Merry Christmas Everyone! I'm off... but where to and what's on my holiday kindle this time?

Fingers crossed that so long as I get to the airport in time on Monday morning (have a sister driving who is refusing to account for the fact that the weather could make the journey time longer), I should hopefully be off to Mexico on Monday morning. 

And given our current cold snap, I really do need to get some much needed winter sun into my body.  I am staying at this gorgeous looking hotel 

My intent is to spend 14 days, lazing by the pool with a kindle in hand, soaking up the sun, cooling off with a swim, and generally relaxing and doing as little as possible. My other holidays this year have been far too active - this one needs to be relaxed and calm and lazy, as I need a total reset before 2023. 

I literally can't wait to get onto that plane and then my holiday will truly start - even looking forward to seeing what films TUI are showing on the outbound journey, have this feeling will be too soon for the new Matilda to make it onto a plane! 

As has been tradition on my pre-holiday posts on my blog I'm about to show you what is currently on my review TBR - these are all books I've promised to review (my timing could be off on a large amount of them admittedly). 

For all of the books that I have had on this list since some point in 2020, or 2021, if it's one of your books then I do apologise, I'm really sorry I haven't got to them yet. I do try my hardest but I regularly close my eyes and stab my kindle at random to see what book I am reading next - and is what I will probably do within various collections on it throughout the holiday. 

Well how on earth are you meant to pick between books from fabulous authors, when you have so many of them to read!

So here are the 86 books on my Netgalley shelf, arranged by publisher (just cos I always like to see which publishers I should probably play catch up with at this time of year)  -  but which ones do you recommend?  What are you looking forward to reading yourself?

And which thriller should I start my holiday reading with (have read so many Christmas recently I need an addictive palate cleansing thriller to start the holiday with). 

What a selection, I thoroughly enjoyed making those graphics and if nothing else that is a great reminder for me as to what on earth I still have to look forward to reading and might be reading on this holiday. 

What are your thoughts on my Netgalley shelf? Any of your favourite authors?  I think there are around 21 books of these that are by authors I've never read before so that could be very exciting. 

Anyways my regular reviews will be back currently scheduled for 4th January. 

However you are spending the Christmas and New Year- I hope you have time to read loads of books!  

And please tell me which thriller / crime / psych thriller I should read on the plane to get my holiday reading off to the best start? (Just counted think I have 20 of those too). Anyone would think I have a balanced TBR at this rate! 

Have a very Merry Christmas and see you all in hopefully a Happy 2023! 

Oh and if you are so inclined feel free to let me know how many books you think I will read over the 14 night... with 2 long haul flight holiday! 

Book Review - Dead in Tune by Stephanie Dagg

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Title: Dead In Tune

Author: Stephanie Dagg

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Author supplied copy

Publisher: Self Published

Publication Date: 24th November 2022

Rating: 5 Stars

It’s nearly Christmas, a time for peace and goodwill. Or maybe not.

First the house of a Spanish family of flamenco dancers is burned down, then a Dutch man is nearly battered to death with his own clogs. On the night of the carol service, at which the Worldwide Friendship Club’s choir is singing, a Scottish bagpiper is found dead. By Martha, who has come across enough dead bodies already this year to last her a lifetime.

Convinced there’s a link to the choir, Martha and best friend Lottie set out on the trail of the murderer. Their unconventional sleuthing methods land one of them in rather a lot of trouble…

‘Dead In Tune’, the sequel to ‘Hate Bale’, is an entertaining, festive cosy mystery set in rural France.

Nothing like a bit of attempted arson and murder at Christmas! And what a cosy mystery this is, which ramps up the danger and caused my adrenalin to spike while reading this thrilling finale. 

So good to see Marth and Lottie back to their old investigative tricks as they attempt to work out who is causing the latest crime wave across their small French town.  Especially once they realise there might be a connection to the choir they are in. 

There are moments of humour, there is a definite festive feel to this story, complete with mince pies and carol singing, as well as villain who I had pegged long before our heroes worked it out. 

It's very rare for me to be right, although I had absolutely zero idea about the motivation. 

It is so good to see Stephanie Dagg back with a new release, it had been a while and I really do enjoy her rural French set cozies and this was no exception.  It kept me completely and utterly entertained for the duration and was a pleasure to read.  

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

Book Review - A Merry Little Meet Cute by Julie Murphy and Sierra Simone

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Title: A Merry Little Meet Cute

Author: Julie Murphy and Sierra Simone

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: HarperCollins

Publication Date: 20th September 2022

Rating: 5 Stars

When Bee Hobbes takes the lead in a squeaky-clean romantic Christmas movie, there are only three rules:

1. Don’t get involved with anyone on set.

2. Don’t tell anyone what you do for a living.

3. Definitely don’t get involved with anyone on set.

3b. Seriously.

Now, she’s filming in Christmas Notch, a small town with Christmas trees and festive tunes all year round.

But Bee’s got a secret identity to hide, and it’s not family-friendly. And her co-star, Nolan Shaw, an ex-boyband member infamous for his own x-rated antics, not only knows it, but is secretly her biggest fan.

When things start to heat up on set, Bee and Nolan must keep this steamy affair under wraps, or risk ruining everything . . .

This is the book I didn't realise I needed in my life. And it's one that I really wish I had saved for a holiday, as the heat level in this is off the charts, and I love reading those sorts of books poolside! 

This is one of those books that probably needs a heat level rating, and certainly isn't suitable for anyone who doesn't have an open mind!  For the sexual chemistry between Nolan and Bee is off the charts, and these are without a doubt some of the best sex scenes I have read in a while 

In fact I really could have done with a dip in a pool to cool myself off while reading this! 

It's certainly not what I expected based on the adorably innocent cover, and for me that made it all tbe better. 

At it's heart we have a reformed bad boy, boy band member attempting to make his acting debut in a Hallmark style Christmas movie for the squeaky clean Hope channel. 

And Bee is hoping this could make her move into mainstream films,  but the one thing they both have in common even before they start filming is the need to project a wholesome image for this film and that no shenanigans should be going on behind closed doors, and certainly not leaked to the press. 

Unbeknownst to each other they have secretly been fantasising about each other for years, so you know sparks will fly once they actually meet. 

And boy do they! There is so so much that I enjoyed about this book, inclusive of some really positive messages about women, as well as the reasoning behind why Nolan is even trying to do make this movie and restart his career. 

There is a fabulous cast of characters who I thoroughly enjoyed meeting and getting to know. 

Completely wonderful and an incredibly pleasurable piece of writing that kept me very happy as I was reading it.  The first book I've ever read by either member of this writing duo and if they team up again, I will certainly be keen to see what else they come up with. 

Actually I'd like more set within this setting, with more of these characters, or perhaps Nolan's ex band mates, who I feel could be very intriguing main characters in their own right.  Please! 

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

Book Review - Mistletoe and Mulled Wine at the Christmas Campervan by Caroline Roberts

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Title: Mistletoe and Mulled Wine at the Christmas Campervan

Author: Caroline Roberts

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: One More Chapter

Publication Date: 13th October 2022

Rating: 5 Stars

The Christmas Cocktail Campervan – bringing love, laughter and friendship from coast to coast . . .

The gorgeously romantic new novel in the ‘Cosy Campervan series’ – next stop: Christmas markets, mince pies and kisses under the mistletoe!

Christmas feels like a real gift for Lucy this year. Her cosy coastal cottage is starting to feel like home, her new pizza business is getting the locals ‘All Fired Up’, and she can’t wait to spend it with her new flame Jack, the charismatic owner of the Cocktail Campervan.

Winding along the snow-dusted Northumberland coast for a whirlwind of Christmas markets and celebrations, Lucy and Jack can’t resist stealing a few kisses under the mistletoe. But there’s a twist in their romantic tale when Lucy’s ex turns up in the village. As her past closes in, Jack becomes increasingly distant. And Lucy worries he’s holding back a few secrets of his own . . .

Will Christmas bring a cold spell for Lucy and Jack? Or could it really be the most wonderful time of the year?

Make sure you have your snack of choice and perhaps some fizz, or tasty to drink on hand throughout reading this book, as like the one before it, it will make you hungry and potentially craving cocktails (and mocktails). You have been warned. 

It was great to catch up with Jack, Lucy and Daisy once more. I felt right at home instantly within the folds of these pages, and it was just a warm hearted, lovely story that I couldn't have enjoyed more if I tried. 

It hit all the right spots for me, including smile inducing cameos from characters from Caroline Robert's other series. So for a massive fan like me that was wonderful to see, but if you haven't read anything from her before, they are just other characters for you to meet that have a place within the parts of the story they appear in. 

There is so much delicious food in this book, it's making me hungry even thinking back over it! But above all it is the continuation of Lucy and Jack's fledgling romance, which is not overly smooth sailing.  All manner of bumps and turns for them to overcome and I enjoyed seeing how everything progressed. 

Set alongside Christmas market season, in the snow, with some great sounding events that they are both catering at, this book has it all.   Had me on the edge of my seat at one point too, where I really wasn't sure whether I could believe in the power of the genre of book that this is, to get the right outcome! 

This is just another truly wonderful story from the queen of foodie romance! 

Thank you to One More Chapter and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily. 

Book Review - The Christmas Holiday by Phillipa Ashley

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Title: The Christmas Holiday

Author: Phillipa Ashley

Format reviewed: Paperback

Source: Publisher supplied copy

Publisher: Avon

Publication Date: 10th November 2022

Rating: 5 Stars

She’s planned the perfect Christmas. But fate might have other ideas…

Krystle didn’t have a normal childhood and longed for warm family Christmases with presents under the tree. Now she makes sure everyone else has the perfect Christmas she never had, bringing beautiful decorations to cheer as many people as possible.

With her festive business booming, she decides to celebrate by renting a secluded house in the Lakes, with a plan to make this the ultimate yuletide getaway.

But fate immediately throws a spanner in the works in the form of a broken-down car, a flooded river and Max; a man who despises Christmas.

Krystle becomes determined to show Max the joys of the holiday. She won’t take no for an answer.

Can she melt Max’s Grinch-like heart? And can he show her that life doesn’t need to go to plan to take you somewhere magical…

Let Sunday Times bestseller Phillipa Ashley whisk you away to the Lakes this Christmas, with a story full of unexpected romance, second chances, snowflakes and starlight! Perfect for fans of Sarah Morgan, Karen Swan and Heidi Swain.

I was so caught up in this story that I completely missed my stop on the tube.  I was so involved in the lives of the characters that the bit I was reading, I needed a resolution before I was able to look up and realise I had overshot my stop! 

This book had everything but above all we have Mrs Christmas, mountain rescue, drama, a grinch style character, and even more drama, oh and Christmas.  Not to mention two very different Christmas parties, and a surprising Santa who meets some truly wonderful children. 

Add in the break up of one relationship, a growing closeness between our two protaganists, Jake our furry friend who is so key to bits of the story, a new group of friends, and some heartbreaking backstories, and we have all the ingredients for what really is a truly wonderful story. 

I loved every second of this book, from its quite dramatic opening, not to be repetitive the fairly dramatic finale section, and everything in-between, this book really got under my skin and really do think this could be the author's best book to date. 

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

Book Review - Santa Maybe by Mary Jayne Baker

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Title: Santa Maybe

Author: Mary Jayne Baker

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Aria

Publication Date: 13th October 2022

Rating: 5 Stars

Get in the Christmas spirit with this charming and funny festive rom-com perfect for fans of Elena Armas, Sophie Kinsella and Catherine Walsh!

It's going to be a holly jolly Christmas...

Toy Store owner Elodie Martin is not one to get into the festive spirit but nothing gets her fired up more than the chance to get one over on her nemesis, Callum Ashley – the frosty, infuriatingly handsome owner of the local department store.

Christmas is the only time she can compete thanks to her grandad Jim, everyone's favourite Santa Claus. But when he has to unexpectedly hang up his red suit, Elodie is at risk of losing the business for good and has no choice but to rely on last-minute replacement out-of-work actor Nick Winter.

Can a sprinkling of Christmas magic warm Callum's heart and help Elodie find her happily-ever-after? Or is it just possible that love is to be found a little bit closer to home?

Oh Mary Jayne Baker you made me almost cry in public while reading this, fear for what the ending might look like while ultimately leaving me feeling very happy and satisfied.

I really took these characters to my heart and I loved Nicks Santa lessons. Turns out to be a legendary Santa you need more than a costume and a good Ho! Ho! Ho!

Just how wonderfully festive was this book, complete with its own grinch to festive fan transformation. 

I just loved every second of this wonderful story that has far more depth to it than you may expect.  

Really is a Christmas story to cherish, and shows me once again how great this author is at writing a Christmas rom com. Just fantastic. More please!!!

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

Book Review - Driving Home For Christmas by Joanna Bolouri

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Title: Driving Home For Christmas

Author: Joanna Bolouri

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Quercus

Publication Date: 1st October 2022

Rating: 4 Stars

THREE CHRISTMASES. TWO BROKEN HEARTS. ONE HELL OF A JOURNEY.

'Festive, feel-good and funny, a proper Christmas cracker of a read' LAURA KEMP

Driving home marks the start of the holidays for Kate and Ed, who have made this journey every Christmas of their ten-year long relationship. Normally the seasonal hits blare from the car stereo, and they are guaranteed to be wearing ridiculous jumpers in anticipation, but this year a frosty silence fills the car...

A massive argument leads to the immediate collapse of their relationship. But the show must go on, so they decide to brave their families together one last time.

With three Christmases to celebrate, an old flame waiting under the mistletoe and a shed load of expectation around their future together, this most wonderful time of year is anything but. There will be turkey, tiffs and tantrums galore, but it's sure to be a Christmas they'll never forget.

I thoroughly enjoyed Kate and Eds story, of them rediscovering who they are and what they want from life.

Featuring Christmas where they have just agreed to break up but can't bring themselves to tell either family, they spend a few days trying to pretend everything is OK.

With various degrees of success. We get to meet both families and I especially loved Kates. 

There is a lot of bickering between our "couple" which I found quite amusing as was never completely sure what direction the story might take. 

I also enjoyed the flashback chapters to the early stages of their relationship, and seeing just how that moulded them.

This was a lovely quick and easy read, which certainly had me smiling as I read it. 

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

Book Review - The Christmas Trip by Sandy Barker

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Title: The Christmas Trip

Author: Sandy Barker

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: One More Chapter

Publication Date: 10th November 2022

Rating: 5 Stars

Another year has passed and it’s Christmas again. This year best friends Chloe, Jules and Lucy are all loved up but living worlds apart.

Chloe is madly in love with her celebrity beau, Archer, but after a whirlwind year in Hollywood’s limelight, she’s desperate to get away and spend some quality time together.

Jules loves her Melbourne life – and gorgeous winemaker Matt – but a crowded flat share has her longing for a place of her own.

Meanwhile, Lucy is stuck in a long distance relationship, jetting back and forth between Colorado and London to see Will.

When Archer’s plan to whisk Chloe to Paris goes awry, he surprises her by bringing her friends together for a Christmas to remember…

The perfect feel-good holiday romance for fans of Sarah Morgan, Jo Thomas and Holly Martin.

I couldn't put this down, I was reading the majority of it on the tube, and it's actually a miracle I managed to get off at the right stops as I was completely unaware of my surroundings I was that engrossed in the story. 

Taking place a year after The Christmas Swap we get to spend more time with the May girls this time in Hawaii. And we get to reunite with them, and their men who they met in thee previous book too.  

As I have come to expect from a Sandy Barker novel there is a keen emphasis on location and I could picture Hawaii really clearly and so vividly. And I loved the introduction of Leilani as a character, she is house keeper and mama figure in the luxurious property they are all staying in, in Hawaii. 

And I enjoyed getting to know her a bit and could feel the warmth of her personality from here. I was less keen on meeting Audrey, although she is a bit mixed up and does have some redeeming qualities, it takes a while for her to grow on you. 

Just how great are the men in this book, I would happily have Archer, Matt or Will as my boyfriend, they are just so wonderful and I love seeing how they treat their May Ladies.  

I loved all these characters in thee first book and absolutely adore them even more after this one.  It is everything you want for in a Christmas romance, and given I am personal fan of Christmas in the sun, I loved seeing how the girls, especially Lucy trying to turn Hawaii into a familar sort of Christmas, or adapting their expectations. 

It is so special to see all three of these best friends in the same country at the same time, and it's just an all around feel good story that is immersive and wonderful to read. 

Thank you to One More Chapter and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.