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See the Stars by Eleanor Ray #Review

  See the Stars by Eleanor Ray will be  published on February 5th 2026 by Piatkus .  Do you ever feel that life isn't going to plan?   When Alice Thorington collapses in the street after a particularly hellish day at work, she must finally admit to herself that her outwardly happy life - steady relationship, well-paid job, beautiful flat in the city - isn't everything she'd hoped it would be. Burnt out by long hours and living a life that doesn't fulfil her dreams, Alice returns home to Yorkshire.  Her childhood home brings complicated family dynamics, a rediscovery of her passion for stargazing and two new friends: Berti, a boy who finds it easier to count the stars than interact with people, and Matt, her brother's best friend and Alice's teenage crush. With each of them facing their own struggles, can the stars that meant so much to Alice in her past help them to find their way in the present?  Filled with heart and warmth, this uplifting novel...

Don't Stop Believing by Freya Kennedy #review

 

Having read and enjoyed Freya Kennedy's The Hopes and Dreams of Libby Quinn, and In Pursuit of Happiness   I am delighted to feature Don't Stop Believing  which returns to Ivy Lane and some familiar characters. 

 
It’s time to return to Ivy Lane, where hopes and dreams become happy-ever-afters.

Erin Donohue would describe herself as happy. Well, maybe not exactly happy… but not unhappy either.

For the most part she loves her job as Head Chef at The Ivy Inn, working alongside bestfriend, Jo and making a home with boyfriend Aaron. Things are going just fine. Or so she thinks...

After a tough shift, Erin returns home to be greeted by silence. There is no trace of Aaron or his belongings. In that split second her whole life and world are turned upside down. It seems Aaron has exited the building and her life.

After a small pity party, Erin pulls herself together and starts to re-evaluate her life. Her friends seem to be chasing their dreams while she’s been left single and wondering what on earth her next move will be. But then fate throws her a sign.

Can she find the courage to build the life she always dreamed of but believed was out of her reach?

And can her bravery inspire other residents of Ivy Lane to take a chance on finding their own happy ending  


                   My Thoughts

This is such a feelgood read with a cast of characters who form part of such a close knit community. At its centre, Erin finds that she can realise her dreams and ambitions if she has the help of those around her. Ivy Lane is a lovely little community which takes the place of her family in so many ways. 

    You can read the story as a standalone but I would recommend reading others in this series to get to know some of the others back stories. Erin’s story, as the others, has warmth and leaves you with a smile on your face. 

In short: friends, community, starting over

 

About the Author

Freya Kennedy is the brand new alter ego for bestselling thriller author Claire Allan. A former journalist from Derry, Northern Ireland Claire has published eleven novels. Now, as Freya, she is writing warm, funny women’s fiction for Boldwood.

 

You can follow Freya here:  Website  |  Twitter/ClaireAllan
  |  Twitter/AuthorFreya |  Facebook   |  Instagram  |   Bookbub 

 
 
Thanks to Freya Kennedy, 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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