Hi, and welcome to my Flashback Friday feature 🙂

On the first Friday of each month I like to look back at the books I was reading during the same month in previous years since starting my blog.

Please do join in if you have the time. I’d love to see your posts. I wonder if we have any books in common!?

Here are my reviews from May 2021 (+ a link to previous May FBFs) –

#FlashbackFriday May 2021 with Alison Lingwood @MrsAmandaProwse @esthernewton201 @AliceMay_Author @RachelAmphlett @ChristinaBanach @maya___berger & @keefstuart #bookreviews

Have you read any of the above?

Welcome to the café on Marigold Marina, where the smell of freshly baked cakes fills the air and the boats bob merrily in the mellow evening sun. But will an unexpected meeting mean the chance to love again or a broken heart?

When Rosie inherits the café on Marigold Marina after her husband’s tragic death, she is determined to pour her heart into his dream. Nine months later, as she serves coffee and cakes to customers, she is all smiles and laughter. But when the sunshine-yellow doors of the café are closed, she allows her heart to break all over again.

Rosie doesn’t have much room in her life for anything but the café. But when Kit, the mysterious owner of a bookshop barge, starts to come by regularly for lunch, she finds it difficult to ignore his dark eyes, dishevelled curls and the fact that he has his own sorrows. Rosie finds it easy to talk to Kit and as they swim together in the sparkling marina waters she hopes she can help Kit the way he has helped her.

But just as she is letting herself open her heart, she learns the shocking secret that the husband she loved for so many years kept hidden from her. And when she discovers that Kit is hiding things too, she fears she has been foolish to trust again. Should she close her café and move away from the marina? Or take a risk and give love another chance?

An absolutely gorgeous and heartwarming read about what can happen when you leave your comfort zone and listen to your heart. Fans of Shari Low, Heidi Swain and Nicola May will fall in love with The Café at Marigold Marina.

The Café at Marigold Marina

by Tilly Tennant 

My review

The Café at Marigold Marina is such a gorgeous read! I LOVED it! Not that I’m surprised, of course, because all Tilly Tennant’s books are beautifully written stories, set in beautiful places, and are full of characters you fall in love with.

Rosie is such a lovely character. I really felt for her. I can’t even imagine being widowed at such a young age. Any age must be devastating. It doesn’t bare thinking about. To face running a business all alone after such a tragedy would be far too much for me to handle, I think. I take my hat off to her. Especially as we learn more about her husband as the story progresses. He made me really cross. I don’t think I’ve ever disliked a deceased character so much before. However, they say everything happens for a reason and Rosie was obviously destined to find herself running her café alone. It was never going to be easy, but are there brighter days ahead?

Kit is the most adorable character. I think I fell for him myself! He adds such charm to this story. He has had, and still has, his own struggles. You can’t help but like him and want him to find happiness. He’s obviously quite easy on the eye too, which never hurts 😉

I loved the new friendships Rosie develops amongst her fellow business owners and her assistant. I loved the setting of this book too. It sounds like an amazing place to live and work.

I love the close relationship Rosie shares with her parents also.

I was happily swept away with Rosie’s story. It’s an emotional one, but heart-warming and ultimately uplifting. I can’t imagine anyone not loving it!

What other reviewers are saying about The Café at Marigold Marina:

‘I was completelyhooked by the end of the first pageand had it finished in a few hours! It is such a fabulous read that will pull on your heart strings and lighten your heart all in one go! Love, loved, LOVED it! Would definitely recommend!!’ Stardust Book Reviews, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘This has to be one of my favourite books by Tilly Tennant. It really got under my skin and into my heart… A fabulous story of friendship, family and secrets with a great cast of characters… A real heartwarmer this one, it got me so emotional too… I LOVED it!!’ StefLoz Book Blog, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘A brilliant rollercoaster of a ride… I read this book in one sitting in less than a day and loved every minute of it. A can’t-put-down book!… I read late into to the night because I just had to know what the ending was going to be.’ Netgalley reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘What a beautifully written story… This is a “can’t go to sleep because I want to know what happens next” book and even after the last page I’m still thinking about Rosie.’ NetGalley reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘What an enchanting read! I felt like I’d moved to Marigold Marina myself… A perfect book that kept me entertained all the way through.’ Goodreads reviewer

‘What a charming, feel-good sort of book! This was a lovely weekend read and certainly makes me want to read more by this author in the future. Recommended!’ The Princess and the Pen

Treat yourself

happy reading!

A new start can come from the most unexpected places…

It’s been years since Lizzie Lockhart spoke to her parents. But she was safe in the knowledge she knew everything about them. Once upon a time, they were as close as could be. Until they weren’t.

After receiving the earth-shattering news of their passing, Lizzie decides it’s time to unearth some family secrets and find out just who her parents really were… starting with Streamside Cottage. A cottage Lizzie never knew existed, in a place she’s never heard of: the beautiful English village of Leafton.

Leaving behind London, and the tattoo parlour she called home, Lizzie finds herself moving to the countryside. Faced with a tight-lipped community, who have secrets of their own, Lizzie is at a loss for what to do, until her rather handsome neighbour, Ben, steps in to help.

As Lizzie finally begins to piece together the puzzle of her family history she realises she has to confront the truth of the past in order to face her future.

Summer Secrets at Streamside Cottage

by Samantha Tonge 

My review

Summer Secrets at Streamside Cottage is a brilliant read. I absolutely LOVED it!

Lizzie is an instantly likeable character who recently lost both of her parents in a tragic accident. They were estranged which makes things even more difficult to deal with. When she discovers her parents owned a property in the countryside, she leaves her home in London to see if she can find any real reason her once close relationship with them had broken down without any room for discussion. It can’t just be because she had decided to train as a tattooist or because they didn’t like her boyfriend at the time, surely. How come they never told her about this cottage in Leafton? What else did she not know about her parents?

I thoroughly enjoyed Lizzie’s story. I was drawn in from the very beginning and found myself as desperate as she was to find out the truth behind her parent’s overprotective behaviour and their odd reaction to her choice of profession.

I love how Lizzie instantly felt at home in the cottage. It does sound idyllic. I know I’d prefer to live somewhere like that rather than in the middle of London.

I love how she has an instant connection with Ben, her neighbour and postie.

I love Taz!

I love how the community welcomes her but at the same time seem to be harbouring secrets of their own. Why will no one tell her what they know about this cottage and its history?

It’s such an intriguing mystery. One that certainly kept me turning those pages. My heart truly went out to Lizzie when she finally finds out the truth.

Such a heart-wrenching tale with a heart-warming conclusion.

I very much recommend!

happy reading!

FROM THE #1 INTERNATIONAL BESTSELLING AUTHOR OF HOLY ISLAND AND IMPOSTOR

THE ONE THAT GOT AWAY…

When a cantankerous old woman dies at her home in the sleepy, picturesque village of Bamburgh, DCI Ryan doesn’t think much of it—except, that is, for the small matter of it having been his wife who happened to find her body. Then another body turns up amongst the sand dunes at the base of the mighty castle fortress, and he decides it can’t be a coincidence…

Meanwhile, after a recent revelation about her sister, DC Melanie Yates’ quest to avenge her death is becoming an obsession—much to the concern of those around her. With a new DCS to contend with and hundreds of cold case files to sift through, the chances of uncovering a dormant killer seem unlikely. But as Melanie delves deeper into the secrets of the past to uncover the truth, she soon realises it lies much closer to home…

Murder and mystery are peppered with romance and humour in this fast-paced crime whodunnit, set amidst the spectacular Northumbrian landscape.

“LJ Ross keeps company with the best mystery writers” – The Times

“A literary phenomenon” – Evening Chronicle

Bamburgh: A DCI Ryan Mystery (The DCI Ryan Mysteries Book 19) 

by LJ Ross 

My review

Bamburgh is another excellent read in the DCI Ryan series. Honestly, these books just get better and better. I love catching up with Ryan, Frank, and the team. They are such a lovable bunch. I know I’ve said it many times before, but I do talk about them like they are real people. I have recently got my Mum-in-law addicted to these books also and she feels the same. We chat about them together now. My husband thinks we’re a bit nuts. Lol!

It is my mission to convert everyone (who isn’t already) into Ryan fans!

This book ticks all the boxes for me.

I love the police procedural aspect.

I love the mystery, the tension, the suspense.

I love how invested I am in these characters. My heart truly went out to DC Melanie Yates, and I was terrified for her.

A certain other character made my skin crawl.

I love the setting of this book, and the series as a whole.

I love how Dr Gregory features in this book.

I love the romance and the humour. Frank always makes me giggle. I love the banter between him and Ryan.

If you haven’t read this yet you are in for a real treat and if you haven’t read any of the series yet, then you really should. Treat yourself!

Another easy five stars for me. I highly recommend!

Available now….

happy reading!

Come and meet Issy Randall, proud owner of The Cupcake Café.

Issy Randall can bake. No, more than that – Issy can create stunning, mouth-wateringly divine cakes. After a childhood spent in her beloved Grampa Joe’s bakery, she has undoubtedly inherited his talent.

When she’s made redundant from her safe but dull City job, Issy decides to seize the moment. Armed with recipes from Grampa, and with her best friends and local bank manager fighting her corner, The Cupcake Café opens its doors. But Issy has absolutely no idea what she’s let herself in for. It will take all her courage – and confectionery – to avert disaster . . .

Meet Me at The Cupcake Café

by Jenny Colgan 

My review

Meet Me at The Cupcake Café is a gorgeous read!

It is the first book I’ve read by Jenny Colgan, but it certainly won’t be the last!

Issy is a lovely character. I liked her from the very start. What she sees in Graeme I will never know! He’s infuriating. Issy deserves so much better than him.

When Issy finds she is to be made redundant from her administrative job she wonders whatever she will do. How will she pay her mortgage etc. What Issy can do though, and do incredibly well, is bake. She had the best teacher in her grandfather who is sadly now in declining health and being cared for in a nursing home. After much soul searching Issy decides to completely change her life by opening a little Cupcake Café in a quiet little courtyard complex of old buildings. It does sound delightful, but not everyone is convinced it will work out, least of all Graeme. She has the support of her closest friend though (and the bank) and she is determined to give it her best shot. I was rooting for her the whole time, and I loved seeing how she turned this neglected little property into a warm, welcoming café. I’d love something like that in our village.

I love how Issy turns her passion into a successful business. I so admire her bravery.

I love how she fights when her livelihood is threatened by greed, and how all those around her fight with her.

I love the friendships she develops with her staff.

I love her friendship with Helena.

I love the close relationship Issy shares with her Grandad and my heart broke for her as she comes to terms with him not getting any better. I know how devastating that is.

I love the romance, which again is far from straight forward.

This is such an uplifting story, which warmed my heart and left me with a huge smile on my face.

I loved every page!

I also love that there are delicious cake recipes throughout this book. Such a sweet tale, in every sense.

I highly recommend and I will be adding Jenny Colgan’s other books to my TBR list.

Treat yourself….

happy reading 🙂

“The savagely funny debut novel”

Constance Anderson is a scriptwriter… without a script. But this isn’t a problem until, by random stroke of fate the Hollywood diva Jennifer Roberts announces on American primetime television that Constance is writing her next movie.

This is news to Constance; how the hell did that happen? She is jettisoned to fame overnight and faces a race against time to write the script. With the help of an unscrupulous ‘agent’ and a hostile ghost writer, Constance battles her way to Hollywood through the onslaught of social media, trolls, a philandering boyfriend, and leaked naked photographs…

Social media paves the way for an unknown scriptwriter in a comedy of misunderstandings and miscreants, and finally an ounce of good luck.

Anti-Social Media

by Kate Beth Heywood 

Anti-Social Media has been waiting ever so patiently on my kindle since I purchased it in 2016! I’m glad I finally got the chance to read it as it was good fun.

It tells the tale of Constance, a wannabe script writer, who finds herself suddenly famous when actress Jennifer Roberts, who has millions of followers on Twitter but follows no-one herself accidentally follows Constance back leaving the world to wonder what is so special about her. To make matters worse, to save face in an interview, Jennifer confesses to being a huge fan of Constance and reveals she has read her screenplay and can’t wait to star in her film!

Hilarious!

Jennifer is the true definition of Diva and not at all likeable to be honest. I wouldn’t be working for her for long!

I can’t make my mind up if I liked Constance or not. It must have been quite overwhelming to suddenly be thrust into the public eye though. I loved the dynamic of her quickly formed professional relationships with her ‘agent’ and ghost writer, Jill.

Laugh out loud funny at times. I really enjoyed it!

buy your copy here….

happy reading 🙂

The Watcher by Lisa Sell

The Watcher is a psychological thriller that will keep you hooked from the first page until the last…

What the reviewers are saying about The Watcher:

★★★★★

If you’re looking for something to keep you gripped, read this.

★★★★★

I have never read a book by this author, but I will definitely read more.

★★★★★

Such an intense, chilling, and spooky novel.

★★★★★

The plotline is superb, and the characters are brilliant and really help carry the story forward.

★★★★★

It had me captivated until the end. An easy, fast-paced read.

Harmony House has a voyeur. Someone with hidden cameras throughout the building. The residents are unaware they’re being watched, especially the ones up to no good.

I spy with my little eye; someone is going to die…

Publication Date: April 20, 2022

Available to Pre-order now!

Here’s the universal buying link:

http://mybook.to/LisaSellTheWatcher

About the Author

Lisa Sell is a thriller, crime, and mystery author. She is an avid reader with a to-be-read tower rather than a pile.

Music rocks Lisa’s world too, particularly a good eighties tune. If lost, you’ll find her in a DeLorean, headed for her favourite decade.

Lisa’s cats try to help her write but often fail. The furry pests demand attention and desk space. Lisa is currently applying for cat wrangling to be recognised as an Olympic sport.

Find out more about Lisa and her books in the following places:

Website: http://www.lisasell.co.uk

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/lisasellwriter

Twitter: @LisaLisax31

Instagram: www.instagram.com/lisasellwriter/

Red Dragon Publishing:

Twitter:

@RedDragonbooks / @ConradJones / @emmamitchellfpr

Instagram:

@conradjones3 / @emitch101

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/Reddragonpublishing.info

https://www.facebook.com/EDMCreatingPerfection

https://www.facebook.com/conradjonesauthorpage

Hi, and welcome to my Flashback Friday feature 🙂

On the first Friday of each month I like to have a look back at the books I was reading during the same month in previous years, since starting my blog.

Please do join in if you have the time. I’d love to see your posts!

Here are my reviews from April 2021, plus a link to previous FBFs….

#FlasbackFriday April 2021 with @mickwilliamsau2 @ClaraVal @LanaGraceRiva @LLaaksoWriter @TillyTenWriter @burgess1012 & Stephen Anthony Brotherton