It’s Monday! What Are You Reading? a place to meet up and share what you have been, and are about to be reading over the week. It’s a great post to organise yourself. It’s an opportunity to visit and comment and er… add to your groaning TBR pile! Hosted at The Book Date. Come join in the fun.
Kitty held her husband close to her chest, covering his beloved body with her own. She called for help, but none came. She stared down at the face she loved so well. “Edgar! Don’t go, my darling, not now. Not after all we’ve been through… please don’t leave me here alone…” 1944. Beautiful American Kitty Larsson knows better than most that fighting the Nazis comes at a price. She’s spent years working undercover as an agent for the British and knows that doing what is right could cost her everything… When Kitty is captured during a mission and her true identity is revealed, she learns her beloved husband, Edgar, has gone missing. The Gestapo tell her they have him, and that his life is in her hands. If she doesn’t cooperate, he will die and her worst fears will be realized. If they are telling the truth, Kitty’s secrets might be enough to save the man she loves… But what if they are lying? Fueled by her desire to do what is right, but also to save the man she loves, Kitty knows that she won’t be able to rest until she can escape and find Edgar. Because surely, somewhere out there, he is still alive… As the war rages, Kitty tries to think of a plan. Surely this isn’t where it all ends? She needs to know whether Edgar is safe, and to hold him in her arms once again. But, to do that, will Kitty finally have to make the ultimate sacrifice? An absolutely unputdownable, gripping and powerful story about love, courage and doing what is right in the midst of the darkness of World War 2. Perfect for fans of The Nightingale, My Name is Eva and All the Light We Cannot See.
MY THOUGHTS
This is a series that I’d recommend you read in order to as each story builds upon the last. The author’s writing style is one I really enjoy.
When I am looking for a realistic and well researched historical fiction book, I can always count on this author to deliver. The book is absolutely unputdownable to me. After reading and following Kitty and Edgar’s story I knew I had to keep reading each book in the series
. I was holding my breath as I read. You could feel the tension crackling in the air, will she be caught, will Edgar stay safe? Kitty has been a long-time spy, putting herself in life-threatening situations. She’s on a runaway train of events and there’s no brakes.
There’s a lot of action and suspense. She doesn’t trust the Nazi’s. When she is captured, she is told they will kill Edgar if she doesn’t spill what she knows. Is it true, is Edgar even alive?
I was rooting for Kitty and Edgar’s character’s the whole way through in this series. They put themselves in so much danger. Doing what is right isn’t easy all the time. I applaud Kitty for her courage during the darkest of times and her straightforward attitude.
Sometimes you have to face the dark to receive the light and she is a perfect example of this. Her powerful love and devotion kept her going.
The author’s writing style is so realistic that I could picture it as I read like a film running through my mind.
Mesmerizing, I eagerly look forward to more amazing books by the author. This brought all my emotions to the forefront.
Pub Date 20 Oct 2023 I was given a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Chrystyna Lucyk-Berger is a Ukrainian-American who transplanted to Austria. She is the granddaughter of Ukrainian partisans and grandparents who survived a Nazi concentration camp. Born in 1969, she grew up in the culture-rich neighborhood of “Nordeast” Minneapolis, part of the Ukrainian diaspora, and started her writing career with short stories, travel narratives, and poetry. She worked as a journalist and managing magazine editor, before jumping the desk and pursuing her own writing and traveling. Her books tackle David-vs.-Goliath themes with strong women battling for the Underdogs against a system, be it political, geographical, or industrial. Sometimes all three. “I enjoy discovering the good, the bad, and the ugly in my characters when they come into conflict,” she says. “And all of my stories have been inspired by injustices I’ve discovered along my travels.”
For more on Chrystyna, dive in at inktreks(dot)com
Taking over the Flower Shed studio at Halesmere, Alice is looking to mend her heart through horticulture after the end of her ten-year marriage. She isn’t looking for romance, especially not with brash young tree surgeon, Zac.
Zac has his own past he’s trying to move on from, and he’s only staying at Halesmere until the new year. But when their circumstances change in a way that shocks them both, they have to decide if they can share a future that already binds them.
Will the magic of Halesmere work once more to bring love to two lost souls?
A beautiful and heartfelt love story, for fans of Trisha Ashley and Heidi Swain.
Other books in the series
Love in the Lakes series
Book 1 Snowfall over Halesmere House
Book 2 Wedding Days at Halesmere House
Book 3 Starting Over at Halesmere House
Starting over at Halemere House 282 pages Canelo publisher October 19,2023 publish date
I have been looking for upbeat and positive books recently and I’ve found it in the Love in the Lakes series. I’ve read the other two in the series and was thrilled to see another, Starting Over at Halesmere House.
I do suggest reading this series in order as the books do build off of each other and we also see new characters being introduced in each book. This is a bit different than a lot of romances as our female lead is the older one in this relationship.
I have long enjoyed this author’s work for its clean and encouraging writing. Alice is ready to move on in life after a bad series of events. She believes starting a new business at Halesmere House, where she has moved will be a wonderful fresh start.
Once there she meets tree surgeon Zac who is also staying there to help owner, Mac. He also has a past he’s trying to move on from and neither are looking for a romance. Zac and Alice enjoy each other’s company but know nothing lasting can come of it as Zac is only there temporarily.
Zac will be moving after Christmas starting a new job in Scotland. I feel as though the author draws you into the story making you a part of it.
The descriptions of the scenery are fabulous. The characters are fun and relatable. Emotional and sweet! I hope the series will continue as I really enjoy reading about these characters.
Pub Date: 19 Oct 2023 I was given a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
THE AUTHOR
Suzanne writes contemporary and uplifting fiction with a vibrant sense of setting and community connecting the lives of her characters. A horticulturist who lives with her family in Lancashire, her books are inspired by a love of landscape, romance and rural life.
Her first novel, The Cottage of New Beginnings, was a contender for the 2021 RNA Joan Hessayon Award. Her seventh book, Starting Over at Halesmere House, will be published by Canelo in October 2023. Get a free download and exclusive reader offers when you subscribe to Suzanne’s newsletter.
The Royal Daughter: A completely unputdownable and heartbreaking page-turner full of family secrets (The Lost Daughters Book 3)
“My darling B, my heart, my soul. I only wish we’d had longer. Longer to search for the daughter that I should never have given up. The daughter that I should have been brave enough to keep, brave enough to tell you about, brave enough to tell the world about.”
London, present day. As Ella looks down at a faded black and white photograph of an unknown woman and child alongside a yellowing piece of sheet music, she wonders how the two things can possibly relate to her own family. The items were left for her family at Hope’s House, a home for unmarried mothers whose babies were adopted.
Soon Ella learns that the photograph was taken on the picturesque Greek island of Skopelos, nestled in the turquoise calming waters of the Aegean sea, and that the woman in the photo holds the key to her family’s heritage. As she opens up to her new flame Gabriel, he tells her that she should go to the island to unravel the mystery and that he will wait for her.
Though Ella is torn she decides to go and once there, she discovers a heart-wrenching story of a royal family forced to leave their country for a new life in London, and of a girl with a unique talent for music who captured the heart of a young violinist but was forced to leave him and London behind for the sake of her family.
When Ella discovers the sacrifice made by the two young lovers and comes face to face with her forgotten Greek family, will their story give her the courage to follow her own heart back to London and Gabriel, or will the beauty of the island capture her heart and lead her to a new love altogether?
A totally addictive and heartbreaking novel about the strength of family ties and never giving up on true love. Perfect for fans of Santa Montefiore, Lucinda Riley and Victoria Hislop.
MY THOUGHTS
I know when I read a book by Soraya M. Lane my heart is going to be broken. Happens every time. Her books are excellent she has a way of writing from the soul, and I can feel all of the emotions portrayed in the story. I’ll admit the story brought tears to my eyes, and that doesn’t happen often when I read.
The setting was perfect, oh how I would love to visit Greece, it sounds so welcoming and beautiful. The characters so realistic, I would have loved to meet so many of them. My heart felt what the characters did, I was hoping, praying things would turn out differently. Life can be so unfair sometimes, why must we suffer so much at times. This is a dual time historical fiction book. Taking place in modern day England and in the nineteen seventies Greek island of Skopelos.
Finding a box of memories meant for her family left behind at a former home for unwed mothers whose babies were adopted, Ella knows she must follow the clues back to the beautiful island where it all started.
On this beautiful island we are visiting in the nineteen seventies we meet a young woman, just twelve years old who has just had her whole world ripped apart, her mother has died in a horse-riding accident. Her father has no compassion for her, and she is so alone. On top of this they are forced to leave their country and her life is in an upheaval. Her aunt, whom she hasn’t seen in many years steps in and insists she move in with her family in England. All goes well for quite a while and with her newly discovered musical talent she meets another talented musician when she’s a teen and falls in love.
Life is not to be rosy and sweet for her as she once again faces upheaval as her father rips her away from her lover for bringing shame to the family and his own greedy purposes.
Ella discovers the past and is heartbroken by all she finds out when she visits the island and meets her forgotten Greek family. Though sad, her discoveries make her a better, stronger person able to cope with changes.
We discover the strength of family ties that make us a stronger person, more capable to handle life. Unrelenting love that lasts through life’s storms.
I was captivated as I read and couldn’t put this down. I can’t wait to read the next book by the author.
Pub Date 12 Oct 2023 I was given a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
Soraya Lane graduated with a law degree before realising that law wasn’t the career for her and that her future was in writing. She is the author of historical and contemporary women’s fiction, including the #1 Kindle bestselling novels The Last Correspondent and The Secrets We Left Behind.
Soraya lives on a small farm in her native New Zealand with her husband, their two young sons and a collection of four legged friends. When she’s not writing, she loves to be outside playing make-believe with her children or snuggled up inside reading.
As the snow begins to fall and the lights twinkle, Ellie realizes Christmas has finally come to the Inn on Bluebell Lane. But as she watches the guests arrive, she hopes this won’t be her family’s last winter in this magical place…
It’s been two years since Ellie and her family left their lives in America behind and moved to a small Welsh village to run her husband’s family inn. Having fought to save it from disrepair, Ellie is shocked when her sister-in-law, Sarah, breaks the news that the inn is facing financial trouble and might have to close after Christmas, a thought that breaks all their hearts.
Turning to her mother-in-law, Ellie sees tears sparkling in Gwen’s eyes. But then Ellie has an idea: a celebratory Christmas week for guests and locals with all the festive trimmings — an unforgettable experience, and her family’s last chance to save the inn.
With Christmas drawing closer, the family are busier than ever. Gwen bakes enough mince pies to feed the whole country, while Ellie adds mistletoe to every room, and her husband Matthew turns the garden into a winter wonderland.
But there are troubles ahead no one could expect. And as Bluebell Lane twinkles against the frost, Ellie marvels that the inn has never looked prettier. But will it be enough to save this beautiful place her family has grown to love?
This totally unputdownable seasonal read is perfect for anyone who believes in the magic of Christmas. Packed with heart-warming festive cheer, and bursting with merrymaking, this novel is perfect for fans of Debbie Macomber, Robyn Carr and Elin Hildebrand.
MY THOUGHTS
A beautiful and welcoming addition to Christmas joys this year. The Christmas at the Inn on Bluebell Lane is about working together, accepting who others are and knowing they may not be the ones needing to change, but it may be ourselves.
Change is inevitable, it’s not always easy, but it’s a guarantee it’s going to happen. This glorious holiday read will open all your senses to festiveness of the season.
I had a hard time putting this one down. Filled with all the holiday descriptions in this special little inn, the Inn on Bluebell Lane. I sure wish I could visit this small Welsh village. It may not have all the trappings of the big-name fancy places you could choose to stay but it would be my choice for a comfortable, cozy and down to earth sounding stay.
The characters are relatable and sound so realistic, sure it sounds like some of them are not having an easy time of it, but I do believe in the miracle of Christmas. With the ending it makes me think there will be at least one more to round out this series and I’ll be first in line to read it.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
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THE AUTHOR
Kate Hewitt is the author of many romance and women’s fiction novels. A former New Yorker and now an American ex-pat, she lives in a small town on the Welsh border with her husband, five children, and their overly affectionate Golden Retriever. Whatever the genre, she enjoys telling stories that tackle real issues and touch people’s lives.
I apologize for my lateness in posting this. Due to my illness, I fell well behind on reading and posting.
ABOUT THE BOOK
A Christmas Miracle in the Little Irish Village: A heart-warming and utterly addictive small town Christmas romance
Ava Kelly loves returning to Emerald Bay for Christmas. Snowflakes fall on the green rolling hills and mulled wine fills The Shamrock Inn with the smell of winter spice. But this year, the Kelly family is hoping for a miracle…
When twenty-four-year-old Ava Kelly and her adventurous twin Grace return home to The Shamrock Inn, their Ma’s favourite baubles bring back so many memories of Christmases past. They have always done everything together, even leaving their little Irish village for the excitement of London. But with the locket her handsome ex Shane gave her hanging just above her heart, Ava has just one wish this festive season…
After a year stuck in a job she can’t stand and going on dreadful dates, Ava longs to be back with Shane. Curling up in front of the fire with him, the brooding fisherman everyone else sees melts away as his blue eyes meet hers. But planning a future with Shane would mean telling Grace she’ll be moving back to the village for good. Ava knows it will break her sister’s heart for them to be parted.
But, before Ava can build up the courage to talk to her twin, terrible tidings about Shane hit The Shamrock Inn like a winter storm. With everyone but Grace rushing to the harbour, will Ava’s hopes for a future with both Shane and her sister in it be dashed? Or could a Christmas miracle bring them all together?
Fans of Nicola May, Trisha Ashley and Debbie Macomber will love this stunning festive romance. Get comfy under your winter blankets with a warm cocoa ready, because you will not be able to put this wonderful, heart-warming book down!
You will get the full Irish experience while reading this one. Being that my ancestors came over on a boat from Galway I knew this one was the perfect read for me.
You’ll be immersed in the authenticity of the Irish humor, foods and settings. Emerald Bay pulled me in, after my first visit I knew I had to return.
The twins, Grace and Ava Kelly have been stuck together like glue and always done everything together their whole life. Showing a side not often seen Grace asserts herself and moves to London, though she’d rather be in Emerald Bay, Ava follows.
Ava didn’t leave her boyfriend, Shane on the best of terms when she moved to London. Grace, the social butterfly has many friends and would feel at home just about anywhere.
When an emergency back home in Emerald Bay has Ava returning on the double, she becomes moody and so worried. Family drama and dynamics. We see sweet and sour, misunderstandings and reconciliations.
Delightful holiday read full of family warmth, romance and friendships. Kept me eagerly turning pages as I soaked in the Irish Christmas warmth. I was given a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Michelle Vernal is a New Zealand author who writes stories that will take you onto the page with her characters and make you feel part of their lives. She writes with humour and warmth, and her readers describe her books as unputdownable, feel good and funny. Her writing has been likened to Maeve Binchy but with a modern-day vernacular. In 2015 she was shortlisted for the Love Stories Award. In 2020 she won the Reader’s Favorite Gold Medal Award for Chick lit, and in 2021 was shortlisted for the Page Turner Book Awards.
I apologize for posting late for my stop on this blog tour. Illness held me back from reading and posting on time. Deanne
About the Book:
Welcome to Christmas Resort, the festive retreat where the scent of cinnamon is in the air and chocolate yule log is eaten all year round! But with the resort in trouble, can Holliday Harrison save Christmas and find true love along the way?
Thirty-year-old Holliday Harrison is throwing herself into the festive season to give her life some purpose after losing her fiancé three years ago. Working at Christmas Resort, an all-year-round holiday village, with its sparkling lights and community of quirky characters, is the warm environment she needs right now. But everything is about to change…
When handsome, blue-eyed businessman Damon MacAndrew arrives to stay in one of the cute log cabins, at first Holly is intrigued. Why has this serious stranger come to such a jolly place? But then he makes his plan clear: Damon wants to buy the resort and change everything about it.
Determined to put Damon off Christmas Resort, Holly is soon engineering cold showers and setting him up to get lost in the maze. But with freshly baked cookies and delicious hot chocolate available on tap in such a magical setting, it’s hard to find ways to make the resort seem unappealing… Holliday tries her hardest to fight for the resort but the romance of Christmas seems to have other ideas.
As they take sleigh rides together and spend long evenings in front of the log fire she can’t deny the sizzling attraction between them. But has Damon really fallen in love with the magic of Christmas, or is he still a cold-hearted businessman? And will this this turn out to be the best Christmas ever… or will it end in heartbreak?
This sparkling, festive read featuring an enemies-to-lovers romance is completely addictive and moreish! A gorgeous winter romance that will have you glued to the pages. Fans of Cathy Bramley, Trisha Ashley and Debbie Macomber will love this delicious Christmas romance.
My Thoughts
Oh this series!
I just love it. The setting of the Scottish Highlands sounds like just the place for me. I would really love to visit there. This series is so warm and welcoming, one I’ve been really enjoying. I’ve read several books by the author, and they are all wonderful. They keep getting better and better. I am hoping this series will continue. A Christmas themed resort in the Scottish Highlands evokes different feelings about Christmas in two people. One loves it and is surrounded by it year-round at this resort, one tries to avoid it at all costs because of past memories. We all know a little Christmas magic has a way of thawing the chilliest of hearts though with the spirit of Christmas. From hot cocoa to sleigh rides to tender talks and long walks this magical feeling Christmas book is just what you need for a wonderful holiday read. I was given a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
Donna Ashcroft was born in London, England and grew up in Buckinghamshire. She went to university in Lancashire and, among other things, worked as a copywriter, buyer, waitress, secretary and marketing manager.
Donna was shortlisted for the RNA Debut Romantic Novel of the Year in 2019. She lives in Hertfordshire, with her own romantic hero, two grown up kids (who aren’t always home) and two very grumpy cats. She loves a happy ending and is never happier than when she’s escaping into a romance novel or movie.
I am so pleased to welcome you onto my blog today for the blog tour of The Locket by Natalie Meg Evans.
ABOUT THE BOOK
England, 1942. ‘It has to stay secret,’ he whispers, placing the locket around her neck. ‘If they find it, they’ll send me away.’ As she holds the locket, glinting in the moonlight, she can’t hold back the tears. ‘I just wish we didn’t have to hide…’ When farmer’s daughter Irene meets Theodore at a village dance, sparks fly instantly. The war has brought him all the way from Louisiana to build a US airbase just across her father’s fields, but as they sway together, there is nothing else in the world. Only his gentle touch and his deep brown eyes. But being together comes at a price. As Theodore is Black, the might of the US Air Force is against them, and all the members of the little village community disapprove of their relationship. And they will all go to terrible lengths to tear the two young lovers apart… Decades later, heartbroken Ruby is back at her family’s crumbling farmhouse for the first time in years, after the loss of her beloved grandmother Irene. The roof has fallen in, family photographs are damaged – and her grandmother’s jewellery is nowhere to be found. When Ruby uncovers her grandmother’s waterlogged diaries, she discovers that Irene treasured one piece of lost jewellery above all. A locket from a man called Theodore. And the missing locket holds the key to unravelling a heartbreaking secret that changed her grandmother’s life… Is someone in the village hiding the locket to keep the truth about Irene and Theodore buried? And can Ruby find a way to honour her grandmother’s memory –or in digging up the pain of the war, will she tear her family apart? An absolutely breathtaking World War Two story about the power of love in the face of adversity, and how the tragic consequences of war can echo through generations. Fans of Fiona Valpy, The Nightingale and All the Light We Cannot See will be addicted to this incredible read.
MY THOUGHTS
My heart about broke reading such an emotional story.
A time slip taking place in England 1942 and modern times. Each features a romantic couple, the one in 1942 is Irene, a 17-year-old farmer’s daughter, Irene, and Theo a service man stationed far from Louisiana, now proudly serving in the US Air Force and there to build a US airbase just across her father’s fields.
The modern times story features Irene’s granddaughter Ruby and her romantic partner. I will admit my favorite part of the story was the historical time period.
Irene falls fast when she meets Theo at a town dance, but Theo warns her they must keep their romance a secret, see Theo is black and a romance such as this is just not accepted in this time period.
The descriptions of the prejudice people and the treatment of Theo including beatings just for a romance with a white woman disgusted me. What business is it of anyone who someone dates or socializes with, nobody’s affair but the two it involves. And this includes the church minister involved in bigotry.
There was just no combatting prejudice and bigotry at this time and Theo was beaten, sent away and jailed. Before this though, when their romance was fresh and new, they were engaged, and he gave her a beautiful engagement ring hidden in a locket. My heart breaks for the injustice and ruined lives here.
Many years later Irene’s granddaughter, Ruby comes to the farm where Irene lived and finds her grandmother’s diary.
She is determined to find out her grandmother’s secrets, she had no idea about her grandmother’s past or where the locket is located. Will digging up the past cause pain to her family, especially and older generation member or will they hold the key to unlocking the past?
Brilliantly written, I had such a hard time putting this down. The perseverance the past generation showed in the face of adversity is amazing and must be commended! Five stars but I wish I could give it more!
Natalie is a RITA nominated, USA Today Bestselling author of six novels: The Dress Thief, The Milliner’s Secret (re-titled “The Girl who Dreamed of Paris”), The Wardrobe Mistress, Summer in the Vineyards, The Secret Vow and The Paris Girl that feature sisters, Katya and Tatiana. Since then, Natalie has released Into the Burning Dawn and The Italian Girl’s Secret, books set in the lucious Bay of Naples during the second world war. Now, the latest novel is available and it is called The Girl with the Yellow Star. The story takes place in Cornwall on the glorious north coast, and is a heart-wrenching story of loss, love and challenging choices.
A dramatic and inspiring novel based on the true story of the Jane Collective and the brave women who fought for our right to choose, from the USA Today bestselling author of The Paris Bookseller.
Chicago, early 1970s: Who does a woman call when she needs help? Jane.
The best-known secret in the city, Jane is an underground women’s health organization composed entirely of women helping women, empowering them to live lives free from the expectations of society by offering reproductive counseling and safe, illegal abortions. Veronica, Jane’s founder, prides herself on the services she has provided to thousands of women, yet the price of others’ freedom is that she leads a double life. When she’s not at Jane, Veronica plays the role of a conventional housewife—which becomes even more difficult during her own high-risk pregnancy.
Two more women in Veronica’s neighborhood are grappling with similar disconnects. Margaret, a young professor at the University of Chicago, secretly volunteers at Jane as she falls in love with a man whose attitude toward his ex-wife increasingly disturbs her. Patty, who’s long been content as a devoted wife and mother, has begun to sense that something essential is missing from her life. When her runaway younger sister Eliza shows up unexpectedly, Patty is forced to come to terms with what it really means to love and support a sister.
In this historic moment when the personal was nothing if not political, when television, movies, and commercials told women they’d “come a long way, baby,” Veronica, Margaret, and Patty must make choices that will change the course of their lives forever.
Historical fiction has never been as timely or relevant as Kerri Maher’s All You Have to do Is Call.
Based on actual events, the story is modeled after Chicago in the 1970’s when women had two choices, have the child they carried or get an illegal abortion.
I will tell you this, the book was not easy to read, me being a woman and reading about the lack of choices woman had toward their own reproductive health and being made to feel shamed for the choices they made.
The best kept “secret” Chicago had was the Jan Collective and the women who fought to do what was right.
The book features not only the working life but the day-to-day life of 3 women. Jane is a women based and founded organization helping women get the reproductive services they need. These women are compassionate and help other women make choices they couldn’t make on their own, letting them know they don’t have to be held prisoner by choices society expects us to make, like becoming a mother and wife.
The author shares the facts of how it was for women back then, but she does it in a compassionate and respectful way.
I enjoyed getting a glimpse into the women’s personal lives. Though these women were supportive of the women coming into the clinic they had their own struggles as well.
I enjoy the author’s writing style. She writes about a very important subject. The book is very well researched and factual.
A very powerful book and the strong bond women have when it comes to matter of the heart.
Recommended for all women because we deserve choices regarding ourselves.
First published September 19, 2023 I was given a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
KERRI MAHER is the USA Today bestselling author of The Paris Bookseller, The Girl in White Gloves, The Kennedy Debutante, and, under the name Kerri Majors, This Is Not a Writing Manual: Notes for the Young Writer in the Real World. She holds an MFA from Columbia University and lives with her daughter and dog in a leafy suburb west of Boston, Massachusetts. Learn more online at www.kerrimaher.com.
I’m always drawn to Christmas covers and this is no exception. It’s so pretty!
ABOUT THE BOOK
A wonderful story of love, friendship and opening your mind and your heart to new possibilities that will enchant fans of Holly Martin and Heidi Swain.
The Copper Plough is at the heart of village life for the residents of Heritage Cove, and never more so than at Christmas, when the tree glows in the alcove and the smell of mulled wine carries out onto the street. So when new owners for the beloved pub arrive and decide to shake things up, not everyone welcomes the changes with open arms.
Local bakery owner Celeste is ready to keep an open mind. But she’s shocked to discover that one of the new landlords is Quinn, a former Navy sailor with whom she had a short but powerful romance years earlier.
Fate may have brought Quinn and Celeste back together, but life seems determined to keep them apart. Can the villagers learn to embrace the newcomers this Christmas? And will Quinn and Celeste find a way back to each other before snow falls over Heritage Cove?
MY THOUGHTS
I love the author’s writing style and I’ve read many of her books.
The characters feel realistic as though you’d want to stop in and have a lovely chat with them and snag a sweet or two at the bakery. I got hungry as I was reading.
The characters are so likable. from Barney (everyone knows and loves him) to Quinn (Celeste’s love interest).
I enjoyed seeing how compassionately the author writes about Quinn, he is a former Naval man and has PTSD from all he has experienced while serving. The author’s descriptions of his night terrors are so well done. It’s so heartwarming to see the characters so supportive of each other in all ways possible.
Bakery owner Celeste and Quinn had a short fling years ago. When the local pub is sold all the regulars are hoping the new owners will continue on in the same fashion as it was run before including the star attraction, a beautiful Christmas tree for the holidays.
New circumstances always mean changes though. When Celeste finds out her old flame is the one that has returned and bought the pub, she tries to stay away but Christmas magic comes a calling.
Very Christmassy and such a positive and encouraging read. I really loved it!
Pub Date 19 Sep 2023 I was given a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
Helen Rolfe is the author of many bestselling contemporary women’s fiction titles, set in different locations from the Cotswolds to New York. She lives in Hertfordshire with her husband and children.
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