Dinner at Wisteria House by Sue Roberts

On a peaceful avenue stands the once-grand Wisteria House. Now it’s split into apartments, occupied by strangers who rarely say hello. Could one last dinner party bring it to life again?

Ninety-year-old Alice has one last to fill her new home with light and laughter, just like when her husband was alive. So she sets out her favourite plates, opens an old recipe book, and sends invitations to the neighbours she’s certain need friendship just as much as she does…

Declan hasn’t believed he deserves to follow his dreams since he tragically lost his sister.

Jess has been working herself to the bone to provide for her little daughter and has no time for joy in her own life.

Mark, a widower, has been isolated in his grief for so long.

Over a shared meal, Alice reminds each of them that sharing stories keeps those we love alive, and that time is our most precious gift. As they hug goodbye, everyone feels lighter than they have in years. Little do they know Alice has her own secret reason for gathering them together…

The next morning the tenants receive terrible news. Is their first dinner party destined to be the last? With Wisteria House under threat, can they come together to save the one place that has only just started to feel like home? Or will they lose their little community just when they need it most?

This absolutely gorgeous, emotional and uplifting novel of finding friendship in the most unexpected of places is perfect for fans of The Last List of Mabel Beaumont, Sally Page and Kate Storey.

What did I think?

I have read quite a few of Sue's books but I found this one quite different from her earlier titles. But in a good way. I really enjoyed this one.

Loved the setting of Wisteria House - it was a character in the book itself. The characters were so well written and the story so uplifting.

This book contained a few of my favourite things when I'm reading - a dual timeline and short chapters. I wasn't in a rush to read the whole story  but the short chapters made it feel a breeze.

A proper feel good story from start to finish - of friendships, of second chances and optimism.

A lovely read.

Tomorrow Starts Today by Jessica Redland

 Tomorrow Starts Today

It's never too late to find yourself... 💫

When she unexpectedly loses her husband, Yvonne Kellerman's world turns quiet and grey. Five years on, her days are filled with the gentle chatter of her loyal parrot, Trevor, and the comfort of her crafting table—but she can’t shake the feeling that life is slipping her by and Yvonne feels lost and lonelier than ever.

When she joins the local crafting club at Willowdale Village Hall, Yvonne expects nothing more than a few afternoons of sewing. Instead, amongst the other local crafters, she discovers friendship, laughter and a renewed appreciation for her gorgeous Lake District home. It’s a reminder that she isn’t alone and, with each new stitch, her confidence returns, and so does her belief that it's never too late for fresh starts and new beginnings.

When a familiar face from her past reappears, Yvonne finds herself standing at a crossroads: will she protect her heart, or embrace the chance to love—and truly live—again?

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

What did I think?

I haven't read one of Jessica's books for quite a while now I was really looking forward to this book.

I love the Lake District but it usually is a place I simply drive passed as I make my way from Scotland to Wales. But as it so happens we are driving down to the Lake District soon for a long weekend. I'm super excited about it.

I felt quite a connection to some of the themes in this book. I too was quite crafty (sadly not so much now) and I joined a local crafting group when my boys were younger. Almost 20 years on we are all still friends even if we don't see so much of each other.

I loved the gentle storyline - it was so uplifting. Goes to show that life needn't stop or slow down as you get older. I have to say I am more active and more likely to try new things than I ever was.

I will certainly be recommending this book.

Author Bio –

Jessica Redland is the million-copy bestselling author of novels, including the Hedgehog Hollow and Escape to the Lakes series. Inspired by her hometown of Scarborough and the Lake District, she writes uplifting women’s fiction of love, friendship and community.

Social Media Links – 

Facebook: @jessicaredlandauthor

Twitter: @JessicaRedland

Instagram: @jessicaredlandauthor

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

Bookbub profile: @jessicaredlandwriter

A Merry Little Christmas by Rosie Green

 

A Merry Little Christmas

Festive excitement is in the air, the tree is sparkling on the village green and Christmas music is making even the most hardened cynic feel a little sentimental – but one Little Duck Pond Café favourite is feeling anything but romantic! Is this destined to be a festive season best forgotten? Or could Katja’s dream of a merry little Christmas possibly end up coming true?

What did I think?

A festive instalment from the Little Duck Pond Cafe series. This was a delightful short read - perfect at this time of year when so many of us seem to be chasing our tails getting ready for the holidays.

This year I am feeling very laid back and a little ambivalent about Christmas. Its not that I don't like this time of year - but after several Christmas's spent on my own I am now in my new home, have a lovely partner and am just enjoying the simple things. I'm not rushing about the shops buying gifts for everyone and overpriced food. I am looking forward to some chilled time off work, getting out and about to do some walking and plenty of cheese and mince pies. I do not have the need to have the flat just so, I have no visitors and I'm enjoying the quiet time.

And this book helped to ease myself into feeling a bit festive. I loved the air of mystery in the relationship between Katya and Caleb and it made me think about what is important in a relationship.

Looking forward to the next book in the series.

Purchase Link

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Merry-Little-Christmas-Duck-Pond-ebook/dp/B0DSGPTPRB

https://www.amazon.com/Merry-Little-Christmas-Duck-Pond-ebook/dp/B0DSGPTPRB

Author Bio – Rosie Green is the author of the popular Little Duck Pond Café series, set in the fictional village of Sunnybrook. Watch out for lots more café drama and romance in 2026, including ‘The Other Lizzie Bennet’, which will be published in January!

Follow Rosie on Twitter - https://twitter.com/Rosie_Green88

https://www.instagram.com/rosiegreen_author/