Raising the Bar, part three in Bella Osborne's Ottercombe Bay series, although not the most action packed does see the story progressing along nicely as we edge ever closer to the finale. When we last left Daisy Wickens she was in a precarious situation to say the least and even though it was extremely dangerous the reader sensed that things had to turn out OK given there was a further two parts to come in the story. Her knights in shining armour come to the rescue and she can return to the business of getting the gin bar/hot chocolate cabin up and running.

Daisy has come a long way from the reluctant woman who returned to Ottercombe Bay under duress. Although beneath the now more positive attitude and work ethic she is displaying there is always a sense that she is biding her time and all this is but a mere stop gap. After all, she only did promise to remain for a year so she could get her inheritance and move on, travel and see the world. Daisy has always been running since that life changing event in her past and this is a plan she is keen to stick to. But will Ottercombe Bay, its residents, the gin bar and the friends she is further strengthening her bond with begin to have that magic affect that might make her change her mind and stay?

The issue of the bats as arose in part two is quickly solved and plans are now full steam ahead to get the bar open in time and get it turning a profit so Daisy can repay her Aunt Coral whom she is staying with. I loved Aunt Coral as a character, she could see the longer term picture and how things could be good for Daisy if she stayed but yet she never put pressure or forced opinions on Daisy. I think she was wise and played her cards well but also knew when would be the appropriate time to step in. The star of the show had to be Bug the dog who gets up to such antics that have Daisy cursing and the reader laughing out loud. Although I think she might be warming up to him just like a certain someone.

Up to now I was unsure as to who the actual love interest for Daisy might prove to be. I'll admit I was becoming confused between the two main male characters but the lines were not as blurred here with distinct lines between the pair in place. I understood Daisy's reluctance to want to delve deeper and explore the feelings that were stirring given her longer term goal of selling the bar once the year was up. Still a fling or just having a good time wouldn't have gone amiss while she was there. She does need some happiness and enjoyment after all.

I enjoyed reading of all the preparations of trying to get the bar open and to witness so to speak the transformation it underwent from the old railway station to a place where hopefully everybody will want to be seen. But what I did miss out on was a bit more information as to the storyline regrading the big event in Daisy's past. We know what it is and how it still affects her on a daily basis but I felt this needed more exploration and a bit of digging around to get answers to give Daisy some sort of satisfaction and closure. Maybe there will be more focus on this in part four as I am hoping there will be with regard to the missing items we learned about in a previous part.

Daisy in part three works very hard to achieve her goal but when the bar is up and running she does jump to conclusions and lands her foot in it. I could see why the relevant character was so offended but in fairness I made the same accusation in my mind, it was the natural thing to do. Tamysn, Daisy's best friend, is still a character who I just don't get. Hyperactive is not the word and I just want to tell her calm down, her behaviour comes across as childish. I did feel the very smallest bit of sympathy when she explains her panic in relation to a member of the opposite sex but apart from that she is a character I tend to read about when she appears but then not give scant thought to there after.

The reappearance of someone Daisy thought she had pushed firmly out of her life sets the cat among the pigeons and the last scenes of the book were very intriguing to say the least. Just what is that character up to? How will Daisy react to everything? I was gutted when things ended the way they did. Definitely on a cliff hanger but it has set us up nicely for the concluding part in the series Shaken and Stirred. There are lots of unanswered questions and various story lines to be resolved and I am dying to find out how it all ends. Will Daisy up sticks and leave after the deadline of the year has passed? Or will she discover home is where the heart is and someone special could be waiting for her. I don't know how I will wait until May to discover the eventual outcome for all involved.

We are 'Raising The Bar' with this next instalment from Ottercombe Bay! For someone who seemed completely against staying in Devon to live out her Great-Uncle's last request, Daisy has taken to the town like a duck to water. Of course her stay hasn't been without a few troubles, but Daisy seems to be making Ottercombe Bay her new home, whether she intended to or not.

I can't devour these instalments quick enough! Rather bittersweet though I have to say as just when I get hooked, the novella ends and I am required to be patient for the next part! As soon as all four parts are published as one book, I will be ignoring everyone and reading them all from start to finish - you mark my words!

Despite reading several books in-between part two and three, I was able to slot back into Daisy's situation and pick up where I left off the last time. Watching the railway bar come to life has been such a joy, even though Daisy is allowing herself to be a bit of a pushover when it comes to staff members! Grow a backbone girl! As for the predicament which Max has found himself in, what is it with people and not coming clean? Does he honestly think Daisy would have been okay with him lying to her? Obviously not!

Once again Bella Osborne has allowed me to lose myself in Daisy and co's antics! With such engaging and addictive storytelling, Bella Osborne has created a very memorable storyline, with even more memorable characters. Even though I am grumpy about the cliff hanger ending to part three, it has made me even more excited to get my laughing gear around part four. I just don't want to say goodbye to Ottercombe Bay and everything it stands for. Who knows, I may even shed a tear!

5☆ Just keeps getting Better & Better!

 Raising the Bar is the third part in this fantastic short series and they just keep getting better and better.

So in part 2 we see Daisy get the plans approved to turn the railway station into a hot chocolate place by day and a gin bar by night.

What a fantastic idea. After all the ups and downs Daisy finally has got the gin bar up and running with the help from her friends.
Although I'm not not entirely sure there won't be more mishaps and drama along the way.

I adore Max and Daisy's relationship. They love to hate each other but it definitely seems like Daisy is warming to Max and Ottercombe Bay.

I don't want to give too much away as they are way too good not to discover for yourself.

I am so excited for part 4 but also incredibly sad as I don't want to say goodbye to Ottercombe Bay and the quirky wonderful Characters in the village.

Bella brings the quirky characters alive. The buzz and excitement and mystery that surrounds Ottercombe Bay.
Each part has had me quickly turning page.
I wish i could visit the Bay and have a gin and hot chocolate with Daisy and her friends.

The only question left to answer is......
Will Daisy stay or will she runaway??

This series is fast becoming one of my favourite series this year!

This is the third instalment of Ottercombe Bay and oddly enough i got part 4 before the 3rd.... anyway...
You need to read part one and part two before you can even contemplate in understanding any of the story because quite a lot is occurring from the town. New comers are popping up and so on, so do read the whole series... It begins with suspense and ends with suspense.
Daisy has previously began working on opening up a Gin bar and work is currently under way to make that happen and to think she hated the thought of staying her? can she stand staying here for her future and doing the 12month time frame in order to gain her inheritance???? All in all its a brilliant read and has some secrets and bumps along the way, we delve further into her reasonings and personality more and we see more of Max.
Brilliant read.

The third book in the Ottercombe series and this one is just as good as the others. The characters are very likeable and the story line is believable as it isn’t too sugary sweet. I’m looking forward to reading the next book in this series. I would definitely recommend this book but I would advise anyone to read the first two in the series before hand.

Part three of Ottercombe Bay - Raising the Bar sees Daisy finally opening her multi-purpose business in the old Railway building left to her by her Great-Uncle Reg. Daisy is joined by some quirky characters who she manages to employ on a part-time basis, now all she needs are the customers.
Romance is also in the air, but it's not without its complications. Bug, the pug, provides a constant stream of amusement even though he did leave Daisy marooned at the end of part two. Daisy's problems aren't over yet, she has uninvited guests, things go missing, and the circumstances around her mother's death remain mysterious.
This episode ends with a cliffhanger, so I'm looking forward to the fourth and final part of this humorous, yet poignant series.
I received a copy of this book from Avon UK via NetGalley in return for an honest review.

It’s the third part in the series and the story gets more and more interesting as Daisy’s business is finally open and she is getting engaged in the Ottercombe Bay life. I still enjoy reading about the dog called Bug and the other local people, who are easy to imagine, because their personalities are very well written. All characters are likeable except the new guy, who decided to visit Daisy for a short period of time, he’s actions and motives are doubtful.

Each and every single part of the series has been great and as there’s only one left it’s a bittersweet moment, I really want to know what’s going to happen next, but I don’t want to say good bye to all the wonderful characters and Ottercombe Bay.

This is part 3 in the series and I would definitely recommend reading parts 1 and 2 before this.

Another fantastic instalment with Part 3 Raising the bar. I'm so enjoying this lovely book series, I always enjoy books set in a little town filled with lots of family, friendship, romance and healing. I simply adore Max he's so lovely and the will they won't they with Daisy is definitely keeping me reading, plus. Perfect cosy read. Lots left to be revealed in part 4 which I'm so looking forward too!

Thank you so much to the publisher for the review copy via netgalley.

This is the third book in the series, and continues the story of Daisy opening her gin and hot chocolate bar. As with the other books, it's a great read, easy to like characters, a really well set scene, a little bit of romance, and a lot of twists, turns and drama. I'm really looking forward to the final book to see how this all turns out in the end!

I am enjoying this series so much and can't wait to read the final episode now. I feel a part of the Ottercombe Bay crew. I've loved the plans for the railway station turning into a gin bar- if all the problems can be overcome. Daisy is starting to enjoy feeling a part of the Bay although there are some bumps in the road. There are some very touching moments and hints of further secrets to be revealed as we get to know everyone more. We are hoping that Daisy will fall in love with the place but will it be a success and can it keep her in the Bay?

Part 3 of this great series and Daisy is cracking on with her gin and hot chocolate bar..... what a great job having to learn about different gins! Things are going well with Max and so just need to tie up the mystery of her mother and the necklace, so looking forward to part 4

A lovely series I always love the books by this author she has such a light easy style with great characters and always leaves you with a nice warm feeling

Well part 1 of this series introduced us to skeletons being unearthed in a lot of closets and part 3 lets all of those skeletons out for all to see. This part really delves deeper into who Daisy is and what she is about and we also get to find out a lot more about Max in this particular instalment. And when we delve deeper into these characters' pasts, we really do find a lot more than we bargained for. There is also some romance in this instalment, which I loved. I won't give any spoilers away but I certainly didn't see all of it coming! If you were waiting for more gin then there is a lot more gin in this episode, as well as some hot chocolate. Thankfully there is also a lot more Pug in this part as well, because he is just such a great character. True to form, this episode ends on a cliffhanger and I have absolutely no clue how this series is going to end-I can't wait for part 4!

Another great book in the Ottercombe Bay series.
We return to see Daisy as she continues to turn the railway buildings into her gin and hot chocolate bar.
Part Three was as good as the other two and I’m waiting not so patiently for part four.
A feel good read, perfect for losing a few hours while you enjoying reading all about the characters.
Another great book by Bella, have a read you will love it.

Ottercombe Bay Part Three: Raising The Bar is wonderful like the two earlier books. You have the main character Daisy trying to open the bar. She hits some snags along the way.
These books are so calming and I enjoy them tremendously. You just fly reading them to find out what happens next.

Loved part three of this book. With Daisy's gin and hot chocolate bar now open it seems to have been a success so far. Left at a cliffhanger again, what is her French ex up to!? I expect Daisy and Max will end up together in part four (I hope so anyway) and intrigued into what's going on with Aunt Coral and Max's dad. Can't wait for part four! Thank you for letting me read and review this book, roll on part four!

This is part three of a series of books highly recommend you read part one and two first but starts with suspense and ends in suspense so keeps you thinking what will happen. It is full of friendship and families and romance and great characters. Bella is having to stay in the bay for a year in order to get her inheritance and she decides to open a gin bar and work is being don in order to open this and she has a collection of people wanting to work with her in the bar. Can she find the right man to be with or does someone else come to the bay and throw things for here. A very enjoyable read that's has you laughing in places.

I have absolutely loved this series so far, and this one was of course, no different. There's more drama, a bit more romance and I enjoyed every page.

I really liked reading more about Daisy's adventures with the bar, I enjoyed reading about how she's learning about all the new gins and the sound of the hot chocolate was just delicious! I also enjoyed that Christmas was involved in this part, it was a grey, dreary day that I was reading this on so it made me feel so warm inside - and I loved the charity swim!

We got to know a little bit more about the characters and there was a lot more relationship development between a few of them. The characters are all extremely likeable and I just find it such a lighthearted and easy story to read. It's one that you could easily pass the time with. It was really interesting reading more about Daisy's life and her gin/hot chocolate bar.

Overall, a really delightful third instalment to this exciting story. The next and final one in the series, I absolutely cannot wait for! We will finally learn what happened to poor Daisy's mum and the suspense from these last few in the series has been eating me alive! I'm so eager to find out what happened and why there's still so much mystery surrounding both Daisy's mum and her necklace.

If you haven't picked up any of Bella Osbourne's novels, then I would urge you to do so. Bella writes easy to read novels that you won't be able to put down. They will leave you feel warm and fuzzy inside. Thank you to Netgalley and to the publisher for a chance to read this novel, which I have reviewed honestly.

Not too worried about reading the rest of this book series. All seems a bit silly and far fetched

Once again I broke off from the book I was reading to catch up with Part 3 of Daisy and I wasn’t disappointed. A few hints about what is to come in Part 4 and I really can’t wait! Really enjoying this tale by Bella Osborne.

The third instalment of Daisy’s return to Ottercombe Bay. She is finally ready to open the bat/hot chocolatier and has confusing feelings for her old school mate.
Daisy has success, but is still planning on selling the bar and moving on at the end of her 12 months in the beautiful Devon coast.

Just when she thought things were going smoothly, a hiccup in her relationship , and then the French Ex shows up, putting a spanner in the works.

Another great check lit instalment. Looking forward to the final.