Recommendations based on "The Promise of Summer"

'The Amalfi coast setting, the handsome grumpy Italian, this book has it all!!' Lia Bathurst had always dreamed of escaping to the white sandy beaches and turquoise blue seas of the Amalfi coast - but that dream hadn't included meeting her real father. A father she had never even known about until a few weeks ago! Yet here she was, standing outside the gates of a gorgeous pink villa being refused entry by the insufferable - and insufferably handsome - Raphael Knight, her father's business manager. When an old black and white photo proves Lia's claim to be true, Raph is determined to make sure this stranger, with her long caramel waves and infectious smile, doesn't have an ulterior motive. Even if that means not letting her out of his sight. As temperatures rise, and not just from the heat of the Mediterranean sun, could Lia and Raph's forced proximity lead to something more like... amore? Praise for Julie Caplin: 'One unputdownable story' Sunday Times Bestseller Katie Fforde 'An irresistible slice of escapism' Sunday Times Bestseller Phillipa Ashley 'The descriptions of food and drink made me want to visit France immediately, if not sooner. A wonderful, summery treat for every reader' Sue Moorcroft 'A gorgeous book, in which each little detail and plot point adds sparkle to the story - much like the tantalising fizz in a glass of chilled champagne!' Erin Green 'The perfect summer escape' Alex Brown 'A delicious read! I could almost taste the Champagne' Teresa F. Morgan 'Oh la la, joy of a book! A stunning summer escape in the French countryside' Caroline Roberts 'Julie Caplin always sweeps me away to whatever location her stories are set in...a feast for all the senses with a romance that sparkles like the finest champagne!' Sarah Bennett 'Absolutely perfect! Everything you could possibly want from a summer romance' Annabel French 'Made me want to pack my entire life into a suitcase and start all over again in a gorgeous setting, with delicious dining, charismatic characters and fabulous friendships and a swoon-worthy french man to die for' Kim Nash 'With an abundance of chemistry between Hattie and Luc, plus a delicious vineyard setting, The French Chateau Dream is a gloriously satisfying escapist read!' Kate Frost 'A gorgeous slice of escapism to a beautiful chateau. I loved joining Hattie on her summer escape to a dreamy French chateau with an equally dreamy owner. A beautiful setting, wonderful characters, and gorgeous writing' Jessica Redland 'A beautifully romantic read with a fabulous cast of characters, I was totally transported to the delights of a French vineyard in summer alongside Hattie and Luc' Suzanne Snow

*Carol's new captivating, escapist novel, ONCE UPON A TIME IN VENICE, is available to pre-order NOW!*The escapist Sunday Times bestselling debut from the nation’s best loved TV presenter, Carol Kirkwood.‘Loved it! It sizzles with secrets and passion. A real page turner!’ Jo ThomasOne woman returns to the island that changed her life foreverA-list actress Shauna Jackson has the perfect life. Fame, fortune, marriage. Or so it seems.Running from a scandal, Shauna flees to the place that changed her life twenty years ago, the idyllic Greek island of Ithos.Captivated once more by the azure seas and scented olive groves, bittersweet memories resurface of one summer, one unforgettable man, and a long-hidden secret.Shauna can escape Hollywood, but can she escape her past?‘An absolute cracking read – it’s brilliant!’ Steph McGovern presenter of Packed Lunch‘Sun-soaked, glamorous escapism.’ Cressida McLaughlin‘A sizzling summer read. I couldn’t put it down.’ Alex Brown, bestselling author of The Secret of Orchard Cottage‘An exquisite tale of love lost and found that’s full of intriguing characters and romantic locations. A Perfect summer read.’ Judy MurrayFive Star reviews from NetGalley:Excellent debut novel *****You had me hooked from the very first page, right through to the very last word! I was riveted. I’m in awe. *****100% recommend sitting and relaxing with your favourite cocktail and getting lost in this truly wonderful romance. I loved it. *****A great summer read! *****Full of wonderful descriptions of sun-drenched Greek islands, Hollywood and its screen icons; I didn't want to put it down. *****This book makes for a perfect summer read and one I definitely recommend reading. *****Absolutely adored this book. I'm pretty sure I didn't move the whole time I was reading it! *****Carol Kirkwood's book 'Secrets of the Villa Amore' was a Sunday Times bestseller w/c 2023-07-24.

#1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLERHailed as “the reigning queen of women’s fiction” (The Sacramento Bee), Debbie Macomber is renowned for her novels of love, friendship, and the promise of fresh starts. Now Macomber returns to the charming Rose Harbor Inn, where each guest finds a second chance and every room comes with an inspiring new view.Since moving to Cedar Cove, Jo Marie Rose has truly started to feel at home, and her neighbors have become her closest friends. Now it’s springtime, and Jo Marie is eager to finish the most recent addition to her inn. In memory of her late husband, Paul, she has designed a beautiful rose garden for the property and enlisted handyman Mark Taylor to help realize it. She and Mark don’t always see eye-to-eye—and at times he seems far removed—yet deep down, Jo Marie finds great comfort in his company. And while she still seeks a sense of closure, she welcomes her latest guests, who are on their own healing journeys.Annie Newton arrives in town to orchestrate her grandparents’ fiftieth wedding anniversary celebration. While Annie is excited for the festivities, she’s struggling to move on from her broken engagement, and her grandparents themselves seem to be having trouble getting along. Worse, Annie is forced to see Oliver Sutton, with whom she grew up and who has always mercilessly teased her. But the best parties end with a surprise, and Annie is in for the biggest one of all.High-powered businesswoman Mary Smith, another Rose Harbor Inn guest, has achieved incredible success in her field, yet serious illness has led her to face her sole, lingering regret. Almost nineteen years ago, she ended her relationship with her true love, George Hudson, and now she’s returned to Cedar Cove to make amends.Compassion and joy await Jo Marie, Annie, and Mary as they make peace with their pasts and look boldly toward their futures. Rose Harbor in Bloom is Debbie Macomber at her heartwarming best.Praise for Rose Harbor in Bloom“Takes readers on personal journeys of first love, lost love and recaptured love.”—Bookreporter“A wonderful reading experience . . . as [the characters’] stories unfold, you almost feel they have become friends.”—Wichita Falls Times Record News“Readers will find the emotionally impactful storylines and sweet, redemptive character arcs for which the author is famous. Classic Macomber, which will please fans and keep them coming back for more.”—Kirkus Reviews“Macomber’s legions of fans will embrace this cozy, heartwarming read.”—Booklist“Macomber uses warmth, humor and superb storytelling skills to deliver a tale that charms and entertains.”—BookPage“[Macomber] draws in threads of her earlier book in this series, The Inn at Rose Harbor, in what is likely to be just as comfortable a place for Macomber fans as for Jo Marie’s guests at the inn.”—The Seattle Times“Macomber is an institution in women’s fiction. Her principal talent lies in creating characters with a humble, familiar charm. They possess complex personalities, but it is their kinder qualities that are emphasized in the warm world of her novels—a world much like Rose Harbor Inn, in which one wants to curl up and stay.”—Shelf Awareness

One summer can change everything . . .Perfect for readers who love Debbie Johnson, Cathy Bramley and Trisha Ashley.“Warm and funny and feel-good. The best sort of holiday read.” Katie Fforde"Filled with warm and likeable characters. Great fun!" Jill MansellDemi doesn’t expect her summer in Cornwall to hold anything out of the ordinary. As a waitress, working all hours to make ends meet, washing dishes and serving ice creams seems to be as exciting as the holiday season is about to get.That’s until she meets Cal Penwith. An outsider, like herself, Cal is persuaded to let Demi help him renovate his holiday resort, Kilhallon Park. Set above an idyllic Cornish cove, the once popular destination for tourists has now gone to rack and ruin. During the course of the Cornish summer, Demi makes new friends – and foes – as she helps the dashing and often infuriating Cal in his quest. Working side by side, the pair grow close, but Cal has complications in his past which make Demi wonder if he could ever truly be interested in her.Demi realises that she has finally found a place she can call home. But as the summer draws to a close, and Demi’s own reputation as an up and coming café owner starts to spread, she is faced with a tough decision . . .A gorgeous story exploring new beginnings, new love and new opportunities, set against the stunning background of the Cornish coast – starring a feisty, compelling heroine who leaps off the page and encourages you to live your summer to the full.If you loved Summer at the Cornish Cafe, don’t miss the next in the Penwith Trilogy, Christmas at the Cornish Cafe!Phillipa Ashley's book 'Four Weddings and a Christmas' was a Sunday Times bestseller w/c 2023-11-13.

Appleby Farm was originally published as a four-part serial. This is the complete story in one package. Sometimes the life you want isn't the one you need... Freya has skirted through life, drifting from place to place and job to job. Always restless, it seems she's finally found a place to settle down (with a sexy boyfriend to match) in a small and cosy town. But she still finds herself thinking of the rolling hills of her Cumbrian childhood home: Appleby Farm. They're only dreams though... there's a life right here ready to be lived. But a phone call rocks the new life she has built. Tragedy has threatened Appleby Farm and Freya makes the choice to return home, leaving her lovely boyfriend and safe job behind. But maybe the grass at Appleby Farm will be a shade greener this time... Now, ever-restless Freya must finally make a choice about what she'd like her life to be. With two lives, two men and two futures to choose from... who does she really want to be? Appleby Farm is a charming, funny and romantic story for anyone looking for a feel-good, light-hearted read, from the author of bestselling Ivy Lane. Praise for Cathy Bramley: 'Delightfully warm with plenty of twists and turns' Trisha Ashley'Rustic romance at its very best with a charming cast of characters - warm and endearing and engaging. As comforting as hot tea and toast made on the Aga!' Veronica Henry'A lovely, sunny, gem of a book' Alexandra Brown

St Aidan: a cosy Cornish village where friendships are made for life and it's always cocktail hour somewhere... 'A pure delight' Debbie Johnson Return to your favourite little wedding shop by the sea for love, laughter and a romance to sweep you off your feet! It's the most romantic day of the year but the girls aren't just gearing up for Valentine's Day and a busy wedding season ahead, it's also the 10 year anniversary of their beloved shop! Jess is planning the party of the decade and with the champagne and cocktails flowing, sparks are going to fly...and not just from the fireworks display! Readers adore Jane Linfoot's books! 'Have you ever liked a book so much that you wanted to give it a hug...chicklit GOLD' Pretty Little Book Reviews 'Jane Linfoot combines fabulous friendship with gorgeous true love...a fantastic captivating story with a sweet romantic ending' With Love for Books 'A character that you genuinely like' Mrs Wheddon Reviews 'The perfect holiday read...you feel as if you are part of the group of friends' Coffee and Kindle Book Reviews 'Where should I begin with this wonderful, delicious novel...a stunning, fabulous read' Kat, Goodreads 'An uplifting, warm and romantic story that was a real pleasure to read' Rae Reads

*Buy this heartwarming and feel good cosy novel for a slice of escapism at the turn of a page!* 'Up there with the best of them...A big, fat five stars from me' Sue Moorcroft 'An irresistible slice of escapism' Phillipa Ashley It's time to pack your bags and head to the breathtaking, snow-covered peaks of the Swiss Alps for velvety hot chocolates, delicious cheeses and a gorgeous love story... Food technician Mina has always believed that chocolate will solve everything - and it's just what she needs when her latest relationship mishap goes viral! So with her bags packed and a new determination to sort her life out, Minna decides to drown her sorrows with the best hot chocolate in the world at her godmother's cosy Swiss chalet. Chocolate: yes. Romance: no. Until she has a run in on an Alpine train with a mysterious but oh-so-gorgeous stranger...

‘Julie Shackman knows how to bring the feel-good factor to fiction’ Woman’s Weekly ‘A true page-turner’ Chat Monthly ‘A wonderfully warm tale’ The Sun The brand new Scottish spring escape from bestselling author, Julie Shackman Lexie Dunbar is a book lover. And her favourite place in the world is her local bookstore, Book Ends. So when she hears that it’s going to be sold, Lexie decides she needs to do something to help. Lexie’s plan to save the ailing shop is fully underway until gorgeous-but-grouchy artist Tobias Black arrives on the scene determined to turn the bookstore into an art gallery. Lexie is horrified, the last thing the quaint town of Bracken Way needs is a pretentious artist, even if he does seem to charm everyone but her. Tensions continue to rise until Tobias discovers a shocking secret that shows they might have more in common than they realise. As sparks fly, can Lexie and Tobias work together, or will opposing ideas get in the way of them finding their very own happy ever after... Readers love The Bookshop by the Loch: 'Lots of twists. Family secrets. A brooding artist. Forgiveness. Love never dies, There are so many delicate subjects it covers. The book shop sounds fab.’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'I enjoyed this great story very much. Happiness and some sadness in equal measure – lovely ending.’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘A delightful romance about second chances and new adventures. Author Julie Shackman creates characters who are enjoyable and full of quirks.’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘A lovely combination of the past and the present coming together resulting a really heartwarming tale.’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'A super cute easy romance read!!’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘A second chance romance about new adventures... warm and heartfelt with characters who are funny and delightful’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'The characters came alive on the page and I was able to relate to all of them. This novel dealt with romance, but also with family relationships, redemption, and friendship’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐

The Kindle No.1 BestsellerThe Sunday Times Top 10 BestsellerThere's laughter, tears and a huge amount of love inHAPPINESS FOR BEGINNERSThe new book from BESTSELLING and BELOVED Carole Matthews. 'You can't do better than to sink into Happiness for Beginners'KATIE FFORDE'Fun, fantastic and brimming with Matthews magic' MILLY JOHNSON'An irresistibly warm-hearted story'TRISHA ASHLEY'Warm, witty and hopeful - I was charmed'SARAH MORGAN'The queen of funny, feel good fiction'MIKE GAYLE********Molly Baker is living her best life.Thirty-eight years old, she lives on the twenty-five-acre Hope Farm in Buckinghamshire, surrounded by (mostly) four-legged friends and rolling hills. There's Anthony the anti-social sheep, Tina Turner the alpaca with attitude, and the definitely-not-miniature pig, Teacup.Molly runs the farm as an alternative school for kids who haven't thrived in mainstream education. It's full on, but she wouldn't have it any other way. So when the well-groomed Shelby Dacre turns up at Hope Farm asking to enrol his son Lucas, Molly isn't fazed. But Lucas is distant and soon Molly realises he might be more of a handful than she anticipated. And then there's the added problem that his dad is distractingly handsome. Molly has her beloved farm to think of - could letting Lucas and Shelby in be a terrible mistake, or the start of something wonderful?An absolute must-read from the queen of romance Carole Matthews, Molly's story will make your heart sing. Why do readers love Carole Matthews? 'So warm' Jenny Colgan'The perfect escape' Woman'Gorgeous' Katie Fforde'I laughed and cried and marvelled' Cathy Bramley'Witty, funny and incredibly touching' Heat

One summer on a beautiful island could change everything... LOSE YOURSELF FOR THE HOLIDAYS IN THIS ESCAPIST, ROMANTIC READ ABOUT FAMILY, LOVE AND FRIENDSHIP, FROM THE MILLION-COPY AND SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLING AUTHOR. One summer on a beautiful island could change everything... Valentina Taylor's life has been upended. With her marriage over, and unsure of what her future holds, she heads to the Isle of Skye for the summer with her young son, Barnaby.But the journey there sets her on a new path, when she meets Xander Courage on the train - a charming American, running from problems of his own. After sparks fly, they go their separate ways. But on this small island, they're never far from one another...Skye offers Valentina the refuge she needs as she whiles away the long summer days at her beachside cottage, enjoying visits from her sisters, Thea and Ezzie. But when bad news from home throws her Scottish idyll into turmoil, Valentina finds herself pulled away from the place - and people - that she loves.Valentina knows she must confront her heart's desires - but can she let go of the past and embrace the future she deserves? Lose yourself in a heartfelt story of second chances, love, and self-discovery, set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Isle of Skye. Perfect for fans of Sarah Morgan and Karen Swan.