Book Review Christmas at the Cat Cafe by Jessica Redland #romance

Posted on January 24, 2026 by Suzanne Rogerson Author

Well, this book just wowed me. I have to say it was probably one of the best books I read in 2025, though technically I finished it at the beginning of 2006.

Blurb

It’s the most wonderful time of the year on Castle Street, and there’s a paw-some new business opening….

It had always been Tabby’s dream to work with cats and an inheritance from her beloved nanna has finally made that a reality. Idyllic Castle Street in Whitsborough Bay couldn’t be a better place for pastry chef Tabby to open a cat café with her boyfriend, Leon.

But when Leon leaves her in the lurch, the pressure mounts for Tabby. With Christmas fast approaching, she has to open the café on her own – a daunting prospect, especially when she’s been hiding her health issues from the ones she loves.

Faced with local resistance to the café – and somebody seemingly determined that she won’t succeed – Tabby will need her friends, family and cats more than ever to recover her broken Christmas spirit and pull together for a Christmas miracle.

Will the cat café bring the festive joy to Castle Street as Tabby had hoped or will it be a cat-astrophe? And can the magic of Christmas on Castle Street mend Tabby’s broken heart as well as her business?

My Mini Review

I loved every moment spent with Tabby and her trials with both her health, heartache and opening a very special cat cafe. The slow burn romance, friends to lovers trope and lots of furry friends made for the purrfect festive reading!

I really enjoyed the friendship and chemistry between Tabby and Tom, and loved their cute nicknames for each other; Tabby-cat and Tom-cat. The cats were all stars of the story as well.

Learning about Tabby’s chronic heath condition was interesting and felt completely believable and integral to the storyline. At no point did I find it too much, it made the story more interesting and made the relationship between Tom and Tabby even more special. I loved their connection. I shed tears quite a few times reading this book, Jessica is a master at getting to you feel the character’s emotions.

It really was a top read for me and I highly recommend it.

Check it out on Amazon.

Book Review A Mistletoe Miracle Emma Jackson #romance #romcom

Posted on January 21, 2026 by Suzanne Rogerson Author

I know it’s not Christmas time anymore, but I still enjoyed reading this festive story. Well, actually I loved this book and it led to some late nights staying up reading.

Blurb

A Mistletoe Miracle is the cosy festive romance from best-selling author, Emma Jackson, guaranteed to have readers feeling the joy amidst the chaos of Christmas, and the heady rush of falling in love.

Heartwarming and hilarious, get ready for a generous sprinkling of snowflakes, mayhem and kisses…

Nestled in the sleepy, snow-covered village of Holinton, the Everdene Hotel should be the ideal setting for a perfect Christmas… But for Beth, returning to her childhood home looking for a chance to heal in peace after a disastrous break-up, it’s more of a fiasco than a festive fantasy.

With her mum stranded in a blizzard and most of the hotel staff off sick, Beth is forced to take the reins, impress a mystery hotel reviewer, and figure out if her attraction to Nick, the very grumpy – and very gorgeous – pilot who is staying for the holidays, is the real deal or a rebound headed for disaster.

Between mince pie emergencies, deadly decorations, and two dozen disgruntled guests, Beth needs to find a miracle under the mistletoe if she’s going to survive this Christmas…

Perfect for fans of Laurie Gilmore, Heidi Swain and Tarah DeWitt.

Mini Review

I loved the story of Beth and Nick, from the way they literally bumped into each other, right up to their last moment on the page together.

Beth has to cope with running the hotel when her mother is stranded miles away because of the snow. She does an amazing job of juggling a dozen tasks at once and still somehow manages to find the time to fall for one of her grumpy guests.

The festive feel to the story lifts your spirits any time of year. And as the blurb states so perfectly, there are plenty of mishaps to keep everyone, especially Beth, on their toes.

I’m pleased to find out there will be a sequel following two of the other guests, though I shall miss the Everdene Hotel and all of Beth’s antics.

This is my first read by Emma Jackson and it won’t be my last!

5 star read!

Check it on Amazon here.

Book review A Place in the Sun by Jo Thomas #romance #netgalley

Posted on November 14, 2025 by Suzanne Rogerson Author

My Review

I loved this book, just as I have loved every one of Jo Thomas’ books.
It was a beautiful story of second chances at love, and at times it was very emotional.
I loved Thea and her children, and of course, Giovanni, who comes to their rescue as soon as they arrive in town. There are some real characters, and great backstory to unravel both amongst the townspeople and for Thea and her young family. Plus, it has a renovation theme, which I always love. Everything about this book had me hooked. I’d love another story set in the same town in Tuscany.
In fact, writing this review makes me want to read the book all over again!

It’s never too late to find where you belong…

Thea knew the holiday house her late husband Marco bought in Tuscany wasn’t pristine. But when she relocates to Italy for the summer with her children, she’s shocked by how much work Casa Luna needs. And she only has six weeks to fix it up ready to sell! Her only option is to ask the tight-knit Italian community for help.

In return, Thea and her children become involved in the community kitchen, working alongside handsome chef Giovanni and three very competitive nonnas. Gradually, Thea begins to open up to the people around her for the first time in a long while. But just as she’s beginning to wonder whether this small Tuscan town could become a new place to call home, a surprise visitor turns everything on its head . . .

Check it out on the Amazon book page.

Book Review Over the Sea to Skye by Sue Moorcroft #Netgalley #romance

Posted on November 12, 2025 by Suzanne Rogerson Author

My Review

This is the third book in the Skye sisters trilogy. I’ve enjoyed every one of the Skye sisters’ books equally, and I don’t think I can pick a favourite.
What I have loved is being able to follow each sister and still keep in touch with their siblings. Valentina’s story is just as engrossing as her siblings, and in some ways more emotional as she has a young son and broken marriage to juggle whilst falling in love. Xander has his own issues, but he is the perfect match for Valentina – if only life, family and location issues didn’t get in the way for both of them. This was a lovely end to the trilogy, and I highly recommend the series – just as I recommend every one of Sue Moorcroft’s books.

One summer on a beautiful island could change everything…

Valentina Taylor’s life has been upended. With her marriage over, and unsure of what her future holds, she heads to the Isle of Skye for the summer with her young son, Barnaby.

But the journey there sets her on a new path, when she meets Xander Courage on the train – a charming American, running from problems of his own. After sparks fly, they go their separate ways. But on this small island, they’re never far from one another…

Skye offers Valentina the refuge she needs as she whiles away the long summer days at her beachside cottage, enjoying visits from her sisters, Thea and Ezzie. But when bad news from home throws her Scottish idyll into turmoil, Valentina finds herself pulled away from the place – and people – that she loves.

Valentina knows she must confront her heart’s desires – but can she let go of the past and embrace the future she deserves?

Here’s and link to the Amazon book page

Book Review A Little Cottage by the Cornish Sea by Nancy Barone #netgalley #romance

Posted on November 10, 2025 by Suzanne Rogerson Author

My Review

Wow, the start of this book throws you straight in the deep end, and it doesn’t stop as Kate’s life is thrown upside down. I couldn’t stop reading, hoping desperately that Kate would get her happy ever after. The storyline keeps you guessing as she tries to settle into a new community without giving away her past. I loved how everyone came to help her – the sense of community in Starry Cove is strong and I loved the mystery around Piers her love interest. It was a story I would read again and recommend to any romance reader.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for my ARC copy.

Life doesn’t always go to plan . . .

After a messy breakup and a nightmare boss, Kate swaps the chaos of London for the calm of Starry Cove-the charming seaside village she loved as a child. She arrives hoping for peace and a fresh start. But life has other plans: Kate soon discovers she’s going to be a mother.

As she navigates small-town life (and morning sickness), Kate finds friendship in the ‘coastal girls’-a warm, welcoming group who help her land a job with Piers, the reclusive owner of the local manor. He’s guarded, grumpy and impossible to read… but there’s more to him than meets the eye.

As feelings grow and secrets slowly come to light, Kate must decide if she’s ready to open her heart again-and whether Starry Cove could be the home she’s been searching for all along.

Check out the Amazon book page

2024 Year in Review – writing successes

Posted on December 31, 2024 by Suzanne Rogerson Author

It has become a ritual to look back at the year and check in on my achievements.

It doesn’t feel as if much happened in 2024 as I didn’t meet many of the goals for the year that I set rather optimistically in 2023. However, plenty of other things did happen, so it’s important to focus on the positive.

Writing

I published a new short story collection called A Little Christmas Magic on 28th November 2024.

I also made the decision to make a series of Christmas stories – Winter Warmers. This now includes my previous Christmas collection – A Christmas Wish.

Both books had a book tour on Instagram in December which I enjoyed immensely. There’s nothing better than seeing what reviewers think of the heart-warming stories I’ve created. And it was great to be able to share so many review snippets and posts on Instagram throughout the month. Both were run by Love Books Tours and went very smoothly. Highly recommended service if you are wanting a book tour next year.

Aside from writing, I attended several writing events in 2024. There was a weekend event just outside of Stratford Upon Avon hosted by Alison May and Janet Gover. A whole weekend of food, writing workshops and talking writing with fellow writers. Plus some excellent 1-2-1’s that helped me move my ideas forward. I would recommend both Janet and Alison for the services they offer to writers, and they also run the Debut Author Club together.

The Romantic Novelist Association conference was held 10 minutes for my home at The Royal Holloway College, so I couldn’t resist attending the whole weekend event. At times I found it a struggle socially as I didn’t know anyone, but it was a wonderful opportunity to mix with both aspiring and published writers. The workshops were great as well.

I kept up with my monthly writing sessions at my local library, and attended several author events in libraries and Waterstones.

The not so successful side of 2024….

Fantasy genre

I made the decision to park my new fantasy series Starlight Prophecy for a while. I need to go back to the planning stage and really get to know the world and the history before I commit to working on the half completed trilogy.

I also toyed with the idea of writing a collection of short stories in the world of my Silent Sea Chronicles, but I think it’s a hard one to pull off. I want to provide extra content for readers who’ve enjoyed the series and also entice new readers without giving too much of the various storylines away. Maybe I will revisit this idea in 2025.

Romance genre

I’ve made great headway with The Mermaid Hotel Series (news I will share in a New Year’s post). However, 2024 has seen a lot of work editing and re-editing the story, reshaping major points of the character arcs etc. I’m almost happy with the way it is now, so I’ll share more about that very soon.

Reading

I met my Goodreads goal of 24 books. That seems like a sensible amount, though of course I’d love the time to read more. I did not however get around to reviewing many books, which I am not pleased about. I enjoying reviewing books on my blog and see it as a way to score some good karma points! Hopefully people will review my books more in 2025. Fingers crossed!

I would love to put a post together celebrating my favourite reads of 2024, but will have to see if time allows.

Other

I love the little graphic I made to show off my books. It will need to be changed soon because it is very festive, but I will enjoy it for now.

And that is about it for 2024. It’s had its ups and downs, but I’m confident 2025 will be a bigger and better year!

Happy New Year everyone.

Stay safe and have fun!

Book review Bella’s Countryside Christmas by Claire Huston #romance #RespectRomFic @ClaraVal

Posted on December 24, 2024 by Suzanne Rogerson Author

I loved Bella and Jack’s story, from the moment they meet over a falling Christmas tree in a church, right up to the last page. It was a very entertaining read for any time of year.

Bella was a great character to follow. She has a big heart and puts family above everything else. This causes a few issues in her life, the biggest losing touch with Jack after a magical few hours together. I was desperate to read on to see if the couple would get their happy ever after.

I enjoyed being back at Halleybrook, and getting little glimpses into characters lives from the previous books in the series. This can be read as a standalone without an issues, though I highly recommend all the books, whichever order you read them. Oh, and I just found out last night that Claire’s book ‘Clues to You’ won the book bloggers novel of the year 2024 competition. I loved that story and think you should definitely check out all of Claire Huston’s books.

Finally, the cover has a really festive feel.

Check it out on Amazon.

Blurb

Fleeing her heartache and horrendous job, Bella stumbles upon a December wedding in the beautiful village of Haileybrook and the spirit of the season moves her to act as a fake date to handsome stranger Jack.

Jack and Bella hit it off, but Bella has to leave in a hurry and their magical evening soon becomes nothing more than a blissful memory.

A year later, Bella is returning to Haileybrook, seeking a fresh start and a quieter life. With a new job close to her cosy cottage home, a peaceful Christmas is surely only days away.

But it’s not long before family surprises, small-town feuds and romantic drama disrupt Bella’s plans, and she has to wonder if being alone is what she really wants for Christmas …

This standalone festive romance is set in the village of Haileybrook. The Haileybrook stories can be read in any order.

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Happy Christmas everyone.

And happy reading!

Book Review snippets for A Little Christmas Magic #festivestories #christmasstories #shortstories #christmasfiction

Posted on December 20, 2024 by Suzanne Rogerson Author

I’m back with my favourite thing – more quotes from reviewers!

This is a continuation of the book tour taking place on Instagram for A Little Christmas Magic.

Day 3 reviews

planteachread ‘…It brings so much to the table and at the heart of the stories a connection between people, brought to the fore at Christmas time. A couple of stories brought me to tears, which is pretty impressive for a tale told on a few pages…’

CosyMidlifeBookNook ‘This festive collection is a delight! …it feels like unwrapping a bookish gift wrapped in a big red bow. In just 80 pages, you’ll find heartwarming tales of missing pets, the kindness of strangers, overcoming trauma, and a father racing home for Christmas. Each story tugged at my heartstrings and left me satisfied.’

Plumbobmummy ‘They are uplifting stories that capture how Christmas is truly a time when people come together as a community and help others. Some of the stories deal with current topics and feel relevant to us all. My favourite short story in the book is Last Minute Dash about a mum struggling to pay for her food shopping on top of Christmas – something I’m sure many people will be struggling with this year.’

Katieluvstoread ‘This is the second collection of short stories that I have read by this author and I loved them all. This one had all of the fur babies that my little heart could take and making sure they were all included in the Christmas cheer. I want more and could have read longer versions of the stories as well. I will be adding this author to an auto read list for me.’

Day 4

Dorianhellfire ‘Here’s another wonderful collection of holiday shorts to uplift us and bring in the spirit of Christmas. Tales to show that people can come together as family and as a community.’

nadz_sargent ‘Another brilliant set of little tales of love, compassion and community. Neighbourly spirit was strong in a couple of these and served to remind us to check on those around us.’

book_a_holic_17 ‘I loved the different themes within this collection – although all festive – each one showed what the festive period really means to different people in different situations – reminding us to think of others at this time of year too.’

Day 5

bookswithstacie ‘I can’t choose my favourite but the cat one, I loved I have a cat myself and if she ever went missing I would cry.
Whichever story becomes your favourite you’ll find that they all pull on your heart strings.
Perfect for Christmas lovers.’

I’ve be sharing more snippets at the weekend. Please take a look at the reviews above and if you’re looking for a way to get festive, you could try one of the Winter Warmers collection.

Review snippets from the #Booktour for A Little Christmas Magic #festivestories

Posted on December 17, 2024 by Suzanne Rogerson Author

So far on the book tour for my new festive collection of short stories I’ve been loving the reviews coming in. It’s always fun to share a few of my favourite quotes with you. Please click the link for the full review on instagram.

weebelfastbookshelf ‘…Each story was perfect for an easy, cosy read at this time of year 🎄 the author has beautifully captured what this time of year is really about, even in such short stories. I found them all to be believable & relatable – I didn’t want them to end!’

Daisyhollands ‘…What a charming little collection of stories this is. If you are looking for something quick and stress free to read over the festive period, it should be this. Each story is different to the one before but there is Christmas magic weaved through all of them, like a glittery thread…’

afelton6212 ‘…this book just has all the Christmas magic I may be an adult but I fully believe In the magic!!’

currently_readingx ‘…Every story has a meaning behind it. From helping others to making sacrifices. When I was reading this book it made me feel so lucky to be surrounded by people I love…’

mommy_and_books ‘A perfect Christmas and winter anthology. The stories are short, enveloping, and everyone will find something for themselves here. An additional asset is the wonderful cover that catches the eye.’

lozzieloves ‘This is my first read by Suzanne Rogerson and it was a thoroughly enjoyable one. A collection of festive short stories which cover all the Christmas themes of love, kindness, family and friendship.’

bianca_reads_books ‘The underlying theme across all of these is kindness. They vary in length from a couple of pages to 18 pages, so they are very easy to race through.
It’s a great read to curl up with your christmas cuppa and enjoy.’

Thank you to all the reviewers who’ve posted so far. As you can see from the list below, there are still plenty more to come.

In case you’re interested in this festive read, or want to get a gift for a friend or family member, below is the all important link. You can still order the paperbacks / hardbacks in time for Christmas or even gift an ebook to someone special.

Winter Warmer Short Story Series

Thanks very much for following the book tour with me.

#Christmas book reviews #netgalley reads by @SueMoorcroft and @jo_thomas01

Posted on December 15, 2024 by Suzanne Rogerson Author

I’ve read a couple of Christmas / winter books over the last month or so and thought it was the perfect time to share a little book love.

These were both Netgalley reads kindly given to me by the publisher, and are by two of my favourite authors;

Sue Moorcroft – A Skye Full of Stars

Firstly I love the title, Coldplay is one of the best bands in the world!

It was wonderful to get back to Skye and pick up with the three sisters and their lives. I love the set up in the country house estate, and it’s also a pleasure to experience the island in winter this time.

This story is packed with family, emotion and love.

Ezzie is a great character with her fair share of issues, and Mats is suitably swoon worthy.
The difficulties the leads face to love seem impossible to overcome, and I couldn’t stop reading to find out how a happy ever after was possible with so much against it.

Mats young kids were adorable. And Ezzie meeting her birth family led to plenty of teary moments.

A brilliant read and I’m looking forward to the last story in the trilogy next year (though it will be a shame to leave the Isle of Skye).

Next up

Jo Thomas – A Recipe for Christmas

This was another great cosy Christmas read by Jo Thomas. And with lots of chocolate – what’s not to love!

Clara was such a lovely character who seems to naturally help everyone she meets and brings people together. Gabriel was the perfect, brooding leading man.

I loved the Swiss location with all the vivid descriptions of the snowy conditions, and especially the chocolate school and Gabriel’s farm.

It was a stay up all night kind of read and I just didn’t want it to end.

Both books are 5 star reads – I’m never disappointed with a Sue Moorcroft or Jo Thomas book!

I’m hoping to squeeze in a few more Christmas reads this year, and am already 80% through Claire Hutson’s new book – Bella’s Countryside Christmas. Another book that is most definitely worth a read.

Enjoy your Sunday reading.

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