Believe In Fairy Tales

Starlight Over Bluebell Castle by Sarah Bennett is the most delightful contemporary tale of castles and romance. The reader sinks into the novel and is cocooned within the story. Bluebell Castle is a place where you can begin to believe in fairy tales.

The book is a perfect read on a grey, gloomy autumnal day as its atmosphere will brighten up the reader’s heart. Set in the Derbyshire Dales in the run up to Christmas, the reader eagerly anticipates the snow and the excitement to come.

Christmas is a time for dreams to come true. Planning the perfect Christmas ignites the reader’s heart with warmth.

There is a wonderful, welcoming feel to the whole novel. They “had a knack of absorbing people into their family.” Even the reader feels included.

Life is not always easy. There are the themes of loss and broken marriages but there are also restoration and new beginnings.

Sarah Bennett has once again created some wonderful characters. It was so easy to empathise with Jess, a busy mum of two delightful but active small boys. Jess was realistically drawn – not perfect with her hang ups over body image but so easy to relate to. What woman doesn’t look in the mirror and criticise herself?

I adored Starlight Over Bluebell Castle. It had all the elements to make it a wonderful read to light up a grey day. It is just perfect.

I received this book for free. A favourable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.

JULIA WILSON