It seems an odd time of year to be reading a book set in the Caribbean, but I guess with the snow outside a burst of sunshine is most welcome! Sunshine and Secrets begins as Millie Harper has fled a failed romance and her dream job to live quietly as a pastry chef. Her sister is having none of this and manages to get her a job testing recipes for a new celebrity cookery school on a cocoa plantation in St Lucia – despite many reservations, Millie agrees.

From then on, this book is a whirlwind of exotic locations and descriptions of spices that you can almost taste, and a lovable cast of characters who both inspire and infuriate Millie in equal measure. From beach bums to love-sick gap year students, there is definitely a character that everyone will love, in addition to a sneakily included mystery plot that will keep you guessing.

Alongside the romantic storyline, I loved the foodie aspects of this book. There are lots of descriptions of the recipes Millie is testing, and traditional St Lucian food, plus in the scenes where Millie is cooking or baking, and when she explores the market, you can almost see and smell the spices and cocoa – definitely mouth-watering!

Ultimately, this book is just good fun and it would be a great addition to your summer reading pile – but whatever the weather, it’s guaranteed to bring a bit of sunshine into your day.

Lovely light hearted holiday read which is great to read on a cold winters night and be transported to the Caribbean..
Easy to read ,grabs you from the first page.
Great story that does not disappoint.

Good old fashioned light-hearted simple reading.

What Daisy James has created is a story that is heart warming and entertaining. An easy read that is filled with humour, romance and good vibes.

This is one of those novels that you want to take on holiday with you and read whilst relaxing by the pool. There is a cast of quirky characters with a believable dialogue that will have you chuckling away.

I dare you to read this book without a smile on your face!

A brilliant read. Another first read by this author and certainly not the last.
Millie needs a break due to a breakup and her sister no is there to help her get out of her funk. Her mum sends for her to come and help write or help finish a cook book by a well known author but what's best is the is it's set in St Lucia.
Off she goes with many reservations but she begins to unwind although she doesn't hit it off with the local estate agent... given time she opens up and begins to enjoy life.
This is such a happy lovely read and I was happy to read it.
Thanks to Cabell and netgalley

I love books like this, feelgood books! Beth and Leo need a fresh start so move to Willow Cottage in the Cotswolds, and you can really imagine it! The village has a whole host of eccentric characters and Beth meets them all! And over time realises that her heart is healing, her life is brighter and she’s stronger than she thought. I could easily live next door to Beth!

Millie is asked to fly to St. Lucia to help set up the Paradise Cookery School, heartbroken and needing a change of scenery she jumps at the chance. Millie has to get the kitchen of the villa up and running but with very laid back builders who run on paradise time she needs all the help she can get.

Set amongst the wonderfully descriptive paradise island of St. Lucia with colourful well developed characters this is a delightful enjoyable story.

This is the first in The Paradise Cookery School series, and what a great start it is.

I loved the exoticness of the location, the daily rain (almost like an alarm clock had gone off), and the food. OMG - the food!! The descriptions made me constantly hungry. The love interest was delicious, too.

I'm intrigued to see where Ms James takes this story in the next instalment.

Well this was a sunny delightful read! Food and sunshine what more could you want?

You always know what you're getting from Daisy James and her delightful books but there's always a few surprises as well and this book set in St Lucia was a lovely surprise!

I was salivating throughout much of the book - well that name - the Paradise Cookery School sounds delicious in itself. I've never been to the island of St Lucia but with the descriptions in the book I did feel I was there . The heat, the food...oh my the food, and the sun and promise of romance was just delightful!

Daisy James always delivers on a great story and sumptuous locations and this is no exception. Characters were funny and well developed with some funny quirks I smiled at. I particularly enjoyed getting to meet Binks the dog.

Yes - this little jaunt to St Lucia really made me want to start speaking in nothing but French, wearing flip flops and eating cake. Warmly recommended!

What a fun quick read. I enjoyed the characters and the St Lucia location this was set in. A touch of romance and a bit of suspense and mystery made for an enjoyable read. The description of the yummy food left me drooling!

I enjoyed reading this book, set in St Lucia. It was a light read, with some entertaining chracters such as Ella.
I did feel it ended a bit abruptly and would have liked an epilogue