Can a rootless wanderer find a place to call home?

Synopsis

‘Community spirit’ is not a phrase in travel junkie TaranRossi’s vocabulary. As a former ‘third culture kid’ and now spicy street food connoisseur and social media influencer, he’snever really stayed in one place long enough to feel part of a community. And that’s just the way he likes it.
But a springtime stint house sitting for his grandmother on Rendezvous Lane in East Nashville could lead to a long overdue wake-up call. With the help of single mum Sandy Warner and her young son Chip, can Taran come to understand that sometimes it’s not about the place – it’s about the people?

My review

Sandy Warner is a single mum and being there for her son Chip is the only thing that matters. One of the perks of living on Rendezvous Lane in East Nashville, is that the whole community is there to offer a helping hand whenever needed.
When Taran Rossi is housesitting his grandmother Beth’s house, who is also coincidentally Sandy’s neighbour, the attraction is hard to resist. Sandy and Taran have a lot in common, being both ‘third culture kids’, but are also very different. Sandy enjoys the sense of feeling at home in a place, while Taran is more a travel junkie, not ready at all to settle down.
However, will Taran discover that settling down in one place doesn’t mean giving up his freedom?

I have read several books of this author, and I knew beforehand how much I would enjoy reading this one.
But I can honestly say, that this one, is my favourite!

Sandy and Taran both have had a kind of same upbringing. They never had a place to put their roots and also their parents wouldn’t ever get the award for Best Parenting. They are ‘third culture kids’, meaning that they were raised in a culture other than their parents’.
Yet they are in a different mind-set. Sandy is a single mother, so she wants only the best for her son Chip, and that means putting her dreams away and also provide Chip a place to call home. And she also enjoys staying at Rendezvous Lane, surrounded by curious yet always helpful neighbours.
Taran on the other hand enjoys travelling all around the world, discovering new places and is even a social media influencer, with his food blog. Settling down is the last thing on his mind.

I loved reading how Sandy and Taran are getting closer, despite how hard they try not to. But the heart cannot be dictated, so closer they’ll get!
But not only the relationship between Sandy and Taran was nice to read, the relationship that truly melted my poor heart was that between Taran and Chip…
Chip is just too cute for words and how Taran interacts with him, is just worthy of several swoons!

This book wasn’t only a love story, but also a story about seeing things from a different point of view. Taran is adamant on never settling down, and even a relationship comes with an expiration date. But only when he meets Sandy and Chip, he sees how different his life could be. It could be different, but without giving up his passions so somehow his life can stay the same too!

Both our main characters have matured so much during this story, but not in a way that seems impossible. There are small changes, without changing their own self. Sandy and Taran both have a past that has scarred them, but having found kindred spirits, is allowing them to move forward.

I found this a sweet, tender, heart – warming, hopeful story. The sense of community, family and belonging was beautiful to read. The characters were very easy to like and love.
The story was perfect and an escape to a wonderful place, making me want to be living near Sandy, Chip, Taran and all the other inhabitants!

This Monday I am giving you this cove reveal. It surely has intruiged me!

Synopsis

Is her new husband really who she thinks he is?

When young doctor Lauren Matheson meets Joe, an older divorced businessman, at a glittering poolside in California, it’s a chance encounter that seems life-changing for them both. Back home in London, their feelings only strengthen. But Lauren soon discovers that building a happy future with Joe is going to be an uphill struggle…

She’s determined to be a good stepmother to his children, four-year-old Toby and complicated teen Grace. But under the watchful eye of Meredith, Joe’s intimidating ex-wife, Lauren can’t seem to do a thing right. Why won’t Joe ever take her side against Grace? And what really happened between him and Meredith?

As her husband retreats into a cold, secretive version of the dashing man she met in California, Lauren starts to wonder if she’s made a costly mistake. Was Joe ever the man she thought she married?

About the author

Carol Mason is the Amazon Charts and Kindle #1 bestselling author After You Left (more than 300,000 copies sold), The Secrets of Married Women, The Last Time We Met, The Shadow Between Us, Send Me A Lover and Little White Secrets which hit the Bookstat digital bestsellers list top 3 in the week of its launch. She was born in the North East of England where most of her novels are set. She now lives in Canada with her Canadian husband, a rescue dog from Kuwait and a three-legged cat. When not writing, Carol loves to read, cook and binge watch Netflix.

The cover

The effects of changes on your whole life.

Synopsis

Janey’s life becomes more disaster movie than romcom when the ruthless Becca steams in to manage Cheney House. Her job as head gardener in peril and her self-confidence in tatters, Janey must fight back. Finding an ally in Will, who’s more Clark Kent than Superman, it’s up to them to save the day while owner Clare is away having her Shirley Valentine moment. It doesn’t help that everyone is in love with the wrong people!

Why can’t people love the one who loves them back?

Will Cheney House survive – and will Janey ever get her When Harry Met Sally happy ending?

Find out in this warm-hearted romance from the author of the best-selling Millie Vanilla’s Cupcake Café, full of Gregory Peck look-a-likes, snowdrops, cake, and a cocker spaniel called Camilla.

My review

Janey loves her job as head gardener at Cheney House. At school she always had a hard time, but thanks to owner Clare she has found her passion for gardening and is even allowed to work on a project concerning snowdrops.
When Clare hires Becca to take over the management of Cheney House, Janey’s tranquil life turns upside down. Suddenly she has to fight for her job, for Cheney House itself and her own self – confidence is getting at its lowest point.
Luckily she has one unexpected person in her corner, Clare’s grandson Will. Together they are trying to save Cheney House from Becca’s claws and bad ideas while the same time Clare is enjoying her time away from everything and everyone.

You know what I find the hardest thing about writing a review? When you like a book but there isn’t a specific thing that made you like it extra.
And this book is such a case.

I immediately took a liking, and cannot pinpoint that one specific thing. It’s just generally such a loveable book.Janey is not the typical girly girl, but she enjoys dancing under the trees, walking around in clothes that make her feel comfortable and not looking at the latest fashion.
And that made her so recognizable for me, because I have some Janey aspects in me too. Also her tiny bit of self – confidence is recognizable and her fears are something I can easily comprehend.
Yet she manages to capture the attention of people who accept her as she is and she quickly befriends people that she never could imagine to like her.

Will is often described as more a Clark Kent than Superman. And luck would have it I truly like Clark Kent (maybe even more than Superman! 🤣).
I had a laugh when he first spotted Janey, dancing under the trees. And despite they being totally opposites, he finds himself always looking for her and feeling this attraction. And it’s obvious he has a kind heart because he helps out Janey however he can. It can be by standing up for her, but also helping her with her own problems.

I thought this would be an all romantic stories with just some minor dramas, but the dramas were even bigger and that was a nice extra. It’s not all fun and games for Janey, and the evolution she undergoes is admirable. She learns to stand up for herself, even dares to overcome her fears and would do the impossible for loveThis is a lovely story, with each kind character stealing a piece of my heart. And the characters with not so good intentions getting a real sense of hatred from me.

The author managed to write a captivating story about love, friendship, passion and overcoming fears that got me hooked from the start!

An unforgettable road trip back home.

Synopsis

From bestselling romantic comedy author Melissa Baldwin comes the road trip of a lifetime!

Successful Manhattan accountant Stacy Brown is shocked when her almost perfect life unexpectedly crumbles around her. Blindsided by her husband when he serves her with divorce papers and tossed aside by the women she considered her best friends, devastation and depression hit her hard. But when her mother sends her an old photograph of her and two childhood friends, Candace and Olivia, it fuels a desire in Stacy to find that person she once was. What starts as a chance to reconnect turns into an unforgettable road trip back to her childhood home and an encounter with a man from her past.

Gavin Kingsley, son of Stacy’s old piano teacher and former annoying boy next door, sparks something in Stacy that she hasn’t felt in a long time…maybe never? Despite her hesitation to jump into a relationship, Stacy can’t help being drawn to him as she and her girlfriends take a journey of self-discovery, laughs, tears, and hysterical moments. 

Can returning to her past give Stacy everything she’s been searching for in her future?

My review

Stacy Brown is a successful accountant in Manhattan, married to Greg, also an accountant and she is surrounded by her best friends.
Suddenly her world falls apart when Greg gives her divorce papers, and instead of finding comfort in her best friends, they put her aside.
Searching for a way to cheer Stacy up, her mother sends her a photograph of Stacy and her childhood friends Candace and Olivia. And that one photograph makes Stacy want to be that one person she used to be. What started as a way to reconnect, quickly evolves into a road trip with both women.
But the road trip doesn’t appear to be as laidback as thought, and Stacy is also wondering what is waiting there for her. Because again thanks to her mom, she is back in touch with Gavin Kingsley, son of Stacy’s old piano teacher and boy next door.

Is Stacy ready to meet a new/old man in her life? And is it possible to find again that old friendship with Candace and Olivia, or was there a reason that their friendship got lost?

Before I even started reading this book, I knew I would truly enjoy reading every bit of it!

In the first chapters, I felt very sorry for Stacy. Not only does her husband show her divorce papers out of the blue, but also her friends abandon her at the moment she needs them the most. So it’s obvious that Stacy is feeling alone and depressed.
And is there a better place to get over broken heart than home, surrounded by your parents?

It’s obvious that the road trip will be a total disaster. Not only does Olivia auto – invite herself, she doesn’t know that Candace will also be taking part. There is some bad blood between the two of them because of something that happened in the past, so Stacy kind of tricks the both of them.

While the three women are on their way, I had so many laughs. Not because I’m an evil woman, but just because they were acting like small children. And seeing how childish these adult could act, was just hilarious.

And then Gavin… I found him just adorable! Okay, it’s weird to call a grown up man ‘adorable’, but I cannot express in another way how I feel about him. After a bit of matchmaking of both mothers, the interaction between Gavin and Stacy was nice to read about. And the easy way they just are together was something that made me even a little bit jealous.

This was not only a story about a road trip, old friends finding each other or finding a new love interest. But I found it a story about picking up the pieces, forgiveness and just doing what feels right in your heart. Friendships can be made easily but can be also easily be broken, and the author managed to show us in a hilarious way that some friendships are worth to be found again.

I found this a funny, hilarious yet sweet book to read, impossible to put away!

When you hate a whole family, could there be one exception?

Synopsis

She hates all Warstones.

Can this one win her love?

Balthus of Warstone secretly loved Séverine, even though she was unhappily married to his brute of a brother, then she fled six years ago. Now her husband is dead, Balthus must find Séverine and reclaim her sons as his father’s heirs. Balthus’ desire is to claim her too, and despite his battle-maimed arm and her distrust of his family, he’ll prove he’s a suitor worthy of such a courageous woman…

My review

Séverine is on the run from her husband and his family. The Warstones are known for their cruelty and thirst for power.
Her marriage with Ian was not one of love, and it wasn’t a happy one. To protect her two young boys, she decided six years ago to run away.
But now her husband’s brother Balthus is tracking her down because her children are the heirs now that Ian is dead.
However, Séverine has no intention to be found so easily, and she is determined to fight for her freedom.
Little does she know that Balthus has always been secretly in love with her, and his desire to find her may have an ulterior motive…

Every time I start reading a book of this author, I think I know what  can expect. Yet every time she manages to write a story that is different from the previous one.

From the precious books, I already knew how the Warstones were. And it was a very disturbing picture I had in mind.
So I completely understood the necessity Séverine had of running away, to protect her boys the same fate.
Even if her life isn’t what she pictured to be like, she tries to make the best of it. And it’s obvious how much she loves her children, even if there is a small fear of how much they inherited from the violent side of the family.
No matter how much she hates and despises the Warstones, she always helps when someone is in need, even if the one in need is her brother – in – law Balthus, chasing her.And this aspect shows the reader what a good and kind character Séverine is.
Despite her fear for Balthus, she sees how much he is suffering from his disfigured arm and she uses her knowledge to relieve him from his constant pain.

Balthus was a bit of an enigma for me. Of course if he were a brute like his brother, this wouldn’t be very romantic story, but I was surprised to read how he was so different from his own family. He has this kindness over him and it made me wonder how he had this, since all the other members of his family lacked that.
He may seem like a mean warrior, but rather quickly get to know what his real feelings are. And even when he makes the wrong decisions, like keeping the truth from Séverine, he does it with the right intentions.

I loved reading about how Séverine would go lengths to protect her children, finding people ready to fight in her corner. Also how she has to learn to trust someone she would never expect to trust or have other kind of feelings for.
Seeing how the dynamics between Séverine and Balthus shifted, was something expected but also made me wonder how all the pieces would fit together.

Even if this book is part of a series, it can be perfectly read as a standalone. And it will easily grab your attention and you’ll find yourself happily submerged in a world of warriors, maidens but also a world of love and attraction.

When getting out of the picture is all you need.

Synopsis

Former TV star Brandi Tyler’s big screen debut crashed and burned amid rumors of an affair with her married co-star… Now, she wants nothing more than to quietly slink away from Hollywood. When she’s offered an opportunity to get out of town and work on a project involving the photographer that launched her career, it seems like the perfect escape! Unfortunately for Brandi, her famous face makes hiding out even a huge city like Houston a little tricky. 

When the celebrated photographer’s son offers to let her use his home for privacy, it seems like everything is falling into place. Little does she know that Michael Ames a gorgeous best selling author, and he comes with the package! As Brandi makes her way through old photographs and new scandals, Michael struggles with his next project, and they both fight the growing attraction between them. 

Maybe a posse of new girlfriends, some Texas-sized boozy brunches, and a little private time in the writer’s room will help this leading lady find her path back onscreen. And, if she can just picture it, maybe this time she’ll even find love?

My review

When her big debut on the big screen totally flopped, Brandi Tyler wants to disappear from Hollywood for a while. Especially when she is being accused of having a relationship with her married co – star.
So it’s obvious she accepts the opportunity to work on a project involving the photographer that discovered her. Yet even in Houston her face is too recognizable and it’s clear that staying at a hotel is not an option to have the required peace.
Luckily the photographer’s son, Michael, offers to stay at his place and enjoy the anonymity.
But Michael is not only the son of a famous photographer, he is also a famous author himself, even if he finds himself with a writer’s block.
Both Brandi and Michael are having their own struggles, yet their messaging takes a flirty tone. Will this new opportunity open Brandi’s eyes on what she truly wants? And is love also something she will find, beside a whole bunch of new friends?

Even if this story was not what I expected, I truly enjoyed reading it!

Brandi is an actress who was very successful on the little screen, but her debut on the big screen was a big flop. It saddened me to read how Brandi was some kind of victim of her own looks, because the project she signed on and the final result couldn’t be further away.
And to make things even worse for her, she is being accused of having an affair with her co – star.
Somehow this made me angry because no matter if it’s true or not, Brandi is the one who gets all the negative attention, while her co – star hasn’t been blamed for a bit.
And this is something that also happens in real life. Even if there are 2 people in an affair, the man always gets off easily while the woman has to endure so much more.

Yet I loved to read how Brandi gets to make new friends, and even if her new girlfriends couldn’t be further away from her own life, they accept her as she is, and not get all star struck. They treat Brandi like a ‘normal’ woman, inviting her for booze – brunches. And how did I want to be there too during those hilarious moments!

The interaction between Brandi and Michael was different. In the sense it fits completely in in this world full of virtual contact. But it was funny to read how people that are staying in the same house, prefer to use messaging instead of just talking to each other.
However those messages were perfect aligned with how I saw the characters myself. And of course it’s easier to say something over text than in real life. And even if Michael seems very awkward and distant face to face, he manages to show his real nature through messages.
Obviously, it’s also easier to flirt through text!
The whole Brandi – Michael relationship is like a slow burning fire. It’s not instant love, but slowly getting to know each other and they are both taking their time. it could be a bit frustrating as I just wanted the sparks to fly around, but somehow this pace was perfect!

I found this a very entertaining story about a woman ready to hide away, but having the opportunity to have the peace so she can decide what direction her life should take. She is having a whole different adventure with making new, real friends, and finding people she can just be herself and not that Hollywood star that got burned.
It shows us that true friends, old and new ones, stand by your side no matter what. And that love can be as satisfying when it’s a slow feeling turning into more compared to that instant attraction!

When going back home means a fresh start.

Synopsis

WELCOME TO THE BEAUTIFUL SEASIDE TOWN OF PORT AGNES.

A fresh start…

Midwife Ella Mehenick left the small Cornish town of Port Agnes for London and never looked back. But when her seemingly perfect life crashes down around her, there’s only one place she can heal her battered heart – the place she once called home. 

A new arrival…

Ella is quickly welcomed into the small community midwife team and loves her new job caring for mums and their precious babies – it’s what she does best! But being back also means facing ex-flame Dan Ferguson…the first man to break her heart. 

A second chance at love?

Dan is still as gorgeous as ever, but he’s never forgiven Ella for leaving. And now she’s back it’s clear that there is unfinished business between them. As Ella settles into her new/old life, she can’t stop the memories of how she once loved Dan so completely – and maybe never stopped.

Maybe coming home to Cornwall is Ella’s chance to love again…

Meet The Cornish Midwives of Port Agnes- where community, friendship and love are always delivered.

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

This book was previously published as Return to Port Agnes.

My review

After having her heart broken and her humiliation has been going viral, midwife Ella Mehenick decides to go back home, in the small Cornish town of Port Agnes.
Being a midwife made to possible to find a job caring for mums and their babies in a great team, who has welcomed her with open arms.
But being back in a place you never wanted to go back to, isn’t easy. Especially when Ella keeps on meeting the man she had her first love with.

I found this a sweet story about picking up the pieces, rediscovering yourself and forgiveness.

When Ella finds herself being ditched a few minutes before getting married, I felt her shame too. It’s terrible when your fiancé decides you’re not the one after all, but when this happens at your wedding day, it’s just horror.
However Ella is adamant to get over the humiliation and sees this as the perfect opportunity to start over.

I loved reading more about the profession of being a midwife. Because not having children myself, I only know what I see on the television, movies or read in books. So it was even enlightening, reading that it’s not just being there whenever the baby decides it’s time. Now I see midwives also more as a “caring” person. They do everything for the baby, but also take care of the mother – to – be. They provide advice, help whenever and however they can. And that even how phobic or anxious the mother is, with a kind word a mother can already feel better. And Ella surely does even more than expected. She shows how she truly cares about her “patients” .

Being back home is not always easy for Ella, having nasty comments from not so nice people, and having your ex – boyfriend around.
However Ella quickly bonds with her colleagues and true friendships are being made. Also old friendships are being rekindled. And her feeling of belonging in Port Agnes only grows.

I had a sense of proudness when Ella allows Dan to explain the past and she realizes that there is always more to a story. It’s easy to stick to your grudge you’ve been holding for so many years. but here Ella shows how mature she is.
And Ella shows also how good of a friend she is while playing matchmaker.

This was a lovely book to read, taking place in a beautiful setting. But also with beautiful characters you easily warm to (the kind characters of course, there are a very few you would kick in the a**). I loved reading this story, making me appreciate midwives even more and making me fall in love with these characters that I would easily accept in my own life as my friends!

Never underestimate the persistence of a woman!

Synopsis

From the glittering ballrooms of the ton to the city’s grittiest corners, London has no shortage of wrongs in need of righting–and the Maidens of Mayhem are prepared for the challenge. United by secrecy and sisterhood, these daring women from all walks of life aim to fight injustice wherever it takes them–even into the arms of unexpected love. This feminist take on Regency-era Robin Hoods from USA Today bestselling author Anabelle Bryant is destined to storm readers’ hearts!

Scarlett Wynn’s tragic childhood taught her that life can be cruel to women with little power. So when a local seamstress disappears, Scarlett vows to find out why. Armed with a weapon and her courage, Scarlett scours London for clues–and crosses the unlikely path of Ambrose Cross, the Duke of Aylesford, at an unlikely place: an upscale brothel. The Duke is trying to solve a mystery of his own, and Scarlett is sure they can help each other–if she can resist the attraction that draws them together…

As Duke of Aylesford, Ambrose is duty-bound to protect his family name from scandal no matter the cost. But Scarlett’s fearless spirit forces him to look beyond his world of privilege. Scarlett is as intoxicating as she is dangerous, igniting a fire in him like no other. When the pair learn both mysteries they’re trying to solve are tied to a string of missing women, the tangled scheme they uncover may put their lives, and their growing love, in mortal danger–and lead them to search their hearts like never before…

“A delightful historical romance with a liberal dash of adventure, plenty of sizzling heat, and a heart of pure gold. A superb start to Bryant’s new Maidens of Mayhem series”

–Lenora Bell, USA Today bestselling author

“Duchess if You Dare is a fantastic read that kept me up late and has me anxiously awaiting the next book in the series.”

–USA Today Bestselling Author Renee Ann Miller

My review

Scarlett Wynn will not let her tragic childhood dictate her future. She fights against the injustice against women, and when her seamstress disappears, Scarlett is determined to figure out what happened to her.
Even if a woman is in a disadvantage during Regency, Scarlett knows how to walk in London streets without being afraid. Because she knows how to fight and defend herself against characters with less good intentions.
When her search makes her path cross that of Ambrose Cross, they decide to put their strengths together to both find the answers to their missions, even if it brings them to an upscale brothel.
Joining their forces means spending time together, and a growing attraction. But with having such a different upbringing and being on a different state of mind, will attraction be the only thing in store for them?

If I’m being honest, the first chapters were a bit difficult for me. I found it hard to grasp just everything. But as I am a stubborn person, I refused to just give up. So I kept reading and in the end, I was glad I did!

I liked the idea of a group of women not afraid to fight against injustice. And this during Regency! Scarlett had a hard childhood, but that made her into the strong woman she is now. She is literally not afraid to take matters in her own hands. She stand her ground and knows how to defend herself. And the way she can keep herself invisible, it seemed to me that she was like a superhero!

I admired her determination to find out what happened to a person she knew, and she won’t let anyone hold her back. So when she meets the Duke of Aylesford, Ambrose Cross, who is also on a mission, but has a few outdated regards of what a woman should do or shouldn’t do, it’s a standard recipe for a clash.

Slowly Scarlett and Ambrose realize they have to learn to work together if they want to find out the truth.
And it was entertaining to read how these opposite characters feel an attraction but are doing their best to not give in.
The interaction between them was one of the things that kept me reading. Because their differences is part of the attraction but it’s also the thing that is keeping them apart.

I would have loved to read more about the Maidens of Mayhem and how it all started for these women, but I suppose that is something that will all be discovered in future books.

The mystery of disappearing women was something that intruiged me, especially reading how easy it was just to be gone and having no one that cares, with the exception of Scarlett of course. And how evil some people can be, because they are chasing their own fortune without regard for others…

Even if it is just fiction, it made me think how fortunate we are, as we have people that care for us and would go lengths to find us if necessary.

After the difficult start, I enjoyed reading this story about empowered women, a Duke acting very “un-duke-like” and a mystery about disappearing women.

When the stay at a cottage means unravelling family secrets.

Synopsis

A new start can come from the most unexpected places…

It’s been years since Lizzie Lockhart spoke to her parents. But she was safe in the knowledge she knew everything about them. Once upon a time, they were as close as could be. Until they weren’t.

After receiving the earth-shattering news of their passing, Lizzie decides it’s time to unearth some family secrets and find out just who her parents really were… starting with Streamside Cottage. A cottage Lizzie never knew existed, in a place she’s never heard of: the beautiful English village of Leafton.

Leaving behind London, and the tattoo parlour she called home, Lizzie finds herself moving to the countryside. Faced with a tight-lipped community, who have secrets of their own, Lizzie is at a loss for what to do, until her rather handsome neighbour, Ben, steps in to help.

As Lizzie finally begins to piece together the puzzle of her family history she realises she has to confront the truth of the past in order to face her future.

My review

Lizzie Lockhart is not on speaking terms with her parents for several years. Yet when she receives the news that her parents passed away, she realizes that even if she thought she knew everything about them, they had many secrets. And one of those secrets was Streamside Cottage, in the beautiful village of Leafton.
As Lizzie never heard of this cottage or the village, she is determined to find out why her parents kept this place yet never went there. However leaving London and the tattoo – parlour that is also her home, makes Lizzie feel at a loss.
Because the more time she spends in Leafton, the clearer it is that not only her parents are good at keeping secrets, but the whole community too.
Luckily she can count on her kind and handsome neighbour Ben to help her out!

This story truly surprised me. I thought I knew what it would be about, but was I wrong!
I never thought there would be so heart-breaking secrets, misunderstandings  and the sense of belonging somewhere.

Lizzie is a young woman I both admired and pitied. Her parents were rather controlling, not allowing her to make her own decisions or mistakes. And in the beginning it’s obvious that something happened to break al the contact. And that made me very curious. What could Lizzie have possibly done to her parents not want to talk to her anymore? It seemed a bit harsh that following your own dreams would mean to lose your parents.
Yet somehow Lizzie managed to live her life how she wants to, working in a tattoo parlour, and even if her relationship with Ash didn’t work out, they loved each other.

When she arrives at Streamside cottage it’s the start of just everything…
Not only doesn’t Lizzie understand why her parents kept the cottage while never going there, the village is also full of mysteries. Inhabitants avoiding her, carrying secrets that may or may not involve her family, a haunting legend and dreams that are more than just simple dreams.

There is just so much to this story, making it impossible to point out just that one thing that made me devour it.
I loved reading the little facts concerning tattoos at the start of each chapter, but I also loved how a community after the initial hesitation accepts Lizzie as one of them.

I absolutely *ADORED* Taz, without further explanation, because you must read the book.
And Ben… he is just perfect… and how in the end all pieces of the puzzle suddenly fall together… it was not something I saw coming, so I was very surprised but also over the moon with this twist!

I found this a beautiful story, but also a painful one. Not because it was hard to read, but because of what our characters had to endure or already have endured. Yet beside the pain it was a hopeful story too, because even if the ending came too quick for me, it was an ending full of positive possibilities.
The author managed again to grip my attention and did not let it go until the last word, leaving me with a smile of contentment.

A new start when you’re seventy…

Synopsis

Sun, Sangria and new starts, from the author of the bestselling Five French Hens.

Molly’s seventieth birthday comes as something of a shock. The woman in the mirror certainly looks every day of those seventy years, but inside Molly feels she still has so much more living left to do. Widowed and living alone with her cat Crumper, Molly fears she is slipping into a cliché of old age.

When Molly’s sister Nell appears on her doorstep, distraught that her husband of more than forty years, Phil, has left her for a younger lover, the women decide to seize the day. By the morning, flights are booked, bags are packed, and off they go for an adventure in Spain.

The sun, the sea, the new friends and the freedom are just the tonic for broken hearts and flagging souls. But even Spain isn’t enough to revive Molly’s spirit. A solo journey to Mexico is booked as Molly continues to chase the sun and to chase happiness. Will she find what she’s looking for in Mexico, or will she discover that true contentment can’t be found on a map, but it might just be found in a new flame. 

Judy Leigh is back, with her trademark spirit of joie de vivre, fun, warmth and timeless lessons in how to live.

My review

After her seventieth birthday, Molly feels like she has been missing out. being widowed and living with just her cat Crumper was not how she imagined life would be. When suddenly her sister Nell appears on Molly’s doorstep after Nell’s husband left her for a younger woman, they both decide it’s time to be adventurous again.
So the both pack their bags and are ready for a whole new adventure in Spain.
Enjoying the sun, the sea and making new friends is enough for Nell, but Molly still feels it’s not enough. So for Molly it’s again time to pack and leave for Mexico this time.
Will Molly’s free spirit find the required peace in Mexico? And is Nell truly ready for a new relationship?
What is more in store for these two sisters who have different ideas for their trip?

What I truly liked about this story, is that even if the main characters are all of a certain age, their adventures could be applicable to anyone. It’s not a typical story about realizing the best of your life has already passed and making the best of what’s left.

Molly is someone I quickly felt sympathy for. She is this free spirit feeling that something is missing. I admired her courage to just pack her bags and leave for this big adventure in Spain, together with her sister.
And even if the place in Spain is not what they both thought, she keeps this positive attitude, not letting the bad thoughts take over.
She is quick in making new acquaintances and is not afraid to discover new things.
Even when she feels like not belonging anywhere, she is ready to just leave and look for what she is searching for somewhere else, and why not, even in Mexico!

I found Nell a harder nut to crack… of course it’s terrible that her husband left her after being married for so long. So it’s obvious I pitied her. Bu her behaviour in Spain and towards Molly was not always something I understood.
I understand that she is ready to put the past behind her, but I didn’t like how she easily put her own desires first, without really taking Molly feelings in account. Once she has found a new love interest, Molly is being pushed aside.
And when it benefits Nell, it’s just being the two sisters again. And that was something very selfish and made me dislike her a bit.

But even if I didn’t understand Nell motivations all the time, I loved reading about these two women, rediscovering themselves, bonding again and ready for new adventures they never thought about.
I loved Molly’s passion and curiosity. The way she just adapts in a new place, making easily friends and allowing herself to put herself out there, is something admirable.
I also liked Nell’s sense of protectiveness. In her own way, she doesn’t want Molly getting hurt.

I found this a lovely story that shows us that age is truly just a number. You are never too old for a new adventure, starting all over again and find somewhere you belong. And feeling home does not mean finding an actual place, but being surrounded by the right people. Friendships can be made even if you’re living in different countries, the bond that has been created won’t be broken by country borders.
And that you have to dare to put yourself out there, because you’ll never know what you’ll find…