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Shooting Stars Over Bluebell Cliff

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Unlucky in love Poppy Allen is the producer of a brand-new TV show, ‘Date for a Day’ – think ‘Take Me Out’ meets ‘It’s a Knockout’!

Lovelorn contestants must perform a series of seaside challenges to win the hand of the starring lady and a 'Date for a Day'.

Left heartbroken when Stephen, her childhood sweetheart eloped with her best friend on her hen night - Poppy has no plans to risk her own heart again. Besides, she’s far too busy filming contestants against the backdrop of the beautiful Bluebell Cliff Hotel and the stunning Jurassic Dorset coastline.

However, when sabotage on set threatens to stop shooting, Poppy discovers soulmates can be found in the most unexpected places...

313 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 29, 2021

85 people are currently reading
220 people want to read

About the author

Della Galton

70 books86 followers
Della Galton (aka Della Parker) writes novels set in Dorset, featuring quirky characters and very often a dog or two. She's had more than 2000 short stories published and she's run out of fingers to count her books on.

She is a popular speaker at writing conventions and the agony aunt for Writers' Forum Magazine.

When she is not writing she enjoys walking her dogs around the beautiful Dorset countryside and beaches.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
Profile Image for Jennifer (Jaye).
1,111 reviews64 followers
September 2, 2023
*Delightful Tale*

This instalment of the series focuses on Poppy Allen. She is a producer who comes up with an idea for a tv show. It will be a dating show called ‘Date for a Day’ a mixture of ‘Take me Out’ and ‘It’s a Knockout’.

Poppy has not been lucky in love and was left heartbroken when the love of her life runs off with her best friend. She locks up her heart and her stepsister who is a workaholic and offers to star in the show with the hope of finding love.

The setting is wonderful all set around the Dorset beaches and while Poppy is busy matchmaking there is a surprise turn of events when unexpectedly two hearts beat together that are not on the show. When Poppy realises this to everyone else it is glaringly obvious.

The story is predictable but I like how Della Galton navigates the story to the desired outcome. A light and easy summer read.
1,730 reviews110 followers
April 17, 2021
I enjoyed this sweet book but unfortunately I found it very predictable. Girl works alongside guy they are friends and eventually they fall in love. I enjoyed reading about Dorset as I know the area very well and have walked along the coast paths to Durdle Door and Old Harry and the scenery is beautiful. If I hadn’t read books like this before I would have given this book five stars but, when you read so many books like this they do tend to blur together. My thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.
Profile Image for Sarah.
1,625 reviews177 followers
May 5, 2021
The setting is definitely what added to my enjoyment of this typical love story. Set on the Dorset coast, it provoked many memories of holidays taken there. If you are stuck indoors or want a bit of an escape, Galton certainly enables this.

The book is set near to the Bluebell Cliff Hotel; further research indicates that Galton has written a previous book that focuses on this hotel with the manager, Clare, taking centre stage. Whilst this is not the focal point, the hotel is part of the television pilot that Poppy is filming. In this case, it does not matter if you have not read the other novel because these appear to work as complete stand-alones. However, I can’t deny that my curiosity has been piqued and I will aim to look up Clare’s story, wanting to know more about the hotel!

As Poppy pulls together the different locations and potential dates for her step-sister, Alice, it is evident that Poppy has been spurned in the past. Unable to forget the hurt from a previous relationship, Poppy feels that she has a handle on her feelings, even though she cannot deny an attraction with a potential candidate for her dating show. Poppy feels most comfortable on her own, but this tale shows how Poppy goes on a similar journey as Alice on the dating show; she grows to realise that perhaps she is not as complete as she thought she was.

Whilst I liked the premise of the story, I do think Bluebell Cliff could have featured more prominently in the story. Galton only visits it a couple of times, favouring well-known locations on the Dorset coast. I think this was a shame because it would have been an opportunity for such glorious, vivid and colourful descriptions. On the other hand, I did like the actual shooting star that appears by the hotel one evening and think this adds a literal level to a title that felt more metaphorical than anything.

There are bright, colourful characters in this story and I really liked Poppy’s family, especially the descriptions of the regular curry evenings – it made my mouth water! Furthermore, the hotel chef, Mr B, was rather entertaining and I was surprised by the relationship he has with one of his waiters. This added unexpected developments to an otherwise obvious plot.

Alas, I could see exactly how the story was going to develop and I could predict this way too early on in the book. Yet, this did not really stop me from watching Poppy create her dating pilot and the sea, sunshine and sand of Dorset. I felt like I was on holiday with the filming crew and liked the gentle narrative that seemed as calm as the waves in the story.

There are no dark parts to the novel so it is definitely one that will leave you feeling happier and uplifted. However, personally I thought that this story was a little too similar to others of the same genre. I would have liked more surprises in the plot development or more focus on the bluebells to have this as a top read.

With thanks to Boldwood Books, NetGalley and Rachel’s Random Resources for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Anne.
2,202 reviews
April 29, 2021
This book really was an absolute delight in every way. By pure chance, I do seem to have read a few books recently focused around the putting together of a reality show – but this one approaches it from a rather different angle, with such a really interesting insider view from the perspective of the team putting the production together.

This is very much Poppy’s story, and I really liked her – and her loyal and supportive friend and cameraman Dave – from the outset, as we encounter them researching locations for the activities that will be part of the pilot for Date for a Day. She’s passionate about her work, and her dedication is clear – but work is also something of a refuge as, despite the support of her lovely family and her equally dedicated team, her personal life is rather more in turmoil after her former partner treated her so very badly.

She unexpectedly finds her heart beating a little faster when she encounters one of the show’s contestants – but her professionalism doesn’t waver, as the team strive to overcome the many ups and downs in filming the pilot, some accidental, some the result of a long running feud between two of the characters working at the Bluebell Cliff Hotel. And while her attention is all on the day job, she fails to notice the friend who’s always there to bail her out – and I have to say that a friends-to-lovers story, where you’re sometimes a few steps ahead of the characters themselves, is always something I particularly enjoy.

There was so much I loved about this book, not least the focus on family, and every single one of them was so well drawn. They all – the parents, two brothers, step sister Alice, their various partners at the time – come together for monthly curry nights, and they all have particularly interesting back stories that don’t distract at all from the main story but add real depth and interest. I especially liked Poppy’s mother’s storyline, as she struggles to come to terms with her recent retirement, with the reading she’s always enjoyed no longer filling the void – the running theme of incomprehensible text messages adds humour, but then so does the whole family’s lack of interest in the father’s ongoing big project. There’s such an immense warmth to all the relationships, and an authenticity to all their interactions that I particularly liked.

The humour throughout the book is perfectly judged – sometimes gentle, at times verging on the slapstick, with quite a few scenes that really made me laugh out loud. But the author also has an excellent and unerring touch with the emotional content – the central romance is particularly convincing, everything I wanted it to be, and I really felt for Poppy as the ins and outs of her back story were slowly revealed. The whole context of the making of the TV programme was particularly well done, with some really well-researched insights into the challenges and practicalities. And although this book is a standalone in every way, I did thoroughly enjoy encountering again some of the characters I’d loved from the previous books – especially the increasingly eccentric and overbearing chef Mr B – but you’ll have no problems at all if this is the first book you’ve read from the author. And yes, there are even some lovely scenes featuring three-legged dog Foxy – should you ever visit the hotel, just make sure you keep a firm hold on your bacon sandwich.

And I really must praise the book’s setting and wonderful sense of place – vividly described and playing a major part in the story, so much so that I’ve spent a few evenings researching places to stay when I pay my visit. The Bluebell Cliff Hotel is entirely of the author’s own invention, but now so familiar thanks to the detailed descriptions – and that’s combined with the stunning real life locations used as a backdrop (but so much more than that…) to some of the set pieces, like Durdle Door, Studland Beach and the Old Harry Rocks.

This book really did have everything I love – strong and well-drawn characters, plenty of humour and lightness, moments of drama and emotion, vividly drawn locations, that lovely focus on family and friendship, and a perfect slow-burn romance that really warmed the heart. Della Galton really is a quite superb storyteller, and I think this lovely book may just be her best yet – I know I’m looking forward to the next one already…
Profile Image for Skyesmum .
507 reviews14 followers
May 4, 2021
As I have family in Dorset, this one caught my eye. I now have places to explore when we visit. I found this an easy to read romance to while away a chilly afternoon. Yes, it was obvious, but then we all need a bit of drama free romance and I for one really enjoyed it.
Profile Image for Elaine - Splashes Into Books.
3,884 reviews136 followers
April 30, 2021
This is a delightful contemporary romance with a return visit to Studland Bay and the Bluebell Cliff Hotel as well as other well known sites on the Dorset coastline. This time the main character is Poppy Allen and she’s about to produce the pilot for a brand new Netflix series, ‘Date for a Day’. There will be seven contestants vying to succeed in a variety of challenges in the hopes of winning the opportunity to go on a ‘Date for a Day’ with the leading lady.

With all the drama of behind the scenes reality television filming, complete with pranks and jokes galore, this is a fun, lighthearted read with great characters and lots of love. I thoroughly enjoyed escaping into it, couldn’t resist sharing some of the spider jokes with my husband, and giggled my way through some of the scenes. The author has a way of writing which helps you engage with the characters and easily visualise the events, helping readers empathise with the angst and dilemmas and celebrate with the successes. It is a lovely story which I have no hesitation in highly recommending – as the tagline says, it really is a “wonderfully fun, escapist read for summer 2021”.

Thank you to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for my copy of this book which I have voluntarily read and honestly reviewed.
Profile Image for Mary Grand.
Author 19 books270 followers
April 27, 2021
This is a great read, and such an original idea. Poppy is producing a dating programme, "Date For a Day", for Netflix. This is Poppy's story, as she looks for romance,while making a programme about others looking for love. I loved Poppy and also the insight into the making of a programme like this, it has obviously been extremely well researched- I found it fascinating. All this is set in beautiful Dorset and the wonderful Bluebell Cliff Hotel. Highly recommend xx
Profile Image for Janny Anthony.
56 reviews2 followers
January 29, 2024
The main issues with the book is the forced dialogue and character interactions. As a result, the characters' actions and words feel scripted and unnatural, making it challenging for me to truly immerse in the book. However, I still finished the book because I felt bad to DNF-ed it as it was a Christmas gift.

Nevertheless, I kinda like the whole idea of the main show in the book. Hence, I will still give it a 2 star.
Profile Image for Lydia.
71 reviews1 follower
March 12, 2023
Absolutely loved it start to finish. I don’t read many friends to lovers trope but god damn I really need to omg. Adele you absolute legend for picking a perfect book!! I will definitely be reading more from this author!
All the characters are so fun and I love how family orientated the entire book is. So cute.
I loved the concept of date for a day. I would so watch that on Netflix.
I have also found a new favourite word ‘zounderkites’. What a word 🤌🏻
I really loved the layout of the epilogue and how we had updates of how all the characters were getting on. A perfect ending 🫶🏻
Would highly recommend.
Profile Image for Jane Hunt.
Author 3 books114 followers
May 3, 2021
Set on the Dorset coast, this book focuses on Poppy, a film producer and a pilot for a reality TV dating show. This is topical contemporary fiction, and whilst I am not a fan of reality TV, going behind the scenes with Poppy and her film crew makes this absorbing reading.

Poppy is career orientated after being practically jilted at the altar. She has a supportive family who we discover lots about and good work friends, particularly Dave, her camera director. At the heart of this story is a lovely gentle friends-to-lovers romance that is heartwarming. There is also plenty of family drama which adds to the story and shows what a loving and loyal person Poppy is. The filming of the pilot of the Dating reality show is interesting full of humour and conflict, which adds authenticity to the story. The setting at Bluebell cliff brings cameos from some well-known characters and a wonderfully described setting.

This is a lovely, uplifting story, with family drama, glamour and romance.

I received a copy of this book from Boldwood Books via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
Profile Image for Trina Dixon.
1,028 reviews48 followers
March 24, 2021
Another delightful book from Della, lose yourself in the fantastic setting of the Dorset coastline whilst indulging in a great novel. This book has everything, a lovely family, romance, realityTV programme and fun and laughs. I recommend everyone to read a Della Galton book
I received this ARC from Netgalley and publishers in exchange for an honest review. My opinions are my own
Profile Image for Donna Bryce.
47 reviews30 followers
March 31, 2021
I absolutely adored this book.

From reality TV to romance, I knew I had to request this book as I'm a lover of both and this book did not disappoint.

All the characters within this book was very likeable, as the story progressed even I struggled with who would even up in relationships as I loved them all.

The family connection was beautiful and I hope after this pandemic more families would be encouraged to have a monthly get together because I know it's encouraged me.

The book was set in Dorset a place I have never been but I can visualise the beautiful coastline all in my head.

If you are looking a nice light happy read then this is the book for you.

I would recommend this book to friends, and would definitely be looking up more books by Della.

Thankyou Netgalley for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for LeeAnn.
26 reviews1 follower
November 18, 2021
Predictable, unoriginal and, quite frankly, boring ‘romantic comedy’ about a reality TV show. Don’t get me wrong, I like a good chick lit read and love an easy read rom-com but this definitely was not for me.

My first criticism is that it reads like it’s written by a middle-aged woman who is trying desperately to tell a story from the perspective of a twenty something year old. If you can pull this off then fair play but using terms such as ‘favouring the same colours’ and describing a pair of Chloe glasses as ‘groovy’ drove me a little bit mental.

Secondly, I also felt that she begins telling a story but then goes off on a tangent about what every character did week last Tuesday, gets sidetracked again by something even more insignificant, and resorts to listing a family’s meal choices for the week. This is a slight exaggeration but I honestly do not care about the logistics of transport arrangements of the entire cast and crew on a TV set, it serves no purpose.

Finally, the ‘SPOILERS’ start here…

I use the word spoilers in inverted commas because I’m actually writing this in advance of finishing the book (yes, I am that confident I won’t have to edit).
When the main character is working with a male who is ‘like a brother’ to her and she has previously had the cliched ‘bad break up’ and could not be remotely interested in him in any way… you just know they are going to end up together, because why wouldn’t they!? At the point where she lies to her sister about joining a dating agency and having a date for a party, it’s pretty obvious who she is going to bring. Her family and friends will instantly approve and of course they will also, eventually realise they are made for each other. Maybe one of them will hurt the other’s feelings at some point on their journey leading us to question if they will ever make it… of course they will! How many times have we read this!? YAWN!!

The only reason I gave this 2 stars instead of 1 is because I actually finished it. If I wasn’t a fast reader with time on my hands I’d have definitely packed it in. The last line in the book was probably the cringiest part of the entire thing but by that point I was just relieved it was over. Oh, and in case you’re wondering, my predictions were almost fully correct - the ‘hurt feelings storyline’ letting me down slightly and being even more dull than expected.
Profile Image for Book Escapes Babs.
659 reviews26 followers
April 12, 2021
When I was invited to review this book, I grabbed the opportunity with both hands! I have loved the other instalments in this series and was eager to discover ‘what happens next’.
Poppy is a lovely addition to Bluebell Cliff; she’s driven in her work and guarded in her private life. Poppy’s colleague, Dave is incredibly organised and loyal. Between them, they have the ability to make ‘Date for a Day’ a smash hit.
In this book, we revisit the eccentric, conspiracy theorist chef, Mr B and his nemesis, Maître D’ Phil Grimshaw. It was fun to see their rivalry and obsession with ‘tit for tat’ pranks, but when it boils over and threatens the success of Poppy’s work, it’s no joke.
As I mentioned, this is the latest instalment in the Bluebell Cliff series, and Della Galton is still creating wonderful characters and storylines. I particularly loved the way Poppy handled revisiting her ex and the breakdown of their relationship. It wasn’t pleasant, but she was able to gain the closure that she needed.
This is a gorgeous book and I highly recommend it. It can be read as a standalone story, but there’s so much fun in exploring this series, you’ll not regret it.
Profile Image for Birsilah Bakar.
Author 6 books24 followers
January 21, 2023
2.5 stars.

This is my first romance book this year and it's already stealing the spotlight as the dullest book of all the romance books I've read so far.

I can't stand the clumsy, lazy writing. Everyone looks like an actor or actress. Heck, our main character looks like Taylor Swift. Her stepsister looks like Katherine Heigl. No depth, no metaphor, no foreshadowing, just boring old lady day dreams.

Nepotism is also boring. You really don't need a reality tv to actually set up your sister for a date.

There was no tension, no chemistry, even the drama was lukewarm like the curry.

Read better books, please.
Profile Image for Amanda.
2,026 reviews56 followers
May 1, 2021
I have been a fan of Della’s books for a little while now. I haven’t read everything that she has written to date but I am slowly getting there. I read the synopsis for ‘Shooting Stars Over Bluebell Cliff’ and it certainly sounded like the kind of read I needed at that particular point in time- a light hearted, feel good sort of story.
I adored the character of Poppy Allen and I warmed to her from the start. In fact I began to feel as though she had become a friend of mine. Poppy was due to get married but she didn’t in the end. I don’t want to say too much about what happens but needless to say that she feels betrayed on two fronts. Poppy is a lovely young lass, who is kind, caring, fun, sensitive and an all round good egg. Poppy is the sort of girl I could imagine would be a hoot on a night out and you could put the world to rights over a drink. I kept everything crossed that she found the ‘happy ever after’ ending that she so deserved. What happens? Well for the answers to those questions and so much more you are just going to have to read the book for yourselves to fin out as I am not going to tell you.
I was drawn into the story from the very beginning. In fact as soon as I got to the bottom of the first page, I knew that I was in for a treat and then some. Once I picked the book up, that was it. For the rest of the afternoon, I knew that I wouldn’t be able to put the book down for any length of time. My Kindle wasn’t exactly glued to my hand but it might as well have been because it travelled everywhere with me, as I couldn’t bear to miss a single second of the story. I found ‘Shooting Stars Over Bluebell Cliff’ to be an adorable and easy going read which held my attention throughout.
‘Shooting Stars Over Bluebell Cliff’ is extremely well written. In Poppy Cooper, Della has created a delightful lead character. I love the way in which Della describes her characters in such a realistic and vivid way. Della’s characters are described so well that they seem just as real as you and I. For me, ‘Shooting Stars Over Bluebell Cliff’ had a bit of everything- drama, romance, fun and light hearted moments. I felt as though I was part of the story myself and that’s all thanks to Della’s very vivid and realistic storytelling.
In short, I thoroughly enjoyed reading ‘Shooting Stars Over Bluebell Cliff’ and I would recommend it to other readers. I will certainly be reading more of Della’s work in the future. The score on the Ginger Book Geek board is a very well deserved 5* out of 5*.
Profile Image for Emma's Things to Read.
549 reviews5 followers
May 3, 2021
This is such a fun read! I couldn’t put it down and read the whole book in one sitting.
Poppy is such a relatable character. She’s determined and hard-working, fun and good-natured. Her relationships with her family are central to the book, and the whole extended family are great characters with realistic relationships – I absolutely the loved the family curry night scenes.
Poppy has had her heart broken in the past but she has moved on and doesn’t dwell on the betrayal. While she is staying away from love, the experience hasn’t left her completely jaded which is refreshing. When she bumps into the ex who broke her heart later in the book it gives her a nice moment of perspective and closure which I think lots of readers will appreciate. She has definitely dodged a bullet there.
The whole concept of the ‘Date for a Day’ was great and I liked the behind the scenes insights into how the show was being put together and how the contestants were chosen. This is a show I would probably watch!
Poppy’s loyal friend and cameraman, Dave, is beside her at every step of the planning and filming and he is an absolute sweetheart. And while it’s obvious that they make a great team at work whether or not they would make a great couple is the real question. I love the fizzy dialogue and banter between them. Their friendship is so easy you can see why they would be loath to change something that isn’t broken.
This is the second book in the Bluebell Cliff series. Some of the characters reappear from the previous book set at the hotel with some very funny moments.
This is such a feel-good read. There’s plenty to keep you guessing and lots of predictable comfort reading for fans of the genre. Shooting Stars Over Bluebell Cliff will make you want to pack your bags and head to Dorset as it is also a love letter to a beautiful part of the country.
This is the first book I have read by Della Galton and I thoroughly enjoyed it – will definitely read more.
Profile Image for Ashley Tyler.
1,286 reviews58 followers
April 19, 2021
Thanks NetGalley, author Della Galton, and publisher for giving me a free arc of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
5 stars
While this was my firs book by this author, it will not be my last!!
This book was a delightful, light hearted read! I was really drawn to the premise as well as the setting of the story, which led me to want to read it. The author did a wonderful job transporting the reader to Dorset and the coastline with her descriptive language.
The characters were really likeable and interesting. I found myself really invested in each character as well as their relationship outcome. There was a great sense of family woven throughout the book. I loved how much Poppy was not only supported by her family and how much of a unit they really were. The pacing and writing kept me completely engaged from start to finish. Some of the best scenes happened during the pranking war that took place during the filming of the dating reality TV show. Those pranks were clever and had me laughing-out-loud. The slow burn relationship between Poppy and David was so sweet and had me smiling by the end. One of my favorite troupes is friends-to-lovers and this author did a great job creating that solid friendship between them, which made their romantic relationship that much sweeter. Overall, I would recommend this book to those who love a wholesome, light heart romance. While this is part of a series, you can read this as a stand alone.
Profile Image for Eclectic Review.
1,689 reviews5 followers
May 1, 2021
I chose to review this book because of Poppy’s swearing off men after being dumped for her best friend. For some reason, I like these tropes. Maybe it’s because I like watching a strong independent woman get a second chance when she least expects it. Maybe I’m just a romantic at heart. Whatever the reason this story didn’t let me down.

Poppy’s ambitious production of her new TV pilot called “Date for a Day” is really happening. Her stepsister, Alice, agrees to be the woman who chooses from seven handsome men to be her date. Despite the disruptions from a personal vendetta between a hot contestant and his nemesis and a sprained ankle, Poppy keeps the cameras rolling with the help of her long-time trusted friend Dave.

Poppy is a determined and hard-working producer who loves her family dearly. Her ex and best friend really did a number on her and it’s understandable that she refuses to trust a man with her heart again. But with the unending patience of the perfect man right under her nose, she is in good hands.

If you like character-driven stories filled with family drama, behind-the-scenes reality TV, and a few laughs on the beautiful Jurassic Coast in Dorset, give this book a try.

Thank you to Ms. Galton for giving me the opportunity to read this book with no expectation of a positive review.
Profile Image for Anjana.
2,572 reviews60 followers
June 14, 2021
I have often mentioned that I am picky when it comes to narrative styles and characters in romance/chick-lit books. There are things in this book that worked for me and some that didn’t (which might work for most other readers); I will elaborate further in my review.

This is a story of Poppy and her life, both familial and work-based. She has struck upon an idea for a dating show which she has poured her heart into and hopes for a Netflix success. The way the process is shown, the filming, the love for her town and her family, even her family complications are all well done. I liked them and the colour they provided to the storyline.

What bothered me is the love story plotline, I do not want to provide any spoilers, but some chapters very explicitly set up relationships between some characters, which later is not taken into account when unravelling Poppy’s story. It happened too suddenly, and despite the background provided (or maybe because of it), I did not buy it. I would not even have mentioned it, but since this is shown as a growth arc for Poppy, I think I should have liked this part more than I did for me to say I really liked the book.

I received an ARC thanks to NetGalley and the publishers, but the review is entirely based on my own reading experience.
https://superfluousreading.wordpress....
Profile Image for Claire.
769 reviews
November 26, 2021
Thoroughly enjoyed this sweet story - the second taking place at the Bluebell Cliff location. It isn't a series as such, because it's not a continuation of the same story. It's 2 books taking place at the same location and the hotel manager from the first one puts in a cameo appearance, and a fair chunk of the action takes place at the hotel that was the primary location for the first Bluebell Cliff book. You absolutely don't need to have read Sunshine Over Bluebell Cliff to enjoy this book, but I recommend reading it anyway! I listened to both as audiobooks while knitting. If you miss a line or two when you drop a stitch, you won't be lost in the story!

I'm continuing to enjoy escapist reading as the pandemic stumbles along and I'm especially fond of UK-based settings and light romances. The characters in this book were believable and engaging and I liked the theme of shooting a reality dating series - I don't watch that kind of TV show, but it was fun for a book setting. I'd love to read another Bluebell Cliff book about either of the couples who ultimately result from this story. Perhaps Della Galton will oblige her readers with such a book in the future!

You'll probably enjoy this if, like me, you enjoy light romance, sweet (although perhaps a bit predictable) storylines, escape reading, happy-ever-after endings, and quirky characters.
Profile Image for Tales Untangled.
1,182 reviews25 followers
April 12, 2021
I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I loved the characters in Shooting Stars Over Bluebell Cliff. The relationships between the family members felt genuine and the setup of how they became a family worked well. I wasn't sure what I was going to think of creating a dating show pilot as the backdrop because I don't watch those shows. It worked because we only caught the highlights of the making of the show in a behind-the-scenes kind of way. The action focused on the main characters along with their misunderstandings. I also liked how the miscommunications were subtle and realistic. It was easy to buy into the plot and romance. I kept wondering how bad the "bad boy" was going to be, but I'm not going to spill the beans here so you'll have to make your own judgment. There were smile-worthy and laugh-worthy moments throughout the book. I would recommend this if you're ready for a rom-com. Intimate scenes are kept behind closed doors and left to the imagination for anyone interested in a clean romance. One of my favorite parts was the pure Britishness of the characters, situations, and how they talked to one another.

I've given this 5 stars because it was charming with readable characters. I would recommend it!
Profile Image for Pam Robertson.
1,443 reviews8 followers
April 29, 2021
This is a heart-warming return to Studland Bay and the Bluebell Cliff Hotel. There are some familiar characters and also some lovely new ones. Poppy is on the lookout for love but of course, what she doesn't seem to realise is that it is under her nose all the time. Poppy was brought up in the area and her family is a close- knit unit who add some humour and warmth to the story and is a good counter-balance to the escapism of the TV show she is recording. She is thoroughly likeable character who is a loyal friend and a caring person. Gradually, you find out more about her past and come to understand her a little better.

The staff at the Bluebell Cliff Hotel are familiar friends if you have read the earlier books. They add humour and all have their own personalities, even Foxy, the three- legged dog. The setting is glorious as ever and just seems to welcome you and offer all sorts of possibilities. Of course, you could read this as a standalone but I must recommend the others in the series. They are full of heart. For great storytelling and some well- drawn characters who you will warm to, look no further!

In short: Can Bluebell Cliff Hotel make dreams come true again?
Thanks to the publisher for a copy of the book
Profile Image for Sharon.
2,048 reviews
May 6, 2021
This is my first book by this author, and what an absolutely delightful read it was! Poppy Allen is the producer working on a new reality TV show ‘Date for a Day’. She’s a great character who is very likeable and it’s obvious that her work, family and friends means everything to her. I loved her cameraman and close friend, Dave and the friendly banter between them was amusing and heart-warming throughout the story. I was drawn into the book as soon as I started it, not just because of these two main characters, but also because of the location. Based along the Jurassic coastline, it brought wonderful images of the beaches and coastlines as I read, especially as I knew so many of the places which were featured. It honestly made me feel as if I was right there with them as they visited Corfe Castle and Durdle Door!

The storyline flowed along at a lovely pace, holding my attention easily. I was really interested in how a TV show was made and thought this added a different spin to a romantic read! I have to admit I did guess quite early where the storyline was going but this didn’t detract from my enjoyment at all. It is a romantic read, and whilst Poppy is not looking for love herself, there are lots of possible love interests to tempt her…and me as well! All of the other characters within the book were great and there wasn’t one who I didn’t like or who didn’t add something to the storyline! I loved the auditions and the filming of the show and like Alice, the contestant, found it difficult to choose my favourite guy!

For that perfect piece of escapism then look no further than this book! It’s an easy-to-read romance with lots of emphasis on family and friends and it takes you on a light-hearted, fun and sometimes emotional journey throughout! I loved the characters; I loved the story and I loved the locations!! Would definitely recommend!!
Profile Image for Francica Cornwall.
189 reviews17 followers
May 18, 2021
This was a feel good story, a perfect book to read when you want to kick back and relax.

The writing by Della Galton was very good. I liked the description of the setting especially because it is important I think for authors to paint a vivid picture of places and events so that the reader can have a clear picture.

Poppy was a very well written character, from very early on she struck me as a young woman who was driven, and had a love for family. I liked how the family connection was also woven into the story and that she was moving on after that major heartbreak. The concept of the reality show "Date for a Day' was quite an interesting element. The events that sought to hinder shooting as well as the unexpected twist of fate made for an overall enjoyable experience.

What I can say is that if you are looking for that book to just escape with, Shooting Stars over Bluebell Cliff is that story.

Very light and enjoyable!!!!

Profile Image for Katherine Hayward Pérez .
1,678 reviews77 followers
April 27, 2021
Poppy is unlucky in love and needs a new adventure. She is producing the dating show Date for a Day in which there is many a challenge to be experienced. The family relationships are heartwarming and real and the characters are likeable.

I was very glad to be "back" in Dorset as I loved the previous book in the series, Sunshine over Bluebell Cliff. The area is special to me as I studied it during Geography lessons at school and went there on family holidays.

I lived each stage of the challenge with excitement and loved the banter between Poppy and her cameraman.

As with Sunshine over Bluebell Cliff, Della Galton creates an immersive atmosphere in the Dorset surroundings and I love the majestic Bluebell Cliff Hotel.

Thanks to Della Galton, Boldwood Books and Rachel's Random Resources for my ARC in exchange for an honest and voluntary review.

4 stars.
359 reviews5 followers
April 28, 2021
I really enjoyed reading this book, it is entertaining and lighthearted. This is part of a series, but it can definitely be read as a standalone novel. Some of the characters in the previous books do pop up in this book. Della Galton is very good at describing the area in Dorset in which this book is set. I am very familiar with some of the places that she writes about and she is very accurate in her detail. Unfortunately I haven't been able to visit some of these areas since we went into Lockdown. I was able to picture them perfectly and it is a very welcome escapism. Poppy is a likeable character, the rest of the characters are interesting and varied. The storyline was predictable in places, but some parts kept me in suspense until the end. This is a lovely and easygoing summer read. Thank you to Netgalley and the Publisher for my ARC.
Profile Image for Carie .
71 reviews3 followers
April 2, 2021
This was a wonderful story of romance, friendship, family and reality TV.
I didn't know how I would enjoy it being based around a reality TV series however I needn't have worried as it was a great premise to the story and very enjoyable.
The characters were likeable and interesting. You just were transported to Dorset and the coastline with the descriptive imagery and scenery. Pure escapism.
It was an easy and light read with fun and laughter.

I would definitely recommend it to others. This is the first book of Della Galtons I have read but will definitely be seeking out others of hers.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest opinion.
Profile Image for Michelle Blake.
519 reviews7 followers
April 18, 2021
I received this book as an ARC from NetGalley.

Della Galton paints a gorgeous picture of the town the story is set in.

Poppy's dream has always been to work in TV. She develops a reality TV show that Netflix has ordered a pilot of. She enlists the help of her step-sister to be the person looking for a date and her trusty list of contacts to make her dream come true. The story weaves through the work life and home life of Poppy. The author paints quite a picture of this family that is easy to "see" in your mind.

Other reviews mention this book is part of a series, I need to find the others!!
Profile Image for Hayley Marsland.
10 reviews
January 15, 2025
This is the third book in this gorgeous series, and equally as good as the previous two.
There is a little bit of everything in this one, and the focus on family features strongly.
Our lead character Poppy, is producing a brand new reality TV show, called Date For A Day.
Poppy has had her heart broken in the past, and she has no plans to risk that again in the future.
However, sabotage on set at the Bluebell Cliff Hotel, threatens to stop the filming, leading Poppy to discover, that soul mates can be found, just when you least expect it.
A fabulous book, looking forward to book four soon.
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