Well, this was a lovely treat. If there are two things that I know can make this grumpy old book blogger smile, they would be Christie Barlow books and Puffins. Having both in one book … Well who could ask for more. Honestly, if you have read and loved the Love Heart Lane series then this will be right up your street, with characters who you can take to your heart right from the off, a wonderful and heartbreaking little mystery, and a most idyllic setting that set me in mind of summers past. I raced through it and know that this series is going straight onto my must buy list.

In A Postcard From Puffin Island we meet Verity, a young woman who is just about to set off on a road trip with her best friend Ava. She's left her job, rented out her home and is gladly turning her back on her ex fiancé, who rather unfortunately lives directly opposite her home with the woman he cheated on her with. In Verity's shoes, I'd be happy for an extended break away too. A chance discovery of a postcard sent from an island Verity had thought was only make believe, lead her to make a slight detour from her planned trip. Soon she is experiencing the beauty of Puffin Island for herself. Everything is just as her grandmother had described, and so the only question in Verity's mind is who sent the postcard and just what did its message mean ...?

I really have to applaud Christie Barlow. We all know I am more of a fighter than a lover (fictionally only, of course) and I'm more likely to be found with my head buried in a crime novel or thriller than I am romance, but, without fail, in just a few short chapters she always manages to have me completely engaged in her stories and totally invested in the fate of the characters. This was absolutely the case with Verity, and once the mystery of the postcard had been uncovered, I was totally and utterly on board for this road trip no matter where it led us. Yes, it helps that I do love puffins, so anything that is going to take me in there direction, even if only in writing, can't be a bad thing, but Verity is a wonderful character. Instantly likeable, very down to earth and with a kind of cautious independance I can totally understand. Having come out of a long term relationship, and trying to bounce back from the hurt she felt, it's no wonder she wants a new start, and watching her completely throw caution to the wind and follow her heart made me smile, drawing me deeper into her fate if that was even possible.

Now this is no kind of romantic adventure if there is no love interest, and the would be future suitor is brought into our minds very early on. A chance encounter at a roadside cafe, and a mishap with a sausage butty make for a very unforgettable meet cute moment between Verity and Sam, but as you might expect, things will not go exactly to plan. Sam seems the perfect guy, almost too perfect perhaps, but certainly the type to get readers hearts all a flutter, as he does those of local residents too it seems. And there is a sad side to Sam's story, one that is strangely linked to the very reason Verity has been drawn to the island in the first place. The path of true love does not run smoothly, just like the van Verity is travelling in after a almost tragic encounter on the island causeway. But I trust Christie Barlow to do right by her characters and her readers and she does not disappoint. It's the kind of partnership you are rooting for, laden with romantic moments to make the heart melt, as well as the kind of arguments that can only come from people who really care. I loved this pairing and I know other readers will too.

Now this is a book set in an island community, and we can rely on this author to deliver one heck of a welcome to any of us, readers or fictional visitors. We only meet a fraction of the people who live on Puffin Island, but I can see just how wonderful this series is set to become, with all the kinds of destinations and characters who have many, many stories to tell. From bookseller come wannabe author, Amelia, to tearoom owner Clemmie, who quickly adopt Verity as a new best friend, to former Vet 'Puffin' Pete and garage owner, Nathan, there are such a mix of personalities and backgrounds, but all with one thing in common - a total love of Puffin Island. I can understand that as the North East coast is one of my favourite destinations in the UK and I leave a little bit of my heart there everytime I visit. Christie Barlow really brings this out in her writing, putting you at the heart of the community and portraying the setting in such a way it made me nostalgic for my recent holiday and had me digging out my puffin snaps. The setting for these books make be fictional, but if this doesn't make you want to visit the real life Seahouses and take a ride over the causeway to Holy Island, or hop on a boat trip around the Farnes, I don't know what will.

This is a book so full of heartwarming romantic moments, pockets of humour that will have you chuckling away, and poignant and heartbreaking memories that will bring a tear to your eye, that if you have ever enjoyed one of the author's earlier books you will absolutely love this. It was such a lovely way to while away a Saturday afternoon, and I can't wait to see what more adventures we will go on with the Puffin Islanders in the hopefully not too distant future. Definitely recommended, but , if you'll excuse me, I'm off to stare at my old holiday pictures. Really miss those views and those puffins!

Verity chances upon an old postcard trapped in her mailbox. It was meant for her late grandmother and came from Verity’s childhood haunt of Puffin Island. As she’s looking for a new adventure after the end of a relationship, Verity heads straight for the island to try to find out about the postcard’s author and unravel his cryptic message.
Christie Barlow does a great job of creating her new series setting and introducing likeable characters in this emotional tale. It will be a sure-fire hit for this talented author.
With thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an early copy in exchange for an independent review.

At publication, I will post this review on my blog.

Having loved the Love Heart Lane series, I was eager to read A Postcard from Puffin Island, Christie Barlow’s brand new novel. What can I say about this book other than quite simply, I adored it. The main character, Verity is instantly likeable, fun and sassy and brings a real warmth to the book. It’s a great plot that unfolds majestically as you become completely immersed in the lives of the Puffin Island residents. It’s warm hearted and I could not put this book down. This is the first novel in a brand new series and I can’t wait to read the next instalment. A very fabulous five star read. Thank you to NetGalley, Harper Collins UK, One More Chapter and the author for the chance to review.

Oh my Christie Barlow has done it again. The postcard from Puffin Island is a fantastic story. It draws you in. I know the place it is based on. I read in a night. The secrets that came out from a postcard were brilliant and the setting. Can’t praise it enough . Roll on book 2.Read it you won’t be disappointed .