An entertaining diversion

[This is Book 3 in the author's Full Bloom Farm series, but it also works just fine as a standalone]

Annie is a woman who believes her job & background require her to appear perfect. George is a bitter curmudgeon who thinks Annie is superficial - and hiding something. He's a news guy looking for a story on how Annie & her brother have cheated or exploited others to get their wealth, cuz he's just sure that's what they're hiding.

It's a sweet lighthearted story, outside of the main conflict itself. The main characters start out as stereotypes, but by the time the story reaches its denouement, the stereotypes have been fully fleshed out & you realize how much more there is to their appearances. The middle could have used a slightly snappier pace, but the ending makes it all worthwhile

RATING: a light PG
POTENTIAL CONTENT ISSUES
*Clean romance level: sweet kisses, nothing graphic

*Language: minimal; a half dozen uses of d--n & h-ll

*Religion: secular, 3 casually indifferent (ie in vain) uses of God's Name, sadly & unnecessarily, but none as curses, fwiw

*Now requisite token gay couple as minor characters

This was a nice enjoyable read, pleasant characters, nice story, I just had issues getting into it. It seemed slow and stilted for a lot of the start, but it seemed to change pace just before halfway and improved a lot, a lot more seemed to happen, I did enjoy it, but If the pacing issues were sorted it would easily be a 4 star read.

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

Alys Murray’s latest book, The Perfect Hideaway, is now available as the third book in the Full Bloom Farm Series. If you haven’t started this series, check out The Magnolia Sisters and Sweet Pea Summer first.

I was really looking forward to The Perfect Hideaway because Annie Martin is my favorite character from the other two books. This book was everything I’d hoped for and more! The earlier books gave some inklings that Annie was more complicated than the Anderson sisters, or the rest of the town, gave her credit for and in this one we find out why (but don’t worry, no spoilers here).

Social media influencer Annie Martin has decided to leave Los Angeles behind and move to Hillsboro in Northern California full-time. She’s fallen in love with the small town and adopted the Andersons as her own family, but not everyone in town is ready to welcome her with open arms.

Surly local newspaper reporter George Barnett is certain there’s more to Annie and her brother Luke than meets the eye. Ever since they came to Hillsboro, he’s wanted to find out more about their past so he can write an expose that catapults his career to new heights. In his experience, rich people usually leave behind the bodies of all the people they’ve stepped over to get where they are and he’s convinced the Martins are no different.

Annie knows George has been digging around trying to get dirt on her brother, and she’s not about to let him hurt the most important person in her life. So, she offers herself up instead…even though she has more to hide than her brother. That’s because the only dirt that exists on Luke was really all her doing.

In exchange for the exclusive, George agrees to help Annie with her efforts to find a match for Rose, the only Anderson sister she hasn’t already tried to help steer toward love. He’s only in it to get the scoop on the Martins…or is he?

What begins as two people pursuing separate agendas begins to become more personal over time. I love the dichotomy of Annie’s bright, sparkly personality paired with grumpy, skeptical George. Beneath all of their banter is an undercurrent of attraction, but they’re each hiding secrets from their past they’ll have to reveal if they want to go any further.

This was my favorite so far in the Full Bloom Series! Go ahead and grab The Magnolia Sisters and Sweet Pea Summer, if you haven’t already, and then dive into this charming small town romance set amidst the backdrop of beautiful Northern California.

Alys Murray has hit another home run for me with this book. The Perfect Hideaway is the third book in the Full Bloom series. She has brought the character to life for me and I just could not wait to turn each page to see what was going to happen.
Annie has her eyes on finding true love for Rose the last of the Anderson sisters to find love. While she is looking for love for Rose things heat up for her with George.
Read this series and you will enjoy every one of the books.
Thank you Netgalley, Alys Murray and Bookouture for the ARC of The Perfect Hideaway. This is my personal reviews in exchange for the ARC.

Having been introduced to Annie in 'Sweet Pea Summer', I was at first a bit taken aback by how she was portrayed at the start this book. In the earlier book, she struck me as a confident woman who could charm and trick her way into getting people to do things they wouldn't otherwise do! But she always used this for good.
However, in the Perfect Hideaway, the author shows us an Annie who is haunted by her past and is desperate to get other people to like her. Having hidden behind so many layers, and trying hard to live up to her Instagram celebrityhood, Annie has forgotten who she really is.
When her brother, Luke, gets married, and she moves out of their home, Annie is confronted with her own loneliness and confusion as to how she should spend her time.
At Luke's wedding, she bumps into George - a reporter who is after finding out the 'real' story behind Luke and Annie's wealth and motives. When Annie decides to turn her sights on setting Rose ( the last unmarried Anderson sister) up with someone, she recruits George to help her. In return, she offers him an interview with Luke.
Both Annie and George are equally drawn to and repulsed by each other. Their past experiences keep them from trusting each other as well.
The characters of George and Annie are very likeable, strong and well defined. The other characters in the story especially Rose Anderson, Mynette and Mr Barnett are lovely too.
I enjoyed the banter between Annie and George and their soft hearts that they try hard to cover! How they find love, acceptance and healing in each other makes for a really sweet story.

Thanks Netgalley and the Publisher. I actually was surprised how much I liked this book, great storyline and likeable characters.

This is the first book I have read by this author. I loved the cover of the book and the blurb of the book drew me in.This is the third book in the 'Full Bloom Farm" series. I had no problems reading it as a standalone.
The story is told by the perspectives of Annie and George and is set in Northern California in a small town called Hillsboro. Annie is a social media influencer and has moved here for a quieter life. George is a journalist, who is trying to dig for the truth about Annie and her brother Luke. This is one relationship that definitely needs working on. We see them both change towards each other as the story goes on, and we learn a lot about each character as time goes on. I thought they were both great characters and I felt I was actually with them in their emotional friendship.I liked that both of them were strong with the flaws we all carry, made them more relatable to me.
A lovely, light story that was beautifully written. The descriptions of the places had me feeling, almost like I was in California with them too. The conclusion wrapped the book up perfectly and I was at the end of my time with Annie and George. Another book I have enjoyes by Alys Murray. Thanks to netgalley and Bookouture for the book for the blog tour.

Alys Murray has done it again by writing a wonderfully, heartfelt and charming novel. This is the third book in the Full Bloom Farm series, which is a series I’ve grown to adore.

If you enjoy the lovey, butterflies in your stomach and heart melting moments Hallmark movies deliver, then you’re going to absolutely love this novel.

I loved the banter between Annie and George, which brought a nice touch of humour into the story. There was enough intrigue into Annie’s hidden past that caused her to always have her guard up that was an interesting twist, and I really loved that George wouldn’t give up trying to get to know her. But both protagonists are complex characters, and that gave the story much more depth.

Their love story was such a sweet account two flawed and hurt people who find love, while embracing each other’s many facets.I really enjoy Murray’s style of descriptive and witty style of writing, which has led me to becoming a big a fan. The Perfect Hideaway is a wonderful romance novel that shouldn’t be missed.

I have become a huge fan of this series. I love the setting (small town), I love the characters (family-oriented and real), and I love flowers. Those are really the three requirements. This time out, we skip the third Anderson sister and get Annie’s (Luke’s sister) instead).

Annie has been a force to be reckoned with through the first two books. Her demeanor and zeal for making people happy is apparent and flows from the pages. In this book (the third of the series), we get to know her better, and it turns out there’s a lot more than she wants people to see.

Annie is a people-pleaser. She wants to make sure that everything is perfect for the people she loves. Her professional “career” as a social influencer is indicative of that need to be picture perfect. She lives by that because she knows that her followers will pick apart every single detail.
However, as she sees her brother get married (no spoiler, it literally starts the book) she realizes that her life is all surface and very little depth.

That’s exactly what George sees. He’s a reporter for the local Hillsboro paper, and a total throwback to the news journalists of the 30s (I could practically see him working in a smoky newsroom, suspenders and fedora, hollering “Stop the presses!”). Pretty sure that’s how he sees himself as well.

He’s convinced that Annie is nothing but shine and gloss with no depth of character. As they wind up working together on a project (not telling you how that happens!) he can’t figure her out. He’s set in his ways and perspectives. But as he sees more of Annie’s interactions with people, he starts to realize there might be more there than he originally thought.

The author always does an excellent job of creating the environment of Hillsboro, so that it feels natural to be moving throughout it with the characters. It’s a tad on the idyllic side, but (then again) many small towns do still have that feel.

Underneath the bucolic nature, though, the author also addresses a current theme. Through Annie, we get a cutting commentary (wrapped in the sweet romance of opposites attracting) regarding the obsession with social media and the need for the approval of strangers that is so prevalent in today’s society.

Annie’s constant need to be liked by everyone (evidenced several times, but particularly starkly with George’s assistant Mynette), covers for the unhappiness she feels deep down. The author addresses this subtly, and it gives great insight into the depth of her characters.

Did I mention that I love this series and everything about it? A visit to Hillsboro is like a weekend vacation and I always look forward to the visit. I can’t wait for Rose’s story. That has to be next, right?

Now she's finished arranging her brother's wedding, Annie feels lost.  Having successfully match-made two of the Anderson sisters, Annie decides now is the time to help out the third, Rose.  But her first attempt slightly backfires and she finds herself dancing with the town reporter, George ~ a man who's spied on her brother and is determined to uncover any family secrets.

George gets sucked in to Annie's match-making project, but on the proviso that he gets something out of it, something he wants.  Despite the fact that they dislike each other, an agreement is made and they get on with it.  But as her match-making abilities fall short, Annie finds herself developing feelings for the one man in town she should stay away from.  She doesn't want her secrets uncovered, secrets that no-one but her brother knows..... And despite George's attempt to stay distant and professional, he sees another side to Annie ~ one that he didn't think existed.  But can they overcome their initial impressions and distrust? Or is there something that will stand in their way?  They're in for a bumpy ride....

This is another feel-good romance that genuinely had me laughing out loud!  Having read the author's last book, I already knew Annie but this book brings out a totally different side to her.  Coming across as a happy-go-lucky, always smiling social media starlet, there is more to Annie that meets the eye; and it's quite sad that she feels that she can't be the real her. As we get to know Annie more her vulnerabilities open up and I just wanted to give her a cuddle.  She's had a rough ride but she keeps it hidden from the world well.

I really didn't like George at first; he comes across as an arrogant man who just wants to get the best scoop.  But as I got to know him my feelings changed, although he did frustrate me at times!  Mr Barnett was fantastic; he sounds like a brilliant man and although a character on the periphery, he plays an important part.

 The antics that Annie and George get up to made me laugh! You can't help but enjoy the times they spend together, laugh when their plans fall flat and really hope that they end up together. The setting is fantastic.  I fell in love with the town of Hillsboro in the last book, so it was wonderful to be back.  It sounds like the cutest little town, although the town rumour mill would drive me nuts!  The author does a fantastic job of really sucking you into the surrounding and storyline, and I felt like I was watching a colourful, charming and beautiful film.

This was one of the those books that I thoroughly enjoyed picking up again after putting it down, knowing that something would make me smile.  It really will make you smile and feel-good, and would be the perfect book to read whilst your chilling with a your feet up and a glass of wine/cup of tea!  I'm becoming a huge fan of Alys Murray and can't wait to see what she brings us next.  If you're looking for your next feel-good, warm your heart and make you smile read then you should definitely check this out.  Highly recommend by me.

This gorgeous story is the third in a series of wonderful tales set in Hillsboro and featuring the Anderson Sisters.
In theory, this story focuses on the remaining Anderson sister, Rose. Annie is determined to find her matchmaking hat-trick and sets her sights on Rose’s love life. As is often the way, with even the best of plans, things don’t work out as they should, and Annie finds herself in the spotlight.
I cannot recommend this series enough. Alys Murray has found the perfect recipe for romance and her stories are enchanting.
I thoroughly enjoyed learning more about Annie and the close bond between her and brother Luke.
Both George and Annie have deep secrets that neither is willing to share. Finding someone to trust with their pasts, and to be confident that it won’t lead to regrets, is one of the hardest challenges they both face.
This book can be read as a standalone story but, the whole series is so wonderful that you’ll probably read them all anyway. Enjoy, you’re in for a treat.

This is the first book I’ve read by this author and it won’t be the last. The story is part of a series, but even without reading the previous book(s)?, I had no trouble following the characters and story of the small town called Hillsboro.

This is George and Annie’s story. He’s a journalist for the hometown newspaper, she is an Instagram star and influencer who splits time between Hillsboro and LA. George is chasing his big chance, a tell-all about Annie and her tech king brother Luke. At first the two clash, but grow to care about each other.

I don’t do spoilers, please read this sweet, clean romance and see if they get their HEA.

Thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book, but my opinions are my own.

This is the first book I have read from this author and the third book of the sister series, written by the same author. This book is not a continuation of the series so that is actually good news!

Annie Martin who is an Instagram celebrity moved from L.A. to Hillsboro and immediately becomes friends with the Anderson sisters. Hanging out with Anderson sisters makes Annie forget about the her issues she had back in L.A. When her brother Luke marries Harper Anderson and then sets off to start a new life, Annie feels lonely. But Annie wants to make a matchmaking service, finding a suitable guy for the only single Anderson sister in the family, Rose. And she gets an unexpected help from a handsome and gruffy reporter, George Barnett on one condition--that George will write an article about her brother Luke. But George was looking for some sort of scandal that would likely destroy Luke's career...

Annie and George cannot stand each other but eventually, a romance soon develops between them.

This is actually a very charming and cheesy romantic book I have read. The writing was good, the author did a good job, making the reader engage into the story. The characters in the book are all likable and the plot line of the story is good. I really like how the two people, who can't stand each other would eventually become friends and later on turn into lovers. However, the ending was way too predictable.

Overall, I really enjoyed reading the book--the haters eventually turning into lovers is one fascinating book to read. This book is enjoyable to read, kept me hooked into the book until the end and overall really enjoyed the book!

Another super sweet romance with an absolutely gorgeous cover from Alys Murray. A return to Hillsboro county and the Anderson sisters but it doesn't really matter if you haven't read the ones that go before but they are definitely worth revisiting afterwards.(The Magnolia Sisters and A Sweet Pea Summer) .
This time round we have Annie, a social media influencer who has retired from the bright lights of LA, and George, a journalist looking for a big scoop. They start out as enemies but over time their relationship changes and develops. A perfect summer romance.

#ThePerfectHideaway#NetGallery
I did not know this was part of a trilogy. It is my first read by this author but it will not be my last. The Story opens with Annie Martin in Hillsboro California where her friends the Anderson sisters live.She is leaving behind mistakes from her past. Annie has helped her friends with her matchmaking skills..While in town she meets George at her brothers wedding. Annie has secrets and George a newspaper reported thinks revealing the secrets will boost his career. Will Annie share her secrets to George ? Will they both let the other in ? Read this great book and see if the matchmaker finds her match. Thank you Net Galley for allowing me to read and review this book.

This was a romantic and sweet book that was easy to read. Annoyingly, I didn't realise this was the third instalment in a Triology, but this does explain my plot confusion at times. Was a nice book, nothing amazing or outstanding.

This was a sweet read. It was slow at first, but it was because I didn’t realize it was part of a trilogy so I felt lost about some storylines. Once I could get over that issue, it was an easy read. The ending made me swoon.

Sweet read of Annie and George- two people so seemingly different but in the heart of it all were so much alike. These two play off like kindred souls (well at the end), but have enough push and pull in their interaction to make so a great story.

I have absolutely adored this little romantic gem of a book. Annie is a likeable character that you are able to empathise with. At first, I wondered if the relationship would feel a bit forced but I was pleased to see how it developed so naturally, whilst keeping me gripped. Some of the scenes and descriptions will stay with me, especially the one about the wildflower promises. I was very happy with the conclusion. This was my first read by ths author but I think I will go back to Hillsboro and revisit her other book set there!

This book was an easy romantic read where we see Annie, a social media influencer and serial matchmaker meet George, a journalist who is intent on interviewing her brother about his business and wealth. George thinks there are secrets to reveal but he doesn't have any idea what secret Annie is hiding.
It is a book set in a small town and the story starts when Annie and George meet at her brother's wedding. He is a wealthy man and he is determined to uncover and reveal his secrets. The pair begin to work together and slowly they both realise they are falling in love with each other but neither is willing to take the step or to discuss their feelings. Living in a small town lots of other people question their intentions but for a lot of the book, they deny their feelings toward each other. The book explores more of Annie's personality, she has low self-esteem despite being a social media influencer and is certain she is not worthy of love. The book has many ups and downs and was a well-written book that flowed easily from Annie's views to George's views which I liked. It has a beautiful cover and it was not until well into the book that I realised this was the third book in a series. I am not sure if I missed out on this for this story but I felt this was for a stand-alone read.
A nice story about how two people can fall in love even when they are so far apart when they first meet.
I gave this book 3 stars, it was enjoyable and an easy read.