NetGalley Reviewer nix21230

Noelle is heading back to her hometown to find out what her aunt has left her in her will. She's leaving it 'til last minute and in true Christmas story style, bad weather cancels her flights.  Completely distraught, she lets out her frustration on the Captain Kol Vinter. Against his better judgement, he offers to drive Noelle to her destination, it's close to where he is going. What could go wrong? It has all the tropes as listed in the blurb of the book: Holiday, Forced Proximity, One Bed, Opposites Attract, Return to Small Hometown, Blizzard, Afraid to Commit, Not Who I Thought You Were, Pilot, Horse Girl, Possessive Man, Sassy Girl. Enjoyable, quick, read.  Christmas Cancellation by Evie James is currently scheduled to publish on 20 November 2024. 

As it says in the blurb from the publisher: " Hallmark with Snark " Two writers, who both hate Christmas, are set the challenge to spend a week in a Noelville, a dedicated Christmas resort and write a sappy, Christmas loving story. The winner gets a sought after promotion. What could go wrong? Well, it is the festive season and not even these two Grinches manage to stay unaffected by the magic. Lots of fab banter, some 'balanced' Christmas sap - all in all a sweet Christmas story with e HEA.  It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas by Julianna Keyes is available from 1 December 2024.  #ItsBeginningtoLookaLotLikeChristmas #NetGalley.

Intense. Heart wrenching. The intrigue was real, and often extremely well hidden.  "To the world, they were a scandal. To each other, an obsession." Kat lives for her figure skating. Heath Rocha was a way to get there - not her first love. Kat is determination. Heath is power, dark power.  The figure skating world is manipulative, where being best is closely linked to having money, and people in your hands. To always wanting more of everything. Quote from the book: "But what was the point if you had everything and enjoyed nothing?" I loved the layers of this story. It would be fab on the big screen! The Favourites by Layne Fargo is currently set to publish on 16 January 2025.  #TheFavourites #NetGalley

I picked up this ARC late, but I am glad I did, as this was a fun and different type of story by Callaghan. I've thoroughly enjoyed her two Christmas stories, and her Ms Perfectly Fine - her writing is always spot on.   In Potions & Proposals we arrive to the mystical town of Foxford, where a new High Priest(ess) is going to be selected. Lucinda and Benedict have been pranking each other - and the whole village - since they were children and they still do to the dismay of everyone around them. Now they're pitched against each other for the lead roll, unless they agree to work together under a binding spell. The village is getting there revenge! The banter between the two of them drives the story forward, and they soon realise that it's better to work together to save their coven, the continue with their pranks and sabotaging for each other.  I am looking forward to the next book in the series as there is plenty of unfinished business. 

This is the third book in about Port Berry and I read it cold, without having read the previous two. As such it felt like I was missing some of the backstory, like I was a visitor looking in without knowing the history of the many characters that fleeted through the pages of the book. Will has returned to Port Berry to find his family and hopefully learn about his past. The warmth comes through the pages. He is also roped in by the local welcome committee and is quickly made to be part of the community.  Ginny runs the local cafe and also looks after her very unappreciative mother when she gets a chance; their relationship is pure toxicity. When Will and Ginny meet for the first time sparks fly. Different types of sparks fly later on, when Ginny finds out that Will is "stealing" her dream. With some adult level communication, much of the angst could have been avoided, and this would have been a pure, cosy, happy winter story. Winter Magic In Port Berry by K.T. Dady is releasi...

Dark Secrets on Dressmakers' Alley is the latest instalment in the gritty, historical saga series set in London's East End in 1924.  It builds on the first book in the series "Dangerous Times on Dressmakers' Alley" with many of the characters returning and coming further to life.  The girls are enjoying their work at Miss Susie's, the dressmaker's run by a former maid. Recently there has been a series of women being attached and robbed, even in broad daylight.  The Police seem too busy (and somewhat incompetent) so the men of the Dressmakers' Alley create a rota to keep an eye on the area and to keep their wives, girlfriends and sisters safe. The story felt a bit darker than the previous one, and some of the novelty from the first book was now just part of the back story (a Lady designing dresses, a former maid running a business, the Women's Movement, etc).    Dark Secrets on Dressmakers Alley by Rosie Clarke is available on 29 October 2024.

Family Affairs at Orchard Cottage Hospital by Lizzie Lane, is the second instalment in the Orchard Cottage Hospital historical saga series. It is set in rural Somerset, England, in 1931. I had not read the previous book, and despite some gaps in the back story it was a very enjoyable and captivating read.  Doctor Frances Brakespeare continues to settle into her new life, but continues to face both professional and personal challenges. Not everyone is happy with her "progressive" outlook on medicine and giving women a choice when it comes to their bodies. Her relationship with Reverend Gregory Sampson is going from strength to strength with hime providing comfort and support when everything piles up, including her past. As Frances unravels her family's past, she confronts the consequences of hidden truths and the importance of forgiveness. Family Affairs at Orchard Cottage Hospital is an engaging story that explores themes of love, loss, and the enduring power of human con...

Cosy, feel good Christmas story with the right amount of family, seasonal festivities, romance and a naughty goat. Rose is working extra in a Christmas shop in London to earn some badly needed cash. It's definitely not her definition of fun, neither is dressing up which apparently was part of the job description. Alistair is in London trying to avoid preparing for Christmas, a season he loathes after his wife walked out on him and his daughter on Christmas Eve. As fates will have it, he enters the shop where Rose works and offers her to organise his Christmas, up in Scotland. To ensure we get the Hallmark story, Rose accepts. Rose goes all in and sets about organising the best Christmas ever for Alistair, his daughter and his extended family.  Slowly, the Christmas magic is spreading to all involved and Alistair is finding that he once again enjoys the celebrations - all made easier by Rose and her warm heart.    A Scottish Christmas by Emma Bennet will be released on 16 ...

Pre-game rituals must be taken seriously, even when they seem completely outrageous - and indecent!  Hilariously believable.  Hockey trope. Brother's best friend. Playing to win. Pub Date: 18 Feb 2025 Part of Maple Creek series #ThePuckingProposal #NetGalley

We're back in Yule! Tis the season for secrets , is the sequel to The naughty or nice Clause , which I labelled as one of the best Christmas stories I've read in quite a while.  Callaghan has created another feel good story about love and Christmas, without it being over the top sweet. Just like the first book,  Tis the season for secrets , is highly entertaining, with lots of romance and some magic. Perfect for creating Christmas spirits and feel-good.  Preorder now for delivery on 24 November 2024: link to Amazon UK . #TisTheSeasonForSecrets #NetGalley

Henderson goes from strength to strength. Providing just the right mixture of cozy atmosphere and romance in this heart warming second-chance story set at Christmas on the lovely Arran.  Beth and Callum haven't seen each other since they worked together one summer on the island a VERY long time. After Beth accepts a new job on the island, they meet again and rediscover that their feelings for each other are still strong. Both Beth and Callum has undergone changes whilst apart. Beth is working on rediscovering herself, and figuring out where she fist in.Callum has also grown whilst he has confronted his past mistakes.  The story has a festive feel with family, friends and the island all rallying together.  The paperback of "A Christmas Wish on Arran" by Ellie Henderson will be released on 15 October, with the eBook releasing a week later.  Books by Henderson set on Arran; A summer wedding on Arran - my review A Christmas escape to Arran - my review A summer house on A...

A Lady's Lesson in Scandal by Darcy McGuire is the second book in the "The Queen's Deadly Damsels" series. Set in Regency England, the novel follows the adventures of Millicent Whittenburg, a spy in training for the Queen. Lady Phillipa has very recently started training Millie, to be part of her secret cadre of undercover agents, all working on the orders from the Queen herself. Millie is just hours away from being forced to marry a man the same age as her father - all instigated by her power hungry, horrible step-mother Patricia. Together with Lady Phillipa, a plan is put in place, but it doesn't seem like it'll go as expected.. Major General Beaufort Drake is way more decent than they expected. A Lady's Lesson in Scandal is another fab story and I'm guessing there'll be at least one more instalment to come. Highly recommended. Pub Date:12 Oct 2024 Previous book: The Secret Life of a Lady - link to my review #ALadysLessoninScandal #NetGalley

Not Mine to Keep is a romantic suspense novel about Calliope DiMaggio, who is trying to escape her family's mafia ties. Despite her efforts to live a normal life as a teacher and singer in Nashville, her father's dying wish forces her back into the mafia lifestyle. Even worse, she finds herself in an arranged marriage to a wealthy billionaire, Alessandro Costa. What started as pretend, soon turns real and as Calliope and Alessandro's relationship deepens, they find themselves caught in a dangerous game of cat and mouse involving secrets, betrayal, and a deadly threat to their lives.  Great mixture of romantic suspense, strong characters, intense plot twists, and a thrilling storyline, The characters are well-developed and relatable. A fab combination of romance, danger, and family drama, but at times quite dark, with themes of violence and betrayal.  "She’s the kind of friend that points out your crown is slipping, not quietly helps fix it."

A heartwarming and hopeful Christmas story set in the idyllic Cotswolds. Sadie's adult children treat her to a well-earned break at Juniper Meadows, the gorgeous Cotswolds estate owned by the Travers family. Sadie decides to forget the past that's weighing her down and try to enjoy the packed Twelve Days of Christmas programme, trying new things and making new friends. One of the other guests, is Dylan Travers who hasn’t been to his childhood home of Juniper Meadows for decades. After a huge fallout with his father Monty, he fled to the States where he has created a happy life for himself. As they both try to navigate their feelings, they realise they have a great deal in common.  The story explores themes of healing, forgiveness, and the power of love to transform lives.  It is worth keeping in mind that sometimes, the most unexpected things happen in the most unlikely places, and that Christmas is a time for miracles. And sometimes, those miracles come in the form of pe...

Emma Heatherington's Maybe Next Christmas is a cozy, slow-burn romance that captures the spirit of the holiday season. On Christmas Eve, Bea is heading home to Ireland to reunite with her long-term partner, Sean. But when her flight is delayed, she meets Ollie, another traveler returning home. Despite their immediate connection whilst waiting for their delayed flight, they fail to stay in touch and they return to their old separate lives.  Months later, a chance encounter in London reignites their spark. As Christmas approaches again, Bea and Ollie find themselves drawn together by fate. Heatherington's writing is warm and inviting, creating a delightful feel-good atmosphere. Her characters are lovable and relatable, and the Irish setting adds a charming touch. Thank you to Netgalley and Penguin Random House UK, Cornerstone for the review copy. Maybe Next Christmas by Emma Heatherington is set to publish on 24 October 2024 - perfect timing ahead of the Christmas holiday season....

A festive murder mystery. Highly entertaining, vaguely believable and a whole lot of ditsy - but all in a very good way!!  After the family's annual pre Christmas party, Anna is feeling worse for wear and all she wants is to finish her to-do list and finally sit down with the world’s biggest glass of wine. When she opens the larder, her plans are quickly thrown to smithereens after discovering a dead body taking up the space. To Anna's dismay, the local police are more interested in returning to the station to eat mince pies than investigating the crime. Anna and her best friend Jennie get their thinking caps on, the murder boards out and work their way down the list of suspects.  Never waste a good knife! Happy Bloody Christmas will be available in all good book stores on 26 September 2024.  #HappyBloodyChristmas #netgalley

Travel writing and historical events are blended together in this beautiful and inspiring story told over two timelines.  1927. Violet is a student at the Edinburgh School of Gardening for Women and she clearly an early journaller, writing down her thoughts on life as well as documenting her work at the school. Once she realises she's pregnant and not yet married, she decides to escape the school before it's too late. She embarks on an epic journey to Nepal to be with the father of the child, a fellow student from the gardening school (the male part of it...).  2020. Daisy has come across Violet's journals and when she finds herself divorced and the children have flown the nest, she decides to follow her dream of retracing the footsteps of her great-great-aunt Violet. I normally dislike Covid being part of fiction books, but in this one, Fiona Valpy has skilfully used it to strengthen the story, to make it more believable.  Lovely feel-good story with botanics thrown in a...

This is a fab story about overcoming societal expectations, slowly believing in yourself, going for it, and finding success and love.  Mrs Eisenberg is definitely a force to be reckoned with and freely shares her life wisdom with young Toni.  Life lessons from Mrs Eisenberg: We often overestimate how much we can accomplish in a day but underestimate how much we can achieve in a year. it never occurs to rich people that they might actually lose at something. When you’re poor, the opposite is true: it never occurs to you that you may win. Stand up straight and own your answer when speaking, because if you don’t believe in you, no one else will either. Have the courage to live a big life even without a safety net. And a final one: I didn’t want you to need me. I need you to want me. I loved how this story provided romance, business, and life lessons all beautifully mixed together. PS. Don't skip over the Foreword as there are some gems there too!

Finding second love is never easy, and it felt like Katie rushed into it to have a new person to rely on. As with young love, even later in life love, as we find in this story, can make people blind, or at least rather naive. Betrayal, naivety and Covid played big parts in this story.  For me personally, it is too early for Covid to appear in fictional books that I read to escape from the world around me, it is still too raw a memory. Also, the naivety of Katie bordered on stupidity and I always find it hard to connect with characters that don't realise what's right in front of them. On a positive note, I loved the scenery along the river, the tranquility and the mystery of the lonely man coming past in his boat. Katie's reconnection with her mother and her strong links with her friends, in the Covid darkness, also lifted the story.  I'll keep an eye out to see what the theme of the next book in the Potomac Shores series is, as I loved the river part of the story.

This Is Hawkward by Joelle Evans is part of the shared Tuft Swallow world series written by seven different authors. All the stories are set in a cosy, small town full of charming people, all keen on bird jokes and minding each others' businesses...  This Is Hawkward is the sixth story in the series, and we get to meet Callie a first grade teacher and cornhole champion who's recently arrived in Tuft Swallow. She loves her new town and is fast making friends. including with the Goat Mayor Winston.  Leo has had to return back home, to get support from his parents, after his relationship broke down. His 12 year old daughter is not too happy about the move... Leo is currently working as sports coach at the local school. Callie is fighting her attraction to Leo as she's not planning on staying in Tuft Swallow and she doesn't want to give the wrong messages to Lexie, Leo's daughter. Lexie is hell bent on getting Callie and her dad together and sets up a fundraising compet...