Sunday 30 October 2022
Saturday 29 October 2022
Guest Review: Behind Closed Doors By Gary Lineker and Danny Baker
Thursday 27 October 2022
Guest Review: A White Christmas on Winter St. by Sue Moorcroft
When Sky Terran returns to the village of Middledip after losing the job she loves, she anticipates a quiet Christmas getting used to her new life. However, the annual street decoration competition is coming up and this year, the residents of Winter Street are determined to win.
As she is pulled into the preparations, Sky quickly grows to love the quirky, tight-knit community she is now part of. Including the extremely handsome Daz, who soon becomes more than just a friendly neighbour.
But when Daz’s ex turns up determined to win him back and it seems he might not be the man Sky thought he was, she remembers how much allowing people into her life – and heart – can hurt. As the snow falls, will she and Daz find a way through – and help win a Christmas victory for Winter Street?
Review: I am a confirmed fan of Sue Moorcroft’s writing and especially look forward to her Christmas book each year. She writes stories that are bound to leave the reader feeling well in the mood for the festive season. I was delighted to find that this book was going to take me back to the Cambridgeshire village of Middledip, the setting for many of her previous tales. As expected, I was quickly lost in the world of the characters and looking forward to Christmas in this little village.
The story concerns a newcomer to Middledip, Sky Terran. She has left her once-happy job working with a property developer who she has known since childhood, and bought a run-down house on Winter Street. She is planning to renovate the house and grounds gradually, but the committee in charge of the annual Christmas decoration competition, entered by Winter Street this year, has other plans. She finds that she is expected to have her garden tidied and decorated within a matter of days. Luckily, she finds that she has willing helpers in her neighbours, especially Daz and his friends. As she finds herself becoming drawn closer to Daz, his ex-wife turns up obviously intent on winning back his affections. Relations become strained between Sky and this handsome man, but with the excitement of the competition growing in the background, can they overcome their difficulties and give in to the obvious attraction between them?
I absolutely loved this story. As a regular reader of Sue Moorcroft’s books, I enjoyed returning to Middledip and some familiar faces and locations, although there were plenty of new characters to meet as well. I liked Sky and her determination to branch out on her own after she was let down by someone she trusted. I could understand her being pulled towards the lovely house she bought, but, with its run-down interior and jungle of a garden, what a job she was giving herself. She has had a troubled past and found it hard to accept help, but what better person could she open up to but the gorgeous and dependable Daz; he’s definitely a neighbour we would all like to have. I’m sure that even if you haven’t read any of the other stories set in Middledip, you can’t fail to be drawn to the village and its inhabitants, new and old. With all the twinkly lights and heaps of snow, this is one Christmas book that will leave all its readers humming Christmas songs and looking forward to their own festivities.
Wednesday 26 October 2022
Guest Review: Snowed in for Christmas by Sarah Morgan
Review: I have been eagerly awaiting Sarah Morgan’s annual Christmas book. It is generally one of my favourite reads of the season, leaving me filled with Christmas spirit after reading of snow, delicious food and family gatherings. This one is set in the Scottish highlands and certainly promises plenty of snow and family drama.
The story centres on the Miller family. All of the Miller siblings (Ross, Alice and Clemmie) are coming home from London to spend Christmas with their parents and grandmother in the family’s lovely lodge. They are all hoping to avoid ‘interrogation’ from the older members of the family as they all have secrets they would rather not share with them. Also heading from London for the village where the family live is Lucy, a marketing specialist who is hoping to save her job and indeed the entire company by procuring a contract from Ross Miller. She intends to deliver her proposal and leave, but a misunderstanding and the weather between them contrive to see her stranded in the Miller home and unable to avoid intruding on their Christmas preparations. With all the secrets being bottled up in the household, the atmosphere is anything but relaxed and Lucy finds herself trying to hide away from the inevitable conflict, wishing to be back at home but, as a person with no family, at the same time envious of the warmth of the Millers’ family home.
As anticipated, I absolutely loved this story. It is full of such interesting characters and situations that could be found in any family, but not generally all at once and in a confined space. The older Millers are well-meaning, but they do tend to pry, and I could understand why the others wished to keep things from them. For me the star of the story was Nanna Jean, who understands her family best of all and refuses to be shocked by anything; she definitely added humour to the narrative. Of course, in the cosy family home there was lots of cooking going on and all sorts of tasty meals being served up. In addition, the Miller family has been producing shortbread for generations, so there is plenty of that being eaten as well; I was intrigued by the whisky shortbread. When I started reading this book, I thought I could predict the ending, but I had no idea of the twists and turns ahead of the characters. I can confidently recommend this book for anyone looking for a truly Christmassy tale with warmth and romance, and lots and lots of snow.
Tuesday 25 October 2022
Top Ten Tuesday: Books to Cozy up With This Halloween
Top Ten Tuesday was created by The Broke and the Bookish in June of 2010 and was moved to That Artsy Reader Girl in January of 2018. It was born of a love of lists, a love of books, and a desire to bring bookish friends together.
Not into spooky and scary this halloween? Here are some books I'd love to cozy up with instead!
Monday 24 October 2022
Review: A Christmas Celebration by Heidi Swain
When Paige turns up unannounced at Wynthorpe Hall, she discovers the place she knew when she was growing up has changed beyond all recognition. She’s only planning to stay for a short time, but is quickly pulled into local life.
One night while driving home after delivering library books and shopping to residents she stumbles across an isolated cottage and meets Albert, its elderly and rather grumpy owner. She quickly realises there’s more to Albert than meets the eye and the same can be said for the other man she can’t seem to help running into, handsome but brooding Brodie.
All three of them have a secret and a desire to hide away from the world, but with Christmas on the horizon, is that really the best way to celebrate the season?
Fear not, if you have never read a book set at Wynthorpe hall before, or indeed a Heidi Swain novel before, you do not need to have to enjoy this book. This book works whether you are new to this author and her world or if you are a die-hard fan of this location like I am, there is quite literally something in here for everyone. I will also say that if you are worried that this novel will be too festive or too much about Christmas, please don’t worry. There are festive elements here and people are gearing up, as always, for the winter solstice as well but this book is about family and community and finding help in the most unlikely of places.
We get to meet two fabulous new characters in this novel, what a treat. Firstly we have Paige who is a class Heidi Swain character. She is a bit broke and there is a certain element of mystery surrounding the fact that she has returned from her role in Jordan earlier than expected. Paige definitely needs some family and some rescuing and she will find that in ways she never imagined. Then we have Albert, a mystery himself, what is his back story and why is he living in the state that he is living in. I loved meeting both these new people and they slot into this world so perfectly, I can’t wait to hear more from them in the future.
In terms of the romance in this book, it definitely wasn’t as hot and heavy as last year's festive offering but I enjoyed the slow burn and then the friendship and family elements of love that are explored in this novel. Everything feels warm and cozy and you are just so behind every relationship whether that is romantic or not. I definitely feel ready to open my advent calendar now and I feel sure that this book will leave you with a warm and slightly festive feeling too!
Sunday 23 October 2022
Blog Tour: Review of Three's a Crowd by S. R. Booker
It's my turn on the blog tour for Three's a crowd today. I have a review to share with you to celebrate the paperback publication of this fab read. Don't forget to check out the other stops on the tour for more exclusive content and reviews. Here's what it's all about:
What happens when an estranged father and son unwittingly fall in love with the same woman?
Thursday 20 October 2022
Wednesday 19 October 2022
Guest Review: Christmas in Paris by Tilly Tennant
Sunday 16 October 2022
Saturday 15 October 2022
Guest Review:Don’s Great Escape: Life in a German POW Camp By Donald E Phillips Edited by Theresa M Ripley
Don’s Great Escape is one man’s story of being in a German POW camp in WWII. Don’s plane went down over occupied France in 1943. He was captured and sent to Stalag Luft III made famous by the 1963 movie The Great Escape. On January 28, 1945, Stalag Luft III was evacuated so the camp would not be captured by the Russians. After several days of walking and being transported by boxcars, the prisoners eventually ended up in Stalag VIIA at Moosburg. Don was liberated on April 29, 1945. His story is told by letters written home to his parents.
Thursday 13 October 2022
Wednesday 12 October 2022
Guest Review: Keeping a Christmas Promise by Jo Thomas
Sunday 9 October 2022
Friday 7 October 2022
Thursday 6 October 2022
September 2022 Reading Wrap Up
Despite the fact that September wasn't a GREAT reading month for me, I'm still happy with the fact that I read something from every category and I also read from my TBR yey!
I did have 1 DNF this month but other than that, I liked everything that I read.
eBooks
Wednesday 5 October 2022
Guest Review: Mistletoe and Mulled Wine at the Christmas Campervan by Caroline Roberts
Christmas feels like a real gift for Lucy this year. Her cosy coastal cottage is starting to feel like home, her new pizza business is getting the locals ‘All Fired Up’, and she can’t wait to spend it with her new flame Jack, the charismatic owner of the Cocktail Campervan.
Winding along the snow-dusted Northumberland coast for a whirlwind of Christmas markets and celebrations, Lucy and Jack can’t resist stealing a few kisses under the mistletoe. But there’s a twist in their romantic tale when Lucy’s ex turns up in the village. As her past closes in, Jack becomes increasingly distant. And Lucy worries he’s holding back a few secrets of his own . . .
This story takes place a few months after the first book in the series, and Lucy and Jack are now a couple. With Christmas fast approaching, both are in demand at events, Lucy with her pizza horse box and Jack with his converted VW campervan from which he serves cocktails, mocktails and other beverages. Things are going well until Lucy’s ex, Liam, appears on the scene, hoping to win her back. Jack doesn’t take kindly to this, and their relationship becomes strained. Add to that a few problems with the winter weather and a growing concern that Jack may be keeping something from her, and Lucy’s festive spirit is subsiding fast.
I very much enjoyed this second story in the series. It was nice to be able to catch up with Jack and Lucy, and, of course, Lucy’s adorable Dachshund Daisy. There are some wonderfully descriptive visits to the beaches of the Northumberland coast where the three of them go for long walks; I could almost feel the sand under my feet and the sea spray on my face. Lucy and Jack take the food vans to many different types of venues showcasing the natural beauty of the area. Naturally, there is lots of scrumptious food and drink being prepared and consumed as all sorts of food vans gather at the various events they attend. In addition, the village where Lucy lives is home to a coffee shop that serves mouth watering cakes. This is definitely a book to be read with accompanying snacks to prevent a rumbling stomach. Even once you have finished with the story, the author has thoughtfully added some recipes for festive cocktails, sweet treats and even Lucy’s Christmas dinner-themed pizza. I would not hesitate to recommend this book; it can’t fail to fill the reader with Christmas cheer.
Tuesday 4 October 2022
Top Ten Tuesday: Favourite Bookstores
Top Ten Tuesday was created by The Broke and the Bookish in June of 2010 and was moved to That Artsy Reader Girl in January of 2018. It was born of a love of lists, a love of books, and a desire to bring bookish friends together.
This week's topic celebrates national bookshop day in the UK (1st October) and I am so in agreement with that! I have some very specific bookstores that I never miss a chance to visit...
Monday 3 October 2022
October 2022 TBR: New Release Recommendations and Audiobooks I Want to Read
So here we are in October, I don't know how that happened but I am excited to get on with some October cosy reading. October half term is in sight and Nonfiction November is on the horizon. So reading plans for October involve some holdovers from September as well as a new release, some book to movie and some other audiobooks. Let's dive right in...