Book Review - Note To Self by Anna Bell

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Title: Note To Self

Author: Anna Bell

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgaley

Publisher: HQ

Publication Date: 23rd June 2022

Rating: 5 Stars

It’s never too late to follow your heart.

One summer’s day seventeen years ago Edie and Joel meet.

Their connection is instant and a friendship is born, although Edie can’t help but wish for more. But just as she builds up the courage to lay her heart on the line, one night changes everything…

Edie’s moved on from the heartbreak of years ago. So the last thing she expects to receive on her thirty-fifth birthday is an email… from her eighteen-year-old self. As more emails arrive, she starts to remember what – or rather who – she left behind.

Following her own advice, Edie heads back to the place where it all began, and finds her path unexpectedly crossing with Joel’s once more. Could this finally be their chance at love? Or are some things better left in the past?

Another really fabulous concept from Anna Bell that has had me smiling and really happily reading. 

I loved the idea that you could send yourself emails quite far into the future, and that they would give you goals to achieve in them, sort of like a bucket list but from yourself.  These emails that Edie sent to herself 17 years ago, start arriving quite suddenly and catapult her back to what was the best but worst summer of her life. 

From them she starts to reconnect with the friends she has that summer, as well as is challenging herself to be more open to opportunities generally.  So we see her taking on a reading with children volunteer scheme and also becoming put of the Impenserators which are moments that are very amusing! 

These emails are a catalyst for so much change for the positive in Edie's life, and I relished seeing it.  I also thoroughly enjoyed the chapters written in the past, from Edie's life 17 years previous, and seeing her as a teen working in a summer camp for the summer.  So much of which I could relate to and although we know early on how that summer ends, the lead up to exactly what may have led to the event was well worth discovering. 

I loved seeing Edie change and her confidence grow as the book progresses.  

It's a really enjoyable story that I romped through, thoroughly enjoying my time spent between the pages. 

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

Book Review - Retreat To The Spanish Sun by Jo Thomas -- Blog Tour

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Title: Retreat To The Spanish Sun

Author: Jo Thomas

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Transworld Digital

Publication Date: 23rd June 2022

Rating: 5 Stars

Eliza has a full house! When her three children grew up and moved out, she downsized to a smaller property... but now they're all back. Every room in the house is taken and Eliza finds herself sharing her bed with her eldest daughter and her daughter's pug. Combined with the online course she's trying to finish, plus her job to fit in, there just isn't the peace and quiet that Eliza needs.

So when an ad pops up on her laptop saying 'house-sitters wanted', Eliza can't resist the chance to escape. She ends up moving to a rural finca in southern Spain, looking after the owner's Iberico pigs, learning about secret gastronomic societies... and finding a new zest for life and love along the way.

I've just spent a wonderful time, in Southern Spain, learning all about real Iberico ham, pig farming, the local towns gastronomique society, and the really good local food producers.  

Not to mention a tapas bar with an owner that likes to try bizarre flavours, the Spanish conversation club (not that any of them can speak Spanish), and all manner of intrigue and potentially dodgy happenings. 

Who says that house sitting in a farm in Spain would provide Eliza the much longed for peace and quiet to be able to work on her foundation year coursework. To say there is a whole lot going on is an understatement. 

What starts off as a relatively calm read, keeps ramping everything up, to the most fabulous of finales, which I was utterly hooked on. 

And I would heartily recommend reading this with snacks to hand, as with the amount of sumptuous food descriptions, and the fact I could almost taste the Iberico ham, as well as understand just how it differs from Serrano ham,  means that you will get hungry reading this book. 

It's a Spanish food lovers paradise.  It's also a pig lovers paradise, and i especially loved following Banderas' progress rather closely! 

This is another utterly fantastic book from Jo Thomas, who I am rapidly running out of fresh ways of saying that if you haven't discovered this wonderful author yet, then you are missing out, as she is wonderful.  This is perfect for Spain loves, foodies, and those looking for a good story, a hint of romance, and new friendships and learning a lot about yourself too. 

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

Book Review - A Stranger on Board by Cameron Ward

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Title: A Stranger On Board

Author: Cameron Ward

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Michael Joseph

Publication Date: 23rd June 2022

Rating: 5 Stars

A once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. A luxury superyacht. And a killer picking you off, one by one...

Pre-order now! A twist-filled summer thriller, perfect for fans of T.M. Logan's The Holiday and Lucy Clarke's The Castaways

When ex-marine Sarah French joins a luxury superyacht as on-board security, she's excited to get her life - and career - back on track.

Surrounded by crystal waters, it seems like the perfect place to start over.

As they head into open water, though, tensions between the crew quickly build. And when someone goes missing, Sarah has a terrifying realisation.

One of them is a killer. All of them are suspects.

To protect the other passengers, Sarah needs to uncover the killer's identity, and return the boat safely to shore.

But there's a storm on the horizon - and not all of them will make it out alive...

Woah! Wow! Wowser! Umm.... let me catch my breathe for a min after finishing that, and I may be able to get some thoughts in order...

.... well first thought is OMG that was flipping awesome. I was completely gripped like I haven't been by book for absolutely ages, it drew me in slowly but once even the first things start to go a bit wrong, I was utterly hooked, and looking forward to my next fix with the book. 

... it's rather claustrophobic, there is only really a finite number of suspects and they are all on the journey from hell on a super yacht together.   And our hero is an ex-marine who is suffering from panic attacks and flashbacks to her time serving, but yet appears to be the one who what to be the hero. 

.. I had absolutely no idea who to trust, nor had I really formulated my own ideas, I was just so enthralled by the writing, and the feeling as though I was onboard with them all, that I didn't get a chance to do anything but be swept away by this fabulous book. 

.... I can't believe I've never read this author before, I know it was the superyacht setting that attracted me in the first place, but I'm certainly now curious to see what he will write next. I'm also so impressed with just about every aspect of the book, while also being rather relieved that i didn't read this while on a cruise! 

Easily one of the best books I've read so far this year. 

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

Book Review - We All Have Our Secrets by Jane Corry

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Title:  We All Have Our Secrets

Author: Jane Corry

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Penguin

Publication Date: 16th June 2022

Rating: 4 Stars

You know she's lying...

But so are you.

---------------------------

'Grips with menace and dread, yet touches the heart' Nicci French

'I couldn't turn the pages fast enough' Claire Douglas

Two women are staying in Willowmead House.

One of them is running.

One of them is hiding.

Both of them are lying.

Emily made one bad decision, and now her career could be over. Her family home on the Cornish coast is the only place where she feels safe. But when she arrives, there's a stranger living with her father. Emily doesn't trust the beautiful young woman, convinced that she's telling one lie after another. Soon, Emily becomes obsessed with finding out the truth...

But should some secrets stay buried forever?

Well the title is certainly rather apt, there are secrets galore in this story.  To the extent that you are never quite sure whether to believe the character you are currently reading or not. 

For nothing is quite as it seems, and we given information on a need to know basis. 

The story switches between Emily and Francoise's view points, and it was completely unpredictable. I didn't guess the truth behind who actually killed Harold.   We do though get occasional snippets of his life as a young soldier during WW2 and from that we can see how it clearly shaped the rest of his life. 

At times I really liked both leading ladies and felt sorry for them, at others I just didn't trust them, and wasn't sure what to believe about either of them.  My mind was changing rather frequently. 

I do like a book that keeps me on my toes, and I was certainly invested in the story and wanted to find out the truth.  Well written, this had me thinking, and does really ask the question what would you do for a loved one, in their end stages of life. 

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

Book Review - Finding Love on Sunshine Island by Georgina Troy

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Title: Finding Love on Sunshine Island

Author: Georgina Troy

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Boldwood Books

Publication Date: 25th May 2022

Rating: 4 Stars

Welcome to the Sunshine Island - where the beaches are golden, the lifestyle is perfect and anything is possible.

Piper Le Brocq is happily single after the disastrous ending of her engagement eighteen months before. The only man in her life is Jax, her best friend and cousin, who spends his life teaching locals how to forage and taking tourists on boat trips around the island. Her days are filled with helping out at her mother's guest house and selling her glass mosaics at The Cabbage Patch emporium in Trinity.

Piper loves living on the Sunshine Island, where the neighbours look out for each other and visitors are welcome. So, when handsome guest Alex Cooper arrives at the guest house to check up on his grandfather, she welcomes him to the sunny island. And when he needs help after his grandfather is injured, she's quick to get involved.

Yet, the more she gets to know Alex the more mysterious he seems, and Alex isn't the only one keeping secrets from her.

An excellent start to a new series from Georgina Troy.

I love that you are guaranteed a channel island setting from this author and once more she delivers in describing a location that sounds wonderful. 

And I really enjoyed getting to know Piper  and her family.

Especially when her gran has a surprise meeting with a blast from her past and discovering some lesser known family history.

And there is Alex who I really liked too. He's just a nice guy who happens to be visiting the island.

This is a gentle escape to a sunny location that I thoroughly enjoyed reading.  

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

Book Review - Summer at the French Cafe by Sue Moorcroft

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Title: Summer at the French Cafe

Author: Sue Moorcroft

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Avon

Publication Date: 12th May 2022

Rating: 5 Stars

As soon as Kat Jenson set foot in the idyllic French village of Kirchhoffen, she knew she’d found her home. Now she has a dreamy boyfriend, a delightful dog and the perfect job managing a bustling book café in the vibrant Parc Lemmel.

But when she learns her boyfriend isn’t all he seems, it’s the start of a difficult summer for Kat. Vindictive troublemakers, work woes and family heartache follow, and the clear blue sky that was her life suddenly seems full of clouds.

Then she gets to know the mysterious Noah, and her sun begins to shine brighter than ever. But Noah has problems of his own – ones that could scupper their new-found happiness. Together, can they overcome their many obstacles, and find love again?

The perfect summer read for fans of Trisha Ashley, Sarah Morgan and Carole Matthews.

Once again Sue Moorcroft has written another delightful novel, that I thoroughly enjoyed and couldn't get enough of. 

I mean we are talking about a bookshop with cafe, in the middle of a gorgeous sounding park (by park I mean the sort that has a kayaking lake, many rides including rollercoasters, expanse of greenery, shops and more) and not the your down the bottom of your road small park, a gorgeous little dog,  summer in France, and a story that looks at family relationships. 

Especially looking at how children and step parents exist, and how that can shape who you are as an adult. 

I loved the friendship that was developing between Kat and Noah, and seeing Noah really come alive as the story progressed from his initial rather quite, withdrawn self, to at a certain point someone truly special. 

There is certainly drama involved which leads to sabotage, and then a bit of detective work.  And I do love a confrontation or two to heighten the excitement of the story! 

So many good storylines, everything moves along at a decent pace and this is just wonderful writing, a great story and Sue Moorcroft at her best.  An all around thoroughly enjoyable book. 

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

Book Review - One Night With You by Laura Jane Williams

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Title:  One Night With You

Author: Laura Jane Williams

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Avon

Publication Date: 26th May 2022

Rating: 3 Stars

It’s his first night in London. And her last…

Ruby’s leaving London. She’s not running away from her ex per se, but an exciting opportunity in a new city has landed at the perfect time.

Nic is moving to London. After a bad break-up, he’s excited to see where big-city life could take him.

When a chance meeting throws the pair of them together for just one night, it’s clear that this could be the start of something special. But there’s one problem: she’s leaving, and he’s just arriving. So, after tonight, they’ll never see each other again . . . will they?

From the international bestseller comes a story of two strangers, two cities, and one night that changes everything.

Having enjoyed this author previously I instantly jumped at the opportunity to read this book, without looking at the blurb., 

Normally that works out really well for me, however on this instance although I enjoyed the book, I am starting to think the trope where the timing just never seems to be right for what should be a perfect couple, may not be for me, as it just frustrates me. 

But that is my own problem, and despite that I did really enjoy the book. 

I cared about the characters, and it was clear there was a connection between Ruby and Nic.  I also enjoyed the story Ruby was telling with her documentary making.  The sex scenes were well written, and I loved the look at love that this book displays. 

It was entertaining, however maybe because of the trope, maybe for other reasons it just felt like it was missing an ingredient that would have made it into a much higher starred read for me. 

It's a good book, and if you already like the author then I'd give it a go, but it's to my eyes not her best work, I'm afraid. 

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

Book Review - The Telephone Box Library by Rachael Lucas

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Title: The Telephone Box Library

Author: Rachael Lucas

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Pan

Publication Date: 9th January 2020

Rating: 4 Stars

The Telephone Box Library is an uplifting story about fresh starts and new beginnings, set in a picturesque Cotswold village, by bestselling author Rachael Lucas.

'A delightful slice of escapism tied up with a gorgeous, romantic ribbon.' - Cathy Bramley, author of A Vintage Summer.

The Cotswolds: the perfect retreat for a stressed-out teacher. And Lucy has found just the right cottage for a bargain rent. All she has to do is keep an eye on Bunty, her extremely feisty ninety-something neighbour . . .

With her West Highland terrier Hamish at her side, Lucy plans to relax and read up on the women of nearby Bletchley Park. But the villagers of Little Maudley have other ideas, and she finds herself caught up in the campaign to turn a dilapidated telephone box into a volunteer-run library.

Along the way, she makes friends with treehouse designer Sam, and finds herself falling for the charms of village life. And it seems Bunty has a special connection to Bletchley and the telephone box, one that she's kept secret for decades . . .

A really enjoyable story set to a stunning backdrop of a small Cotswold village. 

I enjoyed getting to know Lucy and Sam, but to me Bunty is the star of the book. For she is in her 90s, incredibly feisty, and has some fascinating stories to tell about life during WW2. 

I'm not typically a fan of reading anything with a historical edge to it, which this has in spade, but the stories from in around Bletchley Park are very interesting and I found myself drawn to wanting to know about what happened in Bunty's past. 

My other favourite character was Sam's daughter Freya, who is a very smart teenager, and I was very interested in her storyline.   Also really loved getting to know Mel, Lucy's new friend. 

Ooh and there are dogs, especially Hamish who is adorable!  I did though find myself wanting to knock Lucy and Sam's heads together, as that has to be one of the slowest build ups I've read in ages and it seemed rather obvious to everyone other than them, that there could be something more than friendship. 

A truly lovely story that I'm just sorry it took took me so long to get to. 

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

Book Review - The Meet Cute Method by Portia MacIntosh

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Title: The Meet Cute Method

Author: Portia MacIntosh

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Boldwood Books

Publication Date: 4th May 2022

Rating: 5 Stars

Do movie romances ever happen in real life...?

Frankie doesn't believe in true love. As relationships expert at popular magazine Stylife, she has learnt that dating disasters are far more common than happy ever afters.

So when she is tasked to find out if meet cutes can work in real life she is up for the challenge - but whether it's being a damsel in distress with a flat tyre, or spilling coffee over a stranger, she isn't convinced this can really lead to love.

But little does Frankie know that the ultimate meet cute opportunity is just around the corner. As she is whisked off her feet (all in the name of her work project of course...) perhaps true love isn't just for the movies after all...?

Join bestseller Portia MacIntosh for a laugh-out-loud, feel-good summer read, guaranteed to whisk you away and put a smile on your face.

Have I mentioned recently how much I absolutely love Portia MacIntosh's books? 

Oh only every time I review one, I can hear you say... 

.. well that is because it's true and Portia has hit it out of the park, a complete home run of brilliance with this latest book. 

It's like an ode to rom-com films, with Frankie trying to set up various movie-esque meet cutes.  However she doesn't have much luck in any romantic sense, but instead makes me laugh with each attempt. 

And then there is the man who she meets in the lift at work, who she is actually attracted too. However her editor reckons office romance isn't interesting enough for the article Frankie is writing.  Well up until the point where she gets an interesting offer from him and from there the book catapults itself from the great light hearted fun it was - 

- into more of the same but ramped up to new levels, with a new location, a world that is unfamiliar to Frankie and leads to some rather interesting situations!  It's just fabulous all over!

And kudos to the cover designer for such a gorgeous cover, and having now read the book one that really does fit to story so well too! 

It's just all so so good, and so entertaining and had me smiling and generally feeling happy throughout.  Another utterly fabulous rom-com from the extremely talented Portia MacIntosh. 

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

Book Review - We'll Always Have Venice by Leonie Mack

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Title: We'll Always Have Venice

Author: Leonie Mack

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Boldwood Books

Publication Date: 28th April 2022

Rating: 5 Stars

Who can resist the romance of Venice…

When Norah arrives in Venice for a ten-week internship she is surprised to discover that her guide for her work trips around the lagoon is the undeniably gorgeous and kind Gianluca. She can’t help thinking he might be too good to be true, with his endless fascinating local stories, and his infectious laugh.

Norah is still bitter after an accident left her with a serious injury and also meant the end of her long-term relationship. And besides, she's serious about her career and that means leaving Venice at the end of the summer.

Gianluca has had a summer fling before that led to heartache for him and he won't do it again. He enjoys the long hours out on the lagoon with Norah, but after a storm strands them on a picture-perfect island for a night, they agree they should just be good friends for the summer. 

But life doesn't always go to plan, and when it's time for Norah to go, they have to decide whether what they have between them is really just a friendship, and not something more…

Leonie Mack is back another fabulously romantic escape, perfect for all fans of Mandy Baggot, Jo Thomas and Carole Matthews.

I completely and utterly loved this book! 

From the moment it started I was hooked, and I loved getting to know Norah, and could see the chemistry with Gianluca immediately.  Of course they are from very different worlds, so I was never completely sure how it would end or if it would end as I hoped, and Leonie Mack has surpassed my expectations with it. 

I hadn't realised until a few pages in, that this is a second book to  A Match Made in Venice, this time featuring Didi's sister Norah as the main character.  But it does mean we get to catch up with Didi and Piero which as a fan of the author I'm always happy to see characters again!  It can though easily be read as a standalone. 

I loved the descriptions of Venice, although I was less enthralled by the descriptions of Algae, and testing it etc.. just because I have no interest in the subject matter, but it's Norah's job and she seems to enjoy it! Gianluca is an oarmaker, which I would on the other hand, would have loved to have heard more details of! 

I felt transported to Venice and also to another location that I won't name that was completely unexpected but added another dimension to the book!  I do love some armchair travel.  And I also really enjoyed getting to know Gianluca's friends, and his family. 

I just loved everything about this book, and it's once again a gem of a story from Leonie Mack.  I already can't wait to read what she writes next! 

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