Publication Day Review: The Place We Met by Isabelle Broom

The Place We Met

Isabella Broom

Rating: 4 stars

Amazon UK (K £4.99 / P £7.49)

Synopsis:

Taggie is only a few months into her job as a tour guide in Lake Como. She's rushed off her feet, but distraction is what she needs to forget why she left England.

Lucy arrives at Lake Como with her perfect new boyfriend, Pete. Falling fast in love, she's sure that life is about to start for her, it feels so right with him.

But as New Year's Eve approaches and the women meet by chance, it becomes clear this isn't the perfect place of new beginnings. While Lucy is willing to do anything to keep hold of Pete, the past Taggie so desperately wanted to escape is catching up with her. . .

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What a delightful and romantic story set in Italy by Isabelle Broom. This particular novel surrounds two main characters - Taggie and Lucy. Taggie is over in Italy working for a hotel and Lucy is on holiday with her new boyfriend, Pete.

When I read the synopsis of this book, I so wanted to read it! It sounded so intriguing and even from the synopsis I thought it would be a difficult one to put down - and I wasn't wrong. The location of Lake Como is important for both ladies, it's somewhere that means a lot to them, so of course when they're thinking of somewhere to escape to, they both think of Lake Como - where it holds happy memories for them both.

Taggie is a tour guide for a hotel in Lake Como, but is hoping for a promotion. She has just come out of a relationship, but we don't know who it was with until nearer the end of the book. Marco takes a shine to Taggie and at first she dislikes his attention, however he does start to grow on her... Lucy works at a busy A&E in London and decides that a break to Lake Como with new boyfriend Pete will be for the best. They are both so excited to be going on holiday together and Lucy thinks that he is The One.

However, things don't go to plan, and as the two women meet, they soon realise why things didn't work out. Pete acts rather wildly to seeing Taggie and Lucy is determined to find out why. Such an interesting read that I really couldn't put down - I was so determined to get to the bottom of Pete's strange ways! The descriptions of Lake Como sound absolutely beautiful and I found myself eager to take a trip to Lake Como myself!

I would highly recommend you give this book a read, you'll regret it otherwise! Thank you Netgalley and to the publisher for a chance to read this novel, which I have reviewed honestly.

The Pets at Primrose Cottage: A Place to Hide by Sheila Norton

The Pets at Primrose Cottage: A Place to Hide

Sheila Norton

Rating: 5 stars

Amazon UK £0.99

Synopsis:

PART ONE of a serialised novel - a charming and romantic story about living the simple life and the joy of animals.

Emma Nightingale needs a place to hide away. Pursued by the demons left by her ex-boyfriend, she takes refuge in quiet Crickleford, a sleepy town in Dartmoor, where she can lay low.

Life in Crickleford is quiet and peaceful, but it won't be for long if people discover the truth about Emma's past. Not wanting to make too much of a fuss, she ends up lying about why she's there - she's looking after some cats, she says - then suddenly the town's new 'pet-sitter' is in high demand!

While looking after an Alsatian, Emma finds all attention is on her, and the handsome young reporter from the local paper takes an interest in her story...

Note: this is part one of a four-part serialised novel. The full length paperback will be available in April 2018

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I've been so excited to read this part 1 of Sheila Norton's new novel as her books always look so inviting and pretty. I already have The Vets at Hope Green on my TBR pile and I can't wait to dive in once I've finished reading this. First of all, the covers are so beautiful and cosy-looking. Like this one for example, I love the font, the colours, the snow and of course the little dog running along the bottom! The following 3 covers look as inviting as this one too.

Any books that involve romance and animals is a win win in my book! Straight away with this novel I was drawn in and couldn't put it down because from the beginning there is mystery in regards to why Emma has had to leave her family home and find somewhere to lay low for a while. I loved the character of Lauren and little Holly, they were friendly, inviting and Holly has a lot of cute sass that made me smile. I absolutely loved reading about Emma's job with the dog and cat sitting (my family also looks after dogs so I can fully relate to Emma!) and I loved reading about the animals own little personalities - it was so cute!

Straight away I loved the descriptions of Crickleford and I knew that I was going to enjoy this novel and where it was set (when the rest of the series comes out). I love Sheila's style of writing, it's descriptive, enjoyable, humorous and lighthearted - all of which makes for an easy read. At first I was a bit hesitant about Emma's past, wondering what on earth could have happened for Emma to have to go into hiding, I was so intrigued that I couldn't put it down! And as it's only under 100 pages long, it didn't take long to finish it but that just left me so looking forward for the next one being released!

As I've mentioned before I'm not a huge fan of books that are split into parts, I get aggravated with the waiting and I get impatient! However, having said that, I did really enjoy this novella, and I am actually more excited than annoyed about having to wait. There's a bit of twist near the end of this novella, which to say I was shocked about would be an understatement! As always, it's left on a cliffhanger, meaning I can't wait to read the next one to see what happens!

Overall, a really quick paced and easy read with lots happening - I couldn't put it down! Thank you to Netgalley and to the publisher for a chance to read this novel, which I have reviewed honestly.

Cover Reveal: The Little Wedding Island by Jaimie Admans

The Little Wedding Island

Jaimie Admans

Publication Date: 2nd March 2018

Synopsis:

Bonnie Haskett loves love. She's a hopeless romantic who's always daydreaming of the day she'll finally get married and live happily ever after. She hasn't found Mr Right yet, but she's sure he's out there somewhere... For now, she consoles herself by writing about beautiful weddings for a bridal magazine, watching brides and grooms so hopelessly in love that it's enough to melt even the harshest cynic's heart.

Rohan Carter is love's harshest cynic and nothing about a wedding will melt his heart, thank you very much. He writes a monthly column for a men's magazine in which he advises men never to get married and gives advice on how to protect themselves from love.

These two rival journalists find themselves stuck together on Edelweiss Island, an island off the south coast of Britain that has become known as 'The Little Wedding Island'. There's a rumour that no marriage performed in the church there has ever ended in divorce, and Bonnie and Rohan are both sent to investigate it.

However, they quickly find the locals are unwelcoming and untalkative, and no one is going to tell them anything about this 'church of no divorces' if they aren't there to get married in it. There's only one thing for it - team up and pretend to get engaged to each other to gain access to the church and find out what's really going on there. They might not be friends, but their only chance to get the inside scoop on the mysterious island that everyone's talking about is each other. It would be a win for the both of them and it would take is one little white lie. Just one...

A gorgeously romantic comedy!

*Please note that this is an unofficial blurb*

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About the Author:

Jaimie is a 32 year old English-sounding Welsh girl with an awkward-to-spell name, She lives in South Wales and enjoys writing, gardening, watching horror movies, and drinking tea, although she's seriously considering marrying her coffee machine. She loves autumn and winter, and singing songs from musicals despite the fact she's got the voice of a dying hyena. She hates spiders, hot weather and cheese and onion crisps. She spends far too much time on Twitter and owns too many pairs of boots. She will never have time to read all the books she wants to read.

She is the author of chick-lit romantic comedies The Chateau of Happily Ever Afters (you can read my review here) and Kismetology, and she has also written young-adult romantic comedies Afterlife Academy, Not Pretty Enough and North Pole Reform School.

Twitter / Website

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Now for the gorgeous cover!!

I mean, if you haven't already fallen in love with the book because of the blurb then you will now you've seen this!!

I think it's absolutely stunning. I love the bright colours, the font used for the title, all the gorgeous flowers and the pink sky. The church and the lake look so beautiful I wish I were there.

You can pre-order the books from:

Kobo / Amazon

And it's only £2.99 at the moment to pre-order!! - what are you waiting for?!

Christmas at the Little Clock House on the Green by Eve Devon

Christmas at the Little Clock House on the Green

Eve Devon

Rating: 4 stars

Amazon UK (K £2.99 / P £7.52)

Synopsis:

Welcome back to the village of Whispers Wood, where Christmas magic is in the air...

After giving his heart last year only to have it given away the very next day, Jake Knightley is opting out of Christmas - permanently! But then a beautiful new village arrival sets mayhem in motion, upsetting all his carefully laid plans.

Emma Danes has said goodbye to Hollywood and will do anything to help make the clock house a success, even working closely with tempting Mr Knightley.

Now, as snow starts to fall and romance starts to bloom, Emma and Jake may just find themselves repeating Whispers Wood history beneath the mistletoe...

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I was a bit worried when I first starting reading this novel, I hadn't read the first one and was worried that I would get totally confused and not enjoy it. I will admit that the first few chapters I was a bit confused, the characters were all new but there were quite a few introduced at one time (serves me right for not reading the first one beforehand!) but when it started getting into it, I started loving it. Even though it's nearly 300 pages, it doesn't feel like a long book. Where it's so easy to read, I found myself flying through the pages.

The story overall, was very enjoyable and I love the humour Eve Devon has included. It makes it feel so lighthearted and it's so easy to read. The story follows Jake as he plans to completely ignore Christmas this year as last year he had his heart broken (cue Wham's Last Christmas) and Emma who has come to Whispers Wood to start afresh. You can tell there are romantic sparks flying between the two, even though they tend to have quite a few tiff's!

Although I wish I did read the first one beforehand, we get to know a bit more about the characters from the first book in this one. So as well as the new characters, there are some follow on stories of the old characters (sounds confusing but you get the gist!) that I found really interesting to read about. I found that Jake was quite closed in at first, but as the story continued, we got to know a bit more about him and could see him starting to get more confident in himself. I loved Emma's character. She was so bubbly and kind so I found myself liking her straight away.

Now to go back and read number 1! I hear that there's going to be a third one in this series, so hopefully I can squeeze in the first one before then! Overall, a nice Christmas story that was easy to read and lighthearted. Thank you to Netgalley and to the publisher for a chance to read this novel, which I have reviewed honestly. 

Winter at The Cosy Cottage Cafe by Rachel Griffiths

Winter at The Cosy Cottage Cafe

Rachel Griffiths

Rating:

Amazon UK £0.99

Synopsis:

Camilla Dix is fiercely independent. Growing up, she had to be strong for her mother and younger sister after her father left them for a new life in Benidorm. Camilla has kept her heart firmly closed to love, and never allows her relationships with men to develop into anything serious.

Tom Stone moved to Heatherlea for a fresh start. He's been hurt in the past and has no intention of making himself vulnerable again. The only company he wants at night is that of his rescue British Bulldog Hairy Pawter.

However, when Camilla and Tom meet, they can't deny their mutual attraction, and something deeper soon develops between them.

As snow falls over Heatherlea, mulled wine flows and festive carols fill the air, but can Camilla and Tom put their fears aside and trust each other enough to let love in?

This is the third of four short stories in The Cosy Cottage Cafe series.

Now available:

Summer at The Cosy Cottage Cafe

Autumn at The Cosy Cottage Cafe

Winter at The Cosy Cottage Cafe

Coming soon:

Spring at The Cosy Cottage Cafe

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I've loved the first two parts of The Cosy Cottage Cafe so to be honest I just knew that I was going to enjoy this one. Rachel Griffiths writes beautifully and you're instantly immersed in the story from the first page. I absolutely adore the cover as well, the use of the snow, the Christmas lights and the holly come together to make one beautifully festive cover.

I've been waiting to hear more about Camilla, so I was so pleased when I found out that this story was going to be based around her. The story starts with Camilla doing a bit of Christmas shopping and then bumping into her close friend Allie - the two women go and get some champagne and take a look around at all the festive presents. Straight away I start feeling festive and excited for the upcoming holidays. There's a lot of description about lights, presents, decorations and it just makes you feel so warm and cosy inside.

As well as the Christmas side, there's quite a bit of drama. Camilla soon has quite a shock to the system when an unexpected guest shows up for Sunday lunch at her mums house! And poor pregnant sister Dawn starts crying due to the surprise. Luckily, Camilla has a friend in new vet Tom (whom she  desperately fancies) and feels better after talking to him about her situation. There's quite a bit of flirting coming from the two and I could sense the chemistry between them, Tom seemed like such a lovely guy so I was hoping they would get together.

The thing I love most about Rachel's style of writing, is that it's just such an easy read and her novels always leave you feeling happy and in a better mood. It's an easy escape into a different world and I love it. I really enjoy all of Rachel's novels and I'm sure you will too. Each story has so much to give and as they're only short novella's, you find you finish them so quickly.

Overall, another really lovely read by Rachel Griffiths. I can't wait to read the next one in the series! Thank you to Rachel Griffiths for supplying a copy of this novel, which I have reviewed honestly.

The Bookshop Detective by Jan Ellis

The Bookshop Detective

Jan Ellis

Rating: 4 stars

Amazon UK (K £4.07 / P £7.99)

Synopsis:

When a ghost ship is spotted on the horizon one spring evening, bookseller Eleanor Mace decides to investigate the myths and legends of Combemouth, the Decon seaside town where she runs The Reading Room.

As Eleanor digs deeper into the towns history, she becomes intruiged by a Victorian crime report that seems to have unexpected links to the present day. A celebrity book launch, an exploding dress and some salsa-dancing pensioners make this a mystery with a difference.

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As you know (whoever does read my blog), I'm not a huge mystery fan. However, having said that, since having this blog, I've had a few mystery books to read and I have found myself enjoying them. This book is no different. 

The book follows main character Eleanor, after she spots a very mysterious ghost ship upon the horizon one spring evening. Eleanor is someone who I found easily relatable and I enjoyed reading about her and what she got up to. As well as this, the story was so endearing, that I found myself struggling to put the book down! As Eleanor is looking up the towns history, she becomes increasingly interested in a Victorian court case, and she is suddenly desperate to find out what happened to the boy who the court case revolved around.

I really found the story so interesting (there aren't many books that centre a ghost ship!) and I was instantly hooked to the mystery. I found Eleanor's story a bit more interesting than the ghost ship itself but really enjoyed it all overall. Eleanor's character is bubbly, easily relatable and I found that I could really connect with her.

As the story continues and the mystery unravels, you really start to realise just how clever it is and how well written. I love the relationships between the characters, the descriptions used around the town, and as I said before I'm not a huge fan of mysteries but I found myself really enjoying this one. As well as this, it was actually quite light-hearted for a mystery novel, it wasn't quite as dark and moody as I pictured a typical mystery book!

Overall, an enjoyable and easy read with lots of tension and surprises. A gripping novel that I couldn't put down. Even though it is in a series, I think it could be read as a stand alone. Thank you to Jan Ellis for a chance to read this novel, which I have reviewed honestly.

A Wedding in Cornwall: Books 1 to 6 by Laura Briggs

A Wedding in Cornwall: Books 1 to 6

Laura Briggs

Rating:

Amazon UK (K £4.99 / P £13.77)

Synopsis:

The first six novellas in the UK bestselling series 'A Wedding in Cornwall' are now available in one collection! Follow the adventures of American event planner Julianne Morgen, who finds herself swept away by a sudden career opportunity at a beautiful Cornish estate. Planning everything from celebrity weddings to baking contests, and entangled romantically with the handsome Poldark-esque gardener Matthew Rose, Julianne's life is filled with friends, fun and romance as she discovers her place in a quiet Cornish village.

This collection contains, A Wedding in Cornwall, A Christmas in Cornwall, A Cottage in Cornwall, A Manor in Cornwall, A Bake Off in Cornwall, and A Castle in Cornwall. Exclusive bonus materials from Book 1 are also included, as well as special excerpts from upcoming books in the series.

Books 7 to 9 are available to purchase on Amazon.

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After I'd read the first novella in this series, I'd enjoyed it so much - I couldn't wait to read the rest (if you want to read my review for the first in the series, you can read that here). So when Laura Briggs asked me if I wanted to read 2-6, I jumped at the chance.

There are 9 books in the series, but this one covers books 1 to 6. They all follow main character Julianne, who moves over from America to work as an events manager at a beautiful estate in Cornwall. Over the course of the books, there are all different events being held here, from baking contests to celebrity weddings and of course all the glittery Christmas balls. The job in which Julianne has truly sounds like the job of dreams. I mean, who wouldn't want to sit at work making Christmas paper chains and hanging up garlands?

Although the story is revolved around Julianne's job as events manager, we also read a lot about her budding new romance to gardener Matthew Rose (I know, cool name right?). Across the books we see their relationship blossom (no pun intended) and it really is lovely to see Matthew coming out of his shell after a bad breakup, as well as Julianne feeling more settled in Cornwall.

There are many weddings throughout the book, including Pippa, who is a longstanding character throughout the books, and also Lady Amanda's godmothers' wedding. Both of which, Julianne has to plan, and are both spectacular in their own ways. I've always loved reading about weddings in books, they make me want to plan my own one and I feel all warm and fuzzy inside when reading about them. So if you're a fan of weddings - then this is the perfect book for you!

As each novella is roughly 100 pages each, it racks up to be quite a long book altogether (and that's without the other 3) although it doesn't feel long at all once you get into the storyline. In fact, I think I managed to read this in a total of 3/4 days (which is very good for me considering I'm a slow reader!!). It doesn't get boring, there's humour and drama throughout - making it an exciting but easy read. I loved every minute. Thank you to Laura Briggs for providing a copy of this novel, which I have reviewed honestly.

Blog Tour: The Mercury Travel Club by Helen Bridgett

The Mercury Travel Club

Helen Bridgett

Rating:

Amazon UK (K £0.99 / P £8.99)

Synopsis:

He took her to dinner: that was annoying

He slept with her: that was hurtful

He bought her new underwear to impress her: quite frankly astounding

He left me to bloody wash his FILTHY WHORING PANTS: INFURIATING!

After twenty-four years and eleven months of marriage, Angie Shepherd is divorced, dejected and facing a future of cardigans and cats. Best friend Patty is having none of it, and launches Angie into a variety of crazy schemes in search of her lost mojo.

But it's just not enough; what she really dreams of is beating her ex and becoming Entrepreneur of the Year. Channelling her inner Richard Branson, Angie invests her divorce settlement into The Mercury Travel Club, a travel agency with a twist. But as the club gets going, things don't go according to plan, and in this digital age, a little chaos brings recognition Angie's been looking for.

Witty, entertaining and laugh-out-loud funny, this feel-good novel shows that it's never too late for a second chance.

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About the Author:


Helen Bridgett was born in North-East England and now lives in Manchester having stopped off at a few places in between. Having failed miserably with every New Year's resolution that involved giving up food and drink, one year, she set herself a completely different goal - to write a novel and give it as a Christmas present. The Mercury Travel Club was born and the characters took on a life of their own. Outside of writing, Helen loves hiking and wine - not usually at the same time.

Helen is currently developing the next novels in The Mercury Travel Club series.

helenbridgett.com

Facebook

Twitter






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Review:

I must say that this has been on my TBR pile for quite some time now. The cover drew me in, and the blurb sounded to interesting that I knew I wanted to read it desperately. So when Rachel asked if I wanted to be part of the blog tour, I jumped at the chance, I immediately replied with a big fat 'YES PLEASE' and was so excited to start reading it.

When I read the blurb, I was actually smiling to myself. It was obvious that even from the blurb that the book was going to be full of humour, and (to confirm) from the start there is a lot of humour used and this gives the story an easy to read feel and you'll soon be gliding through the pages at ease, laughing at the storyline. I love reading about books that are based on travel, so I really enjoyed this novel and was flying through it (please pardon the pun).

The book follows main character Angie, after a bad split from her husband of over 24 years (he ran off with their daughters party caterer!), she moves house into what was described as a 'start up home' and basically begins her new life as a single woman. Of course we feel for Angie, she's split up from the other half of their 'A Team' (her ex-husband was called Alan) and for me I really started off the book hating Alan and feeling really sorry for what Angie had gone through, it must be awful to find out your partner is cheating on you!

The whole story is based throughout a year so it's nice to see the progression of Angie's relationship and of course to get to know her and the other characters a whole lot better in this time. I just found that it was such an easy book to read and I love Helen Bridgett's style of writing, it's unique and funny and makes the reader want to read on! I enjoyed reading about all the characters actually, but I found Pattie to be particularly funny. Her ways were hilarious and some of the things she said made me laugh out loud.

Overall, a fabulous book about new life, friendships and happiness. I really enjoyed reading this book and I think you will too. Thank you to Helen Bridgett and Rachels Random Resources for a chance to read this book, which I have reviewed honestly.

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You can view the other bloggers posts who were part of the blog tour

Christmas on Lovelace Lane by Alice Ross

Christmas on Lovelace Lane

Alice Ross

Rating: 5 stars

Amazon UK £0.99

Synopsis:

With a beautiful house on Lovelace Lane, brilliant jobs and a great marriage, Carl and Sally Turnbull have the perfect life. Or they had. Until fate threw a rather large stumbling block in their way. With their relationship tested to the limit, Sally decides they need a break - from one another - for three whole months, which includes the festive period.

But with a new man suddenly appearing in Sally's life, Carl finding himself increasingly attracted to another woman, plus all the stress of Christmas, will the break prove temporary? Or will they both be kissing someone else under the mistletoe?

This is the fourth short story in the Lovelace Lane series:

1 The Little Cottage on Lovelace Lane

2 The Big House on Lovelace Lane

3 The Wedding on Lovelace Lane

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The question I wanna ask is, why hadn't I ever read a book in this series before this one?! I can't even put into words how much I enjoyed it! Truth be told, I have had the first one in my TBR pile for quite a while but when I got sent this one to read, I was so excited to give it a try. I knew it wouldn't be hard to read or confusing even though I hadn't read the first three and I was looking forward to be reading the Christmas one in the series.

It started off with Carl returning home alone and very depressed. He keeps seeing things of Sally's around the house that makes him think about their past relationship together and he can't get her off his mind. He's upset isn't helped when he calls her to tell her he misses her and Sally then says that she's 'meeting someone tonight', throwing Carl even further into his sadness and questioning who this mystery person could be. I started feeling really sorry for Carl and was feeling a bit resentful towards Sally... I wondered how she could do this to him and wished that they could get back together again so that they're in their lovely home together for Christmas.

Although, as the story went on, I really wished for them to get back together and have a lovely Christmas together. It's clear from what the characters say in the book that they are meant to be together and I was so, so happy with the ending.

However, even though the story behind this novel is quite sad (who would ever enjoy breaking up/going on a break with their partner at Christmas?!), it's still extremely Christmassy - with the mention of Christmas tree dressing, eggnog, snowflakes falling outside the window whilst the fire is burning - it all sounds to delightful, festive and romantic (even when romance might not be on the cards).

Overall, I really, really enjoyed it. Now I need to go back and read the others! Look out for more reviews coming soon on them! Thank you to Alice Ross for providing a copy of this novel, which I have reviewed honestly.

The Vets at Hope Green by Sheila Norton

The Vets at Hope Green

Sheila Norton

Rating: 5 stars

Amazon UK (K £4.99 / P £6.99)

Synopsis:

Sam has always dreamed of working with animals...

But her receptionist job in a London vets is not hitting the spot. Unsure whether a busy city life is for her, she flees to her Nana Peggy's idyllic country village.

But despite the rolling hills and its charming feel, life in Hope Green is far from peaceful. On first meeting Joe, the abrupt and bad-tempered local vet, Sam knows she must get him on side, but that is easier said than done...

With her dream close enough to touch, will she get there, or will events conspire against her...?

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This is another book I've been wanting to read for absolutely ages. This has probably been on my TBR pile for a good few months. Waiting for the full story to be released, instead of reading the four parts separately. My mum is very kind and knew that I wanted it, so when I arrived home one day it was there waiting for me! However, my Netgalley (if you haven't already signed up to Netgalley - it's a must!) pile was so high that I couldn't get round to reading it until very recently when I very nicely had a gap in my reviews.

Straight from the start, I loved it. I loved Sam and her kind personality, the story felt fast paced and there was no waiting around, getting a bit bored with the storyline. Sam goes to visit her Nana fairly soon into the book and I was pleased. Because I've fallen in love with Hope Green! I adored the descriptions of the village throughout the seasons, with daffodils in spring, and the ducks splashing about in the pond in summer, it sounded like a complete dream. And I found myself wishing, just like Sam, that I could move to somewhere like Hope Green and have the roses around the cottage dream with children running around the meadows enjoying themselves.

I absolutely loved the character of Nana as well, she was so caring and some of her actions were so heart-warming and kind - it was clear to see where Sam had got some of her traits from! One character I was unsure of at the start was new vet Joe, I mean I knew he would probably turn out to be the nice guy anyway but I did like that he was so kind to animals, and of course I disliked Adam - how could you not?!

A book revolving around a little village and animals is my ideal Chick Lit. I just love reading about them! So I found myself really enjoying this novel, it was fast paced, easy to read and I loved the whole storyline. I enjoyed reading about Sam's journey throughout the story and loved Izzie's involvement too - she was really encouraging of Sam's situation and I really found myself warming to Izzie's character because of this. There's a brilliant vibe of girl power throughout.

Overall, a really lovely and easy read. All about families, friendships and of course love. It's a story about being able to be a strong woman independently and I loved every minute. Cannot wait for more  of Sheila Norton's books.

The Best Little Christmas Shop by Maxine Morrey

The Best Little Christmas Shop

Maxine Morrey

Rating: 4 stars

Amazon UK £2.99

Synopsis:

Home for the holidays...

Icing gingerbread men, arranging handmade toys and making up countless Christmas wreaths in her family's cosy little Christmas shop isn't usually globe-trotter Lexi's idea of fun. But it's all that's keeping her mind off romance. And, with a broken engagement under her belt, she's planning to stay well clear of that for the foreseeable future...until gorgeous single dad Cal Martin walks through the door!

Christmas takes on a whole new meaning as Lexi begins to see it through Cal's adorable five-year-old son's eyes. But, finding herself getting dangerously close to the mistletoe with Cal, Lexi knows she needs to back off. She's sworn off love, and little George needs a stability she can't provide. One day she'll decide whether to settle down again - just not yet.

But the best little Christmas shop in this sleepy, snow-covered village has another surprise in store...

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I was really looking forward to reading this novel and I can honestly say that it did not disappoint. I really enjoyed Maxine Morrey's other Christmas novel: The Christmas Holiday - so I was eager to read this one as well. First off, Maxine's covers are absolutely stunning. The bold colours really catches the eye and draws you in. The font is so pretty and swirly and Christmassy and I love the thick snow that is nestled on top of the houses. It just looks stunning.

It's packed with festive cheer - from wreath making to watching the Christmas parade and walking around the Christmas markets. This is the type of thing I just love to read about at Christmas time because I enjoy doing them things too. I loved the part about the icing of the gingerbread - so festive! The story follows Lexi who used to work for Formula One for quite some time until unfortunately she was let go ... She moves back home and starts working in her family shop to help get her back on her feet.

One day at work, after a Holly leaf pierced her skin - Lexi looks up and meets little George who is Cal's little boy. The pair hit it off after Lexi mends his teddy - earning a friend for life in George and a smirk from George's father Cal - whom Lexi is immediately attracted too. The story then progresses as we get to know each of the two characters (Cal and Lexi) and we find out more about why they act like they do. Like how Lexi is hesitant about finding love and why Cal is so protective over his son, George.

It really is a beautifully festive and romantic and very heart-warming. I'm loving all these Christmas books that make you feel so warm and fuzzy inside as you read them! This book is full of snow, festive treats, and lots of romance. Perfect for those cold, winter days! If you're a fan of Chick Lit - then you'll love this too, it's the perfect book to get you in the Christmas spirit!

Overall, such an enjoyable Christmas book. Thank you to Netgalley and to the publisher for a chance to read this novel, which I have reviewed honestly.

Christmas at Mistletoe Cottage by Lucy Daniels

Christmas at Mistletoe Cottage

Lucy Daniels

Rating: 4 stars

Amazon UK (K £0.99 / P £6.39)

Synopsis:

Christmas has arrived in the little village of Welford. The scent of hot roasted chestnuts is in the air, and a layer of frost sparkles on the ground.

This year, vet Mandy Hope is looking forward to the holidays. Her animal rescue centre, Hope Meadows, is up and running - and she's finally going on a date with Jimmy Marsh, owner of the local outward bound centre.

The advent of winter sees all sorts of animals cross Mandy's path, from goats named Rudolph to baby donkeys - and even a pair of reindeer! But when a mysterious local starts causing trouble, Mandy's plans for the centre come under threat. She must call on Jimmy and her fellow villagers to put a stop to the strangers antics and ensure that Hope Meadows' first Christmas is one to remember.

One thing's for certain: this Christmas, there'll be animal escapades, kisses under the mistletoe... and plenty of festive cheer for all.

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When you mix my favourite time of year with my dream job, you get a brilliant story - and that's just what Lucy Daniels has created. This novel is about a vet and Christmas time and for me it couldn't get any better. I love books about animals and adore stories set at Christmas so it's a win win in my book.

As well as these two things, I found there to be such a lovely close-knit community feel within this story and it was lovely to see everyone in the village coming together when one of the villagers (Mandy) needs their help. It's such a lovely thing to do and something that I love to read about. Everyone coming together at Christmas time makes for a lovely, charming read.

I hadn't read the first one in the series before reading this one but I don't feel as though I was missing bits of information. Everything was throughly thought out so not once was I sat there confused and wondering what was going on. The characters are all unique and I found myself really connecting with main character Mandy.

If the cover wasn't beautiful enough for you to be drawn in - then the blurb will certainly make you want to read it! 'The scent of hot roasted chestnuts is in the air' - it sounds delicious that's for sure - and so tempting! Going back to the cover though, I absolutely love it. The snow on the fields and the use of the mistletoe and robin's around the edges are just so beautiful.

I actually managed to read this book fairly quickly because I was just so absorbed in the story and was desperate to know what was happening. When someone tries to sabotage Mandy's new vet, the village comes together and I just thought it was so lovely I couldn't put it down! I loved that there was a lot of cooking and baking involved in the story as well - something which I also really enjoy reading about in books!

Overall, a really enjoyable Christmas story - lighthearted and easy read. Thank you to Netgalley and to the publisher for a chance to read this novel, which I have reviewed honestly.

Publication Day Review: One Christmas Kiss in Notting Hill by Mandy Baggot

One Christmas Kiss in Notting Hill

Mandy Baggot

Rating: 5 stars

Amazon UK (K £1.99 / P £6.99

Synopsis:

Curl up by the fire with the ultimate seasonal romance.

Imagine the perfect Christmas Kiss...

His strong arms around her waist, her hands on his face, the snow slowly starts to fall...

It's enough to make Isla Winters cringe! While her sister can't get enough of this - increasingly common - sight on the streets of London, Isla's too busy trying to stop Hannah's wheelchair from slipping on the ice, and making sure she's not too late to her dream job at Breekers International.

But everything changes with the arrival of Chase Bryan, fresh from the New York office. He's eager to learn everything about Isla's beloved Notting Hill, but as the nights get colder, will cosying up to him come at a price?

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Oh how I love Mandy Baggot's books! Mandy has a unique talent of transporting the reader to where the book is based and making you feel as though you are part of the story. Whenever I read her books set in Greece, I was instantly transported there and I could almost taste the ouzo! I love the way Mandy describes things such as food and location, it really draws you in and I find that great descriptions make for a great read.

I also love every single one of Mandy's covers for her books. They're always so beautiful! Another thing which automatically draws me in is the cover. If the cover is pretty then there's a more chance I'll read it (I know that sounds bad and I know you should never judge a book by it's cover! Or so I've come to learn...) but I can never turn down a book with a pretty cover - it's just impossible! I love the colours used, the white font in front of the deep purple background just looks stunning and with the snow falling and the couple embracing in the foreground I just think it looks so Christmassy and romantic!

Now the story follows two sisters (more on Isla but Hannah plays a big part), Isla who is a workaholic and enjoys her job and hates all things romantic and Hannah who wants nothing but romance in her life! The tale couldn't be about more two different types of people but there are also some parts of them that show they're sisters and you can just tell that they are really close. Throw in a good looking American and the sisters both find themselves attracted to him. However, Hannah has someone else on her mind...

I absolutely loved Hannah and Raj's friendship - they were hilarious together and I thought they made the perfect pair. The same could be said for Isla and Chase, they were so similar that they were almost the same person! One thing I loved about this novel was that it was so nice to read about a Christmas story set in London. Don't get me wrong, I love reading them where they're set in Devon or the Cotswolds of course, because they're so cosy and Christmassy. But it was so lovely reading about places that I could easily visualise. Like the i-Circle and Notting Hill. It was lovely to read about them in a festive season!

Overall, a really really enjoyable Christmassy tale with lots of festive cheer. I've loved Mandy Baggot's other books and this one is no different! Would definitely recommend giving this a read this Christmas. Thank you to Ebury Digital for a chance to read this novel, which I have reviewed honestly.

Meet Me under the Mistletoe by Carla Burgess

Meet me under the Mistletoe

Carla Burgess

Rating: 5 stars

Amazon UK £2.99

Synopsis:

A fabulously festive romantic read, perfect to curl up with by the fire this Christmas!

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas at the little flower shop...

Florist Rachel Jones might spend every day making beautiful bridal bouquets at her little flower shop, but her own love life is wilting as quickly as a bunch of dead roses.

Luckily, the arrival of handsome detective Anthony Bascombe, the new tenant upstairs is the perfect distraction! Although there's a catch, Anthony isn't looking for love - he's looking for her ex-fiance, Patrick...

But as the snow begins to fall and her little shop fills with mistletoe ready for Christmas, will Rachel manage to melt Anthony's heart?

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How gorgeous is this Christmas cover? I absolutely adore the little Christmas decorations on the little houses, the snow on the roofs, the church in the background - it all makes for the most gorgeous looking village and makes me wish that it was a real place. And of course, I love the hanging mistletoe in the centre of it all. It's absolutely stunning and this is what instantly drew me to the book. Once I saw this I was hoping and praying that it would come up on Netgalley! And I was so happy when it did! I wanted this before I had even read the blurb ...

When I read the blurb, it certainly sounded intriguing and I couldn't wait to read it. Once I got approved, I sent it straight to my Kindle and moved it up my TBR pile to be read next. From when I first started reading it I found it such an easy read. It was light-hearted, easy to follow and I loved the characters - they were all so relatable.

The story follows Rachel after her split from fiance Patrick. Patrick, we learn, was very distant, rarely coming to visit Rachel and cancelling on Rachel when they planned to attend her mothers 60th birthday party together - something which Rachel found unforgivable. When the pair split, Rachel was trying her hardest to forget Patrick - but then Anthony walks into her life, causing Rachel to bring all those forgotten memories to the surface.

Of course Rachel is attracted to him (all of the women characters in the story are!) but struggles to trust Anthony as she believed he liked her when they first went out - but it turns out Anthony was asking tons of questions about Patrick because he's wanted by the police! As the story goes on we see that Rachel starts to warm to Anthony a bit more as he attempts to make her trust him and we also see that Rachel is trying to help Anthony love Christmas again.

It's a romantic, light hearted and heart warming read about friendship, trust and of course Christmas. I really enjoyed this, it was such an easy and relaxed read that I managed to read it so quickly - and I'm a slow reader! I would highly recommend you download a copy onto your Kindle and enjoy with a steaming hot chocolate! (that's the best way to enjoy any Christmas novel just FYI)

Thank you to Netgalley and to the publisher for a chance to read this novel, which I have reviewed honestly.

The Queen of Wishful Thinking by Milly Johnson

The Queen of Wishful Thinking

Milly Johnson

Rating: 5 stars

Amazon UK (K £4.99 / P £4.00 / H £14.55)

Synopsis:

When Lewis Harley has a health scare in his early forties, he takes it as a wake-up call. So he and his wife Charlotte leave behind life in the fast lane and Lewis opens the antique shop he has dreamed of. Bonnie Brookland was brought up in the antiques trade and now works for the man who bought out her father's business, but she isn't happy there. So when she walks into Lew's shop, she knows this is the place for her.

As Bonnie and Lew start to work together, they soon realise that there is more to their relationship than either thought. But Bonnie is trapped in an unhappy marriage, and Lew and Charlotte have more problems than they care to admit. Each has secrets in their past which are about to be uncovered. Can they find the happiness they both deserve?

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I don't think words will ever confirm how much I absolutely loved this book. At first I thought I wasn't going to enjoy it as much as Milly's other novels, but boy was I wrong. I mainly thought this because it had a lot of talk about antiques, and because I didn't really understand all that talk, I thought I was going to struggle with it. However, this is for literally only a few pages at the beginning when Bonnie changes jobs to work in The Pot of Gold.

The story follows main characters Bonnie and Lew, and their lives that intertwine. Bonnie walks into Lew's new antique shop and luckily gets a job. The story goes from there and it's so interesting you'd be mad not to read it! So lets start with Bonnie, she's married to control-freak Stephen, whom she is very unhappy with and is planning to leave. However, we soon find out how much of a controlling man Stephen is when Bonnie tells him she's leaving him...

Lew is someone on the other end of the happy marriage scale - he believes that his marriage to wife Charlotte is going swimmingly and he loves her very dearly, although they lost something they both wanted, they're moving on from that and trying to get on with their lives together. Charlotte is a big demanding, but Lew still wants her to be happy and gives her what she wants, to an extent. At least that's what Lew thought, at one dinner party, he found out something that changes his relationship to wife Charlotte forever...

The story is fast paced and I loved every page. The storyline was so interesting, so gripping that I found myself never putting it down. I was finding an excuse to read it at every turn - Boyfriend watching football? Read the book! Waiting for brownies to cook? Read the book! Long car journey? Just read the book! I don't think I can put it into words how much I loved it. The story took a turn in which I totally wasn't expecting and after the twist I found it even harder to put down!!

Overall, a brilliant storyline that's not to be missed. One of my favourite Milly Johnson novels by far!! If you don't pick up this novel, you'll regret it.

Re-Reading Review: Wickham Hall by Cathy Bramley

Wickham Hall

Cathy Bramley

Rating: 5 stars

Amazon UK (K £3.99 / P £6.62)

Synopsis:

Seeking: Events Co-ordinator - highly organised, a good communicator with an ability to adapt to the unexpected ...

Holly has her life all planned out, she's pretty sure everything can be confined to a clipboard or a to-do list. A perfect candidate to plan events at Wickham Hall - the beautiful country manor that rests at the heart of the village. Holly has always felt an unusual kinship with the old house. It might just be the place where Holly can uncover the secrets of the past and find out who she truly is.

In the meantime, there's lots to plan at Wickham Hall; family weddings, summer festivals and Christmas grottos litter the calendar. But life and love can surprise you... Something Holly learns when sparks fly with her new boss Ben and it seems nothing can extinguish the flames of desire...

Life just isn't as easy to organise as an event at Wickham Hall (and even those don't always run smoothly...) Can Holly learn to let go, live in the moment and enjoy the unexpected?

After all, life is what happens when you're making plans...

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This is my favourite Cathy Bramley novel by far. I read this around this time last year and fell in love with the book completely. It was the book that made me wish I had Holly's job. A job in events. A job in Wickham Hall! I also loved reading it because it includes every season. A summer fete, firework night and of course Christmas grottos. I loved that it took you through a year at Wickham Hall and there was so much to learn in that year.

After reading The Lemon Tree Cafe (Cathy's newest novel), I desperately wanted to read another of her works (the only other one I haven't read being Conditional Love) but was drawn back to Wickham Hall to read for a second time. And I enjoyed every minute. Again. I enjoyed re-reading this novel because even though you enjoy it the first time round, you enjoy it even more the second time because you notice more. There are little details that you probably didn't notice the first time - but now you've read it for a second time, it gives you even more of an understanding of those characters and of those little bits of information.

I said it before in my first review (here), but Cathy Bramley's novels are so unique in their storylines and I really adore that. The jobs that the characters do, the relationships they have with their family etc are all so unique and I never fail to enjoy a Cathy Bramley book. Take Wickham Hall for example, before this book I hadn't related to a character as much, or even loved Chick Lit as much as I did when I finished it! Cathy has a brilliant way of engaging readers and making sure that they are constantly engaged throughout.

The story follows Holly, who has just been given her dream job at Wickham Hall as an assistant events co-ordinator, and she couldn't be happier. After losing her job a manner of weeks ago, Holly has been stuck at home whilst she desperately searches for a new one. When offered this role, Holly is ecstatic as things at home are getting a bit too much for her. The story is brilliantly written and easy to follow. Upon starting her new job, Holly is thrust into the world of daily events (whether that be a school trip or a garden tour) and she can't believe her luck. She's also happy when the Lord of the Manor's son, Ben, starts working in her office, as he gives Holly someone to talk to and it helps that he's good looking too...

The relationship between them blossoms as the year goes on and even more events take place at Wickham Hall. I think it's really lovely that this book is set over months at a time as this gives us a timeframe for what is going on between Ben and Holly and gives us time to get to know both of them very well. The story develops really well and there are parts of the story that leaves you hanging on to every word, desperate to read on and to find out the outcome. There's some twists and turns and it honestly leaves you not wanting to put the book down.

If you haven't already read this book, I throughly recommend giving it a go! You won't be disappointed.

Lucy's Book Club for the Lost and Found by Emma Davies

Lucy's Book Club for the Lost and Found

Emma Davies

Rating: 4 stars

Amazon UK £1.99

Synopsis:

Sometimes you've got to run away to find yourself...

Twenty-four-year-old Lucy needs a fresh start. Forever single, frustrated with her studies and dreaming of writing a novel she can't start, she gives up everything to run a little library in the leafy village of Tilley Moreton.

Lucy loves reading books almost as much as she loves fixing other people's problems, so starting a book club seems like the perfect opportunity to do both. As she meets her new members, it's clear she's going to have her work cut out for her. Handsome but silent Callum is the biggest puzzle of them all...

But Lucy's meddling begins to cause more problems than it solves, and she starts to think she should have kept out of everyone's business. No one is more surprised than Lucy when Callum steps in to help. Could there be more to him than people think?

Callum secretly dreams of escaping his family and starting one of his own. Is Lucy crazy enough to think she could be the one? When he goes into business with his brother, is it the sign she's been looking for? Or is he using her to get ahead?

As inspiration for her novel finally begins to flow, will Lucy follow her head, or her heart to find the happy ending she's been longing for?

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At first I wasn't sure what to think about this book, I hadn't read a book by Emma Davies before (although I have many of her books on my TBR pile!) and because I was reading so many Christmas books, I thought I might not enjoy this as much. However, I was proven wrong - so very wrong!

What made me want to read this book was the cover, the title and of course the blurb - all of them sounded and looked so good that I didn't want to turn the opportunity of reading it down! The cover is my ideal night in. A comfy sofa, a nice drink and of course books! It's so inviting - especially to those that love to read, why wouldn't you want to read a book about more books? Not only this, but I don't feel like I've ever related to a character more than I did with Lucy. Not only has she got a dream job, but she's got her own book club and a group of lovely friends who all enjoy the same things as her.

So I got stuck in pretty much as soon as it was sent to my Kindle. And I was not disappointed. At first I thought the blurb seemed a bit confusing, there was two different ones on Goodreads and Amazon, but they basically had the same kinda storyline so I just went with it. The story follows main character Lucy, who gives up everything in her life to run a little library in a really cute little village (job goals right there). She also starts running her own Book Club (how cute does that sound) and soon she finds that she's trying to sort out everyone's problems for them.

However, as you can imagine, some people don't like others meddling in their business and soon Lucy starts having more problems of her own as a result of her meddling! So enter the drama and you've got yourself a book that you can't book down! This book is so heart-warming it's beautiful. It's a feel-good chick lit novel and that's all I ever ask for in a book. It's not one that will make you feel too emotional, or sad - I want to feel happy and to have a happy ending when I read a book! And that's exactly what you get with this.

Overall, a really enjoyable book with unique characters. This is a novel that's not to be missed. Thank you to Netgalley and to the publisher for a chance to read this novel, which I have reviewed honestly.

The Cosy Christmas Chocolate Shop by Caroline Roberts

The Cosy Christmas Chocolate Shop

Caroline Roberts

Rating: 4 stars

Amazon UK (K £2.99 / P £ 5.59)

Synopsis:

The snow is falling, the hot chocolate's warming, and hearts are melting . . .

Emma is the proud owner of The Chocolate Shop by the Sea, nestled in the heart of the cosy seaside village that's become her home. With Christmas right around the corner, she and her assistant Holly are busy cooking up the locals' festive favourites.

From cinnamon hot chocolate to reindeer lollipops, Christmas wouldn't taste the same without a little cocoa magic. And for Emma it's the perfect distraction from her romantic pains of the past. So when the shop's miserly landlord threatens to hike up the rent, Emma's Christmas and New Year suddenly look a lot less cheerful.

With the whole village rallying behind her - and loyal spaniel Alfie by her side - Emma's determined to hold onto her chocolate-box dream.

The chocolate calendar countdown is on. Can Emma rescue her business and her broken heart?

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I just want to start by pointing out that this is probably the best blurb I've ever read. How tempting does that whole description sound?! From cinnamon hot chocolates to the reindeer lollipops and the cocoa magic, I want it all! I've never fell more in love with a book from just it's synopsis as much as I have with this one! I also completely fell in love with the cover, I absolutely adore the colours used - they're not your traditional Christmas colours, pink and blue - but they work so well and it does look really festive as well as really beautiful.

With that aside, it's also a really enjoyable and festive filled novel. I must say, that all the Caroline Roberts novels I've read I've really enjoyed all of them. They're all feel-good, heartwarming and romantic reads with some laugh-out-loud moments too. And this one is no different. Who could resist a book about a chocolate shop at Christmas? Not me! My mouth was watering about the descriptions of Emma creating her chocolates - they all sounded sooo tasty! I feel that Bev is very lucky to have Emma as a best friend! And Holly is also as lucky to be able to work there.

The story follows main character Emma who owns her own chocolate shop in a cute little village. Emma loves her chocolate shop (and I can understand why!) but she soon finds out that her rent is going to be put up with only one months notice! So, Emma and the whole village try to hold onto Emma's shop as it is much loved within the village community. But, can Emma afford to pay the rent for much longer?

This story is full of Christmas sparkle and will certainly leave you feeling festive - and tempted to get the Christmas chocolates out already! You'll soon be desperate to read some more of Caroline Roberts novels. I would definitely recommend giving this a read! You won't regret it.

Overall, a really enjoyable Festive read. Perfect for those cosy Sundays curled up by the fire with hot chocolate. Thank you to Netgalley and to the publisher for a chance to read this novel, which I have reviewed honestly.