The Cornish Confetti Agency by Daisy James

The Cornish Confetti Agency

Daisy James

Rating: 4 stars

Amazon UK

The first in a new sun-filled series from the author of the Villa Limoncello trilogy.

Welcome to The Cornish Confetti Agency!

When the grand finale of Lexie Harrington's catwalk show ends with a disastrous twist on the 'ice bucket challenge', she knew her highly-strung boss would fire her on the spot. What she wasn't expecting was to bump into her fiance cosied up with an attractive blonde in the restaurant opposite their apartment!

Desperate to escape her heartbreak, Lexie flees to her childhood home of St Ives to hold the fort at The Cornish Confetti Agency for her best friend Freya, leader of the yummy mummy network and firm believer in 'happily ever afters'. Little did she know that delivering a Caribbean-themed wedding in sunny Cornwall would rival the fashion industry for drama, tantrums and mysterious goings on.

Who is responsible for dousing the bridesmaid's dress with tomato ketchup? Or hiding the bride's beloved Jimmy Choos? Or attaching googly eyes to everything in sight?

The perfect Cornish wedding? Is there such a thing for The Cornish Confetti Agency?

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I do love a novel by Daisy James. They're full of glitz and glamour and SO. MUCH. DRAMA! I am here for all the drama in her books. They make such fun, easy reads. I particularly loved this one due to it's setting, the characters and the fun storyline. The cover is so pretty and colourful and draws you in, making you want to read it.

The story follows Lexie, who is the main character in this novel. She's just been fired from her job AND found out that her fiance was cheating on her just weeks before their wedding. So, Lexie decides that it's best if she goes down to Cornwall to help out her best friend with her wedding business. She then has to become a fully fledged wedding planner and put together a Caribbean themed wedding, which as you might have guessed, has some mysterious goings on.

I really liked the character of Lexie, she seemed down to earth and had a lovely personality. I also really liked Theo, he seemed so sweet and helpful and they had a beautiful friendship, but you could tell from the way they were with one another that there was something deeper there. The location to the story sounded so glamorous and gals like me could only dream about having a wedding quite like the one that Zara had.

This novel was a fun, easy and lighthearted story that is perfect to while away a few hours, especially with all that is going on in the world right now. I really hope that we read more about these characters! Thank you to Daisy James for a chance to read this novel, which I have reviewed honestly.

Spring Tides at Swallowtail Bay by Katie Ginger

Spring Tides at Swallowtail Bay

Katie Ginger

Rating: 5 stars

Amazon UK

Escape to the cosy seaside town of Swallowtail Bay, the perfect place for a fresh start - but is Stella's new beginning over before it's begun?

Licking her wounds from her divorce, Stella impulsively buys a gift shop and two holiday lets in glorious Swallowtail Bay, hoping for a fresh start with her King Charles Spaniel Frank.

When the neighbours meet her with a warm welcome, Stella knows she's found the home she was looking for. Even gorgeous but grumpy local Miles can't take the shine off things. But then her ex-husband announces he's getting married again, and someone in the village starts gossiping about Stella...

Is Stella's dream over already? Or, with her new friends behind her, can Stella fight back and save her new life - and find the happy ever after she's been waiting for?

Fans of Cathy Bramley, Debbie Johnson and Jenny Colgan will fall in love with Swallowtail Bay!

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How have I never read a Katie Ginger novel before!? Wow, I was blown away by this story. It was such an enjoyable and happy read that I was gutted when it came to an end and I started quickly looking at what other novels she's written just so I could read more of her books! There is no way I could have given this less than 5 stars. The location, the characters, the storyline, everything just worked together so well and I was so hooked from start to finish.

There are 3 main characters in this novel; Stella, Lexi and Miles. Stella has just moved to Swallowtail Bay after a recent divorce and is hoping for a fresh start. Lexi is a single mum who is struggling to make ends meet and Miles is a local to the town but is having troubles with his fiance. Every character was relatable, I really liked each of their separate storylines. Stella was probably my favourite however as I wished I was as brave as her! Moving to a new town and taking on a new business all on her own.

The setting of this novel sounded so idyllic and beautiful. I loved the scenes where they're on the beach, or where the tourists are exploring around the town. It made me reminisce on similar holidays and gave me the urge to go on another one to a location similar to this! I loved when they all went to the pub with all the locals, the cafe with its friendly workers. It was all so lovely and I couldn't put it down. I think the storyline was well thought out and ended up working out really lovely (even though some parts *about Vivien in particular* made me feel quite emotional!).

Overall, a really brilliantly written and heartwarming story about friendship, new starts and new relationships. It was fabulous from start to finish and I really recommend you give this book (or maybe other novels from Katie Ginger!) a 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 Summer We Ran Away by Jenny Oliver

The Summer We Ran Away

Jenny Oliver

Rating: 4 stars

Amazon UK

It was meant to be the party of the summer...

In Cedar Road, everyone is preparing for Lexi's 'White Hot' summer party. For one night, parking squabbles and petitions are put aside as neighbours sip Prosecco under the fairy lights and gather by the hot tub to marvel at Lexi's effortlessly glamorous life with Hot Hamish.

For Julia, it's a chance to coax husband Charlie out of his potting shed and into a shirt so they can have a welcome break from the hellish house renovation they've been wrestling with. And it's a chance for Julia to pretend - just for a night - that her life is as perfect as Lexi's.

But when, during the party, one of Julia's WhatsApp messages falls into the wrong hands and reveals her most intimate thoughts, things reach boiling point...

And when all the neighbours know exactly what you're thinking, there's only one thing to do.

Run away.

It's going to be a summer Julia will never forget.

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I loved this novel. It was sophisticated, well written and I really struggled to put it down! The cover is simple but I love the design, the swimsuit with all mini pictures around it that give you an idea what the novel is about. It's colourful and summery and I love it.

The story itself mainly focuses on Julia and then nearer the middle of the book looks into Amber's life too. I liked both characters, although both of them had characteristics that were a little annoying. Like for example Julia was basically walked all over but Amber was the complete opposite. I loved their road trip, it was exciting and I loved reading about all the antiques at the market. It was just a really enjoyable novel and I really liked reading about the two women who were basically polar opposites.

It was a great, unique plot and I'm glad with how it finished. I love a book with a happy ending! This novel is a fun, summer novel and I urge you to give it a read. The location sounded idyllic and I loved the plot. There's a fun aspect to this novel but it also has a more serious note to it too which I quite enjoyed.

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.

I've Got Your Number by Sophie Kinsella

I've Got Your Number

Sophie Kinsella

Rating: 2 stars

Amazon UK

I've lost it :(

The only thing in the world I wasn't supposed to lose. My engagement ring. It's been in Magnus's family for three generations. And now, the very same day his parents are coming, I've lost it. The very same day. Do not hyperventilate, Poppy.

Stay positive!! :)

A couple of glasses of bubbly with the girls and Poppy's life has gone into meltdown. Not only has she lost her engagement ring, but in the panic that followed, she's lost her phone too. When she spots an abandoned phone in a bin it seems it was meant to be . . . Finders Keepers!

Except the phone's owner, elusive businessman Sam Roxton, doesn't agree. He wants his phone back, and doesn't appreciate Poppy reading all his messages and wading into his personal life. Can things get any more tangled?

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I normally love Sophie Kinsella novels, so was really looking forward to diving into this one. I love the new updated covers, they're sleek and stylish and I love the bold colours. I was also really intrigued by this novels description as well. I wanted to find out more - so I quickly started reading it!

However, what first struck me was how unrealistic some of what was happening was. Like how Poppy was reacting for example. The things she says. The things she does made me feel a bit like 'this would never happen' and therefore I just felt like I couldn't relate to it as much as some of Sophie's other novels. I didn't really like Poppy much to begin with and about a quarter of the way in I was going to give up. Then something really funny happened that made me remember why I love Sophie Kinsella novels so I decided to read on. I didn't like how she was replying on behalf of Sam and all these things happening as a consequence just wouldn't happen! Sorry! I mean who does that?!

Although I decided to carry on, I still just didn't really like it all too much. I didn't like most of the characters, I couldn't relate to any of them. Some parts were really funny don't get me wrong, but I just didn't enjoy it as much. Which is such a shame because I really wanted to. As well as this, I didn't like the inclusion of the footnotes, I found them really off-putting and I would pause what I was reading to read the appropriate footnote then get lost in what was going on so had to go back on myself which was quite irritating to be honest. I never normally write quite such a negative review but this book just got to me. So far I haven't had much good to say about it! Whoops!

Overall, just not my kind of book unfortunately. Too many things happening that generally just wouldn't happen and un-relatable characters. Shame.

A Year at Castle Court by Holly Hepburn

A Year at Castle Court

Holly Hepburn

Rating: 5 stars

Amazon UK

The brand new novel from bestselling author Holly Hepburn, perfect for anyone who loves Jenny Colgan, Veronica Henry and Lucy Diamond. A Year at Castle Court is Holly Hepburn's four Castle Court e-novellas collected together as a novel for the first time.

Sadie is a single mum, nursing a broken heart. Her best friend from childhood, Cat, is burned out from working long hours as a chef in Paris. In need of a change, they decide to invest in their dream - running their own handmade biscuit shop in gorgeous Castle Court, a three-storey food court tucked away behind Chester's bustling streets.

They soon discover that Castle Court has its own community - a little haven of delight against the stresses of the outside world. But not everyone welcomes the new business; the patisserie owner is less than pleased by what she sees as direct competition and Greg, who runs the fancy bistro that dominates one end of the courtyard, doesn't think Sadie and Cat have the talent or the business acumen to succeed. Luckily, there's support in the form of the delectable Jaren, who owns the Dutch waffle house opposite Smart Cookies, and Swiss chocolate-shop owner, Elin. And if all else fails, the friends can drown their sorrows in Seb's cocktail bar on the third floor!

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Oh, what a delightful novel by Holly Hepburn. I haven't read a novel by this author in such a long time, and when I got sent this book I couldn't wait to give it a read. However, fast forward to now I've finally got round to reading it and I wonder to myself why I took so long to read it in the first place! The book is pretty hefty as it's four novella's joined together but it's such a great read. The cover is what drew me in at first, I love the pastel colours, the tree, the wooden beams above the shops. It just looks so pretty and inviting.

We get to know quite a bit about Sadie and Cat pretty quickly as it's clear they've both been through quite a lot. However, we do learn that Cat has a bit of a big secret that she's been hiding away and it comes to light when Greg puts it to her in front of the busy food court. Both characters are relatable in their own way and I enjoyed reading about both of their hectic lives.

I enjoyed Sadie's character a lot, she had a young child whilst also trying her best to get her business off the ground, being the artistic side to the business, she works long hours to get everything done and as a result she finds herself being worked to the ground and her social and family life being affected as a result. Cat is in a similar boat, she also works long hours - although it seems not as long as what she was doing in Paris beforehand - and has a lot of issues when it comes to men.

The two women have obviously been through a lot before they even decided to open their business, and what makes matters worse is all the things that go wrong when they do finally open. People are against them, and even Mother Nature is! The girls can't seem to catch a break, but luckily it all comes together for them in the end and I'm happy with how it ended. It was a happy ending which is exactly the type of book I enjoy reading.

Overall, a lovely heartwarming novel. I would definitely recommend you give Holly Hepburn's novels a read this Spring. You won't regret it.

Dreaming of Verona by T.A. Williams

Dreaming of Verona

T.A. Williams

Rating: 5 stars

Amazon UK

Verona is the City of Love. But will Suzie find romance there or, like Romeo and Juliet, will it all end in tears?

When Suzie is hired to accompany spoiled, abrasive Lady Alexandra Tedburn on an all-expenses paid holiday to Italy, she fears the trip will be a disaster.

But she soon discovers there's more to Alex than shopping and tantrums, and she's determined to help her realise her potential - against Alex's authoritarian father's wishes.

As they settle in Verona, Suzie can't stop thinking about local artist Michael, who is still mourning the tragic death of his wife. With Suzie's future uncertain, and Michael's past holding him back, it seems there's no hope for romance in the city of star-crossed lovers... or is there?

A gorgeously uplifting and moving story, Dreaming of Verona is the perfect read for fans of Holly Martin, Tilly Tennant and Jenny Oliver.

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I was beginning to wonder when T.A. Williams was going to release another novel, and as soon as I saw this cover I immediately dropped what I was going to read next and decided to read this next! I adore T.A. Williams' style of writing. It's elegant, uplifting and draws you in. I love how all of his novels are gorgeously classy and gives you an insight to how the other half live!

This one in particular I enjoyed more due to the main character, Suzie. Suzie is an ordinary gal just like you and me and I think that's why I found her so endearing! She sees things for what they are and seemed so down-to-earth. Alexandra on the other hand took a little longer for me to warm to! She seemed exceptionally spoilt and quite snobbish that at first I was hoping that Suzie would turn down Lord Tedburn's offer. However, as the book progressed, I found that Alexandra was not all she seemed at first and I started to like her character a bit more, as well as feel slightly sorry for her.

Another character whom I felt sorry for was dear Michael. He had been through so much that I felt he definitely deserved some happiness. And I really hoped that Suzie would be the one to cause that happiness. I adored the setting of this novel, it sounded so idyllic and I loved the way T.A. Williams' described the food they ate. My mouth was watering on more than one occasion!

Overall, this was another really amazingly written story by the talented T.A. Williams. It was engaging, heartwarming and I struggled to put it down. Thank you to the publisher for a chance to read an advance copy of this novel via Netgalley, which I have reviewed honestly.

The Christmas Wish List by Heidi Swain

The Christmas Wish List

Heidi Swain

Rating: 5 stars

Amazon UK

The sparkling new Christmas novel from the Sunday Times bestselling author Heidi Swain!

After being let go from her job in a swanky hotel just weeks before Christmas, Hattie is feeling lost. Even more so when her high-flying boyfriend announces he's landed his dream job in Abu Dhabi and asks her to move in with him. Luckily, Hattie's long-time friend Dolly is on hand to help and invites Hattie to spend one last holiday in the small, festive town of Wynbridge, determined to give her a Christmas to remember. . . 

Upon Hattie's arrival, holiday preparations are in full swing. But for Hattie, whose Christmas cheer has long since run out, it'll take more than mince pies and mistletoe to open her heart to the season once more. Relishing the task of reigniting Hattie's Christmas spirit. Dolly suggests they create a wish list of all the things the season can offer, and with the helpful hands of Wynbridge's resident handyman, Beamish, Hattie finds her frosty exterior is starting to thaw.

As Wynbridge prepares for its most spectacular Christmas yet, will Hattie leave snowy England behind for life in a sunnier clime, or will she in fact realise that her heart's desire lies much closer to home?

The Christmas Wish List is the perfect read this Christmas, promising snowfall, warm fires and breath-taking seasonal romance. Perfect for fans of Carole Matthews and Cathy Bramley.

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It's pretty easy to be a Heidi Swain fan when she writes such amazingly festive and unputdownable novels such as this. After every new book I instantly say it's my new favourite, and now I'm saying the same! Heidi just keeps getting better and better and I simply adore her style of writing and the fact that most of her stories are linked in some way. The covers are also getting more and more beautiful and as soon as this was released I quickly made sure I grabbed myself a copy!

Main character Hattie, has recently been made redundant from her job in a posh hotel and she's at a loss as to what to do with her life now as working in a hotel is all she has known. However, old pal Dolly decides to give her a surprise visit and asks her to spend Christmas down in Wynbridge with her but partner Jonathan has asked her to move to Abu Dhabi with him making Hattie question which is the best move for her.

In the end she decides to go to Wynbridge for the festive season, then move to the hotter country in the New Year. Dolly soon makes up the Christmas Wish List as she is aware Hattie isn't all that fond of the holiday and together, with the helping hand of Beamish, they set about ticking everything off the list. In the meantime, Hattie gets involved with the towns events and she soon realises just how much she has missed out on.

With a shocking turn of events, Hattie and Jonathan have a huge bust up and to be honest, I really wasn't expecting the twist that takes place near the end of the novel! It's utterly heart-wrenching and I definitely had a tear in my eye when reading this! It was an amazing novel which had me not wanting to put it down. I adored all the characters, and of course it was a fabulous (if not emotional) ending! Simply cannot wait for Heidi's next novel already!