Starlight Over Bluebell Castle (Bluebell Castle, Book 3)

Jessica is a wonderful character – she’s hard working, competent and caring. And when her marriage finally kicks up it’s toes, she and her soon to be ex-husband are trying to manage the best way they know how. She’s got to up and move to her parent’s house with her two young boys – nothing she relishes, and her leaving ‘do’ for work brings an unexpected offer. Tristan Ludworth is back in town to meet with the bosses, giving them his final notice as he’s hoping to move into a more ‘event management’ role at the family house. The youngest of triplets, were it not for the laws about females inheriting, his sister Isobel would be in charge, but his elder (by minutes) brother and his new wife are doing all they can to make things work. Tristan’s latest idea, a true “family feel” upscale Christmas celebration is a fine idea, but the bosses have clearly explained to him that he needs a partner who can ‘see details’ as it’s not his forte. Enter Jessica and a rather (at first) offhanded offer to work in the new venture. While surprised, the stress from her mother (and former mother-in-law) regarding her impending divorce and her “next steps’ has her rather impulsively taking the option and will a carload of possessions, two young boys and a trunkful of apprehension, they head to Bluebell Castle. Almost instantly the magic of the castle starts working on Jessica and the boys: the family is welcoming, the staff can’t get enough of the children, and the house is wonderful. Not to mention that working with Tristan, and having a ‘new view’ of the castle and what they can offer guests instantly has everyone on board. With a cast of characters that we have come to know over the first two stories, and the ability to show us the countryside and the magic of the castle for the first time through Jessica’s eyes, the story is atmospheric and delightful, with plenty of laughs, a heaving hoarde of dogs, the ever-present quirks about names and the family Arthurian obsessions, and plenty of moments for Jessica to start her new life as her confidence grows and she finds her center – the story is easy to read and get lost in. With Christmas and New Year’s being the highlight of one of the plot points, and the main reason Jessica is there – the return of Isobel, the involvement of the community, and the wonderful imagery created by the stars, winter wonderland walk and the Christmas Faire, the story is one that will make you want to seek out your own Bluebell castle, leaving you with plenty of spirit and hope for the new year. I received an eArc copy of the title from the publisher via NetGalley for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.