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.

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Guest Review: Under a Summer Skye by Sue Moorcroft

A chance encounter is about to change everything for Thea Wynter.

The moment she arrived on the Isle of Skye, life changed for Thea. Running from a succession of wrong turns, she comes to the island in search of blue sea, endless skies, and mountains that make the heart soar. Here, she feels at peace.

As head gardener at Rothach Hall, life is exactly how she wants it, with her days spent working in the glorious clifftop garden and her evenings in the cosy local village.

But an encounter with a stranger from the mainland brings with it an unexpected turn – and only time will tell if he is friend or foe.

It seems that even on Skye, life can catch up with you, and Thea is soon faced with the past she left behind – and with it, the family she’s never met…

Review: This book is the first title in the Skye Sisters Trilogy from this author. I have read and enjoyed many of Sue Moorcroft’s books; they always transport the reader to an interesting new location. As the title suggests, the books in this trilogy will be set principally on the picturesque island of Skye, off the west coast of Scotland.

The central character in this story is Thea Wynter, one of three sisters adopted from different families by a couple who died tragically young. Thea and her middle sister Ezzie live in Skye, where they work at Rothach Hall as head gardener and assistant manager, respectively. The eldest of the sisters, Valentina, lives in Edinburgh. Thea and Ezzie have good reason for having made the move from Suffolk to their more remote location, which is explained as the story progresses. Thea is content with her peaceful existence on Skye, but is not unhappy with the sudden changes caused by the introduction into her life of Deveron, who accepts a job as seasonal gardener at the hall, and Daisy a cute stray dog who she fosters. Thea hits it off with Deveron immediately, but doesn’t suspect that he may have an ulterior motive for befriending her. As if this is not enough upheaval, it looks as if Thea’s past may be catching up with her at the same time as she is suddenly confronted with news about her birth mother, who she previously knew nothing about.

I found myself quite captivated by this book, with its complex characters and glorious setting, and do not hesitate to recommend it; it would make a lovely summer holiday read. There was a lot going on in Thea’s once simple life all of a sudden and she was fortunate to have copious amounts of support from the community around her. It was a scary prospect when it seemed certain that a secret she had kept hidden might be about to escape. The tension built up by the author was palpable. I liked most of the characters in the story, but a couple of them were most unpleasant. Cuddly Daisy the dog sounded an extremely lively companion. Of course, Thea and her sister were fortunate to be living in such a lovely spot with the sea almost on their doorstep. I’m certain that many readers will be considering making the journey to Skye themselves by the time they finish the book. I look forward to reading the next book in this trilogy.

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Guest Review: The Christmas Love Letters by Sue Moorcroft

A secret romance was just the start of the story…

Tucked into a crook of the Norfolk coast lies Nelson’s Bar – an idyllic village where time seems to stand still. Maddy Cracey has called this beautiful spot home all her life, as had her husband Adey – until an epic row sent him storming out into a blizzard, with no sign of him since that fateful night.

Six years on, and Maddy’s life in the village has settled into a gentle pattern with her young daughter and Great Aunt Ruthie. However, when handsome stranger Raff turns up with a handful of long-forgotten love letters, their quiet life is upended as family secrets from the past are unearthed.

As Raff and Maddy get to know each other, they grow closer and a love story of their own seems inevitable. But when Maddy receives a mysterious message, she can’t help but wonder whether her own past is as distant as she'd thought it was…

Review: I am a great fan of all things Christmas and love this time of year, when festive novels from my favourite authors begin to be released. This Christmas, Sue Moorcroft’s seasonal story is set in the Norfolk village of Nelson’s Bar, a setting of some of her more recent books. As I always find with her books, I was immediately drawn into this story, which finished all too soon. 

The story centres on Maddy Cracey, who, along with her young daughter Lyla, lives with and cares for her great-aunt Ruthie. Maddy’s husband, Adey, disappeared without trace at Christmas almost seven years ago, before Lyla was born. When Ruthie receives a visit from a stranger called Raff one day, their peaceful lives are turned upside down by his revelations and the bundle of love letters he has discovered. A secret from Ruthie’s past is gradually uncovered with consequences for the whole family. As time passes and Maddy gets to know Raff, it seems that romance may be in the air. However, Maddy still thinks of her husband, more so now that some mysterious text messages have started to appear on her phone. 

This was a highly emotional story, filled with mystery and romance and perfect for reading before the fire in the run-up to Christmas.  The characters were all strong and with interesting stories of their own. I loved the story behind Ruthie’s letters and love affair. Then there was the mystery over Adey’s disappearance; where had he gone? I was so sorry for Maddy left in a bind and unable to move on. Thank goodness she had a charming little girl to keep her going and that handsome author Raff came into her life. The setting was absolutely perfect for a Christmas story, with a quaint little village cloaked in snow. I can thoroughly recommend this book as one to read this festive season.

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Guest Review: A White Christmas on Winter St. by Sue Moorcroft

When Sky Terran returns to the village of Middledip after losing the job she loves, she anticipates a quiet Christmas getting used to her new life. However, the annual street decoration competition is coming up and this year, the residents of Winter Street are determined to win.

As she is pulled into the preparations, Sky quickly grows to love the quirky, tight-knit community she is now part of. Including the extremely handsome Daz, who soon becomes more than just a friendly neighbour.

But when Daz’s ex turns up determined to win him back and it seems he might not be the man Sky thought he was, she remembers how much allowing people into her life – and heart – can hurt. As the snow falls, will she and Daz find a way through – and help win a Christmas victory for Winter Street?

Review: I am a confirmed fan of Sue Moorcroft’s writing and especially look forward to her Christmas book each year. She writes stories that are bound to leave the reader feeling well in the mood for the festive season. I was delighted to find that this book was going to take me back to the Cambridgeshire village of Middledip, the setting for many of her previous tales. As expected, I was quickly lost in the world of the characters and looking forward to Christmas in this little village.

The story concerns a newcomer to Middledip, Sky Terran. She has left her once-happy job working with a property developer who she has known since childhood, and bought a run-down house on Winter Street. She is planning to renovate the house and grounds  gradually, but the committee in charge of the annual Christmas decoration competition, entered by Winter Street this year, has other plans. She finds that she is expected to have her garden tidied and decorated within a matter of days. Luckily, she finds that she has willing helpers in her neighbours, especially Daz and his friends. As she finds herself becoming drawn closer to Daz, his ex-wife turns up obviously intent on winning back his affections. Relations become strained between Sky and this handsome man, but with the excitement of the competition growing in the background, can they overcome their difficulties and give in to the obvious attraction between them?

I absolutely loved this story. As a regular reader of Sue Moorcroft’s books, I enjoyed returning to Middledip and some familiar faces and locations, although there were plenty of new characters to meet as well. I liked Sky and her determination to branch out on her own after she was let down by someone she trusted. I could understand her being pulled towards the lovely house she bought, but, with its run-down interior and jungle of a garden, what a job she was giving herself. She has had a troubled past and found it hard to accept help, but what better person could she open up to but the gorgeous and dependable Daz; he’s definitely a neighbour we would all like to have. I’m sure that even if you haven’t read any of the other stories set in Middledip, you can’t fail to be drawn to the village and its inhabitants, new and old. With all the twinkly lights and heaps of snow, this is one Christmas book that will leave all its readers humming Christmas songs and looking forward to their own festivities.

To order your copy now, just click the link: UK or US

Guest Review: Summer at the French Cafe by Sue Moorcroft

As soon as Kat Jenson set foot in the idyllic French village of Kirchhoffen, she knew she’d found her home. Now she has a dreamy boyfriend, a delightful dog and the perfect job managing a bustling book café in the vibrant Parc Lemmel.

But when she learns her boyfriend isn’t all he seems, it’s the start of a difficult summer for Kat. Vindictive troublemakers, work woes and family heartache follow, and the clear blue sky that was her life suddenly seems full of clouds.

Then she gets to know the mysterious Noah, and her sun begins to shine brighter than ever. But Noah has problems of his own – ones that could scupper their new-found happiness. Together, can they overcome their many obstacles, and find love again?

Review: I am a firm fan of Sue Moorcroft’s books and know that I can sit down with them and be transported to another world. This book sounded absolutely ideal for a summer read, and I looked forward to being whisked off to a warm French location; I could almost smell the coffee even before I opened the cover. When I started to read, I found that the setting was not only a cafe, but a bookshop into the bargain - one of my favourite sorts of establishment. The story itself soon had me engaged and I finished it all too quickly.

The central character in the story is Kat, who is managing a popular bookshop-cafe by the lake in busy Parc Lemmel in the village of Kirchhoffen. Having left behind a complicated family situation in her native UK, she is happy with her life in the French village, where she has a job that she loves, a handsome boyfriend and an adorable dog who accompanies her to work every day. However, her peaceful existence is suddenly shattered by the discovery that her boyfriend is not the person she believed, and this revelation brings her into contact with someone who is super-vindictive, causing trouble for her and her shop. On a lighter side, she is delighted that her step-brother has also come to work in the parc, giving her a chance to get to know him better, a thing that seemed impossible in the home setting. Contact with him has also brought into her life newcomer Noah, a divorced father with a young daughter. A relationship soon blossoms between Kat and Noah, but his family life is also very complicated, and, although they try to work through their problems together, there seems no way forward for the pair.

The bright and breezy cover on this book suggests a light summer read in a beautiful setting, but it is so much more than that. Within the book’s pages, Sue Moorcroft has introduced and dealt ably with a number of serious topics which I will not list for fear of bringing in spoilers. I will just say that the main characters in the story have to deal with such a lot. There is romance here, but it is set around a strong storyline which twists and turns, keeping the reader guessing as to how it will all end. I very much liked both Noah and Kat and was amazed at how they were able to cope with what was continually coming their way. I can thoroughly recommend this book to Sue Moorcroft fans and those new to this author, but be ready to be confronted with some difficult topics.

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Guest Review: Under the Mistletoe by Sue Moorcroft

Christmas. A time for family, friends – and rekindling old flames…

When Laurel returns to the village of Middledip, she’s looking for a quiet life. Adjusting to her recent divorce, she’s ready to spend some time getting back on her feet amidst the glorious snow-dusted countryside.

Yet, life in Middledip is far from straightforward. Coming to the aid of her sister, Rea, as she navigates her own troubles, Laurel barely has a moment to think about where her own life is going.

However, time stands still when she sees her old flame, Grady Cassidy – and it’s soon as if they’ve never been apart. But through her happiness, Laurel remembers why she left the village all those years ago, as she recalls a dark night and Grady’s once-wayward brother, Mac…

Can Laurel learn to forgive and forget? Or will her chances of Christmas under the mistletoe with Grady remain a dream?

Review: I have been eagerly awaiting Sue Moorcroft’s latest Christmas novel; they are always well worth the wait. This time, she is taking us back to the little village of Middledip, the setting of many of her books. Like me, readers of Sue’s books will be familiar with this village and I was pleased to find myself returning to some recognisable haunts. Everyone in the village seems excited for Christmas and is busy with preparations. As soon as I began to read this book, I was transported to their world and found it difficult to put it down.

Successful artist Laurel Hill is the central female character in this story. With Christmas approaching, she is returning to her childhood home in the village of Middledip to help out her agoraphobic sister Rea, who is concerned over the uncharacteristic behaviour of her teenage daughter Daisy. Laurel has only been in the village a short time when she bumps into her childhood sweetheart Grady Cassidy. Many years previously, Laurel left Middledip suddenly without explanation, leaving them both broken hearted. Only a few people know what caused her to leave. As Laurel and Grady rekindle their relationship, it becomes clear that she must give him some explanation, although it may adversely affect his friendship with his brother. In the midst of sorting out her sister’s life, Laurel must struggle to find a way forward with her own and figure out whether Grady can be part of her story.

Sue Moorcroft deals with some tough issues in this story, and deals with them well. Although there are dark moments, there is also room for humour and for the magic of Christmas in a snowy village setting to shine through. This community, familiar to so many readers of this book, are so incredibly skilled in arts and crafts that I felt the urge to at least get the knitting needles out since I have never been able to draw anything recognisable. I enjoyed meeting some new characters in this story, but I wasn’t drawn to them all. In fact, I had trouble liking Laurel; I felt she wasn’t fair to Grady who was falling over himself to help her. Having said that, I would still recommend this book, especially for reading in the run up to Christmas. The Christmas spirit flowing in Middledip would warm any reader’s heart.

To order your copy now, just click the link: UK or US

Guest Review: A Home in the Sun by Sue Moorcroft

A gorgeous summer read about new beginnings from the Sunday Times bestseller.

Home is where the heart is…but what if your heart is broken?

When Judith loses her partner, she loses her life in Malta too – including the beautiful view from her sun-warmed balcony of the sparkling blue waters of Sliema Creek.

Back in England, Judith finds a spare room in her sister’s house where she grew up – but with it comes a whole host of family dramas. Nursing a broken heart, Judith knows she must find happiness again – and rebuild her life on her own terms.

Could an island in the sun be the answer she is looking for?

Review: I always eagerly await the release of Sue Moorcroft’s latest novel. No sooner have I finished one than I look forward to the next. In this book, I was pleased to be returning to Malta, for at least some of the time, the location for the story being split between that lovely sunny Mediterranean island and the UK. As with Sue’s other books featuring Malta, I enjoyed a tour of the island, sunshine and warmth oozing from the pages as I read. This book is a re-release, formerly entitled Uphill All the Way.

The story centres on Judith, who has moved to Malta following her divorce and is working in real estate in partnership with her uncle. Gradually, she enters into a relationship with Giorgio, a local man who has been separated from his wife for many years. Such a relationship is frowned upon on the island and his family refuse to recognise it. Following a tragic accident, Judith returns to her home in Northamptonshire and a very different life, full of incident mainly involving family members. She finds a new career and a growing relationship with a new friend, Adam.  However, she is always dreaming of her home and life in Malta. 

I very much enjoyed and can recommend this emotional story. I found the content and writing style slightly different from the novels I am used to from Sue Moorcroft, probably explained by the book being a re-release of one of her earlier titles. Judith’s life was filled with personal tragedy, but she could not find the opportunity to grieve properly as extra problems were piled upon her by family events. I felt for her and wished she could be more selfish and leave others to sort out their own lives. She seemed to be faced with lots of unpleasant characters, both in Malta and the UK; even those who should be supporting her seemed to think of themselves first. I couldn’t warm to Adam as a person at all. Although he could be sympathetic towards Judith’s situation, he seemed so needy at times. Although the main character, and indeed some of the others, is put through some hard times, the storyline also contains humour and romance, and I would recommend this book as a summer read. 

To order your copy now, just click the link: UK or US

Gust Review: Under the Italian Sun by Sue Moorcroft

A warm, sun-baked terrace.

The rustle of verdant green vines.

The sun slowly dipping behind the Umbrian mountains.

And the chink of wine glasses as the first cork of the evening is popped…

Welcome to Italy. A place that holds the answer to Zia-Lucia Costa Chalmers’ many questions. Not least, how she ended up with such a mouthful of a name.

When Zia discovers that her mother wasn’t who she thought she was, she realises the time has come to search out the Italian family she’s never known.

However, as she delves into the secrets of her past, she doesn’t bargain on having to think about her future too. But with local vineyard owner, Piero, living next door, Zia knows she has a serious distraction who may prove difficult to ignore…

This summer, join Zia as she sets out to uncover her past. But can she find the future she’s always dreamed of along the way?

Review: I have been looking forward to reading this new book from Sue Moorcroft. Its bright, sunny cover invites the reader in and promises a trip somewhere warm, picturesque and relaxing. The setting for the story is actually split between the UK and Italy, but the majority of it takes place in the little Umbrian town of Montelibertà, a location that other readers of Sue’s books may recognise from a previous novel. The story had me hooked early on, and I was quickly immersed in the characters’ world.

This is the story of Zia-Lucia Costa Chalmers who suddenly discovers that the woman she thought to be her mother was, in fact, not that at all. She makes this discovery long after her ‘mother’ and her grandparents are dead, making it difficult to find out about her family history, and the origin of her unusual name. However, some letters and papers provide her with clues regarding an Italian connection, prompting her to set off with best friend Ursula on a trip to the Umbrian town of Montelibertà where she hopes to find answers to her questions. In the course of her investigations, she not only learns about her past, but meets Piero, strikingly handsome son of a local winemaking family, who she comes to hope may have a role in her future. Unfortunately, a few complications arise in her dream to find a new life in Italy, not least of which is interference from her controlling ex, who is not about to let her go.

This is an emotional story which had my heart breaking over and over for Zia. Her whole world has been shattered by the discovery that the people who have brought her up have lied to her all her life. The search for the truth of her past turns up a whole new family, but do they want her? Then there is the ex boyfriend who doesn’t know when to take no for answer. I thought this book was excellently written, so much so that I was instantly lost in the Italian sunshine every time I sat down to read. The characters are all strong and completely believable and there are many branches to the main story involving one or other of them. I love being taken down a side road and learning a little more about a minor character in a book. The excellent descriptions of the views of the Umbrian mountains and countryside had me wishing I could book into one of the cottages where Zia and Ursula stay on their trip. I could imagine sitting in the sunshine enjoying the view of the vineyard stretching downhill towards the foot of the mountains. I can definitely recommend this summery book as one to read not just in summer but at any time of the year to anyone who fancies a trip to Italy.

To order your copy now, just click the link: UK or US

Guest Review: Christmas Wishes by Sue Moorcroft

Hannah and Nico are meant to be together.

But fate is keeping them apart…

As soon as Hannah bumps into her brother Rob’s best friend Nico in Stockholm, the two rekindle a fast friendship. But Hannah has a boyfriend – and Nico has two children to look after.

When Hannah loses her beloved shop in Stockholm, though, she is forced to move back to the little village of Middledip – only to find Nico has just moved in too. Under the same snowy sky, can the childhood friends make a romance work – or are there too many obstacles standing in their way?

Review: This is one of my favourite times of year, when all the lovely Christmas books are starting to appear. As a confirmed fan of Sue Moorcroft’s writing, I am always eagerly awaiting her annual Christmas story, wondering where it might transport me. In this case, I was delighted to be taken on a trip to Sweden, as well as revisiting the little village of Middledip, which will be familiar to other fans of Sue’s books as it is the setting of many. I was spellbound by this captivating, snowy story and devoured it in no time.

The heroine of the tale, Hannah, is living in Stockholm when the story begins, running her own gift shop and living, not altogether happily, with boyfriend Albin. She is delighted when she receives a surprise visit from Nico, her brother’s best friend who she has known for many years as they all grew up together in the village of Middledip. However, soon after, and with Christmas fast approaching, Hannah finds herself returning to her family home having lost her dream business and split up with Albin. Coincidentally, Nico has also returned to Middledip, accompanied by his two little girls. When his father is taken ill in Sweden, Hannah offers to accompany him on a visit there to help with the children. It looks as if there could be a spark of romance between Hannah and Nico, but a series of obstacles and misunderstandings keep getting in the way.

I can highly recommend this as one of my favourite Christmas books for this year. It is a cosy and festive story full of drama and friendship, and oozing marvellous characters. I absolutely adored Nico’s little girls, the very sensible 8-year-old and the sweet 2-year-old, and was impressed by his skills as a single parent. I thought he was quite a catch and kept wanting to give Hannah a push. Hannah’s family were also lovely and so supportive. Of course, the trip to Sweden was terrific. Sue Moorcroft has done her research well, providing the reader with a great tour of the country and details of some of its Christmas traditions. I could almost feel the snow crunching under foot. If you are not already familiar with Sue Moorcroft’s books, this would be a good place to start; it would make a wonderful addition to anyone’s Christmas stocking.

To order your copy now, just click here!

Blog Tour: Review of Let It Snow by Sue Moorcroft

Today I am lucky enough to be part of the blog tour for Let it Snow by Sue Moorcroft. I have a review for you today and if you like the sound of that, the buy links are at the bottom of the post. Thanks to Sue for stopping by today and remember to check out the other spots on the tour for more exclusive content!

This Christmas, the villagers of Middledip are off on a very Swiss adventure…

Family means everything to Lily Cortez and her sister Zinnia, and growing up in their non-conventional family unit, they and their two mums couldn’t have been closer.

So it’s a bolt out of the blue when Lily finds her father wasn’t the anonymous one-night stand she’d always believed – and is in fact the result of her mum's reckless affair with a married man.

Confused, but determined to discover her true roots, Lily sets out to find the family she’s never known; an adventure that takes her from the frosted, thatched cottages of Middledip to the snow-capped mountains of Switzerland, via a memorable romantic encounter along the way…

Review: I have been eagerly awaiting the arrival of this year’s Christmas novel from Sue Moorcroft. They are always full to the brim with Christmas spirit, but at the same time contain a story that will command the attention at any time of the year. In common with many of Sue’s stories, Christmas or not, this book is set in the little Cambridgeshire village of Middledip. I always enjoy meeting up with familiar characters in a book, and there are a fair few villagers that I recognise in this one. The book’s cover, however, definitely does not depict Cambridgeshire; it shows a lovely snowy scene with mountains and chalets that speaks of Switzerland.

The focus in this story is on Lily, who works part-time at The Three Fishes pub in Middledip, and Isaac, relief manager there while owner Tubb recuperates from a heart problem with his family who currently live in Switzerland. Lily comes from what some consider an unconventional family and has recently found out the identity of her father and, what’s more, that she has two step-brothers, one of whom is Tubb. Much against the wishes of her mother and sister, Zinnia, Lily sets out to get to know her brothers. Through her work as a self-employed exhibition designer, Lily has become involved in a trade show in Switzerland and has organised a visit there by a local choir who are to perform a Christmas themed programme. The visit is not without problems and suddenly involves Isaac as well, giving Lily the opportunity to get closer to him and the possibility for romance to blossom.

I really became immersed in this lovely story, full of snowy adventure but with serious issues at its heart. There were several medical problems along the way as well as a scattering of emotional dramas. It was good to be back in Middledip and find out a bit about characters I have got to know from previous books, but the trip to Switzerland was amazing. I really felt as if I was there amidst the snow and all the traditional christmassy celebrations going on; I even found myself joining in with the singing. It is clear that a tremendous amount of research went into the writing of this tale. It would be wrong of me to leave this review without mentioning another very important character - a rather alluring and good-natured Dalmatian called Doggo, who is there on the book’s cover. I definitely fell in love with him; what a marvellous companion. If you’re looking for a book to give you an injection of Christmas spirit and at the same time transport you to a place with its own Christmas celebrations, I can heartily recommend this one.

To order your copy now, just click the link: UK or US

Guest Review: The Little Village Christmas by Sue Moorcroft

Alexia Kennedy interior decorator extraordinaire has been tasked with giving the little village of Middledip the community café it s always dreamed of.

After months of fundraising, the villagers can t wait to see work get started but disaster strikes when every last penny is stolen. With Middledip up in arms at how this could have happened, Alexia feels ready to admit defeat.

But help comes in an unlikely form when woodsman, Ben Hardaker and his rescue owl Barney, arrive on the scene. Another lost soul who s hit rock bottom, Ben and Alexia make an unlikely partnership.

However, they soon realise that a little sprinkling of Christmas magic might just help to bring this village and their lives together again...

Review: I am a great fan of Sue Moorcroft’s work, and always look forward to her Christmas stories. This year, I have read two of her Christmas books, as I have caught up on this title, from a couple of years ago, that somehow had passed me by. As I could have predicted, I found myself quickly engrossed in this story and its characters and finished it all too soon. 

As with several of Sue’s books, this one is set in the small Cambridgeshire village of Middledip. Following the death of the landlady, the villagers have been fundraising to convert the rundown old Angel pub into a community cafe, due to be open in time for Christmas. Interior decorator and local girl Alexia is in charge of the project, hoping that success there could lead to a step up in her career. When the funds raised for the project are tragically stolen, along with several valuable architectural features of the old building, it seems all may be lost. However, Ben, a newcomer to the village, steps in to help Alexia in her efforts to continue with the cafe conversion as best she can. A woodsman by trade and a skilled builder, Ben is the nephew of Gabe, a long-time inhabitant of the village and backer of the project. As they work together to try and complete the job against all odds, and with other dramas playing out in the background, Alexia begins to wonder if the feelings awakening in her towards Ben might be reciprocated.

This is a wonderfully compelling story full of community spirit as well as Christmas spirit. There is lots going on and always the promise of romance. There is a spark between the main characters, Alexia and Ben, right from the start, but the author has put many stumbling blocks along the way for them so that the reader is kept guessing as to whether they might make it as a couple by the end of the book. There are many other more minor characters who come to the forefront at times with interesting storylines as well; their stories are skilfully woven into the main plot. Tension mounts as the Christmas deadline for the cafe opening draws closer; story telling at its best.

To order your copy now, just click the link: UK or US