Thank you to Kim for letting me take part in this tour.  I have read a few of Sue's books and I have really enjoyed all of them.

This story is set mainly in Appledore. If you read Sue's Ice Cream books from the summer then you have been to Appledore before but if you haven't then you really are in for a treat. We follow Chloe as she tries to help her estranged husband with his new restaurant.

Chloe's husband Gianni seems to be a spoilt, egotistical man. When you look deeper though he is a man who has buried his pain so deep because of the need to be the strong man.

I don't know how Sue does it but whenever I read her books she inspires  my food. when I read Curves Kisses and Chocolate Ice  Cream over the summer I was inspired to have a few healthier meals this time Sue has had me craving proper Italian pasta, hot chocolates and festive ice creams.

There are is a really heart breaking  story line in this book but it is blended with some really funny parts. This book will show you that while you may not end up where you think you will in life, you will be ok.

This is the third book in a series, I absolutely adored the first two, Ella’s Ice Cream Summer and Curves, Kisses and Chocolate Ice Cream and it felt so good to be back in Appledore! You definitely can read each book as a standalone, however there are reoccurring characters that are so fantastically funny you really should read each book.

This is told solely from Chloe’s point of view and what a sweetheart she was. It’s been a year since her marriage broke up and she’s lonely and heartbroken but she’s really trying to move on. As she slowly revealed parts of her history with Gianni you find out they’ve dealt with some heartbreaking issues, I truly felt for her. While this still had Watson’s signature brand of wickedly fun humor there was a more melancholy feel to it, it was more emotional than her other books.

I loved that Chloe crossed paths with some of my old favorites, especially Sue who was back with her inappropriately hilarious advice and god awful malapropisms. Gianni is from Italy and the way he mangled certain common expressions had me rolling with laughter. He’s very sweary and ass is one of his favorite words but he uses it in unusual ways, clown ass, holy ass for a few examples hahaha. He always pronounces beach like bitch leading to some very funny encounters.

This is full of Christmas magic and sparkly moments, all about second chances and starting fresh. Watson’s books never fail to leave me with a smile on my face and are the best way to spend a delightful afternoon. I do hope this isn’t the end of the series, I’ve come to love and adore Appledore and it’s residents.

This is the second book by Sue Watson that I have had the pleasure of reading and reviewing. It certainly won’t be the last of her books that I read. I absolutely loved reading this book but more about that later.
I don’t want to type too much about the storylines as I have an unintentional but still nasty habit of giving away far too many spoilers about books that I have enjoyed. Chloe and Gianni were married to each other but their marriage broke down following personal tragedies and their reluctance to confide in each other. A year on from their split, Chloe is well on the way to mending her heart and she works in the PR industry. However, Chloe then receives an S.O.S call from the manager of her ex-husband Gianni’s latest restaurant. The manager is about at the end of her tether with Gianni and his wacky food choices and his explosive temper. Gianni has also been causing a stir with the local villagers but not in a good way. Chloe is about the only one who can work with Gianni, cope with his moods and put a spin on even the most disappointing & calamitous situation. Chloe agrees to take the role and it isn’t too long before pans are flying in the kitchen and the temperature in the kitchen is about at boiling point. Can Chloe & Gianni charm the critics and make the restaurant a success? Will Chloe and Gianni work together? Will Chloe and Gianni have a second chance at romance? Well for the answers to those questions and more you are just going to have to read the book to find out because I am not going to tell you.
I really did take to the character of Chloe from the start. Chloe and Gianni were desperate to start a family but for one reason and another, it sadly never happened for them. Chloe (& Gianni) suffered recurring miscarriages and Chloe feels like it is her fault. She feels as though she has let Gianni down and apologises to him for the fact that her body has let him down. Chloe’s feelings are entirely natural but in no way is she to blame. Chloe seems as though she is beginning to cope a bit better with her losses and she has thrown herself into her career. Chloe is feisty and isn’t afraid to pull Gianni up on his behaviour. Chloe is friendly and she makes an effort to get to know people, whereas Gianni manages to alienate people without really trying. She almost acts as a buffer zone between Gianni and those he upsets. Chloe knows what you have to do to entice people into a restaurant and potentially increase the amount of diners that swing through the doors. I don’t think that Chloe and Gianni ever had a heart to heart where they told each other exactly how they are feeling and how they were affected by things. As for the character of Gianni, well he could have done with a few dozen slaps around the chops with a wet flip flop before being poked between the eyes with a sharp stick. The man is totally infuriating!!! If I worked with him I would only last 5 minutes before hitting him with one of his saucepans. Gianni is rude, arrogant, he has very strange ideas about what diners like to eat, Gianni sulks, he mopes and he throws more temper tantrums than I drink cups of tea in a day. I did think that some of his less desirable character traits were the result of how his experiences had affected him. I also think that he puts a barrier up between himself and others because he doesn’t want to let anybody get too close in case he gets hurt. It has obviously taken him a long time to come to terms with everything that has happened.
In my opinion, ‘Snowflakes, Iced Cakes and Second Chances’ is superbly written. Sue Watson is not afraid to tackle difficult subjects but she writes about them with such compassion and sensitivity that you cannot help but be affected by what you have read. On more than one occasion during this book, I actually welled up because I had become so involved in the story and I felt that I really knew Chloe and Gianni. The way Chloe felt and Gianni’s typical male reaction of not wanting to talk really struck a chord with me. I haven’t been through such an experience but I know someone who has. For me, this book was seriously addictive and I found that I just could not put the book down. I simply had to read on to find out how the story ended. The pages were turning that fast that it was almost as if they were turning themselves and before I knew it I had finished the book which I had mixed feelings about. I was pleased to have finished the book because I knew how the story ended but I wasn’t pleased because I wanted the story to continue as I was enjoying the story and writing style so very much. After I closed the book, I did feel as though I had been through the emotional wringer. From laughter to tears, from happiness to sadness, from hope to despair and well you get the picture. Certain parts of the story were very amusing but I had to be careful not to laugh too hard because I was in agony with severe back pain and laughing made it worse!!
In short, I totally, utterly and wholeheartedly adored this book and I would recommend it to anybody. Sue Watson has firmly cemented her position on my list of favourite and must read authors. I can’t wait to read what comes next. I award this book a very well deserved 5* out of 5*.

There is something pretty magical about reading a book that makes you snort tea and choke, well be warned because I have been a victim of it while reading this outrageously hilarious Christmas romance.
Now I do have to admit to being partial to a little Italian now and again and Sue Watson definitely got my taste buds going with the wonderful descriptions of some of the food on offer, but add a real life Italian Chef and my knees get a little tremble. Meet Gianni who is passionate in every possible way. He made my mouth water, my pupils dilate and my brain go into melt down, all besides being incredibly funny with his mispronunciation of certain words.
When Gianni’s explosive temperamental temper costs him all of his staff at his up and coming new restaurant just before Christmas, there is only one person that could possibly bring him back into line and the restaurant back on track, his estranged 45-year-old wife, Chloe. What a super character she is. Business focused, a people person and a passion that still rages in her for what she once had with Gianni but so much had happened that drove them apart.
As well as all the laughing I had tears too as the story of Chloe and Gianni unfolds it is fraught with enough emotion to render Frosty the Snowman into one big puddle. Sue Watson has that special ability to bring readers and characters together and make them care about what happens. Relationships and recipes are not very different really, the more complicated you make it the more can go wrong.
This is a really good feel factor Christmas romance, perfect for tissues, tinsel and taking chances. Just wonderful!

We are back in Appledore, ready to meet some new faces! As a lover of Christmas, Chloe has always spent the festive season morphing into a Christmas tree decoration, or becoming Mariah Carey's unofficial backing singer when the Christmas tunes come on. This year however, Chloe has a higher chance of putting on her Bridget Jones underwear, caking her face in a coal face mask whilst singing Elvis', 'It'll Be Lonely This Christmas', than relishing in the Christmas spirit like previous years.

Until the storyline chooses to divulge its secrets, us readers are none the wiser as to why Chloe's festive plans have changed. All we know is that there was a man and now there isn't. I don't mean to knock a person when they're down, but it's pretty clear from the onset that Chloe is in a terrible state. It's as though she's missing her je ne sais quoi. Although to be fair, if I was in Chloe's shoes I'd be making my way to the nearest Gregg's and stocking up on mince pies! Priorities, obviously!

As the storyline progresses, the author allows us an insight into Chloe's past and how she met the man who is no longer in reaching distance. Whilst some parts are obviously sad if you're the romantic sort, other parts are highly hilarious. I mean, that Chloe is proper feisty when it comes to moving her puddings!! There were multiple occasions whilst I was reading this book, where I found myself proper belly laughing and laughing out loud. Needless to say, my four year old gave me MY look in response. Spoilsport. Did it stop me snorting? Did it heck. Fast forward several pages and I'm doing it again. Sue Watson just tickles me every single time. I love it!

I reckon some readers may find Gianni to be a bit of a turkey. I however, found him to be a bit of a Christmas pudding; palatable and intense, with room for growth. I couldn't stomach Gianni Christmas pudding in huge doses, I'll admit, but there was just something about that man who made me think 'hmmmmm, let me pull your cracker'. Mind out of the gutter....I think.

It's safe to say that I loved every single part of Sue Watson's latest treat. From start to finish my attention was piqued, my taste buds were teased - ready to lose myself in Sue Watson's delectable words. What I loved most about this book was how I was able to watch Chloe grow. At the start of the book she seemed quite low, yet the more I read, the more I saw her blossom into such a fantastic character. Chloe ended her story a completely different person to the one I met at the beginning. Personally, the way that Sue Watson was able to make a character grow and blossom before my very eyes - takes extreme talent and dedication to her characters. It's very clear that Sue Watson wrote this novel from the heart, whilst also spending time carefully crafting her main character to appear realistic, relatable, but more importantly; loveable.

For me, the author has ticked every single box and then some. Hell, she even ticked some I didn't even know existed! Yes this book had me in hysterics, but the storyline also made me stop and think about the choices we make in life. Just like Chloe we often find ourselves in a predicament with no light at the end of the tunnel, where choices made during this time are ones we are more likely to regret. Sometimes there is only one solution for a situation at that given time. And yes, sometimes you have to take that solution even though it might end up being the wrong one for you long-term. The message that resonated with me the most was the one about taking chances even through the fear. Fear makes us second guess everything, yet fear also makes us strive for that certain thing even more - even if we are unaware of it at the time. I have gone away and thought long and hard about several things within this storyline. Let's just say that inspiration can come from the most unlikeliest of places.

Snowflakes, Iced Cakes and Second Chances is a laugh out loud, mouth-watering and highly addictive read from the exceptional, Sue Watson. Full of giggles, food to tickle your taste buds, and situation to keep your mind busy; Sue Watson's latest novel is one of my most favourite books this author has written. I realise I say this every.single.time, BUT, I really have no idea how Sue Watson manages to knock the holly off the ivy with every new book she writes.

Outstanding, magical and one of the cosiest books I've read this year; Sue Watson has done it once again. Absolutely brilliant. If I could give this book more than 5 stars I would, it's worthy of millions more.

Huge thanks to Bookouture.

Warm, heartwarming Christmas tale with plenty of laugh out loud moments to lighten the mood but serious descriptions of the effect on a relationship of miscarriages. The hero of the story, Gianni, is an Italian chef with a fiery temper and his estranged wife, Chloe is drafted in to help launch his new restaurant after he has upset his staff so much that they've walked out and managed to upset the local paper reporter sent to cover the restaurant opening. Chloe and Gianni drifted apart after not being able to share their feelings about losing three babies. I enjoyed Chloe's spirited arguments with her irritable ex and loved the characters she met in the local ice cream cafe. A couple of poignant moments brought tears to my eyes but it is on the whole a happy story without being cloying.

Looking for a story of Christmas miracles? Look no further than this adorable second chance romance by the highly talented author, Sue Watson.

Told in the first person by Chloe, memories of how she first met Gianni, married him and then left him are emotively shared. Now he needs her help to save his restaurant business which necessitates her travelling to the cottage they once shared so happily in Appledore. Can she keep their arrangement a business one? Can she bring their marriage to a close but still remain friends with him whilst also helping to save his business? You’ll have to read it yourself to find out what happens!

This is a very moving story, looking back on happy memories, sharing the trauma of sad ones and the hopes and dreams for the future. As Chloe and her passionate, Italian, chef and restauranteur husband meet again in the beautiful seaside resort, they start to reevaluate their past and explore their feelings for each other again.  There are some superb interactions that will have you laughing out loud, some tasty food (including ice cream) that’ll have you drooling and a community that is brought to life in vivid detail. This is a heartwarming and mouth-watering romance, a story of not appreciating what you have till you lose it, of the importance of communication to keep love and relationships alive. It is a delightful festive read and I thought the Snowflakes also sounded gorgeous, too!

I requested and received a copy of this novel, via NetGalley, with no obligation. This is my honest review after choosing to read it.

A delightful second chance romance with some serious issues but a light engaging heart. If you haven't read Watson before, this is a nice place to start because Chloe and Gianni are such terrific characters and the town of Appledore on the coast- well, I want to visit. Gianni can be a real dork sometimes which is a problem when you're trying to run a restaurant; Chloe has the touch for marketing and making people feel good. That she's willing to go help him with his struggling place is a measure of her continuing love for him, despite their problems. This could have been set at any time of the year but it was extra special for being Christmas themed. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC- you'll like this if you enjoy this genre AND if you like yummy and outrageous food descriptions.

What a lovely book! I always enjoy Sue's books and this is yet another winner! For me, one of the great attractions is the chapter titles! Always make me smile. The story is warm, funny and satisfying. More please!

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I am as many of you know a huge Sue Watson fan, but that's not to say I adore every one of her books...but this one I ABSOLUTELY do! This book is Christmas wrapped up in a toe tinglingly festive read, that needs to be accompanied preferably with an open fire and a mug of hot chocolate. Sue has written a few books set in Appledore, and although they are all standalone books they all feature some recurring characters. Appledore is a quaint little place near the sea and it's where Chloe's estranged husband Gianni has gone to open his latest restaurant.

Chloe and Gianni are separated and as the story begins we take a walk down memory ane with Chloe and she describes their past and how they have reached the place they are both at now. With Gianni retreating to Appledore to open a restaurant after turning his back on the glitz and almost celebrity status he had in London, his fiery italian temper has got him in to hot water. With signs of his restaurant dying before it's even begun Gianni's Manager asks for Chloe's help. Chloe who has spent a year building her career in events decides that rather than spend Christmas alone she will help Gianni try and salvage his restaurant (and reputation) and maybe they will become friends..

I instantly loved both these lead characters and they are extremely funny. Gianni with his ridiculous interpretation of the English language leads to some funny moments when he is explaining his thoughts on the beach! I can't say that this is the most original storyline but it's positively packed to the brim with Christmas spirit and a good old-fashioned romance. What made the story so enjoyable for me was the characters and the place itself. Having read all the other books set in Appledore I was thrilled to see the return (albeit fleetingly) of some familiar places such as Roberta, Dani and Sue.

We see Chloe and Gianni battle both on a personal front as well as a business one. Although the majority of the storyline is constantly peppered with humour there are more serious issues meaning both characters have their own chinks in their armour and makes them all the more likeable The character Marco (who again featured in previous books) was a perfect fit into this story too! I read this in one sitting and loved every single page. If you are looking for a festive read that will make you smile then this here is the answer. One word of warning though, don't read it if yu are hungry as you may find yourself reaching for food! This would be the perfect stocking filler and is highly recommended!

Another brilliant, Christmassy and heartwarming novel by Sue Watson. After her releases in the summer (set in Appledore), I was throughly looking forward to going back for Christmas. And boy was I not disappointed. Although it wasn't overly Christmassy, I adored the style of writing and it seemed to have a bit more of a serious approach to it, which was a bit different to the others.

The story follows main character Chloe a year on after breaking up with husband Gianni. She receives a call out the blue one evening near Christmas asking her to come and work on a new restaurant because it's struggling. She soon works out that said restaurant belongs to ex Gianni, and is somewhat reluctant to go. However, after reliving some memories when she finds an old Christmas decoration, she decides to give it a go.

For most of the first quarter of the book, we read about Chloe's past and her relationship with Gianni, who she met at work in Harrods at Christmas. This gave us a lovely insight into how their relationship worked and I found myself really relating to Chloe. I also found myself warming to Giannni, as at first he appeared to be quite rude - but once he bought Chloe Snowflake, I was smiten!

When it gets to about half way through, that's when the real heartbreak starts. I was welling up reading this and I honestly felt sorry and hurt for Chloe and Gianni and what they had been through throughout their marriage. It makes me realise a lot as to why they broke up and why they are how they are and I feel that this certainly made it a bit of an emotional book.

However, away from the sad storyline - there is also what may be a re-blossoming of their past relationship. I felt like Chloe helping Gianni again must have bought back so many memories for them and this is why Chloe tried to re-create their first restaurant that they opened together by lighting cosy candles, and hanging up Christmas decorations where she can.

As well as Chloe and Gianni, it was lovely to read about some familiar characters that was in the other books that are set in Appledore. Reading about them in the Ice Cream Cafe was lovely and I really enjoyed being back in the cosy fishing village of Appledore again.

Overall, not an overly Christmassy novel but still enjoyable to read in the build up. A lovely romantic story which is heartwarming and will make you feel all fuzzy inside when you finish it. Thank you to Netgalley and to the Publisher for a chance to read this novel, which I have reviewed honestly.

A beautiful British escape with all the hot chocolate and romance you could want. Fun, fast story.

Some of you may know, this isn't really my normal sort of read. I tend to shy away from romance things and pretty much anything to do with Christmas. Just call me Scrooge. But this is Sue Watson and her Ice-Cream Café series holds a special place in my heart so the decision to read and review this one was a lot easier than you'd think.

Sue Watson takes us back to the lovely town of Appledore but this time, Winter is coming. (Sorry!) Gianni, a fiery Italian, has opened a restaurant there but things aren't going very well. Gianni isn't exactly a people person and has an incredible temper which results in staff leaving, altercations with food critics and grumpy customers. He calls in the help of his estranged wife, Chloe, though he won't admit the idea was his as he's far too stubborn for that.

Chloe and Gianni started out having a wonderful relationship and marriage but after the sadness of three miscarriages, each tried to deal with their grief by throwing themselves into their work. A lack of communication, misunderstandings and too much time apart eventually leads Chloe to leave the marriage behind. Forced to spend time together in Appledore and make Gianni's latest venture a success, could their marriage possibly get a second chance?

I thoroughly enjoyed my time in Appledore with Chloe and Gianni. Although I must admit to frequently feeling my temper rise at Gianni's attitude and if I'd had a pan handy, it probably would have found its way to his head. Despite his character also delivering quite a few chuckle-worthy moments, he's also utterly infuriating and Chloe, quite frankly, has the patience of a saint most of the time.

Throw in the delightful residents of Appledore we've all come to love, snow and the impending arrival of the holidays, and this does exactly what you'd expect. Snowflakes, Iced Cakes and Second Chances is a feel-good Christmas romance that will definitely get you into the spirit and is as warm and comforting as a cosy fire or a blanket. Yes, there is a level of predictability but really, I couldn't care less because this author always manages to come up with realistic characters you care about and root for.

If you've read any of this author's previous books, you will absolutely adore this! If you haven't, maybe now is the time to give them a go and kick-start the festive period (too soon?) with a giggle or two.

This is the third Christmas book that I have read now by Sue Watson and for me they just get better and better!! I love her writing style, the stories are funny and light-hearted and they have genuine characters that I love.  The only downside for me - her food descriptions are so good it makes me hungry!!! 

I really enjoyed this story and the characters of Gianni and Chloe were great and worked so well together - this was definitely a treat for me to read and I loved it - would recommend it to anyone looking for a feel good festive read this winter - excellent - 5 stars!!!

If you are looking for a book which contains a magical blend of humour, romance and feel-good story telling, then look no further. With Snowflakes, Iced Cakes and Second Chances, Sue Watson takes all of the above ingredients, mixes in a little christmas spice, adds a side order of somewhat unusual gastronomic delicacies and decadent ice-cream sundaes, delivering to the reader a truly scrumptious festive treat all wrapped in a dazzling gilt edged bow. The weather in downtown Appledore may well be frightful, but never fear. This tale will leave you feeling as warm and cosy as a grand log fire.

Having been separated from Gianni for a year, Chloe has her mind set on only one thing - finding her new start. The last thing she needs or expects is the call from Gianni's assistant, asking her to help with the marketing of his new restaurant in the village which is the location of their dream home, Appledore. Chloe realises this may give her closure, prove to herself once and for all that she is over Gianni, give her the chance to escape from a pretty disastrous attempt at dating again, while earning herself some money that she can't really afford to refuse. What she doesn't count on is the feelings that being near to Gianni again will stir up. He is as passionate and unreasonable as the first day they met, and yet something about him is still irresistible. Chloe wants to keep things professional but whether this is even possible, remains to be seen.

What I love about Sue Watson's writing is the way she manages to capture the many facets of human nature and package them up a completely humourous and yet thoroughly compelling way. Gianni is a very hot-blooded, hot-headed character, a man who has become almost a caricature of himself, his ego inflated by untold media praise and yet ultimately bruised by the way in which he was a quickly ignored. Chloe is his exact opposite - down to earth and level headed but more than a match for his posturing and bluster. Much of his character is an act, designed to fit his enfant terrible moniker, and Chloe had always been able to see through and counter him in every way. They are polar opposites and so beautifully crafted on the page that you can;t help smiling at their interactions. The chemistry is clear and yet the history is undeniable.

In amongst all of the bravado and hot-headedness there is also an element of vulnerability in both Gianni and Chloe. They have been through unimaginable tragedy and you can't help but feel for the couple as Chloe recounts their past in some of the books most poignant moments. It is no wonder that they grew apart, struggling to recover from personal tragedy, and yet you can't help but hope that working together, perhaps finally communicating openly about what they have endured, that they can work through the differences as they do make a wonderfully funny and perfectly matched couple.

If you have read any of Sue Watson's most recent books, then you will recognise the setting of Appledore. Some of the characters from the town do make an appearance, all adding more colour to the start and clinical setting og Gianni's new restaurant. I have to be honest - some of the initial restaurant menu had me feeling a little nauseous and I would advise those of a delicate constitution to toughen up before reading. I can only hope no-one ever serves up such a - how shall I put this - controversial menu as the one described here. Slug semolina? It is absolutely no wonder Gianni's last restaurant had failed. Although his 'passionate' italian persona probably had a little to do with it too, Gianni being somewhat prone to comedic levels of overreaction. Beware the sausage!

Told from Chloe's point of view, it is just as well she is around to translate some of Gianni's conversation. His unique pronunciation is used to perfect comic effect here. The way in which he says 'beaches' has the ability to both offend and amuse in equal measure. And it is those little touches, the quiet observation of such human characteristics that Sue Watson excels at. She can make the everyday funny, turn the little tics into a chucklesome moment, and still make you go awww with a trembly bottom lip with a simple turn of phrase.

As sweet as Gianni's iced chocolate cake, and as scrumptious as an sundae from the Ice-Cream Cafe, fans of Sue Watson are just going to eat this up. A brilliantly warm and funny festive read.

Now I’m ready for Christmas!

This book is wonderfully funny, romantic and festive and I loved every page! Reading it was like snuggling in front of a log fire in a fluffy dressing gown while sipping a hot chocolate topped with marshmallows and whipped cream. It’s that good!

I loved Chloe and Gianni, as well as the rest of the colourful characters. Chloe was so sweet, real and believable and I shared her joy in simple pleasures and identified with her pain. She has suffered a loss that will resonate with many readers, but despite this, she is strong and she knows she has to accept that her life will not be how she’d thought it would be and make the most of what she has. As Chloe and the passionate, fiery Gianni are thrown back together in the beautiful seaside village, they start to rethink their past decisions and behaviour and rediscover feelings they thought they had lost long ago.

The setting was absolutely magical, especially with the festive details. I wish I could walk on the beach at Appledore before sampling one of the amazing sundaes at the local ice cream parlour. Along with the romance comes another delightful sensual journey, and that is linked to good food and wine. My mouth was literally watering at the vivid descriptions.

This is a story about love and loss, about wanting things from life then being disappointed and taking for granted what you actually have or failing to communicate with the person you love so that a rift develops between you.

If you’re looking for a gorgeous Christmas read, then I highly recommend Snowflakes, Iced Cakes and Second Chances.

(Thank you to Sue Watson, Netgalley and Bookouture for the ARC.)

Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers, Bookouture for this review copy, given in exchange for an honest review. Also thank you to Kim from Bookouture for organising the blog tour and allowing me to be part of it.

I have to admit I haven’t read many Sue Watson books, even though there are plenty! This is part of the Appledore series, but you don’t need to have read any of the other books to enjoy this one. The cover of the book is beautiful, so Christmassy with such a lovely vibrant bold colour – you wouldn’t be able to resist this one if you saw it on the shelf.

Chloe separated from her Italian chef husband, Gianni, a year ago. This Christmas looks to be her first Christmas alone for a very long time until she gets an unexpected offer from Gianni to come and help with his new seaside restaurant which isn’t doing so well. His famous fiery Italian temper is still rubbing people up the wrong way and his ‘menu’ leaves a lot to be desired (considering there isn’t even a menu – you get what you are given!). Chloe agrees to go and help, but just over the Christmas period. Can she calm Gianni’s temper and smooth things over with the locals and will she manage to finally get the restaurant up and running?

I enjoyed this book. I loved the characters, and I really loved the setting. It was such a Christmassy book also with visions of snow covered beaches and Chloe’s warm cosy cottage with its log fire roaring away. Even the London scenes brought back memories of going to Harrods at Christmas time and being amazed at their Christmas displays! I loved Chloe’s character. All she really wanted was the man she loved and a family. After several years and lots of heartache, poor Chloe had neither of them. I loved the way she was the only one who was able to control Gianni, even after being apart for so long. I also loved Gianni! Yeah, I know he was bad tempered, insulting and after all these years of living in the UK he still couldn’t say ‘beach’, but when he was being kind and considerate it made my heart melt! All the way through the book I had an image that he looked like Gino D’Acampo (the celebrity chef!) – In fact, I think the part definitely could have been made for him! Be warned, there are descriptions of food aplenty in this book – do not read this book on an empty stomach! My personal favourite is the Plum Crumble, which the recipe is given for at the back of the book!

It has everything you could want from a Christmas book. Grab a blanket, turn the heating up full and settle into this perfect seasonal read!

Five stars!

Another fantastic book by Sue, very heartwarming and funny at times. It was nice to see some returning characters from previous books. A great festive read

Back in Appledore for some more festive fun. My god I love these books by Sue Watson. A big change from my usual Crime Thrillers, these are a great escape. Each and every book by Sue Watson takes you away and leaves you feeling warm and cozy. 
​So it was fluffy blanket, couch, cup of hot chocolate and a slice of cake and I was ready to get started. Maybe Sue's books should could come with a voucher for your local slimming club, because I always end up stuffing my face while reading them. 

​(enough about me being a greedy &*^)

The book, the story... yeah yeah yeah.... Love Love Loved it. Again another easy 5* read. 
​Gianni and Chloe are separated. Chloe is getting ready for a sad and lonely Christmas while Gianni is setting up to open another restaurant. But can the crazy Italian Chef manage it without some help.  NO he can't, which is when Chloe gets a phone call to go and help. I have to say here, I loved Gianni, I loved the way his accent was put across and his mispronunciation of words, it adds lots of 'lol' moments to the story. There only seems to be Chloe that can fully understand him. She is needed to step in and recover conversations on numerous occasions. Chloe also seems to be the only person that Gianni listens to at times. 
​These two made a for a great story. Two of the best characters I have read about in ages. I just loved the two of them.
​It was also nice, some of the characters  from previous books were also featured. I just can't praise this book enough. I'm a huge fan, all that's left to be said is that you really do need to read it.