Book review: Healing Hearts on Thistledown Lane by Holly Hepburn [blog tour]

I love Holly Hepburn's charming novels, from The Little Shop of Hidden Treasures to Return to Half-Moon Lane. She not only is a wonderful storyteller, but her books also always transport readers to the most magical places. And with Healing Hearts on Thistledown Lane she has done it again: taking us on a romantic journey through beautiful Edinburgh. 

Blog tour spotlight: Two's a Charm by Heather Spellman

There's nothing quite like a witchy read this time of year to ring in spooky season, so today I'm delighted to put the spotlight on Two's a Charm by Heather Spellman.

Book review: Bea's Book Wagon by Julie Haworth [blog tour]

I'm a Julie Haworth super fan. Ever since she first transported me to the fictional village of Blossom Heath in her debut novel, Always By Your Side, I knew I was going to devour every subsequent book by her hand. So when I got my excited fingers on a proof of her latest novel, Bea's Book Wagon, at the start of the year I simply did not have the willpower to wait to return to this wonderful Sussex village, and I read – and reviewed – the book 6 months before it actually came out. #sorrynotsorry 

Book review: Love's a Witch by Tricia O'Malley [blog tour]

Ever since reading the delightful Phoebe Winchester series by Gretchen Rue, I've adored the whole "small town romance with a witchy twist" genre (yes, I'm calling it a genre). So I was delighted when I got my eager hands on Love's a Witch, especially when I realised it was set in beautiful Scotland (hello hunky Scottish men!). And, let me tell you, I was not disappointed.

Book review: All Wrapped Up by Heidi Swain [blog tour]

The "-ber" months have started, which can mean only one thing... (okay, two): time for my umpteenth rewatch of Gilmore Girls and the start of cosy reading season! 🎃 🍂 And what better way to kick this off than with the latest Heidi Swain book?! One which had me "all wrapped up" in its autumnal cover and heart-warming story. It's the perfect comfy read to curl up with with a cup of hot chocolate on the side (with an obligatory sprinkling of pumpkin spice on top, of course). 

Book review: Book Boyfriend by Lucy Vine [blog tour]

While it may not *officially* be summer yet, it's certainly been feeling like it has been these past few weeks – and nothing quite beats a fun romcom this time of year. Whether reading on the beach, in a park, in the garden, or you just have as many doors and windows open to imagine being outside somewhere instead of reading on your sofa... romance fiction from Books and the City (part of Simon & Schuster in the UK) always hits just the right spot. And with Book Boyfriend by Lucy Vine, they have another winning holiday read on their hands!

Book review: Homegrown Magic by Jamie Pacton and Rebecca Podos

Cosy fantasy is the latest genre taking the bookish world by storm, and I'm absolutely loving it. It takes mundane every-day activities, such as baking and jam making, and sets them amidst fantastical worlds, showing that even the most volatile of places need home-made baked goods and a coffee shop where people (and creatures) can wind down. My love for the genre started with Travis Baldree's Legends and Lattes and intensified last year with the enchanting The Spellshop by Sarah Beth Durst. Homegrown Magic by Jamie Pacton and Rebecca Podos is another charming addition to the genre. 

Book review: Emily Wilde's Compendium of Lost Tales by Heather Fawcett

The Emily Wilde series are wildly (pun intended) popular adult fantasy books. They're cosy, they're fantastical, and they have some of the most stunning cover designs in the industry today. And the latest addition to the series is by far the best one yet.  

Book review: Out of the Woods by Hannah Bonam-Young [blog tour]

I absolutely adore the acoustic version of Out of the Woods by Taylor Swift. So when I saw the title of this book by Hannah Bonam-Young, and realised it's also about a romantic relationship that's on the rocks, my interest was instantly piqued...

Book review: The Christmas Express by Isla Gordon

I cannot believe I've been reading this author for 10 years almost to the day (even if her books were published under a different name at the time 👀), but I'm so happy that she's still writing festive rom coms as they've always been some of my absolute favourites! And her latest one takes place in Canada, the most magical place in the world. 🍁

Book review: Storybook Ending by Poppy Alexander [blog tour]

The Littlest Library by Poppy Alexander is one of my favourite contemporary women's fiction novels. I initially caught my interest because the little free library in the story follows similar principles to The Book Fairies, which I'm a part of, but the book became mostly memorable due to the quirky cast of characters that made up the community in the English village it was set in. Needless to say, I was very excited when I saw that Poppy Alexander had written another adorable sounding story set in the same idyllic location. 

Book review: Rewitched by Lucy Jane Wood

I'm a long-time follower of Lucy Jane Wood on YouTube; she's the ultimate cosy content creator who loves Gilmore Girls and autumn as much as me. I particularly rate her book videos so I was absolutely thrilled when she announced she had written her very own novel. And the description sounded just as cute and comforting as her videos, so I couldn't wait to get my hands on a copy! 

Book review: New Beginnings at the Cosy Cat Café by Julie Haworth [blog tour]

Last year I was fortunate to be on the blog tour for Julie Haworth's debut novel Always By Your Side. It introduced me to a delightful new voice in women's fiction, not to mention a brand-new (sadly fictional) setting that I fell head-over-heels in love with. Blossom Heath is the ultimate picturesque English village, filled with charming characters and cottages – and as soon as I turned the final page I was already desperate to return again. Thankfully, I didn't have to wait too long as the end of the book teased the next Blossom Heath adventure: New Beginnings at the Cosy Cat Café.

Book review: Spell Bound (Phoebe Winchester #2) by Gretchen Rue

At the end of last year I randomly picked up a copy of Something Wicked by Gretchen Rue and it was everything I wanted from a witchy romcom. The story was set in a very quaint town (think Gilmore Girls' Stars Hollow), it had fabulous characters (which included a fluffy feline wringing its way into the protagonist's life), and an intriguing murder mystery to boot. The book screamed adorable and I was absolutely hooked. Needless to say, I was thrilled when I learned it was part of a series and the second novel would be out in the UK just a few months after I read the first.  

Book review: Return to Half Moon Farm by Holly Hepburn [blog tour]

I fell in love with Holly Hepburn's charming writing after reading The Little Shop of Hidden Treasures last year – and Return to Half Moon Farm has really cemented her as one of my favourite contemporary women's fiction authors. I am thrilled that I've got a few more of Holly's novels to catch up with as her books are the perfect blend of picturesque settings, gentle plot with a dash of drama, and a heart-fluttering romance that makes even the iciest of hearts swoon with delight. 

Book review: Countdown to Christmas by Jo Thomas [blog tour]

Around Christmas I'm usually busy spending time with family, playing games, and cooking and baking – not so much reading. So I'm delighted to get my festive fix early on with the plethora of seasonal novels that have just been released. I'm one of those people who gets in the autumn mode in late August and a festive one just a few months later, so I never find it too early to crack open snow-covered books and Cadbury Roses. And Countdown to Christmas by Jo Thomas has been a very fitting addition to my Christmas reading list this year. 

Book review: That Festive Feeling by Heidi Swain [blog tour]

I'm a latecomer to the Heidi Swain fan club, but after reading both the fantastic The Book-Lovers' Retreat and the delightful Coming Home to Cuckoo Cottage this year, I was really excited for her new festive novel. I cannot resist a Christmas romance at the best of times and especially not from one of my newest favourite authors! 

Book review: It Always Snows on Mistletoe Square by Ali McNamara

I can't believe it's been 10 years since I devoured my first Ali McNamara book with Step Back in Time – and what a delightful journey it's been. From Letters From Lighthouse Cottage and From Nothing Hill With Four Weddings... Actually through to her novels set in the fictional Cornish town of St Felix, such as The Little Flower Shop By the Sea (still my absolute fav!) and Cornish Clouds and Silver Linking Skies. Her books have whisked me away all over the UK, with different characters all with their own unique stories to tell. But one thing has always been consistent in her books: a touch of magic. Combine that with the festive season for her first Christmas novel, and you've got something truly magical. 

Book review: Always By Your Side by Julie Haworth [blog tour]

I tend to read a lot of murder mysteries and historical fiction novels, but after a while I just need some cosy comfort in my life. And when I saw the cover for Julie Haworth's debut novel, Always By Your Side, it immediately hit the spot for me. Wholesome English countryside goodness? Yes, please. 

Book review: The First Bright Thing by J.R. Dawson [blog tour]

The Caraval series by Stephanie Garber is one of my all-time favourite reads; I love how it mixes the fantastical and theatrical with a gripping tale of good vs evil (with a nice dash of romance thrown in too). For that reason I thought I'd also adore the much hyped The Night Circus by Erin Morgensten, but that one wasn't for me at all. Thankfully this didn't turn me off reading circus-themed books completely, as I hate to have missed out on The First Bright Thing by J.R. Dawson. It is a more adult and complex story than Caraval, but it also has the same feeling of whimsy and endless possibilities that makes these books so absolutely magical.