Title: CHRISTMAS AT LOBSTER BAY
Author: Annie Robertson
ISBN: 978 1787 3962 27
Publisher: Welbeck
Pages: 356
Source: Review copy from Jonathan Ball Publishers
When Emma and Aidan decide to expand The Guesthouse at Lobster Bay by merging their two homes, Emma feels certain it’s the project she needs to develop her flourishing retreat and to keep her and Aidan together.
Emma has three months to complete the project before her guests arrive for a sumptuous Christmas in Lobster Bay, but as soon as the work begins, Emma’s dream of expansion begins to fall apart…
Unforeseen structural problems, the arrival of a long-term guest, and an errant puppy, who is determined to chew her way through every piece of pipe and furniture, push Emma and Aidan to their limit, and it’s not long before cracks begin to show in their relationship.
Determined not to give up, Emma pushes on. But as the project progresses tensions continue to rise, and when a winter storm blows in, work grinds to a halt, pushing Emma and Aidan to the brink.
As Emma battles to keep her dream alive, will it be at the expense of her relationship? And will she eventually, with the help of some of her friends, pull off her dream of Christmas at Lobster Bay?
Official Summary
03 January 2023
I had to read at least one Christmas book and I started this one just before Christmas – apologies for being a little late with posting this review. This is a feel-good, relaxing read that highlights the importance of honesty in relationships while featuring some adorable fur babies.
I enjoyed the author’s easy storytelling style. The dialogue felt a little forced at times and did not have a smooth feel to it, yet the scenery was brilliant and the story had an everyday-life feel to it.
Emma has everything she wants. A beautiful, successful guesthouse, a caring group of friends and a caring boyfriend. But still, she feels as if she needs more. She questions if it is enough. Her need to do more leads to Emma and Aidan expanding the guesthouse, this project seems to be exactly what Emma needs. However, when Aiden has to leave town, she finds that perhaps she has taken on a little too much.
This book is a feel-good read that transports you into the characters’ lives and allows you an escape to a small town as you flip the pages. While this is not my genre of choice I enjoy adding something a little different to the end of my reading year.
The characters are everyday people, all with their own issues and desires. I enjoyed the way you felt like a part of this group of friends as you read the book, getting to know them and sharing their lives.
This book will appeal to fans of women’s fiction, it’s an easy read that draws you into the community as you share in the chaos of expanding a guesthouse and everyday little disasters.
Also By Annie Robertson
Summer at Primrose Tower
When florist Jennie lands a job in Primrose Hill, it’s the perfect chance for her to start afresh in the city. But when a wealthy client gets her fired, Jennie must take a leap of faith, follow her dream, and set up a flower business of her own.
Moving into Primrose Tower with new friend Kat, Jennie meets a group of strong, inspiring women who she calls on for help when she lands the biggest wedding of her career and must restore her reputation. But it’s hard to stay focussed when James, a charming doctor, keeps distracting her.
With a little help from her new friends, can Jennie juggle saving her career, supporting her neighbours, her difficult ex, and pull off the wedding of the year?
And will love blossom for Jennie and James, this Summer at Primrose Tower?
About the Author
Author bio from the author’s site
Annie trained in London as a classical musician, then worked as an assistant for an Oscar winner, an acclaimed artist, a PR mogul and a Beatle. After several years of running errands for the rich and famous, she went to medical school where hiding novels in anatomy textbooks, she discovered her true passion for writing; Annie went on to complete a Creative Writing MA with distinction. Annie now lives back home in Scotland by the sea. When not writing, she enjoys playing and teaching the piano, swimming with her young son, visiting antique markets with her husband and walking her basset hounds. Her nirvana would be a book-lined patisserie in a thermal spa!
Thank you to Jonathan Ball Publishers for this review copy – apologies for it taking so long for me to share this review. I know January is not the time for Christmas reads, but this was the only time I had to share my review. I promise I will not do anything Christmas this month again. Thank you for visiting the blog, your continued support is hugely appreciated. What was your favourite Christmas read last year? Leave a comment below. Until next time…Happy Reading!
