Anita Hughes

Christmas At The Chalet by Anita Hughes

Mary Anita Hughes, Christmas, St. Martin's Griffin

Christmas At The Chalet by Anita Hughes

October 2018 – St. Martin’s Griffin

Review Book courtesy of the publisher

Description:

It’s the day after Christmas, and Felicity Grant is at a gorgeous ski chalet in St. Moritz for the biggest fashion show of her career. Felicity is a rising star on the bridal design scene, and this is her best collection yet. But when her boyfriend gives her a spa day instead of a diamond ring for Christmas, she has to face the possibility that she may never walk down the aisle in one of her own stunning designs.

And then there’s Nell, the top model headlining Felicity’s show. Nell is planning her dream wedding to her wonderful fiancé with one catch: her divorced parents can’t stand each other and threaten to no-show if the other is there.

Add to that Felicity’s race against the clock to create a special gown for a prestigious bridal salon, and what both girls need is a Christmas miracle. What better place to find one than in the Swiss Alps with its dark forests and sparkling vistas?

But for Felicity it’s hard to recognize a miracle even when it’s right in front of her, and for Nell one miracle might not be enough to fix the past. Can dreams really come true or is that the stuff of Swiss fairytales? (publisher)

My take: Christmas at the Chalet is the story of two young women who face personal and emotional challenges while trying to enjoy working in beautiful St. Moritz.

Felicity is a rising star in the world of wedding dress design. She and her business partner are hoping a show of her designs in this world-class city will spotlight her talent on an international level. This Christmas would be perfect if only her longtime boyfriend would agree to become engaged.

Nell, one of the models in the fashion show, is engaged and planning a wedding. Now if only her divorced parents would set their selfish differences aside and agree to be part of her happy day.

I loved reading about the St. Moritz setting mostly because I’m pretty sure I’ll never get there in person. I always appreciate how Anita Hughes makes setting a major part of her novels. The story itself is fairly light but sometimes that’s exactly the right thing to escape into, especially during the busy holiday season.  I’d recommend Christmas at the Chalet to fans of the author and Christmasy romances with a bit of drama.

 

Spotlight: Christmas at the Chalet by Anita Hughes

Mary Anita Hughes, Spotlight, St. Martin's Griffin

CHRISTMAS AT THE CHALET by Anita Hughes

St. Martin’s Griffin; October 16, 2018

Description (provided by the publisher)

It’s the day after Christmas, and Felicity Grant is at a gorgeous ski chalet in St. Moritz for the biggest fashion show of her career. Felicity is a rising star on the bridal design scene, and this is her best collection yet. But when her boyfriend gives her a spa day instead of a diamond ring for Christmas, she has to face the possibility that she may never walk down the aisle in one of her own stunning designs.

And then there’s Nell, the top model headlining Felicity’s show. Nell is planning her dream wedding to her wonderful fiancé with one catch: her divorced parents can’t stand each other and threaten to no-show if the other is there.

Add to that Felicity’s race against the clock to create a special gown for a prestigious bridal salon, and what both girls need is a Christmas miracle. What better place to find one than in the Swiss Alps with its dark forests and sparkling vistas?

But for Felicity it’s hard to recognize a miracle even when it’s right in front of her, and for Nell one miracle might not be enough to fix the past. Can dreams really come true or is that the stuff of Swiss fairytales?

About the author:

ANITA HUGHES is the author of Monarch Beach, Market Street, Lake Como, French Coast, Rome in Love, Island in the Sea, Santorini Sunsets, Christmas in Paris, White Sand, Blue Sea, Emerald Coast, and Christmas in London. She attended UC Berkeley’s Masters in Creative Writing Program, and lives in Dana Point, California, where she is at work on her next novel.

Early praise for CHRISTMAS AT THE CHALET:

“A breathtaking glimpse into the glittering and magical world of St. Moritz. Part romance, part Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous, Hughes gives her readers a beautiful story about the meaning of true love, peopled with charming and endearing characters. This is a refreshing novel destined to create cravings for hot chocolate in front of a blazing fire and make us all believe in Christmas miracles.” —Karen White, New York Times bestselling author

 

“Christmas at the Chalet is the most sparkling and glamorous of all Anita Hughes’s wise and gorgeous books.” —Nancy Thayer, New York Times bestselling author

 

“The glam of St. Moritz is the stage for this modern fairy tale… Anita Hughes’s Christmas at the Chalet sparkles with Christmas miracles.” —Mariah Stewart, New York Times bestselling author 

 

“In gorgeous detail, Anita Hughes paints a vivid picture of blossoming love amid the backdrop of snow-capped mountains and frozen lakes in the opulent setting of St. Moritz. This enchanting love story will leave you pining for the winter holidays. I loved every page.” —Tracey Garvis Graves, New York Times bestselling author of The Girl He Used to Know

 

“Hughes again crafts a highly readable story of love, hope, and going after your dreams… The detailed setting and winter love story centered on the holidays make it an easy recommendation for romance and women’s fiction fans.” —Booklist

 

“A refreshing setting and characters combine with Felicity’s offbeat occupation to create a sweet story of meaningful relationships.” —Library Journal

 

California Summer by Anita Hughes

Mary Anita Hughes, Contemporary Romance, St. Martin's Griffin

California Summer by Anita Hughes

St. Martin’s Griffin; June 19, 2018

Review copy courtesy of St. Martin’s Griffin

Description:  Ben and Rosie are Hollywood’s newest director/producer dream team. After hitting it big at Sundance, it seems that their ten years of love and hard work are finally paying off. Rosie is happy making independent films, but Ben wants the A-List celebrity package: a house in Beverly Hills, fancy cars in the driveway, and his name on the biggest blockbusters. He’s willing to do anything, even sleep with the most famous producer in town, to get them.

Rosie is devastated by Ben’s affair, and she decides to take a break from show business. She accepts her best friend’s invitation to spend the summer at her parents’ estate in Montecito. It’s far away from L.A., the perfect place to start over.

In Montecito, Rosie meets a colorful cast of characters including Rachel, who owns a chocolate shop, and Josh, a handsome local who splits his time between surfing and classic cars. Suddenly Rosie has new friends and a new purpose. She starts a business in the village, and her luck seems to be turning around. But Rosie knows all too well that success comes with a price, and the price might be losing love…again. (publisher)

My take:  If you enjoy a sexy, contemporary romance with a beautiful setting you’ll want to read California Summer. Anita Hughes’ new novel is filled with gorgeous people who live interesting lives that are all in various states of emotional upheaval. Rosie begins to find her passion in life after living in the shadow of another person’s dream for years. She also starts to listen to her inner voice and a select few others who have wisdom to pass on to her. Filled with various characters, some more sympathetic than others (who are downright easy to loathe), the story is a nighttime soap lover’s catnip. Toss this one into the beach bag this summer. You’ll be glad you did!

About the author:
ANITA HUGHES is the author of Monarch Beach, Market Street, Lake Como, French Coast, Rome in Love, Island in the Sea, Santorini Sunsets, Christmas in Paris, White Sand, Blue Sea, Emerald Coast, and Christmas in London. She attended UC Berkeley’s Masters in Creative Writing Program, and lives in Dana Point, California, where she is at work on her next novel. For more information about Anita and her books, visit anitahughesbooks.com

Praise for Anita Hughes:
“Hughes crafts another fast-paced beach read for those who crave new beginnings that lead to happy endings.” –Booklist

“Anita Hughes is a master at sweeping the reader away to an exotic location! In CALIFORNIA SUMMER, Hughes takes us behind the gates to the manicured lawns, exquisite gardens, and mansions of Hollywood royalty to experience a second chance at a career and love. The perfect beach read!” –Mary Alice Monroe, New York Times bestselling author of Beach House Reunion

“A tender and triumphant look at what happens when life falls apart and you are left to rediscover the world through an entirely different lens than the one you imagined: new friends, new passions, new roads. Anita Hughes crafts a winning heroine you absolutely root for, and CALIFORNIA SUMMER made my heart sing.” –Allison Winn Scotch, New York Times bestselling author

“Hughes’ uplifting tour of past love and future endeavors, set in a dreamy getaway of excitement and self-discovery, makes for an ideal, quick beach read.” –Booklist on Emerald Coast

“How OOC could a family drama that’s set in sandy St. Barts get? Very.” –Cosmopolitan on White Sand, Blue Sea

 

Christmas in Paris by Anita Hughes

Mary Anita Hughes, Christmas, Contemporary Romance, St. Martin's Griffin
  • christmas-in-parisTitle:  Christmas in Paris
  • Author:  Anita Hughes
  • Pages:  288
  • Genre:  Romance; Christmas
  • Published:  October 2016 – St. Martin’s Griffin
  • Source:  Publisher

My take: Christmas in Paris is the story of two people, Isabel and Alec, whose weddings to other people were recently called off. They end up in neighboring suites at the Paris hotel where their respective honeymoons had been scheduled and meet in a humorous scene on their balconies.

Each is nursing a broken heart but they can console each other by seeing the sites of Paris together. The city is a major part of the novel from the famous tourist stops to cafes to high-end boutiques.

After having her palm read at a holiday bazaar, Isabel is convinced she will meet a French aristocrat and become engaged soon after. Alec is certain he’ll never allow himself to fall in love again but he’s willing to help Isabel enjoy her time in Paris. Little by little he discovers he could love again and it might be sooner than he thought possible.

This novel seemed like a fairy tale. There were beautiful ball gowns and fabulous events and places. And not everyone was the way they appeared. In reality, I couldn’t believe someone as smart and sophisticated as Isabel would go all in on a palm reading! I needed to suspend belief in order to enjoy the story. That was key because once I did that the pages almost turned themselves. In the end, the two will learn a lesson about honesty and love they both knew all along.

Christmas in Paris is a fluffy snow-dusting of a novel. If things like Paris, fashion, food, upscale lifestyles and Romance are your catnip you’ll love this book. I liked it and think fans of Anita Hughes and light, romantic novels will as well.

About the Author:

anita-hughes_credit-sheri-geoffreys-newANITA HUGHES is the author of Monarch Beach, Market Street, Lake Como, French Coast, Rome in Love, Island in the Sea, and Santorini Sunsets. She attended UC Berkeley’s Masters in Creative Writing Program, and lives in Dana Point, California, where she is at work on her next novel. For more information visit anitahughesbooks.com.

 

Praise:

“Christmas. Paris. Star-crossed lovers. Yup, it’s the perfect holiday read!” —Debbie Macomber, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Dashing Through the Snow

“Gorgeously festive and evocative, this is a compelling story filled with characters you truly care about. I adored it.” —Melissa Hill, USA Today bestselling author of The Charm Bracelet

Purchase links:

Spotlight/US Giveaway: Santorini Sunsets by Anita Hughes

Mary Anita Hughes, Giveaway, St. Martin's Griffin, Women's Fiction

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About the book:

Brigit Palmer is thrilled to be on the Greek Island of Santorini. She’s here for her wedding to Hollywood heart-throb Blake Crawford, one of America’s most eligible bachelors. Brigit’s parents have rented a villa, and soon guests will arrive from all over the world for the intimate ceremony.

Brigit is a New York socialite, and she’s just given up her position at a Manhattan law firm to run her father’s philanthropic foundation. Things are finally falling into place. Love, career, family. Everything is going so well…until she steps into the garden and sees her ex-husband Nathaniel hiding in the rose bushes.

Nathaniel, a failed novelist, announces that Blake sold the rights to the wedding to HELLO! Magazine for two million dollars (donated to charity), and he is the reporter assigned to write the story. Everyone expects Brigit to have her happily ever after, including her mother who taught her how to lead the perfect lifestyle, her younger sister Daisy who impatiently wishes for her own love story, and of course, her fiancé. Things are supposed to work out for them. But when Brigit discovers an unsettling secret about Blake, she questions everything she’s ever believed about love, and wonders if she’s better off alone.

Told in Anita Hughes’ spectacularly descriptive prose, SANTORINI SUNSETS is a story about family bonds, first loves, and the question of when to let go and when to hang on as tight as you can.

Anita Hughes_Credit Sheri Geoffreys (NEW)ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

ANITA HUGHES is also the author of Island in the Sea, Rome in Love, French Coast, Lake Como, Monarch Beach and Market Street. She attended UC Berkeley’s Masters in Creative Writing Program. Hughes lives in Dana Point, California, where she is at work on her next novel.

Photo credit: Sheri Geoffreys

 

PRAISE FOR ANITA HUGHES:

“With her magnificent descriptions of Majorca’s beauty and mouth-watering morsels, Anita Hughes takes you on a romantic journey that will leave you breathless. Island in the Sea: A Majorca Love Story is a decadent delight that must be savored!” —Liz Fenton & Lisa Steinke, authors of The Status Of All Things

“What a delicious book. Anita Hughes’ writing is so rich in detail that you can practically taste the almond cake and smell the sea as you turn the pages. An absorbing read and an utterly delightful escape.” —Cristina Alger, author of This Was Not The Plan and The Darlings

 

“The lush, colorful Majorcan setting is every bit as important as the plot in Hughes’ sensuous romance. Readers will be seduced by the food, sun, residents, and magic of Majorca along with plucky Juliet as they enjoy her romantic adventure.” —Booklist

US Giveaway

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Giveaway ends: August 24th