Book Review: All Wrapped up by Heidi Swain

 In Wynbridge, the scent of autumn is on the breeze and love is in the air…

 

Clemmie Bennett has been renovating beautiful Rowan Cottage on the outskirts of the small town of Wynbridge, for eighteen months following a very public heartbreak back in her childhood hometown. The popular Instagram influencer, lost her husband, sold their home, and has been cosied up the Fens and living a very private life, but now she feels it’s time for a change.

 

A chance encounter with co-owner of The Cherry Tree Café, the bubbly Lizzie Dixon, pulls her into organizing Wynbridge’s first-ever Autumn Festival, and her once quiet life is soon a distant memory. With the whole town rallying behind the event, she discovers a new sense of purpose.

 

 And when local vet Ash falls hard for Clemmie, she begins to wonder if she’s ready to move even further on from her past and fall in love again…

Review: As usual, Heidi Swain brings us a wonderful seasonal read with a main character you instantly sympathise as well as empathise with and want to help save over the course of the novel. I love that this book is Autumn themed. Heidi references Milly Johnson’s autumn novel and until the recent popularity in pumpkin spice romances, it really was the only other book out there that I had read that was truly about the ‘new school year’ feel of autumn. As a teacher, autumn is the new year for me-January is just the day the numbers on the end of the date change and so I really appreciated the theme of change and renewal that this book held. 

Clemmie is a great main character to spend the novel with. She is a classic character who is strong on the outside, keeps herself to herself, has renovated her own house and has a mini online empire of her own but on the inside, she is broken and hurting and soft in all the right places. It was wonderful to see her be welcomed into the Wynbridge community, knowing everything that the cast of characters could do for her. Even if you hadn’t met this group of people in previous Heidi Swain novels, you would know almost straight away that this town would welcome Clemmie and be the best thing to support her on her healing journey. 

As well as the theme of autumn and renewal in this book, we also have some great festivities along with crafts, walks and autumn food going on. We have a canine character to get to know (and fall in love with) and of course some romance. This is the best kind of romance because is it low and slow and the kind that you feel like you might get to the end of the novel without ever having your own love for Ash requited. I love the way this author wrote the friendship and the love in this book and I definitely fell in love with Ash the vet for all the right reasons. 

I read this book on cold autumn mornings and cosy autumn evenings with a hot coffee or a big mug of tea and it was just the perfect gateway read to take me from summer to autumn. I highly recommend you do the same!

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Guest Review: Over the Sea to Skye by Sue Moorcroft

One summer on a beautiful island could change everything…

Valentina Taylor's life has been upended. With her marriage over, and unsure of what her future holds, she heads to the Isle of Skye for the summer with her young son, Barnaby.

But the journey there sets her on a new path, when she meets Xander Courage on the train – a charming American, running from problems of his own. After sparks fly, they go their separate ways. But on this small island, they’re never far from one another…

Skye offers Valentina the refuge she needs as she whiles away the long summer days at her beachside cottage, enjoying visits from her sisters, Thea and Ezzie. But when bad news from home throws her Scottish idyll into turmoil, Valentina finds herself pulled away from the place – and people – that she loves.

Valentina knows she must confront her heart’s desires – but can she let go of the past and embrace the future she deserves?

Review: This is the third book in a trilogy featuring three sisters with different birth mothers adopted as babies or infants by the same couple. All the books are set primarily on Skye, an island off the west coast of Scotland. Each story has centred on a different sister, this one concerning the oldest of the three, Valentina. Although this book can be read as a standalone, I can highly recommend reading all three books in order since details in the later stories may act as spoilers for the earlier ones.

In this story, recently separated from her cheating husband, and having left her job as a corporate lawyer, Valentina has decided to spend the summer at her Skye holiday cottage with her seven-year-old son, Barnaby. On the journey from their home just outside Inverness to Skye, Valentina and Barnaby meet Xander and his teenage nephew Macdonald, Americans also intending spending the summer on the island. Valentina and Xander don’t see eye to eye initially, but as they keep crossing paths on the small island a friendship soon develops. The peaceful summer Valentina was envisaging, catching up with her sisters, Thea and Ezzie, and playing on the beach with her son, is interrupted by distressing news that has her hurrying back to Inverness. Suddenly, Valentina finds her future uncertain as she faces problems at home and at the same time a heart telling her that she has a chance to love again if she can overcome the obstacles in the way.

What an eventful and gripping story this was. Like Valentina, I was quite wrong in expecting to read about a peaceful family holiday in this beautiful setting so wonderfully described by the author. This book had so much going on from start to finish. I finished it really quickly because I didn’t want to put it down; I was never sure what would happen next. As well as the drama that had Valentina driving back and forth over the Skye bridge, there was an emerging romance, the warm friendship among the three sisters plus the bonus of Valentina’s chance to discover details about her origins. All of this with a cast of numerous interesting and thoroughly likeable (with a few exceptions) characters. I think others will agree with me that this is one of Sue Moorcroft’s best books so far, and definitely a recommended summer read.

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Guest Review: A Cornish Love Story by Cressida McLaughlin

The most romantic house in Cornwall has got a new owner…

Journalist Georgie Monroe has watched as it has been transformed into a high-tech glass palace, renovated by a mystery buyer.

When she’s invited to report on an event there, she comes face to face not only with her first love, architect Ethan Sparks, but also with their complicated past. Finding themselves trapped inside when the house malfunctions, Georgie realises that they — and the house — are still keeping secrets.

But have Georgie and Ethan left it too late to start again, or can they write the next chapter of their love story together?

Review: I have read and enjoyed a great number of Cressida McLaughlin’s books, many of which, like this latest release, are set in Cornwall. Unlike some of her books, such as the Cornish Cream Tea Bus series, this is a standalone story. I was drawn in by her characters right away and finished the entire book in no time.

The central characters of this story are journalist and aspiring novelist Georgie, architect Ethan and a beautiful old house described as the most romantic house in Cornwall. The narrative is split between two time periods - the present and the year when Georgie and Ethan fell in love as teenagers. Georgie still lives in her childhood home, but Ethan left the area. When the lovely old house is redeveloped, Georgie is sent to cover the open day for the local newspaper. She is surprised to discover that Ethan is the architect behind the transformation of the building. Not having seen him since they broke up all those years ago, she is not sure how to feel about coming face to face with him now. When they find themselves trapped inside the house, there is time to examine what happened to their relationship and whether they may have a second chance at romance.

As with all of Cressida McLaughlin’s books that I have read, this is a story full of romance. I loved the way in which the lives of the main characters were revealed gradually as the narrative swung between past and present times. The way in which Georgie and Ethan were parted was so dramatic. I was glad that they were getting a second chance and found myself hoping that they could rediscover the magic they once had. I wasn’t sure about the high-tech house that Ethan had designed and how it would fit into the lovely little Cornish village, but it was certainly intriguing. I’m sure that many readers will enjoy this summery story, whether or not they are familiar with this author’s books.

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Guest Review: Sunshine After the Rain by Jessica Redland

Melanie knows she’s been running away... But maybe there really is no place like home 🌈

For the last seven years Mel has been hiding; from life, from her friends and from those who love her the most - her family. But being at home in her beloved Lake District has been far too painful for Mel to contemplate. Because seven years ago, Mel lost everything and she’s never been able to banish the dark clouds that follow her.

When Mel returns to Willowdale for a family event, she has no intention of staying. But surrounded by her family she begins to realise just how much she's been missing and also, how much healing she still needs to do.

Starting a dream job at Willowdale Hall, going on walks with Emma and her funny alpacas and reconnecting with those she loves, Mel slowly begins to see chinks of light and a more hopeful and happier future ahead.

And as Mel begins to feel stronger, she also feels brave enough to face the most painful part of leaving home…the one man she has always loved. With his help, can she finally banish the dark clouds forever and see the sunshine after the rain? 🌧️☀️

Review: This is the fourth book in Jessica Redland’s Escape to the Lakes series, stories in this series being set in the Lake District, primarily in the vicinity of the town of Keswick. Having read the previous books in the series, I was hoping to meet up again with some familiar characters, and indeed there were quite a few. This and the previous books could be read as standalone stories, as any important links to other parts are explained where required. A helpful list of recurring characters is included at the beginning of the book.

This story centres on Mel, a troubled lady who has spent the last seven years living on her own far away from her family and home in the Lake District village of Willowdale. Her decision to leave behind the life she loved followed a tragic event which left her bewildered and unable to cope with the familiar people and places around her. However, when she is persuaded to attend a family gathering in Willowdale, she realises that it may be time for her to move back to her home village. She is glad that she made that decision when she lands a dream job planning the renovation of Willowdale Hall, and living on the premises. There she also has the opportunity to help with the alpacas and horses who live on the estate. As she settles into village life, making new friends and spending time with her family again, Mel finds that the dark clouds in her mind are gradually clearing. The really big obstacle in her life is meeting up with Flynn, the man who was always the love of her life. Can he let her back into his heart and forgive her for leaving him behind without explanation all those years ago?

This was a very emotional but heart-warming story that I can thoroughly recommend. It was full of family and friendship helping to provide hope for the future. Mel is such a lost soul, and, as her backstory gradually unfolds, it is hard not to shed more than a few tears for her. She had been through a dreadful time, causing her to literally run away from her situation. I loved her large family who were willing to offer her support and then the new friends she made who were there for her as well. Quite apart from them, there was the lovely Flynn, who was destined, it seemed, to come back into her life. I am bursting to tell you all that he did for Mel, but no spoilers, it’s all there in the book. As always, I loved the setting for this story. The glory of the Lake District scenery is brought to life in Jessica Redland’s writing. I could easily picture the lake with the mountains rising up behind, and better still with an alpaca lying in the water humming to itself. Even if you have not read any of the other books in this series, give this one a try; I’m sure you won’t be disappointed.

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Guest Review: A Secret Escape by Sarah Morgan

A lifelong friendship

Childhood friends Milly and Nicole had always been more like sisters so Milly never understood why Nicole dropped out of contact all those months ago. Milly buried that hurt and moved on with her life

A call for help

Now, suddenly, Nicole is begging for Milly’s help. She needs somewhere private to hide, and the only safe place she can think of is Milly's holiday home business in the Lake District. Milly knows she should tell Nicole no, but she can’t ignore the desperation in her old friend’s voice so, despite her misgivings, she agrees to let Nicole stay.

A summer to reconnect

Over a summer of tentative conversations, the two women begin to reconnect, and there’s a potential new romance for Milly too. But then the biggest bombshell of all lands and their delicate friendship is put to the test once more …

Can the friends come together in this time of need, or will this summer break their bond forever?

Review: As a confirmed fan of Sarah Morgan’s writing, I was excited to read her summer book for 2025. I always look forward to finding out where her story will be set and was delighted to discover that the action this time takes place in the Lake District, one of my favourite areas of England. Sarah’s books are always full of family and friendships, and I could see from the start that this one was going to be no exception. I was hooked from the first few pages.

The story centres on Milly and Nicole. Although they have been best friends since childhood, Milly has not heard from Nicole for 18 months until she is suddenly contacted by her and asked for an enormous favour. Nicole has got herself into trouble and needs somewhere to hide while the fuss calms down. Against her better judgement, Milly agrees to smuggle Nicole into her Lake District resort and keep her concealed there until she decides what to do with her life. Milly’s annoyance and hurt at having been ghosted by her friend gradually subsides as they talk, but Nicole is keeping one big secret from Milly, and that is something that could destroy their friendship forever when it comes out. Even as the friends are rekindling their relationship, romance is bubbling under the surface for both of them.

I highly recommend this book, which I absolutely devoured within no time at all. It has so much to grab the reader’s attention, with stunning central characters as well as a host of others who you want to get to know. The story includes four generations of women in Milly’s family. Then there is the beautiful location. Milly’s holiday resort has fabulous luxury cabins set on the shores of a lake in one of the loveliest parts of the UK. Add in not one but two handsome and sensitive men and who could want for more? I always enjoy Sarah’s books, but this one has to be one of her best; definitely one not to miss this summer.

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Guest Review: Slow Burn Summer by Josie Silver

Sometimes pretending to be someone else helps you figure out who you really are…

Freshly divorced and in need of a job – Kate Elliot’s life needs a rewrite. So when she unearths an old letter from her ex-talent agent, Jojo Francisco – she takes it as a sign from the universe to brush off her old acting skills and become someone else entirely.

Meanwhile, Charlie Francisco is back from LA, leaving his dumpster fire of a life behind. He may be well over his head in filling the shoes of his late eccentric father but he is determined to prove he can, and he might just have the job for Kate: to pose as the author for a novel that the real writer wants nothing to do with. It’s not quite the glamorous gig she was hoping for, but he’s looking for a nobody and she needs cash fast.

When Kate and Charlie meet they’re all friction and sparks, but they have one thing in common – they’re determined to play their parts. But as the summer heat ups and the lies get bigger and bigger, can they stick to their lines or will they go off-script?

Review: I have previously read and thoroughly enjoyed some of Josie Silver’s books and was looking forward to reading this one after being intrigued by its synopsis. This proved to be one of those stories which had me pulled in after just a few pages and kept me captivated right to the end.

The story concerns Kate Elliott, who, as she approaches her fortieth birthday, finds herself in need of a job. She has recently parted from her husband and is living alone and practically penniless in a studio apartment, her daughter having left for university. Having been an actor earlier in her life, she writes to her old agent in case he can get her any work. Her letter is answered by her agent’s son, Charlie Francisco, who has unwillingly taken over his late father’s business. Charlie is in an unusual position and thinks that Kate may be just the person he is looking for. He is in possession of an amazing book written by a well-known crime writer who doesn’t want his identity as the author of this romance revealed. Could Kate be willing to act as author of this book for the purposes of cover photos, interviews, book signings etc.? Even she wouldn’t be aware of the author’s identity. After consideration and with a few misgivings, Kate agrees and begins the process of becoming the book’s author. Everything becomes more and more complicated as the book is released to great acclaim, Kate is expected to play her part more widely and at the same time Kate and Charlie become closer. As the lies build up, is there a disaster waiting to happen?

I loved this book from start to finish, with its drama, real-life situations and big doses of humour. Its storyline and characters stayed with me long after I had finished reading. The idea that somebody could play the part of an author, with the accompanying complications intrigued me. I couldn’t decide whether Kate was very brave or very foolish to agree. All the way through the story, the tension was built up very skilfully. I was on the edge of my seat waiting for the whole scheme to explode and wondering what the ramifications would be. The relationship developing between Kate and Charlie was certainly a slow burn romance. There was so much else going on in the story that it almost happened without being noticed. I was certainly drawn into this book and would recommend it to other readers; I hope they enjoy it as much as I did.

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Books I Read in Q2 of 2025

 Here's everything I read in the second quarter of 2025... finally getting to some of those books on my TBR!