A book club really is meant to be fun – and the one Lottie’s part of at the library feels more like being at school, as she returns another book she hasn’t been able to read to her local bookshop. So she makes the decision to start her own – a less stuffy one, reading the kind of books she enjoys – and the bookshop cafe looks like the perfect place to hold it. This really is my kind of book club – Audrey’s heavy hand with pouring the gin, plenty of cake, just enough book talk about the kind of books I enjoy, and then lots more conversation about the important things going on in the various lives of a group of very different individuals who become close friends.

Matthew (“call me Matt”), the new bookshop owner, isn’t too comfortable about the whole idea of “fun” – he’s very uptight at first in his business-like suit and tie, buttoned up in every way, finding it difficult to relax after leaving his corporate life for a fresh start, struggling at home with the relationship with his grieving father and difficult sister while trying to come to terms with his own guilt about some of his past actions. But Lottie’s bubbly personality is impossible to resist, and the attraction between them starts to warm up very nicely – until an old flame turns up and stops everything in its tracks.

I have to say that I absolutely adored this book – and that’s certainly not the first time I’ve said that about a book from this wonderful author. The characters are just excellent – not just Lottie and Matt, but every single individual who’s part of the unfolding story. Audrey (the one with the gin) is quite superb – a rather lonely elderly lady that Lottie comes across when she visits to fix her electrics, she becomes very much the life and soul of the party book club, and I just loved her absence of any filter. But every single individual is particularly real and well-drawn, and has their own great story – and there’s also a baby (in time) added to the chaotic mix, and Lottie’s adorable dog who suffers from separation anxiety and sometimes has unfortunate accidents between the book stacks.

The way the story was structured around the books they read was particularly cleverly done, the chosen books always tied in to the unfolding story, almost all of them familiar to anyone who reads the books I always enjoy (and those I was less familiar with have been added my reading list!). And I entirely loved the developing romance – they’re both just such thoroughly lovely people, totally winning your heart through their shared thoughts and hopes and dreams, all the small acts of kindness – and I really enjoyed the initial thrust and parry of their exchanges as things slowly start to heat up rather nicely, with the perfect amount of added steam. And although the book is always essentially a fun read, filled with well-judged humour, there’s real emotional depth too – everything is just so wonderfully well balanced, always entertaining but at times surprisingly and satisfyingly touching.

There’s an immense warmth to the whole book that really does your heart good – I loved every moment, and couldn’t recommend it more highly.

A delightfully easy summer read packed with humour and romance!

Lottie loves reading but isn’t a fan of the stuffiness of traditional book clubs. When she is forced out of her current club, she decides to take matters into her own hands, setting up a ‘beach reads’ themed club at local bookshop and café Books at the Bay.

Here she meets brooding owner Matthew and a spark is definitely ignited between the two, despite his apparent inability to let go of his uptight approach to life.

What follows is a sparkling read as the two characters battle to overcome their inhibitions and reveal their feelings for one another. The backdrop of the book club is the perfect foil, as through this Matthew is able to gain a glimpse into Lottie’s personality from a distance and finds himself falling for her caring and selfless nature.

The book group itself is a joyous mix of characters who all bring something different to the table, with the hilarious Audrey and her gin top-ups the most entertaining of the lot by far.

The chapter names are taken from the monthly book choices and neatly mirror many of the events in the characters’ lives which is another charming facet of the narrative.

Thoroughly enjoyable!

With thanks to the author, One More Chapter and @rararesources for the opportunity to participate in the tour.

This was such a fun book to read , it had everything you need from this genre and was perfect to read in the little bit of summer we had!

In this book we meet Lottie Watt , who was an absolute delight to meet! She is kicked out of her uptight book club and embarks on doing her own one , one where conversation, gin and cake (I agree with this one highly ) take precedence over actually reading the book . When she finds a place to hold the book club , sparks are soon flying between Lottie and the bookshops owner Matthew Steele . If you are anything like me then you will find yourself totally invested in their romance .

A book that is a mixture of cake, books and a romance....yes please! This was absolutely brilliantly written , it kept you reading on and kept you gripping tightly to the book (or kindle) willing them to found happiness and also wishing you were part of the book club with them!

Book clubs are a new thing for me. I’ve wanted to participate in a book club for many many years. In the last couple years, I finally found some library book clubs to participate in and as much as I enjoyed meeting the new people, I was frustrated that the chosen books are non-fiction, scientific, and long biographies. How boring! I only stick around for the more entertaining books that are chosen here and there.

Lottie Watt has similar frustrations with the boring books chosen for the library book club. She tells the club that she wants to read something light and entertaining, like beach reads. She brings together several friends and they choose romantic comedies and they gather once a month at the book store cafe near the beach.

One member isn’t shy to bring gin, maybe an excuse to get everyone tipsy! They begin adding tonic and cakes and pizza and other office to soak up all that alcohol! It’s all in good fun and they have an absolute blast! Now this is a book club I could enjoy participating in!

Of course, a romantic comedy isn’t romantic unless there’s some romance! The new book store owner, Matt Steele, is attractive, but stiff. He brought his recently widowed father and little sister to the beach from London so they could start over and relax when really he’s the one who needs to relax! Will Matt relax enough to nurture a relationship with fun and energetic Lottie?

Like I mentioned above, I want to participate in a beach reads book club! I guess I need to start one! I’m in one that’s historical fiction, which I enjoy more than the library book club non-fiction, but I still struggle to get through the books sometimes. Rom-coms are simply more enjoyable and easier books to read!

Thank you to One More Chapter, NetGalley, and Rachel’s Random Resources for access to The Beach Reads Book Club by Kathryn Freeman. I give this book 5 out of 5 tiaras because we should all participate in a book club that entertains us and this book is encouraging me to start my own beach reads book club! Who’s with me?

Absolutely loved this book, so much so I wish there was a book club like Lottie's near to me that I could join.
I am definitely search more titles by this author & I hope she writes a sequel to this book, as I feel there is more to tell about the characters

The Beach Reads Book Club by Katherine Freeman

Let me begin by telling you why I requested this book. First, the book cover drew me in with its bright colors and summery beachy vibes. Second, it’s a book about a book club. Third, it’s takes place near the beach? I was sold.

Lottie Watt is unfiltered, independent, and a bit of a sass. So it comes as no surprise when Lottie is booted from the uptight book club hosted at the library. Lottie’s love for book clubs come from how they offer people an opportunity to connect, so she branches out to create her own book club and finds herself the most perfect home for the club, Books by the Bay. Little does Lottie know how quickly this quirky group of women will impact her life.

Perks of the book clubs meeting location, the hottie- Matthew Steele. He’s swoon worthy in his overly preppy, uptight clothing, with maybe a touch of OCD. I think what I loved most about him is how perfectly imperfect he is.

At times, I found the book was moving too slowly for my liking and had some of the traits I often find in cozy mysteries like a great deal of detail sometimes in what felt to me like the wrong places. However, the dynamics of the characters in this book were so endearing and well developed. I grew to like them all, which is rare. Even the snooty book club host grew on me by the end.

This book released early this summer and is fun book that’s perfect on the beach. I wish I had read it on the beach, it would’ve inspired me to drop by the local coffee shops every day!

There’s a perfect symmetry to the perfect beach read being called The Beach Reads Book Club! I can just imagine reading this lovely story whilst enjoying the warm sunshine and lying by a pool. However, it worked perfectly well as I am stuck at home, like the rest of the country.
Lottie is a wonderful protagonist and I found myself fully invested in her story. As usual, with Kathryn’s books, there’s a wonderful supporting cast with fabulous characters. I loved them all, but Audrey was my favourite. I hope I have half of her spirit if I live to see my eighties. Of course, a special mention must go to the wonderful Chewie. The way that other books are cleverly woven into the storyline is wonderful, I even picked up a few suggestions, and found myself nodding approvingly at books I have already read.
Whilst I have read and enjoyed most of Kathryn Freeman’s other books, I felt that this one was a change in style for the author. The story felt more involved, and I was truly absorbed as the storyline developed. At its heart, this is a truly romantic love story. With ingredients including a dollop of attraction, a pinch of intrigue, and dash of comedy all stirred with a romantic spoon, it’s a recipe that will always yield perfect results.
Personally, I agree with Lottie, book clubs can seem overly stuffy and prohibitive to readers who want to enjoy their reading. I recently left an online book group because of elitist selections made only from the literary fiction shelves. Romantic fiction is one of the fastest selling genres and The Beach Reads Book Club celebrates that fact.
More please…

I really enjoyed the characters and the storyline. It was an easy, quick read which is perfect for beach reads. I would definitely check out more books from this author!

When Lottie Watt is kicked out of her uptight book club for not following the rules, she decides to start her own club; The Beach Reads Book Club, where conversation, gin and cake are more important than actually reading the book. The club finds a home at Books by the Bay, a local bookstore and cafe owned by Matthew Steele. As the book club gets heated up, so does the attraction between Lottie and Matt. If Lottie has learned anything from the romances she's been reading, it's that the greatest loves are the ones hardest earned.

This was such a cute and fun romance! It had so many buzzwords for me - book club, local bookstore, and beach reads - and it totally delivered. I loved how close the book club got, as they came together through their love of reading but became a very tight knit group of friends. I was expecting it to be more steamy, but I didn't have an issue with what we got. I didn't enjoy the love triangle twist very much and don't think it added anything to the story. If you're looking for a fun beach read, I highly recommend this book!

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for this ARC, which I received in exchange for an honest review.

The Beach Reads Book Club by Kathryn Freeman is the first that I have read from this author, but I will certainly be keeping an eye out for her books in the future. If you are looking for a lighthearted romance set in a charming bookstore, and want to share a love and appreciation for some very recognizable titles from your own shelf, then this one is for you.

Lottie, after being ousted from a somewhat pretentious book club, decides to start her own group for those whose tastes are less highbrow, and more open to reading a bit of romance while sharing a few cocktails and laughs. Matt is a man who, while trying to make good on a promise made to his dying mother, has decided to move his father and sister to the coast for a new start. Opening his first bookstore, Matt feels that he is in over his head until a certain blonde electrician enters his life and pronounces his little shop to be the perfect venue for her inaugural book club meeting. What follows is sweet, if predictable, and this quick and easy read is certainly deserving of a place in your beach bag this summer.

Many thanks to NetGalley and HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter for an ARC.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Beach Reads probably isn't my favourite Kathryn Freeman book, mainly because I really don't like love triangles. The setting and the characters were lovely, it just felt a bit slow to start.

For book lovers and readers of all kinds, here we have a dream book – a wonderful romantic tale that really does celebrate books, book clubs and genres that do not get the true recognition they deserve.
I loved the book club in this book and wish I could be part of it; I also enjoyed the fact they talked about books and authors I love.
Lottie is a girl with gumption, and I think she’s absolutely brill. Bored of the stuffy book club lead by the seemingly miserable and stuffy Eve, she decides to start her own. Returning a book to the local book shop, she meets the new owner and slowly but surely a plan is formed!
Such a lovely compliment of characters, the book club members form a great friendship and that is a key part of the story – how much they help and support each other in difficult circumstances.
Matt is the new owner of the book shop, determined to keep his family together following a loss, he has his work cut out to make everyone happy. He is smart, well mannered, and not exactly in his comfort zone. Matt has built up his defences, but I knew from the start Lottie could be the one to break them down.
A lovely romance, their budding friendship and relationship grew on me the more I read. Is it predictable and cute? Yes – nothing wrong with that at all. Isn’t that the point of the book club anyway…
It’s well written, funny and entertaining (Audrey is so funny!) but it has a little drama; nothing ever runs smoothly does it!
Highly recommended for book fans and romance lovers. Perfect summer read!

As well as being a story about a traditional romance, this book is a love story to book clubs and this played a large part in my enjoyment of it. It recognises the different requirements and expectations people have of groups like this and that it's possible to belong to more than one club and get different things from each one.

I love that it lists genuine books that the group read and I picked up other books to add to my TBR pile. It also made me reconsider my attitude towards romcoms. At one point, one character observes that people can be quite snobby about these kinds of books and I think to some extent, I've been guilty of that myself in the past. However, I've been reading a lot of 'worthy' books recently and I've discovered that they are nowhere near as much fun to read as romcoms are.

To put it simply, I adored this book and if you like a romcom with quirky characters who have depth and empathy, you will too!

I have read a few of this authors books and I have always enjoyed them. I think this latest one might just be my favourite yet!

When Lottie decides that the book club she is with doesn't allow for a more laid back approach she decides to start her own. The local book shop has a new owner and she is hopeful that he will be amenable to her running her book club in his shop after hours. HAndy that there is also a cafe attached. No need for drinks and the like because gin with the barest glimpse of tonic is supplied by one of the other members and cake by another.

I was already loving the sound of this book just with the books, book shop, gin, cake and of course, there is the owner Matt, a quintessential, very well dressed and mannered Matt. If you are still in doubt, then the story is fabulous, the characters are brilliant as I was riveted to this romance, and rom-com read.

The story is one that has some real belly laugh moments, Audrey and Sally between them are hilarious. Lottie's is kind-hearted and Matt is reserved, to say the least. He is all armour with very little in the way of glimpsing who is underneath the facade, there is however a mischievous flicker in the eye!

This is just a brilliant read and one that I am not going to tell you much about, but if you have read and enjoyed this author's books before then I know you are going to adore this one. It is full of warmth, doubt, friendship, doubt, hilarious moments, mentions of books and of course the wonderful storyline. A fabulous book from start to finish and one I would definitely recommend.

A romantic and enjoyable read!!

The Beach Reads Book Club was a whole lot of fun. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this story.

Lottie, bored with the heavy books chosen by her book club decides to start a book club of her own called the Beach Reads Book Club. Upon returning a book at the bookstore by the Bay she is captivated by the book club's new owner Matt who apart from being a mystery is also very handsome. Meanwhile Matt is in the process of starting over, and thought that buying the bookstore will be a good place to start. Lottie with her golden curls has his attention, but is he capable of being happy again. As Matt deals with his past Lottie brings the Beach Reads Book Club to his store this changed everything..

I have always wanted to join a book club and honestly I had so much fun reading about The Beach Reads Book Club. I love the chemistry of the women in the club. Audrey was a hoot.!!! I loved the element of the book club being not like a literature class but as a place where readers can really discuss their love of reading.

I think Matt was an interesting and very relatable character, Ms. Freeman was skilled in her writing of his character because I really understood the impact that his past had on how he approached his relationship with Lottie. Oh and how could I forget the ex boyfriend Henry. His appearance in the book,,,,,

Well you can read it for yourself

I really enjoyed this book and now let me join a book club myself.

‘Five people whose lives she hoped would all be improved, just a little, by the combination of a good book, a mug of tea and the company of like-minded readers.’

Let’s make a tally of all things fun and bookish:
book about books - tick
books and tea - tick
takes place in a bookshop - tick
centres around a fun book club - tick
book club has some fun reads I have read and can relate to - tick
there is a fun romance with a dashing hero and strong woman - tick

I could go on …. but I think my fellow book lovers appreciate where I am going with this … MUST. READ.

‘The Beach Reads Book Club’ contains everything one looks for in this genre - it’s easy to read yet has serious undertones, it’s light and funny but has a deeper level of significance, it’s romantic and just simply what I was after. I loved it!

‘What you mean to tell me you were alone in the dark with this town’s answer to Mr Darcy, and you didn’t take advantage of it?’

This is the kind of book club I would want to join with super fun members and just the right amount of romantic escapism that had me smiling and feeling all gooey inside (#newbookcrush). There is the promise of not only book talk but real life talk washed down with cake and tea or pizza and gin! Lottie and Matt are the perfect ‘opposites attract’ - so sweet and steamy - and challenge each other to step outside their comfort zone. The members of the Beach Reads Book Club are awesome! A group of women who are both fun and funny in their love of literature and life.

‘Seeing the look on their faces, the excitement, the delight when they’d only been talking about books… it had made her wonder if she’d been missing out. Then she’d read one of their recommendations. After that, she’d been hooked, going on to devour all the books she could get her hands on.’

This leads me to two key points. One, I stand and applaud the theme of ‘don’t judge a book by its cover’ - literally! Beach reads, chick lit … call it what you will, however, these books, seemingly light and frivolous, often contain so much more …

‘Real guys don’t walk around with roses between their teeth,’ her brother had mocked. ‘And life isn’t full of sappy endings.’ ‘If you think that’s what romance books are all about, you’ve clearly never read one,’ her mum had countered.‘They’re about hope, about joy. About handling adversity and coming through the other side stronger. Yes, they’re also about love, the most powerful emotion you’ll ever experience.’

Secondly, I also wish to highlight the books read at the club and how these titles often reflected and coincided with the events of the story itself. A clever way to highlight a theme but also to note once more, how these ‘beach reads’ often have more substance than at first glance.

‘… books that take us on holiday.’ Gira, the quieter of the two women, looked at them both. ‘I don’t mean they have to be about beaches, but they take you out of your head. Transport you to another world for a while.’

This was such a fun rom-com with a cast of lovable characters and a gorgeous love story! For some heartwarming escapism you really cannot pass it up.

‘To the Beach Reads Book Club and all who join it … it’s about bringing the joy of books to all readers, no matter what their tastes.’

The Beach Reads Book Club by Kathryn Freeman is a story of family, friends and books, set on the south coast. It's not earth-shattering or profound and it is similar to many others. In fact, it is the kind of book the Book Club it's about would read. None of that makes it a bad book and I enjoyed it very much. Sometimes what you need is a bit of escapism. Of course everything ended up far too happily-ever-after but if I want reality I have my own life. If you're looking for a holiday read (or a stay at home one) this year, I'd recommend this one.

Thank you NetGalley for providing me an E-ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

The Beach Reads Book Club follows spunky and fun Lottie Watt, who decides to start her own book club for light and swoony reads. She believes a cozy book store is the perfect place to have it, but will she be able to convince the brooding owner to let her host there?

I didn’t know what the expect from this book, but by the time I finished, I had a smile glued on my face. I usually stay away from slow-burn romances, but this one looked fun and different from the others. I mean, who doesn’t want to read a book about books?

Lottie was an interesting protagonist, and although she could be a bit too much for my liking, she was relatable in some ways, and she was strong-willed, which I love in romances.

As cute as the romance was, I feel as if the love interest fell short for me. Matt was written to be the typical ‘grump’ but his attitude really weighed down the story. He was your average guy in these kind of romances and his predictably made me roll my eyes.

This was cute, fun, and a little steamy, but I really wish the love interest was someone different. Overall a good beach read, but don’t expect too much from this one.

Lottie decides to start up her own book club in the newly reopened book shop and cafe. A book club reading books and chatting. Lottie soon finds herself caught up in the life of the new owner who just so happens to be gorgeous. Could they be just what each other needs.

Oh what a lovely read this was. A perfect summer read. The plot is simple and the ending is pretty obvious but I enjoyed the ride getting there. This was also a nice easy read whilst I was recovering in hopsital. Lottie is instantly likeable but I think Audrey stole the show for me. The ending was well written and finished the book perfectly, a fun read ideal for summer.

I found this book perfectly entertaining. I wanted nothing more than to be a part of the book club. I enjoyed the humour, the eclectic cast of characters, the pull of family dynamics, how Lottie proved herself more capable than people gave her credit for, and her dog. Overall, it was an absolute solid summer read for me and I'd recommend for anyone who appreciates a beachy romance.

My thanks to the publisher for a complimentary copy via NetGalley. Opinions on the novel are entirely my own.