Book picks similar to
The Beachside Sweet Shop by Karen Clarke
chick-lit
romance
netgalley
fiction
A Place to Hide
Sheila Norton - 2017
Pursued by the demons left by her ex-boyfriend, she takes refuge in quiet Crickleford, a sleepy town in Dartmoor, where she can lay low.Life in Crickleford is quiet and peaceful, but it won’t be for long if people discover the truth about Emma’s past. Not wanting to make too much of a fuss, she ends up lying about why she's there - she's looking after some cats, she says - then suddenly the town’s new ‘pet-sitter’ is in high demand!While looking after an Alsatian, Emma finds all attention is on her, and the handsome young reporter from the local paper takes an interest in her story...Note: this is part one of a four-part serialised novel. The full length paperback will be available in April 2018
Meet Me at the Cupcake Café
Jenny Colgan - 2011
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. So when she's made redundant from her safe but dull City job, Issy decides to seize the moment and open up her own cafe.
The Lost Wife
Anna Mansell - 2017
Then she meets Ed, recently widowed and with a new baby, and is compelled to help him and his son.Ed is struggling to cope, and his friends and family all tiptoe around his grief. Rachel is the only one who sees him as more than just a widower, and the pair soon grow close.Then Rachel discovers something Ed’s wife was hiding from him – something that changes everything. But she knows that memories of lost loved ones are precious, and should be protected at all costs…Can Rachel help Ed learn to live in a world where his wife is no longer around to tell her side of the story? And can Ed help Rachel to finally open her heart to a happy future?Since You’ve Been Gone is a compelling and poignant story about love, loss, and family secrets, perfect for fans of Jojo Moyes, Dani Atkins, and Kelly Rimmer.
A Song for Tomorrow
Alice Peterson - 2017
He realises that being with her will not be easy, but she is a force of nature, a burst of sunlight in his otherwise ordinary world. Some people might look at Alice and think she has everything, but Alice knows she is not like other women. Her life is complicated, unpredictable, difficult. Alice does not like pity. All she wants to do – all she's ever wanted to do – is sing. Alice has been told not to follow her dreams. So has Tom. But when fate has already dealt a tough hand, it’s time to stop listening to everyone else and follow their hearts . . .‘A heart-wrenching read ... A moving story of an extraordinary young woman and the triumph of her spirit against huge odds’
SUNDAY EXPRESS
'It's impossible to get to the end of this powerful and poignant story without a lump in the throat’ SUNDAY MIRROR ‘An extraordinary story that goes straight to the heart. Alice Peterson celebrates her namesake with great understanding and skill, acknowledging the frailties and strengths, the ambitions and the talent of an amazing young woman’ JANET ELLIS, author of THE BUTCHER'S HOOK'What a beautiful, passionate story. I couldn’t physically put the book down… I had to keep on reading’ ALICE BEER‘Touching and vivid… A book that will live on in the hearts of many’ CASILDA GRIGG ‘Brought Alice's soul to life. This book had me in tears, my favourite book of the year' LIZZY WARD THOMAS ‘An emotional, uplifting page-turner, inspired by the true story of the singer, Alice Martineau, that celebrates making every moment in life count, and never giving up’ JO CHARRINGTON, CAPITOL RECORDS 'If you read nothing else this year, please read this book! You won’t regret it' Reading between the pages... (blog)
Blueprints
Barbara Delinsky - 2015
Not only do they enjoy their relationship as mother and daughter, they're in business together as the team that fronts the popular home renovation show Gut It! All is well with these two strong women, but when the network tells Caroline that Jamie is to replace her as host, Caroline feels betrayed by her daughter and old in the eyes of the world.Jamie is unsettled by the cast change and devastated by her mother's anger, but she has little time to brood when a tragic accident leaves her two-year-old half-brother in her care. Accustomed to a life of order and precision, Jamie suddenly finds herself out of her depth, grappling with a toddler who misses his parents and a fiancé who doesn't want the child.Amid such devastation, Caroline and Jamie find themselves revising the blueprints they've built their lives around. With loyalties shifting and decisions looming, mother and daughter need each other; but the rift between them is proving difficult to mend. As the women try to remake themselves and rebuild their relationship with each other, they discover that strength and even passion can come from the unlikeliest places. For Caroline, it's an old friend, whose efforts to seduce her awaken desires that have been dormant for so long that she feels foreign to herself. For Jamie, it's a staggering new attraction that allows her to breathe again-and breathe deeply-for the first time in forever.A riveting novel from a master storyteller, Barbara Delinsky's Blueprints reminds us that sometimes love appears when we least expect it, and when we need it most.
A Rural Affair
Catherine Alliott - 2011
When a freak cycling accident takes out her Lycra -- wearing husband, Poppy can't help but feel relieved rather than distraught.But when a mysterious visitor arrives after the funeral bearing secrets about her husband, Poppy quickly learns that Phil was not exactly the man she thought he was -- and she might not be the woman she thought she was, either.International bestselling author Catherine Alliott crafts an endearing and quirky "what if" story that will make your heart sing as you follow Poppy on her unforgettable journey.
Breakfast Under a Cornish Sun
Samantha Tonge - 2016
Except she’s suddenly got one big reason to panic! She RSVP’d ‘yes’ to the Queen Bee of her high school’s wedding saying she’s bringing her boyfriend (she doesn’t have one) who looks just like Ross Poldark!With only two weeks to find the Poldark look-alike of her dreams Kate is under a lot of pressure for the Cornish coast to deliver…A hilarious and moving romantic novel from bestselling author, Samantha Tonge. A must-read this summer!
The Summer House in Santorini
Samantha Parks - 2019
From a failed relationship, her ruined career and her complicated family life.On the island of Santorini, with its picturesque villas and blue-tiled roofs, and the turquoise waters of the Mediterranean washing away her sadness, Anna has never felt more alive.And then there is gorgeous, mysterious Niko. Will Anna lose her heart in more ways than one?
The Beekeeper's Daughter
Santa Montefiore - 2014
The only child of the beekeeper, she knows her place and her future - until her father dies unexpectedly and leaves her bereft and alone. Alone, that is, except for the man she loves, whom she knows she can never have.Massachusetts, 1973: Grace's beautiful, impetuous daughter Trixie Valentine is in love. Jasper is wild and romantic, a singer in a band on the brink of stardom. Then tragedy strikes and he must return to his home in England, promising to come back to Trixie one day, if only she will wait for him…Weighed down by memories, unaware of the secrets that bind them, both mother and daughter are searching for lost love. To find what they are longing for they must confront the past, and unravel the lies told long ago…
Little Teashop of Horrors
Jane Lovering - 2017
A rating.
Secrets, lies, carrot cake – and an owl called Skrillex! Amy Knowles has always been the plain sidekick to her pretty best friend Jules. And whilst the tearoom they both work in on the Monkpark Hall estate in Yorkshire is not exactly awash with eligible bachelors, it’s obvious where the male attention is concentrated – and it’s not just on the cakes! There is one man who notices Amy. Joshua Wilson also works at Monkpark, where he flies his birds of prey for visitor entertainment. He lives a lonely existence but he has reasons for choosing isolation – and, in Amy, he may have found somebody who understands. Then a management change brings slick and well-spoken Edmund Evershott to Monkpark. He’s interested in Amy too, but for what reason? Josh suspects the new manager is up to no good – but will Amy? Because Edmund could leave her with much worse than a broken heart … Another wonderful quirky, fun novel from this award-winning author. Sit back, grab the chocolate, you're in for a real treat! What people are saying: I’m a totally unashamed fan of Jane Lovering’s writing. It’s always a teeny bit quirky, romance with perfectly judged humour that has you laughing out loud at times, but often with a surprising edge of darkness. And this book – well, I’m delighted to tell you that it’s up there with her very best. Welsh Annie, Top 500 Reviewer. The Little Teashop of Horrors is one of those oh so rare reads that I didn’t want it to end. If I could analyse why I couldn’t put it down I’d say, in this case, it’s the characters and the writer’s voice that are so appealing. Sue Roebuck. Jane Lovering really knows how to write a story that will have you wrapped up in the lives of her characters, following them through their problems and cheering on their triumphs. A perfect read to leave you smiling. Joanne, Portobello Book Blog. A delight from start to finish, Little Teashop of Horrors is the perfect book to dive into this spring! 5 Stars! Sorcha at Old Victorian Quill I promise you a story full of romance, laughs, heartache, cake, drama and an amazing owl called Skrillex! And just look at that cover!! So inviting!! Karen at Bookkaz What a fabulous book. I loved every minute and once started, I couldn't put it down and I certainly didn't want it to end. Lynda Stacey, best-selling author of House of Secrets.
The Cottage on Lily Pond Lane - New Beginnings: Part One
Emily Harvale - 2018
Mia Ward is amazed to be told she has inherited her great-aunt Matilda’s thatched cottage in the tiny seaside village of Little Pondale – especially as Mia didn’t know she had a great-aunt Matilda. She’s even more astonished to discover she’ll only inherit the place if she actually lives there for one year. Mia’s a city girl at heart, not to mention she’s afraid of water, so the fact the cottage backs on to a sandy beach, is not, in her opinion, a bonus. But Mia’s struggling to pay her rent since being fired for inappropriate behaviour at the office party, and her boyfriend’s also dumped her. When her best friend, Ella and Ella’s brother, Garrick offer to help her move and settle in, Mia decides to see this as a new beginning. It may also be the start of an exciting adventure because now Mia wants to know just who, exactly, was great-aunt Matilda. And she’s determined to find out. But it soon becomes clear that someone is trying to make sure Mia doesn’t stay in Little Pondale….
Far From Over
Sheila O'Flanagan - 2000
Gemma ended it and chose to be a single mother rather than continue the pretence that her marriage to work-obsessed David Hennessy was working. So why is she so upset when he marries bimbo Orla O'Neill? Is it that Orla's thin and gorgeous whilst Gemma at 35 feels more like 55? Or that David's starting a new life whilst she's facing middle age alone? For Orla being wife no. 2 isn't all she's imagined, always aware of how Gemma coped with a house, family and job while she can't even cook dinner without setting the kitchen alight. To David, who has loved them both, there isn't a problem. But the trouble's just begun...
Our Secrets and Lies
Sinéad Moriarty - 2018
But when she found herself alone and pregnant with twins, she knew she had to abandon her studies to raise her children. Even if it meant losing someone she loves … Now as a mother to 17 year olds, Lucy is determined they will have all the opportunities she missed out on, and that they won’t make the same mistakes she made. But what if her dreams for her children aren’t what they really want? Is she forcing her children to live her life for her? Might Lucy actually be pushing the children for whom she gave up everything, to their breaking points? As her beautiful and sensitive daughter Kelly contemplates the unthinkable, Lucy’s secrets are finally revealed and she is forced to face up to some difficult home truths. Can Lucy give up her dreams to let her children find their own? And will her secrets bring her family closer together or push them further apart? If you love Jodi Picoult, Jojo Moyes and Nicholas Sparks, you’ll love this heart-breaking novel from Sinéad Moriarty. Our Secrets and Lies is a gripping story of motherhood and love and will have you hooked until the very last page. What readers are saying about Sinéad Moriarty: ‘One of the best books I have ever read! This is a must read! A wonderful book of family, love and relationships… I read the whole book in one sitting, forgetting everything I had to do!’ Goodreads Reviewer ‘Heart-wrenching … I loved everything about this book. Sinéad Moriarty is fast becoming a favorite author of mine … a fabulous read.’ Write-Escape ‘A real page turner. This emotionally charged book had me reaching for the tissues.’ Just Book Talk ‘Heart-warming and heartbreaking, Sinead Moriarty has written a winner.’ Women’s Way magazine ‘I love this author – she never disappoints!’ Renita D’Silva ‘OMG! I’m an emotional wreck after reading this novel, probably not helped by the fact that I pulled an all-nighter to finish it ... I just could not put it down.’ RTE review ‘Heartfelt and deeply moving … I couldn't put it down.’ Susan Lewis 'Intriguing and thought-provoking ... a great read.' Katie Fforde ‘Moriarty has written an extremely emotional novel which only increases in intensity as the novel progresses.’ Goodreads Reviewer ‘There are so many words that can be used to describe this book, but the best one would have to be BRILLIANT!!! I could not put this book down until the very end.’ Goodreads Reviewer ‘A powerful read that will leave you hooked.’ Goodreads Reviewer ‘First book I've read by this author. I loved her story telling.’ Goodreads Reviewer ‘Sensational. It completely blew me away and was everything I thought it would be and more.’ Han’s Book Reviews
Lucy's Little Village Book Club
Emma Davies - 2017
Forever single and frustrated with her studies she gives up everything to run a little library in the leafy village of Tilley Moreton. Lucy loves reading almost as much as she loves fixing other people’s problems, so starting a book club seems like the perfect opportunity to do both. As she meets her new members, it’s clear she’s going to have her work cut out for her. Handsome but silent Callum is the biggest puzzle of them all... But Lucy’s meddling begins to cause more problems than it solves, and no one is more surprised than Lucy when Callum steps in to help. Could there be more to him than people think? As Callum and Lucy start working together to fix the broken hearts of the library’s most loyal customers, the first sparks of romance begin to fly. Can they right all the trouble Lucy has created, and might there be a chance for a happy ending of their own?
Buzzing Easter Bunnies
Nick Spalding - 2014
From Both Sides and its sequels Love... And Sleepless Nights & Love... Under Different Skies. Every story needs a decent climax... There are plenty of things Christina Barclay would like to do before she hits thirty at Easter. Having an orgasm with somebody else in the room is most definitely one of them.Up to now, her love life has been sorely lacking in the toe-curling department - but luckily for Christina, she's just started dating Matthew Adrian Bunion, a man whose bedroom inexperience is more than made up for by his never-ending enthusiasm. Mr Bunion will not rest until his new girlfriend is satisfied - no matter what the cost in rechargeable batteries, physical injury or public embarrassment.From the best-selling author of BLUE CHRISTMAS BALLS and LOVE... FROM BOTH SIDES, this is the story of one woman and one man on an epic quest to come together, and celebrate an Easter birthday in style.This is a 24,000 word novella - about 115 pages in paperback.