A Gift From the Comfort Food Cafe by Debbie Johnson (Romance, Contemporary, 10E/10E)

 

October 2018, HarperCollins, 401 pages, Ebook, Review copy from NetGalley

Summary from HarperCollins

Christmas has never been Katie Seddon’s favourite time of year. Whilst everyone else shares memories of families coming together and festive number ones, the soundtrack to Katie’s childhood wasn’t quite so merry.

But since she moved to the village of Budbury on the gorgeous Dorset coast, Katie and her baby son have found a new family. A family who have been brought together by life’s unexpected roads and the healing magic of a slice of cake and a cupful of kindess at the Comfort Food Café

.

This year, Katie’s new friends are determined to give her a Christmas to remember, and with a gorgeous newcomer in town, Katie’s Christmas wish for a happy home for her son might just come true.

Nayu's thoughts

It has taken me a while to read this book because I already had some of the books in the series, so decided to read them all so I was all caught up on people and events at the charming cafe by the sea which heals hearts and builds castle strong friendships to all who enter its doors. It turns out I managed to read the last two books, including the one in this review, in the wrong order, but that didn't matter. 

It's the kind of series that you won't want to end - there's another book that's come out this year, alhough I haven't read it yet. Each book takes on a different character as the protagonist, leading me to learn more about their personality and lives that I'd often glimpsed at in previous books. I can't pick a favourite character because they are all fun! 

Cherie and Laura's meddling magic works it way on Katie who is understandably protective of her young son Saul, and sometimes reluctant to join in the craziness of the cafe community. She learns a big lesson of letting people into her life, taking chances in love which she has avoided for a while, but romance comes knocking and not even she can avoid it, any more than she can avoid the yummy food the cafe workers cook up for her. 

Saul is a cute boy, he has much fun with a cafe customer who has dementia and another one who is in her 9th decade, which gives Katie a break and a chance to figure out what she wants in life. She also has to deal with her parents, whose issues cause her to make a momentous life decision which puts much happiness in her future.

Find out more on Debbie's website.

Suggested read

For another feel good read check out The Summer We Danced by Fiona Harper (Romance, Contemporary fiction, 10E/10E, short 'n' sweet review)

The Little Wedding Island by Jaimie Admans (Romance, NetGalley, 10E/10E)

Love this style of cover!

 March 2018, HQ Digital, 384 pages, Ebook, Review copy from NetGalley

Summary from Harper Collins

Bonnie Haskett loves everything about weddings. She loves her job at a national bridal magazine and even has a deposit down on her dream dress. The only problem? She doesn’t have a fianc!

So when Bonnie is sent to Edelweiss Island, known as The Little Wedding Island’, it’s a dream come true. She’s heard the rumours, every wedding that takes place in the tiny chapel ends in a happy-ever-after.

But there’s a catch! Investigating the story, Bonnie needs to pose as a blushing bride and the only man up for posing as her groom is her arch rival (and far too handsome for his own good) journalist Rohan Carter

Nayu's thoughts

While I didn't like the fact that most of the story was based on deception I was curious about how Bonnie got in that position and where it would lead her. Let's just say a few unwise decisions later she is bound for the mysterious island which somehow knows when people are faking being engaged...or does it? 

Every single island character made me smile and made life both more difficult and easier for Bonnie and Rohan's lie. It was funny how when they initially tried to be themselves (journalists) the island literally closed doors in their face, but after a couple of misinterpreted situations they were deemed a couple and the doors to the various businesses needed for a wedding were not only flung open but they were sometimes dragged in. There were some on the island still wary of the lying duo, including the owner of a cute little dog who was sweetly obsessed with Rohan, but most did like them which made the morally wrong part of their scheme feel even worse.

I figured out who Rohan was before Bonnie did, and while I sort of understood her anger towards him I silently urged her to give him a chance because sometimes who people are at work isn't who they are in their personal life. I'm not saying that's a good thing, because later in the story Bonnie encounters a huge misunderstanding because of not communicating with Rohan, but slowly both she and I got to know what Rohan was really like, which like Bonnie was a decent person. The way the genuine love grows between them is sweet and entirely expected for this type of romance. It's on my reread pile, as well as my wish list for there to be a book 2! 

Find out more on  Jaimie's website.

Suggested read

Another feel good tale which has fairy tale elements is a book which I think is The Cosy Teashop In the Castle by Caroline Roberts which I haven't reviewed but I have read. I think this is the tale I'm thinking about...If it is then the romance parts are quite strong.

 

Secrets of a Teenage Heiress by Katy Birchall (Young Adult, 10E/10E)

 11th January 2018, Egmont, 320 pages, Paperback, Review copy from NetGalley 

Book summary

Flick's family have owned The Royale – one of London's most prestigious hotels – for generations. But Flick isn't that interested. She is interested in the newest guest – superstar celebrity Skylar Chase, and Sky's mega-famous group of friends, including dreamy YouTube star, Ethan Duke. But just as Flick gets the chance to join their glittering squad, she gets grounded following an unfortunate incident involving a prince, a wardrobe and a selfie stick (it could have happened to anyone!). With only her Instagram star pet dachshund, Fritz, for company, will Flick find a way to escape The Royale and join the fame game?

 

Nayu's thoughts

This is exactly the type of read I always wanted from modern books with a princess in them (be she born or made royal)! I know Flick isn't royal, and her mum doesn't give her free reign of the perks of being in a hotel, but it felt like Flick took me into the world of royalty and famous people who spend time in hotels, what really goes on behind closed doors (note, spying is not a good occupation if it's not your official job and will get you into trouble). I got to know every part of the hotel with the at first reluctant Flick, who was far removed from being down to earth and kind to people. 

She has Atttiude with a capital A, and yes she gets in trouble for it, but her confidence is a little admirable. Trouble follows her around, especially when she gets to the hotel kitchen and near her much loved hiding space, yet because she ends up becoming a real friend to Skylar, she is let off the hook for a few issues because it's important to keep guests happy. She simply gets punished later, and her punishments are amusing to read. I liked the strange teen relationship she has with her mum, I felt sorry for her long suffering childhood friend because Flick can be dismissive to him until she needs something and he has the solution. Learning about Skylar's insane life was interesting, famous singers have many issues the public have no clue about, but there are a few perks too. Flick learns fame isn't everything, and sometimes keeping quiet about a secret is more satisfying than being the centre of attention and revealing the secret. 

I know this isn't out until next year but please put it to the top of your reading list - you won't regret it! There is a sequel which I'm eager to read (also not out yet, obviously) 

Find out more on Katy's website. 

Suggested read

Check out Katy's other books including The IT Girl Team Awkward by Katy Birchall (Young Adult, 10E/10E, short 'n' sweet review) 

It Started With A Tweet by Anna Bell (Romance, Contemporary, NetGalley, 10E/10E)

Love this bright cover!

28th December 2017, Zaffre, 416 pages, Paperback, Review copy from NetGalley 

 Book Summary 

Daisy Hobson lives her whole life online. A marketing manager by day, she tweets her friends, instagrams every meal and arranges (frankly, appalling) dates on Tinder. But when her social media obsession causes her to make a catastrophic mistake at work, Daisy finds her life going into free-fall . . .

Her sister Rosie thinks she has the answer to all of Daisy's problems - a digital detox in a remote cottage in Cumbria, that she just happens to need help doing up. Soon, too, Daisy finds herself with two welcome distractions: sexy French exchange-help Jean-Marie, and Jack, the brusque and rugged man-next-door, who keeps accidentally rescuing her.

But can Daisy, a London girl, ever really settle into life in a tiny, isolated village? And, more importantly, can she survive without her phone? 

Nayu's thoughts

I think many readers will be able to relate with the horror of sending something online to many people instead of the intended recipient by accident, which made Daisy's life an utter mess. Putting aside my thoughts she shouldn't have even been doing what she did, I did feel sorry for her after the incident. Yes she probably deserved to lose her job for her transgression, she wasn't acting appropriately. I thought her career was doomed, and so did she, but thankfuly by the end of the book I learn this isn't the case. 

I thought her cousin's idea of digital detox was good, although I was a bit open mouthed by the drastic way Rosie temporarily got rid of Daisy's phone, and the full story behind the detox, but loved her contagious enthusiasm (to me and others but not Daisy) for her new project. Daisy is certainly addicted to technology, her withdrawal symptoms push her to do things that were slightly illegal, that put her in literal danger, but in the end served how she can live with less media more easily than she thought. She benefited tremendously from the break, even if at first her lodgings were rustic and the villagers were rather frosty towards her. 

Rosie's mistake regarding Alexi was one that I was horrified at, and it was kind of Daisy to stick around so Rosie wouldn't have any unnecessary and untrue rumours spread about her, which with her current marriage status would have been a disaster. Her gung -ho attitude meant Daisy endured a few mishaps from the 'make do' with rustic objects for a shower, and a few other incidents which provided Jack reasons to rescue her, which made their traditional form of communication sweet. 

There are the usual misunderstandings between all the characters, memorable village personalities (you'll know what I mean when you reach the popcorn scene). Both Daisy, Rosie, Jack and Alexi all have lessons to learn, but I think my favourite character has to be Rosie for her grand ambition, the way she deals with a supremely technology deprived crabby Daisy, how she keeps going no matter the opposition against her plan including her loved ones. I promise everyone has a good ending, except for the lewd farmer who is a creep! 

Find out more on Anna's website. 

Suggested read

Another romance book with cranky characters is Vets at Green Hope by Sheila Norton (Romance, Contemporary, 10E/10E) 

The Good Mother by Karen Osman (Crime, Thriller, 10E/10E)

 1st October 2017, Aria, 432 pages, Ebook, Review copy

Summary from Aria

How far would you go to protect your children?

Catherine is a good mother and a good wife. The family home is immaculate, her husband's supper is cooked on time, but when she starts writing to Michael, a prisoner convicted of murder, she finds herself obsessing about his crime and whether he can ever truly be forgiven...

Kate has no time for herself. Caught in the maelstrom of bringing up two young children with no money, and an out-of-work husband, she longs to escape the drudgery of being a wife and a mother. And she soon starts taking dangerous risks to feel alive...

Alison has flown the nest. But university life is not what she had hoped for, and she finds herself alone and unhappy. Until the day her professor takes a sudden interest in her. Then everything changes...

Three women – all with secrets. And as the days tick down to Michael's release, those secrets can no longer be ignored.

Nayu's thoughts 

This book is cleverly written! There are mega plot twists at the end which completely surprised me. By chapter 15 I realised there were several characters who might get murdered. Later on I guessed accurately who it was, but what happens after I can't talk about without the spoilng the intricate plot. To come up with the big plot twist some clever writing tricks are used, which I only realised the significance of at the end. 

Kate, Alison, and Catherine are three very different women, each with their own problems and guilty secret. While at different stages in their lives they all get entangled with an evil man, which has repercussions for the rest of their lives. I liked when Catherine wrote to a prisoner because it had me Googling what prison was like for 20 mimutes. She is lonely despite having a fulfilling life, unlike Alison, who is struggling in her first year at uni which is very different from Kate's issues of raising 2 young daughters while her husband works. 

They all find company in the wrong type of person, they all have a lot to lose if their secrets are revealed to their families, and they all have an important role to play. Once I got used to them all I didn't mind the frequent point of view switches (which naturally happened at tense moments). I like that the difficulty of being in an abusive relationship was brought up because domestic violence sadly still exists today and victims all too easily can make excuses for the abuser's behaviour. 

I'd love to know if anyone else has guessed the big plot twist before it happened, as it's a brilliant turn of events. I don't yet know i I will reread it, because these types of books rely heavily on me not knowing whats happening, which doesn't happen so much in a reread, but I most definitely recommend it! 

Suggested read

Another thriller that kept me guessing was Deep Down Dead by Steph Broadribb (Thriller, 9/10E, short 'n' sweet review)

 

A Life Without You by Shari Low (Contemporary, 10E/10E, short 'n' sweet review)

 April 2017, Aria, 378 pages, Ebook, Review copy  from NetGalley

Content: drunk driving, grief, some romance, I think some strong language (can't quite remember)

Summary from Aria (there was a popup on the screen so link may not take you to straight to the blurb)

30-year-old Dee Harper and her husband, Joe, are blissfully happy. Everyday she makes her loyal parents Val & Don incredibly proud.

Jen has been her best friend and 'adopted sister' since their days of teenage crushes, bad 90's make-up and huge hair.

They are just like any other group of family and friends, living life, getting by with equal measures of love and laughter. 

Until one day everything changes.

Dee is gone, killed by a reckless driver, leaving the people she loved to deal with their grief in different ways. 

A marriage is rocked as a parent becomes consumed with seeking justice. A husband struggles to accept the loss of his wife and their future. And a friend discovers that there were shocking secrets that went unshared. 

But all of them have to learn that the only way forward is to let go of the past.

Nayu's thoughts 

I think this is more of a hard hittig read if you've already had someone you love leave this life for the next, as I have. What Jen goes through is horrific. She loses almost everything when Jen dies, she has to muddle her way through while being  supportive for all those affected. She saw Dee die an honorouable death protecting others, but dead is dead. At least while we are all in this life. 

I felt so sorry for her when she has her partner leave her-as if she didn't have enough on her plate! The thing is life goes on, and unfortunately being left alone couldn't be avoided just because of Dee dying. I knew Jen would be fine in the long run, it was just hard watching her deal with that fall-out so soon after losing Dee. I promise it ends happily!! There's a lot of tense moments especially when not everyone knows key information and Jen has to tiptoe around certain subjects.

I liked the different points of view because it helped examine the various views of Dee's death and just how many lives were turned upside down by the tragedy. Everyone pulls together when needed, which is important as the trial is emotional and you'll need tissues. There is life when someone dies, it's not a nice or easy one at first but eventually Jen and the others find ways to cope without Dee physically beside them as she will always be in their hearts. 

Find out more on Shari's website.

Mainely Needlepoint #5 Tightening the Threads by Lea Wait (Cozy Mystery, 10E/10E)

March 2017, Kensington Publishing, 304 pages, Ebook, Review copy from NetGalley

Content: some romance, murder, humour

Summary from Kensington

In the coastal town of Haven Harbor, blood runs thicker than water—and just as freely . . .

Antique dealer Sarah Byrne has never unspooled the truth about her past to anyone—not even friend and fellow Mainely Needlepointer Angie Curtis. But the enigmatic Aussie finally has the one thing she’s searched for all her life—family. And now she and long-lost half-brother, Ted Lawrence, a wealthy old artist and gallery owner in town, are ready to reveal their secret connection . . .

Ted’s adult children are suspicious of their newfound aunt Sarah—especially after Ted, in declining health, announces plans to leave her his museum-worthy heirloom paintings. So when Ted is poisoned to death during a lobster bake, everyone assumes she’s guilty. If Sarah and Angie can’t track down the real murderer in time, Sarah’s bound to learn how delicate—and deadly—family dynamics can truly be . . .

Nayu's thoughts 

 (I feel bad as this is quite a delayed review-I thought I hadn't read it on my tablet, so went to start it then realised I'd read and enjoyed it greatly! Although I didn't start the series from book 1 and haven't read all the earlier books yet, I felt like I was coming home to familiar faces with this latest book in the series. I love the community spirit which outsiders don't necessarily share, an aspect that is a key point to the murder. I love Angie how she trusts her instincts even when she disregards her own safety to check on others. I was worried for her a fair few times, especially when the police had their eye on her, as she hadn't done anything wrong but how she investigates murders isn't always above board. 

Having personally visited Chesapeake in Maryland I could imagine the feel of the coastal town Angie and Sarah call home, and loved learning snippets of info about the dangers of the sea. I can't stand being on boats so thought her extremely brave when she put herself in a precarious position on the sea. 

I loved the humour that seems inherant to cozy mysteries, which softened the at times tense atmosphere due to imminent dangers. I loved the continued craft aspect of the series which makes my crafty self happy, as well as the cat appearances which I could so relate to! The heart of the mrder is family related, an area where there are lots of secrets, miscommunication, and misunderstandings that both Angie and Sarah have to put up with unil the truth comes out. Sarah is lucky to have Angie as a friend and investigator. I'm very eager for book #6!!! 

Find out more on Lea's website.

Rosie's Little Cafe on the Riviera by Jennifer Bohnet (Romance, 10E/10E)

 

March 2017, HarperCollins UK, 384 pages, Ebook, Review copy from NetGalley

Summary from HarperCollins

A summer of taking chances!

Rosie Hewitt’s dream of opening a little French café on the Riviera is finally coming true. She’s giving up on love and instead chasing her own perfect recipe for happiness…

Only, she never expected the oh-so-sexy, award-winning chef, Sebastian Groc, to set up a rival restaurant next door – or for his freshly-baked croissants to smell quite so delicious.

But with just a few days until she opens her doors and all her sugar-coated dreams crumbling around her, Rosie isn’t prepared to give up without a fight!

Nayu's thoughts 

At the end of the book there's a sample for another of Jennifer's books, described as a 'sparklingly brilliant romance'. Sparkling fits Rosie's story perfectly. It has all the elements of the kind of read like this that I enjoy. There's an issue with two sweet little girls, unrelated but each with their own issues which makes their moments of joy precious. So much seems to go wrong for Rosie around the same time, but slowly life detangles and for a while it can be said she is happy. The next disruption is huge and one I didn't see coming, but has me hoping wistfully for a sequel. 

There's just so much more to be explored, because whereas most of the easy romances involving a shop focus on one character, Rosie's tale focuses on several. For once I didn't find this confusing! Even though I ended up taking a few weeks break part way through the novel (not intentionally, life happened) I remembered what was going on when I picked it up. I loved how empowering GeeGee's story plot is, like Rosie she faces enormous life hurdles which test her to the limits. Thankfully she too pulls through and gets a happy ending. 

There is a good mix of parts that made me smile and teary. A big pull of the book was the fact Rosie has her own cafe - I love stories like because it sounds like a rewarding occupation, various aspects of owning a cafe crop up (including disgruntled customers) which made me content. The romance itself was sweet, not too heavy, and accurately portrayed the different types of relationships people have these days, such as those with a child from a previous relationship. not with the person they end up with.  I can't think of anything I'd want to change which is why this gets a perfect grade. Grief, loss, unexpected events, friendship, family, and much more are in this wonderful read! 

Find out more on Jennifer's website. 

Suggested read

If you like stories like this try this read about a cafe actually on a river (canal)! The Canal Boat Cafe by Cressida McLaughlin, narrated by Jessica Ball (Audiobook, Contemporary, Romance, 10/10E, short 'n' sweet review)

Fatal Option by Chris Beaky (Thriller, 10E/10E)

 21st February 2017, Post Hill Press, 280 pages, Ebook, Review copy from Netgalley

Content: inappropriate adult behaviour, drug and alcohol use, crime, 

Summary from Netgalley

A tragic accident. A family in crisis. And a killer watching every move.

On the coldest night of the year, Stephen Porter is pulled from a dreamless sleep by a midnight phone call. His 17-year-old daughter Sara is stranded in a blizzard near the top of a mountain beyond their suburban home. She's terrified and unable to stop crying as she begs him to come to her rescue.
Unfortunately Stephen went to bed just an hour before after a night of binge drinking. With his blurred vision and unsteady balance he knows it’s dangerously irresponsible to get behind the wheel. But he heads out into the snowstorm to bring Sara home.
High school teacher Kieran O’Shea is also behind the wheel, searching for his autistic younger brother Aidan, who is wandering aimlessly through the storm on that same mountain. Kieran is also terrified—of the voices in his mind, of the probability that Aidan will be taken away from him, and of the certainty that he will soon be arrested for murdering three women.
In a matter of minutes Stephen will encounter Kieran and drive headlong into a collision that will force him to unlock the secret of his wife’s death, avoid prosecution, and protect his children from violence that hits all too close to home.

Nayu's thoughts  

I'm glad I set aside a few hours to read thia as I didn't want to put it down.I have strong views on what Stephen did-even if there is strong danger there is never a reason to drink drive. I'm not a parent, and I appreciate he was in a tricky situation. He did what he thought was best, even if it was going to ruin all their lives which were already fragile by their mother dying. 

I loved how his daughter's situation was portrayed, how she was groomed into an inappropriate position, it shows how she was tempted with what she wasn't necessarily getting at home, but she lacked street smarts and wanted to be an adult. Her brother saw snippets of what was going on which did eventually got explained to their father. 

It was horrifying and interesting to see how Stephen reacted to what he did. There's no question the guy in question, Kieran, a sleezebag, but I felt a bit sorry for him and the other person involved. Stephen goes to great lengths to cover his tracks, and the panic rose as the police started to hem him in. The end had me needing tissues as I was torn by the moral justice and the effect it had on his  children. It goes to show good people can do bad things by accident. 

There were so many gripping moments that I'm eagerly looking forward to rereading this. There are parts were awful things nearly happen, but thankfully they don't, although a few unexpected not nice things happen too. I think there is only 1 truly innocent person jn this tale, who I cried for what they suffer. There are some truly evil people in this world and they don't always get what they deserve. I'm looking forward to Chris's next book!

Find out more on Chris's website.

Suggested read 

A good thriller which is a bit happier (only a bit) than Fatal Option which I enjoyed last year is Snow Job by Debbie Brown (Thriller, Romance, 10E/10E) 

The Deviants by C.J. Skuse (Young Adult, 10E/10E)

  22nd September, MIRA Ink, 336 pages, Ebook, Review copy from NetGalley

Content: teen romance, rape, child abuse, tissues needed

Book summary

When you set out for revenge, dig two graves

Growing up in the sleepy English seaside town of Brynston, the fearless five – Ella, Max, Corey, Fallon and Zane – were always inseparable. Living up to their nickname, they were the adventurous, rowdy kids who lived for ghost stories and exploring the nearby islands off the coast. But when Max’s beloved older sister Jessica is killed, the friendship seems to die with her.

Now years later, only Max and Ella are in touch; still best friends and a couple since they were thirteen. Their lives are so intertwined Max’s dad even sponsors Ella’s training for the Commonwealth Games. But Ella is hiding things. Like why she hates going to Max’s house for Sunday dinner, and flinches whenever his family are near. Or the real reason she’s afraid to take their relationship to the next level.

When underdog Corey is bullied, the fearless five are brought back together again, teaming up to wreak havoc and revenge on those who have wronged them. But when the secrets they are keeping can no longer be kept quiet, will their fearlessness be enough to save them from themselves?

Nayu's thoughts

This will make you cry a lot!) Plus there are no zombies in it-I couldn't read CJ's previous novel due to brain loving fiends. Brains are important for Ella, who on occasion annoyed me for not finding inner strength sooner, but she gets there eventually. As horrors are slowly unravelled from her past which made this such a tough read, all I wanted to do was hug her. Personally I didn't like Max from the start as he didn't seem listen to or truly respect Ella's wishes. He was most of her world, but I enjoyed the unexpected friendship rekindling which Ella does with older friends, even more so when another bombshell is dropped that had me needing tissues. 

The structure of the story, with an unseen other person at the start of chapters while Ella tells them what happened is clever and had me come up with an incorrect assumption about the end. Due to the nature of rape and child molestion it is a dark read, so make sure you have fluffy things to do after to take the edge off to these sadly real life crimes. I wish every girl could have a Fallon and Corey in their lives, as both help Ella out as well as eah other. I will reread this at sometime in the distant future! 

Suggested read

Be sure to check out CJ's other books including the equally chilling  Monster (Young Adult, 10E/10E)

The Lost Garden by Katherine Swartz (Contemporary fiction, 10/10E, short 'n' sweet review)

Love the cover! Reminds me of both Marin and Rebecca.

Contemporary Fiction, Historical

May 2015, Lion Fiction, 352 pages, Paperback, Review copy from NetGalley 

Content: some adult romance

Summary from Lion Hudson 

Lonely and stagnating in a soulless job, thirty-seven-year-old Marin Ellis is in need of a new start – but she is not prepared for the one she is given, when, after her estranged father and his second wife die in a car accident, she is made guardian of her fifteen-year-old half-sister Rebecca. The half-sisters are practically strangers, and their life in Hampshire is stilted and strange. At Rebecca’s pleading they move to the picturesque village of Goswell on the Cumbrian coast, settling into the charming Bower House on the edge of church property. When a door to a walled garden captures Rebecca’s interest, Marin becomes determined to open it and discover what is hidden beneath the brambles. She enlists the help of local gardener Joss Fowler, and together they begin to uncover the garden’s surprising secrets. In 1919, nineteen-year-old Eleanor Sanderson, daughter of Goswell’s vicar, is grieving the loss of her beloved brother Walter, killed just days before the Armistice was signed. As winter passes into spring, her mood remains bleak despite her attempts to alleviate the emptiness she feels. When her father decides to hire someone to help Eleanor restore the once beloved, but now neglected, vicarage gardens, she is enchanted by the possibility of a new garden—and the gardener her father hires, Yorkshireman Jack Taylor. Jack understands the nature of Eleanor’s grief more than anyone else seems to, and as they spend time together, a surprising—and unsuitable—friendship unfolds... - See more at: http://www.lionhudson.com/display.asp?K=9781782641377&stem=true&sort=eh_sales_rank&sf1=KEYWORD&st1=the+lost+garden&m=3&dc=3#sthash.1E5yiPac.dpuf

Lonely and stagnating in a soulless job, thirty-seven-year-old Marin Ellis is in need of a new start – but she is not prepared for the one she is given, when, after her estranged father and his second wife die in a car accident, she is made guardian of her fifteen-year-old half-sister Rebecca. The half-sisters are practically strangers, and their life in Hampshire is stilted and strange. At Rebecca’s pleading they move to the picturesque village of Goswell on the Cumbrian coast, settling into the charming Bower House on the edge of church property. When a door to a walled garden captures Rebecca’s interest, Marin becomes determined to open it and discover what is hidden beneath the brambles. She enlists the help of local gardener Joss Fowler, and together they begin to uncover the garden’s surprising secrets. In 1919, nineteen-year-old Eleanor Sanderson, daughter of Goswell’s vicar, is grieving the loss of her beloved brother Walter, killed just days before the Armistice was signed. As winter passes into spring, her mood remains bleak despite her attempts to alleviate the emptiness she feels. When her father decides to hire someone to help Eleanor restore the once beloved, but now neglected, vicarage gardens, she is enchanted by the possibility of a new garden—and the gardener her father hires, Yorkshireman Jack Taylor. Jack understands the nature of Eleanor’s grief more than anyone else seems to, and as they spend time together, a surprising—and unsuitable—friendship unfolds... - See more at: http://www.lionhudson.com/display.asp?K=9781782641377&stem=true&sort=eh_sales_rank&sf1=KEYWORD&st1=the+lost+garden&m=3&dc=3#sthash.1E5yiPac.dpuf

Lonely and stagnating in a soulless job, thirty-seven-year-old Marin Ellis is in need of a new start but she is not prepared for the one she is given, when, after her estranged father and his second wife die in a car accident, she is made guardian of her fifteen-year-old half-sister Rebecca.
The half-sisters are practically strangers, and their life in Hampshire is stilted and strange. At Rebecca's pleading they move to the picturesque village of Goswell on the Cumbrian coast, settling into the charming Bower House on the edge of church property. When a door to a walled garden captures Rebecca's interest, Marin becomes determined to open it and discover what is hidden beneath the brambles. She enlists the help of local gardener Joss Fowler, and together they begin to uncover the garden's surprising secrets.

In 1919, nineteen-year-old Eleanor Sanderson, daughter of Goswell's vicar, is grieving the loss of her beloved brother Walter, killed just days before the Armistice was signed. As winter passes into spring, her mood remains bleak despite her attempts to alleviate the emptiness she feels. When her father decides to hire someone to help Eleanor restore the once beloved, but now neglected, vicarage gardens, she is enchanted by the possibility of a new garden and the gardener her father hires, Yorkshireman Jack Taylor. Jack understands the nature of Eleanor's grief more than anyone else seems to, and as they spend time together, a surprising and unsuitable friendship unfolds...

Lonely and stagnating in a soulless job, thirty-seven-year-old Marin Ellis is in need of a new start – but she is not prepared for the one she is given, when, after her estranged father and his second wife die in a car accident, she is made guardian of her fifteen-year-old half-sister Rebecca. The half-sisters are practically strangers, and their life in Hampshire is stilted and strange. At Rebecca’s pleading they move to the picturesque village of Goswell on the Cumbrian coast, settling into the charming Bower House on the edge of church property. When a door to a walled garden captures Rebecca’s interest, Marin becomes determined to open it and discover what is hidden beneath the brambles. She enlists the help of local gardener Joss Fowler, and together they begin to uncover the garden’s surprising secrets. In 1919, nineteen-year-old Eleanor Sanderson, daughter of Goswell’s vicar, is grieving the loss of her beloved brother Walter, killed just days before the Armistice was signed. As winter passes into spring, her mood remains bleak despite her attempts to alleviate the emptiness she feels. When her father decides to hire someone to help Eleanor restore the once beloved, but now neglected, vicarage gardens, she is enchanted by the possibility of a new garden—and the gardener her father hires, Yorkshireman Jack Taylor. Jack understands the nature of Eleanor’s grief more than anyone else seems to, and as they spend time together, a surprising—and unsuitable—friendship unfolds... - See more at: http://www.lionhudson.com/display.asp?K=9781782641377&stem=true&sort=eh_sales_rank&sf1=KEYWORD&st1=the+lost+garden&m=3&dc=3#sthash.1E5yiPac.dpuf

Nayu's thoughts
I want to jump up and down like a maniac because this such a perfect read for me! I love it when someone has to take on a child - a teenager is as much of a handful as a toddler, if not more so! It's not as if Marin even had much contact with Rebecca previously, who is struggling with the loss of her parents and having to start afresh in somewhere which is remote. It takes an awful long time for Marin to breakthrough to Rebecca that she is there to support her through the ups and downs. You'll need tissues when progress is made in their relationship! 

I liked the exploration and discovery of the hidden garden, which really felt like The Secret Garden story. Occasionally It takes a lot of knockbacks before she settles in to her new life, finding joy in few things especially when Rebecca is acting up and Marin has no one to turn to. 

 I was a little disinterested in the flashbacks, but they are really important and have a huge impact on Marin's current life. I felt sorry for Eleanor  because due to the time she lived in she wasn't able to freely love who she wanted as her friendship with Jack developed. I liked seeing the similarities between her situation and Marin's, which thankfully has a happier ending.

Reading the Sweet Oak by Jan Stites (Romance, Contemporary fiction, 10/10E, short 'n' sweet review)

 September 2015, Lake Union Publishing, 387 pages, Ebook, Review copy from NetGalley

Book summary
 Along the banks of the Sweet Oak River, deep in the heart of the Ozarks, a book club takes five women on stunning journeys of self-discovery.

After losing first her husband, then her daughter, seventy-eight-year-old grandmother Ruby wants to teach her risk-averse granddaughter, Tulsa, that some leaps are worth taking, no matter how high the potential fall. Tulsa loves her grandmother dearly, but she has a business to run and no time for romance—not even the paperback version. But when Ruby ropes her into a book club, Tulsa can’t bring herself to disappoint the woman who raised her.

Together with Ruby’s best friend, Pearl, as well as family friends BJ and Jen, the women embark on an exploration of modern-day love guided by written tales of romance. What they discover is a beautiful story that examines the bonds of friendship and the highs and lows of love in all its forms.

Nayu's thoughts
 * Grins * Just thinking back on this book makes me smile. Tulsa is as stubborn as her grandmother, especially when she's set on avoiding any man helping her out, which she needs on multiple occasions throughout the book. Running a canoe business is tough work, especially when unexpected and unwanted obstacles get in the way. And what kind of book addict am I not to be attracted by characters having a book club?!

I adored the close-knit community and family feel of the book. There's a lot of humour considering all the life issues that crop out. I was amused when the truth was revealed for why Tulsa's grandmother Ruby has quite so many visitors (I'm seriously hoping I haven't got this muddled with a different book, if I have I'm sorry!), I liked how surprised Tulsa was when there were ways around obstacles that she hadn't thought of. It was fascinating to witness life from several women with different outlooks and at different stages of life, because they all had something to offer each other eventually, even if they did feel they were too different. Everyone has secrets and struggles, and often the essential parts of them are the same.

This is a superb read, one I'm looking forward to reread. There's nothing wrong with it, it just didn't quite hit the top grade for me. Set aside a few hours to read this, be prepared to gain some insight into your own life and broaden your perspective too. 

Find out more on  Jan's website.

The Summer We Danced by Fiona Harper (Romance, Contemporary fiction, 10E/10E, short 'n' sweet review)

April 2016, Mira, 384 pages, Paperback, Review copy from NetGalley

Content: mild romance

Summary from Mills & Boon

After a humiliating divorce and watching her former rock star husband leave her for a model live on reality TV, Pippa is determined to disappear. So she returns to the small Kent village where she grew up to make a fresh start.

Little did she know that would mean saving her beloved childhood dance school or falling for her old school crush Tom too!

Nayu's thoughts

Returning to dance class changes Pippa for good! She needs a lifestyle change among others and I think it's a testimony to the writing that, to use Pippa's own words, happiness leaked out of my eyes at the end. And before then for each little achievement she makes. She was so down at the start, assuming she knew what people thought of her, when in fact they weren't thinking things at all. 

All areas of her life need work, and the new friends and frenemies she meets all contribute  that. She suffers greatly at the hand of her childhood friend who is Miss Frosty (my label), one of several external issues she can't control when she helps at the ballet school, but with a bit of encouragement somehow she digs deep and chooses to fight with all she has. 

I love Pippa's cat who makes her smile and sigh for being a typical cat and doing her own thing. I enjoyed how full of life Lucy is, and how readily she accepts Pippa into her life, unlike her dad who, well, just read the book! Miss Mimi is a law unto herself, and I think she is fond of Pippa to let her he in the older lady's life. lt's firmly on my reread shelf; it's a feel good, inspirational read!

Find out more on Fiona's website.

Knock On Wood by Linda O. Johnston (Cozy Mystery, 10E/10E, short 'n' sweet review)

 November 2015, Midnight Ink, 336 pages, Ebook, Review copy from NetGalley

Summary from Midnight Ink

Rory Chasen, now the manager of the Lucky Dog Boutique in Destiny, California, is delighted when her best friend Gemma arrives a day early for her visit. Gemma’s just broken up with her boyfriend in Los Angeles, so Rory is especially eager to cheer her up. But before they get a chance to talk, two of the town’s most eligible bachelors sidle in. Their amorous advances—and an unexpected job offer—seem to take Gemma’s mind off her ex . . . until he arrives in Destiny.

As Gemma tries to sort out what to do, one of her suitors is murdered, leaving Rory to wonder if a black cat has crossed Gemma’s path. Is Rory’s friend guilty of murder—or is she just having a run of bad luck?

Nayu's thoughts 

Even with paranormal slash supernatural elements this cozy mystery is a win! They weren't overbearing, which was a relief for me as I am easily spooked. I love this story because it involves animals, which provide both problems and entertainment. Rory has the coolest job! She and Gemma have a lot on their plates, which gets even heavier as the story progresses. 'Things' happen, which leave the friends with more questions and worries with answers sprinkled sparingly until the end. I was certain that Gemma wasn't the killer, even though the evidence said otherwise, because she's a good person.

I loved how the community had unique characters who all reacted differently to Gemma being a murder suspect. It's true that you really find out who your friends are when you're in a difficult position. Thankfully Gemma has Rory looking out for her, which is very much needed with a murderer trying to frame her. There were lots of tense moments, as well as several where I laughed and smiled at the humour in the tricky circumstances. This is my first stop in Destiny and it won't be my last! 

Find out more on Linda's website.