Hands up if you love unicorns *puts both hands in the air*

There is just something magical about them, isn’t there? All that sparkly, glittery, rainbow-coloured lushness. And age is of no significance *shakes head* No comment from the gallery please *frowns*

So, as you can imagine, I was all grabby hands with this book. It looked like a hoot, and boy, could I do with a laugh.

Ben Evans is a man with a plan. Only the return of his childhood best friend puts a bit of spanner in the works. His gourmet tea shop has now become a hybrid with Poppy’s unicorn gift shop. Some things you just can’t plan for *shrugs* Just as long as nothing pink or glittery ends up on his side of the shop *snorts* Yup, let the fun commence...

After travelling for over a decade, Poppy Taylor is ready to return home, or should I say, ready to return to the person who feels like home. Now don’t go getting yourself confused. Poppy doesn’t do love, or so she thinks. Her childhood has left an indelible mark. This girl’s heart is a patchwork of cracks that not even the power of unicorns can heal. One wrong move... yeah, you get the picture.

Flinging herself head first into making this joint venture with Ben a success, Poppy tries to ignore her burgeoning feelings for her best friend. But, just as in the past, some things can’t be ignored. Running away didn’t solve both her problems the first time. Maybe it’s time to take the unicorn by the horn and stop running.

Pfft, I honestly thought these two were going to give me an ulcer at some points. No amount of shouting at my kindle or gesticulating wildly was getting through to them. Talk about being at cross purposes. You know what they say about assuming anything, don’t you? It makes an ass out of you and me *snorts* I understand their need to protect themselves, but, come on people, communicate! No jumping to conclusions, or assuming you know what’s best for someone. For the love of all things glittery - talk!

*blows out breath*

Sorry about that. I tend to get a tad invested *blushes*

There were a few laugh out loud moments that had me snort-giggling. The whole drawers conversation had me holding my sides #epic

OMG, sorry! I’ve just realised I’ve been prattling on here for days *shrugs* Y’all know it tends to happen.

I’ll sign off by saying if you’re looking for a feel-good read powered by the magic of unicorns then don’t hesitate to one-click this story.

I have a confession to make (this is fast becoming a habit). I have to admit that I have never read any of Kellie’s previous books. I do like discovering a new author and I always love starting a new book. So it was with some excitement that I picked this book up and began to read. I really enjoyed reading this book but more about that in a bit.
I have to be honest and say that I didn’t immediately take to the characters of Poppy and Ben, as to start with both of them irritated me in different ways. Poppy got up my nose a bit with her attitude. She rings Ben in the middle of the night and tells him that she is returning home and she wants him to pick her up from the airport. Honestly if somebody had done that to me then I would have probably said a few fruity rude words and I would promptly switch the phone off. I don’t function well when I have disturbed sleep. She wants to open a shop just stocking unicorn merchandise. Then we have Ben who seems to be an old man and very set in his ways. He qualified in the legal profession and has been working in the field ever since. However his heart isn’t in his legal career any more and he wants to open up a gourmet tea room with lots of lovely homemade cakes and biscuits. I just wanted to know when could I visit the shop? He just needs to learn how to relax. However as the story continued I realised that both characters were a product of their backgrounds and what they had been through had made them into the people that they are today. Poppy and Ben have grown up together and have a shared history. Eventually I did take to them and by the end of the book I was so wanting them to forget the past and just get together. Will they get together? Well for the answer to that question you are just going to have to read the book for yourselves to find out as I am not going to tell you.
It took me a little while to get into this book because the characters were annoying me a bit, but once I got into the story then I became hooked on ‘The Little Unicorn Gift Shop’. I just had to read on and on to see if Poppy and Ben realised how the other person felt about them and if they just got together. I also had to keep reading on and on to see how the two of them could house their respective retail ideas within the same shop. The idea of a shop stocking just unicorn merchandise and doubling as a gourmet tea room, seemed too out of this world even for me to imagine. The more I read, the more desperate I was to find out how the story ended and the quicker the pages turned. They were turning so fast at one point that it was almost as if they turned themselves. I became too emotionally involved with this book in the sense that I began interacting with it. By that I mean that I began arguing with the book and shouting random comments, whilst telling both characters to get a grip.
In short I did enjoy reading this book and I would recommend it to other readers. I will definitely be looking for Kellie’s other books. The score on the Ginger Book Geek board is a well deserved 4* out of 5*.

This a a wonderful book! Glittery, sparkly, unicorny, happy! What’s not to love. Poppy, unconventional world traveller has been away for years. However in her return to the uk she and her best friend Ben decide to embark on a joint venture of cafe and gift shop. Ben sets out the rules and Poppy, rightly, ignores them. Which leads to some laugh out loud moments.
Poppy realises that th Ben she has always loved as a friend is suddenly meaning so much more to her. But how will they navigate their new venture? And will poppy tell Ben. And how will Ben respond. And what about the glittery cakes and biscuits.....
It’s a real feel good, heart warming, fun and happy book and if you love chick lit, and I so so so do, then you will love this book!

I'm going to sound a bit bad here, but there was a little part of me that couldn't help thinking that I wasn't going to like this book, all because I don't see the fascination with unicorns. However, before anyone asks me why I chose to read the book with that thought in my head, it was also the unicorns and the fact that they were going to be living in a gift shop (the unicorns, not the characters) which piqued my interest at the same time. I mean, why unicorns? Why a gift shop?

It didn't take me too long to find out the answers to both of those questions, nor did it take me long to find out that my original opinion of the book was in fact a load of tosh, making me hold my hands up and shouting, 'I FLUFFYUNICORN LOVE THIS BOOK'. I am not even exaggerating either. What a fantastic read this is and, in my opinion, it is Kellie Hailes' finest book to date. 'The Little Unicorn Gift Shop' has everything I adore from a book in this genre; romance, humour, colourful pasts, a character who puts a spanner in the works, and two main characters who are trying to battle their own individual devils. The concept of Kellie Hailes' latest release was unique, hilarious and so more-ish. In fact, I'd even go as far to say that unicorns have grown on me a tad too! I won't be making my jammy dodgers glittery anytime soon though, and no that is not a euphemism! Oh god, now I have an image in my head that I really didn't want!!

Poppy isn't your 'typical' girl next door type of character, she is the type of character who was made in a broken yet fabulous mould. Basically one of us. Yes, she has her own emotional scars to deal with, but how many of us don't? She isn't perfect, but then again what constitutes as perfection where people are concerned? I loved her personality and I found her character to be extremely hilarious and totally genuine. I have everything crossed that Kellie Hailes brings Poppy and Ben back in another book as I would love to see what they get up to next.

I have been known to invest myself in one character in a book, but it is rare that I ever invest myself in both of the main character from the same book. However, that all changed when I stepped foot into 'Sparkle and Steep'. Goodness, I may have even found my most favourite duo yet - these two are fabulous and Ben's lack of confidence is weirdly endearing. Okay, the unicorn aspect of the book makes the storyline what it is, yet I have to give the author a round of applause for creating two enchanting and memorable characters who completely and utterly stole my heart.

Well.....aside from Joe's uniform...obviously. Hellooooo, envious!

'The Little Unicorn Gift Shop' is the perfect antidote to a rainy day. The perfect thing to turn a frown upside down. And, I can't believe I am about to say this....but Kellie Hailes' book is even better than a bar of chocolate. I cannot recommend this book enough, I want to read it all over again - utterly divine!

Poppy and Ben have been best friends forever but Poppy knew she wasn’t good enough for Ben so took off travelling round the world. Now she’s decided its time to come home to start her dream business, a shop selling all things unicorn. She accidently falls into sharing shop space with Ben, who is much more straitlaced and she decides to loosen him up. Fun read.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own

A fab story based on the characters of Poppy and Ben and their lovely little gift shop. I must admit I was sold once I saw unicorn in the title. The perfect summery read.

Ben and Polly have been best friends all their lives. As neighbours they spent all their time together. In Ben and his parents, Polly had the family she didn’t have at home where her single mother was too busy with her art, parties, and friends to even find time to buy her clothes and food. For Ben, Polly was an air of vitality, the person who pushed him to go over the limits. But right after they finished school, Polly left to travel around the world.
Twelve years later, she is back in Ben’s life, coming home to open her unique unicorn gift shop while Ben is leaving his career in law to follow his dream and open his tea shop. Finding themselves sharing a store and spending more and more time together, Ben and Polly will have to face their feelings and the reason why Polly left twelve years earlier.
I really enjoyed Kellie Hailes’ Rabbit’s Leap series, so I was really looking forward to this book. Although I liked the engaging characters, the story is at times repetitive and I couldn’t really get into it. Despite this, the novel is still entertaining and you will enjoy it if you are looking for a heart-warming read.

First book by Kellie Hailes I have read and it won't be the last. If you're looking for a light-read, some escapism, and bucket-loads of romance, this is the book for you. I do question how Poppy and Ben got so close so quickly again after over a decade apart (and apparently little contact), but I'll let that go.

Kellie writes an excellent romance - this book focuses on Poppy and Ben, with only a few other characters. I do think that perhaps more time should have been spent on Poppy's mother, given all the issues Poppy had with her. Also, Ben was perfect - are 'real' men that perfect? I think not. But the romantic in me enjoyed this book, especially the addition of unicorns and glitter, and not forgetting tea and cake. What's not to love? :-)

With thanks to NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

The Little Unicorn Gift Shop by Kellie Hailes is a delightful, warm, tender and fun contemporary novel. It is guaranteed to put a smile on your face. The infectious joie de vivre is definitely catching. It is a book of high energy. "You run on pure enthusiasm."
The main themes are of friendship and love. Some friendships are just made for life. The years and miles cannot diminish them.
A belief that a character is unlovable will just break your heart. "The harsh whisper... reminding her that she wasn't good enough. She wasn't worth loving." Our early years experience will set our foundations for life. Protecting our heart is key - but one can only run for so long. Sooner or later we must face our fears and our past.
Love blossoms in the novel. The reader catches the budding and developing even though the characters try to disguise it.
It was a pure delight to witness the banter between the leading characters - amusing and cheeky in a 'carry on' humour sort of way. A zest for life contrasts with a more cautious approach. The result was explosive chemistry.
The novel is a light hearted read but dig beneath the surface to expose pain that will break your heart.
Finishing the novel has left me smiling. I loved the friendship, business venture and huge hearts to be found within the pages. Give yourself a pick-me-up today and buy The Little Unicorn Gift Shop.
I received this book for free. A favourable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.

4 - "It's meant to be." Stars!

It always feels like it's been too long since I have read anything by Kellie Hailes, when I start a new book by her, so it was with a certain level of excitement that I started The Little Unicorn Gift Shop, and once again the author didn’t disappoint.

"No sharing, no boundary crossing, you understand..?"

Ben and Poppy’s story is one of friends reconnecting after Poppy has spent twelve years travelling the world. Ben has stayed in the UK, living a 9 to 5 existence. Poppy’s return heralds big change, for the both of them, with their destinies entwining again, as they join forces to open a gift/tea shop together.

He’d always been the solid, dependable one…

Poppy is all things Unicorn, with glitter and sparkles galore, while Ben is all things tea, with cakes and treats in abundance, and never the twain shall meet. Which proves a rule a little difficult for rebel Poppy to adhere by, and on more than one occasion, much to Ben’s easy-going frustration.

There’s no point in entertaining feelings from the past. They’d gotten him nowhere then, they weren’t going to get him anywhere now…

As the business grows for them both, so do their feelings rekindle for each other, both are initially reluctant to look at anything other than friends, but as both of them deal with difficult parts of their pasts, the support the other provides when one is in need soon highlights to them both that they have the potential to be so much more than just friends and business partners.

"I think good things are going to come of this…"

It’s pretty easy to see where the drama will inevitably come from for this couple, and I thought the author gave it just the right amount of page time, enough that I wanted to slap the characters upside the head and tell them to get their heads out of their bums, but not enough that I started disliking either of them. I have to admit it was more of a struggle with one of them, but cleverly inserted reminders of what had occurred during their childhoods, and giving more character depth with each revelation helped me keep the frustration at bearable levels.

If you are looking for a little escape from reality, with rainbows, unicorns, and sparkle aplenty, likable characters and a really decent story-line, then I would certainly not hesitate to recommend that you give The Little Unicorn Gift Shop a read.

I liked this book - quirky characters and had a feel good spirit, with some background story. Easy summer read.

I found this to be a light-hearted book. It flows easily even through some intense emotional issues. I found it enjoyable & was happy that all turned out alright in the end. #TheLittleUnicornGiftShop #NetGalley

Poppy and Ben grew up together living in neighbouring houses, but as school finished and University beckoned for Ben, Poppy ups and leaves the country. 12 years and a handful of emails later, Poppy is back and determined to open her own Unicorn Gift shop. Ben has spent the interim years training as a Solicitor and rising to be a partner in the firm, however he isn't happy, he wants to follow his dream and open a artisanal tea and cake shop. All the time these two best friends have been apart they have been silently yearning for each other. As they go into business together, opening a tea and unicorn gift shop, the sexual tension electrifies the air around them. However, Poppy has to overcome the difficult relationship she has with her mother before her heart can be won over by Ben.
This wonderful feel good story, explores the very difficult relationships that can occur between parent and child. Kellie Hailes doesn't sugar coat the very real emotions that Poppy has gone through, both as a child, and then as an independent adult, travelling the world to escape. I thoroughly enjoyed this novel from start to finish and although this is my first Kellie Hailes book, it will definitely not be my last.
Thank you for giving me the opportunity to read this novel before publication.

Great read about Poppy and Ben. They were inseperable till she left home suddenly when they were 18. Now, 12 years later, she is back.
They end up opening a shop together; his side a posh tea shop and hers a unicorn gift shop - each suits their personality.
A story about love and friendship.

My review has been posted to Goodreads.

Review has also been tweeted as usual.

Thank you! :c)

The story of Poppy and Ben. Friends forever, and sexual tension underlying all. When Ben decides he wants to leave law and open a fancy tea house, he gets a call from Poppy to pick her up at the airport. When she goes with him to check out the shop she decides to join him, and open a side shop of everything unicorn. A funny and at times sad story, that was an interesting read. Would recommend this book. Dragged a bit here and there, but otherwise a fun read. Great for summer reading.

Brilliant feel good book! Read it in an afternoon. Funny, cute and uplifting, loved the idea of a unicorn gift shop!!

A wonderfully uplifting novel about meeting the love of your life, running away, and finally following your heart. With tea and unicorns featuring heavily this book is sure to be a hit and a joy to read. I thoroughly enjoyed reading about Ben and Poppy, and can only wish that the Little Unicorn Gift Shop truly existed. I look forward to reading more by Kellie Hailes, especially if there's unicorns...