Book Review: One Christmas in Paris by Mandy Baggot

"Ava and her best friend Debs arrive in Paris just as the snow starts to fall. The Eiffel Tower glitters gold and the scent of spiced wine is all around, but all Ava can think about is Leo, her no-good, cheating ex. 

Debs is on a mission to make Ava smile again, and as they tour the Christmas markets, watch lamplight glittering on the river Seine, and eat their body weight in pain-au-chocolat, Ava remembers there’s more to life than men ... Until they cross paths with handsome, mysterious photographer Julien with his French accent and hazelnut eyes that seem to see right inside her. 

Ava can’t ignore the intense chemistry between them, but her fingers have been burned before and she can’t forget it, especially when her ex, Leo, starts texting again. Can Ava really trust Julien – and what exactly is his secret? 

Will Ava go home with a broken heart, or will she find true love amongst the cobbled streets of Paris?"

Rating: 4/5

This isn't my first of Mandy Baggot's books, and I have to say I love her festive novels. I loved the cover for this one straight away, it really caught my eye and I liked the sound of the story as well. I enjoy Mandy's books, and this was no exception. I love Paris as a city, but I don't think I have ever read a Christmas book set there before, so this was a first! It's the story of best friends Ava and Debs, who travel to Paris for Debs' job, and Ava trying to get over her cheating ex-boyfriend Leo. The two start to enjoy the sights and tastes of Paris at Christmas, and when they bump into French photographer Julien, they strike a friendship and the foursome (together with Julien's best friend) meet up for meals, with Ava and Julien quickly hitting it off.

I liked all of the characters in this book from the beginning. Ava and Debs were great best friends, with Ava being the quieter of the two, trying get over a broken heart. Debs was quite loud, brash and just trying to get her friend to move on from someone she doesn't think deserves to have tears shed over him! The pair get up to some fun, travelling around to see the sights of Paris, not expecting to meet some handsome French men while they are there!

Julien is hiding a bit of secret himself. I don't want to spoil it by telling you has happened to him, but it was quite a sobering part of the book, and I felt Mandy Baggot did well in tackling an issue like this. She goes into Julien's grief well, putting across his despair without becoming bogged down in it. His passion is photography, something he is talented at, but since his personal tragedy he hasn't taken any pictures. When he meets Ava, he suddenly wants to photograph her, reigniting a flame in him that has been dead for a while. This was touching as it opens something up in the pair of them, and allows the story to progress perfectly.

As I mentioned, I loved the setting of Paris. It worked perfectly for the book, and complemented the story, rather than it being entirely focused on its setting. The main sights are of course mentioned, and it was fun seeing them through Ava's eyes. I enjoyed the progression of the friendship of Ava and Julien as well, and how they seemed to bring out the best in each other. Their friends, too, were encouraging and I felt the chemistry between them all was perfectly written, I cared about them, and wanted good things to happen for them. There were a few touching scenes between Julien, his father and step-mother too that I must mention, I thought these were well written and really added to the story.

This was a charming festive read from Mandy Baggot and I'll definitely be looking to read more from her. It had a nice festive vibe, good characters who had their own stories, and came together to create a new one, and the pace, although not hugely fast and frantic, plodded along nicely, allowing things to develop fully. I wouldn't necessarily say it falls into the romcom category as the laughs weren't there, but it is emotional, full of thought and I enjoyed reading the whole story. Recommended.

Book Review: Christmas Under a Starlit Sky by Holly Martin

"Neve Whitaker loves managing the Stardust Lake hotel. She gets to work alongside her wonderful family and she’s spending Christmas on the most enchanting, snow-covered island in Scotland. So why is her heart so heavy this festive season? 

It might have something to do with the gorgeous actor Oakley Rey, the man she finished with before he left for California and the man she loves more than anything. With Oakley’s career in Hollywood soaring, Neve is convinced she’d only hold him back. She had to end it with him – at least that’s what she keeps telling herself. 

But now she has a secret she’s struggling to keep, and when Oakley arrives on Juniper Island determined to win her back, Neve is thrown off balance. Will Neve’s fear of having her heart broken again push Oakley away for good, or is it time for her to take a leap of faith?"

Rating: 5/5

This book is the second in Holly Martin's 'A Town Called Christmas' series, and follows on from the first book Christmas Under a Cranberry Sky. I adored that book, and was so excited to read the second one, and find out more about these characters, and what secrets were going to be divulged here! In this book, we focus on two characters called Neve and Oakley. Neve is the sister of the main character from the first book, Gabe, so it was fun to see those familiar characters back again, and also find out much more about Neve and Oakley's own love story.

I loved Neve from the beginning of the book, and found her to be so likeable, and I wanted everything to work out for her so badly! Yes, I felt she made some bad decisions regarding her and Oakley's relationship, but I think her heart was in the right place regarding the decisions she did make. She couldn't seem to believe that a big Hollywood star like Oakley would want to settle down with her on a small remote island where she works in her brother's hotel, and I think we could all understand that that seems too good to be true! But Neve was such a lovely person, and I wished she had a little bit more faith in love, and the fact that Oakley clearly adored her.

I really do love a great romance, and Holly Martin certainly delivers on this count within this book. Oakley is everything Neve could dream of in a man, and was certainly great to read about, he seemed pretty much perfect! A successful actor, handsome, kind, generous... there was barely anything bad about this man at all. For all the mistakes he does make, he does so because he's been lead to believe other things, and I felt sorry for him in that regard, he didn't have an easy time of it from Neve! But their love story is just wonderful, and made me feel so warm and happy inside, I loved everything about it.

As well as the fairytale romance between Neve and Oakley, there's another little side story involving a couple of the minor characters, Ivy and Adam. This was completely charming, and had me sucked in too, it seems like Juniper Island is the place to go if you want to find love! As in the first book, the setting is utterly perfect. I love Martin's descriptions of the whole island, from the animals, to the cabins and the snow - it all sounds utterly idyllic and you can see why everyone who ends up on the island wants to stay, it sounds like paradise, especially at Christmas time!

For me, this was one of my favourite reads of the festive season, and I really cannot wait for Holly Martin's next books. I hope this isn't the last we see in the Town Called Christmas series, because I would love catch up with Gabe, Piper, Neve, Oakley and more again at some future date, even if it isn't necessarily at Christmas. The writing in this is so warm, it draws you in and makes you want to keep reading to find out how this wonderful love story is going to end. Needless to say I was left with a huge smile on my face, and I had loved every page. A wonderful book, I can't recommend it enough!

Book Review: A Fairy Tale for Christmas by Chrissie Manby

"What could be more magical at Christmas than a fairy tale come true?

It's the festive season and the members of the Newbay Theatre Society, more commonly known as the NEWTS, are preparing to put on a show. Being cast as Cinderella is the realization of a dream for newcomer Kirsty, not least because she hopes starring in a panto under the direction of her boyfriend Jon will bring them closer together.

But Kirsty soon learns that it's not all glitter and good cheer behind the scenes at the amateur theatre as bitter rivalries nurtured through decades, wardrobe mishaps and suspicious near-fatal accidents threaten to derail the production. And then there's Prince Charming himself. Will working together with Jon bring Kirsty her happy ever after... or reveal their love to be nothing but a 'showmance'?

With Christmas just around the corner, it's going to take more than a Fairy Godmother to get Kirsty and her cast-mates to the ball."

Rating: 5/5

The idea of this book really appealed to me, not least because it's a festive themed novel, and it's by one of my favourite authors Chrissie Manby! The cover, too, was perfect, something I would love to see on a Christmas card actually! This is a standalone novel, which is a breakaway from Chrissie's other 'Perfect family' series that she has published as of late, but it was nice to meet some other characters, and to dive into something completely different! The main character for this book is actually one who has popped up in a 'Proper Family' book, the one where the Bensons went on a cruise. Kirsty is the friend of someone else who went on that cruise, so while the Bensons weren't in this book, they were here in spirit!

I loved Kirsty right from the beginning. She's given up her dream job of being a cruise ship singer to move with her new boyfriend Jon to the village of Newbay, where he's got a job directing a local theatre group's pantomime of Cinderella. I did question at first how readily Kirsty gave up her job for a relatively new man in her life, but I guess we all make mistakes and dive into something without thinking every now and then! She reasoned it with herself by knowing she would get the lead in the play, but even so, I felt she was giving up a lot for someone I disliked immensely. Jon was a horrible character, always putting Kirsty down, whether it be on the sly or completely obviously, and I hate men like that.

On the other hand, the other main male character in the book is single dad Ben. His young daughter has won her own part in the panto, and of course Ben is dragged along for auditions. When disaster befalls the production, Ben winds up being thrust into the middle of the action despite not having trodden the boards for many years! This leads to much hilarity, but also some sweet scenes between Kirsty and Ben as they get to know each other, and she encourages him to want to perform once more. I did hope these two would end up together, especially because his daughter deserved someone like Kirsty in her life to act as a step mum!

Sometimes, when a book has a big cast it can be a problem to follow who's who, but this wasn't the case for this book at all. Each of the people in NEWTS were so unique, I had no problem with keeping track of them, and I think they all added something special to the story, and really rounded the whole thing off. Manby has a knack for writing her characters, and this novel was by no means an exception. The relationships between them all were realistic too, with jealousy, support, laughter, and much more going on, they were wonderfully written and rounded characters. The setting of Newbay was lovely too, and I can see why Kirsty was drawn to the charms of the village, it sounds wonderful.

This was a lovely festive novel, and was brimming with festive cheer throughout, as the panto season kicks off as Christmas fas approaches. You'll find yourself tearing through the pages of this book to get to the end and see who Cinderella herself ends up with, and if horrible Jon would finally get his comeuppance. This really was a joy to read right until the very last page, and I'll be sad if this is the last we see of Kirsty and co, because I really felt like I got to love them as I got so involved in their pantomime and story! I can't quite believe this is Chrissie Manby's 20th novel, and I'm eagerly hoping there will be something from her sooner than next Christmas!

Book Review: Lizzie's Christmas Escape by Christie Barlow

"A gorgeous country house hotel, a liberal dusting of snow, a cosy weekend away…what more could Lizzie ask for at Christmas? 

Every Christmas Lizzie promises herself that things will change and she will leap into the new year a new woman. And yet here she is again, at the beginning of December and nothing is different. Her girls have grown up and left home, her husband Henry is slumped in front of the TV and she is alone in the kitchen, seeking refuge in the cooking sherry and talking to her Gary Barlow calendar. She’s also been very diverted by handsome new neighbour Marcus and she knows she shouldn’t be …

So when best friend Ann suggests a weekend away in the country, Lizzie jumps at the chance. Will this Christmas escape give Lizzie some much needed perspective and allow her to mend her marriage? Or will Marcus prove to be too much of a distraction?"

Rating: 4/5

I was browsing through my Kindle a few weeks ago, and stumbled across this festive read from Christie Barlow. Somehow, I haven't yet managed to read a book from this author, so was eager to find out what the book was going to be like, and if I had found another new author that I could love. Luckily, the book and author didn't let me down, it was a wonderful story and brilliantly written, making me very excited to read more from Christie Barlow, both her older books and upcoming release Evie's Year of Taking Chances, which is coming out next month.

Lizzie feels like she has to make a change in her life, but doesn't really know where to start. Her marriage has become a bit stale, husband Henry is more interested in watching the TV than he is romancing his wife, and her daughters have gone to university, leaving her all but alone in her home. So when she notices a new neighbour moving in next door, Lizzie introduces herself and strikes up a new friendship with Marcus. She knows she's playing with fire, and when best friend Ann suggests a girls weekend away, Lizzie realises it might be just the escape from her shocking reality that she needs...

I love a book that I can get into from the very first pages, and this was definitely the case for this book. Barlow throws us straight into Lizzie's life, showing us that she's very unhappy but doesn't quite know how to get herself out of the rut that she has found herself in at the moment. I liked Lizzie, and felt sorry for her because she really did seem so lonely. Her best friend Ann was wonderful, but she was lonely in her marriage, and wasn't utilising the skills she had herself, which was dressmaking. Lizzie was very likeable, even when she was making some very questionable decisions, and I really wasn't sure throughout the book how I wanted it all to end, because there were so many endings that could happen in my head!

I could see why Lizzie had her head turned by her lovely new neighbour, and how easily the pair struck up a friendship. I did have my suspicions about him, but thought that it was just me being a bit of a downer, Marcus did seem lovely, even if he was a bit inappropriate considering he knew that Lizzie was married! The story between these two runs throughout the whole book, and certainly left me wondering in parts when it would all fall apart, if at all! There's also another plot involving Ann and her husband, which was just as riveting, and again allows room for lots of scenes between the best friends.

One thing I do have to say is that the Christmas escape in the title of the book is actually a very small part of the story as a whole, in fact, it could have been a bit of a blink and you'll miss it storyline, it happened so quickly, and was over again just as quickly. I thought the book would be centred around this whole girly getaway, so I was a bit surprised when it didn't. It didn't stop me really enjoying the book of course, but I was just surprised that something so prominently in the title and blurb of the book was really a very small part of the book as a whole.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book from beginning to end, and felt I went on a real emotional journey with these characters, especially Lizzie who seemed quite lost really. She had lost her children (not really lost them, but in the sense they've moved away and are getting on with their lives), all but lost her marriage, and lost her own spark and sense of self-worth, and I enjoyed reading about her trying to reclaim some of these things as the book went on. Barlow's writing was really enjoyable, the pace was great, and there was always something going on to entertain the reader, and I liked the festive feeling woven throughout the book. I'll definitely be reading more from Christie Barlow, the sooner the better!

Book Review: Christmas on Nantucket by Elin Hilderbrand

"Christmas on Nantucket finds Winter Street Inn owner Kelley Quinn and his family busily preparing for the holiday season. 

Though the year has brought tragedy, the Quinns have much to celebrate: Kelley has reunited with his first wife Margaret, Kevin and Isabelle have a new baby; and Ava is finally dating a nice guy. 

But when Kelley's wife Mitzi shows up on the island, along with Kevin's devious ex-wife Nora and a dangerously irresistible old fling of Ava's, the Inn is suddenly overrun with romantic feuds, not to mention guests. 

With jealousy, passion, and eggnog consumption at an all-time high, it's going to take a whole lot more than a Christmas miracle to get the Quinns - and the Inn - through the holidays intact."

Rating: 4/5

I will honest and say that I was drawn to this book entirely because of the cover. I loved it, and straight away felt it was going to be a book that was festive, and that I would enjoy. I wasn't wrong, and I did enjoy it, but I do wish I had known it was a sequel before I started reading it because I was lost for quite a big portion of the book, as this really is a follow-on and it took me a while to settle in to who was who, what the heck was going on and everything else about the story. Now, I want to reread it as part of the series, with the book that follows this also to get the full story about the families on Nantucket!

The book is based around the Quinn family, who own the Winter Street Inn between them. Kelley, the owner, has been surprised by his wife Mitzi admitting a lengthy affair and leaving him for the subject of her new affections, but is shocked when his ex-wife Nora shows up on the scene once more. His son Kevin has had a new baby with his girlfriend, his daughter can't seem to settle down with anyone and his daughter-in-law is struggling to mother her three boys alone while her husband (Kelley's other son) is in prison. Not forgetting of course their Marine son who is MIA in Afghanistan causing the family perpetual worry. Will the Quinn family be able to sort everything in time for Christmas?

As I mentioned, I started this book and really had no clue what was going on, to the point where I was actually going to give up on it. I had no background on any of these characters, I felt I was completely thrown into the middle of the story and there was really no explanation as to what was going on, like I've had in other books that are part of a series. I actually resorted to researching it online myself after a while, because I was getting a tad frustrated. However, once I had got it all sorted, I knew who was who and what was going on, I felt happier and more able to get involved in the story.

One thing I will say here is don't go into this one expecting a happy little Christmas tale. There's quite a bit of upset, sadness, and tears throughout the book, I wondered if the Quinn's every had any happiness in their lives! Each branch of the family had their own problems, and I felt so sorry for all of them. I especially found the story of Kelley's Marine son missing quite hard, you can see how it's impacted everyone, especially his mother Mitzi. It was heart-breaking, and really hard to read, her grief was so profound. She just wants her son back and you really sense that through Hilderbrand's writing.

I really enjoyed how deeply Hilderbrand goes into detail with this book. She isn't afraid to confront a range of emotions within this story, all heightened because of the festive time of year and the pressure that everyone is under due to their own personal problems. One story that resonated a lot with me was Kelley's daughter-in-law Jennifer struggling to raise her three children alone, while her husband is in prison. She was clearly finding things so tough, her children were being typical kids, complete with horrible attitudes, and I could see how she was driven to the drastic steps she took. I just wished someone in the Quinn family had noticed what was going on a bit earlier, she really did help and positive guidance rather than judgment.

Overall, I felt this was a very enjoyable read but as I mentioned, I do wish I had known it was the second book in a series, as I feel it would have read much better straight after the first book. However, now I've read this, I'm desperate to read the third book in the series, Winter Storms, so I can see how the Quinn family story is going to be resolved. It's a very gritty, emotional book set at Christmas, so it isn't over-flowing with Christmas cheer, but does have Christmas woven throughout it. It's my first book by Elin Hilderbrand, and I will be reading more, but certainly looking out for her standalone novels initially!

Note: This book is called Winter Stroll in USA.

Book Review: The Christmas Cake Café by Sue Watson

"As the Prosecco chills and Bing Crosby croons, Jen Barker just knows that her long-term boyfriend is about to propose.  But instead of a diamond ring nestled in her champagne flute, Jen finds cold flat rejection.  Her once perfect life and dreams of a husband and family seem even further from reach.

A working holiday to the Swiss Alps with her younger sister Jody might not be the Christmas Jen had it mind, but it offers her the chance to recharge her batteries and recover from heartbreak.

When Jen meets handsome ski instructor Jon Zutter her hopes for a happy-ever-after seem within her grasp again. Jon is kind and gorgeous and as they bond over Sachetorte at the picturesque Cake Café, Jen thinks he might just be her perfect man. But a relationship with him comes with a catch – and there are some things even cake can’t fix. 

As the snow falls and Christmas approaches, could this be the place that restores Jen Barker’s faith in love?"

Rating: 4/5

I was really excited when I found out Sue Watson would be bringing out another new festive book in time for Christmas with publishers Bookouture. I loved the cover straight away and was really looking forward to reading the book. As usual, the book has all of Sue's heart, warmth and festive spirit and was a fun read. I love knowing that when I pick up one of Sue's books I'm going to get a great read, and she certainly didn't let me down with this book!

Jen finds herself suddenly single in the run up to Christmas and decides it is time to do something about it. When her younger sister Jody offers her the chance to go to Switzerland with her for a working holiday, Jen decides to take the opportunity with both hands and heads off with her sister and her friends, all much younger than she is. While there, she loves her job at the local café, and bumps into skiing instructor Jon, who has a few secrets of his own hidden away. Will Jen be able to allow herself to fall in love, or will Jon's secrets stop things before they have even begun?

I haven't ever read any books set in Switzerland, but I am so pleased that this one was! After reading it, I googled the skiing resorts dotted around and they look so amazing, especially at Christmas! I could definitely understand why Jen thought it would be a good idea to go out there and live for a while, it sounds cold but looks utterly stunning! Make sure you google it yourself! Watson's descriptions of the resorts, chalets, café's, everything are beautiful and bring the whole thing to life in your mind. I could imagine it so clearly, it was so enjoyable.

Jen herself is an intriguing character. In her 40's and single again, she is sure she has missed the boat on lots of things, but most of all becoming a mother. I enjoyed reading about the close relationship she shared with her sister Jody, which wasn't borne out of the best thing. Jen's father left her mother and started a new family, resulting in the birth of Jody, and while the initial years between the pair weren't good, as adults they've come to accept each other and realise it was neither girl's fault that Jen's parents relationship failed. It's very typical of lots of relationships and I applaud Watson for tackling an issue like this in this story.

Many women reading this will be able to sympathise with Jen and her situation, sure that she has left it too late to settle down and start a family. I felt sorry for her at first, but as she began to enjoy her time in Switzerland and make new friends, especially ski instructor Jon, I was hopeful that she would find her own alternative happy ending. There were quite a few twists and turns along the way, especially as Jon's secrets came to light, but I did feel sorry for him too. However, I did like how the pair dealt with it in adult ways, especially Jen, and the last third of the book was good to read about, albeit awkward in parts!

This was a very enjoyable read from Sue Watson again, full of festive cheer, hope, love and was a lot of fun to read. The setting was fabulous, definitely my favourite part about the whole book, and has certainly made me want to visit Switzerland at Christmastime, even if, like Jen, I haven't got a clue how to ski and I'm not sure if I really want to! I hope there will be more from Sue coming in the near future, I love her stories and they always leave me with a smile on my face. But probably my most favourite thing about them is that they feel real - like they could happen to any normal person, that they could happen to you - that we all might have a happy ending out there somewhere.

Book Review: Mince Pies and Mistletoe at the Christmas Market by Heidi Swain

"Christmas has arrived in the town of Wynbridge and it promises mince pies, mistletoe and a whole host of seasonal joy.

Ruby has finished with university and is heading home for the holidays to save up for her trip around the world in January. Against her father’s wishes, she takes on a stall at the local market, and sets about making it the best Christmas market stall ever. There’ll be bunting and mistletoe and maybe even a bit of mulled wine.

But with a new retail park just opened on their doorstep, the market is under threat. So together with all the other stallholders, Ruby devises a plan to make sure that Wynbridge is the first port of call for everyone’s Christmas shopping needs.

The only thing standing in her way is Ruby’s ex, Steve. It’s pretty hard to concentrate on saving the world when he works on the stall opposite, especially when she realises that her feelings for him are still there…"

Rating: 5/5

Another book I really enjoyed reading this Christmas was Heidi Swain's latest book, with one of the longest book titles I've seen in a while, Mince Pies and Mistletoe at the Christmas Market. The book sees the return of some characters from Heidi's previous books, both of which I have read, 'The Cherry Tree Café' and 'Summer at Skylark Farm'. However, you don't need to have read these books to enjoy this one, and I certainly do recommend you do read this if you get the chance!

Ruby has finished her course at University, and is heading back home to Wynbridge, and her parents home. She's determined to save some money so she can go and travel the world in the New Year, and so takes a job working at the local market in the run-up to Christmas, even though her father really doesn't want her to. She thinks the job will be quite easy, so when it turns out she has to help save the market from certain closure, Ruby finds herself working harder than she ever dreamt of. Put that together with running into a blast from her past, Ruby's Christmas is certainly going to be one to remember...

What I really loved about this book was how the town pulls together in a time of need, to pool their ideas, to turn up to the events created to help save their community, and the fact that everyone works together, from the young children through to the town's OAPs. It was really heart-warming and I really enjoyed reading it from beginning to end.The market in Wynbridge sounded charming, especially with all the special things put on by the market stall holders, and it sounds exactly the sort of place I would love to go and do my Christmas shopping, especially from Ruby's stall!

Throughout the book, there was a bit of a mystery involving Ruby's father. I really had no idea what was going on up until the big reveal near the end of the book, and I loved that Swain was able to keep me guessing up until the end, and that I hadn't guessed it! It did leave me with a big smile on my face, but I wish it could have resolved sooner and helped Ruby with her relationship with her father after many years away from home! However, you get the impression the family are very close, and I liked that very much.

Swain's writing throughout was great to read. The pace of the book is slow but steady, and there's always something going on to make you want to keep reading. Ruby's newfound friendship with her ex boyfriend and fellow marketstall holder was definitely interesting reading, and I couldn't fathom until the end if the pair would ever put their stubbornness aside and admit their true feelings! I also loved how the characters from Swain's other books popped up too, Lizzie and Jemma from the café, and Amber from Skylark Farm. It really makes the world she writes of feel real as you're reading, and was a really enjoyable story from start to finish. Ruby was a brilliant character - full of life, determination, and hope, something we should all have inside us! A wonderful read and highly recommended!

Book Review: The Christmas Promise by Sue Moorcroft

"For Ava Bliss, it’s going to be a Christmas to remember …

On a snowy December evening, Sam Jermyn steps into the life of bespoke hat maker Ava. Sparks fly, and not necessarily the good ones.

Times are tough for Ava – she’s struggling to make ends meet, her ex-boyfriend is a bully, and worst of all, it’s nearly Christmas.

So when Sam commissions Ava to make a hat for someone special, she makes a promise that will change her life. She just doesn’t know it yet…"

Rating: 4/5

This is the first book I have read from author Sue Moorcroft, and I loved the fact it was a Christmas story! The cover for this book is beautiful, really festive, and made me excited to dive in and start reading This story is about Ava Bliss, who works as a milliner, or hatmaker to you and me. Her business has been a bit slow, so when her friends boss Sam comes into her life and commissions a special hat for Christmas, the pair strike up a friendship. When Sam asks her to do him a favour in the run-up to Christmas, Ava agrees, but doesn't quite realise what she's letting herself in for...

I have to admit, the art of hat making is something I know nothing about (unsurprisingly), so it was fascinating to read more about this particular skill throughout the book. I loved Ava's passion for her work, you could tell she was really proud of her skills of making beautiful hats, and Moorcroft does go into some detail about the work which was great to read. I liked the process too of Ava making the special hat for a present - it was fun to read how it all comes about, especially for the very deserving character who would be receiving the gift.

I will be honest and say that I did find the book a bit slow going at first, and I did get a little bit confused about the many characters thrown at me in the first few chapters. I lost track a bit, and it took me a little while to get into it and really get the characters down. Once I had done though, it was fun reading, and the characters all pop up regularly throughout the book, as they move through Ava's life. Her friendships are obviously very dear to her, as she doesn't appear to have much of a relationship with her parents who live in France. So when Sam comes on the scene, Ava is happy to make a new friend, but nothing more.

Sam was a fantastic character to read about - a perfect gentleman towards Ava, and the special relationship he has with his mother was so beautiful to read. There were scenes in here that moved me to tears, because the emotion of it all became so much, Moorcroft writes these parts so realistically. It's a harsh reality that illness can strike anyone at any time, but the way this was tackled throughout the book was beautifully done. There is another very important issue woven throughout this book involving Ava and her awful ex-boyfriend. He is holding something over her, and threatening to ruin her life with it, and I hated him for that. It's the lowest of the low, and while it was a horrible storyline to read, it highlights a very important and current issue.

I really enjoyed the festive feeling in this book, especially as Ava and Sam prepare to spend Christmas together to help honour their promise to someone special. Although it is a festive read, it isn't a hugely light and fluffy read. There's some serious stuff going on in this book, but I was completely absorbed by it, hoping for a good outcome for Ava and Sam, they both deserved it. I loved the different friendships within the book, although I did find one of Ava's friends a bit odd (Izz), and the importance of surrounding yourself by people who love you, especially at Christmas. This was a really well written and enjoyable book, and I am pleased that I persevered after the slow and confusing start! A lovely novel I can definitely recommend.

Book Review: A Christmas Kiss by Vicky Pattison

"Amber Raey is working all the hours God sends as assistant to one of the country's top fashion designers, and her boss is a complete nightmare. Amber's dream is to launch her own fashion line one day so, for the time being, she just has to grin and bear it. And then opportunity comes knocking and Amber's suddenly on the fast track to the top.

The parties, the glamour, a whirlwind romance - Amber loves every second of her new life. But there's more to this world than its glossy exterior suggests, and when a face from Amber's past reappears, she finds herself in real trouble. With Christmas fast approaching, Amber is drifting further and further away from her family and friends. Can she get her life back on track before it's too late for a merry Christmas?"

Rating: 3/5

I will be honest and say I am not a fan of celebrity books. I read a few of Katie Price's novels many years ago, but they weren't really my cup of tea. I also tend not to watch reality TV, so didn't really know much about who Vicky Pattison was before I read this (sorry). I obviously have since googled her and found out more, and decided to go into this with open eyes, hopefully being as unjudgmental as I could be. However, while elements of this story were enjoyable, it falls into the category of books which annoys me most - those which have a Christmassy cover and title, and pretty much have no relevance to the season at all apart from near the end. Nothing annoys me more. Oh, and a very cringeworthy cameo. Just why?!

Amber is working in fashion and really loves her job, even in the designer she currently works for is a bit of a dragon, with a reputation to match. So when she is offered the chance of a lifetime thanks to a chance meeting at London Fashion Week, Amber decides to take a chance on it and have a go! Soon, her career is looking up, and with a famous man showing interest, Amber thinks her life can't get any better. But as her relationship progresses, Amber finds herself being pulled away from her friends and family, and isn't quite sure how to get back to them. Will she be able to celebrate a merry Christmas after all?

The story sounded like it could be a good one, and it was for the most part. I don't know a lot about fashion or designers, and while this book is based in that world, I don't feel that I learnt a lot about it when reading this book. I couldn't really feel Amber's passion for her work - there just wasn't enough description of the clothes she loves, her own designs - it all just fell a little bit flat for me. However, Amber herself was likeable enough, even if she did need to grow a bit of a backbone when it came to certain men in the book.

As Amber became involved in a relationship with a former pop star, things obviously start to change for her life, and she's swept up with everything, to the detriment of those around her which is a shame, but I couldn't deny that I saw it coming. In fact, most of the story is quite predictable, not in a bad way but in that there was nothing to surprise me in here. I lie. There was one thing that shocked me, and actually left a bit of a sour taste in my mouth. For some inexplicable reason the author has chosen to put a cameo in this book towards the end. Who is it, I hear you ask? Well, it's herself. Yes, Vicky Pattison has chosen to include herself in the book. I actually couldn't quite believe what I was reading. I'm not sure who told her that was a good idea because it really wasn't!

I was also a bit annoyed by the fact that the majority of the book isn't at all festive, that part is simply crammed in to the end to give a nod to the title and the cover! I was really hoping for a happy ending, that Amber would open her eyes and dedicate more time to her career, friends and family than she did her hopeless boyfriend, because she did seem talented and seemed to be throwing a great career opportunity. The book was an easy way to pass a few hours, with a few laughs and an easy story to read but there were a few things that let it down for me. A good story, and as long as you don't go into expecting anything festive, you'll probably enjoy it!

Book Review: Christmas at the Little Beach Street Bakery by Jenny Colgan

"It's Christmas in the Cornish coastal village of Mount Polbearne - a time for family, friends and feasting.

Polly Waterford loves running the Little Beach Street Bakery. She's at her happiest when she's creating delicious treats and the festive season always inspires her to bake and knead something extra special for the village residents. In fact, the only thing she loves more than her bakery is curling up with her gorgeous boyfriend, Huckle. She's determined that this Christmas is going to be their best one yet, but life doesn't always work out as planned...

When Polly's best friend Kerensa turns up with a secret that threatens the life Polly and Huckle have built together, the future begins to look uncertain. And then a face from Polly's past reappears and things become even more complicated. Polly can usually find solace in baking but she has a feeling that's not going to be enough this time. Can she get things back on track so that everyone has a merry Christmas?"

Rating: 5/5

I adore Jenny Colgan's books, so when I discovered she was writing a third book in the 'Little Beach Street Bakery' series, I was really happy, even more so when it was a Christmas novel! Although Jenny has written a bit of an introduction to this book, explaining the characters and the story to date and therefore you can enjoy this as a standalone, it is best read as part of the series, you'll be missing out if you don't catch up with the other two books!

Polly is still happily baking away in her little bakery in Mount Polbearne. She also still lives with her American boyfriend Huck, and their puffin Neil. Polly loves that Christmas is coming, and is looking forward to baking up a storm for the locals who love to buy her goods. But Polly and Huck's perfect Christmas is under threat when Polly's best friend Kerensa confides a secret with her, one that is sure to put a rift between Huck and Polly. Burdened by the secret, Polly's Christmas spirit is feeling dampened... can she make sure she and Huck have a Merry Christmas after all?

As I said, I have read the previous books in the series, and know the ins and outs of these characters really well, so it was great to slip back into the world of Mount Polbearne, and Polly's bakery and her lighthouse again. I've always loved Polly, and I definitely did throughout this book too. She struggles with the burden of her best friend Kerensa's secret, as any of us would I think, and I felt sorry for her being put in that position, and worrying about how she can keep it secret from Huck too. The storyline of the secret takes place throughout the book, and I kept nervously picking up the story, eager to see if things would be revealed or not!

I don't want to say too much about the story of this book because it's one of those that wants to be discovered as you read the book. There was a really well written bit about Polly in this book coming to grips with someone shocking from her past making a reappearance, and I loved how well Colgan writes this part of the book. It is of course very emotional, but Colgan wasn't afraid to portray Polly really struggling it with it too, rather than making it the fairytale ending we sometimes assume a situation like this can have.

I think this is perhaps the last we will see of Polly, Huck and Neil in the Little Beach Street Bakery series after the ending of this book, but I would definitely welcome them coming back again! The final few scenes were wonderfully written and emotional to read, and really puts across the family feel and atmosphere that living on a small island like Mount Polbearne brings. As well as this, there's festive spirit throughout as Polly prepares for Christmas with Huck, Kerensa and the rest of her family. This was a wonderful read, perfect to snuggle up with a hot chocolate and sausage roll (I can't stand mince pies personally!), and join Polly and Huck for their Christmas!

Book Review: A Year and A Day by Isabelle Broom

"Welcome to a city where wishes are everywhere.

For Megan, a winter escape to Prague with her friend Ollie is a chance to find some inspiration for her upcoming photography exhibition. But she's determined to keep their friendship from becoming anything more. Because if Megan lets Ollie find out about her past, she risks losing everything - and she won't let that happen again . . .

For Hope, the trip is a surprise treat from Charlie, her new partner. But she's struggling to enjoy the beauty of the city when she knows how angry her daughter is back home. And that it's all her fault . . .

For Sophie, the city has always been a magical place. This time she can't stop counting down the moments until her boyfriend Robin joins her. But in historic Prague you can never escape the past . . .

Three different women.

Three intertwining love stories.

One unforgettable, timeless city."

Rating: 5/5

I first read a book by Isabelle Broom earlier this year called My Map of You. I really loved that book and was super excited to find a new chick lit author I was going to really enjoy reading for years to come. So when I found she was bringing out a festive book, I was really excited and couldn't wait to get reading. It definitely didn't disappoint at all, and I was completely absorbed with the story, the characters and the settings, it was one of the most vivid and enjoyable books I have read this festive season, and I think it's one you must read this winter!

This book is set in a country I have never read about before, the Czech Republic and it's capital city, Prague. I know a few people who have been there and loved it, but I will be honest and say I really didn't know anything about it before I read about in this book. However, I wish I could now jump on a plane and get there right now, it sounded completely amazing and Broom's descriptions are so vivid and detailed, you can imagine every single thing she is writing about, from the architecture to the scenery and the people.

This story focuses on three different women who are initially strangers, and are in Prague for differing reasons. There's our main character Megan who has come to Prague with her best friend Ollie, to help him research the city for his class at school. Megan knows how Ollie really about her but is sure she can stop any romantic feelings on the holiday. There's Hope and her new boyfriend Charlie on their first getaway together, with Hope nursing a broken heart over her daughter who will no longer speak to her. And finally there is Sophie, who is headed to Prague and will be meeting her boyfriend Robin in a few days time. Each of them has their own story, and I love the way their tales become intertwined as the story goes on.

The book begins in a very intriguing way, with a woman ready to throw herself off a bridge in Prague, and then jumps to the start of the women's holidays. Broom changes the narrative frequently between the women, allowing us to find out their backstory, the reason for being in Prague, and to get to know them a bit before introducing them to each other and bringing them together. There's a lot of emotion throughout the book, lots of truths being faced and I loved every bit of it. It did move me to tears during a few scenes, Broom really taps into the heart of each of the stories, and isn't afraid to shy away from the nitty gritty of the sadness, and hope as well littered throughout.

What struck me most about this book though was Broom's descriptive writing about Prague. Everything, from the beautiful architecture, the churches, the cafe's, the food (strudel and goulash - yum!), the local people is beautifully written and brings the place to life in your mind. I loved that the characters visit lots of different parts of Prague, not just the well-known spots, you can tell the author really knows what she is talking about here when she is writing! The snowy paths, bitter weather - it's a perfect winter read. This was a joy to read throughout, it is emotional and a few scenes will certainly move you (possibly to tears like it did with me!), and Broom's narrative works so well, allowing us to follow all 3 stories seamlessly. I adored this book, and really cannot wait for Isabelle Broom's next book - go and read this NOW!

Book Review: All I Want for Christmas by Jenny Hale

"Christmas comes once a year . . . But true love comes once in a lifetime. 

Snowflakes are falling, there’s carol singing on every corner, and Leah Evans is preparing for a family Christmas at her grandmother’s majestic plantation house in Virginia. It won’t be the same now that her beloved Nan is gone, but when Leah discovers she has inherited the mansion, she knows she can give her daughter Sadie the childhood of her dreams. 

But there’s a catch. Leah must split the house with a man called David Forester. Leah hasn’t heard that name in a long time. Not since they were kids, when Davey was always there to catch her. 

Now David is all grown up. He’s gorgeous, successful, and certain of one thing: Leah should sell him her half of the house. 

They can’t agree, but as they share memories over wine by the log fire, Leah notices a fluttering in her stomach. And by the look in his eyes, he’s starting to feel it too. 

Will it be Leah or David who must give up their dreams? Or, with a little bit of Christmas magic, will they finally understand Nan’s advice to them both about living life without regrets … and take a chance on true love? "

Rating: 5/5

I absolutely adore Jenny Hale's novels, in particular her festive novels. She always captures everything that is Christmas for me, and I always love her characters too. So when I was offered the chance to review her latest Christmas book, All I Want for Christmas, I jumped at the chance. This book is the story of Leah and David, who end up jointly inheriting Leah's deceased grandmother's mansion. However, it seems that the pair have different ideas about the future of the house, and neither one of them is going to budge about what they want to do. Leah asks David if she and her daughter can share one more Christmas in the house of Leah's dreams and memories, but is there more to the pair's friendship than meets the eye?

I loved that this was set in a big, beautiful mansion, in the middle of Virginia at Christmastime. This is precisely the sort of thing I love to read about, and this definitely delivered on that for me! The house is beautifully written and described by Hale throughout the book, and I could see why Leah was desperate to move back in and raise her young daughter there. I loved reading about the memories she held of her and her grandmother there in years gone by, how she wanted to make a success of it on her own, and how passionate she was about the house remaining in her family.

However, David, or Davey as Leah remembers him, has other plans. He wants to buy her out and have the house to himself. Of course this is throwing a huge spanner in the works of Leah's plans and I have to admit I initially didn't like him for this, he seemed to be ruining everything for no reason. As the book progresses, it explains why David was entitled to the inheritance, and I was hopeful that he would be able to come to a compromise with Leah as I wanted her to have the house so much!

One of my favourite characters throughout the whole book was Leah's daughter Sadie. She is a perfectly written character, such a joy to read and I felt was a shining light for Leah, keeping her going through the tough times, and bringing to life everything that Christmas was about. I love how easily she befriended David too, keen to see the good man underneath his exterior, and it was so sweet to see how this in turn helped open Leah's eyes to the true David too. Christmas is ever present throughout the book too, with the decorating of the house, plenty of snow and a Christmas morning celebrated which is always lovely to read!

For me, this was a joy to read from start to finish, and I genuinely didn't want to stop reading once I had started. I was keen to see if and how Leah and David would sort out their differences, and how they would decide to divide up the house between them, if at all! The setting was beautiful, I loved all characters, even the supporting ones such as Leah's friends who pay a visit, and there's some sweet surprises in there too warm your heart. A perfect book to cuddle up with at Christmas!

Book Review: Not Just for Christmas by Alex Brown

"Kitty, who runs the Spotted Pig Tea-rooms in the picturesque village of Tindledale, thinks she's come to terms with her husband Ed’s death on active duty. When she learns that Ed’s army dog, a black Labrador named Monty, is being retired and needs rehoming, it awakens her heartache once more.

Amber runs the pet parlour, but her love of dogs extends to rescuing abandoned pooches and now her tiny cottage is overflowing with homeless hounds. The only answer is to open a proper rescue centre but where will the money come from?

Kitty knows she could never take on Monty – it would be too painful, but with more than one dog needing a home this Christmas, is a miracle too much to hope for? "

Rating: 5/5

You can buy the book now!

I absolutely adore Alex Brown's 'Tindledale' series, so when I found out that Alex was bringing out a new Christmas short story set in that very fictional village, I jumped at the chance of reviewing it, keen to be back with some familar faces once more! Although it is a short story, it didn't feel it - I felt like I was really getting into it, and didn't want it to end! I really hope that we will be going back to Tindledale again after this outing, this was just a perfect festive read!

Those who have read Alex's previous Tindledale books will recognise a few of the characters in this book, but don't worry too much if you haven't read any of the earlier books because this works well as a stand-alone festive treat anyway! If you've read the earlier books, you'll certainly remember Kitty who owns the tea shop in the village. She's a character I have wanted to know more about for a while, so it was great to hear more about her story too. She's a widow and single mother after her husband was killed at war, a real hero. She's since raised their daughter alone, and seems happy to everyone looking in. But when a face from their past makes a surprise reappearance, Kitty is forced to face some demons she had long ago buried.

The subject of this book isn't an easy one for some to read -  a soldier dying, leaving behind a wife and child, and them having to live with an uncertain future without him. It was very emotional in parts, I certainly cried quite a few times reading this, but for me it was very much worth the read. Yes, it is emotional and hard-hitting but ultimately uplifting and beautifully written. The story sees the return of Kitty's husband dog, who served alongside him in the war. She struggles to deal with his reappearance, this link to her husband who is also traumatised by what he has seen. The struggle that follows is heart-wrenching but also wonderful, as Kitty tries her hardest to help Monty intergrate into her family again.

Mack, one of Kitty's old friends and colleague to her husband, also shows up in her life again, and it just seems a lot for Kitty to deal with all at once. I felt the emotion of this rage all the way through, and loved how powerfully Alex Brown has written this particular storyline. As well as this story, there is also another resident who runs an animal shelter, and is on hand to help an unsure Kitty out with her new pet. As well as this, however, Amber is determined to find a bigger, better facility for all the animals she has adopted, and is determined to raise funds herself for the project.

It was great to see flashes of familiar characters we have met in the previous books, to see what they are up to now, and that Tindledale is as close knit a community as it ever was! I love how the village pulls together in a time of need or celebration, I wish I lived somewhere like it! While this was a short story, I didn't find it lacking in any way, and certainly did not want it to end. It was very emotional, it made me cry and tugged at my heartstrings but had enough festivities within to keep me smiling and wanting to reach the end for a (hopefully) happy ending. It's an emotional plot. but one that is delicately tackled by the author, and her vivid descriptions of Tindledale and its residents are simply wonderful. I hope to revisit the village again soon, and this is definitely a must-read on your Christmas list!

Book Review: Mistletoe on 34th Street by Lisa Dickenson

"Olivia has never experienced a snow-covered, 'traditional' Christmas before. Having grown up in a family that chose winter sun over decking the halls, she's not sure what all the fuss is about. So when she and her co-workers are stranded in New York after a work trip, Olivia is perfectly happy spending the holiday season in The Big Apple.

John, Olivia's friend, on the other hand is so upset and is desperate to get home in time for his big family get-together. Nevertheless, determined to make the best out of the situation he sets out to show Olivia how enchanting Christmas in New York can be. And when she adds handsome New Yorker Elijah into the mix, could the magic of the season finally be working its charm on Olivia? As December 25th draws closer, Olivia suddenly finds herself with a decision to make: who does she really want to kiss under the mistletoe this Christmas?"

Rating: 5/5

You can buy the book now!

This is the second festive read I have read by Lisa Dickenson so far, and my goodness was this a brilliant book! Having been lucky enough to spend Christmas in New York in 2005 (well, the middle of December for a week, so close enough!), so I absolutely love reading books set there at this time of year, they always bring back such amazing memories and I love being able to picture the things mentioned in my mind! Lisa Dickenson's books always manage to make me laugh, and that was no exception with this book too!

Olivia finally is given some responsibility at work, leading her team on a special work trip to New York City to try and help her boss' business grow while she is holed up at home with a broken leg. Olivia is sure she can make a success of it, and is thrilled that her long time friend John has made it over to NYC too. But when the group find themselves stranded thanks to a freak snowstorm in England which has grounded all flights, Olivia decides to make the most of it and explore the magical city at Christmastime.

I loved everything about this book. I loved the characters, the setting, the friendships, the sights - everything was brilliantly written and it was truly a joy to read from start to finish. I loved seeing Olivia step up to the plate and manage what was a mammoth mission all by herself, coercing her team into working their hardest for her, and then managing everything once their plans to get home before Christmas went out of the window too. She seemed a bit like superwoman to me, juggling everything and pretty much making everything work one way or another! I loved her, and would love to see Olivia in another story!

John, Olivia's friend was another great character, and I loved the genuine friendship that the pair had. He seemed so keen to show his friend around the city, and then to get home to his family for their traditional Christmas, but made the best of it when it appeared that wasn't possible. In fact, I loved the ensemble cast of Olivia's colleagues, who we get to see more of as they are all stranded in New York together. There was a character there for everyone; an office romance, a young girl keen to get home to spend Christmas with her boyfriend, and the typical colleague who didn't really want to associate with anyone! It made for fun reading, and I loved finding out how they all dealt with the issues.

The setting of New York was of course perfect, and I loved reading about it from Olivia's point of view, excitedly visiting the sights, feeling the thrill of seeing everything for the first time all dressed for Christmas, from Rockefeller to the Empire State Building. Even if you haven't been, everyone has seen these things on TV or online so we can all imagine how amazing it is. Although there was a bit of unhappiness along the way, and Olivia needing to open her eyes and see people's true colours (I wish she had been a bit more with it and realised what was really going on!), it was a brilliant read and I loved it from beginning to end. I laughed a LOT reading this book, Dickenson's writing flows so well and is genuinely funny, and she brings the whole things to life with ease. A truly brilliant, magical festive read, I can't recommend it enough!

Book Review: A Winter Affair by Minna Howard

"With a recent divorce and empty nest Eloise Brandon is facing Christmas alone until a harried phone call from her godfather changes everything. 

Accepting his challenge, Eloise finds herself en-route to Verbier and to her godfathers chalet in the beautiful Swiss Alps to help cater for some seriously rich, high rolling guests. 

What ensues makes it a Christmas to remember. A heady alpine mixture of old friends, ex-husbands, mega-rich, super demanding guests, a dishevelled proprietor and Bert the dog."

Rating: 4/5

You can buy the book now.

I stumbled across this eBook whilst browsing Netgalley one day, and thought it looked like a great Christmas type read, full of snow, romance and a lovely setting to boot. I hadn't read anything by Minna Howard before, so went into this without any preconceptions. I did enjoy the story, there was lots going on, and although I found it lacked pace in parts, I found the story charming, and will definitely be looking out for more from Minna Howard.

Eloise isn't exactly thrilled at spending the festive season on her own, now her marriage has ended and her teenage twins are off exploring the world together, keen to get their own experiences. So, when she is offered the opportunity to work as a chef to help out an old family friend for the Christmas period, in Verbier no less, she jumps at the chance. She isn't sure that her old friend realises she isn't exactly a qualified chef, but sets her mind to making the best food that she can for her discerning customers. With the glorious Swiss Alps, skiing, old friends and cooking up a storm, what could possibly go wrong for Eloise?

Although I haven't been lucky enough to visit Verbier, or anywhere in the Alps to be honest, I feel like I know a little bit about it as I have read quite a few books set there in my time. It sounds glorious, and I could see why Eloise would be pleased to go back there, even if there are some memories there that might evoke a few emotions within her. Howard writes Verbier beautifully - it sounds idyllic, with its snow covered cabins, pistes, shops and people everywhere, looking forward to embracing everything that the resort has to offer. I enjoyed being there whilst I was reading, and felt Howard did an excellent job of bringing the place to life.

Eloise was a great leading lady, I felt quite a few people reading this might be able to relate to her and her situation - suddenly on her own at a time in her life she thought things would probably slow down and she could enjoy her marriage once more. I did feel sorry for her, contemplating spending Christmas alone, with her children, but was pleased she was offered a better opportunity. The other characters in the book were great too, I especially liked the owner of the chalet Jacaranda, called Lawrence - he seemed quite uptight and a bit abrupt but I hoped that Eloise would be able to calm him down and coax a friendship of sorts out of him. Lawrence's son was also a great addition to the book, and I enjoyed the relationship he had with Eloise.

My only niggle about this book was that I felt it dragged in parts for me. It became a little too bogged down in description, and I wanted the action to move on a bit, to find something to get my interest going again as I felt parts of it lingered too long where not enough was going on. There was a bit of a drama involving some of the guests, but I couldn't bring myself to care that much about them - they seemed quite rich, snobby and frankly, quite rude to Eloise so I couldn't muster up much sympathy. All of a sudden though, things picked up and hurtled towards a finish - I'd have preferred it to be a little quicker throughout the book and perhaps slow down a little more towards the end!

Overall, though, this was a very enjoyable festive read, and it's great if you want to read something that'll help you escape, even if just for a short while. Sit back, relax and transport yourself away to the snowy slopes of Verbier, and read about Eloise working her socks off this Christmas! Enjoyable, and recommended.

Book Review: Christmas Under a Cranberry Sky by Holly Martin

"This year spend a wonderful Christmas on Juniper Island, where love can melt even the iciest of hearts… 

Piper Chesterfield lives a glamorous life travelling the world and reviewing the finest hotels. She calls nowhere home, she works alone and that’s how she likes it. For long ago Piper decided that to protect her heart she should lock it away. 

So when Piper’s next assignment brings her to the newly opened Stardust Lake Hotel for the festive season, the last person she expects to face is Gabe Whitaker, the man who broke her heart so completely she could never love again. 

But Piper isn’t the only one who has been frozen in time by heartbreak. Gabe hasn’t forgotten the golden-eyed girl who disappeared from his world without a trace. 

Now fate has reunited them on Juniper island, can the magic of Christmas heal old wounds? And can this enchanting town be the one place Piper can finally call home? "

Rating: 5/5

Another exciting book I have been lucky enough to review this year is the start of Holly Martin's new mini festive series, and this, Christmas Under a Cranberry Sky is the first such book. Firstly, I have to compliment the book cover designers, because this a truly beautiful cover and really made me want to read the book straight away! Holly's writing is always very enjoyable, and this book was no different, I loved everything about it and am eagerly looking forward to reading the second book!

Piper is a hotel reviewer, and when she is assigned to review a new hotel in Scotland over Christmas she jumps at the chance. The Stardust Lake Hotel seems completely magical, with its gorgeous log cabins, festive setting and abundance of snow and joy. But what Piper doesn't count on is that fact that the boss of this new hotel is her first love, Gabe, who broke her heart many years ago, and Piper has never been able to get past that. With the pair of Juniper Island together for the festive season, will they be able to put the past behind them or is Piper about to start her own Christmas miracle?

The one thing that angers me is when publishers advertise a book with a Christmassy cover and the contents don't deliver - luckily it wasn't the case at all for this book - this was by far the most Christmassy book I think I have ever had the pleasure of reading! Everything, from the setting to the characters and the descriptions within were perfect, and I thoroughly enjoyed every part of this story. The book dives straight in introducing us to Piper and her job, but takes a little while to reveal the secret of what happened in the past to Gabe and Piper to have her heart broken.

As the story progresses and the pair try to put things behind them, I was really hoping that they would have their happy ever after because they seemed like such a perfect couple. Gabe was a true gentleman, I could see why Piper fell for him all those years ago, and he seemed like the perfect boss to boot - what more could you want?! A young character called Wren was another highlight for me - she reminded me a lot of the children I work with, especially with that Christmas excitement that all young children inherently have - I adored the scenes with her in, and Holly Martin has written her brilliantly.

The Christmas feeling is truly here throughout this book, and I wish Juniper Island was a real place that I could go and visit for Christmas - it sounds just perfect. I loved everything, from the gorgeous cabins, to the reindeers they have on site, to the shops that are within the locals' homes. It was idyllic and Holly's descriptions brought them so much to life, I actually felt like I was there when I was reading, and just didn't want to stop. This book was utterly brilliant and I didn't want it to end, even though I knew there was a second installment coming, which follows Gabe's sister who we originally meet in this book, but I'm curious to read more of her story! A wonderful read for Christmas that I can't recommend highly enough!

Book Review: A Christmas Day at the Office by Matt Dunn

"One office, five lives, on the most romantic day of the year.

One Christmas party. Two merging companies. Free-flowing champagne. What could possibly go wrong?

With her new billionaire boss in town, Sophie’s determined to swap the No-Jobs she meets on Tinder for her very own Steve Jobs. But will looking like a million dollars be enough to kick-start a Fifty Shades adventure?

A ring in his pocket and dressed to kill, Calum’s planning to get down on one knee. Though if Mia doesn’t say ‘yes’, he’s not sure he’ll ever get back up.

Julie’s got a surprise for Mark—though it’s something she’s not even sure she wants. Meanwhile, Mark’s got another choice to make: the love of his life, or the opportunity of a lifetime?

With his job on the line, and the ex who broke his heart back on the scene, Nathan’s day is becoming a nightmare. But he’s about to meet the woman of his dreams.

This year’s office Christmas party should be a night to remember—but for five of Seek Software’s employees, it might be one they’d sooner forget."

Rating: 4/5

You can buy the book now.

I am a huge Matt Dunn fan, so when I found out he had a new festive book coming, and one that was a sequel to a book I had hugely enjoyed ( A Day at the Office), I couldn't wait to review it! Luckily, it was the time of year where I felt I could enjoy a Christmassy read, and so dove in, ready for a brilliant read. I have to confess that I hadn't hugely remembered much from the previous book as it had been a while, but I soon found my involved in the story, reading on and finding out what was going to happen at the Christmas party!

 There's a merger going on between two companies, and it's making everyone feel a little unsettled, especially at Christmas. Calum is planning on proposing to his girlfriend Mia at the party, but desperately wants her to not reject him. Will he go through with his bold plans? Julie and Mark, colleagues who have been dating on the sly, are about to get a Christmas present they never expected - are they both ready for the next step? Nathan is single, and isn't sure how to feel when his ex reappears in his life - can he keep away from his past? And finally there's Sophie, who is determined to live it up and enjoy every second of the party, perhaps bagging herself a millionaire in the process!

This book was brilliant from start to finish, and I thoroughly enjoyed reading it. I loved that it took place in such a short space of time, it didn't feel at all slow or dragged out as I read it, instead it felt like I was with these people, going through the work day before the dreaded Christmas party. I loved having so many characters to follow as well, all with their own stories, wondering what their own Christmas was going to be like this year, and whether or not they would be happy with the changes at work after the takeover goes through.

My favourite characters were Julie and Mark, both in higher up positions at their company, and both are wanting to keep their relationship a bit quiet from the other staff to remain professional. But I loved the twists in their story, how they misinterpreted each others wishes despite us knowing both secretly want the same thing, they're just a bit scared to admit it! I love the funny relief of Sophie's story as well, sure that turning up pimped and preened in a tight dress will bag her a billionaire and a ready-made happy ever after! There was certainly a character or a story here to hook everyone in, and I enjoyed following them all.

The party itself takes place near the end of the book, and was a fun read too, with lots of different things happening and keeping you on your toes as a reader, never quite knowing what was going to happen next. Sophie's story gave me lots of laughs in this part, I was hoping Nathan would find happiness here and the book chugs along to a nice conclusion, leaving me feeling festive and with a big smile on my face. Matt Dunn balances the more serious stories easily with the funnier, more light-hearted ones, and cleverly links these characters and their tales together through the common link of their jobs. I sat and read this pretty much in one sitting, it was a great read, and I can't wait to read more from Matt Dunn, definitely one to recommend over the festive season!

Kindle Festive Bargains!

Kindle festive bargains! I'm putting my Christmas tree up today, and what's better than sitting down on a chilly winter evening with the tree lights, and a festive read?! To help a little bit, this post will share the Christmas reads at amazing prices, so get in quick! Amanda Prowse- Christmas for One - 99p http://amzn.to/2gJlJNs Alexandra Brown- Christmas at Carrington's - 99p http://amzn.to/2gJtlQb Caroline Roberts- The Cosy Christmas Tea Shop - 99p http://amzn.to/2g2ytha Sue Moorcroft- The Christmas Promise - 99p http://amzn.to/2gJsPlf Jane Linfoot - Christmas at the Little Wedding Shop - 99p http://amzn.to/2gJvifd Emma Hannigan - Driving Home for Christmas - 99p http://amzn.to/2gJnbQ7 Debbie Johnson - Christmas at the Comfort Food Cafe - 99p http://amzn.to/2g2IwTk Minna Howard - A Winter Affair - 99p http://amzn.to/2gJtZwV Karen Swan - Christmas in the Snow - £1.19 http://amzn.to/2g2CZMH Matt Dunn - A Christmas Day at the Office - 99p http://amzn.to/2g2GNxo Darcie Boleyn - A Very Merry Manhattan Christmas - 98p http://amzn.to/2gJuqH

Blog Tour Giveaway! Win a Yankee Candle with Alex Brown's 'Not Just For Christmas'!

Today I have a fabulous competition for you - to win a Yankee 'All is Bright' Candle just in time for Christmas to celebrate the release of Alex Brown's new eBook Not Just for Christmas thanks to her publishers Harper Collins. All you have to do to win is to fill in the form below. UK residents only, it closes on December 1st at midnight. I will email you once the competition has closed to get your postal details, and the publishers will fulfill the delivery of your prize. Good luck, and Merry Christmas!

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Blog Tour: Book Review: The Christmas Guest by Daisy Bell

"When Teddy runs away from home a week before Christmas, he's far too excited to worry about what lies ahead. But all too soon Teddy realises just how cold and scary the world really is, and what was supposed to be the perfect adventure now seems like a terrible mistake. 

Then Teddy is discovered on a snowy doorstep by the Woods family. With their kind hearts and cosy cottage, Claire, Ben and their daughter Emily are the family Teddy is desperate to have. But Emily is ill, her parents are stressed and, with Christmas around the corner, raising and training a well-meaning but unruly puppy is hardly a priority.

Teddy knows he and little Emily have a once-in-a-lifetime bond, and that he can be the best friend she needs in this dark time. If only he can prove to Ben and Claire how much happier he could make them all, Teddy might just find the family of his dreams this Christmas."

Rating: 5/5

You can buy the book now!

I was thrilled to be sent a review copy of Daisy Bell's Christmas book called The Christmas Guest. I didn't really know anything about this book but began eagerly, sure I would love the story inside. What I didn't expect, however, was for the story to be narrated by a young puppy called Teddy in the run up to Christmas! Nevertheless, I plodded on and I am so pleased that I did because this was an utterly charming story and I loved every single page!

Although Teddy initially has a home with two people, Veronica and Richard, he accidentally runs away from home and finds himself in the middle of the countryside, with no idea how to get back home. When he smells a delicious scent, he decides he has to follow his nose, and it leads him to the home of Emily, Claire and Ben, the Woods family. They are going through their own troubles but find that the puppy is certainly helping Emily, and in a roundabout way, all of them. Teddy is hoping that maybe he has finally found his forever home... as long as his old owners don't manage to find him...

As I said, although I knew this was based around a dog at Christmastime, I genuinely had no idea that it was narrated in the first person from Teddy's perspective. I will confess that I found this a little odd at first but was surprised by how quickly I got into it. I loved the innocence of how he spoke about everything, from Christmas, the snow and even fairy lights. I also loved how he picked up on human emotions so well, much like many dogs do, seemingly knowing when we are happy or sad and need a pick-me-up, you can see why Emily and her parents were so taken with Teddy!

Although this was narrated by a puppy, it still managed to cram in a good storyline by way of Emily and her illness. She's really been through a tough time, and through conversations that her parents Claire and Ben have, and the way Emily speaks to Teddy as if he's human (come on, we've all done it with our pets!), we soon build up a picture of a close family who have been dealt a bad hand lately. I was really hopeful that the Woods family would choose to keep Teddy and he would make them all happy, which is what they deserved!

The festive feeling was certainly here throughout this book, and I found Bell's writing was so easy to read, I found myself ploughing through the book rather speedily. I loved everything about the Christmas celebrated in this book, from their tree and decorations, to the gingerbread we see Emily and Claire make, to the unwrapping of Christmas presents early on Christmas morning. It's exactly what I expect from a festive book, and I truly loved it! This might not be your usual read but I promise you, if you take a chance on this sweet, festive and heart-warming story you really will not be disappointed! I loved it, and hope you will too!