Review card – Page 55

Review Card & Book Review – A Very Irish Christmas By Debbie Johnson

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?

About The Author

My Review

Cassie O’Hara, a New York events planner, is going through a rough patch. After being left at the altar, losing her beloved Nana Nora, and coping with the fallout of COVID, she’s demoted to organizing children’s parties and is dreading the Christmas season, especially since her wedding was supposed to happen on Christmas Eve. To avoid her critical family, her best friend June suggests she escape to Ireland, Nana’s homeland.

Instead, Cassie ends up in the Cotswolds just weeks before Christmas. Her rented cottage is in poor shape, but at a local pub, she meets a charming Irishman named Ryan, a kind elderly woman named Eileen, and unexpectedly, her landlord, Charles, Lord Bancroft. Charles, apologizing for the cottage’s condition, offers her a stay at his manor, which is in financial distress.

Throughout the story, Cassie bonds with both Charles and Ryan, using her event-planning skills to help Charles revive the manor while finding healing from her heartbreak. Though her journey is full of challenges, Cassie blossoms into the person she was always meant to be.

This heartwarming Christmas story is about self-discovery and finding where you truly belong. With plenty of humor and touching moments, it’s a book you’ll want to revisit time and again.

My Rating

Link To Purchase

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Review Card & Book Review – Holiday Hideaway By Mary Kay Andrews

Tilly Farriday isn’t feeling very jolly this season. Recently divorced and broke, she’s squatting in one of her rental agency’s properties until her new home is ready. The sprinkles on top of the burnt Christmas cookie that is her life? The new owner shows up early, forcing Tilly to hide in the attic to save her job…and what remains of her dignity.

George Holloway is here to sell his granduncle’s house—and to reconsider whether he and his fiancée are right for each other. Amid home repairs, George notices strange noises and missing food, but as much as he gets his rental agent on the phone, Tilly dodges every invitation to meet. He’s sure that someone’s here with him, and it’s certainly not the Ghost of Christmas Past, Present, or Future.

As Tilly and George circle each other, they both wonder where their lives are headed and if, maybe, meeting each other is just the Christmas miracle they need.

About The Author

My Review

Holiday Hideaway by Mary Kay Andrews is a delightful holiday romance, brimming with charm and humor. Tilly Farriday, fresh from a divorce, retreats to a rental property, only to have her peace interrupted by the arrival of George Holloway. What ensues is a playful game of hide and seek as Tilly tries to stay unnoticed while George becomes suspicious of the unusual happenings. Although the story is brief, the ending felt a bit rushed, and I wished there had been more time (and pages) dedicated to the characters reconnecting and deepening their relationship. It would have been nice to see their bond develop further. It would have been nice to see their bond develop further. This cozy novella combines comedy and romance, making it the perfect holiday escape!

My Rating

Link To Purchase

Amazon

Review Card & Book Review – Stuck Together By Lily Joseph

The hate is real. So is the chemistry.

Annie is heading into the holidays alone. And as a confirmed singleton, she decides to open a shop selling the kind of treats every single woman would want to find under the tree. After all, who doesn’t like to get a ‘Premium Sensual Lifestyle Product’ for Christmas, right?

Penn is in a bind. He needs to come home for Christmas with a girl, or his parents will set him up with someone ‘suitable’. Nothing is too good for the Honourable Peregrine Burton-Edwards after all. But that’s not what Penn wants. He just wants to sell vintage records in his shop and meet a nice, normal girl.

The first time Annie and Penn meet, Annie feels a flutter in her chest – he’s tall, dark and handsome, with cheekbones you could sharpen a blade on. So when he offers to share the shop with her to save on rent, she gladly accepts.

Huge mistake… Annie and Penn are poles apart and butt heads at every turn. But with the holidays looming, Penn will soon need to ask for a big favour, and Annie, with no plans to speak of, is the only girl who can help. As the arguments get more heated, so do the sparks flying between them. Will they put their differences aside and come together? And could it be for more than just Christmas?

About The Author

My Review

This is a delightful holiday rom-com, blending popular romantic tropes into a heartwarming story. It follows Annie, selling her mother’s failed MLM products, and Penn, a musician selling vintage records, as they share a pop-up shop space. The story explores fake dating, enemies to lovers, and grumpy x sunshine dynamics, with forced proximity playing a key role in their budding romance.

Though the novel starts with a memorable meet-cute, it loses momentum early on, only picking up after the fake dating plot kicks in around 40%. The festive holiday backdrop adds charm, complementing the cozy romantic atmosphere. A standout feature is the mystery of who’s sabotaging the pop-up shop, adding depth and intrigue to the narrative.

While the pacing struggles initially, the chemistry between Annie and Penn, their witty banter, and gradual softening toward each other make up for it. In the end, “Stuck Together” delivers humor, mystery, and romance, making it a satisfying and enjoyable read.

My Rating

Link To Purchase

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Review Card & Book Review – The Bookshop At The Cornish Cove By Kim Nash

Dare to dream big…

When Nancy opened her dream bookshop overlooking the golden sands and shimmering waters of Driftwood Bay, she may have taken on a little too much. She might know all about books, but doesn’t know the first thing about business! She did however, want to do something meaningful with the inheritance money she got from her beloved Aunty Theresa.

When Dennis, visiting grandson of one of her dearest friends, offers to help, Nancy knows she can’t say no. Dennis is a high-flying businessman, with a fancy London job and a successful banking portfolio to prove it.

Trouble is, he makes the worst first impression. Nothing short of an insufferable know-it-all, Dennis takes every opportunity to remind her how out of her depth she is.

But Nancy knows her strengths, and just as much as she needs Dennis, he needs her too. There’s plenty she can teach him, and the more she shows off her world of Driftwood Bay, where the pace of life is slower and the morning sunrises are the most beautiful thing you can witness, perhaps they could become more than just business partners?

About The Author

My Review

Nancy finally achieves her dream of opening a bookshop after receiving an inheritance from her Aunt. However, she soon realizes that running a business isn’t easy—more money is going out than coming in. Enter Dennis, a business analyst temporarily staying with his outspoken grandmother, Vi. Despite an initial attraction between Nancy and Dennis, they are polar opposites: Nancy is a dreamer who believes in fate, while Dennis is practical and focused on maximizing profits. Their first meeting doesn’t go well, but Dennis has a personal reason for wanting to help Nancy turn her struggling bookshop around.

As their relationship develops, deeper issues from their pasts emerge, causing tension between them. Nancy’s brother adds to the stress, having been kicked out of his house again, reinforcing Nancy’s doubts about relationships and their ability to work. Despite this, the residents of Driftwood Bay, a close-knit community, step in to help where they can, adding warmth and support to the story.

With humor, heartfelt moments, and a few chuckle-worthy scenes, the book delves into themes of personal growth, overcoming past hurts, and finding new ways to navigate life. Nancy’s journey is beautifully intertwined with creative ideas for her bookshop, and the community’s efforts to help her match her free-spirited approach to life. This novel offers a charming mix of romance, reflection, and community spirit, making it a delightful read for fans of contemporary fiction.

My Rating

Link To Purchase

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Review Card & Book Review- About Last Night By Christy McKellen

Keeping it strictly professional…

Radio DJ Lula Lazenby isn’t often lost for words, but this time she’s speechless! The man she just shared an exquisite one night with turns out to be her new boss…and his first job is to fire her!

Executive Tristan Bamfield wasn’t planning to stay in London long. Turn up, handle his father’s business and leave. But his inconvenient and instantaneous attraction to Lula has really gone and complicated things!

Tristan is a professional and everyone deserves a second chance – especially when you can’t escape the red-hot memories so he quickly reinstates Lula. Until that leads to weeks of tantalizing torture working with Lula in the studio. Tristan’s not here for a happy ever after, but his challenge now is going to be figuring out how to keep their off-the-charts attraction under wraps until it’s time to leave.

About The Author

My Review

Radio DJ Lula Lazenby is typically quiet and reserved, but after growing tired of being cautious, she decides to let loose for a night, pretending to be someone else, “Louise.” She does things she normally wouldn’t, including spending the night with the charming Tristan Bamfield. However, she’s horrified when she later discovers Tristan is actually her boss’s son, who has come to the radio station with the intention of firing her.

The story also follows Tristan, who meets Lu in a London pub while preparing to fire a DJ, Tallulah, at his father’s station after allegations of harassment. Meanwhile, Lu faces a career-altering meeting the next day but decides to let off some steam, with Tristan happily joining her. This rom-com, perfect for a holiday read, is filled with humor and relatable characters. It was the first book by this author that I’ve read, and I’m now eager to explore more of her work. It had everything I look for in a romance.

My Rating

Link To Purchase

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Review Card & Book Review- The Secret Christmas Bookshop By Cressida McLaughlin

Can their Christmas love story last a lifetime?

In a village by the sea, where wintry skies bring a dusting of sparkling snow, somebody is opening an unexpected gift…

When Sophie receives a surprise package, she’s intrigued to find a beautifully bound book inside.

Sophie is desperate to discover the mystery sender, and her hunt draws her to the enigmatic Harry. The subject of much gossip since his return from London, Harry keeps to himself in his crumbling manor house.

But they are both about to learn that the best stories can take on a life of their own.

About The Author

My Review

The story centers on Sophie, a complex protagonist shaped by a difficult upbringing, which has left her guarded and hesitant to trust. I found her to be a compelling character. Opposite her is Harry, the brooding new Lord of the manor, who initially comes off as antagonistic but has hidden depths. Their dynamic works well, with both characters complementing each other like two sides of the same coin. Harry’s love for books instantly makes him likable.

The book is filled with a colorful cast of characters—friends, family, neighbors, and even pets. The idyllic village of Mistingham in Norfolk, especially during Christmas, feels like the perfect cozy setting.

Though predictable, the story’s warmth and feel-good nature are part of its charm. It’s a comforting, uplifting romcom with a guaranteed happy ending, which is exactly what I wanted. I read it in one sitting and found myself lost in the village, the romance, and the festive atmosphere. While it concludes satisfyingly, I hope there’s more to come from Mistingham in future books.

Overall, this is a heartwarming, nostalgic read that fills you with joy and warmth, perfect for cozy winter nights.

My Rating

Link To Purchase

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Review Card & Book Review- Christmas With The Knights By Hannah Langdon

When event planner Fallon Honeywood collapses from overwork after a particularly punishing Christmas party, she reluctantly agrees to spend the holidays with her soap opera-star mother at Blakeney Hall, a grand English manor on the frosty Yorkshire moors. But what starts as an awkward family reunion soon becomes an unexpected adventure…

Fallon finds herself drawn into the charming world of the aristocratic owners of the estate – handsome widower Alexander Knight and his sensitive son Theo. As her eyes and Alexander’s meet across plans to launch his new artisanal gin business at the local Christmas Fayre, Fallon wonders if her chaotic city life might have been masking a deep loneliness she’s hidden all along…

With the help of eccentric aunt Constance Knight, a rescue donkey named Heathcliff and her adorably scruffy little dog Runcible, Fallon slowly begins to heal. But as Christmas draws near – pine needles and spicy cloves scenting the air and mistletoe festooning the doorways – Fallon faces a terrifying decision. Could this be the year she finally opens her heart? And will she choose to return to her old life in London, or find an unexpected home among the snowflake-dusted Yorkshire moors, where Christmas wishes just might come true?

About The Author

My Review

This is an enjoyable, festive read that explores real-life issues like love, relationships, and loss. Fallon Honeywood, on the verge of burnout from her event planning business, reluctantly joins her soap opera star mother at a Yorkshire manor for the holidays. The picturesque setting helps Fallon unwind and reflect on her strained relationship with her manipulative mother, while also confronting her own insecurities around love.

Though Fallon’s personal growth is somewhat predictable, the story is engaging, thanks to a colorful cast, including Runcible, her quirky dog, and Heathcliff, a carrot-loving rescue donkey. Fallon’s bond with Theo, a young boy struggling with loss, adds emotional depth to the narrative. Drama is provided by Fallon’s difficult mother and Annabel, a rival for the attention of the manor’s handsome widower.

Overall, this is an entertaining holiday read with heartwarming moments and a lively supporting cast.

My Rating

Link To Purchase

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Review Card & Book Review- Christmas At The Little Bookshop By The Sea By Eliza J. Scott

A festive treat brimming with the magic of bookshops and Christmas…

In the seaside town of Micklewick Bay, Florrie Appleton and Ed Harte are gearing up for a magical Christmas at the Happy Hartes Bookshop. Florrie’s book-themed decorations are the talk of the town, while Ed’s dazzling window displays could have been plucked straight from a fairytale. With romance in the air, this promises to be their best holiday season yet.

But after a surprise phone call from his father, Florrie worries that Ed is keeping a secret. Why is he spending so much time in the attic? And what’s making him act so distantly?

Determined to make this Christmas unforgettable, Florrie packs their days with festive treats from gingerbread hot chocolates to sleigh rides under the stars. But when Ed disappears just a few days before Christmas, Florrie fears the worst. Will her holiday dreams shatter like a dropped bauble? Or is Florrie in for a Christmas surprise of her own?

About The Author

My Review

This is an absolutely delightful and cozy festive story, perfect for anyone who loves heartwarming Christmas reads. Although it’s the fourth book in Eliza J. Scott’s series, it stands well on its own. I still found their journey as a couple to be truly endearing. If you’re less focused on intricate character development, this book is an ideal, feel-good read for a snowy day. The charming setting of Micklewick Bay and the Happy Hartes Bookstore adds even more magic to the festive atmosphere.

Florrie and Ed are a lovable couple, and the strong sense of community and friendship surrounding them only enhances the story’s warmth. Filled with humor, sweetness, romance, and festive spirit, the book is a true Christmas treat. While the plot is light and pleasant, the enchanting holiday details—like Christmas lights, mulled wine, and ice skating—make it an immersive and heartwarming read. It fully captures the essence of Christmas, offering a perfect blend of romance, family, and community that’s sure to leave you smiling.

My Rating

Link To Purchase

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Review Card & Book Review – Eden’s Comfort Kitchen By Tilly Tennant

Run away to Seaglass Bay where the waves crash against ivory cliffs, the beach is a perfect golden ribbon of sand, and a little café is about to change Eden’s life forever…

When Eden turns the key in the red door of Four Winds Cottage, the clifftop house where she used to holiday as a child, she is overwhelmed with bittersweet memories. She lost her mother recently, and she’s hoping Seaglass Bay will heal her broken heart.

The villagers welcome Eden with open arms, but she can’t help but notice that life is tough for them when the holidaymakers go home. Her mother always gave so much to those around her, and Eden is determined to follow in her footsteps. She sets up a community kitchen where her new friends can enjoy a homecooked meal, and as she watches people chatting over delicious stews, she feels sure that her mum would be a little bit proud of her.

But Eden’s happiness doesn’t last long. An unwelcome visitor arrives in Seaglass Bay in the form of handsome, chiselled Cam, who wants to buy the land the kitchen stands on. Eden is determined to save it and challenges him to a fortnight working with her so he can see how much would be lost if it closed.

As Cam rolls up his shirtsleeves and whips up his famous roast chicken, sparks fly and Eden feels a sense of triumph – he clearly can’t resist a challenge. The heat rises as they mess around in the kitchen, Cam’s dark hair dishevelled and his blue eyes shining with fun, and she realises that maybe he doesn’t have a heart of stone after all…

But just as she begins to let her guard down, Cam disappears without warning. Has she failed to win over the man she swore she’d never catch feelings for? And can she save the place that’s helped save her?

About The Author

My Review

Eden’s Comfort Kitchen by Tilly Tennant follows Eden as she retreats to Seaglass Bay after her mother’s sudden death. Struggling with grief, Eden embraces small-town life and opens a community café where locals pay what they can. However, tension arises when a developer threatens the café. While the story had potential, it felt rushed, with underdeveloped characters and a romance that seemed forced. The town’s charm and Eden’s growth were highlights, but the abrupt ending and unresolved plot points left it feeling incomplete. Despite its flaws, the book had heartfelt moments and a strong sense of community.

My Rating

Link To Purchase

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Review Card & Book Review- Not Exactly A Small- Town Romance By JJ Knight

Kelsey Whitaker knows every hit rom-com by heart and why they work. It’s her job. As a casting assistant to a fearsome boss nicknamed the Demon, Kelsey creates chemistry with perfect leads. Let the tropes take it from there. So where’s the meet-cute in her own life? That she’ll have to make happen herself.

With the help of her best friend and wingman, Zachery Carter—a total Hemsworth, even if his career is ebbing—Kelsey trades in her big-city stilettos for small-town tennies and hits the back roads. Somewhere between Hollywood and her Alabama roots, she’s determined to strategically stumble into the arms of an all-American flannel-wearing, decent-hearted, rustic boy next door. It’s a blockbuster blueprint for success! Isn’t it?

It’s all a secretly smitten Zachery can do not to tell Kelsey she’s looking for love in all the wrong places. If she really wants a happy ending, they may have to do a little rewriting, town by town and mile by mile. Together.

About The Author

My Review

Kelsey, a matchmaker for on-screen romances, tries to create her own real-life Hallmark-style meet-cute after visiting a fortune teller, unaware that her best friend Zach, who deeply cares for her, is her perfect match. Zach supports her in every way, but Kelsey takes him for granted while chasing love elsewhere.

Her efforts lead to funny, embarrassing situations, and she eventually realizes the small-town romances she seeks aren’t for her. The story blends humor and heart, though Kelsey’s dependency on Zach becomes more apparent when she struggles without him. Overall, it’s a lighthearted, entertaining read.

My Rating