When your love for drama series bring you to romance in your life

Synopsis

It’s the right time for love, but is it the wrong place?

After the tragic, premature death of her husband Anthony, Martha has spent all her time focused on her teenage daughter Rosie in their small Welsh village.

But with Rosie leaving the nest, and Martha’s own job on the line, it feels that life is passing her by.

Inspired by her love for Scandi-noir dramas, Martha impulsively books a trip to Denmark, determined to push herself out of her comfort zone – even if the thought terrifies her…

Her trip to the tiny island of Fano becomes something much more: in the form of handsome stranger, Lars. Can Martha find love under the Scandinavian skies… but more importantly, can she find herself?

A romantic, warm and uplifting read, guaranteed to leave you smiling. Fans of Jenny Colgan and Kathryn Freeman will adore this feelgood read!

My review

Martha has lost her husband too soon and too unexpected. That made her put all her focus on daughter Rosie. But on top of that, her husband’s death also made sure that Martha doesn’t leave the house if not strictly required. But now that Rosie is not only moving out, but also going to do some volunteering on the other side of the world, and Martha’s job is on the line, Martha realizes that she is not living her life at the fullest.
And after not winning the competition of her favourite Scandinavian drama show, on an impulse, Martha decides to take a trip to Denmark and have a real adventure on her own.
An adventure that not only will make her discover the beauty of Denmark, but also take her on a more romantic adventure with local baker Lars and more important, an adventure of self – discovery.  

I have never been to Denmark myself, but it has always been on my bucket list. And after reading this story, it’s even higher on that list! 

Initially, I pitied Martha. I felt that she was a sad character, and like her friends and colleagues said themselves, she has become a little bit of a martyr.
Her world is really small, as it only involves her daughter and her job at the library. She obviously has friends at the library, but it’s clear that she is not the kind of person that can easily chat to random strangers about the weather. 

However, even if she is a sad character, involuntarily, she is also a funny character. The way she is so invested with her Scandinavian drama series, and even swoon over the ‘murderer’ in it, and even has a smooch with the television, put a smile on my face and the latter made me truly laugh out loud.
She is a loving mother, maybe a little bit too overprotective, but let’s be honest, Rosie isn’t the easiest person either, with her over dramatics and switching moods all the time. 

I felt proud of her when she *finally* decides to go visit Denmark, even after she was certain she would win the contest. And her antics while preparing, or on the flight itself, or after arriving were just so much fun to read about. 

But once in Denmark, we see a whole different Martha, still weird in some moments, yet we see her opening up, truly flourishing. And that was a lovely change to read about.
While reading, I wished I could stay at the lovely cottage with her, surrounded by bunnies and actual deer, although I would be terrified by hearing those sounds in the closet! (there is a logical explanation here, so no worries, this story will not turn into a crime story! 😊)

And when she meets Lars, well that was just the cherry on top of the cake!
I could understand her wariness with Lars, but I was also happy that she allowed herself to just go with the flow, and we’ll see what the future brings. 

I liked how she started out her own blog, to overcome her own grief and trying to help those in her same position.
Although I have to say, I thought that at some points she got a little above herself, thinking that her blog and her meetings would be a great success.
But not only the opposite happened, also she discovered a truth she never saw coming about what happened in the past. And while I enjoyed every bit of reading this book, I felt that the author somehow discarded this event rather quickly. While I understood that this thing was not the main event, I think I would have liked some better closure of it. Now I feel like some unfinished business. 

Nevertheless, I truly enjoyed partaking in this adventure together with Martha. Doing something unexpected can turn out the best thing you did. Because Martha did not only love again, which is very important in life. But even more important, she found her real self again, and turned from a frightened woman into a woman who dares to be adventurous and make changes in her life to find her happiness!

Of all the people to fall in love with…

Synopsis

To find love, they need to dig deep.

When kind-hearted archaeologist Rhona Lamond has her precious research stolen, she returns home to the Isle of Mull, lost and frustrated. An island project that tugs at Rhona’s soul comes up, and she’s desperate to take it on. But there’s a major problem.

Property developer Calum Matheson has a longstanding feud with the Lamond family. After a plot of land he owns is discovered to be a site of historical importance, his plans are thrown into disarray and building work put on hold. Calum doesn’t think things can get any worse, until archaeologist Rhona turns up. Not only is she a Lamond, but she’s all grown up, and even stubbornly unromantic Calum can’t fail to notice her – or the effect she has on him.

Their attraction ignites but how can they overcome years of hate between their families? Both must decide what’s more important, family or love.

My review

Archaeologist Rhona Lamond is not the kind of person to bloat about her research. However, on her latest dig she discovers that not everyone is like her, and some people aren’t even ashamed of even steal her research work.
With no other prospects in view, she return frustrated and disillusioned back home, to the Isle of Mull. When she learns about an island project that is just er cup of tea, she wants to take the job. There is only one ‘minor’ problem… The land that could be a site of historical importance is owned by Calum Matheson. And let him be the person that the Lamond family has a longstanding feud with…
But Rhona feels the pull of the site and Calum needs an expert to investigate his land further. Rhona and Calum couldn’t be more different, yet their attraction starts to grow. But is that enough to make years of hate disappear and will their families be ready to bury the hatchet or is their love doomed before it even started? 

Archaeology is not my cup of tea. I wouldn’t have the patience to dig a piece of land, hoping to find just *something*. I think I would be very disappointed when my hours of work appear to be for ‘nothing’ as no discovery would be made.
But I understand the importance of this job, so I admire those people who have a real passion for it. 

This story had a very big ‘Romeo & Juliet’ vibe. The Lamond and Matheson families have a feud with each other that is lasting for years. What has happened years ago isn’t revealed immediately, but we know it involved Calum and Rhona’s brother Arran. And whatever happened, that left a mark on both families, as the Lamonds aren’t afraid of badmouthing the Mathesons, and the Mathesons have to live with being stared after, even if there is no cause to it. 

The vibe I felt, is because of Rhona and Calum, obviously. Because with feuding families, there will be members that will do the unthinkable and fall in love with their rivals… 

There is a lot of myself I recognized in Rhona. She is a kind person, and her family, even if they don’t understand all her choices, is very important to her. She would do anything for them, even if her sisters drive her crazy.
She is also the person that, to avoid a big row, would let some injustice pass. Even if she did the discovery at the beginning of the book, she sees it as a team effort, and doesn’t mind if the spotlight is not on her.
But that also means that people who have no scruples, will take advantage of Rhona’s goodness.
So when Rhona does the unthinkable, working for Calum, I was cheering for her, because she finally did what she wanted to do. 

Of course the first times Rhona and Calum are together on the site, things are strained and awkward. Calum’s behaviour doesn’t help in the process. Not that he is rude or something like that, but he is just very wary and is a closed character.
I had so much fun seeing Rhona and Calum together, from how Calum didn’t want to get his clothes dirty, or how things are being said, unintentional of course, with a double meaning.
But I also loved how they started to get closer, understand each other better and even fell in love with each other. And how even having an old crush is being revealed put a smile on my face.  

But falling in love was, for as I see it, the easiest part. Because the both main characters know that their both families will be against them being together, especially as we see how awful the Lamonds react when they discover that Rhona went on a boat trip with Calum… And their behaviour towards the Mathesons in general was not something I could 100% agree with. I saw where they were coming from, but their behaviour was just so over the top, seeing also how they somehow keep sabotaging everything the Mathesons do… 

I immediately liked Calum’s parents, because despite the Lamonds’ efforts, his parents are just ‘chill’ people. They also feel angry towards the Lamonds, but they are okay with just ignoring them. 

If this were just a romance story, I would have liked the story anyway. But it is the growth of both main characters that made me love the story. We see Rhona maturing a lot in this book. Initially she let a little bit people walk over her. But slowly she realizes that she has to fight for her own happiness and have the recognition she deserves. Why should anyone be allowed to steal her work and get away with it?
We also see how she sees that there is more to what happened between Calum and Arran. And she wants to know the truth.
She also stands up to her family, and that made me proud of her, as it was long due. 

Also Calum makes a huge evolution in the book. We know he is a gentle person, but his past has scarred him so much, that he is afraid to lose control. But, thanks to Rhona and his best friend Will, he understands himself better. And seeing him opening up, and doing things he never imagined to do, warmed my heart. 

This book shows us how love can allow people to be themselves, or even find themselves again. Like I said, it has so many ‘Romeo & Juliet’ vibes, without the dramatic ending, even if there were some frustrating bits in this story!
You never know beforehand who you fall in love with, but even the most unexpected person can bring you the greatest joy and happiness in life. And falling in love can also end a feud that was maybe caused for the wrong reasons but lasted far too long. All of that, is the power of love.

Memphis, the rock ‘n’ roll place of not only the past but also the present and future

Synopsis

It’s Now or Never…In the summer of 1960, eighteen-year-old Rose Featherstone took a trip to Memphis that changed her life. Now, Rose confesses to her granddaughter, Daisy, that she returned home with more than just memories all those years ago – she was carrying Elvis Presley’s child!

Daisy is sure the claim can’t be true, and yet, what if it is? When her grandmother passes away soon after her startling revelation and leaves Daisy with a ticket to Memphis, Tennessee, Daisy decides it’s time to discover the truth. She’s always struggled to fit in but this trip might just show her the benefits of being born to stand out and is a moody motorcycle cop called Blue the answer to all her dreams?

Her adventures in Memphis take her behind the famous music gates of Graceland. Pack your Blue Suede Shoes for a rockin’ rom-com.

My review

Daisy Featherstone has always struggled to fit in, with her love for the Fifties, vintage clothing and even her love for The King himself, Elvis Presley.
That is all thanks to her grandmother, Rose Featherstone, who never forget her trip to Memphis in the summer of 1960. While Rose’s confession, that she returned home not only with amazing memories, but also carrying Elvis Presley’s child, seems to be the babbling of an old woman, Daisy starts wondering what is actual true of Rose’s claims, especially now that Rose has passed away. And that’s how Daisy finds herself taking a trip to Memphis, trying to discover the truth, but finding so much more than imagined, and that’s not only that nice Officer Joe Cody, aka Blue we’re talking about…. 

Reading about a story where there may or not may be an unknown child of Elvis Presley may seem a bit farfetched, but then once you start thinking about it, do we really know everything about The King? And is there a small chance that somewhere there truly is such a child? 

But that didn’t take away the fun I had while reading this story. 

First of all, it warmed my heart seeing the love between Daisy and Rose, even if we only saw that for a short period. It was lovely to see how Rose passed her passion for Presley, but also the music of that era to Daisy. It goes even that far that Daisy has her own Vintage – shop and feels more linked to the Fifties than the present. 

For me personally, it would be terror, going all over the Memphis, even if part of a tour, totally on my own, not knowing anything or anyone. So in those circumstances I admired Daisy, even if the initial plan was that her mother Lilian would accompany her. 

Being on a trip with people who cannot wait to visit Memphis and Graceland, with a love for Elvis Presley, it’s clear that Daisy will meet them and even befriend them. And while her closest new friends couldn’t be more different from each other, a unique friendship is made.
It also was sweet to see how well Daisy fitted in Memphis, how her passion here wasn’t seen as something strange, but rather as something normal. 

The Southern Kindness is also obvious with the help of Officer Joe, better known as Blue. While his initial help was rather up to standard, seeing how he kept on helping Daisy more in the store, and even turning out to be of invaluable importance, was a nice extra.
He for sure is the kind of man I would want to help me out too! Maybe in me being too level – headed, the romance bit went a bit too fast, but on the other hand, when you have found what you have been looking for…  

I have never been to Memphis myself, but following Daisy’s step, and the clear descriptions made it possible for me, as just a merely reader, to envision the places where magic took place.

Obviously, the author added a few layers of imagination and liberties in this book, yet she managed to stay true to the character of Elvis himself.
Having Elvis as a common thread throughout this story, was a nice idea, while the story itself was more about not only finding your ancestors, but also finding a place where you belong and you can just be yourself.

When the love for one person makes your forget the hate for another…

Synopsis

Becca and Charlie have known each other since university.
Becca and Charlies have also hated each other since university.

Until now. Until Ally’s bucket list. The death of their loved one should mean they can go their separate ways and not look back. But completing the list is something neither of them can walk away from.

And sometimes, those who bring out the worst in you, also bring out the very best…

Over the course of ten years, Becca and Charlie’s paths collide as they deal with grief, love and life after Ally.

Not since Emma and Dex in One Day and Will and Lou in Me Before You will you root for a couple as much.

My review

Becca and Charlie have hated each other since university. The only thing that held them together was Ally, Becca’s best friend and Charlie’s fiancée.
But unfortunately, Ally passed away, leaving the both of them heart – broken. Only silver lining would be that now Becca and Charlie can live their own lives, far away from each other. That is, until they learn about Ally’s bucket list she wanted Becca and Charlie to complete together for her.
Over the course of ten years, they complete one item of the list on a yearly base together. And meanwhile, they learn to deal with strong emotions like grief, loss, love while they also have a life after Ally… 

When I started reading this book, I knew I would be on a rollercoaster of emotions. But did I expect to find myself in tears just after the first chapters? Not at all! Was that the last moment I was crying while reading? Absolutely not!
So be warned when you start reading this book, waterworks will be turned on! 

In life, you have people you love, and some people you hate. There may be a logical reason for the hate, or not, but it can be rather easy to avoid those people.
That isn’t in Becca’s case. She knows Charlie since university, and she knows what kind of person he was, and she just doesn’t like him. Unfortunately, her best friend Ally fell in love with him, so Becca still had to endure his presence, for Ally’s sake. And the feeling was totally mutual, as Charlie loved Ally with whole his heart, but had to accept that Becca would be part of his life too…
But their unconditional love for Ally made them ready to thick of items of her bucket list, eve if that meant to still be in each other’s life, even if it were for one day per year… 

What I liked about this book, but at the same time also frustrated me a little bit, is that we see the whole ten years. Frustrating, because we knew what endgame we wanted to have, but also knowing it would take so long!
Liking it, because we see how both characters, with their own demons to face, mature in all these years. 

The items of Ally’s bucket list weren’t always my cup of tea, neither Becca’s or Charlie’s, as they couldn’t be more opposite. When Charlie was having a blast, for Becca is was torture, and the other way around. But no matter what the initial feeling at the start of the task was, we saw how Becca and Charlie could see the allure of each task, even if they wouldn’t choose it for themselves. 

In ten years, people change. It can be a big change or rather small ones. And because of the length of years, we see the change of the main characters, yet also managing to stay true to themselves. The more years pass, the better we understand Becca and Charlie.

The author managed also greatly in showing all the ups and downs in life. Both Becca and Charlie move on after losing Ally, cooping with their grief in different ways and times. We see how Becca still hangs on to Ally’s memory shows clearly her abandonment issues, and seeing Charlie after a few years into a new relationship, yet hiding his past, his fear of confrontation and wanting to take always the easy way out.
Life can take funny turns, one moment we are in the deepest imaginable pit, and the next one we are on cloud nine. Failure and success are both clearly present in the characters’ lives, at different moments, yet collide somehow sometimes, by a trick of Fate, when Becca and Charlie are together that one day. 

This was a heart – gripping, heart – warming story, showing the loyalty towards our loved ones. While the prelude was a sad one, the book is still filled with laughter, love and happy feelings.
The reader sees how feelings are shifting, the characters are evolving, maturing.
And I especially liked reading how sometimes the most frustrating person in the world can turn out to be the person you need to have in your life and to love him/her no matter how long it takes to be at the right time and place…

Home will always be home…

Synopsis

When your heart’s broken, all roads lead home…

London City Vet, Phoebe Dashwood, finds her partner Hugh and their boss in a passionate clinch beneath the mistletoe at their works Christmas party.

Heartbroken, she bolts to the New Forest, her childhood home to regroup and soul search.

Being home gives Phoebe the chance to reconnect with friends and family and especially with her fiercely independent gran, widower Maggie Crowther, owner of Puddleduck Farm, and makeshift animal shelter New Forest Neddies.

Deciding not to return to London, Phoebe hunts for work locally, hoping she can also help Maggie, who’s clearly swamped and not coping. But will Maggie accept Phoebe’s help?

Her quest is hampered by stubborn grandmothers, meddling mums, an attractive childhood friend, a real-life Lord, a remorseful ex, and a best friend who’s determined to play matchmaker.

Can Phoebe find happiness professionally and personally in the place she calls home, surrounded by those she loves or does fate have other plans for Phoebe?

My review

Vet Phoebe Dashwood is heartbroken when she finds her partner Hugh and their boss kissing underneath the mistletoe. She knows what the tradition is, but it’s the passion and emotion during that kiss that Phoebe sees that makes her return to New Forest, her childhood home.
Reconnecting with family and friends, and especially with her grandmother Maggie, makes Phoebe decide to stay in New Forest.
Phoebe now is looking for a new job, while also helping out Maggie at Puddleduck Farm even if Maggie is adamant she doesn’t need help.
Has New Forest always been and always will be her place to call ‘home’, where Phoebe is surrounded by not only her loving (yet sometimes interfering) family, a childhood friend who for sure has the looks, and a mysterious and also sometimes rude Lord? 

Could I ever skip the opportunity to read a book of Della Galton, especially if this is the start of a whole new series? Of course not, are you crazy!!! 

Before I started to read this book, I already imagined the whole story in my mind. And even when I was reading the first chapters, it looked like my imagination would seem to be correct and that I would be reading the story how I imagined.
But the more I was reading, the more I started to realize that the author didn’t follow my thoughts. And I didn’t feel sad about it at all, on the contrary! 

The main focus is on Phoebe, that after the end of her relationship returns back to her childhood home. I can only imagine how awful it is not to only break up with your partner, but having the break – up in the Christmas period.
I liked how Phoebe was determined to not let the break – up ruin the festivities with her family and how she put on a brave face. She even reassures everyone that celebrating the good things in life while her life is a little bit in pieces is not a bad thing. 

I loved how Phoebe cares about her family and is even ready to move back home, not only for herself to move forward, but also to help out Maggie at Puddleduck Farm. Is there a possible cuter name for a farm, that also turns out to be an animal shelter? 

The residents of the shelter for sure made me laugh. The donkeys are adorable, the dogs adorably loyal and even the most evil cat in the world stole my heart a little bit!
And the author managed perfectly to show us the importance of having dedicated people to look after the animals in need! 

Now, in this story there is also focus on two male characters, Sam, Phoebe’s childhood friend and actual Lord Rufus Holt.
I saw these two characters being contenders for Phoebe’s heart and initially I had my own preference as that one was obviously the nicer guy.
But like I said, this wasn’t that kind of story, and getting to learn both characters better, we got to know them better and even saw the pain behind the mask… 

And while I would have liked if there would be romance in it, I understood what the author was doing here.
Of course if Phoebe found someone new, how would the rest of the series continue? But also, Phoebe doesn’t need to be in a relationship to find happiness, especially so quickly after her previous one. Being in a relationship is a wonderful thing, but it has to be with the right person, at the right time. And in this book, it isn’t the right time yet for Phoebe, as her focus now is to start her new life in New Forest and at Puddleduck Farm. 

This was a wonderful, delightful story, with strong, lovely characters, human and animal. Starting over is never easy, but with resilience, good intentions, a kind heart, realizing who you truly are, putting your best food forward, and being surrounded by those who love you, things can be a little bit easier.
I cannot wait for what else Della Galton has in store for the characters of Puddleduck Farm!

Can love be found as easy as in a station?

Synopsis

Two people. One journey…

Millie loves her city life, her city friends and writing her true(ish) confessions column – but she’s starting to wonder if the grass really is greener on the other side, or if her heart really belongs back in Northumberland, with her mum who is struggling after the death of Millie’s dad.

Joe is happy doing what he does, writing games. He could do it anywhere, but since leaving home he’s lived believing that looking back means you’ve failed, and life is about taking chances and seeing the world.

So when the two meet up surely it can never work, their lives are moving in opposite directions. On different tracks…

My review

Millie has always wanted to live in London, and is happy that she finally is. She loves her city friends, her city life and her city job as writing confessions columns.
But as her career isn’t taking off as she imagined, she starts wondering where ‘home’ truly is. Is it in London, or is it still in Northumberland, where her mother still lives?
When going back to visit her mother, one day she literally clashes with Joe in King’s Cross Station. And Millie seems unable to forget her ‘Train – guy’, who becomes her inspiration for her weekly columns.
But Joe doesn’t know that Millie is writing about him, and the last thing he wants, is to be in the spotlights. While he loves going back home ‘up North’, he feels his future lays in London. And going back home is a sign of failure, right?
With their first meeting being so random, what are the odds Millie and Joe will meet again? And if they do, will it appear that the initial attraction was just a figment of imagination? Or even worse, just being one – sided?  

Oooooh, Zara Stoneley surely knows how to captivate her readers! And the way this book starts, is just perfect!
While taking public transportations, haven’t we all seen someone who caught our attention, and haven’t we all secretly hoped that once we caught his/her eyes it would be the start of an amazing romance?
And exactly how often does that happen in real life? Exactly, almost never! So what if it would happen?  

But what I liked about this book, was not how immediately the romance started, but how it was a game of ‘will they – won’t they’.
Millie knows that meeting her Train Guy is nearly impossible, as what if he were there just by sheer accident? What if he normally takes the train on another day, or was just in London for one day? So I loved how she remained hopeful that somehow she would see her guy again.
And that is only one of the things I liked about Millie. 

While I don’t approve of writing about your personal stuff all over the place, I could understand that Millie just had to do it for her job. And I appreciated how she kept tings vague, so that not everyone would know who she was taking about. I also had so much fun how she used her bumping into Joe as an inspiration and while writing her column used her imagination to exaggerate a little bit.  

It saddened me a little bit although, to read how Millie seems to have it all in London, but yet has doubts about where here ‘real home’ is. Realizing that reality doesn’t match with your dream is a bitter pill to swallow… 

And then there is Joe, who is going through the exact opposite… He feels his future lays in London, but he isn’t ready to ‘abandon’ his parents and his sister, who still rely on him.
While Millie is a real extravert, and on the verge of ‘oversharing’ (hmmm, makes me think of someone who looks like me 😊), Joe is rather introvert, and doesn’t want everyone to know his business. 

With being at so different points in their lives, and wanting to know how and when they would meet again, made me turn page after page. Their second meeting was both hilarious as sweet. I can never think of a red scarf without thinking of Joe! 😊 

It truly warmed my heart on these warm summer days seeing how Millie and Joe are meeting more and growing closer and realize that sometimes one clash can make you find love.

But as we read both point of views, we know that they are both also struggling with their blooming relationship. Can Joe live with the fact that his dates with Millie will be known to her readers? And what about Millie starting to feel restless in London? 

I truly enjoyed reading this book from start till end. It made me smile, laugh out loud, swoon, some bits made me a little bit sad. But I found it also nearly impossible to put it down! Zara Stoneley wrote a book that almost made me want to walk to my nearest train station in the rain, hoping to clash with my own Train Guy!

I fell in love with this series, so what are *you* waiting for?

Synopsis

The first six books in the heartfelt UK series are now available in one collection!

From a runaway bride to a reality baking show competition, to rumors of a haunted wood and, of course, a Christmas of the cosiest kind, there’s never a dull moment for event planner Julianne in the quirky village she calls home.

This book bundle contains Wedding Vows and Cornish Ribbons, Cornish Sweets and Wedding Treats, Spring Roses Under Topaz Skies, Cornish Gold at Summer’s End, Walnut Mince Pies at the Frost Fete, Secrets and Sunsets at Azure Bay.

About the author

Laura Briggs is the author of several feel-good romance reads, including the Top 100 Amazon UK seller ‘A Wedding in Cornwall’. She has a fondness for vintage style dresses (especially ones with polka dots), and reads everything from Jane Austen to modern day mysteries. When she’s not writing, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, caring for her pets, gardening, and seeing the occasional movie or play.

Giveaway

https://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/33c69494518/

Being on your own is just fine, until it isn’t anymore…

Synopsis

Following the death of her husband, Cleo Johansen and her daughter moved to Bellbird Bay determined to make a new start. Having carved out a new life, Cleo is shattered when a shadow from her husband’s past throws their lives into disarray.

Will Rankin has lived in Bellbird Bay all his life. Now widowed, the former surf champion runs the local surf school and enjoys a close relationship with his son. Content to lead a single life, the appearance of an undesirable stranger is quick to upset his peaceful existence.

While neither Will nor Cleo is interested in forming a new relationship, an unexpected attraction surfaces when a mutual friend suggests they spend more time together.

Set against a background of sun, sea and sand, can Cleo and Will find a way to move forward together?

A heart-warming tale of family, friends, and how a second chance at love can happen when you least expect it.

My review

Cleo Johansen and her daughter built a new life after the death of her husband. Being just the two of them is all Cleo needs, so it’s obvious that she is struggling a little bit with Hannah making her own future plans.
But even if she would feel lonely, she for sure isn’t looking for a new love interest. And even if she were, she wouldn’t look at all at Will Rankin, with his surf dude – attitude.
Will also isn’t looking for love, as he has already lost the woman he loved. But when he finds himself on the receiving part of some unwanted feelings and flirtation, Will knows that his friends just want to help him out when they suggest to pretend to be dating Cleo Johansen.
What starts as just a pretend, slowly grows into an unexpected and real attraction. But are they both ready to let love back in?  

How much fun it was to return to Bellbird Bay! With each story I have fallen more and more in love with the place and its inhabitants!
But even if you haven’t read any book of this series, you can easily just grab this one! 

Initially I admired how Cleo, after losing her husband, found he courage to just pack everything and move to Bellbird Bay to start all over again.
She found her own place to be happy with Hannah and she doesn’t need more at all.

In Cleo I saw a lot of my own mother/parents to be honest.
No matter how old I am, the worrying never stops, and the love is for always unconditional. Even if Hannah makes some decisions Cleo doesn’t 100% agree with, she knows that it’s up to Hannah to live her life like she wants.
Cleo knows that she has to let Hannah go, even if it hurts her mother – heart to see her daughter go. 

But beside being a loving mother, she is in general a caring person. Even if initially she doesn’t really like Will, she helps in out.
And when a shocking secret comes out concerning her husband, she does the right thing to do, even if it’s against her own daughter’s wishes. 

It was really sweet to see how two total opposite people find each other. Because let’s be honest, Will couldn’t be more different than Cleo!
But while we know about his surf – history, reading about his own family and how those past events broke his heart, well, they broke my heart too! 

Slowly we see a more serious side of Will, a man with a passion for his business, a loving father, a caring friend and in general just a great guy! 

So the better we get to know both characters, the more we as a reader would see how perfect they would match. And while it started as a pretend, seeing the emotions and feelings turn into something more, truly made me smile.
The emotions of the characters were realistic, and even if some reactions were a bit on the dramatic side, I could understand the point of view of the character.  

I enjoyed reading every bit of this book. Obviously it’s filled with romance, which warmed my heart, just like the friendship and family in it.
But it also made me laugh at the persistence of someone not understanding a rejection, to even making me a bit afraid as things would appear to be escalating.

This was again a great story written by Maggie Christensen, as it shows us that there isn’t an expiration date on finding love. You never know who crosses your path…

A favour to be returned in an unusual way…

Synopsis

She’s rescued a knight

Now she needs the favour returned…

When widowed Lady Johanne happens upon an injured knight, she sees an opportunity to form an alliance and protect her home, Castle Brae, from her enemies. The betrothal she proposes might be merely for appearances, but the very real attraction between her and Sir Alewyn thrills and disturbs her. For it’s clear he’s hiding something… Can she trust him, with so much at stake?

My review

Widowed Lady Johanne knows she has to watch her back to keep her home Castel Brea safe. So she is totally aware of the risk she is taking with rescuing an unknown yet injured knight. Because who says that he isn’t a spy trying to uncover secrets of the Castle? Especially when that same knight claims he has lost his memory…
But has he truly? Or has his presence at the Castle not been as random as it appears? Because it’s clear that Sir Alewyn is hiding something, but what?
No matter what his reasons are, Lady Johanne needs his help for protecting her home, even if that means to fake their betrothal. No matter how many things they can be faking, their attraction for sure isn’t one of those things. But how far does their trust reach? Because secrets are going to come out anyway… 

It’s known that I truly enjoy reading about Knights, their strength and protectiveness. Add like usual for this author a likewise strong and protective Lady and I am for sure hooked! 

Lady Johanne in this story is just the perfect example of how women are absolutely capable of leading and guiding those under her charge.
Her husband may not have been a good example, but she for sure knows where her priorities lay and does more than her best to keep Castle Brae safe.
And she is making sure that her son grows into a respectful, strong man too! What an amazing woman Lady Johanne is! 

She also wants to make things on her own. While it would have been easier for her to just accept a proposition from her neighbour, she knows it’s not the right decision to make. So she prefers to find her own ways to make things works instead of taking an easy way out, which would also mean her people would be on the losing side.
Her kindness is also clear when she decides to take the injured, unknown Knight to her castle. While it would have been smarter to just let him be, we see that she cannot leave a man in need of help. And not just any Knight, without knowing, she is looking after one of the King’s Knights, who has his own agenda, unbeknownst to Lady Johanne. 

Sir Alewyn may have been able to stay at the Castle using the excuse of having amnesia, but that gives him the perfect opportunity to figure out if the rumours are true.
While I didn’t like him fooling the people who helped him, I could understand why he did it.
But I also liked seeing a soft side of this imposing Knight, who with just standing up would be terrifying almost anyone.
However, seeing him helping around at the castle, and agreeing with Lady Johanne’s proposal, I saw him for who he truly was, just a kind, caring and helpful person.

What I liked the most about this story was that even he biggest Knight has his own insecurities and doubts. I found it bittersweet to see how Sir Alewyn is struggling with his own place in the world, not seeing his own talents. This only shows us that no matter who we are, we all have our own insecurities, even if unjustified. 

We all know how this story will end, but that didn’t take away the joy of reading page after page after page.
Seeing how two strong-willed characters are growing closer, putting their trust in each other and seeing the lengths they would go for each other, warmed my heart. Their attraction was palpable from each page. 

I truly enjoyed reading this next book in an amazing series, the author easily took me in a world of Knights and Ladies, and showed me that size can be impressive, but that behind that big stature, the kindest men can be found. And the right Lady can see what her Knight truly is made of.
Is there a place where I can find such Knights myself?