Rosie Andersonwas hoping to whisk her young son Danny away for a lovely Christmas with family, far from the hustle and bustle of her life in London. But then her boss at the head office – aka Susan the Sacker – suddenly assigns her to go in incognito and save a tiny inn in Cornwall from being closed permanently. Rosie doesn’t know why The Old Bell Inn is performing so badly but it’s on her to … her to sort it out!
Hours in the car later, Rosie arrives at the inn to find she’s been double booked – there are no rooms left. And she isn’t there for more than a minute before she’s butting heads with the manager, Irishman Mitchell Fitzpatrick. He seems to dislike her on sight, so it’s confusing that he seems to get on so well with Danny… But if he’s as terrible as his reputation, Rosie will have to be the one to fire him.
This really isn’t the Christmas Rosie was dreaming of. But maybe, just maybe, it could be a whole lot more…
A sweet and uplifting Christmas romance, No Room at the Little Cornish Innis perfect for fans of Philippa Ashley, Holly Martin and Jenny Hale.
more
I had fun while reading No Room at the Little Cornish Inn. There were some issues, yet none were strong enough to take anything away from the sweet, and charming scenery or the story unfolding.
Rosie has a Scrooge of a boss who sends her on a secret shopper mission to a small inn that is experiencing problems. It’s a go or you’ll lose your job type of situation so, unfortunately, Rosie’s plans with her son for a fun Christmas with family are in the trash bin. To make matters worse, upon arrival she’ll discover that she’s been double-booked and there truly is no room available for her and Danny. Add a grumbly, nearly rude manager and her day is complete – completely ruined that is. Now, somehow, Rosie has to do her job under difficult circumstances, save the Christmas celebration with her son – oh, and not fall head over heels for one grumpy man who makes a solid connection with her son.
There is an underlying mystery going on, as well as interesting characters, some developments that upset all the good that’s been happening between Rosie and Mitchell, and some unexpected surprises for Rosie along the way. It’s a fun Christmas romance with a touch of Scrooge-like actions. I enjoyed myself here, and as I mentioned, the parts that were rough (for me) didn’t take away from the overall enjoyment of Mitchell’s, Rosie’s, and Danny’s story.
*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley. That does not change what I think of this story. It is my choice to leave a review giving my personal opinion about this book.*
Favorite Quotes:
… blasting from my mobile phone in the form of the infamous and ominous The Ride of the Valkyries tune. It’s the ringtone I’ve assigned to the HR manager at Johnson Hotels Head Office, Susan Hearst – better known as Susan the Sacker… Rumour has it no men are allowed anywhere near her home, where she lives with her divorced sister who joined the Single and Furious Club. Apparently, they have a ground-to-air missile they use to fight off blokes.
I hug myself and breathe deeply, and feel a sudden, unfamiliar rush of what I soon realise must be joy. I didn’t know happiness could have its own fragrance.
My Review:
This was a fun, light, and sweet holiday read with a bit of somewhat underhanded hidden motives as well as some snooping and sneaking around during an undercover investigation. The characters were likable and relatable and the storylines were easy to follow with amusing bits of levity, a blossoming romance, and curious tidbits tossed in that poked at my curiosity. This was my introduction to Nancy Barone and I enjoyed her fluid writing style and gently paced storytelling.
Ms. Barone also provided me with a new entry for my Brit Words and Phrases list with bubble and squeak – which Mr. Google tells me is a traditional British dish that was named for the sound it makes while cooking and is made from cooked potatoes and cabbage which is mixed together and fried, although looking at the pictures it appears that sometimes meat, a fried egg, or other vegetables are also added.
Here I am again, singing the praises of another rom-com which I always claim is not my favourite genre. This one is more perfect than I could imagine and I already want to read it all over again! This book is perfect for anyone who loves a cosy Christmas read filled with brilliant characters, quaint little villages and a few shocks along the way.
My heart is so full right now and I’m finding it difficult to sum up what a wonderful book this is! The story expresses such a heartwarming bond between mother and son, as well as of a woman who is seeking a kind of happiness she’s never had before, and never knew she needed. Rosie and Mitchell’s relationship has been such a pleasure to experience and I was so immersed in their incredible story. Community spirit is portrayed so well and I am now dying to travel down to Cornwall! Rom-com lovers may find themselves a new favourite book here. This one is just a wonderful festive read, another one that has got me so in the mood for Christmas. A five star book without a doubt!
This is a beautiful story. It’s a love story, and also a life changing story.
Rosie Anderson, a single mom, was hoping for a quiet Christmas with her son Danny and her family, far from London. But then her boss at the head office – aka Susan the Sacker – suddenly assigns her to go in incognito and save a tiny inn in Cornwall from being closed permanently. Rosie doesn’t know why The Old Bell Inn is performing so badly but it’s on her to sort it out!
Once Rosie arrives at the inn, she finds out she’s been double booked – there are no rooms left. And she isn’t there for more than a minute before she’s butting heads with the manager, Irishman Mitchell Fitzpatrick. He seems close up and rude, but he gets really well with Danny.
Now, Rosie has a work to do, a mystery to solve and a heart to protect, because Mitchell is not only a gorgeous man, but an amazing partner for Danny and herself. But is he going to forgive her once he discovers she is there to spy on him?
I really like this book, is sweet and romantic. The side characters, specially Danny are amazing. I love the dynamics between the three of them. This is one of those books to read dreaming of Christmas trees. Enjoy! I absolutely did.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Rating:
Romance:
Writing:
The story follows Rosie in England. Her boss is forcing her into working during Christmas. Rosie has to because she would lose her job and all her stability if she doesn’t do this task. She drives over to Cornwall with her son which is where she has to inspect a hotel. The manager is absolutely horrible to her on the first day but she doesn’t report anything bad because she giving him the benefit of the doubt. As more secrets start being uncovered and Rosie starts liking the manager, there are more problems.
This story was so much fun to read. It had all these different British phrases but wasn’t hard to understand. The characters all were realistic and easy to imagine. It takes a little bit of time taking off but in the end, it’s all worth it.
I wrote this voluntary review in exchange for an ARC copy.