Three best friends, three completely different lives…

Synopsis

Briony, Natalie and Lauren have been best friends since school. Now in their thirties, their lives couldn’t be more different.

Eternally single Briony is desperate to find ‘the one’, while Lauren, a singer onboard cruise ships, is having far too much carefree fun to even think about settling down with ‘Mrs Right’. Or is she?

Meanwhile, long-term married mum Natalie has had her head turned at the gym by sexy spin instructor, Jason. And when he suggests some private, one-on-one sessions, sex-starved Natalie is powerless to resist.

When Natalie’s affair comes to light after a boozy night down their local, where they go to get their alcohol and ice cream fixes, Briony doesn’t think she’ll ever be able to forgive her friend. Luckily, a date with Mani, the hot, chivalrous son of her larger-than-life American boss helps to take her mind off things. Could he be the special someone she has been waiting for all her life?

As the girls embark on some of the most challenging moments of their lives, only one thing is for sure – their friendship will never be the same again . . .

Honoured as a Finalist in the, Fiction: Women’s Fiction category at the American Book Fest 2020, Best Book Awards.

My review

Since school have Briony, Natalie and Lauren been friends. Even if they still are very close, their lives couldn’t be more different.
Briony is still looking for that special someone to spend the rest with her life with. Maybe she has finally find that man in Mani, son of her American boss?
Lauren is enjoying her carefree life as a singer on cruise ships, and doesn’t even think about finding her own Mrs. Right.
And Natalie has been a happily married mother, until she started to go to the gym. Now she finds herself powerless to resists the advances of het spin instructor Jason.
When Natalie’s affair comes to light, the dynamics of their friendships shift completely.
Each women is facing one of the most difficult times of their lives. Will they all find the love they are searching for? And what will remain of their once so close friendship?

Normally I am one of those readers that immediately like the main characters in a story. But these three characters were a bit harder to like.
Not because they are not lovely, but because of their wishes they act in a way couldn’t agree with.
And when I say three, it’s actually just Briony and Natalie.

From the start, Natalie is already having an affair with Jason, her spin instructor. And even if I totally condemn cheating on your husband/wife, if you truly love someone else, I can (only slightly!) understand why someone has an affair. And if your husband/wife is a terrible person, okay, I understand it even more.
But in the affair, it’s obvious for the readers it truly just is some physical attraction. And that it very hard for me to understand Natalie… Especially when we get to know her husband. He is working too hard, but he does that so he’s able to give Natalie and their child everything to make them happy.

And then there is Briony… she wants her happily ever after too, but she’s trying a bit too hard for my liking. As her taking inspiration from actresses was initially something funny to read about, the more she is using those characters, the more I started to get a bit annoyed by it…
especially because the more I got to know the real Briony, the more I saw that just being herself would be more than enough.

I was a bit sad that Lauren got so little exclusive time in this book, because I saw that she would make the most sense of all the three friends.
And I was glad that in the end, my suspicions were correct and I was truly happy for her.

Now, this may look like I didn’t enjoy reading this book. But I did like it. I didn’t agree with some of the behaviour but that is also the charm of this book.
People make mistakes in life, that is more than normal. And the author shows us that yes, we can screw up terribly, and that when it all comes out, the world may seem to come to an end.
But sometimes all we need is a good kick in the a** to see how wrong our behaviour was and that we need to redeem ourselves. And maybe see what’s in front of our nose? Because maybe that’s all we need? And that is exactly what our characters do. How gullible they seem to act, they stand up again after being knocked down and show determination to fix it all again.

This was an honest tale about how wrong decisions can have big consequences. But we have to man up and accept them and fight for what we may have lost.

A partnership will be formed, but which kind?

Synopsis

When a workaholic lawyer meets a fun-loving music marketing executive for opposites attract, friends-to-lovers adventures, which partnership will she choose?

Workaholic lawyer Audrey Willems is not going to take any chances with her bid to become a partner at her New York law firm—especially with only six months until the decision. 

Until she bumps into Jake—her new neighbor. Jake is a fun-loving music marketing executive who might just be The One.

He’s funny, caring, supportive—and able to kill water bugs in the bathroom.

But Jake will never date a woman married to her job. His father was a workaholic lawyer who never had time for family. 

And she’s just got the case of a lifetime—the one she needs to win to make partner.  Working 24/7 at the office may not even be enough hours to pull off a victory.

If only she had not met him now.

Audrey is determined to prove that she can juggle work and romance—even if managing court cases, candlelit dinners, and bike rides around Manhattan is a lot harder than it looks.  She keeps canceling dates for yet another case crisis.

But when making partner is like a game of musical chairs and the last seat is a business-class alone, which partnership will she choose?

My review

Audrey Willems is a workaholic lawyer, with her own goal into reach. She wants to become a partner of the law firm she is working for, and with her current case, she is sure that a success will result in her becoming a partner in six months, when the decision will be made.
So any distraction is out of the question, no matter how amazing her new neighbour and music marketing executive Jake appears to be.
Having grown up with a workaholic father, who never had time for his own family, Jake surely never wants to date a woman married to her job.
But the more time Audrey spends with Jake, the more she starts to see what she has been missing. Because Jake is not only funny, caring and lovely, he is also a man not afraid to kill the water bugs in her bathroom.
However, with a deadline just around the corner, and Audrey needs to focus 24/7 on her job, will their blooming relations stand the test of stress? 

I thought I knew what to expect when I started to read this story, but after reading the last chapter, I was glad I got so much more than expected! 

What I loved about Audrey, was that she is pursuing her career, and determined to become a partner. But she is not a ruthless woman. Even when a few of her colleagues aren’t afraid to play dirty, she doesn’t lower herself to their level.
And when she feels like being stabbed by her female co-worker, instead of turning into a b*tch herself, she tries to find a way to show that we women have to stick together, especially in a man’s world…
Even if her focus is on her job, it’s obvious she is also a kind character. She knows that lately she isn’t being the best of friends, but tries to redeem herself.
And when Jake becomes her new neighbour, I saw a funny side of Audrey that I didn’t expect to see. I found it HILARIOUS how they kept exchanging the most absurd gifts, and kept trying to upstage each other. 

And Jake… not only did he make my heart melt, but he also made my ovaries explode! He shows Audrey how life is not only about work, and takes her to lovely dates, that made me envious. But also the patience he shows with her, because despite his resolution to never date a workaholic, he understands how important it is to Audrey.
And let’s not forget what an amazing uncle he is (Exploding ovaries alert!). 

But this story is so much more than just a romantic, swoon – worthy tale… It’s about the struggles women also have to endure at work. And the author manages to show us that life isn’t always fair and some men still think they are the stronger sex. But this isn’t written in a patronizing way, but it’s also not too subtle to go unnoticed.

The most important lesson however is that even when we think that we know what our main goal is, sometimes these goals can change direction.
And that sometimes it’s meeting the right person, and also losing them, will make you understand what truly matters in life. And that falling in love and having a wonderful relationship doesn’t mean that you cannot have your successful career.  

I loved reading this beautiful story about lovely people, I laughed several times, discovered a shared fear of water bugs (where is my own superhero Jake?) and I admired the courage our main characters showed when they did follow their hearts and instincts and didn’t just go with the flow. 

A truly heart – warming story that left me a warm feeling inside I didn’t want to get rid of!

An unexpected Christmas

Synopsis

Tammy is normally at her happiest at Christmas, but she’s been dumped by her long term partner, with no real explanation… and her Christmas looks pretty bleak.

Lawrence has just been told he has an inherited heart condition… and he’s not allowed to eat too many mince pies. Not exactly a recipe for a great holiday.

With time running out for Lawrence, will he tell Tammy how he feels before it’s too late?

– Plus sized hero

– British Asian heroine

– Romance in a microbiology lab

– All the Christmas feels

Girl At Christmas is a standalone novella in the award nominated Smart Girls series. If you like heartwarming, sweet romance and an unusual chubby hero, it’s the perfect book for you. Buy Girl AtChristmas and reclaim the holiday spirit today!

Girl At Chrismtas – FREE when you sign up to Rhoda Baxter’s newsletter! https://www.subscribepage.com/q3x1y8_copy

My review

Tammy is the kind of person that absolutely loves Christmas. But when her partner dumps her out of the blue, just before Christmas, her world falls apart. So celebrating the holiday is for once the last of her thoughts.
Meanwhile her colleague Lawrence has to change his whole way of living, as he has been diagnosed with an inherited heart condition.
As both Tammy and Lawrence are adapting to a new lifestyle, will they be able to see what is right under their noses?  

This may be the shortest story in the series, but I found it the most adorable one!
And I even found it a bit sad that it was a novella, because I surely wanted to read more about Tammy and Lawrence! 

Tammy is initially in a relationship with Jeff, and even if the sparks aren’t flying around, him leaving her out of the blue, comes as a shock to her.
Add an overbearing mother, and I completely understood why Tammy doesn’t feel the Christmas spirit this time. 

But can I say I just fell completely and utterly in love with Lawrence? He may not be winning an award for fittest, strongest, most handsome man in the world, but who cares???
There isn’t a thing about him that I didn’t love!
And when we get to know about his heart condition, I wanted to jump in and give him an encouraging hug and tell him that it would all be okay…

I found it so sweet and cute seeing how Tammy and Lawrence finally are spending more time together, and how they are helping each other.
Tammy helps Lawrence with a healthier eating habits, and Lawrence is a real friend, offering a shoulder to cry on, and makes Tammy see what an idiot her ex was… 

And then the author managed to make my heart crush in million little pieces… Because just at the moment it seems that these lovely characters are able to move on, *something* happens (no spoilers from my side!).
But luckily the author has some good glue, because it’s ‘thanks’ to that event that things move quicker. 

This story, even being not long enough for my liking, because the author got me totally hooked, was lovely, heart – warming, sweet, adorable.
The characters are so easy to like, and from the start you wish them all the best. And even if they don’t have the best cards in the game initially, they see what has always been there, just below the surface.
And that, looking more around you and to actually SEE those lovely people around, is what we all need to do a little bit more.
Sometimes it’s the worse of events that can be the start of something unexpected yet most magnificent and wonderful thing.
And this is surrounded by the magical touch of Christmas. Do we really need more?

When you got burned by love too much…

Synopsis

‘Full of heart, hope, friendship, family and laughter, and a plot with a mystery gagging to be solved’ Kim Nash on Welcome to Ferry Lane Market

When Star Bligh got pregnant at the age of sixteen, she thought her life was over. Now thirty-three, mother to Skye and owner of the successful jewellery stall in Ferry Lane Market in Hartmouth, Cornwall, she wouldn’t change a thing about it.

Well, maybe one. A few months ago she fell hard for American visitor Jack, but then he left without even saying goodbye and ever since she has struggled to get him out of her head. Until the handsome, roguish Conor turns up and sweeps her off her feet. But then one day, Star is shocked to bump into Jack. He’s back in Hartmouth to tell her why he left – but is she ready to listen?

As things get more complicated with her love life, another revelation threatens to turn the lovely world she has built for her and Skye upside down. But could this be the one thing that will make it complete?

Readers love Nicola May, too!

‘A FABULOUS must-read’ – 5 STARS
‘An excellent book of friendship – with a little wickedness!’ – 5 STARS
‘Good for the soul’ – 5 STARS
‘I loved it and devoured it in a matter of days’ – 5 STARS
‘A wonderful, feel-good novel with some grit thrown in’ – 5 STARS
‘Marvellous, beautiful and heart-warming’ – 5 STARS
‘Sea, sand and sex – a soppy delight’ – 5 STARS
‘A truly lovely book’ – 5 STARS
‘Fun and whimsy, plus a dog!’ – 5 STARS
‘Nicola May is a brilliant, relevant writer for today, exposing today’s issues with tenderness, and always demonstrating a warm, human, heartfelt response’ – 5 STARS

My review

Star Bligh never imagined getting pregnant at sixteen. Persuaded by her mother, she decided to keep the baby, and as a result, she is now thirty – three with a wonderful daughter named Skye. Proof that her life wasn’t over as she thought it would be, because now her life is even better. Living in Harmouth, Corwall, proud and successful owner of the jewellery stall in Ferry Lane Market and having her best friend Kara Moon always nearby, what more could she wish for?
Oh yes, never having fallen for American visitor Jack a few months ago… While she thought they had a connection, he just disappeared and never contacted her again. But why can’t she get him out of her head?
When Conor makes an entrance in Harmouth, could he be the one to take her mind of Jack?
But Star’s love life isn’t the only thing that will change again her whole life, because there are revelations that will not only turn her life upside down, but also the lives of those she loves. 

Oooh how I loved returning in Ferry Lane Market! It’s not only the main characters of the previous book that made me fall in love with the place, but it’s just everything and everyone living there!
And while in Book 1 the story was all around Kara Moon, we got to know Star a little bit, but I was very curious for reading her own story.
And I got everything I hoped for and even more! 

While initially my first thought would be that I would feel sorry for Star, but quickly I changed my mind and saw that strong woman that Star is.
She hasn’t had the easiest of childhoods, and even now she is struggling, with a mother that has some issues and not knowing who her father is.
But while in some cases, that would tear a person apart, Star had a lot of people by her side, and her own strong character, allowing her to be happy with her life. 

However, it did break my heart seeing how she was struggling with the abandonment of Jack. Because if there is one character that finally deserves to meet a soulmate, it surely is Star. And Jack’s behaviour wanted me to go to the States and kick his a**!

So when Conor enters the picture, I saw that ray of light that maybe could be the answer to Star’s pain. And I had my fingers crossed that maybe now she could move on. But… I also kind of kept hoping that Jack would see what an idiot he has been.

We also got to read some glimpses of Jack and his life in America. And while some of his reasons to return back, made some sense, my main thought was just ‘NO NO NO NO, go back to Star!’ 

Now, don’t get fooled, because this is not only a romance… Star has a lot of other struggles in her life, and when a major revelation was made, I actually grasped for air!
Star is facing too many problems, and that revelation made me think that was the last straw she could take. But I should have had faith in Star, because she didn’t get where she is now if she just gave up so easily.
And every down has its up, somehow. 

This story shows us that love doesn’t always come as expected and as easily. But I saw this story more as a story about a strong woman, being a great mother, an awesome friend, a daughter with her heart at the right place, just trying to keep control of everything and every lemon that life throws her.

I admired Star’s character, was amazed by her resilience and loved her way of living. In her eyes, no matter how difficult things are getting, nothing is insurmountable, as long as you just don’t give up.

I loved returning to Ferry Lane Market, and cannot what for my next visit!

Of course it all happens at once…

Synopsis

Olivia doesn’t believe in happy families. She can’t trust men to be reliable, so she’d rather manage without one. As for kids – she’s never having those.

Marine biologist Walter is losing his daughter. He longs for a second chance to prove he can be a reliable dad.

When Olivia discovers she’s pregnant by her douchebag ex, Walter finally sees a way to be more than just a friend-with-benefits to her.

But how can he persuade the most independent woman he’s ever met to accept his help, let alone his heart?

Girl In Trouble is a standalone novel in the award nominated Smart Girls series. If you like warm, witty, women’s fiction, you’ll love this book. Ideal for fans of Meg Cabot or Jennifer Crusie.

My review

If there is one woman that men are afraid of, it has to be Olivia. She drinks as a man (or even more and better), is truly independent and surely doesn’t want to have any kids.
She isn’t afraid of seeing men without any real commitment. So when her ‘boyfriend’ Will goes AWOL, it’s not that her heart got broken.
Olivia’s total opposite is her landlord Walter. Even if divorced, he tries to be the best dad he can for his little girl. But his job as a marine biologist doesn’t make it easy as he often needs to go away for research. And show him a spider and he goes totally crazy.
Luckily he can always ask Olivia to rescue him for the eight – legged monsters in his apartment.
What starts as a friendship, quickly develops into something more, until Olivia discovers she is pregnant. And it isn’t Walter’s…

Part three in a series, and stakes are high! I loved reading the previous parts and I was looking forward to read this next chapter.
But one thing I didn’t expect, was having my heart broken so many times… 

I love reading about strong, independent women, making their own success without needing a man holding their hands.
And that’s what I truly loved about Olivia. She doesn’t sit in a corner waiting for her knight in shing armour to save her, but she saves herself. Or even better, she makes sure she doesn’t need saving!
But the sad part of Olivia is that she doesn’t see the bright side of being in a real relationship and sees how lovely it is to build a life together. 

On the other side we have Walter. He had it all, but he lost it all too. And to make things even worse, his ex – wife is moving to the States, taking their daughter with her and her new man.
Seeing how that news devastated Walter, broke my heart the first time…
Because Walter is the kind of man who has all the good intentions, but sometimes fails in achieving them. And that is something that happens to every one of us. 

When reading the blurb, I thought the pregnancy would be taking part rather early in the story and that Walter would start persuading Olivia in keeping the child and becoming a family unit, even if it isn’t his child.
But somehow I was glad it turned out to be different, because now we got the chance to see how feelings started to bloom before everything takes a turn for the worse… 

There was one terrible event that broke my heart even more than before, and I just wanted to jump into the book and try to be any kind of consolation to our main character.
Because the way it happened was not by choice, and seeing a devasted Olivia shows the real Olivia, and not the façade she tries to keep up all the time.

The beauty of this story is that the main characters are so real, recognizable and always stay ‘in character’. Their past, even if for Olivia it was a hurtful one, made them to the person they are now, and they stay true to them. It’s not that they suddenly change, become the total opposite of what they were until now just to make it easy to reach that happily ever after.
Of course, both Olivia and Walter change, because that’s what love does to people, but it isn’t a total transformation. The changes are like baby – steps and just perfect for the people we start to care about so much. 

This story isn’t just filled with happy moments, but also with painful ones, just like happens in real life. And seeing how Olivia  realizes she also wants someone to love her, just the way she is, warmed my heart.
Because isn’t that what we all want, someone who loves us, no matter how weird we can be sometimes, or how terrified we can be of spiders…  

Honesty forces me to say that this wasn’t my favourite part of the series, but it felt like the most real one. And for me that is more than enough to love it!

Is there a line too far that you wouldn’t cross for your own child?

Synopsis

Two DNA tests, one big lie…

“As I speed off in the ambulance holding my daughter’s hand, I wonder how I could have been so stupid. I should have made the bargain, paid the price – anything to avoid being right here, right now.

A voice whispers in my head that I can’t silence. This is all your fault. You killed her. It’s her voice, the one I hear in my nightmares. The woman who stole my memories, the woman who stole my life. And, this time, I know she’s right.”

How far would you go to save your child?

Claire is living every mother’s worst nightmare. Her daughter, Jess, has been diagnosed with a rare illness and desperately needs a bone marrow transplant. With no match on the registry, Claire turns to a charismatic geneticist for help and embarks on a Genetic Journey to seek a familial match for her daughter.

On the other side of the country, Marianne suffers her eighth miscarriage. Her perfect life is rotting underneath, but she is determined to do whatever it takes to have a baby.

When DNA test results reveal that Claire and Marianne are half-sisters, Claire must face the dark lies of the past and make impossible choices about the future. Is her secret sister the answer to her prayers, or will she cost her everything?

My Secret Sister is a tense and emotional family drama with a moral dilemma at its heart. Fans of Liane Moriarty, Jodi Picoult, and John Marrs’ The One will be gripped.

My review

In San Francisco, Claire is living a nightmare… her daughter Jess has a rare illness and unless a match is found, there is nothing they can do.
The bone marrow transplant is their only option, but finding a match is not that easy.
As a mother, Claire would do anything for Jess, even putting Jess’ DNA in a worldwide system, hoping that somewhere a match can be found.
Meanwhile in Washington is Marianne having her own heartbreak. Another IVF has failed after many other attempts and miscarriages. And even if her marriage seems to be on its last breath, Marianne wants to do whatever it takes to become a mother.
Little did these two women except to be a match. And not just being a very very distant relative, but apparently they are sisters…
But is Marianne willing to be a donor? And at what price? And is Claire ready to pay for it? 

When I started to read this story, I was a bit afraid that Marianne would turn out to be a total psycho, demanding something absurd for just donating her bone marrow.
Especially after that prologue… 

But the more I read about Marianne and her desire and fails of becoming a mother, the more I realized that my initial impression was a wrong one.
I felt so sorry for her side of the story. I can imagine how much someone wishes to become a mother. And all the losses she had to endure… I found it terrible to read how after each disappointment her hope just diminished…
And seeing how her marriage was also falling apart, a husband becoming more and more distant, and absent, that is not something that Marianne deserved. 

However, Marianne’s story was a sad one, but Claire’s just a heart – breaking one…
I cannot imagine the horror of having a sick child, with almost no hope left to find a match. Of course I understood why Claire was going lengths to just find that one match that would save her little girl.
Reading how Jess tried to keep her head up high but also failing, broke my heart. Nobody, and especially no child should endure such tragedies.
And my heart got broken even more to see how this ugly disease affected all the family members. I understood the fight Claire was having, to save her little girl, but seeing how she acted around her other daughter Becky…

Becky isn’t the easiest teenager in the world, but let’s be honest, which teenager is? She is maybe impulsive, but it’s obvious she adores her little sister… And Claire’s behaviour is just uncalled for.

When the truth about the relation between Marianne and Claire is revealed, was a bit over the top, and the extra revelation even more, but of course the author had to pull a rabbit out of the head to link both women.

This was a gripping story to read, about women having to face their most terrible nightmare, trying to keep all the balls in the air, and learning that their past has been partially filled with lies from someone they both loved.
But this book is also filled with hope, because let’s be honest, hope is always the last thing to die. And the lesson that help doesn’t come always in the way we expect, but the way it comes doesn’t matter, but what we gain from it, is.
And maybe, just maybe, a tragedy can bring new, unexpected people in your life that even after an initial hesitating may fill that gap in your heart you didn’t know about…

Secrets nobody knows of, or do they?

Synopsis

Colm O’Flynn was loved by his close circle of family and friends, however his death came too soon for everyone to make peace with their past.

Shauna, his second wife, adored him. But one night she broke their marriage vows, and didn’t get time to ask Colm’s forgiveness.

Jess was the first Mrs O’Flynn. Her heart is set on someone new, but will the last one night stand she shared with Colm come back to haunt her?

Colm’s best friend, Dan, is recently divorced. Can he take a second shot at happiness if it means betraying the one person who always had his back?

What no-one knows is that somewhere out there Colm left messages that could set them free to start over again.

Can divine intervention help them find Colm’s last wishes before it’s too late to love again?

My review

Losing The One is the most hurtful thing Shauna experienced, after her husband Colm died. But what haunts her also, is that, despite their wonderful marriage, there was one night that she still regrets. And with Colm gone now, she will never have the chance to ask for forgiveness.
If there is one person that understands her pain of losing Col, it surely is Jess, Colm’s first wife. No matter what everyone thinks, Shauna and Jess have become real friends, having each other’s back no matter what.
And Shauna can also count on Dan, as she is living in the apartment he owns. Dan is Colm’s best friend and wants to make sure that Shauna can always rely on him, even when he is struggling with his own recent divorce. 

But what nobody knows, is that somewhere there are messages from Colm hidden, that will not only uncover some kept secrets, but will also allow these friends to put their pain behind them. 

The talent of this author is that she never writes ‘easy’ stories but no matter how much your own heart will endure, you will find in the end that the sense of contentment in the end was worth of all the pain you felt and tissues you used.
And this story isn’t an exception! 

This story works with flashbacks, letting the readers see how Colm is fighting his disease and how he wants to leave important messages to his loved ones.
And boy, did these messages break my heart!
I found it lovely to see how Colm addressed Shauna, remembering the wonderful moments they had together.
But seeing him struggling with the harder bits, knowing it would break Shauna’s heart, was hurtful also for me.
And seeing how his health deteriorate, was just terrible. 

But what warmed my heart was, seeing how, despite losing Colm, Shauna has a whole close circle of friends, understanding how she feels and knowing what she needs, and when.
And even if these friends did things that I normally would condemn, somehow it all made sense when these things happened.
Not that I now would accept that in real life, but in this specific situation, with these lovely characters, it made sense.
Whatever they did, they didn’t do it to hurt their loved ones, and it was immediately followed by immense regret.
And in Shauna’s case, it was even worse, because she never got the chance to apologize to Colm for it… 

If you are looking for a story filled with happiness, don’t read this great book. But if you want to read a story that will make you grip your heart, I recommend to read this story, without a doubt.
It’s about losing the love of your life, and the grief following your loss. But it’s also about real friendship, seeing reason despite the hurt, finding the guts to move on (but never forget the one you lost) and put a stop on what/who hurts you the most. 

The main characters in the present show a resilience and courage that isn’t easy to find. And thanks to those sudden found messages from the past (tear – jerking moments!!!) they see where they were in the wrong, and realize that letting go of the past (and your safety cushion) will only benefit you and those friends that were and always will be a rock in your life.

Not always it’s an happily ever after…

Synopsis

Ed & Lily have a problem. It’s the day before Christmas Eve and the relationship everyone believed was rock solid is in trouble. It’s not just the past getting in the way, it’s the present too. 

They’ve got thirty-six hours before they fly to Iceland for a snowy Christmas break. Can they resolve their differences or will their plane leave London without them?

A story about love, loss and chasing your dreams.

My review

When Ed & Lily got together, it was just perfect. But now, their relationship may not be as solid as everyone thinks.
Trying to find each other back again, the plan is to fly over to Iceland for their Christmas break. But with only thirty – six hours left for departure, both Ed and Lily are struggling with getting on time on the plane. Will they both make it on time? And not only on the place, will they make it in time to save what’s left of their relationship? Because in order to resolve their differences, they both have to look at both past and present to see if ‘they’ are worth saving or not… 

In a romantic story, when people get together, that means the ending of the book. So we all imagine the main characters got their happily ever after and live together with all the puppies and sunshine, polka dots and moonbeams etc. 

But of course, in real life we all know that a relationship is hard work, and even after several years it’s all about compromising and trying to keep everything together.
And sometimes a couple has to make that difficult choice: staying together or breaking up? Because let’s be honest, sometimes love is not just enough… 

And Ed and Lily are now facing this exact tipping point. Going to Iceland will determine if they are worth the fight or not…

As a reader, we are taking part of the rollercoaster that Ed’s and Lily’s relationship is. Through flashbacks we not only get to see how they got together, but we also get to know the important events that made them the persons they are now. 

Lily has the terrible habit of getting everywhere too late, and losing half of her stuff. But it’s easy to see how kind, gentle and altruistic she is. She wants to be that person that made a difference in a someone else’s life.  

And Ed, he is struggling to express his true feelings, not wanting to stand in the way of Lily and her dreams.
He would do anything to make her happy and doesn’t want to be the man that holds Lily back.
But there is a limit at what Ed can take… And jealousy and kept secrets aren’t really helping… 

This story shows us the beauty of getting together but also how difficult it can be to keep it all together.
It’s not easy to make a choice of following your dreams and be in a happy relationship. Relationships are about compromising, but how far is someone able to compromise? Is following your dreams and passion worth the end of a relationship? Or is staying with a person you love, worth of putting your own dreams away? 

The author managed perfectly to put all the struggles into words, but without making it a depressing story. The hard parts are perfectly broken up with the lovely bits.
And as a reader, you have no clue where the story will go. Will it be a lovely reunion with realizing that being apart is not a solution? Or will it be the end of a beautiful tale but life is taking Ed and Lily on different paths?

A beautiful, emotional, realistic story, with characters that are not perfect, but impossible not to love!

Two broken people in the City of Love

Synopsis

Escape to the breath-taking beauty of Venice – The City of Love.

When pragmatic, sensible and resolutely single Deirdre York (Didi to her friends) is sent to Venice for work she is determined not to be taken in by the romantic clichés. Winter in the floating city may be breathtakingly beautiful, but she’s here with a clear purpose and will not let the magic of Venice distract her.

Piero Zanetti is the epitome of the handsome yet tortured artist. Heart-broken by the end of his love affair with a glamorous opera singer, he has lost his ability to work, and his inspiration has drained away, along with his zest for life.

But Didi needs Piero working – she has been tasked with commissioning him to do a glass centrepiece for a luxury department store Christmas display – some how Didi has tocheer Piero up or at least find him a new muse…

As Didi and Piero slowly become friends, and as Venice starts to melt Didi’s heart and gently nudge Piero out of the blues, something special begins to happen. Can Venice – the City of Love – work a Christmas miracle and help Didi and Piero to find their happiness at last…

Leonie Mack is back with the most gloriously romantic escape, perfect for all fans of Mandy Baggot, Jo Thomasand Carole Matthews.

My review

Deirdre York, Didi for her friends, has been tasked with persuading Piero Zanetti to create a glass centrepiece for a Christmas display in a luxury department store.
Taking off to Venice, where Piero is living, she is certain that she will succeed. But Piero, since he got heart – broken, has lost his inspiration and surely wouldn’t think about taking money for his art, even if inspiration would struck him.
However, Didi won’t accept a ‘no’ for an answer and while becoming slowly friends, both Didi and Piero realize they have more in common than thought, even hating the same romantic clichés.
While exploring the beauty of Venice, Didi’s heart is finally start to melt and Piero is getting out of his dark moods.
Will Didi manage to have Piero creating a masterpiece? And will these two broken people have a chance for their own happiness? 

I have to tell you all a little secret, and I know it’s an unpopular opinion, so I’m risking many angry people over here…
I have explored Venice myself, and – be warned – I found it a bit overrated. Okay, there are lovely places and buildings to visit. And Venice has its historical background. But just like Didi, I am a bit appalled of how touristic it all is now.
If only it wouldn’t be so crowded all the time, it would make it a lovelier place. 

So when I started to read this story, even if it took place in Italy and me being Italian (or Belgian, depends on which book I’m reading 😊), I kept my little dislike for Venice in the background of my mind. 

When I realized that Didi shared somehow my opinion, I was glad I found a kindred spirit. I didn’t have to pretend to like all the hot spots and Didi expressed perfectly my thoughts.
I found Didi easy to like. She is a focused woman, determined in whatever she does, even if that means going to Venice and try to persuade the most stubborn man of the world.
Even if she has never ever truly fallen in love, she is a loving character. Her love for her sister is obvious each time they talk and she is truly worried for her sister. 

Didi may seem like a cold person initially, she dislikes all kind of romantic clichés, but the more I got to know her better, the more I saw where she came from. Her family past made her create a high wall, just to avoid of getting hurt, but also that wall makes it impossible for her to break it down. 

Piero… talking about Italian men! All non – Italian people have this image of Italian men, players, good looking, going from one woman to another. But Piero is for me the typical Italian man. Stubborn, brooding, proud, strong yet also fragile.
His pain does not only come from a broking heart, but also the relation with his father isn’t a great one. And, typical Italian, both men are holding their grudge towards each other instead of just talking! 

This story took me to Venice, but it showed me the beauty I didn’t initially saw. The art of glass making was well explained and even if it were merely words, I could see the pieces that Piero and his father created.

But this wasn’t just a book about the places in Venice, it was about characters thinking that they are somehow not worthy of what’s in front of them. Thinking in a negative way, will only pull you down even more. But when the right person comes in your life, even as broken as you are, you will see the beauty that is around you. And that walls, no matter how high they are, can be crushed down and even the most critic person in the world can start to see how sometimes all we need, is a romantic cliché… 

A wonderful romantic tale, in a place that will take your breath away, about people that will steal a piece of your heart even if theirs were initially broken.

Food, to make, to eat, to save

Synopsis

Can they stand the heat…?

Maggie’s in the running to be the next head chef at Michelin-starred Manhattan restaurant, Jean-Sébastien’s. Unfortunately, she’s competing against notoriously arrogant Ethan to prove she’s the best chef for the job.

Food critic Emily can make or break a chef’s career. When she visits the restaurant to see what interim head chef, Maggie, has to offer, Emily is having a particularly bad day…

Single mum Nayomi needs a job and Jean-Sébastien’s needs a kitchen porter – perfect! She just has to keep her head down and money coming in. But she’s desperate to speak up and help struggling chef Maggie – Nayomi’s own skills might be just the recipe to save Maggie’s career and impress Emily.

A delicious story of unexpected friendship and risking it all, for fans of Zara Stoneley and Lauren Weisberger.

My review

Jean – Sébastien’s is a Michelin – starred restaurant in Manhattan. But when the head chef, Jean Sébastian suddenly dies, Maggie hopes she will finally be able to prove her worth and become the next chef, in honour of her mentor.
But then she sees her promotion changing into an interim job, and her worst enemy Ethan is ready to take over the chef’s cap…
And it doesn’t help when food critic Emily visits the restaurant. One review from her can make or break a chef’s career. And Emily feels she has a score to settle…
But Maggie finds helps in the newly hired kitchen porter Nayomi, a single mum in need of the extra cash.
Despite Nayomi’s resolution to be as invisible as possible, she cannot stand and just watch Maggie struggling. And Nayomi’s background can be exactly the thing to help Maggie out.

I love reading books and watching movies about food. And I am always intrigued by how it works behind the scenes in a restaurant. but I can say with 100% certainty that it is a job I would never ever ever do it myself.
So I have respect for people who work every day,  every shift in a restaurant to just let us enjoy a lovely meal!

At first I thought I would be confused while reading this book, as there are three main characters, facing their own struggles.
But my fears were unfounded, as it was very easy to keep track of just everyone’s background.

All the women are facing difficulties in their lives and are struggling with just keeping their head straight.
I am not going to tell exactly what each woman has to endure, because I want you to discover every story yourself.
But I cannot not say how even if apparently there was no emotional link between the women, it all came together and the missing bits were linked together.

This story is about strong women, trying to stand up again after a great pain. In their own way, they try to stand their ground, but have to face the emotional background and pick up the pieces again.
Not only is it about making amends, but also about following your passions, dare to move on and allow love (back) in your life. Not only the love – love but the friendship – love, the parent – child love and food – love also!

I found this a lovely story to read, and it reminded me of movies and I saw and I saw while reading a lot of potential in making into a movie, with a better storyline than the already seen movies.
The author shows us in this book how wrong sometimes our perception of an event can be. But also that another hurtful event can be the start of something new and the possibility to do some internal search of what we truly want from our lives.
And that no matter what happened in the past it’s never too late to undo the wrong we once did.
Oh, and there is tons of food in it! Just dig in!