Happy Publication Day – 12 October 2023

Christmas At The Chateau By Annabel French

Life has gone a little bit downhill for Naomi Winters…

Ever since her ex-husband Ollie filed for a divorce last Christmas, Naomi is a self-confessed scrooge. She hates her job, has exactly zero hobbies, and on top of that she’s all alone this holiday season.

Spurred on by her best-friend Mia – who has invited her to spend Christmas at her snow-kissed Chateau in the Swiss Alps – she decides it’s time for change.

But, when she arrives, she’s shocked to see Mia’s big brother Gabriel. It’s been fifteen years since they last saw eachother, forcing her to face memories she’d rather forget.

As Naomi grapples with getting her life back on track, she throws herself into various festive activities, and she can’t seem to escape Gabriel this time…

Will he manage to thaw her icy heart, or is she on a downward slope to disappointment?

Starry Skies Over Primrose Hall By Jill Steeples

Homes don’t come much more idyllic than Primrose Hall. Set against the backdrop of the beautiful Primrose Woods, Pia Temple still has to pinch herself that she gets to wake up there every day.

Waking up next to Jackson Moody is pretty great too. Ever since the couple rekindled their teenage romance, they’ve become an unstoppable team running Primrose Hall’s packed calendar of events, surrounded by the friends and family who make up the crew at the hall.

But not everything is perfect at Primrose Hall. Pia is beset with doubts about the future, especially when a new arrival shakes everything Jackson thought he knew about his past. And as the events come thick and fast – a literary festival, craft fayres, bonfire night and the much-anticipated Christmas Carols evening – everything Pia is juggling threatens to tumble down around her.

Will the year at Primrose Hall be a time of endings or new beginnings…

Absolutely Not In Love By Jenny Proctor

My requirements for a man are simple. Must love books. Must NOT love hockey.

Which is why I will never be interested in my neighbor, the aloof and mysterious Felix Jamison, no matter how many books I see him hauling into his apartment. Unless he loses his pro hockey skates, I’m out.

But then he shows up at my symphony concert.

And I catch the sweet strains of Beethoven floating across the hall.

Have I mentioned how incredible he looks in his game day suit?

Still, my history with hockey is complicated. My older brother played, and let’s just say he stole enough limelight to land a plane at midnight. I was forced to be a part of that world for so long, now that I have a choice, it’s the last thing I want.

But something tells me Felix is about to change my mind…

Book Review – The Build Up By Tati Richardson

Rumpled and ragged was not how architect Ari James envisioned kicking off her first day at a new firm. And few things can top the horror of her new—and extremely hot—colleague walking in on her at the worst moment ever. Learning that she’ll be working with him on the project that’s supposed to get her career back on top makes it harder than ever to focus on her big comeback. 

With a partnership at his firm on the line, nothing is going to stand in the way of Porter Harrison absolutely killing it on his new project: not his obnoxious rival, not his unpredictable brother and definitely not his new coworker whose gorgeous curves he accidentally saw and now can’t get out of his head.

Though neither of them is looking for love, once their creative juices get flowing, Ari and Porter’s connection is obvious. But when their shared goal has always been winning at work, building a solid foundation for a relationship might end up costing them everything…

Published Date: 28 March 2023

My Review

Ari James is on a mission to design a soccer stadium in Atlanta, GA, collaborating closely with the captivating Porter. Their chemistry is electric from the get-go, culminating in undeniable passion.

This debut novel delves deep into the journey of rediscovery after an unexpected career setback. Ari grapples with self-doubt, wondering if she’ll ever overcome the stain on her reputation. Additionally, the narrative shines a light on the challenges she faces as a plus-sized Black woman. Ari’s character is commendable; her resilience and self-assuredness, in the face of persistent prejudice from male colleagues and some seemingly benign females, is truly inspiring. Through her sheer determination, she finds both love and professional triumph.

My Rating