This utterly addictive new novel from bestselling author Holly Martin will make you smile until your cheeks hurt, sob tears of pure joy and fall head over heels in love with a totally unforgettable romance…
Isla Rosewood is creating a new life for herself and her sweet nephew Elliot in their cosy, yellow-brick family cottage, brimming with special memories. Living in Sandcastle Bay was never part of Isla’s plan but, after her brother Matthew’s tragic accident, her whole world changed as she unexpectedly became a mother to the little boy she adores so much.
Leo Jackson was always known as Matthew’s fun-loving and wild best friend. But now Matthew is gone, it’s time to put his colourful past behind him. His role as Elliot’s godfather is the most important thing to him. And even though Leo and Isla are two very different people, they both want to give Elliot the childhood he deserves.
As the three of them enjoy time together watching fireworks, baking cakes and collecting conkers, Isla begins to see a softer side to charming Leo, with his twinkling eyes and mischievous sense of humour. And, despite herself, she begins to fall for him.
But does Leo feel the same way? Isla knows their situation is complicated but is it too complicated for true love… or will the year end with a happy new beginning for them all?
Review: I'm a big fan of Holly Martin's books and was really looking forward to reading this new one. This is the latest in a series of stories set in the seaside village of Sandcastle Bay. I haven't read the other titles in this series, but this story stands alone completely successfully; reading it has made me want to go back and read the others though. As with the other books I have read from this author, this story was quick to get into and I was soon immersed in the activities in this little village, finishing the entire book in just a couple of sittings.
The central character in this story is Isla. When we meet her in the first chapter, she has given up her life in London and moved to her childhood home of Sandcastle Bay to look after her nephew, Elliot, following the tragic death of her brother, a single dad. Luckily, she is assisted in this task by Leo, at one time considered a bit of a tearaway in the village, but now a devoted godfather who takes his responsibilities very seriously and is adored by Elliot. Between them, Isla and Leo ensure that Elliot has all the attention and fun that a little boy should have when growing up. Although Isla is at first unsure of Leo, she soon discovers a side to him that she never knew existed and finds herself growing fond of him. However, she is not sure how he feels and, indeed, whether she can stay in her lovely little cottage by the sea.
I absolutely loved this book from start to finish. There are some great characters throughout, with all the villagers and members of both Isla's and Leo's families. I was amused by how quickly 'news' travelled around the village, typical of small communities like this. The village itself sounded a really picturesque and friendly place to visit. The bakery/cafe would definitely be on my list of places to see. I can heartily recommend this wonderfully heartwarming story to anyone who enjoys a really good romantic tale.
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