Tag Contemporary Romance

A Change of Heart by Hannah Ellis @BooksEllis @rararesources #contemporaryfiction #romance #bookreview

yvonnembee 4 Comments

I am delighted to be one of the Book Bloggers opening the tour today and to share my review today for A Change of Heart by Hannah Ellis. This is the second book in the Isles of Scilly series and I adored that book, and yes it would be better to read them in order.

My review for the first book, The Weekend Getaway, is HERE

The Weekend Getaway

My huge thanks to Rachel at Rachel’s Random Resources for my spot on the Blog Tour and for arranging my e-copy of this fabulous book.

She was never meant to fall for her best friend’s brother…

Seren has had a soft spot for her best friend’s brother for as long as she can remember. But when she starts to see Kit as more than just a friend, she knows she’s on dangerous ground.

Avoiding him is probably her best course of action, but that’s easier said than done when you live on a tiny island.

When Kit declares he’s in love with her, she’s forced to deny her feelings. There’s too much to lose for her to do anything else.

If only her heart would get the message that she and Kit aren’t meant to be.

As the tension between them builds it becomes more and more difficult for Seren to keep her feelings hidden.

Can she find the courage to risk everything for love? And will Kit still be waiting for her when she does?

Purchase Links – Amazon – Universal link

MY REVIEW

This is the second book in the Isles of Scilly series and again I absolutely adored it. The previous book introduces the reader to the Treneary family who lives on the Isles of Scilly. The first book was about Kiera and Noah, it also introduced the rest of the family. This latest book focuses on best friends Kit and Seren.

They have been friends for years, but recently there has been a change. Both like each other, but there is something more that threatens to rock the boat. Having a friendship is a great thing, you have support and company as well as someone to have a laugh with. Seren is a friend of the family, she spent most of her childhood growing up and around the Treneary house, so Kit is almost like her little brother, and she often reminds him of this. Kit runs a business and he is always popping in to see Seren at the local pub where she works. He is in love with her but doesn’t think she feels the same.

Once again the author has woven such a lovely story that was tantalising with the constant will they/won’t they hanging over. At times this gave quite a fraught feeling and I wanted them to get together, but things never go according to plan. Especially when exes turn up, or you are seen laughing with someone else, or you start to avoid the other person. This leads to heartache and also makes for a wonderful story.

This is a wonderful family, there are several family members and each is mentioned, some more than others and I am hoping that the author has plans to give them each a story over the series.

The setting is fabulous as there are no secrets but plenty of gossip in this island community. If you like the village romance-style stories then this has a very similar vibe.

A gorgeous story that I was only planning on reading a few chapters of, but, which, once again I read in one sitting. Thank goodness I didn’t have work the next morning!

A gorgeous story of family, friendship and change. It has a tense feel to it as the author puts her characters through the mill, but this makes it great for the reader. Ideal for fans of contemporary fiction and romance. One I would defiantly recommend.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Hannah spent many years working in childcare before deciding she’d like to write books. When she’s not busy writing she likes to read, drink tea and eat chocolate. She also enjoys yoga and jogging.

Social Media Links – Twitter – Facebook – Instagram

Check out the stops on the Tour

Many thanks for reading my post, a like or share would be amazing 🙂 xx

Life’s A Catastrophe by Kirstie Pelling @EmblaBooks #NetGalley #romcom #contemporaryfiction #bookreview

yvonnembee 2 Comments

I am delighted to share my review today for Life’s a Catastrophe by Kirstie Pelling. This was a humorous rom-com that I really enjoyed.

My huge thanks to Embla Books for my e-copy that I read via NetGalley.

What if thinking like your cat could solve your problems?

Aly Meadows is a self-proclaimed ‘catfluencer’ using her two beloved pets to earn thousands of likes on Instagram. But behind the lens, Aly is broke, facing eviction and living a life that’s a million miles away from the glamourous world of social media stardom.

Rick Harvard, the CEO of talent agency Glimmer, has the power to change her life, but only if Aly agrees to dive in at the deep end. Can Aly come out of her shell and channel the confidence of her insta-famous cats? And if so, will she finally find the love and laughter she deserves?

MY REVIEW

Life’s a Catastrophe is an entertaining and fun read, but does have a more serious side to it. Aly Meadows is an influencer, her fans are in awe of her cat Instagram site ‘Alycat’. Aly is a ‘catfluencer’ and uses her spare as a carer to build her influence and her followers. This has led to her being offered a real game-changer as she has been head-hunted.

While this is a fun and really entertaining read, there are also some serious sides to this story. A disjointed and not warm home life growing up and living in a flat full of boxes isn’t a situation anyone wants to be in. But for Aly though, it is all hers – for the time being!

It really loved the humour of this story and Aly is a bit of a clutz, a walking catastrophe really does sum her up. She manages to get herself into some random predicaments, and with not altogether negative effects. It does make for some chuckling moments throughout the story.

I am going to admit to being more of a dog person than a cat person, but the author has done such a wonderful job with the feline characteristics and traits with the cats. Also, some really interesting things that I never knew about the care of a hairless Sphynx cat.

\You don’t have to go far on any of the social media sites to find vids and posts of pets and this is what appealed to me about this book when I first saw it. I really liked the balance of fun and seriousness and there is of course a romantic element to this book.

It is a slow-burner of a romance, but one that has Aly in a bit of a quandary. But it definitely does add a steamy extra to this story.

It is an entertaining read and one that I really enjoyed, ideal for lovers of fun and humorous as well as rom-coms and of course everything cat. It is one I would definitely recommend.

Many thanks for reading my post, a like or share would be amazing 🙂 xx

Finding Love in Positano by Lucy Coleman @LucyColemanauth @emblabooks #netgalley #romance #contemporaryfiction #bookreview

yvonnembee 2 Comments

I am delighted to share my review today for Finding Love in Positano by Lucy Coleman. I am a fan of this author’s writing and her latest book (published yesterday) is another fabulous addition.

My thanks to the publisher, Embla for my e-copy of the book via NetGalley.

Marci James is in love with her job. She’s not had a holiday in five years, but now she’s escaping to the Italian coast after agreeing to pack up her godfather, Richard’s antiques shop.

When Marci arrives it’s apparent that the task is far more daunting than she imagined, and it isn’t long before Nico, her gorgeous local guide, offers to step up and lend a hand. As the two enjoy the Positano summer, and all that the Italian Riviera has to offer, Marci finally lets herself relax and the sparks between the pair soon begin to fly.

But Richard hasn’t just left his possessions behind, he left a secret, one that Marci unwittingly stumbles across it. Will it break her heart after the happiest summer of her entire life?

MY REVIEW

If you are looking for a literary escape to warmer climates then look no further than Finding Love in Positano. A gorgeous-sounding coastal town on the Italian coast.

Marci James goes there to help sort through her godfather’s collection of art, antiques and personal belongings while he is on his honeymoon. The marriage was unexpected and seemingly out of character, but as Marci is the closest family member to him, and she is also the only single person, well it seems to be the most obvious solution. She already works in the family antique business with her brother, her mum is a silent partner.

So off she sets, she has been to Italy before for holidays, so she sort of knows what to expect. What she didn’t bank of though was the scale of the task in front of her or Nico!

Once again the author has captured an amazing sounding place and transformed it on the pages of her latest book. The mix of family and how they work together is great, in the UK the family comes across as a bit more stand-offish, more reserved if you like. While the Italian family of Nico is loud, inclusive, extended and welcoming, and there are many of them. No wonder Marci feels a bit shell shocked when she first arrives.

Family is an important theme in this story, a sense of pride and doing what is best for everyone is something that a couple of the characters have to deal with. Should honour and commitment come before love? Discussing problems and working out alternatives is something that Marci seems more willing to do. But she also discovers some things from the past that only a select few people know. How they will react and what they will do is something that is tantalising for the reader. As is the romance side of the story.

The author always gets the romance balance right for me in her novels, not too steamy but gentle, wary and not always straightforward or predictable. This makes for a story that isn’t all about romance and comes across as more believable.

Another excellent read and one for those who like a holiday style romance, family secrets and an all-around gorgeous contemporary fiction story. It is one I would definitely recommend. 

Many thanks for reading my post, a like or share would be amazing 🙂 xx

The Cosy Cottage in Ireland by Julie Caplin #NetGalley @OneMoreChapter_ #romance #bookreview

yvonnembee 3 Comments

I am delighted to share my review today for The Cosy Cottage in Ireland by Julie Caplin. I read this one just before Christmas and thoroughly enjoyed it.

My huge thanks to One More Chapter for approving my request to read this book via NetGalley.

Snuggle up in your favourite armchair and take a trip across the Irish sea for comfort food, cosy cottage nights and a heartwarming romance…


Talented lawyer Hannah Campbell is after a change in her workaholic Manchester life – so on an uncharacteristic whim, she books herself a place at the world-renowned Killorgally Cookery School in County Kerry. But on her first night In Ireland, sampling the delights of Dublin, Hannah can’t resist falling for the charms of handsome stranger Conor. It’s only when Hannah arrives at her postcard-pretty home at Killorgally for the next twelve weeks that she discovers what happens in Dublin doesn’t quite stay in Dublin…

Nestled amongst rolling green hills and breathtaking countryside, the cookery school throws Hannah and Conor together again–for better or worse.

MY REVIEW

This is the 8th book in the Romantic Escapes series, each book is a stand-alone and I have read some, but not all of them.

Hannah decides to do something daring, something completely out of character and books a sabbatical. She goes on a 6-week cookery school course in the gorgeous coastal area of County Kerry. What she doesn’t realise is that when she stopped over in Dublin, that the man she met will also be at the school.

Once again this author has completely entranced me with the sumptuous and breathtaking descriptions of the setting. The school is part of a large complex that sounds idyllic and in keeping with the area. The main house with various cottages dotted around that has been renovated over time to provide dwellings for the students. I loved the ethos that the author has created with this story, it centres around knowing where and how food is produced in a local and seasonal way. Using the freshest ingredients to create some very tantalising and mouth-watering dishes.

AS this is a book in the Romantic Escapes series, there is obviously a good romance element to it. The author does this so well and does manage to yet again create a mouthwatering storyline. The main characters definitely blow hot and cold, and they are not the only ones.

I really liked how Hannah finds herself to be rather lacking when it comes to cooking when she is so driven for the rest of her life, especially her job as a lawyer. This self-expectation to be good at all she tries and not taking undue risks makes for an interesting character. While she may not be the best cook she does however have an inquisitive mind, and her lawyerly instincts are niggled.

I adored how the tentative friendship/ relationship developed, nothing certain and definitely not straightforward. But there is also much more to this story than that, there are the wonderful friendships and great bickering from the other students. They bring different expectations, skills, backgrounds with them and it was wonderful to see them gradually get to know each other and form their own little group.

This is one for those who adore a heartwarming romance set within a stunning location. I adored everything about this story and it is one I would definitely recommend.

Many thanks for reading my post, a like or share would be amazing 🙂 xx

Greece Actually by Sue Roberts @bookouture #romance #bookreview

yvonnembee 3 Comments

I am delighted to share my review today for Greece Actually by Sue Roberts. I have read a few of Sue’s books before and enjoyed them very much, this one was no excpetion. I received my copy from Bookouture via NetGalley.

Small, shy, safe. That’s how Becky lives ever since her last romantic calamity landed her in hospital. Her comfort zone is as confining as her tiny bank balance, and fiercely guarded by her totally over-the-top mum. But the news that her ex is back sniffing round is the final straw. In a very un-Becky move, she packs her bags for the Greek island of Skiathos. Maybe the setting of her favourite ABBA movie will be just the break from reality Becky needs…

Stepping aboard the Mamma Mia! boat tour, Becky leaves her fear in the port as she sings… out loud… in public, and cries Gimme! Gimme! Gimme! to everything the Greek life has to offer. She befriends locals young, old, and absolutely perfect (hello, sizzling hot restaurant-owner Kyros!), dines on freshly baked bread drizzled in golden olive oil on a starlit date, and walks barefoot along silky sandy beaches.

When Kyros asks her to stay longer, Becky is stunned. Could she really create a new life for herself here, and trust her heart with this smooth-talking charmer? But just as she’s thinking about putting down roots, her troublesome ex makes a dramatic return, begging for her back. Will she go back to playing it safe, or will she take a chance on Greece and embrace her true dancing queen?

MY REVIEW


I have read quite a few of this authors books and I do like the ones set in Greece. Greece Actually is a wonderful book to read, especially during a chilly November afternoon.

Becky doesn’t have many friends, she doesn’t really go out. But the two friends she does have are supportive and together they have good fun. Becky has only lived in the area for three years, she runs her own shop. When she gets invited to stay at her Uncle’s villa in Greece she immediately thinks of how good it would be to spend some time with her two friends and get away from work and memories for a while.

Becky is a person who is someone who would rather remain hidden, it is only further in the story that I discovered why this was. It also explained the reason for her move to a Lancashire town. Starting her business and making her own stock does sound like hard work but it is also a way for Becky to keep busy. Having supportive and fun friends gives her the chance to live a little and have them go with her on holiday means she will go.

The author really does a fabulous job of describing the Greek Island of Skiathos and I did virtually visit on the internet, it looks amazing and very similar to how I imagined it to be. There is of course mentions of the local food, some history and sights to be seen. Then there is a certain Greek restauranteur by the name of Kyros.

The story is one that has its moments of sadness, but only a very small amount. It is more the story of Becky and how she is moving forward and gradually starting to believe in herself. She is very much in control, but it was so nice to see her gradually loosening up and enjoying herself. She is a character I liked and I wanted her to reach out and experience life.

This is a lovely story that was a one-sitting read, food, scenery, gorgeous beaches and the characters ticked all the boxes for me. Ideal for those who love to be whisked away to warmer climates for some romance reading. One I would definitely recommend.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Sue was born in Liverpool and moved to Lancashire as a teenager where she has lived ever since. She has written three books, the third ‘My Summer of love and limoncello.’ will be published on March 6th and she is busy working on a fourth book. When not busy writing, Sue spends her time with her ever growing family. She enjoys walking, cinema and travelling. Her first book ‘My Big Greek Summer.’ was inspired by frequent visits to the Island of Rhodes in Greece. All Sue’s books are available from Amazon in kindle and paperback format.

Many thanks for reading my post, a like or share would be amazing 🙂 xx

A Secret Gift by Amanda James @amandajames61 @OneMoreChapter_ #NetGalley #contemporaryfiction #bookreview

yvonnembee

I am delighted to share my review today for one of my favourite authors. A Secret Gift by Amanda James is a fabulous contemporary fiction story set in Cornwall.

My thanks to the Publisher One More Chapter for accepting my request to review this book from NetGalley, for an honest and unbiased review.

Escape to Cornwall for an enchanting, heartwarming new novel about friendship, hope and second chances…

Three years ago, Joy Pentire lost her firefighter husband and she still hasn’t returned to the woman she once was. But then she meets Hope, one of the residents at the nursing home where she’s a carer.

Hope has a secret gift that she wants to pass on.
And Joy’s life is forever changed.

Surrounded by the community in her Cornish hometown, Joy’s unexpected inheritance soon leads to new opportunities, new friends, new love, and the part of herself she’d thought forever lost … her joy.

A heart-warming, joyful story of the power of personal connection. 

PURCHASE LINK – HERE

MY REVIEW

Firstly, now that I have finished reading this book I can appreciate how the gorgeous cover fits in with the story. I have been a fan of this authors stories for quite a while now and have read most of her books. She is an author who crosses genres and does it very well indeed.

This story is about Joy, a widow who is getting by. Not ready to move on after the death of her husband. She works at a local care home. while it is a job it is not what she originally hoped to do. Talking of hope, Hope is the name of one of the residents and if I am honest one of Joy’s favourites. Hope doesn’t have long left, she knows it as does Joy, so Hope bequeaths on Joy a secret and a jar of pebbles! Sounds a bit random I know, but the story that follows is one that I found captivating. So captivating that I read this book from start to finish in one sitting!

This is such a gorgeous read, a story of a young woman trying to deal with life. Working, helping others and not quite fulfilling her life, she isn’t miserable, but she isn’t happy. Melancholic I think would sum her up.

The secret, well if I told you what that was it wouldn’t be a secret, but believe me when I say it is something quite special. It is a secret that not only helps others but will in time help Joy herself. And yes, the pebbles are part of it.

This is another wonderful and captivating story. It has some wonderful sentiment and emotions to it. I found the main character of Joy, to be a really lovely one. Friendly, warm and one of life’s plodders. She plods along doing her best. The author does inject a touch of romance, but for me, the story was about friendship and helping others. About being a friend, a shoulder and supportive when needed, also about trying to move forward after heartache, about trusting people and your instincts.

This really was a lovely story and one I adored and would definitely recommend.

Many thanks for reading my post, a like or share would be amazing 🙂 xx

The Ticklemore Tavern by Liz Davies @lizdaviesauthor @rararesources #PublicationDay #contemporaryfiction #bookreview

yvonnembee

I am delighted to share my review today for The Tickelmore Tavern by Liz Davies. This was such a lovely story to settle down with and read.

My huge thanks to Rachel for arranging my advanced copy of the book for an unbiased review.

Violet makes her own gin.
Logan Cassidy sells it in his pub, The Ticklemore Tavern.


It should have been a match made in heaven, especially since the pair of them fancy the socks off each other, and they are both young, free and single.
Except…


Logan’s mum, Marie, doesn’t think Violet is good enough for her son. No woman is, or ever will be. And when she becomes ill, Logan is torn between looking after his mum or following his heart.
However, neither Logan, nor Marie, has taken the sheer force of nature that is Violet into account. What Violet wants, Violet gets.
Usually…


But maybe not this time, eh?


Purchase Links – Amazon UK – US

MY REVIEW…

I absolutely adored the story of Violet and how she met and makes friends with Logan. As the synopsis tells you, Violet makes gin and supplies the Logan, landlord of The Ticklemore Tavern. She has started this new business and has built up a nice selection of flavours. On the off chance, he will stock her gin she stops by the tavern. Talk about a purple whirlwind on legs, she bowls him over with her rather unusual and slightly flirty sales pitch. She is a character I knew I would really like, and of course, Logan doesn’t sound too bad either!

This is a wonderful story about friendship, gin and getting on in life. Almost everyone in the local community is aware of sparks between Violet and Logan, especially as he is a local and many want to see him happy and settled. There is however a spanner in the works, that spanner has a name, Maria and she is Logan’s overly, overprotective mother. Talk about a dragon or what! Now while the author does paint her out to be a party pooper there is also a balance that is struck with the odd comment. This hints at something else at play.

I really enjoyed how this local community is brought together, Hattie is hilarious and is about as subtle as a brick, she is such a brilliant character and is almost the matriarchal figurehead. She is the one that will say what is need when necessary especially when there is a snifter of gin on the go.

The author has created such a wonderful story. A couple trying to find a way to run businesses and keep family happy. About a mother who thinks she is going to be left alone and about a community that know when to intervene. A gorgeous feeling story that is timed perfectly as it slowly runs into the autumn season, and as we are currently in an autumnal feeling summer it feels rather appropriate.

I adored everything about the story, the wonderful and varied range of gins mentioned, the characters some of the food mentions and of course the story of Violet and Logan. This is definitely one for those who love a heartwarming contemporary fiction and romance tale and it is one I would definitely recommend. 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR…

Liz Davies writes feel-good, light-hearted stories with a hefty dose of romance, a smattering of humour, and a great deal of love.


She’s married to her best friend, has one grown-up daughter, and when she isn’t scribbling away in the notepad she carries with her everywhere (just in case inspiration strikes), you’ll find her searching for that perfect pair of shoes. She loves to cook but isn’t very good at it, and loves to eat – she’s much better at that! Liz also enjoys walking (preferably on the flat), cycling (also on the flat), and lots of sitting around in the garden on warm, sunny days.


She currently lives with her family in Wales, but would ideally love to buy a camper van and travel the world in it.


Website – Twitter – Facebook

Many thanks for reading my post, a like or share would be amazing 🙂 xx

The Promise of Summer by Bella Osborne @AvonBooks #romance #contemporaryfiction #NetGalley #bookreview

yvonnembee 2 Comments

I am delighted to share my review today for The Promise of Summer by Bella Osborne. This is the first book in a planned four part series and after reading this first book I am looking forward to reading the rest.

My thanks to Avon books who granted my request to review this book via NetGalley.

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This is the first part in a brand new four-part serial from Bella Osborne.

Ruby’s life is about to change for ever…

After years of dating losers, cheats and one guy who did something unrepeatable to her kettle, Ruby has all but given up on romance. But then a stranger sits next to her on a train to London and explains his plan to propose to the woman of his dreams. Maybe true love does exist after all?

When the man accidentally leaves the engagement ring behind, Ruby is determined to save the day. But she hasn’t counted on fellow passenger Curtis stepping in and insisting he should be the one to track the stranger down.

As summer closes in, the unlikely pair make a promise to reunite the ring with its owner. But can they find their own happy ever after along the way?

My Review…

I have read a few books by this author and I have always enjoyed them, her latest book is another fabulous addition. It is the first book in a four-book series.

Ruby hasn’t had much luck as far as relationships go, she is a believer in romance, finding the one and wants to be whisked off her feet, get married, have children and live happily as they do in romance novels.

A train journey makes Ruby felt that romance is truly alive and real, for some people that is. When a fellow passenger tells of his proposal to his girlfriend and then loses the ring she tries her best to think of ways to reunite the ring with its owner. Another passenger also has the same idea.

Curtis is the other helper. He is so different to Ruby and the contrasts between the characters are great. Ruby is impulsive, gets swept up in the moment while Curtis is staid, organised and plans, literally, he will plan everything.

This is such a wonderful story that doe shave quite a few different threads going on in it. Ruby and Curtis are the main characters and they are joined with a wonderful supporting cast of friends. The story starts as trying to return a ring but then gradually deepens. Friendships grow and it is the friendship that is the key for me to this story. Yes, there is a bit of a romantic thread, but friendship rules here.

This is a story that has coincidences, and through these connections are made. And I have to say there are a couple of heartbreaking moments that did cause me to well up a little. I read this book in one sitting so I was well and truly invested in the characters and what happened to them.

I did feel that this story stood out more and this is down to the differences between the characters. I thought the author really drew Curtis out and made him so interesting and the friendship that grows was important to the development.

I adored this one and enjoyed the feel-good vibes it left me with. A contemporary fiction that is heart-warming and it is one I would definitely recommend.

Many thanks for reading my post, a like or share would be amazing 🙂 xx

The Hotel at Honeymoon Station by Tilly Tennant #NetGalley @Bookouture #20booksofsummer #contemporaryfiction #bookreview

yvonnembee

I am delighted to share my review today for The Hotel at Honeymoon Station by Tilly Tennant. This is the 2nd book in my #20booksofsummer reading challenge.

Run away to the Dorset countryside, to the sleepy village of Honeymoon, where rose-adorned thatched cottages soak up the sunlight and Emma is risking everything for a brave new start on life and love…

When Emma’s useless fiancé tells her a lie she cannot forgive, she decides enough is enough. She leaves him, quits her dead-end job and travels hundreds of miles away to the ancient village of Honeymoon in the Dorset countryside, to help her friend Tia turn the old train station into a boutique hotel.

Tia has told Emma that it will be a project, but when Emma arrives in Honeymoon and sees a weed-choked crumbling ruin, her vision of an idyllic life in Dorset begins to disintegrate. But when she meets twinkly-eyed builder Aiden in the village shop, and sparks fly between them, she can’t help but feel that the stars have for once aligned.

As work begins on the hotel, Emma and Aiden grow closer, and on sun-dappled evening walks, he tells her the secrets of the village. But there are some villagers who wish that Emma had never arrived in Honeymoon… And when Emma is involved in a terrible accident on site, and then discovers what Aiden has been keeping from her, it feels like the universe is telling her to leave Honeymoon for good. What if she was wrong to say goodbye to all that was safe and familiar? Will she ever be able to find her happy-ever-after in Honeymoon?

A completely gorgeous and romantic read about being brave and taking chances on love and life. Fans of Shari Low, Jill Mansell and Milly Johnson will be enchanted by The Hotel at Honeymoon Station. 

My Review…

I have not read all of these authors books, but the ones I have read have been fabulous. The Hotel at Honeymoon Station is another wonderful and heartwarming read. Perfect for summer escapism.

The main two characters in this book are Emma and Tia. They kind of were friends at school but not really in the same social circles. They are definitely characters that are chalk and cheese. Emma, I discovered has had more to worry about as she has grown up than Tia. Whereas Tia is more energetic and outgoing, Emma is more reserved and staid. She will admit to being boring, with no imagination. So, given this, it is quite surprising for her to take on a project that means walking away from the monotony of her, life, her waste of space boyfriend and her family.

Even though it does appear out of character, she wants a new start. Something she can get excited about and with a friend in the form of Tia.

I love how the author brought these two characters together and not only embraced their differences but made them part of the story. While it is mainly more about Emma, Tia has a very large and important part to play. As do, the erm local builders! The author has once again played on differences with the buff, building, brothers Aiden and Blake, and to great effect as well I may add.

The story was entertaining as well as being a discovery about the characters themselves. Starting a new life when you are risking everything is going to be scary. Emotions, worries, stress, finances are all going to work the way to the surface at some point. What you do with them once they are there though, well you will have to read and discover yourself.

This is a wonderful story, gorgeous and with a mostly welcoming community. Finding their way in and around the area is another way of the author showing the differences, not only with Emma and Tia but also with Aiden and Blake.

This is a gorgeous story and one that I read over two sittings, although if I had started it earlier in the day I would have easily read it in one. This is a story that is about family and friends as well as finding the courage to stand up and take a chance. If you have read this authors books before then you know you are going to be in for a treat. This is one for fans of contemporary fiction with a heartfelt warmth to it and a good dash of romance. It is one I would definitely recommend. 

Many thanks for reading my post, a like or share would be amazing 🙂 xx

The Country Village Summer Fete by Cathy Lake @LakeAuthor @Tr4cyF3nt0n #CompulsiveReaders @ZaffreBooks #contemporaryfiction #bookreview

yvonnembee 2 Comments

I am delighted to share my review today for The Country Village Summer Fete by Cathy Lake. This was a gorgeous summery read and one that I adored.

My huge thanks to Tracy Fenton at Compulsive Readers and Zaffre for my spot on the Blog Tour and for my copy of this book.

A feel-good, uplifting summer read for fans of Heidi Swain and Cathy Bramley.

Emma Patrick’s life is spiralling out of control. On the cusp of her 50th birthday, she suddenly realises that she doesn’t have many meaningful relationships in her life. She’s single, successful, living alone and thinks she’s loving it, but being so focussed on work and always online means she’s lost any real connection to people.

When Emma gets a call to say her ageing father is becoming increasingly confused, she decides that she should go back home to the countryside to spend some time with him. But returning to Little Bramble, the village she grew up in, after all these years, is filled with complications of its own and people she’d rather avoid.

As Emma starts to settle in to her childhood home, she finds herself loving village life – much to her surprise. When the opportunity to get involved in the running of the summer fete comes her way, before she knows it she’s embracing jam making, cake baking and bunting. And with romance brewing, Emma begins to doubt the glamorous life in London that she worked so hard to build . . . 

My Review…

What a wonderful book this was as I got to know Emma as she returned to her childhood home of Bramble Village.

After finding herself wandering around a Tesco store at a ridiculous time of the morning she realises she needs a break from her life and career in London. She decides to return home when she hears her Dad has not been the best.

This was a wonderful story to disappear into for a few hours. A story that tells of how Emma had run away from the life that already seemed planned, instead of spending 30 years working hard, not fully embracing life and discovering she is running herself to the ground.

Being home opens old memories and brings heartache as she remembers things that have happened. She imagines people in the village will be hostile towards her and fears that the community has moved on. Things have indeed changed, but what makes the community is still there. The author brings a lovely sense of warmth, compassion and understanding to her village setting. A buzzing community with a sense of looking out for anyone who lives there.

This was such a wonderful read, it is a story of friendship and life, of family and friends. Moving on and accepting the past has happened but learning that it is ok. It is a story that had me smirking, feeling a sense of loss and also maybe the odd happy tear.

This is one for readers who enjoy a good bit of escapism reading, it has a lovely story with some friendly characters. It is one for contemporary romance and fiction readers and one that I would recommend. 

About the Author…

Cathy Lake is a women’s fiction writer who lives with her family and three dogs in beautiful South Wales. She writes uplifting stories about strong women, family, friendship, love, community and overcoming obstacles.

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