📖 Book Review ~ Nobody Puts Romcoms in the Corner by Kathryn Freeman

 

One More Chapter
February 2023

My thanks to the publisher for my copy of this book

Sally is a classic romantic and Harry is a classic cynic, but when a drunken bet leads the new flatmates to (badly) recreate ‘the lift’ from Dirty Dancing, and the video goes viral (#EpicRomcomReenactmentFailure), they both realise there’s potential financial benefit in blundering their way through the romcom lexicon for their suddenly vast social media following.

Now, as Harry and Sally bring major romcom moments to new life – including recreating that classic diner scene – their faking it turns to making…out and suddenly they’re living a real life romcom of their own! But like all the greatest love stories, the road to happily ever after is paved with unexpected challenges for this hero and heroine.

📖 My Review..

Anyone who loves romcom movies will be delighted with this latest book from Kathryn Freeman as not only does it do a sterling job of reminding us about all those iconic classic scenes from romantic movies we have known and loved in the past but it also introduces us to two lovely characters. Sally and Harry first meet as flat mates when their drunken attempt to recreate the classic lift scene from Dirty Dancing becomes a TikTok sensation. With an eye for earning a bit of extra money various other classic scenes are attempted with unexpected consequences.

As always the story sparkles with wit and undeniable charm and whilst it's not all plain sailing for our romantic heroes there is something rather whimsical about the story which really appealed to me. I loved getting to know both Sally and Harry, they are both delightful characters. Sally with her head firmly in the clouds waiting for her Mr Right to appear whilst Harry, more pragmatic and down to earth, isn't really sure what love is all about however, over the course of this lovely story we see both characters really start to blossom.

Delightful from start to finish Nobody Puts Romcoms in the Corner was the right book at the right time for me and I devoured it in one romcom infused sitting.

About the Author

For as long as I can remember, I’ve always wanted to write a book. It may have had something to do with my obsession with reading romance. Real life interfered and I headed off in a different direction – into the world of science, becoming a pharmacist before joining the pharmaceutical industry. I did end up writing, but it was about disease and medicines. Decades later, I’m finally doing what I always wanted to do.

With a husband who asks every Valentine's Day whether he has to buy a card (yes, he does), all the romance in my life is in my head. Then again, his unstinting support of my career change proves love isn't always about hearts and flowers - and heroes come in many disguises.

Twitter @kathrynfreeman1 #NobodyPutsRomcomsInTheCorner

@0neMoreChapter

Website

📖 Blog Tour ~ Yellow is for Sunflowers by Kathryn Freeman

 

13 September 2022

My thanks to Rachel's Random Resources for my copy of the book
and the invitation to the blog tour

Dean Baxter was everything a sensible thirty-two-year-old teacher should avoid. Five years younger, cocky, with a playboy reputation. Oh and guardian to Tom, one of her most promising students. But Lia was a rebel at heart.

Lia Stapleton was everything that was out of reach for an uneducated garage mechanic who’d made too many mistakes. Cambridge-educated, gorgeous and from a well-heeled background, she was his brother’s teacher. But Dean couldn’t resist her.

As Dean and Lia’s tentative relationship begins, can it survive Tom’s disapproval, her parents’ interference. And the dangerous return of his past.

📖 My Review..

When Lia Stapleton is rescued by Dean Baxter her instinct is to keep well away from the playboy car mechanic but Dean's good natured charm and obvious sex appeal soon proves to be too irresistible. Always a rebel, Lia decides to follow her heart not her head and soon gets involved in everything about Dean's life, including his somewhat shady past. With passion sizzling on every page there is also a hint of danger especially when we learn more about Dean's past and how Lia copes with this different side to the kind and caring man she is beginning to get to know.

Yellow is for Sunflowers is one of those wonderful romantic stories which this author writes so well. With pitch perfect characterisation, I just loved Lia's outgoing nature, and who could resist the appeal of Dean, who really doesn't know what hit him when he met Lia for the first time. Throughout the book this warm hearted romance just zings with sexual passion and yet interestingly there is also more than a hint of danger and intrigue. Once I started reading Yellow is for Sunflowers I found it difficult to put it down and read the story in one sitting, it's definitely escapism with a capital E and works beautifully on every level. 

Another triumph for this talented author.

🍴Best read with...Dean's shepherd's pie

About the Author

For as long as I can remember, I’ve always wanted to write a book. It may have had something to do with my obsession with reading romance. Real life interfered and I headed off in a different direction – into the world of science, becoming a pharmacist before joining the pharmaceutical industry. I did end up writing, but it was about disease and medicines. Decades later, I’m finally doing what I always wanted to do.

With a husband who asks every Valentine's Day whether he has to buy a card (yes, he does), all the romance in my life is in my head. Then again, his unstinting support of my career change proves love isn't always about hearts and flowers - and heroes come in many disguises.

Twitter @kathrynfreeman1 #YellowisforSunflowers

@rararesources

Website

📖 Blog Tour and Giveaway ~ The Italian Job by Kathryn Freeman

 

Dream job. Dream house. Fake fiancé.

A year in a gorgeous Italian castle...

When Anna Roberts’ life implodes, an online search leads her to an ad for the ultimate dream job–management of a gorgeous castle on the shores of Lake Como,accommodation included. The only catch? Anna can’t do it alone......

With the last man on earth she’d choose!

The castle owners will only accept a couple as caretakers, which means Anna needs a man on her arm at the interview. Enter her neighbour, Jake Tucker.Though Anna and Jake have never seen eye-to-eye, Jake’s had a rough few years and an escape to Italy sounds ideal. Yet, when they get the job and jet off, Anna and Jake face an unexpected challenge. Pretending to be a couple is difficult ... but pretending the tension simmering between them doesn’t exist is quickly proving impossible.

📖 My Review...

Anna Roberts has been dreadfully hurt by the ending of a relationship and desperately needs a new start where she can begin to get her life back together again. When she sees her dream job advertised working in a beautiful Italian Castle, on Lake Como, it seems perfect, the only stumbling block is that the job requires a couple to take on the housekeeping and maintenance duties. 

Newly single, Anna makes the momentous decision to invite her exasperating neighbour, Jake Tucker to be her pretend partner in this venture and whilst Jake has his own very personal reasons for taking a chance with this new start he doesn't bargain on how difficult it will be to continue the pretense of a relationship with Anna. Enemies to Lovers is a familiar trope in romantic fiction and The Italian Job certainly makes this into an interesting journey for both Anna and Jake who continue to spar with each other so much that people begin to wonder if they really are a couple at all. 

The setting of the story in Italy is idyllic and the perfect place to escape to in this wonderfully romantic story which ticked all the right boxes for me. A will they, won't they couple who each have had their share of difficulties, and yet they continue to strive to do better. Beautifully written, as always, by an author who never fails to get the balance right in any of her wonderful stories.

Tender romance, sizzling passion and everlasting love come together in a perfectly wonderful romantic adventure.

🍷Best read with.. a glass of red, rich Barolo.

About the Author

For as long as I can remember, I’ve always wanted to write a book. It may have had something to do with my obsession with reading romance. Real life interfered and I headed off in a different direction–into the world of science, becoming a pharmacist before joining the pharmaceutical industry. I did end up writing, but it was about disease and medicines. Decades later, I’m finally doing what I always wanted to do.With a husband who asks every Valentine's Day whether he has to buy a card (yes, he does),all the romance in my life is in my head. Then again, his unstinting support of my career change proves love isn't always about hearts and flowers-and heroes come in many disguises.

Twitter @KathrynFreeman1

@0neMoreChapter

Website Facebook

Purchase Page

@Rararesources

Giveaway to Win a Paperback copy of The Italian Job by Kathryn Freeman (Open INT)

*Terms and Conditions–Worldwide entries welcome.

Please enter using this Rafflecopter link 

The winner will be selected at random via Rafflecopter from all valid entries and will be notified by Twitter and/or email. If no response is received within 7 days then Rachel’s Random Resources reserves the right to select an alternative winner. Open to all entrants aged 18 or over.Any personal data given as part of the competition entry is used for this purpose only and will not be shared with third parties, with the exception of the winners’ information. This will passed to the giveaway organiser and used only for fulfilment of the prize, after which time Rachel’s Random Resources will delete the data.I am not responsible for dispatch or delivery of the prize.

📖 Blog Tour ~ Mr Right Across the Street by Kathryn Freeman

  

📖 Thrilled to be part of this lovely blog tour 📖

One More Chapter
22 January 2021

My thanks to the publisher for my copy of the book
and to Rachel's Random Resources for the invitation to the blog tour

Mia Abbott’s move to Manchester was supposed to give her time and space from all the disastrous romantic choices she’s made in her past. But then the hot guy who lives opposite–the one who works out every day at exactly 10 a.m., not that Mia has noticed thank-you-very-much–starts leaving notes in his window...for her.

Bar owner Luke Doyle has his own issues to deal with but as he shows Mia the sites of her new city he also shows her what real romance looks like for the first time. And when he cooks up a signature cocktail in her honour, she realises that the man behind the bar is even more enticing than any of his creations. And once she's had a taste, she knows it will never be enough.

📖 My thoughts..

After escaping a bad relationship, Mia Abbott is determined to make a fresh start in Manchester however, making new friends doesn't come easily especially when you live alone. Mustering all her courage, Mia goes to the local bar, aptly named The Bar Beneath and is embarrassed to see that the bloke who lives in the apartment opposite her, the one she's been ogling every morning as he does his morning exercise routine, works in the bar and is perhaps the most attractive man she's seen in a long time. Luke Doyle's attraction to Mia is immediate but with his track record of loving, and leaving, a trail of women, Mia is, quite naturally, reluctant to be anything other than friends with this hunky barman.

I raced through Mr Right Across the Street over the space of a grey afternoon and immediately felt at ease with all the lovely characters who flit into and out of the story. I especially enjoyed observing how Luke and Mia's relationship gradually progressed and the lovely way they began to open up and trust each other. It was great to have a story set in Manchester, a city I know well, so I could easily follow as Luke introduces Mia, on a series of 'non-dates', to what what this splendid northern city has to offer.

One thing is guaranteed, Kathryn Freeman always writes a really good story. She captures the light hearted romantic mood with consummate ease and leads you into a story which not only sizzles with passion, but which also highlights the trepidation of starting over, and the uncertainty of learning to trust again. Mr Right Across the Street is an entertaining 'will they, won't they' romance between two really likeable characters who charm their way into your heart right from the start.

About the Author

A former pharmacist, I’m now a medical writer who also writes romance. Some days a racing heart is a medical condition, others it’s the reaction to a hunky hero. I’ve two sons and a husband who asks every Valentine’s Day whether he has to buy a card (yes, he does), so any romance is all in my head. Then again, his unstinting support of my career change proves love isn't always about hearts and flowers-and heroes come in many disguise.

Twitter @KathrynFreeman1 #MrRightAcrossTheStreet

Facebook Website Amazon UK

@0neMoreChapter_

@Raraesources

Blog Tour ~ Up Close and Personal by Kathryn Freeman ☼

☼ Delighted to host a stop on this summery blog tour ☼

One More Chapter
June 2020

My thanks to the publishers and Rachel's Random Resources for my ecopy of this book
and the invitation to this blog tour

Sizzling chemistry, a page-turning will they/won’t they romance and the hottest twist on one of your favourite movies..

British actor Zac Edwards is the latest heartthrob to hit the red carpets. Hot, talented and rich, he sends women wild…all except one.

Close protection officer Kat Parker hasn’t got time to play celebrity games. She has one job: to protect Zac from the stalker that seems to be dogging his every move.

Zac might get her hot under her very starched collar, but Kat’s a professional – and sleeping with Zac is no way part of her remit… 

What did I think about it..

Zac Edwards is a famous actor, he's also the quintessential Englishman and drop dead gorgeous, with the whole world at his feet. Kat Parker is the feisty ex-army close protection officer assigned to look after Zac. Rather against Zac's better judgement he realises that, whilst his life would be much simpler without Kat, he really can't take the risk of being without her protection.

What then follows is a lovely story which turns the whole bodyguard theory upside down with a female protection officer guarding her famous male client. I loved the many differences in the personalities of these two very likeable leading characters and thoroughly enjoyed the spats and banter between them but I think what really brings the story together is the sizzle of anticipated passion. 

As always, this skilful author gives us a gorgeous story which has all the necessary pieces of light and shade, along with a delicious sense of 'will they, won't they' romance.  It's not all hearts and flowers though as the story turns a little bit serious in places and I enjoyed how the plot went from lighthearted, to deeper, and then back again to light hearted, and all credit to the author for doing this change of pace so very well. 

Whenever I pick up one of this author's stories, I know that I won't be able to put the book down and Up Close and Personal was no exception; I devoured the story in one sitting, caught up in the gorgeousness of Zac, as he faces the challenges which beset him, alongside the serious determination of Kat to protect him at all cost.

Up Close and Personal is a real treat of a read and perfect escapism for an afternoon read in the garden or to while away a cosy night by the fire.

About the Author

A former pharmacist, I’m now a medical writer who also writes romance. Some days a racing heart is a medical condition, others it’s the reaction to a hunky hero. I’ve two sons and a husband who asks every Valentine’s Day whether he has to buy a card (yes, he does), so any romance is all in my head. Then again, his unstinting support of my career change proves love isn't always about hearts and flowers-and heroes come in many disguises. 

Twitter @KathrynFreeman1

Facebook

Amazon UK

Blog Tour ~ The New Guy by Kathryn Freeman

On Publication Day I am delighted to be hosting one of today's Blog Tour stops 

One More Chapter
13 March 2020

My thanks to the author, publishers and Rachel's Random Resources for my ecopy of this book
and the invitation to the blog tour

 Sam Huxton doesn’t do one-night stands, especially not with men she’s just met! But the hot guy at the bar was hard to resist and their one night together is one she’ll never forget.But one night is all they share–no names, no numbers, just some much needed fun...Until the same guy walks into Sam’s life the next day as her new employee.Sam never mixes business with pleasure and makes it clear an office fling with Ryan is off-limits.But after-hours...one thing can lead to another. Can Sam trust her heart and her business with the new guy.

What did I think about it..

Sam Huxton meets an attractive guy in a bar and decides on the spur of the moment to have some fun. A one-night stand is not something she has done before, but the undeniable attraction she feels for this handsome stranger overrides her hesitation. However, fate has a fickle way of interfering and so imagine Sam’s horror when it turns out that the new guy she has just employed to help turn her technology business around, turns out to be, none other than the hot  guy from her one-night stand.

What then follows is a delightful ‘will they, won’t they’ rom-com which has all the angst of a powerful work based attraction, along with the undeniable sizzle of passion which seems to smoulder every time Sam and the new guy meet up. Sparks fly, jealousies fester and emotions run high in a story which entertains from start to finish. I really enjoyed reading the insightful descriptions of running a modern day technology company but it is in the developing relationship between Sam and the new guy where the story really starts to take off. I loved both characters and wanted everything to work out for them, of course, whether it does, or not, is something you must discover for yourselves.

Sometimes a story comes along at just the right time, I’m always convinced that stories find you rather than the other way round, and most definitely The New Guy had everything I needed at this moment in time. It gave me such a warm glow, and more importantly, it made me smile, which is testament to the author’s undeniable skill at weaving realistic emotion into every word.

The New Guy has everything we have come to expect from this talented author. It’s warm and witty, wise and wonderful. Sizzling with passion one minute, filled with heart wrenching emotion the next, there is no doubt that this latest story is the author writing at her absolute best.

About the Author

A former pharmacist, I’m now a medical writer who also writes romance. Some days a racing heart isa medical condition, others it’s the reaction to a hunky hero.With a husband who asks every Valentine’s Day whether he has to buy a card (yes, he does), any romance is all in my head. Then again, his unstinting support of my career change proves love isn't always about hearts and flowers-and heroes come in many disguises.

Website

Twitter @KathrynFreeman1

Facebook

Amazon UK

@rararesources

Blog Tour ~ Reach for a Star by Kathryn Freeman (Giveaway)

 🌠🌠 Delighted to be hosting today's stop on this lovely blog tour 🌠🌠

Choc Lit
24 September 2019

My thanks to the publishers and Rachel's Random Resources for my ecopy of the book
and the invitation to be part of this blog tour

What if your dreams were so close you could reach out and touch them? 

How could anyone resist Michael Tennant, with his hypnotic blue eyes and voice like molten chocolate? Jessie Simmons certainly can’t. But Jessie’s a single mum who can’t sing to save her life there’s no way she’ll ever cross paths with the star tenor.

At least that’s what she thinks until she’s unexpectedly invited to take part in a new reality TV show. 

The premise? Professional singers teach hopeless amateurs how to sing. The surprise? Jessie’s partner is none other than Michael Tennant!

As she becomes better acquainted with the man behind the voice, will Jessie find out the hard way that you should never meet your idols? Or will she get more than she bargained for?

What did I think about it..

They do say that you should be careful about meeting your idols as they can so often be disappointing 'in the flesh'. However, for Jessie Simmons meeting best selling singer Michael Tennant is everything she hoped it would be, he's exceptionally good looking and deliciously sexy, the only 'fly in the ointment' is that Michael is mentoring Jessie in a reality singing competition and unlike the dulcet tones of Michael, Jessie can't sing. What then follows is a real feel-good story in which Jessie discovers that, occasionally, dreams really can come true.

What this author does so well is make you feel involved with both the story and the characters from the very beginning. Jessie is every woman you've ever known. She's a single mum with two boys who love football, she stresses about her job, her lack of love life and her one aim is to make everyone happy, but somewhere along the line she has lost the idea that she's an attractive woman, that is until she meets Michael Tennant.

I devoured this story in one sitting as I really couldn't put the book down and whilst not everything goes smoothly for Jessie, I loved her journey, and laughed with her and, yes sometimes shouted in frustration when the complications in her life seemed to get too much but throughout it all there was a really lighthearted feel to the story which just made me smile.

If you like warmhearted love stories with two wonderful central characters who have more than enough angst to cause trouble between them then I am sure that you will love Reach for a Star as much as I did.

About the Author

A former pharmacist, I’m now a medical writer who also writes romance. Some days a racing heart is a medical condition, others it’s the reaction to a hunky hero. With two teenage boys and a husband who asks every Valentine’s Day whether he has to buy a card (yes, he does), any romance is all in my head. Then again, his unstinting support of my career change proves love isn't always about hearts and flowers and heroes come in many disguise.

Website

Twitter @KathrynFreeman1

Facebook

Amazon

Giveaway to Win a PB copy of Oh Crumbs by Kathryn Freeman (Open INT) 

Worldwide entries welcome.

Please enter using the Rafflecopter box below. 

*Terms and Conditions*

The winner will be selected at random via Rafflecopter from all valid entries and will be notified by Twitter and/or email. If no response is received within 7 days then Rachel’s Random Resources reserves the right to select an alternative winner. Open to all entrants aged 18 or over.Any personal data given as part of the competition entry is used for this purpose only and will not be shared with third parties, with the exception of the winners’ information. This will passed to the giveaway organiser and used only for fulfilment of the prize, after which time Rachel's Random Resources will delete the data. I am not responsible for despatch of delivery of the prize.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Blog Tour ~ Crikey A Bodyguard by Kathryn Freeman

Jaffareadstoo is delighted to be hosting today's stop on the Crikey A Bodyguard Blog Tour

Choc Lit
23 April 2019

My thanks to the author, publishers and Rachel's Random Resurces for my copy of this book
and the invitation to be part of the blog tour

She’s got the brains, he’s got the muscle …

When Kelly Bridge’s parents insist on employing a bodyguard for her protection, she’s not happy. Okay, so maybe not every woman is on the cusp of developing a vaccine against a potential biological terrorist attack – but crikey, it’s not like she’s a celebrity! 

Ben Jacobs flunked spectacularly out of school, so he knows his new client Dr Kelly Bridge spells trouble for him. But on a conference trip to Rome he finds things are worse than he thought. Not only is he falling for the brilliant scientist, he’s also become horribly aware she’s in grave danger. As they go on the run, dodging bullets and kidnappers, can he resist his feelings and keep her safe?

My thoughts..

Kelly Bridge knows stuff about viruses that no-one else does and the complex research she is working on has the potential to save many lives, however, the trouble is, this information is extremely sensitive and very dangerous if it gets in the wrong hands.. Against her better judgement, Kelly reluctantly agrees to her parents request to employ a bodyguard but constantly insists that she isn't in any danger. Her bodyguard turns out to be, Ben Jacobs, ex-special forces, tough, uncompromising and, with a glorious physique, which is extremely easy on the eye, however, for Kelly he's nothing more than an encumbrance. That is until the threat of danger becomes very, very real.

What then follows is an exciting, suspenseful story which has all the elements of a fast action thriller and yet, it also keeps intact this author's trademark of a lovely romantic story. There are some lovely light moments which made me smile but also there's a real darker element which is done extremely well and I must admit that my heart was in my mouth on more than one occasion, hoping that everything would work out for this feisty and determined scientist and her handsome bodyguard.

I've now read several of this author's novels and I am consistently impressed with the way she gets the balance of the story exactly right. The characters are always brimful of personality, the thrills and spills keep you guessing, and the passion fairly sizzles on the page.

There's so much to enjoy in Crikey A Bodyguard, from the edge of the seat situations that Kelly and Ben get drawn into, to the passionate 'will they, won't they' aspect of their burgeoning relationship. I loved it 😊

About the Author

A former pharmacist, I’m now a medical writer who also writes romance. Some days a racing heart is a medical condition, others it’s the reaction to a hunky hero. 

With two teenage boys and a husband who asks every Valentine’s Day whether he has to buy a card (yes, he does), any romance is all in my head. Then again, his unstinting support of my career change proves love isn't always about hearts and flowers - and heroes come in many disguises.

Social Media Links 

Website

Facebook

Twitter @KathrynFreeman1

@ChocLituk @rararesources

Amazon UK

**GIVEAWAY**

Giveaway to Win a PB copy of Oh Crumbs (Open INT) 

*Terms and Conditions –Worldwide entries welcome. Please enter using the Rafflecopter box below. The winner will be selected at random via Rafflecopter from all valid entries and will be notified by Twitter and/or email. If no response is received within 7 days then Rachel’s Random Resources reserves the right to select an alternative winner. Open to all entrants aged 18 or over. Any personal data given as part of the competition entry is used for this purpose only and will not be shared with third parties, with the exception of the winners’ information. This will passed to the giveaway organiser and used only for fulfilment of the prize, after which time Rachel’s Random Resources will delete the data. I am not responsible for despatch or delivery of the prize.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

🎄 Fabulously Festive with Kathryn Freeman 🎄

In the run up to Christmas, I have wonderful author interviews to help get you into the festive spirit

Here's the fabulous, Kathryn Freeman

Thank you so much for inviting me onto your blog Jo, I’m looking forward to answering your fabulously festive questions! 

🎄What’s your earliest Christmas Memory? 

Waking up to the feel of something heavy around my feet. Then sitting up bolt upright and finding the stocking I’d put on the end of my bed was overflowing with presents. 

🎄Do you have any special Christmas Traditions? 

As children my brother and I were forced to sit around the table and sign our names on each Christmas card my mum and dad sent. Needless to say, it often descended into chaos. I vividly recall introducing the guinea pig to the table at one point. Naturally I made my husband and sons continue the tradition … the name signing I mean, not the guinea pig. 

🎄What’s your favourite festive carol or song? 

Santa got stuck up the chimney. I have a very fond memory of my son at nursery, aged three, yelling his way through it. His was the only voice all the parents heard. 

🎄Do you have a favourite festive film? 

Ben Hur, The Great Escape, Gone with the Wind … I know, I know, not very festive, but when I was a kid they were the films always scheduled over Christmas, so they were the films I remember watching. Given the choice, I’d go with Lovely Actually, but males outnumbered females 3 to 1 in my house so the choice is rarely mine. 

🎄What’s your favourite festive read? 

I love, love, love Nora Roberts and really enjoyed the two stories in Christmas in the Snow. 

🎄Are you organised or do you leave everything until the last minute? 

I aim to be organised, but I’m not good at it. For example, I buy presents in the sales when I see them over the year and put them in the trunk. Clever eh? But two weeks before Christmas I usually panic and buy presents I didn’t need because I forget what’s in the damn trunk. 

🎄Christmas tree – real or artificial? 

Real – it’s the smell. 

🎄Tinsel or Glitter? 

Neither – but there’s no such thing as too many fairy lights. 

🎄Christmas cracker or party popper? 

Cracker. Party poppers last two seconds. Between the jokes and the daft plastic toys, crackers give a whole meal time of entertainment. 

🎄Mince Pie or Yule Log? 

Both please. 

🎄Christmas Dinner – Traditional Turkey, Nut Roast Veggie or something a bit different? 

Always turkey, though it’s the stuffing I like best so I’d be happy with a plate of just that. 

🎄Christmas Tipple – Bucks Fizz/Mulled Wine or something stronger? 

All of the above, but not at the same time. 

🎄A fun game of after dinner charades or more chocolates and the television? 

We’ve tried games in the past, including a quiz on my books (not many marks were scored) and stick the bauble on Jenson Button (best not to ask … no, no, not the real Jenson, a cardboard cutout that usually sits by my desk). Sadly nineteen and twenty-one year old boys tend not to do what you want them to anymore, so it’ll be television for us this year. 

Choc Lit
October 2018

Would you swap sea and sunshine for tinsel and turkey? Gabby Sanderson is used to being let down – even at Christmas. Which is why she’s happy to skip the festive season completely in favour of a plane ticket and sunnier climes. But this Christmas could be different, because this time she might not be spending it alone. Can Owen Cooper charm Gabby into loving Christmas in the same way he’s charmed his way into her life, or is he just another person who’ll end up disappointing her?

Website

Twitter @KathrynFreeman1

Facebook 

Amazon UK

🎄Happy Christmas 😊

Blog Tour and #Giveaway ~ A Little Christmas Charm by Kathryn Freeman

Jaffareadstoo is delighted to be hosting today's stop on A Little Christmas Charm Blog Tour

Choc Lit
October 2018

My thanks to the publishers and Rachel's Random Resources for my ecopy of this book
and the invitation to be part of the blog tour

Would you swap sea and sunshine for tinsel and turkey? Gabby Sanderson is used to being let down – even at Christmas. Which is why she’s happy to skip the festive season completely in favour of a plane ticket and sunnier climes. But this Christmas could be different, because this time she might not be spending it alone. Can Owen Cooper charm Gabby into loving Christmas in the same way he’s charmed his way into her life, or is he just another person who’ll end up disappointing her?

My thoughts about it..

Owen Cooper is a bit of a charmer, the quintessential salesman, who can talk himself into and out of many a situation and yet, when it comes to charming his work colleague, Gabby Sanderson, he really has to try hard to get her to even agree to go for a drink together. Gabby has her own trust issues and even though she is attracted to the handsome, Owen, there are lots of things that Gabby has to sort out before she can commit to a relationship.

A Little Christmas Charm is one of those wonderful feel-good stories which draws you in from the very beginning. I enjoyed getting to know both Gabby and Owen but, for the life of me, I couldn't see why Gabby was taking so long to be charmed by Owen, he seemed such a handsome hunk, and they had such fun together. However, the course of true love never runs smooth and the complicated processes of both of their lives means that there is always something, or someone, ready to thwart their plans.

The author has done a great job of creating believable characters who very quickly start to become people you really start to care about. And even though Gabby was a bit prickly from the start and it took me a little while to warm to her character, the author's gradual defrosting of Gabby made getting to know why she acted in the way that she does, all the more interesting and such a delight to read.

I loved everything about this story, from the 'will they, won't they' aspect of Gabby and Owen's complicated relationship, to getting to know the other characters who flit into and out of the story, especially Sidney, Hilda and young Zoe, who collectively add a real sense of warmth and wit to the story.

This is the second book in the Christmas Wishes series which started with A Little Christmas Faith however, it can easily be read as a standalone story. Filled with all the warmth and understanding that we have come to expect from this talented author, A Little Christmas Charm is the perfect antidote to Christmas Stress.

About the Author

A former pharmacist, I’m now a medical writer who also writes romance. Some days a racing heart is a medical condition, others it’s the reaction to a hunky hero 

With two teenage boys and a husband who asks every Valentine’s Day whether he has to buy a card (yes, he does), any romance is all in my head. Then again, his unstinting support of my career change proves love isn't always about hearts and flowers - and heroes come in many disguises.

Twitter @KathrynFreeman1

Facebook 

Amazon UK

 ✨GIVEAWAY ✨

Win a paperback copy of A Little Christmas Faith by Kathryn Freeman (Open Internationally)

*Terms and Conditions –Worldwide entries welcome. Please enter using the Rafflecopter box below. The winner will be selected at random via Rafflecopter from all valid entries and will be notified by Twitter and/or email. If no response is received within 7 days then I reserve the right to select an alternative winner. Open to all entrants aged 18 or over. Any personal data given as part of the competition entry is used for this purpose only and will not be shared with third parties, with the exception of the winners’ information. This will be passed to the giveaway organiser and used only for fulfilment of the prize, after which time I will delete the data. I am not responsible for despatch or delivery of the prize.

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Guest Author ~ Kathryn Freeman

I am delighted to introduce to Jaffareadstoo, Choc Lit Author

Kathryn Freeman

Hi, Kathryn, welcome to Jaffareadstoo...

Thank you Jo, (and Jaffa of course) so much for inviting me onto your lovely blog. To help celebrate the paperback publication of A Second Christmas Wish, I’ve chosen the following extract to share with you. It features William, Melissa’s shy young son, having his first lesson with his new tennis coach, ex-professional tennis player Daniel McCormick. 

Daniel was enjoying his session with William. At some point during the warm-up games and the chats he’d instigated during them, the boy had forgotten to be shy. He’d also begun to demonstrate an uncanny eye for the ball.

‘You know you could be a really good tennis player if you’re willing to stick with it,’ he told him as they collected the balls up after the final exercise.

‘Yeah, sure.’ William focused on tipping two balls from his racket into the ball carrier.

‘You don’t believe me?’

His head shot up guiltily. ‘Yes, Sir, I believe you.’

‘That’s good.’ When his head began to drop again, Daniel tapped him on the shoulder to regain his attention. ‘You’ve got a good eye and fast feet. Those are two things you can’t learn. The rest is only technique and practice.’

William took his time to consider this. ‘Will I be as good as you when I’m older?’

Laughter rumbled in Daniel’s chest. ‘Maybe. It depends how badly you want it.’ He took hold of William’s racket and pressed the strings. ‘It would help if you had a decent racket. Perhaps next month you can ask Father Christmas for one.’

William’s face immediately shuttered. ‘He doesn’t exist.’

‘Who told you that?’

‘My dad.’

Daniel already disliked Lawrence Raven from the few hints Alice had dropped about Melissa’s ex. Now he wanted to punch his lights out. ‘So your dad’s the world expert on Father Christmas, is he?’

William frowned. ‘I don’t know.’

‘Tell me, what does your mum say about Father Christmas?’

‘She says he’s real.’

‘Clever lady. And do you get any presents on Christmas Day?’

‘Yes. She says they’re from Father Christmas, but I reckon they’re from her.’

Daniel hoisted his tennis bag over his left shoulder – the right still bugged him now and again – and picked up the ball carrier. ‘Strikes me you need some evidence to decide who’s right, your mum or your dad. How about you write to Father Christmas and ask for a racket, but don’t tell your mum about it. If you get one on Christmas day, you’ll have your answer.’

About the book:

A Second Christmas Wish is now available to purchase in both paperback and eBook format from all good book retailers and platforms. Click HERE for buying options. 

Choc Lit
1 November 2017

Do you believe in Father Christmas?

For Melissa, Christmas has always been overrated. From her cold, distant parents to her manipulative ex-husband, Lawrence, she’s never experienced the warmth and contentment of the festive season with a big, happy family sitting around the table.

And Melissa has learned to live with it, but it breaks her heart that her seven-year-old son, William, has had to live with it too. Whilst most little boys wait with excitement for the big day, William finds it difficult to believe that Father Christmas even exists.

But then Daniel McCormick comes into their lives. And with his help, Melissa and William might just be able to find their festive spirit, and finally have a Christmas where all of their wishes come true …

Author Contact details

Website: http://kathrynfreeman.co.uk

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kathrynfreeman

Twitter: https://twitter.com/KathrynFreeman1

Jaffareadstoo has a wonderful festive feel on this cold, wintery day.

Huge thanks to Kathryn for spending time with us and for sharing her lovely extract from

 A  Second Christmas Wish.

 

~****~