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The Little Bed & Breakfast by the Sea
Escape to the seaside this summer!Mae loves running her little Bed & Breakfast, it’s the perfect place to raise her adorable four-year-old daughter! And no matter how persistently local vet, Alfie, chases her, she just doesn’t have time for men in her life.Willow is busy building her dream home with her husband, Ethan, but with every month that passes she secretly worries that her happy every after will never come true…Melody only intended to stay in the bustling seaside town for a few days to capture the perfect photo. But when she meets Hugo – the charming man in the ice cream van – she decides to stay a little longer!One thing is for sure, summer at the little Bed & Breakfast by the sea certainly has a few surprises in store…
378 pages, Paperback
First published June 28, 2017
317 people are currently reading
560 people want to read
About the author
Jennifer Joyce
23 books141 followersI'm a writer of romantic comedies who lives in Manchester with my husband and our two daughters. I've been scribbling down bits of stories for as long as I can remember, graduating from a pen to a typewriter and then an electronic typewriter. And I felt like the bee's knees typing on THAT. I now write my books on a laptop (which has a proper delete button and everything).
You can keep up to date with my books by subscribing to my newsletter. The newsletters are packed with book news, exclusive content and giveaways. Sign up here: https://mailchi.mp/310b4ee4365f/jenni...
You can keep in touch with me on Twitter and Instagram (both @writer_jenn) or by liking my Facebook page www.facebook.com/jenniferjoycewrites
You can keep up to date with my books by subscribing to my newsletter. The newsletters are packed with book news, exclusive content and giveaways. Sign up here: https://mailchi.mp/310b4ee4365f/jenni...
You can keep in touch with me on Twitter and Instagram (both @writer_jenn) or by liking my Facebook page www.facebook.com/jenniferjoycewrites
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 75 reviews
July 14, 2017
5☆ Beautifully Written, Compelling story of Friendships and New Beginnings.
The little bed and breakfast by the sea is a charming feel good story that will leave you feeling warm and cosy inside.
It's beautifully written, and the atmosphere surrounding the bed and breakfast is enchanting.
The story is told by each of the 3 main character's points of view. I know some readers find this off putting, but I actually found it ok. It was easy to follow and the stories linked in with ease.
There are 3 main character's within the story.
Mae is the main character she runs the b&b from inside her home. She is a single parent to Hannah an adorable 4 year old.
Mae doesn't have it easy, she has to work 2 jobs to help make ends meet. So she takes a job working in the local pub.
Mae seems to be getting unwanted attention from the local vet Alfie.
The spark between Alfie and Mae is definitely there, but Mae puts up a barrier making it very hard to find love or to let anyone in.
Alfie is very persistent, I'll give him that. Some would of given up after the first several 'No's
Willow is married to Ethan. She owns a shop that sells recycled/ upcycled items and restored furniture, which is a passion of hers.
However she finds herself renting one of Mae's rooms when the project to renovate her dream new home with her husband goes very wrong.
Ethan works away alot, and reading between the lines Willow and Ethan don't appear to be very strong. She leans on Mae for support.
Melody checks into Mae's b&b whilst on her travels around the coast. She's a budding photographer and is out to find the perfect seaside shot for her new project. She is very vulnerable and has low self esteem.
Melody meets Hugo, who sells ice creams. He can see something special in Melody and they become very good friends. But he has a huge task breaking down her walls and helping her to see her potential and overcome her vulnerability. Hugo was one of my favourite male characters.
Each of the women are very different. But in time they bond and come together to build beautiful, strong friendships.
I really enjoyed getting to know each of the women and being part of their journeys and growth. All of the women are relatable characters and each unique in their own ways.
This compelling story is about new beginnings, secrets,friendship, learning to love, opening up and letting others in, determination, humour and sadness.
I would definitely recommend this book to readers who love Chick Lit, romance, beautiful seaside reads, friendships, summer reads.
I received this book from the Publisher in exchange for a honest and fair review via Netgalley.
The little bed and breakfast by the sea is a charming feel good story that will leave you feeling warm and cosy inside.
It's beautifully written, and the atmosphere surrounding the bed and breakfast is enchanting.
The story is told by each of the 3 main character's points of view. I know some readers find this off putting, but I actually found it ok. It was easy to follow and the stories linked in with ease.
There are 3 main character's within the story.
Mae is the main character she runs the b&b from inside her home. She is a single parent to Hannah an adorable 4 year old.
Mae doesn't have it easy, she has to work 2 jobs to help make ends meet. So she takes a job working in the local pub.
Mae seems to be getting unwanted attention from the local vet Alfie.
The spark between Alfie and Mae is definitely there, but Mae puts up a barrier making it very hard to find love or to let anyone in.
Alfie is very persistent, I'll give him that. Some would of given up after the first several 'No's
Willow is married to Ethan. She owns a shop that sells recycled/ upcycled items and restored furniture, which is a passion of hers.
However she finds herself renting one of Mae's rooms when the project to renovate her dream new home with her husband goes very wrong.
Ethan works away alot, and reading between the lines Willow and Ethan don't appear to be very strong. She leans on Mae for support.
Melody checks into Mae's b&b whilst on her travels around the coast. She's a budding photographer and is out to find the perfect seaside shot for her new project. She is very vulnerable and has low self esteem.
Melody meets Hugo, who sells ice creams. He can see something special in Melody and they become very good friends. But he has a huge task breaking down her walls and helping her to see her potential and overcome her vulnerability. Hugo was one of my favourite male characters.
Each of the women are very different. But in time they bond and come together to build beautiful, strong friendships.
I really enjoyed getting to know each of the women and being part of their journeys and growth. All of the women are relatable characters and each unique in their own ways.
This compelling story is about new beginnings, secrets,friendship, learning to love, opening up and letting others in, determination, humour and sadness.
I would definitely recommend this book to readers who love Chick Lit, romance, beautiful seaside reads, friendships, summer reads.
I received this book from the Publisher in exchange for a honest and fair review via Netgalley.
May 29, 2017
Netgalley Arc provided by the Publisher in exchange of an honest review.
3.5 Stars
A light and restful beach-read.
Mae is a single Mum with a 4-year-old daughter, running a small, cozy B&B in a small seaside town on the northwest coast of Britain and working in a local pub to make ends meet. She is devoted to her daughter and to her work and busy fending off the unoffensive, but insistent overtures of the local vet.
Willow runs a little shop, she revamps unwanted, old household objects. The old house they bought with her husband is also in need renovation. Financial difficulties and her not being able to conceive put a great strain on their marriage.
Melody is travelling along the seaside, taking photos and hiding behind her camera from the world until meeting the local icecream-man-in-a-van who persuades her to come out of her shell and experience the world without lenses.
The overall pace of the book is sedate in spite of the ever-changing POVs of the 3 MCs. The characters are sympathetic and the romances are rather gentle, solid and realistic. The narrative is the tell-rather-than-show kind, and the men very much hover in the background - with the exception of Hugo, the icecream-maker - which makes it a bit bland, but I enjoyed it as a quick read on a warm, lazy Sunday afternoon.
If you prefer the sparks-instantly-start-flying/men-sweeping-women-off-their-feet stuff, then it may not be the book for you.
3.5 Stars
A light and restful beach-read.
Mae is a single Mum with a 4-year-old daughter, running a small, cozy B&B in a small seaside town on the northwest coast of Britain and working in a local pub to make ends meet. She is devoted to her daughter and to her work and busy fending off the unoffensive, but insistent overtures of the local vet.
Willow runs a little shop, she revamps unwanted, old household objects. The old house they bought with her husband is also in need renovation. Financial difficulties and her not being able to conceive put a great strain on their marriage.
Melody is travelling along the seaside, taking photos and hiding behind her camera from the world until meeting the local icecream-man-in-a-van who persuades her to come out of her shell and experience the world without lenses.
The overall pace of the book is sedate in spite of the ever-changing POVs of the 3 MCs. The characters are sympathetic and the romances are rather gentle, solid and realistic. The narrative is the tell-rather-than-show kind, and the men very much hover in the background - with the exception of Hugo, the icecream-maker - which makes it a bit bland, but I enjoyed it as a quick read on a warm, lazy Sunday afternoon.
If you prefer the sparks-instantly-start-flying/men-sweeping-women-off-their-feet stuff, then it may not be the book for you.
June 28, 2017
5 - "Is that a cone in your pocket... or are you just pleased to see me?" Stars!
Another excellent book from Jennifer Joyce. If you are looking for an enjoyable easy-going read for the summer then The Little Bed & Breakfast by the Sea is the perfect addition to your Kindle.
This is the second book I have read by this author, and one of the things that I fell in love with in the first book and what carried through with this one is the innate Britishness of it. The characters again are down-to-earth- likeable, approachable, but at the same time still special in their own ways, you can relate to them, and envision the locations that are being described. Once again the author takes the multiple POV and uses it to excellent effect, you are essentially getting three stories, from three women all going through different struggles in their lives at the same time.
She’d become almost and expert at hiding the cracks lately…
Mae, Melody and Willow, are all women with a lot going for them, and I loved that the author gave each of them a voice in the story, and as it develops the rest of the cast involved gradually start to come together so that everything eventually connects back to the B&B in one way or another.
She didn’t like the quiet. The quiet gave you space to think, to remember. It gave you space to think, to remember. It bought your fears and weaknesses to the surface…
This is a story where I don’t want to say too much because it is something that gradually unravels as each of the characters work through what is troubling them with its progression. The author does really well at keeping the plot moving, but not giving everything away in one go. I loved the secondary characters in this one as well, it was just a great well rounded happy, make-you-smile read.
Jennifer Joyce is two for two with me now, and I am quietly hoping that her next offering will be something of a seasonal persuasion, I would love to read something by her focused on my favorite time of the year.
"I wasn’t expecting it… It took me by surprise."
ARC generously provided via Netgalley, and it was my absolute pleasure to provide the above honest review.
Another excellent book from Jennifer Joyce. If you are looking for an enjoyable easy-going read for the summer then The Little Bed & Breakfast by the Sea is the perfect addition to your Kindle.
This is the second book I have read by this author, and one of the things that I fell in love with in the first book and what carried through with this one is the innate Britishness of it. The characters again are down-to-earth- likeable, approachable, but at the same time still special in their own ways, you can relate to them, and envision the locations that are being described. Once again the author takes the multiple POV and uses it to excellent effect, you are essentially getting three stories, from three women all going through different struggles in their lives at the same time.
She’d become almost and expert at hiding the cracks lately…
Mae, Melody and Willow, are all women with a lot going for them, and I loved that the author gave each of them a voice in the story, and as it develops the rest of the cast involved gradually start to come together so that everything eventually connects back to the B&B in one way or another.
She didn’t like the quiet. The quiet gave you space to think, to remember. It gave you space to think, to remember. It bought your fears and weaknesses to the surface…
This is a story where I don’t want to say too much because it is something that gradually unravels as each of the characters work through what is troubling them with its progression. The author does really well at keeping the plot moving, but not giving everything away in one go. I loved the secondary characters in this one as well, it was just a great well rounded happy, make-you-smile read.
Jennifer Joyce is two for two with me now, and I am quietly hoping that her next offering will be something of a seasonal persuasion, I would love to read something by her focused on my favorite time of the year.
"I wasn’t expecting it… It took me by surprise."
ARC generously provided via Netgalley, and it was my absolute pleasure to provide the above honest review.
August 23, 2017
4.5 Stars
I loved The Little Bed and Breakfast by the Sea, both the book and the building. For it really is a tiny B&B as it only has 2 rooms available for customers, with Mae and her 4 year old daughter Hannah living in the rest of the house.
The B&B is set in a gorgeous little Northern coastal town Clifton-on-Sea, which we get to see through the eyes of Melody who is taking photos of towns such as these. It takes a while to fully understand why it is she is a photographer who is a bit unsure of herself and doesn't like showing people her pictures.
Willow lives in the town and comes to stay in the B&B when renovations of her dream home hit a huge snag. I absolutely loved Willow's job as an upcycler and the amount of imagination shown in some of her projects was brilliant.
There were a few characters that I loved even more than the rest, and believe it or not it wasn't those three ladies although they are the main characters and all really likeable. I loved Hannah and her insistence that the random cat keeps showing up at their house is not only theirs but that its favourite food is Frosties. Hannah is 4 years old, and utterly adorable with it.
My other favourite has to be the local ice-cream van man, Hugo and his dog called Scoop! Hugo is a bit of a cheeky chappy, has a bit of an ego and always seems up for a laugh. He befriends Melody and I giggled at most scenes involving him.
The book is split so that each chapter has a different character to focus on, be it Mae, Willow or Melody. The writing was easy to follow and pleasurable to read, as was the whole story. I enjoyed finding out about the characters pasts, and seeing how their thoughts changed over the time they were all together in the bed and breakfast.
This is yet another great story from Jennifer Joyce, and author who never fails to write entertaining books.
Thank you to Netgalley and HQ Digital for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
I loved The Little Bed and Breakfast by the Sea, both the book and the building. For it really is a tiny B&B as it only has 2 rooms available for customers, with Mae and her 4 year old daughter Hannah living in the rest of the house.
The B&B is set in a gorgeous little Northern coastal town Clifton-on-Sea, which we get to see through the eyes of Melody who is taking photos of towns such as these. It takes a while to fully understand why it is she is a photographer who is a bit unsure of herself and doesn't like showing people her pictures.
Willow lives in the town and comes to stay in the B&B when renovations of her dream home hit a huge snag. I absolutely loved Willow's job as an upcycler and the amount of imagination shown in some of her projects was brilliant.
There were a few characters that I loved even more than the rest, and believe it or not it wasn't those three ladies although they are the main characters and all really likeable. I loved Hannah and her insistence that the random cat keeps showing up at their house is not only theirs but that its favourite food is Frosties. Hannah is 4 years old, and utterly adorable with it.
My other favourite has to be the local ice-cream van man, Hugo and his dog called Scoop! Hugo is a bit of a cheeky chappy, has a bit of an ego and always seems up for a laugh. He befriends Melody and I giggled at most scenes involving him.
The book is split so that each chapter has a different character to focus on, be it Mae, Willow or Melody. The writing was easy to follow and pleasurable to read, as was the whole story. I enjoyed finding out about the characters pasts, and seeing how their thoughts changed over the time they were all together in the bed and breakfast.
This is yet another great story from Jennifer Joyce, and author who never fails to write entertaining books.
Thank you to Netgalley and HQ Digital for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
July 11, 2017
This was a really lovely and enjoyable read by Jennifer Joyce. It's lighthearted and the romances make you feel all warm and fuzzy inside! I found this book really easy to read and it made the book go by so quick! I was soon finding that I was nearly finished but didn't want it to end!
This is the perfect book to read by the pool on your summer holiday but also a great one to read snuggled up on the sofa with a hot cup of coffee. There are three main characters and their stories - Mae, Willow and Melody. All with completely different stories and lives but somehow all come together in Mae's bed and breakfast. The three girls soon all become friends and I found that their stories all blended well into one anothers.
This book was charming and such an easy to read story. This story made you fall in love with English seaside towns and made me want to travel around them all like Melody was planning! It'll definitely have you craving fish and chips and spend some money in the arcades this summer!
Thank you to Netgalley and to HQ Digital for a chance to read this book in return of an honest review.
This is the perfect book to read by the pool on your summer holiday but also a great one to read snuggled up on the sofa with a hot cup of coffee. There are three main characters and their stories - Mae, Willow and Melody. All with completely different stories and lives but somehow all come together in Mae's bed and breakfast. The three girls soon all become friends and I found that their stories all blended well into one anothers.
This book was charming and such an easy to read story. This story made you fall in love with English seaside towns and made me want to travel around them all like Melody was planning! It'll definitely have you craving fish and chips and spend some money in the arcades this summer!
Thank you to Netgalley and to HQ Digital for a chance to read this book in return of an honest review.
June 25, 2017
Prepare to fall in love this summer with this charming seaside town of Clifton-on-Sea in the North of England. I loved that Jennifer Joyce set the book up in the North as there are many gorgeous seaside towns up there but don't get the advertisement of towns in Cornwall and Devon.
The main basis of the story is focusing on three women who I each fell in love with. Jennifer did a gorgeous job of describing each character and they each have their own distinct personality. Mae runs a B&B in the town while working in a local pub and raising her daughter Hannah. Willow is doing a house up with her husband Ethan who works away a lot. Melody is capturing photographs of seaside towns for a photography project when she arrives in Clifton. The lives of the women begin to mix together throughout the story.
The chapters are written by a different POV which I loved as we got to know more about each character and what they're thinking etc.
I liked the supporting characters as well, Hugo, Alfie, Chilly and everyone else. The story trundles along at a perfect pace and I really felt like I was there at the seaside as to how beautifully Jennifer has described the setting.
You will find yourself craving fish and chips while reading this fabulous story. Escape to the seaside this summer and fall in love with Mae, Willow and Melody.
I received a copy of this book via Netgalley in exchange for a unbiased review.
The main basis of the story is focusing on three women who I each fell in love with. Jennifer did a gorgeous job of describing each character and they each have their own distinct personality. Mae runs a B&B in the town while working in a local pub and raising her daughter Hannah. Willow is doing a house up with her husband Ethan who works away a lot. Melody is capturing photographs of seaside towns for a photography project when she arrives in Clifton. The lives of the women begin to mix together throughout the story.
The chapters are written by a different POV which I loved as we got to know more about each character and what they're thinking etc.
I liked the supporting characters as well, Hugo, Alfie, Chilly and everyone else. The story trundles along at a perfect pace and I really felt like I was there at the seaside as to how beautifully Jennifer has described the setting.
You will find yourself craving fish and chips while reading this fabulous story. Escape to the seaside this summer and fall in love with Mae, Willow and Melody.
I received a copy of this book via Netgalley in exchange for a unbiased review.
June 24, 2019
Quite a fun story, but the plot line with the B&B owner and the vet makes me uneasy, as it reinforces that “if a woman/girl says no to you, just keep on asking until she changes her mind”, which at its root means the person persisting has absolutely no respect for the other person’s choices. What makes it worse, is that when she finally decides she does want to date him, rather than ask him out on a date, she hangs around waiting for him to ask. I enjoyed the other characters’ story lines a lot more.
October 23, 2017
This is my first book by this author and it will not be my last as it was excellent and is perfect summer read and to be by the seaside and about friendship and new beginnings and I really didn't want the book to read as so well written. It's about three main people Mae who runs a bed and breakfast and had a no time in her life for love as she thinks of her daughter and her job along with running the bed and breakfast but can she change all that with the local vet wanting to go out with her. Then there is willow who is in the middle of dreaming her build house but everything is going wrong and she has to move out when disaster strikes so she goes to the bed and breakfast and she's also desperate to become a family with her husband but every month goes by and nothing's happened can this change. Then there is melody she was only going to stay in the sea side town for a few days to take photos and isn't interested in men but she falls and hurts her ankle and stays longer and can Hugo who runs the ice cream van charm her and make her happy or not. Well worth reading.
July 5, 2017
All reviews can be found on my blog at https://thewritinggarnet.wordpress.com
Whilst reading a book, have you ever felt a sudden urge to shout out ‘YASSSS!!!’?
You have? Me too. Want to know why?
After reading Jennifer Joyce’s previous novel (and enjoying it), I felt like that particular story was missing something. What though, I had absolutely no idea. Seeing as I am familiar with the authors other books, I knew that she had it in her to go the extra mile with her storyline this time around. I had my fingers crossed that ‘The Little Bed & Breakfast by the Sea’, would be THE book to fill the ‘something missing’ hole.
I hadn’t even reached halfway through the book when the urge to shout ‘YASSSSSS!’, crept up on me. And so I did. As soon as I had shouted ‘YASSSSSSS!!!!’ out loud, I knew that Jennifer Joyce had done it. The author had filled that hole. The author had ticked all of the boxes that I knew she could tick with her books. In my eyes, Jennifer Joyce had done it; she had written the type of storyline that made me go ‘this is her best book yet’.
Three ladies, all with completely different back stories, yet they’re all searching for one thing; happiness.
There’s Mae; she runs a bed and breakfast whilst also juggling a four-year old, and a job in a bar. Super Woman springs to mind! Then there is Willow, who is married to Ethan and likes reinventing worn out items…as well as houses. Lastly, Melody, a determined young woman who tends to focus on things through a lens, rather than focusing on things outside it – in the moment.
Which lady did I relate to the most? Good question! I related to Mae due to the fact that she’s a single mum to a four-year old, and has been since the pee on the stick moment. But that said, I also found myself relating to Melody in more ways than one. Melody seemed to be afraid of letting go and doing things for herself; I’m like that too!
In all fairness, all three ladies brought something rather special to the storyline in their own individual ways. I loved how different they were, and how they had found each other when they needed someone the most. There’s girl power in a sassy and Spice Girl-ish way, and then there’s girl power in the empowering, physically being there kinda way. I know which one I would choose, do you?
Aside from the wonderful characters, ‘The Little Bed & Breakfast by the Sea’ has such a heart-warming and cosy storyline. I found it incredibly difficult not to fall in love with the seaside town whilst dreaming of being amongst such energetic and magnetic vibes. I cannot tell you the ins and outs of those vibes due to spoilers. However, trust me when I say that you really do need to go and grab a cuppa and some biccies, lay on the sofa with a blanket and this book, and just lose yourself in this enchanting story.
Full of laughter, smiles, and confidence, ‘The Little Bed & Breakfast by the Sea’ will remind YOU to BE in the moment rather than sitting on the outside. Absolutely lovely book, by far the best book that Jennifer Joyce has ever written.
Thanks to the author & HQ.
Whilst reading a book, have you ever felt a sudden urge to shout out ‘YASSSS!!!’?
You have? Me too. Want to know why?
After reading Jennifer Joyce’s previous novel (and enjoying it), I felt like that particular story was missing something. What though, I had absolutely no idea. Seeing as I am familiar with the authors other books, I knew that she had it in her to go the extra mile with her storyline this time around. I had my fingers crossed that ‘The Little Bed & Breakfast by the Sea’, would be THE book to fill the ‘something missing’ hole.
I hadn’t even reached halfway through the book when the urge to shout ‘YASSSSSS!’, crept up on me. And so I did. As soon as I had shouted ‘YASSSSSSS!!!!’ out loud, I knew that Jennifer Joyce had done it. The author had filled that hole. The author had ticked all of the boxes that I knew she could tick with her books. In my eyes, Jennifer Joyce had done it; she had written the type of storyline that made me go ‘this is her best book yet’.
Three ladies, all with completely different back stories, yet they’re all searching for one thing; happiness.
There’s Mae; she runs a bed and breakfast whilst also juggling a four-year old, and a job in a bar. Super Woman springs to mind! Then there is Willow, who is married to Ethan and likes reinventing worn out items…as well as houses. Lastly, Melody, a determined young woman who tends to focus on things through a lens, rather than focusing on things outside it – in the moment.
Which lady did I relate to the most? Good question! I related to Mae due to the fact that she’s a single mum to a four-year old, and has been since the pee on the stick moment. But that said, I also found myself relating to Melody in more ways than one. Melody seemed to be afraid of letting go and doing things for herself; I’m like that too!
In all fairness, all three ladies brought something rather special to the storyline in their own individual ways. I loved how different they were, and how they had found each other when they needed someone the most. There’s girl power in a sassy and Spice Girl-ish way, and then there’s girl power in the empowering, physically being there kinda way. I know which one I would choose, do you?
Aside from the wonderful characters, ‘The Little Bed & Breakfast by the Sea’ has such a heart-warming and cosy storyline. I found it incredibly difficult not to fall in love with the seaside town whilst dreaming of being amongst such energetic and magnetic vibes. I cannot tell you the ins and outs of those vibes due to spoilers. However, trust me when I say that you really do need to go and grab a cuppa and some biccies, lay on the sofa with a blanket and this book, and just lose yourself in this enchanting story.
Full of laughter, smiles, and confidence, ‘The Little Bed & Breakfast by the Sea’ will remind YOU to BE in the moment rather than sitting on the outside. Absolutely lovely book, by far the best book that Jennifer Joyce has ever written.
Thanks to the author & HQ.
June 28, 2017
This was such a charming, heart warming book set in a bed and breakfast by the sea. You feel wrapped within a warm and cosy blanket enjoying the friendships and romances in the beautiful setting of Clifton on Sea whilst enjoying a cup of tea and enjoying a plate of cookies!
Mae runs a lovely bed and breakfast by the sea where she rents 2 rooms out in her house. She also has to work shifts in the local pub to help make ends meet. She has a 4 year old daughter and keeps rebuffing the advances of the local vet.
Willow runs a local shop which upcycles items into must have home decor- I loved the commissions she had throughout the book. She is doing up her 'forever house' with her husband Ethan. It has turned into a bit of a money pit leaving them with financial worries and stress. When a potentially severe problem turns up she manages to book into Mae's B&B for a coupe of weeks.
Melody is escaping her everyday life and travelling around the coast to try and take that one special shot for a photography competition. She's not sure of her ability but is desperate to take her hobby further. She meets Hugo who runs an ice cream van and sees past his brash exterior.
The girls develop a lovely friendship whilst they are sharing the house and try to encourage each other to take a chance on love with the men who are trying to get close to them! They share some of the issues troubling them.
I really loved this book.
Mae runs a lovely bed and breakfast by the sea where she rents 2 rooms out in her house. She also has to work shifts in the local pub to help make ends meet. She has a 4 year old daughter and keeps rebuffing the advances of the local vet.
Willow runs a local shop which upcycles items into must have home decor- I loved the commissions she had throughout the book. She is doing up her 'forever house' with her husband Ethan. It has turned into a bit of a money pit leaving them with financial worries and stress. When a potentially severe problem turns up she manages to book into Mae's B&B for a coupe of weeks.
Melody is escaping her everyday life and travelling around the coast to try and take that one special shot for a photography competition. She's not sure of her ability but is desperate to take her hobby further. She meets Hugo who runs an ice cream van and sees past his brash exterior.
The girls develop a lovely friendship whilst they are sharing the house and try to encourage each other to take a chance on love with the men who are trying to get close to them! They share some of the issues troubling them.
I really loved this book.
May 28, 2017
The Little Bed and Breakfast by the Sea is a sweet summer tale. Jennifer Joyce is a talented writer. Her charcaters were so believable. They felt real. I kept asking myself...are these characters real people or pieces of fiction created by a mastermind. This ummer is full of action. Love is in the air...readers like myself can feel it and the heat is scorching...however, it maintains a clean yet hilarious vibe. Three women go through life with some tough spots. Each one has a man to deal with. One has her husband, the other two will have to work at it. Love isn't easy. Life can be messy, but it can also bring happiness as well. The entire novel was entertaining from being to end. A steady-paced plot. Blooming friendships and relationships that will tug at your heart like it did with mine. Overall, I recommend The Little Bed and Breakfast by the Sea to women everywhere. It's a book that is easy to relate to and understand. Enjoyable romance.
July 14, 2017
I love Jennifer Joyce’s books and they never, ever disappoint, so I was very excited to download a copy of her newest book The Little Bed & Breakfast by the Sea, and it was a joy to read. I’m a huge fan of Jennifer’s books anyway but I also love a seaside setting, as my favourite place to be is by the sea – so this book was a win-win for me and it was an utter delight.
Mae has always dreamed of running her own little bed and breakfast, and her wish has come true. She rents out the spare rooms in her house, where she lives with her daughter Hannah. When her usual guests have to cancel because of an injury, Mae needs people to fill the rooms. It isn’t long before the little bed and breakfast by the sea is welcoming Melody and Willow, two women whose lives are facing upheaval in different ways. All three women have their own problems in love and in life, but will summer at Mae’s bed and breakfast help them overcome them and open themselves up to new love, new friendships and new beginnings?
One thing I loved in particular about this book was all the detail and dreamy description Jennifer uses as she builds up Clifton-on-Sea. I just wanted to head straight to the seaside and see it through Jennifer’s eyes as it sounded absolutely beautiful. From the picturesque views to the food, the smells, the arcades and the entertainment, the kids and the seagulls and every other little thing about the place, the author describes the location wonderfully. Jennifer’s attention to detail is always lovely – I still remember just how much I wanted to taste the cakes from The Little Teashop of Broken Hearts – but for some reason it felt like it had been stepped up even further in this book, and I loved every moment.
Each of the three women I liked, for different reasons. Mae was my favourite as she was so welcoming and such a friendly character, always there to listen to Melody and Willow, though for her own gain as much as theirs. As she offers a friendly ear, she gets some adult company. As much as she adores her four-year-old daughter, there are times when she would love some proper conversation and this summer’s guests at her B&B offer just that.
Melody is a slightly more withdrawn character, rarely seen without her camera around her neck. She is taking plenty of seaside photos for her mysterious project, but sometimes seeing things through her camera lens means she misses out on seeing what’s right in front of her. Melody lacks a bit of confidence but through the character of Hugo (*insert all the love heart eyes emojis here*), she begins to come out of her shell a bit more and appreciate the place behind the photographs. I really warmed to Melody the further through the book I was, but to be honest in her scenes I was more distracted by Hugo and his dog Scoop, both who made my heart melt a little!
Willow is married to Ethan but all is not well. Their dream home is falling to pieces, they barely speak or see each other and they both, deep down, know that things aren’t working out between them. But Willow is not someone to give up easily and the fight in her character is one of the things I liked most about her.
This book is absolutely charming from start to finish. Jennifer’s books provide the perfect escape from your own life but what I love even more about them is that they are honest and heartfelt and they give you hope that things will turn out better than you thought and that all odds can be overcome. She is easily one of my favourite authors and I love her different take on a popular fictional theme, something she offers with every book, and a new book from Jennifer is always one of my highlights of the year. I love spending a few hours with a new batch of lovely, down-to-earth characters who are prepared to work to get life to go their way and who deserve a happy ending. I love her locations and her vivid storytelling. The Little Bed & Breakfast by the Sea is another heart-warming and dreamy summer read by Jennifer Joyce.
Mae has always dreamed of running her own little bed and breakfast, and her wish has come true. She rents out the spare rooms in her house, where she lives with her daughter Hannah. When her usual guests have to cancel because of an injury, Mae needs people to fill the rooms. It isn’t long before the little bed and breakfast by the sea is welcoming Melody and Willow, two women whose lives are facing upheaval in different ways. All three women have their own problems in love and in life, but will summer at Mae’s bed and breakfast help them overcome them and open themselves up to new love, new friendships and new beginnings?
One thing I loved in particular about this book was all the detail and dreamy description Jennifer uses as she builds up Clifton-on-Sea. I just wanted to head straight to the seaside and see it through Jennifer’s eyes as it sounded absolutely beautiful. From the picturesque views to the food, the smells, the arcades and the entertainment, the kids and the seagulls and every other little thing about the place, the author describes the location wonderfully. Jennifer’s attention to detail is always lovely – I still remember just how much I wanted to taste the cakes from The Little Teashop of Broken Hearts – but for some reason it felt like it had been stepped up even further in this book, and I loved every moment.
Each of the three women I liked, for different reasons. Mae was my favourite as she was so welcoming and such a friendly character, always there to listen to Melody and Willow, though for her own gain as much as theirs. As she offers a friendly ear, she gets some adult company. As much as she adores her four-year-old daughter, there are times when she would love some proper conversation and this summer’s guests at her B&B offer just that.
Melody is a slightly more withdrawn character, rarely seen without her camera around her neck. She is taking plenty of seaside photos for her mysterious project, but sometimes seeing things through her camera lens means she misses out on seeing what’s right in front of her. Melody lacks a bit of confidence but through the character of Hugo (*insert all the love heart eyes emojis here*), she begins to come out of her shell a bit more and appreciate the place behind the photographs. I really warmed to Melody the further through the book I was, but to be honest in her scenes I was more distracted by Hugo and his dog Scoop, both who made my heart melt a little!
Willow is married to Ethan but all is not well. Their dream home is falling to pieces, they barely speak or see each other and they both, deep down, know that things aren’t working out between them. But Willow is not someone to give up easily and the fight in her character is one of the things I liked most about her.
This book is absolutely charming from start to finish. Jennifer’s books provide the perfect escape from your own life but what I love even more about them is that they are honest and heartfelt and they give you hope that things will turn out better than you thought and that all odds can be overcome. She is easily one of my favourite authors and I love her different take on a popular fictional theme, something she offers with every book, and a new book from Jennifer is always one of my highlights of the year. I love spending a few hours with a new batch of lovely, down-to-earth characters who are prepared to work to get life to go their way and who deserve a happy ending. I love her locations and her vivid storytelling. The Little Bed & Breakfast by the Sea is another heart-warming and dreamy summer read by Jennifer Joyce.
September 9, 2017
It has been a while since I read Jennifer Joyce's book but I couldn't resist this beautiful paperback when I saw it being proudly displayed on the bookshelf. Not only the cover is delectable the story inside is packed with lovable characters and setting that immediately transported me to the seaside town of Clifton on Sea.
The Little Bed &Breakfast is centred around three women - Mae, Willow, and Melody. Mae is a single mother and owner of a gorgeous B&B where Willow and Melody luckily end up spending some time. All three hit it off and became instant friends as in every fabulous rom-com they inadvertently help each other overcome some heartbreak, dilemmas and other man related issues. If I have to pick my favourite character, it will probably be Willow. I loved her personality, her creative side and her drive to have her dreams come true.
The Little Bed&Breakfast should wriggle its way up your TBR pile! It is a joyous read with plenty of warm and fuzzy feelings.
The Little Bed &Breakfast is centred around three women - Mae, Willow, and Melody. Mae is a single mother and owner of a gorgeous B&B where Willow and Melody luckily end up spending some time. All three hit it off and became instant friends as in every fabulous rom-com they inadvertently help each other overcome some heartbreak, dilemmas and other man related issues. If I have to pick my favourite character, it will probably be Willow. I loved her personality, her creative side and her drive to have her dreams come true.
The Little Bed&Breakfast should wriggle its way up your TBR pile! It is a joyous read with plenty of warm and fuzzy feelings.
July 29, 2017
A charming story of new beginnings, family, friendship, love and sadness. It is told from the point of view of the 3 lead characters. I liked each of the three women - each with a very different story to tell.
The story was well written with warm characterisation set in a picturesque seaside setting. The location of the story is beautifully described - I could almost smell the sea air and hear the seagulls. It has a cosy storyline which flows along perfectly. Perfect for a summer day in the garden or on the sofa with some chocolate. A pleasure to read.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
The story was well written with warm characterisation set in a picturesque seaside setting. The location of the story is beautifully described - I could almost smell the sea air and hear the seagulls. It has a cosy storyline which flows along perfectly. Perfect for a summer day in the garden or on the sofa with some chocolate. A pleasure to read.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
July 15, 2017
A lovely enjoyable easy to read summer story. You easily fall in love with the charming seaside town, and the three women who come together, become friends. They all have different problems in their lives, but all have hope and romance towards the end. A nice easy feel good tale.
July 1, 2017
Jennifer Joyce certainly hasn't kept us waiting long for a new book as it was only back in February that The Little Teashop of Broken Hearts was published. I had really enjoyed this book so was thrilled when I saw the cover for The Little Bed and Breakfast by the Sea which again turned out to be charming, heartfelt read that I flew through as I found it so enjoyable. I've said it before but bed and breakfasts seem to be this Summer's theme for books published in the lighter end of women's fiction and to be honest I don't have any problem with this and feel there is plenty of room on the market for books with said theme. They really are the ideal reads for this time of year when you can hopefully sit out in the garden or on a beach and just relax with a nice, light, easy read that will capture your imagination, have you rooting for the characters and most importantly it has to have that special setting that one can picture so vividly. This little gem of a book provided all that more and proved to be a lovely read and highlighted what a talented author Jennifer Joyce is.
The book centres around three women who are all connected through the bed and breakfast run by our central character Mae. Mae has always dreamed of running her own b&b and when she inherited the house from her grandmother four years ago, she knew it was the time to turn her dreams into a reality. The house may be small but it has its charm and allows Mae to get to know her guests. Life isn't easy for her as everything is a constant juggling act as she raises her 4 year old daughter single handedly as well as working in a local pub.
It was evident from the outset that Mae was a worker, she was someone who had ambition and nothing was ever handed directly to her on a plate. She worked hard and earned everything she received. She wanted to achieve things on her own steam but still she was not adverse to asking for help with child minding from her mother Eloise or Hannah's godparents Frank and Corrine who run the pub Mae works in. I loved how Mae was interested in vintage fashion and her sense of style shone through the book but yet on the other hand I felt and she probably would have admitted this herself that she presented a front to the world. I think quite often most of us to some extent do that for one reason or another so in a way I could identify with Mae. On the outside she came across to others as confident running her own business as well as juggling rearing Hannah and her shifts at the pub. But on the other hand inside she was holding things back and not allowing herself to live life to the full.
As we delved deeper it became apparent not having a good relationship with male figures in her life has made Mae so hesitant in accepting the advances of local vet Alfie. To this end she was frustrating to me at certain times, I could see there was a chemistry between the pair. I wouldn't call it a sexual tension but there was a spark there that could have grown into something bigger given half the chance but Mae just wouldn't commit or even accept a date with him. It became a running joke throughout the story that Alfie constantly asked Mae on a date even though the answer would always be a firm but polite no. I wanted to shake Mae and say despite what we may be battling with internally sometimes we really do have to throw caution to the wind and go for it. Explore that little bit more, take a leap into the unknown for who knows what happiness it might bring us in the future. I could see Mae had her daughter's best interest at heart and she was always to be admired for the way she conducts her professional life but I thought she should have thought about herself and her own personal happiness and fulfilment. I was more than interested to see how Mae's storyline would play out.
Of course this book wasn't all about Mae and in a way I'm glad the b&b wasn't the dominant feature of the story. If it had been a story all about trying to get it up and running etc I would have grown tired of it quickly. Instead it became the focus that bound the women together and gave them a place to develop their friendship and offer each help, support and advice when needed. Without the b&b the three women would never have met and probably be still stuck in the same situations we found them in at the beginning of the book.
Willow St.Clair is married to Ethan and they are currently restoring their dream house. They have been living on site but disaster has struck and now Willow needs to find somewhere to stay until the full extent of the problems with the house have been revealed. Being the summer season everywhere is booked up but an unexpected cancellation means Mae can take Willow as her husband is away working. To be honest there was nothing wrong with the writing of Willow's character but I didn't really warm to her very much and I can't quite put my figure on the reason for this. I did find the descriptions of her job running her own restoration/up cycling shop really interesting but I felt there was a little lack to the depth of her character until towards the end when her secret heartache was revealed. Then I suppose my attitude towards her changed ever so slightly but still she wasn't my favourite character that title is reserved for Mae. I did find it odd that wee didn't hear much from Ethan, I understand he was working away from home but in a time f need I presumed he would have come rushing back to help Willow out. Clearly all wasn't rosy in the garden for the pair and the testing times ahead would either make or break them. I thought Mae and our last female character Melody offered Willow the support and solace her husband should have been there to give to her.
Melody Rosewood is the final piece of the puzzle brought together with Mae and Willow as she needs a room to stay in. Melody was to me the most vulnerable character and I think she was this way because she seemed to be running away from something or was afraid to move on in her life. Something had happened to her that deeply affected how she lived her life on a day to day basis. She seemed on a mission and until she had completed this task she would always be raw and hesitant and not sure of her capabilities until she found the answers or closure she was looking for. Melody has spent time going from seaside town to seaside town photographing the institution that is the British seaside. She is searching for that elusive photo that will capture a moment in time. As the reader discovers the real reason for this idea Melody has taken on, it seems so bittersweet yet so worthy.
It did come across though that Melody was putting herself under enormous pressure and could never fully let go and accept maybe she was good at photography and that what she was doing was so worthwhile and valuable to her healing process. I felt she was very down on herself and she had no reason to be. It's not until she meets handsome ice-cream seller Hugo that a smile comes on her face and I felt he really was the catalyst for the beginnings of a change for her. Hugo was so bubbly and enthusiastic. He could see Melody was a special person and he wanted the world to see that too. If he couldn't bring her out of her shell then no one could. I loved his positive attitude towards everything, his ambition to expand his ice-cream business and his overall zest for life. Melody had built a wall around her and lacked trust in people and hopefully Hugo and even Mae and Willow can make her see things in a new more positive way. He helped Melody see the world through different eyes and once she was opened up to something there perhaps would have been no stopping her.
In The Little Bed and Breakfast by the Sea all three women - Mae, Willow and Mae have their own struggles which perhaps they would prefer to be kept secret but through this wonderful story it proves a problem shared is a problem halved. There were numerous lines that I stopped and re-read because everything that Jennifer Joyce was writing was so true and it really was advice I would find very helpful. I enjoyed seeing how the friendship developed between the three characters as they allowed their masks to slip and their true natures to emerge. There were three distinct separate storylines which all stood very well but when needed I felt these came together at just the appropriate time and in doing so the developing friendships never felt forced or stilted but instead had a natural flow and companionship. I thoroughly enjoyed the time I spent reading this book and hope others will do to as the story that awaits you between the covers was a pleasure to read.
The book centres around three women who are all connected through the bed and breakfast run by our central character Mae. Mae has always dreamed of running her own b&b and when she inherited the house from her grandmother four years ago, she knew it was the time to turn her dreams into a reality. The house may be small but it has its charm and allows Mae to get to know her guests. Life isn't easy for her as everything is a constant juggling act as she raises her 4 year old daughter single handedly as well as working in a local pub.
It was evident from the outset that Mae was a worker, she was someone who had ambition and nothing was ever handed directly to her on a plate. She worked hard and earned everything she received. She wanted to achieve things on her own steam but still she was not adverse to asking for help with child minding from her mother Eloise or Hannah's godparents Frank and Corrine who run the pub Mae works in. I loved how Mae was interested in vintage fashion and her sense of style shone through the book but yet on the other hand I felt and she probably would have admitted this herself that she presented a front to the world. I think quite often most of us to some extent do that for one reason or another so in a way I could identify with Mae. On the outside she came across to others as confident running her own business as well as juggling rearing Hannah and her shifts at the pub. But on the other hand inside she was holding things back and not allowing herself to live life to the full.
As we delved deeper it became apparent not having a good relationship with male figures in her life has made Mae so hesitant in accepting the advances of local vet Alfie. To this end she was frustrating to me at certain times, I could see there was a chemistry between the pair. I wouldn't call it a sexual tension but there was a spark there that could have grown into something bigger given half the chance but Mae just wouldn't commit or even accept a date with him. It became a running joke throughout the story that Alfie constantly asked Mae on a date even though the answer would always be a firm but polite no. I wanted to shake Mae and say despite what we may be battling with internally sometimes we really do have to throw caution to the wind and go for it. Explore that little bit more, take a leap into the unknown for who knows what happiness it might bring us in the future. I could see Mae had her daughter's best interest at heart and she was always to be admired for the way she conducts her professional life but I thought she should have thought about herself and her own personal happiness and fulfilment. I was more than interested to see how Mae's storyline would play out.
Of course this book wasn't all about Mae and in a way I'm glad the b&b wasn't the dominant feature of the story. If it had been a story all about trying to get it up and running etc I would have grown tired of it quickly. Instead it became the focus that bound the women together and gave them a place to develop their friendship and offer each help, support and advice when needed. Without the b&b the three women would never have met and probably be still stuck in the same situations we found them in at the beginning of the book.
Willow St.Clair is married to Ethan and they are currently restoring their dream house. They have been living on site but disaster has struck and now Willow needs to find somewhere to stay until the full extent of the problems with the house have been revealed. Being the summer season everywhere is booked up but an unexpected cancellation means Mae can take Willow as her husband is away working. To be honest there was nothing wrong with the writing of Willow's character but I didn't really warm to her very much and I can't quite put my figure on the reason for this. I did find the descriptions of her job running her own restoration/up cycling shop really interesting but I felt there was a little lack to the depth of her character until towards the end when her secret heartache was revealed. Then I suppose my attitude towards her changed ever so slightly but still she wasn't my favourite character that title is reserved for Mae. I did find it odd that wee didn't hear much from Ethan, I understand he was working away from home but in a time f need I presumed he would have come rushing back to help Willow out. Clearly all wasn't rosy in the garden for the pair and the testing times ahead would either make or break them. I thought Mae and our last female character Melody offered Willow the support and solace her husband should have been there to give to her.
Melody Rosewood is the final piece of the puzzle brought together with Mae and Willow as she needs a room to stay in. Melody was to me the most vulnerable character and I think she was this way because she seemed to be running away from something or was afraid to move on in her life. Something had happened to her that deeply affected how she lived her life on a day to day basis. She seemed on a mission and until she had completed this task she would always be raw and hesitant and not sure of her capabilities until she found the answers or closure she was looking for. Melody has spent time going from seaside town to seaside town photographing the institution that is the British seaside. She is searching for that elusive photo that will capture a moment in time. As the reader discovers the real reason for this idea Melody has taken on, it seems so bittersweet yet so worthy.
It did come across though that Melody was putting herself under enormous pressure and could never fully let go and accept maybe she was good at photography and that what she was doing was so worthwhile and valuable to her healing process. I felt she was very down on herself and she had no reason to be. It's not until she meets handsome ice-cream seller Hugo that a smile comes on her face and I felt he really was the catalyst for the beginnings of a change for her. Hugo was so bubbly and enthusiastic. He could see Melody was a special person and he wanted the world to see that too. If he couldn't bring her out of her shell then no one could. I loved his positive attitude towards everything, his ambition to expand his ice-cream business and his overall zest for life. Melody had built a wall around her and lacked trust in people and hopefully Hugo and even Mae and Willow can make her see things in a new more positive way. He helped Melody see the world through different eyes and once she was opened up to something there perhaps would have been no stopping her.
In The Little Bed and Breakfast by the Sea all three women - Mae, Willow and Mae have their own struggles which perhaps they would prefer to be kept secret but through this wonderful story it proves a problem shared is a problem halved. There were numerous lines that I stopped and re-read because everything that Jennifer Joyce was writing was so true and it really was advice I would find very helpful. I enjoyed seeing how the friendship developed between the three characters as they allowed their masks to slip and their true natures to emerge. There were three distinct separate storylines which all stood very well but when needed I felt these came together at just the appropriate time and in doing so the developing friendships never felt forced or stilted but instead had a natural flow and companionship. I thoroughly enjoyed the time I spent reading this book and hope others will do to as the story that awaits you between the covers was a pleasure to read.
July 3, 2017
What an absolutely fabulous story! Fun, sweet & light hearted, it's a perfect summer read when you're lounging around the pool.
I loved each of the 3 women & their personal journies navigating some difficult times. All of the secondary characters were fantastic too & reading this book definitely conjured up a lot of my childhood memories visiting a caravan park in Wales.
Will definitely look forward to reading more from this author
I loved each of the 3 women & their personal journies navigating some difficult times. All of the secondary characters were fantastic too & reading this book definitely conjured up a lot of my childhood memories visiting a caravan park in Wales.
Will definitely look forward to reading more from this author
June 27, 2017
I really enjoyed this book. If you like Maeve Binchy you should read this one.
June 20, 2017
What an enjoyable, easy read .. one which has left me with a smile in my heart!
This novel centres around the lives of three very different women, unknown to each other at the beginning but soon to become firm friends. The setting is glorious, well-described and easy to picture and, indeed, crave to visit. It's a lovely story, heart-warming and a perfect holiday read. The characters are well-drawn, well-named and completely individual. It's the kind of book you close with a sigh .. completely satisfied but somehow wishing you could read it again for the first time! A full five fat shiny stars from me, and a hefty recommendation as a feel-good read.
I received an arc via NetGalley in exchange for my honest and unbiased review.
This novel centres around the lives of three very different women, unknown to each other at the beginning but soon to become firm friends. The setting is glorious, well-described and easy to picture and, indeed, crave to visit. It's a lovely story, heart-warming and a perfect holiday read. The characters are well-drawn, well-named and completely individual. It's the kind of book you close with a sigh .. completely satisfied but somehow wishing you could read it again for the first time! A full five fat shiny stars from me, and a hefty recommendation as a feel-good read.
I received an arc via NetGalley in exchange for my honest and unbiased review.
October 25, 2019
What a joy this book was. This is an easy summer read which will have you smiling and laughing more than once. The romance isn’t sloppy either, I hate sloppiness. I found myself associating with a couple of things mentioned which made this book even more enjoyable to me.
I loved the characters and the setting, the writer got everything right, yet again. This is a wonderful read, ideal for weekend retreats. It’s not a heavy read and will keep you entertained throughout
Thank you so much to the Publisher and Netgalley for the Arc xx
I loved the characters and the setting, the writer got everything right, yet again. This is a wonderful read, ideal for weekend retreats. It’s not a heavy read and will keep you entertained throughout
Thank you so much to the Publisher and Netgalley for the Arc xx
June 9, 2017
I very much enjoyed this book. The changing POV's allowed for a more rounded story than can sometimes be found in these books and it was nice to see a realistic approach to the romance. It is definitely a slow burn romance but it was still engaging and sweet.
This is definitely a lazy day read when you just want something slow and sweet to read.
- I received this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
This is definitely a lazy day read when you just want something slow and sweet to read.
- I received this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
July 27, 2017
3 for 2.5~2.75; if this book still rate 2.7+ when having 150+ eaters; I'm lowering mine to a 2. Willow's part was the most interesting to me, but even factoring that, I still can't say I liked the book.
Minor review WIP
A digitized ARC of this book was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Minor review WIP
A digitized ARC of this book was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
June 16, 2017
( Thank you NetGalley and the Publisher for allowing me to read this ARC for an honest review)
The Little Bed & Breakfast by the Sea by author Jennifer Joyce is a delightful book to read anytime of year, but be prepared to almost hear the waves of the sea, or smell the fried foods, or crave and ice cream from the promenade as you read. The story focuses on three different women with problems they feel are too personal to talk about or difficult to overcome.
Mae is a single mother of a young daughter, Hannah. She has been hurt in prior relationships so she tells herself she is happy and content to run her Bed and Breakfast in the British seaside town of Clifton-on-Sea. She inherited the house and also works part-time in a pub to help with the expenses. She has changed her appearance to portray a 1950’s era glamor girl because of her wonderful memories with her grandmother. It helps her to cope with loneliness to present herself as a strong woman who can take care of herself and her child.
Willow is a young married woman with a shop which sells recycled or upcycled items and restored furniture. She and her husband Ethan are in the middle of restoring a huge old house on the sea. As the restoring progresses she is devastated to be told by the contractor there are problems within the foundation of the home which will require extensive repair and will break her budget. Willow is also worried by a problem in her personal life. Ethan is out of town for work, and Willow must cope with the business, the house restoration, and her disappointments on her own for a while.
Melody is a young woman travelling alone for an extended holiday. She has a secret source of sadness, but is attempting to spend her holiday photographing the seaside attractions. She has made a promise to someone special to do something with her love of photography. Melody has entered a festival contest for photographers, and now she must meet her goal before the deadline.
All three of these women have a personal obstacle in their life which would prevent them from achieving the one thing which would bring happiness. Read how these lives intertwine to enrich each other with humor and tears. I really enjoyed the characters and the story.
And Chilly, you must read about Chilly!
The Little Bed & Breakfast by the Sea by author Jennifer Joyce is a delightful book to read anytime of year, but be prepared to almost hear the waves of the sea, or smell the fried foods, or crave and ice cream from the promenade as you read. The story focuses on three different women with problems they feel are too personal to talk about or difficult to overcome.
Mae is a single mother of a young daughter, Hannah. She has been hurt in prior relationships so she tells herself she is happy and content to run her Bed and Breakfast in the British seaside town of Clifton-on-Sea. She inherited the house and also works part-time in a pub to help with the expenses. She has changed her appearance to portray a 1950’s era glamor girl because of her wonderful memories with her grandmother. It helps her to cope with loneliness to present herself as a strong woman who can take care of herself and her child.
Willow is a young married woman with a shop which sells recycled or upcycled items and restored furniture. She and her husband Ethan are in the middle of restoring a huge old house on the sea. As the restoring progresses she is devastated to be told by the contractor there are problems within the foundation of the home which will require extensive repair and will break her budget. Willow is also worried by a problem in her personal life. Ethan is out of town for work, and Willow must cope with the business, the house restoration, and her disappointments on her own for a while.
Melody is a young woman travelling alone for an extended holiday. She has a secret source of sadness, but is attempting to spend her holiday photographing the seaside attractions. She has made a promise to someone special to do something with her love of photography. Melody has entered a festival contest for photographers, and now she must meet her goal before the deadline.
All three of these women have a personal obstacle in their life which would prevent them from achieving the one thing which would bring happiness. Read how these lives intertwine to enrich each other with humor and tears. I really enjoyed the characters and the story.
And Chilly, you must read about Chilly!
February 15, 2018
The Little Bed & Breakfast by the Sea is a lovely story about the coming together of three women - all with different heartaches and difficulty moving on.
Mae runs the B&B and has a daughter aged 4, Hannah. Hannah’s father isn’t on the scene - he left as soon as he found out Mae was expecting. Mae finds it hard to trust men and let them into her and her daughters life. There is one man though, Alfie, a vet, who keeps asking Mae out.....will she finally give in?
Willow is staying at the B&B after her house that her and her husband are doing up, was found to be unsafe. Willow is desperate for a baby, but can’t seem to fall pregnant and it’s putting a strain on her relationship. Their house is costly and Willow may have to sell her shop and go back to her old job - which she really doesn’t want to do....will things work out for Willow?
Melody is touring beaches, taking photographs in order to enter a competition at a festival. Melody meets Hugo during her stay. She likes him, but keeps him at arms length - she’s suffered heartache and doesn’t feel she deserves to be happy. The more she sees Hugo, the more she opens up to him - but can anything come of it?
The girls spend time together at the B&B bonding, and the beginnings of long term friendships are forged.
I really enjoyed this story. My favourite character was Mae. Outwardly she was strong, but inside she felt quite vulnerable - but I thought she had her head screwed on and knew her own mind. I liked the way she presented herself - it takes a lot to go against the ‘norm’ . I was so pleased when Mae and Alfie finally decided on a meal together. I loved the epilogue, not just because of Mae and Alfie, but also for the other girls, who also had come a long way and finally had their happy ending.
4/5 star rating 🌟🌟🌟🌟
Mae runs the B&B and has a daughter aged 4, Hannah. Hannah’s father isn’t on the scene - he left as soon as he found out Mae was expecting. Mae finds it hard to trust men and let them into her and her daughters life. There is one man though, Alfie, a vet, who keeps asking Mae out.....will she finally give in?
Willow is staying at the B&B after her house that her and her husband are doing up, was found to be unsafe. Willow is desperate for a baby, but can’t seem to fall pregnant and it’s putting a strain on her relationship. Their house is costly and Willow may have to sell her shop and go back to her old job - which she really doesn’t want to do....will things work out for Willow?
Melody is touring beaches, taking photographs in order to enter a competition at a festival. Melody meets Hugo during her stay. She likes him, but keeps him at arms length - she’s suffered heartache and doesn’t feel she deserves to be happy. The more she sees Hugo, the more she opens up to him - but can anything come of it?
The girls spend time together at the B&B bonding, and the beginnings of long term friendships are forged.
I really enjoyed this story. My favourite character was Mae. Outwardly she was strong, but inside she felt quite vulnerable - but I thought she had her head screwed on and knew her own mind. I liked the way she presented herself - it takes a lot to go against the ‘norm’ . I was so pleased when Mae and Alfie finally decided on a meal together. I loved the epilogue, not just because of Mae and Alfie, but also for the other girls, who also had come a long way and finally had their happy ending.
4/5 star rating 🌟🌟🌟🌟
October 26, 2017
The Little Bed and Breakfast by the Sea by Jennifer Joyce
PM
Mae is fulfilling her dream of running a bed and breakfast in the house her grandparents left her in an English seaside town. Willow is a local shop owner who is trying to build the house of her dreams with her husband, but fate seems to be against them. Melody is just an amateur photographer passing through trying to get a prize winning shot. This story brings these women together under one roof and their lives become forever entwined. The story will take you through each of their journeys and the roadblocks they face to happiness and how they overcome them.
This is a fluffy, predictable romance novel. These are just the kind I like when I want to read for pure enjoyment. Of course it’s unrealistic! You don’t just have gorgeous men beating down your door even after you’ve told them no multiple times. You just don’t always have happy endings. That being said, it is precisely why I enjoy these. Sometimes it is fun to just get away from real life for a few hours and throw yourself into a feel good story. The author did such a good job of painting a picture of the local scene and you could picture everything perfectly. If you’re looking for something fun, I recommend this one. Three out of five stars.
Thanks to Netgalley and the Publisher for providing a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
PM
Mae is fulfilling her dream of running a bed and breakfast in the house her grandparents left her in an English seaside town. Willow is a local shop owner who is trying to build the house of her dreams with her husband, but fate seems to be against them. Melody is just an amateur photographer passing through trying to get a prize winning shot. This story brings these women together under one roof and their lives become forever entwined. The story will take you through each of their journeys and the roadblocks they face to happiness and how they overcome them.
This is a fluffy, predictable romance novel. These are just the kind I like when I want to read for pure enjoyment. Of course it’s unrealistic! You don’t just have gorgeous men beating down your door even after you’ve told them no multiple times. You just don’t always have happy endings. That being said, it is precisely why I enjoy these. Sometimes it is fun to just get away from real life for a few hours and throw yourself into a feel good story. The author did such a good job of painting a picture of the local scene and you could picture everything perfectly. If you’re looking for something fun, I recommend this one. Three out of five stars.
Thanks to Netgalley and the Publisher for providing a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
October 2, 2017
Like many books, the first thing that caught my attention was the title and the cover. It looks so inviting and warm. Then I read the blurb and pressed request straight away. The house and tabled and chairs all look so inviting. I want to sit there and enjoy the sun while I write.
This warm summer tale will have you wrapped up in one chapter. I love the change of POV and the story from all thee ladies perspectives. Mae is a busy woman, focusing on her 4-year-old daughter, running a B&B and taking shifts on at the local pub. She's a force to be reckoned with and constantly denies her feelings for Alfie, who keeps coming back even when she says no.
Willow runs a little shop where she does DIY projects and gives old furniture new life. Even if her new home is falling apart according to the builders. Melody is an adventurer, she is looking for the perfect images to enter a photography contest which lands her in need of somewhere to stay.
I really enjoyed how Joyce takes the time to breathe life into three different characters, bringing them all together. Overall, this little read had all the exciting and heart wrenching moments a good contemporary romance should have. Especially, as each woman finds a man, maybe not where you would expect either. Definitely recommend this easy, warm summer read. Perfect for when you're lying by the pool!
This warm summer tale will have you wrapped up in one chapter. I love the change of POV and the story from all thee ladies perspectives. Mae is a busy woman, focusing on her 4-year-old daughter, running a B&B and taking shifts on at the local pub. She's a force to be reckoned with and constantly denies her feelings for Alfie, who keeps coming back even when she says no.
Willow runs a little shop where she does DIY projects and gives old furniture new life. Even if her new home is falling apart according to the builders. Melody is an adventurer, she is looking for the perfect images to enter a photography contest which lands her in need of somewhere to stay.
I really enjoyed how Joyce takes the time to breathe life into three different characters, bringing them all together. Overall, this little read had all the exciting and heart wrenching moments a good contemporary romance should have. Especially, as each woman finds a man, maybe not where you would expect either. Definitely recommend this easy, warm summer read. Perfect for when you're lying by the pool!
August 7, 2017
Mae has turned her Grandparents old house into a B & B and is trying to make a living for herself and her young daughter so when guests cancel at the last minute right in the middle of the holiday season she is worried......that is a lot of money to lose and where can she get more guests at such short notice.
Willow is doing up her lovely beachfront house with her husband Ethan,. but things are not going to plan - he is the love of her life but is he drifting away from her and the house is taking all of their money so when she gets that devastating news that there is a problem with the foundations and she is going to have to move out she is really worried everywhere is booked up at this time of the year!
Melody has not really thought about accommodation, she is drifting around seaside towns trying to complete her photography portfolio when she meets the really annoying icecream man Hugo who just seems to keep popping up everywhere......maybe she should stay in this town for a bit if she can find somewhere to stay!
A lovely story about the 3 women who all have problems in their lives but become firm friends and help each other out - great characters and a lovely warm book perfect for the beach
Willow is doing up her lovely beachfront house with her husband Ethan,. but things are not going to plan - he is the love of her life but is he drifting away from her and the house is taking all of their money so when she gets that devastating news that there is a problem with the foundations and she is going to have to move out she is really worried everywhere is booked up at this time of the year!
Melody has not really thought about accommodation, she is drifting around seaside towns trying to complete her photography portfolio when she meets the really annoying icecream man Hugo who just seems to keep popping up everywhere......maybe she should stay in this town for a bit if she can find somewhere to stay!
A lovely story about the 3 women who all have problems in their lives but become firm friends and help each other out - great characters and a lovely warm book perfect for the beach
October 2, 2020
The Little Bed and Breakfast by the Sea captures the spirit of the British seaside resort. In it we follow the lives of Mae, Melody and Willow as they are all brought together in this lovely bit of fiction set in Clifton on Sea.
Melody is travelling around northern British seaside towns trying to capture the perfect shot for a photography competition.
Glamourous Mae, loves vintage fashion and runs a small B and B. She is a single mum and works hard to make a living, helped by a caring network of friends and family.
Willow runs a shop selling upcycled arts and crafts which she loves but her home and love life is in turmoil.
As the story progresses we find out more about the past and the present of these three young women. I’ve read a few books by Jennifer Joyce and have always enjoyed them. This is a lovely feel good story perfect for autumn giving us a taste of the summer that didn’t seem so long ago. A simple, easy to read story.
Also available on Kindle Unlimited.
Melody is travelling around northern British seaside towns trying to capture the perfect shot for a photography competition.
Glamourous Mae, loves vintage fashion and runs a small B and B. She is a single mum and works hard to make a living, helped by a caring network of friends and family.
Willow runs a shop selling upcycled arts and crafts which she loves but her home and love life is in turmoil.
As the story progresses we find out more about the past and the present of these three young women. I’ve read a few books by Jennifer Joyce and have always enjoyed them. This is a lovely feel good story perfect for autumn giving us a taste of the summer that didn’t seem so long ago. A simple, easy to read story.
Also available on Kindle Unlimited.
September 11, 2017
A lovely book, about the lives of 3 women who are thrown together in differing circumstances.
Mae, the owner of a bed and breakfast and Mum to a daughter. Willow, married to Ethan and who runs an upcycling shop in the town. Melody, who's visiting on a holiday, taking pictures of quintessential English seaside towns.
Each with their own story, each fighting their own demons. Between them they each help each other.
A lovely story and good book which I found really hard to put down.
Mae, the owner of a bed and breakfast and Mum to a daughter. Willow, married to Ethan and who runs an upcycling shop in the town. Melody, who's visiting on a holiday, taking pictures of quintessential English seaside towns.
Each with their own story, each fighting their own demons. Between them they each help each other.
A lovely story and good book which I found really hard to put down.
March 19, 2019
A lovely feelgood read set in a charming Northern (a change from the usual Cornish setting!) seaside town. It's certainly a place I'd want to visit! Mae runs a small bed and breakfast, and two guests arrive unexpectedly, resulting in a friendship between the three women. Don't want to give spoilers so will not say more, but it is a heartwarming story of love and friendship.
Thanks to the publisher for a review copy.
Thanks to the publisher for a review copy.
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