Faking It by Portia MacIntosh

 Today is my stop on the Blog Tour for this fun and witty new release from Portia MacIntosh. Thank you to Rachel's Random Resources for inviting me to join the tour, and for my copy of the ebook in exchange for my honest and unbiased review. 

Book Description

The perfect house, the perfect husband and the perfect life... or is she just faking it?

Life has been a bit of a rollercoaster for Ella. Growing up as the 'less successful' identical twin to her 'perfectly successful' sister, Emma, has left her feeling isolated, inadequate and let's face it.. a little bitter.

When Emma unexpectedly reaches out to Ella in a time of need, Ella suddenly finds herself with the opportunity to fill in for her sister and experience how the other half live.

But as Ella navigates the world of gossiping mothers, rebellious teens and trying to play the model housewife (not to mention avoiding the temptation of attractive men at the school gates...) will she discover that all is not always as it seems on the other side?

Discover the brilliantly funny new romantic comedy from top 10 bestseller Portia MacIntosh. Perfect for fans of Mhairi McFarlane, Sophie Ranald and Lindsey Kelk

My Review

This is such a fun and witty read the I loved from beginning to end and could not put down. 

Twin sisters, Ella and Emma could not be more different. Emma seems to have it all, the perfect husband, the perfect house and the perfect life. While Ella is still moving from job to job and has just been asked to move out of her flat. 

So when Emma reaches out to Ella explaining she is in need of help, Ella decides that of course she can step in and help her sister after all how hard can it be to pretend that she is Emma?

It does not take long for Ella to realise just how much hard work that Emma puts into her life and her family too. Add in the gossiping friends, doing the school run and very secretive teenager, Ella is soon beginning to realise that maybe the grass isn't greener on the other side. 

I thoroughly enjoyed this fun and witty read that at times really did make me giggle. The writing style is fun to follow and is full of plenty of twists within the story. 

I really enjoyed getting to know Ella. You get a good insight into her childhood reading the book and you understand just why she has the lifestyle she has. You find out more about the relationship between the sister too as you go through the pages. 

I really enjoyed the different story line and found it flowed well. I like how unpredictable the story was and you were never sure just what was in store next for Ella. I thought her dealings with the Yummy Mummy brigade were simply hilarious. There is also the very handsome Marco to add into the mix too.

It was also lovely to see Ella build a relationship with her niece and nephew seeing as she has not had a close relationship with her sister for some time. 

This book is the perfect pick me up for a grey winter day and is guaranteed to put a smile on your face. 

A wonderful five star read. 

Published by Boldwood Books 26th January 2021

Purchase Link

https://amzn.to/3eF5ah3

About the Author

Portia MacIntosh is a bestselling romantic comedy author of over 15 novels, including My Great Ex-Scape and Honeymoon For One. Previously a music journalist, Portia writes hilarious stories, drawing on her real life experiences.

Social Media Links

Newsletter sign up - http://bit.ly/PortiaMacIntoshNewsletter 

https://portiamacintosh.com/

 

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/macintoshportia

Twitter - https://twitter.com/PortiaMacIntosh

Instagram - http://instagram.com/portiamacintoshauthor

Bookbub - http://bookbub.com/authors/portia-macintosh

Thank you for visiting my Blog today, and I hope you enjoyed my review. 

The Little Swiss Ski Chalet by Julie Caplin

 Today is my stop on the Blog Tour for this wonderful, heartwarming and romantic new release from Julie Caplin. Thank you to Rachel's Random Resources for inviting me to join the tour, and for my copy of the ebook in exchange for my honest and unbiased review. 

Book Description

It’s time to pack your bags and head to the breathtaking, snow-covered peaks of the Swiss Alps for velvety hot chocolates, delicious cheeses and a gorgeous love story…

Food technician Minna has always believed that chocolate will solve everything – and it’s just what she needs when her latest relationship mishap goes viral!

So with her bags packed and a new determination to sort her life out, Minna decides to drown her sorrows with the best hot chocolate in the world at her godmother’s cosy Swiss chalet. Chocolate: yes. Romance: no. Until she has a run in on an Alpine train with a mysterious but oh-so-gorgeous stranger…

My Review

This was such a heart-warming and cosy read that I loved from beginning to end, and did not want to put down.

In this book we meet Mina, who after a disastrous breakup decides she needs a break from her life and the chance to work out what she wants from her life. So she makes a bold decision to go and stay with her Aunt in a beautiful Swiss Chalet in the Alps. 

Mina begins to fall in love with Switzerland the minute she disembarks from the train and gets her first chance to smell all of the treats that are on offer, and Mina cannot wait to try them all. 

Mina is looking forward to the adventure that lays ahead of her and that begins on the last part of her journey where she bumps into handsome stranger on the train. Bit Mina has sworn off men after the last disaster and is trying to work out just what she does want from life, little does she realise just how much she will gain from her Swiss adventure and what path this will send her on. 

This is such a wonderful winter read. Full of all the sights, sounds and flavours that Switzerland has to offer. The setting of the book sounds simply wonderful and is described so well you can almost feel like you are there with Mina. The food in this book sounds so divine and comforting it will really make your mouth water. 

I enjoyed getting to know Mina. You get a good idea of why she acts the way she does as you read through the book and it is wonderful to see her grow and develop, you see her make some big life decisions too. 

You also get to meet a great group of people who are staying at the Chalet they all play a part in the adventure that Mina has this includes the Handsome stranger from the train and also her aunt Amelie. 

This book is the perfect winter read to snuggle up with and escape from real life, whilst also giving the opportunity to visit Switzerland without leaving your own home. 

This is another 5 star read from Julie Caplin, and I am already looking forward to see where her next adventure will take us. 

 

Published by One More Chapter

Purchase Links

http://amzn.to/3jU2lKy

http://mybook.to/SwissSkiChalet

About the Author

Julie Caplin, formerly a PR director, swanned around Europe for many years taking top food and drink writers on press trips (junkets) sampling the gastronomic delights of various cities in Italy, France, Belgium, Spain, Copenhagen and Switzerland. It was a tough job but someone had to do it. 

These trips have provided the inspiration and settings for her Romantic Escapes series which have been translated into fifteen different languages.

The first book in the seven strong series, The Little Café in Copenhagen, was shortlisted for a Romantic Novel of the Year Award.

Social Media

Twitter - www.twitter.com/@JulieCaplin

Facebook -  https://www.facebook.com/JulieCaplinAuthor/

Instagram - www.instagram.com/@juliecaplinauthor

Thank you for visiting my blog today, and I hope you enjoyed my review. 

New Arrivals at Hedgehog Hollow by Jessica Redland

Today is my stop on the Blog Tour for this heartwarming and family filled new release from Jessica Redland. Thank you to Rachel's Random Resources for inviting me to join the tour, and for my copy of the ebook in exchange for my honest and unbiased review. 

Book Description

With new arrivals comes new responsibilities...
The sun is shining, wild flowers are blooming and Hedgehog Hollow is officially open for business.

For Samantha, the proud owner of this beautiful rescue centre, life has never been busier. But with an influx of new hogs and hoglets to take care of, not to mention a full-time job and ongoing family issues, can she accept the possibility that she has taken on more than she can handle?

Fortunately, she has the love of her life, Josh, by her side for support and encouragement. But Josh has his own family troubles to deal with. And soon he must decide if he's ready to do the one thing he swore he’d never do - forgive his father.

For both Samantha and Josh it's a season of change and for figuring out whether the past can ever truly be forgotten.

Escape back to wonderful Hedgehog Hollow with top 10 bestseller Jessica Redland for the perfect uplifting read full of love, hope and forgiveness.

My Review

In this book we return to Hedgehog Hollow on the day of the grand opening of the Hedgehog Rescue Centre. This is a huge day for Samantha and one she thought would never happen after all of the problems she had had in the last few months. 

Running the rescue centre is something Samantha never thought she would find herself doing but she has loved every minute so far and is looking forward to running the centre. She has a great amount of support around her especially from her boyfriend Josh.

Things are running well for the centre and and there are plenty of Hedgehogs in need of care. However someone out there is not happy with the centre being there, and the fact that Samantha is running it. Samantha is worried about the future of the centre. 

Josh has other worries on his mind too with more drama unfolding with his family, luckily the two of them have each other for love and support as with what is happening around them they are certainly going to need it. 

This was such a wonderful addition to the Hedgehog Hollow series from Jessica Redland. It picks up straight away from where the previous book ended and its great to see all of the characters we've grown to know again. The writing style of the book flows well but does not give anything away as to the outcome of the issues and dramas that appear as you read through the pages. 

I also really enjoyed how the story was told from a dual perspective. Telling the story from both Samantha and Josh. 

Samantha is such a warm and loving person and it is great to see how much of an impact that has on those around her. She also finds out more about hr past in this book which explains more about her relationship with her mother. 

Josh feels like he has changed so much since he met Samantha and this is apparent in his reactions to the drama unfold with his family. 

This was such a warm, and uplifting read that is full of love and support and shows you what family is all about. 

Another five star read from Jessica Redland and I am already looking forward to more adventures from Hedgehog Hollow. 

Published by Boldwood Books on 7th January 2021

Purchase Link

https://buff.ly/3qVlHD2

About the Author

Jessica Redland is the bestselling author of ten novels, including The Secret to Happiness, which are all set around the fictional location of Whitsborough Bay. Inspired by her hometown of Scarborough she writes uplifting women’s fiction which has garnered many devoted fans.

Social Media

Instagram -  https://www.instagram.com/JessicaRedlandWriter/

Twitter -  https://twitter.com/JessicaRedland

Facebook -  https://www.facebook.com/JessicaRedlandWriter/

Website -  https://www.jessicaredland.com/

Blog -  https://jessicaredlandwriter.wordpress.com/

Bookbub -  https://www.bookbub.com/authors/jessica-redland

Mailing list sign up -  http://bit.ly/JessicaRedlandNewsletter

Thank you for visiting my Blog today, and I hope you enjoyed my review.

 

The Lake House by Christie Barlow

Happy New Year and welcome to my first review of 2021. Today is my stop on the Blog Tour for this heart warming and uplifting new release from Christie Barlow. Thank you to Rachel's Random Resources for inviting me to join the tour, and for my copy of the ebook in exchange for my honest and unbiased review. 

Book Description

There’s a newcomer to the village of Heartcross and she’s never been more in need of a friend.  Ella is ready to start afresh ––and that could mean there’s love on the horizon in the form of the gorgeous Roman, the local water taxi driver. Every day Roman is there to ferry Ella to the restaurant on the other side of the lake and every night he makes sure she gets home safe. But Roman has secrets of his own…

Can the Love Heart Lane community offer Ella a chance of a new life? Or will the ghosts of her past catch up with her?

My Review

This is the fifth book in the 'Love Heart Lane' series, and having loved all of the series so far I could not wait to get started on reading this one. 

In this book we meet Ella who is in need of a change a scene after a tough six months, and thanks to her friend Callie finds herself staying in the beautiful village of Heartcross. 

Ella feels welcome in the village the moment she arrives and it doesn't take her long to feel like she's been part of the village forever. 

Ella is soon making friends and there is even a spark of romance but Ella feels like she is not ready for love. Ella also really enjoys her new job at the Lake House and even manages to get a promotion within days of being there after coming up with a brilliant idea to help promote the Lake House. 

Ella finds herself swept up in life in Heartcross and is really enjoying her life again. She is also beginning to realise that your past does not have to define your future, and maybe she should let love back into her life too.

This is a wonderful addition to the series. 

This is such a heart warming and uplifting read that will brighten even the darkest of days.

I really enjoy the writing style of Christie Barlow, she has a way of really keeping you engrossed in the story from beginning to end and gives nothing away. 

The setting of the village of Heartcross sounds like the perfect place to put yourself back together again and will make you want to stay forever. 

I liked getting to know Ella, the more you find out about her past the more you understand the decisions she is making now. 

It was great to be back in Heartcross and catching up with all of the characters I have grown to love as the series has progressed. The warmth of the community there can almost be felt through the pages of the book.

This book is a fantastic story full of friendship, fun and romance which will really bring a smile to your face. 

The perfect start to 2021 reading.  

Published by One More Chapter on 31st December 2020

Purchase Links

UK -  https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B086115DK9/

US -   https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B086115DK9/

 

About the Author

Christie Barlow is the author of ten bestselling romantic comedies including A Home at Honeysuckle Farm, Love Heart Lane and Clover Cottage. She lives in a ramshackle cottage in a quaint village in the heart of Staffordshire with her four children and two dogs. 

Her writing career has come as a lovely surprise when Christie decided to write a book to teach her children a valuable life lesson and show them that they are capable of achieving their dreams. Christie’s dream was to become a writer and the book she wrote to prove a point went on to become a #1 bestseller in the UK, USA, Canada and Australia.

When Christie isn’t writing she enjoys playing the piano, is a keen gardener and loves to paint and upcycle furniture.

Christie is an ambassador for the @ZuriProject alongside Patron of the charity, Emmerdale’s Bhasker Patel. They raise money and awareness for communities in Uganda.

Christie loves to hear from her readers and you can get in touch via Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

Social Media

Instagram -  https://www.instagram.com/christie_barlow/?hl=en

Twitter - www.twitter.com/@ChristieJBarlow

Facebook - www.facebook.com/Christie Barlow author

Thank you for visiting my Blog today, and I hope you enjoyed my review. 

 

One Snowy Week in Springhollow by Lucy Knott

 Today is my stop on the Blog Tour for this wonderful romantic and uplifting festive read from Lucy Knott. Thank you to the team at Aria Fiction for inviting me to take part, and for my copy of the ebook in exchange for my honest and unbiased review. 

Book Description

Tomboy Scarlett thought Devon would be her best friend forever. He was the only person in Springhollow who supported her ambitious artist dreams. But then one winter, Devon and his parents disappear without warning to start a new life in NYC and a devastated Scarlett is left alone to face her high-school bullies and overbearing mother.

Fast-forward ten years: Scarlett is playing it safe in her childhood village with a dull PA job and a wardrobe that passes her mother's old-fashioned standards. Meanwhile, Devon is a Hollywood heartthrob, starring in the latest superhero blockbuster. And he's finally coming home for Christmas...

Scarlett can't help blaming her former best friend for the way her life has turned out, but Devon's cheeky charm and gorgeous smile prove difficult to resist. Devon always did make her feel on top of the world, but Scarlett knows her heart isn't racing just because she has her friend back – is it mistletoe madness, or is she seeing Devon in a completely new light?

Scarlett hasn't taken a risk in years... but this Christmas of second chances could finally be her time to shine.

Perfect for fans of Sarah Morgan, Jo Thomas and Holly Martin.

My Review

This was a fabulous heart warming and uplifting cosy read that I adored from beginning to end and did not want to put down. 

I really enjoyed getting to know both Scarlett and Devon. You can feel the attraction between the pair of them at the first meeting as adults in Springhollow. I loved how as you read through the book you also got a snippet from the past of Scarlett and Devon and this gives you a good idea of just how close they were as children and just how many scrapes the pair of them managed to get into much to both their mothers disgust. 

This also explains to you why Scarlett is trying to keep Devon at arms length now. 

You also understand why Scarlett has kept that part of her life a secret from her best friends Hope and Jess.

The setting of Springhollow sounds like the perfect place to celebrate the festive season  and I loved the community feel of it too. This is full of all of the treats we all love around the festive season too. With gingerbread houses, Christmas cookies and peppermint coffee you can almost smell Christmas coming off of the pages. 

This is the perfect addition to your Christmas reading and one that you definitely do not want to miss. 

A five star read.

Read on for an extract of this festive read

Extract

I step in from the cold, pulling my hoodie over my head, and shake off the chill. Though the weather is wonderfully wintry outside, my brow is sweaty, my body hot from my walk around the village trail. ‘Christmas is in the air, Eddie,’ I say to my goldfish as I make my way into my cosy living room after a quick pit stop in my kitchen to fill up my watering can and a tall glass of water for myself. I balance my sketchbook and my glass in one hand before carefully placing them both down on my coffee table and turning on my Christmas tree lights. I stand back for a moment, just staring at how they sparkle, and take a deep breath to calm my breathing. The fresh air has done me some good, but the walk certainly quickened my heart rate. It was one way to get my adrenaline pumping these days.

I water my potted cacti, which are strategically placed either side of my pink accent wall to give the room a beautiful pop of colour and natural vibe, before I take a seat on my couch to see that I get enough water myself. I nudge my sketchbook as I place down the glass and see Eddie looking at me through his little glass tank. ‘I got nothing but trees, Ed. I tell a lie; I did draw a bird today too,’ I tell my curious goldfish. He gives me a disapproving pout before swimming away. ‘Well, that’s not very nice.’ I let out a small sigh at how well he knows me. ‘It’s just a teeny bit of a rut, Ed, that’s all,’ I say trying to justify myself. ‘We’ll be out of it soon,’ I add quietly, more to myself than to my tiny golden friend.

By the time the sky has turned navy, my sketchbook is safely stowed away, I’m showered, fed and curled up in my bed, going through my final idea for the Springhollow Christmas fair. Every company gets a stall each year to use as they desire. Our village likes to get creative. Where I work, at The Village Gazette, my boss encourages her employees to get involved to help decide what our stall will be. We each put forth our proposal and then put it to a vote.

I’m the person who has been planning and preparing since the beginning of November, allowing the excitement of the festive season to guide me. I’m feeling confident in my vision for this year, not least because I have won the last three years in a row, but because I truly think this is my best idea yet to really bring the community together. With visions of gingerbread and fondant Santas dancing in my head, I place my notebook on my bedside table, glance out of my window and say a prayer for a white Christmas. It’s been a while since we had a white Christmas and a little magic in the air.

Published by Aria on 5th November 2020

Purchase Links

Amazon - https://amzn.to/32sEaMQ 

Kobo - https://bit.ly/3pf4Ry7

Google Play -  https://bit.ly/2Ikp84y

iBooks -  https://apple.co/35dyPdZ

About the Author

Lucy Knott is a former professional wrestler with a passion for storytelling. Now, instead of telling her stories in the ring, she's putting pen to paper, fulfilling another lifelong dream in becoming an Author.

Inspired by her Italian Grandparents, when she is not writing you will most likely find her cooking, baking and devouring Italian food, in addition to learning Italian and daydreaming of trips to Italy.

Along with her twin sister, Kelly, Lucy runs TheBlossomTwins.com, where she enthusiastically shares her love for books, baking and Italy, with daily posts, reviews and recipes.

Social Media 

Twitter - www.twitter.com/@TheBlossomTwins

Facebook - www.facebook.com/@TheBlossomTwins

Instagram - www.instagram.com/@TheBlossomTwins

Aria

Website -  www.ariafiction.com

Twitter - www.twitter.com/@aria_fiction

Facebook - www.facebook.com/@ariafiction

Instagram - www.instagram.com/@ariafiction

Thank you for visiting my Blog, and I hope you enjoyed my review. 

Christmas at the Marshmallow Cafe by CP Ward

 Today I am pleased to share with you my review of this cosy and heartwarming Christmas read from CP Ward. Thank you to Rachel's Random Resources for inviting me to take part, and for my copy of the ebook in exchange for my honest and unbiased review. 

Book Description

When downtrodden checkout assistant Bonnie Green receives a letter from a mysterious uncle, she can hardly believe her eyes.

Gifted a hundred-year lease on a famous cafe situated in the middle of a mythical theme park, Bonnie sets off with her best friend Debbie on an adventure to a hidden valley in the Lake District where they will find new friendship, love, and happiness, all set against the magic of Christmas ... and more marshmallows than they can possibly eat....

My Review

Bonnie Green works on the checkouts at her local supermarket. She finds both the job and her current lifestyle are not making her happy but she doesn't have the money or the courage to try and change it.

That is until a mysterious letter arrives for her explaining that her Uncle has passed away and that she has inherited a one hundred year lease on The Marshmallow Cafe. The cafe is situated in the Lake District within the magical Christmas theme Park. 

Bonnie is keen to find out more about the place so with her best friend Debbie in tow the pair of them head to the Lake District to find out more. 

Bonnie and Debbie find themselves having a wonderful adventure full of fun and friendship and of course marshmallows all surrounded by Christmas. 

Could this be the start of a new chapter for Bonnie?

I loved this cosy and heartwarming story and did not want to put it down. 

I really enjoyed getting to know both Bonnie and Debbie. They both have difficulties in their pasts which makes them seem to connect with each other despite the age gap. 

The recipes for the marshmallows and hot chocolate sound delicious and will certainly make your mouth water. 

The setting of the Marshmallow Cafe sounds simply wonderful and a place that I would definitely love to visit. 

This is a perfect Christmas read. 

Purchase Link

https://books2read.com/cp-ward-christmas-at-the-marshmallow-cafe

Only 99p/c until 20^th December!

About the Author 

CP Ward is an author from Cornwall in the UK.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/510678469409835

Thank you for visiting my Blog today, and I hope you enjoyed my review. 

A Kiss in the Snow by Rosie Green

 Today I am pleased to share with you my review of the heartwarming and romantic Christmas read from Rosie Green. Thank you to Rachel's Random Resources for inviting me to take part, and for my copy the ebook in exchange for my honest and unbiased review. 

Book Description

After a cruel twist of fate sends her hurtling into a black hole of despair, Carrie is absolutely dreading the festive season - especially with sister, Krystle, being even more demanding of her time and energy than usual. But then friend Maddy offers Carrie a lifeline: the chance to get away from it all in a holiday cottage in the gorgeous little village of Silverbells. Deciding that a few weeks of tranquillity - reading, baking and going for long walks in the countryside - might just restore her mood, Carrie is quick to take up the offer. But on arriving, it very soon becomes clear that this break is going to be anything but peaceful!

An unwelcome houseguest proves unsettling enough - especially one who whistles loudly first thing in the morning and is far too cheerful for his own good - but finding herself drawn into the spooky mystery of her missing neighbour means there really isn't much time for personal reflection. And then love comes knocking, and Carrie is forced to decide exactly where her heart lies.

Will this festive season be the disaster Carrie predicted? Or will Santa be good to her and deliver her heart's desire? One thing's for sure - this will be a Christmas Carrie will never, ever forget...

My Review

This is such a romantic and heartwarming read, and one I loved from beginning to end. 

In this book we meet Carrie who isn't feeling very festive this Christmas. She feels pressure from her twin sister Krystle, who is constantly demanding her attention and after some bad news she is despair over how to move forward. 

Luckily one of her best friends Maddy comes up with an idea for Carrie to escape for a while and get a chance for some peace and quiet. She offers Carrie a stay in a holiday cottage in the village of Silverbells. This is just the chance that Carrie has been after, the chance to spend her days walking in the countryside, the opportunity to spend her days reading and the chance for some peace.

Carrie packs her bags and heads to Silverbells where she finds she is staying a picturesque cottage and she begins to relax immediately. 

Things however don't stay that way as Carrie soon has an unexpected houseguest who is far too cheery early in the morning, and just what is going on in the mysterious house next door.  Carrie also starts getting to know the people that live in the village and her chances of relaxing are soon far from her thoughts but Carrie is enjoying being in the village and is shocked when the chance of love appears in the village too. 

Will Carrie get the Christmas she wants and will she finally get her happy ever after. One thing is for sure this is going to be a Christmas to remember. 

This is such an uplifting read and one I devoured in one sitting. I am a big fan of the Little Duck Pond Cafe series and I think this is a great addition to the story. 

I enjoyed getting to know more about Carrie and those around her. She is always putting her sister Krystle first so it is nice to see her get the opportunity to do something for herself. 

The village of Silverbells sounds idyllic and the perfect place to relax for Christmas. 

The romance in the story is just wonderful and will keep you guessing right up until the end to find out the outcome.

This story is a brilliant festive addition to the series and one you will not want to miss.  

 

Purchase Link

https://amzn.to/32VMJjD

About the Author

Rosie has been scribbling stories ever since she was little.

Back then, they were rip-roaring adventure tales with a young heroine in perilous danger of falling off a cliff or being tied up by 'the baddies'.

Thankfully, Rosie has moved on somewhat, and now much prefers to write romantic comedies that melt your heart and make you smile, with really not much perilous danger involved at all - unless you count the heroine losing her heart in love.

Her series of novellas is centred around life in a village cafe. The latest, ‘Lucy’s Great Escape', is out now.

Rosie will be revisiting the Little Duck Pond Café with a beautiful story of love and friendship at Christmas time, entitled A Kiss in the Snow, out in October 2020.

Social Media

You can follow Rosie on Twitter  https://twitter.com/Rosie_Green1988

Thank you for visiting my Blog today, and I hope you enjoyed my review.