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.

To order your copy now, just click here!

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.

To order your copy now, just click here!

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.

To order your copy now, just click here!

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.

To order your copy now, just click here!

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.

To order your copy now, just click here!

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.

To order your copy now, just click here!

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.

To order your copy now, just click here!

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.

To order your copy now, just click here!

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.

To order your copy now, just click here!

Guest Review: Escape for Christmas by Phillipa Ashley

 Sophie used to adore everything about Christmas. Hot chocolate and velvet bows, fairy lights and mince pies.

Until the December her fiancé jilted her.

Since then, Sophie opened Sunnyside Hotel, a quaint guesthouse nestled deep in the Cumbrian countryside.

And, though it might be winter at Sunnyside, it’s never Christmas.

Marketing her hotel to those who wish to avoid the festivities, Sophie is busy preparing for a season full of joy and laughter, but without the tinsel and mistletoe.

Yet, as she finds herself growing closer to her gorgeous neighbour, Brody, her heart begins to melt.

Will this Christmas bring the touch of magic Sophie needs to give love another chance?

Review: What a pleasure to return to the Lake District for Phillipa Ashley’s Christmas book this year. She never fails to present the reader with a fantastic festive treat of a story at this time of year. This book also comes with the bonus of a perfectly stunning cover that could hardly fail to attract readers.

This story concerns Sophie Cranford, who runs a guest house situated on the outskirts of the village of Bannerdale in the Lake District. She has not enjoyed Christmas since breaking up with her fiancé at this time of year, an experience which caused her to up sticks and move miles away to her current location. This year she has come up with the idea of advertising breaks suitable for people who would like an alternative to the conventional Christmas celebrations. Local residents think this a strange idea and regard her as a Scrooge type of figure, but her accommodation is soon booked to capacity. In the light of her history with her ex, Sophie has sworn off romance, but is finding herself more and more attracted to her nearest neighbour, vet Brody. He certainly seems interested in a relationship with her. In the midst of all the snow and Christmas festivities, can she relent and allow herself to consider that she might love again.

I can highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a romantic festive story in a stunning setting. I absolutely loved everything about it, even though, as a lover of all things Christmas, I found the idea of escaping the festivities a strange idea. Sophie had her reasons for avoiding the celebrations, but I was quite amused by her choices of alternative festive fare and activities. In addition to the central players, the book is populated with many other interesting characters each with their own individual stories covering a range of topics. Sophie was lucky to have the handsome and practical Brody as her neighbour; I hoped that she might consider forgetting her ban on men for him. The amazing scenery of the area is well described by the author; a fall of snow can add to the beauty of the vista but there is a reminder of the problems that it can cause at the same time.

To order your copy now, just click here!

Guest Review: Mistletoe Magic in the Highlands by Bella Osborne

 Olivia Bingham is unlucky in love...

She's been ghosted more times than she can count, but this Christmas brings a glimmer of hope: Fraser Douglas,

a Scottish chef working at an idyllic hotel in the Highlands. He's sweet and sensitive, thoughtful and funny, not to

mention incredibly good looking – but there's a catch.

They've never actually met.

When Olivia tries to show her friends the hunky new man in her life, Fraser's online dating profile has vanished, and

Olivia fears the worst. Frustrated and wounded, she decides she's going to confront Fraser – face to face, in Scotland.

But when she arrives, things don't go exactly as planned. Worse still, Fraser doesn't seem to have any idea who she is...

Review: As a fan of all things Christmas, I look forward to this time of year when all the festive books begin to appear. Almost all of my favourite authors, like Bella Osborne, publish a Christmassy story. This title and its cover suggested a trip to Scotland and plenty of snow. Once I started to read, I became completely engrossed in the story and finished it in just a couple of sittings, so reluctant was I to put it down.

The central female character in this story is Liv Bingham, who has been ghosted on a dating site and is determined not to take this lying down. She had really thought there was a growing relationship with Scottish chef Fraser Douglas; they had so much in common. But suddenly he, and all of their communication, disappeared into the ether. With the help of her mother and sister, Liv tracks down Fraser, and, even though it’s almost Christmas, sets off on the 200 mile drive to the highland hotel where he works. After an eventful journey, she finds herself at the rundown building and steps in the middle of apparent chaos. Moreover, when at last she comes face to face with Fraser, he seems surprisingly to know nothing about her.

I have so enjoyed reading this festive and highly amusing book. It had me laughing out loud at the situations Liv found herself in throughout the story. I did feel sorry for her having been ghosted by the incredibly handsome and hunky Fraser, but the complications that arose for Liv, mainly involving his cousin and her grandmother, were at times absolutely hilarious. I would love to catalogue all the amazing things that went on, but no spoilers here. I can only urge other readers to go out and find the book; you’re in for a treat and a good few laughs if you do.

To order your copy now, just click here!

Guest Review: A Skye Full of Stars by Sue Moorcroft

 Under the winter stars, anything is possible…

Ezzie Wynter can’t wait for Christmas on the beautiful Isle of Skye. Her island home sparkles at this time of year thanks to the snow-capped mountains and frosty winter walks, topped off with family gatherings with those she loves the most.

But her peaceful Christmas idyll is upended when she hears that the Larsson family – the owners of Rothach Hall – are flying in from Sweden for the festivities. As Manager of their grand Scottish manor house, Ezzie suddenly has decorations to hang, food to source and itineraries to organise.

Life only becomes more difficult when Mats Larsson turns up. The owners’ handsome, self-assured son is used to doing things his own way – and he is only another headache to add to her overflowing list.

Yet when unexpected visitors arrive looking for Ezzie, nothing else matters as she is left questioning everything she ever knew about herself. But amidst the Christmas chaos, she might also discover that, when all is lost, it’s sometimes those we least expect who come to our aid…

Review: This is the second book in the Skye Sisters Trilogy, set on the scenic island off the west coast of Scotland. The books feature three sisters unrelated at birth but adopted by the same couple. The first book centred on the youngest of the three, while this story focuses on the middle sister. The book’s cover beautifully illustrates the starry sky visible on an island free from light pollution.

Ezzie Wynter, the middle by age of the three sisters is a great lover of Christmas. She is currently manager of the Rothach estate on Skye, which is owned by the Swedish Larsson family. Unusually, the family are due to visit the hall for Christmas this year, so Ezzie is busy looking out decorations and planning menus for the large party which will include several adults and children. In her previous role on the estate, Ezzie didn’t have much contact with the family, but now she liaises with them directly and is finding Mats Larsson, a handsome but determined divorcee who is visiting with his two young children, difficult to deal with. To add to her load, Ezzie is suddenly faced with unexpected visitors who turn her world upside down. In the midst of this stress, she finds help and support from a surprising source.

I very much enjoyed this tale, set on the snowy Isle of Skye. I was treated to wonderful descriptions of the marvellous scenery being experienced by the characters. The estate and its hall were also well described, making me wish I could visit. Ezzie is a really strong person who I met in the first book in the series, but got to know in greater detail here. She certainly had problems to deal with and a very different Christmas from what she had expected. I found the visitors from Sweden very interesting. There was a lot of family drama going on there. Mats sounded very attractive but had an annoying habit of speaking without thinking which made him not altogether likeable. However, Ezzie found herself attracted to him and his adorable children. The author also presented the reader with some interesting facts about Swedish traditions at Christmas time. I can recommend this book as a perfect festive read.

To order your copy now, just click here!

Guest Review: A Very Irish Christmas by Debbie Johnson

One part American sugar, two parts Irish spice. Cassie O'Hara is about to discover the recipe for the sweetest Christmas…

When New York-born Cassie O'Hara decides to use the money her sassy Irish nana Nora left in her will to book a month-long stay in a quaint country village, she's expecting a cozy cottage, steak-and-ale pie and plenty of Christmas cheer. Instead, she gets a draughty disaster covered in dust, a temperamental stray dog and two devastatingly handsome men vying for her attention…

There's Charles, the dashing English aristocrat with an enormous manor house and a heart of gold. And Ryan, a curly-haired Irish handyman with a past he won't talk about and an accent that makes her weak at the knees.

When Charles enlists Cassie's event-planning expertise to save his family estate, she finds herself working shoulder to shoulder with Ryan, breathing new life into Bancroft Manor. As village life weaves its spell, Cassie uncovers some intriguing secrets about Nana Nora's past. With her return ticket looming and her heart pulling her in unexpected directions, can Cassie find the love and belonging Nana Nora always wanted for her?

Review: I have been looking forward to reading this Christmas book from one of my favourite authors. She writes brilliant romantic comedies in wonderful settings. I just knew that once I started reading this one I wouldn’t want to put it down. It reminded me a little of the Christmas film the Holiday. I particularly liked this book’s cover, so striking in green, linking in with the Irish theme.

The heroine of the story is event planner Cassie O’Hara, who has decided to use the inheritance left to her by her beloved Irish grandmother to leave behind her native New York and spend Christmas in the UK. Searching online, she finds the perfect little cottage in a small English village where she pictures herself relaxing by the fire surrounded by Christmas spirit. The reality is quite different when she opens the door of the cottage to find dust and decay. Turning to find the village pub in the hope of a meal, she is intercepted by a small dog barring her way, but her fortunes improve when she is rescued from the whole situation by not one but two handsome men. The first is Irish handyman Ryan and the other is local landowner Charles, who offers her alternative accommodation in the local manor house that has been his family’s home for generations. While Ryan fixes up Cassie’s holiday cottage, she helps Charles with advice on activities that will bring in some income for his floundering estate. During Cassie’s stay, she also finds out some facts about her own family history. As time passes, she becomes attracted to both Ryan and Charles and they to her, but who will she choose or will she in fact return to New York?

What a marvellous Christmassy romance this was, filled with humorous situations and characters in an unusual setting. I loved the idea of the quaint English village that is so very Irish, filled as it is with families with Irish backgrounds. Cassie was a great character, so kind and helpful and not at all fazed by anything thrown at her. She has been unlucky in love in the past and then two lovely men are there before her - she certainly had a quandary. I loved the little stray dog who turned up mysteriously all over the place. The story was not all laughs. There were some serious issues dealt with and I was reduced to tears at times. I can thoroughly recommend this heartwarming Christmas book; charming setting, likeable characters and romance - what more could you want?

To order your copy now, just click here!

Guest Review: Holiday Romance by Catherine Walsh

She’s meant to be catching flights, not catching feelings…

Molly and Andrew are just trying to get home to Ireland for the holidays, when a freak snowstorm grounds their flight.

Nothing romantic has ever happened between them: they’re friends and that’s all. But once a year, for the last ten years, Molly has spent seven hours and fifteen minutes sitting next to Andrew on the last flight before Christmas from Chicago to Dublin, drinking terrible airplane wine and catching up on each other’s lives. In spite of all the ways the two friends are different, it’s the holiday tradition neither of them has ever wanted to give up.

Molly isn’t that bothered by Christmas, but—in yet another way they’re total opposites—Andrew is a full-on fanatic for the festive season and she knows how much getting back to Ireland means to him. So, instead of doing the sane thing and just celebrating the holidays together in America, she does the stupid thing. The irrational thing. She vows to get him home. And in time for his mam’s famous Christmas dinner.

The clock is ticking. But Molly always has a plan. And—as long as the highly-specific combination of taxis, planes, boats, and trains all run on time—it can’t possibly go wrong.

What she doesn’t know is that, as the snow falls over the city and over the heads of two friends who are sure they’re not meant to be together, the universe might just have a plan of its own…

Reiew: As a lover of Christmas-based stories of all kinds, I was attracted by this book which is described on its striking cover as a hilarious Christmas romantic comedy. I’m not familiar with the author, but it sounded like something I would love to read. I listened to the audiobook, which was well read and kept me entertained for many hours.

The story concerns two people, Molly and Andrew, who have known each other for ten years, having travelled home for Christmas each year on the same plane carrying them to Dublin from Chicago, where they both live and work. After the first meeting on the plane, which was difficult for many reasons, they have gradually become friends but no more than that. Molly professes to being unmoved by Christmas, while it is very important to Andrew. Therefore, when their flight is cancelled due to bad weather this particular year, Molly would happily spend the holiday in her apartment, but Andrew is desperate to get home somehow. Knowing how important it is for him, Molly sets out to get him back to Ireland by any means possible and there follows a hilarious journey taking in many stops and many modes of transport. Somewhere along the way something is changing between the pair; could romance be in the air?

I have really enjoyed this story, which had me laughing a lot, but also anxious as Molly and Andrew gradually inched their way closer to home even as all sorts of obstacles dropped in their path. I loved the way in which the story was told, looking back over the last ten years of their friendship, each time reliving the flight taking them home that year. By the time of this present flight, they know a lot about each other and their families. They are so very different, but it is lovely to watch as they get closer with each passing year. This is a Christmas story with a difference and one which I’m sure other readers will enjoy as much as I have.

To order your copy now, just click here!

Guest Review: A New York Winter by Isla Gordon

Will her dreams come true in the city that never sleeps?

When she was nineteen, on a magical trip to New York City, Ashling created a list of her five life goals. There, she'd felt inspired to dream big, but now, ten years later, with four out of five goals having crumbled before her, she realises she has only one option left to live the life she's always dreamed of: move to New York City, before it's too late.

Armed with a ninety-day visa, she's sure that a winter in the city that never sleeps will help her finally get her life on track. However, after arriving in the Big Apple with nowhere to live, Ashling realises that she may be in over her head, until she meets River . . .

River is miserable. He's newly single, recently demoted and feeling entirely lost, but sensing Ashling could do with the help, he offers her his sofa bed. Despite their clashing personalities, over the course of the winter, outgoing Ashling finds herself growing closer to quiet, geeky River - but is he just shy or is there another reason he's holding back?

With snow falling on 5th Avenue, a Thanksgiving parade and a fun-filled Christmas in the most romantic city in the world, can Ashling once again learn to follow her dreams - and maybe even her heart?

Review: I have read and enjoyed many Christmas stories from Isla Gordon and looked forward to experiencing a New York Christmas and a romance to boot in this book. The book itself has a lovely, colourful cover that beckons the reader in to experience views of New York and Christmas festivities. The story certainly pulled me in from the start and I found myself quickly lost in the Big Apple. 

The story centres on Ashling, who is feeling down because she has now failed completely to accomplish four of the five lifetime goals she set for herself ten years previously. She decided on these goals while on a magical trip from London to New York with her now deceased grandmother, who had had a wonderful time in New York herself in her younger years. With her once successful career in tatters, the one remaining goal on Ashling’s list is to live in New York city, where she is confident that she will be inspired to realise where her life should lead now. She arrives in the city on a ninety-day visa waiver, but finding somewhere to live for that time proves difficult until an ex-boyfriend tells her of a colleague who is out of town and may let her stay in his apartment. The colleague, River, returns from his trip, but reluctantly allows Ashling to sleep on his sofa bed. Having very different personalities, their relationship is difficult to start with, but as time passes, Ashling begins to succeed in getting River to open up to her. As they become closer, Ashling begins to wonder whether they will truly admit their feelings towards each other before she has to return to the UK.

I absolutely loved this wonderful book that takes the reader on a Christmas break in New York city without leaving home. It covers everything that a visiting tourist would want to experience on such a break if they possibly could. The writing absolutely transported me to the Thanksgiving parade, the snow covered streets, the wonderful shop window displays, the ice skating rinks and the excitement of the ball drop in Times Square. Ashling was a really interesting character. Her world could be falling apart around her, but she just won’t let it go. How brave to set off on her own confident that everything will work out for her. She could hardly be more different from shy, reserved River. It was heart-warming to watch as a romance slowly developed between them, although time was running out and I began to despair of a happy ending. This is a lovely Christmas book, perfect for reading in the warm on a crisp winter’s day. 

To order your copy now, just click here!

Guest Review: Winter at the Dog and Duck by Jill Steeples

Ellie Browne has left behind her high-flying job in London to return to the charming Buckinghamshire village of Little Leyton.

Working shifts at the Dog and Duck pub and running her own doggy-daycare business, Ellie's looking for a simpler way of life in this idyllic English setting.

But Little Leyton's landscape is changing: Johnny Tay, Ellie's ex, wants to pick up where they left off; sultry property developer Max Golding has moved into the village and is ruffling feathers; and rumour has it that the pub, which holds a special place in Ellie's heart, might be sold. Suddenly, life's looking a whole lot more complicated.... Can Ellie overcome all the challenges to finally find her one true love?

Review: This is the first book in a series from Jill Steeples featuring the Dog and Duck, the thriving pub in a small English village. I am new to this author, but was attracted to what sounds like a romantic holiday read.

The story centres on Ellie Browne, who has returned to the Buckinghamshire village of Little Leyton after living and working in London for a few years. Taking a break from her successful career in accountancy, she is currently working at the local pub, the Dog and Duck, and also building up her dog-walking business. With her parents spending a few months abroad, Ellie is living alone in the family cottage. Her ex-boyfriend, Johnny, seems keen to rekindle their relationship, but she is not sure this is a good idea. Meanwhile, she has met newcomer to the village property developer Max Golding, and there is a definite attraction between the two of them. When there is a rumour of doubts over the future of the Dog and Duck, Ellie is concerned not just for her job but for the community as a whole. With life becoming more complicated and suspicions that Max might not be totally honest with her, Ellie begins to consider where her future lies.

I have very much enjoyed this book and would recommend it to those who enjoy a romance with a festive theme; it is not strictly speaking a Christmas story, but it has a festive feel, especially towards the end. I loved the central players in the story; both Ellie and Max were strong characters, not afraid to reveal their feelings. The author cleverly introduces doubts into the reader’s and Ellie’s mind regarding the motives and character of Max in particular, and I was never very sure how things were going to turn out. The village of Little Leyton sounds very pretty and it was easy to picture it with the pub very much central to activities. There are three more stories in this series for readers wanting to follow the fortunes of Ellie and indeed the pub.

To order your copy now, just click here!