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I have read so many of the books in this series, and I just can’t get enough of them! In my opinion, they just get better and better. In this installment, the Little Duck Pond Cafe is on the periphery of the narrative for much of the story, I love how the cafe has allowed this series to take on a life of its own!

Blurb:

When Clara Bowes transforms a wilderness of a garden, she isn’t expecting to reconnect with someone special from her past at the same time.

Having Rory Angel in her life again is a dream come true. But life is never straight forward – especially in matters of the heart – and soon, a devastating revelation looks set to bring Clara’s hopes for the future crashing down around her.

Will she find the strength to reach for her dreams? Don’t miss this gorgeously sunny read, perfect for the summer months!

My thoughts:

Firstly, I loved the host of characters in this book, especially Clara and her Gran. I wasn’t so sold on Lois, and I was definitely disgusted by Ireme, though even she had her golden moments in the book where she showed that she does have a caring and supportive side.

Clara is an absolutely delightful human being. In developing her back story, Rosie creates a lot of sympathy for her and it is very clear that she deserves to be valued and loved.

The romance storyline is one hell of a rollercoaster! There are quite a few unexpected but completely believable twists, and Rosie keeps us guessing right until the end! Only to remind us, of course, that Clara’s story is far from over and we are going to meet her again in the next installment of the Little Pond Cafe, which I hope to read very soon.

Rosie Green’s Little Duck Pond Cafe series is uplifting, touching, addictive and consistent proof that some of the best things come in small packages!

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I love Kathryn Freeman’s books. She is definitely one of my favourite authors in this genre. The cover and title is a little unusual to what I usually see from her, but I still love it.

Blurb:

Dean Baxter was everything a sensible thirty-two-year-old teacher should avoid. Five years younger, cocky, with a playboy reputation. Oh and guardian to Tom, one of her most promising students. But Lia was a rebel at heart.

Lia Stapleton was everything that was out of reach for an uneducated garage mechanic who’d made too many mistakes. Cambridge-educated, gorgeous and from a well-heeled background, she was his brother’s teacher. But Dean couldn’t resist her.

As Dean and Lia’s tentative relationship begins, can it survive Tom’s disapproval, her parents’ interference. And the dangerous return of his past.

My thoughts:

Though not traditionally the flowers of romance (such as roses), the sunflower is a symbol of loyalty and adoration, and these are definitely two key themes in this book.

Firstly, it is clear that Dean and Lia adore and are attracted to each other from the very beginning. Though very different characters in some ways, they are both clearly intelligent, hardworking and dedicated people.

I definitely had empathy for both of their situations. From Lia’s point of view, I understand what it’s like to feel very different to the rest of the family.

From Dean’s point of view, I understand what it’s like to be, or feel like, a single parent. Tom, though his little brother, is the centre of his universe and you can’t help but deduce that someone who has sacrificed so much, has a beautiful heart, despite his past mistakes.

This book is beautifully written, and contains for me the right balance of romance and raunch, character development and drama.

I have absolutely adored this book from cover to cover. For me, it is a perfect love story and my favourite book from Kathryn Freeman thus far.

If you’re looking for an uplifting romance read with dramatic scenes and the odd raunchy spot, I’d definitely recommend picking this one up.

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This was my first read by this author, and I was very glad to have picked this as my introduction. I have heard lots of romantic fiction fans rave about this author, and now I see why. The cover is crisp, Christmassy and beautiful.

Blurb:

She can’t abide Christmas. He’s not sure what it’s all about. Together they’re in for a festive surprise.

Ambitious software developer Holly may have a festive name but the connection ends there. She despises the holiday season and decides to flee to the remote island of Mull in a bid to escape from it.

Syrian refugee Farid has made a new home in Scotland but he’s lonely. Understanding Nessie and Irn Bru is one thing, but when glittery reindeer and tinsel hit the shelves, he’s completely bemused. Determined to understand a new culture, he asks his new neighbour to educate him on all things Christmas.

When Holly reluctantly agrees, he realises there’s more to her hatred of mince pies and mulled wine than meets the eye. Farid makes it his mission to inject some joy into Hollys’ life but falling for her is an unexpected gift that was never on his list.

As their attraction sparkles, can Christmas work its magic on Holly and Farid, or will their spark fizzle out with the end of December?

My thoughts:

Despite this being the incredible tenth book in a series, I found this book extremely easy to get lost in, and highly enjoyable.

This is at least the second book I’ve read in recent weeks that steps away from the traditional enemies to lovers trope, bringing together two extremely likeable and sympathetic characters.

Both characters’ back stories are told in adequate depth in order build substantial connections with the reader, and they are both told with compassion and sensitivity.

I think many people have felt how Holly felt at Christmas time, to a certain extent. Everyone who has ever experienced an unhappy Christmas, will know that sense of trepidation that sometimes invades our festive spirit at Christmas time. When we have dealt with significant loss or grief at Christmas time, it is hard not to let ‘what if’ or ‘I wish’ seep into our thoughts, and Margaret expresses these things very well through the character of Holly.

Farid, though on the surface harder to relate to, as he had been through suffering and hardship on his journey to the UK that thankfully to most of us, is unimaginable. Howrever, some elements of his story we are all able to identify with. For example, his desire to follow his dreams, go with is heart but also feeling torn about keeping his family happy and living within their traditions.

Farid and Holly’s attraction, and commitment to each other is explicit from very early on, as though a magnet exists betwern their neighbouring houses.

However, 2 questions remain:Will this be enough? What sacrifices will they have to make?

Thankfully, these questions are answered in the book but there will be no spoilers here. I will end by saying the ending is absolutely anc beautiful, bringing the story completely full circle in a way you rarely see, especially in suc ha flawless and effortless manner.

Margaret Amatt has definitely established herself as a new favourite of mine. I will be looking out for new releases, and digging into the back catalogue! I highly recommend this book as an uplifting, festive treat!

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I adore Portia’s books and never turn down the chance to read a newbie by her. The romance and Christmas scenarios in this one sounded like a lot of fun, so I was looking forward to it.

Blurb:

Billie is looking forward to a quiet, man-free Christmas. It’s just a shame her family doesn’t feel the same way…

With a house full of unexpected (and unwanted) guests, Billie needs to find the perfect escape to get away from the chaos.

So when her dating app recommends a week of singles nights in her area, Billie decides that braving these events has to be better than making conversation with her dad’s new wife, dealing with her mum’s mid-life crisis or witnessing her sister flirting with her insufferably arrogant next-door neighbour.

While this is definitely not the festive season she had planned, between disco bowling and boozy bingo, little does Billie know that she may find love this year after all – she’ll just have to date and see…

Fall in love with the perfect laugh-out-loud festive read from top 10 bestseller Portia MacIntosh.

My thoughts:

I loved the character of Billie and admired her indepence and strength. As a teacher, I identitifed with her need to switch off and enjoy the peace and calm of Christmas.

Of course, these plans go awry when family members turned up. I completely felt for Billie and her mixed emotions of having her Dad invite himself and his new partner over for Xmas, as their relationship could be described as distant. At this point, the story becomes about familial relationships and how they change and divert as we grow up.

I suppose the exploration of family dynamics provides a more serious element to the story, as the romance story is very light-hearted, a lot of fun and sometimes laugh out loud. Billie’s backstory is upsetting and realistic, and I was glad of her reaction when slimy Declan tried to worm his way back into Billie’s life.

Rocco is a likeable and suitable hero of the story, and him and Billie seem to hit it off straight away. However, another woman seems to have her eye on Rocco and Billie has setious trust issues, which makes it unclear as to whether their instant attraction will build into something that will last.

I was surprised by a few twists along the way, as well as the ending, but glad that Portia made the choice to provide an insight into the future, as otherwise I think the ending might have fallen flat or felt too rushed, for me personally.

Overall, this was a well balanced rom com that provides some light and fun moments, alongside some more serious, soul-searching moments. Recommended for fans of Paige Toon and Camilla Isley.

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I have read a few of the books in this series now (though admittedly not all) and I have really enjoyed them. I have definitely like I was cracking the cases alongside DI Barton and his team.

Blurb:

The Santa Killer is coming to town…

One night less than two weeks before Christmas, a single mother is violently assaulted. It’s a brutal crime at the time of year when there should be goodwill to all. When DI Barton begins his investigation, he’s surprised to find the victim is a woman with nothing to hide and no reason for anyone to hurt her. 

A few days later, the mother of the woman attacked rings the police station. Her granddaughter has drawn a shocking picture. It seems she was looking out of the window when her mother was attacked. And when her grandmother asks the young girl who the person with the weapon is, she whispers two words. 

Bad Santa.

The rumours start spreading, and none of the city’s women feel safe – which one of them will be next?

My thoughts:

This has been a fun, whirlwind ending to the series and I have thoroughly enjoyed dipping in and out of this series.

The Santa Killer has definitely been an exciting and sometimes terrifying concept to read about in the run up to Christmas 2023. I read a book like this before, and I have to be honest it fell really flat and cliche, so it was great to read something that had a bit of spark and a rollercoaster feel to it.

DI Barton is a great character and detective, who works extremely hard, at times to the detriment to his family time, though he also credits his supportive and loyal team for his successes.

This will take you on quite a journey of near-misses and trying to make the crime stick. I definitely couldn’t predict where this one was going. There are some really dark themes explored in the book, including the desperation of poverty, grief and violence against women, but Greenwood carries it off because you know throughout that he has the rigbt persob at the helm, who won’t give up until the right man or woman gets what they deserve.

I don’t read police procedurals much anymore but it’s testament to how much I’ve enjoyed this series that I keep coming back to it. I highly recommend Ross Greenwood!

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I was drawn to this book because Shari Low is one of my favourite authors. I was excited hy the different vibe to this book, as it falls in a different genre to all the books I have read by her. I loved the bright colours on the cover and the oppulent feel to the image, which really gives you a sense of the environment and lifestyle you wull ne dealing witj in this book.

Blurb:

When we bury our secrets, they always come back to haunt us…

Their rise was meteoric.

Only a few years before, they had been three friends from Glasgow, just trying to survive tough lives of danger and dysfunction.

But on one Hollywood evening in 1993, they were on the world’s biggest stage, accepting their Oscar in front of the watching world.

That night was the beginning of their careers. But it was also the end of their friendship.

Over the next twenty years, Mirren McLean would become one of the most powerful writers in the movie industry.

Zander Leith would break box-office records as cinema’s most in-demand action hero.

And Davie Johnson would rake in millions as producer of some of the biggest shows on TV.

For two decades they didn’t speak, driven apart by a horrific secret.

Until now…

Their past is coming back to bite them, and they have to decide whether to run, hide, or fight.

Because when you rise to the top, there’s always someone who wants to see you fall.

An exciting new glam thriller for the fans of Taylor Jenkins Reid, Liane Moriarty and Jo Spain

My thoughts:

I would definitely describe this as a slow burn to begin but the suspicion and intrigue is there from the beginning, to an extent. I wasn’t pulled into this one immediately like I uaually with Shari’s books, but maybe that’s a personal thing as it took me a while to get used to this different style of writing.

Once you’ve pinned down the characters, you are able to visualise them and get inside their head which makes the story much easier to follow and helps to pick up the pace.

There was definitely a switch in pace towards the second quarter of the book, however the dual timeline cleverly controls the pace so that you are able to understand how the past impacts the present, as well as carefully unravelling the storyline without revealing too much too quickly.

I liked that we got to see the story from the perspectives of all three of the main characteds, in order to understand each of their roles and feelings about the past.

Shari and Ross also use the celebrity lifestyle as a catalyst to explore some hard-hitting issues, whilst providing a constant reminder that darkenss and shame can hide behind the most perfect of veneers.

Overall, this was a complex, gritty and clever thriller.

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Melissa Wiesner is quickly becomimg one of my favourite authors and this book could well be my new favourite. I was drawn in by the emotive title and cover.

Blurb:

I grip my husband’s hand tight. “Mr and Mrs Marcello… I’m so sorry.” The doctor tells us our last embryo—our last chance—was accidentally given to someone else. The child we made four years ago calls another woman “Mommy.”

Quinn cries silent tears as she folds a tiny knitted cardigan, bought in a moment of hope, and packs it away. All she’s ever wanted is to be a mother. Although her husband James brings her comfort, the knowledge they have no embryos left, and that their child is out there being raised by another family, is tearing them both apart.

When the clinic tell Quinn and James they have the right to spend time with little Emily, at first they hesitate. Of course they would never want to come between Emily and her loving family. But they can’t turn down the chance to look into their own child’s eyes…

Quinn’s heart cracks wide open the second she sees Emily’s wild curly hair framing her heart-shaped face, and big brown eyes staring up at her. Her daughter looks just like Quinn. And when a giggling Emily flings her tiny arms around Quinn’s waist, it’s like she’s right where she belongs.

And as the two families reckon with an unimaginable situation, a terrible secret from James’ past surfaces: one that forces Quinn to question everything she thought she wanted. Will Emily’s family allow their relationship to continue? How will they decide what’s right for the little girl they all love so dearly? And where does Emily truly belong?

An absolutely unputdownable, heart-wrenching read about two families torn apart by one terrible mistake. Anyone who loves Jodi Picoult’s My Sister’s Keeper, Diane Chamberlain and Catherine Ryan Hyde won’t be able to put this down.

My thoughts:

I personally don’t like it when other authors are compared to Jodi Picoult, as her books to me are the holy grail of modern, dramatic fiction but I do have to agree that Melissa’s books are a worthy comparison and give me Jodi Picoult vibes.

At first, the dilemma and scenario felt very unbelievable but a quick Google search revealed that although rare, embryo mix ups are definitely within the realms of possibility though there are a few known cases.

I really enjoyed the complexity of the charactsrs and their layers. Quinn is a sympathetic and likeable character who learns to tread carefully in what is a very fragile situation. James, on the surface, appears to be a loyal and hardworking man but as we uncover his secrets I began to dislike him.

Meanwhile, my sympathy for Emily, Nora and their family just grew and grew. It’s clear that they have all been through a lot, but through it all have tried their best to protect the children throughout it all.

There are quite a few surprising twists, and this along with the well-developed characters and emotional storyline definitely made this into a book that is unputdownable, but also has a heartwarming message. Overall, this was undoubtedly a heart-wrenching and gripping five star read.

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I am a big fan of Wendy Dranfield and feel very glad to have discovered this series, which I have dipped in and out of. The dramatic scenery on the cover and the intriguing title definitely draws you in!

Blurb:

“Mommy, wake-up,” he cries, pulling at her beautiful blonde hair. She’s silent, and her skin is deathly white. Tears roll down his cheeks as he realizes something is very wrong…

As snow falls on the small town of Lost Creek, Colorado, a three-year-old boy is found playing quietly in his car seat, his mother, cold as ice, slumped against the steering wheel in front. Tearing herself away from reconnecting with her special agent father who abandoned her for his career, Detective Madison Harper is haunted by the fear in the boy’s sky-blue eyes, and vows to find justice for this innocent child, left motherless just days before Christmas.

Madison works around the clock on her only clue: a perfect circle of clean glass found on the car’s rear window. But she’s stopped in her tracks the moment another mother is found dead outside a church during Midnight Mass, her young boy left sucking his thumb on the frozen ground beside her. It can’t be a coincidence.

The need to spare the children might hint to the suspect being a woman, but the deeper Madison digs, the closer she gets to a serial killer her own father spent a lifetime chasing. Has the killer followed her father here? Could Madison, single mother to a son herself, be next?

As a blizzard closes in, wreaking havoc on the investigation, Madison hits the same dead ends her father did all those years ago. But when her closest friend goes missing, Madison must dive into the mind of this twisted soul and risk it all to stop another heart-shattering tragedy. But will she make it in time?

An absolutely gripping read that will get your pulse pounding! Perfect for fans of Lisa Regan, Melinda Leigh and Kendra Elliot.

My thoughts:

This is an incredibly gripping and dramatic crime thriller. It’s quite hard to pinpoint exactly what I enjoyed about it as it was just so addictive from beginning to end.

It may be because I am a mum to young children myself, but I found the descriptions of children and deceased mums very harrowing, hard-hitting and even haunting. I found myself unable to read it in the moments before bedtime!

However, the haunting deaths and the likeable, dedicated main character of Madison just ensured that I was completely invested in the story and catching the killer.

The story builds to a climactic and explosive ending. It was clear from about half way through that the story was headed in a certain direction, but I was still very eager to find out how it would all come together.

Overall, this is another excellent example of gripping and crime fiction from a very talented writer. I can’t wait to read more from Wendy Dranfield!

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I absolutely adore Kiley Dunbar’s books and the Borrow a Bookshop series is no exception. I was looking forward to reading this, which was set to be my 2nd highly anticipated Christmas read of the year! The cover exudes Christmas warmth and domesticity. I was really looking forward to snuggling up with it.

Blurb:

‘Tis the season for finding love… and the perfect book

With just two weeks until Christmas, everything in Clove Lore should be perfect. But the latest holidaymaker to the Borrow a Bookshop is feeling far from festive…

Icelandic ex-bookseller Magnús Sturluson might be surrounded by love stories in the Bookshop, but he’s nursing a sadness that not even fiction can fix.

When Alexandra Robinson finds herself stranded in Clove Lore, she finds a safe place to hide from heartbreak. After all, all that’s waiting for her at home is a cheater boyfriend and the memories of her parents. As Alex finds herself embraced by the quirky village community, she finds her tough exterior thawing – and as she grows closer to Magnús, she finds an equally soft heart under his gruff shell.

It seems that Clove Lore is working its magic once again – until a great flood on Christmas Eve brings devastation in its wake. It’s up to Magnús and Alex to batten down the hatches and help bring the village back together again, while also introducing the locals to the Icelandic tradition of the jólabókaflóð – Yule book flood – where families and friends gather on Christmas Eve to exchange books and read together.

But can Magnús and Alex truly rescue the ruins of the village, and salvage their Christmas spirit? Or is there another complication lurking even closer than they thought?

A totally uplifting read that will lighten the winter gloom, for fans of Jenny Colgan and Trisha Ashley. Booklovers will adore this seasonal treat!

My thoughts:

Icelandic by name and heritage, and somewhat icy by nature, Magnus is an unexpected but completely worthy ‘hero’ of this heartwarming read. I love how, with Alex’s help, he slowly warms to the beautiful and unusual setting of Clove Lore, as well as Christmas.

Alex is also a great ‘heroine’, someone who has been hardened by loss and misfortune but ultimately carries a heart full of warmth and giving. Both these characters are relatable and likeable.

I liked the fact that Kiley chose not to pit the two characters against each other – this is definitely not an enemies to lovers story. It is more about personal growth, resilience and finding somewhere to call home when you what you thought of as home has, to some extent, been ripped from you. The question of whether can overcome and let go in order to truly come together is left open right up until the very end, which alongside the devastation in the village provides a very climactic ending.

The descriptions of the flood itself felt very visual and real, so much so as a reader I began to feel the pressure and panic myself. This is not dissimilar to the feelings I felt when reading of the snowstorm in I Wish It Could Be Christmas Everyday by the wonderful Milly Johnson, which is testament to Kiley’s skill and talent.

The devastation and destruction of the flood is juxtaposed with the warmth of the central romance story and the overarching community spirit, and provides a satisfact and beautiful ending.

Undoubtedly a five star read, which is perfect for fans of Milly Johnson, Jill Mansell and Jessica Redland.

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I was so excited to read a Christmas installment and the final book of this much loved series. I have absolutely adored the series, the character and the setting from beginning to end. The cover is absolutely gorgeous and the title is intriguing. You begin the book wondering what incredible Christmas miracle could befall Hedgehog Hollow?

Blurb:

It’s the countdown to Christmas at Hedgehog Hollow Wildlife Rescue Centre, and everyone is gearing up for a festive season to remember…

It should be the most wonderful time of the year for Samantha and Josh as they prepare for the arrival of their first baby. But life at Hedgehog Hollow rarely goes to plan and the pair are faced with adversaries, old and new, and unexpected challenges to overcome.

Fizz’s job at the heart of the rescue centre is a dream come true but her personal life is more like a nightmare. With her love life a disaster and her past about to dramatically catch up with her, she needs the love and support of her Hedgehog Hollow family more than ever.

As the snow falls over Hedgehog Hollow, will Samantha and Fizz find the Christmas miracle they need to overcome their heartache and find happiness?

Top 10 bestseller Jessica Redland welcomes you back to Hedgehog Hollow this Christmas for the final time in this series for a heartfelt story of love, family, friendship – and hedgehogs of course!

My thoughts:

This has been an adorable and dramatic ending to the series. I think it’s incredible how Jessica Redland manages to balance delving into the lives and minds of characters we have only ever really met on a surface level before, like Fizz, alongside maintaining a focus on Samantha, Josh and the running of Hedgehog Hollow.

The two stories are connected, yet separate, but somehow Jessica manages to ensure that neither feels lesser, and you never feel that one is the plot and one is secondary, like a subplot. I have always enjoyed this element of Jessica’s books, but Fizz’ story in particular really touched me.

Fizz’ story will make you go through a hure rollercoaster of emotions. It is heart-breaking, uplifting and endearing but ultimately it is a believable story that unfortunately replicates the situations of many the world over. Therefore, this was a brave decision by Jessica to take on this storyline. However, it is executed brilliantly and is a touching reminder of human strength and resilience.

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, Jessica is an absolute queen of this genre. For me, there is no-one else more capable of writing multiple perspective, addictive, heart-warming drama in this genre.

I was relieved to read that Jessica is saying “au revior” for now to the series, and that some characters or settings may pop up in later books as I don’t think my heart could take a clean break! Hedgehog Hollow has definitely stolen my heart.

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