Thursday 31 May 2018

Publication Day Review: Sunshine and Sweet Peas in Nightingale Square by Heidi Swain


Sunshine and Sweet Peas in Nightingale Square
Heidi Swain
Rating: 5 stars

The heart-warming new novel from the Sunday Times bestselling author, perfect for fans of Carole Matthews, Milly Johnson and Cathy Bramley

Kate is on the run from her almost-divorced husband who is determined to have her back, and she has found the perfect place to hide... a little cottage on Nightingale Square in Norwich, far away from her old life in London. But the residents of Nightingale Square don't take no for an answer, and Kate soon finds herself pulled into a friendship with Lisa, her bossy but lovely new neighbour.

Within a matter of days Kate is landed with the job of campaigning the council to turn the green into a community garden, meanwhile all the residents of Nightingale Square are horrified to discover that the Victorian mansion house on the other side of the square has been bought by developers. But when all hope is lost, the arrival of a handsome stranger is sure to turn things around!

Heidi Swain is the perfect summer read - you'll want to find your own green space, stretch out in the sun and dive into life at Nightingale Square.

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Another novel of Heidi's that I can't give no less than 5 stars to. I absolutely loved this novel and it is now possibly my favourite of Heidi's to date. I felt like the storyline was totally refreshing and was just so enjoyable that I couldn't put it down. The cover, as it always does with Heidi's novels, just drew me in completely and I love every part of it. I love the willow tree, I love the big stately home in the centre, and the green with the fountain, everything goes together so well and it really makes such a stunning cover.

The storyline itself is completely mesmerising and I really enjoyed reading about the mystery behind the hidden painting. I found myself really liking the relationship between Kate and Luke and absolutely adored the friendship which quickly blossomed between Kate, and new neighbours Lisa and Heather. Every time I read a novel by Heidi Swain, I always long to live in the place the story is set, just because the characters all seem so lovely and inviting!

I wondered how this book was going to go down seeing as it was set in a different location, but I still really loved it. I missed Wynbridge (although - it does make an appearance!) and I loved that the characters from past novels still appeared in this one! I just love the continuity that Heidi has in all of her books. It was nice that the community spirit was included in this novel as well, it just has such a feel-good vibe to it.

Overall, another fantastic novel by the lovely Heidi Swain that'll leave you smiling for hours after you've finished it. Thank you to the publisher for a chance to read this novel via Netgalley, which I have reviewed honestly.

Tuesday 29 May 2018

The Little Brooklyn Bakery by Julie Caplin


The Little Brooklyn Bakery
Julie Caplin
Rating: 4 stars

'Irresistible' Sunday Times bestseller Katie Fforde

Take a trip to New York and the best little bakery in Brooklyn for bagels, bakes, and more than a sprinkle of romance!

When Sophie Bennings arrives in New York, love is the last thing on her mind. Still reeling from a painful break up, she throws herself into her work as a food editor on a top-notch magazine.

Columnist Todd McLennan is everything that Sophie wishes she didn't want. Like the gorgeous bakery below her Brooklyn apartment, he's as tempting as the sugary cupcakes on daily display. Surely a little of something you fancy can do you good?

As Sophie and Todd get to know one another, a love of food isn't the only passion they share. In the city that never sleeps, has Sophie finally met the man of her dreams...?

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Out of everything that pops up on Netgalley, I was so over the moon to see this one in particular. After absolutely loving The Little Cafe in Copenhagen back in January, I've been waiting rather impatiently for this one! The cover is absolutely stunning and if the beautiful bright colours don't draw you in, then the location certainly will. In the background is the big city and in the foreground is a cute little table with all sorts of pastries on top.

The overall story follows Sophie, who was in the first of the City Bakes Series, who gets asked to relocate for 6 months to New York City! At first she is quite reluctant and turns the offer down, but a heart-breaking event at home makes her soon rethink her decision and head over to the city that never sleeps. She starts work at a high-end magazine and soon meets fellow worked Todd, whom she is instantly attracted to.

Just as I thought I would, I really, really loved this novel. I loved the character of Sophie in the first City Bakes Series and I loved her even more now we got to know her a little bit better in this one! She's from a well-to-do background, but she hides away from it, thinking that she would be better off if people didn't know her real identity. She's a real softy and just someone who I instantly related too.

One thing that I really enjoyed about this book was the delicious treats that were mentioned throughout. It made my mouth water and also made me really want to visit New York! Overall, a really lovely lighthearted novel that I throughly enjoyed. Thank you to the publisher for a chance to review this novel via Netgalley, which I have reviewed honestly.

Monday 28 May 2018

Sunset over the Cherry Orchard by Jo Thomas


Sunset over the Cherry Orchard
Jo Thomas
Rating: 5 stars
Publication Date: 9th of August

Jo Thomas's new novel invites you to a special cherry orchard in Spain, where sunshine, romance and family secrets are the order of the day.

Perfect for fans of Jill Mansell and Carole Matthews, Sunset over the Cherry Orchard is a heartwarming, hilarious tale that is 'like the best kind of holiday' - Lucy Diamond.

It's time for Beti Winter to dance to her own beat.

After three failed engagements Beti is in desperate need of a fresh start. What better place than the sun-drenched hills of southern Spain?

But it's not all sangria and siestas. Beti finds work on an old Andalusian cherry farm where there are cherries to be picked, trees to be watered and her fiery boss, Antonio, to win over.

As the sun toasts her skin, Beti finds herself warming to the Spanish way of life. Embracing the art of the flamenco, she discovers there is much to learn from the dance of passion. She just has to let loose and listen to the rhythm of her heart.

Jo Thomas takes you there.

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I feel very grateful that I got a chance to read this novel, it was simply wonderful! The cover is what drew me in, those deep reds and the bright orange and yellow just looked so breathtakingly beautiful that I wanted to be where that cover was set. It really does tell us a lot about the story, what with Beti up on a ladder picking the cherries, with little kitten Ana at her feet, and her little home in the background.

The story follows main character Beti, who just can't seem to catch a break. I really felt for her throughout the story, as it seems that she just never felt like she was good enough for anyone. After a whirlwind start in Spain, Beti is in for yet another shock and finds herself getting a job on Antonio's cherry field. Not only does she help with the harvest, but she also works in Antonio's restaurant as a washer-upper.

She tries her hardest throughout the novel to save up to rent her own bar from fellow expat's Brenda and Harold, but for poor Beti, something always seems to get in her way when she reaches the last hurdle. However, around half way through the book, things appear to be on the up, until Antonio's ex-wife shows up with the ultimate ultimatum. Can Beti pull it off? Or will she be running back to England with her tail once again between her legs?

I loved this story. It's utterly refreshing to read about the main characters job being a little different to the usual ones I read about. I mean, who wouldn't love to be in Spain when the cherry blossom drops? It sounded completely and utterly gorgeous and the descriptions made me feel as though I was right there next to Beti. I was really hoping things would work out well for her, and she could prove everyone wrong. The inclusions of both the Spanish dancing and the traditional Spanish food was really enjoyable to read about. Especially the food! Oh, my mouth was watering at some of the descriptions that's for sure!

I loved the ending, it was your typical happy ever after but who doesn't want that? I will say that I found the second half of the book to be unputdownable. I loved getting to know Beti and I loved the character of Antonio's son Miguel! And really disliked both Will and Olivia (for obvious reasons that if you read it, you will find out why and completely agree with me!). Overall, I thought this was another fantastic novel by Jo Thomas, someone who's novels I have always enjoyed reading. Thank you to the publisher for a copy of this novel, which I have reviewed honestly.

Friday 25 May 2018

The Little Cornish Kitchen by Jane Linfoot


The Little Cornish Kitchen
Jane Linfoot
Rating: 5 stars

'Beautifully crafted and wrapped in romance' Heidi Swain

It's time to come home to Cornwall

With an exciting new life in Paris, Clemmie Hamilton isn't looking forward to heading home to the picturesque but sleepy village of St Aidan, Cornwall. However, when she discovers that the cosy apartment by the sea, which her grandmother left to her, is under threat from neighbour and property developer Charlie Hobson, Clemmie realises she can't abandon her home in its time of need. 

With her childhood friends encouraging her, Clemmie decides to turn the apartment into 'The Little Cornish Kitchen' - a boutique pop up pudding club raising money for the repairs to the building in an effort to stop Charlie once and for all. But when Charlie and his easy charm won't seem to go away, everything soon becomes even messier than the state of Clemmie's Cornish kitchen...

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I don't think I've ever read a novel by Jane Linfoot before, and after recently finishing her newest book The Little Cornish Kitchen, I keep asking myself why! This story was amazing and I will honestly be reading much more by this author in future! First of all, how beautiful is this cover? The bunting is so cute, I love the sea in the background and all the pots and teapot in the front with the most amazing looking cake make such a stunning cover. I've been wanting to read this book since September last year, that's how much I love this cover!

The storyline was just as good. I started this novel when I was on holiday in Ireland so I didn't fully manage to get into the story until I was home. It took me around two weeks to finish this novel which I'm so, so surprised about because I loved it! The story follows main character Clemmie, who moves back home to Cornwall after her grandmother, Laura passes away and leaves Clemmie her very-much-loved flat which has the most amazing views of the sea.

Clemmie doesn't ever stay in one place, and she certainly doesn't make future plans, she's as free as a bird, and that's the way she wants it to stay. However, she soon falls in love with the flat and being back in St Aidan so her and her oldest bestest friends come up with an idea to help her raise the money needed to make much-needed renovations - and this is when The Little Cornish Kitchen is born! This is when Charlie comes into the story. Charlie lives next door and helps Clemmie with her baking, and you'll read all about chocolate brownies, strawberry tarts and delicious macaroons!

This is when I really fell in love with the storyline, I loved reading about Clemmie's baking, and the events that she put on, but I also loved reading about her relationships with the other characters - I loved reading about her old friends and I really enjoyed reading about Clemmie and Charlie's relationship. This really is a novel that pulls at all the heart strings - and it's also a novel which will make you very hungry!

Overall, an amazing novel by Jane Linfoot. I have some of her other books on my TBR pile and I will certainly be diving into them if they're anything at all like this one! Thank you to the publisher for a chance to read this novel via Netgalley, which I have reviewed honestly.

Wednesday 23 May 2018

Love, Lies and Wedding Cake by Sue Watson


Love, Lies and Wedding Cake
Sue Watson
Rating: 4 stars

An absolutely, hilarious, laugh-'til-you-cry, romantic comedy about how life never quite goes to plan...

Faye is in crisis. You wouldn't know it, because of the big fat smile on her face, but inside, she's one step away from nuclear meltdown. And she shouldn't be. Dan is the man of her dreams. And he's just asked her to marry him.

But Faye's been down the marriage road before and it ended up with her having Ryan Gosling fantasies while her ex-husband obsessed about the plumbing. Faye and Dan, on the other hand, have been living their lives to the fullest, travelling around the world, having sex under the stars... They haven't ever argued about unrolling socks before putting them in the laundry.

Besides, even if she wanted to say yes, how could she move to the other side of the world? Because marrying Dan would mean living in Australia. Beautiful, warm and a gazillion miles from Faye's daughter, Emma, a single mum with her own crazy little girl who both need Faye every single day. Leaving them - even for someone who makes her as happy as Dan - simply isn't an option.

Dan is offering Faye everything she ever wanted. So why does she feel like she's about to lose it all?

The most screamingly-funny romantic comedy of the summer - about secrets, second chances and following your heart. Perfect for fans of Sophie Kinsella, Jill Mansell and Milly Johnson.

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I was so excited when I saw this pop up on Netgalley, even though I hadn't really read the first one I love Sue Watson books so was eager to get started. I definitely wasn't disappointed with this one! It was funny, heart-warming and I loved it. The cover is simple but the bright blue background and the character running in a wedding dress definitely draws you in.And I love the style of font which is used for the title.

I loved the character of Faye, she was witty and the way she rambles on I found hilarious. She is just a warm and bubbly character - who if she were a real person - I would instantly click with. At the beginning, Faye appears to have it all and is so happy that she has found the man of her dreams, however it's not too long before some cracks begin to show. Another person I instantly warmed and related to was work friend Mandy - I found her really funny but also a bit silly - which just added to her humorous vibe.

I think this novel was cleverly written and I was sucked into the story straight away. Faye and Dan's relationship isn't all what it seems from the off, it isn't what you call a smooth ride but I think this makes the story that much more interesting. I love Sue Watson books and this one is no different, she has a lovely style of writing that funny but will leave you feeling lighthearted.

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

Tuesday 15 May 2018

Blog Tour: Ottercombe Bay, Part Four: Shaken and Stirred by Bella Osbourne


Ottercombe Bay, Part Four: Shaken and Stirred
Bella Osbourne
Rating: 5 stars
Amazon UK £0.95

Escape to the Devon coast, with Part Four 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 just turn this into something special. But can she ever hope to be happy among the ghosts of her past?

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Wow, what an ending! I knew that the final novel in the series was going to be good but I didn't know it was going to be that amazing! When the last novel finished off, Daisy's ex was back on the scene, and leaving Daisy a little confused and Max a little suspicious. When this novella started, the action was from the off and I couldn't believe how much could be packed into a hundred (odd) pages!

We finally learn what happened to Daisy's mum after Bella Osbourne left us hanging in the first three and it was certainly interesting to find out. I feel like Bella wrapped up all the mysteries so well and almost effortlessly. I'm so happy with the way it ended, I was hoping that it would end like it did so of course this novella doesn't get any less than 5 stars from me. I feel like, after everything that Daisy had been through that she really deserved a happy ending. And I was also a bit shocked about her Aunt's own storyline!

The characters are all brilliant and the only thing is that I wish we read a bit more about Tamsyn in this one - she was one of my favourite characters, she was just so funny! I loved reading about the Gin/Hot chocolate bar as well - those hot chocolates sounded seriously delicious! I'm actually sad that there are no more parts to this story, but Bella Osbourne definitely ended it on a high. Overall, this story is heartwarming and seriously addictive. You'll read it in no time and I loved it.

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

Wednesday 9 May 2018

Blog Tour: One Summer in Rome by Samantha Tonge


One Summer in Rome
Samantha Tonge
Rating: 4 stars
Amazon UK £1.99

To Rome...with love?

Mary Smith is turning her very ordinary life upside-down! She's bought herself a one-way ticket to Rome and is ready for a summer she'll never forget.

Men might be off the cards for waitress Mary, but within hours of arriving at the utterly charming family-run Le Dolce Vita pizzeria, she's already fallen in love with the capital!

Only Dante Rossi, the mysterious (and drop-dead gorgeous) chef seems displeased with her arrival. And in the heat of the kitchen, it doesn't take long for long-buried secrets to surface and sparks to fly...

A deliciously heartwarming romance to have you dreaming of Summer. Perfect for fans of Debbie Johnson and Caroline Roberts.

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Samantha Tongue lives in Cheshire with her lovely family and a cat who thinks it's a dog. When not writing she spends her days cycling, willing cakes to rise and avoiding housework. She has sold over 80 short stories to women's magazines. Her bestselling debut novel, Doubting Abbey, was shortlisted for the Festival of Romantic Fiction best Ebook award in 2014. Game of Scones hit #5 in the UK Kindle chart and won the Best Romantic Ebook category at the 2015 Love Stories Awards.

Twitter | Facebook | Website



What a lovely and summery read! It had me longing for warmer days - and pizza! I've been to Rome before so reading this was like I was there again, visiting all the places Mary goes and eating the delicious pizza that Dante cooks! The cover is 100% what drew me in, it's so summery and bright! The pizzeria, the lemon tree and of course the colosseum in the background just make a beautiful cover that you will certainly be dying to read!

I hadn't actually read anything by Samantha Tonge before but had heart great things so was so excited when this came up on Netgalley to request! It was written beautifully and I honestly felt as though I was next to Mary in Rome. The descriptions will make your mouth water and you'll soon be looking up flights to visit! I felt the pacing of this novel was brilliant and I just found it so easy to read and really enjoyed it.

The story itself was so heartwarming and a delight to read. It follows Mary, who is our main character, as she gives up her life in London and moves to Rome to work as a waitress in a cute little pizzeria. When she first gets there, she feels put out and slightly overwhelmed at everything going on. She doesn't appear to be on the good side of a few other employees and this makes her very nervous and wondering if she has made the right decision moving to Rome.

The chef who makes the pizza's, Dante, is handsome and brooding and Mary can't help but find him attractive. As the story continues it's clear to see that Mary isn't the only one with a few secrets hidden away. When I first started reading this and read about Dante, I felt for him. What he went through must have been awful but the Rossi family who run the pizzeria all seem so supportive and it was so lovely to read about a family who care so much about one another.

Overall, a really enjoyable novel that is perfect to get you in the summer mood. Would highly recommend that you add this to your reading list! Thank you to the publisher for a chance to read this novel via Netgalley, which I have reviewed honestly.

Saturday 5 May 2018

Dreaming of St Tropez by T.A. Williams


Dreaming of St Tropez
T.A. Williams
Rating: 4 stars
Amazon UK

The perfect summer escape on the French Riviera. Sun, sea and secrets...

After a disagreement with a billionaire, architect Jess Milton is 'let go' from her job. However fortune intervenes - an elderly client asks Jess to dog-sit overweight, but loveable dog Brutus in St. Tropez.

Fed up with the mega-rich, Jess is reluctant to visit the playground of billionaires, but an all-expenses-paid trip and the promise of sunshine seals the deal.

Little does Jess know how much time she'll be spending with the family living in St. Tropez. The sullen, but very good-looking David and his millionaire father are both welcoming but guarded, haunted by their pasts...

Can Jess bring some sunshine back into their lives - and, just maybe, find love in the process?

A heart-warming, funny and emotional journey for fans of Holly Martin, Tilly Tennant and Jenny Oliver.

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I'm always really excited when another T.A. Williams' novel is released on Netgalley. Simply because they're just so enjoyable and written so well. Upon reading them, I found that Williams' style of written was very chic and classy. And I absolutely love the locations he writes about! The cover automatically made me want to read it - so I downloaded it straight to my Kindle. What draws me in is the beautiful colours, the sea and of course the very cute black Labrador! 

This time we're at the beautiful location of St Tropez - and boy does it sound amazing. The story follows main character Jess, after being let go from her job after a run in with one of the companies very influential (and very rude) customers. When Jess is wallowing in self pity at being jobless, an old client offers her a lifeline. She asks Jess to go to St Tropez for the summer to dog-sit but Jess doesn't realise at the time how much is actually included in this particular job role...

Along the way we meet some interesting characters and come across some very rich lifestyles which only made me a little (read: very) jealous. Jess meets David and his millionaire father and is tasked with helping them with their loneliness and finding their way in life again. There are some surprises along the way and I just found this book to be so interesting and refreshing. It was an absolute joy to read.

The characters are all charming and I loved every page. This is a lovely novel about second chances in love, finding happiness and is just a breath of fresh air. Can't wait to read more by this author. Thank you to the publisher for a chance to read this novel via Netgalley, which I have reviewed honestly.

Friday 4 May 2018

Summer at the Castle Cafe by Donna Ashcroft


Summer at the Castle Cafe
Donna Ashcroft
Rating: 5 stars
Amazon UK £0.99

The cosy, crumbling Castle Cafe is a place like no other. With stunning views of the sparkling sea and sandy beaches, you're guaranteed a warm welcome, delicious cake and plenty of laughter as soon as you step through the door...

When Alice Appleton escapes to the gorgeous seaside town of Castle Cove it's the change of scenery she didn't even realise she needed. Taking up a job in the charming Castle Cafe, Alice finds herself surrounded by cream teas, chocolate cake and quirky characters. Could this be the perfect place for Alice to embrace the summer?

Mysterious and hunky Jay O'Donnell has lived in picturesque Castle Cove since he was a child. As a volunteer on the lifeboats, his days by the sea are far from predictable. Haunted by a tragedy from his past, he's on a mission to save as many people as possible. But when Alice Appleton walks into his life - and turns his world upside down - he begins to realise that perhaps it might just be his turn to be rescued...

As Alice and Jay find themselves unexpectedly falling for each other, will they learn the importance of letting go to make way for second chances? And will Alice find the life she's always dreamed of in Castle Cove?

Heart-warming, hilarious and utterly romantic, you'll fall in love with Summer at the Castle Cafe and want to return time and time again. The perfect read for fans of Debbie Johnson, Lucy Diamond and Phillipa Ashley.

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What an amazing debut novel by the lovely Donna Ashcroft. Straight away when I saw this cover I just knew that I had to read it. The cover is absolutely stunning, I adore the bright colours of the sea and sand and the castle to the left of the cover just completes it for me. It's wonderfully eye-catching and if the blurb didn't make you want to read this novel, then the cover certainly would.

Donna's writing reminded me somewhat of Holly Martin, it was classy and just a joy to read. I found this novel was really well written and I really enjoyed reading about lovely Alice and moody Jay. I love that we got to read about both of their sides and their lives, that made it really interesting and we really got to see how and why the two characters acted like and done what they did. As soon as I started this novel, I felt like I was instantly transported to the cafe and to the beautiful seaside town of Castle Cove, and if I'm honest - I didn't want to leave!

Before I started this book, I was in a bit of a reading-rut, however this soon got me out of it! It was just such an easy read that I managed to read it within a few days and throughly enjoyed it - it's the perfect summer novel. All of the characters are really unique and quirky and I loved reading about them all. Alice enjoys her work at the cafe in the castle and Jay volunteers on the lifeboat - saving people's lives on almost a daily basis. The pair are quite different in a lot of ways and start off quite disliking each other. However, they soon grow close and realise that they're not so different after all and that they are both hiding quite a few secrets...

This is a wonderful novel where straight from the start you'll be engulfed with delicious sounding food, lovely surroundings and delightful characters. Would definitely recommend you give this author a chance. Thank you to the publisher for a chance to read this novel via Netgalley, which I have reviewed honestly.

Thursday 3 May 2018

Publication Day Review: My Big Greek Summer by Sue Roberts


My Big Greek Summer
Sue Roberts
Rating: 4.5 stars
Amazon UK £0.99

A holiday can solve everything... can't it? A hilarious, hot new summer escape about kissing your past goodbye and learning to love again...

Carefree, thirty-something Mandy, thought she'd be married to first-love Danny forever.

So when she discovers that her heart-throb husband has had a fling, she realises it's time to make some BIG changes. But what will Mandy do now she's single for the first time in her adult life?

Determined to find her spark again, Mandy hops on a plane, ready for adventure and a second chance at happiness. Escaping to a sun-drenched Greek island, the glittering blue seas, golden beaches and delicious cocktails are exactly what she needs.

Over one spontaneous summer, Mandy has the time of her life making new friends in a pretty little Mediterranean village by the sea. And she finds herself unexpectedly falling for a tall, dark, handsome stranger. But Mandy soon realises that even paradise has its problems...

Can a holiday romance really heal her broken heart? Or will someone in Mandy's old life call her home again?

A hilarious feel-good story of laughter, sunshine and living life to the full. Perfect for fans of Kat French, Jenny Oliver and Carole Matthews.

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Ahh, a book set in Greece never fails to make me feel all warm and happy! This novel is set in such a gorgeous location that had me dreaming of sandy beaches and cool Greek salads! The cover is absolutely stunning, and reminds me of a mix between Sue Watson and Mandy Baggot covers - I love both of those authors so just had a feeling that I would enjoy this novel too!

It's a fantastic story about Mandy, who has just broken up with her husband for most of her adult life Danny, and decides to jet off to the hot destination of Greece for a well needed rest. Along the way there are lots of laugh-out-loud moments and I found that this story was so easy to read that I literally flew through the pages. I loved every minute and I will definitely look forward to more novels by Sue Roberts in the future!

One thing I will say, is that at the beginning I started to get a little confused as there appeared to be a lot of flashbacks. One minute we were reading about Mandy's life at the moment in the pub, and the next paragraph would be about one of the women who she used to go to school with and what happened during their time at school. Some points I thought were needed and made sense, but at other moments I was just a little lost and wondered if that really needed to be in the story as it didn't seem relevant.  For example, nearer the end of the novel, something comes up with Mandy's mum which happened rather fast but then we didn't hear much about it after that, making me wonder if there was any point in having it in the novel at all? (That sounds so horrible - sorry!) Having said that, I still really enjoyed it so don't let the use of flashbacks put you off! Sue Roberts is a fabulous writer and I was literally glued to my Kindle for 3 consecutive days.

The ending was brilliant and I felt like I was whizzing through the novel! Overall, I still feel that this story was amazing and I really loved it. Sue Roberts writes really well and I can't wait to read some more by the author. Thank you to the publisher for a chance to read this novel via Netgalley, which  I have reviewed honestly.

Tuesday 1 May 2018

Publication Day Review: Desperately Seeking by Mandy Baggot


Desperately Seeking
Mandy Baggot
Rating: 5 stars
Amazon UK (K £1.99 | P £6.99)

Escape to Greece with the perfect feel-good romantic comedy to read on the beach this summer

Abby Dolan is having a very bad day...

In twenty-four hours, she's lost her job and her boyfriend. Single and with nothing left to lose, she's headed for a Corfu escape to spend time with her family while she heals her broken heart.

Only her mum and sister's estate agency 'Desperately Seeking' is just that, desperate! Instead of the relaxing, sunshine holiday she'd hoped for, Abby finds herself spending her break helping get the business back on its feet. Determined to attract new clients and give her family a second chance at success, she finds the perfect property to sell in Villa Pappas complete with gorgeous gardener, Theo.

Perhaps working this summer could be a welcome distraction after all. But Theo has his own secrets and Abby isn't the only thing he wants to take off the market...

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Oh, how amazing it was to be reading another brilliant novel by Mandy Baggot. I have been waiting for what feels like ages to release a new summer novel and this one did not let me down. I absolutely loved it and couldn't give this any less than the full 5 stars. The cover just invites you to be a part of the story along with main character Abby and I love it. The pristine white buildings with their bright blue domed roofs, the golden sand and the shimmering blue sea make for an absolutely beautiful cover.

This is the most perfect summer novel I have ever read. Ever! The descriptions of the delicious sounding Greek food had my mouth watering, and I found myself daydreaming about being in Corfu, lounging by the glimmering waves! Oh, how I was so sad when this ended. This is the best novel I would recommend if you're looking for something to read to take on holiday, or even to get you in the mood for summer. It has drama, it has romance, it has humour - it literally has it all. It's the ideal summer escape novel.

So the novel follows main character Abby who goes to Corfu to escape from her non-existent love life and lack of job in order to spend some more time with her family and just relax. However, once Abby arrives she realises she can do everything but relax on this holiday. Her mother and sister's estate agency 'Desperately Seeking' has gone downhill, they've tried to revive it by using a little bit too much of eye-catching-and-eye-watering pink but it seems that the village isn't very happy about this new colour...

Abby isn't the only one escaping to Corfu this summer, Theo is doing the same. He's taking a break from his father's business and to say that Theo was a closed book at the start would be an understatement. Theo tells Abby that he is a gardener and bartender, rather than tell her the truth about his background. However, as with every other Mandy Baggot novel that I've read, we get to read from Theo's point of view as well, so it's great to learn more about him and from doing this we get to see why Theo acts the way he does and it really does make you relate more to him.

It was just a perfect novel for a perfect summers day. I'm so glad I got the opportunity to read this, as once again it's been added to my favourites. I adore Mandy's style of writing and once again I got transported to the location of the novel, as though I was there right beside the other characters. I can't recommend Mandy's novels enough. Thank you to the publishers for a chance to read this novel via Netgalley, which I have reviewed honestly.