I'm back from two weeks in Mexico... so what did I read?

What a wonderful holiday I've just had.  Turned out to be just what I needed,  I have had two weeks of pure relaxation, with a couple of excursions, and a lot of reading.

I have seen Santa dancing, Santa arriving at the hotel by Parasail.  I have been to the Rhythms of the Night show which was magnificent. I have been Whale and Dolphin watching, and even on a yachting trip where they brought a couple of sea-lions onto the boat.

Around the pool my favourite thing to do was to sit on the submerged sunbeds and read, for which I'm thankful my kindle is waterproof.

However after two weeks of beautiful sunsets, clear blue skies,  wonderful warmth and sun, I appear to be back to reality. 

Over the course of the fortnight, I have also managed to read 33 books.  Don't ask me how, I mean I went on excursions, I watched the show each night, I talked to people etc... and still appear to have read a record number of books for a holiday. 

Some of these I purposely selected to read, and some where when I couldn't decide which next, I with my eyes shut, scrolled back and forth on my review collection, and then randomly selected one and stabbed my finger on the kindle before opening my eyes to see what loaded.   Each time I was delighted with the choice. 

I am hoping going forward into 2019, to instead of regularly reading by publication day, to read a lot more with random selections, in order to hopefully read a mix of backlog and newer books.  And if the book isn't out yet, I will make sure to schedule the review for a suitable date.  What this means is going forward I may not post quite as often, in part as I just don't have as much time, and they won't always be the newest newest books, but rather a mix, most likely still of my review stack!

I'm sure you are though curious what I read - well here is the list of what I read in order, plus the dates where the reviews are scheduled and will appear here.   Really hope you like this selection and will join me on the correct dates for each review.  Will tag them #HolidayReading Mexico - as I have another holiday coming up in 2 months time, and some of the reviews for that could appear before some of these!!

#1 - While I Was Sleeping by Dani Atkins - 18th January

#2 - Mavis and Dot by Angela Petch  - 21st January

#3 - If We're Not Married By Thirty by Anna Bell - 25th January

#4 - What Happens In France by Carol Wyer - 28th January

#5 - Martinis and Memories by A. L. Michael - 1st February

#6 - The Greek Escape by Karen Swan - 4th February

#7 - Toxic Justice by M. A. Comley - 17th January

#8 - The Secrets You Hide by Kate Helm - 7th February

#9 - The Hopes and Dreams of Lucy Baker by Jenni Keer - 20th March

#10 - The Royal Runaway by Lindsay Emory - 8th February

#11 - Surprise Me by Sophie Kinsella - 11th February

#12 - The Little Book Cafe by Georgia Hill - 15th February

#13 - The Sisters by Kate Forster - 18th February

#14 - The Memory by Lucy Dawson - 15th March

#15 - Island In The Sun by Janice Horton - 4th January

#16 - The Cornish Village School - Second Chances by Kitty Wilson - 18th March

#17 - A Greek Affair by Linn B Halton - 11th March

#18 - Happiness for Beginners by Carole Matthews - 21st February 

#19 - Four by Andy Jones - 15th May

#20 - The Bridal Party by J. G. Murray - 12th March

#21 - A Year at Castle Court by Holly Hepburn - 22nd March

#22 - The House of Birds and Butterflies by Cressida McLaughlin - 25th March

#23 - The Girl in the Corner by Amanda Prowse - 29th March

#24 - The Great Ex-Scape by Jo Watson - 24th January

#25 - The Valentines by Holly Smale - 6th February

#26 - The Christmas Secret by Karen Swan
- no review written, was my Christmas day read!! 

#27 - Love Heart Lane by Christie Barlow - 19th March

#28 - Friend of the Family by Tasmina Perry - 14th May

#29 - The Little Unicorn Gift Shop by Kellie Hailes - 1st April

#30 - Reader I Married Me by Sophie Tanner - 16th January

#31 - Love in the City by the Sea by Lilac Mills - 5th April

#32 - The Last Thing She Told Me by Linda Green - 13th March

#33 - The Proposal by Jasmine Guillory - 8th April

Book Review - I'm Glad I Found You This Christmas by CP Ward

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Title: I'm Glad I Found You This Christmas

Author: CP Ward

Format reviewed:  Ebook

Source: Author supplied copy

Publisher: Self Published

Publication Date: 30th September 2018

Rating: 5 Stars

I'm glad I found you this Christmas - an uplifting sweet romance set against the magical backdrop of Christmas.

Maggie Coates is frustrated. Her longterm boyfriend, Dirk, recently moved to London to take a job she fears puts him out of her league. Despite the assurances of her best friend Renee, Maggie is convinced Dirk is slowly drifting away. All Maggie wants is to get married and settle down, but maybe Dirk has other ideas.

Convinced by Renee to make one last throw of the dice, Maggie books a romantic holiday for two in the quaint Scottish village of Hollydell. But will Dirk show up?

And if he doesn't, what if there is a perfect man waiting for her among the Christmas magic of Hollydell's snow-laden streets? What if Henry, the humble reindeer farmer with the kind smile, turns out to be the man of Maggie's dreams?

I'm glad I found you this Christmas is a glowing sweet romance which will leave you feeling warm inside and buzzing with Christmas spirit.

It's the most magical time of the year... 

... and this the most magical Christmassy story I have read all year. 

All I want to know is where the real Holydell is, and can I please visit it.  It is such an amazing setting for a festive story - its a little hidden away winter wonderland somewhere in Scotland that is quite remote but one of the most special settings about. 

There are real live reindeer, there is dog sledding, Christmas markets, the largest Christmas pudding imaginable, festive concerts,  new friends to be made and some of the most delicious sounding food I've read about for ages.  

All the locals are incredibly friendly and the other guests, are fabulous too, for this really is a Christmas holiday location with a difference. The main one being its not advertised particularly and has a rather unique business model, but you will soon see why. 

From the moment Maggie arrives in Hollydelll, the book takes on a new dimension of loveliness and warm feeling.  

Like probably almost everyone else reading this, and her friends,  it is obvious that Maggie's boyfriend is up to no good and clearly doesn't deserve her.  It takes her far too long to come to that same conclusion, but in the mean time, there is one local who catches her eye. 

But her first interactions with him, aren't exactly smooth. 

If you are looking for an extra special treat to read over this festive season then this is definitely a book worth reading. It is quick and easy to read, the writing flows, and I can't believe the author hasn't written in this genre before, as it feels quite natural.   A truly magical story that will leave you open mouthed in wonder, and a firmer belief than ever that Christmas is the most wonderful time of the year! 

Thank you to the author for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily. 

Wohoo!! It's Christmas Holiday Time!!

Feels like absolutely ages ago that I was last mentioning that I am off on holiday.  Well tomorrow I'm heading off on what is probably going to feel like a ridiculously long flight to Mexico, for a fortnight of rest, relaxation, reading and reviewing...

So all the R's and also the Sun, Sea, Swimming etc.. so all the S's too of a top holiday!! 

As long as its warmer than Fuerteventura was last year, and I don't pick up some sort of flu/cold type bug for part of the holiday, I will definitely think its a success.    

I'm staying at this gorgeous looking hotel in Nueva Vallarta, and really intending to make a dent in my review stack that feels like it has been neglected recently.   If you follow me on twitter and facebook I will try to up some photos through wifi, if I can. 

I am taking a few paperbacks away with me, but I manage to pack them before I took a photo, so never mind!! Other than those, I am hoping to make a dent on my various review books since my trusty blue tooth keyboard is proving to be one of the best things I've bought in the past year or so. 

Hopefully once I'm back I will let you know what I read and when the reviews will be up, they are most likely going to be dotted about my blog over the next five months, as I do have some May 2019 releases that may just end up being read while I have the time!! 

So I'm going to share with you the scary things that are my Netgalley shelves, so you can help me decide what to read.  If there are any of these you think I should have already read, really should read, or are curious about yourself, then please let me know. 

Page 1 of my Current Shelf!

Page 2 of my Current Shelf! 

And now onto the books that I've had sitting on my Netgalley and review stack for over 3 months,.. there are more of these than I typically want there to be!!

Page 1 of the Older Shelf

Page 2 of the Older Shelf

If you know I'm missing out on a gem of a read from these books, please do let me know.  I almost never have any ideas how to pick books and may just be selecting randomly from the Netgalley collection on my kindle each time.. or I may look at any suggestions and read them!! 

And authors... if your book is on here, I'm very sorry I haven't read it yet, and I will try to get to it this decade!! 

All that is left for me to say is Have A Very Merry Christmas, and hope 2019 is full of book goodies for you all.   Oh and if you are about on Christmas Eve, I have a review of a rather Christmassy book for you then! If not see you in 2019...unless I post before! 

Book Review - No One Cancels Christmas by Zara Stoneley

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Title: No One Cancels Christmas

Author: Zara Stoneley

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Harper Impulse

Publication Date: 19th October 2018

Rating: 5 Stars

It’s the most magical time of the year, and for travel agent Sarah it’s also the busiest! But this year one man threatens to ruin Christmas for Sarah’s customers – Mr Grinch, Will Armstrong.

The Shooting Star Mountain resort is a magical place, and Sarah has fond memories of Christmas here as a little girl – visits to Father Christmas, husky rides in the snow and hot chocolate by a roaring fire. But as the resorts new owner, Will refuses to play snowball or to deck the halls with anything remotely resembling tinsel!

With customers complaining their Christmas is ruined, Sarah decides it’s up to her to convince Scroogey Will just how magical Christmas can be….

But getting Will into the Christmas spirit is hopeless – he is Bah Humbug personified! But as Sarah gets to know him better, she realises that underneath all the gloom is a man struggling with a pain of his own.

With the big day approaching, Sarah realises that the magic and sparkle can wait. This year, she’s going to spend Christmas day with someone special her very own Mr Scrooge…

This is a book that has something for everyone - winter landscapes, snowmobiles, a flirtatious man, a grumpy man, a mountain resort needing some Christmas cheer, a feisty woman who is determined to turn the resort around, a familiar face, and just a fabulous story set in the run up to Christmas. 

So the winter landscapes, well the book is predominately set in Canada at the Shooting Star Mountain resort. There is snow as far as the eye can see, I definitely felt cold reading this, but has beautiful scenery too and I could really picture it all. 

Turns out snowmobiles to play quite a big part in the story, and its due to one of them that the circumstances of one of my favourite scenes in the book occurred.  Plus the descriptions of the speed, and how it feels to ride one were really amusing. Also really enjoyed the scenes featuring the dog sledding, and Sarah learning to snowboard! 

The flirtatious man is younger brother Ed and one of the brothers running the resort. He is though rather work shy and is only happy when flirting with women, or out on the slops.  Watching him attempt to get out of doing that resembles hard work is really amusing. 

Whereas the grumpy, scrooge like man is Will, the older brother and he has his reasons for acting like he does.  We first come across him responding to some of Sarah's rather stroppy emails and you get a glimpse of his real personality shining through. 

I loved every moment spent at the Shooting Star Mountain Resort and enjoyed seeing its transformation as Sarah, our feisty female tries to boss the brothers about and bring it back to its former glory. Sarah had spent one rather memorable Christmas there as a child and is determined that the place can be as special as it once was. 

If you are  fan of Zara Stoneley then like me you may be please to see a familiar face in Sam, who works alongside Sarah. Sam was the lead in A Wedding Date, so it was lovely to catch up with her.  

From the first few pages this is a book that had me smiling, and racing through the pages in pure enjoyment.  Certainly one of the authors best books and one that I thoroughly enjoyed. 

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

Book Review - Christmas at Black Cherry Retreat by Angela Britnell

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Title: Christmas at Black Cherry Retreat

Author: Angela Britnell

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Publisher supplied copy

Publisher: Choc Lit

Publication Date: 3rd December 2018

Rating: 4 Stars

What if you had nowhere to call home for Christmas? 
When Fee Winter books a winter break at the remote Black Cherry Retreat in the small town of Pine Ridge, Tennessee, it’s with the idea that the peace and quiet will help her recuperate from her hectic life as a photographer.

But what she didn’t bank on was meeting Tom Chambers and his huge, interfering yet lovable family. With them, could Fee finally experience the warmth and support that’s been missing from her own life – and maybe even find a place to call home in time for Christmas?

Oh I do love a Southern American drawl on a sexy man in a book, and Tom Chambers has that and the typical good manners too in spades.  I warmed to him almost instantly. 

Fee on the other hand although I felt for her, I really was unsure about her at the start, but as the book progresses and she starts to open up, she really grew on me and I loved her by the end. 

Neither character has had an easy run of things recently and both have something major in common, but apart from that they are as different as chalk and cheese. But yet there is definitely an attraction between them, which is rather obvious quite early on. 

I absolutely loved the setting of the Black Cherry Retreat and of the town of Pine Ridge which appears to be run by the Chambers family - there are so many of them, and they are like a community in their own right.  What a range of personalities, but its clear they all look out for one another, even if they can be a bit on the nosy  / gossipy side! 

The location was perfect, and so so pretty,  I loved every aspect of it - well apart from the lack of wifi as that would have driven me mad!  Quite a few of the family are in law enforcement, which did lead to a couple of rather dramatic scenes. 

However its not just drama driving this book, its good characterisation, lovely writing and a great emphasis on relationships both family and romantic.  There is an adorable child,  great sorrow in the past and a few moments that had a happy tear glisten in my eye. 

Please don't be put off by Christmas in the title - this can easily be read throughout the year, the Christmas element is really rather small - I would say Autumn would be more apt as it takes in from Halloween, and Thanksgiving too.  Which is a shame as I was hoping for a greater festive feeling. 

All in all I did really enjoy this book,  I always seem to love the heroes this author writes, and Tom is incredibly easy to fall for.  An incredibly pleasant story, that kept me entertained while I was reading. 

Thank you to Choc Lit for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily. 

Book Review - Can't Get You Out Of My Head by Sue Shepherd

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Title:  Can't Get You Out of My Head

Author: Sue Shepherd

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Author supplied copy

Publisher: Corazon

Publication Date: 26th March 2018

Rating: 5 Stars

A moving and funny story about sisters, secrets and second chances.

Twin sisters Beth and Lisa do everything together, so what will happen now they both want a life of their own?

"A fabulously endearing and engaging read that I didn’t want to stop." Sarah Hardy, By The Letter Book Reviews.

Beth has a secret she's kept from everyone except her sister. But it's time to get on with her life. Could a seductive Italian, a smooth-talking charmer or backpacking around Australia be the answer?

Lisa feels she's always lived in her sister's shadow. Maybe now it's her turn for some fun, whatever the consequences. But will her drunken antics land Beth in trouble?

And when it comes to the crunch, will one sister have to give up what she wants so the other can have what she needs?

I honestly don't know what I think of this book, the whole premise which I can't really talk about as it may be a massive spoiler, despite it being revealed relatively early on - is something I'm really unsure about, and not completely convinced I believe is feasible. 

However putting that aside I appeared to be hooked on the book, I had no idea where I was on the tube while reading,  and completely lost myself into the heart of the story. 

Which to me means that the writing was excellent, there was plenty of engrossing plot, there were many highs and lows and all of the supplementary characters were incredibly believable and relate able to. 

This is a book that takes place over many years from Beth and Lisa's childhood onwards. For twins they are completely different but also as close as anything, which makes their conversations quite enjoyable. 

Definitely a book that will get you thinking and it tackles a few tough issues too. Certainly a story you need to go into with an open mind, and to get the most from you may if you are like me suspend reality while you read it, just to be able to go with the flow.  

Thank you to the author for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily. 

Book Review - Confessions of an Angel Cat by Nic Tatano

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Title: Confessions of an Angel Cat

Author: Nic Tatano

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Author supplied copy

Publisher: Self published

Publication Date: 18th May 2018

Rating: 5 Stars

Meet Murphy, an Angel Cat. An actual Guardian Angel in the form of a cat.

No, seriously.

Guardian Angels take different forms on Earth, but in the case of Angel Cats, they’re sent on missions to fix broken lives. And while doing so, they strive to achieve a “heart lock” with a human, a bond so strong it will last forever. Their reward is to spend eternity in Heaven with their special person.

Alas, Murphy has failed several times and is beginning to wonder if he’s cut out for the job.

But when he’s assigned to Maggie Ryan, a seriously ill teenage girl who is ready to give up, he begins to see the proverbial bright light.

Will he be able to turn Maggie’s life around, and, in doing so, achieve the heart lock he so desperately wants?

I have just been on the most amazing roller coaster of emotion with this book which has given me all the feels, and had me welling up a few times too.    I can't believe I let it sit unread on my kindle so long, just due to my own scepticism when it comes to anything slightly unusual such as angels. 

For without a doubt Murphy is an angel cat, I now completely believe angel cats may exist, and he is one incredibly special cat, once he finds his forever home.  He is an inspirational cat and he at the same time answers questions that every single cat owner I'm sure would love to know the answer too. 

It is clear this has been written by a real lover of cats, and in fact this book combines what appear to be the authors two trade marks, at the moment, an adorable feline, and a strong willed red-headed lady. 

And what a leading lady she is, Maggie's story is just wow - and it will stick with me for ages.  However I can barely touch on all the amazingness in this book as in doing so it would be major spoilers for all aspects of Maggie's life. 

Rest assured this is heart warming, emotional and completely inspirational. From the first few pages I knew I needed to know more, and I have just sat and read the last half of the book in one sitting, as nothing would have been able to tear me away from it.  

This is definitely a book that has got me thinking, and of all the various theories out there, I really love the idea of angel cats, and them trying to earn their heart lock with a human - really bonding them.   Everything about how Murphy explains things is really cute and lovely.  And then we also see more of Maggie's life in real time, not from a cat perspective, which means you get to know more facets of her life too. 

Maggie and Murphy are a dream team, both as wonderful as each other and have both completely touched my heart.  I'm so happy that I had the chance to read this, it truly is a special little book. 

Thank you the author for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily. 

Book Review - It's A Wonderful Night by Jaimie Admans

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Title: It's A Wonderful Night

Author: Jaimie Admans

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: HQ Digital

Publication Date: 5th October 2018

Rating: 5 Stars

One night will change their lives forever…
Georgia Bailey is closing up her little charity shop in Oakbarrow when she gets a mysterious late night call from a stranger, threatening to jump off the town’s bridge.

Something about the man’s voice is faintly familiar but all she can do is stay on the line and after talking for hours, losing sense of time passing, coax him back from the edge.

The next morning, Georgia walks to work, buys a festive latte from Leo (who she’s had a crush on for months!) at the local coffee shop, and is shocked when she suddenly recognizes the voice from last night…

A heartwarming festive love story that reminds us that even in the darkest of times, hope is always just around the corner!

I had been saving this book for a while, to read when I hopefully had enough time to savour every moment, as I had an inkling between the blurb and the author that it would be something special. 

It is more than something special and needs to take pride of place in anyone's festive book collection, or in fact any bookshelf at all. 

I have laughed and I have almost cried during the reading of this story - it really gave me all the feels and I was hooked on Georgia and Leo's story.   

There are so many strong themes running through this book, mental health, the decline of the high street, nostalgia for Christmas's past,  and the film It's A Wonderful Life to name a few.  And between them all these story elements combine into a simply wonderful story. 

The plot is incredible, it has everything you could want from a book set in December in the run up to Christmas. I loved how although there is a massive lie at the heart of the book it is there for all the right reasons, but equally could blow up in Georgia’s face completely.

There are some completely light hearted moments, the suggestions from Leo about Santa for their big project are hilarious,  as were some of their conversations. But other times there was a more sensitive serious tone to the book which just drew me in further.

And the descriptions, well they are fabulous.  There is a scene in Hawthorns where I could picture every last thing so, so clearly and the best way I can describe it was like I was reading a description of Mr Magorium’s Wonder Emporium – I got the exact same feeling from both of those!

It’s a Wonderful Night is without a doubt one of my favourite books of the year, and I would recommend it to just about everyone.  It is just that good!

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

Book Review - The Winter Secret by Lulu Taylor

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Title: The Winter Secret

Author: Lulu Taylor

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Pan Macmillan

Publication Date: 29th November 2018

Rating: 5 Stars

‘My dear boy, the place is cursed. It always has been and it always will be . . .’

Buttercup Redmain has a life of pampered luxury, living in beautiful Charcombe Park. Her older husband, Charles Redmain, is wealthy and successful, and proud of the house he has painstakingly restored, once owned by a famous ancestor. Buttercup is surrounded by people who make her life delightfully easy. But the one thing she really wants seems impossible.

There are other discomforting realities: her husband’s ex-wife Ingrid still lives nearby although Buttercup has never met her. And it soon becomes clear that all the people who make Buttercup’s life so carefree are also watching her every move. Does she actually live in a comfortable but inescapable cage? And what is the real story of her husband’s previous marriage?

In the late 1940s, Xenia Arkadyoff lived in Charcombe Park with her father, a Russian prince, and her mother, a famous film star. Life seemed charmed, full of glamour and beauty. But behind the glittering facade lay pain, betrayal, and the truth about the woman Xenia spent her life protecting.

Now Charcombe Park is calling back people who were once part of its story, and the secrets that have stayed long hidden are bubbling inexorably to the surface . . .

My head is reeling, from that completely addictive conclusion to a wonderful book. 

This is easily Lulu Taylor back to her best, and one of my favourite books by this author for a few years at least.  

No idea where to start this review - there are quite a few threads to this story, but separated enough by chapters and where necessary year headings to make it very easy to follow and not be confused.  In fact despite the length of the book, I found it to be a very fast story to read, and was gutted any time I had to put it down to get on with my real life. 

The book all centres around Charcombe Park, a massive house which although magnificent to the outsiders eye, has had a chequered history.   We learn about a few of the generations of people living in it and the two smaller properties either side of it.    

There is Buttercup Redmain, wife of Charles Redmain who currently owns the house.  She lives to the untrained eye a wonderful life full of great riches, and the freedom to not work, and just do as she wishes.  However as the reader starts to delve beneath the surface, you soon see the truth of the situation.  

She however is not the first Mrs Redmain, and she doesn't know much about Ingrid who was, only what she has been told, but she is highly curious, but unsure who she can trust.  Ingrid lives in one of the two smaller properties, despite being divorced from Charles. 

Then there is Xenia, she also used to live in Charcombe Park, with her famous actress mother and father.  We get to learn about life in the late 1940s, and 1950s from Xenia's perspective and there is definitely an interesting story line about her mother in that.  We also get to see her as an old lady now, and I couldn't help but feel sorry for her. 

Actually I had a great deal of sympathy for all three of the key ladies in this story, as the truth starts to emerge.   

This is a book that definitely crept under my skin as I was reading it, and when I wasn't I was thinking about it, wondering just what direction the story would take.    

I thoroughly enjoyed everything about this novel, and already looking forward to seeing that this author writes next. 

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

Book Review - Not Just For Christmas by Natalie Cox

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Title: Not Just For Christmas

Author: Natalie Cox

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Orion

Publication Date: 15th November 2018 

Rating: 5 Stars

Charlie hates the holidays, and this year is shaping up to be her worst yuletide ever. Her boyfriend has left her for his personal trainer, her flat is out of bounds after a gas leak, and her mother has gone to spend Christmas in Melbourne with her fifth husband. Finding herself single, mildly concussed and temporarily homeless, Charlie hesitantly agrees to dust off her wellies and spend the festive season in Devon, looking after Cosy Canine Cottages, her cousin Jez's dog-care centre.

However, her plans for a quiet rural Christmas with only the four-legged friends for company are dashed as soon as she meets Malcolm the deaf Great Dane, Hugo, his gorgeous (but engaged) owner, and Cal, the undeniably attractive but unbearably haughty and patronising local vet...

Dogs... check
Christmas... check
Two gorgeous men... check 
Hilarious situations... check 
Main character who is not keen on Christmas or Dogs but needs to learn to embrace both.... check  

I mean what more could you ask for from a Christmas book. This was completely delightful.  There were laugh out loud moments, absolutely adorable moment and a rather unusually scary happening right at the beginning too. 

A series of unfortunate circumstances leave Charlie temporarily homeless, single and having to take time off work, she ends up in Devon with her cousin Jez.  Jez though runs Canine Cottages where owners can leave their beloved dogs safely, while they head off on holiday.   However Charlie isn't really keen on dogs at all. 

So when Jez then announces she is spending Christmas abroad and needs Charlie to look after the place you know things are going to get interesting.  

Despite being a main character who isn't too keen with dogs she is remarkably easy to like, she is big hearted and a bit of a soft touch.  Thankfully the local vet keeps popping in to make sure she doesn't do anything too silly with the dogs. 

And what fabulous animals they are, from the twins who live outside and love nothing more than to pull a suky,  to Peggy who is heavily pregnant,  Malcolm the huge Great Dane, Jed the show dog, Slab who is just really old but sweet they all have such distinct personalities and all utterly gorgeous. 

Easily this is a book for the Christmas and animal lovers amongst you, there is plenty of plot to keep you interested and a few surprises in store too.  It is a lovely heartwarming read, and although it may be the first book I've read from this author, I am sure it won't be my last either. 

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

Book Review - Deck The Halles by Stephanie Dagg

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Title:  Deck The Halles

Author: Stephanie Dagg

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Author supplied copy

Publisher: Self Published

Publication Date: 

Rating: 4 Stars

It’s next Christmas at the little French llama farm.

Last Christmas infamous Australian author Nick bought the farm, that was meant to be furnished and without llamas. The reverse proved to be the case. Noelle had been sent to pet sit the llamas until his arrival. After a decidedly frosty start, Nick and Noelle’s relationship warmed up rapidly and they’re now happily living together, with an ever growing assortment of animals.

They’re looking forward to a quiet, romantic Christmas together but at the last moment Noelle is called on to find a venue for the annual national llama show. The local agricultural halles are free so she books them, thinking that’s all she’ll have to do to help. She couldn’t be more wrong! On top of that, various relatives start turning up on her doorstep unexpectedly, as the result of assorted crises. The farmhouse is about to burst at the seams. Add in a few other events, such as playing the part of a pixie at a Christmas fête, organising Nick’s book launch and training a non-cooperative  llama for the agility class in the show, and Noelle is pushed ever closer to the end of her tether. Can she hold it together and stay as calm as a llama? Or will she be the next member of her family to make a bolt for pastures new?     

This festive, feel-good and fun novel is the sequel to ‘Fa-La-Llama-La: Christmas at the Little French Llama Farm’ but can be read as a standalone.  

Did you know that llama shows exist, similar to dog shows? Different classes of llama, plus some fun categories.  Neither did I until I read this book, but seeing Noelle determined to enter her llamas into two categories of the upcoming show just before Christmas, 

And which categories is she trying to enter? Well those would be fancy dress and agility.  Yes I never knew llamas could do agility courses either, and all of Noelle's attempts to get any of her llamas ready and amenable to taking part are utterly hilarious. 

This book picks up a year later than Fa-La-Llama-La  and if you haven't read it then don't worry this can definitely be read as a standalone.  We get to see what Noelle and Nick are up to a year on.  I am delighted to say the house is far more of a home than it was, but life is anything but simple. 

Over the course of the book, all of Noelle and Nicks best laid plans for the Christmas season go completely awry, with a series of unexpected visitors and their accompanying issues.  

Deck the Halles has many characters but the focus at all times is with Noelle, so it doesn't get confusing with what could have easily been many perspectives.     

There is so much humour thrown into this quirky festive tale, I loved every moment of it.   If you are looking for a slightly different Christmas book, filled with all sorts of animals, charismatic characters and just  a lot of fun, then this is definitely a book to look out for. 

Thank you to the author for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.