Guest Review: The Summer Seaside Kitchen by Jenny Colgan

Flora is definitely, absolutely sure that escaping from the quiet Scottish island where she grew up to the noise and hustle of the big city was the right choice. What was there for her on Mure? It's a place where everyone has known her all her life, and no one will let her forget the past. In the city, she can be anonymous, ambitious and indulge herself in her hopeless crush on her gorgeous boss, Joel.

When a new client demands Flora's presence back on Mure, she's suddenly swept back into life with her brothers (all strapping, loud and seemingly incapable of basic housework) and her father. As Flora indulges her new-found love of cooking and breathes life into the dusty little pink-fronted shop on the harbour, she's also going to have to come to terms with past mistakes - and work out exactly where her future lies...

Dreams can come true with Jenny Colgan

Review: I always look forward to reading a new book from Jenny Colgan. For me, they never fail to please. Her writing is always full of humour and has the ability to transport you to whatever part of the world she is writing about. 

This story is set principally on the Scottish island of Mure, which I first encountered in Jenny's short story, A Very Distant Shore. It is typical of a Hebridean island in having a small community where everybody knows everyone else's business. This tale revolves around Flora MacKenzie, a paralegal currently living and working in London, although originally an inhabitant of Mure. There has been a rift in her family since her mother died, causing a long absence from her homeland. When she is sent to the island to sort out a problem for a client, she finds herself dealing with more than she bargained for and questioning where her future lies. 

In addition to Flora, we are introduced to a host of interesting characters, both islanders and outsiders. Her family includes brothers Fintan, Innes and Hamish, each different and challenging in their own ways. Then there is Colton Rogers, a rich American interested in preserving the island's way of life, Joel, Flora's boss, who is unsettled by the island's tranquility and remoteness, and Charlie, who runs an outdoor adventure centre. These are in addition to a selection of other islanders. There is drama aplenty in Colton's fight and Flora's struggle, mixed with a fair amount of humour and of course a bit of love interest. 

This would be a great book to add to a holiday reading list. Another success for Jenny Colgan. 

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Blog Tour: Review of Spring at Blueberry Bay by Holly Martin

I'm very excited to be part of the Spring at Blueberry Bay blog tour today. Please don't forget to check out the other stops on the tour and thank you to Holly for the copy of Spring at Blueberry Bay that I have reviewed today!

Welcome to beautiful Hope Island where the sea sparkles, the daffodils are blooming and a blossoming romance is just around the corner… 

Bella has always had a sunny outlook and caring nature, despite recently falling on hard times. When she finds a handsome homeless man on her doorstep, her kind heart tells her she must help him. So, she invites Isaac into her cottage and into her life in ways she could never have imagined… 

But Isaac is not what he seems. He’s keeping a huge secret from Bella, yet he never expected to fall for this open, generous and charming woman. 

Bella can’t ignore the chemistry between her and Isaac, but she’s had her trust badly broken in her past. Will she run when she learns the truth about Isaac, or will he be the one man who can help Bella believe in love again? 

A gorgeously romantic and heartwarming story to completely lose yourself in. Perfect for fans of Sarah Morgan, Jane Costello and Miranda Dickinson. 

Review: I fell in love with this book right from the word go. This is just a hopelessly romantic read and you really do have to suspend any cynicism you have for the duration of this novel, but that is so much fun! I loved meeting these characters and sharing some swoon worthy moments with them. 

Bella has been hurt in the past in more ways than one and that made me warmth o her and empathise with her right away. I liked the fact that she was guarded and had learned from events that had previously happened to her. She is also a strong and proud woman with big dreams and ambitions. Although she is in some financial trouble, she doesn't want to ask for help but is more than happy to help others. It was great to read about someone who is ambitious and career-driven and yet can manage to get herself involved in a romantic relationship too. 

Isaac is also a proud person and so you can see straight away that this may cause problems if he is involved in a romantic entanglement. He too is big on career and has been hurt by his past. I really warmed to him as a character too and so I had a great time seeing the journey that these two people went on over the course of the book. Bella's family also provide for some interesting story lines and I would really love to hear more about Eden and Rome (Bella's siblings) in the future!

In terms of storyline, Holly Martin throws everything at these characters that she possibly can, there is drama and heartache around every corner and that made this read a real page turner and fast paced. I read this book in two sittings and loved every moment of it. Because the characters are so strong, you find yourself really cheering them on and wanting them to make a success of the situations they are facing. 

The setting of this book definitely deserves a mention. I'll be honest that I never really knew where the Scilly Isles were and now I do, I really want to go there. Holly Martin has a knack for describing beautiful coastal settings that make you want to be there smelling that salty air and feeling the spray on your face more than most and this book is no exception. You will fall in love with these characters, you will fall in love with the setting and you will fall hopelessly in love with the romance of it all. This is a must read for summer and if you've not read anything from this author before, this would be an excellent place to start!

To order your copy now, click here!