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???????

Looking for one feeling, finding something else

Synopsis

Snuggle up in your favourite armchair and take a trip across the Irish sea for comfort food, cosy cottage nights and a heartwarming romance…

Talented lawyer Hannah Campbell is after a change in her workaholic Manchester life – so on an uncharacteristic whim she books herself a place at the world-renowned KillorgallyCookery School in Country Kerry. But on her first night in Ireland, sampling the delights of Dublin, Hannah can’t resist falling for the charms of handsome stranger Conor. It’s only when Hannah arrives at her postcard-pretty home at Killorgally for the next six weeks that she discovers what happens in Dublin doesn’t quite stay in Dublin …

Nestled amongst rolling green hills and breath-taking countryside, the cookery school throws Hannah and Conor together – for better or worse.

My review

Now that her sister Mina has found her happiness in Switzerland, lawyer Hannah Campbell feels that she has to do something for her own too. And as cooking is not her forte, she decides to book herself a place at the Killorgally Cookery School in Kerry.
On the way to Killorgally, on a stopover in Dublin, she meets handsome stranger Conor. After one night that is untypically Hannah, she leaves, ready for her six weeks being submerged in the art of cooking.
But she couldn’t be more surprised when it appears that Conor is a well-known member of the famous Byrne family, with Adrienne Byrne running the Cookery School…

Before I start with the review of this wonderful, heart – warming story, I want to tell you that, if your eyes are as bad as mine…
No, on the cover that isn’t a pink crab you see!!! It’s just a small table with very comfy chairs! I really had to take a second look and realize that my eyes are the worst when it comes to seeing picture just like they are! 🤣

But you are not here to read about the presence or non – presence of crabs on the cover…

I have read several stories from this author, and each time I feel my heart expand with love, not only for the author but also for each character (the nice ones of course)!

Hannah may look like she has it all, but when you take a closer look, you can see that in truth she is an insecure girl, not seeing how amazing she truly is.
Being a successful lawyer shows how capable she is, but there are so many aspects in her life that don’t give her a satisfied feeling.
And as cooking isn’t a skill she has mastered, I admired the courage she has by taking time off and is willing to spend a whole six weeks doing almost nothing else but cooking!

I had so much fun reading how Hannah first meets Conor, does something London – Hannah would never do, and even start talking to the chickens in Killorgary!
She knows that she is the worst student of the whole bunch, but she is determined to learn how to cook!
I smiled to read what kind of cook Hannah was. Loving to cook myself (and especially bake – don’t go thinking I make complicated things!), my cooking consists of working with feelings. I don’t measure a lot (except while baking of course) and I sense what needs more or less. And seeing how Hannah is writing every detail down, following each instruction and seeing that the result is not what it’s supposed to be, gave the best fun I ever had.
But slowly she starts to do things more “freestyle” and I was proud of her latest accomplishments.

I perfectly understood the attraction between Hannah and Conor… not only because in my mind they are gorgeous and handsome, but because slowly, they bring out the best of each other. Conor learns Hannah to see her true potential and he shows a way of life Hannah never imagined before. And on the other hand, Hannah keeps Conor down to earth, by literally now knowing who he is. but she also opens his eyes by showing that not everybody befriends him with a second agenda in mind…

The other ‘students’ were also very fun to read about! I loved how each character was different, with different backgrounds, behaviours and different levels in cooking skills. But it was very sweet to see that slowly they become a close bunch, and I can be sure that even after the six weeks, they will all still be in touch!

I just loved reading this book, making me want to book my own spot in the Cookery school too! But I have one condition: I want to stay in the same cottage Hannah did!!!
If you thought that there is no way that this story could be even a more completer package compared to her other books, THINK AGAIN!!!

It was amazing to see how our main characters find each other, and start to not only develop feelings, but also start to see themselves and self – develop into the even more amazing persons!
Wonderful characters, an amazing setting and a great author, what more do you want???

Christmas and its magic strikes again!

Synopsis

You are invited to spend CHRISTMAS ON THE CLOSE where each of the neighbours are celebrating in their own special way.

Diane always enjoys baking special festive treats, which she happily delivers to her friendly neighbours on The Close as Christmas approaches.

When she decides to seek closure with a romantic matter from her past, she unexpectedly finds herself on an emotional journey she isn’t prepared for.

Her granddaughter, Emma, has all the technical know-how to assist in the search for answers, but is distracted by an intense – and highly unsuitable – romance of her own.

The two women must deal with unsettling issues as they begin to face the reality of their situations, but their familial bond helps to provide the security and support they need to answer the questions they face.

The sixth standalone episode of ‘Christmas on The Close’ reveals how it may be easier to allow the head to make all the decisions, but the heart will never stop fighting for what it really wants.

My review

Diane always wants to make sure that all her neighbours on The Close are feeling all right. And now that the holidays approaches, she makes sure that each and every one of them are on the receiving side of her special festive treats.
But Christmas is also the time that Diane thinks back about her first love, Joe. and this year she is determined to find out what happened to him and have the so much needed closure.
Together with her granddaughter Emma, who is having her own issues of the heart, they start the search for the lost love.
But they didn’t expect to start an emotional rollercoaster, and only with the mutual support, they can manage to find all the answers.

This was the first time I read something from this author, and when I realized this short story was part of a whole series, I was a bit afraid that it would be difficult to catch up with everything.
but my fears were ungrounded, because this story is a perfect standalone!

Diane is the perfect grandmother and neighbour. She looks after everyone, and wants to make sure that all her beloved ones are happy. And it doesn’t matter if you’re a neighbour or a family member, she just wishes you all the best and wants to help out at all costs.
So when the story of her first love is told, I found it a heart – warming moment, and even if we know that her life would take another turn, I hoped it wouldn’t have a dramatic twist.

I had a hunch that the news she received in the past was not the complete truth, but when Diane and Emma discover what truly happened, I was truly shocked. I find it hard to grasp that someone would go that far… Even if you don’t agree with a decision, that’s understandable, but to go THAT far… I just cannot understand it!

But I loved reading not only Diane’s tale, also Emma’s was something I enjoyed to read. she finds herself in an impossible situation. And when Diane points out the reality of it, it’s of course a bitter pill to digest, but Emma sees how it’s just told with the best intentions and takes Diane’s advice at heart.

I found this a beautiful story to read, with heart – breaking moments, but also with heart – warming moments when it’s clear that not all is truly lost.
The magic of Christmas did his work again, and it filled me with joy, hope and happiness, just the feelings that Christmas should evoke.
A short story, with the perfect ingredients, and a hunger to read all the author’s other work!

Dilemmas that will change not only one life…

Synopsis

All NEW – Escape to Dorset and the beautiful Chesil Beach with bestselling author Della Galton.

Talented, yet relatively unknown actress and celebration cake baker extraordinaire Olivia Lambert is running out of time.

Approaching forty, she’s yet to land the role that will launch her television career and she’s desperate to be a mum.

Her new man, Phil Grimshaw from the Bluebell Cliff Hotel, seems the perfect match, but seems to be in no rush to settle down.

Having ditched her childhood sweetheart and fiancé, Tom Boyd, when he backtracked about being a dad, Olivia dreads making the same mistake again.

Rocked by confessions from both her sister Ruby and Tom, Olivia knows it’s time to make some life changing decisions.

Then a terrifying incident off Chesil Beach changes the course of her future and brings Olivia to question everything she values and loves.

My review

Olivia Lambert can bake the most amazing cakes, but she is also a talented actress. Even if she is unknown, she doesn’t give up and keeps on hoping that one day she will land the role that will launch her career.
But her biggest dream, is that of becoming a mum. The clock is ticking as she is reaching the age of forty, and her current relationship with Phil Grimshaw is a rather new one.
If only she hadn’t wasted so much time on her childhood sweetheart and (now ex) fiancé Tom Boyd… After many years he suddenly changed his mind about becoming parents, so Olivia ditched him.
But is Phil sharing her same dreams, even if it appears he is in no rush at all? And when her sister Ruby drops a bombshell, Olivia realize that she has to make some life changing decisions…
What will Olivia do with her life? And is there a real future for her and Phil? Or will the return of a certain ex make Olivia a whole different choice?
Because suddenly she starts to question every choice and dream she once had…

First of all, returning to Dorset and in Bluebell Cliff, was WONDERFUL!!! And getting to know Phil a little bit better, was even better! However, this is Olivia’s story…

And in so many aspects, I could completely comprehend her… she is almost forty, and her true dream is becoming a mother. But as her biological clock is ticking, she wonders if Phil is the right man for her. Not only because their relationship is rather new, compared with her previous one. And both Olivia and Phil wanted to keep light and most important, Olivia has no idea if Phil has the same dream… it’s not something you discuss in the early stage of a relationship of course.
Being 35 myself and single, and sharing the same dream as Olivia, I could see how things could be complicated…

But Olivia is also a lovely character, looking after her Aunt Dawn, and her sister Ruby, even if they are very different.
Everything she does, she does it with passion, if it’s going to an audition, baking a cake or looking after her aunt’s chickens…

When there is a sudden reappearance, and one of Phil’s secrets is revealed, I could comprehend why Olivia suddenly is doubting over everything…  When one possibility is suddenly gone, it’s normal to think if going back would be the solution.

A few events makes Olivia think about her own future and her dreams, and that made this a beautiful story.
The decisions that Olivia has to take, are too recognizable for many of us. having a dream is natural but how to react when that dream is scattered? What is the right thing to do?
There is no easy answer, and seeing Olivia struggle with all these questions, showed the reader that only taking time and listening to your heart, will show you the right path to take.

This is a story that many of the readers can relate to, not specifically with the doubts Olivia has, but the process and evolution Olivia is going through.
it shows us that no matter what we want or desire, life can take unexpected turns and even if our journey is a bit different, doesn’t mean it isn’t as rewarded.
The author managed to write again a very captivating, lovely, heart – warming story about life, with wonderful characters in a setting I am loving!