Category: Romantic Comedy

Posted in Blog Tour, Book Review, Contemporary Fiction, Friendship, Gothic Fiction, Mystery, New Books, Paranormal, Romance, Romantic Comedy

The Forgotten House on the Moor Jane Lovering 5*#Review @janelovering @BoldwoodBooks #friendship #romance #relationships #secrets #selfbelief #psychology #NorthYorkshireMoors #gothic #mystery #ghosts #supernatural @rararesources #boldwoodbloggers #TheForgottenHouseOnTheMoor

Posted on by jolliffe01

Mystery, mayhem, a manor house and a generous serving of romance… 

When the police knock on Alice Donaldson’s door at 4am, she knows the news won’t be good. There’s been an accident involving her ex-husband Grant, and as his existing next of kin, they need her help.

Grant is missing up on the North York moors, but the Grant Alice knew could barely be persuaded out on a walk around the block. What on earth possessed him to go on a hike in the middle of the night?

Alice soon finds herself working with Grant’s girlfriend Jenna and Jenna’s gorgeous ‘Lord of the family Manor’ brother Max, to find out what has happened, and what caused Grant’s accident at The Fortune House – the spooky house out on the moors.

The locals tell all manner of ghoulish stories about The Fortune House, which Alice is not minded to listen to. But before long, things take a turn for the strange and Max and Alice have a new mystery to solve. While all the while Alice can’t help hoping she might meet the requirements to be Max’s ‘Lady of the Manor’ at his country pile, Hatherleigh Hall.

Amazon UK

I received a copy of this book from the publisher.

My Thoughts…

The Forgotten House on the Moor delivers the mystery and gothic elements it promises. The original plot also has gentle romance, self-realisation for the main characters and lots of humorous moments that this author writes so well. Alice is not unhappy but unfulfilled when she receives an unexpected visit from the police with some surprising news it provokes her into action. The story that follows is full of humour, mystery and romance.

Complex characters that develop as the story progresses make this an engaging read. The well-written ghostly element adds depth to the story, and I liked the final twist.

Jane Lovering is the bestselling and award-winning romantic comedy writer who won the RNA Novel of the Year Award in 2012 with Please Don’t Stop the Music. She lives in Yorkshire and has a cat and a bonkers terrier, as well as five children who have now left home. 

Facebook Twitter Newsletter Sign Up Bookbub

Posted in Blog Tour, Book Review, Contemporary Fiction, Family Drama, Friendship, Holiday Romance, New Books, Romance, Romantic Comedy

Note to Self Anna Bell 5*Review @AnnaBell_writes @HQStories #romcom #contemporaryfiction #life #love #friendship #relationships #romance #humour #secondchance #blogtour #bookreview

Posted on by jolliffe01

It’s never too late to follow your heart.

One summer’s day seventeen years ago Edie and Joel meet.
Their connection is instant and a friendship is born, although Edie can’t help but wish for more. But just as she builds up the courage to lay her heart on the line, one night changes everything…

Edie’s moved on from the heartbreak of years ago. So the last thing she expects to receive on her thirty-fifth birthday is an email… from her eighteen-year-old self. As more emails arrive, she starts to remember what – or rather who – she left behind.

Following her own advice, Edie heads back to the place where it all began and finds her path unexpectedly crossing with Joel’s once more. Could this finally be their chance at love? Or are some things better left in the past?

Amazon UK

I received a copy of this book from the publisher.

My Thoughts…

Edie runs a successful family business, owns her flat and has a boyfriend who suits her lifestyle, a perfect life looking in, but when she receives an email from her teenage self, it forces her to question her choices and find the life she wants.

I enjoyed this poignant mix of coming of age, romantic comedy and self-realisation that draws the reader in and keeps them engaged. The believable characters are easy to visualise, and Edie’s emotional journey is full of heartbreak and heartwarming moments. The ending is breathtakingly romantic and the perfect conclusion to this lovely story.

Posted in Book Review, Contemporary Fiction, Family Drama, Friendship, Humour, Mystery, New Books, Romance, Romantic Comedy, Serial, Short stories

A Wedding at Sandy Cove: Gown But Not Out Bella Osborne 5*#Review @AvonBooksUK @osborne_bella #romance #mystery #humour #friendship #romcom #family #novella #serial #part3 #gownbutnotout #preorder #AWeddingatSandyCove

Posted on by jolliffe01

This is the third part in a brand new four-part serial from Bella Osborne.

Ella’s dreams lie in tatters…

Ella has always held onto her faith in romance. Being in the business of weddings, how could she not? But her belief in true love has been well and truly shattered, by the people she trusted most.

To make matters worse, the successful launch of her bridal business has been sabotaged by the spread of false and nasty rumours about her. But who could have done such a terrible thing?

With her best friend’s wedding now only days away, it seems the worst has happened when a last-minute beauty treatment turns the bride’s skin a bright shade of frog green.

Then something much bigger puts the whole wedding in jeopardy.

Will Brittany finally get to say ‘I do’? And how will Ella react when an unexpected guest arrives to turn everything on its head: the ex who broke her heart…

Amazon UK Amazon Kobo

I received a copy of this book from the publisher.

My Thoughts…

The third part of A Wedding at Sandy Cove begins with a family drama at Ella’s launch party. The reveal is surprising and leaves Ella saddened and shocked. Her relationship with Kit develops, but love never runs smoothly. Ellas’ fledgling business suffers a setback to add to her woes. Lucy has a surprise visitor and Brittany’s wedding day is eventful.

I love the romance in this part of the story that takes Ella, Kit and the reader on an emotional journey. The humour lightens the poignant moments, and Ella’s character development is evident. I am looking forward to seeing what happens next.

Bella Osborne

Bella has been jotting down stories as far back as she can remember but decided that 2013 would be the year that she finished a full-length novel. Since then she’s written seven best selling romantic comedies and she’s been shortlisted three times for the RNA Contemporary Romantic Novel of the Year Award.

Bella’s stories are about friendship, love and coping with what life throws at you. She lives in The Midlands, UK with her husband, daughter and a cat who thinks she’s a dog. When not writing Bella is usually eating custard creams and planning holidays.

For more about Bella, visit her website at www.bellaosborne.com or follow her on social media.

Twitter Facebook Instagram

Read my review of Always a Bridesmaid (part1)

Read my review of Stitched Up (part2)

Posted in Blog Tour, Book Review, Contemporary Fiction, Family Drama, Friendship, Humour, New Books, Romance, Romantic Comedy, Travel

A Wedding in Tuscany Sandy Barker 5*#Review @sandybarker @0neMoreChapter_ #humour #romcom #Friendship #selfrealisation #sisters #Romance #Tuscany #Italy @rararesources #BlogTour #BookReview #AWeddinginTuscany #TheHolidayRomance

Posted on by jolliffe01

The Parsons sisters are all loved up.

Sarah is living in Sydney with Josh and their cat, Domino, but is anxious about her fast-approaching fortieth birthday.

And Cat is still living in London with her flatmate, Jane, but is in a long-distance relationship with Jean-Luc, her childhood sweetheart and recently rediscovered love.

One of the sisters receives a surprise wedding proposal – it’s a yes! – and everyone heads off to Tuscany for a destination wedding.

Reunite with favourite characters from the Holiday Romance series in one of the most beautiful locations yet for love, laughter, wedding vows, and just a smidge of sisterly mayhem

Amazon UK Amazon iBooks Foyles Google Play Waterstones Amazon au Amazon ca

I received a copy of this book from the publisher.

My Thoughts…

It’s the final book in The Holiday Romance series, and it’s a fabulous finale for sisters Sarah and Cat and their friends. Set in Tuscany, the wedding of Cat and Jean-Luc has angst, humour, romance and poignancy and more than lives up to its dramatic setting. I love the sisterly dynamic between Cat and Sarah, the vividly described location and the authentically written characters and relationships. The story has a good mix of laughter and reflective moments, and the ending is lovely.

Sandy Barker

Sandy is a writer, traveller and hopeful romantic with a lengthy bucket list, and many of her travel adventures have found homes in her novels. She’s also an avid reader, a film buff, a wine lover and a coffee snob. She lives in Melbourne Australia with her partner, Ben, who she met while travelling in Greece. Their real-life love story inspired Sandy’s debut novel One Summer in Santorini, the first in the Holiday Romance series with One More Chapter, an imprint of HarperCollins.The series continues in That Night in Paris and A Sunset in Sydney followed by A Sunrise in Bali and A Wedding in Tuscany in 2022. Her standalone novel The Christmas Swap celebrates her favourite time of the year, and The Dating Game, a laugh-out-loud rom-com is set in the world of Reality TV.

Twitter Facebook Instagram Website

The Holiday Romance Series – Read my reviews.

One Summer in Santorini

That Night in Paris

A Sunset in Sydney

A Sunrise in Bali

Posted in Book Review, Contemporary Fiction, Family Drama, Friendship, Humour, Mystery, New Books, Romance, Romantic Comedy, Serial, Short stories

A Wedding at Sandy Cove: Stitched Up Bella Osborne 5*#Review @AvonBooksUK @osborne_bella #romance #mystery #humour #friendship #romcom #family #novella #serial #part2 #stitchedup #AWeddingatSandyCove

Posted on by jolliffe01

This is the second part in a brand new four-part serial from Bella Osborne.

Wedding dress whisperer Ella is striking out on her own. After years of taking orders from the owner of the bridal shop where she worked, she will answer to no one.

Except for the brides, that is.

Helping to make the dream of running her own business reality is handsome builder Kit, the man she mistook for her blind date. But is it strictly professional between them or is there more behind Kit’s passion for this project than meets the eye?

But Ella doesn’t have too much time to dwell on matters of her own heart.
Because the hen weekend for her best friend Brittany has arrived.

Two full days of bridesmaids gone wild, coupled with juggling her demanding new set of Bridezilla clients may just push Ella to her limits…

Amazon UK Amazon Kobo

I received a copy of this book from the publisher.

My Thoughts…

The second part of the engaging A Wedding at Sandy Cove series picks up where part one left the reader gasping. Ella is starting her own business, but her horrible ex-boss Wanda isn’t making it easy.

Kit, whom she met under stressful circumstances, is helping her convert her garage. The attraction between them is simmering nicely; the mystery concerning their parents makes anything more than friendship unlikely. Brittany’s hen night is full of hilarity.

I love the characters, the dynamics between Elle and her friends, the hint of romance with Kit and the intrigue surrounding their parents. The mix of humour and poignancy continues with Lucy’s viewpoint focusing on darker issues.

Finishing part two makes you excited to read what happens next.

Bella Osborne

Bella has been jotting down stories as far back as she can remember but decided that 2013 would be the year that she finished a full-length novel. Since then she’s written seven best selling romantic comedies and she’s been shortlisted three times for the RNA Contemporary Romantic Novel of the Year Award.

Bella’s stories are about friendship, love and coping with what life throws at you. She lives in The Midlands, UK with her husband, daughter and a cat who thinks she’s a dog. When not writing Bella is usually eating custard creams and planning holidays.

For more about Bella, visit her website at www.bellaosborne.com or follow her on social media.

Twitter Facebook Instagram

Read my review of Always a Bridesmaid (part1)

Posted in Blog Blitz, Book Review, Contemporary Fiction, Friendship, Giveaway, New Books, Romance, Romantic Comedy, Travel

Daisy’s French Farmhouse Lorraine Wilson 5*#Review @Romanceminx @0neMoreChapter_ #RomCom #blogblitz #AFrenchEscape @rararesources #France #psychic #Dogs #pets #BookReview #loss #secondchances #DaisysFrenchFarmhouse #giveaway

Posted on by jolliffe01

Fly to France for the perfect summer getaway –without leaving your house! This a heartwarming, feel-good read.

Escape to heaven…
Daisy has never been lucky in love, and when her love life implodes—again—she flees to France. A summer in the sun helping out at her friend Poppy’s guesthouse is the perfect way to put unsuitable men behind her!
When Daisy finds herself dog sitting for two loveable rescues they quickly wind their way into Daisy’s heart. The trouble is, so does their owner – enigmatic widower and bookseller Anton! But she didn’t come to France to fall for another unattainable man…
Can they honour the past and take a chance on the future?

Amazon UK Amazon

Lorraine and her dogs

I received a copy of this book from the author and publisher.

My Thoughts…

Daisy’s french escape as a result of misjudged love affair lets us meet up again with Poppy, JoJo and their lovely dogs. Daisy has psychometric abilities that have left her open to bullying and judgement from others, even her parents. Only her grandmother, who shares her gift, is supportive, and she is on a spiritual retreat. Poppy and JoJo welcome Daisy, who settles into life at the guesthouse complex. Dreaming of a new life in France, Daisy starts a dog-walking and pet sitting service and meets Anton.

Daisy and Anton become friends, but the attraction between them is undeniable. Any possible romance is conflicted as Anton is bereaved, and Daisy is determined to guard her heart this time. The sensual romance is lyrically written and interwoven with emotion. It endears the couple to the reader and makes this an engaging read.

I also enjoyed the folklore and historical details that enrich the story, the vibrant setting, and the delightful antics of the many dogs—a romantic tale woven with emotion, history, magic and humour.

Lorraine Wilson

Lorraine Wilson writes flirty, feel-good fiction for One More Chapter – a Harper Collins imprint – and is unashamedly fond of happy endings. She loves hearing from readers and feels incredibly grateful to be doing the job she always dreamt of.

She splits her time between the South of France and Cambridgeshire and is usually either writing or reading while being sat on, walked over or barked at by one of her growing band of rescue dogs.

Facebook Twitter Amazon UK Author Page

Read my reviews of the other books in the French Escape series

Read my review of Poppy’s Place in the Sun
Read my review of Christmas at the Chateau
Read my review of JoJo’s French Escape
Giveaway to win a L’Occitane Clary Sage Collection Travel Set (Open UK)

Giveaway to Win a L’OCCITANE Clary Sage Collection travel set (Open UK)

L’OCCITANE Clary Sage Collection travel set containing:

• 50ml Herbae par L’OCCITANE Clary Sage Shower Gel

• 50ml Herbae par L’OCCITANE Clary Sage Body Milk

• 100g Herbae par L’OCCITANE Clary Sage Scented Soap

• 30ml Herbae par L’OCCITANE Clary Sage Hand Cream

In a L’OCCITANE cosmetic bag

Click on the giveaway link to enter

*Terms and Conditions –UK entries welcome.  Please enter using the giveaway link above.  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 Rachel’s Random Resources reserves 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 Rachel’s Random Resources will delete the data.  I am not responsible for the despatch or delivery of the prize.

Posted in Blog Tour, Book Review, Contemporary Fiction, Friendship, New Books, Romance, Romantic Comedy

Jingle Bells in June, Little Duck Pond Café Rosie Green 5*#Review @Rosie_Green88 @rararesources #BlogTour #BookReview #romcom #LittleDuckPondCafe #jinglebellsinjune

Posted on by jolliffe01

Mackenzie Morris, newest recruit at the Little Duck Pond Café, is the perfect addition to the team.

But beneath her smiles, Kenzie is hiding a dark secret. It’s the reason she fled to Sunnybrook, desperate for a fresh start that would help to lay the ghosts that haunt her.

The challenge of turning her hobby into a business is a welcome distraction, and to her relief, she finds that her range of quirky pottery mugs and vases appears to be in demand. Alone and scared when she arrived, she’s slowly making friends and starting to feel as if she belongs. Meeting a lovely guy called Aidan seems to confirm this and it looks as if love might be on the horizon.

But then Kenzie makes a devastating discovery that threatens to crush her newfound happiness. Aidan is the one person she yearns to confide in. He’s also the one person who can never know the truth . . .

Amazon UK

I received a copy of this book from the author.

My Thoughts…

Kenzie is a new staff member at the Little Duck Pond Cafe and a potter. She hopes to develop her hobby into an artisan business in Sunnybrook, but from the beginning, the reader learns that Kenzie has dark elements in her past. She is a good character and has an emotional backstory full of drama before coming to Sunnybrook. Meeting Aidan by chance gives her a positive focus.

I like the empathetic way the author deals with the domestic noir elements of this story. It makes you think, what would I do? Kenzie’s emotional journey is conflicted but ultimately rewarding, making this a heartwarming and thought-provoking read.

Rosie’s series of novellas is centred around life in a village cafe. Look out for ‘Sun, Sea & Strawberry Shortcake’, a sunshine-filled drama full of fun and mystery, out in June 2022 and including the return of character favourites, Ruby and Hudson.

Twitter

Posted in Book Review, Contemporary Fiction, Family Drama, Friendship, Literary Humour, New Books, Romance, Romantic Comedy

The New Doctor at Peony Practice Christie Barlow 5*#Review @ChristieJBarlow @0neMoreChapter_ #LoveHeartLane #BookReview #Humour #Romance #romcom #family #secrets #identity #TheNewDoctoratPeonyPractice

Posted on by jolliffe01

All’s fair in love and…medicine?

Dr Katie O’Neil has only been in Heartcross a few hours when she finds herself already ruffling feathers – not least with medical school nemesis and new colleague Ben Sanders.

Katie’s the woman Ben loves to hate and until now he’d hoped he’d never set eyes on her again but now she’s back – and living next door!

When a charity boat race down the River Heart puts the two in direct competition, sparks fly. The winner takes it all, but who will it be? And will their prize be far more than they were expecting…

Amazon UK

I received a copy of this book from the publisher.

My Thoughts…

So, a second chance at romance for Katie and Ben, both doctors who trained together and had history.
Katie is a strong female lead, and Ben feels in awe of her, but as they reacquaint, he realises her life was not as perfect as he imagined. Both have family issues, and the story explores adoption and identity and the problems of living with dementia. Ben is a gentle character, and it is refreshing to see Katie as his protector when he needs emotional support. Humour provides some lighter moments amidst the more serious themes.

I liked the realistic female lead character, the sense of community and the gentle romance in this engaging story.

Christie Barlow

Christie Barlow is the number one international bestselling author of sixteen romantic comedies including the iconic Love Heart Lane Series, A Home at Honeysuckle Farm and Kitty’s Countryside Dream. She lives in a ramshackle cottage in a quaint village in the heart of Staffordshire with her four children and two dogs.

Her writing career has come as a lovely surprise when Christie decided to write a book to teach her children a valuable life lesson and show them that they are capable of achieving their dreams. Christie’s dream was to become a writer and the book she wrote to prove a point went on to become a #1 international bestseller in the UK, USA, Canada and Australia.

When Christie isn’t writing she co-presents The Book Show on Radio Northwich, enjoys playing the piano, is a keen gardener and loves to paint and upcycle furniture.

Instagram Twitter Facebook

Read my reviews of books in the Love Heart Series

Posted in Book Review, Contemporary Fiction, Family Drama, Friendship, Humour, Mystery, New Books, Romance, Romantic Comedy, Serial, Short stories

A Wedding at Sandy Cove: Always the Bridesmaid Bella Osborne 5*#Review @AvonBooksUK @osborne_bella #romance #mystery #humour #friendship #romcom #family #novella #serial #part1 #AlwaystheBridesmaid #AWeddingatSandyCove

Posted on by jolliffe01

This is the first part in a brand new four-part serial from Bella Osborne.

This will be Ella’s eighth time down the aisle…

Ella has made it her mission in life to find every bride in their dream dress.

But every time she sends one of her happy customers off to the altar with a perfect, ivory silk gown, she thinks of those seven, hideous bridesmaid dresses hanging in her own closet.

She’s about to add another one, too, because her best friend’s wedding is now only months away. And this one, in a muddy shade of brown, might be the worst dress yet.

Ella is excited for her friend to have the perfect seaside wedding, but every discussion about flowers and centrepieces makes her feel more alone than ever.

So, Ella finally accepts her friends’ pleas to set her up on a blind date.

Ella is set to meet a handsome, gym-going estate agent. But a mix up on the night throws her into the path of Kit, instead.

Kit is most definitely not the man she was supposed to meet, but he could end up changing her life in ways she never thought possible…

Laugh-out-loud funny and full of romance, friendship and yards of white tulle, this is the perfect read to escape with.

Amazon UK Amazon Kobo

I received a copy of this book from the publisher.

My Thoughts…

An entertaining read that draws you into Ella’s world of demanding brides, ungrateful bosses, and wedding dresses. She’s a lovely character, hardworking, constantly put upon and always trying to please others. I love the mix of laugh out loud hilarity and poignant moments. The believably created friendship dynamic between Ella, Lucy and Brittany defines this story and makes it engaging.

Meeting Kit is unexpected for Ella and threatens unwelcome life changes. The plot has twists, and this first part has a dramatic ending, making reading the rest of the story essential.

Bella Osborne

Bella has been jotting down stories as far back as she can remember but decided that 2013 would be the year that she finished a full-length novel. Since then she’s written seven best selling romantic comedies and she’s been shortlisted three times for the RNA Contemporary Romantic Novel of the Year Award.

Bella’s stories are about friendship, love and coping with what life throws at you. She lives in The Midlands, UK with her husband, daughter and a cat who thinks she’s a dog. When not writing Bella is usually eating custard creams and planning holidays.

For more about Bella, visit her website at www.bellaosborne.com or follow her on social media.

Twitter Facebook Instagram

Posted in Book Review, Friendship, New Books, Romance, Romantic Comedy

Book Lovers Emily Henry 5* #Review @VikingBooksUK @PenguinUKBooks #EmilyHenry #romcom #holiday #smalltownromance #beachread #BookReview #BookLovers #smalltown #WeAreBookLovers

Posted on by jolliffe01

The sizzling, sexy, sharp new enemies-to-lovers romcom by NYT bestseller, Emily Henry 📚💕

Nora is a cut-throat literary agent at the top of her game. Her whole life is books.

Charlie is an editor with a gift for creating bestsellers. And he’s Nora’s work nemesis.

Nora has been through enough breakups to know she’s the woman men date before they find their happy-ever-after. That’s why Nora’s sister has persuaded her to swap her desk in the city for a month’s holiday in Sunshine Falls, North Carolina. It’s a small town straight out of a romance novel, but instead of meeting sexy lumberjacks, handsome doctors or cute bartenders, Nora keeps bumping into…Charlie.

She’s no heroine. He’s no hero. So can they take a page out of an entirely different book?

Amazon UK Waterstones

I received a copy of this book from the publisher.

My Thoughts…

Book Lovers is a feel-good read, especially if you love books and vibrant characters that make you read just one more chapter. Nora is a successful literary agent who puts her sister’s needs first and always looks after her authors. Charlie is an enigma when they first meet, she is wrong-footed from their first encounter, but she can’t forget him.

I enjoyed the witty dialogue, the gentle romance full of emotion and the believable family dynamic. The story explores differing perceptions of events, relationships, parenting and love, and it resonates, but laughter and romance are never far away.

The ending is a perfect conclusion to this lovely escapist read.

Read my review of Beach Read