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The Somerley Collection #1
Stirred with Love
'Wonderfully warm with characters every woman can relate to. A fantastic read about overcoming life’s obstacles with friendship and love.' Leah Mercer
Meet Kate - after the break-up of her marriage, she’s trying hard to mend her broken heart.
Meet Chloe - a young woman with the world at her feet, she’s struggling to know what to do with her life.
Meet Lily - still grieving after the loss of her beloved husband, she’s determined to do something with the time she has left.
As Lily embarks on a new venture in the market town of Somerley, the three women come together to open The Coffee Stop, the most charming café for miles around. But opening a coffee shop is never as simple as it seems, especially when you add loneliness, secrets and heartbreak to the mix.
When tragedy strikes, can the three women pull together to make the new business fly, or will Lily’s last chance disappear down the drain along with yesterday’s coffee grinds?
If you love an uplifting, moving story, then Stirred with Love is the perfect read. Fans of Hannah Ellis, Debbie Johnson and Emily Harvale will love this book.
Please note – this book has been re-published, so do check to see if you have already downloaded it.
Books in The Somerley Series
Stirred with Love, book 1
Secrets, Lies & Love, book 2
Second Chances at Love, book 3
Meet Kate - after the break-up of her marriage, she’s trying hard to mend her broken heart.
Meet Chloe - a young woman with the world at her feet, she’s struggling to know what to do with her life.
Meet Lily - still grieving after the loss of her beloved husband, she’s determined to do something with the time she has left.
As Lily embarks on a new venture in the market town of Somerley, the three women come together to open The Coffee Stop, the most charming café for miles around. But opening a coffee shop is never as simple as it seems, especially when you add loneliness, secrets and heartbreak to the mix.
When tragedy strikes, can the three women pull together to make the new business fly, or will Lily’s last chance disappear down the drain along with yesterday’s coffee grinds?
If you love an uplifting, moving story, then Stirred with Love is the perfect read. Fans of Hannah Ellis, Debbie Johnson and Emily Harvale will love this book.
Please note – this book has been re-published, so do check to see if you have already downloaded it.
Books in The Somerley Series
Stirred with Love, book 1
Secrets, Lies & Love, book 2
Second Chances at Love, book 3
300 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 30, 2011
123 people are currently reading
463 people want to read
About the author
Marcie Steele
11 books56 followersHi, I'm Marcie Steele and I can be found hanging around any good coffee shop, drinking copious amounts of coffee and nibbling on double chocolate muffins. Whilst doing this I'll be discreetly people watching or not so discreetly enjoying good gossip with my friends.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 113 reviews
August 21, 2017
I finally, finally got around to reading this, its not because I forgot, its not because I changed my mind, I was a bit worried. Why worried? Well I've been following this author as Mel Sherratt for ages reading and thoroughly enjoying her fast paced crime/thrillers and her wonderful engrossing series in her other genre, so I didn't want to see my praise for her shattered.
But boy oh boy did I enjoy this read and wish I had read it earlier.
It takes a particular talent to be able to jump into a completely different genre and make it stand out.
I actually read this in one day, its and easy laid back read with a much softer page, full of emotional stuff, gritty to the core on the emotional front. Strong, vibrant and clearly written, predictable yes, but not so much that it spoils your enjoyment
Tears of laughter and tear of joy, tears of sadness, I shed them all when reading this.
Friendship, love and a strong woman.
Many thanks to Bookoutour via Net Galley for my copy and this author for providing me with a fab read.
But boy oh boy did I enjoy this read and wish I had read it earlier.
It takes a particular talent to be able to jump into a completely different genre and make it stand out.
I actually read this in one day, its and easy laid back read with a much softer page, full of emotional stuff, gritty to the core on the emotional front. Strong, vibrant and clearly written, predictable yes, but not so much that it spoils your enjoyment
Tears of laughter and tear of joy, tears of sadness, I shed them all when reading this.
Friendship, love and a strong woman.
Many thanks to Bookoutour via Net Galley for my copy and this author for providing me with a fab read.
January 3, 2016
Here,have a cup of coffee:
I enjoyed reading this book.It's a pretty serious chick-lit-there are a lot of funny & sweet moments but also some very,very sad and heart-breaking moments.The main characters are the representatives of three generations:
☕☕Chloe is 18 years old and she's trying to find her place in this world.She considers herself very mature for her age but throughout this book she really makes some questionable decisions.I liked her but sometimes I was thinking: "WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU DOING CHLOE?"
☕☕Kate is 32 years old and she's having marriage troubles.She is the character I liked the most in this book.She's very real and I think that the readers can really connect with her and her problems and decisions.
☕☕Lilly is 69 years old and she's coping with her husband's death.Lilly is really sweet and she's the star of this book.There's no way in hell you won't like Lilly.♥
The story is very interesting and there are a lot of great side characters that you'll love.And that ending...ouch.My poor heart.
So,overall,I really liked this book!
*E-copy provided by the author/publisher in exchange for an honest review via Netgalley.*
I enjoyed reading this book.It's a pretty serious chick-lit-there are a lot of funny & sweet moments but also some very,very sad and heart-breaking moments.The main characters are the representatives of three generations:
☕☕Chloe is 18 years old and she's trying to find her place in this world.She considers herself very mature for her age but throughout this book she really makes some questionable decisions.I liked her but sometimes I was thinking: "WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU DOING CHLOE?"
☕☕Kate is 32 years old and she's having marriage troubles.She is the character I liked the most in this book.She's very real and I think that the readers can really connect with her and her problems and decisions.
☕☕Lilly is 69 years old and she's coping with her husband's death.Lilly is really sweet and she's the star of this book.There's no way in hell you won't like Lilly.♥
The story is very interesting and there are a lot of great side characters that you'll love.And that ending...ouch.My poor heart.
So,overall,I really liked this book!
*E-copy provided by the author/publisher in exchange for an honest review via Netgalley.*
September 6, 2015
When I saw that one of my very favorite crime authors was changing gears and penning a feel good book, I knew I had to get it. I broke my self-imposed moratorium on Net Galley to grab a copy. I would like to thank Marcie Steele (aka Mel Sherratt), Bookouture, and Net Galley for a free copy of Stirred With Love in exchange for an unbiased review.
Ms. Sherratt is best known for her Brit Grit Lit. Ms. Steele is Ms. Feel Good. After a string of my beloved serial killer thrillers, this little novel was the perfect change of pace. This story is about the incredible resilience of those who have lost, the rewards of hard work and determination, the coming of age of one lost young woman, and most of all, the amazing power of friendship.
Kudos to the author for her usual outstanding job with characterization. In her crime fiction she comes up with some nasty personalities that just make me want to jump into the pages and throttle them. On the other hand, the three protagonists of Stirred With Love are people I came to really care for. I was also very appreciative of the descriptions of local color and of “hearing” the local language of the small English town where the book is set. These attributes provide extra texture to the tale. The pace is not that of a speeding bullet, but is perfect for what I was looking for. One might say the story is a bit predictable, but it does have a couple of nice twists, and the ending is fitting.
I loved this book. It made me laugh. It made me cry. It made me feel. It is comfort food in the form of a book. I have said it once and I will say it again. I will read anything Ms. Sherratt (and Ms. Steele) write. Recommended for anyone looking for a touching read.
Ms. Sherratt is best known for her Brit Grit Lit. Ms. Steele is Ms. Feel Good. After a string of my beloved serial killer thrillers, this little novel was the perfect change of pace. This story is about the incredible resilience of those who have lost, the rewards of hard work and determination, the coming of age of one lost young woman, and most of all, the amazing power of friendship.
Kudos to the author for her usual outstanding job with characterization. In her crime fiction she comes up with some nasty personalities that just make me want to jump into the pages and throttle them. On the other hand, the three protagonists of Stirred With Love are people I came to really care for. I was also very appreciative of the descriptions of local color and of “hearing” the local language of the small English town where the book is set. These attributes provide extra texture to the tale. The pace is not that of a speeding bullet, but is perfect for what I was looking for. One might say the story is a bit predictable, but it does have a couple of nice twists, and the ending is fitting.
I loved this book. It made me laugh. It made me cry. It made me feel. It is comfort food in the form of a book. I have said it once and I will say it again. I will read anything Ms. Sherratt (and Ms. Steele) write. Recommended for anyone looking for a touching read.
October 23, 2015
The first thing that came to my mind when I started this book and was just a few pages in was how Stelle's writing style reminds me of Jill Mansell's.
After finishing a couple chapters I tought that something was missing.
As closer to the last page I was, I was more and more sure what was missing: some important scenes.
I can't help but think that the author had to cut off parts of her work in order to make her novel shorter (if you didn't know, that's the thing when you're a debut author: you have more chance to sell your work to publishers if your word count is under 120 000 words).
I understand that sometimes you have to kill your darlings, but in my opinion Marcie Steele killed the wrong ones.
The scenes that were important for the story development were missing.
The writer chose to tell us what happened but it would be much more affective if she showed us.
Yet, we got some pretty detailed scenes that were not of that much imporance.
Reading this book was like watching a movie with a good story but bad actors. The story was good but failed to engage me as a reader.
I couldn't connect with anyone, even though I wanted to.
I also don't understand why this is presented as a "feel good romance". You do feel good while reading it, but there was no romance in it.
Yeah, there was love interests and it would have been a romance if there were romantic scenes in the story.
"Family prose" or "life prose" would describe better what this story is about.
As for the coffee, I expected for it to have a bigger meaning in this story. There wasn't enough passion for the coffiee, stories around coffee, there wasn't anything special about it. Main characters could have opened any other shop instead, it wouldn't make difference.
Note: I got this book for free via Netgalley in an exchange for an honest review. Thank you to Bookouture.
After finishing a couple chapters I tought that something was missing.
As closer to the last page I was, I was more and more sure what was missing: some important scenes.
I can't help but think that the author had to cut off parts of her work in order to make her novel shorter (if you didn't know, that's the thing when you're a debut author: you have more chance to sell your work to publishers if your word count is under 120 000 words).
I understand that sometimes you have to kill your darlings, but in my opinion Marcie Steele killed the wrong ones.
The scenes that were important for the story development were missing.
The writer chose to tell us what happened but it would be much more affective if she showed us.
Yet, we got some pretty detailed scenes that were not of that much imporance.
Reading this book was like watching a movie with a good story but bad actors. The story was good but failed to engage me as a reader.
I couldn't connect with anyone, even though I wanted to.
I also don't understand why this is presented as a "feel good romance". You do feel good while reading it, but there was no romance in it.
Yeah, there was love interests and it would have been a romance if there were romantic scenes in the story.
"Family prose" or "life prose" would describe better what this story is about.
As for the coffee, I expected for it to have a bigger meaning in this story. There wasn't enough passion for the coffiee, stories around coffee, there wasn't anything special about it. Main characters could have opened any other shop instead, it wouldn't make difference.
Note: I got this book for free via Netgalley in an exchange for an honest review. Thank you to Bookouture.
August 10, 2015
I received this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I know! I know! This is not a crime book, no horror, not a thriller so why in the world did I choose this book! Anyone who knows me probably also knows that there is not one romantic bone in my body. I struggle reading gushy love stories, have absolutely no interest in books of The Fifty Shades kind and it takes some damn good writing to even get a glimpse of a tear from this Ice Queen. That being said...I absolutely, honest and truly, LOVED THIS BOOK! ...and I am not even hormonal at the moment!!
Marcie Steele, aka Mel Sherratt...yes THE Mel Sherratt...has cleverly combined a bit of spunk (behave peeps! not that kind of spunk!) with a dash of hope, a dollip of friendship and sprinkled it with love to come up with what I am now coining CHICK GRIT!
The story itself was a feel-good story with moments of heart-break, anger, sadness, hope and of course...love! What I liked about this is the whole feel of the story. It could be you, embarking on a new and scary chapter in your life--full of twists and turns-- with friendship at the core.
I absolutely connected with Kate's character and felt I had a kinship with her. In fact, at times, it felt like I was looking in a mirror rather than reading about a fictional character. I enjoyed the youthful care-free spirit of Chloe and even connected with Lilly...hmmm...maybe I should not have revealed that...I am no old lady!! But there were parts of Lilly's life that I could relate to and that drew me to her more.
I also loved the flirty humour in this book and was pleasantly surprised by a few OMG moments which made it all the more better.
And .... much to my chagrin....I am going to have to admit that this Ice Queen even got a bit misty-eyed in parts but if you tell anyone I may have to kill you! (in my head of course as I don't fancy time in prison I was really worried when I decided to read this book as I absolutely adore Mel Sherratt and wondered what I would do if I had to write a review which would not be a positive one. But bloody hell…I had nothing to worry about as this book rocked!
I may actually read another of Marcie Steele’s books if they are as good as this one. Congrats Mel Sherrat/Marcie Steele as you are one hell of a talented writer! And smart move Bookouture as you are on to a winner!
I highly recommend this book– Check out Marcie Steele ...you may be pleasantly surprised!
I know! I know! This is not a crime book, no horror, not a thriller so why in the world did I choose this book! Anyone who knows me probably also knows that there is not one romantic bone in my body. I struggle reading gushy love stories, have absolutely no interest in books of The Fifty Shades kind and it takes some damn good writing to even get a glimpse of a tear from this Ice Queen. That being said...I absolutely, honest and truly, LOVED THIS BOOK! ...and I am not even hormonal at the moment!!
Marcie Steele, aka Mel Sherratt...yes THE Mel Sherratt...has cleverly combined a bit of spunk (behave peeps! not that kind of spunk!) with a dash of hope, a dollip of friendship and sprinkled it with love to come up with what I am now coining CHICK GRIT!
The story itself was a feel-good story with moments of heart-break, anger, sadness, hope and of course...love! What I liked about this is the whole feel of the story. It could be you, embarking on a new and scary chapter in your life--full of twists and turns-- with friendship at the core.
I absolutely connected with Kate's character and felt I had a kinship with her. In fact, at times, it felt like I was looking in a mirror rather than reading about a fictional character. I enjoyed the youthful care-free spirit of Chloe and even connected with Lilly...hmmm...maybe I should not have revealed that...I am no old lady!! But there were parts of Lilly's life that I could relate to and that drew me to her more.
I also loved the flirty humour in this book and was pleasantly surprised by a few OMG moments which made it all the more better.
And .... much to my chagrin....I am going to have to admit that this Ice Queen even got a bit misty-eyed in parts but if you tell anyone I may have to kill you! (in my head of course as I don't fancy time in prison I was really worried when I decided to read this book as I absolutely adore Mel Sherratt and wondered what I would do if I had to write a review which would not be a positive one. But bloody hell…I had nothing to worry about as this book rocked!
I may actually read another of Marcie Steele’s books if they are as good as this one. Congrats Mel Sherrat/Marcie Steele as you are one hell of a talented writer! And smart move Bookouture as you are on to a winner!
I highly recommend this book– Check out Marcie Steele ...you may be pleasantly surprised!
August 27, 2015
Thanks to Netgalley and Bookouture for the advance copy I received in return for my honest review.
This is a heartwarming, for the most part quite predictable, but extremely enjoyable read. Mel Sherratt, who usually writes gritty crime fiction, is writing in this completely different genre under the nom de plume of Marcie Steele.
Lily, Kate and Chloe have each reached a crossroads in their lives. The elderly Lily misses her husband Bernard, and wonders if she can re-open their tea-room as a coffee shop to give herself a new lease on life. Kate and her husband Nick have separated after months of realising their 10-year marriage isn’t quite what it used to be. Chloe has finished her final school exams and is ready to take her first steps into the ‘real’ world. But should she listen to her steadfast dad who insists she go to university, or should she follow her own path … one which she hasn’t quite mapped out yet?
As it goes in the world of fiction, these three meet and become unlikely friends, forming a close bond. And that really is the heart of this book. Despite the fact that I kept wishing that people in ‘real life’ were at least half as lovely as the ones I was reading about, the author has created characters who have very real flaws and failings. They make mistakes, misunderstand things, blame the wrong people, get angry and march off in dramatic huffs (I know people who do this … often!). They are individuals who it is very easy to relate to, which is what makes this book such an enjoyable and easy one to read.
It’s a sensitive, accurate look at relationships – how we view our existing relationships and how we’re sometimes forced to re-assess these, often in unfortunate circumstances. It also looks at the nurturing of blossoming relationships, both friendships and romantic liaisons and our attitudes towards these depending on the age and stage of life we may be at.
Well-constructed, as the story seamlessly flows between the perspectives of our three main characters, this is the type of book that will give you a feeling of warmth and comfort that you’ll want to wrap yourself in, like a warm blanket.
This is a heartwarming, for the most part quite predictable, but extremely enjoyable read. Mel Sherratt, who usually writes gritty crime fiction, is writing in this completely different genre under the nom de plume of Marcie Steele.
Lily, Kate and Chloe have each reached a crossroads in their lives. The elderly Lily misses her husband Bernard, and wonders if she can re-open their tea-room as a coffee shop to give herself a new lease on life. Kate and her husband Nick have separated after months of realising their 10-year marriage isn’t quite what it used to be. Chloe has finished her final school exams and is ready to take her first steps into the ‘real’ world. But should she listen to her steadfast dad who insists she go to university, or should she follow her own path … one which she hasn’t quite mapped out yet?
As it goes in the world of fiction, these three meet and become unlikely friends, forming a close bond. And that really is the heart of this book. Despite the fact that I kept wishing that people in ‘real life’ were at least half as lovely as the ones I was reading about, the author has created characters who have very real flaws and failings. They make mistakes, misunderstand things, blame the wrong people, get angry and march off in dramatic huffs (I know people who do this … often!). They are individuals who it is very easy to relate to, which is what makes this book such an enjoyable and easy one to read.
It’s a sensitive, accurate look at relationships – how we view our existing relationships and how we’re sometimes forced to re-assess these, often in unfortunate circumstances. It also looks at the nurturing of blossoming relationships, both friendships and romantic liaisons and our attitudes towards these depending on the age and stage of life we may be at.
Well-constructed, as the story seamlessly flows between the perspectives of our three main characters, this is the type of book that will give you a feeling of warmth and comfort that you’ll want to wrap yourself in, like a warm blanket.
Want to read
January 15, 2023Firstly my thanks to bookouture via netgalley for allowing me to read an ecopy of this book, in return for an honest review.
I will admit that chick lit is not really my cup of tea but after hearing that Marcie Steele was in fact the pseudonym of the wonderfully talented Mel Sheratt I had to give this book a go.
Well I am so thrilled that I read this book. It was simply wonderful. Every character was great and I felt for them all.
I will confess to having shed a tear or two during parts of the book but were they tears of sadness or laughter ??
A wonderful story of friendship and love.
Please may there be plenty more books like this from Marcie Steele.
I will admit that chick lit is not really my cup of tea but after hearing that Marcie Steele was in fact the pseudonym of the wonderfully talented Mel Sheratt I had to give this book a go.
Well I am so thrilled that I read this book. It was simply wonderful. Every character was great and I felt for them all.
I will confess to having shed a tear or two during parts of the book but were they tears of sadness or laughter ??
A wonderful story of friendship and love.
Please may there be plenty more books like this from Marcie Steele.
August 24, 2015
It starts with a coffee shop, and Stirred With Love evolves into a great story about three different women who are all at different points in their lives, all at a turning point in their lives.
I liked how Marcie brought Kate, Lily and Chloe together in a realistic way. I enjoyed getting to know them and watching them move forward. They each have struggles to overcome, and they find unexpected friendship and support in Stirred With Love.
These characters all had a little something I could relate to, and they were all believable. I loved the different age groups of these women and how it didn't really seem to matter most of the time. Sometimes the age differences between these new friends was very noticeable, but most of the time these three women were just women being friends.
Marcie moves the plot forward at a smooth pace and I was drawn into the lives of Kate, Lily, and Chloe. I liked the central theme of the plot about Lily reopening The Coffee Shop, and how this pulls the characters together. Each of the women have a strong presence in Stirred With Love, and I felt like I got to know each of them well. With sub plots involving them and secondary characters, Stirred With Love is a multi dimensional, character driven read.
With heart, humor, hope, love and tears, Marcie weaves a tale that really made me feel and I'd recommend it to any women's fiction reader.
I liked how Marcie brought Kate, Lily and Chloe together in a realistic way. I enjoyed getting to know them and watching them move forward. They each have struggles to overcome, and they find unexpected friendship and support in Stirred With Love.
These characters all had a little something I could relate to, and they were all believable. I loved the different age groups of these women and how it didn't really seem to matter most of the time. Sometimes the age differences between these new friends was very noticeable, but most of the time these three women were just women being friends.
Marcie moves the plot forward at a smooth pace and I was drawn into the lives of Kate, Lily, and Chloe. I liked the central theme of the plot about Lily reopening The Coffee Shop, and how this pulls the characters together. Each of the women have a strong presence in Stirred With Love, and I felt like I got to know each of them well. With sub plots involving them and secondary characters, Stirred With Love is a multi dimensional, character driven read.
With heart, humor, hope, love and tears, Marcie weaves a tale that really made me feel and I'd recommend it to any women's fiction reader.
October 4, 2015
First let me say, although one should not judge a book by its cover I think this is just adorable! And, the story itself was absolutely endearing! Marcie Steele has brought together three very unique women who are each dealing with their own individual issues as best as they can. Once, these three ladies bridge the generation gap and develop a truly wonderful friendship, they quickly realize the support of this trio is priceless. Filled with heartache and laugh aloud moments, "Stirred With Love" is well-developed story with endearing characters as well as twists and turns that will charm any reader. Fans of Chick-Lit and simply a good heart-warming story will love this! FIVE stars.
Disclaimer: In accordance with current FTC Guidelines, please let it be known this book was received from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Disclaimer: In accordance with current FTC Guidelines, please let it be known this book was received from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.
March 21, 2016
I absolutely loved this book. Top marks to Marcie Steele /Mel Sherratt who has written a tip top book!! I did predict the outcomes but that doesn't detract from the book at all. Marcie's experience as a writer shine through - a pacy, interesting, well-written easy read -- a perfect Summer read. Read it in a day, really enjoyed it.
Highly recommended. A 5* thumbs-up!
I received this book from the publisher, Bookoutre, via Netgalley, in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Highly recommended. A 5* thumbs-up!
I received this book from the publisher, Bookoutre, via Netgalley, in exchange for a fair and honest review.
February 21, 2016
Review first posted on my blog 'A Spoonful of Happy Endings': http://spoonfulofhappyendings.blogspo...
Thirty-something Kate knows her marriage with her husband Nick hasn't been what it used to be, but when she suddenly comes back to an empty house one day, discovering Nick has moved out, she has no idea what to do. Chloe, an 18-year-old who has just finished school, is looking for an adventure, that next step in her life before she decides what she really wants to do. Both women react to the same ad they found in a newspaper, posted by elderly lady Lily who wants to open a coffee shop in the small town of Somerley and needs some help. While at first sight, the three women might have nothing in common, soon Kate, Chloe and Lily are all working hard to make The Coffee Stop a success, with a good dose of trouble, laughter and heartbreak along the way.
'Stirred with Love' is a story about friendship and finding yourself, and another lovely read from publisher Bookouture. The book focuses on three main female characters: Kate, Chloe, and Lily. I straight away warmed to Lily; she's a sweet but determined older woman who knows what she wants, and I would have loved to have learned more about her and her past. I also liked Kate, whose world is suddenly turned upside down when her husband leaves her and she decides to make some drastic changes. However, I did find it difficult to warm to Chloe; she comes across as a rather spoiled and egocentric eighteen-year-old, and I just didn't really click with her as a character.
While the book has an entertaining storyline and a good cast with various characters, I thought the story was a bit slow-paced and just seemed to miss something. I can't put my finger on it exactly; maybe I would have liked a bit more detail, more focus on the characters' backgrounds and more in-depth dialogue. I definitely enjoyed the book, but just not as much as I had initially hoped I would based on the cover and description of the story. Yet, the novel is still a promising one and I will certainly pick up Marcie Steele's next work. Overall, 'Stirred with Love' is a light-hearted, enjoyable and easy-to-read chick lit novel; a book that didn't necessarily blow me away, but still one I enjoyed from beginning to end.
Thirty-something Kate knows her marriage with her husband Nick hasn't been what it used to be, but when she suddenly comes back to an empty house one day, discovering Nick has moved out, she has no idea what to do. Chloe, an 18-year-old who has just finished school, is looking for an adventure, that next step in her life before she decides what she really wants to do. Both women react to the same ad they found in a newspaper, posted by elderly lady Lily who wants to open a coffee shop in the small town of Somerley and needs some help. While at first sight, the three women might have nothing in common, soon Kate, Chloe and Lily are all working hard to make The Coffee Stop a success, with a good dose of trouble, laughter and heartbreak along the way.
'Stirred with Love' is a story about friendship and finding yourself, and another lovely read from publisher Bookouture. The book focuses on three main female characters: Kate, Chloe, and Lily. I straight away warmed to Lily; she's a sweet but determined older woman who knows what she wants, and I would have loved to have learned more about her and her past. I also liked Kate, whose world is suddenly turned upside down when her husband leaves her and she decides to make some drastic changes. However, I did find it difficult to warm to Chloe; she comes across as a rather spoiled and egocentric eighteen-year-old, and I just didn't really click with her as a character.
While the book has an entertaining storyline and a good cast with various characters, I thought the story was a bit slow-paced and just seemed to miss something. I can't put my finger on it exactly; maybe I would have liked a bit more detail, more focus on the characters' backgrounds and more in-depth dialogue. I definitely enjoyed the book, but just not as much as I had initially hoped I would based on the cover and description of the story. Yet, the novel is still a promising one and I will certainly pick up Marcie Steele's next work. Overall, 'Stirred with Love' is a light-hearted, enjoyable and easy-to-read chick lit novel; a book that didn't necessarily blow me away, but still one I enjoyed from beginning to end.
August 6, 2015
Stirred With Love is a wonderful book which I enjoyed very much.
We get to meet three very different ladies who through circumstances all end up working and living at The Coffee Stop.
It is wonderful to read of three women ranging in ages becoming such close friends. They all have very different personalities and I liked each one of them for different reasons. I found it more easily to relate to 18 year old Chloe and 32 year old Kate. having both been their ages at one time. Lily being the oldest which I'm pleased to say is awhile before I catch up with her in age, even though I haven't had the same experiences as her she is someone I could see instantly liking and I certainly hope I end up being as wise and caring as she is in this story.
Stirred With Love is first and foremost a story of friendship and with the right friends in your life you can do and overcome almost anything. It mentions certain authors in the blurb and I can wholeheartedly agree that if you love the other authors books you will certainly love Stirred With Love. I know I for one certainly did.
Many thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
We get to meet three very different ladies who through circumstances all end up working and living at The Coffee Stop.
It is wonderful to read of three women ranging in ages becoming such close friends. They all have very different personalities and I liked each one of them for different reasons. I found it more easily to relate to 18 year old Chloe and 32 year old Kate. having both been their ages at one time. Lily being the oldest which I'm pleased to say is awhile before I catch up with her in age, even though I haven't had the same experiences as her she is someone I could see instantly liking and I certainly hope I end up being as wise and caring as she is in this story.
Stirred With Love is first and foremost a story of friendship and with the right friends in your life you can do and overcome almost anything. It mentions certain authors in the blurb and I can wholeheartedly agree that if you love the other authors books you will certainly love Stirred With Love. I know I for one certainly did.
Many thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
September 3, 2015
This was such a wonderful read- for a fairly short book it packs a lot of heartwarming and heartbreaking scenes.
Chloe and Kate answer an advert for staff for a coffee shop after wanting to make a change in their own lives. Chloe sees it as a chance to spread her wings before Uni and Kate needs to escape her life and make changes.
Lily the owner wants to renew the coffee shop and enlists their help to make an adorable sounding Coffee Stop. You get to know the builders, Lily's friends and the new customers. Will there be a spark of romance anywhere?
I loved the scenes between Lily and the 'girls'- she sees them as the daughters she never had. You could just feel the coffee shop providing everyone with the chance to regroup and enjoy the camaraderie and friendship and heal.
I was so sorry to come to the end- maybe there is a chance to return to the Coffee Stop at some point?!
With many thanks to the publisher and Net Galley for the chance to read this wonderful book.
Chloe and Kate answer an advert for staff for a coffee shop after wanting to make a change in their own lives. Chloe sees it as a chance to spread her wings before Uni and Kate needs to escape her life and make changes.
Lily the owner wants to renew the coffee shop and enlists their help to make an adorable sounding Coffee Stop. You get to know the builders, Lily's friends and the new customers. Will there be a spark of romance anywhere?
I loved the scenes between Lily and the 'girls'- she sees them as the daughters she never had. You could just feel the coffee shop providing everyone with the chance to regroup and enjoy the camaraderie and friendship and heal.
I was so sorry to come to the end- maybe there is a chance to return to the Coffee Stop at some point?!
With many thanks to the publisher and Net Galley for the chance to read this wonderful book.
January 24, 2017
I read this book in March 2016 but realized that I haven't posted a review on it and what a shame because I remember to have really loved and enjoyed this book! I always enjoy very much the books from Marcie Steele, they have a very comforting thing to them... They always talk about relationships between girl friends and women in general. This time the book talks about 3 women living in the same house and working all together in a Cafe. 3 different generations: one is 18 years old, one is 32 and the last one is over 60. It was really nice to read about the relationships between those 3. It's a really lovely read but also quite emotional and sad at some parts. Really, a perfect book!!!!!!
October 25, 2015
What a lovely book! Really well written! The characters are so likeable and the story could easily happen to any of us! Read this in less than a day! Just couldn't put it down! Not my usual read but such a welcome change!
November 23, 2015
Three stars: A book that starts strong with a focus on friendship and new beginnings, but then falters in the second half.
Kate is once again pouring her heart out to her best friend. Her marriage is struggling, and she is considering leaving and starting over, but she is too afraid. Nick, Kate's husband, makes the decision for her by leaving her. Kate decides to take a chance and answer an ad to work in a coffee shop in a neighboring town. Meanwhile, Chloe, at eighteen is trying to decide what she wants to do with the rest of her life, and so she also answers the ad for the coffee shop. Lily is looking for good people to help her restart her business after her husband's death. Together, Lily, Kate and Chloe plan to remodel and start up a coffee shop. Will they find something more in their endeavors?
What I Liked:
*Stirred with Love is a nice, cozy read with a strong focus on friendship. I enjoyed watching the three different women come together and form a friendship where they loved, supported and listened to one another. The friendships the three cultivated were wonderful, the highlight of the book.
*Even though it took a little time to settle in with the three different personalities, since this book is told from three view points, once I adjusted to each woman, I liked getting to know them. Kate was the character I was most interested in. In her late thirties, Kate's life is falling apart. She takes a chance and answers the ad to work in the coffee shop, hoping for a new beginning. I liked watching Kate grow and heal as she started over. Lily is an elderly woman, looking to establish her legacy after the death of her husband. Lily is kind, caring, the matronly character of the story, she was easy to love. Chloe was a tough sell. At eighteen, she is fiery and impetuous and prone to bouts of pouting and not so flattering behavior. I got so I liked her though in the end because she showed tremendous growth. This is a book all about three different women, one in the prime of her life, the other in the middle and going through turmoil, and the third at the end. What follows is a lovely friendship that anyone can appreciate.
*I loved the first part of the book as the three women got to know one another and as they worked together to remodel and establish the coffee shop. I enjoyed watching them lean on one another as their friendship formed. I also liked seeing the coffee shop come together.
*The book ends on a high note after some sadness. I liked seeing how it all settled out, and I was pleased with where the women ended up. This is a stand alone.
And The Not So Much:
*I struggled with the second half of the book. I think because it lost focus and the storylines where all over. The first portion of the story is all about the women coming together and creating the coffee shop. Once the shop opens, the story moves in several different directions. I loved the first part of the book, but the second half completely lost my attention because it was too unfocused.
*The book opens with Kate struggling with her failing marriage. I was invested in watching Kate recover from her broken marriage. I was disappointed though that there wasn't more on Nick. There was a big development with Nick, and I was left wondering what happened with him. Did he stay in the relationship? I did appreciate that Nick and Kate where able to come to an agreement amicably.
*Both Kate and Chloe enter into romances during the second part of the book. I was not a fan of either romance. Kate's was better than Chloe's but I felt that they both lacked spark and chemistry. I absolutely hated the mess that Chloe got herself into, and I could have done without her relationship drama. Kate's relationship was okay, but I thought it needed much more development.
*The whole situation with Lily was clear from the get go. I wished that the author had made it more of a surprise. Instead she foreshadowed what was to come heavily, and so the reader was expecting it all along.
*The book ends a bit abruptly, and I was left with a few questions. I would have liked an Epilogue perhaps a year or so down the road to catch up on the ladies and the coffee shop.
Stirred with Love is a nice, pleasant read that focuses on positive female friendships. I enjoyed getting to know the three women at different points in their lives, and I loved watching them come together, support one another and work to establish a business. The first part of the book is fantastic, but the second half falters with scattered story lines, and two romances that lack chemistry. I can recommend this for those who enjoy a good chick lit read.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own, and I was not compensated for this review.
Posted@Rainy Day Ramblings.
Kate is once again pouring her heart out to her best friend. Her marriage is struggling, and she is considering leaving and starting over, but she is too afraid. Nick, Kate's husband, makes the decision for her by leaving her. Kate decides to take a chance and answer an ad to work in a coffee shop in a neighboring town. Meanwhile, Chloe, at eighteen is trying to decide what she wants to do with the rest of her life, and so she also answers the ad for the coffee shop. Lily is looking for good people to help her restart her business after her husband's death. Together, Lily, Kate and Chloe plan to remodel and start up a coffee shop. Will they find something more in their endeavors?
What I Liked:
*Stirred with Love is a nice, cozy read with a strong focus on friendship. I enjoyed watching the three different women come together and form a friendship where they loved, supported and listened to one another. The friendships the three cultivated were wonderful, the highlight of the book.
*Even though it took a little time to settle in with the three different personalities, since this book is told from three view points, once I adjusted to each woman, I liked getting to know them. Kate was the character I was most interested in. In her late thirties, Kate's life is falling apart. She takes a chance and answers the ad to work in the coffee shop, hoping for a new beginning. I liked watching Kate grow and heal as she started over. Lily is an elderly woman, looking to establish her legacy after the death of her husband. Lily is kind, caring, the matronly character of the story, she was easy to love. Chloe was a tough sell. At eighteen, she is fiery and impetuous and prone to bouts of pouting and not so flattering behavior. I got so I liked her though in the end because she showed tremendous growth. This is a book all about three different women, one in the prime of her life, the other in the middle and going through turmoil, and the third at the end. What follows is a lovely friendship that anyone can appreciate.
*I loved the first part of the book as the three women got to know one another and as they worked together to remodel and establish the coffee shop. I enjoyed watching them lean on one another as their friendship formed. I also liked seeing the coffee shop come together.
*The book ends on a high note after some sadness. I liked seeing how it all settled out, and I was pleased with where the women ended up. This is a stand alone.
And The Not So Much:
*I struggled with the second half of the book. I think because it lost focus and the storylines where all over. The first portion of the story is all about the women coming together and creating the coffee shop. Once the shop opens, the story moves in several different directions. I loved the first part of the book, but the second half completely lost my attention because it was too unfocused.
*The book opens with Kate struggling with her failing marriage. I was invested in watching Kate recover from her broken marriage. I was disappointed though that there wasn't more on Nick. There was a big development with Nick, and I was left wondering what happened with him. Did he stay in the relationship? I did appreciate that Nick and Kate where able to come to an agreement amicably.
*Both Kate and Chloe enter into romances during the second part of the book. I was not a fan of either romance. Kate's was better than Chloe's but I felt that they both lacked spark and chemistry. I absolutely hated the mess that Chloe got herself into, and I could have done without her relationship drama. Kate's relationship was okay, but I thought it needed much more development.
*The whole situation with Lily was clear from the get go. I wished that the author had made it more of a surprise. Instead she foreshadowed what was to come heavily, and so the reader was expecting it all along.
*The book ends a bit abruptly, and I was left with a few questions. I would have liked an Epilogue perhaps a year or so down the road to catch up on the ladies and the coffee shop.
Stirred with Love is a nice, pleasant read that focuses on positive female friendships. I enjoyed getting to know the three women at different points in their lives, and I loved watching them come together, support one another and work to establish a business. The first part of the book is fantastic, but the second half falters with scattered story lines, and two romances that lack chemistry. I can recommend this for those who enjoy a good chick lit read.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own, and I was not compensated for this review.
Posted@Rainy Day Ramblings.
September 1, 2015
There was a lot of buzz about who is Marcie Steele on Twitter lately, and oh my gosh, I don't have to tell you that I was also curious who she is? And of course it made me also desperate to read Marcie's debut novel, "Stirred with Love". In fact, when I saw this gorgeous, beautiful cover of this story, I thought, no matter who Marcie Steele is, I must read this book! And so, as soon as it whizzed its way to my kindle, I started reading it.
Very quickly it turned out that as much as it is a nice, uncomplicated story, it is also a very steady one. There are no twists or turns there, well, maybe except of two, the one with Lily and the second, that lasted for two or three pages with Will, and the rest is... just flat. I don't want to sound harsh, it's not that I didn't like it, there only wasn't anything that was new to me, that I could say, oh wow, this I haven't read about yet.
I was not sure what to do with Kate, the main character, especially at the beginning. She seemed as if she doesn't know what she really wants from life. She suffered in a relationship - because it looked like this, as I had a feeling she despises her husband, but on the other hand not wanting to do something to change this situation, to leave this vicious circle, and then getting a shock of her life when someone else made this decision for her. Still I'm not sure why she was begging Nick to come back to her if it was she who so quickly left their house and moved to other city. I just couldn't keep up with her. Then, after only few days, deciding that yes, it's better when they get a divorce. Whirlwind of emotions is nothing compared to Kate. On the other hand, I liked her other side: this of a great and imaginative businesswoman, with great ideas about the cafe. She was independent and clever, so I guess that she could once lose her head and that we can forgive her for this.
But I think there was nothing that would make me warm to Chloe, and even her youth couldn't justify her being a spoiled, sulking, jealous brat. Sorry, but this is the impression that she left me with. She might have been growing up throughout the story, she might have been finding her own way, but she was also big enough girl to stop behaving like a spoiled brat only because her mum died when she was a girl and her father had a new girlfriend now. For me she was this kind of a person that yes, lost her mother, the most beloved person in the world, and was still missing her, but also her dad tried to make it up somehow to her, content to indulge her and in fact our Chloe has a long, long way before her to learn and to see what life really is about.
The pace in this story was slow, oh so slow, and the author wrote herself: the next week has just gone, it's already the next Monday... , and in the meantime nothing in particular happened. The one and only electricity breakdown really didn't bring the tension and I was truly not scared that the opening of the cafe won't happen. The book was a tad too predictable and a tad too obvious, and I really expected something much more original. There was a potential to this story, but what I got was a one - level, steady, slow novel with characters that didn't appeal to me as much as I'd liked them to. The setting was also not too spectacular, and the descriptions didn't give me goosebumps. Of course, I am not an author and I don't want to pretend to be smart, but when I think how different could the story go, or how many missed opportunities there were, I just want to cry.
But really, there is nothing wrong with this story! It was just an average read that is very likely going to be forgotten just after finishing it. You know the feeling, when you think that the story could be so great and yet its potential seems to be not fulfilled? Well, this is how I feel with this novel. It's a real shame, as I truly had high expectations, but nevertheless, I'm waiting for Marcie's next book.
Copy received from publisher in exchange for a review.
November 7, 2015
Stirred With Love is crime writer, Mel Sherratt's, first venture into the world of chick lit/women’s fiction and, let me tell you, she does it very well.
The story tells of three women, 32 year old Kate Bradshaw, 18 year old Chloe Ward and much older Lily Mortimer, coming together at crossroads in their lives and re-opening a coffee shop together. Kate is recently single and looking to move on with her life, Chloe is shortly due to start university but having doubts about her future plans and Lily is looking to re-open the coffee shop which she ran with her beloved husband, Bernard, prior to his death. The café requires a full overhaul before it is ready to open for business. As Kate and Chloe move to Somerley, the women live and work together over a period of several months whilst preparing the café for its opening day. The coffee shop quickly becomes a home and sanctuary for these three women.
The coffee shop provides a great background to the story. As we see the characters develop and grow out of their old selves and into their new confident identities, so we see the old, run down coffee shop develop into a bright and welcoming space.
In my opinion, the characterisation is one of the high points of this book. The protagonists are wonderfully warm and relatable. Despite their difference in ages and personalities, they quickly become close friends. The three women all possess their own unique qualities: Lily is wise and caring; Kate is sensible, mature, yet confused about her disintegrating marriage; Lily is fun and outgoing but in need of a bit of guidance. As with any close relationships, the women have their highs and lows, however they are there for each other when needed.
For me, Kate seemed to be the main protagonist. She feels unfulfilled in her marriage to Nick and yet is shocked when her husband decides to leave her. Kate then wavers between wanting her husband (and the comfortable ease of her old life) back and wanting to start afresh. A chance encounter at her former marital home answers a few lingering questions and shows Kate the reality of which path her future is going to take. Kate is vulnerable, confused and struggling emotionally and the author has dealt with these feelings in a realistic and relatable fashion.
Chloe is a teenager trying to launch into adulthood and determine her own path in life despite risking the wrath of her father. Awaiting her A-level results, Chloe is feeling pressured to go to university to please her father, Graham, despite being unsure about taking this step. She feels inadequate compared to her clever older brother Ben and, having been the apple of her father’s eye since the death of her mother many years earlier, she is jealous of her father’s current girlfriend, Maddy, and resents having to share his affection.
The additional supporting characters – Lucy, Will, Serle, Alf, Irene, Alex and Tom – all add to the wonderfully warm and friendly feeling that you get when reading Stirred With Love.
As the three women work together to re-open the café, their friendships deepen day by day as they start to deal with their individual problems, with the help of their new found friends.
Stirred With Love is a story of friendship, new beginnings and having the confidence to overcome life’s obstacles. This book puts me in mind of the quote from Edna Buchanan, Author that “Friends are the family we choose for ourselves”. It is packed full of humour, romance, joy and sadness. This is a book which will have you both smiling and crying; it is the paper equivalent of curling up in front of the fire with a mug of hot chocolate – a sweet, cosy, snuggly, heartwarming read. Well done Mel Sherratt on a great book!
The story tells of three women, 32 year old Kate Bradshaw, 18 year old Chloe Ward and much older Lily Mortimer, coming together at crossroads in their lives and re-opening a coffee shop together. Kate is recently single and looking to move on with her life, Chloe is shortly due to start university but having doubts about her future plans and Lily is looking to re-open the coffee shop which she ran with her beloved husband, Bernard, prior to his death. The café requires a full overhaul before it is ready to open for business. As Kate and Chloe move to Somerley, the women live and work together over a period of several months whilst preparing the café for its opening day. The coffee shop quickly becomes a home and sanctuary for these three women.
The coffee shop provides a great background to the story. As we see the characters develop and grow out of their old selves and into their new confident identities, so we see the old, run down coffee shop develop into a bright and welcoming space.
In my opinion, the characterisation is one of the high points of this book. The protagonists are wonderfully warm and relatable. Despite their difference in ages and personalities, they quickly become close friends. The three women all possess their own unique qualities: Lily is wise and caring; Kate is sensible, mature, yet confused about her disintegrating marriage; Lily is fun and outgoing but in need of a bit of guidance. As with any close relationships, the women have their highs and lows, however they are there for each other when needed.
For me, Kate seemed to be the main protagonist. She feels unfulfilled in her marriage to Nick and yet is shocked when her husband decides to leave her. Kate then wavers between wanting her husband (and the comfortable ease of her old life) back and wanting to start afresh. A chance encounter at her former marital home answers a few lingering questions and shows Kate the reality of which path her future is going to take. Kate is vulnerable, confused and struggling emotionally and the author has dealt with these feelings in a realistic and relatable fashion.
Chloe is a teenager trying to launch into adulthood and determine her own path in life despite risking the wrath of her father. Awaiting her A-level results, Chloe is feeling pressured to go to university to please her father, Graham, despite being unsure about taking this step. She feels inadequate compared to her clever older brother Ben and, having been the apple of her father’s eye since the death of her mother many years earlier, she is jealous of her father’s current girlfriend, Maddy, and resents having to share his affection.
The additional supporting characters – Lucy, Will, Serle, Alf, Irene, Alex and Tom – all add to the wonderfully warm and friendly feeling that you get when reading Stirred With Love.
As the three women work together to re-open the café, their friendships deepen day by day as they start to deal with their individual problems, with the help of their new found friends.
Stirred With Love is a story of friendship, new beginnings and having the confidence to overcome life’s obstacles. This book puts me in mind of the quote from Edna Buchanan, Author that “Friends are the family we choose for ourselves”. It is packed full of humour, romance, joy and sadness. This is a book which will have you both smiling and crying; it is the paper equivalent of curling up in front of the fire with a mug of hot chocolate – a sweet, cosy, snuggly, heartwarming read. Well done Mel Sherratt on a great book!
September 8, 2015
For those that maybe don’t know, Marcie Steel is a pseudonym used by a very popular Crime Writer Mel Sherratt. Now I am a fan of Mel’s crime work so was interested to see how she fared in this genre. The story sounds familiar, but in this genre that’s not unusual and it sounded like a warm and comforting read about women determined to do things their way. I settled down and before I knew it was over halfway through the book.
Lily Mortimer is getting on a bit but has decided to re-open her once thriving café in Somerley. Since the loss of her husband she hasn’t been able to deal with it, but now seems the right time and as you read about Lily there is something of a quiet determination about her. The other two characters are Kate who is recovering from the breakup of her marriage and the young and exuberant Chloe who although only in her late teens has the world at her feet.
All three characters were extremely likeable and they all fit well together. I have to say that I leaned more towards Chloe as her blunt retorts and black and white view of the world made her a very likeable young girl. Kate certainly didn’t have as much of an impression on me but was a great character all the same. The story itself is certainly not new to this genre, but by no means did this make it any less enjoyable.
However, maybe I am being overly critical but there were things that maybe didn’t sit right with me. For example, for some reason it felt like there were chunks of the book where we skip from the premise of a thread to the conclusion with nothing in-between (if that makes sense). I just thought that sometimes, I wanted to know a lot more about what was going on, the whys and where’s etc, in short I think I would have happily sat through another 100 pages which made me feel more integrated with the story. Other than that a solid read and one I thoroughly enjoyed, I just felt a little short changed because as a reader you were left wanting a little bit more. Even though I have been critical, the fact that I enjoyed it and read it in 2 sittings I think means it thoroughly deserves a 4/5.
Lily Mortimer is getting on a bit but has decided to re-open her once thriving café in Somerley. Since the loss of her husband she hasn’t been able to deal with it, but now seems the right time and as you read about Lily there is something of a quiet determination about her. The other two characters are Kate who is recovering from the breakup of her marriage and the young and exuberant Chloe who although only in her late teens has the world at her feet.
All three characters were extremely likeable and they all fit well together. I have to say that I leaned more towards Chloe as her blunt retorts and black and white view of the world made her a very likeable young girl. Kate certainly didn’t have as much of an impression on me but was a great character all the same. The story itself is certainly not new to this genre, but by no means did this make it any less enjoyable.
However, maybe I am being overly critical but there were things that maybe didn’t sit right with me. For example, for some reason it felt like there were chunks of the book where we skip from the premise of a thread to the conclusion with nothing in-between (if that makes sense). I just thought that sometimes, I wanted to know a lot more about what was going on, the whys and where’s etc, in short I think I would have happily sat through another 100 pages which made me feel more integrated with the story. Other than that a solid read and one I thoroughly enjoyed, I just felt a little short changed because as a reader you were left wanting a little bit more. Even though I have been critical, the fact that I enjoyed it and read it in 2 sittings I think means it thoroughly deserves a 4/5.
February 5, 2016
Stirred With Love is the début rom-com novel from Marcie Steel - some of you may know her as crime writer Mel Sherratt, and I seem to have had this book on my kindle in what feels like forever, so my new year resolution was to bash through some of the older books before accepting and requesting new ones - not easy, let me tell you!
I digress... back to Stirred With Love.. firstly what a gorgeous, bright and uplifting cover the book has - its just what I've needed to get over this nasty cough and cold and those horrid dark grey and wet days, and as you know by now I am a sucker for a pretty cover!
Stirred With Love is a great novel about love, friendship and taking chances.
It features three main characters - Lily, Kate and Chloe.
Lily has been struggling to live alone since her beloved husband passed away a few, she then receives some news that is hinted throughout the book but not revealed until the near end, and decides to embark on an adventure and re-open the cafe her and Bernard ran, only now as a coffee shop.
Kate has hit rock bottom with her marriage, and during a girls weekend her husband does the inevitable and moves his stuff out of their home. Seeing a advert for not only a new job and career but new home and life, she takes up Lily's offer of employment to the shop.
Chloe is the youngest of the three characters at just eighteen but has a lifetime of heartache behind her. She has a pushy father wanting her to go to Uni to get the best education to set her up for life but she's a bit more care free and want's to live a little which she is able to do by taking up Lily's offer.
The girls work together to transform the old cafe into a respectable coffee shop and along the way discover friendships and love and find they are stronger and more confident about themselves.
Stirred With Love reminded me a little of a Jill Mansell novel - Marcie managed to take just a few characters, all with different stories and paths in life and get them together to build a great trio.
I'm certainly looking forward to reading more from this author!
I digress... back to Stirred With Love.. firstly what a gorgeous, bright and uplifting cover the book has - its just what I've needed to get over this nasty cough and cold and those horrid dark grey and wet days, and as you know by now I am a sucker for a pretty cover!
Stirred With Love is a great novel about love, friendship and taking chances.
It features three main characters - Lily, Kate and Chloe.
Lily has been struggling to live alone since her beloved husband passed away a few, she then receives some news that is hinted throughout the book but not revealed until the near end, and decides to embark on an adventure and re-open the cafe her and Bernard ran, only now as a coffee shop.
Kate has hit rock bottom with her marriage, and during a girls weekend her husband does the inevitable and moves his stuff out of their home. Seeing a advert for not only a new job and career but new home and life, she takes up Lily's offer of employment to the shop.
Chloe is the youngest of the three characters at just eighteen but has a lifetime of heartache behind her. She has a pushy father wanting her to go to Uni to get the best education to set her up for life but she's a bit more care free and want's to live a little which she is able to do by taking up Lily's offer.
The girls work together to transform the old cafe into a respectable coffee shop and along the way discover friendships and love and find they are stronger and more confident about themselves.
Stirred With Love reminded me a little of a Jill Mansell novel - Marcie managed to take just a few characters, all with different stories and paths in life and get them together to build a great trio.
I'm certainly looking forward to reading more from this author!
August 23, 2015
Such a lovely story!
Lily is mourning the loss of her husband and decides to re-open the café they used to run together, but she won't be able to do it without some help now she is getting on in years herself. So, she puts out an advert for a manager and an assistant in the hope of finding just the right ones for the job.
Kate is in her 30's and is struggling with her marriage to Nick. When the prospect of a new job in a new area, with accommodation included, is brought to her attention, she applies and is successful. She's not sure it will be long term commitment, but it will give her time to clear her head and attempt to move on.
18 year old Chloe is avoiding applying to University. She doesn't really know what she wants to do with her life yet. When she spots an advert looking for an assistant to help with the restoration and running of a new café she decides it would make the perfect summer job. With accommodation included it would be perfect. She would stay for the summer, wait for her A Level results then decide what she would do with the rest of her life.
When the three of them come together, much more than a working relationship is formed. I really enjoyed how Lily, Kate and Chloe's relationships developed as they worked hard together to re-open the café as a coffee shop. Their problems, worries and emotions, although very different, are all very relatable. It isn't long before they are much more to each other than just work colleagues and the coffee shop is no longer just a short term option.
This is definitely a feel good read. Sad in places, but mostly happy and uplifting. I would happily recommend it to anyone.
With thanks to the publisher for my advance copy.
Lily is mourning the loss of her husband and decides to re-open the café they used to run together, but she won't be able to do it without some help now she is getting on in years herself. So, she puts out an advert for a manager and an assistant in the hope of finding just the right ones for the job.
Kate is in her 30's and is struggling with her marriage to Nick. When the prospect of a new job in a new area, with accommodation included, is brought to her attention, she applies and is successful. She's not sure it will be long term commitment, but it will give her time to clear her head and attempt to move on.
18 year old Chloe is avoiding applying to University. She doesn't really know what she wants to do with her life yet. When she spots an advert looking for an assistant to help with the restoration and running of a new café she decides it would make the perfect summer job. With accommodation included it would be perfect. She would stay for the summer, wait for her A Level results then decide what she would do with the rest of her life.
When the three of them come together, much more than a working relationship is formed. I really enjoyed how Lily, Kate and Chloe's relationships developed as they worked hard together to re-open the café as a coffee shop. Their problems, worries and emotions, although very different, are all very relatable. It isn't long before they are much more to each other than just work colleagues and the coffee shop is no longer just a short term option.
This is definitely a feel good read. Sad in places, but mostly happy and uplifting. I would happily recommend it to anyone.
With thanks to the publisher for my advance copy.
September 19, 2015
Published by: Bookouture (3rd September 2015)
ISBN: 9781910751381
Source: Netgalley
Rating: 5*
Synopsis:
Sometimes the best friends can be found where you least expect them …
Still grieving after the loss of her beloved husband, Lily Mortimer is determined to do something with the time she has left.
After the end of her fairytale marriage, thirty-something Kate is trying hard to mend her broken heart.
Chloe, a young woman with the world at her feet, is struggling to know what to do with her life.
When Lily embarks on a new venture in the picturesque town of Somerley, the three women come together to open The Coffee Stop, the most charming café for miles around.
But opening a coffee shop is never as simple as it seems, especially when you add neighbouring competition, local heart throbs and heartbreak to the mix.
When tragedy strikes, can the three women pull together to make the new business fly, or will Lily’s last chance disappear down the drain along with yesterday’s coffee grinds?
Review:
Although chick lit isn't a genre I tend to read very often, I'd seen Stirred With Love mentioned a fair bit on social media so decided to see what all the fuss was about.
Lily, Chloe and Kate, the three central characters, are great. They are warm, believable and utterly human. I could easily picture the characters in my head and the descriptive use of prose enabled me to experience emotion alongside them.
This book is very well written, and it's obvious that Marcie Steele is a talented and accomplished author. Stirred With Love was a pleasure to read and I'm looking forward to reading more by this author.
ISBN: 9781910751381
Source: Netgalley
Rating: 5*
Synopsis:
Sometimes the best friends can be found where you least expect them …
Still grieving after the loss of her beloved husband, Lily Mortimer is determined to do something with the time she has left.
After the end of her fairytale marriage, thirty-something Kate is trying hard to mend her broken heart.
Chloe, a young woman with the world at her feet, is struggling to know what to do with her life.
When Lily embarks on a new venture in the picturesque town of Somerley, the three women come together to open The Coffee Stop, the most charming café for miles around.
But opening a coffee shop is never as simple as it seems, especially when you add neighbouring competition, local heart throbs and heartbreak to the mix.
When tragedy strikes, can the three women pull together to make the new business fly, or will Lily’s last chance disappear down the drain along with yesterday’s coffee grinds?
Review:
Although chick lit isn't a genre I tend to read very often, I'd seen Stirred With Love mentioned a fair bit on social media so decided to see what all the fuss was about.
Lily, Chloe and Kate, the three central characters, are great. They are warm, believable and utterly human. I could easily picture the characters in my head and the descriptive use of prose enabled me to experience emotion alongside them.
This book is very well written, and it's obvious that Marcie Steele is a talented and accomplished author. Stirred With Love was a pleasure to read and I'm looking forward to reading more by this author.
August 17, 2015
I received a copy of this via NetGalley in return for a fair and honest review
What a lovely story. Was drawn in by the cover and the blurb - if a book has a mention of a coffee shop or tearoom then I'm interested!
Really enjoyed how this tale brings together 3 women with different backgrounds and their own problems to begin a journey together of reopening a cafe. The cafe used to belong to Lily and her husband and despite others telling her she's too old to reopen it and run a business she embarks on a mission to recruit new staff to help get her dreams in motion. Kate is looking for a new start after her marriage to Nick crumbles, and Chloe is looking to escape school and find a new path as she's not sure what she wants from life.
They soon become like a little family with the heartbreak, tears, fun and laughter that is part of any family life and the re-opening of the coffee shop doesnt run smoothly but it seems to bring them closer together. Each character is so warmly written about that you end up falling in love with all of them and want nothing but success and happiness for them all.
If you're looking for a lovely escape with some laughs and some tears, then this is the book to read!
What a lovely story. Was drawn in by the cover and the blurb - if a book has a mention of a coffee shop or tearoom then I'm interested!
Really enjoyed how this tale brings together 3 women with different backgrounds and their own problems to begin a journey together of reopening a cafe. The cafe used to belong to Lily and her husband and despite others telling her she's too old to reopen it and run a business she embarks on a mission to recruit new staff to help get her dreams in motion. Kate is looking for a new start after her marriage to Nick crumbles, and Chloe is looking to escape school and find a new path as she's not sure what she wants from life.
They soon become like a little family with the heartbreak, tears, fun and laughter that is part of any family life and the re-opening of the coffee shop doesnt run smoothly but it seems to bring them closer together. Each character is so warmly written about that you end up falling in love with all of them and want nothing but success and happiness for them all.
If you're looking for a lovely escape with some laughs and some tears, then this is the book to read!
August 13, 2015
Stirred with Love is a heartwarming story of new beginnings. Chloe wants a summer job before she goes to uni, Kate newly separated needs to start afresh and Lily wants to reopen her cafe after she was recently widowed. Will this trio of women manage to live and work together to reopen Lily's cafe?
The cover to this brilliantly written book screams chick lit at me but the further I read, the more the characters grew. They are all very lovely women with their own baggage to deal with. I felt the emotions they all felt, shedding a tear or two for them.
The story is written in a way that you are drawn right into the town of Somerley. This encapsulation is something I've come to expect from the author having read the Allie Shenton books written under her proper name of Mel Sherratt.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, As the cover says, it is a "feel-good" novel. I normally read crime and thriller novels but I'm no stranger to a lighter read like Stirred with Love. I will definitely be reading Marcie's next novel when it's out later this year.
Thank you to Netgalley and Bookouture for giving me this ebook in exchange for my honest review.
The cover to this brilliantly written book screams chick lit at me but the further I read, the more the characters grew. They are all very lovely women with their own baggage to deal with. I felt the emotions they all felt, shedding a tear or two for them.
The story is written in a way that you are drawn right into the town of Somerley. This encapsulation is something I've come to expect from the author having read the Allie Shenton books written under her proper name of Mel Sherratt.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, As the cover says, it is a "feel-good" novel. I normally read crime and thriller novels but I'm no stranger to a lighter read like Stirred with Love. I will definitely be reading Marcie's next novel when it's out later this year.
Thank you to Netgalley and Bookouture for giving me this ebook in exchange for my honest review.
September 4, 2015
See full review at Shellyback books
A rollercoaster ride of emotions this book was a joy to read. Despite the cover which literally screams chic-lit this is a book with the emphasis on a great story making it a really engaging read.
The general theme is new beginnings and the value of friendship.
Three women each in different phases of their lives come together, for different reasons to build a new business. The characters are 3 dimensional and compliment each other well. Each very different but all very likeable with characters that develop as the story progresses. There is plenty of drama and love interests, Lily has a plan and a secret but you'll have to be patient and wait until almost the end of the story to find out what they are.
I liked the well paced nature of the story, the story twists and the element of surprise. At no time did it feel rushed or forced which made it a very relaxing read.
Highly recommended.
A rollercoaster ride of emotions this book was a joy to read. Despite the cover which literally screams chic-lit this is a book with the emphasis on a great story making it a really engaging read.
The general theme is new beginnings and the value of friendship.
Three women each in different phases of their lives come together, for different reasons to build a new business. The characters are 3 dimensional and compliment each other well. Each very different but all very likeable with characters that develop as the story progresses. There is plenty of drama and love interests, Lily has a plan and a secret but you'll have to be patient and wait until almost the end of the story to find out what they are.
I liked the well paced nature of the story, the story twists and the element of surprise. At no time did it feel rushed or forced which made it a very relaxing read.
Highly recommended.
August 26, 2015
Oh dear, I'm a teary mess after just finishing this book. I received an ARC copy of this (thank you for approving me Bookouture) in exchange for an honest review.
I really enjoyed reading this book, a complete change from my usual genre. The characters Kate, Chloe, Lily and Lucy were all real, believable, tragic and funny in equal measures. I particularly associated with Kate, though at times I wanted to slap her for being a bit soft on Nick and Louise.
I thought the plot of the story was brilliant, leading the reader into the story and tugging at my heartstrings. No spoilers but make sure you have soft tissues when you read this book.
Bearing in mind it was an ARC copy I did spot a few typos which I've emailed the publisher about and the story did feel like there were a few jumps from one event to another, but I'm pretty certain the excellent Bookouture team will have picked those up ready for publication next week.
Well done Marcie Steele, aka Mel Sherrat. I look forward to more of this genre from you once my eyes are dry
a solid 4.5 stars from me
I really enjoyed reading this book, a complete change from my usual genre. The characters Kate, Chloe, Lily and Lucy were all real, believable, tragic and funny in equal measures. I particularly associated with Kate, though at times I wanted to slap her for being a bit soft on Nick and Louise.
I thought the plot of the story was brilliant, leading the reader into the story and tugging at my heartstrings. No spoilers but make sure you have soft tissues when you read this book.
Bearing in mind it was an ARC copy I did spot a few typos which I've emailed the publisher about and the story did feel like there were a few jumps from one event to another, but I'm pretty certain the excellent Bookouture team will have picked those up ready for publication next week.
Well done Marcie Steele, aka Mel Sherrat. I look forward to more of this genre from you once my eyes are dry
a solid 4.5 stars from me
August 11, 2015
Marcie Steele is actually the lighter floaty romantic alter ego of author Mel Sherratt, who is well known for her gritty realistic crime novels. So I knew this book would be well written and well plotted before I started. I just wasn't sure how much I would like it, as I don't always enjoy chick lit these days. But I discovered that Stirred With Love provided a lovely relaxing break from all the crime/thrillers I usually read.
The story flows well, with snappy dialogue and a fast-paced plot. It focuses on three very different women, Lily, Kate and Chloe, all of whom have life-changing decisions to make. Kate and Chloe are brought together by Lily, who wants to reopen her café as a coffee shop.
As expected with chick lit novels, there are disasters, romances and adventures along the way. The book is warm and humorous and a lovely holiday read.
I received an Advance Reader Copy from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
The story flows well, with snappy dialogue and a fast-paced plot. It focuses on three very different women, Lily, Kate and Chloe, all of whom have life-changing decisions to make. Kate and Chloe are brought together by Lily, who wants to reopen her café as a coffee shop.
As expected with chick lit novels, there are disasters, romances and adventures along the way. The book is warm and humorous and a lovely holiday read.
I received an Advance Reader Copy from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
September 9, 2015
Romantic Comedy is not a style of book that I would usually read but I am familiar with the author's other novels (writing as Mel Sherratt) and love them. Plus I also needed a break from my usual choice of crime fiction.
I was not disappointed. It was very enjoyable reading about Lily, Kate and Chloe. Three different generations of independent women and their determination to open the coffee shop and make it successful. All three had experienced a loss or uncertainty over the future and all three helped each other deal with it. One of the reasons I liked it so much was the relationship between the three. They had their disagreements like everybody does but they were resolved. It's very much a feel good novel, and even though I did cry a couple of times it was lovely, light hearted easy read and I am looking forward very much to reading the next Marcie Steele. And I would LOVE to visit the coffee shop!
With thanks to the publisher and the author for the copy via netgalley.
I was not disappointed. It was very enjoyable reading about Lily, Kate and Chloe. Three different generations of independent women and their determination to open the coffee shop and make it successful. All three had experienced a loss or uncertainty over the future and all three helped each other deal with it. One of the reasons I liked it so much was the relationship between the three. They had their disagreements like everybody does but they were resolved. It's very much a feel good novel, and even though I did cry a couple of times it was lovely, light hearted easy read and I am looking forward very much to reading the next Marcie Steele. And I would LOVE to visit the coffee shop!
With thanks to the publisher and the author for the copy via netgalley.
January 27, 2016
The blurb says, 'Sometimes the best friends can be found where you least expect them..' Like Lily finds when, she decides to make the most of what's left of her life after the loss of her beloved husband.
Chloe is at a crossroads in life. Her father wants her to go to Uni, while she is still trying to figure out what she actually wants.
Kate, a thirty year old is recovering from her separation from her husband of ten years. She needs to come to terms with the direction her life has taken. May be it is time for her to change some things?
The three women come together when they answer the advert Lily puts out for staff at her coffee shop.
A heart warming story of how the three women find their way, through the troubles digging each one of them.
A fast paced, sweet, albeit predictable story.
3.5/5 read for me.
Thank you NetGalley and the publishers for the review copy of this book.
Chloe is at a crossroads in life. Her father wants her to go to Uni, while she is still trying to figure out what she actually wants.
Kate, a thirty year old is recovering from her separation from her husband of ten years. She needs to come to terms with the direction her life has taken. May be it is time for her to change some things?
The three women come together when they answer the advert Lily puts out for staff at her coffee shop.
A heart warming story of how the three women find their way, through the troubles digging each one of them.
A fast paced, sweet, albeit predictable story.
3.5/5 read for me.
Thank you NetGalley and the publishers for the review copy of this book.
December 31, 2015
I read this book in one sitting, even taking my kindle to bed to continue reading. I didn't put it down until I was finished.
This is a lovely story about 3 women who have nothing in common, are totally different ages, but who come together in a venture which may or may not work out for them.
These women come from different backgrounds, they are going through different things at their stages in life, yet the way the author weaves their stories together is sheer brilliance.
I kind of figured out how one part of the story was going to go. Actually now I'm thinking about it I figured out two parts. But that didn't spoil my enjoyment of the story in the slightest. Even though I knew what was coming, it still caught me unawares as I read it, and I ended up in tears!
I really enjoyed this story and would definitely be interested in reading more from this author in the future.
This is a lovely story about 3 women who have nothing in common, are totally different ages, but who come together in a venture which may or may not work out for them.
These women come from different backgrounds, they are going through different things at their stages in life, yet the way the author weaves their stories together is sheer brilliance.
I kind of figured out how one part of the story was going to go. Actually now I'm thinking about it I figured out two parts. But that didn't spoil my enjoyment of the story in the slightest. Even though I knew what was coming, it still caught me unawares as I read it, and I ended up in tears!
I really enjoyed this story and would definitely be interested in reading more from this author in the future.
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