Author: bookafterbook

Publication: 15th December 2024 – Parkerville Press

A lady shouldn’t be seen to incite a duel… but Judith wasn’t even there when it happened.

Lady Avely doesn’t know what infuriates her more: that someone used her image to provoke the Duke of Sargen into killing a man, or that the duke actually believed it was her trysting in the maze that night.

Now she and the duke must concoct their own subterfuge to shake out the culprit. Otherwise, Dacian might be arrested for murder, or worse, the shadowy guardians of the Musing might inflict their own cruel punishment for the misuse of his Gift. Judith will need her most respectable mobcap, and unfortunately, the duke will need a false moustache.

With Judith’s ability to detect lies and Dacian’s now carefully contained power, they set out to uncover the truth – but their own hearts make them easy to manipulate. Facing a master of deception, as well as the duke’s renewed determination to win her, Judith will need a stiff drink of chocolate and the help of her cheerful, tiny vampiri companion before she can find her way out of the deadly tangle…

Can Judith and Dacian unmask the killer before more blood is shed? And how many different ways can one disguise a duke?

AMAZON

WATERSTONES

​​Lady Avely’s Guide to Lies and Charms is such a fun read. There is a mystery to solve, magic involved and vampiri companions, there is slow-burn romance with the two protagonists trying to admit their feelings for each other,  all in the beautiful setting of Regency England.

In a world where people have magic, the two protagonists, Dacian, the Duke of Sargen, and Lady Judith Avely, are trying to solve a murder that, nine years earlier, had sent Dacian to exile. During a party, in a fit of jealousy, Dacian used magic to kill Lord Garvey under the illusion that he was seducing Judith, the woman he’s always loved. After nine years abroad, Dacian is back and together with Judith, a stubborn and helpful young man, fake moustaches, and two (sometimes) reluctant vampiri, he travels in search of the truth to a country house that may be haunted and that hosts two suspicious and irritable servants, a recluse matron, and a suggestible young woman. Who wanted Lord Garvey dead? Or did the killer want to get rid of Dacian by forcing him into exile?

Lady Avely’s Guide to Lies and Charms is the second book in the Matronly Misadventures series, but it can be easily read as a stand alone. The plot is intriguing and engaging and I loved Rosalie Oaks’ writing style and how she masterfully manages to merge together fantasy, history, romance, and mystery. The characters are fun and well-developed and I enjoyed the witty banter between them. The story ends with a cliffhanger that left me curious about what’s next and I am also looking forward to starting on the Lady Diviner series, which features some of the same characters.

A huge thank you to Parkerville Press and NetGalley for providing me with a proof of the novel.

Rosalie Oaks writes cozy novels set in a magical Regency England, full of manners, mystery, and the occasional outrageous breach of propriety.

As a child, she loved conducting home-made theatre productions with her three younger brothers. Now she directs her characters instead, but like her brothers, they don’t always do what she says.

While writing, Rosalie consumes vast quantities of tea and chocolate, and steadfastly ignores the housework.

Join Rosalie’s newsletter to get writing updates, as well as the exclusive prequel novella to the series, A Pendant for Trouble.

Publication: 3rd December 2024 – Severn House

Join Countess turned advice columnist Amelia Amesbury as she tries to juggle a new Season and a new murder in this charmingly deadly historical mystery.

“A beautiful debutante, a wealthy widow, and a dead would-be baron. What could be more exciting?”

Countess by day, secret advice columnist by night, Amelia Amesbury has life happily balanced on a quill’s edge . . . until her sister Margaret shows up in London under a blanket of scandal and Amelia is catapulted out of mourning and into the ton’s unforgiving Season.

However Madge’s Season debut is marred by a rather inconvenient death at the dining table as the infamous Mr Radcliffe takes ill and is later confirmed dead by poisoning. With Madge being the last person to have cross words with the soon-to-be baron, the ton’s gossip mill – and the police – are looking to pin the murder on her.

Adding to the ton’s troubles is a jewellery thief targeting the most lavish of Society’s houses. Is the murderer and the thief one in the same? It falls to Amelia once again to uncover the secrets buried deep within the pages before her sister goes down for the crimes.

Perfect for fans of witty historical mystery and Regency romances with a similar feel to Verity Bright and T.E. Kinsey

AMAZON

I am really excited today to take part in the blog tour for Murder in Season, the fantastic new novel by Mary Winters.

If you are looking for a story that has mystery, romance, and adventure, then Murder in Season is the perfect read for you.

Murder in Season is the third book in the Lady of Letters series featuring protagonist Amelia, also known as Countess Amesbury and, less known, as Lady Agony, a secret advice columnist for a weekly magazine. Occasionally, she also turns her hand into investigations, solving murders and mysteries.

In this third book, we are in the full London season and there are many parties and balls to attend, but this is not the only thing keeping the ton busy. There is a thief of jewels who is targeting Mayfair houses, a murdered victim who seemed to have made quite a number of enemies, and a feisty young debutante who is not afraid to speak her mind, which often gets her in trouble and, in this case, a suspect of murder. Fortunately, there is also her sister Amelia who is determined to prove her innocence and find the killer with the help of Lord Simon Bainbridge, who may (or may not) finally admit his feelings for her. As she navigates London society, Amelia will have to solve a few mysteries and maybe also find a bit of time for love.

I really like the character of Amelia. She is loyal, honest and she takes care of her family, even going undercover and facing dangerous situations for those she loves. I enjoyed that each chapter begins with an agony letter followed by Amelia’s witty and hilarious responses and the mysteries are very well-developed and full of surprises.

Perfect for both fans of historical mystery and Regency romance, Murder in Season is an immersive and intriguing novel and I am already looking forward to the next book.

A huge thank you to Austenprose and Severn House for inviting me to take part in the blog tour and providing me with a proof of this brilliant novel.

Mary Winters is the author of the Lady of Letters historical mystery series, two cozy mystery series, and several short stories. A longtime reader of historical fiction, Mary set her latest work in Victorian England after being inspired by a trip to London. Since then, she’s been busily planning her next mystery – and another trip! 

I am super excited to take part in the cover reveal for the next book by one of my favourite authors.

The Crinoline Academy is the brand new historical romance series by Mimi Matthews and I thrilled to share the cover for the first book, RULES FOR RUIN, out in May 2025.

Let’s see first what the book is about…

No one betrays the Academy. But now Euphemia must decide: break the rules for her enemy, or let the rules break her heart.

On the outskirts of London sits a seemingly innocuous institution with a secretive aim—train young women to distract, disrupt, and discredit the patriarchy. Outraged by a powerful politician’s systematic attack on women’s rights, the Academy summons its brightest—and most bitter—pupil to infiltrate the odious man’s inner circle. A deal is struck: bring down the viscount, and Miss Euphemia Flite will finally earn her freedom.

But betting shop owner Gabriel Royce has other plans. The viscount is the perfect pawn to insulate Gabriel’s underworld empire from government interference. He’s not about to let some crinoline-clad miss destroy his carefully constructed enterprise—no matter how captivating he finds her threats.

From the rookeries of St. Giles to the ballrooms of Mayfair, Euphemia and Gabriel engage in a battle of wits and wills that’s complicated by a blossoming desire. Soon Euphemia realizes it’s not the broken promises to her Academy sisters she should fear. . . . It’s the danger to her heart.

And now lets’s take a look at the beautiful cover for RULES FOR RUIN

I am so in love with this cover!!! And, if you’d like to preorder RULES FOR RUIN, here is the link:

https://www.mimimatthews.com/books/crinoline-academy/rules-for-ruin/

Publication: 21st November 2024 – Bookouture

Sipping Manhattan cocktails, strolling through Central Park and sightseeing at the Empire State building. Kitty Underhay is loving life in New York… until she stumbles across a murder!

Winter, 1936.Kitty receives an unexpected telegram just before Christmas saying that her father in New York is seriously ill. She and her husband Matt swiftly set out for America and, after a fraught ocean crossing, they arrive to discover he is much improved. Kitty decides to make the most of her visit by taking in the sights and attending a costume party thrown by her father’s friend, Mrs Dangerfield.

After a fabulous night, Kitty and Matt blow away the cobwebs with a chilly morning walk in Central Park. They enjoy watching ice skaters glide across one of the frozen lakes but then they discover their hostess Mrs Dangerfield murdered, her body partly hidden in some bushes. She is still in her evening wear, but her diamond earrings and necklace are missing.

Soon, Mrs Dangerfield’s resentful daughter, elderly chauffeur and secret lover make Kitty and Matt’s suspect list. The finger of suspicion seems to be pointing towards Mrs Dangerfield’s secretary, but then the typist turns up dead too. With a mystery killer spoiling their trip to the Big Apple, will the amateur sleuths save the day, or will they breathe their last in the city that never sleeps…?

Fans of Agatha Christie, T.E. Kinsey or Lee Strauss will adore this utterly charming murder mystery. The perfect treat for cozy crime fans!

AMAZON

WATERSTONES

1936. It’s Christmas time and Kitty and Matt Bryant’s plans have been disrupted when they receive a telegram informing them that her father is seriously ill in New York. Of course, they quickly book a passage on a ship, but, deep down, Kitty knows that she is probably worrying about nothing and it’s confirmed when she finds her father not at all on his deathbed, but actually quite well. His close friend Nora seems to have overreacted to his slightly faked illness and sent the telegram and now Kitty and Matt are spending their Christmas in New York with him, having also been invited to Nora’s costume party. The party includes some awkward encounters and a bit of drama between the guests, so is it really a surprise when the hostess is found murdered in the snow the next morning? The police investigates, but because of their job as private investigators in England and Kitty’s innate curiosity, Matt and Kitty can’t stay away from the case, especially when someone else is found murdered.

Murder in New York is an entertaining and immersive read. It’s the 18th book in the Miss Underhay series and I enjoyed it very much. It features Christmas in a snowed in New York (which is always a plus), murder, secrets, deceit, and a long list of suspects. Kitty and Matt are wonderful protagonists as they enjoy a different Christmas – and their anniversary – with her father, while also managing a bit of sleuth and being surprised by the differences in habits and lifestyle in America and in England. A fantastic Christmas murder to enjoy this season and with an unexpected cliffhanger that left me ready for the next book!

A huge thank you to Bookouture and NetGalley for providing me with a proof of this novel.

Helena Dixon splits her time between the Black Country and Devon. Married to the same man for over thirty-five years she has three daughters, a cactus called Spike, and a crazy cockapoo. She is allergic to adhesives, apples, tinsel and housework. She was winner of The Romance Prize in 2007 and Love Story of the Year 2010 as Nell Dixon. She now writes historical 1930’s set cozy crime. Nell enjoys hearing from readers and you can read her news and contact her via her website at http://www.nelldixon.com visit her blog at http://www.nelldixonrw.blogspot.com find her on Twitter @NellDixon and friend her on Facebook or follow her on instagram @HelenaDixonauthor Subscription to her newsletter is free https://t.co/upTmuKukHd

Publication: 19th November 2024 – Tor Bramble

Mische lost everything when she was forcibly Turned into a vampire – her home, her humanity and, most devastating of all, the love of the sun god to whom she had devoted her life. Now, sentenced to death for murdering the vampire prince who Turned her, redemption feels impossible.

When Mische is saved by Asar, the bastard prince of the House of Shadow with a brutal past, she is forced into a mission worse than execution: a journey to the underworld to resurrect the god of death himself. But Mische is offered a chance at salvation by her sun god. All she has to do is betray Asar – and kill the god of death.

In the underworld, Mische and Asar must face treacherous trials, colossal beasts and the vengeful ghosts of their pasts. But most dangerous of all is the alluring call of the darkness, and Mische’s forbidden attraction to Asar. As the moment of her betrayal looms, Mische is forced to choose between faith and love – a decision that could lead to her redemption or her ruin . . .

The Songbird and the Heart of Stone is the third book of the New York Times bestselling Crowns of Nyaxia series by Carissa Broadbent, a heart-wrenching, epic fantasy romance of love and treachery between mortals and gods.

AMAZON

WATERSTONES

Let me start by saying that I should have reread the first two books in the Crown of Nyaxia series before getting into The Songbird and the Heart of Stone because even though, last year, I read and adored the first two books, there is a fair amount of things that I didn’t remember about it, especially about the character of Mische, as then I was more focused on its two protagonists, Oraya and Raihn. So, when I was initially reading The Songbird & the Heart of Stone, there were a few things that left me confused or lost. Despite this, I really enjoyed it and I found myself completely immersed in the story, especially after I started to catch up.

I really liked the two protagonists, Mische, one of the brides of the god of sun, recently turned into a Vampire, and Asar, the bastard prince and now new heir of the House of Shadow. They have a slow-burning and sexy enemies-to-lovers romance as they travel to the underworld to bring back to life the god of death. They are complex, engaging, and courageous characters, both haunted by their past, their grief and guilt over the loss of the people they cared about, and they are both caught right in the middle of a game of revenge and scheming among the gods.

If you loved the first two books, you are going to adore The Songbird & the Heart of Stone. Addictive, dark, intriguing, and full of surprises, it keeps you glued to the pages until that final explosive cliffhanger that makes you eager for more.

A huge thank you to Tor Bramble and NetGalley for providing me with a proof of this fantastic novel.

Carissa Broadbent has been concerning teachers and parents with mercilessly grim tales since she was roughly nine years old. Since then, her stories have gotten (slightly) less depressing and (hopefully a lot?) more readable. Today, she writes novels that blend epic fantasy plots with a heaping dose of romance. She lives with her husband, her son, one very badly behaved rabbit and one perpetually sceptical cat in Rhode Island.

Publication: 24th October 2024 – Storm Publishing

A body in the swimming pool, a disappearing suspect and a killer hiding in plain sight…

When mystery novelist turned private detective, Marius Quin, is invited to speak at a gala dinner by the mysterious Mrs Thistlethwaite he jumps at the chance of a weekend away on the English Riviera. With his sleuthing partner, Lady Bella Montague, in tow, Marius arrives at Torquay’s Grand Hotel. But they soon realise that, behind the shiny exteriors, all is not what it seems. After Thistlethwaite turns Marius’s big night into a character assassination at his expense, he wonders why he was invited in the first place.

Things go from bad to worse when Marius discovers the body of his cantankerous host in the hotel pool. But how can the duo catch a killer when every piece of evidence they uncover is contradicted by two more? Faced with a hostile police sergeant, evasive witnesses and a conspiracy to conceal the truth, Bella and Marius must call upon every resource they possess to uncover the secret of the body at the Grand Hotel.

AMAZON

WATERSTONES

I am so excited to get into yet another Marius Quin mystery. I love this series so much. It’s entertaining, fun, full of surprises, and with a cast of quirky and unique characters. I also love that the story is narrated in first person by the protagonist himself, bestselling author and occasional private detective Marius Quin, who is quite charming and witty. 

In this fourth adventure, Marius, who should be writing his third novel, is invited to give a talk at the Mystery and Detection Society in Torquay. As usual he is accompanied by his loyal hound Percy, his mother, his uncle and his aunt, and, of course, his first love and now close friend and partner-in-crime-solving Lady Isabella (Bella) Montague. The conference is not at all what he expected, but at least he gets to enjoy a luxurious weekend in what is considered the English Riviera. And while Percy seems to get a more special treatment than him, Marius and Bella get involved in another investigation when a body is found in the pool and it turns out that the victim was hated and loved in equal measure.

A Body at the Grand Hotel was another five stars for me. I loved the mystery, the humour, and the relationship between Bella and Marius and their easy banter. The story is well-written and intriguing. There is a victim of murder who used to bully all those around her, so the list of suspects is quite long; there are also an incompetent police detective, a group of amateur know-it-all detectives, and witnesses who keep secrets. It won’t be easy for Marius and Bella to figure out the truth. If you love cozy mystery and historical novels, then I can’t recommend this series enough. Also, the ending was quite unexpected and shocking and I can’t wait to see what happens next!

A huge thank you to Storm Publishing and NetGalley for providing me with a proof of this fantastic novel.

I’m a Welsh-Irish-Englishman originally from South London but now living in Burgos, a beautiful medieval city in the north of Spain, with my French-Spanish wife and two our ridiculously international children. Writing has always been my passion. It was my favourite half-an-hour a week at primary school, and I started on my first, truly abysmal book as a teenager. So it wasn’t a difficult decision to study literature at university which led to an MA in Creative Writing.I grew up in a crime-fiction-mad family and had made a few clumsy attempts at writing one over the years before coming up with the idea for my contemporary whodunits “The Izzy Palmer Mysteries”. My second series, the 1920s-set “Lord Edgington Investigates…”, has been a great success, with each of the books making a mark on the mystery charts, and I’m about to launch a second historical series.If you’d like to tell me what you think about my detectives, my writing or the world at large, feel free to get in touch at www.benedictbrown.net where you can also download my free mystery novellas.

Publication: 11th November 2024 – Boldwood Books

Spring, 1811… A stranger arrives at Wyverne Hall

Sophie Delavallois is the new companion to the ageing Dowager Marchioness, but she also has another reason for coming to the infamous Wyverne mansion, one that will shake the family to their core.

Lord Drake left his childhood home many years ago, and only returns now to see his beloved grandmother. He takes little interest in the goings on of the house, until the arrival of Mademoiselle Delavallois. There’s something about her that he can’t put his finger on; it’s as if he’s seen her before, but surely, that is not possible…

Sophie is also drawn to Drake, but he is a Wyverne, and she cannot allow herself to fall for him, because her intentions towards the family are resolute – revenge. But inside the walls of Wyverne Hall, she discovers the rumours about the family barely scratch the surface, and she can’t escape the dangerous allure of the Viscount.

Once her plans are set in motion, will he be her saviour or her ruin?

AMAZON

WATERSTONES

I am delighted to kick off the blog tour for The Viscount and the Thief, the new entertaining novel by Emma Orchard, which is out today.

The protagonists are a strong, smart, and independent heroine and a loyal, generous, and protective hero in a story full of passion and intrigue. Sophie Delavallois is a young woman who takes a job as companion to the Dowager Marchioness with every intention to get her revenge for what happened to her family, and Lord Drake, the Viscount of Wyverne, has always known the shame that his family name brings and only returns home to visit his grandmother.

Sophie is a thief, but she has also a more complex past that leads her to Wyverne mansion with a clear and well-thought out plan to get her revenge against the Marquess who destroyed her family. However, when she meets Lord Drake and their attraction keeps growing, that plan becomes more complicated. Lord Drake knows that his father’s cruel and repulsive behaviour has brought only shame and isolation to the family and he would do anything to protect those he cares about, including Sophie.

If you are looking for a Regency romance with lots of spice and a bit of mystery, then The Viscount and the Thief is the right read for you. It has enemies to lovers, fake identity, a heroine looking for revenge and with a plan for a heist, close proximity, and quite a few steamy scenes!

A huge thank you to Rachel’s Random Resources and Boldwood Books for inviting me to join the blog tour and providing me with a proof of the novel.

Follow the rest of blog tour:

Emma Orchard grew up in Salford and was given tickets to the grown-up library at the age of 11 because she’d read all the children’s books and the librarians were sick of the sight of her. She became obsessed with Georgette Heyer and hasn’t stopped reading her novels since. She studied English Literature at university and went on to work at Mills & Boon and behind the scenes in television and in publishing.

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Publication: 24th October 2024 – HQ

Will this Christmas finally bring comfort and joy?

A PAINFUL SECRET

Imogen loves her job as an events organiser, and her colleagues are in awe of her. But Imogen isn’t the person she pretends to be, and she’s hiding painful truths about her past. But as long as she can keep on top of her work, Imogen can put everything else to one side.

AN ACT OF KINDNESS

And then Imogen makes a catastrophic mistake at work, and finally realises it’s time to reset. When her favourite client, Dorothy, invites her to spend Christmas with her and her family, in her cottage in the Cotswolds, it sounds like the perfect way for Imogen to take stock.

FINDING HAPPINESS AT CHRISTMAS

Imogen soon settles into idyllic cottage life, especially with the prospect of a new romance on the horizon … but when long-buried secrets and unwanted faces from the past resurface, Imogen’s new peace is threatened. Will Imogen end up alone this Christmas, or can she find it in her heart to forgive and move on?

AMAZON

WATERSTONES

Sarah Morgan truly knows how to deliver immersive and heart-warming Christmas stories that will get you right in the holiday mood. Her characters are authentic, dynamic, engaging, and lovable, the setting is the beautiful and evocative Cotswolds, and the Christmas atmosphere seeps through the pages. Add a farm of alpacas, some romance, second chances, new starts and new family and you will have this festive and entertaining Christmas novel that you won’t be able to put down.

The Christmas Cottage is the story of three women. Imogen, workaholic with a fantastic made-up life that hides a difficult past and loneliness. Dorothy’s life revolves around her family, her winery, and her animals. She and her daughter Sara are preparing to spend Christmas together, hoping to keep the ghosts of the past away. However, when Imogen is forced to a whole month off work, Dorothy offers her to stay at Holly Cottage and, as the past resurfaces for all three women, their Christmas won’t be at all what they expected.

I loved everything in this book. The many Christmas activities, the adorable romantic and supportive hero who comes to the rescue, the children and the animals who add hilarity when needed, the vivid descriptions, the fantastic food, the magical vibe of the village, and the author’s beautiful writing. The Christmas Cottage is the perfect book to curl up with on those days leading to Christmas: uplifting, romantic, and magical, I didn’t want it to end! 

A huge thank you to HQ and NetGalley for providing me with a proof of this fantastic Christmas novel.

USA Today bestselling author Sarah Morgan writes lively, sexy contemporary stories for Harlequin. Romantic Times has described her as ‘a magician with words’ and nominated her books for their Reviewer’s Choice Awards and their ‘Top Pick’ slot. In 2012 Sarah received the prestigious RITA® Award from the Romance Writers of America. She lives near London with her family. Find out more at www.sararahmorgan.com

Publication: 28th October 2024 – Bookouture

Women from all around the country have joined together to fight for the vote. But when one of them is killed, only amateur sleuth Mabel Canning can halt a murderer’s campaign…

Fellbridge Hall, England: Mabel Canning is thrilled to be organising a suffragette conference. But when all the women are settled in the sprawling country mansion, she barely has time for a sip of gin before chaos ensues. Leading suffragette Annie Harkin has been found murdered in her bed, clutching a white feather in her outstretched hand…

As the guests clamour for justice for Annie, young police officers Ned and Ted arrive in time to trip over the banners and be roundly ignored. And with a killer on the loose, the suffragettes swiftly vote for Mabel and her pals to take control. When it comes to solving mysteries, there’s nobody equal to the London Ladies’ murder club!

But soon it’s clear many a suffragette is hiding a secret under her sash. Eccentric veteran of the cause Dorothea Goose is acting rather flighty; why is she so afraid of the police? WouldAnnie’s rival go this far to replace her as leader? Or has someone taken a life to stop the cause of women’s lib?

Then Mabel uncovers what happened to Annie’s closest comrade in the years before the war, and she is sure the answers lie in the past. But will Mabel be elected as the killer’s next victim? Or can she crack the case and save the fight for Votes for Women?

A totally addictive whodunnit bursting with suspense and sparkling with wit, from USA Today bestseller Marty Wingate. Perfect for fans of Agatha Christie, Richard Osman, Verity Bright and T.E. Kinsey.

AMAZON

Murder of a Suffragette is the fourth book in the cozy historical mystery series, London Ladies’ Murder Club, but it can be easily read as a stand-alone. Its protagonist, Mabel Canning, moved to London to be independent and has found employment with the Useful Women Agency, which provides any kind of job, but she often finds herself right in the middle of murder investigations.

It’s the year 1922 and Mabel has returned to her village to work as the personal secretary for Lady Fellbridge who is organizing a week-long conference of suffragettes to plan their new campaign for the women’s right to vote. When one of the women is found murdered and the only police available are two constables who seem to have just come out of school, it’s up to Mabel and her London Ladies’ Murder Club to investigate.

I really enjoyed this novel. The mystery is intriguing and full of surprises. The list of suspects is long: was the killer an outsider or was it one of the suffragettes? Or, like in any good mystery novel, was it the butler? Mabel needs to figure it out before someone else gets hurt and helping her are her two friends, Cora and Skeff, her beau and former policeman Park Winstone, and the adorable dog Gladys. Thanks to the presence of Park there is some romance as Mabel introduces him to her protective father for an entertaining family dinner and a surprising epilogue. I also really liked the historical aspects of the novel. In 1918, women over thirty had gained the right to vote, but their fight goes on until they are considered equal to men and have the right to vote at the age of twenty-one.

The London Ladies’ Murder Club series is another fabulous series for historical mystery fans and I am looking forward to more adventures!

A huge thank you to Bookouture and NetGalley for providing me with a proof of the novel.

Publication: 24th October 2024 – HarperCollins UK

Can their Christmas love story last a lifetime?

In a village by the sea, where wintry skies bring a dusting of sparkling snow, somebody is opening an unexpected gift…

When Sophie receives a surprise package, she’s intrigued to find a beautifully bound book inside.

Sophie is desperate to discover the mystery sender, and her hunt draws her to the enigmatic Harry. The subject of much gossip since his return from London, Harry keeps to himself in his crumbling manor house.

But they are both about to learn that the best stories can take on a life of their own.

AMAZON

WATERSTONES

The Secret Christmas Bookshop is a heartwarming and entertaining novel featuring a small town community, found family, Christmas festivities, and a mysterious donor of beautiful editions of classics.

The protagonist is Sophie Stevens, whose rough upbringing has left her distrustful of those around her and she is always ready to pack everything up and move to a new place. Even though she has found good friends in Mistingham, Sophie is already thinking about moving on somewhere new when the arrival of a mysterious package stops all her plans: a beautiful edition of Jane Eyre, accompanied by a cryptic message. Curious to find out more, Sophie volunteers to organize the local Christmas festival, hoping to figure out who, among the residents, left her the book. What she didn’t expect was that Harry Anderly, the Dark Demon Lord of Mistingham, would be co-organizing with her and she certainly didn’t expect that he is not the grumpy and unfriendly master of Mistingham Manor everyone claims him to be.

This novel really gets you into the Christmas mood. The idyllic village of Mistingham is described as a place taken straight out of a period drama on Norfolk’s coastline, with a sandy beach, a wide promenade, and the sea that changes colours depending on the weather. I loved the festive atmosphere and the sense of community. The organizing of the festival kept me quite entertained and there is romance, friendship, and also a bit of mystery, themes of loss, abandonment, and grief, there is a wonderful cast of relatable and likable characters, and, best of all, Felix, the goat who wears jumpers and created the funniest scenes in the book.

The Secret Christmas Bookshop is a fantastic and engaging escapist novel, the perfect story to enjoy at this time of the year!

A huge thank you to HarperCollins UK and NetGalley for providing me with a proof of the novel.

Cressida McLaughlin is a bestselling author of contemporary romance who has sold over a million copies of her books. Her feel-good, escapist fiction, featuring unforgettable characters who find their happy place, has established her as a firm favourite among readers and fellow authors alike.

Cressida lives in Norwich with her husband David and when not writing her bestsellers, spends her spare time reading, returning to London or exploring the beautiful Norfolk coastline.