Pretending to Dance- Diane Chamberlain

A new Diane Chamberlain book is always a treat- and this one was a great read.

Molly and Aiden want to adopt a baby but he doesn't know the full details of her childhood. Molly has distanced herself from all of her relations- but just what is she hiding from him. They are sent details of a young girl hoping to place her baby and have to put a profile together to get her to pick them!

I loved all the characters- we get the insight into why she has distanced herself from her past.

You can imagine Morrison's Ridge and all the people who live there.

With many thanks to Net Galley for the chance to read this wonderful book.

Four Weddings and a White Christmas

his was a lovely festive return to Cherry Pie Island. Although this is part of a series, it could be enjoyed as a great Christmassy stand alone read.

Hannah is designing wedding dresses for some of the local brides and you get caught up in the family atmosphere getting the dress ready for the first brides big day. She also meets Harry, who is a chef working in America. Their first meeting doesn't go that well- but there is a spark between them and it's great to see a relationship possibility running through the book.

The characters are like old friends and the setting , especially when the snow falls, makes you truly believe that you are there with them all. We also return to the Dandelion cafe which sounds such a wonderful place.

The cover really would pull you towards it on the bookstand and I'd love a paper copy for my favourites shelf at home. It's one of those series I can't wait to read.

With many thanks to Net Galley and the publisher for a copy of this book.

The Things we do for love- Alice Peterson

I always really enjoy Alice Peterson books and this one was no exception. She draws such wonderful characters and touches subjects sensitively. She always carries out extensive research which shows. She has a wonderful writing style.

January looks after her young daughter, who has cerebal palsy, on her own. She grew up with loving grandparents. The book switches easily from the past to the present. January lost her own parents when she was a baby.

There is also a wonderful dog character in the book- which I’ve come to expect to see in one of Alice’s books! I love canine characters in books.

A lovely account of family relationships full of love and romance which draws you in and makes you relax into the armchair with a lovely cuppa and the knowledge that you are reading a wonderful story.

With many thanks to Net Galley for the chance to read this beautiful book

The Misadventures of a Playground mother- Christie Barlow

I loved this book about life in a country village and having to endure the mums at the school gate every day.

The scenes made me smile along and wonder just what else could happen!

Rachel is ambushed by Penelope and finds her planned holiday to her villa in Spain turned into a joint trip, without her even having being asked. I was so indignant for her I found myself telling my husband what Penelope was up to next..

New friendships are formed and seemingly in the unlikeliest of places at times. I loved the holiday descriptions- even though it had me bristling on their behalf!

I found I missed the first book in this series- so I will be buying that for my kindle and I’m keen to catch up on their future plans mentioned at the end of this book.

With many thanks to Bookoutre (one of my favourite publishers) and NetGalley for a copy of this book. Another 5* read for me.

Stirred with Love- Marcie Steele

This was such a wonderful read- for a fairly short book it packs a lot of heartwarming and heartbreaking scenes.

Chloe and Kate answer an advert for staff for a coffee shop after wanting to make a change in their own lives. Chloe sees it as a chance to spread her wings before Uni and Kate needs to escape her life and make changes.

Lily the owner wants to renew the coffee shop and enlists their help to make an adorable sounding Coffee Stop. You get to know the builders, Lily's friends and the new customers. Will there be a spark of romance anywhere?

I loved the scenes between Lily and the 'girls'- she sees them as the daughters she never had. You could just feel the coffee shop providing everyone with the chance to regroup and enjoy the camaraderie and friendship and heal.

I was so sorry to come to the end- maybe there is a chance to return to the Coffee Stop at some point?!

With many thanks to the publisher and Net Galley for the chance to read this wonderful book.

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

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

Afternoon Tea at the Sunflower Cafe

I was so excited when my pre publication copy of Milly's book arrived. It's great being part of Team Milly.

I literally couldn't put this one down. I loved The Ladies who launch which was released on 1st June and introduced us to the Sunflower Cafe. I hope we hear more from Lady Muck and The Sunflower Cafe.

A group of disgruntled cleaners meet there once a month to air their problems and enjoy an afternoon tea. The owner closes especially for their meetings.

Connie discovers that her husband who owns Diamond Shine has been unfaithful over the last 24 years, she and the office manager vow to bankrupt his company and open their own rival one, Lady Muck.

The characters are all so well drawn that you fall in love with them AND the people they clean for. I loved Cheryl and her relationships with her clients. Astrid made me laugh out loud. Some of their stories pulled at the heartstrings, whilst others made you smile and cheer them on.

I was willing Connie on, to make a success of Lady Muck and leave her husband regretting losing her. She meets Brandon who is a chocolatier and wants to make her smile and enjoy chocolate again. Who could resist such a knight in shining armour? 

I finished this one sitting in the sunshine and was trying to make the last few pages last longer!!!!!! 

I loved that Team Milly were mentioned in the acknowledgements! Made me feel special for a moment!
The latest Milly is ALWAYS a treasure- I just wish I had more to catch up on. Hope the next one is already in production!

With many thanks to Milly and her publishers for an early copy of this book.

Pippa's Cornish Dream- Debbie Johnson

5* read
When Pippa lost her parents, she found herself looking after her brothers and sisters, social workers,a farm and holiday rentals rather than studying at Oxford. She has a lot on her plate- her teenage brother has gone off the rails a bit and she dreads every phonecall.

When one of the holidaymakers arrives early, he seems familiar. He seems a bit aloof, even though he is stunning!!!!

This book is full of everything-romance, family dynamics, teenage rebels, the Cornish coast and the farm characters. The characters are drawn so that you feel you know them and care about them. You feel for Pippa- who hasn't had a boyfriend since she took over the care of her siblings. Ben has taken her heart- but can they see the way forward or get over the past?

It makes you want to go and book a holiday rental and visit the local coves!

With many thanks to the publisher and Net Galley for a copy of this book.

A Mother's Story- Amanda Prowse

I loved this book. I enjoyed Amanda Prowse's writing style and was drawn into the book very quickly. I wanted to know exactly what had happened and the book cleverly weaves Jessica's diary entries with her earlier life.

Jessica and Matthews wedding day was lovely, and their friends were well written. Topaz was a particular treasure and the way he fitted into already well established friendships. Both families are lovely and the scene at the baby shower particularly amusing.

They are so in love that the news that they are expecting a baby should be the best news ever. But will things run smoothly- exactly what has happened to Jessica and where is she now?

The book covers post natal depression and the traumatic way it can affect lives and how misunderstood it can be.

I can't wait to read more by Amanda Prowse.

Summer Challenges

I'm taking part in two challenges this summer- one is the Paperback Summer- where I am going to try and read 12 books from the bookshelf. The photo shows the initial selection- but have just had 2 new ones which will jump towards the top of the pile! So we'll see how many I manage.

The initial selection is very exciting- a couple of prizes, the Team Milly copy, some finds at a car boot sale the week before the challenge and a few older ones.

PAPERBACK SUMMER

1. Afternoon Tea at the Sunflower Cafe 5* (4/6)

2. A Mothers's Story- Amanda Prowse

3. Some Kind Of Hero - Donna Hay

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1.

We received a preview copy of this one from Team Milly. Connie discovers that her husband of 24 years has been unfaithful most of their marriage. She vows to ruin his cleaning company by setting up on her own as Lady Muck. The office manager is going to join her. The present cleaning staff meet once a month at the cafe to air grievances- and Connie is hoping to persuade them all to join her- whilst she's pretending to be Marilyn the cleaner.

You get to know the customers and the cleaners and really drawn to them all.

a 5* read.

2. A Mother's Story- Amanda Prowse

I loved this book. I enjoyed Amanda Prowse's writing style and was drawn into the book very quickly. I wanted to know exactly what had happened and the book cleverly weaves Jessica's diary entries with her earlier life.

Jessica and Matthews wedding day was lovely, and their friends were well written. Topaz was a particular treasure and the way he fitted into already well established friendships. Both families are lovely and the scene at the baby shower particularly amusing.

They are so in love that the news that they are expecting a baby should be the best news ever. But will things run smoothly- exactly what has happened to Jessica and where is she now?

The book covers post natal depression and the traumatic way it can affect lives and how misunderstood it can be.

I can't wait to read more by Amanda Prowse.

With many thanks to LoveReading for a copy of this book

SUMMER CHALLENGE

This challenge is to read 20 books on either a summer theme, with a summer related title, a summery cover- or the author has a summery name!!!!!!!! I love books set by the coast- but with all my NetGalley review books - I'm not sure how many of these I will manage. I have just had the new Lucy Diamond one- which is screaming to be read.

1. Summer By the Sea- Jenny Hale 4*

2. Pippa's Cornish Dream- Debbie Johnson 5*

3.Sunshine and Spaniels- Cressida Mc:Laughlin 5*

4.Summer Fling and Dancing Dreams- Sue Watson 5*

5. The Riviera- Karen Aldous 5*

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20.

The Lives Between Us- Theresa Rizzo

Synopsis
How far would you go to save the one you love?

Reporter Skylar Kendall has run from commitment all her life, pushing people away before they leave her, until her niece worms her way into Skye’s heart and settles in tight. Skye relaxes into a career she enjoys and relishes being a doting aunt.

Then her niece becomes gravely ill. Unable to bear yet another loss, Skye is determined to find a cure, but the girl’s only hope lies in the embryonic stem cell therapy Michigan Senator Edward Hastings repeatedly opposes. When Skye fails to find alternative treatment in time, she vows to end the senator’s political career.

Curious about the woman behind the scathing articles on his best friend, Mark Dutton pursues Skye. Dating Mark gives her access to Hastings’s life and secrets that would launch Skye's career and satisfy her need for retribution… Only she hadn’t counted on falling in love.

Can she avenge the lives lost to politics at the expense of her new love and friends?


My Review
4* read
The author got in touch with me and asked whether I would like to read a copy of her book. I had it downloaded on Net Galley and put it to the top of my tbr pile.

I was quickly drawn into the book. I loved the scenes between Sky and her niece Nicky who had a heart problem. She took supplies in for a pyjama party to give her sister and her husband a night off. Conventional medicine is not helping and the only thing that may help- stem cell therapy is opposed by the senator.

She tries to get him to rethink his policies and then vows to ruin him. She is devastated that he stands in the way of the medical research that could help so many people.

As the book evolves you realise that everyone has their own standpoint on something like stem cell research and what constitutes illegal practice- and that personal circumstance may force you to face up to your personal beliefs. 

The characters are all tied together either by work or personal friendships and I loved seeing behind the scenes on the ski trip and the blooming relationship between Sky and Mark. They are both shaken by past experiences and afraid to fully commit, drawing back when they are ready to take their relationship to a new level. Can they ever learn to trust each other fully and is one of them hiding more than they should?

It makes you think about the home life behind public office. A Senator (or one of our politicians) is elected to serve the public- but they also have a private family life and they may be a totally different person at home. Can you form an opinion solely on their public persona?

I loved every page and will be keen to read more by Theresa.

This week in books.

A new blog meme that I found whilst browsing! Something I must try and remember!

The books I've discovered this week! I absolutely loved Fairytale Beginnings. It really did have a magical feel about it- and who wouldn't want to live in a fairytale castle with a man like Cameron!

Milly Johnson released Ladies who launch and it felt like catching up with old friends and was a fantastic introduction to the Sunflower Cafe featuring in her new book that I can't wait to start! I thought I'd read it as soon as it landed on the mat- but have a few books I agreed to review.

One of those was The Lives between us by Theresa Rizzo. She'd seen one of my reviews and asked if  I'd be interested in reading her book. I am really enjoying it. It deals with stem cell research and I love the way the characters are drawn. It's really drawn me in - so will be really pleased to write a review for this one.

I have signed up for a couple of challenges- one is the Paperback Summer- to read some books off the bookshelf during June, July and August. As I read mainly on my kindle now- it's a great excuse to read some of those lovely books waiting for me on my bookshelf. I've set a  target of 12 and they will PROBABLY include these ones.

I won The Chateau on the lake on Adele's blog and can't wait to read that one, Summertime was won on Good Reads and is one of the Richard and Judy collection this year.

I also signed up to read 20 Summertime books- with either a summer theme, summer cover or summer title. This one might be more of a struggle to complete as I have so many books that I requested on Net Galley that it doesn't leave much chance to read those books at the back of the kindle. But I love summer time reads set at the coast- so we'll have to see how I cope with that one! I guess a couple in the photo above might count!

As soon as I finish The Lives between us I can start the book I've been waiting to read as soon as it arrived!

It's been great being a part of Team Milly- we've received the last two books before publication and now have a special group on facebook.

Fairytale beginnings- Holly Martin

Milly works for a Heritage company that take over certain buildings when the owners are struggling to maintain them. She is called to look over Clover Castle and falls in love with it's fairytale look. It has turrets and a moat and only needs to be painted pink to belong in a Disney film. She is also strongly attracted to the owner- even though they are both very wary with relationships.

Everyone in the village is against Cameron, as he had to let them go from working in the castle due to lack of funds.

Milly looks round the castle and tries to find out how old it is and whether her company is likely to be able to help Cameron.

After meeting some of the old ladies in the village she is roped into appearing in the summer festival and is told she needs to convince Cameron to take part- to heal the rift with the village.

I loved the characters- who wouldn't want a Cameron in their life!!!!!! The villagers were very cleverly drawn and the ghost made her appearances throughout. I was rooting for them to get together- through all the twists and turns and reservations they had at letting their heart rule their head.

The castle sounded absolutely beautiful and I'd love to stay there!

With many thanks to Bookoutre and their really charming library of books and Net Galley for the chance to read this one. It will stay with me for a long time. Really charming and romantic.

Ladies Who Launch- Milly Johnson

An ebook exclusive from Milly!

I absolutely loved catching up with Selina and Angie from Here Come the Girls. The introduction to the Sunflower Cafe was lovely- it sounds like a very inviting place to enjoy time with special friends. 'It just wants you to sit down and forget the world outside for a bit'. Wouldn't we all love somewhere to escape to and enjoy the afternoon with a tasty cake and cup of tea. I can't wait to read Afternoon Tea at the Sunflower Cafe now! This book was great to curl up with on the sofa- with a nice cuppa whilst the rain came down outside. In my head I could be on the cruise and then nestled in a really cosy cafe with my best friend.

Thanks for a great read Milly.