Guest Review: A Postcard from Puffin Island by Christie Barlow

Verity Callaway is running away.

From her job.

From her quiet life in the Midlands.

And most of all from her ex-fiancée…who has just become her newest neighbour.

The plan is simple: hop in her reliable camper van and cross the Channel, headed for a rendezvous with her best friend in Amsterdam to kick off six months of travel. But when Verity stumbles across a decades-old postcard while preparing her cottage for its temporary tenants, her life takes an unexpected turn, and she finds herself on a ferry to Puffin Island instead.

Verity’s childhood was filled with tales of adventures set on the picturesque island, but she’d always thought her beloved granny had made it all up. Now, knowing the stories and the setting were real, Verity is determined to find the postcard’s sender and uncover the secrets of her grandmother’s past…even if it means setting off a sequence of events that will change not just her own life, but also that of the sleepy island’s close-knit community…

Review: This is the first book in a new series from this author, whose Love Heart Lane series was a favourite of mine. The stories in this new series are set on a small island off the north-east coast of England accessed by a causeway that can be crossed safely only at certain states of the tide. As its name suggests, the island is home to a large colony of puffins.

The main female character in this story, veterinary assistant Verity Callaway, is about to set off in her camper van for Amsterdam where she will pick up her friend and they will go travelling for 6 months. Preparing her house for the tenants who would live there in her absence, Verity finds a postcard addressed to her late grandmother from someone living on Puffin Island. Verity’s grandmother used to tell her stories about a place called Puffin Island; only now does she realise that it is in fact a real place. While intending to board the ferry for Amsterdam, Verity finds that she has time to visit Puffin island first. Her plans change when instead of staying on the island overnight, she gets stuck there when her camper van is damaged. When her friend backs out of the planned trip, Verity stays put and gradually becomes involved in island life. As she gets to know more of the island’s residents, including the puffins, and falls under the spell of the island itself, Verity realises that she is becoming less and less inclined to leave. Looking into the mystery of the sender of her grandmother’s postcard, she also uncovers more secrets from the island’s past.

This was a lovely story with an idyllic setting, lots of sweet little puffins (even if they had sharp little beaks!), interesting characters and some romance to boot. It was fascinating following Verity on her adventure, leaving behind her old life and unpleasant memories to try and solve a mystery from long ago. She certainly wasn’t afraid to take a chance and follow her heart. I’m looking forward to learning more about Puffin Island and the people who live there. The author has included a map of the island with notable locations marked, suggesting many more stories to come.

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Guest Review: The Comfort Food Cafe by Debbie Johnson

Welcome to The Comfort Food Café!

It’s been a tough year for Maxine Connolly – so tough she's almost given up on finding her happy ending. But then she discovers The Comfort Food Café, shining like the star on top of the Christmas tree and welcoming her in to its cozy, cake-filled embrace for hot chocolates dripping with whipped cream, melty grilled cheese toasties and the funniest bunch of regulars she soon calls friends.

Then there’s gorgeous local Gabriel Moran, who looks at Max like she’s a present he can’t wait to unwrap – and she can’t help but think that, maybe, he’s just what she wants for Christmas too…

Review: This is the seventh book in the Comfort Food Cafe series from the lovely Debbie Johnson. I was very excited to hear that this book was in the offing as I have read all of the books in this series so far and looked forward to reuniting with the characters who have been introduced as the series has progressed. Each story can be read as a standalone, but how lovely it has been to read them from the start and build up a picture of the cafe and the people in the fictional village of Budbury where the series is set. For those new to the series, the Comfort Food Cafe is a magical establishment set on the top of a hill where a person can find just what they need to set things right in their world, be it a special dish or just the company of people good at listening. As a devotee of Debbie Johnson’s writing might expect, there is a fair amount of humour in this and previous stories in the series.

This story centres on Maxine (Max) Connolly, whose life has become very difficult for her due to a whole series of bad things that have happened one after the other. When her daughter, Sophie, sees an advert for help wanted at the Comfort Food Cafe, on impulse she applies on her mum’s behalf, outlining how low her mother has become due to her bad fortune. Although surprised by this, Max takes the job when it is offered along with accommodation, and both she and Sophie set off for Dorset. As others before have discovered, the inhabitants of the village and incredibly welcoming and make the pair feel at home. Among the sometimes zany group of regulars who frequent the cafe, Max meets the more sober Gabriel Moran who lives alone in a house he inherited from his great uncle. Their initial meeting was not too friendly, but they soon strike up a friendship which has the promise of so much more.

It was a treat to return to Budbury and the famous Comfort Food Cafe and meet up with familiar faces once again. I know I am not alone in wishing that the cafe was real. Max and Sophie were lovely additions to the group of people who arrived in the village and never left. Life had certainly thrown a heap of rubbish in Max’s direction and she was an amazing person to keep up an outward cheery persona despite it all. It was truly heartwarming to witness the gradual change brought about in her by the village and its inhabitants. She and the handsome Gabriel were made for each other and I was willing them on to get over their differences and strike up a romance. I can recommend this book and the rest of the series; I can guarantee you’ll finish the story with a smile on your face but wanting more.

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Guest Review: Escape for Christmas by Phillipa Ashley

 Sophie used to adore everything about Christmas. Hot chocolate and velvet bows, fairy lights and mince pies.

Until the December her fiancé jilted her.

Since then, Sophie opened Sunnyside Hotel, a quaint guesthouse nestled deep in the Cumbrian countryside.

And, though it might be winter at Sunnyside, it’s never Christmas.

Marketing her hotel to those who wish to avoid the festivities, Sophie is busy preparing for a season full of joy and laughter, but without the tinsel and mistletoe.

Yet, as she finds herself growing closer to her gorgeous neighbour, Brody, her heart begins to melt.

Will this Christmas bring the touch of magic Sophie needs to give love another chance?

Review: What a pleasure to return to the Lake District for Phillipa Ashley’s Christmas book this year. She never fails to present the reader with a fantastic festive treat of a story at this time of year. This book also comes with the bonus of a perfectly stunning cover that could hardly fail to attract readers.

This story concerns Sophie Cranford, who runs a guest house situated on the outskirts of the village of Bannerdale in the Lake District. She has not enjoyed Christmas since breaking up with her fiancé at this time of year, an experience which caused her to up sticks and move miles away to her current location. This year she has come up with the idea of advertising breaks suitable for people who would like an alternative to the conventional Christmas celebrations. Local residents think this a strange idea and regard her as a Scrooge type of figure, but her accommodation is soon booked to capacity. In the light of her history with her ex, Sophie has sworn off romance, but is finding herself more and more attracted to her nearest neighbour, vet Brody. He certainly seems interested in a relationship with her. In the midst of all the snow and Christmas festivities, can she relent and allow herself to consider that she might love again.

I can highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a romantic festive story in a stunning setting. I absolutely loved everything about it, even though, as a lover of all things Christmas, I found the idea of escaping the festivities a strange idea. Sophie had her reasons for avoiding the celebrations, but I was quite amused by her choices of alternative festive fare and activities. In addition to the central players, the book is populated with many other interesting characters each with their own individual stories covering a range of topics. Sophie was lucky to have the handsome and practical Brody as her neighbour; I hoped that she might consider forgetting her ban on men for him. The amazing scenery of the area is well described by the author; a fall of snow can add to the beauty of the vista but there is a reminder of the problems that it can cause at the same time.

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Guest Review: Mistletoe Magic in the Highlands by Bella Osborne

 Olivia Bingham is unlucky in love...

She's been ghosted more times than she can count, but this Christmas brings a glimmer of hope: Fraser Douglas,

a Scottish chef working at an idyllic hotel in the Highlands. He's sweet and sensitive, thoughtful and funny, not to

mention incredibly good looking – but there's a catch.

They've never actually met.

When Olivia tries to show her friends the hunky new man in her life, Fraser's online dating profile has vanished, and

Olivia fears the worst. Frustrated and wounded, she decides she's going to confront Fraser – face to face, in Scotland.

But when she arrives, things don't go exactly as planned. Worse still, Fraser doesn't seem to have any idea who she is...

Review: As a fan of all things Christmas, I look forward to this time of year when all the festive books begin to appear. Almost all of my favourite authors, like Bella Osborne, publish a Christmassy story. This title and its cover suggested a trip to Scotland and plenty of snow. Once I started to read, I became completely engrossed in the story and finished it in just a couple of sittings, so reluctant was I to put it down.

The central female character in this story is Liv Bingham, who has been ghosted on a dating site and is determined not to take this lying down. She had really thought there was a growing relationship with Scottish chef Fraser Douglas; they had so much in common. But suddenly he, and all of their communication, disappeared into the ether. With the help of her mother and sister, Liv tracks down Fraser, and, even though it’s almost Christmas, sets off on the 200 mile drive to the highland hotel where he works. After an eventful journey, she finds herself at the rundown building and steps in the middle of apparent chaos. Moreover, when at last she comes face to face with Fraser, he seems surprisingly to know nothing about her.

I have so enjoyed reading this festive and highly amusing book. It had me laughing out loud at the situations Liv found herself in throughout the story. I did feel sorry for her having been ghosted by the incredibly handsome and hunky Fraser, but the complications that arose for Liv, mainly involving his cousin and her grandmother, were at times absolutely hilarious. I would love to catalogue all the amazing things that went on, but no spoilers here. I can only urge other readers to go out and find the book; you’re in for a treat and a good few laughs if you do.

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Guest Review: A Skye Full of Stars by Sue Moorcroft

 Under the winter stars, anything is possible…

Ezzie Wynter can’t wait for Christmas on the beautiful Isle of Skye. Her island home sparkles at this time of year thanks to the snow-capped mountains and frosty winter walks, topped off with family gatherings with those she loves the most.

But her peaceful Christmas idyll is upended when she hears that the Larsson family – the owners of Rothach Hall – are flying in from Sweden for the festivities. As Manager of their grand Scottish manor house, Ezzie suddenly has decorations to hang, food to source and itineraries to organise.

Life only becomes more difficult when Mats Larsson turns up. The owners’ handsome, self-assured son is used to doing things his own way – and he is only another headache to add to her overflowing list.

Yet when unexpected visitors arrive looking for Ezzie, nothing else matters as she is left questioning everything she ever knew about herself. But amidst the Christmas chaos, she might also discover that, when all is lost, it’s sometimes those we least expect who come to our aid…

Review: This is the second book in the Skye Sisters Trilogy, set on the scenic island off the west coast of Scotland. The books feature three sisters unrelated at birth but adopted by the same couple. The first book centred on the youngest of the three, while this story focuses on the middle sister. The book’s cover beautifully illustrates the starry sky visible on an island free from light pollution.

Ezzie Wynter, the middle by age of the three sisters is a great lover of Christmas. She is currently manager of the Rothach estate on Skye, which is owned by the Swedish Larsson family. Unusually, the family are due to visit the hall for Christmas this year, so Ezzie is busy looking out decorations and planning menus for the large party which will include several adults and children. In her previous role on the estate, Ezzie didn’t have much contact with the family, but now she liaises with them directly and is finding Mats Larsson, a handsome but determined divorcee who is visiting with his two young children, difficult to deal with. To add to her load, Ezzie is suddenly faced with unexpected visitors who turn her world upside down. In the midst of this stress, she finds help and support from a surprising source.

I very much enjoyed this tale, set on the snowy Isle of Skye. I was treated to wonderful descriptions of the marvellous scenery being experienced by the characters. The estate and its hall were also well described, making me wish I could visit. Ezzie is a really strong person who I met in the first book in the series, but got to know in greater detail here. She certainly had problems to deal with and a very different Christmas from what she had expected. I found the visitors from Sweden very interesting. There was a lot of family drama going on there. Mats sounded very attractive but had an annoying habit of speaking without thinking which made him not altogether likeable. However, Ezzie found herself attracted to him and his adorable children. The author also presented the reader with some interesting facts about Swedish traditions at Christmas time. I can recommend this book as a perfect festive read.

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Guest Review: A Very Irish Christmas by Debbie Johnson

One part American sugar, two parts Irish spice. Cassie O'Hara is about to discover the recipe for the sweetest Christmas…

When New York-born Cassie O'Hara decides to use the money her sassy Irish nana Nora left in her will to book a month-long stay in a quaint country village, she's expecting a cozy cottage, steak-and-ale pie and plenty of Christmas cheer. Instead, she gets a draughty disaster covered in dust, a temperamental stray dog and two devastatingly handsome men vying for her attention…

There's Charles, the dashing English aristocrat with an enormous manor house and a heart of gold. And Ryan, a curly-haired Irish handyman with a past he won't talk about and an accent that makes her weak at the knees.

When Charles enlists Cassie's event-planning expertise to save his family estate, she finds herself working shoulder to shoulder with Ryan, breathing new life into Bancroft Manor. As village life weaves its spell, Cassie uncovers some intriguing secrets about Nana Nora's past. With her return ticket looming and her heart pulling her in unexpected directions, can Cassie find the love and belonging Nana Nora always wanted for her?

Review: I have been looking forward to reading this Christmas book from one of my favourite authors. She writes brilliant romantic comedies in wonderful settings. I just knew that once I started reading this one I wouldn’t want to put it down. It reminded me a little of the Christmas film the Holiday. I particularly liked this book’s cover, so striking in green, linking in with the Irish theme.

The heroine of the story is event planner Cassie O’Hara, who has decided to use the inheritance left to her by her beloved Irish grandmother to leave behind her native New York and spend Christmas in the UK. Searching online, she finds the perfect little cottage in a small English village where she pictures herself relaxing by the fire surrounded by Christmas spirit. The reality is quite different when she opens the door of the cottage to find dust and decay. Turning to find the village pub in the hope of a meal, she is intercepted by a small dog barring her way, but her fortunes improve when she is rescued from the whole situation by not one but two handsome men. The first is Irish handyman Ryan and the other is local landowner Charles, who offers her alternative accommodation in the local manor house that has been his family’s home for generations. While Ryan fixes up Cassie’s holiday cottage, she helps Charles with advice on activities that will bring in some income for his floundering estate. During Cassie’s stay, she also finds out some facts about her own family history. As time passes, she becomes attracted to both Ryan and Charles and they to her, but who will she choose or will she in fact return to New York?

What a marvellous Christmassy romance this was, filled with humorous situations and characters in an unusual setting. I loved the idea of the quaint English village that is so very Irish, filled as it is with families with Irish backgrounds. Cassie was a great character, so kind and helpful and not at all fazed by anything thrown at her. She has been unlucky in love in the past and then two lovely men are there before her - she certainly had a quandary. I loved the little stray dog who turned up mysteriously all over the place. The story was not all laughs. There were some serious issues dealt with and I was reduced to tears at times. I can thoroughly recommend this heartwarming Christmas book; charming setting, likeable characters and romance - what more could you want?

To order your copy now, just click here!

October Wrap Up/Nonfiction November TBR 2024

OK, long time no post, I know. Can we just not mention that?

I DID actually read some books in the month of October and I'm pretty proud of that so I want to tell you about them and it has motivated me to want to read some books in November too so I hope you'll help cheer me on to finish at least one of those before the month is up!

Books I read in October 2024

Nonfiction books I want to read in November

Netgalley books I want to read in November

Let me know what you've been reading...

Guest Review: The Christmas Cottage by Sarah Morgan

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?

Review: I always enjoy a Christmas book by Sarah Morgan. The reader is presented with all the essential elements of a story set at Christmas on top of the usual high quality narrative from this author. This book has a very attractive cover depicting a snowy country scene indicative of the setting for this story.

Individual chapters of this book are voiced by one of three female characters. Imogen is an events planner living in London. She is highly skilled at her job and works hard to provide clients with their often exacting requirements. She has had a difficult past and is hiding the reality of her life outside work from her colleagues by inventing a fictitious existence. However, it is becoming difficult to keep up the pretence. Dorothy, Imogen’s favourite client, lives on a large estate in the Cotswolds, where she looks after animals in need of a home. Sara is Dorothy’s daughter, who lives near her mother with her husband and two young daughters. When overstretched Imogen eventually makes a dreadful mistake at work, she is given leave from her job and is grateful when Dorothy offers her use of a luxurious cottage on the estate over the Christmas period. She is soon enjoying spending time with the family and with the handsome local vet, Miles. That is when a secret that Dorothy and Sara have been keeping from Imogen comes to light. The implications of what they have been hiding are enormous for Imogen and she is thankful for support from Miles. Can she forgive the others or will she go running back to her life in London?

This was such a good story, containing a wide range of elements that had me hooked from start to finish. There is drama throughout the book and so many secrets, including one massive one that had me gasping with its enormity. To balance out all the drama, there is a gentle romance, a family Christmas with all the trimmings, a beautiful setting and some well-developed characters. Imogen was such a workaholic that I feared for her health, especially with pressures put on her outside work as well. Thank goodness for Miles; he was just what she needed to get her through. Although Dorothy and Sara were both strong characters, I’m not sure that I liked the way in which they behaved. I think this is another triumph for Sarah Morgan and a festive book that would make a welcome addition to anybody’s Christmas stocking.

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Guest Review: A Recipe for Christmas by Jo Thomas

Take one woman longing for the perfect Christmas . . .

All Clara has ever wanted is Christmas surrounded by loved ones, full of warmth and delicious food. So when her new boyfriend asks her to move to Switzerland, she can't help but say yes! After all, what could be more perfect than Christmas in the Alps?

Add a dash of surprise

She quickly signs up for a tempting chocolate-making class, but it turns out to be chocolate-making bootcamp! And her boyfriend isn't all he seemed either . . .

And enjoy a magical festive treat!

Despite it all, Clara begins to make friends - including the aloof yet intriguing Gabriel. With all of the ingredients at her fingertips, will she finally be able to whisk up her Christmas dream?

Review; Jo Thomas is one of my go-to authors; I know when she releases a new book I am assured of a story that will have me transported to an interesting location while enjoying lots of lovely local dishes. For this year’s Christmas book, Jo is taking readers off to Switzerland. What could be more perfect than a festive trip to the snowy alps combined with lots of chocolate?

The story centres on chocolate-loving Clara, who has shocked her two best friends by announcing that she has left her position as HR manager and, what’s more, is moving to Switzerland with her very new boyfriend as he begins a new job there. Her plan is to enrol on a chocolate-making course that runs for six weeks up to Christmas. Clara has spent years celebrating Christmas on her own and is dreaming of a different experience this year with her boyfriend in their Swiss home surrounded by all the trappings of the season. The reality is somewhat different as neither the course nor the boyfriend is what she expected. However, Clara does her best to make the most of the situation. She finds friends amongst the others on the course and surprisingly becomes close to gruff tutor Gabriel. It looks as though that perfect family-style could be in her future after all.

I absolutely loved this book. It has so much going for it, with marvellous mountain scenery, a host of interesting characters, romance and a mouthwatering selection of food, with chocolate front and centre. Definitely a story for foodies and chocolate addicts, with a lovely Christmassy feel throughout. I feel as though I learnt a lot about the chocolate making processes. Even hot chocolate was very different from what we are used to drinking from our usual coffee shops. I loved the main characters in the story. Clara was somebody with great determination to turn her life around and I admired the way in which she fought to achieve her goals. She was slightly misguided in putting her faith in someone she had just met, but fortunately that worked out in the end. I was attracted to Gabriel right away, although he was a little moody at times. Thanks to the author for including a selection of recipes, sweet and savoury, at the end of the book; I might just give some a try.

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Guest Review: An Ideal Husband by Erica James

After a long and seemingly happy marriage, and a wonderful family Christmas, Louisa is stunned when husband Kip asks for a divorce on Boxing Day. He’d never seemed unhappy – and they’ve raised three children together.

For months, Kip has been secretly seeing a younger woman – and if that wasn’t bad enough, it’s the woman who broke their youngest son’s heart.

Now Kip is moving out and embarking on a new life with Zoe, and Louisa is left to pick up the pieces. Their beloved family home, Charity Cottage, is up for sale, and tensions are running high.

Yet, despite the betrayal and anger, when Louisa lays eyes on what might be a unique and welcoming new home, she feels a first glimmer of hope that life might be taking a turn for the better.

And while Louisa is making exciting plans, Kip finds himself facing challenges of his own and begins to learn that living the dream may not be as simple as he thought…

Review: As a fan of Erica James’s writing, I have been looking forward to the publication of her latest book. Her stories are always full of family drama and romance and I was intrigued to discover all about the husband in the title of this book. The first few paragraphs of the story quickly drew me into the drama that was about to unfold, and, once hooked, I finished the book all too soon.

The story focuses on Louisa and Kip, who are divorcing after almost forty years of marriage. Kip’s announcement that he wanted a divorce came as a shock to everyone, almost as much as the news that he was setting up home with his teenage son’s ex-girlfriend, Zoe. Louisa is further devastated that the lovely family home has to be sold, leaving her looking for somewhere else to live. Luckily, she is a strong woman with the support of her three children, and realises she must continue with the cards she has been dealt. While looking for a suitable home, she suddenly finds the perfect place to live where she can make a new beginning. Meanwhile, Kip is finding that his plans for the future may not play out as he hoped, as complications arise.

I thoroughly enjoyed this compelling story with all its twists and turns and recommend the book to everyone who enjoys a good family drama. It was full of surprise after surprise for the main characters and had me gasping out loud several times. Even by the end, I was not sure I liked Kip as a character; there was a certain amount of sympathy for all that befell him along the way, but did he deserve it? Louisa, on the other hand, was a warm, likeable character. She had such strength to pick up the pieces and get on with life. I absolutely loved the place she found to live after the family house was sold. I won’t go into detail and spoil the surprise, but I was jealous. Of course, the story is not all about Kip and Louisa; there is a lot going on with the other family members as well as they come to terms with the divorce and its ramifications as well as unconnected events in their lives. I think this book is another triumph for Erica James.

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Guest Review: Written in the Stars by Helen Rolfe

A hidden secret

Live every day as if it were your last – that’s the motto Bess has lived by since her father died unexpectedly. As a critical care paramedic, Bess sees every day just how easily life can be taken away. But carefree living has risks, and as Bess’s debts mount, she discovers her actions could have terrible consequences…

An unexpected arrival

Nothing gives Gio more joy than his work saving lives in the fire service. And on the days when his call-outs put him in the path of the air ambulance, and one paramedic in particular, things are pretty perfect. Until Gio’s world is spun on its head, first by the arrival of his estranged mother on his doorstep, and then by an accident that could put his career on hold indefinitely.

A new beginning?

Gio and Bess have always worked well together, but could they be the solution to each other’s problems beyond the frontline as well? And will they let their guard down enough to give each other a chance before snow falls over Whistlestop River?

This is the second book in The Skylarks series from Helen Rolfe. Books in this series follow the lives of the crew of the air ambulance service based in the fictional Dorset town of Whistlestop River. Although there are characters common to both books, each can be read as a standalone.

This story focuses on Bess, critical care paramedic with the air ambulance crew, and her friend Gio, a local firefighter. Since the tragic death of her father, Bess has dealt with her grief by splashing out on luxuries and holidays. Now she is deep in debt and it’s spiralling out of control. Gio also has troubles, but of the family kind. His estranged alcoholic mother has turned up on his doorstep claiming that she’s ready to make a fresh start, but can he believe her, after all he’s heard it all before. On top of that, he’s badly injured in the line of duty and is worried that his injury may end the career he loves. Bess and Gio have known each other for a long time, but suddenly realise how close they have become. Should they risk their friendship by taking their relationship further?

I enjoyed this book just as much as the first in the series, once again it was full of friendship and love. It was fascinating learning more about the air ambulance service and how it works. It was also good to meet the crew members, ground staff and their families again. Both Bess and Gio are dedicated to their jobs and both have troubles that are sadly not uncommon. It was lovely to see how their families and friends rallied around to help. I especially loved the relationship between Bess and her mother. They were more like sisters than parent and child. I wasn’t too sure about Gio’s mother, but she grew on me. I’m hoping that there will be more books in this series as there are lots of other characters to explore.

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Guest Review: The Secret Orchard by Sharon Gosling

Bette and Nina Crowdie have never been close – the ten-year age difference doesn’t help, and Bette’s rarely been home since she left for university at eighteen. When their father passes away and unexpectedly splits the family farm between them, Nina is furious and afraid. She’s been working at the farm for the past five years. It’s the only home her young son, Barnaby, has ever had, and she’s convinced that Bette will sell at the first chance she gets.

When they discover the huge debt their father has been hiding, Bette reluctantly agrees to help her sister. But that means they have to find a way to work together, and Bette must face up to the real reason she left all those years ago.

Could a long-forgotten diary and the discovery of a secret orchard on their land help save the farm – and the sisters’ relationship?

I have been a fan of Sharon Gosling’s books since reading her debut adult novel. The Secret Orchard is her fourth adult fiction book and is set like some of the others in a small community in north-east Scotland. I liked the sound of the story, with a little bit of mystery and history combined with family affairs. I certainly found it an intriguing tale from the very start, the storyline keeping me coming back for more right up to the end.

The story centres on sisters Nina and Bette Crowdie, whose father has recently died, leaving the family farm shared between them. This has angered Nina, who has been living there with her young son and working the land alongside her father. Bette, on the other hand, left home many years ago and has been working as a successful lawyer in London, seldom returning home. When it becomes clear that the farm has been left in serious financial difficulties, the sisters must work together with the help of some close friends to save their family home. The discovery of an orchard on the land which seems to have an interesting history holds a possible lifeline for the farm. While the estranged sisters work together to establish their rights, it seems that their fractured relationship could just be healed.

I very much enjoyed this story with its cast of interesting characters, stunning setting on the sometimes wild Scottish coast and air of mystery surrounding the history of the orchard. Nina and Bette seemed initially very different, but as they worked through the problems left by their father and the discoveries linked to the orchard nobody knew about, problems from the past were gradually eaten away. I loved Nina’s son, Barnaby, whose sometimes amusing antics helped smooth the way for the sisters to find common ground. It was interesting, but also frustrating, to discover as the story progressed the real reason why Bette had left home in her teens. Although much of the story involves problems for the characters, I was pleased that there is also romance for the sisters along the way. This is a book that I would definitely recommend; with its combination of family and mystery, it should appeal to many readers.

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Guest Review: Snow is Falling by Sarah Bennett

When Sadie Bingham’s life takes an unexpected turn, her children treat her to a well-earned break at Juniper Meadows, the gorgeous Cotswolds estate owned by the Travers family.

The festive season is in full swing, and Sadie throws herself into the packed Twelve Days of Christmas programme, relishing the opportunity to make new friends and new memories.

Single father Dylan Travers hasn’t been to his childhood home of Juniper Meadows for decades. Estranged from his cantankerous father Monty, he has made a happy life for himself in the States. But now with teenage children keen to know more about their roots, Dylan has brought them back to the Cotswolds to meet his family.

As Sadie and Dylan both navigate a Christmas very different from the ones they had expected it's soon clear that, geography apart, they have a great deal in common. And as Dylan confronts his past and Sadie contemplates her future, perhaps the miracle of this Christmas will be the happily-ever-after they both deserve.

This is the fourth, and final, book in the Juniper Meadows series from this author, and as the title suggests it is a lovely Christmassy story to wrap up the series. The stories in this series are set in the Cotswolds, on the Juniper Meadows estate where the Travers family have lived for centuries. The Manor House has been converted into a luxury hotel and spa and most of the extended family, all of whom are involved in running the various activities on the estate, now live in the large farmhouse. Each of the books has focused particularly on one member of the family. Luckily, the author has included a character list at the beginning of this book, which I found very useful as I read along. While each of the books can be read as a standalone, I would recommend reading each in turn as the collection makes a most enjoyable family saga.

This story centres on Dylan Travers, who has been estranged from the rest of the family after an unfortunate incident many years ago. He has been living in Florida for a long time, his ex-wife and children close at hand. His teen-aged children, Theo and Avery, have persuaded him to take them to stay at Juniper Meadows for their Twelve Days of Christmas holiday programme. While there, they meet Sadie Bingham, whose grow-nup children have gifted her the holiday. As the days go by, Dylan and his children grow closer to Sadie as they enjoy their stay at Juniper Meadows. Initially unsure of his feelings, Dylan also enjoys reuniting with the rest of the Travers family. However, at the end of the holiday, he and Sadie wonder what the future holds for them as they face returning to their lives so far apart.

It was great to return to Juniper Meadows and the amazing Travers family. This series has been so good that I have found myself waiting with anticipation for the each successive part to be released. Now I find myself wishing I could be joining in their wonderful festive programme. I was wondering which family member would be the focus of this book. It was a bonus to find that Dylan came with two wonderful children and that they invited Sadie, another loveable character, into their group. I am sure that anyone reading this book can’t fail to feel full of Christmas spirit by the end. I am going to miss Juniper Meadows and all the characters gathered there; I may well be returning to reread the books in the future.

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Guest Review: The Best is Yet to Come by Jessica Redland

Emma is having a fresh start.

After a successful teaching career, an exciting new chapter awaits Emma – helping her fiancé Grayson run one of Beatrix Potter's farms. While imagining days spent supporting Grayson with his dream, working the land and helping with the animals, Emma harvests a dream of her own – to set up an alpaca-walking business around the farm.

But working together isn’t as easy as Emma expected. Soon her dreams are in tatters and, broken-hearted, she must start over yet again.

When Oliver, Rosie and the team at Willowdale Hall welcome Emma with open arms, she can't believe her luck. But starting a new business in a new place is a daunting prospect, especially when it comes with unexpected obstacles. With a reserved, prickly groundskeeper as a partner, rapidly changing family dynamics to contend with, and time running out to get her new career off the ground, Emma may have bitten off more than she can chew.

But even though things are not going to plan just yet, the best is yet to come for Emma, if she can just take a leap of faith and follow her heart...

Review: This is the third book in Jessica Redland’s Escape to the Lakes series, a collection of stories set in the beautiful Lake District. Having enjoyed the previous books in the series, I am looking forward to meeting up again with the characters I got to know in those stories. Each book in the series is a standalone, but I would recommend reading them in order to get full enjoyment. I love the bright and colourful covers of this series of books, and I think this is the best so far. It certainly gives a big clue as to what might happen in the story.

The central character in this story is Emma, who is leaving behind her long and happy career in teaching to join her fiancé in his dream job of running one of Beatrix Potter’s tenant farms in the Lake District. Looking for a new start for herself, Emma decides to set up an alpaca walking business based on the farm. However, before long, she finds herself homeless and broken-hearted as her fiancé decides to go it alone. Luckily, she has the support of a wonderful family and her long time best friend, and with their help she is able to establish her business at Willowdale Hall, home of her half-brother Oliver and his girlfriend Rosie. The only drawback is that she must work with handyman Killian, who at first seemed unfriendly and unapproachable, to set up a home for her alpaca herd. However, as Emma deals with family upsets and pressures of timing, she realises that Killian is not the gruff individual she suspected, but someone who could help and encourage her to achieve her dreams.

This is a wonderful addition to the Escape to the Lakes series of books and I recommend both this book and the entire series to other readers. The characters have their ups and downs just as in real life but there is a message of hope throughout. The settings, both at the farm Emma briefly shared with her fiancé and at Willowdale Hall, are of course idyllic; the writing easily conjured up the majestic scenery in my mind. Emma is an interesting character, not easily daunted by events in her past or present. I felt for her as she was certainly unlucky in love, having been in long-term relationships with men who were not as they seemed. I was hoping that she might have more luck with the lovely Killian, and look forward to hearing more about him in future books in this series. I loved the way in which Emma was supported by her extended family and, particularly, her loyal friend Rachael, who were always ready to rally round and help in any way they could. This story is definitely a must for anyone who, like me, is fascinated by alpacas. Emma’s herd plays a big part in the story, and the author has included lots of information about alpacas as Emma learns how to look after them. I am already looking forward to the next book in this series and hoping to meet up with the gorgeous alpacas again.

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Guest Review: Winter Magic on Railway Lane by Alison Sherlock

Globetrotting Libby Jacobs has lost her job but is looking forward to spending more time in her home village of Cranfield.

She dreams of turning her chocolate making hobby into something more permanent. There’s only one problem - Ethan Connolly.

Despite being soul mates growing up, Libby hasn’t been close to Ethan since their disastrous date at the school prom. But now he’s back and he has just what Libby needs… a large kitchen! But can they even bear to be in the same room together?

Ethan never stays in Cranfield too long as it reminds him of his parents’ terrible marriage. But when disaster strikes, he’s forced to stay and help realise his grandad’s dream of a Christmas train. Can the whole village help Ethan create a seasonal spectacular in time?

Can Libby confront her secrets and realise her dreams?

And can Ethan ever stop running from his past and trust his heart?

Perhaps the magic of winter on Railway Lane might just give Libby and Ethan a second chance after all...

Review: This is the fourth, and final, book in the Railway Lane Series from Alison Sherlock. The books in this series are set in the small village of Cranfield and concern events in the lives of some of its inhabitants. The village was adversely affected by the closure of its station many years ago, but thanks mainly to the characters in these stories, new life is gradually being breathed into it. I have enjoyed watching its development in previous books and am looking forward to seeing what is to come in this new addition to the series.

This story focuses on Libby Jacobs and Ethan Connolly, both born and bred in Cranfield. In their youth they were inseparable, until a disastrous date on prom night, after which both followed careers which took them away from the village for most of the time. When Libby loses her job, she decides to try to make a living out of her chocolate making hobby. Scaling up the process means she needs a larger kitchen, and the only one available unfortunately belongs to Ethan, who is between contracts and unusually living in the village for a few months. Sharing the kitchen is not as difficult as the pair feared, but when Ethan’s grandad falls ill, it looks as though Ethan may have to stay longer than planned. In fact, the whole village is brought together in spectacular fashion when Ethan decides to make his grandad’s dream come true and resurrect the Christmas train which used to run from the station. In the midst of the preparations, can Libby and Ethan forget the past and admit their feelings for one another.

This was a wonderful final chapter in this series. Libby and Ethan have featured in all of the other parts, but in minor roles, and there has always been the mystery about why they disliked each other. I was pleased to find out what had happened in their past and was willing them to get together throughout this book. Once again, through Ethan’s determination to get the Christmas train up and running for his grandad, the reader sees the power of community, which is always evident in stories about Cranfield, and which has turned the village around as the series progressed. It has been heart warming to witness developments as new characters have been introduced to the area and the village has gradually woken up. I shall certainly miss all of the villagers who have become like friends as I read each successive book. I can heartily recommend this book and the whole series to anyone wishing to escape to this little village for a few hours.

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Guest Review: Irresponsible Adult by Lucy Dillon

Sisters Cleo and Robyn may be close in age but their attitudes to life could not be further apart. While Cleo's a fully-fledged adult with a family, a business and a signature scent, Robyn is still waiting for the instruction manual to Adult Life and success is keeping her houseplant alive. Skating by at her job as an estate agent, she's adept at avoiding housework, ignoring admin, and evading her mother's anxious questions about her love life. But then Robyn's fired in the most publicly humiliating way imaginable - and her chaos catches up with her.

Although Cleo steps in to give Robyn a temporary job in her cleaning firm, it comes with very firm instructions: Robyn must BEHAVE RESPONSIBLY. And that includes meeting the high standards of Jim, her enigmatic supervisor. But when Robyn learns to navigate the catastrophic kitchens and judgemental dogs of total strangers she learns some unexpected truths about her own messy world. No one's life is spotless...

Review: I always know that I can look forward to a great read when I pick up a book by Lucy Dillon. This one certainly has an intriguing title and I was looking forward to seeing where it was going to take me. I was amused by the cover, but its message soon became clear once I met the lady depicted there. As I began to read, I was quickly absorbed into the lives of the main characters and was left wondering what their futures held long after I had finished the book.

The story introduces sisters Robyn and Cleo. Although from the same family, they couldn’t be more different from each other. Cleo is married with two children and a successful cleaning business. Estate agent Robyn, on the other hand, is messy and disorganised in her private and professional life and is constantly dodging her mother’s questions about her love life. When she is sacked in the most public and humiliating way, Robyn reluctantly accepts Cleo’s offer of a temporary cleaning job while she searches for something more suitable. Cleo wisely teams Robyn up with her best employee, Jim, who sets exacting standards for his new partner. As Robyn gradually learns the secrets for cleaning and tidying other people’s property, she thinks about how they apply to her life. She also unearths some unexpected things among the clutter in her home and some family secrets begin to be revealed.

I absolutely loved this book, with its strong characters, very amusing situations and messages for us all. Robyn was having a wonderful time to start with, floating along until suddenly life caught up with her and she had to grow up. It was funny watching her as she realised the meaning of organisation and responsibility as she had to do her job to a timetable and meet expectations. She learned some valuable lessons about herself and I found myself feeling happy that this knowledge was going to help her be OK in the future. Even though the sisters were so very different, there was a strong family vibe in the book and there was a lot going on within the family outwith Robyn’s development, adding other interesting threads to the story. A feature of the book that I really enjoyed was that each chapter begins with a cleaning tip, many of which I hadn’t heard before; I may just be referring back to some of these. This is definitely a book that I can recommend.

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