Eli is the perfect leading man and he is so sooooo lovely (I picture Tom Holland when I read about him 😍) and I fell in love with him instantly.

I knew that there was more to that particular role than flinging a vacuum cleaner about once a week. If you haven’t read any of the stories in this setting you will still enjoy The Summer Fair. I highly recommend you do though as you will get added depth from the actions of the characters on the periphery. What a gorgeous new setting from Heidi Swain, in this delightful story, filled with secrets, misunderstandings, great events and the possibility that summer could change lives. I did feel for Tess at times, especially at the beginning when it was clear that she was overworked and felt very undervalued. I couldn’t blame her for running off to the one place that was filled with so many happy memories. The way Tess instantly started to gel with the locals and help the surrounding businesses was so heart warming to see and showed just how well she fitted in. Of all the secondary characters I think Sophie was my favourite. Not only did her home cooking have me salivating but her sunshine persona was a welcomed addition and her sound advice to Tess was the cherry on the top. As a child, Tess Tyler used to holiday in the idyllic seaside town Weymouth with her Mum and dad. That’s when her family were happy. Now grown up, Tess is a high – flyer in the family’s PR business. Her dad is her boss. Her mother died years previously and Tess still hasn’t come to terms with her death. With the stress of her job, and the discovery of her mother’s diary which some of the details leaves her reeling. Tess decides to take a break and without letting her dad know of her plans she finds herself heading to Weymouth. She decides to have a relaxing time while she is there. But circumstances change for the better and she gets close to the locals she shows her skills by helping them find ways to bring more business to the town. Whilst she there she meets past loves and finds things that changes her life forever.I was so disappointed with this book! I had heard so many good things about Heidi Swain books and about this one in particular so I thought I’d give it a go... I highly recommend this absolute joy of a book-dessert and, please, Heidi Swain, can we have seconds?!! It had taken me a while to come to terms with it, but deep down I had known my time working in Jordan was coming to an end. I knew even before the loss of corporate funding made the number of aid workers unsustainable. The setting of Wynmouth was beautiful and the community was adorable. I could visualise Tess walking along the beach and heading to the local shops, being stopped countless times to catch up on local gossip. Heidi Swain created the perfect picturesque seaside town complete with its colourful characters.

I think the ‘problems’ that Tess was supposedly running away from were kind of minor however she made such a big deal about keeping it all a secret.. when I really don’t think it was that big a deal? Also a bit confused as to why she didn’t want anyone knowing she had been to Wynmouth before.. was it because of Joe...? I wasn’t really sure and so thought that all seemed a bit silly.. I really enjoyed this book, and despite not having read any of the other books of the series, settled into it quite easily. Beth is a lovely character who has gone through a tough time. It’s lovely to see her working in the care home (I used to work in one many years ago!) and I loved her interaction with the residents. Due to things which had happened in her past, Beth doesn’t like listening to music but the storyline works on this for her and it was fun to have a musical theme running through the book. The other characters in the story were all likeable and played their part in Beth’s story well. I liked Beth’s flatmate, Eli although he obviously has some issues from his past which he needs to work through, and this did make my feelings for him swap and change throughout the book! Because Angus insisted he would be able to sort it.’ Dad filled me in. ‘He was worried they wouldn’t go at all if they were stressing about finding cover so he said he’d arrange it all and sent them on their way.’ I felt stunned a few times - in a good way... Just when you think you have worked something out, along comes Heidi who pulls the rug out from under you!I do know, yes,’ I said. ‘So, this really is rotten timing for the four of them to be off, isn’t it? Whatever was Angus thinking?’ The same can be said for the other man she can’t seem to help running into – the handsome but brooding Brodie. That did sound very much like my godfather. Generous to a fault, but often without a thought for the consequences and repercussions. As this current situation proved. I love the musical theme that is woven into this book. It really adds to the depth and feel of the story.

I know they’d be thrilled to see you.’ I heard Mum chip in. ‘Poor Archie has been pulling his hair out. He’s at his wits’ end with it all.’ What a fantastic story this was - Tess is burning out in her high pressured job role and makes a snap decision to take a leave of absence and go to the seaside resort of Wynnouth, the place of so many happy childhood memories for her, to recharge herself. What a breathtakingly beautiful place it sounds, Heidi writes descriptions so well I felt envious of anyone who lives in such a resort!The residents of the care home were very entertaining and Greta in particular raised a few smiles. I can only hope when I'm so old I am taken care of at a place like that! Beth's activity ideas were brilliant. Whilst there Tess meets an array of characters, all ridiculously lovely - young and old - and forges many friendships whilst she keeps extending her stay. I like the fact that she doesn't sit idle and feel sorry for herself and throws herself into the community spirit and assisting friends with their own woes and businesses.