I've Got Your Number by Sophie Kinsella

I've Got Your Number

Sophie Kinsella

Rating: 2 stars

Amazon UK

I've lost it :(

The only thing in the world I wasn't supposed to lose. My engagement ring. It's been in Magnus's family for three generations. And now, the very same day his parents are coming, I've lost it. The very same day. Do not hyperventilate, Poppy.

Stay positive!! :)

A couple of glasses of bubbly with the girls and Poppy's life has gone into meltdown. Not only has she lost her engagement ring, but in the panic that followed, she's lost her phone too. When she spots an abandoned phone in a bin it seems it was meant to be . . . Finders Keepers!

Except the phone's owner, elusive businessman Sam Roxton, doesn't agree. He wants his phone back, and doesn't appreciate Poppy reading all his messages and wading into his personal life. Can things get any more tangled?

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I normally love Sophie Kinsella novels, so was really looking forward to diving into this one. I love the new updated covers, they're sleek and stylish and I love the bold colours. I was also really intrigued by this novels description as well. I wanted to find out more - so I quickly started reading it!

However, what first struck me was how unrealistic some of what was happening was. Like how Poppy was reacting for example. The things she says. The things she does made me feel a bit like 'this would never happen' and therefore I just felt like I couldn't relate to it as much as some of Sophie's other novels. I didn't really like Poppy much to begin with and about a quarter of the way in I was going to give up. Then something really funny happened that made me remember why I love Sophie Kinsella novels so I decided to read on. I didn't like how she was replying on behalf of Sam and all these things happening as a consequence just wouldn't happen! Sorry! I mean who does that?!

Although I decided to carry on, I still just didn't really like it all too much. I didn't like most of the characters, I couldn't relate to any of them. Some parts were really funny don't get me wrong, but I just didn't enjoy it as much. Which is such a shame because I really wanted to. As well as this, I didn't like the inclusion of the footnotes, I found them really off-putting and I would pause what I was reading to read the appropriate footnote then get lost in what was going on so had to go back on myself which was quite irritating to be honest. I never normally write quite such a negative review but this book just got to me. So far I haven't had much good to say about it! Whoops!

Overall, just not my kind of book unfortunately. Too many things happening that generally just wouldn't happen and un-relatable characters. Shame.

A Year at Castle Court by Holly Hepburn

A Year at Castle Court

Holly Hepburn

Rating: 5 stars

Amazon UK

The brand new novel from bestselling author Holly Hepburn, perfect for anyone who loves Jenny Colgan, Veronica Henry and Lucy Diamond. A Year at Castle Court is Holly Hepburn's four Castle Court e-novellas collected together as a novel for the first time.

Sadie is a single mum, nursing a broken heart. Her best friend from childhood, Cat, is burned out from working long hours as a chef in Paris. In need of a change, they decide to invest in their dream - running their own handmade biscuit shop in gorgeous Castle Court, a three-storey food court tucked away behind Chester's bustling streets.

They soon discover that Castle Court has its own community - a little haven of delight against the stresses of the outside world. But not everyone welcomes the new business; the patisserie owner is less than pleased by what she sees as direct competition and Greg, who runs the fancy bistro that dominates one end of the courtyard, doesn't think Sadie and Cat have the talent or the business acumen to succeed. Luckily, there's support in the form of the delectable Jaren, who owns the Dutch waffle house opposite Smart Cookies, and Swiss chocolate-shop owner, Elin. And if all else fails, the friends can drown their sorrows in Seb's cocktail bar on the third floor!

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Oh, what a delightful novel by Holly Hepburn. I haven't read a novel by this author in such a long time, and when I got sent this book I couldn't wait to give it a read. However, fast forward to now I've finally got round to reading it and I wonder to myself why I took so long to read it in the first place! The book is pretty hefty as it's four novella's joined together but it's such a great read. The cover is what drew me in at first, I love the pastel colours, the tree, the wooden beams above the shops. It just looks so pretty and inviting.

We get to know quite a bit about Sadie and Cat pretty quickly as it's clear they've both been through quite a lot. However, we do learn that Cat has a bit of a big secret that she's been hiding away and it comes to light when Greg puts it to her in front of the busy food court. Both characters are relatable in their own way and I enjoyed reading about both of their hectic lives.

I enjoyed Sadie's character a lot, she had a young child whilst also trying her best to get her business off the ground, being the artistic side to the business, she works long hours to get everything done and as a result she finds herself being worked to the ground and her social and family life being affected as a result. Cat is in a similar boat, she also works long hours - although it seems not as long as what she was doing in Paris beforehand - and has a lot of issues when it comes to men.

The two women have obviously been through a lot before they even decided to open their business, and what makes matters worse is all the things that go wrong when they do finally open. People are against them, and even Mother Nature is! The girls can't seem to catch a break, but luckily it all comes together for them in the end and I'm happy with how it ended. It was a happy ending which is exactly the type of book I enjoy reading.

Overall, a lovely heartwarming novel. I would definitely recommend you give Holly Hepburn's novels a read this Spring. You won't regret it.

Dreaming of Verona by T.A. Williams

Dreaming of Verona

T.A. Williams

Rating: 5 stars

Amazon UK

Verona is the City of Love. But will Suzie find romance there or, like Romeo and Juliet, will it all end in tears?

When Suzie is hired to accompany spoiled, abrasive Lady Alexandra Tedburn on an all-expenses paid holiday to Italy, she fears the trip will be a disaster.

But she soon discovers there's more to Alex than shopping and tantrums, and she's determined to help her realise her potential - against Alex's authoritarian father's wishes.

As they settle in Verona, Suzie can't stop thinking about local artist Michael, who is still mourning the tragic death of his wife. With Suzie's future uncertain, and Michael's past holding him back, it seems there's no hope for romance in the city of star-crossed lovers... or is there?

A gorgeously uplifting and moving story, Dreaming of Verona is the perfect read for fans of Holly Martin, Tilly Tennant and Jenny Oliver.

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I was beginning to wonder when T.A. Williams was going to release another novel, and as soon as I saw this cover I immediately dropped what I was going to read next and decided to read this next! I adore T.A. Williams' style of writing. It's elegant, uplifting and draws you in. I love how all of his novels are gorgeously classy and gives you an insight to how the other half live!

This one in particular I enjoyed more due to the main character, Suzie. Suzie is an ordinary gal just like you and me and I think that's why I found her so endearing! She sees things for what they are and seemed so down-to-earth. Alexandra on the other hand took a little longer for me to warm to! She seemed exceptionally spoilt and quite snobbish that at first I was hoping that Suzie would turn down Lord Tedburn's offer. However, as the book progressed, I found that Alexandra was not all she seemed at first and I started to like her character a bit more, as well as feel slightly sorry for her.

Another character whom I felt sorry for was dear Michael. He had been through so much that I felt he definitely deserved some happiness. And I really hoped that Suzie would be the one to cause that happiness. I adored the setting of this novel, it sounded so idyllic and I loved the way T.A. Williams' described the food they ate. My mouth was watering on more than one occasion!

Overall, this was another really amazingly written story by the talented T.A. Williams. It was engaging, heartwarming and I struggled to put it down. Thank you to the publisher for a chance to read an advance copy of this novel via Netgalley, which I have reviewed honestly.

The Christmas Wish List by Heidi Swain

The Christmas Wish List

Heidi Swain

Rating: 5 stars

Amazon UK

The sparkling new Christmas novel from the Sunday Times bestselling author Heidi Swain!

After being let go from her job in a swanky hotel just weeks before Christmas, Hattie is feeling lost. Even more so when her high-flying boyfriend announces he's landed his dream job in Abu Dhabi and asks her to move in with him. Luckily, Hattie's long-time friend Dolly is on hand to help and invites Hattie to spend one last holiday in the small, festive town of Wynbridge, determined to give her a Christmas to remember. . . 

Upon Hattie's arrival, holiday preparations are in full swing. But for Hattie, whose Christmas cheer has long since run out, it'll take more than mince pies and mistletoe to open her heart to the season once more. Relishing the task of reigniting Hattie's Christmas spirit. Dolly suggests they create a wish list of all the things the season can offer, and with the helpful hands of Wynbridge's resident handyman, Beamish, Hattie finds her frosty exterior is starting to thaw.

As Wynbridge prepares for its most spectacular Christmas yet, will Hattie leave snowy England behind for life in a sunnier clime, or will she in fact realise that her heart's desire lies much closer to home?

The Christmas Wish List is the perfect read this Christmas, promising snowfall, warm fires and breath-taking seasonal romance. Perfect for fans of Carole Matthews and Cathy Bramley.

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It's pretty easy to be a Heidi Swain fan when she writes such amazingly festive and unputdownable novels such as this. After every new book I instantly say it's my new favourite, and now I'm saying the same! Heidi just keeps getting better and better and I simply adore her style of writing and the fact that most of her stories are linked in some way. The covers are also getting more and more beautiful and as soon as this was released I quickly made sure I grabbed myself a copy!

Main character Hattie, has recently been made redundant from her job in a posh hotel and she's at a loss as to what to do with her life now as working in a hotel is all she has known. However, old pal Dolly decides to give her a surprise visit and asks her to spend Christmas down in Wynbridge with her but partner Jonathan has asked her to move to Abu Dhabi with him making Hattie question which is the best move for her.

In the end she decides to go to Wynbridge for the festive season, then move to the hotter country in the New Year. Dolly soon makes up the Christmas Wish List as she is aware Hattie isn't all that fond of the holiday and together, with the helping hand of Beamish, they set about ticking everything off the list. In the meantime, Hattie gets involved with the towns events and she soon realises just how much she has missed out on.

With a shocking turn of events, Hattie and Jonathan have a huge bust up and to be honest, I really wasn't expecting the twist that takes place near the end of the novel! It's utterly heart-wrenching and I definitely had a tear in my eye when reading this! It was an amazing novel which had me not wanting to put it down. I adored all the characters, and of course it was a fabulous (if not emotional) ending! Simply cannot wait for Heidi's next novel already!

Coming Home to Winter Island by Jo Thomas

Coming Home to Winter Island

Jo Thomas

Rating: 4 stars

Amazon UK

Wrap up warm and explore the breath-taking beauty of a remote Scottish island and an old house waiting to unlock enchanting family secrets.

Fans of Jill Mansell and Milly Johnson will love this irresistible new winter novel from Jo Thomas.

Do you need to find out where you've come from before you can know what the future holds?

Ruby's singing career is on the verge of hitting the big time, when her voice breaks. Fearing her career is over, she signs up for a retreat in Tenerife to recover.

But an unexpected call from a stranger on a remote Scottish island takes her on a short trip to sort out some family business. It's time to go and see the grandfather she's never met.

City girl Ruby knows she will be happy to leave the windswept beaches behind as quickly as she can, especially as a years-old family rift means she knows she won't be welcome at Teach Mhor.

But as she arrives at the big house overlooking the bay, she finds things are not as straightforward as she might have thought.

There's an unexpected guest in the house and he's not planning on going anywhere any time soon ...

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As always I couldn't wait to delve straight into another Jo Thomas novel. Jo Thomas was one of the first authors I read when I first started reading Chick Lit books - and I haven't regretted it! Every book of hers I read is so refreshing and unputdownable that I remember them for a long time afterwards. This one in particular I really loved the cover, I love the light snow falling, the sea and the main character in the bottom right.

The synopsis sounded really interesting and completely different, as I said above, to what I've read before and I was really excited to read more about Ruby and her story. I enjoyed that the setting was in Scotland, it sounded so picturesque and idyllic. It was interesting to see what was going to happen and whether Ruby was was going to stick around on the island or whether she was going to flee back home.

Out of all the characters (there aren't actually too many in this novel), I really liked Hector and Lachlan the best. Hector because of what he was going through bless him, and Lachlan because he just seemed to be so caring and thoughtful. A few characters I didn't really take too (but maybe that's the point) was Isla and Joe. And too be fair, what I thought was going to happen didn't happen so there was quite a bit of surprise and a few twists along the way which kept me wanting to read on.

One thing I didn't enjoy was the ending with regards to Hector, I didn't think anything like that would happen and was disappointed that it did as it didn't seem necessary - bless him! It definitely made me teary-eyed and I was left quite emotional afterwards! Overall though, it was a great read with festive feels and I really enjoyed it. Thank you to the publisher for a chance to read an advance copy of this novel via Netgalley, which I have reviewed honestly.

A Christmas Wish and a Cranberry Kiss at the Cosy Kettle by Liz Eeles

A Christmas Wish and a Cranberry Kiss at the Cosy Kettle

Liz Eeles

Rating: 5 stars

Amazon UK

Fans of Milly Johnson and Phillipa Ashley, the Cosy Kettle cafe is waiting for you to find a comfy spot by the fire and snuggle up with a steaming mug of hot chocolate. Amidst the twinkling lights and falling snowflakes, Becca has a wish to make this Christmas...

Running from heartbreak, twenty-five-year-old Becca has moved to the cosy village of Honeyford. Living with her best friend Zac in a little stone cottage, and serving mince pies and steaming gingerbread lattes at the Cosy Kettle, is the perfect escape from her past.

But starting over isn't always plain sailing, and Becca's shyness is holding her back from making her mark on the cafe. To make matters worse, her crush on blond-haired, blue-eyed local heartthrob Logan gets stronger by the day - but he can barely remember her name. So as the snow starts to fall in Honeyford, Becca has one big Christmas wish: to completely reinvent herself. Becca dreams of brining the Cosy Kettle success and finding romance with Logan under the mistletoe.

As she gets a makeover, cosies up to Logan over mulled wine and plans the most festive celebration the cafe has ever seen, Becca wonders why she waited so long to step out of her comfort zone... Zac, on the other hand, thought she was perfect before - always caring for others - and he misses the quirky girl with the bright blue hair.

When Logan turns out to not be all he seems, Becca is left wondering if he's really the one for her. With her party plans also going awry, can Becca save her beloved Cosy Kettle in time for Christmas? And has the key to her happiness been in front of her all along?

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Oh I couldn't wait to delve into this delightful, festive novel! The cover completely drew me in with it's pretty fairy lights, mouthwatering treats lined along the bottom. I love the bright, Christmassy colours used and to me it's the most beautiful cover. I was wondering when we would get to learn more about the shy and anxious Becca, and I'm glad we're finally getting to read her story.

At first, as with the other novels, I wasn't sure what to make or think of Becca. Yes, I understood that she was anxious and unsure on life, but she seemed a little standoffish and not very likeable to begin with. However, as the story went on, we learn more about her and realise her ways. Once I began to know her a little more, I begun to like her more too. Again, like the other novels, I absolutely loved the setting of this novel. It sounded so idyllic and even more so at Christmas time.

One thing I really loved is that we had the bookclub gang back again. They're such a unique and fun bunch. My favourite is definitely Stanley, the way he talks and acts just makes me laugh and he adds such a lightheartedness to every novel. One character who I would love to learn more about is Millicent. She seems a strange and withdrawn character, like she is hiding something, so I'd love to read more about her! I'm hoping there's another in the series and we get to read about her!

I kind of knew where this story was going about a third of the way in, but I was happy with where it was going. I don't want to give too much away but I'm happy with the outcome and who Becca ended up with. They seem like such a suited couple and I'm pleased it worked out the way it did. I really couldn't stand Logan, he seemed so up himself and I wasn't too keen on Jasmine either. Apart from those two characters the others were really likeable.

Overall, a really heartwarming and festive story that I really loved. 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 Rachel's Pudding Pantry by Caroline Roberts

Christmas at Rachel's Pudding Pantry

Caroline Roberts

Rating: 5 stars

Amazon UK

 *Doors open at Rachel's Pudding Pantry again for Christmas!*

Cosy up with the new novel in the Pudding Pantry series, full of love, laughter, kisses under the mistletoe, and plenty of delicious pudding!

The first snow is falling over Primrose Farm, the mince pies are warming, and Rachel can't wait to share a kiss under the mistletoe with her gorgeous new flame, Tom.

If only it was all comfort and joy . . . The arrival of Tom's ex brings an unwelcome chill to the farm. And despite Master Baker Mum Jill's valiant efforts, the new pudding pantry business is feeling the pinch. 

With a spoonful of festive spirit, a cupful of goodwill with friends, and her messy, wonderful family by her side, can Rachel make this a Christmas to remember?

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What a delightfully festive and mouthwatering read by the talented Caroline Roberts. I had been looking forward to reading this since I had seen the cover revealed on Twitter quite some weeks ago. I really loved the first in the series, it was so deliciously heart warming (as well as mouthwatering!) that I had hoped there would be another one. The cover is so Christmassy and pretty I was so excited to be back at Rachel's Pudding Pantry.

I adore Caroline Roberts' style of writing, the way she describes the cakes and sweet treats has you wishing that you could to go to the Pantry right there and then if it were real! I also love the way Caroline writes about the relationships in the novel, it makes you feel warm and happy with how close the family and friends all are. The community spirit in this novel is massive and this particular story is just a joy to read.

With this particular story, Rachel and her mum Jill are struggling to make ends meet with their new cafe, the Pudding Pantry, which is held at their farm. The treat they have on offer sound amazing and the customers are so caring and helpful. My favourite in this book was Granny Ruth, she was just so cute and lovely and Frank was another firm favourite in my book! The idea behind the Pudding Club was genius and the characters who all joined got on really well and was enjoyable to read about all the different puddings.

Although this novel is based around Rachel and her relationship with Tom, at the beginning there isn't much about the pair and the novel is more on Rachel and everything she is doing to keep the farm and the pudding pantry afloat. I would have liked to have read more about them as it seems like the ending was a little rushed but overall it was an amazing read and I loved reading about all the different puddings, the relationships between Jill, Rachel, Maisy and Granny Ruth and of course, I loved the Christmas spirit!

Thank you to the publisher for a chance to read an advance copy of this novel via Netgalley, which I have reviewed honestly.