Thank you to Netgalley, the author and the Publishers, Avon Books for this review copy, given in exchange for an honest review.

This is the first part of Bella Osborne’s new serialisation, Ottercombe Bay. I have recently read Bella’s last series, Willow Cottage and LOVED them, so was very excited to start on this new series.

Daisy Wickens returns to Ottercombe Bay for the funeral of her Great Uncle Reg. Her mother died here when Daisy was a child, and she has spent most of her life avoiding the place. Her intention is to attend the funeral and then go, despite having no funds or plans. Unfortunately for her, Great Uncle Reg had other ideas and has left Daisy Ottercombe Bay’s crumbling old derelict railway station building for her to do with as she pleases, providing she spends the next 12 months living in Ottercombe Bay. What will Daisy do?

Fantastic start to what will hopefully prove to be a fantastic series! I love books like this that draw you in from page one. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again though, I’m not a lover of books split into four parts, unless I can read those four parts in one go! I hate waiting for the next instalment and the ‘parts’ are so short that it’s finished just as it starts getting good! There is no difference with this one, and that is my one and only criticism. I really enjoyed Part One and I’m so disappointed that I will have to wait months for the next part!

On the plus side, I thought the book was great! It was a lovely, easy, fun read and had plenty of moments that had me chuckling out loud. I loved Daisy’s character – yes, she’s a bit brash and a bit temperamental but you just know that will all smooth itself out over the course of the books. I love the relationship between her and Max. I did initially think that perhaps they end up getting it together, but changed my mind by the end of the book! The location was to die for and it had my imagination working overdrive picturing all these places. The old station building sounds beautiful and I’m intrigued as to what Daisy will turn the place into, as it’s obvious that something like that will happen.

The cover of the book is the “pièce de résistance” – it is absolutely beautiful. The covers for all of Bella’s books are works of art, and I for one would love to have them hanging on the wall. If you’re the type of person who ‘judges a book by this cover’ then this is definitely the book for you!

I really really enjoyed the start of this series, and would highly recommend it to anyone and everyone. Can’t wait for the next instalment!!

Pretty cute start to a cosy series. The main character isn't entirely likable. Bit brash and cranky. At one point she compares a male character to a yeast infection which was quite strange.

Ending was abrupt but I will read the next book in the series as some interesting storylines were introduced.

A short story holiday read that leaves you hanging! First in the series but I would have liked to have had the next book to hand to continue the story. Enjoyable light reading.