A Forget-Me-Not Summer by Sophie Claire

A Forget-Me-Not Summer

Sophie Claire

Rating: 5 stars

Amazon UK

*Previously published as Her Forget-Me-Not Ex*

The cosy and charming second novel from Sophie Claire, author of The Christmas Holiday. A perfect read for fans of Trisha Ashley and Cathy Bramley!

It's taken years, but Natasha Brown's life is finally on track. Running a florists in the quaint village of Willowbrook, she's put her short-lived marriage to Luc Duval far behind her. That is, until he unexpectedly walks through her shop door, three years after their divorce.

Luc reveals that he never told his family about their split, and now his father is desperately ill and demanding to meet Natasha. Luc needs her to come to France and pretend they're still happily married. Natasha is horrified, but when Luc makes her an offer she can't refuse, reluctantly packs her bags.

The deal is two weeks on a vineyard with his family, but will Luc and Natasha be able to play the perfect couple after years apart? And in the glorious Provence sun, will the old spark between them be impossible to ignore?

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I don't think I could quite possibly put into words just how much I enjoyed this novel. I don't believe I've ever read a book by Sophie Claire before but wow I will definitely be looking out for more of her novels in future! The cover didn't exactly blow me away, but when I read that this story was set in the beautiful location of Provence, I just knew I had to give it a read. What I didn't know was just how much I would love it!

The story follows main characters Natasha and Luc, who were once married and had been through one of the most awful experiences and pain imaginable. The couple were distant with each other and Natasha soon left and built a business and life for herself in Willowbrook. I wasn't keen on Luc at first because of what he had put Natasha through and how cold he was. Even when they get to France he still springs surprises on Natasha and to me it just seemed he was really self-centred and childish. However, when we get to read the story from Luc's point of view, it made me realise that he too had been through the heartbreak and made me warm to him a little more.

The location of the novel sounded idyllic. I love novels set in France anyway but this was off the scale. The descriptions made me feel as though I was actually there on the Duval's vineyard, surrounded by the juicy grapes and the scent of flowers enveloping me. I loved all of Luc's family, they seemed so lovely, kind and so family-orientated which I found very heartwarming. The storyline had me gripped from the start and I was so intrigued to find out what happened between Luc and Natasha and whether they would reconnect and retry with their relationship.

Overall, a lovely sunshiney read with heartwarming and heartbreaking topics. Thank you to the publisher for a chance to read an advance copy of this novel via Netgalley, which I have reviewed honestly.

JoJo's French Escape by Lorraine Wilson

JoJo's French Escape

Lorraine Wilson

Rating: 3.5 stars

Amazon UK

Imagine yourself in beautiful France with the sun warm on your face and a glass of wine in your hand... JoJo's French Escape is the perfect summer read!

Trapped in paradise...

For twelve months JoJo Grant has been hiding from a secret too shameful to share. And whilst her sanctuary might be the beautiful French countryside, JoJo has a horrible feeling that her peace is about to be shattered... because bursting into her life is the hottest celebrity chef around - Callum O'Connor.

Callum knows all about JoJo's past, her time as a reality star, the scandal that has dogged her, but he isn't sure why she's still hiding. After spending time with JoJo, it's obvious to him that she has nothing to be ashamed of - she just needs to be a little braver...

But as much as JoJo likes Callum, he thrives on the glare of the outside world. Can JoJo let go of her past...with Callum by her side?

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I couldn't wait to delve straight into this beautiful looking and sounding novel by Lorraine Wilson. The cover is utterly spellbinding with its bright blue sky and rows upon rows of beautiful yellow sunflowers. I adore it! It's so summery and inviting. I also couldn't wait to give it a read because of the sound of the synopsis, I love books set in France and was so excited to read all about JoJo's life and what she has been hiding from.

As mentioned above this novel focuses on JoJo, even though we do hear about other characters from Lorraine's past novels, it's all about her comeback from the worst and lowest point of her life. Although it mentions Poppy and Leo and what they are getting up to now, it could easily be read as a standalone as it's mainly about JoJo's journey to happiness and learning to love again.

At first I was a bit unsure of JoJo, I knew what she had been through as the author describes it but she seemed really negative and depressed about everything even though she landed on her feet with Poppy and working at the Guesthouse. Even though I understand the reason she is feeling so down, the pages and constant paragraphs discussing it got a little tedious after a while and when JoJo once again went back to thinking about her issue, I started to skip paragraphs.

Having said this, when we aren't discussing JoJo's nightmare it really is a good book. I love reading about France and where they visit and of course reading about the Guesthouse itself and about JoJo and Callum. The chemistry between them is sizzling and boy is this a very sexual book! Maybe a bit too much for my liking but it certainly is sizzling and enjoyable at some points.

Overall, a nice easy read. Thank you to the publisher for a chance to read an advance copy of this novel via Netgalley which I have reviewed honestly.

The Waffle House on the Pier by Tilly Tennant

The Waffle House on the Pier

Tilly Tennant

Rating: 4 stars

Amazon UK

Run away to Sea Salt Bay, where the sand is warm and soft, the sea is a perfect blue, and a candy-coloured waffle house is about to change Sadie's life...

For as long as she can remember, Sadie's grandparents have run the waffle house on the pier at Sea Salt Bay. With its pretty painted chairs, sweet smells, and the warm advice of her beloved grandparents, the waffle house is like a second home.

But when Sadie's grandfather dies, leaving her grandmother without an anchor, Sadie must make a difficult decision. She quits her job and moves back home, determined to keep things going. The trouble is, she knows nothing about running a business, and learning a million miles an hour with a shop full of hungry people isn't easy. When she nearly burns the waffle house down, she has to admit she needs to get some help.

Her ex-boyfriend Declan promises to be there for her but Sadie worries that getting too close is a mistake - especially as he has a new girlfriend now. And anyway she's just met newcomer Luke, with his gorgeous suntan and mellow voice...

Sadie's family have always loved Declan and they're not too sure about Luke, leaving Sadie unsure which way to turn. A terrible accident at sea forces her to look into her heart, but what if it's already too late to tell the right man that she loves him?

If you love stolen kisses under the pier, walking along spray-capped shores eating ice cream, and books by Lucy Diamond, Jill Mansell and Jenny Colgan, you will fall in love with this romantic, heart-breaking read.

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I couldn't wait to dive into this gorgeous new novel by Tilly Tennant. I've been a fan of her novels for a long time now, they always leave you feeling positive and uplifted. The cover is possibly my favourite of Tilly's, the bright beautiful colours, the pretty Waffle House, the stars in the sky and the pretty coloured fairy lights make such a beautiful cover and really catches the eye.

The story follows main character Sadie, who has an issue on her hands. Sadie's grandpa dies suddenly and leaves her grandma, April, looking after their family Waffle House business that's been open as long as Sadie can remember. Sadie is heartbroken to learn that her family have decided to put it up for sale, so she packs in her teacher training and re-opens the eatery with her grandma, but all isn't what it seems at first.

April seems to be getting ever more forgetful and Sadie is worried. When April locks Sadie in the Waffle House one evening and goes wandering off down the promenade, that's the final straw in their families eyes and they make Sadie withdraw her help in the restaurant. However, during all of this, Sadie's ex Declan makes an appearance on the scene and so does newcomer Luke and Sadie must decide which one of the two men she truly loves.

The location of the novel sounded absolutely delightful. The descriptions of the sea, the sand and the other eateries and amusement arcades left me wishing to live in such a place! The characters as well were also really relatable and I found myself taking a liking to most of them. Sadie seemed a bit childish at first, and I wasn't too keen on Luke but the more I read the more I enjoyed.

Overall, a happy, bubbly and romantic read. Thank you to the publisher for a chance to read an advance copy of this novel via Netgally, which I have reviewed honestly.

The Little Village of New Starts by Donna Ashcroft

The Little Village of New Starts

Donna Ashcroft

Rating: 4 stars

Amazon UK

Sometimes turning everything upside down feels just right...

Evie Stuart is playing it safe. She lives on her family's remote farm in the Scottish Highlands and never ventures beyond the local village of Lockton. The most unpredictable events in her life are the antics of Miss Daisy, her grandmother Agnes's pygmy goat. She's learned that bad things happen when she's impulsive, and she's determined not to get burned again.

Callum Ryder is exactly the opposite of what Evie wants in her ordered world. Six foot two of reckless energy with twinkling eyes and a dangerously charming smile, he's a trill-seeking American firefighter with no idea how to slow down. Callum enters Lockton like a whirlwind, fleeing his problems in New York City in search of the truth about his Scottish family.

Yet the pair might have more in common than they think... When the well-meaning Agnes persuades her to help Callum find his grandfather, Evie finds herself being challenged more than she has in years: from swimming in the fabled Bonnie Lochan to exploring an ancient castle and even entering the village jam-making competitions. Turns out it's easy for Evie and Callum to connect when they let go of their fears and enjoy the most surprising summer of their lives.

But getting close to Callum soon starts to look like it might ruin everything for Evie: she's heading for a disaster exactly like the one that destroyed her a year ago when she fell for the wrong man and let him change her life. Maybe a fresh start isn't going to be so simple after all... Is the safe haven Evie's built about to crumble down around her?

A totally charming and moving story about being true to yourself, the power of new beginnings, and one magical summer that changes everything. Perfect for fans of Debbie Johnson, Carolyn Brown and Phillipa Ashley.

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I was really looking forward to reading this new novel by Donna Ashcroft. The cover caught my eye immediately and just looked so inviting that I couldn't wait to dive in and start reading all about Evie and Callum. In particular I love the ombre sunset sky and the colourful flowers along the top of the cover.

As mentioned this story focuses on Callum and Evie's life and relationship. Both of the characters had been heartbroken but in very different ways. Callum has come over from New York for 4 weeks to try and find his grandfather who he believes lives in Lockton, in the Highlands, which is where Evie's families farm is situated. Evie has decided to hide out on her parents farm for the foreseeable future after being humiliated by the man who she thought was The One.

The pair join forces when Callum asks Evie for her help to find his grandfather, and I believe he's in for the shock of his life when he finds out who it is! I must admit, I had a bit of an inkling about 30% into the novel as to who it could be but the book kept you guessing and on the edge of your seat wanting to find out who the mystery grandfather could be.

I did enjoy this novel, it was quite emotional in places and not all that lighthearted but it was a pleasant read nonetheless. I took a while to warm to Evie, as her character seemed quite cold on more than one occasion, however the more you read about her past the more you understand why she acts like she does and why she finds it so hard to trust anyone. Callum, again I wasn't sure on at the start. Simply because of his background and what he had been through himself. Even so, I believe I liked his character more than Evie as he seemed so kind and fun.

Overall, a nice book to read to pass the time. Thank you to the publisher for a chance to read an advance copy of this novel via Netgalley, which I have reviewed honestly.

The Cornish Cream Tea Summer by Cressida McLaughlin

The Cornish Cream Tea Summer

Cressida McLaughlin

Rating: 5 stars

Amazon UK

Charlie has a new helper on her bus, her free-spirited and loveable cousin, Delilah, who's paid a visit to the charming Cornish village of Porthgolow and is helping out on Charlie's adorable cream tea bus. When the Director of a new TV series filming further along the coast tells Delilah that the bus would be the perfect addition to their onsite catering, she takes him a bit too literally. Charlie and Delilah find themselves caught up in the filming of a lavish period drama and it isn't long before Delilah finds herself drawn to the handsome male lead.

But Delilah has made a habit of making rash decisions and it's one of the reasons she's hiding out in Cornwall. Could this be one impulsive step too far, or is a change of direction the start of something quite unexpected...

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I really, really love Cressida McLaughlin's novels. They're easy, enjoyable and fun reads that I just cannot stop reading! I loved this cover. It's sunshiney, full of colour and it makes me want to visit a place like that! Especially with the friendly locals and of course the food festivals! I love the bunting, the choppy, blue waters and the colourful beach huts. It makes such a pretty cover and draws you in completely.

In this novel, we follow Charlie's cousin Delilah (we read about Charlie in Cressida's previous novel but you don't need to have read that to understand what happens in this book), as she journeys down to Cornwall for a break away from London and her usual life. What I enjoy about this book is that there's the involvement from characters from Cressida's other book and I love that it kind of carries on from there. However this novel definitely focuses more on Delilah.

Delilah is a fun and interesting character, who seems to have some wild ways which is why she has come down to Cornwall in the first place. It was quite an intriguing start of what I knew was going to be another great novel. I really liked the fact that they were on a film set, it made it unputdownable as I just wanted to read more about the goings on on set. The baked good, as usual, made my mouth water and sounded absolutely delightful. In particular I liked the Cream Tea Bus Tour. 

Overall, it's a fun, easy read that I loved. It has kind and caring characters, as well as some quite eccentric actors and the location sounded idyllic. Thank you to the publisher for a chance to read an advance copy of this novel via Netgalley, which I have reviewed honestly.

Kate and Clara's Curious Cornish Craft Shop by Ali McNamara

Kate and Clara's Curious Cornish Craft Shop

Ali McNamara

Rating: 5 stars

Amazon UK

Kate thinks all her wishes have come true when she opens her little craft shop down on the harbour in the pretty Cornish seaside town of St Felix.

It's been her life-long dream to open her own shop, and now she's finally got the chance, she's loving selling her own quirky handmade textile designs to the many holidaymakers that flock into St Felix every year.

But there's a mystery about Kate's shop - one that Jack, the owner of a new art store in town, wants to help Kate solve. A series of mysterious paintings and beautiful embroidered pictures hint at a love story over sixty years old, but Kate needs to know how the story ends!

As Kate and Jack delve deeper into the vintage romance, they find that not only do their own lives share uncanny similarities with their 1950s counterparts, but also the two of them are becoming closer.

But as the two couples' stories unfold over six decades apart, can Kate and Jack put right a wrong that's remained a secret since the 1950s. and will both couples end up with the happy ending they truly deserve?

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Another gorgeous novel by Ali McNamara with a spellbinding twist. This novel gripped me from the start and I couldn't wait to find out more about what (and why) was happening to Jack and Kate. The cover is utterly gorgeous, with it's pastel colours, bright blue sea and the flowers. I enjoyed every page, the ending gave me shivers!

The book follows Kate, who has moved to the beautiful harbour town of St Felix with her daughter Molly. She opens a craft shop and does a good trade, selling her own handmade goods as well as goods from the other ladies in the town. So when newcomer Jack, arrives in the town and opens an art supplies shop, she is suitably peeved.

Jack is a mystery in itself. One moment he's nice and is quite humorous and then the next he clams up, however he is quite within his right as he had been through a fair amount of pain and heartbreak over the years and opening up his shop appears to be his therapy. Kate and Jack's relationship is like a rollercoaster. One moment up, the next they aren't speaking. It's clear to see however that there is a spark between them and the pair get on well, despite their clashes.

So when they both receive antique pieces of art equipment, such as an old easel and a sewing machine from a recent house clearing and mysterious artworks keep appearing, the pair decide that to find out what's happening, they must work together and the result is quite astonishing. This novel is full of magic and love, from both the present time and the 1950s. It was heartwarming and such an enjoyable read.

The characters seemed like such kind and caring people and the location of St Felix sounded beautiful. There are characters from some of Ali McNamara's other novels and it was nice that they made their appearances in this one, but you do not have to have read the other books to understand what is happening in this one. It's an easy and light read and I enjoyed it immensely. Thank you to the publisher for a chance to read an advance copy of this novel via Netgalley, which I have reviewed honestly.

Escape to the French Farmhouse by Jo Thomas

Escape to the French Farmhouse

Jo Thomas

Rating: 4 stars

Amazon UK

Can she find her recipe for happiness?

Del and her husband Ollie moved to a beautiful village in Provence for a fresh start after years of infertility struggles. But six weeks after they arrive, they're packing the removal van once more. As Del watches the van leave for England, she suddenly realises exactly what will make her happier... a new life in France - without Ollie.

Now alone, all Del has is a crumbling farmhouse, a mortgage to pay and a few lavender plants. What on earth is she going to do? Discovering an old recipe book at the market run by the rather attractive Fabian, Del starts to bake. But can her new-found passion really help her let go of the past and lead to true happiness?

A heart-warming tale about reclaiming your life, set amongst the lavender fields of Provence. Perfect escapism from the author of Late Summer in the Vineyard and The Honey Farm on the Hill.

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Jo Thomas will always be one of my favourite authors, I love her style of writing and as always her beautiful cover has drew me in. As well as the cover, the blurb sounded idyllic - France and baking, what more could you want?

This one took a little longer than usual to get into. At first I wasn't sure where it was going to go but the more I read the more I adored Del and what she was doing for herself. She was all alone in France, after refusing to go back to a lifeless marriage and the UK with husband Ollie and she wanted to start a new life in the lovely Provence. If that's not brave I don't know what is!

When Stephanie and Tomas came into the story, again I was a little unsure. Stephanie seemed so ungrateful and quite rude that I took a mild dislike to her character. However, again the more I read about her and her life the more I warmed to her. It is certainly an inspiring novel for new beginnings and starting afresh. Fabian was another lovely character, he helped out those in need so how could you not love him? I can see why Del was so attracted to him!

Of course, one character I loved was Henri. He seemed so kind and genuine that you couldn't help warming to his character. He runs the cute little bistro just out of the centre of town and was kind enough to give Del an opportunity to earn money. He also helped out Stephanie and Tomas before Del stepped in. Del's life sounded perfect, even though it was far from it. I loved the use of lavender she put into her bakes, and also the location of the novel. It sounded beautiful.

Overall, a bit of a slow start but in the end I found myself loving it. It has some deep references but all in all it's a lighthearted novel. Thank you to the publisher for a chance to read an advance copy of this novel via Netgalley, which I have reviewed honestly.

A Perfect Cornish Escape by Phillipa Ashley

A Perfect Cornish Escape

Phillipa Ashley

Rating: 5 stars

Amazon UK

Escape to Cornwall this summer...

Summer in Cornwall is the perfect time for a fresh start...

Seven years ago, Marina Hudson's husband was lost at sea. She vowed to love him forever - but when kind-hearted Lachlan arrives in Porthmellow, should she deny herself another chance at happiness?

Tiff Trescott was living life to the full as a journalist in London - until her boyfriend's betrayal brought it all crashing down. Fleeing to her cousin Marina's cottage, Tiff feels like a fish out of water. And when brooding local Dirk wins a day with her at a charity auction, she's thrown headfirst into Cornish life.

This summer promises new beginnings for both Tiff and Marina. But are they too good to be true?

Escape to Cornwall with this emotional, uplifting read. Perfect for fans of Sarah Morgan and Trisha Ashley.

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I do love Phillipa Ashley's feel-good Cornwall-based novels. I always have a strong urge to visit these type of places when I read them! The cover is cute and pretty. I like the bright colours and the simplicity of it. It doesn't give much away but it's good on the eye and draws you in - well it certainly drew me in anyway!

This novel focuses on two main characters. Cousins Tiff and Marina. Marina is more reserved than Tiff and I found myself warming to her more than I did for Tiff. She had been through so much with her late-husband Nate and I just really wanted her to have a happy ending with Lachlan, who had also been through a horrible time. I was hoping from the start that the small community events would push them together and they would both lose their heartache and enjoy their lives.

Tiff had also had a heartbreaking time recently but less so than Marina. She had found out that her ex, Warner, was using her in a plot to discredit her, and the newspaper she worked for, public image. So, with her tail between her legs she decided to move in with Marina for a while until she had her confidence back. However, she soon meets Dirk and even though she finds him absolutely infuriating, she also finds him incredibly attractive and sparks soon fly between them.

Both women have had a horrible time of it recently, but it appears the little harbour town of Porthmellow soon helps to heal their heartache and puts them in a happier place. The setting is absolutely idyllic and will have you wishing to live in Cornwall. The characters, which have been in previous Phillipa Ashley novels, are all lovely, friendly and caring.

Overall, a happy, heartwarming novel by the lovely Phillipa Ashley. I loved every page, every character and every storyline and setting. This novel is hard to put down and I believe that every book I read of this author, they just get better. Thank you to the publisher for a chance to read an advance copy of this novel via Netgalley, which I have reviewed honestly.