Book Review - A Little Place in Prague by Julie Caplin

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Title: A Little Place in Prague

Author: Julie Caplin

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: One More Chapter

Publication Date: 23rd October 2024

Rating: 5 Stars

It's been years since Anna has seen Leo Knight. And of all the apartments in all the cities in all the world, he just happens to walk in to her cosy new attic home – as her new housemate.

As the two walk the cobbled streets of Prague, taking in the sights and sounds from Wenceslas Square, frosted with snow, to the soft glow of candlelit Charles Bridge, the enchantment of the City of a Hundred Spires soon starts to work its magic on them…

A total love letter to both Prague and Beer! 

The amount of research Julie Caplin must have done to get us totally immersed in the world of beer brewing, in addition to feeling as though you are actually in Prague is immense. 

The setting really felt as though it was an extra character and you learn more about Prague and Czechia than you could ever wish to know. and some of the descriptions match with what I recall of the city on my brief visits there.  

And for a city that it ridiculously cold in Winter, this was a real winter warmer of a read.  It was cosy, it had great dynamics between Anna and Leo, there were new friendships, some friendly competition and a whole lot more. 

It has everything you have come to expect form a Julie Caplin romantic escape, but possibly even more enhanced than normal.  I didn't realise the city was so big with Beer, all I remember is my colleagues being excited at the incredibly cheap prices per pint when we were there! 

But the city sounds enchanting, and yes I'm harping on about the location and not the story (which was also wonderful), but this is a book that will do wonders I reckon for Prague tourism, and it certainly filled a hole in my armchair travel, given we don't often get romances set here. 

And Anna and Leo are really lovely.  Anna's family on the other hand drove me mad as did Steve. I loved Leo's friendly flirty nature, and his ease of making friends everywhere.  

This was a really cosy story that I thoroughly loved. 

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

Book Review - A Merry Little Christmas by Cathy Bramley

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Title: A Merry Little Christmas

Author: Cathy Bramley

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Orion

Publication Date: 10th October 2024 

Rating: 5 Stars

This Christmas indulge in some me-time and enjoy this uplifting and heart-warming story from Sunday Times bestseller Cathy Bramley. Full of romance, laughter and family drama, A Merry Little Christmas is the perfect book to curl up with this festive season.

In the snowy market town of Wetherly, Merry is about to take on her biggest project yet - the arrival of a new baby. She has always dreamed of being a mother, since losing her mum at a young age. Everyone is so excited, so why is Merry feeling terrified? And why is she struggling to open up to business partner and best friend Nell, whose help she needs at their thriving candle shop more than ever?

What Nell desperately wants for Christmas is a baby with husband Olek. But when she uncovers a shocking truth about Olek's past, dreams of a family are turned upside down. Nell feels she has no-one to turn to, as Merry is wrapped up in her own plans for the new baby.

Tensions run high as Christmas approaches, and Merry and Nell's friendship reaches breaking point. As long-held secrets finally come to light, can Nell and Merry save the most precious gift of all - their friendship?

An absolute Christmas joy of a book to read. 

This definitely had me feeling Merry and Bright by the end, even if there is an absolute rollercoaster throughout the book, as we catch up with Merry and Nell in their respective quests for motherhood. 

And at times I didn't recognise either of them, as they were acting so out of character, but equally it felt very familiar to be back amongst these characters and their lives. And I found myself wishing for a Christmas miracle at points for both Merry and Nell. 

There are secrets, lies, emotional outbursts, and some storylines that potentially could be tricky to read if you are desperate for a baby of your own. Merry at times feels oddly delusional, while Nell is bottling so much up, it's bound to explode badly. 

It's a story of friendship, of new beginnings, of strengthening relationships and just an all around fabulous book to read. 

I devoured it  in a day, happily curled up on the sofa, ignoring real life, just absorbed in the pages of this book.  I really really hope this isn't the end for these characters but fear it could be.  I have absolutely adored this series, and there is something really quite special about a Cathy Bramley Christmas book - I just hope there will be more! 

Just fabulous. 

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

Book Review - Christmas With The Knights by Hannah Langdon

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Amazon UK

Title: Christmas With The Knights

Author: Hannah Langdon

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Storm Publishing

Publication Date: 24th October 2024

Rating: 4 Stars

When event planner Fallon Honeywood collapses from overwork after a particularly punishing Christmas party, she reluctantly agrees to spend the holidays with her soap opera-star mother at Blakeney Hall, a grand English manor on the frosty Yorkshire moors. But what starts as an awkward family reunion soon becomes an unexpected adventure…

Fallon finds herself drawn into the charming world of the aristocratic owners of the estate – handsome widower Alexander Knight and his sensitive son Theo. As her eyes and Alexander’s meet across plans to launch his new artisanal gin business at the local Christmas Fayre, Fallon wonders if her chaotic city life might have been masking a deep loneliness she’s hidden all along…

With the help of eccentric aunt Constance Knight, a rescue donkey named Heathcliff and her adorably scruffy little dog Runcible, Fallon slowly begins to heal. But as Christmas draws near – pine needles and spicy cloves scenting the air and mistletoe festooning the doorways – Fallon faces a terrifying decision. Could this be the year she finally opens her heart? And will she choose to return to her old life in London, or find an unexpected home among the snowflake-dusted Yorkshire moors, where Christmas wishes just might come true?

A deliciously festive tale of family, romance and Christmas magic, perfect for fans of Heidi Swain and Trisha Ashley. Curl up with a mug of cocoa and lose yourself in this holiday delight!

What a totally enjoyable book. 

Theo is an absolute star, and I loved how Fallon (who feels she knows nothing about children) is able to connect with him really easily, and in just the way that Theo responds too.  And seeing how he developed over the course of this story really made me smile. 

Fallon is on the verge of burnout from event planning (funnily enough, the second book in a row I read with that premise - but that is where the similarities end), and possibly against her better judgment agrees to spend a few weeks in Yorkshire with her mother, who is a soap star, and Douglas her boyfriend.  And in the big manor house there is also Alexander and son Theo. 

Over the course of her stay, more and more people start staying in the house and she can't quite let go of her workaholic tendencies and thus agrees to help out with various things, along with her dog Runcible who seemed quite sweet. 

There is artisan gin, there are all manner of Christmas events, a James Bond themed party, relationships between Fallon and her mother are worked on, and there is a whole lot more besides. 

This was an incredibly entertaining story, that I thoroughly enjoyed reading. This is the second book I've read from this author and will definitely be keen to read more. 

Thank you to Storm Publishing and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily, 

Book Review - It's All Sun and Games by Portia MacIntosh - #HolidayReading Cyprus

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Title: It's All Sun and Games

Author: Portia MacIntosh

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Boldwood Books

Publication Date: 11th July 2024

Rating: 5 Stars

When Robin finds out she's going on a work trip to Italy she can't wait for a week away in the sunshine, away from the daily grind. So what if there's a client pitch to do while they're there? The thing Robin is most excited about is the chance to show her work crush, James, what she's really like outside of work, and divert his attention from Liz, her work rival.

To make things even better, Robin realises that the town they're going to in Italy is the same place that her childhood penpal, Andrea is from. So it's the perfect time to re-connect and finally meet her old friend over some delicious Italian food and wine (between work obviously...) But when Andrea doesn't turn out to be the person Robin thought, things get a little complicated...

So it's set to be a week of all sun and games... Until someone falls in love of course!

Portia MacIntosh is firmly establishing herself as a queen of fake romance rom-coms.

It seems to be a trope she must enjoy writing and have a lot of fun with, as there was elements of it present in this latest book. 

Set predominately in sunny Bari, Italy this is a wonderful summer read, as there really is sun and games galore.  In addition to amazing Italian food, a ridiculously impressive love interest and all manner of laughs to be had. 

I loved the competitiveness between Robin and Lizzie, the way Robin is desperate to attract James' attention and all the various activities in this work trip to Italy. 

It was a pure perfect delight of a book to read, as I have come to expect from one of my auto read authors! Just brilliant. 

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

Book Review - The Honeystone Village Diaries by Kate Forster - #HolidayReading Cyprus

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Title: The Honeystone Village Diaries

Author: Kate Forster

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Orion

Publication Date: 18th July 2024

Rating: 5 Stars

A mile outside the Cotswolds, everyone knows everyone in Honeystone, and for many years the villagers have lived quiet, steady lives. But a wind of change is here...

Anthea is the new owner of Spindle Hall. A renowned perfumer who lost her sense of smell, she's not interested in making new friends. Yet somehow that seems impossible in this idyllic village.

Years ago, Peony left Honeystone with a broken heart, and now she has returned with it freshly bruised. Her single father, Robert, is struggling with slow business at the Hare and Thistle pub. Perhaps this time they can help each other?

Izzy has never known what she wants to do in life other than be at Raspberry Hill Farm and care for her little niece, Clover. But when a new doctor shows up in town, she starts to wonder...

A story about the magic of ordinary people, no one does heartwarming stories like Kate Forster. Welcome to Honeystone, you can rest here.

I think I'd like to live in Honeystone village and become a Honeystonian. It is such a fabulous village, full of community and friendship, and slightly hard to explain occurrences. 

And this I'd say is more of an ensemble piece as within each chapter we are focusing on many of the residents of the village as their lives entwine in new and fascinating ways. 

My complete and utter favourite character is Clover, she is just brilliant.  She is only a child, has a disability that she copes with admirably, only has her father and she is a keen baker and cook.  And immensely personable. 

On the other end of the scale you have poor Dora, who isn.t really and of the main focuses but has a very strong and serious theme in her plot. 

I loved newcomer Anthea to the village, she is determined to stay at arms length, but to say that doesn't last long is an understatement. 

And there are many other notable characters too, all so different, and all vital parts of this wonderful book. 

I devoured the words of this novel, as I often do with Kate Forster books, and think this must be one of her best to date.  A joy to read. 

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

Book Review - The Christmas Cottage by Sarah Morgan

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Title: The Christmas Cottage

Author: Sarah Morgan

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: HQ

Publication Date: 24th October 2024

Rating: 5 Stars

Will this Christmas finally bring comfort and joy?

A PAINFUL SECRET

Imogen loves her job as an events organiser, and her colleagues are in awe of her. But Imogen isn’t the person she pretends to be, and she’s hiding painful truths about her past. But as long as she can keep on top of her work, Imogen can put everything else to one side.

AN ACT OF KINDNESS

And then Imogen makes a catastrophic mistake at work, and finally realises it's time to reset. When her favourite client, Dorothy, invites her to spend Christmas with her and her family, in her cottage in the Cotswolds, it sounds like the perfect way for Imogen to take stock.

FINDING HAPPINESS AT CHRISTMAS

Imogen soon settles into idyllic cottage life, especially with the prospect of a new romance on the horizon … but when long-buried secrets and unwanted faces from the past resurface, Imogen’s new peace is threatened. Will Imogen end up alone this Christmas, or can she find it in her heart to forgive and move on?

It's been a while since I just sat back after dinner and just didn't want to put my book down, and basically ignored the whole world while I read the rest of this amazing story, that I had only started this morning. 

It's absolutely Christmas perfection from Sarah Morgan once again this year,, and I was even on the verge of tears a few times. 

It's a wonderful story of Imogen, Dorothy and Sara.  I literally don't want to say much about the plot other than it enchanted me, and although I wasn't keen on Sara initially, once I understood certain things, I absolutely loved her. 

And then there is Miles the local vet, well I'm totally in love with him! 

There is all manner of family drama and secrets, and with Ava especially providing light relief, this was just a fabulous festive read. 

It's definitely Christmassy, the setting was gorgeous, and there are some truly memorable moments.  I couldn't get enough of this book and I was totally immersed in the action.  Just wonderful. 

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

Book Review - The Christmas Express by Isla Gordon

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Title: The Christmas Express

Author: Isla Gordon

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Sphere

Publication Date: 7th November 2024

Rating: 5 Stars

SIX PASSENGERS . . .

When six ex-friends are invited to a winter wedding in Canada, the last thing they want is a reunion. But bride-to-be Bryn is desperate, so much so that she's offering to pay for their travel. But there's a surprise in store: Bryn hasn't booked them flights, instead she's bought non-refundable tickets for the cross-Canada Christmas train.

FOUR DAYS . . .

Four days trapped together in a cosy train cabin, travelling through snow-topped mountains, frozen lakes and glistening Christmas trees, over the most magical time of the year. It's a trip like no other and Bryn hopes it will end their feud just in time for the wedding.

ONE LAST CHANCE AT LOVE . . .

But tensions on board are fraught. Cali and Luke are each other's One Who Got Away, Joss and Joe are the ultimate sibling rivals, and Sara is stuck with the people who always left her out. Not to mention Ember, Bryn's ex, who wasn't even invited and is on her way to crash the wedding.

Then a snowstorm hits and stops them -literally - in their tracks. Will they make it to the wedding? And will it be together?

Set across a breathtaking winter wonderland and filled with cosy hot chocolates and a will-they-won't-they romance, this is the perfect festive treat for fans of Sarah Morgan and Heidi Swain

What an epic Christmas book that was. I was hooked from the first few pages, and I couldn't get enough of it. 

For it features a cross Canada train journey, in the run up to Christmas and the descriptions were just amazing. It almost made me want to take such a journey myself, but I'm not a huge fan of the cold! 

And within this train you have five estranged former friends, on their way to Bryn's wedding who used to be the sixth member of their incredibly close friendship group.  And they also found Bryn's ex, Ember on the journey too, who is adamant that Bryn has been sending her signals that they should get back together. 

The whole time I was curious as to just what broke up this group of friends, and also to see if the forced proximity between them on a four day train journey would aid them or destroy them completely. 

I loved getting to know our various characters especially Cali, and Ember. I felt for both of them, and they were our main focus points.  The dynamics at play between everyone varied continually and I also loved the fact that the train journey allowed short stops in some of the places on the route, and also put on a few activities in the run up to Christmas. 

It's a gorgeously festive book that I absolutely adored.  Another complete and utter winner from Isla Gordon. I loved it. 

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

Book Review - Christmas Wishes at Cranberry Cove by Holly Martin

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Amazon UK

Title: Christmas Wishes at Cranberry Cove

Author: Holly Martin

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Author supplied copy

Publisher: Self Published

Publication Date: 8th November 2024

Rating: 5 Stars

Escape to Apple Hill Bay this Christmas, where the snow sparkles, the hot chocolate flows, the fires crackle and love is in the air. This gorgeous new love story by multi-million selling author Holly Martin is the perfect treat to warm your heart this Christmas.

For as long as she can remember Orla Kennedy has been in love with her best friend. A love she’s more than aware is very much unrequited. At age fourteen, when she first set her eyes on the gorgeous Shay Lucas in the beautiful town of Apple Hill Bay, she felt an undeniable bond form between them. And as the years passed, and they shared their hopes and dreams under the stars at Cranberry Cove, he unknowingly stole her heart. But apart from one magical Christmas when Orla let herself believe for a moment that Shay might feel the same way, only to have her hopes shattered, she has been content to hide her true feelings for him. For Orla, being Shay’s best friend is better than not having him in her life at all.

But what if Orla doesn’t really know how Shay truly feels? What if he has good reason to protect his heart? And what if this Christmas, Fate threw them a curveball that would turn their lives upside-down and force them to confront the fears that keep their love locked away? Because there’s nothing like the possibility of losing the most important person in your life to give a heart some courage…

It's the most wonderful time of the year, so curl up and get cosy with an unforgettable love story that’s guaranteed to make all your Christmas wishes come true. Perfect for fans of Hallmark Christmas movies and authors such as Jill Mansell, Sue Moorcroft and Phillipa Ashley

I think I'm in love... ok I'm definitely in love with Shay. 

Holly Martin has written perhaps a perfect book boyfriend. He is flawed but with an incredibly good heart and regardless of his words at times it is clear he treats Orla as though she is the most important person in the world. 

But yet they aren't together. 

With a rather dramatic opening to this book, we are then treated to the highlights of Orla and Shay when they were growing up together, and could see their connection deepening at all times.  That first chapter inside Starlight Cottage was sweet, tender and amazing. I loved it and definitely wishes I was Orla! 

And its the present day actions that mean that things come to a head. 

In between that we get more of Carrie, Theo, Fern and all the other characters we have grown to love over this series. And I really do love them all, in addition to the setting, which was just perfect. 

And then there was the descriptions in particular of a Christmas market that had me definitely feeling festive, not to mention Christmas cookie making and snowmen! 

It's a festive treat of a book that I totally devoured.  And a lovely ending (I'm guessing it's an ending) to this series. 

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

Book Review - Life Begins at 50! by Celia Anderson - #HolidayReading Cyprus

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Title: Life Begins at 50! 

Author: Celia Anderson

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Boldwood Books

Publication Date: 18th July 2024

Rating: 4 Stars

New friends, new flame, new fun . . . Can it be true that life begins at 50?

Kate dreamed of a happy marriage, a house full of children and a fulfilling teaching career. But after twenty-five years of married life and about to hit the big 5-0, it’s clear that her dreams haven’t quite come true. Then her husband leaves her for his golf partner, forcing Kate to take stock of what has become of her life.

Luckily, new friendship comes her way in the form of three feisty older women who take Kate under their wings, plus a new flame (could it be more . . .?) sparks with local divorced dad, Milo. As her big birthday approaches, Kate’s zest for life begins to return.

But opening herself up means making herself vulnerable to being hurt all over again . . .

As she turns 50, will Kate be brave enough to find happiness, and grab hold of it with both hands?

Perhaps an odd book for me to be reading in my fortieth year, given I've been trying to live my life to the fullest for years - but i can only aspire to be as lively into my 80s as Kate's friends. 

They are truly inspirational and the life and soul of any scene they are in and totally hilarious. 

But this was Kate's story in the run up to her turning the big 5-0. And her coming to terms with many things in her life. 

I felt for Kate as she married young, and none of her dreams really became a reality, but she does have a wonderful amount of god children, and a fabulous friend. 

I enjoyed her attempts to start improving her life after a tricky few years, and seeing a more confidence Kate emerge as the story develops was heartwarming to see. 

This is the first time I've read a book from this author but I suspect on the basis of this story that it won't be the last. 

I really enjoyed this book. 

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

Book Review - Dying To Be Here by T J Emerson - #HolidayReading Cyprus

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Title: Dying To Be Here

Author: T J Emerson

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Boldwood Books

Publication Date: 18th March 2024

Rating: 4 Stars

The unputdownable new thriller from the bestselling author of The Perfect Holiday, which will have fans of Lucy Clarke and T M Logan gripped.

You’d die to stay here. But would you kill to?

As soon as you first see the house, a former hotel in a picturesque enclave of the Cypriot hills, you know this abandoned resort is the perfect home for you – with breath-taking views, a refreshing pool, and peace and quiet, away from the rest of the world. A place to recover and grow.

But paradise isn’t cheap, and as the debts mount, you could lose everything you've worked so hard for.

Until someone makes you an offer: to keep your home, all you have to do is take a life.

But you could never do that… could you?

Opened this book at random on my kindle on holiday in Cyprus, and was delighted to see it was actually set in Cyprus. 

And even happier to say that it hasn't made me fear for my life or anything equally sinister while on holiday here. 

Set up in the mountains, its a retreat, a community of like minded people working to be the best versions of themselves they can possibly be. 

But even in this sun-drenched setting things can go wrong and there are a surprising number of secrets to be uncovered. 

And a massive moral dilemma that shocks all the residents into trying to work out whether they can really do the unthinkable for a huge sum of money.

it was eye opening and certainly gripping, and I loved the story being told from various view points. 

A thrilling book and one I thoroughly enjoyed. 

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