An Almost Perfect Summer by Jill Mansell

 

Nick is the most intriguing man Nella has met in a while. He's a 9 in the looks department (no one gets a 10), he makes her laugh, and he keeps her company when she ends up in A&E. But they live hundreds of miles apart.

Then Nella loses her job. There's a perfect role on offer at a Cotswolds holiday retreat. The catch is that her boss would be Nick. And that makes Nick the one man she can't risk falling in love with.

While Nella struggles with her feelings, a Hollywood star has found a haven at the retreat. Lizzie's sworn off people - especially men - until her friendly new neighbours entice her out of her shell. Maybe she needs a flirtation - with gorgeous Nick, perhaps? Not with taciturn local Matthew, though, who definitely isn't a member of her fan club. Then an astonishing secret revealed changes everything . . .

It has been a couple of years since I have dived into a Jill Mansell novel but by the time I had finished the first chapter of her latest book An Almost Perfect Summer it felt like I was back home in my happy place because her writing is so easy to get wrapped up in as she envelopes you in a whole new group of characters with various woes and whose stories all begin to merge together.

Set in the Cotswolds in a village called Starbourne where a range of high end holiday cottages are let we spend the Summer with a wide range of characters from the glam side of actors and painters to the more basic side of life to the cleaners and runners but it just goes to show no matter how much money you have or don't have in your pocket one thing remains the same we all have our problems and a heart that just wants to love and be loved!

The main storyline follows Nella as she moves to Starbourne to begin work there after an unfortunate accident and some would say a touch of fate lead to her meeting the gorgeous Nick who is the owner of the luxury cottage rentals. We also have a strong storyline that follows Lizzie who is a well known actress who has hit burn out and needs time to get her head straight whilst also working on her book and so gradually more characters are then weaved into these threads to open up more stories along side so there is always someone new to meet or something new going on. Jill Mansell has such a skill when building her characters because they are all so well developed and I never find myself muddled between who is who.

With so many characters comes so many troubles and emotions but also a lot of new beginnings and romance too which is just the kind of story I want to read in January when we all reset and recharge and have an air of positivity to start a fresh. This is a great feel good read by Jill Mansell and a great book to start the year.

Available to purchase here on Kindle or Hardback

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A Merry Little Christmas by Cathy Bramley

 

In the snowy market town of Wetherly, Merry is about to take on her biggest project yet - the arrival of a new baby. She has always dreamed of being a mother, since losing her mum at a young age. Everyone is so excited, so why is Merry feeling terrified? And why is she struggling to open up to business partner and best friend Nell, whose help she needs at their thriving candle shop more than ever?

What Nell desperately wants for Christmas is a baby with husband Olek. But when she uncovers a shocking truth about Olek's past, dreams of a family are turned upside down. Nell feels she has no-one to turn to, as Merry is wrapped up in her own plans for the new baby.

Tensions run high as Christmas approaches, and Merry and Nell's friendship reaches breaking point. As long-held secrets finally come to light, can Nell and Merry save the most precious gift of all - their friendship?

I am on a roll with my Christmas books this year and one I was super excited about was A Merry Little Christmas by Cathy Bramley. This book reunites us with Merry and Nell who you would have met if you have read her previous books The Merry Christmas Project and Merrily Ever After, now I have only read the first book so I was a little unsure if I would be able to follow the storyline having missed the middle book but I decided to go ahead and treat myself and give it a try .anyway. I need not have worried as I found myself swept along by the storyline from start to finish without feeling like I had missed anything.

Well this was certainly a book that was determined to leave a lasting impression on me. By the half way mark I was in tears! This really is such a poignant read that is going to stay in my heart forever. 

There were a number of sensitive issues that were tackled in this book and the author really did delve into each situation with care but also with raw and real emotions rather than sugar coating anything and I think this was why it was so emotive because it all just felt so real and with friends of mine currently in a similar situation it actually opened my eyes up even more to the pain and anguish they constantly feel.

Friendships and relationships were really put to the test and in all honesty I never quite new if the book would live up to the title and give us a Merry Little Christmas.

I would definitely recommend this book but be sure to have a box of tissues to hand.

Available on Amazon here

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The Christmas Cottage by Sarah Morgan

 

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?

One of the first authors to come to mind when I am thinking of picking up a new Christmas book is Sarah Morgan as she really knows how to pull off a festive favourite so it was time to start reading her new release The Christmas Cottage.

Any of you who have read any books by Sarah Morgan before will know that she typically writes her stories around three women’s points of views and this time we meet Imogen, Dorothy and Sara. There seems in the beginning to be a loose connection between these women, Dorothy and Sara are mother and daughter and then Imogen works as an events organiser and does some work for Dorothy.

One thing I picked up early on in meeting all of these women is an element of sadness and a hint of loneliness so it was something that made me connect with them all straight from the offset.

For the first time reading a Sarah Morgan book I found a unexpected twist in the story that I didn’t see coming, who new going to the loo could change someone’s life so dramatically is all I will say so as not to give any spoilers away.

With a new romance looking to blossom and hidden secrets revealed meaning that so many wrongs can now be put right this really did have a heartwarming feel to the storyline. This isn’t one of those books that have a fabulously festive cover but barely a mention of anything Christmas themed inside, oh no, this book will get the festive spirit kicking off.

I was a little surprised that it ended where it did and how it did, it was a lovely hopeful and peaceful ending but I still had things to explore with Imogen’s mum and watching the logistics of how things worked out in the long run and to see how Imogen would have been greeted when she returned to work! But this all just showed show much I was invested in the story and characters and that I was just greedily wanting more!

Available to buy here

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Ice Town by Will Dean

 

ONE WAY IN. NO WAY OUT.

'Deaf teenager goes missing in Esseberg. Mountain rescue are launching a search party but conditions hinder their efforts. The tunnel is being kept open all night as an exception.'

When journalist Tuva Moodyson reads this news alert she knows she must join the search. If this teenager is found, she will be able to communicate with him in a way no one else can.

Esseberg lies on the other side of a mountain tunnel: there is only one way in and one way out. When the tunnel closes at night, the residents are left to fend for themselves. And as more people go missing, it becomes clear that there is a killer among them ...

I have only read two books by Will Dean, The Last Passenger and The Chamber so I haven't been introduced to to Tuva Moodyson until starting Ice Town. This storyline is a slow burn and my interest wasn't piqued until chapter 20 but from then onwards I was drawn into the hunt to solve the clues that would lead to the mysterious Bear Spray Murderer.

The setting of this book couldn't have been more apt with it being cut off from the rest of the world only connected by a tunnel that isn't acceptable 24/7 and with the dark forest blanketed in deathly snow just makes this a chilling base to the plot. 

I loved the inclusion of two death characters but I wish this was explored more in the book as I can only imagine how much more scary and sinister things would feel in this situation in Ice Town when you also have a hearing impairment too.

I was certainly kept off the right path because I didn't even have a hint of suspicion for the murderer so this was an unpredictable read. I enjoyed this book and I feel like I would have enjoyed it more if I had read the previous books and had a bond with Tuva but all this has made me want to do is go and pick up all of the previous books.

A Fire in the Sky by Sophie Jordan

Dragons are extinct. Witches are outcast. Magic is dying. But human lust for power is immortal.

Dragon fire no longer blisters the skies over Penterra, but inside the lavish palace, life is still perilous – especially for Tamsyn. Raised in the glittering court alongside the princesses, it's her duty to be punished for their misdeeds. Treated as part of the royal family but also as the lowliest servant, Tamsyn fits nowhere. So when she is tasked with the ultimate sacrifice of pretending to be one of the true royal princesses and marry Fell, the Beast of the Borderlands, son to the great dragon slayer, Tamsyn accepts her fate even if it means tricking the deadly warrior.

The wedding night begins with unexpected passion, but ends in near violence when her trickery is exposed. Rather than start a war, Fell accepts Tamsyn as his bride … but Tamsyn isn’t what she seems. She harbours dark secrets, secrets buried so deep even she doesn’t know they exist.

For Tamsyn is more than the false wife of a man who now sees her as his enemy. And when those secrets emerge, they will ignite a flame bright enough to burn the entire kingdom to the bone.

Magic is not dead … it is only sleeping. And it will take one ordinary girl with an extraordinary destiny to awaken it.

I only found myself stepping into the Fantasy genre this year when I read Fourth Wing and having read a few from this genre now I certainly find I am more drawn to dragons so the minute I saw the cover for A Fire in the Sky I didn't hesitate in starting it straight away.

The pace of the book is slow paced but this felt fitting as it really felt like the author was concentrating on developing the readers relationship with Fell and Tamsyn and the world building ready for something bigger to come in book 2. Although the pace is slow my attention didn't waver at all I was intrigued to see if an actual relationship was going to happen between them and was eagerly awaiting where the dragons were going to fit into this storyline.

One thing this book was not was predictable and I actually loved that the author taken a completely different and unexpected approach towards the dragons which I won't say anymore on as I really don't want to give any spoilers but it did make for a fresh take on this genre that I applaud.

This was more on the romantasy that had a slight YA feel but there is also a couple of sex scenes but these were wrote really well into the storyline rather than just feeling like a bit of spice thrown in for what seems like a current trend.

I actually really enjoyed the kind of royal historical feel to this too, I had never heard of a whipping girl and was applaud by this but it just made me warm to our main character Tamsyn even more.

I was surprised how much I enjoyed this book and I really hope I don't have too long to wait to be reunited with Fell and Tamsyn.

 

The Secret Christmas Bookshop by Cressida McLaughlin

 

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.

If you are looking to start your festive reads now in October and not sure where to start then The Secret Christmas Bookshop by Cressida McLaughlin is a great place to start in my opinion because it is a cosy winter romance without being to heavy on the festivity.

This is a new standalone from Cressida and introduces us to a whole host of new characters who are big on community spirit and traditions. Our main character Sophie has never had a place to call home that is permanent which offers solid foundations, stability and love. Having always been ready to up and run as soon as she starts to set down roots anywhere and start again in a way of protecting herself from making strong bonds and face getting hurt, her first instinct is to run and start again. 

I adored not only this storyline but also Sophie as a character, she has a dream job making notebooks which really intrigued me being such a big stationery addict myself but I also really warmed to her character. She was such a loveable woman who I was hoping I would see let her barriers down and let those around her who love her to help her feel safe and secure to be able to actually start living her life rather than always being on the run.

There was a lovely romance blossoming and yes you could see this romance happening a mile off but that's fine with me as I was still so preoccupied trying to get to the bottom of the mystery of who was behind the secret book shop book gifts which I still hold my hands up and say I didn't solve until the point before they were discovered.

I will say at times I was so frustrated with Sophie and wanted to give her a good shake and a hard wakeup call but luckily our characters felt the same as me and gave her some tough love for me!

This was a heart-warming romance that was full of community spirit and learning to trust again to be able to truly start living. 

Available to purchase here

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Caraval by Stephanie Garber

WELCOME TO CARAVAL, WHERE NOTHING IS QUITE WHAT IT SEEMS . . .

Scarlett has never left the tiny isle of Trisda, pining from afar for the wonder of Caraval, a once-a-year week-long performance where the audience participates in the show.

Caraval is Magic. Mystery. Adventure. And for Scarlett and her beloved sister Tella it represents freedom and an escape from their ruthless, abusive father.

When the sisters' long-awaited invitations to Caraval finally arrive, it seems their dreams have come true. But no sooner have they arrived than Tella vanishes, kidnapped by the show's mastermind organiser, Legend.

Scarlett has been told that everything that happens during Caraval is only an elaborate performance. But nonetheless she quickly becomes enmeshed in a dangerous game of love, magic and heartbreak. And real or not, she must find Tella before the game is over, and her sister disappears forever.

Caraval has been such an unexpected exciting read, I didn’t actual have any intention on reading this series but I was kindly gifted Once Upon a Broken Heart which I am desperate to read but after seeing a few videos online saying that it is best to read Caraval series first I thought I better take their advice so I quickly brought a kindle copy and I am so glad I did.

Caraval is a completely unpredictable read that leaves you continually in a state of confusion never quite knowing what is real and what is fake and it is great as the reader to feel completely vulnerable and mind boggled along with our main character Scarlett.

The storyline is magical and adventurous but with a sinister undercurrent too. This was fast paced and once of those books where there is no safe place to put it down because you are desperate to see what is going to occur next.

There are a lot of characters in this book but they don’t have obscure names and the more central characters are developed really well so they were easy to distinguish between and even the supporting characters all brought an enchanting feel to the story even though I didn’t trust a single one of them.

The world of Caraval was so vividly detailed you really feel a part of this enchanted place and I am really not ready to leave it behind so I am going to waste no time and will pick up the second book in the series this week.

 Available to purchase here

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