Book Review - The Beauty of Broken Things by Victoria Connelly

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Title: The Beauty of Broken Things

Author: Victoria Connelly

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Lake Union Publishing

Publication Date: 9th June 2020

Rating: 5 Stars

United by tragedy, can two broken souls make each other whole?

After the tragic loss of his wife, Helen, Luke Hansard is desperate to keep her memory alive. In an effort to stay close to her, he reaches out to an online friend Helen often mentioned: a reclusive photographer with a curious interest in beautiful but broken objects. But first he must find her—and she doesn’t want to be found.

Orla Kendrick lives alone in the ruins of a remote Suffolk castle, hiding from the haunting past that has left her physically and emotionally scarred. In her fortress, she can keep a safe distance from prying eyes, surrounded by her broken treasures and insulated from the world outside.

When Luke tracks Orla down, he is determined to help her in the way Helen wanted to: by encouraging her out of her isolation and back into the world. But Orla has never seen her refuge as a prison and, when painful secrets and dangerous threats begin to resurface, Luke’s good deed is turned on its head.

As they work through their grief for Helen in very different ways, will these two broken souls be able to heal?

Such a beautifully written story, that is ultimately heartwarming and uplifting, despite the incredibly sad and upsetting things that our two main characters have been through.  But since meeting and spending time together, Orla and Luke are both perhaps just starting to heal and help each other. 

Luke's world was turned upside when his wife suddenly denied incredibly unexpectedly.  Orla lives in a castle 3 hours away from Luke, and hides herself away from the world - she is the ultimate definition of self isolation - and the only connection between Luke and Orla is a social media site. 

For Luke's wife Helen loved the Galleria site (similar to instagram), and follows Orla's account and they have formed a friendship online without even knowing each others names. Helen sensed something about Orla and wanted to help, but then her life was tragically caught short. 

Once Luke tracks down Orla, and they somehow slowly get to know each other, the story really does take on a life of its own. 

Orla's account focuses on beautiful objects that have minor imperfections, she loves being able to find and highlight the beauty in broken things, and Helen (who although we only meet her briefly is a huge character in the book),  also has started to love finding that same beauty in the imperfect. 

What I found really moving, gripping and had real empathy for, was when Orla finally explains to Luke just what happened to make her the way she currently is. I won't tell you any details but its completely understandable that she would now live her life in the shadows as a result of what she went through. 

Victoria Connelly's writing seems to go from strength to strength, and as much as I love her lighter hearted Austen Addicts and Booklovers series, this is probably her best book to date.   Absolutely loved it! 

Thank you to Lake Union Publishing and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily,. 

Book Review - Dumped, Actually by Nick Spalding - #HolidayReading Madeira

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Title: Dumped, Actually

Author: Nick Spalding

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Lake Union Publishing

Publication Date: 16th June 2019

Rating: 5 Stars

When Ollie Sweet is very publicly dumped by ‘The One’, his seemingly perfect world dissolves into misery, self-pity, and a bizarre rooftop meeting with a suicidal man in flip-flops. While most would seek out the support of loved ones at such a torrid time, natural-born journalist Ollie asks the subscribers of his website: how did they get over their failed relationships?

When Ollie follows some of their more extreme advice, chaos inevitably ensues, including accidentally exposing himself to some unsuspecting wildlife, jumping out of a perfectly serviceable aeroplane, and suffering from an extremely painful bottom, courtesy of a maniacal Scotsman.

Of course, all of this goes down a storm with his online following, and Ollie soon finds himself the centre of everyone’s attention – whether he likes it or not!

With his eclectic collection of supporters to guide him, can Ollie mend his broken heart, heal his broken bottom, and learn to find happiness again?

Without a doubt the funniest book Nick Spalding has ever written. 

Even the scene that really shouldn't have you laughing out loud, due to the serious undertones, was hilarious, with perfect comic timing. 

From the opening of the over the top proposal that goes wrong, which has many humourous bits, to everything that comes after it, time and time and again I was giggling, and occasionally probably getting strange looks from those around me. 

I tend to find this is an author whose humour is on my wave length and this was no exception. 

Whatever you think may be about to happen next, may just surprise you, as  it is so well written. 

Who knew being dumped publicly could lead to all of this fun!

Ollie Sweet is exactly that, he is sweet, he is a romantic, he's idealistic and a people pleaser and it leads him into to some wonderful situations. 

I adored every laugh filled moment of this book and recommend if to for anyone who is looking for some light hearted, fun in their life. 

Thank you to Lake Union Publishing on Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily. 

Book Review - The Things I Know by Amanda Prowse - #HolidayReading Madeira

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Amazon UK

Title: The Things I Know

Author: Amanda Prowse

Format reviewed: Ebook 

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Lake Union Publishing

Publication Date: 11th June 2019

Rating: 5 Stars

Thomasina ‘Hitch’ Waycott loves living and working on the remote family farm and B&B. But she also wants more. To see the world. To own her own home. To fall madly in love.

But those are fairy tales, and if her life is a fairy tale, then she’s the ugly duckling. Her deformed lip, her crooked limbs and her weak heart have kept her from taking chances. But that’s about to change.

When Grayson Potts comes to stay, he’s unlike anyone Thomasina has ever met. He’s aloof, eccentric and exceptionally kind. He’s also totally unconcerned with the physical flaws that have always defined Thomasina.

The two form a bond that neither has had before. It’s possible that it could become something more, but Thomasina also wonders if it’s too good to be true. By putting her heart on the line, Thomasina may open herself to heartbreak. But she may also open herself to so much more.

Once again Amanda Prowse has written a book that has reached inside my heart and got me thinking about things in a different way. 

Seeing Thomasina's story first hand, her thoughts, her dreams, and how people treat her was eye opening, but it wasn't until the introduction of Grayson, who also has his own unique challenges,  that the book really came alive for me. 

Watching as these two characters grow in confidence, as their connection deepens,  seeing how they deal with their tricky family circumstances, as inspirational. 

For anyone going through any of the same things as Thomasina or Grayson, I'm sure this is a book that would provide comfort that you are not alone. 

I was completely absorbed into this story and their lives, and am astounded once again by just how warm, compassionate, and deep Amanada Prowse's range of writing is.   

I'm so glad I held onto this to read on holiday, as it meant I was able to read this uninterrupted over the course of an afternoon poolside.   Which really is the best way to read an Amanda Prowse story! 

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

Book Review - Then I Met You by Matt Dunn - #HolidayReading Madeira

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Amazon UK

Title: Then I Met You

Author: Matt Dunn

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Lake Union Publishing

Publication Date: 6th August 2019

Rating: 5 Stars

Dream date . . . or an absolute nightmare?

Lisa’s dated a series of disastrous men; Simon’s loved and lost the girl of his dreams. She’s hoping fate might intervene in her love life; he’d prefer that it stopped meddling with his.

Today, they’re meeting, courtesy of the local paper’s ‘Blind Date’ feature – but while Lisa’s looking for that elusive ‘spark’, Simon’s sure lightning doesn’t strike twice. Will theirs be a love that’s written in the stars, or merely another mismatch written up in the Gazette?

From the bestselling author of At the Wedding comes a story of two perfect strangers who might just be perfect for each other.

Matt Dunn has an amazing knack of being able to write a full length book about a certain event or day, and be so wonderfully engaging you don't even realise until you are half way through that not huge amounts of time pass in the book. 

In this instance we follow a blind date between Simon and Lisa, who really don't hit it off initially, in fact i could't help but laugh after their first encounter!

From there were are treated to both sides of the story, with their best friends for moral support, as we see what could be described as the longest blind date in history! 

There are arguments, awkward moments, times when the pair hate each other, and we are also given insight into their past relationships to build a fuller picture. 

It is such a wonderfully engaging writing style that hooks you in, and I found myself hoping for for a happy outcome of this date of many coincidences and moments where you wonder, if either character may see what is in front of their eyes!

Thank you to Lake Union Publishing and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily. 

Book Review - One Last Summer by Victoria Connelly - #HolidayReading Thailand

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Amazon UK

Title: One Last Summer

Author: Victoria Connelly

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Lake Union Publishing 

Publication Date: 5th February 2019

Rating: 5 Stars

They have the whole summer ahead of them. Is it enough to rekindle the friendship they once shared?

Harriet Greenleaf dreams of spending the summer in a beautiful ancient priory on the Somerset coast with her two best friends—but her dream is bittersweet. On the one hand, it’s a chance to reconnect three lives that have drifted apart; on the other, she has a devastating secret to share that will change everything between them forever.

First to arrive is Audrey—the workaholic who’s heading for a heart attack unless she slows down and makes time for herself. Then Lisa, the happy-go-lucky flirt who’s always struggled to commit to anyone—or anything. Ever the optimist, can Harriet remind them of the joy in their lives and the importance of celebrating good friendship before it’s gone?

Through the highs and lows of a long, glorious summer, these three women will rediscover what it means to be there for each other—before they face the hardest of goodbyes.

Beautifully written, incredibly uplifting celebration of friendship - this is the story of Harriet who knows time is running out and she is determined to give her two best friends one last summer to remember,. 

Harriet is full of strength and clearly loves her two besties Audrey and Lisa, even though they have barely spent much time together in the past 6 years. 

This is a summer in which not only does Harriet have to reveal her reason for the get together but the other women all develop and learn more about themselves too.

Like I find with all of this authors books, the pages flew past incredibly fast,  and I was sucked into the story very easily. 

I loved the setting of this book too, The Priory, which was a big atmospheric building, that is having some restoration work done to it. 

The three friends, experience a lot over the course of the book, and although there are sad emotional undertones throughout, there were only a couple of moments where I found a lump in my throat.

A fabulous story that I am delighted to have had the opportunity to read. 

Thank you to Netgalley and Lake Union Publishing for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily. 

Book Review - Dry Hard by Nick Spalding

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Amazon UK

Title: Dry Hard

Author: Nick Spalding

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Lake Union Publishing

Publication Date: 8th January 2019

Rating: 5 Stars

Kate and Scott’s marriage has always been a lot of fun, with alcohol at the heart of it. After all, what’s more entertaining than a good laugh and a large drink… or six?

But recently, those relaxing drinks have become more crutch than comfort—and the couple have almost forgotten how to talk to each other sober.

Then their teenage daughter Holly uploads a video of their humiliating drunken escapades, which gets picked up by YouTube superstar PinkyPud—and goes horrifyingly viral.

In a last-ditch attempt to prove to the world they’re more than just boozy idiots, Kate and Scott quit alcohol completely. But with Holly’s… er… ‘help’, what begins as a family promise soon escalates into a social media phenomenon: #DryHard!

With the eyes of the Internet upon them, can Kate and Scott stay teetotal—and save their marriage in the process?

As you would expect with a Nick Spalding book this is really funny.  In fact I don't think there is a chapter that doesn't involve an embarrassing incident,  drunken shenanigans, the sublime or ridiculous,  leading to everything from giggles to full on belly laughs. 

I mean you wouldn't think one couples attempt to give up alcohol for a year would be so funny but it is. Yet within the humour there are clearly important modern social issues touched up. 

There is a lot about the whole YouTube "fame" culture, and features assorted YouTuber, there is a young adult who just wants her parents to drink less and as a result videos them over Christmas and ends up with a viral video from which everything spirals. 

Yet even before Christmas, we meet both Kate and Scott in individual chapters, where they both have a rather ridiculous drunken mishap. One involving a tractor and a wedding and the other involving fireworks and a gin distillery! 

Then Holly's chapters felt like they were written from an omniscient point of view, but also fly on the wall documentary tone.  It felt like the voice was all knowing but at the same time, it really was highlighting very key issues that could resonate with readers. 

This is actually a very clever novel, I thoroughly enjoyed whizzing through the pages and really didn't want it to end.  Dry Hard had quite a different feel to it than other books I've read, and I think it would translate perfectly into a sitcom, with each chapter being a different episode. 

Thank you to Lake Union Publishing and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily. 

Book Review - The Girl in the Corner by Amanda Prowse - #HolidayReading Mexico

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Amazon UK

Title: The Girl in the Corner

Author: Amanda Prowse

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Lake Union Publishing 

Publication Date: 11th December 2018

Rating: 5 Stars

Rae-Valentine and Howard were childhood sweethearts. They’ve shared twenty-five peaceful years since they were brought together by Dolly, Howard’s larger-than-life sister. But now, on the night of their wedding anniversary, Howard reveals a shocking betrayal that leaves Rae reeling.

Heartbroken, she takes Dolly on her would-be anniversary trip to Antigua and the two women drink and dance and talk like they haven’t in years. But in the break from real life, Rae realises her choices have always been made for her, and suddenly she’s questioning not only her fragile marriage but also her one-sided friendships. Is she really the pushover everyone else sees?

When Howard comes looking for reconciliation, Rae has a choice to make: keep the peace, as she always has, or put herself first for once and find out who she really is.

Completely gripping from the first few pages.  I could easily identify with Rae-Valentine and could see some of her life mirrored in my own.

This is story about being the person you want to be, to try to live the life you want, and not for those more pushy relations. 

Rae-Valentine is a quiet sort of girl, bit of a wall flower, eager to please, lacking in confidence. Her parents appear to favour her older sister, her best friend is rather bolshy and the complete opposite and her husband is her best friends brother. 

She has married into a whole different life to what she has grown up with and when one day she hears her husband confess to a brief affair, her life is sent off kilter.

This is a book of self discovery, the majority of which is on a holiday to Antigua. 

There are some hilarious moments in this, as well as some that brought me almost to tears, 

Like the majority of the books I have read by Amanda Prowse, it was an addictive read, hard to put down, and is definitely  a book worth clearing time in your schedule to read in one sitting. 

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

Book Review - Girls' Night Out by Liz Fenton & Lisa Steinke

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Title: Girls' Night Out

Author: Liz Fenton and Lisa Steinke

Format reviewed: Paperback

Source: EDPR

Publisher: Lake Union Publishing

Publication Date: 24th July 2018

Rating: 4 Stars

For estranged friends Ashley, Natalie, and Lauren, it’s time to heal the old wounds between them. Where better to repair those severed ties than on a girls’ getaway to the beautiful paradise of Tulum, Mexico? But even after they’re reunited, no one is being completely honest about the past or the secrets they’re hiding. When Ashley disappears on their girls’ night out, Natalie and Lauren have to try to piece together their hazy memories to figure out what could have happened to her, while also reconciling their feelings of guilt over their last moments together.

Was Ashley with the man she’d met only days before? Did she pack up and leave? Was she kidnapped? Or worse—could Natalie or Lauren have snapped under the weight of her own lies?

As the clock ticks, hour by hour, Natalie and Lauren’s search rushes headlong into growing suspicion and dread. Maybe their secrets run deeper and more dangerous than one of them is willing—or too afraid—to admit.

There is just a small part of me that think I may have been nuts reading a psychological drama set in Mexico, under a week before I head off there for Christmas.  Thankfully I'm off to a different part of the country and should be safe in a nice all inclusive hotel. 

I also very much doubt my holiday will take the sinister turns that Natalie, Lauren's and Ashley's does, when one of them goes missing. 

Not only that its a holiday filled with unbelievable amounts of tension, between three ladies who have been lifelong friends, until the previous year where fractures in their friendships appeared. 

They are all hiding things from each other, which didn't really help them reconnect their bonds. 

The book is told in chapters from the few days before one of them goes missing, and also in the present from the moment where the disappearance it noticed.  We get the story from all three perspective, so really got to know the three. 

I can't say I particularly gelled with any of the characters, but I was loving the small amounts of description of Tulum and Chichen Iza, and also I keep reading as I had to know what happened.   

For me it was more of a slow burner, and once it got going I found it a lot harder to put down, and I found myself thinking about the story while I wasn't reading it.  Definitely a good book and one that I enjoyed. 

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

Book Review - The Coordinates of Loss by Amanda Prowse

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.Title: The Coordinates of Loss

Author: Amanda Prowse

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Lake Union Publishing

Publication Date: 25th September 2018

Rating: 4 Stars

When Rachel Croft wakes up on her family’s boat in Bermuda, it’s to sunshine and yet another perfect day…until she goes to wake her seven-year-old son, Oscar. Because the worst thing imaginable has happened. He isn’t there.

In the dark and desperate days that follow, Rachel struggles to navigate her grief. And while her husband, James, wants them to face the tragedy together, Rachel feels that the life they once shared is over. Convinced that their happy marriage is now a sham, and unable to remain in the place where she lost her son, she goes home to Bristol alone.

Only when she starts receiving letters from Cee-Cee, her housekeeper in Bermuda, does light begin to return to Rachel’s soul. She and James both want to learn to live again—but is it too late for them to find a way through together?

All consuming, utterly gripping story about a couple coming to terms with the sudden loss of their child, while at sea on day, in Bermuda. 

I could barely put the book down as the writing is so good, and it just drew me in and wouldn't let me know. 

However unlike other books by this author, I just didn't quite connect properly with the subject and the characters and I can only think that is because we didn't really get to see Oscar alive and connect to him before the tragedy, so its harder to feel his loss for yourself.  

We do get to know Oscar a bit through reminisces but given the book is all about his death and those coping with it, I was surprised that I didn't feel anything towards him, especially given I normally love child characters in books. 

What I loved were the letters that Cee-Cee, their housekeeper was writing to Rachel, to help her with her grief and through them we learn about Cee-Cee's own life and her heartbreak.  

I started to warm to Rachel once the complete despair stage was a bit lesser and watching her slowly come to terms with her new life and situation is rather inspiring. I am sure that if you are going through a similar situation and were in a position to read this, then it would give you some comfort, and hope.  Equally those that have unfortunately lived through what Rachel and James do, may connect to this book a lot more than I did. 

That being said I was unable to tear myself away, I had to read it in a few hours, in long stints, and wasn't really aware of what was going on around me.  I didn't find it emotional, but it was interesting and the topic is dealt with, with Amanda Prowse's typical levels of details warmth and sensitivity. 

This ia a great book and if you are new to the author it will certainly give you a fabulous idea of what she is capable of. 

Thank you to Netgalley and Lake Union Publishing for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily. 

Book Review - At The Wedding by Matt Dunn

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Amazon UK

Title: At The Wedding

Author: Matt Dunn

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Lake Union Publishing

Publication Date: 1st September 2018

Rating: 5 Stars

Livia’s been planning her wedding to Jed for ages. Now, at the venue in beautiful Barcelona, with her dress pressed and the guests all on their way, she’s only left one tiny detail until the last minute: letting the groom know he’s about to get hitched.

But as far as Jed’s concerned, they’ve been bumping along just fine for ten years and even have a baby on the way, so why spoil things with an ‘I do’? Especially when he’d really rather not.

Meanwhile the guests are arriving with plenty of baggage of their own. Fading reality star Liam’s still on the lookout for a plus-one; Rachel’s has refused to come—and dumped her into the bargain; and divorcee Patrick’s date is more of the ‘mid-life crisis’ variety.

But as the ceremony approaches, and with no sign of Jed, there’s only one thing on all of their minds: will there be a bride and groom at the wedding?

I have no idea how Matt Dunn manages it, but not for the first time has has written a book based around the events of a short space of time - this time around its 48 hours and manages to fit in so many twists and turns along the way to keep readers on their toes.  

At times I was so engrossed in this book that a waitress made me jump out of my skin, as I hadn't seen her approach and I'm still not sure how I returned home as I don't recall seeing most of the stops! 

The book is not the only thing that is fast paced, so is the time between proposal and wedding, for Livia's and Je.  To say that Jed was rather surprised at the real reason they were in Barcelona, would be an understatement. 

Followed up with the following day assorted friends and family arrive for the wedding, all of whom have been sworn to secrecy. 

The focal point switches around between some of the main characters,so you were able to get to know them a bit better.  I really did love all members of the main wedding part, and some of the supplementary people were also great to meet. 

I love how clever this author is in creating a believable storyline, with plenty of action and humour but using such a small timeline.  Each character shows some development in their view towards relationships over the course of the book.  I loved Liam's continual flirting, Izzy's shopaholic tendencies, Patrick's father figure approach to the group, Rachel's sightseeing is particularly memorable as is Jed's reaction to the proposal

Another gem of a book from Dunn, reminding me once more of just how much I love this author. If you are already a fan then you will understand when I say it has all of his trademark style and is a must read.  If you have never tried a Matt Dunn book, then this is certainly a great example of what he is capable of. 

Thank you to Lake Union Publishing and Matt Dunn for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily. 

Book Review - Checking Out by Nick Spalding

Amazon UK

Title: Checking Out

Author: Nick Spalding

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Lake Union Publishing

Publication Date: 22nd March 2018

Rating: 5 Stars

What do you do when the doctor says you could die at any moment? Well…after you’ve made a cup of tea, of course.

Nathan James is young, successful and has the world at his feet. Unfortunately, he’s also about to die—which ruins things somewhat. And now he’s staring imminent death in the face, Nathan is having to rethink some of his life choices very hard.

This means embarking on a hectic journey of self-discovery that includes, amongst other things, losing his dignity to an inescapable bean bag, suffering screaming nightmares about a monstrous potato, and getting up close and very personal with a bipolar donkey.

All of which is fine, but then Nathan falls in love with a charming girl called Alison, which is a really stupid thing to do. Because how can you give your heart to someone when it might be about to stop?

From Nick Spalding, the bestselling author of Fat Chance, Bricking It and Mad Love, comes a comedy about dying—which is easy—and living, which is most certainly not.

Very unexpected story, all of Nick Spalding's normal humour is there and on the whole this is an incredibly fun book, but at the heart of it is a more serious medical condition, and a character, Nathan who has no idea how to deal with this life changing news. 

For  Nathan has been told he has a condition that means his death could he imminent, or he may be fine for ages. There is nothing the doctors can do, for him and he just has to try to get on with his life. 

However this is not a deep emotional story, there is plenty to keep you smiling and laughing. He is the creator of a children's music sensation The Foodies who play their part, and we get to see some of their songs too.

The majority of the most memorable scenes involve sex, and not in a hot and steamy way, ina pure I can't believe Nathan is getting himself into these situations sort of way.   

There are some fabulous characters, Alison who is a lovely girl and potential girlfriend, Eliza, his cousin and Calum her kid, who were really heartwarming,  there is Alison's grandfather who although only a small part is easily very memorable. 

However my absolute favourite character and scene that had me a laughing my head off is Pipsqueak, and that is all I am saying on that, if you want to know read the book yourself. 

I absolutely love this author and Checking Out is no exception. It may have had deeper elements to it than I was expecting but still with Nick Spalding's excellence for comic timing, lightening the mood and generally fun storytelling.   

Thank you to Lake Union Publishing and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.

Book Review - 13 Dates by Matt Dunn - #HolidayReading Book 21

Book 21 of 30 that I read on my holiday to Fuerteventura in December 2017

Amazon UK

Title: 13 Dates

Author: Matt Dunn

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Lake Union Publishing

Publication Date: 15th August 2017

Rating: 5 Stars

When Noah Wilson first encounters the quirky, opinionated and very beautiful Angel Fallon, his world is turned upside down. It’s clear she’s not his normal type, but Noah can’t stop thinking about her—which doesn’t bode well for the blind date he’s already late for.

Convinced by his friend (and self-professed dating expert) Marlon that thirteen dates is all you need to fall in love, Noah decides to give it a try with Angel. They should be incompatible: she’s impulsive and he’s a planner; he wants to settle down and she doesn’t ‘do’ relationships—or anything, for that matter—the way Noah is used to. But there’s something about Angel, and Noah can’t shake the idea that all they need is twelve more dates.

Despite some near-disasters involving rock climbing, saddle sores and jellied eels, it seems his plan may actually work. But even if they do reach the magic number, can that really mean they’ll just fall into their happily-ever-after?

13 Dates is apparently the number needed to make a couple fall in love. So its on that reasoning that Noah tries to keep persuading Angel to go out with him, as he has fallen in love at first site with her.

Of course nothing is ever easy and wow is there a good reason for Angel not really wanting a relationship, and with it is the storyline that gives the whole book an added layer of depth, complexity and emotion that I wasn't expecting at all. 

I was expecting and received plenty of light hearted moments, funny bits, and and rather different ideas for dates. 

What Matt Dunn does so well is create realistic characters that are likeable and easy to relate to and with Noah and Angel you have just that. I was willing them to be happy, but at the same time there was a certain unpredictability that you don't normally find in rom-coms, and I genuinely thought at one point there could be  a major change of direction.

Easily one of the author's best books to date, it has everything you want from a romantic comedy, and its all written from the male perspective which I am always a fan of, after all any insight into what makes a man tick is always useful to know!!

Thank you to Netgalley and Lake Union Publishing for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily. 

Book Review - The Heart of the Garden by Victoria Connelly

Amazon UK

Title: The Heart of the Garden

Author: Victoria Connellly

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Lake Union Publishing

Publication Date: 22nd February 2018

Rating: 4 Stars

Morton Hall, with its beautiful, ruined grounds and its reclusive mistress, Emilia Morton, is full of mysteries. For freelance editor Anne Marie, the wild garden has become a serene and secret refuge from her loveless marriage. The only other regular visitor is Cape, the hall’s part-time gardener, who is forbidden to tend to anything except the magnificent maze or to meet his enigmatic employer.

When Emilia dies, Cape and Anne Marie are astonished to find themselves among an unlikely group of villagers named in her strange will. Morton Hall, including its dazzling art collection and once glorious grounds, can belong to the community forever, but only if they work together to bring the garden back to life within a single year.

As they try to put their differences aside to restore the tangled grounds, long-buried secrets are unearthed. Can the past be forgiven as hope and new love begin to bloom?

Another fabulous book from Victoria Connelly.  I really felt as though I got to know Morton Hall and its gardens in great detail. 

I loved finding out about the gardens, and seeing what Anne Maries and the others would discover in there next as an unlikely group of strangers inherit the Hall and their first task is to sort out the garden as it was rather overgrown.   

Learning about the different members of the group, and seeing how alliances were formed and even new friendships was inspiring and comforting. A complete mix of personalities but they do have things in common and it was lovely to see. 

There are three main storylines and characters.  We have Emilia whose story in the 80s we are told, of young love and its through that you start to understand a lot more about Morton Hall and its history and the Morton family. 

There is Anne-Marie who is in a tricky marriage and I don't think much of her mother either. She was going to the gardens of Morton Hall even before this rather strange group inheritance and no one ever really noticed she had gone. 

Then there is Cape who is the hall's gardener, and his daughter Poppy who also had a really enjoyable storyline. 

The Heart of the Garden really does show how gardens can heal people, bring them together and give even the least green fingered amongst us a good sense of belonging.   Really enjoyable book that I had a good time reading. 

Thank you to Netgalley and Lake Union Publishing for this copy which I reviewed honestly and voluntarily.