When you had it all and lost it, will you dare to try to do it all over again?

Synopsis

He’s on the fast-track to serious, and she’s hitting the brakes.

When cosmetics entrepreneur Sabrina Kelly waited until she was thirty-eight to marry, she never thought she’d be widowed by forty. Now, two years later, she’s ready for a dip in the dating pool. And Michael, the merciless flirt who lives down the hall, seems like a fun way to get wet. He has “player” written all over him, but Sabrina’s not looking for a love connection. Her heart can’t take more than a fling.

Wall Street mogul Michael Wright has ignored his mom’s pressure to marry for years. But it’s not until he has a health scare that he finally takes stock of his life. If he’s going to settle down, only one woman comes to mind… his gorgeous, whip-smart neighbor, Sabrina. Their chemistry is off the charts. The banter? So. Hot. But while he’s working overtime to woo her, she’s holding back. Can two people running at different speeds get to happily-ever-after together?

My review

Sabrina Kelly waited a rather long time when she finally got married. But her husband was worth the wait. Last thing she expected that two years later she would be a widow.
Now that her cosmetic business is booming, she is ready to start dating again. But she is not looking for a love connection, as her heart couldn’t cope with another loss.
Her neighbour Michael is just perfect, as they are daily flirting in the elevator and he has ‘player’ written all over him.
But Michael Wright, after having a health scare, is ready to finally settle down. And the only woman he can think of is his neighbour Sabrina.
Two people, ready to take a next step in their lives, on a different level but with chemistry flying around, can they find common ground and love? 

Having read other books from this author, I knew that this next chapter would be my cup of tea! 

Sabrina felt like a real person to be, having struggles, doubts and fears each and every one of us has in life.
But she is also committed, passionate and driven, with a desire to make her own business a success, but without giving away the personal touch it has.
Being around the same age as Sabrina, I could relate easily to her. And I can only imagine the pain and grief she has after losing her husband after finally having found the perfect man. 

At the same time that I felt sorry for her, I also admired her, as she finally found the courage to get out on the dating scene again.
I also comprehended why she wasn’t looking for love, but just some casual flirting, without getting too attached. 

From the start I loved the flirting and banter at the elevator between Sabrina and Michael. It was the start for the both of them!
And when they start to see each other at other places beside the elevator, I found it some kind of sweet to see how perfect they would be for each other. They are different, but they would be completing each other! 

I was very happy to see how Michael started to think it was time to settle down, although the reason why he did was a scary one…
But sometimes we need a scare to realize what truly matters in life…
And while Michael has his reputation, we see the real Michael, a loving man that once he is in, he is totally in. 

The beauty of this story is, like I said before, the fact it is all so recognizable and real. Life isn’t always a walk in the park, we lose people we love, we have health problems. But that shouldn’t be a reason to keep us to love all again.
It is a scary thing to start all over again, but the reward, with the right person makes it all so worth it!

A betrayal can never be overcome, right?

Synopsis

In close quarters… With the Viking she’d loved and lost

A Shieldmaiden Sisters story—with her family fallen on hard times, Valda’s forced to join the crew on Halfdan Ulfsson’smerchant ship as he sets sail on the treacherous silk route. But this handsome jarl’s son is the man she’d planned to wed, until his bitter betrayal. Knowing she can never trust him, she must focus on saving her sisters…and not the intense connection that still burns between them!

Passion erupts when these bold, spirited Vikings are reunited!

My review

Valda has always been proud of being a shieldmaiden. But after having her heart broken, again, she is finding it difficult now that her position has changed, and also her and her family’s situation. There isn’t a thing she wouldn’t do to save her sisters and mother, even if that means joining the crew on Halfdan Ulfsson’s merchant ship. No big deal, if it weren’t that Halfdan was who broke Valda’s heart for the first time by betraying her on the worst way.
But as her choices are limited, they set of on the journey, not realizing that the intense connection they once had is still present. Valda is determined to keep her distance, also because Halfdan has his own motives to undertake this journey.
And he is still as unreachable and unavailable as before, so why is the attraction between them only growing? 

I have a weak spot for Vikings, as they are always fierce, strong yet with a kind heart (at least in the stories I read and the Viking is the main character).
So obviously I had to read this story, and add the fact that I have read previous books of this author and now the main character Valda is a familiar face, well, how could I resist? 

But Halfdan is not the only fierce one. Because Valda is a force to reckon with! And that made me like her immediately.
Valda knows her worth as a shieldmaiden, and doesn’t let her being a woman hold her back. She is a feminist before there was even a talk about feminism.
However not only is Valda a fierce and literally strong woman, she is also a loving woman. She hasn’t had it always easy, but for love of her mother and sisters, she would do anything. 

And her loving character also burnt her in the past. She has truly loved twice, and twice did she get her heart broken… That shows how vulnerable she also is, and added an extra feeling of sorry from my side.
The more we know about her first heartbreak, the more we understand Valda and the more we sympathize with her.
So yes, I wasn’t a fan of Halfdan because of that past, but I was seeing why Valda went along on being part of his crew, because there weren’t many other options. 

While I might me prejudiced what concerns Halfdan, his case was again a clear case of don’t judge before you know all the aspects.
Also here I admired the things he would do for those he cares about. Even if that means getting married to someone just to give his brother his freedom back.
But don’t get me wrong, Halfdan is not a softie, not at all! He knows how to take matters in his own hands, and foresee what might be the backlash and act beforehand. 

Obviously, when Valda and Halfdan meet again, they have oppsite feelings. Valda doesn’t want to do with him in any way, while Halfdan sees this as a new opportunity to get closer.
Being on the waters, you cannot avoid each other for a long time, so it’s not a big surprise that Valda and Halfdan grow closer again.
But it’s not a case of just getting back together and then ‘the end’.  Valda remains true to herself, and doesn’t want to be just a ‘conquest’ of Halfdan.
Even when she gives in the physical attraction, she knows that nothing more can come from it, as Halfdan is going to marry someone else. 

And in that aspect I would have liked that Halfdan did just something *more*. Yes, we know he doesn’t want to marry the unknown woman, and he still has deep feelings for Valda. But for the biggest part of the story, he doesn’t give Valda any actual prospect. While that is exactly what Valda needs to be able to give her heart away… 

Naturally, there is a big issue to overcome, but even while the happy end seems far away and just impossible to reach, again the loving characters of both Valda and Halfdan are shown as the happiness of their loved ones comes before their own.  

I truly enjoyed reading this story, getting to know Valda, Halfdan and their search for happiness and love.
I loved the strength of Valda’s family, and how different each sister is, and found myself getting eager for having the other sisters their own tale asap!
This was an easy book to read, in the sense that I found myself quickly submerged in the tale of second chances at love, strength and remaining true to yourself!

Love comes in all shapes and forms

Synopsis

Fly to France for the perfect summer getaway –without leaving your house! This a heartwarming, feel good read perfect for fans of Lucy Coleman and Jo Thomas.

Escape to heaven…

Daisy has never been lucky in love, and when her love life implodes—again—she flees to France. A summer in the sun helping out at her friend Poppy’s guesthouse is the perfect way to put unsuitable men behind her!

When Daisy finds herself dog sitting for two loveable rescues they quickly wind their way into Daisy’s heart. The trouble is so does their owner – enigmatic widower and bookseller Anton! But she didn’t come to France fall for another unattainable man…

Can they honour the past and take a chance on the future?

My review

After another fiasco in her love life, Daisy decides to escape to France and help her friend Poppy with the guesthouse.
Spending the summer in the south of France is the perfect opportunity for Daisy to rethink about her life and her future.
However, Daisy is not the kind of person to just sit back and do nothing, so she quickly finds herself a job as a dog sitter for the two loveliest dogs. The dogs quickly steal her heart, but so does their owner, widower Anton.
No matter how hard sparks fly, Daisy is not going to fall for another unattainable man and Anton himself is also not ready to let go of the past.
However, how long can they keep their distance? And are they both willing to accept each other just the way they are, even with unexplainable gifts? 

I always enjoy a story where the author takes us to a wonderful setting. And having read the previous parts of this series already, I knew I just had to read this book!
I truly enjoyed returning to the guesthouse, meet my old friends (without and with fur) again and discover how they are doing.
And I was willing to accept a new entry with whole my heart! 

It’s obvious that Daisy is a great character even if she is not that lucky what concerns love. Having another disappointment, she decides bravely to get away from everything, and take some time to reset her focus.
I admired her for that, as it cannot be easy to take that step and just step away from everything. 

We see her struggling, trying to find her feet again and decide what her future will look like. But the more I was reading, the more I truly liked Daisy.
I honestly believe that animals are a good judge of character, and seeing how Daisy takes care of Pickle and Squeaker warmed my heart. 

While Daisy and her patience and love for the dogs warmed my heart, their story, and that of their owner Anton broke my heart…
We often forget that animals also have feelings and that they can also grieve when losing someone they love. So seeing how grieve changed the dogs, broke my heart.
On the other hand, seeing the sibling love between the two dogs was again heart – warming. 

I could understand why Anton kept to himself, and tried to stay as far as possible from Daisy, but at some point, you have to let go of the past for your own happiness.
And seeing Daisy and Anton growing closer, yet having the respect of the past, was in my eyes the perfect balance of letting go and yet treasuring the past. 

What I loved even more about these two main characters, is how they accept each other for who they are.
I admit, I found Daisy and her ‘special gift’ difficult to comprehend, but that’s me just being me, not truly believing in these things. But I also saw how it was an ‘extra’ in this story, adding an additional layer.
And seeing how eager Daisy was to listen to Anton and his own passion, showed me that there is always someone who matches perfectly to you, even with all your ‘nerdy’ passions. 

This was a lovely next chapter in the series, showing the importance of acceptance and unconditional love. Sometimes getting away from a familiar place is the best thing to do to find a place to call home.
And taking a fearful step in the unknown will sometimes make you find happiness and love even when you’re not looking for it.

City girl meets Cowboy…

Synopsis

Falling for the wrong cowboy never felt so good . . .

Samantha Baker is a high-flying movie producer living in New York City. She loves her shoes, drinking cosmopolitans, and wouldn’t trade the comforts of city life for anything in the world. But when her job is put on the line, Samantha has no other choice than to move to the middle of nowhere to straighten out the filming of her latest romantic comedy blockbuster.

Her new country home has no Starbucks, no Pilates, and the one pub in town has never heard of appletinis—only serves beer and whiskey neat. On the plus side, the views are scenic. And not just for the aerial shots, as the local eye-candy provides a welcome distraction.

At least until Samantha discovers a native cowboy, Travis Hunt, is the source of all her troubles…

And the battle begins.

Each has something the other wants, but as Samantha and Travis go head to head, they might discover the endgame has changed. When hate turns to heat, all becomes fair in love and war for these two sworn enemies who’ve been playing a game of hearts.

But will a roll in the hay be enough to make Samantha decide there’s no sex in the city and convert to country living?

My review

If you would search for the word ‘city girl’ in a dictionary, you would find a picture of Samantha Baker. Samantha is a successful movie producer, living the life in New York City. When her latest romantic comedy blockbuster is having issues while shooting, and with Samantha’s job suddenly on the line, she has no other option than going on the premises and direct things back in the good direction. But shooting is taking place in the middle of nowhere, and couldn’t be more out of Samantha’s comfort zone… Samantha is eager to get everything working and head back home, but things aren’t that easy as it seems, as things don’t work the same way as in New York City. And add a cowboy who makes Samantha’s blood boil, but at the same time heat other parts, and we have a love story out of script…

First thing first, I am going to state the obvious. Yes, I adore this author. Yes, I adored each book she has written I have read so far. Yes, I read this book in one session. No, I have no regrets at all. But most important, yes, this new book was just perfection in every possible way!

At the start, I didn’t like Samantha 100%… not because she is a bad person, but because she is so focused on her life in New York that every other place is a lesser place than her home. But on the other hand, I could also comprehend her, because home is always home, and from living in a place like New York City, where you have everything, going to a place with only one bar, where coffee is just black and cowboys, goats and gigantic cats. The differences couldn’t be any bigger thus even more fun for us readers!

I also admired Samantha, and her hands – on attitude. She is not someone to mess with and is a force to reckon with! So seeing her handling every setback with her fierceness and attitude, made me feel all the ‘girl power’ but made me also a bit scared of her! 🤣

Of course, moving to Emerald Creek isn’t a piece of cake for Samantha and adapting to countrylife isn’t a sinecure. Life in Emerald Creek is the total opposite of what Samantha is used to, and she would have never thought that she could fall in love with such a place, and definitely not with Hildi, the most adorable goat I have ever met!

Talking about meetings… I admit, like so many women, cowboys are my thing! But you have the typical cowboy, and then there is Travis… He is just the perfect blend of a loving son, a kind man with a great heart and also a focused man.

Yes, the man sometimes infuriated me just as much as he infuriated Samantha, but also in his case, I saw where he was coming from.

Like I said before, this story was just perfect. I loved how Samantha and Travis were constantly fighting against each other, the non – stopping banter, but also the way they joined forces, how they found common ground.

And the sweet and tender moments, the hotter moments and yes, even the heart – breaking moments… Because decisions have to be made, and the outcome is never an easy one…

I honestly think this is Camilla Isley’s best work (till now) and there was never a doubt in my mind that this story was worthy of my rare and precious five star – rating. There is so much love in this story, so much laughter and so much more, it is just the perfect cure for when you are feeling a bit down. And while the expectations now are superhigh, almost impossible to achieve, I know I am eagerly waiting for the next amazing story!

A dream, a misunderstanding, a new beginning in Cornwall

Synopsis

All eight novellas in the UK bestselling series A LITTLE HOTEL IN CORNWALL are now available in one collection! Follow aspiring young author Maisie Clark as she stumbles into a role as a maid in the idyllic hotel by the sea, where there’s never a dull moment, from her quest to track down a reclusive English novelist, to her brush with jewel thieves and a whirlwind trip through Paris and London to name a few. All the while, she finds herself falling for the handsome and enigmatic groundskeeper Sidney Daniels. Could the key to unlocking her dreams be right in front of her?

This collection contains A Little Hotel in Cornwall, A Spirited Girl on Cornish Shores, Sea Holly and Mistletoe Kisses, The Cornish Secret of Summer’s Promise, A Train from Penzance to Paris, A Cornish Daisy’s Kiss, A Stargazy Night Sky, and The Cornish Key to Happiness.

My review of Book 1

Maisie Clark is an American waitress whose dream is to become a real novelist. When her chance to follow an exclusive writers’ mentorship programme evaporates, Maisie decides to track down her favourite yet elusive author and ask for help to achieve her dream. The reply she receives is not a positive one, yet the postmark from Cornwall makes Maisie pack her bag and fly over to a wonderful Cornish hotel, hoping to find the person that can make her dream come true. After arriving, the hotel thinks she is the new maid, Maisie sees this as an opportunity she cannot let go to waste. Will Maisie be able to find the author, and persuade him to help her? All the while keeping her real identity hidden, making new friends, and even find love?

I can truly enjoy reading about a character following her dreams, not giving up after a setback, and even not being afraid to make a trip to the other side of the world.

So yes, I admired Maisie and her dream and passion of writing. Even if the chances of becoming a famous and successful author are small, she doesn’t give up.

And that is exactly the kind of character I love!

Maisie packs her bags filled with hope, and is determined to make this trip a success. I could easily understand her reasoning, and even why she went along when the hotel assumed she was a maid.

While it wasn’t exactly the right thing to do, she isn’t doing something really illegal, and she is actually doing what is being expected from her. I could see why she kept the charade, and even had a few laughs when there were risks of being exposed.

It was also lovely to see how Maisie starts to fall in love with the place, because honestly, who wouldn’t?

The setting is a beautiful place, making me wish for a trip there myself!

This is the beautiful start of an amazing series, of which the next part I have also already read. With each new chapter it was falling more and more in love with the main characters and the palce. But this first chapter was a wonderful first encounter with lovely characters, making the readers eager to read on and see if Maisie can make her dream come true and what else she will find on her quest.

The things we would do for our dreams

Synopsis

Dream job. Dream house. Fake fiancé. 

A year in a gorgeous Italian castle…

When Anna Roberts’ life implodes, an online search leads her to an ad for the ultimate dream job – management of a gorgeous castle on the shores of Lake Como, accommodation included. The only catch? Anna can’t do it alone…

…With the last man on earth she’d choose!

The castle owners will only accept a couple as caretakers, which means Anna needs a man on her arm at the interview. Enter her neighbour, Jake Tucker. Though Anna and Jake have never seen eye-to-eye, Jake’s had a rough few years and an escape to Italy sounds ideal. Yet, when they get the job and jet off, Anna and Jake face an unexpected challenge. Pretending to be a couple is difficult … but pretending the tension simmering between them doesn’t exist is quickly proving impossible!

My review

Anna Roberts feels her world crashing down after not only her boyfriend cheats on her, but as being also her boss, she is also without a job.
After a period of wallowing in misery, with the gentle push of her father, Anna is determined to now find her dream job far away from her home.
And how improbable it may seem, she finds it! Managing a gorgeous castle on the shores of Lake Como, board and lodging included. Could this be even more perfect?
Only there is one catch… the job is only for couples…
Anna thus needs to find someone who would be also perfect for the job, and pretend to be her better half and needs to get away from everything.
There is only one person she knows that ticks all the boxes and that is her neighbour Jake Tucker.
If he would be the friendly kind of neighbour, she wouldn’t hesitate to ask him, but Anna and Jake are like chalk and cheese… While Anna is a list – person, Jake is more laidback. And ‘Saint Anna’ couldn’t be more different than Jake, who has had a few rough years…
Can they get away with pretending of being a loving couple? Or will their charade be quickly discovered?  

Even before I started reading one word of this book, I knew it would be just perfect. Why? Well, first of all, LAKE COMO! Then we have main characters that are closing to hate each other than love each other, next to being total opposites.
And if that isn’t good enough yet, it’s written by Kathryn Freeman, an author I just adore! 

While Anna may seem like a tight, strict and prejudiced person (especially towards Jake), the more we got to know her, the more I understood where she came from and how she got to become the person she is now.
Being the daughter of the Chief Superintendent, made her always follow the rules. And being alone with her father, made her want to be in control in every possible situation.
Even if sometimes I found her too strict, I could understand her point of view. And let’s be honest, if she wouldn’t be like she is, the story would lose a lot of its charm!

So when Anna finds her dream job, I was a bit surprised that she decided that she would do anything to get the job, even if that means lying during her interview and hide Jake’s past. But again, all part of the wonderful charm! 

Now that I started to talk about Jake… He is the epitome of Bad Boy Vibes. He did some time in prison for assaulting a person, and he is provocative.
But I was very pleased to see that there was so much more to him than just being a bad boy. He is very protective towards his family and there isn’t a thing he wouldn’t do for them.
And I totally comprehended why he decided to help Anna to get her dream job. Because he, just like Anna, needs a way out. 

Obviously, being total opposites, it’s a certainty Anna and Jake would more clash than agree. But slowly we also start to see how they FINALLY get to know the real Anna and Jake. And while I first thought it would be a case of only two people living in a castle alone, thus something will happen between them, it was more a case of finally truly understanding each other. 

The misunderstandings, the pretending of being a loving couple, the sudden realization of feeling more than just ‘repulsion’, all set in a wonderful castle, made this a great reading session (yes, singular!). 

There is also the mandatory blast from the past, the miscommunication, but also so many heart-warming moments.
And I’ll admit, reading how Jake is being a lifesaver, was a huge turn – on for me! 

I loved reading this book, fulfilling my expectations I always for this author, finding myself being ecstatic with the discovery that Kathryn Freeman gave me everything I needed from this book, and even more.
I totally fell in love with Anna and Jake, and even the side characters and their tales stole a piece f my heart.
I laughed, I got angry, I swooned and I even wanted to punch a few characters, but in the end I felt overjoyed with the thought that two lovely characters, who deserved better from life, found each other unexpectedly and proving that being opposites only mean that they complete each other. A wonder story that you cannot not love!

And there is a giveaway!

Try and Win a PB copy of The Italian Job by Kathryn Freeman (Open INT):

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/33c69494497/

Jersey, not only the Sunshine Island, but also the Island of Love…

Synopsis

Welcome to the Sunshine Island – where the beaches are golden, the lifestyle is perfect and anything is possible.

Piper Le Brocq is happily single after the disastrous ending of her engagement eighteen months before. The only man in her life is Jax, her best friend and cousin, who spends his life teaching locals how to forage and taking tourists on boat trips around the island. Her days are filled with helping out at her mother’s guest house and selling her glass mosaics at The Cabbage Patch emporium in Trinity.

Piper loves living on the Sunshine Island, where the neighbours look out for each other and visitors are welcome. So, when handsome guest Alex Cooper arrives at the guest house to check up on his grandfather, she welcomes him to the sunny island. And when he needs help after his grandfather is injured, she’s quick to get involved.

Yet, the more she gets to know Alex the more mysterious he seems, and Alex isn’t the only one keeping secrets from her.

My review

Eighteen months ago, Piper Le Brocq’s ended in a disaster. Now she is happily single, working with her mother in their guest house and selling her creations at The Cabbage Patch Emporium.
Her cousin Jax is not only family, but also her best friend and their relationship is more like siblings.
The island of Jersey, which Piper nicknames Sunshine Island, is a warm and close community, where everyone looks after each other.
Any guest of the guest house is always warmly welcomed by Piper, just like Alex Cooper is. He came to check out on his grandfather, who is enjoying a retreat.
And when Alex finds himself in need of help, Piper quickly offers her help.
The more Alex and Piper are together, the more is unravelled. Because their grandparents appear to have a shared past, and even Alex appears to have his own mysteries.
But getting closer, will it lead to something more?

Before I started reading this story, I thought this would be a full romance story. Obviously there is a lot to read about Piper and Alex and their blooming relationship. But the more I read in the book, the more I felt it was more about a wonderful place filled with amazing people.

I liked Piper and how she overcame the disaster of her engagement. It was nice to see how that didn’t change her kindness and how she kept a smile on her face.
I also loved the bond with her family. Not only the love between her and her mother and grandmother, but also with her cousin Jax.
Despite the past of the women, they all kept their head up high and made the best out of every situation. And it wasn’t all sunshine and rainbows…
The love between each member just sparks of the pages, but also the banter and teasing put a smile on my face.
And Gran’s persuasion skills! I would be terrified of that woman if I didn’t do what she asks me to do, even if that is something like wild swimming!

When Alex arrives on the island, it’s obvious he is the love interest. But how can someone not like Alex?
He has his own reasons to arrive on the island, but he surely deeply cares for his grandfather. Alex is a kind character, helpful but also the kind of person who doesn’t hesitate to admonish when someone is doing something wrong.

I found this a sweet story, more like the beginning of a wonderful love story instead of the whole thing at once.
The author takes her time to let us to get to know each character and the importance of their presence in the story.
The setting is perfectly chosen, as it made me dream of visiting the place myself, and submerge myself in the wonderful atmosphere.

This book shows us not only a blooming romance, but the love of a family, the importance of forgiveness, new and old friendships, a warm community and a global sense of happiness, joy and contentment.
I felt very satisfied when I reached the end, but also an eagerness to read what’s more in store for this wonderful place!

One summer, with unexpected turns

Synopsis

Sparkling sun, strolls in the gorgeous French countryside, that first sip of cool, crisp wine – Summer is Kat’s favourite season. And this year should be no exception…

As soon as Kat Jenson set foot in the idyllic French village of Kirchhoffen, she knew she’d found her home. Now she has a dreamy boyfriend, a delightful dog and the perfect job managing a bustling book café in the vibrant Parc Lemmel.

But when she learns her boyfriend isn’t all he seems, it’s the start of a difficult summer for Kat. Vindictive troublemakers, work woes and family heartache follow, and the clear blue sky that was her life suddenly seems full of clouds.

Then she gets to know the mysterious Noah, and her sun begins to shine brighter than ever. But Noah has problems of his own – ones that could scupper their new-found happiness. Together, can they overcome their many obstacles, and find love again?

The perfect summer read for fans of Trisha Ashley, Sarah Morgan and Carole Matthews.

My review

Kat Jenson fell in love with the French village of Kirchhoffen the moment she got there. Working in a book café in Parc Lemmel, having adopted Angelique the dog and found herself a boyfriend, things couldn’t get any better. Of course, the relationship with her father, stepmother, and half-brother Solly could definitely be warmer, but she is used on being by herself.
But when she discovers that her boyfriend is not what she thought he was, Kat even feels more alone than ever. The happy feelings she had, suddenly turn into the negative, as she now also has to face someone sabotaging the place she loves to work, a family even more distant and realization that people she thought were her friends, are just not.
And then she meets Noah, who is sharing places with Kat’s brother. Noah has his own issues to handle, and is planning to return to his home after summer.
However, despite they both have broken hearts, they find each other and find a happiness they weren’t looking for.
But with all their luggage of the past, will their new found love stand a chance? Or will this only be a summer fling like so many?

I have read several books of this author, and I have loved each and every one of them.
But after reading this book, I think I have a favourite one…
This may be catalogued as a romance, yet there is so much more going on than just two people falling in love.

Kat is so easy to like. It’s obvious she is a lovely character. She is looking after the book café while her bosses are facing some serious personal issues. But  not only does she look after the business, she is truly concerned about the people she feels are more like her parents than just the people that pay her wage.
Also the fact she adopted Angelique, a sweet dog who has endured so much, show us that Kat is the good kind of person.
But I also felt so very sorry for her. As she is the child of divorced parents who both remarried, she was only disappointed by one, but by both new families.
And my heart broke to see how her father and his second wide Irina treated her. I truly wanted to knock some sense both of them, because Kat certainly deserved to be treated better by her own family!
On top of everything, she finds out that her boyfriend is the worst kind and her relationship with him is now the reason that someone is sabotaging her work.
Talking about taking it out on the wrong person! Kat was in this case also a victim, but she is being treated as the culprit!

So obviously, I was happy when Noah enters the picture. I loved from the start how he stands by Kat’s side, and shows his protectiveness even if he doesn’t know Kat that well yet.
But Noah’s story isn’t a very happy one neither… He has his own agenda on why he made the move, and the more was revealed the more my heart went out to him.
His tale is the one where whatever you do, it will always end up in hurting someone somehow.
And because he is just a too good of a guy, he doesn’t want to hurt anyone, but sometimes you just have to…

But before you think this is a sad story, there were also so many heartwarming moments! I loved reading how Kat and Noah are getting closer, helping each other and start to believe in love again.
Also seeing how Kat and Solly are finally bonding as siblings was so sweet and tender!

And let’s not forget about the sweetest dog ever! I am always amazed about how dogs can sense when we are in need of comfort or even protection. But Angelique showed us that despite her sad past, she truly loved her new owner and wouldn’t stop at anything to protect her ‘family’.

The author managed perfectly to find the perfect blend of a new love story for our main characters, but also showing that family dynamics aren’t always that straightforward or are how they actually should be.
Even our own family, parents, ex – wives, children,… are only human and bound to make mistakes. That is what is being human is about.
But it’s what we do after we realize our mistakes that make us good human beings..

This book was the perfect preparation for the summer, with a setting that made me wish I were there and with people that I fell in love with, who were unselfish (at one point even TOO unselfish), wanting nothing but happiness for their loved ones (risking their own happiness).
I devoured this book, and now the author has very high expectations to fulfil with her next story!

To uncover the past of your new home…

Synopsis

The gripping new historical novel from the USA Today bestselling author of The Girl from Bletchley Park and The Forgotten Secret.

A heartbreaking choice. A secret kept for centuries.

1784. When Esther Harris’s father hurts his back, she takes over his role helping smugglers hide contraband in the secret cellar in their pub. But when the free traders’ ships are trapped in the harbour, a battle between the smugglers and the revenue officers leads to murder and betrayal – and Esther is forced to choose between the love of her life and protecting her family…

Present day. Fresh from her divorce, Millie Galton moves into a former inn overlooking the harbour in Mudeford and plans to create her dream home. When a chance discovery behind an old fireplace reveals the house’s secret history as a haven for smugglers and the devastating story of its former residents, could the mystery of a disappearance from centuries ago finally be solved?

Sweeping historical fiction perfect for fans of Lucinda Riley, Kathryn Hughes and Tracy Rees.

My review

Millie Galton has just divorced very amicably from her husband and just bought a place that is totally ‘her’. Being a former inn, it’s logical that the building needs a lot of renovations. As Millie loves the history of the place, she wants to keep the charm of it. When renovations are taking place, and the house reveals its secrets behind an old fireplace, Millie becomes more intrigued by its past.
A past that involves a young woman, Esther Harris, that in 1784 was helping out her father not only in their pub, but also in helping smugglers to hide the contraband in their cellar.
But when a battle between the smugglers and the revenue officers starts, involving murder, Esther must decide what to do: follow her heart and the love of her life? Or protect her family and friends?
While Millie tries to find out what happened with her new home, she also has to choose who to believe: her kind and welcoming neighbour, or trust her instinct and trust Nick, who is responsible for her renovations?

I always love reading this author’s books, and discovering how different timelines can be entwined in one story.
And even if smugglers and contraband in that era is not something I know all about, it surely intrigues me!

I immediately liked Millie, and not only because she is also a cat – person. It a nice change reading about a couple separating, but still deeply cares about each other and truly remain friends after a marriage that wasn’t meant to be.
It was lovely to see how Millie finds her dream house, with character and age, in desperate need  of some TLC.
Moving to a new place isn’t easy, and also recognizable. I understood Millie desire to become friends with her neighbours. But I admired her also how she disregards some ‘nice’ advice and just follows her guts.
Help is nice but not always something to be followed. So I cheered on her when she decides to follow her gusts and trust Nick.
Even if I am not into history and dark past, I was just like Millie intrigued by the past of the house. And loved going on a journey with her.

Which brings us to Esther and her tale…
Her story was definitely a sadder one, but also a stronger one. Not only has she lost her mother, but also her brother is away and her father is facing some health issues.
As their pub is being used by the smugglers, I admired how Esther, disguised as ‘Blue’ helps out in what is seen as a work for men.
And that is what I admired in Esther, because right from the start she shows her capability of working and doing what is required.

While doing her job and duty, Ester also finds herself recipient of the affection of two total different men. And while my heart was also set on one man, I saw together with her the good in each man, but also the not so nicer parts.

This story is about two strong women, connected through time by Fate. Their paths couldn’t be more different, yet they are also very similar. There isn’t a thing they wouldn’t do for those close to them, even if that would mean sacrifice themselves. They give everyone a fair chance without prejudice and let people show our ladies their true nature. And with the acceptance of our main characters, it’s just impossible not to be genuine and show them every bit, even the hurtful ones.

I loved reading about these two women, about the hardship of the past and present. But also about the fierceness of people, especially women, their determination and strength to do no matter what for love.

The pages flew through my hands as I was eager to figure out what else was going to happen to these two women. Proof that this author managed again to write a captivating story!