It's a pleasure to be taking part in the blog tour for The Cosy Canal Boat Dream by Christie Barlow. I'm delighted to be sharing my review today but first of all let's take a look at the description for the book...
Welcome to the Little Rock marina – where hearts are healed and dreams are made…
For the last two years Nell Andrews has been struggling to stay afloat. As her life tumbled down around her, the only safety net has been her cosy canal boat, The Nollie. Tucked away inside, Nell has found a place to heal her broken heart. And now she’s ready to move on and follow her dream…
Gorgeous Guy Cornish, with his easy Irish charm, makes him an instant hit with everyone at the
marina, and the perfect person to help Nell with her project. But Guy has his own reasons for being at the marina, and a past that threatens to sink Nell’s dream…
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It's safe to say that the prologue well and truly got me straight in my over emotional heart! It's a good job I was sat reading this book on my own let's just say that tears and a red blotchy face is not an attractive look. For just a few pages to have this effect on me shows that Christie Barlow can turn her words into something emotional and made me connect with Nell instantly. It really is an emotive start easily pulling me into Nell's story and rooting for her happy ever after. I loved her determination and strength that at times must have been hard to summon up and continue.
Some of my favourite parts of this story is the friendship between Nell and Bea they really are right there for each other. Whenever they are together you could feel the strength that they got from their friendship. I think we could all benefit from having someone on our side with Bea and Nell being a perfect example of this. I also have to admit that I wish The Melting Pot was a real place I'm pretty sure that I would be in there every day although it's safe to say I would definitely put on a few pounds.
I genuinely felt the love, emotion and hope that seemed to leap from the pages. There are moments of laughter, sadness and wonderful friendships that made me feel like I was on an emotional tight rope. Christie Barlow balanced these moments perfectly and it's one of the reasons I love her books so much. There is a wonderful warmth that felt so real especially whenever the Little Rock marina was described and by the end the place felt very real to me almost as if I had visited myself.
Each character played their part in this book creating a good mix of stories that gave an extra special heart warming and down to earth feel. There is a true sense of community spirit that made me connect with all of the characters and their different situations. There are a few surprises along the way that made me want to find out the answers and also made me read this story in just one evening. Then add in a romance that felt real and heartfelt it really was the perfect addition to an already gorgeous story.
A story that won't let you go providing a lovely comforting tale full of love, friendship and also a beautiful sense of hope. It's safe to say that The Cosy Canal Boat Dream left me smiling long after I had turned the last page.
Five wonderful stars!
With thanks to Samantha for the invite to join the blog tour, Christie Barlow and Netgalley for my copy. This is my honest and unbiased opinion.
Christie Barlow is the author of A Year in the Life of a Playground Mother, The Misadventures of a Playground Mother, Kitty's Countryside Dream, Lizzie's Christmas Escape, Evie's Year of Taking Chances and The Cosy Canal Boat Dream. She lives in Staffordshire with her husband, four kids, horses, chickens and a mad cocker spaniel. Her writing career came as somewhat a surprise when she decided to write a book to teach her children a valuable life lesson and show them that they are capable of achieving their dreams. The book she wrote to prove a point is now a #1 bestseller in the UK, USA and Australia.
Christie is an ambassador for @ZuriProject raising money/awareness and engaging with poverish people in Uganda through organisations to improve their well-being as well as Literary Editor for www.mamalifemagazine.co.uk bringing you all the latest news and reviews from the book world.
Christie is an ambassador for @ZuriProject raising money/awareness and engaging with poverish people in Uganda through organisations to improve their well-being as well as Literary Editor for www.mamalifemagazine.co.uk bringing you all the latest news and reviews from the book world.
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