Finding Love at the Christmas Market by Jo Thomas

Finding Love at the Christmas Market

Jo Thomas

Rating: 4 stars

Amazon UK

Cosy up with the new Christmas book from bestselling author Jo Thomas

Residential-home caterer Connie has had one online-dating disaster too many. Hurt in the past and with her son to consider, now she's feeling hesitant. Then one of Connie's residents sets her up on a date at a beautiful German Christmas market - with the promise she'll take a mini-bus full of pensioners with her...

Amongst the twinkling lights and smell of warm gingerbread in the old market square, Connie heads off on her date with a check-list of potential partner must-haves. Baker Henrich ticks all the boxes, but when Connie meets Henrich's rival William, she starts to wonder if ticking boxes is the answer.

Will Connie's wish for love this Christmas come true, and if so - with who?

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I was so looking forward to reading another beautiful novel by Jo Thomas. The cover to this really drew me in and I couldn't wait to get started. I love the beautiful dark sky with twinkling stars and lights strung across the top. The little chalets with more lights looping over the snowy topped roofs. It all looks so magical and inviting and so, so Christmassy!

When I first started reading this, I must admit I was a bit lost and didn't really get into it. I was close to just giving up altogether as there was just so much going on and so many characters to get to know. However, I persevered and carried on reading and by about 25/30% through the book I did start to understand the characters a bit better and the storyline.

The location of the book is absolutely stunning. I love the descriptions that Jo uses, it sounds so idyllic and has made me want to visit a Christmas market in Germany! It was also really interesting reading about the two different towns and their markets. The old pensioners that Jo has included in the story gave it a bit of humour and I also thought that they added warmth to the story as well.

Overall, a nice heartwarming read. I felt a little bit lost in places but it was an easy read in the end. Ended it how I wanted it too anyway! Thank you to the publisher for a chance to read an advance copy of this novel via Netgalley, which I have reviewed honestly.

Christmas at Carly's Cupcakes by Jessica Redland

Christmas at Carly's Cupcakes

Jessica Redland

Rating: 4 stars

Amazon UK

It's the most wonderful time of the year...

It's December on Castle Street; the fairy lights are twinkling, snow has settled and the festive season is in full swing.

For Carly, the owner of Carly's Cupcakes, it's the busiest time of year getting everyone's Christmas treats ready on time. However, with her clumsy sister, Bethany, as a co-worker, it's proving a difficult task. They say you shouldn't mix work with family. Maybe they have a point...

As Christmas approaches, Carly is also eagerly awaiting the return of her best friend to Whitborough Bay. Liam has no idea he's been the object of her affection since their schooldays. After years of pining after him, can Carly pluck up the courage to finally tell him how she really feels by 25th December?

Could a little festive magic make all of Carly's wishes come true this Christmas...?

A heartwarming, short festive story of friendship and family from bestseller Jessica Redland. You can finds out what happens to Carly next through exploring her best friend Tara's story in Starry Skies Over The Chocolate Pot Cafe.

This is a new and updated version of Christmas at Carly's Cupcakes which has been previously published.

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I've only read a few novels by this author but this is by far my favourite so far. The last one I read was about Tara and that was so emotionally draining so I was a bit hesitant to read about what will happen in this one. However, this one was a lot happier and more uplifting so I found myself enjoying this one a lot more. The cover is so beautiful, I love the thick snow, colourful lights and of course Carly holding centre stage first-footing in the snow.

In this novel we follow Carly who owns her own Cake Shop - Carly's Cupcakes. She makes cakes come to life and I really enjoyed reading about her designs. She works alongside her sister Bethany who is a really clumsy person and is always destroying Carly's bakes. I did get a bit bored reading about the whole 'failure' thing, but the more I read I kind of just blocked it out and focused on the rest of the story.

I liked the character of Carly, she seemed down to earth and really kind to everyone. Although she was a bit of a pushover when it came to her sister. I loved the cakes she made, the location of the story and all the other third-party characters (apart from Paige of course, if you've read the book, you'll get it!). With regards to Liam, you don't really hear much about him until he comes back for Christmas. I got to about half way through and then the author started mentioning him more but he come across as a really loving guy and I really liked how the author done flashbacks too so we understood the characters and their relationship that little bit more.

Overall, a really lovely novel. Not overly Chrsitmassy but enjoyed reading about the Christmas cakes. It was an easy and heartwarming read. Would definitely recommend. Thank you to the publisher for a chance to read an advance copy of this novel via Netgalley, which I have reviewed honestly.