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It Started at Sunset Cottage
*Nominated in the Contemporary Romance category at the RoNAs 2016*
Kate Marshall is slowly getting her life back on track after losing her fiancé. As an author she has been able to hide herself away from the world and its expectations – but now one of her books has been optioned for a film and Hollywood suddenly comes knocking on her door!
When Kate is given the opportunity to stay at a beautiful country retreat and concentrate on the screenplay, it’s an offer she can’t refuse. Encouraged by her best friend, sharp-tongued single mum Sarah, Kate sees it’s finally time to stop letting life pass her by.
Looking for confidence and inspiration in the idyllic Cotswolds countryside, the last thing Kate expects is for Timothy Calder, A-list actor and leading man in the movie adaptation of her book, to turn up on her doorstep, hoping to lie low after his latest tabloid scandal! But after a rocky start, with Tim narrowly avoiding death by watering can, they find they have a few things in common: a liking for Lady Grey tea, walnut whips and bad ‘knock knock’ jokes. Actually, the bad jokes are just Tim.
As an unlikely friendship begins to blossom, and with circumstances repeatedly throwing them together, is Sunset Cottage where both Kate and Tim’s lives will really start?
386 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 12, 2015
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 109 reviews
February 11, 2015
1 - "Beauty is in the eye of the beer-holder." Stars.
I am making a concerted effort to not DNF books in 2015. But when you know you just know, I got too 32%, but I just can't go on.
In short -
~Too many POV's vying for my attention, Kate, Sarah, Andy, Doc, Happy, Sneezy, Dopey & Bashful (okay the last couple were my attempt at witty sarcasm).
~Nothing has really happened, I still don't really know any of the characters any more than I did at the beginning of the book, the minimal amount I have learned, in the main I don't like.
~And the nail that firmly closed the coffin lid, a seemingly intelligent woman, making the mother of all idiotic decisions in allowing a douche bag cheating ex-husband to just 'move back in'...
The book has merit, the author shows promise, there is just too much going on, but at the same time nothing has really gone on, and what has happened hasn't really offered any encouragement for me to carry on.
ARC generously provided via Netgalley, I am sorry I cannot provide a more positive review on this occasion.
I am making a concerted effort to not DNF books in 2015. But when you know you just know, I got too 32%, but I just can't go on.
In short -
~Too many POV's vying for my attention, Kate, Sarah, Andy, Doc, Happy, Sneezy, Dopey & Bashful (okay the last couple were my attempt at witty sarcasm).
~Nothing has really happened, I still don't really know any of the characters any more than I did at the beginning of the book, the minimal amount I have learned, in the main I don't like.
~And the nail that firmly closed the coffin lid, a seemingly intelligent woman, making the mother of all idiotic decisions in allowing a douche bag cheating ex-husband to just 'move back in'...
The book has merit, the author shows promise, there is just too much going on, but at the same time nothing has really gone on, and what has happened hasn't really offered any encouragement for me to carry on.
ARC generously provided via Netgalley, I am sorry I cannot provide a more positive review on this occasion.
April 21, 2015
When I first started reading this book I thought it was going to be sad but it actually isn't and it kept me reading until I'd finished it. Kate Marshall is a successful author and one of her books is going to be made into a film. She has been asked to co-author the script with her old friend Marcus which involves staying in an idyllic Cotswold cottage for two months.
The leading characters have been cast and the hero is being played by Timothy Calder - a well-known and very good looking film star. Kate is gradually piecing her life back together after her fiancé was killed in an accident eighteen months previously and she is not looking for romance - or at least she doesn't think she is.
I really enjoyed this book especially the way the author portrays Kate's relationship with her best friend, Sarah. The dialogue is brilliant and in places very funny and Sarah lurches from one crisis to another. I loved what happened to the large clown toy and I'm still laughing about that the day after finishing the book.
This is well written and entertaining women's fiction with plenty to amuse the reader with a few poignant moments as well. I liked the characters, who aren't all young and beautiful. I especially liked Kate's friend Didi, who is a really marvellous elderly lady.
If you like light fiction with marvellous characters, funny dialogue and plenty of interesting background and amusing situations then try this book. I shall definitely be looking out for more books by this author. I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley for review purposes.
The leading characters have been cast and the hero is being played by Timothy Calder - a well-known and very good looking film star. Kate is gradually piecing her life back together after her fiancé was killed in an accident eighteen months previously and she is not looking for romance - or at least she doesn't think she is.
I really enjoyed this book especially the way the author portrays Kate's relationship with her best friend, Sarah. The dialogue is brilliant and in places very funny and Sarah lurches from one crisis to another. I loved what happened to the large clown toy and I'm still laughing about that the day after finishing the book.
This is well written and entertaining women's fiction with plenty to amuse the reader with a few poignant moments as well. I liked the characters, who aren't all young and beautiful. I especially liked Kate's friend Didi, who is a really marvellous elderly lady.
If you like light fiction with marvellous characters, funny dialogue and plenty of interesting background and amusing situations then try this book. I shall definitely be looking out for more books by this author. I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley for review purposes.
May 7, 2015
Kate Marshall is a successful author. She went through a difficult time when her fiancé passed away, but she's slowly starting to enjoy life again. One of her stories will become a movie and she's been asked to be present on set. Together with a good friend who's always looking out for her she's starting to get a social life again. She even has a chance to meet several famous actors. One of them is the actor Timothy Calder who is a womanizer. He has someone new very often and he doesn't want to get attached. He's the last person Kate wants to fall for and she doesn't think he'll be interested in her anyway, but slowly they're becoming good friends. When Kate isn't on set she spends most of her time with her best friend Sarah and the brother of her late fiancé whose name is Andy.
Sarah and Andy are looking after each other as well. Sarah has a sweet little girl, Amy, who's Kates Goddaughter. Unfortunately Amy's father is a trouble maker. Andy and Kate are trying to be there for Sarah and Amy as much as they can, but they can't protect them from him completely. Even though Kate is now part of a group of people with a more glamorous lifestyle she remains down to earth and friendly to everyone. Slowly she's coming out of her shell, but does that mean she'll find love again as well?
Tim is a famous actor who has everything he wants. He's never been in love and he has plenty of girlfriends. All the women he meets are falling for him and he's left many broken hearts. He's a serious actor who's very good at what he does, but his love life is a mess. Kate intrigues him and he wants to be friends with her. While spending time with her he's starting to feel more like himself. Only he's making a movie with someone who loves him obsessively and who isn't prepared to let him go that easily...
It Started at Sunset Cottage is an amazing story. I loved the close, but very different women, Sarah and Kate. It was great to see what happened in their lives and how things were evolving. For Kate good things are finally taking place, but Sarah is going through quite a tough time in her life and she needs her friends to be by her side. Both women deserve a happy ending and I couldn't wait to see if they would get it. I enjoyed reading this story very much. There were so many fun and interesting twists and turns. Bella Osborne has written a wonderful novel, I absolutely loved it.
Sarah and Andy are looking after each other as well. Sarah has a sweet little girl, Amy, who's Kates Goddaughter. Unfortunately Amy's father is a trouble maker. Andy and Kate are trying to be there for Sarah and Amy as much as they can, but they can't protect them from him completely. Even though Kate is now part of a group of people with a more glamorous lifestyle she remains down to earth and friendly to everyone. Slowly she's coming out of her shell, but does that mean she'll find love again as well?
Tim is a famous actor who has everything he wants. He's never been in love and he has plenty of girlfriends. All the women he meets are falling for him and he's left many broken hearts. He's a serious actor who's very good at what he does, but his love life is a mess. Kate intrigues him and he wants to be friends with her. While spending time with her he's starting to feel more like himself. Only he's making a movie with someone who loves him obsessively and who isn't prepared to let him go that easily...
It Started at Sunset Cottage is an amazing story. I loved the close, but very different women, Sarah and Kate. It was great to see what happened in their lives and how things were evolving. For Kate good things are finally taking place, but Sarah is going through quite a tough time in her life and she needs her friends to be by her side. Both women deserve a happy ending and I couldn't wait to see if they would get it. I enjoyed reading this story very much. There were so many fun and interesting twists and turns. Bella Osborne has written a wonderful novel, I absolutely loved it.
March 4, 2016
4.5 Stars
Once I saw It Started at Sunset Cottage had been nominated in the RNA awards, I couldn't resist bringing it forward in my reading plans, since its been on my kindle for a few months. I had a vague idea of the sort of book I was possibly expecting, and I'm very pleased to say this smashed my expectations, and by just over half way I could see exactly why its a book that has been nominated for an award.
The characters are one the whole very easy to love, and the baddies are the sort that I wanted to spit at, had I passed them in the street. The two I am specifically thinking of, are barely decent human beings, and really shouldn't be allowed to have a good ending.
Kate's fiance died almost two years ago, and she is trying to get herself back together. She's an author, and is shocked to hear that one of her books could soon be a film. And even more shocked that the lead actor they want, is Timothy Calder, so imagine how surprised she is when he turns up at Sunset Cottage, where Kate and Marcus are working on the screenplay, just so he can hide out from the press for a bit.
During their time in the cottage, an unlikely friendship flourishes, but it stays as just friends. Meanwhile, Kate's best friend Sarah has been having a tough time with her ex-husband. He is clearly up to no good, but the extent is not immediately obvious. Sarah has a five year older daughter, and she is completely adorable, and easily one of my favorite characters in the book.
Andy is Kate's fiancee's brother, and thus is close to both girls, offering them help whenever possible. But what is not clear from the start is which of the two ladies, Andy has his eye on.
It Started at Sunset Cottage has laughs, drama, romance, a clear bad guy, a small amount of fabulous sex, movie stars and those are just some of the ingredients of this highly enjoyable story. The writing is warm and very easy to follow, and it got to the point where the book became very addictive, while certain events were unfolding.
I thoroughly enjoyed It Started at Sunset Cottage and I'm looking forward to Bella's new release later this year.
Once I saw It Started at Sunset Cottage had been nominated in the RNA awards, I couldn't resist bringing it forward in my reading plans, since its been on my kindle for a few months. I had a vague idea of the sort of book I was possibly expecting, and I'm very pleased to say this smashed my expectations, and by just over half way I could see exactly why its a book that has been nominated for an award.
The characters are one the whole very easy to love, and the baddies are the sort that I wanted to spit at, had I passed them in the street. The two I am specifically thinking of, are barely decent human beings, and really shouldn't be allowed to have a good ending.
Kate's fiance died almost two years ago, and she is trying to get herself back together. She's an author, and is shocked to hear that one of her books could soon be a film. And even more shocked that the lead actor they want, is Timothy Calder, so imagine how surprised she is when he turns up at Sunset Cottage, where Kate and Marcus are working on the screenplay, just so he can hide out from the press for a bit.
During their time in the cottage, an unlikely friendship flourishes, but it stays as just friends. Meanwhile, Kate's best friend Sarah has been having a tough time with her ex-husband. He is clearly up to no good, but the extent is not immediately obvious. Sarah has a five year older daughter, and she is completely adorable, and easily one of my favorite characters in the book.
Andy is Kate's fiancee's brother, and thus is close to both girls, offering them help whenever possible. But what is not clear from the start is which of the two ladies, Andy has his eye on.
It Started at Sunset Cottage has laughs, drama, romance, a clear bad guy, a small amount of fabulous sex, movie stars and those are just some of the ingredients of this highly enjoyable story. The writing is warm and very easy to follow, and it got to the point where the book became very addictive, while certain events were unfolding.
I thoroughly enjoyed It Started at Sunset Cottage and I'm looking forward to Bella's new release later this year.
February 11, 2015
This is an honest review in exchange for an ARC from NetGalley
This is Bella Osborne's début novel and a most enjoyable book it is too! It is the story of two friends, Kate and Sarah, and their trials and tribulations with men and love. Each has a past - Kate's fiancé James died in a motorcycle accident and Sarah's ex keeps turning up like a bad penny. The story follows them as they deal with their pasts and dip cautious toes into what could be a heart warming future.
The book made me laugh out loud at some parts and brought tears to my eyes in others. What I really liked was the contrast between the storylines. Sarah's life was like mine - ordinary but comfortable. Kate's was far more glamorous but the last person to realise that was Kate! The three main men in the book - Shaun, Andy and Tim could not have been more different and even the late James was flawed. Secondary characters were excellently drawn and Didi was a delight! I shall definitely be looking for Bella's second novel in the future!
This is Bella Osborne's début novel and a most enjoyable book it is too! It is the story of two friends, Kate and Sarah, and their trials and tribulations with men and love. Each has a past - Kate's fiancé James died in a motorcycle accident and Sarah's ex keeps turning up like a bad penny. The story follows them as they deal with their pasts and dip cautious toes into what could be a heart warming future.
The book made me laugh out loud at some parts and brought tears to my eyes in others. What I really liked was the contrast between the storylines. Sarah's life was like mine - ordinary but comfortable. Kate's was far more glamorous but the last person to realise that was Kate! The three main men in the book - Shaun, Andy and Tim could not have been more different and even the late James was flawed. Secondary characters were excellently drawn and Didi was a delight! I shall definitely be looking for Bella's second novel in the future!
April 25, 2016
Fun and fantastic
I originally found this novel online after searching for publishers for coursework and I am glad I did. Bella Osbourne is a brilliant author that has created a really fun book to read. Right from start to end this book will have you in fits of laughter with the way she has written those funny and awkward moments in life. With a great storyline, characters and plenty of humour I would recommend this book to anyone who loves romantic comedies.
I originally found this novel online after searching for publishers for coursework and I am glad I did. Bella Osbourne is a brilliant author that has created a really fun book to read. Right from start to end this book will have you in fits of laughter with the way she has written those funny and awkward moments in life. With a great storyline, characters and plenty of humour I would recommend this book to anyone who loves romantic comedies.
March 4, 2015
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If this story was a house it would have instant 'curb appeal'. The first scene captivates the reader with its poignancy. The plot twist that follows, allows humour to make one of its many appearances. This is a complex book but it's easy to read and doesn't suffer from slow pacing that is common in many women's fiction stories.
Kate has suffered a terrible loss but she doesn't wallow in her misfortune and manages to pick up her life again with help of Sarah and Andy her two best friends. Sarah has a story of her own to tell; in many ways it is more tragic than Kate's. Sarah is a speak first, think later character and this makes her appear brash but she is loyal and courageous and invaluable to the story, for her no nonsense take on life. Andy is the big brother figure, in this interesting triangle of friendship. Recovering from his own personal torment he is the perfect friend without benefits for Kate but maybe something more for Sarah?
The characters are realistic and imaginable and the trials and tribulations they face are easy to relate to. The plot is varied and unpredictable even when Kate meets Tim the celebrity, they don't follow the expected clichéd path which is refreshing.
Be prepared for intrigue and action alongside the romance and humour, you're in for a treat with this captivating story.
I received a copy of this book from Harper Impulse via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
Bella Osborne
December 26, 2015
I really enjoyed this book. I was sucked in from the very beginning. The plot moved quickly with lots of twists and turns and had me laughing along quite a few times. I found the characters really easy to understand and sympathise with. Well everyone expect Shaun. He was a very nasty peice of work, and a lot of the time Irene his mother was also a pain but as events progress through the book I found I had a little sympathy with her. Sarah's sharp had my laughing and I could completely understand where she was coming from. I loved Amy, Anna, Marcus from the very start. Tim was a little arrogant but I learned to fall in love with him as the book progressed. Lots of ups and downs, family drama, celebrity scandal, Cute heart lifting moments and funny moments. I loved the starting of this book with the cute little funeral of the hamster it had me in fits of giggles. I especially loved the idea that when a loved one dies albeit be it a pet or a human that they turned into a flower was very touching and incredibly sweet. I am most defiantly looking forward to reading more books by Bella Osbourne.
February 9, 2015
** This review was submitted to all rightful parties PRIOR to posting the review to GoodReads. **
For a debut novel it's obvious that Osborne is on the right track for a long lasting career as an author. What appealed to me most about this book was that it is a different type of romance. Normally I am a firm about what romances I like and those I don't, but the romance in this book worked well.
My biggest downfall with this book is that the characters and the story is a little more back and forth and therefore it was hard to make any solid connection with the characters. The plot, like the romance was entertaining and worth the time it took me to reach the ending of the book. Overall the foundation of this story is based on a strong friendship between both Kate and Sarah. It's a light-heart read that arrived at a time when I needed to read something such as It Started at Sunset Cottage.
I think it is important to keep in mind as I mentioned before that this book is not going to be a typical romantic read that romance readers like myself are use to. Still, this book and an its author should be given the chance because this story will make you laugh, cry and cheer as Osborne blended in the right amount of both humor and that of sorrow. The opening sentence of the first chapter will grasp your attention as it wasn't what I expected, but then I wasn't expecting a debut novel to be this good.
For a debut novel it's obvious that Osborne is on the right track for a long lasting career as an author. What appealed to me most about this book was that it is a different type of romance. Normally I am a firm about what romances I like and those I don't, but the romance in this book worked well.
My biggest downfall with this book is that the characters and the story is a little more back and forth and therefore it was hard to make any solid connection with the characters. The plot, like the romance was entertaining and worth the time it took me to reach the ending of the book. Overall the foundation of this story is based on a strong friendship between both Kate and Sarah. It's a light-heart read that arrived at a time when I needed to read something such as It Started at Sunset Cottage.
I think it is important to keep in mind as I mentioned before that this book is not going to be a typical romantic read that romance readers like myself are use to. Still, this book and an its author should be given the chance because this story will make you laugh, cry and cheer as Osborne blended in the right amount of both humor and that of sorrow. The opening sentence of the first chapter will grasp your attention as it wasn't what I expected, but then I wasn't expecting a debut novel to be this good.
May 30, 2015
A definite recommended read.
This book had me from chapter one. Lots of really loveable characters and lots of lovely stories intertwined. Got my heart beating a little faster with anxiety at times.
Just what a book should be.
This book had me from chapter one. Lots of really loveable characters and lots of lovely stories intertwined. Got my heart beating a little faster with anxiety at times.
Just what a book should be.
March 21, 2016
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and will certainly look out for more by this author.
Kate is the main character, an author who has been hit by the tragic loss of her fiancé, her friend, Sarah is a single divorced mum who encourages Kate to take more chances than she thinks she should be entitled to.
Include a film star, normal life, secrets, accusations, divas and give the plot a full and spectacular spectrum of life with its ups and downs and you have a well written, character driven novel.
The author gives you characters you bond with, characters you feel sorry for, characters you dislike and characters that you think should know better, you find yourself straggling between normal life and life lived on a film set (which it is) and somewhere between the old friendships who help and encourage and new friendships that start to bond in unlikely places.
A lovely read.
Kate is the main character, an author who has been hit by the tragic loss of her fiancé, her friend, Sarah is a single divorced mum who encourages Kate to take more chances than she thinks she should be entitled to.
Include a film star, normal life, secrets, accusations, divas and give the plot a full and spectacular spectrum of life with its ups and downs and you have a well written, character driven novel.
The author gives you characters you bond with, characters you feel sorry for, characters you dislike and characters that you think should know better, you find yourself straggling between normal life and life lived on a film set (which it is) and somewhere between the old friendships who help and encourage and new friendships that start to bond in unlikely places.
A lovely read.
November 18, 2017
Love love loved this book, it was a wonderful delightful and heartwarming story from start to finish. If I could give it more than 5 stars I would.
I loved everything about this book, from the cover, the story, the setting and all of the characters.
There was so much going on as each of the main characters have their own backing story going on amongst the main story. I loved getting to know them all and discovering where each of their stories took them.
It was highly entertaining at all times, with a fair few funny moments thrown in which made me giggle, plus some emotional bits as well as a few grasps and a bit of action too. So not just a lovey dovey chic lit sort of book, it was so much more.
Highly recommended read.
I loved everything about this book, from the cover, the story, the setting and all of the characters.
There was so much going on as each of the main characters have their own backing story going on amongst the main story. I loved getting to know them all and discovering where each of their stories took them.
It was highly entertaining at all times, with a fair few funny moments thrown in which made me giggle, plus some emotional bits as well as a few grasps and a bit of action too. So not just a lovey dovey chic lit sort of book, it was so much more.
Highly recommended read.
March 8, 2016
Mijn eerste boek van deze auteur en het viel mij bijzonder mee. Ze schrijft in de stijl waar ik van hou. Grappige situaties, een beetje spanning, de nodige misverstanden en wat spanning met natuurlijk de bekende goede afloop. Heerlijk om te lezen zowel op het strand als in je zetel met een dekentje.
Conclusie
Smaakt naar meer. 3,5 sterren.
Conclusie
Smaakt naar meer. 3,5 sterren.
September 26, 2016
Beautifully observed tale of family life and unexpected love with many laugh out loud moments amid the heartache. The perfect blend of an escapist read with realistic characters. I hated Irene and but in a way that shows how memorable she is!
August 23, 2015
This book provided you with characters you will love, and some you will hate (Shaun & Irene). A few twists, some ups and downs, and Sarah's sharp tongue for comedy. Enjoyable read.
June 2, 2020
OK in the end
A good light hearted read with a few stand out characters which included the spunky Didi , Marmalade the Cat & Horse the Chihuahua! That is once you manage to get passed the first few chapters without falling asleep !!!
A good light hearted read with a few stand out characters which included the spunky Didi , Marmalade the Cat & Horse the Chihuahua! That is once you manage to get passed the first few chapters without falling asleep !!!
Read
May 19, 2019No idea why, but I just couldn't get into this one.
July 10, 2019
3,5
I had trouble in the beginning placing the characters. They are likeable but something is missing - a spark, a pace, I can’t really describe it.
I had trouble in the beginning placing the characters. They are likeable but something is missing - a spark, a pace, I can’t really describe it.
September 27, 2020
A real easy read, great story and not overly cringe!
April 9, 2021
Not going to lie this had me worried for a good quarter of the book. I really couldn't get into it to start with and very nearly gave up. However I'm really glad I persevered as it ended up being a fantastic story!!
Kate is down to earth and someone you would want in your life. She's still getting over the death of her fiance and is cautiously getting through life.
Tim is a playboy celebrity who gets what and who he wants when he wants.. but now that's Kate and he can't have that..
A brilliantly heartwarming story of love, friendship and family
Kate is down to earth and someone you would want in your life. She's still getting over the death of her fiance and is cautiously getting through life.
Tim is a playboy celebrity who gets what and who he wants when he wants.. but now that's Kate and he can't have that..
A brilliantly heartwarming story of love, friendship and family
September 2, 2018
Read full review here mariesbookboutique.wordpress.com/2018...
Would you just look at this front cover... It's very charming! The white backing works wonderfully which makes everything on the cover stand out and is very eye-catching! The bunting that swishes at the top is coloured in pale colours. A flower bloom and a single rose is placed at the beginning and end of 'It Started at'. The title is a deep purple, and stands out beautifully. Below that a pretty looking thatched pink cottage; with trailing roses around the front door and a bicycle rests up against it. A couple are about to embrace on the path leading to the cottage. Either side below the cottage are two blooming flowers, which continues the prettiness. Bella's name is darker pink and below that a green border. How gorgeous is this cover?!
Kate Marshall, is a popular romance author of four novels. She is trying to get her life back on track after her fiancé James died in an accident. With her close friends; Sarah, her daughter Amy and Andy (James brother) by her side every step of the way. In her free time Kate volunteer as a tea lady; at her local conversant home, where she meets an array of interesting patient's.
Kate's book Love.com is going to be made into a Hollywood film; meaning she has a lot of work to do; with the help from her friend and script writer Marcus. Marcus and his wife Niamh knows what Kate has been through and they think it would be good for her to start going to social occasions, to start meeting important people do with the film and to get a feel for what is about to come. She has the pleasure of meeting the two leading actor Tim and actress Lumina; both are your typical self absorbed, flashy and prepared to cause a stir. Marcus suggests they will get more work done on the screen play in his cottage in the Cotswolds. While Marcus and Kate are busy working on writing, Tim makes an unexpected visit in a bit to get away from reported who are intrusted in his latest embarrassment. In this time Kate gets to see a totally different side to Tim away from the glitz and glamour. But which is the real Tim? Has he caught her attention? Can Kate move on? How will she cope with the filming process and all the problems that come with it?
Mean while her friend Sarah single mother to daughter Amy is struggling to make ends meet and dealing with her ex husband and Amy's father Shaun who is trying to make her look like an unreliable mother. She is holding down a part-time job in a local pub an with the help of her friend's for babysitting, she struggles on. Shaun is always winding her up and causing untold rows. Then suddenly he goes missing and the police what to talk to Sarah. Andy is always there supporting Sarah with a shoulder to cry on, and he love spending time with Amy. Kate come back to help when she can in between filming. Where has Shaun gone? Is Sarah involved? What has Shaun really been up to? Does Andy have feelings for Sarah? Will they be reciprocated?
I thoughly enjoyed this read so much there's so much packed into this book and provided me with a lot of laughs. The reader get's to see a great friendship between Kate, Sarah and Andy they there for each other and supportive, which was lovely to read. Everyone should have friends like that! I adored the charming little Amy she was a ray of sunshine, through the whole thing and nothing fazes her. Bella's description is excellent, and add that to the interesting characters and you've got a dam good read.
It Started at Sunset Cottage is pack full of drama, romance, shocking discovery's and lots of laugh's that will surly have you laughing out loud! I don't know about this book should be make into a film... I'd watch it!!!!!!!
Would you just look at this front cover... It's very charming! The white backing works wonderfully which makes everything on the cover stand out and is very eye-catching! The bunting that swishes at the top is coloured in pale colours. A flower bloom and a single rose is placed at the beginning and end of 'It Started at'. The title is a deep purple, and stands out beautifully. Below that a pretty looking thatched pink cottage; with trailing roses around the front door and a bicycle rests up against it. A couple are about to embrace on the path leading to the cottage. Either side below the cottage are two blooming flowers, which continues the prettiness. Bella's name is darker pink and below that a green border. How gorgeous is this cover?!
Kate Marshall, is a popular romance author of four novels. She is trying to get her life back on track after her fiancé James died in an accident. With her close friends; Sarah, her daughter Amy and Andy (James brother) by her side every step of the way. In her free time Kate volunteer as a tea lady; at her local conversant home, where she meets an array of interesting patient's.
Kate's book Love.com is going to be made into a Hollywood film; meaning she has a lot of work to do; with the help from her friend and script writer Marcus. Marcus and his wife Niamh knows what Kate has been through and they think it would be good for her to start going to social occasions, to start meeting important people do with the film and to get a feel for what is about to come. She has the pleasure of meeting the two leading actor Tim and actress Lumina; both are your typical self absorbed, flashy and prepared to cause a stir. Marcus suggests they will get more work done on the screen play in his cottage in the Cotswolds. While Marcus and Kate are busy working on writing, Tim makes an unexpected visit in a bit to get away from reported who are intrusted in his latest embarrassment. In this time Kate gets to see a totally different side to Tim away from the glitz and glamour. But which is the real Tim? Has he caught her attention? Can Kate move on? How will she cope with the filming process and all the problems that come with it?
Mean while her friend Sarah single mother to daughter Amy is struggling to make ends meet and dealing with her ex husband and Amy's father Shaun who is trying to make her look like an unreliable mother. She is holding down a part-time job in a local pub an with the help of her friend's for babysitting, she struggles on. Shaun is always winding her up and causing untold rows. Then suddenly he goes missing and the police what to talk to Sarah. Andy is always there supporting Sarah with a shoulder to cry on, and he love spending time with Amy. Kate come back to help when she can in between filming. Where has Shaun gone? Is Sarah involved? What has Shaun really been up to? Does Andy have feelings for Sarah? Will they be reciprocated?
I thoughly enjoyed this read so much there's so much packed into this book and provided me with a lot of laughs. The reader get's to see a great friendship between Kate, Sarah and Andy they there for each other and supportive, which was lovely to read. Everyone should have friends like that! I adored the charming little Amy she was a ray of sunshine, through the whole thing and nothing fazes her. Bella's description is excellent, and add that to the interesting characters and you've got a dam good read.
It Started at Sunset Cottage is pack full of drama, romance, shocking discovery's and lots of laugh's that will surly have you laughing out loud! I don't know about this book should be make into a film... I'd watch it!!!!!!!
May 18, 2015
Originally posted on http://beccasbooooks.blogspot.co.uk/
I won't lie to you book lovers, the cover of Bella Osborne's It Started at Sunset Cottage was the very thing that drew me to this book. I love anything that's pink, cute, adorable, and Bella's cover fell into that category immediately. The colours, the image of the charming cottage, the swirly font and the flowers all came together to create the perfect cover in my eyes, and because of that, I couldn't wait to read what was behind it. I know they say that you should never judge a book by it's cover, but I just couldn't help myself when it came to It Started at Sunset Cottage, and I'll hold my hands up freely and admit to it.
For starters, Bella had me giggling within the very first chapter of her book. It opened with a very serious, very sombre tone, placing me right at the scene of a funeral. It didn't take long for Bella to tickle my sides when I realised that it was, indeed, a funeral that was taking place, but a funeral for a hamster. Just from this small amount of text, I knew that I was in for a treat with the rest of Bella's book. Her humorous, engaging writing style spurred me on throughout the rest of It Started at Sunset Cottage.
Bella's characters in It Started at Sunset Cottage were fantastic, although I felt at times that perhaps I didn't know them well enough. Kate, a writer and recently widowed, has been offered a once in a lifetime opportunity to have one of her books turned into a movie, which leads to her meeting the gorgeous Timothy Calder who will be playing the leading male role in the movie adaptation. There was a fabulous chemistry between Kate and Timothy, that I constantly looked forward to seeing again and again, and I seriously enjoyed reading about the numerous actors and actresses who Kate met when on set. It was a gorgeous world that had been opened up to her, full of famous faces and diva actresses, and the atmosphere felt as if were buzzing each and every time. Kate's best-friend, Sarah, single-mum, had a life that contrasted beautifully with Kate's. Rather than dealing with stroppy actresses, she was dealing with her stroppy arse of an ex, instead. Belle does a fantastic job of sneaking in a gloriously mysterious aspect to this ex, and I found myself trying to figure out what exactly he was up to. I took a serious disliking to the man, and really couldn't wait for him to bugger off, but when Bella dropped a huge twist into the plot, I was hooked! Things turned upside down and I just couldn't wait to see how it would all play out.
I found It Started at Sunset Cottage to be a seriously entertaining read, and loved the relationships between the main characters and some of the secondary characters, too! It was a lovely, light-hearted story, and Sunset Cottage was just one of the many things that I loved about. Becca's Books is awarding It Started at Sunset Cottage by Bella Osborne with FOUR DELICIOUS CUPCAKES! I'm still giggling away about that first chapter! ;)
I won't lie to you book lovers, the cover of Bella Osborne's It Started at Sunset Cottage was the very thing that drew me to this book. I love anything that's pink, cute, adorable, and Bella's cover fell into that category immediately. The colours, the image of the charming cottage, the swirly font and the flowers all came together to create the perfect cover in my eyes, and because of that, I couldn't wait to read what was behind it. I know they say that you should never judge a book by it's cover, but I just couldn't help myself when it came to It Started at Sunset Cottage, and I'll hold my hands up freely and admit to it.
For starters, Bella had me giggling within the very first chapter of her book. It opened with a very serious, very sombre tone, placing me right at the scene of a funeral. It didn't take long for Bella to tickle my sides when I realised that it was, indeed, a funeral that was taking place, but a funeral for a hamster. Just from this small amount of text, I knew that I was in for a treat with the rest of Bella's book. Her humorous, engaging writing style spurred me on throughout the rest of It Started at Sunset Cottage.
Bella's characters in It Started at Sunset Cottage were fantastic, although I felt at times that perhaps I didn't know them well enough. Kate, a writer and recently widowed, has been offered a once in a lifetime opportunity to have one of her books turned into a movie, which leads to her meeting the gorgeous Timothy Calder who will be playing the leading male role in the movie adaptation. There was a fabulous chemistry between Kate and Timothy, that I constantly looked forward to seeing again and again, and I seriously enjoyed reading about the numerous actors and actresses who Kate met when on set. It was a gorgeous world that had been opened up to her, full of famous faces and diva actresses, and the atmosphere felt as if were buzzing each and every time. Kate's best-friend, Sarah, single-mum, had a life that contrasted beautifully with Kate's. Rather than dealing with stroppy actresses, she was dealing with her stroppy arse of an ex, instead. Belle does a fantastic job of sneaking in a gloriously mysterious aspect to this ex, and I found myself trying to figure out what exactly he was up to. I took a serious disliking to the man, and really couldn't wait for him to bugger off, but when Bella dropped a huge twist into the plot, I was hooked! Things turned upside down and I just couldn't wait to see how it would all play out.
I found It Started at Sunset Cottage to be a seriously entertaining read, and loved the relationships between the main characters and some of the secondary characters, too! It was a lovely, light-hearted story, and Sunset Cottage was just one of the many things that I loved about. Becca's Books is awarding It Started at Sunset Cottage by Bella Osborne with FOUR DELICIOUS CUPCAKES! I'm still giggling away about that first chapter! ;)
September 14, 2015
Originally posted on:> http://lauraslittlebookblog.blogspot....
3.5/5
I was very quickly taken in by the gorgeousness of this cover, which I do believe has changed slightly, but using the cover that I have.
The main character Kate, an author has had a really awful time, losing her fiance and becoming widowed and has been hiding herself away from the world. But things are about to chance as one of her books is being turned into a Hollywood movie and gives her the chance to escape to the Cotswolds and help write the screenplay and she finds out that Hollywood A lister Timothy Calder is going to be the leading man in her book! After a shaky start between them, will Kate find friendship at Sunset Cottage?
This is a read that will sweep you up pretty quickly and effortlessly. Bella's writing is lovely, it is so easy to imagine the characters and the setting and I liked the different character's points of view as it gave the story a good rounding. The storyline was also something that I found interesting with Kate's book being turned into a film and the process of that. I also liked the main characters, although thought Kate's friend Sarah was a bit crazy, but did feel sorry for her. Also although this story has an emotional undertone, the overall feel of the book is lighthearted with some funny moments slotted in.
However although enjoyable, I did think that this story could have been wrapped up about 100 pages before it was, as some parts of it seemed a little bit unnecessary and one of the main characters started to annoy me slightly. I found that the pace of the story started to slow down the further I got in and my interest started to wane. This was a shame because the story started off so well and I was going to give this 4 stars.
Overall a great start with a great storyline, just needed to continue the fast pace that there was at the beginning.
3.5/5
I was very quickly taken in by the gorgeousness of this cover, which I do believe has changed slightly, but using the cover that I have.
The main character Kate, an author has had a really awful time, losing her fiance and becoming widowed and has been hiding herself away from the world. But things are about to chance as one of her books is being turned into a Hollywood movie and gives her the chance to escape to the Cotswolds and help write the screenplay and she finds out that Hollywood A lister Timothy Calder is going to be the leading man in her book! After a shaky start between them, will Kate find friendship at Sunset Cottage?
This is a read that will sweep you up pretty quickly and effortlessly. Bella's writing is lovely, it is so easy to imagine the characters and the setting and I liked the different character's points of view as it gave the story a good rounding. The storyline was also something that I found interesting with Kate's book being turned into a film and the process of that. I also liked the main characters, although thought Kate's friend Sarah was a bit crazy, but did feel sorry for her. Also although this story has an emotional undertone, the overall feel of the book is lighthearted with some funny moments slotted in.
However although enjoyable, I did think that this story could have been wrapped up about 100 pages before it was, as some parts of it seemed a little bit unnecessary and one of the main characters started to annoy me slightly. I found that the pace of the story started to slow down the further I got in and my interest started to wane. This was a shame because the story started off so well and I was going to give this 4 stars.
Overall a great start with a great storyline, just needed to continue the fast pace that there was at the beginning.
July 17, 2015
Originally posted on Paris Baker's Book Nook.
Thank you so much to Harper Impulse for approving me for a review copy on Netgalley.
It Started at Sunset Cottage is Bella Osborne’s debut novel, and I really think she is off to a great start. There’s a really delightful range of varied characters, and the story has a bit of everything – romance, humour, family, heartache, and even a little bit of mystery.
I enjoyed Sarah and Kate’s close relationship as they are both still recovering from heartaches of the past – Sarah from her vile ex, Shaun, and Kate from losing her fiancé, James. The secondary characters were excellent support in this story, and all thoroughly well written – I particularly loved Kate’s friend, Didi, and Sarah’s adorable little girl, Amy. Each character earned their right to be in the story.
Reading the blurb, you’d think the book would focus mainly on Kate & Tim, with Sarah as just the best friend character, but I very much thought the book was about both of them, in pretty much equal parts. This sometimes meant there was a lot going on, and sometimes it felt like I was focussed on two whole stories, but I think overall Bella did a good job at intertwining them well.
This is a well-written and charming tale, definitely a worthwhile read for the chick lit lover, and I will be looking forward to future works from Bella Osborne.
Thank you so much to Harper Impulse for approving me for a review copy on Netgalley.
It Started at Sunset Cottage is Bella Osborne’s debut novel, and I really think she is off to a great start. There’s a really delightful range of varied characters, and the story has a bit of everything – romance, humour, family, heartache, and even a little bit of mystery.
I enjoyed Sarah and Kate’s close relationship as they are both still recovering from heartaches of the past – Sarah from her vile ex, Shaun, and Kate from losing her fiancé, James. The secondary characters were excellent support in this story, and all thoroughly well written – I particularly loved Kate’s friend, Didi, and Sarah’s adorable little girl, Amy. Each character earned their right to be in the story.
Reading the blurb, you’d think the book would focus mainly on Kate & Tim, with Sarah as just the best friend character, but I very much thought the book was about both of them, in pretty much equal parts. This sometimes meant there was a lot going on, and sometimes it felt like I was focussed on two whole stories, but I think overall Bella did a good job at intertwining them well.
This is a well-written and charming tale, definitely a worthwhile read for the chick lit lover, and I will be looking forward to future works from Bella Osborne.
October 28, 2015
It Started at Sunset Cottage is a sweet and funny read.
Apart from a few unsavoury characters I loved the rest of the characters in the story. Kate, Sarah, Andy, Tim, Didi, they are all wonderful characters and each are very different in their personalities.
Tim being your stereo typical movie star I did not think I was going to like him but he actually brings a lot of fun to the story and some parts with him in had me howling with laughter.
Due to Sarah's ex it did give the story a bit more of a mystery/thriller feel to it in parts but overall this is a wonderfully funny romantic story that you do not want to miss out on.
This is the first book I have read by this author and would certainly read more.
Apart from a few unsavoury characters I loved the rest of the characters in the story. Kate, Sarah, Andy, Tim, Didi, they are all wonderful characters and each are very different in their personalities.
Tim being your stereo typical movie star I did not think I was going to like him but he actually brings a lot of fun to the story and some parts with him in had me howling with laughter.
Due to Sarah's ex it did give the story a bit more of a mystery/thriller feel to it in parts but overall this is a wonderfully funny romantic story that you do not want to miss out on.
This is the first book I have read by this author and would certainly read more.
November 12, 2015
a new author for me. had me hooked straight away...only one chapter felt like it didn't fit but I got that it was there for the comedy factor that popped up occasionally.
biggest disappoint though was all the ink stains in my copy, inc one bit so thick, it bled through the pages and stuck two together, that I had to very carefully prize apart & then work out the wording the tar like ink covered up. ...Bella was let down by the printing process!
well worth reading though despite the ink problems!
biggest disappoint though was all the ink stains in my copy, inc one bit so thick, it bled through the pages and stuck two together, that I had to very carefully prize apart & then work out the wording the tar like ink covered up. ...Bella was let down by the printing process!
well worth reading though despite the ink problems!
February 17, 2015
Romance, comedy, and mystery abound in this delightful British novel. Kate and Sarah have both been unlucky in love as Kate's fiance died two years ago and the father of Sarah's 5 year old daughter, Shaun, is a total jerk. We follow both women and the drama, mystery and romance in their lives as Kate's novel is being made into a movie with a very handsome leading man. I received this book free to review from Netgalley and I enjoyed it very much and highly recommend it.
October 2, 2018
An interesting read... I thought it was gong to be the run of the mill rom com, chick lit book but it is far more than that, the more I read the more I needed to read, I had to know the ending.
Funny laugh out loud in places, sad teary in others and one character who I thought I wouldn't like turned out to be a great person.
Out of the hundred or so books I've read this year, this one has surprised me the most. I'm looking forward to reading more by this author.
Funny laugh out loud in places, sad teary in others and one character who I thought I wouldn't like turned out to be a great person.
Out of the hundred or so books I've read this year, this one has surprised me the most. I'm looking forward to reading more by this author.
February 9, 2015
Ahhhh, what a sweet bit of chick-lit. A lovely romantic tale and a perfect place to escape to. It's full of rather nice characters, it's a little bit twee, and it makes me feel like I should be reading it while wearing a tea dress, drinking posh coffee from a china cup and eating Victoria sandwich cake with a dainty little fork. It's charming, adorable, amusing and all those sorts of words.
July 29, 2016
A Feel Good Book
I enjoyed the characters and their stories. There were surprises. The two main characters had a great relationship even though their personalities were quite different. Amy, the precocious five year old, was a delight.
I enjoyed the characters and their stories. There were surprises. The two main characters had a great relationship even though their personalities were quite different. Amy, the precocious five year old, was a delight.
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