Book Review - Sylvia's Second Act by Hillary Yablon - #HolidayReading Fuerteventura

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Title: Sylvia's Second Act

Author: Hillary Yablon

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Orion

Publication Date: 12th March 2024 

Rating: 5 Stars

Growing older doesn't just mean growing wiser.

But it does mean a lot of fun...

When 63-year-old Sylvia finds her husband in bed with another woman, she's shocked and furious . . . at first. But by the time her head stops spinning, Sylvia realises she hates the retirement community she's living in - it's for old people. And she certainly doesn't feel old!

So, she enlists the help of her best friend, glamorous 70-year-old widow Evie, and the pair flee to Manhattan to start a new life in the city that never sleeps. Sylvia's husband may have lost her life savings, but they're scrappy and determined - and they weren't born yesterday...

Before long, Sylvia is reviving her wedding planning business and even finds herself back in the dating game! And no matter what her meddling daughter thinks, it's her time now - and she's determined that in this glorious second act, the best is yet to come!

Hilarious, heartwarming and utterly feel-good, Sylvia's Second Act is perfect for fans of Heartburn by Nora Ephron, Grace & Frankie, and Sex and the City.

This is the first book I've read from this author (mainly cos its her debut) and given how much I loved this one and how quickly I devoured it, it definitely won't be my last. 

It's another book in this new sub genre of books, about kick ass women "of a certain age". 

Which is a genre that I am thoroughly enjoying more and more each time I encounter it. 

For who wouldn't want to grow up and by like Sylvia.  Ok I don't want her cheating husband, or meddling daughter, but her determination to start living her life after she catches her husband iin the act, is inspiring. 

She and friend Evie, move to New York to follow their dreams, and Sylvia even takes up wedding planning, 

I was loving every second of his book, from its first to last page. It's joyous, its awe inspiring, it has plenty of sex and the city references and its generally just a refreshing read. 

Utterly brilliant. 

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

Epic Birthday Holiday - but where I am I going, and what's on my kindle?!

I'm so excited! In a few hours time I will be leaving for the airport, for what will be I believe the longest flight I've ever taken (almost 15 hours)... and once that is out of the way assuming I'll still be in one piece (although most likely knackered) - I'll be in Santiago, Chile. 

And that is just for one night, where I'll be staying in a gorgeous luxury hotel, before transferring to San Antonio for a 16 Night Cruise on board the Norwegian Sun. 

Ain't she a beauty! If you been following me for a while you will perhaps have worked out that I absolutely love holidays and cruising, probably even more than I love reading, although I can normally combine the two quite easily. 

Over the 16 Nights onboard the ship I will be stopping in

Coquimbo, Chile

Arica, Chile

Pisco, Peru

Callao (Lima), Peru

Trujillo (Salverry), Peru

Manta, Ecaudor

Panama City, Panama 

Cartagena, Colombia

and finally will end in Miami, with a night in a hotel before flying home.  

And between Panama and Colombia, there is a full transit of the Panama Canal, which I'm lead to believe is spectacular cruising and will be fascinating, and I am so looking forward to it. 

But didn't you just go away over Christmas, I hear you ask?! - Well yes, but 10 years ago for my 30th, I decided that every 5 years to mark my next "big / bigger" birthday, that I would take myself off on a holiday that is far more exotic, expensive and memorable than any of my regular holidays.  And so on the 28th February, when I'm in Peru, I will be turning the big 4-0! 

Kind of dreading the fact that I'm now in the last week or so of my 30s, given mentally I reckon I'm still in my 20s.. it's always slightly scary moving into a new decade! But I'll ignore that for the moment, and concentrate of the fact that I'm about to spend time in South America, a continent I have never even given much thought about travelling to - until this cruise itinerary came into my life.

I hope you will agree that this really should be a once in a life time trip, and even though my birthday itself is being spent in a port which I have no plans for which is a shame, as on my 30th I swam with Dolphins and my 35th I fed and bathed Elephants, both on the day itself, I suspect this as a whole will be just as special and memorable. 

So in between running around the ship like a headless chicken as I often do on cruises, and soaking up so much much needed winter sun, exploring the ports and going off on various excursions, I will of course have my kindle in my hands frequently. 

Here are all the review books currently on my kindle waiting for me to read them.

What do you think of these books? Which should I make sure I definitely read (I will get to them all eventually)?  And what on earth books am I go going to start the holiday with on the flight - I will be hoping to sleep too, but it will probably be a mix of dozing, opening kindle until eyes feel heavy again and then more dozing - I could only afford economy! 

And on what is in total an almost 3 week holiday, just how many books do you think I'll read? Funnily if I was to predict it, I'd say less than on a 2 week holiday but you never know! 

Anyways the blog will be quiet until I'm back, but hope you will all join me on 13th March for my review of Sylvia's Second Act by Hilary Yablon. 

Bring on the holiday! 

Book Review - Misbehaving at Cactus Lanes by Patricia Santos Marcantonio - #BookChallenge #24In2024

This is book #2 for my #24in2024 challenge.  And for this book I have visited USA. 

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Title: Misbehaving at Cactus Lanes

Author: Patricia Santos Marcantonio

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: One More Chapter

Publication Date: 15th February 2024

Rating: 4 Stars

An hilarious and heartwarming read perfect for fans of Judy Leigh, Caroline James and Maddie Please!

As Margaret Adams buries her late husband she comes to a shocking realisation – she was widowed long before Bob dropped dead on the ninth hole at his beloved golf club.

Now, with her children grown and her unhappy marriage over, Maggie goes in search of something to make her happy. Enter Las Vegas bowling alley, Cactus Lanes!

With its neon sign, legendary chilli fries and community spirit, stepping through the doors does more than put a smile on Maggie’s face, it changes her life.

As she discovers the friendships she’s always craved – and a chance at a true love with gorgeous owner Frank Martinez – Maggie comes to realise that it’s not about winning or losing, it’s about choosing your lane and striking with determination in the direction that allows you to be you.

It was certainly the cover that attracted me to this novel, it's bright and looked like fun, and once I glanced at the blurb and saw the mention of Las Vegas, that was it, I knew i had to read it. 

And it certainly lived up to those expectations and the cover is spot on, as this is a rather colourful novel, at least once Maggie starts to live her own life.  After all she is attracted by the neon signs at the Cactus Lanes Bowling alley. 

For this is a story of how life really can begin in your 70s.  It took for her husband to suddenly die, for Maggie to bee freed from what was a stifling, boring, loveless marriage, not abusive, just indifferent, and for her to start discovering what it is she really wants from life. 

And that includes re-discovering a love of bowling that she did a term of in school and enjoyed, until her friends talked her out of it.  For Maggie is easily influenced by others, at least initially and even know she's ashamed that her daughter has got a lot of the same qualities as Bob.   

I loved this look at life in Las Vegas too, for although there are some trips to the strip, mainly when Maggie is volunteering with a senior, we get to see past the gambling and see all the other parts to Las Vegas. 

And i just could visualise everything so clearly, and I was loving how Maggie's confidence grew as she gains new skills and friends, and even clearly has a potential love interest.  

I was less keen to see there still seems to be a class system in America, and stereotypical prejudices from thankfully not main characters. 

This was the first book I've read from this author and I thoroughly enjoyed it.  I just wish I had Maggie's bowling skills, as she is awesome! 

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

Book Review - By The Book by Jasmine Guillory - #HolidayReading Fuerteventura

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Title: By The Book

Author: Jasmine Guillory

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Studio Press

Publication Date: 21st July 2022 

Rating: 4 Stars

Sometimes to truly know a person, you have to read between the lines.

Isabelle is completely lost. When she first began her career in publishing after college, she did not expect to be twenty-five, still living at home, and one of the few Black employees at her publishing house. Overworked and underpaid, constantly torn between speaking up or stifling herself, Izzy thinks there must be more to this publishing life. So when she overhears her boss complaining about a beastly high-profile author who has failed to deliver his long-awaited manuscript, Isabelle sees an opportunity to finally get the promotion she deserves.

All she has to do is go to the author's Santa Barbara mansion and give him a pep talk or three. How hard could it be?

But Izzy quickly finds out she is in over her head. Beau Towers is not some celebrity lightweight writing a tell-all memoir. He is jaded and withdrawn and - it turns out - just as lost as Izzy. But despite his standoffishness, Izzy needs Beau to deliver, and with her encouragement, his story begins to spill onto the page. They soon discover they have more in common than either of them expected, and as their deadline nears, Izzy and Beau begin to realize there may be something there that wasn't there before.

Best-selling author Jasmine Guillory's reimagining of a beloved fairy tale is a romantic triumph of love and acceptance and learning that sometimes to truly know a person you have to read between the lines.

Incredibly enjoyable book, set between New York and California, about an editorial assistant who is being overlooked at work, and a jaded celebrity who is very overdue on his memoir manuscript. 

At the point Izzy volunteers to see if she can meet Beau in person and see if she can coax a book out of him, the story really gets going. 

I loved the descriptions of Beaus' place, and the rather fabulous dialogue between Beau and Izzy. 

As we get to know Beau more, we learn just why he has been struggling with telling his story, which just endeared him to me even more. 

This was a quick and easy fun read, and I loved the surfing lessons. 

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

Book Review - Love Letters on Hazel Lane by Jennifer Page - #HolidayReading Fuerteventura

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Title: Love Letters on Hazel Lane

Author: Jennifer Page

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Aria

Publication Date: 4th January 2024

Rating: 5 Stars

Scrabble fan Jo always seems to pick the wrong guys. Now she's moved to the Yorkshire village of Hebbleswick, and decided to give dating one last chance. This time, there's a catch: she will only date men whose names would score highly in her beloved word game.

After Tarquin (16 points) proves just as disappointing as the rest, she meets low-scoring local doctor Ras (3 points). Her rules mean she can't date him – but when he asks her to organise a Scrabble festival with him, she can't say no.

As the event draws nearer and Jo and Ras grow closer, will Jo ignore her rule and let true love blossom over the triple letter scores?

Fantastic - 14 points

Brilliant - 11 points

Enjoyable - 21 points

Just 3 of the words I would use to describe this latest book from Jennifer Page, featuring scrabble mad Jo, and Ras. 

There is a lot of scrabble and scrabble scores in this book, and it does form the basis for a fair amount of the plot. 

But there is so much more to it than just that, as Jo starts to make improvements in all areas of her life. 

And I loved the idea of a Scrabble festival, and would dearly love to go to it, being a big fan of the game too. 

Set in the next village over to the author's first book, we have loads of cameos and connections to The Board Game Café, which as a fan I loved seeing. but rest assured  this can easily be read as a standalone book too. 

I read this on holiday, on Christmas day, and it was the perfect read. After all who hasn't played scrabble or another board game with loved ones over Christmas, so this felt like a fitting read, while I was soaking up the sun. 

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

Book Review - An Enchanted Moment on Ever After Street by Jaimie Admans

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Title: An Enchanted Moment on Ever After Street

Author: Jaimie Admans

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Boldwood Books

Publication Date: 11th January 2024

Rating: 5 Stars

A picture-perfect town, a place where dreams come true. Welcome to Ever After Street...

A tale as old as time…

Since her mum’s death, Marnie Platt has shut herself away from everyone who cares about her. Worse, her beloved bookshop on Ever After Street is suffering too. With sales down and the shop’s garden falling into disrepair, Marnie risks losing the very last thing she loves. Until a chance encounter with her surly and reclusive neighbour….

Dark and brooding, Darcy O'Connell likes to keep himself to himself. But when he hears Marnie needs help, he can’t turn his back on her. Soon they are spending most evenings together in her enchanted garden and a friendship starts to bloom…

With the help of old and new friends on Ever After Street, Marnie's bookshop begins to thrive again, and with Darcy's kindness, she starts to get her sparkle back too. She just can't understand why Darcy continues to shut himself away - especially from her. Can she convince him it isn't too late to embrace life, and maybe love, again?

Because every story, even theirs, deserves a happy ending….

Words can't express how much I love... 

Jaimie Admans

Ever After After Street

A Tale as Old as Time Bookshop

The one initially known as the Beast

Just about everything to do with book and series

... for it is all just perfect, and amazing, and fabulous and I want more the whole time.  I couldn't get enough of this story loving literally every single second of it. 

Ok some of the big reveals I had guessed incredibly early on but I think you are meant to guess them but I had to keep reading to discover if I was going to be right, and for some of the reasoning too, as that I had no idea on.  I just had a rather strong inkling about a few things! 

And what a sense of community there is on Ever After Street, and we get to see more of all the characters we grew to love in the first book too, as well as getting to know two more residents of the street. 

This really is a modern retelling of Beauty and the Beast, and it just works so so well.  I'm reluctant to spill any actual details, as frankly I think every single book lover, and romance lover should read this, as its so good, so enjoyable, so readable, and so enchanting, and all the better for not having any preconceptions about any of the characters. 

Suffice to say they both see significant development, there is a character who is I'd say even more ridiculously annoying and self obsessed than Gaston is, who I really wanted to hit him for myself,  and being set in a bookshop that has had a threat of being closed - there are some great ideas for improving business. 

But I'm determined that you should whether you already know how amazing this author is or not, that you should definitely read this book. It's just that good and easily one of her best (but I may say that ever time and its always true). 

I just wish Ever After Street was a real place and I can't wait to see what fairy-tale we will get with the next book in the series (at least I hope there will be a next book). 

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

Book Review - Coffee and Cake at Wildflower Lock by Hannah Lynn

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Title: Coffee and Cake at Wildflower Lock

Author: Hannah Lynn

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Boldwood Books

Publication Date: 22nd January 2024

Rating: 4 Stars

Home is where the coffee is...

Daisy May is embarking on a new chapter of her life as a permanent resident at the idyllic Wildflower Lock. Determined to seize this second chance she's been granted, Daisy is putting her all into making her new business venture a success. As her friendship with Theo grows ever stronger, her happily ever after seems within reach.

However, life isn't always smooth sailing. When a string of unfortunate mishaps and an unruly stag party leaves Daisy’s finances in dire straits, she starts to question her decision to launch a coffee shop. But just when she's nearly lost hope, the mysterious and generous Christian enters her life. Astute and eager to assist Daisy, he proposes a solution that could be the answer to all her problems... or will it be the beginning of even more challenges.

I am loving this Wildflower Lock series, and especially enjoying Daisy May and the continuation of her story from the first book. 

I do think it can be read as a standalone since the background is definitely included, which worked as a good reminder for me on the whole too as to what was in the previous book. 

Daisy has now decided to open up a coffee shop on her house boat, for everyone that visits the lock and to hopefully earn her some much needed income.  But right from day one it seems like she has cursed bad luck.  It it isn't one thing, it's another.  I know they say bad things come in threes, but I think it was more like a multiple of three! 

In amongst it all though she realises if she can keep the shop open, there is definitely a customer base, and at the same time her love of art is reborn too.  Through that she meets Christian, who really turns her head. 

Which is awkward given she seems to be running scared as to what could be happening with Theo, who is still fabulous. 

I really was torn as to which man I thought Daisy would end the book with, I knew which one my heart desired but wasn't convinced at times that she was thinking the same way.  I also really enjoyed getting to know Daisy's friends better too. 

I do though think that this is perhaps the middle of a trilogy at a guess of books featuring Daisy, as I have this suspicion there is more to come from her, as she continues to adapt to life on the canal. What I do know is given how much I am enjoying this author's writing of this series, I am 1000% eager to keep reading more from it. 

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

Book Review - What The Focaccia by Ginger Jones - #HolidayReading Fuerteventura

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Title: What The Focaccia

Author: Ginger Jones

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Zaffre

Publication Date: 11th May 2023 

Rating: 5 Stars

Escape to Italy with the brand-new romcom from the author of You Had Me at Halloumi

When Ramona's dream to launch a size-inclusive fashion line comes crashing down she decides it is time for a bold change. Realising there is little inclusivity in the exclusive world of haute couture, Ramona bids ciao for now to her old life and heads to Milan for fashion inspiration (and gelato).

Thrown off course, she rents a room in a Tuscan village where the locals are sceptical - particularly the infuriating Marco, who seems to be there whenever Ramona makes a fool of herself. Which is often.

Can a year in Tuscany get her life back on track? And will Ramona discover amore when she least expects it?

Ginger Jones is back with her next laugh-out-loud, mouth-watering tale from the rolling fields of sun-drenched Italy. Add a dash of romance to your life with this tale that's sure to satisfy your appetite . . .

Oh this was just brilliant, 

Right from the start I was rooting for Ramona and for her pitch for Curvalicious to go well, as it is such a great concept for a fashion label. 

Unfortunately haute couture companies aren't into size inclusivity, and Ramona on the verge of giving up ends up in Tuscany. 

Where she becomes key in various aspects of village life, and also learns all about an inspirational milliner too. 

I also loved her best friend Fabrice, who doubles as Polly Darton, and I am a lover or a drag queen! And Polly in her act is formidable. 

Admidst some fabulous Italian food and climate, we have a fabulous story about body positivity and the fight curvy larger than sick figure girls have to get clothes that not only fit but also that they feel good in.  And given I'm in that size range too, I was intrigued and excited by Ramona's designs. 

I absolutely loved every moment of this book and once again I'm keen to read more from Ginger Jones. 

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

Book Review - Mrs Winterbottom Takes a Gap Year by Joanna Nell - #HolidayReading Fuerteventura

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Title: Mrs Winterbottom Takes A Gap Year

Author: Joanna Nell

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Hodder & Stoughton

Publication Date: 2nd November 2023

Rating: 5 Stars

It's never too late for the adventure of a lifetime . . .

Heather Winterbottom has worked side by side with her husband as GPs in their idyllic rural practice for over forty years. But as the time comes to hang up their stethoscopes, the Winterbottoms discover that they have rather different visions of retirement . . .

Heather dreams of exploring the Greek Islands, of escaping the shackles of her routine life and embracing an exciting new adventure. Alan dreams of growing his own vegetables.

When things come to a head at a family lunch, Heather announces that she has decided to take a year off. From her old life, from her marriage - from Alan. Alone in beautiful Greece, Heather embarks on her very own odyssey - complete with peak experiences, pitfalls and temptations. But what if coming home is the biggest adventure yet?

With echoes of Shirley Valentine in places, this is one fabulous book, about getting to grips with retirement. 

For Alan and Heather Winterbottom thought it would be a great idea to retire together, given they had been working together the whole time. 

But yet as they give up being GPs, and suddenly have nothing but time on the horizon it appears they may no longer have anything in common. 

Alan is suddenly very keen on gardening, and growing his own produce, whereas Heather wants to travel. 

It's eye opening that you may think you know your partner, but suddenly you have nothing to say to them anymore. 

There are some amusing moments, as well as those that made me smile. 

And as Heather finally starts to see Greece, she has an unusual travelling companion with her, which probably shouldn't have made me laugh as much as it did. 

I thoroughly enjoyed reading about The Winterbottom's, and also really enjoyed the authors writing style. I must read more of her. 

Thank you to Hodder & Stoughton and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily. 

Book Review - Hitched by J. F. Murray

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Title: Hitched

Author: J. F. Murray

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: MacMillan

Publication Date: 1st February 2024

Rating: 5 Stars

What happens in Vegas . . . doesn’t always stay there.

Kate is the ultimate planner. She has her happily-ever-after all plotted out, starting with her dream wedding to successful dental surgeon, Norman, and an iconic Las Vegas hen party with her three best girlfriends. Even running into her DJ ex, Trevor Rush, the man who broke her heart nine years ago, won’t ruin Kate’s vision for the perfect girls’ trip.

But when an alcohol-fuelled night out leaves Kate and Trevor accidentally hitched, her plans are officially out the window. To make matters worse, Trevor has decided he wants Kate back, and won’t sign the annulment papers until she agrees to go on three last dates with him.

With her fairy tale wedding just days away, Kate is determined to fight her growing feelings for Trevor. But in the scorching heat of Sin City, is it time for her to tear up the rule book, and finally take a gamble on love?

Please please please please please Hollywood turn this into a hit rom-com film. It would be completely amazing on the big screen, and needs to be turned into a movie so that even more people can see how much fun this story is. 

As you might be able to tell I totally and utterly loved this book, and think I read the last quarter or so in one sitting oblivious to the world around me.  Easily one of my favourite books of 2024 so far. 

It is just so so so much fun, from the first couple of chapters until the end I was invested in Kate's love life. 

And the rest of her friends, the rest of the hen party, the bants between them is just classic. They love roasting each other, and there are so many funny lines. 

Between the four of them after their first night in Vegas, one wakes up in handcuffs, one wakes up with a tattoo, one with no eyebrows and the other apparently got married to her ex -love of her life who broke her heart years ago, but Elvis in a Wedding Chapel, despite her wedding being later that week to her fiancée! 

I mean if that alone isn't the makings of a classic rom-com then I don't know what else is.  Add in how Trevor is determined not to give Kate the annulment she desperately believes she wants, for various reasons that will become apparent and make sense, a lot of time spent in Vegas and you have a book that hits all the right the boxes for me. 

With action including the Bellagio, Venice, New York, Paris (all on the strip). a famous strip show with an unexpected finale, and a memorable trip to the Grand Canyon, plus a bit of gambling this is totally my sort of book. 

I loved every word of it, it's funny, it's refreshing, I knew what outcome I wanted, but was never completely sure how it would end, and some wonderful both romantic and also embarrassing moments,  this book was perfect for me! 

I am so eager to see what else this author writes, as I think they may have a new fan! 

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