym and where Tiff has been book-keeper for the last decade, has dropped dead. He's not having a great week either.

And if that wasn’t enough, Mike ‘The Assassin’ Fellner, boxer of international fame and Tiff’s first love, is back in town and more gorgeous than ever. Tiff can’t seem to go anywhere without bumping into his biceps.

When she discovers Blackie has left her the gym, Tiff, with her saggy trackies and supermarket trainers, is certain she’ll fail. Can Tiff step up and roll with the punches, or will she be down and out at the first round?

I can't believe I let this book slip through my fingers for so long. I have been keen to read it from the moment it was announced, and having now finally devoured it, I can see my instincts were spot on.  I loved this book. 

Tiffanie is fabulous, I can't understand why she was ever with Gavin though, the initial chapter where he's breaking up with her on their 10th Anniversary shows just what a knob he really is, and when you read it, you will see just why I think that! 

I loved that Tiffanie was unexpectedly inheriting a boxing club, despite no interest in the sport, but when you start hearing her ideas, I couldn't help but be in awe so long as she could pull them off. 

Nothing is plain sailing, there is another ex-boyfriend at centre stage, someone else who clearly has a grudge against her, a boxing trainer who is a chauvinistic pig, but thankfully Tiff has the support of her friends to boost her confidence and start to build something really special. 

There are plenty of laughs to be had in this, as well as some action, plus plenty of fitness scenes and classes which all sounded painfully fun, but I'm still not going to give them a go myself! 

I loved this fun debut novel and really looking forward already to Pernille Hughes' next book. 

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

Book Review - The Happy Home For Ladies by Lilly Bartlett - #HolidayReading Thailand

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Title: The Happy Home For Ladies

Author: Lilly Bartlett

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Harper Impulse

Publication Date: 31st August 2018

Rating: 5 Stars

Meet Phoebe, who’s 28, and Laney, Dot and Maggie, who are 68, 78, and none of your business. Together they'll prove that age doesn’t matter when it comes to friendship, belonging and an unquenchable zest for life.
A hilarious, uplifting novel about the ties of community, the strength of love and how nobody is truly ordinary.

When Framlingham’s famously all-female senior living home goes co-ed, a war between the sexes is declared.

Stuck in the middle, chef Phoebe Stockton is desperate to help her friends plot to keep the community that means so much to them. It’s become her life raft, too. She finds comfort in her beloved career that might finally make her parents proud. But Phoebe’s darling Nick is lining up on the other side of the battle, and their relationship is suffering collateral damage.

The stakes couldn’t be higher. If the home’s owner can’t improve business by moving the men in, he’ll have to evict everyone.

The women aren’t about to let that happen.

Always a joy to read a book from Lilly Bartlett and this really is no exception. 

I loved getting to know all the residents at The Happy Home for Ladies, which is care home for ladies of a certain age, and has far more of a community feel to it than some.  There are many clubs and activities daily, and it sounded like a really pleasant place to live. 

We meet Phoebe on the day of her mother;s funeral, and I instantly felt a sort of kinship with her, as her relationship with her mother isn't simple, and neither is mine, 

Phoebe is the cook at the care home, but not only that her best friend is the manager, her crush is the all around dogsbody of the place, and they are all friends to ladies that live there. 

I loved hearing about the ins and outs of the home and its various residents, there were some very interesting sub plots at play, in addition  to a few more serious ones too. 

It is a well thought out, fun book that I thoroughly enjoyed reading. 

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

Book Review - Rachel's Pudding Pantry by Caroline Roberts - Blog Tour

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Title: Rachel's Pudding Pantry

Author: Caroline Roberts

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Harper Impulse

Publication Date: 18th April 2019

Rating: 5 Stars

Primrose Farm is Rachel’s very own slice of heaven. Come rain or shine there’s always a pot of tea brewing by the Aga, the delicious aroma of freshly baked puddings, and a chorus of happy memories drifting through the kitchen.

But the farm is in a spot of trouble. As the daffodils spring, Rachel must plant the seeds of change if she wants to keep the farm afloat, and it’s all resting on a crazy plan. She’ll need one family cook book, her Mum Jill’s baking magic – and a reason to avoid her distractingly gorgeous neighbour, Tom . . .

Swapping their wellies for aprons, can Rachel and Jill bake their way into a brighter future? The proof will be in the pudding!

I clearly drawn to this book the second I saw its title, and author. Well I love the author, and when the main character shares my name, and I also love desserts, it seemed fated that I needed to read this book. 

And boy and I glad that I did.  However first a warning - don't read this on an empty stomach, make sure you have snacks to hand while you are reading, it will make you that hungry.  There are puddings in practically every chapter, which if you are anything like me could make you drool. 

From the first few chapters I was hooked, and given they were short chapters throughout, its a very easy book to fall prey to just one chapter syndrome, and find you are still reading half an hour later.   I was resenting real life while reading this, as I just wanted to get back between the pages. 

I loved all the generations of women in the Swinton family, from the lovely Granny Ruth, who Rachel visits occasionally, to Jill, Rachel's mum and pudding baker expert,  Rachel whose ideas will be key to giving Primrose Farm a chance of surviving, and Rachel's daughter, the almost 5 year old Maisie. 

I adored Maisie, she may be young, but she is adorable, smart, insightful and apparently is a good little waitress too.  She is though starting to ask Rachel about her father, and let's just say in terms of fatherhood,  Jake could be considered a "learner father". 

Then there is Tom, the neighbour who is always there for Rachel and her family.  I don't think I have a bad thing to say about the man, other than he isn't real and therefore can't be interested in me!  

Set to a farming background, especially featuring sheep, this is the story of how you can try to turn around your fortunes after a tough few years. with plenty of pudding, good friendships, and a large helping of family. 

This is such a cosy read, its a warm hearted story that I thoroughly enjoyed. It's another fabulous book from an author who by now is an auto  - must read author. 

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

Please do follow along with all these other fabulous bloggers. 

Book Review - Love Heart Lane by Christie Barlow - #HolidayReading Mexico

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Title:  Love Heart Lane

Author: Christie Barlow

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Harper Impulse

Publication Date: 21st March 2019

Rating: 5 Stars

Welcome to Love Heart Lane…

When Flick Simons returns to the small village of Heartcross she only expected to stay for a few days. The white-washed cottages of Love Heart Lane might be her home, but the place holds too many painful memories, and of one man in particular – Fergus Campbell.

When a winter storm sweeps in, the only bridge connecting the village to the main land is swept away! As the villagers pull together, Flick finds herself welcomed back by the friends she once left behind. And as the snow begins to melt, maybe there is a chance that Fergus’s heart will thaw too…

Could not put this book down. From the moment it started, I was drawn into Felicity;s life, and at the point the book moved to Heartcross, well I had to read it in one sitting, staying up to the small hours.

Definitely a book worth sacrificing sleep for!!

There is so much drama and action in Love Heart Lane, that I couldn't believe it.  

it's all about the community of Heartcross who need to come together when their small Scottish village is cut off from the rest of the world. 

It is about Felicity returning to Heartcross properly after 8 years, hoping that her friends will welcome her and wondering just what sort of reaction Fergus will give her. 

There is a whole cast of warm and lovable characters, who I can't read to more about in the rest of this series. 

I think I may be saying it with every book but Christie Barlow is getting better and better, her writing is fabulous and the way the story jumps off the page and gets under your skin is remarkable. 

What a wonderful book, that I adored every second of. 

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