Chasing Moonbeams in Merriment Bay by Emily Harvale

Today is my stop on the Blog tour for this next instalment in the Merriment Bay series from Emily Harvale. Thank you to Rachel's Random Resources for inviting me to join the tour and for bycopy of the ebook in exchange for my honest and unbiased review. 

Book Description

Cat Devon is finally with the love of her life – and she couldn’t be happier about that. But discovering the identity of her real dad and the fact she has two half-brothers was a shock. Getting to know her new family is now a priority. 

Kyra Devon is only eighteen, but she’s more mature than her mum in many ways and is coping far better with everything that’s happened. Kyra knows what she wants and unlike Cat, she’s not going to let opportunities slip away. 

Mary Devon has regained her daughter and her granddaughter, but she’s grieving for her mother, and also for the loss of the love she thought she’d found. Putting on a brave face may not be the best way for Mary to get over it. 

When a long-lost painting called Moonbeams Kiss is discovered in a hidden cellar beneath the floorboards in Devon Villa, a story of love, loss and treachery unfolds, bringing with it repercussions for each of the Devon women. 

This is Book Two in Emily Harvale's Merriment Bay series which is interconnected to her Wyntersleap series. Each series can be read alone, but several characters appear in both series. 

My Review

This is a brilliant new read from Emily Harvale that I could not wait to get started reading it.
The story starts exactly where the last book left us. Cat Devon has finally found the love of her life in Alias. There are more surprises in store for Cat though as she finds out that she has two half brothers, and she also finds out the identity of her father, which does come as a shock to Cat.
Mary Devon is thrilled to have both her daughter and her granddaughter back at home with her. She is looking forward to building a better relationships with them both, but she is also grieving the death of her mother. With everything she has going on she is not impressed to be part of the town gossip but she is doing her best to put a brave face on for it all even if that isn't the best way for her to deal with it all. 
Kyra Devon is eighteen and enjoying having her grandmother in her life. She is enjoying becoming a resident of Merriment Bay and is making the most of every opportunity that comes her way. She may only be eighteen but she has a mature head on her shoulders and is dealing well with all of the changes in her life. 
When, after an accident in the family villa a cellar is found beneath the floorboards and many secrets from the past are revealed.  This leads to some shocking revelations and stories from the past of love, loss and heartbreak. All of these lead to problems for the Devon family will they all be able overcome this next part of their lives. 
This is a brilliant addition to the series from Merriment Bay. I enjoyed picking up the story from where we left off and I enjoyed getting to know more about the Devon Family. 
I think it is brilliant how both the Merriment Bay Series and the stories from Wynters Leap house are so well intwined with each other, but also can be read as standalone reads. 
This is a great mystery story and it really keeps you guessing as the story progresses. 
I thoroughly enjoy the writing style of this series. It flows well and really keeps you engrossed in the book. 
This is the perfect book to help you escape for an afternoon. I am already looking forward to reading what is next in store for the Devon family. 

Published by Crescent Gate Publishing 30th March 2020

About the Author

Emily writes novels, novellas and short stories about friendship, family and falling in love. She believes in love at first sight and she loves a happy ending but knows that life doesn't always go to plan. Her stories are sure to bring a smile to your face and a warmth to your heart.

Emily loves to connect with her readers. In addition to her newsletter, she has a readers' group on Facebook, where she shares all her latest news and even gets readers involved in choosing titles, book covers and more. To catch up with Emily, find out about the group, or connect with her on social media, go to her website at https://www.emilyharvale.com

Having lived and worked in London for several years, Emily returned to her home town of Hastings where she writes full-time. She’s a member of the SoA, an Amazon bestseller and a Kindle All Star. When not writing, Emily says she can be found enjoying the stunning East Sussex coast and countryside, but she’s more likely to be found with friends, enjoying a glass of wine or a cup of coffee, and definitely some cake. Emily has two mischievous rescue cats, Beatrix and Portia, who like to sprawl across her keyboard, regardless of whether Emily is typing on it, or not.

Catch up with Emily on her website https://www.emilyharvale.com or on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/emilyharvalew... or Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/emilyharvale

Thank you for taking the time to visit my Blog today and I hope you enjoyed my review. 

The First Date by Zara Stoneley

Today is publication day for this brilliant fun rand witty new release from Zara Stoneley. Thank you to Rachel's Random Resources for inviting me to join the tour, and for my copy of the ebook in exchange for my honest and unbiased review. 

Book Description

Right place.

Right time.

Wrong guy …

After breaking up with her childhood sweetheart, clueless dater Rosie has found herself in a boyfriend-drought. So when she finally swipes right on a guy who seems interested, she can’t wait to meet up in person.

Until she’s left standing alone. In a bar. Stood up.

Enter Noah. Confident, funny … and a serial first dater. Offering to give Rosie a crash course in seduction, this could be just what she needs. Until her matchmaker turns out to be the best date she’s ever had – and Rosie wonders if she wants the fake dates to be the real ones after all …

A hilarious, heartwarming romantic comedy about what happens when the wrong guy turns up at the right time, perfect for fans of Sophie Kinsella and Mhairi McFarlane.

My Review

This is a wonderful, fun and witty read that I loved from start to finish and could not put down. 

Rosie finds herself sat alone at a bar after being stood up on her first date. She has recently joined an online dating service to try and find herself a new man. She was with her last  boyfriend Robbie, since they were both teens and he is also the only boyfriend she has had too. They broke up a while ago and Rosie now feels as if she needs someone to share her life with again. 

Rosie is about to leave the bar after being stood up when she gets talking got the incredibly handsome Noah. He is fun and confident and really not her type but they have some drinks together. He then suggests an offer to Rosie. He will give her some advice on dating so that when the opportunity comes up for another date she will be ready. 

With the help she is getting Rosie is gaining in confidence and she is really beginning to enjoy spending more time with Noah but she is worried that he reminds her too much of her rather difficult Dad. 

With this being said Rosie is loving her fake dates with Noah and is really beginning to wish these dates were real. Could Noah really be the man of her dreams after all. 

Zara stoneley has worked her magic again with this brilliant rom com. The characters are great fun to get to know and the fake dates that Noah sets for Rosie will really have you laughing. 

The character of Rosie is just great to get to know and I found her very relatable. Its great to see her confidence grow as you read the book, and she also has some family issues to deal with too. 

I really enjoyed the dynamics between Rosie and Noah and it was fun to read all of their adventures. 

This book is Zara Stoneley at her best and it is the perfect bit of escapism from these difficult times. One you will definitely not be disappointed you purchased. 

Published by One More Chapter 24th April 2020

Purchase Link

https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B07YBYVNWQ?pf_rd_r=XXJPGT47HM778785KF0Z&pf_rd_p=e632fea2-678f-4848-9a97-bcecda59cb4e

About the Author

Zara Stoneley is the USA Today bestselling author of 'The Wedding Date'.
She lives in a Cheshire village with her family, a lively cockapoo called Harry, and a very bossy (and slightly evil) cat called Saffron.
Born in a small village in the UK, Zara wanted to be a female James Herriot, a spy, or an author when she grew up. After many (many) years, and many different jobs, her dream of writing a bestseller came true. She now writes about friendship, dreams, love, and happy ever afters, and hopes that her tales make you laugh a lot, cry a little, and occasionally say 'ahhh'.
Zara's bestselling novels include 'Bridesmaids', 'No One Cancels Christmas', 'The Wedding Date', 'The Holiday Swap', 'Summer with the Country Village Vet', 'Blackberry Picking at Jasmine Cottage' and the popular Tippermere series - 'Stable Mates', 'Country Affairs' and 'Country Rivals'.

www.twitter.com/@ZaraStoneley

Thank you for taking the time to visit my Blog today, and I hope you enjoyed my review. 

My Year of Saying No by Maxine Morrey

Today is my stop on the Blog Tour for this brilliant new release from Maxine Morrey. Thank you to Rachel's Random Resources for inviting me to join the tour and to Boldwood books for my copy of the ebook in exchange for my honest and unbiased review. 

Book Description

Lottie Wentworth has never been more pleased to hear Big Ben ring in the new year and wave goodbye to The Year of Saying Yes!

When a long-term relationship ended, her best friend’s scheme to get Lottie back in the swing of things seemed like a good idea. She’s kept her promise to Jess to see it through but, as a lover of the quiet life, Lottie couldn’t be happier to say hello to a brand new year – The Year of Saying No! 

Unfortunately, the one thing she still seems unable to say no to is the crush she has on her best client and now friend, Army veteran, Seb Marshall. But she’s working on it, and with rescue dog Humphrey at her side, she knows that she’ll manage just fine.

Lottie’s decision to stop trying to please everyone has brought a sense of relief beyond what she had expected. Her actions and determination have also begun to send ripples throughout her life and those closest to her, bringing about changes none of them could have expected. 

But will all those changes be for the good?

My Review

This is a simply wonderful read that I enjoyed from beginning to end. 
Lottie Wentworth has made a big decision that this year will be her year of saying no, this is due to the previous year she made a pact with her best friend Jess, that she would say yes to everything. This took her completely out of her comfort zone and saw her going on some pretty hideous dates.
So with her year of saying no ahead of her Lottie is excited to feel as though she is in control again and is determined not to feel guilty about saying no either. 
Lottie has also made the decision that she needs a dog in her life so she heads to her local rescue sanctuary and now has a trust sidekick in Humphrey by her side. 
The one person she will not be saying no to is her favourite client, the incredibly handsome, Seb Marshall. Seb is a veteran who runs a charity that Lottie is a virtual PA for. Lottie has had a crush on Seb from the moment that she first met him. This year sees her spending more time with him and their relationship becomes more of a friendship than a working one. 
 With her year ahead of her and her blossoming friendship with Seb could this be the year of decisions that will truly make Lottie happy, or will the changes in her be cause too many problems? 
I think it is fair to say that is going to be a very interesting year. 
This is such a brilliant read and I could not put it down. 
I loved the writing style, it flowed well, and the suspense of the will they won't they between Lottie and Seb will keep you guessing right up until the end. 
The character of Lottie was fun to get to know. It becomes clear as you read through the book the heartache she has felt in the past and why this could be holding back. She has wonderful relationships with those around her. She is close to her family and I loved getting to know her best friend Jess, and how much they both supported each other despite how different they both were. 
The character of Seb was interesting to get to know. He likes to keep his past to himself and still blames himself for many of the things that have happened to him in his past. he does really care about those around him which is clear to see. 
It was a real treat to read about all of the adventures and trips they all had together.
This is a brilliant read from Maxine Morrey and one that you will not be disappointed you purchased. 

Published by Boldwood Books 16th April 2020

Purchase Link

https://www.amazon.co.uk/My-Year-Saying-laugh-out-loud-feel-good-ebook/dp/B082Y8DYDY/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2DQLMLUM5MRID&dchild=1&keywords=maxine+morrey+kindle+books&qid=1587632668&sprefix=Maxine+Morrey%2Caps%2C141&sr=8-1

About the Author

Maxine has wanted to be a writer for as long as she can remember and wrote her first (very short) book for school when she was ten. 

As years went by, she continued to write, but 'normal' work often got in the way. She has written articles on a variety of subjects, as well as a local history book on Brighton. However, novels are her first love. 

In August 2015, she won Harper Collins/Carina UK's 'Write Christmas' competition with her first romantic comedy, 'Winter's Fairytale'.

Maxine lives on the south coast of England, and when not wrangling with words loves to read, sew and listen to podcasts. Being a fan of tea and cake means she can (should!) also be found doing something vaguely physical at the gym.

Social Media

Twitter - https://twitter.com/Scribbler_Maxi

Thank you for taking the time to visit my Blog today, and I hope you enjoyed my review. 

The Gin Lovers Guide to Dating by Nina Kaye

Today I am pleased to share with you my review of this fun, witty and romantic release from Nina Kaye. 

Thank you to Rachel's Random Resources for inviting me to join the tour, and for my copy of the ebook in exchange for my honest and unbiased review. 

Book Description

When Liv's high-flying career goes off the rails, she finds herself working at a glitzy new gin bar to pay the bills. She's never let romance distract her, but with one very hot colleague, a mysterious online follower who might just be her soulmate, and a lot of cocktails, her dating life is about to be shaken up...

But is Liv looking for a sparkling flirtation, or something a little stronger?

Sometimes you have to face up to your past, seize your future, and mix your own recipe for happy ever after...

My Review

This such brilliant read that I loved from beginning to end, and I devoured it in one sitting. 
Liv loves her high flying job and has worked so hard to achieve what she has done. She is determined to put her poverty stricken childhood behind her and she's finally feeling like she has made it. 
So when she receives the shocking news of her redundancy she does not know how do deal with it and tries to bury her heading in the sand, hoping that everything will work itself out. Especially as she believes that it will be really easy to get another job. 
Three months later Liv is still unemployed and money is becoming a huge problem for her. She has her good friend Dylan who has been in her life since childhood and understands why Liv is determined for her life not to go back to the way it was. He is encouraging her to take any job that comes her way. Thanks to a face from her past Liv is offered work in a Gin bar. It is not the work that she is used to so it is hard for Liv to change her mindset. 
Liv finds that she does enjoy working in the bar and is soon making new friends with her colleagues. She becomes incredibly close to one of them and romance is on the cards for Liv. 
With money still an issue for Liv she decides to set herself up a blog all about her life in the Gin bar and the people that visit it. This becomes a big success for her could this be the life that will make Liv finally see just who her friends are and what being happy is all about?
This is a fun and incredibly witty read that will have you engrossed from beginning to end. 
Liv is a wonderful character who has obviously made her life so much better than the past. It is clear that the past she had still haunts her and you understand her reluctance to take what she deems a lower job. This is the making of her though and it is great to watch her blossom as the story progresses, it shows that your past does not have to define you. 
She has some great new friends at the gin bar who really do make her smile with their wit and humour. Which did have a way to make you giggle. 
The setting of the book in Edinburgh sounds brilliant and made me want to explore the city. 
It is also full of yummy gin cocktails to try out. 
This is an absolutely brilliant read, the perfect companion to a gin and tonic, and one you will not be dissapointed you purchased. 

Published by Orion Dash 4th November 2019

Purchase Link

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Gin-Lovers-Guide-Dating-sparkling-ebook/dp/B07VMD4KTD/ref=sr_1_1?crid=ZQIOE0GB0Z7J&dchild=1&keywords=nina+kaye&qid=1587408473&sprefix=Nina+Kaye%2Caps%2C172&sr=8-1

About the Author

Nina Kaye is a romantic comedy author who writes fast-paced, entertaining reads with a deeper edge. Nina started writing her first novel when she was 17 (locked in her room, supposedly studying). It was a short-lived experience that ended as soon as Nina's exams did, but the dream of writing never left her. 

Nina lives in Edinburgh with her husband and much adored side-kick, James. In addition to writing, Nina enjoys swimming, gin and karaoke (preferably all enjoyed together in a sunny, seaside destination).

Giveaway

To celebrate this blog tour for The Gin Lover’s Guide to Dating, there seemed no better way than to give away some gin-related goodies! Nina has teamed up with specialist gin producer, Tiger Gin, to offer one lucky winner: a copy of her debut novel (Kindle Edition), a bottle of multi-Gold award winning Tiger Gin, and one copy of The Little Cocktail Box. 

To enter, all you need to do is retweet and comment (just once!) on Nina’s pinned tweet on her Twitter page (@NinaKayeAuthor), telling her which blog tour post you have read. Nina will then choose the lucky winner at random after the closing date, which is 6pm (BST) on Thurs 29th April 2020. 

This prize draw is only available to UK residents over the age of 18. Full terms and conditions apply - bit.ly/2V6AdJ1. Always drink responsibly.       

🍸THE GIN LOVER’S GUIDE TO DATING🍸 blog tour prize giveaway. 

See below for more information and how to enter.👇

UK residents over 18 only. Full terms and conditions apply - bit.ly/2V6AdJ1. Closing date for entries is 6pm (BST) on Thurs 29th April 2020. 

@TheTigerGin

Social Media

www.twitter.com/ninakayeauthor

Thank you for taking the time to visit my Blog today, and I hope you enjoyed my review. 

The Cornish Confetti Agency by Daisy James

Today is my stop on the Blog Tour for this brilliant, and witty new release from Daisy James. Thank you to Rachel's Random Resources for inviting me to join the tour, and for my copy of the ebook in exchange for my honest and unbiased review. 

Book Description

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 fiancé 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? 

My Review

This is the start of a brilliant new series from Daisy James and I loved it from the first page to the last. 
Lexie Harrington loves her job working as an event planner for her incredibly demanding boss. That is until disaster strikes and he fires Lexie.
Devastated at the loss of her job Lexie heads home to share her news with her Fiancé only to find him looking all loved up with a with a beautiful blonde in the restaurant opposite their apartment. This another huge blow for Lexie especially as they were due to get married in just three weeks.  
Lexie calls her best friend Freya who lives in St. Ives, who suggest that Lexie help her out with her business and head to Cornwall. This is the break that Lexie needs so she jumps at the chance and heads to Cornwall without telling Elliott. 
The new role that Lexie will be doing is a wedding planner. Her first wedding is a huge Caribbean theme at a luxury hotel. 
Lexie did a great job as an event planner so Freya is confident that Lexie will be able to work her magic with the wedding. 
What Lexie had not bargained for was having to deal with the mystery of who spilled ketchup on the bridesmaid dress just days before the wedding, then there was the missing wedding shoes and the googly eyes stuck on everything. Lexie is determined to get to the bottom of the mysteries before the big day. But with more revelations and tantrums ahead will she be able to make it the perfect wedding for the Cornish Confetti Agency?
This is a truly witty and funny read that will really keep you entertained. 
The writing style captures the essence of the stress of weddings as much as it does the beauty  of it and of the surroundings too. 
Lexie is a wonderful character to read about. She has suffered two huge blows to her life in such a short space of time but is trying her hardest to be strong and show that she can be in control of her life. It is great to see her blossom and grow as you read through the book. This is in part to the wonderful supportive friends she has around her. 
The setting of this book sounds idyllic and the perfect background for some romance. 
This is the first book in the new series and I am really looking forward to seeing what happens next in Cornwall. 

Purchase Link

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Cornish-Confetti-Agency-gorgeously-uplifting-ebook/dp/B0846LN57K/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=daisy+james&qid=1587307128&sr=8-1

About the Author

Daisy James loves writing stories with strong heroines and swift-flowing plotlines. She especially likes to create sunshine-filled settings in exotic locations - the Caribbean, Tuscany, Cornwall, Provence - so she can spend her time envisioning her characters enjoying the fabulous scenery and sampling the local food and drink. 

When not scribbling away in her peppermint-and-green summerhouse (garden shed), she spends her time sifting flour and sprinkling sugar and edible glitter. She loves gossiping with friends over a glass of something fizzy or indulging in a spot of afternoon tea - china plates and teacups are a must.

Social Media

Twitter - www.twitter.com/@daisyjamesbooks

Instagram - www.instagram.com/daisyjamesstories

Thank you for taking the time to visit my Blog today, and I hope you enjoyed my review. 

That Night in Paris by Sandy Barker

Today is my stop on the Blog Tour for this wonderful new release from Sandy Barker. Thank you to Rachel's Random Resources for inviting me to join the tour and for my copy of the ebook in exchange for my honest and unbiased review. 

Book Description

Note to self: don’t sleep with your flatmate after a curry and three bottles of wine… especially if he’s secretly in love with you and wants you to meet his mum.

Cat Parsons is on the run. She doesn’t do relationships. After ten years of singlehood even the hint of the ‘L’ word is enough to get Cat packing her bags and booking herself onto a two-week holiday.

A European bus tour feels like a stroke of genius to dodge awkward conversations at home. But little does Cat realise that the first stop will be Paris, the city of love itself. 

Joined by new friends, Cat has got two weeks, eight countries and a hell of a lot of wine ahead of her. As they discover hidden treasures and the camaraderie of life on the road, will Cat find a new way of looking at love? 

Discover the beauty of Europe’s most romantic cities in this uplifting and laugh-out-loud novel for fans of Samantha Parks, Alex Brown and Mandy Baggot

My Review

I adored this book from beginning to end and could not put it down. 

Cat Parsons after too much wine has made the mistake of sleeping with her flatmate Alex. To Cat it was a mistake and one she will not be making again. unfortunately to Alex it was a big deal and in the morning he declares his love for Cat. Cat is shocked and does not know how to deal with this and just runs away. She quickly books herself on a touring holiday and leaves without even speaking to Alex. 

Cat has booked herself on a coach tour of Europe. She will be starting the tour in Paris, a city that Cat adores, they will then be travelling through the rest of Europe taking all the sites and sounds that they have to offer. 

Cat is soon making friends on the trip and is soon having many adventure with them. This does also involve drinking plenty of the locally sourced wines. 

There is also the spark of romance for Cat with the addition of a handsome French man. 

Will this be the adventure of a lifetime that changes Cats opinion of love?

This is such a wonderful read that gives a fantastic insight into many of the cities in Europe. The writing style of this book is witty fun and really engaging. The way all of the sights they visit are described immediately transports you there too. 

I really enjoyed getting to know Cat as the story progressed. The relationship she builds with her friends on their trip. The foursome are all on the trip or different reasons and it becomes clear how much they all could help each other out. 

The food they all consume on the trip sounds  absolutely delicious and all definitely leave you feeling hungry. 

This is the second adventure I have had reading  a book from Sandy Barker and I am already looking forward to where her next book will take us.

Published by One More Chapter 15th April 2020

Purchase Link

https://www.amazon.co.uk/That-Night-Paris-uplifting-romantic-ebook/dp/B07ZG8C6L3/ref=sr_1_2?crid=2G44AB59H70I3&dchild=1&keywords=sandy+barker+kindle+books&qid=1587200746&sprefix=sandy+ba%2Caps%2C142&sr=8-2

About the Author

I’m a writer, traveller and hopeful romantic with a lengthy bucket list. I love exploring new places, outdoor adventures, and eating and drinking like a local when I travel, and many of my travel adventures have found homes in my novels. I’m also an avid reader, a film buff, a wine lover and a coffee snob.

My first novel, a romantic comedy set in Greece and inspired by my real-life love story, was published in June 2019 by One More Chapter (HarperCollins). In 2020, two follow-ups to One Summer in Santorini hit the shelves: That Night in Paris in April and A Sunset in Sydney in June. A stand-alone Christmas novel, The Christmas Swap, will be published in October.

I am represented by Lina Langlee of the Kate Nash Literary Agency.

Thank you for taking the time to visit my Blog today, and I hope you enjoyed my review.