Book Review - The Secret Mistletoe Promise by Cressida McLaughlin

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Title: The Secret Mistletoe Promise

Author: Cressida McLaughlin

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: HarperCollins

Publication Date: 6th November 2025

Rating: 5 Stars

Is a new beginning waiting for her this Christmas?

When Imogen leaves her fiancé at the altar and escapes to her grandmother’s cottage by the sea, the only thing she wants to do is disappear.

But in a village curious about their new arrival, Imogen finds hiding out harder than expected, especially with the charming local baker Dexter around to distract her.

As secrets unravel and the festive season draws near, Imogen wonders if she’s been running from the wrong things all along.

Will the runaway bride find her happy ever after under the mistletoe?

It has been fabulous being back in Mistingham, and amongst some familiar faces from the previous book set here.  But rest assured it is definitely a standalone novel, and our main characters are completely new. 

In fact Imogen is a runaway bride on Halloween, and is escaping to her grandmother's cottage in Mistingham for refuge. Bridie unfortunately wasn't attending the wedding due to a family rift with her daughter, which the more you hear about Imogen's parents, the more its understandable. 

Before she has even reached her gran's house, Lucy and Aubergine come across her, and then Lucy insists on running to get her dad, Dexter to come to the rescue in the form a lift! 

I adored Dexter from that first meeting, he is the beating heart of the village, everyone absolutely adores him, and its also rather clear that there is something between him and Imogen, even if she isn't quite ready to admit any feelings. After all she is coming to terms with jilting her fiancée at the alter! 

I really enjoyed how Imogen was getting stuck into village life,  and how she starts to get to know everyone.  And is even integral to locating Felix a few times (a rather mischievous pet goat!). 

Such a gorgeously festive story, sprinkled with mistletoe, snow, a chance at a brand new life, romance, and a whole lot more. I adored every word of it, and couldn't get enough of the story.  I really hope there will be another book in this series next Christmas, as they are just so lovely. 

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

Book Review - A Touch of Magic at the Comfort Food Cafe by Debbie Johnson

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Title: A Touch of Magic at the Comfort Food Cafe

Author: Debbie Johnson

Format reviewed: Paperback

Source: Purchased

Publisher: One More Chapter

Publication Date: 25th September 2025

Rating: 5 Stars

It’s autumn at the Comfort Food Café and the leaves are golden, the lattes are spiced and love might just be brewing for one new resident…

🍁🎃🍁🎃🍁

Reclusive author Sarah is seeking refuge in the quiet village of Budbury, and the last thing she needs is a fake boyfriend. Except that’s exactly what she gets – and the fake boyfriend just happens to be gorgeous, rugged Aidan, complete with an easy charm and an old soul that makes him seem like he’s just stepped straight out of the pages of a novel. Using him to keep her nosy family at bay, he’s happy to do her a favour in return for help with his rather unusual dog-sitting predicament.

But nothing in Budbury stays pretend for long. Especially not when there’s a hint of autumn magic in the air, with a sprinkle of Halloween mischief.

Full of heart, humour and a touch of spooky charm, this is the perfect cosy read for autumn nights.

Warm hug of a book, ideal for this time of year. 

This is as warm, cosy, heartwarming, charming and as irresistible as all the others in this series. And it was such a quick read, given how absorbed I was by the pages. 

I know it's a good book when I have read 200 pages between two tube journeys without being sure exactly where I was on the journey, especially in paperbacks which I tend to be slower with! I just had to keep turning the pages. 

There is something ever so wonderful about Budbury and all of the regular residents. I enjoyed seeing more of Cherie and the whole Comfort Food Cafe gang.  And for those of you new to the series, all the various relations between the main characters do get explained, and I  always love seeing how previous main characters are now getting on. 

Sarah has a very good reason for wanting to retreat to her new cottage in Budbury, and to ideally not be an active part of the community.  She is rather reclusive, but that is impossible when you are surrounded with well meaning friendly people that just want to help you.  Add in Aiden who is gorgeous, younger than her, and has some absolutely wonderful dogs and you have a mix for a really comforting escapist read. 

I loved Aiden and his dogs (which I will let you discover for yourself, but they aren't your most typical breed), and the fact he was willing to help Sarah out and pretend to be a fake boyfriend, is just another level to his fabulousness. 

This is a series that I have always loved and will continue to love for as long as the author is happy to continue writing for it.  More please! 

Book Review - Murder On An Italian Island by T. A. Williams

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Title: Murder On An Italian Island

Author: T. A. Williams

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Boldwood Books

Publication Date: 5th August 2025

Rating: 5 Stars

A holiday island…

When private investigator, Dan Armstrong, and his girlfriend, Anna, are invited to the gorgeous island of Elba for a much-needed break, he jumps at the chance. The thought of sun-drenched shores makes Dan promise Anna he won't “play detective” for a whole week…

A luxury hotel…

Their luxurious hotel, with its wonderful food and picturesque seaside views, seems the perfect escape, especially with Dan's best friend Virgilio and his wife joining them. But the calm shatters with a sinister encounter and a sudden, suspicious death...

A decades old case…

Virgilio’s past connection to the victim casts a long shadow, pulling Dan into a decades-old case. But beneath Elba’s beauty lie secrets and resentments. The victim was universally hated, but was his death the result of foul play or just a tragic accident?

With his faithful canine companion, Oscar, Dan must unravel the island's mysteries, a task that soon takes a decidedly personal and unsettling turn.

Well this is a series that is continually going from strength to strength, and I once again was loving every word of this book. 

It's amazing how much death and murder appears to follow Dan around, even when he is meant to be on a relaxing break with Anna, Lina and Virglio on the island of Elba. 

But this time he pretty much has to get involved as the local police are suspecting someone close to Dan and he needs to clear their name as well as trying to solve the case. 

I have to say I had absolutely no sympathy for the dead in this book, truly despicable people, that needed to be taken out of society in some way shape or form. 

The food descriptions are delicious, and I really felt as though I was in Elba alongside the characters. 

This was an addictive book to read, and is another fabulous story for Dan and Oscar. Oscar really is my favourite ever fictional dog! 

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

Book Review - Hitwoman by Elsie Marks

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Title: Hitwoman

Author: Elsie Marks

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley 

Publisher: HQ Digital

Publication Date: 1st November 2025

Rating: 5 Stars

She always gets her man … but has Maisie Baxter met her match?

*****

Maisie Baxter has a particular set of skills honed over a very successful career.

She’s determined not to let her job at a boutique, ethical assassin agency get in the way of her social life, but it's tough when your hours are extremely unpredictable and you can't share any details of your day.

So she can't tell her friends about the guy that keeps showing up on her missions. Will. He's cute – really cute – and he's desperate to speak to her.

Maisie is sure Will works for the competition but it soon becomes clear that a much greater danger stalks them both. And they're going to have to put aside their professional rivalry and their budding sexual tension if they have any hope of uncovering a conspiracy that goes all the way to the top.

An action-packed, hilarious enemies-to-lovers thriller for fans of Katy Brent, Jesse Sutanto and Ally Carter.

Well this was incredibly addictive. I had been very much enjoying it, sat down to read a bit more with lunch, intending to finish the book when I went out later that day, and instead the next thing I knew about an hour had passed and I was over 9%.  So well I had to finish it at that point. 

And I had been totally oblivious to the world around me as I was reading. I was hooked on Maisie who is an ethical hitwoman, and was surprised at just how messy her life was about to become. 

It starts off gently, getting the reader used to the fact that you are essentially siding with a killer, although she only agrees to kill people that really deserve it, and then a man keeps showing up who she may have an attraction to, and suddenly things are complicated. 

As the story ramps up, I was becoming less sure who I was supposed to believe and who is actually on the side for good and who was just pure evil! It's thrilling and what a journey it takes you on. 

It's fast paced, exhilarating and I was totally there for every last word of it. This is the first book I've read from this author and based on this it definitely won't be my last. I am absolutely a massive fan of this new type of thriller that seems to be emerging and long may it continue. 

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

Book Review - All Together For Christmas by Sarah Morgan

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Title: All Together For Christmas

Author: Sarah Morgan

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: HQ

Publication Date: 23rd October 2025

Rating: 5 Stars

This Christmas, the Balfour family will have more secrets to unwrap than presents …

Becky is stranded at the airport, so when she bumps into her brother’s best friend, Will, and he suggests they drive home together, Becky reluctantly agrees. For the first time, Becky is dreading Christmas, and only Will knows why. Can she trust him to keep her secret?

Her twin sister Rosie married Declan after a whirlwind romance, and now the cracks are starting to appear. Rosie and Declan have agreed to hide their problems from her family, but Rosie’s insecurities are growing. Will this Christmas bring them closer or drive them apart?

Hayley can’t wait for her first Balfour family Christmas with Jamie. The Balfour Christmas traditions sound wonderful, but she’s worried about her place in this close-knit family. Will there be room for her too? And how will they react to the secret she and Jamie have been keeping?

Despite everyone’s best intentions, all the chaos and confusion could derail their normally happy holidays. Can they tell each other the truth in time to enjoy a perfect family Christmas?

This book needs to become a Christmas film, it would look wonderful on the big or small screen, and it has all the elements needed to be a fabulous film., as it would be based on this ridiculously enjoyable story. 

I absolutely loved the dynamics of the Balfour family, even with all the secrets and accusations between them.  But equally it is very clear that siblings Becky, Rosie and Jamie are very close and love each other a lot. 

I loved how Will treats Becky, it is so lovely to see, and I guessed his true reasoning for it, well before Becky realised anything.  Rosie is a bit of a spitfire, she's panicking about her relationship and unsure whether she and Declan will make it. 

While Jamie springs a surprise on the family, with regards Hayley, and I enjoyed seeing how everyone started to get to know Hayley. I loved her character arc, and her delight at experiencing her first ever family Christmas. 

There is even a small fake dating storyline which was from the characters involved an impulsive decision and I enjoyed seeing how that played out. 

This is festive fun, and very heartwarming. An absolute joy to read, and another Christmas cracker of a read from Sarah Morgan. 

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

Book Review - Jingle Spells by Emily Grimoire

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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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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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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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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.