Christmas is a time for family and friends, but will the allure of the French Riviera be able to work its magic? As a toddler Elodie Jacques was abandoned by her mother and left in the care of her French grandmother, Gabriella in Dartmouth, Devon. Now 24 years old, Elodie struggles to reconcile the deep anger for the mother she has never since seen. When Gabriella unexpectedly announces she wants the two of them to spend Christmas and her 70th birthday in her home town of Juan-les-Pins in the South of France Elodie is thrilled. Gabriella meanwhile has her own ulterior motives for wanting to return after 40 years, a daunting homecoming potentially filled with memories, secrets and recriminations. With Juan-les-Pins pulsing with lights, decorations and the festive spirit, Christmas promises to be filled with fun. But when Elodie learns there is the possibility that her long absent mother may join them she hides her feelings behind a show of indifference and animosity. Will there be the reconciliation that Gabriella longs for - or will the spirit of Christmas fail to work its wonder? 'What isn't to love? You are taken on an incredible journey to the vibrant French Riviera, with all the colours, lights and traditions of Christmas beautifully combined with the joy of friendship and the possibility of new romance... ' Bestselling author Judy Leigh

'A gorgeous and captivating read that made me want to jump straight on a plane to the south of France.' Samantha Tonge *From the bestselling author of Villa of Sun and Secrets* Take time out to find what makes you happy... When Retreat owner Amy offers three lucky competition winners a holiday on the Cote d’Azur, she has no idea that this simple act of kindness will have life-changing repercussions on her own life as well as those who join her... Young entrepreneur Chelsea has just been subjected to a very public relationship break up and needs to get away to lick her wounds. MP’s wife Victoria is at a crossroads in her life now that the children have left home. She realises she has ambitions of her own and needs some ‘me time’ to figure things out. Recently widowed Matilda is assessing life without her beloved husband. Can she find the courage to follow their dream on her own? The four women, despite their differences, bond and support each other, making memories and forming friendships that will last for years. A heart-warming, uplifting novel, perfect for fans of Jill Mansell and Erica James. What readers are saying about A Riviera Retreat 'This is not a book you will forget in a hurry. Can’t wait for her next book.' 'An evocative and beautifully written story.' 'I loved this book. It's a real page turner I just couldn't put it down.' 'I thoroughly adored this book' 'I loved every moment of this book and already looking forward to the author's next story. 'I've fallen in love with every Jennifer Bohnet novel I have ever read and this one is no exception. They are jammed full with stunning settings and wonderful characters that just melt your heart.' 'I adored how this novel celebrated female friendship and its ability to repair and support without judgement. Such a fantastic novel - perfect to devour and delight in with a glass of wine and a few hours of peace.' 'It is a perfect summer read, for holidays, or just relaxing with. It is a very gentle and nice read. It is well written and easygoing. I enjoyed reading this book, and I will definitely recommend this book.' 'I was hooked right away from the first few pages.' 'A real taste of summer.' 'A great book about making new friends and finding yourself.'

Love is sweeter with a touch of mischief. Judging a chocolate-making competition for the women's shelter's annual fundraiser should be an easy, even pleasurable, assignment for Maise, new food critic for the Bloomingfield Daily Dispatch. Too bad just the smell of chocolate makes her stomach roil. By the time she reaches the last table, she hopes her face isn't as green as her holiday sweater. But the tall, square-jawed man behind piles of fudge makes her want to linger, even savor the moment along with his chocolate-coffee-flavored confection. Except there's something Ben Elliot is hiding behind his piercing blue eyes and lazy grin, and her reporter's nose senses a story worth exploring. She finds herself longing to discover the secret ingredient sweetening their mutual attraction. Don't miss Josie Riviera's other sweet and inspirational holiday romances! Holiday Hearts Volume 1 (3 book bundle) Holiday Hearts Volume 2 (3 book bundle) Holly's Gift (Inspirational) Sweet Peppermint Kisses

Film plays a vital role in the celebration of Christmas. For decades, it has taught audiences about what the celebration of the season looks like – from the decorations to the costumes and to the expected snowy weather – as well as mirrors our own festivities back to us. Films like It’s a Wonderful Life and Home Alone have come to play key roles in real-life domestic celebrations: watching such titles has become, for many families, every bit as important as tree-trimming and leaving cookies out for Santa. These films have exported the American take on the holiday far and wide and helped us conjure an image of the perfect holiday. Rather than settling the ‘what is a Christmas film?’ debate – indeed, Die Hard and Lethal Weapon are discussed within – Analyzing Christmas in Film: Santa to the Supernatural focuses on the how Christmas is presented on the deluge of occasions when it appears. While most Christmas films are secular, religion makes many cameos, appearing through Nativity references, storylines involving spiritual rebirth, the framing of Santa as a Christ-like figure and the all-importance of family, be it the Holy family or just those gathered around the dining table. Also explored are popular narratives involving battles with stress and melancholy, single parents and Christmas martyrs, visits from ghosts and angels, big cities and small towns, break-ups and make-ups and the ticking clock of mortality. Nearly 1000 films are analyzed in this volume to determine what the portrayal of Christmas reveals about culture, society and faith as well as sex roles, consumerism, aesthetics and aspiration.

You don't need ears to hear God's plan. All you need is an open heart... Music of both birds and harmonicas fills Max's life, but it's the near-silent forest guide he meets in Cherish, SC, who captures his attention. Small and slim, pretty Sarah's smiles and graceful hands speak louder than her voice. In fact, she's so quiet, he's not sure he's made much of an impression. But with her, he can imagine making this temporary stopover into something permanent. Sarah has found a comfortable niche in Cherish, working miracles with plants, arranging flowers for church, and taking in stray animals. In fact, her house is so full, she's not sure she can say yes to the Sheriff's plea to take in one more puppy for Christmas. Max has definitely captured her interest, and he shares her love of nature. But maybe she should take in that puppy after all, because a ball of fur that needs her will fill the empty space in her heart when Max's research sends him off looking for bluer skies. ˃˃˃ Read all the books in the Inspirational Cherish Series! A Love Song To Cherish - Dorothy returns to Cherish, SC, praying God won't let anyone from her high school days-especially Ryan-discover why her musical career failed. Ryan rose to opera stardom without God's help, yet something about Dorothy's vulnerability and faith calls to him. But his hard-earned career comes first. Doesn't it? A Christmas To Cherish - During a difficult time, Emmanuelle's phone calls held Nicholas together. Now she's in Cherish, holding tight to a private pain. Nicholas asks God to help him to be patient, vowing to protect her-even when her past rears its ugly head to destroy what's left of her heart. A Valentine To Cherish - Despite her attempts to hold onto her heart, Scarlett discovers that loving Joseph is the one thing she knows for sure. And the weight of an empty life without him proves that although she had good reason to be lost, Joseph was her one way to be found. .A Christmas Puppy To Cherish - Max's birdsong research keeps him moving, but quiet, pretty Sarah makes him want to stay in Cherish. Sarah's not sure she can take in one more stray puppy, but if Max follows his project to bluer skies, that ball of fluff could fill the empty space in her heart. Or grab the bundle. All 3 books in a boxed set at 1 low price: Romance Stories To Cherish Scroll up and order today!

'Tis the season to find your heart's true home Jess has spent most of her life taking care of herself, no stranger to odd jobs here and there. And given the choice between spending another Christmas alone or spending it in Scotland as the Earl of Kirkshield's housekeeper, her choice is a no-brainer. Stepping into the castle's grounds is like something out of a fairytale, and Jess can't believe her luck. But a cold blast of reality hits when she meets the new earl and realises she's not exactly welcome... When Sebastian makes it clear he wants nothing to do with the crumbling estate or title, Jess takes it upon herself to give him a reason to stay and save her job in the meantime. As they work together to bring the castle back to life, she finds herself growing closer to the brooding earl. Much to her surprise, she's starting to think she actually likes the guy. But they come from different worlds, and she doesn't know the first thing about putting down roots. Could the magic of Christmas be enough to spark romance and make the castle a home? Escape to the Scottish Highlands this Christmas with a cosy and heartwarming romance full of drama and forbidden love! Perfect for fans of Sarah Morgan, Lucy Coleman and Downtown Abbey. What readers are saying about Rachel Barnett: 'Gorgeous comfort reading at its best!! ... Great writing, great personalities, festive reality on a different sphere!!' Reader review, 5 stars 'The perfect escapism that will take you away and get you in the Christmas spirit ... perfect blend of magic and the characters are appealing and the plot is tantalising' Reader review, 5 stars 'Loved the characters and their individual stories and the scenery sounded lovely and so inviting and makes you feel all festive. Would recommend to anyone who likes a good Christmas story with intrigue thrown in' Reader review, 5 stars 'Absolutely loved it! A cosy page-turner and a perfect read for the run-up to Christmas!!' Reader review, 5 stars

Hidden beaches, great taco bars, secret fishing holes, and buzzing nightspots await . . . Explorer's Guides show you how to visit great places like a local, getting under the touristy surface with insights into the area's history, culture, economy, and more. Explorer's Guides Playa del Carmen, Tulum & the Riviera Maya: A Great Destination is no exception. The author’s insider knowledge and selective recommendations make this book a must-have for your sojourn in Mexico. Let it help you make the most of your time in this beautiful place: delve deep into fascinating Mayan ruins; explore the pedestrian boardwalk in Playa del Carmen; or fish for elusive bonefish along the famous Sian Ka’an biosphere reserve in Punta Allen. This fully revised and updated fourth edition features color photography; detailed maps; rich history; a glossary of English to Spanish phrases; a rundown of the best local swimming lagoons, hidden beaches, and great taco bars; events calendars; and much more. It's all you need to help you plan your best vacation yet.