#BlogTour #BookReview ~ Boomerville at Ballymegille by @CarolineJames12 #Boomervilleisback #BoomervilleatBallymegille @rararesources #FridayReads

I’m delighted to be joining the blog tour for Boomerville at Ballymegille, courtesy of Rachel’s Random Resources.

My Thoughts

Boomerville at Ballymegille follows on from the first book, The Best Boomerville Hotel, which tells of Jo and Hattie realising their vision of a holiday retreat in the Lake District. The hotel is aimed specifically at people of a certain age, and offers various courses and treatments for those who want to experience new things and perhaps find inspiration and creativity.

After Hattie lost her husband suddenly after a few short months of marriage, Jo tries to persuade her to return to Cumbria until she decides what she wants to do. Hugo’s death had hit her hard and since there was no love lost between her and Hugo’s family Hattie chooses to return to Cumbria. So, due to unforeseen circumstances with her own house, Hattie is ensconced once more in Boomerville, welcoming guests and getting them settled in her own inimitable and flamboyant style.

Along with the regulars and a new Irish contingent of fabulous characters, we also meet Melissa whose marriage hadn’t turned out the way she’d expected and comes to Boomerville looking for sanctuary. And Bill, a bachelor who had lived with his controlling parents all his life, but was now free to do what he wanted—if he could only banish the echoes of his mother’s nagging voice.

The hotel was doing so well that Jo wanted to expand. She had found the perfect place in Ireland. Flatterley Manor is begging to be converted into a hotel and Jo can’t wait to get started and realise her plans. The manor had belonged to an old flame who now spent his time in Los Angeles.

The manor was built on the lands of Flatterley Friary, a derelict monastery of the Franciscan order, whose slender mediaeval church tower could be seen from the avenue that led to the house. Long Tom Hendry had rescued theproperty from dereliction and restored it, in keeping with its historic character. Jo could see that the garden was overgrown and wondered if the house was in a bad way too. Perhaps that was the reason she’d got such a great deal on the purchase price.

I thoroughly enjoyed Boomerville at Ballymegille, and love the way Hattie and Jo treat their guests, as well as all the diverse offerings that are available. The story is a great mix of humour, drama and pathos, touching on serious and sensitive subjects and includes the importance of friendship, love and not forgetting new beginnings. A wonderful cast of, sometimes eccentric, characters are realistically and vividly drawn, as are the settings.

Caroline James writes with warmth and humour and her books feature a great variety of characters. This was no exception and everything came together perfectly in the end. If Boomerville wasn’t a fictional place I’d be making a booking myself.

About the Book

Boomerville is back!

Join Hattie and Jo as they head to Southern Ireland to open Boomerville Manor, a holiday retreat for guests of ‘a certain age’. There’s Irish craic and shenanigans aplenty for the colourful cast of characters as everyone gathers for the grand opening.

Meet Melissa, an ex-cabaret singer running from her abusive husband, and Bill, a bachelor bullied from beyond the grave by the ghostly voice of his mother. Along with local bobby Harry the Helmet, ageing aquatic team the Boomerville Babes, eccentric artist Lucinda Gray, and heartthrob Finbar Murphy, they gather in Ireland and the fun begins. But murder is in the air and there’s mischief afoot. Will the residents get more than they bargained for at Boomerville?

Set in the beautiful Irish countryside, ‘Boomerville at Ballymegille’ is a heart-warming story of friendship, fears and new beginnings.

Purchase Links ~ Amazon UK | Amazon US

About the Author

Best-selling author of women’s fiction, Caroline James has owned and run businesses encompassing all aspects of the hospitality industry, a subject that often features in her novels. She is based in the UK but has a great fondness for travel and escapes whenever she can.  A public speaker, which includes talks and lectures on cruise ships world-wide, Caroline is also a consultant and food writer. She is a member of the Romantic Novelist’s Association, the Society of Women’s Writer’s & Journalists and the Society of Authors and writes articles and short stories, contributing to many publications. Caroline also runs writing workshops.

In her spare time, Caroline can be found walking up a mountain with her two Westie dogs, sipping raspberry gin or relaxing with her head in a book and hand in a box of chocolates.

Books by Caroline James:

Hattie Goes to Hollywood

The Best Boomerville Hotel

Coffee Tea the Gypsy & Me

Coffee Tea the Chef & Me

Coffee Tea the Caribbean & Me

Jungle Rock

Author links ~ Website | Twitter | Facebook | Amazon Author Page