The Beachside Sweet Shop

by Karen Clarke
The Beachside Sweet Shop
Author: Karen Clarke
Publisher: Bookouture
Total Pages: 330
Release: 2017-03-02
Genre: Fiction
ISBN: 1786810360
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‘Within the first page turn I was laughing out loud… It was a delight to read.’ 5* Rachel’s Random Reads When Marnie Appleton inherited a sweet shop from her grandfather she was determined to do his legacy proud. The shop has been a much-loved feature of the little seaside town of Shipley for years, but now Marnie needs to bring it up to date, and she’s recruited gorgeous new assistant Josh to help. Marnie gets busy redecorating the shop and choosing delicious new sweets to stock, but things are never that simple: new neighbour Isobel, a fame-hungry blogger, is on a crusade against sugar, and she’ll go to any lengths to secure bad publicity for Marnie’s shop. Marnie fights back with homemade sugar-free treats, but with her best friend Beth heavily pregnant, her grandmother Celia recovering from an operation, and her very recently ex-boyfriend Alex returning to Shipley with a new love, Marnie has a lot on her plate. And then there’s Josh, with whom Marnie is struggling to keep her relationship strictly professional…Will both the sweet shop and love flourish? A deliciously heartwarming read about family, friends and handmade coconut ice. Perfect for fans of Cressida McLaughlin, Debbie Johnson, and Tilly Tennant. What people are saying about The Beachside Sweet Shop: ‘I do love a book that can make me giggle after just a few pages. As well as being funny, the storyline had a homely feel to it, reading it made me feel comfortable, relaxed and welcome…It’s amazing how much drama one little sweet shop can create! I was captivated, and sometimes surprised, by the goings on in the little village shop…a bright read that left a smile on my face and my taste buds in need of some sweet treats.’ 5* V Family Fun ‘I smiled all of the way through this gorgeous heart-warming read. A lot of the sweets reminded me of my childhood. The fictional Seaside town of Shipley sounds gorgeous, I almost packed my bags and started looking on TripAdvisor for a place to stay. The characters and storyline are just everything I adore in a book. I can honestly say that I felt quite sad to be saying farewell to everyone at the end.’ 5* The Reading Shed ‘Brilliant! Such a beautiful, heart warming story! Loved every word! So well written. A magical, feel good tale. Loved, loved, loved. Highly recommend it to everyone.’ Renita D’Silva ‘I really loved this! It was like a breath of fresh air…I may also point out the bright bold and beautiful cover for this book…from the minute I saw it I wanted to read this book.’ 5* Goodreads reviewer ‘Fun, light hearted and fast paced.’ 5* Goodreads reviewer ‘Highly recommended :)’ 4* Goodreads reviewer ‘Had me laughing out loud.’ 4* Consumer reviewer ‘So funny…I’d recommend this book to everyone.’ 5* Goodreads reviewer ‘Nostalgia in buckets (& spades?)…brilliant characters you instantly love.’ 5* Goodreads reviewer ‘Fantastically funny…an entertaining read.’ Jo’s Book Journey ‘A sweet and charming read.’ 4* Pretty Little Book Reviews ‘I really enjoyed this book … all the characters were lovable.’ 5* Katie’s Book Ends ‘This book was a great read, so easy to dive into and get lost…Highly recommend it…dive in and forget the world around you.’ 4* Trish B’s Blog ‘Such a sweet book (sorry, couldn’t resist)… A really cute, sweet (sorry, I did it again) read. Thoroughly enjoyed it.’ 5* Lilac Mills ‘I can’t wait to read the next.’ 4* Lilina Reads ‘A delightful British love story.’ For the Love of Books ‘Such a fun filled happy read…Loved it.’ 4* Goodreads reviewer

The Beachside Christmas

by Karen Clarke
The Beachside Christmas
Author: Karen Clarke
Publisher: Bookouture
Total Pages: 363
Release: 2017-09-26
Genre: Fiction
ISBN: 1786812711
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Beachside Promises

by Fiona Baker
Beachside Promises
Author: Fiona Baker
Publisher:
Total Pages: 276
Release: 2021-05-02
Genre:
ISBN:
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Return to Marigold Island in this heartwarming family saga with a dash of sweet romance! Watching her sister Angela pursue her passion has inspired Brooke to follow her own dreams. For years, she's harbored a secret fantasy of opening up a bakery of her own in Marigold, but maybe it doesn't have to be just a fantasy. Although starting a new business is a daunting prospect and a lot of work, Brooke finally feels ready to take the leap. Guests at the inn have been raving about her pastries, and her family is behind her all the way, so now she just needs to find the startup capital. Since she's been house-sitting for Hunter while he's in Los Angeles shooting a movie, the two of them have grown even closer. But when the handsome actor offers to invest in her business, Brooke is shocked--not just by his offer, but by her reaction to it. She should be over the moon, but she finds herself strangely hesitant to accept. Because the truth is, she wants to be more than just Hunter's business partner... and more than just his friend. As things get more serious between Grant and Lydia, she plans a surprise birthday party for him. And Travis is back on the dating scene, but he hasn't found a love connection yet. Still, he can't seem to stop thinking about his encounter with the pretty realtor who called for help after a break-in at one of her properties. Winter on Marigold Island can be cold and blustery, but with sweet treats, good food, and the love of family, warmth abounds. Come dip your toes in the crystal blue waters of Marigold Island, a fictional island town tucked in next to Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket. This heartwarming and uplifting women's fiction will take you on a journey of healing, friendship, family, faith, and love.

Escape to the Little French Cafe

by Karen Clarke
Escape to the Little French Cafe
Author: Karen Clarke
Publisher: Bookouture
Total Pages:
Release: 2019-03-18
Genre: Fiction
ISBN: 1786817977
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On the beautiful French coast lies the Café Belle Vie, a peaceful haven offering a warm welcome and delicious pains au chocolat – and where Natalie’s quiet life is about to be turned upside down… When thirty-one-year-old Natalie Bright’s boyfriend dumps her and immediately gets engaged to his ex-girlfriend, she escapes her heartbreak and moves to the charming village of Chamillon on the Île de Ré. She’s determined to build a new life there: writing about farmer’s markets for a local magazine, exploring the local vineyards on her bike, and taking advantage of the sunshine. And in the Café Belle Vie she finds a bustling community – including new best friend Charlie – and a near-constant supply of cakes. All in all, things are looking pretty good. So when a blast from the past – her teenage crush Jay Merino – suddenly turns up in Chamillon, Natalie’s thrown. She’s sworn off men ever since she moved to France, but she and Jay have a connection that stretches back years. But could taking a chance on an old flame complete her new life – or ruin everything she’s worked so hard for? A gorgeous rom com full of sunshine, croissants and sparkling romance! Perfect for fans of Debbie Johnson, Zara Stoneley and Debbie Macomber. What readers are saying about Escape to the Little French Café: ‘Oh I did laugh!! I absolutely bloomin' LOVED reading this… Such an uplifting, cosy novel which will make your heart leap with joy.’ The Writing Garnet ‘So many laugh-out-loud moments that I lost count of them and the story reeled me in from the very first page! I became so absorbed within the storyline that I forgot where I was… Grab yourself a little bit of romantic escapism to France… You won’t regret it!’ Stardust Book Reviews ‘Pulled me in from the opening paragraph and held my attention until the concluding page – I loved every moment… The perfect romantic pick me up with plenty of humour and comedy thrown in for good measure… I couldn't recommend it more.’ Stacy is Reading ‘Perfect and laugh-out-loud funny. Brilliantly written. I enjoyed every minute of it. If you need a pick me up this is the book you need, guaranteed giggles throughout… I actually devoured this book in a day… Highly recommended. Full of fun, giggles and romance.’ Between the Pages Book Club ‘I was hooked from the beginning of the story… I laughed out loud, cried… This story has it all, and in the end, I have a smile on my face! Thoroughly loved this story!’ Goodreads reviewer, 5 stars ‘I snort laughed… Hilarious.’ Smile Love Read Repeat ‘5 Stars. Wow, this book has everything. Romance, friendship, second chances and drama. I could not put the book down!’ Goodreads Reviewer, 5 stars ‘Fantastic… A lovely and captivating romance that I found very entertaining… This is definitely one not to miss this summer. Be warned once started it is hard to put down.’ Chellsandbooks, 5 stars ‘Heart-warming, easy to read and overall just a really enjoyable, happy read… I absolutely adored this novel and was so sad when it finished… Overall, would 110% recommend this novel.’ The Cosiest Corner, 5 stars ‘Had me smiling, laughing, mouth open… and kept me wanting to read more… I stayed up way past my bed time because I didn’t want to put it down…’ Kasia the Book Nerd ‘A real page-turner. I read this book in one sitting and the hours just flew by!’ NetGalley reviewer

I'll Be Home for Christmas

by Karen Clarke
I'll Be Home for Christmas
Author: Karen Clarke
Publisher: Bookouture
Total Pages: 301
Release: 2019-10-14
Genre: Fiction
ISBN: 1786818019
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‘A wonderful Christmas love story, I absolutely loved this book… Hilarious and fun, I found myself laughing out loud several times… I could not put this book down.’ Goodreads Reviewer ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ Nina Bailey loves Christmas. Except this year she doesn’t. Because it turns out that her husband-to-be has been cheating on her – and her beautiful wedding ceremony in the snow is cancelled. She’s not really in the mood to be jolly, sing carols, or go anywhere near gingerbread men – in fact, what Nina wants is to avoid the whole thing. So she’s come to stay at her Aunt Dolly’s cosy café to nurse her broken heart. Nina is determined to get through Christmas with no tinsel, no fuss – and definitely no flirting. So when she arrives and meets infuriatingly handsome Ryan Sadler, with his gorgeous forest-green eyes, she is not best pleased. And when Nina overhears him making fun of her, she is furious. (There might have been an incident with a koala onesie and a spilled bottle of milk, but that really wasn’t her fault!) So despite the spark between them, and the fact that he can whip up a fabulous dinner faster than she can say Michelin star, romance and Christmas are off the menu this year. Unfortunately, Aunt Dolly hasn’t quite got the message, going to great lengths to provide a proper British Christmas for her beloved niece: a true home away from home. With sparkling lights adorning every wall and a tree to equal the Rockefeller Center’s and, yes, mistletoe above every doorway, can Nina resist the magic of Christmas – and stick to her no-romance rule? This heart-warming romantic comedy will have you reaching for eggnog, roasted chestnuts and gingerbread cookies! The perfect festive book to read curled up in front of the fire, for fans of Sue Moorcroft, Holly Martin and Debbie Johnson. Readers are falling in love with I’ll Be Home for Christmas! ‘I love this author!!... Laugh-out-loud scenes that will keep you chuckling your way through the book!... Such a lovely book and is absolutely perfect at this time of year with its Christmas theme!!... Lovely characters, fabulous scenery and a storyline which will leave you wanting more! Would definitely recommend!’ Stardust Book Reviews ‘I LOVED I’ll be Home for Christmas, and I wish I had enough words to explain just how much I fell in love with the story and the characters… From the heartbreak to the emotional moments, to the touching and hilarious ones. This book had everything for me and I would quite happily read it again in an instant.’ The Writing Garnet ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ‘Melted my heart!... Had me cracking up laughing hysterically!... A brilliant storyline!!’ Heidi Lynn’s Book Reviews ‘Impossible to put the book down… The pages were turning that quickly that it was almost as if they were turning themselves… I haven’t laughed as much whilst I was reading a book as I did with I’ll Be Home For Christmas.’ Ginger Book Geek ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ‘The pages flew… Charming characters, beautiful landscape, snow and hot chocolate, pastry and love, humour and romance. What more could I ever want in a Christmas book?!!’ Goodreads Reviewer ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ‘I love Christmas book season!!! What a fun and sweet book to start my season reading with… I'll definitely be reading more books from this author!’ Goodreads Reviewer ‘Loved reading this heart-warming story… Such a gorgeous Christmas book that kept me enthralled throughout and desperate to go walk in the snow ❄️’ Goodreads Reviewer ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ‘A perfect Christmas romance... I have loved every page and finished in just one sitting.’ Goodreads Reviewer

Summer at the Little French Cafe

by Karen Clarke
Summer at the Little French Cafe
Author: Karen Clarke
Publisher: Bookouture
Total Pages: 298
Release: 2019-06-27
Genre: Fiction
ISBN: 1786817993
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In the beautiful village of Chamillon lies the Café Belle Vie, where you’ll always find croissants and friends when you need them the most – and where Elle is hoping to uncover the truth about her past… Thirty-year-old Elle Matheson has decided it’s finally time to find the mother who gave her up as a baby. With a faded postcard from the Café Belle Vie in hand – one of the very few things she has from her mother – she heads straight to the Île de Ré to begin her search. With only the postcard and the ivory shawl she was wrapped in as clues, finding her mum is like trying to find a needle in a haystack, even with the help of friendly – and gorgeous – café-owner Charlie. And since Elle hasn’t exactly told her younger sister what she’s up to, the little white lies about where she is are starting to add up… But Elle is really starting to feel at home on the beautiful island. The locals are welcoming, the café is homely, and Charlie is always there with a helping hand, a listening ear, and a pain au chocolat. Is Elle about to discover not just where she came from – but where she belongs? A hilarious rom com perfect for reading in the sunshine! Fans of Debbie Johnson, Zara Stoneley and Debbie Macomber will love Karen Clarke! Readers are loving Summer at the Little French Café! ‘I was hooked in really quickly into the wonderful, summery book, and read it in a few short hours… I loved every moment of this delightful book and there was even a mystery that had me stumped but equally eager to find out the outcome. This was a pure pleasure to read.’ Rachel’s Random Reads, 5 stars ‘A fabulous sunny, summery read that sparkles and delights. I was engrossed in this lovely story from page one. Lovely imagery and a really pretty cover, a must read for the beach!’ NetGalley Reviewer, 5 stars ‘You can’t help but kept swept away… The added aspect of it all being set in France was just the icing on the top of an already scrumptious story… a wonderful and entertaining read.’ By the Letter Book Reviews, 5 stars ‘So summery and inviting – I couldn't wait to dive in!... The story moves quickly, with Karen’s usual humour, which makes the pages fly by… Enjoyable and fills you with happiness… fell in love with the location of the novel and the characters.’ Goodreads Reviewer, 5 stars ‘Has everything: fantastic characters, a great storyline, beautiful scenery, and it will leave you smiling from ear to ear and feeling good and happy. Loved it.’ Goodreads Reviewer, 5 stars ‘Perfect summer read, with great characters, beautifully described scenery and a story that will have you glued to the page. Really enjoyed this book.’ Goodreads Reviewer ‘Just amazing and that hit the right spot with me… a joy to read… fooled me with her love choice for the heroine and it was quite a twist.’ Goodreads Reviewer, 5 stars ‘A really sweet quick read. I was hooked straight away… Perfect for fans of Katie Fforde and Debbie Macomber.’ Goodreads Reviewer, 5 stars ‘A really lovely feel-good book which leaves you with a smile on your face… a huge host of delightful characters in this book and the descriptions of Chamillon will leave you wanting to visit… Loved it. A perfect feel-good summer book.’ NetGalley Reviewer, 5 stars ‘I can't stop smiling… absolutely delightful!... Quirky, engaging characters that I missed as soon as the book ended… a great choice for a beach read.’ Goodreads Reviewer, 5 stars