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Murder in Bologna by T A Williams #Review #ArmstrongandOscarmysteryBook17 #PublicationDay

  Welcome to another instalment in TA Williams' Armstrong and Oscar mystery series, Murder in Bologna. Bologna, Italy's happiest city - or is it?   A grieving father asks Dan to uncover the truth behind the death of his gifted son, a student at Bologna's prestigious Art Institute. Accompanied by his loyal Labrador, Oscar, Dan heads north from Florence to investigate.   Still life or still death? The student's former girlfriend is consumed by grief and the Art Institute is mourning one of its brightest talents. But beneath the surface, Dan senses that someone is hiding the truth.   (Artistic) license to kill? Doing a favour for his friend, Commissario Virgilio Pisano of the Florence murder squad, Dan soon finds himself caught up in the shady world of drug dealing, organised crime and fraud on a grand scale.   A paintbrush with death When the killer strikes again, Dan faces one of his toughest cases yet. With Officer Oscar's nose for trouble, he m...

Holly Dates at the Christmas Cottage by Margaret Amatt #Review #GlenbriarSeriesBook20



We are returning to the beautiful Scottish Highlands for Margaret Amatt's twentieth in her Glenbriar  Series: Holly Dates at the Christmas Cottage. This latest novel is published today on 23rd October by Leannan Press.


 An unexpected bid for something special this Christmas

 

Perpetually single events manager Tiffany Barlow is used to being in control. So when she agrees to take part in the Holly Dates Auction at Thistle Lodge, it’s with a very specific goal in mind: to catch a respectable date for a high-profile event at a nearby castle. What she doesn’t expect is a last-minute twist… 

Reserved English teacher Isaac Emery is looking forward to a peaceful, cosy winter at his grandpa’s Christmas Cottage, pretending he’s perfectly content with his books for company. When he accidentally wins a Holly Date experience at a festive fundraiser, he finds himself committed to a date with Tiffany – someone way out of his league.

As the glittering winter ball at the castle approaches, Tiffany is torn between what she’s been brought up to desire and an unexpected attraction to Isaac.

With a little seasonal nudge from his grandpa, Isaac might risk stepping away from the safety of his solitary world, giving both himself and Tiffany a chance to unwrap true love this Christmas.


My Thoughts
This twentieth story in the Glenbriar series seemed a bit different to me as the central male character was quite unassuming and unsure of himself, content to stay in his grandfather's beautiful cottage when he was not teaching at the local High School. Tiffany, on the other hand, is a forthright character who is used to taking the lead and controlling a situation. As their friendship develops, you see her vulnerabilities and realise how much of that is for  show.  
    There is a lovely festive feel to the story with the quaint Christmas Cottage decked out. Family is an important part with a contrast between different people's attitudes and between the generations. There is a positivity in Isaac's grandfather which is very touching and such a contrast to the attitudes of his parents. This is a series which never seems to flag and offers a reassuring and warm read, perfect for the days before Christmas.
In short: opposites attract

About the Author

Margaret Amatt is a bestselling Scottish author, professional daydreamer, and certified chocolate addict. She’s been making up stories for as long as she can remember – some of them even made it onto paper (and, tragically, onto floppy disks that no computer can read anymore). After two decades of writing in secret, she finally unleashed her first novel on the world in 2021, kicking off a ten-book series set on the stunning Isle of Mull. 

But why stop there? She’s also the creator of The Glenbriar Series, where romance, small-town drama, and a pinch of spice keep readers coming back for more. This series is still going strong, with more books planned, including a spin-off series in 2027 – The Glenbriar Castle Series.

Margaret also has two books out in the Love on the Edge – Barra series, set in the Outer Hebrides.

Margaret has spent her whole life in Scotland’s breath-taking Highland Perthshire, despite her entire extended family coming from the Glasgow area. Her books are romantic and emotional, sweet and funny, and each one can be read as a standalone, but long-time readers know the joy of familiar faces popping up, adding to the chaos. 

So, if you love relatable characters, sizzling chemistry, and plenty of banter, you’re in the right place – just don’t blame Margaret when you stay up way too late reading just one more chapter

Amazon UK


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 Thanks to Margaret Amatt, Leannan Publishers and Rachel of Rachel's Random Resources for a copy of the book and a place on the tour.

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