Cover Image: Spring at Blueberry Bay

Spring at Blueberry Bay

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Member Reviews

OMG this is Holly's best book ever I haven't laughed so much in ages
This is the story of Bella and Isaac, Bella is applying for a fundraising events manager post at Isaac's charity organisation and as it supports homeless people Isaac tests her pre interview by disguising himself as a homeless person to get an honest reaction to the type of person the charity helps. The events that unfold from their first meeting to the end of the story are both hilarious and endearing.
The relationship between them is complicated to say the least. The chemistry is electric (and steamy too), the mishaps had me laughing out loud so much there were times I had to stop reading to compose myself before I could continue, equally there were heartfelt moments that brought a lump to my throat. This is a book I'm already highly recommending to friends and family.
With background stories being set for other characters I can only hope we will re visit Hope Island to see the stories of Bella's siblings unfold.

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"Spring at Blueberry Bay" is about Bella, who is scared of love and lost her old job at a charity company because the owner took the founded money. Now she has almost nothing left but there is a job interview at another charity company coming.
A few days before this interview she finds a (of course good looking) homeless guy in front of her house and, because she likes helping others, she takes him in. I wondered, "wtf? She lets a strange guy into her house? That is a bit dangerous!" But (only) the reader soon finds out who this man is: Isaac Scott, the CEO of the company wheere Bella will have the job interview. Than I asked myself why he would do that? I mean, sure, that way he gets to know applicants and if they are willing to help at all. But it's a very unorthodox way.
You can guess what will happen, right?

Although it all happens really fast, it's lovely to read how Bella develops and also how Isaac is handling the complicated Bella. Bella loves her new job and she is there for Isaac when he loses his home. Isaac is a really nice guy and I can see why Bella falls in love with him. But it has to get a bit complicated because otherwise it would be boring, right? When a family secret is revealed Bella runs away from her problems - and she pushes Isaac away.

There are some things that made me think. Isaac codes an app for Bella and the charity in 2 weeks. It's similar to Pokémon Go, as it is also said in the book. But I think you aren't able to design an app like that in nearly two weeks. Isaac learned how to do this stuff at university and hasn't done it in years. I don't think that it's possible to do this during a short time. But okay, this is fiction, not reality.

If you have a problem with books including some sex scenes than you should probably skip this book. But if you like reading a good romance with two cute dogs and lovely people in it, than you should go for it. I was a bit sad when I reached the end of the book. I hope to read more of Bella and Isaac and maybe of Eden and Dougie?

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I thought this was a great book and loved Bella and Isaac's story.

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I had a hard time with the passive aggressive lines of the main character. Sugar sweet and totally un loveable? Sorry but it took away from the whole story because that was the whole story.

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Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for this advance review copy.

Bella lives on Hope Island, part of the Scilly Isles. She’s been through a rough time but things are looking up with a job interview to work for the Umbrella Foundation, a homelessness charity based on the island. She finds Zack, a homeless man, outside her home a few days before her interview. She invites him in, lets him have a shower, gives him her last bowl of porridge and falls helplessly in love with him. Unfortunately Zack isn’t who he says he is….

I loved this book, I don’t think I’ve read a Holly Martin book that I don’t love! I’ve read so many crime books lately that it so refreshing to read something so fun and light hearted. I knew just by reading the description that I would be caught into this book, hook line and sinker. You can’t help but fall in love with the characters – Isaac especially! He’s tall, blond, caring, romantic, sexy and rich - everyone should have an Isaac in their life! You know how the storyline of these books go – you know it’s going to be a happy ever after ending with a few disasters and tragedies along the way, but I don’t care as it was just such a delight to read! It wasn’t only the story or characters that were captivating, but the setting also. The Island was described beautifully, almost to the point where I’m moving down there right now just to sit and gaze over the beautiful sparkling sea.

The book does have some sex scenes in it, but they are all tastefully done - hang on, who am I kidding, the sex scenes were almost as hot as Isaac’s hot tub! But they were all still done in such a way that it’s still a book that you could let your Nan read!

This is probably the best Holly Martin book I’ve read so far! Fantastic, fantastic, fantastic. Roll on book 2!

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As warm and enchanting as all of Holly Martin's other books! She is one of my favourite authors! I just have one problem now I've finished this book, and it's that I might be a little in love with Isaac!

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Every time I read a Holly Martin book I fall more and more in love. As always this was an easy book to pick up, get lost in and fall in love with. Every page of this book was delicious and impossible to put down.

The characters may be quirky and overly honest but they are each brilliant and lovable in their own way. Each time they made me fall in love with them again and again. I fell in love with Issac at the same time as Belle - page one. He was adorable, and kind and generous. He was the perfect gentleman.

I loved that most of the story was told from Belle's perspective with only the occasional, and very rare, thought from Issac. She gave me all the feels of a perfect romance. And I loved that nothing was easy or straight-forward, they both have flaws that they need to work on. Their relationship is like a roller coaster. Luckily there are more ups than downs.

And I loved the supporting cast. I cannot wait to see more of these guys - especially Eden and Dougie (please let these two be the main couple in the next book). All of them made me want to reach out and as them to be my friends. I also loved Camille, Issac's PA who always turned up at the right moments to save the day. Or to just let Bella and Issac get on with their relationship. She never stood in their way.

The setting was incredible - I've never been to the Scilly Isles but they sound idyllic and picturesque. And lots of sunshine. Which is always important. Add the fact that this is an island, not that close to the mainland means that there is a certain uniqueness to the tale. Although being a small community means that everyone knows everyone's business and has an opinion. And this is no different.

This was a beautifully written tale, that was funny and well thought out. A charming tale that will always find a way into my heart. Swoonsome, flirty and downright gorgeous this is one book I promise that you do not want to miss out on.

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Funny and sweet romance. This put a big ginormous smile on my face and made a cold and miserable day so much brighter.

When I spied this on Netgalley I couldn't resist requesting as it sounded like just the type of book I was in need of. Having read some heavy and kind of depressing books I was looking for something light, fluffy and romantic to get me out of a slump so this seemed like the perfect choice. From the very pretty cover to the enticing blurb this was definitely a story that appealed and it didn't let me down.

This was my first book by this author and for the most part I did really like her writing style. It makes for some nice and easy reading that you can just relax into. Main characters Bella and Isaac are very likeable and there's a great mix of quirky secondary characters. I loved the setting of Hope Island and the real sense of community you got. It's one of those places where everyone knows everyone else and nothing is a secret but I do love the idea of neighbours looking out for each other.

The story itself was a little bit different from the norm and the romance, while being a little bit quick, was believable and there was a definite spark at times. What I loved the most however was the humor and wit. There were a few occasions when I found myself laughing out loud at either a scene or some dialogue.

I did have a few little niggles which is why I gave it four rather than five stars. I'm a big supporter of the show don't tell rule of writing and I felt that at times it wandered a little bit too far into the tell side. This was particularly true in the beginning when we seemed to get every characters detailed history and thoughts. I think I would have preferred information to have been revealed a little more gradually. Isaac's big secret for example is revealed pretty much in the first chapter.

I also felt at times the dialogue was a little on the clunky side. It's possibly me being very repressed but I don't know anyone who talks about their emotions and feelings the way the characters do at times.

These are however pretty minor niggles and for the most part I found this a very difficult book to put down. It's definitely one I'd recommend if you're looking for something light, funny and romantic.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for providing me with an ARC. As always all thoughts are my own.

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I absolutely love hollys books they always have me on the edge of tears before throwing me right into giggles and back again. I really enjoyed Isaac and Bellas story I think they may be my favourite characters from holly yet. Can not wait for the release of the next book!!

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An absolutely FAB story! Holly Martin does it again! I LOVE Holly's books and this one is brilliant! A beautifully written, feel good, fun, charming tale that grabs you from the first page. Adored it and highly recommend to everyone.

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I was privileged enough to get a copy of this book to read and review. I picked it up this morning to read a few chapters to get a initial impression and have sat here today on and off reading it until I had read the whole book! Fantastic story that draws you in until the end.
The story focuses on the endearing Bella, who is part courageous and strong while under the surface is really fragile and emotional. Bella is well written and multi-layered character who you just cant help wanting to love and give a big hug. Her boss Issac, who though slightly devious to begin with, is every girls dream man, kind, caring and he listens. I loved Issac and could not help but to laugh and cry with him and Bella on their journey.
I loved how other characters knew each other and everyone was linked somehow in the main story really giving the impression of a small island. The island was beautifully described and I was quickly whisked away to the beautiful beaches and fields of Hope Island.
I thought the Easter egg hunt was ingenious and I want to go on one too now!
Overall a great story with good lovable characters. I will definitely be checking out more of Holly's work.

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Oh my! I think ive just fell in love with the amazing Isacc!

The characters are just fantastic and incredibly loveable.

Bella and Isaac's relationship is like a rollercoaster, so many ups and downs, a few false starts but they get over each hurdle and it is clear to see that these are two people destined to be together.

The book is jam packed with romance, passion and fun.

This is one of the loveliest romances ive ever read.

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Sometimes you just need a really good read, one that will lift you out of your doldrums. When I’m having a day (or week) like that, I reach for Holly Martin and I’m never disappointed. Bella is the kind of person who takes care of others before herself and always has a kind word to say, so when she finds a man in dire straits on her doorstep she offers him a place to stay – with her. Bella believes Issac is a homeless man down on his luck, but she’s wrong. Issac has been lying to Bella and even as the two begin to develop feelings for each other, his secret looms over their heads. After being hurt in the past, Bella is wary of anyone lying to her. Can their budding romance survive his deception? Okay, I know none of us would invite a stranger to move in with us (no matter how good looking he was), but that’s the magic in Martin’s books, you can suspend disbelief and, for a little while, believe in happily ever after

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A fantastically romantic book, that teaches you about love, and has one of my favourite book boyfriends of the year in it. In fact Isaac is just the sort of man I love reading about, sexy and full of romantic gestures both big and small. It was one of those gestures that had me declaring my own undying love for the guy, many chapters before Bella sorted out her own feelings.

Bella is a heroine that I connected with immediately, she wears her heart on her sleeve, and although allowing a homeless man she has only just met, to spend the night in the house where she lives alone, may be dangerous, she clearly has a very trusting nature and takes people at face value. She is struggling herself after having had immense bad luck in her previous job, she is down to the last of her money, as she tries to find a new job.

Bella in a charity events fundraiser and has plenty innovative ideas for events, especially with Easter coming up. My favourite idea is where Pokemon Go meets an Easter Egg hunt, to create a brand new game. Isaac is the boss at the foundation, and there is plenty of chemistry between the two of them from the start.

I also loved Bella's family, and how close they all are. Erin and Rome clearly look out for Bella's best interests at all times, and Claudia, Isaac's PA tries to protect him too. Bella though doesn't really believe in love so its up to her friends and family, plus Isaac to try and convince her of its merits.

This was a story that really reached out to me, and at points I was almost in tears, just due to feeling so connected with the characters, that I was really able to empathise with them.

Spring at Blueberry Bay is Holly Martin at her best, the story was incredibly easy to get into, but equally I was interested in the characters from the first chapter, where the introduction to them is rather unique. I also love the setting of Hope Island in the Scilly Isles, which has loads of picturesque sounding locales on the island, and the island setting, and its remoteness adds a certain something to the story. If you are a fan of the author then I'm positive you will enjoy this book as much as I do, and I'm already eagerly looking forward to hearing more about any future books with this setting.

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

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