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Bedlam & Breakfast at a Devon seaside guesthouse
Katie is desperate to leave her stressful job, so she doesn’t think too hard about moving to Devon to run a B&B, even if it means uprooting her family. She is certain she and Jason have a strong and loving relationship that can weather any storm.
Hooked by the beauty of Torringham with its quaint harbour and stunning coastline, they purchase Flotsam Guesthouse which needs more than a lick of paint to keep it afloat. Soon, Katie finds that renovating and running a guesthouse is taking its toll, especially when dealing with challenging guests and madcap neighbours, Shona and Kim. Katie comes to learn that trouble is afoot whenever Shona begs a favour.
However, when her adored daughter moves back to their old hometown, she wonders if they’ve made a huge mistake, especially when cracks begin to show in her marriage.
Her seaside idyll is crumbling along with her relationship. Should she let Flotsam Guesthouse founder while she salvages her marriage? Katie needs to decide where her priorities lie. The only issue is, she doesn’t know.
Hooked by the beauty of Torringham with its quaint harbour and stunning coastline, they purchase Flotsam Guesthouse which needs more than a lick of paint to keep it afloat. Soon, Katie finds that renovating and running a guesthouse is taking its toll, especially when dealing with challenging guests and madcap neighbours, Shona and Kim. Katie comes to learn that trouble is afoot whenever Shona begs a favour.
However, when her adored daughter moves back to their old hometown, she wonders if they’ve made a huge mistake, especially when cracks begin to show in her marriage.
Her seaside idyll is crumbling along with her relationship. Should she let Flotsam Guesthouse founder while she salvages her marriage? Katie needs to decide where her priorities lie. The only issue is, she doesn’t know.
300 pages, ebook
Published December 13, 2018
170 people are currently reading
46 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
April 2, 2019
5☆ A Feel Good, Heart Warming Read, I Couldn't Put Down!
Bedlam & Breakfast at a Devon Seaside Guesthouse Is a light hearted, fun, heart warming story of family, starting a fresh, making friends and relationships.
When Katie, hubby Jason and Daughter Emily buy and move into Flotsam Guesthouse, they was never quiet expecting just how hard it would be, not just as their livelihood, but the impact it would have on their family!
Leaving their jobs and friends behind, they set off for a new start!
It didn't set off with the best of starts when the previous owners make things difficult for them by under handed tactics, right before they exchanged ownership.
But with plenty of refurbishment to do, awkward guests, plenty of mishaps and mayhem, fun and quirky neighbours ( Shona and Kim) that seem to have a way of getting into sticky but hilarious situations, they definitely have their work cut out for them!
But can they make it work or will the have to let Flotsam Guesthouse go?
I adored Bedlam & Breakfast at a Devon Seaside Guesthouse, it was such a feel good read, I couldn't put it down!
It had me laughing out loud, anticipating who would be the next quirky guest, I loved how Sharley made me feel as if I was one of the guests.
The pace just flowed along beautifully,
Sharley created a Fabulous mix of eccentric and eclectic characters, which simply made the Flotsam Guesthouse come to life.
Would I recommend reading this Gorgeous Book?..... Without a Doubt....100%....Yes!
I'm really looking forward to reading more of Sharley Scott's books.
I am keeping my fingers crossed for another instalment from Bedlam & Breakfast at a Devon Seaside Guesthouse!
Thank you to Rachel Random Resources for this copy which I reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
My Review is also on my Blog Website :-
https://dashfan81.blogspot.com/2019/0...
Bedlam & Breakfast at a Devon Seaside Guesthouse Is a light hearted, fun, heart warming story of family, starting a fresh, making friends and relationships.
When Katie, hubby Jason and Daughter Emily buy and move into Flotsam Guesthouse, they was never quiet expecting just how hard it would be, not just as their livelihood, but the impact it would have on their family!
Leaving their jobs and friends behind, they set off for a new start!
It didn't set off with the best of starts when the previous owners make things difficult for them by under handed tactics, right before they exchanged ownership.
But with plenty of refurbishment to do, awkward guests, plenty of mishaps and mayhem, fun and quirky neighbours ( Shona and Kim) that seem to have a way of getting into sticky but hilarious situations, they definitely have their work cut out for them!
But can they make it work or will the have to let Flotsam Guesthouse go?
I adored Bedlam & Breakfast at a Devon Seaside Guesthouse, it was such a feel good read, I couldn't put it down!
It had me laughing out loud, anticipating who would be the next quirky guest, I loved how Sharley made me feel as if I was one of the guests.
The pace just flowed along beautifully,
Sharley created a Fabulous mix of eccentric and eclectic characters, which simply made the Flotsam Guesthouse come to life.
Would I recommend reading this Gorgeous Book?..... Without a Doubt....100%....Yes!
I'm really looking forward to reading more of Sharley Scott's books.
I am keeping my fingers crossed for another instalment from Bedlam & Breakfast at a Devon Seaside Guesthouse!
Thank you to Rachel Random Resources for this copy which I reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
My Review is also on my Blog Website :-
https://dashfan81.blogspot.com/2019/0...
April 3, 2019
Favorite Quotes:
Like any couple we had our ups-and-downs and a good row would usually clear the air but that was impossible in a guesthouse filled with two dozen pairs of ears, especially as I’ve never been one for a hissed argument. I could imagine the TripAdvisor reviews: ‘Flotsam offers the authentic seaside fish-wife experience’.
When I went back out to take more orders, I apologised for the wait. “You’ve forgotten our presents,” John said. I frowned. “Presents?” He glanced at his watch and laughed. “We’ve been waiting so long, it must be Christmas.”
That man must have a blowhole in his head. He doesn’t stop for breath.
Don’t leave me! It’s handbags at dawn in there.
My tongue must be an inch shorter for all the times I’d bitten it, but now it shrank to the back of my mouth fearful of being chewed off.
He’d been grumpy all week, making me feel as if I had to tiptoe around him. Maybe he should have married a ballerina.
My Review:
This was an amusing, fun, and lively tale chronicling the misadventures of first-time owners of a B&B, who had optimistically approached their new endeavor with no prior experience in the hospitality industry. The story was told from the first person POV of Katie, who with her husband Jason had purchased a run-down B&B in a seaside tourist area of Devon. While they realized the structure was going to need improvements, they were sorely unaware of just how neglected and poorly maintained the facilities were, as well as how much effort running a B&B was going to require. Complications abounded before their uniquely difficult guests had even started arriving, yet they handled the myriad comical and exceptional challenges head on and learned hard lessons by doing, which is quite often the best form of education and training.
Resentful over the amount paid for the sale, the former B&B owners had spitefully poisoned the locals towards them as well as purposely tampered with the bookings and left layers of filth behind. I don’t even want to consider how I would have fared with such a labor intensive and uphill 24/7 enterprise; I most likely would have locked the doors and fled at top speed while shrieking like a banshee.
The stress and exhaustion frayed their nerves, siphoned off their patience, and sorely tested their relationship as their communication became limited to quietly sniping and snarling at each other in private while doing their best to maintain a pleasant atmosphere and cheerful countenances for their guests. I am uncertain why this was originally tagged as a Contemporary Romance, whereas I would label it as Women’s Fiction with copious amounts of wit, humor, and family drama.
New additions to my Brit Word List include grockles – which are tourists; and nous – which appears to be associated with intelligence as well as common sense, although it has been my experience that most human beings rarely possess both at the same time.
Like any couple we had our ups-and-downs and a good row would usually clear the air but that was impossible in a guesthouse filled with two dozen pairs of ears, especially as I’ve never been one for a hissed argument. I could imagine the TripAdvisor reviews: ‘Flotsam offers the authentic seaside fish-wife experience’.
When I went back out to take more orders, I apologised for the wait. “You’ve forgotten our presents,” John said. I frowned. “Presents?” He glanced at his watch and laughed. “We’ve been waiting so long, it must be Christmas.”
That man must have a blowhole in his head. He doesn’t stop for breath.
Don’t leave me! It’s handbags at dawn in there.
My tongue must be an inch shorter for all the times I’d bitten it, but now it shrank to the back of my mouth fearful of being chewed off.
He’d been grumpy all week, making me feel as if I had to tiptoe around him. Maybe he should have married a ballerina.
My Review:
This was an amusing, fun, and lively tale chronicling the misadventures of first-time owners of a B&B, who had optimistically approached their new endeavor with no prior experience in the hospitality industry. The story was told from the first person POV of Katie, who with her husband Jason had purchased a run-down B&B in a seaside tourist area of Devon. While they realized the structure was going to need improvements, they were sorely unaware of just how neglected and poorly maintained the facilities were, as well as how much effort running a B&B was going to require. Complications abounded before their uniquely difficult guests had even started arriving, yet they handled the myriad comical and exceptional challenges head on and learned hard lessons by doing, which is quite often the best form of education and training.
Resentful over the amount paid for the sale, the former B&B owners had spitefully poisoned the locals towards them as well as purposely tampered with the bookings and left layers of filth behind. I don’t even want to consider how I would have fared with such a labor intensive and uphill 24/7 enterprise; I most likely would have locked the doors and fled at top speed while shrieking like a banshee.
The stress and exhaustion frayed their nerves, siphoned off their patience, and sorely tested their relationship as their communication became limited to quietly sniping and snarling at each other in private while doing their best to maintain a pleasant atmosphere and cheerful countenances for their guests. I am uncertain why this was originally tagged as a Contemporary Romance, whereas I would label it as Women’s Fiction with copious amounts of wit, humor, and family drama.
New additions to my Brit Word List include grockles – which are tourists; and nous – which appears to be associated with intelligence as well as common sense, although it has been my experience that most human beings rarely possess both at the same time.
February 19, 2019
Hysterical!
Because I am in the business of Bed & Breakfast, I found it more than easy to empathise with the writer. Been there, done that, still here after 21 years and still doing it, and still shocked by the things requested, expected and demanded by the "Great, British Public".
Thoroughly entertaining.
Because I am in the business of Bed & Breakfast, I found it more than easy to empathise with the writer. Been there, done that, still here after 21 years and still doing it, and still shocked by the things requested, expected and demanded by the "Great, British Public".
Thoroughly entertaining.
March 27, 2019
Told in the first person from the perspective of Katie, the new co-owner of the Flotsam Guesthouse in the fictional seaside town of Torringham in Devon, this is a very humorous story about the trials and tribulations of running a guesthouse.
Katie and her husband Jason have given up their busy lives hundreds of miles away, to move to Devon, where they will live and work together, for the very first time, running a guesthouse. In theory it sounds wonderful, as previously they had few precious moments to spend together. They see this as a way of finally being able to spend some quality time together.
The reality of running a guesthouse, and all that comes with it, takes its toll on their relationship very quickly. They are tired and sniping at each other in private, whilst trying to maintain a pleasant and accommodating appearance for their guests. Now they are looking for excuses not to spend time together... until a few words from a wise man makes them rethink how they are behaving towards each other.
The story centres on Katie and Jason in their first season as B&Bers with the comings and goings of holidaymakers - or 'grockles' as the locals call them - and a few local faces. It is filled with wonderful characters, some I loved, such as the lovely Kim and Shona - although Shona can be a bit of a handful! Others irked me, such as the Marriners, Margaret, Louis and Ava, Jim and Maureen,.. and the drunk lads... my list gets longer the more I think about it!
Maureen and Jim, the previous owners, set out to cause mischief because they believe that Katie & Jason paid too little for the B&B, and this appears to be their snide way of punishing them. The guests expectations are sometimes ludicrous, and Katie is forever worrying about the reviews they might leave. After all, she has no control over the weather or the noisy gulls! Their first season as B&Bers is definitely a steep learning curve!
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this novel and did not want it to end. It is well-written, and I was completely captivated by it. This is another story that I would award 6 stars! It was very witty, a little sarcastic, and appealed greatly to my sense of humour. It made me think about the lovely B&B we use on our way up to Scotland, and wonder whether the owner's calm outward appearance belied the secret frenetic activity going on behind the scenes.
I'm delighted to see that Ms Scott is currently writing another book in this series, and I'm looking forward to reading that as soon as it's published.
My thanks to author Sharley Scott for a free digital copy of this book to review.
Katie and her husband Jason have given up their busy lives hundreds of miles away, to move to Devon, where they will live and work together, for the very first time, running a guesthouse. In theory it sounds wonderful, as previously they had few precious moments to spend together. They see this as a way of finally being able to spend some quality time together.
The reality of running a guesthouse, and all that comes with it, takes its toll on their relationship very quickly. They are tired and sniping at each other in private, whilst trying to maintain a pleasant and accommodating appearance for their guests. Now they are looking for excuses not to spend time together... until a few words from a wise man makes them rethink how they are behaving towards each other.
The story centres on Katie and Jason in their first season as B&Bers with the comings and goings of holidaymakers - or 'grockles' as the locals call them - and a few local faces. It is filled with wonderful characters, some I loved, such as the lovely Kim and Shona - although Shona can be a bit of a handful! Others irked me, such as the Marriners, Margaret, Louis and Ava, Jim and Maureen,.. and the drunk lads... my list gets longer the more I think about it!
Maureen and Jim, the previous owners, set out to cause mischief because they believe that Katie & Jason paid too little for the B&B, and this appears to be their snide way of punishing them. The guests expectations are sometimes ludicrous, and Katie is forever worrying about the reviews they might leave. After all, she has no control over the weather or the noisy gulls! Their first season as B&Bers is definitely a steep learning curve!
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this novel and did not want it to end. It is well-written, and I was completely captivated by it. This is another story that I would award 6 stars! It was very witty, a little sarcastic, and appealed greatly to my sense of humour. It made me think about the lovely B&B we use on our way up to Scotland, and wonder whether the owner's calm outward appearance belied the secret frenetic activity going on behind the scenes.
I'm delighted to see that Ms Scott is currently writing another book in this series, and I'm looking forward to reading that as soon as it's published.
My thanks to author Sharley Scott for a free digital copy of this book to review.
January 19, 2019
It was the cover of this book that first attracted my attention. A pretty harbour with rows of seaside cottages looking down over it. It had a familiarity about it. The book is loosely based on the fishing harbour town of Brixham which forms part of Torbay in South Devon – ah, I thought that picture was familiar.
After reading the first couple of chapters in the sample I was intrigued to know what happened next so bought the whole book. At the beginning Katie and Jason have moved to the B & B with their grown up daughter. However it’s not long before she starts to miss her friends back home and coupled with the fact she doesn’t like the job she’s found in Torringham, with a bit of encouragement from her dad Jason she decides to move back and live with her step-sister.
The rest of the book mainly covers the catalogue of calamities and odd assortment of guests that arrive at Flotsam Guest House for their holidays. If it’s ever been your dream to run a seaside guest house then I would definitely recommend you read this book first. If you’re still game once you’ve finished it then you’re either mad as a box of frogs or you would make an amazing success of it and obviously have the patience of a saint.
The author does point out that although she does run a B & B herself (how she manages to find the time to write a book as well I’m not quite sure) most of her guests are nothing like the ones in this book. They’re in the main lovely people and the events in this book are either completely fictitious or are loosely based on stories she’s heard from other B&B’ers. Nevertheless I can imagine each and every one of the scenarios happening in real life and we all know that the average Joe Public can be a real awkward customer when they put their mind to it, so I always thought it to be very realistic and authentic.
As well as the guests, there are other characters who come and go throughout the story as well as their next door neighbours at Jetsam Cottage. Flotsam and Jetsam, I hope I’ve recalled this correctly, were originally run by the same owner hence their complimentary names. Shona and Kim run Jetsam Cottage, also a guesthouse and Shona is certainly a force to be reckoned with, I wouldn’t like to get on the wrong side of her. Despite her pushiness and often some of the favours she asks of Katie verge on taking the mick, she is nothing if not loyal and whenever Katie and Jason have a problem with a guest Shona is always supportive and steps in to help.
It was a funny, lighthearted and entertaining read and at times certainly lived up to it’s title of bedlam. It's a fast paced plot with something new happening at every turn of the page. I’m not so sure I’d put it under the genre of romance though.
I really enjoyed it and understand there’s a further book in the pipeline so I'm really looking forward to reading that.
After reading the first couple of chapters in the sample I was intrigued to know what happened next so bought the whole book. At the beginning Katie and Jason have moved to the B & B with their grown up daughter. However it’s not long before she starts to miss her friends back home and coupled with the fact she doesn’t like the job she’s found in Torringham, with a bit of encouragement from her dad Jason she decides to move back and live with her step-sister.
The rest of the book mainly covers the catalogue of calamities and odd assortment of guests that arrive at Flotsam Guest House for their holidays. If it’s ever been your dream to run a seaside guest house then I would definitely recommend you read this book first. If you’re still game once you’ve finished it then you’re either mad as a box of frogs or you would make an amazing success of it and obviously have the patience of a saint.
The author does point out that although she does run a B & B herself (how she manages to find the time to write a book as well I’m not quite sure) most of her guests are nothing like the ones in this book. They’re in the main lovely people and the events in this book are either completely fictitious or are loosely based on stories she’s heard from other B&B’ers. Nevertheless I can imagine each and every one of the scenarios happening in real life and we all know that the average Joe Public can be a real awkward customer when they put their mind to it, so I always thought it to be very realistic and authentic.
As well as the guests, there are other characters who come and go throughout the story as well as their next door neighbours at Jetsam Cottage. Flotsam and Jetsam, I hope I’ve recalled this correctly, were originally run by the same owner hence their complimentary names. Shona and Kim run Jetsam Cottage, also a guesthouse and Shona is certainly a force to be reckoned with, I wouldn’t like to get on the wrong side of her. Despite her pushiness and often some of the favours she asks of Katie verge on taking the mick, she is nothing if not loyal and whenever Katie and Jason have a problem with a guest Shona is always supportive and steps in to help.
It was a funny, lighthearted and entertaining read and at times certainly lived up to it’s title of bedlam. It's a fast paced plot with something new happening at every turn of the page. I’m not so sure I’d put it under the genre of romance though.
I really enjoyed it and understand there’s a further book in the pipeline so I'm really looking forward to reading that.
March 3, 2019
Bedlam and Breakfast kept me hooked with its family drama and light-hearted episodic tales. I could clearly picture each of the characters in this well-written novel, and I particularly enjoyed Katie's exploits with B&B neighbours Shona and KIm. I look forward to reading more from this writer.
January 3, 2019
I thoroughly enjoyed Bedlam & Breakfast to the extent that I didn't want to put it down. It is a work of fiction but, apparently, based loosely on the author's real-life experiences of how varied it is to own a B&B - and how hard work it is! Most of the guests were lovely and a joy to cater for, but a few difficult ones crept in. And so the book recounts tales of drunken guests, those that tried to cheat the B&B with non-payment, one with dementia and others who stowed away stolen goods in their room. The book was a fascinating glimpse into the side of life that's not usually seen and I now take my hat off to those souls who run B&Bs successfully (I'll try and be a good guest!).
The writing flowed and was easy to read, and the characters were relatable and likeable - mostly. The tale was told in a way that was never tedious. I enjoyed it immensely and would love to read another by this author.
The writing flowed and was easy to read, and the characters were relatable and likeable - mostly. The tale was told in a way that was never tedious. I enjoyed it immensely and would love to read another by this author.
February 12, 2019
Great read
I started reading this book yesterday and couldn’t put it down. A great happy read that brightened up my day
I started reading this book yesterday and couldn’t put it down. A great happy read that brightened up my day
February 27, 2019
Loved it
Really good lots of fun makes u want to stay hoping for a sequel looking forward to reading her next book
Really good lots of fun makes u want to stay hoping for a sequel looking forward to reading her next book
February 6, 2020
I've really enjoyed this story.
I have had a great time reading about Katie new adveture as a B&B owner, her whimsical neighbours and her guests.
Copy kindly provided by the Publisher/Author.
March 30, 2019
Sometimes you just want a good book to escape into. We all have had dreams of packing everything up and making a huge life change.
Katie and Jason knew that their dream of living seaside would take some work. Their girls were pretty much grown and their old jobs were no longer satisfying. When they got a "deal" on a bed and breakfast, needing just a little TLC and some special handling, they were obviously nervous but felt up to the challenge. Why were the sellers so eager to move on, and so open about not being able to be reached after the sale? It doesn't take long to figure this out.
Filled with wonderful characters and amusing (to those of us looking in from the outside) anecdotes of new adventure and unexpected things to tackle every time one turns around, Katie and Jason did not deserve the further complications brought about by sellers Maureen and Jim. From a new life meant to bring the family together to stress designed to drive this couple apart, weather, over which we know no man has control, and an assortment of visitors and guests, and a force to be reckoned with at a guest house next door, this book will make you take a second look at your own life and appreciate your own troubles. They could be much more challenging.
Katie and Jason knew that their dream of living seaside would take some work. Their girls were pretty much grown and their old jobs were no longer satisfying. When they got a "deal" on a bed and breakfast, needing just a little TLC and some special handling, they were obviously nervous but felt up to the challenge. Why were the sellers so eager to move on, and so open about not being able to be reached after the sale? It doesn't take long to figure this out.
Filled with wonderful characters and amusing (to those of us looking in from the outside) anecdotes of new adventure and unexpected things to tackle every time one turns around, Katie and Jason did not deserve the further complications brought about by sellers Maureen and Jim. From a new life meant to bring the family together to stress designed to drive this couple apart, weather, over which we know no man has control, and an assortment of visitors and guests, and a force to be reckoned with at a guest house next door, this book will make you take a second look at your own life and appreciate your own troubles. They could be much more challenging.
April 6, 2019
Honestly, at times this book had me cringing!! The story follows Katie and Jason as they move hundreds of miles away and start running a B&B that they’ve bought. Even their first day is nuts!
I don’t really want to say much about the story in the review….it has to be read for itself! But it takes us on a journey of new friendships, the worry and ache of being away from loved ones, rude people, nutty (but fun!) neighbours, police visits, that moment when you start questioning whether you’ve made the right decision, and relationship issues. Will the constant pressure of running a B&B cause a rift so big in their marriage that it can’t be saved? What sneaky (and funny!) things will their neighbours get up to next? What will the hotel inspector think?
There are so many funny moments throughout this….you just KNOW that although these characters are fictional, there really are guests like these out there! Scott is a guesthouse owner herself and dreaming up some of these characters must have been brilliant. I know for a FACT that there is no way I could deal with them!! But the way Katie and Jason manage is brilliant, and Bedlam & Breakfast will most certainly have you chuckling out loud!
I don’t really want to say much about the story in the review….it has to be read for itself! But it takes us on a journey of new friendships, the worry and ache of being away from loved ones, rude people, nutty (but fun!) neighbours, police visits, that moment when you start questioning whether you’ve made the right decision, and relationship issues. Will the constant pressure of running a B&B cause a rift so big in their marriage that it can’t be saved? What sneaky (and funny!) things will their neighbours get up to next? What will the hotel inspector think?
There are so many funny moments throughout this….you just KNOW that although these characters are fictional, there really are guests like these out there! Scott is a guesthouse owner herself and dreaming up some of these characters must have been brilliant. I know for a FACT that there is no way I could deal with them!! But the way Katie and Jason manage is brilliant, and Bedlam & Breakfast will most certainly have you chuckling out loud!
February 5, 2020
Katie and Jason move to a Devon seaside B&B called Flotsam. The previous owners leave many, many loose ends with regulars promised the wrong room and so on. Then Katie gets super busy and her dream of spending more time with Jason evaporates, or my favourite quote in the book 'Like buttered toast my luck never landed the right way'. Written with convincing long hours during a hot summer in a leaky crumbling guesthouse that gradually undergoes renovations as the plot unfolds. The neighbour Shona provides a comedy thread of friendship and allows Katie to grow in her new role. Every possible scenario of guest is covered in short blasts of each chapter with comic relatable storyline. Katie's step-daughter has a meltdown and her daughter is involved in a car crash, I think this is the point of the story - Katie is too busy with her demanding B&B guests to resolve her family issues. However, in terms of concluding the plot - Katie's Uncle Bert steps in with a heart-warming speech. A light-hearted comedic realism novel - perfect for a commute I imagine (read one set of guests on the way to work and another on the way home)!
March 31, 2019
unny and entertaining with a serious side - this is a great read!
Katie and Jason have finally taken the plunge and gone into business for themselves; no more nine-to-five grind now the are their own bosses. As the new owners of a dilapidated B&B, badly in need of updating inside and out, they have their work cut out for them. Time for family and personal relationships goes by the wayside as they struggle through their first season not helped by the disgruntled and devious previous owners whilst dealing with guests from all walks of life. Will they manage to adjust to the new rhythm of life before it finishes them - and their relationship - off?
This is a real insight into running a guest house, and I wasn't too surprised to find that the author actually does so in her non-writing life. What a wonderful array of characters she has created; some of whom you would want as family and some you'd want to take straight down to the harbour and throw in! The writing is fluid and there are plenty of lighter moments along with the heart wrenching events which pop up from time to time. A really good read, and one I'm happy to recommend to those who like a well-structured and engaging novel. Definitely worth 4*.
Katie and Jason have finally taken the plunge and gone into business for themselves; no more nine-to-five grind now the are their own bosses. As the new owners of a dilapidated B&B, badly in need of updating inside and out, they have their work cut out for them. Time for family and personal relationships goes by the wayside as they struggle through their first season not helped by the disgruntled and devious previous owners whilst dealing with guests from all walks of life. Will they manage to adjust to the new rhythm of life before it finishes them - and their relationship - off?
This is a real insight into running a guest house, and I wasn't too surprised to find that the author actually does so in her non-writing life. What a wonderful array of characters she has created; some of whom you would want as family and some you'd want to take straight down to the harbour and throw in! The writing is fluid and there are plenty of lighter moments along with the heart wrenching events which pop up from time to time. A really good read, and one I'm happy to recommend to those who like a well-structured and engaging novel. Definitely worth 4*.
June 25, 2020
It was the title of this book that got me interested and then the fact it was loosely based on Brixham and Berry head was an added bonus. (Husband is originally from Torquay and we still live in Devon and have visited the area many times)
The book was an easy read, didn't grip me but was enjoyable. Knowing that there is bound to be people out there that are like the characters made it amusing at times. I felt I little more depth to some of the characters and their storylines would of made the book 5 stars.
Looking forward to the next one - B&Bers Behaving Madley at a Devon seaside guesthouse.
The book was an easy read, didn't grip me but was enjoyable. Knowing that there is bound to be people out there that are like the characters made it amusing at times. I felt I little more depth to some of the characters and their storylines would of made the book 5 stars.
Looking forward to the next one - B&Bers Behaving Madley at a Devon seaside guesthouse.
May 29, 2019
A married couple decide to buy a bed and breakfast uprooting their lives from city dwelling to the seaside, they then find its not all as fun as they thought. The house is not in as good condition and the previous owner has an axe to grind and deliberately mucks up bookings and spreads lies and rumours. Funny and heartwarming equally. Would recommend this book if you are looking for a light humorous read.
March 31, 2019
Unputdownable, really enjoyed this. It might make would be B&B owners think twice though, it really is hard work for just one couple and 8 letting rooms. Lots of laughs though and I found myself getting angry with Katie and Jason's less likeable guests.
April 1, 2019
Light hearted and an easy read
Enjoyed this book very much. An easy read and able to pick up and continue at any time. Ideal holiday read. Characters in the book are someone you know or have experienced while staying in B&B's and being a smile to your face. Completed my online book while on holiday. Would recommend this book.
Enjoyed this book very much. An easy read and able to pick up and continue at any time. Ideal holiday read. Characters in the book are someone you know or have experienced while staying in B&B's and being a smile to your face. Completed my online book while on holiday. Would recommend this book.
April 25, 2019
I thoroughly enjoyed "Bedlam and Breakfast at a Devon Seaside Guesthouse", while it did take me a while to get into it (no fault of the authors), I became absolutely hooked. I laughed and cried and laughed some more throughout the entire book due to the familys hysterical but sometimes dramatic antics. I absolutely loved Shona, I thought she was a right hoot and her character definitely added to the humour.
Bedlam and Breakfast was such a wonderful read, that I'm going to read it all again. I really look forward to reading more from Sharley Scott
Bedlam and Breakfast was such a wonderful read, that I'm going to read it all again. I really look forward to reading more from Sharley Scott
June 27, 2019
Loved reading this one. Got lots of laughs throughout. It felt so brutally honest and true. Great and refreshing to read a book like this where not everything is rosey in the garden. Same with relationships there never perfect in real life so why should they be in fiction. You don’t think on how much work a guesthouse owner puts in. Reading this would make you appreciate them. And put me off running one lol
July 1, 2019
Dont start this book if you have jobs to do!
I have had this book in my library for a while now, but once I started to read it I couldn't put it down. We all know people like some of these guests...
I have had this book in my library for a while now, but once I started to read it I couldn't put it down. We all know people like some of these guests...
January 29, 2020
A good read
At no point in this book did I get bored, like I do with some - I really enjoyed it. It was humorous in places without being forced and I also shed a tear at one bit. I would recommend this book.
At no point in this book did I get bored, like I do with some - I really enjoyed it. It was humorous in places without being forced and I also shed a tear at one bit. I would recommend this book.
July 31, 2020
Well if you're not put off running a B&B after reading this book then you never will be. The people these guesthouse owners have to put up with are awful. After working with the general public for the last 20 years I can fully understand where they are coming from.
March 18, 2019
Really good read
I really enjoyed this book and the description of the characters are really well written, I would recommend these books to anyone who enjoys a great read ,
I really enjoyed this book and the description of the characters are really well written, I would recommend these books to anyone who enjoys a great read ,
September 18, 2019
Received from TBC reviewers thanks.
Great plot to the story I enjoyed the setting and family dynamics although at times the main character annoyed me. Easy read but I felt plots could have been explored more especially in relation to the daughters
Great plot to the story I enjoyed the setting and family dynamics although at times the main character annoyed me. Easy read but I felt plots could have been explored more especially in relation to the daughters
October 6, 2025
Told in the first person from the perspective of Katie, the new co-owner of the Flotsam Guesthouse in the fictional seaside town of Torringham in Devon, this is a very humorous story about the trials and tribulations of running a guesthouse.
Katie and her husband Jason have given up their busy lives hundreds of miles away, to move to Devon, where they will live and work together, for the very first time, running a guesthouse. In theory it sounds wonderful, as previously they had few precious moments to spend together. They see this as a way of finally being able to spend some quality time together.
The reality of running a guesthouse, and all that comes with it, takes its toll on their relationship very quickly. They are tired and sniping at each other in private, whilst trying to maintain a pleasant and accommodating appearance for their guests. Now they are looking for excuses not to spend time together... until a few words from a wise man makes them rethink how they are behaving towards each other.
The story centres on Katie and Jason in their first season as B&Bers with the comings and goings of holidaymakers - or 'grockles' as the locals call them - and a few local faces. It is filled with wonderful characters, some I loved, such as the lovely Kim and Shona - although Shona can be a bit of a handful! Others irked me, such as the Marriners, Margaret, Louis and Ava, Jim and Maureen,.. and the drunk lads... my list gets longer the more I think about it!
Maureen and Jim, the previous owners, set out to cause mischief because they believe that Katie & Jason paid too little for the B&B, and this appears to be their snide way of punishing them. The guests expectations are sometimes ludicrous, and Katie is forever worrying about the reviews they might leave. After all, she has no control over the weather or the noisy gulls! Their first season as B&Bers is definitely a steep learning curve!
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this novel and did not want it to end. It is well-written, and I was completely captivated by it. This is another story that I would award 6 stars! It was very witty, a little sarcastic, and appealed greatly to my sense of humour. It made me think about the lovely B&B we use on our way up to Scotland, and wonder whether the owner's calm outward appearance belies the secret frenetic activity going on behind the scenes.
I'm delighted to see that Ms Scott is currently writing another book in this series, and I'm looking forward to reading that as soon as it's published.
Katie and her husband Jason have given up their busy lives hundreds of miles away, to move to Devon, where they will live and work together, for the very first time, running a guesthouse. In theory it sounds wonderful, as previously they had few precious moments to spend together. They see this as a way of finally being able to spend some quality time together.
The reality of running a guesthouse, and all that comes with it, takes its toll on their relationship very quickly. They are tired and sniping at each other in private, whilst trying to maintain a pleasant and accommodating appearance for their guests. Now they are looking for excuses not to spend time together... until a few words from a wise man makes them rethink how they are behaving towards each other.
The story centres on Katie and Jason in their first season as B&Bers with the comings and goings of holidaymakers - or 'grockles' as the locals call them - and a few local faces. It is filled with wonderful characters, some I loved, such as the lovely Kim and Shona - although Shona can be a bit of a handful! Others irked me, such as the Marriners, Margaret, Louis and Ava, Jim and Maureen,.. and the drunk lads... my list gets longer the more I think about it!
Maureen and Jim, the previous owners, set out to cause mischief because they believe that Katie & Jason paid too little for the B&B, and this appears to be their snide way of punishing them. The guests expectations are sometimes ludicrous, and Katie is forever worrying about the reviews they might leave. After all, she has no control over the weather or the noisy gulls! Their first season as B&Bers is definitely a steep learning curve!
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this novel and did not want it to end. It is well-written, and I was completely captivated by it. This is another story that I would award 6 stars! It was very witty, a little sarcastic, and appealed greatly to my sense of humour. It made me think about the lovely B&B we use on our way up to Scotland, and wonder whether the owner's calm outward appearance belies the secret frenetic activity going on behind the scenes.
I'm delighted to see that Ms Scott is currently writing another book in this series, and I'm looking forward to reading that as soon as it's published.
May 13, 2019
Moving to an idyllic seaside village is something I’m sure most people have dreamed of doing at some point in their lives. Katie and her family do just that, buying a guesthouse and hoping that working and living together will bring them closer as a family.
The story had me hooked me right from the start and I was rooting for everything to be perfect. From sabotage to ferocious seagulls, a dead mouse to wandering guests and everything in between I just loved this story. The characters were very believable and I could feel the tension between Katie and Jason building, as life got harder and harder as they got more and more exhausted. The wonderful mismatch of people in Flotsam and Jetsam guesthouses made for an entertaining and enjoyable story and I hope there will be a sequel. A perfect summer read.
June 26, 2019
I wanted a heart warming and hilarious read following a particularly nasty serial killer book. Sadly this book didn't cut it. It was OK but it didn't grab me. The stories were routine. I did get the point that it is incredibly hard work and doesn't sound very much fun at all. The book describes a relentless slog and when there are only two of you, you wonder why anyone does it. I didn't gel with Katie or Jason or Shona or Kim the main characters in the book and found myself getting irritated. The author runs a guest house so I am assuming the details are accurate.
Shame
Shame
May 12, 2019
I received a copy of this book from TBC REVIEWERS- thank you
This book was perfect to while away a lazy Sunday afternoon, full of light hearted ness and genuine emotion.
I loved the premise of a fresh start, let’s face it we’ve all considered giving up our ‘normal’ Life and running away to do something different.
A fabulously fresh read that I’m recommending for all my friends for their holidays and an author I’ll be watching for more from!
Thank you!
This book was perfect to while away a lazy Sunday afternoon, full of light hearted ness and genuine emotion.
I loved the premise of a fresh start, let’s face it we’ve all considered giving up our ‘normal’ Life and running away to do something different.
A fabulously fresh read that I’m recommending for all my friends for their holidays and an author I’ll be watching for more from!
Thank you!
April 23, 2019
Not for me
I tried but I’m afraid I couldn’t get into this story at all. I found it endlessly boring, just not for me.
I tried but I’m afraid I couldn’t get into this story at all. I found it endlessly boring, just not for me.
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