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The Cottage on Strawberry Sands by Holly Martin #Review

I am delighted to return to Apple Tree Bay for the next in Holly Martin's series, The Cottage on Strawberry Sands . You can read my review of  Sunshine and Secrets at Blackberry Beach   here .   Escape to the golden sands and glittering seas of Apple Hill Bay for a sizzling summer of love. From the bestselling author of Sunshine and Secrets at Blackberry Beach comes this gorgeously romantic tale. They say there’s no place like home and for Roo Clarke this couldn’t be more true. Fourteen years ago she left the sparkling shores of Apple Hill Bay for America, leaving behind her childhood best friend Theo Lucas, and with him a piece of her heart. Nothing has felt right since then, and though she’s certain Theo has long since moved on from their hometown, Roo has high hopes that the exciting new job that’s brought her back here and the quirky beach hut she’ll make her own will fill her heart again. But Theo hasn’t moved on, he’s right where Roo left him in Apple Hill Bay,

The Weekend Spa Break by Anne John-Ligali ** Review & Giveaway**

Welcome to Books, Life and Everything today where Anne John-Ligali's second novella in her On-line Friendship Series is featured: The Weekend Spa Break. There is a great Giveaway as well. The details on how to enter are at the foot of this post. 


After finally meeting in person at the publishing party of the season, Constance and Estelle are determined not to let their friendship return to mere virtual champagne bottles and uploaded pictures of food.

It’s been a busy year, and Constance feels it’s time to reward herself with the spa break Estelle gave her for Christmas. Naturally, Constance wouldn’t dream of taking anyone other than Estelle, and this will provide the perfect opportunity to bond with her new chum.

As the excited pair spend some quality time together, they realise it’s not just writing books they have in common, but something that goes much deeper. After a few Jacuzzi sessions, facials, pedicures, and a massage by sexy Senior Therapist, Julio, everything seems to be peachy until an unexpected visitor turns Constance’s weekend of bliss … on its head.


A two-day spa break.



Sparkling water on tap.



And the perfect massage.



But who’s rubbing who up the wrong way?

To see the trailer for The Weekend Spa Break, follow the link here.


My Thoughts

Reading this is a little like going on a short break away. It is full of little details which add colour to the story and moves Constance's story on after her meeting with Estelle. You find out that there is more to both of them than meets the eye and in complete contrast to the carefully manicured front they present to the world, via social media.You are treated to the social media updates of their other on- line friends and you can't help but think that everyone is an outsider in some way, presenting the view they want to the world. 

    Below the storyline, there are woven several threads which add to the interest. You get to glimpse the pressures of motherhood, especially for those with children with additional needs. Just what constitutes a 'friend' in the days of social media and how important is family? Is indulging yourself a virtue or a sin? I am looking forward to Part 3 in the series and finding out what Constance does next.

In short: a contemporary take on romance.
   
About the Author 



Anne John-Ligali is a writer and the founder of Books and Authors UK, a popular website featuring author interviews and book reviews.  She loves all things books: reading, writing, going to book events, and meeting other book lovers. She has written a series of short stories and is currently writing her first novel.


Anne has always loved stories and read many books as a child, including the entire Sweet Valley High and Caitlyn series.  Her interest in writing fiction came years later, when she began writing for pleasure in 2007. 


Originally from Peterborough, Anne now lives in London. After moving to London, she studied graphic design at the University of Arts and has held a number IT administration jobs in the city. Anne continues writing and aspires to write more women’s fiction books, a non-fiction book and several children’s books.

You can follow Anne here: Website   |  Twitter   |  Facebook 

Book link: Amazon UK 

Thanks to Anne John-Ligali and Rachel of  Rachel's Random Resources for a copy of the book and a place on the tour.

Giveaway

Here's a message from Anne on how to enter her Giveaway.









To mark the release of part two in the friendships series, I’m giving away a Sanctuary Spa gift set and a signed printed and binded copy of The Weekend Spa Break to one lucky winner.  At present, there are no physical copies of The Weekend Spa Break available, so this is a treat. 

To enter you only have to do is visit my Twitter page here and retweet the pinned tweet showing this GIVEAWAY.

A winner will be chosen at random by Tweet Draw and announced on Saturday the 19th of May at 20:00hrs.

Competition is open worldwide. 

Good luck!

Check out the rest of the tour!

 

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