One Perfect Christmas by Paige Toon

*****5 stars
I absolutely adore this author. She can't write them fast enough for me. I was excited to see this short story in time for the holidays and it was everything I was hoping for and more. I do wish it was longer ;) This is an add-on from One Perfect Summer which I loved. It gives you a brief look at the couple and how they are making out. Don't miss it, especially if you loved One Perfect Summer.

Book Jacket Summary:
One Perfect Christmas picks up with Alice and Joe one year on… He's a bigger star than ever, and Alice has managed to maintain her anonymity. But how long can that last? Will this be their first - and last - perfect Christmas? And where is Lukas?

Snuggle up in front of the fire to read this magical wintery short story about what happened next…

Babycakes (Cupcake Club) by Donna Kauffman

****4 stars
This is the 3rd installment in the Cupcake Club series and just as great as the previous ones. I absolutely adore these books. They are as sweet as the covers look :) I love how we revisit the old characters and they are all intertwined. Can't wait to see when her next book in this series will come.

Book Jacket Summary:
It's Christmas on Georgia's charming Sugarberry Island - and there's no better time to enjoy delicious confections...and the sweet thrill of falling in love...Molten Chocolate...Cinnamon Spice...Gingerbread...Old-Fashioned Vanilla...You can't stop at just one. And the women of the Cupcake Club love to indulge...Kit Bellamy was raised on pie. Mamie Sue's "Peanut Pies", to be exact, the family company her scheming brother-in-law sold out from under her. Now Kit needs a new recipe for her life - and sleepy Sugarberry Island is the first ingredient. Running mail-order cupcake business Babycakes is a chance to get her baking on again - until she meets tall, dark, and adorable lawyer Morgan Westlake. New to the island to raise his goddaughter, he's as mouth-watering as any of Kit's creations. It's just her luck that he's the spawn of the very law firm that helped crush her dreams...Fortunately, Kit's new friends can assure her that Morgan is no typical Westlake - and that even lawyers, not to mention single dads, need romance. If Kit can just be persuaded to follow her appetite - and set another place at her holiday table - her sweetest dreams just might come true...

Me Before You by Jojo Moyes

****4 stars
My first Jojo Moyes book but definitely not my last. Truly amazing story. I have never read anything quite like this, as I wouldn't call this your normal Chick lit because the issues that are tackled are so much more than normal story lines. I found myself immediately taken in by this book and was sad to see it end. Awesome. I am gonna have to look into more of Moyes books.

Book Jacket Summary:
Lou Clark knows lots of things. She knows how many footsteps there are between the bus stop and home. She knows she likes working in The Buttered Bun tea shop and she knows she might not love her boyfriend Patrick.
What Lou doesn't know is she's about to lose her job or that knowing what's coming is what keeps her sane.
Will Traynor knows his motorcycle accident took away his desire to live. He knows everything feels very small and rather joyless now and he knows exactly how he's going to put a stop to that.
What Will doesn't know is that Lou is about to burst into his world in a riot of colour. And neither of them knows they're going to change the other for all time.

THe Mystery of Mercy Close by Marian Keyes

****4 stars
I absolutely adore Marian Keyes. I was so looking forward to reading this book,I love the writing style of Keyes and the humor she injects into her Walsh books. It has been a while since we have been updated on the Walsh Family goings on. I really enjoyed this book. It wasn't my favorite Walsh sister book, but enjoyable all the same :)

Book Jacket Summary:
Helen Walsh doesn't believe in fear - it's just a thing invented by men to get all the money and good jobs - and yet she's sinking. Her work as a Private Investigator has dried up, her flat has been repossessed and now some old demons have resurfaced.
Not least in the form of her charming but dodgy ex-boyfriend Jay Parker, who shows up with a missing persons case. Money is tight and Jay is awash with cash, so Helen is forced to take on the task of finding Wayne Diffney, the 'Wacky One' from boyband Laddz.
Things ended messily with Jay. And she's never going back there. Besides she has a new boyfriend now, the very sexy detective Artie Devlin and it's all going well. But the reappearance of Jay is stirring up all kinds of stuff she thought she'd left behind.
Playing by her own rules, Helen is drawn into a dark and glamorous world, where her worst enemy is her own head and where increasingly the only person she feels connected to is Wayne, a man she's never even met.

Mammy Walsh's A-Z of the Walsh Family

****4 stars
If you have read any of the Marian Keyes Walsh books, you will know that they are hard to forget. They have always been my go to books when I just wanna read something that I know is good and comforts me. Kinda like your favorite chick flick. So with that being said this is an overview of the family. I believe is was written so you were refreshed before the release of Mystery of Mercy Close.

Book Jacket Description:
For all fans eagerly awaiting Marian Keyes' new novel The Mystery of Mercy Close - featuring Helen Walsh and out in September - here is a laugh-out-loud ebook-only short guide to everyone's favourite dysfunctional Irish family, Mammy Walsh's A-Z of the Walshes.

Frisky Business by Clodagh Murphy

**** 4 stars
My first Clodagh Murphy book and I was completely impressed. This was a fresh, fun and cute story. It had me smiling through out and although you can figure out a some of the plot ahead of time, the journey of reading it was still enjoyable. Can't wait to read another book by her. I hope they are as enjoyable :)

Book Jacket Summary:
Romy Fitzgerald always planned to go the conventional route: boyfriend, marriage, children. Motherhood via cupboard sex at a costume party with a stranger dressed as Darth Vader didn't feature on her to-do list. But when she gives birth to her son Luke nine months later, he turns out to be the best thing that ever happened to her. As Luke gets older however, Romy knows that at some point she's goiong to have to tell him about his father. Trouble is, she never found out 'Darth's' real name. But when an old flame arrives back in her life, the plot thickens. Kit Masterson was always 'the one who got away' and now he's back from New York and seems intent on playing happy families with Romy and Luke. But Kit has his own secrets to hide . . . As Romy begins to wonder if she'll ever find her mystery man from the party, she learns that in real life secrets rarely stay hidden, especially when it comes to love. But will Romy find her dark knight or will she be left to raise Luke (Han) solo?

I Heart London by Lindsey Kelk

***** 5 stars
After reading this new book in the "I Heart" series, I can say that Kelk has not lost ideas for things that can go wrong for Angela. Loved this book as much as the first. I do hope there is another to come, but it was very well wrapped up. I have passed these books to friends as well and they have been equally pleased. If you haven't read, please go back and start at the beginning, you won't be sorry.

Book Jacket Summary:
Special price for one month only! The perfect London read for this summer.
Angela’s back on home turf – and in her biggest romantic scrape yet…
Angela Clark has fallen in love with America – and it’s starting to love her back.
Throw one expired visa into the mix, and things quickly take a turn for the worse.
She might love her life as a Brit in New York, but now she has no choice but to return to London. Not only does she leave behind her gorgeous boyfriend Alex – she must also face unfinished business back on home turf.
There’s the ex-boyfriend – who she moved to New York to get away from.
Then there’s her best friend, with her perfect new baby.
And there’s her mum.
Now, there’s another wedding in the offing – and everyone remembers how well the last one went . . .

Head Over Heels by Jill Shalvis

****4 stars
I really loved Chloe's character through all the books and was anticipating starting this part of the series. Shalvis didn't disappoint. I am at the part now where I question whether I go on to read more in the "Lucky Harbor" series, as the sisters stories have been told but there are more book to read or move on. I guess you will have to wait and see what I decide to do ;)

Book Jacket Summary:
Breaking rules and breaking hearts
Free-spirited Chloe lives life on the edge. Unlike her soon-to-be married sisters, she isn't ready to settle into a quiet life running their family's newly renovated inn. But soon her love of trouble--and trouble with love-draws the attention of the very stern, very sexy sheriff who'd like nothing better than to tame her wild ways.
Suddenly Chloe can't take a misstep without the sheriff hot on her heels. His rugged swagger and his enigmatic smile are enough to make a girl beg to be handcuffed. For the first time, instead of avoiding the law, Chloe dreams of surrender. Can this rebel find a way to keep the peace with the straitlaced sheriff? Or will Chloe's colorful past keep her from a love that lasts . . . and the safe haven she truly wants in a town called Lucky Harbor?

The Sweetest Thing by Jill Shalvis

****4 stars
Another great read in the "Lucky Harbor" series. I wasn't too sure after reading the first book about how I would take to Tara in this book as she seemed much more distant and not as loveable, but found the added plot line really added to her character and found myself sad to see her story end.

Book Jacket Summary:
Two Men Are One Too Many . . .
Tara has a thousand good reasons not to return to the little coastal town of Lucky Harbor, Washington. Yet with her life doing a major crash-and-burn, anywhere away from her unfulfilled dreams and sexy ex-husband will do. As Tara helps her two sisters get their newly renovated inn up and running, she finally has a chance to get things under control and come up with a new plan for her life.
But a certain tanned, green-eyed sailor has his own ideas, such as keeping Tara hot, bothered . . . and in his bed. And when her ex wants Tara back, three is a crowd she can't control-especially when her deepest secret reappears out of the blue. Now Tara must confront her past and discover what she really wants. If she's lucky, she might just find that everything her heart desires is right here in Lucky Harbor.

Simply Irresistible by Jill Shalvis

****4 stars
I started this book and was hoping that it would pull me in as I love spin off books and knew that this was the first book in a series by Jill Shalvis, the "Lucky Harbor"series. I loved this book, it wrapped you up and had me pulled in from the beginning.

Book Jacket Summary:
Maddie Moore's whole life needs a makeover.
In one fell swoop, Maddie loses her boyfriend (her decision) and her job (so not her decision). But rather than drowning her sorrows in bags of potato chips, Maddie leaves L.A. to claim the inheritance left by her free-spirited mother-a ramshackle inn nestled in the little coastal town of Lucky Harbor, Washington.
Starting over won't be easy. Yet Maddie sees the potential for a new home and a new career-if only she can convince her two half-sisters to join her in the adventure. But convincing Tara and Chloe will be difficult because the inn needs a big makeover too.
The contractor Maddie hires is a tall, dark-haired hottie whose eyes-and mouth-are making it hard for her to remember that she's sworn off men. Even harder will be Maddie's struggles to overcome the past, though she's about to discover that there's no better place to call home than Lucky Harbor.

Summer Nights by Allie Spencer

****4 stars
This is a great summer read. You will find that Allie Spencer books are smart and witty and just overall fun, with a bit of romance and a lot of friendship. You will find Flora and her cousin Bella are a duo that can have fun and roll with the punches :)

Book Jacket Summary:
It all goes on in this high-speed read' - Sun 'An exciting and deliciously escapist read' - Closer 'Sizzling' - Daily Express 'The perfect companion to sun, sea and sand, this book has to find its way into your beach bag this summer' - C andis

One Summer by Roisin Meaney

****4 stars
These characters come to life and you find yourself frustrated and trying to steer them straight. The setting is ideal and had me hoping that it truly existed. I love a book like this that you feel the depth and attachment to. This book stayed with me long after I had finished and started a new book. I look forward to anything Roisin does in the future.

Book Jacket Description:
On Roone, an island off the west coast of Ireland, stands a stone cottage by the edge of the sea. The locals are convinced that it brings luck to those who live there and Nell, its current owner, is certain there's something to it. After all, it drew her back to the island from Dublin and it brought her Tim, her fiancé, whom she's set to marry in a few short months. So when Nell decides to rent out the cottage during the summer to raise money for her wedding, deep down she hopes that it will work its magic and attract the right tenants to her home. But as the summer unfolds and Nell's carefully-laid plans for her wedding start to go awry, she begins to question her decision to let out her beloved cottage. As the arrival of each of the tenants brings about unexpected change to the lives of the islanders, Nell is forced to face some home truths about herself and answer one increasingly burning question . . . One thing's for sure, it's a summer on the island that nobody will ever forget.

The Charm Bracelet

***3 stars
I love Melissa Hills writing and was really looking forward to her most recent book. I loved the concept of this book but found it dragged for me at times, it still was a good read but not what I have come to love and anticipate. The characters were all likeable enough and had a good back story, I just didn't feel the attachment or depth I enjoy. I am still a huge fan and look forward to her next book :)

Book Jacket Summary:
Every charm bracelet tells a story and Holly O'Neill knows this better than most. Many years ago she was sent one mysteriously, just a single charm attached. Some time later another charm appeared, and the same happened until the bracelet was almost full. Each charm proved significant, as if her anonymous benefactor knew she needed a little bit of magic in her life. So when Holly stumbles across another bracelet - one that somebody else has lost - she recognises a lifetime spelt out through the charms, and knows she must try to reunite it with its owner. Using each charm to help discover more about the bracelet's owner, Holly gradually begins to piece together details of this other charmed life. And her quest leads her somewhere she never expected...

Fifty Shades Freed: Book Three by E L James

****4 stars After chewing through all three books at a rapid pace and enjoying them here is what I have to offer. I really liked them. I have heard a lot of different things about these books, everyone has an opinion. I wasn't blushed or outraged by the relations between the characters and really liked that there was so many other layers of intensity outside the red room :) I do have to say as a huge fan of Twilight BOOKS! that if you are a fan you probably would enjoy these as well. There were some similarities for me, not just location, adoption, but also the characters behaviors, all the way to the parents. With that being said the plot was very different and although there is a little of everything in these books as well,at times felt that I was reading a grown up Twilight Series. Don't get me wrong I loved every minute of it. I am sincerely hooked to trilogies because you are able to see characters grow and where the author takes them over time. I now have ignored my family for four days solid and burned through a kindle, it is ok though cause Amazon has another one on the way;) But it's back to reality for me. I do know these books will probably be on my mind for a while :)

Book Jacket Summary: When unworldly student Anastasia Steele first encountered the driven and dazzling young entrepreneur Christian Grey it sparked a sensual affair that changed both of their lives irrevocably. Shocked, intrigued, and, ultimately, repelled by Christian’s singular erotic tastes, Ana demands a deeper commitment. Determined to keep her, Christian agrees. Now, Ana and Christian have it all—love, passion, intimacy, wealth, and a world of possibilities for their future. But Ana knows that loving her Fifty Shades will not be easy, and that being together will pose challenges that neither of them would anticipate. Ana must somehow learn to share Christian’s opulent lifestyle without sacrificing her own identity. And Christian must overcome his compulsion to control as he wrestles with the demons of a tormented past. Just when it seems that their strength together will eclipse any obstacle, misfortune, malice, and fate conspire to make Ana’s deepest fears turn to reality.

Fifty Shades Darker: Book Two by E L James

*** 3 stars As I said in my previous post that I dived right in to book 2 after reading the first. I truly don't think you could pick up book two and read it without reading the first book, there are so many different details that make the intimacy of this book. I also did feel it got a bit repetitive at times, but as with the first book found myself in grossed and unable to put the book down. I really liked that the intensity was still there and able to be maintained, and I am not talking about the "**ckery". You truly feel a connection between the characters and find yourself routing them both on.

Book Jacket Summary: Daunted by the singular tastes and dark secrets of the beautiful, tormented young entrepreneur Christian Grey, Anastasia Steele has broken off their relationship to start a new career with a Seattle publishing house. But desire for Christian still dominates her every waking thought, and when he proposes a new arrangement, Anastasia cannot resist. They rekindle their searing sensual affair, and Anastasia learns more about the harrowing past of her damaged, driven and demanding Fifty Shades. While Christian wrestles with his inner demons, Anastasia must confront the anger and envy of the women who came before her, and make the most important decision of her life.

50 Shades of Grey:Book Ones by E L James

****4 stars I picked this up because of all the hype it was getting. I usually tend not to read erotic romance. I have often said that the reason I love my British authors is the intensity without having everything fully laid out by chapter 3 :) With that being said there was an intensity to this book, that wasn't just because of the explicit scenes. You really truly begin to get into the characters and find yourself wondering what will happen next. I will give you one heads up when reading this book, have book number 2 standing by as you will immediately want to dive in ;)

Book Jacket Summary: When literature student Anastasia Steele goes to interview young entrepreneur Christian Grey, she encounters a man who is beautiful, brilliant, and intimidating. The unworldly, innocent Ana is startled to realize she wants this man and, despite his enigmatic reserve, finds she is desperate to get close to him. Unable to resist Ana’s quiet beauty, wit, and independent spirit, Grey admits he wants her, too—but on his own terms. Shocked yet thrilled by Grey’s singular erotic tastes, Ana hesitates. For all the trappings of success—his multinational businesses, his vast wealth, his loving family—Grey is a man tormented by demons and consumed by the need to control. When the couple embarks on a daring, passionately physical affair, Ana discovers Christian Grey’s secrets and explores her own dark desires.

Chocolate Shoes and Wedding Blues by Trisha Ashley

**** 4 stars Another solid read by Trisha Ashley. I really enjoyed the characters as well as the many Cinderella references. I also like how it updated us a bit with the characters from her previous books. If you haven't read them you won't be lost in that aspect but those of you that are an Ashley fan will enjoy hearing the updates and the sense of community you get with these books. I look forward to her next book.

Book Jacket Summary: When Tansy Poole inherits a run-down shoe shop tucked away in the village of Sticklepond, ‘Cinderella’s Slippers’ is born – providing the footwear to make any fairytale wedding come true… Carrying everything a bride would want to walk down the aisle in, Tansy’s shop soon expands to carry shoe-themed wedding favours, bridesmaid gifts and even delicious chocolate shoes. It’s the dream destination for any shoe-lover! If only everything in her personal life could be as heavenly – but with a fiancé trying to make her fit into a size 8 wedding dress, not to mention the recent discovery of disturbing family revelations, Tansy takes refuge in the shop’s success. But one man isn’t thrilled by the stream of customers hot-footing it to Cinderella’s Slippers… Actor Ivo Hawksley, resident of the cottage next to the shop, is troubled by a dark secret in his past and has come to Sticklepond to nurse his own broken heart. However, Ivo realises that he and Tansy have a link in their past and soon, they both find out how secrets shared can make a very strong bond indeed…

One Perfect Summer by Paige Toon

*****5 stars One Perfect day well spent reading :) I chewed through this book in a day. I absolutely adore Paige Toon's books, my only problem is she doesn't churn them out fast enough for me to go through. I have actually finished a book of hers and gone back and reread it not two weeks later, because I missed the characters and book so much. I really enjoyed the storyline and liked the characters. There were a couple times I actually found myself talking back to the book out loud. I am sorry it ended so quickly. This book will be kept on my kindle, for I am sure that I will find my way back to it again.

Book Jacket Summary: 'Do you still love him?' Every second of every minute of every hour of every day...Alice is18 and about to start university while Joe's life is seemingly going nowhere. A Dorset summer, a chance meeting, and the two of them fall into step as if they have known each other forever. But their idyll is shattered, suddenly, unexpectedly. Alice heads off to Cambridge and slowly picks up the pieces of her broken heart. Joe is gone; she cannot find him. When she catches the attention of Lukas - gorgeous, gifted, rich boy Lukas - she is carried along by his charm, swept up in his ambitious plans for a future together. Then Joe is there, once more, but out of reach in a way that Alice could never have imagined. Life has moved on, the divide between them is now so great. Surely it is far too late to relive those perfect summer days of long ago?

Recipe for Love by Katie Fforde

*****5 stars As always Fforde delivers. I have been in a reading slump lately and have lacked the motivation to read. I saw that Fforde's most recent book came out and I immediately downloaded it to my kindle. I was wrapped up in it and feel that it has restored my reading juices. I love all of Katie Fforde's books. This one was simply delectable.

Book Jacket Summary: Take one aspiring cook, one judge, and a spoonful of romance... When Zoe Harper wins a coveted place in a televised cookery competition she's thrilled. It's a chance to cook her way to fame and fortune and the little delicatessen she's set her heart on. The first task has hardly begun when she finds herself with rather too much on her plate. Not only has she got to contend with the fiercely competitive and downright devious Cher, but she's fast developing an inconvenient crush on one of the judges - the truly delicious Gideon Irving. All too soon there's more than canapés, cupcakes and cordon bleu at stake. Will Zoe win the competition or is Gideon one temptation too far? And is Zoe really prepared to risk it all for love?

Sweet Stuff by Donna Kauffman

****4 stars Great Follow up in the cupcake series by Kauffman. Can't wait to read her next one but have to wait til fall. :(

Book Jacket Summary: Double Fudge. . .Toasted Coconut. . .Key Lime. . .Strawberry Cream. . . Every bite is a mouthful of heaven. And the women of the Cupcake Club are bringing their appetites . . . Riley Brown never imagined she would find her bliss on Georgia's quiet Sugarberry Island after years of Chicago's city life. With a new career and fantastic new friends, she's got it all--except for eligible men. But a gig staging a renovated beach house delivers a delicious treat--six feet of blue-eyed, gorgeous writer as delectable and Southern as pecan pie. Quinn Brannigan has come to Sugarberry to finish his latest novel in peace, and suddenly Riley has a taste for the bad boy author that no amount of mocha latte buttercream or lemon mousse will satisfy . . . Riley's friends are rooting for her to give in to her cravings and spice up her life, but it's Quinn who needs to learn that life's menu just might include love, in all its decadent, irresistible flavors. . .

Sugar Rush by Donna Kauffman

****4 stars
Donna Kauffman is always spinning a story you can wrap yourself in and adore and this series has proven a great start once again. I really liked the characters and the cooking as well. I don't look for fiction written on certain subjects like food, but found this book to be very appetizing. :)

P.S. I have already started the second book in this series and am eating it up "sweet Stuff"

Book Jacket Summary:
Devil's Food. . .Angel Cake. . .Red Velvet. . .Praline Crunch. . .Lemon Chiffon. . . How's a woman to choose?
Luckily, the members of the Cupcake Club are about to taste it all. . .
When baker extraordinaire Leilani Trusdale left the bustle of New York City for Georgia's sleepy Sugarberry Island, she didn't expect her past to follow. Yet suddenly, her former boss, Baxter Dunne, aka Chef Hot Cakes, the man who taught her everything pastry, wants to film his hit cooking show in her tiny cupcakery. The same Chef Hot Cakes whose molten chocolate brown eyes and sexy British accent made Lani's mouth water and her cheeks blush the color of raspberry filling--stirring all kinds of kitchen gossip, much of which Lani wished was true. . .
Lani's friends are convinced that this time around, Baxter is the missing ingredient in her recipe for happiness. But convincing Lani will be a job for Baxter himself. And he'll need more than black velvet frosting to sweeten the deal. . .

I Heart Vegas by Lindsey Kelk

*****5 stars
Absolutely love this series and anxiously await the next book, this one was not a disappointment. It holds up to the rest of the series. I actually told a friend that was looking for a good book, to read this. Next time I heard from her a week later, it was to tell me she was angry because in the last week in her spare time she devoured the book and ran her amazon account up on her kindle ;)
You can't go wrong with this series, but I suggest you start from the beginning.

Book Jacket Summary:
Angela Clark loves her life in New York. She a Brit who’s conquered the Big Apple. Unfortunately, she’s also a Brit who’s lost her job. And when, just a couple of weeks before Christmas, the immigration department gets wind of this, Angela needs to find a new job urgently. Or a husband. And she doesn’t think her boyfriend Alex will be keen.A girls’ weekend in Vegas with her best friend Jenny seems the perfect way to forget her troubles. From the minute they arrive Angela is swept up in a whirl of cocktails, outrageous outfits, late nights and brushes with the chapel of love. But rather than escaping trouble, Angela is up to her neck in it….But what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas – right?

A Walk in the Park by Jill Mansell

*** 3 stars
I truly love Jill Mansell. When I first found her as an author I went out and bought every book she wrote and read them back to back. Something about her books, you just chew through them and get completely wrapped up in the plot. With that being said I didn't feel this had the normal Mansell Mojo and it took me a bit longer to really get into. I liked it but just didn't have the normal intensity.

Book Jacket Summary:
A sweet, funny and romantic novel from the Sunday Times No. 1 bestseller. It's been a while, but Lara Carson's back in Bath and lives are set to change as a result. Because Lara left her family and boyfriend Flynn eighteen years ago without a word to anyone. Why has no one heard from her since? Her childhood best friend Evie is thrilled Lara's back and able to share her happiness. Evie's about to walk down the aisle with her dream man, Joel. Or so she thinks... Then there's Flynn Erskine, even more attractive now and stunned to see Lara again. The spark between them is as strong as ever, but how's Flynn going to react when he discovers the secret she's been keeping from him? Oh yes, there's a lot of catching up to be done...

Happily Ever After by Harriet Evans

*** 3 stars
I love all of Harriet Evans books and was sure to download this one when it became available. This was very much unlike her normal books. There was alot of depth to it and it dealt with a very tragic disease of alcoholism and the way it affects a family and their lives. There were some drawn out points but overall it was a good book. A solid read just not the norm for Harriet Evans.

Book Jacket Description:
Absorbing storytelling at its very best, Happily Ever After is the compelling new read from the Sunday Times bestselling author
At twenty-two, Eleanor Bee is sure about three things: she wants to move to London and become a literary superstar, she wants to be able to afford to buy a coffee and croissant every morning, and she doesn’t believe in happy endings. She saw what divorce did to her parents, especially her mum: happily ever after’s fine on the last page of a book, but it just doesn’t happen in real life.
Elle moves to London. She gets a job at Bluebird Books, a charmingly old-fashioned publishers. She falls out of pubs, wears too-short skirts, makes lots of mistakes and feels like she’s learning nothing and everything at the same time. And then, out of the blue, she falls in love, and that’s when she realises just how much growing up she has to do…
Ten years on, and Elle’s life has changed in ways she could never have predicted. Because no matter where you go and how much you try to run away, the past has a funny way of catching up with you, and Happily Ever After comes in all shapes and sizes…

Watching Willow Watts by Talli Roland

***3 stars
I see that this book has gotten pretty great reviews. I liked the book but it took me some time to get into, which for Tali Roland is different for me. Let me also say that I have had so much going that I had to put the book down for a good amount of time and pick back up. I am definitely gonna come back and reread it again, as I said it was a great read, just a slow starter.

Book Jacket Description:
For Willow Watts, life has settled into a predictably dull routine: days behind the counter at her father's antique shop and nights watching TV, as the pension-aged residents of Britain's Ugliest Village bed down for yet another early night. But everything changes when a YouTube video of Willow's epically embarrassing Marilyn Monroe impersonation gets millions of hits after a viewer spots Marilyn's ghostly image in a frame.
Instantly, Willow's town is overrun with fans flocking to see the 'new Marilyn'. Egged on by the villagers -- whose shops and businesses are cashing in -- Willow embraces her new identity, dying her hair platinum and ramming herself full of cakes to achieve Marilyn's legendary curves.
But when a former flame returns seeking the old Willow, Willow must decide: can she risk her stardom and her village's newfound fortune on love, or is being Marilyn her ticket to happiness?