Book-Mad-Mum

  Cassie O'Hara, a New Yorker, has been haunted by the memory of being left at the altar, and especially finds the Christmas season particularly difficult. This year, after an impulsive conversation with her friend June, she decides to escape the Big Apple and spend the holidays in a quaint village in the UK. However, upon arriving at her rental cottage, she finds not the cozy, firelit haven that she imagined, but a dilapidated, dust-covered wreck—with no welcome basket of goodies in sight! Now faced with the dilemma of either enduring the festive season or heading back home, Cassie is torn. Enter two charming men: Charles, the dashing "lord of the manor," and Ryan, a lively Irishman who seems to have done more than kiss the Blarney Stone!   As someone with strong Irish roots, with parents from a small village in Cork, I absolutely loved this book. It has everything you want in a Christmas story: twinkling lights, snow, and just the right touch of romance. I was so im...

  Sarah Morgan has done it again with The Christmas Cottage ! This heartwarming and enchanting festive romance set in the picturesque, snow-covered English countryside is filled with everything I love about her writing…relatable characters, a fabulous setting (in the Cotswolds), and that perfect mix of romance and family dynamics that will tug at the heartstrings. Workaholic Imogen is very close to burn out – work is her everything and leaves no time for a home life, so she invents one – an imaginary boyfriend, Jack, and even a Golden Retriever dog called Midas. She’s never had the perfect family Christmas, but no one needs to know that. When she is told by her boss to take a month’s annual leave, client Dorothy offers her rental cottage as the perfect getaway. However, things take a twist and secrets unfold. Will Imogen ever get the perfect Christmas she has always longed for? Without giving too much away, the plot twist about halfway through threw me completely off-guard and ...

  In The Commuter , we follow Rachel, who has just woken from a coma after a car accident, only to be told that her wealthy husband has been murdered in their family home. As Rachel begins to recover, she experiences flashbacks, including memories of a mysterious fellow commuter—a man whose name she doesn’t even know. Strangely, since her husband’s death, this man has vanished, and now the police suspect that Rachel may be involved in the murder. As the investigation deepens, Rachel finds herself racing against time to uncover the truth before she is wrongfully imprisoned for a crime she knows she didn’t commit. The Commuter is a psychological thriller that explores suburban life, blending suspense, deception, and complex relationships. While the story maintains tension throughout, I found the plot became quite complicated toward the end, and I did feel lost at times. Some parts left me feeling a bit detached, but overall, it was an engaging read. Rating: 3.5/5

 I’ve read most of Jo Thomas’ books, and every time I think she’s written her best, she releases another one that tops the last! I don’t want to sound clichéd, but A Recipe for Christmas is definitely her best yet—and I absolutely adore all her books! The story follows Clara, who feels stuck while life moves on for her friends. So, when the opportunity for voluntary redundancy arises at work and her new boyfriend suggests moving to Switzerland with him, she jumps at the chance. Clara has always dreamed of the perfect Christmas—family, friends, festive cheer, and delicious food—so what could be more perfect than a Yuletide in the Swiss Alps? Looking to fill her time, Clara signs up for a chocolate-making course, only to discover she’s in over her head. As her relationship starts to fizzle, she begins to wonder if she’ll ever have the Christmas she’s dreamed of. Once again, Jo Thomas delivers wonderful storytelling, drawing readers into the heart of the setting. You can vividly pic...

  In The Little Irish Farm , Jess relocates from New Zealand to Ireland, pursuing her dream of becoming a newspaper columnist. Her fascination with children's fairy tales leads her to collect these enchanting books. When she discovers one with a poignant inscription, she feels inspired to write the story she has longed to find. Determined to uncover the identity of the little girl behind the inscription, Jess's quest takes her to a farmhouse in a quaint Irish village, where she unravels a heartbreaking twist. Grumpy farmer Owen reveals the tragic story of his little sister, leaving Jess to question whether this marks the beginning of their journey together or the end. This beautifully crafted narrative weaves together elements of joy and sorrow, offering a poignant exploration of life and loss. Highly enjoyable, The Little Irish Farm will resonate with anyone who cherishes the power of storytelling.

  Holding the Reins is Paisley Hope's debut novel, and what a debut it is! The story follows Ce-Ce, the main character, as she returns to her family's ranch after the end of a toxic relationship. Back home, she finds herself drawn to Nash Carter, a family friend and retired ice hockey star who now owns the town's ice rink. The chemistry between Ce-Ce and Nash is undeniable, but there’s a twist—Nash is her brother’s best friend, complicating their budding romance. The tension between following their hearts and respecting family boundaries adds depth to their relationship and keeps readers hooked. I absolutely loved this book. It has just the right amount of steaminess, balanced with heartfelt moments and a charming small-town setting. I hope we hear more from the townsfolk of Laurel Creek in future books! Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5)