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. 

Dear Anybody? by Rosa Temple

Today I am sharing with you my review of this new release from Rosa Temple. I would like to thank Rosa for sending me a copy of this ebook in exchange for this honest and unbiased review. 

Book Description

Local newspaper journalist, Sydney, is like many women. Bored at work, bad hair days, karaoke nights, loving boyfriend and a fabulous best friend. But a huge discovery sends her whole world spiralling downwards and things will never be the same again. She’s lost her job, her boyfriend and, well, everything.

Unlike most women, Sydney’s answer is to resort to binge eating, binge drinking and never leaving her bedroom.

An unexpected job offer comes her way and Sydney leaves London for the tiny village of Bridley to become editor of a countryside magazine, not realising that part of the job means becoming the magazine’s Agony Aunt.

Resolving to make her mark as an editor and to set the problematic lives of Bridley villagers to rights, Sydney uncovers hidden truths, secret loves and the possibility of romance lies in wait behind the counter of her favourite coffee shop.

Is it that easy to turn your life around? Well, maybe not for Sydney …

My Review

This is a brilliant read that I thoroughly enjoyed from start to finish. 

Sydney is working as a journalist for her local newspaper. She is bored of her job but she becomes even more fed up when she finds out that she has been overlooked for a promotion. Disappointed she heads home to tell her beloved boyfriend who she is hoping will console her. However she is not prepared for the shock that awaits her at home and she flees to her parents house.

She arrives there to the surprise of her parents and immediately hides out in her old room. 

Sydney's life then spirals into a gloom of over eating and binge drinking. This happens for weeks and Sydney's parents are at their wits end trying to help her, That is until an event comes up that Sydney can attend, so she reluctantly gets dressed up and heads out. 

It is while at this event that she is offered a job offer that she really can't refuse, it is the opportunity to work as the editor of a village magazine. This could mean the fresh new start that Sydney desperately needs.

Sydney heads to the tiny village of Bridley with. clear determination to make the most of this opportunity and stop drinking.

Things don't start off well for Sydney as she starts her first day with a raging hangover but things do get better and she finds a place to live with local photographer, Carey. 

Things soon settle down for Sydney as she spends more time in the Village having lots of fun with all of the residents there, Sydney also learns more about herself, but after her three months there come to end will Sydney want to go back to her old life or will more adventure lay ahead?

This is a wonderful read that I loved. The writing style is very witty and really will keep you engrossed in Sydney's story. 

The setting of the village sounds idyllic and the perfect place to start again. 

It is great to read the journey that Sydney goes on and the relationship she builds within the small village community.  

This is definitely a five star read and one you will not be disappointed you purchased. 

Purchase Link

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Dear-Anybody-Rosa-Temple-ebook/dp/B086Q1Z63N/ref=sr_1_5?crid=1GE7U718PUVJS&dchild=1&keywords=rosa+temple&qid=1587117811&sprefix=Rosa+Temple+%2Caps%2C136&sr=8-5

About the Author

Rosa Temple began writing romantic comedy and chick lit novellas, short stories and books because of her passion for what she calls the 'early chick lit films', like: Sabrina, Barefoot In the Park and Breakfast at Tiffany's. She honed her skills as a ghostwriter, gaining experience writing romance novellas and book series, with sweet themes as well as steamy novels for adult readers.

She now specialises in contemporary romance but prefers to write chick-lit and romantic comedies. 

So far, Rosa has published romantic comedy novella, Sleeping With Your Best Friend and full length novels, Natalie's Getting Married and Single By Christmas.

Signed to HQ Digital, Rosa has published three books following the story of heroine Magenta Bright. These titles include Playing By The Rules, Playing Her Cards Right and Playing For Keeps.

Rosa Temple is a Londoner who recently moved to the beautiful countryside of Ross On Wye in Herefordshire, is married to a musician and has two sons. She reads a wide range of Women's Fiction and all its sub genres and loves a gripping crime or psychological thriller. Rosa loves taking country walks, yoga and Zumba but otherwise spends her days creating characters and storylines while drinking herbal tea and eating chocolate biscuits.

At the moment Rosa is working on a new novel and hopes to share music taken from the novel later this year (2019)!

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

The Secret Seaside Escape by Heidi Swain

Today is publication day for this brilliant, heartwarming and sunshine filled new release from Heidi Swain.  Read on for my review of this wonderful book.

Book Description

Tess Tyler needs a break. Weighed down by her high-pressure job and her demanding father, she’s left little time to take care of herself. But after a shocking discovery sends her spiralling, she flees to Wynmouth, the seaside town she fell in love with as a child, to escape it all.

With its sandy beaches, stunning rock pools and welcoming community, Tess feels like she can finally breathe again. And as she grows ever closer to local barman Sam, she dares to dream that she might never return to her real life. But when a familiar face returns to town, Tess realises that there are secrets in Wynmouth too, and that her own past may be about to catch up with her . . .  

The Secret Seaside Escape is the perfect read this summer, promising sandy beaches, stunning rockpools and breath-taking romance. Perfect for fans of Carole Matthews and Sarah Morgan.

My Review

I was so excited to see this book come up for request on Netgalley, I was even more excited to find out I had been approved, and I could not wait to get straight into reading it. 
Tess Tyler works hard at her job. She does enjoy her job a lot but lately the pressure is beginning to pull her down and she is desperate for a break and to get away from it all for a while. 
Tess finds a cottage available to rent in the pretty seaside town of Wynmouth. It is a place that Tess visited as a child and has many happy memories for her. She tells no one of her plans as she wants to get away from it all especially after the secret she revealed.
Tess begins to feel herself relaxing the minute the sea air surrounds her. It does not take Tess long to visit all of the places she remembers. She is soon getting to know the residents including the handsome barman Sam and the lovely Sophie that cooks some amazing and delicious sounding Caribbean food.
The longer that Tess spends in Wynmouth the more she does not go back to her normal life, she is enjoying becoming part of the small community and helping at all of the events they are putting on, but when a surprise visitor comes to the town with more secrets to reveal Tess realises that maybe you can't run away from your life after all.
This is such a wonderful read that you will love from beginning to end. I love the writing style of Heidi Swain, she has a way of really drawing you into the story and making you feel as if you are part of the story too. The character of Tess is great to get to know. You get a good sense of ow stressful her life is, you can almost feel her relax as the story unfolds.
There is a great cast of supporting characters within the book which provide a great support to Tess and she does build a strong bond with Hope.
The cover of this book is beautiful and really gives you a hint at the sunshine filled pages within the book.
If you are looking for a story full of friendship,
romance and the seaside then you are really in for a treat with this new release.

Thank you to Netgalley and Simon and Schuster UK for my advanced copy of this book. 

Published by Simon & Schuster UK (16 April 2020)

Purchase Link

https://www.amazon.co.uk/s?k=heidi+swain&crid=2OGYHUCXQQTJ4&sprefix=Heidi+%2Caps%2C152&ref=nb_sb_ss_i_1_6

About the Author

Heidi Swain is the Sunday Times Top Ten best-selling author of SLEIGH RIDES AND SILVER BELLS AT THE CHRISTMAS FAIR. Her other titles include The Cherry Tree Café, Summer at Skylark Farm, Mince Pies and Mistletoe at the Christmas Market, Coming Home to Cuckoo Cottage, Snowflakes and Cinnamon Swirls at the Winter Wonderland, Poppy's Recipe for Life, The Christmas Wish List and The Secret Seaside Escape.

Heidi lives in beautiful south Norfolk with her family and a mischievous cat called Storm. She is passionate about gardening, the countryside, collecting vintage paraphernalia and reading. Her tbr pile is always out of control!

Heidi loves to chat with her readers and you can get in touch via her website heidiswain.co.uk/ or Twitter @Heidi_Swain

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

Aria's Travelling Book Shop by Rebecca Raisin

Today is my stop on the Blog Tour for this brilliant and heartwarming new release from Rebecca Raisin. Thank you to Rebecca for inviting me to join the tour and for my copy of the ebook in exchange for my honest and unbiased review.

Book Description

With her merry band of Van Lifers, Aria heads to France in her travelling bookshop, best friend Rosie by her side for a summer they’ll never forget!

Hopeless romantic Aria vowed never to love again after losing her husband, TJ, but fate has other ideas and keeps throwing the bespectacled, booklover Jonathan in her path. When a memento from TJ turns up it brings Aria’s past back to the fore.

Nomadic by nature, Aria can’t see how love could work anyway when home is always at the end of a new patch of road…

A long, hot summer travelling off the beaten track, surrounded by newly loved up couples reminds Aria of what she’s missing.

Will she bookmark her love life at the point her husband left, or she will begin a new chapter under the sizzling sun of the Cote d’azure…?

My Review

This is such a heartwarming, uplifting and feel good read that I simply adored from start to finish, and did not want to put down. 

Aria is about to head off to France with her best friend Rosie for the next part of her adventure with her travelling book shop. 

Aria became a nomad traveller after the passing of her beloved husband, TJ and it is a lifestyle that she loves. She is addicted to books and when not on the road driving you will find her with her nose buried deep inside a book having her next literary adventure. 

Aria and Rosie are heading from Paris to Bordeaux and along the south of France looking for adventure. They have been joined by Rosie's boyfriend Max who also has a business he is travelling with. 

As the trio are on their French adventure they keep bumping into the very handsome Jonathan. He is a famous author that Aria is slowly building a relationship with. It is one she is keen to keep as platonic as she feels she is still too much in love with TJ. But the more he appears in her life the more she finds herself drawn to him can Aria finally learn to love again?

With their long summer adventure ahead of them all this is certainly a summer none of them will ever forget. 

This such a wonderful and well written read that will have you absorbed from the first page to the last. Aria is such an admirable character within the book. She has suffered huge heartache in the past but is trying to put it all behind her as she enjoys exploring France with her best friend Rosie. Rosie knows about her past too and is keen to help and support her friend too. It is great to see how much the friends mean to each too as you read their story. 

The writing style of Rebecca Raisin flows well and with the way she describes the setting has a way of transporting you away to sunshine filled France. 

I loved this book. It is perfect for some escapism at this difficult time, and I think it is a book you will not be disappointed you purchased. 

Published by HQ Digital 8th April 2020

Purchase Links

Amazon UK - https://www.amazon.co.uk/Arias-Travelling-Book-Shop-uplifting-ebook/dp/B07XNNW1PW/ref=sr_1_12?keywords=rebecca+raisin&qid=1570436644&sr=8-12

Amazon US - https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07XNNW1PW?pf_rd_p=2d1ab404-3b11-4c97-b3db-48081e145e35&pf_rd_r=BPQPWBSEZQCEP4RJG4RB

Amazon Aust - https://www.amazon.com.au/Arias-Travelling-Book-Shop-uplifting-ebook/dp/B07XNNW1PW/ref=sr_1_15?keywords=rebecca+raisin&qid=1570436737&sr=8-15

Google Play - https://play.google.com/store/books/details/Rebecca_Raisin_Aria_s_Travelling_Book_Shop?id=yDauDwAAQBAJ

iBooks - https://books.apple.com/nl/book/arias-travelling-book-shop/id1480201611

Barnes and Noble - https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/arias-travelling-book-shop-rebecca-raisin/1133411763?ean=9780008282172

Goodreads - https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/48221850-aria-s-travelling-book-shop?from_search=true

About the Author

Rebecca Raisin is a true bibliophile. This love of books morphed into the desire to write them. She's been widely published in short story anthologies, and in fiction magazines. And now she is focusing on writing romance.

Rebecca aims to write characters you can see yourself being friends with. People with big hearts who care about relationships and believe in true love.

Social Media

Website - http://rebeccaraisin.com/

Twitter - http://twitter.com/jaxandwillsmum

Facebook - http://www.facebook.com/RebeccaRaisinAuthor

Goodreads - http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6915386.Rebecca_Raisin

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

My Greek Island Summer by Mandy Baggot

Today I am excited to share with you my review of this wonderful, sunshine filled new release from Mandy Baggot. Thank you to Aria fiction for inviting me to join the tour, and for my copy of the ebook in exchange for my honest and unbiased review. 

Book Description

Two weeks. One unforgettable trip to Corfu. A chance to change her life.

Becky Rose has just landed her dream job house-sitting at a top-end villa on the island of Corfu. What could be better than two weeks laying by an infinity pool overlooking the gorgeous Ionian waters while mending her broken heart.

Elias Mardas is travelling back to Corfu on business whilst dealing with his own personal demons. Late arriving in Athens, Becky and Elias have to spend a night in the Greek capital. When they have to emergency land in Kefalonia, Becky's got to decide whether to suck up the adventure and this gorgeous companion she seems to have been thrown together with or panic about when she's going to arrive at Corfu...

Finally reaching the beautiful island, Becky is happy to put Elias behind her and get on with her adventure. Until he turns up at the villa...

My Review

I was so excited to be given the opportunity to read and review this brilliant new release from Mandy Baggot, and I could not wait to jump in and escape to the sunshine of Greece. 
Becky Rose is working with her sister in the sandwich shop that her sister Megan owns. Becky is an expert at making flavours to suit each of their customers. This is something that is kept hidden from Megan, alongside all of the standard fillings that Megan decides the business needs. 
Becky is finding her work is no longer fulfilling her, she is also finding it increasingly difficult to work for her sister and that two of them star to clash over a potential job. Becky decides she needs a break and when the opportunity to spend two weeks house sitting in a luxurious villa in Corfu she jumps on it and soon finds herself heading to the airport excited for her adventure in the sunshine ahead of her. 
Becky is seated on the plane and gets talking to the handsome passenger beside her. She finds out that his name is Elias. She also gets chatting to another passenger Petra. 
It soon becomes apparent when the plane lands that Becky has missed her connecting fight to Corfu and will have to spend the night in the city of Athens. This is where Becky is pleased she chatted to Elias on the plane as he decides to show Becky the sights of Athens this is also with Petra in tow. 
The next morning the group of three are excited to be finally heading to their destination of Corfu when bad weather strikes and they find themselves landing in Kefalonia instead. This means for Becky another night in the company of the handsome Elias. 
This trip for Becky is turning out to be more of an adventure than she first planned. 
The next day they all finally arrive in Corfu and Becky simply cannot wait to get to the villa and begin to unwind and relax. 
Things still don't go to plan when Becky ends up with some company, and things become even more complicated when Elias turns up at the Villa too. 
With secrets being kept by them all and adventures in the sunshine ahead of her this is definitely a summer holiday that Becky will never forget. 
I absolutely adored this adventure from Mandy Baggot and did not want to put it down. 
I love the writing style of these books. Mandy has a way of setting the scene so well you can almost feel the sunshine coming off of the pages. 
I enjoyed getting to know Becky. Things have happened to Becky in the past that have made her lose confidence in herself but a summer adventure in Corfu seems to help her become more of herself again and realise how much she has to offer working with her sister. 
Elias is a fantastic character to go alongside Becky. He also has been hurt in the past and the baggage of this is still surrounding him. You do get a good insight into his life as some of the book is told from his perspective. 
There is a range of supporting and sometimes quirky characters within the story who all help both Becky and Elias on their way often with some funny results. 
This is Mandy Baggot's 20th book release and having read all off them I really do feel that this is her best yet.

This is the perfect way to escape from the world right now so grab your copy and have your own Greek adventure today. 

Published by Aria 2nd April 2020

Purchase Links

Amazon - https://amzn.to/390yIkN

Kobo - https://bit.ly/31gYsH5

Google Play - https://bit.ly/2tfyjMi

About the Author

Mandy Baggot is an international bestselling and award-winning romance writer. The winner of the Innovation in Romantic Fiction award at the UK's Festival of Romance, her romantic comedy novel, One Wish in Manhattan, was also shortlisted for the Romantic Novelists' Association Romantic Comedy Novel of the Year award in 2016. Mandy's books have so far been translated into German, Italian, Czech and Hungarian. Mandy loves the Greek island of Corfu, white wine, country music and handbags. Also a singer, she has taken part in ITV1's Who Dares Sings and The X-Factor. Mandy is a member of the Romantic Novelists' Association and the Society of Authors and lives near Salisbury, Wiltshire, UK with her husband and two daughters.

Social Media

Twitter - www.twitter.com/@mandybaggot

Facebook - www.facebook.com/mandybaggotauthor

Aria

Website - www.ariafiction.com

Twitter - www.twitter.com/@aria_fiction

Facebook - www.facebook.com/ariafiction

Instagram - www.instagram.com/ariafiction

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

Family for Beginners by Sarah Morgan

Today I am pleased to share with you my review of this uplifting, family filled read from Sarah Morgan. Thank you to HQ Stories for inviting me to join the tour and for my copy of the book in exchange for my honest and unbiased review. 

Book Description

When Flora falls in love with Jack, suddenly she’s not only handling a very cranky teenager, but she’s also living in the shadow of Jack’s perfect, immortalised wife, Becca. Every summer, Becca and Jack would holiday with Becca’s oldest friends and Jack wants to continue the tradition, so now Flora must face a summer trying to live up to Becca’s memory, with not only Jack’s daughter looking on, but with Becca’s best friends judging her every move…

The more Flora tries to impress everyone, the more things go horribly wrong…but as the summer unfolds, Flora begins pushing her own boundaries, and finding herself in a way that she never thought she needed to.

And she soon learns that families come in all shapes and sizes.

My Review

I was so excited to be given the chance to read this wonderful new release from Sarah Morgan, and once I started reading I could not put it down. 

Flora is a very talented florist who loves her job. It is while at work that Flora first meets Jack. She advises him on a choice of flowers for his daughter. It is clear from their first meeting that that there is a spark of attraction between the pair of them and they decide to head out for coffee and the chance to get to know each other better.

It doesn't take long for romance begin to bloom between the pair of them and then the two of them take a big step and Flora meets Jacks children. 

It is clear from the outset to Flora that Jacks children, Molly and Izzy are still grieving the loss of their mother. Izzy especially is finding it hard to let Flora into their home and does not waste a second by informing Flora just how perfect and amazing their mother Becca was. Flora does understand the children but she tries her best to rise to the challenges ahead of her.

The relationship progresses between Jack and Flora and things move forward quickly when Jack insists that Flora join them on their family holiday in the Lake District in England. This will be a big step for Flora and the family especially with the fact that this is a longstanding family tradition and that they always stay with Becca's best friend Clare. 

Flora is going to try her hardest to enjoy the holiday but is worried that she will not live up to the life that Becca had. 

With the holiday stretching ahead of them and Flora keen to impress things begin to go wrong, Maybe her going with the family was a mistake.  As the holiday goes on it becomes clear just how many secrets everyone is hiding and one they all begin to tumble out this becomes a summer that none of them will ever forget. 

The writing style of this book is great and with the great description of the Lake District area will make you believe you could be there. 

I found myself completely absorbed in this book and I enjoyed getting to know all of the characters within the story. I found them all to be relatable and it was interesting to read how they are all dealing with their grief in very different ways and it takes a summer away to try and help them all deal with this. 

The character of Flora was just brilliant to read. She is also still dealing with the loss of her mother as a child and is trying to explain to the children that she does understand their feeling of loss. As you read the book you really get to know Flora and I think she would be a great friend to have. 

This is a wonderful story full of friendship and families and one that will stay with you long after you have finished reading. 

Published by HQ 26th March 2020

Purchase Link

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Family-Beginners-summer-Sunday-bestseller-ebook/dp/B07XDM2489/ref=sr_1_3?crid=FGFO6VX2XUFU&dchild=1&keywords=sarah+morgan+books&qid=1586000056&smid=A1G3UP32AZJ14F&sprefix=Sarah+%2Caps%2C199&sr=8-3

About the Author

Sarah Morgan is a Sunday Times and USA Today bestselling author of contemporary romance and women's fiction. She has sold more than 18 million copies of her books and her trademark warmth and humour have gained her fans across the globe. Sarah lives near London with her family and when she isn't writing or reading, she likes to spend time outdoors walking or riding her mountain bike. 

Social media

Website - www.sarahmorgan.com

Facebook - www.facebook.com/AuthorSarahMorgan

Instagram - www.instagram.com/sarahmorganwrites

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