Recommendations based on "Some Like It Hot at the Picture House by the Sea"

Meaningful, moving and magical - the classic bestselling love story Everyone needs a guardian angel! Some people wait their whole lives to find their soul mates. But not Holly and Gerry. Childhood sweethearts, they could finish each other's sentences and even when they fought, they laughed. No one could imagine Holly and Gerry without each other. Until the unthinkable happens. Gerry's death devastates Holly. But as her 30th birthday looms, Gerry comes back to her. He's left her a bundle of notes, one for each of the months after his death, gently guiding Holly into her new life without him, each note signed 'PS, I Love You'. As the notes are gradually opened, and as the year unfolds, Holly is both cheered up and challenged. The man who knows her better than anyone sets out to teach her that life goes on. With some help from her friends, and her noisy and loving family, Holly finds herself laughing, crying, singing, dancing -- and being braver than ever before. Life is for living, she realises -- but it always helps if there's an angel watching over you.

'The Amalfi coast setting, the handsome grumpy Italian, this book has it all!!' Lia Bathurst had always dreamed of escaping to the white sandy beaches and turquoise blue seas of the Amalfi coast - but that dream hadn't included meeting her real father. A father she had never even known about until a few weeks ago! Yet here she was, standing outside the gates of a gorgeous pink villa being refused entry by the insufferable - and insufferably handsome - Raphael Knight, her father's business manager. When an old black and white photo proves Lia's claim to be true, Raph is determined to make sure this stranger, with her long caramel waves and infectious smile, doesn't have an ulterior motive. Even if that means not letting her out of his sight. As temperatures rise, and not just from the heat of the Mediterranean sun, could Lia and Raph's forced proximity lead to something more like... amore? Praise for Julie Caplin: 'One unputdownable story' Sunday Times Bestseller Katie Fforde 'An irresistible slice of escapism' Sunday Times Bestseller Phillipa Ashley 'The descriptions of food and drink made me want to visit France immediately, if not sooner. A wonderful, summery treat for every reader' Sue Moorcroft 'A gorgeous book, in which each little detail and plot point adds sparkle to the story - much like the tantalising fizz in a glass of chilled champagne!' Erin Green 'The perfect summer escape' Alex Brown 'A delicious read! I could almost taste the Champagne' Teresa F. Morgan 'Oh la la, joy of a book! A stunning summer escape in the French countryside' Caroline Roberts 'Julie Caplin always sweeps me away to whatever location her stories are set in...a feast for all the senses with a romance that sparkles like the finest champagne!' Sarah Bennett 'Absolutely perfect! Everything you could possibly want from a summer romance' Annabel French 'Made me want to pack my entire life into a suitcase and start all over again in a gorgeous setting, with delicious dining, charismatic characters and fabulous friendships and a swoon-worthy french man to die for' Kim Nash 'With an abundance of chemistry between Hattie and Luc, plus a delicious vineyard setting, The French Chateau Dream is a gloriously satisfying escapist read!' Kate Frost 'A gorgeous slice of escapism to a beautiful chateau. I loved joining Hattie on her summer escape to a dreamy French chateau with an equally dreamy owner. A beautiful setting, wonderful characters, and gorgeous writing' Jessica Redland 'A beautifully romantic read with a fabulous cast of characters, I was totally transported to the delights of a French vineyard in summer alongside Hattie and Luc' Suzanne Snow

‘Feisty and fabulous. Love it. Love Tracy Bloom!’ Milly Johnson‘Pure Joy!’ Katie Fforde‘Love this – just the pick me up I needed!’ Jo Thomas'Guaranteed to put a smile on your face.' Debbie Johnson‘It's laugh out loud!’ Adele ParksCathy Collins is a mum on a mission – to change her life.When her husband drops a midlife-crisis bombshell,Cathy decides it’s time to take control.No more laundry, teenage tantrums or housework.After years of putting herself last, she’s going to be first for a change.Cathy Collins is carving a new path, and nothing is going to get in her way…From No.1 bestselling author Tracy Bloom, The Wife Who Got a Lifeperfectly captures the joyous chaos of family life.Readers love The Wife Who Got a Life!‘This is the literary equivalent of meeting your closest girlfriends for a coffee and a gossip… So, so, so funny, I genuinely laughed out loud for the majority of this blooming marvellous, inspirational diary’, Amazon reviewer, 5 stars‘I absolutely loved this book. No doubt about it… at least a 6 out of 5!’ Amazon reviewer, 5 stars‘Peppered with fantastically humorous episodes, as well as much more serious issues, The Wife Who Got a Life is a brilliant read, and the cast of characters are a joy too’ Amazon reviewer, 5 stars‘It wasn’t long before I was so engrossed in it that I couldn’t put it down… I loved this book’ Amazon reviewer, 5 stars‘This book is funny, totally relatable and made me laugh out loud, shed a tear in parts as well as the “yes I can identify with that” moments.’ Amazon reviewer, 5 stars‘A five star read that I absolutely loved.’‘Tracy Bloom has the lightest of touches with the deepest of understanding.’ Amazon reviewer, 5 stars‘Where has [Tracy Bloom] been all my life, another author to add to my growing list of authors to keep an eye out for.’ Amazon reviewer, 5 stars‘I really loved this book, so funny and life affirming.’ Amazon reviewer, 5 stars‘Very funny, with a few tears, thoroughly recommended.’ Amazon reviewer, 5 stars‘Hilarious, touching and really laugh out loud!!’ Amazon reviewer, 5 stars‘A fab read which you don't want to put down.’ Amazon reviewer, 5 stars‘Just like catching up with a good friend that you want to catch up with.’ Amazon reviewer, 5 stars‘What a fantastic story! I absolutely loved the characters but especially Cathy – I empathised and rooted for her all through the book.’ Amazon reviewer, 5 stars‘What is utterly brilliant about this book is that the story is real… the things that happen are the things that happen to all of us. Like arguing with siblings (in your head) and facing the reality of ageing parents.’ Amazon reviewer, 5 stars‘Great story not least because it made me realize I’m not alone.’ Amazon reviewer, 5 stars

The Unretirement is an uplifting story about the joy of pursuing dreams at any age, full of warmth, heart and community spirit. Meet 65-year-old widow Maggie Lawford. After retiring two years ago and travelling the world with her husband Geoff, she's alone again - and retirement has gone from a never-ending holiday to grief-filled and lonely. Though looking after her gorgeous granddaughter Alice for her high-flying daughter Hannah brings so much joy, Maggie yearns for more. After her ambition of being a chef was deferred forty years ago in favour of a more family-friendly career, Maggie knows it's now or never to chase her dreams. When Maggie and Hannah visit their favourite local Indian restaurant one evening, they are gutted to find the tables all but empty, with a dwindling menu and their old friend and owner Sav at his wit's end. The last straw comes when Maggie hears a cry from the kitchen: she charges in, taking matters into her own hands. Never one to give up without a fight, Maggie resolves to save the beloved but failing restaurant - and with all her years catering for a large family and volunteering for the WI, it's not long before she has a military-grade plan to turn the place around again. After all, Maggie's golden days aren't behind her just yet...

Full of romance and humour, this is a book about fresh starts, friendship and the unexpected places we find happiness.I love getting lost in a Jules Wake book! Debbie Johnson, bestselling author of the Comfort Food Cafe seriesThis is the story of two women.One old, one young.One looking for new adventures. One looking for a purpose.Both needing a friend.And this is how, along with two little girls in need of a family, a gorgeous stranger, and a scruffy dog, they bring the whole community together every Saturday morning for love, laughter and a little bit of running(well, power walking).Some people come into your life when you need them the most.Readers are loving THE SATURDAY MORNING PARK RUN: This heart-warming read will leave you feeling happy, emotional, and potentially ready for a run A gorgeous, engaging charm of a read Jenn, Amazon reviewer I am addicted to books by Jules and as her stories are simply delightful and heartwarming however this one is just magical KR, Amazon reviewer Absolutely loved this gem of a book! A great read detailing the benefits of family life, work life balance, friendship, love and intergenerational friendships! Sally, Amazon reviewer

This summer, escape to the Seaside Cottages in the Scottish isles with this delightful mother-daughter story about second chances in love, life, and home renovations, by New York Times bestselling author Jenny Colgan. EVERYONE IS SEARCHING FOR THEIR PERFECT HOUSE. BUT HOME IS REALLY WHERE THE HEART IS... Janey Carter has a lot to be grateful for--a home by the sea in the Scottish isles, a job that she loves, two kids who have successfully launched, and a network of kind and supportive friends. But since her husband left, her confidence has taken a nosedive. And then, out of the blue, her thirty-year-old daughter Essie announces she's moving back home. Janey loves Essie dearly, but she was never the easiest to live with, and Janie has been enjoying the empty nest life. Yes, Essie Carter has just lost her job, can't afford her rent in Edinburgh, and her boyfriend isn't ready to commit. She hates to admit defeat and isn't wild about moving back to the remote island community where she was raised. But maybe the sea air will clear her head? No sooner is Essie back under her mother's roof than an unusual opportunity pops up: the shabby and unloved Seaside Cottages next door come up for sale. Janey has some experience renovating the island's famous stone fisherman's cottages, Essie needs something to do, and they could both use a little Air B&B income to warm their pockets. Mother and daughter slowly bond over the shared challenge, which delivers some much-needed revelations for Essie, and offers Janey a surprise second chance at love as well. "If I could live in a Jenny Colgan novel, I'd be happy forever." -- bestselling author Jill Mansell

A new love could be about to bloom for Lily in this bright, warm women’s fiction title that fans of Holly Hepburn and Cathy Bramley will love. Lily Rose Baxter loves her little flower shop on Foxley Street and the freedom and independence from her family that it represents. Lily can't help but feel that something is missing from her life..., but when mysterious stranger Will Singer comes into her shop looking for the perfect bouquet of roses, all that could be about to change.

'Full of warmth' #1 Sunday Times Bestseller Katie Fforde A blast from her past... Having narrowly avoided losing everything to her romance scammer ex, artist Delilah Waters is done with men and focused entirely on her quest to buy Puffin Island's magical lighthouse. It's a crucial piece of her own family's history and the perfect space to turn into her home. But then Max Harrington walks through her door. ...puts her future in question. Her feelings for her former art teacher might have been forbidden at the time, but now he's back, and single, and there's no denying that the attraction is mutual! But when something seems too good to be true, it normally is, and Dilly soon makes a shocking discovery that changes everything for her and Max. Now she'll have to call upon the same fortitude as her beloved lighthouse if she's to weather the storm headed her way... Readers have fallen in love with The Lighthouse Daughters: 'Warm, emotive and engaging from start to finish. Christie Barlow is one of my go-to authors and the latest addition to her new series is fantastic' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'This is a fabulous continuation of the Puffin Island series ... heartwarming and uplifting ... I love the Puffin Island community' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'When you receive a new Christie Barlow novel, it immediately goes to the top of the TBR pile. I could not put this book down' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'If you are already a fan of this author, this one will be another hit with you. If you have not read any of her books then what better place to start, than a visit to Puffin Island' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Praise for the Puffin Island series: 'The most wholesome, heartwarming, enchanting read ... would highly recommend' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'Christie Barlow never fails to capture the characters and bring them to life' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'Christie draws you in and you never want to leave!'⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'Absolutely gorgeous! Love the setting, love the characters ... Highly recommended!'⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'Christie Barlow you've done it again ... Brilliant!'⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'Puffin Island has a community we all wish to be a part of. Can't wait for the next visit'⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

The heartwarming holiday read from the Kindle bestselling author of The Cosy Teashop series When Emma opened her gorgeous little chocolate shop in the harbour village of Warkton-by-the-Sea, she realised a lifelong dream. Love is also blossoming with her hunky beau, Max, who's slowly healing her fragile heart. Summer is here and life has never felt so sweet. Until the rainclouds start to gather... A rival sweet shop and killjoy landlord give Emma a headache, and when a face from the past turns up unannounced, Emma finds herself spiralling down memory lane. With Max's crazy work schedule driving him to distraction, Emma's in danger of making some choices she might regret . . . With close friends, spaniel Alfie, and the whole village behind her, can Emma get the chocolate shop and her love life back on track? Only time will tell in this deliciously romantic novel of love, loss, hope and second chances.

‘Evocative and engaging ... a story to fall in love with’ Cathy Bramley ‘A delightful cast of characters’ Woman’s Weekly 1940: Beatrice Crawford left her safe life in England to nurse the soldiers in the fields of France during the Great war. Once the war was over, she never returned home, and during the darkest days of WW2, her beloved Paris is occupied by the Nazi’s. Beatrice must once again do her bit, but who can she trust in this dangerous new world? Present day: Keen to put the spark back into her life, Annie Lovell volunteers to investigate her neighbour’s inherited apartment in Paris. There she discovers a bundle of secret diaries hidden within its walls. Captivated by the City of Light, Annie must piece together the events from the past if she is to fulfil the legacy that Beatrice left for her to find... Praise for Alex Brown: ‘An intriguing story you will love’ Jill Mansell ‘The cleverly entwined stories kept me turning the pages’ Trisha Ashley ‘A wonderfully crafted masterpiece’ Melanie Blake ‘A warm, emotional tale of love, friendship and following your heart’ Milly Johnson ‘I adored it’ Lesley Pearse