The Beach Reads Book Club (The Kathryn Freeman Romcom Collection, Book 5)

Lottie Watt joined a book club and got a rescue dog when her long-term boyfriend Henry accepts a job with a newspaper in America, but as the months have passed she realises that she has begun to dread book club because the books are always so worthy and the discussions about the books are more like an exam. After being called out for failing to read My Sister, The Serial Killer and wanting to talk about more than just a book, Lottie decides to start up her own book club, a book club that likes romance novels, just the sort of thing you like to read on a beach holiday, and so The Beach Read Book Club is born. Matthew Steele was a trader in the City, but after his mother died he left London and bought a house and a bookshop on the South Coast of England, hoping to make a new start with his father and his younger sister Amy. Unfortunately, neither his father or sister appears to be happy, especially not with him, and he doesn't seem to be able to let go of bad habits. Quiet and reserved, a recent divorce has left Matt feeling adrift. Lottie persuades Matt to let the book club use the café attached to the bookshop once a month for two hours after closing time. Soon the club consists of Lottie, her pregnant BFF Sally, a pensioner with a penchant for gin and raunchy romances called Audrey, a lonely middle-aged married woman called Gira, and a divorced single middle-aged woman called Heidi. The book club reads books by Jilly Cooper, E.L. James, Christina Lauren, Julie Caplin, and Helen Hoag to name just a few - which is great because I have read several of the books myself. However, whilst Audrey might rate the raunch factor, the book club is more about friendship and helping each other. Slowly but surely Matt and his family are drawn into the book club and Lottie sits at the centre, bringing people together and helping them find their way. I really liked this book and it slightly reminded me of the film The Jane Austen Book Club, Kathryn Freeman is quickly becoming one of my favourite authors. I was offered a free copy of this book by the publisher via NetGalley in return for an honest review.

Another fabulous read from Kathryn Freeman! When Lottie Watt is shown the door from the prim and proper Book Club for not following their rules, she makes the decision to start one of her own; a friendly club where chat and cake will be enjoyed alongside some less serious – but no less enjoyable – novels. Her club soon finds a venue for their meetings in the local bookshop / cafe, under the watchful eye of Matthew Steele – the handsome but straight-laced owner. As the book clubs heats up, so does the attraction between Matt and Lottie but they are a long way from being friends, never mind anything more. I loved everything about this book; it’s smart, funny and the attraction between Lottie and Matt is palpable. The author has created a wonderful cast of characters, all life-like and entertaining but, for me, Audrey was the star of the show. I spluttered, giggled and hooted with laughter throughout this novel and recommend it as a fantastic summer read. A delightful and enthralling story, beautifully written and full of the magic which makes a book sparkle, making it well worth all five stars.