The Arctic Cruise – Caroline James | Book Review | #TheArcticCruise  @CarolineJames12 @AvonBooksUK @rararesources #BookSky💙📚

Pack your bags for the adventure of a lifetime…

From the #1 bestselling author of The Cruise, embark on an unforgettable journey and sail through Norway’s winter wonderlands to see the spectacular Northern Lights.

Will the Arctic wonderland work its magic this winter?
Joy never imagined stepping aboard a cruise ship without her husband, Tom. Now widowed, Joy wonders what her voyage on the Emerald Dream will hold – and as it glides through breathtaking Norwegian fjords, she longs to believe in happiness again. However, she carries a secret that could unravel her fragile hopes if it ever came to light…

Elsewhere on deck, as the sun dips below the horizon and the polar night sets in, Henry, a lifelong bachelor, is living his dream of seeing the Northern Lights. Having long since given up on love, he now dedicates himself to his passion for photography. But when he meets Joy, is it more than the aurora borealis that catches his eye?

As they embark on a snow-dusted adventure which takes them from bustling ports to reindeer-drawn sleigh rides, will Joy and Henry find the courage to embrace love again? Or will hidden truths sink the possibility of a new beginning?

MY THOUGHTS

Publisher: Avon – 15 January 2026
Format: Ebook | Audiobook | Paperback

My thanks to Rachel’s Random Resources for the tour invite and to the publisher for the Netgalley widget. I’m new to Caroline’s books but after reading and thoroughly enjoying The Cruise Club last year, there was no hesitation in accepting this invite.

I’ve cruised a few times to Norway (with another Norway cruise booked for this year) although I’ve never been lucky enough to see the Northern Lights, a phenomenon that retired bachelor Henry is hoping to see.

Although the book description only refers to Joy and Henry, they are not the only ones involved in the story and the cast of characters sailing on The Emerald Dream are as interesting (and annoying) as they are diverse. Widow Joy has mixed feelings about being on the cruise but has been persuaded to go by her rather bossy daughter. Clearly there is something about her past that she is keeping quiet about which prevents her from being fully open with new friends. Henry is sailing for both him and his octogenarian potty mouthed neighbour who is now unable to travel. Jim and ex nurse Leticia are a lovely couple and have their own story which will pull at the heartstrings and then there is Kenneth and Barbara – the least said about them the better, although they did provide some amusement with their social climbing antics and Kenneth’s toupee which had a life of its own!

I love stories featuring older characters and it was so easy to get drawn into this one. Ultimately its uplifting but peppered with poignant emotional moments as well as some great humour. The cruise ship aspect was authentic too with certain members of the crew being a part of the story. Set against some stunning locations our characters share adventures, friendship and possibly some romance too. I loved it and will definitely be sailing on the next Caroline James cruise.

Caroline James is the celebrated author of later-life fiction, including THE CRUISE, the #1 best-seller that has captivated cruise ship passengers worldwide, and her eagerly anticipated follow-up novel, THE CRUISE CLUB, and now: THE ARCTIC CRUISE.

Caroline’s vibrant storytelling stems from her colourful career. Before becoming a full-time writer, she carved out a fascinating path in the hospitality industry, owning a charming country house hotel and a lively pub. As a media agent, she worked closely with celebrity chefs, giving her an insider’s perspective on the glitz, glamour, and grit of the culinary world. When she finally turned her focus to writing, she discovered her true calling, penning best-selling novels that have garnered her legions of fans.

When she’s not writing in her cosy writing retreat, Caroline enjoys tranquil walks with Fred, her Westie, and refreshing swims in a local lake. As a member of the Romantic Novelists’ Association, the SoA, ARRA, and the Society of Women’s Writers & Journalists, Caroline is a champion of lifelong creativity

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Book Purchase Link https://geni.us/TACK1