A Bookshop Christmas - Rachel Burton

 

A Snowstorm. A stranger. A Spark. It should be the perfect start to the perfect love story.

But real life is far messier and more complicated than in the pages of the books in Megan Taylor’s family bookshop – the last few years have left this young widow in no doubt of that. Moving back home to York should have been a fresh start, but all it did was allow her to retreat from the world.

When prize-winning author Xander Stone rams his supermarket trolley into her ankles and then trashes her taste in books, Megan is abruptly awoken from her self-imposed hibernation. It’s time to start living again, and she’s going to start by putting this arrogant, superior – admittedly sexy – stranger in his place. Just as she is beginning to enjoy life again, the worst happens and Megan begins to wonder if she should have stayed hidden away. Because it turns out that falling in love again is about more than just meeting under the mistletoe…

My Review:

A bookshop, Christmas, and some romance – is there anything more you could possibly need?

I loved curling up and enjoying this festive, heart warming treat.

Full of heart, character and a sprinkling of seasonal delight, I found myself wishing to spend time in the bookshop as well as learning everything for the party, it sounded like such fun. I loved the story between Megan and Xander, both alike and wary of letting anyone close. I could fully understand Megans frame of mind, having been there myself, and my heart went out to her every step of the way. It is difficult to move forward when part of you will always be stuck in the past.

Xander was more complex and harder to take to heart but what a team he and Megan made. I was rooting for them, yes as a couple, but for each individually as well. Both deserved to be happy.

There are a fab cast of characters who will really entertain, some needed light hearted relief at times.

A very enjoyable tale that book lovers, and romance fans, will thoroughly enjoy this Christmas. 

About the Author:

Rachel Burton has been making up stories for as long as she can remember and always dreamed of being a writer until life somehow got in the way. After reading for a degree in Classics and another in English Literature she accidentally fell into a career in law, but eventually managed to write her first book on her lunch breaks. Now she writes from a small bedroom looking out over hydrangeas, lavender bushes and rambling roses, in a little house in Yorkshire that she shares with her husband and their three cats. She loves words, Shakespeare, tea, The Beatles, dresses with pockets and very tall romantic heroes (not necessarily in that order).

Find her on Instagram as @RachelBWriter or follow her blog at rachelburtonwrites.com.
 
Follow Rachel:
 
Twitter: @RachelBWriter
 
Facebook: @Rachelburton74
 
Instagram: @RachelBWriter
 
#ABookshopChristmas

When prize-winning author Xander Stone rams his supermarket trolley into her ankles and then trashes her taste in books, Megan is abruptly awoken from her self-imposed hibernation. It’s time to start living again, and she’s going to start by putting this arrogant, superior – admittedly sexy – stranger in his place.

Just as she is beginning to enjoy life again, the worst happens and Megan begins to wonder if she should have stayed hidden away. Because it turns out that falling in love again is about more than just meeting under the mistletoe…

A Winter's Wish for the Cornish Midwife - Jo Bartlett

Brand new from the top 10 bestselling author of The Cornish Midwife. Perfect for fans of Call The Midwife

A secret love…

As winter descends on the coastal town of Port Agnes, midwife Toni Samuels’ mood is as dark as the winter clouds that roll in. Toni loves her job as a midwife, but her private life is falling apart. Because Toni is keeping a secret– a relationship with fellow male midwife Bobby that no one can ever know about.

A damaged hope…

Kind and gorgeous, Bobby is a huge hit at the midwifery centre, but he’s tired of keeping his feelings for Toni a secret – of always coming second best. He knows that Toni’s past is painful, but unless she can be open with her feelings for him, he’s prepared to walk away from their love.

Can love find a way?

Toni loves Bobby and wishes things could be different between them. But torn between her past and a future with him, everything seems hopeless. Until fate hands Toni one last chance…

Now Toni’s secret wish is in her hands…if only she can be brave enough to take a chance and make her dreams come true.

An uplifting and escapist read, perfect for fans of Christie Barlow, Jessica Redland and Holly Martin!

What readers are saying about The Cornish Midwife...

'I love second chance stories. I love returning home stories. So a book combining both is an absolute winner for me. The Cornish Midwife is simply gorgeous. Stunning setting, wonderful characters, and oozing with warmth. A triumph from Jo Bartlett and a cracking start to what promises to be a fabulous series' Jessica Redland

'Perfectly written and set in the beating heart of a community, this story is a wonderful slice of Cornish escapism.' Helen J Rolfe

Purchase Link - https://amzn.to/2UQHO2c

My Review:

Lovely to have another return trip to Port Agnes and the Midwife team. This is the third book in the series although can be read as a standalone. This time we focus on Toni (whilst nicely catch up with old favourites). 
Previously unsure of Toni and why she seemed a little standoffish, this time we learn her back story – a personal tragedy that has affected all future relationships, if she was to ever go public with one.  We were aware of something between Toni and fellow midwife Bobby but never the true extent of things until this book. 
Once you know why Toni is the way she is, and acts the way she does, it is understandable if a little frustrating. Bobby is wonderful; kind and caring and has already proved how very patient and understanding he is. Pushed to his limits, he starts to think that it’s time to move on even if that would be the hardest thing to do. 
I  enjoyed the slight change of pace with this one, the previous two books were quite dramatic and this is more an emotional journey. 
Toni is a lovely character; my heart really went out to her but at times I just wanted her to wake up a little and see everything from another point of view. She keeps a lot to herself which is a shame as she is surrounded by the most supportive people. 
I liked the progression of the other characters stories too and I am very keen for the next book so we can hear more of Jess’ story. 
 A heart warming visit to the Cornish midwives this time but another great book in a very enjoyable series. Well written and full of loveable characters. Cosy up and have a read!

Author Bio:

Jo Bartlett is the bestselling author of nineteen women’s fiction titles. She fits her writing in between her two day jobs as an educational consultant and university lecturer and lives with her family and three dogs on the Kent coast. Boldwood is publishing the first title in The Cornish Midwife Series – part of a twelve-book deal – in April 2021.

Social Media Links:

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Twitter https://twitter.com/J_B_Writer   

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/jo_bartlett123/

Newsletter Sign Up Link https://mailchi.mp/5b9970641266/jobartlettnewsletter

Bookbub profile https://www.bookbub.com/authors/jo-bartlett

 

Autumn Dreams at Mermaids Point - Sarah Bennett

 

When her dreams of young love were cruelly shattered, Nerissa Morgan found it hard to move on. Now, at forty-three, everyone around her is enjoying life while she’s just going through the motions. With her boss retiring and rumours of a new doctor coming in to take over the practice she manages, change is coming, whether she’s ready for it or not.

Following the death of his beloved wife, Tom Nelson buried himself in work at his busy inner-London GP practice. When his teenage children find themselves in trouble at school, he realises he’s completely lost touch with them. Desperate to reconnect before it’s too late, he whisks his family away to the pretty seaside village of Mermaids Point determined to make a fresh start.

But all is not as idyllic as it seems. With his predecessor reluctant to let go of the reins and the children as distant as ever, the last thing Tom needs is an undeniable attraction to the woman he unexpectedly finds himself sharing a roof with…

Warm, escapist, feel-good and altogether brilliant story-telling from bestselling author Sarah Bennett. Perfect for all fans of Trisha Ashley and Milly Johnson.

My Review:

A pleasure to be back in Mermaids Point with Autumn Dreams at Mermaids Point by Sarah Bennett. Although the second book in the series, it can easily be read as a standalone. The main character has changed to someone involved in the story in book one but not the focus, so it’s nice to get a chance to catch up with what’s happened to characters from before but also get a more in-depth look at someone else’s story. Mermaids Point is a cute, coastal village with interesting characters that create a good community feel. This time we mainly focus on the stories of Nerissa and Tom. Both characters have suffered heart-breaking losses and although their grief has calmed to a liveable level neither feel the need to move past that. The more we read the more we see that both are struggling with how they are; they miss that spark in their lives. Tom has two children and when they come to the village and slap bang into Nerissa’s life, things look set to change whether they want them to or not. As their friendship evolves, they both help each other heal in various ways. I love Nerissa and how she takes to both children, supporting them whilst not being too much too soon. With moments of laughter, emotion and drama this is a brilliant read. I hope there is a return visit soon, I can’t wait to catch up with all of these characters and see what fun is in store next.

Purchase Link - https://amzn.to/3hcHcv8

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:

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

BLOGTOUR: A Reason to Grieve - Mick Williams

Tom and Emma drift through life, both burdened with a heavy sense of grief. Both have suffered devastating loss and have closed themselves off to the possibility of happiness. Then, at a funeral, their eyes meet and they feel something neither expected.

Supported by their quirky friends and a ‘right to the point’ pensioner, will they overcome their fears and find the solution to the pain within each other, or will they give up and go their separate ways?

In turns funny and sad, A Reason to Grieve is a romantic tale about two people fighting their feelings, about love and loss. And about funerals. 

Purchase Links

UK - https://www.amazon.co.uk/Reason-Grieve-Mick-Williams/dp/1536957216/

US - https://www.amazon.com/Reason-Grieve-Mick-Williams/dp/1536957216/

My Review

A lovely read by Mick Williams that is full of funny and touching moments. A sweet romantic comedy, it’s not overly soppy or gushing but is really sentimental in some parts.

Emma and Tom are our main characters who meet each other in quite the unique situation. With an instant connection it’s nice to see their relationship develop but also the relationships they have with their friends. Cue a lot of banter, jokes and moments of unfiltered truth.

My favourite character is Doris. Like a Mum to the salon girls, what she imparts through hilarious stories is priceless. I wish I could pull off blue hair like her!

Emma and Tom’s relationship doesn’t always run smoothly – they have to work through their own insecurities, the ghosts from their past that they’ve held onto for too long. It did make for some fairly emotional moments and I’m sure most readers will connect to them in some way.

Very well written and nicely paced I think this is a funny read that will entertain.

About the author:

Mick Williams moved from Stoke-On-Trent, England to Kentucky, USA. Then, after almost a decade, he moved back.

In between reading, writing and listening to good music he still watches proper football and, for his sins, follows his local team Port Vale. He does also still cheer for the Indianapolis Colts.

He was adopted by two cats, Crash and Thud, and resides with his patient wife in Staffordshire.

Social Media Links – www.mickwilliamsauthor.co​m and mickwilliamsauthor on Facebook​               

BLOGTOUR: The Perfect Moment - Alix Kelso

Is there ever a perfect moment to begin again in life?

Ever since tragedy threw her life into turmoil, Laura has taken refuge at her waitressing job in Valentino’s restaurant in Glasgow's leafy Fairhill. Serving lattes and lunch specials means she’s too busy to think about all she lost, or the dreams she was forced to abandon. So when her beloved boss announces she’s selling the business, Laura is devastated. Hatching a plan to set her up with the local pub owner, Laura hopes the two of them will make a connection that might just change her mind.

Recovering from betrayal and heartbreak, Bruce is also in hiding from the world, and working in his uncle’s pub while he wonders how to restart his life. When Laura asks for help with her matchmaking scheme, he finds himself unable to refuse. She has a smile he can’t resist, no matter how much he wants to.

 But as their plan is set in motion, the matchmakers begin falling for each other. Yet Laura thinks she’s happy with her dull boyfriend, and Bruce won’t risk another broken heart. As the future of Valentino’s hangs in the balance, can these two lost and lonely people find the perfect moment to start their lives again together?

My Review:

I was so pleased to get the chance to read and review this novel from Alix.  This is the first book in a series of books set in the Fairhill area of Glasgow.  It’s a debut novel and I have to say I’m happily surprised as I think the writing style is on par with many, more experienced, authors. I hope that doesn’t sound rude or insulting to Alix, as it is meant as a compliment.

I’m a fan of many genres but I do have a soft spot for a good romance so I was very intrigued to find out what Alix would give us – I can say I wasn’t disappointed. It’s a beautifully written romance, full of fun and charm that I felt so swept up by the story, I was hooked and couldn’t wait to find out what happened.

I really enjoyed getting to know the characters, especially Laura. Her boss is selling the business and Laura is keen on persuading her not too. Along with Bruce, nephew of the pub landlord opposite, Laura decides her boss just needs a bit of matchmaking and they set her up on a date with Keith.

I enjoyed the relationship between Laura and Bruce, there is a spark between them and while they have this fledgling friendship, I was hoping that it may turn into something more. Let’s keep our fingers crossed and see what happens in future. I cannot wait for the next book in the series, I’m hooked.

A must read for romance, easy read fans and even if you’re not a real romance fan, this is one book you should try.

Thank you Alix for giving me the opportunity to read and review. 

Comfy Rating: 👍👍👍👍👍
Treat yourself to THE PERFECT MOMENT, a sweet, funny, emotional romance about new beginnings and being brave enough to follow your heart.

Amazon UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07P87FYHX/

Amazon US: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07P87FYHX

About the Author:

Alix Kelso is the author of the Fairhill novel series. She’s happiest with her nose in a book and has been known to lash out dangerously if disturbed while reading. Having previously worked as a shop assistant, waitress, hospital cleaner and dishwasher, she eventually became a university lecturer. Although she loved the academic world of teaching and researching and helping her students, she always enjoyed writing stories in her spare time and finally decided to pursue her dream of publishing a novel and becoming a full time writer.

She lives in her home city of Glasgow with her husband and their rescue lurcher, Maggie. She enjoys pottering in the kitchen, walking in Glasgow’s many lovely parks, and is a firm believer in the therapeutic benefits of a long lunch with a big glass of wine.

Social Media Links

Facebook: www.facebook.com/AlixKelsoAuthor/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/AlixKelsoAuthor

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