BOOK REVIEW: Mistletoe on 34th Street by Lisa Dickenson

Now that it's getting ever closer to Christmas, there's nothing nicer on a chilly, dark evening than curling up with a festive read. One of which is Mistletoe on 34th Street by the lovely Lisa Dickenson.

Okay, so if you read this blog regularly, you might be aware that I'm a big fan of Lisa's books. Mainly because they're the perfect blend of romantic and fun, with great characters and some hilarious moments. Her novels include Catch Me If You Cannes, You Had Me at Merlot and The Twelve Dates of Christmas, which was a fantastic winter read. And Mistletoe on 34th Street is just as fun.

Olivia has never experienced a snow-covered, 'traditional' Christmas before. Having grown up in a family that chose winter sun over decking the halls, she's not sure what all the fuss is about. So when she and her colleagues are stranded in New York after a work trip, Olivia is perfectly happy spending the holiday season in the Big Apple. 

Jon, Olivia's friend, on the other hand is desperate to get home in time for his big family get-together. Nevertheless, determined to make the best out of the situation, he sets out to show Olivia how enchanting Christmas in New York can be. And when handsome New Yorker Elijah is added to the mix, could the magic of the season finally be working its charm on Olivia? As 25 December draws closer, Olivia suddenly finds herself with a decision to make: who does she really want to kiss under the mistletoe this Christmas?

Olivia isn't really a Christmas person. Coming from a family that's rarely together during the festive season, Christmas for Liv normally results in a whole lot of 'me time' - just the way she likes it. But just as she's getting ready to relax, her manager at the charity she works for puts her in charge of running the annual conference in New York. Getting the company noticed at the conference could be huge for the charity, so Olivia is determined to make a good impression.

Meanwhile, Liv's friend Jon is also attended the conference representing his company, HeForShe. The pair have been friends for a while, and when the opportunity arises to explore a city so magical at this time of year, Liv can hardly refuse. It's just a work trip...right?

As Liv sets out to complete the task for her manager, she's pulled into the beautiful, fairytale of New York with Jon for company, and others too, such as the lovely Elijah. What Liv assumed would be a quiet Christmas alone soon turns into a winter adventure (and of course, with some hilarious mishaps along the way!)

I really loved this Mistletoe on 34th Street; it truly puts you in the festive mood, and Liv is such a nice, hardworking and wonderfully funny character. The novel contains all the ingredients for a perfect Christmas read; laughs, romance, a gorgeous setting, winter charm, a great cast of characters and an easily lovable heroine.

Rating: 5/5

BOOK REVIEW: You Had Me at Merlot by Lisa Dickenson

It's always a treat when a book from a much-loved author arrives at your door, so I was excited to receive a gorgeous paperback copy of Lisa Dickenson's latest novel, You Had Me At Merlot. I loved her previous summer novel Catch Me If You Cannes, and festive read The Twelve Dates of Christmas, so I already had high hopes for this one!

Like Catch Me if You Cannes, You Had Me at Merlot was released in four parts, but the full novel is now available in paperback and ebook formats.

Elle is single, and perfectly fine with that fact. Unlike best pal Laurie who is determined to find Mr Right, Elle is happy just the way she is, with her friends and advertising job in the city that she plans to work her way up in. So when Laurie proposes a much-needed break abroad, she's fond of the idea...until Laurie reveals that it's a singles' holiday that she had in mind!

Fearing the worst, Elle's reluctant to go, but after chatting to her married and mothering friends, Elle realises she should make the most of her freedom, so agrees to the holiday  -a wine-tasting break at a vineyard in Tuscany called You Had Me at Merlot.

The pair set off, and after an amusing flight, they touch down in Tuscany ready to begin their wine-inspired adventure. After the initial round of introductions, including George, an older American man who takes an instant liking to Elle, and Jamie, the gorgeous son of the Bella Notte vineyard owners.

But there's trouble when a new guest arrives - a very angry one at that - and Elle is horrified to discover that it's none other than her boss, Donna.

With work, the one thing that Elle wanted to escape, turning up in Tuscany, can Elle and Laurie truly enjoy themselves? And will Elle experience more than just wine and sun at Bella Notte?

You Had Me at Merlot is a fabulous read. Lisa's characters are always charming and funny (in this case, Laurie especially!) Her wonderful writing will take you straight to the vineyard, set beautifully in the Italian sun. I expected this to be a romantic read, but there's a whole lot more - especially with the arrival of Donna (and Elle's attempts to fend off the annoying George!). I'd love to go into more detail, but don't want to spoil this book - however,if you are looking for a fun, romantic read, especially on a gorgeous sunny day, then this is perfect.

Especially with some Merlot!

Rating: 5/5

UNCOVERED PICKS: Three Summer Reads

Cornwall, Tuscany, or Manhattan - what's your dream escape? If you're looking for a romantic holiday-themed read to enjoy in the sun, then here's a selection of three new travel-themed reads, from Samantha Tonge (author of Doubting Abbey), Lisa Dickenson (Catch Me if You Cannes), and Sarah Morgan (First Time in Forever).

Breakfast Under a Cornish Sun by Samantha Tonge
Kate Golightly needs to move forward and what better way to do that then with a trip to the Cornish coast with best friend and boss, Izzy.

The sea wind is just what Kate needs to finally relax and begin to let go of her past. Except she’s suddenly got one big reason to panic! She RSVP’d ‘yes’ to the Queen Bee of her high school’s wedding saying she’s bringing her boyfriend (she doesn’t have one) who looks just like Ross Poldark!

With only two weeks to find the Poldark look-alike of her dreams Kate is under a lot of pressure for the Cornish coast to deliver...

You Had Me at Merlot by Lisa Dickenson 
Elle and Laurie are the last ones standing: they're single, they're not having babies any time soon and their weekends aren't filled with joyful meetings about mortgages. For Elle, this is fine. She likes her independent life, but Laurie wants love and she wants it now.

So when Laurie begs Elle to come with her on a singles holiday to a beautiful vineyard in Tuscany, Elle is reluctant. She has no intention of swapping her perfectly lovely life for someone else's idea of her Mr Perfect, but ten days under the Italian sun with her best friend and lashings of wine? How bad could that be?

Sunset in Central Park by Sarah Morgan
Love has never been a priority for garden designer Frankie Fisher. After witnessing the fallout of her parents’ divorce, she’s seen the devastation an overload of emotion can cause. The only man she feels comfortable with is her friend Matt—but that’s strictly platonic. If only she found it easier to ignore the way he makes her heart race…

Matt Walker has loved Frankie for years but, sensing how fragile she is beneath her feisty exterior, has always played it cool. But then he uncovers new depths to the girl he’s known forever, and doesn’t want to wait a moment longer. He knows Frankie has secrets and has buried them deep, but can Matt persuade her to trust him with her heart and kiss him under the Manhattan sunset?

BOOK REVIEW: The Twelve Dates of Christmas by Lisa Dickenson

I've been a fan of Lisa Dickenson since reading You Had Me at Merlot. Her summer novel, Catch Me if You Cannes, was an excellent read, so naturally, I was excited to receive a copy of Lisa's Christmas tale, The Twelve Dates of Christmas.

Readers of Lisa Dickenson's books may already be aware that Twelve Dates was previously released as a six-part series, though the complete novel has now been published by Sphere (with a gorgeous cover to boot!) And if you're looking for a feel-good, romantic tale with a festive theme, then here's your book.

When Claudia's long-awaited 'date night' with boyfriend Seth goes horribly wrong, she soon finds herself single and about to face Christmas on her own - not exactly a predicament that thirty-year-old Claudia is particularly keen on.  But after a chance meeting with a hot barista in a coffee shop (whilst trying to get over the Seth fiasco!), Claudia finds herself determined not to let her lost love get to her, and so decides to try dating. A Christmas full of dates - what could go wrong?

In fact, quite a few things can. And granted, some of those dates aren't exactly planned. Claudia's Christmas seems to be filling up with nice surprises, along with interesting date experiences.

Together with her best friends, ballerina Penny and the lovely Nick, Claudia's twelve dates are proving to be working when it comes to changing her life, even if some of them aren't exactly pleasant! It's going to be a Christmas that Claudia certainly won't forget.

The Twelve Dates of Christmas is full of comedic moments (trying not to spoil anything here, but I loved the underwear chapter!) but also full of heart and Christmas magic. It's a genuinely lovely festive tale of looking for something that you don't quite realise is there all along. My only complaint? It was rather predictable, and I had guessed how the book would end very early on. However, the story itself, along with the comedy and Lisa's charm, far outweigh this, and so if you want a feel-good tale to add some sparkle to a wintry night, The Twelve Dates of Christmas is absolutely perfect.

Rating: 5/5

UNCOVERED PICKS: Five Festive Reads (part one!)

The holiday season is fast approaching, and there have already been quite a lot of new Christmas-themed releases in chick-lit, so much so that it's been difficult to pick just five! So, here is part one of Uncovered's selection of festive reads.

The Twelve Dates of Christmas by Lisa Dickenson
At thirty, Claudia's life is stale and the romance with long-term boyfriend, Seth, has disappeared. Determined to inject some festive spark back into their love life, Claudia and Seth go on their first date in a very long time. But when the night ends in disaster, Claudia suddenly finds herself facing life - and Christmas - alone.

Life alone is exciting, scary and full of soon-forgotten exercise regimes and ill-advised attempts at crafting sexy underwear. It's also filling up with dates, surprisingly. With best friends Penny and Nick at her side, a surplus of festive markets, mulled wine and Christmas tunes, Claudia attempts to face all this change with gusto. One thing's for certain: this year, Christmas is going to be very different...

The Chocolate Lovers' Christmas by Carole Matthews
Christmas is just around the corner but the women of The Chocolate Lovers' Club have more to worry about than present shopping ...

Lucy loves running Chocolate Heaven but she hasn't spent time with her boyfriend, Aiden, in weeks. And then her ex-fiance turns up and things become even more complicated. 

Nadia hasn't let herself get close to a man in a long time, yet she can't help feeling drawn to Jacob. Will he be her last chance for a happy ending? Chantal and her husband, Ted, are besotted with their baby daughter Lana - but she's not sure that's enough to base a marriage on. 

Autumn is dealing with a tragedy that has hit too close to home. But when she doesn't get the support she needs from her fiance, will she look elsewhere for comfort? Can friendship overcome all in The Chocolate Lovers' Christmas?

Christmas at Cranberry Cottage by Talli Roland
Home is where the heart is...

With a whirlwind lifestyle travelling the world, the one thing Jess Millward relies on is Christmas with her gran in cosy Cranberry Cottage. When her grandmother reveals the house is directly in the path of a new high-speed railway, Jess is determined to fight.

Can Jess save the cottage from demolition, or will she have no home to come to this Christmas?

Bella's Christmas Bake Off by Sue Watson
Bella Bradley is the queen of television baking – a national treasure. Her Christmas specials have been topping the ratings for years and her marriage to Peter ‘Silver Fox’ Bradley is the stuff of Hello magazine specials. 

But this year things are going to be different. 

For Amy Lane, Bella’s best friend from school, life hasn’t held quite the same sparkle. And when Amy’s husband walks out three weeks from Christmas, it seems their lives are further apart than ever. 

Amy has watched Bella’s rise to fame fondly, despite the fact Bella was always a terrible cook. But when she realises that Bella’s latest Christmas book is made up entirely of Amy’s mother’s recipes, the gloves are off… 

After winning a competition to appear on Bella’s TV show, Amy is going to make sure that for Bella and her viewers, this will definitely be a Christmas to remember… 

One Wish in Manhattan by Mandy Baggot
The temperature is dropping, snow is on its way and Hayley Walker is heading for New York with one wish…to start over. 

With her daughter Angel, Hayley is ready for adventure. But there’s more to New York than twinkly lights and breathtaking skyscrapers. Angel has her own Christmas wish – to find her real dad.

While Hayley tries to fulfil her daughter’s wish, she crosses paths with billionaire Oliver Drummond. Restless and bored with fast living, there’s something intriguing about him that has Hayley hooked. 
Can Hayley dare to think her own dreams might come true – could A New York Christmas turn into a New York Forever? 

Travel to the Big Apple this Christmas and join Hayley and Oliver as they realise life isn’t just about filling the minutes…it’s about making every moment count. 

UNCOVERED PICKS: Five travel-themed chick-lit novels

Seeing as summer is upon us, it has been fun to take a look at some of the holiday-themed chcik-lit releases that are available. From a dancing holiday in Spain, to a family cruise, the celebrity-filled Cannes and idyllic Greek villages, here are five summer books that would be perfect to transport you to a sun-filled, faraway location!

Summer Flings and Dancing Dreams by Sue Watson
Dance like nobody's watching. Love like you'll never get hurt... 

Laura Watkin's heart isn't broken, she's just forgotten how to use it.   After years on her own, the highlight of single mum Laura's week is watching Strictly Come Dancing with a glass of Pinot Grigio and a large helping of imagination.  With her daughter Sophie going travelling, Laura knows the time is right to do something for herself for a change.  One disastrous Zumba class later and Laura ends up at the feet (literally) of gorgeous dance instructor Tony Hernandez.

A natural dancer and inspiring teacher, Tony rekindles in Laura a passion she inherited from her ballroom dancer father - and with it comes a dream... to make him proud. But when Tony enters them to perform at the National Dance Festival, can Laura's new-found confidence survive the test?  And with a once-in-a-lifetime chance to learn Flamenco in Spain, could Laura truly learn to dance like nobody's watching... and love like she'll never get hurt?  

A laugh-out-loud, uplifting comedy about finding the courage to be yourself, the importance of dreams, and learning to grab life by the glitter balls.  

A Proper Family Adventure by Chrissie Manby
Could you spend two weeks at sea with your family?

Thanks to an unexpected windfall, the Bensons are treating themselves to a luxury cruise. With stop-offs in Barcelona, Rome and Marseilles, plus constant entertainment onboard, it's a dream come true...Or is it? Last time Chelsea Benson went on holiday with this lot she nearly went crazy.

Her mum and sister are convinced Chelsea's boyfriend Adam will propose on the ship. Chelsea's sure he won't, but she can't help feeling butterflies as they set sail. Is Adam going to pop the question, or will the only thing to pop be Chelsea's ego?

Onboard dramas, family upheavals, memories and sunshine . . . Fall in love with the Benson family, and treat yourself to a five-star family cruise, all without leaving your sofa.

Catch Me if You Cannes by Lisa Dickenson
Jess has decided it's time to get out of her comfort zone and live a little. So when her best friend Bryony, a journalist on a gossip magazine, is sent to cover the Cannes Film Festival, Jess decides to seize the day and go along for the ride. Two weeks of glitz, glamour and exclusive entry into celeb-filled parties is just the kind of adventure Jess needs.

Reality soon bites though when Jess and Bryony find they're staying in a dingy hotel far away from all the action and Bryony's expenses budget barely covers a glass of local wine. Undeterred, the two women are determined to live like the elite and enjoy one fancy night out to begin their holiday. So what if they have to tell a few white lies along the way? It's just this once. No harm done...right?

Truly Madly Greekly by Mandy Baggot
Sun, sea and a sexy stranger - a whole lot of fun just got a whole lot more complicated...  
Capable, confident and career-driven, Ellen had her dream job and a marriage proposal from boyfriend Ross.  Life was good, her future set. Until it wasn't and everything fell apart...  Whisked off to the beautiful island of Corfu to plan her sister Lacey's big, fat, Greek wedding, Ellen is hoping some time out will help clear her head and heal her heart.  But letting go of her past is not going to be easy.   

With Lacey in full on Bridezilla mode, Ellen is soon distracted from her own problems. And when the all-inclusive treats on offer at hotel Blue Vue include one gorgeous, brooding Adonis - Yan - Ellen finds him difficult to resist.  But Ellen isn't looking for love or lust, or anything involving too much ouzo...or is she?  

A Game of Scones by Samantha Tonge
Growing up, Pippa Pattinson’s summers were spent in the idyllic Greek island fishing village of Taxos. There she spent many long hazy days determinedly ignoring thoughts of the life her parents had mapped out for her (a dreary-but-secure accounting job and obligatory sensible husband!) Instead she daydreamed of running her own tea shop – serving the perfect scones – with mocha-eyed childhood friend Niklaus by her side… 

Arriving back in Taxos for the first time in years, with suave boyfriend Henrik, Pippa barely recognises the tired little town – but is relieved to catch glimpses of the quaint, charming village she’s always loved. Together Niklaus and Pippa put together a proposal to save Taxos from tourist-tastic ruin, and at the heart of their plan is Pippa’s dream project: The Tastiest Little Tea Shop in Taxos. It’s time for Pippa to leave her London life behind and dust off her scone recipe that’s guaranteed to win over both locals and visitors. And amidst the rolling pins and raisins, it seems romance is blossoming where she’s least expecting it… 

BLOG TOUR: You Had Me at Merlot by Lisa Dickenson - Book Review

You Had Me at Merlot is the new four-part digital romantic comedy from Lisa Dickenson. Lisa's 2013 debut novel, The Twelve Dates of Christmas, scooped the Novelicious Debut of the Year award, which made this new release even more exciting. You Had Me at Merlot is being released in four parts (part one is available now, part two on 21st July, part three on 28th July and part four on 4th August), and I was lucky enough to be sent a review copy of this hilarious novel in which two friends head to Tuscany for a singles' holiday.

Elle and Laurie are best friends with totally different outlooks on romance. Elle is perfectly happy with the way her life is; she's single and independent with a job she enjoys, and the single life suits her just fine. Laurie, on the other hand, is desperate to find Mr Right. And the sooner, the better.

When Laurie asks Elle to accompany her on a 'group' holiday to Tuscany, Elle is reluctant. After all, as fun as Laurie is making it seem, it's a singles' holiday - and a rather cheesy-sounding one at that. However, after some contemplation, and time with their happily-settled friends who are hoping to get the two single ladies up the aisle and pregnant as soon as they can, Elle finally agrees to the 'You Had Me at Merlot' package. After all, it's a vineyard in Tuscany. Beautiful sights, potential romance, and of course, plenty of wine.

With the chance of Italian sun, wine aplenty and her (slightly mad!) best friend for company, Elle heads off for the Merlot experience. What follows is laughter, adventure, and romance for the adamantly independent Elle...

Lisa Dickenson is a talented author, and it shows in You Had Me at Merlot. For anyone looking for a witty, romantic tale, this is the perfect read. I instantly loved Elle and her funny yet serious manner, a contrast to that of Laurie. You Had Me at Merlot is a wonderful book; hard to put down and full of laughs, friendship and the setting of gorgeous Tuscany. It's a highly recommended summer read.

Rating: 5/5

About the Author
LISA DICKENSON was born in the wrong body. She was definitely meant to be Beyonce. Despite this hardship, she grew up in Devon attempting to write her own, completely copyright-infringing versions of Sweet Valley High, before giving Wales a go for university, and then London a go for the celeb-spotting potential. She's now back in Devon, living beside the seaside with her husband and forcing cream teas down the mouths of anyone who'll visit. She is sadly still not Beyonce.

Lisa's first novel, The Twelve Dates of Christmas, winner of the Novelicious Debut of the Year Award, was an instant hit with readers who were won over by her wit, charm and naughty sense of humour - she's got her fingers crossed that everyone feels the same about You Had Me at Merlot. Follow her on Twitter for all her book news and Beyonce-related chatter: @LisaWritesStuff

You can read more about Lisa Dickenson and You Had Me at Merlot on Lisa's blog tour! Check the dates and blogs below for Lisa's daily stops.

BOOK NEWS: You Had Me at Merlot by Lisa Dickenson

There are some great books heading our way in July, one being You Had Me at Merlot by Lisa Dickenson. Lisa's previous novel The Twelve Dates of Christmas won the Novelicious Debut of the Year Award, so we're particularly looking forward to this summer read.

You Had Me At Merlot is a four-part digital romantic comedy, and the first part will be published on 14th July. Read on for the synopsis!

Elle and Laurie are the last ones standing: they're single, they're not having babies any time soon and their weekends aren't filled with joyful meetings about mortgages. For Elle, this is fine - she likes her independent life, she loves her job, and she has no desire to walk down the aisle anytime soon. But Laurie wants love and she wants it now.

So when Laurie begs Elle to come with her on a singles holiday to a beautiful vineyard in Tuscany, Elle is reluctant. You Had Me at Merlot Holidays promises crisp sunshine, fun and a chance to stir up some sizzling romance. Elle has no intention of swapping her perfectly lovely life for someone else's idea of her Mr Perfect, but ten days under the Italian sun with her best friend and lashings of wine? How bad could that be?

You Had Me at Merlot is the kind of love story that will have you crying with laughter one moment and nodding your head in agreement the next. Full of sultry summer nights, hilarious moments and plenty of wine, it will warm even the most cynical of hearts and have you believing in the magic of romance (and the power of a decent glass of Merlot).

Uncovered will be taking part in Lisa Dickenson's blog tour, so be sure to stop by on July 18th!