Christmas at the Cat Café - Jessica Redland

 

It's the most wonderful time of the year on Castle Street, and there's a paw-some new business opening....

It had always been Tabby's dream to work with cats and an inheritance from her beloved nanna has finally made that a reality. Idyllic Castle Street in Whitsborough Bay couldn’t be a better place for pastry chef Tabby to open a cat café with her boyfriend, Leon.

But when Leon leaves her in the lurch, the pressure mounts for Tabby. With Christmas fast approaching, she has to open the café on her own – a daunting prospect, especially when she's been hiding her health issues from the ones she loves.

Faced with local resistance to the café – and somebody seemingly determined that she won’t succeed – Tabby will need her friends, family and cats more than ever to recover her broken Christmas spirit and pull together for a Christmas miracle.

Will the cat café bring the festive joy to Castle Street as Tabby had hoped or will it be a cat-astrophe? And can the magic of Christmas on Castle Street mend Tabby's broken heart as well as her business?

Escape with million-copy bestseller Jessica Redland this Christmas for the purr-fect festive treat!

Purchase Link - https://mybook.to/catcafesocial

My Review:

Firstly, I have to say how much I adore all of Jessica Redlands books, no matter which series, setting or characters; her writing always captures me. I was so excited to be back in Castle Street and loved the idea of a cat café! After this book I definitely want to visit one.

At many points it appears that Tabby may not get to open her much longed for cat café, she faces adversity from all angles – crazed ex-girlfriends, animal activists, an ex who let her down as well as a body that leaves her in so much pain she cannot function no matter how much she wishes she could. Hard to read but incredible to learn more about a condition I’d only ever heard of and didn’t realise the extent to which it can debilitate a person. Luckily for Tabby she has a wonderful community around her, family, friends and fellow business owners.

 I adored hearing about the different cats, just picturing their antics adding some light relief and cute moments. Part of why I love Jessica’s books is for the sense of community that is developed; how people come together to help and support each other – always makes me wish I could join them!

There are moments of pain and sadness but it’s overwhelming a story about acceptance, perseverance, recognising that you can ask for help and that nothing needs to hold you back when following your dreams. Of course, we have romance and at first it threw me, I didn’t expect it but I soon realised the pairing was completely right.

 Festive spirit, cute cats and romance; a fabulous read.

 Author Bio:

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.

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In From the Cold - Sarah Bennett

Amelia Riley and Ben Lawson have something in common – fathers who have kept secrets.

On the day of his father’s funeral, Ben’s life changes forever when a woman he’s never met shows up claiming to be his sister. As he investigates the past, Ben is shaken to discover that much of his life has been built on a carefully constructed foundation of his father’s lies. Needing answers, he agrees to visit Juniper Meadows, the ancestral estate owned and run by his long-lost relatives, the Travers family.

Arriving in the pretty Cotswold countryside, the first person Ben meets is Amelia Riley. They are immediately drawn to one another, but Amelia has her own complicated ties to the Travers family. Her only goal is to set the past to rights so she can move on with a clean conscience.

As Ben starts to see the events of his childhood more clearly, he allows the warmth and fun he finds at Juniper Meadows to draw him in from the cold. But just as he’s contemplating setting down roots, Amelia is making plans to leave…

Bestseller Sarah Bennett is back with an irresistible, feel-good, page-turning escape, perfect for fans of Cathy Bramley, Katie Fforde and Phillipa Ashley.

Purchase Link - https://mybook.to/Infromthecoldsocial

My review:

I thoroughly enjoy all of Sarah Bennett’s books, and having read the first book in the series Where We Belong a short while ago, I was keen to go back to Juniper Meadows and find out what more was in store.

Having previously met Hope, we learnt how complicated her family is, (I highly recommend you do read the first book before this so to have the full idea). Now this book is yet another emotional tale. There are discoveries of such hurt, betrayal and deceit within the family, how heart breaking that one persons actions can cause so much angst. Ben had no interest in rekindling a relationship with his biological mother Stevie, but learning what happened in the past, could this change how he proceeds with his future?

Another character we discover some more about is Amelia, who is Hope’s childhood best friend. She is devastated by what her father did and pushed everyone else away because of the shame.  She is fierce though and wants to prove to everyone that she is nothing like her dad, not that she needs to do that really.  I had really felt very sorry for her in book one, nothing was of her doing but she was resolving things and fixing problems.

Sarah is a great storyteller and the way her characters develop throughout the story and over a series is brilliant. This isn’t your typical light and airy rom com at times, or story of festive cheer (even though the cover looks that way); it has serious, intense themes that have been written with sensitive care but it is still enjoyable. You will get stuck in and have your head in the book for hours.

I always enjoy catching up with previous characters and this book was no exception, I am really looking forward to more from Juniper Meadows. 

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.

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Christmas Nights at the Star and Lantern - Helen Rolfe

 

A wonderful story of love, friendship and opening your mind and your heart to new possibilities that will enchant fans of Holly Martin and Heidi Swain.

The Copper Plough is at the heart of village life for the residents of Heritage Cove, and never more so than at Christmas, when the tree glows in the alcove and the smell of mulled wine carries out onto the street. So when new owners for the beloved pub arrive and decide to shake things up, not everyone welcomes the changes with open arms.

Local bakery owner Celeste is ready to keep an open mind. But she’s shocked to discover that one of the new landlords is Quinn, a former Navy sailor with whom she had a short but powerful romance years earlier.

Fate may have brought Quinn and Celeste back together, but life seems determined to keep them apart. Can the villagers learn to embrace the newcomers this Christmas? And will Quinn and Celeste find a way back to each other before snow falls over Heritage Cove?

Purchase Link - https://mybook.to/StarandLanternSocial

My Review:

A return trip the Cove… at Christmas… YES PLEASE!

I adore this series, the characters, the setting, the sense of community that I wish I was part of. At least while reading these books I am.

If you haven’t read any of this series you can fully enjoy this as a standalone but I do highly recommend reading others, they are fantastic.

Celeste is quite the independent woman, she knows what she wants in all areas of her life. She is happy being a businesswoman, having her sister and niece close by, and being surrounded by friends and part of a close community. A chance encounter with Quinn gave her a short, enjoyable fling; both happy with the short time they had.

When the local pub is bought and renamed, the villagers wonder how their local ‘community hub’ will change and if the new landlord will fit in. When opening day arrives, there are surprises all around and with the community’s favourite member, Barney, taking ill and being rushed to hospital, emotions and tensions are high.

Quinn is back, desperate to see the woman who captured his heart in such a small time but when he finally sees her again, she is distant and pushes him away. He is worried that anyone find out about his past and what issues he is desperately trying to hide, but could there be a way back for him?

At some points this story looked as though it may be the bleakest, saddest Christmas tale of all. Worry for one of the lovely characters I have grown to adore, Barney who is like everyone’s Grandad as well as feelings of heartache, loss, fear. A rollercoaster of emotions but wow, when those warm and fuzzies hit they warmed my heart. I liked Celeste, she is certain what life she wants to lead but it can blind her to what is in front of her. Quinn is a good man, he sounds gorgeous but is troubled; he has seen and done so much that nobody could comprehend but fear of what people may think also stops him doing what is best for him.

Mouthwatering descriptions of treats, eats and drinks yet again, it’s probably a good thing this is a fictional place otherwise I would be there and enjoy sampling everything.

Helen is a go-to author, I enjoy her writing and the characters and settings she brings to life. With the perfect amount of festive cheer to get you ready for the season.

Great read, highly recommended. 

Author Bio:

Helen Rolfe is the author of many bestselling contemporary women’s fiction titles, set in different locations from the Cotswolds to New York. She lives in Hertfordshire with her husband and children.

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The Gingerbread House in Mistletoe Gardens -

 

The Gingerbread House in Mistletoe Gardens

The perfect cosy and uplifting romance to curl up with this winter!

In Mistletoe Gardens a legend exists: anyone who kisses underneath the mistletoe will be guaranteed another year of love…

When local baker Essie Browne discovers that Mistletoe Gardens is to be demolished in January, she’s determined to save the place she loves so much. So Essie proposes building a life size gingerbread house to bring in the crowds…just how hard can it be?

Well, quite hard actually. Essie can bake gingerbread blindfolded, but she hasn’t got a clue how to build an actual house with it! She needs help - and fast!

Enter local builder, Joss Hallissey. Essie is convinced that with Joss’s help they can pull this off. There’s just one tiny problem: Joss hates Christmas, gingerbread, and… well, just about everything else too.

Joss the Grinch makes it clear that her idea is ludicrous and pointless, but he reluctantly agrees to help with her plan.

Will the gingerbread house be enough to save Mistletoe Gardens? Or will Essie's chance for a magical kiss under the mistletoe be lost forever?

Perfect for fans of Holly Martin, Kat French and Caroline Roberts!

Purchase Link - https://mybook.to/Gingerbreadhousesocial

My Review:

As a long time fan of Jaimie Admans’ I was anticipating a charming, heart warming story with sweet characters, wonderful, enchanting locations and a sprinkling of magic, of course I was not disappointed.

A festive story that filled me with that cosy, warm feeling, where my heart was full and fuzzy with love and festive spirit. A story of hope, determination, a resolve to make changes and also to find the best of everyone and of course, to embrace tradition and celebrate love.

Essie, local baker extraordinaire, loves where she lives, the people, the place and has vowed to never leave. Mistletoe Gardens is a special place to all who live there and when to discover upcoming plans to demolish this much-loved place she sets her sights on making a stand, saving Mistletoe Gardens. Her plan, outrageously, is to build a life size gingerbread house, but whilst she can bake, she has no idea on how to build and needs help.

Joss hates Christmas, and pretty much most things. He wants to be away from the place that holds painful memories and definitely has no real intention on getting involved in anything community spirited. He has a few loose ends to finish up and then he plans to go.

My first “festive” read of the season and I think it will take a lot to top this one. I adored it, felt like I was there with Essie in Mistletoe Gardens. She is a spirited young lady and knows what she wants, lacking in the ability to speak up for herself after being hurt in the past. Mistletoe Gardens sounds like such a festive, special place – I’d love to take a trip there myself.

With a cast of very unique characters, you will laugh, you will feel emotional but you will remember that magical feel we can forget as we get older. This story will reignite that sense of wonder and will have you ready for the season! Fantastic read that will be a favourite!

Author Bio:

Jaimie Admans is the bestselling author of several romantic comedies – including The Little Christmas Shop on Nutcracker Lane and The Chateau of Happily-Ever-Afters. She lives in South Wales and was previously published by HQ Digital.

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Sunny Days at the Second Chances Sweet Shop - Hannah Lynn

 

A getaway to remember...

It’s Holly’s best friend’s hen do and the plan is a week away in the South of France.

With little Hope still so very young, it’s going to be difficult for Holly to tear herself away, but Ben is the perfect co-parent and her own parents are just down the road, so – Holly decides – there’s really nothing holding her back, is there?

Will the sunshine and sea air help her get back to who she really is? Or will this be the perfect distraction, a chance to have a holiday fling?

Bask in the sunny skies of France with everyone's favourite sweet shop owner - because everyone deserves a break, don't they?

Purchase Link - https://mybook.to/SunnyDaysSocial

 

My Review:

Sunny Days at the Second Chances Sweet Shop is Book 5 of in this series, although it could be read as a standalone book I think it’s even better if you have read the others too.

I had mixed feelings about book 4. Not in the writing but in I was disappointed that things had not worked out for people I had really been rooting for, more of a personal disappointment rather than issue with the story. Book 5 was like a soothing balm and whilst I’m still gutted that Hollys relationship didn’t work out I can see it was for the best.

Holly is die to go on her best friends hen/stag do in France, it being the first time she’s ;eft her baby Hope. She tried to resist going but knows Ben will keep her updated.

 What an adventure Holly ends up having, her eyes are opened to her situation, what she really is looking for and that feelings can be mistaken. I couldn’t believe which character made an appearance, he is like a bad smell! If you have read it you’ll know which character I am not a fan of!

 A great light hearted read, very enjoyable and fun!

Author Bio: 

Hannah Lynn is the author of over twenty books spanning several genres.

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