Tag: romantic comedy

The Second Chance Hotel – Rachel Dove

The Second Chance Hotel is a truly heartwarming novel that will give you all the feels. Shady Pines is the perfect setting to lose yourself in for a few hours as a reader, especially at this time of uncertainty. I loved that main character April followed in her mum’s footsteps and chose Shady Pines as her place to start again after her marriage ended.

I really bought into April’s story and admired her strength to move on and I found myself genuinely rooting for her happiness. All the characters, (especially Cillian and Orla) were wonderful and I was pulled into Martha’s story which added a really sweet, traditionally romantic dimension to the story.

There was plenty of Dove wit, laughs as well as some poignant moments too which made the perfect balance. It’s the perfect feel-good book to curl up with this summer.

Rating: 5/5⭐️

My Year of Saying No – Maxine Morrey

My Year of Saying No, in true Maxine Morrey style, is an uplifting and heartwarming read. Lottie is a sweet heroine with a kind heart and Seb is just perfect. The slow-burn romance is so satisfying, especially when the two finally realise (after several ups and downs) what we knew all along.

I loved the idea of Saying no to things you don’t really want to do, it seems quite freeing. I also loved Humphrey the rescue dog!

A wonderful read.

Genre: Romcom / chicklit

Rating: 5/5⭐️

The School of Starting Over – Lisa Swift

The School of Starting over was my first Lisa Swift book and I absolutely fell in love with it. It’s a feel-good book, which indulges you in all the wholesome warm and cosies you could want from a romance. The characters are a lively, eclectic bunch and there is plenty of humour from main and supporting cast members. I was invested in their stories and really rooted for them,especially since some of the issues they face are much deeper than expected.

I have to give a special mention to Xander who is the perfect, unassuming hero (ahhh, hearty-eyes).

The plot had me hooked; there was drama, secrets and a little bit of mystery throughout!

Once thing I loved was how deep the author dug for a popular reference that was probably less mainstream than most – I had a few ‘oh my god I remember that’ moments!

All in all there was nothing to dislike about this book (other than having to put it down at the end). If heartwarming, contemporary romance with laughs and feels is your thing; it’s a must-read!

Genre: Contemporary romance / Romantic comedy

Rating: 5/5

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The Flat Share – Beth O’Leary

4.5*

I’ve been dying to read The Flat Share since seeing so many glowing reviews on social media last year. The book grabbed my straight away; I love quirky Tiffy and Leon is a dream. There was plenty of humour and I loved reading the notes Leon and Tiffy left for each other.

The Flat Share is an uplifting romcom with a great storyline and interesting subplots giving it a bit more depth than you often find in the genre. I can’t wait to read Beth O’Leary’s next book.

Genre: Romantic Comedy

Rating: 4.5⭐️

I Owe You One – Sophie Kinsella

I Owe You One was a sweet and pleasant read with warm humour and some poignant moments. I liked heroine Fixie, although a little naive at times she did just want to do the best by her family and those around her (whether deserving or not). Some of the romance did feel a little rushed to me and some parts surrounding the family business did feel a little like they slowed the pace but overall it’s a light, entertaining read.

Genre: Chicklit

Rating: 3/5🌟

One Christmas Star – Mandy Baggot

This was a lovely, festive romance with all the feels you’d expect from a book of this genre. The story follows school teacher Emily, who crosses paths with fallen-from-grace, rockstar Ray. They connect over a hedgehog and a school Christmas show but with Ray hiding a secret it’s hard to tell if the two will ever be more than just friends.

The book is perfect for this time of year, and fans of the movie ‘Nativity’ will certainly enjoy this. The writing is bright and sparky and there’s plenty of humour throughout.

A Wedding in December – Sarah Morgan


I do love a Sarah Morgan book. You know what you’re going to get; fantastic scenery, sweet romance and a happy ever after and A Wedding in December didn’t disappoint. 
I loved the characters but Maggie especially was such an unassuming heroine, she really stood out. I loved the story with her and Nick and whilst I’d have perhaps like a bit more conflict between them early on, I really loved their story.

I loved the multiple POV and how each character had their own story that impacted on the others. 

Overall this is a cosy, festive romance which would be great for Hallmark fans or anyone who enjoys the genre.

Genre: Romance (Christmas)

Rating: 4/5 ⭐️

The Ingredients For Happiness – Lucy Knott


When I found out there was a sequel to How To Bake A New Beginning I was thrilled because I loved everything about the first book. The second book follows on the sisters’ stories as they continue their lives and strive to succeed in their chosen careers but can also be read as a stand alone. Reading this was like catching up with old friends especially as the story is told through the three viewpoints of Amanda, Sabrina and Louisa. 

I loved the Italian setting but being a Manchester girl myself, I particularly adored the familiar references to my home city too – especially The Northern Quarter. The recipes at the start of each chapter seemed wonderful (I’m not much of a cook but I have a good imagination and when I read them, my mouth watered) and I loved how the author added little bits of humour or nostalgia to the ‘method’ section.
The heart of the story is family and there’s a real warmth that comes through whenever any of the characters talk about or interact with their family which gives the book a really nice feel.
It’s the perfect book for curling up with this summer.
Genre: Light-hearted women’s fiction

Rating: 5/5⭐️

Sunshine At The Comfort Food Cafe – Debbie Johnson

Sunshine at The Comfort Food Cafe follows heroine, Willow, an endearing and slightly quirky lead with a good heart who works as a waitress in the cafe and a cleaner around the village. As well as that, she cares for her mum and doesn’t feel like she has time for love. Willow’s mum suffers with dementia and the challenges Willow faces as a result feel genuine and though they’re covered sensitively could prove a source of sadness for some, especially those who’ve been through the experience of watching a loved one deteriorate in this way.

Sunshine at The Comfort Food Cafe follows heroine, Willow, an endearing and slightly quirky lead with a good heart who works as a waitress in the cafe and a cleaner around the village. As well as that, she cares for her mum and doesn’t feel like she has time for love. Willow’s mum suffers with dementia and the challenges Willow faces as a result feel genuine and though they’re covered sensitively could prove a source of sadness for some, especially those who’ve been through the experience of watching a loved one deteriorate in this way.

When Willow takes on a cleaning job at ‘the house on the hill, she meets the slightly awkward Tom and his dog, Rick Grimes. Slowly, they discover they’ve a variety of unusual things in common and a warm, cosy romance starts to blossom. 

This is the first book I’ve read in the comfort food cafe series and it read really well as a standalone. I’m ashamed to say, it’s actually my first Debbie Johnson too book but I’ll definitely be stocking up on her others after thoroughly enjoying this one. 

The writing is as lively, humorous and engaging as it is warm and delightful. The characters are believable and you can’t help but root for their ‘happy ever after’. It’s the perfect book to curl up with on a Sunday afternoon.

Genre: Romantic comedy

Rating: 5/5