A Not So Quiet christmas

  A Not So Quiet Christmas

A solo getaway at an English country cottage is a pleasant way to spend the holiday—but it takes two to really make things merry . . .

Antonia prefers a quiet Christmas. She’s happy to spend it on her own, watching Hallmark holiday movies in her pyjamas, eating what she wants, when she wants.

Antonia’s friend Jules, on the other hand, loves a big Christmas celebration and plans on travelling to the Yorkshire Dales for a festive break. But when Jules breaks her leg, she persuades Antonia to make the trip on her behalf. Arriving at the little cottage, Antonia meets the handsome property agent Oliver. But she can’t escape the weird locals—or avoid embarrassing situations like mistaking a cow for a burglar.

As Christmas approaches, the attraction between Oliver and Antonia grows. She could choose to return to the bustling city and spend it alone. Or she could choose love and have a not so quiet Christmas . . .

A Not So Quiet Christmas eBook : Tullett, Suzie: Amazon.co.uk: Kindle Store

A Not So Quiet Christmas eBook by Suzie Tullett - 9781504073486 | Rakuten Kobo United Kingdom

‎A Not So Quiet Christmas on Apple Books

A Not So Quiet Christmas by Suzie Tullett | NOOK Book (eBook) | Barnes & Noble® (barnesandnoble.com)

Author Bio – 

Suzie Tullett is an author of contemporary humorous fiction and romantic comedy. She has a Masters Degree in Television & Radio Scriptwriting and worked as a scriptwriter before becoming a full-time novelist. When she's not busy creating her own literary masterpieces, she usually has her head in someone else's.

Suzie lives in a little cottage on the Wild Atlantic Way in Ireland, along with her husband and two Greek rescue dogs. 

Social Media Links – 

Suzie Tullett (Author) | Facebook

https://twitter.com/SuzieTullett

https://www.instagram.com/suzie_tullett/

My Review

Suzie Tullett has a way with words, pullling the reader into the location with ease. I loved the Yorkshire Dales setting and the quirky locals. Seeing it from a townie's eye is also refreshing and some of Antonia's gaffs are really amusing. The attraction between Antonia and Oliver just sizzles, melting the snowy backdrop and the readers' hearts. Great story, fabulous setting and characters so realistic, you feel you should be friends.

Distant Voices

Come close and listen to the distant voices. Soothing tales, unsettling narratives, furious tirades and the softest and most tender whispers drawn from around the world.

In 2019 a cohort of students gathered online, connected by Hull University and by an ambition – to learn to write. Two years later, kept apart by pandemic throughout, they completed their Masters degrees in Creative Writing. This anthology is a selection of pieces from the Covid Cohort.

These collected voices are truly global – calling out from France, China, Australia, the Cayman Islands, Hong Kong, Wales and villages, towns and cities across England. The authors’ own heritages link back further, wider – to the USA, Scotland, Ireland, the Nordics, Eastern Europe, Russia – and the stories they tell range from a single room or street to take in entire cities and oceans.

Each voice is distinct. Each story a perfect glimpse into a world, real or imagined, which springs from the keyboard and fingertips of a student who has wrestled with words, lingered in lexis and danced with the rhythm of language itself.

Enjoy the collection. Listen to the distant voices. Maybe you will feel the urge to join them.

Contributors: Veronique Guiberteau Canfrere, Tim Barlow, Sandra Adams-West, Lali Astraova, Julie Ryan, Damion Spencer, Anna Mirfin, Jo Scard, katie Bennett, Sarah Wilks, Mathew Bridle, Mike McMaster, Zharko Zach Bliznakov, Janie Richardson, Joanna Mansfield, Jessica Kelly, PT Reynolds

Purchase links

amazon.co.uk

amazon.com

The Girl from Bletchley Park

 The Girl from Bletchley Park

A country at war. A heartbreaking betrayal.

 

1942. Three years into the war, Pam turns down her hard-won place at Oxford University to become a codebreaker at Bletchley Park. There, she meets two young men, both keen to impress her, and Pam finds herself falling hard for one of them. But as the country’s future becomes more uncertain by the day, a tragic turn of events casts doubt on her choice – and Pam’s loyalty is pushed to its limits…

 

Present day. Julia is struggling to juggle her career, two children and a husband increasingly jealous of her success. Her brother presents her with the perfect distraction: forgotten photos of their grandmother as a young woman at Bletchley Park. Why did her grandmother never speak of her time there? The search for answers leads Julia to an incredible tale of betrayal and bravery – one that inspires some huge decisions of her own…

 

Purchase Links

https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B09F92Q8KP/

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B09F92Q8KP/

 

Author Bio – 

Kathleen McGurl lives near the coast in Christchurch, England. She writes dual timeline novels in which a historical mystery is uncovered and resolved in the present day. She is married to an Irishman and has two adult sons. She enjoys travelling, especially in her motorhome around Europe.

Social Media Links – 

https://www.facebook.com/KathleenMcGurl

https://twitter.com/KathMcGurl

https://kathleenmcgurl.com/

My Review

I love dual timelines and this one is no exception. both the modern timeline and the wartime one are fascinating as the writer gets under the skin of the characters to keep the reader engrossed.

I could empathise with Julia in the contemporary version as she struggles to juggle running her own business with bringing up two sons and a husband who is unsupportive. As her world slowly unravels, Julia begins to research her grandmother's history which links us to Bletchley Park.

The Bletchley Park story is well-researched and full of intrigue , which kept me turning the pages.

I liked how everything came together in the end although I did think Julia's problems were resolved a little too quickly and easily.  All in all, a really enjoyable read.

The Halfpenny girls at Christmas

 

Will their prayers be answered at the most wonderful time of the year?

As Christmas approaches, Alice, Edith and Marg continue to face hardships growing up on one of the poorest streets in Blackpool. Penniless, their friendship has helped them survive this far, but it'll take more than that to see them through the dark days that lie ahead . . .

Newly married Alice receives shocking news about her pregnancy that threatens the future she's always dreamed of, Marg is struggling to care for her ailing mother and ensure her little sister receives the education she deserves, and Edith is grieving the loss of her family while preparing to marry her sweetheart.

The Halfpenny Girls once again are faced with a struggle, but with the festive season upon them will family, friendship and Christmas spirit see them through?

About the author

Maggie Mason, who also writes as Mary Wood, was born the thirteenth child of fifteen to a middle-class mother and an East End barrow boy. Her family were poor, but rich in love. Over time, she developed a natural empathy with the less fortunate and is fascinated by social history. Maggie raised four children and has numerous grandchildren, step-grandchildren and great-grandchildren. An avid reader, she first put pen to paper in 1989, and is now a full-time novelist.

My Review

Fabulous to discover what happens next in the lives of the Halfpenny Girls. No problem if you haven't read the first book as there is enough of the backstory given to be able to read as a standalone. 

As always, Maggie Mason takes us on a rollercoaster ride of emotions as tragedy hits the girls. their friendship and resilience will see them through but only after a lot of heart-searching. another great series from a much-loved author. Would make a lovely Christmas pressie for someone dear.

Under the mistletoe

Under the Mistletoe

Christmas. A time for family, friends – and rekindling old flames…

When Laurel returns to the village of Middledip, she’s looking for a quiet life. Adjusting to her recent divorce, she’s ready to spend some time getting back on her feet amidst the glorious snow-dusted countryside.

Yet, life in Middledip is far from straightforward. Coming to the aid of her sister, Rea, as she navigates her own troubles, Laurel barely has a moment to think about where her own life is going.

However, time stands still when she sees her old flame, Grady Cassidy – and it’s soon as if they’ve never been apart. But through her happiness, Laurel remembers why she left the village all those years ago, as she recalls a dark night and Grady’s once-wayward brother, Mac…

Can Laurel learn to forgive and forget? Or will her chances of Christmas under the mistletoe with Grady remain a dream?

An enchanting, festive read, perfect for fans of Sarah Morgan and Carole Matthews.

Purchase Links 

Bookshop.org:

https://uk.bookshop.org/books/under-the-mistletoe-9780008393052/9780008393052

Amazon UK:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Under-Mistletoe-Sue-Moorcroft-ebook/dp/B0918SXFN2/

WH Smith:

https://www.whsmith.co.uk/products/sue-moorcroft-untitled-xmas-book-9/sue-moorcroft/paperback/9780008393052.html

Kobo:

https://www.kobo.com/ww/en/ebook/under-the-mistletoe-59

Apple Books:

https://books.apple.com/gb/book/under-the-mistletoe/id1567181050

Audible: https://www.audible.co.uk/pd/Under-the-Mistletoe-Audiobook/B09D8KPLRR. 

 

Author Bio – 

Sue Moorcroft is a Sunday Times bestselling author and has reached the coveted #1 spot on Amazon Kindle UK as well as top 100 in the US. She’s won the Goldsboro Books Contemporary Romantic Novel Award, Readers’ Best Romantic Novel award and the Katie Fforde Bursary. Sue’s emotionally compelling, feel-good novels are currently released by publishing giant HarperCollins in the UK, US and Canada and by other publishers around the world. She’s also well known for short stories, serials, columns, writing ‘how to’ and courses.

Born in Germany into an army family, Sue spent much of her childhood in Cyprus and Malta but settled in Northamptonshire, England aged ten. She loves reading, Formula 1, travel, time spent with friends, dance exercise and yoga.

 

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]

My Review

'Under the mistletoe' combines a love of Art with all things Christmassy. there is such a lovely snowy vibe to this book that I immediately went into Christmas mode in October.

Returning to Middledip after her divorce Laurel finds herself caught up in the school bullying of her niece and her sister Rea's agoraphobia. These themes help to make the characters multi-faceted. However, something that happened in Laurel's past is never far from the surface, and although it makes uncomfortable reading, I found myself in for the long-haul with her as she tries to move on and makes a future with her childhood sweetheart. 

This book is guaranteed to put you in the mood for Christmas while tackling serious issues that many of us face.

The Patchwork Girls

 

 From the bestselling author of The Woolworths Girls 

The Patchwork Girls 

By ELAINE EVEREST 

14th October 2021 | Pan Macmillan | £7.99 | Paperback Original 

A moving story set during WWII, about how the strong bonds of female friendship can carry you through the most difficult times. 

PRAISE FOR ELAINE EVEREST 

“A warm, tender tale of friendship and love” Milly Johnson 

“A charming, warm-hearted read” Take A Break 

“Heartwarming . . . a must-read” Woman’s Own 

“A lovely read” Bella 

1939. After the sudden and tragic loss of her husband, Helen returns to her mother’s house in Biggin Hill, Kent – the one place she vowed she’d never go back to. 

Alone and not knowing where to turn, she joins the local women’s sewing circle to find some companionship and comfort, despite being hopeless with a needle and thread. These resourceful women can not only ‘make- do and mend’ clothes, quilts and woolly hats, but the fast-formed friendship with Lizzie and Effie mends something deeper in Helen too. 

When the reason for Helen's husband's death comes to light, her world is turned upside down yet again. The investigating officer on the case, Richard, will leave no stone unturned – but it’s not long before his interest in Helen goes beyond the professional. As she pieces together old fabrics into a beautiful quilt, will Helen patch up the rifts in her own life? 

ABOUT ELAINE EVEREST: 

Elaine Everest is the author of bestselling novels The Woolworths Girls, The Butlins Girls, Christmas at Woolworthsand The Teashop Girls. She was born and raised in North-West Kent, where many of her bestselling historical sagas are set. She grew up listening to tales of the war years in her hometown of Erith, which has inspired her own stories. 

 

Elaine has been a freelance writer for 25 years and has written over 100 short stories and serials for the women's magazine market. She is also the author of a number of popular non-fiction books for dog owners.

 

When she isn't writing, Elaine runs The Write Place creative writing school in Hextable, Kent. She now lives in Swanley with her husband, Michael and their Polish Lowland Sheepdog, Henry. 

My Review

Really enjoyed reading Helen's story and the slow-burn relationshp with Richard. Set against the backdrop of WW2, it was a pleasant change to have the patchwork story at the forefront as although references to war were  there, the story isn't primarily about the hardship and suffering of the time, rather the way in which friendship and shared activities can offer support. The idea of deliberately adding an imperfection was a little gem that shows the amount of research the author does. a pleasant change from the usual sagas.

The cosy cottage in Ireland

 

The Cosy Cottage in Ireland

Snuggle up in your favourite armchair and take a trip across the Irish sea for comfort food, cosy cottage nights and a heartwarming romance…

Talented lawyer Hannah Campbell is after a change in her workaholic Manchester life – so on an uncharacteristic whim she books herself a place at the world-renowned Killorgally Cookery School in Country Kerry. But on her first night in Ireland, sampling the delights of Dublin, Hannah can’t resist falling for the charms of handsome stranger Conor. It’s only when Hannah arrives at her postcard-pretty home at Killorgally for the next six weeks that she discovers what happens in Dublin doesn’t quite stay in Dublin …

Nestled amongst rolling green hills and breath-taking countryside, the cookery school throws Hannah and Conor together – for better or worse.

Purchase Link - mybook.to/CosyCottageEB

Author Bio – 

Julie caplin, formerly a PR director, swanned around Europe for many years taking top food and drink writers on press trips (junkets) sampling the gastronomic delights of various cities in Italy, France, Belgium, Spain, Copenhagen and Switzerland. It was a tough job but someone had to do it. 

These trips have provided the inspiration and settings for her Romantic Escapes series which have been translated into fifteen different languages.

The first book in the seven strong series, The Little Café in Copenhagen, was shortlisted for a Romantic Novel of the Year Award.

 

Social Media Links – @JulieCaplin Twitter 

https://www.facebook.com/JulieCaplinAuthor/

Instagram @juliecaplinauthor

 My Review

I love Julie's books for two key reasons - firstly she has an amazing ability to draw you into a location, wherther that be exotic or closer to home; secondly she creates characters full of life in whom we become invested and care about. this book is no exception and before long you'll be drawn into a sleepy Irish village, cooking delicious food and speaking with an irish lilt. Neighbourly disputes will be no surprise to those who have lived in the country and the ending ties everything up neatly. It really is all in the telling - a book you won't want to finish for the very best of reasons.

A Little Piece of Paradise

A Little Piece of Paradise

The inheritance of a lifetime... with a catch

When Sophie’s uncle leaves her a castle in the Italian Riviera in his will, she can’t believe her luck. The catch? She and her estranged sister, Rachel, must live there together for three months in order to inherit it.  

Having worked in Rome for four years, Sophie’s excited to revisit to Italy, even if it reignites memories of a cheating ex who soon learns of her return and wants to rekindle their spark. Sophie realises that distance does indeed make the heart grow fonder – but for her friend back home, Chris, who she discovers is more to her than just a friend.

With the clock ticking, can Sophie and Rachel stick it out and heal old wounds, or are the sisters destined to go their own way at the end of the three months? And does Chris feel the same way about Sophie as she does for him?

A beautiful story of romance and sisterhood, perfect for fans of Alex Brown and Lucy Coleman.

 

Purchase Links 

UK - https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B09F5QJQDZ

US - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09F5QJQDZ

Author Bio

 – I’m a man. And a pretty old man as well. I did languages at university a long time ago and then lived and worked in France and Switzerland before going to Italy for seven years as a teacher of English. My Italian wife and I then came back to the UK with our little daughter (now long-since grown up) where I ran a big English language school for many years. We now live in a sleepy little village in Devonshire. I’ve been writing almost all my life but it was only seven years ago that I finally managed to find a publisher who liked my work enough to offer me my first contract.

The fact that I am now writing escapist romance is something I still find hard to explain. My early books were thrillers and historical novels. Maybe it’s because there are so many horrible things happening in the world today that I feel I need to do my best to provide something to cheer my readers up. My books provide escapism to some gorgeous locations, even if travel to them is currently difficult.

Social Media Links – 

Website: www.tawilliamsbooks.com

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/tawilliamsbooks

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TrevorWilliamsBooks/

My Review

Really loved this story of two sisters and the way in which they are brought together. I'm sure the situation will resonate with many, although the carrot of inheriting a castle or stately house may prove a big incentive. As readers have come to expect, there are also lush descriptions of the Italian countryside and equally lush descriptions of Italian food. As the deadline draws near for the sisters to inherit, there is a major obstacle to overcome which brings the story to a satisfying conclusion. Really enjoyable.

The village Inn of secret dreams

 

The Village Inn of Secret Dreams

 

Brand NEW from the bestselling author of The Village Shop For Lonely Hearts.

After escaping her parents’ unhappy marriage to sleepy Cranbridge a long time ago, Belle Clarke dreams of staying at The Black Swan Inn forever.

But with the rundown Inn threatened with closure, Belle may be forced to leave, unless a buyer can be found … quickly.

So, when her oldest friend Pete Kennedy returns from working abroad with a plan to save the Inn, Belle should be overjoyed. The trouble is, Pete has some rather radical ideas for the renovation which Belle disagrees with.

But when a snow storm hits, Belle and Pete are forced to put aside their differences and work together to help the village.

Can Belle realise her dreams to stay in Cranbridge and can Pete ever stop running from his past?

As they try to save The Black Swan Inn, secrets are revealed and just maybe they’ll finally find out how they really feel about each other.

Purchase Link -  https://amzn.to/2U73qa7

 

Author Bio –  

Alison Sherlock is the author of the bestselling Willow Tree Hall books. Alison enjoyed reading and writing stories from an early age and gave up office life to follow her dream. Her new series for Boldwood is set in a fictional Cotswold village and the first title was published in July 2020.

 

Social Media Links –   

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/alison.sherlock.73

Twitter https://twitter.com/AlisonSherlock

Newsletter Sign Up Link http://bit.ly/AlisonSherlockSignup

Bookbub profile https://www.bookbub.com/authors/alison-sherlock

My Review

Great follow up to the others in the series and lovely to see the other characters pop in and out. This is Belle's story and I loved watching her relationship with Pete develop. When he makes a rash decision regarding the village pub, however, not only is their relationship put to the test but so is the future of the pub. With lovely rural descriptions and a winter setting this book is just perfect for curling up on the sofa with. 

Falling in Florence

 Falling in Florence

Sofia Marino is focused on one thing, finding the ideal job…

When she lands the opportunity to work for Peter Williams at Sublime Retreats, it’s a dream come true and the last thing on her mind is romance.

Then an unfortunate accident means she has to go to Florence with the cold and standoffish Adam Flynn, and she knows she will have to put up with him for two whole weeks. Determined to prove her worth to the company, she throws herself into making the trip successful and dragging Adam out of his shell.

As the sparks begin to fly and Florence seduces them both, will Adam let his guard drop despite his father's concerns about Sofia's family ties and can she finally find a man that her brothers will approve of?

Purchase Links

US - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09BZWXDH5

UK - https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B09BZWXDH5

Author Bio – 

Joy lives on the seductive island of Corfu with her four dogs and an embarrassing number of cats. 

Her many years working in the tourist industry on this sunny isle and her love of all things literary inspired her first novel Corfu Capers which recently hit the #1 spot in Parenting and Family humour much to her delight.

She loves to cook, dance and drink wine, usually at the same time, and is currently working on book number four, due to be released later this year. 

She also loves to travel, absolutely anywhere, and is looking forward to jumping on a plane!

Social Media Links – 

Website - https://joyskye.com/

Twitter - https://twitter.com/JoySkye4

FB - https://www.facebook.com/JoySkyeAuthor

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/joys.kye/

My Review

My favourite reads are usually set in a foreign location, feature lush descriptions of the local food and countryside and have characters that make the reader turn the page. this series has it all and seems to just get better and better. The enemy to friend trope of two opposites falling in love is well done and there's an added mystery for good measure. Looking forward to the next one.