Snow Falls over Sunnybrook - Rosie Green

 

The chance to spend a night ghost-hunting alone with Hudson Holmes at Brambleberry Manor seems like a dream come true for Ruby Watkiss. Maybe, she thinks, this is their chance to get closer? But when mysterious goings-on start happening which have nothing to do with the spirit world, the pair are catapulted off on another sleuthing adventure. And as the snow starts to fall and emotions are rising at the Little Duck Pond Cafe, Ruby is faced with a double challenge. Can she be braver than she's ever been, in order to rescue something very close to her heart? And can she convince Hudson that Christmas really can be the most wonderful time of the year?

My Review:

As ever, a fun filled, haunting at times, and incredibly lovely return to Sunnybrook. I look forward to seeing the latest adventures from the great characters created by Rosie Green.

I was eager to see how the run up to the festive season would look this time around, and I really enjoyed the haunted mansion elements to the story, even thought I was a bit of a scaredy cat myself.

I am a huge fan of Hudson and Ruby’s investigations, and this time Ruby really does put herself right in the thick of all the drama; with all things that go on my biggest question was – will they ever get it together?! The chemistry between them in electric and it would be brilliant at this time of year.

I love catching up with all our old familiar friends in the café too and will look forward to more of their adventures soon.

Rosie Green is really showing us just how versatile she is, incorporating so much into this series of books. Her writing draws you into the story and makes you take characters to heart, that’s why this series is one I will never miss, the characters seem like long lost friends who I cannot wait to hear from.

Thanks to Rosie Green and Rachels Random Resources for the opportunity. 

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

Author Bio:

Rosie’s series of novellas is centred around life in a village cafe. Her latest, ‘The Wedding Cake Wish', is out now.

Look out for more Little Duck Pond Café tales in 2022, including ‘Chocolate Cake for Breakfast’ and ‘Christmas in June’.

 

Follow Rosie on Twitter - https://twitter.com/Rosie_Green88

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…

Christmas by the Coast - Mandy Baggot

 

A Christmas romance set in the Hamptons. Can love letters from the past pave the way to a brand-new future between Harriet and ex-soldier Mack? 

As snowflakes fall, romance blossoms across open fires, ice skating rinks, and a tiki bar. Harriet Cookson knows exactly what she wants from life. She has a plan, she has ambition and she knows she has to keep busy. But when her beloved Nana Lorna passes away, Harriet has to put everything on hold as she flies out to the Hamptons to say goodbye and be with her Grandfather. Whilst across the Atlantic, over a plate of canapes, Harriet’s eyes connect with ex-soldier Mack's – the one that got away, the person she least expected to see – and everything begins to change. Mack is determined to win back Harriet’s heart, and prove to her that Christmas, and a future, in the Hamptons could be just what she’s looking for. He'll show her that the plan she’s so carefully cultivated might not be what she wants. This Christmas, find out if love letters from the past can pave the way to a brand-new future…

My review:

Fancy a festive trip to the Hamptons? Let Mandy Baggot take you there with ‘Christmas by the Coast.’

Harriet hasn’t been to visit her grandparents for a while when a tragic event means she must take the journey back to their Tiki Bar in Montauk. Whilst her reason for having to travel is sad, it was a real treat to hear about traditions for the festive season. It sounds so much fun, I’d love to experience them.

Whilst she is visiting and supporting her Grandfather again, fate plays it’s hand and when a blast from the past throws her life into turmoil, Harriet must take a look at what is most important to her and her dreams. Is Harriet ready to make big life changes?

Harriet’s boyfriend, Iain, isn’t the most endearing character you could meet, and in my opinion she could do so much better.

There are moments of sadness, grief, loss and despair but also moments of absolute joy, humour and happiness. It’s festive, romance and a story of self discovery all rolled into one. You will have all the warm and fuzzies with this read. Mandy Baggot never fails to whisk you away or give you a story full of heart and charm. With a cast of interesting and highly amusing characters, you will be laughing one minute, and feeling nostalgic for your own festive traditions the next.

An absolute treat and highly recommended. 

Purchase links:

Amazon: https://amzn.to/3EcHITE

Waterstones: https://bit.ly/3pBJ6LF

About the Author:

Mandy Baggot is an international bestselling and award-winning romance writer.

The winner of the Innovation in Romantic Fiction award at the UK’s Festival of Romance, her romantic comedy novel, One Wish in Manhattan, was also shortlisted for the Romantic Novelists’ Association Romantic Comedy Novel of the Year award in 2016. Mandy’s books have so far been translated into German, Italian, Czech and Hungarian.

Mandy loves the Greek island of Corfu, white wine, country music and handbags. Also a singer, she has taken part in ITV1’s Who Dares Sings and The X-Factor. Mandy lives near Salisbury, Wiltshire, UK with her husband and two daughters.

Follow Mandy:

Twitter: @mandybaggot

Facebook: @mandybaggotauthor  

Instagram: mandybaggot

#ChristmasByTheCoast

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The Post Box at the North Pole - Jaimie Admans

 

Dear Santa,

I wish I could believe in magic again.

From, Sasha.

Sasha Hansley hates Christmas. As a child, it was her favourite time of year, but ever since the tragic death of her mother, it has completely lost its magic.

But when she gets an unexpected phone call from her eccentric estranged father, she’s forced to dust off her snow boots.

He has been running a Lapland-style Christmas village in Norway and after suffering a heart attack, he is on strict doctor’s orders to slow down. Eager to reconnect with her dad, Sasha books the next flight out there. Only she has never actually been on a plane before, let alone to the Arctic Circle.

 Met at the runway by drop-dead-gorgeous Taavi Salvesen, they sleigh ride through the snow with the Northern Lights guiding their way.

 When Sasha uncovers sacks of unopened Santa mail – letters that children and adults from all over the world write to Santa every year – she realises that she can send a little bit of magic out into the world by replying to some of them.

 With Taavi on hand to help, will Sasha rediscover her own excitement for Christmas and find love among the letters?

The Post Box at the North Pole is like one big romantic mug of hot chocolate with extra whipped cream and a splash of Christmas magic! Fans of Holly Martin, Sarah Morgan and Heidi Swain will love this novel!

My Review:
Seasonal frolics and Christmas galore in this magical, cosy treat of a read. I couldn’t put this down as I’d mentally whisked myself away to Norway’s North Pole Forest! It’s festive, it’s keeping the magic well and truly alive for all ages; if you need a bit of festive happiness this year, this book will firmly work wonders!

The oldest, most cynical amongst you are sure to feel the festive spirit after this book, and in my opinion it’s the best yet from Jaimie Admans.

Sasha isn’t that fond of Christmas anymore, the magic died a long time ago for her. Her father is always off exploring the world or doing something daring so she hasn’t got anyone to make this season special. Out of the blue her Dad calls and asks her to visit as he has had a heart attack and he needs her help. Sash jets off to Norway, to go support him and convince him that it’s time to come home.

With a surprise journey awaiting her once she arrives, she meets Taavi who both frustrates and amazes her in equal measure. As the next few days pass, Sash learns more about her Dad, the business and also about Taavi. She also starts reading the letters delivered to Santa and her heart thaws, her sense of wonder slowly starts to return and starts to remember to true magic of Christmas. Feeling like she can do more, Sash sets to work in responding to the letters and providing help where she can.

There is so much to the story; romance, fun, pain, drama, upset and a bit of magical intrigue. It’s wonderful.

I could see this play out as a film, you can picture workshops, festive villages etc. An absolute joy to read and I can’t recommend this highly enough this Christmas.

Purchase Links

Amazon UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B09DFHFNW3

Amazon US: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B09DFHFNW3

Author Bio:

Jaimie is a 36-year-old English-sounding Welsh girl with an awkward-to-spell name. She lives in South Wales and enjoys writing, gardening, watching horror movies, and drinking tea, although she’s seriously considering marrying her coffee machine. She loves autumn and winter, and singing songs from musicals despite the fact she’s got the voice of a dying hyena. She hates spiders, hot weather, and cheese & onion crisps. She spends far too much time on Twitter and owns too many pairs of boots.
She will never have time to read all the books she wants to read.

She is the author of several romantic comedies for HarperCollins - The Chateau of Happily Ever Afters, The Little Wedding Island, It's a Wonderful Night, The Little Vintage Carousel by the Sea, Snowflakes at the Little Christmas Tree Farm, The Little Bookshop of Love Stories, The Wishing Tree Beside the Shore, The Little Christmas Shop on Nutcracker Lane, and The Post Box at the North Pole.

Social Media Links:

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/be_the_spark

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/jaimieadmansbooks

The Wedding Cake Wish, Little Duck Pond Cafe - Rosie Green

 

Wedding excitement is in the air! With their big day approaching, Fen has her heart set on a gorgeous, intimate celebration with not much fuss at all. But strong-minded mother-of-the-bride Marjery seems to have considerably grander plans. There's also the small problem of a missing best man, and when Fen tasks Hudson Holmes and Ruby Watkiss with the job of tracking him down, their investigations unearth far more secrets than they bargained for. Will the Big Day go ahead in the light of such dramatic revelations? Can a wedding cake wish save the day? One thing's for sure – this will definitely be a wedding to remember!

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

My Review:

I’ve been a fan of Rosie’s and particularly ‘The Little Duck Pond Café’ series for a long time now and for me, it’s just going from strength to strength with each book. ‘The Wedding Cake Wish’ is the seventeenth book yet, the second instalment of the sub-trilogy of Ruby and Hudson’s cosy crime mysteries that neatly fits within ‘The Little Duck Pond Café series. It’s genius by Rosie Green – a great way to diversify whilst in-keeping with the usual feel of the books we love so much.

It’s the lead up to Fen’s wedding so it’s starting to become a little stressful especially as her Mum is taking over. More concerning is that the best man goes missing so our favourite investigators Ruby and Hudson get involved. I love the chemistry and dynamics between these two characters; they work so well together so I was very keen to see them solve this one!

With many threads being interwoven into this story, it was enthralling – I couldn’t put it down. I felt for Fen and desperately wanted her to speak up and get the wedding she wanted; I was keen to see why the best man had felt he had to disappear and more than anything I wanted to see if Ruby and Hudson realised how perfect for each other they are.

You could read this as a standalone book but I would highly urge you to catch up with the rest in the series too. I look forward to these books, always keen to see what’s happening in the lives of characters that feel like friends.

Brilliant – I can’t wait for the next! 

Author Bio:

Rosie’s series of novellas is centred around life in a village cafe. The latest, ‘A Summer of Surprises', is out now.

Look out for ‘Snow Falls over Sunnybrook’, a heart-warming Christmas delight, out in November 2021. As snow drifts down over the village, will romance finally blossom for one very special pair?

Follow Rosie on Twitter - https://twitter.com/Rosie_Green88

Underneath the Christmas Tree - Heidi Swain

 

***The sparkling new Christmas novel from the  Sunday Times  bestselling author Heidi Swain!***

Wynter’s Trees is the home of Christmas. For the people of Wynmouth it’s where they get their family Christmas tree, and where Christmas truly comes to life.

But for Liza Wynter, it’s a millstone around her neck. It was her father’s pride and joy but now he’s gone, she can’t have anything to do with it. Until her father’s business partner decides to retire and she must go back to handle the transition to his son Ned.

When Liza arrives, she discovers a much-loved business that’s flourishing under Ned’s stewardship. And she’s happy to stay and help for the Christmas season, but then she has other plans. But will the place where she grew up make her change her mind? And can it weave its Christmas cheer around her heart…?

Underneath the Christmas Tree is the perfect festive read, promising snowfall, warm fires and breath-taking seasonal romance. Perfect for fans of Milly Johnson, Carole Matthews and Cathy Bramley.

PUBLICATION DATE: 28th October 2021 - PREORDER HERE

If ever a book was destined to be made into a cosy, heart-warming, fabulous, Hallmark Christmas move it’s this one. Heidi Swain delivers Christmas in true style here, I have to say it’s one of my favourite festive reads this year and one I know I will read again closer to the big day.

Wynter’s Trees sounds brilliant, and although I completely understand why Liza hasn’t wanted to be around, she’s missed out on so much. The festive magic is in the air, and it leaps off the page!

David, and son Ned, have been taking care of everything at the Christmas Tree farm since Liza’s Dads death but now with retirement in mind, David is keen to move on and let Ned buy his share. Liza is keen to move on also, and with a plan she finally returns, hoping to convince Ned to buy her share as well so she can fulfil her travel and career plans.

David and Ned are reluctant to have Liza sell, they truly believe she doesn’t want to really, deep down and set about making her realise what she will be losing. Magic must be in the air as slowly Liza is pulled back into the festive atmosphere; she genuinely starts to see the beauty of the season again and just how special Wynters Trees is.

Liza took a bit of warming up too, although I understood her reasons, I thought she was perhaps a little immature and hasty, and blinkered in her views, unwilling to listen to those that genuinely cared for her. She seemed very determined, but I liked that she met her match in Ned. The chemistry between the two was instant and undeniable.

I loved the craft huts and the great community it created – what a great idea and took me away to all the fabulous Christmas markets and craft fairs we see pop up in the run up to the season. Always nice to see some old characters pop up again, although it is completely a standalone book.

I could honestly rave about this all day; an absolute delight as always. You know you are in a safe pair of hands with Heidi; never failing to bring us wonderful characters, emotional heart warming stories with romance, community spirit and the ability to leave us feeling all warm and cosy.

A festive hug in book form... I cannot recommend this one enough!

Sunday Times Best-selling author with a passion for vintage, hearth & home.

Creating wonderful communities and characters. Find out more -

Website: https://heidiswain.co.uk/

Check out the blog: http://heidiswain.blogspot.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WriterHeidiJoSwain

 

Mistletoe at Moonstone Lake - Holly Martin

 

Escape to the breathtaking Cornish Coast this winter, where the ocean sparkles in the moonlight and romance crackles like an open fire. This gorgeous new love story by Holly Martin, bestselling author of Sunlight Over Crystal Sands, is the perfect treat to warm your heart this Christmas.

Artist Zoey Flynn hadn’t planned to spend her favourite holiday on the shores of Jewel Island, but when her fiancé breaks off their engagement before their Christmas Eve wedding, this Cornish paradise is just the distraction she needs.

With a cosy cottage to call home for a month and a stall at the island’s famous Christmas market to sell her paintings, Zoey quickly puts her heartbreak behind her. Love is the last thing on her mind. That is until the handsome Kit Lewis crosses her path…

Their connection is instant, but Zoey has a secret. And the deeper she and Kit fall for one another, the harder it is to hide. Kit knows Zoey is holding something back and if she won’t tell him the truth she could lose him forever.

Is keeping a promise from the past worth sacrificing a future with the man she loves? Or might Kit be the one person she can trust?

Love, laughter and long-hidden secrets are waiting for you on stunning Jewel Island. For fans of Jill Mansell, Sarah Morgan and Sue Moorcroft, this is the perfect tale to curl up with this Christmas.

My Review:

Holly Martin is one of my favourites all through the year but there is something extra lovely about her festive reads. Mistletoe at Moonstone Lake gave me all the wonderful, Christmas warm and fuzzies so get cosy and enjoy.

I’d happily live on Jewel Island at the best of times, but this Christmas Market sounds right up my street. I instantly imagined the sounds, smells and sights, I could picture the people milling around each seller, enjoying Kit’s tasty delights, and grabbing those festive gifts. Jewel Island events always sound amazing, and this is no exception.

Main characters – Zoey and Kit are instant favourites for me. I was a bit dubious about Zoey at first, she was keeping a secret and I hoped it wouldn’t be something terrible or too heart breaking, although you can start to connect the dots. I think this story emphasises how small a world we live it too – I was so surprised by the connection between the two.

There is instant chemistry between Kit and Zoey, and I loved how it developed. With all romances there are obstacles and bumps in the road but you are keen to see that they could overcome them.

This is a series I will never tire of reading about, you don’t have to have read the previous books but I do recommend them as they are great. Fans of the previous books set here will be happy that old favourites make cameos throughout.

I cannot recommend enough, treat yourself to some festive cheer!