The French Cookery School by Caroline James

 

The French Cookery School

Mix together a group of mature students:

A culinary Sloane, a take-away cook and a food journalist.

Add in:

A handsome host

Season with:

A celebrity chef

Bring to the boil:

At a luxurious cookery school in France!

 

Waltho Williams has no idea what he’s letting himself in for when he opens the doors of La Maison du Paradis, his beautiful French home. But with dwindling funds, a cookery school seems like the ideal business plan.

Running away from an impending divorce, super-snob Caroline Carrington hopes a luxurious cookery holiday will put her back on her feet. Blackpool fish and chip café owner Fran Cartwright thinks she’s won the lottery when her husband Sid books her on a week working alongside a celebrity chef. Meanwhile, feeling she is fading at fifty, journalist Sally Parker-Brown hopes her press week covering the cookery course will enable her to boost her career.

But will the eclectic group be a recipe for success, or will the mismatched relationships sink like a souffle?

Whip out an apron, grab a wooden spoon and take a culinary trip to La Maison du Paradis, then sit back and enjoy The French Cookery School!

 

What did I think?

I always find Caroline's books highly entertaining and this one was no exception.

I do like banking myself although I don't do much anymore as I now live alone - if I baked then I would end up eating it all!!

A cookery school sounds like a fabulous way to spend a weekend - I quite fancy something like that. I also fancy a holiday to France.....

A cracking cast of characters are brought together at the cookery school (I was pleased to see that there were some more mature characters which I could relate to) 

Another book which I would recommend if you are after some escapism from real life - and I know I am. This book totally transported me to the chateau (and yes I had that TV show in my mind as I was reading) 

There were some laugh out loud moments, a dash of romance and a soupcon of friendship - all mixed together to produce a delicious read.

Purchase Link   https://mybook.to/TFCS

Author Bio & Social Media Links –

Caroline James always wanted to write, but instead of taking a literary route, followed a career in the hospitality industry, which included owning a pub and a beautiful country house hotel. She was also a media agent representing celebrity chefs. When she finally glued her rear to a chair and began to write, the words flowed, and several novels later, she has gained many bestseller badges for her books.

The French Cookery School is Caroline’s tenth novel. Previously, The Cruise, described as: ‘Girl power for the over sixties!’ was an Amazon Top Ten Best Seller. Caroline’s hilarious novels include The Spa Break and The Best Boomerville Hotel, depicted as ‘Britain’s answer to the Best Marigold Hotel’.

She likes to write in Venus, her holiday home on wheels and in her spare time, walks with Fred, her Westie, or swims in a local lake. Caroline is a member of the Romantic Novelists Association, the SOA, ARRA and the Society of Women’s Writers & Journalists. She is also a speaker with many amusing talks heard by a variety of audiences, including cruise ship guests.

Books by Caroline James:

 

The French Cookery School

The Cruise

The Spa Break

Hattie Goes to Hollywood

Boomerville at Ballymegille

The Best Boomerville Hotel

Coffee Tea the Gypsy & Me

Coffee Tea the Chef & Me

Coffee Tea the Caribbean & Me

Jungle Rock

 

Contact:

 

www.carolinejamesauthor.co.uk

Twitter: @CarolineJames12

Facebook: Caroline James Author

Insta: Caroline James Author

The Bookshop by the Loch by Julie Shackman

 

The Bookshop By The Loch

Lexie Dunbar is a book lover. And her favourite place in the world is her local bookstore, Book Ends.  So when she hears that it’s going to be sold, Lexie decides she needs to do something to help.

 

Lexie’s plan to save the ailing shop is fully underway until gorgeous-but-grouchy artist Tobias Black arrives on the scene determined to turn the bookstore into an art gallery. Lexie is horrified; the last thing the quaint town of Bracken Way needs is a pretentious artist, even if he does seem to charm everyone but her.

 

Tensions continue to rise until Tobias discovers a shocking secret that shows they might have more in common than they realise. As sparks fly, can Lexie and Tobias work together, or will opposing ideas get in the way of them finding their very own happy ever after…

 

What did I think.

This is the 6th book in the Scottish Escapes series (and I won't get my lochs and locks mixed up here!!) And a book set in a bookshop - what is there not to like?

Julie has done it again with this book - a feel good cozy read - perfect for the never ending January we have just had. Of course being set in Scotland is a winner with me.

It follows Lexie as she returns home for a sabbatical after having her hopes dashed on the job front. But instead of mooching about and licking her wounds she throws herself into saving the local bookshop. Of course not everything runs smoothly. 

Yes this book has all the feels but it also deals with some more serious issues such as family secrets and health issues (dementia is such a cruel condition.)

I really enjoyed this book and cannot wait for the next installment.

This is purchase Links

UK - https://www.amazon.co.uk/Bookshop-Loch-brand-escapist-romance-ebook/dp/B0CCXFV6GK/

US – https://www.amazon.com/Bookshop-Loch-brand-escapist-romance-ebook/dp/B0CCXFV6GK/

Author Bio – Julie Shackman is a former journalist from Scotland, who has always wanted to write feel-good romance. As well as being an author, Julie also writes verses and captions for greetings card companies. Julie admits to having an obsession with stationery and handbags. She is married, has two sons and a Romanian rescue pup, Cooper. The Bookshop by the Loch is Julie's tenth novel.

Social Media Links –

Julie Shackman Author

Julie Shackman (@G13Julie) / Twitter

Julie Georgina Shackman (@juliegeorginashackman) • Instagram photos and videos

(2) Julie Georgina Shackman | Facebook

The Highland Lodge Getaway by Julie Shackman

 

The Highland Lodge Getaway

Fall in love with the Christmas romance of the year, full of love and second chances!

Lottie Grant loves the festive season so much that she works at the incredibly successful Christmas shop, Christmas Crackers, in her pretty Scottish home town of Craig Brae. But when the shop is sold, her world is turned upside down, leaving her wondering what she will do next.

Just as she’s about to give up hope on finding a new dream job, an offer comes that she can’t refuse, managing a set of luxury wooden cabins… and opening just in time for Christmas!

As she gets to work decorating the cabins, and hanging lights on the fir trees, Lottie can’t believe her luck. That is until the arrival of Blake Dempster, a moody but handsome hiking expert, who threatens to bring down her festive joy. But never one to shy away from a challenge, Lottie is determined to change Blake’s mind about all things festive.

And as the snow falls and the fairy lights sparkle, will work-obsessed Lottie and frozen-hearted Blake make their Christmas wishes come true?

What did I think?

This is the fifth book in the Scottish Escapes series. I have read all the books in order (that's not something I can say very often) but I do think they don't have to be read in order or as part of the series.

This was a cute festive read - enjoyed it from start to finish. It isn't overly festive but there is just enough Christmas magic to make the story sparkle. Both the setting and the characters are delightful. I would love to spend some time in one of the holiday lodges - they sound like perfection. There was a great sense of community spirit contained in this book

This was the perfect book to curl up with whilst Storm Babet raged outside.

Purchase Links

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Christmas-Highland-Lodge-feel-good-Scottish-ebook/dp/B0BDBT59L4/

https://www.amazon.com/Christmas-Highland-Lodge-feel-good-Scottish-ebook/dp/B0BDBT59L4/

 

Author Bio – Julie Shackman is a feel-good romance author from Scotland and is published by the HarperCollins imprint One More Chapter. When not writing or reading, Julie loves to take her Romanian rescue pup Cooper for long walks, watch romcoms and indulge her love of music. The Christmas Highland Lodge is Julie’s nineth novel.

Social Media Links – 

Website -   Julie Shackman Author

 

Twitter - (2) Julie Shackman (@G13Julie) / Twitter

 

Instagram -  Julie Georgina Shackman (@juliegeorginashackman) • Instagram photos and videos

 

Facebook -  (5) Julie Georgina Shackman | Facebook

 

The Cruise by Caroline James

 Three friends set sail on a luxury cruise… will they be able to catch a husband on the open seas?

 

Leaving behind the heartache, guilt and disappointment of their real lives, three friends decide that now they’re in their sixties, it’s time they finally did something for themselves!

Swapping Christmas turkeys and BBC reruns for crystal waters, white sandy beaches and smooth golden rum, Anne, Jane and Kath throw caution (and tradition) to the wind as they set sail on a luxury two-week Christmas cruise around the Caribbean.

Will the three friends find the comfort and joy they seek aboard the Diamond Star?

 

What did I think?

This was such a fun read - but I wouldn't expect anything less from Caroline.

These 3 fabulous ladies are off on a fabulous journey. One widowed, one unmarried and one almost divorced - and all three are 63. Nice to have a book where the main characters are slightly older than the norm. Lots of new experiences and it was great to see their characters develop as the cruise gets going.

Jane, Kath and Ann are all dealing with their own grief and all feeling their age. But the cruise opens them up to new experiences.

I have never really fancied a cruise but after reading this book I think I could be tempted.

A fabulous light and funny read.

Purchase Link - https://mybook.to/CruiseK

Author Bio –

Best-selling author of women’s fiction, Caroline James, has owned and run businesses encompassing all aspects of the hospitality industry, a subject that often features in her novels. She is based in the UK but escapes whenever lockdown allows. A public speaker, which has included talks and lectures on cruise ships worldwide, Caroline is also a consultant and food writer. Caroline writes articles and runs writing workshops, is a member of the Romantic Novelist’s Association, the Society of Women’s Writer & Journalists and the Society of Authors. In her spare time, Caroline can be found walking with Fred, her Westie and in summer, wild water swimming. In winter, when not working, she relaxes with her head in a book and hand in a box of chocolates.

 

Social Media Links –

www.carolinejamesauthor.co.uk

Twitter: @CarolineJames12

Facebook: Caroline James Author

Amazon Author Page

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

A Scottish Country Escape by Julie Shackman

 

Escape to the Scottish Highlands with a brand new spring romance from bestselling author, Julie Shackman

*Julie Shackman’s brand new romance The Cottage in the Highlands is exclusively available on First Reads for November*

Determined to overcome a family tragedy, Elle Cassidy decides to reopen her late mother’s ailing newsagent as a stationery shop in the quiet Scottish town of Fir Haven.

But when the arrogant yet handsome crime writer Dexter Grayling almost runs over Elle in his beast of a sports car, the town is thrown into a tailspin – especially when Dexter claims that local resident Linda Carlucci has put a curse on him and he is no longer able to write.

Can Elle put aside her dislike for the self-absorbed writer and help Dexter uncover what is really going on with the Carlucci family? And in the process will Elle realise that there’s a lot more to her beloved Fir Haven than she first thought…

For fans of Donna Ashcroft, Jane Linfoot and Rachael Lucas.

 

What did I think?

A book set in The Highlands? Yes please. Because it is on my doorstep I cannot resist.

Loved the fact that Elle reopened her Mums old shop as a stationary shop called Paper Roses. Here in Elgin we have a gorgeous stationary shop called Pencil Me In - and this is the shop I was picturing in my head whilst I was reading.

I wasn't expecting the paranormal twist but I thought it brought an extra dimension to the story. A close knot community that all pulls together to help both Elle and each other. Then enter Dexter which does upset the apple cart somewhat. But there is a chemistry between them which we see develop.

There is sadness and romance in this book - a hint of a mystery - which combined together makes for a delightful read. 

Purchase Links

UK – https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B0B9SK1DHM 

US - https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0B9SK1DHM

Author Bio – Julie Shackman is a former journalist from Scotland, who has always wanted to write feel-good romance. As well as being an author, Julie also writes verses and captions for greetings card companies.

She admits to having an obsession with stationery and handbags and has an impressive pile of gorgeous To Be Read novels she is wading her way through.

She is married, has two sons and a Romanian rescue puppy, Cooper. A Scottish Country Escape and The Christmas Highland Lodge are Julie’s eighth and nineth novels respectively.

 

Social Media Links –

Website - Julie Shackman Author

Julie Shackman (@G13Julie) / Twitter

Julie Georgina Shackman (@juliegeorginashackman) • Instagram photos and videos

(2) Julie Georgina Shackman | Facebook 

 

Nobody Put Romcoms in the Corner by Kathryn Freeman

 

Not an expert, not even close, not in any of this. But nobody will try harder than me to make you happy.

Sally is a classic romantic and Harry is a classic cynic, but when a drunken bet leads the new flatmates to (badly) recreate ‘the lift’ from Dirty Dancing, and the video goes viral (#EpicRomcomReenactmentFailure), they both realise there’s potential financial benefit in blundering their way through the romcom lexicon for their suddenly vast social media following.

Now, as Harry and Sally bring major romcom moments to new life – including recreating that classic diner scene – their faking it turns to making…out and suddenly they’re living a real life romcom of their own! But like all the greatest love stories, the road to happily ever after is paved with unexpected challenges for this hero and heroine…

What did I think?

I'm not sure I am the target audience for this book. Although I read romantic comedies I do not watch rom com films. I will hold my hand up to not having watched Dirty Dancing, When Harry Met Sally etc. But I did recognise 'the' lift in the book. Can I also admit to not having a clue about Tik Tok!!

Loved the idea of the flatmates and the drunken dare. It made for a light and entertaining read which I really enjoyed. There was plenty of banter, lots of humour and a dash of smut.

If you are after a quick, fun read - one which is definitely in the here and now - then this is the book for you. Kathryn knows how to write entertaining reads. If you haven't read anything of hers before then this is a good one to start with.

Purchase Links

Amazon UK:  https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0B67CGBVM

Amazon US:  https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B67CGBVM

Author Bio –

For as long as I can remember, I’ve always wanted to write a book. It may have had something to do with my obsession with reading romance. Real life interfered and I headed off in a different direction – into the world of science, becoming a pharmacist before joining the pharmaceutical industry. I did end up writing, but it was about disease and medicines. Decades later, I’m finally doing what I always wanted to do.

With a husband who asks every Valentine's Day whether he has to buy a card (yes, he does), all the romance in my life is in my head. Then again, his unstinting support of my career change proves love isn't always about hearts and flowers - and heroes come in many disguises.

 

Social Media Links –

Website:  http://kathrynfreeman.co.uk

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

Twitter:  https://twitter.com/KathrynFreeman1

 

The Christmas Trip by Sandy Barker

 

Another year has passed and it’s Christmas again. This year best friends Chloe, Jules and Lucy are all loved up but living worlds apart.

Chloe is madly in love with her celebrity beau, Archer, but after a whirlwind year in Hollywood’s limelight, she’s desperate to get away and spend some quality time together.

Jules loves her Melbourne life – and gorgeous winemaker Matt – but a crowded flat share has her longing for a place of her own.

Meantime, Lucy is stuck in a long distance relationship, jetting back and forth between Colorado and London to see Will.

When Archer’s plan to whisk Chloe to Paris goes awry, he surprises her by bringing her friends together for a Christmas to remember…

Purchase Links

Amazon UK | Amazon AU | Amazon CA | Amazon US

Kobo| iBooks | Nook | Google Play

 

https://sandybarker.com/my-books/the-christmas-trip/

What did I think?

This is the second book in the Christmas Romance series - I would recommend that you read the first book before reading this one. It is called The Christmas Swap.

This story takes place a year after The Christmas Swap and we get to meet the May girls again - this time in Hawaii. The writing really brings the location to life - somewhere I haven't been but would love to go. Enjoyed the way the characters were developed from the first book - and this turns out to be a perfect Christmas romance.

I loved being transported somewhere warm and tropical - when I am stuck in a slightly damp Scotland.

I wonder if there will be another book in the series.....

Author Bio – Sandy Barker

Sandy is a writer, traveller and hopeful romantic with a lengthy bucket list, and many of her travel adventures have found homes in her novels. She’s also an avid reader, a film buff, a wine lover and a coffee snob.

Sandy lives in Melbourne Australia with her partner, Ben, who she met while travelling in Greece. Their real-life love story inspired Sandy’s debut novel One Summer in Santorini, the first in the Holiday Romance series with One More Chapter, an imprint of HarperCollins.

The series continues in That Night in Paris and A Sunset in Sydney and there are two more to come in 2022. Her standalone novel The Christmas Swap celebrates her favourite time of the year, and next up is The Dating Game, a laugh-out-loud romcom set in the world of Reality TV.

 

Follow Sandy:

https://twitter.com/sandybarker

https://www.facebook.com/sandybarkerauthor

https://sandybarker.com/

https://www.instagram.com/sandybarkerauthor/

Ten Years by Pernille Hughes

Becca and Charlie have known each other since university.

Becca and Charlie have also hated each other since university.

Until now. Until Ally’s bucket list. The death of their loved one should mean they can go their separate ways and not look back. But completing the list is something neither of them can walk away from.

And sometimes, those who bring out the worst in you, also bring out the very best…

Over the course of ten years, Becca and Charlie’s paths collide as they deal with grief, love and life after Ally.

Not since Emma and Dex in One Day and Will and Lou in Me Before You will you root for a couple as much.

What did I think?

Whilst I was reading this book I was more Team Ally than Team Becca. I couldn't warm to Becca at all I'm afraid.

I thought it was a clever and original idea for a book. Quite an emotional read - bringing back all the happy memories of Charlie and Allys time together. There was sadness, happiness, grief and anger.

I can see why Ally wrote her bucket list and what she was trying to achieve. If it was me if my partner and best friend didn't like each other then I would have left them to go their separate ways. But she had other plans.

I thought this book was well written and very enjoyable. I read it as part of the One More Chapter readalong online and it was fun to discuss the story as it went along.

 

Purchase Link - www.linktr.ee/TenYears

Author Bio –

Before she moved to writing full-time, Pernille (pronounced Pernilla) Hughes studied Film & Literature at university. After graduating she went into advertising and later on to market Natural History films before working in Children’s television, which meant living in actual Teletubbyland for a while! From 2011–2015, she was a regular contributor for the Sunday Times column ‘Confessions of a Tourist’. She has two novels published to date PROBABLY THE BEST KISS IN THE WORLD and PUNCH-DRUNK LOVE (formerly published as Sweatpants At Tiffanie's). Her next book TEN YEARS will be out in August 2022.

 

Pernille lives in Buckinghamshire and while the kids are at school she scoffs cake and writes stories in order to maintain a shred of sanity.

 

Find her on Instagram and Twitter at @Pernillehughes or on Facebook at her Pernille Hughes Author page.www.pernillehughes.com (There's a free story to be had!!!)

 

Social Media Links –

www.pernillehughes.com (Free short story available here)

Twitter https://twitter.com/pernillehughes

Instagram @Pernillehughes

Facebook at her Pernille Hughes Author page.