This is the first book I have read by Carrie Elks and I really enjoyed it. I have since found out it is part of a series so I will definately be reading the rest of the series. I did enjoy this book as a standalone read.

Well written with a lovely festive feel, a fun Christmas story. I enjoyed the characters and empathised with them throughout the book. A romantic tale in a lovely snowy setting.

Such a heartwarming charming book! I can't wait to read more from Carrie Elks.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

Heartwarming story with a snow backdrop with relatable characters.

Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for the eARC

I enjoyed this book, it was a little different from other Christmas romances, I liked the way the story was leading. The main characters were great, even with the spiky bits.

All in all a good book to read when you need to escape from the madness of preparation for the season.

Thanks to Netgalley, Carrie Elks and Little Brown Books.

Thanks Netgalley, Publisher and the Author. This is a feel good festive romance book. This was a magical read.

Lovely and heartbreaking book with a big dose of Christmas romance.
Can be read as a standalone.

Loved this book, set in America where youngest sister Kitty Shakespear is looking to make it in the film industry. A chance comment at an interview leads to her getting a job as a nanny over christmas instead of an intern in the films as she hoped. She meets Adam in the snow and although they argue and disagree at first, soon they fall for each other, but can it be more than a christmas fling or will family secrets ruin their chances of a happy ever after?
Looking forward to more books in this series!

another wonderful story from the delightful Carrie Elks. I adore the easy writing style that pulls you along for the ride. the Shakespeare sisters books are a delicious read especially wrapped in a quilt n a cold winters day in your favourite reading nook. this is Kitty'S book and she is younger than Cesca but more open to life and is a totally different character. she starts looking for an internship and ends up nannying for the guy. He and his shallow wife pretty much leave her to look after the kid and organise his Christmas gifts. bring in the bosses sexy but hermit brother and you have a combination to make Christmas sizzle.

Really enjoyable, a romance involving another Shakespeare sister with quotes from the bard for every chapter. Hard to put down, a different setting involving Hollywood film makers. Brilliant.

Another sweet and sizzling story from Carrie Elks' Shakespeare Sisters series, set in Winter with stunning snowy scenery and cabin chic it has everything you'd want to curl up cosy with & escape for a few hours

Firstly, thank you to the publishers and Carrie Elks for my copy of The Winter’s Tale in exchange for my review. This book… This. Book. I thought Summer’s Lease was great, but this topped that.

Carrie Elks has the ability to transport you to wherever it is her book is set. For this one, a remote house in West Virginia. Surrounded by snow, and not much else. It felt like home, and most definitely somewhere that I would love to visit.

Kitty so far is definitely my favourite Shakespeare sister. I know that’s not difficult as we only know about 2 of them really so far, but still. She’s witty, sarcastic, and give as good as she gets. I think that Kitty is better for 2 reason. One, she didn’t start the book in a bad place like Cesca did. We knew she was down on her luck, but she didn’t let it affect her everyday life like Cesca did. Kitty just kept her head high and moved onto then next internship interview. And 2, I just preferred her as a character. She written wonderfully, and there was depth and improvement. Her backstory is obviously fairly similar to cesca’s but you can see how the death of their mum touched them differently.

Adam… Again, I can;t help compare to the first book. I thought Sam was a great character, until Adam come along. Grumpy, yes, beard, yes. Hot? Definitely. A well-built sexy character? Most Definitely. Carrie Elks knows how to write a man!! Adam is the character with the biggest development and I was glad we were along for the ride. From grumpy and irritable to happy, confident again and in love. He even proves he has a romantic side. I was very intrigued by his backstory and the secrecy of Colombia. I actually didn’t see where it was going or would have even guessed what happened.

The chemistry between Kitty and Adam was instant, you knew it was going to work. In fact, the chemistry with a majority of the characters was great. Especially Kitty, Adam and Jonas. Jonas was an adorable little boy and you could really tell that Kitty loved him. I did think that Everett and Mia were going to have bigger roles but I’m glad they didn’t. I didn’t really take to them.

The writing style was extremely easy to get into. I loved that there was a bit of a Beauty and The Beast thing going on, and it references it quite a bit towards the end of the book. I’m so excited for the third book, which sister will it be??

With a spectacular romance, great writing and wonderful character chemistry and development. With a steamy romance and that very special happy ending, I give this book a big, fat, whopping 5 out of 5.

I loved book 1 in this series, I really did.  This book though? It's better.  

What did I love the most?  Difficult to put my finger on it.  The character interactions were delightful and engaging; the pacing was perfect; the chemistry was tangible; the narrative ...oh.  Need I go on?

In short, this was an engaging, immersive romance novel.  I cant wait to read about the other sisters.

I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.

I read ‘Summer’s Lease’, the first book in the Shakespeare Sisters series in June and I devoured it. I truly loved that book! So when I heard that ‘A Winter’s Tale’, the second book in the Shakespeare Sisters series came out with a Christmas theme, my favorite holiday, I was beyond excited. And I was over the moon when I received an email with the question if I wanted to read this book. And when I received it, I started reading immediately.

In ‘A Winter’s Tale’ we meet Kitty Shakespeare. Kitty is the youngest of the Shakespeare sisters. Kitty has been living in L.A. for almost a year. It has been her dream as a film student to make it in the big city. But Kitty is struggling to get a new internship. Desperate Kitty accepts a job as nanny to major producer Everett Klein’s son, Jonas. This way Kitty hopes to impress the producer enough he considers her for internship. But when Kitty arrives in the cold and snow covered Blue Ridge Mountains she isn’t prepared for Everett Klein’s brother Adam. Adam is tall and handsome, but incredible rude to Kitty. But still, Kitty doesn’t seem to be able to forget him.

Well, I love books with a Christmas theme, and I loved the first book in this series so this book should be perfect for me. And it was. I loved every single page and I read it in a day. Kitty’s character is one I really loved. Kitty is a kind of shy, hardworking, beautiful, strong and a little naïve. And it was really fun to read about her. When Kitty met Adam she was completely in awe of him, even though he was really unkind. But being the good person she was, she tried to be kind to him and those first interactions between Kitty and Adam were really fun to read. I loved the way Kitty seemed to be in complete shock about someone like Adam liking her. I could honestly hear her say ‘You do?’ in my ear. Loved it!

Adam isn’t really a bad guy, but he has been through something terrible and after someone from his family betrayed him he doesn’t seem to be able to get past it. He leaves everything behind, and starts living in this cabin in the cold Blue Ridge Mountains. Adam is done with people and just wants to be left alone. But Kitty knocks him of his feet. And I loved being able to read this book from both his point of view and that of Kitty’s.

The romance and chemistry between Kitty and Adam was amazing and I loved reading every single page of ‘A Winter’s Tale’. The scenery the author described was gorgeous and I definitely got this wintery Christmas feel while reading this book. This book definitely is another great one and I can’t wait to read the next book in this amazing series.

*Book provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review*

A Winter’s Tale is book two in the Shakespeare Sisters series. This time we are following Kitty Shakespeare, who lives in LA and is a film student. She is struggling to find an internship and then jumps at the chance of being a nanny for the Klein family over Christmas.

Everett Klein is a major producer, so the job might take her to the right direction eventually. Everett has a brother called Adam. They don’t have a great relationship, but live close to each other. This way Kitty gets to meet Adam.

They are not off to a great start. He seems rude, moody and arrogant. However, sparks definitely fly and they grow closer and closer. Things are not easy though, especially with Adam’s family involved.

The story is full of ups and downs, which makes it really exciting of course. I adored the scenes and moments Kitty and Adam shared and sometimes Jonas was there too, so wonderful.

Carrie Elks has a very smooth and heart-warming writing style. You get sucked into the story immediately and never want to leave again. The storyline has several levels and in the end everything comes together, it’s so gripping.

We also get to read about the other Shakespeare sisters as well, so we get to catch up with Cesca and I’m really looking forward about the other two sisters now. Can’t wait for their books.

This book is full of romance, passion, love and excitement. Carrie Elks is one talented author.

4.5 Stars

I have to admit I was a little nervous going into A Winter’s Tale as its predecessor and opening book in The Shakespeare Sisters series saw me clash somewhat with the characters. But there’s no finer feeling than realising a couple of chapters in that you’re well on the way to being taken to your happy place.

”Welcome to Cutler’s Gap. Home of Dead Deer and Sexy Bearded Assholes.”

This book is the reason I love Carrie Elks’ writing: a couple to fall in love with, a magical romance, humour, a smattering of angst and those moments which leave a lump in your throat. I adored Kitty, empathising with her fears and loving her gentler nature, quiet determination and soft heart, but I’d be a liar if I said it wasn’t Adam that stole this book for me, because I have a particular affinity to brooding grumpy men.

“All the best fairy tales have bad guys, after all.”

Adam’s ongoing feud with his brother created just the right amount of tension and drama, but I loved how it never took the shine off the romance or the magical Christmas atmosphere, and as Kitty worked her way into his heart smoothing his harsher edges, the romantic in me sighed—they were wonderful together.

”I might be an asshole, but I’m not afraid to say when I’m wrong. And this time I’m definitely wrong.”

This series may have had a shakier start for me, but all that didn’t work in Cesca’s story was righted by Kitty’s and I’m looking forward to seeing how Lucy and Juliet’s happy ever afters play out in 2018.

Is it wrong that I want my first sentence of this review to include the words "wow that Adam is one of the sexiest main characters I've read for ages"?

I mean of all the many glowing things I want to stay about this book such was how the story grabbed me, and how much I enjoyed the characters and getting to know the youngest of the Shakespeare sisters, the first thing I have to comment on is the male lead.

Well lets continue in that vain then, he is living in a cabin by the lake of his parent's property, after a falling out with his brother led to him having to leave LA for a while. Due to the dual perspectives we see that Adam is in therapy and that there is more too him than his hermit like rugged good looks.

Within the first couple of meeting between Adam and Kitty there are plenty of sparks flying and that is before they even think about liking each other. For the first meeting Adam rescues Kitty, but thinks she is not suited to life in West Virginia.

Actually coming back to West Virginia, I believe this is the first book I have read that is set there, and I loved the remoteness of the Klein household. I am going to blame Carrie Elks for putting the song Country Roads into a loop in my head - as its the only reference I knew to West Virginia!

Kittie is a film student who is struggling to get an internship, but does end up being offered the job of nanny of the great Everett Klein's son Jonas. Jonas is a fabulous child but rarely gets much attention from his parents.

One of the funniest scenes involved Kittie, collecting all of Jonas' christmas presents from the airport and being given an surprise extra one to take home. Not only take back to the Klein's house, but also hide so its a surprise for Jonas. Just one small problem, this present has 4 legs, is prone to barking, and really dislikes travelling by car.

This is a book filled with laughter, good times, Christmas with a child, a rugged man that oozes sex appeal, some brotherly rivalry and just generally a great storyline. I was enjoying the book so much I genuinely had no idea what tube stop I was at...not sure what the person who was sitting next to me's excuse was though for also not knowing where we were!

Where was I?,,, ah yes hooked on a book on a tube, and thinking how wonderful I found A Winters's affair. This does read as a standalone but since these first two book are so great I would say make sure to read them all - and already looking forward to the third book and curious as to whether it is Juliet or Lucy's story next.

Thanks so much to Piatkus and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.

Another fab tale about the Shakespeare sisters - this time about the youngest, Kitty.

Love the quotes at the start of each chapter, along with the fabulous characters including the brooding Adam, the gorgeous young Jonas and the warmth of housekeeper Annie.

There’s also something very alluring about the vulnerability of Kitty.

4*, a warm and cosy read.

Kitty is studying film and production and has excellent results but she now needs an internship and so has moved to LA to try and get in with the big boys........ but she is rubbish at interviews and so is getting nowhere. When interviewed by Everitt Klein she gives her usual bad performance but he offers her a job as nanny to his son Jonas and she accepts thinking it might be a back door way in.

Adam is Everitt's brother but they have had a big falling out and are not speaking, which makes life awkward when they are both spending Christmas with their parents.... although Adam keeps out of the way in a cabin!
When he meets Kitty though the sparks definitely fly even though he is gruff to the point of rudeness..... the last thing he needs is a relationship with anyone isn't it?

A lovely book with great characters and good storyline, I like the way your opinions of characters change as the book goes on and you find out their histories

A great second book to the series! a real festive romance.. throughly enjoyed it

A Winters Tale is the second book in the Shakespeare sisters series and just as enjoyable as the first.
Kitty has moved to L.A. To fulfil her dream of working in production in the movie business, she is due to finish at College and is looking for a position as an intern, unfortunately she is terrible at interviews becoming tongue tied and nervous , at an interview with Klein productions they note she has previously been a nanny, the interview does not go well, but she is contacted the next morning and asked to act as nanny to Everett Kleins son, she takes the position hoping it will lead to better things.
She meets up with Adam, Everetts brother who is holed up in a cabin away from the family, he has serious issues after filming and interviewing in a war torn country.
Sparks fly when they meet, Kitty finding Adam rude and gruff, but gradually they become friends and lovers, the road is not easy and there are obstacles to be overcome.
A good enjoyable read.
My thanks to net galley and publisher for opportunity to review this book honestly.

A Winter's Tale, (Shakespeare Sisters), Carrie Elks

Review from Jeannie Zelos book reviews

Genre:  General fiction

I love Carrie Elks writing, started with the wonderful Fix You, followed by Love in London and its sequel, and then the first book of the Shakespeare sisters - all were perfect reads for me.
I love the UK links, though the Shakespeare sisters one isn't featured heavily in UK, but its still referenced. Sometimes I think authors forget there are countries outside the US ;-) 

Kitty struggles so hard, a perfect student, first class work but she needs an internship and interviews fluster her to the point she fails, always, despite her excellent record academically. By a roundabout route she ends up nannying over the xmas break for a top producer, hoping that this may give her a chance somehow to get the fabled intern position. 


The family are staying with Everett's parents over Xmas, with his brother Adam staying in a cabin close by. He and Everett had a major falling out the previous year and its something everyone is very tight lipped about, with Adam still doing his best to avoid Everett. Difficult though when they're so close, staying with the parents. 
Kitty and Adam don't get on well at first, nor at second meeting, but when he looks at why he's so antagonistic to her he can see the fault was all his. He tries to be friends with her as he wants to make amends, well that's what he's kidding himself, really he just finds it hard to stay away. Of course friendship isn't going to work, not when he's so attracted to Kitty and she to him....

Adam is gorgeous, and I understood why he and Everett fell out when the secret was revealed, and he and Kitty were perfect together. 
Everett - I thought he was a jerk, but there's things about him I didn't know, and I ended up by - well - not exactly liking him but understanding him a bit more.His wife Mia was a typical self absorbed Hollywood type. 
Jonas, Kitty's 7 year old charge is wonderful, he's such a friendly kid, so open and loving. considering how neglectful and selfish his parents appear that's pretty much a miracle.
Annie the housekeeper was lovely, I felt sad though that she was so alone, she deserves her own story Carrie ;-) 

Of course just when all's going well its not....you know, how at the peak of being happy disaster strikes and poor Kitty, poor Adam. I was so heartbroken for them.
As always though Carrie pulls the rabbit out of the hat, changes the way I feel about some people, turns what I thought was the story completely on his head to give a different meaning to it and everything works out well. I love a HEA. 

Terrific read – and don't forget about poor annie Carrie, languishing away there all on her own. She deserves a love life too.

Stars: five, classic Carrie read, humour, pathos, angst, drama, happiness, more humour - the subtle British kind that I loved, not the force fed type found in too many novels, and of course, a fabulous story

ARC supplied for review purposes by Netgalley and Publishers