A Mother's Christmas Wish by Glenda Young

Today is my stop on the blog tour for A Mother's Christmas Wish by Glenda Young, for my stop I have my review, non spoiler as always, enjoy.

About the author:

Glenda Young credits her local library in the village of Ryhope, where she grew up, for giving her a love of books. She still lives close by in Sunderland and often gets her ideas for her stories on long bike rides along the coast. A life-long fan of Coronation Street, she runs two hugely popular fan websites.

Social Media Links

For updates on what Glenda is working on, visit her website and to find out more find her on Facebook/GlendaYoungAuthor and Twitter @flaming_nora.

Buy links for the book (out now) Amazon UK click HERE or Amazon US click HERE.

A Mother's Christmas Wish by Glenda Young
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Time taken to read - 2 days

Pages - 401

Publisher - Headline

Source - Review book

Blurb from Back cover

"I hope this Christmas is better than last year's."

Following a scandalous affair, wayward Emma Devaney is sent in disgrace from her home in Ireland to Ryhope, where she will live with her widowed aunt, Bessie Brogan, and help run her pub. Bessie is kind but firm, and at first Emma rebels against her lack of freedom. Struggling to fit in, she turns to the wrong person for comfort, and becomes pregnant.

Accepting she must embrace her new life for the sake of her baby, Emma pours her energy into making the pub thrive and helping heal the fractured relationship between Bessie and her daughters. She catches the attention of Robert, a gruff but sincere farmer, who means to win her heart.

As December approaches, thankful for the home and acceptance she's found, Emma is determined to bring not just her family, but the whole Ryhope community, together to celebrate - and to make one very special mother's Christmas dreams come true.

My Review

Set in 1923 lordy lord Emma is a bit of a riot, totally wild. Living in a small town with her mum (her dad ran off a while back causing local tongues wagging), a proud lady Emma does one of the worst things ever. Not only caught frolicking in a secret relationship but the person ooft huge scandal. Shipped off to her aunt even her trip and arrival there is shocking and sets tongues wagging. She is not like a lady of her time, she has fire, attitude and a longing for adventure!

The book covers a lot of issues and I have to be honest I wasn't a huge Emma fan to begin with. Knowing she left her mum and village in a scandal you think she would be super set on making a good impression and wow is her entrance to her aunts anything but. That being said I think the author did a pretty good job because we seem her go on a pretty big personal journey. She still remains spikey and noones doormat however she is very focused on family and doing the right thing.

The book has some shady characters, people taking advantage, people struggling with grief, family troubles, money troubles but it also deals with community, love, redemption, health, friendship. I loved Bessie and I think she stole the show, despite Emma being the forefront main character I felt Bessie was right up there with her, she is such a good egg. Very unjudgmental, warm, mothering, supportive but also stubborn and doesn't suffer fools. It was nice to see strong women for the time period and doing things like running a bar, dealing with the things that come with it. Emma really shone in parts too, being sent there by her mum was the making of them all and I loved the family themes that ran strongly throughout. This was my first book by Young, it won't be my last. Emotive, moving, engaging and characters you either love or hate, 4.5/5 for me!

View all my reviews

I heart Christmas by Lindsey Kelk

I Heart Christmas by Lindsey Kelk
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Time taken to read - 1 day

Pages - 369

Publisher - Harper

Source - Bought

Blurb from Goodreads

Angela’s planning her very own fairytale of New York…

• Enormous Christmas tree
• Eggnog
• Eccentric British traditions
• Gorgeous man

But Santa’s throwing her a few curveballs – new job (as if it’s not mental enough already), new baby-craze from her best friend Jenny, and Alex determined they should grow up and settle down. Once friends start turning up uninvited on her doorstep (and leading her astray), can Angela really have a merry little Christmas? So much for happy holidays – something’s got to give…


My review

This is book six in the series, you could read it as a standalone but I would read the previous so you know the backstory and appreciate it more. So things are going well for Angela, she is married to the stunning Alex. The magazine is going well and finally they are going to have a week off to be together and enjoy each others company, what could go wrong.

As always there is drama, family issues, relationship & friendship themes and all set in the run up to Christmas. An old nemesis raises their head and some things that have been in the past needs dealt with.

I thought Angela was a wee bit selfish in parts at this and if she had just dealt with how she was feeling and what she wanted so much would be avoided. Then it wouldn't have made for a good story though eh and people don't always do the most sensible action we, the reader, would have.

If you want to leave your life behind for a wee while then Angela and co provide that for you. Relatable for some of the issues, particularly the family/plans for Christmas. 3.5/5 for me this time, I think I have another one or two on the tbrm by this author.

View all my reviews I Heart Christmas by Lindsey Kelk
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Time taken to read - 1 day

Pages - 369

Publisher - Harper

Source - Bought

Blurb from Goodreads

Angela’s planning her very own fairytale of New York…

• Enormous Christmas tree
• Eggnog
• Eccentric British traditions
• Gorgeous man

But Santa’s throwing her a few curveballs – new job (as if it’s not mental enough already), new baby-craze from her best friend Jenny, and Alex determined they should grow up and settle down. Once friends start turning up uninvited on her doorstep (and leading her astray), can Angela really have a merry little Christmas? So much for happy holidays – something’s got to give…


My review

This is book six in the series, you could read it as a standalone but I would read the previous so you know the backstory and appreciate it more. So things are going well for Angela, she is married to the stunning Alex. The magazine is going well and finally they are going to have a week off to be together and enjoy each others company, what could go wrong.

As always there is drama, family issues, relationship & friendship themes and all set in the run up to Christmas. An old nemesis raises their head and some things that have been in the past needs dealt with.

I thought Angela was a wee bit selfish in parts at this and if she had just dealt with how she was feeling and what she wanted so much would be avoided. Then it wouldn't have made for a good story though eh and people don't always do the most sensible action we, the reader, would have.

If you want to leave your life behind for a wee while then Angela and co provide that for you. Relatable for some of the issues, particularly the family/plans for Christmas. 3.5/5 for me this time, I think I have another one or two on the tbrm by this author.

View all my reviews

I Wish It Could be Christmas Every Day by Milly Johnson

I Wish It Could Be Christmas Every Day by Milly Johnson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Time taken to read - 1.5 days

Pages - 416

Publisher - Simon & Schuster UK

Source - Bought ( FYI £7 on sale Asda for Hardback yesterday)

Blurb from Goodreads


It’s nearly Christmas and it’s snowing, hard.
Six people have an unexpected stay in the tiny hamlet of Figgy Hollow.
Stuck inside a beautiful old Inn, how long will it take before the joy of Christmas seeps into their souls and offers them all a new beginning?



My Review


Six people all heading to different locations end up stranded together in a wee locked up inn, in the town of "Figgy Hollow". Three duos, Bridge and Luke - meeting up to finalise their divorce, Robin & Charlie married and very much in love despite many years passing and Jack and Mary, Mary has been in love with her boss forever whilst he sees her as a very accomplished employee.

The inn is a special wee place and in it we meet and learn more about the six, their personalities, their pasts and being locked away from the world their ability to appreciate things they may well have taken for granted.

I love Johnson stories, you end up feeling for the characters and getting drawn in, rooting for X, struggling to put the book down because you HAVE to know where it is going and what is coming next. Lovely festive read with some emotional pulls & can I just forewarn you, if you like scones make sure you have some at the ready, you WILL want to eat some :D 5/5 for me this time, I have read most of Johnson's books and I will of course be buying the rest and waiting eagerly for the next.

View all my reviews

Mistletoe & Mystery by Daisy James

Mistletoe & Mystery by Daisy James
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Time taken to read - 1 day

Pages - 173

Publisher -

Source - Bought

Blurb from Goodreads

Welcome to the Cotswolds Festive Feast cookery course...
Fresh off the successful opening of the Paradise Cookery School in St Lucia, Millie Harper is headed to the Cotswolds for Christmas!

Co-presenting Claudia Croft’s famous Festive Feast cookery course at Stonelea Manor is a dream come true for Millie…as is reuniting with gorgeous estate manager Zach Barker.

But arriving in a winter wonderland Millie learns the manor is under a mysterious threat. It’ll take a holiday miracle, but Millie is determined to save the school and get Zach under the mistletoe to finally finish what they started in the Caribbean!

Cosy up with this fun, festive visit to the Cotswolds premier cookery school! Perfect for fans of Jenny Oliver and Sarah Morgan

If you loved Mistletoe & Mystery, why not read the first two stories in The Paradise Cookery School series? Sunshine & Secrets and Confetti & Confusion s are both available now!


The Paradise Cookery School Sunshine & Secrets Confetti & Confusion Mistletoe & Mystery



My Review

I hadn't realised this was part of a series so don't get a twitchy eye but I have started with book 3, doh! Obviously you get nods to previous happenings in the other books so spoiler alert but you can always go and start with book 1. I wanted a festive read anyway and you absolutely can read this as a standalone.

Millie has been through the mill personally, now she has a career opportunity that she cannot pass us. As a very talented chef the opportunity to work with one of the best, established and with their own tv show Millie heads off and grabs the opportunity with both hands. It also brings her back to Zach Barker, handsome, fabulous, certainly a spark there however having being burnt before and his past relationship things never seemed to kick off. Could this be their time?

This is a perfect choice for just now, festive, seasonal and just mostly really nice characters, a feel good read. I liked it so much I am going to buy book one and two of the series and will be looking for more by this author, 4/5 for me this time.

View all my reviews

Christmas Shopaholic by Sophie Kinsella

Christmas Shopaholic by Sophie Kinsella
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Time taken to read - 1 day

Pages - 384

Publisher - Bantam Press

Source - Review copy

Blurb from Goodreads

Celebrate Christmas with the ultimate Shopaholic!

The brilliant laugh-out-loud festive novel from the Number One bestselling author.

Becky Brandon (née Bloomwood) adores Christmas. It's always the same – Mum and Dad hosting, carols playing, Mum pretending she made the Christmas pudding, and the next-door neighbours coming round for sherry in their terrible festive jumpers.

And now it's even easier with online bargain-shopping sites – if you spend enough you even get free delivery. Sorted!

But this year looks set to be different. Unable to resist the draw of craft beer and smashed avocado, Becky's parents are moving to ultra-trendy Shoreditch and have asked Becky if she'll host Christmas this year. What could possibly go wrong?

With sister Jess demanding a vegan turkey, husband Luke determined that he just wants aftershave again, and little Minnie insisting on a very specific picnic hamper – surely Becky can manage all this, as well as the surprise appearance of an old boyfriend and his pushy new girlfriend, whose motives are far from clear . . .

Will chaos ensue, or will Becky manage to bring comfort and joy to Christmas?



My Review

Keep in mind this is book 9 in a series and my first time reading this series, I know I know, some readers will be exploding reading that! Becky Brandon is a shopaholic I mean it is the shopaholic series but this girl has an addiction you quickly realise how bad within the first few chapters. Her other half is pretty supportive (enabling), she is a parent and Christmas is fast approaching. Christmas is family time and Becky is hosting this year, the list of demands is pouring in, she is trying to keep on top of the shopping (personal and Christmas).

So being new to the series I wasn't sure what to expect, it splits into a few things, Becky's shopping addiction, the whole run up to Christmas and family life. Some of the antics is pretty funny, trying to cater for so many, you know how stressful Christmas can be. Her sister is a vegan so that is extra catering but she also seems quite difficult which causes additional stress and hilarity (for the reader). Becky's parents make some life choices that brings challenges and hilarity, a whatsapp group that moves so quickly that even my head was spinning but I did chuckle. Fling in a high profile ex boyfriend, unresolved feelings, shopping, Christmas, family dramas are a glimpse of what is in store.

I flipped back on forth on Becky, I liked her, I didn't, she was self involved/selfish, thoughtless but then flipped my opinion. One of those characters I took a bit to warm to but mind, this is book 9 and I am just meeting her. I think I would have a different viewpoint if I knew her from book one, I think I will pick the others up as I find them, 3.5/5 for me this time.

View all my reviews

The Christmas Sisters by Sarah Morgan

The Christmas Sisters by Sarah Morgan
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Time taken to read - 1 day

Pages - 416

Publisher - HQ Stories

Source - Bought & review copy

Blurb from Goodreads

In the snowy Highlands of Scotland, Suzanne McBride is dreaming of the perfect cozy Christmas. Her three adopted daughters are coming home for the holidays and she can’t wait to see them. But tensions are running high…

Workaholic Hannah knows she can’t avoid spending the holidays with her family two years in a row. But it’s not the weight of their expectations that’s panicking her—it’s the life-changing secret she’s hiding. Stay-at-home mom Beth is having a personal crisis. All she wants for Christmas is time to decide if she’s ready to return to work—seeing everyone was supposed to help her stress levels, not increase them! Posy isn’t sure she’s living her best life, but with her parents depending on her, making a change seems risky. But not as risky as falling for gorgeous new neighbor Luke…

As Suzanne’s dreams of the perfect McBride Christmas unravel, she must rely on the magic of the season to bring her daughters together. But will this new togetherness teach the sisters that their close-knit bond is strong enough to withstand anything—including a family Christmas?


My Review



Suzanne McBride just wants everything perfect, her daughters are coming home for Christmas, business is booming and things are great. Suzanne is stressed, not only is her nightmares still coming but her three girls are going to be together and she just wants them all to be happy. Suzanne adopted the three girls as children and just wants them to be happy, healthy and close. Posy lives there, primed to take over the business when Suzanne retired, Posy loves the mountains, climbing and adventure. Beth is beautiful, has her own little girls and the perfect family life but secretly wants more, something for her. Hannah is career driven and keeps her cards closest to her chest, she doesn't call Suzanne mum and even her sisters feel she is keeping them at length. This will be the Christmas they all need to be honest with themselves, each other and with honesty comes truths, upset and things that will change the family as they know it.

The chapters jump between the characters, seamlessly giving the reader a chance to get to know each of the ladies, how they are and perceived by each other. How they all appear to each other but as we read their chapters we see a different side to them or how they actually see themselves.

As with any family there are issues, perceptions, anger, the past influencing the present/future and this family are no different. The setting is predominantly the Scottish highlands, it is cold, snowy and the perfect setting for a Christmas themed story. If you like family dramas, relationships, love, siblings and unresolved issues from childhood impacting adulthood you will love this. Sank it pretty much in one sitting, characters you can either relate to or invest in, 4/5 for me this time. I will absolutely be looking out for more by this author and actually think I have one or two on my tbrm.

View all my reviews

A Winter Beneath the Stars by Jo Thomas Blog Tour

Today is my stop on the blog tour for A Winter Beneath the Starts by Jo Thomas, I am sharing my spot with Books and Lovely Things please check the other stops out as we all offer something different.





You can find Jo on Twitter and on Facebook





Some info on the book





Book cover and you can buy your own copy now in ebook or tree book format, CLICK HERE.





A Winter Beneath the Stars: lose yourself in a heartwarming and feel-good romantic comedy for the winter by Jo Thomas
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Time taken to read - < 1 day

Pages - 368

Publisher - Headline Review

Source - Review Copy

Blurb from Goodreads

Escape to snowy Sweden in the gorgeous new novel from the author of Late Summer in the Vineyard and Sunset Over the Cherry Orchard. Fans of Jill Mansell and Milly Johnson will love this unforgettable winter story from Jo Thomas.

Halley has been running from her problems for years.

On a courier trip to Tallfors, deep in Swedish Lapland, everything is going to plan. Halley has her bag, with two precious wedding rings inside for delivery... until she doesn't.

The only way to save the wedding is to team up with mysterious reindeer herder Bjorn, the one person who can lead her across the snowy tundra to be reunited with her bag.

On a journey of a lifetime beneath the stars, with only the reindeer and a bad-tempered stranger for company beside the fire, Halley realises that she will need to confront her past heartaches in order to let the warmth of love in once more...


My Review

Halley is a courier, delivering goods all over, it works for her because Halley enjoys making people happy, travelling and staying away from home with her husband being away. Halley captures where she has been, what she has done and seen in her journal to share with her husband. This time she is delivering wedding rings to Tallfors in Lapland, snow, reindeer and a wedding what could go wrong? With a bag switch Halley has to push herself and rely on the help of a stranger to get reunited with her bag, the only way to travel is by Reindeer and the grumpy Bjorn who seems to prefer animals to humans.

The cover SCREAMS Christmas, it has snow, reindeer and a wedding, it isn't a Christmas story but it gives you everything Christmassy. I absolutely loved the feel of this book, I knew it was about delivering something for a wedding and a bag switch but that was it, the book is so much more. It has so many layers, it is emotive, fun, Christmas without being in your face Christmas, family, trust, secrets, self discovery. The book just keeps giving, it has a lot of themes but they all flow seamlessly. The author has a way of making the book focus on one issue with underlying layers and then BOOM they all come together and a wee ooft the rug out from under my feet. I LOVE when an author does that, almost like magic, you are focusing on one aspect of the story and then there is more you weren't quite expecting.

I loved learning about the reindeer, how they are kept, sorted, moved, the huskies, the snow, travelling uck I could go on and on. The was one or two small scenes I was a we bit iffy with in relation to the animals, when they are travelling and surviving in the wild, educational and the respect for the animals as a whole, it is an eye opener. It is such a lovely story overall and my first seasonal read. This was my first dance with Thomas, it won't be my last, I will be checking out her back catalogue., 4.5/5 for me this time.

View all my reviews

Christmas at Mistletoe Cottage by Lucy Daniels

Christmas at Mistletoe Cottage by Lucy Daniels
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Time taken to read - 1 day

Pages - 384

Publisher - Hodder & Stoughton

Source - Amazon

Blurb from Goodreads

Christmas has arrived in the little village of Welford. The scent of hot roasted chestnuts is in the air, and a layer of frost sparkles on the ground.

This year, vet Mandy Hope is looking forward to the holidays. Her animal rescue centre, Hope Meadows, is up and running - and she's finally going on a date with Jimmy Marsh, owner of the local outward bound centre.

The advent of winter sees all sorts of animals cross Mandy's path, from goats named Rudolph to baby donkeys - and even a pair of reindeer! But when a mysterious local starts causing trouble, Mandy's plans for the centre come under threat. She must call on Jimmy and her fellow villagers to put a stop to the stranger's antics and ensure that Hope Meadows' first Christmas is one to remember.

One thing's for certain: this Christmas, there'll be animal escapades, kisses under the mistletoe...and plenty of festive cheer for all.


My Review

Firstly let me say this is book two in the series and whilst you can read this as a standalone I would suggest getting the first as I don't think I would enjoy it as much not knowing the back story. Mandy now has her rescue centre up and running, helping animals in need whilst doing her job as a vet. It seems someone is not happy and has a vendetta against the unit, but who wouldn't to help animals or is there a deeper reason behind the sabotage.

I read and loved the first book, it is so nice to have a character who loves animals and cares more about their welfare than money. Mandy is the same in this book, animals come first but the bills are pouring in and now someone appears to have an issue with the centre. Sabotage is confirmed, Mandy is trying to juggle many balls and has some personal issues to contend with too.

A wee mixed bag and definitely has a Christmas feel to it. Again, wee bits of learning in relation to animal care and conditions but not the full focus or detracting from the heart of the story. I did enjoy this but loved the first one more, not too sure why. This was 3.5 for me, I do enjoy this series and already have the third on my wishlist.

View all my reviews

Bella's Christmas Bake Off by Sue Watson

Bella's Christmas Bake Off by Sue Watson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Time taken to read - 1 day

Pages - 314

Publisher - Bookouture

Blurb from Goodreads

Two best friends. One big lie. The best bake off EVER. Bella Bradley is the queen of television baking - a national treasure. Her Christmas specials have been topping the ratings for years and her marriage to Peter 'Silver Fox' Bradley is the stuff of Hello magazine specials. But this year things are going to be different. For Amy Lane, Bella's best friend from school, life hasn't held quite the same sparkle. And when Amy's husband walks out three weeks from Christmas, it seems their lives are further apart than ever. Amy has watched Bella's rise to fame fondly, despite the fact Bella was always a terrible cook. But when she realises that Bella's latest Christmas book is made up entirely of Amy's mother's recipes, the gloves are off... After winning a competition to appear on Bella's TV show, Amy is going to make sure that for Bella and her viewers, this will definitely be a Christmas to remember... A hilarious, heart-breaking and feel good read about best friends, baking and the magic of Christmas.


My Review

Amy Lane is a content house wife, baking, watching her old estranged friend Bella's cooking programme and getting ready for Christmas. Amy is a teacher, living a relatively mundane life whilst her old friend is married to a big star, her cooking show goes from strength to strength & is living the perfect superstar life. When Amy's husband drops a bombshell it snowballs a chain of events that will change everything for Amy & Bella. Bella hasn't spoken to Amy in years, refuses to answer her mail & despite being rubbish at cooking is now pulling off amazing feats in her televised show. When Amy realizes Bella has been passing off her mothers recipes as her own, it is one blow to many & Amy is ready to take Bella down!

This is a great festive read although you can read it any time of the year. A story of friendship, betrayal, love, lessons in life, humour, realism and a wee glimpse into what appears to be a wonderful celebrity style life. Amy has felt guilty for years over why her and Bella fell out all of those years ago, now she is angry at Bella's betrayal, her husbands abandonment & takes matters into her own hands. The story is both endearing and at times quite amusing. There are a few wee surprises and revelations along the way although I did see one or two coming.

I could have read this book in one sitting had circumstances permitted however I did devour it over the course of one day. The writing flows, is very easy to follow and I really did enjoy it, a lovely wee read for Christmas eve. I would recommend this to anyone to be honest, I can't imagine anyone not enjoying it. Many thanks to Kim at Bookouture for providing me with a copy of this in exchange for an honest review and introducing me to a new author. I would read this author again, 4/5 for me this time, you can obtain your own copy now either on kindle or paperback.

View all my reviews

Merry Christmas - December giveaway

This may be my latest giveaway yet. Apologies however, the act of juggling work, home life and the madness that is Christmas has proven to have me, if not beaten, at least off schedule. So, Decembers giveaway will be one £5 Amazon Voucher.



The competition will run until the end of the month. Open worldwide, as long as you have an email account you can use for Amazon you can enter.

I hope you are all set for Christmas, if you celebrate. Here is a few of the pictures from the OTT festive decorations in our house. The tackier the better, most things do not match and some are decades old :D







a Rafflecopter giveaway

Dying For Christmas by Tamar Cohen

Dying For Christmas by Tammy Cohen
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Time taken to read - 3 days

Publisher - Black Swan

Pages - 393

Blurb from Goodreads

I am missing. Held captive by a blue-eyed stranger. To mark the twelve days of Christmas, he gives me a gift every day, each more horrible than the last. The twelfth day is getting closer. After that, there'll be no more Christmas cheer for me. No mince pies, no carols. No way out .

But I have a secret. No-one has guessed it. Will you?


My Review

Well this is a weird and creepy little tale. Jessica Gold is our main character, along with her captor and Kim the investigating officer of Jessica's disappearance. The story splits into two, the before, the immediate events prior to the kidnapping and that which follows after. When we are at the before with Jessica in captivity, it is claustrophobic in parts and the tension and fear is palpable. The after, I felt a little frustrating as I wanted things moving faster to get to what had transpired.

Jessica is hard to understand, you wonder why anyone would do as she does, however as the story evolves you get a better understanding of her character which helps try and see where she is coming from. Kim, the officer is a bit harder to understand, the whole situation with her family life and the drive for her job, when you see the cost in regards to her family I just didn't get at all.

The book captures you fairly early on and as much as parts frustrated me, I found it hard to put down. I have read Cohen before and will read her again, if you haven't read her yet this maybe isn't the one to start with, some love it, some hate it, I am in between as I did like however there were a few things that irked me so 3/5 for me this time.

View all my reviews

Review - All I Want For Christmas by Amy Silver

All I Want for Christmas by Amy Silver
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Time taken to read - 6 days

Pages - 325

Blurb from Goodreads


Twelve days and counting...


It's Bea's first Christmas with her baby son, and this year she's determined to do everything right. But there is still so much to do: the Christmas menu needs refining; her café, The Honey Pot, needs decorating; and she's invited the whole neighbourhood to a party on Christmas Day. She really doesn't have time to get involved in two new people's lives, let alone fall in love...

When Olivia gets knocked over in the street, however, Bea can't help bringing her into The Honey Pot and getting to know her. Olivia's life is even more hectic than her own, and with her fiancé's entire family over from Ireland for Christmas, she shouldn't be lingering in the cosy warmth of Bea's café. Chloe, on the other hand, has nowhere else to go. Her affair with a married man has alienated her friends, and left her lonelier than ever.


But Christmas is a magical time, and in the fragrant atmosphere of The Honey Pot, anything can happen: new friends can be made, hearts can heal, and romance can finally blossom...


My Review

It's 11 days until Christmas, we open on Tuesday the 14th of December with Bea. Bea has a wee cafe that is popular, more so in the rush to Christmas, its not decorated and she needs to sort her Christmas menu. She is having a big party on Christmas for the people at a loose end and this year is her first with her wee boy. Bea is coming to terms with everything that has happened, it has been a rough year for her but she is getting on her feet and keeping busy.

Olivia meets Bea after being knocked over outside the shop, Olivia is distracted and distressed. She is recently engaged and has some major reservations, her fiance's family is coming to her for Christmas, she could do with a friend right about now.

Chloe, beautiful, slim, self obsessed and rude meets Bea and Chloe, starting off on the wrong foot. The trio are the main focus for the book, split into small chapters, labeled clearly so you know whose story you are following which is not only nice but makes for easy reading. As the story progresses we peel back some of the layers and get a better understanding of the ladies and where they are in life. There is some personal growth, romance, sadness, friendship, love and family themes to name just a few. It is a nice wee read for Christmas, quick to get through - I had to dip in and out as course work allowed, I could have read it easily in one sitting.

It is my first dance with this author, I would certainly read her again, 3/5 for me this time. Pleasant enough read with enough going on to keep you engaged.

View all my reviews

Merry Christmas you lovely people!

This is just one of my jumpers that are out for December :) Apologies for the lack of reviews posted and indeed the lack of visiting to your lovely blogs. I have been so caught up in university work that reading, for pleasure, has taken a back seat. Even putting my Christmas decorations up, which are always 12 days before, was late. However, now it is Christmas eve, our decorations are up, most of the presents are wrapped and I have made a small dent in the assignments that are due.



The amazon giveaway still has just under a week left on it so if you haven't already, you can still enter. As long as you have an email address you can enter.

A little heads up on a fabulous wee facebook book club group, with authors and bloggers has been created and I am sharing the owners post for anyone interested. *Reposting for Tracy Fenton* "If any of my facebook friends love reading I set up a new book club on facebook 2 months ago and already we have 850 members. We also have huge big name authors involved in Q&A's including Elizabeth Haynes, Linwood Barclay, David Nicholls, Chris Carter, Mark Billingham, Julia Crouch, Charity Norman, Julie Cohen, Joanna Rees plus loads more." - It is called THE Book Club and is a secret privacy set group, you can find it via Tracy.



Now let me share some of my Christmas pictures with you all. We bought the cat a Christmas jacket, didn't think for one second I would actually get it on her and yet she let me put it on her. She is so very cute in it!



My mother always loved tacky and over the top decorations, as a result I have also embraced this. My house is covered in mismatched tinsel, even the bathroom has not escaped. When I saw this Santa seat, well I couldn't help myself, much to my o/h horror :P



We had a beautiful wee robin come visit us, I put out food so he comes by a fair bit however I can never quite catch a picture of him, I got one this day.



And the big star, is older than me. It is held together by quite a bit of tape, glue and staples. I love that even though my mother is no longer with us, we still have some of her decorations we can put out and she so loved Christmas.



I won't be on tomorrow so would like to wish you all a wonderful Christmas and a very happy new year. Here is to getting lots of wonderful new books, happy times with family and to new friendships. Thank you so much to my blogger friends who have recommended me so many new books, shared their love of reading and to all my followers and visitors who always come back, take part in the giveaways and leave comments.

Review - NOS4R2 by Joe Hill

NOS4R2 by Joe Hill
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Time taken to read - on and off for 8 days

Publisher - Gollancz

Blurb from Goodreads

Summer. Massachusetts.

An old Silver Wraith with a frightening history. A story about one serial killer and his lingering, unfinished business.

Anyone could be next.

We're going to Christmasland...


NOS4A2 is an old-fashioned horror novel in the best sense. Claustrophobic, gripping and terrifying, this is a story that will have you on the edge of the seat while you read, and leaving the lights on while you sleep. With the horrific tale of Charles Manx and his Silver Wraith, Joe Hill has established himself as the premiere horror and supernatural thriller writer of his generation.


My Review

Imagine meeting a guy who prays on children in a way you couldn't begin to imagine. Charles Manx, travels to a place of his own making, Christmasland, where children can never be "harmed". In doing so he feeds off them and they are transformed into a shadow of their former self. With his Rolls royce Wraith, he is kept "younger" than his years and death awaits anyone who trys to stop him. He encounters a young Victoria McQueen who has the ability to travel as he does but it effects her differently and she, as a child helps those around her. Manx and Victoria "battle" and it seems young Victoria is triumphant and Manx is "dealt with".

Fast forward to the present, Vic is a grown up with scars of what happened in her past. She has destructive behaviour, addictions and a child of her own. Manx doesn't forget and soon Victoria has to face evil once again or risk losing her son, forever.

This is a great read, it took me back to my childhood to when I first discovered Stephen King. The writing pulls you in and creates a world where good and evil exist and the normal people have to rise up to the occasion.

Some of the chapters interlink, one end in an open sentence with ends with the title of the next chapter. I thought that was quite well done and I hadn't come across it before. The chapters were fairly short(ish) in length which is also good when you need to put the book down often to keep on top of a busy schedule. Overall I really enjoyed it, the ending packs quit a punch too which is always a good thing. 4/5 for me this time and I will definitely seek out more by this author.

View all my reviews

View all my reviews

December's giveaway is open

I was hoping to giveaway a Christmas themed book for December but it hasn't worked out due to time constrictions amidst a few others reasons. So there is a £5 Amazon voucher instead that you can hopefully buy a Christmas read with, or whatever you wish.

I normally run competitions to the end of the month so there should be a few January sales on when the competition has ended. All you need is a valid email address and if you wish to increase your chances, use the additional entries on the raffle copter form below.

a Rafflecopter giveaway This competition is open to all, good luck and thank you for entering and the continued support. All the normal rules apply unless stated otherwise and as always thank you for stopping by.