I love a good book series. There is just something so special about returning to a place I know and love and falling back into step with characters that are already my friends. So, when I heard about Sarah Bennett's second book and the fact that it would be book two in a 'Butterfly Cove' series, I couldn't have been more thrilled.
To make sure you are up to speed, read my review for book one, 'Sunrise at Butterfly Cove.' Book one was Mia and Daniel's story. Book two is Mia's sister Kiki and Daniel's friend, Aaron's story and what a story it is...

Kiki has finally had enough of her husband. She is no longer going to stay with such a horrible man and let her children be treated so unfairly by their so called father. She's just mad that it has taken her so long to come to her senses. Kiki's used to pleasing everyone and keeping herself to herself, but she just can't do it anymore, so when her husband goes away on a business trip, she packs the car up, grabs the kids and heads to Butterfly Cove to stay with her sister Mia.

Aaron really feels at home when he's working on Mia and Daniels guest house in Butterfly Cove, it's such a far cry from London. So when a little cottage comes up for sale, in a move that's very unlike him, he buys it. Just in time too, or so it seems, as when Mia's sister calls expecting to find room for her at Butterfly house, only for Aaron to tell her they are full, the only reasonable thing he can think of, is to offer her his new home to stay at. She does sound rather desperate after all.

How will Kiki and the children feel being in a new house, with a complete stranger? How will Aaron cope around the kids? What will Kiki's husband say when he finds out she has left? So many answers are waiting to be revealed in 'Wedding Bells at Butterfly Cove.'

It felt so good to be back in Butterfly Cove again. The air, the sea, the wonderful people, you can't be away from such a place for too long. I loved that as much as this book was about Kiki and Aaron, I got to keep up to date with Mia and Daniel too, it was good to see Butterfly house expanding and keeping busy. I like to know those things, you know? Like when I finish reading a book, I imagine that the characters get on with their lives and live their happily ever afters. Sometimes at the strangest of times, I will think about characters I have read in books and wonder what they are up to and hope that they are doing well. Which is probably why I love series so much; I actually get to revisit those characters and see all this happening. So yay for Mia and Daniel.

Now, back to Kiki. I was so proud of her for standing up for herself and getting herself and her children away from her toxic marriage. Her husband was vile, so I was all for her moving away and I wasn't settled until she arrived safely at Butterfly Cove. She faced a lot of personal challenges after what she had been through. Trust, self confidence and self worth. All of which she worked on and improved on, while getting her life back on track. I love seeing characters grow and become more comfortable in their own skin, it's incredibly empowering and gives me bursts of inspiration. Kiki especially made me feel like this because she was such a sweet, kindhearted person, who struggled to say no to people. So to see her have a little more control and strength was very moving.

As for Aaron, he was a genuinely lovely guy, with a heart of gold. I noticed in book one how much he loved the family atmosphere in Butterfly House and how happy he was to be accepted in to the fold so quickly, so it was very interesting to learn about his past and what made him long to feel loved. I liked that he was a big, strong guy who wasn't afraid to be emotional. Not just with Kiki, in fact more so with his brother Luke. Their relationship was one to aspire too. They didn't shy away from really talking to each other or telling each other how they felt and they weren't scared of brotherly hugs either! I really enjoyed their interactions with each other and felt their relationship really added to the story.

Seeing Aaron and Kiki come to terms with their pasts and building their futures, while surrounded by a cast of equally wonderful characters, makes being at Butterfly Cove so inviting. Everything about the place screams comfort, warmth and family. I can literally picture the house, the gardens, the sea and Aaron's cottage as I type this and it puts a smile on my face. Do you want to know what makes that smile even bigger?? Knowing that the third book is called... 'Christmas at Butterfly Cove.' Yes you read that right, Christmas!!!! So now I can picture all of the above with added fairy lights and Christmas trees and oh the excitement is just too much! Plus the cover is absolutely gorgeous!

I cannot wait to read the last book in this heartwarming series. I already have ideas of whose story we are going to get next, which I'm very much looking forward to!! :)

I was thrilled to be able to go back and visit Butterfly Cove, I was so engrossed with the place, the characters of Mia and Daniel to be able to go back and see how everything is progressing is a delight.

Sometimes with a second book there can be a lot of rehashing of the first so anyone picking it up can feel that they are not missing anything by not having read the first. I am afraid to say you are. If you want to realise how Mia and Daniel got to where they are and the strength they clearly have in this book then you need to go and read the first.

Of course though, there are more people to get to know and this book is centred very much on Kiki, Mia's sister. She makes the momentous decision to change her life and leave her husband.

Taking her two children she arrives on Mia's doorstep at Butterfly Cove and she is struggling to see any worth in anything. Her life has not been easy even when she was a child and the decisions she has made as an adult have probably been the result of it. Her relationship with her sister is still rather fraught at times but perhaps now she has made one momentous decision the next few will be a lot easier to handle.

Aaron, let his friend Daniel down when he needed him the most, but has since been making up for that by helping Daniel with his latest project. Having seen the draw to a place such as Butterfly Cove he has settled himself down there and is reflecting on how he has never found where he belongs in life, especially when it seems others have been conspiring against him for some unknown reason. Aaron has a lot of love to give and it seems he cannot find the right person to give it to.

Can Kiki see her worth and can Aaron share his love?

Just like the first book there is a lot of depth to all the characters, fully formed and still with strong storylines this is not one of those books which you can skim read and still get the impact that the author is after. The book is totalling absorbing and kept me hooked. This author can and should be easily found with the likes of Carol Matthews and Katie Fforde. I cannot wait for the third book, so I can visit the healing place that has certainly become Butterfly Cove.

I loved the first book in the Butterfly Cove series and was keen to read the second instalment.

Kiki finally decides to split from her husband and takes her children to her sisters bed and breakfast in Butterfly Cove. Aaron next door offers to let them share his house and they soon settle into a lovely daily routine.

Mia and Daniel's wedding plans are taking pace and something to look forward to.

I love Sarah Bennetts characters- you quickly fall in love with them and will them to make the right decisions. The setting is so beautiful aswell. You can imagine living near them and getting to know everyone really well. I am now really looking forward to the next book in the series.

Kiki has finally had enough of her abusive husband when she finds out that he has been cheating on her so when he goes off on a 3 month trip to Greece she ups and leaves with the two children and issues him with divorce papers as soon as he is out of the door.......and where would she go other than to her sister Mia in Butterfly Cove.

Aaron has always had a difficult family life, his mother died when he was young and his stepmother never wanted him and continually put him down for whatever he did no matter how much her tried to please her, so when Kiki turns up with her two children and is obviously distraught he offers her space at his cottage - his best friend Daniel is marrying Kiki's sister Mia and Kiki is worried about getting in the way if she stays with Mia and also costing her money by taking up her B & B rooms.

This is a lovely warm story of how the two come to terms with their pasts and find that their friendship can really help heal their wounds....but will it turn to more than that. A great sequel to Sunrise at Butterfly Cove and hopefully looking forward to Nee's story next!

I absolutely loved that for this story it was based on Mia's sister Kiki and Aaron and it was really nice to see that the characters from the previous book were still included in this one. I found that their characters were really lovely and you find yourself really wanting both of them to have their Happy Ever After. It made me not want to put the book down because I really wanted to see what happened between them!

There was a lot of stories and drama happening in this book, I particularly found Neil and Kiki's relationship really interesting (don't get me wrong, I really disliked Neil but found myself cheering Kiki on when she drove herself and her kids down to Mia's place!) - and I found that when this happened I struggled to put the book down!

This romance book is delightful and I really enjoyed it. It was so lovely seeing two very nice characters come together! You really do feel sympathy and love for the characters in this book.

I had not read the first book in the series, but will do so now. The main character finally realizes that her marriage is over and escapes her abusive and controlling husband. She moves away and gets a second chance at love. Although most of the characters seem to have some personal baggage, I found them sympathetic and easy to like. Underlying themes of domestic abuse and step-parenting issues add to the development of the story.

Such a feel good summer read. Really enjoyed. It was a light hearted read- perfect for a beach poolside read.

Wedding Bells at Butterfly Cove is the sweet follow up to Sunrise at Butterfly Cove (Butterfly Cove #1). This time it’s Kiki’s story. Kiki has been living in a physical and emotionally abusive marriage and the final straw is when she finds out that her husband has been cheating on her. She takes the kids and escapes to Butterfly Cove. There she is surrounded by her sister and the cast of characters she has collected. They allow her the time and support she needs to forgive herself and heal.
Aaron Spenser is Daniels best friend and is not without some emotional baggage. When he meets Kiki and her kids he is determined not to fall but the best laid plans of mice and men…
I really enjoyed this visit to Butterfly Cove and its inhabitants. This is a sweet, feel good, clean love story that will get you in the awwws.
Thank you to Netgalley and HQ Digital for this copy of the book which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.

Wedding Bells at Butterfly Cove

Rating: 3 out of 5 stars

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Story Notes

Sarah Bennett's newest story based in England is a pretty good read with several romances that are sweet but real and if there hadn't been such a large inclusion of strong curse words I would have given this story a higher rating. I was glad to see her create such a good character in Kiki who finally decided to be strong for herself and her children. I"m not a proponent for divorce usually but in her case I am given she was facing abuse and infidelity from her husband. And to see her finally be treated by her family and Aaron as a lovely and caring person made me very pleased. It was fun to hear all the British phrases and words as well, as I love the lyrical and interesting way they speak. However, I was sad to see the inclusion of so many ugly curse words. I realize that the majority of people may not mind those words and may even use them on occasion but they are not for me. And I believe that an author that includes them lacks the imagination to conceal the words while still conveying the meaning. Writing "cursed softly" may not seem like a big change but I for one would much rather see that in the story as opposed to the "f" word written (or shouted) out.. I despise the use of language when it is done as name calling and not used for the original meaning of a word. Add to this the somewhat overly descriptive couple scenes and this book was not "my cup of tea", to use their phrase.
So while I did enjoy the plot of the story I was disappointed with the language/scenes included. I would also like to point out that this book was listed as "heartwarming and uplifting" which is a bit of a stretch given the content of the story. I will be looking for cleaner authors for my future readings and will not recommend this book as I would not wish to offend anyone of my acquaintance.

I received this book free of charge from HarperCollinsUK via NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review. I will receive no fiscal compensation from either company for this review.

Another great book in the Butterfly Cove series, great easy read.

Finished this in one sitting! Really loved it, hopefully there's book 2 in the pipeline for other characters 😉

I haven't read the first Butterfly Cove story but I definitely want to now - this book definitely gave me a warm, fuzzy feeling and distracted me from my nerves over an impending op. I loved reading about how the three sisters - Mia, Kiki and Nee - support each other, I have 3 sisters and could recognise the conflicted emotions that often exist between siblings. A quick read but full of warmth and smiles , with a smattering of tears thrown in, just delightful.

Lovely fee good summer read. It was everything i had expected from the description. Butterfly cove just sounds idylic and amazing. as do the residents. it was everything i hoped for and more

It was absolutely brilliant that this book is based on Kiki and Aaron's story. They are just the kindest characters that deserve every happiness so I couldn't wait to find out what was going to happen for both of them.

Its also the run up to Mia and Daniels wedding so there is a lot going on in this book.

I literally could not put this down! I adore the butterfly cove series. It really is just a beautiful place and it just makes me so happy reading these books.

4.5 - "Let Butterfly Cove work it's magic..." Stars!

The second book in the Butterfly Cove series continues Mia and Daniels story, in that it mainly takes place around the planning and taking place of their wedding, but the story is in general told through Mia’s sister Kiki.

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I found her intriguing in the original book, because as a woman with two children in an extremely unhappy marriage, I struggled with her lack of action in relation to doing the right thing by her kids.

Again the author gives you a character, well two actually because Aaron Spenser (the romantic interest in this one) is also an adult dealing with a lot of baggage, and takes the drama that their story demands and delivers it in a surprisingly low-angst story-line.

Soon the little mouse would roar…

I was pleased to see Kiki come to her senses quickly after her ‘turn-the-other-cheek’ attitude in the previous book to her husband’s assholery. Butterfly Cove and its residents are as restorative to her and her children as it was to Daniel and Mia in the first book.

"I just wanted one uncomplicated thing in my life, and I thought you were it."

This is a story that is what I would call low level romance, the feelings do grow and deepen between Kiki and Aaron, but the story is more focused on both of them dealing with their issues, Kiki in the form of her soon-to-be ex-husband, and her parental responsibilities, and Aaron with long simmering resentments to his step-mother.

"You’ll leave me… Everybody does."

Having read the first two books pretty much in succession, it’s safe to say that Sarah Bennett has stepped firmly into my auto-buy box, and I cannot wait for the next installment in the series Christmas at Butterfly Cove, if the little glimpses of what its likely to be about from this book are indicative enough its going to be another emotional read, with the added sparkle of Christmas thrown in for good measure!

"I hope Butterfly Cove can bring you as much joy as it has me."

ARC generously provided via Netgalley, and it was a pleasure to provide the above honest review.

A fun story of Kiki and Aaron's romance. When Kiki's cruel husband leaves for the summer she packs up the kids and runs to her sister's place. A little crowded, so Aaron, a friend of Kiki' soon to be brother in law, offered them a place in his new house. A good story that once I got into it was hard to put down. The names got me confused in the beginning, as many of them blended together, but once I got into the main action the book flew. Highly recommend this book and author and look forward to the next book in the series.

4.5 stars.

Sarah Bennett delivers a charming follow up to Sunrise at Butterfly Cove filled with hope and feeling. Ever since finishing Mia and Daniel's story I was dying to see what lay in store for Mia's sister Kiki and Daniel's best friend, Aaron and the thankfully short wait was worth it as my love for Butterfly Cove and its residents is stronger than ever.

"Two single people living under the same roof doesn’t have to lead to anything, right?"

Sarah has a true gift in taking what could quite easily be heavy subject matter, and making it the very opposite whilst maintaining sensitivity and emotional impact. And although the romantic aspect is almost secondary—perfectly fitting considering all Kiki and Aaron are experiencing—their blossoming friendship, fears, support for one another, his relationship with her kids and the overall continuing and developing story involving the residents of Butterly Cove, holds this story together beautifully.

"This might not be his family, but maybe he could pretend it was–just for a little while."

I adore all these characters, they are people I would love in my life and the only reason Wedding Bells at Butterfly Cove didn't quite reach 5-stars was as I felt Kiki's ex-husband got off a bit too lightly. This delightful series is one I highly recommend and with Mia and Kiki's younger sister, Nee returning to the fold, revealing her own secrets, I absolutely can't wait to see what gift Christmas at Butterfly Cove will bring.

Loved this well written romance. The book has a great storyline and setting. I enjoyed the author's writing style.

Wedding Bells at Butterfly Cove by Sarah Bennett is a delightful and engaging read. I was impressed with the writer's talent. I laughed so hard and felt sympathy for the main charcater, Kiki. Kiki is a fictional charcater but one that readers like myself can relate to...I never went through some of the things Kiki did but I totally understood the family and relationship issues. Sarah Bennett created a hilarious, sweet, but believable tale. Her plot holds a lot. A divorce in the works, a lying slash cheating husband, kids who were sad, and a broken family. Plus, broken hearts that needed healing. Kiki' children are the sweetest. My heart instantly melted for them. Then, with her bravery of leaving the abusive relationship behind, I applauded her. She went from being abused to being independent and strong. The transformation was slow but beautiful. Then, there was the handsome stranger working for Kiki's sister, Aaron. Aaron, instantly let Kiki and her kids live in his cottage. He never met them yet what he did won me over...a blossoming romance on the horizon, a meddling older sweet woman, and a family that might just get mended. Wedding Bells at Butterfly Cove has it all. It was an emotional journey I'll never forget. Overall, I highly recommend Sarah Bennett's novel to all.

Four and a half feel good stars!

Full and frank disclosure, I thought this was the second book in another series about an English widow which I also read fairly recently. But actually I preferred this series anyway!

To recap, Mia's husband Jamie died in a car accident and she bought a huge dilapidated house in the South of England on a whim. Daníel was a young photographer who started to believe his own hype and the sycophantic hangers on until he had a rude awakening and escaped on a random train into the country. They fell in love and are restoring the house to turn it into a B&B with ancillary artist studios.

Mia's sister Kiki is married with two small children. Her husband Neil is a nasty piece of work and when she discovers he is sending sexy emails to another woman she decides to leave him and go to stay with Mia. When she calls Mia, Daniel's best friend Aaron answers the phone and offers to let her and the children share his four bedroom cottage whilst the B&B is full.

This was such a lovely feel good novel. Aaron has a bit of a knight in shining armour complex and is always helping damsels in distress. But he is sick of helping them and watching them leave him once they are fixed/ better and doesn't want Kiki to do the same, especially since they are so closely connected.

Mia has had her confidence completely destroyed by first her alcoholic mother and then her husband. She believes she is clumsy and stupid and incapable of looking after herself.

As Mia and Daníel prepare to open the B&B can Aaron and Kiki get over their fears?

Loved this, loved Aaron, loved Kiki's adorable children, loved seeing Mia and Daníel once more. Can't wait for the next book.

Recommended if you like small town romances featuring an accountant who wants a home and family of his own and a mother of two who needs a man she can rely upon. All set in an idyllic cove that you just want to visit.