Reviews

Spring at Blueberry Bay: Large Print edition by Holly Martin

marceelf's review against another edition

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4.0

http://www.anurseandabook.com/2017/07/spring-at-blueberry-bay-by-holly-martin.html
If you have a stressful week, or the kids are driving you crazy, Spring at Blueberry Bay is the perfect book to get lost in.

Bella is out of a job and almost completely out of money. But when she sees a homeless man, she can't stop herself from helping him. She invites him into her house to sleep for the night, and they find themselves instantly attracted to each other.

As Bella learns more about Isaac, her life continues to change for the better. So why can't she trust it?

This book is full of good people, doing the right thing, and getting rewarded for it. Why can't life be like this every day? It's totally unrealistic, unabashedly chick lit, and completely enjoyable.

rachelmurphy's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional funny hopeful lighthearted fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

faysieh's review against another edition

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3.0

Somewhat cheesy but I was in the right frame of mind for a dose of romance and Bella and Isaac did it for me.

charleyg's review against another edition

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5.0

I was privileged enough to get a copy of this book to read and review. I picked it up this morning to read a few chapters to get a initial impression and have sat here today on and off reading it until I had read the whole book! Fantastic story that draws you in until the end.
The story focuses on the endearing Bella, who is part courageous and strong while under the surface is really fragile and emotional. Bella is well written and multi-layered character who you just cant help wanting to love and give a big hug. Her boss Issac, who though slightly devious to begin with, is every girls dream man, kind, caring and he listens. I loved Issac and could not help but to laugh and cry with him and Bella on their journey.
I loved how other characters knew each other and everyone was linked somehow in the main story really giving the impression of a small island. The island was beautifully described and I was quickly whisked away to the beautiful beaches and fields of Hope Island.
I thought the Easter egg hunt was ingenious and I want to go on one too now!
Overall a great story with good lovable characters. I will definitely be checking out more of Holly's work.

bananatricky's review against another edition

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1.0

DNF at 11%.

This was just so saccharine sweet that I could feel my fillings ache as I was reading, I know that 11% isn't really giving the story a chance but I couldn't face reading any more.

Bella Roussel lives on tiny Hope Island. She worked as an events manager for a charity called Magic Wishes but it transpired that her boss was stealing from the charity and Bella has been tarred by association, despite being exonerated by the Police investigation, she has been unemployed for three months. Despite the fact that she has a brother and sister who would help her (and indeed offer to do so frequently) and she rents her house from her uncle, she has resorted to living off porridge and has sold off most of her possessions. Despite that, she continues to help her elderly neighbours, volunteer for worthy causes, wants to adopt an unwanted dog and invites a homeless man to stay the night in her spare room (and eat her last bowl of porridge).

Of course, the homeless man is actually Isaac Scott the wealthy head of a charity called the Umbrella Foundation which helps the homeless. Bella has applied for a job with the Umbrella Foundation and Isaac makes it a point to test new applicants' commitment to helping the homeless by observing their reactions when confronted by a homeless person on their doorstep. He is totally blown away by Bella's attitude, she is clearly one step away from being destitute herself but is kind enough to give way what little food she has to a complete stranger and offer him a bed for the night.

Bella was just such a Mary Sue I couldn't face reading further, I totally expected her to have a step-mother and two ugly sisters, or at least have bluebirds flying around her head as she tripped around Hope Island.

Sorry, maybe it got more realistic later but I had the sinking feeling that she might start thanking the one true lord for her daily bread at any second. Not for me. Be warned by the "utterly perfect feel good romantic comedy" tagline.

I received a free copy of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley in return for an honest review.

brightsidest's review against another edition

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lighthearted relaxing fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

carriethomas's review against another edition

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emotional funny slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.0

arianappstrg's review against another edition

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emotional fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

1.0

emilier_h's review against another edition

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funny lighthearted relaxing fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? N/A
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

clarab12's review against another edition

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5.0

Another fantastic book from Holly Martin!

I must say I have yet to read anything from her that I haven’t enjoyed. A lovely romance story, the perfect beach read. I must say I have fallen for Isaac!

This is such a feel good and fun story that I would recommend it to anyone looking for romance!

Thanks to Netgalley and Bookouture for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review!