I love the cover of this book and the blurb really intrigued me, I love visiting Scotland and adore books set there so I hoped it was going to be a hit with me!

Well I am delighted to be able to say that I loved the story, it was well written and I loved Marc and Rosalie, their interaction was spot on and it really helped the plot I think and gave it an added edge, it is not just another romance book. I loved the setting and it was a lovely story for me to read – I thoroughly enjoyed it!

4.5 stars from me rounded up to 5 stars for Goodreads and Amazon – a delightful book to read, it is a well written story with some great characters!!

Little Pink Taxi is a little gem of a book, I was surprised at this book which is always a good thing. I was fooled by the gorgeous cover thinking it would be a fluffy read but it’s so much more. We have mystery, intrigue, twists and romance all set in the most wonderful setting.

I will avoid saying much about the plot as I felt the mystery and surprises that are in store are to be enjoyed going into them blind. Both Rosalie and Marc are likeable characters and I enjoyed reading about them, They’re not perfect and that’s what I liked about them as they seemed much more real. We read about the pasts of these two characters and I loved learning more about them.

The setting was the real winner for me, the village sounded utterly divine and I love anything set in Scotland so of course I would love it! The history of the castle was just wonderful and I loved being swept away to Scotland fora few hours. We also get some Norse history as well which I wasn’t expecting but worked well within the book.

Marie’s writing was brilliant, she hooked me easily to the plot and I couldn’t put it down until I’d read it all. It’s an enjoyable, easy read that is perfect for an afternoon read.

Little Pink Taxi seems to have it all – history, romance, mystery, supernatural all written brilliantly by a talented author. It was pure delight reading this book and I highly recommend it to people wanting a fun escape to Scotland.

It's been ages since I read romantic suspense and I must say that this was a very pleasurable one.

Bernadette is a high-flying events planner, completely focussed on her own job with scant regard to her husband's career. As a paediatrician, Hayden hardly has a nine-to-five routine, but Bernie insists he be at her side during the parties she organises. When things reach crisis point on all fronts, Hayden leaves abruptly and heads into the Australian mountains and the place where he grew up.

Isabelle hasn't had things easy; she has retreated to her grandparents old bakery in the same small country town with her daughter, Genevieve, who is profoundly deaf. It's only a matter of time before she and Hayden are re-acquainted, bringing back unwelcome memories of their childhood. This is the tale of a small town, the people in it, and the community spirit which fosters strongly through the years.

A really good read, this was more complex than I expected it to be. The characters are - mostly - delightful; the author has skilfully created differing personalities, all well-rounded and with a history. Genevieve, in particular, is very charasmatic and a prime example of someone whose incapacity won't hold her back in life. A well-planned and excellently written story, and an entertaining one. The pace of the story changes with events and no matter what's going on, I found it kept my attention throughout. And, for those who know me well, it finished with all questions answered - my favourite type of novel!

My thanks to the author for alerting me to his work and to publishers Central Avenue for my copy via NetGalley. This is my honest, original and unbiased review.

This is a lively read with a story line with plenty of action and even more romance. I loved the setting up in Scotland and really got a sense of the close-knit community and way of life. You feel that you can see the beautiful though misty scenery and the castle is described in whimsical detail. I enjoyed reading about Marc's impressions of the place as an outsider who comes from a totally different world but there are clues that he may not be as he first appears to Rosalie. The ghostly goings-on are a bit of a surprise but fit in with the remote village and surroundings.

Rosalie turns out to be a character who wears her heart on her sleeve and you are really rooting for her by the end. She is the glue that keeps the community going. Her friends and the villagers who rely on the little pink taxi, add humour and interest, showing a whole different side to Rosalie. You soon come to realise that profit is not her bottom line, as opposed to others. This is a fun read with some intrigue and mystery mixed in with a large dose of romance.

In short: Romance and intrigue add up to a fun read.

Thanks to the author for a copy of the book.

Favorite Quotes:

Well, she had some old wizard cast a spell on the bed before her nuptials to make sure her betrothed could … Perform … Over the years, this bed has proved a steady source of income for the McBrides. Any man whose virility was in need of a little …push could bring his wife here for a fee –a jar of whiskey, a brace of pheasants, a good-sized salmon. Every mark on the bedposts represents a successful night… We organise weddings here now, and people come a long way to … ahem … stay, in this bed.

The kind of physical attraction she’d never experienced before, but that could, according to her friend Alice’s late night confessions, make you lose your head, your self-respect, and most of your clothing.

Now it’s time for the Stitch and Bitch group… The local knitting group or “Knit and Natter”, as they are formally known.

What’s wrong? Is it a little too strong for you? … Perhaps my hand slipped as I was pouring in the coffee granules … unless I mistook the pepper container for sugar.

My Review:

With the playful cover and title I was expecting a Rom/Com, and although the entertaining storylines included romance and amusing humor, there were also strong elements of mystery and suspense with and serious crimes that were committed and solved along the way. I enjoyed the premise, quirky characters, smooth writing style and well-paced mysteries that kept my curiosity primed.

There was a bit of everything in this story including a hidden treasure, ghosts, parentage issues, and a series of vexing crimes that started out as small nuisances before mushrooming into more serious felonies that included hit and run, sabotage, attempted murder, kidnapping, blackmail, burglary, and assault. And I dare not forget the mythical properties of the magical bed with centuries worth of actual notches.

I reveled in the quirky traits and colorful descriptions and behaviors Ms. Laval gave her characters. I adored the major players although the character of Rosalie was not always likable as she was stubborn and immature and prone to outbursts and childish displays of temper - of course, I have never been accused of such annoying behaviors myself as I’m simply lovely, all-the-time.

I have two sparkling new additions to my British Isles Vocab list with “yob,” which Mr. Google informed me was a rude, noisy and aggressive young man, and “bampot,” which according to the Urban Dictionary is a Scottish term meaning 'hooligan' or 'trouble-maker', so essentially, they are much the same thing and both quite fun to say.

4 Pretty Pink Stars 🌟🌟🌟🌟

Castles, Pink taxis, and Scotland... oh my! This book was a genre smorgasbord... and the best kind of smorgasbord at that.... with a dash of history... a dose of romance... a splash of mystery... and a dollop of the paranormal... oh and I cannot forget a side of laughter.... The perfect blend of genres all wrapped up in a pretty pink package...

Rosalie runs the local cab company... helping get the villagers here and there without thought of profit... Rosalee is a very warm hearted, generous, and fun loving person... more concerned with others than herself, so invested in the community... so when grumpy Mark Peterson comes to town more concerned with the bottom line than anything else Rosalie is less than thrilled.... determined to show Mark that there is more to life than profits she takes him for a ride in her little pink taxi...

So much charm and heart throughout this book... Rosalie really should be the ambassador of this delightful Scottish village... she really brought this book to life for me... so much passion and compassion... I SO would love to visit and I would absolutely take a ride in one of those pink taxis!

This was just such a fun lighthearted read with something for everyone! Strongly recommend!

*** many thanks to Choc Lit and Rachel at Rachel’s Random Resources for my copy of this book ***

I love the cover for Little Pink Taxi but it is a little deceptive, this is not just a soft and fluffy rom/com, it is slightly more darker than that,

Rosalie Heart loves driving her little pink taxi, she's a welcome sight to many of the residents who depend on her to take them to the local shops and the airport, with her cheerful smile and her singing along to Happy Baby Radio while driving!

Marc Peterson, the new owner of Raventhorn Castle, is cold, controlled and lacking in emotions, he's a stuck-up pompous French/Danish businessman.

There is an obvious attraction between them but they are so different and opposite, Rosalie is so warm, kind and enthusiastic about her little taxi company and Marc just cares about the bank balance and, unfortunately, the taxi company and the Castle are not making any money so Marc's job is to sell them both.

There are gorgeous descriptions of the wintry landscape around the Castle, the loch and the forests, all have a ghostly, ethereal feel and the spectre of tragic bride Isobel McBride is reputed to haunt the Castle and the grounds.

I absolutely enjoyed the story immensely, it has a will they/won't they romantic feel, but there is lots more to it than that, it also has a mystery element, with shades of criminal activity, long-lost Danish treasure, several shady characters and a surprise or two!

Overall, Little Pink Taxi is perfect for all those who like romance with a good dose of mystery and intrigue.

I’ve read and enjoyed Marie Laval’s historical novels in the past, so I was looking forward to reading her contemporary release Little Pink Taxi and I was not disappointed. A wonderful romantic comedy that brought a great big smile on my face, Little Pink Taxi is an unmissable romp that is absolutely impossible to resist.

In the remote Scottish village of Irlwick, Rosalie Heart is regarded by the locals as an absolute godsend. A woman with a big heart who is willing to do absolutely anything for her neighbours, Rosalie drives a bright pink taxi and never refuses to take the people living in Irlwick wherever they wish to go. Her company, Love Taxis, might not exactly be turning a healthy profit, but Rosalie wouldn’t run her business any other way. She has thrown herself into her business and the satisfaction she derives from helping others is more important to her than profit margins and a healthy turnover. Rosalie cannot imagine doing anything else with her life, but that could all be set to change when she picks up Marc Peterson, who seems to have come to Irlwick to shake things up!

Marc Peterson believes that there is no room for sentiment or emotion in business. Success comes at a hard price in the boardroom, which is why he is flabbergasted when he meets Rosalie Heart and her pink taxi! Her business is running at a significant loss and if she wants to keep her company going, then she needs to put the good deeds and philanthropy on hold and try to find ways of making a profit. But Marc cannot afford to let Rosalie distract him from the job at hand: to see a new acquisition in Irlwick and secure it for sale. Only the property he has come to see is no ordinary property but Raventhorn, a rundown castle that also happens to mean a lot to Rosalie for it was her childhood home!

With her business and livelihood in jeopardy and the house that means to world to her at risk, Rosalie has got quite a battle on her hands. She knows that she should despise Marc and all that he stands for. But with somebody keen on playing cupid, could Marc be the kind of man she actually needs? Will romance be on the cards for Rosalie and Marc? Or are they simply too different to even contemplate a future together?

Marie Laval’s Little Pink Taxi is simply adorable! A wonderfully uplifting and feel-good tale full of wonderful characters, poignant romance, heart-pounding intrigue and even ghosts, Little Pink Taxi is a gorgeous read you will not be able to put down. Funny but touching, tender and hilarious and absolutely impossible to put down, you will fall in love with Rosalie, Marc, Irlwick and the wonderfully community that lives there.

Splendidly told, wonderfully written and far too good to miss, with Little Pink Taxi Marie Laval has proven herself as a writer who can effortlessly switch from historical novels to contemporary romances and whatever she writes next, one thing is for certain: if her name is on the cover, then a good read is guaranteed!

Rosalind drives her little pink taxi- Love Taxi in a small village with a close knit community in the Scottish highlands, She has lived at Raventhorn for so long she is almost part of the family. She is part of the community and the taxi serves one and all in helping those who can’t get around on their own- for many it is a lifeline in every sense of the word. When she picks up a mysterious man from the airport, life is about to change - for all the wrong reasons and even the little pink taxi is under threat. Who is after her and why? Will Marc sell Raventhorn as he is a businessman who doesn’t see anything other than the bottom line? The “blurb” on this book does not do it justice. From the out, this is so much more than the average “romcom” which to me doesn’t do it any favours (nothing wrong with rom-coms I might add) but I feel this is more of a women’s fiction / contemporary fiction category. I don’t do out and out romance , I do enjoy comedy. It’s not a light and fluffy read- but one of a strong character who is determined to help her community come what may. Of determination, and spirit, of tenacity, selflessness and will power. Of taking risks and not being afraid of pushing the boundaries. Of friendships and relationships. Being strong but allowing others to help and knowing when to accept it. This is my first Marie Laval read and it won’t be the last. A highly enjoyable read.
For more reviews please see my blog http://nickibookblog.blogspot.co.uk/
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I always enjoy a story where you get two characters with seemingly opposite personalities as you are guaranteed a few fiery interactions and entertaining moments. With Rosalie and Marc this is exactly what you get as they constantly clash over Raventhorn. Rosalie is no push over and I loved that she stands up for herself and her business which looks after the community of Irlwick providing a service that the residents desperately need. At first Marc appears to be brusque and unwilling to listen but as the story progresses we see the layers to his character slowly revealed.

In a way there was a lot more to this story than first meets the eye which I thought was great as there is a little bit of a mystery waiting to be solved! You have a setting that instantly adds a mysterious and ghostly presence bringing a bit of history into the story too. Along with some dangerous secrets from the past that aren't going to stay hidden.

A charming story with some lighter and darker themes all balanced out brilliantly. Entertaining all the way through, with a gorgeous setting and ghostly goings on that will capture your attention.


Four stars from me!

Who wouldn't be intrigued about a book with a pink car on the front?! I have to say that it was that car that made me want to read the book (I don't read blurbs!). I have to say that at first, my opinion did echo Marc Peterson's. I wasn't sure whether Rosalie was a gimmick or not, however as the storyline progressed, I found myself warming to Rosalie's life super quickly. Gone were my thoughts about the book being a gimmick - the storyline couldn't be further from it if it tried!

Pardon my vagueness in this review, but seeing as 'Little Pink Taxi' is quite similar to a treasure trove, I want you to feel the same intense anticipation when you turn the pages, just like I did. There is a lot more to the story than just a pink taxi. In fact, the taxi is the true heart of the village and despite outsider, Marc Peterson's, reservations on the little Scottish village, the castle he had just purchased, AND Rosalie's business, he can't help but be swept away by the community spirit. Well, not every villager is as welcoming as Rosalie and co are!

I've never been a believer in Caspar the ghost and friends, and despite this storyline having a few of Caspar's distant relatives making themselves known, it didn't put me off at all as it certainly gave the novel a unique bite. I ended up absolutely loving 'Little Pink Taxi' (no, not just because of the pink car!) as I was constantly surprised by character revelations, suspense, family secrets, romance, and oodles of determination. I felt as though it was my birthday every time I turned the page!

'Little Pink Taxi' is an intriguing, more-ish, loveable read which tugged at the heart-strings as many times as the power went out in Raventhorn castle (a lot, FYI!). I am so glad that I ignored my first impressions of the book as Marie Laval's novel definitely turned out to be a one of a kind, fiery yet cosy read which I would read over again in a heartbeat.

This book was just what I needed. Nothing quite like a Scottish woman that won't shut up and loves everything that I don't, in other words Rosalie is the complete opposite to me. I love darker colours (hate pink!) and she likes happy songs (I don't mind the odd one, but I'm a rocker chick).
I can completely understand why Rosalie got so upset when finding out why Marc Peterson is at Raventhorn Castle. Her whole life is there, her childhood memories, he teenage years, adult years, everything.
Mark... Well, what can I say about Mark, at first I didn't like him. I took quite an instant dislike to him actually. But I must admit, reading on, he turned into an unlikely hero. But, unbeknownst to him, he finds himself in the middle of a ghost story rom-com. An ancient bed that is famous for conceiving children, a woman in the loch, Viking tales and buried treasure.
I loved this quirky and eccentric rom-com. The writing style was fantastic and I love being transported to another country (yeah yeah, alright, it was only Scotland, but better than my Essex :) ). This is a fantastic read that I can highly recommend to all fans of rom-com with twist. I've given it a 5/5 rating.

This was a new author for me and to be honest, I’ve never even heard of her before despite her already having a long list of books behind her. From the title and cover, I expected this book to be a cosy, snow filled bundle of pinkness – a typical chick-lit type book! I was not expecting what I got!! It was nothing like that. Yes, there was a pink taxi and yes there was plenty of snow, but that’s about as far as the chick-lit goes. This book had a bit of everything – romance, mystery, crime and even some paranormal.

The premise of the story is that Rosalie lives in Irlwick, a remote Scottish village. She stays in Raventhorn Castle, an old rundown castle owned by an old family friend, Geoff. Geoff is in hospital following a car accident when Marc Petersen arrives to see him. Rosalie discovers that Geoff has sold Raventhorn to Marc Petersen’s father, who has sadly passed away. Marc has arrived to view the castle with a view to selling it on, along with ‘Love Taxis’ which Geoff also owns. Needless to say, Marc is like a fish out of water in this little village, and when Rosalie finds out why he’s really there she’s makes it her mission not to like him, despite obviously feeling some attraction to him. When Rosalie seems to be the target of a dangerous hate campaign, Marc decides to accompany her on her taxi journeys. As he does, he not only realises how invaluable the taxi service is to the local community but also how much he enjoys Rosalie’s company. What they both don’t bank on is how dangerous that actually is!

When there is so much going on in a book you might think it’s just not going to work? Well, fear not! I thought this book was absolutely wonderful! I immediately connected with Rosalie Heart and her little pink taxi and I immediately fell in love with the brooding, ruthless and professional Marc Petersen. I thought it was so funny when Rosalie picks Marc up from the airport in the pink taxi. He obviously wasn’t comfortable at all being in a pink taxi and Rosalie isn’t the best driver in the world!

I think because this book just wasn’t what I was expecting it made me love it all the more – you just never knew what was going to happen next! In between all the ‘will they, won’t they’, there are added stories of Scottish and Danish folklores, ghostly apparitions of former Castle residents and the mystery of who the occupants of the black 4x4 car are that seem intent on following Rosalie. I was certainly not bored with this book and once I started it I was absolutely hooked! The backdrop of the snowy Scottish Highlands were also so perfect, and my imagination worked overtime picturing these snowy scenes!

I was honestly and truly disappointed when I finished this one. Love, love, loved it! I could read it all over again!

While the adorable cover and title give an obvious clue about what to expect within the narrative, I discovered Little Pink Taxi goes above and beyond what I expected within the pages.

The gentleman Rosalie Heart collects from the airport to drive to Raventhorn is a mystery. He's tall with a French accent and has come to visit Geoff who unfortunately isn't available to greet his guest. It doesn't take long to discover Marc Petersen now owns the only real home she's ever had, along with the taxi company she established and runs. With a threat of not only losing her home but her job, she's not happy to be playing host to the new owner. However, he soon becomes her protector as someone from the past comes back to settle a score and a mystery needs solving too.

Visiting to assess the run-down estate his father bought before his tragic death, Marc Petersen hopes his trip to Irlwick in the frozen North of Scotland is quick and uneventful. Only, as soon as he arrives, his plans have already gone to pot. Collected from the airport by a pretty, chatty young woman who is not only wearing pink but driving a pink coloured taxi, it's the beginning of what turns out to be a life-changing trip full of discovery.

I enjoyed the contrast between Rosalie's effervescent personality and Marc's resolute one. They appear as opposites but as events and presumptions from the past come to the surface, they find a common bond, mutual respect and love. The backdrop is the snowy Highlands with a warm community spirit supplied by an eclectic bunch of small-town folk. They provide a light-hearted contrast to the bumpy road the protagonists' developing relationship travels along.

Ms Laval has written a captivating and engaging novel full of humour. The narrative layered with light-hearted banter between the characters, the depiction of The Highlands, the local "crimes", and the folklore surrounding Raventhorn. The highlight and what I enjoyed the most was the mystery element and how the history of Raventhorn and Marc's Danish heritage are connected. I appreciated this even more because I'm familiar with the area and could easily relate them to descriptions of the places mentioned in Denmark.

To sum up, an entertaining novel laced with a hidden charm and an intriguing plot. A fabulous read for any time of the year.

***arc generously received courtesy of Choc Lit via NetGalley***

This book is way to long and drawn out. I have stopped and started reading this book five times and I'm still not done with it, The characters are so complex that it is hard to relate to them and yet you are still drawn to this crazy and wild story. The ghost and all of the crazy antics and Marc seeing the ghost and ravens, then almost drowning in the Loch are all really good points in this book, but it is so long! Rosalie is in for a eye opening experience once she finds out the truth of her mother and family and why someone is trying to kill her. Rosalie really needs to open her eyes and see what's really going on around her, she just wants to see the good in everyone but not the truth in them. She doesn't want to hurt anyone but she really needs to open her eyes and I think Marc is the perfect guy for her. This book could have been better if it was shorter and less drawn out in every aspect.

Rosalie and her mother arrived at Raventhorn Castle when she was a child, and it’s the only place she’s ever known. Wanting to make some money and help out the residents in this little corner, she started a taxi business – ferrying residents to appointments, grocers , toddler meetings and elsewhere: allowing everyone to feel connected. Additionally, she’s part of a small group that does ‘wellness checks’ for residents, particularly the elderly and any tourists that may be in holiday lets away from town, and she’s also a constant presence for those who want to be cheered. She’s never wanted any other life than the one she has, even if money is tight. But when she’s sent to the airport to collect one Marc Peterson and bring him back to town. No, scratch that – the new owner of Raventhorn Castle has come to take account of his property. A surprise to Rosalie as Geoff, the owner, didn’t tell her about the sale, and he’d just crashed his vintage Porsche into a tree and is in hospital, recovering.

Marc Peterson is impatiently waiting information regarding the helicopter crash that killed his father, and trying to figure out why his father would have overpaid, greatly, for the rundown castle in the middle of nowhere Scotland. Making matters worse is the marshmallow-pink clad taxi driver and her equally pink taxi, hours without sleep and her apparent addiction to peppy pop songs that say little and grate on his nerves. The castle is in worse shape than he imagined, even selling it off piecemeal isn’t looking like a solid recoup on his investment. Add to that the tales of a ghost, and a woman standing at the side of the road and Marc is sure that understanding why his father would have spent money on the place is something he can’t see.

Oh the fun of this – as Rosalie is an “all in” sort of girl – knowing everyone in town and determined to make it easier for them to manage their daily lives with her help. Sure, there’s not much money in it – but she’s doing ok, able to mostly pay the people who work for her and desperately need their salaries. Marc is a bottom line guy, but there’s something about Rosalie, the castle and the strange appearances of a woman, and ravens…. Somewhere there must be a clue. With a potential family connection, unearthing secrets about Rosalie’s past and something her mother left behind, and Geoff’s cousin Rupert – a thoroughly dislikable and disreputable man, there are twists, turns and dangers aplenty. When you add in the appearance of an employee of Marc’s, Kristin – who claims to be ‘almost engaged’ and isn’t polite or quiet about shutting down and selling off the castle contents and businesses (Including Rosalie’s taxi service) things are dire – until they aren’t – and a chance taken by Rosalie, when everything else is at stake, makes all the difference. A wonderful summer read full of Scotland, legend, history and plenty of heart.

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=” https://wp.me/p3OmRo-9Rh/” > <a> I am, Indeed </a>

Marie Laval told her story with such detail, I felt as though I were in a quaint village in Scotland, too. Her characters, while redundant and annoying at times, were quirky, funny and steadfast. Though Little Pink Taxi was cookie cutter cute, there was unexpected twists that kept you engaged and guessing whodunnit.
For a quick Scottish charmer, pick up Laval’s Little Pink Taxi for light humor met with a brogue.

I received an ARC from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.