The Barefoot Bookshop on the Beach by Rebecca Raisin

 

When Harper sees an ad for what must surely be the most idyllic job in the world, she’s almost tempted. But she can’t possibly leave her bookshop job in London, or her burgeoning career as a successful Bookstagram influencer… That is, until a casual remark about a debut author lands her in deep trouble.

So she applies. After all, now she’s got nothing to lose. Except maybe her heart, she realises, as she lands on the beautiful island of Ésperé in the Seychelles and finds herself seemingly surrounded by beautiful men. Including the hotel owner, moody but heartbreakingly-handsome Xavier.

But inter-staff relations are strictly forbidden. And Harper has enough on her plate, with a member of staff missing and a wily band of expats to contend with. Plus, she’s determined to make the bookshop and new start the success they deserve to be… Even if – under the blazing sunshine – the romance novel superfan in her can’t help but hope the boss of the hotel might not be quite the grump he seems…

What did I think?

I knew as soon as I saw the cover that I wanted to read this book - who wouldn't. The colours looked so inviting and promised so much escapism from the Scottish Winter.

And I wasn't wrong.

I love Rebecca's book and her writing style ever since I discovered her Cedarwood series.

I loved the location, the humour and the quirky cast of characters. I want to read books that take me to somewhere new, to entertain me and help me unwind. And this book did all that.

It was also bang on the money with the story based around AI. Very relevant in todays climate and a topic that is becoming more difficult to ignore.

I won't give anything away about the plot other than to say I now wish I had the money for a holiday in the Seychelles.

The Meeting Point by Olivia Lara

 

What if the Lift driver who finds your cheating boyfriend's phone holds the directions to true love?

'Who are you and why do you have my boyfriend's phone?'
'He left it in my car. You must be the blonde in the red dress? I'm the Lift driver who dropped you two off earlier.'

And with these words, the life of the brunette and t-shirt wearing Maya Maas is turned upside down. Having planned to surprise her boyfriend, she finds herself single and stranded in an unknown city on her birthday.

So when the mystery driver rescues Maya with the suggestion that she cheers herself up at a nearby beach town, she jumps at the chance to get things back on track. She wasn't expecting a personalised itinerary or the easy companionship that comes from opening up to a stranger via text, let alone the possibility it might grow into something more..

What did I think?

Firstly I loved the bright cheerful cover - I was after a book to make me smile, to lift my spirits and to enjoy. And this book fitted the bill perfectly.

This book is a light hearted and easy read set in the idyllic sounding Carmel by the Sea (I had no idea where it was so had to do an online search - I now want to visit!)

Whilst I was reading I was thinking the book would make a great film as it has all the right elements - perfect setting, great cast of characters and some romantic comedy.