Book Review - The Sticky Toffee Pudding Club by Rosie Green - #HolidayReading Cyprus

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Title: The Sticky Toffee Pudding Club

Author: Rosie Green

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Author supplied copy

Publisher: Self Published

Publication Date: 3rd August 2024

Rating: 5 Stars

Little Duck Pond Café fans (and pudding lovers), get ready for a funny, sometimes emotional but ultimately uplifting wallow in total deliciousness. After bonding with the lovely Jensen as they save a dog in trouble, Annalise is gutted when they part without swapping numbers. She'd had the weirdest feeling he could be The One but now she might never see Jensen again. When she loses her new job in a wedding boutique, her week goes from bad to worse – until Maddy and the café girls come to her rescue with an exciting solution. The Pudding Club. Can Annalise rise to the challenge and start teaching others how to make her glorious puds? And could The Pudding Club be the key to finding Jensen again?

If you are a fan of old fashioned, school puddings then you will definitely find yourself getting very hungry while reading this book. 

As there are puddings everywhere including in a rather special recipe book that has assorted notes in it too. 

Annalise's relationship with grandma Lilo was rather heartwarming.  And her  meet cute with Jensen and Barley and subsequent hunt to see if she can find Jensen again as they didn't exchange numbers is a lot of fun. 

And through some chance meetings with Ellie and Maddie a new venture for the Little Duck Pond Cafe is born, and as a long time fan of the whole of this series, it was lovely to see a fair few of the regulars in this instalment and be able to catch up with them. 

After the previous three books in the series being a sub trilogy, it was nice to be able to reconnect with the series' roots, in a fabulous foodie story. 

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

Book Review - Meet Me At Midnight by Holly Martin - #HolidayReading Cyprus

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Title: Meet Me At Midnight

Author: Holly Martin

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Author supplied copy

Publisher: Self Published

Publication Date: 9th August 2024

Rating: 5 Stars

Get ready to be whisked away to the magical village of Midnight as romance casts its spell on you with this summer’s hottest love story…

Iris McKenzie is on a mission – her scheming ex-boyfriend stole her grandmother’s locket and she’ll do anything to get it back, even using the magic she’s always kept hidden. But what she isn’t prepared for is competition…

Lynx Oakwood has been tasked with recovering the same locket and along with his fellow witches from the magical village of Midnight, Lynx believes the locket holds great powers that could be dangerous in the wrong hands.

Both are determined to take the locket, but neither is prepared for meeting their match. For not only is the connection between them electric, but with Iris’s ability to see into the future she can foresee a blissful destiny with Lynx she isn’t prepared for. So when Iris’s pursuit of the locket leads her to the charming village of Midnight, she does everything she can to avoid the future that’s mapped out for her. But the more time Iris spends living amongst magical people freely enjoying their powers, the more she feels she belongs, and the harder it gets to stop her heart falling for Lynx.

And when the locket brings a cauldron full of trouble to both Iris and Midnight, Lynx’s commitment to protect her reveals a love that’s true beyond fate. Will she deny herself happiness simply because it’s written in the stars? Or is there only so long Iris can run from her destiny?

Let multi-million bestselling author Holly Martin’s spellbinding love story set your heart on fire this summer. A bewitching tale of sizzling romance, fighting fate, mischievous witches and talking cats and foxes, perfect for fans of Cecilia Ahearn, Erin Sterling and Jill Mansell.

Ever since I finished the first book set in Midnight ad Holly Martin's world of witches, I have been impatiently waiting for the next book. 

Well it was worth the wait, another completely addictive, easy to read, totally compelling story in this series. 

With Iris and Lynx being the main characters. For those new to this world we get a fabulous refresher of not only how Midnight works, with some familiar villagers popping up again, but also due to Iris' circumstance a whole lot more world building about not just witches but another magic using being too. 

I would have loved to buy Iris' jewellery it sounded so pretty and I could visualise it clearly. 

And the descriptions of witch sex still sound magical and something I wish I could experience for myself 

I adore this magical world and this particular story was brilliant, as I have come to expect from the author. And I think it may have sowed the seeds for another book, so I have my everything crossed that there will be a book 3 at some point. 

This is a series I would be happy to see running for a long time, it has totally enchanted me. 

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

Book Review - Sunrise Over Strawberry Hill Farm by Alison Sherlock

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Title: Sunrise Over Strawberry Hill Farm

Author: Alison Sherlock

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Boldwood Books

Publication Date: 3rd January 2024

Rating: 5 Stars

The penultimate book in Alison Sherlocks, heart-warming Railway Lane series - one not to be missed...

She drives a tractor. He arrives in a red Ferrari. What could possibly go wrong?

Flora Barton is desperate to save her family home Strawberry Hill Farm. She only needs one thing - a great business idea to keep the farm afloat!

So, when Nico Rossi arrives from Italy with a crazy plan to save the farm, Flora should be overjoyed. The trouble is the Rossi men are infamous playboys and sensible Flora doesn’t trust impetuous Nico at all.

Nico has been trying to escape the famous Rossi surname his whole life. Arriving in sleepy Cranfield after recently losing his beloved grandfather and family vineyard, he has no intention of staying on any longer than necessary. But he soon realises how desperate the situation is and throws caution to the wind to help turn the farm into a Glamping site.

Can Flora realise her dreams to keep the farm safe for the future and can Nico ever stop running from his past?

As they try to save Strawberry Hill Farm, secrets are revealed and just maybe they’ll discover why opposites attract...

A cosy, feel-good read, perfect for the fans of Della Galton, Holly Martin and Cathy Bramley

I absolutely love this series, and this is another totally wonderful addition to it. 

I found I couldn't read this fast enough, as I felt so at home back in Cranfield, and I love seeing how this little town keeps regenerating itself. 

This time it is Flora who is taking centre stage but we see plenty of the other leading ladies of the series, and I also know I'm looking forward to reading Libby's story in the final book of the series. 

Flora is trying her hardest to save Strawberry Hill Farm but is practically out of ideas. She is not a huge fan of change, nor is she that bothered about romance, so the arrival of Nico Rossi is a huge adjustment for her. 

I loved Nico, he is trying his hardest to prove he isn't like his famous father, and some of his interactions with a young teen in the village are really sweet and it's clear he is a very caring person. He is also determined to help Flora save the farm. 

I loved seeing the dynamics between Flora and Nico, even if I did want to knock their heads together many times. 

This is heartwarming, its friendly, the sense of community is strong and its an all around pleasurable book to escape into.   A total joy to read, and I can't wait until I open the next book in this series. 

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

Book Review - The Sunshine Sisters: Blossom by Rosie Green

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Title: The Sunshine Sisters: Blossom

Author: Rosie Green

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Author supplied copy

Publisher: Self published

Publication Date: 8th June 2024

Rating: 5 Stars

Blossom Sunshine's life is anything but boring right now. She's determined to finally solve the mystery of who her biological father is – despite Mum Ada putting a spanner in the works. What is Ada trying to hide? Meanwhile, best friend Billy is doing his best to impress Jenna. This means cutting back on the cakes and carbs that he loves, but Jenna's worth it. Isn't she?

And then there's Blossom's own love life, which has been a catalogue of disasters up till now – but that was before she met Trevor. He's not her usual type but she thinks maybe that's a good thing? Could this be real love at long last?

One thing's for certain – the path to her achieving her heart's desire looks anything but smooth!

Woah, what a sub trilogy these Sunshine Sisters books have been. This one takes you on a complete rollercoaster, as we finally have Blossom in the spotlight and if you have been following the previous two books, all I'll say is you do finally get answers. 

And they had me open mouthed in amazement as the truth is finally discovered.

In fact I'd say these three books have been wrapped up so well that if you are new to Rosie Green's writing, or The Little Duck Pond Cafe series, then starting at The Sunshine Sisters: Skye, the first of these three books, could be a fabulous place to start. 

Don't get me wrong I believe this can work as a standalone, but definitely feel you will be far more invested in the outcomes for a few of the characters, if you read all three books. 

It was wonderful to catch up with familiar faces, and I truly hope we see more of Blossom, Rori and Skye in future books of the series. 

Was just a fabulous story that I devoured in a couple of hours, while enjoying the sun in my garden.

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

Book Review - There's Something About Greece by Sue Roberts

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Title: There's Something About Greece

Author: Sue Roberts

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Bookouture

Publication Date: 15th June 2023

Rating: 4 Stars

The sun beams down on the golden sands of the Greek island of Crete, as couples fill the beach bars to enjoy a cocktail or two. But, will this be the year that Tania finds true love?

When twenty-nine-year-old Tania is invited to spend the summer with her aunt Judith on the stunning Greek island of Crete, she’s torn. She hasn’t been able to bring herself to travel since her last vacation romance utterly broke her heart. But she knows she can try to put the past behind her. Especially for her beloved aunt who is recovering from a small operation…

Taking in gorgeous views of the turquoise harbour and white beaches from the little village, Tania knows she made the right decision. It’s just what she needed – and zero men in sight! That is, until she goes for a refreshing dip in the crystal sea and handsome local Nicos bumps right into her. For a moment, Tania can’t help but be lost in his sparkling eyes… When he stays silent however, Tania draws back. She has too much on her plate to jump at the first Greek god she sees – especially one as grumpy and rude as Nicos!

So, when Nicos turns up at the door offering to help her aunt, and takes Tania’s hand as he apologises for their first meeting, it’s not just her racing pulse that catches Tania by surprise. And as he opens up about his own family, she sees the kind heart underneath his brooding and bronzed exterior. Could she be falling for him, and this beautiful island he calls home?

But when a secret about Nicos’s past comes to light, Tania knows the sun has set on her holiday in the sun. She’s certain it’s time to go home with her aunt. Until Nicos promises her the life of her dreams – if she would only stay in Crete. Now she must choose between the safety of her life back home or taking a chance on love. She can’t risk her heart on another holiday romance… can she?

You will be swept away to the golden sands of Greece in this gorgeous feel-good summer romance, full of love, laughter and new beginnings! Perfect for fans of Kate Frost, Jenny Colgan and My Mamma Mia Summer.

This is a lovely summer read, full of animals especially two incredibly lovely dogs that I had a real soft spot for, a gorgeous Greek guy and a whole lot of fun. 

I loved getting to know Tania and her aunt Judith, as well as all the other volunteers at this Greek animal rescue. 

It was  a joy to read, and I always love Sue Roberts descriptions of Greece and this was no exception. I felt transported to Crete and just really wish I had been able to read this in the sun myself. 

I loved how Tania was able to see how everyone else's lives could be improved but she couldn't initially work out what it is she really wanted to do, and whether she could trust her instincts. 

Always a pleasure to read a book from this author and this was no exception. 

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

Book Review - Close Knit by Jenny Colgan

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Title: Close Knit

Author: Jenny Colgan

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Hodder & Stoughton 

Publication Date: 15th August 2024

Rating: 5 Stars

Everyone knows her life story.

But who will win her heart?

Gertie has always had her head in the clouds, wondering what her life might be like if she could only pluck up the courage to leave the remote Scottish island where she was born.

It's the only place she knows, but you can't do anything there without everyone knowing - the glue of this close-knit community is the Knitting Circle, a group of strong, capable and frankly nosy women who work hard, gossip, knit and support each other through thick and thin. At the centre of this sisterhood is Gertie's mum Jean and her grandmother Elspeth, and the three generations of women live together, surrounded by wool, in one small cottage.

When the chance comes to make changes - a new job working with old schoolfriend Morag on the local airline, new friends and even a possible new romance - a world of possibilities opens up before Gertie. Is this the way to make her dreams come true?

Fifteen million copies sold. A readership that spans the world. It's time to fall in love with Jenny Colgan.

I can never resist jumping into a new Jenny Colgan book, so this was barely on my kindle before I dived right in. 

And it didn't take me long to feel right at home within the pages of this story. It's set clearly in Jenny Colgan's Scotland, there are mentions of Mure (which will please fans of that series), and we also get a fair bit from Morag from The Summer Skies too. 

But it is a totally standalone story, having never really come across Gertie before, or Struan before who are our other main leads in addition to Morag. 

And Gertie who starts with her head in the clouds as an almost professional daydreamer, living a very sheltered sort of life that she seems to enjoy. But she is rather fed up with her bedroom being full with enough wool to open a shop with, and would love to move out of the family home. 

And as Gertie slowly lets the world in, the rewards are so great, and the more we see her grow, and turn into a really fabulous person. 

There is humour in the story, there is warmth, there is a whole deal of utterly unputdownable edge of the seat drama, and a lot more besides.  I was loving the community on this island and how many side characters had nice little storylines too. 

There is also as the title suggests, a great deal of knitting in this book, from the Knitting Circle (I'd argue a circle of gossips), to Gertie who even in stressful situations is able to pull out her knitting to calm down and focus her mind, this just adds to the warm and cosy nature of this book. 

I am loving these books featuring Morag, who is shaping up to be another one of the author's iconic characters, and hope to see her again soon. 

Everything you want from a novel from this author and more.  Brilliant. 

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

Book Review - Enemies To Lovers by Laura Jane Williams

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Title: Enemies To Lovers

Author: Laura Jane Williams

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Penguin

Publication Date: 15th August 2024

Rating: 4 Stars

Flo Greenberg: highly strung. Over-achiever. And desperate for a relaxing Greek holiday with her family.

Jamie Kramer: her brother's best friend. Pain in the arse. And somehow on Flo’s relaxing Greek holiday too…

With two surprise weeks of sharing meals, boat trips and sun-loungers, Flo must endure the company of this irksomely chiselled Lothario. But after what happened last year, she’s determined not to let him get the better of her.

In fact, spending time with the enemy will be the perfect cure for Flo's all-consuming anger towards Jamie, right?

(Spoiler alert: wrong…!)

Well this was one really enjoyable story. 

Admittedly Flo and Jamie drove me a bit nuts, and I kind of worked out what had happened the year before really early on (I was right), but other than that I enjoyed reading this. 

After all its a big family holiday, set in Greece, with a fit Greek hunk who is called Adonis appearing at certain points, and I loved the various dynamics within the family. 

But I just couldn't really connect with Flo, I appreciate she has mental health challenges, but it did feel like they dominated every thought, and I get that, that would be realistic, but in fiction it just felt overly repetitive, and I was just a bit fed up with her. 

Although I suspect had I read this while I was on holiday with all the time in the world, and not when I was stressed with only snatched moments to read it, I'd have probably been raving about how great it is, I just think I wasn't completely in the mood for these specific characters. 

That being said I'd have loved to have Flo's parents they seemed great, and the younger of her two brothers, Alex seemed really cool. i also loved Kate, but perhaps my favourite character was Hope.  

Hope was someone Flo met at therapy and they became friends and text each other the whole time, and I just was highly amused by Hope's comments about men, while also wishing I was her.  Actually I'd love it if Hope had a book of her own! 

It's an entertaining beach read, and it's always fun to read a new Laura Jane Williams novel. 

Thanks to Penguin and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily. 

Book Review - The Woman Who Ran For The Hills by Carmen Reid

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Title: The Woman Who Ran For The Hills

Author: Carmen Reid

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Boldwood Books

Publication Date: 18th July 2023

Rating: 4 Stars

Jennifer McAndrew thinks she’s living her best life in London – wonderful man, great job, happily child-free. Except the ‘wonderful man’ turns out to have a secret that ruins everything...

Shocked and devastated, Jen doesn’t know what to do. So, she packs her bags and runs for the hills – away from her problems, all the way to her childhood home in Scotland and the safety of her dad.

But her dad is a changed man. Busy with his girlfriend, golf and G&Ts, he doesn’t have time for Jen’s worries. And she can’t see her sister, Isla, who she fell out with years ago.

So, Jen rekindles friendships with her old school pals, Alison and Rory. They’re juggling work and young families, but still find time to take her out and set her up with some terrible dates.

The more time she spends with Rory and his daughters, the more Jen thinks there could be something big missing from her life. But could she ever go back to small town life? And can she forgive what happened in the past? Should a good friend become something more?

The biggest question for Jen is – will she try to solve her problems, or will she cut and run for the hills again?

Another brilliant laugh out loud emotional read, perfect for fans of Fiona Gibson, Tracy Bloom and Sophie Ranald!

Always a pleasure to read a new Carmen Reid, and I really did enjoy this one. 

It was interesting to see how Jen changed over the course of the book,  as the moves back to her childhood home, and tries to recover from an injury, a break up and needing a new job. She is barely on good terms with her sister and although staying with her dad, she doesn't have the easiest relationship with him.

I especially loved Rory, who is such a great friend, despite it being clear he has deeper feelings. And seeing Jen start to come into her own, with her new job is good to see. 

It was good to learn just why Jen and sister Isla have such a bad relationship. And I also enjoyed some of Jen's dating attempts. 

This is a good book, not my favourite from the author but then again I'm a massive Personal Shopper fan, but still an enjoyable way to spend my time. 

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

Book Review - Poppy's Parisian Patisserie by Daisy James

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Title: Poppy's Parisian Patisserie

Author: Daisy James

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Author supplied copy

Publisher: Self Published

Publication Date: 28th June 2024

Rating: 5 Stars

Welcome to Poppy's Parisian Pâtisserie, the sixth book in a brand new series from the author of the Hummingbird Hotel series and the Cornish Confetti Agency series.

Escape to chic and glamorous Paris!

When Poppy Phillipson loses her chocolate-making business in the Blossomwood Bay fire, she’s heart-broken; all her hopes and dreams wiped out in the space of an hour. As if that wasn’t enough, her last three dates were a complete disaster – one two-hour lecture on the intricacies of the off-side rule, one no-show, and an embarrassing abandonment mid-date – and she’s having a hard time not to take it personally.

So, when her brother asks her to come to the rescue of his friend Olivier Bourdain, owner of Pâtisserie Madeliene, following a freak skiing accident, she decides it’s the perfect way to escape the Devonshire drizzle and enjoy a petit sojourn from all-thing romance exploring the boutiques and boulevards of elegant Paris.

However, when she meets handsome French chef Fabien Dumont, with his sexy accent and dark brooding eyes, her determination to take a dating hiatus is severely tested. Should she concentrate on improving her skills as a pâtissière, or should she throw caution to the wind and embrace everything the City of Light has to offer… including the possibility of love?

Join Poppy as she heads to the dazzling city of Paris, and enjoy a story filled with delicious French pâtisserie and a soupçon of heart-warming romance.

I absolutely love this series, and a book featuring Poppy, Paris and Parisian was far too tempting to leave on my kindle unread for long. 

This is certainly a book that will make you wish to be in Paris, and will also make you hungry.  Daisy James always has a wonderful knack of mixing fabulous settings and delicious sounding food, with a dollop of romance too and this was no exception. 

Poppy really steps out of her comfort zone to go to Paris for a few weeks, after a series of bad dates, her not being needed at work for a few weeks, and a plumbing disaster at home, in order to help out her brother's friend Olivier at his Patisserie. 

Her new landlord for the next few weeks is Olivier's mother, who is a tonic and I want to be her when I'm older.  She and her best friend were constantly going to different classes, trying new activities and basically living live to its fullest. 

Poppy also makes some new friends, in the patisserie and its surrounding area, including meeting by chance amazing chef Fabien.

I loved seeing Poppy grow in confidence as the story progresses, and also that we are able to catch up with the leading ladies of many of the other books in this series, as we continue to wonder what on earth will ever happen with the beach huts in Blossomwood Bay. 

This was a joy to read, and I had a massive smile on my face as I was devouring the pages. I can't wait to read the next book in the series. 

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

Book Review - The Fake-Up by Justin Myers

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Title: The Fake-Up

Author: Justin Myers

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: 7th April 2022

Publication Date: Sphere

Rating: 4 Stars

EVERYONE THINKS THEY'RE SINGLE. BUT THEY'RE LIVING DOUBLE LIVES.

Dylan and Flo are exes for a reason. It seems like everyone in the world knows why they broke up, and everyone picked a side.

But despite what Dylan tells the tabloids or the heartbreaking lyrics in Flo's songs, the star-crossed lover are still very much together. And if they don't keep the relationship a secret, their newfound fame might disappear altogether.

So they attend splashy award shows with other people. They meet in ridiculous disguises. He clambers through her bedroom window to avoid cameras.

But Dylan and Flo are in way over their heads, and the games have only just begun . . .

What an apt title! 

You have heard of the fake dating trope, well this is the fake break up! 

Dylan and Flo start the book as dating for real, things then come to ahead and they break up for real, which lead to Flo writing a hit song and Dylan being on the cusp of finally getting a good role in his acting career and then they decide they need to be together. 

So get back together, and sneak around as their friends and family are a lot happier with them apart. 

At times it is hard to remember who knows what, and what is real or not. 

But what I really enjoyed wasn't necessarily their relationship, but seeing their career trajectories, and seeing just how they deal with success, fame, the media, vultures of tabloid hacks, potential showmances and more. 

I loved getting to know Dylan and Flo, as well as various people in their lives. 

And that ending was pure genius, I didn't expect it but yet it totally worked! Brilliant. 

This was an enjoyable book, and the first that I have read from the author. It kept me on my toes and I love books set in the world of showbiz, so it definitely kept my attention.  

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