I am well & truly hooked!! I now need to read about Nancy & what's going to happen to her business. Hurry up with the next part, please!
Get reading, you won't be disappointed.

Blessed with one of the most annoying leads I've come across so far, this is a welcome addition to this author's books and this is such a good setup for the following 3 parts. Roll on part 2!

This is my first serial novel so I was excited to see how it worked with the ending; whether it was like 4 short novellas or whether each serial ended seemingly randomly in the middle of a book.
Firstly though I want to talk about the actual book before the format. I'm absolutely loving the story so far! Nancy and Alice are great characters and I love we fact it seems like we'll be getting both of their stories throughout the book. Two stories for the price of one! So far they don't hugely link, they're just friends with two separate stories happening to them, so I'm not sure whether something will join them later on or if we really are just getting both friends' stories, but I love it either way!
I'm also really liking Bella's writing style. It's my first of her books and going into it I was worried because the romance read I paused to read this quickly I was struggling with a bit. I thought I'd just read too many romances recently and over-romanced myself so was worried I'd struggle with this one too. But I've been absolutely loving it so I definitely think I just wasn't getting on with the writing of the other one and really got into this one.
So serialisations... As I said I was worried it would be weird just reading a quarter of a book and then stopping and reading other books before reading another chunk of this one. I like the idea of breaking them up in principle, for those that don't have a lot of time. If a quarter comes out every couple of weeks it would give people that don't read often time to read each bit as it comes out. It didn't seem to end too badly at a cut-off, although it definitely wasn't a whole rounded novella and I'm fairly certain will pick up exactly where it left off. But it did seem more like a TV show, as in each episode is not too bad on its own before you then watch the next one. I'll give a better judgement on that when I read the next installment but so far it's not bad! And I'm loving the story and really looking forward to the rest!

I loved the start of this new series from Bella Osborne. We meet main character Nancy when she is having a disaster of a day. We know that she is off to a very big pitch, something that could be life-changing for her and then everything starts to go wrong. I love her attitude to everything that days throws at her and her determination to carry on and do her best regardless and that’s when I clicked with Nancy and I knew we were going to have a good time this series.

Nancy has her own business and this brings with it some other characters we will be introduced to this series. Love that Nancy has such a diverse workforce but they all obviously love her as a boss because they all support her and will go the extra mile to make things happen at All Things Crafty. Then along comes Freddy. I feel like we only scratch the surface of Freddy in this episode but there will be plenty of comedy moments and some difficult times ahead for Nancy with Freddy on board!

We also get to know Nancy’s flatmate, who is a teaching assistant, over the course of this instalment of the series. I like that it says in the acknowledgements of the book that this author called on a teaching assistant friend and did her research before writing this book but that friend must work in a very toxic school because poor Alice has a very bad run of things. There are definitely some questions I would ask about her school in regards to safeguarding but on the whole I loved the snapshot we got into her work and personal life and I can’t wait to read more from her.

This was a great start to the series and I will definitely be pre-ordering the rest of the books so I can read more about Alice, Freddy and Nancy’s adventures!

Full of laughter and believable characters, part one, All Things Crafty, is easy to read and a lovely start to the new series. Nancy and Alice are likeable characters, and I have enjoyed the beginning of their adventures. Alice's role as a teaching assistant provided the funniest events. Freddie is egotistical and entitled, and I can understand Nancy's frustration. Soon immersed in their lives, I can't wait to read book two. I like the characters, the humour and the dynamic between the characters.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher.

Not sure how I feel about this one. I get that it’s the first of 4 novellas but I’m not sure there was enough that I enjoyed to make me want to read the others? I couldn’t stand the posh guy and how he was portrayed which in turn made me not overly like Nancy because of how she was dealing with the situation. Her roommate didn’t have a particularly enthralling storyline either sadly. Quick easy read though.

EXCERPT: 'Mind the gap,' said the voice over the Underground tannoy as more people squeezed into the already full carriage and Nancy felt like sausage meat being squeezed into a skin. Today was a blooming big day for Nancy. Big didn't really cover it. It was more of a make or break kind of a day. One of those pivotal points in life. What Nancy didn't know was whether it would be wall-to-wall celebrations or the day her life turned to absolute poo.

ABOUT 'AN INVITATION TO SEASHELL BAY: PART 1: ALL THINGS CRAFTY': One ambitious businesswoman.

One irresponsible heir.

A deal that will turn both their lives upside down…

To save her business, All Things Crafty, Nancy is in desperate need of two things: help and money. After a pitch goes horribly wrong, Nancy is convinced she's failed to secure either. But, when a potential investor recommends an assistant, she jumps at the chance to hire them – hoping it will help her land a much-needed deal. 

Enter Freddy Astley-Davenport, a notorious socialite with zero work experience. He’s poised to inherit his family’s estate in sunny Seashell Bay, but only if he can hold down a job for six months first. Nancy is not impressed. Freddy’s late, rude and totally incompetent – and that's just the first day!

Nancy is further horrified to learn of Freddy’s plan to take the assistant role in name only, then do the least work he possibly can, expecting Nancy to lie to his parents on his behalf. She has other ideas, though, and the pair butt heads from day one.

However, as they argue, sparks begin to fly…

MY THOUGHTS: This is the first part of a new romantic comedy, published as a four-part serialised novel which, I'm sorry, is a stupid idea. Or in this case it is. It's as though someone has physically cut the book into four. It just stops.

I really would like to comply with the final sentences: Kill me now, thought Nancy. And be quick about it. Believe me, it would be my pleasure.

There's absolutely nothing to entice me to read the three following installments. And there's absolutely no mention of a Seashell Bay . . .

Disappointing. I have previously loved everything that I have read by this author.

⭐⭐

I: : @bellaosborneauthor @avonbooksuk

T: @osborne_bella @AvonBooksUK

#contemporaryfiction #chiclit #romcom #novella #series

THE AUTHOR: Bella's stories are about friendship, love and coping with what life throws at you. She likes to find the humor in the darker moments of life and weaves these into her stories. Bella believes that writing your own story really is the best fun ever, closely followed by talking, eating chocolate, drinking fizz, and planning holidays. She lives in the Midlands, UK with her lovely husband and wonderful daughter, who thankfully, both accept her as she is (with mad morning hair and a penchant for skipping). (Amazon)

DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Avon Books UK via Netgalley for providing a digital ARC of An Invitation to Seashell Bay: Part 1: All Things Crafty by Bella Osborne for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The characters ere wonderful and I found Freddy a loveable rogue who would test the patience of a saint. I loved the twists and turns and it had me laughing out loud at times. A great escape.

Enjoyed the book. Nancy and Alice are both great main characters who have issues to deal with but with some humour throughout this is a book to make you smile.
Looking forward to reading more

The introduction was everything. The description, incidents and encounters will spike your interest in the book. It was funny but I also felt sorry for Nancy.

I enjoyed reading all about Freddy’s shenanigans and his ‘escapades’ in and outside the office.

I love the introduction of Alice and how she has a part in the story. Her experience highlights the plights of TAs and others who find themselves In assistant roles.

I love the ‘extra’ story-the antics and the love story of Year 1 pupils.

I’m looking forward to reading the other parts of the story.

Bella can be relied upon to deliver beautiful and comfortable books. This first part is no exception. Looking forward to the remainder of the book.

This book is so much fun and utterly heartwarming💖
I have to be honest and say that I haven't read as many of Bella Osborne's books as I really feel I should have (something I am slowly rectifying by gradually adding her backlist to my Kindle) so you wouldn't believe how happy I was to read this which is also the first in this new series. Yay!!
the title of this is actually perfect as whilst reading it felt like an actual invitation to Seashell Bay with the promise of returning again very soon - and I can't wait!!
This is a heartwarming, highly enjoyable and very humous little book with lots of feel-good moments which will make you smile and sigh and a whole host of gorgeous characters who will be our best friends by the end.
I cannot recommend this one enough, a must-read!

This is a promising start to the series. The story in this installment takes place in London, so we haven't been introduced to Seashell bay yet.
Nancy and Alice are likeable characters and I love the fact that there is a Ragdoll cat, Carrie. I also have a Ragdoll cat and they are a very unique breed of cat.
The book does end abruptly, and it is frustrating to wait to see what happens next. This is the problem with books in installments though. I am looking forward to reading the next part of the book.
Thank you to Netgalley and the Publisher for my ARC.

We meet Nancy and Alice - friends and housemates! Alice is a teaching assistant, and Nancy is running her own business, All Things Crafty! Both women have a lot going on in their lives, and the chapters are split between both of them.

Part 1 is based in London, so I am interested in finding out when Seashell Bay comes into the story.

This was my first book by @bellaosborneauthor and I very much enjoyed the story, it’s characters and the humour. It's a light & easy read, and i am looking forward to reading Part 2. Hope I don't have to long to wait for it.

I always look forward to a new series from this Bella and I wasn't disappointed. The main characters are Nancy, the owner of a small business, her housemate Alice, a teaching assistant, and Freddy, an aristocratic young man under strict instructions to prove that he can hold down a job before he can inherit running the family estate.
There is a mix of humour, potential romances and the harsh reality of trying to run a small business. I really felt for both Nancy and Alice, maybe not so much for Freddy who does come across as a bit of a cliche, but overall I am really enjoying the story so far and can't wait for the next in the series. That is always the downfall of reading a four part series though.
I received an advance copy of this book from the publisher through Netgalley, however this did not influenced my review of the book.

What a fabulous funny read that was. I’ve lost another couple of hours of my day and wishing I didn’t have to wait for the next part.
Full of fun and sparkle and every character has stolen my heart.
Can’t wait to see what Nancy and Alice get up to in the next one and let’s not forget the cheeky Freddie.
Thank you NetGalley and Avon and especially Bella for a great read.

Well I am loving this! The characters are beautifully drawn, and very engaging and likeable, and I found myself immediately immersed in the story. Nancy and Alice struck a chord with me, both of them have a story to tell, and I want to know more! I adore Nancy’s company policy, and really admire her determination to succeed, and Alice is a TA that I would want for my children. Freddy is endearing, and I’m intrigued to find out more about his story. I’ve really enjoyed part one, and absolutely can’t wait for part two!

Another winner from Bella. I have enjoyed all her books so far and was so pleased to have been approved for the first part of a new one. This one interested me more as I love knitting and wools so I loved reading about the main character and her craft. I do hope I get to read the rest of this book as I’m eager to find out what happens. My thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.

This was the first Bella Osborne book I have read. This is the first part of a 4 part book. It is very short and easy to read. It is classed as a romcom, but in this first part, there isn’t much romance. However, there is plenty of scope for that in the next episode. Nancy and Alice share a house and this first part introduces the characters and details their jobs. The book ends suddenly, so I will be eager to read the next 3 parts. I would like to thank NetGalley, Bella Osborne and Avon books for an arc of this book. If they hadn’t given me the opportunity of reading it, I might never have discover another good author.

A great start! I was definitely left wanting to read more of Bella’s story and am intrigued as to how the plot develops - especially for Freddie!