The sudden surprise after six years.

Synopsis

I’m greeted by the strangest sight. A small dark-haired boy is standing there. It’s like he’s a human parcel, delivered to my front door.

‘My name is Luke,’ he says.

When Johnny meets Lauren in a bar in Santa Cruz, there’s an instant connection. On an American road trip with best friend Will, Johnny promises to return to the girl who has stolen his heart.

Until tragedy strikes, forcing Johnny to fly back home without ever seeing Lauren again.

Six years later, Johnny is living his life in London, even if he’s never forgotten the girl with the grey eyes and dark hair.

Until one September morning, he opens his door to find a little boy standing there – a child, Johnny quickly comes to learn, who was created that one magical night. Lauren is dying, and her last wish is to reunite five-year-old Luke with the father he doesn’t yet know.

Thrown into unexpected parenthood, Johnny finds himself navigating school-gate politics, Disney movies and tantrums, guided by the notes Lauren has written for him.

Life as an instant dad isn’t always easy, but as Johnny and Luke open their hearts to each other, Johnny is about to discover that life’s joy isn’t always where you expected it.

An emotional, feel-good read that will have you laughing while you wipe away a tear – readers of Dani Atkins, Mike Gayle and Jojo Moyes will be captivated.

My review

Six years ago Johnny met Lauren in a bar in Santa Cruz. They immediately connected and after one magical night together, Johnny promises to come back for her.
But the next day, a tragedy happens, forcing Johnny to fly back home.
Six years later, Johnny lives in London although he never forgot that connection he had with Lauren, regretting never exchanging their full names, phone numbers or even a mail address.
So when one day he opens his door and he sees a little boy standing there, he is having the shock of his life. Not only is Luke his son, but he also learns that Lauren is dying and she wants Luke to be with his father.
But how can a single man turn into an instant father to a child he doesn’t know? Only help he has are the notes Lauren left him.
Parenthood isn’t easy for those who are prepared, but will Johnny manage to be the kind of father Luke deserves?

Oh this story is heart – breaking and heart – warming at the same time!

I loved reading about how two people suddenly find each other and just click, even if the odds are against them. Even if Johnny has plans to leave, the heart wants what it wants, so he is determined to go back to Lauren.
When the tragedy happened, I actually found myself grasping for air, because the consequences were just unfair.

When six years later it’s obvious that Johnny never truly forgot Lauren, it made me so sad, because the good intentions were there, but life, destiny, fate, however you call it, got in the way.
And when little Luke is standing at Johnny’s door, I could only imagine the shock!

Not only Johnny finds himself being a father, but he receives the news that Lauren is dying. Talking about several shock revelations!

It was so sweet to read how both Johnny and Luke are adapting on a different life and are getting to know each other better. And whenever Johnny needed, I found it bittersweet to read how he was talking to Lauren using his imagination and her notes to receive some advice.

Even if the love story between Johnny and Lauren wouldn’t have the happy ending they both deserved, they had a different happy ending. Because their love culminated in Luke, and the love they both have for this sweet innocent child who will have to face a terrible grieve, was a beautiful thing to keep in mind.

This is a story that made me smile, but also made me cry. It showed me how love can shift but never forgotten, how new kind of loves can emerge and how people realise how whole you can feel with the love for a child.
The ending was both beautiful as heart – breaking at the same time. Because even if everything came together, the volatility of it was too obvious to make it a happy ending the characters all deserved…

What is your talent?

Synopsis

Escape to the sun and head off to Italy, with the wonderfully warm and ever-so-page-turning Leonie Mack!

TV journalist Lou feels battered and bruised after her divorce from Phil, the father of her daughter Edie. Her confidence and sense of fun have steadily been drained away, and she isn’tsure who she is any more.

When the opportunity arises to accompany Edie on a music camp in Italy for a month in the summer, Lou jumps at the chance for new adventures, new horizons and new friends. The hazy warmth of the summer sun, shining brightly over the stunning Lake Garda, slowly brings Lou back to life. 

Nick Romano, Edie’s music teacher, loves being home in Italy, but coaching his students for their concert in Milan, is bringing back difficult memories. His blossoming friendship with Lou is the perfect distraction, although a summer fling would be easier to conduct without the scrutiny of his mother Greta, not to mention the interference of his extended Italian family.

As the summer passes, full of sunshine and breath-taking scenery, gelato and delicious feasts, Lou and Nick get ever closer. But as the time for farewell creeps up on them, will they be able to say goodbye and leave their memories behind in the Italian sun, or can a summer romance last a lifetime?

Leonie Mack is back with a sizzling, sun-baked love story, perfect for all fans of Mandy Baggot, Jo Thomas and Carole Matthews.

My review

After her divorce from Phil, Lou has been feeling a bit low. Her confidence took a beating, her sense of fun is gone and she just doesn’t know who she is anymore. Being a TV journalist, she sees how everyone has a passion while she sees herself as just being plain.
When the opportunity arises to accompany her daughter Edie on a music camp in Italy, Lou sees this as a chance to try out new things, and find a passion, something she is talented in.
What she didn’t expect is having a blossoming friendship with Edie’s music teacher Nick Romano. But with him remembering difficult memories and an interfering typical Italian family, is a summer fling the perfect distraction? And what will happen once the music camp is over?

Lou is someone I quickly took a liking. You would easily think that being a TV journalist made her an obnoxious character, feeling better than the rest, and spending a lot of time on the way she looks like. But the opposite it true!
Okay, her divorce didn’t do her confidence any good, as she doubts her own abilities and strengths. Yet I did not pity her, but I found myself cheering for her to find herself again.
Even if she is a bit jealous of other people and their talents, and she is on a quest for finding her own talent, there isn’t a thing she wouldn’t do for her daughter Edie. That means also compensating for an absent father, giving Edie the necessary boost of confidence in her abilities. And yes, the irony isn’t lost on me, because she gives her daughter exactly the things she is missing herself.
And joining Edie on a music camp in Italy is just one of those things Lou would do for Edie’s happiness.

I loved reading about how close mother and daughter are, because let’s be honest, it’s not something to take for granted. No matter how low Lou is feeling, Edie’s best interest are her main priority. So if that means staying away from music teacher Nick Romano to avoid complications, she does just that!

Oh, but Nick is not someone you can easily stay away from! Not only the passion he has for music is a real turn on, but also the way he encourages his students, giving them courage before their performances. He knows what to say to the frightened students and the students are doing their best to make Nick proud.
How I wished I had such a music teacher (if I were playing an instrument…)!

Spending time in Italy for me is already special, but seeing how both Lou and Nick are getting closer in such a beautiful setting, it made me totally dream away.
But the beauty was also in seeing how these troubled people dare to talk about their fears, knowing that they won’t receive a snarky remark or that the other person would laugh it away.
Together they dare to overcome their fears, and dare to climb that mountain.

I found this a beautiful story about not only love for other people, but also about loving yourself and seeing yourself just like other people see you. And even if you cannot play an instrument perfectly, or make perfect cheese (this will be clear when you read the book!) everyone is gifted in a way that fits you perfectly!

Today I am spoiling you with a whole new cover reveal. I cannot wait to read the story!!!

Synopsis

Ruby’s life is about to change for ever…

After years of dating losers, cheats and one guy who did something unrepeatable to her kettle, Ruby has all but given up on romance. But then a stranger sits next to her on a train to London and explains his plan to propose to the woman of his dreams. Maybe true love does exist after all?

When the man accidentally leaves the engagement ring behind, Ruby is determined to save the day. But she hasn’t counted on fellow passenger Curtis stepping in and insisting he should be the one to track the stranger down.

As summer closes in, the unlikely pair make a promise to reunite the ring with its owner. But can they find their own happy ever after along the way?

Pre-order Links 

Amazon UK – https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B08R6Q4T66/

Universal Amazon link – http://mybook.to/ThePromiseOfSummer

KOBO – https://www.kobo.com/gb/en/ebook/the-promise-of-summer

Publication Date – 22nd July 2021

About the author

Bella has been jotting down stories as far back as she can remember but decided that 2013 would be the year that she finished a full length novel. Since then she’s written seven best selling romantic comedies and she’s been shortlisted three times for the RNA Contemporary Romantic Novel of the Year Award. 

Bella’s stories are about friendship, love and coping with what life throws at you. She lives in The Midlands, UK with her husband, daughter and a cat who thinks she’s a dog. When not writing Bella is usually eating custard creams and planning holidays.

For more about Bella, visit her website at http://www.bellaosborne.com or follow her on social media.

Social Media Links – 

Twitter – https://twitter.com/osborne_bella

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/BellaOsborneAuthor/

Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/bellaosborneauthor/

The cover

A holiday full of books and life changing events!

Synopsis

The Fully Booked Bookshop Café invites literature lovers to run their very own bookshop … for a fortnight.

Spend your days talking books with customers in your own charming bookshop and serving up delicious cream teas in the cosy café.

Bookworms, what are you waiting for? Your holiday is going to be LIT(erary).

Apply to: The Fully Booked Bookshop, Down-a-long, Clove Lore, Devon.

Jude Crawley should be on top of the world. She’s just graduated as a mature student, so can finally go public about her relationship with Philosophy professor, Mack.

Until she sees Mack kissing another girl, and her dreams crumble. And worse, their dream holiday – running a tiny bookshop in the harbour village of Clove Lore for two weeks – is non-refundable.

Throwing caution to the winds, Jude heads down to Devon, eager to immerse herself in literature and heal her broken heart.

But there’s one problem – six foot tall, brooding (but gorgeous) Elliot, who’s also reserved the bookshop holiday for two weeks…

As Jude and Elliot put their differences aside to run the bookshop, it seems that Jude might be falling in love with more than just words. Until she discovers what Elliot is running from – and why he’s hiding out in Clove Lore.

Can Jude find her own happy ending in a tiny, tumbledown bookshop? Or is she about to find out that her bookish holiday might have an unexpected twist in the tale…

My review

Jude Crawley finally managed to graduate. For anyone this event would be already exhilarating, but for Jude it’s even more. She is a mature student, as she gave gladly gave up her dreams to look after her grandmother, so now she can finally start chasing her own dreams. And her relationship with Philosophy professor Mack can be finally in the open.

But it all changes when she sees Mack kissing another woman. Not only are her dreams scattered, but also her perfect holiday is in pieces. She already imagined herself and Mack running a tiny bookshop in Clove Lore for two weeks. Being a non – refundable holiday, Jude decides to go anyway to Devon, ready to be submerged in books and trying to heal a broken heart.
What she didn’t expect is that Elliot also reserved the holiday in the bookshop the same time as her. And yes, he may be tall and gorgeous, the last thing she needs is being around a man who also appears to be hiding things.

First of all, I WANT TO HAVE THAT HOLIDAY TOO!!!!! Running a bookshop for two weeks, that just sounds like heaven to me!
It’s really a pity that such things don’t exist (yet? 😃) in Belgium!

But now about the book itself…

I have to say, Jude truly left me in awe from the start. She put her own dreams aside, to take care of her grandmother, while her parents are running the family bakery. Not every young adult would do that, but for Jude it was not a sacrifice at all, as the love she has for her family is what matters.
And the courage she had to pick up her studies, again, it’s not something many would do.
Now graduated, she is ready for the next step in life, being enjoying her relationship with Mack now that their relationship is not a secret anymore and they can finally have a holiday together.
So when Mack shows his true colours, I felt as heart – broken as Jude. Because if there was one person who should finally have some slack, it’s certainly Jude.
Everything she does, is done with kindness, love and just a big heart. And being treated that way by Mack, is totally uncalled for.

When in the bookshop, I understood Jude that she wasn’t happy to share her holiday with Elliot. Even if sometimes her reactions were on the verge of just being rude, I comprehended her. She wanted peace to mend her broken heart, and lick her wounds.
Elliot is just not someone easily to ignore. He is huge, and his good looks surely don’t help to fight the attraction! I found myself even attracted to this complete fictitious character!
But there is more to him than just the way he looks. He may not be the best baker, but he surely has the best intentions! And even if I feared for what his secret would be, when it was out, I was happy that my gut feelings weren’t wrong!

Even if this story started with a tone that made me sad / angry, after that event, I surely felt my mood shifting for the better. I loved the idea of renting a bookshop, finding yourself in a community ready to lend a helping hand, making you feel at home.
I fell in love with Clove Lore, even if the street names are not that easy to understand. But every character managed to make me love them. And then I’m not talking about Aldous, even his strange habits were easily covered by the cloak of love!

The ending left me nearly in tears, as it was just something you would see in a romantic movie and it just fitted perfectly in the story.

I found this an uplifting story, not only about love in all its aspects and that even if there are people ready to break your heart, there are plenty of them ready to open theirs.
This was a book I quickly finished reading, not because I wanted to get rid of it. But because I felt part of it and found it nearly impossible to put it away!

Being in the popular clique isn’t always fun!

Synopsis

The perfect guy, the perfect location. What could go wrong?

Hadley Daniels’s life seems perfect. Before the beginning of sophomore year of high school, Hadley and her family move to a beautiful beach town, where she makes amazing new friends and lands the boyfriend of her dreams. She and Nick form a deep bond, but insecurity sets in when Hadley discovers her boyfriend once had a huge crush on her friend—who just happens to be the beautiful teen TV star, Simone Hendrickson. Nick claims to be over Simone, but then Hadley is blindsided with the news that Nick and Simone kissed after school. Now Hadley must determine who is telling the truth. 

Love, betrayal, friendship…who needs TV drama when you’re busy competing with a star?

My review

After recently moving, Hadley is finally feeling that she found her place. She lives with her parents in a beautiful beach town, she has amazing new friends and has an amazing boyfriend with Nick Jenkins. Even if the contact with her former best friend is getting lost, she feels she can rely on many other people.
However, insecurities arise when Hadley discovers that Nick had a huge crush on her friend and TV star Simone Hendrickson. To make things even worse, there is a gossip going around that makes Hadley doubting everything she once believed…

Before you read this book, I would recommend to read also the first book. I didn’t read it, and even if you can read this one as a standalone, it may help to understand the characters and the past better.

While reading this story I had the initial feeling that Hadley was one of the ‘lucky’ girls. She is part of a group with popular girls, and even befriended a TV Star! Of course if you are part of a group, there are always people you like more and people you like less.
And now Hadley even is in a relationship with her best friend Nick.
But no matter how good life is looking for Hadley, she had the typical teenage insecurities and doubts.

The author manages again to capture the reality of teenagers perfectly. Not only does she capture the beauty of a first love, but also the self – doubt and trust issues.
Hadley as a girlfriend is different than Nick’s previous girlfriends, and she is afraid that being different will be the thing that he will get bored off.
And not only does she has her own insecurities, she is also fighting against a supposed friend flirting too openly and even a bit over the top.

Hadley learns through this story, sometimes the hard way, that even friends can be stabbing you in the back. But she also learns who her real friends are, and support her.

This whole book is actually a learning process. The characters learn to see who really has their back, learn about love, trust and slowly they also learn to speak out their fears.
But the thing I liked the most that our characters learned, is putting differences aside and be there for each other in time of need. It may seem a very strange thing to say, but when you’re reading this story, it will be clear what I mean!

I found this a bittersweet story about a teenager finding herself and love in a world that can be too complicated. But it was also enjoyable to read how the characters are growing towards adulthood and make up their own mind!
It made me rethink about my own teenage years all over again and made me realize how things I did then formed me into the person I am now!

Growing up is never easy, imagine growing up in a post – war place…

Synopsis

Italy, 1937. In a tiny village in rural Lombardy, GraziellaPonti is born into a loving family. 

Though they are not rich and life is full of challenges, they are content and safe, surrounded by the tightly-knit community of Pieve Santa Clara. 

But when the shadow of World War Two falls across the village with the arrival of Nazi soldiers, nothing in young Graziella’s life will ever be the same again. 

Paradiso is Graziella’s story. It charts her loves, losses and triumphs as she grows up in post-war Italy, a country in transformation, freed from the shackles of dictatorship yet still gripped by the restraints of the Catholic church. 

Paradiso is inspired by true stories told to Francesca Scanacapra by her Italian family and set in locations where she spent much of her childhood. It is a deeply affecting novel which sheds light on the complexity and trauma of Italy’s past and weaves it into the epic tale of an ordinary woman compelled to live in extraordinary times.

This stunning historical read is perfect for fans of Dinah Jeffries, Rhys Bowen, Victoria Hislop, Angela Petch and Heather Morris.

My review

Graziella is living with her loving parents in a small village in Lombardy, Pieve Santa Clara. Her life is not full of money, but is full of love.
But when Nazi soldiers start to appear as World War 2 is getting more grip on the world, it’s obvious that life as everyone knew is over.
While Graziella is growing up in a new world, she has to learn to cope with love, loss and facing the aftermath of a war that changed the course of everyone’s life.

Whenever a story is taking place somewhere in Italy, the author already has my interest. But of course the story itself has to be able to keep it! otherwise I would like a lot of stories! 😊

Graziella is a young girl living without worries at ‘Paradiso’, the name they gave her home. But her worriless life quickly changes as the World War is approaching.
I was somehow in awe how Graziella reacted to all the changes in her young life. Being evacuated from her hometown and to live with the nuns, losing people she loved, picking up the pieces after war, it’s not easy for adults, image how this would be for a little girl.
Yet Graziella, even if sometimes in despair, holds on to the little things of life and does her utterly best to remain positive.

The first few chapters had some difficulties to keep my attention, but before I knew, the whole story gripped my attention.
I was relieved the story wasn’t completely focused on the war, but also showed us the aftermath. It’s easy to think that life goes on as before the war, but the author manages to show is that such a great, negative event has many implications.
People grieve on their own way over losses, but still have to learn to slowly move on and actually live again.

Seeing Graziella growing up towards a young responsible woman was something that warmed my heart. No matter what she has been through and is still facing, she has her head on her shoulders and is not afraid to take her own initiative. Reading about her while she is discovering all kind of feelings, like grieve or that first blooming love, made me feel like I was standing beside her every step she was taking.

The fact that the author inspired the book by true stories told by her family, made it feel more real too.
There is no sugar-coating, but also not overly dramatizing the events that are taking place. The emotions are real, not too fast – paced.
The only thing I kind of missed, was the feeling of a proper ending. In one way, it was the perfect ending, but on the other hand, I would have loved to read *just more*! I was not ready to say goodbye to these lovely, real characters yet!

When the wedding of your sister is the easiest thing happening.

Synopsis

Sun, sea and inescapable exes…

Peach is excited to hear that her sister, Di, is getting married. Of course, she would have preferred her little sister to be engaged to someone she’s known longer than a week – and the fact that his name is Charles doesn’t bode well – but who is she to judge?! Afterall, her own love life is non-existent, and who doesn’t love a destination wedding…?

Whisked away to the gorgeous Italian coast, Peach assumes her role as chief bridesmaid and, despite her reservations about the groom, she tries to ensure everything goes to plan.

But weddings are never straightforward affairs… throw in some unexpected guests in the form of ex-boyfriends and one night stands, and soon enough there is more drama than a reality tv show.

Can Peach keep the show on the road, or might she end up in a whirlwind romance of her own…?

Escape to the stunning Italian coast with bestseller Portia MacIntosh. Perfect for fans of Sophie Ranald and Mhairi MacFarlane.

My review

Peach is left a bit flabbergasted when her sister Di decides to getting married to a man she barely knows.
But of course, the only thing that matters, is Di’s happiness. And if that means that Di is going to marry a man named Charles, so be it. especially when the wedding will be taking place on a beautiful Italian coast!
However, some of the other guests are not Peach’s best friends. And when a one night stand appears to be also attending, together with ex – boyfriends, the wedding itself seems to be the least of her worries, even if she keeps on having her own reservations.

Whenever I read a story written by this author, I know I will enjoy every bit of it!

And with this story, it already starts with the first chapter! At first I was a bit confused, thinking I missed a few pages because when we meet Peach, she is looking at a wedding venue for her wedding. So I was nearly freaking out.
But my worries were unjustified. Because when it’s made all clear, I was laughing at loud, wishing I could be doing the same thing!
And the prelude to her one night stand was something funny yet also sweet. So when the guy just disappears, I was as disappointed as Peach was, because the click and sparks just flew over the pages!

Peach is just a wonderful character to get to know. She is an amazing and loving sister. Because even if she doesn’t understand why Di wants to get married so quickly and she discovers something about Charles, all she wants is that her sister is happy. And that means Peach puts her own not so positive thoughts aside, spending time with Di’s friend even if she absolutely loathes her.

And Matt… is there any other man that would match even more perfectly for Peach? I’m not telling you too much about Matt, because I want you to discover him all by yourself!

However… how lovely (or not…) the characters were, it was the whole adventure that made me laugh, relax and have a blast!
This story is full of hilarious misunderstandings, unfinished business and people appearing out of the blue with the wrong reasons of being there. However confusing it may seem at some point, all the pieces of the puzzle fall perfectly together.
And the ending of this book… I cannot say more than just ‘WONDERFUL’!!!!

This author managed AGAIN to write a story that was impossible to put away. And yes, I gave up my sleep for it, so after finishing the book, I was in a cranky mood because the lack of sleep and because I already finished it!

I found this a very entertaining, funny book. Even if some characters took some time to like/love, they all were characters I wanted to be happy.
I cannot wait to read more from this author, knowing that each book of her is something I truly enjoy!

Is second time’s a charm?

Synopsis

Eva Mathers is a successful woman, except for when it comes to matters of the heart. When she returns home to Yorkshire as a pending divorcee, she realises her childhood friend and first love Damon Evans is also newly single. It’s a pity he’s never noticed her romantically and had no idea that she was in love with him at school. But at least they can support each other as friends again.

Damon is attempting to adjust to life sharing the kids with his ex. His reconnection with Eva is strong, but she was always too good for him and made her indifference clear after they drifted apart during their younger years. In any case, she still seems to be hung up on her charismatic ex-husband. Eva is hiding things from Damon, secrets from her past. He wants to be there for her, so why can’t she let him in?

Eva is dealing with trauma, but she won’t confide in her loved ones. Can Damon help her break down her walls before it’s too late and they miss their second chance at first love?

My review

After her divorce, Eva Mathers returns back home to her parents. Not only did her marriage not make it, but she is still dealing with a trauma.
The last thing she needs is match-making mothers, trying to not too subtle to make Eva meet with Damon Evans. Especially when Damon is her first, but also unrequited love.
Damon is also adapting to his new life, after divorcing his wife and not being able to spend as much time with his kids as he used to.
Quickly Eva and Damon become friends again, even if neither of them know what they meant to each other in the past. And it’s obvious that the attraction is still there. But can these two people with broken hearts get a second chance at their love? Or is the past truly in the past and are the walls too high to break down?

As this was a rather short story, compared to what I am used to read, I was a bit afraid the pace would be too fast.
But I had no reason to worry, because it was just perfect!

Eva is the kind of character you immediately like and make a connection with. Of course her current situation isn’t a happy one. She is “freshly” divorced, is living back with her parents, and then there is this big unknown trauma she is also carrying around.
And having a meddling mother, playing Cupid doesn’t help things. Especially when the mother is matching Eva with her old crush.

And it’s her old crush that makes this story so recognizable! Each and every one of us had that one crush that was unrequited! So it’s obvious that some of those old feelings resurface when Eva and Damon meet again.
However not only the old feelings resurface, but also the insecurities… And also that is that many readers can relate to! Are my feelings growing too fast? Is he/she feeling the same way or does he/she only see me as someone to pass time with? And is he/she not out of my league? No matter how old/ young you are, these questions are always playing around in your mind.
And reading how the counterparty is struggling with the same questions, was some kind of relief, knowing that even the hottest guy around is the same!

Damon truly is the hottest guy around, and yet there is this vulnerability around him, because he is not afraid to show and express his feelings. He does not hide how hard is struggling with not being around his kids. But he also shows what an amazing man he is, by reassuring Eva, but also showing how kind he is, even if it involves his ex – wife.

There are a few misunderstandings, and also when Eva’s trauma is revealed, heart – breaking moments. Yet there are so many sweet moments, that made my heart melt.
But this story shows us that it’s never too late for a chance at love, even a second chance at love!
And the author manages to explain that communication is the key to everything. If the characters dare to ask questions, dare to express their feelings, the reward can be exceptionally big.

I found this a lovely story about two people in a not so great moment in their lives, but finding each other again is the start of something new. And before I knew, I found myself devouring this sweet story!

And now it’s time for another cover reveal!

Synopsis

When Izzie Dean’s beloved nan, Molly Blackshaw, passes away, Izzie returns to the Blackpool bungalow where she grew up, to say goodbye once and for all. When Izzie’s homecoming reunites her with her first love, Justin Swift, every emotion that Izzie has repressed since the day he broke her heart comes rushing to the surface. But then an unexpected discovery changes everything.

Between the pages of the battered secret diary Molly kept during WWII, Izzie discovers a story of love, heartbreak, and the incomparable hardship of life in a world at war. Reading her grandmother’s words soon puts her own story into perspective, and suddenly Izzie realises that the only thing holding her back from happiness, might be herself. Now she just has to convince Justin that they deserve a second chance at forever…

About the author

Lancashire born, I moved to Bedfordshire in the late seventies, married and started a family. I’m a past Hon Sec of the Romantic Novelists’ Association, have been a member since 1993 when I joined their New Writers’ Scheme as a probationer. That came about after winning a week’s historical writing course on the strength of the first chapter of my third Poldark-era romance. The tutor on the last day loved the story and handed me details of the Romantic Novelists’ Association – she said I absolutely must join as they would be able to help me towards publication. 

Some four years later my first published book, Dark Canvas, won the RNA’s New Writer’s Award in 1997, the sixth, Illusions, won the RNA’s Romance Prize in 2003.

After working in the local library service for 18 years, during library cut-backs I took the leap to become self-employed as a writer and worked on releasing my backlist as eBooks for Kindle. 

Most recently, I’ve had the pleasure of working with amazing Charlotte Ledger when she pulled me from the writing wilderness and have now signed a three-book deal with One More Chapter.

The Cover