Review: Keeping a Christmas Promise

Title: Keeping a Christmas Promise

Author: Jo Thomas

Publisher: 13th October 2022 by Random House UK, Transworld Publishers, Penguin

Pages: 364 pages

Genre: Christmas, contemporary, romance, Iceland

My Rating: 3.5 cups

Synopsis:

Four friends

Twenty-five years ago, Freya and her three best friends created a bucket list. The future seemed bright, full of hope and most importantly guaranteed . . .

One promise

Now they are travelling to Iceland in memory of the friend they've lost, determined to fulfil her dream of seeing the Northern Lights at Christmas.

A life-changing adventure

They didn't count on an avalanche leaving them stranded! Handsome local, Pétur, comes to the rescue, showing them how the community survives the hard winter. With Christmas approaching, Freya and her friends throw themselves into the festivities, decorating and cooking for the villagers using delicious local ingredients.

But will the Northern Lights appear so they can honour their friend's wish? And can Freya's own dreams come true, this Christmas?

My Thoughts

Who do you turn to when you are in search of a ‘breather’ book … you know the type .... one that whisks you away where new ventures are to be had? Jo Thomas of course! And for this trip we kick off the Christmas cheer with a trip to Iceland! Yup … seeing the Northern Lights and learning all about Icelandic culture was one trip I didn’t know I needed. Thanks Jo! Her books are always an immediate teleport to exceptional locales.

‘We may be remote here, but we live with nature. We look out for our neighbours and Mother Nature. She’s our closest neighbour. We work with her and she provides for us. It’s a mutual agreement .’

There is much to love about a Jo Thomas book … all the requisites are there of course …. idyllic location, gourmet cuisine, romantic love interest … but Jo always adds those extra elements that take this genre to the next level. Firstly, Jo takes readers to what I would consider the ‘real’ Iceland, a small village experiencing frigid temperatures yet a window into nature at its most raw and beautiful and a community watching out for each other. There is even a sub plot with regards to the environment which was a worthy inclusion. Secondly, there is culture, customs and cuisine on almost every page that in itself is an eye opener. Finally, this is a book full of life lessons and pep talks to set even the most lost person on the right path. 

‘It wasn’t about seeing the Lights. It was about seeing the bigger picture. Taking time to work out how we want to live the rest of our lives.’

On a personal level, I did find this book a little too heavily laden with advice that it became a bit preachy. Stereotypes and cliches that caused a wince or two. It also is a little repetitive with various characters overly concerned and caught up in their ‘lesson’. Still, for those readers who need a light and uplifting tale, look no further. Friendship, loyalty and love are at the forefront in this tale where an enforced snow-in provides the time out from life for people to reexamine and reconnect in a unique setting. 

‘Now, this is living my best life . . .’ I say. ‘Sometimes you have to take time to stand and stare to realize what’s been and where you want to go.’

This review is based on a complimentary copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. The quoted material may have changed in the final release.

Review: Retreat to the Spanish Sun

Title: Retreat to the Spanish Sun

Author: Jo Thomas

Publisher: 23rd June 2022 by Random House UK, Transworld Publishers, Penguin

Pages: 352 pages

How I Read It: ARC book

Genre: women’s fiction, romance

My Rating:  3 cups

Synopsis:

Eliza has a full house! When her three children grew up and moved out, she downsized to a smaller property... but now they're all back. Every room in the house is taken and Eliza finds herself sharing her bed with her eldest daughter and her daughter's pug. Combined with the online course she's trying to finish, plus her job to fit in, there just isn't the peace and quiet that Eliza needs.

So when an ad pops up on her laptop saying 'house-sitters wanted', Eliza can't resist the chance to escape. She ends up moving to a rural finca in southern Spain, looking after the owner's Iberico pigs, learning about secret gastronomic societies... and finding a new zest for life and love along the way.

My Thoughts

‘It’s like, now, with the family grown-up, I’ve realized I don’t know who I am. Who is Eliza Bytheway if she isn’t a mum, juggling a family and a part-time job?’

Having read and enjoyed other Jo Thomas books, I anticipated an armchair trip to Spain with Eliza who was trying essentially to rediscover herself. The appeal of a book from Jo is always one of great scenery with delectable food and a slower approach to life.

Eliza escapes to house sit in Spain in an attempt to finish writing her essay.  This is away from her adult children who had returned home to her tiny flat in England and were crowding her life - literally and figuratively. At times this book tended to simplify things in addition to many convenient occurrences. Readers will also be up for a lesson on pig farming as well. 🤷🏻‍♀️

Of course nothing goes to plan, situations become implausible to comedic at times - somewhat over the top. I did not really warm to the cast of characters - except perhaps Juan's attempts to win the Tapas competition. Eliza often did herself no favours which I found frustrating and encounters failed to genuinely gel.

With a mission to retrieve the stolen prized hams from feisty locals (not just the pigs!) many will find this a fun and enjoyable escape if somewhat predictable and repetitive at times. Sadly, this was just not the midlife journey I was seeking but it had potential. 

‘I’m Eliza Bytheway, living the dream, in a beautiful Spanish cortijo, feeling content with who I am: a forty five year old woman, who has brought up three children, has the scars to prove it, the streak of grey in her thick dark hair that, out here, seems to look so much better than it does in the morning mirror back home. Maybe it’s the sun, the food, or just being able to accept who I am while I’m here, not constantly feeling I need a degree to validate myself. I’m just me.’

This review is based on a complimentary copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. The quoted material may have changed in the final release.

Review: Celebrations at the Chateau

Title: Celebrations at the Chateau

Author: Jo Thomas

Publisher: 28th October 2021 by Random House UK, Transworld Publishers

Corgi

Pages: 386 pages

How I Read It: ARC book

Genre: contemporary romance, chick lit, culture France

My Rating: 5 cups

Synopsis:

When their grandfather dies, Fliss and her sisters are astonished to inherit a French chateau! Travelling to Normandy to visit the beautiful if faded house, they excitedly make plans over delicious crepes and local cider in the town nearby.

They soon discover the chateau needs major work and a huge tax bill is due . . . Unable to sell but strapped for cash, Fliss determines to spruce up the elegant old rooms and open a B&B.

But Jacques, the handsome town mayor, is opposed to her plan. When it becomes clear that the only way to save the magnificent castle is to work together, Jacques and Fliss discover that they have more in common than they think...

My Thoughts

Who do you turn to when you are in search of a ‘breather’ book … you know the type .... one that whisks you away where new ventures are to be had? Jo Thomas of course! And for this trip we are off to rural France. Yup … inheriting and renovating an old French Chateau can now be ticked off my bucket list. Thanks Jo!

‘Reluctantly, I move down the steps, looking back at the stone façade, my hand running down the lichen covered balustrade. At the bottom, I turn back to the château. I’m buzzing with questions and curiosity. I want to see it all. I want to find out who lived there.’

There is just so much to love about a Jo Thomas book … all the requisites are there of course …. idyllic location, gourmet cuisine, romantic love interest … but Jo always adds those extra elements that take this genre to the next level. Firstly, there are a range of loveable (and not so lovable) characters that are sure to keep you entertained - special mention to Jason (teenage nephew) and Charlotte (intimidating 70yo chatelaine). How wonderful to have this cross section of age and storylines! Even the chateau itself is a character - I’m talking to you Boris the Boiler! This obviously brings with it a range of engaging subplots that bring real depth to the narrative. How did the sisters come to inherit the chateau? Can they save and bring back to life the chateau? Will Fliss be able to win over the locals?

‘Some memories shouldn’t be shut away. They should be enjoyed.’ She smiles. ‘Among the bad, there are still good ones that should be celebrated.’

Being in France brings all kinds of reader benefits - everything from apple harvesting and cider making, to cheese making, to life on the land. I love the inclusion of so much French vernacular that I now have some impressive conversational dialogue and credit Jo with once more avoiding that ‘little Britain’ in rural France. 

‘I don’t have a plan B. This has to work. I don’t want to walk away from it. Right now, it’s my happy place. I can’t give up on it.’

I simply adored this refreshing book that had me smiling from cover to cover. Oui! It did! Whilst romantic I believe it is the romance with the chateau that is front and centre on this occasion. Make a subtle start to this festive season (a magical Christmas and Bonne Année for all) with yet another winning feel good escape by Jo Thomas. 

‘It’s beautiful,’ is all I say, as, despite the cold and damp, the ivy creeping round the door, I see how this place must once have been. The original ceiling rose is still in place, with a chandelier and ornate cornices. The craftsmanship that had gone into building the place is stunning. I’m in awe.’

This review is based on a complimentary copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. The quoted material may have changed in the final release.

Review: Chasing the Italian Dream

Title: Chasing the Italian Dream

Author: Jo Thomas

Publisher: 10th June 2021 by Random House UK, Transworld Publishers Corgi

Pages: 342  pages

How I Read It: ARC book

Genre: romance, fiction, contemporary, culture Italy

My Rating: 3.5 cups

Synopsis:

Lucia has worked hard as a lawyer in Wales, aiming for a big promotion she hopes will shortly come her way. Finally taking a well-earned break at her grandparents' house in southern Italy, the sunshine, lemon trees and her nonna's mouth-watering cooking make her instantly feel at home.

But she's shocked to learn that her grandfather is retiring from the beloved family pizzeria and will need to sell. Lucia can't bear the thought of the place changing hands - especially when she discovers her not-quite-ex-husband Giacomo wants to take it over!

Then bad news from home forces Lucia to re-evaluate what she wants from life. Is this her chance to carry on the family tradition and finally follow her dreams?

My Thoughts

‘Pizzas, made for sharing, with the simplest of ingredients, cooked and served with love. That’s what counts.’

Every now and again you just need that ‘breather’ of a book. You know the type ....  one that whisks you away where the sun is shining, people support each other and new ventures are undertaken. Chasing the Italian Dream is just the fresh air I was searching for.

‘Now it’s my turn to be brave. Do what I love. I need to live to work, not the other way round. I need to see that what I’m doing means something.’

If you enjoy books set in Italy, rural Italy with loads of sumptuous food, then this really is the book for you. You will find yourself seated in the piazza, eating antipasto or pizza and with a vino of course!  The range of characters are good - I particularly enjoyed the author's social commentary on the inherent patriarchal society prevalent in these older Italian communities - you know, women at home being wife and mother and not considered capable or appropriate to be a pizzaiola or restaurant owner. Credit to Jo for making one of the central themes of this book all about the role of women in conjunction with the contributions of all the ‘Nonna’s’!

‘... it made me see that life’s too short not to do the thing you love. Not to follow your heart, to feel like you belong.’

If you are after some pure escapism, especially as trips to the Italian countryside can only be via your armchair presently, then let Jo bring a little Italy to you. Visit Nonno’s Pizzeria and bask in the sun, eating and drinking to while away a few hours immersed in good Italian cuisine. 

‘Pizza-making is about tradition, the terrain and the craft,’ I say, repeating my grandfather’s words. ‘It should not be about what sex you are or where you’ve come from. It’s about you putting your story on the plate, wherever you’ve come from.’

This review is based on a complimentary copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. The quoted material may have changed in the final release.