Mistletoe Mansion by Samantha Tonge

Out now
Published by Carina
Purchase from Amazon here


The blurb:

Kimmy Jones has three loves: cupcakes, gossip magazines and dreaming of getting fit just by owning celeb workouts.

When Kimmy’s Sensible Boyfriend told her he didn’t approve of her longing for the high life or her dream of starting a cupcake company Kimmy thought she could compromise – after all, she did return those five-inch Paris Hilton heels! But asking her to trade in cake-making for a job sorting potatoes is a step too far.

So, newly single - and newly homeless – Kimmy needs a dusting of Christmas luck. And, masquerading as a professional house sitter, her new temporary home is the stunning Mistletoe Mansion. Soon she’s best buds with glamorous next door golf WAG Melissa, and orders are pouring in for her fabulous Merry Berry cupcakes! The only thorn in her side is handsome handyman Luke, a distraction she definitely doesn’t need. And talking of distractions, something very odd is going on at night…

Kimmy is finally living the life she’s always wanted. But will her glimpse into the glittering lifestyle of the rich and famous be as glamorous as she’s always imagined…?


My review:

Whilst Mistletoe Mansion sounds like a Christmassy title, don't be put off as it can easily be read and enjoyed at any time of the year. If you're looking for a book with a fun leading lady, flirtation, laughter and something a bit different, then this could be the book for you.

Our leading lady is Kimmy. She loves reading all the celebrity gossip in trashy magazines, and dreams of hanging out with the rich and famous, and running her own cupcake business, rather than the not so exciting life and flat she shares with her boyfriend.

When the relationship hits the skids Kimmy has no choice but to move out, and along with her best friend manage to wangle their way into becoming house sitters in a rather swish house, with a famous neighbour. The house comes with a handy man in the form of Luke, who is rather good looking, but a bit of a pain in the backside for Kimmy. But he isn't the only character to grace the house.....there seems to be another presence that goes bump in the night......

Kimmy becomes friends and a sort of confidante to Melissa, the famous wife next door, and before long Kimmy's life appears to be making lots of changes.....will they lead to the life she yearns for? I can't possibly say!

I really enjoyed Mistletoe Mansion. I had seen mixed reviews about it but am glad I ignored them and decided to make up my own mind. The story made me smile and I enjoyed the characters. I warmed to Kimmy quickly and liked that she has some balls about her rather than a quiet, heartbroken female. With encouragement she grabs life by the scruff of the neck and is a trier. She is also a great friend. Luke, of course is great eye candy and I liked seeing his character develop.

I made reference to things that go bump in the night, and the ghostly goings on made me slightly nervous at first. I wasn't sure where it was going, and I wasn't sure if it would spoil a good story and nice characters. Luckily I was wrong and actually enjoyed this element of the book.

Mistletoe Mansion is a good read, and a nice escape from the real world. It has friendship, romance, ambition and good fun in it and I will definitely be looking out to read more of Samantha's work.

Thanks to Carina who kindly provided a copy of the book in return for an honest review.