Category: General Fiction

Snowflakes, Iced Cakes and Second Chances by Sue Watson

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Synopsis: Escape to the cosy little village of Appledore for hot chocolate with extra marshmallows and a second chance at love. Will this Christmas prove that miracles really can happen?

A year after she separated from her husband, Gianni, on Christmas day, Chloe’s heart is finally on the mend as she unpacks the decorations for her first ever festive holiday alone. That is, until the phone rings…

It’s the manager of Gianni’s new seaside restaurant in Appledore, begging for Chloe’s help. Equally famous for his gold-leaf Christmas puddings and his explosive temper, Gianni has been really stirring up a sensation with the locals – and not in a good way! It’s the last thing she wants to do, but Chloe knows she is the only one that can help.

As pans fly and the temperature in the kitchen rises, Chloe’s calming influence and magic touch might just get critics back on side in time to save the restaurant from sinking like a sad soufflé. But as Chloe’s eyes meet Gianni’s as they tussle over a plate of turkey tartlets, could there also be a chance for new romance on the menu? 

Kat’s Rating: 5/5

Kat’s Review: I am as many of you know a huge Sue Watson fan, but that’s not to say I adore every one of her books…but this one I ABSOLUTELY do! This book is Christmas wrapped up in a toe tinglingly festive read, that needs to be accompanied preferably with an open fire and a mug of hot chocolate. Sue has written a few books set in Appledore, and although they are all standalone books they all feature some recurring characters. Appledore is a quaint little place near the sea and it’s where Chloe’s estranged husband Gianni has gone to open his latest restaurant. 

Chloe and Gianni are separated and as the story begins we take a walk down memory ane with Chloe and she describes their past and how they have reached the place they are both at now. With Gianni retreating to Appledore to open a restaurant after turning his back on the glitz and almost celebrity status he had in London, his fiery italian temper has got him in to hot water. With signs of his restaurant dying before it’s even begun Gianni’s Manager asks for Chloe’s help. Chloe who has spent a year building her career in events decides that rather than spend Christmas alone she will help Gianni try and salvage his restaurant (and reputation) and maybe they will become friends..

I instantly loved both these lead characters and they are extremely funny. Gianni with his ridiculous interpretation of the English language leads to some funny moments when he is explaining his thoughts on the beach! I can’t say that this is the most original storyline but it’s positively packed to the brim with Christmas spirit and a good old-fashioned romance. What made the story so enjoyable for me was the characters and the place itself. Having read all the other books set in Appledore I was thrilled to see the return (albeit fleetingly) of some familiar places such as Roberta, Dani and Sue.

We see Chloe and Gianni battle both on a personal front as well as a business one. Although the majority of the storyline is constantly peppered with humour there are more serious issues meaning both characters have their own chinks in their armour and makes them all the more likeable  The character Marco (who again featured in previous books) was a perfect fit into this story too! I read this in one sitting and loved every single page. If you are looking for a festive read that will make you smile then this here is the answer. One word of warning though, don’t read it if yu are hungry as you may find yourself reaching for food! This would be the perfect stocking filler and is highly recommended!

BLOG TOUR: WE’LL ALWAYS HAVE CHRISTMAS BY JENNY HALE

Synopsis: Christmas has always been a special time for Noelle Parker. Winter evenings spent with family and friends, drinking hot chocolate and eating cookies at her family’s cozy bakery have shaped her love for all things festive. But this year everything is changing…

The beloved bakery is facing closure and Noelle needs a miracle to save Christmas.

Determined to raise funds for the family business, Noelle sets about revamping the bakery while juggling a surprise new job, caring for the elderly and cantankerous William Harrington in his luxurious, sprawling mansion.

As Noelle melts the frostiness of the house with cake baking, snowball fights and glittering decorations, she helps William to reconnect with a romance that has spanned decades and unexpectedly finds herself falling for his grandson – the gorgeous but mysterious Alexander Harrington…

In the countdown to Christmas, can Noelle save the bakery, reunite a family and create some magical memories of her own along the way?

Kat’s Rating: 5/5

Kat’s Review: I was thrilled to be a part of Jenny Hale’s blog tour as I am a huge fan! This latest Christmas themed book was an absolute corker and I loved it. Noelle Parker is in danger of losing the family bakery and as such she is pulling out all the stops to try and raise as much money as possible to be able to save it from closing. In her quest for money she finds a new job working for William Harrington and caring for him in his ridiculously large mansion house. The benefit for Noelle is that it’s a live-in position which enables her to live there with her son Lucas.

As time goes on Noelle and William form a bond and the story adds another layer, and then Noelle meets William’s Grandson Alexander and another element is added to the story. I don’t really want to re-has any elements of the storyline as it’s so much more enjoyable when you discover it yourself. What I will say is that this book just felt perfect for the Christmas season, love and romance, a fabulously engaging storyline and a splash of snow, you can’t really ask for too much more. I loved the characters in this book and I always think Jenny Hale does an amazing job with her descriptions as I literally feel transported reading her books.

Another cracking book by Jenny Hale and even though I think Summer at Oyster Bay remains my favourite of hers this definitely takes a close second. A wonderful book that I devoured in a day and would highly recommend.

Blog Tour: A Very Vintage Christmas by Tilly Tennant

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Synopsis: The fairy lights are up and shoppers are flooding the snowy seaside promenade. It’s going to be a busy month at Forget-Me-Not Vintage, a magical shop with a warm heart where every item has a story to be told. 


With bright red hair and an infectious smile, Dodie is a hopeless romantic and absolutely one of a kind, just like the pieces in her shop.

When Dodie finds a love letter in the pocket of an old woollen coat, she makes it her mission to deliver it to its rightful owner. Following the address, she manages to persuade the handsome but reluctant new tenant, Edward, to help her with her search.

As the story of the letter unfolds, Dodie is there, as always, to pick up the pieces and make things right. But who will be there for her when her own love story needs a helping hand?

Is it too much to dream of a happy ending like the ones in the black and white movies she adores? 

Kat’s Rating: 4/5

Kat’s Review: I have loved Tilly’s books that I have read in the past and was looking forward to indulging in the one of the many Christmas Themed books I have at the moment (it’s never too early right?). The cover is to die for and gives it that Christmassy feel however although the book is centered around Christmas time it’s not too much overkill which I liked. Dodie is a little quirky, she dyes her hair all sorts of colours and owns and runs a Vintage clothing store in town. She finds a letter in among some bits she has brought but all she has is the name of the people who wrote and received the letter and an address. Considering it was in 1944 she has her work cut out but wants to know more about the people involved.

On her quest to find out more she meets Ed who somehow gets involved in her search. Other notable characters were Dodie’s friend Isla, her slightly kooky Gran and even Nick, the homeless guy who Dodie talks to. Dodie’s Gran definitely stole the limelight for me and it was hillarious listening to her regular updates on what ‘classes’ she was attending! It took me a few chapters to get into the story but once there I was completely enthralled.The story of the Wartime romance adds another level to this book and for me made it so much more interesting as it intertwines with Dodie’s life. Overall this is another great book by Tilly and what makes it even better is knowing there is another installment soon! A Cosy Candlelit Christmas is being released in October 2017 and features Isla who is seen in this story. I can’t wait to get started on it!

BLOG TOUR: Christmas at Mistletoe Cove by Holly Martin (Hope Island #3)

Synopsis: Growing up on Hope Island, Eden Lancaster always believed that if you wished hard enough for something, dreams really could come true. But Eden’s greatest wish is also her biggest secret: she has been completely in love with her childhood friend, the charming and attractive Dougie Harrison, for as long as she can remember. And he has no idea.

When Dougie leaves his successful life in New York to return home to Hope Island for good, Eden can’t escape her feelings. Her heart is full of hope that her romantic dreams are finally, at long last, going to come true…

This Christmas could change everything. But can a lifelong friendship really turn into the perfect romance? And will Eden get the happily ever after she’s always wished for?

Kat’s Rating: 5/5 Continue reading “BLOG TOUR: Christmas at Mistletoe Cove by Holly Martin (Hope Island #3)”

Summer at Buttercup Beach by Holly Martin (Hope Island #2)

Synopsis: For two years Freya Greene has hidden the fact that she’s totally and utterly in love with her best friend Rome Lancaster. It’s not been easy – they work together in his glasswork business, she lives above his workshop and, he’s completely gorgeous. But Rome has never shown any sign of returning those feelings. Until now… 

Lately they’ve shared affectionate touches and words heavy with meaning. Yet Freya knows Rome has a damaged heart. After losing his fiancé in a tragic accident, he’s not allowed himself to fall in love. 

Freya has already had her heart broken by a man who couldn’t let go of a past love. Can she risk it happening again? Rome and Freya have a friendship that could blossom into something more. Are they both brave enough to take that chance? 

Kat’s Rating: 4/5

Kat’s Review: I am a fan of all things Holly Martin and was thrilled that Summer At Buttercup Beach was available to read. Bella and Isaac from Spring at Blueberry Bay feature in this latest book but the main stars of the show are Freya and Rome. Freya gave evevrything up and has ended up staing on Hope Island working alongside her best friend Rome. The only problem is that although they have been firm friends for 2 years, she has never told him that she is head over heels in love with him.

I liked Freya and Rome and they are certainly characters which are easy to read, as is the beautiful setting of Hope Island. When Rome starts to show signs that maybe he feels something different Freya wonders if she was imagining it. We also see some characters return (albeit briefly) from the last book and it’s always lovely to see where everybody is with their lives. Even though I thoroughly enjoyed this book, I felt like there was maybe a little something missing from Holly’s usual offerings. Maybe because the story solely worked itself around just Rome and Freya and their feelings it wasn’t quite as engaing as her other books?

Thst small niggle aside the story has everything you would want from a book like this and is a perfect beach read. What I did love was the addition of Dougie and Rome’s sister Eden featuring lining up what I hope is the synopsis for the next Hope Island book. Another great read by Holly Martin and I will look forward to reading the next one for sure!

Summer at Seafall Cottage by Lily Graham

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Synopsis: Victoria Langley’s world crumbles when her husband leaves, but she knows exactly where to go to mend her broken heart. The rugged shores of Cornwall will be her perfect sanctuary. 

In the quaint, little village of Tregollan, nestled in the sea cliffs, Victoria is drawn to Seafall Cottage, covered in vines and gracefully falling apart. Inside she finds a diary full of secrets, from 1905.

Victoria is determined to unravel the diary’s mystery, but the residents of Tregollan are tight-lipped about Tilly Asprey, the cottage’s last owner. Just as she reaches a dead end, Victoria meets Adam Waters, the lawyer handling the cottage’s sale. He’s handsome, charming, and has a missing piece of the puzzle.

Tilly’s diary tells a devastating love story that mirrors Victoria’s own. Can Victoria learn from Tilly’s mistakes, and give herself a second chance at love? Or is history doomed to repeat itself?

Kat’s Rating: 3/5

Kat’s Review: I was looking forward to this release by Lily Graham as I absolutely LOVED A Cornish Christmas. However, I was surprised as this one seemed a little slower to get into.

Our lead character Victoria’s has gone to Cornwall and made an extremely rash decision and brought herself a derelict house. Following the breakdown of her marriage it appears this is her way of retreating to lick her wounds in private. ‘Seafall Cottage’ Has its own secrets though and when she finds some diaries in the house she cannot help but be pulled into the stories within those pages. Before long she becomes almost obsessed with the owner and writer of the diaries Tilly.  Tilly is a young girl living in the early 1900s and we see the story flip between present day and Victoria and then back to the past with Tilly.

Additional characters such as Angie, Victoria’s houseboat neighbor struck a cord and I really liked her and then there is Adam and a whole host of others. Somehow though I never really connected all that much with any of them. The writing was brilliant and the story enjoyable but I just felt there was something lacking with this latest book that wasn’t with the last one. I certainly enjoyed it, but think her first book was so amazing I spent the whole time comparing which is never a good idea.

Single For The Summer by Mandy Baggott

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Synopsis: Tess Parks has made up her mind: love isn’t for her.

When it comes to dating she has one rule: after six weeks with a guy, she ends it. So when her heartbroken best friend invites her for a girly getaway in Corfu, Tess is sure she can stick to their pact to stay single for the summer.

But then she meets the gorgeous restaurateur Andras…

To keep his overbearing mother off his back, Tess agrees to pretend to date him. But as the two spend time together, Tess begins to realise that this fake relationship is starting to feel like the best one she’s ever had…

Kat’s Rating: 5/5

Kat’s Review: I have to say I have a bit of a girl fan thing going on with Mandy Baggot. Her books are like the best chocolate on a miserable day, no matter what…it never fails to cheer you up. I have read a few MB books now and they just seem to cheer me up immensely, I always know I am going to get a fantastic book that will have me smiling and laughing from one page to the next. Thankfully her magic has not faded one bit. This latest book is the absolute PERFECT anecdote to our miserably pathetic ‘summer’ evenings we are meant to be having.

Tess Parks is front and centre in this latest book and is strictly a 6 week maximum serial-dater. I fell head over heels in love with this loud, funny yet sensitive woman who is an absolutely hilarious serial dater. When her latest BF pops the question over dinner she goes into meltdown. Her friend Sonya is also having a hard time and is ‘on a break’ from her boyfriend Joey. When Sonya suggests some R&R in Corfu the two girls head off with the plan of drinking in the sun and forgetting all their troubles.

For the girls, what they didn’t plan on was running into a gorgeous Greek restaurant owner Andras and his overbearing Mother. Andras needs a fake girlfriend to get his Mother off his back and before they know it, they are dragged into a crazy week which had me tittering along with every additional part of the story. Mandy Baggot has created the perfect read, full of characters that you can’t help but love (even Andras overbearing Mother), tortoises that won’t stay in their home and all sorts of weird and wonderful other things.

This book was a sheer joy to read and I just loved how beautiful Corfu sounded, it actually made me want to hop on a plane for a weeks R&R myself. I read the book in one day over two sittings and loved it from start to finish. Having been having an absolutely rubbish day, Mandy Baggot single-handedly sent me to bed feeling a lot more happy than I was when I woke up. A pleasure to read and I will make sure that her newest releases always make their way to the top of my to read list now!

Bed and Breakfast on The Beach by Kat French

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Synopsis: A Greek island solves all life’s problems…doesn’t it?

Winnie, Stella and Frankie have been best friends forever.

When their lives unexpectedly unravel, they spontaneously decide to buy a gorgeous B&B on a remote Greek island. Drenched in hot sun, Villa Valentina is the perfect escape from reality. But when Winnie meets Jesse, their brooding neighbour, she finds that Greece is full of its own complications – not least how attractive he is…

Meanwhile, Frankie and Stella are discovering that Villa Valentina has its own secrets – starting with the large supply of gin in the cellar and the arrival of a famous rock band. A band with one very good-looking member who just might distract Frankie from thoughts of her husband…

Kat’s Rating: 5/5

Kat’s Review: So Kat French (or Kitty French if reading her other books) has very quickly become a firm favourite of mine. Her books are endless buckets of fun and I was really looking forward to this latest one. To be fair when I started reading it I wondered what on earth was going on?  A couple of chapters and we already had three women with a whole new adventure ahead of them? Where was the explanation and the background? Well, you see this is where the delectable Kat French comes into her own. She doesn’t need all that because what she does is then slowly reveal each character and the reasons for how they got to the beautiful island of Skelidos.

Villa Valentina on the sun soaked Greek Island starts out as a holiday destination, but somehow ends up with them being the new owners of the B&B. What they don’t realise is that by taking a leap of faith and starting a new adventure, it would also bring with it some added extras which they weren’t quite prepared for! Stella, Frankie and Winnie have been friends since childhood, so the fact they start a whole new adventure and business together comes as no big surprise. I think in my eyes Winnie seemed to be more of a central character with Frankie and Stella playing more of a backseat. However as the story progresses each of the three women take their own journey and we go along for the ride.

With donkeys named The Fonz, a secret distillery in the cellar, pop stars turning up just to name a few this story is packed to the rafters with fun, frolics and romance. I loved the additional male characters in the book especially Jesse their moody neighbour. I read this in a day and a half and just two sittings and it was a glorious read. This book was pure delight from start to finish and it had everything you could possibly want in a book like this. There were one liners that made me laugh out loud, ridiculously funny situations, romantic ones, terrible ones…you name it, it was there. Another outstanding read that I would definitely pick up for any upcoming travels you may have

BLOG TOUR – SUMMER AT THE LITTLE FRENCH GUESTHOUSE BY HELEN POLLARD

Synopsis: 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?

Kat’s Rating: 5/5

Kat’s Review: I was sad to realise that this is the end for Emmy and the Guesthouse, having read the previous 2 books I had fallen a little in love. Emmy Jamieson is running La Cour Des Roses the guesthouse set in the French countryside and it’s only a matter of weeks until her wedding to the lovely Alain. Rupert is the man who she runs the Guesthouse with and I was thrilled to be back in their lives as they are wonderful characters. This main storyline centres solely around the run up to her wedding with the addition of the overbearing Mother/Bridezilla . The thing that made me fall for these books is the characters and once again Helen Pollards skill of drawing you into their lives is what makes these such an enjoyable read.

Her descriptive ways explaining how beautiful it is where they are in France is also an added bonus. From the guesthouse, to the foord and drink, to the wonderful characters she has created.  We see the return of characters from books one and two but we also meet some new family members which always makes books like these all the more interesting. With Emmy mother causing mayhem it seems that nothing is going right for her and you spemt the whole time praying that things worked out.

I don’t want to mention too much more of the storyline for fear of ruining it for those who have yet to read it. What I will say is that although you could read this book as a standalone, why would you want to? This trio of books is absolutely wonderful and they could be read back to back for pure enjoyment and total escapism. I was once again transported into another world, one which I wish I could have been a part of. As much as I am sad to see the last of the Guesthouse and it’s owners, I am so excited to see what Helen Pollard comes up with next. This is certainly an author that I would highly recommend.

Blog Tour: Curves, Kisses and Chocolate Ice Cream by Sue Watson

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Synopsis: Dani’s on a mission to get her life back on track by the end of the Summer. Running, rowing, aerobics and more, but perhaps all she needs are sweet treats and a second chance? 

Twenty years ago, Dani fled Appledore with a broken-heart and a suitcase full of shattered dreams. Only now is she brave enough to put her past behind her and return for a summer selling homemade ice-cream and getting fit by doing sit-ups by the sea. 

But the new-look cafe is filled with old memories of Jude, her teenage sweetheart-turned-sour. She thinks of him every time she swirls warm sauce onto a “chocolate-bockaglory” and even with the help of Chris, her gorgeous personal trainer, the urge to break her diet is everywhere she turns. 

When Jude makes an appearance at the cafe on the eve of Dani’s birthday party, history threatens to repeat itself. Is Dani strong enough to say no? And is the love she’s been longing for much closer than she thinks? 

Kat’s Rating: 4/5

Kat’s Review: We are back in the town of Appledore and this time we meet Dani. She left Appledore twenty years before with a broken heart and now she is back, overweight and desperate to become thinner and more fabulous in time for her fortieth birthday. Dani is a very likeable character and to be honest you just know that she is going to struggle on her weight loss challenge. The first quarter of the book really sets the scene and the reader really gets to see what Dani is up against including some very funny scenes when she attempts to go to the gym.

Once Dani is in her stride she is joined by Chris from the gym who is on a mission to help her with her plan to lose weight. It was also nice to see brief glimpses of characters from the first book set in the same town. Although these are all set around the town and the Ice Cream Cafe, each book can certainly be read as a standalone. As the story progresses you soon understand that this is the reader experiencing Dani’s journey with her, including all the pitfalls and funny moments too.

In one respect this was very different from her last book but actually that made no difference and it was nice to have such a departure. As usual Sue Watson has created a book that will lift your spirits and more importantly make you laugh. I am a huge fan, and although this may not be my favourite of hers, it’s a brilliant addition and one that I thoroughly loved. Be warned though, with the sheer descriptive deliciousness, don’t expect to NOT want to eat a number of summer deserts whilst reading. The perfect beach read that will have you laughing into your Cocktail!