A cute, lighthearted tale ..... nothing that’ll keep you up all night with, but definitely worth the read! Holly Martin through & through!

Coming Home to Maple Cottage by Holly Martin is a romantic feel-good novel in the genre of Debbie Macomber. It is a series but each book tells the story of a particular character therefore you don't have to read them in order.

Isla Rosewood's life is upturned when her brother passes away suddenly and she becomes guardian along with her brother's best friend Lou Jackson to his young son Elliot. Isla leaves London, her work and her boyfriend to head back to Sandcastle Bay to become an instant mother. Lou, who although has a history of being a womanizer, and a troubled past, must try to rise to the occasion and be the father he knows his best friend would have wanted him to be.

With a bit of history behind them, Isla and Lou begin to co-parent Elliot as "best friends" and both fall madly in love with their young charge. Just as they begin to feel like a true family, Elliot's real mother Sadie, who left Sandcastle Bay when Elliot was a baby returns with demands which tests their relationship both as a couple, and as a family.

A sweet story about trust, love and family I recommend Coming Home to Maple Cottage.

This is my first book by Holly Martin. I just loved it. I loved each of the main characters Isle, Elliot and Lisa. Some of the things Elliot said had me laughing out loud. It was a very good story of love, friendship and community spirit, It melted my heart. Sandcastle Bay sounds like an ideal place to live. I couldn't put the book down my only disappointment was that it had to end - I could have read on and on. Great writer, great story.

Another amazing read by Holly Martin, there isn't a book by her I've not loved and this one is no exception.
Now, you can read this book as a stand alone if you haven't read any of her previous books. However, all the friends and family have other stories and you will understand each of the characters personalities even more. So in this book, we concentrate on Isla and Leo who have been best friends for a long time because they are bringing up a small boy Elliott as his mother absconded and his dad died, leaving Isla to be his legal guardian and her major concern is getting him legally adopted.... Just before the adoption begins there's a twist, and things go well to bad almost imminently. There's live between the two and Elliot loves to tell stories like children do, such as, what a condom is for and why two adults are in bed together, very funny moments,
I loved the setting in sandcastle bay, I loved the characters and I loved this story end off, I didn't want it to end. Brilliant written. I love all of Hollys books, well done.
Thank you to Netgalley for an exchange for a review.

Do you ever need to put your feet up and just completely immerse yourself in a book? I know I do and Coming Home to Maple Cottage was the perfect story for me to do this with!

Right from the beginning I loved the interactions between Leo and Isla especially the chemistry between them. Then of course add in Elliot which made it pretty perfect especially as small children can say the funniest things! I really enjoyed their family dynamic along with hoping that they would get their happy ever after. There was a great balance of humour and emotion throughout this book creating such a well rounded story.

I think that the friendship and love that is shown in this book really makes the reader connect with the characters. Even though there is romance there are so many more layers to the story too which made it a real joy to read! There is a bit of drama, some family issues and a whole lot of love that flows through the pages making it such a beautiful read.

A story with a big heart, warmth and love. A truly uplifting experience!

With thanks to Kim at Bookouture for my copy via Netgalley.

My rating 4.5 Stars

What an endearing read! How can you not love a story where three people just need to be made into a family? Isla Rosewood has left a glamorous life in London to become mother to her orphaned nephew. She tragically lost her brother Matthew and is now guardian to five-year-old Elliot. When Elliot was born, Leo Jackson, Matthew's best friend, was made his godfather. Now both Isla and Leo are devoted to Elliot. They also become very best friends. While it is true that they did share one idyllic night together several years previously, their time and attention is directed towards Elliot.

All Leo wants to do is to take care of Isla and Elliot and repeatedly asks her to marry him. She staunchly refuses each time, because she wants love in her marriage, not companionship. Since Leo cannot offer that to her, Isla just wants him to continue to be there for the child.

What marvelous characters. Coming Home to Maple Cottage is the third in the series. We are brought back into so many lives where love has been found. Now all of them are very concerned, and want Leo and Isla to find that kind of love for each other. While the love story was utterly endearing, the character who stole my heart is little Elliot. What a kid! I absolutely love children in these tender romances. He did not take over the story in any way, but did play a warm, pivotal role. He is a delightful bundle of energy that I am certain most readers will adore as much as I did. Another fun character is Aunt Agatha. She absolutely tickled me.

I did find a couple of minor issues with the story, including the behavior of one of the characters, which I found a bit less than ethical. But this community is so tight-knit that they bent over backwards to protect the interests of the little family of Leo, Isla and Elliot. One gentle factor in this story is the romance itself. Leo held himself back from Isla, and the reasons were truly heartbreaking. I did truly enjoy the setting in the book, and loved the descriptive nature of even the beach at one point - "the sea today an inky blue under a mackerel sky." The colorist in me wanted to pull out my supplies!

Don't miss this tender, engaging read by Holly Martin. The entire series is a true delight and is definitely one not to be missed. Although this certainly could be read as a standalone, I do believe readers will enjoy the entire series as a whole.

Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC to review in exchange for my honest opinion.

Anyone who has read a book by Holly Martin before knows what to expect and the lovely cover of the book gives more clues that this is a warm romantic read, perfect for these lengthening autumn evenings when all you want to do is draw the curtains and hunker down with a mug of hot chocolate and a cosy read.

The book is set in the friendly little seaside town of Sandcastle Bay. However, this idyll has only become home again to Isla Rosewood following the tragic death of her brother, Matthew, which has resulted in Isla being forced to abandon her life in London and being dumped by her long-term boyfriend so she can return home and take up guardianship of her five-year-old nephew, Elliot. She is slowly rebuilding a life for the two of them with the help of the close-knit community in Sandcastle Bay, including her friends and family and, particularly, Matthew’s best friend Leo Jackson. But then all of this is put in jeopardy by an unwelcome arrival in the town…

There is much to love about this book. The characters are all warm and likeable; Holly has a flair for writing people that you are drawn to. Isla’s plight is interesting and compelling enough to have you desperate to find out what is going to happen and invested in the story to the final page. Leo is a suitable attractive but flawed romantic lead in the best traditions of the genre so I was praying for things to work out between him and Isla, essential in a book of this kind. There is also a supporting cast of interesting townsfolk, some of whom bring a welcome comic streak to the story with their small town gossiping and I was cringing along with Isla at times, but it was a very accurate portrayal of how small towns work.

I did have a couple of problems with this book. A minor one was some of the names – they are way out there on the tweeness scale, even more so than in normal in one of Holly’s book, so sugary they made my teeth hurt. Hot Chocolate Cottage was a step too far for me, I’m afraid. The relationships in this town were also much too interwoven. All the sisters and brothers hooking up, not over-keen on that as a plot point, I have to admit.

My main issue was with one of the major plot devices. I don’t want to give too much away but, as a solicitor, I have to say that I could not suspend my disbelief enough to accept the actions of one of the characters. I just don’t believe it would happen like that. Even with all the poetic licence in the world it just did not ring true. Sorry. It did rather spoil the book for me and I wish Holly had found some other way of dealing with that aspect of the story.

On the up side, I really loved all the little autumnal details that were in there with the festivities and activities. And the romance between Isla and Leo was completely authentic and I loved that aspect of the book.

This is a sweet story and I am sure fans of Holly’s will love it, it has all the elements present that make her books os popular. There was a lot in it that I enjoyed and I am not sorry I read it. Even with the drawbacks, I was still eager to read to the end, but I could have enjoyed it more if some of the above issues had been different. Good, but not perfect, but you should read it and make your own judgement.

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

This story blew me away!!! GORGEOUS and AMAZING!

But let me start at the beginning.
The story follows Isla Rosewood, who is looking after her nephew Elliot, ever since his father Matthew died. Matthew was Isla’s brother and she wants to look after the boy now. Elliot’s mother walked away years ago and has no interest in the boy. Elliot is five years old now and so adorable.

Leo Jackson is Elliot’s godfather and was Matthews best friend. He wants the best for the little boy and is there for him and Isla every day. He blames himself for Matthew’s death, even though it’s not his fault. He fights with these doubts and cannot really be honest about his feelings. On top of that there is his past, he was a womanizer and had a lot of girls. Is he ready to settle down?!

Both Isla and Leo want the best for Elliot and fight for it. Obviously they also spend a lot of time with each other. Let me just say this: They are made for each other!!! Their connection is something else. They understand each other, know what the other wants and their feelings are very deep. I really like how Holly Martin captured their emotions. You can feel the love through the pages and their chemistry seems so real. There are so many wonderful scenes and moments in this book, between Isla and Leo, but also the three of them as a family.

Holly Martin created some fabulous characters, added an exciting and touching storyline and the setting is a bonus as well of course. Lots autumnal events like fireworks or pumpkin craving, so much fun to read about these activities. They spice up the plot.

Then there is Sadie, Elliot’s mum, who wants money for the house Isla and Elliot live in. This adds a lot of drama, since we don’t know if she wants Elliot as well.

There was one thing that I didn't really like in the end. the epilogue is adorable, but the way the whole Sadie thing was resolve was way too quick and not realistic in my eyes. It was a big topic throughout the book and in the end it was mentioned in a quick sentence.

I couldn’t put this book down! This book has so much magic, it’s beautifully written and touches the heart. I absolutely fell in love with the characters and the writing. Holly Martin is a very talented author, who can create a unique, authentic and amazing atmosphere.

WONDERFUL!!!

Coming Home to Maple Cottage was another fab book by Holly.
Another book in the Sandcastle Bay series and was as great as all the rest.
This book should come with a warning..... beware if you start reading me you will loose a whole day...... as this book you will not want to put down. I can’t wait for the next book by Holly.

I've loved the earlier books in this series so was really anticipating this one - and I wasn't disappointed! Mind you, with this talented author, I really didn't expect anything but the best. What a fantastic addition to the series it is, I just didn't want to put it down. From the very start I was whisked back to Sandcastle Bay with all its fascinating and fantastic characters and I didn't want to leave until all the turmoil had been resolved.

The focus for this story are Isla Rosewood, her nephew Elliot and Leo Jackson. Isla moved to the seaside community after the tragic death of her brother Matthew to raise her nephew, giving up her career and home in London. She's consistently being helped by Leo, Elliot's godfather who was also Matthew's best friend - and someone she had a memorable night with when she came to Elliot's christening several years ago. Leo is now Isla's best friend, too, and he keeps asking her to marry him but she keeps refusing. The two are very much in love with each other and also love Elliot, but Isla refuses to marry for convenience, she wants to marry someone who truly loves her and her nephew. Leo does love her but doesn't feel worthy of Isla and is reticent to admit his feelings as he feels too guilty. Can the two ever admit their feelings and give their love a chance? When someone they thought had left for ever, their chance of forming a family together look seriously in danger, only by supporting and working together can they hope to succeed.

As the complicated situation gets even more tangled there's plenty of angst and turmoil, along with meddling relatives, to keep you guessing - and Leo's aunt will have you laughing, too! The well developed characters will have you chuckling, anxious, grinning, worried and so much more on this emotional roller coaster read. It is another fantastic romance, this time with added suspense, and is an enthralling, highly entertaining read. I loved it and have absolutely no hesitation in highly recommending it and everything else I've read by this superbly talented author. Whilst I particularly enjoyed being able to reconnect with the characters from earlier books in the series, I suspect that this could also be read and enjoyed as a standalone - but the other stories are great, too, so I recommend reading them all!

I requested and was given a copy of this book, via NetGalley. This is my honest review of the book after choosing to read it.

I decided to take a break from chillers and thrillers and try a different genre. I jumped in with this one not realising it was the third book, but that didn't seem to matter. It was a very enjoyable read and a delightful story. When Isla Rosewood's brother Matthew dies, Isla leaves London and her career behind to travel to Sandcastle Bay and take custody of her four-year-old nephew, Elliot. Leo Jackson is her "friend" and he's a one-night-stand type of man whereas Isla is the relationship type. The pair of them tiptoe around each other, but neither commits. Leo has poor self-worth and believes he's not worthy of Isla's love. He beats himself up continually over incidents in the past and has a massive persecution complex. Can Isla tame him? Isla and Leo have a touching relationship with Elliot. Matthew left him in good hands as Isla is inventive and a fantastic mother. In turn, Leo shows a great deal of affection for his godson and spends a lot of time with him. Elliot is a little character, and I thought the portrait of him was particularly on the ball. The road to love has plenty of ups and downs. A tears and laughter book. Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture.

Coming Home to Maple Cottage is the 3the installment in the Sandcastle Bay Series. If you are curious about the first books be sure to check out my reviews for The Holiday Cottage by the Sea and The Cottage on Sunshine Beach.  Before diving in to this particular installment in the series I really need to point out how lovely the Sandcastle Bay series is. If you have been following my blog for quite some time now, you might know that I am a huge Holly Martin fan and that I adore almost anything she writes. But this series is quite frankly one of the greatest series overall I have read by her hand.  I really hated to say goodbye to all these lovely characters and the lovely town that is Sandcastle Bay.

Now lets dive into Coming Home to Maple Cottage. And to do that I am going to quote myself! In my review of The Holiday Cottage by the Sea I stated the following:

I was even contemplating if The Holiday Cottage by the Sea was my new favorite book by her hand, but nothing will ever chance my undying love for Libby and George. So a very close second without a doubt!

Well... this book changed my undying love for Libby and George. I definitely have a new favorite Holly Martin book in my hands. I just can't express how much I adore Coming Home to Maple Cottage. And to be honest I think that the main reason why I adore this book so much is because I am a mom. Coming Home is all about family, creating a safe environment for a child, giving it all you have to give and trying to be the best parent you can be. And considering I am a mom of two little munchkins myself I could really feel all the struggles Isla is facing and all the doubts she has about her parenting skills. I really felt for her. Because it is hard being a mom when you gave birth to a child and had time to grow together with them in the whole parenting routine. But Isla's life just changed over night and still she was this incredible mother for Elliot! 

Elliot.. I have said his name... Oh Elliot... I have no idea how Holly did it, but she drew such a realistic picture of a 4 year old... I can't count the times I was reading parts out loud to my husband and both agreeing we could be reading about our own son! You will fall in love with him while reading this story. And he won't be the only one who steals your heart. I was really surprised how fast I fell for Leo. In the previous books he was my least favorite character, but I really enjoyed his story-line. He is not the sweet guy you normally meet in Holly's books. His character has more layers and feels a little darker. A real addition the the male lead, I must say!

Needless to say how much I enjoyed and even loved Coming Home to Maple Cottage. Although I am a huge fan of Holly's Christmas books I must say I loved her representation of fall and Halloween in this setting. You can almost smell the fall leaves while reading. For me Coming Home to Maple Cottage felt like drinking a pumpkin spice latte after a long walk in the fall sun. 
I laughed, I cried and I laughed some more!

A massive hug in mug book! I have been eagerly waiting Islas story and it didn’t disappoint as always.
Holly always leaves me smiling from ear to ear and wanting more. Fantastic characters, Amazingly beautiful sounding setting what more do u need.

Coming Home to Maple Cottage is the concluding book in the Sandcastle Bay series by Holly Martin. This really has been such a brilliant series of interconnected love stories from Holly packed full of warmth, love, affection, friendship, community spirit and lots of laugh out loud moments which add such light and shade to each couple's story. I can't say which story I preferred the most because truly each one was unique and special in their own little ways. Usually when it comes to a series from this author I love the first book and find the subsequent two just OK but here each book was just such a fantastic read and that's thanks in part to the wonderful characters she has created but also the setting.

Through such visual descriptions I really felt Sandcastle Bay came alive and leaped off the pages into my heart. The entire concept of following a man and women on their journey to establishing themselves as one unit, as a couple has been interesting and engaging and really you are rooting for them from page one. Yes the eventual outcome is more than obvious from the start but it's the journey that the author takes us on in order to reach that point of affirmation is what has made me thoroughly enjoy this series from beginning to end.

Coming Home to Maple Cottage had such a lovely autumnal feel to it, just perfect for this time of year as the leaves change colour on the trees and we enjoy the outdoors as much as we can before those long, dark days of winter draw in. It was also refreshing to see a book set during this season as so many now tend to focus on Christmas, not that there is anything wrong with that. I enjoy a good Christmas read as much as the next person but change is also welcome too. Those new to this series needn't worry in the slightest that they would not be able to follow the trials and tribulations of Isla and Leo as Holly so effortlessly weaves in the back story of the various characters we have met before. I love the way she does this whilst at the same time she is canny enough in giving fans snippets of new information and we get to see how things are progressing along with Melody and Jamie and Tori and Aidan.

But now our attention focuses solely on Isla and Leo and perhaps this was the story I was waiting for most of all. We have seen in books one and two how an exceptional bond has grown between the pair as they care for Elliot following the death of his father Matthew who was brother to Isla and Melody. Isla has adjusted to her new life in Sandcastle Bay leaving behind the bright lights of London where she was a window dresser. She has grown to love her new lifestyle but the worry always remains at the back of her mind will she be able to adopt Elliot or will the mother who abandoned him return before said adoption can be completed?

Leo has been Isla's backbone and strength, he is kind, wonderful, generous and funny. He is a man who really stepped up to the plate and given he wouldn't be known for this as his past with women leaves a lot to be desired, Isla appreciates every minute of the time he spends with herself and Elliot. Leo truly is taking his godfather duties seriously and his loyalty to his friend Matthew can clearly be seen by everyone. What also can clearly be seen especially by his aunt Agatha and also his brothers Aidan and Jamie is that Leo does have strong feelings for Isla. He wonders are these reciprocated? Can the ladies man be tamed? Yes he may have proposed to Isla every week since she came to the bay but she doesn't believe he is genuine rather that he feels obliged given the situation they find themselves in.

Leo has previously said he doesn't do marriage or happy ever afters. He feels he ruins things and things never work out for him. To be honest as much as I loved Leo and admired him so much for all that he did for Elliott, at the same time he needed a good talking too. Why oh why can't people see what is right there before their eyes? Why do they put themselves through so much angst, confusion and upset before the clouds part and everything becomes clear? Yes if this would have happened earlier on there would have been no story to read but someone did need to sit down and say Leo, get a grip and take a leap of faith. Complicated love is not the word and the reader does question at times will things just get too much and everything backfire and explode just like the fireworks displays Leo puts together?

Isla is my favourite of all the women characters. On the face of it she is strong and would like to be independent but underneath it all she has a vulnerable, soft side where she is reluctant to let her heart fully open to love for fear of getting hurt. She would love nothing more than cementing the family unit she has established with Leo with the fun and loveable Elliott at its centre but that fear and anxiety rears its ugly head time and time again. Similar to Leo I wanted Isla to just go for it and see where the wind would take her. On both Leo and Isla's part there are a lot of guilt and worries they need to work through and by being open and honest is the only way of achieving this and emerging on the other side stronger and united. But there are certain forces begin to rear their heads which will test Isla to the max. Can she cope with these as well as deal with Leo?

I loved how every now and again Isla really let her inhibitions, beliefs and viewpoints fall by the wayside and caution was throw to the wind. I'm sure I wasn't the only one who was roaring laughing at one or two of the unfortunate, compromising scenes that featured at just the right times. Oh how I cringed for her but Holly Martin always provides her readers with such humour bound up in a feel good romance that just adds so much to the overall story. On the opposite side of the coin to this I thought the scene where Isla speaks to Matthew in the graveyard was so poignant and brought a smile to my face yet it really struck a chord with me and I admire the way Holly wrote this so sensitively and honestly.

This wouldn't be an autumnal book if Holly had mentioned some autumn celebrations and festivities. I'm always amazed at the events she comes up with, be it set during Christmas or summertime. So mentions of acorn hunting, pumpkin carving competitions and Halloween fancy dress parades were so apt for this book and added that little bit of extra sparkle and magic. The acorn hunting scene in particular was just brilliant. The pure innocence of Elliot spilling forth everything he had seen and heard was hilarious but oh so mortifying for the characters involved. Talk about taking literally everything on board and bringing it up at the most inopportune of times.

Coming Home to Maple Cottage was a joy to read and the perfect conclusion to a lovely series which got better and better with each book. It showed how a couple navigate through a world of uncertainty in search of reassurance and love. Their journey was a memorable one filled with lots of people I won't forget in a hurry that's for certain. This is a book I would definitely recommend. It's an ideal read to curl up with on the couch and lose yourself in the captivating, sweet, cosy and uplifting story. Make sure you don't leave it too long before you read it.

After reading the previous books I was looking forward to reading more about Isla and Leo so I was so thrilled when I seen that this was their story. It was great to hear more about their relationship. They are just the most perfect of characters and the chemistry they have is so hot! I was desperate to find out if they would finally take the plunge and get together.

I love picking up the latest book from Holly, her books are so easy to read and once you start reading you wont be able to put it down until you hit that last page.

A really beautiful romantic read that is sure to put a smile on your face!

I have many Holly Martin books waiting to be read on my kindle - most of them Christmas reads - but I've never actually read any of them... If this book is any indication of what her books are like then I've been an idiot.

Coming Home to Maple Cottage was like a big, warm, cinnamon-scented cuddle of loveliness.
However, it wasn't a typical festive-feel good story.
It was more poignant and heart-wrenching than a festive feel-good story should be.
I mean, the whole premise of the book is an aunt raising her nephew with her deceased brothers best friend and falling in love. It was never going to be a book that could be completely light and airy but it wasn't doom and gloom. It was just had a seriousness underscoring everything that a lot of contemporary romances don't have.

Isla and Leo are made for each other. Their chemistry lights up every page and despite having issues with Leo's ridiculous guilt complex, I really liked both of them.
However, my favourite character in this book was little Elliot. He provided some absolutely hilarious moments and I adored him.

P.S This 'festive' read is autumn based and not Christmas!
It was fireworks and pumpkins not snow and gingerbread and it captured my favourite time of year beautifully.

I definitely recommend this if you're looking for a lovely story full of heart.

This book was utter perfection! I knew, because of reading her other books, that I needed my comfy blanket, drink, and time to immerse myself. Once I was going in, there was no coming out until I was done. Isla and Leo are two amazing characters, with a bit of a past, who come together to make sure Elliott is taken care if after his father’s death. I laughed, I cried, I sighed. This book had it all. It makes me wish for a cool day to curl up and just binge on this author’s books!

I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book provided by NetGalley.

📚 Book Review 📚

I cant believe that I've just read a whole book in one day - yes ONE book, ONE day!!
Can't evenremember the last time that happened!

Said book is #ComingHomeToMapleCottage  by Holly Martin.

Scroll -> to see the covers of the other two  in the series;
Tori & Aiden's story in #TheHolidayCottageByTheSea and
Melody & Jamie's in #TheCottageOnSunshineBeach

The 3rd book #ComingHomeToMapleCottage is one I was really excited for.
Holly usually does #Christmas stories and perfectly captures the #magical time of year the festivities brings but I was keen to read her take on #Autumn and read about the changing colours of the leave, of #pumpkins and #halloween not forgetting that one of the lead characters owns a #firework company so some #explosive moments had to be a must.
#ComingHomeToMapleCottage had all this in bundles!

If you've not read the 1st two there is a great opening at the start of book that gives a fab insight to our two main characters, Isla and Leo, explaining how they first met and have come to the point that they are at now.

For me, their Godson Elliot is the star of the show. Without giving too much away, his Dad (Isla and Melody's brother and Leo's best friend) died ina  tragic accident leaving Isla to raise Elliot with the help of Leo.
Leo takes this responsibility very seriously- asking Isla to marry him on a  weekly basis - but despite us as reader and their family members and other characters seeing that their love for each other is real -they don't. Its only the threat of Isla losing at the adoption hearing for Elliot that wakes them up.

#ComingHomeToMapleCottage is full of warmth and humour -honestly I think that Elliot, his best friend Marigold and Agatha ( Aunt to Leo, Aiden, Jamie and their sister Emily who is mentuoned throughout) could have their own spin off book haha!

As with all Holly's books there are trials and tribulations throughout but the gorgeous location of Sandcastle Bay and the loving characters you instantly connect with makes this the perfect #Autumnal read to cosy up with.

I would not only recommend #ComingHomeToMapleCottage but also #TheHolidayCottageByTheSea and #TheCottageOnSunshineBeach  as Holly's books just get better and better - in fact, why not just get her back catalogue as you won't regret it!!

#bookreviewer #bookblogger #bookstagram #booksofinstagram #hollymartin #amreading #books #book

There is a saying "Save the best for last" and Holly Martin has done just that. A fabulous book from start to finish. A book which captured me with its words. A book where my heart overfilled with love and hope. A book which I simply adored.

I always have liked Holly Martin's books, but I always thought they were too sweet. They needed layers and the author has given me just that in spades. She has made the characters and scenes so interesting that I stayed up till 2am just to finish reading the book. And I still want more!!

Love is always memorable when it is bumpy. And these bumps just go ahead to make love that much stronger, that much exciting. And Isla and Leo's love story have the right amount of spice to make it flavorful.

The book had the usual gang of brothers and their mates, aunt Agatha and her boyfriend, all the characters including Dobby the turkey. And it also had some twists.

A book which made me laugh at places and smile at others, which made me go oooh and aah imagining the love, why would I find any niggles in it. The book is nothing but a huge heart of love. This is the first, after a long time, that I loved the book and the book loved me back totally!!

Thank you to Bookouture for my copy of this book via Netgalley and for letting me take part in this tour. I have been eagerly awaiting this book since this series began back in April. Isla and Leo are so obviously perfect for each other and I had more than a little crush on Leo.

Leo and Isla have been friends for years but over the last year and a half they have grown closer than ever. They spend every day together and probably have a closer relationship than most actual couples.

I loved that it was set at autumn time. Most books skip straight from summer to Christmas so it was a nice change to have a crisp autumnal setting instead.

Holly has outdone herself with this book. The characters are so real and the issues in this book really pull on the heart strings. Losing Matthew has been hard on not only Isla but also Leo and the rest of the family. As well as many emotional scenes Holly had me crying with laughter. Most of these involved little Elliot who just became funnier and funnier as the book progressed.

I really enjoyed my trips to Sandcastle Bay and I will miss this cast of characters but I also look forward to meeting a new bunch of characters in whatever wonderful place Holly takes us to next.