Review: Wish Upon A Cornish Moon by Amanda James

(from Goodreads)

‘I can see you don’t believe me, girl, but I’m telling you that there’s magic in the moon and that big sea out there.’ Grandma Mary cleared her throat and winked. ‘Dreams come true for them as take those old tales to heart.’ 1938
One midnight in June, 15-year-old Lamorna Williams throws a message in a bottle into the Atlantic at Magic Cove, hoping to meet her one true love – and someone writes back. 1997
On the other side of the world, Lamorna tells her story to her 16-year-old great nephew Ethan inspiring him to do the same. But this time, his message isn’t found for over twenty years… Present day
Single mum, Merrin Pascoe, is told of the legend of Magic Cove. In a moment of madness, Merrin wishes on the moon, and next day she finds a bottle in the sea. Will the cove cast its spell once again… Readers love

Every now and again, a novel surprises me and this one certainly did. It's a pure delight from beginning to end.

The narrative begins with Grandmother Mary and her experience with the local folktale. She shares the details with her granddaughters, Lamorna and Morwenna, telling them how their dreams can come true...if they believe... It's simply to write a message in a bottle and follow the ritual on the Full Moon in June, down at Capel Porth Cove aka Magic Cove. Both young women choose to believe when the time was right for them and succeeded in finding their true love. Therefore, both are eager for the younger generation to embrace the tradition and for them to believe it can work for them too.

I liked how the author manages to weaver the past with the present, as we are introduced to Merrin and Ethan. Both have a tentative connection to the two sisters and how fate has brought them together. Just like those before them, they also have to have hope and faith and a belief that life will allow them to be together. Just like Lamorna and Morwenna, life throws up challenges for the pair to navigate and in the spirit of a happy ending, all turns out well!

Ms. James has written an enchanting story spanning several generations. Set again a mainly Cornish backdrop, we learn about a charming folk tale about how local young women can find a sweetheart if they just believe...

***arc generously received courtesy of One More Chapter via NetGalley***

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Review: Falling Hard For The Royal Guard by Megan Clawson

Love is in the heir in this royally good rom com debut releasing in Spring 2023 – perfect for anyone who likes relatable heroines (with great hair), hot and aloof book boyfriends (with great hats), near misses, almost kisses and a corgi or two.

Despite living in an actual castle, happily ever after is evading Margaret ‘Maggie’ Moore.

From her bedroom in the Tower of London, twenty-six-year-old Maggie has always dreamed of her own fairy-tale ending.

Yet this is twenty-first century London, so instead of knights on white horses, she has catfish on Tinder. And with her last relationship ending in spectacular fashion, she swears off men for good.

And then a chance encounter with Royal Guard Freddie forces Maggie to admit that she isn’t ready to give up on love just yet… But how do you catch the attention of someone who is trained to ignore all distractions?

Can she snare that true love’s first kiss… or is she royally screwed?

A right royal rom com, perfect for fans of Red, White and Royal Blue and The Royal We.

Margaret "Maggie" Moore is back living with her dad, a Beefeater at the Tower of London after ending her seven-year relationship with Bran. She's lonely and hates her job. When she literally bumps into a handsome man, she's instantly smitten but he's angry at her clumsiness. She brushes off and dismisses the incident until she sees the same man again…under vastly differing circumstances…!

Maggie is likeable but I also felt sorry for her. She's stuck in a rut and suffering the consequences of her previous actions. She finds solace in her surroundings; she's a history fanatic who has embraced where she lives.

The narrative is a blend of fascinating historical facts and an insight into the somewhat chaotic happenings in the otherwise mundane life of a woman searching for more than she currently has. Maggie's upbeat, but shows that even the strongest of women gets hurt when things go wrong.
In contrast, Freddie is aloof. The author hints at his background and character so we are grateful for the fun antics of the other guardsmen he is serving with and for them collectively embracing friendship with Maggie.

The tentative bond between Maggie and Freddie is slow as they develop a friendship based on mutual curiosity and interest. However, other shenanigans in Maggie's life at the Tower, tend to distract away from the blossoming attraction. Yet, the author's enthusiasm for the Tower of London is such, that a reader will want to turn the pages to discover more…

As a reader, I always love reading a book, where I can learn something new and Ms Clawson has written a delightful and fun novel brimming with history about the Tower of London with a sprinkle of romance and high jinks.

Overall, If you are intrigued by British Royalty, history, and romance, this is a book for you.

***arc generously received courtesy of Avon via NetGalley***

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Book Review: Dreams of the Cottage by the Sea by Rebecca Alexander

As the waves crash against the boat, Nicole wonders if the island will be as magical as she remembers… Will it offer her the new beginning she’s been searching for?

When Nicole finds herself in need of a new start, she instantly thinks of Morwen Island. She remembers the beautiful, remote place from her student days and, as she thinks of its cobbled streets and salty sea air, she wonders if this might be the place where she can begin again…

As she settles into island life, Nicole begins to feel like her old self. And when a knock on her cottage door brings handsome local Josh, who she remembers from her time on the island, she is instantly attracted to his charming smile. With their shared passion for the island’s wildlife, they spend more time together, and soon Nicole finds it hard to ignore her growing feelings. But is her fragile heart ready to embrace the possibility of love once more?

When Josh suggests they investigate the supposedly haunted old house where Nicole lived as a student, she is forced to put her feelings for him to one side. She recalls the past heartache she felt there all too well and, as she looks up at the crumbling old building, she wonders whether the locals are right. Does the house still have secrets to hide?

As she explores, Nicole learns about the women who lived there during the Second World War, a long-forgotten family secret, and a loss that will break her heart…As Nicole pieces together what really happened during the war, she feels a stronger pull to the island than ever before. Will she be able to uncover what became of the women who lived in the old house? And, if she does, will she learn from their story, and open her heart to a new life with her one true love on Morwen Island?

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Having read the previous books in The Cottage by the Sea series, I couldn’t wait to dive into Rebecca Alexander's latest instalment, Dreams of the Cottage by the Sea; the third title based on the Atlantic island of Morwen.

Recovering from devastating injuries sustained after a horrific car crash, Nicole is slowly trying to piece together her life. She rents a cottage on an island where she lived during her student days and hopes, a complete change of scenery will help her heal and regain strength whilst deciding what she wants to do with her life.

Readers are instantly confronted with the challenges Nicole faces as soon as she arrives on Morwen. Those who are familiar with the series will quickly recognise familiar characters as she settles into her new home for a year. It isn’t long before her passion for nature conservation leads to a meeting with Josh, the local wildlife warden.

Ms. Alexander’s beautiful island descriptions draw the reader quickly into this duel timeline novel. The overall feel of the narrative is uplifting; exploring the power of community support, the beauty of the natural world, and the resilience of the human spirit. The protagonists are both mourning their losses, creating empathy and an unexpected connection. All this is artfully interwoven with the history and secrets of the cottage during WWII. The characters are relatable and inspiring, and their stories remind us that even in the face of adversity there is hope.

Overall, Dreams of the Cottage by the Sea is a must-read for anyone seeking a heart-warming and uplifting story. I also highly recommend the other novels in this tremendous series; all are stand-alone.

***arc generously received courtesy of the publisher Bookouture via NetGalley***

Publication Day Review: Billionaire's Island Temptation By Rachael Stewart

Will their fling on the tropical island of Mustique develop into something more? Find out in the first of the Billionaires for the Rose Sisters duet by Rachael Stewart for Harlequin Romance.

A summer fling…

Or something more?

Jessie Rose is shocked by the instant chemistry she feels when she meets billionaire Joel in Mustique. She’s come looking for an escape, and brooding Joel is very clear he’s not looking for anything permanent. But letting their guards down while exploring the island together, they can’t deny their fling is dangerously close to being a temptation they may not be able to walk away from…

From Harlequin Romance:  Be swept away by glamorous and heartfelt love stories.

Billionaires for the Rose Sisters

Book 1: Billionaire's Island Temptation
Book 2: Consequence of Their Forbidden Night

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It's always a treat to pick up and read a novel by a favourite author and this is no exception.

Billionaire's Island Temptation is the first book in the Billionaires for the Rose Sisters duet, and it is a seductive and steamy romance novel that will leave you craving for more.

The narrative revolves around Jessie Rose, a young woman who is looking for an escape from her stressful life, after the break-up of her relationship with Adam, and the death of her mum. Then there's billionaire Joel Austin, a brooding and enigmatic man who is not looking for anything permanent because he's avoiding all relationships. When their paths unexpectedly cross, both throw caution to the wind, as heady feelings of temptation and lust overwhelm them. The chemistry between Jessie and Joel is undeniable from the start, and their fling on the tropical island of Mustique is both thrilling and dangerous. Despite their mutual attraction, both characters have their own demons and baggage that they must confront and overcome if they want their relationship to develop into something more… which they don't, do they?

I love this coupling. Jessie and Joel come from differing backgrounds but share heartbreaking experiences. Interestingly, they both may be far from their loved ones, however, this doesn't mean the ones "at home" don't know what is happening thousands of miles away. Therefore, it's easy to understand how the loved-up couple wants to be left alone...they are consenting adults after all!

Oh, this is another fabulously sexy novel by Ms. Stewart. As I've come to expect, her writing style is captivating and sensual, and once again, she has created two complex and relatable characters in Jessie and Joel. The setting of the tropical island adds a dreamy and romantic backdrop to the story, making it the perfect beach read.

Overall, Billionaire's Island Temptation is a delightful and engaging romance novel that will leave you eagerly anticipating the second book. There's more than a subtle hint about who will be in the spotlight in the next instalment and I know I can't wait to read about their story too.

***arc generously received courtesy of the publisher***

New Publication Review: Nobody Puts Romcoms In The Corner by Kathryn Freeman

The perfect pick me up romcom for fans of Beth O’Leary, Sophie Kinsella and Sophie Ranald!
Sally is a classic romantic and Harry is a classic cynic, but when a drunken bet leads the new flatmates to (badly) recreate ‘the lift’ from Dirty Dancing, and the video goes viral (#EpicRomcomReenactmentFailure), they both realise there’s potential financial benefit in blundering their way through the romcom lexicon for their suddenly vast social media following.

Now, as Harry and Sally bring major romcom moments to new life – including recreating that classic diner scene – their faking it turns to making…out and suddenly they’re living a real life romcom of their own! But like all the greatest love stories, the road to happily ever after is paved with unexpected challenges for this hero and heroine…

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For lovers of Romantic Comedy films, "Nobody Puts Romcoms in the Corner" is the perfect book. Sally, the heroine, and her friends are also huge fans of romcoms and frequently reference them. Sally, a coffee shop owner, needs a room-mate to help pay her bills, and Harry, who is dealing with an ex-girlfriend who refuses to leave his house, needs a place to stay. When they meet, Harry thinks Sally is a little strange, but he agrees to live with her on a short-term basis.

The book is filled with humorous romantic comedy scene re-enactments, as well as a grumpy man who doesn't believe in love living with a woman who wants the whole package of love, marriage, and family. The story is entertaining and full of hilarious dialogue and heat. However, it is not all light and fluffy as there are some heavy moments.

The author develops Sally's character well, and we learn that she has had to grow up quickly after her parents passed away. Her friends are always there for her, but her sister is a bit of a spoiled brat. Sally believes in love and romantic relationships, which is why she loves romcoms so much. Harry, on the other hand, has never experienced true love and frustrates Sally and the reader in equal measures!

As the story progresses, Sally convinces Harry to re-enact more romcom scenes in hopes of earning some cash, and they become closer. However, there is tension between them because Harry told Sally he didn't believe in love, and Sally wants the whole #swept off her feet” package. When things turn for the worst, Sally walks away, and their relationship becomes more complicated.

Overall, a laugh aloud, engaging, sexy novel between two fun protagonists with combustible chemistry.

***arc generously received courtesy of the publisher One More Chapter via NetGalley***

New Publication Spotlight: How to Keep a Husband for 10 Days by Jessica Hatch

Pretending to be married to the man you were married to… How hard can it be?!

When Lina’s oldest friends unexpectedly announce they’re coming to stay, she has to think fast. No one knows she and her husband Brown are breaking up, and so she persuades him to act as if they aren’t… After all, how hard can it be to pretend to be married for ten days?

Turns out, a lot harder than she thought. On day one, she strikes so many couple poses that she throws her back out. On day two, she gets muscle spasms from smiling too hard at her husband’s jokes. On day three, she almost has a heart attack when she puts her hand far too high up his thigh at the dinner table. And on day four, when she accidentally grazes Brown’s lips when aiming for his cheek, she almost passes out in the middle of the restaurant.

By day five, Lina is starting to realise there’s a thin line between love and hate. And while she can try to fool her friends, she can’t fool her heart. Was she too hasty calling time on her marriage? Is this more than make believe? And does she even have enough time to find out if Brown feels the same?

This absolutely hilarious and totally addictive romcom is perfect for fans of Ali Hazelwood’s The Love Hypothesis, Christina Lauren’s The Unhoneymooners, and Emily Henry.

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A housing complex, a community of friends, and the burden of pretending to be something you are not. It's a dilemma for Lina, as she and her soon-to-be ex-husband, Brown act like the ever-loving couple everyone thinks they are. but ultimately, are they deceiving their friends or themselves?

Set in Jacksonville, Florida, the author makes the reader aware of the setting and culture of the area, as we become acquainted with the protagonists and the many secondary characters. The timeline jumped back and forth, from the past and present, delving into the relationships the characters have with the protagonists and how their reunion is taking shape. As Lina and Brown constantly try to fool their friends, the narrative is therefore littered with their mishaps, as they fake their togetherness, all in the name of a worthy cause.

Additionally, there's a strong sense of community spirit and how a group of people living in the same budget apartment building forged believable friendships. This aspect surprised me, as I expected to read a rom-com focusing mostly on Lina and Brown. Yes, there is a satisfying, happy ending despite the narrative not panning out how I expected.

Overall, I love the idea of this novel. The author has written a pleasant, enjoyable, and solid book. Yet somehow, it lacks a certain, je ne sais quoi for me.

***arc generously received courtesy of Bookouture via NetGalley***

Book Review: Memories of the Cottage by the Sea by Rebecca Alexander

Charlotte Kingston is at a crossroads in her life. After ending a long-time relationship, she's sent to Morwen Island, a place she hasn't visited since her grandmother's funeral. As a school inspector, she's there to write a report, to see if the small school should be kept open. It's a straightforward job, as the school has two pupils. However, when Charlotte meets the children, and their families and uncovers secrets from her grandmother's past, is closing the school the right decision to make, or is there more than one reason for it to remain open and for her to stay on the island she loves?

Jenofeve "Jenny" Huon lives in Usant at the time the Germans invaded and occupied France. As someone who speaks the native language of Breton, French, as well as English and some Cornish, she is quickly recruited to translate messages for the resistance movement by Laurie Byers. However, as she falls under the radar of Kriminaldireftor Wolfgang Albrecht, she is in danger, as are others on the island…

This is another beautifully written novel by Ms. Alexander with this one triggering so many emotions, as the narrative flows effortlessly between 1940 and the present. In the past, we are confronted with the fear of the unknown versus the anticipation of the unexpected as we hold our breath as Jenny and the Keller family attempt an escape from Ushant under the noses of the German occupiers of the small Breton Island. Equally, the present is emotionally charged, as Charlotte's daily routine becomes more complicated, as her life takes on a new direction.

The author does a tremendous job of building these emotions, keeping the readers’ adrenalin flowing and causing an occasional tear to fall. The result is a stunning blend of the past and the present set against two beautiful backdrops.

This is the second novel in the Cottage by the Sea series and can be read as a stand-alone. As someone who has read The secrets of the Cottage by the Sea, I heartily recommend that one too.

***arc generously received courtesy of Bookouture via NetGalley***

As she inhales the salty sea air, Charlotte glimpses the island on the horizon. Seeing it after all these years still sends a shiver down her spine. Should she be returning to this place?

When teacher Charlotte Kingston is sent to close a school on an isolated Scilly Isle, it is her first time on the island since summer holidays spent there with her grandparents. But with a newly broken heart, she’s desperate to travel as far from her life on the mainland as possible.

Not long after she arrives, two visiting children find themselves in need of a place to stay when their grandmother falls ill. When Charlotte agrees to take care of the boys, she suddenly has a reason to keep the school open a little longer. With a renewed sense of purpose, Charlotte begins to connect with the local islanders who tell her more about her family.

Intrigued, Charlotte decides to decode her grandmother’s old letters from the Second World War. They reveal a story of a forbidden love that defied the darkness of war, and of a beautiful, brave young man who would risk everything for his country, even if meant losing the woman he loved…

Just as Charlotte realises the secret will change her life forever, the children’s handsome, enigmatic stepfather, Ash, arrives to take care of them. But Charlotte doesn’t trust him – he left the boys once before, why wouldn’t he do it again? But as the tension grows between them, Charlotte feels an attraction developing, too. And although she can’t stop thinking about Ash, and his soft, full lips, she’s afraid to open her heart again.

But rereading her grandmother’s story, Charlotte realises there is courage and redemption among the pages. Is this a sign that everyone deserves a second chance, maybe even Ash? And, if she is brave enough to let him in, will she be able to put her fractured heart back together once and for all?

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New Publication Spotlight and Review: SECRETS OF THE COTTAGE BY THE SEA by Rebecca Alexander

Secrets of the Cottage by the Sea: An absolutely gorgeous and emotional page-turner

As Ellie stood on the boat, watching the small island come into view, she wondered what awaited her on shore. What secrets would she uncover in this place?
When Ellie Roberts inherits a cottage on a remote Scilly Isle, she’s shocked. She’s never heard of the previous owner, Patience Ellis, so why did she leave Ellie her legacy?
Overwhelmed with unanswered questions, Ellie travels to the isolated island. Windswept from the boat, salt spray still on her skin, she searches for Patience’s whitewashed cottage, hidden behind overgrown ivy. But when she steps inside, the house feels strangely familiar, and she has a memory of laughing as a child with her beloved mother in the window seat overlooking the sea… The mother she lost when she was only a child.
Determined to find out more, Ellie meets enigmatic local Branok Shore. While at first he seems uninterested, he believes he can help. Charmed by his green eyes, and curious about his past on the island, he and Ellie grow closer, but Ellie knows she needs to understand her own story before she can embrace the future. And when Branok prises open Patience’s dresser, filled with letters from the Second World War, Ellie discovers the shocking secret Patience was forced to hide – and the truth that will change her own life forever.
The letters tell the story of a brutal storm on a dark night in the depths of war, and of an injured soldier who begged Patience for help, and asked her to make an impossible choice…
But the letters don’t hold the answers Ellie so desperately needs. Why did Patience leave her home to her? And how can Ellie have memories of the cottage, when she’s never been there before? When Ellie finally uncovers the truth, will she be strong enough to put the fragments of her life back together?
An absolutely heartbreaking and unforgettable read, perfect for fans of gripping family dramas, and for those who enjoy the novels of Debbie Macomber, Fiona Valpy and Nancy Thayer.

A heartfelt dual timeline romance, set on a remote Scilly isle.

When Elowen "Ellie" Roberts learns she is the beneficiary of a will, she's stunned to find out she has to live in a remote cottage for one year before she can inherit it. Despite objections from her father, along with her own reservations, she's determined to meet the terms of the will. During her time at the property, she uncovers secrets from the past and discovers her connection with Patience Ellis, the woman to who the cottage belonged.

Patience Ellis was a force to be reckoned with and a woman determined to live her life as she saw fit. She made mistakes, yet managed to find workable solutions to her problems. She was a risk taker but somehow juggled her life on the remote island she called home.

Set in the present and beginning during WWII, the narrative tells the fascinating story of how these women are connected. It reveals secrets and family deceit but also, the overwhelming pull the island has on them. The historical aspects are both intriguing and heart-wrenching, as we learn about young Patience's "Patsy's" life and the impact the war had on herself and her family. Eighty years later, Ellie realises the rundown cottage is more than a renovation project.

The author is new to me and I'm impressed by how smooth the narrative is as it alternates between the past and the present. The descriptions of the island and the life there conjure up images of how life exists both then and now. It creates both heartbreaking emotions yet is also injected with humour. A true reflection of how life is, with its ups and downs. Ellie and Patsy are endearing characters, surrounded by an equally warm, and friendly cast and community. Collectively, they create a delightful page-turner, set against a stunning backdrop.

Overall, this novel comes highly recommended.

***arc received courtesy of Bookouture via NetGalley***

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Rebecca Alexander was born in Malta and grew up on the south coast of England, becoming a psychologist. She escaped parenting six children to study writing in 2011, and the Secrets series of novels was published in 2013. A Baby’s Bones and sequel followed. Rebecca lives in a haunted 300-year-old cottage in Devon where she grows fruit, paints, and bakes. She reads and writes all sorts of genres, from women’s fiction to fantasy to crime. She is married with four chickens, two grandchildren and a cat. 

Twitter: www.twitter.com/rebalexander

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