Covent Garden in the Snow

I've been a big fan of this author since her 'With Love' series. I was over the moon earlier in the year when I heard there was a new book coming out, as it has felt so long since the last. I was even more delighted when I saw it was another Christmas book - 'From Paris with Love....' currently stood at being my favourite! BUT this one has knocked it off that Number 1 position - Covent Garden in the Snow is Jules Wake's BEST book to date!!

Tilly works at the London Metropolitan Opera Company in the make-up department. She loves every part of her job apart from anything that involves using the computer. When an email she sends (to her boyfriend Felix) ends up going out to the whole of the opera company, and she downloads a virus, she ends up in a whole heap of bother! Luckily, new IT Director Marcus has just started and Tilly is forced to work alongside him to ensure this doesn't happen again.

Oh the wonderful Tilly, I knew she was my kind of girl as soon as she unplugged that computer in the hope of making everything work again. Just like her I am completely useless with all forms of technology and when something fails, I reach straight for that plug socket too! Not only was she so relatable, she is also the most witty character I've come across in a long while! I was in fits of giggles (out loud may I add) on so many occasions. From all the authors characters in previous books, she is without doubt my favourite female! Like, lets just have another book from Tilly...

This book also offers an interesting insight into the behind the scenes and backstage goings on of the theatre world. I really enjoy going to see musicals and things at the theatre myself and, you don't really give a great deal of thought to how much work goes in to make a show work and everything look so spot on. I feel a great deal of research went into this book, in fact you can tell a great deal did! It was really interesting to hear about little things, such as how the wigs are made, and how a costume change is so accurately and precisely done in a matter of seconds, how backstage crews always wears black... I definitely learnt something new from reading.

I particularly enjoyed the little email conversations going on in the story, I put two and two together early on but by no means did it take any enjoyment from the story - in fact I think I enjoyed it more being a step ahead of Tilly and knowing what was coming. I liked how internet safety was brought into it, like Tilly I think you forget and sometimes just don't realise what you're putting out there.

The chemistry between characters is one of the reasons I thoroughly enjoy this authors work and, wow, Tilly and Marcus absolutely had it! I loved their banter and snarky comments with each other - they constantly had me smiling. If you can find me my own Marcus, then I'll happily indulge in learning IT! Along with Tilly being my favourite female character, Marcus is definitely my favourite male from all the books, too.

Whilst this states it's a Christmas book, it's more focused around the holiday period than sticking Christmas in your face. There's a scene describing Covent Garden at Christmas which sounds magical with all the lights (living in Yorkshire I've never experienced it, but maybe one day) There's lots of snow, and a wonderful little scene with some snowman building and snow ball fights. There are also little relationship stories with Tilly's sister and Mum added in, which are lovely heart felt moments making it a wonderfully cosy read for the winter months.

I think I may of gushed a little with this review but, it absolutely deserves it. With the authors easy flowing writing, this book ooozes wittiness, warmth and flirty moments. Buy this book, put up a do not disturb sign and enjoy indulging in every page - you won't be disappointed!

Oh I absolutely loved Tilly! What a fun festive book, and a beautiful cover

I started this book not knowing what to expect,I had never read any previous books by the author and being honest it was not my usual genre choice......it quickly became a very pleasant surprise,,the story is playful yet intriguing and draws you in,it takes a special kind of author to bring alive a Opera House ( where most of the story is set ) and by the end of the book feel you have learnt about something you had previously no knowledge of,its quirky,exciting and fun....the charcters are immediately likeable and in some cases the opposite!! and I felt an affinity with the main character that I hadnt expected,its Christmassy and warm and cute and cuddly and yet still has ‘major cliff hanger’ moments,,I thoroughly enjoyed the book amd will be looking at other books by the author,if your lookimg for a book leading up to or including Christmas then this book is for you,loved it and was genuinely sorry when I finished it