BOOK REVIEW: The Christmas Surprise by Jenny Colgan

Rosie Hopkins, newly engaged, is looking forward to an exciting year in the little sweetshop she owns and runs. But when fate strikes Rosie and her boyfriend, Stephen, a terrible blow, threatening everything they hold dear; it's going to take all their strength and the support of their families and friends to hold them together... After all, don't they say it takes a village to raise a child?

Publisher: Sphere

Pages: 383 

I have read the other two Rosie Hopkins books by Jenny Colgan so I was chuffed when I realised that Jenny's latest festive read was all about Rosie too. Don't worry if you've not read the others (I would highly recommend them) as the first chapter summarises everything you need to know.
Rosie and Stephen are still living in the beautiful village of Lipton, Rosie running her Aunt Lillian's sweetshop and Stephen teaching at the local school. They are just beginning to plan their wedding when their world is turned upside down. Rosie and Stephen's future becomes very uncertain when they realise they need to move from Lillian's beautiful cottage. Stephen's mother, Lady Lipton is still as frosty and his sister is also back on the scene from New York and after her inheritance. Things seem bleak for the couple and Christmas is just round the corner, they are both thinking it will be their last in the village that has been their home and sanctuary.
Jenny Colgan writes such enjoyable books, I purposely read this to get myself in the festive spirit and it certainly did the trick. Rosie and Stephen are both fantastic characters, I was rooting for them to sort their problems out. The book is warm and very funny but Jenny Colgan does not shy away from the real issues so you get a bit of everything on this book.
I think that Christmas books are very difficult to get right, they do need to have a lot of sentiment whilst avoiding being twee. Jenny Colgan gets the balance just right and I would highly recommend The Christmas Surprise as part of your festive reading or perhaps to give as a gift.

Many thanks to Victoria at Sphere for sending me a copy of The Christmas Surprise to review. 

Book Review: It's Raining Men by Milly Johnson

Best friends from work, May, Lara and Clare are desperate for some time away. They have each had a rough time lately and need some serious R&R. So they set off to a luxurious spa for ten glorious days, but when they arrive at their destination, it seems it is not the place they thought it was. In fact, they appear to have come to an entirely different village...
Here in Ren Dullem nothing is quite what it seems; the lovely cobbled streets and picturesque cottages hide a secret that the villagers have been keeping hidden for years.  Why is everyone so unfriendly and suspicious? Why does the landlord of their holiday rental seem so rude? And why are there so few women in the village?
Despite the strange atmosphere, the three friends are determined to make the best of it. But will this be the break they all need? Or will the odd little village with all its secrets bring them all to breaking point?

I started this book with the intention of taking it on holiday with me but I couldn't as I had finished it before I had even packed my case! I always know that I am in for a treat with Milly Johnson but this is my favourite of her books so far.
May, Lara and Clare find themselves in the small coastal village of Ren Dullem by accident when their booking at a luxury spa goes terribly wrong. Desperate for a holiday, the three friends decide to stay and make the most of it, yet they get much more than they bargained for.
This strange village could be beautiful yet it is the unfriendliest place these three women have ever visited. And what is with the lack of women, there are hardly any and May, Lara and Clare get stared at wherever they go. Their landlord Gene Hathersage and his brother are rather attractive but one seems to permanently be in a bad mood and the other has a vile fiancee who the whole village is terrified of.
I enjoyed this book so much. It had a slightly magical and mysterious edge to it and once I had started, I just couldn't stop reading.
I liked all three of the female characters and I enjoyed the separate story-lines that Milly Johnson had created, there is plenty going on to keep you interested.
The village of Ren Dullem is almost a character as well; I was intrigued as to what was going on and the secrets being kept by the inhabitants. I loved the ending and the little extra surprises included.
It's Raining Men is a funny, warm and entertaining read. Milly Johnson at her best.

Dot Scribbles Rating: 5/5

Publisher: Simon and Schuster

Pages: 480

Many thanks to Simon and Schuster for sending me a copy of this book to review, it is out now!

Booking Through Thursday: Generosity

It's Booking Through Thursday time again!

Do you give books as gifts?

The answer to this would be yes! Mr S and I argue though whether you should only give hardbacks as presents but I myself prefer paperbacks anyway so we disagree about this!

To everyone? Or only to select people?

I've never really thought about this until today but I would probably only buy books as gifts for 4 people and they would be myself; my fiance Mr S; my lovely sister and one of my best friends. I think that I have a good idea of what they like to read so I usually feel quite confident that I would be able to choose a book for them that they enjoy. Also other than you kind people on here, they are the main people who I discuss books with and we often ask each other what we are reading and if it's any good!

How do you feel about receiving books as gifts?

It is definitely my favourite type of present! Partly because I love books so to be bought new ones is always a good thing but also because it is nice to think that someone has taken the time to think about what you would enjoy reading as it is a very personal gift.

Happy BTT everyone, I hope you all have a lovely Christmas and receive the odd book or two under the tree!