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.When Darcy swims in the crystal clear waters of the bay, 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 past, he lives a life of solitude in the lighthouse. Yet he can’t help but notice the gorgeous woman who swims out to his island one 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.
Tag Archives: Holly Martin
Blog Tour Book Review: Snowflakes on Silver Cove, by Holly Martin
Welcome to the charming seaside town of White Cliff Bay, where Christmas is magical and love is in the air…
Libby Joseph is famous for her romantic Christmas stories. Every December, readers devour her books of falling in love against the magical backdrop of the Christmas season. If only Libby believed in the magic herself…Struggling to finish her current novel, Libby turns to her best friend and neighbour George Donaldson to cheer her up. But George also needs a bit of support himself. Nervous about getting back into the dating saddle after splitting from his wife, he and Libby strike a deal. She will teach George how to win over the ladies, and Libby will in turn be inspired to inject her novel with a good dose of romance.
As Libby and George explore the beautiful White Cliff Bay on a series of romantic Christmas-themed dates, Libby finds herself having more fun than she’s had in ages and…discovers feelings that she never knew she had for George.
But is it too late? Will George win someone else’s heart or can Libby act like the heroine in one of her stories and reach for her own love under the mistletoe this Christmas?
Snuggle up with a piece of Christmas cake and mulled wine, and spend the festive season at White Cliff Bay. You won’t want to leave! Christmas at Lilac Cottage also out now
Monthly Wrap Up: October 2015
As if it’s November already! Where the hell has this year gone?! It’s crazy! However, I have several friends visiting home to Jersey this month and my best friend from school is actually moving back, so I am very excited 🙂 team that with birthday celebrations, winter snugglyness, hot chocolates and ALL OF THE CHRISTMAS FESTIVITIES COMMENCING, and November is looking pretty awesome. My tree will totes be up before the week is out.
And, as I’m about to elaborate on, October was pretty freaking awesome too. This does mean it’s a rather long wrap-up post, but it was just too fabulous a month to skimp on 🙂
Holly Martin’s White Cliff Bay Party
The first weekend of October was SUPER EXCITING as I flew to London to attend Holly’s launch party, and generally to hug and squish lots of lovely writer and blogger friends. It was superb. Sharon and I met for a drink and catch up on the Friday afternoon before we headed to the party, where I just met so many amazing people I feel like I’ve known my whole life, mainly for the first time and some for the second time having met before in March, like Simona and Sharon. It was just such a special night and I loved every second gossiping with these amazing women (and the odd man, hi Holly’s dad and Olly!!) and guzzling far too much rose than can be called acceptable. Books, friends and wine *ahhh*, what a perfect combination.
Saturday was spent with Sharon, Simona, Maryline and Rachel, and we had a lovely stroll around Convent Garden before lunch at Jamie’s Italian (yum!) and in the evening we saw Kinky Boots, which was just fabulous. I had a horrendously early start on Sunday, then spent 9 hours sat in Gatwick as I missed my flight due to train cancellations and delays, and had to book a new flight for the evening, so that was all a wee bit stressful, but still couldn’t really dampen how awesome a weekend it was, and how happy I am to have met and squished so many of my lovely online friends.
Legally Blonde
The week before I went on holiday, after years of deliberation, I finally plucked up the courage to audition for the local amateur dramatics group. It was something I did all the time as a kid, but I get bad stage fright which has prevented me from having done anything for a very long time. Next year, the local club is doing Legally Blonde, and I’m very happy to say I got the role of Elle’s best friend, Margot. It’s my first show in ten years, so to have got a lead is really awesome and I am SO excited to get started, it’s just such a fun show and I can’t wait to just get involved with all that again.
Walk Like an Egyptian
On Tuesday 20th October, I woke up at an ungodly hour to make my way to the airport and begin my travels to the beautiful land of Egypt, somewhere that has pretty much become my favourite place in the world over the last couple of years – largely to do with temperatures consistently exceeding 30 degrees celsius, which just feels much more like my natural climate! As soon as I stepped off that plane and felt the rush of warm air hit me, I couldn’t stop smiling.
This was a particularly special holiday for me, as for the first time in my life I went away by myself. Having spent months discussing/debating holidays with my ex, but never getting round to booking anything (thank god, looking back!), I had pretty much resigned myself to a holiday-less year when we broke up. Within a couple of months though, I realised I was being a total moron and question what the fuck I was doing. Why the hell should I not have a holiday just because I don’t have anyone to go with? If anything, when I’m on holiday I just want to lie in the sun and read all day, occasionally swimming in between, and let’s be honest – those aren’t exactly sociable activities, so I am more than capable of achieving that on my own! So I found time I could take off work and began my search of where to go for a fairly cheap and cheerful holiday I’d be comfortable on my own and – more importantly – where’d have the hottest weather in late October. All signs quickly started pointing to Egypt, and while I wasn’t sure at first having spent two weeks there last year, I did love it and the promise of heat won me over.
Arriving at the hotel late, tired and hungry on my first night after 15 hours of travel and just missing the restaurant which closed mere minutes before I arrived, I had a quick couple of drinks in the bar before turning in for the night. At 7am I wondered down to the poolside and was faced with my most taxing decision of the week: which sun lounger do I choose? Where will get the best sunlight hours for optimum tanning?! This is serious stuff. Pleased with my decision, I headed off for breakfast before returning to my selected lounger, where I remained until the sunset, with the exception of a few dips in the pool and a few trips to the bar a few metres away. It’s a tough life, but someone had to do it, and I spent every following day doing the exact same thing. Suffice to say, I was in heaven.
I did have a slight wobble for all of about half an hour that first evening in the bar, where I wondered if I could really do the whole being on my own for a week thing, but I took stock of the situation, realised I was in a beautiful (HOT!) country with nothing more to do than swim, sunbathe and read, no one else to worry about whatsover and realised: fuck it! This is amazing. After that I had one of the best weeks of my life, and loved every goddamn second of it and am trying to plan a way to go back and live there, naturally.
Honestly, as soon as I stopped worrying I think I was probably the most relaxed and content I’ve ever felt. And I wasn’t truly alone, because I got to know other guests and the staff, and we had a great time together. What I enjoyed was having the luxury to spend time with them, or choose to simply sit and enjoy my own company with a book if I wanted to! Though honestly, I think they thought I was pretty weird the first few days, constantly having my nose in a book – especially when I began each meal by cutting it into little pieces like one might for a child, just so I could eat one-handed and hold my kindle in the other! But they soon got used to me and it became a conversation starter.
It was definitely up there with Best Holidays Ever, and I wouldn’t hesitate to go alone again, possibly even to the same resort. As I’ve mentioned previously, these past few months have been really important for me, and I’ve found I’ve become more myself – the myself I want to be – than ever before, and being able to spend so much time in my own company, and relax and enjoy it, is a massive achievement for me, and something I totally recommend.
October in Books
So it turns out what I needed to get me out of my reading slump was a good old week in the Egyptian sunshine! I may have to do that more often then 😉 it was slightly odd as I was catching up on a lot of Christmas reading, which can be slightly difficult to get into when lying in 35 degrees of heat, but I enjoyed them none the less. I tried to get a nice mix of Christmas, general catch up, and some nice summery/sunny books too.
Books Releases to Get Excited About in November
I am totally in full-on gunas-a-blazin’ Christmas mode now, so nearly all releases to get excited about this month are Christmas related. Oh, and the new Cecelia Ahern, obviously!
A Christmas Tail by Cressida McLaughlin – November 5th
How to Stuff Up Christmas by Rosie Blake – November 5th
A Girl’s Best Friend by Lindsey Kelk – November 5th
The Marble Collector by Cecelia Ahern – November 5th
Lost Girls by Angela Marsons – November 6th
Wickham Hall, Part 4: White Christmas – Novemeber 26th
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What are you looking forward to this month?
Blog Tour Book Review: Christmas at Lilac Cottage, by Holly Martin
Welcome to the charming seaside town of White Cliff Bay, where Christmas is magical and love is in the air…
Penny Meadows loves her home – a cosy cottage decorated with pretty twinkling fairy lights and stunning views over the town of White Cliff Bay. She also loves her job as an ice-carver, creating breathtaking sculptures. Yet her personal life seems frozen.When Henry and daughter Daisy arrive at the cottage to rent the annex, Penny is determined to make them feel welcome. But while Daisy is friendly, Henry seems guarded.
As Penny gets to know Henry, she realises there is more to him than meets the eye. And the connection between them is too strong to ignore…
While the spirit of the season sprinkles its magic over the seaside town and preparations for the ice sculpting competition and Christmas eve ball are in full swing, can Penny melt the ice and allow love in her heart? And will this finally be the perfect Christmas she’s been dreaming of?
Like a creamy hot chocolate with marshmallows, you won’t want to put this deliciously heartwarming novel down.
Spend the perfect Christmas in White Cliff Bay this year. Snowflakes on Silver Cove coming very soon
Book Review & Blogoversary Giveaway: Fairytale Beginnings, by Holly Martin
Love is an open door…except when it keeps slamming in your face.
Hopeless romantic Milly Rose has had her fair share of heartbreak. Obsessed with all things Disney, she refuses to give up on finding her Prince Charming – he’s out there somewhere, isn’t he?
When Milly is given a job to investigate the origins of an historical building in the village of Clovers Rest, she’s not sure what to expect. What she discovers takes her breath away – a beautiful real life Cinderella castle, complete with turrets, a magnificent drawbridge AND a very handsome owner…Cameron Heartstone.
As Milly and Cameron begin to unearth the secrets of Clover Castle, they can’t ignore the intense chemistry building between them. But they’ve both been hurt badly before. Can they take a big leap of faith and find their own happily-ever-after? Continue reading
Top 10 Books to Read in Summer 2015
As it is now the start of June, it is officially Summer as far as I’m concerned – even if it’s still raining half the time! And one of the best parts of that is all the gorgeous summer book releases! May kicked off to a great start of summer reads, and there’s so many more fab ones due over the next couple of months that they definitely deserve their own post. So, in no particular order, here’s my Top 10 choices to get excited about this summer.
Summer by the Sea, by Jenny Hale
Publication date: June 12th
Amazon UK
Amazon US
Goodreads
My Review
If you’re a follower of my blog you have probably heard me declare my undying love for Jenny Hale multiple times, and I assure you it’s with good reason! Jenny’s books are magical to me and Summer by the Sea is no exception.
Fairytale Beginnings, by Holly Martin
Publication date: July 10th
Amazon UK
Amazon US
Goodreads
My Review
I have absolutely loved Holly Martin’s previous books, and doesn’t this just look like the perfect dreamy and romantic summer read? I plan to take this one to the park with a picnic and a bottle of wine!
Game of Scones, by Samantha Tonge
Publication date: April 20th
Amazon UK
Amazon US
Goodreads
My Review
Game of Scones is a perfect beach read for lazy summer days. However – make sure you’ve packed a delicious picnic too as this book will make your stomach rumble reading about all the yummy scones!
Summer at Shell Cottage, by Lucy Diamond
Publication date: June 4th
To my shame I am still yet to read a Lucy Diamond book, even though I hear nothing but praise and I even have some on my shelves! This summer is the time to change that with the beautiful Summer at Shell Cottage.
The Sun in her Eyes, by Paige Toon
Publication date: May 20th
Paige Toon is another author who I unbelievably haven’t read yet *hangs head in shame*. However, her gorgeous new book has made me put my foot down and decide to change this. It’s been ordered and is hopefully finding it’s way to me right now!
Truly Madly Greekly, by Mandy Baggot
Publication date: May 22nd
Amazon UK
Amazon US
Goodreads
My Review
A beautiful Greek island, a GORGEOUS exotic man and a heartfelt story make this the perfect read for sun, sand and sea (and cocktails!). Definitely make sure to take this one to the beach with you this summer.
Some Kind of Wonderful, by Sarah Morgan
Publication date: July 2nd
Amazon UK
Amazon US
Goodreads
My Review
Some Kind of Wonderful is Book #2 in Sarah’s Puffin Island Trilogy. Having read and LOVED book one, First Time in Forever, I can’t wait to read this sequel. And just look at that gorgeously bright and summery cover!
The Little Flower Shop by the Sea, by Ali McNamara
Publication date: July 2nd
I simply adore everything about this. I’ve loved Ali’s past books, I love the title, I love the cover, I love the blurb. Just looking at it I feel summery. I really can’t wait to read this one.
Return to Bluebell Hill, by Rebecca Pugh
Publication date: June 18th
Amazon UK
Amazon US
Goodreads
My Review
Beautiful fellow book blogger from Becca’s Books has her debut novel coming out very soon and I could not be more excited! I have no doubts this is going to be superb.
Summer Flings and Dancing Dreams
Publication date: July 3rd
Amazon UK
Amazon US
Goodreads
My Review
What I love most about Sue Watson’s books is that they are guaranteed to be laugh-out-loud funny, and I don’t think this one will be any exception! From it’s popping cover with those gorgeous, girly brights and a seriously fun sounding bio, I am super excited about getting my claws on this one.
There really are a whole host more wonderful books out too – so much so that I’m already in panic-mode that I won’t be able to read them all. It was definitely tough picking just 10, but what a fab 10 they are, right?
Which book releases are you excited about this Summer? Any of these make the cut on your wishlist?
Holly Martin Valentines Interview
I’m thrilled to welcome Holly Martin onto the Book Nook as part of my Valentines feature! Holly’s gorgeous book One Hundred Proposals was one of the best books I read last year, and now one of my favourite romances. The Christmas sequel was equally gorgeous, so I definitely recommend them both!
Today, she has very kindly agreed to answer some love-themed questions here on the Book Nook, so huge thanks & warm welcome to the lovely Holly Martin!
- What’s your dream date?
I think something fun, like sledging or bowling or ice skating, maybe something a bit different than just a meal in a pub, although those are good dates too when there’s time for talking. - What’s the worst/most embarrassing date you’ve ever been on?
I’m a big spiller, i always knock drinks over or spill food over myself. I once had a first date where I ordered a BLT that had so much mayo and sauce on it, that as I was biting into it, sauce was dripping all down my hands, over the table. I gave up eating in the end, but the damage had already been done and I never saw him again.
- What’s your favourite Valentines gift you’ve ever received?
It was a ring, it wasn’t anything flash or expensive, it was just something i had said i’d liked weeks before and he bought it for me.
- What’s your favourite thing about love?
Those wonderful butterfly moments, when you can’t stop smiling, even something as simple as a text can light up your whole day
- Can you describe what love means to you in three words?
Heartpounding, glorious bliss.
- What is your favourite memory of your wedding day OR what would be a detail of your dream wedding?
I’m not married but I have attended many wonderful weddings. One of my favourites was my two best friends who got married in a tiny castle in Wales. They had hired the whole place so we were the only ones there apart from the staff, we had every room to ourselves and we all stayed over there after. There was only about 40 guests and it was really sweet and intimate made all the more special because they were and still are clearly head over heels in love with each other. - What is your favourite romance novel?
Waiting for Prince Harry by Aven Ellis, there was something about Harrison that I absolutely fell in love with.
- Who is your favourite romance author?
So many, Aven Ellis writes the most gorgeous addictive stories, I love Jill Mansell too.
- What is your favourite romantic film?
Bridget Jones is fantastic and funny, The Holiday and Love Actually are super romantic. One of my favourite romantic films is The Truth About Cats and Dogs, i can relate with the girl in that film so much.
- What inspires you to write romantic fiction?
I love a happy ending and that ridiculously sublime head over heels kind of love, i could write about that kind of love all day long.
Holly’s Bio
I live in sunny Bedfordshire in a house with round windows. I studied media at university which led to a very glitzy career as a hotel receptionist followed by a even more glamorous two years working in a bank. The moment that one of my colleagues received the much coveted carriage clock for fifteen years service was the moment when I knew I had to escape. I quit my job and returned to university to train to be a teacher. Three years later, I emerged wide eyed and terrified that I now had responsibility for the development of thirty young minds. I taught for four years before History Off The Page came to my school to do a Tudor day. I now drive round the country in my little white van, dressing up as a Viking one day and an Egyptian High Priestess the next.
I love to write. The characters do exactly what I want them to do, most of the time. Sometimes they do seem to go off and do their own thing without my permission. It is complete escapism into a world where I have full control.
I’ve been writing for four years now, every spare second I have, I’m scribbling ideas in a notebook or typing a scene on my laptop. I have written three romantic fiction books. Changing Casanova and The Chainsaw Masquerade were recently shortlisted for the Festival of Romance New Talent Award. My short story, One Hundred Proposals, won the Belinda Jones Travel Club short story competition and was published in the Sunlounger anthology.
Connect with Holly
Valentines Weekend Celebrations
Hey lovebugs!
Now, as a book worm obsessed with Romance novels, it probably comes as no surprise that I am a totally hopeless romantic! I love everything about love and romance. And while, yes, I know, Valentines is a totally commercialised blah blah blah blah…you know what? I love it. I don’t care. Ultimately, it’s an excuse to spend a totally lovely, romantic day with someone special. What’s not to love? The truth is, even though we can be romantic and lovely and make an effort every single day for the ones we love, we often don’t. So what’s wrong with having one day a year where you make a special effort and celebrate your love in style?! Even in past years when I’ve been single, I’ve spent amazing Valentines Days with friends, where we’ve always had a great laugh celebrating our friendship.
So in the spirit of things, I have a very special love-themed weekend planned here which I am SUPER excited about as I have a whole bunch of amazing guests on the Book Nook! I’ve added a ‘Valentines Weekend’ tab in the menu up there, so you can go straight to all the latest lovey dovey stuff 🙂
Here’s what I’ve got in store for you:
Friday 13th February
Holly Martin Valentines Interview
Jennifer Gilby Roberts Guest Post
Jenny Hale Valentines Interview
Saturday 14th February
Claudia Carroll Valentines Interview
My Favourite Romances Post & Giveaway
Amelia Thorne Guest Post
Sunday 15th February
Fiona Gibson Valentines Interview
A.L. Michaels ‘My So-Called Love Life’ Blog Tour Review
Rebecca Raisin Valentines Interview
Pretty darn amazing, huh? Thank you SO MUCH to all my amazing guests for taking part in the Valentines Weekend celebrations here on the Book Nook – you’re all stars!
Book Review: One Hundred Christmas Proposals, by Holly Martin
The eagerly anticipated follow-up to One Hundred Proposals…
If you thought Harry & Suzie’s life couldn’t get anymore sweepingly romantic than Harry asking her to marry him at the end of One Hundred Proposals – think again!
It’s Christmas in a snow-kissed London, and the.PerfectProposal.com have vowed to carry out one hundred proposals in December. No easy task at the best of times – made even more complicated by Harry & Suzie trying to plan their first Christmas and a visit from the dreaded in-laws. But one hundred deliciously Christmassy proposals later they find themselves asking if everything is still perfect in their own relationship….
Welcome back to the divinely warm world of One Hundred Proposals – with a sprinkling of pure, joyful, festive magic.
Have yourself a very merry Christmas indeed with Holly Martin’s Christmas novella.
Book Review: One Hundred Proposals, by Holly Martin
One hundred proposals, one hundred chances to say yes.
‘Is there really such a thing as a perfect proposal?
Over the next hundred days I intend to find out. I will find one hundred ways to propose to our Chief Proposer Suzie McKenzie and post the results here for your enjoyment. One thing’s for sure, not one of my proposals will be on top of the Eiffel Tower with a dozen red roses.’
Best friends Suzie and Harry are partners in romance. That is, they run the.PerfectProposal.com, coming to the aid of would-be grooms to create the ultimate marriage proposal.
But when Harry decides to catapult the business into the big leagues with a PR stunt all Suzie can see is a hundred days of heartbreak stretching ahead of her. But however exotic the location, or breath-takingly romantic the setting, Suzie has to keep remembering that ‘Marry Me?’ is the one question she can’t say yes to.
This business proposal should come with one hundred broken heart warnings…
Paris Baker's Book Nook 