Book Review - My Summer of Magic Moments by Caroline Roberts - #HolidayReading Book 26

Book 26 of 30 that I read on my holiday to Fuerteventura in December 2017

Amazon UK

Title: My Summer of Magic Moments

Author: Caroline Roberts

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Harper Impulse

Publication Date: 1st June 2017

Rating: 4 Stars

When a seaside escape spells a little romance . . .

Claire is ready for a bright new chapter. Winding her way to the coast for a cosy cottage retreat, she prays that three weeks of blissful peace and summer sunshine will wash away the pain of the last year.

Claire’s a survivor – she’s growing proud of the scars that prove it – and she’s determined to make the most of each and every day, to seize those little magic moments that give life its sparkle.

Her plan for peaceful solitude goes awry when handsome, brooding Ed turns up in the cottage next door. Will a little summer romance prove the worst distraction? Or might it be the perfect remedy?

Lovely story that makes you really think about the small pleasures you have in your life.

Its a rather gentle book that I enjoyed the writing of, and especially loved Claire's willingness to keep trying to bake new breads that sounded delicious. 

I also loved the early morning swims of her rather hard to get to know neighbour in the cottage she rented for a few weeks,  especially his rather magnificent physique. 

Its another lovely book from Caroline Roberts, which feels a bit different from the previous once I've read by her. Some absolutely fabulous moments including the whole muddy assault course which was a delight to read about, in addition to some moments of drama and tension too.

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

Q&A with Caroline Roberts - Blog Tour

1. Was there anything about My Summer of Magic Moments that you found difficult to write?

No – not difficult, but at times it was an emotional book to write. When I fully engage with my characters I really feel the emotions with them and I was at times crying at the laptop, especially the scene in the park where Ed reveals the truth of his past.

Bamburgh beach on publication day

2.  Besides your editor, who is the first person you show your work to and why?

I have a close friend Isabel, who has read a lot of my books. She’s an avid reader and likes contemporary fiction. I would trust her to be honest in her opinion too. Although, I don’t like to show my work to anyone too soon; I need to work it all out myself first, up to a completed first edit.

Caroline's Back Garden

3.  Please could you tell us something that isn’t commonly known about you?

I was literally surrounded by books as a child. My dad used to work for a book distribution company in the South West Of England, so on my school holidays I would often go to the depot or sit in the van with books all around me, sometimes thousands of books. So I really have been brought up with books!

4. Could you describe your perfect day?

A leisurely breakfast in the sun - coffee, croissants, juice - then go for a walk on the beach with my family and our spaniel, Meg. After that a lunch out, then chill out for a while reading a book or magazine, by late afternoon I’d have some friends round for a glass of prosecco, again out in the sunshine in my back garden which overlooks the beautiful Northumberland countryside, which would then run into some Mediterranean style supper al fresco; I love tapas, or Greek or Italian food. Bliss!

Greek Island Holiday

5.  Summer finally seems to have arrived! What are you top destinations for a romantic summer escape?

• Northumberland is beautiful, with a gorgeous coastline and rolling hills. Staying over in a country hotel would be so nice. 
• The Greek Islands are lovely. We have had some great holidays there when my children were younger. I particularly like Corfu; hiring a boat, swimming in the sea, visiting pretty villages, eating out in tavernas. 
• The Maldives are very special - I have been lucky enough to go there twice – just amazing , clear blue seas, fabulous snorkelling, wonderful beach hotels. The perfect island escape.
• A safari in South Africa. My magic moment of this year so far was watching a herd of giraffes peacefully grazing, whilst I was stood with a G&T watching the sun go down over the African hills – stunning.

When a seaside escape spells a little romance . . .

Claire is ready for a bright new chapter. Winding her way to the coast for a cosy cottage retreat, she prays that three weeks of blissful peace and summer sunshine will wash away the pain of the last year.

Claire’s a survivor – she’s growing proud of the scars that prove it – and she’s determined to make the most of each and every day, to seize those little magic moments that give life its sparkle.

Her plan for peaceful solitude goes awry when handsome, brooding Ed turns up in the cottage next door. Will a little summer romance prove the worst distraction? Or might it be the perfect remedy?

A gorgeous, heartwarming novel to make your heart soar from the author of The Cosy Teashop in the Castle.

Purchase on Amazon UK

Don't forget to check out the rest of the blog tour stops.