Book Review - Sunny Stays at the Shetland Hotel by Erin Green

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Title: Sunny Stays at the Shetland Hotel

Author: Erin Green

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Headline Review

Publication Date: 26th May 2022

Rating: 5 Stars

New friendship is just a stay away . . .

Pippa has long felt like the odd one out in her family. Taking a job driving a mobile bakery van around Shetland's villages gives her a sense of freedom and purpose, but also makes her realise how much she wants to belong.

Natalia has recently returned to Lerwick hoping to reconnect with an old flame. But she's engulfed by loss and rejection when she hears that he's moved on, and Natalia's world is turned upside down.

Autumn is dedicated to her job in hospitality and relishes her role as general manager of Lerwick Manor's new hotel. No guest request is too big or too small, but her own unrelentingly high standards could push Autumn to her limits.

Will the beauty of Shetland help these three women find the friendship, support and healing that they all need?

What a wonderful return to Erin Green's Shetland, to Lerwick Manor and a whole host of familiar characters, ready to welcome you back with open arms. 

It was lovely to be in the presence of Ned and Jemima again and seeing just what new ventures they have launched since the last time we met. 

Well it appears they now have a hotel, the Manor house has been turned into a hotel and Autumn is the general manager and one of three viewpoints we have for this book. She is a people pleaser but is likely to damage her health if she doesn't curb some of her natural tendencies.  What I loved about her was dealing with the guests every last request including some rather bizarre ones. 

Then we have Pippa who is Jemima's cousin, and he been put in charge of their mobile bread delivery van. Pippa is viewed a certain way by everyone in Lerwick and seems to be resigned to it, but also wanting to change people's perceptions of her. 

And then we have Natalia, who has booked into the hotel hoping to surprise Ned and take back her place as his girlfriend. Only she has another thing coming, but as she is reeling from one piece of news, something happens that completely changes her life. 

I wasn't keen on Natalia initially but I must say she grew on me as the story progressed. However she did have a very distinctive voice even if she did seem slightly delusional at times. 

I also loved seeing Dottie again, who seems to know everything about everyone before they even know anything about themselves. She is a wonderful character and I wish all manor houses had their own Dottie. 

This is thoroughly enjoyable and had me thinking about the characters even while I wasn't reading.  I am absolutely loving this series a lot, and given I have the next book on my kindle already, I think I may have to read that next!  I can't wait. 

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

Book Review - Christmas on the Riviera by Jennifer Bohnet - #HolidayReading Summer 2022

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Title: Christmas on the Riviera

Author: Jennifer Bohnet

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Boldwood Books

Publication Date: 31st August 2022

Rating: 5 Stars

Christmas is a time for family and friends, but will the allure of the French Riviera be able to work its magic?

As a toddler Elodie Jacques was abandoned by her mother and left in the care of her French grandmother, Gabriella in Dartmouth, Devon.

Now 24 years old, Elodie struggles to reconcile the deep anger for the mother she has never since seen.

When Gabriella unexpectedly announces she wants the two of them to spend Christmas and her 70th birthday in her home town of Juan-les-Pins in the South of France Elodie is thrilled.

Gabriella meanwhile has her own ulterior motives for wanting to return after 40 years, a daunting homecoming potentially filled with memories, secrets and recriminations.

With Juan-les-Pins pulsing with lights, decorations and the festive spirit, Christmas promises to be filled with fun. But when Elodie learns there is the possibility that her long absent mother may join them she hides her feelings behind a show of indifference and animosity.

Will there be the reconciliation that Gabriella longs for - or will the spirit of Christmas fail to work its wonder?

It's about time too that Jennifer Bohnet finally wrote a Christmas book, and one set on the French Rivera was incredibly welcomed by me. 

 I loved Gabby and Elodie's story and how things seemed to change once they arrived in Antibes and it's surrounding area for a two week Christmas vacation. 

For Gabby it was returning to her past, and it reawakened many memories and feelings in her. 

For Elodie, it offers a chance to break out of her rut., and both of them soon make some wonderful friends. 

Fans of the author will recognise the setting as it has been used before so instantly felt familiar to me and made me happy to see. 

It's a story all about family and forgiveness, and I loved seeing the French Riviera all set up for Christmas, and also a few French traditions sneaking in too. 

It's another truly fabulous book from my favourite author who features France frequently. 

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

Book Review - Just Date and See by Portia MacIntosh - #HolidayReading Summer 2022

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Title: Just Date and See

Author: Portia MacIntosh

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Boldwood Books

Publication Date: 19th September 2022

Rating: 5 Stars

Billie is looking forward to a quiet, man-free Christmas. It’s just a shame her family doesn't feel the same way…

With a house full of unexpected (and unwanted) guests, Billie needs to find the perfect escape to get away from the chaos.

So when her dating app recommends a week of singles nights in her area, Billie decides that braving these events has to be better than making conversation with her dad’s new wife, dealing with her mum's mid-life crisis or witnessing her sister flirting with her insufferably arrogant next-door neighbour.

While this is definitely not the festive season she had planned, between disco bowling and boozy bingo, little does Billie know that she may find love this year after all - she'll just have to date and see...

Fall in love with the perfect laugh-out-loud festive read from top 10 bestseller Portia MacIntosh.

Flirty fun, set to a festive backdrop, this is Portia MacIntosh at her finest. 

Billie's family situation is hilarious given she was adamant that she wanted a quiet Christmas at home, ideally alone. 

But then it seems multiple family members, even estranged ones descend on her, expecting a room for the holidays and it turns into a a bit of a farce. 

So Billie decides to escape them each day for a singles event run from a dating app, and the results of that are even more funny. 

Just the whole book is feel good fun that you can't help but smile and laugh along with. 

I adored every moment of it, including some rather surprising conversations. 

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

Book Review - The Christmas Tree Cottage by Holly Martin

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Title: The Christmas Tree Cottage

Author: Holly Martin

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Author supplied copy

Publisher: Self published

Publication Date: 7th October 2022

Rating: 5 Stars

It’s the most wonderful time of the year in Wishing Wood, where the forest sparkles with fairy lights, the snow is falling, the fire is crackling and love is in the air. From the bestselling author of The Wisteria Tree Cottage comes the perfect romance to warm your heart this Christmas.

Evergreen Winter lives an unconventional life. Her home is a ramshackle red caravan and her Clydesdale horse Thunder is her only companion. She’s never anywhere long enough to put down roots, and that’s just the way she likes it. Until she arrives at beautiful Wishing Wood eight days before Christmas…

When Evergreen accepted the job to play the role of Mrs Christmas at the magical treehouse resort nestled within lush forest she never expected her Santa Claus to be the very gorgeous Heath Brookfield. From the moment they meet their connection is electric, and each day they play husband and wife Evergreen gets a glimpse of how incredible her life could be if she stayed in Wishing Wood for good.

But the last time Evergreen opened her heart to love she lost everything and she swore she’d never rely on anyone ever again. Heath believes he’s the one person who can change her mind. But with Evergreen set to leave on Christmas Eve, Heath doesn’t have long. Can he convince her to stay or will she ride away forever in her little red caravan taking his heart with her?

Perfect for fans of Jill Mansell, Trisha Ashley and Sarah Morgan, this unforgettable romance is guaranteed to make you smile and melt your heart. Like a creamy hot chocolate with marshmallows, you won’t want to put this deliciously heartwarming novel down.

Stunning... phenomenal... very Christmassy... absolutely amazing ... didn't want to put it down... unable to think in full sentences it's that good... loved it so so much... .gutted the series is at an end.... utterly brilliant.... one of my favourite all time Holly Martin books. 

I couldn't get enough of this book, when I wasn't reading I was thinking of the characters, and I just loved every single word of it. 

Holly Martin is a master of the Christmas romance - this is full of festive cheer, festive feeling, had me longing to be in Christmas Tree cottage alongside Santa and Mrs Claus, as they had breakfast with and did bed time stories with the visiting children.   I wanted to go to the Christmas market, and to ride Ever's horse, and to just be in Wishing Wood even more so than the previous two books. 

Oh this can be read as a standalone but then you would be missing out on two other equally fabulous book, as this is a series to devour - each focusing on a different brother. 

It was finally Heath's turn and from the moment Evergreen shows up, you just get an inkling of a feeling and I loved the pair of them any time they were in the same scene.  And Evergreen's backstory is just heart-breaking, while Heath certainly became my new book-boyfriend.  I fell for him completely but then again all of the brothers are fabulous. 

This is just all around a book that if you love a romance, or Christmas, or Holly Martin, that you will want to add your your Christmas list this year.  It's warm, it's romantic there is great chemistry and I loved hearing about Ever's job too, and all about her cloak and caravan.  

Also really enjoyed being able to get the latest update from Meadow, Bear and Star, Indigo, River and Tierra, as well as Amelia - having loved getting to know them throughout the series, and I just feel so at home with all of these characters. 

If you can't tell I absolutely loved this, which may be an understatement and am already looking forward to reading Holly Martin's 2023 releases! 

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

Book Review - 6 Ripley Avenue by Noelle Holten - Blog Tour

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Title: 6 Ripley Avenue

Author: Noelle Holten

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: One More Chapter

Publication Date: 27th September 2022

Rating: 5 Stars

ONE HOUSE

EIGHT KILLERS

NO WITNESSES

Jeanette is the manager of a probation hostel that houses high risk offenders released on license.

At 3am one morning, she receives a call telling her a resident has been murdered.

Her whole team, along with the eight convicted murderers, are now all suspects in a crime no one saw committed…

Don’t miss the first nerve-shredding standalone thriller from Noelle Holten, author of the Maggie Jamieson series.

OMG! Wowsers! That is some book, and without a doubt in my mind is Noelle Holten's best book so far.  I was on the edge of my seat, completely and utterly gripped and think I must have suspected almost everyone at some point. 

I didn't have a concrete theory for any of my suspicions, but I also couldn't piece it together any faster than the information was revealed to the reader. 

This is one tightly written book from a few different point of views and gives an excellent insight into the probation service, and just how ex-prisoners out on licence are treated and just what everything means.  Also shows how various departments within the justice system can work together on occasion. 

We have chapters from Jeanette, the manager of probation hostel Ripley House,  busybody neighbour to the property Helen who has never wanted the hostel there and has protested against it, but also is now volunteering in the kitchen.  We also have chapters from Sloane's point of view, she is an investigative reporter, seems to be wanting Ripley House closed down too and is good friends with Helen.  Lastly we have chapters from the killer's POV, so cleverly written that they give nothing away (at least that I could pick up on). 

I found even when I wasn't glued to the pages, the book was preying on my mind, and I was wondering what the characters were currently getting up to, while also needing answers for myself. 

Utterly fabulous, and I heartily recommend it. 

Thank you to One More Chapter and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily. 

Please follow along with the rest of the blog tour 

Book Review - Clara's Secret Garden by Rosie Green

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Title: Clara's Secret Garden

Author: Rosie Green

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Author supplied copy

Publisher: Self Published

Publication Date: 2nd August 2022

Rating: 5 Stars

When Clara Bowes transforms a wilderness of a garden, she isn't expecting to reconnect with someone special from her past at the same time. Having Rory Angel in her life again is a dream come true. But life is never straight forward – especially in matters of the heart – and soon, a devastating revelation looks set to bring Clara's hopes for the future crashing down around her. Will she find the strength to reach for her dreams? Don't miss this gorgeously sunny read, perfect for the summer months!

So with this 23rd book of the series, Clara's Secret Garden is in fact the first book in a sub trilogy all about Clara. Clara is new to the series in this book, so it can easily be read as a standalone from the rest of the series, and it will make you want read the next two books, just to see the full Clara story arc. 

As I feel there is quite a lot more to come from her, but this is an excellent start. She isn't overly green fingered but is trying to sort out her beloved Gran's garden while she is in hospital.  She is also a pseudo mum to Bertie, who is her half brother, and seems to be his only responsible adult in this life.  

Clara also has a crush on Rory who is helping out with the lawn mowing, having known him since school but she is rather shy. Which makes her the perfect person to help bring Elsie, Rory's much younger sister out of her shell. 

I absolutely loved Clara, and already look forward to her next book, as I need to see how her story continues.  There are links to the Duck Pond Cafe girls, so we get a quick glimpse at some of the series' favourite characters. 

This is such a unique idea, having a trilogy within a bigger series, and it's something that Rosie Green is starting to almost specialise in, after the three main Ruby and Hudson books earlier in the series.  This is an author that clearly loves her series, and is able to keep it running and running while continually making it feel fresh. 

And as a reader I'm lapping it up, I loved this book  and can't wait for the next one.  Just watch out for a whole bunch of groan worthy dad jokes and some far better humour too! 

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

Book Review - The Seaside Cocktail Campervan by Caroline Roberts - #HolidayReading Cruise

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Title: The Seaside Cocktail Campervan

Author: Caroline Roberts

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: One More Chapter

Publication Date: 19th August 2021

Rating: 5 Stars

Next stop: seaside, sunshine and romance!

When Lucy isn’t in her cosy cottage by the sea, she’s winding through the Northumberland coast with her loveable Dachsund Daisy, cooking up a storm at the local village celebrations. Inspired by her Italian Poppa, Lucy’s chasing a new dream with her pizza van business. And at one particular party she meets Jack, the brooding but gorgeous owner of the Cocktail Campervan.

Wary of repeating mistakes of the past, Lucy and Jack keep it strictly business. But as the summer drifts by in a swirl of garden parties, fun and fizz, and as the cocktail campervan creates the community they so desperately need, romance starts to blossom – one stop at a time…

The perfect mix of pizza and cocktails, set to a Northumberland backdrop and a great variety of special occasions. 

Another joyous book from Caroline Roberts,  who kept me hungry and thirsty throughout reading. 

As the scent's coming from Lucy's pizza horsebox, and the immense array of cocktails from Jack's cocktail campervan really tantalised and teased the imagination. 

I also loved the interactions between Jack and Lucy, as well as all of Jack's bartender dialogue. 

And Lucy's four legged friend was utterly fabulous too and full of mischief! 

A pure pleasure to read on my holiday, and I can't wait for the author's next book. 

Thank you to One More Chapter and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily. 

Book Review - Christmas at the Borrow a Bookshop by Kiley Dunbar

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Amazon UK

Title: Christmas at the Borrow a Bookshop

Author: Kiley Dunbar

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Publisher supplied copy

Publisher: Hera Books

Publication Date: 1st September 2022

Rating: 5 Stars

'Tis the season for finding love… and the perfect book

With just two weeks until Christmas, everything in Clove Lore should be perfect. But the latest holidaymaker to the Borrow a Bookshop is feeling far from festive…

Icelandic ex-bookseller Magnús Sturluson might be surrounded by love stories in the Bookshop, but he’s nursing a sadness that not even fiction can fix.

When Alexandra Robinson finds herself stranded in Clove Lore, she finds a safe place to hide from heartbreak. After all, all that’s waiting for her at home is a cheater boyfriend and the memories of her parents. As Alex finds herself embraced by the quirky village community, she finds her tough exterior thawing – and as she grows closer to Magnús, she finds an equally soft heart under his gruff shell.

It seems that Clove Lore is working its magic once again – until a great flood on Christmas Eve brings devastation in its wake. It’s up to Magnús and Alex to batten down the hatches and help bring the village back together again, while also introducing the locals to the Icelandic tradition of the jólabókaflóð – Yule book flood – where families and friends gather on Christmas Eve to exchange books and read together.

But can Magnús and Alex truly rescue the ruins of the village, and salvage their Christmas spirit? Or is there another complication lurking even closer than they thought?

A totally uplifting read that will lighten the winter gloom, for fans of Jenny Colgan and Trisha Ashley. Booklovers will adore this seasonal treat!

I absolutely adored the first Borrow a Bookshop book, and when I saw there was a Christmas addition to the series, I knew it would be special. 

And my hunch was correct, this was completely fantastic.  I was right at home back in Clove Lore, with it's up-along and down-along, depending on direction of travel, the local busybody matchmaker Mrs C, the couple from the first book who are now settled in the town, and Minty the person living in the big house! 

But above all there is the book shop, and Magnus isn't really sure he want's this two week holiday of looking after the Borrow A Bookshop after his one shop failed in Iceland.  He is a bit hard to instantly love but the second he meets the heroine of this book and spending time with her, well you couldn't help but fall for the Icelandic Viking! 

For Alex has been likened to a mermaid, she is on the run, but washes up ashore in Clove Lore, and sets in place a chain of events that changes hers and Magnus's lives forever. 

There are moments of real drama and heart in the mouth action in the book, which kept me on the edge of my seat, and although Christmas is present, and some Christmas traditions are present - this is far more about the spirit of Christmas, and community than about making you feel festive. Which means it's easily able to be read out of season, or early in your festive books TBR! 

I believe this is the author's best book to date and most certainly my favourite.  I am loving this funny little village, and all of its residents, and can't wait to see what will happen next in the series. 

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

Book Review - Christmas Miracles at Hedgehog Hollow by Jessica Redland

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Amazon UK

Title: Christmas Miracles at Hedgehog Hollow

Author: Jessica Redland

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Boldwood Books

Publication Date: 6th September 2022

Rating: 5 Stars

It's the countdown to Christmas at Hedgehog Hollow Wildlife Rescue Centre, and everyone is gearing up for a festive season to remember...

It should be the most wonderful time of the year for Samantha and Josh as they prepare for the arrival of their first baby. But life at Hedgehog Hollow rarely goes to plan and the pair are faced with adversaries, old and new, and unexpected challenges to overcome.

Fizz's job at the heart of the rescue centre is a dream come true but her personal life is more like a nightmare. With her love life a disaster and her past about to dramatically catch up with her, she needs the love and support of her Hedgehog Hollow family more than ever.

As the snow falls over Hedgehog Hollow, will Samantha and Fizz find the Christmas miracle they need to overcome their heartache and find happiness?

Well Jessica Redland almost had me in tears while I was on the tube while I was devouring this spectacular series finale.

It is just the most perfect title for a book, and while I'm gutted the series has come to an end, if you do have to end a series then other authors should look at this for how to leave a reader satisfied, and incredibly happy for the characters.

But it's certainly not smooth going, and anyone who has been following the series from the start wouldn't have expected anything less than the amount of well literally everything that has been crammed into this book.

Sam's viewpoint is mixed with us finally getting Fizz's story, and what a backstory and secret she has. It is uncomfortable reading at times, but all dealt with in an appropriate manner from the author.

Full of drama, emotion, more animals than just hedgehogs (time has moved on since the end of book 5), joy and heartache this book grabs your attention from the first few pages, and doesn't let it go at any point. It's fantastic.

Always sad to see a much loved series end, but it really has been done in a spectacular way. 

Thank you Jessica Redland for bringing Hedgehog Hollow in our hearts, and teaching us all about Hedgehogs, and how to look after them.  It has been a complete and utter pleasure reading this series. 

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

Cover Reveal for Ouija by Zoé O’Farrell

I'm very excited to be able to reveal to you today the cover of  Zoé O’Farrell 's latest book - Ouija. 

Doesn't that look evocative and creepy! Good thing that it is being release on Halloween! 

So let's find out what this is all about - 

The only thing for certain is the deaths were no accident. 

Rayner High School once a prestigious school stands in ruins after such a terrible event.

A year later, a group of friends return to the abandoned school and their nightmare begins.

Something wants to get out and won’t take NO for an answer…

Pre-order your copy today from Amazon UK

Sounds far to terrifying for this scaredy cat, but fairly sure if you are a horror fan you will love this book. 

And here is some info about Zoe too. 

Zoé O’Farrell grew up in Watford but left the town life to live by the sea down at the White Cliffs of Dover.
She spends her days working with numbers before escaping in the evening to the world of words and movies. Her go-to relaxation is watching a scary movie or reading a terrifying book!

 She is a book blogger and tour organiser just to keep her extra busy. When she is not reading or writing, you can usually find her watching Watford FC or at a gig. Failing that she can be found rolling her eyes at her husband as he acts the same age as her spitfire of a Mini-Me whilst separating her two cats.

 Ouija is her debut novel.

Follow her at:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/zoelee.anthony

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zooloosbookdiary/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/zooloo2008

Website : https://zooloosbookdiary.co.uk/

So what do you think of this cover and book, let us know and I hope you like.