Summer at Lavender Bay by Sarah Bennett

"Love happens when you least expect it…

When Eliza Barnes said ‘I do’ to her husband all those years ago, she thought that they’d be together forever. Instead, he’s flown to Abu Dhabi to start a new life, and she’s returning to the little seaside town of Lavender Bay.

It’s finally time to chase the dreams she’s put on hold for so long, whipping up luxury bath products and organic soaps using local ingredients. Of course, she didn’t expect to meet local farmer, Jack Gilbert, or for him to be quite so gorgeous!

So when her husband turns up, she knows she must decide between the man she knows everything about and the man who makes her heart race in ways she’d never imagined – before it’s too late…"




Summer at Lavender Bay is the second in the delicious Lavender Bay series.  It can be read alone but I'd strongly recommend reading as a series.  This book follows Eliza who we've learnt a little bit about from the first book; enough to know that she has lost her sparkle.

In Spring at Lavender Bay, there is a fleeting mention of an incident with a red sports car and I remember wondering at the time what the significance to that was but never saw it unravel, however, all becomes clear in this book!  I love the way Sarah Bennett has weaved the full story through all three of the books in the series.

We also get to meet the family from the lavender farm, the reason the Bay has its name.  It's exceptionally difficult to choose a favourite of the three books but I do think this might win it for me; I loved Jack, his relationship with his nephew, the support he gives Eliza and even his fiery nature.  He might even just manage to give Eliza her sparkle back (for which I love him even more).

You also get to continue to learn about Beth and Sam whose story is covered by Spring at Lavender Bay which is a lovely bonus to the story in this book!

Summer at Lavender Bay is out now and available to buy here on Kindle or in paperback (prices correct at time of writing):

              

Spring at Lavender Bay by Sarah Bennett

"Beth Reynolds loved growing up close to Eleanor’s Emporium – a bric-a-brac shop full of wonders on Lavender Bay. Devastated to learn that Eleanor has died, she returns home from London immediately and is shocked to discover that the elderly lady has left the shop to her!

Vowing to restore it to its former glory, she only intends to stay until the end of the season. Although the longer she spends in the colourful seaside town, the more she falls back in love with everything she left behind…and quite possibly, with her best friend Eliza’s older brother, local chef Sam Barnes!

Why didn’t she notice he was quite this gorgeous before? And will their spring fling be enough to convince her to stay?"

There is no doubt about it, Sarah Bennett has become a new firm favourite of mine.  Having adored her Butterfly Cove series, I took to Amazon to see what other series there are and I plumped for the Lavender Bay series.

This first instalment at Lavender Bay focuses on Beth who isn't particularly happy with her life in London.  When she inherits Eleanor's Emporium which is an extremely special place for her, she only intends to stay until the end of the season but Lavender Bay works its magic on her and, a bit like the reader, she doesn't stand a chance.

Once again, Sarah's characters, location and storyline are absolutely fabulous.  As part of Beth's story, you meet her two best friends, Eliza and Libby which leads nicely onto the next two books in the series; one for each character.  As with The Butterfly Cove Series, I leapt from one book straight into the next because I couldn't bear to wait for more than a few minutes (and I highly recommend you do the same!)

Spring at Lavender Bay is out now and can be purchased here on Kindle or in Paperback (prices correct at time of writing):

          

Sunrise over Sapphire Bay by Holly Martin

"Aria Philips has lived on Jewel Island all of her life. Even when her sisters Clover and Skye left its stunning shores for bigger and better things, Aria stayed to help her father run their family hotel.

A year after her father’s death Aria’s done everything she can to keep things afloat but the hotel has long been struggling to make a profit. With so few guests Aria risks losing the only home she’s ever had.

Noah Campbell earned his fortune from making hotels a success, and he also just happens to be staying on Jewel Island this summer. Could he be the answer to Aria’s problems? If only he hadn’t kissed her under the willow tree the year before and never called her again. It had been the most incredible kiss of her life, but clearly business and pleasure should never be mixed.

As gorgeous and charming as Noah may be, Aria vows to keep things professional while she seeks his help. But for the past year Noah has been keeping a secret and his return to Jewel Island is about to change Aria’s life forever…"

Jewel Island sounded like a place I would quite like to visit and would be great for anyone looking for an escape to the coast during lockdown.

I enjoyed the relationships between the characters in this book and I loved the way that Noah wanted not only Aria to be happy but her sisters too.  Their relationship was inevitable with the clear chemistry between them but I felt for Noah and understood his predicament.  I missed Aria's father who features in the very early parts of the book as his relationship with Aria was lovely to see.  Look out for Mrs O'Hare too; she is fabulous. 

I have to admit that I found there to be something a little bit annoying or repetitive about Aria and her "not good enough" attitude where she was sure that everyone was going to leave her because of her past as well.

There is a second book in the series due to be released later this year called Autumn Skies over Ruby Falls and I would certainly consider reading this to revisit Jewel Island.  I've really started to love the series of books that certain authors do which allow you to revisit characters at a later time (albeit that it isn't their main story) so you can get a glimpse of where they ended up.

Sunrise over Sapphire Bay is out now and can be purchased here on Kindle or in Paperback (prices correct at time of writing):

                

The Bed and Breakfast on the Beach by Kat French

"A Greek island solves all life’s problems…doesn’t it?

Winnie, Stella and Frankie have been best friends forever.

When their lives unexpectedly unravel, they spontaneously decide to buy a gorgeous B&B on a remote Greek island. Drenched in hot sun, Villa Valentina is the perfect escape from reality. But when Winnie meets Jesse, their brooding neighbour, she finds that Greece is full of its own complications – not least how attractive he is…

Meanwhile, Frankie and Stella are discovering that Villa Valentina has its own secrets – starting with the large supply of gin in the cellar and the arrival of a famous rock band. A band with one very good-looking member who just might distract Frankie from thoughts of her husband…"

This book isn't just one big fairytale, it's three combined into one!  In The Bed and Breakfast on the Beach, Winnie, Stella and Frankie each go on their own journey (after they decide to buy a B&B on a remote Greek island whilst on a long weekend away from their difficult lives in England) and what ensures is absolutely delightful.

I loved that the story wasn't as expected, for example, there isn't that much B&B'ing that goes on but rather a local gin-making tradition and interactions with the islanders.

Reading the acknowledgements, I loved to read that the character of Jesse was inspired by Hooten from Hooten and the Lady.  Having just recently watched the series; I can totally see this!

An absolutely perfect summer holiday read (or summer lockdown read!).  A story of sunshine, love, new starts and bravery!

I received a free copy of this e-book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

The Bed and Breakfast on the Beach is out now and can be purchased here on Kindle or in Paperback (prices correct at time of writing):

                  

A Parcel for Anna Browne by Miranda Dickinson

"The gift of a lifetime?

Anna Browne is an ordinary woman living an ordinary life. Her day job as a receptionist in bustling London isn't exactly her dream, yet she has everything she wants. But someone thinks Anna Browne deserves more . . .

When a parcel addressed to Anna Browne arrives, she has no idea who has sent it. Inside she finds a beautiful gift - one that is designed to be seen. And so begins a series of incredible deliveries, each one bringing Anna further out of the shadows and encouraging her to become the woman she was destined to be. As Anna grows in confidence, others begin to notice her - and her life starts to change.

But who is sending the mysterious gifts, and why?"

When I first started reading this book, I wondered how Miranda Dickinson was going to get a whole book out of someone receiving a parcel but WOW.  It didn't take long for me to be drawn in and it is a storyline that I haven't come across before.

I loved the descriptions of the parcels.  I spent an obscene amount of the book speculating and debating with myself who the mystery sender of the parcels was going to be and whilst, when revealed, I had at one point in time thought fleetingly of this person, I had never been able to settle on who I was placing my bets on.

Miranda does well with the characters; some you like and some you don't.  This is a story of discovery, romance, mystery, friendship and is simply a little bit special.

I received a free copy of this e-book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

A Parcel for Anna Browne is out now and available to purchase here on Kindle:

The Bookshop of New Beginnings by Jen Mouat

"It’s never too late to rewrite your story…

It’s always been Emily Cotton’s dream to own her own bookshop. But sitting among shelves of haphazardly stacked books in a damp old barn, the reality feels a little different.

Kate Vincent hasn’t been back home in six years. But when she receives a desperate email from her childhood best friend begging for her help she doesn’t stop to think. Scenes of idyllic holidays with the Cotton family dance in her mind and she books a one-way ticket home to Wigtown.

But life for the Cottons isn’t all as she remembers and the secrets which once drove Kate and Emily apart are finally threatening to come to the surface. Now as the pair work together to save Emily’s failing bookshop – can they too begin a new chapter of their friendship?"

Previously published as Summer at Bluebell Bank

I loved this book.  It made me smile (at times grin) and it made me cry.  

I was a little hesitant to start with but I was soon drawn in by the characters and the storyline and, shortly after that, I was hooked.  At times, I found it really hard to put down.  Each of the characters in this book really goes on a journey and comes out the other side as a slightly different person.

The Bookshop of New Beginnings is a story of love at first sight, heartbreak, jealousy, running away, true friendship, sibling rivalry and love, soulmates, lies and loss.

The book is set in Scotland; there are a few descriptions of this but I wouldn't say the location is particularly prominent.  However, the writing is descriptive and I could easily picture the bookshop, Bluebell Bank and the characters.

Whilst I would happily have read more, the ending was a delight and felt completely wrapped up.  I was glad to be left without any loose ends.

A wonderfully heart-warming story that would be a perfect summer read.

I received a free e-copy of this book from NetGalley in return for an honest review.

Christmas at Butterfly Cove by Sarah Bennett

"When talented artist Nee Thorpe returns to Butterfly Cove for her sister’s wedding, it’s only a matter of time before she has to face her own bridegroom – Luke Spenser – the man she impulsively married, then left in the middle of the night.

Nee hasn’t picked up her paintbrushes in months, a part of her is broken. She knows Luke might never forgive her, leaving him was the biggest mistake of her life – but could coming home for Christmas be the best decision she’s ever made?

Maybe all she needs is a little Christmas miracle…"

The final book of The Butterfly Cove Collection and, boy, it isn't a disappointment.  

I absolutely revelled in being able to return to Butterfly Cove, catch up with the characters I had grown to love in Wedding Bells at Butterfly Cove and delve further into the story of Luke and Nee.  Whilst Kiki's children don't feature that heavily in this book, I was so glad to see them back and learn a little more about where they ended up!

This book could definitely be read as a standalone book, however, I highly recommend reading all three together.  Sarah Bennett's writing is incredible; you get a good mix of the main characters' history, their present and their future and it all feels so effortless.

This book wrapped up all the other storylines nicely; I was completely satisfied with the series but I was sad to leave which has to be a sign of a good set of books.  Without question, my favourite series for some time.  I cannot wait to delve into more of Sarah Bennett's books in the future. I have already purchased two of the Lavender Bay books to get me started.

Wedding Bells at Butterfly Cove by Sarah Bennett

"When Kiki Jackson’s marriage falls to pieces, there’s only one place that she knows she can escape to – her sister’s little guesthouse in Butterfly Cove.

But she’s worried that turning up on bride-to-be Mia’s doorstep, especially with her two adorable children in tow, will spoil her sister’s imminent wedding plans!

Luckily, handsome neighbour Aaron Spenser offers to share his new cottage with Kiki until she’s back on her feet. And as the wedding draws closer, Kiki realises that Butterfly Cove may be offering her little family more than just a new home…

Maybe this is where her new life begins…?"

WHAT A BOOK! Sarah Bennett goes straight into my top authors with this absolute delight of a love story.

It didn't take me long to fall into this story where Kiki instantly felt like a good person and I instantly disliked her husband Neil.  There are quite a few different characters in the story but they all come to have their own very special place in the story as well as meaning in each other's lives.  I adored the interaction between Aaron and Kiki's children - it is so beautifully written.

A real feel-good story which is absolutely ideal for a summer holiday read.  I became so invested in the characters and their lives; I cried multiple times and finished the book in less than 24 hours (easy on hot sunny weekend day in lockdown!)

I was satisfied with the ending of Wedding Bells at Butterfly Cove but it left me desperately needing to know more about Kiki's future.  I immediately headed to the internet to find out whether there were more in this series (as it felt like there needed to be) to discover that there are three books in the Butterfly Cove series and this is the second.  There is a book for each of the sisters - Kiki, Mia and Nee.  I immediately purchased both of the other books so I could enjoy some more time at Butterfly Cove.  I was absolutely confident that I was going to love being able to revisit the characters I learned to love in this book as the focus shifts in the other two books.

Finally, to say that whilst this is the second book in a series, it absolutely can be read alone.  I adored it.  Having now read all three, I would recommend you invest in all and enjoy them in order to get the most of the story and the characters!

I received a free copy of this e-book from NetGalley in return for an honest review.

Sunrise at Butterfly Cove by Sarah Bennett

"After a nightmare year, Mia Sutherland is hoping for a fresh start! She’s putting the past behind her and pouring all her savings into renovating a crumbling guesthouse in peaceful Butterfly Cove. Nothing will distract her from achieving her dreams!

That is, until her very first guest, Daniel Fitzwilliam arrives – quite possibly, the most gorgeous man she’s ever seen. He’s only here for a week, but already Daniel has turned her world upside-down. And as the tide turns, it’s clear that Butterfly Cove has more than one surprise in store for Mia…"

This is the first of a trilogy centred around Butterfly Cove.  I actually didn't realise this until after I'd read the second book (Wedding Bells at Butterfly Cove, having received a free copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review) and I took instantly to the internet to discover whether there was more (it was that good!).  As I wanted to continue the story from where I'd left off, I actually read the third (and final) book next and then came back to read the first.  I found it really interesting to read this way round as, whilst I knew what was ultimately going to happen, I loved watching it unfold and recognising the references from the other two books.  However, to avoid any spoilers, I would certainly recommend reading the books in order.

This is the book in which the guesthouse at Butterfly Cove really comes to life - from a crumbling wreck into the beautiful house that Mia has created in her mind.  It also becomes more than just a guesthouse; it becomes a home for Mia and Daniel.  This is a story of, not only a fragile house, but two fragile souls who are brought together and the result is ultimately magnificent.  It is emotional at times and I know the writing has to be good if it can make me cry (which it did!)

I read this book in one sitting on a sunny Sunday afternoon and it was throughly delightful.  A truly delightful love story and an exceptionally easy read.  Sarah Bennett is a new firm favourite of mine, without question!

The Man Who Didn't Call by Rosie Walsh

"Imagine you meet a man, spend seven glorious days together, and fall in love. And it’s mutual: you’ve never been so certain of anything. 

So when he leaves for a long-booked holiday and promises to call from the airport, you have no cause to doubt him. But he doesn’t call.

Your friends tell you to forget him, but you know they’re wrong: something must have happened; there must be a reason for his silence. 

What do you do when you finally discover you’re right? That there is a reason – and that reason is the one thing you didn’t share with each other?The truth."

I read this book last year in Cyprus.  The resort I was staying in had one of those book swap shelves and, once I'd finished the books I'd bought with me, I happily traded them in.  I scoured the shelves for the book that looked most appealing and this drew me in.  The name of the book suggested "light" reading but the caption suggested something a bit mysterious which I liked the sound of.

Through the first few chapters, I considered giving up as I found it a bit slow and I wasn't sure about the main character but I'm glad I didn't.  Immediately before this book, I'd read quite a few crime / thriller books and I think it just took me a while to re-adjust to a different genre.  Whilst some would call this a multi-genre book, I wouldn't classify it as a thriller in the true sense of the word.

After a while though, I found myself keen to find out why Eddie hadn't called and I was surprised by the reason and then became torn as to what I wanted to happen next.  Having got to the end of the book, I realise how many clues were given along the way but I just hadn't connected them.

A good read with a great, unexpected twist.