My Top Monthly Favourites: April 2018

This month has been a bit - mehh - for me reading wise. I have been in a huge reading rut so whenever I picked up a book, I just couldn't get into it! Therefore, sorry to disappoint but there won't be too many favourites from me this month - completely different to last month!

I feel like this year is completely rushing by, and whilst I can't wait for the summer months, I want them to stop going by so quick! I have started reading the glorious new novel by Mandy Baggot so you can already expect it to be on my favourites for next month!

Lets get on with the post before I start rambling away . . . 

My Big Greek Summer

Sue Roberts

My review isn't live at the moment, but it will be on publication day - so watch this space!

White Wedding

Milly Johnson

You can read my review here

The Holiday Cottage by the Sea

Holly Martin

You can read my review here

A Home at Honeysuckle Farm

Christie Barlow

You can read my review as part of the blog tour here

So there we have my April favourites. Not many, but really enjoyable all the same.

What were your favourites this month?

The Cosy Castle on the Loch: Summer by Alice Ross

The Cosy Castle on the Loch: Summer

Alice Ross

Rating: 5 stars

Amazon UK £0.99

Helen Sutherland can hardly believe her luck. Not only is she the proud manager of the gorgeous new tearoom at the magical Glenduff Castle, but her new venture means she can indulge her passion for baking - every day.

But not everything in Helen's life is running so smoothly. After years of supporting husband, Gordon, in his business endeavours, he doesn't appear to be remotely interested in hers.

Indeed, the only thing in which Gordon does appear remotely interested is himself.

So, when Helen finds herself increasingly attracted to another man, it isn't just cake mix she has on her hands, but a rather large dilemma. One that forces her to decide if her marriage is worth saving. Or if, like several ingredients in her fridge, it has reached its expiry date.

This is the second of four short stories in The Cosy Cottage on the Loch series.

Also available:

Spring

Coming next:

Autumn

Winter

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This was a fabulous follow up from part one in The Cosy Cottage on the Loch series. I love Alice Ross' books and with each new one I read - I love them even more! They're lighthearted, funny, and just so unputdownable. You can read this in just a couple of hours if you've got some spare time, then you'll find yourself pining for the next one in the series!

This particular one in the series focuses on Helen, who is just so excited to be opening her own cafe in the gorgeous Glenduff Castle that she hasn't ever been happier! She just wishes that Gordon (her husband) is supportive and proud of her. However, this doesn't appear to be the case and I was feeling so sorry for Helen, all she wanted was for her husband to be happy for her like she was happy for him.

Helen starts work at Glenduff and soon it starts becoming her little escape place, somewhere where she can be her happy self and enjoy her time. However, when a leak turns Helen's happiness bubble upside down, she calls in plumber Tom and Helen finds herself suddenly attracted to another man. Will Helen leave her husband? Or will she work the hardest she's ever worked to get their relationship back on track?

This is a great story, although I didn't expect anything less from one of my favourite authors, and I enjoyed every minute. It's a short story but one that you won't forget anytime soon. It's a lovely heartwarming story and I can't wait to read the rest in the series. I loved the characters and of course the beautiful setting this series is based on. Thank you to Alice Ross for a chance to read this novel which I have reviewed honestly.

The Secret Shopper's Revenge by Kate Harrison

The Secret Shopper's Revenge

Kate Harrison

Rating: 4 stars

Amazon UK (K £2.99 | P £8.99)

Imagine shopping for a living, going undercover in the lingerie department, homing in on size-zero haute couture . . . and shopping the shop girls who think service is a dirty word. Welcome to the world of the Secret Shopper.

New Mum Emily wants revenge on the stick-thin assistants who laugh at her post-baby tummy and post-baby budget. But frumpiness has its advantages when you're wielding a secret camera - and sending the damning footage straight to head office.

Store manager Sandie has a lifelong love of the world of retail - the glitz, the glamour, the stockroom. Then she's fitted up by an ambitious assistant and secret shopping is the only way to keep her one passion alive.

Glamorous widow Grazia can't leave behind the high life, despite her chronically low bank balance. The more she's buying - and spying - the less time she has to mourn her husband or her fair-weather friends who've dumped her.

They're Charlie's Shopping Angels, controlled by a mysterious figure who sends them assignments. But when they're sent to stitch up a doomed shop owned by Will, the angels begin to feel divided loyalties . . .

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I feel like this book took me an absolute age to finish. But I got there in the end and I really enjoyed the overall storyline. Before I started this novel, I was in a bad book rut. Every book I picked up to start, I just couldn't get into for some reason. Then I would try again with a different book, and it will finish in the same way - I couldn't get into it! So, instead of reading the usual books I do (chick lit's set in cafes, countryside, living by the sea etc), I decided to read something a little different.

The Secret Shoppers Revenge by Kate Harrison is set in London and is about 3 completely different women. Emily has just had a baby and is struggling to keep a flat in order when her husband leaves her for another woman. Sandie has just been fired from her dream job and the events that follows her after this makes Sandie re-think about living in London. And Grazia (probably my favourite of the characters) has just lost her famous artist husband Leon and is still learning to live her own life now that her slightly controlling husband has gone.

I'll admit that I found this book to be a little slow in the beginning, but when the secret shopping started, I really got into it. I love all things beauty and fashion, so reading a book that is based around these two things was really refreshing for me and I'm so glad I gave it a go. It's different to what I usually read and even though some characters irritated me a little (Emily when she just can't. stop. listening. to. her. husband! I felt so sorry for Will when they were at the train station!), I really enjoyed it overall. It's quite a hefty book and once you get that initial slow start out of the way, you'll soon be whizzing through the pages.

There are a few twists and turns throughout the whole novel which made it really interesting and I was hooked nearer to the end of the book (especially regarding Grazia's storyline with her husband and his paintings!!!). Overall, it wasn't my favourite novel ever but it did it's job and it was a nice read. Would I rush to read something by this author again? Probably not but if I come across another novel of hers I would pick it up - you can never judge a book by its cover!

Forever at Conwenna Cove by Darcie Boleyn

Forever at Conwenna Cove

Darcie Boleyn

Rating: 5 stars

Amazon UK £1.99

Following heartbreak, Zoe Russell found a haven in Conwenna Cove. As the owner of the village diner and a volunteer for the local greyhound sanctuary, she's happy with her peaceful life.

Local surfer Nate Bryson plans to leave Conwenna and see the world. He wants to shake off his reputation as a ladies man and start again somewhere new. Before departing, Nate decides to raise funds for the dog rescue home as a way of giving back to the community.

When Nate approaches Zoe to help with the charity event she sees there's more to him than meets the eye. Nate can't believe he's failed to notice the kind and beautiful woman right before him. But can two such different people ever be together, especially if one of them is determined to leave?

Perfect for fans of Holly Martin, Phillipa Ashley and Sarah Bennett.

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I have never been disappointed when reading a novel by this author - and it didn't start here! This novel was stunningly beautiful and so, so well written. As always, I feel that the cover is so pretty and the stunning landscape and beach just draw you straight in. I've really enjoyed every Conwenna Cove novel so I was so pleased that there was another one!

As well as the cover, the fact that this novel is so focused on one dog: the greyhound, was something that made me want to read it even more. In all of the Conwenna Cove series, there has been some involvement with the helping of the greyhounds and this just speaks to me on so many levels. I absolutely adore Greyhounds so I really, really loved this part of the novel. It just added that little extra something to the storyline which made it feel so heartwarming.

The story this time round focuses more on surfer Nate and the lovely Zoe. The pair bond over a charity event which Nate wants to throw to give something back for all what the community has done for him. As they plan the event together, there is no denying the spark between them - it's sizzling! But there's a big question looming over both of them - Can Zoe trust a man again? And does Nate want to get in too deep with someone even though he plans on travelling the world?

I loved this novel and I'm really sad that this is the last one in the Conwenna Cove series! The novels have been incredibly emotional but beautifully written - I didn't want to put it down. It was amazing to be back in Conwenna Cove again for the last time and I enjoyed getting to know these characters as well as hearing a little bit about the past ones. Thank you to the publisher for a chance to read this novel via Netgalley, which I have reviewed honestly.

A Girl's Best Friend by Jules Wake

A Girl's Best Friend

Jules Wake

Rating: 5 stars

Amazon UK (K £2.99 P £7.99)

Welcome to your new cottage in the country - complete with grumpy vet, village gossip and a very muddy dog . . .

City girl Ella wants to take refuge in the country, lick her wounds and work out what she's going to do with the rest of her life. She certainly doesn't want to have a four-legged house guest or anything to do with village life. Unfortunately, the inhabitants of Wilsgrave have other ideas. 

Settling in to her godmother's house for a few months of R&R, Ella finds herself the reluctant babysitter of a badly behaved Labrador - and her plans of staying mainly indoors scuppered. But as she's forced into wellies and into the village's way of doing things, Ella meets people who make her think again about what she really wants out of life and love, starting with her new furry best friend. . .

A gorgeously romantic tale set in an idyllic countryside village, from the author of ebook bestseller Covent Garden in the Snow. Perfect for fans of Trisha Ashley and Katie Fforde.

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I was so excited to read this novel by Jules Wake as I had read another by the author before and absolutely loved it (it was definitely my fave of the year so far!) so I knew I would enjoy this one. The cover is absolutely stunning, I love the bright colours, the flowers around the edge, the bright green fields and of course the cute dog in the centre!

The characters were all lovely and easy to read about, there wasn't a character that I didn't like and I found the whole storyline easy and such a pleasure to read. As with Jules' other novel, I was hooked from the first page and I loved it so much that I struggled to put it down! I loved the setting of the book as well, it sounded so idyllic and I honestly felt like searching for hotels around that area as it made me want to visit somewhere like that so much! It sounded so beautiful. The storyline itself was great, it was funny, heartwarming and lighthearted so was a joy to read.

I loved reading how the main characters story and relationship developed and was over the moon that there was animals (especially dogs!) involved in the novel, so I found it well worth the read and would 100% recommend you give this novel a try. Thank you to Netgalley and to the publisher for a chance to read this novel, which I have reviewed honestly.

White Wedding by Milly Johnson

White Wedding

Milly Johnson

Rating: 5 stars

Amazon UK (K £4.99 / P £8.46)

It's the day they've always dreamed about. But will it turn out to be a nightmare?

Bel is in the midst of planning her perfect wedding when disaster strikes and everything she thought she knew is turned on its head. Can she hold it all together and, with the help of her friends, and a mysterious man she meets unexpectedly, turn disaster into triumph?

Bel's friend, ice-cream parlous owner Violet, is engaged to Glyn, who is besotted by her although Violet fell out of love with him long ago. But however trapped she feels in the relationship, she can't quite say the words, 'I don't want to marry you anymore.' Then, just when she's about to give up and resign herself to married life, she finds love in the most surprising of places. Will duty rule her heart or will she allow herself to be swept off her feet?

Max was planning a quick registry office do with her fiance Stuart until she sees a TV programme about traveller brides and becomes determined to have the most extravagantly glitzy wedding ever. But in all the excitement has she lost the sight of what's really important? Does she want the wedding more than she wants the groom?

And as all three friends find the dress of their dreams at the White Wedding bridal shop, its owner, the lovely Freya, guarantees that her gowns will bring them happiness - though maybe not quite in the way they expected ...

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Another Milly Johnson novel to add to my favourites pile. I don't know how she does it but whenever I read a novel by Milly I just get so engrossed that I forget what's going on around me! This one for me started off a little slow but as soon as it got to Bel's wedding it kinda just exploded and was absolutely amazing!

Firstly, the cover is stunning (as is all of Milly's covers) and although doesn't give much away it of course shows us what the book is roughly about. It's simplistic and works well. As for the story, it's beautifully written and I literally loved every page. This is another novel by the fabulous Milly Johnson that you just can't put down! The thing I love about Milly's novels is that it's not just about the one character, it's about 2 or 3 at the same time and their stories are all interwoven. It's brilliant how she does it, there must be so much to remember, but it's just amazing and keeps you hanging on to everything that's happening.

This particular story follows three main female characters. Firstly, Bel, who has planned all of her wedding on her own, but there's a twist and everything explodes on the day of her wedding, when she's giving a lovely speech about new husband Richard... She flees the reception and goes to one of the cottages which her rich father owns and it's there that she meets a rather peculiar but lovely man. Is this how Bel's happy ever after ends?

Then there's Max, who at first wanted a simple and small wedding to long-term partner Stuart. However, once she gets a glimpse of a traveller wedding, there's no going back. She goes on a rampage and orders everything she's ever dreamed of. From a giant sparkling tiara to a carriage with six horses. Will fiance Stuart roll over and give in like he always does? Or will a bumping into an old classmate change his mind?

Lastly there's Violet, who's soon-to-be-husband is borderline obsessed with her. Calling her every half hour, checking her drawers, Violet can't do anything right. So when her new ice-cream shop is close to opening, she runs there to hide for a bit of uninterrupted relaxation and to get away from Glyn for a while. However, she soon finds herself growing attracted to painter Pav, who's there to help her get her ice-cream shop up and running, but what will Glyn think of her new friendship?

Literally, with every storyline there's drama and it's amazing! I found myself finding time to read this - it was that good! If you haven't read a novel by Milly Johnson before - then you are missing out!

Publication Day Review: The Holiday Cottage by the Sea by Holly Martin

The Holiday Cottage by the Sea

Holly Martin

Rating: 5 stars

Amazon UK £1.99

The sparkling new book from the bestselling author of Summer at Buttercup Beach. Escape to Sandcastle Bay, where you'll discover a charming little seaside village brimming with heart-warming friendships, quirky characters and plenty of sunshine.

The perfect place to fall in love this summer...

Tori Graham is in need of a holiday. Trying to piece her heart back together after losing the love of her life, she escapes to Blossom Cottage, with its picturesque views of the sea. And plans to spend the summer in gorgeous Sandcastle Bay, where her best friend Melody Bay lives.

Tori's not expecting her summer by the beach to be eventful, until she meets handsome and mysterious Aidan Jackson...

Aidan looks after the holiday cottage Tori is staying in. Healing from past hurts, he wants to avoid any further chance of heartache. But could this newcomer be the breath of fresh air he needs?

Finding herself embracing life in the coastal community, Tori starts to fall in love with Sandcastle Bay and its welcoming cast of residents. But that's not all she begins to fall for, as Tori is swept away by Aidan's genuine heart and mischievous sense of humour. The attraction between them is undeniable, but will a simply holiday romance be enough?

As Tori's stay in Sandcastle Bay comes to an end she has a tough decision to make... Has her heart found a new place to call home?

A joyously romantic summer read that will make you laugh, cry and fall in love. If you enjoy reading Sarah Morgan, Jenny Oliver and Lucy Diamond this book is for you.

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I couldn't give this book any less than 5 stars because I honestly could not have loved this book more! I think it's definitely one of my favourite Holly Martin novels to date! With every book I just feel that Holly's books are getting better and better and this one certainly didn't disappoint. I loved every single page and the story was just so sizzling and so gripping.

The story follows main character Tori Graham,  who has come to Sandcastle Bay for two reasons: to see her best friends, and to get away. Tori works in animation but after a long stint working on a movie which involved her being inside for most of the time, she decides she needs to get some fresh air and applies to be a fruit picker at a farm. This isn't any usual farm however, as it grows a rather special fruit: the heartberry. This is what Tori learns she shall be picking, but with a slight twist, she needs to pick the fruit at night. The heartberry has a lot of history surrounding it, proclaiming that it is a romantic fruit, and those that eat it in a pie will be happy in love forever.

Upon arriving in Sandcastle Bay (which is just a glorious sounding name!), Tori meets a 'crazy hold lady with green hair' that claims she shall marry a man named Aidan Jackson. Of course, Tori thinks this is craziness and doesn't believe a thing, until she meets the owner of the farm she is working at, the man himself: Aidan Jackson. Tori is attracted to him upon first sight, and from their first meeting the chemistry coming from them both is staggering!

This is just such a sizzling and romantic novel, which I was absolutely hooked to from the very first page. Holly Martin has a gift of getting a reader hooked on a storyline, which then makes you never want to put the book down! This book is stunningly written (as is all of Holly's novels) and is all about letting go of past hurt and relationships, grief and of course, the beauty of love. Another brilliant novel by Holly Martin, and if you haven't already read one of her books, then I urge you to go and pick up a copy now!

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

Spring at The Cosy Cottage Cafe by Rachel Griffiths

Spring at The Cosy Cottage Cafe

Rachel Griffiths

Rating:

Amazon UK £0.99

Artist Honey Blackwell is happy with her life. Well, almost. She lives in the picturesque village of Heatherlea, has three close friends and a soft spot for local supply teacher Dane Ackerman. If only she could put her past behind her and embrace the present.

Dane is working hard to prove himself at the village primary school and doesn't really have time for love, but he's drawn to Honey and hopes she feels the same. When a permanent teaching position is advertised in Heatherlea, he faces stiff competition to secure it.

As Honey and Dane deal with the ups and downs of life, will they be able to find a way to be together, or will they have to accept that sometimes love just isn't enough?

This is the fourth short story in The Cosy Cottage Cafe series.

Now available:

Summer at The Cosy Cottage Cafe

Autumn at The Cosy Cottage Cafe

Winter at The Cosy Cottage Cafe

Spring at The Cosy Cottage Cafe

Coming soon:

A Wedding at The Cosy Cottage Cafe

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I've enjoyed every single part of The Cosy Cottage Cafe series and this one was no different. I just love everything about Rachel's style of writing so I knew I was going to enjoy this fourth part of the series. The cover again is absolutely stunning and so cute. I adore how the seasons reflect on the cover and as a huge fan of Spring I find that this is my favourite cover yet. I love the flowers surrounding the outside and along the bottom and I think the pinky-purple shutters are so cute!

I've been waiting to hear more about Honey, I found her to be so intriguing and I couldn't wait to hear her story! This one starts off a bit differently from the others as Honey is already sort-of-seeing Dane, the substitute teacher of Heatherlea, so we really get to see their relationship blossom and I loved reading about the pair. Even though individually they're quite confident, together they go into their shells and appear quite shy so it was cute to seeing them growing in their confidence together!

Again, as I mention in my other reviews of The Cosy Cottage Cafe series, is that I find Rachel's novels so easy to read, so I get through them so quickly! I feel uplifted after reading her novels and the story lines are so lighthearted. I loved reading Honey's story, she has such a lovely aura about her and her friendship with Camilla, as well as the rest of the ladies, was so lovely to read and I found myself really connecting to her personally. I'm so excited to read A Wedding at The Cosy Cottage Cafe!

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

Blog Tour: A Home at Honeysuckle Farm by Christie Barlow

A Home at Honeysuckle Farm

Christie Barlow

Rating: 5 stars

Amazon UK £1.99

'Full of warmth, fun and feel-good factor' Sunday Times bestseller Katie Fford

A family secret

One shocking argument and ten-year-old Alice Parker's world was turned upside down. Her peaceful life at Honeysuckle Farm in the quiet rural village of Brook Bridge was swapped for the bustling metropolis of New York City. Alice's life was changed forever...

A second chance

Now, thirteen years later, Alice's American dream is over. With her life in tatters, there is only one place Alice wants to be... home at Honeysuckle Farm. So when Alice learns her beloved Grandie is ill, she knows this is her last chance to heal the family rift.

A forever home?

But secrets still swirl in Brook Bridge, and Alice is no closer to discovering the truth. And for some reason her new friendship with local heartthrob Sam Reid seems to be making the locals tense.

Sick of the lies Alice knows it's time to lay the past to rest once and for all. But could the truth ruin her hopes of ever calling Honeysuckle Farm home again?

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Christie Barlow is the author of A Year in the Life of a Playground Mother, The Misadventures of a Playground Mother, Kitty's Countryside Dream, Lizzie's Christmas Escape, Evie's Year of Taking Chances, The Cosy Canal Boat Dream and A Home at Honeysuckle Farm. Her writing career came as somewhat a surprise when she decided to write a book to teach her children a valuable lesson and show them that they are capable of achieving their dreams. The book she wrote to prove a point is now a #1 bestseller in the UK, USA and Australia.

Christie is an ambassador for ZuriProject raising money/awareness and engaging with impoverished people in Uganda through organisations to improve their well-being as well as Literary Editor for Mama Life Magazine bringing you all the latest news and reviews from the book world.

She loves to hear from her readers and you can get in touch via her Website, Twitter and Facebook page.

I loved this book!! I've read a novel by Christie Barlow before but I just feel like this book was amazing and it's made me desperately want to read more of her novels! It's uplifting, easy to read and throughly enjoyable  - I loved every page!

Firstly, the cover just draws you in completely, I adore the colourful flowers and leaves surrounding the edges, the pretty hours tucked behind the trees, and the lovely green fields. It just looks so inviting! Secondly, the blurb made me want to read it even more. I found it to be just so intriguing and I couldn't wait to read more.

The story itself is completely gripping. I was just so eager to find out what had happened between Alice's mum and her Grandad! The story follows main character Alice, who has had to move to New York with her mum after mum Rose had a huge falling out with Alice's Grandad (or Grandie, as he is known in the novel). We aren't told anything in regards to what had happened, or why this happened, so it definitely makes you want to continue reading and not put it down!

When Alice gets a message from best friend Grace in regards to her Grandie's health 13 years later, she jets back to England as soon as she can, and it's clear from then that Alice doesn't ever want to go back to New York but has several things holding her back. Over the course of the story, Alice tries her best to uncover the truth about the falling out, and is shocked at what she discovers. As well as this, Alice grows ever closer to the village 'bad-boy' Sam Reid, and I was definitely hoping that they would get together!

The other characters were just as nice as Sam (I really liked his character and found him to be really caring and lovely!) and I found myself really liking Grace and her mum. They were easy to relate to as well as easy to like. The village sounded wonderful and the community spirit is clear to see. I loved the idea of Village Day and I really found myself enjoying reading about the Dance School and the dance elements that is weaved in throughout the story.

This is a brilliant novel about family and romance and I loved every minute. I would definitely recommend picking up a novel from Christie Barlow, as I'm sure you'd enjoy it! I'm 100% going to check out her other novels now.

Blog Tour: Ottercombe Bay Part Three, Raising The Bar by Bella Osbourne

Ottercombe Bay Part Three: Raising the Bar

Bella Osbourne

Rating: 5 stars

Amazon UK £0.95

Escape to the Devon coast, with Part Three of a brand-new four-part serial from the author of Willow Cottage.

Daisy Wickens has returned to Ottercombe Bay, the picturesque Devon town where her mother died when she was a girl. She plans to leave as soon as her great uncle's funeral is over, but Great Uncle Reg had other ideas. He's left Daisy a significant inheritance - an old building in a state of disrepair, which could offer exciting possibilities, but to get it she must stay in Ottercombe Bay for twelve whole months.

With the help of a cast of quirky locals, a few gin cocktails and a black pug with plenty of attitude, Daisy might turn this into something special. But can she ever hope to be happy among the ghosts of her past?

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I have absolutely loved this series so far, and this one was of course, no different. There's more drama, a bit more romance and I enjoyed every page.

I really liked reading more about Daisy's adventures with the bar, I enjoyed reading about how she's learning about all the new gins and the sound of the hot chocolate was just delicious! I also enjoyed that Christmas was involved in this part, it was a grey, dreary day that I was reading this on so it made me feel so warm inside - and I loved the charity swim!

We got to know a little bit more about the characters and there was a lot more relationship development between a few of them. The characters are all extremely likeable and I just find it such a lighthearted and easy story to read. It's one that you could easily pass the time with. It was really interesting reading more about Daisy's life and her gin/hot chocolate bar.

Overall, a really delightful third instalment to this exciting story. The next and final one in the series, I absolutely cannot wait for! We will finally learn what happened to poor Daisy's mum and the suspense from these last few in the series has been eating me alive! I'm so eager to find out what happened and why there's still so much mystery surrounding both Daisy's mum and her necklace.

If you haven't picked up any of Bella Osbourne's novels, then I would urge you to do so. Bella writes easy to read novels that you won't be able to put down. They will leave you feel warm and fuzzy inside. Thank you to Netgalley and to the publisher for a chance to read this novel, which I have reviewed honestly.

My Top Monthly Favourites: March 2018

This month I have so many favourites, it was so hard to cut them down! So I thought, why not show them all? So, on to my March Favourites (I still can't believe how quickly this year is flying by!)...

The Cafe at Seashell Cove

Karen Clarke

Review here

Surprise Me

Sophie Kinsella

Review here

The Summer of Secrets

Tilly Tennant

Review here

Mums Just Wanna Have Fun

Lucie Wheeler

Review here

Annie's Summer by the Sea

Liz Eeles

Review here

The House of Birds and Butterflies: The Dawn Chorus

Cressida McLaughlin

Review here

So those are my favourites for this month! What are yours?

The House of Birds and Butterflies: The Lovebirds by Cressida McLaughlin

The House of Birds and Butterflies: The Lovebirds

Cressida McLaughlin

Rating: 5 stars

Amazon UK £0.99

A gorgeous new romantic series from the bestselling author of The Canal Boat Cafe

It's winter at Meadowsweet nature reserve. Wildlife-lover Abby is busy trying to lure in the crowds, and although her event planning is a little on the wacky side, her creative efforts are helping to keep Meadowsweet afloat. She's not having quite the same luck, however, in getting to know the elusive village newcomer, disgraced celebrity author Jack. It's clear that Jack has mysterious reasons for staying out of the limelight, and the village rumour mill is in overdrive.

Abby's passion for the great outdoors is nothing short of infectious and when Jack joins her on a special nature walk, sparks unexpectedly start to fly.

As their relationship thaws, should Abby be on high alert? Or would a new romance be the most natural thing in the world...

The Lovebirds is the second part of a four-part series.

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Another brilliant part in this new series by Cressida McLaughlin. I felt much more connected and interested in this second part - so much so I didn't put it down and finished it in one sitting! I feel like we got to know the characters so much better in this one. Although, having said that, some of the characters which were in the first part didn't make much of an appearance in this one and we got to know a lot more about Jack and Abby's blossoming friendship.

The pair meet up for coffee after Christmas and get along swimmingly, but Abby is then left confused when she goes into the pub one day and gets given the cold shoulder from Jack. Having said this, Abby didn't give up and Jack soon come out from his mood and the pair enjoy their afternoon in the pub bonding over some of the pub's famous chips!

I'm really enjoying the nature walks that Abby is doing as well. I've found myself really getting into these and loving reading about all the animals and wildlife. As well as this, Abby and Jack take a look inside the famous empty Swallowtail House and are quite taken back by what they find inside. This second part in the series is full of great story lines which will leave you hanging on for more. This is a brilliant addition to the series and not only was the book as a whole extremely interesting, the plot is well thought out and develops at a great pace.

I can't wait to see what part three brings! Thank you to Netgalley and to the publisher for a chance to read this novel, which I have reviewed honestly.

Blog Tour: Sunshine and Secrets by Daisy James

Sunshine & Secrets

Daisy James

Rating: 5 stars

Publisher: Canelo

When newly heartbroken, Michelin-starred chef Millie Harper is offered a job overseaing the setup of The Paradise Cookery School she jumps at the opportunity. Leaving London and her memories of heartbreak behind she hops on a plane to the hilltop cocoa plantation in St Lucia.

But this beautiful island break might be more work than she'd expected... With only two weeks to have the kitchen installed, cocoa pods going missing from the plantation and the notoriously relaxed island workmen to contend with, she's going to need some help. Gruff but charming estate manager Zach Baxter, is only too happy to offer his opinions. As the two clash heads can they remain focussed on the job in hand and get the cookery school finished in time?

Pack your bags and jump right into the sun and secrets of The Paradise Cookery School. Perfect for fans of Sarah Morgan, Jenny Oliver and Kat French.

Amazon | Kobo | Google Books | Apple Books

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Daisy James is a Yorkshire girl transplanted to the north east of England. She loves writing stories with strong heroines and swift-flowing plot lines. When not scribbling away in her summerhouse, she spends her time sifting flour and sprinkling sugar and edible glitter.

She loves gossiping with friends over a glass of something pink and fizzy or indulging in a spot of afternoon tea - china plates and teacups are a must.

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As always, I love a new Daisy James book. And this one just looked so inviting I couldn't resist! The book is set in the stunning St Lucia and if you don't finish this book wanting to visit this place then you are crazy! It sounds absolutely beautiful and I really loved reading it.

I didn't realise at first that this novel was going to be quite so short but I believe that there are different parts following up so hopefully we hear more about this story! The cover is totally beautiful and extremely inviting. I love the bright blue sea, the pretty flowers either side and the huge house in the background of course! It all stands out and makes you want to read it.

Onto the story itself, it follows main character Millie, who was asked to overlook some building and recipe work at a new up and coming cookery school: The Paradise Cookery School. As Millie soon learns, it's not plain sailing and there's enough action to rival a mystery novel! It was totally gripping and I couldn't put it down. I always love reading Daisy's novels but for me I think that this was one of her best.

There was quite a bit of humour involved and I loved that. It made me smile throughout and made me want to read more. I loved getting to know the new characters, they were really interesting and seemed really friendly. The location is of course another reason why I enjoyed this story so much. The descriptions of the weather, the sea, the forest, all sounded so beautiful and I was tempted to look up holidays!

Of course, one of the very main reasons why I loved this book was - obviously - the food. The food! It all sounded mouth-wateringly good and so delicious! If you're not hungry when you start reading then you will be by the time you're finished! Millie and new friend Ella had to do menu tasting and this just sounded sooooo nice! The dishes and recipes which Millie and Ella were creating were very high-class (I didn't know what half of them were but they equally sounded lovely) and I enjoyed reading and learning about foods and spices.

It was a brilliant way to start a new series and was really enjoyable. I can't recommend this book by the lovely Daisy James enough. And if you don't believe me, I'm sure the other bloggers on this blog tour will manage to convince you! Thank you to Netgalley and of course, the publisher, for a chance to read this novel which I have reviewed honestly.