I'm getting in the festive spirit this month with an abundance of Christmas reads.
Midnight in the Snow by Karen Swan (14 Oct 2021)
Award-winning director Clover Phillips is riding high when she encounters Kit Foley; a surfer and snowboarder as well-known for controversy as he is for winning championships. Involved in an accident that had devastating consequences for a bitter rival, Kit has never spoken about what really happened that day. Determined to find out the truth, Clover heads to the snowy wilderness of the Austrian Alps, sharing a romantic winter wonderland with a man who can’t stand her. But as she delves deeper, Clover finds herself both drawn to Kit, and even more convinced he’s hiding something.
In my opinion: ★★★★★
I love it when a book surprises you and this was so not what I was expecting but in a really really good way. Not remembering the blurb or why I'd picked this up I was expecting a super cute, light-hearted, festive romance. Combining the fiercely competitive worlds of professional surfing and snow boarding with the demanding documentary film making industry, this definitely wasn't light-hearted but it was totally fascinating, I was instantly drawn in. With such intense, guarded and driven lead characters who passionately hated each other - Kit holding Clover responsible for ruining his career and her blaming him for her friend's husband's death - it also wasn't a super cute romance but a fantastic build-up of tension into a compelling love/hate thing. And whilst there was a romantic element, it was quality over quantity and just a part of a much wider plot which also included a little mystery and intrigue to guess at along the way. I haven't read the author before but in case you hadn't gathered I was totally captivated by this, loving everything about it and will certainly be reaching for others of her books now.
A Cosy Christmas at Bridget's Bicycle Bakery by Alex Brown (14 Oct 2021)
Finding yourself without a home in the weeks before Christmas would break most people, but for Bridget Carrington it’s a chance to start again. Mulberry-On-Sea has always been her happy place and she’s hoping it can work its magic this festive season and heal her family after a difficult year. Now, as the community wraps Bridget and her children in its warm embrace, she starts to feel like herself again. With a new business, kids who are starting to smile, and the promise of a second chance at love, Bridget’s holiday season might just be a happy ever after…
In my opinion: ★★★★
This was nice. It was a sweet, feel-good, easy read with some funny moments and plenty of festive magic. The recipes at the back were also a nice touch. It was almost too nice though and could perhaps have done with a bit more spark - especially on the romance front as the chemistry between Bridget and Jack was a bit platonic feeling. Apparently this was part of a series, with lots of returning characters, but it read well as a stand alone book too.
Christmas Surprises at Mermaids Point by Sarah Bennett (22 Oct 2021)
In Mermaids Point, everyone is getting ready for the festive season. For Nerissa and Tom, this will be their first Christmas as a couple. Laurie and Jake's plans are turned upside down when Jake’s mum offers them an unexpected gift. Alex can’t help but be charmed by beautiful and talented Ivy, but he’s still recovering from his ex-wife’s betrayal. And, as far as Nick is concerned is Christmas the perfect time to finally reach out to pop sensation Aurora Storm - the ‘one that got away’.
In my opinion: ★★★★
As a fan of the Mermaid Point series I loved the chance to catch up with some of my fav characters but this is definitely more of an epilogue to the previous books and a prologue to the next than a story in its own right. I enjoyed it but don’t think it would be worth reading if you haven't read at least one of the two previous books in the series. I can't wait for book number three now.....
Underneath the Christmas Tree by Heidi Swain (28 Oct 2021)
Wynter’s Trees is the home of Christmas. 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…?
In my opinion: ★★★★★
I love all Heidi Swain's books but the festive ones are definitely my favourites.....and set on a Christmas tree plantation with a festive market thrown in too this festive extravaganza was no exception! But, what I love most about Heidi's books is that they have so much depth - not just a Christmas novel or just a romance, her stories also feature friendship, community spirit, family and entrepreneurship. Add to that a fabulous array of likable - or lovable in the case of leading man Ned - characters and you have another brilliant, cozy, feel good read!
