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The Twenty Dates by Ko Porteous #Review #EmptyNesters

It is good to return to The Empty Nesters series by Ko Porteous. The Twenty Dates was published by All Ways Publishing Ltd on October 8th. You can read my review of Book 1, The Freshman Parents   here The kids have left, assuming love endures. But can yours? Book #2 in The Empty Nesters Series   Claire’s marriage is in (total!) crisis. Her husband, Mark, is distracted, presumptuous, and utterly clueless - smart scales for their 19th wedding anniversary? Really? Perhaps she'd be better off alone. At least there'd be less laundry.   When Claire suggests separating, Mark panics. He asks for one last chance: twenty dates, one for each year of their marriage, to prove they're better off together than apart. What follows is a series of adventures Claire never saw coming - some mortifying, some exhilarating, and some that make her question everything she thought she knew. About Mark. About marriage. And about the woman she's quietly become while she wasn't payin...

Christmas at Carly's Cupcakes by Jessica Redland #Review #ChristmasOnCastleStreet

 

I always enjoy Jessica Redlands' novels which are set in Whitsborough Bay and here is a book which will be a great Christmas read. Christmas at Carly's Cupcakes is being reissued by Boldwood Books as a new, updated version.   

It's the most wonderful time of the year... 

It's December on Castle Street; the fairy lights are twinkling, snow has settled and the festive season is in full swing. 

For Carly, the owner of Carly's Cupcakes, it's the busiest time of year getting everyone's Christmas treats ready on time. However with her clumsy sister, Bethany, as a co-worker, it's proving a difficult task. They say you shouldn't mix work with family. Maybe they have a point...

As Christmas approaches, Carly is also eagerly awaiting the return of her best friend to Whitborough Bay. Liam has no idea he's been the object of her affection since their schooldays. After years of pining after him, can Carly pluck up the courage to finally tell him how she really feels by 25th December?

Could a little festive magic make all of Carly's wishes come true this Christmas...?

A heartwarming, short festive story of friendship and family from bestseller Jessica Redland. You can find out what happens to Carly next through exploring her best friend Tara's story in Starry Skies Over The Chocolate Pot Café. 

This is a new and updated version of Christmas at Carly's Cupcakes which has been previously published.

My Thoughts

How nice it is to be back in Whitsborough Bay and to be meeting some familiar friends from Castle Street. I found Carly to be a thoroughly likeable character wand her best friend, Liam, did not disappoint. Family is a major part of the story and Carly's relationship with her sister, Bethany is a major part of the story. You really feel for Carly as she tries to accommodate her sister and to keep her business afloat at the same time.

    There are some darker themes under the surface, such as PTSD, bullying and the effect of violent episodes. Nevertheless, this is an uplifting read for the festive season and there is a lovely nostalgic air to it. You certainly feel that there is a great community spirit on Castle Street and it is a heart-warming story as Carly discovers that she has more friends than she realised. For a festive read, this is like a warm, comforting hug.

In short: A great festive read. 

About the Author

 

Jessica Redland is the author of nine novels, including The Secret to Happiness, which are all set around the fictional location of Whitsborough Bay. Inspired by her hometown of Scarborough she writes uplifting women’s fiction which has garnered many devoted fans.

You can follow Jessica here: Twitter   |  Facebook   |   Website 
   |  Instagram  |  Blog   |  Bookbub   |  Mail list sign up
 
Book links: Amazon UK 
 
Thanks to Jessica Redland, Boldwood Books and Rachel of  Rachel's Random Resources for a copy of the book and a place on the tour. 
  
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Comments

  1. Thank you so much for taking another trip to Whitsborough Bay for the Christmas on Castle Street blog tour. Really glad you enjoyed it xx

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