Monday 7 October 2019

New Release Spotlight: Wrapped Up For Christmas by Kaitlyn Duncan



Wrapped Up for Christmas by Kaitlyn Duncan

It’s the most wonderful time of the year… but not for Angie Martinelli…
Having lost her boyfriend, job, and apartment all in the space of a week, Angie has no choice but to leave California and return to her family in New England.
Determined not to let life weigh her down, Angie finds work at the local mall where she worked as a teenager. After an embarrassing run-in with a handsome stranger, Nick, she’s convinced her luck is about to change.
But Nick has secrets of his own… and as the first flakes of snow begin to fall, Angie can’t help but wonder if she’ll ever find love.

There are still many many weeks until the festive season is upon us again and already I've read a few Christmas themed novels. Wrapped Up For Christmas is another fabulous book to get you into the mood for the holidays.

Angie Martinelli is heading back to the place she grew up with no job and no boyfriend after her cheating ex who is also her boss forces her to up sticks from her life in California and seek refuge in New England town she once called home. During a
reunion with her friend, she has an embarrassing encounter with a guy who pays for her coffees when her card's declined highlighting her dire situation but giving her hope her circumstances are about to change for the better. With the sneaky 'help' of her friend, she lands a temporary job, but all isn't as it seems at the Westford Mall where she now works.

Sometimes, I felt the plot kept going in circles when one crisis led to another...I guess I'm more of a straight to the point reader and so this fact caught my attention more than others? Yet overall, I really enjoyed the narrative along with the protagonists, both of whom are relatable and likeable.

Learning to trust, not assuming things and been upfront are all issues faced by Angie and Nick Bower, however, when giving the benefit of the doubt and not presuming are better ways of dealing with situations. Of course, nothing is clear cut when interference throws everyone off guard, however, love finds its way and a happy ever after achieved.

The time-line is short and Angie and Nick's romance begins quickly but nothing feels forced as you feel these two people are destined to be together despite their pasts and recent hiccups. With the added inclusion of entertaining secondary characters, the overall effect is a heart-warming romance; a perfect book to read with a mug of cocoa or a glass of mulled wine.

This is my first novel by Ms Duncan and I'll definitely seek out for more of her contemporary romance books.

***arc generously received courtesy of the publisher HQ Digital via NetGalley***

Coming from a small town in Western Massachusetts, Katlyn Duncan always had her head in the clouds. Working as a scientist for most of her adult life, she enjoyed breaking down the hows and whys of life. This translated into her love of stories and getting into the minds of her characters.
Currently, she’s a full-time author and freelance writer. When she’s not writing, she’s obsessing over many (many) television series’.
She currently resides in Southern New England with her family. Check out more about her writing and current TV addiction in her newsletter, and on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter!
SCBWI & RWA Member.
Giveaway to Win a book of your choice from The Book Depository up to the value of $25 (Open Internationally)
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New Release Spotlight: Creative Writing Skills by Lexi Rees



Creative Writing Skills: Over 70 fun activities for children by Lexi Rees

Discover the secrets to becoming an amazing author
  • Find your creative spark
  • Grow your skills and confidence
  • Have more fun with your writing
Packed with top tips, this awesome workbook has everything you need to know about creating colourful characters, perfect plots, dynamite dialogue, and lots more …

Amazon UK      Amazon US 

Lexi Rees writes action packed adventures for children. As well as the Creative Writing Skills workbook, the first book in The Relic Hunters Series, Eternal Seas, was awarded a “loved by” badge from LoveReading4Kids and is currently longlisted for a Chanticleer award. The sequel, Wild Sky, will be published in November.

When not writing, she’s usually covered in straw or glitter, and frequently both.

She also runs a free club for kids designed to encourage a love of reading and writing which you can check out here https://lexirees.co.uk/kidsclub/

Win 2 copies of Creative Writing Skills –
Choice of paperback or pdf for UK winners and pdf for international winners.