Roberta Reads

She Gets the Girl by Rachael Lippincott My rating: 5 of 5 stars I took a chance on this book, which is outside my normal genres, and I’m so glad I did! I was sucked into the story the moment I started reading (I’d actually only opened it so it would be at the top of the kindle TBR list). I loved this book so much that I can’t find the words to describe how and why. Alex and Molly are such wonderful, fully realised characters. They just leap off the page and make you care about them. And their story is so lovely. It’s all about how love sneaks up on you when you’re looking the other way. The ending is just perfect. I really recommend this book, it’s a sweet and lovely romance, and it just warmed my heart. I was given a free copy of this book, my opinions are my own. View all my reviews

Beach House Summer by Sarah Morgan My rating: 5 of 5 stars I’m a big fan of Sarah Morgan’s books, and have been for a long time. I was therefore really looking forward to reading her latest, Beach House Summer. It didn’t disappoint me! I loved this book, it was such a relaxing read. The characters are all really likeable, and I especially loved Ashley and Joanna. I loved the way they supported each other, and brought out the best in each other. They’ve both been through a lot, and I enjoyed reading about how they forged a new beginning together. I loved the community, and the location, of Silver Point. Joanna grew up there, and it was lovely to see the way her old friends supported her, once she let them back in. I loved the seaside location too. Overall, this was a relaxing read, full of friendship, community, and second chances. Not to mention some romance. I definitely recommend it for some escapism! I was given a free copy of this book, my opinio...

Sabotage on the Solar Express by M.G. Leonard My rating: 5 of 5 stars The Adventures on Trains series is one of my favourite discoveries of the past few years. I really cannot stress enough how brilliant they are. I really thought that they couldn’t possibly get any better, but Sabotage on the Solar Express somehow managed it! I loved all the science bits, and the idea of a train that runs on solar power and water, essentially. Boaz is a great character, he’s enthusiastic and knowledgeable. I loved him so much. I love his family too, they’re supportive, but also down to earth. This story is honestly so much fun, exciting technology, sabotage, and a runaway train. What more could you possibly want? It was great to rejoin Hal and Uncle Nat. I really enjoyed the fact that Marianne is back in this story too. She really shows a better side of herself, and steps up to help save the day. The setting was so enjoyable too. Both the train itself, and Australia...

One Good Thing by Alexandra Potter My rating: 4 of 5 stars I really enjoyed this book. I loved the location, and the gradual transformation of the house and garden. I like the way that Liv acquires both a house and a dog that are both run down (how she’s feeling), without really intending to. I liked the characters a lot, especially Liv and Harry. Harry is the one who really brings everyone together. I liked the variety of characters as well. The plot was great - I enjoyed the way that Liv slowly rebuilt her life, into a better shape than it was before. I liked the way she made connections with the other characters, and how she and Harry affected their lives. I liked the way that everyone was struggling with something, but they all moved forwards during the course of the story. Overall, this was an emotional, but also soothing, book. I was given a free copy of this book, my opinions are my own. TW: death, dementia View all my reviews ...

The Flower Farm: 5 out of 5 Stars: I love Rachael Lucas’s writing, and very much enjoyed The Winter Cottage, so The Flower Farm was a no-brainer for me. It was great to rejoin all the characters from the first book, especially the Fraser family. They all have their own lives, but they support one another. This story focuses on Beth, who is running her flower farm, as well as bringing up her twins. Applemore is a great setting, both the village and the surroundings. The flower farm and the woodland where the adventure centre is, make an excellent backdrop for a romance. I really enjoyed this book, it was relaxing to read. Beth is a great character, and she works so hard! Jack is also an interesting character, he’s had a bit of a difficult past. I liked the way they interacted, and gradually fell in love. I think I’d have been a bit more angry with Jack (before forgiving him) when he suddenly reappeared though! Overall, this was a lovely, relaxing read, full of appealing characters. I ca...

Epic Adventures: Explore the World in 12 Amazing Train Journeys by Sam Sedgman My rating: 5 of 5 stars I am a huge fan of the Adventures on Trains series, so when I saw Epic Adventures, it was an obvious choice. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Each epic train journey covers two double page spreads. This first shows the route, and the second shows some of the culture of the area travelled through. There are also a few pages just about trains. All pages are liberally sprinkled with interesting facts. A variety of topics are covered, the nature and scenery, the local culture, the technology. I particularly liked the fact that the exploitative nature behind the building of many of these train lines was not brushed over, though it wasn’t by any means shoved in your face. Sam Sedgman has done an excellent job of picking out great facts, that are full of interest. The illustrations absolutely bring this book to life. Sam Brewster has done a brilliant job wi...

The Little Library on Cherry Lane by Katie Ginger My rating: 4 of 5 stars I have enjoyed many of Katie Ginger’s previous books, and I love libraries, so The Little Library on Cherry Lane was an obvious choice for me. I love Meadowbank, and the sense of community. It makes an excellent setting, and I love the characterful ducks! This story focuses on Elsie and her fight to keep the library open, after the council sells the land it is on. I really liked Elsie, and very much enjoyed her journey over the course of the book. She starts out as very shy and nervous, however, her love for the library and the community that takes place in and around it, really brings her out of her shell. I also liked Jacob, though I found it incredibly frustrating how long it took him to realise he didn’t just have to obey his father all the time! Once he started fighting for what he wanted, I liked him a whole lot more. Though this story was rather stressful at times (I don...

The Staycation: the perfect romantic escape with the bestselling author of the Cornish Cream Tea series by Cressida McLaughlin My rating: 5 of 5 stars You know how some books you start to read, and you just immediately feel at home? This was one of them. I clicked with the characters really quickly, and wanted to get more involved in their lives. I really liked Hester and Jake, and I liked them together. I don’t really know what else to say, I just loved the whole book. The plot was great, I know how hard it is to have to stay in one place all the time. I thought the staycations were a lot of fun. There were lots of amusing or silly moments, as well as the more serious ones. And romantic ones too (though some of those were silly too, in the best kind of way). Overall, this book was simply a joy to read. Romantic, and silly, and just like a big warm hug. It really lifted my day and made me feel so happy. I really recommend it, if you fancy a happy esc...