Book Review On: The Plumberry School of Comfort Food by Cathy Bramley

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About the author (as seen on Amazon)

Cathy Bramley

Cathy Bramley is the Sunday Times Top Ten best-selling author of THE LEMON TREE CAFE. Her other romantic comedies include Ivy Lane, Appleby Farm, Wickham Hall, Conditional Love, The Plumberry School of Comfort Food and White Lies and Wishes. She lives in a Nottinghamshire village with her family and a dog.

Cathy turned to writing after spending eighteen years running her own marketing agency. She has been always an avid reader, never without a book on the go and now thinks she may have found her dream job!

Website: http://www.cathybramley.co.uk

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/CathyBramleyAuthor

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/CathyBramley

Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/CathyBramley

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/CathyBramleyWritesBooks

Publication date: 30 June 2016

Publisher: Corgi

ISBN: Paperback: 9780552172080

Also available in Ebook and Audiobook

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Format reading: Paperback

Copy provided by: My own brought

Blurb (as seen on the back cover)

Verity Bloom hasn’t been interested in cooking anything more complicated than the perfect fish finger sandwich, ever since she lost her best friend and baking companion two years ago.

But an opportunity to help a friend lands her right back in the heart of the kitchen. The Plumberry School of Comfort Food is due to open in a few weeks’ time and needs the kind of great ideas that only Verity could cook up. And with new friendships bubbling and a sprinkling of romance in the mix, Verity finally begins to feel like she’s home.

But when tragedy strikes at the very heart of the cookery school, can Verity find the magic ingredient for Plumberry while still writing her own recipe for happiness?

My Review

The Plumberry school of comfort food by cathy bramely front cover

This front cover is just glorious and delightful in so many ways: firstly I really like the swirly writing used for Cathy’s name in white and the title in a lovely deep plum colour this looks great against the blue backing of the sky. A king fisher rests on the end of the author’s name (How cute is that?). moving back to the title a few cooking instruments are scattering around it, two branches creep in to the cover and then your eye’s meet the winding hills, stream and the village blow. A lady is walking down a path gazing at the village in front of her. All in all I think this is a delicious looking front cover!(see what I did there, with the  food related reference!!!!!!!)

I’ve become a fan of Cathy’s stories since I read Appleby Farm ( you can read my review for that Here

Verity Bloom, loosed her best friend; Mimi and baking companion two years ago. Still caught up in her grief; nothing makes her happy anymore not even her friend and roommate can put a smile on her face.  Mimi leaves behind a husband and their little son Noah.

So when Verity get’s a panicked phone call from Mimi’s mother who is about to open a cookery school. She has also just finished her relationship with her jobless and cheating boyfriend so agrees to help her for a while. What a wait’s her? Can Verity bring herself to start cooking again or is it to painful? Will she find her own happiness when she’s there? How will she deal with the whole team? Is it going to be plain sailing/cooking?

The Plumberry School of Comfort Food by Cathy Bramley is a cosy, warm story that’s, funny, witty and full of excitement. It’s also not without a few sad bit; which I always’ think keeps the story true to life. Cathy really has an exquisite writing style that I have just fallen in love with. She provides lovely description that produce image after image in my mind while reading, kind of like a slide show. There are quite a few up’s and down’s throughout the book-keeping me intrigued and entertained. I really didn’t want this story to end and was pretty bummed when I did!

This story also has many bit’s that I could relate to for me personally and could sympathise with Verity’s character at points; which is probably why I couldn’t put it down to be honest. I adored reading all the yummy food’s that get cooked; so having said that I would advise you have something yummy to hand if you get to read this great book.

At the end of the book I was delighted to discover some of the lovely recipes in the story; which I will try to give a go at some point. I thought this was a really nice touch!

If you adore cooking, baking with the added drops of romance and drama, then this story is for you! I really recommend it!

                                                 Marie’s Book Boutique gives

                       The Plumberry School of comfort Food by Cathy Bramley

                                                    An awesome 5 Sparkly Stars

5stars

 

Way’s To Organise Your Bookshelf

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Hi lovely readers,

In today’s post I’m talking about ways to organise you bookshelf! When I think about organising my book’s I get a giddy and  excited feeling at just the thought of being around all of them.

Unfortunately for me I have a tiny place for just my favourite books and have a more than a few piles around my bungalow, but not actual book case. The rest of my book’s are still in boxes (all 6 of them!!!) from when we moved house. I miss seeing there pretty little spines! Hopefully some day soon, I will have a bookshelf’s or case to display my collection of books. And then I can choose how to organise them; which is the fun bit!!!!!

I got to thinking of all the ways I could think of to organise bookshelf’s. Here’s what I came up with:

1.By colour- to co-ordinate your books in blocks of colour, to make a pretty rainbow affect.

IMG_35082.Alphabetically- you could do this three way’s; by author’s, by title or by publisher.

3.By genre- keeping all thrillers together, all fantasy together, all women’s fiction together! (You get the idea!)

IMG_35114.Put your book’s in order that you read them in.

5.By putting them in order of publication date’s.

6.In height order.

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7. Putting the book’s together that have the same primary setting geographically. (North, East, South and West.)

8.Putting your book’s in randomly!

IMG_35129.In an order only you can understand!!!!

Well that’s what I came up with! I think if I had to choose a way to organise my bookshelf (when I get one that is!) I would probably go for option 2- Alphabetically by the author’s surnames; simply because I like order and it’s easier for me to find what a want when I want.

How about you? How do you organise you bookshelf’s? Do you have a different way to the one’s I came up with? As always’ guy’s you know I love to hear your thought’s!!

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Book Review On Last Dance in Havana by Rosanna Ley

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The Last dance in Hovanna by rosanna ley

About the author (as seen in the book)

Rosanna LeyRosanna Ley has written numerous articles and stories for magazines. A long time creative writing tutor, she now runs writing holidays and retreats in stunning locations in the UK and abroad. When she is not traveling, Rosanna lives in West Dorset by the sea.

 

Website: http://www.rosannaley.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/rosannaleynovels

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/RosannaLey

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6213080.Rosanna_Ley

Publication date: 19th May 2016 (Paperback and Ebook)

Publisher: Quercus Books

http://www.quercusbooks.co.uk

ISBN: Paperback 978-1-78429-2072

Ebook 978-1-78429-206-5

Also available in Audiobook and Audio CD

Pages: 496 pages (both paperback and Ebook)

Genre: Historical Romance/ Fiction

Format reading: Paperback

Copy provided by: My own brought

Blurb (as seen on the back cover)

Cuba, 1958
Elisa is only sixteen years old when she meets Duardo and she knows he’s the love of her life from the moment they first dance the rumba together in downtown Havana. But Duardo is a rebel, determined to fight in Castro’s army, and Elisa is forced to leave behind her homeland and rebuild her life in distant England. But how can she stop longing for the warmth of Havana, when the music of the rumba still calls to her?
England, 2012

Grace has a troubled relationship with her father, whom she blames for her beloved mother’s untimely death. And this year more than ever she could do with a shoulder to cry on – Grace’s career is in flux, she isn’t sure she wants the baby her husband is so desperate to have and, worst of all, she’s begun to develop feelings for their best friend Theo. Theo is a Cuban born magician but even he can’t make Grace’s problems disappear. Is the passion Grace feels for Theo enough to risk her family’s happiness?

My Review

the last dance in hovanna book cover

Would you just take a minute to soak in the front cover!… I could quit happily jump into this cover. The tropical feel, from the palm tree leaves creeping at the top of the cover, the beautiful blue sky to the pink flowers outlining the bottom section of the cover. The scene on the cover shows a typical Havana street with white buildings and an old car. A lady in a pretty pink sun-dress and sun had is walking the street gazing at her surroundings. Rosanna’s name is coloured in white and is a the top of the cover and the title is coloured in a rich pink; which ties in with the flowers and the lady’s dress. I really like this cover a lot! It ticks all the boxes for me, its eye-catching, the title and author’s name stands out; what’s not to love about it?

I brought Last Dance in Havana on a rear shopping trip to a book shop. On having previously heard a lot of amazing things about Rosanna’s books, plus the book is set in a place that interests me, so how could I not buy this book?

The first chapter the reader meet’s Elisa (in the 50’s) when she was sixteen, as she falls madly in love with Duardo after they share their first rumba dance together. Only Duardo is a rebel; set out to join Castro’s army. Elisa’s family highly disagree with their relationship and try desperately to keep them apart. The pair run away desperate to stay together especially when there was so much uncertainty in their country. However Duardo leaves Elisa to go off and fight leaving her all alone and afraid. She does the only thing she can and that’s to return home to her parent’s. On her return they are about to leave Havana and head off for a better life in the UK.

Then the story fast forward to 2012 and we meet Grace; Elisa’s stepmother. Grace has got herself in a bind, with not just her career, but is also very unsure about starting a family with her husband and now she has started to develop feelings for their Cuban friend Theo. She also has father (Philip) issues; blaming him for the death of her mother, with all his drinking; which he continues to do now. Will Grace and her father confront the past before it’s to late? Will Elisa do the same? Will Elise ever return to Cuba? Is Grace going to risk everything of Theo? Or will she start a family with her husband? Are these women happy?

I really enjoyed devouring Last Dance in Havana! It was everything I thought it would be! The plot of the story was so intriguing that I knew there was very little chance of me putting this book down. I felt for both Elisa and Grace as they try to deal with Philips alcoholism, and they way the hold so much of their emotions inside until they can’t any longer. I thought the way the story flipped from the past to present; filling in the reader in on the history of Elisa. I adored Elisa’s and Grace’s friendship and how supportive they were to each other in times of need, I found it endearing! The story was very rich in Cuban culture and history, so not only did I enjoy the actual story but I learnt a bit about Cuba!

This is the first book of Rosanna’s I have read and defiantly plan to seek more of her wonderful books. I think Last Dance in Havana is a top read in my eye’s, and come’s highly recommended for me!!!!!!

                                                     Marie’s Book Boutique gives

                                          Last Dance in Havana by Rosanna Ley

                                                                 5 Sparkly Stars

5stars

 

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Book Review On: Then Now Always by Isabelle Broom

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About the author (as seen on Amazon)

Isabelle Broom

Isabelle Broom was born in Cambridge nine days before the 1980s began and studied Media Arts in London before joining the ranks at Heat magazine, where she remains the Book Reviews Editor. Always happiest when she off on an adventure, Isabelle now travels all over the world seeking out settings for her novels, as well as making the annual pilgrimage to her true home – the Greek island of Zakynthos. Currently based in Suffolk, where she shares a cottage with her dog Max and approximately 467 spiders, Isabelle fits her writing around a busy freelance career and tries her best not to be crushed to oblivion under her ever-growing pile of to-be-read books.

Website: http://www.isabellebroom.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/isabellebroomauthor

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/Isabelle_Broom

Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/IsabelleBroom

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/8153926.Isabelle_Broom

Publication date: 20th April 2017

Publisher: Penguin

http://www.penguin.co.uk

ISBN: Paperback 978-0718186661

Also available in Ebook

Pages: Paperback 416 pages, Ebook 434 pages

Genre: Romantic Comedy/ Contemporary

Format reading: ARC Ebook

Copy provided by: Netgally- Publisher

Blurb (as seen on Amazon)

Hannah Hodges can’t believe her luck when she’s offered a trip to sunny Spain with her best friend and dreamy boss . . . but what’s the catch?
Twenty-eight year old Hannah is ready for an adventure. She and her colleagues are in Spain for a month to film a documentary, and it’s a dream come true. Not least because Hannah will get to spend long summer days with Theo, her boss (and gorgeous crush). It couldn’t be a more perfect setting to fall in love . . .
If only Tom (Hannah’s best friend and cameramen) and Claudette (the presenter) would stop getting in the way . . .
Then things become even more complicated when Nancy, Hannah’s half-sister arrives. What on earth is she doing here?
For just once in her life, can’t Hannah have one perfect summer, free of any drama?
Calling all escapists! Prepare to be whisked away to the Spanish sun in this completely absorbing page-turner.

My Review

Firstly, I would like to thank Netgally and the Publishers for approving me an ARC Ebook of Then. Now. Always. by Isabelle Broom, in return for my honest thoughts on the book. My apologies for it being posted late; there’s just not enough reading hours in the day!

Then Now Always by Isabelle Broom Front coverWhen I look at the front cover for this book, it makes me what to jump right in there! From the sun setting sky to the typical Spanish street; with mountains behind.

I like the post franking mark on the cover, that’s cute! The blue of the title works great against the sun setting sky behind as does the author’s name in white. A white trim borders the whole scene which gives it a postcard feel to it!

Hannah; a researcher for Vivid Productions in London and has done so for 5 years. In that time she has done all the research for her work colleagues ready for when they go off and visit exotic and exciting locations, leaving her behind.

Hannah works with her best friend Tom; who is a cameraman, they have been friends since university and have been inseparable ever since. They often get mistaken for a couple when they are out together because they are so close. But Hannah has a crush on her boss Theo; a Greek god of looks. She hasn’t told Tom but does confide in the other best friend; Rachel.

Hannah has been researching her butt off ready to pitch her idea of the hidden culture of Majorca (Almeria) showing how in the 70’s Artistic people world-wide came there to join the colony to her Theo. The pitch goes down a storm, with the whole team and they give the go ahead to film there. But after the pitch she feel’s deflated because she never get’s to see the job through to the end. Until Theo pull’s her aside and asks her to join the rest of the team to help research on location. Hannah jumps at the chance to do her first ever location and will be accompanying Theo; who will be editing, Tom the cameraman and Claudette; who will be presenting. She does have intentions as this is the place she went to with Rachel and her family when they were in their teens; and having lots of fun in the process! The pair got matching tattoos to remind them of their fun. The tattoo is of Indalo man; the legend behind it means good luck and to word of evil. This is where her idea for the document came from! But what happened when her and Rachel went there years ago? Will she do anything about her crush for Theo? Will Tom notice his best friend’s crunch on Theo? or is there more to Toms feelings for his friend? Why is this trip so important to her?

Before she they leave London, Hannah, Tom, Rachel and her boyfriend Paul have a catch up! Hannah has a dislike for her friend’s choice of boyfriend, so when Rachel announces Paul will be moving in with her; Hannah isn’t that pleased. This doesn’t go unnoticed by Tom; who thinks she should be pleased for her oldest friend. But can she? Why doesn’t she like him?

On arrival Hannah gets a rush of memories, on exploring by herself she bump’s in to an English lady; Elaine who came to Majorca in the 70’s. Hannah asks if she would mind her interviewing her for the documentary, Elaine is reluctant but agrees as long as her face isn’t shown. But why? Is there more to Elaine’s story? Will she open up to Hannah?

Hannah also manages to have a few moment’s with Theo, however when they start to open up to each other, there’s always something that gets in the way. Then Hannah gets an unexpected visitor from her horror of a step sister Nancy. Hannah is not happy at all to see Nancy and makes her feeling’s quit clear. But what is Nancy doing there? Why does Hannah dislike her step-sister? Will Nancy get in the way?

Then. Now. Always. is the first book I’ve ever read of Isabelle’s and I am incredibly glad I did! This book managed to whisk me away to sunny Spain, somewhere I’ve never actually been to; but gosh I certainly feel like I have when I finished this delightful book. Isabelle managed to wrap me up in Hannah’s story, and I very much felt compelled to read on after every chapter! This book has ticked all the boxes for me from the glorious setting, characters to the storyline which equates to a really great read. I will now be looking out for more of her book’s to escape too! If you can’t guess, I highly recommend you have a read this delightful book!

                                                     Marie’s Book Boutique gives

                                           Then. Now. Always. by Isabelle Broom

                                                         A Superb 5 Sparkly Stars

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Book Review On: Summertime Dreams by Debbie Macomber

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About the author (as seen on Amazon)

Debbie Macomber

Through both words and deeds, Debbie Macomber inspires women from all walks of life to realise their dreams.

She overcame the obstacles in her own life to become one of the world’s most popular writers. She encourages women to achieve the goals that burn in their hearts as fiercely as the desire to become a bestselling novelist did in her own.

When Debbie first decided to write a novel, people called her a hopeless dreamer. She had only a high school degree and was dyslexic. She was also the very young mother of four active children. No one believed she had what it took to write a book–except Debbie. She eventually saved enough money to rent an old typewriter, and every night when the children were asleep, she would sit down to write.

She wrote–for years. But each time she completed a story and mailed it off to a publisher, the manuscript was returned, stamped “rejected.” As tough as it was to keep her spirits alive, Debbie never gave up. Five long years and thousands of pages later, she received a letter in the afternoon mail. The letter was from Silhouette Books–and they wanted to buy her story. Her first novel, Heartsong, was published as a Silhouette in 1984, and it became the first romance novel ever to be reviewed in Publishers Weekly.

Today, Debbie is the internationally acclaimed author of more than 100 novels and has sold over 60 millions copies. Popular around the globe, she receives approximately three thousand letters from readers every month. And she responds personally to each one.

In lectures around the country, Debbie encourages women to “exercise the success muscle.” She also offers advice on how to achieve success in seeking or changing a career, building family relationships, forming healthy relationships and more.

Like her heartwarming novels, Debbie’s inspirational speeches are always filled with laughter and love. She cares deeply about the women she touches with her writing, and she continues to mentor people around the country. She also volunteers her considerable talents to help raise much-needed funds for battered-women’s shelters, literacy and medical research.

She lives with her husband in Port Orchard, Washington. Their children are grown and she is a proud grandmother.

Website: http://www.debbiemacomber.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/DebbieMacomberWorld

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/debbiemacomber

Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/debbiemacomber

Publication date: 14th July 2016

Publisher: Harlequin MIRA

ISBN: Paperback 978-1-848-45446-0

Also available in Ebook format

Pages: 384 pages (Paperback), 386 pages (kindle)

Genre: Family Saga/Romance/Fiction

Format reading: Paperback

Copy provided by: my own brought

Blurb (as seen on the back cover)

This summer, dare to dream of something new…

Rorie Campbell prides herself on her practicality. So when her car breaks down o a country lane, bringing Clay Franklin to her rescue, she ignores his rugged good looks and focuses on getting back on the road. Clay is worlds away from the smooth city boys Rorie usually dates- so why is she so unwilling to drive away?

Only a wealthy bride can save Prince Stefano’s country from ruin, so he’s come to America to find a wife. But his plans are derailed when he meets penniless beauty Hope Jorden. Now, with a country depending on him, Stefano faces a choice between duty…and a woman with nothing to offer but love.

My Review

Summertime Dreams by debbie macomber Gosh, I could quit happily jump into this summary front cover! What a summery delight from the seagulls swooping in the sky to the golden sandy beach. There’s pretty summery flowers creeping on to the bottom half and trees near the top. A single boat is sailing in the sea as a coupe holding hands walk along the beach. A sun umbrella and deck chair is placed on the beach; which I could just jump in to right now!!!!!! Debbie’s name is coloured in a beautiful pink, nice and bright so it really catches you eye! I adore the romantic feel the title has using a swirly handwriting font and is in a rich blue, which works great against the pale blue sky.

As you can probably tell by all the Debbie Macomber book review’s popping up on my blog recently; that I’m having a bit of a binge on Debbie’s book’s at the moment. Since discovering her book’s, I seem to be like a magpie is to shiny things when I spot one of her book’s!!!! My previous reviews you can check out here  Old Boyfriends

Thursdays at Eight

Summertime Dreams is split into two little stories. The first story is called A Little Bit Of Country, where the reader meet’s Rorie Campbell. She is a librarian in the city of San Francisco and specialises in Children’s literature; dreaming one day she would write a book of her own. Rorie pack’s her bag and is off on a writing convention in Seattle, on route she decides to take the scenic way. Only her borrowed MGB breaks down in the middle of know where. She then get’s gratefully rescued by rugged and handsome Clay and his teenage brother Skip. They tow her car back to their ranch; Elk Run surrounded by fenced fields and barns; which isn’t exactly what Rorie a city girl is used to. Clay say’s the garage can’t get the part for the car for a few day’s and suddenly she is accepting the kindness of strangers to stay at the ranch.

But after a first eventful night at Elk Run Clay and Rorie get close, and make a connection; causing them to feel something very unexpected. They decide to forget it, because of Kate; who Rorie really likes. But can they really?

Kate takes her on a tour of the town, showing her the town’s library, that is in desperate need of a full-time librarian and all the local’s. Kate lends her a lovely dress for the barn dance, and Rorie get’s to see what country life is all about. Which make’s her question her loose relationship with Dan back home. Is Dan the one? or is it going to be someone else?

Clay, is a country man and is the one who takes care of his teenage brother; with the help from Mary there long-standing Housekeeper and cook. He has a girlfriend Kate; who he has known for a long time and everyone is on the understanding they will soon be married. But are they really right for each other? Does Kate really what to marry Clay?

The Second story is called the Bachelor Prince.

Prince Stefano’s in desperate to find himself a rich wife in order to save his country San Lorenzo from ruin. He would much rather be marrying for love but this is his duty to his country. Stefano’s trusty travel companion and personal secretary; Pietro who has been with the prince for a long time deals with all his formality’s. Stefano decides Priscilla Rutherford is the lady! But in order to meet her he has been invited to be guest of honour as the most eligible bachelor at the Romance Lovers’ Convention, which she will also be attending. The convention has been selling ticket’s for one lucky lady to win a date with the prince!

Hope Jorden, runs her own coffee shop and is very single. He mother and her friend’s are always trying to set her up on dates, and now the romantic that her mother is has brought a few tickets to try to win a date with Prince Stefano at the Romance Lover’s convention they are all attending. Hope is annoyed with her mother’s interference in her love life but goes along with it for a quiet life, because she will have no chance of winning!?!? So when her ticket is pulled out, her mother and friends decides to organise their whole date!

The prince is blown away by Hope’s beauty and spark’s between them are instant. Hope unexpectedly feels the same. But she knows they come from completely different worlds and can’t be together. She has no idea about his country being in trouble, so when she see’s the prince has been seeing Priscilla she knows it can never be! Will the Prince be honest with Hope and tell her what is going on? Will she be able to forgive his secrets and lies? Is the prince going to marry for love? or to do his duty and save his country? Dose Priscilla really have eye’s for the prince or is there someone else?

Well, what can I say about this book… it really is what it say’s in the title it’s ‘Summertime Dreams’. When I picked this book up I got the most wonderful surprise of two stories in on delicious book! And I have to say Debbie does it again with this book! I felt totally and utterly wrapped up in both these story’s, unaware of what was going on around me. I fell in love with the dreamy, romantic feel to both story’s and the characters  so much so I read it in a flash.

Summertime Dream’s is another fantastic book from Debbie. It’s a perfect summery read full of wonderment and romance. Pure escapism at it’s best!

                                                  Marie’s Book Boutique gives

                                    Summertime Dreams by Debbie Macomber

                                                A Fantastic 5 Sparkly Stars

5stars

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Book Review On: The Not So Perfect Plan To Save Friendship House by Lilly Bartlett

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About the author (as seen in the Ebook)

Lilly Bartlett author photoLilly Bartlett is the pen-name of Sunday Times and USA Today best-selling author, Michele Gorman, who writes best friend-girl power comedies under her own name.

Michele writes books packed with heart and humour. Call them beach books, summer reads or chick lit… readers and reviewers call them ‘feel good’, ‘relatable’ and ‘thought provoking’

Michele was raised in the US and nw lives in London. She is very fond of naps, ice-cream and Richard Curtis films but objects to spiders and the word ‘portion’.

Website: michelegorman.co.uk

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/MicheleGorman

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/MicheleGormanUK

Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/michelegormanuk

Publication date: 31st August 2018

Publisher: Harper Impulse

http://www.harperimpulseromance.com

ISBN: Paperback 978-0008319663 (Pub date 15th November 2018)

Also available in Ebook

Pages: Ebook- 229 pages and  Paperback- 400pages

Genre: Romance comedy

Format reading: ARC Ebook

Copy provided by: Author

Blurb (as seen in the Ebook)

Meet Phoebe, who’s 28, and Laney, Dot and Maggie, who are 68, 78, and none of your business. Together they’ll prove that age doesn’t matter when it comes to friendship, belonging and an unquenchable zest for life.

When Framlingham’s famously all-female senior living home goes co-ed, a war between the sexes is declared.
Stuck in the middle, chef Phoebe Stockton is desperate to help her friends plot to keep the community that means so much to them. It’s become her life raft, too. She finds comfort in her beloved career that might finally make her parents proud. But Phoebe’s darling Nick is lining up on the other side of the battle, and their relationship is suffering collateral damage.
The stakes couldn’t be higher. If the home’s owner can’t improve business by moving the men in, he’ll have to evict everyone.

My Review

the not so perfect plan to save friendship house I would like to say thank you to Michele Gorman aka Lilly Bartlett for asking me to read and review her latest book The Not So Perfect Plan To Save Friendship House. And for providing me with an ARC to give my honest thoughts.

As some of you will know from my other reviews which you can read here Review On The Big Little Wedding In Carlton Square

The Second Chance Café

The Big Dreams Beach Hotel

Christmas at the Falling-down Guesthouse

I’m a massive fan of all her book’s so was extremely excited to see what her next story is all about.

Let’s get into the cover (as you know I love that bit!). I have to say I like the UK’s front cover rather than the US cover! This one feel’s more prettier, with the silhouette of a house coloured in a turquoise colour, in the top left of the house is a mug of a hot drink surrounded by pretty flowers,  and in the right bottom of the house is a comfy chair again with flowers. The long title is in white and is housed (excuse the pun!) in the house silhouette. Lilly’s name is coulure of the house which look’s great against the cream backing. I adore this cover for the bright colours; it’s very eye-catching.

Friendship House care home for lady’s only; set up by Mrs Greene, located in a small Suffolk town of Framlingham. Now Mrs Greene has passed on, her son is no at the helm. With the care home losing money Max often makes visits; with not always the best news! With Max’s father living in the cottage behind Friendship house, he often makes visit’s to the home and causes mayhem. What will Max’s changes mean to the lady residence? Will the lady’s co-operate? What will happen to friendship house? Can it be saved?

Phoebe is the cook at the home love’s her job and is a bit of a workaholic as is her co-worker, manager and best friend June. She also works with totally handsome and kind Nick ( the homes Occupational therapist); but when there ‘date’ with his friend; doesn’t quit go to plan Phoebe is mortified! Although  there are question’s as to why he is always sucking up to the boss! Why is Nick always happy to do more than his share of the work? What is with their relationship? Will they get over the misunderstanding?  Can her and Nick be more than just good friends?

When Phoebe loses her mother suddenly, and now she has all these feeling’s she doesn’t know what to do with. Her mother and father have built their business from scratch, and always thought their daughter could do much better than just being a cook.  All these feeling begging to surface and niggles her. Will she find anything out about why her mother was like that? Will she find out more about her mother?

On reading The Not So Perfect Plan to Save Friendship House, I enjoyed the story been written in the first person, which helped me feel connected to Phoebe. However I felt the storyline just didn’t draw me in this time, as in her previous books. The characters are funny and quirky thought, which was why I finished the book.

                                                 Marie’s Book Boutique gives

               The Not So Perfect Plan To Save Friendship House By Lilly Bartlett

                                                               3 Sparkly Stars
3-stars

 

 

 

Book Review On: It Started at Sunset Cottage by Bella Osborne

mariesbookboutique7 Comments

 

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About the author (as seen on Amazon)

Bella OsborneBella has been jotting down stories as far back as she can remember but decided that 2013 would be the year that she finished a full length novel.
In 2016, her debut novel, ‘It Started At Sunset Cottage’, was shortlisted for the Contemporary Romantic Novel of the Year and RNA Joan Hessayon New Writers Award.
Bella’s stories are about friendship, love and coping with what life throws at you. She likes to find the humour in the darker moments of life and weaves these into her stories. Bella believes that writing your own story really is the best fun ever, closely followed by talking, eating chocolate, drinking fizz and planning holidays.
She lives in The Midlands, UK with her lovely husband and wonderful daughter, who thankfully, both accept her as she is (with mad morning hair and a penchant for skipping).

Website: http://www.bellaosborne.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/BellaOsborneAuthor

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/osborne_bella

Publication date: 27th August 2015

Publisher: Avon

http://www.harpercollins.co.uk

ISBN: Paperback: 9780008158637

Also available in Ebook format

Pages: 384 pages

Genre: Romantic Comedy

Format reading: Paperback

Copy provided by: My own brought

Blurb (as seen on the back cover)

What if Mr Right was right there all along?

Kate Marshall is slowly getting her life back on track after losing her fiancé. As an author she’s able to hide herself away from the world- but now her novel is set to be made into a Hollywood Film.

When Kate is given the opportunity to stay in a beautiful country cottage to concentrate on the screen play, it’s an offer she can’t refuse.

A-list actor Timothy Calder to turn up on her doorstep, hoping to lie low after his latest tabloid scandal!

My Review

It started at sunset cottage by bella osborne It started at Sunset Cottage is the first book of Bella’s I’ve come across. I have read so many good thing’s about her book, so was excited to discover for myself. (you know how I love to discover another author!)

Would you just look at this front cover… It’s very charming! The white backing works wonderfully which makes everything on the cover stand out and is very eye-catching! The bunting that swishes at the top is coloured in pale colours. A flower bloom and a single rose is placed at the beginning and end of ‘It Started at’. The title is a deep purple, and stands out beautifully. Below that a pretty looking thatched pink cottage; with trailing roses around the front door and a bicycle rests up against it. A couple are about to embrace on the path leading to the cottage. Either side below the cottage are two blooming flowers, which continues the prettiness. Bella’s name is darker pink and below that a green border. How gorgeous is this cover?!

Kate Marshall, is a popular romance author of four novels. She is trying to get her life back on track after her fiancé James died in an accident. With her close friends; Sarah, her daughter Amy and Andy (James brother) by her side every step of the way. In her free time Kate volunteer as a tea lady; at her local conversant home, where she meets an array of interesting patient’s.

Kate’s book Love.com is going to be made into a Hollywood film; meaning she has a lot of work to do; with the help from her friend and script writer Marcus. Marcus and his wife Niamh knows what Kate has been through and they think it would be good for her to start going to social occasions, to start meeting important people do with the film and to get a feel for what is about to come. She has the pleasure of meeting the two leading actor Tim and actress Lumina; both are your typical self-absorbed, flashy and prepared to cause a stir. Marcus suggests they will get more work done on the screen play in his cottage in the Cotswolds. While Marcus and Kate are busy working on writing, Tim makes an unexpected visit in a bit to get away from reported who are intrusted in his latest embarrassment. In this time Kate gets to see a totally different side to Tim away from the glitz and glamour. But which is the real Tim? Has he caught her attention? Can Kate move on? How will she cope with the filming process and all the problems that come with it?

Mean while her friend Sarah single mother to daughter Amy is struggling to make ends meet and dealing with her ex husband and Amy’s father Shaun who is trying to make her look like an unreliable mother. She is holding down a part-time job in a local pub and with the help of her friend’s for babysitting, she struggles on. Shaun is always winding her up and causing untold rows. Then suddenly he goes missing and the police what to talk to Sarah. Andy is always there supporting Sarah with a shoulder to cry on, and he love spending time with Amy. Kate come back to help when she can in between filming. Where has Shaun gone? Is Sarah involved? What has Shaun really been up to? Does Andy have feelings for Sarah? Will they be reciprocated?

I thoughly enjoyed this read so much there’s so much packed into this book and provided me with a lot of laughs. The reader get’s to see a great friendship between Kate, Sarah and Andy they there for each other and supportive, which was lovely to read. Everyone should have friends like that! I adored the charming little Amy she was a ray of sunshine, through the whole thing and nothing fazes her. Bella’s description is excellent, and add that to the interesting characters and you’ve got a dam good read.

It Started at Sunset Cottage is pack full of drama, romance, shocking discovery’s and lots of laugh’s that will surly have you laughing out loud! I don’t know about this book should be made into a film… I’d watch it!!!!!!!

                                                        Marie’s Book Boutique gives

                                     It Started at Sunset Cottage by Bella Osborne

                                                                   5 Sparkly Stars

5stars

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