Dear Emmie Blue - Lia Louis

“A delightful story about how the things we imagine to be best for us usually aren’t. The reason you will love Dear Emmie Blue is because you’ve probably *lived* Dear Emmie Blue, in some small part of your own journey to adulthood.” —Jodi Picoult, #1 New York Times bestselling author

In this charming and poignant novel, teenager Emmie Blue releases a balloon with her email address and a big secret into the sky, only to fall head-over-heels for the boy who finds it; now, fourteen years later, the one thing Emmie has been counting on is gone for good, and everything she planned is up in the air.

Emmie Blue is about to learn everything she thinks she knows about life (and love) is just that: what she thinks she knows. Is there such thing as meant to be? Or is it true when they say that life is what happens when you are busy making other plans? A story filled with heart and humor, Dear Emmie Blue is perfect for fans of Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine and Evvie Drake Starts Over.

My Review: 

I received a copy of this book from the publisher and I am so thankful I did. What a gorgeous read. To my detriment I had not read the authors debut book so I went in with anticipation. By the end of that first chapter I knew I would love it and that Emmie would be a character I take to my heart.

Emmie is the kind of character I would imagine being friends with, she puts her all into friendships and relationships of all kind, she has heart and spirit even if life hasn’t always been that kind. I think all the characters are well written and love how they change and develop throughout the book – the ones I thought wouldn’t be good turned out great and the ones I had all my hopes pinned on didn’t really become the characters I initially thought.  

Rosie and Fox are the fun characters bringing some light and perspective for her. I loved their relationship from the start, they are really good friends to Emmie and provide some lovely comedic moments.

It is beautifully written and I sat for hours taking in every page. I could not put it down, wanting to see Emmies journey through and discover that her ending would be.

I think we all have sent secret messages out into the world at some point, haven’t we? Notes on balloons or messages in bottles? What a cute, simple start to this story but a truly significant symbol of following your destiny and that things may happen for a reason.

I loved this one, it’s emotional, endearing and a rollercoaster ride of opinion. An absolute delight of a read that I am so grateful for getting the opportunity to read.

One that will not disappoint. I look forward to reading more from this author.

Purchase here.

A Mistletoe Miracle - Emma Jackson

Cover Blurb:



At the Everdene Hotel, snowflakes, romance and mayhem are in the air...

A cosy hotel in a sleepy, snow-covered village should be the perfect setting for a Christmas to remember... But for Beth, returning to her childhood home after a disastrous break-up looks more like a festive fiasco.

With her mum stranded in a blizzard and most of the hotel staff off sick, Beth is forced to take the reins, impress a mystery hotel reviewer, and somehow find a way to work with Nick, the very grumpy - and very gorgeous - pilot who is staying for the holidays.

Between mince pie emergencies, deadly decorations, and two dozen disgruntled guests, Beth might just find a miracle under the mistletoe this Christmas...

Heartwarming and hilarious, this is the perfect festive romance to curl up with this winter. Perfect for fans of Heidi Swain and Sue Moorcroft.

 Buy on Amazon: https://t.co/lBsfePukyw?amp=1

My Review:

An engaging, easy to read, Christmas themed romance. I was highly entertained throughout this festive read, with a well written, flowing style and a nice pace – I didn’t feel like the story plodded along or sped through details to get to the end. I loved how a sense of community was developed through the guests at the hotel and the main characters local friends too, what a darling place to spend the Christmas period I’d say.

Beth is a great leading lady, obviously been through some knocks in life that meant her self confidence was in need of a major boost but she is completely likeable and I did want things to go well for her. I have to say her spirit and dedication as impressive, I don’t think many people would handle things in the same way!

Always nice to have a yummy sounding romantic interest and Nick did not disappoint at all. I was a bit annoyed when I thought his brother might get there first though.

I would’ve loved to get to know a little more of the other guests, some were set up nicely and nothing much followed – maybe we are having to wait for a return visit? That’s be brilliant and I would read more.

Many Thanks for the opportunity to read and review. I would recommend this read for those romance fans looking for a nice cosy book.

About the Author: 

A devoted bookworm and secret-story-scribbler since she was 6 years old, Emma Jackson joined the Romantic Novelists’ Association on their New Writers’ Scheme at the beginning of 2019, determined to focus on her writing. She has been overwhelmed by the encouragement given by the published authors and fellow NWS members who are part of the RNA and highly recommends joining to any romance writers looking for support and friendly guidance (there are some bursaries available). When she’s not running around after her two daughters and trying to complete her current work-in-progress, Emma loves to read, bake, catch up on binge-watching TV programmes with her partner and plan lots of craft projects that will inevitably end up unfinished. A MISTLETOE MIRACLE is her debut novel, published by Orion Dash.
You can follow Emma on Twitter: https://twitter.com/ESJackson1
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www.esjackson.co.uk