I'm torn between this being a "just ok" book or "just liking" it ... so this is a 2.5 star read for me.

This is the story of Annie Sunshine Trebarwith; her mother has recently passed away, she's about to be unemployed, when she receives a letter from her great-aunt Alice asking her to visit her in Cornwall. Annie has a great-aunt Alice? With nothing better to do with her time, she decides to leave London for a little visit ... only to get sucked into life in Salt Bay.

The story itself was fine - a little predictable - the free spirited Annie realizes that there is more to Salt Bay than poor internet connections and rain.

Expect a little romance (there is the brooding Josh thrown in for good measure), new friends (the rowdy Aussie Kayla, Ollie, and Roger), and discovering some family secrets as Annie navigates leaving the big city for the seaside.

The real beauty of this book was the descriptions of Cornwall and it's beaches, it's little village and the people. I know there will be a second book - and I am looking forward to reading it because I would like to see what happened after ... had the book reached the ending (and then gone even further with that storyline) I know I would have rated it better.

*Book provided by the publisher on NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*

I absolutely adored the sound of this book from the start. A choir and the sea, sounds like the perfect combination for me.

The story follows Annie Trebarwith, who lives in London, is a PA and unexpectedly gets a letter from her great-aunt in Cornwall. She never knew her great-aunt Alice, but decides to pay her a visit in Salt Bay, by the coast in Cornwall.

I fell in love with Salt Bay immediately. Liz Eeles has such a lovely writing voice and she described the setting in a beautiful way.

Annie needs time to adjust though. There is no wi-fi and the village is really small. She builds a relationship with Alice and learns a lot about Salt Bay, the villagers and previous events. In the village she also meets Kayla, an Australian, who becomes a great friend. Kayla gets part of her story told as well, which was really refreshing.

Then there is John Pasco. To be honest: I didn’t know what to think about him at first, but that changed, because we got to know him better. He is actually really sweet and passionate about several things.
Annie needs time to figure him out as well and her feelings are just a very confused bundle of thoughts.

The thing I liked most about the book: the choir! Annie decides to form the choir and it’s great to read rehearsals, conducting (also John yes), the songs etc. It just gives me a warm feeling, because I sing in a choir too.

Annie still has a life in London though, so she has to figure out what she really wants in life. Her journey is an up and down, but very exciting to read about.

This book gives you happy, warm and much more, it’s a great summer read and I really want to read more books by Liz Eeles now.

5☆ Fabulous feel good book full of mystery

I thoroughly enjoyed reading Annie's Lovely Choir by the sea.
It has the perfect mix of mystery,  romance, secrets, friendship, feel good tunes, funny moments and twists you don't see coming!

I devoured this book in 2days I just had to keep reading to find out the truth.

Annie is between jobs and she's just caught her boyfriend sleeping with he's work colleague.
So when a letter turns up she stuffs it into her bag... burning a hole she gives in and decides to read it.

Annie's Great Aunt Alice wishes to meet with Annie urgently and offers to pay the travel.
Annie decides to pack a case and meet her mysterious Aunt whom she knew nothing about.
So she heads to Tregavara House in Salt Bay, Cornwall.

Annie's Mum has passed away and as far as she is aware Alice is her only living relative left. Annie's Mum left Salt Bay when she became pregnant with Alice never making contact again.

On the way into Salt Bay Annie is nearly run off the road. She throws a stone at the car unaware that the she is about to meet this mysterious stranger again (Josh). He is about to turn Annie's world upside down.

Alice is frail and offers Annie a proposition she asks Annie to live with her and help her around the house in exchange for bed and board.
She tells Annie to think about it.

I am going to leave it there with the storyline as it's way too good for me to give anything away!

The only thing I will say is I loved all the characters except for Toby. He manipulative and slimey.

Josh is one of my favourite characters, He is Moody, handsome  troubled and clearly has commitment issues. Well that is until he meets Annie.
Together they seem to change one and other.
Annie is the perfect female lead. She is headstrong and determined and Salt Bay is making an everlasting imprint on her heart!

Such a joy to read. Jam packed with mystery and secrets at every corner.

 Liz has done a stunning job at making Salt Bay come to life oozing charm and charisma.
I felt like I was part of the village.
 I think the 'choir ' story was simply perfect. Poignant and memorable for all the right reasons.
Which when you read the story you will understand my reasons for saying this.

I just want to add how beautifully Stunning the Front Cover is. A perfect representation of the charm Salt Bay has to offer!

The perfect Anytime read!!
This book would appeal to readers who love Chick Lit, family Secrets and Mystery, Music lovers, Romance, Women's Literature, possibly YA.


I can't recommend this book enough!!

Please do not let the idea of a choir put you off picking this gem up and reading it!
It has so much more to give.

Annie Trebarwith has no interest in “sticking with” anything that could potentially cause her grief: she has no time for relationships, no family, no roots and no long-term thoughts. Ever. It suits her, and she is busy convincing us (and perhaps herself) through the early chapters. While I liked Annie, and her belief in no ties makes sense after losnig her mother and not being aware of (or informed about) any other family, it was evident from her determination and repeated ‘I don’t attach” statements that a change is needed. She’s been carrying an envelope from a solicitor in Cornwall, offering her a connection to a great aunt she never knew about – and in a miasma of self-pity and at loose ends, she makes the call.

Tregavara House is in the little village of Salt Bay, overlooking the sea. The Trebarwith family home, austere and rather in need of work, the house is occupied by Alice, Annie’s great aunt. Arriving on her doorstep after a long trudge down the hill into town, a near-miss encounter with a mini a rock and a grumpy driver, no phone service and even less enthusiasm, Annie is most definitely out of her comfort zone. But a good night’s sleep, a friendly Aussie transplant, finding wi-fi and a thoroughly despicable passive-aggressive distant cousin, Annie’s outlook on family, Cornwall and her next step are all up for discussion. But, aside from her own uncertainties about her future and place in the world, Annie discovers a tragedy that came to the little town, and no one seems to be willing to share information.

From what I found to be a slower-paced start, the story picks up tremendously once Annie arrives in Cornwall. From her discoveries from and about Alice to her new friend Kayla and her back and forth with Josh, as well as other residents sharing information about her family and all of the goings-on in town, this is a hard to put down story that combines multiple elements, and does so in ways that are organic and feel possible. From discovering one’s own need for family and roots, to helping the town start to heal through music and rebuilding the choir so tragically lost to the sea, the story has plenty of moments to love, laugh and puzzle out. I’m curious to see more about the choir and Annie’s adjustments into life at Salt Bay, and this was a lovely start.

I received an eArc copy of the title from the publisher via NetGalley for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.

Review first appeared at <a href=” http://wp.me/p3OmRo-90w/”> <a> I am, Indeed </a>

This was a really lovely story, with characters I connected with and a setting I fantasized about. A real, feel-good story!

How can you become so irritated by a character that it actually keeps you reading a novel. This was the case when I picked up this novel and started to get to know Annie Trebarwith.

She has no ties at all, no family although she is clearly still very much grieving for her mother, she thinks she is a free spirit and has no need to need to be tied down to anything or anyone.

A letter arrives, inviting her to her family home, to her great-aunt Alice who she never knew existed. With nothing else to do, whilst being between jobs and between men, Annie makes the trip down to Cornwall.

Annie arrives in a place she think as the back of beyond, with no phone signal and certainly no vibrant night life. She arrives into a community. Something Annie has no experience of whatsoever and she finds the thought of it frightening and curious in equal measure.

As the health of her great-aunt is somewhat precarious, Annie decides that she will stay on a bit longer to be able to perhaps help. To keep her occupied, she does in fact embrace community life by becoming involved in the reboot of the local choir. Its past tainted with tragedy.

But as finds out going over past events can sometimes to reveal some skeletons which are perhaps best kept hidden. Annie goes from being a unlikeable character to one that has time to take stock, to reflect and question everything she has been told and what she believes.

Annie finds much more by the sea than an aging aunt and a quiet life.

This is an excellent debut novel and a story which captures you and takes you on a journey. There was some predictability to perhaps one part of the story for me, but that was only a minor part as I was swept away with the weather, the scenery and the music of the choir.

I look forward to returning to hear the choir sing again by the sea.

Awww, what a great book this was! Annie, a Londoner through and through, independent and not a fan of families with all their complications, gets asked to go to Cornwall to visit her great-aunt Alice. Once there, she starts to learn about her family tree and what she discovers unsettles her no end. She has to decide whether or not to stay in a little village in Cornwall, with all the ups and downs of village life, or to go back to London and re-claim her life.

This book was really wonderful and even though you might think it would be a light and fluffy read, it had a lot of layers and some real depth, which really added to the enjoyment of the read. Annie was likeable and relatable and I felt like the secondary characters were also beautifully written, and essential to making this story what it was. I got completely immersed in the various stories of the residents of Salt Bay and I can't wait until I read the next instalment in this series.

Highly recommended read from me.

I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book. Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture.

Have you ever picked up a book at just exactly the right time, it’s like the stars align and everything just fits into place perfectly? That’s what happened when I picked up this splendid book, it was the breathe of fresh I needed at exactly the right moment and I absolutely fell in love.

Annie was the type of character that I formed a bond with right away, she’s so well formed that it was very easy for me to imagine her leaping from the pages and entering my real life. Oh how I wish she would, I just adored her. She’s very closed off and likes to keep to herself as she doesn’t really believe in the idea of family. It was always just her and her mom and now that her mom has passed away, she’s perfectly content on her own and knows that forming deep bonds and meaningful relationships only leads to headaches and trouble. When she decides to go meet her aunt for the first time she really goes out of curiosity and expects that it’ll be a quick trip and then she’ll get back to her life in London. But she didn’t anticipate meeting an irresistible cast of colorful characters in Salt Bay.

The characters were all absolutely engaging and lovable (with the exception of one) and I couldn’t possibly pick my favorite, I equally enjoyed all of them. Kayla is an Aussie barmaid with a wicked sense of humor and loads of charm. Josh is a moody hunk who tends to rub Annie the wrong way and she refers to him as a Cornish pirate which while hilarious, conjures up quite an alluring image. Alice is her aunt and was a dear, sweet woman and the residents of Salt Bay were all highly eccentric and wholly entertaining.

There were some surprises as far as the plot line is concerned as there was a secret family history that comes to light as well as enough warm moments to leave me feeling cozy and content. Despite the title the choir isn’t the sole focus, rather it’s more about Annie and how her ideas about family and life in general shift and of course there is a cute romance. It was a totally outstanding debut that made me giggle and maybe even tear up a few times, I highly recommend this book for anyone looking for a super fun, light read.

Just like Annie, it was curiosity which spurred me on an adventure with this book. I am not fond of choirs, probably because I have the most terrible voice, but something in the colorful cover and the light-hearted synopsis caught my attention. Whatever it was, I thank it, for I have found so much more than I was looking for in this story of belonging, family ties, and finding yourself.

Annie has no attach, and I found this heart-breaking, although she seemed to like it this way. I agree with her, it is much less complicated when family doesn't mess up your plans. But families do a lot more than this, if you let it. People too, if you let them in.

I was surprised to warm to Annie very very fast despite our different views on life and its priorities. I could feel the scars on her heart from being alone, no matter how much she tried to convince herself she was better off this way. I know what it's like to put up a front and pretend it doesn't matter. The thing is, it does matter.

Liz Eeles never falls into clichés and Annie felt genuine and like an average young woman with her own history and struggles. This is true for every character. I really enjoyed meeting everyone in this little town. Sometimes, you don't know you need warmth and happiness until a book reminds you of how good it feels, and this is what Annie's Lovely Choir by the Sea does with a clever mix of different protagonists, a beautiful place, and an exquisite writing that transports you and reminds you to feel, and how to laugh! Annie's voice is one of the most amazing I've read and this book is just a big bubble of amazing lines!

There are no one-dimensional characters, no easy paths, no “everything is fine in the world” paragraphs that make me roll my eyes. This book is filled with what life has to offer, and boy does it have a lot to give! I loved every minute of this story. Me, the crime lover, detective, grisly murders details-seeker. I was surprised by the depth of the plot and the psychology behind the events, behind the motivations of each protagonist, behind the appearances. I was intrigued by the choir, who took its time to appear, and found it to be a truly perfect tool to build a story around, to bring a town to life with, to tackle the past and pay it tribute.


The story takes its time, but the pace doesn't feel slow. It reminded me of the landscape you see when you let you eyes wander off the window during a train trip. You are not aware of it, but things happen, things change, you happen, you change. It was wonderful to see Annie find answers, questions, a purpose, more questions!, and her true self. I loved Annie's path to find what she really wants and it resonated so much with me that it gave me shivers! Yes, family come with its fair share of... let's say weight and obligations, but families, whether blood or chosen, without painting it all rainbows and unicorns, are a rock you can crash on, a shoulder you can find whenever you need, a bunch of people to share the best things in life with. Sometimes we take it for granted, and sometimes we ignore its importance. Yes, it's complicated, but life is too. This book reminded me just how much I treasure my family and friends and those old and new photos on my fridge of happy faces and calendars with birthdays on it.

Friends also play a wonderful part here and I am so happy to see a young woman strike up relationships, discover everyone isn't looking down at the pavement, stressed, and only thinking about work, and that cute and gentlemen guys still exist. My cold heart was very happy to see Annie get out of her shell and into the world.

Nothing in the story was ever forced, it always felt so true and real I finished the book with a smile on my face. Annie's Little Choir by the Sea is so much more than a light read, it's a life lesson taught in the best of ways, with enough humor to make your cheeks hurt from grinning and laughing!

Having read quite a few books set in Cornwall I have really fallen in love with this magical place, so I was delighted that this novel would take me to this idyllic setting again. Hilarious from the start, I immediately connected with Annie and from the very first page, I was hooked.

Annie Trebarwith doesn't like complications or commitment but when she finds herself boyfriendless, jobless, and living with a carefree student, she can't stop thinking about a letter that could change everything. For her entire life, it was just Annie and her mother and ever since her mom died, Annie has happily accepted the fact that she has no family - family means relationships and that always spells trouble for her. So when she receives a letter from her Great-Aunt, Alice Gowan, who lives in Cornwall, Annie is thrown for a loop, but her natural curiosity takes over and she finds herself travelling to beautiful Cornwall.

But when she arrives it is nothing like she expects. For one thing, it seems to rain 90% of the time, she almost gets knocked down by an infuriating, brooding driver, who also happens to be sexy as sin, there is no Wifi, and Alice wants Annie to stay, which is just not possible. Annie starts to learn secrets about her family and the tragic story of the Salt Bay Choral Society, but it is only when she revives the choir that she begins to establish real friendships and feelings for many of the people in this nosy community. She knows it will hurt when she leaves them behind to return to her real life in London. But she cannot stay. It was never in her plans...

ANNIE'S LOVELY CHOIR BY THE SEA by Liz Eeles is such a charming, heartwarming and enjoyable read about love, hope, and opening yourself up to happiness. Annie is such a funny and wonderful character, and I love her honesty as she traverses the ups and downs throughout this story. Annie fears the hurt and vulnerability that comes along with belonging to somewhere and someone and when she revives the Salt Bay choir, we watch as she slowly takes down her guard little by little.

Josh, Alice, Kayla, and the many other captivating characters in this novel are all equally as compelling and I really couldn't get enough of the Salt Bay community. ANNIE'S LOVELY CHOIR BY THE SEA by Liz Eeles is everything you want in a contemporary novel, and it's sharp wit and excellent narrative makes it truly shine. I can't wait to return to Salt Bay. Go and buy this book!!!!!

How STUNNING is that cover by the way!!

Let me just get this bit out-of-the-way first; I may have groaned a little when I saw that the book was set in Cornwall. I know, I know, it's madness! Recently there seems to have been a rise in the amount of books set in Cornwall (not that it's not a beautiful place btw!), and I did happen to think 'not another one'. Wait, wait, let me explain! A lot of the novels that I've read that were set in Cornwall, seemed to be a bit 'samey'; I was uber excited about Liz Eeles' novel and I really was hopeful that it would be different from the rest.

You want to know something?

It only took until the end of the first chapter for me to decide that, Annie's Lovely Choir by the Sea, is my MOST FAVOURITE book set in Cornwall so far, without a doubt! This book had everything I could have hoped for in a book and more. The main character, Annie, was introduced to Cornwall in the most unique and comical way; lets just say that that woman has a lot of balls!

I was hooked on Annie's personality from the very beginning as she didn't seem to take herself too seriously, unlike a certain other character in the book (naming no names)! I thoroughly enjoyed finding out Annie's family secrets, as well as seeing Cornwall from a completely new angle. Honestly? It was fun. Most of the characters (again, naming no names) stood out in their own individual ways; each of them bringing something special to the storyline. Don't get me wrong, there was a character or two (cough) that managed to rile me up the wrong way good and proper. No, seriously, I think I actually swore out loud whilst I was reading it; I couldn't get over how self-absorbed one character was! I could not stand them! I have a slight feeling that I'm not going to be the only one either haha.

The direction in which the storyline took was unexpected and I loved it. Not only did it surprise me multiple times, reading Liz Eeles' novel gave me a sense of belonging due to Salt Bay's unity. I loved the fact that I was able to see Annie come out of her shell as the story went on; and as stupid as this sounds, I felt quite proud of her.

Annie's Lovely Choir by the Sea truly was an idyllic, beautifully written, heart-warming story that made my heart swell with joy. There was something incredibly special about Liz Eeles' novel and I can't seem to put my finger on what that is. Maybe it was the storylines aura, I don't know. It just gave me that feel good feeling, as well as the belief that anything is possible if you just get up and do it.

A phenomenal, mesmerising novel which is full of family secrets, heart-warming moments and the power to dream.
Absolutely beautiful; I love everything about this book and Liz Eeles' captivating writing. Brava...really, Brava....

When you open a book and find yourself laughing out loud at the very first line you just know you are going to thoroughly enjoy the story that follows. That's exactly what happened to me as I fell in love with both the characters and storyline in the first of the Salt Bay series by Liz Eeles - Annie's Lovely Choir by the Sea. Everything about this book was just perfect from the setting and characters to the humour mixed with more serious undertones. It's not all a barrel of laughs throughout the story instead this wit and warmth is mixed well with more pressing problems at hand. I got such a good feeling from this book within the first few chapters and I totally fell in love with Salt Bay and it's residents. Not since I have read Alex Brown's Tindledale series have I felt this excited about a book. Annie's Lovely Choir by the Sea gave me the exact feelings that I experienced while reading the Tindledale series and I have a feeling I am going to adore everything that Liz Eeles writes in the future. If she could manage to write two books a year set in Salt Bay I for one would be a very happy reader.

For those growing wearisome of books that seem to have a certain theme running through the story i.e: cupcakes, weddings, cafés etc don't be worried by the title here as the choir is not the dominant storyline in this book rather it is one of many yet a crucial element that brings the residents together after such a long period of being individuals trying to suppress hurt and bad times. Annie has just had her last day as P.A to a chief executive of a charitable trust and is at a bit of crossroads in her life. London has been her home for the past 29 years and she loves every aspect of her life there. Although short term contracts seem to be her thing, there is no deep longing for something permanent that would require a lot of commitment and I suppose the same could be said for her personal life. 'Mortgage, marriage, babies, lunch with the parents. It's fine if that's what you want but keeping on the move when it comes to jobs and relationships makes life far less complicated. Particularly like me if you have no family ties at all'.

Her friend Maura is married with a baby and seems forever chained to her flat caring for her son. Annie does not want this for herself at all, it's not something that appeals to her in the slightest. Clearly this is a woman who doesn't like to stay too long at any one thing. Long term commitments are just not her thing and maybe she is trying to suppress something? Is there something holding her back from making the big sacrifice? ' I sit in silence for ages as the penny drops that I'm heading for thirty and I'm not the most important person in the world to anyone'. Annie likes her independence and doing her own thing on her own terms. She's great at ignoring things that upset her and is more than allergic to commitment. So when a letter from a solicitor arrives after much deliberation and shoving said letter to the bottom of her handbag she is forced to open it and this is what changes her life forever. Although at the time she feels what the letter contains is more on an inconvenience than anything.

Annie soon finds herself on the way to Salt Bay in Cornwall - an idyllic place in the Summer but it can test you to the max in Winter. Upon reading the letter Annie discovers she has a maternal Great Aunt MrsGowan living in Tregavara House. Annie never knew of this women's existence as a family incident in the past meant all connections were cut. Alice, Mrs.McGowan, needs help as she can't manage on her own. Not that Alice was totally feeble or came across as someone who was helpless. But Alice has things going on and they have forced her to reach out the hand of help. Alice was a well written character never giving too much away at any one time. Like Annie she has become accustomed to life on her own and accepting help and reaching out to someone she has never met would not be top of her priorities. I got the sense that Alice had a bit of a story and it would be some time before the reader discovered the extent of it. I loved the way Annie gave in and dropped everything to go. It's not what she wanted to do but somewhere deep in her conscience there was something niggling at her and I am glad she gave in to it.

Her arrival again had me laughing out loud when Poldarkesque teacher Josh was the one to first greet her in perhaps the most unfortunate manner. This set us up nicely for lots of snarly comments, barbs and sparring between the pair whilst the reader could feel the tension and perhaps deeper feelings oozing off the page. Salt Bay proves to be such a contrast to the life Annie lived in London. It's not easy to get a mobile signal, there are little or no shops and it can feel quite isolated if you have no car. Instead one has to embrace the surrounding coastal countryside and beaches and this is what gives Annie plenty of thinking time. Clearly she needed this and when she escapes from looking after the house and Alice we see Annie begin to soften and make friends and discover that Salt Bay has this secret charm yet underneath it is still reeling from a tragedy. Maybe a fresh new face could be the one to bring it back to life.

Lots of characters were introduced as Annie familiarises herself with the village. Most were given brief mentions and I felt this was perhaps setting us up for future stories that will focus on different people. One person who made an impact was Kayla an Australian on a 'long' gap year who works at the pub. She becomes very close to Annie and is trying to work Annie out .I enjoyed seeing the bond develop between the pair, Kayla really brought Annie out of her shell. She was blunt and to the point and provided lots of comedic moments. Her quest for that one true love was hilarious. Kayla is such a great support but also a very proactive person. When an idea comes into her head she is determined to achieve and won't rest until she does so. She means business but in the nicest way possible. So when Annie happens upon the idea of re-establishing the Slat Bay Choral Society Kayla is right there by her side. 'All we have to do is successfully resurrect a shattered choir and bring back some joy into this subdued little corner of Cornwall.' The scenes featuring the auditions were brilliant and like something from The X Factor or Britain’s' Got Talent. In fact all the modern references were spot on from Liz Eeles and I felt she really tapped into what is relevant for her readers today. This quote from Annie sums up what an affinity she has with music and its power to heal 'Music can ease homesickness, heartache, grief, the whole caboodle'.

As I have mentioned getting the choir going again and the reasons behind it were not the sole focus of the book. Yes it had opposition and I could see why but the storyline with Toby, a distant third cousin, was very well played out and it counteracted nice with Josh's storyline. The twists and turns towards the end were excellent and never felt in the slightest bit rushed. There was a fairly dramatic point that I could visualise very clearly in my head and it only ramped up the tension and excitement to discover the outcome. For Annie like the many jobs she has had coming to Salt Bay was only ever short term. As soon as Alice had more permanent help she was gone out of there back to the London life she loved so much. Yet Salt Bay and the people who live there have that ability to cast a spell and maybe Annie is slowly starting to fall for the magic.

Following Annie on her journey made for a simply brilliant read that left me wondering why haven't we heard from this author before or maybe she was saving herself for when she could write the best book possible. Well whatever the reason it was more than worth the wait as I loved loved this book. I readily lost myself in it and didn't look up until I had finished the last word. Annie's Lovely Choir by the Sea is a book to savour and enjoy, I certainly did.

Lovely feel good book. Great in the lead up to summer. Really enjoyed this book.

I've never read a book by this author before but I will definitely be looking out for new books by her. Loved reading all about the new friends that Annie has made and that they will be featured in Liz' new book. Annie gets a letter from a great aunt Alice that she's never met and decides to go and visit in Salt Bay. Annie then forms a strong bond with Alice. She decides to try and reform the choir that folded after a tragedy in the village.

If you are looking for a story including long lost relatives, deep family secrets, a lovely older woman, one villainous man, one gorgeous guy, an Aussie barmaid, a lovely Cornish coastal location, and a choir, then you have come to the right place, as Annie's Lovely Choir by the Sea has all that and more.

Long lost relatives - Annie recieves a letter out of the blue from her Great Aunt Alice who she didnt even know existed, inviting her down to Cornwall, to spend some time with her. Since Alice's mum died she ha had no family and until now has lived a nomadic life in London, temping and moving from flat to flat. She really isn't sure how to deal with unexpected family but curiosity trumps nervousness.

Deep family secrets - ah well if I told you about these in any detail, I would spoil elements of the book. However by virtue of the fact that Alice herself was a surprise to Annie, anything Alice says about the big family rift will be a revelation.

A lovely older woman - great aunt Alice is exactly that, she is in frail health and is determined to have Annie live in Salt Bay with her on a more permanent basis, whereas Annie isn't as sure.

One villainous man - within the first few mentions of this character, my hackles were well and truly raised and it turns out with good reason. There is just something about the way he acts and his attitude in general towards Salt Bay that really annoyed me.

Whereas my one gorgeous guy - well he is a typical Cornish hunk, quite moody and is determined to hate Annie due to the family she is a part of. He and Annie don't get off the smoothest of starts, and I loved seeing their dynamic. He also seems to be an arch rival of the villainous man!

An Aussie barmaid - Kayla who takes Annie under her wing to show her the sights of Salt Bay. She is a breath of fresh air, and I loved any scene she was part of.

A lovely Cornish coastal location - welcome to Salt Bay, where is seems to rain a lot, but on the nice days it has stunning views, and beaches, a cream tea shop, the local pub and a whole group of inhabitants that would be best described as salt of the earth people. I love reading books set in Cornwall, and this definitely matched in with my previous fictional trips to the county.

And last but not least there is the Choral Society, which Kayla and Annie decide to resurrect. Although you don't really see much in the way of the practices, you can't help but get a good feel for just what it is doing for the community in Salt Bay, and how it will continue to affect people's lives.

Ultimately Annie's Lovely Choir by the Sea is an all around entertaining story with various threads running through it. I loved the reasoning behind the Choral Society's reformation, and found the whole book to be a pleasurable reading experience. Brilliant debut and I'm already looking forward to the next installment in the series.

Thanks you so much to Netgalley and Bookouture for this copy which I have reviewed voluntarily and honestly.

Annabelle Sunshine Trebarwith always lived with only her Mother in her life. And her Mother made certain they moved often and never built any permanent relationships. Annie's Mother died 3 years ago and since then Annie has made sure there were no permanent relationships. Her work is temporary. Annie is not going to be tied down to anyone or anything.
Her most recent job has ended, her boyfriend cheated on her in a spectacular scene and her roommate would prefer someone else to share their flat. At this perfect time, Annie has received a letter inviting her to come for a visit to Cornwall and to meet a great-aunt she did not even know existed. Annie was told over and over that her Mother was kicked out and no one ever wanted to have anything to do with her or her baby, Annie. London has become too noisy, too dirty and too crowded and maybe a change would be just the thing.
After much soul searching, Annie decides to take the plunge and go to Salt Bay, Cornwall.
When she arrives, it is as though she has gone to another planet. The air is clean, the people are interesting and the sea is absolutely right there in front of her.
Aunt Alice is an elderly woman who welcomes Annie into her home and her life. Alice has some secrets she is not sharing with Annie but her kindness begins to make Annie feel at ease.
The villagers are absolutely wonderful. Everyone has a story. And everyone is an individual. Annie is welcomed by nearly the entire population. After she spends some time with the villagers, she begins to learn the history and she finds that her family has played a major part in that history.
Annie is a terrific heroine. She has kept herself separate in life, but she is beginning to see that may not be exactly what she wants for herself. Being part of the village seems to be casting a spell over her.
The secondary characters are a wonderful addition to the story. As the reader learns about the village and the villagers, it is obvious that even though there has been tragedy each of them is trying in their own way to overcome.
This is a feel good story. And it is a happy story. Even the events which are difficult, make us see that there is good right there. There is laughter. There is kindness. And generally there is a picture of people being good.
Ms Eeles has created a wonderful world. It made me want to move to that small village in Cornwall. It also made me read this book as quickly as I could.
I received this book from the author and the publisher through NetGalley. I am voluntarily writing this review and all opinions are my own.

I have to admit from the title and book cover I had envisioned the story to be one that might be aimed for the more romantic and older readers among us. What I got though was a wonderfully modern, fun filled and engaging read.

The setting was just wonderful. I was very envious of Annie. It felt a bit like Escape To The Country. Alice's house I was constantly visualising it in my head and was wishing that I could go and join both characters by staying there.

There are so many great characters in this book. From the frail and lovely Alice, the fun loving Aussie Kayla, the love interest Josh, even the slime ball Toby. I loved each and every one of them as they all brought so much to the story.

The story mainly focuses on Annie and her families past. I was slightly worried that it might be mainly to do with the choir but the choir is actually very much in the background in the story which for me I personally preferred. I did like the reasoning for the choir and the thread to do with that as it is one that is very heart warming.

Annie's Lovely Choir By The Sea is very much a breath of fresh air. I think it will certainly hold some surprises in between its pages for its readers. Right from the very start I knew I was going to love this book and I wasn't wrong. This is without a doubt a fabulous read and one that will no doubt get this author a huge following as I for one can not wait to read more by her.

great read and easy to follow story line. look forward to reading more from this author

This was a really lovely story! I had expected the slightly typical girly romance story by the cover and description (don't get me wrong - I love the typical girly romances but I've read rather a lot of similar ones recently!) but I was pleasantly surprised by this! The description of the Cornish town, and the reaction of the townspeople to a Londoner is so true and you can really imagine being there with Annie. I loved Alice as a character, and I was really emotionally involved in the whole story which is always lovely. The ending was exactly how I wanted to go and the book as a whole was really well written. Thank you for the chance to review this - blog review up soon!

This is the first novel by Liz Eeles, and I look forward to reading many more.

This is a delightful romantic comedy that puts Londoner Annie Trebarwith completely out of her comfort zone, and all that she knows, by looking after her elderly great aunt in Salt Bay, Cornwall. It being a romantic comedy there's a dashing love interest, a best friend and a lovely setting. Of course there are obstacles along the way-- true love never does run smooth-- but the obstacles are what makes anything interesting.

I think the sign of any good book is when you look forward to when you can read it again. This entertaining book was exactly that-- a fun read that I very much enjoyed.

"Annie's Lovely Choir by the Sea" is very entertaining and highly recommended for fans of romantic comedies.