CHRISTMAS AT THE LITTLE WED_PB

The Little Wedding Shop by the Sea #2

by Jane Linfoot

‘Just like the perfect wedding cake…beautifully crafted and wrapped in romance’ Heidi Swain, bestselling author of The Cherry Tree Café

The snow is falling around Brides by the Sea, Cornwall’s cutest little wedding shop, and wedding dress designer Seraphina East is in her cosy studio designing exquisite dresses to make even the most demanding bride’s dreams come true.

Unless the bride is her big sister Alice of course. Saying that the two sisters don’t always see eye to eye is an understatement. Alice hasn’t even asked Sera to design her wedding dress. But when an absent groom and ill-fitting dress threaten to ruin Alice’s happiness let alone her big day, Sera’s determined to give her sister the winter wedding of her dreams – even if that means keeping not one but two irresistibly gorgeous best men under control…

Is Sera going to end up being the maid of dishonour…Or will repairing her frozen relationship with Alice be the icing on the wedding cake?

There’s sequins, snowflakes, and plenty of romance in this gorgeous love story. The perfect romance to curl up by the fire with this Christmas! Perfect for fans of Carole Matthews and Milly Johnson.

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

400 pages, Paperback

First published September 30, 2016

Reviews

[Rachel Gilbey · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a comforting and cosy Cornish story, complete with 2 incredibly hunky best men, one bridezilla, who just happens to be Sera's older sister Alice, a wedding instructions manual, some incredibly creative solutions, cakes and wedding dresses.

It felt like I had never been away on returning to St. Aiden, the home of Brides by the Sea, the massive wedding emporium where Seraphina East works. She has never felt she fits into her family so is very surprised when her older sister Alice, asks her to oversee all of the last week of planning of the wedding of the year. Seraphina is more comfortable creating dresses than having to find her inner sass, and take control of situations.

Everytime I picked up the book, I felt as though I had been transported to Cornwall and loved seeing a new side of Sera, who were introduced to in the first book of this series. However if you haven't read it don't worry, this feels as though it easily works as a standalone. In the course of trying to make sure Sera fills in all the tasks in Alice's master wedding manual, that she has provided to everyone involved in the wedding, with the help of Quinn, one of the best men, all manner of things go wrong.

This though is St. Aiden and a wonderful piece of fiction, so of course all of Sera's friends are able to help out and fix just about whatever little issues come up, and between them just hope the bride and groom will walk down the aisle for a happy marriage.

I loved the rivalry between Quinn and Johnny for Sera's attention, and although I knew at a basic instinct level who she would choose, there were times during the story I wasn't completely convinced I was correct as I was kept guessing.

I loved everything about this story, from its fabulous setting, the wedding emporium, even bridezilla Alice herself. I love Jane Linfoot's writing and I am whole heartedly enjoying this Wedding Shop by the Sea series.

This is the sort of book you can turn to no matter your circumstances and get a really good feeling from it, such is the bubble it protects you in as your read. Whenever I went back to the book, I found the story just flowed and I found that I was reading quite a lot in a short space of time without even realising. A true pleasure to read.

Thank you to Netgalley and Harper Impulse for this review copy. This was my honest opinion.

[Katrin Schäfer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Winter im kleinen Brautladen am Strand
Wedding Shop #2
von Jane Linfoot
HarperCollins Germany
Cover:
Wirkt wie eine alte handgemalte Postkarte
Rezension:
„Vor den Fenstern des kleinen Brautladens fällt Schnee, während Sera in ihrem gemütlichen Atelier Brautkleider entwirft. Zwischen ihren Fingern werden weiße Träume wahr. Nur ihre große Schwester Alice hat Sera noch nicht einmal nach einem Kleid gefragt. Doch dann geht in deren Hochzeitsplanung so einiges schief und Sera beschließt, ihrer Schwester zu der Winterhochzeit zu verhelfen, die sie verdient - auch wenn das bedeutet, dass sie sich mit gleich zwei attraktiven Trauzeugen herumschlagen muss.“
Dies ist Band 2 der Wedding Shop Reihe von Jane Linfoot. Leider kenne ich den ersten Band noch nicht und daher waren die Charaktere neu für mich. In diesem Band steht Sera im Mittelpunkt, sie ist Designerin für Brautmode und sie trifft Johnny wieder, den sie aus ihrer Vergangenheit kennt und es ist eigentlich schon vorprogrammiert, dass es zu Spannungen und Problemen kommt. Selbst die Hochzeit ihrer Schwester scheint nicht gerade unproblematisch zu werden, denn der Bräutigam ist nicht vor Ort und Quinn ist mehr Unsinnmacher als Hilfe. Außerdem ist die Braut eine kleine Perfektionistin was wirklich nicht gerade einfach zu handhaben ist. Aber wie es so oft in kleinen Orten ist, letzten Endes halten alle zusammen und bringen das Unterfangen zu einem guten Ende. Das Buch ist leicht und angenehm lesbar und eine schnell Lektüre für mittendrin und zwischendurch. Die Personen sind recht authentisch und sympathisch geschrieben. Mit allem Drum und Dran ist es ein schönes leichtes Lesebuch mit einem Hauch Sehnsucht nach diesem kleinen malerischen Ort. Gemütliche Lesestunden sind garantiert. 3,5/5 Sterne
Mein Dank geht an Netgalley und den HarperCollins Verlag für das Rezensionsexemplar.

[Kayleigh · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book had everything I want from a Christmas book!

- one loveable, relatable main character
- two gorgeous best men
- a bridezilla from hell who just happens to be the main character’s older sister
- a beautiful setting in the Cornish countryside
- a wedding to die for
- a heartwarming reunion after a silly mistake
- AND A WHITE CHRISTMAS!

Books like this, that are written so well and feel so easy to fall into, are such a joy to read.
I binged this book and absolutely adored it and now I’m sitting here wondering why I’ve never read any books by this author before.
They’re going straight on my list though!

[Novelle Novels · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was ok but I think you need to read the series closer together as I couldn’t remember the characters and I found it harder to get into. I did like our leading lady when I got into it but preferred the first book in the series.

[Gitti · Rating 4 out of 5]

Winter im kleinen Brautladen am Strandweg schliesst direkt an seinen Vorgängerband an. Diesmal dreht sich aber alles um Seraphina, die die Hochzeitskleider im Brautladen entwirft. Eigentlich sollte sich Sera um die neue Kollektion kümmern, allerdings kommt ihr da ihre Schwester dazwischen, die an Weihnachten in der Nähe heiraten wird. Da Alice genaue Vorstellungen hat, wie die Hochzeit abzulaufen hat, bittet sie ihre Schwester darum vorab mit den beiden Trauzeugen alles zu organisieren.
Dabei geht natürlich einiges schief, stellt sich doch auch noch heraus, dass einer der beiden Trauzeugen Seras ehemalige Jugendliebe Johnny ist.

Mir hat das Buch deutlich besser gefallen als der Vorgänger. Auch in diesem Buch wird wieder aus der Ich-Perspektive erzählt, aber irgendwie war mir Sera näher. Vielleicht liegt es auch daran, dass man viele Charaktere ja bereits aus dem ersten Band kennt. Das Wiederauftreten der bereits bekannten Figuren war sehr schön in die Geschichte eingebettet.

Ich fand auch die Mischung aus Liebesdingen und den Hochzeitsvorbereitungen gelungen. Seras Liebesnöte standen nicht so sehr im Vordergrund, eigentlich ging es vorrangig darum die Hochzeit von Alice, trotz aller Stolperfallen und Ausraster der Braut, auf die Reihe zu bringen.

Alles in allem hat es Spaß gemacht das Buch zu lesen und daher kann ich hier eine klare Leseempfehlung aussprechen!

[meri]

started promisingly, small town, christmas and a likeable main character but all went to hell with the two power drunk best men i do not want to know more about.

[Suze · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sera loves working at Brides by the Sea. Her designs are a huge success and she's made many brides happy with the perfect dress. There's one bride who won't get married in one of her dresses though, Sera's sister Alice. Alice lives in London and has planned her wedding meticulously. It has to be luxurious and absolutely flawless, this also includes a wedding dress by a famous designer. There's even a wedding book for everyone who's involved. When work delays Alice's arrival on her wedding location she asks Sera to make the arrangements for her. Sera and Alice are completely different and Sera isn't sure she can meet her sister's standards, but if there's something she can do for the sister who always used to be there for her when they were younger she will do it.

Together with the 'help' of the two best men, Quinn and Johnny Sera tries to do everything Alice is asking of her. However, nothing goes according to plan. Is Sera going to mess things up and will she ruin the wedding of her sister's dreams, will she be able to resist the charms of the flirty Quinn and will she pull it off not to make a fool of herself in front of the sensible and gorgeous Johnny?

Christmas at the Little Wedding Shop: Sequins and Snowflakes is a wonderful festive Christmas story. Sera is a sweetheart. She makes the most stunning and elegant wedding dresses, but is alternative and casual when it comes to dressing herself. She's fun and a little eccentric. Alice is a groomed businesswoman who always has everything under control. Sera is the exact opposite, she just goes with the flow. I loved how she remained herself in the complete wedding chaos Alice has left her in charge of. Not every helping hand is one Sera can actually use and she never despairs. I laughed out loud several times while reading what she was up against. Nevertheless, when there's a problem she solves it. She's a lot stronger than she thinks and I found that completely endearing.

Jane Linfoot has the amazing ability to come up with the most incredible settings and atmospheres, which makes me a big fan of her stories. When I'm reading her books I'm completely oblivious to what's going on around me for several hours. Christmas at the Little Wedding Shop: Sequins and Snowflakes is magical and I was absolutely spellbound by the decorations, the snow, the pretty dresses, the delicious food and drinks and the love and friendship the main characters feel for one another. Jane Linfoot has captured the true Christmas spirit and I read her story with a smile on my face. I also had tears in my eyes every now and then, because there are some emotional romantic moments in the story. It's exactly what I like when I'm reading about real Christmas romance.

Christmas at the Little Wedding Shop: Sequins and Snowflakes can easily be read as a standalone. I would advise you to read The Little Wedding Shop by the Sea: Cupcakes and Confetti as well though, because it's equally lovely. I enjoyed reading both books in this series very much and highly recommend them. Jane Linfoot's books always bring plenty of joy.

[Nicola Clough · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really loved this follow on book from the little wedding shop and this time it's Christmas and wedding dress designer seraphina doesn't always see eye to eye with her sister Alice and she's getting married in Cornwall but does everything go to plan for her or are there problems. Can it bring the sisters closer together and can seraphina find love at all well worth reading an easy read and I just couldn't put it down at all.

[Christi · Rating 3 out of 5]

This one fell a bit flat for me. Although we get our Happily Ever After, I still was longing for more. So many hectic moments and madness. I think it may have been my mood and the characters in this one. I still liked it, but not as much as book #1. Gonna wait a bit to continue the series.

[Cheryl McCall · Rating 4 out of 5]

Moves along at a decent pace and the author brings the characters to life. As a reader that isn't keen on 'chic lit' I actually love this series and find it quite uplifting.

[Emma Crowley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Christmas at the Little Wedding Shop: Sequins and Snowflakes by Jane Linfoot is the second in a planned trilogy set in a little coastal Cornish village and centres around the very special wedding shop 'Brides by the Sea'. I really enjoyed the first book in the series The Little Wedding Shop by the Sea but do have to admit I far preferred this second book. Some of the Christmas books being published this year seem to be the second in a series and what I have read so far it seems that I almost always prefer the second book. This proved the case with this new wedding shop book, I felt all the setting up and introducing of the characters and their various situations had already been established in book one now we could get straight down to business and get on with the story which proved to be enjoyable and a page turner. Yes of course it's not necessary to have read the first book (again something I'm always saying) as the brief back stories of certain characters are slipped in amongst a paragraph but not so much as to give away major spoilers. You don't feel as if you have missed out not having read the previous book instead you are instantly enveloped by the cosiness and warmth of Brides by the Sea in the run to Christmas and all the hectic preparations for wedding dress designer Sera's sister Alice's big day. Of course a book would be very boring if it was all plain sailing and thankfully Jane Linfoot throws in plenty of ups and downs to test everybody to their limits, all the while creating a fabulous, cosy picture of Christmas in the stunning Cornish setting.

This book turns its focus to a character whom I felt got very little air time previously, that of wedding dress designer Sera. She works in Brides by the Sea which is managed by Jess who has been her mentor for the last number of years. Sera's talents have been nurtured and now she creates pieces which are always in high demand. She was there hovering in the background in the first book but now it is her turn to step into the spotlight and she has an interesting story of her own to tell as well as all the madness that will come with Alice's wedding. I had wondered why there wasn't much talk of her before but she really had been waiting in the wings and did deserve a whole book to herself. The other characters we had met do make appearances throughout the book and it was lovely to see how Poppy and Immie are getting on now without them dominating and therefore allowing Sera to have her moment.

Since people have started to sit up and take notice of Sera's talents the business has really taken off, yet Sera doesn't relish the attention or praise lavished upon her designs. She is someone who likes to remain firmly in the background labouring away in her workshop. She is very creative but easily distracted and at this moment is under pressure to produce her next collection. Yet inspiration has not struck and her trips to warmer climes to relax and design cannot happen this year as Alice the bridezilla will be arriving to have her Christmas dream wedding at Rose Hill Manor. Sera may love designing dresses but when it comes to being a bridesmaid it seems like her worst nightmare and when Alice declares she will be arriving late it's up to Sera to pick up the slack and ensure everything is in order for when the control freak that is Alice makes her appearance. Ensue chaos, laughter, mishaps and disasters which will have you laughing out loud and cringing in equal measure.

Alice and Sera have always had an up and down relationship. Alice is steady, always on top of things and has everything planned meticulously for her big day whereas Sera prefers to go with the flow and see where the wind takes her. But throughout this book she has to grow up and show a more mature side to her as she steps in as project manager. I felt she really grew up an awful lot and had to confront things that normally she would have pushed under the carpet. Sera is a person who always worries she won't be good enough that she has done all she can with wedding dress designing but I loved how Alice's wedding presented so many challenges and forced Sera out of her comfort zone. She had the support of Poppy and Jess but still the wedding slowly started to bring her closer to her sister and in a way the same could be said for Alice as she has to confront her own issues and insecurities and slowly learn to relinquish control. Jane Linfoot excelled in her descriptions of all the wedding preparations from the dresses to the manor, to the 'special ceiling and floor'. I could visualise everything so clearly in my head. The author also creates such vivid settings, be it the wedding dress shop which is like an oasis of wedding splendour yet it is also a place where Sera can retreat to if need be, to Daisy Hill Farm where some of the guests will stay. I had it all in my head which really helped bring the story to life.

Of course the book needed a little more meat to it apart from just the antics of wedding preparations and troubles although fun as they may have been. That came in the form of some tentative romance in the form of Quinn and Johnny both battling to be best man to groom Dan and therefore they fall under the radar of Sera. Although Johnny has been know to her before Sera appeared to be very closed to love and didn't want much to do with either of them and I felt this would have stayed the way only for the fact that the wedding was the main focus of the book really did throw them together in some crazy situations and circumstances. Both men had radically different sides to them and I never knew quite how things would pan out or in fact who I wanted Sera to attempt to find happiness with. It certainly was enjoyable to read of her journey and how we finally got beneath the exterior she had created for herself. It may have been the depths of winter and snow was all around but Sera's heart may just slowly start to melt. But will Alice's big day run smoothly or will she be brought back to reality with a short, sharp, shock? Will Sera embrace her new side and maybe some romance? Well to discover the answers I do recommend picking up this delightful book, it really does give you that warm, feel good feeling inside.

My complaints recently about Christmas books have been that Christmas doesn't feature much in the books but it does here in abundance and it was lovely to have a different slant to a Christmas book with the wedding as a focus. So I may not have read this book in December in fact I read it three months before the big day but still I got all the imagery and felt I was wrapped up in a Christmas dream for a few hours as I read Sera's story. Overall this book for me was far stronger than the first and I loved how everything panned out. Book three will be published next year - Summer at the Little Wedding Shop; Bunting and Bouquets and I am already looking forward to it. My only question is who will be the focus of book three.I have a vague suspicion but I could be totally wrong if Jane decides to introduce a brand new character, I'll just have to wait till next year to find out.

[Simona · Rating 4 out of 5]

*Book provided by the author in exchange for an honest review*

Sequins and Snowflakes is book #2 of Jane Linfoot’s Little Wedding Shop series. It’s set in a little coastal Cornish village and centres around the very special wedding shop 'Brides by the Sea'.

I adored the first book of this series and this one is just as great. The story focuses on dress designer Sera who is preparing everything for her sister Alice’s wedding. We didn’t really get to read about her in book 1 and that’s why it’s even better she gets her moments in this book.
Sera is very creative and likes to be in the background, but when her sister announces she’ll be late, Sera hast o take over and organize everything. She hast o get out of her comfort zone fort hat, which is not easy, especially with the two best men around. There is Quinn, who is really helpful and seems really interested in her. And then there is Johnny, her ex! And let’s just say it didn’t end well between them and now everything seems to come back. Sera discovers news about him, which might change everything, but she doesn’t even have time to focus on her own romance. It was very interesting to see Sera with both man and at first I didn’t know who I actually preferred for her.

The story also focused on the relationship between Sera and Alice, which I found great and then it was just fab to read about Poppy, Rafe, Jess and Co. again.

The storyline flows beautifully, it’s full of ups and downs, misunderstandings and drama and I really enjoyed every second of this book.
I can’t wait for book #3 of the series, already wondering who’ll be the main character there.

4.5/5

[Suzanne · Rating 3 out of 5]

Actual Rating 3.5
I've been reading alot of literary type fantasy recently so I wanted to change things up. I wanted something light and easy and this fit the bill perfectly. It was sweet, funny and had some festive cheer thrown in for good measure. It was just what I needed.

Sera's sister Alice is getting married and as chief bridesmaid, it's her job to help organise the wedding. Only things aren't exactly going according to plan. Alice is heading into Bridezilla territory, things keep going wrong and on top of that she has to deal with the two best men who keep getting underfoot.

The romance is sweet and the chemistry is lovely so I really enjoyed it. I also love Sera, she's a total sweetheart and she's bright and bubbly. I just had a really fun time reading this and it had enough festive cheer to satisfy my christmas mood.

[Jane Woodcock · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lovable Christmas book full of fun, flirt and feistiness! Lovable characters. A pain in the arse family member, (I'm sure everyone has one of these, I know I have!) A real feel good factor at the end.

[Lila · Rating 4 out of 5]

Eine schöne Weihnachts- / Hochzeitsgeschichte.
Die Charaktere bleiben sich selbst treu und sind sehr symphatisch. Ich hab mich am Anfang etwas schwer getan, aber dann wurde die Geschichte immer besser.

[Fiona · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful Christmas themed wedding tale !

[Jane Hunt · Rating 5 out of 5]

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Christmas in Cornwall is definitely on my wish list, so reading about a Christmas wedding in this idyllic part of England is the next best thing. I really enjoyed ‘Cupcakes and Confetti’, book one in the ‘Little Wedding Shop by the Sea’ and it’s great to reacquaint with some of the characters.
Overseeing her sister’s wedding is the stuff of nightmares for Sera, the bohemian wedding dress designer, especially when she has to work with the sexy but wild best man Quinn. Told from Sera’s point of view, the story has a diary like quality, which makes the reader’s experience more intense and personal.
Sera is a lovely character, the complete antithesis of her sister. Despite their differences and past hurts, there is an unbreakable bond between them. Sera wants Alice to have the perfect wedding, even if it means working beyond her comfort zone and risking her heart with ‘The Best Man’. Alice’s wedding is plagued with seemingly insurmountable problems but Sera wants her to have her happy day, and is determined to do whatever it takes. Maybe it’s just what Sera needs, something to focus on, beyond her design bloc.
Like all the best romantic comedy, the storytelling is image rich. It’s so easy to imagine the setting at the wedding shop, the farm and the lovely country house. The characters are vividly portrayed and the dialogue is easy to read and full of humour. A lovely romantic tale full of Christmas spirit.
I received a copy of this book from Harper Impulse via NetGalley in return for an honest review.

Jane Linfoot

[Blossom Hopkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this. I do judge a book by its cover with Christmas books and this one was stunning. As for the title I imagined the story to be a little more fluffy and watered down. It was actually SUCH a good story! It had all the Christmas essentials with snow, warming drinks, food, festive feelings and of course romance…along with adventure, mishap and complex emotions. This one will be high in my Christmas book ranking and I look forward to rereading it in future ❄️

[Danielle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book by Jane Linfoot and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I couldn’t put it down and I loved the story of Sera.

I loved all the characters especially Sera. Following her story was lovely.

I love Jane Linfoot’s writing style. Her books offer pure escapism and makes me want to visit Cornwall. I can’t wait to read her next book.

[Katherina · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the first book in the series and I love this one at least as much. Jane Linfoot's writing transports you from your reading spot to snowy Cornwall. I enjoyed touching base with Rafe and Poppy and all the other friends from the first book, but you don't need to read the first book to enjoy this one. If you're looking for a way to lose yourself in a beautiful Christmas/wedding story, stop reading this review and grab the book! For more romance reviews, check out my website: https://katherinasbooks.wordpress.com

[Helena · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story was everything I wanted when I think of a Christmas wedding. Heart-warming, funny, an easy enjoyable read.
The chaotic, overdramatic lead up to the wedding day was fun to read, knowing that in all Christmas stories, we will get a happy ending, and that perfect romance!

[Frenchorchidea · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was not sure if I would enjoy this book as usually the books about weddings are not my thing but quickly I found myself attracted by the story and the characters and seen myself turning the pages eagerly! I have thought at some point to give this book 5 stars out of 5 but in the end I am giving it 4 stars because at some point I thought the story was a bit slow and started to repeat itself, I would have prefered a shorter story maybe. But all in all this is a very good one!!!! You will have fun reading it!

[Gaele · Rating 5 out of 5]

I couldn’t wait to return to Cornwall, to Brides by the Sea and the wonderful circle of friends that make a destination wedding a thing of beauty. And I devoured this book in a matter of hours. Then I had to sit down and write a review, and four five attempts two re-reads and a sixth attempt and here is is…. Reviews for books you lose yourself in are far harder to write than the norm.

Sera’s story is front and center – a rather shy and retiring designer who has become all the rage after designing a dress for a celebrity wedding, she’s hit a stumbling block.  Her sister’s wedding took away her plans to lie on a beach in Bali and recharge her design muse, and she’s there in Cornwall, unable to make even the first mark in her sketchbook. When you add in her bridesmaid’s dress (Horrid) for the wedding, the minute by minute planner that details each step needed in the next two weeks to make her sister’s wedding work, and the edict that she will be working with the best man (oh wait – there are two), things couldn’t look more regimented and stressful.

The polar opposite of her sister Alice, Sera has always viewed herself as the disappointment, the one everyone either ignores or protects, all with an air of obligation.  Alice is scheduled to the minute, gung-ho at business, chic, polished and always in control. Perhaps too much so. Sera prefers to tackle life by the seat of her often unwashed and wrinkled cut offs and tattered tights. The exception for her is her creations: unexpected, wholly fitting and completely unique, guaranteed to bring that sparkle and shine to every bride’s special day.

But with two best men, one a rakish charmer with a tentative connection to honesty, hard work and must-do tasks: the other a man she feels dismissed her without a thought back after university, she’s got no end of challenges ahead.  And when Alice goes full-on bridezilla, her groom Dan arrives late and leaves just after, the best men are on a mission to disarm, disrobe and even discombobulate Sera, who really would rather be left alone to stare at a blank piece of paper as she awaits inspiration, it’s friends, drinks, an unexpected snowfall and some drunken revelations that put her on track, and realign her relationship with her family all while offering her a chance at something unexpected.

A wonderful story that brings back familiar characters, takes us through the small seaside town and delivers a wedding that is sure to inspire many, you won’t go wrong with this series.

I received an eArc copy of the title from the author for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibilityThis review was originally posted on I am, Indeed

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Christmas at the Little Wedding Shop: Sequins and Snowflakes is the second novel in The Little Wedding Shop by the Sea series. If like me you haven't read the first in the series, then do not fret, as this book easily reads as a stand alone and I didn't feel at all like I was missing out on anything.

The story is told over days to the run up to Christmas and to Alice's wedding. Christmas, even though a magical time of the year, is quite a stressful time of the year. To also be getting married at that time of year, well, I think I was as stressed out as poor Alice was just thinking about it.

For Sera, I think she has been dreading the whole wedding. Obviously she loves her sister, but she isn't the easiest of people to get along with. For Sera, I think it's very much, the sooner it's over with the better.

Through Sera's relationship with Alice as well as Johnny, it kind of makes you think how well you truly know somebody. With just that little bit more effort it goes to show how much better you would understand them and actually love them that little bit more for it.

There is quite a lot of mention of cakes and food in the story, which will certainly get your mouth watering, as well as wanting to nibble on some delicious treats. The author has very kindly at the back of the book included the recipes for cocktails and some of the delicious cakes, etc that are mentioned and I for one will certainly be trying them out.

Sequins and Snowflakes is very much a story of relationships and romance. It's a fun and light hearted read that whilst maybe stressful, made me want to get married all over again.

My thanks to the author for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just want to start by saying how absolutely beautiful this was! I enjoyed every single page of this book!

After reading the first in the sequel I was trilled to receive a copy of the second instalment, and it did not disappoint.

It was a real joy to get back to little wedding shop Brides by the Sea and Daisy Hill Farm and catch up with previous characters.

This time the books main character is Sera. She designs wedding dresses. Its her sisters wedding on Christmas Eve and she is thrown in the deep when demanding bride Alice puts her in charge of the wedding plans and organisations.

Then Johnny a familiar face from her past comes back into her life as one of Dans best mans. Sera has to deal with feelings for him that shed burried all those years ago.

Again I just loved the whole book and I am over the moon to see that there will be a third instalment.

It was a winterly wonderful Christmas book perfect for curling up to by the fire with a glass of mulled wine. A real christmas treat!

[Barb · Rating 3 out of 5]

Perfectly cromulent. I was in the mood for something Christmas-y, and this worked. I'd read the first book in this series a while back and wasn't overly enthralled, and the same is true for this one. Sera is a dress designer at a small wedding dress shop in Cornwall who's trying to help her sister get married on Christmas Eve nearby. One of the best men, naturally, is The One Who Got Away (in a much less traumatic fashion than the hints throughout the book would suggest); the other is also trying to get into her knickers. Her sister is a total bridezilla. Hijinks ensue.

The plot itself was decent, but I didn't particularly warm to Sera. I think some of it is that the writing itself could be tightened; it felt a bit disjointed in a way that kept me slightly removed from the story. We kind of see the relationship between the sisters, but I couldn't quite figure out how they wound up as they did. Maybe a bit more backstory and a bit less Crisis! throughout the book.

[Ann Cooper · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an amazing book! I loved the first one in the series and this one was even better!

It focuses on Sera, the wedding dress designer and her sister Alice. Alice is planning the wedding of the century and she is a true controlling Bridezilla! Sera is far more laid back - and of course everything possible goes wrong. Sera steps up to the challenge (albeit unwillingly) and does her best to solve all the problems.

She is aided and abetted by the best men, Quinn & Johnny. Johnny is a flame from the past and Quinn is - well Quinn! I love a book with 2 "heroes" and this is a great example of that! The two men are so different and yet Sera is attracted to both!

Lovely to see Rafe & Poppy again, as well as the others. Jane - you really need to sort Jess out!!

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Jenny O'Brien · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dare I mention the C word? No, not cupcakes and confetti - the other one because that's what Jane Linfoot's latest sequins and snowflakes is - a great pre-Christmas read.

2 sexy heroes and one ditsy wedding dress designer trying to make glam big sis's wedding day go to plan. There's Cornwall, so there obviously going to be snow, isn't there? There's a sister in crisis and Sera coming to the rescue. Did I mention cake and champagne? Did I mention Sera's dress bigger than a tent? Did I mention how great it was to see Poppy and Rafe again - it's been five long months after - Ms Linfoot's needs to write quicker...

Thank you Jane for this delightful arc via NetGalley for my honest opinion.

[Kirsty · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was happy enough to return to this series and read about characters I knew but a different group of people at the forefront.

The plot was mostly predictable but still nice to read and of course it was a good read in the run up to Christmas. I liked reading about the relationship between Sera and her sister, not just the romance aspect, though her sister was an unlikeable nightmare, but thankfully she grows towards the end.

Originally posted here: https://kirstyreadsblog.wordpress.com...

[Marie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Very slow to start. The second half was quite good.