Books I'd Read Again: Part 1

Since I'm away in Ireland again, I won't be posting any book reviews unfortunately but I've been thinking about all different blog posts that I can do which are easier to publish remotely. So this is why I've decided to blog about books that I'd definitely read again. And before the year is out preferably!

There have been soooo many good books these last few years that I just want to share a few of my favourites...

The Cake Shop in the Garden

Carole Matthews

Amazon UK (K £0.99 / P £8.99)

Since I fell in love with Chick Lit thanks to Carole Matthews, it was only fair that I read a few more of her books. I was completely drawn in by this stunning cover. The colours, the cakes, are all so beautiful, how could you not enjoy them?!

110% would read again. I adored the setting of this book, so romantic and quirky! And now there's a Christmas novel coming out about these characters and I simply cannot wait!!

Wickham Hall

Cathy Bramley

Amazon UK (K £3.99 / P £7.99)

This is definitely one of my favourite books of all time - by far. It has absolutely everything - every season, every holiday, everything you could possibly want from a Chick Lit book!

I adored all the characters in this novel and I just really connected with this book. For a start it made me want to work in events!

This is one that I definitely plan on reading again if I get the chance!

The Chateau of Happily Ever Afters

Jaimie Admans

Amazon UK (£0.99)

How could this book not be on my 'Books I'd Read Again' post?! If you'd read my review, you'd know that I absolutely loved it.

From the off I couldn't put it down, I was physically stuck to every page and I loved every minute of it.

For a start it reminded me of Beauty and the Beast so what's not to love?

AND it's only 99p!!

Appleby Farm

Cathy Bramley

Amazon UK (K £3.99 / P £7.99)

Another Cathy Bramley book .. whoops. Sorry not sorry. (And this is only Part 1 of my post, so who knows if more of Cathy's books shall come up again?)

All I can say is that if you haven't read this yet, then make sure you do. So lovely, and it'll make you want to live on a Farm!

Well, Cathy Bramley does have a talent of drawing you into her novels, that's for sure!

Annie's Holiday by the Sea

Liz Eeles

Amazon UK (K £1.99 / P £7.99)

The last one on my part 1 blog post is the lovely Liz Eeles' book: Annie's Holiday by the Sea.

The cover done this for me. It made me want to read it, and can you blame me? 99.9% of the books I read is due to their pretty cover and I'm sure I'm not the only one (I know I shouldn't necessarily be like this but I can't help it!).

This book is just so heart-warming and enjoyable so I urge you to read it. There's also a Christmas follow up coming out for this novel too - can't wait!

That's it for part 1, look out soon for part 2! What books would you read again?

The Book that Made me Fall in Love with Chick Lit

I still remember reading my first ever Chick Lit book like it was yesterday .. When in reality it was only just over a year ago! I was on holiday in Spain with my boyfriend and we'd found a really pretty English bar on our second night.

After complaining to my OH that I wish I bought a book along with me, there was a huge box by the bar full to the brim with books of all different genres inside. Naturally I went over to take a look. I was actually browsing for Fantasy books (these are what I read before I found Chick Lit!) and my eyes rested on a book by Carole Matthews.

Now, I had never been interested in Chick Lit/Romances before - I found them so cringey! But the cover of this one simply drew me in and I found it so, so pretty. So, I put a few euros in the charity box (they weren't charging for the books themselves, they just asked that a donation was made to the local cat and dog charities).

I didn't start reading the book that night but started it the next day whilst I lounged by the pool and immediately I was hooked. Now, I know that this isn't the first in The Chocolate Lovers' series, but I easily read it as a standalone. It was a fantastic storyline and I loved every minute. I read it that quick that I had a few days of my holiday bored without it!

After this, I went on to read several other Chick Lit books and also other Carole Matthew novels which went on to become some of my favourites. Below is the synopsis for The Chocolate Lovers' Wedding, if you haven't already read it!

The Chocolate Lovers' Wedding

Carole Matthews

Amazon UK (K £3.99 / P £7.99)

Synopsis:

The ladies of The Chocolate Lovers' Club should be gearing up for the wedding of the year but life keeps getting in the way . . .

Lucy is worried about her financial situation and it keeps distracting her. Should she accept an offer of help from an untrustworthy source?

Nadia may have a real chance of finding love but other areas of her life aren't so rosy. Something needs to change - but what?

Autumn can't wait to meet someone she hasn't seen in a very long time. She's full of hope for the future but then things don't exactly go to plan . . .

Chantal has been through so much and she's finally starting to feel settled. The last thing she needs is the kind of bad news that could change her life all over again.

And yet, despite all the ups and downs, the Chocolate Lovers' ladies know they can get through it all as long as they have each other. They're not going to let anything get in the way of their happy-ever-afters in . . . The Chocolate Lovers' Wedding.

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What was the book that made you fall in love with the genre you read?

Millie Vanilla's Cupcake Cafe: Christmas Weddings by Georgia Hill

Millie Vanilla's Cupcake Cafe: Christmas Weddings

Georgia Hill

Amazon UK £0.95

Rating: 4 stars

Synopsis:

Winter wedding bells are ringing at the Cupcake Cafe!

It's winter in Berecombe and Millie's cafe is up for sale. Her final task as it's owner is to host her friends' Christmas wedidng on the beach, only she's feeling anything but festive! Putting her ex, Jed, firmly out of her mind is proving impossible now he's back working for her biggest rival.

What on earth is Jed up to? Telling her he still loves her is all very well, but if her cafe goes out of business, no-one will buy it. Christmas might be the season of good will towards men - but can Millie trust this particular man with her heart again?

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What a delightfully easy Christmas read by Georgia Hill. I was very excited about heading back to Berecombe and Millie's cafe I must say! And this novella certainly didn't disappoint! From the start there was just so much happening I couldn't put the book down! As the book is on the short side, you get through it very quickly too - wishing there was more! I really hope we head back to Berecombe in the future!

As I mentioned above, there is so much going on straight from the start of the book. The book essentially carries on from the last one in the series - Summer Loves. But I think it could be read as a standalone as you could easily get the gist as to what is going on! I enjoy all the returning characters (although there isn't much mention of Biddy or Arthur!) and I enjoyed getting to know new ones as well.

This book has everything, drama (110%), romance and humour. The one thing I wished it did have more of though is Christmas. As the novella is titled 'Christmas Weddings', I assumed there would be a lot of descriptions about all things Christmas but there wasn't much at all. This is the one thing I was a tad disappointed about. Also, I thought there'd be a lot more about the wedding as well, but there was only a few bits on it!

Overall, an enjoyable and easy read. Thank you to Netgalley and to the publisher for a chance to read this novel, which I have reviewed honestly.

Cover Reveal: Christmas at Conwenna Cove by Darcie Boleyn

Okkkk, so today Canelo announced that we shall be visiting Conwenna Cove for a second time! I must not be the only one excited by the prospect of this, surely?

So, not only is it going to include some of our favourites from last time, cue all the cute greyhounds, but it's also going to be set at ... CHRISTMAS!

I've decided to put up a little post about the cover reveal, as how could I not? If you check below you'll be able to see what I mean...

Ta-dah!

Christmas at Conwenna Cove.

I mean, how stunningly beautiful is this? I love absolutely everything about it. The cute little cottages, the ombre sky, the Christmas trees and of course the snow and the fairy lights draped across the top!

If this isn't a magical Christmas cover then I don't know what is!

Are you planning on reading Christmas at Conwenna Cove? It's on Netgalley now for all those book bloggers who are planning on giving it a read! I'll be back with my review on it on the 22nd of October as part of the Blog Tour.

Publication Day Review: Blackberry Picking at Jasmine Cottage by Zara Stoneley

Blackberry Picking at Jasmine Cottage

Zara Stoneley

Rating: 4 stars

Amazon UK (K£2.99 / P £7.99)

Synopsis:

Return to the charming little village of Langtry Meadows and cosy up by the fire with this gorgeous romance that will warm your heart...

As the lazy days of summer ebb away and the hedgerows fill with rich, plump blackberries, Lucy Jacobs couldn't be happier. She's feeling more and more at home in the small village of Langtry Meadows and has falling in love with idyllic Jasmine cottage - not to mention gorgeous vet Charlie.

But just as Lucy is thinking about putting down roots like the blackberries that grow in her garden, Charlie's ex returns and threatens to put a thorn in their perfect life...

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When I first requested this book on Netgalley, I didn't actually know it was the second in a series (looking at the synopsis now I know that was very stupid of me!). I haven't yet read the first one (it's still on my very, very long TBR pile) but was pleasantly surprised when I read this one. To be honest, the first thing that drew me in straight away was the cover. I love the colours and the leaves all around the edges - so autumnal and just so beautiful! I even really adore the name of the book.

As the weather has taken a turn for the worst, it was so, so lovely to just curl up on the sofa reading. I was that snuggled up that I ended up reading this quite quickly! One thing I loved about this novel was the relationships of the characters of the village, they all seem to flow together so nicely and it had a lovely close-knit community feel to it. I also simply adored the animals! Anything to do with animals/villages/food and I am there! I just can't get enough of books about them.

This was my first Zara Stoneley book (but I do have even more of hers on my TBR pile - told you it was long!) and I must say I really did enjoy it. The storyline was engaging, I never got bored of the characters or what was going on and it was written beautifully. As I mentioned above, even though I hadn't read the first in the series, I wasn't confused so could be easily read as a standalone for those who were also worried about getting lost! I knew what was happening throughout and that made it a lovely read.

I want to live in Langtry Meadows! It just seems like the most beautiful place! All the characters are relatable and I especially found myself relating and understanding main character Lucy. The only gripe I have is that I didn't read the first book sooner - I just felt like I could have got to know the characters a lot better from that.

Overall, a lovely heartwarming read which I really enjoyed. Now to go back and read the first one! Thank you to Netgalley and to the publisher for a chance to read this novel, which I have reviewed honestly.

Christmas on the Little Cornish Isles: The Driftwood Inn by Phillipa Ashley

Christmas on the Little Cornish Isles ~ The Driftwood Inn

Phillipa Ashley

Rating: 4 stars

Amazon UK (K £2.49 / P £9.99)

Synopsis:

Christmas has arrived on the Cornish Isles of Scilly, bringing mistletoe, surprises and more than a sprinkle of romance . . . Fans of Poldark and Carole Matthews will love this brand-new festive read from the author of the bestselling Cornish Cafe series.

For Maisie Samson, this Christmas is going to be different. After years working in a busy Cornish pub, she's moved back to quiet Gull Island where she grew up, to help her parents run the family inn.

But even though she can't wait for the festive season to arrive, Maisie cannot shake the memories of what happened to her last Christmas - the day she lost everything. She keeps herself busy, setting up the tree and hanging mistletoe ready for her first proper family Christmas in years.

Until a new arrival to the island walks into her bar and changes everything. Australian backpacker Patrick is looking for a job for the low season. When Maisie takes him on, she doesn't expect him to last the week, but to her surprise, Patrick is the perfect fit. Charming and handsome, could Maisie allow herself to hope that she and Patrick could be more than just colleagues?

As Christmas approaches, Maisie finds herself dreading the spring, when Patrick is due to leave. With the help of a little Christmas magic, can Maisie get the happily ever after she always dreamed of?

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What a beautiful start of a new series for Phillipa Ashley. I simply adored the setting and found myself really relating to the characters and getting totally absorbed into the storyline. Can Ijust quickly say as well how beautiful this cover is? It's so cosy and Christmassy and it makes you wish you were the character sitting on the bench! This was my first Christmas novel of the year and lets just say that it certainly set some high expectations for the rest! It was also my first book by Phillipa Ashley which I'm shocked about because I really enjoyed it.

The setting of Gull Island sounded really beautiful and serene and the descriptions was drawing me in, making me want to visit! Of course, as it is a Christmas book, Christmas does play a huge part but then what else were you expecting? It was joyful and heartwarming and it was just what I wanted to get from a book about Christmas.

The story follows main character Maisie Samson on her return to Gull Island to run Driftwood Inn for her parents and backpacker Patrick McKinnon who has come all the way from Australia to spend the off season on the island. The pair meet at a festival and along the journey of the story it shows them dealing with their problems from their pasts and trying to make a better future for themselves.

Maisie is hoping for a better Christmas than last year and Patrick is running from a few demons himself... They both need a fresh start but will they get it this year? About three quarters through the book you're hit with a massive twist that I for one certainly didn't see coming! From then on I just found it harder to put down. I loved seeing the development of Maisie and Patrick's relationship.

Overall, a really enjoyable first book of the Little Cornish Isles series. One full of drama, romance and some humour along the way too. Thank you to Netgalley and to the publisher for a chance to read this novel which I have reviewed honestly.

The Hygge Holiday by Rosie Blake

The Hygge Holiday

Rosie Blake

Rating: 5 stars

Amazon UK (K £1.99 / P £7.99)

Synopsis:

The perfect recipe for hygge this autumn: make a hot chocolate, draw the curtains, snuggle under a blanket and read your way to happiness!

It's autumn in Yulethorpe and everyone is gloomy. It's cold, drizzly and the skies are permagrey. The last shop on the high street - an adorable little toy shop - has just shut its doors. Everything is going wrong for Yulethorpe this autumn. Until Clara Kristensen arrives.

Clara is on holiday but she can see the potential in the pretty town, so she rolls up her sleeves and sets to work. Things are looking up until Joe comes to Yulethorpe to find out exactly what is going on with his mother's shop. Joe is Very Busy and Important in the City and very sure that Clara is up to no good. Surely no one would work this hard just for the fun of it?

Can a man who answers emails at 3 a.m learn to appreciate the slower, happier, hygge things in life - naps, candles, good friends and maybe even falling in love?

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I've never read a book by Rosie Blake before this and I could kick myself now! This book was absolutely delightful and left me feeling all warm and fuzzy inside - and wanting to light about a thousand candles and fairy lights!

I wasn't entirely sure what hygge was until I read this book (you find out the actual definition about a quarter of a way in but it basically means cosy), and now that I've finished it, I want everything in my life to be hygge too! It sounds like the best way to live your life. If you live in London like me, then you'll know that everyone is always in a rush. So to read a book about slowing life down and just enjoying the view - it was really refreshing and I think it's a beautiful way to live life.

I loved main character Clara, I think she was so relatable and just a genuinely lovely person (just like most of the other characters in Yulethorpe too!). I'll admit that even I was a bit dubious on Clara's reasons to run the toyshop at first too, but after the book got into it, I understood that she'd finally found a place that felt like home - after all that happened to her the previous year.

I feel that Joe and Clara's story was beautiful and I just really enjoyed reading every page of it. The characters are all different in their own way and all relatable. I just want to go and live in Yulethorpe now! I adored what Clara done to the toyshop and because this book was set in Autumn and the run up to Christmas - it was all just so hygge! (I'm going to keep using that word forever now!).

Overall, a truly delightful story with lovely, happy ending. I enjoyed every minute. Thank you to Netgalley and to the publisher for a chance to read this novel, which I have reviewed honestly.

The Worst Case Scenario Cookery Club by Chrissie Manby

The Worst Case Scenario Cookery Club

Chrissie Manby

Rating: 4 stars

Amazon UK (K £1.99 / P £5.59)

Synopsis:

In the quaint seaside town of Newbay, a beginner's cookery course is starting. And three very different students have signed up . . .

Liz's husband has left her for a twenty-something clean-eating blogger, and she's determined to show the world - and her daughter - she's just as capable in the kitchen. John, newly widowed after fifty years of marriage, can't live on sympathy lasagnes forever. To thirty-year-old workaholic Bella, the course is a welcome escape from her high-pressure job. Their only common ground: between them, they can barely boil an egg!

Enter talented chef Alex, who is determined to introduce his pupils to the comforts of cuisine. As Liz, John and Bella encounter various disasters in the kitchen, the unlikely trio soon form a fast friendship. Their culinary skills may be catastrophic - but could the cookery club have given them a recipe for happiness?

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What a wonderfully lighthearted and uplifting novel by Chrissie Manby. Chrissie has definitely whipped up another enjoyable story about love, friendship and life. The four characters all have their own story and I love that we get to read about all of their lives and that you get to connect with them all individually.

Another thing that I absolutely adored about this book - was of course the food! If you've read my blog before then you'll know that I cannot resist a book revolving around food. And the cover and the title of the book totally drew me in. The food that the beginners learn to cook sound mouth-wateringly good. Making you wish that you were a part of this class!

I've only ever read one other story by Chrissie Manby and although I enjoyed that one - I found myself enjoying this one even more and relating to the characters. I enjoyed the stories from start to end and couldn't put it down. The characters, although all very different in their own ways, all flowed together beautifully.

Overall, a really enjoyable story and one I couldn't put down. Thank you to Netgalley and to the publisher for a chance to read this novel, which I have reviewed honestly.

The Holiday Cruise by Victoria Cooke

The Holiday Cruise

Victoria Cooke

Rating: 5 stars

Amazon UK (£1.99)

Synopsis:

The high seas are calling!

As if it weren't enough to be cheated on by her husband of ten years, Yorkshire lass Hannah Davis is losing her beauty salon business too. Luckily, her big sister is there to pick up the pieces, but Hannah is desperate to find some independence.

Impulsively, Hannah applies for a spa job...on a cruise ship! Christmas in the Caribbean, springtime in the Mediterranean, what's not to like? But, despite being in her thirties, Hannah has never done anything on her own before, and she's terrified.

As the ship sets sail, Hannah has never been further from home...or closer to discovering who she is and who she wants to be.

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What a brilliant and entertaining story by Victoria Cooke. I'll be honest and admit that I wasn't sure what to expect when I first started reading it. I'd read plenty of positive reviews on it but wasn't sure what I'd think of it myself - but I throughly enjoyed it! I've never read any kind of story about a cruise or a book by Victoria Cooke before so I was really interested as to what it would be like.

First of all, I loved the character of Hannah and really enjoyed reading all about her life and her story. I really empathised with Hannah in the beginning, the whole story felt so real and I really felt like I was there with Hannah and going through what she was going through. I loved when she first started on the cruise and even though the story was over 380 pages long, it flew by and I found myself wanting the story to carry on!

I loved that the story revolved around visiting all different cities and beaches and to be honest it really made me wish I worked on a cruise! That seems like the perfect life to me! I just really enjoyed going on Hannah's journey with her, and I was absolutely praying that Hannah found her perfect man! I could go on and on, saying what I loved about this book - but I don't want to give too much away! The story is brilliant and written really well and I loved (there's that word again!) every minute of it.

Overall, a really lovely and heartwarming story that I didn't want to end. Thank you to Netgalley and to the publisher for a chance to read this novel, which I have reviewed honestly.

A Summer of Surprises & An Unexpected Affair by Jan Ellis

A Summer of Surprises & An Unexpected Affair

Jan Ellis

Rating: 4 stars

Amazon UK (£7.99)

Synopsis:

An Unexpected Affair After her divorce, Eleanor Mace decides to begin a new life running a quirky bookshop in a quiet corner of Devon. She adores her seaside home in Combemouth and her bookshop is a hit and yet ... Eleanor is still unsettled. So when she rediscovers an old flame online, she sets off for the South of France in search of a man she last saw in her twenties. But will she find happiness on the Continent or does it lie in rural England?

A Summer of Surprises In this engaging sequel to An Unexpected Affair, Eleanor is finding life sweet and rosy in her Devon bookshop, but unexpected clouds on the horizon in the form of an ex-wife and a town planning monstrosity are about to bring our charismatic bookseller a summer of surprises.

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Two more short novella's of Jan Ellis' that I really enjoyed. Jan Ellis has a relaxed way of writing that draws you in automatically and makes you not be able to put the book down! Again, this is yet another beautiful cover - I love the use of the books, the lighthouse, the candy-coloured striped awning and I even think the font looks beautiful!

The thing I love about Jan Ellis' books is that there are two different stories within them - so you never get bored of a story. Both An Unexpected Affair and A Summer of Surprises flowed gorgeously and the setting of An Unexpected Affair sounded simply lovely. The characters all flow together nicely and you find yourself really connecting and relating to the main characters.

All of Jan Ellis' novels are easy to read and so lighthearted, it's difficult not to enjoy them! They're full of wit and humour with a bit of drama to keep you intrigued the whole way through. A Summer of Surprises & An Unexpected Affair both revolve around main character Eleanor and her story.

Overall, a really enjoyable novel which I found really lighthearted. Thank you to Jan Ellis for a copy of this book, which I have reviewed honestly.

French Kisses & A London Affair by Jan Ellis

French Kisses and A London Affair

Jan Ellis

Rating: 4 stars

Amazon UK (£7.99)

Synopsis:

A London Affair ~ Kate leaves the countryside for a job in a posh London deli and is soon surrounded by croissants and cappuccinos as she finds herself at the centre of a delicatessen dating adventure. Along with the job comes new flat-mates, including the fun, exasperating Imogen and her long-suffering boyfriend, Freddy. Kate thinks she's doomed to early spinsterhood, but Immy has other ideas and sends her friend out into the dating land with unexpected consequences for them all. This is a fun romance that takes the reader from the King's Road to Cornwall with an eclectic bunch of characters including an old hippy, a Russian property magnate and an ex-boyfriend who doesn't know when to give up.

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French Kisses ~ When Rachel Thompson moved to France in her early twenties, little did she suspect she would stay, become a successful artist and marry Michael, the love of her life. Life in France is peachy until Michael hits 40, discovers his inner love-rat and runs off with the kids' young, skinny, dance teacher. Determined to rebuild her life, Rachel recruits friends, neighbours and her children to help her transform the family home into a cosy guest house, and soon attracts an eclectic collection of visitors - and two quite different admirers.

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When Jan Ellis asked me if I'd like to read her books, I jumped at the chance. The covers in which she sent me and the descriptions completely drew me in and I was so excited to read them. Fast forward to now and I'm finally getting round to posting them up on my blog!

Let's get started by explaining that you get two mini novella's in this one book and it shall have you enjoying a few hours filled with uplifting and heartwarming stories. Both are simply delightful and you can't help yourself - once you start reading you're totally drawn in! Both French Kisses and A London Affair are just what I look for in a Romance novel.

As you'll know if you've read previous posts on my blog, I am obsessed with novels set in France at the moment - anything from cobbled streets to descriptions of crisp wine and I am there. This particular novella, is about main character Rachel turning her home into a guest house and that is just the type of story that I am really enjoying at the moment. Add the humour and drama and it's perfect!

As well as really enjoying French Kisses, I also found A London Affair really engaging. Another book which is set in a place which is full of food! I loved reading about the cappuccinos and the fresh pastries. One thing that can make me love a book is it's descriptions about food! Both novella's have humour, drama and of course romance - What more could you ask for?

Thank you to Jan Ellis for a copy of this novel, which I have reviewed honestly.

Autumn at the Cosy Cottage Cafe by Rachel Griffiths

Autumn at The Cosy Cottage Cafe

Rachel Griffiths

Rating: 4 stars

Amazon UK (£0.99)

Synopsis:

Motherhood has been one of the great blessings of Dawn Dix-Beaumont's life but with her children's growing independence, it's finally time for Dawn to return to teaching. However, Mother Nature has other ideas...

Rick Beaumont loves his family but he's busier than ever. With his high-flying career, two children and a third on the way, there's a lot to juggle.

Battling expectations, disappointments and a few surprises along the way, Dawn and Rick find their commitment to each other tested to the limit. The next steps they take will be the most important of their lives.

So when the pressure mounts and an important decision has to be made, will Dawn and Rick's marriage become stronger than ever, or will it be time to move in different directions?

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What a delightful second novella in the Cosy Cottage Cafe series. This time the story follows Dawn, a mum who is balancing two children, two pets and has several doubts about her husbands commitment to her.

I really enjoyed the first one in the series, so I couldn't wait to read this one. I thought it was going to follow on and carry on the story with Allie - but I'm quite glad it didn't as it was nice reading about another character from the village instead.

Dawn is a mum of two and although she wanted to get back to work, she's found herself pregnant again. With her pregnancy brain, she thinks something is seriously up with husband Rick, as he is hardly ever at home and is constantly on his phone, and tries her best to get to the bottom of her suspicions. An ending to this book which I was extremely happy with - that's all I'm going to say!

Even though this book was around a different character, old main character Allie is still a big part of the story and her cafe is somewhere that is frequently visited - something which I really liked. I find all the characters really lovely and I really enjoyed reading this second novella in the series.

The book was a delight to read and, for me, was an easy read, making it feel like I'd read it in no time at all! Because the novella's are only around 100 pages each, you never get bored of the story - although you will find yourself wishing it wouldn't end!

Overall, a really lighthearted and heartwarming story. The Cosy Cottage Cafe series has been really enjoyable and I am really looking forward to reading the next.

Blog Tour: Rubies in the Roses by Vivian Conroy

Rubies in the Roses

Vivian Conroy

Rating:

Amazon UK (£1.99)

Synopsis:

Welcome to Cornisea Island and spend your summer holidays in a Cornish Castle.

Guinevere Evans has a dream summer job: cataloguing books at a castle on a tidal island off the coast of Cornwall. With her perky dachshund Dolly by her side she explores the island's colourful history, tries fabulous local food and sees the gorgeous sunsets.

But when an old friend of her employer drops in, claiming a rare bejewelled wedding goblet is hidden in the castle gardens, strange events start to take place: several people turn up claiming they have a right to the elusive goblet, and a dead body is found on the beach.

An unfortunate accident, or does this death relate to the struggle for ownership of the goblet? Is there even a goblet?

Guinevere and Dolly dig in and discover plenty of motives to lie, steal and yes, maybe even kill. Can they prove what really happened to the victim and what became of the precious rubies that are at the heart of the mystery?

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Rubies in the Roses is a the second novel in the Cornish Castle series - and an exciting one at that! It's fun and oozes mystery and will leave you hanging on the edge of your chair trying to figure out what happens next.

I haven't actually read the first one in the series, but I wasn't lost and was able to keep up with the characters and what was going on. Although, one thing I will say is that I wish I did actually read the first one before this - just so I got to know the characters a bit better before the follow on! However, it wasn't a big deal and I still enjoyed it.

One thing I did absolutely love about this story was Guinevere's cute little dachshund Dolly. She's so cute! I found the characters were totally unique and I loved the way they all connected. Guinevere is down in Cornwall helping out Lord Bolingbrooke with the cataloging of his books. However, as the story gets started, a friend of Lord Bolingbrooke - Gregory Wadencourt - turns up out of the blue and exclaims that there is a missing silver goblet located somewhere at the castle.

This is where the mystery sets in, and I found myself hooked on the story. There is a death at the castle and Guinevere, with the help of her little doggy Dolly, set out to solve it. Throughout the story I was trying my best to figure out who could have done it - but alas I couldn't!

Overall, a really enjoyable read that you won't be able to put down. I myself don't usually read mystery novels - or cosy mysteries for that matter - but found that I really did enjoy it. If you're looking for a cosy mystery, then this is the series for you!

Thank you to Netgalley and to the publisher for a chance to read this novel, which I have reviewed honestly.

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About the Author:

Vivian Conroy writes the Cornish Castle Mysteries for HarperCollins, with book 1 Death Plays a Part released in July and Rubies in the Roses following in late August. Her Lady Alkmene Mysteries, of which the first instalment, A Proposal To Die For, became an Amazon USA and Canada best seller in five categories, will continue with a new instalment in October, Fatal Masquerade, set at a Venetian style masked ball where every guest has a secret and some of these secrets prove lethal.

For all the latest bookish news, with plenty of dogs and desserts, follow Vivian on Twitter via @VivWrites. You can also find her on Goodreads, Library Thing, Book Bub and Fantastic Fiction.

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You can follow the blog tour below:

The Cosy Canal Boat Dream by Christie Barlow

The Cosy Canal Boat Dream

Christie Barlow

My Rating: 4 stars

Amazon UK (K £1.99 / P £7.99)

Synopsis:

Welcome to the Little Rock marina - where hearts are healed and dreams are made...

For the last two years Nell Andrews has been struggling to stay afloat. As her life tumbled down around her, the only safety net has been her cosy canal boat, The Nollie. Tucked away inside, Nell has found a place to heal her broken heart. And now she's ready to move on and follow her dream...

Gorgeous Guy Cornish, with his easy Irish charm, makes him an instant hit with everyone at the marina, and the perfect person to help Nell with her project. But Guy has his own reasons for being at the marina, and a past that threatens to sink Nell's dream...

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What a delightful and heartwarming novel by Christie Barlow. I've never read one of her novels before but was so glad that I got the opportunity to read this one. One that made me cry and laugh and feel all warm inside all in one. It's a perfect novel to snuggle up with a hot chocolate and just relaxing the day away with.

After reading several reviews of this book, I admitted I was slightly nervous about reading it! I never normally read books that would make me cry, I prefer happy novels with happy endings (this one does have a happy ending just FYI!). But the prologue in this book (that definitely WILL make you cry!) was written absolutely beautifully and so tastefully. It moved me in such a way that I couldn't wait to read the rest of the book. I've never read a prologue so moving.

I was hooked onto Nell's story straight from the first page of the prologue and couldn't wait to read more to find out how Nell had dealt with such a heartbreaking blow. After finding out she has received a large sum of money, Nell uses this to her advantage and to help get her happiness back on track. Of course, along the way there is drama's and setbacks but I found the story to be overall rather magical.

One thing along the way that Nell does enjoy is hunky Irish man Guy. However, Guy is hiding something and it'll keep you on the edge of your seat trying to figure out what it is! You'll definitely need tissues at the ready as you read this book.

Overall, a really touching, magical and heartwarming story. One I really enjoyed and was moved by. Thank you to Netgalley and to the publisher for a chance to read this book, which I have reviewed honestly.

My Top Monthly Reads: August 2017

I feel like the month of August has absolutely flown by. We're now in September and I feel that Autumn is well and truly on it's way. I absolutely love Autumn. I love the colours of the leaves, the crisp mornings and of course, the build up to Christmas.

I also feel that I haven't been reading as much as I would normally! This month I haven't got many to share with you, a series I've absolutely loved and another one which I enjoyed. The reason for my absence is that I went to Ireland to visit my boyfriends family over there and for a much needed break. It certainly has it perks - having an Irish boyfriend! On my travels over there, I've visited the most beautiful places and I feel so lucky that I can go there anytime.

But I'm rambling about things that you probably don't even care about, you're probably only hear to read about what books I enjoyed! So here we go...

Escape to Willow Cottage

Bella Osbourne

Rating: 5 stars

Amazon UK

(You can read my review here)

The Little French Guesthouse (The whole of the La Cour des Roses series)

Helen Pollard

Rating: 5 stars

Amazon UK

(You can read my review here)

A Wedding in Cornwall

Laura Briggs

Rating: 5 stars

Amazon UK

(You can read my review here)

Summer At Coastguard Cottages

Jennifer Bohnet

Rating: 4 stars

Amazon UK

(You can read my review here)

As you can see, not many but I did really enjoy each of the above. The stories were lovely and they each have a very eye-catching cover. Whilst each story is different in their own way, they all have similar attributes that made me love them all.

What was your favourite read of August?

The Cotswolds Cookery Club: A Taste of Spain by Alice Ross

The Cotswolds Cookery Club: A Taste of Spain

Alice Ross

My Rating: 4 stars

Amazon UK (£0.99)

Synopsis:

Life begins at forty...

Trish Ford has always dreamed of living in a little chocolate box village like Cornfield - but she never expected to be starting over at forty! Joining the Cotswolds Cookery Club seems like the perfect recipe for finding happiness again, along with her new friends Connie, Melody and Kate.

From mouth-watering paella to sweet, honey-drenched pestinos, Trish finds a delicious distraction in the Spanish cuisine whilst doing her best to deal with her stroppy teenage daughter and her cheating ex-husband and his pregnant girlfriend.

But it will take all of Trish's new-found confidence - and maybe a helping of her irresistible leche frita - to risk her heart on hunk single dad Steve...

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This is the second book of the Cotswolds Cookery Club series and is set around new character Trish and her struggles at brining up teenager Amber whilst dealing with a breakup from ex-husband Ian. To be honest, this isn't something I was expecting - a completely new character. I know it sounds silly because it's in the synopsis (but it's not on Goodreads which is where I look up most of my books) and before I read the synopsis I just imagined it would be based around last ones characters.

Not complaining though, as Trish's story is very interesting. Trish is struggling with teenage daughter Amber (and I really hope that when I have kids and they reach their teenage years that they're not like that!) and the news that ex-husband just broke to her. Trish's story was one that I wanted to find out more on, and I couldn't put my Kindle down!

After reading the first one in the series, I simply couldn't wait for this one. My mouth was watering throughout the book, the meals that they create sounds simply delightful and not for the first time I wanted to be part of the Cookery Club! I found that the characters of the Cookery Club all gelled together really well and it made me feel as though I was there and a part of that club.

I found that nearer the end of the book, things really got heated and there was a lot of drama to take on board! This made me glue myself to my Kindle until I finished it because I was so eager to find out how it ended! One thing I will say, is that I found the book over so quickly. I was enjoying it so much that it was a rather abrupt ending and I was disappointed it was over! I feel like there could have been so much more of a storyline with Trish and Steve - but having said that, I'm sure we'll learn a little more about their relationship in number 3! One I simply cannot wait for!

Overall, an enjoyable read that I didn't want to end. Thank you to Netgalley and to the publisher for a chance to read this book, which I have reviewed honestly.