I read this over the Easter Bank Holiday Weekend when the sun was shining and it really helped transport me to Nightingale Square.

I loved the way Tess knows herself so well. She can sense that she's getting too overtaxed, that she needs a break and she doesn't hesitate before taking action. She is also shown to be very giving and thoughtful. As she gets to know the people of Wynmouth she can see that their businesses aren't doing as well as they could and she doesn't hesitate to give out advice, or even help them organise events. It was brilliant how she was always willing to help these complete strangers, and I really enjoyed seeing their relationships develop over time. The Secret Seaside Escape' by Heidi Swain is a jolly-jaunt of a novel, marvellously uplifting & joyfully warm, much in-keeping with the previous books by this author I've had the pleasure of reading. Combining friendship & relationships, family & self-discovery, dreams and hopes and wishes, this is an inspiring story, encouraging readers to take control of their lives and go after whatever it is that makes their hearts happy, no matter how hard the decisions that need to be made along the way.The wonderful descriptions of Weymouth made me feel nostalgic for past family holidays on the beach. I’ve always loved the idea of moving somewhere new and starting again, so you can imagine how much this book appealed to me. The descriptions were very vivid and made me feel that I was actually there experiencing everything alongside them. I can’t wait to go to the beach when all of this is over. It was so lovely to see Beth rediscover her love for music and truly realise how much it meant to her. Music means so much to so many of us, it’s a universal language, and it was really nice to read a book that really showcased the importance of music. 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.

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. I loved Wynmouth, the setting for the story was just perfect and I loved the feel of the close-knit community. However, it isn’t all hunky dory, and I felt excited as I couldn’t wait for the secrets to be revealed, and would there be any love in the air? I loved the plot and how it all slotted together and some scenes really made me feel overwhelmed! I was happy with how Tess fitted in on her arrival and it was like a home-from-home for her. He is,’ she said, her voice drifting away a little. ‘We’re in the Cayman Islands and it’s as hot as hell. We’re going to swim with stingrays later . . .’ I love this authors writing style, her way with words, and storytelling ability. As the book progressed I was drawn into it more and more and was incredibly curious as to how some of the plots would turn out. Seeing how Tess changes over the course of the book and the way her new friendships developed was really great to see. I really enjoyed this new coastal setting in the Wynbridge worlds. Although this is not a Wynbridge novel you can tell that this all takes place in the same world and I know that characters from Heidi's previous novels will have walked these shores and been tempted by this coffee shop too.

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The supporting characters were all loveable, friendly and supportive and it was great to see them all taking Tess under their wings and her being able to help them and their businesses in return. I so enjoy visiting this wonderful community and it was fantastic to meet some new fabulous characters too! Whilst this may be my first Heidi Swain I am certain it won’t be my last! There is something very familiar about Heidi Swain and the way she writes. It’s like sitting down with an old friend and chatting over endless cups of tea and cake, you feel assured that you’re going to love every minute of it and I certainly had all the warm fuzzy feelings by the end. 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!

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.Tess is feeling overwhelmed by her high pressured job, its making her ill, and she keeps dreaming of her childhood holidays to Wynmouth. She is still grieving for her mum, and when she discovers that not everything was as seemed in her parents marriage, she takes off for a break to Wynbridge without telling anyone where she's going. 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..