Guest Review: The Forest Hideaway by Sharon Gosling

Saskia is building a home for herself out of the ruins of an old castle. Surrounded by forest, hidden away from everyone and everything, the place is special - it’s the only connection she has left to her father and it’s a hard-won chance to escape from her difficult past and create a new future. She’s spent her whole life trying to find a way to make this project work and finding someone to help her realise her dream has been almost impossible.

When local builder Owen finally signs up to manage the construction, things get off to a very bad start. But forced to find a way to work together, both realise that first impressions aren’t always the right ones, and when Owen discovers the forest is hiding a secret that could bring work to a halt, he realises he’s much more invested in the project – and Saskia – than he thought . . .

Review: I have been an avid reader of Sharon Gosling’s books since reading her compelling story The House Beneath the Cliffs, enjoying each of her novels since then. Her well-written stories feature family, community and romance in stunning settings. This latest book is set in a remote part of Cumbria and sounds to contain an element of mystery.

The story centres on Saskia Tilbury-Martin’s attempts to fulfil her ambition to restore ruined Gair Castle, located in an isolated part of Cumbria, into a home. She has loved the castle and surrounding forest since visiting there as a child with her father and experiencing the area’s magical quality. Having followed in her father’s footsteps and qualified as an architect, she has made plans for the castle ruins that are sympathetic to its surroundings. The problem is finding a builder who will agree to undertake the ambitious project. Finally, she meets Owen Elliott who, despite misgivings, takes on the contract. Unfortunately, their relationship gets off to a very rocky start, adding to the difficulties she has encountered due to local opposition to her plans. Both of them are surprised when, once the work begins, they discover a secret that the surrounding forest has been hiding for years. Owen also finds himself surprised to find that he would be disappointed to leave the project, and Saskia, behind if work has to stop as a consequence of their discovery.

This was a really interesting book. The two main characters showed admirable amounts of perseverance in pushing forward with Saskia’s plans for the ruined castle. As the book progressed, details of her history and reasons for her desire to restore the site were revealed. I loved the idea that Saskia had even designed a special bespoke mini-home to allow her and her gorgeous dog to live on site while the work was completed. Owen became more sympathetic towards Saskia as he learned more of her background and romance began to creep gently into their story. Although there were clues as to mysterious and magical events reported historically in the area, I was still not ready for the discoveries Saskia and Owen made. This book was a little different from other books I have read from this author, but no less enjoyable for that. Readers who like some mystery and even magic with their romance will certainly enjoy this book.

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Guest Review: The Secret Christmas Library by Jenny Colgan

Step into the warmth and the cosy glow of the secret Christmas library...

Mirren Sutherland didn't expect an old book in her great-aunt's attic to change her whole world. But one minute she is staring resentfully at the sparkly London Christmas lights, dreading the thought of another Christmas alone. And the next, she is being whisked away on a secret night train to a grand old house in the highlands...

Jamie McPherson is desperate to save his family home - and he needs Mirren's ability to sniff out an antique to do it. There is a very rare, very valuable, and very lost book somewhere in the nooks and crannies of his family's crumbling estate. And if Mirren can find it, they might just be able to save the McPhersons from financial ruin.

But the house has its secrets, and when a snowstorm traps Mirren and Jamie in along with rival book hunter Theo Palliser, they realise that there is much more than just a book hidden in the halls. With old feelings and new sparks slipping through the cracks, it's a race against time - and snowfall.

With the help of a sprinkle of Christmas magic, will Mirren uncover the clues and find the book - without losing her heart?

Review: This book follows on from Jenny Colgan’s short story, The Christmas Book Hunt. That said, you don’t have to read the short story to appreciate this storyline; this book stands alone very successfully. It is set predominantly in the highlands of Scotland, and contains vivid descriptions of the stunning landscape. The book’s cover is one of the loveliest I have seen in a while.

The main character in the story is quantity surveyor and book obsessive Mirren Sutherland. She gained a reputation as a book finder after she tracked down a very valuable book in her great aunt’s attic after a countrywide search. This fact led Jamie McKinnon to her door to ask if she would come to his house to look for a rare book that might save his debt-ridden estate. Unfortunately for Mirren, Jamie has also invited fellow book hunter Theo Palliser to aid in the search. Mirren has an unhappy history with Theo. The task is complicated by the size and dilapidated state of the large house and by the fact that Jamie’s recently deceased grandfather, fond of puzzles, has left a series of clues as to the whereabouts and identity of the book. Added to these hurdles is the fact that Mirren is attracted to the two men with whom she is sharing the house, which, soon after her arrival, becomes cut off by a heavy fall of snow.

I very much enjoyed this book, and loved joining Mirren in her hunt for Jamie’s grandfather’s valuable book. The journey to Jamie’s estate in the family’s private train carriage featuring all manner of luxuries was magical; if only all rail travel could be like that. However, Mirren’s experiences in the actual house were more frustrating than magical since it was filled with nooks and crannies, crumbling away at points and freezing cold unless you could find a position near to an open fire. The story was very cleverly written, with so many clues to solve and so many wrong turns to take. I was completely immersed in trying to find the answer, as well as wondering which, if either, of the men she would finally choose. This is definitely a book to enjoy by a warm fire while accompanying Mirren on her odyssey.

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Guest Review: Christmas on Fifth Avenue by Julie Caplin

Evie Green's Christmas dream turns into a nightmare when a viral video makes her the laughing stock of the internet. But then a 5 star hotel sees a PR opportunity and invites her to New York for a Christmas she’ll remember forever.

Enter Noah Sanderson, a disgraced soccer star seeking anonymity. Forced to fake a festive romance for the cameras, sparks fly – but not the twinkling Christmas kind!

As Fifth Avenue sparkles in all its holiday glory, can The City that Never Sleeps show these two frosted hearts that, maybe, the best love stories are the ones you never see coming.

Review: Even had I not been a follower of Julie Caplin’s work, I would have been drawn to this book just from the title and cover artwork. Spending the festive season in a snowy New York sounds pretty ideal to me. This is book 1 in the Christmas Escapes series, described as a spin off from Julie’s Romantic Escapes series, which I have enjoyed.

The main characters in this story are financial journalist Evie Green and professional footballer Noah Sanderson, who both find themselves in New York in the run-up to Christmas. Evie has been invited by the management to spend Christmas in the famous Plaza Hotel following a disastrous incident that has seen her ridiculed all over social media. Noah is also on his way to the same hotel to hide from the adverse publicity resulting from an on-field event. Although they hadn’t met before travelling to New York, Evie and Noah manage to rub each other up the wrong way as they keep bumping into each other. When Noah’s agent suggests that a very public fake romance with Evie might smooth things over for both of them, the pair begin to be seen together visiting tourist spots. As they spend more and more time together, it seems as though they have more in common than they thought and perhaps their dating might not actually be quite so fake after all.

I really enjoyed this festive rom-com. The setting was, of course, absolutely wonderful and I loved following along as Noah took Evie to visit so many of the tourist attractions that the Big Apple has on offer, as well as less well known locations. The Plaza Hotel, where I would love to stay one day, was also brought into the limelight, with its staff for whom nothing was too much trouble to please the guests and the amazing decorations everywhere. I really liked both of the main characters, who had been dealt with unfairly by the media. It was heartwarming to see Evie achieve things that she and her late mother had planned to do if ever they had got to New York. At the same time it was rewarding to see Noah unwind and begin to enjoy his enforced holiday. I think this would be a perfect read for those wishing to escape for a while over the Christmas period.

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Guest Review: The Christmas Retreat by Trisha Ashley

Ginny Spain usually loves Christmas: wrapping up warm by a cosy fire, putting twinkling lights on the tree… But after breaking up with her ex, her festive spirit has deserted her. This year, she plans to hide away and spend the holiday alone.

Her formidable mother, Evie, has other ideas. Dragging Ginny out of isolation, Evie takes her to an artist and writers retreat at Triskelion, a remote old house in the tiny coastal village of Little Star, determined to uncover the secrets of an ancestor who once lived there.

Triskelion is now home to rugged Rhys Tarn and his ten-year-old daughter – and Ginny is in for a shock when she discovers Rhys and her share an unexpected connection.

Before Twelfth Night, and with the help of Rhys, can Ginny unlock her past and bring back her Christmas cheer?

Review: I have read and enjoyed many Christmas romances from this author over the years. I look out for her next book each festive season. Trisha Ashley has books set in a variety of locations; this one is set in Wales. This book certainly draws the eye with its bright pink cover and I was confident that the story within would be equally pleasing.

The story centres on writer and illustrator Ginny Spain who has recently broken up for the second time with her boyfriend and is planning to spend Christmas on her own in her little cottage in the country. However, when she suddenly has to leave her beloved home, her plans have to change. Concerned that her daughter may be becoming a hermit, Ginny’s flamboyant mother, Evie, books them both into a retreat for writers and artists over the Christmas period. The retreat is to be held in a small Welsh coastal village in an old house called Triskelion. Evie is writing a book about her grandmother (Arwen), an artist who once lived and painted in the house, and hopes to learn more about her. When Ginny arrives at the house, she meets the other people on the retreat, an odd assortment of men and women. Already living in the house with the owners she discovers writer Rhys Tarn and his small daughter. She has met Rhys briefly before and has a low opinion of him. As she gets to know him better, she realises that she may have been wrong about his character. It is a shock when she finds that she and Rhys are connected through her ancestor.

There are many threads to this festive romantic story, in which a historic account of Arwen’s life is told through letters to her best friend and runs alongside a present day narrative of Ginny’s life. The book includes a cast of many characters other than the group spending the festive season in Triskelion. The entire community of the village have their part to play. It is interesting to become involved in their various celebrations during the time that Ginny is visiting, such as winter solstice and twelfth night festivities. I found Arwen’s story very sad and was glad of the more light-hearted events taking place in the present day tale. The members of the retreat party lent an air of comedy at times. A nice touch is the inclusion of recipes for dishes mentioned in the text if people wish to make them for themselves. This is not one of my favourite Christmas stories, but it is certainly an interesting tale with a different approach, transporting the reader back and forth between 1919 and the present day.

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Guest Review: Christmas for the Village Midwife by Tilly Tennant

Snow crunches underfoot, lights twinkle on the lakes, and in the little village of Thimblebury, midwife Zoe is hoping for more than one Christmas miracle…

As the streets of Thimblebury are blanketed by sparkling snow, village midwife Zoe Padbury wants nothing more than to warm her cold feet by a roaring fire and spend the holidays holding hands with her handsome new boyfriend Alex.

But babies don’t stop being born, and Zoe is busier than ever with new arrivals (and her grumpy new boss at the surgery, who definitely doesn’t believe in the magic of Christmas).

It should be happy news when Zoe’s oldest friend Georgia arrives in Thimblebury, pregnant with her first baby, but it’s obvious that Georgia is far from happy and is hiding something. Zoe is determined to help her friend… but in doing so unravels a long-held secret that will impact them all. Has Zoe got in too deep, and is it too late for her to save Christmas in Thimblebury?

Review: This is the second in a series of books about midwife Zoe Padbury who has moved from Manchester to join a medical practice in the small Lake District village of Thimblebury. This book starts in the run up to Christmas. In the first book in the series, readers learned that Zoe had divorced her husband and was looking for a fresh start somewhere new. She is renting a small cottage some way out of the village on one of the local farms and has met another newcomer, Alex, who is becoming a good friend.

Zoe is finding it a busy time in the village, with lots of babies on the way. Unfortunately, the usually pleasant atmosphere in the village surgery has become more subdued because of the arrival of a new GP who seems to disapprove of lots of things, Christmas activities in particular. However, she has brought with her to the village her sister who is an old childhood friend of Zoe’s, and happens to be in the late stages of pregnancy. Zoe can’t help feeling that something is wrong in her friend’s household and is keen to sort things out, but Alex thinks she should leave well alone. As the snow falls thick and fast, bringing extra problems for the couple, Zoe hopes that her growing relationship with Alex can survive even though this is not the cosy first Christmas in the village that she had anticipated.

I thought that this was a delightful festive read. It took me on quite a roller coaster ride, with all the drama, excitement, humour and romantic moments. Having read the first book in the series, I was looking forward to finding out what was happening in the lives of this lively and warm community. It was easy to envisage the village and its surrounding homes, and I could well imagine what it must have looked like with a coating of snow - just like many a Christmas card. Zoe was such a lovely, caring character, like all of the staff in the local surgery; it is easy to see how they must have felt with the arrival of someone with a totally different outlook on life. I was glad that the reason for the newcomers’ behaviour came out in the end. I was really moved by the ending of the story and I’m already looking forward to reading the next part of this series and finding out what happens next for Zoe and Alex.

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Guest Review: Winter Nights at the Bay Bookshop by Jessica Redland

It's the most wonderful time of the year at Bay Books, and a new love story is being written in the stars... ✨

Nestled amongst the comforting shelves of her beloved Bay Books, Lily Appleton finds the peace and quiet she needs. But with Christmas just around the corner, Lily has to find an extra pair of hands to help her share the bookish magic.

After selling his business, Lars Jóhannsson is feeling lost. A job at Bay Books would give him the space he needs to contemplate his next move, but returning would mean confronting a painful past he's been avoiding. He’s also fairly sure he’s the one person Lily would never want to see again.

Lily is torn. Lars could be the perfect fit for Bay Books, but he once rejected her friendship and the hurt still lingers. But working together, Lily discovers a vulnerability that Lars has kept hidden away, along with a few surprising secrets. And as the Christmas season sprinkles its magic, Lily discovers the warmth of renewed friendship and the joy of heartwarming traditions from Lars’s Icelandic roots.

Review: I knew from the minute I saw the title of Jessica Redland’s latest book that she was taking readers back to the North Yorkshire seaside town of Whitsborough Bay, the setting for many of her earlier novels that I have read and enjoyed. I was excited to return to the cobbled street with its independent shops selling a range of goods from handmade chocolates to wedding dresses, many of which have been the focus of one of Jessica’s books. I love the book’s bright Christmassy cover as well; a sign of a truly festive story within.

This story features Bay Books, owned and run jointly by Lily Appleton and her father, Marcus. When Marcus has to take some time off for an operation in the run up to Christmas, their busiest time of year, Lily has to find somebody to fill in for him. Of all the applicants for the job, Lars Jóhannsson stands out as the most suitable. However, Lily is unsure about employing Lars as they have an unfortunate past history and he is afraid that the bookshop will stir up distressing memories for him. When they start working together in the shop, Lily discovers that Lars is not the person she remembers but a far more likeable and sensitive person altogether. He eventually opens up to her about his family history, explaining his treatment of her many years ago. She is fascinated by his tales of Christmas traditions in his father’s native Iceland and recognises their potential for utilisation in the bookshop. Most surprising of all is the secret that Lars has been keeping from everyone in the town for years.

I absolutely loved being taken back to Whitsborough Bay and reconnecting with some familiar faces and places in this wintry book. Bay Books sounds such a marvellous bookshop, crammed to the rafters almost literally with books on every topic and with the kind of customer service that I love to encounter when shopping. Lily and Marcus have built up a wonderful team. The shop is so well described by the author that I could almost smell that aroma you get when walking into a bookshop. From the start, I took to Lily and hoped she and Lars would be able to get past what had happened in earlier years. I was happy that they not only worked well together, but that they formed a friendship and more. I very much enjoyed learning a bit about Icelandic customs connected with Christmas and books in particular. This would make a great book for reading on a cold winter’s day in front of a warm fire.

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Guest Review: So This is Christmas by Helen Rolfe

Care assistant Sophie loves the holidays, and nothing makes her feel more festive than helping 82-year-old resident Bea keep in touch with her old friend Greta. In their Christmas letters, the women update each other on their lives – Bea’s in the quiet residential home in London, Greta’s in the heart of Vienna and the grand Wynter Hotel.

But everything changes when Bea passes away before Sophie’s had a chance to post this year’s letter. Devastated, Sophie struggles to imagine this Christmas without her dear friend. But then Sophie finds one last note from Bea – and this time, it’s not addressed to Greta. It’s to Sophie, telling her to go to Austria.

Which is how Sophie finds herself in Vienna at Christmas, with the snow falling, and an important delivery to make… But when Sophie reaches the Wynter Hotel, there are surprises in store, and before she returns to England, her life will have changed in ways she could never have imagined…

Review: I have read quite a few excellent Christmas stories penned by Helen Rolfe, and was pleased to find that her latest book is my first Christmas novel of the season. Most of the action takes place in the wonderful setting of a snowy Vienna. I listened to the audio version of the book and found myself expertly transported into the world of its characters by the talented narrator.

This story begins in London, where elderly Bea is living in a care home and being well looked after by care assistant Sophie. Bea has been corresponding for years with her friend Greta, who now lives in Vienna, each looking forward in particular to their friend’s Christmas letter. Due to her failing eyesight, Bea has asked Sophie to write her latest letter, but sadly dies before it can even be posted. Bea has been suggesting to Sophie for years that she should visit Vienna, so she decides to take the letter to Greta and break the news of her friend’s passing in person. Once in Vienna, Sophie meets up with Greta’s family and falls in love with the city and its Christmas traditions. However, as time passes, she unexpectedly uncovers a secret connection with one of the family, linked with a tragic event in her past.

I absolutely adored this heart-warming festive book. In addition to all the Christmassy elements, which of course I loved, there is a powerful story with elements of a friendship spanning years as well as countries, a tragedy that has had long lasting effects on many people, the strength of family ties and the kindness of strangers; there is even a hint of romance. The setting in Vienna was really well described and had me wanting to spend Christmas there myself so I could witness in person all the sights and sounds of the city. The characters in the story were varied, but all strong with their own stories. I was totally surprised by the secret that was revealed to Sophie and which had so many ramifications. This is definitely a book that I would recommend to anyone wishing to get into the Christmas spirit or wanting to pass it on to others.

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Guest Review: Christmas Wishes and Irish Kisses by Debbie Johnson

From crying into Santa's beard at Macy's department store, to working the bar at a historic seaside inn thousands of miles away, Ellie de Vere has been through it all this Christmas season...

When Ellie trades her hectic New York life for the twinkling lights and snow-dusted charm of her childhood village of St Tilda, it's only to help her ailing father through the Christmas rush at their cozy family inn.

But all the festive holly, crackling fires and mulled cider in the world can't prepare Ellie for who she finds waiting for her back home. Her ex best friend Liam is also in town for the holidays... and they haven't seen each other in twenty years. He's now a devastatingly handsome single father with the same Irish lilt that always made her breath catch. If only he hadn't broken her heart irreparably all those years ago...

Can Ellie forgive Liam for what he did that disastrous final night in St Tilda? And is he even the same man she used to know? As Christmas approaches and old feelings refuse to stay buried, will Ellie finally find the courage to rewrite her future?

Review: I have been looking out for this author’s Christmas book, knowing that I would be in for a treat. Debbie Johnson has the knack of making me laugh out loud and shed a tear while reading the same book, but I always come away with a warm feeling inside. The title of this book suggested that it was going to have an Irish theme like last year’s Christmas story, which I enjoyed immensely. So I sat down to read this book, expecting to be entertained, and I wasn’t disappointed.

The story centres on Ellie de Vere, who is working in New York and is in a relationship with Tyler, but not sure about taking things any further. When she finds that her father in her Cornish home town of St Tilda is ill, she drops everything to go back and help him run his inn in the run up to Christmas. She has not set foot in the seaside village for twenty years, since her mother took her away to live in the USA. Soon, she finds herself face to face with the last person she expects to find in St Tilda - Liam Byrne, her one-time best friend who broke her heart before she left. He has come home to stay with his family for Christmas as well, bringing with him his three children. Both Ellie and Liam have done a lot in the intervening years since they last met and they have a lot to talk about and a lot of making up to do if Ellie can forgive and forget. In the midst of all the Christmas preparations and activities, can they find common ground and repair the relationship they once had?

I absolutely loved this light-hearted festive romance. Although, as I have come to expect with Debbie Johnson’s books, there were a lot of laughs throughout, there were also some sad and serious parts as well. Both Ellie and Liam had been through some hard times. Liam had lost his wife, while Ellie had a broken marriage behind her. While getting to know her father better, Ellie discovered disturbing things she did not know about her parents’ marriage. It was rewarding to witness Ellie grow to understand her father better at the same time as she and Liam learned about each other’s lives. Liam’s extended Irish family was a great source of humour, particularly his mother who coped amazingly well with an ever growing clan and always seemed so cheerful. I really enjoyed watching as the village prepared for Christmas while the snow fell. There was a lovely community feel about St Tilda, making me want to pay it a visit. I certainly recommend this feel-good romantic comedy which I shall certainly be visiting again.

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Guest Review: All We Want for Christmas by Phillipa Ashley

At Ravendale Castle, nestled in the snowy heart of the Lake District, Lara is busy preparing for the Winter Spectacular — a glittering light trail that will fill the grounds with the magic of Christmas. It’s the perfect distraction from her recent heartbreak until Flynn, the ruggedly handsome technical manager, arrives and sparks start to fly.

Flynn is determined to prove he’s worth taking a chance on. But just as Lara begins to believe in love again, someone from Flynn’s past arrives at the castle, bringing a secret that could tear them apart.

As Christmas draws closer, can Lara and Flynn take a leap of faith toward the happily ever after they’ve always wanted?

Review: I can always rely on Phillipa Ashley to produce a fine festive romance that will leave me looking forward to beginning preparations for the big day. For the last few years, while her summer books have been set in Cornwall, her Christmas stories have been set in the Lake District, one of my favourite areas of the country. This one had me scratching my head to start with, as the characters and Lake District setting were familiar but I couldn’t work out from where. I finally solved the mystery when I found them in a short story at the end of Phillipa’s last book, One Cornish Summer With You. There is no need to have read the short story before reading this book, as it is complete in itself.

The setting for this book is Ravendale Castle, where Lara, the events manager, is preparing for the festive celebrations, in particular a light trail, one of her ambitious new projects for the estate. She is startled to bump into Flynn, a face from the past and the castle’s newly-appointed technical manager. Lara is recovering from a bad breakup and is not interested in starting anything, but is aware of an attraction to Flynn. While Flynn is trying to persuade Lara that he can be trusted not to break her fragile heart, an event from his past is brought to light in a surprising way, turning everything upside down. Will a long-held secret spoil Flynn and Lara’s chance of a lasting relationship?

What a lovely, well-written story this was. In addition to a pair of extremely likeable central characters, it had a marvellous setting that I would love to visit, drama and secrets, oodles of snow, romance and Christmas preparations at every turn of the page. There was so much more than girl meets boy about the story. As well as Lara and Flynn’s tale, there was lots going on for other characters in the book. It was uplifting to see how all the staff and even owners of the castle worked together like a community. This is definitely one of my favourite Christmas stories this year and I would love to know what happens to Lara and Flynn in the future, so invested have I become in their relationship.

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Guest Review: All Together for Christmas by Sarah Morgan

This Christmas, the Balfour family will have more secrets to unwrap than presents …

Becky is stranded at the airport, so when she bumps into her brother’s best friend, Will, and he suggests they drive home together, Becky reluctantly agrees. For the first time, Becky is dreading Christmas, and only Will knows why. Can she trust him to keep her secret?

Rosie married Declan after a whirlwind romance, and now the cracks are starting to appear. Rosie and Declan have agreed to hide their problems from her family, but will this Christmas bring them closer or drive them apart?

Hayley can’t wait for her first Balfour family Christmas with Jamie, but she’s worried about her place in this close-knit family. Will there be room for her too? And how will they react to the secret she and Jamie have been keeping?

All this secrecy could derail everyone's happy holidays. Can the siblings open up to each other in time to enjoy a perfect family Christmas?

Review: I have been eagerly awaiting the new Christmas book from Sarah Morgan. For me, it’s like a sign of the beginning of the festive season, as I can be sure that her story will have me in a mood for all things Christmas by the time I have read a few chapters. In the past her books have taken me to various snowy destinations; this time the story is set in the north of England and there’s plenty of snow. As the beautiful cover suggests, there is a family get together in a house tastefully decorated for the occasion.

This story centres on the Balfour family as they gather to celebrate Christmas in the family home on the Northumberland coast. It is told by the female members of the group, individual chapters being narrated from the point of view of one of them in turn. Mother, Jennifer, is busy making the house ready, concerned that a newcomer to the family, her son’s girlfriend Hayley, should enjoy her first proper Christmas. Twins Becky and Rosie are travelling north, worried that the weather might stop them getting home. Becky has become stranded at the airport with all planes grounded. She is actually nervous about meeting up with the rest of the family for the first time in ages. Luckily she bumps into her brother’s friend Will, the only person who knows the reason for her nervousness, who offers her a lift north in his car. Rosie and husband Declan are driving towards the family gathering, but all is not well with their marriage and they want to keep that fact from the others. In fact, everyone in the party is hiding secrets. The question is: will a big family Christmas help with their problems or make things worse?

I can confidently recommend this heartwarming festive romance, that is simply brimming with strong characters, to other readers. It had me completely immersed in the lives of this family in no time at all. As they gathered together, one secret after another emerged and I was left wondering what would happen when they all came to light. This story is so well written that I could feel the tension building amongst the characters as one after the other neared the family home. I felt for Jennifer as she tried to ensure that Hayley would have as good an experience as possible, while also worrying about the rest of the family, her intuition that all was not well working overtime. I loved the sound of the big house that she has managed to decorate inside and out for Christmas. The setting also sounds wonderful, just a few steps from a long beach. This is definitely a book fans of quality romantic fiction would be happy to find in their stocking this Christmas.

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Guest Review: Christmas at Hollybush Farm by Jo Thomas

Jemima Jones is driving home to her family's magical hill-top farm for Christmas…

And on arrival, she soon learns that her dad has been keeping a secret – all is not as it seems, and Hollybush Farm is struggling to make ends meet! Worried about losing the childhood home she loves, Jemima must pull on her winter wellies and get stuck in.

Amid the chaos of chasing after escaping sheep and organising the Christmas tractor run, Jemima begins documenting her slice of farming life on social media. As she builds a supportive online following, she also forms an offline connection in the shape of charming, retired rugby player Llew, her very own Santa's helper.

With a sprinkle of festive cheer and a dash of goodwill, might the community pull together to help save the farm in time for Christmas?

Review: Jo Thomas is one of my favourite authors. In her books, she often transports the reader to a far off country and always highlights the tasty foods there, usually including some recipes for dishes described in the story. I look forward to her Christmas books in particular; they always get me in the mood for the upcoming festivities. This story is set in the UK and has a message for us all.

The story begins a few weeks before Christmas when Jemima Jones (Jem) is travelling to her family’s small farm in west Wales to visit her father and introduce him to her boyfriend. When they arrive at Hollybush Farm, it is apparent that all is not well and that her father has not been looking after himself. As Jem decides that she must stay and help her father around the farm, even though it costs her her job, she gradually realises that the farm is in a poor financial state and that there is even a possibility that they could lose it altogether. Whilst trying to find ways of bringing in revenue, Jem begins to post a diary on social media to highlight the plight of small farmers fighting to make a living off the land in the face of competition from cheap food imports. She has no idea of the impact her posts are going to have as they resonate with other farmers as well as the public in general. She even manages to win around a business man, Llew, who came to buy the land but ends up helping out and becoming a close friend.

I very much enjoyed this thought-provoking festive tale full of interesting and well-developed characters. Although set in the run up to Christmas, the story is more about the struggle not only farmers but also small villages have to survive against competition from large companies. Jem was an amazing character who moved from one world to the other when she gave up her job with a large hotel brand to help not only her family farm but the local community as a whole. She came up with some incredible schemes. The story also illustrates how social media, often given bad press, can be used in a positive way. Of course, the book also has its fair share of romance as well as a helping of humour. Finally, thank you to the author for providing recipes for some of the traditional Welsh dishes mentioned in the text. I highly recommend this book to read or gift this Christmas or practically any time.

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2025 Q3 Reading Wrap Up

 Here's everything I read in  July, August and September AKA Q3 of 2025! I like the balance of fiction, non-fiction, adult and YA and romance vs thriller!

Guest Review: Everything Changes But You by Sarah Bennett

Is home always where the heart is? ✨

Running a café by the sea in Halfmoon Quay should be a dream job for Issy Kernow, but the view reminds her of everything she’s lost since her parents’ death. She’s relied on no one but herself and her eccentric grandmother, Maud. But as Maud finds unexpected love, Issy begins to feel restless and lonely. Could it be time for a change?

Liam Penrose has always lived up to his family’s expectations, but after a failed relationship and a job he hates, life in London isn’t fulfilling. When a gift from his great-uncle offers the chance to take over a run-down hotel in Halfmoon Quay, Liam is torn. Returning home means a career change—and a chance to reconnect with Issy, his teenage love who slipped away years ago. Is it too late for Liam to risk everything and return to the life he once dreamed of?

In this heart-lifting story of love and second chances, will Issy and Liam discover that, when everything changes around them, some things were always meant to be?

Review: This is the second book in Sarah Bennett’s Halfmoon Quay series, with stories set in the coastal Cornish village of the same name. Halfmoon Quay is a popular destination for tourists, with its pretty bay and busy harbour. The books feature events in the lives of its residents, with a helpful cast of characters and map of the village included at the beginning of each. This, like the last book in the series, can be read as a standalone.

This story centres on cafe owner Issy Kernow and Liam Penrose, eldest son of a prominent village family. Issy has a busy life, running the cafe with its mouthwatering home baking and cooking and also hosting a summer afternoon kids’ club in the hub attached to the cafe. Liam left the village after university and has been living in London, where he has a high-powered job and a long-term girlfriend. However, when his relationship breaks up, he takes the opportunity to have a break from the job that has become more and more of a chore and return home for a while. When his great-uncle presents him with the deeds for the local hotel he no longer wishes to run, Liam has decisions to make about his future. The hotel needs quite an injection of cash to update it from its present rundown state. He is also unexpectedly presented with the chance of rekindling his once serious relationship with Issy, especially when they discover that their break up years ago was engineered by a third party.

It was great fun returning to Halfmoon Quay and catching up with the people there in this heart-warming second chance romance. This book was an easy read and I didn’t mind that it was a little predictable as it left me with a nice warm feeling. Although the story homes in on Issy and Liam, there is plenty going on around them. I loved that Issy had her three loyal friends who were always there for her at a moment’s notice, while Liam’s family were ready with help and support at all times. Issy’s grandmother, Maud, was quite a character and a favourite with me; a source of amusement but also sage advice. As with the first book in the series, I was again attracted by the setting; I would love to visit this little village, perhaps enjoy a pot of tea and some cake while taking in the view. I’m very much looking forward to the next book in the series. I wonder who will be in the spotlight next time.

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Book Review: Christmas Fling by Lindsey Kelk

 One fake romance. One magical Christmas. One chance to fall in love.

Laura was all set for a quiet solo Christmas – just her, a bottle of wine, and flat-sitting for a stranger. But when the stranger’s parents mistake her for his mystery girlfriend, she’s swept off to the snowy Scottish Highlands with Callum and his whole family.

Between the cosy sleeper train, charming pubs and breathtaking views, this could be the no-strings-attached Christmas of Laura’s dreams.

But stranger Callum is hot, hilarious and their ‘fake’ chemistry is off the charts.

So is this just a Christmas fling? Or the start of something more?

Review: Oh my gosh, I absolutely loved this book! A Christmas Fling is everything I want in a festive romance — funny, cozy, and full of heart. The fake dating trope is one of my all-time favorites, and Lindsey Kelk nailed it here. Laura and Callum’s chemistry was off the charts, and the Scottish setting made it all feel so magical and atmospheric. I could practically picture the twinkly lights, rainy streets, and festive vibes — it was pure Christmas escapism.

Laura was such a brilliant main character. I adored her — she’s funny, relatable, and just trying to figure things out like the rest of us apart from the fact that she is a neurosurgeon. And Callum? Total dreamboat. I loved how grounded and kind he was, and the slow burn romance between them had me kicking my feet and grinning like an idiot. Every little moment built so perfectly to the big payoffs, and I couldn’t stop reading because I just had to see how it would all unfold.

Also, shoutout to the M&S Christmas range — the references were iconic and made me crave mince pies and festive snacks the whole time. And yes… the sex scenes were hot! Like, properly steamy but still emotional and in tune with the fake dating trope. Honestly, this book gave me everything I wanted — a swoony romance, a cozy setting, and all the festive feels. I’ll definitely be rereading it along with the rest of my Lindsey Kelk collection! 

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Guest Review: A Place in the Sun by Jo Thomas

It's never too late to find where you belong...

Thea knew the holiday house her late husband Marco bought in Tuscany wasn't pristine. But when she relocates to Italy for the summer with her children, she's shocked by how much work Casa Luna needs. And she only has six weeks to fix it up ready to sell! Her only option is to ask the tight-knit Italian community for help.

In return, Thea and her children become involved in the community kitchen, working alongside handsome chef Giovanni and three very competitive nonnas. Gradually, Thea begins to open up to the people around her for the first time in a long while. But just as she's beginning to wonder whether this small Tuscan town could become a new place to call home, a surprise visitor turns everything on its head . . .

Review: I do love a book from Jo Thomas. I know when I pick one up to read I will find myself transported to a world of new characters and usually another country with interesting sights, sounds and smells. Often, I find myself keen to try out some new dishes that I have read about, because food always plays a big part in Jo’s stories. This latest book promised a trip to Tuscany, its bright cover giving a clue to a busy time for the characters.

The story centres on Thea and her young family, who have travelled from the UK to spend the summer in a small town in Tuscany where her late husband, Marco, bought a house as a surprise for the family. Thea learns that Marco bought the rundown house cheaply on the understanding that it would be renovated within a given time period, and that time has almost run out. There is so much to do to bring the house up to standard that Thea realises she must ask for help from the local community. She makes a deal with chef Giovanni, who runs a community kitchen in the town, that he and his friends will help with the house if she and the children will help run the kitchen, side by side with three elderly nonnas who have lived in the town most of their lives and pride themselves in their cooking skills. As the young family become immersed in the community, Thea finds herself relaxing more than she has been able to in a long time, and even wondering if this small town could become home to her and her children.

I very much enjoyed this book and would highly recommend it as an absorbing summer read. It has so much going for it, with its combination of drama, mystery, romance and comedy, combined with a cast of captivating characters and a wonderfully warm community feeling. I absolutely loved the three nonnas, who were at loggerheads for most of the story. I could almost picture them hanging out of their windows shouting at each other. On the other hand, Thea’s children were almost too good to be true; she was very lucky to have such compliant companions. Thea herself was a courageous woman grieving for her husband but always doing what she thought best for her young family. I hoped she would find time to examine her feelings for handsome Giovanni. All through the story, the reader and Thea are presented with mouthwatering dishes made using traditional Italian recipes. This is definitely one of those books liable to leave you hungry for some good food.

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Guest Review: One Cornish Summer With You by Phillipa Ashley

Tammy loved her childhood growing up in the harbour town of Porthmellow. But when her father went bankrupt and her mother abandoned them, she was quick to learn that nothing lasts forever.

Now, Tammy spends her days creating works of art in the golden Cornish sand, and is determined to protect herself from further heartache. But everything changes when she meets Ruan – a gorgeous solicitor who has moved to Cornwall for a fresh start.

Just as Tammy starts to question if Ruan could be the one to break down her walls, she discovers he has a secret – one that unravels everything she thought she knew about her past.

Can Tammy find the courage to trust again? Or will Ruan’s secret push her away forever?

Review: I have been an avid reader of Phillipa Ashley’s books for many years now. She obviously has a special passion for the Cornish coast, as is apparent from reading the list of her previous titles. This book promised a return to the coastal town of Porthmellow, a setting for some of her earlier stories. I loved its cover, with its invitation to step from a sandy beach into water warmed by the sun.

The story concerns 32-year-old Tammy who has lived in Porthmellow all of her life. Sadly, her happy younger years came to an abrupt end due to her father’s financial problems which also led to her mother leaving her and her home. Now that her father has died, Tammy is all on her own, making a living as a sand artist and helping out at a friend’s gallery. She is intrigued one day when she notices a young man in a suit watching her at work. He stands out because of his apparel and the fact that he is obviously too hot. Tammy learns that he is a solicitor by the name of Ruan, who is new to the area. Over the next few weeks they develop a friendship. Tammy is independent, but as she gets to know Ruan, she feels that he may be someone she could let into her heart. However, when she discovers that he has been hiding a secret from her, she thinks that she may have been wrong to trust him after all, especially because that secret has implications for what she believed about her past life.

I very much enjoyed this summery romantic story with its beautiful setting and likeable characters. As well as the main characters, Tammy had many friends who we met along the way. Despite her situation, she was obviously popular and a well-known figure in the town. Ruan was also a kind and considerate person. I liked that fact that the romance between him and Tammy was very gentle and gradual. It was sweet that he could be so caring of Tammy’s feelings, even if it got him into trouble. As well as the characters, I really liked the setting for the story. I could well imagine strolling along the beach with the waves lapping at my feet and I could hear the cries of the gulls. The town had a really strong feeling of community which added to its attraction. It was interesting to learn that so many people would commission sand art for a celebration or other special occasion. I think that this book will make a great summer read, presenting an escape for the reader, even when sat at home.

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