Review of One Hot Summer by Kat French - Five **


Blurb:

Being married to a celebrity isn't all it's cracked up to be, especially when that celebrity has a very public affair with his co-star…

Alice McBride is determined that the one thing she won't lose in her marriage breakup is Borne Manor, her beloved home, but she gets more than she bargained for when she rents it out for the summer and a sexy cowboy comes to stay.

Country music star Robinson Duff has had his own share of heartbreak and needs somewhere quiet to hide out for the summer. Neither Alice nor Robinson are in any position for romance; the timing is terrible and they're both rebounding like out of control frisbees.

Can a holiday romance help mend their broken hearts. Or will it just make things even worse when the long hot summer comes to its inevitable end?

Review:

If I could give more stars, I would. I'm not really into 'celebrity' romance stories but this is very different. The celebrity part is almost incidental as Alice and Robinson's relationship develops. And the use of his celebrity status in the village of Borne adds to the humour and affection. 

This is an unashamedly romantic book and all the villagers seem to get touched by Cupid in one way or another. Wiccans and wigs are just part of the general hilarity and more loyal friends you could not wish for.

I really cried twice in the book - once with sadness and once with joy. I loved how Alice's views of 'home' and 'sanctuary' changed as the book progressed.

Please, please buy this book - you won't be disappointed, I promise!

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

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Review of Love or Nearest Offer by Adele Geras - Four **


Blurb:

On paper, Iris Atkins is an estate agent, but she's not just good at finding suitable houses for her clients. In fact, she has a gift: Iris is able to see into their lives and understand exactly what is missing and what they need - and not just in bricks-and-mortar terms either. Not that she tells them so; she's more subtle than that. But if you hire Iris Atkins as your agent, you may find you don't just end up with the perfect house you'd never choose for yourself, but the perfect job, the perfect partner... the perfect new life?

Of course, concentrating so much on fixing other people's problems doesn't leave much time for examining your own. Over the course of one whirlwind year Iris discovers that while she may know what's best for everyone else, she doesn't necessarily know what's best for herself - and what she finds out could make her happier than she'd ever dreamed of.

Review:

I love books that present a puzzle and this book is an excellent example. It's based on Iris, an estate agent, and her quest to solve her clients' housing needs. She takes pride in the fact that she tries to match people with the right property. 

While she is dealing with Josie and her family, Vina, and Aiden, she is also helping Patrick to find a property with the right amount of walls. Add to this her controlling ex, Neil, and his attempts to rekindle their relationship and June, her mum, you have a wonderful cast of characters.

Iris has 3 very close friends who have all married and produced children and keep pressuring Iris to follow in their footsteps. But she is adamant that she doesn't want children - her father is unknown and she doesn't feel she would make a good parent as she is too selfish. Enter Patrick ;)

Adele does a great job of weaving the different strands together and I was very happy with the final solutions to everyone's problems!

I received an ARC from NetGalley and Quercus in exchange for an honest review.

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Review of Destination: India (The Lonely Hearts Travel Club, Book 2) by Katy Colins 
- Four **


Blurb:

Let yourself go…

Starting the Lonely hearts Travel Club was supposed to be the second chance that gave Georgia Green back her life. She thought it would be just like travelling, but the reality is far from rosy as she realises that starting a new business is definitely not a beach!

So when Georgia finds herself on an impromptu work trip to India she knows something’s got to give! Where has the girl gone who fought so hard to rebuild her life?

The land of Bollywood, gorgeous beaches and the Taj Mahal might just hold the key to Georgia finding her stride again… Only she is about to find out that when in India the country calls the shots – not you. But Georgia’s not going down that easy!

Join Georgia Green for her next big adventure in Bollywood!

Review:

We are back with Georgia and Ben as they run the Lonely Hearts Travel Club - which was started following Georgia's time in Thailand.

They've been running tours to India and, following a very negative review, Georgia decides to go on the tour herself, travelling undercover, to see if she can sort it out.

The people on the tour are a very mixed bunch but we come to know them and like them as their stories are revealed....with the exception of Chris, who keeps himself to himself.

When Georgia returns to Manchester further chaos ensues and the tension is really high! I'll say no more about that, but it was a very worrying time for me, a great fan of Georgia, Ben and the agency!

Lovely book and I felt as if I'd been to India too!

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

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Review of The Secret of Orchard Cottage by Alex Brown - Four **


Blurb:

The wonderful new novel from Alex Brown, bestselling author of The Great Christmas Knit Off, perfect for fans of Trisha Ashley and Jill Mansell..

April Wilson is wondering what to do next – her life has been turned upside down after the loss of her husband so she’s hoping to piece herself together again with a visit to her elderly great aunt, Edith. Arriving in the rural idyll of Tindledale, she’s dismayed to find Edith’s cottage and the orchards surrounding it in a sorry state of disrepair. Edith seems to have lost interest completely, instead she’s become desperate to find out what happened to her sister, Winnie, who disappeared during WWII.

April gets to work immediately, discovering that the orchard still delivers a bumper crop each year, and with the help of some of the villagers – including Matt, the enigmatic Farrier – begins to unravel the mystery of the missing Winnie. Slowly, April can feel things coming to life again – but can Orchard Cottage work its magic on her too?

Review:

This was my first visit to Tindledale - but it won't be my last. Have now bought the other 2 books in the series as well!

April is still trying to cope with the death of her husband and her step-daughter Nancy suggests that she visit her great aunt in Tindledale. April has fond memories of summers there before her parents were tragically killed.

She finds Edie becoming rather confused and she keeps calling April Winnie. April decides to investigate "Winnie! and the results are startling to say the least!

In the process, she gets to know the other villagers and the community spirit. She also meets Matt, a divorced single father and there is a mutual attraction.

The book is warm and friendly, the villagers (particularly Edie) are all strong characters and it was lovely to watch April start to heal. There are modern problems to be dealt with - bullying, suspected dementia, gossiping and Alex handles them all sensitively.

I enjoyed the book and always like a book that pays tribute to the dangers that some of our families faced in the wars. 

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

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Review of Time After Time by Hannah McKinnon - Four **


Blurb:

Time After Time is a fresh and funny work of women’s commercial fiction, which explores the romantic paths that could have been . . .

For fans of Laura Barnett and Dani Atkins, Hannah McKinnon has written a moving story that will resonate with any woman who has ever wondered, in a moment of frustration, “what if?”.

Hayley Cooper, a powerful but now struggling lawyer, fantasizes about what her life would be like if only if she’d made different choices. It’s understandable; the past two years have been hell. She barely sees her kids, her boss is trying to sabotage her, and her marriage is falling apart.

Burnt out, Hayley goes to sleep wishing for a different life. When she wakes up married to her first boyfriend, one she has not seen in over twenty years, she realizes there might be some truth in the saying “be careful what you wish for”. Over a single weekend, like Ebenezer Scrooge, Hayley gets to see her life on other side of the white picket fence – not just with her first ex, but with each of her past loves. But is the grass always greener, and will she ever want to go home?

Review:

This book is based on the thought we all have, "What if". Hayley is dissatisfied with her life and feels her husband Rick doesn't contribute enough to the home life. She visits her friend, Ellen and wonders what her life would have been like with her previous boyfriends.

The book goes back and forward but is very easy to follow. It works forward roughly from Hayley's first serious relationship and offers many different scenarios. We meet all her previous men, and see the way the present has been changed each time, including changes to her friends and family.

It is very easy to follow and is very well written. I didn't get lost once and it really does make you think about your own life - and maybe that it is best to accept "what is".

My only criticism is that the author seems a little obsessed with children - and that happiness can only be found with having a family. But, apart from that one quibble, I really enjoyed the book.

I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Amazon UK

Review of The Late Blossoming of Frankie Green by Laura Kemp - Four **


Blurb:

A laugh-out-loud, feel good, romantic comedy, which will take you on an enlightening emotional rollercoaster. Perfect for the fans of Sophie Kinsella and Jane Costello.

Frankie Green's happy ever after is put on hold when her childhood sweetheart husband complains things are boring in bed.

When he asks for some space, she sets out to win him back by getting herself a sex education.

Little does she know that her hilarious, tender and embarrassing journey of enlightenment is going to change everything...

A story full of humour, heartache and happiness, of friendship, coming of age and overcoming insecurity.

Review:

This is a lovely book about love and friendship - and re-evaluating yourself and your life. Frankie is married and her husband suggests a trial separation. Em is a geeky oddball and believes that she'll never find true love. Letty avoids relationships and believes that sex is all she needs.

Changes occur to all 3 friends and the book follows them as they change and adapt to situations that, in themselves, change.

It's very funny at times and I very much enjoyed it.

I was given an ARC by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Amazon UK

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Review of Those Summer Nights by Mandy Baggot - Five **


Blurb:

Sunshine, soft white sand and a sizzling hot millionaire – you don’t get trouble in paradise, right?

Imogen Charlton is sorted. Dead-beat husband? History. Dream job? Application sent. But then her impulsive brother, Harry, spends every last penny on a Greek restaurant in Corfu, and is determined to run it himself. It’s up to Imogen to bring him to his senses.

When sexy millionaire Panos Dimitriou offers to buy back his family taverna, Imogen wonders if all her prayers have been answered (and all her fantasies about to come true). But Harry won’t budge, and his enthusiasm is infectious.

Bright pink bougainvillea tumbling over whitewashed walls, endless blue skies, the sparkling Mediterranean; it’s hard not to fall for Corfu. And that’s not all Imogen is falling for…

As the sparks of passion fly between Imogen and Panos, is Imogen having second thoughts on selling the restaurant? And will she have to choose between love and a new dream?

This summer, spend long sunny days on the beach, and balmy nights in Greek tavernas on the gorgeous island of Corfu. Perfect for fans of Lucy Diamond, Miranda Dickinson and Lindsey Kelk.

Review:

Wow! Where do I start? This book is a fabulous summer read! Mandy always captures Corfu so brilliantly and this is probably the best so far. 

Set away from the main tourist areas, the book follows brother and sister Harry & Imogen as Harry sets about opening a restaurant in Corfu. We meet their families and learn about Harry's struggle with Bipolar disease, following an accident at work. 

Once in Corfu, we quickly meet Panos, who has other ideas for the beachfront where the restaurant is situated. We also meet Elpida, Panos' grandmother, who is the most marvellous character. Her sense of humour and kindness shine out of the pages.

Panos and Imogen sizzle when they meet - despite the fact that they are very much on opposite sides on the development of the beachfront. Their story is lovely - and unusual in the fact that they can't understand why the other opposes their wishes for the village, but have to acknowledge their mutual attraction at the same time.

There are so many special moments in the book - the market, the festival, the dance, the after-dance (no more details!), Panos' story of his father - I could go on forever.

I spent the last 3 chapters saying No! No! to myself - I was very worried!

When I finished, I felt bereft and promptly went online to view holidays to Corfu ;) Well done Mandy - a warm, funny, summery read - perfect for the pool, especially if it's in Corfu!

I received an ARC from NetGalley and Bookouture in exchange for an honest review.

Amazon UK

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Review of The Summer Escape by Lily Graham - Four **


Blurb:

Amongst the beautiful olive groves and sea-front tavernas, summer has arrived on the sun-drenched island of Crete.

After losing the love of her life, Ria’s life has been on hold. So when her boss becomes completely unbearable she makes the snap decision to run away to the Greek island of Crete, armed only with her passport. 

When Ria finds herself working for eccentric novelist Caroline, she meets handsome vineyard owner Tom. He’s charming, mysterious and Ria starts to wonder if it’s not just the beautiful Greek island that she’s falling for.

But as Ria gets to know Tom better, she uncovers a tangled web of secrets. What is he hiding? Ria has some secrets of her own. Can she open up to Tom and learn to live again?

This summer, escape to the sun with this charming and emotional story about starting over and grabbing happiness with both hands.

Review:

Am loving all these summery reads at the moment! Lily's book is literally an escape to Crete and the descriptions had me looking up holidays there!

Ria is half greek, and after a particularly stressful day brought about by her unsympathetic boss, she jumps on a plane to Crete. The book follows her story as she gradually unwinds, finds a job and meets the locals - both English and Greek.

I loved the story and mystery surrounding the vineyard and Tom's cautious advances. Caroline was a great character and their conversations were very funny! 

The food was so well described throughout the book, as were the smells of the herbs and flowers growing in Crete. I could almost taste and smell them myself!

An all round beautiful summer read - and if you can read it on a Greek beach, so much the better!

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Amazon UK

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Review of Something Old, Something New by Darcie Boleyn - Five **


Blurb:

When Annie Thomas agrees to give her ex away at his wedding to his boyfriend, she thinks she’ll be fine. With her three children at her side, she can handle anything. Then she finds out her gorgeous first ex-husband Evan Llewellyn is flying in from his glamorous life in New York to attend as well!

An unexpected pregnancy ended their relationship and as she stumbles through the ups and downs of life as a working single mum – helping everyone else find a happy ending along the way – Annie refuses to believe their old and incredibly hot spark can still exist.

It’s only when she and Evan are forced to face up to the past together that they’ll discover if they can have their own happily-ever-after too!

Review: 

I loved Darcie's last book, Wish Upon a Christmas Cake and was very happy to see this! It was a really good, funny book that dealt with modern issues very well. I was a little started to see Annie's name in full - Annie Thomas - that was my maiden name, and I used to be a teacher, so the coincidences were strong. However I have only been married and divorced once, whereas Annie has been through it twice! The story follows Annie as she negotiates her way through life with both her exes, her 3 children, 2 Bulldogs (with very funny names), her best friend and her secret desires. The family are very well written and all totally believable - as I said - they all have to deal with current day issues and we find out so much more about them all as they do. Fabulous ending - I admired Annie's courage! I was given an ARC from NetGalley and Carina UK in exchange for an honest review. Amazon UK

Review of Summer at Rose Island by Holly Martin - Five **


Blurb:

Fall in love with the gorgeous seaside town of White Cliff Bay this summer and enjoy long sunny days, beautiful beaches and… a little romance. 

Darcy Davenport is ready for a fresh start. Determined to leave a string of disastrous jobs and relationships behind her, she can’t wait to explore White Cliff Bay and meet the locals. 

When Darcy swims in the crystal clear waters of the bay, she discovers the charming Rose Island Lighthouse. But it’s not just the beautiful building that she finds so intriguing… 

Riley Eddison doesn’t want change. Desperate to escape the memories of his past, he lives a life of solitude in the lighthouse. Yet he can’t help but notice the gorgeous woman who swims out to his island one day. 

Darcy is drawn to the mysterious and sexy Riley, but when it seems the town is trying to demolish his home, she soon finds herself having to pick sides. 

She’s fallen in love with White Cliff Bay. But is that all Darcy’s fallen for? 

Pull up a deck chair, sink back with a bowl of strawberry ice cream and pick up the summer read you won’t be able to put down. 

Review:

This is a lovely feel-good book with a couple of nice twists that make it a little different. It's the third book set in White Cliff Bay - but all can be read as standalones.

Darcy has a string of failed jobs and comes to White Cliff Bay to start a new job with the local council.
Riley is a reclusive American living in the lighthouse on Rose Island.

The lighthouse is under threat and Darcy marshalls the townspeople - and Riley - to save it. The book follows Darcy & Riley's developing relationship and the attempt to save the lighthouse.

I loved the story - and the fact that Darcy is a marine biologist certainly made a change! There is a lot of humour in the book - as usual with Holly's books and a couple of "Gasp!" moments too!

Some of the characters in the town are so funny and I read the summer fete chapter twice! Absolutely hysterical!

I sincerely hope this isn't the last one in the series - I love my visits to White Cliff Bay!

I was given an ARC by NetGalley & Bookouture in exchange for an honest review.

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