Last of the Summer Vines by Romy Sommer

Last of the Summer Vines

Romy Sommer

Rating: 5 stars

Amazon UK

Escape to Italy this summer with this gorgeous, feel-good romance, perfect for fans of Under a Tuscan Sun!

Love grows where you least expect to find it...

When ambitious workaholic Sarah Wells discovers she has inherited her estranged father's vineyard near Montalcino in Tuscany, the last thing she wants is to take time away from her busy schedule to sort out a crumbling mess of a palazzo. But, of course, life never runs smoothly and when she makes a rare error, her bosses decide a holiday is just what she needs.

When Sarah arrives in Italy, she learns that she is not her father's sole heir. In fact, she only has a partial stake in Castel Sant' Angelo because of a loophole in Italian law. Her father has left the vineyard instead to his business partner, the gorgeous and infuriating Tommaso Di Biasi - and Tommaso doesn't want to sell.

At first, Sarah wants the deal done as quickly as possible so she can get back to her life in London, but it seems Italy has other plans for her. Under the warmth of the Tuscan sun, with a glass or two of the local vino rosso,  and brooding Tommaso challenging her all the way, Sarah starts to realise that that there might just be something to la dolce vita...

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This book was an absolutely delicious read. It was summery, it was full of yummy sounding food,  it had beautiful scenery, and I absolutely adored all of the characters. For some reason when I first saw this cover reveal, I thought it was going to be set in France - which to be completely honest, was the main reason I put in a request to read it. I love books set in France, not sure if it's the scenery or the food that does it for me but I really enjoy them. However, having said that, I absolutely loved this book too - even though it was set in Italy!

The cover is so, so stunning and I love it all. The bright green rolling fields in the background, the cute little table with wine and the basket of goodies on the side, the pretty flowers at the bottom and the grape vines surrounding the cover all bring the story out and it just looks beautiful. I'd never read a book by this author before, but since setting my eyes on the cover I just knew I had to read it straight away - plus I had an inkling that I would enjoy it.

Except I was wrong. I didn't like this book - I LOVED it! If I could rate this book more than 5 stars then I completely would. It had everything you could possibly want in a storyline. It had a beautiful setting, delicious sounding food that will make your mouth water, lovely friendly characters and not to forget the wine! Although I'm not a huge fan of wine, and it plays a big part in this novel (obviously), it's still an enjoyable thing to read about - and you'll soon find yourself being educated about the different types of wine, and how to taste it.

The main character, Sarah, whilst not completely relatable to me (perhaps because I'm not a hardcore career focused woman) was lovely and I really felt for her with what she had been through with her parents and how that effected her overall view of life. Although I loved Tommaso as well, when it got to about half way through and Fionella (think that's how you spell it!) came into the story, I was begging he wouldn't jump ship and ruin it all! A couple of the characters, including Luca, made my blood boil in places and I was hoping what I was thought was happening - wasn't true! However, I needn't have worried because it all came together in the end for a beautiful ending. Overall, a lovely enjoyable and lighthearted novel which I loved (if you couldn't tell) and the perfect summer novel. Thank you to the publisher for a chance to read this novel via Netgalley, which I have reviewed honestly.

The Cosy Seaside Chocolate Shop by Caroline Roberts

The Cosy Seaside Chocolate Shop

Caroline Roberts

Rating: 5 stars

Amazon UK

The heartwarming new holiday read from the Kindle bestselling author of The Cosy Teashop series.

When Emma opened her gorgeous little chocolate shop in the harbour village of Warkton-by-the-Sea, she realised a lifelong dream. Love is also blossoming with her hunky beau, Max, who's slowing healing her fragile heart.

Summer is here and life has never felt so sweet. Until the rainclouds start to gather...

A rival sweet shop and killjoy landlord give Emma a headache, and when a face from the past turns up unannounced, Emma finds herself spiralling down memory lane. With Max's crazy work schedule driving him to distraction, Emma's in danger of making some choices she might regret . . .

With close friends, spaniel Alfie, and the whole village behind her, can Emma get the chocolate shop and her love life back on track?

Only time will tell in this deliciously romantic novel of love, loss, hope and second chances.

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I absolutely loved this novel! I read the first one, the Christmas novel, and enjoyed it but boy did I find this one soooo much better! I'm not sure what it was, maybe it was reading it and drooling over the ice-creams and milkshakes whilst it was nice and hot outside, or maybe it was just the characters and the juicy and drama filled storyline. Either way, I loved it! I'm not sure why, but when I first saw it on Netgalley, I didn't put two and two together and realise that the Christmas one was the one before this, but once I started reading it didn't matter anyway, you could read this as a standalone easily.

The cover is just absolutely beautiful. I love the bright, summery colours, the pretty flowers and the little boat bobbing on the sea with a lighthouse far in the distance. It just looks like a perfect summer read, and the storyline behind it is just as beautiful! It was stunningly written, I related to all of the characters and there wasn't one that I didn't like! I even liked Anne from The Rock Shop! I loved the idea of the Prosecco Parties, the Courtyard Cafe, the Monster Milkshakes, the Eton Mess truffles - everything just sounded so mouthwateringly delicious and will soon make you want to eat some chocolate!

One thing I was disappointed over, was what Emma did to Max, I really really felt for Max and was so upset for him! I don't like reading about stuff like that, because I certainly don't agree with it - but having said that, it was just a little portion in the story and wasn't written about for long - so it's still well worth 5 stars in my eyes! I absolutely adored this book, I adored the food, the chocolate, the setting and all the characters. I loved the village fete that took place along the habour, and all the tales about the other characters woven into Emma's. Overall, a beautiful story. Thank you to the publisher for a chance to read this novel via Netgalley, which I have reviewed honestly.

The Cottage on Sunshine Beach by Holly Martin

The Cottage on Sunshine Beach

Holly Martin

Rating: 4 stars

Amazon UK

The stunning new summer story from the bestselling author of Summer at Buttercup Beach. Step into the delightful seaside village of Sandcastle Bay, where you'll discover golden sand, welcoming smiles and an unforgettable romance...

Melody Rosewood loves her new home in idyllic Sandcastle Bay. The beautiful little cottage on the edge of Sunshine Beach, with it's bright yellow door and view of the sea has captured her heart. And she loves being close by to her family and best friend Tori Graham.

Life by the sea is pretty much perfect, there's just one thing missing...

Gorgeous Jamie Jackson, with his cheeky grin and adorable puppy, works as a sculptor opposite Melody's jewellery shop. From the moment he and Melody meet sparks fly. But despite their instant attraction, a past heartache is holding Jamie back.

As Melody starts to make a life for herself in the close-knit, quirky seaside community, she realises Jamie could be the one for her. But as the two of them take a chance on romance, it's one dating disaster after another. Are they destined to always be just good friends?

Or will Melody finally find her happily-ever-after in Sandcastle Bay?

A perfect, feel-good summer read that will make you want to escape to the beach for a romantic day in the sun. If you enjoy reading Sarah Morgan, Jenny Oliver and Lucy Diamond this book is for you.

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This novel is wonderfully romantic and absolutely sizzling hot. It's heartwarming, lighthearted and spectacularly written by the extremely talented Holly Martin and I enjoyed every page. The cover, like all of Holly Martin's covers, draws you in immediately and makes you want to read it. I adore the bright colours on all of her novels, I love the pink house with the blue shutters and yellow door, I love the bright blue sparkling sea and the golden sand and the flowers around the edge of the cover are absolutely gorgeous!

Holly's novels make you feel like you're right there next to the main character, you feel so involved with the story, so engrossed with the main character that you're pulled into the storyline and you don't feel as though you're reading the novel, you feel as though you're there in the characters life. As always, with Holly's storylines, the main characters are hesitant to put their heart on the line, from being hurt before. This time we follow the relationship of Melody and Jamie, both of whom were mentioned in The Holiday Cottage by the Sea. The two of them are both secretly madly in love with one another, and everyone else knows that but the two main characters.

Sometimes what I find with Holly's novels is that they are so raunchy in parts that I am a little shocked! Maybe it's because I don't talk to my siblings in the details and openness that Melody clearly does, but I enjoy it all the same and the way they speak about it all does makes me laugh. One thing I loved about the Melody and Jamie relationship is the humour behind it, I laughed so much at their dating disasters, such as when Jamie had an allergic reaction to Melody's cooking!

The story was undoubtedly beautifully written, it's like a warm hug in novel form. Overall, it's another lovely and lighthearted story by Holly Martin which I really, really loved. I can't wait to see what Holly is going to bring out next! Thank you to the publisher for a chance to read this novel via Netgalley, which I have reviewed honestly.

The Second Chance Tea Shop by Fay Keenan

The Second Chance Tea Shop

Fay Keenan

Rating: 5 stars

Amazon UK

Second chances, new loves and scrumptious cakes, in this heart-warming novel. Perfect for all fans of Fern Britton, Katie Fforde and Cathy Bramley.

Following the tragic death of her beloved husband, Anna Hemingway decides it's time for a fresh start. So Anna and her three-year-old daughter Ellie move to a picture-perfect cottage in the beautiful village of Little Somerby, and when she takes over the running of the village tea shop, Ellie and Anna start to find happiness again.

But things get complicated when Matthew Carter, the owner of the local cider farm, enters their lives. Throughout a whirlwind year of village fetes and ancient wassails, love, laughter, apple pie and new memories, life slowly blossoms again. But when tragedy strikes and history seems to be repeating itself, Anna must find the strength to hold onto the new life she has built.

This beautiful, life-affirming debut novel marks the beginning of the Little Somerby series, and promises to make you smile, cry, and reach for a cream tea, and long for a life in the perfect English countryside.

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So after reading the second one in this series and absolutely loving it, I finally got round to reading the first one and let me tell you I think I loved it more than the second! I mean, from the cover I knew I was going to love it anyway, I adore the colours, the pink, yellow and blue and the little cakes and cupcakes in the window are so cute! I also love the bunting at the top of the cover and the title is really sweet too.

The story itself is really interesting, I found myself trying to find moments in my day just so I could read it some more! I adore the whole country living community vibe that this book gives out. I wish we read more about Ellie, as it always seems that she's at nursery or at Anna's parents house but overall it was still a fantastic story. There are so many twists and drama involved that it was honestly just a great read.

This novel follows Anna who has decided to move to Little Somerby after the death of her husband. She wants to get away and have a fresh start somewhere where she isn't reminded of him daily. When she arrives, she has her work cut out for her as she has taken on the manger role at the local bakery/cafe and when she's not there she's either baking for there or looking after young daughter Ellie. However, when she meets Matthew, she finds something in her heart that she thought she'd lost forever. But, when Matthew's ex-wife comes back onto the scene and makes the biggest mistake of his life, can Anna keep it together? Or has Matthew lost her for good?

I don't even know if I have any more words to describe just how much I enjoyed this book. It's saucy, it's lighthearted, it's romantic, it's full of drama - it's everything I want in a book anyway! Glad I decided to give this one a read. Will definitely be looking out for more novels by this author in future.

The Undomestic Goddess by Sophie Kinsella

The Undomestic Goddess

Sophie Kinsella

Rating: 5 stars

Amazon UK

Samantha thrives under pressure. A high-powered London lawyer, all she can concentrate on is taking the next step in her career; eating, sleeping, seeing friends - even taking a breath - will have to wait.

But just when she's about to get everything she has ever wanted, Samantha makes a mistake. A fifty-million-pound, career-destroying mistake. Unable to face the consequences, she does the unimaginable and runs away...

Catching the first train she can, she finds herself in the countryside, outside a beautiful grand house. Mistaken for another woman, she falls into a new job as the family's housekeeper.

Disaster ensues. In a blink, her life has shifted from writing briefs to washing them - and she has no idea how to work the washing machine. Let alone the oven. A former master of the takeaway menu, she's now expected to whip up fine cuisine.

But gradually, she falls in love with her new life in a wholly unexpected way. Will her employers ever discover the truth? Will Samantha's old life ever catch up with her? And if it does... will she want it back?

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I'll be honest and admit that I wasn't expecting much from this novel. I saw it in Morrisons, liked the simple cover and thought - Well, I enjoyed Sophie Kinsella's other novel, I'll give this a go. And I was so glad that I did! Once I got home, I looked it up on Goodreads and was a little shocked to find out that it was nearing 10 years old but the cover had had a little revamp! This was also part of the reason why I wasn't expecting much. Sure, Sophie Kinsella is an amazing author but I hadn't read any of her earlier work, so wasn't sure what to expect.

However, I didn't need to be worried because it was great. It was humorous, lighthearted, and I couldn't put it down. I love the new look cover wise that Sophie Kinsella is going for, I love the simplicity and I love the hot pink! It starts with Samantha working as a lawyer in London and her trying her hardest to get partner at the law firm (I think that makes sense - I don't understand lawyer talk!). You can just see how much Samantha wants this, so much so that everything else has been put on the back burner - friends, family, you name it. I mean, she hasn't seen her mum for 6 months!!! So, as you  can imagine, Samantha is pretty bummed out when she makes a little (read, big) mistake and she is let go from the company.

Still in shock as to what she's managed to do, she flees from the office and legs it onto the closest train she sees. She ends up in the countryside and with a splitting headache, knocks on the door of a nice house and asks if she could have a drink of water and some tablets. Unfortunately, this is where the confusion begins! - and the humour!!! Samantha is mistaken for someone who is applying to be their housekeeper, so she plays the role and says the next day she is going to tell them the truth. However, this doesn't happen and soon Samantha finds herself loving her new life. However, whatever you run away from, it always has a way of catching up with you...

It was a fabulous novel and I was really glad that I picked it up in the end, I know now not to judge a book on how old it is! And shall definitely be looking into buying some more novels by Sophie Kinsella as it was really enjoyable.

Daisy's Vintage Cornish Camper Van by Ali McNamara

Daisy's Vintage Cornish Camper Van

Ali McNamara

Rating: 4 stars

Amazon UK

Welcome to the gorgeous Cornish town of St Felix, where there's magic in the air...

When Ana inherits a broken-down camper van from her best friend, she takes the chance for a quick trip to Cornwall - some sea air and fish and chips on the beach is just the tonic she needs.

But St Felix has bigger plans for Ana. She discovers a series of unsent postcards, dating back to the 1950s, hidden in the upholstery of the van. Ana knows that it's a sign: she'll make sure that the messages read the person that they were meant for. And as the broken-down van is restored to gleaming health, so Ana begins to find her way back to happiness.

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I think I've only ever read one other novel by Ali McNamara and that was The Summer of Serendipity which is a novel that I was absolutely hooked to last summer. It was just stunningly written and really addictive. This book was very similar. First of all, the cover looks vintage and beautiful and completely draws you in. I love the bright rad camper van on the front and the seagulls flying around the cover. Secondly, the bright colours are so pretty and make you dream of summer.

This novel by Ali McNamara, was easily as magical as the other one I've read. It was stunning and I was also hooked from the first page. Ali has a way of making you feel as though you're right there next to the main character, and I love that about her style of writing. It's romantic and beautifully written and you relate to the characters from the off. Something that I think is so important for a reader to be able to do.

Main character Ana has recently been given a camper van so when she drives down to receive it, she decides to have a bit of a mini vacation in the seaside town whilst she's there. Whilst the camper van is being done up, this is when they discover the old postcards and Ana is from that point determined to return the postcards to whom they belong. This is when the mystery sets in and I couldn't put it down! It was an addictive read and again, was absolutely magical!

Overall, a lovely lighthearted and utterly magical novel by the very talented Ali McNamara, I will be thinking of this book for a long time. Thank you to the publisher for a chance to read this novel via Netgalley, which I have reviewed honestly.

The Single Mums' Picnic Club by Jennifer Joyce

The Single Mums' Picnic Club

Jennifer Joyce

Rating: 4 stars

Amazon UK

A perfectly uplifting holiday romance!

Katie thought she had the perfect family life by the sea - until her husband left her for another woman, abandoning her and their two children! She knows it's finally time to move on but she's unsure where to begin...

Frankie is shocked when gorgeous dog-walker Alex asks her on a date! As a single mum with her own business she struggles to put herself first, but maybe she's ready to follow her heart?

George is used to raising her son on her own - but now he's at nursery, her life feels empty. So when she meets Katie and Frankie at the beach, she realises that her talent for rustling up delicious picnics could be the perfect distraction!

But of course, life isn't always a beach and as secrets begin to surface the three women's lives are about to be turned upside-down...

A cosy and charming romance set at the English seaside, perfect for fans of Trisha Ashley and Caroline Roberts.

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This is one of Jennifer's best novels yet. It's uplifting and heart warming but also completely emotional and will make you feel every emotion under the sun! It's wonderfully written and I enjoyed every minute of it. The cover is stunning and completely makes you want to read it, the colours are stunning and it really does look like the perfect summer read.

This novel is about three completely different single mums. George, who is looking after her son on her own and is struggling to make ends meet. Frankie, who after her twins' dad passed away, is trying to make everything perfect but struggles to put herself first. And lastly Katie, who's husband has left her for a much younger - but French - version, leaving her and her two children behind.

All three women are vastly different from the rest, but they all have one thing in common - they are single mums! So they plan to meet up more often after the beautiful English weather brought them together one day and this is when the fun starts! You really start to relate to each mum individually and really feel for them with what they are going through but it's a beautiful, happy ending which made me feel so happy!

Overall, a lovely heartwarming novel which will leave you feeling all warm and full of joy. Thank you to the publisher for a chance to read this novel via Netgalley, which I have reviewed honestly.

The Cornish Village School: Breaking the Rules by Kitty Wilson

The Cornish Village School: Breaking the Rules

Kitty Wilson

Rating: 4 stars

Amazon UK

Rosy Winter is definitely not looking for love.

Following heartbreak, Rosy has rebuilt her life in the beautiful Cornish village of Penmenna. Now, headmistress of the local school, she is living by The Rule: no dating anyone in the village. Easy right? But Rosy Winter has a new neighbour, handsome gardener Matt.

In Penmenna for his new gardening TV show, this guy next door will do everything he can to persuade her to break her rule and win her heart. Meanwhile, Penmenna Village School is threatened with closure and it's up to Rosy to rally the local community and #SaveOurSchool. Can she bring her worlds together and accept help from the most unlikely of sources? One thing's for sure... she won't be giving up without a fight.

This heartwarming romance is perfect for fans of Tilly Tennant, Holly Martin, and A. L. Michael.

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The cover drew me to want to read this novel straight away, the blues, greens and yellows look stunning and I downloaded it to my Kindle straight away! The name also drew me in, The Cornish Village School sounded so quaint, Rosy has my dream job in a dream location! So the story does follow main character Rosy, who is a teacher and also headteacher of the local village primary school. The opening of this fairly short novel was quite comical and I felt for Rosy for having to deal with a difficult mum who thinks their child is the smartest and brightest in the class! It did make me laugh.

I'd never heard or read anything by this author before - and as I've mentioned a few times on this blog, I'm always excited but a bit skeptical when I download a book from Netgalley from an author I've never heard of before - however I needn't have worried. It was funny, lighthearted and really enjoyable. It's wonderfully romantic in places but also kinda different from other romance novels I've read because in this one it doesn't always work out as straightforward for Rosy and gardener Matt as she would have liked. Therefore it had a bit of an edge to it and urged me to read on!

This novel was set in the beautiful countryside in Cornwall and every description of it just made me want to go and visit (even though it is a fairly long drive from where I am!). The characters were all really friendly and the community spirit was really lovely to read about. I'd love to live somewhere where there's a really great sense of community and where everyone is lovely. The village has to pull together in order to save their local primary school and it was just a really heartwarming read. I really felt for Rosy as you could tell that the school meant a lot to her and I was just hoping everything did turn out okay for her!

When Rosy first meets Matt at the beginning of the book she feels something she's never felt before - an instant attraction! However, she soon finds him a bit irritating and sparks fly between them. It's just a really enjoyable and lighthearted, easy novel to read to pass a few hours. Overall, I'd recommend giving this novel a go. You won't regret it - and I'll certainly be looking out for more novels by this author in future! Thank you to the publisher for a chance to read this novel via Netgalley, which I have reviewed honestly.

The Bakery at Seashell Cove by Karen Clarke

The Bakery at Seashell Cove

Karen Clarke

Rating: 5 stars

Amazon UK

An absolutely hilarious, uplifting summer read about living life to the full!

Meg Larson thought she had everything she wanted: she works in the local bakery, she's months away from marrying her high-school sweetheart, and home is beautiful, sunny Seashell Cove, where the sky is blue, the sea is turquoise and the sand is golden.

Except that the bakery is up for sale and her fiance Sam's more interested in bikes than their relationship. When Meg receives shocking news about her family, he's on a cycling tour and ignoring her calls - and posting selfies on Facebook with a female cyclist he looks far too cosy with...

Luckily the bakery's estate agent, Nathan, is understanding and funny, and as the summer goes on an unexpected friendship blossoms. When the bakery is given a second lease of life under a mysterious new owner, Meg realises that a change might be exactly what she needs too.

Will Mega find the happy-ever-after she dreams of in Seashell Cove?

An uplifting, laugh-out-loud rom com that will make you dream of romantic days at the beach. Perfect for fans of Debbie Johnson, Holly Martin and Jenny Oliver.

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As soon as I saw this novel pop up on Netgalley I knew I was going to love it. Karen Clarke's novels have a talent for drawing you in and making you feel as though you're right there next to the main character! I absolutely adore this cover. I love the bright colours - and all of Karen's novels make you want to read them just by glancing at the cover! It's stunning, as was the story.

The storyline follows main character Meg, who is having a bit of trouble with her soon-to-be husband Sam and also the Bakery where she used to work to bake cakes. She feels in a bit of a rut, with Sam taking absolutely zero interest in her and her life ambitions, she starts thinking that maybe they shouldn't get married after all.

As well as this, her beloved Bakery is up for sale and she's worried that whoever will buy it won't allow her to continue working there. Until, a mystery buyer comes and decides he wants to pay for the bakery to get back to it's former glory - and for Meg to run it! Meg can't believe her luck, but when she logs onto Facebook and sees that fiance Sam is cosying up to other cyclist George, she doesn't know what to think anymore.

This novel is absolutely fantastic, I wished throughout this book that I could have friends as nice as Tilly and Cassie. And it was so nice to see characters that was in Karen Clarke's other novel: The Cafe at Seashell Cove make an appearance. It was like greeting old friends when I realised it was about the same group of people and I love every minute. I'm really hoping that there'll be a book about Tilly next, then we've got to know the whole group of friends!

Overall, I absolutely loved this novel and there was no way that I could give it any less than 5 stars. I can't wait to read more from this author. Thank you to the publisher for a chance to read this novel via Netgalley, which I have reviewed honestly.

The Birthday on Lovelace Lane by Alice Ross

The Birthday on Lovelace Lane

Alice Ross

Rating: 4.5 stars

Amazon UK

Architect Mike Hylton has a significant birthday looming. One he'd much rather forget about. Not that there's much chance of that. With all the residents of Lovelace Lane acting strangely, he strongly suspects celebratory plans are afoot.

However, an unwelcome birthday surprise, and a mid-life crisis, aren't the only things Mike has to worry about. His business is seriously struggling and his only chance of saving it is to win the lucrative contract on Highwater Hall. But with a younger rival also in the running, just how far is Mike prepared to go to secure the deal?

This is the sixth short story in the Lovelace Lane series:

Short Story 1 - The Little Cottage on Lovelace Lane

Short Story 2 - The Big House on Lovelace Lane

Short Story 3 - The Wedding on Lovelace Lane

Short Story 4 - Christmas on Lovelace Lane

Short Story 5 - New Arrivals on Lovelace Lane

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I feel like Alice Ross has really outdone herself with this story - I loved it! It had just the right amount of drama involved but still felt really lighthearted and overall was just a really enjoyable way to spend a few hours. The cover for this one is possibly my favourite out of all of Alice's covers so far. I adore the pretty balloons, the brightly coloured presents and the cake in the centre! It just looks so bubbly and happy - I knew I wanted to read this novel as soon as I saw the cover!

I've enjoyed all of the Lovelace Lane series that I've read so far. What I enjoy about them is the vast variety of characters that we get in each novel. For example, I wouldn't usually read a book that has a man as the main character (I just usually wouldn't relate to them) but with Alice's novels, I really related to the characters - male or female.

This particular short story is about Mike, who is getting close to his 50th birthday - not that he wants to even think about it! - and is struggling to handle his business. He feels there is competition everywhere and is soon struggling to come to terms with the changes in his life. Although there are some deep and emotional moments, it's not dark and is actually really funny. There were some moments that really made me laugh and I really enjoyed this story.

Overall, I loved this new short story in the Lovelace Lane Series. It's lighthearted, funny and most importantly a really enjoyable novel. It's just the perfect way to spend a few hours, relaxing and enjoying the story. Alice has a special way of making you wish you lived where she writes about - and this novel is no different! The community feel to the Lovelace Lane community is infectious and I love reading about the residents.

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

The Summer House of Happiness by Daisy James

The Summer House of Happiness

Daisy James

Rating: 4 stars

Amazon UK

Love is in the air...

Gabbie Andrews thought that her dreams of becoming a professional perfumer at the prestigious House of Gasnier on the French Riviera were finally coming true. There's nothing she loves more than creating the perfect fragrance for her delighted customers...

So when her boss sends her to work in a laboratory in Paris for six months, she quits on the spot! Returning to her home in Devon, she soon finds that her herbal remedies are in more demand than she ever imagined.

And when she bumps into Max, the gorgeous mechanic who works at her father's garage, she realises that life might just be about to change forever!

Perfect for fans of Christie Barlow, Debbie Johnson and Cathy Bramley.

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Another amazing novel by the very talented Daisy James. The first thing that always makes me want to read Daisy's novels is the cover. This one in particular is so colourful and inviting. I just want to dive straight in! I absolutely adore the colourful flowers, the cute building in the background and even the characters outfit in the centre of the cover is really cute! I also really like the title of this novel, The Summer House of Happiness just sounds beautiful and inviting.

Upon starting this book, I found I got into it straight away. Even though it's nearly 400 pages long, it was such a quick read and I found I was trying to find more time in my day to read it! The story follows main character Gabbie, who quits her job at the beginning of the novel, once she is told that she will be working in a factory for months on end to help create a new perfume. Gabbie, who really loves working with customers to see their reactions to her perfumes, declined the offer and quit on the spot.

She then moves back to her hometown in quiet Devon and soon finds that quite a lot has changed and she quickly finds herself working hard to get her dads business back to how it was when her mum was alive. As the story goes on, Gabbie gets close to new worker Max, and from the off it's obvious that sparks are flying between the pair! However, will Gabbie be able to give in to these new feelings of hers? Or is she going to shy away like she always does because she is too afraid of getting hurt?

One part of this novel that really broke my heart was about Gabbie's mum. Gabbie's mum died two years previous of breast cancer and this pretty much made me cry! It was so emotional and I really felt for Gabbie throughout the novel. One part that really broke me was when Gabbie was in the Summer House mixing ingredients and she went to turn around to ask her mums opinion - I mean who wouldn't cry at that?! It was so emotional! However, apart from this, the overall storyline felt really lighthearted and was so enjoyable that I got through it really quickly.

Overall, another really lovely and heartwarming novel by Daisy James. Thank you to the publisher for a chance to read this novel via Netgalley, which I have reviewed honestly.