Romantic with a twist and some gorgeous scenery sets up Promises At Indigo Bay by Ellyn Oaksmith. I am delighted to be closing this blog tour with a review.
Thanks to Sarah Hardy and Bookouture for inviting me to the blog tour and for providing a book to review from.

Review
Izzy at 60 years old has grown to love Pavarotti and Paolo who released her in a way from a more hemmed in life and breathed new life into her and loves her just the way she is. He also bought a boat and seems quite the adventurer and romantic. All seems most idyllic when they are out in it, but the atmosphere changes after a while when something happens in the water that later turns stormy.

There’s also Carmen, Izzy’s best friend, who she confides in and it seems all is not straightforward and feels untoward with Paolo when he proposes with the thought of deportation after a work visa runs out, looms over him. There is some humour as well when she meets his mother, but all the way through I found myself wondering what sort of relationship this all could be and if there would be any sort of happy ending or if she would leave him. There is something sinister in the relationship and perhaps some secrets, but it builds and then seems to ease off every so often, which works to a certain extent and develops some of the atmosphere. Paolo seems to have a bit of a temper about him at times and the man you think he is, is perhaps not how it is at all. It does have its intriguing moments, I felt, could be a little stronger at times, it is still a good read and moves along at a pretty good pace and with some momentary humour with gorgeous scenery and a beautiful ending.

Promises At Indigo Bay by Ellyn Oaksmith is a gorgeous romance story that has all the ingredients needed to create a book that keeps you reading till the end. The cover alone had me wanting to read this, the richness of the colours hinted at a promise of a story that I had to read.
Stella Gallagher is, for once, hoping this is her time. She almost gave up on finding love, until Paolo Gentillo decided to move into her home town. He is everything she has ever needed in a man, including obsessed with her. Stella is over the moon.
Paolo feels the same and decides to propose, so, why isn't Stella as happy as she should be? She thinks it is a little too soon but pretends to be thrilled. There is also a little matter of that something she hasn't told him...how will he react when he discovers her secret? This is her issue and a big one!
Lauren knows she loves him and his mother is due to visit and stay for one week to meet her, all the way from Italy!
Lauren has a lot to deal with, especially when his mother doesn't seem too keen on Lauren and Carmen is not around to help Lauren, she is weighed down with everything including her secret. To top it all off it seems Paolo and her are falling out much more than normal making Lauren feel very isolated and alone. Everything is falling apart for her, which way can she turn?
A gorgeous story and the second book in the series. I really felt for Lauren, all the pressure she was carrying felt so heavy to me, never mind her! She has got everything she wanted but the proposal sends her spinning, I can't imagine having something so secretive that it could destroy everything I held dear, this sends me mad...never mind Stella. I enjoyed this and It helped me escape from the rain and wind of today!
Thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for the copy of the book for my review today.

I love the continuation of this series Blue Hills. I was so looking forward to diving into this book. It is an amazing story of love, family, and new beginnings.

Stella’s life is perfect and she and her boyfriend Paolo couldn’t be happier. Paolo proposes and Stella struggles with her answer. She questions why things can’t just remain the way they are. And then word comes that Paolo’s Visa will not be renewed and he must return to Italy. Paolo leaves for Italy and Stella accompanies him because not only is she in love with Paolo but she has never been to Italy. She has a wonderful connection with Paolo’s mother. I love how that relationship develops. As you’re pulled into the Italian countryside you feel as if you are part of the story. The bridge between the first book in this series is so great. It’s nice to see how Carmen is doing and the connection between this book makes it feel like it is a true continuation of the first book in the Blue Hills series. I highly suggest this book, plop down in your comfy chair and prepare to stay a while because you won’t be able to put it down once you begin. I really enjoyed this story and I look forward to reading more books by this author.

I really like this author, I like the storylines she chooses to tell and I like her writing style especially her vivid descriptions of people and places. I will definitely read more books written by this author. Thank you Ellyn Oaksmith for another great story….well done and please keep them coming.

Many thanks to Netgalley and Bookouture for my advanced copy of this book in exchange for a spot on the book tour. This review was written voluntarily and all opinions are my own.

It’s been a while since I read a small town feel-good romance like this one. This is Book 2 in the Blue Hills series. If, like me, you have not read Book 1, you’re good to go when reading this one, because it works great as a standalone. I really enjoyed this book and it was everything I wanted in a small town romance. Stella is a woman with secrets, and the burden of her secrets is becoming too much to bear, especially after her boyfriend Paolo proposed to her. She knows she loves Paolo, but she believes her secret and her past will ruin everything for them. Another wrench that’s thrown into her life is Paolo’s mother, a woman Stella is sure doesn’t like her. Stella’s best friend, Carmen also seems to be distant as she’s going through her own troubles.

Written in simple language and easy-to-follow prose, Ellyn Oaksmith creates a magical tale for us to enjoy and love. I loved these characters, loved reading about their lives and ordeals, and I thoroughly enjoyed how it all played out.This book has a lot of amazing elements that the author made work in her advantage beautifully. She warped love, romance, family, friendship, and even wine together so well in this book.

One thing I wish we’d gotten to see more of in this book is Stella and Paolo just being together and letting the romance play out more. We got the memo that they love each other, but I would have loved to see them more in their romantic element.

I enjoyed reading this one and I highly recommend it.

Romance, friendship, family, and wine. This is the second book in Ellyn Oaksmith’s delightful small town romance series set in Washington’s Wine country. This book can absolutely be read as a standalone, but I think once you are enchanted by these characters you will want to go back and read the first book. Stela’s Life is perfect! She lives in a gorgeous small town, owns her own business, has an amazing best friend, and is living with the man of her dreams. When her boyfriend Paolo calls her to tell her he has a surprise for her when she gets home Stella is concerned. Stella does NOT want to get married, things are perfect just as they are why do they need to change. Unfortunately it is even more complicated than all that. Now Stella is left questioning the future and that starts with facing her past.

This was a sweet heartwarming story. It was lovely to go back to this charming small town and spend time with these characters. It was fun to see what Carmen was up to, I love her friendship with Stella even though it was a little shaky at times during this book. Stella and Paolo’s Romance started in the previous book so it was nice to see how much their love has grown. We also get to meet Paolo’s Italian mother in this book, and wow is she one intimidating woman. I sure felt for Stella as she try to get this formidable woman to like her. My only tiny complaint with the story is I wish that we got to spend more time with Stella and Paolo as a couple. They were always expressing how much they loved one another, but I didn’t necessarily feel it like I wanted to. I probably classify this as more women’s fiction than straight Romance-there is a lot packed into this little gem.

This book in emojis 💇🏻‍♀️ 🛥 🍇 💍 🥾 🍷

*** Big thank you to Bookouture for my gifted copy of this book. All opinions are my own. ***

This book had an interesting premise, but I did not find the writing style and narration of the author to be engaging. The descriptions are too descriptive and boring for my taste. It's not a bad book though, and I think other people may like this more than I do.

I love the characters in this book. The romance wasn't super cute, but it is there.
Lovely written book.
I truly enjoyed it.
3.5 stars

A heartwarming love story about learning to trust the people we love. Loved its straightforward plot and simple language. Ellyn has a talent to draw readers into the story and keep you engaged.

Stella finally finds the love of her life, in her small town, Chelan, when she meet Paolo. Paola is remarkable handsome, intelligent and gracious, so why is Stella so anxious when Paolo proposes? Overcome with panic, Stella feels it's too soon to settle and moreover she is scared that Paola may never be able to accept her past.

The characters in this novel are adorable and loveable, hilarious at times.

I would like to thank Ellyn Oaksmith, Bookouture, and Netgalley for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.

Summary:
An heartwarming and engaging read. Enjoyed it immensely.

Book 2 of this series and I adored it. I really enjoyed the first one, but this one even entertained me more.
There were still some devastating revelations, but there was a lot of humour too. Some funny little things that made me smirk and some sad ones that broke my heart AND a scene that made my eyes well up and my heart melt. Great ingredients mixed into a wonderful story.
The author has created some characters you want to hug, others you would like to slap.
Deal with the bad times and live your life to the fullest is an important message I will keep in mind.
I loved the views over Lake Chelan and Lake I-am-not-telling, because we are going on a trip.
My advice : sit back and enjoy this fabulous book. You will not regret it, believe me.
I hope I will meet up with these lovely people again soon. In the meantime, the countdown has started. 5 stars.

Thank you, Ellyn Oaksmith and Bookouture

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for an early review copy.

Finally things are going right for Stella Gallagher. Most of the men in her small town, she’s known since school. Looking to give up on love forever, that’s until Paolo Gentillo moved to Chelan.

A smart, kind, gorgeous man, and not to mention the most important thing, he’s completely obsessed with her. It seems that Stella has finally found her match.

But, Paolo ruins everything by proposing? Stella thinks that It’s way too soon, she tries to act thrilled, about it, she knows there are things she hasn’t told Paolo and also, how will he feel about her when she tells him about her past???

Of course, she wants to be with him, not only is he offering her a priceless family heirloom in an engagement ring, but his mother’s coming all the way from Italy to meet her. she’s staying at her house for a whole week.

All of a sudden, things are going wrong for Stella, as Paolo’s mother hates her, her best friend Carmen is wrapped up in her own problems and seems to be ignoring her. Stella is struggling under the weight of her secret.

It seems she and Paolo are fighting all the time, making her feel alone.

Never mind the wedding, it seems Stella is about to lose everything… Or will she??

Thoroughly enjoyed this series.

Stella's dreamboat Italian boyfriend wanted to marry her, but his mother had other plans.

Promises at Indigo Bay is book #2 in the Blue Hills series but can be read as a standalone.

Stella had a difficult childhood that made her scared of commitment, marriage, and children.

She then met bigger than life Italian wine master, Paolo, and her walls started to crumble a bit.

She was happier than ever living together with Paolo, starting to think that she could commit as long as the "m" word was not involved.

Things changed when Paolo's work visa renewal was denied, and she had to marry or lose him.

The situation made Stella feel too anxious and insecure, and his evil mother showing up and meddling in their affairs made everything worse.

The story is fun and light. Stella and Pablo were adorable and perfect for each other.

I liked that Carmem, Stella's best friend, showed many flaws. It sounded real. Friends get distant at times and can't help but be jealous now and then.

I also love that while Paolo is athletic and outdoorsy, Stella is more of a stay-in-the-shade kind of girl, and they still made it work without forcing their style on one another.

The setting is again the beautiful Lake Chelan, with its turquoise waters and dreamy vineyards.

Promises at Indigo Bay is a lovely feel-good romance. A great addition to the Blue Hills series.

Disclosure: I received an ARC of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

*This review will be posted on https://lureviewsbooks.com on 10/26/2020 as part of the book's blog tour*