Christmas Nights at the Star and Lantern - Helen Rolfe

 

A wonderful story of love, friendship and opening your mind and your heart to new possibilities that will enchant fans of Holly Martin and Heidi Swain.

The Copper Plough is at the heart of village life for the residents of Heritage Cove, and never more so than at Christmas, when the tree glows in the alcove and the smell of mulled wine carries out onto the street. So when new owners for the beloved pub arrive and decide to shake things up, not everyone welcomes the changes with open arms.

Local bakery owner Celeste is ready to keep an open mind. But she’s shocked to discover that one of the new landlords is Quinn, a former Navy sailor with whom she had a short but powerful romance years earlier.

Fate may have brought Quinn and Celeste back together, but life seems determined to keep them apart. Can the villagers learn to embrace the newcomers this Christmas? And will Quinn and Celeste find a way back to each other before snow falls over Heritage Cove?

Purchase Link - https://mybook.to/StarandLanternSocial

My Review:

A return trip the Cove… at Christmas… YES PLEASE!

I adore this series, the characters, the setting, the sense of community that I wish I was part of. At least while reading these books I am.

If you haven’t read any of this series you can fully enjoy this as a standalone but I do highly recommend reading others, they are fantastic.

Celeste is quite the independent woman, she knows what she wants in all areas of her life. She is happy being a businesswoman, having her sister and niece close by, and being surrounded by friends and part of a close community. A chance encounter with Quinn gave her a short, enjoyable fling; both happy with the short time they had.

When the local pub is bought and renamed, the villagers wonder how their local ‘community hub’ will change and if the new landlord will fit in. When opening day arrives, there are surprises all around and with the community’s favourite member, Barney, taking ill and being rushed to hospital, emotions and tensions are high.

Quinn is back, desperate to see the woman who captured his heart in such a small time but when he finally sees her again, she is distant and pushes him away. He is worried that anyone find out about his past and what issues he is desperately trying to hide, but could there be a way back for him?

At some points this story looked as though it may be the bleakest, saddest Christmas tale of all. Worry for one of the lovely characters I have grown to adore, Barney who is like everyone’s Grandad as well as feelings of heartache, loss, fear. A rollercoaster of emotions but wow, when those warm and fuzzies hit they warmed my heart. I liked Celeste, she is certain what life she wants to lead but it can blind her to what is in front of her. Quinn is a good man, he sounds gorgeous but is troubled; he has seen and done so much that nobody could comprehend but fear of what people may think also stops him doing what is best for him.

Mouthwatering descriptions of treats, eats and drinks yet again, it’s probably a good thing this is a fictional place otherwise I would be there and enjoy sampling everything.

Helen is a go-to author, I enjoy her writing and the characters and settings she brings to life. With the perfect amount of festive cheer to get you ready for the season.

Great read, highly recommended. 

Author Bio:

Helen Rolfe is the author of many bestselling contemporary women’s fiction titles, set in different locations from the Cotswolds to New York. She lives in Hertfordshire with her husband and children.

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The Gingerbread House in Mistletoe Gardens -

 

The Gingerbread House in Mistletoe Gardens

The perfect cosy and uplifting romance to curl up with this winter!

In Mistletoe Gardens a legend exists: anyone who kisses underneath the mistletoe will be guaranteed another year of love…

When local baker Essie Browne discovers that Mistletoe Gardens is to be demolished in January, she’s determined to save the place she loves so much. So Essie proposes building a life size gingerbread house to bring in the crowds…just how hard can it be?

Well, quite hard actually. Essie can bake gingerbread blindfolded, but she hasn’t got a clue how to build an actual house with it! She needs help - and fast!

Enter local builder, Joss Hallissey. Essie is convinced that with Joss’s help they can pull this off. There’s just one tiny problem: Joss hates Christmas, gingerbread, and… well, just about everything else too.

Joss the Grinch makes it clear that her idea is ludicrous and pointless, but he reluctantly agrees to help with her plan.

Will the gingerbread house be enough to save Mistletoe Gardens? Or will Essie's chance for a magical kiss under the mistletoe be lost forever?

Perfect for fans of Holly Martin, Kat French and Caroline Roberts!

Purchase Link - https://mybook.to/Gingerbreadhousesocial

My Review:

As a long time fan of Jaimie Admans’ I was anticipating a charming, heart warming story with sweet characters, wonderful, enchanting locations and a sprinkling of magic, of course I was not disappointed.

A festive story that filled me with that cosy, warm feeling, where my heart was full and fuzzy with love and festive spirit. A story of hope, determination, a resolve to make changes and also to find the best of everyone and of course, to embrace tradition and celebrate love.

Essie, local baker extraordinaire, loves where she lives, the people, the place and has vowed to never leave. Mistletoe Gardens is a special place to all who live there and when to discover upcoming plans to demolish this much-loved place she sets her sights on making a stand, saving Mistletoe Gardens. Her plan, outrageously, is to build a life size gingerbread house, but whilst she can bake, she has no idea on how to build and needs help.

Joss hates Christmas, and pretty much most things. He wants to be away from the place that holds painful memories and definitely has no real intention on getting involved in anything community spirited. He has a few loose ends to finish up and then he plans to go.

My first “festive” read of the season and I think it will take a lot to top this one. I adored it, felt like I was there with Essie in Mistletoe Gardens. She is a spirited young lady and knows what she wants, lacking in the ability to speak up for herself after being hurt in the past. Mistletoe Gardens sounds like such a festive, special place – I’d love to take a trip there myself.

With a cast of very unique characters, you will laugh, you will feel emotional but you will remember that magical feel we can forget as we get older. This story will reignite that sense of wonder and will have you ready for the season! Fantastic read that will be a favourite!

Author Bio:

Jaimie Admans is the bestselling author of several romantic comedies – including The Little Christmas Shop on Nutcracker Lane and The Chateau of Happily-Ever-Afters. She lives in South Wales and was previously published by HQ Digital.

Social Media Links: 

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Sunny Days at the Second Chances Sweet Shop - Hannah Lynn

 

A getaway to remember...

It’s Holly’s best friend’s hen do and the plan is a week away in the South of France.

With little Hope still so very young, it’s going to be difficult for Holly to tear herself away, but Ben is the perfect co-parent and her own parents are just down the road, so – Holly decides – there’s really nothing holding her back, is there?

Will the sunshine and sea air help her get back to who she really is? Or will this be the perfect distraction, a chance to have a holiday fling?

Bask in the sunny skies of France with everyone's favourite sweet shop owner - because everyone deserves a break, don't they?

Purchase Link - https://mybook.to/SunnyDaysSocial

 

My Review:

Sunny Days at the Second Chances Sweet Shop is Book 5 of in this series, although it could be read as a standalone book I think it’s even better if you have read the others too.

I had mixed feelings about book 4. Not in the writing but in I was disappointed that things had not worked out for people I had really been rooting for, more of a personal disappointment rather than issue with the story. Book 5 was like a soothing balm and whilst I’m still gutted that Hollys relationship didn’t work out I can see it was for the best.

Holly is die to go on her best friends hen/stag do in France, it being the first time she’s ;eft her baby Hope. She tried to resist going but knows Ben will keep her updated.

 What an adventure Holly ends up having, her eyes are opened to her situation, what she really is looking for and that feelings can be mistaken. I couldn’t believe which character made an appearance, he is like a bad smell! If you have read it you’ll know which character I am not a fan of!

 A great light hearted read, very enjoyable and fun!

Author Bio: 

Hannah Lynn is the author of over twenty books spanning several genres.

Social Media Links : 

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

Twitter https://twitter.com/HMLynnauthor

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Love Blossoms at Puddleduck Farm - Della Galton

How can life be too busy for love?

Phoebe Dashwood is living the dream. She’s running her own successful vet practice, Puddleduck Vets, alongside her grandmother’s animal sanctuary.

She’s also dating the gorgeous, yet slightly broken Rufus Holt, the most eligible bachelor in the New Forest.
So why isn’t she blissfully happy?

Both Phoebe and Rufus are consumed 24/7 by their own commitments. Their relationship is always last on the list.
Phoebe juggles quirky, yet demanding clients and their pets whilst widowed Rufus is consumed by his anxieties, responsibilities of fatherhood and the unenviable tasks of being a Lord in waiting with a huge estate to manage.

Phoebe knows that when you’re a vet, there isn’t always a happy ending. But will there be a happy ending for Phoebe, Rufus and everyone else at Puddleduck Farm?
Is it ever really possible to have it all?

Purchase Link https://mybook.to/loveblossomssocial

My Review:

I have thoroughly enjoyed this series by Della Galton. This is the third book in the series although you could read it as a standalone (I recommend the other books though – they are wonderful!)

Finally, Phoebe and Rufus have got together, after an instant attraction they took a long time in actually making a go of things. I do like this coupling; I was hoping they would be together and all would be well, but we realise throughout this book that life just gets in the way. Both are guilty of prioritising other things and not committing to the relationship enough for it to work. I was massively disappointed, even though it makes complete sense, I just feel like their attraction could have developed into something amazing. Phoebe does make some romantic decisions and honestly, I think it was the easy way out. I will probably be in the minority, and it will be an unpopular option but to me it felt like she took the easy option.  

As always there are funny moments that had me giggling as I read, Saddam is hilarious really and I’d welcome hearing more of his crazy antics! Will anyone ever be able to tame that cat!

It was lovely to see some of the other characters developing and having wonderful things happening – proposals, pregnancies and business success.

A great read, a chance to escape and catch up with lovely characters. Highly recommended read.

About the Author:

Della Galton writes short stories, teaches writing groups and is Agony Aunt for Writers Forum Magazine. She lives in Dorset.

Social Media Links –  

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The Beach House - Nina Manning

 

It should have been the perfect weekend…

Work colleagues Nicole, Margo, Paisley and Audrey all appear to be looking forward to a weekend away at Nicole’s luxurious beach house on the Dorset coast. It should be a chance for the women to kick back, relax and regroup after a stressful moment at work.

But this is no normal girls’ getaway. And the beach house is no normal home. This place holds dark secrets for Nicole, which threaten to be revealed when its doors are opened.

And unbeknownst to host Nicole, each of the three other guests all have secrets of their own…and some of them could be deadly.

Purchase Link - https://mybook.to/beachhousesocial

My Review:

When a group of employees plan a weekend away to “brainstorm” ideas to save the business, something a little more sinister is afoot. A group of people, each with their own secrets, some wishing to reveal all whilst others desperately hoping to keep theirs to themselves.

Honestly, none of the characters were that likeable (which added the intense atmosphere), all are very selfish in their own ways, all in it for their own benefit, although there is one who you may be surprised with by the end, I genuinely didn’t have them down as doing something to help another. I couldn’t really see a genuine friendship connection between them, even for a group of employees – it read as them being awkward around each other, which added to the tense and uncomfortable feel of the book.

The story was told from multiple points of view, which I like and really brought the story to life as each character gave a different twist on what was playing out.

I found the story played out quite slowly, it took quite a while for anything to really happen but once it did everything started unravelling quite quickly, culminating in dramatic events.

I wasn’t overly surprised with the outcomes, the clues are there all the way through, but I did like how it was put together, how the setting enhanced the mood of each character.

An interesting, tense read.

Author Bio:

Nina Manning studied psychology and was a restaurant-owner and private chef (including to members of the royal family). She is the founder and co-host of Sniffing The Pages, a book review podcast. Her debut psychological thriller, The Daughter in Law, was a bestseller in the UK, US, Australia and Canada. She lives in Dorset.

Social Media Links:

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Another Time Another Place - Jo Lovett

 

Has someone ever come into your life and you thought, what if you’d had the chance to get to know one another better? Would we be together?

When Liv finds herself locked in a shed with handsome stranger Ben (after both trying to rescue the same cat), the instant connection they make feels like fate had a hand in it. Has Liv finally found her perfect match?

But everything about the timing means there’s no way they can be together. Not least because Ben has a girlfriend and Liv is moving to Paris the next day.

Over the coming years their paths weave in and out of each other’s lives – together, but always fleetingly.

If only they could stop missing each other, who knows what fate may have in store for them…

Purchase Link - https://mybook.to/anothertimesocial

 

My Review:

An adorable rom-com that actually pulls an emotional punch every so often. With a funny “meet-cute” (sounds like a nightmare but with added good looking benefits!) we chart the ups and downs of the lives of both Ben and Liv. We see how their stories play out, charting disappointments, highs and low. With both characters moving forward over the following months and years, we see how friendships, love interests and careers change. At various, random moments they come across each other, a bar at New Years, a work meeting; the connection and chemistry is electrifying. Something is holding them both back and timing always seems to be off, maybe both should forget the other and the connection they seem to share. 
The story plays out from both characters perspectives, we know that they are both not entirely being honest with the other. Drama, longing, missed chances all play a vital role in this story. It’s well written, and the pace is good so much so you won’t realise just how quickly you are reading, you will be so engrossed in the characters and the will they wont they plot. 
A cosy read, heartfelt yet funny – I could see it play out as a film!

Author Bio:
Jo was runner-up in the Good Housekeeping/ Orion First Novel Competition 2018 and shortlisted for the Comedy Women in Print Award 2019. She lives in London with her family. She started writing romantic comedy when she realised that she was regularly begging her oldest son to let her do his English homework but wasn't actually very interested in haunted houses or Macbeth analysis. When she can escape her laundry mountain, she enjoys reading, tennis and wine

Social Media Links:

Twitter https://twitter.com/JoLovettWrites

The Nurse - Valerie Keogh

 

Do No Harm…

Bullied, overlooked and under-appreciated, Lissa McColl learns at an early age to do very bad things.

As a nurse, she is respected and valued for the first time in her life. But Lissa hates her job and the selfish, rude and inconsiderate people she has to deal with.

But being underestimated in this job had its advantages. Lissa can get close to people, find out their secrets… sometimes with deadly results...

Purchase Link - https://mybook.to/Thenursesocial

My Review:

Dark and fascinating to read something from the point of view, and the understanding of a killer. I wasn’t sure I would get into this but how wrong I was, hooked and didn’t want to put it down.

Lissa is our killer, premeditated murderer, clever young lady and actually quite a messed-up person that does have feelings (in some ways!) and actually isn’t a killer for killings sake.

Bullied at school, not seen by fellow students unless it is to mock or tease, Lissa quickly comes to realise her intelligence can help change the situation, she doesn’t want to be popular, she just wants a level of respect that all young girls should receive. She formulates a plan and sees it through with ease, no suspicion of wrongdoing at all. This gives Lissa a strange sense of power that we see stay within her as she gets older.

Lissa’s home life isn’t always great, neglected at times and almost forgotten by her parents, her dad works away and her Mum cannot handle being without him. When their lives change and the truth causes repercussions for all, Lissa must be the one to find solutions – no matter what it may take.

Lissa trains as a nurse, she works hard because she has responsibilities, but she hates rude, inconsiderate people. Lissa uses her intelligence and thirst for knowledge to her advantage; she has a great way at discovering secrets and those often can reap benefits for her.

I actually quite liked Lissa, she is a murderer, she has done very bad things but she feels justified in doing so, she is quite outraged by any suggestion she kills for the love of killing.

The story is fast paced, addictive and dark. You cannot trust anyone or anything. Added little twists at the end always spice things up when you think you have it all guessed, I enjoyed that we were still kept on our toes.

The first time I have read a book by this author but it will not be the last.

I would like to thank #BoldwoodBooks for my ARC of #TheNurse in exchange for an honest review.

Author bio:

Valerie Keogh is the internationally bestselling author of several psychological thrillers and crime series, most recently published by Bloodhound. She originally comes from Dublin but now livesin Wiltshire and worked as a nurse for many years. Her first thriller for Boldwood will be published in August 2022.

Social Media Links –  

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

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