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Death at the Village Christmas Fair by Debbie Young #Review #CotswoldCuriosityShopMysteriesBook3 #PublicationDay

  I am delighted to feature this cozy crime novel, Death at the Village Christmas Fair  by Debbie Young . It is published today by Boldwood Books on August 16th.   It’s been a busy year for Alice Carroll, with her Curiosity Shop opening for business, and not one but two murders shaking things up in her quaint Cotswold village. She’s looking forward to her first countryside Christmas, complete with traditional Christmas Fair and Santa Run. But her hopes for innocent festive fun are thwarted when one of the Santa Runners steals something from her mum's knitting stall. His festive outfit makes him hard to spot, until he's found fatally injured outside the village hall with the stolen item. Despite what the police say, Alice suspects there's more to his murder than meets the eye. She's determined to solve the mystery - including why, once more, a stranger thought something from her Curiosity Shop was worth killing for. With the help of her charming neighbour Rob...

Midsummer Dreams at Mill Grange by Jenny Kane #Review


Today I am happy to be featuring Jenny Kane's Midsummer Dreams at Mill Grange on the blog. It was published by Aria on 25th June. 

Thea Thomas needs to get away from her old life... and the interfering ex who won't leave her alone. When she lands a job heading up the restoration of Mill Grange, a stunning Victorian manor, it feels like the perfect opportunity to start afresh.

What Thea didn't anticipate was how hostile the volunteer team, led by the formidable Mable Hastings, would be about accepting new leadership. And with the deadline looming before the grand opening, Thea is in desperate need of more volunteers.

A broadcast appeal on the local news attracts the interest of arrogant but undeniably attractive celebrity historian Shaun Cowlson, who wants to make a TV programme about the restoration. It's hard enough adding one more big personality to the mix –but then her ex turns up as one of the volunteers! What seemed like a dream come true is fast becoming a total disaster! Can Thea find a way to save the manor?

My Thoughts

You are given two romances in this story and both slow burning threads are enjoyable to follow. The setting of a Manor House in Exmoor which is being renovated as a historical artefact, is the perfect background for the range of characters and I found the cast of volunteers to be a lively bunch. Mabel, of course, stands out and adds a touch of humour. You get to see the central characters' insecurities and fears. They are certainly well drawn.

    The writing style is relaxed and easy to get into. With a level of suspense built in as to the fate of Mill Grange and the mystery behind John's behaviour, there is plenty to interest the reader. I also liked the details around the archaeological element and could absolutely visualise the beautiful Manor House and its grounds. The villagers add warmth to the story. This is the first in a series and I can see that there is much potential for future visits.

In short: Fresh starts all round. 
 
About the Author


Jenny Kane is the bestselling author of several romantic fiction series. Her first novel, Another Cup of Coffee (Accent Press), was a Kindle bestseller. The final novel in this series, Another Glass of Champagne, was released in June 2016. Jenny Kane’s Cornish romance, A Cornish Escape, hit No.1 in the Amazon Romance, Contemporary Fiction, and Women’s Fiction charts, and was followed by a sequel, Abi’s Neighbour, Jenny’s seventh novel.

You can follow Jenny here: Twitter |  Facebook

Book links:  Amazon UK  |  Google Play   |  Kobo

Thanks to Jenny Kane, Aria  for a copy of the book and a place on the event.

Check out the rest of the tour.

 

 

Comments

  1. Huge thanks for hosting me today- and for your lovely review. Jenny xx (Posting from my Kay page as Google playing up this end!) xx

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