Book Review - Finding Love at the Christmas Market by Jo Thomas - Blog Tour - #HolidayReading Malta

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Amazon UK

Title: Finding Love at the Christmas Market

Author: Jo Thomas

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Transworld Digital

Publication Date: 24th September 

Rating: 5 Stars

Cosy up with the new Christmas book from best-selling author Jo Thomas

Residential-home caterer Connie has had one online-dating disaster too many. Hurt in the past and with her son to consider, now she's feeling hesitant. Then one of Connie's residents sets her up on a date at a beautiful German Christmas market - with the promise she'll take a mini-bus full of pensioners with her...

Amongst the twinkling lights and smell of warm gingerbread in the old market square, Connie heads off on her date with a check-list of potential partner must-haves. Baker Henrich ticks all the boxes, but when Connie meets Henrich's rival William, she starts to wonder if ticking boxes is the answer.

Will Connie's wish for love this Christmas come true, and if so - with who?

Now that is what I call a Christmas book. I've just devoured this wonderful festive story, in 33 degree heat in Malta, and now want to go around wishing everyone a merry Christmas.

This is a book that just oozes festive feeling,  and I love how it's also allowed a group of pensioners to rediscover their love of Christmas too.

Between two German Christmas markets, two very different German men, a deaf dog, Christmas jumpers, a donkey, gingerbread, singing, dancing and a big bake off between the two towns you have all the ingredients and more for a fabulous festive book. 

I had such a great sense of place from this story,  and I adored all the characters. This has all the heart and love I've come to expect from a Jo Thomas novel, and so much more besides.

This will easily be one of my favourite Christmas books of the year. I could have kept reading it for so much longer had i not run out of pages.

Read in one sitting over about 3 hours this transported me to the German Christmas markets, made me remember my own visit to them, and generally had me grinning like a loon throughout.

If you read one book this Christmas then make it this one!

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

Please follow along with the other bloggers on this blog tour too. 

Book Review - Coming Home To Winter Island by Jo Thomas - Blog Tour

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Amazon UK

Title: Coming Home To Winter Island

Author: Jo Thomas

Format reviewed: Paperback

Source: Publisher supplied copy

Publisher: Headline Review

Publication Date: 31st October 2019

Rating: 5 Stars

Wrap up warm and prepare to explore the breath-taking beauty of a remote Scottish island and an old house waiting to unlock enchanting family secrets.

Fans of Jill Mansell and Milly Johnson will love this irresistible new winter novel from Jo Thomas.

Do you need to find out where you've come from before you can know what the future holds?

Ruby's singing career is on the verge of hitting the big time, when her voice breaks. Fearing her career is over, she signs up for a retreat in Tenerife to recover.

But an unexpected call from a stranger on a remote Scottish island takes her on a short trip to sort out some family business. It's time to go and see the grandfather she's never met.

City girl Ruby knows she will be happy to leave the windswept beaches behind as quickly as she can, especially as a years-old family rift means she knows she won't be welcome at Teach Mhor.

But as she arrives at the big house overlooking the bay, she finds things are not as straightforward as she might have thought.

There's an unexpected guest in the house and he's not planning on going anywhere any time soon ...

I'm now convinced that Jo Thomas books should come with a warning - not to be read on public transport as there is a very real chance you will become oblivious to the world and possibly miss your stop.  They really are just that good.

It also seems like I should warn you that there are nowhere near enough pages in this book, I could have happily read for much longer.  I was hooked and couldn't devour this wonderful story fast enough. 

I'm pretty sure I had that slight problem with my last book from this author too, I just seem to be able to read them so fast and get so into the story,  that they really don't last long enough and I struggled to get off a train too! 

And what a great story it is, of connecting with the past,  working out how to make a rather special gin, and for Ruby to recuperate her singing voice. 

I loved Winter Island, and the sitting tenant of Hector's house Lachlan. It is very clear that Lachlan cares a lot for the older man and also about life on the island. 

Ruby was hoping to sign some papers and be on her way to Tenerife,  but nothing every goes according to plan. 

Despite being set in winter,  in a cold house, this is a story that is full of warmth.  I adored the descriptions of Winter Island and seeing just how everything would work out.

A fantastic story with a great setting, fabulous characters,  a man I really disliked and a very touching story line involving hector, this is a perfect book to curl up with by the fire,  and just loose yourself within.

A gem of a book from one of my favourite authors 

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

Please do follow along with all the other fabulous bloggers on this tour

Book Review - My Lemon Grove Summer by Jo Thomas - Blog Tour

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Amazon UK

Title: My Lemon Grove Summer

Author: Jo Thomas

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Headline

Publication Date: 6th June 2019

Rating: 5 Stars

Could the lemon groves of Sicily be the perfect place to start over? The irresistible new novel from Jo Thomas, the author of Sunset Over the Cherry Orchard, will transport you to the island of mountains and sparkling blue seas.

When life hands you lemons ... is it ever too late for a second chance?

Zelda's impulsive nature has got her precisely nowhere up until now. A fresh start in a beautiful hilltop town in Sicily looking for new residents, together with her best friend Lennie, could be just what she needs. And who better to settle down with than the person who knows her best?

But the sun-filled skies and sparkling seas can't hide the shadow hanging over Citta d'Ora, which means not everyone is pleased to see their arrival. The dreams Zelda and her fellow new residents had of setting up a new life might be slipping away. But a friendship with restauranteur Luca could be about to unlock the possibilities that lie in the local lemon groves. And there's a wedding on the horizon that might be just what the town needs to turn it around...

Could a summer in Sicily help Zelda learn to trust her instinct and follow her heart?

Simply Scintillating in Sicily!

I absolutely adored this book, from the first few pages,  to the location, the story, the writing and just about all the characters. 

What a fabulous premise,  a group of strangers all needing a second chance in life enticed to relocate to a small village in Sicily as part of a revitalisation project.  They even get paid for the privilege.

Sounds to good to be true,  well it definitely isn't as easy as it sounds.  It appears the locals aren't as welcoming as you would imagine. 

Zelda and Lenny agreed as teenagers that they would marry age 40 if neither had found true love, and well it's clear they care for each other. 

I loved getting to know all the people involved in this project,  the variety of characters is fabulous and everyone is very believable. 

What amazed me was how fast I read this book, just a few short hours while I was on some trains. I was so absorbed in the first 15% that I almost missed my stop. 

Feel good summer reading at its best. Another complete an utter gem of a book from Jo Thomas.  You won't regret this virtual trip to Sicily. 

Infused with the warmth of a Sicilian summer,  with helpings of fabulous sounding food,  limoncello and a spattering of Italian phrases, this really is another amazing book that touched me in all the right places from one of my favourite authors. 

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

Book Review - A Winter Beneath the Stars by Jo Thomas

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Amazon UK

Title:  A Winter Beneath The Stars

Author: Jo Thomas

Format reviewed: Paperback

Source: Goody bag

Publisher: Headline Review

Publication Date: 4th October 2018

Rating: 5 Stars

On a courier trip to Tallfors, deep in Swedish Lapland, everything is going to plan. Halley has her bag, with two precious wedding rings inside for delivery... until she doesn't.

The only way to save the wedding is to team up with mysterious reindeer herder Bjorn, the one person who can lead her across the snowy tundra to be reunited with her bag.

On a journey of a lifetime beneath the stars, with only the reindeer and a bad-tempered stranger for company beside the fire, Halley realises that she will need to confront her past heartaches in order to let the warmth of love in once more...

With this book Jo Thomas has proved that she can write wonderful wintery romances just as well as all her marvellous summer books.  

I was hooked and enchanted from the first few pages, and the pages just kept on turning so fast, I was amazed when I looked up and saw how much I had read. 

After all this is a book set in Swedish Lapland,  with teams of husky dogs, reindeer and a gorgeous Samii man.  With gorgeous scenery, you will be exhilarated at the adventure that Halley goes on, against her best wishes. 

She is normally an international courier, but when she loses her bag with some vital wedding rings in it, she is in a race against time to re-locate it and get the rings to the couple in time for their wedding.  Only snag is the only way she can get to the home of the person who has her bag, is by helping Bjorn with his reindeer as he is going that way anyway. 

Halley though is rather scared, but has to face all manner of fears in this wonderful journey.  I was enthralled with all the action, and the various things that happened on this trip. It also included a journey of personal growth for both characters, as they discover who they need to be now. 

With the level of description, it is clear this is book that has been well researched,  and I learnt a lot about the Samii way of life, how they use every part of a reindeer, and don't take more from the earth than they need.  It is a simple way of life, that is traditional and fascinating.   

There are exhilarating scenes, fabulous wildlife,  a growing connection between two characters, some light relief with Lars, this is a book you don't want to miss.  I absolutely adored this book, I didn't want it to end.  I just can't get enough from Jo Thomas, but may have to wait for her to write the next one! 

Book Review - Sunset over the Cherry Orchard by Jo Thomas - Blog Tour

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Amazon UK

Title: Sunset over the Cherry Orchard

Author: Jo Thomas

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Headline

Publication Date: 9th August 2018

Rating: 5 Stars

It's time for Beti Winter to dance to her own beat.

After three failed engagements Beti is in desperate need of a fresh start. What better place than the sun-drenched hills of southern Spain?

But it's not all sangria and siestas. Beti finds work on an old Andalusian cherry farm where there are cherries to be picked, trees to be watered and her fiery boss, Antonio, to win over.

As the sun toasts her skin, Beti finds herself warming to the Spanish way of life. Embracing the art of flamenco, she discovers there is much to learn from the dance of passion. She just has to let loose and listen to the rhythm of her heart.

Jo Thomas takes you there.

Wow just wow, its a shame I have to come back to England, after being so thoroughly transported to southern Spain in this wonderful story of Beti learning to listen to her hearts desires in all wakes of her life, and learn just who she is as a person. 

I'm at a loss to describe this book, I can either wax lyrical about everything, or I can just tell you to read it if you are looking for a great summery read, that will literally make you forget about real life while you are finishing it,. 

There are so many ups and down, humour, emotion, fiery flamenco dancing, a storyline that reminds me of Footloose, unexpected relationships and new love, spanish food, spanish bars, a big dream, a message about social media, assorted storylines about family and a whole lot more besides. 

I wouldn't want to tell you any specifics as the writing is so encompassing, and such a joy to read, that the only thing that can be said, is read this book, as  I'm sure you will love it as much I as did.   It is warm hearted, perfect escapism, either for summer holiday reading, or when you are wishing you were abroad in sunnier climes. 

Beti is a character that I really did enjoy, especially seeing her own personal growth as the story proceeds, and seeing how her hopes and dreams change so gradually I think the reader is 3 steps ahead of her.  

I have never read about a Cherry Farm before and this one sounds gorgeous, and the descriptions the cherries, made me almost be able to taste them for myself.  The owner of the farm is tricky to get to grips with to start with but as the story unravels he was becoming my favourite character by a mile, matched closely by his 17 year old son. 

Jo Thomas writes so warmly and its clear she is passionate and knowledgeable about the various aspects of Spanish  life and how some villages are are more for locals and wanting traditional ways of life instead of the tourist trade. 

This is my new favourite Jo Thomas book and I have adored all her others previously too, and I think Beti's story may stay with me for a while.  It was my sheer pleasure to have been able to read this. 

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

Please take a look at the rest of the wonderful bloggers taking part on this blog tour. 

Book Review - The Honey Farm on the Hill by Jo Thomas

Amazon UK

Title: The Honey Farm on the Hill

Author: Jo Thomas

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Headline Review

Publication Date: 24th August 2017

Rating: 5 Stars

We never forget the one who got away.

Eighteen years ago Nell fell in love in the mountains of Crete and life changed for ever. Nell's daughter, Demi, has never met her dad. Nell never saw him again.

When she gets the chance to return to the hilltop town of Vounoplagia - where everything began - Nell can't resist the urge to go back and find him.

Working on a honey farm perched high up in the hills, there's plenty to keep her busy. And she will quickly realise the town harbours just as many secrets as she does.

But if Nell's favourite romantic films are right, there's a happy ending in store for each of us. All she has to do is seek out the magic of the mountains...

Jo Thomas takes you there.

Transport yourself to Crete this summer, to a rather special Honey Farm (that is missing its bees), a huge mystery as to what is happening to rare herb, masses of great Greek food, and the search for a lost love, in this wonderful new novel from Jo Thomas. 

Incredibly enjoyable to read and a relatively quick read at that, it is full of one main great story plus a few other threads interlinking in. This is a book where I learnt a whole new acronym that I had never come across before, for Nell  decides to spend summer in Crete as a WWOOFer (World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farm), on a Honey Farm near a village she spent time in many years ago. She is also hoping to track down the love of her life, and father of her now grown up child, but isn't sure if he even still lives there or what the reactions to her will be. 

I loved how Nell slotted into life in Crete with Kostas, Maria and Mitera who own the honey farm on the hill. Learning about the properties of various herbs and spices and the general way life in rural Crete was eye opening and made me really long to be a part of life in Vounaplagia.  Nell having been a mother for 18 years, is slowly trying to rediscover who she is, while her daughter has an adventure in London. 

This is a rather apt book to read in summer, as often the discussion of how to keep bees safe emerges, as they play such a critical role in the world, and this is a story that encompasses that as a theme. Admittedly I could have done without descriptions of angry swarms of bees as I tend to run a mile if I see a single bee, but other than that, there is definitely a useful message to be taken from that element of the book. 

The writing is evocative and I could practically smell the herbs in the air in Crete, taste the various foods and when there was the sense of danger, my heart was beating extra fast for the characters. This is easily my favourite book so far from Jo Thomas, an author who seems to improve with each book and they are all fabulous! 

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

Book Review - Late Summer in the Vineyard by Jo Thomas - #20BooksofSummer

Amazon UK

Title: Late Summer in the Vineyard

Author: Jo Thomas

Format reviewed: Paperback 

Source: Bookbridgr

Publisher: Headline Review

Publication Date: 11th August 2016

Rating: 5 Stars

Emmy Bridges has always looked out for others. Now it's time to put down roots of her own.

Working for a wine-maker in France is the opportunity of a lifetime for Emmy. Even if she doesn't know a thing about wine - beyond what's on offer at the local supermarket.

There's plenty to get to grips with in the rustic town of Petit Frère. Emmy's new work friends need more than a little winning over. Then there's her infuriatingly brash tutor, Isaac, and the enigmatic Madame Beaumont, tucked away in her vineyard of secrets.

But Emmy will soon realise that in life - just as in wine-making - the best things happen when you let go and trust your instincts. Particularly when there's romance in the air...

Every now and then I will receive a book for review, that I know I have to start at the earliest possible convenience. At its always a pleasure when I follow my gut feeling like I did with Late Summer in the Vineyard as it was pure delight to read. 

I have spent a memorable half day, transported to Bordeaux, and been taught all about the wine making process, from Emmy who needs to learn to follow her instincts. 

Emmy is a wonderful main character, she makes a brave if not stupid decision as early as the prologue which acts as the catalyst for the rest of the book. She gets onto a work placement in France for 3 months, to learn how to sell wine, and gets into all sorts of situations. But she has a heart of gold, having seen an old woman leave her purse behind, she tracks down where the woman lives, and sets off to return it, regardless of the lady's reputation. 

Madame Beaumont is formidable, she runs the Clos Beaumont vineyard by herself, and keeps a low profile in her local town. However she seems to see something in Emmy and takes her under her wing, and starts to teach her about wine. 

With two leading men, neither of which I could really get to grips with, Emmy's family and the colleagues in France with her, there is an excellent set of characters that will keep you hooked. I lost all track of time as I found myself absorbed in the story. 

This is the third book I've read by Jo Thomas, and I can safely say  this is my favourite, and they are becoming more and more accomplished each time, and even more compulsive to keep reading,, which is saying a lot as I still remember the feeling of wonder after reading The Oyster Catcher, her debut novel. 

Don't let the vineyard setting put you off if you aren't particularly a wine fan, as there are all the trademark characteristics of a fabulous women's fiction novel, with romance, friendship and family all featuring highly. Late Summer in the Vineyard is a triumph, and I have no idea how my next book will compete in my affections with this! 

Thank you to much to Frances Gough and Bookbridgr for this review copy. This was my honest opinion. 

Book Review - The Olive Branch by Jo Thomas

Amazon UK

Title:  The Olive Branch

Author: Jo Thomas

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Headline Review

Publication Date: 2nd July 2015

Rating: 5 Stars

You can buy almost anything online these days. For Ruthie Collins, it was an Italian farmhouse.

Yet as she battles with a territorial goat and torrential rain just to get through the door of her new Italian home, the words of Ed, her ex, are ringing in her ears. She is daft, impetuous and irresponsible.

But Ruthie is determined to turn things around and live the dream.

First, though, she must win over her fiery neighbour, Marco Bellanouvo, and his tempestuous family...and then there's the small matter of running an olive farm. As the seasons change and new roots are put down, olives and romance might just flourish in the warmth of the Mediterranean sun.

When Ruthie Collins buys an Italian farmhouse on Ebay, her ex partner and her mother think she has gone mad. When Ruthie arrives, having paid for it, having never seen it in person, she starts to doubt herself. And when she discovers that it was sold by a now dead man, without telling any of his family, Marco Bellanouvo definitely has a few words to say to her. 

From a chance encounter with a guard goat, to the Bellanouvo family who are all around the small town in Puglia, Ruthie has to try to make the most of her impetuous decision. Her Italian evening class Italian doesn't even work well in Puglia, as they have their own dialect, so she struggles to communicate, while needing to renovate a farmhouse, and see if running an olive farm is the correct thing for her to do, or if she should go back to England. 

This book is a great mix of a women's fiction story, as well as the sort of story I love reading about in travel writing, of someone starting from scratch in a new country, with very little clue as to the reality, but having to learn fast. 

You learn quite a lot about olives, olive oil and olive farming during the story,  and it all seemed very well researched. There are some scenes where Marco and Ruthie are tasting olive oil, and the the descriptions were making me feel like I was tasting it too. 

I loved The Olive Branch, it was an interesting and enjoyable story, with a fabulous cast of characters, and it was set in Italy. I love Italy in books, and this Italy is no exception, the food descriptions are sublime, and I could do with a dose of warmer weather right about now.  

If you haven't encountered a book by Jo Thomas before, then please take a look at either The Olive Branch, or The Oyster Catcher, as they are both fabulous.

Thank you so much to Headline and Netgalley for my copy of this book. This was my honest review. 

The Olive Branch is out now in ebook, and out on 2nd July 2015, in paperback.