Book Review - Annie's Autumn Escape by Debbie Viggiano

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Title: Annie's Autumn Escape

Author: Debbie Viggiano

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Author supplied Copy

Publisher: Self Published

Publication Date: 1st October 2021

Rating: 5 Stars

Annie’s big birthday is looming. Sixty! She feels half that age, even if the mirror tells her otherwise. Hubby Keith promises her a birthday to remember, and doesn’t let her down, but packing his suitcase to shack up with a forty-something isn’t quite the memory Annie wants to make. Suddenly she’s single and – as an empty nester – very, very alone. The Bucket List she and Keith had promised to work their way through is but a dream, until besties Bella and Caz rally around Annie and whisk her away for a trip that will be remembered for ever. Dubai. But it’s not all skyscrapers, bling, sand dunes and sheikhs. As the sun sinks over the horizon of Jumeirah Beach… might there also be love?

A totally gorgeous romantic comedy with a twist!

Easily Debbie Viggiano's funniest book by far. 

I kept giggling and laughing out loud at various points in the story, and there was just a great sense of humour throughout. 

There is also a wonderful sense of place and I was enchanted from the moment Annie and her friends boarded the plane to Dubai.  The descriptions of Dubai, the heat, the excursions, the wealth etc.. all felt so vivid and real at least as far as my limited knowledge of the Emirate goes. 

If you have seen Sex and the City 2, there was that sort of vibe to some of the book, although let's just say the hotel rooms weren't quite at that sort of standard, but the ability to if you go to the right little corner to get hold of excellent fakes was reminiscent. 

And I loved that the various cultural differences were mentioned between Dubai and the West, with regards attitudes to men and women having any sort of meetings outside of marriage, use of swear words and other such things. 

But it's not just a book set in Dubai, there is a story there two, with Annie being our main character who is about the turn the big six-oh, when her husband drops a massive bombshell, and his new fling is twenty years younger!   Annie slowly uses it as a chance to reinvent herself, get herself out of rut and with wonderful consequences. 

There may just be a man that she keeps coming across in Dubai, in a set of amusing circumstances.  Ah back to the humour there are memorable scenes including the one with the banana, the one with the shower rail, the one with the swimming race and many other memorable scenes!   Not to mention Annie's daughters amusing text messages. 

Annie's mum is clearly suffering from dementia and although her parent's don't feature much, it is touched on how tricky life is for them, and Annie's mum although she may not mean to be, has some incredibly funny lines, especially with regards Annie's soon to be ex-husband! 

It's an all around entertaining and fabulous read and transported me to Dubai and back. A real triumph! 

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

Book Review - The Amsterdam Affair by Kate Frost

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Title: The Amsterdam Affair

Author: Kate Frost

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Author supplied copy

Publisher: Lemon Tree Press

Publication Date: 10th November 2020

Rating: 5 Stars

A new start, a chance encounter, a Christmas to remember. Will Iris's new year be happy ever after? 

When Iris Greene's boyfriend surprises her with a romantic dinner at their favourite restaurant, she's expecting a proposal, not a move to another country. 

But Amsterdam proves to be the change she never knew she needed, and a surprise encounter with a local actor leads Iris to new friends and the rediscovery of a long lost passion. While Iris thrives in a city filled with festivity, her boyfriend struggles, and her heart is torn in two. 

As snow falls and secrets are revealed, Iris must decide her future. Will she be brave enough to start over and take a chance on love? 

♥

The Amsterdam Affair is the fourth book in a standalone series of Romantic Escape novels that can be read in any order. They're uplifting, heartwarming stories of love, romance, hope, new beginnings and second chances featuring different characters in beautiful locations. 

I thoroughly enjoyed this story which I read over the course of an evening. I found it to be a lovely and easy read, which completely transported me into the life of Iris, and her time in Amsterdam. 

Not that Amsterdam was her choice, her inconsiderate boyfriend decided they were moving their for a year for his job, and well that is the first warning sign I hate about the boyfriend!  

I loved seeing Amsterdam through Iris's eyes as she starts to get into a groove with this new country and life, and between a part time job, new friends and becoming inspired to start creating again, it was wonderful to see Iris really blossom. 

It was obvious to me at least that she may have fallen in love during the course of the book, and I'm not necessarily meaning with a person! 

This was about finding yourself, and really having the confidence in order to change your life and your destiny. It's a story of new friendships, of discovering Amsterdam and generally one that I thoroughly enjoyed reading. 

It's another star attraction in the Romantic Escapes series, all of which can easily be read as standalone as the only they they have in common is romances playing out in gorgeous locations. I still have one of these to read, but the four I've devoured so far have all been wonderful in their own ways. 

A book and a series to definitely give a go to, especially if you love armchair travel with romance! 

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

Book Review - Midnight in the Snow by Karen Swan

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Title: Midnight in the Snow

Author: Karen Swan

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Pan

Publication Date: 14th October 2021

Rating: 5 Stars

Award-winning director Clover Phillips is riding high when she encounters Kit Foley; a surfer and snowboarder as well-known for controversy as he is for winning championships.

Involved in an accident that had devastating consequences for a bitter rival, Kit has never spoken about what really happened that day. Determined to find out the truth, Clover heads to the snowy wilderness of the Austrian Alps, sharing a romantic winter wonderland with a man who can’t stand her.

But as she delves deeper, Clover finds herself both drawn to Kit, and even more convinced he’s hiding something. Is Kit Foley really as cold as he seems?

Wow that is one ride and a half, from being thrown under the barrel of a wave at the start, to getting some awesome amplitude and killer tricks at the end, this is on exhilarating read. 

Not least because it features the world of snow boarding on a super pipe for fabulous tricks, and to a lesser extent some of the world of surfing.  Two big sports for adrenalin junkies, which given I read this just as the Summer Olympics came to an end, and I know I will equally be obsessed come Beijing 2022 and the Winter Sports - this let me have my sporting obsession continue for a bit longer. 

But really it's not specifically about the sports themselves, so don't worry if you don't know your olly from your cab, your switch from your goofy, (and if some of those are more skateboarding than snowboarding terms then sorry but I was hooked on watching that too!), then honestly the sports technical bits are only a small part of the book itself. 

Clover is a director whose film about Cory Albright basically ended up vilifying Kit Foley to the world. So it becomes a bit of a shock for all, that after all that time spent essentially as Team Cory, to discover she is willing to now do a film all about Kit. 

It's clear Kit has been pressganged into it and they both appear to hate each other with a passion, and what I found fascinating was seeing just how Kit's character and personality developed, as we incredibly slowly start to learn a bit more about him. 

As after all he has a few loyal friends  and none seem that happy about the presence of a film crew - as Kit emerges back on the world stage as a snowboarder, after spending most of his life as a champion surfer. 

Set predominately in the Austrian Alps, this really is a treat of a winter book, I could barely put it down and found myself finding reasons to reach for my kindle at all times of day and night just to read more. I couldn't get enough of the story. 

I needed to know as much as Clover does, as to just what happened on that fateful day between Cory and Kit.  And I have to say the answer surprised me, as did most of the aftermath once the truth finally comes out. 

This is easily another of Karen Swan's best books and I know I said that recently about The Secret Path.  This is definitely an author going from strength to strength and so long as she keeps writing books like these then I will be one incredibly happy reader! 

Thank you to Pan and Netgalley for this copy which i have reviewed honestly and voluntarily. 

Book Review - Matchmaking at Port Willow by Kiley Dunbar - #HolidayReading #UKCruise

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Title: Matchmaking at Port Willow

Author: Kiley Dunbar

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Publisher Supplied Copy

Publisher: Hera Books

Publication Date: 16th September 2021

Rating: 5 Stars

Beatrice found love at Port Willow – now she’s helping others

Since arriving in the Scottish Highlands village of Port Willow six months ago while nursing a broken heart, Beatrice Halliday has turned her life around.

Now she’s running The Princess and the Pea Inn, madly in love with gorgeous boyfriend Atholl Fergusson, and welcoming visitors from around the globe.

Life couldn’t be sweeter – until a surprise discovery threatens to turn her life upside down. Trying to distract herself, eternal romantic Beatrice sets her sights on rekindling the romance between an empty-nester couple holidaying at the Inn, while also trying to bring together city girl Nina, who’s hiding her pain behind a tough exterior, and Atholl’s handsome, easygoing cousin, Mutt.

But as Beatrice is about to learn, sometimes the magic of Port Willow doesn’t work on everyone…

A gorgeously uplifting read all about finding love and friendship, set in the beautiful Scottish countryside – fans of Jenny Colgan and Trisha Ashley will love this heartwarming, totally romantic read.

I was delighted to be back in Port Willow which is one of my favourite settings of Kiley Dunbar's, and to be back amongst familiar characters too. 

This could easily be read as a standalone as enough background is given, plus the other main focal characters are brand new to the series, 

Nina is really hard to get to know initially, you kind of sense her heart is in the right place but that she has forgotten how to be a more regular person since she has been dumped in a really cruel fashion. 

Then there are the couple that are competition winners that aren't quite what Bea and Atholl thought they would be like. 

It's a good thing Bea likes nothing more than "meddling" in others relationships and she is involved in making romance spark all over the place, 

She's also got her own new storyline that had me on edge as I really wasn't quite usre which way it would go, although I'm happy with how it played out. 

And so good to see Atholl and Gene again, the brothers who are continually showing what great men they have turned out to be. 

It was a joy and a pleasure to return to this setting and I really hope this isn't the last we have seen of these characters. 

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

Book Review - Crying Shame by M. A. Comley

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Title: Crying Shame

Author: M. A. Comley

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Author supplied copy

Publisher: Jeamel Publishing Limited

Publication Date: 14th October 2021

Rating: 5 Stars

Loved by his community. Savagely bludgeoned to death.

The first in a string of brutal murders rock the city. For DI Katy Foster and her team, time is running out to catch the sadistic killer.

The crimes are disturbing. The evidence isn’t adding up. And the latest victim’s family are nowhere to be seen.

Their only lead, a mysterious caller who proclaims to have known all the victims.

Wow, wow, wow.  I have raced through this book unable to put it down for a second, apart from to sleep.  The villains are completely and utterly disgusting excuses for human beings, and are everything that is wrong in the country at the moment. 

Which makes this a rather current book given everything that has gone in in the past couple of years, and the disgusting motivations behind this crime wave in the book, which M. A. Comley has clearly been rather sensitive in her writing and must have researched well. 

And how it is to be back amongst D. I. Katy Foster and Charlie, I'm loving how their partnership is starting to develop.  This was far more though about the policework and the crimes than their personal stories in this instance, which was good to see, as I was willing them the whole way through to put a stop to this crime wave sooner than later. 

The manner in which the victims die are horrific, and when you then learn about the people that have died, it feels completely wrong, and I just felt for all the families affected. 

And then M. A. Comley throws in some other unexpected surprises and blasts from the past that have me especially by the epilogue rather excited! 

I absolutely love this series, and this is without a doubt in my mind the best book in the Justice Again series  so far! 

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

Book Review - From Shetland, With Love at Christmas by Erin Green

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Title: From Shetland, With Love at Christmas

Author: Erin Green

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Headline Review

Publication Date: 30th September 2021

Rating: 4 Stars

Friendship can be the greatest gift you'll ever give...

Verity is embarking on a better-late-than-never gap year now that her sons have flown the nest, and dreams of turning a lifetime's hobby of knitting and crocheting into a profitable new enterprise at Lerwick Manor's gallery.

Nessie has returned to Shetland after two years spent retraining as a blacksmith on the Scottish mainland. She's determined to do whatever it takes to reignite the traditional craft and prove that gender is no obstacle to taking on her family's heritage.

Isla is fresh out of catering college, but she is desperate to prove she has what it takes to run Lerwick Manor's artisan café. Focused on perfecting her grandmother's traditional recipes, Isla has no time for anything else - especially not her pesky ex.

With the island's Yule Day celebration fast approaching, it's the ideal moment for their crafts to shine. But they can't do it alone - and their friendship might turn out to be their greatest creation yet...

What a lovely book this really was.  It was utterly charming, and I loved the cosy feel of all the various crafts in their own stables at Lerwick Manor. 

We are treated to 3 viewpoints, Verity who is taking a year out of her life of being needed by all family members, and escaped to Shetland to run the Yarn Barn.  Nessie who is trying to make it as a blacksmith, and is sharing her forge with Isaac the glassblower.   And finally 19 year old Isla who has been entrusted with The Orangery, the onsite cafe to try to make it a success, with the help of her granny's recipe book. 

Each character has their various ups and downs over the book, and I was really involved in each of the women's stories. 

What I somehow didn't quite realise until I was half way through is that this is a sequel to From Shetland, With Love which I hadn't read, but may explain why it took me a while to fully feel invested in this book, and why if felt like I was a tad confused near the start. Purely as there are lots of mentions of what is clearly back story woven in so you don't feel lost, specifically for Jemima and Ned who run Lerwick Manor, and just how everyone in Shetland seems to be related to each other. 

Once I twigged, and could accept that and to be fair the story did work perfectly well as a standalone, it probably just needed to be read in longer spurts that I could manage due to real world time issues, than I was doing. 

Not really the most festive of Christmassy books, this could easily be read at any time in the year, although that said it really does work as a nice warm and cosy read, curled up with a hot drink and a blanket on your favourite sofa, and devoting some time to reading the loveliness inside. 

I loved the various crafts, I really enjoyed Crispy Duck, and the various dramas that unfurled.  Plus the hints of romance that are present.  I can't help but wonder though with how the book has ended whether there will be another trip to Lerwick and Shetland in the future, as I would love to read more about all of these characters. 

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

Book Review - Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Bar by Isabella May

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Title: Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Bar

Author: Isabella May

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Author supplied copy

Publisher: Self Published

Publication Date: 21st September 2021

Rating: 4 Stars

River and Alice miss Somerset. Christmas isn’t Christmas without family and friends, even when you live in quaint Cornwall.

When River’s aunt Sheba dies unexpectedly, leaving him her ancient VW camper van, nostalgia nudges him and Alice back to Glastonbury - and the surrounding villages - to rediscover their roots whilst serving the most decadent hot chocolate and delectable gingerbread from their renovated ‘bar on wheels’. A bar on wheels complete with a fold-up stage to host local talent competitions rivaling anything Simon Cowell could dream up, even if he’d gorged on a truckle of Cheddar cheese!

As the villagers sip their cocoa and ice their gingerbread houses amidst the festive backdrop of song, dance, and slightly more unconventional talents, River and Alice find themselves in an unexpected race against time: Zara, their chocolate supplier is leaving Glastonbury on the twelfth day of Christmas, keen to put a string of disastrous relationships behind her to make a fresh start. Bruno, their gregarious and gorgeous baking supplier is secretly smitten with Zara - ticking every box on her New Year’s wish list.If only they can get them together for one experimental kiss under the mistletoe... They’ve even enlisted their customers’ help in their mission to wrap this budding romance up in all the jingle bells and whistles. How hard can it be?

So, ho, ho VERY tricky, as it turns out...

Please be warned - stock up on hot chocolate, gingerbread, and all manner of festive sweet treats before you start reading this book, or you will end up having major cravings for them while reading. 

In fact everything about this book made me feel rather hungry. The foodie descriptions were completely yummy and tantalised my tastebuds, and were easily my favourite thing about this book and what kept me reading! 

I also loved all the descriptions of the various villages in Somerset that are visited.

I did though feel that I was at a slight disadvantage having not read The Cocktail Bar yet, and this was clearly a sequel, and although it's clear where the memory prompts are for those that have read it, it just reminded me that I hadn't yet. There was also mentions in passing of characters or happenings that would have related to some of this authors other books too. 

i enjoyed getting to know River and Alice, and loved how the book was written into chapters focusing on various of the main characters so you could really feel as though you knew them. 

And the delights that are Zara and Bruno, especially what they can produce but also the clear connection between the two, even if Zara is determined to ignore all blatant matchmaking attempts and her true feelings at times too. 

Everything to do with the Twinkle Twinkle, Little Bar had me smiling and I could picture everything so so clearly. It was a joy to be able to read this. 

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

Book Review - Mistletoe at Moonstone Lake by Holly Martin

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Title: Mistletoe at Moonstone Lake

Author: Holly Martin

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Author supplied copy

Publisher: Self published

Publication Date: 6th October 2021

Rating: 5 Stars

Escape to the breathtaking Cornish Coast this winter, where the ocean sparkles in the moonlight and romance crackles like an open fire. This gorgeous new love story by million selling author Holly Martin is the perfect treat to warm your heart this Christmas.

Artist Zoey Flynn hadn’t planned to spend her favourite holiday on the shores of Jewel Island, but when her fiancé breaks off their engagement before their Christmas Eve wedding, this Cornish paradise is just the distraction she needs.

With a cosy cottage to call home for a month and a stall at the island’s famous Christmas market to sell her paintings, Zoey quickly puts her heartbreak behind her. Love is the last thing on her mind. That is until the handsome Kit Lewis crosses her path…

Their connection is instant, but Zoey has a secret. And the deeper she and Kit fall for one another, the harder it is to hide. Kit knows Zoey is holding something back and if she won’t tell him the truth she could lose him forever.

Is keeping a promise from the past worth sacrificing a future with the man she loves? Or might Kit be the one person she can trust?

Love, laughter and long-hidden secrets are waiting for you on stunning Jewel Island. For fans of Jill Mansell, Sarah Morgan and Sue Moorcroft, this is the perfect tale to curl up with this Christmas.

No one quite does a Christmas book like Holly Martin.  I've read quite a few festive books so far this year but this is definitely the first one that has made me feel Christmassy in September. 

I would love to be on Jewel Island, at that Christmas market, taking part in all the fabulous planned activities, it all felt so so real. 

And I fell for Zoey and Kit within moments of their first interactions, a rather memorable meet cute that may just have gone viral! And then all through the first day of them getting to know each other there are so many potentially awkward moments that just endeared me to Kit even more. 

And then there is the deeper secret that Zoey is hiding, and although I sort of guessed it, there were other elements to it that took me completely by surprise. 

Set in the run up to Christmas, literally the last week or so to go, this has a couple that has a clear instant connection, but whether they will let it be more than friendship is another matter. 

All the regulars from the series so far put in small cameo appearances to keep fans happy, but it can easily be read as a standalone story.  I do though sort of wish that Sylvia would get her own book, she is one of the best side characters about, I love her so much! 

This has everything from scalding hot mulled wine, to gorgeous paintings, a snowball fight, Christmas cookies, some awful Pictionary playing, romance, and so much more in between.  It is another enchanting and wonderful romance from the pen of Holly Martin, and this is a series that is going from strength to strength.  I love it so much. 

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

Book Review - A Sprinkle of Sabotage by Fiona Leitch

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Title: A Sprinkle of Sabotage

Author: Fiona Leitch

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: One More Chapter

Publication Date: 11th March 2021

Rating: 5 Stars

A film company is coming to the Cornish village of Penstowan, and the whole village turn up to be cast as extras, even Jodie ‘Nosey’ Parker. Determined to join in with the fun and ignore any dramas, Jodie is going to make the most of this time with her mum and daughter and of the potential to see their name in lights… or really small writing on the credits page.

But right on cue, the company’s caterer is sabotaged and Jodie must step up. As other small accidents begin to happen, it becomes clear that the filming is being sabotaged. With actors behaving out of character and the house literally being brought down, breaking a leg is the least of their worries.

Can Jodie save the day once again, or will it be their final curtain call?

The third book in the Jodie ‘Nosey’ Parker cosy mystery series. Can be read as a standalone. A humorous cosy mystery with a British female sleuth in a small village. Includes one of Jodie's Tried and Tested Recipes! Written in British English. Mild profanity and peril.

I think this is my favourite of the series so far, I was completely hooked on this one. 

Well there is the continuation of the storyline as to who Jodie may end up with, given she clearly fancies Nathan but best friend Tony clearly has designs on Jodie.  If you have been reading the series so far you will be delighted to hear there is a resolution to this in this book, but there is no way I am ever going to tell you. 

After all i love Nathan and Tony! 

Ah Jodie, the ultimate Nosey Parker, who yet again seems to be in the wrong place at the wrong time and thus can't help but coming involved in a new mystery as it appears someone is determined to de-rail the movie that is being filmed in town. 

And Jodie who was only on set to be an extra, ends up running the catering van and doing some detecting on the side.  Well it's good to see that Nathan has more or less accepted that she is going to want to investigate and includes her in various conversations. 

I had a very strong inkling as to who was causing the sabotage and their motivations. And for most of the story my own theory held up, so I was completely delighted to discover I was completely and utterly wrong, and what was written was even better than anything I could come up with.  So probably a good thing I'm not an author or a detective! 

This is a fabulous cosy mystery and I look forward to seeing what's next for these characters. Each book seems to be getting better and better which is something I like to see in a series, and even though I have read a lot of books between me reading A Brush with Death and this it really only took a few pages to feel back at home with the characters. 

Thoroughly enjoyable mystery. 

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

Book Review - Will They, Won't They? by Portia MacIntosh

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Title: Will They, Won't They?

Author: Portia MacIntosh

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Boldwood Books

Publication Date: 7th September 2021

Rating: 5 Stars

When life goes off track sometimes the only thing you can do is go back to where it all began...

Emmy Palmer is the star of Bragadon Forest, the biggest fantasy series on TV; adored by the public, living the life of glamour and luxury in London.

But when scandal breaks, Emmy must escape the city and return to her seaside hometown to lie low and wait for the storm to pass. And as tragedy strikes for her family, it is good timing to go back to her roots.

Emmy's agent decides it would be a good look to star in the community Christmas pantomime, but who else could be playing her leading man but her ex-boyfriend who she may or may not have ditched to move to London a decade ago...

As the show approaches, love and friendships blossom and the real question is - Will they? Won't they?

What a great character Emmy is, her exit scene from the fantasy show she is a star of is a rather memorable opening to the book, and seemed to be the  tip of the iceberg as to who she really is. 

There are all manner of interesting family dynamics at play, and I loved her auntie Vee who was hilarious and kept trying to get the pair of them into all sorts of situations. 

Then there is her estranged father, half siblings she feels she barely knows, an older sister who she doesn't seem to have the easiest of dynamics with.  Not to mention her old friends and old crush when she returns to Marram Bay for a bit. 

For fans of Portia MacIntosh you may be like me rather happy to see Marram Bay as the setting for most of this book, especially given it's a fabulous location at Christmas, and this book is set in the run up to Christmas, complete with a panto. 

I'd have loved it even more had we had snippets from the panto script, as I love a good panto - oh yes I do!! 

Although it is a familiar setting, it is a completely standalone book, so if you are new to this fabulous author then please don't worry. 

This was a joy to read, it kept me entertained at all times, and I really liked the character of Tel, who kept seeming to crop up around the place, and the interactions between him and Emmy are fabulous. 

This is such an enjoyable read and another hit from the always funny Portia MacIntosh. 

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