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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