Captured On Film.: September 2025

Tuesday, 23 September 2025

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

Buy Link:

Amazon: https://geni.us/B0FDFNTPR1social

You can sign up for all the best Bookouture deals you'll love at: http://ow.ly/Fkiz30lnzdo

Tuesday, 16 September 2025

Meet Me Under the Northern Lights by Mandy Baggot

Meet Me Under the Northern Lights

Can one kiss melt a cold, broken heart?

When career-focused Chloe Bellamy is sent to Iceland on a last-minute work trip, it’s her big chance to prove she deserves a seat at the top.

But there’s one problem, she may have embellished her CV a little… saying she speaks Icelandic when she doesn’t! And now, to add to her woes, she’s landed with no place to stay.

Gunnar Eriksson has a habit of saving people. First, when he rescued a young boy from a volcano and offered him a forever home. Then opening his door and welcoming in a spirited yet accident-prone Octogenarian. Now Gunnar has somehow tied himself to Chloe who needs all the help she can get but, for some reason, is reluctant to accept it.

Neither of them are looking for love, but under Iceland’s spell, and with a little extra help from those around them, something begins to shift. Could one kiss beneath the Northern Lights change everything?

This Christmas, escape to Iceland for festive feels, unexpected friendships and maybe even a chance at love.

What did I think?

I'm thinking it is still a little too early for festive reads but the title mentions Northern Lights (or the Merry Dancers) as we call them locally. I am lucky to live high enough in Scotland to see them quite regularly. No matter how many times I see them I am still amazed by the wonders of nature.

But I have never been to Iceland - it is on my bucket list. Even more so after reading this story.

I won't be giving any spoilers about the plot - instead I will tell you what I particularly enjoyed.

The setting - both magical and festive.

The chemistry between Gunnar and Chloe. You can't help linking them both.

The humour. I

As much as I like a gritty dram I do so love a book that makes me smile. And this one certainly delivered on that point.

Add this one to your festive TBR pile now.

Purchase Link

https://mybook.to/UndertheNorthernLights

Author Bio –

Mandy Baggot is a bestselling romance writer who loves giving readers that happy-ever-after. From sunshine romantic comedies set in Greece, to cosy curl-up winter reads, she's bringing gorgeous heroes and strong heroines readers can relate to. Mandy splits her time between Salisbury, Wiltshire and Corfu, Greece and has a passion for books, food, racehorses and all things Greek!