Monthly Archives: January 2026

Happy Publication Day – 17 January 2026

The Sweet Life Cafe By Helen Rolfe

Only a taste of home can heal old wounds ❤️‍🩹🧁☕️

When sisters Addie and Susanna receive invitations to a memorial for their Aunt Gayle, they’re heartbroken to learn the woman who raised them has passed away. But arriving on Anchor Island, they’re met with the shock of their lives: Gayle is alive and well, busily preparing her own ‘Celebration of Life’ at her beloved pudding bar, The Sweet Life Café.

Agreeing to stay for the event, the sisters begin sorting through their late father’s belongings, reopening wounds they thought long buried, and forcing them to reflect on their lives since leaving the island. Addie is struggling as a single mother, torn between love for her son and doubts about the life she can give him. Susanna’s marriage is crumbling, and being back on the island only reminds her why she couldn’t wait to escape.

But as Gayle prepares gooey brownies, steaming lattes and delicious cakes for her customers, and for her big event, she is hiding secrets of her own – including one that could change everything the sisters thought they knew about their family…

Review Card & Book Review- Could It Be Magic? By Fay Keenan

Thea Ashcombe, a fiercely independent single mum, is about to face her toughest challenge yet: Christmas on a shoestring. As the festive season looms, Thea’s feeling a little like their old family Christmas tree – tired and lacking in sparkle! 🎄💝

Nick Saint, the quiet and devoted farm shop manager in the idyllic village of Lower Brambleton, has secretly liked Thea for years. Trapped in the friend zone since high school, he’s given up hope of Thea seeing him as anything more than reliable ‘Saint’ Nick…

But when Thea steps into Nick’s world to help at the bustling farm shop, something unexpected happens. Suddenly, her sensible head is spinning with a schoolgirl crush she never saw coming! Is it just the enchanting glow of Christmas, the twinkling lights playing tricks on her mind?

As they work side-by-side preparing for the magical Christmas market, and as Nick’s thoughtful gestures – like a perfectly fresh Christmas tree appearing at her door – begin to melt her defences, Thea starts to wonder – maybe all she really needs for Christmas… is Nick! ✨

About The Author

My Review

This is a gentle festive romance that blends small-town charm with the warmth of second chances. The story follows Thea and Nick, childhood friends who reconnect at Christmas and slowly realize that their bond runs deeper than friendship.

The childhood-friends-to-lovers trope is handled well here, making their romance feel believable and heartfelt. Flashbacks to their teenage years add depth, showing why their connection stands the test of time. This made their relationship development far more authentic than the typical “insta-love” often found in seasonal romances.

While the overall tone is cosy and light, the obligatory third-act breakup felt unnecessary and slightly contrived, especially with the return of Thea’s ex. That subplot added little and was quickly forgotten. On the other hand, Thea’s children, particularly her thoughtful daughter Cora, brought warmth and maturity, providing an endearing family dynamic.

Some of the most enjoyable scenes are the quieter moments in the farm shop, which capture the festive spirit beautifully.

Overall, it is a sweet, heartwarming read—perfect for cosy winter evenings with a hot drink in hand.

My Rating

Link To Purchase

Review Card & Book Review- A Merry Irish Christmas By Clodagh Murphy

A surprise visit home, an unexpected houseguest, a Christmas she’ll never forget… ☃️

Mary hasn’t told her family that she’s coming home for Christmas. After breaking up with her boyfriend just before the holidays, she decides to surprise them and get a last-minute flight home. But when she arrives in Ireland after a long journey, she discovers her family have had the same idea, and gone to New York to surprise her.

To make matters infinitely worse, they’ve done a house swap with grumpy (but sexy) New Yorker Evan, who makes it clear he doesn’t want her, or her Christmas cheer, around.

Mary is determined to keep the festive spirit alive, so she proposes that she and Evan each get one day where the other has to do things their way. But can Evan put aside his grouchiness to embrace a proper, Irish Christmas? And how will Mary cope with a day of sulking and moody walks on the beach?

One thing’s certain: as the temperature drops outside, things start to heat up inside the McBride house. Maybe it’ll be a merry Christmas after all …

About The Author

My Review

Clodagh Murphy’s A Merry Irish Christmas is a festive romance brimming with charm, humor, and heart. The story opens in New York, where Mary’s Christmas plans are shattered when her boyfriend reconciles with his ex, leaving her both single and suddenly without holiday plans. Hoping to salvage the season, she heads home to Ireland to surprise her family—only to find they’ve done a house swap and are spending Christmas in New York. Instead of a warm family reunion, she’s faced with an empty home… and Evan, a grumpy but undeniably handsome actor who is also staying there.

Forced to share the space, sparks soon fly between Mary and Evan. What begins as sharp banter and frosty tolerance gradually transforms into genuine friendship and undeniable attraction. Murphy balances the grumpy-sunshine trope perfectly, weaving in laugh-out-loud humor, tender moments, and just the right amount of festive spice.

With cozy Irish traditions, snappy dialogue, and standout supporting characters like Mary’s vibrant mother, this is the kind of holiday romance that’s short enough to read in a couple of sittings but warm enough to linger in your heart.

My Rating

Link To Purchase

Happy Publication Day – 16 January 2026

A Yorkshire Affair By Julie Houston

🏠 Jess Allen has always played it safe. 🏠

She married her high school sweetheart, stayed in her hometown and lives right next door to her mum Lisa and younger sister Sorrel. But with a new job on the horizon and her family no longer living a stone’s throw away, she’s going to have to get used to her comfortable life shifting into something new.

Jess finds the idea of being a part of the White House – the village’s new and stylish restaurant – incredibly daunting, but she knows she is more than capable. And with her role at the care home uncertain, this would give her the chance to finally pursue her passion for cooking.

But as her professional life soars, her romantic life is thrown into turmoil. Having welcomed back into her life her no-good ex, she’s quickly questioning her decision – especially as new faces in Beddingfield begin to catch her eye.

As the familiar rhythms of life shift and long-held routines are upended, she starts to see that sometimes change is no bad thing at all. And someone who encourages her to take a risk – even if it’s the last person she ever expected – might be just the thing she needed.

Review Card & Book Review- Chaos Theory By Sylvia Leatham

Sometimes the future arrives whether you’re ready or not. A charmingly quirky, feel-good Irish comedy about accidentally finding yourself.

Maeve McGettigan has just landed a job as Dublin’s least prepared robot babysitter. One minute she’s coasting through her boring marketing job; the next, she’s responsible for Kobi: a well-meaning robot assistant with zero filter and a knack for publicly humiliating her. As chaos erupts around her, Maeve finds herself unexpectedly caught between two very different men: Shane – her on-again, off-again messy situationship – and Josh, Kobi’s nerdy-in-a-hot-way creator who makes her question everything she thought she wanted for her life.

But then Maeve and Kobi’s story takes a truly shocking twist, and it’s suddenly time for her to decide: what – and who – is she really fighting for?

A wonderfully heartwarming read about finding your people and embracing the unexpected, even when it’s a mischievous robot. After all, sometimes the most chaotic situations lead you to exactly where you belong.

About The Author

My Review

This is a quirky and entertaining workplace comedy with a surprising amount of heart. The story centers on Maeve, who is assigned to help a robot named Kobi assimilate into her office. Kobi quickly becomes the heart of the novel—his awkward attempts to fit in are both hilarious and touching, and his evolving bond with Maeve is a joy to watch. The alternating chapters between Maeve and Kobi add another layer of charm, offering unique insight into Kobi’s perspective and making their dynamic even more engaging.

Where the novel doesn’t quite succeed is in its romance. Maeve’s primary love interest feels underdeveloped, reading more like a casual fling than a meaningful connection. Their lack of chemistry makes the sudden leap toward love unconvincing, especially compared to Maeve’s natural spark with another potential love interest. Maeve’s reaction to Josh at the end also feels uneven, as her unwillingness to forgive him comes across as hypocritical given her own choices.

Despite these flaws, Chaos Theory shines in its humor and heart. Maeve and Kobi’s relationship carries the book, making it a fun, lighthearted, and worthwhile read.

My Rating

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Happy Publication Day – 15 January 2026

The Dating Pact By Lulu Morris

He’s acting royalty. She’s a nurse at The Royal hospital. What happens when their scripted romance starts to feel too real…?

When Ellie bluffs her way into a high-end party with her best friend, the last thing she expects is to end up going home with infamous actor Alex King, because he’s too drunk to remember what hotel he’s staying in. But when the paparazzi catch them together the morning after, their new friendship suddenly becomes the tabloids’ front page.

Alex needs a plus-one. Not only is his brother marrying his ex, but he’s become the villain in the eyes of the press. With a loved-up date by his side, the public might finally see him as moving on and his new play might finally get the ticket sales it needs to not close down.

But a wedding in the Bahamas, surrounded by gorgeous celebrities, with the paparazzi lurking everywhere, is plus-sized Ellie’s worst nightmare. Even as Alex’s displays of affectionate become more real and less fake, will she lose a part of herself during their pact?

The Arctic Cruise By Caroline James

Will the Arctic wonderland work its magic this winter?

Joy never imagined stepping aboard a cruise ship without her husband, Tom. Now widowed, Joy wonders what her voyage on the Emerald Dream will hold – and as it glides through breathtaking Norwegian fjords, she longs to believe in happiness again. However, she carries a secret that could unravel her fragile hopes if it ever came to light…

Elsewhere on deck, as the sun dips below the horizon and the polar night sets in, Henry, a lifelong bachelor, is living his dream of seeing the Northern Lights. Having long since given up on love, he now dedicates himself to his passion for photography. But when he meets Joy, is it more than the aurora borealis that catches his eye?

As they embark on a snow-dusted adventure which takes them from bustling ports to reindeer-drawn sleigh rides, will Joy and Henry find the courage to embrace love again? Or will hidden truths sink the possibility of a new beginning?

The Last Dinner At Wisteria House By Sue Roberts

On a peaceful avenue stands the once-grand Wisteria House. Now it’s split into apartments, occupied by strangers who rarely say hello. Could one last dinner party bring it to life again?

Ninety-year-old Alice has one last wish: to fill her new home with light and laughter, just like when her husband was alive. So she sets out her favourite plates, opens an old recipe book, and sends invitations to the neighbours she’s certain need friendship just as much as she does…

Declan hasn’t believed he deserves to follow his dreams since he tragically lost his sister.

Jess has been working herself to the bone to provide for her little daughter and has no time for joy in her own life.

Mark, a widower, has been isolated in his grief for so long.

Over a shared meal, Alice reminds each of them that sharing stories keeps those we love alive, and that time is our most precious gift. As they hug goodbye, everyone feels lighter than they have in years. Little do they know Alice has her own secret reason for gathering them together…

The next morning the tenants receive terrible news. Is their first dinner party destined to be the last? With Wisteria House under threat, can they come together to save the one place that has only just started to feel like home? Or will they lose their little community just when they need it most?

Review Card & Book Review- Meet Me Under The Northern Lights By Mandy Baggot

❄️💜 Can one kiss melt a cold, broken heart? 💜❄️

When career-focused Chloe Bellamy is sent to Iceland on a last-minute work trip, it’s her big chance to prove she deserves a seat at the top.

But there’s one problem, she may have embellished her CV a little… saying she speaks Icelandic when she doesn’t! And now, to add to her woes, she’s landed with no place to stay.

Gunnar Eriksson has a habit of saving people. First, when he rescued a young boy from a volcano and offered him a forever home. Then opening his door and welcoming in a spirited yet accident-prone Octogenarian. Now Gunnar has somehow tied himself to Chloe who needs all the help she can get but, for some reason, is reluctant to accept it.

Neither of them are looking for love, but under Iceland’s spell, and with a little extra help from those around them, something begins to shift. Could one kiss beneath the Northern Lights change everything?

About The Author

My Review

The story begins with a chance collision at Reykjavik airport between Gunnar Eriksson, a dependable local, and Chloe, a visitor whose work trip starts off badly when she realizes her boss has forgotten to arrange her stay. Stepping in to help, Gunnar finds her a place to stay and offers his support, setting the stage for a series of serendipitous encounters.

As Chloe explores Iceland, from boat tours to chasing the Northern Lights, she and Gunnar grow closer. Both, however, are weighed down by personal struggles: Chloe faces the heartbreak of being unable to have children, while Gunnar shoulders the responsibility of caring for a boy who isn’t his own. Their vulnerabilities add emotional depth, making their growing connection feel genuine and poignant.

With its enchanting setting, well-drawn characters, and a touching balance of humor and heartache, this book is a delightful escape, capturing not just romance, but also resilience, healing, and the power of love to shine through the darkest skies.

My Rating

Link To Purchase

Review Card & Book Review- A Winter Wedding Adventure By Leonie Mack

Adventure guide Kira Watling is not a natural with guest lists and flower arranging…

But the destination wedding agency she works for always goes above and beyond. And it’s her job to escort an important guest from Salzburg to the venue, a gorgeous chalet nestled in the mountains. It should be simple, but an overnight delay due to heavy snowfall leaves her stuck in close quarters with her very handsome, very eccentric charge, Italian opera singer Mattia.

Clumsy, yet sensitive, Mattia is unlike anyone Kira has ever met. Spending an evening exploring the Christmas markets and then making their way through the snow-covered mountains to the wedding the following day, Mattia gets under Kira’s skin in a way no one else has. They can’t ignore the very unexpected attraction, but Kira has a job to do. And whilst Mattia is open to love, bitter life experience has taught Kira to guard her heart.

Continually thrown together by wedding disasters, Kira finds her resistance to commitment sorely challenged by growing feelings for the charming Mattia – and the determination of the bridal party to make these snowbound nuptials a success. But can there be a future for a tough outdoor guide and an opera singer when the snow is finally cleared?

About The Author

My Review

This is a delightful, heartwarming romance set against the stunning backdrop of the Austrian Tyrol in winter. At the heart of the novel are Kira, a reserved outdoor sports instructor reluctantly stepping into the role of assistant wedding planner, and Mattia, a charismatic opera singer with long curls and a voice powerful enough to stir the soul. Both are scarred by past relationships and hesitant to trust again, yet their gradual, tender connection feels authentic and deeply moving. Their journey from guarded acquaintances to passionate lovers is filled with vulnerability, humor, and undeniable heat.

The supporting cast—including bride Alessandra and groom Joe—adds charm and texture, while moments of crisis allow Kira’s resilience to shine. Romantic, funny, and emotionally satisfying, this novel is an ideal holiday read brimming with warmth, passion, and the magic of second chances.

My Rating

Link To Purchase

Review Card & Book Review – If I’d Have Known By Savannah Carlisle

Gigi Franklin is planning her best friend’s wedding, and long-time friend Austin Beckett is trying to help her keep the private event top secret. As Gigi and Austin work together, their rivalry increases and sparks begin to fly, but Gigi’s too busy building her law practice to make time for dating.

If the wedding wasn’t enough to manage, she’s also tasked with finding the rightful heir to the local Salty Breeze B&B. Then, newcomer Simon Ridley arrives in town, throwing a wrench in the process.

As Gigi races against time to uncover the truth about the B&B’s ownership and pull off the perfect wedding, an old journal surfaces that might change everything she thought she knew about love.

About The Author

My Review

This is a charming, heartfelt story filled with romance, community, and cozy small-town vibes. This time, the spotlight falls on Gigi Franklin, who is juggling more than her share—planning her best friend’s wedding, advancing her law career, and unraveling the mystery of the Salty Breeze B&B’s rightful heir. Fortunately, she has Austin Beckett, her loyal childhood friend, to lean on. What Gigi doesn’t realize is that Austin has quietly loved her for years.

Their romance builds slowly and tenderly, threaded through a narrative rich with subplots. The chaos of wedding planning, the complications of family secrets, and the arrival of newcomer Simon Ridley all keep the story layered and engaging. Both Gigi and Austin are also navigating fraught family relationships, making their emotional journeys as meaningful as their growing connection.

Told in dual POV, the novel captures both Gigi’s determination and Austin’s deep, steadfast affection. With warm writing, themes of found family and healing, and a sweet romance at its heart, this is a delightful escape—like stepping into a Hallmark summer movie.

My Rating

Link To Purchase