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beate251 's review for:
Christmas at Sturcombe Bay
by Susanne McCarthy
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Thank you to NetGalley and Joffe Books for this ARC.
This is the third book in the Sturcombe Bay Romances but can be read as a standalone.
Sturcombe Bay is a tiny coastal village in Devon, which is dominated by the majestic Carleton Hotel that has seen better days but is still a focal point, mostly frequented by golfers and elderly people.
Jessica Bennett (it took until two thirds in to discover her last name!) has broken up with her cheating fiancé and has come to stay with her twin sister Julia for a few days, where she meets and falls in love with arrogant and rich ex-footballer and investment banker Paul Channing.
Shelley, who works at the hotel, used to be a foster kid and is so poor that she doesn't seem to have a last name, falls in love with rich Alex Crocombe who is British-Canadian and made his money in property. He is in Sturcombe to spend time with his grandfather Arthur who is a feisty 94 year old and a menace on a mobility scooter. There is another elderly couple (Mike the hotel manager and Kate from the Café) but they feel like needless filler.
The plot consists largely of angsting about romances, proposals and weddings plus the purchase and makeover of the hotel by the rich guys. Oh, and there are dogs. I always love dogs in a book! It is festive but not overly so.
The book is really well-written and has good topics but is a bit too spicy for my liking and employs too many clichés. The blurb talks about Daniel Crocombe but his name is Alex, so if you find a review talking about Daniel you'll know they haven't actually read the book!
The miscommunication and misunderstandings trope is also in full swing. Also, the posh hotel serves white asparagus in October when it's completely out of season so must be out of a glass. A German restaurant, posh or not, wouldn't dare commit such a faux-pas!
Still, this is cosy, feel-good and heartwarming and I enjoyed reading it. Most of the characters are lovely, and Tyler the dog is a hoot. It is a quick and undemanding read with emphasis on community and second chances, and an appealing cover.
This is the third book in the Sturcombe Bay Romances but can be read as a standalone.
Sturcombe Bay is a tiny coastal village in Devon, which is dominated by the majestic Carleton Hotel that has seen better days but is still a focal point, mostly frequented by golfers and elderly people.
Jessica Bennett (it took until two thirds in to discover her last name!) has broken up with her cheating fiancé and has come to stay with her twin sister Julia for a few days, where she meets and falls in love with arrogant and rich ex-footballer and investment banker Paul Channing.
Shelley, who works at the hotel, used to be a foster kid and is so poor that she doesn't seem to have a last name, falls in love with rich Alex Crocombe who is British-Canadian and made his money in property. He is in Sturcombe to spend time with his grandfather Arthur who is a feisty 94 year old and a menace on a mobility scooter. There is another elderly couple (Mike the hotel manager and Kate from the Café) but they feel like needless filler.
The plot consists largely of angsting about romances, proposals and weddings plus the purchase and makeover of the hotel by the rich guys. Oh, and there are dogs. I always love dogs in a book! It is festive but not overly so.
The book is really well-written and has good topics but is a bit too spicy for my liking and employs too many clichés. The blurb talks about Daniel Crocombe but his name is Alex, so if you find a review talking about Daniel you'll know they haven't actually read the book!
The miscommunication and misunderstandings trope is also in full swing. Also, the posh hotel serves white asparagus in October when it's completely out of season so must be out of a glass. A German restaurant, posh or not, wouldn't dare commit such a faux-pas!
Still, this is cosy, feel-good and heartwarming and I enjoyed reading it. Most of the characters are lovely, and Tyler the dog is a hoot. It is a quick and undemanding read with emphasis on community and second chances, and an appealing cover.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Infidelity, Sexual content