My goodness, Olivia has a busy life – as well as making a real success of her cake-making business (with the odd disaster and all-nighter along the way), she’s a whisker away from her big acting break with the chance of finally securing a role on Casualty. She has a lovely relationship with her Aunt Dawn (I liked her as much as I did Olivia herself) who runs her vintage clothes shop nearby – with its wonderful secret garden and feathered friends – who’s always there to step in when everything gets too much, and to give both practical and emotional support. But as if all that’s not enough, Olivia desperately wants to be a mother – and, approaching forty, time is running out. She rather wasted the last ten years on Tom – she really thought he shared her desire for a family, but when push came to shove, he just wasn’t there for her.

But now she has a new relationship – with Phil, the maitre d’ at the Bluebell Cliff Hotel. Things are going well – they’re both busy people so only get together when they can, and neither of them have used the word “love” yet – but he’s a lovely guy (as you’ll already know if you’ve read the earlier books), and also understands her acting dreams as he’s still working towards his own big break. And Olivia’s particularly supportive herself too – her sister’s problems and the decision she needs to make have made them rather closer, with a particular edge of poignancy.

This book has all the warmth, escapism and feel-good I’ve come to expect from the author’s books – the characters are beautifully drawn, there’s that excellent sense of place (Dorset’s firmly on my list for a visit next year, entirely because of the author’s wonderful settings), and there’s the usual perfect balance between the lightness and humour and a few more serious issues. I will admit though that I did struggle a little with Olivia’s overpowering need to be a mother, and the way it took over her life – although I know it’s not really necessary to identify with a book’s characters to enjoy their journey, the fact that I never felt that ticking clock did put some of the book’s more emotional content outside the range of my experience, although it’s all extremely well and sensitively handled.

This book had a slightly more serious edge than the three previous books – an element of threat and emotional uncertainty, the angst about Olivia’s hopes and dreams, and there is one particularly unexpected tense and dramatic scene (exceptionally well-written) that really had me on the edge of my seat. But there’s also a great deal of fun – there are lots of small dramas around the cake-making (and the whole book is infused with the sweetness of vanilla and sugar and that smell of spiced fruit – and who knew those hen night cupcakes were a thing!), a few moments that really warm the heart involving her aunt and some of her favourite customers, and quite a few glimpses of the long-running feud between Phil and chef Mr B and the jokes they play on each other. The romantic elements are strong too – at first I didn’t quite feel the chemistry between Phil and Olivia, but it grew and developed really nicely as they struggled through their issues and challenges. And there’s a strong focus in this book on family and parenthood and what it means – there are some particularly well drawn supporting characters, and it’s all quite beautifully done.

This book might not quite be my new favourite – that emphasis on Olivia’s need to become a mother did take it outside my comfort zone a little, but I know that’s just me and that others might entirely love it. But the author really is a quite wonderful storyteller, and there was so much I enjoyed about this book every bit as much as I always do. I’m already looking forward to my next visit to beautiful Dorset – and Della Galton is still very firmly ensconced on my list of favourite authors.

I read this book as a standalone and not as part of the series, and I found it just as good and engaging. I loved the love story between Phil and Olivia, I felt like I was a fly on the wall watching it all happen before my eyes since the writing was so beautiful and descriptive. Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for a copy of this book for an honest review.

Olivia has been longing for two things for a long as she can remember: to make her break as a professional actress, and to be a mom. She broke up with longtime fiancee Tom after he suddenly changed his mind about wanting kids and started a casual relationship with maitre'd and fellow actor Phil. As things between them become more serious, she starts to broach the subject of children, but Phil seems skittish and changes the subject every time. Then when she's rejected yet again after an audition, she despairs of ever getting anything she desires out of life. But after surviving a near tragic incident, Olivia realizes maybe what she really wants is right in front of her after all.
This is a wonderful story about family, love, and acceptance. Sometimes when you really love someone, you need to accept their limitations and compromise. I think Olivia really matured throughout the book, learning to accept life as it comes and recognize sometimes it takes hard work to achieve your dreams.
I received an advance reader copy of this book through NetGalley. The views and opinions expressed in this review are completely my own and given voluntarily.

A nice, cosy read set in gorgeous landscapes and with enjoyable characters.
The story is about family. finding your way in life and the importance of being with the right person who understands you profoundly.
I loved Phil and his relationship with the main character Olivia. I wasn't aware this was part of a series, I'd say it's perfectly readable as a standalone.
If you feel like relaxing with a heartwarming story, this is the book for you.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

A nice, well written book that I really enjoyed. It was a book that made you want to keep reading. Well done.

SUNRISE OVER PEBBLE BAY by DELLA GALTON.

With thanks to #Netgalley and #Boldwood for an ARC of #SunriseOverPebbleBay by #DellaGalton.

Olivia bakes cakes for a living, while she seeks her big break as an actress. With forty fast approaching, Olivia is also desperate to be a mother.
In a relatively new relationship with fellow aspiring actor Phil, who keen Della Galton readers will recognise, Olivia is weary about bringing up the subject of children.
Throw in an ex who reappears and promises the earth and Olivia’s sister who drops her own bombshell and what you get is something really rather special.

Set in Dorset, this book will take you on a mini-break of stunning settings throughout the county.

This is a cosy story of love, friendship, family and romance.
Della Galton’s writing around the issue of Olivia’s desire to be a mother is very poignant, honest and moving.

Full of the feel good factor, this book is a thourghly enjoyable, heartwarming read.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

With her landmark 40th birthday looming, actor and cake baker Olivia has two dreams unfulfilled – to be cast in a lead role in a tv show and to have a baby – but the clock is ticking and Olivia fears neither of these dreams will come true.

She’s already walked away from a long-term relationship after her fiancé Tom announced he didn’t want children after all, but could lightning be about to strike twice with new love Phil who keeps evading questions about the future?

I could really empathise with Olivia trying to keep so many plates spinning, especially when trying to support her sister who’s had unexpected news. I loved seeing the relationship between the sisters develop and I adored their Aunt Dawn who had her own storyline running alongside Olivia’s.

A lovely story about following your heart and facing difficult decisions. Heart-warming, humorous and highly recommended.

I was granted access to an early review copy of this book via NetGalley which has not in any way influenced or biased my opinions.

This book is set in Dorset, and features some of the characters from Della Galton's previous books, most notably Phil who is the Maitre' D from the Bluebird Hotel. He has always been an interesting character, so it was good to find out more about him. This can be read as a Standalone novel though.
I love the part of Dorset that this book is set in. I've not been able to visit there much since the Pandemic, so it's lovely to be able to escape there via the pages of this book.
I really enjoyed reading this book, it is an easy and feel-good read. I loved reading about the cakes and baking, although it did make me hungry.
Thank you to Netgalley and Boldwood Books for my ARC. I look forward to reading Della Galton's next book

The importance of family is a big part of “Sunrise Over Pebble Bay.” Olivia and her Aunt Dawn have a mother/daughter relationship which was very important to both of them. Olivia adored living near her Aunt and it meant everything to her to be able to stroll across the bridge and spend time with her. Olivia’s family is loving in their own, quirky way. Their Easter celebration was happy and festive and even though they aren’t always together, their bond is strong and full of love.

Olivia is a positive and creative young woman who is a budding actress and also a successful cake designer and she loves seeing her clients' smiling faces on their special day. In her free time she loves running by the bay which brings back fond memories of her childhood. I love Olivia’s description of her quaint small town, the English countryside and the secret garden at her Aunt’s house. What a beautiful place to live! I could feel Olivia’s pain when she worried that she would never be a mom. Ms. Galton described Olivia’s emotions in such detail that I felt as if I needed to give her a big hug, and comfort her in some way.

I found “Sunrise Over Pebble Bay” to be part romance, and also part travelogue as we were whisked away to all the romantic spots where Olivia and Phil had their special dates. I could see the beautiful flowers on the trail where Olivia sometimes ran and I could hear the waves crashing against the beach. When Olivia was tasked with deciding between an old love and a new love she knew her heart would give her the answer. The man who understands her desire to be an actress and accepts her for who she is, would be her soulmate.

Thank you to the publisher for giving me the chance to read this book in return for an honest review.

I tend to read historical saga type novels rather than contemporary ones - so this was a departure for me.

It was a light read and not too taxing. I had not read any other books by this author, and had no idea that there had been previous books in the series but I managed to follow what was happening.

I liked Olivia and her family, her relationship with Phil and what a rat Tom turned out to be. It was interesting reading about the interaction between Olivia's acting aspirations and her cake making business.

I knew the area in which the book was set so it was nice to be able to imagine where 'Pebble Beach' was.

If you need some relaxation from everyday life and trials then give this book and author a try.

A perfect book to get lost in! This novel tells the story of Olivia as she follows her ambition of becoming an actress while also dreaming of becoming a mother. Another heart-warming romance from one of my favourite authors.

Thank you Rachel’s Random Resources and Della Galton for gifting me a digital copy of Sunrise over Pebble Bay to read and give an honest review on.
In sunrise over Pebble Bay we follow Olivia and her family as she tries to figure out what she wants and who she is as she enters the next stage of her life. Olivia is a professional cake maker, aspiring actress and hopeful mum, at 39 she is trying to decide if she can be all of those things and how she could try and balance the three together. It was so interesting reading as a woman slightly older than me facing those same challenges all us women face. It was an interesting read that made me question things in my own life and what I want next and that is a sign of a good book in my opinion.

I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I really enjoyed this heartwarming book. This book can still be enjoyed even if you haven't read the book that comes before it.

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for an early review copy.

I’ve loved reading the previous books before this one and thoroughly enjoyed them.

The book can be read without reading the previous ones, but characters from those books do appear in this too.

The story is about Phil, who works as the Maitre'D at the Bluebell Hotel and Olivia, running her business as a cake maker, as well as wanting to make her name as an actress. She also wants to be a Mum.

She was in a relationship but it didn’t work out as Tom, her boyfriend didn’t want children. So she’s not wanting to repeat this with Phill. Does he want the same thing as her?

The characters were relatable and as with Della’s books, the story had love, family and fun.

Recommend It.

An easy to read story with loveable characters. If you need a trip to the seaside this book will transport you. Great descriptions that made me feel like the characters were friends and I was part of it. I couldn’t put it down. Thoroughly enjoyable and a definite recommendation.

If you can't get away at the moment and are in need of a trip to the sea, then this book is perfect. It's set near Weymouth, which If you've never visited, then this book will entice you to want to go there. We meet Olivia, who as well as being a fantastic cake baker and aspiring actress, she also holds the desire to become a mum. As her biological clock ticks on, Olivia has some uncertain times ahead of her. Finding out her sister is pregnant & unsure as to whether she wants to keep the baby or not adds to the upset of finding out that her boyfriend may not be able to father children, add in an ex, who didn't want children, turning back up in her life declaring his love for her. What on earth is Olivia going to do? Read for yourself x

This is a beautiful romance novel about a struggling actress that also has a cake business. She is dating a struggling actor that she adores but she finds herself thinking more and more about having a baby. The supporting characters are lovely and are a great support system for her. The author’s storyline flows smoothly from chapter to chapter and I found I didn’t want to put the book down. While most romance novels follow the same setup, this one didn’t seem contrived and it had some added humour thrown in to keep it light and cosy. I thank Boldwood Books and NetGalley for the invitation to read this delightful book.

I am so glad I got to read this book. It is so warming and life-affirming, and it involves cakes and home baking which is definitely up my street. It is definitely a happily-ever-after book, which I don’t think is much of a spoiler as it is what I expected when I picked it up.

It was easy to read, comforting, and very real. There were goodies and ‘baddies’, love and loss, success and failure. There is grief, infertility, divorce, not-so-conventional parenting, self-employment and unemployment worries. But on the flip side, there is successful businesses, new and old relationships, family and friendships, love and laughter, and most importantly chickens.

Olivia is a home baker who sells her bakes professionally whilst trying to make it as an actress. She has a very handsome boyfriend, Phil, also a struggling actor. Her sister Ruby, is an artist at heart and has a little studio where she paints. They all live in a very quaint little village in Dorset. It all sounds very….me. I bake. I would love to make a business out of it. I would also love a Phil of my own. I like art and have often thought about it as a living, until I remembered I have no artistic talent. And I also yearn to live in a little seaside village. It could have been written solely for me.

It’s got a little something for everyone, and I hope I can continue on Olivia and Phil’s journey in future books.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for a free ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I have read several of Della's short stories in women's magazines, and this novel maintained the standard I expected. The story is set around the area of Weymouth, Chesil Beach and Portland, where I spent holidays as a child and it evoked many good memories with it's excellent descriptions of the areas. The main characters live and work in the area, although visits to London and Bristol feature briefly. The relationships are tangled, with a new relationship versus an old one, a pregnant sister whilst Olivia is feeling her biological clock ticking, and a set of parents frequently absent replaced by a close aunt.
It is not a predictable, straightforward romance, but a very good exploration of developing relationships. I thoroughly enjoyed the narrative style, and the outcome carries elements of uncertainty, is 'the devil you know' better than the unknown? I particularly liked the final summary, set a few months later, tying up loose ends. I'll certainly be reading more of this series.

This is the sort of story that once you start to read, you just can't seem to stop!! I really, really enjoyed the plot, characters and definitely the setting!!. I've even been looking up some areas as I'm reading!!!
You will not be disappointed reading this book. Guess what?. There's another book after this one which seems to keep within the same area and follows another character's workplace!. Can't wait to read that one too!!!.
Many thanks to Netgalley for the free ARC book for an honest review.