Category Festive Fiction

A Winter Wedding at Starcross Manor by Christie Barlow @ChristieJBarlow @OneMoreChapter_ #romance #contemporaryfiction #bookreview

yvonnembee 2 Comments

I am delighted to share my review today for A Winter Wedding at Starcross Manor by Christie Barlow. I am not a big fan of reading festive books in September, but for this series, I will always ignore what season we are actually in to read the next Love Heart Lane book.

This book is due to be published 28th September 2023.

My huge thanks to One More Chapter for accepting my request to read this fabulous title via NetGalley.

Love Heart Lane – where friends are there for you no matter what

Fashion designer Libby Carter has always loved weddings, so when her brother finds himself in a bind and asks her to step in and plan the perfect winter wonderland wedding for guests at his hotel, Starcross Manor, she happily takes on the challenge. But this is no ordinary Christmas wedding and when everything starts to go awry Libby asks gorgeous videographer Guy Hart for help.

This isn’t single dad Guy’s usual gig – and he is not a fan of weddings – but saying no to vivacious Libby isn’t an option … especially when saying yes leads to one very unforgettable kiss under the mistletoe!

MY REVIEW

I think that each time I pick up a Love Heart Lane book I believe it is my next favourite. Once again this latest book in the series is my new favourite! Each book is a story in its own right, but the author has crafted her series around the people who make up this wonderfully close-knit community. Starcross Manor is at the forefront of this story with some favourite characters dropping in.

Starcross Manor is a wonderful-sounding hotel in the Scottish Highlands, run by Fergus and fiance Julie. It is his sister, Libby, who is one of the leading cast in this story as she drops in to help with organising a wedding at the manor. She is joined by Guy who is a wildlife photographer and filmmaker who owes Fergus a favour and also needs a break from his own life and problems.

Libby is a fashion designer who is due to start a new career in New York, she has built her brand from the floor up and helping Fergus with a wedding when his current planner has quit for personal reasons seems like a good fit. It gives Libby a chance to catch up with family and friends before she makes the next step.

Anyone who has read any of these books knows that, once you visit you never want to leave. It is also similar for the readers of this story because many of us never want the books to end and eagerly look forward to the next one. Now in the 12th book, the author has created a wonderful setting and a fabulous community for her fictional series and one that always welcomes you back.

Libby and Guy have chemistry from the start and it is down to a little dog that makes the initial introduction. Both of the characters have reasons for not wanting to be in a relationship and there is some great banter and flirting between the two. There is also the story of what they are trying to avoid. Each one has a story that is sad and also heartbreaking. The reasons for one of these I didn’t expect, but it actually fits well in this series.

With other characters coming back, it helps to catch up with some old favourites as well as mentions of the last book. It keeps the reader up to date with goings-on in the community and also is a great way of just nudging the memory a little.

Because the author introduces new characters in each book, it means that it is easier to remember them, some stand out more than others and there are firm regulars that you would expect. This keeps things feeling real and relevant for each book.

With the wedding plans and some shocking choices, Libby has her work cut out for her, she also has a secret project in mind. I did wonder if things would turn out how they did, but how the author led me there was a journey that had me hooked.

I adored these two new characters and the others that came with them, and I look forward to seeing where things go with them in the future as I am sure they are going to appear again.

Another wonderfully written story set in an amazing community. Full of warmth and romance but with a suspicious and shocking twist. This series and this book are brilliant and if you are a fan of romance then you are going to adore this one. If you are already a fan… you are going to love it! It is another I would definitely recommend.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Christie Barlow is the international bestselling author of twelve romantic comedies including the iconic Love Heart Lane Series, A Home at Honeysuckle Farm and Kitty’s Countryside Dream. She lives in a ramshackle cottage in a quaint village in the heart of Staffordshire with her four children and two dogs.
Her writing career has come as a lovely surprise when Christie decided to write a book to teach her children a valuable life lesson and show them that they are capable of achieving their dreams. Christie’s dream was to become a writer and the book she wrote to prove a point went on to become a #1 international bestseller in the UK, USA, Canada and Australia.
When Christie isn’t writing she enjoys playing the piano, is a keen gardener and loves to paint and upcycle furniture.
Christie is an ambassador for the @ZuriProject alongside Patron of the charity, Emmerdale’s Bhasker Patel. They raise money and awareness for communities in Uganda.

Many thanks for reading my post, a like or share would be amazing 🙂 xx

Snowflakes Over Muddleford Cove by Kim Nash @KimTheBookworm #romcom #festivefiction #contemporaryfiction #bookreview

yvonnembee

I am delighted to share my review today for Snowflakes Over Muddleford Cove by Kim Nash. This is a gorgeous book that I read book mid-December and adored it. My Mum and I are big fans of this author and we look forward to getting her books.

Love is in the air and the festive season is just around the corner at the seaside town of Muddleford.

Nellie is happily settled in her gorgeous clifftop home. Her favourite evenings are those spent at her beach hut, cosying up under a blanket with her fiancé. There’s nothing quite like spending time together under the twinkly stars – complete with a delicious hot chocolate and her dog Norman sprawled on their feet.

But she can’t help feeling that there’s still something missing.

When Nellie meets Esme, a mysterious visitor to Muddleford, the pair of them come up with a plan to raise money for the local animal shelter, leading to the grand finale – a Christmas Ball.

But Esme’s keeping a secret about Nellie’s past that promises to throw her whole world upside down.

Will this be Nellie’s perfect Christmas for the first time in forever? Or will it turn into her worst nightmare – one that she’ll never forget?

Sometimes you have to go back to go forward.

MY REVIEW

This is the 2nd book this author has set in Muddleford Cove and focuses again on Nellie. Nellie and Jack are a busy couple, he is a vet and she is involved in many aspects of village life such as WI, animal shelter and helping friends and family.

A new visitor to the shelter is proving to be really useful and she loves living in the village even though it is only temporary. Then there is Dinky, everyone should have a Dinky in their lives, she is a unique and hilarious character I adore. Shivani has her eyes set on the vicar, who is definitely making an impression with the ladies of the WI.

From the opening pages, this author had me chuckling, in fact, my mum was reading this at the same time as I was and it was great as I knew exactly where my mum would be chuckling. The humour is risque and full of innuendo and it really was a joy to read.

This isn’t all WI, comments and humour, this author does more than that. The story is one of finding out what is important in life and learning to trust those around you. Giving things a second chance even though you may have been burnt before.

The author has created a wonderful community and it has some wonderful characters, some fabulous sounding events and of course, there is the storyline as well. If you are after a gorgeous heartwarming story that has chuckles then this is one for you. It is a wonderful book and one I would definitely recommend.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Sign up to Kim’s newsletter HERE

Kim Nash is an author of uplifting, funny, heartwarming, romantic, feel-good fiction and has wanted to write books since she was a little girl.

She lives in Staffordshire with her son Ollie and English Setter rescue dog Roni, is Digital Publicity Director for publisher Bookouture (a division of Hachette UK) and is a book blogger at http://www.kimthebookworm.co.uk.

When she’s not working or writing, Kim can be found walking her dog at Cannock Chase, reading, writing and binge-watching box sets on the TV. She’s also quite partial to a spa day and a gin and tonic (not at the same time!) Kim also runs a book club in Staffordshire and organises local and national reader/author events.

Amazing Grace was her debut novel which came out in April 2019.

Escape to Giddywell Grange is Kim’s second novel and was published in September 2019.

Sunshine and Second Chances is Kim’s third novel and was published in June 2020.

Moonlight Over Muddleford Cove is her fourth book and was published in March 2021.

Connect with Kim on Social Media – Twitter – Facebook – Instagram – TikTok

Many thanks for reading my post, a like or share would be amazing 🙂 xx

Merrily Ever After by Cathy Bramley #festivefiction #contemporaryfiction #chicklit @orionbooks #NetGalley #bookreview

yvonnembee 3 Comments

I am delighted to share my review today for Merrily Ever After by Cathy Bramley. This is a title I saw on NetGalley and decided to request for review. What a wonderful story this was and my thanks to Orion Books for accepting my request to read this.

Merrily Ever After

Two strangers. One big secret. And a Christmas to remember . . .

Merry has always wanted a family to spend Christmas with, and this year her dream comes true as she says ‘I do’ to father-of-two Cole. But as she juggles her rapidly-growing business, wedding planning and the two new children in her life, her dream begins to unravel.

Emily is desperately waiting for the New Year to begin, so she can finally have a fresh start. She has always put her family first, leaving little time for happiness and love. When her beloved father Ray moves into a residential home, she discovers a photograph in his belongings that has the potential to change everything.

As past secrets come to light, will this be a magical Christmas for Emily and Merry to remember?

MY REVIEW

This was such a gorgeous story to read and it is based around two women. They live in the same town but don’t actually know each other. One runs a candle shop the other works as a school secretary.

Merry has a wonderful-sounding shop that sells candles, the name of the shop is Merry and Bright and it sounds amazing. It is the run-up to Christmas so it is a naturally busy time, she also has a wedding to get ready for.

Emily has settled for a secretary job as it fits better with her father. He has dementia and is becoming more confused, Emily looks after him but has to contemplate a change for him into a care home.

A chance meeting between the two women happens while Emily and her Mum are out shopping, when they bump into each other again they recognise each other. However, Emily knows something about Merry now and isn’t sure how to broach the subject.

If you are after a book that will tug on the heartstrings then this is one that should be on your list to read. Yes, it is a festive-themed book as it does include Christmas markets, a wedding and the obvious festive season. This is simply a time of the year, the story that hides underneath the glitter and baubles is one that is simply gorgeous.

Both women are facing changes ahead for different reasons, and the sense of family is strong in each woman. I have to be so careful about what I say as there are so many wonderful moments within this story, there are several layers that are gradually unwrapped and believe me when I say you may need a tissue or more.

This is a story of discovery and of acceptance. Looking towards the future and allowing changes to happen as well as settling some secrets of the past. I do hope I have intrigued you with this title and you pick it up to read because it is fabulous. One for fans of contemporary fiction, festive fiction, and families and it is one I would definitely recommend.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Cathy Bramley is the author of the best-selling romantic comedies Ivy Lane, Appleby Farm, Wickham Hall, Conditional Love and The Plumberry School of Comfort Food. She lives in a Nottinghamshire village with her family and a dog.

Her recent career as a full-time writer of light-hearted, romantic fiction has come as somewhat of a lovely surprise after spending eighteen years running her own marketing agency. However, she has been always an avid reader, never without a book on the go and now thinks she may have found her dream job!

Merrily Ever After

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On The First Day Of Christmas by Faith Hogan #NetGalley #festivefiction #contemporaryfiction #romance #bookreview

yvonnembee 3 Comments

I am delighted to share my review today for On The First Day Of Christmas by Faith Hogan. This is a lovely Christmas-themed story and one I really enjoyed. My thanks to the publishers for granting my request to read this title via NetGalley.

On The First Day Of Christmas

This Christmas, everything will change…

When Liv Latimer says goodbye to her fellow nurses and finishes work for the holidays, she’s looking forward to a Christmas to remember with her boyfriend Eddie.

But as she leaves the hospital, tragedy strikes and Liv is faced with a choice. Will she ignore her instincts and go home as planned? Or will she stay, and potentially change the course of her life as she knows it?

Whatever choice she makes, Liv is about to discover that fate finds a way…

From the bestselling Irish author of The Ladies’ Midnight Swimming Club comes an emotional and uplifting festive story about love, family and how a split-second decision can change your life. 

MY REVIEW

I have read a few books by this author and she always manages to create a story that is addictive and has some wonderful moments. This one is a slightly different style, not a straightforward read as such but a duel story that runs parallel. The main focus is Liv, a nurse who works in Dublin. She has lost her sister and lives with her boyfriend Eddie. She finishes her shift at the hospital and is making her way home when there is an accident. This is where the story splits.

I am not going to go into too much detail about the storylines, but they do have similarities in certain aspects of Liv’s life. Both of the stories flit back and forth between each other, and there is a difference in the printing style in the copy that I received, so it did make it easier for me to be aware of the changeover.

The author took me on a journey through the life of Liv and her potential future. her story is one of sadness and family and with the support of her best friend she manages to continue on and keeps a busy work life. The decision to work more shifts rather than deal with her feelings and the truth makes this an addictive story. This is a story that feels closer to real life in the respect that not everyone is always able to live happily ever after.

The author uses the two storylines to great effect, which makes this a very thought-provoking read. While it is about family and friendship it s also about the future and accepting what has happened.

The format of this story did initially throw me but once I realised what was happening I was able to settle into this a lot more. I would like to mention more about the stories but this would just ruin it and if I was to try t explain more I would confuse you more than you probably are now!

This is a cleverly laid out story, it does flow really well and the author gave a very thought-provoking and poignant story. It is one for those who like contemporary fiction and romance novel with something a little different about it. I really enjoyed it and I would happily recommend it.

On The First Day Of Christmas

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Keeping a Christmas Promise by Jo Thomas @TransworldBooks #contemporaryfiction #romance #friendship #bookreview

yvonnembee 2 Comments

I am delighted to share my review today for Keeping a Christmas Promise by Jo Thomas. I am not a hugely festive person by when it comes to a book by Jo Thomas that happens to be festive then all deals are off.

My huge thanks to Random House and Transworld Books for granting my request to read this title via NetGalley.

Four friends
Twenty-five years ago, Freya and her three best friends created a bucket list. The future seemed bright, full of hope and most importantly guaranteed . . .

One promise
Now they are travelling to Iceland in memory of the friend they’ve lost, determined to fulfil her dream of seeing the Northern Lights at Christmas.

A life-changing adventure
They didn’t count on an avalanche leaving them stranded! Handsome local, Pétur, comes to the rescue, showing them how the community survives the hard winter. With Christmas approaching, Freya and her friends throw themselves into the festivities, decorating and cooking for the villagers using delicious local ingredients.

But will the Northern Lights appear so they can honour their friend’s wish? And can Freya’s own dreams come true, this Christmas?

MY REVIEW

I have read enough of these authors’ books to know that you should not start one as you go to bed! Around 2am I turned the final page, it was simply a case of “just more chapter” followed by, “maybe just one more, before finally deciding that as I had the next day off it didn’t matter if I was later up than usual 🙂

Years ago four friends make a bucket list of places they would like to see, things they would like to do and what they wanted to achieve in their lives. Over the years there have been marriages, divorces, promotions, children and the death of one of the four.

Deciding to fulfil one bucket list item, the three friends go to Iceland to see the Northern Lights. They are booked in for a weekend and in theory that should be enough time to see the lights and make it back home ready for a new Christmas menu to be rolled out at a restaurant, for making sure the arrangements are in place for a family Christmas and the last minute wedding plans.

It takes a lot for the women to get together so three days is all they can manage in their busy schedules.

The author has done a brilliant job with this story and it is one that really does epitomise lives in today’s society. Busy with work, families, lives and non-stop lifestyles. The demand for their time seems to be constant, phone calls to check things, calls to keep the peace and to make sure everyone is happy. I know if it was me going to Iceland I would want to spend more than just a weekend.

Knowing time is of the essence before they all disappear back to their lives, the girls take a risk and get routes and spots where they might see the lights. Unfortunately, this goes terribly wrong after they are involved in a shunt. All the women are unharmed, but they are now stranded.

I adored this story and I really loved how the lives of the women had been built up to be busy, almost too busy for each other and also for their departed friend. As I mentioned, a weekend would not be enough for me, and I do think that something as important as achieving a close friend’s bucket list wish is something that should take more time. It’s a good job the author also thinks this way.

The author chose a wonderful way to show the real Iceland, the food, the people, the scenery and also the smaller communities away from the hotels and tourist spots. Being without things like electricity, a phone signal and a road back to the hotel encourages the women to look at their lives. The longer they stay cooped together the more they realise that they are not living their lives to the fullest. Yes, they may be achieving some of their goals, but is this making them happy?

A friend of mine told me a few years ago that “you should work to live and not live to work”. I think this sums up this story very well.

The author once again spoils with mentions of hearty foods and also tantalising recipes. The community spirit of this remote Icelandic area is one of warmth and friendliness, but also of caution. Outsiders wanting to change things, hardships, depression and rising costs are also mentioned as part of the story. The world is changing and with it are people’s thoughts and expectations.

This is a story that has a few moralistic scenarios, it did make me stop and think. This is a wonderful story that is fabulous reading and kept me up till ridiculous o’clock until I got to the end. If you like a contemporary fiction novel that has romance and friendship and is definitely addictive, then this is one I would definitely recommend.

Many thanks for reading my post, a like or share would be amazing 🙂 xx

Christmas Miracles at Hedgehog Hollow by Jessica Redland @JessicaRedland @rartraresources @BoldwoodBooks #NetGalley #contemporaryfiction #romance #bookreview

yvonnembee 2 Comments

I am delighted to share my review today for Christmas Miracles at Hedgehog Hollow by Jessica Redland. I have followed this series from the very beginning and adored each of the books. So it is with sadness that I read this final book, I will miss the characters and the Hedgehogs.

My huge thanks to Rachel at Rachel Random Resources for my spot on the Blog Tour and for arranging my e-copy of this book via NetGalley from the publisher Boldwood Books.

It’s the countdown to Christmas at Hedgehog Hollow Wildlife Rescue Centre, and everyone is gearing up for a festive season to remember…
It should be the most wonderful time of the year for Samantha and Josh as they prepare for the arrival of their first baby. But life at Hedgehog Hollow rarely goes to plan and the pair are faced with adversaries, old and new, and unexpected challenges to overcome.
Fizz’s job at the heart of the rescue centre is a dream come true but her personal life is more like a nightmare. With her love life a disaster and her past about to dramatically catch up with her, she needs the love and support of her Hedgehog Hollow family more than ever.
As the snow falls over Hedgehog Hollow, will Samantha and Fizz find the Christmas miracle they need to overcome their heartache and find happiness?


Purchase Link – HERE

MY REVIEW

Oh, this is such a bitter-sweet review as this is the final book in this series, although the author does mention the possibility of coming back to some characters mentioned. I for one hope that she does.

This has been a fabulous series and one that I have read from the very first when there was no rescue centre, when the house was run down and where an elderly man was alone. The author has created such a heartwarming series and each step of the way I have been hooked. Following the comings and goings of the people, the families and friends and obviously of the little prickle balls themselves.

This final book is another heartwrenching one, although it is also full of wonderful surprises and new starts. Yes it does have Christmas mentioned ( this book was released in September btw) and it was a refreshing book to read in the August sun.

Family and friends are looking toward Christmas, but it is going to be a strange one in some ways as things don’t remain the same. I did like the way the author didn’t make it excessively festive but concentrated on the close-knit family, extended family and close friends of those who have been part of Hedgehog Hollow over the years. Christmas is a time for remembering things and not all are good. there are some very tough times ahead for some of the characters as they have to admit things that they have kept hidden for far too long.

Sam and Josh are awaiting the arrival of their new baby, and this is one of the new starts I have mentioned. There is a sense of fear and excitement as they await the birth, but there is also plenty of other things going on in the story. It does have a feeling that the author has started to bring things to a close, but it has been done in such a wonderful and natural feeling way.

This book was a real emotional rollercoaster, there were so many moments when I had to swallow a lump in my throat or wipe away the odd tear so I could keep reading. I would love to share all these moments but I am deliberately avoiding this.

A vague-ish review as such as I don’t want to spoil any of the numerous and wonderful moments if you are still to read this one.

If you are a fan of contemporary fiction and romance with family and friends being the focus then you need to have a look at this series. There is romance, trouble, challenges, expectations and so many wonderful surprises throughout the series and also this final book.

This has been a fabulous reading journey and I have learnt more about hedgehogs and this has been incorporated into the storylines so well.

Fabulous series, with amazing characters and wonderful storylines that I would definitely recommend.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Jessica Redland writes emotional but uplifting stories of love, friendship, family and community. Her Whitsborough Bay books transport readers to the stunning North Yorkshire Coast where she lives with her husband, daughter and sprocker spaniel. Her Hedgehog Hollow series, set in a hedgehog rescue centre, takes readers into the beautiful rolling countryside of the Yorkshire Wolds.


Social Media Links – Facebook – Twitter – Instagram – Newsletter – Bookbub

Check out the other stops on the Blog Tour…

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A Winter Wedding at Mistletoe Farm by Helen J Rolfe @HJRolfe @rararesources #romance #contemporaryfiction #bookreview

yvonnembee 4 Comments

I am delighted to share my rather late review for A Winter Wedding at Mistletoe Farm by Helen J Rolfe. I adore this series and this makes it even more unforgivable that I hadn’t filled in my calendar correctly and missed the date.

My huge thanks to Rachel at Rachel’s Random Resources for arranging my e-copy and also the nudge to remind me that I hadn’t posted.

A Winter Wedding at Mistletoe Gate Farm


It’s almost Christmas in Heritage Cove – the village tree is all lit-up, the bakery is full of festive treats, the tea rooms and waffle shack are welcoming locals inside out of the cold, and for some of the residents of the Cove, snow might not be the only thing they’re wishing for this year…

Tilly is overjoyed when an estranged relative comes to Heritage Cove wanting to make amends. But as she lets him in to her life and Tilly’s Bits ‘n’ Pieces – the shop she owns and loves – her friends aren’t so sure whether everything is quite as it seems.

Benjamin’s parents run Mistletoe Gate Farm, selling Christmas trees, wreaths and mistletoe. Benjamin has always thought his family was as firmly rooted in the ground as the rows of Norway Spruce and Fraser Firs. But when he finds a letter that rocks his world he realises he may not be able to do anything to prevent the changes coming their way.

Benjamin and Tilly have been falling for one another since the summer but will family complications put an abrupt stop to what is looking like a burgeoning romance?

With festive cheer weaving its way through the Cove as two local favourites plan their wedding, there’s more than one relationship that could receive a little Christmas magic…
Purchase Links
Amazon UK
Amazon US

MY REVIEW

This is a favourite author of mine and I adore her books, I have read quite a few and they have been without exception, fabulous reads.

This latest book is the 4th book in the Heritage Cove series, and while you can read them all as stand-alone you will get a better understanding of the characters within this closeknit and supportive coastal community.

Heritage Cove is an amazing sounding place in the winter with local businesses gearing up for Christmas. Tilly runs one of the local shops an Aladdin’s cave of local crafts, furniture and whatever Tilly can squeeze into her beloved shop. Benjamin works at the Pub as the chef, helps out with the family business, a Christmas Tree Farm, so he is manically busy but still has the time to pop in and see Tilly.

These two are the main focus of this story, but other residents and regulars of the series also have their parts to play. The community spirit is something this authors manages to capture so well and when you have read a couple of books in the series you get a nice warm and welcoming feel.

Both Tilly and Benjamin have had relationships in the past, it has left them wary of thinking about anything apart from friendship. As the two have become friends they have built up a trust and understanding, each like the other but is a little reluctant to go any further because of the great friendship they have. Tilly has very little family, while Benjamin lives with his, so when a relative arrives alarm bells sound for Benjamin, but Tilly is delighted. She is one for seeing the best in people and so she is more vulnerable.

With the main stories between Tilly, Benjamin and their lives there are also more other things going on. There is a wedding, as the title obviously suggests, this wedding is something close to the hearts of several characters and once again the community is all in for helping out.

This series is a wonderful one, each visit is like coming back to a favourite literary holiday destination. Catching up with old friends and meeting new ones. I do like how the author incorporates little things into this story such as storm damage, especially as we have already had two winter storms already. It gives this story a feeling that what happens could be something that has been very recent.

Another fabulous addition to the Heritage Cove series and is one for those who adore lovely heart-warming, romance and contemporary fiction novels. It is one I would definitely recommend.

Helen J Rolfe writes contemporary women’s fiction and enjoys weaving stories about family, friendship, secrets, and community. Characters often face challenges and must fight to overcome them, but above all, Helen’s stories always have a happy ending.
Location is a big part of the adventure in Helen’s books and she enjoys setting stories in different cities and countries around the world. So far, locations have included Melbourne, Sydney, New York, Connecticut, Bath and the Cotswolds.

Social Media Links – Facebook – Twitter – Website – Instagram – Bookbub

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A Christmas Caroline by Camilla Isley @camillaisley #festivefiction #contemporaryfiction #bookreview

yvonnembee 2 Comments

I am delighted to share my review today for A Christmas Caroline by Camilla Isley. This is a fabulous festive fiction story that I really enjoyed. It is a reimaging of A Christmas Carol and the author has done a wonderful job. This is an author whose books I have read before, although I do still need to catch up with quite a few more yet!

I wish to thank the author for my copy of the e-book that I was fortunate to win from a recent Blog Tour giveaway.

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Caroline is a cynic career woman living the high life in Manhattan where love and relationships are but a distant memory of the past.

But after a freak accident on Christmas Eve, Caroline receives a visit from a cheeky spirit of Christmas Past, Present, Yet to Come, and—most importantly—Christmas That Could Have Been. When she wakes up on Christmas Day suddenly married with three kids and living two doors down from her parents in New Jersey, Caroline has a chance to experience the life she would’ve had if she’d made a different choice.

Will small-town life as a mother and a wife make her rediscover what’s really important in life?

A modern-day retelling of A Christmas Carol…

MY REVIEW

Caroline is a hard-headed businesswoman, people cower before her, she rarely sees her family and only when she must. A lonely yet successful woman with designer clothes, a luxury apartment, a woman who appears to have it all.

It is only when a mishap leaves her in a coma that she receives a visit from the Christmas Spirit. You know the Scro0oge story where there are ghosts that take him to the past present and future, well this is the same thing but a scaled-down version.

I adore the story of The Christmas Carol and so this one was right up my street. I do like the way the author used the concept of the traditional story and then put her own spin on it. While the author does take Caroline to the past and the future, the majority of the story is in the possible present or the alternative present.

The author shows Caroline the what if’s of her life and gives her an experience of life that is worlds away from the one she actually has. I really enjoyed the slightly humorous side to this story as Caroline finds herself being a mother when she is one of those women who will hold a baby at arm’s length with her nose turned up! It makes for some great scenes and had me chuckling on several occasions.

As in the original story, there is a moralistic side to the story. It is one that is familiar and yet still feels fresh in this retold version. A fabulous story that had me grinning, chuckling as well as scowling occasionally.

This is one for fans of rom-com, romance and festive fiction. A gorgeous story that I adored from the first page until the last. It is one I would definitely recommend.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Camilla Isley

Camilla is an engineer turned writer after she quit her job to follow her husband on an adventure abroad.
She’s a cat lover, coffee addict, and shoe hoarder. Besides writing, she loves reading—duh!—cooking, watching bad TV, and going to the movies—popcorn, please. She’s a bit of a foodie, nothing too serious. A keen traveller, Camilla knows mosquitoes play a role in the ecosystem, and she doesn’t want to starve all those frog princes out there, but she could really live without them.

Social Media – Website – Twitter – Goodreads

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Finding Love at the Christmas Market by Jo Thomas #festivefiction #bookreview

yvonnembee 6 Comments

I am delighted to share m,y review today for Finding Love at the Chriwtmas Market by Jo Thomas. I am a huge fan of this author and it is no real surprise to me as to how much I loved this book!So here is what it is all about…

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Synopsis…

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 along with her…

Amongst the twinkling lights and smell of warm gingerbread in the old market square, Connie heads off on her date with a checklist 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?

My Review…

If you are looking for a fabulous festive feel-good book then look no further than this one. Grab a big old mug of hot chocolate, put on your favourite Christmas jumper and snuggle into a warm blanket and settle down to read Finding Love at the Christmas Market.

Connie is a meal delivery driver and has made friends with the elderly residents at residents she delivers to. It was Elsie’s last wish that she return to her home in Germany and so Connie and the residents get in the minibus to carry out Elsie’s final wishes. Oh, and to make sure that Connie is ok when she meets Heinrichwho she met online and is now going to meet in person.

Connie is a woman who lives by her lists, but does ticking all the boxes mean she will succeed? The author throws a spanner in the mix in the form of William. While Heinrich is organised, neat and punctual, William is the exact opposite. So is it organised or chaos that will win the day?

Now, the residents sound like an amazing bunch and yes they older than Connie but this means they have experience and also a few hidden secrets. They are such an amazing bunch of characters and as I got to know them I got to adore their different personalities. Sharing their experiences of happy times definitely brought a lump to my throat.

I did mention earlier hot chocolate, I should also mention the gingerbread, this book just oozes delicious-ness with festive fare and the aroma of gingerbread. Once again the author has brought the sights, sounds and smells of the towns to life. Traditional and modern are mixed into this story along with rivalry, friendship, new acquaintances and fulfilling wishes and promises.

The spirit of Christmas in a more nostalgic sense is definitely here within these pages. It brings home that Christmas is about friends, families and making memories. It is a truly wonderful read that has a touch of humour, a dash of romance, a sprinkling of memories and is such a wonderful read that I cannot help but absolutely recommend it.

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Many thanks for reading my post, a like or share would be amazing 🙂 xx

Christmas in Cockleberry Bay by Nicola May @nicolamay1 @rararesources #romcom #festivefiction #bookreview

yvonnembee 2 Comments

I am delighted to share my review today for Christmas in Cockleberry Bay by Nicola May. This is a series I have been really enjoying and I would recommend all the books in the series.

My huge thanks to Rachel at Rachel’s Random Resources for my spot on the Blog Tour and also arranging my e-copy of this fabulous book.

Let me show you more…

Synopsis…

Meet old and new characters in the Bay for Christmas fun and frolics.

With both the Corner Shop and Cockleberry Café in safe hands, Rosa turns her attention to Ned’s Gift, the charity set up in memory of the great-grandfather whose legacy turned her life around.

Over at the Ship Hotel, Lucas has his work cut out with his devious new girlfriend and the mystery poisoning of an anonymous hotel inspector. Will the hotel still get its 3-star Seaside Rosette?

Will Mary find true love at last? Can Titch cope with the demands of the shop and being heavily pregnant. And can Rosa, with a baby of her own, pull off the Cockleberry Bay Charity Christmas Concert in time?

Christmas in Cockleberry Bay is a festive delight for fans of Rosa and her cheeky mini dachshund Hot, delivering a feast of unpredictable events and surprises.

Purchase Links

Kindle – UK – https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B08JHJKLQF/

Kindle – .com – https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08JHJKLQF/

Paperback  – http://eye-books.com/books/christmas-in-cocklberry-bay

My Review…

What a treat it was to be back in Cockleberry Bay and the fourth book in the series was full of memorable moments. It could be read as a stand-alone but you would be missing out in all the drama that has gone in previously.

This, as I said the next novel and so things have gradually developed in this small and close-knit community. A community that looks out for and supports each other. Relationships form, some last and some don’t.

There are several main characters but the main one is Rosa, she is like the key characteristics that all the others revolve around in this series. She has family and friends and between them, they live and support each other.

With Christmas looming there is a lot for Rosa and the rest of the gang to deal with. Dodgy reindeer, babies, dogs, Santa, old acquaintances and inspectors are the tip of the iceberg. The author adds so much into this story and often with a hilarious side that had me sniggering.

This is a fabulous series and I adored this festive instalment. A wonderful heartwarming read that has some drama, lots of friendships, dogs, babies and all mixed in with a wonderful storyline. It’s a series and book I would definitely recommend.

About the Author…

Nicola May is a rom-com superstar. She is the author of eleven romantic comedies, all of which have appeared in the Kindle bestseller charts. Two of them won awards at the Festival of Romance, and another was named ebook of the week in The Sun. The Corner Shop in Cockleberry Bay became the best-selling Kindle book in the UK, across all genres, in January 2019, and was Amazon’s third-bestselling novel in that year.

She lives near Ascot racecourse with her black-and-white rescue cat, Stan.

Follow Nicola May

Website – www.nicolamay.com

Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/NicolaMayAuthor

Twitter – https://twitter.com/nicolamay1

Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/author_nicola/

Check out the other stops on the Blog tour…

Many thanks for reading my post, a like or share would be amazing 🙂 xx