Member Reviews

This is the 3rd and final book in the Lavender Bay series by Sarah Bennett. I haven't read the first book but absolutely adored the second book and I was really looking forward to reading the 3rd and last one. I found it lovely and charming, and I liked the way it was written but I found myself a bit bored reading this 3rd book. It wasn't as thrilling as I wished it to be. It was a bit too "classic" and nothing really new in the plot. But I am really happy to have read it and I can't wait to read a new book from Sarah Bennett!

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Snowflakes at Lavender Bay gripped me from the first few pages and I just didn’t want this book to end. I have loved the three books in this series but especially this one. A great Christmassy read.

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Loved how the scene is set as makes me want to visit Lavender Bay, already within the first few chapters I wanted to go to the local pub and the Chippy on the pier.

I did guess when Libby and Owen met in the pub and didn't get off to a great start that they would end up liking each other. Especially when it was noted that they aren't each others types.

I was intrigued to see how it would pan out when Owen had a secret of buying Libbys dad's business.

This is a lovely, easy read. My only down point would be that it's wasn't festive - the cover makes you think great perfect for getting me into the festive spirit... However over 80% in and its still not festive. Most of the book was mainly summer and the end of summer.

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If you are looking for a book with friendships, love and a story to warm your heart then look no further! Sarah Bennett has yet again created a gorgeous story and I have to admit I really didn’t want to leave Lavender Bay! Now even though this is book three in the series to be honest I think you could read it as a standalone but and there is a but you would be missing out on getting to know a wonderful group of friends. So take my advice if you get chance why not read all three!

With me reading Beth and Eliza’s stories I think the anticipation had been building for Libby’s story especially with the interactions that I had already seen with Owen. However this is where the standalone part comes in as this book goes right back to their first meeting. I loved all of their fiery interactions especially as there was such a connection between the pair, they always managed to make me smile! These two characters were strong on the surface but had their vulnerabilities too making me root for them even more! With Libby having a seemingly prickly personality, well when it came to Owen anyway. Then Owen coming across as arrogant but along the way showing more layers to his personality. I really enjoyed seeing how Sarah Bennett coaxed out their personalities as the story progressed. I don’t like to have favourites but…

There is a wonderful hint of Christmas within the story which just adds an extra magical charm. I thought that this book was the perfect escape and I loved every moment! Snowflakes at Lavender Bay is the type of story to lift your spirits and whisk you away completely!

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I haven’t read the other stories in this series but that didn’t stop my enjoyment. A lovely, warm, festive, community orientated tale that left me with a warm glow, ready for Christmas. The importance of family and friends for a happy life is definitely the underlying message of the story and I enjoyed encountering and getting to know the cast of characters.

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This was the perfect story for a windy fall day. These characters were very well developed and the story line did not disappoint. I loved how all the lives of the characters flowed so well together. I am hoping there’s more to come fro this story line. Because a lot was left open ended. There was no closure on a few topics. It overall I think the book is wonderfully written.

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📚🎄 BOOK REVIEW🎄📚 #SnowflakesAtLavenderBay by @sarahlbennettauthor
#SnowflakesAtLavenderBay is the 3rd and final book in the second series by Sarah Bennett.
Do check out her #ButterflyCove series too as its simply gorgeous just like #LavenderBay.

Honestly, #SnowflakesAtLavenderBay wasn't my favourite of the three books but I genuinly think thats because i picked up the book to read it and realised that I still had #SummerAtLavenderBay unread on my kindle, so I read that first which meant that I felt the first half of the book was repeating itself somewhat. Rest assured this is just my opinion and if I'd read them with longer gap between it would have been fine.

I did enjoy the story though, we've known Libby and Owen from their introductions in the first book #SpringAtLavenderBay yet both had quite secretive backgrounds which was nice to explore.

The Book for me had the right balance of background to remind you of snips from the 1st two stories and fresh knowledge if you read this first.

I was pleasently surprised by the plot, what happens to Libby I actually thought would happen to Beth so the story did keep me on my toes and it was lovely having Beth and Eliza and seeing their own relationships developing.

I do think that the book could have been a little more winter/Christmas themed- it was really only the last few chapters that it featured.

Nonetheless #LavenderBay has been just as enjoyable to read as #ButterflyCove was.

#books #bookproof #bookworm #bookreviewer #bookreview #review #thoughts #sarahbennett #hqstories #snowflakes #LavenderBay #winter #Christmas

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A really enjoyable read full of warmth, friendship and a little bit of heartache. This is the third instalment of Lavender Bay and I have to say I’ve loved them all. Telling the stories of Eliza, Beth and Libby, this book is Libby’s turn.

Blending divided loyalties between doing something that makes her happy and helping her widowed dad, Libby is torn. Ultimately this story’s full of friendships and laughter with a few misunderstandings along the way.

I’m sad to be leaving Lavender Bay, it has been fab. Whilst this is the third book in the series, it can be read as a stand-alone.

Lovely 4*

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So I'll start by saying it is an absolute crime that I have not one, not two, but three books on my Kindle and I would probably not have got to them had I not been so inspired by the author herself on hearing her speak in connection with the Indulge In Writing Facebook group (led by the epic Sharon Thompson). It  was excellent to finally hear sure sage writing and business advice from an author in the genre I adore so much (you'll find in the writing world most talks are by literary or crime writers, very very few romance, and if they are the chances of them being commercial are zero to none). So I did what I always do, went to my Kindle and found the three books and THEN saw a tweet and a review on twitter and so went to Netgalley to collect a forth! And so I came to this gem.

I'll admit at Christmas time (yes I am aware I keep moving off the point, sorry, okay?!) I ignore the rules of a series (get thee back to book 1) and head straight for the Christmas read. As with the last book I reviewed, that is not a problem here. Although I hadn't visited the lovely Lavender Bay before I quickly settled into the quaint surroundings and the inhabitants Libby, the star of this show, and Eliza and Beth (they each seem to have a book about them so I'll be heading back to meet them in the New year). We also meet Owen, who is only a visitor and quite embittered by this fact. He knows he has family connections with the area and having never felt he belonged anywhere, is desperate to make some sort of a connection or link. Owen is everything you need in a romance character, while he has his issues and has decided the wall he's built is fine-thank you very much- he's also got a lovely side to him, he doesn't want to be the cliched wealthy business man, he likes to get his hands dirty and help people out, and be there for people, even though he doesn't know he is being there for them. Libby and Owen out together so, was a force to be reckoned with, with so many 'yes!' smily moments, and aw moments. I get fed up of the term unputdownable, but here, it's a given, with a story line that holds them together yet pits them against each other, you are constantly thinking 'but hold on he doesn't know,' or 'how is she going to find out?' There's spanners in the works all over the place, with business issues flying to the forefront and people you're trying to figure out,a s well as the biggest mystery, how is Owen connected to Lavender bay? As I said I devoured this book, yet hung onto every lovely description, every beautiful romantic gesture, every realisation of what lovely people lived in this beautiful place. Beyond enjoyable. Thanks to HQ Digital and Netgalley for the book in return for an honest review. 

Rating: 5/5

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What a wonderful end to an amazing series. Libby and Owen are my favourite characters so far, I’m so sad it has had to come to an end.
I found this story so inspiring and thought provoking. Never judge people by their appearance, an important thing to remember!
Libby has big plans for her future, Owen needs to belong. This is their story.
The writing is so good, the characters so real, the author has a knack of drawing you effortlessly into the the world that is Lavender Bay and like the previous books, you will not be disappointed.
I don’t want to say anymore about the story other than “just read it”, I read it slowly as I didn’t want to say goodbye.

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I haven't read the previous books in this series but after having read it I certainly will. I loved this book. I enjoyed following all the characters but especially Libby and Owen who are the main characters. Lavender Bay sounds like a wonderful place to live. This was a feel good read especially as the nights are drawing in. It was hard to put it down as I was anxious to find out what was going to happen next to Libby and Owen with all their ups and downs. A brilliant read.

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Thank you Netgalley for this ARC, it was thoroughly enjoyed.
I feel as though I can’t do this book justice because I didn’t read the others first. The blurb reeled me in and I was pleasantly surprised when I began, how well written it was. The characters were lovely and I really felt the comfort of being in lavender bay. There is quite a bit of history between all the characters so I definitely regret not reading the other books first. Nevertheless, the ending tied up all the trivial hurdles each character faced and it was a heartfelt happy finale. 3.5 stars

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Owen comes to Lavender Bay, a small coastal town, when he learns that his mother was from there. Owen was given up at birth and only has the name of his mother. He thinks that perhaps he will find her and acceptance if he takes becomes a part of the community. In attempt to buy property, he meets a group of friends who become family to him. He has never had close relationships and sometimes struggles with it. He falls for Libby, who is far from the high bred women he usually dates. After the loss of her mother, at an early age, she has had a rebellious streak. Both must learn to work through their issues with loss and improve their communication skills to ensure the success of their relationship. Lavender Bay sounds like a lovely setting and the reader definitely wants to visit.

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Sweet, funny, and lovely as usual! Exactly what I expect from one of my favourite authors :c) A wonderful ending to a lovely series :c)

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This is a first for me by this author... but it won't be my last... I will be adding the rest of this authors works to my TBR pile.

The most wonderful time of the year…
Libby Stone has lived in Lavender Bay all her life. She loves the little seaside town and has big dreams to turn her father’s greasy old chippy into a dainty teashop – not that she’s told him yet!
Finding love isn’t easy amongst the cluster of coastal houses, but it’s not every day that someone quite as handsome and mysterious as Owen Coburn walks into the local pub.
And as the snowflakes begin to swirl on the promenade, Libby realises she’s falling for him. But Owen has been keeping a secret that could destroy everything…

I didn't realise this was part of a series, but thoroughly enjoyed it none-the-less and just could not put it down once I started... I believe it can be read as a stand-alone.

You'll find a community with lots of love, friendships, new beginnings and most importantly you'll feel at home in the wonderful pages of the Lavender Bay.

It's a beautiful compelling feel-good read that has plenty of festive charm.

I look forward to reading more of Sarah's work.

Thank-You Netgalley for my ARC.

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I love this series, for the setting, the characters and the solid sense of a community that supports its own, and is always willing to open its arms to someone new. Libby is the last of the three Elizabeth’s to find her footing and future, even as she has maintained that leaving Lavender Bay is not in her future plans. With Beth and Sam clearly on their way to happy ever after, and Eliza and Jack having worked out their issues, Libby’s tale takes a bit longer to unfold, as she and Owen have plenty of obstacles to work their way through to their together. Starting this book with the beginnings of Sam’s restaurant in the old skittles lanes in the pub’s basement, Owen and Sam have formed a partnership – with Owen’s connections and experience helping to realize Sam’s vision and dreams. With her previous experience of Owen as he pushed, and not always gently, Beth to sell the Emporium, it’s not clear why Owen is back, but Libby is having no part of it. Alternately intrigued and annoyed with him, she’s also not unaware of just how different he is - posh, rich, handsome and wholly removed from her wildly colored hair, black clothes and sharp tongue. But, what she doesn’t realize is that the little interactions that they’ve had – full of snark and fire – have captured Owen’s imagination and he can’t stop thinking about her.

But Owen isn’t in Lavender Bay just on a whim: abandoned at birth and raised in foster care with little to no experience of family, stability or support: his recent search for his own roots has led him to the area – why not see if there’s an investment to be made. For if there’s notihng else for Owen to be proud of, he’s managed to build a successful company from scratch, with employees and projects to be proud of. There’s only one kink in all of that – there’s nothing in London that intrigues him as much as the sharp-tongued Libby.

On it’s own, Libby and Owen’s story would have been more than enough as they worked out their own trust issues and Libby found the courage and heart to speak with her father about the chip shop. But, this isn’t a relationship or people who exist in a vacuum – even if Libby and Owen keep their ‘relationship’ in the secret, no expectations zone, truth will win out and her friends are not blind. It takes a stern and rather ‘in her face’ talking to from Eliza – the last person ever to speak sharply, and the piercing of Owen’s soft underbelly, combined with his belief in Libby and her potential that brings everything around – just in time for a rare snowfall t delight during the holidays. Bennett has built a place full of people who welcome you in from the first words, and make it truly hard to leave. Complex, heartfelt and wholly human, Lavender Bay may be a tourist hotspot during the summer, but the true heart of the place is in its people and their connections to one another with support, friendship and love. I’m going to miss, yet find it hard to forget Lavender Bay and the lovely people contained within.

I received an eArc copy of the title from the publisher via NetGalley for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.

Review first appeared at <a href=” https://wp.me/p3OmRo-aaK/” > <a> I am, Indeed </a>

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Today feels like quite a bittersweet day as whilst I am so excited for the latest instalment in the ‘Lavender Bay’ series, it’s unfortunately the third and final visit to a place which captured my heart.

All books in the ‘Lavender Bay’ series can be read as a stand-alone, however I would suggest reading the books in order as there are some situations in book three which were mentioned in book two and may be considered as a spoiler. Although saying that, you wouldn’t know that said situation was in book two unless you had already read it sooooo!!!

In this book, the storyline focuses on Libby Stone, and the chip shop at the heart of the community. I know that sounds daft, but those who live in a small village or town will know that chip shops/pubs/antique shops etc can be seen as a hub of the community. I mean, a chippy needs to know how the locals like their sausages battered, right? Whilst that is an important thing to know, Libby’s chip shop isn’t entirely the main focus of the story.

If you have read book two, you’ll already know of Owen Coburn – a man who had come to Lavender Bay to find his next business venture and ended up supporting Libby’s friend, Sam and his dream. That wasn’t all Owen Coburn was good for though, and everything becomes clear in book three. What I thought was very clever was how we were able to watch things unfold from another point of view, despite having seen it from yet another point of view previously. I’ll say one word – Land Rover!

I did feel for Libby as she seemed like such a tortured soul. She wanted to do right by her friends and family, yet wanted to grab her life by the chip butty without offending anyone. Not only that she seemed to struggle with her looks and thought that everyone viewed her as a ‘freak’. I guess I resonated with that as I, just like many others, have (and still do) felt like that many times and it’s quite heartbreaking.

I really didn’t want this series to end as all of the characters brought so much to the series and their individual books, closing the book felt as though I was saying goodbye to a group of people I had come to love and adore. Honestly, I could go on reading about Libby, Beth, Eliza, Sam, Jack, Owen, and of course Bastien, without getting bored. I am gutted!

‘Snowflakes at Lavender Bay’ is a life affirming, touching, and cosy read which was brilliantly and beautifully written, laced with Sarah Bennett’s trademark hilarity and ability to reach into her readers souls on such a deep level.

I would recommend this series in a heartbeat – it is everything I could have wished for in a book and more. Lavender Bay, it has been an absolute pleasure!

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Thanks Netgalley and the Publisher. What a fantastic seasonal happy read that will warm your heart.

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Lovely festive Christmas read. Perfect for over the long winter nights. Magical storyline. Great characters that pull it all together

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This is a very enjoyable read. The plot is easy to follow even though I don’t read the previous two books in the series. The conflict is predictable though, but there’s a twist that I don’t expect.
All in all it is a good book to enjoy on sunny afternoon, the story is light, lovely and crunchy.

Thank you netgalley for providing the arc.

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