📖 BlogTour ~ The Arctic Cruise by Caroline James

Avon
15 January 2026
My thanks to the publisher for the copy of the book
And to Rachel’s Random Resources for the invitation to the blog tour

Will the Arctic wonderland work its magic this winter?

Joy never imagined stepping aboard a cruise ship without her husband, Tom. Now widowed, Joy wonders what her voyage on the Emerald Dream will hold – and as it glides through breathtaking Norwegian fjords, she longs to believe in happiness again. However, she carries a secret that could unravel her fragile hopes if it ever came to light…

Elsewhere on deck, as the sun dips below the horizon and the polar night sets in, Henry, a lifelong bachelor, is living his dream of seeing the Northern Lights. Having long since given up on love, he now dedicates himself to his passion for photography. But when he meets Joy, is it more than the aurora borealis that catches his eye?

As they embark on a snow-dusted adventure which takes them from bustling ports to reindeer-drawn sleigh rides, will Joy and Henry find the courage to embrace love again? Or will hidden truths sink the possibility of a new beginning?

📖 My Review..

Recently widowed and still coming to terms with her husband’s untimely death Joy embarks on a solo cruise to Norway. It’s a bittersweet journey as she should have travelled with her husband but summoning all her courage Joy gradually settles into the cruise way of life and starts to make friends amongst the other passengers. Likewise, Henry is also embarking on a solo trip and worries that he is a bit of a loner and might not have enough in common with the other passengers however, fate intervenes and his burgeoning friendship with Joy becomes a rather special and unexpected delight.

This is a beautifully written story which looks at the sadness of being alone and yet offers hope that second chances can be possible if you allow yourself to live a little. I’ve throughly enjoyed getting to know the passengers on board the Emerald Dream, some, it must be said, are more likeable than others but they all bring their own special charm to the story. There is a lovely warmth to the story and some genuinely funny bits which had me laughing out loud and a ship full of fascinating characters who all make cruising aboard the Emerald Dream such fun. 

The Arctic Cruise is another wonderful story by this talented writer who knows how to bring her characters alive and who writes her warm-hearted stories with such passion. Sailing into Norway was such a treat and so well described that I really felt as though I was on board ship, experiencing the all exciting sights of a winter cruise, on a fabulous ship, and with the delicious chill of a romantic Arctic adventure.

🍾  Best read with : A sparkly glass of bubbly under the spectacular beauty of the Northern Lights

About the Author

Caroline James is the celebrated author of later-life fiction, including THE CRUISE, the #1 best-seller that has captivated cruise ship passengers worldwide, and her eagerly anticipated follow-up novel, THE CRUISE CLUB, is out now.

Her best selling novel ATTICUS ARNOTT’S GREAT ADVENTURE is described as “A heartwarming and uplifting read where the characters shine from the page.”

Caroline’s vibrant storytelling stems from her colourful career. Before becoming a full-time writer, she carved out a fascinating path in the hospitality industry, owning a charming country house hotel and a lively pub. As a media agent, she worked closely with celebrity chefs, giving her an insider’s perspective on the glitz, glamour, and grit of the culinary world. When she finally turned her focus to writing, she discovered her true calling, penning best-selling novels that have garnered her legions of fans.

When she’s not writing in her cosy writing retreat, Caroline enjoys tranquil walks with Fred, her Westie, and refreshing swims in a local lake. As a member of the Romantic Novelists’ Association, the SoA, ARRA, and the Society of Women’s Writers & Journalists, Caroline is a champion of lifelong creativity.

Social Media links

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