Past secrets return to complicate Maisie’s future with the charming Sidney Daniels in the final installment of the Cornish romance series.
Picking up where book seven left off, Maisie’s plans to celebrate her book’s thrilling news remain on hold after Sidney has vanished from Port Hewer overnight, following a brush with his secret past. His departure leaves Maisie with a head full of questions and a heart torn in two, made even worse by the rumors flying about him through the town. Where and why has he gone? Will he ever come back again? And—foremost in Maisie’s mind—was the heartache from his younger days somehow to blame for his sudden and mysterious flight?
But when Dean convinces her that Sidney may be facing a choice that could ruin his life, Maisie must set out to find him, once again leaving behind the Cornish seaside haven of Port Hewer she’s come to think of as home, and leaving behind the answer to a secret she’s been longing to know since the beginning. Not knowing when or if she’ll return, she’s taking the biggest risk with her heart so far…and the truth she discovers waiting for her at the end of her journey will make her wonder if things can ever possibly be the same as they were before.
Questions are answered, secrets are spilled, and the biggest reveal of the series is finally unveiled as A LITTLE HOTEL IN CORNWALL reaches its exciting conclusion.
I received a copy of this book from the author in return for an honest review.
My Thoughts…
This is the final chapter, in this lovely series, and it’s is full of heartache, insight, mystery and romance. Maisie sets off on a mission to find Sidney. There are new characters to meet, and answers to the secrets Sidney’s hidden from her. There’s angst for Maisie and a choice for Sidney. This story has a vividly written plot with vibrant characters and a heartfelt conclusion.
This is a series worth reading for its originality, quirkiness and gentle romance.
Laura Briggs
Laura Briggs is the author of several feel-good romance reads, including the Top 100 Amazon UK seller ‘A Wedding in Cornwall’. She has a fondness for vintage style dresses (especially ones with polka dots), and reads everything from Jane Austen to modern day mysteries. When she’s not writing, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, caring for her pets, gardening, and seeing the occasional movie or play.
What if you could go back in time and fix the biggest mistake of your life?
Two years ago, Maisie’s best friend walked out of her life and she hasn’t heard from him since. When she wakes up in 1994, she naturally assumes she’s dreaming. But when she finds herself in the past again the next night and her actions in the dream alter her present-day life, she begins to wonder if she’s somehow hopping back in time. And if she is time-travelling, can she save her friendship with Jonas?
When Maisie is forced to relive Christmases of the past, will she face up to her mistakes, or make them all over again?
The 12 Christmases of You & Me is a magical tale of friendship, first loves, and learning to live in the present.
I received a copy of this book from the author in return for an honest review.
My Thoughts…
The idea of Christmas past, present and future is used here as a festive twist to explore coming of age, friendship and love from Maisie’s point of view. The story begins in the present, and the humour and connection between Maisie and Lily are engaging. Maisie realistically revisits past Christmases. She learns from her mistakes and omissions and subtly alters her future.
This is a story about growing up and changing friendships with a magical festive twist. The characters are relatable and engender emotions in the reader. The story is heartwarming and humorous.
Jennifer Joyce
Jennifer Joyce is a writer of romantic comedies who lives in Manchester with her husband and their two daughters. She’s been scribbling down bits of stories for as long as she can remember, graduating from a pen to a typewriter and then an electronic typewriter. And she felt like the bee’s knees typing on THAT. She now writes her books on a laptop (which has a proper delete button and everything).
Get set for a wonderful celebration of autumn with all your favourite characters at the Little Duck Pond Cafe! An autumn fair is coming to Sunnybrook, much to the delight of the villagers. But for Madison, whose personal life seems to be spinning out of control, a roller-coaster is the last thing she needs – especially when it’s her emotions at stake. Can she convince the delectable Jack that their relationship is worth another shot? Or has their romance ground to a permanent halt like a faulty big wheel? Will she solve the mystery of the missing name on her birth certificate? Or will her discoveries take her on a journey even bumpier than the dodgem cars? One thing’s for sure. Madison is going to need more than a fairground fortune teller to find the answers to her questions, if she’s going to ‘waltz-er’ into the happiest of sunsets…
I received a copy of this book from the author in return for an honest review.
My Thoughts…
Although I’ve only read a few of the books in this series, it’s like coming home, and over Christmas, I plan to catch up on those I’ve missed. This story focuses on Madison, and for those who don’t know her, there is enough backstory to let you enjoy this book.
This is a story of self-realisation for Madison as she tries to repair her relationship with Jack and find out who her father is. As she works towards these goals, she mellows and realises the importance of family, friendships and love.
The autumnal setting is lovely and atmospheric, and the relationships are believable. This a lovely balance of lighthearted romantic comedy underpinned with emotional issues that make it realistic for new and old readers of this series.
Rosie has been scribbling stories ever since she was little.
Back then, they were rip-roaring adventure tales with a young heroine in perilous danger of falling off a cliff or being tied up by ‘the baddies’.
Thankfully, Rosie has moved on somewhat, and now much prefers to write romantic comedies that melt your heart and make you smile, with really not much perilous danger involved at all – unless you count the heroine losing her heart in love.
Rosie’s Little Duck Pond Cafe series of novellas is centred around life in a village cafe. Each book can be read as a stand-alone story.
The latest, ‘Lucy’s Great Escape’, is out now. Watch out for further tales of the Little Duck Pond Cafe, including the delicious ‘Log Fires & Toffee Apple Cake’, which will be published in autumn 2020.
The book that started it all! A classic retro romcom from #1 bestselling author Shari Low.
1999. Carly Cooper is 30, single, and after coming close to saying ‘I Do’ to six different men, she’s wondering if she accidentally said ‘goodbye’ to Mr Right. But there is a problem. Her ex-boyfriends are scattered all over the world and Carly lives in 1999; an era before Facebook, Google, smartphones, 4G and Broadband, when it was impossible to track people down with a few clicks of a mouse. On a mission to discover if she walked away from her ‘happy ever after’, Carly quits her job, her flat, her whole life and sets off on a quest to track down all the men she has ever loved. Her Mr Right is out there, but can she find him? And what if he’s moved on from the ex-girlfriend who said goodbye?
I received a copy of this book from Boldwood Books via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
My Thoughts…
With this book, you get the chance to revisit the nineties and eighties briefly and enjoy the first magic novel from this author. Carly on the eve of the millennium is wondering if she’s made the best of her life. Has she missed out on the one?
Carly is a likeable character, funny and self-deprecating and you empathise with her. She revisits old relationships (six) and then decides to find her former lovers to see if she made a mistake. This has hilarious, poignant and romantic results and is an entertaining read.
It’s a lovely book to explore the late twentieth century and escape this one for a little while.
What If? Shari Low – An Extract
Chapter 1
March 1999
Millennium – Robbie Williams
Oh, b**locks.
I love that word. It has a ‘don’t mess with me, I’m a hormonal lethal weapon’ ring to it. I’ve been muttering it dementedly since I got out of bed this morning, because I can’t think of a single thing that’s right with the world today.
I reach over to refill the kettle, dropping the arm of my dressing gown in last night’s dishwater and knocking over my ashtray in the process. It’s not going to be one of my better days. Before you start reaching for the telephone to summon a counselling service to my kitchen, can I just say that I’m having a midlife crisis. I look and feel like Liam Gallagher after a night on the tiles and I can tell you in years, months, days and minutes how long it is since my last sexual experience. But, according to every reputable (trashy) women’s magazine, this behaviour is typical of a single female of my age. One who’s having a midlife crisis, that is.
Do you ever think, ‘What if this is all there is to life?’ Do you ever contemplate your lot and wonder why you’re not a supermodel in Milan? Or the director of a multinational corporation? What about married to an international business tycoon with homes in seven countries? For the purposes of this ponderance, I’m going to ignore that I’ve got forty pounds on any supermodel, I have no cheekbones, zero entrepreneurial skills, I’m a hopeless commitment-phobe and I couldn’t handle seven houses because I get irritated having to run the Hoover round my tiny flat.
But all that aside, look at me now. I’m sitting at my breakfast table alone, having called in sick to work with an ever more ridiculous reason (‘I stubbed my toe in the garden’ isn’t a bad excuse, except that I live in a third floor flat), with absolutely nothing to look forward to except a chocolate croissant and a long linger over the latest edition of Hello! magazine.I can’t help thinking, ‘What if this is it?’ What if this is the way my life is going to be until I’m having Zimmer races up and down the corridor of my retirement home, flirting with old men and cheating at bingo?
I suppose I owe you an explanation for this sudden outpouring of self-pity.
My name is Carly Cooper. I’m careering towards my thirties at terrifying speed, and I pay an obscene portion of my monthly salary to live in a studio-cum-cupboard in the desirable area of Richmond, near London. I arrived here from my native Glasgow via a multitude of countries, adventures and disasters (mostly due to Mr Rights who inevitably turned out to be Mr Couldn’t Be More Wrongs). I’m 5’8”, with long blonde hair (extensions), blue eyes (coloured contact lenses) and ample curves (in many of the non-supermodel places).
I earn a great salary doing a job I detest and therefore spend every penny of it doing things I enjoy to take my mind off work. I am officially a National Accounts Manager for one of the world’s largest manufacturers of tissue-paper products. Translated, this means that I persuade buyers of large multinational companies to sign annual contracts for the supply of their toilet rolls. Don’t laugh. There’s a future in toilet rolls. They’ll be here long after all this modern technology like CDs and carphones are on a scrap heap somewhere.
I’m officially enjoying the single life with no significant other to answer to. Believe me, to paraphrase Jerry Maguire, I absolutely know that I don’t need a man to complete me. I should just be content being a single, cosmopolitan woman of the world. But unofficially, off the record, and with apologies to my fellow singletons everywhere, I’m bored, fed up and itching to be in a couple again.
Shari Low
Shari Low is the #1 bestselling author of over 25 novels, including One Day In Summer and My One Month Marriage and a collection of parenthood memories called Because Mummy Said So. She lives near Glasgow.
Thirty-year-old Chastity (Chase) Morgan has always dreamed of her fairytale life—the perfect career, wedding, marriage, family, and on and on.
A structural engineer, Chase is brilliant in her line of work, but keeping to her moniker, she is as chaste as they come. Although she doesn’t know the first thing about love and dating, everything changes when she meets Grant Stevens. Wedding bells appear to be right around the corner until he unceremoniously abandons her for another.
Derailed but determined, Chase has to find a way to move on. Little does she know that sinister plans are at work to squash her hopes and dreams.
While a psychic medium comes to her aide, it’s uncertain whether or not Chastity will follow the clairvoyant’s advice. Only time will tell if she’ll choose between throwing away her virginity and diving full force into the dating world, or clinging to her fairytale life plan.
I received a copy of this book from the author in return for an honest review.
My Thoughts…
This is a quirky romantic comedy with larger than life characters, humorous incidents and romance. Chase or Chastity is looking forward to getting married. She’s glad she is still a virgin until her fiance cools off and she finds he’s already married to a man. Now what? Keep looking for the one? Or follow her cousin’s mantra and chase hot men and have lots of sex?
Chase and her family take a bit of getting used to, but they bring the story to life and keep you turning the pages. This is a long book, but it is well-paced, and the detail helps the reader get the know Chastity and why she does what she does.
It has a good balance of romance and humour with a smattering of poignancy. It’s original and full of visual imagery that makes the comic scenes and the romance easy to imagine.
Author Holly Brandon breaks free from her analytical side to produce Life in the Chastity Zone. Holding a Ph.D., M.S., and B.S. in Civil Engineering, Holly is best known for her published works in the Journal of Earthquakes, Earthquake Engineering, and Engineering Vibrations and Earthquake Science. Unbelievable as it may appear, many of the scenes in Life in the Chastity Zone are based on true-life experiences. Holly invites readers to follow Chastity on her crazy and hilarious adventures in her search for love and happiness. With more to come, Life in the Chastity Zone is the first in an unforgettable, brand new Chastity Zone series.
Shortlisted for Choc Lit’s 2019 Search for a Star competition
Perdita Riley is facing the greatest dilemma of her life. Why had she taken Violet Freestone’s advice on how to make herself look more alluring? It led her into the arms of a womaniser. And now Perdita has to deal with a huge setback. Actually, Setback Number One isn’t huge yet, but it won’t be long before it is.
To cheer herself up, Perdita goes shopping, where an extraordinary encounter deposits her, literally, into the lap of Saul Hadley. She would like to stay there, but Setback Number One is going to get in the way.
Will she find a way to deal with what has happened? Can she manage the complications of her growing attraction to Saul?
This hilarious situational romantic comedy will keep you gripped until the very end.
I received a copy of this book from the author in return for an honest review.
My Thoughts…
Perdita is naive, a state explained by her unusual upbringing. Consequently, she struggles with romantic entanglements, the results of which are both hilarious and poignant. She is a likeable character but also frustrating still, this adds to the story’s authenticity. Like all romantic comedy, the humour depends on the female lead’s personality, and Perdita makes a worthy rom-com protagonist.
This is unique and uncharted and will appeal to those looking for a different take on romantic comedy.
Mari Jane Law lives in the UK. She loves books, TV series and films that make her laugh and, through her writing, discovered she could make other people laugh as well. She hopes those who buy or borrow her work have as much fun reading it as she had in writing it!
Love & Pollination is the first in a series of whacky romantic comedy novels she is working on. Her characters appeal so strongly to her that she is unable to let them go – hence the series. She enjoys their humorous behaviour, quirky personalities and sharp, witty dialogue.
She was very pleased to have been shortlisted for Choc Lit’s 2019 Search for a Star competition.
Sadie doesn’t have time for finding love. She’s too busy as PA for famous artist Damian Banks. When she’s not arranging exhibitions, she’s organising his dry cleaning or dumping his never ending stream of girlfriends.
But when she strikes up an unusual friendship with her desk share buddy, she finds a confidante and a new potential love interest. Problem is, they’ve never actually met…
With Christmas just around the corner, can Sadie put herself first for a change and find what she’s been looking for all along?
The brand new romantic comedy from top 10 bestseller Portia MacIntosh.
I received a copy of this book from Boldwood Books via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
My Thoughts…
This is a lovely romantic comedy with lots of originality and contemporary polish. Sadie is a long-suffering PA to a celebrity portrait photographer who has many issues. Damien depends on her for everything. The only highlight for Sadie is her Post-It conversation with Adam, a man she never met but grows to like. There is a not unexpected twist to this relationship which sends the story off in another romantic, and heartwarming direction.
There is a festive theme woven into the plot. There are some lovely family moments, which are both humorous and poignant. The romance is lovely, and the contemporary themes make it relatable.
Portia MacIntosh
Portia MacIntosh is a bestselling romantic comedy author of 12 novels, including It’s Not You, It’s Them and Honeymoon For One. Previously a music journalist, Portia writes hilarious stories, drawing on her real life experiences.
Starry autumn nights are bringing a rare celestial event and exciting new guests to the shores of the sleepy hotel Penmarrow.
Maisie is happy to be back among its staff, even with the question of its future ownership still in the air and the fate of her unpublished manuscript soon to be in the hands of London acquisitions editors. More than anything else, she’s happy to finally be in a relationship with Sidney Daniels, the sparks between them no longer denied. She’s excited for the future and things couldn’t be better with regards to romance … except for those lingering little questions about Sidney’s uncertain past, that is.
Meanwhile, the staff at the Penmarrow is tasked with hosting a special celestial conference where stargazers are gathering for a glimpse of the much-anticipated comet. The ever-timid maid Molly is flustered by the return of charming astronomer George and seems to need a little advice on how to rekindle the spark they shared last autumn. Hotel porters Gomez and Riley vie for the attentions of a mysterious female guest, the eccentric ‘Megs’ Buntly pays another visit, and a dramatic revelation about someone on staff will leave Maisie and everyone else reeling from the unexpected news. Is this the moment for the revelation Maisie has been waiting for since her Cornish journey began?
Brimming with humor, romance, and the kind of surprises its fans have come to expect, the seventh book in the series brings a twist at the end that’s sure to leave readers excited — and anxious — for the conclusion of Maisie’s original gorgeous Cornish adventure.
I received a copy of this book from the author in return for an honest review.
My Thoughts…
I have only read a couple of books in this delightful series but they do read as a standalone. I’m looking forward to reading the full series when I can. This story sees Maisie back at the little hotel in Cornwall which is a hive of activity with a celestial conference, hence the title. The characters are quirky but relatable, and the story’s ambience makes this a heartwarming read.
There’s a mystery to solve and a few questions that seem to span the series, like what is Sidney, Maisie’s love hiding about his past? The humorous moments are numerous and show the author’s keen observational insight.
The hotel has a busy ethos, and there are lots of characters that will be familiar to fans of the series. Romance is in the air for one of the quieter characters but will it end happily? Maisie continues to offer insight into her writing process, which is fascinating for readers and eagerly awaits the outcome of her submission.
The final book in the series follows where hopefully all the mysteries will find a solution and the lovers will find their happy ever after?
Laura Briggs
Laura Briggs is the author of several feel-good romance reads, including the Top 100 Amazon UK seller ‘A Wedding in Cornwall’. She has a fondness for vintage style dresses (especially ones with polka dots), and reads everything from Jane Austen to modern day mysteries. When she’s not writing, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, caring for her pets, gardening, and seeing the occasional movie or play.
St Aidan: a cosy Cornish village where friendships are made for life and it’s always cocktail hour somewhere…
‘A pure delight’ Debbie Johnson
Return to your favourite little wedding shop by the sea for love, laughter and a romance to sweep you off your feet!
It’s the most romantic day of the year but the girls aren’t just gearing up for Valentine’s Day and a busy wedding season ahead, it’s also the 10 year anniversary of their beloved shop!
Jess is planning the party of the decade and with the champagne and cocktails flowing, sparks are going to fly…and not just from the fireworks display!
I received a copy of this book from the author and publisher in return for an honest review.
My Thoughts…
This is one of my favourite rom-com series, and this book is one of the best. Full of heartbreak, humour, and romance it takes you on a rollercoaster ride of emotions in a lovely Cornish setting. I’ve read all the books in the series, but this one is a complete story, so enjoyable as a standalone read.
Milla returns to the Cornish village she left after her mother’s death broken with betrayal. Living above a wedding shop and running Brides Go West with her deceitful friend is like rubbing salt in her wounds. She survives with strong friendships from childhood friends and her unexpected attraction to Nic.
There are lots of misunderstandings, laugh out loud moments and simmering passionate occurrences amidst the wedding fayres and planning but is true love a possibility for Milla?
Engaging characters, humour, and poignancy and heart-stopping romance make this a perfect Summer read.
Jane Linfoot
I write fun, flirty fiction, with feisty heroines, and lots of heart. Writing is fab, because I get to wear pretty shoes instead of wellies. I live in a cottage up a mountain road in Derbyshire, where my family and pets are kind enough to ignore the domestic chaos. Happily, we’re in walking distance of a supermarket. I love hearts, flowers, happy endings, all things vintage, most things french. When I’m not on facebook, and can’t find an excuse for shopping, I’ll be walking, or gardening. On days when I want to be really scared, I ride a tandem.
Ava O’Hara is finally marrying hunky Simon, the love of her life. The wedding dress is on, the make-up is done, the bridesmaids are ready and the guests are eagerly awaiting her big moment. Then, as she’s just about to walk down the aisle on what should be the happiest day of her life, she discovers a shocking secret about Simon. In utter disbelief, Ava makes a quick getaway – rescued by her loyal Bride Squad!
I received a copy of this book from the publishers in return for an honest review.
My Thoughts…
This is a new take on the runaway bride trope. It focuses on the runaway bride and her two friends. Ava ignores the signs things aren’t right in her relationship until the wedding day when there’s a revelation she can’t ignore. She runs from her wedding with her two best friends on a life-affirming road trip around Ireland.
There are angst laughter and romance in this story, which lets the women get to know each other again and realise why they are friends. A lighthearted tale full of emotion which will resonate with its readers.
Writer and actress Caroline Grace-Cassidy is the author of 7 novels. She co-owns Park Pictures, with whom she has written and directed 7 short films. Caroline is a regular panelist for The Elaine Show on Virgin Media One and contributes to Women’s Way, Irish Country and Weekender Magazine. She lives in Dublin.
Lisa C Carey has been a celebrity handler, screenwriter, Eurovision jury member, and green card lottery winner. She has survived earthquakes, dug her way through a glacier, and lived on a remote island in Fiji. Born and raised in Dublin, Lisa currently lives in Los Angeles. Bride Squad Runaway is her debut novel.
