A book club everyone would want to be a member of! Me included!!!

Synopsis

Welcome to the Beach Reads Book Club…where love is just a page away…

When Lottie Watt is unceremoniously booted out of her uptight book club for not following the rules, she decides to throw the rulebook out the window and start her own club – one where conversation, gin and cake take precedent over actually having read the book!

The Beach Reads Book Club soon finds a home for its meetings at Books by the Bay, a charming bookshop and café owned by gorgeous, brooding Matthew Steele, and as the book club picks heat up, so too does the attraction between Matt and Lottie.

If there’s anything Lottie has learned from the romances she’s been reading, it’s that the greatest loves are the ones hardest earned.

A love letter to chicklit, romance, romcoms, whatever you want to call them!

My review

When Lottie Watt is not following the strict rules of a book club she is in, she is being kicked out. for her, a book club is not only about reading the book, but also a time for likeminded persons to gather around and enjoy a conversation. The book itself isn’t the most important, but the people in the book club are. And a book club means reading all kind of genres, and not only the heavier stuff.
So that’s why Lottie start her own book club, The Beach Reads Book Club, where just everyone is welcome.
Place for their gathering is charming bookshop Books by the Bay, with its own café. And owner Matthew Steele is surely an extra advantage to look at! The attraction between Lottie and Matt is becoming impossible to ignore, but with the past changing them into the people they are now, will that make them hold back? Or is their love worth the fight?

I just love this author and her books, what more can I say???

Also this book made me forget everything around me, made me want to jump into the book and be part of this marvellous, funny book club!

The book club Lottie has been excluded from, isn’t the kind of book club I want to be a member of myself! Of course, I know that the purpose of a book club is to talk about the book, but having to talk about it all the time, without getting to know the other members, because the book is all that matters…
So I was happy when Lottie started her own book club, allowing all kind of people in taking part. Old, young, man, woman,… it doesn’t matter as long. Even if you just wat to listen while drinking gin and eating cake, that’s all fine!

Lottie is a force of nature, she knows what she wants, and she just goes for it. She wants the meetings to be held at the bookshop? Not a problem…
She wants more days for her meetings? Not a problem!
She is also a kind and warm woman. She sees the struggles members are having, and uses her ‘power’ so that people open up and share what is troubling them. And on her own way, Lottie finds each time a fitting solution!

Matt is often her victim, as his attraction towards her makes it impossible to say ‘no’ to her. Oh Matt… he made my heart beat faster…
He is not the typical guy you would expect in a book. What he has been through in the past only made me feel more for him. And his past changed him into this brooding and even insecure man, afraid of showing his real feelings…

I found this again a wonderful story to read, not only because of Lottie and Matt and their developing relationship, but also because it shows us that no matter how different you are from each other, friendships can be built. Every one of us is unique in our own way, but no matter how crazy, silly, quiet, shy you are, the right people accept you as you are. And once you are in this amazing book club, you are not only member of a book club, but you are part of a family.

Another great achievement from this author! I cannot wait to read what amazing story she is able to put down into words again!

I surely cannot wait to read this one!

Synopsis

The first kiss wrecked their friendship. Could a second chance lead to love?

English teacher Bella isn’t having much luck with her love life. No matter who she dates, no one seems to measure up to Mike: the ex-bestie she shared a drunken kiss with ten years ago, which led to the end of their friendship…

When Bella comes face-to-face with Mike at their university reunion, sparks fly. He’s smart, funny and even hotter than before, and despite trying to fight her feelings, Bella still can’t get him out of her head.

But after what happened the last time she stepped out of the friend zone, Bella isn’t in a hurry to be rejected all over again.

Should Bella risk more heartache by telling Mike how she really feels? Could the attraction be mutual? Or is it finally time to put her past behind her and say goodbye to a second chance at love, forever?

My Ten-Year Crush is a fun, sexy, friends-to-lovers romcom about second chances and stepping out of your comfort zone. Ideal for fans of Beth O’Leary, Mhairi McFarlane and Lindsey Kelk.

Pre-order now and join Bella on her rollercoaster romantic adventures!

Pre-order Links

Publication Date: 30th September

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 July 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 five novels: 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, will be 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!

Social Media Links – 

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THE COVER!

How to pick up the pieces after a devastating tragedy?

Synopsis

Flora has always adored her brother Billy. Born just eighteen months apart, their childhood was spent like two peas in a pod – no one could separate them. Now, as adults, they remain the best of friends. And as Flora is immersed in family life, Billy is always there to lend a hand. 

But, in just one day, everything changes.

In just one day, Flora’s life falls apart.

In just one day, Flora has to learn how to live again.

From the nostalgia of seaside Britain to the breath-taking beauty of Venice, in tears and laughter, join Helen McGinn for this emotional, uplifting and joyful story about love in all its guises. But above all, this is an unforgettable story of one little girl and the brother she adores.

My review

Flora and her brother are not only siblings, but also best friends. Being born just eighteen months apart, they found themselves always in the same situation in life.
And even if Flora’s mother makes her feel like a failure sometimes, Billy is always there to make Flora feel better.
But then one decision from a stranger turns everyone’s world upside down.
And Flora has try to pick up the pieces again, and trying to live again, even if her heart got teared apart.
And with the help of her family, beloved husband and good friends, slowly she starts to see to beauty of life again.

This surely was a heart – breaking story!
Flora and Billy are the kind of siblings everyone wants to have, they are so close and there isn’t a thing they wouldn’t do for each other.

Even if Flora’s life didn’t go as planned, she couldn’t wish for a better one! She adores her husband and children, her friends always got her back.
And even when a minor hitch lures around the corner, both Flora and her husband Johnny are able to turn the negative into something positive.

I have to say, I had thought that the tragedy would happen earlier in the book. But as it happened almost halfway, if gave us as a reader a better understanding of the dynamics, and we would see very clear how close Flora and Billy are.
And when it does happen, it puts just everything in perspective…Some news that sounded devastating before, now is just not that important no more, because the loss is just too big to bare…

The pain Flora is feeling, is very realistic. I am also very close with my brother, and I just cannot imagine what it would mean if I had to endure the same thing Flora went through.
This story shows us that each person grieves on their own way, and there isn’t a timetable to tell you when it’s time to feel something else.
Some people feel the need to do something, while others just want to be left alone. The author managed to write beautifully how grief takes different forms, without ridiculing it, or insinuate that one way of grief is the right one and the other one is the wrong one.

But she also managed to write about how it is possible to overcome the most hurtful loss. Of course it takes time, and the pain will always be there, but for your sake and your family, who still need you, you have to start to live again.

Flora is lucky to have her Johnny by her side, taking her to Venice, which she once also visited with Billy when they were younger. And it was both heart – breaking as heart – warming to see how Flora relived moments she shared with Billy, and see her learning how she has to cherish the lovely moments she had with Billy.

I also have to admit, reading about the mother of the culprit was not something I expected. But it shows us also that in these tragedies, there is always more than just one victim and that all parties and those involved, have to learn to live with the consequences of one decision…

This story is about loss, grief and pain, but it’s also about hope for the future. I went through a whole rollercoaster of emotion, I was laughing, crying, feel the grief almost myself and yet I admired the main characters as they saw the silver lining again in the small things of life.

The author managed to write a gripping story about losing someone who matters the world to you, but learning that taking baby steps in your grief makes it possible to move on with your life, carrying that person always in your heart…

When the past is back to haunt you…

Synopsis

Some secrets should have stayed buried…

Lucy Mitchell had a troubled past, was abandoned by her mother and left to fend for herself in foster care. This is where she met Amber and Josh, but living in a strict foster home brought fears of its own. Fears that brought Amber and Lucy closer together.

Amber and Lucy formed a pact. They said they would be friends for life and often found solace in the local woods to escape from their foster carer, Linda. This was a place they used to hide together, but when only one girl had returned from the woods, the note said Amber had run away.

Fifteen years later and Lucy is planning the wedding of her dreams with Josh until a body is found, then the trauma of Lucy’s past comes back to haunt her.

Tensions mount as Lucy, Josh and Linda all have secrets to hide and distrust makes them question each others story around Ambers disappearance. As the body’s identity is soon to be exposed, life for Lucy takes a terrifying turn for the worst.

The note says Lucy is next!

My review

Lucy hasn’t had the easiest childhood. She has been put into foster care, and her foster parent Linda was very strict in her upbringing, causing Lucy and her friends Amber and Josh to live in fear most of the time.
This fear brought Lucy and Amber closer, becoming best friends and promising to be forever friends.
However one day Amber disappears in the woods the girls would spend their time to escape Linda.
Fifteen year later, Lucy is looking forward to marry Josh. But the past has been never forgotten and sometimes still haunts Lucy.
And when a body is discovered in the woods she once knew so well, it appears that the past is completely back to haunt not only her, but also Linda…
Is it Amber’s body? And who is writing those threating notes, adding even more fear in Lucy’s mind?

If somehow you as a reader are like me, you are trying to figure out from the very start to figure out what happened in the past, and who the good guy and who the bad guy is.
But every time I thought I had it all figured out, a new twist came around and I had to start all over again!

This was a very dark story, because it shows us the trauma Lucy still is carrying around after her time in care of Linda.
And no matter how much Linda is trying to redeem herself, I found it very hard to actually like her. Because not only her behaviour in the past was despicable, she went into foster caring for all the wrong reasons, and lacked in giving the children the much needed love and care. But also the actual actions she is taking, are just so wrong…

I felt truly sorry for Lucy, she is still traumatised by her upbringing, feels guilty about Amber’s disappearing and her relationship with Josh is also not one of the best ones…
She is trying to get a grip on her life, but with a body in the woods, her insecurities and fears quickly resurface.

Without wasting too many words on Josh, there isn’t much love lost between him and me… It was that I understood where Lucy came from, because otherwise I just wanted to knock some sense in her, showing Josh’s real character…

Even if my mind went in every possible direction, even fearing the most when there suddenly are pictures appearing, in the end I was even more disappointed in the people that were supposed to have Lucy’s best interest at heart.
And the body wasn’t of the person I expected it to be, and even the ex – girlfriend left me both flabbergasted as sad because it appeared again that Lucy has been let down and has been being fooled…

This story had me on the edge of my seat, I wanted to discover the truth together with Lucy. There were twists I didn’t see coming, and they made me frown, because realization dawned that in the end, how good do you know the people around you?

They aren’t afraid of no ghost…

Synopsis

Rumors of a ghostly presence haunt Julianne’s Cornish autumn in the series’ charming fourth installment.

What began as a bit of teenage mischief in the village quickly became stories of spooky lights and ghost sightings in the wood. Being sensible, Julianne is more worried about whether she can finish her kids’ costumes in time for the annual Halloween contest—and whether husband Matt and his eager assistants will be selected for the exclusive Brookshire Garden Design Competition. So when everyone in town begins flocking to the local ‘ghost walk’ tours Julianne assures her wide-eyed children it’s just a case of imagination run wild…until she experiences her own brush with the supernatural, that is.

Real or imagined, Julianne can’t shrug off what she saw, or even bring herself to confide in sympathetic Matt for advice. Best friend Kitty is on hand to help, despite her usual family battles, including that of her cousins’ shady new scheme to profit from the town’s ghost mania. But even Julianne’s friends can’t fully understand her need to find a solution this time, one that leads her on a quirky quest from local lore, to meetings with the village’s ragtag paranormal club, and even a creepy abandoned cottage hiding secrets in the woods.

Join Julianne for suspense, surprises, and (of course) heartfelt moments as book four in the series brings an autumn like no other to sleepy Ceffylgwyn.

My review

It’s nearly Halloween, and that means busy times for our beloved family. Julianne is making the kids’ Halloween costumes, even if she isn’t that very accomplished as a sewer. And Matt and his assistants are hoping their entry will be selected in the exclusive Brookshire Garden Design Competition.
But when in the village there is beside a bit of teenage mischief, stories of unexplainable lights and actual ghosts, even the most sensible person begins to doubt… And when Julianne is also confronted with the supernatural, she doesn’t know if what she saw was a prank of really something ghostly…
There is surely something strange in the neighbourhood, but will the truth come out?

Of course returning to Cornwall with this beautiful couple, is always a joy!
But this story surely got all mysterious!!!

Julianne and Matt are their usual amazing selves, and their kids are even if sometimes annoying just adorable!
This family is the perfect imagine of a normal family, everyone is doing their utterly best, finding that perfect balance between work and family.
Julianne and Matt still adore each other, even if some private couple time is something they both want, but cannot gather to find.

I have to admit, I don’t believe in ghosts or in the supernatural myself, but sometimes I wonder if there is *something* out there…
And this story didn’t absolutely put my faith back in science! All the time it made me wonder if it were really a ghost, especially because Julianne, down to earth like me, starts doubting her scientific approach too!

When the truth is exposed, it was both a ‘I KNEW IT’ moment, because my suspicions were confirmed, but also heart – breaking. Because the cottage’s secret was just horrible… I felt so much pity and sorry and my admiration for Julianne and Matt only grew towards to end!
This couple surely has their hearts at the right place and even if their decision would surely complicate their lives even more, they don’t doubt about doing the right thing!
And even if it’s obvious that there are people who shouldn’t deserve to be walking around, Julianne and Matt and the whole community managed to restore my faith in mankind…

This was a different story compared with the other tales of Julianne and Matt, but their kind hearts, friendships and love is standing like a rock in the sea…
Even if sometimes a bit afraid, I loved this next installment!

Never just trust anyone…

Synopsis

An invitation you can’t refuse. You should . . .

When shy, lonely Ivy meets a woman who claims to be her long-lost sister, she knows it’s too good to be true. She decides to trust Kate anyway. She wants a family. She wants someone to love.

She’s making a mistake.

Ivy enters Kate’s fairytale cottage, deep in the heart of Scotland . . . and she doesn’t come out.

She’s the first to go missing.

She won’t be the last.

Meanwhile, in another part of the forest, Tash’s journey is just beginning . . .

My review

Women who apparently have nothing in common have gone missing. How is it possible that these women haven’t left any trace? That’s because the woman who took them, Kate, made sure that it looked like the women left on their own decision. But Kate has a plan with these women, and it isn’t one with a happy end for all the women…
Meanwhile we have Tash, on her own journey, trying to make success on her own. Will this young woman be the answer to the missing women prayers?

I find it always a bit terrifying how easy it apparently can be to just take a person, even an adult one, without anyone having a clue.
Of course this book is fiction, but I always kept in mind that there are such evil people around…

The author managed to pinpoint also how the culprits prepare on their job.
Because Kate in this case, did her homework.
She searched for lonely women, women who wouldn’t be immediately missed, and knew what to say to lure them in her home.

The women held in captivity are despite their general likeness, alone, working from home etc., very different in character.
And I found it very interesting reading how the dynamic between these three victims shifted. When each woman was taken, initially they were all trying to find a way to escape. But time made their mind-set change into one of acceptance. However finally they joined forces and tried all together to find a way to just get out, before it was too late.

I didn’t see how Tash and her journey would somehow fit into the story of the missing women, and it took a while before the it all came together.
Because Tash is in a whole different situation. Her family isn’t one working through legal ways, and when she discovers a secrets, she wants to change her own course and take matter in own hands.
Not only does she show her strength and independence while fighting her own family, but also when she makes it her own mission on finding the missing women.
No matter what her background was, she wants to do the right thing, and that made me like her. She is ready to take risks and is ready to accept the consequences.

This was a disturbing story, seeing how easily people can just take someone else captive. And even if sometimes I found the victims too easy to lure into a totally made up story and make them disappear, I also understood that sometimes the desire of belonging somewhere makes you blind to all signals showing that it’s just a scam…
But also in the end there was a twist I didn’t see coming, and changed my whole view of the story. 

This was a dark story, showing the evil and craziness of some people, but also it showed us that sometimes in the darkest places you can find the thing you longed the most for… And that sometimes sharing the most terrible journey together is an unbreakable bond.

A getaway to realize what to cherish at home

Synopsis

‘Delightful and witty with a heroine you’ll be rooting for . . . joyful escapism’ Milly Johnson

‘Spirited, adventurous and full of heart!’ Heidi Swain

Although thirty-three-year-old Kara Moon loves her hometown of Hartmouth in Cornwall, she has always wondered if she should have followed her dream of going off to study floristry. But she couldn’t bring herself to abandon her emotionally delicate single father, and has worked on Ferry Lane Market’s flower stall ever since leaving school.

When her good-for-nothing boyfriend cheats on her and steals her life savings, she finally dumps him and rents out her spare room as an Airbnb. Gossip flies around the town as Kara welcomes a series of foreign guests to her flat overlooking the estuary.

Then an anonymous postcard arrives, along with a plane ticket to New York. And there begins the first of three trips of a lifetime, during which she will learn important lessons about herself, her life and what she wants from it – and perhaps find love along the way.

More praise for Nicola May!

‘This book will twang your funny bone & your heartstrings’ – Milly Johnson
‘A fun and flighty read’ – Sun
‘A funny and fast-paced romp – thoroughly enjoyable!’ WOMAN Magazine
‘One of those books that I can’t stop thinking about way after I’ve read it! – Kim The Bookworm
‘This book is so addictive that you will literally lose 3 hours of your life, and you won’t care!’ – Cara’s Book Boudoir

Readers love Nicola May, too!

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

My review

Kara Moon loves her life in Hartmouth in Cornwall, and even if her potential is bigger than her current work on the Ferry Lane Market’s flower stall, she wouldn’t dare to dream to leave it all behind, especially her father.
But when she finds out that her boyfriend is not only cheating on her, but also been stealing her life savings, it’s time to change her life course.
So renting out her spare room as an Airbnb, she meets a series of guests having all an impact on her life.
And when suddenly a postcard arrives, together with a ticket to New York, Kara embarks on an adventure not knowing where it will bring her. On this trip she will learn more about herself and her dreams than imagined and maybe even what she truly feels about a certain person…

After finishing reading this book, I was thinking that Kara was just a too kind of person. Not only did she give up her dreams of studying floristry, she also keeps up with her boyfriend I surely would have kicked out sooner!
But of course that makes her also so recognizable. Even in real life we keep sitting in the situation we are in because it’s an easy option. Changing something means more change and being afraid of the unknown holds us back.

But her kind heart sparks from the pages, whenever she is with the beloved granddad, or her father or her best friend. They all appreciate Kara and her sacrifices and love her just the way she is, and they all help her out however they can, not like her lousy boyfriend Jago.

The end of her relationship with that scumbag is the start of a whole new adventure. Not only does she meet new people thanks to her renting out her spare room, but she also learns somehow a lesson from each guest. And when she embarks on her biggest adventure on her own, it somehow all comes together.

I loved reading how Kara goes from one place to another, not knowing who planned this whole trip for her. Even for us as a reader it was a mystery and when the truth came out, I was honestly surprised, as I didn’t see that coming!

There is some sweet romance in the story, but that it not the main subject. This book is all about
self – discovery, daring to chase your dreams again and turn something bad that happened to you in something good.

This story was just beautiful, because seeing how Kara trying to figure out where her future lays, and even with whom, are struggles every one of us has.
But having so many people supporting you, and even literally cheering for you, is just heart-warming. Sometimes what we all need, is a time away from our comfort zone to truly appreciate what we already have and see even more clearer what we have in front of us.

The inheritance of a lifetime

Synopsis

Welcome to the Hummingbird Hotel!

When florist-to-the-stars Abbie Coleman catches a glimpse of her boyfriend through the window of Tiffany’s, she couldn’t be more excited. Keen to share her happiness, she organises a huge surprise party for all their family and friends… except things don’t quite work out as she expected, and instead of planning a flower-filled wedding, she finds herself single, and fired from a job she loves.

Desperate to escape her heartbreak, she jets off to her aunt’s quirky Hummingbird Hotel on the gorgeous island of Corfu. Little did she know that instead of spending her time lounging by the pool, drinking cocktails, and soaking up the sun, she’d be stepping into the role of the island’s newest hotelier.

The arrival of unexpected guests sends Abbie into a tailspin of panic, and she’s forced to turn to snippy, but charismatic, vineyard owner-turned-chef, Nikos Angelopoulos, for help. Why does the kitchen fill with smoke whenever she makes coffee? Why is there a naked man swimming in the pool? And why do the hotel’s toiletries turn their guests’ hair pink?

Despite all the chaos, the Hummingbird Hotel works its magic on Abbie, and she finds herself with a decision to make. Will she return home to the drizzly grey skies of London? Or will she take a leap of faith and embrace the new opportunities that little corner of paradise has to offer, and maybe, just maybe, discover a sprinkle of romance along the way?

My review

When florist Abbie Coleman inherits Hummingbird Hotel on the island of Corfu, it’s the perfect escape for her. Because what she thought would be a marriage proposal, ended up in disaster. Not only didn’t her boyfriend think about marrying her, but now Abbie has also lost her job. Perks of having a relationship with your boss, right?
Unfortunately, Hummingbird Hotel will not be the relaxing holiday she expected to be, because guests are being expected and Abbie has to pretend to be hotelier, even if she is in a state of pure panic.
Luckily she can count on the unexpected help of neighbour/ vineyard owner/ former chef Nikos Angelopoulos.
While fighting with coffee machines, wondering why there is a naked man in her pool and other mysteries, Abbie discovers the paradise that Corfu and Hummingbird Hotel is. But what will her final decision be? Going back to London and sell the hotel? Or take a leap of faith and stay in Corfu where her dreams may be realized, and even having a chance for romance?

Reading something from this author is always wonderful. You know somehow what to expect, fun, romance with a twist of mystery, but you know you will enjoy every bit of it.
And with the start of this new series, she managed again to write about characters that you will love.

In the first chapters, I felt truly sorry for Abby. Her hopes and dreams all get crushed at once, and that makes her think about her future and what she truly wants.
And is there a better way to overthink everything by taking off to Corfu?
I admired how Abbie managed to remain calm in certain situations and even at moments where I would throw the towel in the ring myself, she never gave up.
She won’t allow a grumpy neighbour to burst her bubble, she keeps her calm when a naked man appears, and even when she nearly manages to burn the whole place down, she just never gives up.

Nikos may give you the wrong first impression, but the way he offers his help to Abbie, even if he is facing his own struggles, made me truly like him.

The mysterious sabotage elevated this story even more, because when the truth came out, it was not what I expected and the whole coming out, warmed my heart.
Even discovering the past between Abbie’s mother and aunt was bittersweet, but added again that extra layer to make this even a more beautiful story!

I have never been to Corfu myself, but the way the author managed to grasp the beauty of the place, but also the wonderful inhabitants, makes me dream of going there myself.
This was again a wonderful escape to a place offering new opportunities and left me longing for more reading material about Abbie and Nikos! Because it’s obvious that their story has just begun!

After ten years, feelings change, right?

Synopsis

Can one week in paradise…
…heal ten years of heartache?

When the elite M dating agency sends wealthy Freddie Highgrove to the Seychelles for a weeklong “date,” the last person he’s expecting to be matched with is Jasmine Walker, his first love and ex-fiancée! Ten years ago, his family’s expectations for a high-society marriage sent housekeeper’s daughter Jasmine running. Can one week in paradise bring them back together?

My review

Now that her business has really taken off, Jasmine Walker has put matters of the heart in the hands of the elite M dating agency.
A weeklong date on the Seychelles would have been the perfect start of something new, except that her match is not a total stranger, on the contrary… it’s her first love Freddie Highgrove. Even if being engaged for a short while, Jasmine ran away as she thought that the wealthy family wouldn’t accept a marriage with the housekeeper’s daughter.
And even now Freddie’s parents are hoping for a high – society marriage. So one week in paradise surely wouldn’t bring these two ex – lovers together again?

There are some authors you just know that will make sure you’ll have a blast reading their books. And Rachael Stewart is absolutely one of those authors for me!

Jasmine is the kind of woman who mad her own success, without relying on a man to help her out. As a young girl, she was a housekeeper’s daughter, but now she has her own business.
But as a reader it’s obvious that she is missing that one special thing, and it’s also obvious that she still has a soft spot for her first love, no matter how hard she tries to ignore it.
So when on the Seychelles she sees that Freddie was her date, it wasn’t only her heart that skipped a beat!

Even if Freddie may seem like being afraid of a commitment, his pain goes much deeper than thought. He has so much to fight against, not only his feelings for Jasmine, but his parents have wishes for his future he doesn’t share…
And the moment he dares to have a hope, it got crushed rather quickly, which broke my heart all over again!

Whenever Jasmine and Freddie are together, it’s clear that they both had their heart broken when their relationship ended, but they still hold a torch for each other. However, they are also afraid that the past will repeat itself and that their current situation wouldn’t allow them to be in a relationship.

This story is not only about second chances, but also about daring to trust each other again. Understanding each other is important in any kind of a relationship, because only if you understand the actions of the person next to you, you can comprehend how deep their love for you is.

Again a book that ticked all the boxes and fulfilled all my already high expectations and even surpassed them!
I loved reading this story about an initially impossible love, second chances and daring to stand your ground and fight for your loved ones.

And can it get any better than adding also an amazing Giveaway to Win Prize bundle of 2 Rachael Stewart paperbacks plus assorted goodies (Open INT)

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/33c69494433/?

A life changing break from everything

Synopsis

Tess Simpson needs a break!

Under appreciated at home, overlooked at work and now her beloved dog Bella has died. Tess has simply had enough!

So in a spur of the moment act, Tess books a holiday of a lifetime for her, her two grown up kids and useless husband Dave. Maybe they can use the break to reconnect with each other?

But when the kids refuse to go, and Dave breaks his leg, Tess’s dream holiday looks seriously in doubt. And then there’s River Romero, the glamourous LA screen writer who is supposed to be house-sitting for Tess whilst she’s away….

Everything about River sounds so much more exciting than Tess’s boring life in Stratford Upon Avon. From her beautiful LA condo and the glitz and glamour of Hollywood, Tess wonders whether a bit of River’s LA life might be exactly what she needs? So when River suggests a house swap, Tess jumps at the chance!

With Dave happily ensconced in the summer house at the bottom of the garden, the kids not needing mum anymore, Tess packs her bags and heads off for the adventure of a lifetime.

But real life isn’t like the movies, and when Tess arrives in LA, things aren’t exactly as they seem. 

Will Tess find what’s she’s looking for or is getting away from it all isn’t all perhaps not all it’s cracked up to be?

My review

When Tess Simpson is not having the promotion she has been hoping to have, she needs a break, especially when also her beloved dog dies.
But when every family member is withdrawing from the planned family holiday, she decides to take the break on her own.
So swapping houses with River Romero, living in L.A. seems the perfect solution. River herself is looking for inspiration for her latest task as a screenwriter and living the English country life seems the perfect solution!
Both women are experiencing a different lifestyle, which makes them think about their own lives… But is turning your whole life upside down the answer?

Who doesn’t dream of just packing everything and leave for a while the hectic life we are all accustomed to?
So I loved reading about all the plans Tess was making after missing out her promotion.
I also understood why she wanted to make a family holiday of it, and even if it was written in the stars, I felt utterly sad when each member somehow managed to get out of this wonderful holiday.

And I was cheering when Tess decided to change her plans and just swap houses with River and spend some time in L.A. instead.

I think there are many families that have a feeling that they are just stuck and don’t feel very appreciated.
And for Tess, this holiday on her own was the perfect get out to overthink just everything.
When in L.A., I admired her determination, because if I would enter a condo like River’s, you would find me running straight back home! I surely wouldn’t do what she did!

I also admired how she just starts doing things she wouldn’t dream of. And even if sometimes it’s a  case of trial and error, she makes new friends, finds herself again and discovers a whole different world.

I have to admit, River was not the kind of character I immediately liked. Her being artistic often came to me as an excuse to be just disorganized and chaotic. But slowly her character is becoming clearer and I started to like this woman who will not accept any bullshit from other people.
She opens Dave’s eyes and shows him that his behaviour and contribution in running the household with Tess is practically non – existing.

I have to mention also Alex… because if there was something that broke my heart in this story, it’s Alex’ tale…
The author managed to tell us his feeling in a very respectful yet also eye – opening way. The feelings Alex is having and yet manages to hide it from everyone, shows us that sometimes it’s nearly impossible to see someone’s real feelings. And that we should never forget that we can take everything and everyone for granted.

I found this a beautiful, yet strong story, because sometimes stepping away is what someone needs to realize what is worth getting back to.
I loved reading how strong characters found themselves in a whole different world, and after the initial hesitation make the best of their current situation.
And even if I didn’t have a clue how our main characters would end up, I enjoyed reading this book and loved every bit of it!