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The Reluctant Elf
Book Description
Meet Britain's Worst Innkeeper
Single mother and extremely undomestic goddess, Lottie, has five days to become the ultimate B&B hostess to save her beloved Aunt Kate’s livelihood.
When Aunt Kate ends up in the hospital, Lottie and her seven-year-old daughter are called to rural Wales to stand in at the B&B. Without the faintest idea how to run a hotel (she can barely run her own life), Lottie must impress the picky hotel reviewer and his dysfunctional family who are coming to stay over Christmas. Without the rating only he can bestow, Aunt Kate will lose her livelihood.
But will Danny, the local taxi driver who she hires to help her, really be Santa’s little helper, or the Grinch who stole Christmas?
Meet Britain's Worst Innkeeper
Single mother and extremely undomestic goddess, Lottie, has five days to become the ultimate B&B hostess to save her beloved Aunt Kate’s livelihood.
When Aunt Kate ends up in the hospital, Lottie and her seven-year-old daughter are called to rural Wales to stand in at the B&B. Without the faintest idea how to run a hotel (she can barely run her own life), Lottie must impress the picky hotel reviewer and his dysfunctional family who are coming to stay over Christmas. Without the rating only he can bestow, Aunt Kate will lose her livelihood.
But will Danny, the local taxi driver who she hires to help her, really be Santa’s little helper, or the Grinch who stole Christmas?
Kindle Edition
First published October 6, 2014
126 people are currently reading
625 people want to read
About the author
Lilly Bartlett
10 books88 followersLilly Bartlett’s cosy comedies are full of warmth, quirky characters and guaranteed happily-ever-afters.
Lilly is the pen-name of Sunday Times and USA Today best-selling author, Michele Gorman, who writes best friend-girl power comedies under her own name.
BE SURE NOT TO MISS LILLY'S NEXT BOOK. Sign up for the newsletter (only around 3 per year) ang get the chance to get her books on sale or even for free, or read her books before they are published! Sign up here: http://eepurl.com/b96-Yz
Lilly is the pen-name of Sunday Times and USA Today best-selling author, Michele Gorman, who writes best friend-girl power comedies under her own name.
BE SURE NOT TO MISS LILLY'S NEXT BOOK. Sign up for the newsletter (only around 3 per year) ang get the chance to get her books on sale or even for free, or read her books before they are published! Sign up here: http://eepurl.com/b96-Yz
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 161 reviews
October 27, 2017
Book Reviewed by Stacey on www.whisperingstories.com
Lottie receives a phone call in the middle of the night with some terrible news. Her Aunt Kate has been in a car crash and is currently in hospital in an induced coma.
Kate runs a guesthouse in Wales and normally shuts over the holidays, but this year she has a reviewer and his family coming to stay. She needs the review to be good in order to obtain that all important high rating.
Lottie and her daughter Mabel head to Wales to help look after the guesthouse, and of course Aunt Kate. Lottie is determined that she will get that good rating from the reviewer, but arriving at the guesthouse she is taken aback. It is falling apart. Enlisting the help of the taxi driver who dropped them off, the three of them set to work cleaning, fixing and trying to make the place look amazing. There is just one problem, Lottie hasn’t a clue what she is doing?
The book was originally released in 2014 under the title, ‘The Reluctant Elf’, but this year had a makeover. As always with Michele Gorman/Lilly Bartlett, we are introduced to warm and inviting characters, beautiful scenery, (this time Snowdonia), and all set amongst a sweet, light-hearted plot that has a lovely pace to it.
Being only 100 pages long, this book is a quick read, but it does pack a lot into those pages, including lots of humour. It’s one of those books that you can grab a cuppa, put your feet up and lose yourself in someone else’s world for a while.
This is a sweet, festive read that is pure chick-lit from beginning to end; whilst I had a few ‘eye-rolling’ moments, I did enjoy getting to know Lottie and the cast, especially adorable Mabel.
Lottie receives a phone call in the middle of the night with some terrible news. Her Aunt Kate has been in a car crash and is currently in hospital in an induced coma.
Kate runs a guesthouse in Wales and normally shuts over the holidays, but this year she has a reviewer and his family coming to stay. She needs the review to be good in order to obtain that all important high rating.
Lottie and her daughter Mabel head to Wales to help look after the guesthouse, and of course Aunt Kate. Lottie is determined that she will get that good rating from the reviewer, but arriving at the guesthouse she is taken aback. It is falling apart. Enlisting the help of the taxi driver who dropped them off, the three of them set to work cleaning, fixing and trying to make the place look amazing. There is just one problem, Lottie hasn’t a clue what she is doing?
The book was originally released in 2014 under the title, ‘The Reluctant Elf’, but this year had a makeover. As always with Michele Gorman/Lilly Bartlett, we are introduced to warm and inviting characters, beautiful scenery, (this time Snowdonia), and all set amongst a sweet, light-hearted plot that has a lovely pace to it.
Being only 100 pages long, this book is a quick read, but it does pack a lot into those pages, including lots of humour. It’s one of those books that you can grab a cuppa, put your feet up and lose yourself in someone else’s world for a while.
This is a sweet, festive read that is pure chick-lit from beginning to end; whilst I had a few ‘eye-rolling’ moments, I did enjoy getting to know Lottie and the cast, especially adorable Mabel.
November 3, 2017
This was such lovely little bite sized read, it’s a novella so it should definitely be read in one sitting, preferably under your Christmas tree with a fire burning brightly and a cozy blanket on your lap! Can you tell I’m ready for Christmas?! This put me in the most beautiful, festive mood and left me with a huge smile on my face.
Lottie and her daughter Mabel were the cutest characters, totally relatable and so much fun. Mabel is seven going on seventeen, the kind of kiddo who says some rather grown up things, which always makes me laugh as I have two daughters who both have the same endearing habit. I don’t want to discuss the plot because it’s such a short read and I’m afraid I’ll spoil it, but this is the perfect read to grab during the holidays when you need to escape the chaos of Christmas and embrace the magic of the season. It has the absolute best combination of humor and warmth with a dash of romance that left me feeling totally satisfied and more than ready to decorate my tree and turn on the Christmas music.
Lottie and her daughter Mabel were the cutest characters, totally relatable and so much fun. Mabel is seven going on seventeen, the kind of kiddo who says some rather grown up things, which always makes me laugh as I have two daughters who both have the same endearing habit. I don’t want to discuss the plot because it’s such a short read and I’m afraid I’ll spoil it, but this is the perfect read to grab during the holidays when you need to escape the chaos of Christmas and embrace the magic of the season. It has the absolute best combination of humor and warmth with a dash of romance that left me feeling totally satisfied and more than ready to decorate my tree and turn on the Christmas music.
October 31, 2017
CHRISTMAS AT THE FALLING-DOWN GUESTHOUSE by Lilly Bartlett was just what I needed when I curled up on the couch on Friday night in need of something festive and charming to make me smile. A delightful story, this short read is sure to put you in the Christmas spirit and warm you from the inside out.
Lottie Crisp understands grief ever since she lost both of her parents in a tragic accident. But she always had her beautiful little girl Mabel, and her Aunt Kate there to make her smile and get her through the tough times. So when Lottie gets a phone call informing her that her beloved Aunt is in hospital, Lottie and Mabel head down to Wales for Christmas to do what they can to help Aunt Kate get better and keep her quaint B&B in business, as it is due to get a very important guest. But the guesthouse is nothing like Lottie expected and it looks like they might just need a miracle to make it through this Christmas intact ...
With plenty of funny moments and poignant scenes, CHRISTMAS AT THE FALLING-DOWN GUESTHOUSE by Lilly Bartlett is the perfect feel-good story to get you in the mood for Winter. The characters are refreshing and realistic, and I especially loved Mabel who was never afraid to call things exactly as she saw them! And as for the motley crew of guests that arrived - absolutely hilarious!!
CHRISTMAS AT THE FALLING-DOWN GUESTHOUSE by Lilly Bartlett is everything I wanted and more and I highly recommend it.
*I voluntarily reviewed this book from the author
Lottie Crisp understands grief ever since she lost both of her parents in a tragic accident. But she always had her beautiful little girl Mabel, and her Aunt Kate there to make her smile and get her through the tough times. So when Lottie gets a phone call informing her that her beloved Aunt is in hospital, Lottie and Mabel head down to Wales for Christmas to do what they can to help Aunt Kate get better and keep her quaint B&B in business, as it is due to get a very important guest. But the guesthouse is nothing like Lottie expected and it looks like they might just need a miracle to make it through this Christmas intact ...
With plenty of funny moments and poignant scenes, CHRISTMAS AT THE FALLING-DOWN GUESTHOUSE by Lilly Bartlett is the perfect feel-good story to get you in the mood for Winter. The characters are refreshing and realistic, and I especially loved Mabel who was never afraid to call things exactly as she saw them! And as for the motley crew of guests that arrived - absolutely hilarious!!
CHRISTMAS AT THE FALLING-DOWN GUESTHOUSE by Lilly Bartlett is everything I wanted and more and I highly recommend it.
*I voluntarily reviewed this book from the author
December 11, 2021
Short and sweet!!
October 25, 2017
When Lottie’s Aunt Kate ends up in hospital, Lottie and her daughter Mabel have to help run her B and B over Christmas.
Yet again Lilly Bartlett has produced a warm-hearted story which is just right for the festive season. As a short novella I think Christmas at the Falling-Down Guesthouse would be perfect for snuggling up with on Christmas Eve or after Christmas lunch as it brings with it lovely themes of family and sticking together.
I really enjoyed the touches of humour and the speedy plot so that it felt satisfying to read an entire story in the space of an afternoon. I could picture the falling down guest house vividly and felt as if I was a guest too.
As always with Lilly Bartlett, the characters are warm, human and certainly not perfect so that they feel real and believable. I don’t usually like children in stories, but Mabel was a triumph with her aphorisms and balanced the foul Amanda and Oscar wonderfully.
Christmas at the Falling-Down Guesthouse is a lovely way to while away and hour or two as a Christmas treat.
https://lindasbookbag.com/2017/10/25/...
Yet again Lilly Bartlett has produced a warm-hearted story which is just right for the festive season. As a short novella I think Christmas at the Falling-Down Guesthouse would be perfect for snuggling up with on Christmas Eve or after Christmas lunch as it brings with it lovely themes of family and sticking together.
I really enjoyed the touches of humour and the speedy plot so that it felt satisfying to read an entire story in the space of an afternoon. I could picture the falling down guest house vividly and felt as if I was a guest too.
As always with Lilly Bartlett, the characters are warm, human and certainly not perfect so that they feel real and believable. I don’t usually like children in stories, but Mabel was a triumph with her aphorisms and balanced the foul Amanda and Oscar wonderfully.
Christmas at the Falling-Down Guesthouse is a lovely way to while away and hour or two as a Christmas treat.
https://lindasbookbag.com/2017/10/25/...
February 4, 2017
This was a short little Christmas chick-lit read. I have to say I was disappointed though. It was an incredibly bland read. The romance was PG at best. No real development between the characters. I noticed some reviews stated they found it "funny" but sadly I did not. I found it to be lame from beginning to end. Even the ending was a letdown. It wasn’t even a happily ever after, but possibly a HFN. I don’t think I'll be reading anymore of this writers work, but at least it was offered as a kindleulimited.
December 1, 2022
Quick, easy read.
November 12, 2014
Lottie was looking forward to the nice quiet Christmas in the countryside with her daughter, Mabel and Aunt Kate until the unthinkable happens. Catching the first train out, she is faced with the fear that this could be just like what happened to her parents years ago, though arriving at the hospital shows that her Aunt is in a coma due to her injuries but should be fine, she just need time to heal before they take her out of the coma.
It doesn't take Lottie to realise that she would now have to take over the Christmas preparation at her Aunt's B&B, with the surprising help off the taxi driver who drop them off at the hospital but stayed around to see what happened, Lottie has no clue on how she is going to pull this off.
Then again, if her Aunt described a luxury B&B then it surely wasn't the one she arrived at, with the old fixtures, dirty floors and a total disaster, she is suddenly overwhelmed by the job she has on her hands. Having just three days to change the complete look of the house is going to be more challenging that she first thought, though with Mabel and Danny's help she is more than certain that she can pull it off, if not she really will need a miracle.
With the guests due to arrive on Christmas Eve, Lottie must try whatever she can to make sure her Aunt gets the rating she needs to keep her business. Though upon arriving she can tell that these customers are going to be anything but normal, Lottie know she just has to fake her smile and count down the hours until they leave and she is holding the rating in her hand, as it will all be worth it.
The Reluctant Elf is a wonderful Christmas book that shows that miracles can happen even if it is in the form of old, run down B&B's in the middle of nowhere. With its family, laughter and impressive plot, I would recommend The Reluctant Elf to anyone that wants a book that will make you smile with happiness after reading the last page.
If I had to sum this book up in three words, they would be Charming, Christmassy and Marvellous.
It doesn't take Lottie to realise that she would now have to take over the Christmas preparation at her Aunt's B&B, with the surprising help off the taxi driver who drop them off at the hospital but stayed around to see what happened, Lottie has no clue on how she is going to pull this off.
Then again, if her Aunt described a luxury B&B then it surely wasn't the one she arrived at, with the old fixtures, dirty floors and a total disaster, she is suddenly overwhelmed by the job she has on her hands. Having just three days to change the complete look of the house is going to be more challenging that she first thought, though with Mabel and Danny's help she is more than certain that she can pull it off, if not she really will need a miracle.
With the guests due to arrive on Christmas Eve, Lottie must try whatever she can to make sure her Aunt gets the rating she needs to keep her business. Though upon arriving she can tell that these customers are going to be anything but normal, Lottie know she just has to fake her smile and count down the hours until they leave and she is holding the rating in her hand, as it will all be worth it.
The Reluctant Elf is a wonderful Christmas book that shows that miracles can happen even if it is in the form of old, run down B&B's in the middle of nowhere. With its family, laughter and impressive plot, I would recommend The Reluctant Elf to anyone that wants a book that will make you smile with happiness after reading the last page.
If I had to sum this book up in three words, they would be Charming, Christmassy and Marvellous.
October 19, 2017
This is a delightful, festive, romantic/comedy novella featuring single Mum, Lottie; her daughter, Mabel; the owner of the Bed and Breakfast Guesthouse, Lottie’s beloved Aunt Kate; the taxi driver who is also a hero, Danny, and the guest family who are enough to test the patience of anyone! When Kate ends up in hospital four days before Christmas, Lottie and Mabel travel from their London home to look after the B&B until Kate recovers. There are a couple of major problems with this. One is that Lottie cannot cook and knows nothing about running a guesthouse and the other major problem is the dilapidated state of the property - with mould, mice, peeling paintwork, a collapsing ceiling and problem plumbing amongst other things! Lottie manages to convince the taxi driver who picked them up at the train station to help get things ready and act as cook for the expected guests - but he knows little about such roles, either! As the two, with Mabel’s assistance, try to sort things out and cater for their pernicious guests this is certain to be a Christmas to remember!
The author relates events so it is easy to feel connected to Lottie, Danny and Mabel. The humorous descriptions of some of the turmoil they encounter certainly brought a smile to my face and had me laughing out loud at times. So, if you’re looking for a fun novella, with great characters and plenty of laughs, look no further - this is a great one!
I requested and was given a copy of this novella. This is my honest review after choosing to read it.
The author relates events so it is easy to feel connected to Lottie, Danny and Mabel. The humorous descriptions of some of the turmoil they encounter certainly brought a smile to my face and had me laughing out loud at times. So, if you’re looking for a fun novella, with great characters and plenty of laughs, look no further - this is a great one!
I requested and was given a copy of this novella. This is my honest review after choosing to read it.
December 26, 2014
What an adorable short book (approximately 120 pages) this is!! Perfect for this time of the year!! Michele Gorman is an amazing story teller who will capture your imagination and make you laugh and cringe--but mostly shake your head in wonder at the slap stick antics in The Reluctant Elf. I can't say enough good things about it. I read it on about an hour--no way I was getting up from this chair!The Reluctant Elf
November 14, 2017
Turds and Christmas don't work for me. Potty humour is best left to toddlers. This was a real mish-mash of a story that verged on the farcical rather than 'cosy and festive'. Some aspects were just plain stupid and I lost my patience with the book and the idiotic characters.
November 1, 2017
Review to follow.....
December 23, 2018
Fun, festive quick read.
December 29, 2018
Fab short story
Lovely story. Enjoyed reading about the different mishaps that happened throughout the story.
Would love to find out what happens next
Lovely story. Enjoyed reading about the different mishaps that happened throughout the story.
Would love to find out what happens next
March 2, 2022
4 Sweet short stars
❄️ Perfect festive read with cozy socks a fire brew and Christmas tree!
❄️ Mabel is Brilliant when she Mimics Her mum's wise words in comical situations.
❄️ Victorian era Christmas where everything is served Mashed up was genius
❄️ A fun read with an HEA
November 2, 2017
I actually listened to this Christmas novella on Halloween. It was a delightful treat! A sweet, quick read that is funny with a little bit of romance. Very enjoyable!!
NOTE: This book is now published as CHRISTMAS AT THE FALLING-DOWN GUESTHOUSE.
NOTE: This book is now published as CHRISTMAS AT THE FALLING-DOWN GUESTHOUSE.
December 16, 2023
Reads like the first “get all the ideas down on the page” draft. 😔 It was amazingly bonkers.
And I’m all for suspending disbelief for a sweet holiday story. But I couldn’t go this far.
And I’m all for suspending disbelief for a sweet holiday story. But I couldn’t go this far.
December 17, 2021
Quick and cute read.
December 15, 2021
This short story is about a derelict bed and breakfast and the three who try to save it. Its pretty cute and funny in places, but I don't remember any reference to an elf, reluctant or otherwise.
February 10, 2022
⭐️⭐️
Not my cuppa tea
*
I'm sure there are plenty of people out there who would love this book, but I am not one of them. The entire thing was like a Hallmark or Lifetime movie, and I can’t stand those, so it doesn’t surprise me that I couldn’t stand the book either.
I got the ebook on Kindle Unlimited as a set of 3 books by the same author. I got 1 page into the second story and was like, “Nope. I don’t need to read this.” So I’m counting that I only finished the first story. Technically it’s the length of a short Mass Market Paperback, so I don’t feel guilty about it being on my Goodreads challenge.
If you like Hallmark and Lifetime, you’ll like it. It’s just not for me.
*
#Holiday #Christmas #Romance #WomensFiction #ChickLit #fiction #Novella #Contemporary
#bookstagram #books #booksofinstagram #goodreadschallenge2022 #ilovethesmellofbooks #ireadbooks #ilovebooks #lovetoread #booknerd #addictedtobooks #bibliophile #stories #loverofstories #givememorestories
Not my cuppa tea
*
I'm sure there are plenty of people out there who would love this book, but I am not one of them. The entire thing was like a Hallmark or Lifetime movie, and I can’t stand those, so it doesn’t surprise me that I couldn’t stand the book either.
I got the ebook on Kindle Unlimited as a set of 3 books by the same author. I got 1 page into the second story and was like, “Nope. I don’t need to read this.” So I’m counting that I only finished the first story. Technically it’s the length of a short Mass Market Paperback, so I don’t feel guilty about it being on my Goodreads challenge.
If you like Hallmark and Lifetime, you’ll like it. It’s just not for me.
*
#Holiday #Christmas #Romance #WomensFiction #ChickLit #fiction #Novella #Contemporary
#bookstagram #books #booksofinstagram #goodreadschallenge2022 #ilovethesmellofbooks #ireadbooks #ilovebooks #lovetoread #booknerd #addictedtobooks #bibliophile #stories #loverofstories #givememorestories
March 7, 2021
Such a cute, short novella!!
December 8, 2023
2.5? At least it was short. This was our December book club book - and we usually pick something light and quick since everyone is so busy. This was a light romance and very predictable. But I wasn’t impressed with the lack of depth of the story line or the characters.
October 30, 2017
I’m a bit of a Lilly fan so when I was approached by the author to read Christmas at the Falling-Down Guesthouse I immediately agreed. If you want some light entertainment so you can lose yourself in somebody else’s world for a while then you can’t beat this.
I adore the way Lilly creates characters that draw you to them as soon as you meet. Lottie is a gem, single mum to seven year old Mabel (who acts like 17) gets one of ‘those’ late night calls that can only spell trouble. Her precious Aunt Kate is in an induced coma following a car accident, so Lottie and Mabel rush to Wales to be by her side.
Slight hiccup being Aunt Kate runs a B&B, it’s a few days until Christmas and a special guest is due to arrive whose review could be the make or break of the business. No problem, Lottie will just take over … hahahaha, poor Lottie is not a domestic goddess and when she sets eyes on the B&B her heart sinks and she nearly runs a mile.
By pure coincidence the taxi driver Danny who drops them off agrees to help work a miracle and provide a Christmas to remember for the guests. This is where you have to suspend belief and believe in the magic of Christmas because in reality they would not have stood a chance!
But, in true chick-lit form this is a sweet, funny story. Some characters you love and others are so exasperating you could cheerfully throttle them. I really enjoyed my time at the Falling-Down Guesthouse, it’s only novella length so is ideal for a quick read to get you into the festive spirit, remember the true sense of family loyalty and be thankful that others are having to deal with the hassles and not you!
Warm, cosy Christmas entertainment .. left me smiling and ready for my mince pies and mistletoe.
Thanks to the author and publisher for my copy which I read and reviewed voluntarily.
I adore the way Lilly creates characters that draw you to them as soon as you meet. Lottie is a gem, single mum to seven year old Mabel (who acts like 17) gets one of ‘those’ late night calls that can only spell trouble. Her precious Aunt Kate is in an induced coma following a car accident, so Lottie and Mabel rush to Wales to be by her side.
Slight hiccup being Aunt Kate runs a B&B, it’s a few days until Christmas and a special guest is due to arrive whose review could be the make or break of the business. No problem, Lottie will just take over … hahahaha, poor Lottie is not a domestic goddess and when she sets eyes on the B&B her heart sinks and she nearly runs a mile.
By pure coincidence the taxi driver Danny who drops them off agrees to help work a miracle and provide a Christmas to remember for the guests. This is where you have to suspend belief and believe in the magic of Christmas because in reality they would not have stood a chance!
But, in true chick-lit form this is a sweet, funny story. Some characters you love and others are so exasperating you could cheerfully throttle them. I really enjoyed my time at the Falling-Down Guesthouse, it’s only novella length so is ideal for a quick read to get you into the festive spirit, remember the true sense of family loyalty and be thankful that others are having to deal with the hassles and not you!
Warm, cosy Christmas entertainment .. left me smiling and ready for my mince pies and mistletoe.
Thanks to the author and publisher for my copy which I read and reviewed voluntarily.
October 18, 2014
This was an absolutely delightful festive read.
When Lottie receives news that her beloved aunt has had a bad accident she rushes to her side. She discovers that her aunt is expecting a reviewer to stay at the B&B she runs, over Christmas. The trouble is that the cook was in the same car accident and is going on holiday to recover with the cleaner. This leaves Lottie and her daughter with a nightmare to sort out before the reviewer lands on them!
Her aunt needs the rating to keep her B&B running. When Lottie arrives she trips over cans of paint in the hallway, discovers that the ceiling in the dining room comes down when the evening train goes past, and the place has dodgy plumbing. Added to that- she has no idea how to cook.
She offers the local taxi driver a job over Christmas to help her avoid disaster- but is he able to cook??????
Then the reviewer brings his sister and her family and the fun begins! You really must read this to find out what happens and whether they avoid disaster.
You could just imagine the B&B and how Lottie is desperate to help her aunt out- but is wanting to help, enough?
I literally couldn't put this one down. I loved every page! I would highly recommend you adding this one to your christmas list.
When Lottie receives news that her beloved aunt has had a bad accident she rushes to her side. She discovers that her aunt is expecting a reviewer to stay at the B&B she runs, over Christmas. The trouble is that the cook was in the same car accident and is going on holiday to recover with the cleaner. This leaves Lottie and her daughter with a nightmare to sort out before the reviewer lands on them!
Her aunt needs the rating to keep her B&B running. When Lottie arrives she trips over cans of paint in the hallway, discovers that the ceiling in the dining room comes down when the evening train goes past, and the place has dodgy plumbing. Added to that- she has no idea how to cook.
She offers the local taxi driver a job over Christmas to help her avoid disaster- but is he able to cook??????
Then the reviewer brings his sister and her family and the fun begins! You really must read this to find out what happens and whether they avoid disaster.
You could just imagine the B&B and how Lottie is desperate to help her aunt out- but is wanting to help, enough?
I literally couldn't put this one down. I loved every page! I would highly recommend you adding this one to your christmas list.
December 2, 2014
Originally posted on: http://addictivechicklit.blogspot.com...
This lovely novella is a precious little gem. I enjoyed every page and time flew while I was reading it. Lottie and her beautiful clever daughter stole my heart from the begining. They were fighters and Lottie just couldn't see her aunt's dream, her B&B, disappear over Christmas so she gave it everything to save it. And what an adventure it was, as she had no idea how to run a house, even less a B&B, she hired the handsome Danny, even if he was not the most skilled cook, he turnet out to be a key to this story... It was hilarious to read how they tried to achieve the unachievable, get the perfect review from the reviewer with the craziest family of the world.
This short story was packed with laughs, emotions, up and downs and love. And it had a trully festive feel. I love it when an author manages to capture you in only a hundred pages and create such wonderful and vivid characters. I highly recommend this novella for the holidays, I am sure that you all will love it too and it will make you feel all warm and festive.
Rating: 5 stars and the christmas special badge, meaning that it's the perfect Christmas read!
This lovely novella is a precious little gem. I enjoyed every page and time flew while I was reading it. Lottie and her beautiful clever daughter stole my heart from the begining. They were fighters and Lottie just couldn't see her aunt's dream, her B&B, disappear over Christmas so she gave it everything to save it. And what an adventure it was, as she had no idea how to run a house, even less a B&B, she hired the handsome Danny, even if he was not the most skilled cook, he turnet out to be a key to this story... It was hilarious to read how they tried to achieve the unachievable, get the perfect review from the reviewer with the craziest family of the world.
This short story was packed with laughs, emotions, up and downs and love. And it had a trully festive feel. I love it when an author manages to capture you in only a hundred pages and create such wonderful and vivid characters. I highly recommend this novella for the holidays, I am sure that you all will love it too and it will make you feel all warm and festive.
Rating: 5 stars and the christmas special badge, meaning that it's the perfect Christmas read!
December 11, 2014
This is the second book I’ve read by Michele Gorman, the first also being a Christmas book called Christmas Carol which I can highly recommend. You can check out my review here.
The reluctant elf is all about software programmer Lottie who is drafted in at last minute to look after her Aunt’s B&B.
The story kicks off with a rather unfortunate situation which gives us an insight into Lottie’s past and what she’s had to go through. She lives with her daughter Mabel and that also shows just how strong a character she is. She drops everything and rushes to be with at her Aunt’s side in a completely selfless act and I love how desperately she loves the family that she has left.
The story unfolds as Lottie’s stay is extended in Wales and the full extent of her mission as temporary innkeeper is unveiled. I love this type of plot line where characters are faced with a tough situation that they have to try and turn around. It is comforting in its predictable formulaic plot and it makes for a great read especially with its familial and Christmas themes. I love the title of this short, 120 page story and how its subtle pun links with the story.
If you are looking for a feel good short story to snuggle up with one wintery afternoon then I would definitely recommend this!
The reluctant elf is all about software programmer Lottie who is drafted in at last minute to look after her Aunt’s B&B.
The story kicks off with a rather unfortunate situation which gives us an insight into Lottie’s past and what she’s had to go through. She lives with her daughter Mabel and that also shows just how strong a character she is. She drops everything and rushes to be with at her Aunt’s side in a completely selfless act and I love how desperately she loves the family that she has left.
The story unfolds as Lottie’s stay is extended in Wales and the full extent of her mission as temporary innkeeper is unveiled. I love this type of plot line where characters are faced with a tough situation that they have to try and turn around. It is comforting in its predictable formulaic plot and it makes for a great read especially with its familial and Christmas themes. I love the title of this short, 120 page story and how its subtle pun links with the story.
If you are looking for a feel good short story to snuggle up with one wintery afternoon then I would definitely recommend this!
December 9, 2014
This book was a good quick read to get me in the mood for Christmas. It was fairly uneventful and predictable at times though. The story runs along the lines of a single mum, going to stay with her aunt for Christmas. However the aunt has a car accident and our heroine is forced to run her crumbling b'n'b, made even worse by the fact that a very important guest is coming, and surprise surprise, she can't cook and let's throw in a handsome guy to help and see what happens. It's well written and funny at moments, but is just your average run of the mill chick lit.
December 10, 2014
Gorman has an amazing way to get into the head of women and articulate their thoughts in an honest, humorous and entertaining way. She creates a blend of characters and a plot that is not to be expected, but it appreciated and enjoyed by anyone who reads her books. I adored the story of Lottie and the journey to pull off Christmas even among the chaos and confusion due to the zany characters that surround Lottie. Humorous, heartwarming and entertaining. Another hit by Gorman, an ABSOLUTE FAVORITE writer of mine. A must read novella for the holiday season! 5 stars
December 14, 2016
Having a tendency to be an OC sometimes, the setting and situation gave me a nightmare- its a Christmas disaster waiting to explode! I am glad the author didn't sugar coat the outcome but just gave it a "just right" okay ending. It is a holiday novel after all and we all deserve a good one. Fast paced with some funny moments, will try another Gorman novel soon.
December 8, 2021
I couldn't manage the suspension of disbelief for this one - a building in complete disrepair can't be fixed in two and a half days, with toothpaste and two boxes of Christmas decorations. What's more, no professional business reviewer would fall for that. Add in unwanted sexual contact that gets brushed aside as "don't upset the guests eith their own behaviour" and I'm out 🤦🏻♀️
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