This was a perfect book to get comfy on the sofa and snuggle up to read cover to cover and escape the world for a while. At the heart of this book is friendship, love and loyalty. Sam is a fabulous women. She works full time at a job she tolerates because if pays the bills. That is just a tiny part of her day. She is an animal lover and trying to get her animal care taking business off the ground so she can leave her blah job and the mostly awful people she works with and spend her days around all kinds of animals that bring her joy and fill her heart. She is such a good friend that when her very pregnant friend Abby finds herself in need of a new place to live she takes her in and realizes that though she doesn’t want Abbys relationship with the father of her baby, she does want love and a baby for herself. Her journey is filled with real people, that is flawed, interesting, funny and a little odd at times. This is a heartwarming tale that shows resilience and a whole lot of heart. It was a truly lovely fun read and I am very much looking forward to whatever this wonderful author writes next. I know that I could have been a little bit more prolific, but I don’t want to give away anything and ruin the journey for any readers. Now, click to your favorite bookseller and get yourself a copy of this book. It will truly warm your heart.

Della Galton is an author I have been aware of for a very long time; I've read so many of her short stories in magazines in years gone by!

Sam Jones is a busy lady; as well as holding down a full time office job, she has a fledgling business, both dog-walking and boarding many different animals. Luckily, she has cheap rent of a cottage with a bit of land attached and she is desperate to be able to afford to devote herself to it full time. In the meantime, she has her best friend Abby and her new baby living with her and, much to her own amazement, Sam begins to long for family life for herself - but her perfect man has proved elusive so far. Then there's her boss to deal with and her parents have upsetting news . . .

I was full of awe for Sam - she had so much energy to get things done! This is a lovely story - very realistic and full of fun moments; however, I worked out quite early who her perfect match would be so from then on it was just a matter of waiting - but then I probably read a lot more than most! There are some amazing animal antics which, of course, I loved and giggled at. Well written, easy reading and very enjoyable, I'm happy to give this one four stars.

I was initially drawn to this book by the title, having grown up in Dorset; I loved the idea of reading a book set in a place I knew. It took no time at all to become immersed in this compelling story.

Characters

Sam, trying to grow her own business doing what she loves and looking after animals.
Abby, Sam’s long time friend and housemate, who gives birth at the beginning of the book.
As I lie on my bed reading, I find myself immersed in an idyllic life, living by the sea, caring for animals, what’s not to love?

Sam has not been so lucky in love, and since the birth of Abby’s baby, you can tell she would like one herself. She just needs to find a way to make that happen. Internet dating seems to be a disaster, but what about her boss, Rex or the mysterious Mr B.

I won’t ruin the ending, other than to impart the sad news that the story does in fact end; but I can tell you that you will fall in love with not only characters in this book, but the whole story and the area where it is set.

Personally, I never wanted the book to end and could just consume it for ever. I will however leave you with a quote from the book, when Sam realised that ‘most dreams were better if they were shared’. I can only comment that this book is well worth sharing; I hope you love it as much as I did.

#rararesources

This is an engaging story about friendship, families and following your dreams set in a Dorset coastal vista. Sam is a great best friend as Abby finds when she turns up on her doorstep heartbroken and pregnant. Sam's day job as an audio typist is a means to an end. It's her hobby job as a dog walker and animal sitter that gives her the life she aspires to. Finding the ideal man doesn't even make her wishlist after her latest heartbreak, but this story shows that following your dreams can lead to some surprising benefits.

Friendship is the predominant theme in this story, but gentle romance makes a lasting impact as Sam's story progresses. The romantic male lead is not at all stereotypical, which adds authenticity to this heartwarming story. There are lots of lovely characters all believably flawed and one or two eccentrics that given the story its vivacity. The protagonists are older, which reflects contemporary society well.

This is a story about ordinary folks in everyday situations, but their friendship and love are extraordinary. This quality shines through, in insightful, and sensitive writing, making this an escapist, and uplifting book to read.

I received a copy of this book from Boldwood Books via NetGalley in return for an honest review.

I love Dorset and visit often, so I was excited to read a book based in and around Studland Bay.

Sam’s outlook on life changes when her best friend has a baby; she works as a typist and wants more from life. She also has a small side business in her spare time – Purbeck Pooches – and decides to make this her full-time job.

It’s lovely to see Sam and Abby’s friendship shift slightly and develop, and there are also some great characters like Sam’s boss, Rex.

A great read, full of warmth and friendship. Ideal for reading curled up on the sofa with a glass of wine! Highly recommended.

Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for an advance reader copy in return for an honest review.

The publishers have called this book “a heartwarming read of family, friendship and growing up”, and they really have pitched it absolutely right. There’s a romance too – a really lovely unexpected one, fraught with obstacles and misunderstandings – but perhaps the real joy of this book is Sam deciding on the life she wants, the future that will make her happy, and everything she needs to do to make it happen.

To start with, the focus is very much on friendship – Abby, who’s life really is rather messy, is living with Sam when she becomes a mother. There’s a lovely closeness about their friendship – but to be honest, I think she’d have driven me insane, loud and brash and pushy, everything Sam really isn’t. She also constantly calls Sam “girlfriend”, which began to become a real irritation – but she does mellow considerably when baby Jack comes along. And Jack’s presence makes Sam think about what she really wants – she’s really not looking for love, but she does find herself getting a bit broody, and dips her toe into online dating with Abby’s “help” just to explore the possibility a little.

But the dream that really drives her is making her business, Purbeck Pooches – dog walking, a bit of boarding not just for dogs but for animals of all sorts – into enough of a money-earner to allow her to leave her day job as an audio typist to a team of structural engineers. The workplace scenes are really well done, with the most wonderful cameo characters like Hypochondriac Heather, Mumbling Mike (the curse of audio typists everywhere), Lightning Jake, Magpie James and buttoned-up boss Rex, while Sam struggles to keep some separation between her work life and the business she’s trying to build. Things start to come together when some money unexpectedly comes her way – amid some family developments that cause more than a little angst – and one of her less-than-successful dates comes up with an idea for her business that becomes a bit of a game-changer.

If you read the author’s last book, you’ll remember the enigmatic (and distinctly unhinged) Mr B, chef at the Bluebell Cliff Hotel – but if you didn’t, you’ll love meeting him for the first time as he arranges some babysitting for his kunekune pigs (do Google them – they’re so cute!), a new venture that brings drama just at the point when Sam’s dreams are starting to come together but other things in her life are falling apart. (It was really lovely to see Cara and three-legged dog Foxy again too – and to spend just a little time at the hotel again).

The whole story has a lovely lightness of touch, really uplifting, extremely funny at times, very touching and emotional at others – and it’s beautifully told. There’s conflict at times, enough to drive the story, gently done and always with a bit of a smile, and the story never really loses its overall warmth and feel-good. And there’s an exceptional sense of place, which I always enjoy – Dorset, the Isle of Purbeck and Studland bay were already on my bucket list after the author’s first book, and have now been inked in even more firmly.

I really like Della Galton’s writing – this book was everything I wanted it to be, and I’d really recommend it to anyone looking for a fun read to escape from the realities of life for a while. Highly recommended by me.

Moonlight Over Studland Bay by Della Galton is a sweet romance about going after your dreams. Sam's life changes when her roommate has a baby boy, which challenges her to re-evaluate her life. Sam has a side business for animal care called Purbeck Pooches, and her goal is to work there full time, and quit her office job. I enjoyed this sweet romantic comedy, and plan on reading more by this author. If you enjoy romances, give this book a shot.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

I really enjoyed reading this book. I was drawn to the gorgeous cover and also the setting of Studland Bay in Dorset. It is where I used to go on Holiday as a young child. I have visited the area a few times in more recent years too.
It is always lovely for me to read books set in an area which is familiar to me. Studland Bay is such a wonderful place.
I actually like all of the characters in this book, which is rare for me. There was a good range of characters, some of them quirky, some of them relatable.
I discovered that there is a previous book set in Studland Bay, which is set in the Bluebell Hotel. It featured some of the characters from this book. It didn't detract from my enjoyment of this book. I would however like to read the first book, as it sounds great
This is such a fun and enjoyable read which is a perfect escapism. I really liked this book, it is my first book that I have read by Della Galton, but it definitely won't be the last.
Thank you to Netgalley and the Publisher for my ARC.

This follows our main character, Sam. She wasn't on the quest for love or let alone have a child. She is an audio typist for anengineering firm. At the beginning of the novel, she is on her way to help her best friend Abby give birth to Abby's first child. That's when Sam's priorities begin to change. She wants a child so she and Abby come up with a plan to find "The Perfect Baby Daddy for Sam". They even went as far as to set Sam up on a dating site. Sams boss is named Rex. Sam doesn't think much about the baby daddy scheme when she is around him and getting to know him. Sam does tell Rex about her plan to wanting to open up her business. Rex is understanding and when another co-worker plans on going on Maternity Leave, Rex thinks it's a good idea to hire some part-time help. Sam goes from a full-time position to a part-time position as it helps her focus on her true calling in life. Throughout the novel, Rex and Sam are getting cozy almost like dating. Rex tells Sam about his past with his ex-wife and how that probably contributed to Rex's "overreacting" to find out about "The perfect baby daddy for Sam". Sam completely forgot about the list when she and Rex were hanging out and falling in love. When Sam finds Rex and explains, they both decide to put it behind them and move on. They both decided to focus on their futures together.

I adored this book. I found myself in Sam in away. I adored the characters and wishing I was there within the world that the author had set up. I honestly thought that this book was cute in every sense of the word. I don't know if this is part of a series or not but if it is it doesn't read like one. I do recommend this book to anyone who is looking for a cute book.

I was initially drawn to this book by the pretty cover and the fact that the main character Sam, dreamed of one day running her dog walking business, Purbeck Pooches, full time.

I really resonated with Sam throughout this book, I wanted to be her by the end. Sam’s story is set in The Isle of Purbeck, somewhere I’ve not visited. Throughout the book there were references to Old Harry Rocks and the South West Coast Path. The location sounded fabulous and the book left me wanting to visit with my own dogs.

As well as Sam, there were several great characters in this story. Firstly Abby, her loyal but potty-mouthed best friend (and housemate), who I really enjoyed. Then there were Sam’s work colleagues. Rex her aloof Murray Mint boss. There was also Hypochondriac Heather, Mumbling Mike, Lightening Jake, Magpie James… you get the idea (your typical mixed-bunch office team). Finally, and best of all there was Mr B. A master creative chef who’s totally obsessed with his Kunekune pigs. Google them (I did) they’re adorable!

A laugh out loud delightful read. I enjoyed following Sam’s heart-warming story as she struggles to realise a dream. Does she do it, you’ll have to read the book to find out.

This is the first Della Galton novel I’ve read and I would like to read more.

Thanks to NetGalley, Della Galton and Boldwood Books for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I had been waiting for this book having enjoyed the first instalment in this series. Studland Bay evokes images of dramatic scenery, in my mind, and Della Galton paints wonderful backdrops.
Moonlight Over Studland Bay moves away from Bluebell Cliff but still refers to the hotel and its characters; Mr B, the fiery chef, makes several appearances as do his precious pigs.
Samantha is in something of a dating rut; she shares her home with best friend Abby and her baby. As she reflects on her life, she realises that she needs to move her dream to own her own business to the next level. She also needs to find a man if she’s ever to have a child of her own.
The events that follow are amusing as she navigates the world of internet dating. Of course, the path of love is never smooth, and the perfect man can be found in the unlikeliest of places.
Add to this her parents’ retirement and plans to move to Cyprus and it hard to imagine how Sam will ever find happiness.
I thoroughly enjoyed this story. Sam was immediately engaging, and it was easy to get behind her as the lead character. No spoilers from me, but the romance is lovely when she finds it.
I do enjoy it when there are no parts of the story left untold; even Mr B got his moment in the spotlight.
This is a wonderfully light-hearted read, full of good friends, romance and entertainment. It can be read as a stand-alone story if you haven’t read the first instalment.

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for an early review copy.

Another fabulous book from Della.

It was enjoyable to see Abby and Sams friendship grow and develop, after Jack was born. I found it was very believable and relatable storyline, that of a new mother trying to cope.

Each character added to the story and I loved each of their personalities. Especially Rex, the way his character and personality developed as Sam got to know him better.

I thought that the ending was so beautiful, as the way the plot was written, it had all the storylines and characters sorted out.

Recommend it.

This is such a cute read. A business that focuses around animals and friendship, what's not to love. It was lovely reading the bond between Sam and Abby. It highlights the struggles of parenthood and being a single mum and what happens when you re-evaluate your life.

Review live from 26th November

I’m sure most of us bookworms get that little buzz of excitement when presented with a book that is set in places we’re familiar with – such was the case for me when I spotted Moonlight Over Studland Bay by Della Galton.

In actual fact Della Galton is so local to me that, a few years ago, my friend and I took one of her writing workshops on short fiction. Although the course itself was excellent it clearly showed me that, while everyone may have a book in them, in my case that’s probably where it should stay!

Anyway, luckily for us, Della Galton is a skilled writer who truly understands her genre. I always say that there is a certain inevitability about romantic fiction, in that we know that it will have a happy ending but that it’s the getting there that is the fun – and this book definitely brings the fun!

Sam is a great character, immediately tapping into the feeling that a lot of people have of being stuck in a job that they cannot get passionate about – it pays the bills, but does not feed the soul. But Sam has a plan to start her own company looking after pets in the beautiful Studland Bay area of Dorset. Where romance is concerned, having been hurt in a previous relationship, she has no plans but could that all be about to change now that her house mate Abby has had a baby?

Of course! Although Sam is still dedicated to getting her business going, thoughts of starting a family can’t help but intrude and there are plenty of candidates – on and offline – to choose from. But as with all these things, it doesn’t go quite as smoothly as planned.

I loved this book – the local setting just added an extra cherry for me on top of an already lovely cake. I read quite a bit more romantic fiction these days – of variable quality – but I find that Boldwood Books has a knack of picking some real gems. Lovable characters, a proper romantic fiction ending and an eyebrow-raising plot involving Kunekune pigs makes this book a hit for me!

This was a fun, quirky and entertaining book to read. At first, I wasn’t sure I was going to like it and found out, I rather enjoyed it.
There are many laugh out loud moments. And, some real “corny” moments (example would be the pigs). The slow build up of the romance aspect between Samantha and Rex is beautiful. Sam and Abbys friendship added a wonderful dimension to the story along with baby Jack.
Moonlight Over Studland Bay takes your mind off everyday life as you immerse yourself in this light hearted, heartwarming story.
Many thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and author for the opportunity to read this book for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.

A lovely warm romance set in Dorset is what I've come to expect from Della Galton, and this story doesn't disappoint. It has all the ingredients - a likeable heroine with a madcap friend, and several handsome male contenders for the love interest. It's even got a cute baby, along with dogs, goats and a couple of KuneKune pigs! The scene is set for hilarity, but there are plenty emotional moments along the way as Sam Jones aspires to expand her pet sitting service Purbeck Pooches, while appeasing her stuffed-shirt boss at her day job, dealing with the perils of internet dating, helping her friend Abby with new-born Jack (and discovering she might just be a bit broody herself) and coming to terms with her parents' sudden decision to move abroad. The writing is descriptive, the pace flows and I really liked all the different characters - even the pigs! I enjoyed this one a lot, and will be taking part in the blogtour at www.karensbookbag.co.uk near publication day.

Samantha Jones works as an audio typist for a local company in Dorset. However, it’s not her dreams job. She wanted to devote, and expand, Purbeck Pooches, her pet sitting service.

When best friend (and housemate) Abby has a baby boy Sam’s priorities change and she realises she wants more from her life. Does she want life to continue as it is or does she want to look for the perfect sperm donor – on a drunken evening Abby and Sam draw up the perfect "daddy" list.

Sam’s world is soon rocked when her boss Rex accuses her of moonlighting and her parents who have run a B&B locally for years make a shock revelation.


I’m going to say it from the start…I loved this book! Sam is a relatable character who knows what she wants from life, but she doesn’t want to upset, hurt or trample on people to get it. She’s just an all-round good egg!!
There were times in the book when Abby made me laugh but also annoyed me a bit but she is obviously a good friend to Sam.

I actually squealed with delighted at one point when Sam bought a lasagne from Cook for a meal she was cooking for someone, that was exactly what my other half did on our second date!!!

With no mention of this rotten virus or the horrible time that we are all going through, this book transported me back to a normal life, when we could socialise with friends, or go out to pubs/restaurants and it was so lovely to move away from the horrible news.

I would wholeheartedly recommend this lovely book to everyone.

An easy, quick read. Enjoyable characters and I liked the epilogue and how everything was nicely wrapped up!

This was an enjoyable read. I enjoyed seeing Abby and Sams friendship grow and develop after Jack was born and it was a very believable and relatable storyline of a new mother trying to cope. All the characters added to the story and loved each of their personalities. I especially enjoyed discovering Rex and seeing his characters personality develop as Sam got to know him better. The ending was beautiful as I love a plot with all the storylines and characters fully sorted out.

A truly enjoyable read! It was lovely to see the bond between Abby and Sam. It felt believable and true to life when somebody is struggling with becoming a mum. I felt like it was an honest view to being a single parent and needing support. I adored the end and always love a happy ending!