A Winter Wedding at Mistletoe Gate Farm - Helen J Rolfe

 

It's almost Christmas in Heritage Cove - the village tree is all lit-up, the bakery is full of festive treats, the tea rooms and waffle shack are welcoming locals inside out of the cold, and for some of the residents of the Cove, snow might not be the only thing they're wishing for this year...

Tilly is overjoyed when an estranged relative comes to Heritage Cove wanting to make amends. But as she lets him in to her life and Tilly’s Bits ‘n’ Pieces - the shop she owns and loves - her friends aren’t so sure whether everything is quite as it seems.

Benjamin’s parents run Mistletoe Gate Farm, selling Christmas trees, wreaths and mistletoe. Benjamin has always thought his family was as firmly rooted in the ground as the rows of Norway Spruce and Fraser Firs. But when he finds a letter that rocks his world he realises he may not be able to do anything to prevent the changes coming their way.

Benjamin and Tilly have been falling for one another since the summer but will family complications put an abrupt stop to what is looking like a burgeoning romance?

With festive cheer weaving its way through the Cove as two local favourites plan their wedding, there’s more than one relationship that could receive a little Christmas magic…

My Review:

A treat to be back in Heritage Cove, this being book 4 in the series. Although I would highly recommend all the previous books, this can be read as a standalone, for fans of the series you do get to catch up with all our favourites a little, but the focus is instead on Tilly, who runs the local gift shop.

Tilly is beyond happy when an estranged relative comes back to the Cove to show her how he has changed. He seems keen to support Tilly with plans for the shop. Everyone else may have misjudged him but Tilly really does believe she see’s the best in him.

Benjamin is the pub chef who works extremely hard in supporting his parents on their Mistletoe Farm. When their happy marriage seems under strain, can Benjamin do anything to help or prevent things from going too far.

Tilly and Benjamin have eyes for each other, everyone knows it but them. Can their blossoming friendship evolve into anything more, especially with everything that is happening in their lives?

I love how these characters get under your skin, I was fully behind Benjamin and really felt for him when discovering the problems in his parents’ marriage. He is kind, caring and despite all the things he has to do his concern for Tilly is so heartwarming.

Tilly is headstrong and to some extent very blinkered, especially where matters of the heart are concerned. I can understand why she is that way though. A kind soul, but one that could be hurt if not careful.

A lot happens throughout this book but I guarantee you will be swept up in it and fully engrossed. I couldn’t put it down, which is pretty standard for anything Helen writes.

With love, marriage, break-ins and break-ups, a turbulent time this festive season but one that will ultimately lead to a warm, Christmas story, full of heart and soul.

Highly recommended this festive season. 

Purchase Links

Amazon UK - https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B09BRF5KDF

Amazon US - https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B09BRF5KDF

Author Bio:

Helen J Rolfe writes contemporary women's fiction and enjoys weaving stories about family, friendship, secrets, and community. Characters often face challenges and must fight to overcome them, but above all, Helen's stories always have a happy ending.

Location is a big part of the adventure in Helen's books and she enjoys setting stories in different cities and countries around the world. So far, locations have included Melbourne, Sydney, New York, Connecticut, Bath and the Cotswolds.

Social Media Links:

https://www.facebook.com/helenjrolfewriter
https://twitter.com/HJRolfe
www.helenjrolfe.com
https://www.instagram.com/helen_j_rolfe/
https://www.bookbub.com/authors/helen-j-rolfe

 

Christmas Surprises at Mermaids Point - Sarah Bennett

 

Christmas is a time for love, laughter, families and friends, and in Mermaids Point, everyone is getting ready for the festive season.

For Nerissa and Tom, this will be their first Christmas as a couple, but making sure they have time for each other, whilst blending their families, will take some careful planning. What festive traditions will they make their own?

Laurie and Jake are flat out running Laurie’s seafront café, packaging up orders of mince pies, sausage rolls and other delectable Christmas goodies, as well as finding time for Jake’s journalism.  But when Jake’s mum offers them an unexpected gift, their plans are turned upside down.

Alex can’t help but be charmed by beautiful and talented Ivy, but he’s still recovering from his ex-wife’s betrayal and has a secret life he’s not ready to share with anyone yet. But as the Christmas spirit starts weaving its magic, Alex may find himself ready for love sooner than he imagines.

For Andrew, nothing is more important than family. As friends and family gather beneath his roof it's a time for reflection about what the future might hold.

As far as Nick is concerned, pop sensation Aurora Storm is the ‘one that got away’. After they shared a brief holiday fling, he has been thinking about her ever since. Is Christmas the perfect time to finally reach out to her, or is love at first sight just in fairy-tales?

My Review:

An absolute festive charm of a novella which is a brilliant addition to a great series from Sarah Bennett.

I enjoyed catching up with characters from Summer Kisses and Autumn Dreams at Mermaids Point, but feel if you are coming to this without reading either of those, you’d be totally fine as there is enough to catch you up with any fun you’ve missed. (I do highly recommend reading those books though, they are fab!)

I also liked the hint of future stories in Mermaids Point, which I would welcome, as the characters are endearing and the whole feel of the books is lovely.

Although a novella, this gives us a lot more than a quick, simple festive tale; it looks into friendships, love, loss and having the strength (and support of loved ones) to try something new.

A very brief, but very fulfilling trip to Mermaids Point. I shall look forward to more. 

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

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:

Website https://sarahbennettauthor.wordpress.com/

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

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