Book Review - Jingle Spells by Emily Grimoire

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Amazon UK

Title: Jingle Spells

Author: Emily Grimoire

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Avon

Publication Date: 1st October 2025

Rating: 5 Stars

Delilah hates Christmas. She’s a strong independent witch who has finally left her hometown of Oak Haven and is off forging her own path. But an emergency drags her back just in time for the holidays.

Jasper is a human who also hates Christmas. He’s attempting to avoid festivities when he stumbles into the magical world of Oak Haven – a place which definitely isn't supposed to exist – and sees things which should be impossible.

When chaos erupts in the town, Delilah and Jasper must join forces to restore order. They should be the perfect team. Their only problem? Their growing attraction to each other might be distracting them from their work…

As a massive Christmas book fan, I found that I was drawn to Jingle Spells as if by magic.  It was as though I was under a spell, to ensure that I read this, as I very rarely read anything with witches, although I am a believer in magic. 

What I hadn't realised was that this was the second book in a series, and only really had half an inkling while I was reading that it might be in a series, so I'd say it definitely works as a standalone and I absolutely loved the world building of Oak Haven. 

It especially works as Jasper who is a non magical being, ie a human, stumbles across Oak Haven, and as things are explained to him, it means anyone new to this author and this series, will learn all the key information in a nice simple to understand way. 

And I loved how he was drawn to Delilah, with both of them fairly set in their ways, and Delilah only being back in Oak Haven, as her home is under threat. 

I loved that the witches enemies are in fact magicians, and I loved learning about the differences between the two, and all the backstory was fascinating to me. 

It did take me a while to be fully engrossed in this story, but once I got to a certain point, it not only was practically unputdownable, and I was oblivious to where I was on the tube journey, but even after I finished the book, the characters were still on my mind a few days later. 

I think its safe to say that I definitely am keen to read the next book in this series, as I am loving Delilah and her sisters and am keen to see what happens next in Oak Haven. 

I could picture everything so clearly, and seeing how this town of witches at determined to celebrate the various holidays including Christmas and Saturnalia, despite their very existence being threatened was impressive. 

This was a truly magical book and I think the author definitely put a jingle spell on me, given how enchanted I was by this story. 

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

Book Review - All You Need Is Gloves by Kanitha P

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Amazon UK

Title: All You Need is Gloves

Author: Kanitha P

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Headline Eternal

Publication Date: 28th October 2025

Rating: 5 Stars

When snowboarding champion Diego tries pulling off a dangerous stunt, it goes as well as you'd expect. Stuck with an injury, and some very angry sponsors threatening to pull their deals, he's in the doghouse.

Banished to his small town of Blue Ridge Springs, Diego must think about his actions, stay off his snowboard and clean up his image. . . by playing assistant to ski-instructor Alara, his best-friends sister. Diego should be livid, but Alara's way prettier than he remembers.

Your brother's best friend is always off limits, Alara knows that rule better than anyone. But turns out her old teen crush on him never actually went away, and it's hard to remember the rules when Diego's smile jumpstarts her heart. Besides, he's just here for the holidays, and she can keep a secret.

Secretly hooking up isn't the best idea she's ever had, but weren't rules made to be broken?

All of my favourite things in one cosy sexy book. 

We have sports, Christmas, insanely hot chemistry, small town USA setting, grumpy sunshine, and a rather respectful man.   Add in both of their families, and Diego recovering from injury and you have the mix of what this highly enjoyable book contains. 

I was hooked from the start of this story and absolutely adored getting to know both Diego and Alara. It's clear that there is some sizzling chemistry between them, even though they both try to ignore it for various reasons. 

This is the first book that I have read by Kanitha P, and it certainly won't be the last. I loved her sex scenes and her story telling, and just everything about the book.  I adored Diego's family, and also the banter between him and Alara. 

I just loved practically everything about this, and thoroughly enjoyed my time between the pages in Blue Ridge Springs. 

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

Book Review - Christmas at Hollybush Farm by Jo Thomas - #BlogTour

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Amazon UK

Title: Christmas at Hollybush Farm

Author: Ebook

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Transworld Digital

Publication Date: 9th October 2025

Rating: 5 Stars

Jemima Jones is driving home to her family's magical hill-top farm for Christmas…

And on arrival, she soon learns that her dad has been keeping a secret – all is not as it seems, and Hollybush Farm is struggling to make ends meet! Worried about losing the childhood home she loves, Jemima must pull on her winter wellies and get stuck in.

Amid the chaos of chasing after escaping sheep and organising the Christmas tractor run, Jemima begins documenting her slice of farming life on social media. As she builds a supportive online following, she also forms an offline connection in the shape of charming, retired rugby player Llew, her very own Santa's helper.

With a sprinkle of festive cheer and a dash of goodwill, might the community pull together to help save the farm in time for Christmas?

When I think of Jo Thomas I think of amazing books, delicious food and exotic locations. 

Well one out of three is certainly true of this book - it's a totally brilliant story and I couldn't read it quick enough and it kept me completely engrossed for a couple of long train journeys. 

The location though this time is slightly less than exotic at least to me, it's on a sheep farm in Wales and it's all about a small farming community that is struggling. With Jem having returned home for a visit, discovering her father is unwell and decides she needs to stay. 

And in that ends up becoming an online sensation trying to be voice for underappreciated farmers everywhere, and re-acquaints herself with the community and is surprised at what has been happening in her home town. 

Unfortunately just due to personal taste the food did not make my mouth water. If you are a fan of winter warming healthy food that is definitely the definition of farm to table, then you will almost certainly be hungry while reading this, but it's just not my idea of appetising again, even with Jo's great descriptions of it. 

But luckily I'm not just here for the food, I'm here for the heartwarming stories that this author tells and this really is one of those.  It's about community, it's topical, and it's certainly opened my eyes to what farmers are dealing with.  In fact this probably needs to be read by anyone that makes the rubbish decisions that affect British farmers, as this is a great advocate as to the issues they are facing. 

I absolutely loved the animals present in this book, especially the mischievous ram and all of the main dogs. Seeing Jem get back in touch with her roots was really lovely. 

Another top quality book from an auto read and favourite author of mine. Just wonderful. 

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

Please follow along with the rest of these amazing bloggers on this tour. 

Book Review - A Ruff Royal Christmas by Karen Schaler

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Amazon UK

Title: A Ruff Royal Christmas

Author: Karen Schaler

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Self Published

Publication Date: 30th September 2025

Rating: 5 Stars

Princess Ava’s perfectly planned Christmas Eve charity event erupts into chaos when she loses Stormy, the Queen’s mischievous new border collie. With Christmas fast approaching, Ava must team up with Justin, a laid-back American dog trainer who’s used to wrangling strays, not royal runaways.

Sparks fly as Justin's rule-breaking free spirit clashes with Ava's determination to follow royal protocol. But when their search for Stormy takes them through glittering Christmas markets, festive holiday activities, and snowy winter wonderlands, an undeniable chemistry builds between them.

The more time they spend together, the harder it is to fight their growing attraction. But Ava’s already promised to a duke. Will she stay on the safe, traditional path…or risk it all and follow her heart?

This feel-good royal holiday romance is a Christmas romantic comedy packed with humor, heart, and holiday spirit, and a royal secret that flips the script. Because the best love stories can't be planned, and they never follow the rules.

I devoured this book and read it in a few short hours.  I was hooked from the start, and as it progressed, it was basically unputdownable for me. 

It's a mix of small Eastern European royal family (with a Princess Diaries type of vibe for the country), with a rather chaotic border collie, a Queen who is a bit of a rebel and her daughter Princess Ava who is a stickler for rules and duty.   

When Ava manages to lose her mum's new dog Stormy when she is meant to be handing him over to dog trainer extraordinaire Justin. 

What follows is a race against time with Ava and Justin searching the kingdom for Stormy, with multiple sightings of him, various situations that lead to them really getting to know each other.  And for Ava she has to work out what to do for the best as she is meant to be getting engaged to Duke Henry. 

I absolutely adored getting to know Ava and Justin, in addition to the Queen. I loved the hidden parts of Ava's personality that the public knew nothing about.  I enjoyed seeing Justin overcome his fears in the pursuit of Stormy.  And I loved Justin's passion for dog training, and for matching the right dog with the right home. 

This is the first book that I have read by Karen Schaler and I am now delighted to have discovered her, as based on this, she is my sort of author. I definitely will need to keep an eye out for her future releases as I loved this one so so much.  I could see the story play out so clearly, and it would make for a fabulous Hallmark Christmas movie too. 

So so enjoyable and it totally chased my splitting headache away too while I was absorbed by this story.  Just a sheer delight to read. 

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

Book Review - Perfect Wives by Lauren North

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Amazon UK

Title: Perfect Wives

Author: Lauren North

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Bookouture

Publication Date: 22nd October 2025

Rating: 5 Stars

Three identical murder confessions. Three perfect liars…

On a sunny Saturday morning, three women from the exclusive gated community of Magnolia Close walk into their local police station.

One by one, they all confess to the murder of their neighbour.

The officer takes statements from Tasha, the overwhelmed mother also struggling under the weight of caring for her parents. Beth, the quiet one, desperate for another baby but unable to fall pregnant. Georgie, the one whose life seems so dazzlingly glamorous… on the surface.

Each woman has a life – a family – that they don’t want to lose.

Each woman has a reason for wanting Johnny dead.

Each woman claims she killed him.

All of them are lying.

Three motives. Three confessions. Three liars. But what would make these women destroy their perfect lives?

An absolutely gripping, addictive, close-knit community psychological thriller that will have you breathlessly flipping the pages! Perfect for fans of Big Little Lies, The Couple Next Door and The Family Upstairs.

Every time I thought I could predict where this story was going, a new curveball is thrown that has be second guessing everything. 

What I was definitely sure of, not least because it says so in the blurb, is that Johnny was murdered.  And the more you hear about Johnny, the less I liked him, but whether he deserved to die is another matter altogether. 

And we have three people all falsely confessing to the murder of Johnny. They are best friends, all live in the same close knit community and all would have wanted to see him dead for various reasons, which aren't always even known to each other. 

This is Lauren North at her very best, writing yet another brilliant story that kept me on my toes throughout.  I loved getting to know the three main women, and their families, while at the same time seeing them spiral after a drunken night in the pub, inadvertently leads to the convoluted situation they now find themselves in. 

I was hooked and couldn't read this book fast enough, being rather impressed at each twist and turn, and never being completely sure who actually committed the murder.  Especially as they all had motive and opportunity. 

And then there is the other element to this book, which has you thinking of all manner of other possible scenarios too. 

This was just so thrilling, and this is an author really getting into her psychological thriller stride, with another excellent book. 

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

Book Review - House Party by Chloe Ford

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Amazon UK

Title: House Party

Author: Chloe Ford

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Aria

Publication Date: 23rd October 2025

Rating: 5 Stars

A slow-burn romance fifteen years in the making...

Hattie has spent half her life secretly crushing on Freddie – her best friend Sam's irresistibly gorgeous older brother. But Freddie? He's barely spared a glance for Hattie, the girl Sam befriended one fateful New Years' Eve when they discovered they were birthday twins.

Fast-forward to now: Hattie finds herself single for the first time in years – just before the holidays. Enter Sam, who, in classic best-friend fashion, whisks her away to a remote cabin in the Forest of Dean to cheer her up. Snowy woodland views? Check. A crackling fire and a steamy hot tub? Check. Zero cell service, ravenous wild boars, and an incoming snowstorm of apocalyptic proportions? Also check.

And to make matters even more intense, Freddie joins them, unexpectedly. Still infuriatingly gorgeous, and still ridiculously off-limits. Except this time, he's actually noticing Hattie. But then again, maybe he's been noticing her all along.

Fifteen years of longing. One night to change everything. This New Year's Eve, they're playing with fire.

I thoroughly enjoyed every single word of this story. I was gripped from the first few pages, and by a part way through I was oblivious to the outside world as I was reading, as I was just enjoying it so much. 

This is an big love story, between Hattie and Freddie. They have known each other for many years, as Hattie is best friends with Sam, and Sam is Freddie's brother. And Sam made Hattie swore when they were teenagers that they both hated Freddie and that she was never to go there. 

So in between the present day action of their annual party for their practically joint birthdays, we get flashbacks to New Years Eve for most of the years since they met, where we get to see fleeting glances and snapshots into the lives of these friends, in addition to Hattie's previous interactions with Freddie. 

It's clear there is a connection between them, but whether they can overcome the possibility of upsetting Sam who they both care about is another question. 

I really enjoyed all of the various parties Hattie and Sam have had over the years, as well as Hattie's determination that her 29th year will be her own, after she broke up with her boyfriend that stole most of her 20s. 

Set predominately in a gorgeous remote location, full of snow and a hot tub, this was a wonderfully cosy story that was a pleasure to read. 

This may be my first book from this author, but I would be shocked if it turns out to be my last.

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

Book Review - Let the Bells Ring Out by Milly Johnson

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Amazon UK

Title: Let The Bells Ring Out

Author: Milly Johnson

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Simon & Schuster

Publication Date: 23rd October 2025

Rating: 5 Stars

Seven people, four days and a snowy Christmas on board a luxury sleeper train. This festive season getting away from it all takes on a new meaning…

‘Escaping into Milly’s world is always a joy and Let The Bells Ring Out is Christmas perfection!’ JILL MANSELL

The Yorkshire Belle is a glamorous steam train all decked out for an escapist festive getaway. It is not supposed to be where a group of people, all trying to get to their destinations for the holidays, will spend their Christmas. 

Seven people, each with their own hopes and dreams, secrets and sorrows, board the train as strangers, but as the snow keeps falling and they realise they are going nowhere fast, they are forced to slow down and embrace the present.

This Christmas on board the Yorkshire Belle, will the friendships they make change their lives forever?

Definitely a content for new favourite book by Milly Johnson.  This was simply superb and ever so addictive. 

It takes a few chapters to fully get into the flow of this book, as you are introduced to seven characters in a short space of time,  all of whom are setting off for their Christmas destinations, and all of which despite travelling in various directions, end up getting stuck in the same snow storm and taking shelter in a rather small local station. 

They as a group board the Yorkshire Belle which then breaks down before it gets them to the next station where they thought connections would be available.  The driver and conductor abandon them to go and get help and as the snow worsens the group move into the far more luxurious part of the train. 

And for me that is where the story starts to get going, and where I started to properly work out which character was which, and why they were travelling and getting everything straight in my head.  It really wasn't that far into the book and from there I was hooked. 

Of course my first thoughts were that this was also an excellent opening for a festive thriller, with the snow and remote setting, but it's a Milly Johnson so was always going to not have a growing body count, and instead heartwarming moments, and festive feelings. 

During their time on this train, I would say a Christmas miracle comes over each and every person.  They are all changed for their time together and it was as if this varied group of people were fated to be together to affect teach others lives. 

I absolutely loved all the characters, especially Roo's poetry, Frank's cooking the real BBC Brian on the radio. the fact we had Santa present, seeing how Grace starts to reframe the past 5 years in her life. And for Elizabeth to realise she may not be in the right relationship. And that's just to name a few. 

There is plenty of festive cheer for our group of cut off from the real world people, as they share their stories and get to know each other. 

There is a bell theme running through the book and when it was revealed to the reader, it just made me smile while being very impressed by it too.  It's hard to explain but its a bit different and clearly researched and was very interesting. 

It's such a cozy novel, with a whole lot of heart and humour. So everything you expect from this author, by the bucket load.  It's absolutely wonderful. 

This really does have a sprinkling of festive magic, scattered amongst the pages and was a delight to devour.  

Thank you to Simon & Schuster and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily. 

Book Review - A New Family At Puddleduck Farm by Della Galton

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Amazon UK

Title: A New Family At Puddleduck Farm

Author: Della Galton

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Boldwood Books

Publication Date: 28th August 2025

Rating: 4 Stars

Welcome back to Puddleduck Farm and a wonderfully warm, festive and uplifting read from Della Galton 🦆✨

Uplifting, poignant, feel-good fiction at its best. Perfect for the fans of Alison Sherlock, Sarah Hope and Lisa Hobman💗

Are there enough hours in the day for everyone to find their happy place?

Phoebe Dashwood and Sam Hendrie welcome their beautiful baby daughter into their already busy lives. With motherhood now top of Phoebe’s to-do list alongside being a vet, and running an animal sanctuary there’s no time for daydreaming.

As Phoebe battles sleepless nights, extra challenges arise in the shape of abandoned African pygmy hedgehogs, stolen cats, and a worrying trend to keep wildlife as pets.

Meanwhile, Sam is selflessly left holding the baby and when a familiar face from the past returns old feelings are tested. With so many plates spinning Sam worries something may get broken – he just hopes it won’t be their relationship.

Can parenthood, a relationship, and a professional life be successfully juggled and is it really ever possible to have it all?

I was totally convinced that the previous book in this series was in fact the last one, so when this appeared on the release schedules I was shocked, but it is definitely a happy surprise.

A feeling that continued as I read the book, by which I mean I devoured it.  I am loving the new dynamic of Phoebe as a mother, and of her and Sam trying to get to grips with parenthood,  as well as still trying to be people in their own rights.  

So something I'm sure it relatable to most parents that might read this. There is naturally a large animal base to this story, and once again Della manages to highlight an issue relating to animals within the story totally naturally to bring awareness. 

This time it's to do with keeping wildlife as pets, although I will say those African Pygmy hedgehogs do sound incredibly cute, they definitely shouldn't be pets. There is also mystery going on to do with missing cats, and that was probably my favourite storyline of the book, but to tell you why, may give away spoilers, but rest assured it brings together everyone at Puddleduck Pets and Vets with a common cause, and that Maggie is at the heart of a genius plan, which took even this reader by surprise! 

This was another fabulous addition to this series, and I loved seeing a continued link between this and the Duck Pond Cottage series, as both animal rescues help each other out.  

So long as there are animals and kind humans in the books, then you know this is a winning combination for this talented author who clearly loves her animals.   Please let there be more of this series to come, it is so good. 

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

Book Review - The Secret Christmas Library by Jenny Colgan

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Amazon UK

Title: The Secret Christmas Library

Author: Jenny Colgan

Format reviewed: Ebook 

Source: Netgalley 

Publisher: Hodder & Stoughton

Publication Date: 9th October 2025

Rating: 5 Stars

After Mirren Sutherland finds a priceless antique book in her great aunt's attic, she is contacted by Jamie McPherson, who is hopeful she might be able to find another one - a book lost in his own house. He doesn't even know the name of it, only that it is so valuable it could potentially save the entire estate from ruin, and time is running out.

On arriving at Jamie's vast crumbling home in the highlands of Scotland (on the family train, no less), Mirren meets rival bookseller Theo Palliser, whose motives are not remotely honourable; and sets out on the quest.

Jamie's grandfather was a book collector, a philanthropist, a hoarder and a great lover of puzzles and treasure hunts - as the snow falls in the highlands, cutting off the outside world, the three of them, plus Maggie, the estate manager, do their best to uncover the last hope of the MacPherson clan before the year ends: following clues, discovering the secrets of the house and forming and breaking alliances in a race against time and the weather.

Caught between devastatingly attractive and immoral Theo, and the distracted and worried Jamie, will Mirren find the book ... and lose her heart?

So is Mirren on a wild goose chase or a treasure hunt, as she is hired as a book finder by Jamie, who lives in the highlands?

What he doesn't know is what the book is, where it could be other than in his house, and there is a deadline due to needing to sell this ultra valuable book if it exists, in order to save his home.  What Jamie fails to initially mention is that his home is actually a massive castle, that has multiple libraries, plus books just about everywhere, there is a private library train carriage that takes Mirren and rival Theo up to Scotland that sounded totally amazing, and that his grandfather is a fan of puzzles, and they have one poem as a starting point. 

I loved Jenny Colgan's descriptions of this castle and it's inhabitants, as well as opening people's eyes to just how hard it is to maintain these sorts of ancient properties. In Jamie's case, there are so many issues but he can't really sell, it can't be developed, and it is in a very remote location. 

So the heavy snowfall that traps them into the house / grounds means that this assorted group of people end up spending Christmas together, in the most magnificent, but cold of surroundings.  

It's a story sprinkled with Christmas magic, and I was completely hooked on each and every page and couldn't read this fast enough. It's another truly wonderful book from this author, with excellent characterisation and development, set in her beloved Scottish highlands, and is a book that has enchanted my heart. 

I loved every single moment of this story. 

Thank you to Hodder & Stoughton for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily. 

Book Review - Teacakes and Tangos by Rosie Green

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Amazon UK

Title: Teacakes and Tangos

Author: Rosie Green

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Author supplied copy

Publisher: Self Published

Publication Date: 2nd August 2025

Rating: 5 Stars

Clara's new dance studio, Magic of Dance, is due to open at Brambleberry Manor, much to the excitement of locals. It's a dream come true for Clara – but why is sister Lois behaving oddly? And why does it seem as if she and long-term boyfriend Rory are drifting apart? Love is in the air for new recruit Anika, but could her dreams of romance be about to turn sour, too?

Once again I'm in awe at Rosie Green's writing abilities.  I was utterly convinced I had worked something big out that seemed clearly sign posted the whole way through to the reader at least, only for it to turn out I was only almost right and actually did gasp at the reveals. 

It was lovely to be back with Clara as a main character, and seeing her finally realise her dream of opening her dance studio.  As well as meeting and getting to know Anika and her family. 

For long term fans of the series, Maddie is the only regular really that makes any appearances in this one, it's far more of a two hander, focusing on Clara and Anika. 

And what a tough time of things Anika is having lately, especially at the start of this book. I was completely invested in her story, and had everything constantly crossed that her fortunes would turn around. 

This is another totally wonderful addition to this long running epic series, and I'm always excited to know that there are more books due to come out, as it means more to read of it. I just love it so much. 

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

Book Review - Wrapped Up at the Vintage Dress Shop by Annie Darling

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Title: Wrapped Up at the Vintage Dress Shop

Author: Annie Darling

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Hodder & Stoughton

Publication Date: 25th September 2025

Rating: 4 Stars

❄️ 🧵Falling in love is never seamless...🧵❄️

Phoebe Baker has two passions in life: vintage dresses, and her French Bulldog, Coco Chanel. As the fierce and sassy manager of The Vintage Dress Shop, it's not only her job, but her calling to make sure everyone leaves her shop with their dream outfit. She doesn't need anyone or anything when she's in her frock heaven.

When an incident between Phoebe and a customer goes viral and risks damaging the reputation of the shop, Phoebe's job is suddenly on the line.

But Phoebe risks losing more than just her beloved shop; there's also Freddy, the shop's business advisor, who's had enough of being second best to a bunch of second-hand dresses.

As Christmas approaches, can Phoebe stitch everything back together again, and open up her heart?

❄️☕ Grab a blanket and cup of hot cocoa, and curl up with Wrapped Up at The Vintage Dress Shop, a delightfully cozy and uplifting romance, perfect for fans of Debbie Johnson and Cressida McLaughlin ☕ ❄️

This was a brave choice of main character from the author, the rather terrifying Phoebe. 

She is not the easiest character to get to know or to like, which adds a different dimension to this book. 

Phoebe is the manager of the The Vintage Dress Shop and she has rather exacting standards.  But then she ends up viral on the internet and essentially cancelled, and that's when you start to see just how many sides there are to Phoebe. 

The incident the led to the viral video, amused me, and I was leaning towards Phoebe's side even if her reaction was a ginormous overreaction to a situation.  

It was great to catch up with the rest girls in the shop, who I remembered from the previous book, and seeing more of their stories was also great. 

When as a reader we are let into Phoebe's background a lot more of her personality starts to be come at least a bit more understandable and makes her really multi faceted. This is certainly a story that has big character development, and I really enjoyed seeing her butting heads with Freddy and Sophy and Cress and well everyone. 

I was sorry to hear this was the last book in the series, as I am really enjoying it and would love to see more from all of the girls and the dresses.   It was a really enjoyable story to read and I look forward to seeing what the author will release next. 

Thank you to Hodder & Stoughton and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily. 

Book Review - Christmas Fling by Lindsey Kelk

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Amazon UK

Title: Christmas Fling

Author: Lindsey Kelk

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: HarperCollins

Publication Date: 9th October 2025

Rating: 5 Stars

Is a fake boyfriend really just for Christmas?

One fake romance. One magical Christmas. One chance to fall in love.

Laura was all set for a quiet solo Christmas – just her, a bottle of wine, and flat-sitting for a stranger. But when the stranger’s parents mistake her for his mystery girlfriend, she’s swept off to the snowy Scottish Highlands with Callum and his whole family.

Between the cosy sleeper train, charming pubs and breathtaking views, this could be the no-strings-attached Christmas of Laura’s dreams.

But stranger Callum is hot, hilarious and their ‘fake’ chemistry is off the charts.

So is this just a Christmas fling? Or the start of something more?

Ooh this was 100% a me book! 

Fake Dating - Check! Adore this trope and am always drawn to it. 

Christmas - Check! - I'm the biggest sucker for a festive read and can never get enough of them 

Lindsey Kelk - Check! - One of my all time favourite authors, and it's a festive fake dating treat of a book - well i was never going to be able to resist. 

And thankfully it lived up to all my expectations and more. 

This is so so funny, some ridiculously amusing situations, and that meet cute between Laura and Callum - that is definitely highly memorable. 

And its from that first meeting and then a case of mistaken identity that Laura offers to become Caroline, to try to ensure that Callum's non existent girl friend is never invited back to the Highlands family home again.  Laura's personification of this Caroline persona is en point, and turns her into a really funny and loud mouthed woman, who won't take no rubbish from anyone! 

Which is good given Callum's father is chauvinistic, and his sister has a massive chip on her shoulder.  

Add in Laura's best friends Desi and Joel who are totally hilarious and there is one stand out scene in a service station Marks and Spencer that comes to mind, not to mention all of Desi's wild theories and you have the mix for a fantastic story set in the Scottish Highlands over Christmas. 

This was my first Christmas book of my 2025 festive reading that I have read, during the heatwave (not that it cooled me off, there is definitely some chemistry between our fake daters), what I can say is all the others I read will have a lot to live up to. 

Absolutely adored every page of this, just fabulous. 

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