As always with Holly Martin, we are treated to a cosy, cutesy, warming-the-cockles of your heart style of writing. I have read a few of her other books and they are just the ticket for curling up next to the fire with a glass of something or mug of hot chocolate. From what I can see from this preview, Christmas At Lilac Cottage will not disappoint those who have enjoyed Holly's other works.
However, I would caution anyone going into her books with certain expectations. First, whilst they have the odd sexy scene, these are fairly short and predictable, your standard white bread lovin' that you probably could read on the train with a only little blush creeping into your cheeks (you saucy thing you!).
Second, the plot lines are pretty easy to anticipate (I won't spoil Lilac Cottage but I have a solid guess as to where it is going to go and what misunderstandings are happening and I have always been right so far with her other plotlines) - but this is what makes them so easy and enjoyable to read. There aren't any super unexpected plot twists and that is comforting in a way.
Third, if you are expecting any strong, emotionally intelligent characters, then look elsewhere because of the three or four of Holly Martin's books I have read, the protagonists (of both genders) always seem to be bumbling idiots when it comes to love. The general line is - 1)guy and girl torn apart by misunderstanding many years ago (or skip this and go straight to step 3)- 2) get reunited in most awkward and unlikely way possible 3) they fall in love 4) there is another hideous misunderstanding that tears them apart 5) misunderstanding resolved happily ever after. So generally, if Holly Martin's characters were better at just talking to each other, she would have nothing to write about because everything would pretty much be fine.
BUT in spite of this, they are a total guilty pleasure of mine. I just can't stay away. I think that when you have a busy life it is nice to just sit down with a book that might be new in terms of the setting, but a generally familiar plot.
It's like having a bottle of wine with a very old friend every time and I love it.
However, I would caution anyone going into her books with certain expectations. First, whilst they have the odd sexy scene, these are fairly short and predictable, your standard white bread lovin' that you probably could read on the train with a only little blush creeping into your cheeks (you saucy thing you!).
Second, the plot lines are pretty easy to anticipate (I won't spoil Lilac Cottage but I have a solid guess as to where it is going to go and what misunderstandings are happening and I have always been right so far with her other plotlines) - but this is what makes them so easy and enjoyable to read. There aren't any super unexpected plot twists and that is comforting in a way.
Third, if you are expecting any strong, emotionally intelligent characters, then look elsewhere because of the three or four of Holly Martin's books I have read, the protagonists (of both genders) always seem to be bumbling idiots when it comes to love. The general line is - 1)guy and girl torn apart by misunderstanding many years ago (or skip this and go straight to step 3)- 2) get reunited in most awkward and unlikely way possible 3) they fall in love 4) there is another hideous misunderstanding that tears them apart 5) misunderstanding resolved happily ever after. So generally, if Holly Martin's characters were better at just talking to each other, she would have nothing to write about because everything would pretty much be fine.
BUT in spite of this, they are a total guilty pleasure of mine. I just can't stay away. I think that when you have a busy life it is nice to just sit down with a book that might be new in terms of the setting, but a generally familiar plot.
It's like having a bottle of wine with a very old friend every time and I love it.