An unforgettable Christmas

Synopsis

Christmas has arrived…

And she’s spending it with her boss!

New Yorker Erin is intrigued when Hugo Harrington asks for her help on a hotel renovation in London, just weeks before Christmas! But Erin soon discovers how personal this project is to her brooding boss. Watching him wrestle with the memories of his past uncovers a side to Hugo she’s never seen. And then a stolen snowbound kiss changes everything…

My review

Erin is working for Hugo Harrington renovating a hotel in London. Despite her attraction, her only focus is her job and her son Noah. Giving in to her feelings is not an option, especially when she still feels betrayed after discovering the secrets her deceased husband kept from her.
But while working with Hugo on the renovations, she realizes that the hotel is a personal project and she sees a side of him she didn’t know.

This is the third part of The Christmas at the Harrington Park Hotel, and I surely was eager to get to know Hugo better! But for those who haven’t read the previous parts, it can be perfectly read as a standalone, so don’t let this hold you back!

Erin is a single mum, after her husband passed away. and even if she has a demanding job, I admired her ability to keep her focus on the only thing that matters, her son Noah. In a stressful it’s easy to lose your focus, but Erin will not allow anyone to take her away from Noah.
And even when her latest project moves her to London, she takes her little family with her.

Before I read this story, Hugo seemed to me bit of a cold character. But in this book, his true nature comes out. And so many things became clear to me.
At the moment he is telling about his past, I felt so sorry for him for the injustice and I just wanted to give this handsome man a hug to comfort him.

The chemistry between Erin and Hugo is palpable on every page they are together. Even if they are different on so many ways, they also are so much alike.
They both have a past that they are still carrying around, and are struggling with a way to put it all behind them.
And despite they are bonding, they are afraid of taking things further, with the fear of just getting hurt. And that realisation made me sad, because everyone is allowed to have a happy present and future…

I found this a bittersweet story. I say bittersweet, because the past is still a heavy burden on both characters, while they are just so nice people.
Both of them are finding a way to put the past behind them, but as always, it’s easier said than done.
Yet it was also a beautiful story, about second chances at happiness, in a beautiful setting. It was about people realizing what they wanted before they knew they wanted it.
It made me dream away about falling in love around Christmas, and this story is perfect to sweep you off your feet!

I surely want to read the latest Emily Harvale!

Synopsis

Could this be true love? Or is it just for Christmas?

Finding an abandoned dog beside the road isn’t the Christmas surprise interior designer, Molly Ford is hoping for. But when the local vet can’t find a space for the bedraggled dog, Molly makes a rash decision. 

The problem is, she’s spending Christmas with her brother, Terence, and his girlfriend is allergic to dogs, so the bundle of wet fur, which Molly has named Miracle, might not be the only one needing a home this Christmas.

And Miracle causes chaos wherever he puts his paws. He pees on the Christmas tree, shreds the Christmas presents and eats the honeyed ham. That’s just the first night. 

When Terence’s best friend, Chance offers Molly and Miracle a place to stay for Christmas, Molly is ecstatic. She doesn’t mind at all when he informs her there are strings attached. She’d rather like a festive fling with gorgeous Chance.

Now Molly’s in for another surprise. Chance is about to pop the question. Except it’s not to Molly. In fact, he needs her help to get the dilapidated cottage he’s bought, all clean and sparkly in time for his girlfriend’s impending arrival on New Year’s Eve.

But as Molly and Chance grow closer, spending time together beneath the stars in a winter wonderland and enjoying the Christmas festivities, they realise they have feelings for each other.

Could this be true love? Or is it just for Christmas?

About the author

Emily writes novels, novellas and short stories about friendship, family and falling in love. She loves a happy ending but knows that life doesn’t always go to plan. Her stories are sure to bring a smile to your face and a warmth to your heart.

Emily loves to connect with her readers and has a readers’ group in which many have become good friends. To catch up with Emily, find out about the group, or connect with her on social media, go to her website at www.emilyharvale.com.

Having lived and worked in London for several years, Emily returned to her home town of Hastings where she now writes full-time. She’s a member of the SoA, an Amazon bestseller and a Kindle All Star. When not writing, she can be found enjoying the stunning East Sussex coast and countryside, or in a wine bar with friends, discussing life, love and the latest TV shows. Chocolate cake is often eaten. She dislikes housework almost as much as she dislikes anchovies – and will do anything to avoid both. Emily has two mischievous rescue cats that like to sprawl across her keyboard, regardless of whether Emily is typing on it, or not.

Social Media Links –  

https://www.facebook.com/emilyharvalewriter

https://www.twitter.com/emilyharvale

https://www.instagram.com/emilyharvale

What would you do when your boyfriend dumps you for being ‘too boring’?

Synopsis

Jess is trying to win back her boyfriend, who dumped her for being boring. Jamie is trying to complete his father’s bucket list before he takes the Crown. Both of them are hiding who they truly are, and when the truth is discovered, it’s a real royal Christmess!

My review

Jess is determined to win back her boyfriend. She was hoped to be proposed, but instead she got her heart broken when the boyfriend, Collin, breaks up with her, under the pretence that she is just too boring.
And what better way to win Collin back than proofing that she is not boring at all? so off she goes with her best friend to the mountains of Vermont, ready for adventurous that will show just how much fun she is and so get Collin back.

Jamie on the other hand wants to complete the bucket list he created with his father, before taking the Crown. So he goes incognito to Vermont, to enjoy and discover life as a commoner.
And there he meets Jess. After the initial dislike, they start to get closer, but what will happen when it’s unveiled that they both are keeping secrets from each other?

This is the typical Christmas royal story you HAVE to read. To go even further, I can see it easily made into a movie!

When we meet Jess, it’s when her heart is getting broken. Instead of getting engaged, she finds herself dumped by Collin. And for me it was obvious that Collin was someone I totally disliked. So even if I felt sorry for Jess, having to go through that, I was happy Collin was not going to be an important character in this book.

Jamison (or rather Jamie 😄) feels the pressure of taking the Crown and getting married. He is ready to take his responsibilities, but before he does all that, he wants to finish the bucket list he started with his father before the King passed away.
And when I knew what he wanted to do, I felt truly sorry for him. What he wanted to do was so common, things that for us would  be normal things, nothing special, like eating a real burger with French fries.

I had so many laughs reading this story, the situations Jess gets in, trying to proof her bravery, with some help from her best friend Molly.
But there were also so many sweet moments where we see that Jess and Jamie are bonding and getting closer.
Of course they are hiding their true selves to each other, Jess being described as boring, and Jamie being royal. But their characters connect in a way that makes that their background doesn’t matter.

This story ticks all the boxes for escaping our own world, dreaming of meeting our own Prince Charming.
It’s a funny romantic story, but also with the message that we shouldn’t try to change ourselves to please someone else. Because for the right person, you are just perfect, even with your green hair and all your fears!

When changes are ahead

Synopsis

‘Utterly uplifting, pure escapism’ Trisha Ashley, bestselling author

Animal loving Samantha Jones is on a mission to ‘live the dream’.
When best friend Abby has a beautiful baby boy Sam’s priorities change and she realises she wants more from her life
Uninspired with her dull day job Sam plans to expand Purbeck Pooches, her seaside pet sitting business into a full-time career and embarks on a mission to find her perfect man.
Sam soon hits trouble. Her boss accuses her of moonlighting. The perfect man is frustratingly elusive and her parents make a shock revelation.
The odds are stacking up against her but Sam finds that sometimes when you reach for the moon, you get a handful of glittering stars thrown in for free.

My review

Samantha Jones has one real passion: animals. It doesn’t matter what kind of animal, she wants to expand Purbeck Pooches, het petting sitting business. Her ultimate dream is to change it into a full time job. But of course actually doing requires a lot of courage and money.

And when her best friend Abby has a beautiful boy and they are staying at Sam’s place, Sam realizes she wants more from her life. And a baby is surely one of those things!
Due her shifting priorities, her day job is very low on her priority list, and her boss is surely not happy with it.
And when her parents bring her shocking news, Sam has the feeling her life like she knew it, is falling apart.

Will Sam manage to realize her dreams? And will the perfect man appear too?

Ooh how much have I enjoyed reading this book!
Immediately I liked Sam, and I adored her for her love of animals.
She has a dream of expanding her business, but as many of us, she doesn’t dare to make the jump. So she continues working as an audio typist. It’s not her dream job, but it pays the bills.

It’s obvious she has a big heart, and not only for animals, but also for those who she cares about. The way she opens her house for her pregnant best friend, not asking anything in return. And the way her world turns upside down when her parents tell her their plans.

I have to admit, at the start, I thought it would be a romantic story about how Sam meets the man of her life and then falls in love and blah blah blah 🤣
But this story is not such a story.
I found this a story about friendship, follow your passions and dare to jump in the Big Unknown. And yes, there is also a love interest, but it’s just a nice extra, not the main story.

Sam is a recognizable character, I think everyone could name a person they know that could be their own ‘Sam’. She is lovely, but she has insecurities every one of us has. Yet the courage she shows to take her business further, is admirable.

All her friends, family and colleagues are also just nice people. And even the people Sam isn’t close with, find a way to warm your heart.
And despite being total opposites, Abby is an amazing best friend, and she actually made me laugh at loud.

And for those who know this author, there are some nice appearances. When I saw these persons again, I just had a big smile on my face.

I found this a lovely, sweet, funny story about putting your dreams into reality, not giving up, love in all the possible ways. It made my day and it surely will make yours!

When a reunion is the perfect opportunity for some payback.

Synopsis

How long can the desire for revenge last?

Kate Shaw, a successful pharmacist, goes to a thirty-year reunion at her old university and uses the weekend to settle some old scores. Her main target is her ex-lover, Jonathan. She decides to scar him for life as he scarred her. Her bizarre plan works but he shocks her with his strange, unwanted reaction.

What is the unexpected link between Jonathan and Kate’s husband?

What is the significance of the ‘Love Bite’ photograph?

What hold does Jonathan have over Kate?

Revenge is never simple.

A darkly humorous story of love, lust, loss and vengeance.

My review

Pharmacist Kate Shaw is not eager to go to the thirty – year reunion of her old university. She hasn’t been in touch with many people, and initially she goes to please her friend Becky.
But slowly she realizes that the reunion is the perfect opportunity to get some revenge, especially when she learns that her ex – boyfriend Jonathan is going too.

But the more people she encounters, the longer her list of vengeance becomes. Will Kate get her final payback? Or will the tables turn?

Initially I was intrigued by this story. I understood why Kate wasn’t eager to go to the reunion. I wouldn’t like it myself to go to a reunion with people you haven’t been in touch for a long period. And honestly, I couldn’t care less about those people. But that’s just me…

When Kate starts to plot against Jonathan, I was curious to know what went wrong between them. And when the past was revealed, I understood her motives. She has been betrayed in a terrible way, so I was on her side when revenge was being planned.

When she meets people at the reunion, she plots more revenge. Some of those plans I could agree with, as they did do Kate indeed wrong, but some of them I found far stretched.
And some payback was rather innocent, just causing an uneasy feeling with the victims. And they made me even smile when it all came to a perfect execution.
Yet there were a few that in my opinion were over the top.
Being a pharmacist means that you have knowledge of medicine, but using that knowledge in your revenge plans seems just mean and evil to me.

I found this indeed a dark story, but also disturbing one. Realizing how people can hold a grudge and how far they would go for just having a sense of things made right again.
Thanks to the flashbacks we get to see how people were in their younger years and how much they have changed, or not.

Despite Kate her plotting, in the end, it becomes clear that no matter what you plan, Karma can be a real b*tch and throw you one last curve ball.

Can Christmas be even hotter???

Synopsis

On the first night of Christmas, her sexy crush finally gave to her—an unbelievably hot night! Now she’s ready for nights two, three and four… Unwrap the steamy sequel to Getting Dirty by Rachael Stewart.

I’ve lusted after brawny, gorgeously rough Jackson Black for six lust-fueled, unrequited years. But Jackson has rules, and the big one is “no getting involved with clients” of his elite London sex club. Including me. But our best friends are getting married, and for one deliciously hot night, the maid of honor and best man agree…what happens in the Scottish Highlands, stays in the Scottish Highlands.

It was everything I wanted and more…until the complete jerk disappears during the night.

Now it’s Christmas, and I have a plan to prove to Jackson Black just how much I don’t care, that he doesn’t turn me on like a Christmas tree. Only Operation: Naughty Elf is backfiring big-time. That aching need for his touch is stronger than ever. It’s painfully clear that I want more than just a fling from the untouchable Jackson Black.

I have one chance to unwrap the best man. But is this sexy, guarded grinch about to steal my heart…or break it?

My review

Caitlin has been in love with Jackson Black for six years. But her love is unrequited, as Jackson never gets involved with his clients of his elite London sex club.

Yet when their best friends are getting married, and they are maid of honour and best man, things are getting suddenly very hot.
They agree to enjoy themselves for a few days in the Scottish Highlands. But the agreement is clear, just those few days, and no further expectations.
It was everything Caitlin could wish for, until Jackson suddenly disappears after the first night. And the situations gets only more awkward when they start avoiding each other.

Now that Christmas is around corner, Caitlin is planning on showing Jackson what he is missing out and that she just doesn’t care anymore.
of course that plan is backfiring quickly, but is Jackson ready to discard his own rules? Or will his past catch up with him and prevent him to see a brighter future?

Be prepared, because when you start reading this story, you will never have a hotter Christmas than this one!

Having a unrequited love is difficult to have, especially when the pull is just so strong! So in a way, I understand Caitlin to agree with Jackson’s terms of just a few days enjoying the lust they have for each other and nothing more.
But I felt also a bit sorry for her… when you love someone, you grab every tiny bit they offer you, even when it’s only a tiny bit of what you really want.

And when Jackson just disappears without further explanation, I was truly mad at him. because from the start I cared about Caitlin.
He acted like a coward and did not stand up to the image I had of him!

But I loved the plan that Caitlin made. That will show him! 😁

But this is not only a steamy story to read. It went deeper than that. Jackson has his own demons, and this story shows that how the past can jeopardize someone’s present and future.

I have to admit, this story reminded me a bit of another book, about several shades of a specific colour 😀. There were many things in common, but I enjoyed this one more!
This story was in my opinion warmer, more realistic and just more, what else can I say!

And let’s be honest, if Jackson were a real man, I would fall in love with him too! He’s just too hot for words! And Caitlin surely knows her mind and heart. Even when a rejection temporarily puts her down, she is ready to show her worth and show what Jackson is missing out!

I found myself wrapped in the story, couldn’t put it away, I needed to know where these characters would take me.

And it was also lovely to read about the characters of ‘Getting Dirty’, I didn’t know I missed them, but whenever they appeared, I got even happier!

The author wrote again a story that didn’t disappoint me, a steamy story around Christmas, people that you instantly liked and understood.
I just loved every bit of it!

Who to trust?

Synopsis

Keep your friends close…

But your enemies closer?

In order to find a legendary treasure map, mercenary Louve of Mei Solis must infiltrate his enemy’s fortress under the guise of a servant. There, Louve meets beautiful maiden Biedeluue, a fellow servant with her own hidden agenda…to save her sister from the malevolent Lord’s clutches! Their high-stakes missions may be at odds with one other, but their attraction cannot be denied even in this most dangerous of situations…

My review

Biedeluue is working as a maiden in a fortress, with the sole purpose of rescuing her sister from the hands of the malevolent lord’s clutches.
Yet when Louve appears as the new servant, she finds it hard to resist the attraction. But Louve is not who he seems to be… he is mercenary Louve of Mei Solis, and has also an own agenda.

Will their attraction compromise their tasks? And who can they trust when it becomes clear that there is more going on in the fortress than initially thought?

I have read several books of this author and I must say, this one is the most confusing one!
Let me elaborate…

There is so much going on in this story, so many people with a secret agenda and secrets, that I just didn’t know who to trust and who not.
The moment I thought I had it all figured out, something else would happen and I lost my trust all over again.

Yet the story between Louve and Biedeluue was again spot on!
Despite what I initially thought, Biedeluue is not a damsel in distress. She does not need a knight (or mercenary) in shining armour. She wants to save her sister, and does not need the help from anyone else.
Even when Louve offers his help, she sticks to her own plan as she knows what is at stake…
And she knows what she wants for her own future and is not letting someone change her mind.

Louve is as expected a real Alpha – male. He takes charge of tings, and he decides how the operations should be going. Of course he is a mercenary, so he has knowledge of how to handle some situations.

When these two characters are together, the attraction is very obvious and even if they are very different and want different things, they just can’t stay away from each other. This couple is for me the perfect example of how opposites attract!

But it’s not only the attraction that made me like this story. It’s obvious that these people have their heart at the right place. The lengths Biedeluue goes for her sister, is admirable. And when she doesn’t understand her sister, she tries to understand, no matter how difficult it is. And together with Louve she tries to find a solution that will please everyone.

And the trust Louve has in some people, is also admirable. He says it himself, to earn someone trusts is not an easy task, but when he trusts someone, he is a real friend and he protects that friend risking his own life!

The both of them have endured several things in their lives, and those events made them to the persons they are now. Some things that initially made me frown, became clear once the truth was out. And it made me understand the characters even better.

But the most difficult part for me was understanding how to pronounce the names correctly! I was saying them at loud, but no matter how I pronounced them, they all sounded wrong to me! So, for me, it was not about Biedeluue and Louve, but just ‘Bee’ and ‘Lou’ 😁.

This story was very entertaining, with sweet, hot moments but also moment that made me gasp, with action and intrigues.

Would you believe the rumours of your new neighbour?

Synopsis

The mysterious Dr. Steele has taken up residence next door, and scandalous rumors about him are spreading through Margaret Landeau’s small Massachusetts town. Rumors of women he’s ill-used and exploited for his experimental surgeries. Never one to believe gossip, Margaret arms herself with a basket of baked goods and ventures to discover the truth from the man himself.

John Steele has lost everything. His parents, his aunt, too many women he intended to save, and his good name. All he has left is his aunt’s home in a far-flung village and a library he’s stocked with whiskey. He has nothing to offer anyone. Especially not the bold woman next door whose passion for healing reminds him of the man he once was.

But when a dangerously ill girl arrives on his doorstep, pleading for help, Margaret is thrust into his world. She will learn who the real Dr. John Steele truly is, and soon, not even his dark past can stop her from fighting for the brilliant doctor she now loves. But he must deny his crushing desire for her—loving a man like him can only cast a shadow over her own bright future.

My review

Margaret Landeau is a curious young woman. So when Doctor Steele takes up residence next door, her curiosity wins over the fear of the rumours spread in town.
And not just gossip, but scandalous rumours about women he performed experimental surgery on.
It’s obvious that John Steele has lost everything, people he cared about, his patients and also his good name.
He is surely not looking for interfering neighbours, but Margaret is not so easily chased away. and when he needs someone to help him in time of need, he sees no other option asking Margaret for help, as she seems to share the same passion for healing.
Will the truth about Dr. Steele come out or are the gossips true? And will Margaret jeopardize her own future by being linked to Dr. Steele?

I love reading stories about the past. And when it’s not such a faraway past I’m always intrigued to know how things took place.

When we first meet Margaret, it’s obvious she is a bit naïve in some ways, but she also has this curiosity and eagerness to learn.
Her passion is medicine, but living in a time where women cannot have a medical training is making it difficult for her to follow truly her dreams.
But through the story it’s clear how determined she is. Her way of thinking is admirable. It’s not because something has never happened before, that it will never happen.

Dr. John Steele is someone who intrigued me, so I perfectly understand Margaret and her determination.
It’s obvious that he is keeping secrets of his past, and he surely is not looking for a nosey neighbour.
Yet when he gives in, and we start to see the real John, my curiosity changed into admiration. What he did and is doing, is surely not standard procedure. But his true desire is to help people, and when knowledge and technology is not so advanced, he is finding his own ways.

I must say, there are some gruesome details in it, but this also shows us how lucky we can be in our present that technology truly has advanced.
I have to admit that I had some doubts when the operations were performed, as I was not sure if it could be all that “easy”, but then again, I’m not a doctor, so what do I know?

I loved reading about Margaret and John getting closer, as they do have the same passion. Also the way the encourage each other was lovely to read. Margaret encourages John to fight for his own cause and show what an amazing doctor he truly is. Her faith and belief in him are so strong and lovely to read.
And John encourages Margaret to chase her dreams and not let society stop her.

A beautiful story about doing in what you belief, having the right people by your side and love. Also showing how rumours can ruin someone’s reputation, when not all facts are known.
But with determination the truth will come out and people will find a way to make all the pieces of the puzzle fall into place.

When one meeting is just the start.

Synopsis

Having escaped an abusive relationship, Chloe MacGregor is determined to put the past behind her. The little cottage high up on the cliffs overlooking the beautiful North Yorkshire town of Whitby is her safe haven, somewhere she is free to be herself.

When the arrival of her new neighbour and boss, Luke Warwick, threatens her peaceful, sheltered life, Chloe is forced to confront her past and to re-evaluate who she really is. Falling in love with Luke is not part of her plan but, to her surprise, Luke is falling for her too. The only thing preventing their happy ever after is Chloe herself. Will she ever truly learn to leave the past where it belongs?

My review

Chloe MacGregor has escaped an abusive relationship. Now she wants to put the past behind her and enjoy her little cottage on the cliffs of Whitby, where she is free to be herself.
She loves being alone on the beach, having fun with her dog Jasper. But when suddenly she has a new neighbour, she has to share her peaceful place.

Yet Luke Warwick is not only her new neighbour, but also her new boss. and even if Chloe wants to maintain her sheltered life, Luke is making her confront her past and see who she truly is as feelings are starting to grow.

From the start I had an idea of how this story would evolve. Young woman escapes abusive relationship, meets new man, they fall in love and have their happily ever after.
But the further along I got into the story, the more I realized I was wrong.

Okay, from the first chapter I felt sorry for Chloe. When it became clear what an a**h*le her boyfriend was, I was happy when she got away.
And when she finally finds her own peaceful place, I thought it was all going to be okay.

But it was not only her boyfriend that I immediately disliked. There are more characters in the story having a negative effect on Chloe.
While growing up, Chloe had to hear how men are useless, and that she herself isn’t worthy of a man.
And then I’m not talking about some of her friends or one specific colleague…
When I got to know more about Chloe, the more I felt sorry for her, because it is clear to anyone in the story and to us readers that in fact, Chloe is a wonderful person. She truly cares about people, even if she doesn’t always dares to show it.

The moment Luke appears in the story, I fell in love with him… even if he doesn’t know Chloe, he helps her out. and from there on, he cannot stay away from her (not in a creepy way, just in the sweetest way! 😄).
He is also not afraid to reprimand her, just because he cares.

I found this a lovely story, but not only a romance. It shows us how much words can hurt us, and that it can come from the people we care the most.
But also that getting away from a violent relationship is the right step to take, even if it is a difficult one.

This story shows how the abusers can change your own view of things and can make you doubt yourself, even if you aren’t doing anything wrong.
But this is also about strength, because we see Chloe grow and even dares to face the demons of her past. 

A beautiful story about starting over, growing and daring to love.

Difficult times for our beloved Harper Girls…

Synopsis

From the bestselling author of the Welcome to Harpers Emporium and The Mulberry Lane Series.
The Harpers Girls come face to face with the harsh reality of the cruelty of war.

Oxford Street, London 1915

Sally Harper quietly battles to keep Harpers afloat in the difficult days of the war, whilst husband Ben is working all hours for the War Office.

Beth Burrow is fighting concern for her husband Jack, now at sea with the Merchant Navy, and the fear she may never see him again and be blessed with a child.

Driven to exhaustion, Maggie Gibbs, is now working as a nursing assistant on the battlefields in France. With the everyday horrors of the casualties of war to contend with she suffers her own personal tragedy when her fiancé’s plane ditches in the sea.

Can the Harpers Girls and their loved ones survive the perils of war and find a path to future happiness?

A heart-warming saga following the lives, loves and losses of the Harpers Girls. Perfect for fans of Nadine Dorries, Pam Howes and Dilly Court.

My review

World War 1 is full ahead and each of our Harper Girls is facing her own problems.

Sally Harper does whatever she can to keep Harpers running, despite the hard times. But it’s not only the shop that worries her, as her husband Ben is working for the War Office and cannot share any whatever decision is being made.

Beth Burrow is also worried as her husband Jack is at Sea with the Merchant navy. Each time he departs, she is afraid he won’t come back, and she will be left alone, without the blessing of a child.

Maggie Gibbs is now working as a nursing assistant on the battlefields in France. She sees the true horrors of the war, yet she finds herself fulfilled as she is making a real difference.

Yet tragedies are ahead for our girls. Will they and their loved ones all find a way to their happiness? Or will the War tear their hopes and dreams apart?

When you read a saga consisting of several books, you really start to care and love all the characters. And I found myself wishing all the best for these amazing girls and their family and friends.

Yet the War cannot be the bringer of good news, so I was afraid what would happen to my dear friends…

I found so many heart-breaking moments, I was on the verge of crying for the injustice of it all.
This story is absolutely not sugar-coating the horrors of the War. There are tragedies for everyone, nobody is being spared.

But it’s not only about the terrors everyone is enduring. This story showed me again what great women our Harper girls are. They are courageous, fighting on their own ways, never giving up. Even when the worst of tragedies strikes, there is always the greater picture in mind.
No matter how big the despair is, there is the realisation that they cannot just sit down and weep, but there are people depending on their help.

Maybe this part of the series is one of the sadder ones, but there is also a message of not giving up, being there for each other, respecting each other’s way of grieving.
Despite the War, Sally, Beth and Maggie are the same girls as before. Of course they mature, but their characters aren’t changing suddenly. They remain these kind, caring and helping friends.

There are also some lighter moments, which we truly needed, otherwise it would be a too depressing story. And these moments showed me that even in the hardest time, there can be time for happiness and love.

I found this a bittersweet story, showing reality about the War, but also about true friendship, love and courage. And I hope that there will be more in store for the harper girls and that a happy ending will be lurking around the corner!