I am delighted to be taking part inthe celebrations for another Emily Harvale novel, Christmas at Aunt Elsie's. This is the second in her Seahorse Harbour series. You can read my review of the first in the series here: Summer at my Sister's
A distant relative. A blizzard. A Christmas of surprises.
Lottie
Short isn’t looking forward to Christmas. Her boyfriend has dumped her and
she’s also lost her job. Lottie and her beloved spaniel, Merry, are facing the
festive season –and a bleak future, alone.
But a Christmas card and round-robin
letter give Lottie hope. And as the first snowflakes fall, she’s on her way to
the tiny seaside village of Seahorse Harbour to visit her distant aunt. She’ll
stay in a cosy B&B and get some bracing, sea air. That might lift her
spirits.
What she doesn’t plan for is a blizzard, her aunt taking a fall, or
the dramas unfolding all around her. But at least there’s a warm welcome at
Aunt Elsie’s cottage ... and a roaring log fire in the village pub.
That’s not
all that might bring a rosy glow to Lottie’s cheeks. Asher Bryant, the local
vet is pretty hot, and Lottie also hits it off with another visitor to Seahorse
Harbour. This festive season might be better than she hoped.
And when Lottie
gets more than one surprise this Christmas, perhaps she and Merry won’t be
spending the New Year on their own.
This is book 2 in my new series of
standalone novels set in the tiny, seaside village of Seahorse Harbour.
My Thoughts
This second standalone novel in the Seahorse Harbour series does not disappoint. I do think that it is worth reading the first in the series, as it would fill in a lot of the background to the family but you can definitely read this on its own. It is a warm and inclusive story which features a lively cast of characters and also lots of homely festive touches.
Family is very important in this story. The different characters all seem such positive types and there is a strong flavour of Destiny hanging around. I loved Lottie's gorgeous pet, Molly, who seems to have some perceptive reactions to people. There are also some humorous part of the story, especially concerning the landlady of the local B&B who certainly never gossips (she says). There is a vulnerability about Lottie who has had a rough time and made a few wrong decisions. The lovely setting of Seahorse Harbour seems to welcome her with open arms, however. This is a lovely festive read. Emily Harvale always plots her stories so well and this one fairly fizzes along.
In short: Secrets from the past and starting over.
About the Author
Emily writes novels, novellas and short stories about
friendship, family and falling in love. She loves a happy ending but knows that
life doesn't always go to plan. Her stories are sure to bring a smile to your
face and a warmth to your heart.
Emily loves to connect with her readers and
has a readers' group in which many have become good friends. To catch up with
Emily, find out about the group, or connect with her on social media, go to her
website at www.emilyharvale.com.
Having lived and worked in London for several
years, Emily returned to her home town of Hastings where she now writes
full-time. She’s a member of the SoA, an Amazon bestseller and a Kindle All
Star. When not writing, she can be found enjoying the stunning East Sussex
coast and countryside, or in a wine bar with friends, discussing life, love and
the latest TV shows. Chocolate cake is often eaten. She dislikes housework
almost as much as she dislikes anchovies -and will do anything to avoid both.
Emily has two mischievous rescue cats that like to sprawl across her keyboard,
regardless of whether Emily is typing on it, or not.
You can follow Emily here:
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