Member Reviews

Seas the Day is the final instalment in what has been an absolute cracker of a series from Bella Osborne Meet Me at Pebble Beach. This has to be one of my favourite stories from this author and I loved every minute of it from start to finish. Seas the Day provided us with the perfect ending, it tied up all the lose ends, secrets were finally uncovered and answers were supplied to the many questions that had arisen over the course of the series. Part three ended on a cliffhanger and I have to say Bella Osborne has excelled at those jaw dropping moments quietly slipped in at the end of each part which make you sit up in shock and more than keen to return to find out what is actually going on and will the characters be able if at all find their happy ending?

Bernice, manager of the market, has just received some earth shattering news and to be honest I never saw that connection coming but it showed the reader she has more of a softer side than she has shown in the past. That deep underneath her gruff behaviour and stern manner she does have a heart and what she has heard has deeply affected her. The news that Bernice receives certainly puts herself and our main character on the same page as Regan got answers to something that has been worrying away at her for some time. I think Regan got closure and resolution to this aspect of the story and she knows that the lively challenge that she has taken on was the right thing to do. She is aware that she is now doing more than just a favour for someone and she views things in a new light and perspective.

Regan certainly has been through the mill since we first met her but I love that she has turned misfortune and a rotten joke into something positive and life changing in a good way. She really had reached rock bottom and in the beginning I saw no way in which she could turn things around without getting into a heap of trouble but through her wits, ingenuity and some new friends she is starting to make a success of her market stall selling unusual jams and chutneys. By ticking off things on her lottery wish list Regan had an aim and she didn't want to be know as a failure and the girl who believed she had won the lotto only to come crashing back down to earth with a bang when she realised what a cruel joke had been played on her. I still can't over that Alex, her former colleague, could have been so mean. Mentally I wouldn't have been able to cope with such a cruel joke being played on me.

Regan's best friend Cleo has arrived back from her stint in Japan with a new found attitude. I was surprised that she wasn't too upset that Regan had been staying in her studio but I suppose she had other things on her mind. Honestly her storyline in the last part kind of came out of nowhere and not that I have anything wrong at all with the subject matter I just felt it was thrown in there with no warning and I thought it deserved a bit more attention. Given how short this last part was there wasn't room for this and I would have loved a little more in-depth exploration of it. That is the only very minor issue I have had with this series as a whole because really I have thoroughly enjoyed it and I could sense that the author really enjoyed writing it too and weaving all the little sub-plots together to make one great big fabulous story.

I loved the super sleuth in Regan emerging and she really stepped up to the plate to find out things which had been bugging her for quite some time. I had had my suspicions regarding her Dad for quite some time and I was proven right to a certain extent. Her reaction to what she discovered was just so lovely and accepting and I am glad she showed no judgement or misunderstanding of the situation. But what I really wanted to know was how things would work out with fire-fighter Charlie given what a great friendship had developed. But there was a fine and delicate line to be walked and I could only see things going in one direction.

As I got nearer to the end there was still no resolution and I thought is this going to be it haven given us so many cliffhangers and then just the most brilliant resolutions instead of things tapering off leaving the reader unsatisfied were we going to reach the end and I would be so frustrated? I think you'll have to read this wonderful book for yourself and see what I am talking about to decide whether the ending was perfect or not. I envy those readers you can read Meet Me at Pebble Beach all in one go as it is a real page turner but at the same I loved being left hanging and always wanting more. It's a great summer read that is perfect for these glorious sunny days that we are having.

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Meet Me at Pebble Beach started life as a four part series which is how I first started to read it. I found it to be warm and funny and was soon drawn into Regan's story. Her life is catapulted through a huge change at the beginning and the people she knows are also established vividly and you are aware that they all have their own backstory. You learn quite a lot about Regan’s inherent kindness and warmth so you are rooting for her from the start.

Set in Brighton, you get to meet some great characters as Regan starts to reinvent herself and start again. A romcom which is full of fun, nevertheless, you find some more sombre issues there, such as homelessness. You know from the cover, that this is ultimately going to be a heart-warming tale, full of life.

In short: Love and friendship by the sea

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I read the first part of this book recently and fully reviewed it here. I was lucky enough to be invited onto the tour for the full book and i was excited to see where it went after i last left off. For those who haven't read the review ill start from the beginning.



Regan has won the lottery, she is holding the ticket and she is so excited she can now leave her job, her boyfriend and follow her dreams including her aims to save an endangered animal & own a business. Her dreams really were coming true, but she has been pranked. Only after she has ditched her job, boyfriend & home does she discover this.



All is not lost though, no matter how it seems - Regan meets a wonderful man named Charlie who helps her look at her list and take life by the horns, he knows that you should take chances and why not now. Regan can follow her dreams.



We follow Regan through the little seaside community and with some help from the locals her life starts to change. Let me say, i loved this. At first the list seemed so far fetched but with some tweaking from Charlie it was certainly achievable. Previous i said that Regan didn't take life too seriously but as we discovered her more, i warmed to her so much, that her personality was infectious. She was confident and didn't hesitate to shout when she thought someone was wronged.



I feel like Charlie in comparison was her perfect match with her chaotic nature, he was calming and soothing. Throw in Regans friends in the form of Cleo, Penny, Kevin and Elvis the dog and you have a lively mismatched bunch. I liked that as new things happened, we spent alot of time understanding them and how they would impact Regans life.



Bella has created a thriving community within a little seaside community and i adored it. It was well constructed and everyone had real depth to them. It was laugh out loud funny in parts, it was endearing and at parts i did feel myself well up.

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This was slow going at first. Wasn't sure I was going to be able to get into and then, suddenly I was hooked. Couldn't put it down. I'm glad I stuck with it because it was a really sweet book. A lot happens in this book that covers the range of events, emotions, relationships etc. Love the dog, Elvis. He is a great character! Regan and Charlie are wonderful too. The whole book is a rollercoaster ride because as soon as you think one thing is going to happen, something else does and off you go again. A very enjoyable read!
I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley and the publisher and voluntarily chose to review it.

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Regan thinks she’s won the lottery, quits her job, and breaks up with her boyfriend. All in the span of 10 minutes. She’s homeless and jobless and needs to find some direction fast. Enter Charlie, a fireman, who is charming and friendly. They strike up a lovely friendship. Regan has some ups and downs, acquires a rather large pet, and learns to make jam.

I enjoyed this story. It was a cute tale with a lot of quirky characters. The plot of pretty realistic. I would recommend it to people who like romantic comedies.

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First of all I have to say that I have devoured this book in one day. I have thoroughly enjoyed the story, it is fast paced but not complicated to follow. The characters are fabulous and I have had every emotion going whilst reading it. I have actually shed tears and whooped and smiled throughout. Lots of little things happening all the time to keep you interested with lots of little twists thrown in too. Would definitely recommend this book to others and will be reading more from this author. Thank you to netgalley and the author and publishers for the opportunity to read this ARC for my honest opinion.

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There are some books that just completely pull you in, and you feel like you're a participant, rather than a spectator. This is one of those. Everything, the setting, plot, and the characters, just make you feel like you're there.

Regan is a bit of a madcap character, the type who's always having mishaps and mad things happen to her. But you can't help but love her, she's really adorable, and has a heart of gold.

Her life changes in the blink of an eye, but she handles it all, and turns it into an opportunity.

Charlie comes into her life, but it's not as straightforward as it seems.

This is, of course, a lighthearted novel, with some genuinely funny moments, but there's more to it than that. There's realism, as the characters deal with real life issues, and there's a message about what's really important in life. This is all told in a joyous and witty way, but there's some sad and anxious moments too.

This book is the perfect pick-me-up, a wonderful bit of escapism, and a real pleasure to read. Highly recommended.

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At first, I thought I wouldn't even finish the book. I was at 7%, and I couldn't get myself to like Regan. She was selfish, unconsiderate and immature.
But then, suddenly, something changed. She started growing up, taking responsibility and working towards what she really wanted. That's when I found myself rooting for her!
I liked that no character was perfect, but they were all learning (some more than others).
At the end, I was really glad I had read this book, I'll be checking for more books by Bella Osborne.

Thanks NetGalleyand the publisher for my ARC.

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I absolutely love Bella Osborne's books and could not wait to read Meet Me at Pebble Beach - the cover is utterly lovely and so is the story. There is so much to the storyline and many vital issues are addressed.

In Meet Me at Pebble Beach we are introduced to the lovely Regan, who in an instant loses everything in her life - her boyfriend, her home, her job and her life and although it is the worst thing that happens to her at the time, with the amazing Charlie by her side, she picks herself up, chases her dreams and makes a much better life for herself. The book is set in Brighton and the descriptions of the area made me want to go there for a stroll along the beach and pier!

There are heartbreaking moments in the book which will take you on a rollercoaster of emotions. The very hard hitting and very important issue of homelessness was a large part of the storyline and it was written about so well. So many other issues were addressed from serious devastating illness, setting up your own business and the guidelines needed to running a business from your own home, injured animals and the way the vets and the community help you out in times of crisis.

The characters were all superb and given so much depth. I loved the relationship with Kevin and Elvis was Regan's best friend at her very worst of times. I loved Cleo - she is a fantastic friend who will always be there for Regan. The relationship between Regan and the lovely Charlie was very hard at times but all turned out very well in the end and they both have a second chance at life and grab it with both hands together - they are the perfect couple and have such a bright sunny future ahead.

A 5 star read that will have you take you through every emotion and will have you smiling and laughing too - highly recommended!

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This was some gorgeous uplifting escapism. At first I have to admit I struggled to like Regan and some of her choices frustrated me, but over time she grew and grew on me until I was incredibly invested in her life and her story. She was chaotic and scatty but also deeply empathetic and caring, and determined to get herself back on her feet.

I loved the way that what she wanted and what she was working towards evolved over time. And it was a nice touch of realism and honesty to depict that feeling that so many of us have that we don't really know what we want to do.

I also loved her various friendships and relationships, and the way they developed and linked together. Perfect summer read.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for the e-proof of this book in exchange for my honest review.

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Regan didn’t immediately appeal to me. I’m a neat freak and sympathised with Jarvis, her ultra tidy boyfriend, but she redeemed herself, within a few pages, with her caring attitude and sense of humour. Regan thinks her life is changing for the better then it doesn’t, but maybe, it does? Just when you think things may be okay fate intervenes.

Humour and poignancy give way to darker issues and real sadness as this story progresses. Regan and Charlie’s conflicted romance forces her to concentrate on finding a new career and move her life forward. Kevin and Elvis are poignant characters and easy to empathise. Friendship, humour, mystery, romance and sadness are all integral to this story.

Regan grows in insight and understanding as she faces heartbreak and tough choices. Her honesty endears her to her friends and the reader. The book concludes with questions answered, mysteries solved and an innate sense of justice.

With relatable characters, humour, poignancy, romance and secrets, this story engages from its exciting beginning, through heartbreak to its positive ending.

I received a copy of this book from Avon Books UK via NetGalley in return for an honest review.

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Love, love, loved this book. Get yourself some wine, chocolate and tissues before you start.
This book takes you on a rollercoaster of friendship, trust, loyalty and love.. Regan lives with a boyfriend who is a neat freak when she is totally messy and clumsy. Her job is mundane but it pays the bills until she thinks she’s won big on the lottery. This fact gives Regan the courage to change her life, she thinks for the better. Unfortunately all is not how it seems and she finds herself with no home, boyfriend or job. But she knows that she still has more than her homeless friend Kevin. An unexpected meeting with a guy called Charlie changes her life mostly for the better but he is hiding something. A series of events with her homeless friend and the love of his dog makes her realise that she wants to be her own boss and to set her own destiny. Regan is a unique person who gets under the skin of all who meet her

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Such a wonderful book, a lovely positive read, not as lighthearted as you think,, lots of substance here. A thought provoking read with lots of heart, a bit slow to start but I found I still didn’t want to put it down. I loved Reagan and Charlie, such a wonderful cast of supporting characters too. A lovely read with real heart.

Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for a free copy for an honest opinion

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Meet Me at Pebble Beach is a fantastic book. Thought provoking plot and great characters. I received an arc from the publisher and Netgalley and this is my unbiased review.

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This book had me laughing out loud most of the way through, apart from the devastatingly sad bits. Regan is a bit of a disaster, everything that can go wrong does.
When she meets Charlie she thinks her luck might have changed for the better but she is very much mistaken and things go from bad to worse.

Set in Brighton I was able to visualise clearly all the places that she went to which I really enjoyed.

Regan was a rather annoying at times but lovable and very loyal character. Even if she didn’t have anything she would still try to help other people and put them first. I loved her relationship with Elvis the dog and the other characters in the book.

A fun read with lots of laughs and a touch of heartbreak. Regan’s journey is filled with ups and downs and she is a character that will defiantly stay with you.

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Meet Me at Pebble Beach was the book that I needed to read. Engaging, funny, emotional, this shows that second chances are always possible and how not winning the lottery may just be the chance you just need.

For me this was a five star read because it was pretty perfect. We have a flawed lead in Regan, romance via Charlie, love for Kevin and a journey that ties them all together.

We follow Regan whose life is boring and uneventful until the day she does not win the lottery and she ends up jobless, homeless and boyfriendless. Almost immediately her life becomes more interesting as she tries to not only find a new place to live but also a job. And on top of that there is fit stranger Charlie. With whom she has instafeelings for.

I adored the story of Kevin and my heart and soul went out to him! This story was more serious and one that gave me pause for thought. However, these more serious moments are balanced with moments of light.

The moments with the jam were pretty hilarious. I'm not sure, even now that jam has been Regan's best idea. However, the idea of Unicorn Jam sounds pretty awesome. And is something that I will be putting on my shopping list.

Meet me at Pebble Beach is a book that will make you smile, laugh and cry. It is a book that was beautiful and simple and something that I needed to read right now. For me this was a comfort read and is one that is going on my to be read again pile.

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I thoroughly enjoyed 'Meet me at Pebble Beach' and was hooked to the wonderful characters within the first few pages. This book is a fast paced roller coaster ride of emotions, with lots of dips and dives and moments that I didn't see coming that kept me turning the pages.

Our leading lady Regan was a firecracker, the way she spoke and her sense of humor definitely had me laughing out loud and I liked that she was quite feisty. Her story is certainly one of hope, believing in yourself and not giving up when it seems like you've tried everything and the universe just isn't in your favor. I felt for her and was rooting for her, and really wanted her to stay positive through her ups and downs. Regan made me nervous at times and kept me on the edge of my seat with some of her decisions so when Charlie came along I felt grateful for him and the way he brought a different perspective into Regan's life and gave her some time to pause and think about her actions a little bit. I was praying that Cleo's studio would survive to the end of the story. (You will have to read the book to see what happens.) However, she was always going to be her bold and spontaneous self. It was nice to see how Charlie effected her and made her see all the things in her life that she had to be grateful for and how he gave her that extra push to go after what she wanted.

Charlie was everything. I absolutely adored him. I just loved his calm, his patience and his outlook on life. He was simply a beautiful character that I quickly became attached to. Bella had me crying and shouting at my book on two occasions- I loved him so much. I loved the banter that he and Regan shared and it made my heart flutter how at ease they were in each others company. Their time together looking after baby hedgehogs melted my heart and just their relationship in general was incredibly touching, heartwarming and one that I love, love, loved getting to see blossom.

I also thoroughly enjoyed the friendship group around Charlie and Regan. Cleo and Penny, Kevin and Beanstalk, they were all like a family and I loved what each and every one of them bought to the story. They each go through their own dilemmas, problems and heartache, which looks at being homeless, being accepted by your family, finding love and dealing with critic of your work, and each story brings with it a lovely lesson and dose of inspiration and love.

Bella has written a gorgeous story that you won't be able to put down and that will have you craving Pina Colada Jam, wanting to meet a baby hedgehog and fighting for your life and dreams.

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This is the full-length version of the four-part serial released earlier - Meet me at Pebble Beach.

I've followed the author since her first release and have been so pleased to see a progression in the quality of her writing and story-telling as she has gone on.

I'm more than delighted to say that with this novel, Bella has taken That step up. Not only is this of her normal enjoyable quality, but this novel has a hard-hitting message about the state of the homeless. That is all I shall say about the story, except that it is the story of Regan who finds a prank comes back to hit her in a big way.

My thanks to Avon and Netgalley for the reading copy.

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YAY! This is the whole Pebble Beach series in one volume so if you, like me, only read one of the novellas or not any of them, you are in for a treat. Regan is in a mess. A big mess. She believed a prank lottery ticket and quit her job. Then she discovered that her boyfriend was a rat. This is both a romance and a change your life story. She moves to Brighton and reorients herself. She makes new, good friends and meets Charlie, the firefighter. All good. Oh, and there's Elvis the dog! There isn't much to say about this except that it's light, it's fun, and I respect the fact that Osborne was able to shift how I felt about Regan (she was annoying at first). Thanks to netgalley for the ARC. A beach or garden book for sure (although I read it on a grey rainy day).

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Love story with lots of laugh out loud moments. The beginning seemed to drag for me but did get better as the book progressed.
Overall, not a great read for me but one that others may enjoy.
Thank you to NetGallery, the publisher and author for the opportunity to read this book for my honest review.

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