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The Cotswold Christmas Bookshop by Jill Steeples #Review

I am delighted to feature another novel by Jill Steeples set in the Cotswolds. The Cotswold Christmas Bookshop, a   festive story , was published on August 31st by Boldwood Books. Isla Stewart has a glittering publishing career in London, but when she’s unexpectedly made redundant, she faces an uncertain future. Licking her wounds, Isla heads home to the Cotswolds. Keeping her devastating redundancy a secret from her proud parents, she seeks refuge at Finch’s, the enchanting bookshop she worked in as a teenager. With the owners struggling with their health, Isla steps in to manage the shop hoping to convince them that the business has a future. Isla likes nothing more than chatting to people about books, but her safe haven is soon disturbed when she comes face-to-face with her first love, Charlie Brace, made worse by the arrival of Guy Madley, the incredibly handsome property consultant who has advice for owners Jon and Miriam. As Christmas approaches, Isla has decisions...
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Queen Bee by Jane Fallon #Review

I am delighted to be part of the Blog Tour to celebrate the Sunday Times Bestselling author, Jane Fallon's Queen Bee, which was published by Michael Joseph on July 9th.


Welcome to The Close - a beautiful street of mansions, where gorgeous Stella is the indisputable Queen Bee . . .
Moving into The Close, all Laura wants is peace and privacy.

But resident Queen Bee Stella is suspicious, fearing Laura has designs for her fiancé, Al.

So when Laura stumbles on Al's big secret, Stella's perfectly controlled world falls apart. As the two women take a chance on beating Al at his own twisted game, these former strangers are fast becoming best friends.

But has Laura forgotten that revenge always comes with a sting in the tail?

My Thoughts

This is such an enjoyable read. You get to see Laura's new life as she lives in the annexe above the garage, surrounded bu the uber rich and the social climbers. The humour is razor sharp with some wry observations on how some choose to live and allow themselves to be dictated to, so as not to lose face. Of course, there is more to the Close than meets the eye. Not everyone is living the dream, even though they are desperately trying to live up to their Instagram images. 

    I also liked the way we got to see the others who work in the Close and actually do most of the childminding, cleaning and, it seems, thinking for their employers. Laura always keeps her feet on the ground and can't stand by and see people misled. We learn, alongside her, why her marriage has come to an end and you really sympathise with her.  She is determined to build a new home for herself and her daughter, but at times, you feel her pain.With a range of characters, all of whom, I could visualise and a plot which keeps you wondering, this is one to recommend.

In short: A witty look at human nature in 21st century London.

About the Author

Jane Fallon is the multi-award-winning television producer behind shows such as This Life, Teachers and 20 Things to Do before You're 30. Her debut novel "Getting Rid of Matthew' was published in 2007 and became a Sunday Times Top Ten Bestseller as have her subsequent books 'Got You Back', 'Foursome', 'The Ugly Sister', 'Skeletons', 'Strictly Between Us','My Sweet Revenge', 'Faking Friends' and 'Tell Me a Secret'.
Her 10th novel Queen Bee is available no.

Join Jane on Twitter - @janefallon or Instagram - @janefallon2

Book link: Amazon UK 

Thanks to the author and Gaby Young, Michael Joseph for a copy of the book and a place on the tour.

 
 
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