As Luck Would Have It - Zoe May (Blog Tour)

Date of Reading: 04/08/2020

Author: Zoe May

Publisher: HQ Digital

Publication Date: June 1, 2019

Rating: 4/5

(This review is part of the blog tour organised by Rachel's Random Resources)

About the book:

Natalie Jackson might keep up appearances on Instagram, but in reality her fiancé has just jilted her after the birth of their baby and she’s moved back in with her mum. Life isn’t exactly going to plan!

So when she enters the village raffle for the holiday of a lifetime, she thinks she has no chance of winning. But her name is pulled out – and, as luck would have it, so is a ticket bought by her childhood nemesis: Will Brimble.

Surely a romantic holiday for two is the worst idea ever…right?

Perfect for fans of Sophie Kinsella, Sophie Ranald and Lindsey Kelk.

Review:

        When you are cooped up at home hardly venturing outside, the best thing to do is enter into the fictional universe and if the said fiction offers you some travel experience . . . well, its time for a foreign holiday. We are off to Morocco to have some fabulous time in a luxury hotel with Natalie and Will.

        Life has offered Nat and Will a second chance to rekindle their first love; both are back at their hometown with enough baggage to last a lifetime. Nat is a single mother and Will a divorcee. So when both their names are picked accidentally in the village raffle, they really need to cooperate for this to work. Things go awry when they are mistaken for a honeymoon couple and the charade starts right from the airport when they are offered an upgrade. The room in the hotel turns out to be a honeymoon suite and trouble starts there for our protagonists offering hilarious moments to us readers.

        Marrakesh provides one of the great settings for a romantic getaway with its genuine hospitality and warmth. I would have preferred the story to be slightly longer though. That being said, this was a breezy, funny romance and a perfect cure for the lockdown blues.   

Meet the author:

Zoe May writes romantic comedies published by Harper Collins and is also an indie author. Zoe has dreamt of being a novelist since she was a teenager. She spent her twenties living in London, where she worked in journalism and copywriting before writing her debut novel, Perfect Match. Having experienced the London dating scene first hand, Zoe could not resist writing a novel about dating, since it seems to supply endless amounts of weird and wonderful material!

As well as writing, Zoe enjoys walking her dog, painting and, of course, reading.

Zoe loves to hear from readers, you can contact her on Twitter and Instagram, where her handle is @zoe_writes. Or check out her blogs and the latest news on her website, www.zoemayauthor.co.uk.

Starlight Over Bluebell Castle - Sarah Bennett

Date of Reading: 25/12/2019

Author: Sarah Bennett

Publisher: HQ Digital

Publication Date: November 1, 2019

Source: NetGalley

Rating: 4/5

About the book:

The most magical time of the year…

Jessica Ridley’s life has just been turned upside-down – and not in a good way! So when blast-from-the-past Tristan Ludworth invites her to stay at Bluebell Castle and transform it into a winter wonderland, it’s the perfect distraction for Jess and her two young children…

Jessica is used to planning even the most elaborate events in her sleep, but she certainly didn’t expect to be working so closely with Tristan at the castle – or that she could still find him quite so handsome after all this time!

And with a little holiday magic in the air, it’s becoming harder and harder to resist his charms. Can Tristan convince Jess to give love one more chance, just in time for Christmas?

Review:

       I can't believe that one of my favourite series just got concluded and this time we get to see Tristan Ludworth, my favourite among the triplets. Ever since reading the first book, I was waiting for his story to come out and Bennet doesn't disappoint this time too. Tristan's character and good nature shines throughout like a diamond and trust the author to give him the hardest challenge.

      A second chance at love? Well, I was not expecting such a gorgeous boy to be denied by anyone. Fate had other plans it seems. Anyone else might have run away from a divorcee with two little kids, but not Tristan. Every second he spent to win over Jessica adds golden points to his basket. And Jessica is well worth the effort. From the very first page, she conquers our hearts and that fiery independent streak only burns high as the story moves on. Sincere and steadfast, she is indeed one of a kind.

      I have one complaint though and that concerns the length; considering this is the last we see of this modern Arthurian family, shouldn't there be some more pages? The conflict at the end could have been a bit more complex too, but I am double-minded on that front. To be honest, I am happy that the author didn't follow the cliched plot lines. On the whole, a fitting conclusion to the Bluebell Castle series and just like the previous ones this wonderful story makes our lives a bit more colourful.

Meet the author:

Sarah Bennett has been reading for as long as she can remember. Raised in a family of bookworms, her love affair with books of all genres has culminated in the ultimate Happy Ever After – getting to write her own stories to share with others.

Born and raised in a military family, she is happily married to her own Officer (who is sometimes even A Gentleman). Home is wherever he lays his hat, and life has taught them both that the best family is the one you create from friends as well as relatives.

When not reading or writing, Sarah is a devotee of afternoon naps and sailing the high seas, but only on vessels large enough to accommodate a casino and a choice of restaurants.

You can connect with her via twitter @Sarahlou_writes or on Facebook www.facebook.com/SarahBennettAuthor

One Week 'Til Christmas - Belinda Missen

Date of Reading: 10/11/2019

Author: Belinda Missen

Publisher: HQ Digital

Publication Date: November 1, 2019

Source: NetGalley

Rating: 5/5

About the book:

Two people. One chance meeting. Seven days to Christmas.

Isobel Bennett is waiting for the number 11 bus when a man quite literally falls into her lap. Snow is falling, Christmas lights are twinkling, and a gorgeous man with dark brown hair has just slipped on ice and is now pressed against Isobel.

Isobel knows she’s not imagining the chemistry between them. But then his ride arrives and, embarrassed, he beats a hasty retreat, murmuring apologies – and Isobel realises only too late that she didn’t manage to catch his name…

When she runs into him again the next morning, she decides it’s fate.

It’s a second chance for Isobel and Tom – but there’s only one week until she’s leaving London for good. Seven days of enjoying all the festive delights the city has to offer: ice-skating at Somerset House, mulled wine on the Southbank, Christmas shopping at Liberty.

There’s magic in the air and mistletoe in the trees – but what will happen when the week is over?

For fans of Josie Silver, Lucy Diamond and Marian Keyes, this is one Christmas romance you don’t want to miss!

Review:

       Being a hardcore fan who gobbles up all her beautiful rom coms, I surely deserve a Christmas present from Belinda Missen. And . . . voila . . . here it is . . . a magical Christmas romance set in the wintry London. It's beautiful, funny, romantic and so, what can I say, Christmaseque!

    Beginning with an accident, fate has thrust Isobel into the arms of a popular actor and they have seven days to check whether the chemistry between them is for the long run or not. As you can expect this is a bumpy ride, considering the fact that they are from two sides of the world -- Australia and England. How can it work? Surely we need a Santa with his magic powder.

      While reading I was more invested in the way Missen constructs a Christmas side of London than the romance bit. Every page seems to provide a visual travelogue and for someone who has never been to London, this was a total treat. Ice-skating, mulled wine, Christmas market . . . well, festivities are in the air. This is a story that will wrap and encase you completely in a real but magical world and just like the sweet dreams in the mornings, you will never want it to end. Highly recommended!

Meet the author:

Author and sometimes foodie, Belinda is a ridiculous romantic who met her husband after being set up by a friend two states away.

Residing in country Victoria, surrounded by books, cat-fur, and half-eaten cake, Belinda divides her days between writing rom-coms, baking, and indulging her love of comic books.     

When Polly Met Olly - Zoe May

Date of Reading: 29/08/2019

Author: Zoe May

Publisher: HQ Digital

Publication Date: January 7, 2019

Source: NetGalley

My Rating: 4.5/5

About the book:

Polly and Olly were never supposed to meet…

Polly might spend her days searching for eligible matches for her elite list of clients at her New York dating agency, but her own love life is starting to go up in smoke.

Even worse, she can’t stop thinking about the very person she’s meant to be setting her latest client up with… surely it can’t get any worse!

But then Polly bumps into oh-so-handsome Olly, who heads up a rival agency, and realizes that perhaps all really is fair in love and dating war…

My Review:

       An air of caution surrounds me whenever I select a Zoe May book to read; she is the queen of unpredictability. We might be deluded in thinking that this is another cosy read, but then the story takes a totally different direction (in a good way, actually). Well, this particular story at least defines the heroes in the title itself, so I was relaxed in that part. But then came the blow: Olly is not your typical dashing young man, he is rather old. Yup! that is Zoe May for you.

       Online dating scenario is turned out to be the setting of far too many novels by now, but the author has managed to put a rare perspective even in this cliched world. Polly is a likeable character trying hard to keep her dreams alive and I immediately warmed up to her. Even though her interest lies with photography, the necessity of keeping the ends meet had forced her to work for a dating agency. But what could we know? This might actually be the turning point in her life. Not only her love life but everything.

       Compared to Polly, we don't see Olly that often in spite of the prominent place allotted to him in the title. Sometimes we get dubious, is he really the one? But the fact is it doesn't really matter. This is all about Polly and how she manages to turn things around with the help of her friends, both new and old.

       Overall, a refreshing read as expected from one of my favourite authors.

Meet the author:

Zoe May lives in Oxford and writes romantic comedies published by Harper Collins. Zoe has dreamt of being a novelist since she was a teenager. She spent her twenties living in London, where she worked in journalism and copywriting before writing her debut novel, Perfect Match. Having experienced the London dating scene first hand, Zoe could not resist writing a novel about dating, since it seems to supply endless amounts of weird and wonderful material!

Perfect Match was one of Apple's top-selling books of 2018. It was also shortlisted for the Romantic Novelists' Association's Joan Hessayon Award, with judges describing it as 'a laugh-out-loud look at love and self-discovery - fresh and very funny.'

Zoe is also the author of How (Not) To Date A Prince (May 2018), When Polly Met Olly (January 2019) and As Luck Would Have It (June 2019).

As well as writing, Zoe enjoys walking her dog, painting and, of course, reading.

Zoe is currently taking part in a blog project called 'Seven Writer, Seven Novels', which charts the publishing journeys of seven writers over the course of a year through monthly updates. The blog was featured in The Bookseller.

Sunshine over Bluebell Castle - Sarah Bennett (Blog Tour)

Date of Reading: 31/07/2019

Author: Sarah Bennett

Publisher: HQ Digital

Publication Date: July 1, 2019

Source: NetGalley

My Rating: 4.5/5

(This review is part of the blog tour organised by Rachel's Random Resources)

About the book:

The summer she will never forget…

Time’s running out for Iggy Ludworth to restore the wild gardens of Camland Castle in time for the Summer Fete, so she ropes in hotshot gardener Will Talbot…

But she regrets her decision as soon as he sets foot in the historic grounds – not only is Will arrogant and bossy, he’s totally gorgeous!

And very soon, sparks are flying amongst the bluebells. Yet with summer nearly over, will their summer fling convince Will and Iggy to go the distance?

Perfect for fans of Trisha Ashley, Rachael Lucas and Hilary Boyd.

My Review:

    It seems only yesterday that I have read the first book in the Bluebell Castle series. I enjoyed the story of Arthur immensely and was hoping to know more about the triplets, especially Tristan. Well, so a tad bit disappointed knowing that this is about Iggy, the eldest who lost her title due to her gender.

      Iggy was not one of the prominent characters in the first novel but here her personality and gardening skills completely take over the story. And Will compliments her character perfectly so much so that I eventually ended up loving this more than the first. The story follows the dual narrative technique contributing much to the emotional turmoil we are going to endure throughout. Igraine is a lovable lady (even with all her insecurities) and I am so happy that she found her own path at the end. 

     That being said, we also get to follow our first couple to their marriage vows and there comes a wedding of revelations and new beginnings (ah! not only for those two). On the whole, a beautifully put-together storyline for a relaxed and lazy evening. Can't wait for the last story in the series. . .

Meet the author:

Sarah Bennett has been reading for as long as she can remember. Raised in a family of bookworms, her love affair with books of all genres has culminated in the ultimate Happy Ever After – getting to write her own stories to share with others.

Born and raised in a military family, she is happily married to her own Officer (who is sometimes even A Gentleman). Home is wherever he lays his hat, and life has taught them both that the best family is the one you create from friends as well as relatives.

When not reading or writing, Sarah is a devotee of afternoon naps and sailing the high seas, but only on vessels large enough to accommodate a casino and a choice of restaurants.

You can connect with her via twitter @Sarahlou_writes or on Facebook www.facebook.com/SarahBennettAuthor

Sarah is the author of the Butterfly Cove, Lavender Bay and Bluebell Castle series for HQ Digital UK. 

Lessons in Love - Belinda Missen

Date of Reading: 14/06/2019

Author: Belinda Missen

Publisher: HQ Digital

Publication Date: June 11, 2019

Source: NetGalley

My Rating: 4/5

About the book:

Falling in love is never easy… 

Eleanor Manning is finally leaving behind her glittering but empty life in the city (and her soon-to-be-ex-husband) to return to the comfort of her childhood home in Apollo Bay.

She’s landed a lovely new job in her old primary school library and a flatshare with her bubbly best friend, Penny. So yes, she’s well and truly learnt her lesson when it comes to love…

But then she meets gorgeous teacher Marcus Blair and Eleanor’s self-imposed rules fly out of the window! Surely she can resist him long enough to keep this fling no strings attached?

Perfect for fans of Carole Mathews, Mhairi McFarlane and Carrie Hope Fletcher.

My Review:

      The first question that crept into my mind after picking up this book: why do a rebound love tale need 384 pages? The book answered itself after a few pages. When you have just lost your husband to your best friend for no fault of yours, it is hard to fall in love again and that also with someone who shares many qualities with your soon to be ex-husband. There is no guarantee about the way some people change, and that is a risk hard to take (though most of us do).

       This is my third Belinda Missen work, so I am kind of familiar with her style. There is the occasional tinge of humour, slow development of the story and lucid writing that takes you along with the pages. And this is no different. Being set in a school background, the story gave me a much-needed boost to concentrate on the work after a long lazy vacation. The enthusiasm and competitiveness of Marcus and Ellie are infectious. Much to my delight, the author has also included some references to our main characters from 'A Recipe for Disaster'. We don't really meet them (sigh!) but I am so glad to hear that Lucy and Oliver are doing extremely well.

        An emotional and inspiring read that takes you back to your school days and if you are a teacher like me, then this is a definite jump in.

Meet the author:

Author and sometimes foodie, Belinda is a ridiculous romantic who met her husband after being set up by a friend two states away. 

Residing in country Victoria, surrounded by books, cat-fur, and half-eaten cake, Belinda divides her days between writing rom-coms, baking, and indulging her love of comic books.

How (Not) to Date a Prince - Zoe May (Blog Tour)

Date of Reading: 11/4/04/2019

Author: Zoe May

Publisher: HQ Digital

Publication Date: May 4, 2018

Source: NetGalley

My Rating: 4.5/5

(This review is part of the blog tour organised by Rachel's Random Resources)

About the book:

Surely fairy tales don’t happen in real life?

After being jilted at the altar, high-flying journalist Sam doesn’t believe in love any more – and she certainly doesn’t believe in fairy tales! So, when she’s asked to cover the Royal Wedding, it’s the last thing she wants to do.

And when she crashes into a ridiculously handsome stranger, Fredrik, later that day, things are going from bad to worse. But as the big day draws closer, Sam finds herself being swept up in the excitement – as well as swept off her feet by Fredrik!

But there’s something that Fredrik’s hiding from her – and when he finally reveals his secret, might Sam just have the happy-ever-after she never thought she wanted…?

My Review:

        Anyone who follows my reviews might surely know that I am a fan of royalty. Oh! not in real life (I am all for democracy), but everyone is allowed to have a bit of closet adoration. So without a doubt, the book had clinched me with the title and what is more, it is a Zoe May novel. And that sealed it for me.

      Probably the best that is produced out of this delightful author's hands, 'How (Not) to Date a Prince' can be termed as another modern version of Cinderella story (we even have a glass slipper moment) where dreams are merged with practicality. It is so romantic to get married into the royal family, not that enjoyable if you have a name of your own and a promising career in front of you. Or what if you want a normal life in spite of being in love with a prince? A modern woman obviously faces this dilemma. And I so admire the way Zoe has put them all together in the story.

     If you are a fan of 'Prince and Me' movie series like me, go blindly to take a copy. This is the perfect weekend getaway with lots of fun and a heartwarming story.

Meet the author:

Zoe May lives in Oxford and writes romantic comedies. Zoe has dreamt of being a novelist since she was a teenager. She spent her twenties living in London, where she worked in journalism and copywriting before writing her debut novel, Perfect Match. Having experienced the London dating scene first hand, Zoe could not resist writing a novel about dating, since it seems to supply endless amounts of weird and wonderful material! 

Perfect Match was one of Apple's top-selling books of 2018. It was also shortlisted for the Romantic Novelists' Association's Joan Hessayon Award, with judges describing it as 'a laugh out loud look at love and self-discovery - fresh and very funny'. As well as writing, Zoe enjoys walking her dog, painting and, of course, reading.

Social Media Links:

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/zoe_writes/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zoe_writes/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/zoemayauthor/

Coming Home to Wishington Bay - Maxine Morrey (Blog Tour & Giveaway)

Date of Reading: 29/04/2019

Author: Maxine Morrey

Publisher: HQ Digital

Publication Date: May 1, 2019

Source:NetGalley

My Rating: 3.5/5

(This review is part of the blog tour organised by Rachel's Random Resources)

About the book:

Holly doesn’t have time for a holiday this year. But when her job threatens to send her over the brink, her boss insists she takes a sabbatical. So she packs her bags and escapes to her beloved grandmother Gigi’s house on Wishington Bay, which has sat empty since Gigi passed away.

But Holly’s dreams of a coastal escape take an unexpected turn. Holly didn’t expect to spend time with any man this summer – let alone an Aussie Adonis…but when she meets her next-door neighbour Gabe and his tiny dog Bryan, it’s clear her quiet summer of strolling along the sand and wandering through the seaside village’s tiny streets on her own will come with a hefty dose of distraction.

With a summer to fill and Gigi’s wonderful and surprising house to sort through, Holly knew it would be a summer packed with old memories. She just didn’t expect to make so many new ones…

Coming Home to Wishington Bay is the new gorgeous uplifting rom-com from Maxine Morrey, perfect for fans of Sarah Morgan and Tilly Tennant!

My Review:

     I was planning to read a Maxine Morrey book for long and finally, the day has come. The story is not one of her best I assume,(yes, I have most of her books decorating my TBR) since this is a recurrent theme nowadays - girl inherits property and chances upon a man. But that should not dissuade you from meeting the charming folk and dreamy beaches of Wishington Bay. And the funny banter between the two protagonists makes it so worth it.

      Holly is not a heroine I identify with as I usually label her type as difficult-to-manage or in other words, unpredictable. Her self dependence borders on pride and the constant self-denials on her mental health were getting on my nerves most of the time. More than anyone else, she needs someone to rely upon and I am not being an anti-feminist here. But who can convince her?

     So why did I continue to read? Simple. There is Gabe, our ever-patient Aussie doctor and . . . a dog who is the embodiment of cuteness. I wish the story were from Gabe's perspective with some glimpse of his hectic medical practice. Well, not everything happens the way we want; so I licked my wounded hopes and eagerly savoured the scenes both these adorable guys are featured. Even with the minor flaws, this is an absolutely sweet quirky read which won't fail to tempt you to the beachside.

Meet the author:

Maxine has wanted to be a writer for as long as she can remember and wrote her first (very short) book for school when she was ten. Coming in first, she won a handful of book tokens – perfect for a bookworm!

As the years went by, she continued to write, but ‘normal’ work often got in the way. She has written articles on a variety of subjects, as well as a book on Brighton for a Local History publisher. However, novels are what she loves writing the most. After self-publishing her first novel when a contract fell through, thanks to the recession, she continued to look for opportunities.

In August 2015, she won Harper Collins/Carina UK’s ‘Write Christmas’ competition with her romantic comedy, ‘Winter’s Fairytale’.

Maxine lives on the south coast of England, and when not wrangling with words loves to read sew and listen to podcasts. As she also likes cake she can also be found either walking or doing something vaguely physical at the gym.

Giveaway:

Giveaway to Win a Wishington Bay notebook, a Wishington Bay canvas shopper bag, and an e copy of the book. (Open to UK only)

*Terms and Conditions –UK entries welcome.  Please enter using the Rafflecopter box below.  The winner will be selected at random via Rafflecopter from all valid entries and will be notified by Twitter and/or email. If no response is received within 7 days then I reserve the right to select an alternative winner. Open to all entrants aged 18 or over.  Any personal data given as part of the competition entry is used for this purpose only and will not be shared with third parties, with the exception of the winners’ information. This will be passed to the giveaway organiser and used only for the fulfilment of the prize, after which time I will delete the data.  I am not responsible for despatch or delivery of the prize.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

The Time of Our Lives - Portia MacIntosh

Date of Reading: 06/04/2019

Author: Portia MacIntosh

Publisher: HQ Digital

Publication Date: April 12, 2019

Source: NetGalley 

My Rating: 5/5

About the book:

Love is in the air…?

Luca is used to being the ‘single one’ at weddings – it happens, when all your other friends are engaged, married or taken. But when she bumps into Tom, her friend from university who broke her heart into a million pieces, she finds herself wondering what could have been.

It’s ten years later, surely she should be over that Tom by now? So why is he looking even more gorgeous than ever – and why doesn’t he seem to be able to keep his eyes off her either?

And as the champagne flows and old secrets resurface, Luca realises that perhaps the time to take a chance on love and life is…now? 

My Review:

        Have you ever felt that strong emotional pull towards a book after reading the first page? The feeling that you are meant to read this or the book is calling to you? Well, that is exactly what I felt when I randomly clicked open this on my kindle. I was putting it for another day but just thought it better to have quick look. I stopped only at the end and even now, I could feel the story as if I have lived through them all.

        A romance with the structure of a crime thriller is hard to find nowadays and that is what drew me into it from the start. Luca driving alone in the night will have anyone on the edge. What a stunning start to an unputdownable novel! Whoa! don't get me wrong, this is not crime fiction. Well, there is a small crime involved when you think about it, but still, it won't qualify for the genre.

       The entire story unfolds on a wedding day which also gives way to a reunion of six friends who stayed together (I loved the premise. Who could have known so many things can happen on a single day!). Some flashbacks are also there giving us a preview of the group's life together. They are weird, funny and constantly reminded me of my hostel mates. As always, secrets and misunderstandings play their parts and there ensues a cacophony. Ha!

        Don't want to be a spoilsport by giving out the storyline but I hugely recommend you to pick this book. Luca is the perfect narrator; she is our ordinary girl with no serious moral flaws or past regrets. Life just didn't work out for her, but not anymore. I loved the way she resisted Tom's advances instead of swooning over visibly. Every time they come together, I mentally urged her to stick with her decisions and speak up and she did. You go, girl! 

       On the whole, 'The Time of Our Lives' is an emotionally charged, well-crafted novel that will remind you that some friendships last forever.

Meet the author:

Portia MacIntosh has been ‘making stuff up’ for as long as she can remember – or so she says. Whether it was blaming her siblings for that broken vase when she was growing up, blagging her way backstage during her rock chick phase or, most recently, whatever justification she can fabricate to explain away those lunchtime cocktails, Portia just loves telling tales.

After years working as a music journalist, Portia decided it was time to use her powers for good and started writing novels instead. Bestseller Portia writes hilarious romcoms, drawing on her real-life experiences to show what it’s really like being a woman today – especially one who doesn’t quite have her life together yet. 

        

The Little Vintage Carousel by the Sea - Jaimie Admans

Date of Reading: 03/04/2019

Author: Jaimie Admans

Publisher: HQ Digital

Publication Date: March 3, 2019

Source: NetGalley 

My Rating: 4.5/5

 

About the book:

 

 What if one moment could change your life forever?

Ness has almost resigned herself to being single forever when she catches sight of the most gorgeous man she’s ever seen on the train to work.

But just as she plucks up the courage to speak to him – he steps off the train and disappears into the crowds, without realising he’s accidentally dropped his phone!

It’s her ‘glass slipper’ moment, she’s sure of it, she just needs to track him down – all the way to the gorgeous seaside village of Pearlholme, where she finds him restoring a vintage carousel by the sea…
Maybe it’s finally time to follow her heart?

My Review:

         Finally! Another remarkable novel from the author of 'It's a Wonderful Night' and just like the other one, this story is also steeped in movie references. This all really makes me want to cultivate a taste for old movies and maybe one day I will.  Rest assured, you don't have to be familiar with the 'Carousel' movie to enjoy this beautiful romance because by the end of the book you are going to be really familiar with its story.
        Vanessa Berton (Ness for her friends) works as a fact checker for one of the famous London magazines dreaming of becoming a real journalist one day. She has been single for two years without venturing for any dates after her last break up but now she is feeling a connection towards a stranger she meets on the train. It could be that the universe is taking an interest in her life because the stranger drops his phone accidentally which is rescued by Ness from trampling. Her boss overhears this unlikely incident and offers her a promotion if she can write a story on it. But what will happen when the train man (later came to be identified as Nathaniel) comes to know that his love life has become part of a feature?
          There you have it, folks. The crux of the story may make you think that this is like any other romance. Even I thought similarly till the middle, but then came the story behind the carousel, visit of Ness's mother (she is a tornado to be reckoned with), the strong community feeling in this quaint little village and we will slowly fall in love with the story just like love comes to find the two lovers.
        Dialogues are witty and there is too much laughter involved. Mind you, this is a clean romance apart from some kissing scenes, but there is going to be a lot of ogling (ooh! be really prepared) leaving no doubt as to how much Nessa fancies the gorgeous stranger.
        On the whole, a funny, engaging romance that will leave you with a sigh. Highly recommended!

Meet the author:

Jaimie is a 32-year-old English-sounding Welsh girl with an awkward-to-spell name. She lives in South Wales and enjoys writing, gardening, watching horror movies, and drinking tea, although she’s seriously considering marrying her coffee machine. She loves autumn and winter and singing songs from musicals despite the fact she’s got the voice of a dying hyena. She hates spiders, hot weather, and cheese & onion crisps. She spends far too much time on Twitter and owns too many pairs of boots.
She will never have time to read all the books she wants to read. 

Spring Skies Over Bluebell Castle - Sarah Bennett (Blog Tour)

Date of Reading: 31/03/2019

Author: Sarah Bennett

Publisher: HQ Digital

Publication Date: April 1, 2019

Source: NetGalley 

Rating: 4.5/5

(This review is part of the blog tour organised by Rachel's Random Resources)

About the book:

She wasn’t looking for love…

When Lucie Kennington flees the bright lights of London for the quiet Derbyshire countryside, she’s shocked to discover that the heir to the Bluebell Castle estate is far from the wizened employer she expected.

In fact, Arthur Ludworth might just be the most handsome man Lucie’s ever laid eyes on – and a terrible distraction! So when she stumbles across a legendary painting feared lost for centuries, she can’t believe her luck – perhaps this is the hidden treasure to save Arthur and his family from ruin?

But it’s only a matter of time before Lucie’s past catches up with her and by then it’s too late, she’s falling for him…

Perfect for fans of Trisha Ashley, Rachael Lucas and Hilary Boyd  

My Review:

          I don't know which castle inspired this novel, but it sounds amazing. You can call me biased since I have a castle crush with its memories and unwritten histories and well, finding a hidden treasure is everyone's childhood dream. Sadly, there are not many secret tunnels left to unearth anymore, and so, even though the novel is a tad bit unrealistic, it fulfils every romantic's dream.

         The book offers a very light and enjoyable read with one of the perfect happy endings. The castle and its beautiful scenery come alive through Bennett's mesmerising diction and I so wish it were all real . . . you could have always counted me as the permanent visitor there. 

       As for the characters, we get a dual point of view through Lucie and Arthur and for my part I favoured Lucie. She has a vulnerability in her that invites our protective instincts. In spite of the dent in her confidence, she is honest and honourable, a virtue that is difficult to encounter these days.

        The castle community, now reduced to a small number, shows a camaraderie that can only be found in some medieval era. The stiff-necked Maxwell transports us almost to another time period and Betsy and Mrs. W adds to the effect. Arthurs's siblings, Tristan and Iggie are equally lovable and I am so looking forward to their stories (especially Tristan's, no offence Iggie) in the upcoming books. 

Meet the author:

Sarah Bennett has been reading for as long as she can remember. Raised in a family of bookworms, her love affair with books of all genres has culminated in the ultimate Happy Ever After – getting to write her own stories to share with others.

Born and raised in a military family, she is happily married to her own Officer (who is sometimes even A Gentleman). Home is wherever he lays his hat, and life has taught them both that the best family is the one you create from friends as well as relatives.

When not reading or writing, Sarah is a devotee of afternoon naps and sailing the high seas, but only on vessels large enough to accommodate a casino and a choice of restaurants.

You can connect with her via twitter @Sarahlou_writes or on Facebook www.facebook.com/SarahBennettAuthor

Sarah is the author of the Butterfly Cove, Lavender Bay and Bluebell Castle series for HQ Digital UK.