Snow Angels, Secrets and Christmas Cake

by Sue Watson

Snow Angels, Secrets and Christmas Cake is a truly heart-warming and hilarious read about sisters, love and finding the courage to be yourself – one snowflake at a time.

For Tamsin Angel, Christmas is always the biggest and best… chic parties and a little showbiz sparkle are a must. This year though, things aren’t going quite as planned…

With bailiffs suddenly at the door and her husband nowhere to be found, it looks like Christmas just got downsized. Moving into her sister’s flat, she wonders whether things will ever be the same again.

After losing her husband on Christmas Eve, Sam Angel has rebuilt her life around her son Jacob and her new business – The White Angel Bakery. She’s also found herself a very handsome, loving boyfriend, but is struggling to let go of the past.

Thrown together with a sprinkle of Christmas magic, Sam and Tamsin might just learn a little more about each other – and themselves. But when disaster strikes at the bakery, will they be able to save the day in time for Christmas?


What people are saying about Sue Watson…
‘a talented chick lit author with fresh and unique voice and going on my list of all time faves.’ This Chick Reads

‘Sue Watson is a brilliant writer, a wonderful new talent with a fantastic style and lovable characters.’ Chick Lit Uncovered

‘Sue has an absolutely amazing way of making you feel the emotions of her characters, and making you step into their shoes.’ Kim the Bookworm

'Sue’s writing is witty and heartfelt in just the right amounts.' One More Page

Genres: Christmas, Chick Lit, Romance, Holiday, Contemporary, Contemporary Romance, Fiction

350 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 17, 2014

About the author

Sue Watson was a TV Producer at the BBC until she wrote her first book and was hooked.

Now a USA Today bestselling author, Sue has sold almost 2 million books and explores the darker side of life, writing psychological thrillers with big twists. Originally from Manchester, she now lives with her family in leafy Worcestershire where much of her day is spent writing – and procrastinating. Her hobby is eating cake while watching diet and exercise programmes from the sofa, a skill she’s perfected after many years of practice.
For up-to-date offers and news of Sue's latest books, click the 'Follow' button next to her photo on Amazon.

Sue would love to meet you on FaceBook at https://www.facebook.com/suewatsonbooks
And on Instagram @suewatsonbooks

Reviews

[Deanne Patterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a feel good book. This one genuinely made me happy! Don't take for granted the ones you love, tell them every day how wonderful they are . Don't just assume they know and really make time for your loved one's . Second chances don't always come around!
Pub Date 12 Oct 2017
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for a review copy in exchange for my honest review.

[Jules · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book I’ve read by this author. I’ve seen a few of her other books, but as someone who can’t eat wheat, gluten or cow's milk (amongst other things), the cake and ice cream themed titles torment rather than tempt me. However, I’m obsessed with Christmas books and films, so I just had to give Snowflakes, Iced Cakes and Second Chances a go. Having enjoyed this book, I’ve now added Snow Angels, Secrets and Christmas Cake to my wish list.

This story is based in Devon and focuses on a married couple who are recently separated, but thrown back together for work. Chloe is a strong and independent professional woman and Gianni is a talented, quirky and very grumpy chef. Will they be able to put their personal issues aside and stay professional? How will the tensions and hurt about the past impact on them now?

Gianni is so rude and annoying, although the way he speaks did make me giggle a few times. I had no idea why Chloe put up with his behaviour. She clearly had more patience than me. Mind you, I did eventually warm to him very slightly nearer the end of the story.

This is both a fun and satisfying story. I love reading stories about people starting out in a new community and seeing if they are able to integrate with the locals and make a success of things. I loved the character of Sue, who doesn’t have much luck with men, and seventy nine year old Roberta and her entertaining interactions with celebrities on Twitter.

I actually coped with the mention of food in this story too, phew! I wasn’t even tempted by the Christmas puddings, as they had garlic added to them. Yuck! Considering last week’s encounter with some garlic and onion resulting in my insides waging war against each other for a day and attempting to kill me off in the process, I’m more than happy to leave the garlic Christmas puddings for someone else. The one thing on Gianni’s menu I could have eaten would have been the chicken feet. Ooh, yummy chicken feet! Bleurgh! I’m not even going to go there. *Goes off to nibble on a rice cake…*

[Elaine · Rating 4 out of 5]

It took me a couple of chapters to really get into this book but once I did, I thoroughly enjoyed it. It is the story of two sisters, Tamsin and Sam and a build up to Christmas that will change both of their lives. The story is told in chapters which alternate between Tamsin and Sam’s viewpoints. At first there did seem to be some overlap between each chapter which did feel a bit repetitive although this did lessen after the first couple of chapters. Either that, or I was hooked by then and just did not notice as I was getting more used to each character’s “voice”.

On the surface they are total opposites. Sam is a widowed single mother, struggling to keep her head above water and build up the bakery business she started last year. Husband Steve died five years ago and left her with a baby to bring up and since then she has avoided getting too close to anyone, convinced that if she does then she will lose them and have to start the grieving process all over again.

Tamsin, oh Tamsin, where to start with Tamsin? She is a gem, a woman who married well and rose from an ordinary background to a life on Millionaires Row. She is snobby, label conscious, determined to choreograph each Christmas to within an inch of its life in a bid to create the perfect chocolate box festive season. However, scratch beneath the surface and you find a warm, caring person who I really liked.

The story starts when Tamsin’s life is turned upside down when she loses everything, her husband, her home, her money and lifestyle and she has to start all over again with the help of her sister. Over the course of the book, Tamsin will learn to stand on her own two feet and that the perfect Christmas cannot be bought by just throwing money at it. She will realise that real friendships don’t depend on how much money you have. Sam also has a lot to learn over the course of the book, in particular that it is OK to take that chance and start to love again.

I loved both women, but especially Tamsin, she was just so much fun to read about in this really festive, Christmassy story. It is warm, funny, easy to read but with some special mellow moments in there as well. Highly recommended. Thanks to the publisher for the review copy.

[Anniek · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chloe always loved Christmas. She and her husband Gianni used to spend these days together, no matter how busy their individual schedules would be. The first time they skipped their unspoken agreement was the beginning of the end of their relationship. Chloe and Gianni drifted apart and were no longer as connected as they once were. A year ago Chloe had enough. She felt neglected and trying to talk to Gianni didn't get her anywhere. She packed her bags and left her husband, their beautiful white cat and her lovely home. Chloe has been working hard ever since and she has decided to take time off for the holidays. An unexpected phone call makes her reconsider, since it's Gianni who needs her badly. Will Chloe go to Appledore to rescue her estranged husband and help his restaurant succeed?

Chloe and Gianni met at Harrods. Gianni always had a bad temper and it turned out that Chloe was one of the few people who could work with him. Gianni is a proud Italian man and he wants things to go his way. Chloe has always managed to stand up to him and is feisty in her own calming way. Because of how he is as a person Gianni often offends people, but he makes them happy with his food, he's a brilliant chef. Gianni just needs guidance in how to deal with people. Chloe knows how to do just that, which is also why she is a very successful events manager. I loved to read about how she could turn the most difficult situations around. Gianni has a sweet side too and I liked him the most during those times. He cares deeply for Chloe and he shows her that in his own special way. I couldn't wait to find out if the festive sparkles of Christmas would be enough to show them the path to a happy marriage once more.

Snowflakes, Iced Cakes and Second Chances is a beautiful love story about the magic of Christmas and true love. Chloe and Gianni have been through so much together and I was hoping for them to find that special love again. It isn't easy to keep your mind on the important things when you're going through a tough time and Chloe and Gianni both dealt with their struggles in different ways. Sue Watson combines the problems they faced with a fabulous Christmas story. I love to read stories about Christmas, since this is my favorite holiday. Gianni's native language isn't English and because of that he often doesn't pronounce his words in the correct way. The words he uses instead made me laugh out loud, since I could easily picture the misunderstandings that would come from this. Snowflakes, Iced Cakes and Second Chances is a wonderful book filled with mouthwatering descriptions of food and heartwarming love.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

In the run up to Christmas I always get excited waiting for certain authors books to come out as I know they will always get me in the festive mood. Sue Watson is one of my favourite authors so to be honest she could bring a Christmas themed book out any time of the year and I would happily snuggle up in a chair and switch off to the outside world and lose myself into her novel.

There is a lot of humour in this book which is brought by Gianni. He is Italian and even though he has lived in England for some considerable time, his accent and knowledge of the English language makes for some fabulously funny moments. He actually comes across as quite a bit of a dragon and I have to admit if I were to meet him in person, he would probably have me in tears in no time. Think of an Italian Gordon Ramsay and you won’t be far wrong. Not in looks though I should say, though I do find myself quite attracted to both but enough about me.

Chloe is lovely and as with all the leading ladies in the authors novels, I took to her straight away. I loved finding out the history between both characters and why their marriage broke down as I wanted to know everything. There are some very bitter sweet parts in their past which make for some emotional reading. Being a newly fledged cat lover, my heart especially melted at the mention of Snowflake the cat.

The story certainly raises some questions to do with relationships and as with all the authors books, there are some serious parts to the story line. I think any one who has gone through what Chloe has will find her easy to relate to and the author does it all in a wonderful way that she makes it a very much light hearted read, which with the times that we currently live in, it is very much welcomed.

Snowflakes, Iced Cakes and Second Chances is a heart melting and laugh out loud read that you do not want to miss. A story that will have you hooked from start to end whilst gearing you up to that wonderful festive feeling you only usually get around Christmas time. Go on, get snuggled up in that comfy chair with a big mug of hot chocolate and a copy of this book. You won’t regret it, I promise.

My thanks to Bookouture and Netgalley for an advanced readers copy of this book. All opinions are my own and not biased in anyway.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the third book in a series, I absolutely adored the first two, Ella’s Ice Cream Summer and Curves, Kisses and Chocolate Ice Cream and it felt so good to be back in Appledore! You definitely can read each book as a standalone, however there are reoccurring characters that are so fantastically funny you really should read each book.

This is told solely from Chloe’s point of view and what a sweetheart she was. It’s been a year since her marriage broke up and she’s lonely and heartbroken but she’s really trying to move on. As she slowly revealed parts of her history with Gianni you find out they’ve dealt with some heartbreaking issues, I truly felt for her. While this still had Watson’s signature brand of wickedly fun humor there was a more melancholy feel to it, it was more emotional than her other books.

I loved that Chloe crossed paths with some of my old favorites, especially Sue who was back with her inappropriately hilarious advice and god awful malapropisms. Gianni is from Italy and the way he mangled certain common expressions had me rolling with laughter. He’s very sweary and ass is one of his favorite words but he uses it in unusual ways, clown ass, holy ass for a few examples hahaha. He always pronounces beach like bitch leading to some very funny encounters.

This is full of Christmas magic and sparkly moments, all about second chances and starting fresh. Watson’s books never fail to leave me with a smile on my face and are the best way to spend a delightful afternoon. I do hope this isn’t the end of the series, I’ve come to love and adore Appledore and it’s residents.

All of my reviews can be found on www.novelgossip.com

[Rachel Gilbey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm impressed this has all the fun of Sue Watson book, but it also has a lot of heart to it, and its a lovely story of second chances, and the book predominately focuses on two characters, from one point of view, which means you get to know Chloe and Gianni incredibly well.

It is the story of Christmases' past and present, for Chloe and her soon to be ex-husband, with a moveable timeline taking in how they got together, the early years they had as a couple, all manner of highs and lows in their lives bringing us up to date with the previous Christmas where they separated, and now onto this year.

Gianni is fantastic, he is an explosive Italian Chef with a god complex, who is magnificently good at alienating staff, customers, critics and anyone else that gets in his way. He it trying to set up a new restaurant in Appledore, Devon and is going about it the wrong way. Cue Chloe being brought in to try and help out her husband's ailing business.

When I say Gianni has a god complex I mean his previous restaurant had no name, as he expected people to just know they wanted to come because he was the chef, and this new one he is wanting there to be no menu and he reckons people will eat what he tells them to! Add in some rather creative language especially when swearing (no real swear words as such), and most of what he says could be reminiscent of Gordon Ramsey with an Italian accent!

I felt incredibly sorry for Chloe throughout the book, she has not had the easiest of times being married to Gianni, but yet she doesn't want to see him fail either. It is Chloe that tries to get the locals on side starting in a rather familiar ice-cream shop.

For this is the third book set in Appledore and like the others can be read completely as a standalone, especially as the main focus of this book is Italian food and not Ice-cream!

Speaking of food, yet another book by Sue Watson that has had my stomach rumbling throughout, apart from when offal is mentioned! I love the various descriptions of both Gianni's Italian cooking roots, and also his rather more modern pretentious cooking style!

I am really hoping this isn't the last book in Appledore, as I love the setting, and this particular book was superb. It was a fabulous mix of food, Christmas, Italian temperament, second chances, heartache, an obsessive "Trekkie" and some hilarious conversational exchanges. I found I really got to know our main characters, and was rooting for them continually.

Thank you so much to Netgalley and Bookouture for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.

[Eva · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some of you may know, this isn’t really my normal sort of read. I tend to shy away from romance things and pretty much anything to do with Christmas. Just call me Scrooge. But this is Sue Watson and her Ice-Cream Café series holds a special place in my heart so the decision to read and review this one was a lot easier than you’d think.

Sue Watson takes us back to the lovely town of Appledore but this time, Winter is coming. (Sorry!) Gianni, a fiery Italian, has opened a restaurant there but things aren’t going very well. Gianni isn’t exactly a people person and has an incredible temper which results in staff leaving, altercations with food critics and grumpy customers. He calls in the help of his estranged wife, Chloe, though he won’t admit the idea was his as he’s far too stubborn for that.

Chloe and Gianni started out having a wonderful relationship and marriage but after the sadness of three miscarriages, each tried to deal with their grief by throwing themselves into their work. A lack of communication, misunderstandings and too much time apart eventually leads Chloe to leave the marriage behind. Forced to spend time together in Appledore and make Gianni’s latest venture a success, could their marriage possibly get a second chance?

I thoroughly enjoyed my time in Appledore with Chloe and Gianni. Although I must admit to frequently feeling my temper rise at Gianni’s attitude and if I’d had a pan handy, it probably would have found its way to his head. Despite his character also delivering quite a few chuckle-worthy moments, he’s also utterly infuriating and Chloe, quite frankly, has the patience of a saint most of the time.

Throw in the delightful residents of Appledore we’ve all come to love, snow and the impending arrival of the holidays, and this does exactly what you’d expect. Snowflakes, Iced Cakes and Second Chances is a feel-good Christmas romance that will definitely get you into the spirit and is as warm and comforting as a cosy fire or a blanket. Yes, there is a level of predictability but really, I couldn’t care less because this author always manages to come up with realistic characters you care about and root for. And she makes me laugh. It’s that simple, really!

If you’ve read any of this author’s previous books, you will absolutely adore this! If you haven’t, maybe now is the time to give them a go and kick-start the festive period (too soon?) with a giggle or two.

[Elaine - Splashes Into Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

Looking for a story of Christmas miracles? Look no further than this adorable second chance romance by the highly talented author, Sue Watson.

Told in the first person by Chloe, memories of how she first met Gianni, married him and then left him are emotively shared. Now he needs her help to save his restaurant business which necessitates her travelling to the cottage they once shared so happily in Appledore. Can she keep their arrangement a business one? Can she bring their marriage to a close but still remain friends with him whilst also helping to save his business? You’ll have to read it yourself to find out what happens!

This is a very moving story, looking back on happy memories, sharing the trauma of sad ones and the hopes and dreams for the future. As Chloe and her passionate, Italian, chef and restauranteur husband meet again in the beautiful seaside resort, they start to reevaluate their past and explore their feelings for each other again.  There are some superb interactions that will have you laughing out loud, some tasty food (including ice cream) that’ll have you drooling and a community that is brought to life in vivid detail. This is a heartwarming and mouth-watering romance, a story of not appreciating what you have till you lose it, of the importance of communication to keep love and relationships alive. It is a delightful festive read and I thought the Snowflakes also sounded gorgeous, too!

I requested and received a copy of this novel, via NetGalley, with no obligation. This is my honest review after choosing to read it.

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

I lost myself totally in this warm, festive read. I couldn't wait to read more and read it in one day.

Tamsin's luxury lifestyle falls apart when bailiffs turn up at her mansion in the middle of her Christmas photoshoot. She learns that her husband has let the business go and there is no money for her to buy designer dresses and shoes. Her sister Sam Angel happened to be there at the same time and took her back to stay in her tiny flat above the bakery she ran.

I loved the description of their relationship overcoming the differences between them- and how Tamsin started to help build the reputation of the bakery and finding ways to publicise it. She was in her element with the showier side of the business and delighted to be asked to help.

When she accidentally sets fire to the kitchen, putting the business in jeapordy she pulls out all the stops to rectify her mistake.

Lots of romance in unexpected quarters supplying the warm, cosy , Christmassy feeling. The party sounded such fun and you could just picture the bakery dressed with Tamsin's over the top christmas decorations.

Make sure you put this one on your list for the festive season- a really wonderful book

Many thanks to the publisher Bookoutre and Net Galley for a copy of the book to review.

[Sherri Bryant · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you seek the whimsical and fun side of Christmas themes, look no further than Sue Watson. Her Christmas themed books with the most gorgeous covers are what made this author’s existence known to me. These books will be filled to the brim with all the fuzzy sweater feeling, hot chocolate tummy warming and eggnog toasting joy to be had during the festive season.

This story brings those feelings as well as some heartbreaking ones as I got to meet and tag along with Chloe Callidori and her soon to be ex-husband, Gianni. After fourteen years of marriage, they are headed to divorce but then Chloe receives a call asking for her help in getting her husband’s new restaurant up and running in the coastal town of Appledore, where they spent their honeymoon.

Once I learned that the restaurant is in trouble before it even opens comes as no surprise once I had met Gianni. He’s impossibly rude and insufferable, hurls insults left, right and center and his arrogance is over the top. I was surprised that Chloe agrees to help him. They didn’t separate on friendly terms and the last time Chloe saw Gianni in person, she dumped a glass of wine over his head.

These characters have so much more kept hidden below the surface, their vulnerabilities locked away from the rest of the world. I really loved how they begin to open up to one another and how they laid down their shields and looked at the situation from the other’s point of view. Several times, this story had me in tears at the pain and suffering both of these people went through.

Fans of this author will recognize the village of Appledore as the setting for her ice cream series and the characters from those stories are in this story. It’s not mandatory but I recommend reading that series before reading this book. I hope I will see more Christmas themed stories from Sue Watson set in Appledore.

My Final Verdict: No Christmas spirit is complete without a Sue Watson holiday story. I highly recommend everything she writes. If Christmas themes are not your go to, I highly recommend you pick up one of her thrillers. She’s got you covered, either way.

[Kaisha (The Writing Garnet) · Rating 5 out of 5]

All reviews can be found on my blog at https://thewritinggarnet.wordpress.com

We are back in Appledore, ready to meet some new faces! As a lover of Christmas, Chloe has always spent the festive season morphing into a Christmas tree decoration, or becoming Mariah Carey’s unofficial backing singer when the Christmas tunes come on. This year however, Chloe has a higher chance of putting on her Bridget Jones underwear, caking her face in a coal face mask whilst singing Elvis’, ‘It’ll Be Lonely This Christmas’, than relishing in the Christmas spirit like previous years.

Until the storyline chooses to divulge its secrets, us readers are none the wiser as to why Chloe’s festive plans have changed. All we know is that there was a man and now there isn’t. I don’t mean to knock a person when they’re down, but it’s pretty clear from the onset that Chloe is in a terrible state. It’s as though she’s missing her je ne sais quoi. Although to be fair, if I was in Chloe’s shoes I’d be making my way to the nearest Gregg’s and stocking up on mince pies! Priorities, obviously!

As the storyline progresses, the author allows us an insight into Chloe’s past and how she met the man who is no longer in reaching distance. Whilst some parts are obviously sad if you’re the romantic sort, other parts are highly hilarious. I mean, that Chloe is proper feisty when it comes to moving her puddings!! There were multiple occasions whilst I was reading this book, where I found myself proper belly laughing and laughing out loud. Needless to say, my four year old gave me MY look in response. Spoilsport. Did it stop me snorting? Did it heck. Fast forward several pages and I’m doing it again. Sue Watson just tickles me every single time. I love it!

I reckon some readers may find Gianni to be a bit of a turkey. I however, found him to be a bit of a Christmas pudding; palatable and intense, with room for growth. I couldn’t stomach Gianni Christmas pudding in huge doses, I’ll admit, but there was just something about that man who made me think ‘hmmmmm, let me pull your cracker’. Mind out of the gutter….I think.

It’s safe to say that I loved every single part of Sue Watson’s latest treat. From start to finish my attention was piqued, my taste buds were teased – ready to lose myself in Sue Watson’s delectable words. What I loved most about this book was how I was able to watch Chloe grow. At the start of the book she seemed quite low, yet the more I read, the more I saw her blossom into such a fantastic character. Chloe ended her story a completely different person to the one I met at the beginning. Personally, the way that Sue Watson was able to make a character grow and blossom before my very eyes – takes extreme talent and dedication to her characters. It’s very clear that Sue Watson wrote this novel from the heart, whilst also spending time carefully crafting her main character to appear realistic, relatable, but more importantly; loveable.

For me, the author has ticked every single box and then some. Hell, she even ticked some I didn’t even know existed! Yes this book had me in hysterics, but the storyline also made me stop and think about the choices we make in life. Just like Chloe we often find ourselves in a predicament with no light at the end of the tunnel, where choices made during this time are ones we are more likely to regret. Sometimes there is only one solution for a situation at that given time. And yes, sometimes you have to take that solution even though it might end up being the wrong one for you long-term. The message that resonated with me the most was the one about taking chances even through the fear. Fear makes us second guess everything, yet fear also makes us strive for that certain thing even more – even if we are unaware of it at the time. I have gone away and thought long and hard about several things within this storyline. Let’s just say that inspiration can come from the most unlikeliest of places.

Snowflakes, Iced Cakes and Second Chances is a laugh out loud, mouth-watering and highly addictive read from the exceptional, Sue Watson. Full of giggles, food to tickle your taste buds, and situation to keep your mind busy; Sue Watson’s latest novel is one of my most favourite books this author has written. I realise I say this every.single.time, BUT, I really have no idea how Sue Watson manages to knock the holly off the ivy with every new book she writes.

Outstanding, magical and one of the cosiest books I’ve read this year; Sue Watson has done it once again. Absolutely brilliant. If I could give this book more than 5 stars I would, it’s worthy of millions more.

Huge thanks to Bookouture.

[Agi · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 stars.

Each time I see a new Sue Watson's book I'm getting really giddy with excitement - yes, it never dies, this feeling of seeing a new book by the author you adore, no matter how old you are. I really like Sue's down - to - earth stories with brilliant leading heroines who have experienced a lot in their lives and they really know what they're talking about. And "Snowflakes, Christmas Cakes and Second Chances" looked and sounded so inviting and so Christmassy, and I thought, well, what can go wrong?

Unfortunately, and I'm really not saying this easily, almost everything went wrong for me. I started reading the book with such great hopes and with every page turned you could see my hope and enthusiasm going downhill. The main character, Chloe, was also the narrator, everything was told from her point of view. It felt like reading someone's memoirs, that were also very repetitive, as I had a feeling we are reading about old same, old same all the time. Chloe seemed to me as if she didn't know what she really wants from her life and I was soon tired with all this what I want/what I don't want - she was too old and too experienced for this blowing cold and hot all the time. I felt sorry for her, and that was all actually, but for me it was just the case of you make your bed, you lie in it...
And let's start on Gianni. Oh my God. I'm not sure if he was supposed to be cute with his temper and va - va - voom, funny with the things he said to his customers and critics, if I should appreciate his "honesty" but he so didn't work for me. There was not a drop of charm in him for me, he was a whiney, spoiled, arrogant piece of work and no matter what you're going to say it won't change my mind about him.

This is a third instalment in the Appledore series, however you of course can read this book as a stand - alone. The characters from the previous books do enter the scenes here but the story focuses on brand new characters, Chloe and Gianni. I love the setting of Appledore and this is why I am really sorry and upset that this book didn't work for me, and even Sue Watson's writing style didn't help this time. I love books with the idea of second chances and for people coming back to each other but this one didn't deliver. However, I can see it already has tons of fans so don't let my review to put you off reading this story.

Copy provided by the publisher in return for an honest review.

[Susan Hampson · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is something pretty magical about reading a book that makes you snort tea and choke, well be warned because I have been a victim of it while reading this outrageously hilarious Christmas romance.
Now I do have to admit to being partial to a little Italian now and again and Sue Watson definitely got my taste buds going with the wonderful descriptions of some of the food on offer, but add a real life Italian Chef and my knees get a little tremble. Meet Gianni who is passionate in every possible way. He made my mouth water, my pupils dilate and my brain go into melt down, all besides being incredibly funny with his mispronunciation of certain words.
When Gianni’s explosive temperamental temper costs him all of his staff at his up and coming new restaurant just before Christmas, there is only one person that could possibly bring him back into line and the restaurant back on track, his estranged 45-year-old wife, Chloe. What a super character she is. Business focused, a people person and a passion that still rages in her for what she once had with Gianni but so much had happened that drove them apart.
As well as all the laughing I had tears too as the story of Chloe and Gianni unfolds it is fraught with enough emotion to render Frosty the Snowman into one big puddle. Sue Watson has that special ability to bring readers and characters together and make them care about what happens. Relationships and recipes are not very different really, the more complicated you make it the more can go wrong.
This is a really good feel factor Christmas romance, perfect for tissues, tinsel and taking chances. Just wonderful!

[Best Crime Books & More · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was delighted that Sue Watson had produced a lovely Christmas book to get me through the next year until her next release. Thankfully this little baby could tide me over until then and FYI how lovely and Christmassy (that’s a real word you know) is the cover?!

At 254 pages this felt a little bit too short for me but I forgive the wonderful Sue as the book was so enjoyable! I adored the two main characters of this story who are sisters from the get go! Sam Angel is the sensible sister, but having lost her husband on Christmas Eve she now dedicates her time to her Bakery and her son Jacob. Her elder sister Tamsin is living what appears to be the high life.

Although I loved both sisters Tamsin (also called Tammy) stole the limelight a little bit in my opinion. Tammy’s life is just about being seen at the right parties, with the right people and being the best at everything among the other women who are part of the ladies that lunch group. When Bailiffs arrive at her door everything in her life is taken from her in the blink of an eye and she literally has to start again! Tamsin in particular is a brilliant character, and one that you end up rooting for even though she makes some shocking decisions.

One thing Sue Watson has is this magical ability to create characters you connect with. In addition her humour is apparent throughout this, and every other book she writes. Some of the characters that she throws in the mix are hilarious and in this case it’s most definitely Mrs J. This book also manages to transport you into that very fluffy and warm and cosy Christmas that will soon be upon us. I can’t say this is my favourite as that is reserved for Love, Lies and Lemon Cake. All this book resulted in was me wanting to read what happens next for Tammy. A total tease until the next novel is released. Come on Sue, stop all that Social Networking malarkey and get writing woman!

[Alison · Rating 4 out of 5]

I do like the way you can just slip back into a Sue Watson book and know exactly what you are going to get. If you are after distinctive characters, some romance and plenty of fun then look no further. Just to add to the joy throw in some festivities and enjoy.

We go back in Appledore the seaside town in Devon with a magical feel. Chloe has been adapting to life after her relationship breakdown with Gianni but then gets called to help him with the marketing for his new restaurant. Chloe is down to earth, lovable and determined to be professional. Gianni is a red hot Italian never afraid to say what he thinks and create havoc. I was torn between finding him overly obnoxious or quite cute with his accent and mannerisms.

Anyone who has read previous books will know food plays a huge part, usually mouthwatering goodies galore. There are a few ‘novel’ delights on the menu which may not be quite so appetising!

There is still a distinct spark between Chloe and Gianni, so will working alongside each other surrounded by the locals amid the Christmas spirit re-ignite their passion?

Once they begin talking properly about previous events perhaps there is hope but can Chloe tolerate the over-sized ego of Gianni!

A lovely easy to read book to get you into the spirit of the season .. check out Sue’s delightful style of writing, Snowflakes, Iced Cakes and Second Chances will be sure to keep you entertained.

Thanks to the author, publisher and Netgalley for my copy which I read and reviewed voluntarily.

[Bethany Clark · Rating 5 out of 5]

I would like to first thank Sue Watson and Bookouture for a chance to read this advanced copy through Net Galley.
What an amazing holiday read. I have been looking for a way to get into the holiday spirit and this was just the novel to do that!

Not everything in life is easy and Tamsin's life this year is proof of that. She thought she had everything and then two bailiff's show up and she loses it all in less than 5 minutes. He home is being taken, her husband has run away and she has no friends to turn to.

Luckily she has her sister Sam and her nephew to turn to and help her get her life back in order and truly learn what the holidays mean.

Sam also hasn't had the easiest past. She lost her husband in a senseless accident and has had a hard time around the holidays since. She has been taking care of her son, started a new career and met someone but hasn't been able to open her heart to him.

But this holiday these sisters have each other, and they can try to recapture that holiday happiness they both so desperately need.

But then a disaster strikes the bakery, will they survive and save the Christmas they call desperately want and deserve?

I recommend this read to everyone!

[Donna Maguire · Rating 5 out of 5]

https://donnasbookblog.wordpress.com/...

This is the third Christmas book that I have read now by Sue Watson and for me they just get better and better!! I love her writing style, the stories are funny and light-hearted and they have genuine characters that I love.  The only downside for me - her food descriptions are so good it makes me hungry!!! 

I really enjoyed this story and the characters of Gianni and Chloe were great and worked so well together - this was definitely a treat for me to read and I loved it - would recommend it to anyone looking for a feel good festive read this winter - excellent - 5 stars!!! 

[Dawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review to come - absolutely delightful - such a gorgeous hunk of a book / Italian Stallion to get you in the mood for Christmas - loved every single page

[Staceywh_17 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I started reading this just under a week ago then got side tracked by several other books 🙈

This is the first book of Sue's that I have read & I'm looking forward to reading more from her in the new year.

This was a tale of two sisters Tamsin & Sam Angel, who are complete opposites of each other. Thrown together in unexpected circumstances, they begin to discover more about each other. But can they throw their differences aside & save the bakery?

𝗜 𝗴𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗯𝗼𝗼𝗸 𝗮 5 🌟 𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴.

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book by Sue Watson that I have had the pleasure of reading and reviewing.  It certainly won’t be the last of her books that I read.  I absolutely loved reading this book but more about that later.
I don’t want to type too much about the storylines as I have an unintentional but still nasty habit of giving away far too many spoilers about books that I have enjoyed.  Chloe and Gianni were married to each other but their marriage broke down following personal tragedies and their reluctance to confide in each other.  A year on from their split, Chloe is well on the way to mending her heart and she works in the PR industry.  However, Chloe then receives an S.O.S call from the manager of her ex-husband Gianni’s latest restaurant.  The manager is about at the end of her tether with Gianni and his wacky food choices and his explosive temper.  Gianni has also been causing a stir with the local villagers but not in a good way.  Chloe is about the only one who can work with Gianni, cope with his moods and put a spin on even the most disappointing & calamitous situation.  Chloe agrees to take the role and it isn’t too long before pans are flying in the kitchen and the temperature in the kitchen is about at boiling point.  Can Chloe & Gianni charm the critics and make the restaurant a success?  Will Chloe and Gianni work together?  Will Chloe and Gianni have a second chance at romance?  Well for the answers to those questions and more you are just going to have to read the book to find out because I am not going to tell you.
I really did take to the character of Chloe from the start.  Chloe and Gianni were desperate to start a family but for one reason and another, it sadly never happened for them.  Chloe (& Gianni) suffered recurring miscarriages and Chloe feels like it is her fault.  She feels as though she has let Gianni down and apologises to him for the fact that her body has let him down.  Chloe’s feelings are entirely natural but in no way is she to blame.  Chloe seems as though she is beginning to cope a bit better with her losses and she has thrown herself into her career.  Chloe is feisty and isn’t afraid to pull Gianni up on his behaviour.  Chloe is friendly and she makes an effort to get to know people, whereas Gianni manages to alienate people without really trying.  She almost acts as a buffer zone between Gianni and those he upsets.  Chloe knows what you have to do to entice people into a restaurant and potentially increase the amount of diners that swing through the doors.  I don’t think that Chloe and Gianni ever had a heart to heart where they told each other exactly how they are feeling and how they were affected by things.  As for the character of Gianni, well he could have done with a few dozen slaps around the chops with a wet flip flop before being poked between the eyes with a sharp stick.  The man is totally infuriating!!!  If I worked with him I would only last 5 minutes before hitting him with one of his saucepans.  Gianni is rude, arrogant, he has very strange ideas about what diners like to eat, Gianni sulks, he mopes and he throws more temper tantrums than I drink cups of tea in a day.  I did think that some of his less desirable character traits were the result of how his experiences had affected him.  I also think that he puts a barrier up between himself and others because he doesn’t want to let anybody get too close in case he gets hurt.  It has obviously taken him a long time to come to terms with everything that has happened.
In my opinion, ‘Snowflakes, Iced Cakes and Second Chances’ is superbly written.  Sue Watson is not afraid to tackle difficult subjects but she writes about them with such compassion and sensitivity that you cannot help but be affected by what you have read.  On more than one occasion during this book, I actually welled up because I had become so involved in the story and I felt that I really knew Chloe and Gianni.  The way Chloe felt and Gianni’s typical male reaction of not wanting to talk really struck a chord with me.  I haven’t been through such an experience but I know someone who has.  For me, this book was seriously addictive and I found that I just could not put the book down.  I simply had to read on to find out how the story ended.  The pages were turning that fast that it was almost as if they were turning themselves and before I knew it I had finished the book which I had mixed feelings about.  I was pleased to have finished the book because I knew how the story ended but I wasn’t pleased because I wanted the story to continue as I was enjoying the story and writing style so very much.  After I closed the book, I did feel as though I had been through the emotional wringer.  From laughter to tears, from happiness to sadness, from hope to despair and well you get the picture.  Certain parts of the story were very amusing but I had to be careful not to laugh too hard because I was in agony with severe back pain and laughing made it worse!!
In short, I totally, utterly and wholeheartedly adored this book and I would recommend it to anybody.  Sue Watson has firmly cemented her position on my list of favourite and must read authors.  I can’t wait to read what comes next.  I award this book a very well deserved 5* out of 5*.

[Kelly Jarvis · Rating 5 out of 5]

another great book by Sue Watson who has quickly become one of my favourite authors the descriptions of the bakery and everything around are fantastic without being too much another great book that had me giggling in various places

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

Originally posted on http://beccasbooooks.blogspot.co.uk/

Firstly, a massive thank you to the fabulous publishers Bookouture for providing me with a digital copy of this gorgeous title by Sue Watson, and an ever bigger thanks to the author herself for writing such a masterpiece. Snow Angels, Secrets and Christmas Cake by Sue Watson was truly beautiful. A heart-warming story, showcasing what Christmas is all about.

This is the first book by Sue Watson that I have had the pleasure of reading, despite there being releases prior to this one. I do have Love, Lies and Lemon Cake to read which I am now extremely looking forward to, and I can't wait to finally get round to it after having a taste of Sue's scrumptious writing style.

In Snow Angels, Secrets and Christmas Cake, Sue is not only writing in one narrative but she's writing in two, these narratives belonging to the Angel sisters, Sam and Tamsin. What I adored most about the sisters was how different they were. Tamsin was a glamour kitten, splashing cash on posh lunch-dates with the ladies of Chantray Lane, strutting around in designer clothes and heels, and throwing some of the most lavish soirées known to man. Tamsin's goal in life was to be noticed, and to be known as the best. Each year, Christmas was planned months in advance, from the colour themes to the family photograph. Tamsin was so desperate to create the 'perfect' Christmas, but each time ended up in disaster of nerves, madness and utter chaos. In contrast to Tamsin's twinkling lifestyle, Sam was a lot more muted, preferring her comfy shoes, and getting her hands messy back at The Snow Angel bakery. It immediately became apparent to me that though these girls were sisters and had grown up in the same house together, they'd actually been given very different experiences, which explained a lot about why the girls were varied in their approaches to life and it's dramas. However, despite Sam and Tamsin's obvious differences, they adored each other, and that was plain to see. When the tough times rolled around, it was no longer about who threw the best dinner parties, but about knowing who actually cared and who didn't. Sue created such an incredible sisterly bond between Sam and Tamsin, one that was so well-written it reminded me of myself and own sisters. Yes, we fight, we argue, we've even come to blows a few times, but we're family, and sisters will always have each other's backs in the long run. I couldn't help but to feel cosy, warm, and completely cocooned within the gorgeously festive world that Sue had created, It was ridiculously easy for me to lose myself too, and I'd happily do so, again and again and again.

It's not all perfection within Snow Angels, Secrets and Christmas Cake. Just when you think you've got to grips with the winter wonderland that is Tamsin's home as Sue opens the story, things are, put politely, turned upside down. I was utterly shocked when the bad news came, as was poor Tamsin, who usually had everything so organised and well put-together. The damage that was done didn't last forever though, and it was suddenly up to Sam to take Tamsin beneath her wing and nurse her sister's broken heart. I loved the downright shock that I felt when Sue sabotaged Tamsin's life. It was insane, but something, I thought, that Tamsin was desperately in need of. There was drama, secrets being unearthed and some serious sexy business going on. Sue did it all! The story was absorbing and I soon found myself feeling like a third sister in the Angel twosome.

The Snow Angel Bakery is worth it's own paragraph in my review, because it added a beautiful, homely feel to the story itself. Not only does the title make you feel warm and fuzzy inside, but it's what Sam creates within the bakery that had me licking my lips and wanting to rush off to the nearest bakery to stuff my face with cakes and all sugary and festive! It was true delight to be invited inside of the bakery and watch the magic unfold, which it did, on many occasions (and I'm not strictly talking bakery here)! With the snow sprinkling down, and the lights on inside of the bakery, it felt sparkly and inviting, exactly the sort of place you'd want to visit.

To me, Snow Angels, Secrets and Christmas Cake by Sue Watson is one of those books that feel like treasures, a go-to book when you're feeling down and out. It made me happy and comfortable, watching the two sisters bicker but then declare their love for each other soon afterwards. It was festive, entertaining and basically just everything that I love to find in a well-written book. From the characters to the edible delights from The Snow Angel Bakery, I won't be forgetting this one in a hurry, and I seriously cannot wait to read more from Sue. It's as if I've found a writer than knows exactly what I, as a reader, want and need.

Becca's Books is rating Snow Angels, Secrets and Christmas Cake by Sue Watson with FIVE ADORABLE CUPCAKES! I want to dive back into this story already! Thank you so much Sue. What an absolute delight!

[Lesley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyed it every bit as much as I did the first time!

I just cannot fault this woman's writing - each of them have made me laugh out loud.

[Dawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was given an ecopy of this book by Kim at Bookouture in exchange for an honest review which I'm more than happy to give. If anyone read Sue's last book Love, Lies & Lemon Cake you'll know how much I was looking forward to this book.

This book revolves around Tamsin and Sam, two sisters who are outwardly living two totally different lives but when the veneer is stripped away they both share some very similar qualities and ideals.

Tamsin is moving in high circles, with a very polished act which she secretly hopes her 'friends' can't quite match. Sam on the other hand is living a very simple life trying to rebuild her life after husband's death and establish her bakery business, by keeping her self to herself and working like a demon.

The two girls couldn't really have been more different. From their personalities to their clothes and even their coffee!! Despite their differences when Tamsin's upper crust world starts to crumble after a visit from the bailiffs Sam steps up to the mark to support her in trying to salvage and rebuild her life. Sue takes us on a journey of discovery with both girls lives interspersed with secrets. Each ending up with an almost complete role reversal.

This book demonstrates exquisitely how events in our childhood can and do shape the adults we become. Tamsin, as older sister protected Sam from the real version of how their childhood really was, and continued to do so into her adulthood. She became larger than life, wanting to be the best, to be noticed and admired - this was at odds with her sister who lacked confidence and wanted to blend into the background. All of this is turned on its head and Tamsin retreats into herself leaving Sam with no choice but to step up and take charge.

I loved the role reversal, each sister moving out of their comfort zone, situations pushing them to be people they weren't. Emotions run high at times as Sam becomes the stronger, bossier sister - trying to coax Tamsin into action when all that Tamsin really wanted to do was curl up, hide from the world and drink coffee.

This book explores love, trust, friendship, confidence, loyalty and support. Knowing when to give and when to take. Two sisters and an eclectic mix of friends, family and acquaintances go on a journey with often hilarious results. Much of it caused by fashion faux pars and Mrs J, the cleaner come busybody. Help and support for both Sam and Tamsin comes from unexpected places. But, for me Tamsin was my favourite character she fell from her lofty perch, was nurtured and pandered to until, when the time was right she literally rose from the ashes like a phoenix to save Sam. It was just beautiful to watch her character grow once the polish was removed.

Sam and Tamsin both prove that when the chips are down - family and good friends really are all that you need. All of this was delivered with love, cake - that I literally could taste and a few snow angels. I can confirm that lying in the snow, making snow angels is the perfect antidote to a stressful day - I'd highly recommend it, along with the coffee and cake you'll need after it to recover from the cold.

Sue's books keep getting better and better, the bar raised a little higher each time - I highly recommend you go out and order a copy of this book and indulge yourself. A truly beautiful read, thank you.

[Suze · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chloe used to love Christmas, but this year she doesn't have any plans. She's living alone and there's no special person in her life at the moment. She and her husband Gianni split up a year ago and went their separate ways. They grew apart and Chloe couldn't take feeling neglected anymore. She left and he let her go. When she gets a call with a job offer she's surprised when she finds out it's for Gianni's new restaurant in Appledore. Chloe is an events manager and Gianni needs her help. Chloe isn't particularly happy with the job, but maybe it will bring them some much needed closure?

Gianni hasn't exactly made friends in Appledore, He lets his temper rule his actions and that keeps getting him into trouble. Will Chloe manage to get him out of it again? While trying to make Gianni see the error of his ways, good memories of the past come to the surface. Gianni shows Chloe he still has a kinder side as well and their shared love for food gives them a chance to reconnect. Is their marriage truly over or will the magic of Christmas bring them back together?

Snowflakes, Iced Cakes and Second Chances is a wonderful festive story. Chloe is practical, sweet and romantic. She loves the holidays and likes to make people happy. Gianni is a difficult man. He's temperamental, fierce and incredibly proud. He's passionate about food in a fantastic artistic way. He can cook really well, but he doesn't have good people skills. He offends, shouts, scolds and sulks, but combines this with a cute sense of humor, which is absolutely adorable. It's clear from the start that he and Chloe have a complicated bond. They went through a lot and my heart ached for their losses. They don't handle it well and there's fire and ice in their relationship in abundance, which is an interesting combination and I couldn't wait to find out where that would lead. It's clear from the start that they are each other's soul mates and I was anxious to discover if love would be enough in this case.

Sue Watson has a lovely warm writing style that always manages to put me in a good mood. She has a great sense of humor and knows how to work with tension in her stories. This combination makes them a real treat. I enjoyed the intensity of Snowflakes, Iced Cakes and Second Chances and admired its spirited dialogue. The story is fascinating, merry and strong. I'm a big fan of books about true love and the possibility of second chances and this is such an amazing one. Sue Watson combines this with mouthwatering descriptions of food and it's obvious she knows what she's writing about. The result is a fabulous story that often made me smile. I highly recommend this dazzling, delicious and energetic Christmas book.

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers, Bookouture for this review copy, given in exchange for an honest review. Also thank you to Kim from Bookouture for organising the blog tour and allowing me to be part of it.

I have to admit I haven’t read many Sue Watson books, even though there are plenty! This is part of the Appledore series, but you don’t need to have read any of the other books to enjoy this one. The cover of the book is beautiful, so Christmassy with such a lovely vibrant bold colour – you wouldn’t be able to resist this one if you saw it on the shelf.

Chloe separated from her Italian chef husband, Gianni, a year ago. This Christmas looks to be her first Christmas alone for a very long time until she gets an unexpected offer from Gianni to come and help with his new seaside restaurant which isn’t doing so well. His famous fiery Italian temper is still rubbing people up the wrong way and his ‘menu’ leaves a lot to be desired (considering there isn’t even a menu – you get what you are given!). Chloe agrees to go and help, but just over the Christmas period. Can she calm Gianni’s temper and smooth things over with the locals and will she manage to finally get the restaurant up and running?

I enjoyed this book. I loved the characters, and I really loved the setting. It was such a Christmassy book also with visions of snow covered beaches and Chloe’s warm cosy cottage with its log fire roaring away. Even the London scenes brought back memories of going to Harrods at Christmas time and being amazed at their Christmas displays! I loved Chloe’s character. All she really wanted was the man she loved and a family. After several years and lots of heartache, poor Chloe had neither of them. I loved the way she was the only one who was able to control Gianni, even after being apart for so long. I also loved Gianni! Yeah, I know he was bad tempered, insulting and after all these years of living in the UK he still couldn’t say ‘beach’, but when he was being kind and considerate it made my heart melt! All the way through the book I had an image that he looked like Gino D’Acampo (the celebrity chef!) – In fact, I think the part definitely could have been made for him! Be warned, there are descriptions of food aplenty in this book – do not read this book on an empty stomach! My personal favourite is the Plum Crumble, which the recipe is given for at the back of the book!

It has everything you could want from a Christmas book. Grab a blanket, turn the heating up full and settle into this perfect seasonal read!

Five stars!

[Gaele · Rating 4 out of 5]

Returning to the world of Ella’s Ice Cream Summer and Curves, Kisses and Chocolate Ice Cream we get to meet Chloe, separated and in transition after her marriage to Gianni, an Italian chef. Chloe and Gianni had a tumultuous relationship that was full of love, but lacking in communication. Through the ups and downs of their life together their dynamic was fixed: Gianni acting like a spoilt 3 year old in tantrum mode with an odd combination of swears, laughable missed words and a reputation for irascibility. But, London foodies love the ‘show’ and he was the next big thing, spending less time with Chloe and more at the restaurant, glomming onto the ego rush as the ‘Italian Bad Boy’. While Gianni was off with the restaurant, Chloe was dealing with her own depression and feelings of inadequacy – convinced Gianni deserved more and she wasn’t worthy of his love.

Oh these two – because Gianni found it hard to speak about his own emotions, and hid them behind bravado, Chloe didn’t push for answers she needed, or ask for the reassurance and attention she needed. But she shut him out – something she slowly came to realize as the two are thrown together again as she was hired to do the PR for his new restaurant, his own last chance effort to make a success of his life. Told from Chloe’s point of view, it’s easy to feel her frustrations and sorrows, but when she starts to see Gianni’s tells – his nerves, his frustrations, and starts to wonder if there is a chance for them to make another start of their marriage.

Sue Watson takes us through the rebuilding of a relationship through Chloe’s eyes, as she rediscovers what she wants (Gianni), who she loves (Gianni) and her ability to soften his rough edges and understand the whys of what he does, rather than just the horror at the actual events. Seriously, who attacks a critic with a sausage? Oh there’s so much more here – from the reintroduction to Sue and her malapropisms with Delilah the dressed Pomeranian, Elle, Roberta and Gina. A clever aside with Chloe’s half-hearted attempt to move on with a Sci-Fi geek and deli owner who doesn’t understand the word no, and the wonder of Appledore and Gull cottage, even in the midst of a blustery winter. This was a devour in one sitting story, with plenty of emotion, hope and lots of laughter to go around.

I received an eArc copy of the title from the publisher via NetGalley for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review, all conclusions are my own responsibility.

Review first appeared at I am, Indeed

[Best Crime Books & More · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am as many of you know a huge Sue Watson fan, but that's not to say I adore every one of her books...but this one I ABSOLUTELY do! This book is Christmas wrapped up in a toe tinglingly festive read, that needs to be accompanied preferably with an open fire and a mug of hot chocolate. Sue has written a few books set in Appledore, and although they are all standalone books they all feature some recurring characters. Appledore is a quaint little place near the sea and it's where Chloe's estranged husband Gianni has gone to open his latest restaurant.

Chloe and Gianni are separated and as the story begins we take a walk down memory ane with Chloe and she describes their past and how they have reached the place they are both at now. With Gianni retreating to Appledore to open a restaurant after turning his back on the glitz and almost celebrity status he had in London, his fiery italian temper has got him in to hot water. With signs of his restaurant dying before it's even begun Gianni's Manager asks for Chloe's help. Chloe who has spent a year building her career in events decides that rather than spend Christmas alone she will help Gianni try and salvage his restaurant (and reputation) and maybe they will become friends..

I instantly loved both these lead characters and they are extremely funny. Gianni with his ridiculous interpretation of the English language leads to some funny moments when he is explaining his thoughts on the beach! I can't say that this is the most original storyline but it's positively packed to the brim with Christmas spirit and a good old-fashioned romance. What made the story so enjoyable for me was the characters and the place itself. Having read all the other books set in Appledore I was thrilled to see the return (albeit fleetingly) of some familiar places such as Roberta, Dani and Sue.

We see Chloe and Gianni battle both on a personal front as well as a business one. Although the majority of the storyline is constantly peppered with humour there are more serious issues meaning both characters have their own chinks in their armour and makes them all the more likeable The character Marco (who again featured in previous books) was a perfect fit into this story too! I read this in one sitting and loved every single page. If you are looking for a festive read that will make you smile then this here is the answer. One word of warning though, don't read it if yu are hungry as you may find yourself reaching for food! This would be the perfect stocking filler and is highly recommended!

[Paris Baker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Originally posted on Paris Baker's Book Nook.

Snow Angels, Secrets and Christmas Cake is a wonderfully sweet Christmas story about the love of family, how to stay strong when the odds are against you, and learning to be the person you want to be. It’s a magical and uplifting story that I thoroughly enjoyed, and definitely put me in the Christmas spirit.

Sam and Tamsin Angel are about as different as sisters come. Sam is a down-to-earth bakery owner, still grieving her late husband, who works her arse off for her son and herself to get by.

Tamsin is used to the finer things in life. She’s been a kept woman for a long time, so champagne and glamour are everyday staples to her. Naturally, this makes the bailiffs showing upon her doorstep one hell of a shock. As she discovers her husband may have kept their financial status a bit of a secret, she finds herself at a bit of a lose edge, to say the least.

So when Tamsin has to move into Sam’s flat above the bakery, the atmosphere is a little tense. Sam has been a grafter all her life, and Tamsin wouldn’t know a hard days work if it slapped her in the face. To say she’s having a little difficulty grasping the concept of money -something she has never had to consider before- would be a slight understatement!

I absolutly loved Sue’s summer release Love, Lies and Lemon Cake, so I was super excited to hear she had a Christmas release coming out, and over the moon when Bookouture provided me with a review copy. (Thanks guys!) Right from the get go, this book does not disappoint!

Sue’s writing is simply hilarious, and with this being written from the view point of two different sister’s, we got two totally different personalities. Sue developed the sisters’ characters so well, the book effortlessly shifted between them and they very much had their own voice. Oh, and then there’s Mrs J – just wait, you’ll love her!

As well as the humour, the book is also incredibly moving, and includes many touching topics such as grief, the loss of a love one, bullying, domestic abuse and financial ruin. At the heart of the book is about being able to come through these things, about being there for the people you love and allowing them to be there for you.

I finished this book with the true warm, fuzzy feeling of Christmas, and think it’s a perfect book to curl up with this winter.

Thank you for another wonderful book, Sue.