Christmas Eve at Cranberry Cross


Book Description

From the bestselling author of Finding Love at Mermaid Terrace comes a totally heartwarming festive romance perfect for Christmas 2023! No one loves Christmas more than editorial assistant Eve Pilkins. But when her boss hits her with a huge deadline on Christmas Day, it looks like Eve's favourite time of the year might be cancelled. Armed with as much enthusiasm as she can muster, she travels to the coldest part of England, tasked with ensuring brooding author Edward Priest finishes his latest novel on time. The festive spirit at Cranberry Cross is as dark as the house itself; without a fairy light in sight, it looks like only a Christmas miracle can save this one. Will Eve be up to the task? Don't miss out on this lovely story of hope, forgiveness, and the true meaning of Christmas. From the bestselling author of Starting Over at Acorn Cottage. An absolutely charming and uplifting love story perfect for fans of Jo Thomas, Trisha Ashley and Jessica Redland. Readers love Christmas Eve at Cranberry Cross! 'Wow! This book totally surprised me and blew me away. I became so enthralled I couldn't stop reading... The twists and turns in this book really hooked me and the story slowly unfolding and shaping was lovely to read.' NetGalley Reviewer, 5 stars 'What a smashing story, very Christmassy and festive. Made me think of mince pies and cake. This story just carried me along quickly. A sweet read.' NetGalley Reviewer, 5 stars 'A lovely Christmas story with lovely characters. A mish-mash family and an editor living in the same home whilst working. Great read.' Goodreads Reviewer, 5 stars 'Beautiful book and it is so amazing, the story is so lovely and very enjoyable to read. I loved everything about this book.' Goodreads Reviewer, 5 stars 'Who doesn't love a Christmas story? Lots of family fun along with the expected problems. The one highlight was a horrible boss getting their comeuppance. Would thoroughly recommend a read.' NetGalley Reviewer, 5 stars 'Pure escapism in the form of this snowy tale... was gripped from the start and really enjoyed this book which was intertwined with romance and family connections.' NetGalley Reviewer, 5 stars 'I enjoyed this book from cover to cover, it isn't your usual Christmas romance it is so much more. Full of snowy scenes, a broken family and finally love. The perfect book to start off your Christmas reads.' NetGalley Reviewer, 5 stars 'A joy to read. Lovely characters. Great plot... Charming. Very well written. I'd definitely recommend this book. Idyllic... Set the tone of the book to perfection. Perfect seasonal book to get you in the mood for the festive season this year.' @houston3100, 5 stars 'I simply adored this book. It's warm, cosy, enveloping and packed full of beautiful romance. There's a million reasons to read it this festive season.' @beanie_bookworm, 5 stars 'Really lovely Christmas story... A heartwarming read... Great characters and a wonderful read.' NetGalley reviewer, 5 stars 'What a wonderful and endearing Christmas novel... Reminded me of the Christmas version of Beauty and the Beast. A grumpy overbearing man, a woman stuck in his castle, the possibility of true love? Go pick up a copy – you'll love it.' Goodreads Reviewer, 5 stars 'Loved this book... Envelops loss, struggle, grief, angst, friendship and romance. The Christmas setting only makes it more lovely... The characters are strong and well written. The story warms the heart.' NetGalley Reviewer, 5 stars 'I adore a Kate Forster... This one is literally no different. It is filled with warmth, love, humour, lots of heart and a tonne of Christmas joy and spirit. It's like a great big hug in book form. A must read for chick lit fans.' Goodreads Reviewer, 5 stars 'This would be the best movie... I did not want to put it down... I wanted to see how it ended... don't try to guess... just curl up in a comfy chair, enjoy a cup of steaming herbal tea, and be transported to Cranberry Cross.' NetGalley Reviewer, 5 stars 'A feel good Christmas book... It had many twists and turns along the way... but still managed to get to a wonderful ending... I would love to revisit Cranberry Cross... A fantastic read.' NetGalley Reviewer, 5 stars




Christmas Wishes at Pudding Hall


Book Description

Christa Playfoot is looking for a fresh start after her divorce. Having lost her Michelin-starred restaurant, she hadn't expected to be job hunting and single just before Christmas. When her best friend says she's recommended Christa for a gig as a private chef over the Christmas period, Christa can't think of a reason to say no. Christa has no idea what to expect but it's certainly not grumpy billionaire divorcee Marc Ferrier and his rambunctious twin sons, or the beautiful but cheerless country estate, Pudding Hall, that they inhabit. With her knack for pouring love into her cooking, Christa is determined to make this Christmas sparkle for the Ferrier family and maybe get her life back on track in the process ...




Starting Over at Acorn Cottage


Book Description

'Charming and totally absorbing... I could not put this down!' Holly Martin Buying a thatched cottage in the country may not be the usual cure for a broken heart. But after Clara Maxwell finds out her boyfriend and best friend have been sneaking around behind her back, packing her bags and leaving everything in London behind feels like it's the only way forward. Clara knew Acorn Cottage would be a fixer-upper... Yet in person, the cottage is less charmingly ramshackle and more a real health and safety concern. When Henry Garnett, her (rather handsome) new contractor, turns up with his little daughter Pansy and a van shaped like a cottage in tow, she isn't sure whether to laugh or cry. What on earth has she gotten herself into?! Still, there is something strangely lovable about the people in the little village of Merryknowe, from Rachel Brown, the quiet, lonely girl who bakes magical confections for the tearooms, to Tassie McIver, a little old lady with a lot of wisdom and a penchant for reading tea leaves. And Clara can't deny that Henry and Pansy are quickly worming their way into her heart... With all the heartbreak of the year behind her, could Acorn Cottage be the fresh start Clara so desperately wants? A heartwarming, uplifting village romance for fans of Holly Martin, Tilly Tennant and Cathy Bramley. Readers love Kate Forster! 'This beautifully descriptive and touching story about love and hope is fabulous sunshine reading.' Closer 'A lovely get-away-from-it-all read.' Red 'LOVED this book. From the cover you might assume it's a light read but this was so much more. Such meaningful characters surrounding a story of life, love, and starting over. Definitely a keeper!' NetGalley Reviewer, 5 stars 'This is a keeper and I wish I could give it 10 stars.' NetGalley Reviewer, 5 stars 'An uplifting, delightful story, this one is emotional, it'll have you laughing and crying, but the overall theme for me was hope, self forgiveness and love, you will be smiling at the end.' NetGalley Reviewer, 5 stars 'I didn't want the story to come to an end, because it was just so lovely. This is the perfect antidote to the world outside right now.' NetGalley Reviewer, 5 stars




The Perfect Christmas


Book Description

For Cassie Beaumont, it’s meeting her perfect match. Cassie, at thirty-three, wants a husband and kids, and so far nothing’s worked. Not blind dates, not the internet and certainly not leaving love to chance. What other options are there? Well…she could hire a professional matchmaker. Simon Dodson has quite a reputation, but he’s very choosy about the clients he takes on—and very expensive. Cassie considers him a difficult, acerbic know-it-all, and she’s astonished when he accepts her as a client. Claiming he has her perfect mate in mind, Simon assigns her three tasks to complete before she meets this paragon. Three tasks that are all about Christmas: being a charity bell-ringer, dressing up as Santa’s elf at a mall and preparing a traditional turkey dinner for her neighbors (most of whom she happens to dislike). Despite a number of comical mishaps, Cassie does it all—and then she’s finally ready to meet her match. But just like the perfect Christmas gift, he turns out to be a wonderful surprise!




Dishoom


Book Description

THE SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER 'A love letter to Bombay told through food and stories, including their legendary black daal' Yotam Ottolenghi At long last, Dishoom share the secrets to their much sought-after Bombay comfort food: the Bacon Naan Roll, Black Daal, Okra Fries, Jackfruit Biryani, Chicken Ruby and Lamb Raan, along with Masala Chai, coolers and cocktails. As you learn to cook the comforting Dishoom menu at home, you will also be taken on a day-long tour of south Bombay, peppered with much eating and drinking. You'll discover the simple joy of early chai and omelette at Kyani and Co., of dawdling in Horniman Circle on a lazy morning, of eating your fill on Mohammed Ali Road, of strolling on the sands at Chowpatty at sunset or taking the air at Nariman Point at night. This beautiful cookery book and its equally beautiful photography will transport you to Dishoom's most treasured corners of an eccentric and charming Bombay. Read it, and you will find yourself replete with recipes and stories to share with all who come to your table. 'This book is a total delight. The photography, the recipes and above all, the stories. I've never read a book that has made me look so longingly at my suitcase' Nigel Slater




The Shortest Day


Book Description

Describes how and why daylight grows shorter as winter approaches, the effect of shorter days on animals and people, and how the winter solstice has been celebrated throughout history. Includes activities.




Finding Love at Mermaid Terrace


Book Description

Love comes when you least expect it... Tressa Buckland likes her quiet life in Port Lowdy, with its cobbled streets and colourful terraced houses overlooking the sea. Her job at the local paper allows her to pursue her art in her free time, with no one but her tabby cat Ginger Pickles to mind her in Mermaid Terrace. But then the owner of the paper is called away on an emergency, and it's up to Tressa to run the paper for six months. Her first task: find a new part-time journalist. Dan Byrne is the angriest man in Ireland – or so the readers of his very successful column, 'Dan takes on the world', think. But after a story goes south and he loses his job in Dublin, Dan has no choice but to start afresh. When an opportunity comes up in sleepy Cornwall, Dan and his Golden Retriever Ritchie set off for a new adventure. For Tressa, Dan's arrival to Port Lowdy changes everything. Tressa tries not to look too deeply at her own life, but Dan sees a story to uncover in absolutely everyone – even her. The two of them couldn't be more different... yet, if they can find a way to work together, they may just breathe new life and joy into this sleepy seaside village. Finding Love at Mermaid Terrace is a heartwarming new village romance about the power of love and kindness, from the bestselling author of Starting Over at Acorn Cottage. Readers love Kate Forster! 'This beautifully descriptive and touching story about love and hope is fabulous sunshine reading.' Closer 'A lovely get-away-from-it-all read.' Red 'LOVED this book. From the cover you might assume it's a light read but this was so much more. Such meaningful characters surrounding a story of life, love, and starting over. Definitely a keeper!' NetGalley Reviewer, 5 stars 'This is a keeper and I wish I could give it 10 stars.' NetGalley Reviewer, 5 stars 'An uplifting, delightful story, this one is emotional, it'll have you laughing and crying, but the overall theme for me was hope, self forgiveness and love, you will be smiling at the end.' NetGalley Reviewer, 5 stars 'I didn't want the story to come to an end, because it was just so lovely. This is the perfect antidote to the world outside right now.' NetGalley Reviewer, 5 stars




Christmas Eve and Christmas Day: Ten Christmas stories


Book Description

This is a collection of ten original Christmas stories, some of which have been published before. The author has also added a little essay, written on the occasion of the first Christmas celebrated by the King of Italy in Rome. Titles featured include 'Daily Bread', 'Love is the Whole', and 'The Survivor's Story'.




Night Tree


Book Description

A family makes its annual pilgrimage to decorate an evergreen tree with food for the forest animals at Christmastime.




All That We Have Lost


Book Description

Papa always told us that to be brave doesn't mean you have no fear. It just means you can move forwards in spite of that fear. 2019. When Imogen Wren's husband dies, she must realise their dream of moving to France on her own. She finds a beautiful abandoned chateau and starts to rebuild her life among its ruins. But she soon notices that the locals won't come near. A dark web of secrets surrounds the house, and it all seems to centre on the war... 1944. Since the moment German troops stepped foot in her village, the sole aim of Simone Varon's life has been to avoid them. Until one soldier begins leaving medicine bottles for her sick brother, and she gets to know the man behind the uniform. Then the Resistance comes calling, and she must choose between love and duty – with devastating consequences that will echo through the decades. As Imogen restores the chateau, she's determined to uncover the truth – and set to rest the ghosts of the past. A beautiful and devastating dual timeline novel that spans from occupied France in World War Two, to the war-ravaged chateau in 2019. Perfect for fans of Gill Paul, Lucinda Riley and Lorna Cook. Readers love All That We Have Lost! 'Will truly sweep you away... I could really imagine the characters. A standout novel and Suzanne Fortin's best yet!' NetGalley Reviewer, 5 stars 'It will crush you then revive you... Absolute stunner of a book! I hope we will be blessed with many more books by this author' Goodreads Reviewer, 5 stars 'An excellent read! I really enjoyed the double time eras and the stories of both modern and WWII kept me enthralled. Such brilliant research and warm characters that brought the French countryside to life.' Anne Marie Brear, 5 stars 'Wonderful novel – historical fiction at its best. I really enjoyed the dual timeline the book drew me in kept me reading late into the night... Highly recommend.' NetGalley Reviewer, 5 stars 'Fabulous read from beginning to end... Amazing characters who worked so well together, it really was a story off love and loss in during WW2... I want to give nothing away only that I highly recommend?' Goodreads Reviewer, 5 stars 'Brilliant dual timeline historical fiction story... Hard to put down and five stars from me. I highly recommend.' Karen Reads Books, 5 stars 'A brilliant read... This book had it all, part romance, part mystery, throw in intrigue and a little history and you come up with this excellent book... Heartening and at times heartbreaking story.' Goodreads Reviewer, 5 stars