Book Review - The Christmas Wish List by Heidi Swain

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Amazon UK

Title: The Christmas Wish List

Author: Heidi Swain

Format reviewed: Paperback

Source: Purchased

Publisher: Simon & Schuster

Publication Date: 3rd October 2019

Rating: 4 Stars

After being let go from her job in a swanky hotel just weeks before Christmas, Hattie is feeling lost. Even more so when her high-flying boyfriend announces he’s landed his dream job in Abu Dhabi and asks her to move with him. Luckily, Hattie’s long-time friend Dolly is on hand to help and invites Hattie to spend one last holiday in the small, festive town of Wynbridge, determined to give her a Christmas to remember . . .

Upon Hattie’s arrival, holiday preparations are in full swing. But for Hattie, whose Christmas cheer has long since run out, it’ll take more than mince pies and mistletoe to open her heart to the season once more. Relishing the task of reigniting Hattie’s Christmas spirit, Dolly suggests they create a wish list of all the things the season can offer, and with the helpful hands of Wynbridge’s resident handyman, Beamish, Hattie finds her frosty exterior is starting to thaw.

As Wynbridge prepares for its most spectacular Christmas yet, will Hattie leave snowy England behind for life in a sunnier clime, or will she in fact realise that her heart’s desire lies much closer to home?

The Christmas Wish List is the perfect read this Christmas, promising snowfall, warm fires and breath-taking seasonal romance. Perfect for fans of Carole Matthews and Cathy Bramley.

I love a Heidi Swain book, and I really enjoy Wynbridge and this was a incredibly enjoyable story. 

I was hooked from the first few pages and was shocked to realise I'd read the first 50 on a relatively short tube journey, always a sign I'm enjoying the book. even from an early stage. 

I loved the concept of The Christmas Wish List and seeing how Hattie's feelings towards the season changed as she and Dolly worked through the list.  I also was pleased to see Hattie grow as a character in many directions, especially at the point here eyes become wide open to her current relationship. 

There were a few revelations during the story, but to be honest, I had strong inklings towards them while I was reading, so they seemed more inevitable than anything, but it didn't impact my enjoyment at all. 

And Beamish is such a great new character who I really enjoyed getting to know, while also seeing familiar faces in passing from previous books set in Wynbridge is always a delight. 

I love this community, and its zeal for all things Christmas, and just wish I could have been on the ice-rink with Hattie, Dolly and Beamish.  

Filled with the authors trade mark writing style, and warmth, this was a truly enjoyable story to read in the run up to Christmas, and may even inspire me to one day have my own Christmas Wish List! 

Book Review - Poppy's Recipe For Life by Heidi Swain

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Amazon UK

Title: Poppy's Recipe For Life

Author: Heidi Swain

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Simon & Schuster

Publication Date: 30th May 2019

Rating: 5 Stars

Treat yourself to a glorious novel full of food, sunshine, friendship and love!

Things haven’t always been straightforward in Poppy’s life but her dreams are finally within her reach.

She's moving into a cottage in beautiful Nightingale Square, close to the local community garden, where she can indulge her passion for making preserves and pickles. She may not have the best relationship with her family but she is surrounded by loving friends, and feels sure that even her grumpy new neighbour, Jacob, has more to him than his steely exterior belies.

But the unexpected arrival of Poppy's troubled younger brother soon threatens her new-found happiness and as the garden team works together to win community space of the year, Poppy must decide where her priorities lie and what she is prepared to fight for …

Such a sheer joy to be back among the residents of Nightingale square. Some fabulous familiar faces but a whole new story.

Poppy after a false start that allowed us a glimpse into her family life,  us finally able to move into her dream home in Nightingale square. 

She wasn't counting on her next door neighbour to be incredibly grumpy and rude,  not that before long that she would have her estranged brother living with her. 

I loved seeing how both these men in her life developed as the story went on,  and also reading every last detail of life in the square.

Heidi Swain has such a familiar and comfortable writing style, that you can't help but be sucked into the pages of this fabulous story. 

I loved the sense of community in this book as everyone rallies around each other.  There is also an adorable dog,  a fantastic sounding bookshop,  new relationships, some secrets, and a whole lot of preserves and chutneys.

I couldn't help but fly through the pages,  while enjoying every last moment.  I just couldn't get enough of it all. 

Another immensely enjoyable story from the talented Heidi Swain.

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

Book Review - Snowflakes and Cinnamon Swirls at the Winter Wonderland by Heidi Swain

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Amazon UK

Title: Snowflakes and Cinnamon Swirls at the Winter Wonderland

Author: Heidi Swain

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Simon & Schuster

Publication Date: 1st November 2018

Rating: 5 Stars

After calling off her engagement, Hayley, the Wynthorpe Hall housekeeper, wants nothing more than to return to her no-strings fun-loving self, avoiding any chance of future heartbreak. Little does she know, Wynbridge’s latest arrival is about to throw her plan entirely off course . . .

Moving into Wynthorpe Hall to escape the town’s gossip, Hayley finds herself immersed in the eccentric Connelly family’s festive activities as they plan to host their first ever Winter Wonderland. But Hayley isn’t the only new resident at the hall. Gabe, a friend of the Connelly’s son Jamie, has also taken up residence, moving into Gatekeeper’s Cottage, and he quickly makes an impression on Wynbridge’s reformed good-girl.

As preparations commence for the biggest event of the season, the pair find themselves drawn ever closer to one another, but unbeknownst to Hayley, Gabe, too, has a reason for turning his back on love, one that seems intent on keeping them apart.

Under the starry winter skies, will Gabe convince Hayley to open her heart again once more? And in doing so, will he convince himself?

It was a sheer joy to be back at Wynthorpe Hall amongst friends, from last years Christmas book.  And if I thought last years was amazing then this one may just be better. 

I was all for Angus' idea for a winter wonderland to be held at The Hall, and was enchanted with how the team pulled together to put on such a magnificent event.  

Gabe is the new woodsman, and its clear he has some baggage but I hadn't guessed just what he is hiding.  At some points I absolutely loved him but he was blowing so hot and cold that it was hard to full embrace him. 

Whereas Hayley I really enjoyed getting to know. She has so many layers to her personality and history, that you are continually learning new things about her, and how she would deal with situations.  I loved seeing her true personality shine through as the story continued, and she definitely has some personal growth too. 

Although this does feature a whole host of familiar characters, for fans of Heidi Swain, I do believe the book can be read as a standalone too.  There are enough references to past occurrences to give you a good idea of what happened, plus the main focus of this book are different people. 

There are a large number of characters to keep track of, but once you have worked out who is who, it feels as though you really are another part of the family at Wynthorpe Hall where everyone feels welcome.  

There is just something special about Heidi Swain's writing that keeps me reading, and going back to the book continually and at no points did I want to tear myself away from this really lovely book.  Whether you are a long time fan of the author, or new to her, this is definitely a festive feast of a book to read this season. 

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

Book Review - Sunshine and Sweet Peas in Nightingale Square by Heidi Swain - #HolidayReading Book 24

Book 24 of 28 read on my holiday to Cyprus in June 2018.

The Amazon Purchase link below is an Amazon Affiliate link.

Amazon UK

Title: Sunshine and Sweet Peas in Nightingale Square

Author: Heidi Swain

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Simon & Schuster 

Publication Date: 31st May 2018

Rating: 5 Stars

Kate is on the run from her almost-divorced husband who is determined to have her back, and she has found the perfect place to hide... a little cottage on Nightingale Square in Norwich, far away from her old life in London. But the residents of Nightingale Square don't take no for an answer, and Kate soon finds herself pulled into a friendship with Lisa, her bossy but lovely new neighbour.

Within a matter of days Kate is landed with the job of campaigning the council to turn the green into a community garden, meanwhile all the residents of Nightingale Square are horrified to discover that the Victorian mansion house on the other side of the square has been bought by developers. But when all hope is lost, the arrival of a handsome stranger is sure to turn things around! 

Heidi Swain is the perfect summer read - you'll want to find your own green space, stretch out in the sun and dive into life at Nightingale Square.

Well I had been expecting a return to Wynbridge before I started this, as its the normal location used by the author and although it does make a cameo, the heart of the book is set around Nightingale Square in Norwich. 

We are introduced to all the residents of the houses on the square, and get to know a good deal about all of them. 

Though the main characters are Kate and Luke abd with them we get a fabulous story centering about their houses and a communal gardening space. 

I found the first half of the book didn't engage me as much as I would have liked, but that may just be in part to having to get used to so many characters and sub plots in a short space of time.  By the second half of the story, I was completely entranced!

A thoroughly enjoyable story, with a mystery at its heart, as well as a great sense of community and well being.  I loved all the aspects of it, once I got to grips with who's who, and I do hope this isn't the last we see of the residents of Nightingale Square. 

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

Book Review - Sleigh Rides and Silver Bells at The Christmas Fair by Heidi Swain - Rachel Reads Randomly Book #75

Amazon UK

Title: Sleigh Rides and Silver Bells at The Christmas Fair

Author: Heidi Swain

Format reviewed: Paperback

Source: Puchased

Publisher: Simon & Schuster

Publication Date: 5th October 2017

Rating: 5 Stars

The new Christmas bestseller from the author of Mince Pies and Mistletoe at the Christmas Market!

When Anna takes on the role of companion to the owner of Wynthorpe Hall, on the outskirts of Wynbridge, she has no idea that her life is set to change beyond all recognition.

A confirmed ‘bah humbug’ when it comes to Christmas, Anna is amazed to find herself quickly immersed in the eccentric household, and when youngest son Jamie unexpectedly arrives home it soon becomes obvious that her personal feelings are going all out to compromise her professional persona.

Jamie, struggling to come to terms with life back in the Fens, makes a pact with Anna – she has to teach him to fall back in love with Wynthorpe Hall, while he helps her fall back in love with Christmas. But will it all prove too much for Anna, or can the family of Wynthorpe Hall warm her heart once and for all...?

Join Anna for a festive journey that is festooned with sleigh rides and silver bells and help her discover her happy ever after.

Wow...just wow...

..you want more words? Spectacular, hooked me in and wouldn't let me go.. 

.. joy to be back in Wynbridge with familiar faces, amongst a whole new story featuring the residents of Wynthorpe Hall.... 

...completely unexpected...well I mean I expected the book to be great as I love Heidi Swain's books, but I just wasn't expecting this story, it was fabulous.. 

...setting drew me in as did the warmth of the whole of the Connelly family, from Angus the loveable father figure who is a bit like a big cheeky elf at this time of year, to the assorted staff members who may have come for a job originally but now are part of the family...

...Jamie is the youngest son and is back. He and Anna decide to help each other. Jamies needs to fall in love with his home again, and Anna has been running from Christmas for many many years and wants to learn to at least cope with the season again...

...there are sleigh rides, a Christmas market, a Christmas Fair, wow the advent calendar was something special, lights and a whole lot of food. It was marvellous and at the heart of it were characters dealing with larger issues and you just wanted the best for them... 

.. apparently this book has temporarily stolen my ability to write reviews, but rest assured that writing was fabulous, drawing you in, the characters you will learn to love really fast, you will enjoy getting to know the hall and if you are a longstanding reader of the Heidi Swain, you will recognise a lot of the residents and other characters popping in and out of the story....

...highly recommend this to anyone, it is not just a story for Christmas but a story for life! 

Thank you to the overwhelming amount of you that voted for this book this week. I did have an inkling it may win at the start, and I'm so glad even if you have just made the decisions of what I'm taking on holiday even harder as this was practically in the suitcase already!  I think you may be able to tell I thoroughly enjoyed that and I can wait to see what wins this week. 

Book Review - Coming Home to Cuckoo Cottage by Heidi Swain

Amazon UK

Title: Coming Home to Cuckoo Cottage

Author: Heidi Swain

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Simon & Schuster 

Publication Date:  13th July 2017

Rating: 5 Stars

When Lottie Foster’s grandmother’s best friend Gwen dies, she leaves Lottie her lovely home, Cuckoo Cottage.

Lottie loves the cottage but Matt, a charming local builder, points out that beneath its charm it is falling apart. Luckily he is always on hand to help with the problems that somehow seem to keep cropping up. But is he just a bit too good to be true? Certainly Will, Lottie’s closest neighbour, seems to think so.

Lottie plans to set up her own business renovating vintage caravans. She hasn’t told anyone about the project she has cooked up with Jemma from The Cherry Tree Café to repurpose Gwen’s old caravan and turn it into a gorgeous tearoom.

But before she can finally enjoy living with her legacy she must uncover who she can trust, and who to avoid. And with two men vying for her attention, will she also find love?

Why is it that good books always come to an end far too soon? I was really enjoying the story,  had been rooting for Lottie to realise the truth about one of the men interested in her, and the next thing I know I'm up to the epilogue, and then have run out of words and pages!  Such a shame as I was loving the book, and now have to  spend the next few months waiting for the next book by this talented author! 

Although this is the fourth book set in and around Wynbridge, let me assure you its able to be read as a complete standalone, with a whole new main character. However for those of you that have read others by the author, you will join me in being delighted to be able to catch up with their latest exploits, and seeing familiar faces, while of course learning all about Lottie, and her life. 

Lottie unexpectedly comes into an inheritance of Cuckoo Cottage, so long as she lives there for a year. She loved the cottage as a child, so is excited at finally trying to make something of her life.  Within her first few days in the cottage she meets two rather different but both attractive men, one good and one bad...although it takes Lottie ages to work out which is which!

There were times I wanted to knock some sense into Lottie, was all my senses were shouting in one direction, but its always tricky when there are smooth talkers about. Lottie though does come up with a plan for how she could make a living, so long as things work according to plan. 

There is just such an easy to read, good vibe from this story, that had me turning pages incredibly fast without me noticing. I was so absorbed in the story and enjoying every element of it from new found friendships, to overcoming old fears, learning to trust, some cute chickens, a dog who is a good judge of character, and of course being able to catch up with my favourite characters from previous books by the author.

Coming Home to Cuckoo Cottage is a fabulous story that i thoroughly enjoyed reading. After four books I feel incredibly at home in Wynbridge, and I find it quicker each time to remember the characters, which helps. The two men involved in Lottie's potential romance are like chalk and cheese, and her neighbours are on the whole familiar characters that have her best interests at heart.   

Thank you so much to Netgalley and Simon & Schuster for this copy of the book which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily. 

Guest Post & Giveaway - Take A Chance by Heidi Swain - Chances Fortnight

Hello Rachel. Thank you so much for inviting me to take part in your fabulous feature focusing on taking a chance. The older I get the more adept I become at taking chances and risks and I could probably fill a book with all the things that haven’t turned out quite as I expected them to, but I’ve decided to focus on something positive today.

In 2014 I decided to take a rather big chance and it has turned out to be one of the best things I have ever done. I’d written this book you see. It was a book I absolutely loved, a book that had been enjoyed by the RNA New Writers Scheme reader who was assigned to critique it and it was a book that I was determined to see published. However, I can’t take the credit for all the impetus I found to forge ahead. I had previously had a conversation with fabulous fellow author Mandy Baggot who told me to stop faffing around and just go for it*. I wanted more than anything to see my book published but it was Mandy who helped me believe I could really achieve it.

*I’m sure she expressed herself far more eloquently than that, but you get the gist!

I found myself an editor, I briefed a cover designer and I started to look seriously at all the self-publishing options available and then, in July, along came the Books and The City #oneday call for unsolicited submissions. I had no agent and absolutely no reputation, but I had a heart brimming with hope and the chance was simply too good to miss.

So I took the risk. I prepared the submission well ahead of time, I read and re-read and then read again and when the day finally dawned I screwed my courage to the sticking place and pressed send.

Fortunately I wasn’t the only one up for taking a chance that summer and almost a year to the day The Cherry Tree Café e-book was published. It sold well. In fact it sold so well it is launching in paperback format today and what’s more I’ve written four more books since then, there’s another one waiting in the wings and I am now represented by lovely Amanda Preston from LBA. I have seen my books on the supermarket and bookshop shelves, featured in magazines, sporting bestseller flags on Amazon and receiving some fabulous reviews.

And all because, after years and years of procrastinating I made the decision to take a chance on my writing and I've been rewarded tenfold. Ten times tenfold and then some actually and I’ll tell you something else… Books and The City have a fabulous competition running right now with Heat Magazine. So if you’re an aspiring author who dreams of being published I’d have a long hard think about taking a chance and get that short story polished to perfection.

Happy reading and writing folks!

H x

Thank you much Heidi for sharing, I am so glad you took that chance, as I have loved your first three books, and at time of preparing this post, I have the fourth waiting for me!  What an incredibly successful chance that turned out to be.

Giveaway to Win a PB copy of The Cherry Tree Cafe (UK Only)

Heidi Swain is very kindly giving my followers a chance to win a copy of her brand new paperback out today, The Cherry Tree Cafe

Giveaway open to UK only, all options are voluntary, but please do what they ask, as I will be verifying the winner. Giveaway closes 23:59 15/06/2017. Winner will be announced on twitter and emailed, and they will need to reply within 7 days, or forfeit the prize, and I will re-draw for a new winner.  Good luck everyone.

Win a PB copy of The Cherry Tree Cafe (UK Only)

Author Bio

Although passionate about writing from an early age, Heidi Swain gained a degree in Literature, flirted briefly with a newspaper career, married and had two children before she plucked up the courage to join a creative writing class and take her literary ambitions seriously.

A lover of Galaxy bars, vintage paraphernalia and the odd bottle of fizz, she now writes feel good fiction with heart for Simon and Schuster.

Her debut novel, The Cherry Tree Café was published in July 2015 and Summer at Skylark Farm hit the shelves the following June. Mince Pies and Mistletoe at the Christmas Market was a hugely successful Christmas 2016 release and her fourth book, Coming Home to Cuckoo Cottage will be published on July 13th this year. She is currently working on her October 2017 release, Sleigh Rides and Silver Bells at The Christmas Fair.

Heidi lives in Norfolk with her wonderful family and a mischievous cat called Storm.

Links

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Heidi_Swain

Blog: http://www.heidiswain.blogspot.co.uk/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WriterHeidiJoSwain?ref=hl

Amazon: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Heidi-Swain/e/B00YNN3LDI/ref=sr_tc_2_0?qid=1483439180&sr=8-2-ent

The Cherry Tree Cafe is published in Paperback today so happy publication day. 

Book Review - Mince Pies and Mistletoe at the Christmas Market by Heidi Swain

Amazon UK

Title: Mince Pies and Mistletoe at the Christmas Market

Author: Heidi Swain

Format reviewed: Paperback

Source: Purchased

Publisher: Simon & Schuster

Publication Date: 17th November 2016

Rating: 5 Stars

Christmas has arrived in the town of Wynbridge and it promises mince pies, mistletoe and a whole host of seasonal joy.

 Ruby has finished with university and is heading home for the holidays to save up for her trip around the world in January. Against her father’s wishes, she takes on a stall at the local market, and sets about making it the best Christmas market stall ever. There’ll be bunting and mistletoe and maybe even a bit of mulled wine.

 But with a new retail park just opened on their doorstep, the market is under threat. So together with all the other stallholders, Ruby devises a plan to make sure that Wynbridge is the first port of call for everyone’s Christmas shopping needs.

 The only thing standing in her way is Ruby’s ex, Steve. It’s pretty hard to concentrate on saving the world when he works on the stall opposite, especially when she realises that her feelings for him are still there…

This Christmas make time for some winter sparkle – and see who might be under the mistletoe this year… 

I am so disappointed that this book had to finish, I was enjoying it that much. It was such a pleasure to return to Wynbridge, to catch up with old friends from previous books, as well as being completely absorbed in this new story. 

If you haven't read any of Heidi Swain's previous books, besides the fact you are missing out, it may please you to know that they all works as stand alones and this no exception. It features completely new characters, new families and a whole new focus, while also allowing you to see what is currently going on with residents of the town that have featured in previous books. 

The writing is vivid and paints a brilliant picture of the story, and I could see the market square very clearly, along with all the other stall holders. I loved what Ruby was selling on her stall, and she is a breath of fresh air, in her return to the town, not that she is planning on staying long. 

Ruby's market stall is opposite her ex-boyfriend's so they are in close contact a lot, but just how over each other are they really? I was undecided for a bit of the book as to what would happen between the pair of them, but that wasn't the storyline that really had me guessing. 

That goes to just what exactly Ruby's dad is up to, as he really isn't acting himself, and no matter what Ruby does, she seems to be in his bad books. As more information about her dad is unveiled, I kept gasping, asI really couldn't believe the turns the story was taking, and had to keep reading to find out more!

This was a story that was full of the joys of not only Christmas, but also of a struggle to revitalise a market and the holiday in the town, where most custom is going to the new out of town retail park. I love a book where a community bands together for a common goal, and really liked the ideas Ruby was suggesting to bring a bit of oomph back into the old tired and tested town Christmas traditions. 

Lizzie and Jemma from the Cherry Tree Cafe, are the ones providing the wares for the market stall, and I loved the descriptions of the various crafts on sale, and the bakes that Jemma kept making, made me very hungry and in need of a sugar fix. 

I loved every moment of Mince Pies and Mistletoe at the Christmas Market, and with every book, I am more and more convinced that Heidi Swain is becoming a drop everything and just read the new book author for me. I am so enjoying her books, and this was a top addition to her catalogue. 

Cover Reveal - Mince Pies & Mistletoe at the Christmas Market by Heidi Swain

I am delighted and honored to have been asked to participate in Heidi Swain's new cover reveal. I have loved her previous two books, and really looking forward to this one...and its Christmassy!

Christmas has arrived in the town of Wynbridge. Join Heidi Swain for mince pies and mistletoe and a whole host of Christmassy joy!

Ruby has been away at university but now she's back she wants to find a job and settle down. With Christmas around the corner, she takes on a stall at the local market, and sets about making it the best Christmas market stall ever. There'll be bunting and mistletoe and maybe even a bit of mulled wine.

But with the new out-of-town superstore just opened, the market is under threat. So together with the other stallholders, Ruby devises a plan to make sure that locals make the Christmas market their first port of call for all their Christmas present needs.

But it's hard to concentrate when she keeps bumping into her ex, Steve - and especially when she realises that her feelings for him are still there.

Join Heidi Swain for some Christmas sparkle - and see who might be under the mistletoe this year...

Published by Simon & Schuster

Publication Date: 17th November 2016 for ebook and paperback!

Available on Amazon for Pre-order

I am very excited for this book, and I just love Christmas markets, so expect to see a review here later this year. 

Book Review - Summer at Skylark Farm by Heidi Swain

Amazon UK

Title: Summer at Skylark Farm

Author: Heidi Swain

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Simon & Schuster

Publication Date: 2nd June 2016

Rating: 5 Stars

For everyone dreaming of escaping to the country, fall in love this summer at Skylark Farm...

Amber is a city girl at heart. So when her boyfriend Jake Somerville suggests they move to the countryside to help out at his family farm, she doesn't quite know how to react. But work has been hectic and she needs a break so she decides to grasp the opportunity and make the best of it.

Dreaming of organic orchards, paddling in streams and frolicking in fields, Amber packs up her things and moves to Skylark Farm. But life is not quite how she imagined - it's cold and dirty and the farm buildings are dilapidated and crumbling.

But Amber is determined to make the best of it and throws herself into farm life. But can she really fit in here? And can she and Jake stay together when they are so different?

Well I was hooked from the start on this summery and highly enjoyable story. This may only be Heidi Swains second book, but she continues to write with a strength that some authors don't manage after many years. She has weaved a believable story with a wonderful cast of characters, some fantastic animals and of course a token female that can't be fully trusted. 

Even before they arrived at Skylark Farm, I found myself drawn to Amber's personality and her can do attitude at work, even if it was starting to get her down.When boyfriend Jake decided that he needs to move to Skylark Farm permantently, as his aunt Annie was becoming slightly frailer, Amber eventually decides to go with him. 

Within moments of arriving at the farm, both Amber and myself fell in love with the place, and that point I realised just how much a winner this book was with me. Amber quickly goes from someone who is nervous of Annie's dogs, to one that is helping animals give birth in a magical day, and organising various events and schemes to help secure the long term future of Skylark Farm. 

As a fan of The Cherry Tree Cafe, I was delighted that Skylark Farm was located in that town, and Lizzie and Jemma are back but in a more support role this time. Instead the main friends are all Jake's, Harriet and Jessica being the main friends, and they each add a slightly different aspect to the story. 

The warm fuzzy feeling and general feelings of goodness coming from this book in waves, remind of how I feel when I curl up with a Katie Fforde book. It is that sort emotion, coupled with a brilliant writing style that made me fall in love with Skylark Farm. 

Thank you to Netgalley and Simon & Schuster. This was my honest opinion. 

Book Review - The Cherry Tree Cafe by Heidi Swain

Amazon UK

Title: The Cherry Tree Cafe

Author: Heidi Swain

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Simon & Schuster UK

Publication Date: 16th July 2015

Rating: 4.5 Stars

Cupcakes, crafting and love at The Cherry Tree Cafe...

Lizzie Dixon's life feels as though it's fallen apart. Instead of the marriage proposal she was hoping for from her boyfriend, she is unceremoniously dumped, and her job is about to go the same way. So, there's only one option: to go back home to the village she grew up in and to try to start again.

Her best friend Jemma is delighted Lizzie has come back home. She has just bought a little cafe and needs help in getting it ready for the grand opening. And Lizzie's sewing skills are just what she needs.

With a new venture and a new home, things are looking much brighter for Lizzie. But can she get over her broken heart, and will an old flame reignite a love from long ago...?

For everyone who loves settling down to watch Great British Bake-Off, the Great British Sewing Bee, or curling up to read Milly Johnson or Jenny Colgan, The Cherry Tree Cafe is a coffee-break treat.

I have been excited to read this book ever since the gorgeous cover was revealed, and that I had read the blurb. Any book that covers crafting and a small business is something that always gives me such a heart warming feeling and that was before I even had my hands on a copy. 

And the reality didn't let me down at all, Heidi Swain has managed to right a warm and cosy story, featuring Lizzie Dixon. Lizzie was hoping for a proposal from her boyfriend of 2 years, Giles. Instead she gets a massive shock from him, which leaves her moving back to her home village, to try and make sense of things. 

Jemma is her best friend, and has just bought the slightly run down Cherry Tree Cafe. Jemma is a fantastic baker but is struggling to get the new cafe ready to open. So up steps Lizzie to help out, especially with her superb sewing and crafting skills. 

Jemma has a daughter, Ella, who at only 6 years old is wise beyond her years. The sorts of comments she comes out with you would expect from a much older child. It felt like in many ways she was 6 going on 12, but yet she does have child like qualities to her too, and I absolutely loved her. Any scene with her in, you knew was not going to be dull.

Not that any of the book was dull, it was very engaging and entertaining, but yet it wasn't all smooth sailing for any of the characters. I loved seeing how Lizzie's relationship with her parents evolved, especially with her mother. I recognise a lot of my mum within Lizzie's mum originally, so maybe there is hope yet! 

There is something about the idea of a cafe that is used both for food and drink, but also a crafting section that just really appeals to me, although not being able to bake or craft myself, I don't exactly know why. I just find the descriptions of crafting very calming, and I would love to be creative enough to make any of the things that Lizzie can do. 

During the first part of the book, I had a horrible feeling that the story was going to be predictable, but as it continued, I realised how wrong I was. There were small twists and turns, and just enough revelations, mainly involving the men in Lizzie's life, to keep you hooked. 

The Cherry Tree Cafe is a fantastic debut novel, from an author who I'm sure is going to have  a great career as a writer. I am definitely looking forward to future releases already, in fact I would love a Christmas follow up to the cafe! 

Thank you so much to Netgalley and Simon & Schuster, for this review copy. This was my honest review. 

The Cherry Tree Cafe is out in ebook today. Happy Publication day Heidi!