When life doesn’t go like expected.

Synopsis

Arriving in London with £5, Stella rapidly begins hopping from one disastrous job, bedsit and boyfriend to another. All the time she is trying to paint pictures and write poetry. At last she gets a place in Hampstead but various men distract her from reaching the goal of holding an exhibition. An ever-changing group of friends moves her along from place to place. After each drawback Stela moves on, disaster after disaster, while the tally of of pictures shrinks to 36. Set in the heady days of 1960s Swinging London, this vividly charts one girl’s track through the untidy years at its height.

My review

It’s the early 1960’s and Stella has big dreams. She is a graduate from art college and wishes to hold her own exhibition.
But living alone in London is not an easy task for a young woman. So Stella starts going from one job to another, having relationships with several men, all distracting her from her one goal.

This story doesn’t sugar-coat anything… it shows the raw struggles Stella is having and how she is trying in just surviving.
Although I cannot agree with many of Stella’s choices, I understand her reasoning. When you’re finding yourself alone in a big city, it’s easy to make mistakes.

We get to learn Stella as an eager woman, determined to make her dream happen. But as often, life is not always fulfilling our dreams. Despite the hard times Stella is living in, she always keep the bigger picture in mind, that one day she will have her exhibition.
I admired her way of picking up the pieces of her life. Each time when she is at her lowest, she finds the courage to start all over again, no matter how bad the circumstance are.
Stella never gives up, no matter how easy that solution seems to be. And even when she is tempted to throw it all out of the window, somehow she gets her head back straight and keeps on fighting.

This story shows that life isn’t always all fun and games, on the contrary. Sometimes it’s a real struggle. And the struggles Stella is going through could be happening in the 1960’s but is still something very actual.

After the end, it left me still pondering, about the bad things, but also about how you should never give up and just keep chasing your dreams.

When you’re trying to escape, the wedding shop works its magic!

Synopsis

St Aidan: a cosy Cornish village where friendships are made for life and it’s always cocktail hour somewhere…

‘A pure delight’ Debbie Johnson

Return to your favourite little wedding shop by the sea for love, laughter and a romance to sweep you off your feet!

It’s the most romantic day of the year but the girls aren’t just gearing up for Valentine’s Day and a busy wedding season ahead, it’s also the 10 year anniversary of their beloved shop!

Jess is planning the party of the decade and with the champagne and cocktails flowing, sparks are going to fly…and not just from the fireworks display!

My review

Milla has been betrayed by her best friend and her fiancé in the worst way possible… And as now the couple is expecting their baby,  Milla does not want to be there when the happy occasion happens.

So she goes to St. Aidan, where she can rely on her real friends. Even if her heart is broken and it’s the most romantic period of the year, she wants to spend her time working in the wedding shop. As she is also in the wedding business, she knows what she is doing.
But when she finds herself planning the perfect wedding for Nic, it’s quickly obvious that Nic has high standards and is not easy to please. And add the attraction between them, and it’s a grantee for fireworks!

When I started to read this book, I was a bit afraid I wouldn’t be able to follow, as this is a part of a series. But this wonderful story can be perfectly read as a standalone, even though now I want to read what happened in the other parts, because I just fell in love!

The book doesn’t start happily… I immediately felt so sorry for what Milla went through…Nobody deserves to be treated like that, and even if there are feelings, you just don’t do that to your best friend / fiancée.
Yet this makes it clear what kind of people they are…

During the story, we get to know how Milla has been more a victim than initially thought, so my sympathy only grew for her.
But I didn’t only feel sympathy for her, but also admiration. Despite everything that happened to her, she wants to succeed during her working holiday, and spending time with people who really care about her, is making it easier for her to figure out what direction she wants to go, both business and private.

And she meets Nic… the first meeting was already fireworks. But when she finds herself organizing a wedding for him, it made me sad. Because I saw so much potential for them. And even if Nic is pushing all her buttons, and the other way around too, the chemistry between them is just wow.
The more I read about the two of them, the more I started to fear that it would go a direction I wouldn’t like…

But Milla didn’t go through what she did to be now on the other side. She shows true determination to organize the perfect wedding for Nic. And when the truth comes out, she is even more determined than ever!

Milla makes a real transformation in this book. Initially she was more a wallflower, letting people dictate her life. But being away from the bad influences, she grow more and is being the real Milla again. And when she is not sure, she has her friends sticking by her side.
The more Milla was standing up for herself and deciding want SHE wanted and not what other people wanted her to do, the more I liked Milla. She became someone I admired for her courage.

This book has just everything I expected to be, with that extra detail. A beautiful setting, a magical and romantic business, people who you instant feel a connection to as a reader (with the exception of a few ugly characters…). Be prepared to swoon over, have several loud laughs and to feel utterly happy when the story comes to an end.  (Just to be clear: not because you’re happy that you finished the book, but because it was just a beautiful book! 😃)

A countdown to Christmas with a few bumps.

Synopsis

Join us for Christmas in the Cotswolds in this perfect festive escape, from the bestselling Lucy Coleman.

Imogen Tolliman never knew her mother. And when an accident robs Immi of her father too, she goes to live with her grandfather, Tollie, in his picturesque lock-keeper’s cottage by the Aysbury marina. 

Tollie is the star of the Santa Ahoy Special each Christmas – a festive boat ride along the canal that enthralls both children and adults alike. And as Immi grows up, she starts to appreciate the magical community she is lucky enough to live in. 

When Immi meets Gray Adams, she instantly realises he’s someone special. And as their relationship gets serious, they start to plan for the Christmas to beat all Christmases.  

But as the day approaches, and the romantic snow showers turn into blizzards, their dream of a Christmas to remember, looks set to be one they’ll never forget – for all the wrong reasons. Can they salvage the festivities, or will old secrets that are finally uncovered turn Immi’s life upside down forever?

Let Lucy Coleman transport you away to a dreamy Cotswolds Christmas full of snowflakes and secrets, log fires, mistletoe, friends and much-loved traditions. Perfect for all fans of Trisha Ashley, Holly Martin and Sue Moorcroft. 

My review

Imogen never knew her mother and lost her father too. But luckily for her, she could grow up with her grandfather. And even if it wasn’t always easy, she enjoyed living in the lock – keeper’s cottage by the Aysbury marina.

Immi knows she is lucky. The community is very close, ready to help each other out, she found the man of her dreams in Gray Adams.
And it’s almost Christmas! And this year it’s going to be a great Christmas!

But the closer Christmas is coming, more insecurities are coming Immi’s way. Will she and Gray be able to have the life they dream of? Gray has to look after his mother and his job is suddenly not so busy as it should be…

And when a bigger secret is coming out, can they all salvage Christmas? Or is this going to be the worst Christmas ever?

When I started reading this story, I was a bit confused. Initially I thought this would be how Immi and Gray would meet and fall in love, and meanwhile of course having some minor problems to solve.
But it was quickly clear, that all the falling in love already took place.

Yet this didn’t diminish the liking of the story! Falling in love and getting together is often the easiest part.

It’s obvious that Immi and Gray truly love each other and would do anything for each other. Yet often life gets in the way…
Gray finds himself struggling with his job and has to take care of his mother. So he is forced to ride over and back each week just to see Immi.

This bothers Immi. Not meaning that she doesn’t understand what Gray is doing, it’s just that she misses Gray so much during the week and the weekend are just too short to spend time with the man you love.
But they both are trying to make the best of it and are trying to find a way to plan their future together.

Immi is also living in a place where the people are really there for each other. That’s something I always enjoying reading about… a real community, with helping hands when needed.
Even the most introvert person in this story opens up and becomes a real member.

Also when a big secret comes out, concerning Immi, the love that everyone has for her just jumps out of the book!
And the author does not just make it easy by saying that after a day or so everything is solved, but puts reality in it by showing that sometimes giving time to process it all is how it really is in real life.

All the characters show real emotions, happy ones, sad ones, and do not act all crazy. The way they handle things would be exactly how I would behave (kind of 😀) if I were to be in the same situation.

This story concerns a rather short period in Immi’s and Gray’s life, yet it manages to make me escape my own reality and live in theirs for a while.

And even if they are having struggles, the magic around Christmas, the amazing people and real feelings is the perfect recipe for starting to dream about Christmas!

Well, today I’m spoiling you with amazing covers! This one certainly has my interest!!!

Synopsis

Allow me to introduce myself.

My name is Tyler Hayes, and I’m a fireman.

Sorry to already disappoint you, but I’m not the person you think I am.

My charming uniform and seductive smile have caused nothing but trouble, and my not-so-honourable reputation, which I used to be so proud of, has kept me away from the one person I wanted to spend the rest of my life baking cookies for; my sweet, beautiful, slightly crazy Miss White.

I guess now I need to tell the whole story.

At forty years old, following years of self-sabotage, I’ve suddenly found myself admitting that I know absolutely nothing. Maybe my friend Niall was right when he told me to accept the process and just grow up. And now it’s too late; I’ll never be able to keep her close to me. All that’s left to do is watch helplessly – but deservedly – as my world comes tumbling down around me.

About the author

A. S. Kelly was born in Italy but lives in Ireland with her husband, two children and a cat named Oscar.

She’s passionate about English literature, she’s a music lover and addicted to coffee.

She spends her days in a small village North of Dublin, looking for inspiration for her next stories.

Rainy Days is her debut novel.

THE COVER!!!

Today it’s time for revealing a beautiful cover!

Don’t you just love it? 💕

Synopsis

Sometimes it’s impossible to part with the things we love the most…

When Amy Ashton’s world came crashing down eleven years ago, she started a collection. Just a little collection, just a few keepsakes of happier times: some honeysuckle to remind herself of the boy she loved, a chipped china bird, an old terracotta pot . . . Things that others might throw away, but to Amy, represent a life that could have been.  

Now her house is overflowing with the objects she loves – soon there’ll be no room for Amy at all. But when a family move in next door, a chance discovery unearths a mystery long buried, and Amy’s carefully curated life begins to unravel. If she can find the courage to face her past, might the future she thought she’d lost still be hers for the taking? 

Perfect for fans of Eleanor Oliphant and The Keeper of Lost Things, this exquisitely told, uplifting novel shows us that however hopeless things might feel, beauty can be found in the most unexpected of places.

About the author

Eleanor Ray has an MA in English Literature from Edinburgh University and works in marketing. She lives in London with her husband and two young children.
Eleanor was inspired to write Everything is Beautiful by the objects her toddler collects and treasures – twigs, empty water bottles and wilting daisies. She is currently working on her next novel.

THE COVER!!!

When a visit brings more excitement than expected!

Synopsis

The sequel novel to the best-selling UK series A WEDDING IN CORNWALL brings new surprises, romance, humor, and wedding bells, to readers who fell in love with the first stories.

Busy mother of two Julianne Rose has extended her talents beyond the manor house, opening her own event planning agency with the help of no-nonsense best friend Kitty. Balancing the chaos of daily life with their respective careers in their beloved Cornish village means Julianne can rarely snatch a romantic moment with handsome husband Matt. And just when it seems things couldn’t get any more chaotic, a sudden arrival at Cliffs House lands Julianne in the most unusual event of her career.

The reappearance of Percy or ‘the old earl’ after years of adventures abroad has temporarily shocked Lord William and Lady Amanda and set the entire village abuzz with gossip. Grizzled, spry, and delightfully eccentric, he’s returned with a most unusual set of traveling companions: an archaeological team digging in a spot whispered to have ties with the legendary Camelot. But it’s Percy’s ties with a certain charming woman among its team that has everyone taken by surprise, along with the news of their soon-to-be nuptials.

Tasked with planning the big day, Julianne and Kitty spring at this opportunity despite its rushed timeline and their own woes regarding the renovation of their future event space. But as the big day rolls closer for the earl and his bride-to-be – with cakes and wedding flowers competing with pottery shards and an ancient warrior chieftain’s grave for attention — are there still surprising revelations to come?

Adding to the excitement is the return of former Cliffs House maid Gemma, whose posh new life as a novelist may not be all it seems … and Dinah visits in a flurry of festive baking for a holiday competition on everyone’s favorite baking show. Kitty’s life is in a tizz regarding both family and secrets … and Julianne’s happy marriage is challenged by an unwelcome sexy-and-persistent suitor among the summer visitors.

Filled with old friends, new adventures, and heartwarming Cornish charm, RETURN TO CORNWALL is an all-new, full-length novel—the first one ever to feature the characters from the original series!

My review

Julianne Rose is now the proud owner of an event planning agency. Life is going well for her, she is happily married to Matt and adores her two children.
But having an own agency means also more work. Time for a romantic moment for her and Matt is not easily to be found. And when Percy, ‘the old Earl’ suddenly reappears after many years adventures abroad, more chaos is the result. This because he did not come alone, but brought a whole archaeological team and a woman Percy loves!

Julianne has to try to manage everything, going from a wedding, to making plans for her agency together with Kitty, the visit of Gemma and a suitor who does not understand ‘no’…

I loved reading about Julianne and Matt again!
It was beautiful to read how their love is still there even after years being together. They truly are a power couple, respecting each other and their independence. It’s not that they don’t care about each other’s work, but they trust each other completely, with the knowledge that the other knows what he/she is doing.
But when necessary they stand ground together and form a front.

Julianne finds herself submerged again in work. Not only she is making plans for her agency, but she also has a wedding to plan and is enjoying participating in the archaeological digging.
She is a busy woman, yet she wants to make (or rather find) time for her family. And when she is having minor doubts about how everything is going, she still has lovely Matt.

Matt is truly the perfect husband for Julianne… of course we know him already and we know how amazing he is. Yet in this story he show again how amazing he truly is. He is the sweetest man on earth, yet at one specific occasion he becomes this macho-man which made me love him even more!

There is so much going on in this story, yet each event fits perfectly in the greater picture. The wedding was not a real surprise to me, but how the concerned people acted afterwards was admirable.
And the problems Kitty is facing… well I would have lost my patience a lot sooner, but having the man you love on your side helps Kitty to temper her anger. And also here, you always get what you deserve. For some people it’s good news, for other not so….

For me, this story was the perfect proof that getting the man you love is not the end, but the start of a new, bigger adventure.
Life holds many surprises and that’s what makes it exciting! And that even when you think you are in over your head, your family and friends are always there for you, no matter what!

A show that inspires you to follow your passion again and makes you find even more!

Synopsis

Saturday nights are strictly for dancing… 

As the glitter ball shimmers and sequins flash, forty-year-old Maggie remembers the pull of the dancefloor.  But now, as a newly divorced mum of two, Maggie’s certain her dancing days are over.  Or are they…?

Encouraged by her friends, Maggie dusts off her silver stilettoes and enrols for dancing classes, all she needs now is the perfect partner.

Enter Seb.  Young, carefree and hot as hell, Seb is definitely a perfect 10!  Even though everything about him is outrageously inappropriate! But as Seb sweeps her across the dancefloor every week, Maggie begins to see a new side to him; kind, caring, funny, strong. 

And Maggie realises that he’s the only one she’d like to foxtrot with…perhaps even forever

My review

Maggie has a weekly date on Saturday night. No matter what happens, on Saturday she, her daughters and friends gather together to watch ‘Strictly Come Dancing’.
Maggie used to dance (pure for fun), yet now she is a single mother of two, so she has other priorities in life.

But with a gentle nudge of her friends, she starts taking classes again. And boy does she loves it! even if she does not have the perfect dance partner, she enjoys doing something for herself again.

So when Seb suddenly is taking the same classes with her, it seems a perfect match as sparks start flying around. Only there are a few problems… Seb is the younger brother of her best friends, he is also several years younger than her.  And he is her total opposite!
While Maggie is very strict and does not do spontaneous things, Seb is more a free spirit. He is carefree and when an idea strikes him, he goes for it immediately!

Will it stay strictly platonic between these two? Or is there a chance of success for our two dancers?

I was so happy when I started reading this book because it’s KATHRYN FREEMAN TIME!!! And those who follow me, know how excited I get when I read another of her lovely books!
And again it was so much fun reading it!

I love it when two o so different people start liking each other. And no matter what, they cannot ignore the sparks flying around!
Maggie and Seb are so different, but they are also at different places in their lives.
Maggie is a divorced woman, with two beautiful daughters, an important job. She is also very strict when it comes to planning and does absolutely NOT like surprises.

While Seb is just back from Australia and does not have a real clue what he wants to do with his life.

But despite their differences, they are also so alike… they would do anything for their loved ones. For Seb it means flying back home for taking care of his parents. For Maggie it’s making her daughters as happy as possible.

The setting of this book is also just lovely. It could have been easily one of those books that are so alike. ‘During dancing the passion was too hard to resist and 2 persons fall deeply in love and live their happily ever after’.
But not this one! This book has real characters, dancing is an important part of it, but does not take over the whole book.

We get to see real people, with their real fears and emotions. And yes, Maggie and Seb have issues, like every real couple (or couple – to – be). They don’t just give in and end of story. No, they are just as real as you and me, having fears for the future, the judgements of other people.

Each character, not only Maggie and Seb are so delightful to read about. They each have their own emotions, personalities. But no matter how different they are, they are accepted and loved by their families, friends, and even by us as reader!

Again a lovely, funny, sparkly story by Kathryn Freeman you have to read!

Lust and love in Egypt.

Synopsis

A scarred mercenary…Or the Disappearing Duke of Greybourne?

Rafe has spent years running from his true identity. He’s a lone wolf, living far from aristocratic England and his violent father. Then unconventional Cleopatra Osbourne requests his protection as she crosses the Egyptian desert. In Cleo he discovers a fellow outcast—and a fierce desire! Cleo must return to London, and here lies Rafe’s dilemma—because following his heart means claiming the title he’s avoided for so long!

My review

Cleopatra Osbourne is looking for her brother in Egypt. But as she finds herself chased by people with lesser good intentions, she asks for protection to Rafe while she crosses the desert.
Rafe poses as a mercenary, but in truth he is the Duke of Greybourne.
During their crossing of the desert, Cleo and Rafe find they have more in common than thought and are finding it hard to resist their attraction.

But when Cleo has to return to London, Rafe is not sure what to do… will he just stay in Egypt or will he follow her back but that means also he has to claim his title…

This is not the first book of Lara Temple I’ve read, so I kind of knew what to expect. But somehow I found myself still surprised by it!

From the very beginning Cleopatra is not your standard lady in distress. She is looking for her brother in Egypt and is going several lengths to accomplish her goal. Talking about a woman in charge!
Being a lady, especially in that period and in a country like Egypt is not so easy. Yet when it’s clear how Cleo manages to get around things, I found it hilarious!

She also shows how strong she is, as she does not take easily “no” as an answer. She wants to be involved with every step.

Rafe is something else… he is literally scarred and is used to be just him and his friend Birdie. He is used to people staring at his scars and being a bit afraid of it.
Yet what he went through when he was younger has scarred him emotionally.
So when he meets Cleo for the first time, he is very distant.

What I truly liked about this story is that Cleopatra does not need constant rescuing. She is very independent and just needs a little bit of help.
And yet I also loved the way Rafe tries to protect her all the time. it shows that he is a real good man!
Cleo knows her mind and even dares to take some risky decisions when it comes to her attraction to Rafe. She is mature enough to know giving in to the attraction does not always mean that there is something more.
And she also sees behind Rafe’s scars. And she knows that the looks of someone is not what makes a man.

This story is about two people looking for something. One is literally looking for her brother, but also a place and a person she belongs to. While Rafe is looking for closure about the past, and also for courage to claim what is his.

Two different characters finding each other, giving each other a cause to face their demons and daring to take a chance. Yet also causing sometimes misunderstandings that could be easily avoided.

A lovely tale about love, lust and eventually following your heart, and not being held back by society and their standards. I loved it from the first word until the last one!

Will Emma be able to escape her demons?

Synopsis

Emma’s world is rocked as the real monster lurking in the shadows is unveiled.

Emma Andrews’ last memory of her mother is seeing her bleeding to death on the bathroom floor. Several years later, Emma is kidnapped and forced to face the same monster that killed her mother. Quickly, Emma—a daydreamer with an inventive personality—must learn to separate her fantasies from reality in order to differentiate friend or foe.

As secrets unfold and the shadows emerge, Emma wonders if she can endure reliving the trauma of her past. One thing she does know for certain—she can’t do it alone.

Will Emma escape from this monster alive? Will Chance still love her after she reveals her past? Or, will someone new teach Emma the true strength hiding within her?

My review

Emma and Chance are falling in love, but will their love have an opportunity to blossom? Emma is facing the last events of trying to escape her fiancé Rick.
But escaping Rick suddenly doesn’t appear to be the biggest danger. There is someone else lurking in the shadows and will go lengths to get his hands on her.

She has to rely on Andy to keep her safe. But Andy finds himself attracted to Emma more and more. And even Emma is finding it hard to resist him.
Will Andy be able to love her even with her past? And what about Chance? Is there something still possible for these two?

Again a disturbing sequel written by T. L. Mahrt!

This time we get to know a little bit more about Emma and her past, and who are the men with not so good intentions.
This story was different compared with the first part, because things we knew for sure, seemed suddenly not true.
So it was hard to figure out who were the real bad guys and what their motivations were.

Yet I liked to read how Emma was getting stronger, more independent. She learns to stand up for herself and literally fight.
She also learns more about herself and is trying to understand her feelings.
Having several men that are attracted to her and vice versa is not easy. She has to figure out who she truly loves and who will only receive friendship from her.

I have to admit, I didn’t like how Emma and Andy were getting closer. But this is just because I was cheering from the beginning for Team Chance…
But of course I understood why the two of them are getting closer.

There are still many questions I have about Emma and her past and how she did end up at the place where the series started.

But as the story has not reached its end yet, I cannot wait to see what of Emma’s past will be unveiled and what is left in store for Emma and who the man is she truly loves!

When you’re being torn, following your heart is the only right solution.

Synopsis

A brand NEW festive read from Rosie Clarkes’ bestselling Mulberry Lane series.

1949

Peggy and Able Ronoscki’s seaside cafe in Devon is thriving and their twins Fay and Freddie are growing up fast.
To pursue her daughter’s destiny, Fay must train in London and Peggy is faced with a dilemma of moving the family back to London once more.

Meanwhile, Peggy’s elder daughter Janet has her own troubles. She fears her husband is having an affair and Is desperately unhappy.

Peggy is torn two ways and can only hope that a reunion with her friends at Christmas can help resolve her problems.

My review

The people of Mulberry Lane are ready to celebrate the holidays now the war is finally over. Even those who left Mulberry Lane are still having a strong friendship with those who they left behind.
But is running their café their dream coming true? Or is the feeling of missing their loved ones too big to overcome?

And what is more in store for The Lanes and their families? Now that the war is over, does it mean that they will all have the life they dreamed of? Or are there more hurdles to overcome?

Again a beautiful saga of Rosie Clarke!

For me, this was the first book of this series I’ve read. And it can be perfectly be read as a standalone, although reading the previous parts would be more helpful to understand what happened earlier to all the characters.
But the necessary things are explained again shortly, so it was easy to catch up.

All the family and friends that appears in this saga are people you would like to have in your own life. Despite their own problems, they are always there for each other, even if you just need someone to listen to.
They are all ‘normal’ people, not someone it’s hard to imagine in your own life. Whatever they are going through, could be happening to you in the same era.
Each and everyone one of them is just going through life the best way they can. There are happy moments, but also moments that make you think about how life can be unfair to some…

This story is not to be liked of the action or immense dramatic events, but because of the simple reality.
Sometimes all we need is a story about a specific period of someone’s life. Characters coping with starting to live again after the war, having their own insecurities and facing them. But also true friendship and love with no hidden agenda.

I found myself submerged in the story and found it hard dot put it away!