Having read a few of Holly's other books I was quite excited to read this, especially given the intriguing description and the gorgeous cover. As ever the descriptions of the location are really good and you feel as if you've been transported to this island. I also got a really good feel for the island itself, it sounded like quite a good community, somewhere where people looked out for each other and where you could, should you choose, leave your house unlocked and nothing would happen.

There was a good cast of characters too, Bella and Isaac were both well-written and clearly had a passion in their lives for their work (something I am currently jealous of!) and were very motivated and determined to get what they wanted. Bella's family and friends made a few appearances but in a way which fitted into the story and didn't make them feel like they had been put in as filler or anything similar. The full cast worked together really well and made the story come alive.

As for the main characters, I like Isaac, his story was believable and I admired what he was trying to do with his money. There are so many book characters that have money but don't use it well and it was refreshing to see Isaac using his money for good. I also liked Bella, especially her passion and enthusiasm for her work but some aspects of her character irritated me and meant that I didn't warm to her as much as I would liked to have done.

All in all this is another lovely, cosy and heart-warming read from Holly Martin. I know it's the first of a collection of books set on this island and I, for one, am looking forward to reading the others. I think if you've enjoyed other books by this author then you'll definitely enjoy this one and if this is your first then you've picked a good place to start.

This feel good small town romance is classic Holly Martin. It's sweet, lighthearted and sexy but it also has a unique and refreshing character in Bella, the female lead. She is nice but she also does not mince words and she just basically tells people how she feels. The meet cute is different and its definitely not all sweet and innocence because the sexual tension is about boiling. The conflict sometimes feels like its there just to keep the story going but overall its definitely a great read.

Bella is a charity event fundraiser, she is creative, passionate, caring and her heart sits in the right place at all times. Her heart sits so right that she puts herself in danger when she lets a homeless man, Isaac, stay in her home, feeding him her last scraps of food, as she's not far off to becoming homeless herself. The chemistry between the two grows stronger each day Isaac comes back to visit, the passion and tension between the both of them is shown strongly throughout the book, showcasing what really is important when it comes to romance.

Isaac holds a very big secret which could destroy everything he has grown with Bella, and when the secret is revealed, Bella knows all she can do is run, after being hurt multiple times in the past, can she really trust Isaac after he lied to her so quickly?

Bella is a genuine, kind-hearted woman who may come across as naive sometimes and displays a lot of vulnerability, but everything she does is for the right cause. Having grown up with the idea in her head that she is not capable of loving or being loved due to her parents, Bella is a rather independent woman, with walls so very high, who doesn't necessarily need a man to define her. And with an extremely protective brother always by her side, finding the right man can be tricky. I could really relate to Bella, as I am also a very independent person and I don't ever feel the need to find love to be whole. She's such a charming and loveable character that I just couldn't get enough of. Isaac's intentions were rather wrong but, same as Bella, his heart has always been in the right place. I really liked Isaac, he is such an ambitious and charming character who knew what he wanted and wouldn't stop until he got it, whether that be based on his work or Bella.

Whenever I am in the mood for a feel-good romance, I know Holly Martin will deliver. There are always some issues with the dialogue and the writing, and the repetition drove me crazy a few times, but the story was sweet. I also love how Holly Martin's book center around a season. It was fun to read this in the spring. I was looking for a light read, and this was perfect!

Bella recently lost her job due to a scandal she actually had nothing to do with and now she is hoping to get a new job at the homeless charity Umbrella Foundation. Bella is hard-working,creative, determined and caring and when a homeless man appears at her door, she doesn't hesitate to help him. Right from the start there's a spark between them, but Isaac has a huge secret, which can change everything. Bella and Isaac both have had difficult times in their past and it has resulted in not trusting other people. When Isaac's secret comes out, can Bella and him make it work?

It's another great book by the author and once again I really enjoyed reading about the characters and the setting was terrific as well. I liked how close everyone were and how much they cared for one another and how attentive they were. It was a heart-warming story that made me laugh out loud at times. I had a great time reading this wonderful book and I'm eagerly waiting for the next masterpiece.

Bella is at her lowest ebb - she lost her job as a fundraiser for a charity a couple of months earlier when the founders of the charity were caught embezzling money - and many people believe she must have known although she was totally innocent. With no money to pay her rent and living off porridge she is pinning all her hopes on a job interview for a new job as a charity fundraiser - living in the Scilly Islands there are not many jobs available!

When she arrives home one day she finds a homeless man on her doorstep and feeling sorry for him takes him into her house and gives him the sofa to sleep on, finds some old clothes and shares the last of her porridge with him. Zack is very grateful but is he all that he seems and there definitely seems to be chemistry bubbling between them.

A lovely book - you are instantly drawn into all of their lives and rooting for them to find happiness but in Holly's usual style there is plenty of light hearted comedy as well - a great beach read that you wont be able to put down - and she is definitely one of my favourite authors

Spring at Blueberry Bay is the first book I have read by Holly Martin, the synopsis really called out to me so I wasted no time in downloading my copy and starting it immediately but I never expected to finish it the same day.
Bella Roussel has not had the best start in life and now she finds herself jobless and struggling financially with only enough porridge for the next day so she is pinning all her hopes on the job interview the following day. What she didn’t expect as she approached her house is to see a homeless guy laying outside her house, she does no more than to offer him a place to sleep that night out of the wind.
Isaac has never been offered a place to stay before, typically he would be ignored or at best given food or money but this kind woman has invited him in to her home. Now he really feels guilty at the secret he is keeping.
Bella Roussel is a genuine kind hearted and loveable character, yes she seemed very naïve and also has vulnerability about her too but this all adds to the charm of her character. She was still a very determined and strong woman too who wanted to stand on her own two feet but she also has trust issues and she had built up walls so high to protect herself from being hurt again.
I loved Isaac even if his actions were wrong at the beginning part of the book I could see his reasons behind what he done and I forgave him straight away. He was a very charming and ambitious character who I loved and hoped he would get his happy ever after.
The book is set on Hope Island and the author describes the setting beautifully making it easy to view the vibrant houses, the stunning views and the characteristics of the Island easily in my mind. The author has such a light and easy writing style that flows effortlessly making this the perfect read to take away with you on holiday this year. Full of romance and a few steamy scenes too this is the perfect read for hopeless romantics but what I also loved was the light humour too, I found myself at times chucking away along with the characters without even realising it which just shows how easy the characters were to connect too.
I really enjoyed this book and I would not hesitate to pick up another by this author, I will be sad to leave Hope Island and the characters behind I do hope the author revisits these characters in a future novel to see how they are doing.

Firstly I would like to thank Holly for letting me be a part of his tour. I have read most of Holly’s books and she never fails to impress me with her interesting characters and the prettiest locations and this book is no exception.

Bella Roussel has lived on Hope Island her whole life and she can’t imagine living anywhere else. Bella recently lost her job and has had a tough time trying to find a new one, but Bella has a promising interview on Monday. The job is made for her and not only does she really want it, she really needs it. Bella Roussel is one of those characters that you instantly want to befriend. She is one of those people that brighten up the day when you see them, but she has been so truly broken by her past that she is so scared to let any one in. But when she meets Isaac Scott her heart has other ideas.

Isaac Scott is just so incredibly swoon worthy. He is extremely romantic and he won my heart quite early on. Isaac is also funny, clever and determined. Isaac has worked very hard in his life and it has got him to where he is today. But being the CEO of 3 companies means that Isaac has been used in the past. Women have used him for his money and status and men have befriended him for the same reasons. This has left Isaac slow to trust but there is something about Bella that he just cannot stay away from.

Once again Holly has delivered a wonderful story that will have you falling in love with Isaac, Hope Island and all it’s inhabitants. I have a sneaky feeling that this will not be the last we see of these either. I’m hoping for a book on Rome and Freya but I am hereby getting on my knees and begging for a book for Dougie and Eden. BEGGING Holly!!!! I have a feeling I will fall harder for Dougie than I already have for Isaac.

This was the first story that I've read by Holly Martin and it won't be the last! This was a fabulous laugh-out-loud story and I fell in love with the characters and Blueberry Bay. The romance between Isaac and Bella was adorable and a little steamy at parts too. The book was well written and I could imagine myself walking around the town, sitting in Rosa's with Bella's family and cuddling up to the two dogs. I'll be putting a blog review up in the next few days and something on Amazon and Goodreads too - thank you for the chance to read and review this.

I absolutely love Holly Martin's books- she writes such wonderfully engaging stories that make you want to move into the pretty settings. This is a warm, sexy story set in Blueberry Bay on Hope Island.

I love this description which makes you wish that you lived in such a pretty place. "Blossom Grove was a horseshoe of cottages in every colour of the rainbow facing out onto a little green".

Bella is struggling financially but still invites a homeless man into her home to shower and share the last of her food. Isaac isn't who he appears to be and we wonder how Bella will take the news of his true identity.

Her family is so supportive and you feel the warmth flowing through the book, lovely characters and strong family connections. I loved the ideas she came up with to fundraise and the way she tackles her new job.

I also share her view on books- 'I love my books, they take me on adventures, introduce me to dashing heroes, fly me to foreign lands.' Holly's books do tranport you into lovely adventures with the most appealing leading men!

I can't wait to return to Hope Island.

Spring at Blueberry Bay, by Holly Martin we meet Bella. Bella is at the worse time of her life nothing is going right and well everything is going wrong! Then she meets Isaac a homeless man who she shows kindness to by sharing what little food she had left and her home which to be honest was meager at best.
This sets a story up the story of romance, tears, and laugh out loud laughter. Martin brings you into this world of Hope Island and you may never want to leave! This is a book you will not be able to put down and it will leave you wanting more from Martin!

10☆  - Fabulous and Extremely Addictive!!

Spring at Blueberry Bay has it all, humour, romance, sizzling sex scenes, heartache, love, lust and New Beginnings.

I was literally hooked, drawn in and couldn't put it down. I fell in love with Bella and Isaac and I felt I was every bit part of their journey together.

Bella is down on her luck after her previous job as an events organiser ends due to a huge scandal. No one want to give an ex employee a job where embezzlement has occured.
She has no money for rent or food but is too proud to accept help from her family.

She applies for a job at the homeless charity Umbrella Foundation. Isaac is the CEO and has a very unconventional way of testing applications. He poses as a homeless person to see the person's reaction towards him.
He is extremely wealthy and learns people are out to use him so this is he's way of testing if people are genuine.

It's here he meets Bella. He camps outside her gate. Bella has no money or possessions so she takes pity and invites him in to stay the night. He is blown away by her sincerity and trusting nature.

Sparks sizzle between them. Both extremely attracted to each other. Urging the other to make the first move.Issac knows this is extremely unprofessional but he can't help himself he is hooked! Although they both refrain themselves.

The next day he leaves. But comes back he just can't prize himself away he just wants to ravish her. They end up kissing and things start to heat up. He has a sudden wake up call...he could be her future boss what is he playing at...he jumps up and runs outside. Only to be set upon by some teens.Bella comes to he's rescue but ends up smashing her head and passing out.

Isaac takes her to the hospital. She comes round the next day and realises she's going to be late for her interview. She has nothing to wear. She shows up in a wedding dress lol I laughed so hard!!!
She got the job but was furious with Isaac for not telling her the truth.

Both Isaac and Bella have huge trust issues. Bella's parents left her when she was small and her Aunt and Uncle raised her with their children. She has always felt she didn't deserve to be loved. Which got to me. Bella is charming, loveable and has a HUGE heart if anyone deserves to be happy it's her. I just wanted to climb in and hug her, tell her she's amazing and she deserves to be happy and loved.

Bella and Isaac just can't stay away from each other. No matter how hard they try they can't stop flirting. The sexual chemistry between them is electric.
 Holly does a fantastic job creating the tension between the two of them. Bella is smouldering hot and Isaac wants a piece of the forbidden fruit.
In the end neither can resist. Their kisses alone made me hot under the collar!!

Bella is damaged, she just can't give herself fully to Isaac she is so guarded. When he tells her he loves her she throws up her wall and tries to run away.
It's heart breaking to see how much her parents have had such a negative impact on her adult life.

I don't want to give any more away.
It's just so so good you will just have to trust me and see for yourself.

Holly is a fabulous writer. The characters were so loveable I fell in love with them. I felt their pain, happiness, I laughed alot.
Although there was sex scenes it was classy and more for the reader to use their imagination. They was hot and steamy but not erotic or too graphic.

It was such an easy read I couldn't put it down.
The ending to me felt like one door closes another is due to open hopefully with book 2.

I urge everyone to read this Fantastic book. Its addictive, charming, exciting and I didn't want it to end which is my only critiscm.... I wanted more!!

Spring at Blueberry Bay by Holly Martin is the best novel written by her thus far. I was instantly taken by the themes presented inside this book. Homelessness is not something to overlook yet most do. The homeless suffer from a lack of shelter, food, and other things most of us don't take for granted. I was amazed by this writer incorporating this issue into her novel. The way Holly Martin presented the theme was believable. Not many remember or know what it's like to be homeless. Because of my parents, I was able to understand and easily connect with it all. The other themes were of kindness, generosity, and second chances. Beautifully woven together.

Spring at Blueberry Bay is an exciting romantic comedy. The charcaters are charming, realistic, and hilarious. From awkward moments to heated ones...I fell in love with both Bella and Issac. Bella was left abandoned by her parents. She was then raised by her aunt and uncle. To Bella, they became her real parents. From there, I got to follow her journey as she lost a job due to her boss embezzling only from the fundraiser organization. After that, she can't find a job. Bella applies to work for a major well-known corporation that fundraisers for the poor. This where the plot gets more exciting by the second.

Issac then enters the story. He's the CEO of the major corporation that Bella applied to work for...only he goes about meeeting future employees in an interesting way. Issac's way of finding out more by his employees has always worked for him. Until, he met Bella. Everything gets messy, complicated, and heated. Something about Bella has Issac wanting more of her. But if she works for him, their relationship has to be professional only...

Holly Martin creates sizzling reads. I was deeply engaged and emotional hooked. Fast plot, intriguing scenes, and irresistible charcaters. I loved it. Overall, I highly recommend Spring at Blueberry Bay to readers everywhere.

I just got swept away with this book. Well written, descriptive and in places heartbreaking.

I think every woman should have an Isaac ;)

Another winner from Holly.

I absolutely loved Spring at Blueberry Bay, I fell in love with Holly and Issac they made a lovely couple!, the setting in the story was excellent, I could picture it all in and mind, I have never read anything by this author before and will be definitely reading more of her books.

Holly Martin is one of my most favourite authors. No matter how are you feeling, her books will make you feel better, that's guaranteed. Lately however I had some problems as Holly's books started to see very similar to each other and I had a feeling that only the names of the characters and the places changed but still they were brilliant, humorous reads with quirky heroines and heroes sexier than sex gods. It's no different with "Spring at Blueberry Bay" - the book is set on a gorgeous island, it has a bouncy main character Bella and it has sex scenes to die for. Don't wait long, just buy the book and start reading it, and I am telling you this right now, at the beginning of my review!

Holly Martin, I am not sure how she does it, but she can perfectly write about blossoming romances. Here the chemistry between Bella and Isaac was Undeniable with a capital U, you could see the sparks and feel the sizzling. This relationship is like the wildest rollercoaster ride ever, with some false starts, with ups and downs which only made it feel so much more realistic and feasible (even with the fact how it actually began, with Bella inviting a strange man to her home and kissing him, but whatever, I did buy it). I also adored both of them, they were great. Bella was not a wuss, oh no, even though she had a much more sensible side to her and it was relatively easy to hurt her, as she wears her heart on the sleeve. There was fire in this girl, she had a great spirit and a heart made of gold. Isaac, oh my word, guys, give me Isaac any time, pretty please. Feisty, romantic, responsible and I could go on and on about him. Yes, I probably fell head over heels for Isaac, the fictional character. Kill me.

At first maybe I thought, mhm, the characters, it happens so quickly, and they are so honest, and they speak so openly and honestly with each other about the most personal thoughts, experiences and sex, mhm, really? But then I though, oh heck, maybe it's just like it should be, no beating around the bush, just tell how it is. Maybe it was also because Bella is a total opposite of me, I wouldn't dare to storm into somebody's office just like she did but you know what? I secretly admired her for her wit, for being so feisty and for not letting sleeping dogs lie and I would love to be like Bella, so direct and to be able to take care about myself in a way she does. So in the end I though, hats off to Holly for writing this story without messing around and only getting straight to the point. There was nothing of this never - ending will they/won't they plays, the characters got straight down to business and it was so different and so nice to read, without endless introductions and descriptions.

Of course Ms Martin has created another brilliant setting. Hope Island is a place that you immediately want to go and stay for ever. It just seemed so magical, so colourful, the descriptions of the cottages made me long to pack my things and move in there. This novel was full to the brims with humour, the most hilarious one - liners and scenes (just think about naked Bella hiding behind sofa, or her going for the interview and many, many more) and many very intense sex scenes. There was a moment I was scared this book is going to turn into some kind of shades, but no worries, it is all so very well balanced and they are also full of feeling and emotions. This book was really like a breath of fresh air.

"Spring at Blueberry Bay" very strongly reminded me of one of Holly's previous novels written under a pseudonym, "Tied Up with Love", which was absolutely my number 1 by this author. So no wonder that in the end I just adored "Spring at Blueberry Bay". There was just my kind of humour - you know the one when characters talk to each other with poker faces when in fact this what they say is hilarious, and just imagining them telling this had me in stitches. It had one of the most gorgeous yet down - to - earth heros who must be my new favourite character right now and I think he's going to be my crush, instead of Enrique Iglesias. Just saying. So imagine how brilliant he must be. It had one of the most realistic, warm, smartass heroine with the best one - liners in the world. It had a brilliant plot, it had dogs, it had fantastic setting, it was about family bonds. It had the best sex scenes ever - touching, full of fire, full of humour, beautiful. Yes, the first 20 % dragged on a bit and I had a feeling we are going in circles but after that there was nothing stopping the story and the author - this must me be my second favourite novel by Holly Martin, guys, and it's telling really something, as I loved all of her novels. Highly recommended!

*Book provided by the author in exchange for an honest review*

Time for another treat by Holly Martin. This time she takes us to beautiful Hope Island, can I live there please?!

Bella is a charity event fundraiser, she is very creative, passionate and she has her heart in the right place. She invites homeless Isaac into her house and the sparks between them fly immediately! Their chemistry is unique, the passion and tension between them is a constant element in this book, which is great. It really came through in the writing and that’s really important when it comes to romance.

Isaac however has a secret and when it is revealed in a dramatic way, things get even more powerful. Bella has been hurt in the past, so she needs to learn how to trust again, can she do that with Isaac though?!

I liked how Holly martin included their dogs in the story and she managed to create this exceptional atmosphere full of love, warmth and affection. The way she described Hope Island is on point, it’s vivid and it literally is like dreaming with open eyes.

Bella’s family plays an important part in this story. Her siblings and also some of her friends formed a great group of people to follow around. There were so many characters in this book I could connect to and it was just a pleasure to read about them. Of course Isaac is the perfect book boyfriend. I loved him!

What I liked in this book that Holly Martin really surprised me with certain things in the storyline, I would have not expected some things and even questioned some decisions the characters made, but in the end it all played well together and formed a beautiful story.

Engaging, quirky, heart-warming, funny, wonderful - this is Holly Martin, a real queen when it comes to writing!!!

Spring at Blueberry Bay takes us to Hope Island where we meet Bella. Bella is having a tough time since losing her job a few months earlier following a huge scandal with her bosses and is only just making ends meet. Too proud to ask for help, Bella keeps her financial difficulties hidden from her family as she feels they have done so much for her after taking her in as a child. Then Bella meets Isaac, a homeless man who is camped outside her door, but all is not as it seems and Bella’s life will never be the same again.
Spring at Blueberry Bay is a book which had me hooked from page one. I was instantly drawn in to Bella’s world and her life, eager to discover more and get to the bottom of the issues which had led to Bella guarding her heart so fiercely and avoiding love. Bella was a character which I could’t help but fall in love with immediately; she is a character whose love and kindness oozes from the page and left me with a warm, fuzzy feeling. My heart broke with hers as I discovered more about her past and the deep rooted sense of abandonment which she carries in her heart. Bella is the sort of girl you would wish to be your best friend.
Then we meet Isaac. At first I wasn’t sure about him, with his deception and need to test people. But as I came to learn more about him and see the feelings and relationship he developed with Bella, I couldn’t help but like him. By the end I literally wanted to marry him myself.
Holly has a way of portraying characters which makes them so realistic, all of her characters are exceptionally well described and realistic. I love how I have an insight into each of them and the way they are all connected and how their relationships work and develop.
Spring at Blueberry Bay is Holly Martin at her best. I always love Holly’s books, but somehow she seems to get better and better with each new novel. Her writing ability is exceptional and literally have me spell bound, it is truly magical. The depth of descriptions of both the settings and the characters allows me to vividly image the scene as though I am living it myself, something which I find amazing.
But Holly you are not helping with my sleep. Once I made the mistake of picking up this book I literally could not put it down and found myself reading into the early hours. The words just flow with ease and grace from the page, painting this amazing world and life before my eyes of which I just can not get enough. My only criticism is that it had to end. I need more!!!!!!

So I've just finished this book and can I first of all just say that I am in love with the character of Isaac, I want an Isaac of my own!

If i could give this book more than a 5 star rating then I would without a doubt. Right from page one, I was drawn into the story and from that moment on it was a real page turner, right up to the very last page.

It was an absolutely beautiful and delightful read. The story was brought alive, as the location and the characters just all felt so real. I loved the story, it was just truly perfect, I encountered so many emotions whilst reading this and I just could not put it down, just did not want it to end. The characters and the story was so well written.

It was the first book of Holly's that I had read, but it definitely won't be the last. I can't recommend this book highly enough. It's a must read for 2017.

So if the colourful and stunning cover for Spring at Blueberry Bay by Holly Martin doesn't immediately grab your attention and scream read me now, then the opening chapter certainly will. I was drawn straight into the story on the very first page as we meet Bella Roussel aged 29. She has grown up on Hope Island in the isles of Scilly and loves it there but recent events in her past have tarnished her outlook on life and she is at that breaking point where if a job doesn't materialise she really doesn't know what she can do. Even within the first chapter I felt we really got to know an awful lot about Bella and how she thinks and feels and how she has reached the point she is at today.

At the same time Holly Martin created such a lovely picture of Hope Island that I think every reader wishes it was real so they could go on holiday or if lucky enough to move there. With names like Buttercup Beach, Mistletoe Cove, Blueberry Bay and even the horse shoe shaped rainbow cottages where Bella lived with their unique names just seemed so magical and a place where all your worries would disappear. Sadly though this wasn't the case for Bella her worries only seem to be growing stronger as searching for a new job hasn't been as fruitful as she would have wished. An incident from her previous job that she has become tarnished with (even though she had been cleared of all blame) has prevented any of her applications being successful. But is this all about to change as an interview for The Umbrella Foundation – a charity working to help the homeless is on the horizon but will everything go to plan. Bella has almost been in a cocoon of her own making in recent months and now it may just be her time to emerge and shine and shoe everyone what an incredible woman she truly is.

I really felt there was no messing around here with the usual endless setting up that often is found in a book in this genre. The author really got straight down to business and slotted in the back-story where needed. It brought the story forward rather than pushing it backwards and it remained like this for the rest of the book. Instantly I loved Bella as our main female heroine, she was clearly going through so much and her childhood had clearly impacted the person she was today. She was kind, caring and always there for others putting their needs first but I loved how her family siblings - Rome and Eden and her parents were always there for her. Rome could see Bella was struggling and helped her out but in the most unobtrusive way possible as he knew Bella still had her pride and wouldn't want to be worrying others. But when someone has resorted to selling anything of value and is now down to her last bag of porridge as her only source of food you can't stand back and let someone go on like this and I'm glad Rome didn't.

If Bella gets this job hopefully it would turn her life around. On her way back to Blossom Grove with her cottage full of books which would never be sold ' Books also don't judge her for being different. They were loyal, steadfast and always made her feel happy' Bella sees a homeless man sitting outside and this is where her true nature shines through. Bella although she more or less has nothing herself invites the man in and offers him food and to have a shower and get himself sorted. My instant gut reaction was woah what on earth are you doing Bella? That is so dangerous and foolish? But I suppose given the nature of her previous job and the charity she now wants to work for Bella felt she could but do nothing else. This spur of the moment decision will change Bella's life for ever and I couldn't read the pages fast enough to discover would Bella find the happiness she so clearly deserved.

This man that was waiting at the door whose real name is Issac was instantly likeable. OK I'll go further than saying likeable he was drop dead gorgeous and had a personality to match. I had glanced through some reviews before reading the book and everyone was mentioning how Issac was 'the' book boyfriend and everyone would love him. I thought hmm I'm not sure of the use of the term book boyfriend, it seemed so clichéd and over used. How can a reader really fall that so much in love with a fictional character? Boy was I wrong and I'll admit it. I fell head over heels for Issac and I could see why Bella had similar feelings. It was just so unfortunate as to how they met and the fact that Issac had to lie to her. He had created a perfectly reasonable scenario and I wished he had come clean earlier to her but he seemed to dig himself into such a deep hole that it was difficult to get out of it. Bella wears her heart on her sleeve. She is honest and open and I could see why she was really hurt when the truth comes to light. Yet the intensity between the pair when they are at the cottage only gets stronger and stronger throughout the story that you know something will have to give.

There is such a connection between the pair it was oozing from the pages. It all felt so real and you could only wish that you would experience the same in life at one point or other. Given that Bella was so deeply hurt in her past, and now has little or no friends bar her family, and the scars of her past are still clearly visible you wonder whether she can let herself go and open herself up to such a deep what could be lasting love? This must have been really hard to even attempt and the reader can see there is always that niggle growing ever more persistent at the back of her heart and in her mind saying don't let yourself get hurt again, you're better off the way you are. Surely allowing love in is much better than the situation Bella finds herself in when we first meet her?

Spring at Blueberry Bay was packed full of humour as well as plenty of steamy, intense scenes. Don't get me wrong this wasn't overdone or could be likened to some of those books you see with covers of topless men. That's a whole other genre. These intense scenes needed to be there and they really did help the reader get a feel for the emotions and situations the characters were going through and in a way resistance was futile. As for the humour I mentioned it's not often I laugh out loud at a book but here I did several times over. Oh poor poor Bella when she goes for the interview a weaker woman may have just given up, sat down on the floor and cried but no she kept going. In a way I was mortified for her but it showed her strength of character and how she really wanted the job.

When Bella gets the job even though things are very complicated I loved how another side of her character came into play demonstrating just how much of a multi layered person she really was. Her ideas for raising money were creative and inspiring. That Pokemon Go type Easter Hunt was ingenious and really someone should jump on it and make it a reality. Towards the end this was used in such an incredible way that it couldn't fail to melt even the most hardened of hearts. I loved how everything began to unfold and how things weren't plain sailing. I was there with Bella every step of the way. I laughed alongside her and yes even shed a tear or two. As for Issac well I think anyone who reads this book will want an Issac in their lives. Why can't he be real and come waltzing into my life one day? His gesture with a dog was easily the most incredibly romantic thing I have ever read. It was so heartfelt and although some may think this was a simple gesture it was so much more than that and my heart melted when he did it. I sincerely wished Bella's fear of love, of letting people or even mixing business with pleasure wouldn't prove to be huge stumbling blocks in the path to find true love and happiness.

There were other characters mentioned and normally I would want more of their story but this was truly the story that belonged to Bella and Issac and so it didn't bother me in the slightest that there wasn't more people featured. The spotlight was placed firmly on a pair that you wished you could be friends with in real life and Holly certainly made me feel as if I knew every little detail of their lives. The characters were warm and lovable and that's the overall feeling I got from this book as well.

Spring at Blueberry Bay was utter perfection from beginning to end. In a genre where we are flooded with books on a daily basis and at times a genre which I think is becoming slightly jaded and the usual love story has been done to death Holly Martin is a breath of fresh air. It takes a lot for me to rave about a love story these days in the chick lit genre as I feel they have become too repetitive and predictable. This wasn't the case with Spring at Blueberry Bay. The author has written with such flair creating the fabulous setting of Hope Island and with characters you truly care about and only want good things for. Holly has that magic writing touch that will want you coming back for more time and time again.

I said Christmas Under a Cranberry Sky was the best Christmas book I have ever read and now Spring at Blueberry Bay is up there as one of my favourite Holly Martin books. It blew me away and I hope my return visit to Hope Island in the summer will do the same all over again.