4.5 stars.

When one of my favourite authors starts a new series I always do a little happy dance – and some shapes were definitely being thrown (people still do that, right?) when Holly Martin announced her latest book.

Spring At Blueberry Bay wastes no time in getting into the story. Within the first few pages we are introduced to the main characters, Bella and Isaac, and I really loved the unique way they met.

With her usual skill, Holly creates believable, likeable characters and a plot that is gripping from the beginning – I couldn’t wait to see how this heartwarming tale panned out.

Here’s the blurb:

Bella has always had a sunny outlook and caring nature, despite recently falling on hard times. When she finds a handsome homeless man on her doorstep, her kind heart tells her she must help him. So, she invites Isaac into her cottage and into her life in ways she could never have imagined…

But Isaac is not what he seems. He’s keeping a huge secret from Bella, yet he never expected to fall for this open, generous and charming woman.

Bella can’t ignore the chemistry between her and Isaac, but she’s had her trust badly broken in her past. Will she run when she learns the truth about Isaac, or will he be the one man who can help Bella believe in love again?

While Bella seems like an open book at first, it becomes clear that there is much more to her than meets the eye and discovering what makes her tick creates some really emotional scenes (tissues at the ready).

Isaac is a perfect hero; handsome, sexy, generous and romantic but with his own flaws, meaning you can still relate to him (and I really related to him).

As always there is an excellent supporting cast, including Bella’s cousins, Eden and Rome, although they are more like her brother and sister, who I really hope are the subjects of future books.

Spring at Blueberry Bay has got the series off to a fabulous start – roll on the next one.

Format: Kindle.
Price: £1.99.
My rating: Four and a half stars.

With many thanks to Bookouture (via NetGalley) for the ARC in return for an honest review.

Down on her luck Bella badly needs a new job and, as if by magic, a tall, handsome stranger walks into her life and turns it around. However, things aren't quite as straightforward as that and fragile Bella sets upon an emotional journey that digs up insecurities from the past. The author keeps us guessing, right up to the last minute, as to whether she can overcome her fears and embrace a brighter future.
A beautiful read that had me cheering for warmhearted Bella. She's the sort of woman anyone would want as a best friend - loyal, honest and funny. Holly Martin skilfully combines poignancy with humour, along with a generous dose of hotness - thanks to one dreamy hero. What a delight to turn on my Kindle and enjoy an evening with kind, sexy, capable Isaac.
A must read for fans of seasides and page-turners. With blueberry in the title, it can only be described as the superfood of beach romances!

I fell in love with this book right from the word go. This is just a hopelessly romantic read and you really do have to suspend any cynicism you have for the duration of this novel, but that is so much fun! I loved meeting these characters and sharing some swoon worthy moments with them.

Bella has been hurt in the past in more ways than one and that made me warmth o her and empathise with her right away. I liked the fact that she was guarded and had learned from events that had previously happened to her. She is also a strong and proud woman with big dreams and ambitions. Although she is in some financial trouble, she doesn't want to ask for help but is more than happy to help others. It was great to read about someone who is ambitious and career-driven and yet can manage to get herself involved in a romantic relationship too.

Isaac is also a proud person and so you can see straight away that this may cause problems if he is involved in a romantic entanglement. He too is big on career and has been hurt by his past. I really warmed to him as a character too and so I had a great time seeing the journey that these two people went on over the course of the book. Bella's family also provide for some interesting story lines and I would really love to hear more about Eden and Rome (Bella's siblings) in the future!

In terms of storyline, Holly Martin throws everything at these characters that she possibly can, there is drama and heartache around every corner and that made this read a real page turner and fast paced. I read this book in two sittings and loved every moment of it. Because the characters are so strong, you find yourself really cheering them on and wanting them to make a success of the situations they are facing.

The setting of this book definitely deserves a mention. I'll be honest that I never really knew where the Scilly Isles were and now I do, I really want to go there. Holly Martin has a knack for describing beautiful coastal settings that make you want to be there smelling that salty air and feeling the spray on your face more than most and this book is no exception. You will fall in love with these characters, you will fall in love with the setting and you will fall hopelessly in love with the romance of it all. This is a must read for summer and if you've not read anything from this author before, this would be an excellent place to start!

Bella is a sweet, loving person who befriends a homeless man, Isaac. Little does she know that he is not who he seems to be as she falls under his spell. This story is full of warm, endearing feeling that will make you smile and wish that you could read forever. I recommend this book for lovers of contemporary romance.

Spring at Blueberry Bay by Holly Martin is now available from Bookouture. An egalley of this book is made available in exchange for a honest review.

What a wonderful romance book. I was pulled into the story immediately. This book has a great plot with love able and down to earth characters. I highly recommend it.

Have you ever fallen so deeply in love that you cannot see anything else around you? Have you ever fallen so deeply in love that your thoughts are completely occupied by them, and not even the prospect of chocolate will be able to turn your thoughts elsewhere?

Me too -daydreams-.
Ahem!
What? You want more information?
Er, yes.
Okay. Fine.
Which man did you fall in love with?
With a man? Don't be so stupid!
Errrr, did you fall in love with yourself?
No!!!!!! OH MY GOD, I cannot keep it to myself any longer...I fell head over heels in love with.....

THIS BOOK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I'm not even joking! It's not the sort of thing you joke about, I mean, the book has taken my heart and has occupied my thoughts since I finished it! (Which reminds me Holly M, next book please kthx!). I also found myself a new book boyfriend although judging by the comments on social media at the moment, it's looking like I'm going to be joining the huge queue! He seems to be a rather popular fellow and it's no wonder really as he managed to get me RATHER hot under the collar once or twice.

Ha, ha, ha oh who am I kidding, more than once and I'm not embarrassed to admit that either! I also decided that Issac is 'The One' so his personality characteristics will be shown to prospective boyfriends. Gone are the days of swiping left and right on Tinder or poking someone on Facebook; instead the new thing is to shove a character in front of the person and be like 'OI, if you aren't a replica of this character then it's a big, fat NUH'.

The main female lead in the storyline is called Bella. She has had such a difficult upbringing and has unfortunately found herself merely surviving, as opposed to living her life to the full. When a homeless man gets comfortable on Bella's doorstep, the storyline then introduces the male lead, Issac. Despite Bella's circumstances her heart still remains selfless, and other people's needs are put higher on her list of priorities instead of her own. Now, there is a lot more to Bella's and Issac's situation that meets the eye, yet that seemed unimportant at first due to the firecracker chemistry between the two strangers.

What an incredible storyline though! Not only does the book contain two people who are fiercely attracted to each other with chemistry and sexual frustration that just jumps off the page and find its way to us readers, it also contains heart ache of a completely different nature which really made me think. As the storyline unfolded and Bella's past became even more clear, I wondered how on Earth she has managed to stay so strong and be able to live her life with those thoughts in her head. I can't even begin to imagine how Bella must have felt but Holly Martin certainly did a fantastic job of conveying Bella's feelings and emotions into the storyline. I must admit that it really did blow me away.

I've already mentioned that the book contained scenes of a sexual and flirtatious nature -fans self-, and thought-provoking circumstances, yet the entire storyline seemed to constantly blossom in ways I can't even describe. At one point my eyes were welling up at the sheer beauty of certain events.

If Holly Martin bottled the beautiful, poignant, raw, flirtatious and loving feelings which oozed from her book, she would make an absolute fortune. I wish I could fully explain just how beautiful the storyline was to read, and just how much it too my breath away. I honestly felt as though I was transported to Blueberry Bay itself, and you know what? I would have given anything to be able to stay alongside such humbling and diverse characters in such a wonderful setting.

I cannot recommend this book enough, truly. You really will be missing out on something unforgettable if you do not grab yourself a copy.

Spring at Blueberry Bay is a book EVERYONE needs to read and lose themselves in. Full of three-dimensional characters with such more-ish personalities, scenarios to keep you fulfilled in every single way (phwoar), and multiple emotional moments to keep your heart full and your soul loved.

A truly majestic and unputdownable book from the unbelievably talented, Holly Martin. Not only is this my most favourite book of hers to date, it has also become one of my most favourite books ever. I loved it.

Thank you Bookouture and Holly.

Another fantastic book from Holly Martin!

I must say I have yet to read anything from her that I haven’t enjoyed. A lovely romance story, the perfect beach read. I must say I have fallen for Isaac!

This is such a feel good and fun story that I would recommend it to anyone looking for romance!

Thanks to Netgalley and Bookouture for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review!

Bella is kind of a great modern Pollyana, she is naive, sweet and loves to work in charity. She is in need of charity now, for she has lost her job in the worst possible way and has been embroiled in gossip and prejudice in the same way she has been when as a child and was abandoned by her parents in her aunt's house. All of this shook her belief in love. She still has a family that wants to protect her at all costs and does not want to leave them worried, casting her hope in a new job interview.

Isaac is a handsome, gentle and polite guy who comes out of nowhere at the door of Bella's house asking for help and is surprised to find so much candor and affection in one person .

What promotes the involvement of the two is very interesting and is what made me stuck to know how the facts would unfold throughout history, as both Bella and Isaac have serious problems of trust in people in its own way.

A book about the discovery of love, about how to fight for it and how to give it a chance to sprout in the heart.

Narrated in the third person alternating the point of view of each protagonist and with a light, pleasant, engaging and funny writing, I plunged my head into the lives of these characters so complex and suffered and I found myself wringing each page read so that the end was exactly as I imagined ....... but it was not ..... it was much better. One of the best epilogue I read this year, extremely creative, lyrical and full of symbolism.

In addition to this, I can not forget talking about the dogs who steal the scenes at various times along with the brother and sister of Bella and this extremely attractive and cheerful cover that reflects well the atmosphere that surrounds the characters.


Highly recommended
5 /5 stars

Kisses, Myl

Another stunning book from Holly Martin, one of my favourite writers for romantic fiction.
This book follows Bella, a kind but solitary woman who's life is about to be changed indefinitely as she helps a stranger, embarks on a new job, and ultimately a second chance in life.
As with all of Holly's books the background setting is key to creating the ambience of the book with stunningly real depictions and it's own atmosphere that sets everything else; this time the setting is a remote island with it's wild solitary existence but equally close-knit community it reflects the tone of the characters within the book. Holly, like Isaac, is a beautiful person but with a close circle of trust and quite a few secrets; this story charts the emotional journey these characters take to try to make a better future for themselves and deal with their pasts.
Guaranteed to make you love, laugh and soul search, and hopefully they'll be much more from Hope Island in future books.

I loved the visit to Hope Island in this book! The descriptions made me feel like I was there. I loved Bella and Isaac. They fit together perfectly. Even though he was a bit deceptive when they first met, you understand why he did it. And while Bella has almost nothing, she would give him everything. So happy they get their happy ending and Bella learns some things about her family that allow her to be happy.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book provided by NetGalley.

If I could get away with simply putting "Holly Martin is bloody marvellous" as a review, then I would - but I don't think that will cut it, haha!

Holly has a wonderful knack of engaging the reader from the opening chapter, giving locations that are picture perfect and characters you instantly love.

I'm positive that Holly's writing and story lines keep getting better and better too - grabbing yourself a copy of Spring at Blueberry Bay will certainly leave you wanting more and is one that definately doesn't disapoint!

Spring at Blueberry Bay is the new book in Holly's latest series about three siblings, and this one is the turn of Bella who has always believed she is unloveable due to her childhood and has therefore built up walls of steel around her heart, so the last thing she expects is to have an instant attraction with Issac.

Issac comes into the story immediately, only doesn't make his real identity known until Bella arrives at his company for a job interview.
Landing the role as Events Manager at Issac's company, he and Bella try to keep a professional relationship but there are lots of heated moments as they start to fall for each other.

Spring at Blueberry Bay has some hilarious, laugh out laugh moments - one of my favourites being the telephone conference - but there were lots of tender and more serious moments, with ups and downs giving a great page turning balance to the book. Ultimately it is a truly romantic story that you can't help but grin at as your reading!

As I find with a lot of Holly's books, the supporting characters played key roles, the bond between Bella and her siblings Eden and Rome was just lovely - I'm very much looking forward to their stories in the coming months.

Spring at Blueberry Bay is gloriously romantic - escapism at its best!

Holly Martin books are always a breath of fresh air, and this was no exception! Although the story seems a bit implausible at times, I didn't care. It's fun, it's light, and it's perfect to curl up with on a rainy day! It definitely sets itself up for another episode, and I'm looking forward to following Eden on her journey...as that's where the second book seems to head.

Bella lives on Hope Island, she is struggling with her life, she has no job, no money and she is existing on a bowl of porridge each night. Outside her house she meets a homeless man who she invites in, he tells her his name is Zack and she offers him a bed for the night.

Bella has an interview for a homeless charity, much to her surprise the homeless man is actually the CEO of the charity, although his name is not Zach, it is Isaac. There is a spark between Bella and Isaac but Bella feels that Isaac is untrustworthy because he did not tell her who he really was and she is also dealing with issues from her past. They decide that they like each other enough to give it a chance although Bella does not believe she is lovable and Isaac wants to show her she is loved

This was a great book with plenty of romance, a feisty redhead and an ideal man, although both have issues to overcome. This is the first Holly Martin book I have read and it has everything needed to be a fantastic romantic story. Looking forward to the next one.

The setting of Hope Island is perfect and this is actually one of the things guaranteed with Holly Martin as she has such a gift for not only bringing characters to life but also the places where they live.

Bella and Isaac are pretty perfect and I really enjoyed getting to know their characters. Even though Bella had a pretty horrible start in life she really is a strong and determined person but with a vulnerabilty that is heartbreaking at times. Bella and her family were a delight to get to know and I loved their family dynamic. I can't wait to read their stories too in the rest of the series.

I thought that the chemistry between Isaac and Bella was just perfect it was sizzling, smoldering and steamy at times. Isaac well what can I say it was great to see Bella meet her match and I loved their first meeting it was brilliantly written. It would be hard not to fall under Isaac's spell I pretty much fell for him too!

All of the characters in this story were well written and even through they couldn't keep a secret on Hope Island all the inhabitants were great to get to know too. There were so many funny moments although most of the time it was poor Bella getting herself into some pretty embarassing situations. The message of family, trust, friendship and love is strong within this story and I loved how everything came together. I absolutely flew through this book it captured my attention completely with a perfect combination of laughs, emotion and of course a few sizzling moments along the way too.

A wonderful story that I have no doubt will leave you with a smile!

Thank you to Bookouture & Netgalley for my copy. This is my honest and unbiased opinion.

To say I loved this story is a huge understatement. I read it in one sitting and honestly could not put it down once I started.

This isn't your usual boy meets girl and falls in love story. Bella is a young woman who has had a hard start in life. She is struggling to make ends meet, yet still finds enough kindness in her heart to invite a homeless man into her home and shares her last meal with him. What she doesn't know, is that Isaac isn't actually homeless. His intentions are good, but perhaps he has gone about them wrong, especially as Bella isn't the type of person who takes kindly to being lied to.

Bella is a lovely character, but she had such a bad start in life that she has put huge barriers up around her heart which will take a force of nature to bring down. Given the not so great start to their friendship, Isaac has to go some to find a way to explain his motives when Bella finds out the truth about him. From that moment on the story kicks up a gear.

I loved reading all the ideas that Bella comes up with, what a creative mind the author has to come up with everything she does. Being a huge fan of the game she uses as the basis for one of Bella's most ambitious ideas, I totally related to that part of the story in particular.

The characters are all very well written, the story flows throughout, and I loved every minute of it.

Huge thanks to Bookouture and Netgalley for providing a copy.

Warning: this book may give you a serious case of “reader's insomnia”.

This said, be ready for a few hours of escapism and entertaining, where you will meet the most wonderful characters and wish you were one of them. What I liked most about this novel is that it is a romance where love between the two main characters is so strong and clear from the very first chapters : meet Cinder-Bella, a few days before she’s due an interview for her dream job, currently unemployed and struggling to make ends meet; she says she doesn’t believe in love after having been abandoned by her own parents as a child but has in fact so much love inside her that it doesn’t go unnoticed by Prince Charming in (temporary) rags, waiting for her at her door.
There are no threats from other men or women, no bad characters, just a gripping plot, full of twists and surprises, houses on fire, lost parents, new-found relatives, the most wonderful setting of the Scilly Isles and love, love, love! Whatever the female character will let you believe, it’s love at first sight.
I don’t know how this wonderful writer had somehow escaped my attention until now, but I will make up for it. Fabulous!

From the first page I loved the wonderful scenery and setting Holly Martin has created another time. Hope Island comes up with another wonderful atmosphere which makes me feel at home immediately.

Bella and Isaac are wonderful characters. I loved how they met and the chemistry between them was absolutely sizzling. It was heart-warming how they two got to know each other better and better. As much as I loved Bella, I loved Isaac more. He would make every girl's heart melt.

The humour in this book was absolutely hilarious. There were several scenes which made me laugh out loud.

Holly Martin's writing style is so enjoyable to read and I love her talent for creating romances which make my heart swoon and make me feel at home.

4.5 stars.

They weren't far off the mark when they said this was "an utterly perfect feel good romantic comedy. Why I've not read Holly Martin before is a mystery as her style is right up my street and, with a fantastic bunch of characters, Spring at Blueberry Bay was a superb introduction to her writing.

"I want you, you want me, so let’s just get this out of the way and then we can get on with just being friends or colleagues again."

What quickly became evident when I picked this us was how down-to-earth, relatable, and loveable the characters of Hope Island are. In Bella's case we have a smart, focussed, stubborn woman who at the same time has a fragility about her. She doesn't believe in love, she believes she's unlovable, but she has the kindest heart imaginable.

"Sometimes bad things happen and it’s nobody’s fault. We all need a little help sometimes and it’s OK to ask for it."

There was nothing not to love about Isaac. His and Bella's first meeting may have been based around a little white-lie, but it was with the best of intentions and from his small thoughtful gestures to the sexy moments when he takes control to those where his more vulnerable side creeps in, he was wonderful. And whilst his and Bella's feelings for one another moved at a fair old rate of knots, it didn't feel rushed or unrealistic.

"...we’re going to believe in wishes and magic and dreams coming true."

This story was what I wanted, what I needed and if you're looking for feel good romance with the perfect blend of humour, intimacy and those little moments of frustration that make each character imperfectly perfect, then Spring at Blueberry Bay is a book to indulge in. And with the wheels set in motion for Bella's siblings, Eden and Rome, Holly Martin has paved the way for future books nicely. I'm now off to one-click her back catalogue.

OMG this is Holly's best book ever I haven't laughed so much in ages
This is the story of Bella and Isaac, Bella is applying for a fundraising events manager post at Isaac's charity organisation and as it supports homeless people Isaac tests her pre interview by disguising himself as a homeless person to get an honest reaction to the type of person the charity helps. The events that unfold from their first meeting to the end of the story are both hilarious and endearing.
The relationship between them is complicated to say the least. The chemistry is electric (and steamy too), the mishaps had me laughing out loud so much there were times I had to stop reading to compose myself before I could continue, equally there were heartfelt moments that brought a lump to my throat. This is a book I'm already highly recommending to friends and family.
With background stories being set for other characters I can only hope we will re visit Hope Island to see the stories of Bella's siblings unfold.

"Spring at Blueberry Bay" is about Bella, who is scared of love and lost her old job at a charity company because the owner took the founded money. Now she has almost nothing left but there is a job interview at another charity company coming.
A few days before this interview she finds a (of course good looking) homeless guy in front of her house and, because she likes helping others, she takes him in. I wondered, "wtf? She lets a strange guy into her house? That is a bit dangerous!" But (only) the reader soon finds out who this man is: Isaac Scott, the CEO of the company wheere Bella will have the job interview. Than I asked myself why he would do that? I mean, sure, that way he gets to know applicants and if they are willing to help at all. But it's a very unorthodox way.
You can guess what will happen, right?

Although it all happens really fast, it's lovely to read how Bella develops and also how Isaac is handling the complicated Bella. Bella loves her new job and she is there for Isaac when he loses his home. Isaac is a really nice guy and I can see why Bella falls in love with him. But it has to get a bit complicated because otherwise it would be boring, right? When a family secret is revealed Bella runs away from her problems - and she pushes Isaac away.

There are some things that made me think. Isaac codes an app for Bella and the charity in 2 weeks. It's similar to Pokémon Go, as it is also said in the book. But I think you aren't able to design an app like that in nearly two weeks. Isaac learned how to do this stuff at university and hasn't done it in years. I don't think that it's possible to do this during a short time. But okay, this is fiction, not reality.

If you have a problem with books including some sex scenes than you should probably skip this book. But if you like reading a good romance with two cute dogs and lovely people in it, than you should go for it. I was a bit sad when I reached the end of the book. I hope to read more of Bella and Isaac and maybe of Eden and Dougie?