A Cosy Christmas with the Village Vet - Eliza J. Scott

 

It’s the most magical time of the year! Will Brogan and Nick find the happiness they crave so they can celebrate the festive season?

Christmas has always been a special time for Brogan, especially since her move to her grandparents’ smallholding. Set near the picturesque village of Lytell Stangdale in the middle of the North Yorkshire Moors, it’s an idyllic location. But with the loss of her beloved grandparents still raw, she’s struggling to find her festive spirit.

Talked into going to a wedding by her friends, Brogan finds herself sitting next to a rather handsome stranger. Thinking she’ll never seen him again, she dusts off her flirting skills and lets her fun-loving side loose.

Newly single Nick Heuston was dreading going to his friend’s wedding. But a chance encounter with a woman with captivating green and eyes makes him think otherwise. He’s gutted when she disappears without leaving any way for him to contact her.

Telling himself he needs a break from relationships, Nick intends to focus all his attention on his job as a vet at a new practice. It proves easier said than done; he just can’t get Brogan out of his mind.

Meanwhile, Brogan’s been looking forward to starting her new job as a vet nurse at the new local practice. On their first day at Danskelfe Veterinary Surgery, both are stunned when they come face-t0-face once more – something Nick seems very happy about, but Brogan’s not so sure.

Despite her reluctance, it would seem fate is keen to push them together, and Brogan finds her feelings for Nick growing. As for Nick, the more he gets to know Brogan, the more he finds himself falling for her.Just when their romance looks ready to bloom, something or someone seems to get in its way.

Will Christmas work its magic? Or are Brogan and Nick destined to be nothing more than a brief encounter?

Why not join Brogan and Nick, together with their canine companions Wilf and Maudie – and all the familiar Life on the Moors characters – for a heartwarming, festive trip to the moors?

Purchase Links:

UK https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0BLX7RK7L  

USA https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BLX7RK7L

My Review:

Another smashing read from Eliza J Scott and her Life on the Moors series. As always it’s a story full of warmth, character and love.A feel good story that gives you a cosy warm feeling all the way through. 

 

Amongst characters we have already met and taken to heart, we have Brogan who is restarting her veterinary nurse career and new vet Nick. When they meet on their first days, both realise where they have met before and all can see the sparks flying. 

When situations, drama and moors life throw the pairing together, it’s easy to see their relationship is full of spark but can both allow themselves to follow their hearts. 

 

When the village comes under threat and loved ones are affected, Brogan and Nick become closer than ever. Fate plays it’s hand throughout this winter filled treat, a story of love, friendships and connections but also in allowing people close and taking a chance. 

 

Written as part of a series but easily read as a standalone book, the sense of community is what I love about these books. A gorgeous story in a brilliant setting. Highly recommended! 

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

Starcross Manor - Christie Barlow

 

Dying to know more about the brooding and mysterious Flynn Carter and the secrets behind his plans for Starcross Manor?

You won’t want to miss the next spellbinding chapter in the Love Heart Lane series – where friends are there for you no matter what.

When Julia Coleman meets Flynn Carter again in the cosy village of Heartcross it can only mean trouble. Flynn might be rich, brooding and sexy, but Julia knows first-hand he’s ruthless and she plans to watch his every move.

When Julia discovers Flynn’s plans for beautiful Starcross Manor her greatest fears come true.  Because Flynn’s dreams of turning Starcross into a luxury hotel could ruin Julia’s dreams…and finish off the community of Heartcross for good.

Flynn makes it clear he doesn’t want trouble, and he’s not the man Julia thinks he is.  As he sets about convincing the community he’s changed, he hopes he can convince Julia to give him another chance too… 

My Review:

I am an unashamed big fan and supporter of this series – Love Heart Lane went straight to my heart and I haven’t looked back since. Starcross Manor is #4 of the series but honestly if you haven’t read the others it’s not a problem as it could be a standalone. I would recommend having a read of the other books in the series though because they are great reads.

Returning to Heartcross, our main character this time is Julia, B&B owner extraordinaire. She hears of the rich, mysterious stranger in the village and soon realises it is somebody she has met before, and someone she is not at all happy about seeing again.

Julia takes it upon herself to unite her friends and fellow business owners in order to protect their livelihoods and their village, but has she picked  fight for the wrong reasons.

What I love about these books in the overriding sense of community spirit, the friendships, connections, and willingness of people to show kindness towards others. They are a lovely group of characters, all with their own story to tell and I enjoy coming across previous ‘main’ characters and seeing how their lives are going.

I love Julia as a main character, she’s fiery and determined and will work hard for what she wants. She holds relationships and friendships close to her heart and will do everything she can for those she cares about, even if it that may leave her blind to the bigger picture. She can admit she is wrong though and shows in this story that she can work hard to put things right, no matter the cost.

So many misunderstandings, false accusations, and drama in this book – I was enthralled. I was expecting Flynn to be an absolute slimeball but, he surprises you and in fact it’s clear to see he isn’t all he leads everyone to think.

Christie Barlow is one of my go-to authors, her writing style is easy to identify, you are pulled into the story because of the characters and how well they are written. You really take them to heart and care what is happening to them.  Starcross Manor had me hooked from the start, I tried to savour it but it was easily a book to cosy up and devour. 

Christie has really brought this village and its inhabitants to life, I wish it was real and we could all go and visit. I’d love to see Julia and stay in her B&B; going around meeting all our local favourites.

A story full of heart, truth and understanding. Of course, it wouldn’t be the same without romance, a sprinkling of love to keep every romantic heart (like mine) happy. A gorgeous read that I highly recommend. 

Purchase Links

UK - https://www.amazon.co.uk/Starcross-Manor-Love-Heart-Lane-ebook/dp/B082LY59ZX/

US - https://www.amazon.com/Starcross-Manor-Love-Heart-Lane-ebook/dp/B082LY59ZX/

Author Bio:

Christie Barlow is the number 1 International bestselling author of ten bestsellers including A Home at Honeysuckle Farm, Love Heart Lane and Clover Cottage. Her writing career came as somewhat a surprise when she decided to write a book to teach her children a valuable life lesson and show them that they are capable of achieving their dreams. The book she wrote to prove a point is now a #1 bestseller in the UK, USA, Canada & Australia.

Social Media Links –

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

Twitter @ChristieJBarlow 

Facebook page Christie Barlow author

Little White Lies - Philippa East

She only looked away for a second…

Anne White only looked away for a second, but that’s all it took to lose sight of her young daughter.
But seven years later, Abigail is found.
And as Anne struggles to connect with her teenage daughter, she begins to question how much Abigail remembers about the day she disappeared…

My Review:
The synopsis of this book was interesting and as I read through, I was not disappointed in the slightest. Little White Lies is an intense portrayal of how victims must face the trauma they suffered but also how families cope with trying to move forward with their lives they were living; a general lack of trust and how secrets can damage relationships. 


The story is told through two different perspectives – Mother and Jess (cousin) and both voices are distinctive and give valuable insight into the character of Abigail. Jess sounded very childlike and naïve, in comparison to the other girls. She was increasingly unhappy at home, with her relationships and thought everything would return to normal with the return of Abigail.


Anne (Mother) was a character I struggled with. I knew instantly she was hiding something but not exactly sure what. She struggled to bond with her daughter, which is understandable at first, but I don’t think she paid attention to what Abigail was trying to communicate. I felt sorry for her and as the book progressed and information was uncovered, I could empathise a little more.


You do have a sense of calm at various intervals, the author lulls you into thinking the twists have all been given and you know what is happening and why; by the end of the book you understand why relationships between characters seemed strained and a little off so it’s clever of Philippa East to leave massive revelations until late in the book. This kept me engaged and interested, not one to settle and think everything is as it seems. I read it very quickly as I wanted to know more, see the situation explained and the consequences of actions in place.


Overall, I found this book thought-provoking and well written. I was engaged and eager to read through quickly.  A brilliant debut and I will look forward to reading more from this author.

Thank you to the publishers, HQ, for a copy of the book to read and review honestly.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Philippa East works as a Clinical Psychologist and therapist. She lives in Lincolnshire with her husband and cat. Philippa’s prize-winning short stories have been published in various literary journals and Little White Lies is her debut novel.

Purchase Links:

Amazon
Waterstones
Apple Books
Google Books
Kobo

The Christmas Wish List - by Heidi Swain - INCLUDING Q&A!

After being let go from her job in a swanky hotel just weeks before Christmas, Hattie is feeling lost. Even more so when her high-flying boyfriend announces he’s landed his dream job in Abu Dhabi and asks her to move with him.

Luckily, Hattie’s long-time friend Dolly is on hand to help and invites Hattie to spend one last holiday in the small, festive town of Wynbridge, determined to give her a Christmas to remember . . . Upon Hattie’s arrival, holiday preparations are in full swing. But for Hattie, whose Christmas cheer has long since run out, it’ll take more than mince pies and mistletoe to open her heart to the season once more.

Relishing the task of reigniting Hattie’s Christmas spirit, Dolly suggests they create a wish list of all the things the season can offer, and with the helpful hands of Wynbridge’s resident handyman, Beamish, Hattie finds her frosty exterior is starting to thaw. As Wynbridge prepares for its most spectacular Christmas yet, will Hattie leave snowy England behind for life in a sunnier clime, or will she in fact realise that her heart’s desire lies much closer to home?

AVAILABLE HERE

My Review:

By now we’ve established I am a #swainette through and through, I am forever looking forward to my next Heidi Swain fix. I can’t help it (not would I want to either) – the wonderful worlds and communities Heidi has created for us all to enjoy; each book feels like a visit to old friends, like we’re catching up with loved ones and how can anyone not want more of that?

I absolutely adored ‘The Christmas Wish List,’ and what wonderful new friends we met! Hattie, Dolly, Beamish all bringing something very special to the festive treat. What a fantastic woman Dolly is, a wonderful friend, support and role model especially to Hattie. She’s a smart woman with the foresight to know what will be best for others before they even realise it for themselves. Her subtle and careful planning ensures the time she has with Hattie will benefit those she truly cares for.

Hattie; I was so pleased when she went to stay with Dolly. She needed her Christmas spirit reignited and there is no other place more perfect than Wynbridge is you ask me. I love how Heidi gives us characters we connect to and want the best for, and Hattie is that typical character. You could clearly see the doubt she had about her “new life” and I hoped that Dolly and Wynbridge would give her the answers she needed about her future.

Beamish is our heart throb and he’s fantastic, he could come and be my local handyman anytime. What a great guy!

I love any trip to Wynbridge and always love mentions of previous characters, we do get a little sprinkling of that in this book but nothing that would mean you couldn’t pick up this and love it wholeheartedly. 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.

Q&A with the wonderful Heidi Swain: 

I'm so lucky to have the wonderful Heidi as my 100th blog post! Here is a little festive Q&A with our favourite #Swainette. Thanks Heidi!!

"Hello Jenn. Thank you so much for hosting The Christmas Wish List blog tour today. I’m absolutely delighted to be chatting to you about all things festive.

What do you enjoy the most about Christmas?

I’m a HUGE fan of Christmas so it’s difficult to pin down what I enjoy the most. I love that feeling that you get in the run-up to the big day. There’s a palpable sense of excitement as the time ticks by and that, added to the cinnamon spiced scents, the crisp, cold air and the warming drinks and delicious eats make for a heady cocktail!

I love finding the perfect present for someone, snuggling down to watch Christmas films, baking and catching up with family and friends.

Watching Carols from Kings is also high on my enjoyment list. By the time it airs, everything is wrapped, delivered and ready and I find it the perfect way to ease into the joy that is Christmas Eve evening.

I really could keep writing forever. I love it all!

Do you have a favourite festive read?

I certainly do. Actually, it’s two… is that allowed?

I always start December in exactly the same way, by reading A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens. In fact, I love it so much, I always end up reading it again nearer to Christmas day. I have a beautiful hardback edition, a paperback and an e-book so wherever I am at the start of advent, Mr Dickens is always within easy reach.

My other favourite festive read is Twelve Days of Christmas by Trisha Ashley. I know I’m not alone in loving this book and the warm and cosy winter feelings it evokes. It’s always on my nightstand at Christmas.

How did you get in to the festive spirit when writing The Christmas Wish List so early in the year?

I really don’t tend to find writing out of season a problem. I can conjure Christmas in my head at any time of year. That said, I do like to get my planning – or most of it – done during the corresponding season. For example, right now, I’m not only working on the edits for The Secret Seaside Escape, I’m also thinking through and making notes for my next festive title.

There are still certain days when a scented candle, a Michael Bublé CD and sniffing a jar of mincemeat comes in handy though!

Describe your perfect Christmas day.

My perfect Christmas day is very simple.

The day begins with opening stockings in bed, followed by a smoked salmon and poached egg breakfast combo. After that, there’s lunch to cook with Classic FM on in the background and numerous telephone calls to and from family and friends.

After the ridiculously large meal, the presents under the tree are opened and enjoyed and then a highly competitive boardgame is played before tensions are diffused in front of a festive film or two with an accompanying glass of fizz.

The day ends with yet more food, a long hot bath and a brand-new book.

A simple day, but perfect nonetheless!

You include Dolly and Hattie’s Christmas Wish List at the end of the book, would this be similar to your own wish list?

Absolutely! I love that list so much. Although I’m not sure about the ice skating. That’s something I’ve never tried before, so maybe I should. What do you think?

And the final thing on the list, number 12 – drink mulled wine or hot chocolate – that’s a typo, surely? I really think it should read – drink mulled wine and hot chocolate!

Merry Christmas everyone!

Heidi Swain is the Sunday Times bestselling author of nine novels. She lives in Norfolk with her husband, two allegedly grown-up children and a mischievous black cat called Storm. She is passionate about gardening, the countryside and collects vintage paraphernalia.

To find out more, follow Heidi on twitter @Heidi_Swain or visit her website: www.heidiswain.co.uk.

BLOGTOUR: Notting Hill in the Snow - Jules Wake

It's mayhem in Bethlehem…unless they can work together!

Viola Smith plays the viola in an orchestra (yes really!), but this year she's been asked to stretch her musical talents to organising Notting Hill's local nativity.

Nate Williams isn't looking forward to Christmas but as his small daughter, Grace, has the starring role in the show, he's forced to stop being a Grinch and volunteer with Viola.

With the sparks between them hotter than the chestnuts roasting in Portobello market, Nate and Viola can't deny their feelings. And as the snow starts to fall over London, they find themselves trapped together in more ways than one…

My Review:

Genuinely, I am not sure anything I could write would do this beauty justice. I read it days ago (and have read a couple of books since) and I just can’t shake this book from my mind and my feelings. I have THE biggest book hangover from Notting Hill in the Snow.

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.  This book is not an exception, it will be one of my annual festive reads for sure, there is no way I can forget Viola, Nate and the adorable Grace.

Grace is the lynch pin that completely ties this story together; older than her years and so vulnerable, the relationship that develops between her and Viola is heart-warming to say the least. I enjoyed how that was the most prominent and important relationship – leaving the relationship with Nate as a complete slow burn. I wanted that to happen, don’t get me wrong but for me, what won my weary heart round was that lovely little girl finding someone she could truly rely on.

Jules writes such warm, cosy stories that are both full of emotion and amusing wit, with a patchwork of characters who will charm, some who will annoy and some who mean well but often miss the mark. Viola is a gorgeous leading lady; she’s a bit of a doormat at first and her family take advantage of her massively but as the book progressed and she got herself sorted I was cheering her on to stand up to them and say something. She is smart, funny and has an incredible heart.

Even though I had a sneaky feeling what may happen, 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 couldn’t recommend this more if I tried. Absolutely wonderful. 

Purchase Links

UK  - https://www.amazon.co.uk/Notting-Hill-Snow-heartwarming-uplifting-ebook/dp/B07RNFF9Q1/

US - https://www.amazon.com/Notting-Hill-Snow-heartwarming-uplifting-ebook/dp/B07RNFF9Q1/

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 and not so luxury brands. This proved fabulous training for writing novels as it provided her with the opportunity to hone her writing and creative skills penning copy on a vast range of subjects from pig farming and watches, sunglasses and skincare through to beer and stationery. 

She writes best-selling warm-hearted contemporary fiction for One More Chapter as Jules Wake and under her pen name Julie Caplin, she writes the Romantic Escapes series. 

Between them, the two Js have written twelve novels, Notting Hill in the Snow being the latest.

Social Media Links –

Twitter: @Juleswake

https://www.facebook.com/juleswake.co.uk/

Instagram: juleswakeauthor