The Christmas Castle in Scotland - Julie Caplin

 

The Christmas Castle in Scotland

Izzy McBride had never in a million years expected to inherit an actual castle from her great uncle Bill but here she was, in the run up to Christmas, Monarch of her own Glen – a very rundown glen in need of a lot of TLC if her dream of turning it into a boutique bed and breakfast was to come true.

But when Izzy’s eccentric mother rents a room to enigmatic thriller author Ross Adair and the Scottish snow starts to settle like the frosting on a Christmas cake, it’s a race to get the castle ready before they’re all snowed in for the holidays.

Purchase Link:

UK - https://www.amazon.co.uk/Christmas-Castle-Scotland-globally-bestselling-ebook/dp/B09NZ5BRP9

US - https://www.amazon.com/Christmas-Castle-Scotland-globally-bestselling-ebook/dp/B09NZ5BRP9

Christmas cosied up in a great castle in Scotland? YES
PLEASE!
I absolutely adore every book from Julie Caplin, every
location and story incite the feelings of wanderlust within me and I wish I
could be right there and this is no exception, in fact I think it’s the one I
really do hope I can do one day. 
I did not want this story to end (I never do), I think
this is the best yet – the setting, the characters, plot and Julies’ wonderful
writing style is like a comfort blanket, hugging you, keeping you warm and
right in the thick of the action. 
I love the characters especially as they are such an
eclectic bunch; each have their own personality and it is easy to picture them
(or in Duncan’s case hear their accent!) 
Izzy is our leading lady and we have met her briefly in
the last book (it isn’t a series as such so you can read this without any of
the previous books – although I highly recommend you do!) and she has inherited
a castle in Scotland she is hoping to turn into a hotel. Doing this alongside
an eccentric (but loveable) Mum who has rented out a room to a writer, without
Izzys knowledge of course. This writer is paying for peace and quiet although
it soon becomes apparent; he is getting more than he bargained for. 
Getting the hotel ready in time for the festive season 
(and another booking taken by Izzy’s Mum) means a real team effort and a lot of
soul searching by all involved. As everyone pulls together and becomes a unique, 
slightly dysfunctional family unit we see them overcoming adversities in all
aspects of their lives. 
As always this is a story with romance at its core, but
don’t expect smooth sailing, there is drama and tension thrown in as well but
with ups and downs will every character find a positive ending? 
I wish we could go back and revisit, just to see how they are all getting on. 
It’s a wonderful, cosy read and I cannot praise Julie enough.
Author Bio:

After reading English at the University of East Anglia, Julie Caplin, who also writes as Jules Wake, worked in PR where she honed her fiction writing skills on press releases. Her regular press trips to Europe while working on food and drink accounts inspired the Romantic Escapes Series, which have been sold to 19 territories and are best sellers in Germany, Italy, the Czech Republic and Slovakia.

She’s now a full-time author and what better job is there than making stuff up! It certainly beats housework.

Social Media Links – @JulieCaplin Twitter

https://www.facebook.com/JulieCaplinAuthor/

Instagram @juliecaplinauthor

The Empire - Michael Ball

 

Welcome to The Empire theatre

1922. When Jack Treadwell arrives at The Empire, in the middle of a rehearsal, he is instantly mesmerised. But amid the glitz and glamour, he soon learns that the true magic of the theatre lies in its cast of characters - both on stage and behind the scenes.

There's stunning starlet Stella Stanmore and Hollywood heartthrob Lancelot Drake; and Ruby Rowntree, who keeps the music playing, while Lady Lillian Lassiter, theatre owner and former showgirl, is determined to take on a bigger role. And then there's cool, competent Grace Hawkins, without whom the show would never go on . . . could she be the leading lady Jack is looking for?

When long-held rivalries threaten The Empire's future, tensions rise along with the curtain. There is treachery at the heart of the company and a shocking secret waiting in the wings. Can Jack discover the truth before it's too late, and the theatre he loves goes dark?

Musical theatre legend Michael Ball brings his trademark warmth, wit and glamour to this, his debut novel.

Enjoy the show!

Purchase Links - http://unbouncepages.com/Michael-ball/

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Empire-charming-romantic-Cameron-Mackintosh-ebook/dp/B09X1725SP

https://www.amazon.com/Empire-charming-romantic-Cameron-Mackintosh-ebook/dp/B09X1725SP

My Review:

Michael Ball, a family favourite, a personality, someone full of charm and with a twinkle in his eye who entertains millions, and now an author. I was intrigued when I heard that he was writing a novel and more so when I knew more about it’s setting. I hoped that Michael’s personality would lend itself to producing an entertaining read. I was not disappointed in the slightest, far from it, I was enchanted.

The book is well structured, sections aptly named in theatre terms i.e overture, various acts, finale etc. There are many, many characters though (you do get a long list of who is who at the start) and it takes a little while to get them straight in your head but once you do it’s fine; having such a huge cast of characters allows you to have favourites as well as those you love to hate; smaller storylines intertwine and create strands within the main plot very well.

I don’t want to give away much of the storyline but there is a lot going on, not in a chaotic way but a lot does happen so it’s great that it’s been written in such a captivating way. I didn’t want to put it down as I was completely in the moment and there alongside the characters.

The Empire encapsulates the theatre and musical world, from backstage to performance, cast to writers to owners; the love of theatre shines through Michaels words. Through his vivid descriptions and story you can imagine being both behind the scenes as well as out in the audience watching a smash hit show.

With glitz, glamour, and romance as well as drama, heart break and scandal, The Empire is a warm and entertaining read that will captivate and transport you to London old West End.

I was very impressed by this debut and I genuinely hope it is the start of a series or we, at least, have another set in The Empire. Highly recommended!

Author Bio:

Michael Ball OBE is a singer, actor, presenter and now author. He's been a star of musical theatre for over three decades, winning the Laurence Olivier Award for Best Actor in a Musical twice, he's also won two BRIT awards and been nominated for a Grammy. Michael regularly sells out both his solo tours and his Ball & Boe shows with Alfie Boe and has multiple platinum albums. The Empire is his first novel.

Social Media Links – Twitter: https://twitter.com/mrmichaelball/   //  https://twitter.com/ZaffreBooks

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mrmichaelball/?hl=en // https://www.instagram.com/zaffrebooks/

Happy Endings At Mermaids Point - Sarah Bennett

 

Music sensation Aurora Storm finally has her career back on track, but then she’s caught up in a media storm. Desperate to distract from the story, she enlists the one man she trusts to pretend to be her boyfriend.

Meanwhile, in the small seaside village of Mermaids Point, Nick Morgan never expected to see Aurora again. When she calls out of the blue needing his help, he agrees at once. It feels like she’s back in his life for a reason, and he’s determined to make the most of it.

Aurora joins Nick and the rest of his family for their festive celebrations and, as the snow falls, Aurora finds herself caught up in the romance of Christmas. But having tasted worldwide fame, can she ever be content with village life?

Two weeks is all Nick has to prove to Aurora that there’s a happy ending for them both in Mermaids Point.

Purchase Link - https://amzn.to/3uGH8LP

My Review:

Happy Endings at Mermaids Point is the final book in this brilliant series by Sarah Bennett. I’m gutted as I love this little community and it’s residents who we have come to know and love.

We had had to wait a while for this story – Aurora and Nick. We first came across Aurora in book one, when the town was whipped into a frenzy over mermaid sightings, but I am so glad we finally got to find out more about her as well as Nick, who I’ve felt really sorry for over the series of books.

Auroras career takes an unexpected turn and there is a social media frenzy, she needs to escape and turns to the man (and the place) where she can feel safe and secure.  Nick and Mermaids Point; she knows she may not be welcome after the way she left things but has little option.

Nick is surprised to hear from Aurora, after all the time he has spent trying to get over her and move forward with his own plans but he won’t turn his back on someone in need.

I won’t ruin any of the story, but I enjoy seeing how the story plays out, we see a real change in Aurora (not that she was all bad at all) but being in Mermaids Point really suits her, so much so we find her making some really big decisions. Nick brings out the best in her, as she does in him – it is clear to see how happy is he with her around.

As always the community, and whole family, welcome Aurora with open arms, especially during the festive season. A wonderful Christmas read, full of heart warming, winter cheer. It’s a perfect end to a fantastic series, I shall miss the characters and the community but I will eagerly await more from Sarah.

Thank you for giving us a great series of books, I highly recommend Happy Endings at Mermaids Point but really recommend you start from book one and enjoy every moment!

MAuthor Bio:

Sarah Bennett is the bestselling author of several romantic fiction trilogies including those set in Butterfly Cove and Lavender Bay. Born and raised in a military family she is happily married to her own Officer and when not reading or writing enjoys sailing the high seas.

Social Media Links –  

Facebook: Sarah Bennett Author | Facebook

Twitter: Sarah Bennett (@Sarahlou_writes) / Twitter

Instagram: Sarah Bennett (@sarahlbennettauthor) • Instagram photos and videos

Newsletter Sign Up: https://bit.ly/SarahBennettnews

Bookbub profile: Sarah Bennett Books - BookBub

A Winter Warmer at the Little Cornish Kitchen - Jane Linfoot

 

St Aidan: a cosy Cornish village where friendships are made for life and it’s always cocktail hour somewhere…

A clean slate in the world’s cosiest cottage by the sea…

When Gwen Starkey and her best friend, Ella Simpson, arrive in St Aidan to take on a cottage renovation, it’s the fresh start they both so desperately need. But when their new adventure begins with them unintentionally breaking into their neighbour, Ollie Lancaster’s cottage – thinking it’s their new home – and Gwen accidentally flashing the gorgeous Ollie before they flee, the life-long friends realise that life in Cornwall is going to be anything but quiet!

They also quickly discover that they’re in over their heads and it’s going to take a village to turn their cottage’s narrow walls into the luxurious hideaway of their dreams. St Aidan is full of colourful characters just waiting to welcome them, if only Gwen and Ella can find the courage to start leaving the past behind them…

Purchase Links

Ebook

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Winter-Warmer-Little-Cornish-Kitchen-ebook/dp/B09RQD3Y74/

Paperback

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Winter-Warmer-Little-Cornish-Kitchen/dp/0008537046

My Review:

A delight to be back in St Aiden, with characters old and new, Jane Linfoot has created a idyllic sounding community with another story full of ups, downs, laughter and romance of course. 

 

Ella and Gwen are following a dream, both wanting to enjoy a new start by the coast in a favourite village from their childhood but have perhaps “oversold” themselves when in competition to get the cottage of their dreams (or so they think!) Promises have been made  and the villagers are regularly keen to see what Ella and Gwen can do. Both are recovering from heartbreak, can a simple renovation project help heal their hearts? 

 

Upon their arrival to St Aiden they soon discover things are not exactly what they seem; an abrupt meeting with a neighbour and a realisation of the task they’ve taken on. 

 

Ollie is the new neighbour, he has his own secrets and own history that he is working through but it doesn’t stop him always being there for Gwen when she needs him, even if he doesn’t quite take to community life as she does. 

 

Gwen thrives in this small close knit community, slowly but surely she starts to rediscover parts of herself, with the help of our ‘Mermaid’ friendship group. Honestly you will be hungry throughout this book, with wonderful descriptions of yummy foods and tasty treats. 

 

I am a massive fan of Jane’s and thoroughly enjoy every book; this trip to St Aiden was a pleasure and although romance was plentiful it was slow, steady and allowed other issues to be resolved. It was well paced, characters that were realistic and likeable. 

 

A book to curl up with this winter, make sure you enjoy it with a hot choc and treat! 

Author Bio:

I write fun, flirty fiction, with feisty heroines, and lots of heart. Writing is fab, because I get to wear pretty shoes instead of wellies. I live in a cottage up the steepest hill in Derbyshire, where my family and pets are kind enough to ignore the chaos. Happily, we're in walking distance of a supermarket. I love hearts, flowers, happy endings, all things vintage, most things French. When I'm not on Facebook, and can't find an excuse for shopping, I'll be out with my two Old English sheepdogs or in the garden. On days when I want to be really scared, I ride a tandem.

Social Media Links –

Insta https://www.instagram.com/janelinfoot/

Facebook profile  https://www.facebook.com/JaneLinfoot20

Author page https://www.facebook.com/Jane-Linfoot-Books-110048451515364

Twitter https://twitter.com/janelinfoot

Pinterest https://www.pinterest.co.uk/janelinfoot/

Daggers at the Country Fair - Catherine Coles

 

Winteringham Village 1947

As a thank you for her previous brilliant crime solving, amateur sleuth, Martha Miller is guest of honour at the Winteringham Country Fair. However, this time she is looking forward to simply judging dog shows and eating cream teas rather than apprehending a killer!

And Martha is just beginning to enjoy spending quality time with Vicar Luke Walker away from the prying eyes and gossips of her own village, when disaster strikes, and the local teenage femme fatale is found stabbed to death behind the tea tent by Martha’s trusted red setter Lizzie!

But who would want to kill such a young girl and why? Someone in the village has secrets to hide and it seems Martha and Luke have another case to solve!

Let the investigation commence!

Purchase Link - https://amzn.to/39FO4RF

My Review:

A second cosy mystery, set in a rural village in 1947, Daggers at the Country Fair is another opportunity for Martha Miller to use her amateur detective skills yet again.

Martha has been asked to open a local village fair, what everyone doesn’t bank on is someone being murdered and the whole villages secrets start becoming public knowledge. Everyone is in the frame for this murder with most men having some connection to the victim.

I felt this book was a little more to the point than the previous one but contained more red herrings and some interesting twists along the way. I enjoyed seeing how the mystery was solved and it took me a while to piece the clues together.

I really enjoy seeing Martha’s character development from book one, she’s becoming more confident and her relationships/friendships are developing. She is making headway in getting locals in her own village she understand her and see her as Martha and not the woman with her husband buried in her garden (he ISNT, he walked out).

I’d love a little more romance with Luke, but as the story is very in keeping with the era I think we need to solve the missing husband mystery.

A charming read, I thoroughly enjoyed it and I will look forward to the next visit. 

Catherine Coles writes bestselling cosy mysteries set in the English countryside. Her extremely popular Tommy & Evelyn Christie series is based in North Yorkshire in the 1920’s and Catherine herself lives in Hull with her family and two spoiled dogs.

Social Media Links:

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/CatherineColesAuthor

Twitter https://twitter.com/catherinecoles

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/catherinecolesauthor/

Newsletter Sign Up: https://bit.ly/CatherineColesNews

Bookbub profile: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/catherine-coles