Book Review - Lucky Girls by Liv Webbe - #HolidayReading Cyprus

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Title: Lucky Girls

Author: Liv Webbe

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Headline

Publication Date: 9th May 2024

Rating: 5 Stars

YOU CAME TO ESCAPE. SHE CAME FOR REVENGE.

When Dee arrives on the beautiful Île de Ré, she's hoping to escape the secret that's been suffocating her for years. And what better way to forget than a lavish holiday with her boyfriend and a family wedding to celebrate?

Meanwhile, bride-to-be Willa is meant to be basking in a pre-wedding glow. After all, her fiancé's whole family have gathered on the island to celebrate her marriage to their handsome, wealthy son. But Willa isn't telling the whole truth - and she can't wait for this sham to be over.

By the end of the holiday, two people will be dead, lives will be shattered and no one's secret will be safe.

Compulsive reading that had me completely hooked. 

In parts incredibly hard to read just due to the subject matter that could be triggering for some, it really is a wonderful book. 

And the tricky bits open up a conversation that needs to be had and highlighted - and its from that we get Willa's motivations and Dee's secret. 

Two incredibly different leading ladies, each hiding many things, and each dating brothers of the same family. 

And its for that reason they are all on the Ile De Re this summer and where not everyone we meet will live. 

The blurb mentions two deaths and as the book progressed my guesses as to who would die and how, were harder and harder to make. 

Really was unpredictable for me, and I was totally and utterly gripped. 

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

Book Review - Happy Ever After At Puddleduck Farm by Della Galton

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Title: Happy Ever After At Puddleduck Farm

Author: Della Galton

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Boldwood Books

Publication Date: 30th June 2024

Rating: 5 Stars

When life throws up the unexpected, can Phoebe hold strong?

In the idyllic setting of the New Forest, talented vet Phoebe Dashwood envisions a picturesque life alongside her beloved fiancé. However, the course of true love is fraught with unexpected hurdles.

Career wise, Phoebe encounters a goat who is seemingly experiencing a phantom pregnancy, and a highly-strung talking parrot who pushes her professionalism to the limits.

Things take an unexpected turn for the worse when Phoebe is confronted with a glamorous love rival, and a surprise Valentine's Day ‘date’ to see a financial advisor! Can things get any worse?

When tragedy strikes Phoebe realises that nothing in life should be taken for granted and fears she will lose everything she holds dear.

Whilst her friends find their own happy endings, Phoebe is beset with doubts that she and Sam will never find theirs. Is love enough to carry them into the future they deserve?

Upliftiing, poignant and feel-good ficiton, perfect for the fans of Alison Sherlock, Sarah Hope and Lisa Hobman

Wow what a fabulous ending to this series for animal lovers. 

I started this book a few mins after finishing the previous one in the series, and then the following day, apparently could barely settle on any work and ended up reading pretty much the whole book over the course of the day, as it was the only thing I could concentrate on! 

That and of course because I needed to see how all the possible happy ever afters that were set up in the previous book, how they would turn out.  

So we have Phoebe and Sam who are now engaged, Torri and Harrison who are pregnant and due to get married too, Maggie who is now married to Eddie, Rufus is now engaged (and not to Phoebe if you have read the first book of the series and not some of the ones in between!).  There are pregnancies, and if musical houses was a game, I think the characters of this book would be experts! 

There are some fabulous animals in this book including a parrot who is hilarious, and a houdini-esque goat. We also get to briefly meet the characters who I believe are the central figures in the author's next series, which I am now even more keen to get started on. 

This is a book that I couldn't get enough of, and I adored every second of it (give or take the incredibly sad bit that had me slightly despairing). And it left me with a ginormous smile on my face.  It's a brilliant way to end a series, all of the characters and storylines (short term and long term) seem to have been concluded, and it al makes sense. And there are even some great animal adoptions too. 

All of our recurring cast of characters have been absolutely brilliant, and I have loved getting to know each and every one of them over the course of these five book.  Puddleduck Farm is a wonderful place in the New Forest and I for one would love to go and visit it. 

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

Book Review - How Do I Tell You? by Nicola May - #HolidayReading Gambia

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Title: How Do I Tell You?

Author: Nicola May

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Author Supplied copy

Publisher: Storm Publishing

Publication Date: 20th January 2025

Rating: 5 Stars

An uplifting, heartwarming story from the number one bestselling author.

How do you rebuild your life when it changes forever in an instant?

Thirty-five-year-old Victoria Sharpe has a decent job as an illustrator, a perfectly good if predictable relationship, and great friends. So why can’t she shake the feeling that something is missing?

Keen to let off steam, she sets off on a night out with her best friends. Next morning – one reckless decision later – she resolves to make some seriously overdue changes to achieve the fulfilment she craves.

Then she gets devastating news that shatters everything she ever wanted for her future.

Or so she thinks. Because as friends and family rally around to support her, and an unexpected new romance causes her heart to skip a beat, Victoria discovers that sometimes in the deepest darkness the brightest light can shine through. But, after all she’s been through, can she let it in?

This uplifting, heartwarming story from number one bestselling author Nicola May will have you reaching for the tissues. An unputdownable, unforgettable read, perfect for fans of Shari Low, Jill Mansell and Amanda Prowse.

This might be the author's best book so far, and arguably with the topic running through it one of the most important. 

But at the same time in amongst the quite heavy topics, it is really a story about family, friendship and possibly a new relationship, and it definitely left me feeling uplifted. 

It is also a stark reminder that life as you know it can change overnight, and that you should live life to the fullest. 

There is so much that I possibly wish to say about this but I can't without spoiling the main themes and I really think this could be the sort of book best to go into with no pre-conceptions 

It's well researched, it feels authentic and all the characters and their reactions definitely felt real to me. 

It's a compulsive book to read, and I found myself hooked and not wanting to put it down at all. 

Definitely one for your TBR, and if you are involved in a book club I'd possibly say this could be a great book club read too. 

Just brilliant. 

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

Book Review - Living The Dream at Puddleduck Farm by Della Galton

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Title: Living The Dream at Puddleduck Farm

Author: Della Galton

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Boldwood Books

Publication Date: 29th February 2024

Rating: 5 Stars

Life would be idyllic if everyone else was on the same page…

Puddleduck Vets Practice is busier than ever.

Phoebe Dashwood is juggling the usual crazy animal antics of her quirky clients, whilst organising the wedding of her bridezilla grandmother and thankfully dating her perfect man.

Phoebe loves every minute of being a New Forest vet, even if she hardly has time to catch her breath. If only she could find some quality time for her and the man of her dreams, life would be perfect.

When an ex’s heartbreak stirs up some emotions from the past, Phoebe realises she must deal with some unfinished business. It would seem a miracle is needed to pull off a happy ending for everyone – but is it within Phoebe's power to work miracles?

Upliftiing, poignant and feel-good ficiton, perfect for the fans of Alison Sherlock, Sarah Hope and Lisa Hobman

I can't explain just how much I am absolutely loving this series, and this was another fabulous book in it. 

There is the mystery involving a horse, there is Maggie turning into a Bridezilla, there is a mental health storyline involving Sam's mum Jan and a whole lot more too. 

And above all there are Dalmatian puppies and Phoebe and Sam can't resist but adopt one themselves.  Roxie is adorable and it's making me want a puppy! 

There is enough background included that you can almost certainly read this as s standalone, and it was lovely catching up with Phoebe, Sam and even though she is no longer with him, Rufus too, in a rather surprising storyline, although that had been one sided inklings since the first book of the series. 

With some fabulous animals, a massive behaviour improvement from Puddleduck Pets most long term feline, and all manner of feel good outcomes for both animals and humans, this is another completely entertaining book in this series, that I devoured rather fast. 

And it left me wanting more, so I started the next book instantly (spoiler: it's brilliant too). 

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

Book Review - The Suite Life by Portia MacIntosh - #HolidayReading Cyprus

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Title: The Suite Life

Author: Portia MacIntosh

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Boldwood Books

Publication Date: 16th April 2024

Rating: 5 Stars

Gigi isn't looking for the one. Just someone...!

As she gears up for her sister’s destination wedding in Hawaii, the countdown is on for Gigi to find a date. Just someone to prove to her friends and family that she's ok, and to stop the pitying looks would be great!

Of course she can’t wait to be bridesmaid for her sister, but it’s just not ideal that the best man is also her ex… especially when he is bringing his hot new reality star girlfriend!

But when Gigi arrives at the hotel in Hawaii to find there has been a mix-up with her room, and she’s been upgraded to a suite, things start to look up. Not only is the room bigger than her entire flat, but the staff are waiting on her hand and foot, and she’s being treated like royalty!

Something isn’t quite right, but The Suite Life suits Gigi, and why shouldn’t she pamper herself while she mends her broken heart? It may even lead to her finding the perfect date after all…

MILLION-COPY BESTSELLER Portia MacIntosh's laugh-out-loud romantic comedies are guaranteed to put a smile on your face.

This is utterly hilarious, I was laughing out loud at points, and I literally couldn't be parted from this book while I was reading it. 

When Gigi gets to Hawaii for her sisters wedding, which also features her ex as the best man, and his new "celeb" girlfriend, she is expecting to check into her cheap and cheerful room in the incredibly luxurious hotel, only to be given an upgrade. 

Not only an upgrade to a fabulous suite, but it soon becomes apparent that everyone in the hotel is trying to please her, or is seemingly interested in her. 

Which sort of helps on her quest to get an impressive date to one up Nathan her ex, after a few attempts back in London failed both miserably but in funny ways. 

She soon manages to pick up a wing man in her quest, Donnie, and there are all sorts of utterly memorable moments in what is a brilliant week in paradise. 

This is Portia MacIntosh at her absolute best, I loved every single second of this, and didn't want the book to end.  

A totally perfect poolside read (or beach, or well anywhere), perfect to escape into for an enjoyable afternoon. 

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

Book Review - A Love Letter To Paris by Rebecca Raisin

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Title: A Love Letter To Paris

Author: Rebecca Raisin

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Boldwood Books 

Publication Date: 8th July 2024

Rating: 5 Stars

‘Late at night when I wander the streets of Paris, my thoughts turn to her… How do I tell her how I feel? Perhaps, I need to show her…’

The pretty little streets of Montmartre are abuzz with a rumour. Apparently a mystery matchmaker, known only as ‘Paris Cupid’, has somehow helped the city’s most famous bachelor find love.

But old-fashioned romantic Lilou is staying very quiet. She’d just wanted to set up her best friend, and to get on with her life selling whimsical old love letters, in Paris’s famous St. Ouen market.

She hadn’t imagined her little Paris Cupid project could ever have attracted so many people looking for true, heartfelt romance. Though the truth is that Lilou adores helping people find the right person. Even if her own love life is nothing short of disastrous.

But then a message arrives. And it’s just for her. Someone is in love with her. Someone who knows her secret. But they’re keeping their own identity secret too… Could it be from cheerful, talkative, flame-haired Felix? Or quiet, beautifully handsome Benoit? Or even Pascale – who drives Lilou mad every day?

After so long of helping others find their soulmate, is it time for Lilou to find love of her own in Paris herself?

A totally gorgeous, escapist romcom, set in the most romantic city in the world. Perfect for fans of Emily in Paris.

Well this made me fall in love with Paris, with love letters, with romance, with Paris Cupid and a whole lot more. 

It's just so gorgeously romantic from cover to cover, not just for Lilou who may be at the centre of the grandest of all grand gestures, but for everyone Lilou is trying to help. 

As she is behind Paris Cupid a new dating service, and is managing to matchmake all sorts of people with a great degree of success. But that's just her sideline, her main occupation is running a market stall in Montmartre which focuses on prayer books and love letters from a time gone by. 

I also loved the other stalls in her corner of the market, and really enjoyed the way Benoit spoke about stamps (I might have enjoyed philately as a hobby in the past myself). 

And seeing how she manages to make so many people that are in her life happy is a real joy to see. 

It's just an utterly charming, delightful and simply wonderful story, with a unique concept and I loved every single word of this book. 

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

Book Review - The Commuter by Emma Curtis

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Title: The Commuter

Author: Emma Curtis

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Corvus

Publication Date: 10th October 2024

Rating: 5 Stars

I used to dread rush hour. Now I live for it...

Rachel wakes from a coma to discover her controlling husband has been killed, and the police suspect her of involvement.

But all Rachel can recall from the last few weeks are tantalising flashes of a fellow commuter. A man whose name she doesn't know.

A man who has disappeared without a trace.

Now Rachel is a wealthy widow and the vultures are circling, wanting her in prison for murder, or failing that ... dead.

Can Rachel discover the truth in time to save herself?

Wow Emma Curtis has done it again. Once again I was totally addicted and hooked on this book and needing to reach for my kindle at every opportunity to keep reading it. 

Although I had inklings as to what may have happened I definitely didn't get everything and I found this a brilliant book to read.  

Amnesia is great for a psych thriller, it allows a slow reveal of info in a jumbled order, as the main character regains snatches of memory, and each thing she remembers makes you start thinking in different directions. 

The only think I found slightly unsettling about this book was the main character shares my name, and I kept thinking I was her, which was rather odd.  There are so many layers to uncover as the story unfolds, and we discover more about her marriage to Anthony, the interactions with a commuter on the tube, and we also get great insights into her step-daughter Claudia. 

This book fried my head as I tried to keep up with every twist and turn, and I loved it all the more for it.  Was a thrilling read that totally captured my attention. 

I think this is an author that is going from strength to strength and I'm loving read each and every book of it. 

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

Book Review - Every Move You Make by C. L. Taylor

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Title: Every Move You Make

Author: C. L. Taylor

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Avon

Publication Date: 28th March 2024

Rating: 5 Stars

Keep your friends close and your enemies closer…

Alexandra, Lucy, Bridget, River and Natalie. Five friends who wish they’d never met. Because the one thing they have in common is the worst thing in their lives: they are all being stalked.

When one of their group is murdered, days after their stalker is released from prison, time stands still for them all. They know their lives could end just as brutally at any moment – all it takes is for the people they fear the most to catch up with them.

When the group receive a threat that one of them will die in ten days’ time, the terror that stalks their daily lives becomes all-consuming. But they know they don’t want to be victims anymore – it’s time to turn the tables and finally get their revenge.

Because the only way to stop a stalker is to become one yourself…

The multimillion bestseller returns with her most propulsive and addictive book yet. A chilling and terrifyingly real thriller that will keep you up all night – and looking over your shoulder for days to come…

Incredibly creepy and addictive. 

You really feel the fear of these characters as their stalkers are seemingly moving up a gear. 

They are all part of a stalking victim support group and when one of them dies, and at the funeral they receive a wreath implying one will die in 10 days time, they decide they need to try to take matters into their own hands. 

It is tense, it gets inside your head, and its a brilliant story, I  felt sure that the book was leading to a twist, but I didn't guess what it was. 

Another wonderful book from this author who I always love reading. 

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

Book Review - The Year of What If by Phaedra Patrick - #HolidayReading Gambia

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Title: The Year Of What If

Author: Phaedra Patrick

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Aria

Publication Date: 16th January 2025

Rating: 4 Stars

Can the future be rewritten?

On the verge of her second marriage, Carla Carter knows she's finally found the one. She and her fiancé, Tom, met through Logical Love, a dating agency she founded for the pragmatically minded, and she's confident that, together, they will dispel an old family curse claiming Carter women are unlucky in love.

But Carla's highly superstitious family insists she visit a fortune teller before her big day, and the tarot cards reveal that a different man holds the key to Carla's happiness – someone she met while travelling during a gap year, twenty-one years ago. This startling information spurs Carla to trace and revisit the ex-boyfriends she met during that time before she walks down the aisle.

From Barcelona to Amsterdam, Turkey to Paris, will Carla find her perfect match? And can a face from her past help Carla rewrite her entire family history, forever?

I really enjoyed this story, once I put my scepticism towards family curses and fortune tellers to one side, as they are key forces in this book. 

Carla after having her fortune told at her hen party, decides she needs to revisit her gap year and track down some of the significant men she met on it, to try to decide once and for all if Tom is the one before they tie the knot. 

And once the action makes it into Europe, I was hooked, as i do love a bit of travel, and there were multiple countries, and various encounters on the way. 

I was invested in Carla's quest, and I only wanted good things for her.  There are some rather emotional bits in the book, but overall its rather uplifting and heartwarming. 

I loved the various directions the plot went in, and was definitely pleased with the final outcomes. 

Another really enjoyable book from this always very readable author.

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

Book Review - The Orange House by Isabelle Broom - #HolidayReading Cyprus

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Title: The Orange House

Author: Isabelle Broom

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Hodder & Stoughton

Publication Date: 4th July 2024

Rating: 4 Stars

HENRY AND VIOLET FELL IN LOVE IN THE ORANGE HOUSE. AND SO WILL YOU.

Henry and Violet first met in the garden of The Orange House on the beautiful island of Mallorca.

They promised their lives to each other, poured their love into restoring the house and built the foundations of their marriage within its walls. First it was their private idyll, then a place to escape with their son, Luke - but now it has become a battleground.

As the years have passed, cracks have appeared and secrets have built barriers between them.

Finally, on the brink of divorce, they have come back to Mallorca to sell up. Will this final summer together be the end - or a new beginning?

Twenty years ago, The Orange House brought them together.

Now, will it be reason they part?

It is always pleasure to sit down with a new Isabelle Broom novel, and to discover where she will transport her readers this time. 

Well its Pollensa in Mallorca, an island I know fairly well, but I know the port area of Pollensa better. 

Even so I was totally transported to the island, and to The Orange House. 

Henry and Violet are separated and need to decide what to do with the house, whether to sell or not. 

We get flashbacks to key points of the previous 20 summers spent on the islands. From their first meeting, to Luke's birth and we inklings into what may have gone wrong between the pair. 

But it was Luke that fascinated me the most and the character that I found myself reading and wanting to know more about. 

Over the course of a summer, we see big changes for this family and I was totally there for all of them. 

Really enjoyable, this is a fabulous summer read. 

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