Carmen has always worked in her local department store. So, when the gorgeous old building closes its doors for good, she is more than a little lost.

When her sister, Sofia, mentions an opportunity in Edinburgh – a cute little bookshop, the spare room in her house – Carmen is reluctant, she was never very good at accepting help. But, short on options, she soon finds herself pulling into the snowy city just a month before Christmas.

What Sofia didn’t say is that the shop is on its last legs and that if Carmen can’t help turn things around before Christmas, the owner will be forced to sell. Privately, Sofia is sure it will take more than a miracle to save the store, but maybe this Christmas, Carmen might surprise them all…

My Thoughts:

I am a big fan of Jenny’s and all of her books I have loved. This one has to be my favourite at the moment. I had to re-read it just because it is such a feel good story. When Carmen’s job comes to an end she considers moving to Edinburgh which is closer to her sister and the job is at bookshop. But what Carmen finds is not what she was expecting, is this job too much for her? she needs to help the owner turn it around and if she can it will be a miracle. The place is in rack and ruin and really needs a good clean, Carmen is determined to help and turn the bookshop around and what she does with the place is incredible. The best thing she does are the window displays it really warmed my heart. It was a wonderful read and I love how Carmen evolves as a person, all she does for everyone else too. This book is the perfect escapism but also give you the Christmas vibes too. It is a magical story that I will not forget in a hurry and one that got me more excited about Christmas.

I received an ARC copy of this book for an honest review.

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It was supposed to be Christy Sullivan’s perfect Christmas escape – a dream trip to Lapland with her family and best friend, Alix. But facing a make-or-break marriage crisis, Christy desperately needs time alone with her husband, Seb. Her solution? Alix, along with Seb’s oldest friend, Zac, can take Christy’s daughter on the planned Lapland trip, and they will all reunite there for Christmas Day. After all, what are friends for?

There’s nothing Alix won’t do for Christy, but Christy’s plan to save Christmas is testing their friendship. Especially as Alix and Zac have a difficult history of their own.

As long-held secrets unravel, and unexpected romance shines under the Northern Lights, can Christy and Alix find the courage to fight for the relationships they really want? And could this Christmas escape save the precious gift of each other’s friendship?

My Thoughts:

Christmas is not Christmas without a Sarah Morgan novel in your hands. I couldn’t wait to read this perfect festive read, it really good me in the festive mood too. This is about two love stories and a family reunion, the characters are all brilliant and relatable, I fell in love with the setting and have always wanted to see the Northern Lights, it sounded so magical. The story line is one that is uplifting and joyous and it really is a great treat to be able to dive into this book early. Sarah’s stories just get better and better and I look forward to reading her next book very soon. It feels a privilege to be able to read Sarah’s books.

I received an ARC copy of this book for an honest review.

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When Laurel returns to the village of Middledip, she’s looking for a quiet life. Adjusting to her recent divorce, she’s ready to spend some time getting back on her feet amidst the glorious snow-dusted countryside.

Yet, life in Middledip is far from straightforward. Coming to the aid of her sister, Rea, as she navigates her own troubles, Laurel barely has a moment to think about where her own life is going.

However, time stands still when she sees her old flame, Grady Cassidy – and it’s soon as if they’ve never been apart. But through her happiness, Laurel remembers why she left the village all those years ago, as she recalls a dark night and Grady’s once-wayward brother, Mac…

Can Laurel learn to forgive and forget? Or will her chances of Christmas under the mistletoe with Grady remain a dream?

My Thoughts:

This was such a fun and festive read, that got me in the festive mood for Christmas. It is about Laurel and what happens when she returns to Middledip, she has had quite a lot going on and she is looking for a bit of peace and quiet. Fat chance of that what with her sister who has her own problems and also an old flame to contend with, will Laurel ever get back on her feet and find her peace and quiet. I liked how the story flowed throughout, I feel as though Laurel and her sister Rea both have relatable problems in their life so people will be able to relate to them. I absolutely loved the last few chapters, it made me feel warm and cosy thinking about settling down with friends and family and being at peace with each other. Such a perfect Christmas read to snuggle down with.

I received an ARC copy of this book for an honest review.

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When their grandfather dies, Fliss and her sisters are astonished to inherit a French chateau! Travelling to Normandy to visit the beautiful if faded house, they excitedly make plans over delicious crepes and local cider in the town nearby.

They soon discover the chateau needs major work and a huge tax bill is due . . . Unable to sell but strapped for cash, Fliss determines to spruce up the elegant old rooms and open a B&B.

But Jacques, the handsome town mayor, is opposed to her plan. When it becomes clear that the only way to save the magnificent castle is to work together, Jacques and Fliss discover that they have more in common than they think…

My Thoughts:

I have read a few of Jo’s books now and have always enjoyed them, they are the perfect escapism with such beautiful settings that you wish you could step into the book. When Fliss and her sisters inherit a Chateau in France after their grandfather dies, they cannot believe it, but little do they know how much work the chateau needs, it is very run down but can Fliss and her sisters give it all the TLC it needs to be opened up again with much needed paying guests? there are always people that are going to stand in their way but can they work together and put a plan into action? I loved everything about this read, the setting in France, doing up a Chateau, and I found the characters just made this delightful read.

I received an ARC copy of this book for an honest review.

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One terrible moment changes everything for teenagers Kate and David. Brought together during the darkest of times, a spark of hope is ignited between them – a hand held in the darkness, a promise whispered. Neither of them will ever forget those moments.

It’s another ten years before they meet once more, and their lives are now so different. The promise they made to each other on that fateful day still binds them, but now they have so much more to lose.

Have they missed their one chance at happiness? They only way they will ever know is to risk everything to be together. Is that too high a price to pay for love…?

My Thoughts:

I found that this story goes a lot more deeper than I was expecting it too, and I enjoyed reading Kate and David’s stories. The event that happened that time in Northern Ireland is what the story is based around. Two people that were thrown together and now ten years later how will they feel when they see each other? Emma writing is brilliant, you really feel as a reader that you are getting the characters real thoughts on the situation. Emma is sensitive with her words but goes into great detail where it is needed. The story is about overcoming obstacles and finding love. I really liked it.

I received an ARC copy of this book for an honest review.

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FATE PULLED THEM APART BUT NOT BEFORE THEY MADE A PROMISE.

TEN CHRISTMASES LATER, WILL THEIR WISH COME TRUE? . . .

As Norah battles through the bustling December crowds, she hears the notes of a song that transports her back to the most romantic week of her life.

After meeting on a blissful holiday, but knowing they had to part, a boy named Andrew made her a promise:

If they are both single on Christmas Eve in ten years’ time, they will meet under the clock on Grafton Street, Dublin.

Norah has no idea if he will remember, but she has nothing to lose.

So, hoping for a Christmas miracle, she heads to Dublin. To that clock. And, maybe, to Andrew.

But it wouldn’t be Christmas without a few surprises . . .

My Thoughts:

I really enjoyed this festive read, it was like someone giving you a warm hug. Norah is going to Dublin to meet someone she has not seen for ten years, he made her a promise that if they are both single on Christmas Eve in ten years time, they will meet under the clock on Grafton Street in Dublin. Norah has nothing to lose so decides to invite her good friend to come with her, but what will happen when she gets there? there are a few twists in this story too, It is a little cheesy but that is what makes it a good story. I kind of guessed what may happen but I still thoroughly enjoyed the story.

I received an ARC copy of this book for an honest review.

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1973: a final, top-secret mission to the Moon. Three astronauts in a tiny module, a quarter of a million miles from home. A quarter of a million miles from help.

As Russian and American crews sprint for a secret bounty hidden away on the lunar surface, old rivalries blossom and the political stakes are stretched to breaking point back on Earth. Houston flight controller Kazimieras ‘Kaz’ Zemeckis must do all he can to keep the NASA crew together, while staying one step ahead of his Soviet rivals. But not everyone on board Apollo 18 is quite who they appear to be.

Full of fascinating technical detail, twists and tension, The Apollo Murders puts you right there in the moment. Experience the dark majesty of space, the fierce G-forces of launch and the rush of holding on to the outside of a spacecraft travelling at 17,000 mph, as told by a former Commander of the International Space Station who has done all of those things in real life.

My Thoughts:

This is not my usual read but anything to do with space gets me intrigued. I found this a fascinating insight into all things space, I found it took me longer to read as I wanted to fully concentrate and breathe it all in. I have never read a book like this before so didn’t know what to expect, I found I really enjoyed it. It is such a fascinating story and one that would be brilliant if it was made into a film. Each chapter I was captivated and I felt as though I learnt a lot from this book that I never even realised happened. A very good read one that I will definitely re-read.

I received an ARC copy of this book for an honest review.

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Effie’s still not over her parents splitting up a year ago. Her dad and his new girlfriend are posting their PDAs all over Instagram – and no one should have to deal with photos of their dad with the hashtags #viagraworks and #sexinyoursixties. Now they’re selling the beloved family home and holding a ‘house-cooling’ party. When Effie receives only a last-minute ‘anti-invitation’, she decides to give it a miss.

Until she remembers her precious Russian dolls, safely tucked away up a chimney. She’ll have to go back for them – but not as a guest. She’ll just creep in, grab the dolls and make a swift exit. No one will know she was ever there.

Of course, nothing goes to plan. Not only does Effie bump into her ex-boyfriend (who she’s very much not over), she can’t find the dolls. And as she secretly clambers around dusty attics, hides under tables and mournfully eyes up the dessert table, she discovers unexpected truths about her family – and even about herself.

With time (and hiding places) running out, Effie starts to wonder if she’d be better off simply crashing the party. Perhaps that’s the only way to find out what’s really going on with her family…

My Thoughts:

I haven’t read too many of Sophie’s books before so thought I would give this one a go. I just found it a bit cringey. The story line is a one that I am sure people can relate too so hopefully it will make them feel less alone. Effie’s mum and dad have split up and now he parading his new girlfriend round like he is a new man. Meanwhile the new girlfriend is trying to get her mitts on anything and everything and Effie is not a fan. Her dad and his new girlfriend decide to sell the family home and have a house cooling party but Effie is not sure she wants to go, but she has things at her house she wants, can she sneak in and get them without being spotted? when being hidden she discovers some family secrets she didn’t know and now she wants to know what is really going on. It was an ok story, a little funny in parts and wondering what Effie would do next.

I received an ARC copy of this book for an honest review.

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If you open your door to the Midnight Man, hide with a candle wherever you can. Try not to scream as he draws near, because one of you won’t be leaving here…

On Halloween night in Slayton, five girls go to Blackhall Manor to play the Midnight Game. They write their names on a piece of paper and prick their fingers to soak it in blood. At exactly midnight they knock on the door twenty-two times – they have invited the Midnight Man in.

It was supposed to be a game, but only four girls come home.

Detective Sarah Noble has just returned to the force, and no one knows more about Blackhall Manor than her. It’s a case that will take Sarah back to everything she’s been running from, and shake her to the core.

Will she be ready to meet the Midnight Man?

My Thoughts:

This was such a good read. It is suspenseful and chilling and I didn’t want to put it down. I loved the story line and how captivating each chapter was, it made me want to keep reading on. The story is about five girls that go to Blackhall Manor which is a run down disused house and they go there to play the Midnight Game, they have to do certain things to make sure the Midnight Man comes in. When only four girls come home, they know something dreadful has happened. The story then concentrates on the Detective who has just come back to the force and she knows more about Blackhall Manor than anyone else. The twists and turns keep coming and the ending was absolutely brilliant. Caroline is an author that I will be looking out for in the future.

I received an ARC copy of this book for an honest review.

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Shay Bastable is the woman in the middle. She is part of the sandwich generation – caring for her parents and her children, supporting her husband Bruce, holding them all together and caring for them as best she can.
 
Then the arrival of a large orange skip on her mother’s estate sets in motion a cataclysmic series of events which leads to the collapse of Shay’s world. She is forced to put herself first for a change.
 
But in order to move forward with her present, Shay needs to make sense of her past. And so she returns to the little village she grew up in, to uncover the truth about what happened to her when she was younger. And in doing so, she discovers that sometimes you have to hit rock bottom to find the only way is up.

My Thoughts:

Milly has done it again, she has brought out another cracker of a read. I couldn’t wait to read this book and I didn’t want to put it down either. I like the way Milly writes about real life situations and I am sure people will be able to relate to one or another of the characters in this book. I really warmed to Shay, I really felt sorry for her what she has and is going through, she doesn’t have any support from home, her mum and dad are not very well, her sister is a right pain and her husband well don’t get me started on Bruce. Shay is always the person in the middle and she literally can’t take that much weight on her shoulders anymore so needs to break away. I think this book showed me that even at your lowest there is a way out of there and you just got to take the bull by the horns and believe in yourself that you can do it. A powerful novel that is relatable and you just wont want to put it down.

I received an ARC copy of this book for an honest review.

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