Book Review - The Tanglewood Wedding Shop by Lilac Mills

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Amazon UK

Title: The Tanglewood Wedding Shop

Author: Lilac Mills

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Canelo Escape

Publication Date: 13th January 2020

Rating: 5 Stars

Something old, something new, something borrowed, something untrue…

Edie has enough on her plate keeping her tyrannical boss happy at Moira’s Wedding Shop. So when society bride Tia begs Edie to design her wedding dress – and keep it a secret from the domineering mother-in-law to be – Edie reluctantly says ‘I will’ to making Tia’s dream come true. If her deception is found out, though, it would mean losing her job…

Meanwhile best man James has his eye on Edie and he’s proving ever harder for her to resist. James is upper-crust and Edie’s one unexpected bill away from the breadline – they’re from completely different worlds and there’s no way it can ever work between them… right?

A charming, feel-good romance for fans of Daisy James, Holly Martin and Portia MacIntosh.

Easily my favourite book of this Tanglewood series - it has adorable animals, wedding dresses, a really lovely child, a fabulous book boyfriend and Edie who is just trying to make ends meet and provide for her son. 

First up I really need to say how much I really disliked both Moira, Edie's boss at the Wedding dress shop, and also Tia's mother in-law Julia. If they both such frustrating people, then Tia would never had to ask Edie to make her dream wedding dress come true, and and Edie may not have ended up in the sticky situation she was in. 

Although it is thanks to Tia, that Edie gets to spend time with James and its clear even if neither of them seem to realise it, that there is a connection between them, and that it could be only a matter of time. 

James is fascinating, he is so keen on wildlife and conservation, and his choices of locations to take Edie on dates are rather different. Although personally I'm not sure I would have fancied visiting an apiary no matter how much I may want to get to know the man. 

And I just loved Mary, she was adorable and some of the scenes involving her were both funny and hare-raising. 

Although it reads well as a standalone, I started this mere hours after I finished book 2 in the series and I'm so glad I did, as it made a lovely change to read books in a series one after another, thus instantly feeling at home with the characters, the recurring characters (Betty is such a tonic!), the location  and of course the engaging writing style. 

I really did enjoy every single moment I spent with Edie and James, and thoroughly enjoyed this book which I raced through in under a day. 

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

Book Review - The Tanglewood Flower Shop by Lilac Mills

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Amazon UK

Title: The Tanglewood Flower Shop 

Author: Lilac Mills

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Canelo Escape

Publication Date: 30th August 2019

Rating: 4 Stars

Love can be a thorny business.
When Tanglewood flower shop owner Leanne enters Budding Stars – a floristry TV competition – she’s shocked to make it through to the televised stages where the pressure grows to prove herself a success.

Luckily for Leanne, new Tanglewood park ranger, Rex, is a rose among the thorns as he provides support and friendship that could blossom into something more…

But Rex’s ex-girlfriend appears with some shocking news, and between busy schedules and the occasional mountain rescue, Leanne can’t see how romance could possibly bloom. And with a new job opportunity suddenly sprouting up, will she need to uproot her life and leave Tanglewood entirely?

This uplifting romance is perfect for fans of Daisy James, Holly Martin and Portia Macintosh.

It was lovely to be back in Tanglewood with a completely new standalone story. 

I have no idea if the Budding Stars competition is based on any real TV floristry competition but if it isn't i would have to see it made into a programme, as it sounds so creative compared with some of the other various TV talent shows out there! 

And of course I was willing Leanne on the whole time, and she comes up with some incredibly inventive ideas for her arrangements. 

But it is the interactions with Rex that I loved the most even if I did wish they would learn to communicate better.  Rex is wonderful even if he does have a rather dog like sounding name. Thankfully he is a dog lover and seeing him bond with his new puppy Nell is delightful. 

Of course Leanne would have liked to have kept Nell for herself as she was born in a litter at her family's farm and she also loved that puppy, but it gave her an instant connection with Rex.  I liked learning about Rex's job and his mountain rescue training too.  There is just something about that man that I fell for, and really felt sorry for him when a shocking blast from his past re-entered his life. 

For a good amount of the book I really was wondering whether or not this would be the most shocking rom com ever with regards the ending.  I really couldn't work out how it would come together for the ending I craved... but if you want to read an enjoyable story and find out for yourself then its definitely worth a read. 

In the meantime I'm opening up The Tanglewood Wedding Shop and going to curl up with the next book in the series, as just for once waiting to read the next book in a series seems like a silly idea, while I'm enjoying this series so much. 

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

Book Review - Le Tour de Love by Lilac Mills

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Amazon UK

Title: Le Tour de Love

Author: Lilac Mills

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Author supplied copy

Publisher: Self published

Publication Date: 31st March 2019

Rating: 5 Stars

“…the opportunity of a lifetime.”

When physiotherapist Molly Matthews is offered a dream job by a guy who shaves his legs and has an obsession with his bicycle, she has serious doubts about accepting. But, as she keeps telling herself, it’s the opportunity of a lifetime and she’ll never get another chance like this. So, she does what anyone in her position would do – she agrees to join a professional cycling team for the most prestigious race in the cycling world – The Tour de France.
The reality, though, isn’t exactly what she had anticipated; instead of eating out at restaurants in pretty French villages and spending her free time lounging around the hotel pool, Molly finds herself living out of a suitcase for three weeks, massaging eight pairs of sweaty legs, administering ice baths and treating saddle sores.
And neither did she anticipate falling for a gorgeous, passionate, professional rider by the name of Alexander Duvall…

I absolutely adored this book and the pages literally couldn't turn fast enough, took me under 3 hours to read it - 2 tube journeys and while eating in a restaurant!  

I've read all of Lilac Mills books so far, and this is definitely my favourite, after all it combines cycling with romance, all set to a French backdrop, and specifically  The Tour de France. 

As much as I love sport, I'm more of a track cycling fan, although I always promise myself that I really should watch the Tour de France, especially while there are great British riders in it and competing well each year at the moment.  But I didn't really know much about the nitty gritty of the race, other than what I've read in perhaps one or two other fiction books over the years. 

If you were wanting a beginners guide to the Tour, along with a plucky hero, a heroine who knows nothing about the sport, and everything explained in a really accessible way, then look no further.   I was finding that I was cheering on Team BeSpoke the whole way, especially their top two drivers. 

One of which Alex is the reason that Molly was offered the physio's job with the team for this Tour and beyond,  And suddenly we are thrust alongside her into a whole new world, one which I absolutely loved.  Although I do like her think the cyclists are slightly insane for what they put their bodies through over the course of the race. 

I really understand the team aspect of road cycling a lot more, as well as some of the team member positions.  Any book with a sport involved in it, tends to attract and keep my attention quickly. 

And the interactions between Mollie and Alex were really believable and I loved seeing the way their story developed. 

This really is a feel good book that has had me smiling, as well as slightly nerve wrecking, with some of the race antics... but for the same reason completely enthralling too.  I loved every second of this story and I would absolutely love to see a sequel or series as I think there is a lot the authors could do featuring assorted characters from this book.  

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

Book Review - Love in the City by the Sea by Lilac Mills - #HolidayReading Mexico

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Amazon UK

.Title: Love in the City by the Sea

Author: Lilac Mills

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Canelo

Publication Date: 3rd September 2018

Rating: 5 Stars

Tess Barton is stuck in a rut. She’s working three jobs while trying to get her career as an artist off the ground... and now her sister wants her to run a marathon too?! No thank you!

But it’s not just any marathon. It’s the Barcelona marathon and they’d be running in memory of their late sister. She's ready for her flight but when disaster strikes and Emma can’t make it, Tess finds herself facing a new city and challenge all alone. That is, until an unexpected rendezvous in a little tapas bar with gorgeous Spaniard Roberto.

Facing the unknown Tess laces up her trainers, determined to master the marathon... and maybe find love in the city by the sea at the same time.

Tess is your least likely marathon running candidate. Until she promises her sister to help her train, and ends up entered in the Barcelona marathon herself. 

Tess is a massive fan of Gaudi and has always wanted to visit Barcelona, so she agrees on the proviso she will be able to fit in some sightseeing. 

What she doesn't expect is her heart to be stolen both by the city and a man. 

For her first acquaintance in the city will be her most important and he acts as a tour guide over the next few pages. 

I loved Roberto's knowledge of all the main tourist spots in the city  by the sea, as well as some of those off the beaten track. 

With a mix of culture, sport, running and food, this is the perfect way to view the city, without leaving your armchair!

From the first few pages I was captivated by the story.  Delighted to see this new book by Lilac Mills and I am eager to see her next release already. 

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

Book Review - The Tanglewood Tea Shop by Lilac Mills

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Amazon UK

Title: The Tanglewood Tea Shop

Author: Lilac Mills

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Canelo

Publication Date: 31st January 2019

Rating: 4 Stars

Patisserie-Chef Stevie is stuck in a rut. Her beloved Great Aunt Peggy has passed away, she’s been fired from her job and the love of her life has walked out the door. But when she’s called to the solicitor’s office to hear the reading of Peggy’s will, Stevie’s life begins to change.

Left with a large amount of money, Stevie is determined to take Peggy’s advice and turn her life around. The quirky tea shop that she sees up for sale in the beautiful village of Tanglewood must be a sign, and Stevie can’t wait to make it her new home.

But what happens after your dreams come true? It turns out that life in the village isn't as idyllic as it may have seemed. With local mums waging war against sugar, a tea shop and its patisserie-chef owner are definitely not welcome.

When the gorgeous but grouchy local stable-owner, Nick, shows up he seems like just another fly in the pastry batter but as the two grow closer, Stevie realises he might just be the perfect reason to stay and win over the village...

This laugh-out-loud romantic comedy is perfect for fans of Daisy James, Holly Martin and Portia Macintosh.

I love these sorts of books - give me a small town community, a tea shop (or other sort of shop), a couple of hunky men, some new friends,  and a bit of drama, and for you have a wonderful comfort read. 

There was something so familiar about this book, despite never having read it before and i felt right at home, and loved how Stevie suddenly had the means to move away from her frankly horrific family, and buy a teashop in a gorgeous village. 

When I say familiar, perhaps I really mean warm and cosy, and I loved how the story panned out. There did seem to be some large jumps in time between chapters, but once you came to almost expect that time was moving forward a few weeks at a time, it was absolutely fine, as that way we were able to get to know Stevie a lot better, and see how she starts to become a part of the Tanglewood community. 

As much as I loved Stevie, I had real soft spots for Tia, who is the sister of Nick who may or may not fancy Stevie, and ha been going through a tough time, and Betty who really comes into her own during the second half of the book. 

I really enjoyed getting to know the residents of Tanglewood, and would be incredibly happy to return there in a future book.  

This is anther highly enjoyable book from Lilac Mills. It seems as though she is very talented at writing, just the sorts of book that I love! 

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

Book Review - And a Sixpence For Luck by Lilac Mills

Amazon UK

Title: And a Sixpence For Luck

Author: Lilac Mills

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Author supplied copy

Publisher: Lilac Tree Books

Publication Date: 29th September 2017

Rating: 4 Stars

Curl up with a fun, festive read...


Daisy Jones has hit rock bottom. Or so she believes.

A cheating boyfriend, trouble at work, having to move back in with her mother, and being forced to compare her brother's loved-up, newly-wed status and brand-new shiny house with her own dire lack of prospects, isn't what she imagined her life was going to be like at thirty. To top it all off, Christmas is just around the corner!
Daisy, bless her, thinks things can't possibly get any worse, but when her ancient great-grandmother persuades her to plant a silver sixpence in the Christmas pud for luck, Daisy is about to discover that they most definitely can.

This is the third book I have read by Lilac Mills and although it isn't my favourite, that title still goes to Elephant and Pinky Moon, it is yet another incredibly enjoyable story, which I am very glad that I read. 

There was though slightly too much toilet humour in the first part of the book, which although completely justified and fitting, just left a slightly bad taste in my mouth.  That being said the rest of the humour was top notch, and I daren't say too much or I will spoil the fun for everyone. 

Daisy's great gran suggests putting a silver sixpence at the bottom of the Christmas pudding, so that Daisy's rather poor run of luck will come to and end. The results of the sixpence are more outrageous than you would predict and well there is a change in her luck just not in the way you expect. 

During the book there are multiple trips to hospital for various reasons and in that she meets an incredibly dish doctor, but again keep an eye open for all their initial dialogue especially if you love people talking at crossed purposes and getting confused! 

This is a light hearted, incredibly fun book and although the humour didn't quite tickle me, I was impressed with the pacing of it, and all the various threads of story that were weaved into this book.  In addition to the romance and comedy parts of this rom com, there are more serious topics that are touched upon, and also you get a great feel for all the generations of women in Daisy's rather madcap family. 

Despite the mentions of Christmas pudding and the majority of the book taking place around Christmas and New Year, it really isn't the sort of book that will have you longing put the decorations up, it just happens to have that as the time of year setting, while the story makes you laugh and is fun for any time of the year. 

Thank to Lilac Mills for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily. 

Q&A with Lilac Mills - Blog Tour

What is the most unethical practice in the publishing industry?

Paying for reviews. It’s a total no-no as far as I’m concerned.

Does writing energize or exhaust you?

Energises me! If I’ve had a good writing session before work, I go to the day job with a smile on my face and a spring in my step (it doesn’t last though!)

What are common traps for aspiring writers?

Concentrating on everything else, other than writing. Write whenever you can. Get that book out there.

What is your writing Kryptonite?

Procrastination. If emails need answering, I can’t settle to writing until I’ve done that. I know it’s a stalling tactic on behalf of my subconscious.

Have you ever gotten reader’s block?

Yes, though I’d say it’s more of lost my way, than a block. What I tend to do is go back to a point in my manuscript where I was happy with it, then brainstorm, going off onto lots of different tangents. Though I must admit, having Daisy abducted by aliens might not work too well in a rom com.

Did you ever consider writing under a pseudonym?

Definitely. If I was to drastically change genre, then I wouldn’t want my chick lit fans to suddenly be confronted by horror!

Do you try more to be original or to deliver to readers what they want?

I write what interests me at the time. I try to deliver a happy ever after, because that is expected in my genre, but apart from that, I don’t consider the reader either the idea or the writing itself.

Do you want each book to stand on its own, or are you trying to build a body of work with connections between each book?

At the moment, each book is a stand-alone, but if I felt a book should be part of a series, then that’s the direction I would take it in.

If you could tell your younger writing self anything, what would it be?

Just do it. Stop messing about and get on with it. Writing is more important than playing on Twitter, trying to get followers, for instance.

How did publishing your first book change your process of writing?

It made me hungry. I knew I could do it again and that it would be easier next time (I’ve heard they say that about murder…), not because the process itself is any easier, it’s not. Just like running a marathon takes the same amount of training and will power the second time around. Writing a full length novel isn’t easy. It takes time, and patience, and determination. But I’d done it once so I knew I could do it again.

What was the best money you ever spent as a writer?

As a writer, what would you choose as your mascot/avatar/spirit animal?

What do you owe the real people upon whom you base your characters?

How many unpublished and half-finished books do you have?

Seven? Hmm, yes, seven. Two are completed novels which will never see the light of day, and the others are either something I am working on right now, with the aim to complete in the next two months or so, or ideas where I’ve had to get the first chapter off my chest before it disappears into the ether.

What does literary success look like to you?

I’m not sure anymore. I did think it was to have my books on the shelves of large retailers, but now…? I’d like to earn enough from by books that I could give up the day job and concentrate on writing for a living ie, – PLEASE BUY MY BOOKS!!

Thank you so much for answering these questions Lilac. I really do need to bump your book up my stack! 

Daisy Jones has hit rock bottom. Or so she believes.

A cheating boyfriend, trouble at work, having to move back in with her mother, and being forced to compare her brother's loved-up, newly-wed status and brand-new shiny house with her own dire lack of prospects, isn't what she imagined her life was going to be like at thirty. To top it all off, Christmas is just around the corner!

Daisy, bless her, thinks things can't possibly get any worse, but when her ancient great-grandmother persuades her to plant a silver sixpence in the Christmas pud for luck, Daisy is about to discover that they most definitely can.

Purchase links

Amazon US – https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0752XTPHB

Amazon UK - https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0752XTPHB

Bio

Lilac spends all her time writing, or reading, or thinking about writing or reading, often to the detriment of her day job, her family, and the housework. She apologises to her employer and her loved ones, but the house will simply have to deal with it!

She calls Worcester home, though she would prefer to call somewhere hot and sunny home, somewhere with a beach and cocktails and endless opportunities for snoozing in the sun…

When she isn’t hunched over a computer or dreaming about foreign shores, she enjoys creating strange, inedible dishes in the kitchen, accusing her daughter of stealing (she meant to say “borrowing”) her clothes, and fighting with her husband over whose turn it is to empty the dishwasher.

Website: www.lilacmills.com

Twitter: https://twitter.com/lilacmills

Facebook:  https://en-gb.facebook.com/LilacMills/

 And a Sixpence for Luck Giveaway

Prize: Signed copy of the book and a silver sixpence necklace

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Book Review - Elephant and Pinky Moon by Lilac Mills

Amazon UK

Title: Elephant and Pink Moon

Author: Lilac Mills

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Lilac Tree Books

Publication Date: 31st July 2017

Rating: 5 Stars

Twenty-eight-year-old Nina lives a quiet, unassuming life, happy (ish) with her job, maybe not quite as happy with her non-existent love-life (but no one can have everything, right?) and content to trundle along with her nice, predictable daily routine.

That is, until Nina is persuaded to accompany her octogenarian grandmother on a beach holiday to Turkey.

Nina envisages sedate walks along the promenade, afternoon naps by the pool, and bingo in the evening. What she actually gets is too much vodka, adult games of "pin the tail on the donkey" and dancing on a bar whilst flaunting her knickers - and that's just her gran!

Perfect summer holiday reading, this book is so so funny and incredibly easy to read. I was transported on Flossie and Nina's holiday as a fly on the wall, laughing at their various antics. 

Flossie is in her 80s, recently bereaved but is determined to live life the to fullest. She persuades grand daughter Flossie to accompany her on a package holiday to Turkey which is where the fun starts. Nina couldn't be more different to her gran, she lives a fairly predictable life, and just hopes Flossie will be able to keep up with her on holiday. 

Nina has very set ideas about what is or isn't suitable for an older woman, and its from that point of view, we  see just what Flossie is capable of! If I told you the things that happened in the book, you probably wouldn't believe me, so I would urge you to read for yourself. 

What I will say is is Flossie is cunning, wily, up for most things, and doesn't see herself as old. She is outrageous, unintentionally funny, embarrassing for Nina perhaps, but I would be proud to have a grandma like Flossie. 

I don;t know about you, but the cover definitely drew me into this book, and the title is interesting. I won't explain the relevance of it but it does become quite apparent as you read on, a private joke between the two ladies. 

I loved the hotel the Flossie and Nina went to, and some of the excursions they take are fabulous, I would have quite happily taken part in.  Then there is the authors writing, some of the descriptions are brilliant, especially the scene involving an octopus, and also the scene involving Nina being terrified  while wanting to scream at Flossie for the situation she found herself in!  

My only regret with Elephant and Pinky Moon is that the book isn't longer, I finished it far too quickly, for it only took me a morning of sitting in the sun to read. I was devouring it with a massive grin on my face and think its a brilliant romantic comedy. 

Thank you to Netgalley and Lilac Tree Books for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily. 

Book Review - Under the Cherry Tree by Lilac Mills - Chances Fortnight - #AroundTheUKIn144Books #Worcestershire

I feel as though I took a chance on Under the Cherry Tree as Lilac Mills is a debut author, and also a book blogger, and when you are reviewing a brand new author, without really hearing much about the book it could always be a gamble! 

Amazon UK

Title:  Under the Cherry Tree

Author: Lilac Mills

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Author supplied copy

Publisher: Lilac Tree Books

Publication Date: 31st May 2017

Rating: 5 Stars

“My dog didn't like men. Actually that was a lie – she didn't like the men I chose. The only ones who rocked her world had been my father (who was no longer with us), Ross (who was gay), and the butcher on the high street (for obvious reasons).”

When Jenni Meadows has the opportunity to expand her dog-grooming business she takes it, and when a nice man appears on her horizon but fails to make any sparks fly, she decides she has enough on her plate with her business without adding a boyfriend into the mix.

Besides, Millie doesn’t like him and when her dog doesn’t like a man, Jenni knows all about it. So why does Millie take a very strange liking to the new vet, especially since he has a taciturn expression, wears a wedding ring, and wields a needle?

Under the Cherry Tree is a tale of love and hope, waggy tails, and cold noses.

What a rollercoaster of emotion I have just been on, and don't mean it in the typical this was a heavily emotional book. In fact for the most part its incredibly light hearted with plenty of laughs to be had. And its due to the quality of the writing and how well you get to know the characters which is why certain events hit me incredibly hard. 

There was a particular film that came to mind during parts of this book, which this felt slightly reminiscent of, but I will refrain from naming the film, as anyone knows it may then guess certain outcomes of this story and I wouldn't want that. 

As far as I'm concerned this book is all about Millie, she is the best character, and although she doesn't speak, she communicates surprisingly well and its amazing at how many men she seems to really dislike. I should possibly mention that Millie is in fact a Westie, and one of the best four legged characters I've read this year. 

She is full of character, and is inseparable from her human Jenni. Jenni is dog mad, and hopes to expand her dog grooming business to include dog behaviour training and agility classes, plus a whole lot more. Jenni is also single although there are three very distinct possible men on the horizon, so she hopes one of them may turn into something more. 

There is Mark with his parent's dog Randy who is a real handful, Neil the architect who feels a bit slimy, even from the start, and there is locum vet Scott. Of these men Millie attacks one, fawns over another and shows utter indifference to the third.  

Besides Millie and men, there is another storyline in progress, which is about Jenni's expansion plans, and whether she will touch the money she has in order to buy the perfect property for the business, and its not long after Jenni starts to look at a property that the title of the book begins to make some sense. 

Under The Cherry Tree is a very entertaining and thoroughly enjoyable debut novel, that had me smiling and crying. It is a reasonably quick read and Lilac has a great turn of phrase, which pulls the reader right into the book and won't let you go. This book is a must for dog lovers, dogs in fiction lovers, animal lovers and  generally anyone who enjoys a good fun romantic comedy. 

Thank you so much to Lilac for this copy of the book which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.