The past isn’t always ‘just’ in the past…

Synopsis

A child who does not know her name…

In 1903 fishermen find a wrecked boat containing a woman, who has been badly beaten, and a young girl. An ambulance is sent for, and the two survivors are taken to All Hallows, the imposing asylum, hidden deep on Dartmoor. The woman remains in a coma, but the little girl, Harriet, awakens and is taken to an attic room, far away from the noise of the asylum, and is put in the care of Nurse Emma Everdeen.

Two motherless boys banished to boarding school…

In 1993, All Hallows is now a boarding school. Following his mother’s death and his father’s hasty remarriage, Lewis Tyler is banished to Dartmoor, stripped of his fashionable clothes, shorn of his long hair, and left feeling more alone than ever. There he meets Isak, another lost soul, and whilst refurbishment of the dormitories is taking place, the boys are marooned up in the attic, in an old wing of the school. 

Cries and calls from the past that can no longer be ignored…

All Hallows is a building full of memories, whispers, cries from the past. As Lewis and Isak learn more about the fate of Harriet, and Nurse Emma’s desperate fight to keep the little girl safe, it soon becomes clear there are ghosts who are still restless. 

Are they ghosts the boys hear at night in the room above, are they the unquiet souls from the asylum still caught between the walls? And can Lewis and Isak bring peace to All Hallows before the past breaks them first…

My review

In 1903 two survivors of a wrecked boat are taken to asylum All Hallows in Dartmoor. The woman is in a coma and a young girl named Harriet is taken to an attic room where Nurse Emma Everdeen will take care of her.
Nothing is known about the victims, so all hope is on the woman to wake up and tell everyone what happened.
In 1993, All allows has been transformed into a boarding school, and Lewis Tyler is banished there after the death of his mother and his father’s remarriage. Feeling all alone and have the sense that nobody understands him, he befriends Isak, the boy he shares his room in the attic with.
And it’s in that room that the boys quickly discover that the ghosts from the past are still around. Lewis and Isak start to learn more about the past of All Hallows and the tale of Nurse Emma and Harriet.
Whose ghosts are still lingering around? And will the boys be able, after so much time has passed, to bring peace to them? 

I am not one of those readers that enjoy a ghost story. If I read such stories, it’s 99.99% sure that the story will keep me up all night, afraid of every little sound I hear, even if I know there is a logical explanation for whatever I heard…
So why would I read this story? Easy, because it’s not just a ghost story, and the blurb intrigued me! 

This book has two stories, both gripping, heart – breaking and I cannot say which one was my favourite! 

Lewis’ tale was a terrible one. Him begin a goth, not understood by his father, a mother who just got him passed away, and a new stepmother being the perfect example of why people don’t like stepparents…
My heart just broke for him and that was even before he was sent to All Hallows…
And that boarding school, what a terrible place!
However, I found it somehow sweet to see how he befriends Isak, a boy also with not a great reputation. But two hurt boys finding each other in the most difficult time of their life, well that was heart – warming to read!

The sounds they hear while in the attic, were terrifying not only the boys, but also me. And me being a scaredy – cat at the age of 35, made me surely understand how scared those boys were!
Yet Lewis is determined to find out what happened in the past and I loved seeing that determination seeing somehow him being alive again. And that’s how he learns about Nurse Emma and little Harriet….

Nurse Emma initially is a cold person, and I couldn’t comprehend how a nurse could be so distant. Because doesn’t everyone imagine a nurse being warm and kind and caring? So what happened to Emma to be like this?
And why can’t she be kind and tender towards poor little Harriet?
But when her past is revealed, a lot makes sense, and we can even see how Emma melts while taking care of Harriet. Even at the point she would protect the child with every strength she has!

The more I got into the story, the more a terrible foreboding I was having… I couldn’t see how it was possible that Nurse Emma did what Lewis discovered, because just how could she? I was hoping with every little bit in my body that there would be some kind of redemption, but how could it, with the past being exactly that, the past? 

The author wrote a ghostly story, without making it too ghostly. I liked how the bits that would terrify me in any other book, made me just want to read more.
Some things are inexplicable but in a gothic novel that’s to be expected. I had many chills, but I also had moments that shows that nothing is impossible and even if the past is haunting you, you can make the impossible become possible. 

I found it difficult to put this book away, because I had to urge to know what would happen not only wit Lewis, but Nurse Emma who I started to like, little Harriet that was quickly in stealing my heart, and Isak, a wounded boy feeling not loved by his father.  

If all ghost stories would be like this, I surely would be reading more from this genre!

Real friendships can stand the test of time…

Synopsis

Ella and Roly have bright futures ahead of them when they meet as teenagers and strike up an unlikely friendship. She has her career in academia all mapped out, and his star is in the ascendant as member of a manufactured boy band.

But ten years later, neither is where they expected to be. A chronic illness forced Ella to abandon her studies and put her dreams on hold, while Roly got kicked out of the band and lost everything – all his money, his career in music, even the underwear-model girlfriend. 

When they cross paths again they’re both ready to start over, and they rekindle their friendship as they each try to get back what they lost.

But Ella didn’t tell Roly what really happened the last time they met. And if he finds out, will it be the end of their new beginning?

My review

When Ella and Roly become friends as teenagers, their paths couldn’t be more different. Ella is ready to start her years in academy, while Roly is member of a boy band ready to conquer the world.
Even if the contact isn’t always that close, ten years later they are still friends. However, their lives took a whole different direction… Ella has struggled with a chronic illness, putting her whole life and all her dreams on hold, while Roly got kicked out of the band and lost everything when his addiction became public knowledge…
Together they decide to start over again, and they try to win back what they once lost. And their friendship becomes a solid one. But Ella carries a secret, a secret that would devastate Roly and put their whole friendship at risk… 

I have read one previous book from this author, and as I truly enjoyed it (and had a few shocks there!), I was very curious to read this new book.

Even if Ella and Roly took a whole different direction in their lives, I absolutely loved reading how in several moments they find each other again and how easy their friendship is, even when some time has passed since their previous meeting.

Seeing how Ella is trying to live again after facing her illness, made me feel very proud of her. I do not know a lot of this chronic disease, so I cannot understand how difficult it is for Ella, but her courage and determination to get out there again, I cannot say more than just ‘bravo’!
I had a blast during her job interview, and even if the job was not something younger Ella would imagine doing, I could see how perfect it would be for present Ella.
Slowly Ella is not only getting back out there, but she also starts to enjoy the things she (sometimes under a gentle obligation) is doing.

Roly’s backstory is a bitter one… Being a member of a boy band is a dream for so many us ‘normal’ people, and seeing Roly accomplish that, well, I would be jealous of having such an amazing career. However, it’s easy to see only the glitter and glamour. But there is also a dark path, and unfortunately that’s the path Roly chose…   
And seeing how his life has been and still is falling apart, broke my heart, especially when those who should look after him, obviously didn’t. 

Luckily for them, and for us readers, Ella and Roly decide to ‘reboot’ their lives together. I found it utterly sweet to see how these friends manage to help each other and slowly are getting closer to each other.
This is for me proof, that no matter how much you screwed up in the past, you can still take the right path and make something meaningful of your life. 

I loved how sometimes we have flashbacks, and we can see how Ella and Roly are meeting up again during several years. And it doesn’t show us only the best parts, but also the worst parts… And even if this is a fictional story, that made it more realistic. Because life isn’t always great and wonderful…  

When Ella’s secret is out, I didn’t find it a massive shock. But that’s because I thought the secret would be on a complete different level so I was a bit erassuered when it was something totally different. But I also understood Roly was. Because the secret made a lot of things clear, but it also jeopardizes the relationship between our beloved main characters.  

But this isn’t absolutely a depressing story! I had so many laughs while reading, and I absolutely loved Ella’s workplace and her bosses and colleagues. Roly’s mother and grandmother are absolute darlings who you wish could have in your life too.

I found this a wonderful read, about the setbacks of life, but also about the possibilities and second chances that life gives. And I found it a real important message that just because your life takes a different direction, it doesn’t mean it’s a ‘lesser’ life. Growing up, maturing and taking another path, makes you realize what truly matters to you, and sometimes it’s not the thing you always dreamed about.

With love, nothing is impossible

Synopsis

Love will always find a way… Discover the intriguing secrets of Hawthorn Place in this heartfelt dual-time novel, filled with warmth and charm, perfect for fans of Lucinda Riley and Cecelia Ahern.

Two houses, hundreds of miles apart…yet connected always.

When life throws Molly Butterfield a curveball, she decides to spend some time with her recently widowed granddad, Wally, at Hawthorn Place, his quirky Victorian house on the Dorset coast.

But cosseted Molly struggles to look after herself, never mind her grieving granddad, until the accidental discovery of an identical Art and Crafts house on the Norfolk coast offers her an unexpected purpose, as well as revealing a bewildering mystery.

Discovering that both Hawthorn Place and Acacia House were designed by architect Percy Gladwell, Molly uncovers the secret of a love which linked them, so powerful it defied reason.

What follows is a summer which will change Molly for ever…

My review

Molly Butterfield had hoped that, after her boyfriend broke up with her, she would be staying with her mother and stepfather.
Unfortunately for Molly, that is not an option and even an increase of her allowance has not been given to her by her stepfather Brian.
With a job she truly doesn’t like, a restrained relationship with her stepfather, her mother pushing her to become more independent, Molly decides to spend the summer with her beloved grandfather Willy at Hawthorn Place on the Dorset Coast.
As Molly is not used of taking care of her own business, she and Wally are both struggling to look after each other.
Slowly Molly is getting her life back on track, and finds a job in an house that is identical to Hawthorn Place. And its owner Rory, being a recluse himself, surely is also an enigma for Molly. And the houses seems to have their own mystery, especially as Rory’s house is on the Norfolk coast…
Molly starts to uncover the past of both houses, that were both designed by Arts and Crafts architect Percy Gladwell. And his tale of love is even a more mysterious one…

Having two stories, for the price of one, can it get any better?

I have to be honest, Molly wasn’t someone I immediately liked… Of course, if I would be homeless suddenly, the first place I would go, is my parents, to crash on my old twin bed.
But seeing how Molly behaved, and just wanted to be hand over everything she wanted, and her determination to treat Brian so badly… well, I just cannot comprehend such behaviour.
So even if it caused a problem for her, I was happy to see how her mother and Brian decided to let Molly learn how to take care things of herself.
Even if I’m not a parent myself, I was nodding my approval along.
And the way she got the job at Rory’s, well she wasn’t really scoring extra good points…

I must say, Molly did (or to be more precise, she didn’t do…) a lot of things I didn’t like, but her love for her grandparents was very sweet and tender. And them being Brian’s parents and not really her grandparents, shows that Molly can accept “new members” in her tiny family, if she just wants to.

But slowly Molly is learning to be more independent, and not only that. When she finally earned some money by herself, she learns how to prioritize when it’s okay to spend it and when not.
And I found it nice to see that she suddenly becomes truly interested in the past of Hawthorn Place, and how it’s linked with Rory’s place, Acacia House, with the help of a cupboard…

She is determined to know everything she can find about the architect Percy Gladwell, and that gives us the opportunity to read a heart – breaking story.

Oh, Percy’s tale seemed from the start one that wouldn’t have a happy end… Not only is he slightly being pushed to court a woman who he totally has no feelings for, but he starts to bond with a married woman, Violet, designing the house of her dreams.
Is there something worse falling for a person you know you can never have? And even if you know that those feelings can never become more, I found it so lovely to see how these two characters were just so perfect for each other…

Both stories were so easy to read and to like, and seeing the changes in Molly was surely a very positive thing.
We see how this somewhat spoiled young woman is maturing, and how her presence is making a difference, not only for her grandfather, but also for Rory, who is still facing his own demons.
Watching Molly taking care of Rory, even if she sometimes uses her old tricks, truly changed my opinion of her.

There is a lot to take in this story, and some things are inexplicable, but all I can say is, just go with the flow.
It’s a book about (finally) growing up, seeing what’s right in front of you, and see what a better version of yourself you can be, by just being the real you.
It’s also about the struggle of loving someone you cannot (and I’m not only talking about Percy and Violet here…).

But for me personally, it’s the power that love can have, even if that will show in something rather impossible.
Whatever links the two houses, made a change in the past and makes a change in the present.

This was a gorgeous story where love is the real main character. Love is not only between a man and a woman, but as this story shows, between grandparents and grandchildren, stepfather and stepdaughter, a mother and a daughter, new loves, old loves, the list is just infinite. And even the love a reader can have for the characters of a book!

The perks of the Scottish Highlands, or not…

Synopsis

A fiery heroine, a Scottish god, a cabin, a castle, and enough heat to warm the coldest Scottish winter…

Highland Games is an unputdownable, enemies-to-lovers, romantic comedy, with sparkle and sizzle and a guaranteed happy ending. This sexy, witty, debut from Evie Alexander will have you laughing, swooning, and staying up way past your bedtime…

Perfect for fans of Sally Thorne, Talia Hibbert, Sophie Kinsella, and Helen Hoang. If you’re looking for a riotous romantic comedy with plenty of heat, then Highland Games is for you!

♥♥♥ Welcome to Kinloch, and the hottest winter Scotland’s ever seen. ♥♥♥

Zoe’s always played it safe, just as her parents wanted. But when her great-uncle dies and leaves her a ramshackle cabin in the Scottish Highlands, she decides it’s time to change her life.

Upping sticks seems like a good idea in her cosy flat in London, but the reality is very different. There’s no electricity or running water, the roof leaks and there’s no front door. If that wasn’t bad enough, she’s moved up in the depths of winter and her scorching hot neighbour wants her out.

Rory’s got a fifty thousand tonne problem. If he can’t make Kinloch castle profitable, he’s out of a job. He needs a clear head, but there’s someone living in the cabin he saw as his own and she’s turned his world upside down.

Rory needs Zoe out of Scotland, and out of his life. The trouble is, she has no intention of leaving.

Let the games begin…

My review

Having played it safe, Zoe shocks everyone when she decides to move to the cabin her great – uncle left her as inheritance.
But her memories of the time she spent in the Scottish Highlands couldn’t be more different than the reality. The cabin has no electricity or running water, the roof leaks and moving during the winter surely wasn’t a great idea without any heating!
On top of it all, her neighbour Rory, who is just too hot for words, wants her out of the cabin! Rory has his own reasons why he wants Zoe out of the way, because he is looking for ways to make Kinloch Castle profitable again…
Two determined people, one determined to stay and the other determined to make the other one leave… who will win the game? And what about that attraction they are both feeling?

If you are looking for the perfect story about enemies – to – lovers, stubborn people, a Scottish that could ignite every fire anywhere and a castle too, let me tell you, you won’t have to search any longer! And with the addition of many laughs, misunderstandings, a rat names Basil, can you really need anything more???

How good can a debut be? Reading a first book is always a tricky job… will you like the story? And if you don’t, will you give then author a second chance with her next book?
And if you loved the first book, was it a lucky shot and from now on it will go all downhill?

Well, I surely loved the first book, and I have all the faith that this was not a one book wonder! 

The premise is already a great one… Zoe inherits suddenly a cabin in the Scottish Highlands, and somehow she thinks that it’s a good idea to leave London behind and move totally unprepared to the cabin!

Of course that’s an absurd idea and I was ready to prepared to laugh at and with her!
And when she arrives at the cabin, and sees it’s more than a ruin than a comfy cabin, what did she expect? A castle???

For first meetings, meeting Rory is surely the most hilarious and entertaining one! Why on earth would she expect to have bears in in the Highlands???

Zoe may seem sometimes a bit too gullible, clueless, but also shows plenty of determination to make everything work. And aren’t we all sometimes in too deep?

And Rory’s first impressions were those of a bit of a mean man, only working for his own benefits. But he also has this sweetness over him, on the moments that truly matters…

This whole story is filled with misunderstandings, mischief, pranks and the funniest gaffes (the stuck in a tree!). But it’s also filled with moments that are too hot! The way I pictured Rory in my mind, well, I can surely understand why Zoe is having a hard time!

It’s obvious that Rory is not who he pretends to be, and I understood why he was keeping his true identity hidden. For the readers of course it wasn’t a total surprise, but for the characters in the book it’s logical they were left flabbergasted.

The relationship between Rory and Zoe shifts from constant fighting over each other to the point that ignoring their attraction is impossible! When they finally give in, I warn you: put the heating down in your place, because reading those encounters will warm you more than enough!

I found this a hilarious, marvellous book to read. It ticked all the boxes I was expecting from such a genre.
The characters were easy to like and even when they acted a bit obnoxious or irritable, the way things evolved only increased me liking them!

This story was an impossible mission to put away, as I just had the urge to know what more was in store for Zoe and Rory, and what would happen with all that suppressed sexual tension!
And for me personally, the countdown has begun to read the next part of the series!!!

When you think everything is lost, is it truly all lost?

Synopsis

A enchanting story of love, loss and healing set in Regency England! For fans of Georgette Heyer, Mary Balogh, Jane Aiken Hodge and Jane Austen.

Can two estranged friends find their way back to each other…?

Regency England

When her father —Major Angus Fairham — returns home from the Napoleonic wars, Prudence is excited to welcome him home to Fairham Manor.

However, tragedy strikes when Angus loses his estate to his close friend and comrade — young Captain Jack Staveley — in a drunken game of cards. Unable to face his loss, Angus takes his own life.

Distraught, Jack tries to restore Fairham Manor to Prudence, but she is too proud to accept his offer.

Overcome with grief and anger, she retreats to her aunt’s house in Bath and distances herself from her once close friendship with Jack.

But as the initial shock of her sorrow begins to dull, Prudence is soon missing the support of her most trusted confidant.

And when they once more find themselves in each other’s orbit, she must decide whether she can put aside her pride and open her heart…

WHEN ONLY PRIDE REMAINS is a historical romantic tale set in Regency England, with a feisty heroine and a moving love story at its heart.

My review

Prudence is over the moon now that her father Major Angus Fairham has returned from the Napoleonic wars.
She is looking forward to all the travelling they plan to do together. However, when Angus is being overconfident and reckless during a drunken game of cards, the consequences are not only those of losing the estate.
While Captain Jack Staveley is determined to find a way to restore the property back to Angus, Angus is struggling with his defeat and takes his own life.
And after losing her father, Pru is too proud to accept the offer of having the property back from Jack.
This event caused a distance between the once good friends, and having Pru moving to her aunt in Bath, doesn’t make things easier.
But slowly, Pru and Jack find their ways back to each other, and Jack’s honourable idea makes Pru wonder is she can put her pride aside, and maybe see Jack through a whole different light.

This story was slowly growing to me. It had a bit of a difficult start, but then the more I read, the more I liked it.

When Pru does not only lose her father, but also her home, I understood why she didn’t want to accept Jack’s offer. There is one thing left she can do for herself, and that is to choose who she wants to marry. And having a marriage proposal ‘out of guilt’, well, that will just won’t do for her.
I admired the courage Pru shows, by just living the life SHE wants to live. When she finds her Aunt, it’s obvious she has found a woman who shares her same ideas, and they quickly become real close friends.
I liked how she wants to be independent, allowing to do what she wants. She wants to find someone to get married to, but only out of love, nothing less!

Pru and Jack have always been friends, and initially they even see each other as brother and sister, so much time have they spend together.
And I could feel the guilt Jack was carrying, because if I were in his shoes, I would also feel very guilty,  even if he didn’t do anything wrong. And his solution for making amends is obviously not a good one, but you can see that he has a kind heart.

What Jack does next, is something truly admirable. When he transforms Fairham Manor in a place for soldiers scarred literally and figuratively by the war,  I cannot say more than just ‘wow’.
It’s not an easy accomplishment, but with the help of his friends, and when Pru also offers her help, I found it beautiful to see what can be done for the wounded with the right attention and help!

While helping those in need, Pru and Jack are getting closer again. And I found it a bit funny how their misunderstandings didn’t allow them to see what’s so obvious for the readers concerning their feelings!
And I found it truly heart – warming to see how when a terrible event, when everything seemed lost, was the perfect way for opening our beloved main characters’ eyes!

This story is full of courageous people: Pru wanting to make her own choices, Jack who wants to use his past to help others’ in a worse condition, the soldiers who are in terrible condition but not giving up and find the will to make something of their lives again.

For me, it was not only about the feelings between Pru and Jack, but also about what good someone can do when determined to help out. And even if not all people can be helped, many can, thanks to selfless people, being an example even in the present.

The romance part was sweet yet sometimes frustrating to read (because just why couldn’t Pru and Jack see what we all see!!!). But seeing how feelings can shift and become something so deep and just beautiful, was just perfect in this story!

A slow start, but sometimes it’s the slowly burning fires that last the longest!

Be careful what you wish for…

Synopsis

Snuggle up under your favourite blanket and escape to the beautiful village of Pebblestow this winter, for one of the most heartwarming stories of the season…

When Cara Mia Shaw makes a desperate wish one night, while riding on a carousel at a Christmas market, little does she know her small, but safe world is about to spin off its axis.

Befriending a fascinating returnee to the village, an elderly woman called Perdita with a jaunty pink beret and the wisdom of a life well lived, might set Cara on a different, albeit harder, course, if she’s brave enough to listen. Art was always her passion, after all, even if fate seemed to have other ideas.

And then there’s the new man in her life, who her friends think is perfect for her because they set her up with decent, reliable Greg in the first place. Cara’s been hurt enough times to know the difference between a good man and a feckless one. Until Wilfred comes along – moody, sarcastic, and scattered – just to complicate matters and meddle with Cara’s resolve, to the horror of almost everyone around her. But is either man ultimately meant for her, anyway? And will she self-sabotage as usual, or gamble everything this time, including her heart?

It might take the highs and lows of friendship, the risk of a forbidden romance, and a Pomeranian called Loki – not to mention some much-needed Christmas magic – before Cara finally realises the wish she made that night on the carousel might just be about to come true.

My review

Cara Shaw is not what you would call a woman who has ‘made it’ in life. What once started as a job as a nanny for the Pembrokes, now evolved to living at their place in an annexe and doing the odd tasks for her boss JoJo.
It’s not because her life is a failure, but her past marked her and now she is known by her friends for self – sabotaging every  positive turn.
when one night she takes a ride on a carousel and makes a wish, she doesn’t know how that new people will appear, from an elderly woman wearing a pink beret named Perdita (the woman, not the beret) to Greg, a man who her friends think is perfect for Cara, but who doesn’t ignite any fireworks. And then there is moody, enigmatic Wilf, brother of JoJo, who is not only totally off limits, but is carrying his own cross…
With Perdita’s good advice, what course will Cara take with her life? And will that wish on the carousel come true, If Cara dares to take that frightening last step?

When I started to read this story, I couldn’t understand Cara… she is a young woman, and her life should be peaking right now. Instead she is living with the Pembrokes, and isn’t even working as a nanny for them.
And then I’m not talking about her love life…
But the more we got to know her, the more became clearer for me. And where I initially didn’t understand her, I felt sorry for how her life turned out to be.

And when she meets Greg, pushed by her friends, I understood why she would settle for someone like him, when there are absolutely no sparks flying around. I’m not saying that Greg is a bad man, but just not the right man for Cara.

So when Perdita enters the picture, I loved her immediately, even if she has a bit of a mystery around her character.
Cara and Perdita quickly befriend each other, and I was truly happy when Perdita was able to let Cara “see the light”.
Perdita is also able for Cara opening up more and see her own potential. She is that unexpected friend, but that kind of friend that everyone needs in their life.

And Wilf… it’s obvious he is burdened, and tries to keep everyone at distance. And even Cara, even if the attraction is too obvious, and in his case sparks DO fly around!
Often Cara and Wilf clash, but you can only fight the attraction until a certain point. And when that point has been reached… No words are needed!

When Wilf’s dark secret is out (and JoJo’s too), I thought “That’s it?”. Not that I diminish it it’s a difficult thing to cope and live with, but maybe in my optimistic view of people, I thought that people would be more accepting and not so judgemental like some in Wilf’s past did…

I found this not just a romance, but it goes so much deeper. It’s about seeing yourself, and believing in yourself too.
Slowly Cara is finding her place again, and learns what she truly wants from her life and who she wants in it (thanks to Perdita with the letter – trick!).

The story is also about difficulties people have to endure and how hard it can be to start all over, full of hope.
But no matter what struggles you have in life, the right people by your side are not afraid to stand by your side and make the sometimes difficult journey together. Because the good things waiting for you are so much more rewarding.

The story took a little bit before I found myself completely submerged into it. But like the story itself, it was rewarding to persevere those initial harder chapters.
The author grasped perfectly how life can turn around, for the worse, but definitely also for the better.
With trusting people by your side, and even with some magical help, life can be beautiful, if you just dare…

When playing pretend goes too far…

Synopsis

There are two types of relationships: fake and real.

Chuck and Kate’s used to be real, oh-so-real. But after she broke his heart four months ago, leaving him, it became all just pretense for the sake of their entwined families.

With parents who are best friends and business partners, it’s not easy for Chuck and Kate to announce they’ve split up. But with the holidays looming over them, they can no longer keep pretending.

They head home for Christmas, determined to tell the truth—and end up accidentally engaged instead. The more they try to pull apart, the more the Universe seems to push them back together, shortening the road to the altar. And when just-for-show kisses stir up forgotten feelings, things get even more complicated.

Now, with the midnight hour approaching, will Chuck and Kate’s relationship turn out to be fake or real?

My review

Chuck and Kate were destined to be together. Their parents are best friends and have a business together, their lives have always been entwined and growing up, they became best friends, and eventually they also became a couple. And not just A couple, but they were the next IT couple. Their future looked very bright, at least it was until four months ago…
Because four months ago, Kate decided to leave Chuck, breaking his heart and started to date Marco.
However, the news of their break – up has not told to their parents and they kept pretending to be still together, also for the sake of the business.
Now they are heading home for Christmas, determined to tell their families the truth. But telling the truth is not so easy, and things quickly escalate, even that far that suddenly Chuck and Kate are accidentally engaged and preparations for a quick wedding are being made!
Will this hastened wedding, with kisses for social media, bring back the feelings they used to have? And how far are Chuck and Kate ready to go with their pretend?

I always enjoy reading the imagination of this author, but I can honestly say that this one was the one where I laughed the most (at a point of nearly wetting my pants…#NoShame)!

I have to admit, initially I pitied Chuck, for having not only his heart broken, but also he sees how easily Kate moves on with her life. He honestly didn’t see it coming, that Kate would want to end things.
And I kind of disliked Kate… because I couldn’t comprehend how she could just move on with Marco…

But the more I read the story, the more became clear. Chuck was the predictable oblivious boyfriend, focused on gaming. He even totally missed the drop-the-towel challenge!
Even with all his flaws, there are so many examples that proof that in fact he is just a sweet, caring loving guy and that he just doesn’t see what Kate assumes are obvious signs…

And before you think that Kate is a not so nice character… the more I read, the more I started to understand her point of view. The things that stressed her about Chuck may seem not so important. But when you have a bunch of small things, it can all escalate very quickly.

Like I said before, this book is just too funny! That Chuck and Kate wanted to keep up the pretence a little bit more, but having the wish to come clean about their break – up and seeing how things went for the worse, was just hilarious!
It begins with keeping appearances because suddenly thy are the face of a new chocolate line, and then they have to post on social media what a “happy couple” they are. Then after a HUUUUGE misunderstanding they are engaged (talking about a walk – in at the total wrong moment!) and when an eavesdropping makes the family assume Kate is pregnant, a wedding is being organized.

I was curious to see how far Chuck and Kate would let things go. I would expect that every new thing would be the final straw. But it never was!
And for me, that made it clear just how much our main characters love their families… Having to break not only their hearts, but also a life lasting friendship and even maybe ruining a business…  Is that all worth it? On the other hand, is it okay to let the pretence go THAT far?

I loved reading how Chuck and Kate are bickering about almost everything. But “thanks” to the so many misunderstandings, they have the opportunity to start really talk about their relationship and see where it all went wrong.

This story is hilarious, but it also shows the pain points in a relationship, when communication is not at its best.
If one of those big movie makers are looking for a funny, sweet, but sometimes also frustrating rom com, use this story as it has the whole package!
There is heart – break, there are misunderstandings, there are too much interfering families, a rival, but most important, so many sweet, heart – warming moments, feelings of love and a good laugh!

I know what to expect from this author, and reading a new book makes me smile beforehand, but I didn’t expect for her to write this rom – comic masterpiece!

Oh, and one last thing:

So go ahead, try your look:

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/33c69494442/?

On this sunny Sunday, I’m going to spoil you with a cover reveal that is surely very promising!

Synopsis

Romance Can Happen When You Least Expect It…

She hates Christmas. He’s about to change her mind…

Cassie isn’t a fan of Christmas. After a string of unlucky incidents during the festive season—including getting dumped—this year she decides to spend the day at home. Alone. No men. No complications. 

But then her nightmare boss demands she track down this year’s most coveted Christmas gift—and the only person who can help is an annoyingly sexy Frenchman she’s just met.

Nicolas might look hot, but Cassie can tell he’s also arrogant, irritating and in love with himself. Exactly the kind of guy she hates. Plus, he’ll only help her find the gift if she helps him with something in return… 

Could Cassie’s festive fortunes finally be about to change? Can she learn to love Christmas again? And will Cassie get lucky in more ways than one?

Set against a gorgeous London backdrop with sparkling lights, Christmas markets and mistletoe, My Lucky Night is a fun, sexy enemies-to-lovers romcom novella that will give you all the feels! Ideal for fans of Sophie Kinsella and Mhairi McFarlane.

Read as a standalone novella or as book two in the My Ten-Year Crush series.

Pre-order Links

Amazon UK: https://amzn.to/3F9vCvW

Amazon US: https://amzn.to/39W6ZVi

Publication Date: 11th November 2021

About the author

Olivia Spring is a British, London-based writer of contemporary women’s fiction, sexy chick lit and romantic comedy. Her uplifting debut novel The Middle-Aged Virgin, which was released in 2018, deals with being newly single in your thirties and beyond, dating, relationships, love, sex and living life to the full.

In addition to The Middle-Aged Virgin, Olivia has published The Middle-Aged Virgin in Italy, Love Offline, Losing My Inhibitions, Only When It’s Love and the sequel When’s The Wedding?

Olivia’s seventh novel, My Ten-Year Crush, was published in September 2021.

When she’s not writing, Olivia can be found enjoying cupcakes and cocktails and of course, seeking inspiration for her next book!

THE COVER

A secret of the past forcing to keep a secret in the present.

Synopsis

Brand new from the top 10 bestselling author of The Cornish Midwife. Perfect for fans of Call The Midwife

A secret love…

As winter descends on the coastal town of Port Agnes, midwife Toni Samuels’ mood is as dark as the winter clouds that roll in. Toni loves her job as a midwife, but her private life is falling apart. Because Toni is keeping a secret– a relationship with fellow male midwife Bobby that no one can ever know about.

A damaged hope…

Kind and gorgeous, Bobby is a huge hit at the midwifery centre, but he’s tired of keeping his feelings for Toni a secret – of always coming second best. He knows that Toni’s past is painful, but unless she can be open with her feelings for him, he’s prepared to walk away from their love.

Can love find a way?

Toni loves Bobby and wishes things could be different between them. But torn between her past and a future with him, everything seems hopeless. Until fate hands Toni one last chance…

Now Toni’s secret wish is in her hands…if only she can be brave enough to take a chance and make her dreams come true.

An uplifting and escapist read, perfect for fans of Christie Barlow, Jessica Redland and Holly Martin!

What readers are saying about The Cornish Midwife…

‘I love second chance stories. I love returning home stories. Soa book combining both is an absolute winner for me. The Cornish Midwife is simply gorgeous. Stunning setting, wonderful characters, and oozing with warmth. A triumph from Jo Bartlett and a cracking start to what promises to be a fabulous series’ Jessica Redland

‘Perfectly written and set in the beating heart of a community, this story is a wonderful slice of Cornish escapism.’ Helen J Rolfe

My review

Toni Samuels loves her job as a midwife in the town of Port Agnes. And it’s at the midwifery centre, that she met Bobby, her fellow male midwife. Their relationship is a secret for everyone, especially their colleagues. 
But not only their colleagues may never know about their relationship (or maybe they already do know?) but Toni is keeping it also a secret from her own parents. Not because she is ashamed of Bobby, because Bobby couldn’t’ be a more perfect man, but because Toni her past is a painful one, and she made a promise back then she finds impossible to break…
But how much longer can Bobby stand being second – best? And when is enough truly enough? And what when life throws a curveball Toni never expected?

Having read the previous parts, Toni’s behaviour intrigued me, as I couldn’t understand why she would keep her relationship with Bobby a secret. Seeing what they do as a job (or more correctly, as a passion/calling), it’s obvious they are both caring people, not only looking after the pregnant ladies, but also reassure them, and going the extra lengths.

So I found that Toni’s behaviour clashed with the loving character I knew she had.

But her past… oh it was so heart – breaking to read what she had been going through, and how it was impossible for her to move on from it.
Because not only was her loss a terrible one, but she is constantly reminded of what could have been and that her presence wold make the pain a little bit lighter.

So yes, I understood her better, but I felt sorry for her, because the past was making it impossible for her to see the bright future ahead with Bobby…

And I understood perfectly Bobby, when he cannot continue this way. When you love someone, you want to be able to kiss her wherever whenever you want, and don’t want to go on sneaky dates…

I wanted to shout so often at Toni, urging her to do the right thing, not only for her, but for Bobby and all the other people too! And the behaviour of one specific character, playing the sick – card whenever it was at her convenience, even if Toni could forgive her, I still struggle with it.
But of course, when you love that person, it’s easier to forgive…

And when Toni gets the shock of her life, I was against the decision she wanted to take, and keep Bobby unaware. So I was very relieved when she saw sense, but again my heart got broken a little bit because it looked like it was  making the distance between this lovely couple even bigger…

Of course all the other midwives are here too, and it was lovely to catch up with them all. Jess trying to become a foster parent, Anna being pregnant and Ella still happily in love with Dan!

This story shows us how the past, and people having faced the same pain, can hold us back. But it’s important to realize when enough is enough. Because holding on to the past will make it impossible for you to live your life and have a bright future.
But it doesn’t mean we have to forget about those painful moments… we have to give them a place in our hearts and remember and rejoice at the happy memories.

I loved this story, as it was different compared with the previous ones, but still as amazing! I keep being amazed at the world of midwives, and everything that their job involve.
But the characters are so easy to like and love, and as a reader you can easily forgive them, even when they make the stupidest mistakes, while the right thing to do is so obvious for us readers. Another marvellous chapter concerning the lovely midwives in Port Agnes!

The good a stay at Winfield Hall can do to a person…

Synopsis

What would you sacrifice to be with the person you love?

Summer has arrived and it’s over a year since strangers Abigail and Edward bought Winfield Hall at auction and restored it together. Now, two new tenants are about to join them at their beautiful Georgian home.

Workaholic Harry Freeman has forgotten what it is to relax so when he meets healer, Aura Arden, and learns to meditate with her, he can’t believe how good he feels and he soon finds himself falling for her. But, with her bare feet and crystal beads, Aura’s not a big hit with Harry’s old-fashioned parents, and he finds himself torn between the people he loves most in the world.

It isn’t just Harry and Aura finding love. Summer has woven its spell over Edward and his brother Oscar, and both are making a play for Abi. But Abi isn’t happy at having to choose between these two very different men and, when Oscar’s behavior spirals out of control, she realizes that some decisions can have devastating consequences.

High Blue Sky is the second novel in the heart-warming trilogy from the bestselling author of The Rose Girls and The Book Lovers series.

My review

After a year buying Winfield Hall, Abi and Edward are ready to welcome their two new tenants.
Harry Freeman is the perfect example of a workaholic. At work he gives his best, and even at home he finds it hard to switch his mind off and actually relax.
He couldn’t be more different from Aura Arden. She is a healer, and spends her time meditating, using crystals and helping people to relax.
The two tenants couldn’t be more different, yet they find each other.
But love is not only in store for Harry and Aura, but maybe even for Abi…
She sees herself feeling attracted not only to Edward, but also his brother Oscar is showing his interest.
Where will the summer and love take the inhabitants of Winfield Hall? And will it all run smoothly? Or will some decisions have devastating consequences?

Soooooooo… the first part of this series earned “only” four stars from me. And as you know if you have read my review, you know I’m used to give a standard of five stars to this author.
It’s with immense joy that now I can tell you that the fifth star has been distributed again!

The tale of Edward and Abi left me in the previous book a little bit unsatisfied, as it was so easy for the reader to see the potential between these two lovely, yet also a bit tormented, characters.
That made me a very eager reader when I finally could read this new chapter!

Even if Edward is a rather closed person, I like him more and more! He finds it difficult to express himself, and that makes him risking losing the girl.
But his kind heart also urges him to warn Abi, without becoming bitter and appearing like the man who cannot stand having lost his shot…

Even if Edward’s and Abi’s story is again unfinished business, and at a moment it looked like it took a turn for the worse, it was Harry’s and Aura’s tale that completely warmed my heart! The first is still an open book, with lots of potential and makes me hope for so much more, but the latter is a complete tale, and made me smile all the time!

Harry is a man of these times, working hard, even maybe overstressed and has no clue to truly relax. But it was refreshing and even relaxing for the reader, to see how Aura starts to work her ‘magic’ on her. She shows him how to meditate and what really relaxing means.
Even if crystals are not my cup of tea, I can understand how they can offer some comfort when needed.

It was sweet to see how Harry not only changes his opinions over Aura, but also how it changes his life. He starts to see that work and making money are not the most important things in life, but life is all about following your own passions and do what makes you happy, and if that means finding something else that follow your own beliefs, why not.

But Aura did not only change Harry, but after a terrible meeting with his parents, she shows how open and caring she is even when she was treated wrongfully…

I found this a wonderful, beautiful, amazing story, and it even made it possible for myself to follow some of Aura’s instructions and feel the most relaxed I did in times!

This next chapter shows us that being different doesn’t mean that we cannot find a common ground, and learn from each other.
And it shows us also, in the case of Edward and Abi, that sometimes we have to learn to see beyond what’s’ being presented to us. Because reality and the true characters will be shown at the right times. And in cases it can be an ugly discovery, but those with a kind heart will surprise us in the best way.

WHEN IS THE LAST PART COMING OUT???????