Starlight over Hollyhock Farm by Georgina Troy

 

Starlight Over Hollyhock Farm

Will sparks fly at Hollyhock Farm this summer?

When a hit TV series sets up camp at Hollyhock Farm, Jersey’s tranquil lanes are turned upside down. Radio DJ Callum Preston is used to high-maintenance guests – but nothing prepares him for interviewing the star-of-the-hour actor Riley Sharp, or meeting his beautiful, overworked PA, Tasha Dodds.

As Callum and Tasha grow closer in the island sunshine, the farm becomes the backdrop for more than just the cameras. But with paparazzi scandals brewing and Callum's family thrust into the spotlight, will their Jersey summer end in heartbreak – or be the start of something wonderful?

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

What did I think?

Firstly - what a gorgeous cover. I have only seen a field of lavender once and would love to walk through one. This looks so inviting.

This is the 4th book in the Hollyhock Farm series. I enjoyed returning to Jersey and this book was perfect to curl up with on the sofa and while away a few hours.

The introduction of Riley certainly livens things up a bit - but in a good way - made for entertaining reading - set against the more laid back (and patient Tasha)

A perfect costal escape to an island I would love to visit.

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 lives close to the beach with her husband and three rescue dogs. When she’s not writing she can be found walking with the dogs or chatting to her friends over coffee at one of the many beachside cafés on the island.

 

Social Media Links –  

Facebook: @GeorginaTroyAuthor

Twitter: @GeorginaTroy

Instagram: @georginatroyauthor

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

Bookbub profile: @GeorginaTroy

Christmas Wishes at the Station Bookshop by Margaret Amatt

 

Christmas Wishes at the Station Bookshop

After one toxic relationship too many and more failed jobs than she can count, spirited Scarlett Finch has lost her sparkle and doesn’t think she can face this year’s festive season. The last thing she expects is to land a Christmas job at Glenbriar’s Little Station Bookshop, especially not thanks to a slightly unhinged older woman with a parrot, a pug, a wild imagination, and some crackpot ideas for displays – not to mention a flair for making unexpected decisions, like hiring Scarlett without telling the owner.

Widowed dad-of-three Lloyd Miller is just trying to keep life on track. Between moving house, juggling his day job, and preparing to take over the bookshop from his retired mum, the chaos inside the shop is the last thing he needs, particularly when it includes Scarlett, the woman he shared a no-strings summer fling with… and hasn’t stopped thinking about since.

While Glenbriar twinkles with Christmas lights, both Scarlett and Lloyd are haunted by their pasts, drawn together in their present, and uncertain of their future.

 

A bookshop full of anonymous wishes might just give them the courage to make their own – but with neither convinced they deserve a second chance, it’ll take more than festive magic to open the book on a new romance. They can’t change the past – but they can still choose how the story goes.

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

What did I think?

This is the 16th book in the Glenbriar series - set locally to me in The Highlands.

A festive story set in a bookshop - what is there not to like??

Scarlett isn't feeling very festive after a Summer spent living with her mother - we last saw her on a trip around Skye - where she bumped into Lloyd. By sheer coincidence Lloyd has relocated from Edinburgh to Glenbriar with his children to take over his Mums bookshop. Of course they have to bump into each other again.

A charming relaxing read in familiar surroundings. Love this series.

Author Bio –

Margaret Amatt is a bestselling Scottish author, professional daydreamer, and certified chocolate addict. She’s been making up stories for as long as she can remember – some of them even made it onto paper (and, tragically, onto floppy disks that no computer can read anymore). After two decades of writing in secret, she finally unleashed her first novel on the world in 2021, kicking off a ten-book series set on the stunning Isle of Mull.

But why stop there? She’s also the creator of The Glenbriar Series, where romance, small-town drama, and a pinch of spice keep readers coming back for more. This series is still going strong, with more books planned!

Margaret has spent her whole life in Scotland’s breath-taking Highland Perthshire, despite her entire extended family coming from the Glasgow area. Her books are romantic and emotional, sweet and funny, and each one can be read as a standalone, but long-time readers know the joy of familiar faces popping up, adding to the chaos.

So, if you love relatable characters, sizzling chemistry, and plenty of banter, you’re in the right place – just don’t blame Margaret when you stay up way too late reading just one more chapter.

Social Media Links –

https://www.margaretamatt.com/subscribe

https://www.facebook.com/MargaretAmattAuthor

https://www.instagram.com/margaret_amatt_author

Fireworks at Pennycress Inn by Sarah Hope

 

Fireworks at Pennycress Inn

🍂 Sparks are flying in more ways than one...

After years of juggling teaching with volunteering, Polly is finally ready for a change. When she lands her dream job at Meadowfield Nature Reserve – with the promise of a promotion in three months’ time – she trades in the stress of the classroom for the beautiful autumn days of the Cotswolds countryside.

Pennycress Inn is the perfect base for her fresh start: charming, cosy and filled with friendly faces. But everything changes when Zac, her attractive but infuriating ex-colleague, arrives. He’s here to take up a post at the reserve too – and is also staying at the inn! Worse still, the promotion Polly was counting on is suddenly up for grabs – and Zac’s her biggest rival.

With three months to prove herself, Polly must navigate village life, unexpected emotions and a career-defining challenge. As tension simmers and fireworks fly, will Meadowfield become the place she truly finds where she belongs – or will she be forced to walk away from everything she’s dreamed of?

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

What did I think?

This is the 3rd book in the Pennycress Inn series which I am really enjoying - both the storyline and the characters.

Polly is looking for change in her life and so goes for a new job at a wildlife reserve - totally oblivious that an ex colleague (and enemy) is also in the running for the position.

This is a cosy rivals to lovers story - in a beautiful Cotswold setting.

My life is quite hectic right now - but this was the perfect book for a little down time. I'm back in a familiar location surrounded by familiar faces - what is there not to like.

Looking forward to book 4.

Author Bio –

Sarah Hope is the author of many successful romance novels, including the bestselling Cornish Bakery series. Sarah lives in Central England with her two children and an array of pets and enjoys escaping to the seaside at any opportunity.

 

Social Media Links – 

Facebook: @HappinessHopeDreams

Twitter: @SarahHope35

Instagram: @Sarah_Hope_Writes

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

Bookbub profile: @SarahHope

A Christmas Gift by Sue Moorcroft

 

A Christmas Gift

Can the happiest time of year heal the most broken of hearts?

Georgine loves Christmas. The festive season always brings the little village of Middledip to life. But since her ex-boyfriend walked out, leaving her with crippling debts, Georgine’s struggled to make ends meet.

To keep her mind off her worries, she throws herself into organising the Christmas show at the local school. And when handsome Joe Blackthorn becomes her assistant, Georgine’s grateful for the help. But there’s something about Joe she can’t quite put her finger on. Could there be more to him than meets the eye?

Georgine’s past is going to catch up with her in ways she never expected. But can the help of friends old and new make this a Christmas to remember after all?

Purchase Links

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Christmas-Gift-romantic-million-bestselling/dp/0008765197

https://www.amazon.com/Christmas-Gift-Sue-Moorcroft/dp/0008499306/

What did I think?

I haven't read many festive books yet - but I couldn't resist this gorgeous cover. We have snow on the hills up here in Scotland today - I love looking at the snow so hope we get a scene like this too.

I didn't realise that this book was a re release till after I had finished. I thought the storyline seemed familiar but not enough to stop reading. To be honest I think this book is worth a re read at this time of year.

I enjoyed Georgina's story of pulling herself up after the end of her relationship and helping herself recover from the effects of her relationship breakdown. Then in walks Joe who is her new assistant in a local Christmas production. Yes it is light and fluffy in places but there is also an undercurrent of more serious matters.

This isn't an over the top festive story - it will break you in gently to the holiday season. For me the best part is the fabulous sense of community within this book which Sue writes about so perfectly.

Author Bio – Sue Moorcroft is a Sunday Times bestselling author. Her novels have been #1 on Kindle UK and Top 100 on Kindle US, Canada, Germany and Italy. She’s won the Goldsboro Books Contemporary Novel of the Year, Readers’ Best Romantic Novel award, two HOLT Medallions and the Katie Fforde Bursary. She’s the president of the Romantic Novelists’ Association.

Her novels, short stories, serials, columns, writing ‘how to’ and courses have appeared around the world.

Social Media Links –


Website [www.suemoorcroft.com]

Blog [http://suemoorcroft.wordpress.com]

Facebook profile [Sue.Moorcroft.3]

Facebook author page [https://www.facebook.com/SueMoorcroftAuthor

Twitter  [@suemoorcroft]

Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/suemoorcroftauthor/] @SueMoorcroftAuthor

LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/suemoorcroft]

Letting Go of Yesterday by Jo Bartlett

Letting Go of Yesterday

Sometimes the only way forward… is to go back.

When Rowan Bellamy’s marriage collapses in spectacular style, she retreats with her two children, Bella and Theo, to the last place she ever wanted to return—her windswept Cornish hometown of Port Agnes. Taking the headteacher role at the local primary school is the easy part. Facing village gossip, curious neighbours, and old flames? Not so much.

Especially when one of those flames turns out to be Nathan Lark — the boy who broke her heart and the man who now has a reputation as bruised as her own. With his young nephew Leo a pupil in Rowan’s school, she and Nathan are thrown into each other’s lives once more. And whether she likes it or not, the chemistry between them is impossible to ignore.

As salty sea air begins to soothe old wounds and Port Agnes slowly feels like home again, Rowan must decide if she’s brave enough to let go of the past and open her heart one more time.

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

What did I think?

I was excited that Jo has brought out a new series. I loved the Cornish Midwife and the Cornish Country Hospital - so I am really looking forward to this one.

This is a story of second chances in beautiful Cornwall as Rowan returns to her home town with her 2 children after the end of her marriage. I could sort of relate as my marriage broke down a few years ago and I have just moved to a new town (only 10 miles down the road) and bought myself a new place to turn into my home.

So for this reason I found this story quite an emotional read - but was really rooting for Rowan - especially when Nathan came on the scene.

I cannot wait to catch up with her journey in the next book.

Author Bio –

Jo Bartlett is the bestselling author of over nineteen women’s fiction titles. She fits her writing in between her two day jobs as an educational consultant and university lecturer and lives with her family and three dogs on the Kent coast.

Social Media Links – 

Facebook: @JoBartlettAuthor

Twitter: @J_B_Writer

Instagram: @jo_bartlett_author

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

Bookbub profile: @JoBartlett3

Autumn Wishes and Fireside Kisses by Rosie Green

 

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?

What did I think?

This is such a prolific series - can you believe this is book number 42. This is such an amazing number of books. I will admit I haven't read them all - I need to take some time to look back to see which ones I have missed.

As with the other books in the series this can be read as a standalone title - perfect for those like me who have dipped in and out.

Now I don't do Halloween - I only has one trick or treater thankfully. But I do love Autumn so I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book at the right time of the year. It gave all the seasonal and slightly spooky vibes in the gothic wedding and slightly mysterious events in the house.

One of the reasons I like this series is that they are delightful quick reads - when you are time short (I have recently moved house) you can almost read them in one sitting.

Looking forward to book 43!

Purchase Links

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0DSBXXNT5

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

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

Love Match on the Road Home by Margaret Amatt

 

Love Match on the Road Home

After tennis star Georgie Porter retires at just thirty-one, she buys a campervan and returns to her hometown of Glenbriar, hoping to make amends for the hurts she caused to a former sweetheart. But instead of finding the man whose heart she broke many years ago, she comes face to face with his younger brother, Kerr.

Easy-going and quietly loyal, high school teacher Kerr Halley has strong opinions about Georgie Porter – and there are rules about interacting with your brother’s ex, no matter how long ago she split with him. Especially when Kerr has always secretly carried a torch for her.

When they’re thrown together to fundraise for a local sports project, old grudges begin to thaw, and Kerr’s true feelings come to light.

As Georgie rediscovers the charm of small-town living, she’s drawn to Kerr’s warmth, his wit, and the way he sees the woman she is now – not just the girl she used to be. But falling for him means confronting her past... and risking fresh heartache within a family she’s already hurt.

In a town where history runs deep and people have long memories, Kerr’s loyalties are tested – and Georgie must decide if she’s brave enough to play for love, and not just for victory.

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

What did I think?

How can this be book number 15 in the Glenbriar series already? I love this series. They feel like coming home in each book I read. It might be because of the setting. I love the Highlands and I'm lucky that it is right on my doorstep.

I'm not a fan or follower of tennis but enjoyed al the references to the sport. I can see why Georgie wanted to return home at the end of her sporting career. 

I enjoyed catching up with the cast of characters from previous books in the series - with the addition of new ones in the form of Jake and Kerr. The old and new storylines seamlessly blend together.

I love Maragrets storytelling and can't wait for the next book in the series.

Apologies that this review is late. That's what happens when you think you have pressed publish!!

Author Bio –

Margaret Amatt is a bestselling Scottish author, professional daydreamer, and certified chocolate addict. She’s been making up stories for as long as she can remember – some of them even made it onto paper (and, tragically, onto floppy disks that no computer can read anymore). After two decades of writing in secret, she finally unleashed her first novel on the world in 2021, kicking off a ten-book series set on the stunning Isle of Mull.

But why stop there? She’s also the creator of The Glenbriar Series, where romance, small-town drama, and a pinch of spice keep readers coming back for more. This series is still going strong, with more books planned!

Margaret has spent her whole life in Scotland’s breath-taking Highland Perthshire, despite her entire extended family coming from the Glasgow area. Her books are romantic and emotional, sweet and funny, and each one can be read as a standalone, but long-time readers know the joy of familiar faces popping up, adding to the chaos.

So, if you love relatable characters, sizzling chemistry, and plenty of banter, you’re in the right place – just don’t blame Margaret when you stay up way too late reading just one more chapter.

Social Media Links –

https://www.margaretamatt.com/subscribe

https://www.facebook.com/MargaretAmattAuthor

https://www.instagram.com/margaret_amatt_author

https://ko-fi.com/margaretamattauthor

 

Never Tear Us Apart by Rowan Coleman

 

A spellbinding tale of love, strength and sacrifice from the Sunday Times bestselling author. Based on the gorgeous island of Malta in WWII, this is a story about the power of fate, and how sometimes, in order to find yourself - and to find love - you must first lose everything else. . .

Fate has brought them together. Will time tear them apart?

2025

Named after a star, war correspondent Maia knows how to find the brightest stories - the tales of survival and strength - hidden amongst the dark realities of combat.

Now, travelling to Malta to visit her estranged father, with one more chance to build a relationship with her last remaining relative, she's here to find her own never having found somewhere - or someone - she can call home, she's desperate for answers that might show her where she truly belongs.

But when she arrives on the beautiful mediterranean island, she realises her long-lost family is full of more secrets than she could possibly have imagined. . .

1942

Maia wakes up to find herself on an island under siege, a city in ruins - and knows she must have been sent here for a reason.

Who has she been sent to save? Or is it Maia herself that needs saving? And just when she's finally found what she's been seeking . . . will time separate them forever?

Perfect for fans of Lucinda Riley, Santa Montefiore and Dinah Jefferies.

What did I think?

I haven't read a book by Rowan Coleman in a long time. No idea why - but it made me look forward to reading this latest offering. I seemed to remember liking her books - especially the other worldliness feel about them.

Now I do like a dual timeline so this was a big plus for me. I love exploring how 2 timelines and stories come together - although it did take me a while to get into the story, the timeslip element and Maia herself. But I am glad I persevered and it was a gorgeous story during which I fell in love with Malta - a country I have never visited.  It also felt a bit like a history lesson as I didn't know anything about the effect the war had on the island and it's people. The writing felt very authentic so I am thinking Rowan did her research quite thoroughly.

This is a delightful read with so many elements - mystery, love, timetravel and history. I have had little time to read due to moving house - but I am glad I made time for this book.

Mending Hearts at the Cornish Country Hospital by Jo Bartlett

 

Mending Hearts at the Cornish Country Hospital

A fresh start…

For A&E nurse Eden Grainger, Port Kara offers more than just a safe haven. It's a chance to break free from her ex Jesse and start a new life. Her focus now is solely on her four-year-old son, Teddie, whose autism means he sees the world in his own unique way.

A guarded heart…

Pathologist Drew Redford prefers to keep himself to himself in the busy hospital. Shaped by family loss and navigating life with high-functioning autism, he finds comfort in certainty. But when Eden and Teddie enter his world, an unexpected connection forms, especially through his gentle interactions with little Teddie.

A kindred connection…

Despite a growing fondness, both Eden and Drew are cautious. Eden is wary of repeating old mistakes, and Drew struggles with letting people in. But Teddie continues to bring them together and Eden thinks this could be the start of something really special. But when Jesse returns, Eden is thrown into turmoil and makes a mistake that could cost her everything.

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

What did I think?

I'm not great at keeping up with series of books - I think I have a habit of missing or skipping instalments. Not sure why.

I'm not convinced I have read all the books in this series - but this is book 6.

Jo has written a cast of wonderful and believable characters - some of whom were familiar but also some new ones. It did cover some tricky subjects but it was done in a sympathetic and sensitive manner.

I loved Drew from the outset. And the relationship between himself and Eden was so sweet. I'm hoping there is another book as I would really love to follow this blossoming romance.

Author Bio –

Jo Bartlett is the bestselling author of over nineteen women’s fiction titles. She fits her writing in between her two day jobs as an educational consultant and university lecturer and lives with her family and three dogs on the Kent coast.

Social Media Links – 

Facebook: @JoBartlettAuthor

Twitter: @J_B_Writer

Instagram: @jo_bartlett_author

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

Bookbub profile: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/jo-bartlett

Christmas for the Village Midwife by Tilly Tennant

 

Snow crunches underfoot, lights twinkle on the lakes, and in the little village of Thimblebury, midwife Zoe is hoping for more than one Christmas miracle…

Christmas has crept up on village midwife, Zoe Padbury. The little village of Thimblebury is having a baby boom and suddenly there’s only a week to go. She had visions of magic moments beneath the mistletoe with her new boyfriend, Alex, but with all the babies being born and her grumpy new boss at the surgery, their first Christmas together isn’t quite going to plan.

Still, Zoe feels happier and more in love than ever before, and when her old friend, Georgia, moves to the village, it feels like the icing on her Christmas cake. Georgia’s own baby is due at any minute, and Zoe is determined to give her the love and attention she gives all her expectant mums. But when she pays Georgia a home visit, she can’t shake the feeling that she is hiding something…

Zoe is determined to find out what’s wrong, even though Alex thinks she shouldn’t interfere. Zoe needs to put her old friend first, but Alex’s behaviour is reminding her that there is still so much she doesn’t know about him… As long-held secrets unravel, will Zoe and Alex be able to keep their own festive magic alive?

Warm your heart with this romantic Christmas read which will remind you that hope and healing are possible at the busiest time of year. Fans of Jessica Redland and Shari Low will find the perfect escape in Christmas for the Village Midwife.

What did I think?

This is the second book in the Village Midwife series and I am loving it so far.

I enjoyed returning to Thimbleberry and catching up with Zoe. I do rather like the familiar at times when I'm reading so a series is often a good idea. Knowing where you are and who you are with is sort of comforting.

I enjoy a festive story - the romance, the sparkle, a little bit of the unexpected. And this book has all these components - and more.

This is a gentle rom com - perfect for getting you in the spirit for the holiday season. The emphasis is despite what the press, TV and social media push at us - the holidays do not need to be perfect. You don't need expensive presents, mountains of food etc. My Christmas will be a bit different here - I am just looking forward to spending quality time with those that mean something to me, getting out in the fresh air if the weather allows - and of course cheese. Bit ironic that an advert has just popped up on my laptop that you can now order your festive food from M and S!!

Looking forward to the next book in the series.

Author Bio:

From a young age, Tilly Tennant was convinced that she was destined for the stage.  Once she realised she wasn’t actually very good at anything that would put her on the stage, she started to write stories instead. There were lots of terrible ones, like The Pet Rescue Gang (aged eight), which definitely should not see the light of day ever again. Thankfully, her debut novel, Hopelessly Devoted to Holden Finn was not one of those, and since it hit the Amazon best seller lists she hasn’t looked back. Born in Dorset, she currently lives in Staffordshire with her husband, two daughters, three guitars, four ukuleles, two violins and a kazoo.

https://tillytennant.com/

https://www.facebook.com/TillyTennant/

https://www.instagram.com/tillytennant6000/

https://twitter.com/TillyTenWriter

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Buy Link:

Amazon: https://geni.us/B0FDFNTPR1social

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