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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,

Queen Bee by Jane Fallon #Review

I am delighted to be part of the Blog Tour to celebrate the Sunday Times Bestselling author, Jane Fallon's Queen Bee, which was published by Michael Joseph on July 9th.


Welcome to The Close - a beautiful street of mansions, where gorgeous Stella is the indisputable Queen Bee . . .
Moving into The Close, all Laura wants is peace and privacy.


But resident Queen Bee Stella is suspicious, fearing Laura has designs for her fiancé, Al.

So when Laura stumbles on Al's big secret, Stella's perfectly controlled world falls apart. As the two women take a chance on beating Al at his own twisted game, these former strangers are fast becoming best friends.

But has Laura forgotten that revenge always comes with a sting in the tail?


My Thoughts

This is such an enjoyable read. You get to see Laura's new life as she lives in the annexe above the garage, surrounded bu the uber rich and the social climbers. The humour is razor sharp with some wry observations on how some choose to live and allow themselves to be dictated to, so as not to lose face. Of course, there is more to the Close than meets the eye. Not everyone is living the dream, even though they are desperately trying to live up to their Instagram images. 

    I also liked the way we got to see the others who work in the Close and actually do most of the childminding, cleaning and, it seems, thinking for their employers. Laura always keeps her feet on the ground and can't stand by and see people misled. We learn, alongside her, why her marriage has come to an end and you really sympathise with her.  She is determined to build a new home for herself and her daughter, but at times, you feel her pain.With a range of characters, all of whom, I could visualise and a plot which keeps you wondering, this is one to recommend.

In short: A witty look at human nature in 21st century London.

About the Author

Jane Fallon is the multi-award-winning television producer behind shows such as This Life, Teachers and 20 Things to Do before You're 30. Her debut novel "Getting Rid of Matthew' was published in 2007 and became a Sunday Times Top Ten Bestseller as have her subsequent books 'Got You Back', 'Foursome', 'The Ugly Sister', 'Skeletons', 'Strictly Between Us','My Sweet Revenge', 'Faking Friends' and 'Tell Me a Secret'.
Her 10th novel Queen Bee is available no.

Join Jane on Twitter - @janefallon or Instagram - @janefallon2

Book link: Amazon UK 

Thanks to the author and Gaby Young, Michael Joseph for a copy of the book and a place on the tour.

 
 

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