The Love Shack: Book Review

The Love Shack by Jane Costello.

“And I realise that of all the things life may or may not throw me, nothing will match this: loving her with every bit of me”

Aw. What a cute little read this was 🙂 As a chick lit fanatic, this book ticked all the right boxes for me. I’ve always been a fan of Jane Costello so I knew I’d enjoy this and straight from the beginning I found myself getting lost in the world of Dan & Gemma.

It made me laugh SO much – Dan’s *ahem* “interesting” choice of car  (It is a rusting, backfiring, filthy lawnmower with windows – except one of them is covered with the box of a 24 pack of carlsberg”) and not to mention Dan’s little escapade through a window – ouch!

I loved Dan & Gemma’s relationship. It reminded me a little bit of my own with my boyfriend, also called Dan :-). They were just an easygoing couple with lots of little jokes and quirks, with little drama, and who obviously really loved each other! In fact, Gemma reminded me of myself a little bit too – especially the stressed/need to get things done side of her. I loved how we switched between both of them on alternate chapters. It’s nice to see things from a man’s perspectives sometimes too! I loved how Dan completely and utterly adored Gemma, and wasn’t afraid to show it either!  I thought Dan’s Mum Belinda was an absolute legend – she was so funny! The story reminded me a little bit of a cross between British TV programmes “Gavin and Stacey” & “Him and Her” – with Belinda definitely being Pam from Gavin and Stacey!! 🙂

I really got into this book and the way Jane Costello described all the characters really gave me a picture in my head of what I imagined them all to look like 🙂 I looked forward to settling down every night to read it, it was like catching up with my friends! We can’t forget about Flossie, poor Flossie 😦 and the laughs that Sadie gave us too! 🙂 I also happened to quite like Alex, and did feel a little bit sorry for him, but i’m glad with the choice Gemma made in the end 🙂

Would I recommend this book? – Yes! If you’re a massive chick lit lover like me then you’ll definitely enjoy it, and Jane Costello’s other books too!

My  Rating – 5*. I really did enjoy it from start to finish, it was lovely to follow Dan & Gemma’s journey and i’m so glad that things worked out for them in the end!!

Thanks for reading!

A Home in Sunset Bay: Book Review

A Home in Sunset Bay by Rebecca Pugh. Isn’t the cover just beautiful?! It looks like a postcard! 🙂

“It was a delicious slice of seaside paradise…”

Wow Wow Wow. Where can I start? I literally ADORED this book and I got lost in it from the very beginning! Just like in Bluebell Hill, Rebecca has a way of writing about a place that just makes you fall in love and transports you there. I NEED TO BE IN SUNSET BAY AND I NEED PANCAKES AND A STRAWBERRY MILKSHAKE AT DOLLY’S DINER! I had a perfect little picture of Sunset Bay in my head and the Christmas markets also sounded so dreamy! *sigh*

Seriously, I completely fell for this book and there’s literally nothing I can fault about it! I loved how the main relationship in this book was between two sisters. I physically couldn’t put the book down at times because I was so desperate to find out what was going to happen between Mia and Laurie, and what had happened between them. I felt so much for the two girls who had been driven apart and I could have cried with happiness when they managed to resolve things! It just proves that a relationship this powerful doesn’t always have to be a romantic one!

Speaking of which though.. Cal! I loved Cal and I wanted him to sweep Mia off her feet from the start! I love how Becca portrayed him as being someone who absolutely idolised the girl he loved, I’m such a sucker for a bit of true love! Mia was such a likeable character that everybody seemed to absolute adore! 🙂 Marco and Laurie were a lovely little pairing too, I actually didn’t see that coming but i’m so glad it happened! 🙂 I loved the little selection of characters in the book – minus Neil of course! Even after disliking the girls’ Mum, I came to like her in the end and i’m so glad everything turned out well. I loved how the story was focused around a family. Family should always come first! 🙂

Would I recommend this book? YES. You won’t regret it. A Home in Sunset Bay is the absolute perfect story and I looked forward to getting into bed for a visit every night! I feel like I need to read it again!

My Rating? Without a shadow of a doubt, 5*. Both of Becca’s books have been amazing and I can’t wait for book number 3 already! 🙂

Thanks for reading!

What’s on my TBR (To be Read) List?

I apologise that this isn’t the most interesting or detailed blog post, but i’ve been so busy again that I haven’t really had time to sit and write a book review. In the past few weeks i’ve read Landline by Rainbow Rowell (4*) and Doubting Abbey by Samantha Tonge (3*).

I currently have a tbr list as long as my arm, i’m forever buying new books and adding them, then changing my mind of what I want to read next! There’s some poor books on my shelf that have been there for a long time collecting dust.. Whoops!

Here are some of the books I’m planning on reading over the next few months, I would love some recommendations of what should be my priority!

1. Jane Costello – The Love Shack (right at the top because it looks so good and i’ve had it for ages!)
2. Geek Girl – Holly Smale
3. Jill Mansell – Three Amazing Things about You
4. Kat French – The Piano Man Project
5. Attachments – Rainbow Rowell
6. Anna and the French Kiss – Stephanie Perkins
7. You had me at Merlot – Lisa Dickenson
8. The Guestbook – Holly Martin

 

I’m also in two minds whether or not to read The Lunar Chronicles by Marissa Meyer – i’ve seen so many good reviews but at the same time, Sci-Fi/Futuristic type books aren’t usually what I enjoy reading! I’m more of a Chick Flick, Romance type lover. I’d love some more advice on whether I should give it a go!!

Thanks for reading – comments would be very much appreicated! 🙂