Book Review: All I Want for Christmas by Karen Swan

Every year I look forward to Karen Swan's Christmas book and All I Want for Christmas was another 5 star read for me! 

 

Set in the beautiful city of Copenhagen All I Want for Christmas is destination fiction at its finest.

Once I had finished I felt the urge to read it all over again and instead of frantically turning pages invested in the mystery I could lose myself in the stunning location.

 

Darcy is an art history student currently working on her PhD when she is asked by the University to help find the identity of a woman in a portrait recently discovered hidden behind a famous painting.

Darcy is  sworn off dating and is happy to spend Christmas alone, however her best friend, Freja, has other ideas and convinces Darcy to sign up to a dating app.

As Darcy goes on one disastrous date after another she can't help being attracted to lawyer Max Lorensen. He is handsome and arrogant and everything Darcy needs to stay away from.  

The story is set during the lead up to Christmas but All I Want for Christmas is no sweet Christmasy romance. This is a story with a compelling mystery at its core and immersed in the high stakes world of collectible art.

My rating 5 / 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Publisher: Macmillan Australia

Publication date: 8th October 2024

Genre: Contemporary Fiction / Mystery

Pages: 464

RRP: AU$34.99

Source: Courtesy of the publisher

Other books I've read by Karen Swan

THE GREEK ESCAPE

THE LAST SUMMER

THE HIDDEN BEACH

THE SPANISH PROMISE 

MIDNIGHT IN THE SNOW 

THE CHRISTMAS POSTCARDS

THE CHRISTMAS PARTY 

THE SECRET PATH 

THE CHRISTMAS LIGHTS

TOGETHER BY CHRISTMAS 

CHRISTMAS BY CANDLELIGHT

THE STOLEN HOURS 

THE LOST LOVER

 

 

Book Review: Can't Buy Me Love by Jane Lovering

I read Can't Buy Me Love for the #DymocksReadingChallenge and it also qualifies for my TBR challenge.

 

When Willow's grandfather dies she is in line for a substantial inheritance. Then when an old University crush, Luke, arrives in town and asks her out it seems all her dreams are coming true.

 

Not long after Willow and Luke start dating she meets computer geek Cal, her brother's friend. They get on so well and have the same quirky sense of humour but Cal seems to be hiding something and Luke keeps disappearing for days at a time on vague work meetings. Willow finds herself struggling with who she can trust.

Can't Buy Me Love is such a fun story! Jane Lovering has given her readers characters to love and characters to hate.

I liked that she has included a character with a disability and shown them as smart, capable and fun.

 

There are mysteries surrounding both Cal and Luke and the odd misunderstanding, and of course there is going to be one that you hope Willow will end up with. 

 

Can't Buy Me Love is a fun, easy read filled with heart and humour. Recommended for a lazy afternoon's reading. 

 

My rating 4 / 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 

 

Publisher: Choc Lit

Publication date: 9th May 2017

Genre: RomCom

Pages: 288

Source: own copy 

Book Review: A Love Letter to Paris by Rebecca Raisin

A Love Letter to Paris

by

Rebecca Raisin

Publisher: Boldwood Books

Publication date: 8th July 2024

Genre: Romance / RomCom

Pages: 266

Source: Courtesy of the publisher via Rachel's Random Resources.

 

Review: A Love Letter to Paris

Lilou Babineaux is a lover of letters and the written word. She collects old love letters and diaries that are unearthed in estate sales and sells them at her market stall.

 

Worried that the art of hand written letters of love are becoming obsolete now that we use email Lilou starts a dating site, Paris Cupid, that states that the matched couples must first get to know each other by exchanging letters.

 

A Love Letter to Paris is such a fun read. I'm new to Rebecca Raisin's writing and after just one book she is firmly on my must read list.

 

I loved this light, funny and sweet slow burn romance. A sweet female lead who has had a few bad dating experiences and a moody male lead. A Love Letter to Paris has grumpy meets sunshine vibes. A couple of other love interests are thrown into the mix which makes for some fun exchanges.

 

Lilou's friend Genevieve stole the show. How can you not love an older female character who is sexy, fun and confident in her own skin.

A Love Letter to Paris is perfect if you are after something light, fun and positive. It's a real feel-good read. The perfect armchair travel story. I loved travelling around Paris with Lilou.

 

I enjoyed the the inclusion of excerpts from old letters and diaries.  

My rating 5/ 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

 

Book Review: Yes, Chef by Waitlyn Andrews

 Yes, Chef

by

Waitlyn Andrews

Publisher: Self Published

Publication date: 3rd August 2023

Genre: Contemporary Fiction / Romance 

Pages: 340

Price: $7.76AU (kindle)

Source: eCopy from the author

 

Review: Yes, Chef

Claire moves to Paris to heal from past traumas and to find her own way in the culinary world.

She is currently working at Teaks restaurant where they are cooking their way towards a Michelin star. Claire's ultimate dream is to be on a team that is awarded the star. She has sworn off work romances at all costs, she doesn't want distractions or messy break-ups. That is until in comes James Sullivan, the new head chef. 

 

I loved everything about this book! It is a light-hearted, funny, sweet, closed-door, slow-burn romance.  

A sweet female lead who couldn't hate anyone even if  she tried and a broody male lead with grumpy meets sunshine vibes, enemies to friends to lovers and dating the boss all thrown into one.

 

I enjoyed the culinary vibe, the food, wine and behind the scenes running of a restaurant. The definition chapter headings were a fun addition and I loved looking out for the use of the word in each chapter.

 

Yes, Chef is the perfect read if you are after something light, fun and positive. It's a real feel-good read.

 

My rating 5 / 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Book Review: Love & Rome by Jenna Lo Bianco

Love & Rome

by

Jenna Lo Bianco

Fate has plans for Stella Chiaro. She just doesn't know it yet.

Publisher: Pan Macmillan Australia

Publication date: 28th May 2024

Genre: Contemporary Fiction / Romance

Pages: 361

RRP: $34.99AU (trade paperback)

Source: Courtesy of the publisher

 

Review: Love & Rome

Stella Chiaro has moved from Australia to her beloved Rome to start over and fix her life. She's on a deadline to find a stable job or return home, and time is running out.

 

I loved The Italian Marriage, Jenna Lo Bianco's debut novel, and Love & Rome is every bit as enchanting. 

 

Love & Rome is a fabulous read! I loved every character. Best friend Marcella stole the show, she is loud, outspoken, hilariously funny and so dedicated to Stella. Everything a best friend should be. Love interest Vincent, the new American flatmate, was handsome, confident and oh so smooth. The sweet and compassionate Marco, the owner of the new local bar, who Stella found she could open up to and relax. Each character is so perfectly drawn.

 

Love & Rome is the ultimate armchair travel story, destination fiction at its finest. Jenna Lo Bianco's vivid descriptions of the sights and food of Rome are a delight.

There are lots of Italian words throughout and while most were easy to understand in context to the conversations it was handy to have google translate close by.

 

I loved being immersed in Stella's dramatic life-changing journey from her traumatic past to a new life and love in Rome.

 

With The Italian Marriage and now Love & Rome Jenna Lo Bianco has proven herself to be a master storyteller.

 

My rating 5/ 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

 

My review of THE ITALIAN MARRIAGE 

 

Book Review: Secrets in the Little Irish Village by Michelle Vernal

Secrets in the Little Irish Village

by

Michelle Vernal

Publisher: Bookouture

Publication date: 15th May 2024

Series: The Little Irish Village #4

Genre: Romance (RomCom)

Pages: 315

RRP: $4.99AU (Kindle eBook) 

Source: eBook courtesy of the publisher

 

Review: Secrets in the Little Irish Village

After reading New Beginnings in the Little Irish Village I was eager for more of the garrulous Kelly family. The main character in New Beginnings is Imogen Kelly and Secrets features the love life of Grace Kelly. I enjoyed being back with all the familiar and well loved characters.

 

I'm reading the books all out of order but it's easy to pick up on where each sister is in the family.

 

I loved that Michelle Vernal's Little Irish Village series is not only a romance story, although I do like a HEA ending. Secrets in the Little Irish Village has lots of substance that kept me immersed in the story.

 

An emergency trip to hospital has the family re-evaluating petty squabbles, secrets from the past raise their head and a disastrous storm has the community banding together to raise money.

I enjoyed the descriptions of the Emerald Bay township, it was warm and inviting. Being Australian I loved the Irish setting and could hear the lilting Irish accent as I read.

Secrets in the Little Irish Village is light and heartwarming, funny, uplifting and entertaining. The perfect story to lose yourself in.

My rating 4.5 / 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐½

My review of New Beginnings in the Little Irish Village

 

Book Review: The Lost Lover by Karen Swan

The Lost Lover

by

Karen Swan

Publisher: Pan Macmillan Australia

Publication date: 30th April 2024

Series The Wild Isle #3 

Genre: Historical Fiction

Pages: 420

RRP: $34.99 (trade paperback)

Source: Courtesy of the publisher

 

Review: The Lost Lover

Could my heart be any more shattered!! 💔

 

If you are following this series you will know each book follows one of the young women on the isle of St Kilda the year before they are evacuated.

Through extremely clever plotting Karen Swan has written three (so far) completely different stories involving the same characters and timeline but through a different point of view.

The Lost Lover, Flora's story, is another epic installment of The Wild Isle series, superbly written and heartbreaking.

We know from previous books Flora's life is set. She has a rich fiancé and when she leaves the island they will be married. 

The Lost Lover starts a year earlier than the previous books and we find out how Flora and James met and fell in love. It is not as plain sailing for Flora as we were led to believe.

There was so much in this book the previous books didn't reveal and I was captivated all over again by the harshness and the beauty of St Kilda.

There are brief mentions of events in previous books however Swan is careful not to simply rehash the first two books. The Lost Lover goes further and details Flora's life off the island where her extraordinary beauty sees he welcomed into Paris high society.

The Lost Lover ends on one of Karen Swan's notorious cliff hangers making me eager for book 4.

The Wild Isle series would have to be one of the best Historical Fiction series I have read!

My rating 5 / 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Other Karen Swan books I have read:

CHRISTMAS BY CANDLELIGHT

THE CHRISTMAS LIGHTS

THE CHRISTMAS PARTY 

THE CHRISTMAS POSTCARDS 

TOGETHER FOR CHRISTMAS

THE GREEK ESCAPE 

THE HIDDEN BEACH

MIDNIGHT IN THE SNOW 

THE SECRET PATH

THE SPANISH PROMISE 

THE LAST SUMMER  The Wild Isle #1

THE STOLEN HOURS The Wild Isle #2

 

 

 

Book Review: Someone Else's Bucket List by Amy T. Matthews

 Someone Else's Bucket List

by

Amy T. Matthews

Publisher: Simon & Schuster

Publication date: 31st January 2024

Genre: Contemporary / Romance

Pages: 390

RRP: $32.99AU (trade paperback)

Source: Courtesy of the publisher

 

Review: Someone Else's Bucket List

It's no secret I love a heart-wrenching read and Someone Else's Bucket List ticks all the boxes.

However, Amy T. Matthews doesn't simply break her reader's heart she has added lots of humour, adventure, arm-chair travel and even a touch of romance.

 

Jodie Boyd is shy and anxious, she has never been one to follow her dreams. Her sister Bree is an adventurous, globe-trotting, hugely successful Instagram influencer.  Jodie loves and admires her sister but she could never put herself out there like Bree does. Bree's untimely death leaves the family not only devastated but facing financial ruin with huge medical bills to pay.

Then a prescheduled post pops up on Bree's Instagram challenging Jodie to finish the last six items on Bree's bucket list. If she finishes them a sponsor will pay off the family's debts, with one condition, it all needs to posted to Instagram.

 

I loved how Matthews conveyed Jodie's terror at not only having to preform these very public acts but also having it all broadcast across Bree's Instagram, watched by over a million followers.

Every character in this story was so well portrayed, each playing an important role in Jodie's growth.

 

It was so much fun to follow Jodie as she checked items off the list, mostly freaking out about everything but pushing through and discovering a more assertive side of herself. Her character growth was slow to evolve which made it all the more believable.

I loved following all the # teams for who Jodie may have as a love interest - so much fun! 

 

Someone Else's Bucket List is a beautiful, heart-wrenching and fun read about grief, hope, love and courage. It's about believing in yourself and going after your dreams. 

 

My rating 5 / 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

 

If you like this review you may also like:

The Inn at Tansy Falls

Twenty-Six Letters 

The Way From Here

Book Review: The Blue Gum Camp by Leonie Kelsall

The Blue Gum Camp

by

Leonie Kelsall 

Publisher: Allen & Unwin

Publication date: 3rd January 2024 

Genre: Rural Romance

Pages: 419

RRP: $32.99AU (trade paperback)

Source: Courtesy of the publisher

 

Review: The Blue Gum Camp

The Blue Gum Camp is Leonie Kelsall's fifth book featuring characters from Settler's Bridge and surrounds.

 

Charity Farrugia is persuaded to attend a B & S ball by her sisters, Faith and Hope. They feel the always serious and always responsible Charity needs to relax and have some fun.

 

Lachlan is only going to the B & S ball to keep an eye on his mischievous younger brother Hamish. Lachlan has been working the family farm whilst his father has become a curmudgeonly recluse since his mother's untimely death twelve months ago.

When Lachlan and Charity meet sparks fly but Charity isn't ready to let her guard down.

 

I enjoyed the different ways of thinking between Hope and her friends in their early twenties and that of mid thirties Charity. Having characters from different age groups adds diversity to the story. I loved all the sibling banter and light ribbing both with the Farrugia sisters and Lachlan and Hamish. It felt very natural and was filled with humour. The siblings' similarities and differences were perfectly portrayed.

If you have read the previous books you will see many well-known and much loved characters get a mention which adds a further level of connection with the whole community that surrounds the books.

 

Kelsall explores themes of running a farm, aging parents, early onset dementia, feeling responsible for siblings, cognitive disorders, loss and grieving.  

The Blue Gum Camp has slightly darker themes and more drama than most rural romance novels however the main theme is still one of rural life and the lack of potential partners in small country towns.

 

My rating 4 / 5  ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Book Review: It's Probably You by Jayne Denker

 It's Probably You

by

Jayne Denker

Publisher: Simon & Schuster

Publication date: 3rd January 2024 

Genre: Romantic Comedy

Pages: 320

RRP: $32.99AU (paperback)

Source: Courtesy of the publisher

 

Review: It's Probably You 

It's Probably You is a funny, engaging and heartwarming enemies to lovers romance.

 

Gillian is comfortable with her life after 5 years divorced, but wouldn't say no to finding that someone special. After many disastrous dates via dating apps she's happy to work in her garden with her eye on winning the local gardening competition.

 

Noah has recently moved to town after a devastating break-up and decides the fixer-upper he has bought, sight unseen, is exactly what he needs to keep him busy. When he has an altercation with fiery neighbour Gillian, over a border hedge he removed, he knows she is trouble but he can't keep his mind off her.

 

I loved this sweet, slow-burn rom-com. It's probably You is filled with down-to-earth, relatable characters. Gillian is confident, smart, funny and sexy. We see Noah's confident side but not around Gillian. She undoes him and enjoys pushing his buttons.

I enjoyed the matchmaking trio of elderly women neighbours who weren't reticent in giving advice to Noah and eavesdropping whenever they got the chance. A vast array of supporting characters add plenty of humour and drama to the plot.

 

It's Probably You ticks all the boxes for the perfect beach read this summer. It is a sweet, slow-burn, closed-door, small town romance with a curvy female main character and an enemies to lovers trope. 

 

If you are after a book that will leave you smiling long after you have read the last page you can't go past It's Probably You by Jayne Denker

 

My rating 4 / 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Book Review: The Italian Marriage by Jenna Lo Bianco

 The Italian Marriage

by

Jenna Lo Bianco

An inheritance. A fake marriage. Must be amore.

 

Publisher: Pan Macmillan Australia

Publication date: 27th December 2023

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Pages: 368

RRP: $34.99AU (trade paperback)

Source: Courtesy of the publisher

 

Review: The Italian Marriage 

I loved this book! The perfect beach read, even though I'm nowhere near a beach.

The Italian Marriage is so sweet I think I 'aawed' through the whole book.

The Italian Marriage is a fake marriage trope; he falls first, one bed, sweetly sexy, romance.

Matthew D'Adamo is set to inherit the family estate but first he needs a wife. The estate goes to the youngest 'married' D'Adamo male.

Sarah Browne, a free-spirited event manager, agrees to an air-tight pre-nup and is looking forward to a break from the emotional toll of her endometriosis. The first time the two meet is on the flight to Florence. When they arrive they find another claimant has surfaced and now they must spend a year together restoring a rundown hotel. Whichever couple is most successful after 12 months wins the family estate.

I loved both Sarah and Matthew! They were both so perfect; kind, accommodating and thoughtful. Sarah is fun, spontaneous and confident. The story introduces lovely friends that help them connect with the community and there are also those that are bent on thwarting them so there is loads of drama between all the sweet moments of Sarah and Matthew getting to know each other.

With chapter headings in Italian and lots of Italian interspersed throughout conversations it was very easy to connect with the location.

The Italian Marriage is steeped in the culture of Italy. The language, the food, the architecture is all vividly played out on the page.

If you are after a sweet romance with plenty of drama and a few little twists The Italian Marriage will not disappoint.

The Italian Marriage is destination romance at its best!

My rating 5 / 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

 

Book Review: Loving Lizzie March by Susannah Hardy

 Loving Lizzie March

by

Susannah Hardy

Publisher: Pan Macmillan Australia

Publication date: 29th June 2021

Genre: Rom-Com

Pages: 368

RRP: $32.99AU (trade paperback)

Source: Courtesy of the publisher

 

Review: Loving Lizzie March

I absolutely loved Lizzie March! She was such a ditz and a lot crazy.

Lizzie is desperate to find 'the one' but she always focuses on the wrong guys and rushes in to one night stands then goes all stalkerish calling them and following them.

 

Lizzie is all brazen and out-going on the outside but underneath she lacks self-confidence.

Her life goes from bad to worse before she gets a wake-up call from best friend Clem. Lizzie did make a terrible best friend, everything was always about her, and I was so glad when Clem finally stood up to her.

It was easy to feel empathy for Lizzie. She followed the old adage - know your dream and go for it - instead of just letting life happen she kept pushing for that perfect relationship.

Loving Lizzie March is a lighthearted rom-com that had me laughing quite often throughout the novel. I was glued to the pages wanting to know how Lizzie would turn her life around.

I enjoyed the character development of Lizzie and Clem's dedication to their friendship. It was clearly hard work for her but she was a true friend.

If you are after a story with a great balance of laughs, heartache and romance grab a copy of Loving Lizzie March and settle in for an entertaining read.

My rating 5 / 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

 

Trigger warning (spoiler ahead)

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Miscarriage

About the author

Originally an actor, Susannah Hardy completed a Bachelor of Arts at the University of NSW before running away to study acting in Paris. Back in Australia, her work has involved anything from film and television roles to being one of two singing/rollerblading Carmen Mirandas, Tutti & Frutti, and creating sketch comedy for Foxtel. During this time, Susannah discovered a passion for writing, and fourteen years ago, started working freelance, creating feature articles and copy for print and online publications. However, in between writing on parenting and home interiors, Susannah pursued her love of women's contemporary fiction, and now enjoys creating stories about the more comic side of life and love.

Susannah lives in Sydney's inner west with her husband, two young daughters and recently acquired puppy.

Book Review: The Summer Place by Janette Paul

 The Summer Place

by

Janette Paul

Three women, lives adrift, and a life-changing beach

Publisher: Pan Macmillan Australia

Publication date: 26th April 2023

Genre: Contemporary Fiction

Pages: 384

RRP: $34.99AU (paperback)

Source: Courtesy of the publisher

 

Review: The Summer Place

The Summer Place is a thoroughly enjoyable, heartwarming story about love, healing and friendship.

 

Told through the perspective of three women, each broken in different ways. I like that Janette Paul portrayed each woman's obstacle with equal importance because for each of them their hurt was equally debilitating.

 

Erin is recovering from a near-fatal accident, holding tight to all her grief and anger. She is constrained by her PTSD and the scars that riddle her body.

Cassie, recently widowed, cannot seem to move on from her grief and regrets. 

Jenna has been secretly in love with Blake for years, and now she has been invited to his wedding.

 

All three women have been invited to a wedding at Hope Head, a place that holds memories, in much happier times, for each of them.

I loved every character in this uplifting story. The three main characters' problems all came across as real and the supporting characters were just that; supportive and honest, edging Erin, Jenna and Cassie to make decisions towards happiness and healing. 

 

The fictitious Australian town of Hope Head on the mid north coast of New South Wales was beautifully described and a fitting location to have an epiphany on life and moving forward.

 

The Summer Place is sentimental and sweet, with HEAs all round, it filled my heart with joy.

 

The Summer Place is the perfect beach read.

 

My rating 5 happy stars 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

 

About the author

 

Janette Paul is an internationally published author of contemporary women's fiction and romantic comedy, and is the alter ego of award-winning suspense author Jaye Ford. Her first novel won two Davitt Awards for Australian women crime writers and her books have been translated into nine languages. She is a former news and sports journalist, and ran her own public relations consultancy before turning to fiction. She now writes from her home in Newcastle, New South Wales.

Book Review: One More Time by Mandy Magro

One More Time

by

Mandy Magro

Publisher: Harlequin Australia

Publication date: 7th June 2023

Genre: Romance

Pages: 352

RRP: $32.99AU (paperback)

Source: courtesy of the publisher

 

Review: One More Time

Mandy Magro has written a heart-wrenching and meaningful story about life, love and second chances.

Charlie Wilson is attending his ex-wife's 70th birthday party. His life has not been easy, he has many regrets and the 'what ifs' play heavily on his mind. fate steps in and magically gives Charlie a second chance at life.

One More Time is not your normal love story. There are lots of I love yous and sweet endearments however Mandy Magro has thrown everything at her characters to test the bounds of their love and sometimes they break.

I love that one of the main characters is a Vietnam veteran, there aren't enough stories about these brave and underrated soldiers.

With themes of PTSD, survivors guilt and alcoholism and the effect this has on relationships. PTSD and survivors guilt not only destroys the sufferer's life but also the lives of those who love them and Magro shows this with candour and compassion. There are also strong themes of love, forgiveness and not giving up on each other.

My rating 4 / 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐

About the author

Mandy Magro lives in Cairns, Far North Queensland, with her fiance, Des, their daughter, Chloe Rose, and their two adorable pooches, Sophie and Sherlock. With pristine aqua-blue coastline in one direction and sweeping rural landscapes in the other, she describes her home as heaven on earth. A passionate woman and a romantic at heart, Mandy loves writing about soul-deep love, the Australian way of life, and the wonderful characters who call the country home.

 

Book Review: In a New York Minute by Kate Spencer

 In a New York Minute

by

Kate Spencer

Their love story has gone viral. But it hasn't even begun.... 

 

Publisher: Macmillan Australia

Publication date: 29th March 2022

 

Genre: Contemporary Romance / RomCom

 

Pages: 309

 

RRP: $26.99AU (paperback)

 

Source: Courtesy of the publisher

 

My review of In a New York Minute

I really enjoyed this lighthearted romcom. A meet-cute with a backdrop of New York City.

Just when she thinks she is on the way up and due for a promotion Franny is put off her job. Her life goes from bad to worse when her dress is caught in the subway door and tears wide open. Hayes is on the same train and seeing Franny is now a blubbering mess gives her his jacket to cover up. Franny is mortified when she finds out their encounter was videoed and is now trending on Instagram as #subwayQTs.

"The world's worst meet-cute had been turned into an adorable romantic comedy that everyone was talking about'

Franny hopes to never see the Hot Suit guy again but the universe has a different idea when they keep bumping into each other.

 

In a New York Minute was such a fun read. A slow burn romance with just the right amount of angst. 

Franny is vivacious and outgoing although she harbours insecurity and self-doubt . Hayes is awkward, methodical and a workaholic. This was a perfect opposites attract story!

 

I loved Franny's friends and it's so nice to read about females supporting each other and genuinely happy about each other's successes. Everyone needs friends like Cleo and Lola.

 

New York shines bright in this novel and Kate Spencer's love for the city radiates throughout the book. 

 

My rating 4 / 5  ⭐⭐⭐⭐

 

About the author

 

Kate Spencer is the co-host of the award-winning podcast Forever35 and author of the memoir The Dead Mom's Club. In a New York Minute is her first novel. She writes a bi-monthly column for In Style, and her written work has been published by the Washington Post, Rolling Stone, Esquire, Cosmopolitan, Buzzfeed, and numerous other places. Previously she worked as a senior editor and producer at VH1.

She lives in Los Angeles with her husband and two daughters.

 

 

Book Review: New Beginnings in the Little Irish Village by Michelle Vernal

 New Beginnings in the Little Irish Village

by

Michelle Vernal

Publisher: Bookouture

 

Publication date: 4th may 2023

 

Genre: Romance (RomCom)

 

Pages: 305

 

RRP: $4.99AU (Kindle)

 

Source: eBook courtesy of the publisher

 

My review of New Beginnings in the Little Irish Village

New Beginnings in the Little Irish Village is such a fun story! I loved it from start to finish! It is a warmhearted romcom set in the small village of Emerald Bay where everyone knows your business and nobody seems to mind that it's that way.

Michelle Vernal has delivered a whole town of quirky and lovable characters. The story is just as much about the whole town as it is about the main character, Imogen Kelly, one of the five Kelly sisters.

Imogen, a highly successful Dublin interior designer, has returned home to Emerald Bay to complete an interior design project at Benmore House, the home of her first love Lachlan Leslie. A high school romance she still hasn't found closure with. Whilst at home surrounded by her family Imogen reflects on her own lifestyle choices and her current romance with a man 27years her senior.

 

New Beginnings in the Little Irish Village is a light read, a feel good story with plenty of humour at Imogen's expense. Imogen takes all the mishaps with good grace and is even able to have a laugh at herself, making her a very endearing character.

I really enjoyed this story about families, celebrations, reconnecting with your true self and new beginnings. I loved getting to know all the townsfolk of Emerald Bay and Imogen's large and loving family. I am looking forward to reading Christmas in the Little Irish Village and being back with them all again.

My rating 5 / 5   ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

About the author

Michelle Vernal is a New Zealand author who writes stories that will take you onto the page with her characters and make you feel part of their lives. She writes with humour and warmth, and her readers describe her books as unputdownable, feel good and funny. Her writing has been likened to Maeve Binchy but with a modern-day vernacular. In 2015 she was shortlisted for the Love Stories Award. In 2020 she won the Reader's Favorite Gold Medal Award for Chick lit, and in 2021 was shortlisted for the Page Turner Book Awards.

 

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Book Review: The Christmas Postcards by Karen Swan

 

Title: The Christmas Postcards

 

Author: Karen Swan

 

Publisher: Pan Macmillan Australia 

 

Publication date: 27th October 2022

 

Genre: Contemporary Fiction / Romance

 

Pages: 480

 

RRP: $34.99AUD (Paperback) 

 

Source: Courtesy of the publisher 

 

My review of The Christmas Postcards

 

Every year I look forward to Karen Swan's Christmas story. I can always be assured of a riveting tale and a happy ending set in an exotic location with plenty of snow. 

 

In the weeks leading up to Christmas Natasha's  young daughter loses her treasured toy cow, Moola, accidentally leaving her behind in a B & B in Vienna. 

Duffy is staying one night in Vienna, hoping to catch up with a friend before his next flight to Nepal, when he happens across a toy cow exactly like the one his sister had. He takes this as a sign and now Moodle will be his good luck mascot as he treks the Himalayas.

 

A social media post to help find Moola goes viral eventually reaching Duffy although he is already too far to return the toy he promises to send photos whenever he has internet.

I loved the idea of a social media post to find Moola going viral and flying around the world. So many wonderful people wanting to help. 

 

There is so much to this story! It has mystery, suspense, armchair travel, edge of your seat suspense and romance all rolled into one.

 

Nat is very unsettled in her marriage, she has everything she could want and she can't seem to pinpoint why she is unhappy. Swan deftly depicts Nat's unsettledness without making her unlikable or appear selfish.

 

The two plot lines are so different in content and theme. Nat's is all about a husband who is rarely home and trying to handle a distraught toddler alone and her feelings of disconnect now she is no longer in the workforce. Duffy's story is more melancholy, showcasing the atmospheric Himalayas and the dangers faced by mountain climbers in extreme conditions. The two plots are pulled together by the emails and photos between Natasha and Duffy.

 

The Christmas Postcards is an immersive story about love, loss, second chances and the fate that sometimes controls our life.

 

My rating 5 / 5  ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

 

About the author

 

Karen Swan is the Sunday Times top three bestselling author of twenty-two books and her novels sell all over the world. She writes two books each year - one for the summer period and one for the Christmas season. Previous summer titles include The Spanish Promise, The Hidden Beach and The Secret Path and, for winter, The Christmas Secret, Together by Christmas and Midnight in the Snow. 
 

Book Review: The Last Summer by Karen Swan

 The Last Summer

by

Karen Swan

An island full of secrets. An irresistible love story....

Publisher: Macmillan Australia 

 

Publication date: 26th April 2022

 

Series: The Wild Isle #1

 

Genre: Historical Fiction

 

Pages: 496

 

RRP: $32.99AUD

 

Format read: Paperback 

 

Source: Courtesy of the publisher

 

My review of The Last Summer

 

I loved this book and I need the next one now!!

 

I never read the back cover blurb before I start a book, always preferring to go in blind. So I was thinking this was a dual time line, as some of Karen Swan's previous books, but I was delighted to find that The Last Summer is purely historical fiction and also the first in a new five book series.

 

Set on the remote island of Hirta in the St Kilda archipelago in the months leading up to the 1930 evacuation of the villagers to the mainland of Scotland. Swan uses real events to weave a fictitious tale of resilience.

 

Life is hard for the villagers on the island but it's the only life 18 year old Effie Gillies has known. Effie is wild and determined she has  had to work as hard as the men to help support her ailing father.

Lord Sholto has lead a privileged life but when he and his father visit the island they do not show airs and graces as Effie acts as tour guide to the visitors. Sholto falls for Effie the minute he sees her and Effie dreams there may be a life for her off the island.

 

I loved all the descriptions of the wild beauty of the island, Effie's skill at cragging (abseiling) on the sheer cliffs and how the villagers lived in harmony like one large family. The continuous effort of getting a meal on the table as well as work to pay taxes to the landlord was extremely interesting.

 

Karen Swan has delivered the perfect forbidden love story with the two protagonists separated by powerful class boundaries that seemed insurmountable.

I was totally immersed in this story from beginning to end and I flew through the pages eager for Effie to find acceptance as her wild, free self.

 

The Last Summer is a love story that defies distance, standing and a dangerously jealous man.

⚠ Be warned, the story ends on a cliffhanger that will have you eager for the next installment.

 

My rating 5 / 5  ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

 

 About the author

Karen Swan is the Sunday Times top three bestselling author of twenty-one books and her novels sell all over the world. She writes two books each year - one for the summer period and one for the Christmas season. Previous summer titles include The Spanish Promise, The Hidden Beach and The Secret Path and, for winter, The Christmas Secret, Together by Christmas and Midnight in the Snow.

Previously a fashion editor, she lives in Sussex with her husband, three children and two dogs.