Book Review - The Best of Enemies by Julie Mae Cohen

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Title: The Best of Enemies

Author: Julie Mae Cohen

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Zaffre

Publication Date: 20th August 2026 

Rating: 5 Stars

Gwen keeps a list of enemies. Not that she'd ever hurt any of them - she just likes knowing if karma catches up.

So when her childhood bully drowns in sewage, Gwen's quietly satisfied. But then another foe dies. And another. Soon, everyone who's ever crossed Gwen - from sworn enemies to obnoxious strangers - is meeting a bizarre end.

The police think Gwen's involved, but she's terrified. Someone's turning her private grudges into a murder spree, and if Gwen doesn't stop them, her newly rebellious daughter could be next . . .

This is another astounding book from Julie Mae Cohen. 

I had absolutely no idea how to predict this and was amazed and shocked by the finale. 

Gwen was a really interesting character, she seems rather battered by life, and has her own hit list of people she would love to take revenge on, and how she would like them to die. 

But it's only meant as a way of venting and clearing her head, so when people start dropping dead, that are on her list, many in suspicious circumstances she is puzzled and slightly terrified. 

She's convinced if she goes to the police, they will arrest her, and her family has had a tricky time with law enforcement as it is, so she is a bit terrified. She tries meeting up with some of the people on the list to warn them their lives may be in danger, but either she is too late, or they think she is threatening them. 

She's also concerned for her daughter Raven, who is exhibiting odd behaviours, but is determined to do anything and everything to keep her safe. 

I would never have guessed how this would turn out and I was hooked on each and every page, while I uncovered more and more of the story, and was intrigued throughout. 

A highly enjoyable novel of revenge from a fabulous author. 

Thank you to Zaffre and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily. 

Book Review - When Sparks Fly by Portia MacIntosh

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Title: When Sparks Fly

Author: Portia MacIntosh

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Boldwood Books

Publication Date: 28th September 2026

Rating: 4 Stars

Fireworks are flying over the coastal town of Marram Bay, but Lia is about to have sparks of her own...

Moving back home was never part of Lia’s plan. But then again, neither was everything falling apart. Now she’s back in the seaside town she swore she’d outgrown - living with her parents, sleeping in her teenage bedroom, and trying not to think too hard about the life she left behind in London.

At first, it’s exactly as she feared: the same pub, the same people, the same routines. Comfortingly familiar and yet completely suffocating. Until one slightly chaotic night leads to her getting locked in a pub toilet with a handsome stranger. He’s charming, funny, mysterious - and gone before she even learns his name.

In a town this small, he’s bound to turn up eventually - but when he does, Lia realises it’s going to be far more complicated than she thought.

When her past and present start to collide, Lia has a choice: keep chasing the life she thought she wanted, or stay put and see what happens when the sparks start flying.

This was another really enjoyable book from Portia MacIntosh who always has a good hit rate with me. And it's been a long while since I last read a Marram Bay set novel, to the extent that I had to after the first bit of the book, try to look up to see if I had already read this under a previous name. 

I can't see any evidence of it, although it has been previously published as a novella, and been extended for this iteration, but it did leave me with a slightly disconnected feeling throughout.  I think I just wasn't expecting anything new from this setting, especially with some of the far more exotic locations Portia has been setting books in recent years. 

But that is totally a me thing and it didn't take away from the fact it's another fun story from this author, and I enjoyed seeing Lia tie herself up in knots between two brothers. 

She is continually trying to do the right thing but one is her childhood crush and the other she started fancying after being trapped in a toilet with him, and had no idea they were related until she accepts Si's offer to move into the home he is working on, so that she can have from privacy from her parents. 

Despite what I may be implying there is no cheating or anything from Lia, she makes herself very clear or at least tries to, and she realises what a sticky situation she is in.  

Not helped by the fact that she has got herself a new job and that involves working with Adam, in addition to living with him.  it's just one messy situation, made messier by her love of alcopops of her youth, plus her childhood friend trying to be some sort of influence on her.

This was a nice, quick and easy book to devour and it gave me a lot of much appreciated escapism.  

Thank you to Boldwood Books and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.

Book Review - Dead Happy by Nick Spalding

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Title: Dead Happy

Author: Nick Spalding

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Lake Union Publishing

Publication Date: 15th September 2026

Rating: 5 Stars

For Alex Lowry, life is for the living. Even if that comes with a lot of risk.

And where some men his age might just buy a sports car, he's become a full-blown adrenaline junkie. Whether it's lawnmower racing, rock climbing, or medieval combat, he'll give it a go - whatever makes him happy!

His daughter Hannah thinks he might have lost the plot. Chances are, she's absolutely right.

So when Alex's risk taking goes too far, and painful revelations from the past come to the surface, she has to intervene, before it's too late...

Dead Happy is a darkly funny, deeply moving story about family, guilt, and finding the courage to face your demons.

What a wonderful book this is, filled with laugh out loud moments but also far more poignant ones too. 

I'm starting to believe that Nick Spalding is becoming an advocate for men's mental health, based on his past couple of books - as this one also features a man that is clearly struggling. 

Alex appears to have a death wish, or he is an adrenalin junkie,, or something similar as he keeps starting, or taking up assorted hobbies that don't appeal to the typical person. 

In amongst it we have Medieval fighting, drag racing, rock climbing (ok that is a bit more normal), chainsaw carving and more. 

He claims he is trying to be a role model to daughter Hannah by showing her not to be afraid of things, but he takes everything far to far. 

He's chasing highs, or danger even when he sort of knows it may not be the best idea. 

And when you finally learn what is driving him, well my heart went out to him, and I was starting to get a bit emotional myself. 

This is a totally brilliant book, that will definitely make you laugh and potentially cry too.  Another hit from Nick Spalding. 

Thank you to Lake Union Publishing and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily. 

Book Review - All Bets Are Off by Estelle Maskame

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Title: All Bets Are Off

Author: Estelle Maskame

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Black & White Publishing

Publication Date: 13th August 2026

Rating: 5 Stars

Three women. One bachelorette weekend. Zero chance of everything going to plan...

Adelaide Sinclair is weeks away from her dream wedding to the love of her life... or so everyone believes. Her bachelorette in Vegas is meant to be the ultimate send-off, until her fiancé crashes the party with his bachelor crew, including Connor, the first boy she ever loved... and the only one who knows the truth.

Hailey Clark would rather be anywhere else than a Las Vegas. When the email of a lifetime lands in her inbox - her shot at becoming a published author - she suddenly needs to balance her maid of honor duties with chasing her dreams. Easy enough... until she ends up handcuffed to the bride's charming younger brother, Theo, and her carefully laid plans go up in glittery smoke.

Evelyn Sinclair is finally twenty-one and ready to party, but she's also desperate for cash - and running out of time to get it. A little light theft seems like the perfect solution... until she tries to help herself to a Rolex from the wrist of a dangerously attractive stranger who insists on payback.

What happens in Vegas definitely won't stay there. By the end of the weekend, everything will change.

Gotta love a book set in Vegas, and with it being a hen party, which the stags effectively crash, there is plenty of room for chaos and shenanigans.

All the women seem to be hiding things from each other, which leads to some very interesting situations. 

Addy the bride to be is not being honest with herself, Hails suddenly needs to work over the weekend while also being dared to be handcuffed to Addy's brother. And Evelyn is determined to win big, or come up with another inventive way to earn a fair amount of cash over the trip. 

There is a lot of alcohol involved, but we also get see some of the Vegas sights, including the fountains at the Bellagio. 

This is the first time I've experienced this author and I was hooked from start to finish. I was enjoying this so so much, it's just a shame it had to end. 

What a great book. 

Thank you to Black and White Publishing and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily. 

Book Review - Starry Nights over Dragonfly Lake by Alison Sherlock

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Title: Starry Nights Over Dragonfly Lake

Author: Alison Sherlock

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Boldwood Books

Publication Date: 1st August 2026

Rating: 5 Stars

Are the stars aligned or is it case of star-crossed lovers?

Astronomer Beth Jones dreams of forever love but with every romance ending in heartbreak she’s sworn off men. Hiding out at Maple Tree Lodge after losing both her job and Jeremy, her boyfriend, can Beth discover a new way to keep her passion for stargazing alive whilst putting aside her hopes and dreams for a fairytale future?

Carpenter Noah Jackson doesn’t believe in love of any kind and refuses to trust anyone, even his own, estranged family. But when he arrives at Maple Tree Lodge to pick up a surprise inheritance, a winter storm forces him to stay when all he wants to do is flee.

When Jeremy turns up unexpectedly at the hotel in an attempt to win Beth back, Noah is catapulted into a fake romance in front of her ex. Beth knows that Noah isn’t looking for love and he’s the complete opposite of everything she’s been looking for, isn’t he?

As the starry nights begin to weave their magic, can Beth and Noah learn to open their hearts and start to trust each other?

And perhaps trust the true feelings in their hearts as well…?

Praise for Alison Sherlock:

What a wonderful story and addition to this series. 

I was completely engaged from the first few pages and the book didn't let go of its hold over me until the end.  It was great to be back at Maple Tree Lodge and with the Jackson family. 

And this time there is a new to us member of the family get to know, a cousin who has been estranged and that Ben and Hannah aren't sure whether they can trust or not.  But Walter wants to give him a chance, plus give him an unexpected inheritance. 

Noah isn't sure he wants to stick around, but slowly but slowly he ends up staying another night and then another and starts to help out with building the new lodges. He doesn't intend to put down any roots but things just seem to occur. 

While Beth is trying to get over a heartbreak to a louse of a man, and has retreated to Maple Tree Lodge to be with her found family.  And with her friends and plus Noah who she claims a fake relationship with to try to ram home the message to Jeremy that it really is over, she starts to grow in confidence with regards sharing her love of astronomy with others. 

I loved seeing how both characters developed and how although having similarities in their childhood's neither were stable, how it has affected their thoughts on love in completely different ways. 

I wanted to hug both Beth and Noah individually while also knocking their heads together at times.  

This story set over the autumn and winter, really gave the cosy warm vibes of the seasons. I finished with a smile on my face and my hear warm, while already keen to read the next book in the series. 

Thank you to Boldwood Books and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily. 

Book Review - Saving Christmas at the Highland Repair Shop by Kiley Dunbar

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Title: Saving Christmas at the Highland Repair Shop

Author: Kiley Dunbar

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Boldwood Books

Publication Date: 22nd August 2026

Rating: 4 Stars

It’s the first of December and the Highland Repair Shop is facing a fresh challenge: a storm has damaged the town’s beloved Christmas lights. With the clock ticking before the official switch-on, the workshop must transform into a merry fixing factory to save Christmas in Cairn Dhu.

Meanwhile, Hamish Skelton has devoted his life to keeping the local ski centre alive – but with no snow and dwindling visitor numbers, his future is hanging by a thread. Then consultant Florrie Norheim arrives with a clear mission: to close the resort for good. Determined to prove herself, she isn’t looking for distractions, least of all a handsome young man who refuses to give up on his home. But are some places – and people – worth saving?

As Hamish and Florrie grow closer, the town rallies together and a long-lost love story is uncovered, will the spirit of Christmas work its magic on them all? ✨

Curl up with this gorgeously cosy, uplifting romance that’s brimming with festive charm!

It's always fun to be back in Cairn Dhu and the Highland Repair Shop gang, and this was another incredibly enjoyable book in the series. 

Florrie is an interesting new character, she is trying to prove herself to her father, but isn't completely onboard with the task she is meant to carry out. Despite a tricky introduction to her time in town, the town starts to make a real impression on her, especially the community even if she is trying to stay clear. 

It was good to get to know more of the recurring characters too, and there was an especially lovely storyline featuring a toboggan. But I'm not saying more as it would turn into big spoilers. 

I loved seeing how Florrie and Hamish start to get to know each other, despite the fact that Florrie is trying to shut down the ski centre.   I also loved the descriptions of the Christmas lights that Macintyre was renovating for the town. 

There was a lot to love in this book and this series as a whole and I'm just sorry to see it is coming to an end.  Such a wonderful cast of characters, who are on the whole all a lot happier now than they were at the start of the series.  How fabulous. 

Thank you to Boldwood Books and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily. 

Book Review - A Christmas Wish For The Village Midwife by Tilly Tennant

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Title: A Christmas Wish For The Village Midwife

Author: Tilly Tennant

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Bookouture

Publication Date: 21st September 2026

Rating: 4 Stars

As stars sparkle in wintry skies, the little village of Thimblebury is getting in the Christmas spirit. Fairy lights hang in shop windows, couples kiss under the mistletoe and midwife Zoe Padbury has a heartfelt Christmas wish…

For midwife Zoe Padbury, there’s nowhere more magical than her Lake District home at Christmas. The air smells of hot chocolate and mulled wine, there are Santa cruises on the lakes, and Zoe has her hands full welcoming babies into the world – the best presents of all.

But at home at Kestrel Cottage, despite the lights twinkling on the tree, the mood is far from festive. Zoe has just had unexpected news: she may never be able to have children. She and her boyfriend Alex have been dreaming of starting a family of their own, and as she watches Alex put together the perfect Christmas for his daughter Billie, she hides her heartbreak. She’s determined not to ruin the holidays for him…

Zoe wraps presents with Billie, and sees Alex look at them both with such love. The season should be joyful, but she’s far from feeling light and hope. But what’s more important at Christmas? Keeping the peace or telling the truth? Zoe’s only wish is for many more Christmases with those she loves. But is her relationship strong enough to survive the secrets she’s been keeping?

A gorgeous heart-warming festive read about coming together at Christmas. Fans of Jessica Redland, Jo Bartlett and Shari Low will fall in love with A Christmas Wish for the Village Midwife.

It was wonderful to be back in Thimblebury with Zoe, Billie and Alex at Christmas time. 

And it certainly seemed less drama filled than the Christmas of a year ago, but no less impressive. 

After all it is Maddie's first Christmas, Billie though is hiding things from her family that Zoe is able to guess at and so is this reader, but takes while to become apparent to Alex. 

I loved seeing more of Fern especially, and seeing how she is growing in confidence.   And it was great to catch up with everyone at the surgery where Zoe is based. 

Well I said less drama but there is of course a baby alpaca to make an appearance and a rather memorable Santa cruise both of which Zoe just happens to be in the right place at the right time for. 

It's another joy to read this book, and with they way the character's story arcs are going I'm already looking forward to the next book in the series.  Bring it on! 

Thank you to Bookouture and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily. 

Book Review - I'm Dreaming Of A New York Christmas by Hayley Dunlop

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Title: I'm Dreaming Of A New York Christmas

Author: Hayley Dunlop

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Hera

Publication Date: 27th August 2026

Rating: 4 Stars

Will a New York Christmas lead to all she never knew she wanted?

After the worst year of her life, speechwriter and introvert Flora Bell is looking forward to a calm Christmas: home, alone and as peaceful as possible. But when her chaotic mum and sister turn up out of the blue to take Flora on a once-in-a-lifetime trip to New York, it's clear the universe has other ideas.

When Flora meets cartoonist Ethan in a Greenwich Village coffee shop – who asks for her help to write a best man's speech – fate and joy seem to be taking the wheel for the first time in her life.

But just as she dares to believe her New York fairytale might be coming true, she discovers something that changes everything.

Will Flora ever be able to reclaim her quiet existence?

Or will the bells of New Year's Eve ring in a new life altogether?

I'm a sucker for a Christmas book, and New York at Christmas has always sounded magical to me, so this was always going to a book on my radar. 

And it was as enjoyable as I expected it to be,, if not more so. 

I loved meeting Flora, who has spent the past year broken after being broken up with 3 days before her wedding. But she has moved to a new town and is looking forward to spending alone this year, in peace and quiet. 

Until her mum and sister show up, and essentially kidnap her, and they are taking her on holiday to New York for Christmas. 

She has never felt understood by her family, and finds them a bit overwhelming so this has come as a shock to her. 

But it turns out it's just what's needed and it's an "adventure".  And things take an interesting turn when she meets Ethan in a coffee shop.

Amidst various bits of blagging from her family, foraging in Central Park and various other things, it becomes apparent that this is a trip that Flora really did need. 

I loved the character development, and thought this was a great book to kick off my 2026 festive reads. 

This is the second book I've now read from the author and I'm already curious to see what she may have in store for us next Christmas. 

Thank you to Hera and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily. 

Book Review - Holidays With The Girls by Jo Lyons

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Title: Holidays With The Girls

Author: Jo Lyons

Format reviewed: Ebook 

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Boldwood Books

Publication Date: 23rd August 2026

Rating: 5 Stars

If there’s one thing more unpredictable than love… it’s spending the holidays with the girls. 🎄

Connie Cooper should be basking in newlywed bliss. Instead, she’s frantically juggling a long-distance marriage, a busy singing career, and the small matter of her best friends’ wedding… which is in three weeks. In France. At Christmas. With absolutely nothing organised.

When groomzillas Ged and Liam’s dream venue falls through, their wildly over-the-top vision – a Bridgerton-meets-Hogwarts-meets-Whitney-Houston extravaganza – seems doomed. Connie definitely does not have time to save the day… right?

Soon, Connie and her chaotic girl gang (the outrageous Dollz) are descending on a stunning chateau in the south of France to pull off the impossible. But diva demands, unexpected guests and risky secrets could get them all kicked out before the wedding can even take place.

As emotions run high, Connie must navigate friendship, love and the reality of her own whirlwind marriage to Matteo, while trying to stop the Christmas wedding from spiralling completely out of control.

OMG I don't have the words to express how much I absolutely totally and utterly adore and am in love with this series, and this author's work generally. 

I devoured this poolside on holiday in a few short hours that had me on multiple occasions audibly snorting at things I was reading.

I love it when an author's sense of humour matches mine, and this is totally a match for me!

This is once again a madcap adventure for Connie, The Dollz, Matteo and of course Ged and Liam.

I think the levels of chaos can only  be best left to you to read as I would hate to spoil anything.  But we have last minute wedding plans, a chateau with strict rules (that everyone breaks instantly), a couple of unruly children, and poor parenting decisions, a possible ghost with a far more amusing reality, not to mention Matteo's ex being far too present, and a whole lot of big decisions to be made for Connie. 

This is totally bonkers, completely and utterly light hearted and the perfect holiday read or for anytime you want to escape reality and just smile.

And this is all in the run up to Christmas too, and to say Ged and Liam have big, huge ideas for their wedding is an understatement. 

And the way this was left, I can imagine there will be a good few more books easily in this series, each presenting more opportunities for hilarity, chaos and good times for a large fairly close knit group of friends. 

Absolutely adore this!  

Thank you to Boldwood Books and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily. 

Book Review - Murder at Christmas by T. A. Williams

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Title: Murder at Christmas

Author: T. A. Williams

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Boldwood Books

Publication Date: 5th August 2026

Rating: 5 Stars

A festive gathering...

Private investigator Dan Armstrong, accompanied by his wife and his canine sidekick, Oscar, are spending the days before Christmas in a luxurious Alpine chalet tucked away in a hidden valley. It should be the perfect escape, except the owner is in fear for his life.

A house full of secrets...

Amid perfect winter wonderland scenery, the more Dan discovers about his host and the other guests, he realises that all is not as it seems. What should be a happy family party is riddled with rancour, mistrust and hatred.

A killer in the snow?

Then the snow falls – fast and heavy – and within moments, someone is dead. Accident, suicide, or murder? As the snow closes in, Dan has to work out if he's looking for a killer, or whether he and Oscar are barking up the wrong tree.

Another triumph for T.A. Williams in this epic series. 

And it was lovely to see a completely different bit of Italy, and to discover a whole new regional cuisine too. 

All to the backdrop of a case that seems simple at first but the more Dan digs, the more possible suspects and motives occur. 

It was lovely to catch up with Selena again who has been in a few of these books now, and I have to say the more I discovered about the case that Dan is looking into the least I liked the target. 

And of course Anna is there too and she provides some good thoughts, and Oscar is the superstar dog as always and watching him and Winston (an even bigger dog) frolic in the snow was a delight. 

Although Christmas is in the title, it's not an overly festive read and it can easily be read at any time of year, and it certainly didn't cool me down while reading poolside in Mallorca. 

I already can't wait for their next adventure.  

Thank you to Boldwood Books and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.