Best of October 2022

It's October and time for the Christmas offerings from some of my favourite authors including Heidi Swain and Sarah Bennett's Mermaid's Point series.

A Christmas Celebration by Heidi Swain (13 October 2022)

When Paige turns up unannounced at Wynthorpe Hall, she only planning to stay for a short time, but is quickly pulled into local life. One night she stumbles across an isolated cottage and meets Albert, its elderly and rather grumpy owner. She quickly realises there’s more to Albert than meets the eye and the same can be said for the other man she can’t seem to help running into, handsome but brooding Brodie. All three of them have a secret and a desire to hide away from the world, but with Christmas on the horizon, is that really the best way to celebrate the season?

In my opinion: ★★★★★
Really magical to be back at Wynthorpe Hall for another 'Christmas Celebration'. I loved new character Albert and his multi-generational friendship with Paige but was slightly disappointed that so many of the hall's residents were on holiday. I'd been really looking forward to catching up with these much loved characters. All-in-all though another charming story from one of my favourite authors full of friendship, romance, community spirit and festive fun. 

How to Kill Men and Get Away With It by Katy Brent (12 October 2022)

Have you ever walked home at night, keys in hand, ready to throw a punch in self-defence? That’s how it all started. The killing spree, I mean. I sort of tripped into this role… Literally. The first one was following me. That guy from the nightclub who wouldn’t leave me alone. I pushed him, he stumbled, and fell onto his own broken wine bottle. Oops. It was such a waste of a good house white. But now I can’t seem to stop and nor do I want to… I’ve got a taste for revenge and quite frankly, I’m killing it.

In my opinion: ★★★★
What to say about this book..... I loved the tongue in cheek humour, the satirical look at the Chelsea lifestyle, and the witty narrative. And, thank goodness it had that to somewhat balance out the pretty descriptive and gruesome murder accounts and continuous theme of rape and sexual exploitation. So an unusual combination - as disturbing as it was funny - but brilliantly done and very entertaining.

 

Best of September 2022

It's September and time for the latest novels from some of my favourite authors and series including Sophie Cousens and Jessica Redland's Hedgehog Hollow series.

Before I Do by Sophie Cousens (29 September 2022)

Audrey is marrying Josh; steady, dependable Josh, the love of her life. But romance should be full of fireworks, and as the big day approaches, Audrey's found herself wondering if Josh really is 'the one'. So, when Josh's sister Miranda arrives at their rehearsal dinner with Fred - Audrey's 'What If?' guy, the man she met six years ago and had one amazing day with but never saw again. And when everything that could go wrong with the wedding starts to go wrong, Audrey has to wonder: could fate be trying to stop her from making a huge mistake?

In my opinion: ★★★★
This is the story of head-in-the-stars Audrey who is about to marry down-to-earth Josh - that is until her wedding is plagued by bad omens from dead bats in the church and suicidal cake toppers to poorly vicars and unravelling wedding dresses. Some of these situations are definitely over the top but good comedy value and necessary for the plot as they lead Audrey to wonder if she should be marrying Josh - particularly when an ex turns up. It's cleverly written over multiple 'Before I Do' and post 'I Do' timelines brilliantly conveying the complementary differences of Audrey and Josh's personalities and how our romantic experiences (both ours and others, good and bad, realistic and rose-tinted) shape our relationships. There's a fun supporting cast of friends and family too and I loved the epilogue(s) especially the one 50 years into the future. So, all-in-all another brilliant book from this author. 

Friends Don't Lie by Nell Pattison (29 September 2022)

My name is Isabella Butterworth. Your name is Isabella Butterworth. We’re around the same age. We live in the same town. But your life is more exciting than mine, isn’t it? Imagine if I’d never found out about you…But I have. Because someone mistook me for you. And now I can’t stop thinking about you because I know you’re in trouble. You need my help. And I need a way to get to know you. To save you. To be you…

In my opinion: ★★★★
I really enjoyed this very intricate and complex plot. There were so many different aspects - stalking, a death threat, a brother in prison, new identities - and the author did a brilliant job of weaving them all together and continually evolving the story. Whilst I got the overall jist, I must admit that I'm not sure I totally followed it all in terms of Izzy and Jenny/Caroline and who was who. Whilst there's not actually many characters, the fact that they all either have the same real name and/or have adopted a false identity was somewhat confusing, especially when you layer on multiple twists and turns. I also would've liked a different ending. But that said neither of these things affected my overall enjoyment of this compelling read.

Christmas Miracles at Hedgehog Hollow by Jessica Redland (6 September 2022)

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. 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?

In my opinion: ★★★★
I absolutely love this series and wonderful characters and am gutted that this was the last one. It's always great to catch up with the different much-loved characters and read about cute hedgehogs and animal rescues. And as a finale it was great to see everyone get their happy endings and know how things have worked out but I must admit I didn't enjoy this storyline as much as usual. With much of it taking place in a hospital and a backstory of sexual child abuse it had a heavier, less feel-good vibe. Nonetheless an amazing series that I'll totally miss and so was glad to hear that Hedgehog Hollow may live on with cameos in Jessica's other series and books.

The Bachelorette Party by Carissa Ann Lynch (2 September 2022)

New Orleans: live music, endless drinks, brightly-coloured attractions, the perfect place for a party. The bachelorette begins on a Friday night; all six women are excited for a chance to escape their everyday lives. But then friendly rivalries turn vicious, and a game of truth or dare turns deadly. By the end of the weekend one of them will be dead…

In my opinion: ★★★★
This was a quick and easy read, a fun whodunit. I enjoyed that it started with a murder, you just don't know whose. So not only is it a case of trying to guess the perpetrator but also the victim - and each could have been any one of the six bachelorettes. I also liked the alternating chapters following each character: Rosalee the people-pleasing bride, the disapproving mother-in-law, the wayward sister-in-law, the bossy best friend, too-good-to-be-true Georgia the groom's best friend and the weird cousin - again each with their own secrets, dramas and motivations. The reveal and motive were a bit underwhelming however. 

The Murder Weekend by Jilly Gagnon (6 September 2022)

Welcome to the Crooner Estate. We know your stay will be deadly fun. A remote hotel. A murder mystery. A missing woman. Everyone has a role to play, but what's real and what's part of the game?

In my opinion: ★★★
This was a brilliant premise - a murder within a murder mystery weekend. Trying to work out what was real and what was part of the game was fun - and should've been enough but the author over-complicated things with lots of side drama. As well the murder mystery (real and pretend) it was also a bit of a domestic drama with a lot of time spent analysing the state of the main character's marriage. These bits distracted from the main plot as well as being pretty repetitive and slow especially when combined with the author's very descriptive way of writing. In short, this novel had a lot of promise but rather deviated from the murder mystery. 

Best of 3 Christmas Novels

With mistletoe, mine pies, nativities, snow, Christmas fairs and decorations galore - get into the festive spirit with a good Christmas story. Here's the low down on my top picks these season. 

1. Christmas at Rachel's Pudding Pantry by Caroline Roberts

Well worth a read - this one certainly got me in the Christmas spirit. This had all the ingredients for a perfect romcom eligible bachelor, countryside village setting, close-knit family and friends, entrepreneurial spirit and cute animals/children. However, this had more breadth than your typical sugar-coated romance. It was heart-warming but also real, embracing the ups and downs of life including illness, grief, single parenting, British farming and starting up a small business. Essentially this was the story of the Swinton family - four generations of warm, strong women working together to make a success of their new business and keep their beloved farm.

Find out more at carolinerobertswriter.blogspot.com

2. I'll Be Home For Christmas - Karen Clarke

My favourite of the three - a festive feel-good story set in a quaint French village with a strong female entrepreneurial character running her own business whilst trying not to fall in love. What I loved most about this book was it's relatability. Whilst thankfully I've never been caught by a really cute guy doing a koala-dance complete with koala noise whilst dressed in a koala onesie, I can't be the only one who can totally relate to those type of cringenly embarrassing situations. I love Karen Clarke's style of writing - witty and modern but also refreshingly PG, describing connections and spine-tingling kisses rather than x-rated sex scenes. 

Find out more at www.karenclarkewriter.com.

3. A Perfect Cornish Christmas by Phillipa Ashley

A heart-warming romance set at Christmas. I fell in love with the Cornish seaside village of Porthmellow with its cosy cafes, welcoming pub, village traditions and bracing seascape. The sense of community spirit as all the locals got involved in the Solstice celebrations and annual Boxing Day swim was really inspiring and heart-warming. It was a bonus to be treated to not one but two budding romances, with both sisters falling for a hot, single local. The book starts with Scarlett gate-crashing the pub's Christmas Day Lunch for the Lonely after a family history gift revealed her Dad wasn't actually her real Dad. 

Find out more at phillipa-ashley.com

REVIEW - Christmas at Rachel's Pudding Pantry by Caroline Roberts

I'm delighted to share my review of the new novel in the Pudding Pantry series by Caroline Roberts. Well worth a read with all the ingredients for a perfect festive romcom. This one will certainly get you in the Christmas spirit.

Many thanks to NetGalley and publisher Harper Collins UK for giving me the opportunity to read this book.

Released: 31 October 2019

The blurb
The first snow is falling over Primrose Farm, the mince pies are warming, and Rachel can’t wait to share a kiss under the mistletoe with her gorgeous new flame, Tom. If only it was all comfort and joy.....but the arrival of Tom’s ex brings an unwelcome chill to the farm. And despite Master Baker Mum Jill’s valiant efforts, the new pudding pantry business is feeling the pinch.With a spoonful of festive spirit, a cupful of goodwill with friends, and her messy, wonderful family by her side, can Rachel make this a Christmas to remember?

In my opinion

Well worth a read with the inclusion of festive recipes providing a nice extra touch too. And, for me the book itself had all the ingredients for a perfect romcom:

·         Budding romance

·         Countryside village setting

·         Close-knit family

·         Cosy friendships

·         Entrepreneurial spirit

·         Cute animals and children

·         Christmas cheer

Yes like most chicklit it follows a tried and tested ‘recipe’ but it’s a formula that works and is one I love. However, this had more breadth than your typical sugar-coated romance. It was heart-warming but also real, embracing the ups and downs of life including illness, grief, single parenting, British farming and starting up a small business.

Essentially this was the story of the Swinton family - four generations of warm, strong women working together to make a success of their new business and keep their beloved farm. I loved the lead character, Rachel, a hard-working, driven, independent, kind, family-orientated young woman. Although I did find it hard to believe that Rachel was 24 – I mean being a young single mum is likely to make you grow up quickly but still the most mature, sensible 24 year old I’ve ever come across.

Five-year old Maisy, Rachel’s daughter, was obviously adorable too, providing many of the comedic moments. The best of these was undoubtedly the school nativity play where the farm’s overgrown lamb, Petie, played a supporting role alongside shepherd Maisy. Cue Petie lunging for a mouthful of hay, toppling Baby Jesus out of the crib, before leaping into the audience and galloping up and down only to poo on the floor on his way out.

As Christmas titles go this one was actually very festive, unlike many. It had Christmas puddings, the infamous nativity, snow storms, Christmas fairs and decorations galore. Although to be fair it also had fireworks and bonfires as it covered the run-up to Christmas too - so a real seasonal delight.

Seemingly this is the second novel in the Pudding Pantry series, with hints of a third to come. But, don’t let that put you off as it works perfectly well as a standalone too. All in all a great read which will certainly get you in the festive spirit (and make your mouth water will all the mentions of scrumptious sounding puddings).

The author

Follow @_caroroberts on Twitter or find out more on the author's own website.

I'll Be Home for Christmas - Karen Clarke

I'm delighted to share my preview of the forthcoming Christmas romcom by Karen Clarke. I'm a sucker for a feel-good story set in a quaint village with a strong female entrepreneurial character running her own business whilst trying not to fall in love - and this didn't disappoint. I loved it.

Many thanks to NetGalley and author Karen Clarke for giving me the opportunity to read this book prior to publication.

Expected: 14 October 2019 

The blurb

Nina Bailey has come to stay at her Aunt Dolly’s cosy café to nurse her broken heart. She is determined to get through Christmas with no tinsel, no fuss – and definitely no flirting. So when she arrives and meets infuriatingly handsome Ryan Sadler, with his gorgeous forest-green eyes, she is not best pleased. And when Nina overhears him making fun of her, she is furious. (There might have been an incident with a koala onesie and a spilled bottle of milk, but that really wasn’t her fault!) So despite the spark between them, and the fact that he can whip up a fabulous dinner faster than she can say Michelin star, romance and Christmas are off the menu this year.

Can Nina resist the magic of Christmas - and stick to her no-romance rule?

My review

The awkward second read....having recently read and absolutely loved The Beachside Sweet Shop I was keen to read another by this author but it's always with some trepidation  - will it be as good or was it just a one off? I needn't have worried - I loved this one too.

Firstly, lets get the obvious out of the way - yes it's a Christmas book and yes its September but that doesn't matter. Yes this story was set at Christmas and had the usual references to snow, mince pies, and tinsel but unlike some it was a subtle undertone which means that whilst it would undoubtedly be a great read in the run-up to the festive season, really getting you in the mood, it is basically just a funny feel-good story totally enjoyable at any time of the year.

Romance is definitely the last thing on Nina's mind when she arrives to stay at her Aunt Dolly's cosy cafe in a picturesque French village after calling off her wedding - instead she needs to work out what she's going to do with her life. But, Ryan, her cousin's infuriatingly annoying but handsome best friend, is also hiding out at Dolly's.

What I loved most about this book was it's relatability. Whilst thankfully I've never been caught by a really cute guy doing a koala-dance complete with koala noise whilst dressed in a koala onesie, I can't be the only one who can totally relate to those type of cringenly embarrassing situations. It wasn't just the humour though that I could relate but also Nina's predicament of wanting a job she loves but not knowing what that is.

As well as a strong entrepreneurial female lead character, this book had all my other favourite ingredients necessary for a good romcom. There was the super hot, really nice single guy with a complicated past and a charming village setting providing a whole host of great support characters such as Mathilde the mafia granny and Delphine the cat.

Once again I loved Karen Clarke's style of writing - witty and modern but also refreshingly PG, describing connections and spine-tingling kisses rather than x-rated sex scenes. She has a knack of describing things and characters, without being overly explicit, so that you can easily imagine (and fall in love with) them yourself. In fact so much so that I wanted to be in this book - to visit the cafe, date Ryan and be friends with Nina.

My only criticism (if you can call it that) is it that for me it couldn't quite rival The Beachside Sweet Shop, which unsurprisingly is about running a successful and innovative village sweet shop - whilst getting over a heartbreak. This one was similar but as I'm a sucker for a story about female characters running entrepreneurial village businesses I would have loved more about Nina's House Whispering business idea which sadly took a bit of backseat to the romcom in this one.

Never mind, I loved it all the same and it has totally cemented Karen Clarke as one of new favourite authors.


The author
Follow Karen Clarke on Twitter @karenclarke123 or find out more at www.karenclarkewriter.com.

Book Review - Christmas at Little Beach Street Bakery by Jenny Colgan

The third (and possibly last) in the Little Beach Street Bakery series by author Jenny Colgan. I liked this heart-warmingly innocent story of family and friendships set in a charming Cornish village. That said the author has quite a unique style of writing that may not be to everyone's taste.

Many thanks to The Bookbag for giving me the opportunity to read this book direct from the publishers.

First published in the UK: October 2017

It's Christmas in the Cornish coastal village of Mount Polbearne. Polly Waterford loves running the Little Beach Street Bakery. She's at her happiest when she's creating delicious treats and the festive season always inspires her to bake and knead something extra special for the village residents. In fact, the only thing she loves more than her bakery is curling up with her gorgeous boyfriend, Huckle. She's determined that this Christmas is going to be their best one yet, but life doesn't always work out as planned...

When Polly's best friend Kerensa turns up with a secret that threatens the life Polly and Huckle have built together, the future begins to look uncertain. And then a face from Polly's past reappears and things become even more complicated. Polly can usually find solace in baking but she has a feeling that's not going to be enough this time. Can she get things back on track so that everyone has a merry Christmas?

My Review

Polly, Huckle and Neil are back but in what, sadly for fans of the Little Beach Street Bakery series, seems to be the last of this trilogy. Never say never but by the end of this book, the author has certainly secured the destiny of these three much-loved characters. Don't be put off if you haven't read the previous ones, it really won't matter particularly as the author provides a helpful little synopsis at the start to help those, like me, that are new to these stories.

So, Polly has built a home and bakery business in the very romantic and inconvenient tidal island of Mount Polbearne with her American boyfriend Huckle and 'pet' puffin Neil. She has everything she's ever dreamed of so when Huckle wants them to marry, her best friend makes a potentially life-altering confession and an estranged family member gets in touch it all gets a bit much for Polly.

What I really liked was the yin and yang of this book. You've got the deliciously warm and quaint backdrop of village life, baking, cobbled streets and lighthouses (which is undoubtedly my preferred setting for any good book) mixed with a modern story of female entrepreneurs, single mothers and one night stands which keeps it from being too twee and sickly.

I love a story where friendships, family and marital relationships feature just as heavily as romance - or in this case more so. Whilst I've never read her before I know Jenny Colgan has been well praised for writing smart, witty chicklit but I wouldn't say this was particularly funny. It was a truly girly feel good book that did make me smile but more so with the sheer adorability of it rather than actual laughter.

I also struggled a bit with the style of writing especially initially until I settled into it. In my mind it's written in quite a simplistic manner and familiar tone of voice, not to dissimilar to that of children's fiction. For example, "You might wonder how such a tiny village sustains two bakeries, but then you obviously haven't eaten there" or the opening sentence which begins "This story is about one particular Christmas, but it actually starts with a very Bad Thing happening the previous spring". I also didn't really get the pet puffin thing, I mean I'm an animal lover through and through who loves the romantic notion of befriending a wild animal but actually being able to take a puffin everywhere with you, i.e. to a hospital or five-star restaurant, was all a little far-fetched for me.

As the title suggests this book is set at Christmas but again don't be put off as it's little more than a nod to the festive season with only very subtle references to mince pies, decorations, etc. So this is 'not just for Christmas' but would be enjoyable at any time of the year. Although the fact that it is coming up to Christmas does give me an excuse to try Polly's recipe for mincemeat twists or Yule log which as a nice touch can be found at the back of the book.

Overall I liked this book but didn't love it although fans of Little Beach or Jenny Colgan will I'm sure. 

Follow author Jenny Colgan on Twitter @jennycolgan or find out more at www.jennycolgan.com.

Book Review - Sleigh Rides and Silver Bells at the Christmas Fair by Heidi Swain

I couldn't wait to read this - the latest book in the Wynbridge series - and it certainly didn't disappoint. I defy anyone not to fall in love with the charming fictional village of Wynbridge and its delightful residents or at least be able to vividly picture each and every one. It's a compelling, witty and feel good story with some innocent romance and unusual friendships thrown in too.

Many thanks to The Bookbag for giving me the opportunity to read this book direct from the publishers.

First published in the UK: October 2017

When Anna takes on the role of companion to the owner of Wynthorpe Hall, on the outskirts of Wynbridge, she has no idea that her life is set to change beyond all recognition. A confirmed ‘bah humbug’ when it comes to Christmas, Anna is amazed to find herself quickly immersed in the eccentric household, and when youngest son Jamie unexpectedly arrives home it soon becomes obvious that her personal feelings are going all out to compromise her professional persona.

Jamie, struggling to come to terms with life back in the Fens, makes a pact with Anna – she has to teach him to fall back in love with Wynthorpe Hall, while he helps her fall back in love with Christmas. But will it all prove too much for Anna, or can the family of Wynthorpe Hall warm her heart once and for all...?

My Review

Having just discovered author Heidi Swain and her series of novels featuring the residents of Wynbridge, I couldn't wait to read this book and it certainly didn't disappoint being every bit as good as the previous book. Yet again Heidi Swain has managed to combine an original mix of characters with a feel-good storyline to create a totally compelling read. But, don't worry if you haven't read any of the other instalments as each one focuses on a different lead character and story so it really won't matter.

This one is set at Christmas so it's a non-stop extravaganza of Christmas markets, sleigh rides, solstice celebrations, light switch-ons, Christmas tree auctions and mince pies – totally heart-warming unless you are the main character, Christmas-hating Anna. Knowing that the Connelly family are not planning any big festivities Anna takes a Christmas job at majestic Wynthorpe Hall, only the much awaited but reluctant homecoming of youngest son Jamie somewhat changes the family's plans and Anna finds herself struggling with childhood memories.

This is so well written with the village, the hall and the various characters all so beautifully described that I could clearly picture each and every one. Unusually all the characters are equally strong and likeable from independent Anna to playful Angus, elegant Catherine to spirited Hayley or stalwart Mick to baking Queen Dorothy. I particularly love the host of feisty entrepreneurial female characters, not to mention the village's abundance of gorgeous eligible bachelors whether it's handsome Jamie or 'sex-on-legs' Will. It's safe to say that I'm totally in love with the fictional country village and all its characters – so much so that if Wynbridge was a real place I'd be moving there straight away.

This does, however, lead me to my only slight criticism of this book. Because the other Heidi Swain book that I read, (Coming Home to Cuckoo Cottage) seemed to feature many of the characters from previous books I was expecting (and looking forward) to catching up with some of Wynbridge's many lovable residents. But, whilst there were a few fleeting name drops this book disappointingly focused almost entirely on the inhabitants of Wynthorpe Hall. Don't get me wrong the hall provided plenty of personalities among the employees and extended family members but as a now die-hard Wynbridge fan and considering it is part of a series it just would have been nice to have more connection.

I also love the innocence of this romance, it's about butterfly feelings and tender kisses rather than explicit sex scenes. I also love that it's not just a romance but there's so many other story lines of family, friendships, entrepreneurial spirit and overcoming adversity.

In case you hadn't gathered I adored this book, it would be a magical read at Christmas time but in my opinion is still totally enchanting at any time of the year.

Follow author Heidi Swain on Twitter @Heidi_Swain or find out more at www.heidiswain.co.uk.