Hello Lovely!

How are you today? 

Today I've had a bit of a busy day. First I had work and then I came home, gave the house a tidy and hoover and finally got on with devouring the book I am reviewing for you today. It's part 1 of a series by Bella Osbourne who brought us It Started with Sunset Cottage last year, and I can tell you now, it is truly beautiful! 

Title | Willow Cottage 1 - Sunshine and Secrets  

Author | Bella Osbourne 

Publisher | HarperCollins UK, Avon 

Source | Review Copy & Purchased

Purchase | Amazon UK 

Rating | 5/5 

Beth is running away. With her young son Leo to protect, Willow Cottage is the lifeline she so desperately needs. Overlooking the village green in a beautiful Cotswolds idyll, Beth sees a safe place for little Leo.

When she finally uncovers the cottage from underneath the boughs of a weeping willow tree, Beth realises this is far more of a project than she bargained for and the locals are more than a little eccentric! A chance encounter with gruff Jack, who appears to be the only male in the village under thirty, leaves the two of them at odds but it’s not long before Beth realises that Jack has hidden talents that could help her repair more than just Willow Cottage.

Over the course of four seasons, Beth realises that broken hearts can be mended, and sometimes love can be right under your nose…

Firstly, just how gorgeous is the cover?? I mean really, it couldn't get any more beautiful and inviting could it? The cover, for me, as I've mentioned many times before is what initially draws me to a book, and this one caught my eye instantly. Then I noted the author; Bella Osbourne and I just KNEW it was a "must read".

I devoured this book in less than 24 hours which lately is a huge achievement for me, and that for me testifies just how compelling the story line is.

Beth 'accidently' bids on the cottage at the auction house and quickly stands by her decision and is soon looking forward to moving in. But like all stories of true love, it never does run smoothly. Firstly, she and her son Leo can't find the cottage, then she meets a 'crazy old lady' Shirley, who I have to say made me giggle so much I nearly lost the contents of my cup of tea at one point! Beth soon meets Jack who I also found quite endearing - I do hope something sparkles there - I'm a hopeless romantic.

My laugh out loud moment came when Jack helped Beth discover if the cottage was 'watertight' - I shall leave you to enjoy that moment yourself.

Oh the entire book was just utterly scrumptious, and on World Chocolate Day, it was exactly what I needed! I must warn you though, make sure you have snacks handy because my mouth drooled at the mere mention of scones, bacon butties, and jacket potatoes! (perhaps I'm eating far too much salad like Beth!). I can barely wait for the second installment in October ( Willow Cottage 2 - Christmas Cheer) when we hit Christmas season, as I just know that at Willow Cottage, something beautiful, heart warming and deliciously romantically fun is bound to happen.

Well done Bella on writing another truly beautiful story, you've made my day, and this HAS to be one of my Top Reads for 2016 (and I've not read the following installments yet!) Willow Cottage has made me want to buy my very own cottage, renovate, embrace village life and have a bright pink front door! Although, I would need to find a symmetrical cottage (needle + haystack anyone??), and it would need to be bright, airy,..... wait... you're not interested in MY estate agent needs... quick go... shoo... buy this book today, and catch the Willow Cottage love-bug!

Easily awarding Willow Cottage (1) Sunshine & Secrets 5 out of 5 stars!

Hello Gorgeous! 

Today I have a review of a book that is one of my top reads of 2016. I adored it so much and would love to read a follow on book! 

Title | Summer at Skylark Farm 

Author | Heidi Swain 

Publisher | Simon & Schuster UK 

Purchase | Amazon 

Rating 5/5 


For everyone dreaming of escaping to the country, fall in love this summer at Skylark Farm...

Amber is a city girl at heart. So when her boyfriend Jake Somerville suggests they move to the countryside to help out at his family farm, she doesn't quite know how to react. But work has been hectic and she needs a break so she decides to grasp the opportunity and make the best of it.

Dreaming of organic orchards, paddling in streams and frolicking in fields, Amber packs up her things and moves to Skylark Farm. But life is not quite how she imagined - it's cold and dirty and the farm buildings are dilapidated and crumbling.

But Amber is determined to make the best of it and throws herself into farm life. But can she really fit in here? And can she and Jake stay together when they are so different?

A story of love in the countryside from the author of the bestselling The Cherry Tree Café. Perfect for Escape to the Country dreamers, Cath Kidston fans and Country Living addicts!

The second this book landed on my kindle to read from Simon & Schuster UK (THANK YOU!) I began devouring it. I couldn't stop reading. Heidi had absolutely nothing to worry about with this book, in fact Heidi... if I were you I'd be channelling that worry into book 2! *angel face* 

I adored this book for so many reasons, and if it were in paperback I could gush about how the cover always made me smile gazing up at me whenever I managed to put it down, but alas on the kindle I didn't have that so much, but even so. The cover is utterly beautiful, and the contents inside are simply fabulous!
Heidi made me smile SO much with this book that I have to say she caught me out. I thought I knew where the story was going... you know the typical woman chooses career abroad aka opportunity of a lifetime and wishes she'd chosen the man, returns home and discovers he's moved on and in fact just before we end the book we discover they do still love each other and finally have a happily ever after together???? Yeah, I was wrong! Because whilst that is a fabulous storyline, what Heidi has written is OMG SO MUCH BETTER!!! 

I could tell you how it really goes... but NO... You must read it for yourself and be inspired at how TRUE LOVE really does shine through this story and how realistic and utterly relatable it is. I know I could imagine this actually happening. 

I would not hesitate for a split second on recommending this book and it is so brilliant that I am debating whether it could actually knock off my current number 1 read of 2016! 

Title | Summer at Rose Island

Author | Holly Martin 

Publisher | Bookouture 

Purchase | Amazon 

Rating | 5/5 

Fall in love with the gorgeous seaside town of White Cliff Bay this summer and enjoy long sunny days, beautiful beaches and… a little romance.

Darcy Davenport is ready for a fresh start. Determined to leave a string of disastrous jobs and relationships behind her, she can’t wait to explore White Cliff Bay and meet the locals.
As Darcy begins to swim daily in the crystal clear waters, she discovers the charming Rose Island lighthouse. But it’s not just the beautiful building that she finds so intriguing…

Riley Eddison doesn’t want change. Desperate to escape the memories of his tragic past, he lives a life of solitude in the lighthouse. Yet he can’t help but notice the gorgeous woman swimming every day.

Darcy is drawn to the mysterious and sexy Riley, but when it seems the town is trying to demolish his home, she soon finds herself having to pick sides.

She’s fallen in love with White Cliff Bay. But is that all Darcy’s fallen for?

Pull up a deck chair, sink back with a bowl of strawberry ice cream and pick up the summer read you won’t be able to put down.

I love Holly's books and the stories are always so fresh, brand new and once I start them I find that I am seduced gloriously until I turn the last page. Summer at Rose Island was no different, and I was so glad to be right back in the town where her two previous books were set.

It was great to catch up with the previous characters, and at times I had to remind myself that they were just that; Characters and not people that I actually knew.

I have to say I had no idea how this was going to end, but I loved the marine life that was brought into the storyline and the american hunk that lived in the lighthouse had me drooling.

The story had so many twists and turns that couldn't turn the pages quick enough on my Kindle to discover what happened next.

A thoroughly enjoyable read, and one that I can't wait to read the next follow on story of.

Title | The Woman who Upped and Left 

Author | Fiona Gibson

Publisher | HarperCollins, Avon 

Publication Date | 25th February 2016

Source | Review Copy 

Rating | 3/5


**The laugh-out-loud bestseller is back with the only book to buy this Mother’s Day. Perfect for fans of ‘Outnumbered’ and Carole Matthews, Fiona writes about life as it really is.** 
Forget about having it all. Sometimes you just want to leave it all behind.

Audrey is often seized by the urge to walk out of her house without looking back – but she can’t possibly do that.

She is a single parent. She is needed. She has a job, a home, responsibilities…and a slothful teenage son’s pants to pick up.

But no one likes being taken for granted – Audrey least of all – so the time has come for drastic action. And no one’s going to stand in her way…

I heard great things about this book and I was really drawn to the title because it sounded so fun! The cover is gorgeous!

Audrey has one of the most annoying teenage sons I have ever read about! He really grated on me and I just wanted to shout at him so much! He is the stereotypical lazy, self centred teenage boy ever!
However, saying that, The boy came good in the end - thankfully.

Audrey is a school dinner lady, and she has won the Dinner Lady of the Year award which gives her a prize that has options. Should she take the £5000 cash (her son would LOVE that!), or should she go away for a week and learn how to cook french cuisine with a celebrity chef?

Well, after some oohing and aahing (and getting a list of "things I need" in her birthday card from her son) she decides to go for the latter option. She meets some really interesting characters, gets flirted with the by chef and even gets herself tied to the bed posts much to her alarm!

The trip away gives Audrey food for thought and she questions her life and whether it's going in the direction that she actually wants it to. And with the right people.

There were a few aspects to the story that really grated on me, but I can see how they would be funny and highly entertaining - I was just I guess feeling so much empathy for Audrey that I didn't find much of it funny - at the time. I've already mentioned her son and his lazy ways. Well that gets worse. But she is also dating a guy who arranges to meet her on Motorway Service Station motels for a fumble. Its the only dates they really have. She discovers her has a notebook in his car with details of Junctions and Motorway numbers and initials next to it - Her son explained it to her because she found it confusing **Shocked face & combined eye roll**. Next on my list is that her son gives her the list of things he needs in HER birthday card, and whilst she decides to go for the week away rather than the cash, it really bugged me that she felt the need to leave cash on the table for her lazy son, and go out and do the food shop for him. And whilst she's driving there she wonders if he'll be OK and should she go back and be with him. I wanted to shake Audrey so hard!

OK so his girlfriend finds out she's pregnant whilst she's away BUT.... still. He can look after himself! I won't even mention the fact that this is the same son who microwaved his t-shirt to dry it!!

The book has a whole load more twists and turns in it and if I were to fully divulge it all I would spoil it for you. I already feel I've given far too much away, but I haven't. I promise. There is still the guy at her other part time job - the gardener, the old lady she cares for, the guy she meets on the cookery course, the BHS jewellery, and so much more!

I think you would really enjoy reading this book, even if you get as infuriated as I did, it was still a really good read and I would definitely read more of Fiona's work having never read any of her books before this one.

The thing with book reviews, it's all about the readers perspective, so whilst parts of it annoyed me, you might find yourself crying with laughter! So all I can say, is that if what I've written intrigues you, then go grab yourself a copy and enjoy!

   Title | Sleepless in Manhattan

Author | Sarah Morgan 

Publisher | Mira UK

Publication Date | 10th March 2016

Source | Review Copy

Rating | 5/5 

Blurb

What if the person who broke your heart, is the only one who can help you find your future?

I always eagerly await a book by Sarah Morgan because what she writes is simply gold! I adore the cover on this book and it is a spectacular storyline. 

It kind of takes time to get your head around the fact you're not reading about Carrie Bradshaw in Sex and the City - or even Miranda, but that could be me and my love for all things SATC. 

This book features three women who have grown together and endured many hardships and emotions along the way. The main focus is upon Paige who has a brother, Matt who's best friends with Jake - the guy she has loved since she was a girl fighting in hospital with her heart health concerns. Matt has always been protecting Paige and still to this day protects her to the extreme. So much so that sometimes Paige feels a little claustrophobic and controlled. Jake has never protected her...or has he? 

The three women all work together - until one day they all lose their jobs together. Unable to see a way forward, Jake suggests they start their own business - Urban Genie. Over time Paige allows her heart to heal and to enjoy living life again. There is even a little romance with the one guy she has only ever loved. But will Matt find out, and if he does, how will he react? Will Paige ever get her happily ever after, or will she be Sleepless in Manhattan? ;-) 

I can't wait to read book 2 in the trilogy that will feature on Frankie and her journey between healing her past, and loving her future.

Title | Radical Self Love 

Author | Gala Darling

Publisher | Hay House UK 

Publication Date | 9th February 2016

Purchase | Amazon UK 

Source | Review Copy 

Rating | 5/5 


Have you ever dreamed of a life full of laughter, love, and sequins … but felt totally clueless about how to make it happen? You're not alone. Best-selling author and speaker Gala Darling spent years in soul-sucking jobs, battling depression, an eating disorder, and a preference for chaos and disaster—simply because she didn't know how to create the life she dreamed about.

In Radical Self-Love, you'll discover exactly what makes you so magnificent, and you'll gain a litany of tools and techniques to help you manifest a life bursting with magic, miracles, bliss, and adventure! Featuring fun homework exercises and cool illustrations, this book will take you from learning to fall madly in love with yourself, to loving others, to making your world a more magical place through style, self-expression, and manifestation.

When you love yourself, life is limitless. You can do anything you want. It's time to throw off the shackles of expectation and judgment, and start living from your heart. It's time to astound yourself with how beautiful your life can be. It's time to treat every single day like a celebration!

“I believe that radical self-love can go hand in hand with a ruby-red lip. . . . that learning how to love yourself can be a party: streamers, disco balls, helium balloons, and all!”
xo, Gala

I was drawn to this book when Gala published it before, so when I saw that it was being published by Hay House, I *knew* that the Universe was sending me a love letter telling me to 'sit up and take notice' or rather 'read the book!'  So, I was thrilled when Hay House sent me a copy to review.

I was right to be thrilled - in fact I was so right to be thrilled i'd say it was destiny that I met with this book. If there is one area in my life where I have repeated Traffic Collisions it's in the self love department. You see I have always had issues relating to my confidence and self esteem - anyone whom I went to school with would agree. They'd say I was quiet, shy, and always seemed to be the one that 'got picked on'.

I've never really been one to toot my own horn or overly share how fabulous I am, because I don't see myself that way. I am the classic woman that has poor self esteem, zero love for herself, and constantly and consistently sees her flaws... ALL of them!

So, I began reading this book thinking it was going to the same old boring "you should love yourself" stuff and that i'd end up feeling awful about having to write a review on a book I thought was lame (Sorry Gala!) HOWEVER!!!!! This is NOT the usual self help self love stuff.

I finished this book in 2 sittings. Yes, in two single sittings I read this book cover to cover and I was instantly in love! I declare this book my new super bible of self love. Reading Gala's words felt like having that sit down convo with the big sister I never had, I didn't feel judged, or criticised. I felt loved, cared for, worthy of attention, and I felt for the first time in a long time, HOPE. 


I actually struggled to find anything wrong with this book - I can't find one, only that we NEED more of your wise wisdom Gala!! We need a sequel and the third installment, followed by a fourth, fifth.... hey, can you promise me something if I promise to try and love myself more??? Promise me you'll never stop writing and sharing your words of wisdom? Because your voice is needed, young women, teenage girls, women in their twirties (Twenty-to-Thirties) need this guidance.

This book now lives the side of my bed because just looking at the cover when I get out of bed reminds me to try and be more loving towards myself, and I can easily dip in and out of it for that extra top up of Radical Self Love.

Would I buy this book myself??? Hell Yes!!

Would I recommend this book??? YES to EVERYONE I know!!

Would I read this book again??? Check! Already doing that!!

Easily award this book 5/5

Title | Body Calm Meditation CD

Author | Sandy Newbigging

Publisher | Hay House UK

Audio Length | 77 Minutes

Source | Review Copy 

Purchase | Amazon 

A Page of Love Rating | 5/5 

Body Calm Meditations is a powerful way to meditate that uses the mind-body connection to help your body heal and stay healthy. Using these enjoyable guided meditations, you can clear the main mind-based causes of inner 'dis-ease' by developing key mental beliefs that enable you to engage with daily life in a much more relaxed and stress-free way. This ultimately gives your body the rest it needs to recover and the holistic harmony that is the foundation of lifelong health and happiness.

Body Calm Meditations is an audio program to help you heal your body by addressing your thought patterns you have about your life and your body. I was drawn to this CD because I am a huge fan of meditation and always find it beneficial, yet I don't practice it religiously. I kind of dip in and dip out of practicing it. So I wanted to see what this audio program offered. It does have a book that you can purchase here (I haven't read that one so I can't offer you my opinion on that yet).

Over the past few months I have been dealing with a few health concerns of my own on top of bereavement and severe stress. I've been in regular contact with my GP and she referred me for counselling and CBT to help me manage my anxieties regarding my having Peripheral Neuropathy & Sciatica. I am not used to feeling so unwell or in pain so it's came as a total shock and it's been really hard to deal with. One thing my GP actually said to me was to try meditation because she strongly believes that there is a definite line between my anxiety/panic attacks and the pain I feel in my body. My pain is largely centred around the lower left of my spine, lower left leg and left forearm. All areas concerning support, security and the ability to 'handle' things and 'carry' on with life.

So, when I first listened to the audio CD, Sandy gently talks you through his philosophy of Body Calm and the link between anxiety, pain, health and your thoughts. It made so much sense I wanted to rip the CD out the player, run to my GP and say "THIS!!! This is what patients like me NEED!" She probably would have agreed with me, but I digress - I did not damage the CD by ripping it out of the player, I also didn't burst into my GP office. But I will mention it to her for sure. :-)

So, I carried on listening and there was this one part that Sandy said "It's OK to feel emotional - That is perfectly OK" and the tears that were prickly my eyes, just burst forward and I was able to let them go. He also said that nothing needed to be done, nothing needed my attention, It was OK for me to have this time alone, to myself, with my body and the time to relax. I can't tell you how much I needed to hear that. It's funny how we feel the need to be given permission to relax and do nothing isn't it?

There is one main meditation for the full body which takes about 14 minutes, and then 10 individual 3-4 minute ones that focus on one specific area in the body, and you can either do just the one 3 minutes one or do what I try to do most of the time and let them play on following each other for that extra boost. I always find myself feeling more relaxed and calmer and in less pain when I do that - because I've given my body time out to relax and recuperate.

I instantly felt relaxed listening to Sandy's lovely accent, his voice just sedates you! I let go for the whole 77 minutes without once feeling guilty, without once feeling irritated, and without once thinking about all the things I needed to do. That doesn't mean that I wasn't having the fight with my monkey mind on occasions, but it was a lot less than usual.

I've used this CD over the period of the last 2-3 weeks and I've found myself slowly getting myself feeling better about my body, less anxious when I feel pain, more able to rationalise the pain and anxious feelings I have.

Overall, I give Body Calm Meditations 5/5 Page of Love Hearts.