Everybody needs a housekeeping fairy like Cassie!

Synopsis

A gorgeous new Christmas story from the author of best selling novel Little Pink Taxi
A flick of a feather duster and a sprinkle of Christmas magic …
Cassie Bell is used to mess. Her cleaning business, Bluebell Cleaning, is well known in the Cumbrian village of Red Moss. However, now it’s almost Christmas and Cassie has a slightly messier situation to deal with than she’s used to.

She’s been hired to help Stefan Lambert, an injured army helicopter pilot who’s staying at the local Belthorn Manor whilst he recovers. Stefan resents Cassie’s interference and is definitely not looking for Christmas cheer. But Cassie prides herself on sparkling surfaces – so, can she bring some festive sparkle to Stefan’s life too?

My review

Cassie Bell has her own cleaning business, Bluebell Cleaning. In Red Moss she cleans with great pleasure houses and adds a little joke to cheer everyone up. Because a smile can lighten up your day.
When she’s hired for the Belthorn Manor, she doesn’t have another option than accepting. She doesn’t like that place at all of what happened a few years ago.

Resident at the moment at the Manor is Stefan Lambert, an injured army helicopter pilot. He’s staying there to recover from his accident, mentally and physically, even if some injuries will never heal.
He just want to stay at the Manor in quiet and peace, and doesn’t need Cassie or her cheerful moods!
But what will happen to the both of them as they are spending more time together?

I didn’t know what to expect from this story, but it was just amazing to read! For me, it was a bit a combination of Cinderella, Beauty and The Beast, mixed with some mystery.
Cassie is a ray of light in the darkness of Stefan’s mood, will that be enough to make him also cheerful?
She’s this caring woman, looking after her granddad, but also after her customers. For her, they are so much more than customers.
But when her situation gets messier than ever, is she strong enough to get over them?

And Stefan… you understand where he is coming from… he is still coping with guilt after what happened. And he just knows everybody is suspicious of him because of his scars…
Soon in the story you see that despite his reluctance, he is a man who wants to protect his dear ones. He always want to do the right thing.
During the story he opens up and you realize he’s just amazing!

I loved every bit of it, both reading about Cassie and her family, getting to know Stefan better. I gasped when Cassie her situation was going for the worse, and I hoped the mysteries soon would be uncovered.

Marie wrote an easy story to read, managing perfectly to switch from romance to mystery and even drama!
I quickly found me submerged in the story and wanted to know how it all would end. But on the other side, I didn’t want it to end, because it was such a great story! 

The perfect ending for a wonderful story!

Synopsis

Part Four of this heartwarming four-part serial about finding the strength to put the past behind you and to reach out for a future filled with happiness and love.

Cat is reeling from the unexpected events of Christmas and as Merriment Bay prepares to toast in the New Year, she’s facing choices she never thought she’d have to make. Her head and her heart are pulling her in very different directions.

Bailey is sitting by Viola’s bedside, regaling everyone with tales from the past but is there any chance he’ll get to see a smile on the lips of the woman he still loves?

Having realised she has made mistakes, will Mary finally tell Cat what she really wants to know?

And what will the New Year bring for Kyra? Will she fulfil the plans she made before she came to Merriment Bay?

When distressing events end more than one person’s dream, can Cat find the strength to fight for the Love she deserves? Sometimes it takes a crisis to make someone realise what they truly want. And Cat has decided what – and who – that really is. But is she too late?

 My review

The Saga of the Devon – women goes on. As Granny Viola is still in the hospital, Cat and Ben are getting closer. But how will their future look like, as Ben is living in Canada?
And what about Amias?
Will Mary finally come clean about the past? And what will Kyra decide for her future?
What ending will there be for each one of them?

As I have read the previous parts, I was really anxious to know how it all would end. Will Cat choose for Ben, or will she finally admit her feelings for Amias?
And will the secret about her father be revealed?
Will Granny Viola wake up?

So many questions to be answered, and the risk of getting a disappointment was not that small…

But Emily managed to write a perfect ending, but the characters did not have an easy time…
I loved every bit of it, and I even had to hold back a tear with the Granny Viola – Bailey bit. Without giving anything away, when you are at that part, trust me, you’ll feel the same!

Now that I’ve read all the part, I really feel a connection with all the characters, like they are part of my clique of friends. Each and every one of them have something so recognizable, but at the same time unique, that you wished they were real!

Emily wrote generally a real nice saga, each part left you longing for more. The characters are slowly evolving, learning to let go of the past, facing their demons and come clean to their feelings.
it couldn’t have been a better ending! 

A perfect story with lots of love and Christmas magic!

Synopsis

When Jess Thornton’s dad was lost at sea, the family coped in different ways, alone in their grief. Now, her mum seems to be going off the rails and her sister, Isla, who moved to France, is now back and determined to get their old family home on the market. But the last thing Jess wants this Christmas is for renovations to start on the house. It’s sure to stir up all sorts of memories she’s desperate to avoid. And to make things worse, Isla appears to have hired the most obnoxious builder in the world to do the work. Jess could ignore the fact that women seem to be putty in his hands. But what she finds harder to ignore is the frisson she gets every time she squeezes past him in the mess that is now their beloved old home! Can the family finally start talking and find a way to move on from the past this Christmas?

My review

Jess Rigby is a bit surprised when suddenly her sister Isla seems to be back from France. Since the loss of their father there is a distance between them, as they and their mother grieve separately.
But Jess is just shocked when Isla decided all by herself to renovate their old house, Moondance Cottage, to sell it as soon as possible.
And when she meets the builder responsible for the renovations, Seb, she instantly dislikes him. But also she feels an attraction to him, almost impossible to resist!

Cleaning up the house means also discovering well kept secrets and trying to make amends with the family.
But nothing is as easy as is seems!

Reading the synopsis, I was already a big fan of it. But little did I know that this book would be just perfectly amazing!

Jess was never able to grieve properly over the loss of her father, making it very hard for her to digest the renovations and the selling of the house with so many memories.
But as she has no other choice, she slowly gives her pain a place and even start to honor her father by creating again baubles for Christmas, as she and her dad used to do before.
And getting to know Seb makes her wonder if there is more possible for the two of them.

This is not a simple Christmas love story. In my opinion it’s a story about a great loss, grief and family.
The whole Rigby family has to find a way to bond again and putting their past behind them.
Everybody is doing their very best, trying to look after each other and telling the truth to each other.
What better way to re-find family again over the Christmas period, doing activities they used to loved.
And always rely on some Christmas Magic to make everything just more than perfect!

Always stay true to yourself!

Synopsis

Working for a department store where Christmas arrives in August, Eve prefers her own festivities to be low key with nothing more complicated than an oven ready turkey and frozen peas while she spends the day in her pyjamas. Unfortunately, this year her husband has invited his best friend to visit, the glamorous and sophisticated Abby, and Eve reluctantly decides that she needs to inject a little sparkle into their laid back and slightly shabby Christmas.  So the celebrations are upgraded to include champagne and canapes along with homemade gravy and organic turkey and plans are made for a Christmas that looks as though it has emerged from the pages of a glossy magazine. 

But even the best laid plans can go wrong and as Eve struggles with her mini Yorkshire puddings and an interfering cat, she is suddenly faced with an unexpected guest and an explosive secret that threatens to put her vision of a perfect Christmas in jeopardy.

My review

Eve loves celebrating Christmas low – key, not a too fancy cuisine, staying in her pajamas and enjoying the company of her family.
But when her husband invites his best friend Abby to spend the holidays with them, Eve changes all her plans to make Christmas celebrations more fancier / snobbier, to fulfill Abby’s standards.
But during her preparations, she is faced with Murphy’s Law: everything that can go wrong, will go wrong…

Eve is a woman who enjoys of the simple things of life. She doesn’t fancy champagne, or I don’t know what for Christmas dinner.
Just being together with her husband and kids is all she truly desires.
But as often in life, when someone else appears, she wants to show that she too is able of creating a perfect Christmas.

But what is a perfect Christmas anyway? Trying to live up to expectations isn’t as easy as it seems and will that make you happy?

Julie manages again wonderfully to write a funny story, but also showing the pressure of society…
Jealousy, misunderstandings and mischievous actions all add to the stress Eve is facing, and nothing goes how she planned.

The true message for me was: don’t care about expectations of other people, do whatever makes you and your family happy, even if it means PJ – day.

What an amazing funny story with a subtle but important message in it! A real recommendation! 

After a slow start, you’ll be sitting on the edge of your seat!

Synopsis

Tensions are building on the notorious Holds End estate.

The local community centre is fighting for survival and the murder of 15-year-old Lewis Matthews remains unsolved…

Wannabe teenage singer, Bill Robinson, just got out of hospital after surviving a vicious attack. He thinks he knows who attacked him…and why. When a violent feud escalates between him and local thug Charlie McDonnal, Bill vows to find the killer and help save the community centre by taking part in the local singing contest. 

How can music bring a shattered community together? And can Bill keep his own demons at bay long enough to win the singing contest and find out who killed Lewis Matthews?    

My review

Bill Robinson’s big love is singing, but his life isn’t an easy one… He just left the hospital after an apparently case of random violence.
He has an idea who his attackers were, but without proof, he doesn’t stand a chance. How can he escape Charlie McDonnal and his gang?  And is his attack connected somehow connected with the murder of Lewis Matthews? 

I had some struggle in the first few chapters, as it look all a bit confusing to me. But perhaps it was because I thought the story would start differently. As stubborn as I am, I didn’t stop or put the book away, but kept on reading.
And before I knew, I found myself dragged into the story, wanting to know what happened and what will happen next.

Bill is a very introvert boy, still suffering from the abandon of his mother. He is trying to find solace in singing, but also in alcohol.
Luckily for him, he has his close friends who he can count on. But him being very closed, also his friends are struggling to help him.

This story manages to drag you into it, without realizing it. As you are getting to know several characters, and also living the story through their points of view, makes you understand the underlying dynamics better.
It’s not an easy story to read, as every character is struggling with his or her emotions and also with the personal situations.
But as the pieces of the puzzle all fall into place, everything makes sense and you’ll understand this is not a book easily put away or forget.

Looking forward to the next part!

Yes, a novella, but just perfect!

Synopsis

A Christmas she’ll remember forever…

Poppy is looking forward to spending her first Christmas in France at her boyfriend, Leo’s, Château. And as the snow falls softly around the dramatic castle, Poppy can’t think of anything more magical.

There are new traditions to discover, a cosy Christmas market to explore and best of all, a promise of secret treasure hunt from gorgeous Leo. Only family pressure and uncertainty about her future in France can threaten to cast a shadow over the holiday.

When the treasure hunt takes an unexpected turn Poppy knows for sure this is one Christmas she’ll remember forever.

My review

Poppy is ready to spend her first Christmas in France with her boyfriend Leo and their amazing dogs.
Despite her family pushing her to give up her ‘holiday romance’, she is certain of her feelings for Leo. But as Leo is being a little distant, she doubts if he feels the same or not…

This is a short part of a series, following ‘Poppy’s Place in the Sun’. Haven’t read this first book, I was a bit afraid the story wouldn’t make much sense. But my fear was unnecessary as when required, it’s explained what happened previously.

Poppy’s insecurities are so recognizable, fearing that her love is not reciprocated. And her enthusiasm for the treasure hunt works very contagious, having me ALMOST hopping on and off my seat!
Leo is just perfect, period.
And the most adorable bits were obviously for the dogs! And what can beat a dancing dog???

So just sit back, and enjoy this short novella!

Every bit of Christmas in a lovely book!

Synopsis

Have yourself a little Cornish Christmas …

Wannabe author Jane Solomon is expecting an uneventful Christmas in her Cornish village of Little Penhaven.

But then super fit American gym owner Hal Muir comes to town, and suddenly the holiday season looks set to be far more interesting. Hal is keen on embracing every British tradition on offer, from mince pies to Christmas pub quizzes – and perhaps some festive romance too …

My review

Jane is used to take care of her family, as her mother due circumstances isn’t able to take of Jane and her brother properly.
Her dream is to write a book, but her hopes aren’t set too high.

Hal comes over from America, with the excuse of writing a book himself, but in reality he is just escaping his past.
He’s totally committed to celebrate Christmas the British way, loving mince pies included.

Yes, the feelings come rather quickly, but isn’t this exactly what you need from a Christmas story? This is the period for amazing, head over heels love!
Jane is a down – to – earth young woman, ready to do everything for her family. She is also very responsible, as she’s taking charge over her family.

And Hal is wonderful in understanding Jane, even if she doesn’t speak out her concerns, he senses what her worries are and is able to reassure her.

It’s such a nice story to read while you’re relaxing in your seat/sofa/bed/… on a dreadful day outside, sipping from a hot chocolate with the lights of your Christmas tree.

It makes you dream of your own Christmas period and for the single ladies like me, hoping to meet quickly your own Hal!

A story about seeing someone’s true nature and standing up for yourself!

I loved it a lot and even more!

Synopsis

A heart-warming Christmas story to put you in the mood for the festive season.

All I want for Christmas is you … or you?
Eve Halligan is back in her hometown for Christmas after a whirlwind few years touring with her band, the Molotovs. A lot has changed since she left, but two things have stayed the same. One: Eve is head-over-heels in love with Lucien Malikov, the Molotovs’ bad boy lead singer. Two: Lucien is completely indifferent to her.
Still, Eve dreams that this could be the Christmas where she convinces Lucien that they’re made for each other. But when childhood friend and local caterer Theo Wright comes back into her life bringing with him festive cupcake and sausage roll conundrums, Eve begins to question whether her Christmas dreams have been wasted on the wrong man …

My review

Eve finds herself back in her hometown for Christmas after touring with her band.
Lead singer of the band is Lucien, a man Eve has been in love with since forever. Unfortunately, Lucien is a real playboy and doesn’t seems to see Eve as just a ‘handyman’ during the tours. And his while at the beginning of the band, she was promised so much more!

Being back home, Eve is determined to take charge of her life, and chase her dreams instead of chasing Lucien.
She discovers her love for baking again, thanks the help of her old friend Theo.
But will she also realize that her love for Lucien is wasted? And is there someone who will appreciate her love?

Everybody had an unrequired love in their lives, so Eve her despair is so understandable.
But what if the other person is such an utterly dickhead??? Because let’s face the truth… Lucien is just a selfish, self-centered, spoiled BRAT!
He just doesn’t deserve Eve’s love! She is kind, generous, and is just longing for his love!

I like how Eve slowly realizes that she has been taking advantage of. She opens her eyes and sees that things have to change if she ever wants to be happy and loved herself.
And when she meets Theo again, she sees that for being in a loving relationship, you need two to tango. Love is not only about taking, but mostly about giving.

Again Jackie wrote a story that just was impossible to put away. An amazing woman trying to be loved, a serious a**hole of which you hope he’ll get what he deserves, a true friend ready to help, all wrapped into the magic of Christmas.

Another perfect chapter of this saga!

Synopsis

Part Three of this heartwarming four-part serial about finding the strength to put the past behind you and to reach out for a future filled with happiness and love.

Cat and Kyra have finally traced the man in the photo they found in Viola’s trunk – thanks to Amias. But Bailey Mitchell lives thousands of miles away and is almost ninety-eight, so meeting him in person is never going to happen. Which is just as well. Exchanging Christmas cards and chatting on social media leads to revelations Cat had not expected.

At least Christmas is looking promising. It may be freezing outside but things have definitely thawedbetween Cat and her mum, Mary. They’re actually getting on, especially now that Mary is dating Jeremy Stone, the builder working on Viola’s house.

Cat’s also hopeful that Viola’s situation may improve. And when a surprise visitor brings more than just well wishes, Cat’s Christmas takes a delightful turn.

With the festivities in full swing, and snow falling on Merriment Bay, the future’s looking bright. Christmas is a time for miracles and Cat believes she may get one of her own this year if she’s prepared to put the past behind her and open her heart to Love once more.

 My review

Slowly Cat and Amais are growing closer to each other, despite the initial defiance. Durng the Christmas period, they rely more and more on each other while they are doing their best to discover the past about Viola.

Finally discovered who the man is, big is Cat’s and Kyra’s surprise when he and his family appear in the hospital, reuniting Viola and Bailey.

But the story isn’t near the end yet, as misunderstandings keep haunting Cat and Amais, and as the true nature of Jeremy is coming at light…

I am going to be short in this review, as I NEED to know how it all will end!!!

Emily Harvale got me again longing for more, as the end was too quickly there.

It was sweet to see how the Devon women are finally bonding, and slowly uncover the family secrets.

Sometimes I wanted to give Cat a real kick in the ass as she sometimes just doesn’t manage to see what is going on with Amais. But I also wanted to do the same to Amais, as he just does not say what he truly feels. And that’s really frustrating!!

But I also felt sorry for Mary, as she deserves her happiness but apparantly Jeremy is not as sincere as it seems…

And Kyra is so refreshing! She says everything to her mother and grandmother what I want to say!

Ready for the next part!