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The Castle in the Bay by Margaret Amatt #Review #BarraSeriesBook1

  We are travelling to the beautiful island of Barra for Margaret Amatt's new Barra Series, The Castle in the Bay. The first in this new series was published on 12th April by Leannan Press .   What if the castle has the key to mend their broken hearts? After a miserable few years, fun-loving Iona McKenzie tossed her corporate job to the wind, swore off long-term relationships, and escaped to the Hebridean island of Barra to teach water sports. Recently dumped by an ex who labelled him 'boring', Monty MacNeil is having a tough time. When he's tasked with carrying out his late father’s last request to scatter his ashes at Kisimul Castle – the famous castle in the bay – he doesn't expect his trip to Barra to begin by running smack bang into a feisty and gorgeous woman, knocking her off her bike, and almost dropping his father’s urn into the sea. Iona turns out to be the person he needs to take him over to the castle, but Monty soon sees another way she ca...

Just for the Summer by Fay Keenan #Review #WillowburyBook3

I am delighted to be part of the Publication Day celebrations for Fay Keenan's latest novel. Just for the Summer. It is a welcome return to her Willowbury series. I loved book 2 and you can read my review of Snowflakes over Bay Tree Terrace here. 

When Kate Harris accepts the job of redecorating her brother Aidan’s house in the picturesque town of Willowbury, she knows it’s just a stop gap before she has to decide what to do with the rest of her life. While her three sons spend the summer holiday with their father, Kate has an opportunity to prove to herself that there is a new life, after her divorce.

Harry Sinclair is the owner of Vale Volumes book shop on Willowbury High Street. Content, if a little bored with his lot, his shop, as well as his life, could do with freshening up. When Kate offers to spruce up Vale Volumes ready for the visit of a famous author, they find they have a lot more in common than colour schemes.

But both have secrets and responsibilities, and when the trials of family life threaten their burgeoning friendship, can they overcome the experiences of their pasts? Will Somerset’s most magical town cast its spell on them? Or will Kate and Harry have to concede that their friendship really is just for the summer?

Let Fay Keenan transport you to the perfect British summertime, with beautiful countryside, an unforgettable romance, and just the right dose of escapism.  Perfect for all fans of Cathy Bramley, Fern Britton and Katie Fforde.


 My Thoughts

I was delighted to return to Willowbury for this gorgeous story. Meeting up with characters I had got to know in Snowflakes over Bay Tree Terrace and finding out what happened next was a bonus. Kate is an interesting central character as she comes with a ready- made family of 3 boys and a lot of baggage concerning her ex-husband. She turned out to be totally relatable as she slowly worked out what she wanted to do with her life. Used to putting others first, she has to learn to make her hopes known. 

    Harry is a perfect foil for Kate as he has his own issues which he is still coming to terms with. He comes over as a real gentleman with his own charm. Family is at the centre of this novel as Kate meets up again with her siblings and works a way through for her own position. Willowbury, with its echoes of Glastonbury, is a lovely, quirky setting with its own healing vibes and comes over as a haven of peace and caring.

In short: Starting over

About the Author


Fay Keenan is the author of the bestselling Little Somerby series of novels. She has led writing workshops with Bristol University and has been a visiting speaker in schools. She is a full-time teacher and lives in Somerset.

You can follow Fay here:  Twitter    | Facebook   |  Instagram   |  YouTube  |  Pinterest  |  Bookbub   |  Blog  |  Newsletter sign up

Book link:  Amazon UK

 

Thanks to Fay Keenan, Boldwood Books and Rachel of Rachel's Random Resources for a copy of the book and a place on the tour.

 

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