Guest Review: Just One Look at You by Jill Mansell

Fen can't believe her luck. A luxury holiday with her beloved grandmother Disa - what could be more delightful? It doesn't cross her mind that she might fall in love. Or that love can bring complications . . .

Jamie can't help it that women always fall for him, rather than for his kind-hearted friend Leon. Nor that only one of them got the looks (that would be Jamie). But how will he feel if the girl he's drawn to only has eyes for Leon?

Disa has a secret. A few weeks ago, an old letter in a file revealed a shocking truth about her late husband. She's come to Venice to find out more.

There's news on the way that will reverberate through all their lives, as Jill Mansell's joyful, heartbreaking new novel takes readers on a roller coaster ride of emotion - and makes us believe in love again.

I have been eagerly awaiting this year’s book from Jill Mansell. As the striking cover reveals, this story is set primarily in Venice, promising the reader romance and so much more.

The protagonists in this book come together on a luxury river cruise based in Venice. Among the travellers are Fen, her vivacious grandmother Disa, rugby star Jamie, who is the onboard celebrity speaker, and his best friend Leon. Jamie is used to lots of attention from the ladies, but it is Leon who steals the heart of Fen. Disa has been keeping a secret linked with her desire to visit Venice which comes as a surprise to all. The group have a marvellous time in Venice, and Fen and Leon’s romance continues when they return home. When tragedy strikes, the shock affects everybody and has long-lasting consequences.

This was a highly emotional romantic novel that had me completely absorbed from the start. Much of the book was set in Venice, but there were also parts that took place in Bristol and the Cotswolds. The characters were all well developed and had their own interesting back-stories. I particularly liked stylish Disa with her bubbly personality. This book could certainly be described as an emotional rollercoaster, humour and drama mixing with extreme sadness. I highly recommend it, but make sure to have a tissue close by.

To order your copy now, just click here!

Guest Review: The Café on the Coast by Christie Barlow

Clemmie Rose’s great-great-grandmother’s beloved clementine torte is her ticket to the prestigious Royal Baking Competition. A win could put Puffin Island’s charming Café on the Coast on the map, land Clemmie her very own cookbook deal, and secure her a coveted invitation to a royal garden party.

But when she discovers the competition is being hosted aboard the Royal Yacht by none other than her ex, Oliver Lockwood, the stakes – and the soufflés –suddenly rise, and Clemmie’s bid for the Golden Whisk trophy is at risk of collapsing like an underbaked sponge.

When a decades-old secret is thrown into the mix, she’ll need more than the perfect recipe to keep her dreams from crumbling.

Review: This is the 4th book in the Puffin Island series of books by this author. The island is connected to the mainland of northeast England by a tidal causeway. It boasts some lovely beaches as well as a large colony of puffins that give it its name. I find myself more attracted to the place with each successive book in the series. The stories in these books give an insight into the lives of the island’s inhabitants and of the newcomers who, having visited by chance, invariably decide to settle there. Each story is complete in itself.

This story features Clemmie Rose, who runs the cafe of the book’s title on Puffin Island with her grandmother Betty. Clemmie has been put forward anonymously to take part in the Royal Baking Competition, the winner of which will be invited to the royal garden party and have their own cookbook published. Winning would also be a wonderful advert for the cafe itself. Clemmie decides to enter the cafe’s popular clementine torte, the recipe for which was developed by her great-great-grandmother. Unfortunately, the competition, which is to be televised, will be hosted by Clemmie’s ex, but she is determined to do her best and try to work alongside him amicably. When a long-held family secret suddenly surfaces, it looks as though there may be trouble in store for Clemmie and her successful cafe.

Another enjoyable instalment of this engaging series with its adorable setting and friendly locals. The royal baking competition, with its few select contestants, sounded very grand indeed, especially being held on board the royal yacht. Clemmie is a lovely character, always kind and happy, producing mouthwatering sweet treats in her cafe in each book in the series so far. I loved the way that her head wasn’t turned by her glimpse into the world of the royal family and that she wasn’t fazed by one rather spiteful competitor. There is an air of mystery in this story from the start, with clues popping up until finally the secret is revealed, keeping the reader guessing and adding to the book’s attraction.

To order your copy now, just click here!

Guest Review: The Sweet Life Cafe by Helen Rolfe

When sisters Addie and Susanna receive invitations to a memorial for their Aunt Gayle, they’re heartbroken to learn the woman who raised them has passed away. But arriving on Anchor Island, they’re met with the shock of their lives: Gayle is alive and well, busily preparing her own 'Celebration of Life' at her beloved pudding bar, The Sweet Life Café.

Agreeing to stay for the event, the sisters begin sorting through their late father’s belongings, reopening wounds they thought long buried, and forcing them to reflect on their lives since leaving the island. Addie is struggling as a single mother, torn between love for her son and doubts about the life she can give him. Susanna’s marriage is crumbling, and being back on the island only reminds her why she couldn’t wait to escape.

But as Gayle prepares gooey brownies, steaming lattes and delicious cakes for her customers, and for her big event, she is hiding secrets of her own – including one that could change everything the sisters thought they knew about their family...

Review: This author is definitely one of my favourites. She writes stories that are full of family and friendship, set in a variety of places. This latest book is set on a small island in the English Channel that is accessed by ferry from one of the Channel Islands. It features an interesting cafe that sells a range of puddings, so be warned that this book will leave you wanting a sweet treat!

The main characters in the story are sisters Addie and Susanna and their aunt, Gayle. The girls were brought up on Anchor Island by their aunt after first their mother, and then their father died. For a variety of reasons, they have become estranged from Gayle and many years have passed since they last visited the island. The sisters are dismayed when they receive invitations to a memorial for their aunt, wishing they had mended their relationship with Gayle before it was too late. However, when they reach the island for the memorial, they are astonished to find Gayle very much alive and preparing for her living funeral, a celebration of her life while she can still enjoy it. The ‘living’ part had been left off the invitation by mistake. Having travelled all that way, Addie and Susanna decide to stay for the party and spend their time sorting through their late father’s belongings, at the same time considering the state of their own lives. Susanna is concerned about her marriage, while single mum Addie wants to be able to give her son a better life. However, amongst their father’s papers, they discover a secret that shocks them both and makes them re-evaluate the memories they had of their past.

I absolutely loved everything about this book. It had me drawn in from the very start with its interesting and strong characters, amazing setting and mouthwatering desserts at every turn. It was sad that Susanna and Addie had both had problems in their youth and were still troubled, but the bond between them had stayed strong through it all; you couldn’t help admiring them. It was interesting watching them relive some past experiences when they returned to what was once their home. Aunt Gayle was an incredible character, hard working but full of life and fun, although slowing down with age. She took a big chance opening her pudding restaurant on this little island but it paid off judging by its great popularity. No matter what had happened in the past, I was willing all three of them to settle their differences for a happy outcome. This is a book I can confidently recommend.

To order your copy now, just click here!

Top 10 Tuesday: Bookish Goals for 2026

 

Top Ten Tuesday was created by The Broke and the Bookish in June of 2010 and was moved to That Artsy Reader Girl in January of 2018. It was born of a love of lists, a love of books, and a desire to bring bookish friends together.

This is a good one because there are definitely some I would like to acheive this year. 

1. Post more on the blog, I feel like I've let the blog down in the last 2 years but I'm trying to get ahead a little when I have time now. 

2. Post more bookish content on my booktube channel, again this turned into something more of an entertainment channel last year and so more bookish videos, tags even on there would be good. 

3. More buddy reads. Hayley and I already have one planned so I'm hoping this one will come off!

4. More bookish events. This has been hard post-covid but I would like to be able to make more time for book events for sure this year!

5. Last one before I get to 5 specific books I would like to read; remeber to review the books I read. Even if they're short I know how much they mean to authors and I'm so behind on reviewing all the books I read last year!

6. Finally some books I wanted to read in 2025 but I didn't get to:

Guest Review: The Story Shop by Christie Barlow

When travel writer Jack Hartwell arrives on Puffin Island amidst a terrible storm, he stumbles into The Story Shop, the island's quaint bookshop.

Seeking refuge, he finds himself immersed in Amelia Brown's enchanting world of books, puffins, and an eccentric group of book club regulars. So when the enigmatic Amelia challenges Jack to read a mysterious novel The Temptation Bucket List – and to complete its challenges with her – he can’t resist.

But with Jack’s time on Puffin Island ticking away, the stakes rise. The final item on the list? To share a secret that no one else knows…

This is the third book in the Puffin Island series from this author. Puffin Island is connected to the main part of Britain by a tidal causeway and is home to a large colony of puffins as well as a small, close community of humans. The stories in these books give an insight into the lives of the island’s inhabitants and newcomers who decide to settle there. So far, each story has been complete in itself.

The central character in this story is Amelia Brown, who runs and also lives above the Island’s bookshop. On a particularly stormy day, the door of the shop flies open to admit Jack Hartwell, a successful writer of travel books, and one of Amelia’s favourite authors. Jack is hoping to remain incognito while he writes an article about Puffin Island, but becomes drawn to the bookshop and Amelia as he gets to know her. It turns out that he is not the only one hiding a secret. Amelia has also been keeping something big from her friends and the rest of the community. As she and Jack share the challenges contained in a new mysterious novel, it looks as though their secrets may at last be revealed.

How nice it was to return to Puffin Island and get to know another of its residents. Amelia was a lovely character and a great friend, full of fun and determination to succeed. I also liked Jack, who showed great strength of character in a difficult situation. There was one most unlikable character in the story who made the perfect villain. Amelia was lucky to have such a wonderful group of friends; it was marvellous to watch how they interacted and watched out for each other. Among the other activities at the bookshop was a most unusual book group whose meetings were hilarious. I can wholeheartedly recommend this book, whether it is read on its own or part of this compelling series.

To order your copy now, just click here!

Top Ten Tuesday: 10 Most Anticipated Books for the first Half of 2026

 

Top Ten Tuesday was created by The Broke and the Bookish in June of 2010 and was moved to That Artsy Reader Girl in January of 2018. It was born of a love of lists, a love of books, and a desire to bring bookish friends together.

I know I just posted a lot of these in my 26 books I want to read in 2026 post but it's still find to distill it down even further...

Guest Review: Tomorrow Starts Today by Jessica Redland

It's never too late to find yourself... 💫

When she unexpectedly loses her husband, Yvonne Kellerman's world turns quiet and grey. Five years on, her days are filled with the gentle chatter of her loyal parrot, Trevor, and the comfort of her crafting table—but she can’t shake the feeling that life is slipping her by and Yvonne feels lost and lonelier than ever.

When she joins the local crafting club at Willowdale Village Hall, Yvonne expects nothing more than a few afternoons of sewing. Instead, amongst the other local crafters, she discovers friendship, laughter and a renewed appreciation for her gorgeous Lake District home. It’s a reminder that she isn’t alone and, with each new stitch, her confidence returns, and so does her belief that it's never too late for fresh starts and new beginnings.

When a familiar face from her past reappears, Yvonne finds herself standing at a crossroads: will she protect her heart, or embrace the chance to love—and truly live—again?

A heartwarming story of friendship, courage, and second chances by the million copy bestseller Jessica Redland.

Guest Review: This is the fifth book in the author’s Escape to the Lakes series, with all stories set near to Derwent Water, one of the many lakes in this beautiful area of England. Although there are some recurring characters in this and the other books in the series, each title can be read as a standalone. The author has included a helpful list of characters who have appeared in previous books at the beginning of this one. Once again, the attractive cover of this book shows a scene typical of the area.

This story centres on Yvonne Kellerman, who, approaching her sixtieth birthday, realises that it’s time to get more out of life. She has been living on her own apart from her chatty parrot for the past five years, following the death of her husband. As a keen crafter, her eye is caught by an advert for a crafting club that meets in a local village hall, and she decides to give it a try. Suddenly, she has a group of wonderful friends who, like her, have found the club an invaluable lifeline. Then, one day, she comes face to face with someone from the past who she thought she would never see again but has never forgotten. Having found friendship and a renewed confidence through her hobbies, she wonders whether she could also find love again and complete her ambitions for her future.

I can highly recommend this truly heartwarming story. Yvonne is a character in a situation that will be recognised by many, men as well as women, who have become lost and lonely, particularly after the departure of a partner. How marvellous that she had the courage to step outside her world and find friendship as well as opening up to the possibility of a second chance at love. I loved the new friends that Yvonne discovered through the crafting club, and I especially liked that they all had their own stories going on. It was also nice to bump into one or two familiar faces. As with the other books in this series, the author gives the reader the chance to picture the wonderful scenery of the Lake District. I’m already looking forward to the next book in this series and perhaps catching up with Yvonne and her friends.

To order your copy now, just click here!

Top Ten Books I Read in 2025

 

Top Ten Tuesday was created by The Broke and the Bookish in June of 2010 and was moved to That Artsy Reader Girl in January of 2018. It was born of a love of lists, a love of books, and a desire to bring bookish friends together.

Always a massively difficult list to make but actually slightly easier now I read less books in a year!

As always, this list is in no particular order...

26 Books I Want to Read in 2026

 I love making these lists every year and it's ncie to look back at the end of the year as to what I didn't get to from the previous year and make plans to read it. In fact I am doing this right now. 

I've roughly ordered into publication months but as always, these dates are subject to change..

January

February

March

April

May

June

July