Holly Dates at the Christmas Cottage by Margaret Amatt

 

Holly Dates at the Christmas Cottage

An unexpected bid for something special this Christmas

Perpetually single events manager Tiffany Barlow is used to being in control. So when she agrees to take part in the Holly Dates Auction at Thistle Lodge, it’s with a very specific goal in mind: to catch a respectable date for a high-profile event at a nearby castle. What she doesn’t expect is a last-minute twist…

Reserved English teacher Isaac Emery is looking forward to a peaceful, cosy winter at his grandpa’s Christmas Cottage, pretending he’s perfectly content with his books for company. When he accidentally wins a Holly Date experience at a festive fundraiser, he finds himself committed to a date with Tiffany – someone way out of his league.

As the glittering winter ball at the castle approaches, Tiffany is torn between what she’s been brought up to desire and an unexpected attraction to Isaac.

With a little seasonal nudge from his grandpa, Isaac might risk stepping away from the safety of his solitary world, giving both himself and Tiffany a chance to unwrap true love this Christmas.

Purchase Link - https://mybook.to/hollydates

What did I think.

Book number 20 in the series - how did that happen?

But is it farewell to the series?? I hope not. But all good things have to come to an end at some point I suppose.

This is a lovely festive addition to the series. There are characters old and new - as usual. I enjoy these books and they are lovely and quick to read - perfect for picking up and putting down - but always a delight.

I'm still on the fence about whether it is too early to be reading festive books. But I might be on my own with that one.

If you haven't read this series then I highly recommend it.

Author Bio –

Margaret Amatt is a bestselling Scottish author, professional daydreamer, and certified chocolate addict. She’s been making up stories for as long as she can remember – some of them even made it onto paper (and, tragically, onto floppy disks that no computer can read anymore). After two decades of writing in secret, she finally unleashed her first novel on the world in 2021, kicking off a ten-book series set on the stunning Isle of Mull.

But why stop there? She’s also the creator of The Glenbriar Series, where romance, small-town drama, and a pinch of spice keep readers coming back for more. This series is still going strong, with more books planned, including a spin-off series in 2027 – The Glenbriar Castle Series.

Margaret also has two books out in the Love on the Edge – Barra series, set in the Outer Hebrides.

Margaret has spent her whole life in Scotland’s breath-taking Highland Perthshire, despite her entire extended family coming from the Glasgow area. Her books are romantic and emotional, sweet and funny, and each one can be read as a standalone, but long-time readers know the joy of familiar faces popping up, adding to the chaos.

So, if you love relatable characters, sizzling chemistry, and plenty of banter, you’re in the right place – just don’t blame Margaret when you stay up way too late reading just one more chapter.

Social Media Links –

https://www.margaretamatt.com/subscribe

https://www.facebook.com/MargaretAmattAuthor

https://www.instagram.com/margaret_amatt_author

https://ko-fi.com/margaretamattauthor/shop

A Christmas Wish for the Village Midwife by Tilly Tennant

 

As stars sparkle in wintery skies, the little village of Thimblebury is getting in the Christmas spirit. Fairy lights hang in shop windows, couples kiss under the mistletoe and midwife Zoe Padbury has a heartfelt Christmas wish…

For midwife Zoe Padbury, there’s nowhere more magical than her Lake District home at Christmas. The air smells of hot chocolate and mulled wine, there are Santa cruises on the lakes, and Zoe has her hands full welcoming babies into the world – the best presents of all.

But at home at Kestrel Cottage, despite the lights twinkling on the tree, the mood is far from festive. Zoe has just had unexpected news: she may never be able to have children. She and her boyfriend Alex have been dreaming of starting a family of their own, and as she watches Alex put together the perfect Christmas for his daughter Billie, she hides her heartbreak. She’s determined not to ruin the holidays for him…

Zoe wraps presents with Billie, and sees Alex look at them both with such love. The season should be joyful, but she’s far from feeling light and hope. But what’s more important at Christmas? Keeping the peace or telling the truth? Zoe’s only wish is for many more Christmases with those she loves. But is her relationship strong enough to survive the secrets she’s been keeping?

A gorgeous heart-warming festive read about coming together at Christmas. Fans of Jessica Redland, Jo Bartlett and Shari Low will fall in love with A Christmas Wish for the Village Midwife.

What everyone is saying about Tilly Tennant:

‘Literally couldn’t put it down! Makes you laugh and tugs at the heartstrings, all in one go!… absolutely perfect!… breath-taking… made me cry and it made me laugh… filled me with warm feelings.’ Stardust Book Reviews, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘I was hooked! Every chapter left me wanting to carry on reading. My housework and family have pretty much been neglected whilst I have read this!… This is the perfect holiday read, or lazy Sunday afternoon read or that perfect distraction to a dreary weekday commute.’ Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘I loved every minute of it… I was glued to my Kindle for a few days that’s for sure!… A really brilliant read that will leave you hooked even after a few pages.’ The Cosiest Corner, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘Fantastic… If you’ve not read any books by this author, why the heck not?! Do it now… you won’t regret it! I just love love loved it.’ StefLoz Book Reviews, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘A fabulous, feel-good book that will make you go through every single emotion possible. It’s an absolute gem of a book and one simply not to be missed.’ Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘Aww what a beautiful read this was!!!… fantastic… made me laugh out loud… an absolutely gorgeous read.’ Bookworm86, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘Loved this… Drew me in from the first page… Put a smile on my face, a warm feeling in my heart from beginning to end… Perfect to cuddle up with.’ NetGalley reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

What did I think?

This is the 5th book in the Village Midwife series. When I started reading I began to question myself as to whether I had read all of the books in the series. I have a feeling I haven't - but no worries as although the location and some of the characters remain the same each book can be read as a standalone.

I'm still feeling it is a little early to be reading festive stories. Although I no longer have a woodburner I always feel like the heating should be on and it be dark outside to get the full effect. Still a little way off both up herer in Scotland.

The story as usual isn't simply about babies and delivering babies - it is about so much more.  It is full of family and community spirit along with infertility and overcoming hurdles.

A charming read.

Tilly Tennant

From a young age, Tilly Tennant was convinced that she was destined for the stage. Once she realised she wasn’t actually very good at anything that would put her on the stage, she started to write stories instead. There were lots of terrible ones, like The Pet Rescue Gang (aged eight), which definitely should not see the light of day ever again. Thankfully, her debut novel, Hopelessly Devoted to Holden Finn was not one of those, and since it hit the Amazon best seller lists she hasn’t looked back. Born in Dorset, she currently lives in Staffordshire with her husband, two daughters, three guitars, four ukuleles, two violins and a kazoo.

• Mailing List: https://bookouture.com/subscribe/tilly-tennant
• Website: https://tillytennant.com/
• Facebook: https://facebook.com/TillyTennant/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tillytennant6000

Winter Magic at Hollybrae Castle

 

Winter Magic at Hollybrae Castle

A Scottish castle, a fake marriage… and one very real Christmas romance?

After a window display goes disastrously viral – thanks to a malfunctioning animatronic Santa and an unfortunate encounter with Paddington Bear – Lula Haines finds herself without a job just weeks before Christmas. So she jumps at the chance to decorate Hollybrae Castle in Scotland for the holidays.

There’s just one complication: her handsome new boss, Oliver Bracewell, needs a fake wife for the festive season. To secure a promotion that could save his family’s castle, Ollie has been pretending to be a married father-of-two to impress the family-focused firm where he works. Now his bosses are coming to stay at Hollybrae over Christmas… expecting to meet his non-existent wife and children.

At first, playing along is easy as Lula is swept up in the magic of turning Hollybrae into the perfect festive escape with Ollie. But as Christmas draws nearer and she and Ollie grow closer, Lula begins to wonder if Hollybrae could become more than a temporary escape… and if the man she’s only pretending to love might actually be the one she’s been waiting for all along.

With heaps of tartan, tinsel and Christmas magic, this uplifting romance is perfect for fans of Trisha Ashley, Heidi Swain, Cressida McLaughlin, Ellie Henderson or Jessica Redland!

Purchase Links Amazon UK https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0GM2WTCSZ/ Amazon US https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0GM2WTCSZ/

What did I think?

I love Jaimie's books. She writes such wonderful stories all of which are sprinkled with a little bit of fairy dust.

I was a little wary of reading a festive book so early in the year -  but I shouldn't have worried. It was a delightful story - heart warming, amusing and romantic. I had such a nostalgic feeling when I was reading - it felt like the sort of Christmas we used to dream about.

And of course - a book set in Scotland is always a winner with me. I've been lucky this year to have visited quite a few castles with my National Trust for Scotland membership - so I could picture Hollybrae in my head. 

This is definately a book to add to your holiday TBR pile and with hindsight I wish I had read it a bit closer to the season - as sometimes I struggle to feel particularly festive.

Author Bio –

Jaimie Admans is the bestselling author of several romantic comedies – including The Little Christmas Shop on Nutcracker Lane and The Post Box at the North Pole. Her series for Boldwood, The Ever After Street Series, is based on the magical world of fairytales.

 

Social Media Links –

Facebook: @JaimieAdmansBooks

Twitter: @be_the_spark

Instagram: @jaimieadmans1 Newsletter Sign Up: https://bit.ly/JaimieAdmansNews

The Twilight Garden by Emma Davies

 A secret garden. A moonlit reunion. And a chance to start again…?

Perched on a hilltop in the Cornish countryside, with the sea sparkling in the distance, lies a garden, once forgotten but recently rediscovered. As the sun sets over its gently crumbling walls every evening, two figures appear and quietly tend the soil at dusk. This is a place that heals the soul.

Gemma is here to find the version of herself she lost long ago. What she hasn’t expected to find is someone who understands her heartbreak all too well.

Leo is also trying to rebuild his life. He knows how to fix things around him with nails and a hammer. But if he tries to mend Gemma’s heart as he mends the garden, could he heal himself too?

Working side by side to uncover long-forgotten flowers in the garden, Gemma wonders if she’s planting the seeds for a whole new future for herself too.

But then one evening, it’s clear somebody else has been to the garden. Someone intending to destroy what they’re creating. Someone who needs to be stopped….

What did I think?

I haven't read a book by Emma in quite a while I think. But isn't that cover just beautiful. That's what made me want to read this book.

I found this a gentle and heart warming story as Gemma relocates to Cornwall to start a new life. I am a true believer in that if things aren't going well - if we can be brave enough - we have to grab chances with both hands to make a change.

I was really hoping things were going to work the way I wanted with Gemma and Leo - but I'm not going to spoil anything in case you haven't read it yet.

This is a story of second chances, of friendships and of a sprinkle of magic with the secret garden.

Can Gemma and Leo save the tumbledown, magical place that has saved them? Or will they lose the twilight garden forever?

An absolutely unputdownable story about lost love, second chances, and the importance finding your true self. Fans of The Last List of Mabel Beaumont, Sally Page and Amanda Prowse will adore this stunning, heartbreaking and yet uplifting novel of finding hope in the most unexpected of places.

Readers love Emma Davies:

‘OMG!!! I ABSOLUTELY LOVE, LOVE, LOVED THISBOOK… BE STILL MY BEATING HEART!!!!… Absolutely addictive… Stunning!!… My favourite book this year!!!!… Just OMG!!! Absolutely brilliant!!!… I absolutely LOVED this addictive and emotive page-turner!!!… Truly amazing in every single way… Captured my attention from the very first page and kept me glued to the pages until the very last word… one gorgeous and unputdownable stunner ❤️!!!’ bookwormwhitlock86, ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

‘Delightful… Stole my heart at that very first page… Had my attention from cover to cover. I couldn’t put it down… I LOVED this!!!!’ PageTurners, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘I absolutely loved… devoured it in one sitting!… had me hooked right from the prologue and I was completely in its clutches… enthralling, enchanting and utterly captivating.’ Once Upon a Time Book Blog, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘Heart-warming… I couldn’t put it down… Read it in one sitting… Beautiful… I got swept away!’ emmas_books_and_more, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘An absolute joy to read. Everything about this book was so good… I could almost smell the baking coming out of my kindle… the perfect read curled up in a chair with a cuppa and a slice of cake.’ Goodreads reviewer, ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

‘In love… Held me in a cosy embrace… I couldn’t put this book down.’ Goodreads reviewer, ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

‘Amazing… I was totally hooked right from the beginning. Loved every minute of it.’ susannescott, ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

‘Loved! Read in one sitting. Couldn’t put it down.’ Goodreads reviewer, ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

‘Fantastic… I couldn’t and didn’t want to put this book down. Read it in one sitting… it was just that good.’ Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Emma once worked for a design studio where she was asked to provide a fun, humorous, and not necessarily true anecdote about herself for their website. She wrote the following: ‘I am a bestselling novelist currently masquerading as a thirty something mother of three.’ Well the job didn’t work out but she’s now a forty something mother of three and happy to report the rest of her dream came true.

She now lives in rural Shropshire where she writes full time from a shed in the garden.

• Mailing List: https://bookouture.com/subscribe/emma-davies
• Website: https://www.emmadaviesauthor.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authoremmadavies/
• Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7974455.Emma_Davies

Love Song at the Music Festival by Margaret Amatt

 Love Song at the Music Festival

From Heartbreak to Harmony

After young music teacher Mirren Elphinstone’s entitled boyfriend dumps her and walks out on local band Tavrach, Mirren has a score to settle. Despite her usually sunny, helpful nature, she decides auditioning for the vacant lead singer role is the perfect way to get payback. Tavrach’s enigmatic frontman, Adam Cormac, is desperate. With the Autumn Gold Festival fast approaching, the band needs a new lead singer – and fast. When only one hopeful turns up – a golden-haired beauty with the voice of an angel – Adam takes a chance. He soon discovers Mirren is the ex of the sneaky band member who not only abandoned them but stole some of Adam’s compositions. Tempers flare, until the tension between Adam and Mirren turns electric. What began as revenge quickly explodes into an attraction as powerful as their duets – but Adam’s been burned too often to risk his heart lightly. If they want a chance to turn heartbreak into harmony, Adam must believe he’s more than a stopgap, while Mirren must choose love on her own terms. Only then can they strike a lasting chord before the curtain falls. Purchase Link - https://mybook.to/lovesongmusic

What did I think about it?

This is the 19th book in the Glenbriar series - and I love them. Mainly because they are all set in in Scotland.

A great addition to the series - some characters from previous books along with some new ones. Loved the main characters of Mirren and Adam. Both have been through the mill somewhat - but have found each other. I enjoyed reading about the blossoming romance - and I was willing things to work out between them.

Was it just me - but the cover was giving my Autumnal even Halloweeny feels. Must have been the orange.

Author Bio –

Margaret Amatt is a bestselling Scottish author, professional daydreamer, and certified chocolate addict. She’s been making up stories for as long as she can remember – some of them even made it onto paper (and, tragically, onto floppy disks that no computer can read anymore). After two decades of writing in secret, she finally unleashed her first novel on the world in 2021, kicking off a ten-book series set on the stunning Isle of Mull.

But why stop there? She’s also the creator of The Glenbriar Series, where romance, small-town drama, and a pinch of spice keep readers coming back for more. This series is still going strong, with more books planned, including a spin-off series in 2027.

Margaret also has two books out in the Love on the Edge – Barra series, set in the Outer Hebrides.

Margaret has spent her whole life in Scotland’s breath-taking Highland Perthshire, despite her entire extended family coming from the Glasgow area. Her books are romantic and emotional, sweet and funny, and each one can be read as a standalone, but long-time readers know the joy of familiar faces popping up, adding to the chaos.

So, if you love relatable characters, sizzling chemistry, and plenty of banter, you’re in the right place – just don’t blame Margaret when you stay up way too late reading just one more chapter.

Social Media Links – https://www.margaretamatt.com/subscribe https://www.facebook.com/MargaretAmattAuthor https://www.instagram.com/margaret_amatt_author https://ko-fi.com/margaretamattauthor/shop

The Greek Cafe by Sue Roberts

 Tucked away on the edge of a lemon grove is a long-forgotten café overlooking a glittering blue sea. Erin gazes at the For Sale sign leaning against the faded blue door. Could this be the place to finally start over?

Newly single Erin is desperately in need of a fresh start. So when the opportunity to work at a holiday resort on a sun-soaked Greek island comes her way, she can’t say no. Even if it was the last place she visited with her ex-boyfriend…

A summer escape is just what Erin needs but forgetting her broken heart seems impossible. Then she stumbles across a charming old café hidden at the bottom of a forgotten lemon grove and feels instantly drawn to it. Despite the blue paint flaking on the door, she feels sure this is the place to help mend her heart.

Using all the savings she has, Erin decides to bring the café back to life with the help of sexy local boatsman, Takis. His broad shoulders and dark brown eyes make her stomach flutter. And as they work together to restore the café, Erin imagines what life could look like if she left her heartache in the past…

But just as Erin’s feelings for Takis begin to grow, a storm sweeps in and threatens to destroy everything they’ve worked for. Is this a sign Erin should book the next flight home? Or should she give this gorgeous island and love a second chance?

Get ready to be swept away to the blue skies, golden sands and lapping waves of Greece in this gorgeous, feel-good novel. Perfect for fans of Jenny Colgan, Kate Frost and Mandy Baggot.

What did I think?

No Summer holiday for me this year I'm afraid. Reading books in gorgeous foreign locations is as close as I'm going to get. But I have to admit I do not hanker after a bit of sunshine or warmth - I live in one of the most beautiful parts of the country with beaches on my doorstep - so why would I want to go anywhere else?

 I did enjoy this Summer read (my part of the UK escaped the heatwave thankfully)  - felt like an armchair traveller like I do when I watch Michael Palin gadding about. Loved the descriptions of the locations, the food and of course the characters. 

This is a story of second chances (something I can really relate to) Life is for living and sometimes we need to grab opportunities with both hands - even if it is a scary concept.

This is a slow burn of a story - but in the best possible way. Not to be rished - but to be enjoyed.

What readers are saying about The Greek Café:

‘Absolutely fantastically gorgeous and page-turning!!!!… Prepare to be whisked away!!!… I genuinely could not put this book down and devoured it in just one sitting… Absolutely STUNNING!!!’ Bookworm86, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘Pure sunshine between the pages… If you’re dreaming of escaping to a beautiful Greek island, this is the perfect summer read… Heart-warming… It left me smiling long after I’d turned the final page… Gorgeous!’ NetGalley reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘Kept me up reading the entire night! I absolutely devoured it!… An amazingly cute read!’ bookish_jessx, ⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘Beautiful… Absolutely adored… kept me gripped… Charming… Pack your virtual bags and escape to Rhodes; I’m sure you’ll love it.’ Book Escapes, ⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘Another fantastic read from Sue Roberts! I loved it from start to finish!’ Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘Makes you feel like you are actually in Greece and sampling its delicacies with the sun soaking into your skin… Beautiful… The perfect summer read.’ Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘You won’t want to put the book down… You can almost taste the food and drink that is served in the sunshine… The perfect summer romance escape.’ Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘Loved… A warm, escapist read filled with friendship, resilience, gentle romance, and beautiful Greek scenery that made me want to pack my bags for Rhodes.’ My Sanctuary, ⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘This one has nudged itself right into my heart. I loved it… My mouth was watering… Wonderful.’ Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘I have fallen in love with Sue Robert’s writing… She has a way with words, just capable of making everything sound so beautiful… A perfect beach read, especially if you are travelling to Greece!’ Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘Charming… Kept me engrossed from beginning to end… Fabulous… A heart-warming and inspiring read.’ Page Turners, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘I love this! Gorgeous… Loved the characters and the storyline.’ Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Sue Roberts lives in Lancashire with her long term partner Derek and has had a lifelong love of writing, encouraged by winning a school writing competition at the age of 11.

She always assumed that ‘one day’ she would write a book, always having a busy household and a job, the idea remained firmly on the back burner but never forgotten.

The inspiration for her first novel came to her on a holiday to a Greek village. Her daughters had left home and suddenly the time had come to write that book!

My Chance To Fly by Samantha Tonge

 

My Chance to Fly

A BRAND NEW sparkling, uplifting story about love, friendship and learning to spread your wings from Samantha Tonge✨🦋 Perfect for fans of Shari Low, Faith Hogan and Evie Woods!

Una Lowe lives a perfectly edited life in London. Other than her best friend, she’s careful about who she lets in. Emotional complications are just that – complicated. That is, until she rescues a rare white swallow… who might have just flown in to change her life.

Because, when her beloved swallow fails to return from migration one year, Una’s world crumbles. But a viral social media campaign brings a miraculous response from a man in Bavaria named Konrad, who claims the bird has also visited him. Which leads him to invite Una to his picturesque village for the chance to see their shared feathered friend together.

Stepping out of her comfort zone, Una flies to Germany. Amidst snow-dusted streets, local festivals, and Konrad’s undeniable charm, Una’s protective walls begin to fall down.

But when the complication she’s avoided her whole life comes for her, she’s forced to confront her deepest fears. As autumn turns to winter, and inspired by the tiny, brave bird that brought them together, Una must decide if she is finally ready to risk her heart.

Is the only way to know if you can fly to face a possibility of falling…?

Purchase Link https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0GD64WCQ6 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0GD64WCQ6

Author Bio –

Samantha Tonge lives in Manchester UK. She studied German and French at university and has worked abroad, including a stint at Disneyland Paris. She has travelled widely.

Samantha has sold many dozens of short stories to women’s magazines. She is represented by Darley Anderson Agency & Associates. In 2015 her summer novel, Game of Scones, hit #5 in the UK Kindle chart and won the Love Stories Awards Best Romantic Ebook category. In 2020 one of her novels won the RNA's Jackie Collins Romantic Thriller Award. Currently Samantha writes uplifting, emotional women's fiction for Boldwood Books. She seeks to raise a smile, and make a reader feel they are not alone with the challenges of life.

What did I think?

The blurb for this book sounded intriguing - not sure I have read a book where the main character has a rescued bird as a pet - let alone a swallow.

But once I started reading I could see that the swallow - called Blue - represents freedom, of opening your wings and trying something new. A very uplifting metaphor.

My heart was in my mouth when Blue didn't return from his usual migration. But this led Una on a journey and out of her comfort zone.

Such an uplifting story and one that really resonated with me. My life changed quite significantly a few years ago and I couldn't see much of a future. But I put my brave pants on and tried new things and met new folk - and I'm happier and more at peace than I have ever been.

Social Media Links –

Instagram: samanthatongeauthor X: https://x.com/SamTongeWriter Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SamanthaTongeAuthor

The Little Porto Book Club by Rebecca Raisin

 

The Little Porto Book Club

In a city full of stories, can she write her own…

Introvert and self-described whodunnit enthusiast Viviane has never much believed in living life outside of the pages of a book. But when her interfering mother insists that Viviane needs some friends who aren’t fictional, she decides to head into the beautiful bustling streets of Porto in search of her community.

What better place to start than by reading her favourite mystery in the corner of a little-known café? But when one, then two, and then outrageously six other people decide to join her silent book club Viviane realises that she is firmly out of her depth. There’s Thomas, a middle-aged man hiding his love for romance novels, Lucinda, a chic sixty-something with a penchant for Christie, and then there’s Tiago, the man of every romance novelist’s dreams.

But when one of these newfound friends disappears from the book club without a word, will the community come together to find their fellow lost soul, and will Viviane find love along the way…?

Purchase Links https://amzn.eu/d/0an1mkon https://a.co/d/09BBX9Ol https://amzn.asia/d/0gWivcP7 https://a.co/d/06QBhgxV

What did I think?

I love Rebecca's books - ever since I read the Cedarwood Lodge series.

Loved Viviane and following her journey - being encouraged by her mother to get out into the world and try new things. I think we are all a little reticent to try new things - but when circumstances force us out of our comfort zones = sometimes good things can happen.

Never been to Porto - but it sounds amazing. The book club - the member sound intriguing with a few secrets along the way.

This was a story of friendships in the sunshine. What is there not to like?

Author Bio – Rebecca Raisin is an internationally bestselling and RNA awards winning romance writer from Perth, Australia. Her books are set in stunning locations around the world providing a touch of escapism for her readers and those who like to partake in a spot of armchair travel from the comfort of their own home. Rebecca writes quirky heroines who haven't figured it all out yet but are perfectly relatable, flaws and all. You'll find themes such as friendship, love, new beginnings, food, wine and travel. She's known for writing books for book lovers.

Social Media Links – https://www.facebook.com/RebeccaRaisinAuthor www.twitter.com/jaxandwillsmum https://www.instagram.com/rebeccaraisinwrites2/ Rebecca Raisin’s Exclusive Readers | Facebook RebeccaRaisinWrites (@rebeccaraisinwrites) | TikTok

The Way Home by Amanda Prowse

From the multimillion-copy bestselling author of Waiting to Begin and Ever After comes an evocative, tender story about belonging, community, and the relationships that hold us together.

What if a stranger threatened to take away a lifetime of cherished memories?

Lilly-Bob loves her home by the River Thames in the heart of London. Throughout her childhood, it echoed with music and her father’s love, and for seventy years it’s been her sanctuary through a life well lived. These days, the familiar walls and treasured memories keep loneliness at bay.

But for months she’s been ignoring letters from a building developer, and now a compulsory purchase scheme threatens to take her home by force. Seventeen-year-old Lilly-Bob didn’t fear change, but present-day Lilly refuses to let go.

As the pressure builds, Lilly feels increasingly alone. But as her neighbours rally together, she finds herself drawn into the fold—making new friends, finding purpose, and glimpsing the possibility of something new.

Torn between the comfort of the past and the call of progress, Lilly-Bob must is home made of bricks and mortar, or is it a place inside ourselves?

 What did I think?

I love Amanda's books - she is one of my go to authors - if she has written a new book I just know I will be reading it

Always relatable. Always believable. Always great characters. And this one was no exception.

A dual time line is usually a winner with me and I thoroughly enjoyed Lily Bobs back story as well as her current situation. Made me think how would a grandparent of mine feel if this was them.

It is a book of friendships, of community and of support. Yes, there is some sadness (I might have needed a tissue on several occasions) but there are also funny bits. 

Don't you ever stop writing Amanda - I'm not sure I could cope :)

Perfect Moments at Duck Pond Cottage by Della Galton

 Perfect Moments at Duck Pond Cottage

When two best friends decide to share their wedding day, what could possibly go wrong?

Jade is over the moon to be tying the knot alongside her best friend, Sarah, at the stunning Bluebell Cliff Hotel in Dorset—a venue where no detail is too small and no expense is spared in the pursuit of perfection.

But as the big day draws closer, so do the complications.

A long-lost relative, a troublesome brother, and some wildly unexpected animal antics all threaten to derail the brides’ dream celebrations.

With emotions running high and chaos around every corner, their perfect day begins to unravel.

Can love and friendship hold everything together when it matters most?

Purchase Link - https://mybook.to/2jl2z1

Perfect Moments at Duck Pond Cottage

Author Bio –

Della Galton is the bestselling author of several romantic comedies set around the Dorset beaches and the beautiful New Forest. Her stories feature strong female friendship, quirky characters and very often the animals she loves. When she is not writing she enjoys walking her dogs around the beautiful Dorset countryside.

Social Media Links – https://www.facebook.com/DailyDella/ https://x.com/DellaGalton https://www.instagram.com/dellagalton/ https://www.amazon.co.uk/stores/Della-Galton/author/B001K7P4XK?ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1&qid=1773152407&sr=8-1&shoppingPortalEnabled=true

What did I think?

It has been a while since I read a Della Galton book - I majorly lost my reading mojo for  while whilst life well and truly got in the way.

And how better to get it back with a gentle comforting read - and this book was like a hug in paper form.

Two best friends sharing a wedding day. Include a few mishaps. And a few animals. And you have an entertaining read. Of course the path of true love never runs smooth - so there will be a few hiccups along the way. But nothing that cannot be overcome. Love and friendship will find a way.

Although this is part of a series I think it would work just as well as a standalone title. 

 Bio –

Della Galton is the bestselling author of several romantic comedies set around the Dorset beaches and the beautiful New Forest. Her stories feature strong female friendship, quirky characters and very often the animals she loves. When she is not writing she enjoys walking her dogs around the beautiful Dorset countryside.

Social Media Links – https://www.facebook.com/DailyDella/ https://x.com/DellaGalton https://www.instagram.com/dellagalton/ https://www.amazon.co.uk/stores/Della-Galton/author/B001K7P4XK?ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1&qid=1773152407&sr=8-1&shoppingPortalEnabled=true