Book Review: An Invitation to Port Berry by K.T. Dady

From the moment I started An Invitation to Port Berry, I felt like I was stepping into a charming seaside town filled with warmth and heart. Lottie Jordan, with her fierce independence and resilience following a tragic accident, captured my attention right away. Her determination to embrace life despite her challenges made me root for her from the beginning.

Enter Samuel Powell, a successful businessman who seems worlds away from Lottie’s cozy existence. Their initial clashes are electric; I loved the tension that bubbled beneath their interactions. Samuel’s emotionally distant nature and Lottie’s fiery spirit created a captivating enemies-to-lovers dynamic that kept me turning the pages.

As their paths continued to cross in the picturesque town, I found myself invested in their journey. Dady’s writing beautifully conveys the nuances of their growing relationship, highlighting the emotional baggage both characters carry. The way Lottie challenges Samuel’s controlled world while he slowly learns to appreciate the beauty around him was wonderfully depicted.

The reveal of Lottie’s inadvertent secret added an unexpected twist that shook their bond, and I was eager to see how they would navigate this new obstacle. Dady expertly weaves themes of second chances and personal growth throughout the story, making it both heartfelt and relatable.

What I truly adored about this book was the sense of community in Port Berry. The supporting characters added depth and warmth, enriching the overall narrative. It felt like a place where love and friendship thrived, even in the face of challenges.

In the end, An Invitation to Port Berry is a delightful read that left me feeling uplifted. Dady’s knack for crafting relatable characters and a vibrant setting made this book a joy to experience. I can’t wait to see what else Port Berry has in store!

I loved this book! Thank you Netgalley for the chance to arc for this book!
I will buy the physical copy to remember what I read. I have so many books to arc that I forgot this book but I know I loved it .

I love that the characters have flaws as no one in real life is perfect and this story highlights that. It is a sweet romance in a small town with community spirit. I have to say that as someone with a disability it's reliving to have people in books with them too. I appreciate the courage it takes to write about and I think the author nailed it.

Sweet story

Port Berry seems like a wonderful small seaside town in the UK. It’s filled with friendly people who are generous, philanthropic and welcoming to others.

Lottie and Samuel get off to a rough start, but watching their relationship grow is heartwarming. Even when challenges come their way, they manage to work through them. This is a clean, sweet book and it moves along well. I’m looking forward to the next book in the series.

Thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book, but my opinions are my own.

Cosy closed door romance set in Cornwall, UK. It reminded me of a Hallmark movie, but one with proper disability representation.
The characters in this story have their flaws, which add a layer to their humanity.
I do have to say that most of their interactions seem to end in some sort of misunderstanding, and it did get a bit tiring in the end.

Thanks to the Publisher and Netgalley for an early review copy.

We meet Lottie, after her accident which left her with paralysis she is adamant that this will not stop her living her life doing what she wants, helping others and in the Hub that recently been set up.

Samuel is the person putting his money in setting up Hubs foodbank, but would like to be more hands on, but with his “illness” which he doesn’t want anyone finding out about he’s reluctant.

Lottie and Samuel friendship become more, but when Lottie finds something that has been kept hidden until now, it will change everything between them.

Loved being back in Port Berry.

I recommend this book.

A feel good romance between Lottie and Samuel, as well as their community. Lottie uses a wheelchair, Samuel is struggling mightily with agoraphobia but somehow they manage to meet and fall- until Lottie learns - well, no spoilers from me. There are wonderful village atmospherics and family. It's an easy. albeit emotional read. I didn't know this was part of a series and enjoyed it as a standalone. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. A good read.

This is brilliant read and series.

The second in the series but can totally be raed as a stand alone.

This follows the journey of wheelchair user Lottie, a stong independent woman who does not let her disability affect her.

I so love books by KT Dady and this one is no exception. This to me is a story about acceptance, from ourselves and others, as well as moving forward, inner strength and the importance of a good support network. I loved the characters and thought that the interactions between main characters Lottie Jordan and Samuel Powell were very believable. A tragic accident has left Lottie in a wheelchair but that doesn’t stop her living her life to the full. Samuel turns up in Port Berry but is struggling to move forward from his tragic past. After an interesting first meeting their paths keep crossing and they initially become friends but will their feelings develop into anything more? An absolutely delightful read and I can’t wait for the next one! Thanks to Netgalley and Joffre Books/ Choc Lit for the ARC

“Acceptance changes the world.”

Lottie Jordan's life took a dramatic turn after a bicycle incident with a vehicle resulted in a spinal cord injury. Despite relying on a wheelchair, she embodies courage, resilience, and independence, even living independently. Partnering with her brother Spencer at Berry Blooms is just a fraction of Lottie's incredibly vibrant and self-sufficient life.

A driver who fell asleep at the wheel changed Samuel Powell and his younger sister Hannah's life forever with the loss of their parents, leaving Sam in a constant juggling act of roles - brother, caregiver in the early days, financial provider, and protective guardian – while also battling anxiety-associated agoraphobia.

The story is narrated from the perspectives of Lottie and Samuel, with sparks flying from their first encounter. The backdrop of Port Berry's seaside town on the Cornish coast radiates warmth throughout the book. The diverse characters, having weathered their own storms, are united in their determination to pay it forward to the community. Their community outreach through such initiatives as food banks and support for employment showcases their tenacity and spirit of hope.

This beautifully written second-chance romance within a close-knit community exemplifies mutual support, resilience, and forgiveness. It offers inspiration and reflection on finding love and happiness after loss and adversity, inspiring readers with the power of resilience and the beauty of second chances.

Thank you to K.T. Dady, Choc Lit, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an eARC of this book.

A charming and delightful visit to Cornwall. The differences between American English and the United Kingdom version adds some fun and interest to the story. Nice to read about how people are facing their challenges. Some ups and downs in the relationship. Thanks to the publisher for providing a copy via NetGalley. My review is voluntary.

Not sure about this story. The characters were interesting. I did not warm to them. The background of the two main characters was very cleverly done. Not what you excpect. Some sadness and it did make you think. Quite on the money with the Para Olympics going on..It gets 5 stars as it was well written.

Welcome back to the residents of Port Berry.
Lottie is determined her life changing paralysis won’t keep her down so I always busy doing something usually in the newly formed Hub.
Samuel Powell is financing the Hubs foodbank and wants to become more involved but he’ has what he sees as a debilitating illness which he dosnt want anyone to know about.
The become more than friends until Lottie discovers a secret the will blow everything apart.
Great read and lovely to be back in Port Berry to visit looking forward to the next one.

"An Invitation to Port Berry" is a contemporary romance set in a small European seafaring town. Written in a dual point of view, we are following our two main main characters: Samuel, a businessman, and Lottie, a local painter and flower shop owner. Samuel and Lottie have a classic enemies to lovers romance trop and we see this play out from the beginning when they first meet, to the end of the book. Their feisty personalities cause them to argue and bicker their way through true love which was endearing and hilarious at times. Also, our main character Lottie was tragically in an accident that caused her to remain wheel-chair bound, and it was charming to see how this disability played a theme in the love story.

I enjoyed the small town cozy feel of the setting and the general theme of strong family bonds through sibling relationships. What a cute and heart-warming read.

I give the book 4 1/2 stars but couldn't get the additional 1/2 star in the rating. I did not read the first book in this series but found that I could catch up with the characters and past events as I read further in the book. An Invitation to Port Berry gives you the feeling of coming home and belonging. I loved the characters from Lottie, dealing with life in a wheelchair to Samuel, who is struggling with agoraphobia. Port Berry is a town full of love and compassion for the residents and those in need. This book is an easy read but shows realistic life struggles as the characters face grief, disabilities, mental health issues, and other situations. This issues are dealt with in a realistic manner in my opinion. This book makes you laugh at times and has you feeling for what the characters are dealing with in life. I recommend reading this book and look forward to reading other books by K.T. Dady. I plan to go back and read the first book in the series about Port Berry. I received an advanced copy of this book for my honest review. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.

K.T. Dady’s *An Invitation to Port Berry* is a charming and heartfelt romance set against the picturesque backdrop of a quaint seaside town. The novel beautifully weaves together themes of resilience, healing, and unexpected love, delivering a story that resonates long after the final page.

The protagonist, Lottie Jordan, is a breath of fresh air—a fiercely independent woman determined to live her best life despite the challenges she faces after a tragic accident that left her in a wheelchair. Lottie’s strength, optimism, and love for her hometown of Port Berry make her an instantly likable character. Her life in Port Berry is fulfilling in its simplicity, filled with the warmth of close friends and the joy of tending to her garden.

Enter Samuel Powell, a successful yet emotionally distant businessman who arrives in Port Berry carrying his own burdens. Samuel’s life has been one of control and detachment, but Lottie’s spirited nature quickly disrupts his well-ordered world. Their initial encounters are anything but smooth—each meeting fraught with tension and misunderstandings, as Lottie’s fiery personality clashes with Samuel’s guarded demeanor.

Dady excels at developing the slow-burn romance between Lottie and Samuel. Their journey from adversaries to lovers is filled with palpable chemistry, witty banter, and moments of deep emotional connection. As the story unfolds, Samuel’s transformation is particularly compelling. He begins to see Port Berry—and Lottie—through new eyes, realizing that there’s more to life than the business deals and routines that have long defined him.

But just as their relationship starts to blossom, a secret from Samuel’s past threatens to unravel everything. Lottie’s inadvertent revelation creates a rift between them, adding a layer of complexity to their romance. This twist in the plot keeps readers on their toes, wondering if these two wounded souls can find a way back to each other.

One of the novel’s strengths lies in its vivid portrayal of Port Berry itself. The town is more than just a setting; it’s a character in its own right, full of charm and warmth, offering its residents—and readers—a sense of belonging and hope. Dady’s descriptions of the seaside town evoke a sense of nostalgia and comfort, making it easy to see why both Lottie and Samuel find solace there.

*An Invitation to Port Berry* is not just a love story; it’s a tale of second chances and the healing power of community. Dady’s writing is both tender and engaging, drawing readers into the lives of her characters with ease. Fans of small-town romances will find much to love here, particularly those who enjoy the enemies-to-lovers and second-chance tropes.

In conclusion, *An Invitation to Port Berry* is a delightful read that offers a perfect blend of romance, heartache, and hope. Lottie and Samuel’s story is a testament to the idea that love can be found in the most unexpected places and that sometimes, all it takes is a little faith to find happiness again. If you’re looking for a feel-good romance with depth and heart, this book is a must-read.

I received a free copy of, An invitation to Port Berry, by K. T. Dady, from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This is book two of two in The Port Berry series. Lottie Jordan is going to life her life how she sees fit, wheelchair or not. Samuel Powell arrives in town, and they do not get along at all, at first. I liked reading a book about a person with a disability, and I loved Lottie's energy, she wants nobodies pity. This was an admirable read.

In this second story, we learn more and Sam and Lottie and the struggles they face. As side characters in the first book, I really enjoyed this one and the return of many of the other townspeople at The Hub. Reads fine alone as well.

3.5 stars.
A sweet love story between two people, each dealing with serious issues and challenges, “An Invitation to Port Berry”, by K.T. Dady, is also about community ties, family, friendship, loss and healing.
The attraction and romance between Samuel and Lottie are instantaneous, their chemistry undeniable since the first moment.
I loved the beginning of the relationship and romance. The contrast between their personalities (the introvert versus the extrovert) was interesting.
I appreciated how the author depicted Samuel’s condition: the characteristics, challenges, obstacles and therapies. The hero is a work in progress throughout the story showing the condition in all its dimensions.
I liked Lottie’s optimism and zest for life despite the adversities.
Despite the emphasis on the mobility obstacles for Lottie (and Samuel’s sister, Sophie), I was expecting more about the implications of her situation.
The heartwarming close-knit community of Port Berry, the beautiful scenery and the several events taking place add other dimensions to the story.
I had a little trouble keeping track of all the characters and sometimes felt there were many things and too much talking happening, but not necessarily within the romantic couple, where I would have liked.
Later their problems arise from external factors I would consider a bit melodramatic.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for giving me this Arc in exchange for my honest review!

I'm not going to lie and sugar coat this. This was a difficult book for me to want to keep reading. The dialogue in this book was fairly good, with funny British quips and good conversations, but other than that, I wasn't very much impressed. The description of the book is what led me to want to read it, especially since the female main character, Lottie, is newly disabled and bound to a wheelchair. I love seeing a diverse cast in any media I consume. However, everything just kind of puttered out when it came to descriptions.

It came across very much: He did this. He said this, She finished this. Very dry, which was surprising since I really enjoyed the dialogue. It followed along the same lines as a lot of Hallmark romance movies, though the conflict was different, but it just didn't entertain me like I would have expected it to. I know the author has a lot of potential, but for my tastes in reading, this book really wasn't for me.