Mistletoe & Mystery

The Paradise Cookery School #3

by Daisy James

Welcome to the Cotswolds Festive Feast cookery course...

Fresh off the successful opening of the Paradise Cookery School in St Lucia, Millie Harper is headed to the Cotswolds for Christmas!

Co-presenting Claudia Croft’s famous Festive Feast cookery course at Stonelea Manor is a dream come true for Millie…as is reuniting with gorgeous estate manager Zach Barker.

But arriving in a winter wonderland Millie learns the manor is under a mysterious threat. It’ll take a holiday miracle, but Millie is determined to save the school and get Zach under the mistletoe to finally finish what they started in the Caribbean!

Cosy up with this fun, festive visit to the Cotswolds premier cookery school! Perfect for fans of Jenny Oliver and Sarah Morgan

If you loved Mistletoe & Mystery, why not read the first two stories in The Paradise Cookery School series? Sunshine & Secrets and Confetti & Confusion s  are both available now!

The Paradise Cookery School Sunshine & Secrets Confetti & Confusion Mistletoe & Mystery

Genres: Christmas, Romance, Chick Lit, Holiday, Mystery, Contemporary, British Literature

300 pages, Paperback

Published September 12, 2019

About the author

Daisy James loves writing stories with strong heroines and swift-flowing plot-lines. She especially likes to create sunshine-filled settings in exotic locations - the Caribbean, Tuscany, Cornwall, Provence - so she can spend her time envisioning her characters enjoying the fabulous scenery and sampling the local food and drink.

When not scribbling away in her peppermint-and-green summerhouse (garden shed), she spends her time sifting flour and sprinkling sugar and edible glitter. She loves gossiping with friends over a glass of something fizzy or indulging in a spot of afternoon tea - china plates and teacups are a must.

Reviews

[Paromjit · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the third in Daisy James's Paradise Cookery School series, but my first and it works just fine as a standalone. This is a lovely funny and humorous festive read, featuring patisserie chef, Amelia 'Millie' Harper, who has recovering from heartbreak after working for the famous cook, Claudia Croft at her cookery school in St Lucia previously, thanks to Zach Barker, a man obsessed with order and cleanliness. She has feelings for him, and so is over the moon when she is invited to help run Claudia's exclusive Festive Feast course at her home, Stonelea Manor in the picturesque village of Berryford in the Cotswolds. She is excited because this is an opportunity for her to potentially move her career in a different direction after working at Etienne's, the small Hammersmith patisserie in London.

She arrives in Berryford in an unprecedented freezing snow blizzard, totally ill equipped clothing wise for the wintry wonderland she is faced with. She is more of a beach sun girl, winter really isn't her thing, or so she thinks. The half French Millie is enchanted by the Manor and overjoyed to meet up with Zach, the estate manager, once again. However, in her opinion as someone who indulges in over the top Christmas decor, the Manor is strangely missing the spirit of Christmas, and there is clearly something wrong. Claudia is unwell and upset and announces this will be the last cookery course to run at the Manor. But why? The eccentric Tim, architect and inventor, and Claudia's husband tries to do all that he can to support his wife. Zach is a joy to be with, but he too is undoubtedly troubled. He very obviously is attracted to Millie but he keeps drawing back every time at the last minute. As Millie falls in love with Berryford and begins to feel like that she belongs there, she begins to unravel the mystery and cannot help trying to help Claudia, Zach and the villagers.

This is a heartwarming read about fabulous food and wonderful festive recipes, of watching love blossom in the festive season for Millie and Zach, but not before numerous obstacles are overcome. There is plenty of fun and humour in this entertaining and wonderful read from Daisy James. The wintry location is perfect background material for a premier festive food course amidst the trials and tribulations facing Claudia and Tim, and with Zach facing up to the possibility of losing his home and job. Millie is not one for standing by the sidelines and watching her friends hopes dissipate or lose Zach without a fight. A great read for this time of the year! Many thanks to Canelo for an ARC.

[Dash fan · Rating 5 out of 5]

5☆ A Totally Absorbing and Delicious Festive Read,

Mistletoe & Mystery is the third book in the Paradise Cookery School series. But although you can read this as a standalone I would highly recommend reading them all as they are absolutely delicious!

First of all I want to start by saying Do Not Read This Mouth watering Book on an Empty Tummy. My Tummy was rumbling so hard it kept me awake lol

This time round Millie, is off too the Cotswold to help Claudia present and teach her Festive Feast Cookery Course

But not only is Millie excited, she's also buzzing with anticipation to see the very handsome and cheeky Grounds Man... Zach! Who she had a brief encounter with at Claudia's other School in the Caribbean.

Mistletoe & Mystery has a very different feel this time round.
My heart ached for Claudia and Tim. For reasons you will soon discover for yourself.

I adored the traditions and village community, one in particular stole my heart and that was the Christmas tree-lighting ceremony, where the villagers come and help decorate the empty tree with decorations in memory of loved ones who was no longer with them. It touched my heart and bought a tear to my eye.
It reminds me of the candles me and my family light for the local hospice in memory of my Nan and Grandad.

Millie and Zach's relationship is so beautiful to watch. Both clearly still have alot of chemistry and feelings for one and other, if only they would be brave enough to reignite the lost flame. I love their cheeky flirty banter, but also the softer side to Zach.

Mistletoe & Mystery is an endearing, fun and Heartwarming, festive delight, there is mystery, romance, scrumptious food, laugh out loud moments, as they prepare for what could be the last Festive Feast Cookery Course.

Daisy writes the most mesmerising and amazing stories, with beautifully observed characters who spring to life on the page. Her seamless writing instantly drew me in. She has this beautiful knack of storytelling with a lot of heart and endearing charm.

Overall A totally absorbing and delicious read, which was simply a joy to read.
So Prepare to be charmed by this utterly Scrumptious and enchanting tale.

Mistletoe & Mystery is A Must Read for all those who love food, Romance, Christmas, Mystery, Laugh Out loud and Touching moments. I Can't recommend this captivating series Enough!

Thank you to Ellie Pitcher at Canelo for this copy which I reviewed honestly and voluntarily.


My Review is also on my Blog Website :-

https://dashfan81.blogspot.com/2018/1...

[Rachel Gilbey · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a lovely return to the Paradise Cookery School series - which this time is set in the Cotswolds, at Stonelea Manor, and does feature celebrity chef Claudia in person, and not just digitally, as Millie gets to meet and work alongside her.

As much as I would have loved a return to St. Lucia, it would have felt weird for a wintery book - especially when the cookery course being run is called Festive Feast.

Over the course of a week Claudia and Milie teach the customers how to make all the different meals over Christmas and lots of delicious food is mentioned.

I loved getting to see this latest installment in Millie's life, her renewed relationship with the sexy Zach, and generally her coming to Claudia's aid a few more times. Millie may bring chaos with her wherever she goes, but its all good natured

Add in Tim, Claudia's husband who also seems to love clutter and chaos and you have the recipe for some incredibly amusing scenes.

This is a story that that me smiling throughout, and i suspect this could be read as a standalone. Although I didn't read the first book, I feel at though I have a good idea what happened, from the second and third, in addition to loving being back with a few familiar characters, as well as plenty of new faces.

I sincerely hope that this is not the end of this series, as I really do want more Millie Harper and her french patisserie skills and to see just what she gets up to next!

Thank you to Canelo and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.

[Deanne Patterson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Daisy James has such fun, read me books. I mean just look at the cover of this one, adorable. The cover alone will draw you to it, and the story........ The story is so much fun, warm, Christmasy, and full of delectable food, yums! Please don't read it on an empty stomach though it just may lead to raids of the pantry and cookie baking at midnight while your being tempted by the delicious food descriptions! The character interaction was great as the story really flowed. Recommended for a delightful holiday read!
Pub Date 10 Sep 2018
I was given a complimentary copy of this book by Canelo through NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own.

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the return to the Paradise Cookery school which was set in Claudia's home in the Cotswolds. They are holding a Christmas cookery course which sounds wonderful fun. I'd love to have stayed in the house alongside the other 'students' having a lovely build up to the festive season in the snow.

This book was full of friendships and romance and was such a lovely read. There is an air of mystery surrounding Claudia's home. I loved meeting her husband and his delightfully chaotic approach to life- but displaying his heart of gold.I am really hoping that we might get to return again! The cover is so inviting that I hope lots of people are drawn to buy it and enjoy a lovely festive read.

[Jeanie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fabulous Christmas tale set in
Fabulous cotswolds

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

I've absolutely loved every book in this fantastic series and this is no exception! Millie Harper is off to the Cotswolds to work at Stonelea Manor with chef Claudia Croft, the person she had previously helped cover for at the Paradise Cookery School in St Lucia but who she's never actually worked alongside before. She's also looking forward to seeing Zach Barker who had been out in St Lucia with her to see if the romantic sparks between them are as powerful as before. However, when she gets there, totally unprepared for the snow, she realises something isn't right and so the mystery begins . . . .

This story has a delightful village filled with great characters, a real sense of community and working together. The camaraderie and intrigue add to the enthralling story and there are plenty of laugh out loud moments in it, too. The Festive Feast cookery course has some really tasty dishes to have your mouth watering and the kitchen in which they works sounds fantastic! It was great to reconnect with many of the characters from the earlier books but I suspect it could also be read as a standalone - though you'd probably want to go read the earlier books after finishing this one. As Zach dubs her, Amelia Harper really is the Queen of Clutter and Chaos but this is still part of her attraction and it will come in very handy when the Manor is in danger . . . . . 

I have no hesitation in highly recommending this delightful festive read. It is a heartwarming mystery and tasty treat whether there is snow on the ground around you or not, a superb book to snuggle up with by a cosy fire or relax with on a sunny beach. The talented author takes you with her into the story, bringing the scenes, characters, drama and dishes to life in your imagination - definitely a 5* read for me!

I requested and was gifted a copy of this book via NetGalley. I have chosen to read it and this is my honest review after doing so.

[Donna Maguire · Rating 5 out of 5]

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

I absolutely adore this cover, it is gorgeous!

This was a really easy story to read, it had a great flow and I read it in a few hours after my daughter had gone to bed for the night and my husband was at work – a real treat for some well earned “me” time!

The characters are lovely and I really warmed to them, they worked really well within the story and their interaction was spot on. 4.5 stars from me rounded up to 5 stars for Amazon and Goodreads – highly recommended and a very enjoyable story!

[Hannah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another book in a series that features the Christmas season that I am reading nowhere near Christmas. Again it did not matter due to the story flowing from the series. Millie and Zach have become characters I was rooting for and this one could not be more perfect for how it ends. This series has been an easy enjoyable read. 4.5 stars

[Blossom Hopkins · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved it! A short Christmas Read with all the festive feels. All the boxes ticked 🥰

[Katherine Hayward Pérez · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an excellent return to the Paradise Cookery School series! I absolutely adored the other two books in the series, Sunshine and Secrets and Confetti and Confusion, both of which I was lucky enough to be on the blog tour for.

In this third and final, instalment, Daisy James takes us off to the Cotswolds where Claudia has another cookery school and this time she needs Millie's help in teaching her Festive Feast cookery course.

In this book, Millie is desperate to see Zach again as he is back from Saint Lucia. They originally met there when Millie ended up at Claudia's cookery school there.

In the first book, I found him not that likeable but here we see a much softer side to him which I did like.

I really felt for Millie as she had to come back from somewhere she loved but also curious to see what would happen as she was coming home.

Daisy James does not waste any time in describing the mouthwatering sweet treats that Milly and friends have to rustle up in the kitchen.

Poppy is a great friend of Millie's and they get on so well. I really like the way they are when they are together. I am happy for her that she has Poppy.

Zach and Millie have to catch up where they left off in the love department and things are very much alive still for them. I really enjoy them as a couple and the Christmassy atmosphere in this book is wonderful. I was dying to try the Christmasy cupcakes mentioned at the beginning!

This book will appeal to anyone with a sweet tooth and indeed anyone who is in need of a book about sweet romance well fighting for your dreams.

After I finished this, I was actually quite sad because I have really loved this series.

To me, a good book is one that just blows and one that makes you feel like you are not having to concentrate too much for the story to take hold. Oh well, I'll have to go through them again lol (something I think I will end up doing time and time again – they are that addictive)

I don't mean to say that the stories are simple in this series. They are not, they are so intricately woven with plot details sights and sounds of the surrounding locations and specific to each place.

The Paradise Cookery School series overall is a real cultural journey, with influences from England France and the Caribbean. I love how all the way through we get a sense of Millie's French heritage and are also drawn into the world of her mother's house there.

What starts off for Millie as a fairly simple premise of going to the airport to catch a plane to France in book 1 of the series turns into a whirlwind adventure by the that ultimately is just so passionate detailed and beautiful that you will not want this book, (or series) to end.

I do know that Daisy James has a whole wealth of books which I have on my list and am wanting to delve into right now. Daisy James is an author who has such a talent for a moving visual story that keeps you hooked from the first page to the last and that really stays with you.

Sometimes, I really feel like I have to force myself through a book to get to the end. Daisy James' writing style just leaps of the page at you and it feels like you don't have a book at all – in fact, it feels like you are living the plots. It feels like you are there in France or in the Caribbean or in England with all the characters experiencing what they experience feeling what they feel seeing what they see and doing what they're doing.

I can honestly say that the Paradise Cooking School series was one of my favourite series of 2018.

Utterly absorbing! Five stars for every book in the series and also for the series as a whole.

Thanks to Daisy James and Canelo for my ARC in excgange for an honest and voluntary review as well as a spot on the blog tour for the title.

[Erika Jayne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a first for me by this author but it won't be my last.
I didn't realise it was part of a series so I was grateful the author mentioned events from the previous two books for any new readers. I will be adding the first two books to my TBR pile.

Aspiring cook Millie Harper is invited by her mentor Claudia Croft to act as a co presenter on her Festive Feast Course which will be based at her lavish home in the Cotswolds. Millie jumps at the chance to see Claudia`s estate manager Zach again who she first met in St Lucia.

Upon her arrival the snow has already fallen, making the Manor house look inviting and pristine in its fresh white setting. Everything is ready for the guests to arrive and their course on festive cookery is planned and catered for.
Sadly Claudia isn't feeling too well and with a prospective buyer coming to view the property, due to them having to sell Stonelea Manor to pay off her cousins Dexter`s debt, the week turns out to be quite eventful.
The sale of the Manor means Claudia will be moving to St Lucia with her husband Tim and they offer Zach a job at their Cookery School.
Millie can’t help but feel sad, although she is still supportive and determined to make the last ever Festive Feast cookery course at the Manor be the most wonderful of all.

I really felt for Claudia and Tim, they seemed like a really nice couple and their news at the end just made it feel really special. I also loved how it turned out for Millie and Zach. It was happily ever afters all round but it took quite a lot to get there!
I enjoyed the story with it's comical moments, thrills, spills and of course the romance.

Thank-You Netgalley for my ARC.

[Stacey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh, I've loved The Paradise Cookery School series! But this one really topped them all. I enjoyed when they were in St. Lucia but this one was 100% my favourite. I wondered how it was going to work, with a Christmas novel being set in a hot climate but seeing as they came back to the Cotswolds for this one it was perfect.

Let me quickly just say that I think the cover is stunning - perhaps the best one of the series yet! I adore the dark sky, the snowflakes surrounding the cover, the thick snow and the Christmas decorations on the house. It's inviting, cosy and so Christmassy! It's the perfect Christmas cover and completely draws you in.

The story itself, was so lovely and just a really lovely, heartwarming and in some parts humorous and emotional story. I really loved Millie's character and also Claudia's was lovely. I really felt for Claudia and Tim, they seemed like a really nice couple and their news at the end just made it feel really special. I also loved how it turned out for Millie and Zach. It was happily ever afters all round but it took quite a lot to get there!

Overall, a really happy, lovely, heart warming story. Thank you to the publisher for a chance to read this novel, which I have reviewed honestly.

[Barbara · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the third in the series The Paradise Cookery School. The previous books were set in St.Lucia. Millie is a pastry chef in London who is called by the owner of the cooking school to help her with a Christmas cooking course in the Cotswolds. She also had helped out in St. Lucia where she met Zach who works as the estate manager in the Cotswolds.
This is the usual formulaic romance. Millie had a couple of exchanges with Zach in St. Lucia and can't wait to see him again. In this encounter, he seems to get close and then move away. There are complications arising for the Cotswold estate.
The Christmas setting is charming to the extent it is described. We get some glimpses of village celebrations. For a novel about a cooking school, there're very limited descriptions of the actual cooking. A pleasant enough story, "squeaky clean" romance. It was 2.5 stars for me, but I am choosing 3 stars as it easy to finish. I think I got this for 99 cents and it was entertaining for a seasonal read.

[Sally Coles · Rating 5 out of 5]

Millie is back in the Cotswolds after her return from the Paradise Cookery School in St Lucia and she is running a Christmas cookery course but will she meet up with Zach again, the gorgeous man she met in St Lucia?

Another lovely feelgood book, the characters are all warm and interesting and although the book is predictable it is still a good read and great to be back with the characters from the Paradise, although it could easily be read as a standalone book

[Poorvi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Welcome to the enchanting Cotswolds Festive Feast cookery course! Following the triumphant launch of the Paradise Cookery School in St. Lucia, the talented Millie Harper is making her way to the picturesque Cotswolds to celebrate the Christmas season in style. Co-hosting the renowned Festive Feast course, led by the illustrious Claudia Croft, at the charming Stonelea Manor is nothing short of a dream come true for Millie. Additionally, she is thrilled at the prospect of reuniting with the dashing estate manager, Zach Barker. However, upon her arrival in this idyllic winter wonderland, Millie discovers that the manor is facing an enigmatic threat that looms over the festivities. Determined to uncover the truth and safeguard the beloved cookery school, Millie is resolved to orchestrate a holiday miracle. At the same time, Millie is resolute in her quest to safeguard the school and, perhaps, to finally capture Zach beneath the mistletoe, where their Caribbean romance can find its long-awaited conclusion.

Some lines from this book -

Life definitely has less sparkle without you in it!

To Millie, all books provided a portal into another world: but only cookery books could guide the reader in the art of moulding seemingly disparate ingredients into taste-bud-zinging perfection.

The alchemy of food is more than a passion for some people, it's an obsession, an addiction that requires daily attention. I don't know what I would do if I couldn't have access to a kitchen.

I prefer a house filled with as much bric-a-brac and souvenirs of a life well lived as possible! The more the merrier, in fact. It's just so much more homely.

I really don't want to get involved with someone who keeps secrets. I need honesty, even when the truth might hurt, it's better than skulking around, avoiding talking about what's important.

What a day! she'd declared, turning to meet Zach's eyes with a smile. You can say that again. Tell me, is everyday like this in your world? Because it seems that ever since I rescued you from that puddle in St Lucia, my life has been turned into a whirlwind of confusion, calamity and nervous expectation for the next bout of chaos. There's never a dull moment when you're around, Millie Harper; every second is crammed full of adventure.

But, the best thing of all is that you've helped me to understand how important it is to squeeze every ounce of excitement out of life!

[Meg Dean · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love this series! This installment in particular...I always prefer books set in England :c)

Millie & her messy ways are back...lots of mayhem, food, and snow :c)

Don't miss it...a lovely Chick LIt read for the holidays!

[MetLineReader · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another lovely instalment of the tale of Mad Millie and the fabulous Claudia Croft Cookery school.

Now miles away from St Lucia in the Cotswolds, Millie finds herself holding the fort and longing for a romance with the gorgeous Zach.

Entirely possible to read as a standalone book but makes more sense as #3 in the series

4* - i look forward to more Millie mishaps!

[B.R. Maycock · Rating 5 out of 5]

So I’ll admit I had read a Daisy James book before and mainly because it hadn’t read the same as a number of books I was reading at the time, I hadn’t really got on with it (that and a protagonist I hadn’t warmed to). After said book I’d see book after book from this author with covers and blurbs to die for and I began to wonder if I’d made a mistake. If I read and just let the language flow over me as opposed to sitting their rigidly trying to take it in would it have been easier? I can tell you the answer is a resounding ‘yes!’

I read this at a time I needed something really easy-going, warm and lovely and found myself settled in straight away to a book that oozes beauty. It is centred around Millie, who is going to work alongside the famous Claudia Croft in an estate that is the stuff of dreams. When we were delivered into the snow in a fantastic setting I nodded and smiled along, really enjoying Millie’s protestations that her entirely inappropriate, chic daywear weren’t wrong for the snow they were lumped with. This book was ALL about the food and it was heavenly, with descriptions of desserts, baked goods and other courses that put you in the pristine cutting edge kitchen of Claudia Croft (or indeed in the other establishments in the area, where the more homely fare would do the job for me!), sniffing and making appreciative noises.

I’ll admit I was nervous for the mystery part, as it became clear some of it could be health related, and with some health stuff going on with people I know this year (that seemed to be similar at the start to that in the book) I wasn’t in the frame of mind to shed tears , but luckily Ms. James more than delivered and I breathed a sigh of relief. The saving of the school was hilarious and nicely over the top, just as I like it! This is part of a series but I read as a standalone and it by no leaned curbed any of the enjoyment I had for it. The language was of course all pretty, delicate and flowery but this time I warmed to it, maybe because of the lovely characters and actually general loveliness of the story. Extremely enjoyable and definitely recommended. Thanks so much to Canelo and Netgalley for the book in return for an honest review.

Rating: 4.5/5

[Clare · Rating 4 out of 5]

With thanks to Netgalley and Camelot for this ARC in exchange for an open and honest review.

I did not read the first two books in The Paradise Cooking School series so I was grateful the author mentioned events from the previous two books for any new readers.

In Mistake and Mystery Millie is asked by the renowned chef Claudia Drift to act as a co presenter on her Festive Feast Course which will be based at her lavish home in the Cotswolds. Millie jumped at the chance to meet Claudia`s estate manager Zach again who she met in first me in St Lucia. I knew I would like Claudia when she arrived in the Cotswold by train to deep snow without bringing a decent winter coat or boots.

I also liked Claudia and her husband Tim who was a successful architect. Tim was also an amateur inventor with a shed where he can build his mad inventions. However this time Claudia was stressed and very unwell.

Later Zack confided that Claudia and Tim were having to sell Stonely Manor to pay off her cousins Dexter`s debt. Then he told Milly that Claudia had offered him a job at their cookery school in St Lucia instead. Milly was upset she lost the chance to rekindle her fledgling relationship with Zach in the UK.

I really enjoyed this light hearted festive romance. I enjoyed the descriptions of the sumptuous christmas Fayre that Millie taught the students to cook. Best of all I loved the villagers who came to help Tim when the roof of his shed blew up.

I really enjoyed this book and I have just ordered the first book in the series Secrets and Sunshine.

[Clare Perry · Rating 5 out of 5]

I believe there are 3 books and I joined on book 3 this one, it is a lovely heartwarming story which I believe was ignited in the previous book of an incredible chemistry between the drop dead gorgeous estate manager Zach and Millie who is a cook helping out again at the manor. Since the last trip Zach and Millie are in close contact and when another opportunity arises to see Zach again she jumps at the chance although he mentions they need to talk.

It appears both Zach and Millie and her friends she is working for are all holding a few secrets, but you will later find out they both are feeling the same and once Millie saves the day she finally gets her man and is not pushed away from that kiss. Although the story ends up at a very happy point, why do they end and not go on a little further so the reader can experience the love.

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have a small (well ok a huge) confession to make. Although I have several of Daisy’s books on my ever increasing ‘To Be Read’ mountain, I haven’t actually read one yet…….until now that is. I was invited to take part in the blog tour for ‘Mistletoe & Mystery’, which is the third book in ‘The Paradise Cookery School’ series and I thought it would be an ideal opportunity to acquaint myself with Daisy’s books. I was not to be disappointed as I thoroughly enjoyed reading ‘Mistletoe & Mystery’ but more about that in a bit.
I couldn’t help but take to Millie from the first time I met her. She works in a patisserie and she is asked to go and oversee a cookery course. Millie jumps at the chance and the added bonus is the fact she has the chance to bump into/ work alongside the delightful sounding Zach again. Millie is kind, decent, honest, hard working and above all she is a fantastic friend to have. She travels to the cookery school but to say that she is unprepared for the weather conditions is an understatement. I must admit that I had to chuckle to myself when she doesn’t dress appropriately for the heavy snow. She thinks that that’s because of her French roots and having the French hot blood pumping through her veins and she didn’t expect to feel the cold so much. I chuckled even more at the thought of her having to wear the coat that Zach gave her and then of course I had to laugh when she feel off the snowmobile not once, but twice. Will Millie make a success of the cookery course? Will Millie save the cookery school? Will Millie get together with Zach? Well for the answers to those questions and more you are just going to have to read the book for yourselves to find out because I am not going to tell you.
I couldn’t wait to dive straight into the book and when I did start reading, I seemed to fly through the book. I was so into the story and the characters that I just couldn’t stop reading. I absolutely adored the author’s writing style and the way in which she grabs your attention from the start and keeps it until the moment you finish the last word on the last page. As I was so focussed on the story I didn’t notice the speed with which I was reading and I was gutted to finish the book as soon as I did. To say that this book was addictive reading is a huge understatement.
‘Mistletoe & Mystery’ is one of those perfect reads for a dark and cold winter’s evening in that it distracts you from the unpleasant weather outside and from the day to day stresses. Although the story takes place in the winter, I didn’t feel cold and the story left me with a warm fuzzy feeling inside. I found myself interacting with the book in the sense that I found myself smiling at something I had read or I was chuckling away whilst I was imagining Millie’s mishaps taking place. The only problem with this book was that it made me feel hungry and in need of cake!!
In short I really enjoyed reading ‘Mistletoe & Mystery’ and I would recommend it to other readers. ‘Mistletoe & Mystery’ can be read as a standalone but because I am a bit OCD I fully intend to read the series from the beginning and in order. I can guarantee that Daisy’s other books will not be on the ‘To Be Read’ mountain for very much longer. I can’t wait to read what she comes up with next. The score on the Ginger Book Geek board is a very well deserved 5* out of 5*. It truly is a delightful read.

[Melanie Farmer · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was very happy to be given the opportunity to rejoin Millie Harper, following her return from St Lucia where she had successfully opened the Paradise Cookery School for famous chef, Claudia Croft.  Mistletoe & Mystery is the third book in The Paradise Cookery School series, a series that I have thoroughly enjoyed.  I must admit that I was a little disappointed when I discovered that this novel would be set in the Cotswolds....I have nothing against the beautiful Cotswolds, but I really have enjoyed the St Lucia setting of the previous two novels.  I shouldn't have worried though - a book set at Christmas really should be in a cold, snowy, magical English village and so it didn't disappoint!

I have really loved following Millie, a woman who at the beginning of the series doubted herself following a harsh break up.  She doubted herself both as a person and as a chef.  Opening the Paradise Cookery School in St Lucia really made her character flourish as she gained confidence in her own abilities.  Mistletoe & Mystery continues to see Millie grow as a person, and we also get to see if her relationship with Zach could grow into something more.  We also get the meet the elusive Claudia Croft, as she opens her home to Millie.  There is of course some plot twists thrown in, which are full of emotion as we learn more about the owner of the Paradise Cookery School, a company we have grown to love across the three novels.

I am more than happy to recommend this novel (along with the previous novels, Sunshine & Secrets and Confetti & Confusion) - all three could be read as standalone novels, but personally I would recommend reading them all.  Let me know what you think!

Thank you to Netgalley and Canelo for providing me with a copy of this novel in exchange for my honest review.  Thank you also to Ellie Pilcher at Canelo for inviting me to be a part of this blog tour.

[Grace J Reviewerlady · Rating 5 out of 5]

A really sparkling Christmas read - and one I'm glad I read after Christmas as I don't think the scales could have taken it if I'd discovered all the goodies beforehand!

Amelia Harper is a pastry chef in a London patisserie, producing gorgeous dainty treats. Unexpectedly, she has the opportunity to travel to the Cotswolds to help out in the famous cookery school run by Claudia Croft in her manor home - giving her the opportunity to be re-acquainted with Zach Barker, who she is very excited to meet up with again.

This is a sequel, and if you want to read both books then definitely read them in order. Whilst not dwelling on the first one, this story gives enough information for subsequent events to make sense. What a wonderful, heartwarming story this is! With plenty going on in the cookery course, in the manor and in the more widespread community, the spirit of Christmas is bursting forth from the pages. A real feel-good read, one I have loved reading and which has set me up for the chilly month ahead of us! Daisy James is another author who always delivers a fun, lighthearted read to keep your attention throughout leaving you with a satisfied sigh as you reach the final page. Highly recommended to lovers of a great rom-com.

My thanks to publisher Canelo for my copy via NetGalley. This is my honest, original and unbiased review.

[Lainy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Time taken to read - 1 day

Pages - 173

Publisher -

Source - Bought

Blurb from Goodreads

Welcome to the Cotswolds Festive Feast cookery course...
Fresh off the successful opening of the Paradise Cookery School in St Lucia, Millie Harper is headed to the Cotswolds for Christmas!

Co-presenting Claudia Croft’s famous Festive Feast cookery course at Stonelea Manor is a dream come true for Millie…as is reuniting with gorgeous estate manager Zach Barker.

But arriving in a winter wonderland Millie learns the manor is under a mysterious threat. It’ll take a holiday miracle, but Millie is determined to save the school and get Zach under the mistletoe to finally finish what they started in the Caribbean!

Cosy up with this fun, festive visit to the Cotswolds premier cookery school! Perfect for fans of Jenny Oliver and Sarah Morgan

If you loved Mistletoe & Mystery, why not read the first two stories in The Paradise Cookery School series? Sunshine & Secrets and Confetti & Confusion s are both available now!


The Paradise Cookery School Sunshine & Secrets Confetti & Confusion Mistletoe & Mystery



My Review

I hadn't realised this was part of a series so don't get a twitchy eye but I have started with book 3, doh! Obviously you get nods to previous happenings in the other books so spoiler alert but you can always go and start with book 1. I wanted a festive read anyway and you absolutely can read this as a standalone.

Millie has been through the mill personally, now she has a career opportunity that she cannot pass us. As a very talented chef the opportunity to work with one of the best, established and with their own tv show Millie heads off and grabs the opportunity with both hands. It also brings her back to Zach Barker, handsome, fabulous, certainly a spark there however having being burnt before and his past relationship things never seemed to kick off. Could this be their time?

This is a perfect choice for just now, festive, seasonal and just mostly really nice characters, a feel good read. I liked it so much I am going to buy book one and two of the series and will be looking for more by this author, 4/5 for me this time.

[Anthony · Rating 5 out of 5]

Daisy James (2018) MISTLETOE & MYSTERY
London. Canelo Escape

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5 out of 5 stars

The sleeve reads, "Welcome to the Cotswolds Festive Feast cookery course... Fresh off the successful opening of the Paradise Cookery School in St Lucia, Millie Harper is headed to the Cotswolds for Christmas! Co-presenting Claudia Croft’s famous Festive Feast cookery course at Stonelea Manor is a dream come true for Millie… as is reuniting with gorgeous estate manager Zach Barker. Upon arriving in the winter wonderland, Millie learns the manor is under a mysterious threat. It’ll take a holiday miracle, but Millie is determined to save the school and get Zach under the mistletoe to finally finish what they started in the Caribbean!"

I now want to visit Stonelea Manor and eat there. At Christmastime. But I can't. 'Cos it ain't even real. Very cwtchy this one is!

#DaisyJames #MistletoeAndMystery #DaisyJamesMistletoeAndMystery #Read #Reads #Reading #BookShelf #Library #Review #Reviews #BookReview #BookReviews #GoodReads #Christmas #Xmas #MerryChristmas #MerryXmas #HappyChristmas #HappyXmas #Festive #Christmastime

[Hayley Marsland · Rating 4 out of 5]

So lovely to return to The Paradise Cookery School, although this time the setting is the snowy Cotswolds as opposed to sunny St Lucia.

Christmas is approaching and Millie Harper is at Stonelea Manor to co-present The Festive Feast cookery course alongside celebrity chef Claudia Croft, and throughout the week they are, showing the course members, a number of fabulous festive menu ideas, for over the Christmas period.

We also get to catch up with Zach Barker, who has also returned to the Cotswolds, to resume his role of estate manager which also means that he and Millie have the opportunity to reunite.

Unfortunately it seems the manor. and therefore the future of the cookery school could be under threat.

This is the third visit (but I'm really hoping not the final) to The Paradise Cookery School, and I guess you could read this one as a stand alone book, but if you're anything like me, then you'll want to read the others beforehand, as it does give you a better idea of who's who.

I really hope this isn't the last we hear of The Paradise Cookery School, because return visit would be fantastic.

[Maria Thomas · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think I didn't remember what the description of this book said when I started reading it. I thought I was reading a mystery novel and it really was not despite having the word in the title. I kept expecting something sinister to happen. But while unpleasant things may have been happening in the book there was no real villain and no real mystery. It is a culinary romance. There are previous books in this series but I've not read them and it didn't matter as this book stands alone.

Nice descriptions made me see the countryside and feel the cold in this wintry tale. I liked the main characters as well as secondary characters. I think it would be fun to attend this kind of culinary school, especially in preparation for Christmas feasting.

Sex: references to heated body reactions and noticing of body forms. Some kisses. Sexual tension but no sex.
Language: yes, Deity
Violence: no

I received a Netgalley copy of this book and voluntarily chose to give an honest review.

[Pam Robertson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved returning to the characters from the Paradise Cookery School Series. There was a different feel this time as Millie is back in England but what made her so endearing as a character has survived the journey. She is accident prone, wears her heart on her sleeve and passionate about her skill as a chef. She has also kept her passion for Zach alight so it is interesting to see how that pans out once she is ensconced in the middle of a cold, snowy Winter- so different to her time in the Caribbean.

There are lots of new characters to get to know in this novel. It is full of the delights of the festive season. You find out a lot more about Claudia Croft and her family and realise that Millie's stay in the UK is going to be far from uncomplicated. I loved the structure of the story as each session of the Cookery Course counted down towards Christmas. Fun and good humour is there in spades. I can thoroughly recommend the latest in this series- let's hope for more!

In short: Snowy Cotswolds and fantastic food - what more can you want?
Thanks to the author for a copy of the book

[Julie · Rating 2 out of 5]

I like light hearted chick lit style books, but those that make the main female character out to be clumsy and a bit silly just get on my nerves. Unfortunately this book does that. The number of times Millie falls over things is just irritating and it makes her out to be rather stupid rather than endearing.
The storyline is too predictable. The title is called Mistletoe and Mystery which makes it sound like a mystery/detective story, but it’s nothing like that. The only mysteries are why is the house being sold? This drags on for a while with the predictable ending that it gets saved in the end. The other mystery is over Claudia’s illness – which again is predictable from the start. The only weird thing about that was that the image portrayed of Claudia and Tim was one of much older people, so the ‘illness’ is odd. They are obviously not as old as they are portrayed, they are just a little bit stupid that they didn’t know what was causing the symptoms.
Sorry to be harsh, but it was all just a bit too silly for me.