Today I am so excited to be joining the blog tour for The Once and Future Witches, I absolutely love fantasy and witch craft and this has been the perfect story to read in the lead up to Halloween.
My Review
Oh what a superb read, I love anything about witch craft and this book was superb beginning to end.
In this story we meet the Eastwood sisters, who all hold a different interest in the lost ways of witching and follow their story as they set about unlocking the lost ways of Avalon. I loved how this story referred to the Sister’s Grimm stories and how the spells were sung using nursery rhymes and myths. The words flow from the pages like one long spell being sung and the further I read, the more the story leapt effortlessly off of the pages.
If you love witch craft you will love this, a story full of witching ways, with whispered spells and shadows hiding around corners. I am so disappointed to reach the end as I loved the way the story was written and will miss the wonderful Eastwood sisters and their whispered words.
The perfect read for Halloween and I am so excited to be able to share my review and recommend this wonderful read!!
Book Blurb
In 1893, there’s no such thing as witches. There used to be, in the wild, dark days before the burnings began, but now witching is nothing but tidy charms and nursery rhymes. If the modern woman wants any measure of power, she must find it at the ballot box.
But when the three Eastwood sisters join the suffragists of New Salem, they begin to pursue the forgotten ways that might turn the women’s movement into the witch’s movement. Stalked by shadows and sickness, hunted by forces who will not suffer a witch to vote – and perhaps not even to live – the sisters must delve into the oldest magics, draw new alliances, and heal the bond between them if they want to survive.
There’s no such thing as witches. But there will be.
I’ve been a student and a teacher, a farm-worker and a cashier, an ice-cream-scooper and a 9-to-5 office-dweller. I’ve lived in tents and cars, cramped city apartments and lonely cabins, and spent a summer in a really sweet ’79 VW Vanagon Westfalia. I have library cards in at least five states.
Now I’m a full-time writer living in with my husband and two semi-feral kids in Berea, Kentucky. It is, I’m very sure, the best of all possible worlds.
​
Massive thanks to Tracy at Compulsive Readers for the invitation to join this blog tour, after loving The Ten Thousand Doors of January I was very excited to pick up my copy of The Once and Future Witches and I hope you love it too!
Please remember to like and share to help spread the book love!
Many thanks for the invitation to read and review your latest release.
Massive thanks to everyone who has stopped by to visit my blog, please remember to like and share to help spread the book love far and wide!
Every so often you find a book that is heartbreaking and compelling all at the same time. The Boy Between broke my heart yet carries such an important message, it is a story that needs to be shared far and wide to help our teenagers and young adults.
My Review
When I finished this wonderful book and had tears on my cheeks, the bravery on these pages is admirable. In a lot of scenarios depression is still being such a taboo subject, this book peels back those layers and gives you a frank insight from both perspectives.
Written with honesty you can feel the anguish Josh experienced whilst in his darkest moments and feel the frustration from Mandy that she couldn’t find a way to just make it better which as parents is always our natural instinct.
I am in awe of the journey they have taken and chosen to share, highlighting that depression can be diagnosed in anyone in a multitude of situations and that help is available if you know where to go. Josh is a superb example of someone who is learning to manage living with his mental health. I have worked with many people who have depression and have seen the impact first hand of people saying how they think they should feel compared to how they really feel. I cried throughout this book as some of the battles I recognised and know how slippery that slope can be when trying to overcome illness both physical and mental especially when your saying what you think others wish to hear.
This is a book that should be read far and wide to help highlight the statistics of depression and it’s affects. It is so worrying how many teens and especially young men go undiagnosed/ treated and fall through the cracks of our health care system and fail to get the help they need. I really hope this helps highlight they are not alone and enables them to feel they can reach out for help. A harrowing yet superb read that I hope will help overcome the stigma of mental health and help others get the help they need before it is too late.
Book Blurb
Josiah was nineteen with the world at his feet when things changed. Without warning, the new university student’s mental health deteriorated to the point that he planned his own death. His mother, bestselling author Amanda Prowse, found herself grappling for ways to help him, with no clear sense of where that could be found. This is the book they wish had been there for them during those dark times.
Josiah’s situation is not unusual: the statistics on student mental health are terrifying. And he was not the only one suffering; his family was also hijacked by his illness, watching him struggle and fearing the day he might succeed in taking his life.
In this book, Josiah and Amanda hope to give a voice to those who suffer, and to show them that help can be found. It is Josiah’s raw, at times bleak, sometimes humorous, but always honest account of what it is like to live with depression. It is Amanda’s heart-rending account of her pain at watching him suffer, speaking from the heart about a mother’s love for her child.
For anyone with depression and anyone who loves someone with depression, Amanda and Josiah have a clear message—you are not alone, and there is hope.
Amanda Prowse is an International Bestselling author whose twenty three novels and six novellas have been published in dozens of languages around the world. Published by Lake Union, Amanda is the most prolific writer of bestselling contemporary fiction in the UK today; her titles also consistently score the highest online review approval ratings across several genres. Her books, including the chart topping No.1 titles ‘What Have I Done?’, ‘Perfect Daughter’, ‘My Husband’s Wife’, ‘The Girl in the Corner’ and ‘The Things I Know’ have sold millions of copies across the globe.
A popular TV and radio personality, Amanda is a regular panellist on Channel 5’s ‘The Jeremy Vine Show’ and numerous daytime ITV programmes. She also makes countless guest appearances on BBC national independent Radio stations including LBC and Talk FM, where she is well known for her insightful observations and her infectious humour. Described by the Daily Mail as ‘The queen of family drama’ Amanda’s novel, ‘A Mother’s Story’ won the coveted Sainsbury’s eBook of the year Award while ‘Perfect Daughter’ was selected as a World Book Night title in 2016.
Amanda’s ambition is to create stories that keep people from turning the bedside lamp off at night, great characters that ensure you take every step with them and tales that fill your head so you can’t possibly read another book until the memory fades…
Praise for Amanda Prowse:
‘A powerful and emotional work of fiction’ – Piers Morgan ‘Deeply moving and emotional, Amanda Prowse handles her explosive subjects with delicate skill’ – Daily Mail ‘Uplifting and positive, but you will still need a box of tissues’ – Hello! ‘A gut-wrenching and absolutely brilliant read’ – The Irish Sun ‘You’ll fall in love with this…’ – Cosmopolitan ‘Deeply moving and eye opening. Powerful and emotional drama that packs a real punch.’ – Heat ‘Magical’ – Now magazine
Meet Josiah Hartley
Josiah (Josh) Hartley is 22 and lives in an isolated farmhouse in the West Country, but close enough to Bristol to enjoy its music scene. He is an animal lover and servant to two French Bulldogs. Equally happy at a music festival or watching rugby with his mates, he likes the outdoor life and with Devon only a short drive away often heads to the sea to surf and sit on the beach watching the sun go down. After two stints at The University of Southampton and The University of Bristol and one unsuccessful suicide attempt Josh decided to write about his descent into mental illness and the depression that has held him in its grip for the past few years. The Boy Who Nearly Jumped carries the overriding message that things can and often do get better. It’s a book of reflection, raw, honest and full of hope: the proof being that Josh is still here and now excited about what comes next. He is ready to catch any opportunities that life throws his way, quite a thing for someone who only 3 years ago was ready to jump from the face of the earth… Â
Massive thanks to Sarah at Book on the Bright Side Publicity and Promo for the invitation to join the blog tour for one of my favourite contemporary authors. I highly recommend The Boy Between for all ages as it packs such a punch and makes you really stop, think and reflect.
Thanks for visiting Love the Smell of a Book today, please remember to like and share to help spread the book love!
Kel x
Many thanks for the invitation to read and review your latest release.
Massive thanks to everyone who has stopped by to visit my blog, please remember to like and share to help spread the book love far and wide!
With all the current craziness that is 2020 I am excited to share my review for the light hearted read Love Offline whilst celebrating it’s Book Birthday!!
My Review
Love Offline is a book to make you laugh, crave cake and reflect on your own use of social media.
I loved meeting Emily and Chloe who have the most amazing friendship. After Emily was left broken hearted, Chloe embarks on a mission to get Emily back out in the real world and off of social media. A story that revolves around trust, friendship, self belief and love. I found myself laughing as Emily starts to tentatively agree to the gauntlet that Chloe has thrown down.
After spending most of 2020 at home, I fully appreciate the apprehension of Emily as Chloe resolves to get her back socialising and in the real world and talking rather than messaging through dating apps. With self esteem being a major obstacle and Emily having to overcome the belief that all images on social media need to be posed, with filtered images and well thought out hashtags. It was refreshing to see this woven into the story and how Emily began to overcome need for social media, as it’s a real world issue especially for our teenagers and young adults.
I love a good romcom and this book ticks all the boxes, you will giggle throughout and find yourself encouraging her to be bold and take the step back into the real world.
Book Blurb
Emily’s Struggling To Find Romance Online. Will Ditching The Dating Apps Lead To True Love?
Online dating isn’t working for introvert Emily. Although she’s comfortable swiping right at home in her PJs, the idea of going out to meet a guy in person fills her with dread.
So when her best friend challenges her to ditch the apps, attend a load of awkward singles’ events and find love in real life, Emily wants to run for the hills.
Then she meets Josh. He’s handsome, kind and funny, but Emily’s had her heart crushed before and knows he’s hiding something…
Is Josh too good to be true? Can Emily learn to trust again and if she does, will it lead to love or more heartache?
Love Offline is a fun, sexy, entertaining story about friendship, stepping outside of your comfort zone and falling in love the old-fashioned way. Ideal for fans of Sophie Kinsella, Lindsey Kelk and Beth O’Leary’s The Flatshare.
Love Offline is available to read for FREE in Kindle Unlimited. It is also available to read for FREE in Prime Reading until late November
Meet Olivia Spring
Olivia Spring is a British, London-based writer of contemporary women’s fiction, sexy chick lit and romantic comedy. Her uplifting debut novel ‘The Middle-Aged Virgin’, which was released in July 2018, deals with being newly single in your thirties and beyond, dating, relationships, love, sex and living life to the full.
Olivia published three novels in 2019: ‘Only When It’s Love’, ‘Losing My Inhibitions’ and ‘Love Offline’. ‘The Middle-Aged Virgin in Italy’, the hotly anticipated sequel to ‘The Middle-Aged Virgin’ and Olivia’s fifth novel, was published in July 2020.
When she’s not writing, Olivia can be found making regular trips to Italy to indulge in pasta, pizza and gelato and of course, seeking inspiration for her next book!
Many Thanks to Rachel’s Random Resources for the invitation to join the blog tour. Please remember to like and share to help spread the book love
Thanks for visiting Love the Smell of a Book today and I hope you have a great day!
On this wet and windy day autumn day, it is a pleasure to be sharing a review for a lovely festive read that is full of love and friendship. I loved meeting Maisie, Lily and Jonas and I hope you pick up a copy and love it as well.
My Review
This is one of those books that you pick up and immediately just want to keep reading, a wonderful festive read where you meet Maisie, Lily and Jonas who are BFF’s. Set in the lead up to Lily’s festive wedding this story see’s Maisie flash back to Christmases past and the collection of memories that she has associated to the photos in her album.
The very heart of this story is friendship and I loved reading about the past adventures of Maisie and her friends and the bond that they shared. You first meet them as Maisie’s parents have moved and Lily is her new next door neighbour. The references in this book remind me of my childhood in the 80’s / 90’s and I loved the memories this book triggered for me as I read about Maisie’s past Christmases.
Christmas is my favourite time of year, I love the traditions and family time and this story was brimming with Christmas spirit and wonderful traditions. I loved the photo albums that Maisie and Lily were reminiscing over and how the photos played such a major role throughout the story.
A story full of love that I loved and would highly recommend adding to your festive TBR pile this year.
Book Blurb
What if you could go back in time and fix the biggest mistake of your life?
Two years ago, Maisie’s best friend walked out of her life and she hasn’t heard from him since. When she wakes up in 1994, she naturally assumes she’s dreaming. But when she finds herself in the past again the next night and her actions in the dream alter her present-day life, she begins to wonder if she’s somehow hopping back in time. And if she is time-travelling, can she save her friendship with Jonas?
When Maisie is forced to relive Christmases of the past, will she face up to her mistakes, or make them all over again?
The 12 Christmases of You & Me is a magical tale of friendship, first loves, and learning to live in the present.
Jennifer Joyce is a writer of romantic comedies who lives in Manchester with her husband and their two daughters. She’s been scribbling down bits of stories for as long as she can remember, graduating from a pen to a typewriter and then an electronic typewriter. And she felt like the bee’s knees typing on THAT. She now writes her books on a laptop (which has a proper delete button and everything).
In a year where we all need a bit of distraction, this is a book that will make you laugh and very accurately sum of some of the things in life that really get on your nerves!
My Review
A book full of Henry Becket’s first world problems in a handy A-Z layout. I wasn’t sure what to expect when I picked this up although the blurb sounded hilarious. What I found under the cover was a funny A-Z with a mix of one liners, short and sweet paragraphs and longer explanations.
I loved the short and sweet paragraphs the most and had many laugh out loud moments as I read and some that I shared with those around me as I knew they would tickle them as well. I flew through this book quickly and loved how easy it was to pick up and put down due to its layout and great entertainment factor. This is a book that you can just pick up and read a couple of entries and then put back down again.
A funny read that I enjoyed, a great purchase as a Christmas present for the slightly grumpier or difficult to buy for man in your life.
Book Blurb
What’s on your Becket List? What really grates on you? What gets you ranting at the television?
Henry Becket decided to compile a list of things that could be put right/restored/replaced to help rid the world of unrighteous anger. A list of things that make him (and he suspects many, many others) angry. Turns out there’s so much to be angry about!
This is a hilarious, witty guide that will find a good home in many a downstairs loo library. It’s the ultimate gift for the grumpy git in your life.
It’s also a wonderful form of escapism from what might be perceived as the REAL issues of the day. After all, there’s nothing like a pandemic to make you realise you miss not being able to complain about the price of a packet of crisps in a pub, or about the wobbly table leg in a restaurant… ah, those were the days!
An A to Z of First World Problems is… just that. The Becket List is a not entirely serious compendium of ‘First World Problems’ – the sort of stuff that drives us round the bend on a daily basis.
How is it that atonal music, bus stations, cling-film and coat-hangers can b*gger us up so comprehensively? Or passport control people, Chuggers, email strings, fake candles, loud eating, predictive text, or just about anything you’ll find in a typical hotel bedroom?
Embracing both the inanimate – from allen keys to rawlplugs – and the animated (well, in some cases) – from your fellow-travellers to every third-rate waiter who ever walked the earth – this book is essential for your sanity. As such, this comprehensive A to Z provides a signal service to humanity.
A collection of entries about many of the things in life that, whilst essentially trivial, day after day contrive to p*ss you off. In the greater scheme of things they don’t matter a damn, but in the context of advanced civilisation they take on a huge significance. The book is a both an important resource for future social historians and a call to action. It’s also, mostly, really rather silly.
Henry Becket was one of that curious breed, a Choral Exhibitioner at Cambridge, where he read… books. And magazines. He then spent decades nurturing what a head hunter once described as an iffy CV – as a Westminster speechwriter, lobbyist, wine merchant, copywriter, ad agency supremo (industry-speak for MD), and writer/director of innumerable eminently forgettable TV commercials in an awful lot of languages. He is lucky enough to have an impressively large family, and is also pretty obsessed with sailing, skiing, claret, churches and hillwalking, among other things. Oh, and the foibles of the world around him. Obvs.
Many thanks to Helen @literallyPR for the invitation to join the blog tour and help spread the book love!
Please remember to like and share to help more people discover new authors.
Have a great day!
Kel x
Please note this post contains Amazon affiliate links, this does not affect the great price you pay for the book but enables me to earn a little extra to keep funding my blog and recommending great books!
As soon as I saw the blurb for this one, I knew it would appeal to me and I found this an educational and very interesting read.
My Review
The Diary of a Prison Officer is one of those books that once you pick it up you are pulled in and want to keep reading. I enjoyed the diary format and how you progressed through Amber’s career from when she started at HMP Holloway Prison and met a wonderful selection of people who became friends who she knew had her back when she needed it the most.
A story that is particularly poignant in the current climate and highlights many of the injustices as well as racial prejudices that have taken place throughout the history of both female and African/American prison officers. With HMP Holloway being the largest European Women’s Prison this story packs a real punch as you are reading, it makes you ponder what it means not to be a British White prison officer and what impact does this have on your career and potential. It makes you really stop and reflect as to what life is really like for both the prison officers and the inmates, it highlights the fragile relationships that exist and the destructive behaviours that often to lead to frequent reoffenders.
I like the reflection through Amber’s blog posts and her trip to Africa linking back to her ethnic roots as she meets with different tribes and learns more about the history of Africa. This is a passionate story full of hope and determination with descriptions that are vivid and realistic, pulling on Josie Channer’s experience working at HMP Holloway leaving little to the imagination. This all helps shape the story and increase the lasting effect the story will have on the reader.
A story that I found gritty and enlightening, it’s great to really sink your teeth into a story and with the diary layout I flew through this book and found it captivating from beginning to end.
Book Blurb
It’s 2003, Tony Blair is still Prime Minister and a shy loner from London, Amber Campbell, joins the prison service searching for purpose.
Behind the walls of the women’s prison Amber is determined to prove that she has what it takes. She makes a packed with two close friends to support each other no matter what. However, the three Black women struggle when they experience discrimination and disappointment at every turn.
There is rising racial tension in her home town when twelve far right local councillors are elected. Amber reflects on the prison system in her blog and takes an emotional journey off the beaten track through Africa to find love.
Josie worked as a prison officer at Holloway Prison for many years and has a unique and specialist knowledge of how a prison is run.Â
Josie likes writes about criminal justice system, politics, women’s issues and Black British history. Her work has been published with online political magazines a number of times. She is passionate about addressing the barriers that women of colour face.
Today it is my absolute pleasure to share my review for the final book in the Swallowtail Bay series by the lovely Katie Ginger.
My Review
What an absolute festive treat this book was, brimming with Christmas and romance, I didn’t want to put it down and just had to keep reading. Amazing descriptions of the Christmas market, describing sights and smells to bring it to life so it was a real assault on the senses and increased my excitement for Christmas with each chapter that I inhaled.
I loved Nell and her huge heart, she was so desperate to get everything right, she always put everyone ahead of herself. There was drama in relation to the wedding plans and the angst and frustration for the wedding was really well portrayed for all characters. The jitters were so realistic that I could feel my heart rate rising as I read in anticipation of the disaster that might follow. As I neared the end the emotions were building and I could feel myself welling up.
A story that I absolutely loved with links to characters we’ve previously met at this gorgeous seaside town. I will miss this series as I have loved each book and the individuality and the different characters we have met in Swallowtail Bay.
The whole series has featured vibrant character and memorable characters with real life issues and lots of delicious food with detailed descriptions for tastes and smell to leave out mouths watering.
A truly wonderful 5* read, such a heartwarming story oozing with Christmas and romance that totally swept me along.
Book Blurb
Grab your cosiest jumper and escape to the beautiful Swallowtail Bay!
Christmas and romance are in the air and Nell is obsessed! She can’t stop watching her favourite Christmas romcoms and dreaming of the day when she meets her own romantic hero, especially as she is hosting the first ever wedding at her small hotel, Holly Lodge.
Nell’s best friend, Tom, has been in love with her ever since they met. But Nell has never seen him that way, and he’s always kept his feelings a secret in case it ruins their friendship.
After the opening of the glamorous Langdon Mansion Hotel in the bay, Nell’s hotel is struggling for survival and she must fight, with Tom’s help, to keep Holly Lodge open. Can the magic of Christmas help two old friends save Holly Lodge and open Nell’s eyes to a love that was always there the whole time?
Winter Wishes at Swallowtail Bay is the hilarious new romantic comedy from Katie Ginger, perfect for fans of Cathy Bramley, Veronica Henry and Holly Martin!
KATIE GINGER lives by the sea in the south-east of England, and apart from holidays to very hot places where you can sit by a pool and drink cocktails as big as your head, she wouldn’t really want to be anywhere else. Winter Wishes at Swallowtail Bay is her sixth novel. She is also the author of Spring Tides at Swallowtail Bay, Summer Strawberries at Swallowtail Bay, Snowflakes at Mistletoe Cottage and the Seafront series – The Little Theatre on the Seafront, shortlisted for the Katie Fforde Debut Novel of the Year award, and Summer Season on the Seafront.
When she’s not writing, Katie spends her time with her husband and two kids, and their dogs: Wotsit, the King Charles spaniel, and Skips, the three-legged Romanian rescue dog. (And yes, they are both named after crisps!)
I have been a massive fan of Sandy Barker since her first release and if you love her travel themed stories, what gets better than Christmas being added into the romantic travel themed mix.
My Review
I picked up this book knowing I would enjoy it but I didn’t anticipate just how much I would love this festive trip around the world. A wonderful story to get you in the festive spirit, I loved experiencing three very different Christmases with these wonderful ladies in three very different locations.
I was swept along from the first meeting of Jules, Chloe and Lucy and laughed may way from beginning to end as I hoped the girls would have the Christmas they had dreamed of when they came up with their plan. A story that really set the scene at each location which added to the authenticity, Sandy’s extensive travel is reflected in the descriptions and this helped to just sweep me along in the story.
I loved the references to the film The Holiday and whilst there were similarities there were also lots of adventures for all of the girls that came in all shapes and sizes as well as the romance that is sprinkled throughout the pages.
I spent the whole of this book thinking oh their Christmas amongst the snow drifts and freezing temperatures sounds amazing and then the next chapter would reveal an Aussie tradition for Christmas and I would change my mind. I loved the endless discussion of food in all locations and think a Christmas combining all three would be just perfect.
A truly magical festive read that I absolutely loved from beginning to end and would love to just curl up and read again!
Book Blurb
Christmas is coming and best friends Chloe, Jules, and Lucy are needing change… so swapping homes for the holidays could be the perfect present for all of them!
Australian Chloe spends her Christmas in a sleepy village in Oxfordshire, England. She is totally star-struck when she discovers who lives across the road.
Lucy, who has jetted off to snowy Colorado for her dream-come-true white Christmas, is taken into the fold of Jules’s loud and brash family, discovering more about herself in a few short days than she has in years.
And Jules leaves the cold climes of Colorado to spend her Christmas on a beach with Chloe’s friends in Melbourne, finding that time away is just what she needed.
The only thing better than one Christmas romance is three, and this wonderful festive novel is perfect for fans of Sarah Morgan, Holly Martin and Karen Swan.
Sandy Barker is a writer, traveller and hopeful romantic with a lengthy bucket list. She loves exploring new places, outdoor adventures, and eating and drinking like a local when she travels, and many of her travel adventures have found homes in her novels. She’s also an avid reader, film buff, wine lover and coffee snob.
I have loved reading books by Shari Low over the years and am so happy to be able to help her celebrate 20 years of writing! Congratulations Shari on such an epic milestone and for kicking it all off with such a superb and timeless read!
My Review
I can’t believe that I have only just picked up a copy of this given it was released 20 years ago, what a read! I love Cooper she is a girl after my own heart and made me laugh throughout. Cooper is that friend that we all love and admire, although an absolute disaster in love she will always turns up to the party with the best stories.
Once I had read the first few chapters, I was completely hooked and wanted to ignore life and escape between these wonderful pages. I loved how it alternated between present day and the past as we got to know Cooper, her friends and past boyfriends. A story full of reflections on life and analysing previous decisions, I loved the front row seat to this wonderful adventure and felt as if I were travelling all over the world with her. The whole concept of this story was brilliant and there wasn’t an element of it that I didn’t enjoy.
I loved the highs and lows and I am so excited to read that we get to meet these characters again early next year as I laughed and giggled my way through this book, such a memorable read and one of my top reads of the year.
Book Blurb
1999. Carly Cooper is 30, single, and after coming close to saying ‘I Do’ to six different men, she’s wondering if she accidentally said ‘goodbye’ to Mr Right. But there is a problem. Her ex-boyfriends are scattered all over the world and Carly lives in 1999; an era before Facebook, Google, smartphones, 4G and Broadband, when it was impossible to track people down with a few clicks of a mouse. On a mission to discover if she walked away from her ‘happy ever after’, Carly quits her job, her flat, her whole life and sets off on a quest to track down all the men she has ever loved. Her Mr Right is out there, but can she find him? And what if he’s moved on from the ex-girlfriend who said goodbye? A wonderful classic 20th-anniversary re-release.
Shari Low is the #1 bestselling author of over 25 novels, including One Day In Summer and My One Month Marriage and a collection of parenthood memories called Because Mummy Said So. She lives near Glasgow.
I am a massive fan of Samantha Tonge and was very excited to have the opportunity to read and review this wonderful story in the lead up to publication day.
My Review
I always look forward to a release by Samantha Tonge as it always takes you on a wonderful journey and a festive read is the perfect way to escape between the pages.
This years festive read has us meeting the residents of Willow Court and planning the best Christmas party they have ever hosted. I quickly fell in love with the wonderful characters who live in Willow Court and loved the dedication of Jess to both her job in the toy shop whilst still helping to look after her beloved Nan.
This is a story that draws attention to our elderly generation who often require a care facility of some description. It highlights their loss of identity, their loneliness and how we often lose track of these points in our busy day to day lives. I felt this story whilst being a light hearted festive read also carried a really important message to help remind us to look after those who have always been there for us when we needed them.
I was so invested in this book and how Jess and her friends were going out of their way to create a final Christmas party for the wonderful community at Willow Court that I quickly lost track of time.
A heartfelt festive read with vivid descriptions that will leave you craving the delights of eggnog pie and wishing for a sprinkling of snow to really get you in the festive spirit.
Book Blurb
When charming, mysterious Nik sits next to Jess on a plane home from a Christmas toy trade fair, she never could have imagined the impact he’d have on her life. As they touch down in London, Jess is hesitant to let Nik walk away, and before she knows it, she’s invited him to visit.
As the two take in the delights of the toy store where she works, Jess gets an upsetting phone call. Willow Court, her grandmother’s care home, is to close before Christmas. Jess is determined to find the perfect new home for her Gran – and throw the best Christmas party Willow Court has ever seen!
But time is running out with the closure looming and Jess becomes increasingly drawn to enigmatic Nik who joins forces with her and best friend Oliver to realise those plans.
Will a chance encounter on an aeroplane bring love to Jess’s life or is this Christmas miracle too good to be true?
Samantha Tonge lives in Manchester UK and studied German and French at university. She has worked abroad, including a stint at Disneyland Paris, and has travelled widely. When not writing she loves family time, reading and baking. Samantha has sold many dozens of short stories to women’s magazines.
In 2013, she landed a publishing deal for romantic comedy fiction with HQDigital at HarperCollins and in 2014 her bestselling debut, Doubting Abbey, was shortlisted for the Festival of Romantic Fiction Best Ebook Award. In 2015 her summer novel, Game of Scones, hit #5 in the UK Kindle chart and won the Love Stories Awards Best Romantic Ebook category. In 2019 she was shortlisted for the RNA’s Romantic Comedy Award. In 2020 she won the RNA’s Jackie Collins Romantic Thriller Award with her novel Knowing You, from publisher Canelo.
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