I found this book to handle some very sensitive topics really well, something which other authors could also learning to do, however, there was something which just didn't keep me hooked in and it took a while to read. I felt the characters spoke as if they were quite young and it wasn't entirely expecting it.

A Season of Hopes and Dreams by Lynsey James focuses on Cleo, a down-on-her-luck girl whose dreams of becoming a dancer were dashed when her leg was crushed in a car accident. But this summer, Cleo vows things are going to change and is spurred on by invitation from her childhood bully to their high-school reunion.

Cleo is one of the most wonderful characters I have met in the literary world this year. She so loveable and I was rooting for her from the start. OK, this story was a bit predictable so it was easy to cheer on someone I already knew would have a positive outcome. But the fact that she was so relatable still meant that I invested a lot of emotion in her – I was inspired! In the opening of the book, Cleo receives a rejection letter for a dance school she has applied to for a trainee teacher role. Similar memories came flooding back to me and I immediately thought, “I am with you on this journey, Cleo – whether you are fictional or not.”

Although a light-hearted read, there are many underlying, more serious issues, which the author touches on. But don’t worry, they won’t drag down on you. James’ wonderful writing style slips everything in nicely at an easy flow, meaning you won’t be burdened by thoughts on the meaning of life.

It was the overall positivity that James injects which made me fall in love with the story. Have you ever had a book come into your life just when you need it? Well, that happened to me here. I had tears in my eyes after reading: “Where did those big dreams go? Where did I go?” I was feeling lost before meeting Cleo and, while I still am a bit, I now have the motivation to restart my life and put more energy into the things I am passionate about. Thank you, Lynsey James, for that helping hand.

Not a bad read but for me it was lacking something. I’m not sure if it was the way the book was written but felt it was for a younger reader.

Really enjoyable read. Good characters and a Good story. Well worth a read. Think others will enjoy.

This book was my first delve into books by Lynsey James and I can very happily say it will certainly not be the last! It was almost as though she'd heard my desperate plea for a completely different romance story and she answered my call!

Cleopatra comin' at ya! This book had me giggling from the start but she's most definitely a Cleo and not a Cleopatra. She's had a real spate of bad luck and overcoming adversity after adversity. She's been in a horrific freak car crash and as a result had her professional dancing career halted, potentially forever. Unable to cope with all of her dreams crashing down, she's put on a bit of extra weight and been bullied mercilessly at school. The story begins with Cleo age 26 and three stone lighter with the support of Calorie Counters a WW/Slimming World equivalent supporting her. However, Cleo's mother certainly isn't the most supportive and her Dad doesn't provide her with much protection from her mother's merciless assault on her character. Cleo's realised her life isn't going the way she's planed and she has begun creating a new bucket list to reinvigorate her life with the support of her best friend Emma she plans on doing just that.

This is such a fun and easy read despite handling sensitive issues such as body dysmorphia. The characters are relatable and not perfect! It takes a pretty good author to make me want to cry and laugh throughout a book but Lynsey James manages just that feat. There are a lot of positive messages to take from this book on body confidence, self-esteem and self worth! She shows that love, friendship and kindness aren't defined by size but by heart and personality. All of the characters, even Cleo's former bully, as relatable and have flaws!

Lynsey James made this book much more than just a bog-standard romance novel, it's so much better than that. You'd be mad not to pick this up and join Cleo on her amazing journey to complete her bucket list!

I thought that this was going to be a funny romantic comedy type book but it was pretty depressing and the characters spoke like they were in a teen novel.

This is a great feel good story. Cleo(patra) is starting to rebuild her life after it was torn apart in a road traffic accident - one which totally puts the brakes on her chosen career. We follow Cleo through the trials and tribulations of dealing with the bullying which occurred whilst she was at school but which still affects her l. There were laugh out loud moments in the book and this would make a perfect holiday read.

Cleo was involved in a nasty car crash damaging her leg when she was a teenager and as a result has always had low self esteem, and a bad case of comfort eating!

Finding an old bucket list Cleo is suddenly revitalised and determined to go out there and live life properly - starting with her weight - her weight loss class is definitely helping and so is her gym routine.......not forgetting the lovely Scott the personal trainer. Now she just needs to resolve some personal issues like the old school bully that made her life hell!

A lovely story I really felt for Cleo and thought it was great the way she turned her life round and grew in confidence as she went

Cleo's world changed drastically after a car accident left her saying goodbye to her dreams of becoming a dancer. This feel good romantic story takes you through Cleo's journey back to happiness. Great book to relax with in the evenings.

This one wasn’t quite my cup of tea but I do always like to support authors and so I have it a try. The cover is stunning though. Very beautiful.

Lynsey James's latest book, "The Summer of Hopes and Dreams", introduces us to Cleo, who has just found her old bucket list, and as I love novels with to - do lists, or bucket lists, or any other lists, I thought it can be THE read. And let's not forget that I enjoy the author's writing, and so, quickly after downloading the book, I started to read it.

Our main character Chloe has left me s little torn. On the one hand I liked her and admired her strength and the way she fought for her weight, on the other hand she seemed a little bit meh and boring as a person. Don't get me wrong, please, she was of course kind and lovely but maybe she was too kind and too lovely - she just wanted all the good in the world for everybody, there was not a bad bone in her body and it just felt so... flat. However, she was also honest and she felt genuine in all the things she did and felt, and it was really hard to see how she was affected by all the accidental meetings with her high school nemesis Amanda. Chloe's relationship with Scott was the greatest part of this story, I think, or rather the way Sam made her feel good about herself, how he made her feel stronger and how he helped her to come out of her shell.
I liked how well Lynsey James captured Cleo's battles. In a very sensitive, gentle way she was able to show all the feelings and emotions, spot on, making Chloe realistic and relatable. I think many of us know the feeling of binge eating and those guilt - feelings afterwards? Also, the descriptions of Chloe's feelings towards herself, the self doubt, the looking in the mirror and hating herself... well, I think for most of us, normal people, they do ring a bell and it just made me understand Chloe more and better. This all written in a very gentle and sensitive way.

But the book lacked for me in this "something". I think I know what the author wanted to achieve touching upon this very sensitive issue of being overweight but it didn't work for me and, sadly, I must say that I've read better stories with such topics. Which is a pity because I was expecting more from this book and from Lynsey James, as she's already proved that she can write brilliant, light - hearted novels. Altogether, I think that the author just wanted to make this book work, to make it all so correct, to not to offend anybody, and she's just overdone it, and as a result we got a book that is nice but that's all.

It was a story of lost dreams, starting afresh, becoming stronger, feeling good in your own skin. It also turned out to be much more serious that you can expect from this author and from this kind of read, I think, deeper and not so light. It's not criticism, it didn't disturb this book on the whole, it just might take you by surprise. It was about self - confidence and being happy with yourself and gaining confidence, and altogether I did appreciate the message in it - it was a pleasant read, with more or less likeable characters, some funny and some serious situations, and even though it didn't push my buttons, I'm sure fans of Lynsey James are going to love it.

Thanks to Netgalley, Lynsey James and Jenny over at Neverland Blog Tours for the chance to read and review the book, and for taking part in this blog tour. Lynsey James books always make me smile and this one wasn’t really all that different.

Cleo was instantly a likeable character, she was easy to connect to and had a few problems that everyone could relate to some way or another. Scott came across as true down to earth man, with good looks and a sense of humour. The chemistry between him and Cleo was fabulous and I immediately wanted it to work for them. Cleo was an inspirational character, coming from a very dark period in her life to achieving everything that she has within the last year.

While the book was a light-hearted read, there was a seriousness to it as well. The problems faced by Cleo, and Scott’s ex, were real. You feel Cleo’s struggles and suffer her failures with her. The issues in the book are very real issues and Lynsey James has dealt with them in such a touching manner. I think it all works perfectly for her, and shows that no matter your size, your problem, there is always someone willing to stand by you. The way everything is put across was excellent, you saw how it changed Cleo’s life, alongside her families and friends.

The thought of that Carb Counter meetings were amusing, having been to a weight loss group in the past I know what it can be like going into the meetings and the conversations that happen there. Everything is seen with a sense of humour in this book, but it also touches on how it can affect peoples lives and how they help them change their outlooks, feelings towards themselves and help with any health issues.

One disappointing thing for me though was the ending. It was very sudden, now catch-up on the progress Cleo makes, nothing on the relationship between her and Scott. Nothing… Unless there’s going to be a follow up? Hmm… I sort of hope so, but then, on the other-hand, how can there be? Also, this is probably the publishers and not the author, but the book finishes at 93%!! Seriously?!

Anyway, I rate this book 4/5. It touched on tough subjects, the romance worked, and the characters were likeable and relatable.

A well written and inspiring book which deals with the serious issues of weight problems, lack of self esteem and bullying. This is a story about letting go of the past and finding new dreams to focus on.

I loved the cast of characters in this book. Having struggled with my weight I really empathised with Chloe when she attends her weekly meetings at Carb Counters. I admired her strength when dealing with the bully Amanda. The relationship which develops between Chloe and Scott her personal trainer is heartwarming. I found myself rooting for Chloe throughout the book and I really enjoyed the ending. An inspiring read.

This is the first Lynsey James book I have read and I am looking forward to reading more.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

This was a lovely read. Cleo was a character you couldn't help but love - I cringed with her every time she tried to speak to Scott, and empathised so much when she was facing her old school bully. I cheered when she did something positive, and willed her to triumph. I loved that she had a good friend in Emma, and cried for her when her mum made some of her blunt comments. It was all so real! I loved her bucket list, and feel inspired to make one of my own! Laugh, cry and above all feel good!

The Blurb :
It’s been a difficult year for Cleo Jones. The car accident that crushed her leg didn’t just destroy the village baker’s dreams of becoming a dancer, but crushed her confidence too. And recovering from that has been harder than healing from any number of broken bones…
But this season is going to be different. Life is turning around for Cleo! Maybe it’s the invitation from her childhood bully to their high-school reunion that’s shocked her out of a ten-year slump. Or joining Carb Counters and finally starting to shed the weight she’d piled on during her recovery – or maybe it’s catching the eye of her gorgeous personal trainer!
Whatever the answer, this is going to be a feeling she never forgets… watch out world, Cleo Jones is finally fighting back!

My Thoughts :
Cleo Jones, is a very likeable and realistic charactor. After being in a car accident she has to give up her dream of being a dancer, her next move was to become a dance teacher but all hopes were dashed after she recieved a lot of rejections.
Cleo then desends into insecurities, self doubt and feels worth less.
Cleo attends a Carb Counters class, as she is trying to lose weight and get fit. With the help of best friend Emma, she writes a bucket list and decides to face her problems head on including high school bully Amanda Best, who is organising a reunion that Cleo has been asked to attend.
Also when attending the gym she meets Scott, he is a welcome addition to her life and helps Cleo believe in herself once again. He is the perfect match for her.
My only negative point to this is that Cleo was only a size 14 but the book to me made it sound as though she was a size 20 plus and really dealing with weight issues. Although it wasnt all down to her weight and the majority of the plot was her self esteem and low confidence, I felt Cleo should of been that little bit bigger, so us bigger people out there could really feel and relate to how Cleo was feeling especially in regards to her weight. To me a size 14 is small.
Lynsey James, tackled some great topics in this book, which I am sure a lot of people can relate to. Looking forward to Lynsey’s book.

This is a catchy little book filled with both funny situations and a deeper look into a mental illness that isn’t all that sexy, but it prevalent in our society.

Cleo Jones had big dreams when she was sixteen years old. She wanted to become a world famous dancer, move to New York and change the world. Instead, her world was turned upside down when she was involved in a motorcar accident and her leg is broken, leaving her dreams shattered at her feet. Cleo turns to food for comfort in a big way and gains two stone or more. Going back to school is a nightmare and from being sure of who she is as a person before the accident, she becomes a timid mouse who is tormented by the school bitch relentlessly.

Go forward ten years and the same bitch who made her life miserable invites Cleo to the ten year school reunion and Cleo is faced with the truth. She really isn’t happy with how her life has turned out, although she is unsure of just what her dreams are now. In the space of a few months Cleo takes some giant steps forward to change her life and regain control over her future, which included confronting and squaring off with the bitch.

This book does look at the serious side of binge eating and comfort eating. It doesn’t romanticize it and it doesn’t gloss over the reality of this mental illness. It looks at the fissures it can cause in family and friendship relationships, it looks at how it eats away at the sufferer and causes them to view themselves as total failures. It looks at the lifelines that sufferers will cling to too try and overcome their addiction. It helps that the best friend and the love interest in Cleo’s life are both understanding and willing to stand by her side as she battles to come to terms with her eating disorder.

Its all very satisfying and a thumping good read.

I have to start by saying that it was so easy to become attached to Cleo and this is definitely down to the way that Lynsey James has written her. She just feels like someone you could know and be friends with, a whole lot of heart went into making Cleo's character really come to life. Cleo has had such a difficult time that made me just want to make everything better for her. Her self esteem was at an all time low after the accident that destroyed her dreams for the future. Even now she is still trying to build her confidence back up, she is determined however and I loved her for it. Cleo navigates her way through some tough times and the odd embarassing situations that made me root for her even more. After the email from Amanda inviting Cleo to the reunion I was already feeling full on hate for Amanda's character. I think it's safe to say we've all met a few people like her especially back in school, I know I did!

I was completely drawn into this story there are some light moments but also more deep and emotional moments that helped create a wonderful balance that made this story stand out for me. I really enjoyed the uplifting side to this story and how far Cleo goes on her journey. At the start her confidence is low but I love how she attacks her bucket list, intending to lift herself up and achieve her dreams. The friendship that Cleo and Scott have is so lovely and I was left smiling whenever they were together. The story moves quickly and before I knew it I was nearing the end. Will Cleo achieve her dreams? Well you will have to pick this book up and find out which I definitely recommend doing.

A Season of Hopes and Dreams is romantic, sweet and completely loveable!

With thanks to Neverland BT, HQ Digital & Netgalley for my copy. This is my honest and unbiased opinion.

I found Lynsey James' Silver Bells Christmas Pantomime to be an enjoyable read last year so I was more than happy to join this blog tour. I was glad I did as there are so many issues in there, woven into the background of the story. Eating disorders, binge eating, body dysmorphia, bullying, mother- daughter relationships and lost dreams and ambitions are all in the mix. It is not the light, frothy romance it might appear to be on the surface.

It is easy to empathise with Cleo, the main character who has had her life's ambition to be a dancer shattered after a road accident. Throughout the book she develops and changes always in the shadow of her past. It is interesting to see the dynamic between Cleo and her mother who saw her go through the worse of her eating disorder. I would have liked to find out more about this and to have seen her mother's point of view occasionally. The story however is centred very firmly on Cleo who is such a warm, relatable character.

In short: a light hearted romance with darker undertones.

Lynsey James continues to enchant and delight her readers with her outstanding romantic comedies and she is on top form with her latest dazzler, A Season of Hopes and Dreams!

Cleo Jones has had the worst year ever. Having been in a car accident that had crushed her foot and destroyed her long-held dream of becoming a dancer, poor Cleo’s life seems to be going from bad to worse. The accident has not only ruined all of her ambitions, but it has also destroyed her confidence and forced her to erect impenetrable walls around herself which she hides behind to keep the world at bay. While broken bones may heal, recovering from her ordeal is proving to be easier said than done – especially with her confidence being at all time low and her belief in herself completely and utterly crushed. But Cleo has had enough of moping and of wallowing in self pity. She is determined to turn things around and to change her run of bad luck, so she takes a deep breath and takes the plunge. Could moving out of her comfort zone be just what she needs? Or will she regret being so brave?

Having gained weight after her accident, a determined Cleo vows to shift her extra pounds and joins Carb Counters where she soon begins to feel better about herself.With her gorgeous gym trainer encouraging her every step of the way, Cleo begins to dream that happiness might just be within her grasp. Will she finally get the happy ever after which she deserves? Or is she destined to spend the rest of her life trapped in an endless cycle of misery and anguish?

Lynsey James has such a warm and engaging writing style that she draws you in from the very first page and in A Season For Hopes and Dreams, she has once again penned a wonderful story that will touch your heart and make you smile. However, there is more to A Season For Hopes and Dream than light-hearted humour, witty repartee and laugh out loud funny moments, for it is a book that deftly and effortlessly tackles topical issues such as body dysmophia, confidence problems and anxiety with such flair and panache that many women cannot help but relate to and recognise themselves in the pages of this book.

A fantastic read that you will struggle to put down, A Season of Hopes and Dreams is another winner for this outstanding storyteller!