#BookReview ~ The Arctic Cruise by Caroline James ~ #SecondChanceRomance #Romance #Self-Discovery ~ @CarolineJames12 @rararesources

The Arctic Cruise

Pack your bags for the adventure of a lifetime…

About the Book:

From the #1 bestselling author of The Cruise, embark on an unforgettable journey and sail through Norway’s winter wonderlands to see the spectacular Northern Lights.

________

Will the Arctic wonderland work its magic this winter?

Joy never imagined stepping aboard a cruise ship without her husband, Tom. Now widowed, Joy wonders what her voyage on the Emerald Dream will hold – and as it glides through breathtaking Norwegian fjords, she longs to believe in happiness again. However, she carries a secret that could unravel her fragile hopes if it ever came to light…

Elsewhere on deck, as the sun dips below the horizon and the polar night sets in, Henry, a lifelong bachelor, is living his dream of seeing the Northern Lights. Having long since given up on love, he now dedicates himself to his passion for photography. But when he meets Joy, is it more than the aurora borealis that catches his eye?

As they embark on a snow-dusted adventure which takes them from bustling ports to reindeer-drawn sleigh rides, will Joy and Henry find the courage to embrace love again? Or will hidden truths sink the possibility of a new beginning?

A heartwarming, feel-good voyage of self-discovery, romance and second chances, perfect for fans of Sarah Morgan and Judy Leigh.

My Review:

The Arctic Cruise is a spectacular novel about second chances, friendship, and romance. From the first page, I was drawn in by the characters, writing style, and descriptions. Having taken a few cruises (the most recent was February 2024), I was right at home during embarkation, as the characters moved around the ship, and during events and excursions. The author captured the essence of a cruise so well I thought I was on the ship with the characters. 

I love the characters Caroline James created. Each vastly different in personality, experiences, and life stories. A nice mix of polite, shy, and not-so-nice. Watching perfect strangers interact and become friends is vacation goals. I hope the friendships that were developed on the Arctic Cruise last longer than the friendships my sister and I made on our first cruise in 1995. 

Our connections lasted about 3 months (despite all of us living in the same state, being the same ages, and belonging to the same religious group). I guess that's the difference between creating new bonds with a bunch of teenagers versus adults. I would have loved to meet Joy, Henry, Letitia, and Jim. I enjoyed spending time with all four of them during their cruise through Norway.

I was provided with a copy of this book. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

My Rating:

Purchase Link:

Amazon

Meet the Author:



Caroline James is the celebrated author of later-life fiction, including THE CRUISE, the #1 best-seller that has captivated cruise ship passengers worldwide, and her eagerly anticipated follow-up novel, THE CRUISE CLUB, and now: THE ARCTIC CRUISE.

Her best-selling novel ATTICUS ARNOTT’S GREAT ADVENTURE is described as “A heartwarming and uplifting read where the characters shine from the page.”

Caroline’s vibrant storytelling stems from her colourful career. Before becoming a full-time writer, she carved out a fascinating path in the hospitality industry, owning a charming country house hotel and a lively pub. As a media agent, she worked closely with celebrity chefs, giving her an insider’s perspective on the glitz, glamour, and grit of the culinary world. When she finally turned her focus to writing, she discovered her true calling, penning best-selling novels that have garnered her legions of fans.

When she’s not writing in her cosy writing retreat, Caroline enjoys tranquil walks with Fred, her Westie, and refreshing swims in a local lake. As a member of the Romantic Novelists’ Association, the SoA, ARRA, and the Society of Women’s Writers & Journalists, Caroline is a champion of lifelong creativity.

Social Media Links:

www.carolinejamesauthor.co.uk

Twitter: @carolinejames12

Facebook: Caroline James Author

Instagram: carolinejamesauthor

Bluesky: ‪@carolinejames1.bsky.social

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If you make a purchase using my links, I will receive a small commission from the sale at no cost to you.

Thank you for supporting Sapphyria’s Books.

#BookReview ~ The Cruise Club by Caroline James ~ @CarolineJames12 @rararesources #TheFrenchCookerySchool

The Cruise Club

Because the best adventures are still to come…

About the Book:

Escape to the sun with the #1 bestselling author of The Cruise in a feelgood romcom full of romance, fun and mischief, which will sweep you away to the azure waters of the Mediterranean with every turn of the page…

Set sail on the Diamond Star for sunshine, romance – and just a little bit of mischief…

Cosy crime writer Carmen Cunningham is in trouble. Her inspiration has vanished, her deadline is looming, and her meddling elderly mother Betty consumes her every waking moment. Hoping to revive her creativity, Carmen books a dream cruise, featuring workshops with her literary idol, Ruskin Reeve. It’s the perfect plan – until Betty insists on tagging along…

However, as the Diamond Star sails through sun-soaked ports and magical Mediterranean islands, Carmen finds the escape she needs as she discovers new friendships, and unexpected sparks with the grumpy, but charming, Ruskin.

But mischief is afoot on board the ship, with talk of items going missing and a secret club that’s got everyone talking… Will the cruise reignite Carmen’s writing muse or plunge her into the biggest plot twist of her life? Because, as she's about to find out, anything can happen at sea…

My Review:

The Cruise Club was a really fun read that takes place primarily on a cruise ship. Carmen is an author with writer's block. When she sees an ad for a cruise that will be featuring workshops by one of her favorite authors, Carmen books a trip. Her intent is also to spend some time apart from her domineering mother, Betty. Plans don't often work out for Carmen, and a motherless trip is no exception. Now, instead of a nice, relaxing vacation to help get her creative juices flowing, she still has to put up with her mother. Same domineering mother, just in a different environment. 

Carmen has been browbeaten by her mother her entire life. After her father died, Betty upped the ante. Now, instead of talking down to her in the privacy of their own home, Betty has it on full display. Betty verbally abuses Carmen, and Carmen just lies down and takes it. If I had a mother like Betty who treated not only me, but others out in public, the way she does, I'd forsake the inheritance and toss her right straight into a home without passing go or collecting $100. 

Fortunately, the Diamond Star cruise ship is filled with likable characters. They often find themselves coming to Carmen's rescue when Betty's antics are over-the-top. Theo is a wonderful man, who becomes a spectacular friend. Fran and Sid are such a sweet and loving couple. Melody and Dickie are part of the onboard entertainment who share animosity more than they share experiences of life on a cruise ship. 

I was pulled into this book by the description but was gladly hooked and kept engaged by the characters, setting, and various themes woven through the pages. This book is terrific at evoking strong emotional responses in the reader and I enjoyed every single minute. This is my first experience with Caroline James and it won't be my last.

I was provided with a copy of this book. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. The opinions I have expressed are my own

My Rating:

  

Purchase Link:

Amazon

Meet the Author:

Caroline James is the celebrated author of later-life fiction, including THE CRUISE, the #1 best-seller that has captivated readers and cruise ship passengers worldwide, earning its reputation as Girl Power for the Over-Sixties! Her eagerly anticipated follow-up novel, THE CRUISE CLUB, is set to make waves when it launches in 2025.

Caroline’s vibrant storytelling stems from her colourful career. Before becoming a full-time writer, she carved out a fascinating path in the hospitality industry, owning a charming country house hotel and a lively pub. As a media agent, she worked closely with celebrity chefs, giving her an insider’s perspective on the glitz, glamour, and grit of the culinary world. When she finally turned her focus to writing, she discovered her true calling, penning best-selling novels that have garnered her legions of fans.

When she’s not writing in Venus, her holiday home on wheels, Caroline enjoys tranquil walks with Fred, her lovable Westie, and swims in a local lake. As a member of the Romantic Novelists’ Association, the SoA, ARRA, and the Society of Women’s Writers & Journalists, Caroline is a passionate advocate for the written word and a champion of life-long creativity.

Social Media Links:

www.carolinejamesauthor.co.uk

X: @CarolineJames12

Bluesky: CarolineJamesAuthor

Facebook: Caroline James Author

Insta: Caroline James Author

TikTok: carolinejames494

This post contains affiliate links.

If you make a purchase using my links, I will receive a small commission from the sale at no cost to you.

Thank you for supporting Sapphyria’s Books.