Guest Review: Christmas for the Village Midwife by Tilly Tennant

Snow crunches underfoot, lights twinkle on the lakes, and in the little village of Thimblebury, midwife Zoe is hoping for more than one Christmas miracle…

As the streets of Thimblebury are blanketed by sparkling snow, village midwife Zoe Padbury wants nothing more than to warm her cold feet by a roaring fire and spend the holidays holding hands with her handsome new boyfriend Alex.

But babies don’t stop being born, and Zoe is busier than ever with new arrivals (and her grumpy new boss at the surgery, who definitely doesn’t believe in the magic of Christmas).

It should be happy news when Zoe’s oldest friend Georgia arrives in Thimblebury, pregnant with her first baby, but it’s obvious that Georgia is far from happy and is hiding something. Zoe is determined to help her friend… but in doing so unravels a long-held secret that will impact them all. Has Zoe got in too deep, and is it too late for her to save Christmas in Thimblebury?

Review: This is the second in a series of books about midwife Zoe Padbury who has moved from Manchester to join a medical practice in the small Lake District village of Thimblebury. This book starts in the run up to Christmas. In the first book in the series, readers learned that Zoe had divorced her husband and was looking for a fresh start somewhere new. She is renting a small cottage some way out of the village on one of the local farms and has met another newcomer, Alex, who is becoming a good friend.

Zoe is finding it a busy time in the village, with lots of babies on the way. Unfortunately, the usually pleasant atmosphere in the village surgery has become more subdued because of the arrival of a new GP who seems to disapprove of lots of things, Christmas activities in particular. However, she has brought with her to the village her sister who is an old childhood friend of Zoe’s, and happens to be in the late stages of pregnancy. Zoe can’t help feeling that something is wrong in her friend’s household and is keen to sort things out, but Alex thinks she should leave well alone. As the snow falls thick and fast, bringing extra problems for the couple, Zoe hopes that her growing relationship with Alex can survive even though this is not the cosy first Christmas in the village that she had anticipated.

I thought that this was a delightful festive read. It took me on quite a roller coaster ride, with all the drama, excitement, humour and romantic moments. Having read the first book in the series, I was looking forward to finding out what was happening in the lives of this lively and warm community. It was easy to envisage the village and its surrounding homes, and I could well imagine what it must have looked like with a coating of snow - just like many a Christmas card. Zoe was such a lovely, caring character, like all of the staff in the local surgery; it is easy to see how they must have felt with the arrival of someone with a totally different outlook on life. I was glad that the reason for the newcomers’ behaviour came out in the end. I was really moved by the ending of the story and I’m already looking forward to reading the next part of this series and finding out what happens next for Zoe and Alex.

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Guest Review: The Lifeboat Sisters by Tilly Tennant

Escape to Seaspray Cottage on the Cornish coast, with its stunning views of honeycomb sand beaches and aquamarine seas, where Ava is about to discover the man of her dreams might be closer than she thinks…

Twenty-five-year-old Ava Morrow smiles through her tears as she links arms with her two older sisters. They’re surrounded by the friendly locals from the tiny village of Port Promise who’ve come together to celebrate her father’s life. As she and her sisters swap memories over cider in the pub garden, the sun warm on her shoulders, the seagulls diving for her crisps, Ava feels something close to peace. At least she knows she has friends and family who love her, even if she might feel a bit stuck in the place she’s lived in all her life.

And yet the next morning, waking up in her cramped caravan, she can’t ignore the feeling that her life is at a standstill. Determined her father’s legacy should never be forgotten, Ava makes the brave decision to train as a lifeboat volunteer alongside her best friend Harry, the one person who can make her smile in the toughest times.

As they learn how to save lives in the winter-blue Cornish waters, Ava begins to see Harry in a different light. Ava’s sisters think working on the lifeboats is risky, and Harry is the only person who understands what she needs to do. What’s more, she’s finding it increasingly difficult to ignore the depth of his sea-green eyes and the sun shining on his sandy blonde hair.

But just when Ava decides she can no longer hide her feelings for Harry, he reveals a devastating secret about the night Ava’s father died. With her world turned upside down, Ava has an important decision to make. Should she open her heart to Harry and take a chance on love? Or will the secret he has shared drive her away from him and the new life she loves?

I have decided to review what is actually a collection of three books set in the small Cornish seaside village of Port Promise, and featuring three siblings from the Morrow family. In common with their father and ancestors before him, all have strong connections with the village’s lifeboat station and a strong desire to save the lives of those at sea.

In the first book in the series, The Lifeboat Sisters, we meet Ava Morrow, the youngest of the three sisters. She is currently teaching watersports to locals and holidaymakers. At the beginning of the book, the sisters are mourning the loss of their father during a rescue at sea. Despite being acutely aware of the dangers, Ava is keen to train as a lifeboat volunteer and join her brother-in-law Killian and best friend Harry serving on the local lifeboat. Her mother and sisters are strongly opposed to any more of the family endangering their lives in this way, and Ava turns to Harry as someone who understands her desire to help others in this way. However, she gradually begins to realise that she is developing more than just feelings of friendship for Harry.

The second book in the series, Second Chances for the Lifeboat Sisters, features middle sister Clara Morrow. Trained as a chef, she is living with artist fiancé Logan in a flat in Port Promise and planning their wedding in the village, while helping friend Cormac run his fish shack. Logan is not totally at home in the village, and when he inherits a house in London, he is keen to return there and set up home with Clara after they are married. Clara can’t imagine life without her mother and sisters close by and doesn’t want to let Cormac down. It seems that she and Logan now have very different ideas for the future. Which life should she choose?

The final book in the series, A Secret for the Lifeboat Sisters, focuses on the oldest Morrow sister, Gaby. She is married to Killian and has two children. Her belief that she has a happy and strong marriage has been challenged recently as Killian has become withdrawn and is apparently hiding secrets from her. Relations become strained between them and when she finds that he has concealed something that threatens radically to change the family dynamics, she is unsure how to act. However, when it seems that Killian’s life is in danger, she realises what is most important to her.

I have enjoyed these three books, and learning about these sisters from such a close-knit family, and indeed community. The girls are all very different in temperament and ambition, but share their love for family and home. The little village of Port Promise is well described, and sounds just the kind of place I would like to visit and stay for a while. The lifeboat station is central to the whole community and the stories bring home to the reader just how important this service and the volunteers who run it are for anyone in or on the sea. The books are well worth a read and best read in order.

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Guest Review: Christmas in Paris by Tilly Tennant

As the snow flutters down on the Eiffel Tower and fairy lights sparkle on the pavement cafés of Paris, meet the girl determined not to fall in love in the most romantic city in the world…

When Brooke arrives in Paris at Christmas, it feels like the perfect place to escape after being dumped by her long-term boyfriend. And while her head might be turned by the romance of couples strolling arm in arm along the riverbank, and the air scented with chocolat chaud, her heart remains firmly under lock and key – this trip is going to be about her.

Brooke might be able to resist the charms of one persuasive Frenchman who takes her to some of Paris’s most romantic spots, but when a chance encounter leads her to green-eyed Armand with his dark wavy hair and warm smile, she is annoyed to feel her heart skip a beat…

Still, what’s the harm of a holiday romance with no strings attached? Brooke is sure she can play it cool. But when Armand opens his heart to her in a candlelit restaurant and kisses her at the top of the Eiffel Tower, she throws caution to the wind. Armand isn’t her ex – and doesn’t she deserve a second chance at love?

But when Armand begins to blow hot and cold, she wonders if she has been taken for a fool. Why does he never answer his phone? Who is the mysterious tall blonde French woman who always seems to be watching Brooke? And when Armand leaves Paris without warning as Christmas Eve approaches, should Brooke try and find out more about the stranger she has found herself falling for?

Review: As other fans of her books will no doubt agree, Tilly Tennant writes great Christmas stories. The pull of the festive season in Paris coupled with the promise of romance from the wonderful cover had me excited to read her latest Christmas offering.

The story focuses on Brooke and her best friend and business partner, Felicity. Brooke is heart-broken after being dumped by her long-time boyfriend and both girls hope that a month in Paris selling their custom-made jewellery and fabric products at the Christmas markets may help her recover. The one thing that Brooke is adamant about is that she is not going to succumb to the charms of any Frenchmen, no matter how romantic the setting. However, she didn’t count on a chance meeting with the dashingly handsome Armand. Trying to keep their relationship low key doesn’t work, and soon she is falling in love. However, Brooke suddenly finds herself in the middle of a mystery, and at the same time Armand begins to behave in a strange way and odd things happen to herself and Felicity. She is left wondering if she has been foolish to let a man into her heart or if she should continue to find out more about him.

This is a lovely Christmassy story, with romance and mystery mixed in with the sparkling lights and tinsel, set against the backdrop of this famously glamorous city. The reader is taken on a tour of the sights and to many exotic locations, the writing so powerful that the sounds and smells of Paris came floating right off the page. I loved that there was an element of intrigue built into the story, taking it to a new level, with danger lurking in the background of the festivities. The central characters in the story are interesting and well developed. I particularly liked Felicity with her bold, no-nonsense attitude while being fiercely protective of her friend. Of course, who could not be attracted to Armand, a courteous and handsome companion with whom to stroll the streets of Paris. I would recommend this as a book which should definitely join the list to read this Christmas.

To order your copy now, just click the link: UK or US

Guest Review: A Home at Cornflower Cottage by Tilly Tennant

Escape to the flower-filled fields and hedgerows of the Cotswold countryside, to a tiny cottage and a summer that could change everything....

Amelie has lived in Cornflower Cottage since she was born. She did her homework at the scrubbed kitchen table and helped her mum hang washing from the line on the old oak tree in the garden. And when her beloved parents died, Cornflower Cottage became Amelie’s armor against the world.

The trouble is that Cornflower Cottage is too big for just her. With a broken boiler and a leaking roof, Amelie knows she must do something to make ends meet. When she meets Xander, a scruffy, brown-eyed nature-documentary maker living out of his backpack in a nearby hotel, Amelie rents him a room, hoping a lodger will solve her problems.

She soon realizes that her troubles are only just beginning. Xander’s muddy clothes all over the cottage and early morning jaunts to photograph otters are going to take some getting used to. But when an argument turns into a heart-to-heart, she finds herself confessing how lonely she has been.

Before long, laughter echoes round the cozy farmhouse kitchen once more, and sparks begin to fly. But when a face from Xander’s past appears at Cornflower Cottage, Amelie’s happy home is shaken once more. Xander has changed Amelie’s quiet country life forever. Should she open her heart to someone who has hidden things from her? Or let him leave and lose the love that makes her house a home?

Review: I am a great fan of Tilly Tennant, and can honestly say that I have never come across a book of hers that I did not enjoy. Her books always have interesting settings, compelling storylines and alluring characters. This one had a particularly attractive setting combined with cute animals, a captivating mixture.

The story centres on Amelie, who is desperately trying to make ends meet on her meagre wage from her job at a nearby hotel. She loves her home, remote Cornflower Cottage, a house left to her by her parents who died tragically in an accident, but the upkeep on the quaint Cotswolds cottage is expensive. She is perfectly happy sharing her home with house rabbit, Salad, but her boyfriend, Decker, is hinting more and more that he would like to move in, a step that Amelie is reluctant to take. The last straw for Amelie is when a storm damages the roof, leading to a huge repair bill. By chance, Xander, a long-term guest at the hotel is looking for somewhere that he and his girlfriend can rent, and Amelie finds herself taking in lodgers. Decker is not at all happy with this arrangement and when his jealousy eventually causes a break up, Amelie finds herself drawn increasingly to Xander.

I very much enjoyed reading this book, and don’t hesitate to recommend it to other readers. I found the majority of the characters likeable and believable, a notable exception being Decker, in whom I found no redeeming qualities and wondered how he was with Amelie in the first place. Xander was a much more suitable match for her, with his interest in nature and considerate disposition. Of course, like Xander, I loved Amelie’s house rabbit - what a great companion. Cornflower Cottage itself sounded a marvellous place to live, despite the obvious bills associated with its age.

To order your copy now just click the link: UK or US

Guest Review: The Cafe at Marigold Marina by Tilly Tennant

Welcome to the café on Marigold Marina, where the smell of freshly baked cakes fills the air, the boats bob merrily in the mellow evening sun and an unexpected meeting means the chance to love again…

When Rosie inherits the café on Marigold Marina after her husband’s tragic death, she is determined to pour her heart into his dream. Nine months later, as she serves coffee and cakes to customers, she is all smiles and laughter. But when the sunshine-yellow doors of the café are closed, she allows her heart to break all over again.

Rosie doesn’t have much room in her life for anything but the café. But when Kit, the owner of a bookshop barge, starts to come by regularly for lunch, she finds it difficult to ignore his dark eyes, dishevelled curls and warm smile. As the pair grow closer, and Kit teaches Rosie how to swim in the sparkling marina waters, Rosie begins to hope that she might get a second chance at happiness.

But just as she is letting herself open her heart for a second time, she discovers the shocking secret that the husband she loved for so many years kept hidden from her. And when Kit disappears when she needs him the most, she closes her café for good and leaves the marina. But has she cut herself off too quickly? Will moving away allow her to move on? Or can she only find true happiness if she learns to trust again?

Review: Tilly Tennant is one of my must-read authors, so I was keen to get my hands on her new book asap. It sounded like I was really going to love it with its riverside setting and cafe full of gorgeous offerings. Unusually, I found it took me a while to get into this story, but once hooked I was eager to follow the fortunes of its characters.

The central character in the story is recently-widowed Rosie. She finds herself living above the cafe at Marigold Marina, a river basin near to the town of Stratford-upon-Avon. Renovating the rundown cafe and opening it once again was her husband, Fergus’s, dream and she is doing her best to succeed in his memory. When it is up and running again, Rosie finds she has little time for anything else, but a distraction comes along in the shape of Kit, who owns a book barge which he ties up nearby, and his sister Tabitha, who agrees to help in the cafe. Just as Rosie is beginning to believe that she might find happiness again, she learns a shocking secret that rocks her whole world and makes her want to turn and flee. She is faced with a terrible dilemma - should she give up all that she has achieved or should she stay at Marigold Marina and perhaps find love once more?

Although I, personally, found it took me longer than I expected to get into this book, I was glad that I did and can recommend it to other readers. It has such a lovely setting right on the river and I could certainly envy Rosie waking up to that view every morning. Rosie herself was an interesting character; on one hand strong and determined in relation to her business but incredibly naive in other ways, particularly in respect to the qualities of her late husband. I certainly didn’t like the sound of Fergus. Most of the other characters at the marina were warm and welcoming, in particular Kit and his sister. I would love to catch up with them all and find out what transpired in their lives - surely the sign of a good book.

To order your copy now, just click the link: UK or US

Guest Review: My Best Friend’s Wedding by Tilly Tennant

Falling snow, sparkling champagne and an ex that Libby would rather forget…

Everything was in place for Libby’s own wedding day – the ancient church with roses around the door, the frothy white wedding dress of her dreams… That is until her Mr Right, Rufus, turned out to be Mr Wrong and dumped her out of the blue. For her cousin.

Six months later, Libby is the chief bridesmaid for her best friend Willow in a Christmas Eve wedding at stately home Lovage Hall. Despite having to wear an enormous fuchsia dress, Libby knows she has to look her best, as the wedding is the first time she will see Rufus again…

As the guests sip champagne at the beautiful reception, and Libby does her best to avoid her ex, the snow outside falls faster and faster, making it impossible for the guests to leave. Snowed in at Lovage Hall, Libby is charmed by American Noah with his dark cropped hair and dimpled cheeks, and the two of them share their dreams and a very passionate kiss.

But when the morning comes, and the snow melts, a shocking revelation about Noah comes to light and Rufus reveals a devastating secret. Can Libby trust her heart to make the right decision for her own happy ending?

Review: I always enjoy a story from talented author Tilly Tennant and couldn’t resist this, her latest book, which is described as a feel-good romantic comedy - just what many of us need right now. The bold, eye-catching cover is sure to attract any reader’s attention, but gives nothing away of the drama within. I was rapidly drawn into the story and found the book a quick and easy read.

The main female character in the story is Libby. She is badly let down by fiancé Rufus, who cheats on her with her cousin shortly before their planned wedding. Six months later sees Libby acting as chief bridesmaid to best friend Willow at her marriage to Tomas on Christmas Eve. The lavish reception is held in a grand country house hotel. Everything sounds absolutely idyllic, but the weather sets out to spoil things. While the wedding party and guests are enjoying the festivities, heavy snow blocks the roads and, at the same time, cuts off the electricity supply, leaving everybody stranded and in the dark. Fortunately, Libby has excellent organisational skills and, with the help of handsome guest Noah, sets out to ensure that her friend’s wedding does not turn out to be a disaster. As Libby gets closer to Noah, Rufus, who is trying to win Libby back, reveals a shocking secret that makes her wonder who she can trust.

This story is definitely as advertised, a romantic tale with its fair share of comedy and also drama. I greatly admired Libby; she has great strength of character and loyalty to her best friend. She took her chief bridesmaid duties very seriously, especially when dealing with a trio of younger bridesmaids who were skilled in finding trouble. I also liked the other main characters in the story, with the exception of Rufus naturally. The setting for the wedding reception sounded so luxurious that I would have loved to stay there for a few nights and enjoy the surroundings and of course the mouthwatering dishes. Although the majority of the narrative takes place on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, I wouldn’t really class this as a Christmas book, but I would recommend it simply as a lovely romantic tale.

To order your copy now, just click the link: UK or US

Guest Review: The Hotel at Honeymoon Station by Tilly Tennant

Run away to the Dorset countryside, to the sleepy village of Honeymoon, where rose-adorned thatched cottages soak up the sunlight and Emma is risking everything for a brave new start on life and love…

When Emma’s useless fiancé tells her a lie she cannot forgive, she decides enough is enough. She leaves him, quits her dead-end job and travels hundreds of miles away to the ancient village of Honeymoon in the Dorset countryside, to help her friend Tia turn the old train station into a boutique hotel.

Tia has told Emma that it will be a project, but when Emma arrives in Honeymoon and sees a weed-choked crumbling ruin, her vision of an idyllic life in Dorset begins to disintegrate. But when she meets twinkly-eyed builder Aiden in the village shop, and sparks fly between them, she can’t help but feel that the stars have for once aligned.

As work begins on the hotel, Emma and Aiden grow closer, and on sun-dappled evening walks, he tells her the secrets of the village. But there are some villagers who wish that Emma had never arrived in Honeymoon… And when Emma is involved in a terrible accident on site, and then discovers what Aiden has been keeping from her, it feels like the universe is telling her to leave Honeymoon for good. What if she was wrong to say goodbye to all that was safe and familiar? Will she ever be able to find her happy-ever-after in Honeymoon?

Review: Tilly Tennant is definitely one of my ‘go to’ authors, so I was delighted to find that she had a new book on the way. I was intrigued by the title of this one. As usual with her books, this one drew me in right from the start and I found it a quick read.

The story concerns two young women, Tia and Emma, who enter into a partnership to convert the old station buildings in the Dorset village of Honeymoon, which they have bought unseen, into a hotel. Although not close friends, Tia and Emma were at school together. Tia has recently divorced and Emma has broken up with long-term boyfriend, Dougie. They are slightly taken aback by the state of the old station and the enormity of the task ahead of them, but employ local builders, brothers Aidan and Blake, to carry out the necessary conversion. Among the problems they encounter along the way is local resistance to the work, particularly from one resident. However, most of the people in the village are friendly and welcoming. There is instant attraction between Tia and Blake, but, after a rocky start, Emma soon finds that she is enjoying the company of Aidan, and the foursome work well together on realising the dreams of producing a lovely new hotel.

I really enjoyed this story of two young women leaving behind their less than happy lives to follow their dream of giving new life to a once busy and important building. I admired their courage in moving miles from home and persevering with their plans even when things were not going their way. Of course having two handsome and strong builders on their side helped immensely. The author has provided the reader with a wonderful picture of the village of Honeymoon, with its little shop, cafe and pub, as well as the abandoned station. I could just envisage myself walking down the street and passing the time of day with the locals. It sounds a great place to live, and the hotel is one that I would look forward to visiting. This is a book that I would not hesitate to recommend to those who would enjoy a fun read and an escape to the country.

To order your copy now, just click the link: UK or US

Guest Review: The Waffle House on the Pier by Tilly Tennant

Run away to Sea Salt Bay, where the sand is warm and soft, the sea is a perfect blue, and a candy-coloured waffle house is about to change Sadie’s life…

For as long as she can remember, Sadie’s grandparents have run the waffle house on the pier at Sea Salt Bay. With its pretty painted chairs, sweet smells, and the warm advice of her beloved grandparents, the waffle house is like a second home

But when Sadie’s grandfather dies, leaving her grandmother without an anchor, Sadie must make a difficult decision. She quits her job and moves back home, determined to keep things going. The trouble is, she knows nothing about running a business, and learning at a million miles an hour with a shop full of hungry people isn’t easy. When she nearly burns the waffle house down, she has to admit she needs to get some help.

Her ex-boyfriend Declan promises to be there for her but Sadie worries that getting too close is a mistake – especially as he has a new girlfriend now. And anyway she’s just met newcomer Luke, with his gorgeous suntan and mellow voice…

Sadie’s family have always loved Declan and they’re not too sure about Luke, leaving Sadie unsure which way to turn. A terrible accident at sea forces her to look into her heart, but what if it’s already too late to tell the right man that she loves him?

Review: I always love a book by Tilly Tennant, but this one sounded more than usually up my street, as a lover of the seaside and also waffles! This was a lovely quick read for me, the only disappointments I was left with were that it was finished and that this waffle house on the pier doesn’t really exist.

The principal female character in the story is Sadie, who comes from the little seaside town of Sea Salt Bay. Her family there are very much involved with activities in the bay itself, Sadie’s parents running boat trips for tourists, her brother operating a diving school and her grandparents running the all important waffle house which sits at the end of the pier, as illustrated on the book’s colourful cover. Sadie, however, has moved away to study, but is still unsure if she is following the right path. When her grandfather dies suddenly, Sadie moves back home to help her grandmother with the waffle house, but her grandmother’s health is causing difficulties and great concern within the whole family. Sadie’s ex-boyfriend Declan is on hand to help, but Sadie has moved on from that relationship; she is also feeling a growing connection with newcomer to the town, Luke. When it seems impossible to resolve the matter of the waffle house to everyone’s satisfaction, bizarrely a near tragedy brings all parties together.

I loved this story of the little seaside town and the waffle house that was at the centre of so much soul searching and heartbreak within one family. Once again, Tilly Tennant has brought the reader a wonderful tale full of likeable characters and believable situations. I felt for Sadie, pulled in so many directions over multiple issues in this book, and for her family struggling with a problem so tragically common for elderly people. I was never sure how it was all going to end - a sign to me of excellent storytelling. I have no hesitation in recommending this book to other readers; it was an enjoyable read that transported me to the seaside so well that I could almost hear the gulls and smell those waffles.

To order your copy now, just click the link: UK or US

Guest Review: The Break Up by Tilly Tennant

Lara and Theo are meant to be. They just don’t know it yet…

Lara loves her job as a wedding planner. She gets to organise other people’s perfect days and make sure nothing ever goes wrong.

Theo loves his job as a jazz musician, working unpredictable hours and giving other people great nights out.

Lara knows she’s got high standards. But there’s nothing wrong with getting things right… so why has it stopped her finding Mr Right?

Theo knows people think he’s a bit scruffy, a bit too laid back. But there’s nothing wrong with setting your own pace… if only he could find someone who wanted to live life at his speed.

It’s okay, though. Lara gets to come home in the evening and have heart-to-hearts with her greedy grey cat Fluffy. And Theo can come home in the early hours and unwind with his loyal cat Satchmo.

What they don’t know is that it’s the same cat.

And when they find out – standing in the street in their pyjamas, both on the hunt for their lost pet – sparks of the wrong sort will fly…

Review: As a huge fan of anything written by Tilly Tennant, I was really excited to find that she had a new book out and couldn’t wait to get started reading. As I anticipated, the story had me drawn in right from the start, laughing and crying with its characters right to the end.

On what she feels has to be the worst night of her life, wedding planner Lara arrives home to find a bedraggled kitten begging to be let in out of the rain. Although never having planned to have a pet cat, Lara takes him in, and Fluffy soon becomes her new best friend and confidant. However, while searching the streets for him one night, she discovers that Fluffy has been two-timing her with musician Theo, who believes that the cat (known in Theo’s house as Satchmo) belongs to him. The argument over cat ownership rages on for some months where Lara unfortunately can’t seem to stop bumping into Theo, but her feelings of annoyance are gradually changing to something else, perhaps even attraction. Meanwhile, Lara’s business is growing nicely, some of her experiences with weddings being hilarious, but others horrendous. Lara’s young assistant, Betsy, and her mother, Fay, also add humorous episodes to the narrative.

I very much enjoyed this light romantic comedy. As well as a nice balance of romance and humour, the story covered quite a range of emotions as Lara suffered betrayal from one direction, found real friendship from another and picked herself up from despair to success in a new venture; a really heart warming tale. I liked all of the main characters in the story, with the obvious exception of Lara’s ex and her difficult clients. I’m not sure I could deal with people like that and remain professional. I was a little worried about Theo and how he could make a living with his casual approach to his music; perhaps he was working more than came out in the story. The only thing that did disappoint me slightly was that the book came to an end quite suddenly. I felt that there was something missing between the last two chapters. That said, I think that this is definitely another Tilly Tennant book that would make a nice addition to anyone’s collection.

To order your copy now, just click the link: UK or US

Guest Review: The Garden on Sparrow Street by Tilly Tennant

As the cold winter nights draw in, escape to the sleepy town of Wrenwick, where the streets sparkle with snow and a lonely young widow is about to find that true love really can strike twice…

As Christmas cheer fills Sparrow Street with excitement, grieving widow Nina is having a hard time. It’s her first December without her beloved husband Gray, the days feel long and bleak, and to cap it all, she’s just lost her job.

So when Nina hears that Sparrow Street’s Community Garden, one of Gray’s favourite places, is to be put up for sale she knows she must do something. Filled with purpose, she gathers the residents of Sparrow Street around her to turn the neglected patch of land into a Garden of Memories.

Working with her neighbours, single mum Kelly and eighty-year-old Ada, Nina soon finds that she’s not the only lonely soul on Sparrow Street. And as the community comes together and the garden flourishes, Nina can’t help but be drawn to Irish gardener Colm with his sparkling blue eyes and musical accent, finding herself confiding in him about all her recent troubles.

But just as Colm and Nina grow closer and he opens up to her about his own secret loss, Colm’s estranged wife returns from Scotland, wanting to try again. Nina knows she should let the man she’s falling for go – it’s the right thing to do. But what if fate has other plans in store? Will the beautiful garden on Sparrow Street have brought two people together only for Nina’s cautious heart to push them apart?

Review: I always look forward to a Tilly Tennant book, and even more so to her Christmas stories. For me, they never disappoint. This one has the most marvellous snowy cover that echoes the story within perfectly. Once I started reading the pages inside that gorgeous cover, I found it difficult to put this book down; it kept me coming back for more right to the last word.

As the title suggests, this story is set predominantly in Sparrow Street in the town of Wrenwick, where Nina and friend Robyn become involved in the renovation of the community garden. Both ladies have been widowed at a young age and come up with the idea of using the space to establish a garden of memories where local people can hang a lantern in remembrance of a loved one. Sounds simple, but there are a few hurdles they have to surmount along the way, such as vandals who delight in destroying all their hard work. When soft spoken Irish gardener Colm appears on the scene to help in the residents’ endeavours, Nina finds herself attracted to a man for the first time since her husband died. She must decide whether she can overcome the feeling of guilt and betrayal of her late spouse and give in to her heart. Then the situation becomes further complicated when Colm’s long-estranged wife suddenly returns home. Struggling to get the garden completed in time for its Christmas opening ceremony and at the same time trying to work through her personal problems seem all too much for Nina.

What a wonderful book this is, with its engaging storyline and believable characters with everyday problems that we can all identify with. Instead of just tutting at the council for wanting to sell off their garden, these residents have pulled together to save their piece of green space and make it into something meaningful. I loved the community spirit in the story, with even the grumpy neighbours continuing in the face of adversity. Of course, who couldn’t understand Nina’s attraction to the handsome Irish gardener whose wife had abandoned him and his daughter. At the same time, we can also understand her inner turmoil. This is undoubtedly a love story, but with so much more. Being set in the run up to Christmas adds an extra sparkle to proceedings. This would be a lovely read for a cold autumn day and a perfect addition to someone’s Christmas stocking.

To order your copy now, just click the link: UK or US

Guest Review: The Mill on Magnolia Lane by Tilly Tennant

The sky is cornflower blue, the air is scented with the smell of fresh apple blossom and Lizzie Lovell can’t wait to start her new life in the mill on Magnolia Lane. But is she just about to fall in love with someone she shouldn’t? 

When Lizzie loses her larger-than-life dad she doesn’t know how to move forward. Encouraged by a childhood dream she shared with her beloved father, she is determined to continue his legacy and moves to the old Mill on Magnolia lane, a place he had always longed to own.

Restoring the old windmill is a much bigger job than Lizzie bargained for, especially when she is distracted by her new next door neighbour Jude, who has temptingly twinkly eyes and a body to die for. But when Jude’s ex- girlfriend Harriet arrives back on the scene, Lizzie begins to wonder if life wasn’t far simpler before she moved to the mill. Especially when it emerges that Harriet knows something about Jude’s past, something that could shatter her new start and her heart into smithereens …

Review: I have been so looking forward to the new book by Tilly Tennant. She is one of my favourite authors; her books never fail to please. As I expected, as soon as I sat down to read this one, I was hooked and found it hard to put down. A lovely setting and marvellous characters - what more could you want?

The story has a cast of strong and interesting players, the central one being Lizzie Lovell. Her world is shattered when she loses her beloved dad, but she throws her energy as well as her savings into a project that she knows he would have loved - the restoration of an old windmill that sits on Magnolia Lane, near to the old fenland village of Piriwick. She soon realises that she has taken on a mammoth task, bigger and more expensive than she anticipated. However, it looks as though there may be some consolation in the shape of possible romance when she meets handsome neighbour Jude. Unfortunately, things are complicated there by the presence nearby of his ex-girlfriend and mother of his child. Lizzie is living in a caravan while the renovations are taking place, and is unexpectedly joined by her sister and then her stepmother. Things are getting pretty cramped, but Lizzie is beginning to realise that having family around her is really rather nice, in fact preferable to her idea of a quiet and solitary existence in her mill. However, with funds running low and a sudden tragedy in the family, Lizzie wonders if her dream of a new life in a beautifully working windmill will ever be realised. 

I have really enjoyed this story and would wholeheartedly recommend it to others. I greatly admired the main character, Lizzie. Her determination to carry out her scheme to restore the old mill in spite of her family’s objections and the problems arising when the work begins is commendable to say the least. She also shows great strength in not allowing herself to fall right into Jude’s arms when she has doubts about where he stands with his ex; his attitude at times made me feel unsure of his motives. Lizzie‘ sister, Gracie, is also an interesting character. I thought she was going to be a hindrance to Lizzie, but she actually had hidden depths, and often added a touch of humour to the story. The whole situation of more and more women arriving in the caravan was quite comical and had me chuckling to myself. On the whole lighthearted, the story also had some tragic moments, as happens in any family. This book was another triumph for Tilly Tennant, and one which I’m sure her fans and new readers alike will enjoy.

To order your copy now, just click the link: UK or US

Guest Review: The Summer Getaway by Tilly Tennant

Ashley Moon is all set for a dream holiday with her daughter in the glittering French Riviera. But nothing can prepare her for the shock of discovering who’s staying in the villa next door… 

Ashley Moon got much more than a suntan on her first ever foreign holiday; one whirlwind romance and nine months later she had a daughter,Molly.

Too heart-broken and proud to ever contact the father, Ashley made a decision to go it alone and raise her daughter herself. Fifteen hard and lonely years later, she finally has the chance to take Molly on her first ever holiday; a gorgeous, all-expenses paid trip to the charming French resort of St Raphael. 

It is the perfect setting for a week of quality time together; they plan to cycle through the sun-drenched vineyards, lounge by the glistening pool and practice their French on friendly locals. And just when Ashley thought things couldn’t get any better, comes the news of a handsome new occupant to the villa next door. 

But fate has other plans for Ashley. One look in to her neighbour’s dark hazel eyes is all it takes to give her the shock of her life. Standing in front of her is Haydon, Molly’s long lost father and the holiday fling she thought she’d never see again. 

As the temperature on the Cote D’Azure steadily rises and Ashley and Haydon begin spend more and more time together, will Ashley find the courage to tell him who she is – and more importantly, who Molly is? 

Review: Having read a great many of Tilly Tennant's books in the past, I was really delighted to have the chance to read her latest ebook. It sounded like a really enticing summery tale, and indeed it lived up to my expectations. I was drawn in immediately by the characters and situations, and read it all in no time. 

The story revolves mainly around Ashley Moon, single mother and close friend of teenager Molly, who is already a violinist with a promising future. Having brought her daughter up alone with not very much money to spare, Ashley is delighted when her mum offers her and Molly a week's holiday in the south of France, all expenses covered. They find themselves transported from their small house in York to a large, seaside villa in the French resort of StRaphael, where they join a house party of French relatives. In the neighbouring villa, Haydon, a cello teacher also from England, is spending a week's holiday with his teenage daughter, Ella. The girls hit it off immediately, but it is a shock meeting for Ashley and Haydon, for they have met before. Although enjoying Haydon's company and getting to know him a little better, Ashley is faced with a dilemma over a secret she is harbouring. 

This was a real joy of a story. It had everything going for it - sun, sea, interesting characters, French cuisine and romance. However, Ashley's Secret and whether she should reveal it had me on the edge of my seat all the way through. Would she tell, or would the others find out before she was ready? Added to that, I very much enjoyed the descriptions of the activities entered into by the various members of the party. They really had an eventful, fun-filled week. Definitely a story to be added to the list of holiday reading. 

To order your copy now, just click the link: UK or US