My Top Monthly Reads: August 2017

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

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

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

Escape to Willow Cottage

Bella Osbourne

Rating: 5 stars

Amazon UK

(You can read my review here)

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

Helen Pollard

Rating: 5 stars

Amazon UK

(You can read my review here)

A Wedding in Cornwall

Laura Briggs

Rating: 5 stars

Amazon UK

(You can read my review here)

Summer At Coastguard Cottages

Jennifer Bohnet

Rating: 4 stars

Amazon UK

(You can read my review here)

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

What was your favourite read of August?

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

The Cotswolds Cookery Club: A Taste of Spain

Alice Ross

My Rating: 4 stars

Amazon UK (£0.99)

Synopsis:

Life begins at forty...

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Summer at the Little French Guesthouse by Helen Pollard

Summer at The Little French Guesthouse

Helen Pollard

Rating: 5 stars

Amazon UK (K £1.99 / P £8.99)

Synopsis:

Summer sun, chilled, white wine, and a gorgeous fiancé. Nothing could upset pure bliss ... Right?

Emmy Jamieson loves her new life in the gentle hills and sunflowers of the lush French countryside, managing La Cour des Roses, a beautiful, white stone guesthouse. With marriage to caramel-eyed Alain just round the corner, things couldn't be more perfect.

The odd glass (gallon) of wine dulls the sound of Emmy's mum in full motherzilla-of-the-bride mode, and the faint tinkling of alarm bells coming from Alain's ex are definitely nothing to worry about. Guesthouse owner Rupert and a whole host of old and new friends are there to make sure nothing gets in the way of Emmy's happiness.

But as Emmy gets close to the big day, a secret from the past throws everything decidedly off track. Will her idyllic French wedding go ahead as planned, or will Emmy run back home to England with a broken heart?

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We return to La Cour Des Roses - and I'm so so sad that this series is over now! This was the last one in the series and it was certainly a jampacked ending. This had everything from drama, to romance and humour. This series is full of charm and I fell utterly and deeply in love with the story. There's something about the characters that you can't help but relate to and understand their part in the book.

One of my favourite things about the book (if you've read my reviews of the first two novels then you'll know) is the descriptions of the location and the food. I've said it once and I'll happily say it again. The way Helen Pollard has described the crisp chilled wine or spoke about the cobbled streets of France has automatically drew me in and made me fall in love with it all.

In this book we get to learn more about Emmy's relationship with her mother and see the effect it has on our main character and how it then reflects on Emmy's relationship with Alain. This book is more revolved around Emmy's wedding to Alain and as you can imagine, not everything goes to plan. Emmy's mother turns into a sort of motherzilla-of-the-bride and throughout the final part of the series you see tempers rise between the pair.

Everything comes together about 80% into the book, where an event takes place that could potentially ruin Emmy and Alain's marriage - and this had me hanging onto every word, dying to know what happens next! There are problems throughout but I was enjoying every moment.

Overall, it's a delightful story which is the perfect summer read, a story you can easily escape in if you need some time away.

Return to the Little French Guesthouse by Helen Pollard

Return to The Little French Guesthouse

Helen Pollard

Rating: 4 stars

Amazon UK (K £0.99 / P £8.99)

Synopsis:

Blue skies, new love, and a glass of Bordeaux ... what could possibly go wrong?

When Emmy Jamieson leaves her life behind and moves to La Cour des Roses, a gorgeous guesthouse amidst vineyards in France, everything is resting on her success as the new guesthouse manager.

Looming in the calendar is the biggest booking ever, when the entire eccentric, demanding Thomson family will descend for a golden wedding anniversary. With airbeds on the floor and caravans in the garden, La Cour des Roses will be bursting at the seams.

Emmy knows she's up to the challenge, especially with the support of the gorgeous Alain, the half-French, half-English, caramel-eyed accountant. But she hadn't counted on a naked, sleepwalking travel blogger, or the return of owner Rupert's venomous ex-wife Gloria.

Gloria has a few things to say about Emmy's new role, Rupert's finances, and the unsuspecting Alain, which send everybody reeling. Just when Emmy can see a future for herself of endless sunshine, true love and laughter, are her dreams about to be ripped at the seams?

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Another great book to join the first La Cour des Roses series. It made me so happy to return to this story you have no idea! I absolutely loved the first and couldn't wait to read the second. The cover, once again, drew me in and I found that I couldn't say no (even though I have a ton on my TBR pile!).

The story follows Emmy after her very recent move to France and you find yourself reading about her settling in to her new role as guesthouse manager for La Cour des Roses. I was thrilled when old faces joined the story and couldn't wait to read more about Emmy's adventures into French everyday life.

I loved reading about the French markets, the cobbled streets of the town and the crisp and chilled wine. I will admit one thing, and it's that this series has made me long to go to France! I found that Emmy's relationship with Alain was lovely to read and it made me feel all warm inside when they finally came together! I loved all the characters and enjoyed reading about their lives as well as Emmy's.

There is some more drama in this book as well as the first, what with the gargantuan booking that Gloria simply forgot to tell them about, the return of said ex-wife Gloria and a huge bombshell that Gloria (can you see a pattern here?) dropped just before she left. The book leaves you hanging on to every chapter, dying to know what happens next.

Overall, a brilliant second part of the series. I've just finished the third and final instalment (boo!) and the review shall be up on my blog soon!

The Little French Guesthouse by Helen Pollard

The Little French Guesthouse

Helen Pollard

Rating: 5 stars

Amazon UK (K £1.99 / P £7.99)

Synopsis:

Sun, croissants and fine wine. Nothing can spoil the perfect holiday. Or can it?

When thirty-one-year old Emmy Jamieson arrives at La Cour des Roses, a beautiful guesthouse in the French countryside, she can't wait to spend two weeks relaxing with boyfriend Nathan. Their relationship needs a little TLC and Emmy is certain this holiday will do the trick. But they've barely unpacked before he scarpers with Gloria, the guesthouse owner's cougar wife.

Rupert, the ailing guesthouse owner, is shell-shocked. Feeling somewhat responsible, and rather generous after a bottle (or so) of wine, heartbroken Emmy offers to help. Changing sheets in the gites will help keep her mind off her misery.

Thrust into the heart of the local community, Emmy suddenly finds herself surrounded by new friends. And with sizzling hot gardener Ryan and the infuriating (if gorgeous) account Alain providing welcome distractions, Nathan is fast becoming a distant memory.

Fresh coffee and croissants for breakfast, feeding the hens in the warm evening light; Emmy starts to feel quiet at home. But it would be madness to walk away from her friends, family, and everything she's ever worked for, to take a chance on a place she fell for on holiday - wouldn't it?

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What a delightful start to the Little French Guesthouse series. At the moment I'm obsessed with books set in France. I'm not sure why but everything about them I just love. Especially those set in rustic villages with fields of lavender or towns with cobbled streets. But I think what I love most is the talk about the food. Gooey cheeses, crusty bread and oozing honey. Even writing that down made my mouth water!

So this series is brilliant so far (I've also just finished book two so that shall be making it's way to the blog soon enough!), with the main story revolving around Emmy who has just left her cheating boyfriend, Nathan, to help the owner of a French guesthouse. Except it's not all drinking chilled wine and lounging in the hot French sun. Emmy encounters a lot of drama and issues with her life and has to make a few hard decisions.

I really did enjoy this book, I flew through it and started straight away on the next one because I just couldn't wait to read more! The characters are all really loveable and relatable (except for Nathan and Gloria of course!) and you find yourself really connecting with Emmy and wishing you could be in France as well!

Overall, I really loved this story. It made me feel like I was in France myself and now I do really want to visit there! The cover is simply stunning and drew me in straight away. It's an easy and lighthearted read that will leave you wanting to read more.

Blog Tour: A Wedding in Cornwall by Laura Briggs

Today I'm absolutely delighted to be able to welcome author Laura Briggs to my blog! She's kindly taken the time out of her schedule to write up a guest post for my blog about her novel A Wedding in Cornwall - and I couldn't be more thrilled!

A Wedding in Cornwall

Laura Briggs

Rating: 5 stars

Amazon UK (Currently free!)

Synopsis:

It's the career move of a lifetime, and Julianne can't believe it's hers: a position as an event planner at a country house in Cornwall, England, beginning with the wedding of a celebrity! If her old firm's senior planner back in the States hadn't fallen suddenly sick with chick pox, Julianne would never have found herself chosen for a life in one of England's most beautiful coastal counties, surrounded by rugged shores, quaint cottages, elegant gardens and a house to die for.

But life in Cornwall isn't exactly as Julianne imagined it. Her first bride-to-be is a resentful, petted snob, the groom is immature and bored, and the Cornish staff of Cliffs House has a difficult time believing that an event planner from a mid-level position can handle a wedding this big. And then there's a personal matter -- the handsome, sometimes charming, sometimes standoffish gardener Matthew Rose. He and Julianne have a strangely complicated relationship somewhere between friendship and attraction. But with a secret in his past, and a scheming bridesmaid plotting to have Matthew all to herself, will Julianne find a way to untangle her feelings and the problems of planning a perfect Cornish wedding?

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Thanks so much to Stacey for letting me share about my Cornish-themed romance books with all her lovely readers!

When I first penned the romantic novella titled A Wedding in Cornwall about a year ago, I imagined a quiet little coastal village, and a determined young American wedding planner taking up residence there as a fish out of water. Add to that a gorgeous Cornish manor house, a celebrity wedding to plan, and a handsome, Poldark-esque gardener, and I had created a story I was more than happy to revisit a few months later for the holiday sequel.

For this follow-up book, I had to imagine the same Cornish village at the most magical time of the year — Christmastime. Fans wanted to know what happened to Julianne and Matt (more of them than I'd ever imagined, actually), and so the second book needed not only to give them a chance to fall completely in love, but to do so surrounded by beautifully-decorated Christmas trees and tasty holiday biscuits from Dinah’s kitchen.

That was just the beginning, though. What started as a simple wedding story and its sequel has become a series of now seven short romantic reads, all featuring the same plucky heroine and her adventures in a fictional Cornish village. I’ve very much enjoyed learning more about the real Cornwall with each new installment, everything from the counties’ winter weather patterns to the nature of ‘the Lizard’ landscape (which Julianne wants to explore with Matt), to the traditional dance and music celebration known as ‘Troyls’, and the scrumptious sounding meat pies referred to as ‘oggies’.

Imagine my surprise, though, whenever a reader tells me the series keeps getting better with each new installment! Well, I’m awfully glad they feel that way, since I’m not quite ready to tell these characters goodbye either, it would seem. Not for a few more stories yet, I hope, as long as readers are eager to see what Julianne, Matt, and the rest of their friends are up to next.  

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About the Author:

Laura Briggs is the author of several chick lit and romance stories. She has a fondness for vintage style dresses (especially ones with polka dots), and admires novelty scarf designs as well. Her favourite Jane Austen novel is Sense and Sensibility, and she enjoys reading everything from women’s fiction to modern day mystery novels. She loves spending time with family, caring for her pets, going to movies and plays, trying new restaurants, and dreams of traveling around the UK and Europe someday.

Twitter: https://twitter.com/PaperDollWrites

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorlaurabriggs

Website: http://paperdollwrites.blogspot.com/

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Review:

What a lovely introduction to the world that belongs to Julianne. Get ready to dive into a story full of romance, humour and drama! It's a very short but sweet novel which is a great start to the rest of the series - it gives you an outlook on how each character is going to act and what they are like.

The story follows Julianne on her journey across the pond to start a new job as an event planner in the beautiful setting of Cornwall - and although we don't get to hear a lot about the location, the descriptions we do get are written beautifully and you can truly imagine the story as though you are there at Julianne's side.

As this is the first book of the series, I think it shows us that the rest of the series are going to be just as intriguing and I cannot wait to read the rest! It's such an easy read that is light-hearted and enjoyable.

This was my first time reading a story by Laura and I honestly can't wait to read the others in the series. I love Laura's writing style - it'll make you laugh out loud in parts, just what you want from a chick lit novel! And straight from the start I was hooked into the story - afterwards wishing that I was an event planner for an incredible place just like Cliffs House.

Thank you to Laura Briggs for a chance to read this novel in return of an honest review.

Summer at Coastguard Cottages by Jennifer Bohnet

Summer At Coastguard Cottages

Jennifer Bohnet

Rating: 4 stars

Publication date: 23rd of August

Amazon UK (£2.99)

Synopsis:

A summer of secrets!

Karen is escaping to her little cottage on the Devonshire coast this summer - it's the perfect way to forget about her ex-husband. So she's surprised to find love again when she least expected it!

Bruce is learning to live again after the death of his beloved wife. She loved their cottage by the sea but Bruce is torn but the bitter sweet memories - should he sell up and stay in the city?

Carrie is at a crossroads in her life after inheriting a fortune from the father she never met. Now she must make a life-changing decision that will affect her new friends, too...

Could eight weeks at Coastguard Cottages change all of their lives - forever?

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What a lovely and feel-good read by Jennifer Bohnet. I've never read any of her other books and now I find myself questioning why that is! It was a light-hearted and easy read that I thoroughly enjoyed.

It's set in the beautiful Devon with descriptions of the town and the sea that will make you want to pack your bag and head on down there yourself. The book follows three main characters - Karen, Bruce and Carrie (as above) - whom each have their own life issues. However, all the characters somehow interlock and I found it so interesting how they done so.

The stories all come together in some way or another which shall have you at the edge of your seat when the twist happens! (which I was not expecting!) Even though there is a twist, the whole rest of the book has more of a relaxed feel about it which makes it a really enjoyable summer read.

One thing I absolutely adore about this book is of course - the cover! It is absolutely beautiful and draws you in straight away and just makes you want to read it. I love the colours, the lighthouse, the sea - everything is just so pretty! And I think I'm not the only one who wants to read a book purely from it's cover!

The characters are all very likeable and I enjoyed getting to know each of them in turn and finding out what was happening in their lives. This book includes everything you could possibly want in a love story - romance (of course), drama, and a beautiful setting. I think the only person I disliked was Karen's husband Derek (but he wasn't in the story that much).

Even though not much happens (there isn't a huge event that takes place) it's still really enjoyable and overall, a beautifully written summer read. A must have even if you are just snuggled up on the sofa as opposed to laying on a hot beach somewhere!

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