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The Skye Sisters #2

A Skye Full of Stars

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Return to the snow-covered mountains of the Isle of Skye this winter in book two of The Skye Sisters Trilogy – where new loves and unknown family are just waiting to be found…

Journey to Scotland and join Essie Wynter this Christmas on a journey of discover you'll never forget – where new loves and forgotten family are only the start of the story…

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About the author

Sue Moorcroft

65 books1,004 followers

Sue Moorcroft is a Sunday Times bestselling author and has held the coveted #1 spot in the Amazon Kindle chart. She's won the Goldsboro Books Contemporary Romantic Novel Award, the Readers Best Romantic Read Award, two HOLT medallions and the Katie Fforde Bursary. She writes contemporary fiction of life and love.

She also writes short stories, serials, articles, columns, courses and writing 'how to'.

An army child, Sue was born in Germany then lived in Cyprus, Malta and the UK. She's worked in a bank, as a bookkeeper (probably a mistake), as a copytaker for Motor Cycle News and for a typesetter, but is pleased to have wriggled out of all 'proper jobs'.

Newsletter sign-up: https://signup.harpercollins.co.uk/jo...

Website: www.suemoorcroft.com
Twitter: @suemoorcroft
Facebook: SueMoorcroftAuthor
Instagram: suemoorcroftauthor

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 165 reviews
Profile Image for Natalie "Curling up with a Coffee and a Kindle" Laird.
1,398 reviews103 followers
November 15, 2024
When I saw this latest book was Sue Moorcroft's 25th novel, I was amazed, it's quite the achievement.
A Skye Full of Stars is the second book in a Sisters Trilogy, and I hadn't read the first one, but luckily, I had time to squeeze it in. I'm glad I did, because the story just felt more wholesome and rounded. It reminded me of the Brown sisters Trilogy from Talia Hibbert, which I loved. This was a lovely read, and took me back to my teaching days of Year 1 lessons learning about Skye! Really enjoyed it. I look forward to last book in the series.
Profile Image for Maddy.
653 reviews24 followers
October 28, 2024
Wow, wow, wow, wow, wow. I devoured this book in a day and a half – and then was devastated when it was finished. I felt like I had been invited to a family & friends’ reunion with old friends (from the first book), and it was just wonderful to meet them all again, and to follow more of their journey.

The last book followed sister Thea and how she ended up with Dev. In this book we are back at Rothach Hall with sister Essie Wynter who is now the manager. When Mats, the son of the owners, turns up with his 2 children Essie thinks he is entitled and she doesn’t like him – but slowly he and the children grow on her. On top of this the third adopted sister, Valentina, buys a holiday home nearby, Essie has some visitors that knock her sideways, and Thea and Dev have some amazing news.

I can’t wait for the next book in the series – surely it has to be a trilogy? Sue Moorcroft you are amazing – more please.
Profile Image for Trina Dixon.
1,023 reviews50 followers
September 13, 2024
The 2nd installment in the Skye Sisters trilogy. In this novel we meet Ezzie again and follow her story. Newly promoted to managing Rothach Hall for the Larsson family, she is preparing for winter and Christmas when the whole family are coming to stay. Early arrivals Grete and her son Mats with his children are welcome faces especially the delightful Alvin and Astrid. But dark clouds are on the horizon as the past rears its ugly head and Ezzie has to confront things she'd rather not think about.
I loved this second book, it was lovely returning to Skye. I was pleased that Thea, Dev and Valentina were still involved in the storyline with their own tales to tell too. I thought it was fascinating that Sue Moorcroft also linked 2 countries Christmas traditions. I found it an easy read.
Profile Image for Rachael Hodson (still skiing).
525 reviews19 followers
November 29, 2024
I always am disappointed to leave a lesser star review but I just did not resonate with this story. Give me Scotland, Christmas and a romance but this one just fell flat for me. I think it was mostly the main character. Essie was difficult to get to know and she was so prickly that I have no idea why and how Mats fell in love with her.
Profile Image for Carla.
7,609 reviews179 followers
November 11, 2024
A Skye Full of Stars is the second book in The Skye Sisters Trilogy. I didn't read the first book and had no problems reading this one as a standalone, but I will be going back to read Thea's story. This is Ezzie Wynter's story. All three of the sisters were adopted and formed a loving family. They lost their adopted parents several years ago, so only have each other. Something happened in the past to cause Thea and Ezzie to flee to the Isle of Skye. Ezzie is not the manager of Rothach Hall. When the Larsson family (matriarch Grete, son Mats and his two children) decide to arrive early for Christmas this year, Ezzie has a lot to organize. Astrid and Alvin, Mats' children are adorable and steal the show. They pull Ezzie out of her comfort zone and bring her into family activities. The more time she spends with the family, the more she and Mats begin to have feelings toward one another. Things don't go smoothly and things happen to cause a rift between the sisters as well as Mats and Ezzie. Will this Christmas story end in a happily ever after?

I really enjoyed this story. I enjoyed learning about Swedish Christmas Celebrations as well as some Scottish ones, especially the food. I really liked the sisters, but at times, I wanted to shake them when they were at odds with one another. Being adopted, there is also a storyline about Ezzie's biological family which really made me think about what makes a family. Meeting Thea and Dev had me wondering about their story, so I will definitely be reading the first book in this trilogy. There were some humorous moments, dramatic ones and serious issues about families, retirement, moving on and family relationships. I enjoyed the festive activities in this story and it definitely gave me that Christmas feel. I definitely recommend A Skye Full of Stars.
Profile Image for Sarah.
1,617 reviews178 followers
December 19, 2024
I was a bit trepidatious starting this book as I didn’t enjoy the first novel of the series. Yet, I immediately fell into this narrative, feeling like it was a story written by a Moorcroft that I have come to love.

In my opinion, you really don’t need to have read the first book to enjoy this one: enough of a backstory is given about Thea’s character and how Ez is involved, that I think you are better off skipping the weaker book and diving straight in here.

I loved returning to Skye and Rothach Hall. In this book, owners Grete and Erik are more prevalent and I really appreciated their calm nature in the plot. Picking up just a few months after the last story, readers see Ez in her new role as manager at Rothach Hall, preparing for Christmas with her sisters and Grete’s family arriving from Sweden. However, the arrival of Mats sends Ez in a spin and she cannot deny that there is an attraction there. Ez knows that there are professional boundaries in place – she surely cannot date the boss’s son?! – but there is a spark that she cannot ignore.

I enjoyed the romantic element which felt heightened by experiencing winter on Skye. Moorcroft creates a vivid atmosphere and this makes the book perfect for snuggling under a blanket. It is an ideal Christmas read and I thought the developing connection between Ez and Mats was especially appealing. Yet, the fact that he lives in Sweden and Ez is settled in Skye meant I could not foresee how their relationship would survive beyond the festive period.

Like the first book, sisterhood is incredibly important to this narrative. Ez and her sisters are all adopted from different families and in this instalment, we see Ez reconnect with her birth parents. Such a difficult topic, Moorcroft handles it with beautiful sensitivity and I really could appreciate how emotionally raw and vulnerable that Ez felt after this contact. Ez is incredibly close to her sisters, especially as Thea lives just nearby and she is always in contact with Valentina. Furthermore, the fact that Valentina appears so much in this story makes this sisterhood even stronger. Moorcroft puts some foundations in place for the final book in the trilogy here, making me feel quite excited about the next story.

This was a great read and it made me feel all warm and cosy. The characters were all likeable and I felt drawn to Ez’s character, more so than her sister Thea. There’s plenty of Christmas spirit and family love in this story which I think makes it perfect for the festive season.

With thanks to Avon books and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Linda Hill.
1,526 reviews74 followers
December 11, 2024
A Skye Full of Stars is the most perfect Christmas or winter reading. It’s thoughtful, emotional, and hugely affecting. It’s also beautifully written, romantic and filled with themes any reader can relate to. I adored it. My full review is on the My Weekly magazine website.
Profile Image for Anne.
2,200 reviews
November 8, 2024
The first book in this lovely trilogy introduced us to the three Wynter sisters, with Thea as its main focus, and we learned why she and sister Ezzie walked away from their previous lives to start afresh on the island of Skye. This time it’s Ezzie in the spotlight – she’s recently become manager of Rothach Hall, working for the Swedish Larsson family.

Without the usual round of public visits, winter would usually be their quietest time – but this year the owners’ family are planning to descend en masse for Christmas. First to arrive is matriarch Grete – not quite her usual cheery self – and her oldest son Mats, no longer with his previously difficult wife but accompanied by his two young children and their nanny. The children are really delightful, but Ezzie’s never been too keen on their father, finding him rather superior and entitled – but when they spend more time together it soon becomes clear that she’s got him all wrong. In fact, there’s a real spark of attraction between them as he involves her in their family activities, even prompting her to share some of the secrets from her past – although that does backfire particularly badly.

Whatever their developing feelings for each other, they both know their lives are too different to make things work – not least the fact that their homes are in different countries. But Ezzie has other concerns making her life particularly complicated. After the delight of finding that sister Valentina has bought a holiday home on the island, planning on spending more time there, there’s a rift in their relationship that she has no idea how to repair – and things aren’t going entirely smoothly for Thea, encountering problems with her pregnancy. All three sisters were aware they were adopted, and it’s never made them any less close – but Ezzie’s life is then further rocked by the unexpected discovery of her own birth family. Ensuring that the Larssons have the happy family Christmas they’d hoped for soon becomes the least of her worries…

Are you perhaps getting the impression that you should have read the first book in the trilogy? Trust me – although I’d most definitely recommend that you do (only because it was so enjoyable…!), you’d have no problems at all picking this one up as a standalone read. And I have to say I thoroughly enjoyed every twist and turn of the story – Ezzie’s such a likeable and sympathetic lead character, really vulnerable behind her professional front, deserving of real happiness but finding it slipping from her grasp. Mats too – a good son and father, an all-round warm and lovely man, and I so hoped they’d find a way to an unlikely happy ending together.

As always, the author deals with the different issues raised by the book with her usual sureness of hand and real sensitivity – especially all the repercussions from Ezzie’s adoption and found family. At times, it’s a particularly emotional story – some of the developments made me ache inside, with no idea how things could be put right – but the author always has the safest pair of hands (along with the most wonderful ability to immerse you in her characters’ lives) and I was happy to trust her to help them all work things out.

And there was a lot more that I loved about the story. The Skye setting is absolutely stunning – there’s a particularly strong sense of place throughout, the dramatic scenery showing a different face in the depths of winter, but every bit as nurturing for the troubled mind. And, of course, I loved the fact that it was all set at Christmas – I learned such a lot about Swedish food and traditions, but also really enjoyed the added Scottish dimension. And I really must mention again that impossible romance, with its misunderstandings and barriers – it was one I was so invested in, although always only too aware that it was unlikely to work out the way I really hoped for.

This was a book I really loved – most definitely a personal favourite – with everything I enjoy about the author’s writing. I’d recommend it really highly – and I’m particularly looking forward to the final part of the trilogy, and finding out more about Valentina’s story.
Profile Image for Book Escapes Babs.
652 reviews26 followers
November 7, 2024
Having already fallen in love with Skye from the first book in this series, I was not expecting to fall even more deeply and buy into the storytelling so quickly. This time, we are following Esmerelda, or rather Ezzie Wynter, as she navigates her own story. Aside from the storyline, I must highlight Sue’s love of Skye and her genuinely remarkable descriptions of the local area. I could even sense the influence of another author who may have lent some personal knowledge of the Viking connection…
When we last visited, we met Ezzie, Thea, and their elder sister, Valentina. That was Thea’s story, which was the perfect introduction to the Skye Sisters and paved the way for this gorgeous story. Once again, the action takes place at Rothach Hall, as well as the local pub and a couple of cottages. We meet up with Thea and her partner, but the focus is squarely on Ezzie.
I loved getting to know Ezzie and soon discovered that I share many of her traits. Driven to work diligently yet fiercely protective of her family and privacy, she’s protected a secret for the last decade and has not even shared it with Valentina. So, when her boss’s son Mats inadvertently places that secret in jeopardy, a sequence of events that could never have been imagined is put into motion.
I was genuinely on the edge of my seat, trying to imagine how this story would work out. Clearly, Ezzie may risk a fling with Mats, but how could that work out? I should never have doubted Sue’s firm hand on this story’s rudder, as all eventually became evident.
Once again, and I’m sure it will feature in the final book, adoption was at the forefront of the story. All three sisters were adopted and had never been moved to seek out their birth families. This was handled beautifully in the first book, but it soon became apparent that Ezzie was resistant to learning more and would guard herself from any unwelcome exposure. Adoption, and in particular birth families, remains a delicate subject and programmes like Long Lost Family tend to cast a romantic gloss over the less savoury elements. I can only imagine how I would feel in the same situation, and I’m afraid I have no clue.
Mats is a terrific addition to the Larson family, and I even liked that he didn’t always make the right choices. There’s a potential for a romantic lead to be a little too perfect, but Sue got the balance right and showed us that he is human. He was not only human but also displayed a depth and warmth that lent itself to him being ideal for Ezzie. It’s a shame that they didn’t live nearer to each other.
For the avoidance of spoilers, I shall leave it there.
Profile Image for Barbara Powell.
1,131 reviews66 followers
November 12, 2024
Book 2 of this lovely series has us back at Rothach Hall with Essie Wynter now the manager. Mats, the son of the owners the Larson family, comes for an extended stay with his two children and their nanny, Essie doesn't care for him as he comes across as pretentious-but slowly she warms up to him as much as she does to his children. Her sister Valentina buys a holiday home close by and her other sister. Thea and her partner Dev, have some wonderful news.
But all is not sunshine and rainbows-something happened in the past that caused Thea and Essie to flee to Skye in the first place. Does this Christmas story have a happy ever after? Of course it does.
This was like a reunion with old friends-like putting on a cozy sweater-just feels so good. I love that the sisters are all adopted and yet formed such a close, loving bond that never weakened as they got older. I also loved learning about all the Swedish traditions and loads of festive activities in the story. There's humor, found family, holiday merriment and so much more to love in true Sue Moorcroft tradition. I hope there's more to the series coming.
Thanks to Avon Books and NetGalley for this eArc in exchange for my review.
Profile Image for Sarah Kingsnorth.
455 reviews14 followers
November 25, 2024
Sue Moorcroft - A Skye Full of Stars.
The Skye Sisters trilogy - book 2.

Let Sue Moorcroft whisk you away to the rugged beauty of the isle of Skye.
A Skye Full of Stars is easily read as a standalone story. However, I’d strongly suggest reading, Under a Summer Skye first. You always get more from a series when read in order and also because it is simply a flippin good read.

Back to A Skye Full Of Stars.
Ezzie is the manager at Rothach Hall. She is brisk and efficient, with a softer side that she keeps for those who mean the most to her.
Ezzie’s story has many layers. Just like her two sisters, Thea and Valentina, Ezzie is adopted. She has never been sure about finding her birth family. That decision is tested and Ezzie may rethink letting this group of strangers into her life.

With Christmas fast approaching, the owners of Rothach Hall, the Larson family, all descend for the festive period.
Ezzie sees to the family’s every need with her usual professionalism and efficiency.
Mats Larson and his two young children take a particular shine to Ezzie.
With the pair living in two completely different countries, anything between them can surely not be more than a holiday fling?

Ezzie and ber adopted sisters, Valentina and Thea, are as close as any sisters could be. A secret that Ezzie and Thea have kept from Valentina is unintentionally exposed and could blow the bond between the three women apart for good.

I was completely drawn into this tale. I knew how I wanted it to end, but I wasn’t sure how the characters could get there. I need not have worried. Sue Moorcroft brought this book to a beautiful conclusion.

The characters in this book are a gorgeous mix of humans (and animals).
I loved the colourful Larson family. They were a big hearted bunch and I’d have loved to have been a part of their Christmas celebrations.

It was nice to catch up with Thea, and to see her story continue. It was also good to meet Valentina. I’m very much looking forward to her story in book three of the trilogy.

#ASkyeFullOfStars is a wonderful read. It’s festive and feel good, with characters and a setting that I didn’t want to leave.

I become an even bigger fan of Sue Moorcroft’s writing with each book she releases. This is her twenty-fifth novel and she continues to go from strength to strength.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Profile Image for theweebookworm .
420 reviews28 followers
November 11, 2024
This is the second book in the series and concentrates on the middle Wynter sister Ezzie. I haven't read the first book, which didn't spoil my enjoyment, although I suspect this book recaps some of it.

I absolutely adored the setting of Skye. With it being my favourite island and having visited it often, I could visualise a lot of the places the author described.

I loved the mix of personalities in the Larson family and how lovely and down to earth they all came across as.

Ezzie certainly doesn't have her troubles to seek with relationship troubles and family issues. My heart went out to her at times. I must admit, though, I liked her better when she was more relaxed rather than too professional and uptight.

An absolutely wonderful, but emotional read with family, friendship and romance at the heart of it.
Profile Image for Linda.
48 reviews3 followers
November 8, 2024
Another charming story by Sue Moorcroft. I loved the first book in this series and I enjoyed this one just as much. It focusses on Ezzie, who’s the manager of an historic house on the Isle of Skye, and Mats, the divorced son of the house’s Swedish owners who is visiting for Christmas with his two children. I liked that the story was told from both their points of view. The descriptions of Skye made me want to visit again and the emotions of being an adoptee were handled sensitively. Highly recommended.
990 reviews20 followers
November 14, 2024
Second book in the Skye series featuring the Wynter sisters. It’s Ezzie’s story and as Christmas is approaching the Larsson family who own the hall arrive for a Scottish Christmas. The sisters bond is strong but as with all families they don’t always see eye to eye. An unexpected visitor reveals more about Ezzie’s past which she struggles with. The drama and tension in this book held my attention and I read late into the next morning to finish. I can’t wait to return to this glorious location.
Profile Image for Georgina Abbotts.
330 reviews2 followers
May 1, 2025
I'm really enjoying this series this is the second book in a trilogy I can't wait for the 3rd book to come out.ive loved following Ezzie,Thea and valentina I love how close the three sisters are.Ezzie world gets turned upside down when her birth family come looking for her. sue knows how to create brilliant characters and set in beautiful locations.the isle of skye sounds amazing I can't wait to see what happens in book 3 thank you for another fantastic book sue
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Emma Ashley.
1,336 reviews49 followers
December 9, 2024
I love Sue Moorcraft's books and A Sky Full Of Stars certainly didn't disappoint. It's the perfect cosy and easy to follow festive read for this time of year. I loved the place settings in the book and the great cast of characters. Also, the pacing was just right. I highly recommend it.
Profile Image for Sue Vickery.
231 reviews2 followers
December 14, 2025
I loved this book, and Ezzie's story. i couldn't put it down. I recommend Sue's books for a lovely read.
Profile Image for Gem ~.
962 reviews46 followers
October 30, 2024
Such a wintery festive treat, with the added sparkle of the Scottish island of Skye.
I hadn't actually read the first Skye sisters book but this wasn't a problem at all as the basics of their relationships and backgrounds are covered clearly. It was interesting to add the Swedish element with the Larson family and the beauty & grandeur of Rothach hall, full of fika & other delights.
Ezzie's personal journey with unexpected visitors and deep secrets was a joy to read and I felt written perfectly.
Profile Image for Annette.
2,769 reviews48 followers
November 18, 2024
This is book two in this series.
Ezzie is excited about the upcoming Christmas season.
Her job as manager at the Larson Scottish home is perfect. All her plans for a quiet holiday ends when she learns Larson family are coming for Christmas.
This was a nice story. It has some family drama and some surprises. Definitely add to your list
Profile Image for Lisa.
293 reviews
October 3, 2024
After having read Under a Summer Skye, which was book 1 in the trilogy, I couldn't wait to read this book, the 2nd in the series. The books follow the story of the 3 Wynter sisters. All 3 were adopted into the Wynter family from different families. Two of the sisters work at Rothach Hall on the Isle of Skye.

The 2nd book is mainly centred on Ezzie Wynter, who manages Rothach Hall for the Larson family.

I really enjoyed getting to know Ezzie. She is portrayed as a kind, hardworking girl who is liked by everyone. I could imagine being friends with her. I love how the author developed her character and how her relationships with her Sisters and the Larson family progressed throughout the book.

What I think the author excels in, with every book she writes, is her descriptive writing of the settings of her books. From the countryside of France to Italian vineyards and snowy Swiss towns. This book is no exception. I have fallen in love with the Isle.of Skye. Its beautiful colourful cottages, quaint towns, and relaxing sea fronts. I looked it up.and it was just how I pictured it. It is obvious that a lot of research went into the book.

I loved A Skye Full Of Stars and didn't want it to end. I can't wait for book 3, but I will be sad at the end of that as I know I'll be saying goodbye to the Wynter sisters.

Thank you to NetGalley for an arc copy of this book.
Profile Image for Wendy(Wendyreadsbooks) Robey.
1,480 reviews71 followers
November 7, 2024

A Skye Full of Stars is book 2 in the Skye Sisters trilogy from Sue Moorcroft and her 25th published novel. It is a beautiful mix of Christmas customs in Skye and Sweden and we’re treated to a delight as always from Sue.
I loved seeing the family sharing their traditions with Ezzie and Thea, really making Christmas at the Hall extra special.
The chemistry between Mats and Ezzie was evident from the start but misunderstandings and secrets held them both back from admitting their feelings.
Sue always writes such beautiful warm-hearted stories and the trust and support Ezzie and Thea receive from the Larsons is so wonderful. A real treat of a read and one to savour.
Profile Image for Hannah Wilson .
434 reviews18 followers
July 10, 2025
Welcome to book 2 in the Skye Sisters trilogy from Sue Moorcroft, book 1 was all about Thea and this one is about Ezzie, however it’s still set in the gorgeous Rothach Hall on the Isle of Skye and there’s lots of familiar faces if you’ve also read book 1.

I’ve almost put off reading this book because I didn’t want to finish it but ending up listening to parts on audio (that really helps with pronunciation) and reading the rest as I found that once I started I just wanted to keep reading.

There are some pretty emotional scenes in this book and boy it’s not always plain sailing but together these three can hopefully sort it all out! The kids almost steal the show in this, bringing light and happiness throughout, whether that’s Barnaby and his constant joy or Alvin and Astrid running to the ponies (and Clive), they just filled my heart a little bit.

We have some unexpected romance that will surely never work, but also feels so right… you know when two people just click and fit! Ezzie’s visitors do bring a few tough moments but I’m eager to see how that will all pan out in the future, which I’m hoping we’ll have insights to in book 3. Can’t wait!!!
Profile Image for Susanne Baker.
726 reviews30 followers
February 14, 2025
It was truly wonderful to return to the beautiful setting of Skye in this delightful book.
Especially lovely to visit at Christmas time too!
Essie was fantastic to catch up with and to hear her story. The chemistry between Mats and her was lovely to witness and I was soon very emotionally invested in their relationship.
Some brilliant revelations also kept me intrigued and entertained as I watched Essie try to make a special Christmas for her bosses family and with her own sisters.
Loved meeting all the Larson family too, the children were adorable and added to the wonderful festive feel of the story.
Profile Image for Joanne.
1,531 reviews44 followers
November 9, 2024
This is the second book in a planned trilogy each focussing on one of three sisters. The first book was about Thea (Under a Summer Skye) and this book is about Esmerelda, known as Ezzie. Ezzie is the manager of Rothach Hall, a stately home on Skye. Winter is usually a quiet time of year for the estate but this year, the Larson family from Sweden who own the Hall is arriving for an extended stay meaning Ezzie has to organise Christmas decorations, food and activities. She doesn’t really get on with Mats Larson, although she does find him very attractive. I loved reading about the children in this book, particularly Astrid and Alvin, Mats’ children. They were so sweet and often funny.

Family is at the core of this book with Sue Moorcroft exploring many aspects of what makes a family through the lives of her characters. Thea, Valentina and Ezzie are all adopted and there is a sensitively told story of discovering birth families and how that can make an adopted child feel. Many different aspects of family life are included within the book and we see how complicated families can be. We also see what really ties people together is love and that love can grow between people related by blood or in ‘found family’.

Many secrets are uncovered in the book causing all manner of bad-feeling, upset and confusion for Ezzie and other characters too. I enjoyed the way that the author shows that it’s not always easy to resolve difficulties or to forgive and forget but that honesty and listening can help pave the way for deeper understanding.

As this book is set in the run-up to Christmas, I also enjoyed learning about the festive traditions of Sweden and comparing them with what I am very familiar with here in Scotland. From food, to present giving and celebrating Advent Sundays, traditions were blended together rather like the way the families blended.

I absolutely loved following Ezzie and Mats’ romance which is so well written showing all the difficulties in a relationship where two people live very different lives and in two different countries. With the gorgeous Skye setting and a smattering of snow, A Skye Full of Stars is one of Sue Moorcroft’s best books in my opinion. This warm-hearted and emotional story is definitely one to cosy up with on a chilly dark night. I’m already looking forward to reading Valentina’s story in the next in the series (due out next year) and catching up again with Ezzie and Thea.
Profile Image for Pj Ausdenmore.
924 reviews30 followers
December 22, 2024
Sue Moorcroft takes readers back to Rothach Hall on the Isle of Skye for another heart-tugging, contemporary novel. This one features middle Wynter sister Ezzie, now manager of the Scottish manor owned by an absent Swedish family. When the Larsons begin arriving for their winter holiday sojurn, with divorced son, Mats and his children leading the way - it signals the beginning of many changes in Ezzie's life - changes that throw a wrench into her relationship with one of her sisters and just may undo all the hard-won happiness she's found on Skye.
I'm really enjoying this new series of Moorcroft's. She's assembled an intriguing cast of characters, centered by the three adopted Wynter sisters. Their journeys are a satisfying blend of women's fiction and romance, with explorations of relatable issues, personal growth, family, and love. I like their flaws, that they've made questionable decisions in the past, the hard work they've put in to atone for those decisions and create good lives, and the obstacles sometimes thrown into their paths. I'm especially enjoying the adoption storyline, the chaos it throws into the lives of the sisters but also the opportunity it affords to open their hearts and redefine what "family" means to each of them.
Meeting the Larson family in this book is fun. They bring laughter, wisdom, a bit of angst, and a whole lot of heart to Ezzie's story. I especially enjoyed Mats' children and the relationship they form with Ezzie. I had no idea how Moorcroft planned to give Ezzie a happy romantic ending but she pulled it off in a realistic manner that fit the characters well.
Ezzie and her sisters bring a rich, complex, and relatable sibling dynamic to each of the books. I really enjoy their interactions, disagreements, and strong, loving bonds that may be stretched but never break.
You don't have to read book one, Under a Summer Skye (Thea's story) to enjoy A Skye Full of Stars but I had a better understanding of the characters and enjoyed Ezzie's book more for having read them in order. I'm now looking forward to the third book in the trilogy and curious to discover what Moorcroft has in store for final sister, Valentina. She's in a troubled marriage and I'm eager to find out what direction it's going to take.

4.5 stars
ARC received for Rachel's Random Resources tour review.
Fair and unbiased review.
1,042 reviews40 followers
October 15, 2024
Thanks to NetGalley and Avon for the advanced copy of this title in return for an honest review.

Sue Moorcroft + Christmas = I mean, what more could you possibly want?!

It is part of a series but it can definitely be read as a standalone. You might get more out of it, little hints from the previous book, if you have read the first but your reading and enjoyment and understanding of this one is not lessened at all if you haven't.

Scotland and Sweden; I love Scotland (although I've never been to Skye), and I love Scotland in the wintertime. I've never been to Sweden but would love to, especially in the winter. So the combination of settings was gorgeous for me.

I am an advocate for reading Christmas books all year round, but I read this one an October weekend where it was 1 degree outside. I had Christmas music on (yes I know, I'm not sorry), and some warm gingerbread, and let me tell you, this book is even more magical when read like that.

Sue is an extraordinary author, but my main praise goes towards her characters. I have always preferred character development over plot (although in this case, both were good), and she creates such recognisable, familiar, human, real people who have flaws and hardship, they love and hate and fear, they're like a family in themselves but also with the reader, as if you could put the book down and give one of them a call.

Ezzie is a wonderful protagonist, and Mats is a fabulous play off of her. They come from different backgrounds and countries, but I felt this kinship between them and loved their solo journeys as well as their duo. There are many other characters, staff members, family, friends, strangers, and neighbours, and there isn't a dud amongst them. Some have bigger roles than others and some I liked more than others, but they all have a role to play in furthering Ezzie's story along.

Whilst at its heart it is a warming, cosy, festive, romance, it doesn't shy away from difficult topics, such as adoption, divorce, affairs, illness, mental health, criminal activity, fears, money worries, secrets, alcohol dependency, and whether family is who you're related to, or who you choose?

At almost 400 pages I find books can sometimes drag. It can be a fine line. But this one doesn't. I read it in less than 24 hours. It is so heart warming and cosy and beautiful and I loved it.
Profile Image for Jaffareadstoo.
2,936 reviews
December 3, 2024

This wonderfully festive story gets my Christmas reads off to a fine start as returning to the beautiful Isle of Skye in this second novel of the Skye Sisters trilogy has been a real delight.

This novel focuses on Ezzie Wynter who is the newly appointed manager of Rothach Hall and together with her sister, Thea, the head gardener, we get a glimpse into the running of this delightful Scottish manor. When Ezzie receives the news that the Larsons, the Swedish owners of the property, are arriving earlier than expected for Christmas Ezzie is determined to prove to them just how efficiently she is managing everything but with the family’s arrival comes a set of problems for Ezzie and also the arrival of some unexpected visitors causes Ezzie to reconsider events from her past.

Whilst it would be perfectly possible to read this second book as a standalone, it does make sense to read Thea’s story in the first book as that way you get to understand the Wynter sisters and discover more about the owners of Rothach Hall and their place within the story. This one introduces us to Mats Larson, the eldest son of the family who, newly divorced, seems to have quite a lot going on in his personal life, which is in danger of spilling over into his time at Rothach Hall. There’s a nice blend of family time spent with the Larsons, along with delightful visits to places on the island and yet it is the burgeoning romantic relationship at its heart which makes this into something rather special.

Both heartwarming, and heartfelt, A Skye Full of Stars is such a lovely read that I was quite disappointed when the story ended as I would have quite liked to have stayed at Rothach Hall for a wonderfully festive holiday. However, there is the tantalising delight of the third book in the trilogy to look forward to, when we will discover more about Valentina, the third of the Wynter sisters, who will definitely have another fascinating story to tell us. Can’t wait to read it…
Profile Image for Mae of Scotland.
382 reviews
September 5, 2024
Thank you to Avon Books UK and Sue Moorcroft for the chance to receive a NetGalley ARC of A Skye Full of Stars in exchange for a fair and honest review. I loved how Sue Moorcroft spins the most romantic, uplifting stories that melt hearts – especially her Christmas-based ones.

A Skye Full of Stars is a heartwarming, festive read set in the imaginary snowy winter wonderland of the Isle of Skye at Christmas time. The writing is heartwarming, captivating, and full of evocative descriptions of Skye’s sparking frost-kissed landscape and snow-capped mountain peaks. The storytelling is a poignant romance story exploring deep and sensitive themes about family relationships, adoption, alcoholism, loneliness, and fear.

Sue Moorcroft has a talent for crafting balanced characters who are humanly flawed but also deep, rich, and warm. She perfectly creates a caring community full of loveable characters around Rothach hall, who are all well-developed, likable, and relatable personalities surround the backdrop for the romance between Ezzie and her employer’s eldest son, Mats Larson, who disturbs her peaceful world by arriving early for Christmas with his mum and two children at Rothach Hall.

Their relationship might have ups and downs, but these two are perfect for each other, with a dynamic that is so tender, caring, and supportive. You know they will move mountains together without demanding each other make sacrifices for the relationship, but they will find ways to compromise and work together between their lives in Skye and Sweden.

Sue Moorcroft comes up with some cracking dialogue and hilarious scenes in A Skye Full of Stars, as Ezzie and Mats wind each other up. I crackled like a witch when Mats got on the wrong side of the Wynter sisters, which led to him getting into hot water with his mother. Did I love a grown 40s-something man getting told off by his mummy? You bet! I loved we got the chance to see more of Thea and Dev from Book 1 in their happily-ever-after lives.

An uplifting, family-centric festive romance that brings to life the magic and love we all deserve to feel at Christmastime. You genuinely feel like all is well and at peace after getting snowed in her fictional worlds. I can’t wait to see how the foreshadowing of our find Wynter sister, Valentina, plays out in book 3 – who will be lucky man number 3?
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