Christmas on Fifth Avenue - Julie Caplin

 

Christmas on Fifth Avenue

Welcome to New York, where the Christmas lights dazzle, the snow is falling and love is just around the corner…

Evie Green's Christmas dream turns into a nightmare when a viral video makes her the laughing stock of the internet. But then a 5 star hotel sees a PR opportunity and invites her to New York for a Christmas she’ll remember forever.

Enter Noah Sanderson, a disgraced soccer star seeking anonymity. Forced to fake a festive romance for the cameras, sparks fly – but not the twinkling Christmas kind!

As Fifth Avenue sparkles in all its holiday glory, can The City that Never Sleeps show these two frosted hearts that, maybe, the best love stories are the ones you never see coming.

Don't miss this cozy Christmas spin off series from the million-copy-bestselling author of the Romantic Escapes series! Each book can be read as a standalone.

Guaranteed:

Forced proximity

Grumpy sunshine

Happy ever after

Cozy comfort read

New York Christmas magic – think red velvet bows, chunky tartan-knit scarves, giant red baubles, the Rockefeller Centre Christmas Tree, Macy's, The Nutcracker and more!

My Review:

Julie Caplin.. one of my ‘go to’ authors in any guise. I adore every book knowing that it will be pure escapism.

Christmas on Fifth Avenue is festive magic! From the very first page, I was completely swept away, I adore New York so this was the perfect setting for me and just elevated the twinkling holiday atmosphere and the wonderfully charming characters. Julie Caplin has such a gift for creating stories that feel like a warm hug — and this one certainly does.

The chemistry between the main characters sparkles from the instant they meet – although it isn’t the most positive of meet-cutes. Their banter is witty, the romance is perfectly paced, and the emotional moments are genuinely touching without feeling overdone. I appreciate the balance between the sweet holiday love story with the deeper themes of friendship, healing, and self-discovery.

The vivid descriptions made me feel like I was back in New York, strolling through snowy Central Park and sipping cocoa in a cosy, fancy hotel. I feel what Julie does so well with her books, especially with a place like New York is make things real; so many people have been to the city and know what to expect so she really must get it spot on and be able to make someone believe they are back there. This is the kind of story that leaves you smiling long after you’ve turned the last page — festive, funny, and full of heart.

If you’re looking for a feel-good Christmas read that delivers warmth, laughter and romance, Christmas on Fifth Avenue is an absolute must-read. Julie Caplin has once again proven she’s the queen of comfort escapism for me. 

Purchase Links

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Brand-Christmas-Romance-Julie-Caplin-ebook/dp/B0DJ6HS9NJ/

https://www.amazon.com/Brand-Christmas-Romance-Julie-Caplin-ebook/dp/B0DJ6HS9NJ/

Author Bio –

Jules Wake aka Julie Caplin is an internationally bestselling author with over 2 million sales over twenty five books including the highly successful Romantic Escape series which has been translated into over 24 languages. Her books have topped the charts in the UK, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Iceland, Italy, Czech Republic and Slovakia.

After reading English at university, Jules Wake worked in PR where she honed her fiction writing skills on press releases and swanned around Europe taking journalists on gastronomic press trips. These visits inspired the locations of many of her books. She’s now a full-time author and what better job is there than making stuff up! It certainly beats housework.

As an avid romance fan, she’s written in several genres including historical romantic fiction, contemporary women’s romance fiction and romantic comedy. October will see the publication of her twenty eight book, Christmas on Fifth Avenue.

Social Media Links

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

Instagram @juliecaplinauthor

                  

A Little Place in Prague - Julie Caplin

 

A Little Place in Prague

It's been years since Anna has seen Leo Knight. And of all the apartments in all the cities in all the world, he just happens to walk in to her cosy new attic home – as her new housemate.

As the two walk the cobbled streets of Prague, taking in the sights and sounds from Wenceslas Square, frosted with snow, to the soft glow of candlelit Charles Bridge, the enchantment of the City of a Hundred Spires soon starts to work its magic on them…

Purchase Link:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Little-Place-Prague-swoon-worthy-must-read-ebook/dp/B0CW1F5HX8

https://www.amazon.com/Little-Place-Prague-swoon-worthy-must-read-ebook/dp/B0CW1F5HX8

My Review:

Honestly, I could rave about Julie Caplin all day long, an absolute “ go to” author for me (as both Julie Caplin and Jules Wake) – I look forward to the next book from the moment I finish one. No pressure to write any faster at all 😊

A little place in Prague whisked us off to yet another brilliant location; these ‘Romantic Escapes’ books have allowed to travel all over the world from the comfort of your own armchair, I adore each of them. This isn’t a series where you need to have read previous books at all, each work as standalones but I cannot stress enough how great they all are and that you should read them. If you have read previous books you will spot little cameos from characters we’ve met before.

Supposed strangers, Anna and Leo, are thrown together in a flat share whilst competing in a beer brewing competition, each keen to learn and develop techniques for producing their own beer. This may be a strange set up for some but not for people that already know each other and have a significant history.

I adore their story; it’s testament to people wanting to change and better themselves, learning from past mistakes and showing that time can allow people to really change. Of course this story has ups and downs, neither character is perfect but they work well together; the chemistry is incredible.

It’s a gorgeously cosy read, perfect for the cooler days and dark evenings. As always there is a wonderful cast of characters that are entertaining and some that are infuriating as well as mouthwatering descriptions of delicious local food dishes and drinks. A thoroughly gorgeous read.

Having visited Prague very briefly many years ago, this book was a lovely way to reminisce about that trip although I now realise I barely touched the surface of what Prague has to offer! What is very clear from reading A Little Place in Prague is Julie Caplin’s love for the city, she is shining such a spotlight on to the culture, architecture, foods etc that I wouldn’t be surprised if most readers would love to have their very own escape to Prague.

Another fantastic read – already looking forward to the next! 

Author Bio

Julie Caplin, formerly a PR director, swanned around Europe for many years taking top food and drink writers on press trips (junkets) sampling the gastronomic delights of various cities in Italy, France, Belgium, Spain, Copenhagen and Switzerland. It was a tough job but someone had to do it. 

These trips have provided the inspiration and settings for the highly successful Romantic Escapes series which have hit the best seller charts in Italy, Germany and the Czech Republic and have sold over two million copies worldwide.

The first book in the nine strong series, The Little Café in Copenhagen, was shortlisted for a Romantic Novel of the Year Award.

Social Media Links – @JulieCaplin Twitter

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

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

A Villa with a View - Julie Caplin

 

Escape to the Amalfi Coast and feel the warmth of the Italian sun on your face, hear the sound of the turquoise waves crashing on the beach and fall in love with a new enemies to lovers romance!

Lia Bathurst had always dreamed of escaping to the white sandy beaches and turquoise blue seas of the Amalfi coast – but that dream hadn’t included meeting her real father. A father she had never even known about until a few weeks ago! Yet here she was, standing outside the gates of a gorgeous pink villa being refused entry by the insufferable – and insufferably handsome – Raphael Knight, her father’s business manager.

When an old black and white photo proves Lia’s claim to be true, Raph is determined to make sure this stranger, with her long caramel waves and infectious smile, doesn’t have an ulterior motive. Even if that means not letting her out of his sight.

As temperatures rise, and not just from the heat of the Mediterranean sun, could Lia and Raph’s forced proximity lead to something more like… amore?

Purchase Link - https://bit.ly/47kOw0a

My Review:

Julie Caplin, oh how I adore the books you bring us! As a long-time fan, I eagerly await each one, anticipating glorious settings, warm, likeable characters, emotional storylines and always some mouthwatering foods and drink references.

I always want these books to last as long as possible but I cannot help but get so engrossed in the story I read through it in no time.  

A Villa with A View blew me away; I wanted to be right there, glorious location, weather and in the heart of a loving, busy family. The characters, well, could Aurelia get any more wonderful; welcoming, generous, a sprinkling of mischievous matchmaking and everything you’d want from a long-lost fathers wife! Ernesto is a funny character, the heart of the family, cheeky, charming and not at all what you would expect from someone so famous.

 Lia is our leading character, she’s had life changing news, it questions everything she is and knows. The time away is meant to put space between her and the family she thinks have lied to her for her whole life. I love her, she’s fierce and willing to stand up to anyone, no matter who they are or how much they push back.

A quick mention for Leo, what a lovely guy, more of him please! He clearly holds on to some heartbreak but manages to bring a smile to those around him.

I was on an emotional rollercoaster, I desperately wanted Lia to find the answers she needed whilst realising the power of love, both from those who are your family and the romantic kind. I have to admit, I shed a little tear at the part Lia was speaking with her Dad.. it takes a lot for me to cry but the emotion just pours from the page.

As always I was rooting for the romance, Lia and Raph have an instant spark, although they fight hard against it for quite some time. Both are passionate, both care deeply and think they know best; they have met their match in each other.

I could rave on and on… I loved it. I cannot recommend it enough for anyone looking for a brilliant, sun shine filled read. Those who love to travel via their comfy chairs will love A Villa with a View.

I look forward to the next one Julie 😊

Author Bio :

Julie Caplin, formerly a PR director, swanned around Europe for many years taking top food and drink writers on press trips (junkets) sampling the gastronomic delights of various cities in Italy, France, Belgium, Spain, Copenhagen and Switzerland. It was a tough job but someone had to do it. 

These trips have provided the inspiration and settings for the highly successful Romantic Escapes series which have hit the best seller charts in Italy, Germany and the Czech Republic and have sold over two million copies worldwide.

The first book in the nine strong series,The Little Café in Copenhagen, was shortlisted for a Romantic Novel of the Year Award.

Social Media Links – @JulieCaplin Twitter

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

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

The French Chateau Dream - Julie Caplin

 

The French Chateau Dream

When wedding planner Hattie signs up for her dream job, organising her cousin’s wedding in France, it offers the perfect escape from a relationship that’s been going south for a while.

Unfortunately when she arrives at the idyllic Chateau St Martin, not everyone is as enthusiastic about the forthcoming wedding, including Luc Bremont, son of the owner of the chateau. 

Luc has finally been given the chance to make his own champagne at the family vineyard and everything rests on making it a success, the last thing he wants is the distraction of a big wedding at the chateau.

Will Hattie be able to build bridges between the inhabitants of the chateau in order to allow the wedding to go ahead?

My Review:

If I need a book that will lift my spirits, fill me with dreams of beautiful settings, give me mouthwatering descriptions of foods and drinks and of course, fill my heart with romance, I know I can do no better than pick up one of Julie Caplins romantic escape books. The French Chateau Dream is the 10^th in this series and if full of sunshine, dreams and of course, romance.

Hattie, oh Hattie, is a great character. We briefly met her in ‘The Christmas Castle in Scotland’ and now she’s heading to France to a Chateau as a wedding planner for her cousins upcoming nuptials. Fresh from a relationship break up, Hattie really wants to prove she is capable of planning this wedding, keen to establish her business she is determined to make this a success.

Arriving in France, Hattie meets Luc who lives at the Chateau and is keen to start making champagne again. He isn’t altogether on board with the wedding but knows they need the money if he is to make a go of things at all. Hattie is a force to be reckoned with in her own way and I admired her tenacity, especially when she comes up against sabotage. It is evident who is to blame but Hattie can more than handle herself.

Hattie falls for the chateau, is quite keen on the gorgeous Luc and starts believing that she could achieve what she has always wanted but knows her time there is limited especially when a face from the past pulls on her heart strings once again.

I absolutely adored reading this one, location, characters, storyline – all fantastic. I didn’t want to put it down but didn’t want it to end. I love this series as you can read any one at any time, but for those, like me, that love to read things in order you will spot the cameos from previous stories and it is great to catch up them even for a moment.

There would never be a time I didn’t champion any book by Julie/Jules – an author that enables the reader to have a true connection to the characters, where we feel like they are just like any of us and that we want the best for them – like a friend.

Julie/Jules’ books are familiar, like a comfort blanket or a ray of sunshine on a grey day. The French Chateau Dream is a gorgeous read, perfect for this summer by the pool, in the garden; highly recommended.

Author Bio:

Julie caplin, formerly a PR director, swanned around Europe for many years taking top food and drink writers on press trips (junkets) sampling the gastronomic delights of various cities in Italy, France, Belgium, Spain, Copenhagen and Switzerland. It was a tough job but someone had to do it. 

These trips have provided the inspiration and settings for the highly successful Romantic Escapes series which have hit the best seller charts in Italy, Germany and the Czech Republic and have sold a million copies worldwide.

The first book in the nine strong series,The Little Café in Copenhagen, was shortlisted for a Romantic Novel of the Year Award.

Social Media Links – @JulieCaplin Twitter

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

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

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 Cosy Cottage in Ireland - Julie Caplin

 

Snuggle up in your favourite armchair and take a trip across the Irish sea for comfort food, cosy cottage nights and a heartwarming romance…

Talented lawyer Hannah Campbell is after a change in her workaholic Manchester life – so on an uncharacteristic whim she books herself a place at the world-renowned Killorgally Cookery School in Country Kerry. But on her first night in Ireland, sampling the delights of Dublin, Hannah can’t resist falling for the charms of handsome stranger Conor. It’s only when Hannah arrives at her postcard-pretty home at Killorgally for the next six weeks that she discovers what happens in Dublin doesn’t quite stay in Dublin …

Nestled amongst rolling green hills and breath-taking countryside, the cookery school throws Hannah and Conor together – for better or worse.

Purchase Link - mybook.to/CosyCottageEB

My Review:

An utterly charming and cosy read for this autumn. Julie Caplin is whisking readers away to the Emerald Isle with a story of romance, following your heart, taking chances and getting out of your comfort zone. The eighth book in this ‘Romantic Escapes’ series is set in beautiful Ireland, closer to home but still had me aching to get on a plane! If you haven’t come across this series the books are written as standalones, although connected through characters to previous books. I would implore you to read the rest of the series though, some of my favourite locations, characters and mouthwatering descriptions of food and drink you’ll read!

The Cosy Cottage in Ireland had me hooked from the first page, and I read in one glorious sitting. I loved the setting, the characters, and the story. Hannah is the sister of a character from the last book, she has been risk averse all her life and we meet her taking a leap of faith and doing something very out of character. Before heading to a world-famous culinary school, she meets a handsome, charming stranger and that meeting is the start of a whirlwind of ups and downs for her. Hannah is out of her comfort zone in so many ways, but as the weeks progress and as relationships with her fellow students develop, she starts to feel like her life is need of change and that perhaps Ireland holds the key.

Conor has given up a life others could only dream about, supporting his Mum with the culinary school is enough and creating dream cottages on their land is fuelling his creativity. He worries about getting close to people, he has been used by most people in his past and he is determined it will never happen again.

The chemistry and attraction between these two characters just cannot be denied, jumping off the page. They compliment each other perfectly, even when they don’t realise it themselves. Hannah is the most unromantic heroine and Conor is quick to jump to the wrong conclusion. When they need to work together, can they put differences aside?

LOVE LOVE LOVE. I was charmed by the descriptions of Ireland but the descriptions of the food, wow. I enjoyed the cast of characters, the humour (seriously couldn’t we have had a grand total of that swear jar ha!) and the heart that comes through the authors writing.
I have an idea where we may end up next, or at least some time in the future and I cannot wait. That being said, I hope we get to hear about a few of these characters again… (Please!!!!)

Perfect for cosying up and devouring in one go!

Author Bio:

Julie Caplin, formerly a PR director, swanned around Europe for many years taking top food and drink writers on press trips (junkets) sampling the gastronomic delights of various cities in Italy, France, Belgium, Spain, Copenhagen and Switzerland. It was a tough job but someone had to do it. 

These trips have provided the inspiration and settings for her Romantic Escapes series which have been translated into fifteen different languages.

The first book in the seven strong series, The Little Café in Copenhagen, was shortlisted for a Romantic Novel of the Year Award.

Social Media Links – @JulieCaplin Twitter

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

Instagram @juliecaplinauthor

The Little Swiss Ski Chalet - Julie Caplin

 

It’s time to pack your bags and head to the breath-taking, snow-covered peaks of the Swiss Alps for velvety hot chocolates, delicious cheeses and a gorgeous love story…

Food technician Minna has always believed that chocolate will solve everything – and it’s just what she needs when her latest relationship mishap goes viral!

So with her bags packed and a new determination to sort her life out, Minna decides to drown her sorrows with the best hot chocolate in the world at her godmother’s cosy Swiss chalet. Chocolate: yes. Romance: no. Until she has a run in on an Alpine train with a mysterious but oh-so-gorgeous stranger…

Purchase Links

http://amzn.to/3jU2lKy 🌎 http://mybook.to/SwissSkiChalet

My Review:

This is a gorgeous book by one of my favourite authors; Julie Caplin (alter ego of the wonderful Jules Wake) never fails to whisk me away to somewhere new and make me believe if I open my front door I’d be right there. Bringing to life another stunning location, this is a fantastic addition to a series of romantic escapes. There is something very comforting and familiar about these books, each with their own story and in a different place across the globe, some characters may overlap and make appearances, but they are all standalone books – each very special in its own right.

This time we are whisked to the Swiss Alps with Mina, a food technician who’s love life has just taken a nosedive and so she decides to visit her godmother Amelie who owns a wonderful ski chalet. Thanks to Minas adventures and escapades in this book I feel like I’ve had my own personal adventure on the Alps, and that isn’t something I would really do. I feel I’ve lived vicariously through this down to earth, funny and caring character, Mina.

Amelie herself sounds truly special. I wish I could take a visit to her Swiss Chalet. She has the knack for seeing what her guests need and matching them up to create new friendships that nurture and encourage the best out of them. Everything about the chalet sounds wonderful – how cosy it is, what special friendships are forged and how delicious the food sounds. I mean who wouldn’t want a time each day dedicated to cake!

With mouthwatering descriptions that will soothe the weariest heart, The Little Swiss Ski Chalet, is a soul soothing and heart warming read. Yet another great escape in a time where we are all keen to ignore reality, Julie Caplin creates a home away from home in book form, with a warm, family feeling community of characters.

Curl up, be transported to the Swiss Alps, and enjoy. I cannot recommend this book enough – or any by Julie Caplin/Jules Wake. 

Author Bio:

Julie Caplin, formerly a PR director, swanned around Europe for many years taking top food and drink writers on press trips (junkets) sampling the gastronomic delights of various cities in Italy, France, Belgium, Spain, Copenhagen and Switzerland. It was a tough job but someone had to do it. 

These trips have provided the inspiration and settings for her Romantic Escapes series which have been translated into fifteen different languages.

The first book in the seven strong series, The Little Café in Copenhagen, was shortlisted for a Romantic Novel of the Year Award.

Social Media Links:

 @JulieCaplin Twitter

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

Instagram @juliecaplinauthor

The Little Teashop in Tokyo - Julie Caplin

The Little Teashop in Tokyo

Grab your passport and escape to a land of dazzling skycrapers, steaming bowls of comforting noodles, and a page-turning love story that will make you swoon!

For travel blogger Fiona, Japan has always been top of her bucket list so when she wins an all-expenses paid trip, it looks like her dreams are coming true.

Until she arrives in vibrant, bustling Tokyo and comes face-to-face with the man who broke her heart ten years ago, gorgeous photographer Gabe.

Fiona can’t help but remember the heartache of their last meeting but amidst the temples and clouds of soft pink cherry blossoms, can Fiona and Gabe start to see life – and each other – differently?

Purchase Links

UK - https://amzn.to/39JCFL9    

US - http://amzn.to/39QbGhh

My Review:I am always happiest when I get to be whisked away to another fantastic location by Julie Caplin. This series of books is a wonderful mood booster, a great source of happiness and the stories are always fun and full of heart. This latest book, The Little Teashop in Tokyo, lives up the same wonderful standard as it’s predecessors. If you haven’t read any of the others in this series, do not worry. They can all be standalone books; the characters sometimes appear in other places, but the stories are different. (Please do go and read the others though - they are fab!)

Here we have Fiona, who wins the chance to go to Tokyo and experience the Japanese culture whilst being mentored by a top photographer. Cue some changes and she find herself in the very capable (but familiar) hands of famed photographer Gabe. The sparks fly from the off between these two characters and it was fun to see how they pushed each other’s buttons.  I have to hand it to Fiona, she certainly gave as good as she got in many ways!
Each location is beautifully described, as I read sat out in the sunshine, I could imagine myself in Fiona’s shoes; gazing at the cherry blossom or being wowed by Mount Fuji. I have never really had any interest in Japan/Tokyo, but I found myself being pulled into wanting to know more about the culture and traditions and Julie incorporates so much of this into the story.
Haruka is possibly one of my favourite characters; fiery yet calm, smart and sensitive – not one to cross, as Gabe found out. If I was to go to Japan, she is exactly the type of person I would like to meet.
This is a story of self-discovery, moving forward from the past and embracing what is meant for you. It shows how to see things from new perspectives, and I think it is a wonderful way to escape the current anxieties and worries.
I cannot recommend this one enough!! Author Bio

Jules Wake announced at the age of ten that she planned to be a writer. Along the way she was diverted by the glamorous world of PR and worked on many luxury brands, taking journalists on press trips to
awful places like Turin, Milan, Geneva, Paris, Brussels and Amsterdam and occasionally losing the odd member of the press in an airport. This proved fabulous training for writing novels as it provided her with the opportunity to eat amazing food, drink free alcohol, hone her writing skills on press releases
and to research European cities for her books.
She writes best-selling warm-hearted contemporary fiction for HarperImpulse.
Under her pen name, Julie Caplin, her thirteenth novel, The Little Teashop in Tokyo will be published in ebook and paperback this June.
Social Media Links :
www.twitter.com/juliecaplin
@Juleswake
Facebook: www.facebook.com/JulieCaplinAuthor

2019 Round Up

Hard to believe 2019 is almost done. What a year. What a fantastic book filled year. I admit I set my Goodreads target low but wowzers...

There are many many books I loved this year. There are characters that I adore and places I wish I could live. I didn't want to to a 'Top 10 of the Year' but I do want to sum up some special reads.

Beth O Leary – The Flatshare: 

The whole premise of the book is wonderfully bonkers; but it works. I assumed this would be a light hearted, simple but lovely read but it is emotional and thought provoking - far more than the romantic comedy books we all love. Touching on some serious issues that will resonate with many readers; the serious moments were cleverly balanced with comedy that had me laughing out loud






 Heidi Swain – Poppy’s Recipe for Life and The Christmas Wishlist:

A whole host of fun and quirky characters await you in Poppy’s Recipe for Life, all so lovely in their own way and bringing different elements to the story. It's an eclectic bunch of residents in Nightingale Square that I hope we will learn more about in the future.

Heidi writes with such care for her characters and settings. You think of them as friends, and Poppy is now amongst them. A firm favourite for her positive outlook on life. I love Heidi's feel good style of writing and I often wish I could live in these fictional places. 

This book is a pure uplifting, romantic comfort read. A hug in book form!




The Christmas Wishlist:

With themes of friendships, being true to yourself and embracing the things that happen to come your way, this is a read that will stay with you for quite some time.

Festive feelings galore, if you love all this Christmas then this is for you; if you are yet to get in this festive spirit then you should give this one a read. It left me with the warm and fuzzies for a very long time after I’d finished reading. I absolutely loved it.



This is a very special book and will be one of my ‘must read’ festive books every year.

Caroline Roberts  - Rachel’s Pudding Pantry and Christmas at Rachel’s Pudding Pantry:

A delicious treat of a book from Caroline Roberts. Warning: you will scour every kitchen cupboard in sight for some kind of yummy goodness whilst reading this book. I loved how descriptive this book is, whether about the tasty delights being created, the idyllic countryside setting or the increasing pressures of running a farm. Caroline's easy, flowing writing style made this a delight to read, it was a pleasure to sit and devour it in one sitting.

A very lovely return to Rachel’s Pudding Pantry. Caroline Roberts has a lovely writing style that is easy to read, nicely paced as nothing feels rushed or prolonged. The story is heart-warming, you feel comfortable with the characters and that you take them to heart. I think there is the right balance of humour and tension throughout the book with a copious amount of festive frolics to really get you in the Christmas spirit.



 

Christie Barlow – Love Heart Lane:


A gorgeous tale of renewing friendships, accepting situations beyond our control and fighting hard for those you love. With plenty of drama, some laughs and a long lost romance, I know Heartcross is going to be a fabulous setting for some great stories. I look forward to finding out even more about the other characters of Heartcross.





Celia Anderson – 59 Memory Lane: 

Absolutely beautiful. This book was in my mind for days after I finished it. I loved everything about the story, the characters and they way Celia wrote this for us. Wonderful and highly recommended.









 

Jane Linfoot – Edie Browne’s Cottage by the Sea:


I adored everything this book is and what it stands for – acceptance, perseverance, following your heart and being true to yourself. I love how Jane combines the highs and lows of their journey; one moment I was laughing, the next feeling quite emotional.  Well written characters who you fall in love with, root for and would love to meet again.

Lisa Jewell – Watching You:

Compelling and a book I couldn’t put down (then again anything Lisa writes has me from page one!) A brilliant array of characters with intrigue, mystery and drama. A definite must read from me.

Eliza J Scott – A Christmas Kiss:


A Christmas Kiss is a cosy, feel good romance that will have you yearning for log fires, snowy days and a special someone to snuggle up with. It has a beautiful storyline that will warm the cockles of your heart this festive period. A very special read, perfect for the changing weather. I enjoyed it so much, I couldn’t read it quick enough.

Jules Wake – Notting Hill in the Snow:

Genuinely, I am not sure anything I could write would do this beauty justice. I had THE biggest book hangover from Notting Hill in the Snow. I found it to be far more emotional that I anticipated, and I admit it nearly got me a little teary and that NEVER happens.

With a lot of really laugh out loud funny moments, gorgeous festive shenanigans and wonderfully developed relationships Jules Wake has given us something very special.

I am such a huge fan of Jules Wake in every guise, I know that any time I open her books I will be transported to an amazing place with gorgeous characters who will imprint on my heart. I’ve loved every book from Jules and when written as Julie Caplin – really check them all out.



The Secret Cove in Croatia:

A range of quirky, fun characters encapsulated on a yacht was such a fun mix – each added something different throughout the book. Julie has, yet again, whisked us away for a romantic treat. A gorgeous read that will not disappoint. I cannot recommend it enough for you travel, escapism and romance fans.

Mandy Baggott – A Christmas Star

Packed with genius comedic moments, this book will have you laughing your socks off, but it will also have your heart full and your emotions singing. Such a gorgeous festive treat, it isn’t all fluff, tinsel and turkey, there are some serious moments and issues addressed... I love how Mandy can take something and interweave it in a happy, love filled read.

With the most amazing festive atmosphere being created, I'm almost ready to get my Christmas Tree out now! I cannot recommend this superb festive, feel good smasher enough.



Oh 2019 I have loved thee...

I have loved far too many books to mention in this very short summary. I could rave about them all. I’ve found some incredible authors that take time to support us bloggers and give us such wonderful books.

Authors to adore (amongst others)


Rosie Green and the brilliant ‘Duck Pond Café’ series is one you MUST get into. They are funny, charming tales of a gorgeous community of characters. I always love a visit and will never tire of Rosie’s writing.


Jo Thomas is just incredible at taking us to amazing destinations and feeding our souls with mouth-watering, tasty treats in book form. Every book is special, with amazing characters who you will adore.


Holly Martin has given us Happiness in village form. A couple of absolutely smashing visits to a community I wish I could join. Fun, caring characters with lots of heart.


Lucy Knott – Given us some gorgeous books, wonderful characters and Is super nice. I can’t wait to read more.


Anstey Harris is loveliness personified and I loved Grace Atherton, more more more please Anstey.


Lindsey Kelk is a longtime favourite. I’ve loved her books forever – well ok for as long as she’s been writing them. I mourned the end of the I Heart Series, but I cannot wait for more from Lindsey. I even got to meet her and Paige Toon this year – finally!


Paige Toon is another superstar to me. Her books make me cry, well very nearly, and that’s quite an achievement. Always guaranteed a gorgeous read.



There’s so many I could rave about. Bring on 2020 with more reviews, my ramblings and my ravings on the authors that bring us fabulous books!