Alex has perfected the art of dodging responsibility during her almost 40 years ― until an unexpected letter turns her life upside down.

She’s inherited a crumbling sheep farm in deepest, wettest Wales. This was not her life plan. Not at all.

Now, her closest companion is a grumpy Welsh terrier, she’s speed-reading An Idiot’s Guide to Farming, and her arrival has set the village gossip mill spinning. With the farm near collapse and its community now relying on her, Alex sets out to uncover the truth behind her mysterious inheritance. Then she can finally get back to the carefree life she thought she wanted.

But as secrets surface, Alex finds her heart pulling her in a direction she never saw coming.

Will she pack her bags – or has she landed exactly where she’s meant to be?

My Thoughts:

When you see a book written by a well known celebrity, I am always unsure if it will be any good or not, but I have liked Clare Balding a lot over the years and knew it would be about animals too so just could not resist and I was pleasantly surprised. It was brilliant. Not being funny but Clare really knows her stuff, Alex has been inherited a farm in Wales but she does not really know why her. So she goes there to find out more and the reality of it all shocks her, the place is a mess and needs a lot of money poured into, and bills need paying asap. There is always a nasty person that will try and do something unkind and Clare has got this character Layton to a T. It was brimming full of warmth and comfort and the gorgeous animals made it feel so homely. I cannot wait to see what Clare writes about next, because this one was a stunner. I would highly recommend.

I received an ARC copy of this book for an honest review.

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Thea Ashcombe, a fiercely independent single mum, is about to face her toughest challenge yet: Christmas on a shoestring. As the festive season looms, Thea’s feeling a little like their old family Christmas tree – tired and lacking in sparkle!

Nick Saint, the quiet and devoted farm shop manager in the idyllic village of Lower Brambleton, has secretly liked Thea for years. Trapped in the friend zone since high school, he’s given up hope of Thea seeing him as anything more than reliable ‘Saint’ Nick…

But when Thea steps into Nick’s world to help at the bustling farm shop, something unexpected happens. Suddenly, her sensible head is spinning with a schoolgirl crush she never saw coming! Is it just the enchanting glow of Christmas, the twinkling lights playing tricks on her mind?

As they work side-by-side preparing for the magical Christmas market, and as Nick’s thoughtful gestures – like a perfectly fresh Christmas tree appearing at her door – begin to melt her defences, Thea starts to wonder – maybe all she really needs for Christmas… is Nick!

My Thoughts:

This is book two in the Brambleton Series but can be read as a standalone which I have done. It was a lovely little story to curl up with, the characters really bought the story alive. Thea is a single parent and is having a lot of problems with money and with Christmas coming up she knows it is going to get expensive so when the farm shop manager gives her a second job she welcomes the extra money it will provide for her family and also she may get a bit of happiness in the way of falling for him. The story has relatable and shows every day struggles that single parents go through. I love how Thea turned her life around with the help of Nick. It was a wonderful story to relax with and I look forward to reading more books by Fay.

I received an ARC copy of this book for an honest review.

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Violet Winters is starting her first week of nights and she is petrified. She’s a straight-A student, but practising medicine on real people is another matter entirely. Seems like being a straight-talker can get you in hot water when it comes to patient care… With no one special to spend Christmas with, she signs herself up for the holiday night shift. How much damage could she possibly do?

Dr Gus Jovic, on the other hand, is universally popular, famously unflappable in a crisis and appears to charm patients with ease. But Violet can’t help but wonder … how come Mr Perfect is avoiding a Christmas at home too?

My Thoughts:

I always love reading a book that is a bit different. Two doctors working a night shift, we get to hear about the patients they see but also each others side of the story. Each chapter is either Violet or Gus, and we see how their stories intertwine. I loved the first half of this book, it was a compelling read and you could feel excitement for Violet in your bones. However I felt as though the second half was lack lustre and did not really go anywhere, it was a shame really as it had good potential. I liked both characters and I liked how it was set around the hospital but it really slowed down too much for me on the second half.

I received an ARC copy of this book for an honest review.

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One call changes everything.

When Isla Joyson receives a desperate call from a nun about an impending drug shipment, she sees a chance to break the story of the year. The Sister insists she can’t go to the police and begs for Isla’s help … Then the line is cut.

The next day, the nun’s body is pulled from the Thames River.

Pursuing both justice and the story, Isla’s investigation leads from the cloistered order harboring dark secrets to the highest echelons of British society. When Isla crosses paths with a powerful duke intent on solving this murder without her, the stakes escalate, threatening to destroy both her career and her relationship with the man she loves.

My Thoughts:

This is the second book in the Isla Joyson Series and as much as I enjoyed the first book, I found this one even better. We catch up with Isla as she navigates her way in her journalism job. This time she gets a phone call about a drug shipment that is going to be happening soon, Isla wants to be the first to plug the story but then tragedy strikes when the phone caller ends up dead, is it safe for Isla to continue, to be honest not much will stand in Isla’s way but she does have to be very careful as she does not know what this will lead to. I thought the first paragraph hooked me in straight away and I could not wait to settle in and read more. It was fast paced and gripping, the characters were all round good. I love Isla’s way about her she is full of determination and strength and such a strong independent woman. This book can be read as a standalone but I would suggest reading the first book as it is really good. I was very impressed with this book.

I received an ARC copy of this book for an honest review.

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Are there enough hours in the day for everyone to find their happy place?

Phoebe Dashwood and Sam Hendrie welcome their beautiful baby daughter into their already busy lives. With motherhood now top of Phoebe’s to-do list alongside being a vet, and running an animal sanctuary there’s no time for daydreaming.

As Phoebe battles sleepless nights, extra challenges arise in the shape of abandoned African pygmy hedgehogs, stolen cats, and a worrying trend to keep wildlife as pets.

Meanwhile, Sam is selflessly left holding the baby and when a familiar face from the past returns old feelings are tested. With so many plates spinning Sam worries something may get broken – he just hopes it won’t be their relationship.

Can parenthood, a relationship, and a professional life be successfully juggled and is it really ever possible to have it all?

My Thoughts:

This is an author I have not read before but would not hesitate to read more of her books, this one is about Phoebe who is a vet but also runs a animal sanctuary with her husband Sam. They are both always busy what with having a baby too. But neither of them could wish for anything else. There always seems a lot going on but in a good way, lots of animals and people to deal with, is all part of running an animal sanctuary. I liked how the story unfolded and I felt as though even though there was sensitive issues that the author Della dealt with them kindly. I loved reading about all the animals as I am a big animal lover. It was a great read and an author I want to read more of now.

I received an ARC copy of this book for an honest review.

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Self-confessed coffee addict and food writer Madison has convinced herself she belongs in NYC. But then she’s called back to the small town of Maple Falls to save her childhood home, The Cinnamon Spice Inn. She’s NOT looking forward to seeing her ex, Zach—now a sexy handyman who knows exactly how to push her buttons. But she won’t let anything distract her from the inn’s relaunch… right?

Zach is frustrated in more ways than one when his latest job brings him face-to-face with the girl who got away. He’s already agreed to renovate her family’s inn and he’s nothing if not a man of his word. But the last thing he wants is to work side-by-side with that stubborn, infuriating—fine, totally gorgeous—red-head.

Sparks fly as they prepare for the big Halloween opening. Will Madison save The Cinnamon Spice Inn and have a second chance at love, or will it all go up in flames?

My Thoughts:

This is book One in the Maple Falls Series and I loved the design on the front cover it looks very autumnal. When Madison returns to her home town, there are certain people she would like to avoid but that is not the case. She is happy where she lives now and being back just throws all of that up in the air. Madison is home to help save The Cinnamon Spice Inn as it holds a lot of memories for her. Will she get more than she bargained for when she goes home? and will she ever go back? It was a slow burner, but an easy story to follow along to. The characters are all well rounded and balanced. It was one of those stories where it is very predictable but an easy pick up read.

I received an ARC copy of this book for an honest review.

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All Erin wants is independence and security. All Oli does is travel the world after locuming at practises for a few months. So when he comes back into Erin’s life, she knows it’s temporary, no matter the lingering looks he gives her.

With Christmas approaching, the vet practice is busier than ever, and Erin is surprised at how well she and Oli work together to help the animals of Hartfell. From sharing meals in her cramped cottage to meandering the village fayre, the wall Erin has built around her heart begins to crumble.

But Oli’s contract is coming to an end and he’s shown no sign of wanting to stay. Has she set herself up for another heartbreak from the only man she’s ever loved? Or will she realise that being independent sometimes means relying on others, and security comes with taking risks?

My Thoughts:

When Erin and Oli’s worlds collide after a few years apart, they are both vets and Oli is now going to be living with her for a few months. They both cannot believe this is happening and they seem to be getting on well but when Oli’s contract at the vets comes to an end Erin is sad but she does not know how Oli is feeling towards her, should she say something or just let him go? It was an easy and light hearted story, the characters were relatable. I did feel as though I would of liked more of the vet and animal side of things rather than the will they? won’t they? this is book two in the Hartfell Village Series and can be read as a standalone. It was a good pick up read but I felt as though the story petered off halfway through.

I received an ARC copy of this book for an honest review.

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Two lonely people. One song to change their lives…

Merryn Rowe adores her life in St Ives. The café she owns and the community she serves are her much-needed second chance after a heart-breaking divorce. But as she gazes out at the Cornish Sea, she begins to long for more.

Zach Trevelyan is not where he expected to be. His surfing career in tatters following an injury, he finds himself in St Ives without a home, a job, or a path ahead.

When Merryn discovers an abandoned piano, it evokes long-lost memories of someone who left her life without a word – her much-loved stepfather. Impulsively, she gives the piano a home in the courtyard of her café. And late one night, when a familiar song comes through her window, Merryn discovers a striking man huddled at the piano.

Who exactly is the midnight musician? And why can’t she stop thinking about him…and his beautiful melody?

My Thoughts:

The book is set in Cornwall, and it is a place I have only been to a handful of times but with Miranda’s descriptions of the place I now want to go back more than ever. Merryn owns a café and has a good community support system around her after things not going well in her life. But she wants more and when Zach turns up, he is not in the best place either, the thing he loves to do the most surfing may not be anymore because of an injury, can the pair help to heal one another. The two bond over a piano of all things. It was a good pick up book, an easy read, nothing too heavy. Of course there are real life situations but Miranda has written them in sensitively. All round a good read.

I received an ARC copy of this book for an honest review.

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Accountant and freelance personal stylist Carly Porter, daughter of a compulsive gambler, knows the personal cost of a bad bet. But when she partners with her best friend, Sasha—publisher of a floundering fashion magazine—Carly can’t resist. The highly publicized makeover of an Oklahoma City bachelor could boost sales and be Carly’s ticket to her dream profession. The bachelor in question is none other than Sasha’s older brother, Brooks.

Hardly the party boy Carly remembers from high school, Brooks is now an antisocial, work-obsessed physician still struggling with a devastating loss. But if it means helping his sister, he’s in. It’s Carly’s job to get him out of those lived-in scrubs, style him to the nines, and bring Brooks back to life. But so far, the only real connection is between Brooks and Carly—and falling for a client could cost Carly the career she’s worked so hard for.

To move forward, they’ll both have to overcome their painful pasts. And whatever the risk, maybe even take a chance on love.

My Thoughts:

This story is about Carly and her best friend Sasha working together on an idea that they have to makeover a bachelor in their home town. This is going to be it, in a magazine, this could really be Carly’s step up in her career. But there is a problem, this bachelor is going to be Brooks which is Sasha’s brother and he is at an all time low right now, struggling with a number of things. Can Carly help turn his life around, and can they both help each other heal. It was a easy read that has humour in it but also emotional too. I loved reading about the connection with the characters involved. It was a good read and I loved the ending.

I received an ARC copy of this book for an honest review.

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