Category Archives: Book Review

Review Card & Book Review – One Winter At The French Chalet By Mandy Baggot

Things aren’t going well for travel writer Orla Bradbee.

With Christmas fast approaching, her boss is insisting Orla must travel to a rural village in France to interview a man who doesn’t speak.

Saint-Chambéry is a picturesque French village nestled in the snow-capped mountains, but Jacques Barbier – gorgeous and brooding, yet a man of few words – makes it clear that Orla is wasting her time here.

Orla can’t deny that Jacques intrigues and infuriates her, but what is the mysterious Frenchman hiding exactly? And can she get close enough to uncover his secrets without risking her own heart?

About The Author

My Review

Orla, a travel journalist, is sent to a remote village in the French Alps to cover a story about a pregnant reindeer during Christmas. Due to family issues, she brings her teenage sister Erin, who is involved in a complicated online relationship with a man from Albania. In the village, Orla meets Jacques, a reclusive local known as Wolf. Though they initially clash, their relationship slowly develops into one of chemistry and connection. As Orla grows closer to Jacques, she begins to suspect that Delphine, who organized the trip, may have concealed key details.

The novel explores not only romance but also themes of community, family, and personal growth. Orla and Jacques’s evolving bond is complemented by rich relationships within the village, including Jacques’s ties with his brother Tommy and Orla’s relationship with her sister. Balancing humor and heartache, the author crafts an emotional journey, concluding with a heartfelt and satisfying ending.

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Review Card & Book Review – The Night Before Christmas By Nicola Knight

Felicity Brooks hates Christmas. But when she meets a man dressed as a giant penguin on Christmas Eve, could it spell a change of heart, in this laugh-out-loud festive romance?

The ridiculous music. The excessive presents. The stupid Christmas jumpers. Felicity wants nothing more than to escape it all, and pounces on the chance to work shifts over the festive period, at an animal rescue centre. After all, it’s the only place that brings her true happiness.

But her evening is disturbed by a stranger, James, dressed as a penguin and cradling a weak kitten. As Felicity and James work together to nurse the sick feline back to health, it gives them the perfect excuse to bond over their mutual dislike of all things festive. And soon, sparks fly.

But their attraction is interrupted when Felicity’s ex-boyfriend Adam returns to declare his undying love.

And when she is let down by both men, Felicity decides to return to her childhood home for some peace. While there, she uncovers an array of family secrets, and even more about herself, which may just help her to make a choice between Adam and James.

Can the ex outwit the penguin and win Felicity’s heart this Christmas?

About The Author

My Review

This book follows Felicity Brooks, whose traumatic childhood has left her disillusioned with love and Christmas. Working at an animal rescue center, her life changes on Christmas Eve when James, dressed in a penguin suit, brings in a near-death kitten. This sparks an unexpected romantic journey. As Felicity bonds with James and faces the surprise return of her ex, Adam, she begins unraveling family secrets and confronting her past. The novel balances humor and emotional depth as Felicity learns to heal, discern her relationships, and embrace her worthiness of love and friendship.

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Review Card & Book Review – Coming Home To The Windmill By The Sea By Caroline Young

When her father dies unexpectedly, Beth Macintosh leaves her high-powered career in London and rushes home to the island of Anglesey to be by her mother’s side. Stepping into the converted windmill she once called home, Beth is flooded with memories of her childhood spent on the island, before she left at eighteen to pursue her big-city dreams.

Crossing paths with Megan Williams is inevitable. Beth hasn’t spoken to her former best friend for fifteen years, not since the betrayal that shattered their friendship and set the women on different paths. While Beth spread her wings, painful secrets kept Megan tethered to the island and a life of isolation, supported only by her brother Ioan, who yearns for the love he once felt for Beth.

Confused about the feelings her memories of the island stir, Beth searches for solace on the beaches she and Megan loved as girls. But when the two friends meet again, and Megan confesses the truth about what drove them apart all those years ago, a fragile new bond begins to grow between the women. As Beth rediscovers the stark beauty of her childhood home, Megan opens her heart to the possibility of a renewed friendship, and hope of a brighter future. Can the two former friends overcome the pain of the past and come together to find the happiness they both deserve?

About The Author

My Review

Beth returns to her childhood home on the island of Anglesey after her father’s unexpected death to care for her mother. Leaving behind her successful London life, she faces her strained relationships with her childhood best friend Megan, and Megan’s brother Ioan, with whom she has a complicated past. Amid family struggles and personal challenges, Beth seeks forgiveness and healing while reconnecting with her roots. Set in a beautiful coastal community, this touching, heartfelt story explores themes of friendship, reconciliation, and personal growth, blending trials, triumphs, and the passage of time in a deeply emotional and realistic narrative.

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Review Card & Book Review – The Child I Long For By Caroline Finnerty

Emily is back in Ireland after nine long years away from home, when she sees him. Her ex-husband, Rob, holding hands with a five-year-old girl. A girl that should be hers.

Over a decade before, Emily and Rob were in love and happily married. Then tragedy struck and Emily moved to New Zealand to get away. Now, returning to Dublin nearly a decade later for her mother’s funeral, she finds herself face-to-face with her past. The man she loved has a daughter, beautiful little Molly, and Emily’s heart breaks yet again for everything that could have – should have – been.

But Rob and Molly’s lives aren’t without their own misfortunes.

Could a second chance at family heal all their broken hearts?

About The Author

My Review

Emily and Rob’s love story unravels after the tragic loss of their daughter, leading to their separation. Emily moves to New Zealand to escape the pain but returns to Dublin a decade later for her mother’s funeral. She unexpectedly encounters Rob with his five-year-old daughter, Molly, stirring emotions of what could have been. Set in Dublin, this emotional story explores grief, second chances, and healing. As Emily, Rob, and Molly’s lives intertwine, we are drawn into their struggles and hopes, experiencing a whirlwind of emotions as they wonder how their story will unfold.

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Review Card & Book Review- A Jingle Bell Mingle By Julie Murphy & Sierra Simone

Sunny Palmer has returned to Christmas Notch in search of some festive inspiration for her screenplay.

Isaac Kelly, former boy band heartthrob and the saddest boy in the music biz, is the latest owner of the town’s historic mansion. What better place to attempt his first holiday album than a snow-covered mansion where he can become a hermit in peace?

But after they wake up together in Sunny’s dilapidated motel room after a wild night, Isaac takes a chance and asks her to stay at his place and they make a deal: they will both try to get the other’s creative juices flowing again.

With these two opposites under one roof, there’s no way this jingle bell mingle could go off script…right?

About The Authors

My Review

Sunny and Isaac’s romance in this Christmas novel is a blend of steamy, funny, and heartfelt moments. Sunny stays in town to write a screenplay based on a local Christmas legend and ends up living in Isaac’s mansion. Grieving his late wife, Isaac is drawn to Sunny but resists love. Their chemistry is undeniable, with humorous scenes involving everything from local legends to Sunny’s quirky cat. The book features a wonderful found family, a magical Christmas town, and a spicy yet heartwarming romance, making it a delightful, feel-good holiday read.

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Review Card & Book Review – One Wish In Manhattan By Mandy Baggot

Christmas: it’s the most wonderful time of the year…to fall in love

The temperature is dropping, snow is on its way and Hayley Walker is heading for New York with one wish… to start over.

With her daughter Angel, Hayley is ready for adventure. But there’s more to New York than twinkly lights and breathtaking skyscrapers. Angel has her own Christmas wish – to find her real dad.

While Hayley tries to fulfil her daughter’s wish, she crosses paths with billionaire Oliver Drummond. Restless and bored with fast living, there’s something intriguing about him that has Hayley hooked.

Can Hayley dare to think her own dreams might come true – could A New York Christmas turn into a New York Forever?

Travel to the Big Apple this Christmas and join Hayley and Oliver as they realise life isn’t just about filling the minutes… it’s about making every moment count.

About The Author

My Review

Set in New York at Christmas, this heartwarming story follows Hayley and her daughter Angel as they search for Angel’s father, whom he’s never met. Oliver, a billionaire with a reputation for one-night stands, becomes central to their journey. The novel is filled with vibrant, well-drawn characters, from Oliver’s witty exchanges with Hayley to the wise-beyond-her-years Angel. Despite the improbable coincidences, the sparkling humor, romantic charm, and festive setting make this a delightful, feel-good read. It balances laugh-out-loud moments with emotional depth, perfect for the holiday season.

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Review Card & Book Review- Two Week Temptation In Paradise By Michele Renae

A ROMANCE THAT WRITES ITSELF…

Author Saralyn has no problem writing the perfect hero—she’s just never met one. Until he steps off the page and into her vacation! As a divorcée, she’s protective of her heart. But the striking younger billionaire makes flirting at fifty very appealing… To avoid a scandal, David’s escaped to his luxury island for solitude. Yet he’s tempted by the beautiful woman on his white sand beach… Their instantaneous spark soon leads to unbridled passion! It should be a holiday fling, but once their two weeks are up, will they be ready for The End?

About The Author

My Review

In this story , newly divorced ghostwriter Saralyn falls for billionaire David on a tropical island. Despite their age difference, they bond over shared interests and enjoy a blossoming romance. David’s emotional backstory and Saralyn’s personal growth add depth, though the narrative occasionally feels repetitive. The island setting is beautifully described, making this light, romantic, and sexy reverse age-gap story a perfect, easy read with a charming location and Insta-love.

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Review Card & Book Review – A Cowgirl On His Doorstep By Anna J. Stewart

Could his instant family…

Be her forever home?

Cowboy Shane Holloway tackles every challenge with rugged determination. But managing his father’s struggling ranch while raising his brother’s three orphaned children is running his wounded heart ragged. When trick-rider-turned-renovator Iris Blackwell shows up to work on his father’s ancient trailer, he discovers two important things—she’s as warm and bright as a Texas sunset, and she’s an unwanted distraction. Until her fun-loving spirit and genuine care start to heal his little family. Can their love entice the vagabond cowgirl and her rescued border collie, Cosmo, to stay?

About The Author

My Review

This story centers around Iris Blackwell, a former trick rider from the Blackwell Belle troupe, who is now an independent renovator. While working on an RV for Butch Holloway, she meets Shane, his niece, and two nephews. Despite her growing connection with them, Iris struggles with trust issues and prefers handling things on her own. As she learns about the family’s hardships, it deeply affects her, but she remains reluctant to accept any help. Meanwhile, Shane is doing his best to support his father and care for the children, with both characters navigating their emotional challenges throughout the story.

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