#Review – The Vets at Hope Green Part 1 by Sheila Norton @NortonSheilaann @EburyPublishing

Blurb.

PART ONE of a heartwarming and inspiring story about living the simple life and the joy of animals. Perfect for fans of Appleby Farm, Ivy Lane and Alfie the Doorstep Cat

Working as a receptionist in a London vets, Sam is living far from her idea of a simple life. She’s always broke, rents a tiny flat, and is constantly arguing with her boyfriend. But the worst part is that her career is going nowhere. She wants to be a vet, but the most contact time with the animals she has is a quick hello when she books in their next appointment.

Something’s got to give, so when her parents suggest visiting her Nana Peggy in a small quiet picturesque village, she agrees, thinking a bit of R&R could do her good.

But rest and relaxation may not be the order of the day. Poor Nana Peggy’s lovely dog Rufus is unwell, and Sam can’t help but grow fond of him. With the help of Joe the local vet, a charming yet strangely distant man, Sam sets out on looking after him, despite her London life trying to call her back…

What does TWG think?

Ever been between books and fancied something light and cosy; which didn’t make you start questioning your IQ level? I’m sure you have! I most CERTAINLY have, this being one of those times. I had just finished a book that left me with goosebumps where goosebumps ideally should not be. I wanted a story which wrapped my mind in a soft blanket and fed me marshmallows, but it’s those types of books you’ll only know once you see the cover.
Sheila Norton’s book was THAT sort of books. I knew from the moment I laid eyes on the cover that it would be the book that I could cosy up with. Isn’t it amazing how you just know that a book is going to be just…right?

Of course, a part of me was concerned that my expectations were too high to begin with. But honestly? I needn’t have worried, at all.

Sam works as a receptionist for a city vets. The thing is, she doesn’t want to be a receptionist for the rest of life and is adamant that she wants to become a vet. The thing is, her boyfriend thinks that she is living in a dream world. A girl can dream though, right? Nana Peggy to the rescue! Well, Sam is hopeful. A change of scenery, a wise woman; just what the doctor (or vet) ordered..or is it?

I really did feel sorry for Sam at first as she oozed innocence and just wanted to be happy, but things seemed to be going from bad to worse for her. Seeing as ‘Escape to the Country’ is the first part to the Hope Green series, we only get to find out so much. The majority of the story consisted of background information and mainly getting to know Sam. It was such a comfortable read, so comfortable in fact it seemed to end far too quickly haha! I really am looking forward to seeing where Sam’s life is headed and getting to know more of the characters.

A very promising start to a highly intriguing serial. Definitely the cosy read I had hoped for!

Thank you Ebury Publishing!

The Vets at Hope Green Part One is available to buy now from Amazon 

#Review – Open For Business (Blue Moon Guesthouse Book 1) – @CressMcLaughlin @HarperFiction

Blurb.

A warm welcome awaits…the charming new arrival from the No.1 bestselling author of The Canal Boat Cafe.

Robin Brennan has come home to Campion Bay. Now her parents have retired, she’s set to become the new landlady of The Campion Bay Guesthouse.
Bookings have been as thin as the hand towels, and it doesn’t take long for Robin to realise that the place needs a serious makeover. Perhaps throwing herself into the task will help to heal her sadness at the tragic end to her dreams in London.
As she gives the guesthouse a new lease of life, Robin encounters old friends and new, including old flame Tim, who’d clearly like to reboot their romance. But what about Will, the new arrival at No. 4, who’s rocked up with the cutest dog ever?
Caught up in a flurry of full-English breakfasts and cream teas, Robin’s never sure what, or who, the next check-in will bring…

This is the first part of a four-part serial.

What does TWG think?

Any book that has the publication date as Christmas Day, is already earning brownie points in my eyes! I pre-ordered this book even before the author had shared her news on social media (eagle-eyed you see!). It wasn’t until AFTER I pre-ordered it that I released it would be pinging onto my kindle on Christmas Day! Exciting!

I’m sure you’re pretty aware by now that I could not wait to get stuck into this book; I just hoped my excitement would continue to shout loud and proud. At first, it took me a little longer than I expected, to get into the storyline and be wooed. There seemed to be a lot of character interaction to begin with, and a little less storyline action itself. However, after pausing Mcdreamy and Meredith Grey on my T.V, the Once In A Blue Moon Guesthouse got my full attention and before I knew it, the book had ended.

Seeing as this is book one of four, it goes without saying that there will be a lot of unanswered questions at this stage in regards to individual characters and their circumstances. I for one am excited to get those answers. A couple of the characters in particular, gauged my attention more than others. I won’t say who they are just yet as I want to see if that changes throughout the next three books.

Cressida has gotten this series off to a flying start and her eye for detail is outstanding. The way the author described each room in the guesthouse, even down to certain lights, was unbelievable. Such vivid and enchanting descriptions, I really do think those rooms should become painted postcards! After my initial slow start to the book, my heart was rather cosy by the end and I am really looking forward to finding out what happens next!

Open For Business (The Once in a Blue Moon Guesthouse, book one) is available to download now in e-book from Amazon.

What will Robin get up to next? Will bookings continue to rise? Which gentleman friend will win over Robins heart, if any! Find out on the 16th February when we return to the Blue Moon Guesthouse with book 2 – Fully Booked! Pre-order book two now!