Hosted at Reading is my Super Power. This is First Line Friday. Grab the book closest to you and list the first line(s). Today I’m featuring The Sweet Shop of Second Chances by Hannah Lynn.
THE BOOK
FIRST LINE(S)
Give that Holly Berry had left London in such a hurry, she hadn’t really put much thought into the clothes she had packed. And ‘packed’ was using the term very loosely.
ABOUT THE BOOK
Holly Berry has it all: a good career, a steady boyfriend, and enough savings that the two of them will soon be able to buy a nice little house. But when she finds out her boyfriend has been cheating on her, she decides to retreat to the Cotswolds and a place full of far sweeter memories.
Quite literally.
However, Holly discovers the quaint village sweet shop she worked in as a teenager is starting to crumble. Putting all her chocolate eggs in one basket, she says goodbye to the city, and sets her sights on a new project.
After all, how hard can running a sweet shop be?
324 pages April 27,2023 publish date Boldwood publisher
A small-town baker learns to raise her expectations for love with some help from a handsome local teacher in this sunny romantic comedy.
Layla Dupree has given up on love. She’s waded through all the fish in the sea, each one more disappointing than the last. Apparently, owning the bakery at Inglewild’s most romantic destination does not help one’s love life—despite Layla’s best efforts. All she wants is a partner who gives her butterflies, not someone who ghosts her at dinner and leaves her with the check.
Good thing Caleb Alvarez has the perfect solution. After saving Layla from another date gone bad, he has a simple proposition: one month of no-strings dating. He’ll do his best to renew her faith in men while she rates his romantic game. It’s a win-win situation. All the benefits of dating without the added pressure of feelings and unmet expectations.
But there’s one ingredient they haven’t considered. The chemistry between them is red-hot, and the urge to take things to the next level is more tempting than Layla’s mocha fudge brownies.
Yeah, you could kinda say I’ve enjoyed the Lovelight series. I’ve read all 3 books in the series and missed the first publication of the books but not this time.
I’ve read all 3 of them, Lovelight Farms, In the Weeds and this one, Mixed Signals. The series really is awesome, and I feel such a connection with the characters. The series really builds on each book as they all have characters from the previous books so you’re familiar with the characters while adding a few newbies in as well.
No worries if you don’t read them all or in order they work equally well as stand alones. This one has the fake dating that we all know always turns into the real thing as they fall madly in love. I will say it was predictable, but you know what, predictable is okay sometimes.
Sensual romance that pairs perfectly with ice cream. I sure hope the series continues.
Pub Date 01 Aug 2023 I was given a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
Amazon bestselling author B.K. Borison is fueled almost entirely by coffee and spends her days with imaginary characters doing imaginary things. She lives in Baltimore with her little family, including her giant dog.
Escape to an idyllic Cornish Farmhouse with this brand NEW series, heartwarming and feel-good by bestselling author Lucy Coleman writing as Linn B. Halton!
Sometimes the end is just the beginning…
When Jess Newman married the love of her life Ben she was sure they had what it took to stay together forever. So when Ben falls out of love with her only to promptly fall in the arms of new girlfriend, Naomi, she really doesn’t know how to come to terms with their divorce.
A year later, after an uncharacteristic leap of faith, she is raising her eight-year-old daughter alone while turning the beautiful Cornish farmhouse her grandad left her into a business.
It’s the fresh start she needed, but between learning how to lay gravel and making ends meet, it’s not quite everything she hoped it would be. Jess is determined to never need anyone ever again, even if handsome contractor Riley is always around ready to offer a hand…
If she is brave enough to let someone in, could one summer change everything?
Readers love Summer at the Cornish Farmhouse!
My Thoughts
I just loved the descriptions of Cornwall and the beautiful farmhouse with its glorious flowers Jess moves to. Seemingly coming out of the blue, her marriage is over, and Jess’s ex-husband has moved on.
Her daughter’s well-being is her main concern now and she moves to the beautiful Cornish farmhouse her granddad left her. She has the brilliant idea to turn it into a business. Renovations are underway and it’s shaping up quite well.
Contractor Riley gets the job done on the farmhouse, but can he unlock her frozen heart to let in love once again. I enjoyed seeing the family closeness Jess has with her granddad Cappy and how Cappy dotes on Lola, Jess’s young daughter.
This is so important when a child is going through times of uncertainty such as a parental divorce and moving to a new area. The story is warm, encouraging and upbeat. The perfect summertime beach read.
Published May 11, 2023 I was given a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
Linn B. Halton is a #1 bestselling author of contemporary romantic fiction. In 2013 she won the UK Festival of Romance: Innovation in Romantic Fiction Award. Originally from Bristol, she now lives in the Welsh Valleys with her husband and Bengal cat, Ziggy.
For Linn, life is all about family, friends and writing. She is a self-confessed hopeless romantic and an eternal optimist. When Linn is not writing, she spends time in the garden weeding or practising Tai Chi. And she is often found with a paintbrush in her hand indulging her passion for upcycling furniture.
Her novels have been translated into Italian, Czech and Croatian. She also writes as Lucy Coleman.
Linn is represented by Sara Keane from the Keane Kataria Literary Agency.
Autumn Laine has lost her creative sparkle. After losing her grandad and her job as an illustrator in quick succession, she is at a crossroads in life and needs a break. Spending time with her parents in Paris, even in the artistic community of Montmartre, doesn’t appear to be the answer.
So when her penpal, Rosie, invites her to stay in the Lake District, Autumn jumps at the chance to get away from the hustle and bustle of Paris. After all, where better to re-discover her creativity than the place which inspired her heroine, Beatrix Potter?
Arriving at the picturesque lakeside village of Willowdale, Autumn is swept up by the beauty and magic of the stunning landscape. Welcomed into the community with open arms, she slowly starts to feel like herself again as her creative instincts re-ignite.
But when she meets Dane, who has escaped to the Lakes for his own reasons, will Autumn’s walls come down to let someone in again after so long? Or will the secrets of her past continue to hold her back?
A new beginning is a daunting prospect, but could it be the start of something wonderful too..?
Join million-copy bestseller Jessica Redland for a brand new series, full of love, friendship and community.
My Thoughts
Though I was sad to see Jessica Redland’s Hedgehog series end I am delighted to see a new series beginning with the first in the series “The Start of Something Wonderful.” Full of a heartwarming story, hope, laughter, friendships, love, laughter and so much more. Small town vibes with such a cozy feel to it that you’ll just love. Autumn Laine was very close to her Grandad . When she loses him and her illustrator job she’s broken. She accepts her parents offer of visiting them in Paris. She hasn’t been back since a breakup many years ago. Though she’s an artist the artistic community of Montmartre just doesn’t feel right either. Though trying to avoid it a ghost from her past resurfaces, an old boyfriend who she had an extensive past with. As we read about their backstory, we get a clear understanding of their previous relationship. Autumn is an illustrator of greeting cards but has lost her mojo after her grandfather’s death. Upon meeting a new man their friendship progresses rather quickly as her encourages her with her artistic abilities and they may collaborate on a project. When her old flame is once again interested i rekindling things and her new beau wants to take it to the next level, how will she choose. I really loved the references to the Beatrix Potter illustrations, her gardens and home. The mentions of the many woodland animals and all the other animals was a welcome addition to the story. Warm and pleasant, I loved this story and its characters and look forward to many more additions to this series.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
Jessica Redland writes emotional but uplifting stories of love, friendship, family and community. Her Whitsborough Bay books transport readers to the stunning North Yorkshire Coast where she lives with her husband, daughter and sprocker spaniel. Her Hedgehog Hollow series, set in a hedgehog rescue centre, takes readers into the beautiful rolling countryside of the Yorkshire Wolds.
WITH LOVE, FROM COLD WORLDby Alicia Thompson is out today and I cannot wait to introduce you to this book. I absolutely love this cover as well!
394 pages Berkley publisher August 1,2023 publish date
About The Book
She has a to-do list a mile long and falling for her coworker isn’t on it—yet somehow he’s become her top priority in this romantic comedy from the national bestselling author of Love in the Time of Serial Killers.
Lauren Fox is the bookkeeper for Cold World, a tourist destination that’s always a winter wonderland despite being located in humid Orlando, Florida. Sure, it’s ranked way below any of the trademarked amusement parks and maybe foot traffic could be better. But it’s a fun place to work, even if “fun” isn’t exactly Lauren’s middle name.
Her coworker Asa Williamson, on the other hand, is all about finding ways to enliven his days at Cold World—whether that means organizing the Secret Santa or teasing Lauren. When the owner asks Lauren and Asa to propose something (anything, really) to raise more revenue, their rivalry heats up as they compete to come up with the best idea. But the situation is more dire than they thought, and it might take these polar opposites working together to save the day. If Asa thought Lauren didn’t know how to enjoy herself, he’s surprised by how much he enjoys spending time together. And if Lauren thought Asa wasn’t serious about anything, she’s surprised by how seriously he seems to take her.
As Lauren and Asa work to save their beloved wintery spot, they realize the real attraction might be the heat generating between them.
When you discover a new to you author with a book you absolutely love and can’t put down. First off, that cover. Gorgeous and so eye catching. It says cold and hot at the same time.
I knew this would be a love story but without having read the author yet, I thought it would be your typical romance. It was so much more. I haven’t read a romance this emotional in a while.
I just loved the concept of “Cold World” an indoor fun world bringing the outdoors inside. Cold World has all the cold fun you could want with an indoor skating rink, falling snow, a magical snow globe, frigidly cold temperatures and more. I thought it was a pretty neat concept and it’s set in Florida as well.
The romance is hot and steamy. A friends to lover’s romance. Coworkers that have worked together a long time begin to see each other in a new light. The book felt very realistic, each of the leads has insecurities they need to work through and with the other person they receive emotional support.
One of the leads is bisexual and has been estranged from his family for most of his adult life since his forced coming out. There is an unexpected family reunion with our hero and his family. There is a strong sense of transparency with our main characters they put themselves out there and open up to each other leaving themselves vulnerable if the other wanted to take advantage of them.
They each have an important back story which helps to explain why they have the insecurities they do. There are some trigger warnings that the author makes a note of. I really loved how even while going through so many personal things the author portrays a united front with our two main characters and the support, they give each other. Definitely an author on my radar that I’ll be reading more of in the future.
Pub Date: 01 Aug 2023 I was given a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
A deal that will turn both their lives upside down…
To grow her craft business, Nancy is in desperate need of two things: help and money. So when a potential investor she’s looking to impress recommends an assistant, she jumps at the chance to secure both.
Freddy Astley-Davenport is a notorious playboy with zero work experience. He’s poised to inherit his family’s estate in sunny Seashell Bay – but only if he can hold down a job for six months first. His plan is to take the assistant role in name only, then do the least work he possibly can.
Nancy has other ideas, though, and the pair butt heads from day one. However, as they argue, sparks begin to fly, and they soon discover exactly why opposites attract…
An absolutely escapist, funny, feel-good summer romance. Fans of Cathy Bramley, Katie Fforde and Milly Johnson will adore Bella Osborne.
My Thoughts
Bella Osborne books are such fun pick me ups. This one is full of fun, laughter and taking what life throws at you while working through it with the help of friends and family.
I was impressed with the character development. Once we learn of the characters back story, we have a better understanding of their surprising past, and they turn out to be a pretty decent person after all. Life isn’t all roses, and we see that here, but I love the positive vibes and encouragement we see for the characters here from friends and parents.
I have read other books by the author so I know I will enjoy the banter, lightheartedness and encouragement in all her books. Looking forward to more reads by this author.
Pub Date: 20 Jul 2023 I was given a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
Author Bio – 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 nine best-selling romantic comedies, two best-selling bookclub reads and won the RNA Romantic Comedy Novel of the Year Award.
Bella’s stories are about friendship, love and coping with what life throws at you. She lives in Warwickshire, 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.
Nancy needs to secure investment for her craft business – and fast. When an opportunity comes up that’s too good to miss, she prepares for the biggest pitch of her life.
But when a clumsy accident leaves Nancy injured and unable to give the all-important presentation, she needs someone to step up to the plate to help her. With most of her team away, there’s only one person Nancy can turn to – her useless new assistant, Freddy, who Nancy is convinced doesn’t care about either her or the business.
Forced to ask Freddy for help, Nancy is terrified about leaving the fate of her business in his unreliable hands. But she has no other choice – the show must go on.
Will Freddy be able to step up to the plate when Nancy needs him?
Or will her suspicions about him be proven right after all?
My Thoughts
Part two of this four-part series is just as hilarious as the first one. Picking up exactly where we left off at the end of part one, Nancy has a broken wrist after a clumsy fall out of the dressing room while taking the curtain with her. An all-important presentation has Nancy worrying after her staff all comes down sick at the same time. With her unable to do the job correctly because of injury she must rely on new-hire Freddy and that may be trouble because they don’t get on well. Nancy has to leave the running of her business to seemingly uncaring Freddy. Will this be her downfall? I am totally loving these serialized installments. The descriptions had me laughing out loud as I read and my family looking at me like I was crazy. This is the sunshiny happy read you need. The perfect quick relaxation read.
Pub Date 24 May 2023 I was given a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
About The Author
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 a number of best-selling romantic comedies and book club reads and won the RNA Romantic Comedy Novel of the Year Award 2022.
Bella’s stories are about friendship, love and coping with what life throws at you. She likes to find the humour in the darker moments of life and weaves these into her stories. Her novels are often serialised in four parts ahead of the full book publication.
Bella 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.
When soap actor Sabrina Swift loses her way due to a public scandal, she packs up her life, heads to Cornwall and randomly finds herself running a Christmas gift shop in the quaint and quirky Ferry Lane Market.
Changing her looks and identity to keep her anonymity, the newcomer starts to make friends and enemies as she walks a frosty path in the established community.
And as rumours start circling that the outside market is going to be shut down, Sabrina is not only ensconced in an unexpected love triangle but is also faced with a difficult decision that could alter both her life and those of the inhabitants of Hartmouth forever.
Charming characters and a beautifully written setting make for a delightful and uplifting tale that explores themes of self-discovery, belonging and the importance of following your heart.
Nicola May is a rom-com superstar. She is the author of sixteen romantic comedies, all of which have appeared in the Kindle bestseller charts. Two of them won awards at the Festival of Romance, and another was named ebook of the week in The Sun. The Corner Shop in Cockleberry Bay became the best-selling Kindle book in the UK, across all genres, in January 2019, and was Amazon’s third-bestselling novel in that year.
365 pages publish date October 4, 2022 publisher G.P. Putnam’s Sons
Hello,
I hope you’re having a great day and that you’ve been enjoying my Christmas in July reads I’ve been sending. I am not sure how many more if any I’ll be able to read and review this month as I have other reading commitments not related to Christmas books. I have a few more blog tours and cover reveals and a few more I need to read and post in a timely manner before the end of the month.
About The Book
The holidays were never her thing, until she accidentally conjures the Holiday Spirit…before her very eyes.
Bettie Hughes once knew the comfort of luxury, flaunting a collection of designer purses and an enviable dream home in Hawaii. That was before she lost all her money. Long obsessed with her public image, Bettie boasts an extravagant lifestyle on social media. But the reality is Bettie is broke and squatting in Colorado, and her family has no idea.
Christmas, with its pressure to meet familial expectations, is looming when Bettie plays a vinyl record of “All I Want for Christmas Is You” backward and accidentally conjures up Hall, the Holiday Spirit, in the form of a charming and handsome (if offbeat) man. Once the shock wears off, Bettie knows she’s stumbled upon the greatest gift: a chance to make all her holiday wishes come true, plus a ready-made fiancé.
But as some of Bettie’s wishes lose their charm, she finds herself thrown off-kilter by Hall’s sweet nature. Suddenly, grumpy Bettie is finding her heart merry and light. But the happier she gets, the shorter Hall’s time on earth grows. Can Bettie channel the Christmas spirit and learn to live with goodwill toward all men? Or will her selfish ways return as soon as the holidays are over?
My Thoughts
This is different than the typical Christmas book I usually read which I didn’t realize until I started reading it. I don’t read or enjoy fantasy books which is what this felt like it was. Our main character is a down on her luck social media influencer. She has a whiny feel sorry for me attitude and is jealous of her sister. She conjures up The Holiday Spirit, accidently.
I guess that’s one way to get in the holiday spirit when you’ve lost all your money you got from promotional products and can no longer afford expensive foreign vacations or designer threads, but your family doesn’t know yet. Named after her famous movie star grandmother she feels as though she must always measure up.
The book felt strange in a way to me because of the lack of realistic material. Whatever she thinks of or dreams up it happens in the way of holiday things. From creating a winter themed room to ice skating if she wants it, it’s there as long as it’s holiday themed. Meanwhile she knows he’ll be gone as soon as Christmas is over, but she can’t help but falling in love. This may be the perfect book for some, but it was not for me.
Pub Date 04 Oct 2022 I was given a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
402 pages publication date Sep 6, 2022 publisher Boldwood Books
About The Book
It’s the countdown to Christmas at Hedgehog Hollow Wildlife Rescue Centre, and everyone is gearing up for a festive season to remember…
It should be the most wonderful time of the year for Samantha and Josh as they prepare for the arrival of their first baby. But life at Hedgehog Hollow rarely goes to plan and the pair are faced with adversaries, old and new, and unexpected challenges to overcome.
Fizz’s job at the heart of the rescue centre is a dream come true but her personal life is more like a nightmare. With her love life a disaster and her past about to dramatically catch up with her, she needs the love and support of her Hedgehog Hollow family more than ever.
As the snow falls over Hedgehog Hollow, will Samantha and Fizz find the Christmas miracle they need to overcome their heartache and find happiness?
Top 10 bestseller Jessica Redland welcomes you back to Hedgehog Hollow this Christmas for the final time in this series for a heartfelt story of love, family, friendship – and hedgehogs of course!
My Thoughts
Warm, witty and entertaining! I have read so many books by this author and loved them all. You better believe when I see she has a new book out I scoop it right up to read.
Christmas Miracles at Hedgehog Hollow is the wrap-up of the Hedge Hollow series. There are six books in this series. I’d advise you to read the other books in the series and we see quite a few of the characters in previous books featured and you’d need to know their back story to fully enjoy this book.
Some may say rom-coms are fluff and non-substantial. To this I say, not true at all. This book while warm and very festive touches on some pretty serious subjects that the author sensitively addresses. She also has a note in her book addressing this.
It was fun doing a catch up with the characters and seeing how things are progressing with them. I really enjoyed reading the facts about the hedgehogs and about their rescues. One even gave birth 🙂
I’ve already read several more books by this author since this has published and I’ll be looking forward to reading many more as they publish. Pub Date 06 Sep 2022 I was given a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
The Author
Thank you so much for looking at one of my books and a very warm welcome to two gorgeous Yorkshire settings: Whitsborough Bay on the North Yorkshire coast and Hedgehog Hollow on the Yorkshire Wolds.
I write uplifting stories of love and friendship. You’ll meet some new friends who’ll raise a smile and perhaps draw a few tears. I adore my characters so, if you do find yourself reaching for the tissues, don’t worry because I promise I will never leave them without a heartwarming happy ending.
All my books work as complete standalone stories but some are part of a series and others are connected. The Welcome to Whitsborough Bay series and the Hedgehog Hollow series are best enjoyed when read in order and, if taking a trip to Castle Street at Christmas, I’d recommend Christmas at Carly’s Cupcakes before Starry Skies Over The Chocolate Pot Café.
I hope you decide to dive in and that you enjoy your visit to Yorkshire. Thanks again for looking.
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