The Cotswold Christmas Bookshop by Jill Steeples

 

The Cotswold Christmas Bookshop: An uplifting, festive romance from Jill Steeples for 2026

A BRAND NEW joyful, festive romance from BESTSELLER Jill Steeples. Perfect for fans of Cathy Bramley, Heidi Swain and Sarah Bennett. ❄️🎄

Isla Stewart has a glittering publishing career in London, but when she’s unexpectedly made redundant, she has the chance to start a brand-new chapter.

Licking her wounds, Isla heads home to the Cotswolds. Keeping her devastating redundancy a secret from her proud parents, she seeks refuge at Finch’s, the enchanting bookshop she worked in as a teenager. With the owners struggling with their health, Isla steps in to manage the shop hoping to convince them that the business has a future.

Isla likes nothing more than chatting to people about books, but her safe haven is soon disturbed when she comes face-to-face with her first love, Charlie Brace, made worse by the arrival of Guy Madley, the incredibly handsome property consultant who has advice for owners Jon and Miriam.

As Christmas approaches, Isla has decisions to make. Does her future lie in London or can a whole heap of books and a sprinkling of festive magic offer a life that she could never even have dreamed of?

Grab a hot chocolate and settle down for the perfect festive read. Essential reading for all fans of Cathy Bramley, Heidi Swain and Sarah Bennett.

This is such an uplifting and cosy read, filled with the kind of characters you genuinely want to be friends with. Jill Steeples always creates wonderful communities, and this book is no exception.

Guy is an affable, adorable romantic interest from the very beginning. He’s clearly smitten with Isla, even if she’s completely oblivious, and their interactions are so sweet and endearing. I loved watching their connection grow.

Isla has a few personal and professional challenges to work through, but the answer was right in front of her all along. It’s lovely to see her gradually come to that realisation, and I was rooting for her and for the final outcome the whole way through.

A very enjoyable read, full of warmth, charm, and gentle romance. Another delightful story from Jill Steeples.

Pride Comes Before a Fall (Miss Prentice's Protegees #3) by Virginia Heath

 

Description

In the third instalment of this witty Regency romcom series, a headstrong chaperone is torn between following her rigid principles or her heart

Despite his many responsibilities, there is nothing Leopold Sloane, the 11th Duke of Debden, takes more seriously than the safety of those he loves. When one of his sisters is injured at a protest rally, he drags his family to Bath for the summer to keep his reckless and rebellious siblings out of harm’s way. The only flaw in his plan is his overwhelming but inexplicable attraction to the new chaperone he has hired to watch out for them. An outspoken conundrum of a woman who soon causes him more trouble than both his sisters combined...but who calls to his soul regardless.

From the moment Portia Kendall read her first revolutionary pamphlet beneath her bedcovers at Miss Prentice’s School for Girls, she realised that her true calling was to make the world a fairer place for the masses downtrodden by the aristocracy. A calling that led her to Equitas, a radical newspaper that champions reform. But as Portia discovers, writing doesn’t pay the bills. To make a living, she must push aside her principles and serve the very people she criticises weekly in her column. A temporary position as a chaperone in the home of a pompous duke seems like the perfect way to earn enough to follow her heart. Unfortunately, the duke who hires her seems to be more dashing and noble than pompous and soon begins to call to her heart too—as much as she tries to deny it. But dare she risk her principles for love or will her pride always come before a fall?

This was such an enjoyable read and exactly the kind of historical romance that keeps me turning the pages. The first half is packed with humour thanks to Portia’s brilliant interview scene and her unapologetic disdain for the aristocracy, Leo very much included. Their banter is sharp, their reluctant attraction is great fun, and I loved every moment of their back‑and‑forth.

The story does slow a little in the middle when the focus shifts to Portia’s involvement with Equitas and the legal trouble surrounding her political writings. It’s interesting, but it changes the pace. Leo’s attempt to save her from deportation adds emotional tension, though their relationship suffers from insecurity and their inability to communicate honestly.

Thankfully, the resolution is worth the wait. It leads to a standout, genuinely hilarious scene in the House of Lords that had me grinning. Overall, this is a witty, charming story with memorable characters and plenty of heart.

Ask Me What I'm Reading by Eleanor Goymer

 

Description

Perfect for fans of One Day and Talking at Night.

Every morning, Sophie boards the same train.

Every morning, she spots him – tall, unreadable, always with a novel in hand…often the same one she is reading.

Soon, their commute becomes a silent exchange of titles, a game only they seem to be playing. But how long can a love story stay between the lines before someone dares to take it off the page…

Ask Me What I’m Reading is a slow-burn romance about chance encounters, the love of books and the quiet thrill of meeting someone who just gets it.

Ask Me What I’m Reading is an utterly charming romance. As a book lover, the premise had me obsessed from the start. I adored the subtle, silent flirting that unfolded across the train carriage through carefully chosen books and later through the Instagram account as well. I was sweet, clever, and genuinely funny.

Although the story touches on the heavier theme of grief, Eleanor Goymer handles it with a poignant, uplifting touch that never weighs the narrative down. Instead, it adds emotional depth and makes the characters’ connection feel even more meaningful.

I loved how books from across all genres play such a central role in bringing the characters together. It gives the story a special warmth and makes it a perfect read for any book lover. This was a delightful, heartwarming romance that left me smiling, and I enjoyed every moment of it.

Ask Me What I'm Reading is out now

Amazon

Painted Hearts by Bec George with Flora Ogilvy (Narrator); Mat Dwyer (Narrator) (Book 1 of Indigo Lake)

 

Description

A whiskey bar owner clashes with his rival after she paints her half of their building pink in this small-town romance, from Australian author Bec George.

Two rival businesses. One very inconvenient address.

Winnie is starting over. After arriving in Indigo Lake, she's ready for a fresh chapter – beginning with Bubbles & Brushes, the charming paint-and-sip art studio she's always dreamed of opening. 

But there's one thing in her way.

Everett. Her gruff, no-nonsense next-door neighbour, whose whiskey bar shares a wall with Winnie.

When Winnie paints her side of the building a bright bubblegum pink, chaos (and competition) takes hold. Not only do they share the same building – they also share the same customer base.

As the pair butt heads over everything from noise levels to paint swatches, an undeniable spark begins to smoulder. But both have reasons for guarding their hearts, and Everett is harbouring secrets of his own.

As their rivalry spills from business into their apartments (that are also awkwardly connected), sparks fly in this laugh-out-loud grumpy/sunshine romance about two people who need therapy – but find each other instead.

A grumpy/sunshine, rivals-to-lovers, small-town romance perfect for fans of B.K. Borison, Lucy Score, and Catherine Cowles.

Painted Hearts is a charming blend of sharp banter, slow‑burn tension, and shadowy suspense. What drew me in immediately was Winnie and Everett's bickering. It had that irresistible old‑school flavour, full of teasing notes, mischievous gifts, and an undercurrent of flirtation that never feels forced. Their chemistry is playful, prickly, and wonderfully endearing.

Although the romance takes centre stage, the story threads in heavier themes that sit quietly in the background. They add depth without ever weighing down the narrative or pulling focus from the developing relationship. The sense of threat lingering at the edges of the plot keeps the tension simmering, giving the book a subtle, suspenseful pulse.

Winnie’s new circle of friends is a delight, injecting humour and warmth into the story. One of my favourite parts was the night they decided to torment Everett at his bar. It ended up being chaotic, funny, and perfectly timed to show how much life Winnie has found in her new surroundings.

The dual narration works beautifully here. Both narrators capture the characters’ personalities and emotional beats with real nuance, making the banter sharper, the tension tighter, and the quieter moments more intimate.

Overall, Painted Hearts is a thoroughly enjoyable read. It is fun, flirty, atmospheric, and surprisingly heartfelt. I loved it.

Painted Hearts is out now. Audible

The Magical Matcha Teashop by Natasha Bache

 

Welcome to Lavender Hollow… your next small town romance obsession!

Grace fled London with a broken engagement and a wedding dress she still hasn't paid for. Max returned home with secrets of his own, and a painful past he’d much rather leave behind.

But neither expected to find magic hiding in a cup of matcha. Because in the sleepy village of Lavender Hollow, something unusual is brewing…

As Matcha Made in Heaven’s newest employee, Grace soon realises she has an extraordinary gift when customers start crying over their lattes and spilling secrets they never meant to share.

In the warmth of the cosy teashop, will Grace and Max discover that the best recipe for love might be one brewed together?

For fans of cozy fantasy romance, The Magical Matcha Teashop serves up the perfect blend of small-town charm, found family, spicy romance and just a sprinkle of magic.

I really enjoyed this book. It’s heartwarming, gentle, and exactly the kind of cosy read that leaves you smiling. The magical elements are only a light touch, centred on Grace’s moods and how they influence her tea and, in turn, the people who drink it. Some of the effects were quite funny, and my favourite scenes were of her parents, followed by the two workmen.

Max and Grace were such a sweet couple. Max’s quiet infatuation was adorable. He would keep the bookshop open late just so he could help her find a book, offered her a place to stay, and watched out for her when her ex appeared. His kindness and steady presence made their connection feel warm and genuine, and I loved how naturally their relationship unfolded.

Yuji, the owner of the teashop, was such a lovely character. He deeply missed his late wife and recognised the same sense of magic in Grace that his wife once had. I really liked how he reacted when he noticed people behaving oddly after drinking her tea, insisting that he make it from now and gently encouraging Grace to keep control over her emotions while brewing. His kindness and quiet wisdom added a touching layer to the story.

The small town setting and found family made this a heartwarming, whimsical read with just the right sprinkle of magic.

The Magical Matcha Teashop is available now! Kindle, audio and paperback. 

                                                         Amazon

The Twisted Mark (Witch Trials #1) by Sophie Williamson

Gabriel’s eyes haven’t left my face. There’s not much he can do to me that he’s not already entitled my body and my magic, served up on a plate in return for my brother’s freedom. I swallow hard. I’m hardly naïve—but I’ve never gone all the way. I can’t back out now. I can’t let my family down...

Sadie Sadler lives in the big city. Takes the train to work each day. Drinks fancy coffee. Does yoga… and never, ever does magic, lest it leads Gabriel Thornber straight to her door.

Sadie’s family have used their magic to protect the small northern town of Mannith for centuries. But now, Sadie’s brother Brendan is on trial for murder, and Gabriel, the charismatic and sinister head of the Sadlers’ only rivals, is moving to take the town. Only Sadie has both the knowledge to save Brendan and the magical strength to face down Gabriel.

The trouble is, there’s a good reason Sadie left home and turned her back on she bargained away her powers and her body to Gabriel to save her damn brother the last time he got in trouble. If she comes home, Gabriel will try to collect… but there’s no way she’ll allow her brother to rot in jail or her family’s strength to wane.

Returning in disguise, Sadie’s plan to save Brendan and get out is tested as she’s dragged back into a world of magic and power, with Gabriel at its centre. Battling both her long-standing terror of him and a growing, dark attraction, she must decide who Mannith’s real villains are and how far she’ll go for her family.

A promise made… a magical debt unpaid. This is a fight that could cost Sadie everything.

I originally read this book and rated it three stars, but on my re-listen, I found myself enjoying it more. The same issues still bother me, particularly the poor choices Gabriel makes and how they affect Sadie. He has a steep hill to climb to win me over in the next book.

What drew me in this time was the magical worldbuilding. I loved the idea of characters being able to speak with their dead relatives when visiting their graves. Sadie's conversation with |gabriel's mother was genuinely moving. At the same time, there’s a very dark side to this magic, and the cost required to maintain it is quite horrific. I was surprised that more characters weren’t actively searching for an alternative, given how brutal the consequences are.

The enemies‑to‑lovers thread worked well for me, and despite my frustrations with Gabriel, I’m invested enough in the relationship and the wider mystery to want to see what happens next.

The twisted Mark is a dark fantasy with a compelling magical concept and a romance I’m curious to follow further.

Buy link- Audible UK    Amazon UK

The Hopeful Hearts Bookshop (Bonnie Bay Book 1) by Debbie Johnson

 Series

Bonnie Bay

Release date

30-04-26

Language

English

Format

Unabridged Audiobook

Length

8 hrs and 45 mins

Publisher

Hachette UK - Bookouture

“Take a leap of faith and visit our perfect little bookshop by the sea.”

Bookshop owner Moira writes the first of many invitations she’ll send out into the world. They’ll find the right people, she’s certain…

Single and in a dead-end job, Kate feels hope spring when an anonymous invitation falls from the pages of a book. Now, she’s standing in a charming Scottish village and trying to ignore the six-four silver fox by her side. He’s got an invitation too, a husky Chicago accent, and dangerously gorgeous sea-blue eyes…

Widowed ex-police officer Brody never expected to be stranded in Scotland with a cute British lady. Her smile might be bewitching… but her attitude? Way too cheerful. And eccentric bookshop owner Moira says they can stay for free, as long as they don’t mind sharing one very cozy little cottage.

That’s the least of their problems. Turns out Moira’s bookshop needs them just as much as Kate and Brody need a fresh start. And with a twinkle in Moira’s mischievous matchmaking eye, things are soon hotting up in surprising ways!

But as they string fairy lights over snug reading nooks and rally the whole community to buy their favourite reads, can Kate and Brody save the bookshop and heal their hearts? Or will their fresh start come crashing down?

From the million-copy bestselling author of the Comfort Food Café series comes a brand-new, totally addictive and feel-good escapist romance with delicious steam and spice. Perfect for anyone who loves getting lost in a book–in more ways than one! 

Fans of Susan Mallery, Phillipa Ashley and Laurie Gilmore will be hooked.

I completely fell in love with this story. I finished it over two days; I couldn’t put it down. The very charming premise caught my attention straight away. People reading second hand books find a handwritten card tucked inside, inviting them to stay at The Bookshop At The Edge of the World, in Scotland. I would so love for this to happen in real life. It’s whimsical, hopeful, and I couldn’t wait to see what awaited them when they got to Scotland.

The opening is especially poignant with Moira having a conversation with her late husband before writing the cards and sending them out into the world in anticipation at what the universe would send back to her. It’s like fate is gently nudging the characters toward healing.

Two of those cards eventually find their way to Kate and Brody, who are both at a stage in life where they’re trying to figure things out again. They were like two lost souls finding a second chance at love. It was heartfelt and uplifting. I was particularly taken with Brody's backstory and how he was in the UK to see his daughter off to university.

Although I usually prefer duet narration, the dual performance worked wonderfully here. Josh Wichard, in particular, excelled. There were moments when, with just the right inflection, it genuinely sounded as though he could 'see' Kate standing in front of him as he captured Brody's angst and attraction to Kate.

The Hopeful Hearts Bookshop is a beautifully emotional story, with standout narration and an absolute delight. I immediately went to check when book two is coming out, and I can't wait for July to come around.

The Hopeful Hearts Bookshop publishes on the 30th of  April

Purchase links

Audible UK

Amazon UK

 

---

The Love Dilemma by Tracy Corbett

 

The Love Dilemma

Enemies in the Office. Lovers in the Making. A Lie Too Big to Ignore.

When fiery physiotherapist Elena Romero and buttoned-up solicitor Danny Jackson are forced to share a workspace, it’s instant mutual dislike. She sees a workaholic in a designer suit. He sees yet another opinionated woman complicating his already stressful life.

Yet behind the tension, both are secretly shouldering heavy burdens: Elena is stretched thin caring for her ill sister, while Danny’s world revolves around the younger brother he’s raised alone. When Elena helps Danny recover from an injury and he advises her sister on a legal matter, sparks fly—and not just from their feisty arguments.

But when family loyalties and legal battles collide, everything falls apart. With trust broken and secrets exposed, can enemies turned lovers find a way back to each other before it’s too late?

A witty romance full of heart, heat, and high stakes, perfect for fans of enemies-to-lovers and messy, modern love stories.

Purchase Link - https://mybook.to/TheLoveDilemma

The Love Dilemma instantly appealed to me on every level from the very first chapter. The antics of the three sisters were genuinely amusing and set the tone beautifully. It was warm, funny, and full of heart.

I was immediately drawn to the close bond of the sisters and how they supported each other as they navigated life after the death of their mother. With Luisa living with cystic fibrosis and Sofia and Elena her carers, it makes their relationship feel authentic, and it’s impossible not to care about them.

Daniel’s storyline adds another lovely layer. He has so much in common with the girls. He lost his parents young, leaving him responsible for the upbringing of his five‑year‑old brother. His early interactions with Elena were both hilarious and adorable. He was like a deer in headlights every time he was in her proximity which made their chemistry feel sweet and believable.

I also loved Connor and Sofia’s meet‑cute on the train. It was another charming moment that added to the book's overall feel-good feeling.

It’s the kind of story that reminds you how love, family, and a little humour can carry people through even the toughest moments, and it leaves you smiling as you turn the pages.

About the author

Tracy is an award-winning author who lives in rural Surrey with her motorbike-loving partner and her little rescue dog, Poppy. After a long career with Citizens Advice, Tracy is now a full-time author. She describes her writing style as modern tales of romance, with engaging quirky characters, who overcome adversity, grow as people and conclude in satisfying optimistic endings. When Tracy isn’t writing, you’ll find her treading-the-boards, sewing an outfit for her dog, or eating Walnut Whips.

Social Media Links –

Facebook
@tracyacorbettauthor 

Instagram
@tracyacorbett 

Check out the blog tour for more reviews of this charming and funny rom-com.

Widowsbloom: A Slow-Burn Botanical Romantasy (Greyhollow Series Book 1) by E. Marszalek

 

He is the kingdom's sharpest blade. She is the one thing he cannot control.

Elodie Hawthorne is a quiet, unassuming plant scientist. She finds comfort in the small things in life — strong coffee, a job she loves, and the steady companionship of her best friend. But when a routine task at work ends with her falling through a gate that should never have opened, she is torn from everything she knows and thrust into a land that feels like a dark fairytale.

Greyhollow is a kingdom rotting from the inside out. Its gates are sealed. Its magic has withered. And the last hope of survival vanished years ago.

Rowan Ashford is disciplined, controlled, and bound by duty. He doesn’t make mistakes. He does not lose control. And he certainly doesn’t get distracted. At least he didn’t — until Elodie. As whispers spread through the castle and long-buried magic begins to stir, one question follows her like a shadow:

How much is she willing to lose to get back home?

And more dangerously …

Why did the gates open for her?

Now Elodie must decide if she is merely a piece in someone else's puzzle or the hero Greyhollow has been waiting for.

Tropes you can expect from Widowsbloom:

🌿 Portal Fantasy

🗡 Grumpy High Warden

🏰 Forced Proximity (she lives in his wing)

🦋 Unique magic system

♟ STEM FMC

🌙 Protective, Duty-Bound MMC

🔥 Slowwww Burn Tension that is worth it… I promise

👀 “You’re mine,”

🌑 Sealed Gates & Ancient Magic

💚 Soft Girl x Stoic Warrior

🌶 Spice, open-door scenes

Widowsbloom is a wonderfully atmospheric start to the series. I was immediately hooked and intrigued from the opening chapter. I was struck by how Elodie's employer treated her, and the unsettling dynamic left me with many questions about whether this character will echo through later books. I loved the rich worldbuilding as Elodie steps into an old world, magical realm ruled by a cruel king and guarded by loyal knights. The dormant magic humming beneath the surface adds to the mystique. My favourite touch was the little mushroom companion in the glasshouse. Now an endangered magical species after being almost completely readicated from the realm, and whose soft humming feels like a hint of deeper powers still to come. I have a feeling that this little mushroom has a higher purpose, and I imagine all sorts of things happening when or if more mushrooms were to gather and hum together. Alongside the mystery and magic, the story shines through its emotional core, the gentle, burgeoning romance, and the warm found family Elodie discovers in Greyhollow. Their acceptance offers her the belonging she’s been denied, making this both a comforting and compelling read. I’m excited to see where the series goes next.

Widowsbloom publishes on the 12th of April

The Penford Manor Murders: (The Miss Clara Vale Mysteries Book 4) by Fiona Veitch Smith

 

It's open season at Penford Manor! But someone has murder in their sights...

At Penford Manor, the guests are arriving to celebrate the start of the grouse-hunting season: lords and ladies, barons and baronesses, a Member of Parliament - and chemistry graduate turned detective, Miss Clara Vale, an old friend of the family. But Clara is no ordinary guest: she's secretly investigating a blackmail plot against Lady Penford herself.

Someone in the house is already up to no good, but when the body of a local trade unionist is found in the grounds, Clara's case gets even more complicated because a clue left by the body links it to the blackmail note.

Who has discovered Lady Penford's secret? Can Clara and her trusted assistant Bella work together to find the murderer? And what do the cornflowers which keep popping up everywhere mean?

Amidst the glittering dresses and sparkling conversation of society, Clara must find the truth - before the killer acts again!

The perfect Golden Age cosy mystery for fans of Helena Dixon, Agatha Christie and Verity Bright won't want to miss this!

A wonderfully layered country house mystery with a deliciously polite veneer hiding all sorts of shady dealings.

The Penford Manor Murders delivers exactly what I love in a Golden Age style cosy: a closed circle of suspects, a grand estate full of secrets, and a mystery that grows more tangled the deeper Clara digs. The contrast between the refined setting of a shooting party and the decidedly unrefined motives simmering beneath the surface made the whole story feel lively and engaging.

The mystery itself is satisfyingly complex. There are multiple suspects, overlapping agendas, and plenty of red herrings to keep me guessing. I really enjoyed how the various shady dealings slowly intertwined, revealing a much bigger picture than I first expected.

My standout character this time was Bella. Her no-nonsense attitude, sharp observations, and complete refusal to be intimidated by anyone, regardless of their title or self‑importance, added so much humour and energy. She’s the perfect foil to Clara, and I loved every scene she was in.

Overall, this is a clever, entertaining instalment in the series. It is atmospheric, twisty, and full of personality. I’m already looking forward to seeing where Clara and Bella head next.

I listened to the audio version of this book and I highly recommend the series in this format. It is also available in all other formats and in Kindle Unlimited.