Review: 'Miracle on 5th Avenue' by Sarah Morgan (2016)

Hopeless romantic Eva Jordan loves everything about Christmas. She might be spending the holidays alone this year, but when she’s given an opportunity to housesit a spectacular penthouse on Fifth Avenue, she leaps at the chance. What better place to celebrate than in snow-kissed Manhattan? What she didn’t expect was to find the penthouse still occupied by its gorgeous–and mysterious–owner.
Bestselling crime writer Lucas Blade is having the nightmare before Christmas. With a deadline and the anniversary of his wife’s death looming, he’s isolated himself in his penthouse with only his grief for company. He wants no interruptions, no decorations and he certainly doesn’t appreciate being distracted by his beautiful, bubbly new housekeeper. But when the blizzard of the century leaves Eva snowbound in his apartment, Lucas starts to open up to the magic she brings…This Christmas, is Lucas finally ready to trust that happily-ever-afters do exist?
I usually prefer to only read Christmas-themed novels at the end of the year, but when I received this particular review copy several days after Christmas I knew I would not be able to just leave it until October! 'Miracle on Fifth Avenue' is the third part of author Sarah Morgan's fantastic romance series 'From Manhattan with Love'. I loved the first two parts of the series: 'Sleepless in Manhattan' (click here to read my review) and 'Sunset in Central Park' (click here to read my review), and have been waiting to finally check out Eva's story. So, this novel gave me the opportunity to step back into Christmas (and not just any kind of Christmas, Christmas in New York City) for a few days, and I have to admit; I was pretty excited...!
Eva Jordan is keen to spread Christmas joy wherever she goes, and Urban Genie, the events company she and her two best friends set up together, gives her the chance to do just that. With the prospect of spending the holidays alone, and the memories of her beloved grandmother who passed away over a year ago still making things a bit difficult, Eva says 'yes' straight away when she is asked to decorate and housesit an amazing apartment in the heart of New York. However, the owner of the apartment, crime author Lucas Blade planned to spend the holiday season without any interruptions, especially since he has a strict deadline. When Eva ends up stuck in the apartment because of a snow storm outside, the two are forced to spend some time together. Will Eva be able to convince Lucas Christmas isn't all bad and that there is also some good in the world, or is this a mission destined to fail?
I'm really sad that Sarah Morgan's 'From Manhattan with Love' series is coming to an end with this third and last instalment, but luckily she decided to go out with a bang because 'Miracle on Fifth Avenue' is another amazing read I couldn't get enough of! After reading more about Paige and Frankie in the first two books, it is now time to step into Eva's life and I have to say I was really looking forward to that. Eva is a hopeless romantic who always tries her best to stay positive, and I loved her character in the previous novels and was curious to learn more about her. She's also struggling with a few things, and I was really happy with this chance to read more about Eva and the possibility of love that comes her way. Lucas is a fascinating male main character, and I really enjoyed how we slowly got to know more about him and his background, and his reasons for doing and feeling certain things. 
While this is the third part of a series (and a series I can highly recommend), you can read this as a stand-alone novel without too much difficulty, I think. Sarah Morgan's writing is a true pleasure to read, as always; easy to get lost in, well-paced, and with a great dose of romance. As a reader that is familiar with the series and the other characters, I personally would have loved it if Frankie, Paige, Jake and some other secondary characters would have made more appearances in this last instalment, but I also understand the focus on Eva, because this is her story, of course. Yet, this is just a tiny little thing, and one that definitely doesn't make the novel any less good. All in all, 'Miracle on Fifth Avenue' is an amazing and sparklingly festive and romantic read by author Sarah Morgan; a great novel and a worthy ending to this fabulous series!

Rating:9,5/10

  For more information about this book: Amazon.co.uk / Amazon.com / Goodreads
Thanks to the publisher for providing me with a review copy in exchange for an honest review.

Upcoming Release: 'Snowed in for Christmas' by Claire Sandy!

Everybody wants it to snow at Christmas... Don't they?

Asta's plane touches down in Ireland as the first flakes of snow begin to settle. 

The weather turns what should be a flying visit into a snowed-in Yuletide with her chaotic, eccentric family. Asta fled her village years ago, with a secret hidden deep within her. That secret is now a feisty sixteen year old, Kitty, who's keen to meet her long-lost relatives. 

There are many family mysteries among the presents under the lopsided Christmas tree. Missing the man she left behind in London, drawn to the man she meets in the snow, might there also be a cure for Asta's long-broken heart?

Another exciting festive release that is coming up on the 19th of November is Claire Sandy's 'Snowed in for Christmas'! I already love the sound of this cozy and comfy Christmas-themed novel (and it's simply lovely cover!) and am sure it will be the perfect read to get me ready for the Christmas season of 2015! I can't wait to get my hands on a copy and if you're looking for a lovely Christmas read yourself, I'm pretty sure this one will not disappoint!

Amazon.co.uk / Amazon.com / Goodreads

November 2015 releases!

I think we can definitely say the festive book season is once again upon us with lots of new exciting Christmas books being released every single week! It's almost November already which means there are only two months left of 2015; can you believe it?! Luckily, November will be a month filled with some pretty exciting new book releases, and especially if you're a fan of Christmas novels, like me, you won't be able to keep the smile off your face as soon as you see the list of November 2015 book releases below; trust me!
Which releases are you excited about? I'd love to hear from you! If you'd like me to include your book release in this list, feel free to contact me via e-mail or Twitter! :)

 

Abby Clements - 'The Winter Wedding' (5 November)

Hazel never set out to be a wedding planner. She was just helping her stressed sister Lila with cakes and décor for her big day. But when Lila and Ollie's summer ceremony is a runaway success, with guests raving about the food and styling at the pretty venue, word about Hazel's expertise soon spreads. 

But Hazel's clients expect the very best - she's promised lawyers Gemma and Eliot a snow-covered castle in the Scottish Highlands, and laidback couple Josh and Sarah a bohemian beach wedding in a Caribbean paradise. But as weather, in-laws and wilful brides conspire against her, can Hazel get two very different couples to walk up two very different aisles to say 'I do'? And will she find her own happy ending if she does?

Why so excited? --> I love Abby Clements. She's a wonderful author and her novels always make me feel good. I can't wait to read 'The Winter Wedding', especially since I love books about weddings/wedding planners. So excited! 

Amazon.co.uk / Amazon.com / Goodreads

 

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Fanny Blake - 'House of Dreams' (5 November)

In the hilltop villa with its spectacular views across rolling countryside to the straits of Gibraltar, Lucy anxiously awaits the arrival of her brother and sister.

They’re spending the weekend together to say farewell to Casa de Sueños, the house in the mountains of southern Spain where they grew up.

Her sister, Jo, landing at the airport with her fractious four year old, dreads the prospect of this time with her family which will fulfil their mother’s last instructions that they celebrate her birthday together. Only this time their mother won’t be there.

Tom, their brother, remembers the chaos of his bohemian upbringing and wants nothing more than for their stay to go off without a hitch. Then a beautiful face from his past appears at the villa...

Why so excited? --> If anyone is looking for a bit of sunshine now the weather is getting colder and the days are shorter, Fanny Blake's new novel 'House of Dreams' will be the perfect read to pick up this November! 

Amazon.co.uk / Amazon.com / Goodreads

 

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Cecelia Ahern - 'The Marble Collector' (5 November)

A forgotten childhood. A discovered life.

What if you only had one day to find out who you really were?

When Sabrina Boggs stumbles upon a mysterious collection of her father’s possessions, she discovers a truth where she never knew there was a lie. The familiar man she grew up with is suddenly a stranger to her.

An unexpected break in her monotonous daily routine leaves her just one day to unlock the secrets of the man she thought she knew. A day that unearths memories, stories and people she never knew existed. A day that changes her and those around her forever.

Why so excited? --> Cecelia Ahern has been one of my favourite authors since I received 'P.S. I Love You' as a gift and loved it from start to finish. I love the touch of magic her novels always seem to have and I already can't wait to check out 'The Marble Collector'! 

Amazon.co.uk / Amazon.com / Goodreads

 

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Rosie Blake - 'How to Stuff Up Christmas' (5 November)

'Tis the season to be jolly. Unless you've found an intimate picture of another woman on your fiance's phone... 

Eve is heartbroken after discovering her fiance is cheating on her. Being surrounded by the joys of Christmas is more than Eve can bear, so she chooses to avoid the festivities by spending Christmas alone on a houseboat in Pangbourne. Eve gets gets an unexpected seasonal surprise when handsome local vet Greg comes to her rescue one day, and continues to visit Eve's boat on a mission to transform her from Kitchen Disaster Zone to Culinary Queen. 

But where does Greg keep disappearing to? What does Eve's best friend Daisy know that she isn't telling? And why is there an angry goose stalking Eve's boat? 

Why so excited? --> I just know this will be one of the funniest Christmas novels of 2015; no doubt about it! I love Rosie Blake's fun writing style and I can honestly say I'm really excited to see she will be releasing a festive novel this year. Definitely have high hopes for this one! 

Amazon.co.uk / Amazon.com / Goodreads

 

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Cressida McLaughlin - 'A Christmas Tail' (5 November)

Catherine ‘Cat’ Palmer realizes that bringing an adorable puppy into work is a bad idea, especially when it gets her the sack. Deciding it’s the perfect opportunity to launch her dog-walking business, Cat enlists the help of flatmates Polly and Joe. After all Primrose Terrace, the street where they live, is full of home-alone hounds.

Getting to know the owners and their precious pooches isn’t all plain sailing, but soon Cat is making friends, particularly with sexy Mark and his Collie, Chips. But is he the right man for her?

With her talent for misadventure, Cat’s new life starts to show some cracks, and when one of the street’s loveable schnauzers gets ill, it looks like this Christmas could be turning into a dog’s dinner. But Cat has never given up on anything in her life – and this is one Christmas that’s definitely worth saving…

Why so excited? --> 'A Christmas Tail' was earlier this year released as a four-part e-book serial set in Primrose Terrace. I've had the pleasure of reading the first part of the series and I really enjoyed it. I really hope I will be able to pick up the entire book this Christmas, because I know I'll end up loving it! 

Amazon.co.uk / Amazon.com / Goodreads

 

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Debbie Johnson - 'Never Kiss a Man in a Christmas Jumper' (5 November)

For single mum Maggie, Christmas has always been a family occasion – her daughter Ellen filling the house with her bubbly warmth and mistletoe, her dad Paddy having one too many festive tipples, and the traditional family Christmas tree looking like a drunken elf vomited a rainbow all over it.

But this year, with both Ellen and Paddy away for the holidays, Maggie’s facing a truly blue Christmas – alone with nothing but a bottle of Baileys and an M&S turkey dinner.

Until walking the snowy streets of Oxford, Marco Cavelli quite literally crashes into her life – and, complete with broken leg, becomes her unexpected houseguest. All dreamy brown eyes and 6’5” of gorgeousness, the man is hotter and more delicious than a freshly baked mince pie.

Though Maggie always thought it’s a truth universally acknowledged that you never kiss a man in a Christmas jumper?

Why so excited? --> I just loved Debbie Johnson's previous release 'Pippa's Cornish Dreams' and can't wait to read 'Never Kiss a Man in a Christmas Jumper' (that's one brilliant title, I love it, haha!). I think this will be some lovely Christmas reading and look forward to picking it up next month! 

Amazon.co.uk / Amazon.com / Goodreads

 

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Karen Swan - 'Christmas on Primrose Hill' (5 November)

On Primrose Hill...

Twinkling lights brighten London's Primrose Hill as Christmas nears - but for Nettie Watson, it's not parties and presents that she wants.

Promises are made.

For Nettie, Christmas only serves as a stark reminder of the life she used to have... One day she made a promise to never leave home, and so far she's stayed true to her word.

Promises are broken.

Under the glaring spotlight of the world's media, Nettie is unexpectedly caught up in a 21st century storm... Her exploits have made her a global name and attracted the attention of one of the world's most eligible men - famous front man, Jamie Westlake. But now she has his attention, does she want to keep it?

Why so excited? --> Karen Swan is one of the authors who releases a stunning Christmas novel each year. Just looking at the book cover is already getting me excited about this and I can't wait to read it! 

Amazon.co.uk / Amazon.com / Goodreads

 

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Lindsey Kelk - 'A Girl's Best Friend' (5 November)

First Tess was a girl with a plan.

Then she was a girl with a dream.

Now she’s a girl who’s come back to earth with a bump.

When the opportunity arises to join her best friend, Amy, in New York for Christmas, Tess jumps at the chance. The only fly in ointment is that Nick, the man who broke her heart, lives there. And Charlie, the man she turned down, has just started talking to her again. And she has just four days to take a photo for a competition that could save her career.

But aside from that, everything is going to be great: it’ll be the best Christmas ever. Won’t it?

Why so excited? --> Lindsey Kelk's name on a book cover is already enough to get me excited, so 'A Girl's Best Friend' is definitely one of the November 2015 releases I am most looking forward to reading. I have to be honest and say I'm not a big fan of the book cover, but that's definitely not going to stop me from picking it up as soon as I can! 

Amazon.co.uk / Amazon.com / Goodreads

 

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Jennifer Joyce - 'The Mince Pie Mix-Up' (6 November)

’Tis the season to be jolly but for Calvin and Judy the usual festive bickering has already begun! Judy’s convinced that her husband has it easy – no glittery wrapping paper, no playground gossip and absolutely no Christmas baking.

Calvin wishes he could trade in his obnoxious boss and dull nine-to-five job to spend more time kicking back with his kids – how hard can Judy’s life really be?

But after a magical mince pie mix-up, one thing’s for certain – by Christmas Day, life for Judy and Calvin will never be the same again. Perhaps the grass isn’t always greener after all…

Why so excited? --> I love the good old plot of characters switching lives/bodies and I have a good feeling 'The Mince Pie Mix-Up' will be a thoroughly entertaining festive book to pick up next month. Looking forward to giving this a chance!

Amazon.co.uk / Amazon.com / Goodreads

 

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Jenny Stallard - 'Boyfriend by Christmas' (19 November)

It's bad enough to be perpetually single, without also being the dating journalist for a major lifestyle website. And Genie Havisham has just been set her toughest deadline yet: find a boyfriend by Christmas or find a new job.

Determined not to end the year alone and jobless, Genie sets out to find where all the eligible bachelors in London have been hiding, using whatever means possible.

But among the terrible dates, one night stands and the unexpected return of her 'supposedly reformed' ex-boyfriend, could Genie have overlooked what's been right under her nose all along?

Why so excited? --> I'm not familiar with author Jenny Stallard, but already like the sound of her upcoming release 'Boyfriend by Christmas.' Oh, and I love the Christmas cracker cover!

Amazon.co.uk / Amazon.com / Goodreads

 

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Chrissie Manby - 'A Wedding at Christmas' (19 November)

What comes to mind when you picture a wedding at Christmas? A gorgeous white dress accessorised with a thick velvet cape... bridesmaids in red velvet too? An arch of Christmas greenery: holly and ivy and boughs of fir. Candles and fairy lights. Snow!

Chelsea Benson has just twelve weeks to organise her perfect winter wedding. Her family and friends pitch in to help, but sisterly squabbling, issues with money and an Ice-Queen mother-in-law soon threaten Chelsea's plans for her big day. And that's without the firework fiasco...

Rescuing Chelsea's dream of a proper family wedding might just take all the magic of Christmas...

Why so excited? --> All these fabulous Christmas novels are making me so excited about the upcoming month! Chrissie Manby is treating us to a lovely tale, combining the festive holidays with a winter wedding... Already love it!

Amazon.co.uk / Amazon.com / Goodreads

 

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Claire Sandy - 'Snowed in for Christmas' (19 November)

Everybody wants it to snow at Christmas... Don't they?

Asta's plane touches down in Ireland as the first flakes of snow begin to settle. 

The weather turns what should be a flying visit into a snowed-in Yuletide with her chaotic, eccentric family. Asta fled her village years ago, with a secret hidden deep within her. That secret is now a feisty sixteen year old, Kitty, who's keen to meet her long-lost relatives. 

There are many family mysteries among the presents under the lopsided Christmas tree. Missing the man she left behind in London, drawn to the man she meets in the snow, might there also be a cure for Asta's long-broken heart?

Why so excited? --> Last, but certainly not least is Claire Sandy's 'Snowed in for Christmas'! I already love the sound of this cozy and comfy Christmas-themed novel (and it's simply lovely cover!) and am sure it will be the perfect read to get me ready for the Christmas season of 2015!

Amazon.co.uk / Amazon.com / Goodreads

 

Upcoming Release: 'Snowflakes on Silver Cove' by Holly Martin!

Libby Joseph is famous for her romantic Christmas stories. Every December, readers devour her books of falling in love against the magical backdrop of the Christmas season. If only Libby believed in the magic herself… 

Struggling to finish her current novel, Libby turns to her best friend and neighbour George Donaldson to cheer her up. But George also needs a bit of support himself. Nervous about getting back into the dating saddle after splitting from his wife, he and Libby strike a deal. She will teach George how to win over the ladies, and Libby will in turn be inspired to inject her novel with a good dose of romance. 

As Libby and George explore the beautiful White Cliff Bay on a series of romantic Christmas-themed dates, Libby finds herself having more fun than she’s had in ages and…discovers feelings that she never knew she had for George. 

But is it too late? Will George win someone else’s heart or can Libby act like the heroine in one of her stories and reach for her own love under the mistletoe this Christmas? 

Oh, I just love love love everything about this novel already! Holly Martin is a great author and I'm really looking forward to reading 'Snowflakes on Silver Cove', which will be released on October 30th. The title of the book is just wonderful and festive, the cover is so cute, the description promises a great story... Definitely one that's at the top of my holiday reading for 2015!

Amazon.co.uk / Amazon.com / Goodreads

Exciting Release: 'The Chocolate Lovers' Christmas' by Carole Matthews

Christmas is just around the corner but the women of The Chocolate Lovers' Club have more to worry about than present shopping...

Lucy loves running Chocolate Heaven but she hasn't spent time with her boyfriend, Aiden, in weeks. And then her ex-fiance turns up and things become even more complicated. Nadia hasn't let herself get close to a man in a long time, yet she can't help feeling drawn to Jacob. Will he be her last chance for a happy ending? Chantal and her husband, Ted, are besotted with their baby daughter Lana - but she's not sure that's enough to base a marriage on. Autumn is dealing with a tragedy that has hit too close to home. But when she doesn't get the support she needs from her fiance, will she look elsewhere for comfort? 

Can friendship overcome all in... The Chocolate Lovers' Christmas.

This year October 22nd was one of those almost magical dates when a whole bunch of fabulous new books were released! I'm incredibly excited this day also included a new novel by Carole Matthews, one of the queens of chick lit, in my opinion. Christmas book season wouldn't be the same without a Carole Matthews Christmas story and this year she is treating us to another story starring the great characters of the Chocolate Lovers' Club. Carole's novels always leave me with a big smile on my face, and especially her Christmas reads are so incredibly lovely and festive... I can't wait to pick it up!

Amazon.co.uk / Amazon.com / Goodreads

Exciting release: 'Bella's Christmas Bake Off' by Sue Watson!

Bella Bradley is the queen of television baking – a national treasure. Her Christmas specials have been topping the ratings for years and her marriage to Peter ‘Silver Fox’ Bradley is the stuff of Hello magazine specials. 

But this year things are going to be different. 

For Amy Lane, Bella’s best friend from school, life hasn’t held quite the same sparkle. And when Amy’s husband walks out three weeks from Christmas, it seems their lives are further apart than ever. 

Amy has watched Bella’s rise to fame fondly, despite the fact Bella was always a terrible cook. But when she realises that Bella’s latest Christmas book is made up entirely of Amy’s mother’s recipes, the gloves are off… 

After winning a competition to appear on Bella’s TV show, Amy is going to make sure that for Bella and her viewers, this will definitely be a Christmas to remember… 

Happy publication day to the lovely and wonderful Sue Watson! Her new festive novel 'Bella's Christmas Bake Off' is released today and it's a read I am really excited about. I've really enjoyed all of Sue's novels so far and I'm so happy she decided to release a fabulous Christmas-themed book this year. I already love the cover and the description of 'Bella's Christmas Bake Off' and I just know this will end up becoming one of my favourite 2015 Christmas reads. Baking and lots of Christmas cheer? Count me in! 

Amazon.co.uk / Amazon.com / Goodreads

Review: 'Snow Angels, Secrets & Christmas Cake' by Sue Watson (2014)

For Tamsin Angel, Christmas is always the biggest and best… chic parties and a little showbiz sparkle are a must. This year though, things aren’t going quite as planned… 
With bailiffs suddenly at the door and her husband nowhere to be found, it looks like Christmas just got downsized. Moving into her sister’s one-bedroom flat, she wonders whether things will ever be the same again. 
After losing her husband on Christmas Eve, Sam Angel has rebuilt her life around her son Jacob and her new business – The White Angel Bakery. She’s also found herself a very handsome, loving boyfriend, but is struggling to let go of the past. 
  Thrown together with a sprinkle of Christmas magic, Sam and Tamsin might just learn a little more about each other – and themselves. But when disaster strikes at the bakery, will they be able to save the day in time for Christmas?   Today I have a review of another lovely Bookouture 2014 Christmas novel for all of you! Sue Watson's 'Snow Angels, Secrets and Christmas Cake' was released on the 17th of October 2014 and promised to be a festive book to get us all in a Christmassy mood. Before I picked up this particular title, I was already familiar with Sue Watson's work. Earlier this year I got the chance to read and review her novel 'Love, Lies and Lemon Cake' (click here to read my review), which I ended up really enjoying. I was curious to pick up another one of this author's reads and kept my fingers crossed I would enoy it (and luckily I did!).   Tamsin and Sam Angels are sisters but also complete opposites of each other. Tamsin is married to a really wealthy man and worries most about the brand of shoes she's wearing and whether she will host the best Christmas party in the neighbourhood. Sam, on the other hand, is a down-to-earth single mum to her son Jacob, who runs her own bakery and lives in the small apartment above it. When it becomes clear Tamsin's husband has been making a big mess of the family's finances, Tamsin is suddenly left without a home, a husband and without any money. She moves in with Sam, just until she's able to get by on her own two feet again. But will the Angel sisters be able to live together, without minding each other's business too much...?   'Snow Angels, Secrets and Christmas Cake' is another wonderful novel by Sue Watson, and without a doubt my favourite of her works so far. The book focuses on sisters Sam and Tamsin Angel, who are both fascinating and well-drawn characters, and I loved how the story was told from both their perspectives. Tamsin loves everything glamourous and feels like her world has come to an end when she's no longer wealthy. I know this sounds a bit shallow, but somehow Sue Watson managed to make sure readers would instantly warm to Tamsin, because I loved her just as much as I loved Sam, who is a bit calmer and more down-to-earth. When the sisters are kind of forced to live together, they really bond with one another and I really enjoyed reading about this. Tamsin needs to learn to stand on her own two feet, while Sam needs to learn how to open her heart again to another man. They help each other and I just honestly couldn't get enough of them and their story.   Sue Watson really tried to make this a festive read; her amazing Christmassy descriptions of decorations and yummy treats at Sam's bakery made it feel like Christmas straight away; a feeling which a true festive December novel needs to give its readers, if you ask me. Sue Watson's writing style was really easy to read and comfortable; well-paced and detailed enough to keep my attention at all times. I don't really have anything negative to say about this book; it was quite simply a wonderful Christmas read! 'Snow Angels, Secrets and Christmas Cake' is a delightful, warm, festive story which is the perfect read for chick lit fans to pick up this holiday season; I loved it!   Rating:9/10   For more information about this book: Amazon.co.uk / Amazon.com / Goodreads   Thanks to the publisher for providing me with a review copy in exchange for an honest review.