When the worst thing that could happen to you is the start of a new chapter

Synopsis

Meet Katie: she’s about to marry the most wonderful man in the world. The planning is done, the checklist is checked. The future is set.

Having spent her twenties and thirties enjoying life with good friends, and building a career she loves, it’s taken Katie until her forties to contemplate settling down. And she couldn’t be more delighted she waited.

So, why is her perfect groom standing gawping at her, wearing mismatched socks and sweating buckets? This can’t bode well.

With her special day in tatters, Katie has a decision to make. Does she snatch back the reigns of her old life, and tighten her grip even more? Or should she take a chance on change? Will she find the key to happiness at a Pilates class in a smelly old hall? Or is the curve ball heading her way too huge to handle?

If you like British humour and a flawed protagonist on an emotional journey, you’ll enjoy reading Amanda Paull’s latest novel, Colouring Outside the Lines – a heart-warming tale of shattered dreams, self-discovery and finding true love where you least expect it.

My review

Katie never really felt any butterflies in her stomach, or saw sparks fly around when kissing someone. But she does know that she truly loves Connor, and is ready to start their lives together.
Yes, there is a small age difference, and while Connor has ‘romance’ written all over the place and Katie absolutely doesn’t, but when you love each other truly, all those differences don’t matter.
However, when on the wedding day Katie is ready to say ‘I Do’, Connor appears to have second thoughts, and the perfect wedding is suddenly off…
Now Katie has to decide what to do… will she go back to her old life, keeping people at distance and taking no chances? Or is this her opportunity to dare to take that leap of faith?

I found this an utterly entertaining story! Of course, the start isn’t a happy one because Katie finds herself being dumped practically at the altar.
And to be honest, I didn’t understand why Connor was acting that way. He knew how Katie was, and everyone has a own vision of how to act romantically.
So what if Katie didn’t understand why someone would swoon over the ending of Bridget Jones Diary? Each person is different and is allowed to feel the way they feel.

But of course, if Connor would go through with the wedding, we wouldn’t have been able to read this beautiful story about how Katie is rediscovering herself, and thanks with the help of her friend is daring to step out of her comfort zone.

Katie is easy to like, even if sometimes she is in a dark place. But her feeling down, made me feel like I truly understood her. She isn’t this perfect character without doubts, fearless for some new adventures.
No, she is wary of even going to just a class of Pilates, doesn’t easily accept new people and just the idea of doing something adventurous…

In so many aspects, Katie is recognizable, with all her fears and doubts. Even the relationship with her parents and brother isn’t a perfect one, no matter how much she loves them.
And her love for her parents is putting her in protective mode, even from her own brother.

It was not only fun to read how Katie is picking up the pieces after her non – wedding, but it somehow also made me realize that a change or taking a chance can be amazing. And yes, you may fall flat on your face in some cases, but most of the times, you discover a whole different side of yourself that is easy to like.

Yes, there is some romance in this story, and I found it wonderful how it was a bit different than what I expected to be. But that doesn’t mean I didn’t like it! The author managed to give it a beautiful twist, but showing us that love is love, and that’s what matters.
But this book is in my opinion about finding yourself, not being afraid and daring to colour outside the lines!

I know I am repeating myself, but for just one last time: I found this a beautiful story, with a strong message, and I love reading every bit of it!

Every parent’s worst nightmare…

Synopsis

You thought she was safe. You were wrong…

Alex knows her daughter would never wander off in a strange place. So when her three-year-old vanishes from an idyllic beach wedding, Alex immediately believes the worst.

The hunt for Lottie quickly becomes a world-wide search, but it’s not long before suspicion falls on her mother. Why wasn’t she watching Lottie? 

Alex knows she’s not perfect, but she loves her child. And with all eyes on her, Alex fears they’ll never uncover the truth unless she takes matters into her own hands.

Who took Lottie Martini? And will she ever come home?

My review

Even if Alex’ daughter is only three years old, she can surely stand her ground! But Alex also knows that Lottie would never wander off with a stranger, in a place she doesn’t know.
However, when Lottie disappears from the beach wedding they were attending, Alex knows that her worst nightmare has become reality.
The search for Lottie quickly evolves to a world –wide search, but when there seems to be no trace to follow at all, everyone starts to doubt Alex and she even becomes a suspect. Is Alex really that devoting mother? There are secrets of her past putting her on a bad light, and everyone accuses her of putting her career before her own child.
But Alex truly loves Lottie and will not rest until Lottie is back safe in her arms, even if that means to take matters in own hands….

Okay, having a daughter that disappeared is a terrible thing to happen to any parent. But then finding yourself as a suspect, can it just get any worse?
In Alex’ case, the answer is ‘yes’…

I found it nearly impossible to put this book away, it was so gripping, playing with my mind and terrible to be just reading it, I can hardly imagine what parents in such situations have to endure!
The story shows us also how quickly public opinions can change.
We see people going from being sympathetic to taking a more accusing tone. And realizing how quickly something becomes ‘old news’ for the public, is a terrifying thought, when you think about the parents that are still left with so many unanswered questions.

Alex has made mistakes, that is for sure. But let’s be honest, who of us hasn’t? But is making mistakes a reason to be spit out by everyone? Which parent hasn’t left their child alone for even a few minutes?
And what happened in the past with Alex and Lottie, haven’t we read similar stories in the news with a more disastrous ending while here it all ended well?

It’s always easy to point finger in a direction, when you are not involved. But when someone becomes a parent, they don’t give you a guide line… it’s a process of trial and error.

I admired so much Alex’ determination of not giving up the search. Even years later, Alex does whatever she can to find her Lottie. She won’t allow anyone to put her continuous search at risk.

During my read, I doubted just every character in the book. From the friends, to the one night stand, to the sister.

The author wrote this thriller in such a way that the reader is never 100% sure if someone is guilty or innocent.
And without spoiling anything, let me tell you, the ending was not something I saw coming. And I can assure you that often I can tell beforehand who the culprit is!

The story gave me goose bumps all the time, wishing for a quick resolution, and one with a happy ending.

But it also showed us that there are horrible people around, closer to you than imagined. For so many people this fictional book is a reality without a final resolution. But this book also shows us that hope is the last to die…

A retreat with the opposite of what wanted…

Synopsis

You won’t find happiness without breaking a few eggs …
Miriam Ryan was the MD of a successful events and catering company, but these days even the thought of chopping an onion sends her stress levels sky rocketing. A retreat to the Welsh village of her childhood holidays seems to offer the escape she’s craving – just peace, quiet, no people, a generous supply of ready meals … did she mention no people?
Enter a cheery pub landlord, a lovesick letting agent, a grumpy astronomer with a fridge raiding habit – not to mention a surprise supper club that requires the chopping of many onions – and Miriam realises her escape has turned into exactly what she was trying to get away from, but could that be just the thing she needs to allow a little bit of summer happiness into her life?

My review

After selling het events and catering company, Miriam Ryan wants to get away and be left alone. With the help of her PA, she has found the perfect getaway: she is returning to the Welsh village where she spend her childhood holidays.
But what she thought would be a retreat for several months in peace, quiet, far away from preparing food, turns out to be the total opposite.
Before she knows, she is surrounded by people demanding her to be fed, an astronomer eager to raid her fridge and more people of the community requiring her attention.
So even if chopping onions was something she absolutely didn’t want to do, maybe this holiday will turn out to be exactly what she needed, onions included…

I can only imagine how difficult it is to sell your own company. But when we get to know Miriam even better, and we get to know what she had to do to make sure her business was somehow safe, made me understand her anxieties even better.

Lately Miriam had to process a lot of things happening to her. Losing her mother, being betrayed by the man she loved, it’s more than normal she just wanted to escape everything and everyone.
I have to admit, I had some malicious pleasure in reading how the peace Miriam needed, was disrupted by the most different people knocking on her door.

But before you start thinking I’m an evil woman, I felt so much sympathy for Miriam too… we all need sometimes to be on our own, to digest everything we have been through.
I found it sweet to see how she finds herself surrounded by people, but people with her best interest at mind.
Yes, Miriam finds herself doing things she swore she wouldn’t be doing, but she sees that her new friends are not pushing her beyond and are eager to help her.

The thing that surprised me the most about this book, is that the author managed to write on a respectfully manner, what Miriam is going through. Writing about anxiety and even panic attacks, can be dangerous, because mental health is something very actual and a very serious matter.
But what Miriam is going through is described so well, making the reading understand perfectly what is going on in her mind.

I found this a beautiful story to read, because it showed us the need of a kind of broken woman, wanting to be alone, how realization dawns that being alone is not the solution. I was admired by her strength and determination of not simple giving up.
And I was happy for her when during this particular and peculiar summer, she found happiness in a place she never expected!

A book club everyone would want to be a member of! Me included!!!

Synopsis

Welcome to the Beach Reads Book Club…where love is just a page away…

When Lottie Watt is unceremoniously booted out of her uptight book club for not following the rules, she decides to throw the rulebook out the window and start her own club – one where conversation, gin and cake take precedent over actually having read the book!

The Beach Reads Book Club soon finds a home for its meetings at Books by the Bay, a charming bookshop and café owned by gorgeous, brooding Matthew Steele, and as the book club picks heat up, so too does the attraction between Matt and Lottie.

If there’s anything Lottie has learned from the romances she’s been reading, it’s that the greatest loves are the ones hardest earned.

A love letter to chicklit, romance, romcoms, whatever you want to call them!

My review

When Lottie Watt is not following the strict rules of a book club she is in, she is being kicked out. for her, a book club is not only about reading the book, but also a time for likeminded persons to gather around and enjoy a conversation. The book itself isn’t the most important, but the people in the book club are. And a book club means reading all kind of genres, and not only the heavier stuff.
So that’s why Lottie start her own book club, The Beach Reads Book Club, where just everyone is welcome.
Place for their gathering is charming bookshop Books by the Bay, with its own café. And owner Matthew Steele is surely an extra advantage to look at! The attraction between Lottie and Matt is becoming impossible to ignore, but with the past changing them into the people they are now, will that make them hold back? Or is their love worth the fight?

I just love this author and her books, what more can I say???

Also this book made me forget everything around me, made me want to jump into the book and be part of this marvellous, funny book club!

The book club Lottie has been excluded from, isn’t the kind of book club I want to be a member of myself! Of course, I know that the purpose of a book club is to talk about the book, but having to talk about it all the time, without getting to know the other members, because the book is all that matters…
So I was happy when Lottie started her own book club, allowing all kind of people in taking part. Old, young, man, woman,… it doesn’t matter as long. Even if you just wat to listen while drinking gin and eating cake, that’s all fine!

Lottie is a force of nature, she knows what she wants, and she just goes for it. She wants the meetings to be held at the bookshop? Not a problem…
She wants more days for her meetings? Not a problem!
She is also a kind and warm woman. She sees the struggles members are having, and uses her ‘power’ so that people open up and share what is troubling them. And on her own way, Lottie finds each time a fitting solution!

Matt is often her victim, as his attraction towards her makes it impossible to say ‘no’ to her. Oh Matt… he made my heart beat faster…
He is not the typical guy you would expect in a book. What he has been through in the past only made me feel more for him. And his past changed him into this brooding and even insecure man, afraid of showing his real feelings…

I found this again a wonderful story to read, not only because of Lottie and Matt and their developing relationship, but also because it shows us that no matter how different you are from each other, friendships can be built. Every one of us is unique in our own way, but no matter how crazy, silly, quiet, shy you are, the right people accept you as you are. And once you are in this amazing book club, you are not only member of a book club, but you are part of a family.

Another great achievement from this author! I cannot wait to read what amazing story she is able to put down into words again!

I surely cannot wait to read this one!

Synopsis

The first kiss wrecked their friendship. Could a second chance lead to love?

English teacher Bella isn’t having much luck with her love life. No matter who she dates, no one seems to measure up to Mike: the ex-bestie she shared a drunken kiss with ten years ago, which led to the end of their friendship…

When Bella comes face-to-face with Mike at their university reunion, sparks fly. He’s smart, funny and even hotter than before, and despite trying to fight her feelings, Bella still can’t get him out of her head.

But after what happened the last time she stepped out of the friend zone, Bella isn’t in a hurry to be rejected all over again.

Should Bella risk more heartache by telling Mike how she really feels? Could the attraction be mutual? Or is it finally time to put her past behind her and say goodbye to a second chance at love, forever?

My Ten-Year Crush is a fun, sexy, friends-to-lovers romcom about second chances and stepping out of your comfort zone. Ideal for fans of Beth O’Leary, Mhairi McFarlane and Lindsey Kelk.

Pre-order now and join Bella on her rollercoaster romantic adventures!

Pre-order Links

Publication Date: 30th September

About the author

Olivia Spring is a British, London-based writer of contemporary women’s fiction, sexy chick lit and romantic comedy. Her uplifting debut novel The Middle-Aged Virgin, which was released in July 2018, deals with being newly single in your thirties and beyond, dating, relationships, love, sex and living life to the full.

In addition to The Middle-Aged Virgin, Olivia has published five novels: The Middle-Aged Virgin in Italy, Love Offline, Losing My Inhibitions, Only When It’s Love and the sequel When’s The Wedding?

Olivia’s seventh novel, My Ten-Year Crush, will be published in September 2021.

When she’s not writing, Olivia can be found enjoying cupcakes and cocktails and of course, seeking inspiration for her next book!

Social Media Links – 

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THE COVER!

When the past is back to haunt you…

Synopsis

Some secrets should have stayed buried…

Lucy Mitchell had a troubled past, was abandoned by her mother and left to fend for herself in foster care. This is where she met Amber and Josh, but living in a strict foster home brought fears of its own. Fears that brought Amber and Lucy closer together.

Amber and Lucy formed a pact. They said they would be friends for life and often found solace in the local woods to escape from their foster carer, Linda. This was a place they used to hide together, but when only one girl had returned from the woods, the note said Amber had run away.

Fifteen years later and Lucy is planning the wedding of her dreams with Josh until a body is found, then the trauma of Lucy’s past comes back to haunt her.

Tensions mount as Lucy, Josh and Linda all have secrets to hide and distrust makes them question each others story around Ambers disappearance. As the body’s identity is soon to be exposed, life for Lucy takes a terrifying turn for the worst.

The note says Lucy is next!

My review

Lucy hasn’t had the easiest childhood. She has been put into foster care, and her foster parent Linda was very strict in her upbringing, causing Lucy and her friends Amber and Josh to live in fear most of the time.
This fear brought Lucy and Amber closer, becoming best friends and promising to be forever friends.
However one day Amber disappears in the woods the girls would spend their time to escape Linda.
Fifteen year later, Lucy is looking forward to marry Josh. But the past has been never forgotten and sometimes still haunts Lucy.
And when a body is discovered in the woods she once knew so well, it appears that the past is completely back to haunt not only her, but also Linda…
Is it Amber’s body? And who is writing those threating notes, adding even more fear in Lucy’s mind?

If somehow you as a reader are like me, you are trying to figure out from the very start to figure out what happened in the past, and who the good guy and who the bad guy is.
But every time I thought I had it all figured out, a new twist came around and I had to start all over again!

This was a very dark story, because it shows us the trauma Lucy still is carrying around after her time in care of Linda.
And no matter how much Linda is trying to redeem herself, I found it very hard to actually like her. Because not only her behaviour in the past was despicable, she went into foster caring for all the wrong reasons, and lacked in giving the children the much needed love and care. But also the actual actions she is taking, are just so wrong…

I felt truly sorry for Lucy, she is still traumatised by her upbringing, feels guilty about Amber’s disappearing and her relationship with Josh is also not one of the best ones…
She is trying to get a grip on her life, but with a body in the woods, her insecurities and fears quickly resurface.

Without wasting too many words on Josh, there isn’t much love lost between him and me… It was that I understood where Lucy came from, because otherwise I just wanted to knock some sense in her, showing Josh’s real character…

Even if my mind went in every possible direction, even fearing the most when there suddenly are pictures appearing, in the end I was even more disappointed in the people that were supposed to have Lucy’s best interest at heart.
And the body wasn’t of the person I expected it to be, and even the ex – girlfriend left me both flabbergasted as sad because it appeared again that Lucy has been let down and has been being fooled…

This story had me on the edge of my seat, I wanted to discover the truth together with Lucy. There were twists I didn’t see coming, and they made me frown, because realization dawned that in the end, how good do you know the people around you?

How to pick up the pieces after a devastating tragedy?

Synopsis

Flora has always adored her brother Billy. Born just eighteen months apart, their childhood was spent like two peas in a pod – no one could separate them. Now, as adults, they remain the best of friends. And as Flora is immersed in family life, Billy is always there to lend a hand. 

But, in just one day, everything changes.

In just one day, Flora’s life falls apart.

In just one day, Flora has to learn how to live again.

From the nostalgia of seaside Britain to the breath-taking beauty of Venice, in tears and laughter, join Helen McGinn for this emotional, uplifting and joyful story about love in all its guises. But above all, this is an unforgettable story of one little girl and the brother she adores.

My review

Flora and her brother are not only siblings, but also best friends. Being born just eighteen months apart, they found themselves always in the same situation in life.
And even if Flora’s mother makes her feel like a failure sometimes, Billy is always there to make Flora feel better.
But then one decision from a stranger turns everyone’s world upside down.
And Flora has try to pick up the pieces again, and trying to live again, even if her heart got teared apart.
And with the help of her family, beloved husband and good friends, slowly she starts to see to beauty of life again.

This surely was a heart – breaking story!
Flora and Billy are the kind of siblings everyone wants to have, they are so close and there isn’t a thing they wouldn’t do for each other.

Even if Flora’s life didn’t go as planned, she couldn’t wish for a better one! She adores her husband and children, her friends always got her back.
And even when a minor hitch lures around the corner, both Flora and her husband Johnny are able to turn the negative into something positive.

I have to say, I had thought that the tragedy would happen earlier in the book. But as it happened almost halfway, if gave us as a reader a better understanding of the dynamics, and we would see very clear how close Flora and Billy are.
And when it does happen, it puts just everything in perspective…Some news that sounded devastating before, now is just not that important no more, because the loss is just too big to bare…

The pain Flora is feeling, is very realistic. I am also very close with my brother, and I just cannot imagine what it would mean if I had to endure the same thing Flora went through.
This story shows us that each person grieves on their own way, and there isn’t a timetable to tell you when it’s time to feel something else.
Some people feel the need to do something, while others just want to be left alone. The author managed to write beautifully how grief takes different forms, without ridiculing it, or insinuate that one way of grief is the right one and the other one is the wrong one.

But she also managed to write about how it is possible to overcome the most hurtful loss. Of course it takes time, and the pain will always be there, but for your sake and your family, who still need you, you have to start to live again.

Flora is lucky to have her Johnny by her side, taking her to Venice, which she once also visited with Billy when they were younger. And it was both heart – breaking as heart – warming to see how Flora relived moments she shared with Billy, and see her learning how she has to cherish the lovely moments she had with Billy.

I also have to admit, reading about the mother of the culprit was not something I expected. But it shows us also that in these tragedies, there is always more than just one victim and that all parties and those involved, have to learn to live with the consequences of one decision…

This story is about loss, grief and pain, but it’s also about hope for the future. I went through a whole rollercoaster of emotion, I was laughing, crying, feel the grief almost myself and yet I admired the main characters as they saw the silver lining again in the small things of life.

The author managed to write a gripping story about losing someone who matters the world to you, but learning that taking baby steps in your grief makes it possible to move on with your life, carrying that person always in your heart…

They aren’t afraid of no ghost…

Synopsis

Rumors of a ghostly presence haunt Julianne’s Cornish autumn in the series’ charming fourth installment.

What began as a bit of teenage mischief in the village quickly became stories of spooky lights and ghost sightings in the wood. Being sensible, Julianne is more worried about whether she can finish her kids’ costumes in time for the annual Halloween contest—and whether husband Matt and his eager assistants will be selected for the exclusive Brookshire Garden Design Competition. So when everyone in town begins flocking to the local ‘ghost walk’ tours Julianne assures her wide-eyed children it’s just a case of imagination run wild…until she experiences her own brush with the supernatural, that is.

Real or imagined, Julianne can’t shrug off what she saw, or even bring herself to confide in sympathetic Matt for advice. Best friend Kitty is on hand to help, despite her usual family battles, including that of her cousins’ shady new scheme to profit from the town’s ghost mania. But even Julianne’s friends can’t fully understand her need to find a solution this time, one that leads her on a quirky quest from local lore, to meetings with the village’s ragtag paranormal club, and even a creepy abandoned cottage hiding secrets in the woods.

Join Julianne for suspense, surprises, and (of course) heartfelt moments as book four in the series brings an autumn like no other to sleepy Ceffylgwyn.

My review

It’s nearly Halloween, and that means busy times for our beloved family. Julianne is making the kids’ Halloween costumes, even if she isn’t that very accomplished as a sewer. And Matt and his assistants are hoping their entry will be selected in the exclusive Brookshire Garden Design Competition.
But when in the village there is beside a bit of teenage mischief, stories of unexplainable lights and actual ghosts, even the most sensible person begins to doubt… And when Julianne is also confronted with the supernatural, she doesn’t know if what she saw was a prank of really something ghostly…
There is surely something strange in the neighbourhood, but will the truth come out?

Of course returning to Cornwall with this beautiful couple, is always a joy!
But this story surely got all mysterious!!!

Julianne and Matt are their usual amazing selves, and their kids are even if sometimes annoying just adorable!
This family is the perfect imagine of a normal family, everyone is doing their utterly best, finding that perfect balance between work and family.
Julianne and Matt still adore each other, even if some private couple time is something they both want, but cannot gather to find.

I have to admit, I don’t believe in ghosts or in the supernatural myself, but sometimes I wonder if there is *something* out there…
And this story didn’t absolutely put my faith back in science! All the time it made me wonder if it were really a ghost, especially because Julianne, down to earth like me, starts doubting her scientific approach too!

When the truth is exposed, it was both a ‘I KNEW IT’ moment, because my suspicions were confirmed, but also heart – breaking. Because the cottage’s secret was just horrible… I felt so much pity and sorry and my admiration for Julianne and Matt only grew towards to end!
This couple surely has their hearts at the right place and even if their decision would surely complicate their lives even more, they don’t doubt about doing the right thing!
And even if it’s obvious that there are people who shouldn’t deserve to be walking around, Julianne and Matt and the whole community managed to restore my faith in mankind…

This was a different story compared with the other tales of Julianne and Matt, but their kind hearts, friendships and love is standing like a rock in the sea…
Even if sometimes a bit afraid, I loved this next installment!

Never just trust anyone…

Synopsis

An invitation you can’t refuse. You should . . .

When shy, lonely Ivy meets a woman who claims to be her long-lost sister, she knows it’s too good to be true. She decides to trust Kate anyway. She wants a family. She wants someone to love.

She’s making a mistake.

Ivy enters Kate’s fairytale cottage, deep in the heart of Scotland . . . and she doesn’t come out.

She’s the first to go missing.

She won’t be the last.

Meanwhile, in another part of the forest, Tash’s journey is just beginning . . .

My review

Women who apparently have nothing in common have gone missing. How is it possible that these women haven’t left any trace? That’s because the woman who took them, Kate, made sure that it looked like the women left on their own decision. But Kate has a plan with these women, and it isn’t one with a happy end for all the women…
Meanwhile we have Tash, on her own journey, trying to make success on her own. Will this young woman be the answer to the missing women prayers?

I find it always a bit terrifying how easy it apparently can be to just take a person, even an adult one, without anyone having a clue.
Of course this book is fiction, but I always kept in mind that there are such evil people around…

The author managed to pinpoint also how the culprits prepare on their job.
Because Kate in this case, did her homework.
She searched for lonely women, women who wouldn’t be immediately missed, and knew what to say to lure them in her home.

The women held in captivity are despite their general likeness, alone, working from home etc., very different in character.
And I found it very interesting reading how the dynamic between these three victims shifted. When each woman was taken, initially they were all trying to find a way to escape. But time made their mind-set change into one of acceptance. However finally they joined forces and tried all together to find a way to just get out, before it was too late.

I didn’t see how Tash and her journey would somehow fit into the story of the missing women, and it took a while before the it all came together.
Because Tash is in a whole different situation. Her family isn’t one working through legal ways, and when she discovers a secrets, she wants to change her own course and take matter in own hands.
Not only does she show her strength and independence while fighting her own family, but also when she makes it her own mission on finding the missing women.
No matter what her background was, she wants to do the right thing, and that made me like her. She is ready to take risks and is ready to accept the consequences.

This was a disturbing story, seeing how easily people can just take someone else captive. And even if sometimes I found the victims too easy to lure into a totally made up story and make them disappear, I also understood that sometimes the desire of belonging somewhere makes you blind to all signals showing that it’s just a scam…
But also in the end there was a twist I didn’t see coming, and changed my whole view of the story. 

This was a dark story, showing the evil and craziness of some people, but also it showed us that sometimes in the darkest places you can find the thing you longed the most for… And that sometimes sharing the most terrible journey together is an unbreakable bond.

The inheritance of a lifetime

Synopsis

Welcome to the Hummingbird Hotel!

When florist-to-the-stars Abbie Coleman catches a glimpse of her boyfriend through the window of Tiffany’s, she couldn’t be more excited. Keen to share her happiness, she organises a huge surprise party for all their family and friends… except things don’t quite work out as she expected, and instead of planning a flower-filled wedding, she finds herself single, and fired from a job she loves.

Desperate to escape her heartbreak, she jets off to her aunt’s quirky Hummingbird Hotel on the gorgeous island of Corfu. Little did she know that instead of spending her time lounging by the pool, drinking cocktails, and soaking up the sun, she’d be stepping into the role of the island’s newest hotelier.

The arrival of unexpected guests sends Abbie into a tailspin of panic, and she’s forced to turn to snippy, but charismatic, vineyard owner-turned-chef, Nikos Angelopoulos, for help. Why does the kitchen fill with smoke whenever she makes coffee? Why is there a naked man swimming in the pool? And why do the hotel’s toiletries turn their guests’ hair pink?

Despite all the chaos, the Hummingbird Hotel works its magic on Abbie, and she finds herself with a decision to make. Will she return home to the drizzly grey skies of London? Or will she take a leap of faith and embrace the new opportunities that little corner of paradise has to offer, and maybe, just maybe, discover a sprinkle of romance along the way?

My review

When florist Abbie Coleman inherits Hummingbird Hotel on the island of Corfu, it’s the perfect escape for her. Because what she thought would be a marriage proposal, ended up in disaster. Not only didn’t her boyfriend think about marrying her, but now Abbie has also lost her job. Perks of having a relationship with your boss, right?
Unfortunately, Hummingbird Hotel will not be the relaxing holiday she expected to be, because guests are being expected and Abbie has to pretend to be hotelier, even if she is in a state of pure panic.
Luckily she can count on the unexpected help of neighbour/ vineyard owner/ former chef Nikos Angelopoulos.
While fighting with coffee machines, wondering why there is a naked man in her pool and other mysteries, Abbie discovers the paradise that Corfu and Hummingbird Hotel is. But what will her final decision be? Going back to London and sell the hotel? Or take a leap of faith and stay in Corfu where her dreams may be realized, and even having a chance for romance?

Reading something from this author is always wonderful. You know somehow what to expect, fun, romance with a twist of mystery, but you know you will enjoy every bit of it.
And with the start of this new series, she managed again to write about characters that you will love.

In the first chapters, I felt truly sorry for Abby. Her hopes and dreams all get crushed at once, and that makes her think about her future and what she truly wants.
And is there a better way to overthink everything by taking off to Corfu?
I admired how Abbie managed to remain calm in certain situations and even at moments where I would throw the towel in the ring myself, she never gave up.
She won’t allow a grumpy neighbour to burst her bubble, she keeps her calm when a naked man appears, and even when she nearly manages to burn the whole place down, she just never gives up.

Nikos may give you the wrong first impression, but the way he offers his help to Abbie, even if he is facing his own struggles, made me truly like him.

The mysterious sabotage elevated this story even more, because when the truth came out, it was not what I expected and the whole coming out, warmed my heart.
Even discovering the past between Abbie’s mother and aunt was bittersweet, but added again that extra layer to make this even a more beautiful story!

I have never been to Corfu myself, but the way the author managed to grasp the beauty of the place, but also the wonderful inhabitants, makes me dream of going there myself.
This was again a wonderful escape to a place offering new opportunities and left me longing for more reading material about Abbie and Nikos! Because it’s obvious that their story has just begun!