Sunday 30 August 2015

Raincoats and Retrievers- Cressida McLaughlin


Another lovely book in the Primrose Terrace Series. Cat can't help getting involved in the lives of the people she dog walks for. She just wants to make everyone's lives better. She manages to meet up with Mark - but is Joe holding a secret torch for her too? She gets involved in another local cause and it's lovely to see the residents come together again.

I can't wait for the last part of this story set at Christmas.

With many thanks to Net Galley for a copy of this book

Thursday 27 August 2015

The Sea between us- Emylia Hall


This book has everything that would draw me to choose a book. It has a gorgeous atmospheric cover, it’s set in Cornwall and has a beautiful writing style. I enjoyed her previous book, too.
Robyn is saved from drowning by one of her neighbours- Jago. It links their lives forever from that point. They follow different paths in life- but will fate bring them back together at some point in the future? The characters are really well drawn and have you rooting them.
I was drawn in from the start and completely lost myself within the pages and the beautiful Cornish scenery. Another book that I wish could have gone on forever!
With many thanks to the publisher and Net Galley for the opportunity to read this book.

 Another 5* read for me.

Tuesday 25 August 2015

The Tea Planters Wife- Dinah Jefferies



What a beautifully written, atmospheric book. It takes you back to the sights and sounds of 1920’s Ceylon- you can see the rich colours and imagine life alongside Gwen.

Gwen joins her husband on a tea plantation after they marry- but life isn’t how she’d imagined it would be. Secrets and tensions are all around her and sadness pervades. The characters are so well drawn you can imagine sitting down to ‘tea’ with them.

It educates you on a different culture and era and expectations of the time. I love books like this. The covers are also absolutely stunning and would draw you straight across the bookshop to add it to your basket.

I'd like to thank Net Galley for a copy of this lovely book to review.



The second book I’ve read set in Dartmouth this summer- and I’m really keen to go and visit again now! The setting is obviously wonderful! The characters are so well drawn that you can imagine knowing them in real life. It’s exciting to see that there are plenty more Marcia Willett books to add to my ‘tbr’ list.
Evie is left the house when her husband dies rather than his son Charlie. As it has been passed down the family this comes as a surprise. Charlie’s wife isn’t happy when Evie lets his cousin stay in the house and you can feel the family tension. When Charlie visits one weekend lives are changed.
I loved the Regatta weekend- brought back memories of childhood holidays in Dartmouth. The way the house is described makes you want to search through the holiday brochures to book a week there!



Sunday 23 August 2015

Nantucket- Nan Rossiter


Such a bittersweet story about young love set in such an idyllic spot. I'd love to have a house on a remote island and be able to sail! I do love a good American story.
Liam and Cadie met as youngsters whilst Cadie was on a summer break. Her father wouldn't allow them to have a relationship and Liam has held a part of his heart for Cadie over the ensuing years.
I really felt for both Liam and Cadie and loved the way the whole story unfolded. A very emotional book that demands that you keep reading and find out what happens to them.
With many thanks to Net Galley for a copy of this book- I will definately look for more books by Nan Rossiter. I loved this one.

Saturday 22 August 2015

Five Go Glamping- Liz Tipping



I loved this book- the book starts off in Birmingham, which is my home town. It’s always nice to picture familiar places.
It covers a glamping trip with a group of friends who are all at a stage in their life where they either want to be settling down or moving forward in glittering careers.
The scene is set when the car breaks down just outside the festival site and a gorgeous man helps them out. Will this glamping trip turn out to be a break they enjoy or a torture resembling girl guide trips? There is a nod to the Famous Five adventures too!The ‘New Age’ people add a lot of humour and depth to the story and there are interesting friendships and relationships under review. I loved Brian the dog!
I will be keen to read more by Liz Tipping- this looks to be a debut novel.
With many thanks to Carina UK and Net Galley for a copy of this book.

Wednesday 19 August 2015

The little kiosk by the Sea- Jennifer Bohnet


This book was such a treasure. I loved every page and was so sad when it came to an end. I could quite happily return to Dartmouth to learn more about how the characters get on when the book ends.

Sabine and her brother run a kiosk that books boat trips - and it's under threat of closure. They are the hub of the community. Her best friend who she last saw 30 years ago suddenly turns back up in Dartmouth and they easily catch up with the lost years. But just why did she leave and why is she back.

I love the way that the stories entwine between the characters and you get family relationships being tested, romances trying to flourish and long lost secrets and hurt.

It was lovely to read about places I know well and it's made me want to revisit Dartmouth again!

Another winning book from Carina UK- with many thanks to them and Net Galley for a copy of this book. I was delighted to find that there are several more books by Jennifer Bohnet that I can catch up on.