The arrival of a shiny new Zara Stoneley usually kicks off my festive season. Since we’re in lockdown, I thought a dash of Zara would be just the ticket.

Every other book by this author has been a flat out 5 stars but I had more mixed views on this one. The writing style is as smooth as ever, but the plot is predictable from page one, without even a hint of a twist. I’m also sure I’ve seen a movie with an identical storyline, although I can’t recall for the life of me what it was called and that’s really bugging me now! I also never quite bought into Rosie’s totally clueless dating skills. That said, it was a lovely easy lockdown read and whiled away a few hours in the sunshine and, since that’s exactly what I was looking for, I’m happy. And I can’t wait for her next festive read. I’ve just had a thought – what if there isn’t one this year? I might forget to put the Christmas decorations up!

Blurb

After breaking up with her childhood sweetheart, clueless dater Rosie has found herself in a boyfriend-drought. So when she finally swipes right on a guy who seems interested, she can’t wait to meet up IRL.

Until she’s left standing alone. In a bar. Ghosted.

Enter Noah. Confident, funny … and a serial first dater. Offering to give Rosie a crash course in seduction, this could be just what she needs. Until her matchmaker turns out to be the best date she’s ever had – and Rosie wonders if she wants the fake dates to be the real ones after all …

Author bio

Zara Stoneley is the USA Today bestselling author of ‘The Wedding Date’. She lives in a Cheshire village with her family, a lively cockapoo called Harry, and a very bossy (and slightly evil) cat called Saffron.

Born in a small village in the UK, Zara wanted to be a female James Herriot, a spy, or an author when she grew up. After many (many) years, and many different jobs, her dream of writing a bestseller came true. She now writes about friendship, dreams, love, and happy ever afters, and hopes that her tales make you laugh a lot, cry a little, and occasionally say ‘ahhh’.

Zara’s bestselling novels include ‘Four Christmases and a Secret’, ‘Bridesmaids’, ‘No One Cancels Christmas’, ‘The Wedding Date’, ‘The Holiday Swap’, ‘Summer with the Country Village Vet’, ‘Blackberry Picking at Jasmine Cottage’ and the popular Tippermere series – ‘Stable Mates’, ‘Country Affairs’ and ‘Country Rivals’.