Friday 25 October 2019

New Release Spotlight: Christmas Secrets at Villa Limoncello by Daisy James



Christmas Secrets at Villa Limoncello by Daisy James

Escape to Villa Limoncello… where dreams come true in the most unexpected ways.
With Christmas around the corner, Izzie Jenkins is ready to kickstart the new ‘Snowflakes and Christmas Cakes’ course at Villa Limoncello with chef and business partner, Luca Castelotti.
However, secrets are stirring with their latest guests and when nasty accidents keep befalling the group it looks like Izzie will have to turn detective once more to protect the Villa’s fledgling reputation. On top of all this, Izzie’s been offered the job of a lifetime – back home in Cornwall. Will she be coming home for Christmas, or will Tuscany work its magic to keep her at Villa Limoncello with Luca?

Amazon UK      Amazon US 


Book three in the Tuscan Dreams series is also my first visit to the delights of Villa Limoncello and can be read as a standalone novel.

Preparing for her return to Villa Limoncello, Izzie Jenkins' trial run of recipes for the upcoming Snowflakes and Christmas course are a disaster. Thankfully, with a bit of confidence mixed with excitement and nervousness, she flies to Italy hoping all will be well. On arrival, she's delighted Luca Castelotti has taken time from his busy schedule to pick her up from the airport. Only, it isn't long before it becomes apparent there's something Luca isn't telling her and the new guests turn up with a range of challenges...

Unfamiliar with the author's writing style, I liked her ability to wrap the scenes around the beautiful Italian backdrop and incorporating delicious food to drool over and equally charming idea about Christmas decorations and traditions. Even better, she's included some recipes for us to try… I know I need to have a go at Izzie's interpretation of Limoncello!

I enjoyed the light-hearted and fun narrative but would have liked for there to be more focus on Izzie and Luca. Despite not reading the previous novels in this series, I quickly became invested in their relationship and felt the other dramas at the villa outshone them too much. However, the little mystery and the surprise near the end are satisfying. The mix of secondary characters added an abundance of humour to create an enjoyable page-turning novel.

Overall, an action-packed Christmassy finale for fans of the series, full of love and happy endings.

***arc generously received courtesy of the publisher Canelo via NetGalley***


Daisy James is a Yorkshire girl transplanted to the north east of England. She loves writing stories with strong heroines and swift-flowing plotlines. When not scribbling away in her peppermint-and-green summerhouse (garden shed), she spends her time sifting flour and sprinkling sugar and edible glitter. She loves gossiping with friends over a glass of something pink and fizzy or indulging in a spot of afternoon tea - china plates and teacups are a must.

Daisy would love to hear from readers via her Facebook page or you can follow her on Twitter @daisyjamesbooks or on Instagram @daisyjamesstories.

Twitter @daisyjamesbooks