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I was really looking forward to this book after thoroughly enjoying Jo Lovett’s winter release last year, The First Time We Met, which became one of my favourite books of the year. Therefore, I had high hopes for this festive romance!

Blurb:

On Christmas Eve eight years ago Evie and Dan made a pact: if they weren’t married by thirty, they were going to marry each other. Of course, neither of them took it seriously, even if Dan has always been mesmerised by Evie’s beautiful smile, and Evie has always fancied Dan, her best-friend’s brother.

But then “it” happens. They wake up on Christmas Eve, the night before Evie’s thirtieth birthday in Vegas… married. In a honeymoon suite filled with hundreds of heart-shaped pillows, they realise too late what they’ve done – just like Ross and Rachel.

Surely if they just get a quickie divorce, they can go back to the way things used to be, right? If it wasn’t for the alcohol and Susan-with-the-huge-beehive-hairdo who just wouldn’t take no for an answer, none of this would have happened. They can just go back to being friends.

Except moving on is easier said than done when you’ve secretly loved each other forever… but if one of them doesn’t admit that, what happens to their friendship? If they don’t get together this time, what happens to the pact? Are they really ready to let it go for good?

Fall in love this Christmas with this feel-good story about love and second chances. Fans of One Day in December, This Time Next Year and Beth O’Leary will adore The Mistletoe Pact.

My thoughts:.

I really enjoyed this book and it is one that I read quickly. I loved how the author explores the sometimes blurred lines between friendship and romance, whilst never detracting from the worth of having a solid set of friends and of being friends first and foremost, even if you do find yourselves romantically involved.

I loved the characters of Evie and Dan and the vibrant yet complex family and friends that surround them. These characters become far more than side characters, as they become central to the story and the development of the central characters’ emotional and personal lives.

The pact at the core of the story is silly and yet realistic. It’s totally something I can imagine young people thinking up at a young age and laughing about it many years later.

However, this pact carries an unexpected significance and the tension and drama that surrounds it is amplified by the writer’s choice to tell the story from Dan and Evie’s point of view. The complex storyline of “then” and “now” that covers quite a significant timeline in terms of years of these characters lives, through their ups and downs, also peaks the reader’s interest.

I do admit to sometimes feeling that frustration of will they, won’t they, and more importantly, when! But I guess that’s all part of the fun and package when it comes to this genre of books.

Overall, a heart-warming and uplifting read that provides a unique perspective into the development of a relationship. This is a story that reminds us, in some ways, to trust that’s what meant to be, will be. Another gorgeous read from this very talented author.

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This was a complete impulse buy at a supermarket in the run up to last Christmas. I had every intention of reading it, but it didn’t happen, so I kept it until this Christmas.

Blurb:

What do you do when your fake engagement starts to feel too real…

Aspiring clothes designer Victoria Scott spends her days working in a bar in Chelsea, and her evenings designing vintage clothes, dreaming of one day opening her own boutique. But these aspirations are under threat from the new department store opening at the end of her road. She needs a Christmas miracle, but one is not forthcoming.

Oliver Russell’s Christmas is not looking very festive right now. His family’s new London department store opening is behind schedule, and on top of that his interfering, if well meaning, mother is pressing him to introduce his girlfriend to her. A girlfriend who does not exist. He needs a diversion. Something to keep his mother from interfering while he focuses on the business.

When Oliver meets Victoria, he offers a proposition: pretend to be his girlfriend at the opening of his store and he will provide an opportunity for Victoria to showcase her designs. But what starts as a business arrangement soon becomes something more tempting, as the fake relationship starts to feel very real. But when secrets in Victoria’s past are exposed will Oliver walk away, or will they both follow their hearts and find what neither knew they were looking for…

My thoughts:

I have to admit that my expectations were ashamedly, and wrongly, quite low. I absolutely adored this book and devoured it in two sittings.

I was immediately hooked on the story. I liked and identified with the character of Victoria. Her humanity, humour and warm personality shines through. I also loved breaking into the shell that surrounds attractive but somewhat hard to read Oliver.

I loved how the romance and story developed, and whilst maintaining a Christmassy theme and feel, there is far more to this story than your traditional Christmas romance. It is about trust, illness, fear and the power of togetherness.

An unexpectedly brilliant, warm and lovely Christmas read. I am totally converted to the talents and abilities of Georgia Toffolo as a writer and I am really keen to read the other books in this series in the near future!

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I adore Kiley’s books though I am a relative newcomer to them. I have read 3 of her books this year, which I think proves my enjoyment of them and how much I have come to adore her books. And what better way to enjoy switching off from work to Christmas mode than with this gorgeous and intriguing read?

Blurb:

A gorgeously uplifting, romantic read that will warm your heart – take a trip to Stratford-Upon-Avon in magical wintertime…

It’s autumn in beautiful Stratford-Upon-Avon and Kelsey Anderson is enjoying her new life in her adopted town. Her Shakespearean tour guide days behind her, she’s now opened her own photography studio and loved up with boyfriend Jonathan – even if a long-distance relationship is sometimes lonely.

When best friend Mirren Imrie moves down from Scotland, Kelsey is delighted to have her friend at her side – and as the nights turn colder, Mirren throws herself into dating, until she finds herself growing closer to sexy journalist, Adrian Armadale. But when Mirren uncovers a long-buried scandal while working at the local newspaper, her big scoop might throw Kelsey’s – and Jonathan’s – life upside down. Will she choose her career over her friends’ happiness?

And when Jonathan returns from America and discovers the secrets Mirren has uncovered about his family, it throws his relationship with Kelsey onto shaky ground. Can they find their way back to love, before it becomes the winter of their discontent?

A romantic, funny and feelgood read that will make you smile from ear to ear. Fans of Milly Johnson, Heidi Swain and Holly Martin will fall in love with this cosy winter read!

My thoughts:

As you read this book, you will get lost in this wonderful, quirky riverside setting and completely enveloped in the characters’ lives, each of which quite cleverly have a role to play in the unfolding of this story.

I love the wonderful main characters and the way that through the majority of the story they uphold the Christmas spirit of romance, community and giving, but there are of course bumps in the roads. These bumps were far bigger and far bumpier than I was expecting, but it made for a dramatic and addictive read!

Kiley once again explores important themes related to identity, family, community, trust and confidence, which all ensure that the characters become well-developed and their stories adequately complex and gripping. I literally couldn’t choose a favourite: Kelsey and Jonathan are a wonderful couple that will restore your faith in love and humanity, but I also loved following the development of Adrian and Mirren’s situation.

There is drama and intrigue from beginning to end, and I really wasn’t sure how this one was going to play out, but of course this is Kiley Dunbar, so the ending left me completely warm and satisfied.

An uplifting, gorgeous Christmas read that has far more depth and drama than a traditional Christmas romance, I have absolutely adored this book. I would recommend it to fans of Heidi Swain, Milly Johnson and Cathy Lake.

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I was drawn to this book by the gorgeous cover, and the author is one that has been recommended to me a number of times. I am a sucker for a Christmas read, so I was very excited to choose this as one of my December reads!

Blurb:

An uplifting, beautiful and totally heartwarming tale about the magic of family at Christmas, the importance of chasing your dreams, and the unbeatable feeling of falling in love under the mistletoe.

Christmas is always tough for Lila Evans. Instead of being with her loved ones, she’s all alone, and reminded of the heartbreaking time when she lost her father. It’s no wonder that, this year, Lila’s escaping Nashville. She’s in search of a home away from home––and the countryside retreat of Fireside Cabins sounds like the perfect place.

But it turns out that Pinewood Hills, tucked in the snow-topped Tennessee mountains, doesn’t offer her much of a small-town welcome. Stopping at the local coffee shop for a much-needed peppermint latte, the rugged, surly owner Theo Perry gives her an icy reception that even his piercing blue eyes can’t melt.

Unfortunately, you can’t avoid anyone in the quaint village, which means that Lila bumps into him everywhere… To her surprise, on the rare occasions he does smile, it feels like sunshine on a cold winter’s day––it feels like coming home. So Lila makes it her mission to warm up frosty Theo, even if that does feel like she’s hoping for a Christmas miracle.

With nothing––and no one––waiting for her back in Nashville, could Pinewood Hills give Lila the ultimate Christmas gift––the family she’s always longed for? And, with a dusting of festive magic, spiced cider and sugarplum pie, could this be the first holiday she’s not alone?

Indulge in this glittering page-turner that might just prove that anything is possible at this magical time of year… Christmas at Fireside Cabins is the perfect treat for fans of Debbie Macomber, Susan Mallery and Sheila Roberts.

My thoughts:

I have absolutely adored this beautiful book and devoured it quickly. I fell in love with the setting of Fireside Cabins because of the small village of Pinewood Hills and the community vibe, despite the fact that the buildings themselves are a little rough round the edges (putting it kindly!)

I immediately liked and respected Lila. She is a dependable, friendly and confident character who is unafraid to be fully herself, whilst still somehow being empathetic due to her clear vulnerabilities. I was completely drawn into the mystery and secrecy surrounded Theo Perry, and finding out his back story was one of the many reasons why this book became an easy and addictive page turner for me.

The story itself is was far more dramatic and engaging than I was expecting, delivering far more than the romantic storyline you’d expert. This is a book about loneliness and friendship, a community coming together and falling apart, as well as the importance of honesty and faith.

This is a gorgeous, heart-warming and uplifting read. By the end of this book, the warmth evoked from the title will envelope you and you will wish that you too were part of this small, but resilient community. I’d personally love to see Jenny Hale return to this setting and/or cast of characters in future books. I would recommend this book and author to fans of Heidi Swain, Milly Johnson and Cathy Lake.

Heidi Swain is one of my absolute, all time favourite authors in this genre and her books are the ones I pick up when I need something that I know is not going to disappoint, and is going to leave me feeling warm, fuzzy and satisfied. I needed to get into the festive mood, so I decided to pick this up as I’d treated myself to a signed copy from Tea Leaves and Reads! ♥️

Blurb:

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.

My thoughts:

The setting of Wynter’s Trees is absolutely stunning and perfect for this sort of story. The descriptions of Christmas trees, log cabins, Christmas stalls and hot chocolate all work together to ensure the festive vibes are strong, right from the beginning.

However, there is far more to this story than the cosy festive atmosphere. Liza is struggling with quite a few things – her career, her love life, the loss of her father and the direction in which her life is going in general. She quickly becomes a likeable and empathetic hero to the story. She is emotional and warm-hearted, and proves herself to have her heart in the right place when it comes to helping others. I could completely understand her thinking as to not wanting to be in a place that once brought her so much confusion and pain.

Ned is a workaholic and is quite hard to reach. However, when we do get to know him, we find someone who is hard-working, dependable, organised, loving, funny, not to mention attractive.

You can see the worry and pressure that each of these characters carry around with them daily and you hope that they can work through their issues and find their happy place, ideally before the festive season is over.

There are also some wonderful side characters, including David, Liam and Maya, who all work to add to the humanity and warmth of the story, each bringing their own little lesson in being the best version of ourselves and following our hearts.

This is an uplifting and emotional read, that is about grief and loss just as much as it is about hope and happiness. The overall message though, is an uplifting one and it provides courage to those who have not given up on their dreams, despite the challenges and uncertainty we currently face as a country.

Aside from her vibrant and wonderful characters, my favourite thing about Heidi’s books is definitely the way she creates a homely atmosphere alongside an escapist feel. This is a delicate balance to navigate and somehow she always manages it.

I would definitely describe this author as a queen of romantic and feel-good fiction. I would also recommend this book and author to fans of Milly Johnson, Cathy Lake and Jaimie Admans (who have also produced some of my favourite festive reads from 2020 and 2021!)

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I have heard a lot about this author and her books definitely look like the sort I would enjoy. I particularly love a Christmas themed book, so I was excited to delve into this one. ♥️

Blurb:

This Christmas will be the most special of them all…

Elderly widow Sabine knows this will be her last Christmas in her beloved home, Mitras Castle. Determined to make it just like the ones she remembers from her childhood, she employs Dido Jones of Heavenly Houseparties to help with the big day.

Dido is enchanted by the castle as soon as she steps through the imposing front door. And as Christmas day approaches, her feeling of connection to the old house runs deeper than she first thought.

But when the snow begins to fall and Sabine’s family arrive at the house – including Dido’s teenage crush Xan – tensions rise around the castle’s future and long-buried mysteries begin to unravel…

As past secrets come to light, can this still be a magical Christmas to remember?

My thoughts:

This book is quite different in style to what I was expecting. It is more formal to my other usual reads in this genre, so it took me a little while to get into, but this formality and sophistication definitely fits in with her excellent development of setting.

The character development is also brilliant. These characters don’t really fit traditional roles or tropes, but are definitely quirky, vibrant and fun. My favourite character was probably cool, wise and reasonable Nancy, but I did enjoy getting to know all the characters in this book.

The book is atmospheric and lively, with the descriptions of the setting, food, people and animals really bringing the story to life. I also didn’t expect as much drama or intrigue as I got!

Overall, a really enjoyable read and of course once again the audio narration from Isis audio was spot on. This is my first read by Trisha Ashley but it will not be my last.

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This author has been recommended to me a number of times and I’m saddened that it’s taken me this long to pick up one of her books. This looked like a gripping, dark book, and the cover definitely hints at violence and secrecy. I was looking forward to seeing if this could be a new favourite author!

Blurb:

You thought no one saw you. You were wrong.

Leigh and her sister Callie are not bad people – but one night, more than two decades ago, they did something terrible. And the result was a childhood tarnished by secrets, broken by betrayal, devastated by violence.

Years later, Leigh has pushed that night from her mind and become a successful lawyer – but when she is forced to take on a new client against her will, her world begins to spiral out of control.

Because the client knows the truth about what happened twenty-three years ago. He knows what Leigh and Callie did. And unless they stop him, he’s going to tear their lives apart …

Just because you didn’t see the witness … doesn’t mean he wasn’t there.

My thoughts:

I was absolutely hooked on this book from the beginning. There has been much debate over the use of our Covid reality as a setting, but for me this brought the story even further into the real world and therefore made it even more horrifying!

The characters of Leigh and Callie are lively and believable. They and complex and well-drawn, and it was definitely my investment in them as characters that kept me hooked into the story at the early stages.

I loved how far Karin was able to delve into their characters and psyche, in order to provide a true, harrowing context and to provide a lens through which to view the “past” and “present” situations.

Karin is certainly an author who does not shy away from the darkest corners of our society. On a criminal level, she provides action related to crime, justice and violence. On a social and emotional level, she explores contexts related to abuse, addiction, identity and family issues. The balance of these two things is really carefully controlled in order to ensure an action packed and addictive plot.

The ending was explosive! Although I had been scrabbling through the pages to find out the outcome, when it came I almost wished it hadn’t as I was so drawn into the story. I am definitely going to be exploring more of this author’s back catalogue!!

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I was drawn to this book by the fact that the author also writes psychological thrillers which I rate highly. I also love the cover of this book and the romantic and creative connotations of the title.

Blurb:

They were so in love . . .
And then life changed forever . . .
Will they find happiness again?
 
Libby and Jack are the happiest they’ve ever been. Thanks to their dear friend, eighty-year-old Sid, they’ve just bought their first house together, and it’s the beginning of the life they’ve always dreamed of.

But the universe has other plans for Libby and Jack and a devastating twist of fate shatters their world.
 
All of a sudden life is looking very different, and unlikely though it seems, might Sid be the one person who can help Libby and Jack move forward when what they loved the most has been lost?
 
The Art of Loving You is a beautiful love story for our times. Romantic and uplifting, it will break your heart and then put it back together again. Perfect for fans of Rebecca Serle,Josie Silver and Sophie Cousens.

My thoughts:

I was hooked on this book from the very beginning. I definitely felt like it shattered my heart into a million pieces and put it back together again.

It’s taken me a long time to find the words to sum up this book! It is poignant, beautiful and original. I loved the character of Sid and it was refreshing to see an older character, who could have easily been a side character, have so much prevelance and importance in the book. It definitely makes you realise how much we can learn from the older generation, if only we can put down our gadgets long enough to listen to them.

This book covers many important themes, and delivers some very poignant messages, but the ones I will definitely take away are the exploration of grief and the need for kindness at all levels of society in 2021.

This has definitely been one of my favourite reads of 2021, and I am so happy that this author has branched out into this genre as it just re-inforces what a talented writer she is. This has been a gripping and life-affirming story. I would highly recommend this book to fans of Cecelia Ahern, Beth Morrey and Sian O’Gorman.

“Life ain’t all beer and skittles.”

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I absolutely adore Judy Leigh’s books and she is fast becoming one of my favourite authors in this genre. I had high hopes that this would once again be a fun, escapist & uplifting read.

Blurb:

It has been a long and lonely year for neighbours Vivienne, Mary and Gwen. All ladies of a ‘certain age’, their lockdown experience has left them feeling isolated and alone. They are in desperate need of a change.

Things start to look up however, when Gwen comes up with a plan to get them out of London by borrowing a motor home. In no time at all the ladies are on the road – away from the city, away from their own four walls, and away from their worries.

The British countryside has never looked more beautiful. As they travel from Stonehenge to Dartmoor, from the Devon and Cornish coasts to the Yorkshire moors, gradually the years fall back, and the three friends start to imagine new futures with no limitations.

And as their journey continues and their friendships deepen, and while the seaside views turn into glorious mountains and moors, Mary, Vivienne and Gwen learn to smile again, to laugh again, and maybe even to love again. Now they can believe that the best is still to come…

Funny, joyful and with a spring in its step that reminds you to live every day like it’s your last. Judy Leigh has once again written the perfect feel-good novel for all fans of Dawn French and Cathy Hopkins.

My thoughts:

“Mary raised her glass, barking a small laugh. ‘To not being completely done yet.'”

I’ll be honest, I started this book feeling really uncertain. I’ve tended to avoid books that provide a reality based on Covid, not really intentionally but because most of my favourite authors have chosen not to write about it. Therefore, I was really surprised with the opening of this book. Of course, I knew it was going to be about lockdown but I didn’t expect it to be quite so laden with references to our stark difference in our current reality. I struggled to see where this one was going, but once I got to know Mary, Gwen and Vivienne, I quickly became addicted. It quickly becomes apparent that this detail is relevant, if not essential, to the beauty of the story.

They are vibrant, loveable and empathetic characters, each with their own talents, strengths and demons that they have to deal with every day. My favourite character was probably Gwen, because I loved her Welshness and how she called people a “lush”. Once again, Judy creates a wonderful exploration of growing old gracefully. This is also the first book I’ve read in a long time, with a character called Ceri. A very minor detail, but I loved it all the same 😂.

The “Getaway” is absolutely delightful and their excitement reminds me how I felt on my first trip away since Covid began, in April this year. I loved the fact that this book takes us on a whirlwind tour of some of the beautiful landscapes and coasts in Britain, including my wonderful homeland of Wales. This book still has the escapist feel I enjoy, despite visiting some places that are practically on our doorsteps. This in some ways is the focus of the book, whilst also exploring issues of identity, self-confidence, friendship, romance and growing old.

There are a number of highlights from the book. There are laugh out loud, mischevious and almost slapstick moments. Equally, there are extremely touching and emotional moments, and some of the best of those for me were of Gwen’s singing and the joy in brings to everyone.

I could talk for days about the excitement and enjoyment I had from this book, and how much I rate this author. This is a beautifully original, heart-warming read and highly deserving of all the stars.

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“We shouldn’t undervalue ourselves, whatever our age. Self-love, my leige, is not so vile a sin as self-neglect. Henry V. Let that be a lesson to all of us.”

I really enjoyed Emma’s previous release, The Juggle, so I was eagerly awaiting the next installment. I absolutely adore the cover – it’s bright and engaging. I also love the title, a phrase widely used to describe modern mummies, but also related to the theme of travel.

Blurb:

Brand new from the bestselling author of Time Out and The Juggle.

When her husband David announces he’s been offered a job in New York, Saoirse is thrilled. The glamour of the big city, the shopping, the culture, not to mention the free Manhattan apartment and business class air fare – what’s not to like? There’s just the small matter of making it work for their daughter, five-year-old Anna, who isn’t so keen to leave her friends and school behind.

The Big Apple in the middle of summer isn’t quite the holiday Saoirse envisaged, and with David away with work, New York apartment sizes on the miniscule side, and the pace of life faster than the sleepy London suburbs, solo ex-pat parenting pushes Saoirse to her limits.

And as the pressure builds and ‘faking it till she makes it’ isn’t cutting it, there’s only one thing for it – Saoirse and Anna need a new plan, and ‘Winging It’ might be their best option…

Emma Murray returns with this laugh-out-loud funny, compulsively page-turning adventure about parenting, travelling, and finding your tribe – on both sides of the pond.

My thoughts:

I absolutely love Emma’s style and so this book did not disappoint. A heart-warming mix of humour, drama and honesty provides you with a really engrossing and escapist read.

The character of Saoirse is a really likeable, relatable and sympathetic character. I could identify with her need to do what she feels is best to keep her family together, whilst clearly making huge sacrifices of her own by moving to New York.

There was some intriguing twists and I also enjoyed seeing Saorsie rise to the challenge of everything moving to New York throws at her, including dealing with loneliness, settling, finding her way around a new city and making new friends.

A book that feels like a warm hug and a hearty chuckle with an old friend, I would highly recommend this book and series to fans of Kristen Bailey, Suzy K Quinn and Gill Sims.

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