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. 

Book Review - The French Christmas Market by Gillian Harvey

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Title: The French Christmas Market

Author: Gillian Harvey

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Boldwood Books

Publication Date: 4th September 2026

Rating: 4 Stars

Nicola’s move to France is not going to plan. Her husband Steven’s job meant he couldn’t join her for the first few months. Now he has to work at Christmas too, and she’s facing the season alone.

She’s finding life in the tiny French village harder than expected. The house feels more remote than she remembered, and the cold weather makes going out a challenge. Plus the neighbour she’d hoped to befriend seems to be doing everything he can to avoid her friendly ‘bonjours’.

Things begin to look up when she takes on an art student named Lucien who introduces her to life beneath the village’s sleepy façade. Then – at the local Christmas market – she’s given a ceramic angel and told to make a wish…

Nicola doesn’t believe in magic. But as things in her life begin to change, she starts to wonder whether wishes really can come true?

A totally gorgeous and escapist Christmas story, perfect for fans of Sarah Morgan, Veronica Henry and Faith Hogan – available now!

I've been meaning to read another Gillian Harvey novel for years, so when I spotted this brand new Christmas book I couldn't resist! 

And what an enjoyable festive story this was, all about new beginnings set to a lovely wintery backdrop in France. 

Nicola is lonely, she fears Christmas is ruined now her husband is saying he won't be able to make it over, and her family are reluctant to fly, plus her passport isn't to be found. 

But then she rescues a kitten, takes on an art student, Lucien and as she gets to know him, he introduces her to more of life in her new home village. 

And she starts to get to know people and really start to fit in.  And it all begins with a purchase of a angel at the local Christmas Market that is meant to bring luck. 

I really enjoyed seeing how she gets to grips with her new life, and could picture the markets especially really clearly. 

And there is a rather emotional subplot that had me truly wishing for a Christmas miracle. 

A festive joy of a book to read, and I must not leave it so long before I read another from this author. 

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

Book Review - Yes, Chef by Grace Reilly

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Title: Yes, Chef

Author: Grace Reilly

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: HQ

Publication Date: 21st July 2026

Rating: 4 Stars

If you can’t take the heat…get out of the kitchen.

After a public meltdown in one of Manhattan’s most elite restaurants, Chef Jack Hartman must return to his small Florida hometown. The only upside? He’ll be far away from Poppy Winfield – his former boss’s blonde, beautiful, utterly infuriating daughter – and the shrimp she threw at his head.

Poppy is also desperate for an escape – from her disapproving family and from her infamy as an influencer without a serious bone in her body. With their reputations in ruins, Jack’s only ticket back to New York is turning the unloved restaurant of his childhood into the newest dining hotspot on the East Coast. And unfortunately for him, Poppy’s is using her well-honed social media skills to sell out his grand opening.

As sparks fly and tensions reach boiling point, will Poppy and Jack be a recipe for disaster? Or could they be a perfect pairing …?

What a lovely and spicy  grumpy-sunshine romance this is.  There is a great deal of heat both inside and outside of the kitchen. 

It's a story of finding your place in the world for both Jack and Poppy.  They are at each other's throats initially. but soon realise the only way they can get their lives back in New York after two separate public meltdowns on the same evening, is to work together. 

I really enjoyed seeing Jack teaching Poppy how to cook and all he knows about restaurants.  I also loved how much character development there was for both characters. 

This was the first time I've read a book from this author and I will certainly be keen to read more in the future.  It's highly enjoyable and I definitely enjoyed my time between the pages of this story. 

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

Book Review - Please Help Me by Gytha Lodge

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Title: Please Help Me

Author: Gytha Lodge

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Penguin

Publication Date: 23rd July 2026

Rating: 5 Stars

A BEAUTIFUL RESORT

It looked like the perfect getaway. A luxury resort with endless pools, a gorgeous golden beach, and a kids' club that is every parent's dream.

But for Amanda, a British detective in desperate need of a break with her young son, it soon becomes clear this isn’t going to be a holiday.

A MISSING GIRL

A girl has been sending anonymous messages to a teenager at the resort. She says her real name is Lara, that she was kidnapped from the UK, and that the family she's with are her abductors.

But the resort is full of families. The kidnappers could be any of them. If the police guess wrong, Lara could be whisked away, and never see her real family again.

When every family seems to be hiding something, can Amanda find the truth – and Lara – before it’s too late?

From the first few pages there was something about this author's writing style and the story that had me hooked. 

I loved that one of main characters is a teenager, and Sadie is determined to help the girl who has reached out to her, as all she wants to be is a hero. And the fact there is a girl who clearly is trying to get help but unsure about it, as she believes she isn't with her real parents, is an interesting concept. 

It reminded me of the couple of people over the years that have claimed be Madeleine McCann, but equally this is totally and utterly different from that situation. 

Amanda is on holiday with her son Otis, and she is determined to enjoy the holiday, but then a man she is trying to forget from a night of madness shows up, and given they both work in various police related departments, and are both in resort in Cyprus, means they end up teaming up to try to see if they can rescue this girl. 

There are a few clear suspects as to who the girl might be, but nothing is simple, and all sorts of interesting things are discovered about various of the families in the resort. 

I really enjoyed all the various viewpoints we got, and I was racing through this book determined to find out just what would happen next. 

It has a totally different vibe to a lot of the psychological thrillers I have read in the past, and I was totally there for it. 

This is the first book I've read by this author and I'll be keen to see what they write next. 

I loved everything about this story. 

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

Book Review - The Besteller by Jenny Knightsby

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Title: The Bestseller

Author: Jenny Knightsby

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Mountain Leopard Press

Publication Date: 10th September 2026

Rating: 5 Stars

Therapist Helena Salve knows that client confidentiality is the number one unbreakable rule of her job. But the constant stories of coercive control and threat she hears from her client Belle about her dangerous husband have been wearing her down. One night over too many glasses of wine, she tells her best friend Tala everything that Belle has told her.

The problem is, Tala is a down-on-her-luck novelist who is looking for an idea for her new thriller.

Months later, Tala is excitedly telling Helena that her publisher is saying this is going to be her biggest book ever. The story is Belle's story. Not only is Helena's job on the line, but if Belle's husband is as dangerous as she says, her life is too...

Why would Tala do this to Helena? She knows what's at stake.

Your friends are meant to protect you... aren't they?

What an accomplished and addictive debut novel this is. 

I barely wanted to put it down, and found the pages were turning almost by themselves as I had to see what would happen next. 

And wow there are some fabulous pay offs and twists in this that I somehow didn't see coming. 

This is though a book that does shine a spotlight on a tricky and for some upsetting subject of coercive control, and I believe it was dealt with in a way to open peoples eyes to it, and in a sensitive manner. 

I'm not completely sure I loved any of our leading ladies but I was rooting for them, and as things start to unravel, I was open mouthed. 

The author has such a readable writing style that the pages were flying past and I was hooked to the point that someone in real life apologised for making me jump while I was reading this  I was that unaware of my surroundings. 

Such a fabulous story, and one I feel that could play on my mind for a while after reading. 

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