This is a new direction from Portia Macintosh and one I enjoyed very much! Already established as a fantastic talent in the sexy, fun rom com sphere, she has now branched out into cosier stories, starting with this one. Lily and her young son move to Marram Bay for a fresh start, but it's not long before Lily is running into trouble with the locals, particularly a very sexy resident...

Having loved her previous novels, I was excited to read this one and I was not disappointed. Marram Bay is a place you just want to get lost in, with big-hearted residents and plenty of intrigue bubbling beneath the surface. Lily is a fab heroine, always finding herself on the wrong side of the locals, which I think we can all relate to sometimes. Frankie is the sweetest kid and I felt sorry for how difficult the move was on him at times. I could've spent hours walking around the Apple Blossom Deli, it was almost a character in itself. Portia has managed yet another gorgeous read and I will be looking out for more from her.

Im sure I've read Portia's books before. I really enjoyed this one and didn't take me long to read as I couldn't put it down! I enjoyed reading about the Deli and I loved Lilly's character. Really enjoyed the storyline and there's loads of characters to carry on the story in this village. I do hope there's another one. Thank you for accepting my request, I really enjoyed this one.

This was such a good story - I absolutely LOVED it!!

Everything about this book worked for me, the setting, characters, cover, beginning, ending, it was all perfect and worked so well - the writing style was excellent and I loved every page of the story. It is definitely an ideal read at this time of year!!

A lovely refreshing book that leaves you feeling like its given you a lovely hug! No hesitation at all in giving this book 5 stars!!

I read this last year, i enjoyed it, it was what i needed at the time - it was light hearted, sweet and a perfect summer read. Would reccomend

This is a lovely story about a mother and son starting over in a new place, where they know no-one and need to learn to fit in. The locals of Marram Bay initially aren't friendly as they are opposed to the deli that Lily will be running.

This has a knock on event of 9 year old Frankie. Frankie is a star of the book, but nothing in his recent life has been easy. I couldn't help but feel sorry for him most of the time, especially when the kids are predisposed to dislike him, just because of what his mum is doing.

Thankfully Lily's nearest neighbour, Alfie understands what it is to be an outsider and is determined to turn the locals opinions around of Lily, and also to make Lily really fall in love with the town of Maran Bay. So there are some lovely outings that are planned between them, and the fact that Alfie is easy on the eyes is a nice bonus.

Nothing goes smoothly in this book, but was each secrets or change of direction is revealed, that kept me interested and curious as to what would happen next.

What did surprise me is for a book featuring a deli in the title that at no point did the book make me feel hungry as you may expect. Which is mildly frustrating as i had held off reading this while other food based books called out to be read first, and I wanted to space them out a bit. There was a sprinkling of great food descriptions, but on the whole it seemed almost secondary to whether the deli would even get any customers once its open.

The story is peppered with humour in Portia MacIntosh's typical style and was a sheer pleasure to read this book. I found this a very fast read, that was incredibly enjoyable.

Thank you to Netgalley and HQ Digital for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.

This is a charming, sweet story. The type of lovely story that I see myself sitting outside under a tree in a very comfy chair enjoying every aspect of a heartwarming visit with characters you love. I am grateful to to netgalley for a gift of the arc of this book. The opinions are mine.

Quite liked it, although the back story of the locals not wanting a deli was a bit weak. But overall it was okay

I really enjoyed reading this book. It is a lighthearted but heartwarming easy summer read. I really liked the character development, I empathised with Lily on her rollercoaster journey and was rooting for her throughout the book. Excellent location, yummy sounding food in the deli, lovely setting, children and romance - all of the elements for a fab read.

I was engrossed from the start - this is an easy paced book with very likeable characters. Well written with funny moments as well as more serious ones too.

Highly recommended - a perfect summer read.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

Thanks Netgalley and the publisher. Another feel good summer holiday read with great characters. I would recommend to other readers

In "Summer Secrets at the Apple Blossom Deli" we meet Lily, leaving behind her life in London and moving herself and her 8 - year - old son Frankie to Marram Bay in Yorkshire to start a new job and a new chapter in her life. She has high hopes for this move and she's determined to make the opening of the new deli, which is a part of a chain of YumYum delis that she's been working for, a success, as well as her private life. She hopes that she can make Apple Blossom, the cottage she's moving into, as well as Marram Bay, her new home. However, the residents of Marram Bay have other ideas... But fortunately, not all of them...

Portia paints a great cast of supporting characters, they're colourful and different, we have the really good ones and the not so good ones, those that knows everything and those that only wait for their chance. They were authentic, quirky and amusing. They were a real delight to get to know, and next to Lily we have also two significant male characters, and the difference between them was brilliant. Ex - boyfriend Nathan was a hippie who wanted to save the world trying to convince everyone to start eating vegan and who only watched reality shows on Lily's coach, and then we have Alfie, the charming, handsome and much more normal neighbour.
I loved how determined Lily was and she was not the one to be beaten, oh no. She was a really likeable character and it was easy to fell for her from the very beginning. She has to juggle single motherhood and her career, moving to a new town with unhappy locals, then an unexpected visit from her ex and a delicious Alfie from the farm in the neighbourhood, and she does it daintily and with humour, and it is so normal that she has ups and down on this journey. She was strong and she didn't let other people to belittle her. And well, her life was a little challenging, right, what with also an eccentric mother who pretended to be her daughter's sister and the arrival of an ex and a potential romance as well.
My heart went also to Frankie, Lily's son, when the hostility of the locals turned out to be directed not only to Lily, but extended to Frankie as well. It was so, so sad to see how he's treated at school, how nobody wants to be his friends because of his mum and her plan to take the jobs from the local by opening the new deli. It's no wonder that he felt so isolated and that he spent so much time on his own. I fell for him completely and empathised with him.

Yes, it was a tad predictable read, to be honest, but well, you could expect it from this kind of a book, and it was written in such a lovely way that it didn't bothered me for a single moment that I know what's going to happen. Yes, the author has tried to stir the things a little by adding a very unexpected visit, and she has managed to create a little havoc, and it was brilliant. But there are also some twists and turns that keep the pace and make the reading truly gripping.

Altogether, it was a funny, delightful and uplifting novel, perfect for the summery days. It was full of tricky situations, unexpected events, tender moments and humour. Altogether, it was all I have expected from Portia MacIntosh's book, full of friendship, challenges, happiness, romance and family. She also touched upon some heavier issues, such as bullying for example, and she's written about it with great compassion and gentleness, and she brilliantly captured mentality of a small town and what makes the people tick. Recommended!

Nice simple read. I havent read anything by this author before but i very much enjoyed this book.

Lily works at a deli in london and her boss wants to expand the business and decides he wants to set up a deli in a small seaside town in Yorkshire. Lily and her son Frankie jump at the chance to go and her boss has hired her a cottage to live in whilst she oversees the renovations.

What Lily didnt bank on was the hostility from the town, but a local farmer comes to her rescue and shows her the way to win everyone over. Then her ex shows up and throws a spanner in the works of her life and Lily has to decide whether to stick things out or go back to her old life.

Light hearted and fun.

Thank you NetGalley for my ARC of Summer Secrets at the Apple Blossom Deli. This was such a cute and easy read!

Funny, sweet and charming is how I would describe this book. The characters are quirky and amusing, the plot is light but engaging and the writing is easy to read and well done.

A good solid read by an author who is new to me.

A cute read that I flew through in only a few hours. I would recommend this book for those who enjoy a light and good read.

You may notice that this book is currently sat in our Book of the Month spot, so you can probably gather that there's a pretty good chance that I enjoyed it...but you would be wrong...I didn't enjoy it...


I LOVED IT!!!!

I have to do it, sorry I just have to...it's time for a GIF...


blossom-twins-blog
Pin on Pinterest

This is an accurate portrayal of me, upon reading the first few pages of Portia MacIntosh's latest book! I read it in a day and a half it was that good. I simply adore her writing! Although, I must admit, I am slightly regretting my haste, as now i'm stuck in that book rut of having to wait for her next one, and no doubt I will read that one too fast as well. Oh the tangled web we weave!

Now, there are numerous things I loved about 'Summer Secrets at the Apple Blossom Deli.' Here's a list, because if there's one thing I may love more than Portia's books (maybe) it's writing lists...

The name.
The characters.
The settings.
The romance.
The children.
The Apple Blossom Deli.
The food in the deli.
Philip.

but one thing that I loved most, is the writing. "Well duh," I hear you say, "You said that already!" Steady on, I know I did, but that was in general, about all of Portia's books. If i'm specifically talking about this one, which I am, the writing was just spot on. It coaxed me in, tucked me up and kept me feeling warm and cozy, all the way till the end. Honestly, Portia writes like she's speaking, like she could actually be up on a stage reading the story to you, yet at the same time, there is still a very personal, homely, best friend vibe to it as well. Her writing is full of love, warmth and humour. I simply can't get enough of it. I know that each time I pick up one of her books, that i'm going to meet great people, fall in love, laugh my socks off and have an absolute ball!

In addition to all of these wonderful things, I had the biggest smile on my face when Lily mentioned the food that they sell in the deli. Having eaten products from Mulino Bianco all my life, and more specifically having eaten plenty of Pan Di Stelle biscuits, the mention of them, made me do a little happy dance, while sat on my couch! Little things like this made this book extra special for me and made me happy!

I do realize that I am nearing the end of my review and i'm yet to actually tell you what this delightful book is about! Although, do you really need me to explain when it's this good?! Take my word for it, you need 'Summer Secrets at the Apple Blossom Deli,' in your life!! You really do! If you do want to read more though, we did do a cover reveal for it a while back and it tells you all that you need to know! :p

If you are looking for a wonderful, happy, feelgood read this Summer, then stop right now (thank you very much) and pick up this book today!

A cute book about starting afresh. Against all odds. Lily and her 8 year old son relocate to The North, to a gorgeous seaside town that time seems to have forgotten.

A funny, interesting and engaging summery read that bring a smile to your face. The characters of Mrs Snowball - dragon headmistress and Viv - Lily’s mum were highlights for me. Sadly I think Lily could have done with a bit more backbone (she’s trusted to set up a new deli but crumbled unnecessarily e.g. when faced with a stern headmistress etc) but that didn’t really detract from the overall story.

3.75/4*

There were a few typos and grammatical issues which I expect will be resolved before publication.

A quick, enjoyable read. I empathised with main character Lily’s fierce love and protectiveness for her son and I felt her pain when he took time to make friends at his new school, mainly because of negative attitudes towards her from his classmates parents. I would have liked her to be a bit more fiery though, she certainly put up with rudeness from others with much more stoicism than I could ever muster! A good chick lit that has no sex scenes, so would be ok for older secondary age girls.

I cannot believe it’s taken me 9 books to read something by this author. I admit the cover drew me to the book (yes I am that person!) but I was hooked from the first chapter. I will certainly be looking at the back catalogue for this writer.

A heart warming, funny tale with enough twists to stop it being predictable. Thank you for keeping me entertained the past few days!

A really tastefully uplifting novel not to put down. I never knew what to expect but I loved this book.. the locations. The story the charcters I just loved it.
Thank you to netgalley

Summer Secrets at the Apple Blossom Deli is a delicious, summery read. Single parent Lily has only one thing on her mind when she is offered the job in Yorkshire, to get her son out of London and into clean, fresh air and a better life. She didn’t expect the locals to of taken such a dislike to the deli, which in turn makes them take an instant dislike to her and her son too.

With everything going wrong she invites her mum, Viv, to stay for a while to help her. What she didn’t expect was her to turn up with an unwelcome guest, one that makes her life go from bad to worse.

I love how the story follows Lily’s life, but more than one part of it, mixing old problems and new ones together. The book flowed at an easy-going pace and was an effortless read.

The characters were all a delight to get to know and the setting was just perfect. This is a heart-warming, uplifting book that had me captivated from the first chapter and had me eager to keep on reading. I can honestly say I completely adored this book, hopefully, you will too.