Reading Round-Up: September/October 2023

For the past two months (and, in fact, the majority of my life!) I've been exploring the world of books. I've had the joy of stumbling upon some real treasures, adding a few more volumes to my ever-growing collection, and making progress on my 2023 reading goals.

In this post, I'll share everything that's happened in my bookish world during September and October, from the books that truly captivated me to the ones I simply couldn't resist adding to my shelves. So, let's dive into the pages of my latest bookish adventure!

Book Review: Midnight at the Christmas Bookshop by Jenny Colgan

AD* | Christmas comes early - far too early - to McCredie’s little Old Town bookshop in Edinburgh. It’s summer, but an American production company has decided that McCredie’s is the perfect location to film a very cheesy Christmas movie. After all, who can resist the charmingly narrow historic street with its Victorian grey stone buildings and warmly lit shop windows?

Carmen Hogan, the bookshop’s manager, is amused and a bit horrified by the goings-on, but the money the studio is paying is too good to pass up. She uses the little windfall from filming to create new displays and fend off a buyout offer from an obnoxious millionaire who wants to turn McCredie’s into a souvenir shop selling kilts made in China and plastic Nessies. Still reeling slightly from a breakup, Carmen’s not particularly looking forward to the holidays. But just as snow begins to fall and the lights of Christmas blink on, all sorts of lovely new possibilities present themselves…for McCredie’s bookstore, and for Carmen herself.

Book Review: The Hidden Letters by Lorna Cook

AD* | On the eve of a world war, a forbidden love will blossom in the garden of a stately home and one young woman will make a choice that will change her life forever...

As the storm clouds of war gather, Cordelia seeks refuge in the grounds of her family estate.

Isaac has recently arrived to tend to the gardens, and the connection between him and Cordelia is as immediate as it is forbidden.

Isaac begins to secretly teach her how to cultivate the gardens, so when he and all the young men are called away to war, Cordelia takes over.

From the battlefields of Europe, Isaac sends her letters, that give her hope for a future in peacetime.

But when these messages abruptly cease, Cordelia must face up to the worst and take her future – and the fate of the garden they both loved – into her own hands...

Book Review: Highlander Seduced by Jayne Castel

AD* | Can a simple chambermaid capture the heart of a proud laird? Passion, honour, and the power of destiny collide in Medieval Scotland.

Bonnie Fraser grew up in the shadows. A servant in Stirling Castle, she’s invisible, ignored - even if her heart yearns for more. But when the king holds a masquerade ball, Bonnie decides to step out of the shadows for once. Masked and disguised, she tastes the excitement of another life—and that’s when she meets a charismatic laird who sweeps her off her feet.

Iver Mackay has always been unlucky in love. Despite his obligations as chieftain of a vast holding, he’s now sworn off marriage, content to let his younger brothers carry on the family bloodline. Yet when he dances with an enigmatic red-haired beauty at the king's ball, Iver forgets himself.

Their encounter leads to a steamy encounter that neither of them will ever forget.

But can there be a happy ending for two people from such different worlds?

Book Review: The Holiday Home by Daniel Hurst

AD* | The perfect holiday or the perfect nightmare...

I sit sipping champagne in the warm water, bubbles frothing around me as I admire the breathtaking view of gorgeous blue skies and mountains. I can’t believe I’m here, at this stunning holiday home. It’s to die for...

My best friend and her husband have invited me and my family to their lakeside property for the weekend, to experience their luxury lifestyle. I’m not envious of their wealth, although I know my husband Ryan is. All I want is to escape from our recent troubles and get my marriage back on track.

Then I overhear Ryan having a whispered conversation late one evening, and he says something that sends a shiver down my spine. In this beautiful paradise my whole world is turned upside down.

Just when I think things can’t get any worse, I discover a second secret. The truth is even more shocking than I imagine, and now I have no idea who to trust.

This was meant to be the perfect holiday, but someone isn’t going to survive it...