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The Battle of the Bookshops by Poppy Alexander #Review

  The Battle of the Bookshops by Poppy Alexander was published by Avon Books on September 25th.  A charming literary-themed novel about a young woman determined to save her great-aunt’s beloved bookshop from extinction by the shiny new competition—which also happens to be run by the handsome son of her family’s rivals. The cute, seaside town of Portneath has been the home of Capelthorne’s Books for nearly a hundred years… The shop, in the heart of a high street that stretches crookedly down the hill from the castle to the sea, may be a tad run-down these days, but to Jules Capelthorne, the wonky, dusty world of literary treasures is full of precious childhood memories. When her great-aunt Florence gets too frail to run it alone, Jules ditches her junior publishing job in London and comes home to make the bookshop’s hundredth birthday a celebration to remember. Jules quickly discovers things are worse than she ever imagined: The bookshop is close to bankruptcy, ...

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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