A Cosy Countryside Christmas - Eliza J. Scott

 

Ella Welford’s done with love. After having her fingers burnt, she’s been resolutely single for the last year and has sworn to stay that way.
Joss Campion’s still reeling from a messy divorce and has vowed never to open his heart to love again.
Growing up in the picturesque village of Lytell Stangdale, with the North Yorkshire Moors as their playground, Joss and Ella were best friends. The pair were inseparable.
Until the day something happened to ruin their friendship and Joss moved away.
An urgent telephone call summons Joss back to the village. His father’s been rushed to hospital and he’s needed to run the farm. When he returns, with his loyal canine companion, Sid, in tow, it isn’t long before he realises things aren’t as they seem. Why is his brother, Rich, being so evasive? And why does he get the impression the farm’s in trouble?
Teaching Assistant, Ella, has just broken up for the Christmas holidays and is looking forward to spending more time on her parents’ farm, tending her variety of rescue animals and recharging her batteries.
It isn’t long before the pair run into one another and sparks of attraction begin to fly - not that either of them will admit to it. But, just before Christmas, they find themselves thrown together in an unexpected turn of events as a fierce snow blizzard rages around them.
Could this be the moment that changes everything? Or is their past too big to ignore?
One thing’s for certain, life’s never dull in this little corner of the North Yorkshire Moors.
Join Ella and Joss – and all the usual Lytell Stangdale characters – for a heartwarming festive read.

My Review:

I’m such a big fan of this author and I’ve thoroughly enjoyed every book, and this is no exception. A Cosy Countryside Christmas is a festive delight, giving you the warm and fuzzies, with added drama. With heartfelt, poignant moments, with and charm, this will they/wont they romance will have you turning the page with anticipation.  

I loved this return visit Lytell Stangdale in the North Yorkshire Moors, especially at this festive time. It was brilliant to catch up with the characters we’ve read about before  in this Life on the Moors series– although I must point out it can be read as a standalone book that you can thoroughly enjoy without having read any others.

At the heart of this story, we have family and friendship and that those bonds can be tested to the point of breaking, but can remain firmly in time no matter the time or problems faced. Former best friends Ella and Joss were so very close until one day things changed dramatically and Joss left the village. Unresolved issues with his Dad make Joss’ return difficult but a chance reconciliation with Ella may just change his outlook at being back.

I love Ella and her family. They are so close, kind and caring and put other before themselves. Perfect support for Joss and key to helping repair his relationships with everyone.

When secrets from the past are uncovered and the truth is revealed, there are surprises for many.

This cost, cuddle of a book is perfect for snuggling up with. You will in love with Ella and Joss, a couple you will be behind from the start. I hope there is another visit and we get to look in on how Joss and Ella are doing.  

Highly recommended for a cosy read this winter. 

Purchase Links:

UK:  https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B09KWYN89M

US:  https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09KWYN89M

Author Bio: Eliza lives in the North Yorkshire countryside with her family. When she’s not writing, she can usually be found with her nose in a book/glued to her kindle or working in her garden , fighting a losing battle against the weeds.

Eliza is inspired by her beautiful surroundings and loves to write heartwarming romance stories with relatable female characters. Her books will always have happy endings.

Social Media Links –

Twitter: @ElizaJScott1

Instagram: @elizajscott

Facebook: @elizajscottauthor

Website: www.elizajscott.com/

BookBub: www.bookbub.com/authors/elizaj-scott

Amazon author page UK: amazon.co.uk/~/e/B07DMQWPMH

Amazon author page US: amazon.com/~/e/B07DMQWPMH

A Winter Wedding at Mistletoe Gate Farm - Helen J Rolfe

 

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…

My Review:

A treat to be back in Heritage Cove, this being book 4 in the series. Although I would highly recommend all the previous books, this can be read as a standalone, for fans of the series you do get to catch up with all our favourites a little, but the focus is instead on Tilly, who runs the local gift shop.

Tilly is beyond happy when an estranged relative comes back to the Cove to show her how he has changed. He seems keen to support Tilly with plans for the shop. Everyone else may have misjudged him but Tilly really does believe she see’s the best in him.

Benjamin is the pub chef who works extremely hard in supporting his parents on their Mistletoe Farm. When their happy marriage seems under strain, can Benjamin do anything to help or prevent things from going too far.

Tilly and Benjamin have eyes for each other, everyone knows it but them. Can their blossoming friendship evolve into anything more, especially with everything that is happening in their lives?

I love how these characters get under your skin, I was fully behind Benjamin and really felt for him when discovering the problems in his parents’ marriage. He is kind, caring and despite all the things he has to do his concern for Tilly is so heartwarming.

Tilly is headstrong and to some extent very blinkered, especially where matters of the heart are concerned. I can understand why she is that way though. A kind soul, but one that could be hurt if not careful.

A lot happens throughout this book but I guarantee you will be swept up in it and fully engrossed. I couldn’t put it down, which is pretty standard for anything Helen writes.

With love, marriage, break-ins and break-ups, a turbulent time this festive season but one that will ultimately lead to a warm, Christmas story, full of heart and soul.

Highly recommended this festive season. 

Purchase Links

Amazon UK - https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B09BRF5KDF

Amazon US - https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B09BRF5KDF

Author Bio:

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:

https://www.facebook.com/helenjrolfewriter
https://twitter.com/HJRolfe
www.helenjrolfe.com
https://www.instagram.com/helen_j_rolfe/
https://www.bookbub.com/authors/helen-j-rolfe

 

Christmas Surprises at Mermaids Point - Sarah Bennett

 

Christmas is a time for love, laughter, families and friends, and in Mermaids Point, everyone is getting ready for the festive season.

For Nerissa and Tom, this will be their first Christmas as a couple, but making sure they have time for each other, whilst blending their families, will take some careful planning. What festive traditions will they make their own?

Laurie and Jake are flat out running Laurie’s seafront café, packaging up orders of mince pies, sausage rolls and other delectable Christmas goodies, as well as finding time for Jake’s journalism.  But when Jake’s mum offers them an unexpected gift, their plans are turned upside down.

Alex can’t help but be charmed by beautiful and talented Ivy, but he’s still recovering from his ex-wife’s betrayal and has a secret life he’s not ready to share with anyone yet. But as the Christmas spirit starts weaving its magic, Alex may find himself ready for love sooner than he imagines.

For Andrew, nothing is more important than family. As friends and family gather beneath his roof it's a time for reflection about what the future might hold.

As far as Nick is concerned, pop sensation Aurora Storm is the ‘one that got away’. After they shared a brief holiday fling, he has been thinking about her ever since. Is Christmas the perfect time to finally reach out to her, or is love at first sight just in fairy-tales?

My Review:

An absolute festive charm of a novella which is a brilliant addition to a great series from Sarah Bennett.

I enjoyed catching up with characters from Summer Kisses and Autumn Dreams at Mermaids Point, but feel if you are coming to this without reading either of those, you’d be totally fine as there is enough to catch you up with any fun you’ve missed. (I do highly recommend reading those books though, they are fab!)

I also liked the hint of future stories in Mermaids Point, which I would welcome, as the characters are endearing and the whole feel of the books is lovely.

Although a novella, this gives us a lot more than a quick, simple festive tale; it looks into friendships, love, loss and having the strength (and support of loved ones) to try something new.

A very brief, but very fulfilling trip to Mermaids Point. I shall look forward to more. 

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

Author 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:

Website https://sarahbennettauthor.wordpress.com/

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

Twitter https://twitter.com/Sarahlou_writes

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

Newsletter Sign Up Link http://bit.ly/SarahBennettNewsletter

Bookbub profile https://www.bookbub.com/authors/sarah-bennett-b4a48ebb-a5c3-4c39-b59a-09aa91dc7cfa

Snow Falls over Sunnybrook - Rosie Green

 

The chance to spend a night ghost-hunting alone with Hudson Holmes at Brambleberry Manor seems like a dream come true for Ruby Watkiss. Maybe, she thinks, this is their chance to get closer? But when mysterious goings-on start happening which have nothing to do with the spirit world, the pair are catapulted off on another sleuthing adventure. And as the snow starts to fall and emotions are rising at the Little Duck Pond Cafe, Ruby is faced with a double challenge. Can she be braver than she's ever been, in order to rescue something very close to her heart? And can she convince Hudson that Christmas really can be the most wonderful time of the year?

My Review:

As ever, a fun filled, haunting at times, and incredibly lovely return to Sunnybrook. I look forward to seeing the latest adventures from the great characters created by Rosie Green.

I was eager to see how the run up to the festive season would look this time around, and I really enjoyed the haunted mansion elements to the story, even thought I was a bit of a scaredy cat myself.

I am a huge fan of Hudson and Ruby’s investigations, and this time Ruby really does put herself right in the thick of all the drama; with all things that go on my biggest question was – will they ever get it together?! The chemistry between them in electric and it would be brilliant at this time of year.

I love catching up with all our old familiar friends in the café too and will look forward to more of their adventures soon.

Rosie Green is really showing us just how versatile she is, incorporating so much into this series of books. Her writing draws you into the story and makes you take characters to heart, that’s why this series is one I will never miss, the characters seem like long lost friends who I cannot wait to hear from.

Thanks to Rosie Green and Rachels Random Resources for the opportunity. 

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

Author Bio:

Rosie’s series of novellas is centred around life in a village cafe. Her latest, ‘The Wedding Cake Wish', is out now.

Look out for more Little Duck Pond Café tales in 2022, including ‘Chocolate Cake for Breakfast’ and ‘Christmas in June’.

 

Follow Rosie on Twitter - https://twitter.com/Rosie_Green88