Mix Up Under The Mistletoe by Margaret Amatt

 

Mix-Up under the Mistletoe

She’s always on the outside looking in, but his door might just be the one to open for her this Christmas.

‘Her name’s Tilly. Tilly Thorpe. She lives in London.’

To stop his family from speculating about his love life, travel company CEO Rafe Harrington casually drops Tilly Thorpe’s name as his girlfriend. After all, they’ll never meet – she’s just a name he saw on a rival company’s website.

But when Rafe arrives at his family’s home in Glenbriar for Christmas, he’s shocked to find ‘his girlfriend’ waiting for him.

He has some explaining to do and so does Tilly.

Why did Rafe’s family welcome her with open arms when she’s little more than a spy? Someone who’s trying hard to please her superiors, hoping it’ll bring some desperately desired happiness to her lonely existence.

Rafe isn’t a big fan of the festive season, but neither he nor Tilly can ignore their instant spark. With bad weather forecast, now is the ideal moment to discover some magic. Tilly’s never felt this at home anywhere, but none of it’s real, and that’s not why she’s here.

With time running short, can they seize this unexpected chance to fall in love not only with Christmas but also with each other?

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

What did I think?

This is the 11th book in the Glenbriar series and this one is a fabulous festive romance - one to be enjoyed curled up on the sofa in front of a roaring fire.

It is a story of coincidences. Rafe invents a fictitious relationship with Tilly to appease his mother - safe in the realisation that the two will never meet. I'm sure you can guess what the outcome of this little white lie is - but I won't spoil it for you.

There is festive magic, romance, humour and perfect escapism in this story - which was just what I needed- and a perfect addition to the series.

Author Bio –

Margaret is a bestselling Scottish author and chocolate lover who has been writing stories for over twenty years (possibly more if you count her primary school efforts). Her early works will never see the light of day and are locked in dusty vaults on some old floppy disks. But after all those years of practise, Margaret released her first novel in 2021. It was the first of a ten-book series set on the gorgeous Scottish Isle of Mull.

Margaret is also the author of the acclaimed Glenbriar Series, based in the fictional Scottish town of Glenbriar. This is an ongoing series with more books coming in 2024 and 2025.

The stories are unashamedly romantic, but with lots of drama and an eclectic mix of characters. Each

book can be read as a standalone, but followers of the series will enjoy catching up with the characters.

Social Media Links –

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A Little Christmas Spirit by Susan Buchanan

 

A Little Christmas Spirit

Can a sprinkle of magic heal broken hearts this Christmas?

With Jacob now at the helm at the cosy Sugar and Spice café, it’s the perfect opportunity for Christmas Spirit Lara to weave her magic.

Fraser is floundering in his new role as headteacher as he grapples with guilt over having to place his beloved mother in a care home, leaving him feeling lost and alone during what should be a joyful time.

Meanwhile, school janitor Paul is torn between his desire to feel needed and the pressure from his wife to retire, dimming the season’s sparkle.

Valerie, overwhelmed by the demands of newborn twins, feels she’s not giving her other daughter enough attention. She needs a bit of me time and for her husband to realise the responsibility for the kids falls to both of them.

And Bella, heartbroken after her husband’s shocking request for a separation just a year into their marriage, longs to escape the memories of last year’s perfect Christmas.

Can Lara help them rediscover joy, connection, and the true spirit of the season?

A heartwarming journey filled with friendship, community, and a dash of holiday magic that promises to transform the lives of those in need of hope this Christmas.

 

What did I think?

I do love a festive read. I will admit to being a bit Grinch like this year - I cannot wait for the festive season to be over and everything back to normal. But that won't stop me reading Christmassy stories.

This was a quick and sparkly read following Natalie as she takes up the position of temporary manager at Sugar and Spice (a café come bakery) in my beloved Scotland. Now doesn't that sound like a perfect job? She is just the perfect person for this role - and through her we meet the rest of the characters.

The other characters all seem to have sad back stories - but Natalie works her magic over both the café and the customers in it. It was such a delight of a story - and it was full of delicious sounding baked goodies,

Purchase Link - https://books2read.com/u/bMBNNv

Author Bio –

Susan Buchanan writes contemporary romance and women’s fiction, usually featuring travel, food, family, friendship and community.

Her books are Sign of the Times, The Dating Game, The Christmas Spirit, Return of the Christmas Spirit and Just One Day – Winter, Spring, Summer and Autumn.

As a freelance developmental editor, copyeditor and proofreader, if she’s not reading, editing or writing, she’s thinking about it. 

She is a member of the Romantic Novelists’ Association, the Society of Authors and the Alliance of Independent Authors.

She lives near Glasgow with her husband, two children and a crazy Labrador.

When she’s not editing, writing, reading or caring for her two delightful cherubs, she likes going to the theatre, playing board games, watching quiz shows and eating out, and she has recently discovered a love of writing retreats.

 

Social Media Links –

 

Website – www.susanbuchananauthor.com

Instagram – authorSusanBuchanan

Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/susan.buchanan.author

Twitter – susan_buchanan

Threads - authorSusanBuchanan

Second Chances at Hollyhock Farm by Georgina Troy

 

Second Chances at Hollyhock Farm

Festival season has come to Hollyhock Farm…

Since his sister Lettie took over their parents' farm on the beautiful island of Jersey at the start of the year, Zac Torel's life has changed completely. Zac loves Hollyhock Farm, and he's determined to help Lettie succeed, but when their insurance company refuses to pay for the restoration of one of their barns in time for winter, the clock is ticking for the Torrels to raise the money themselves.

The siblings decide to host a wellness festival, but with the summer already well underway, they've got their work cut out to get everything ready before the season ends. Lettie recruits the help of Melody, a yoga teacher from Edinburgh. New to the island, Melody is determined to shake things up and make a success of Lettie’s festival.

But Melody has come to Jersey with more baggage than her small backpack implies. And as her friendship with Zac grows, will her past catch up with her?

What did I think?

This is the second book in the Hollyhock Farm series - and this is the festive edition.

I loved returning to Jersey and Hollyhock Farm. I loved the sense of community and the close relationship between Zac and Lettie. This is a cute story of second chances and of overcoming adversity. I won't go into details as I think the blurb above sums it up quite well.

The writing flows very easily and makes the book a delight to read. I know that Georgina has lived on Jersey for a number of years and her knowledge and understanding of island life comes through so well.

Already looking forward to book 3.

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

Author Bio –

Georgina Troy writes bestselling uplifting romantic escapes and sets her novels on the island of Jersey, where she was born and has lived for most of her life. She has done a twelve-book deal with Boldwood, including backlist titles, and the first book in her Sunshine Island series was published in May 2022.

Social Media Links –  

Facebook: @GeorginaTroyAuthor

Twitter: @GeorginaTroy

Instagram: @georginatroyauthor

Newsletter Sign Up: https://bit.ly/GeorginaTroyNews

Bookbub profile: @GeorginaTroy

Pepper Lane Sweet Shop by KT Dady

 

Pepper Lane Sweet Shoppe

Welcome to Pepper Bay, where you’ll find love, drama, and a happily ever after.

Snuggle down with this cosy, feel-good, comfort read that whisks you away to a beautiful bay on the Isle of Wight – Perfect for fans of Christie Barlow, Alison Sherlock, Rachael Lucas, and Holly Martin.

The Pepper Bay books are standalone stories, best read in order, that intertwine with recurring characters.

Pepper Lane Sweet Shoppe: Erin Mason didn’t know she had any family left, so when she inherits a sweet shop, she’s not entirely sure what to do. There isn’t much else going on in her life, so she goes to check it out in Pepper Bay. After all, a short trip to the Isle of Wight is hardly going to change her life.

Purchase Link - https://www.amazon.co.uk/Pepper-Lane-Sweet-Shoppe-Book-ebook/dp/B0CNVD4DYB

 

What did I think?

Amazingly this is book number 14 in the Pepper Bay series. I'm absolutely loving these books - they are a quick satisfying read and I love my return visits to Pepper bay.

Erin is at a crossroads in her life after losing her job. She then discovers that her late grandfather has left her his sweet shop on the Isle of Wight. She lands in Pepper Bay all on her own - with no family around to help her. And this is where the Pepper Bay community comes into it's own - accepting Erin and helping her establish her new life.

She meets Tyler on the ferry to the island and I enjoyed watching their friendship and relationship develop. Tyler is getting over his recent past and needs a friend like Erin.

A fabulous cast of characters once again and I love them all, both old and new and this book is a fabulous addition to the series. 

Author Bio – Hello, I’m K.T. Dady. I’m the bestselling author of the Pepper Bay series. I’m also a chocolate lover, mum to a grown-up daughter, and a huge fan of a HEA. I was born and raised in the East End of London, and I’ve been happily writing stories since I was a little girl. When I’m not writing, I’m reading, baking cakes, or pottering around in my little garden in Essex, trying not to kill the flowers.

 

Social Media Links –

https://ktdady.com

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