Thanks to the author and publisher and Rachel’s Random Resources for the digital copy of this book, in return for my honest opinion.

Here’s the blurb:

Join Hattie and Jo as they head to Southern Ireland to open Boomerville Manor, a holiday retreat for guests of ‘a certain age’. There’s Irish craic and shenanigans aplenty for the colourful cast of characters as everyone gathers for the grand opening.

Meet Melissa, an ex-cabaret singer running from her abusive husband, and Bill, a bachelor bullied from beyond the grave by the ghostly voice of his mother. Along with local bobby Harry the Helmet, ageing aquatic team the Boomerville Babes, eccentric artist Lucinda Gray, and heartthrob Finbar Murphy, they gather in Ireland and the fun begins. But murder is in the air and there’s mischief afoot. Will the residents get more than they bargained for at Boomerville?

Set in the beautiful Irish countryside, ‘Boomerville at Ballymegille’ is a heart-warming story of friendship, fears and new beginnings.

Here’s my review:

Boomerville at Ballymegille is the second instalment in the Boomerville serious but I didn’t feel like there were any spoilers for the first book or gaps in the second since I hadn’t read it. My favourite character was Hattie, whose flamboyance and tendency to meddle was the source of many of my chuckles (there’s a particular scene involving support knickers which really sticks in my mind!). With her straight talking and no nonsense approach, she gees the guests up and encourages them to banish their personal demons with aquatics, singing lessons and art classes to name but a few.

Melissa’s escape from her villainous husband, Malcolm, goes awry when he tracks her down and tries to force her to return with him. His skullduggery begins to involve other residents, who come to Melissa’s aid but put themselves at risk in doing so. Bill was an intriguing character and the voice of his mother was a vicious character in itself. The canine characters were a sweet addition to the narrative, and helped to heal some of the characters’ battered hearts.

I had a few gasp moments thanks to some twists and turns but I’m not saying who these involve or why so that I don’t spoil it for you! But that letter…. I’m giving this a cosy 3.5 stars and recommending it to anyone who needs some lighthearted, cosy fun in their reading life at the moment.