Tag: book reviews

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Christmas at the Borrow a Bookshop

A heartwarming, cosy, utterly uplifting romcom

by Kiley Dunbar

292 pages Publisher Hera Publication date September 1, 2022

Description

‘Tis the season for finding love… and the perfect book

With just two weeks until Christmas, everything in Clove Lore should be perfect. But the latest holidaymaker to the Borrow a Bookshop is feeling far from festive…

Icelandic ex-bookseller Magnús Sturluson might be surrounded by love stories in the Bookshop, but he’s nursing a sadness that not even fiction can fix.

When Alexandra Robinson finds herself stranded in Clove Lore, she finds a safe place to hide from heartbreak. After all, all that’s waiting for her at home is a cheater boyfriend and the memories of her parents. As Alex finds herself embraced by the quirky village community, she finds her tough exterior thawing – and as she grows closer to Magnús, she finds an equally soft heart under his gruff shell.

It seems that Clove Lore is working its magic once again – until a great flood on Christmas Eve brings devastation in its wake. It’s up to Magnús and Alex to batten down the hatches and help bring the village back together again, while also introducing the locals to the Icelandic tradition of the jólabókaflóð – Yule book flood – where families and friends gather on Christmas Eve to exchange books and read together.

But can Magnús and Alex truly rescue the ruins of the village, and salvage their Christmas spirit? Or is there another complication lurking even closer than they thought?

MY THOUGHTS

This is the second book in the Borrow a Bookshop series and though I haven’t read the first I easily jumped right into the story.
Such a heartwarming and uplifting story brimming with goodwill and cheer.
Loved the seaside village of Clove Lore and its characters. It felt like I was visiting with old friends.
I enjoyed reading about the Icelandic customs especially jólabókaflóð – Yule book flood – where families and friends gather on Christmas Eve to exchange books and read together. It’s great to see such an importance put on literacy there.
Very much enjoyed this holiday read.

I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.

Hi! I’m Kiley Dunbar, and I write bestselling, uplifting romance novels centering radical kindness and community.

I’m Scottish, a parent carer, lover of all things thrifty and money-saving, and I exist to drink tea and visit gardens or potter round the charity shops looking for vintage bargains.

I’m so excited to share my new ‘repair shop’ series which launched on 24th JULY 2025 with FIXING A BROKEN HEART AT THE HIGHLAND REPAIR SHOP. You can buy it here right now on eBook, paperback, audiobook as well as large print! Request it to your library or your fave indie book shop too if you like!

I hope you absolutely love my new books. If you enjoy visiting my Highland Repair Shop, why not pay a visit to the BORROW A BOOKSHOP? Check out the whole gorgeous, nerdy, funny, romantic series here too!

Happy reading,

Love,

Kiley, x

Happy weekend. Thank you for stopping in.

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Two reviews in the Noble Ranch series by Jody Hedlund: The Forever Cowboy and The Favored Cowboy

231 pages Publication date October 7, 2025

ABOUT THE BOOK

After running away from her wedding and hiding for months, Violet Berkley is back home in the high country of Colorado. Her father’s gambling debt has caught up to him, and he wants Violet and her sister to help him pay it off by working as dancing girls in a saloon. Rather than face such degradation, Violet seeks out the one man she hopes might be willing to help her.

Sterling Noble doesn’t want anything to do with Violet after being jilted at the altar by her. He doesn’t want to see her, be near her, or even speak to her. But when she shows up on his doorstep in desperate straits, he’s too kind—and maybe still too in love with her—to do anything but protect her.

Violet knows she doesn’t deserve another chance with Sterling, but she wants to prove she’s a new woman. But has she really changed, or are the insecurities still there? Sterling tries hard to resist his old feelings for Violet because his broken heart can’t take another beating. But as the danger closes in, he’s afraid he’ll lose her all over again.

MY THOUGHTS

What an exciting start to a new series, Noble Ranch.
Violet and Sterling had a previous relationship, but she ran away from the wedding and went into hiding. Sterling wanted nothing to do with her after that.
When he realizes she’s back again will he be able to live up to his resolve to stay away. Really enjoyed seeing the progression of Violet and Sterling’s relationship.
I also enjoyed reading about a working ranch and all the entailed and the descriptions of the vast wildness of Colorado sounds marvelous. Another wonderful book by the author that I loved.

I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.

221 pages Publication date October 28, 2025

ABOUT THE BOOK

After a tragic mistake cost him everything, veterinarian Thatcher Hoyt is doing his best to start over in the high country of Colorado. He’s gaining back his life, but he’s missing one thing—his mail-order bride, who should have arrived well before Christmas.

Fleeing from her husband’s murderer, Amelia Stone makes it to Breckenridge, Colorado, as a mail-order bride. When she’s thrust into a wedding with her groom by an excited crowd, she hopes that this time she will have a respected place in the community and a happy home to give to her unborn baby.

Thatcher is relieved his bride has finally arrived, but it doesn’t take long after the wedding for him to realize that many things about his new wife don’t add up. When he and Amelia finally figure out there’s been a bride mix-up, they’ve already started developing feelings for each other. But Thatcher’s real mail-order bride is still on the way. Can they find a way to stay together before it’s too late?

MY THOUGHTS

The second exciting book in the Noble Ranch series.
After having read the first book in the series I was excited to start on this one.
I really enjoy mail order bride stories, and this one was really lovely.
A mail order bride loses the letters from the man she is to marry and can’t remember who it is when she arrives in town.
It turns out there is another man in town who is also waiting for a mail order bride, but a mixed-up match up happens.
Full of what I’ve come to expect from the author an exciting story that absolutely captivated me. Full of compassion, empathy and a heartwarming story.
Looking forward to more in this Western Historical Romance series.

I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.

About the author

Jody Hedlund is the best-selling author of over fifty books and is the winner of numerous awards. She writes sweet, clean romances with plenty of sizzle (but without the spice).

Thank you for stopping in.

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Blog Tour for- Autumn Wishes & Fireside Kisses : (Little Duck Pond Café, Book 42)

Autumn Wishes & Fireside Kisses

A Hallowe’en wedding is taking place in Sunnybrook! One well-loved Little Duck Pond Café regular will be walking down the aisle at a reputedly haunted manor house miles from anywhere – and it’s set to be the spookiest and most fun Big Day ever. But when the local river floods and the wedding party is stranded there overnight, weird things start to happen. Are ghostly antics at play here? Or is there something far more sinister going on? Will the wedding even go ahead?

MY THOUGHTS

Little Duck Pond Café has another book out and I just can’t get enough of this series. Every book I read in this series has some of the original characters, but we always get to meet new friends as well. Each book is a blast and the stories so fun and charming.
This one involves a Halloween wedding; I love this idea. Plans are coming along swimmingly, and the wedding is set to take place at a reputedly haunted manor house.
A spooky and stormy night leaves the wedding party stranded at the eerie manor overnight. When strange things start going bump in the night and secrets come to light will the wedding even happen? The Halloween wedding planning from the decorations to the spooky manor to the cake theme sounded like such fun. The extra mystery had me intrigued and kept me reading. Once again, I’m on the lookout for the next book in the series.

I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.

Purchase Links

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DSBXXNT5

MEET THE AUTHOR

Author Bio – Rosie’s series of novellas is centred around life in a country village cafe. Look out for A MERRY LITTLE CHRISTMAS, out in November 2025, and THE OTHER LIZZIE BENNET, which will be published in January 2026!

Follow Rosie on Twitter – https://twitter.com/Rosie_Green88

Thank you for stopping in.

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Blog Tour for- A Perfect Devon Christmas

A Perfect Devon Christmas

Two old friends. One snowy village. A Christmas they’ll never forget.

Ivy thought she had Christmas all wrapped up: a peaceful December in her cosy Devon cottage, just her bouncy rescue pup and kind-hearted neighbour Fred for company.

But when a stranger appears on her doorstep asking for shelter, Ivy makes a split-second decision that turns her plans upside down – and sets the whole village of Brambleton buzzing. Who is he? What is he running from? Why does Ivy feel such a powerful urge to help him?

As the snow begins to fall, and secrets start to thaw, Ivy and Fred team up to help their newfound neighbour. Soon Ivy realises that the magic of Christmas has sparked more than just opening her door to a stranger – it has given her the courage to open her heart to love.

Join Ivy in this feel-good festive escape about community, kindness, and discovering that it’s never too late to get your happy ending.

MY THOUGHTS

This book is part of the Brambleton series, and I’ve just discovered it with this book. I’ll soon need to rectify that with a read of the others.
A very heartwarming and emotional book, as some do tend to be in tender holiday reads.
Ivy hasn’t had things quite working out the way she thought she would in life and she’s satisfied now with her energetic pup and neighbor Fred for company. Safe, reliable no surprises. It’s nice to know what you can count on.
But finding a stranger hiding on her property that she knows nothing about is far from humdrum and the usual.
The more we get to know this person Ivy’s compassionate nature is obvious and the more I rooted for this person though there was a bit of sadness attached to this person as well.
Lots of characters and personalities including the town’s busybodies who I just laughed at as we all know someone like this.
I enjoyed how the story wrapped up and now that I’ve discovered this author I need to read more of her books and visit Brambleton again soon.

I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.

Purchase Links

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DQ5T94CW

MEET THE AUTHOR

Author Bio –

Hi! I’m Debbie. Once upon a time, I was a perfectly respectable London professional – a chartered accountant with a law degree, a Blackberry (remember those?), and too many sensible shoes. Then common sense prevailed, romance called, and I swapped London’s Zone One for Devon’s Zero Signal.

I still wonder if leaving the City was brave or simply plot research taken to a reckless extreme.

Currently my “head office” is a polytunnel: no Wi-Fi, but plenty of fresh air and flourishing tomatoes. The plants photosynthesise while I draft havoc; technically off-grid, creatively on fire.

Meanwhile, the dogs run the editorial obstruction department. They possess zero publishing experience yet veto scenes with a single raised paw. Oh, and their union insists on edible compensation only.

These days, I know the real price of life’s essentials: a good haircut, a great friend, and the joy of a proper night’s sleep. I write love stories for grown-ups – warm, witty, stuffed with second chances and the kind of relationships where affection and exasperation create irresistible chemistry – for better for worse

Think of my indie “publishing house” as one woman, no award-strewn empire, no two-legged staff – just me, two obstinate dogs, and a biscuit budget.

I’ve tried not writing. It didn’t go very well. So I need readers. Not many, just the excellent sort who laugh in the right places. I hope you’ll be one of them.

Social Media Links –

> Website – www.debbiemorrison.co.uk

> facebook – Debbie-Morrison-Author

> instagram.com @debbiemorrisonauthor

Thank you for stopping in.

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The Amish Ballerina 

320 pages Publisher Barbour Fiction Publication date October 1, 2025

ABOUT THE BOOK

An Amish Woman Hides a Secret Passion

Eighteen-year-old Arie Kauffman loves to twirl and leap around the barn in her Amish bonnet and dress, practicing ballet moves her English friend taught her. Her parents would be upset to learn that this longtime interest has progressed to her secretly attending ballet classes. Arie even hides her dance skills from her boyfriend, Edwin Chupp, who often invites her to try new things, knowing she has an artistic heart. Her secrecy, however, is causing damage she may not be able to repair. When offered new opportunities to dance, will Arie break from Amish tradition or hold true to the bonds of her faith and family?

MY THOUGHTS

The Amish Ballerina sounded like a very unique and interesting story. I know Englisher interests such as ballet dancing is forbidden to the Amish so I was interested in seeing how this would be pulled off.
Arie has been interested in ballet for years as her Englisher friend Lorina has been a ballet dancer for years and is teaching her.
This is a huge secret she is not only keeping from her family but her boyfriend as well.
The writing style is different that Wanda’s. I’ve read all of Wanda’s over the years and have loved them all. This is not her writing. It’s slow, stilted and very formal sounding.
There is not a warmth in these Amish families, they almost act as casual acquaintances towards each other, but a closeness and homey feeling is not to be found.
There are unreasonable expectations put on Arie by her mother, she is at times talked to as a young child, but the mother’s responsibilities are unreasonably put on her.
There were a lot of secrets and dishonestly in the book. Some understanding did come through. She has a big decision to make; will her heart lead her to give up her worldly ways or will Arie be drawn to the Englisher world and all it has to offer?
This book was not a favorite of mine, but I have enjoyed all of her other books.

I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.

Richelle Brunstetter lives in the Pacific Northwest and developed a desire to write when she took creative writing in high school. After enrolling in college classes, her overall experience enticed her to become a writer, and she wants to implement what she’s learned into her stories. Just starting her writing career, her first published story appears in The Beloved Christmas Quilt beside her grandmother, Wanda E. Brunstetter, and her mother, Jean.

New York Times bestselling and award-winning author Wanda E. Brunstetter is one of the founders of the Amish fiction genre. She has written more than 100 books translated in four languages. With over 12 million copies sold, Wanda’s stories consistently earn spots on the nation’s most prestigious bestseller lists and have received numerous awards.

Thank you for stopping in. Have a lovely day.

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Once Upon a Christmas Carol: (A Sweet Christian Fiction Holiday Story with Themes of A Christmas Carol set in Michigan)

176 pages Revell Publisher Publication Date September 2,2025

ABOUT THE BOOK

What will happen when a tropical escape from holiday blues turns into a snowy wonderland filled with joy and cheer?

Carol Langstrom hates Christmas. Growing up in a dysfunctional home, with a birthday on December 25 and too many dashed childhood expectations, she would rather avoid the holiday season. And working in the design industry where she manages seasonal decor for wealthy, entitled clients certainly hasn’t helped!   

So, this year her goal is to flee to the Bahamas–by herself–bah humbug! But bad weather and God’s radically different plan redirect her flight to blustery Michigan, where she gets stuck on her aunt’s farm and discovers a different kind of Christmas–one wrapped in love, family, and holiday spirit.

Melody Carlson’s Christmas novella delivers all the charm of a holiday Hallmark movie, is rooted in Christian faith, woven with sweet romance, and features A Christmas Carol themes.

MY THOUGHTS

Once again, the author writes a lovely Christmas story that tugs on your heartstrings.
Carol Langstrom strongly dislikes Christmas. With a Christmas birthday and way too many disappointing holidays as a child Christmas is something she’d rather avoid at all costs.
A tropical vacation is what she’s planned this year, sun, warmth and relaxation. Others can have Christmas she’ll leave those memories behind though.
Bad weather has other plans for her though as she’s stranded on an aunt’s Michigan farm that she hadn’t ever met. A beautiful example of how changed plans aren’t always a bad thing. Found family, feel good story, unexpected romance and holiday spirit.

I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.

MEET THE AUTHOR

Melody Carlson has written more than 200 books (with sales around 6.5 million) for teens, women and children. That’s a lot of books, but mostly she considers herself a “storyteller.” Her novels range from serious issues like schizophrenia (Finding Alice) to lighter topics like house-flipping (A Mile in My Flip-Flops) but most of the inspiration behind her fiction comes right out of real life. Her young adult novels (Diary of a Teenage Girl, TrueColors etc.) appeal to teenage girls around the world. Her annual Christmas novellas become more popular each year. She’s won a number of awards (including Romantic Time’s Career Achievement Award, the Rita and the Gold Medallion) and some of her books have been optioned for film/TV. Carlson has two grown sons and makes her home in the Pacific Northwest with her husband and yellow Lab dog. To find out more about Melody Carlson, visit her website at http://www.melodycarlson.com/

Have a wonderful Wednesday. Thank you for stopping in.

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Christmas on Fifth Avenue- Blog Tour

ABOUT THE BOOK

Christmas on Fifth Avenue

Welcome to New York, where the Christmas lights dazzle, the snow is falling and love is just around the corner…

Evie Green’s Christmas dream turns into a nightmare when a viral video makes her the laughing stock of the internet. But then a 5 star hotel sees a PR opportunity and invites her to New York for a Christmas she’ll remember forever.

Enter Noah Sanderson, a disgraced soccer star seeking anonymity. Forced to fake a festive romance for the cameras, sparks fly – but not the twinkling Christmas kind!

As Fifth Avenue sparkles in all its holiday glory, can The City that Never Sleeps show these two frosted hearts that, maybe, the best love stories are the ones you never see coming.

Don’t miss this cozy Christmas spin off series from the million-copy-bestselling author of the Romantic Escapes series! Each book can be read as a standalone.

Guaranteed:

Forced proximity

Grumpy sunshine

Happy ever after

Cozy comfort read

New York Christmas magic – think red velvet bows, chunky tartan-knit scarves, giant red baubles, the Rockefeller Centre Christmas Tree, Macy’s, The Nutcracker and more!

Purchase Links

https://www.amazon.com/Brand-Christmas-Romance-Julie-Caplin-ebook/dp/B0DJ6HS9NJ/

MY THOUGHTS

After reading several books by the author I knew I’d want to read this book, the most current before this, A Little Place in Prague. I loved that one as I did this one.
This is the first book in a new series, Christmas Escapes #1.
This is such a fun romantic holiday book. Perfectly imperfect couple that have things to work out on their own and together.
The descriptions of The Plaza were warm, festive and brimming with holiday cheer. Now I want to experience a New York Christmas.
A cozy Christmas read that’ll have you cheering for the couple as this one’s perfect for the holidays.

I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.

MEET THE AUTHOR

Jules Wake aka Julie Caplin is an internationally bestselling author with over 2 million sales over twenty five books including the highly successful Romantic Escape series which has been translated into over 24 languages. Her books have topped the charts in the UK, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Iceland, Italy, Czech Republic and Slovakia.

After reading English at university, Jules Wake worked in PR where she honed her fiction writing skills on press releases and swanned around Europe taking journalists on gastronomic press trips. These visits inspired the locations of many of her books. She’s now a full-time author and what better job is there than making stuff up! It certainly beats housework.

As an avid romance fan, she’s written in several genres including historical romantic fiction, contemporary women’s romance fiction and romantic comedy. October will see the publication of her twenty eight book, Christmas on Fifth Avenue.

Social Media Links

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

Instagram @juliecaplinauthor

Happy Terrific Tuesday! Thanks for stopping in!

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The Christmas Tree Farm

five-star rating icon (2)

176 pages Publisher Revell Publication date September 3, 2024

ABOUT THE BOOK

When Madison McDowell returns from several years teaching overseas, she has high hopes of picking up where she left off at her family’s Christmas tree farm in Oregon. But between damage from a recent wildfire and the neglect due to her sister Addie’s unwillingness to invest, the farm is in sad shape. In fact, Addie is intent on selling the property. And to top it off, her former high school flame, the now-widowed Gavin Thompson, has plans to break Madison’s heart again by turning his neighboring property into a dusty, noisy dirt bike track for his daughter.

With the odds stacked against her, Madison decides there’s only one thing to do: double down on her dreams. It will take a ton of hard work–and some help from an unlikely ally–to save the farm she so dearly loves. But it may take a miracle to restore her relationship with her sister.

Bestselling and award-winning author Melody Carlson charms and delights with this uplifting Christmas story full of old memories and new beginnings.

MY THOUGHTS

Every year I look forward to the author’s Christmas books, and I always love them as they are such feel-good reads. Unfortunately, this was one didn’t do it for me.
The sisters are not close and fight constantly with little regard to what the other thinks.
Also, the younger sister is a vegetarian, the older sister didn’t know this but rolls her eyes when she finds this out as she’s making a meat sauce spaghetti.
The vegetarian younger sister brings a bbq meat lunch for them when she goes out to grab lunch for them. She also argues with the mother about the best way to cook a turkey then the whole family gets sick on an undercooked Thanksgiving turkey. There are other instances as well.
The author chose to have a vegetarian character but then didn’t follow through with it as if the character wasn’t actually that way.
This is a second chance romance but it all just happened too fast this second time around.
Hopefully the next book I read by the author will be better.

I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.

MEET THE AUTHOR

Melody Carlson has written more than 200 books (with sales around 6.5 million) for teens, women and children. That’s a lot of books, but mostly she considers herself a “storyteller.” Her novels range from serious issues like schizophrenia (Finding Alice) to lighter topics like house-flipping (A Mile in My Flip-Flops) but most of the inspiration behind her fiction comes right out of real life. Her young adult novels (Diary of a Teenage Girl, TrueColors etc.) appeal to teenage girls around the world. Her annual Christmas novellas become more popular each year. She’s won a number of awards (including Romantic Time’s Career Achievement Award, the Rita and the Gold Medallion) and some of her books have been optioned for film/TV. Carlson has two grown sons and makes her home in the Pacific Northwest with her husband and yellow Lab dog. To find out more about Melody Carlson, visit her website at http://www.melodycarlson.com/

Thank you for stopping in. Have a lovely day.

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Coming Home to Maple Tree Lodge: (The Maple Tree Lodge Hotel Book 1)

312 pages Publication date June 30, 2025 Boldwood Books

ABOUT THE BOOK

A family and hotel in desperate need of help…

Maple Tree Lodge has been the home of the Jackson family for over a century. But the hotel has never been a success and, following the sudden loss of his father, architect Ben Jackson soon discovers the hotel is close to financial ruin. Ben has to make some tough decisions if the hotel is to survive and his family are to keep a roof over their heads.

With the hotel in urgent need of a renovation, Ben’s sister calls on the talents of her best friend, interior designer Lily Watson. Cash strapped Lily needs a successful project to prove to herself and her high-achieving parents that she can carve a successful career and Maple Tree Lodge sounds like just the place for Lily to showcase her talents. However, Lily’s vision for a cosy, country Cotswolds hotel is the complete opposite to what Ben has in mind for a minimalistic, modern makeover and fireworks ensue!

Can they work together to save Maple Tree Lodge?
Can Lily help Ben and his family find a future together?
And can Ben show Lily that there’s more to life than work?

As autumn at Maple Tree Lodge begins to weave its magic spell, perhaps Lily will discover somewhere to finally call home and a reason to stay …

MY THOUGHTS

Maple Tree Lodge is in beautiful Cotswold’s, if only there were customers to enjoy its scenic view. Having been in the Jackson family for over a century Ben gets a real eyeopener when his father, main caretaker passes away. Realizing the hotel has fallen into drastic financial decline and the hotel needs a renovation as well.
Lily Watson. is an up-and-coming interior designer and best friends with Hannah, Ben’s sister. Sure she’s about to get her big break in the business she’s let go right as that’s about to happen.
As a favor to Hannah, she agrees to do the interior designing renovations on the hotel to modernize things.
Lily and Ben clash on everything from the new design plans to the paint colors; how will this work get done if they can’t even discuss anything civilly?
When she goes to the boathouse to cool off after one of their arguments, not knowing she’s in there he steps in as well.
After this, thing start to change for them.
I loved how at home Lily felt with the Jackson family.
Such a feelgood book. The characters were fun and likable, and the Autumn scenery description sounded magical.

I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.

About the author

Alison Sherlock writes feelgood and uplifting romantic fiction. Her most recent books are all based around the beautiful English Cotswolds.

Her debut novel The Desperate Bride’s Diet Club reached No 1 in the Italian book charts.

With multiple Top 100 Bestsellers in the UK Kindle charts, her completed series are Willow Tree Hall, Riverside Lane and Railway Lane. Every title within a series can be enjoyed as a standalone romance but each story is full of warmth, laughter, love, family and friendships.

Alison’s latest series Maple Tree Lodge Hotel is focussed on all those who live and work at Maple Tree Lodge, a rundown hotel by a lake in the Cotswolds.

The first book, Coming Home to Maple Tree Lodge, was released in June 2025 in all formats and is currently available in Prime Reading. Interior designer Lily has a vision for a cosy country hotel makeover which is the complete opposite to the minimalistic, modern style that owner Ben has in mind. Fireworks ensue in this enemies to lovers story!

The second book, Daydreaming at the Boathouse Cafe, will out in early 2026 and is available to pre-order now. Hannah tries to overcome her lack of confidence when she opens her own cafe at Maple Tree Lodge. Alex is at a crossroads after an accident scuppers his athletic career and is hoping to find himself a new path when he stays at his best friend’s hotel. Perhaps he can also finally admit to Hannah how he really feels about her…? It will be a magical summer by the lake in this friends to lovers story!

You can follow Alison on Facebook and X.

Have a wonderful day!

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Blog Tour for The Spiced Cocoa Café by Harper Graham

THE SPICED COCOA CAFÉ BY HARPER GRAHAM

About the book

‘Tis the season when sparks fly…

🎄🎁🍫☃️

A new girl in town who lives for Christmas and has everything to prove. A local rival with tousled dark hair and a smirk that spells trouble. Who will win the holiday showdown of the year? Find out in this totally addictive small-town romance! Gilmore Girls + spice = 🔥

Cassidy is finally opening her dream chocolate shop, inspired by her dear Grandma who made the best cocoa. Now all she wants for Christmas is to win best decorated store and show she belongs in the small-town of Maple Falls. But she’ll have to pull out all the stops to beat the handsome, loveable grinch across the street…

Liam hates the holidays—they remind him of past heartbreak. But to support his family’s llama sanctuary, he’s determined to deck out his farm shop in holiday cheer and win that prize. Then he sees her—chocolate-smeared cheeks, wide blue eyes and the warmest smile. He’s up against the cutest, most Christmas-obsessed person ever…

Their rivalry heats up as the town divides between Team Cassidy and Team Liam. But with the snowflakes falling and their stores looking all merry and bright, will the magic of the season bring them together?

Snuggle up under your blanket with a mug of cocoa and get ready for the hottest ever holiday romance. Lots of steam and a sprinkle of mystery wrapped up in cozy Christmas vibes! Perfect for fans of Laurie Gilmore, Emily Henry, Love Actually and The Holiday.

Tropes:

Spicy

Grumpy sunshine

Second chance romance

Small-town vs. city life

Found family

MY THOUGHTS

Liam is a Maple Falls local. He’s never had anything against Christmas it’s an okay holiday, no big deal but as of a few years ago he absolutely cringes when he hears the word Christmas. He’s a total Christmas grinch and can totally do without it. And this is all because of a terrible Christmas tragedy that happened that has him ready to completely hide away during the Christmas holiday.
Cassidy, new girl in town has a personality like a ray of sunshine on the snowiest day that melt all your troubles away.
She’s opened up a sweets shop offering her grandma’s famous cocoa recipe and the townsfolks love it and her bubbly personality.
Despite her loving the Christmas season and going all out and Liam wanting nothing to do with it he’s drawn to Cassidy.
The Christmas war is on with Cassidy and Liam each setting up what they hope is the Christmas lights and decorative display winning store front on each of their shops. The winning decorated shop will win a cash prize donated to the charity of their choice.
I loved the realistic banter between each of our main characters. The characters realistically showed vulnerability though to some who may not have known them they seemed to have it all.
Full of many Christmas vibes including holiday baking, snow, decorating and all-around fun this is a new to me author who has now caught my attention and I will be on the lookout for more books to read by them. Fun with a warm cozy feel to it this book was perfect for me!

I was given a complimentary copy of the book.
All opinions expressed are my own.

About the author

Harper Graham lives with her mischievous spaniel in a cozy small town in Connecticut. Her quirky neighbours may or may not have inspired the residents of her Maple Falls series. When she’s not hiking with her daughter, baking her grandmother’s recipes or reading in her favourite coffee shop, Harper can be found writing the sweet and spicy romance stories of her own dreams.

Mailing List: https://bookouture.com/subscribe/harper-graham

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HarperGrahamAuthor/

Twitter: https://x.com/HarperGraham_

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/harpergrahambooks

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@harpergrahambooks

Thank you for stopping in.