Guest Review: An Almost Perfect Summer by Jill Mansell

Nick is the most intriguing man Nella has met in a while. He's a 9 in the looks department (no one gets a 10), he makes her laugh, and he keeps her company when she ends up in A&E. But they live hundreds of miles apart.

Then Nella loses her job. There's a perfect role on offer at a Cotswolds holiday retreat. The catch is that her boss would be Nick. And that makes Nick the one man she can't risk falling in love with.

While Nella struggles with her feelings, a Hollywood star has found a haven at the retreat. Lizzie's sworn off people - especially men - until her friendly new neighbours entice her out of her shell. Maybe she needs a flirtation - with gorgeous Nick, perhaps? Not with taciturn local Matthew, though, who definitely isn't a member of her fan club. Then an astonishing secret revealed changes everything . . .

Review: I can’t believe another year has passed and it’s time to read Jill Mansell’s latest book again. It is always a highlight to look forward to in the time after the Christmas celebrations are over. This new book is set in the Cotswolds, a lovely part of England, and features a development of luxury holiday homes that sound absolutely fabulous.

Among the many characters in this story, two women take centre stage. The first is Nella, who we meet as she is visiting the village of Starbourne, where she spent her childhood living with her grandfather. Following a nasty accident, she meets Nick, owner of luxury holiday accommodation in the village, who is looking for a concierge to run the complex. Although being attracted to Nick and eminently qualified for the job, Nella decides that she is happy in her current position and the two part company. However, when her situation unexpectedly changes, she later takes on the concierge job and moves back to the village. The other central female character is Lizzie, an English actress currently living in Los Angeles. When her latest film is completed, she decides to take a few months off and books into one of Nick’s houses in Starbourne while writing her autobiography. As Lizzie is settling into the village, she encounters a few of the locals, one of whom is widower Matthew. Unfortunately, their relationship starts off badly, but all that changes when a secret gets out and an unbelievable coincidence is revealed.

Oh my goodness what a lot happened in this book and what an amazing cast of interesting, well-developed characters. There was romance, drama, friendships renewed and new friendships formed galore; certainly never a dull moment for the protagonists or the reader. I loved the idea of the luxury development where there was someone on call to source any requirements, and in such a lovely country setting. As you can probably tell, I thoroughly enjoyed this book and do not hesitate to recommend it. This feel-good story can’t fail to dispel any post-Christmas blues.

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Guest Review: A Postcard from Puffin Island by Christie Barlow

Verity Callaway is running away.

From her job.

From her quiet life in the Midlands.

And most of all from her ex-fiancée…who has just become her newest neighbour.

The plan is simple: hop in her reliable camper van and cross the Channel, headed for a rendezvous with her best friend in Amsterdam to kick off six months of travel. But when Verity stumbles across a decades-old postcard while preparing her cottage for its temporary tenants, her life takes an unexpected turn, and she finds herself on a ferry to Puffin Island instead.

Verity’s childhood was filled with tales of adventures set on the picturesque island, but she’d always thought her beloved granny had made it all up. Now, knowing the stories and the setting were real, Verity is determined to find the postcard’s sender and uncover the secrets of her grandmother’s past…even if it means setting off a sequence of events that will change not just her own life, but also that of the sleepy island’s close-knit community…

Review: This is the first book in a new series from this author, whose Love Heart Lane series was a favourite of mine. The stories in this new series are set on a small island off the north-east coast of England accessed by a causeway that can be crossed safely only at certain states of the tide. As its name suggests, the island is home to a large colony of puffins.

The main female character in this story, veterinary assistant Verity Callaway, is about to set off in her camper van for Amsterdam where she will pick up her friend and they will go travelling for 6 months. Preparing her house for the tenants who would live there in her absence, Verity finds a postcard addressed to her late grandmother from someone living on Puffin Island. Verity’s grandmother used to tell her stories about a place called Puffin Island; only now does she realise that it is in fact a real place. While intending to board the ferry for Amsterdam, Verity finds that she has time to visit Puffin island first. Her plans change when instead of staying on the island overnight, she gets stuck there when her camper van is damaged. When her friend backs out of the planned trip, Verity stays put and gradually becomes involved in island life. As she gets to know more of the island’s residents, including the puffins, and falls under the spell of the island itself, Verity realises that she is becoming less and less inclined to leave. Looking into the mystery of the sender of her grandmother’s postcard, she also uncovers more secrets from the island’s past.

This was a lovely story with an idyllic setting, lots of sweet little puffins (even if they had sharp little beaks!), interesting characters and some romance to boot. It was fascinating following Verity on her adventure, leaving behind her old life and unpleasant memories to try and solve a mystery from long ago. She certainly wasn’t afraid to take a chance and follow her heart. I’m looking forward to learning more about Puffin Island and the people who live there. The author has included a map of the island with notable locations marked, suggesting many more stories to come.

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Guest Review: The Comfort Food Cafe by Debbie Johnson

Welcome to The Comfort Food Café!

It’s been a tough year for Maxine Connolly – so tough she's almost given up on finding her happy ending. But then she discovers The Comfort Food Café, shining like the star on top of the Christmas tree and welcoming her in to its cozy, cake-filled embrace for hot chocolates dripping with whipped cream, melty grilled cheese toasties and the funniest bunch of regulars she soon calls friends.

Then there’s gorgeous local Gabriel Moran, who looks at Max like she’s a present he can’t wait to unwrap – and she can’t help but think that, maybe, he’s just what she wants for Christmas too…

Review: This is the seventh book in the Comfort Food Cafe series from the lovely Debbie Johnson. I was very excited to hear that this book was in the offing as I have read all of the books in this series so far and looked forward to reuniting with the characters who have been introduced as the series has progressed. Each story can be read as a standalone, but how lovely it has been to read them from the start and build up a picture of the cafe and the people in the fictional village of Budbury where the series is set. For those new to the series, the Comfort Food Cafe is a magical establishment set on the top of a hill where a person can find just what they need to set things right in their world, be it a special dish or just the company of people good at listening. As a devotee of Debbie Johnson’s writing might expect, there is a fair amount of humour in this and previous stories in the series.

This story centres on Maxine (Max) Connolly, whose life has become very difficult for her due to a whole series of bad things that have happened one after the other. When her daughter, Sophie, sees an advert for help wanted at the Comfort Food Cafe, on impulse she applies on her mum’s behalf, outlining how low her mother has become due to her bad fortune. Although surprised by this, Max takes the job when it is offered along with accommodation, and both she and Sophie set off for Dorset. As others before have discovered, the inhabitants of the village and incredibly welcoming and make the pair feel at home. Among the sometimes zany group of regulars who frequent the cafe, Max meets the more sober Gabriel Moran who lives alone in a house he inherited from his great uncle. Their initial meeting was not too friendly, but they soon strike up a friendship which has the promise of so much more.

It was a treat to return to Budbury and the famous Comfort Food Cafe and meet up with familiar faces once again. I know I am not alone in wishing that the cafe was real. Max and Sophie were lovely additions to the group of people who arrived in the village and never left. Life had certainly thrown a heap of rubbish in Max’s direction and she was an amazing person to keep up an outward cheery persona despite it all. It was truly heartwarming to witness the gradual change brought about in her by the village and its inhabitants. She and the handsome Gabriel were made for each other and I was willing them on to get over their differences and strike up a romance. I can recommend this book and the rest of the series; I can guarantee you’ll finish the story with a smile on your face but wanting more.

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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.

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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.

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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: 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?

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