Life is never dull, one way or another

Synopsis

The Yorkshire village of Beddingfield is home to the wonderful women of the Allen family: teacher Robyn, wannabe chef Jess, teenage tearaway Sorrel and matriarch Lisa, who holds the whole family together. But underneath her warmth and brilliance, Lisa has a secret – she longs to know who she really is.

In Hudson House, the grand manor on the edge of Beddingfield which is now a care home, lives seventy-something Eloise Howard. With film star beauty but memories fading fast, Eloise is slowly taking one foot at a time back into her past. Born into a prestigious family, her father the owner of the local Hudson’s Mill, Eloise’s life was destined to be one of finishing schools and balls. But when her path crossed Junayd Sattar’s, the most striking and kindest man she had ever met, nothing would ever be the same again.

When Lisa begins to spend time at Hudson House and befriends Eloise, the two women form an unbreakable bond. But unbeknownst to them both, they share secrets that, once uncovered, will change everything they believed about their own lives.

In her unmatched warm and uplifting voice, Julie Houston’s funny and profoundly moving tale of forbidden love, friendship and family ties will stay with you long after you’ve turned the last page… Perfect for fans of Jenny Colgan, Fiona Gibson and Cathy Kelly.

My review

The Allen family are all settling in in the village of Beddingfield, especially since Robyn has returned from London and found her feet as a drama teacher and is back with her boyfriend Fabian. Meanwhile her sister Jess keeps on dreaming to become a chef, and Sorrel, the youngest sibling is ready to audition in London. And after struggling for a while, the siblings’ mother, Lisa, not only is finally managing to keep the family together, but she is also trying to find meaning in her life too. But even in a small village like Beddingfield, life is never dull, and when Hudson House, the care home where Jess is working, it as risk of closing, worries arise about the people staying at the House. And one in particular, especially as Eloise has a very personal link with Hudson House, being a Hudson herself. Despite her dementia, during her clearer moments, she fondly remembers how she in her younger years connected with a young man. But life doesn’t always go as expected, and Eloise her life didn’t exactly go as planned by her family. But her secrets may be connected to one member of the Allen family…

I have read the first book of the series, and I have to admit, while I was eager to start this new chapter, it took me a while to just get back into it. And it has absolutely nothing to do with the author or the story, but just because it has been a while ago since finishing Book Nr. 1. And while perhaps this book can be read as a standalone, I suggest to read the first book, as it will give you just so much more insights of the characters, and it is of course a great story to read!

It was great to see how the story of the Allen family just continues from where the first book left us. And in a way, it was great to read how things aren’t going smoothly for anyone. Because that is just the reality, life never is only filled with rainbows and sunshine. In order to have those rainbows, we need the rain, don’t we?

There is a lot of going on with each character in this book. Robyn is keeping things light at work, not wanting to settle down with being a teacher. And it is not a matter of fear, but it is a genuine not knowing where her future will be. 

Because her love story with Fabian is still an ongoing one. There are decisions that needs to be made, choices to be made. But there is also the fact of insecurities. As Fabian’s family, and especially his mother, isn’t the easiest one, it makes Robyn doubt that they will  be endgame.

And that is in a way a recurring theme, insecurities. Insecurities that may jeopardize everything that has been building up.

Because not only Robyn is doubting herself and wondering about her future, and not only the other siblings are going through a rough patch, also Lisa, the matriarch is struggling.

I have to admit, I never heard of her disease before it appeared in this series. But even if I didn’t know the details about it, I was happy to see Lisa getting back up, and being able to be the person she wants to be, the active and present person, and especially mother she needs to be.

Of course we meet Eloise in this book. And yes, my heart went out to her. I cannot imagine how it feels to not remembering or just not knowing who you are, where you are and what year it is. Yet I was curious to read her story, discover her past, and especially learn how Eloise Hudson, from a family with a status, is linked with the Allen family, that is a loving family, but also a tiny bit messed up one.

The more the story evolved, the more the general feeling for me was: how will it all turn out? Because I for sure kept amounting all the questions in my head, and I was very curious to see how it would all turn out.

There are several issues, questions and secrets in this book. But all of that disappeared because there is also and mainly a lot of warmth and love in it. No matter what is going on, the Allen family members all have each other’s back, there is support, love, and compassion.

Each character also has a lot of growth, they all learn from their mistakes, realizes their wrongdoings, show courage when needed. And that was lovely to read, the evolution of each character, but at the same time never losing the essence that makes them uniquely them.  They are also real people, that make mistakes, misjudge things yet aren’t afraid to admit their faults.

I loved reading this next chapter of a wonderful, realistic and warm family. A family that is still facing a lot of issues, but do not let anything or anyone break them apart. Julie Houston managed to grasp perfectly what it means to be a family, what it means for a person to grow and mature. And what it means to even to dare to dream big and dare to take a leap of faith.

Even non – horsey people can love a book about horses, can’t they?

Synopsis

When Megan Johnson inherits an old cottage in the Welsh countryside, she seizes the opportunity to cut ties with her past life, after a broken romance. Her nearest neighbour, a horse trainer, is also something of an enigma. Single dad Glyn Phillips does his best to balance his love of horses and hard work, with his devotion to his son. When he meets his new neighbour, he knows he should resist any attraction. A feisty pony mare which mysteriously appears on his land adds to his problems, but another, larger problem lies ahead. Two matchmaking spirits find their carefully laid plans may not go as smoothly as they hope.

Guest Post

Thank you for being part of my ‘Book Release Blog Tour’ for the Matchmaker’s Mare, Tizi.

I hope this book will appeal to non-horsey readers as well as those who are horse lovers. Although much of it takes place on a horse farm that is only one part of the story.  It is set in my native Wales, and tells of a love that lasts down the centuries, as well as a blossoming romance in the present day. 

My family was not in the least bit ‘horsey’ nor particularly well off, but when I was eleven years old, a year after my mother died after a short illness, my father arranged for riding lessons for me, having realised that I loved horses, and this was the one thing that would make me smile again. Ten years later, after saving up for five years, I bought my first horse, a  dark bay mare called Flicka, who is featured in  The Matchmaker’s Mare.

My life revolved around horses, but I also loved writing. Having had several short stories published in magazines, my ambition was to have a novel published. My first attempt, an historical western (lots of horses) still languishes on my hard drive. It appears no-one in the UK was interested in publishing that particular genre – especially since it was also a romance. I soon learned that everything I wrote turned into a love story, so I decided to ‘go with the flow’ and accept that I was a romance writer.  My other interest besides writing and horses, was space, so it was natural that my next novel, Starquest would be a Science Fiction Romance,  but again I had no luck with UK publishers. 

Then I heard of the U.S. publisher The Wild Rose Press and to my delight Starquest was accepted and became the first book in the Destiny Trilogy. Naturally I managed to fit horses into the first two books, although in the third one, the female protagonist has a wolflike creature as her animal companion, since horses would not have fitted into that particular storyline. 

Of course I wanted to write a novel featuring horses, and I knew it would be a paranormal or fantasy.  I had several  unpublished ‘horsey’ short stories, including one about a witch and her pony. This gave me the idea for my novel. The witch became a matchmaker, with the pony being an important feature of the story. 

In The Matchmaker’s Mare, Megan Johnson knows very little about horses, buther neighbour, Glyn Phillips, a horse trainer, shares her love of animals in general which gives them something in common. Ironically it is the little mare, Seren (Welsh for Star) who helps bring them together, although their journey is destined not to be without its problems.

Seren is referred to by Glyn as being a ‘Welsh pony of cob type.’ This might sound a little vague to anyone not familiar with the Welsh horse breeds, so I thought I’d give a brief explanation. 

There are four breeds of Welsh pony. The smallest, known as Section A in the Welsh Stud Book is the Welsh Mountain Pony, Section B is the Welsh Pony, and is a little larger. Section C is The Welsh Pony of Cob Type, which is what  Seren would have been, so-called because of they are a smaller version of the Welsh Cob, and Section D is The Welsh Cob, which is the largest of the four breeds, and a horse rather than a pony.

The Matchmaker’s Mare is a tribute to all the horses I have ever owned, and some of them are included in its pages. The humans, including the two matchmaking spirits have the major roles, of course, and I hope you will enjoy reading about them as much as I enjoyed writing about them.

When your love for animals change your life completely

Synopsis

A delicious friends to lovers, forced proximity, workplace romance for 2025.

A 30th birthday celebration. A sloth sanctuary in Costa Rica. A split-second decision.

When Kat MacDonald takes the trip of a lifetime to Costa Rica, she doesn’t count on ditching her dead-end job, sending her uber-controlling boyfriend packing and volunteering at a sloth sanctuary.
But when she finally meets the swoon-worthy assistant manager Dexter, the chemistry between them is unmistakeable and sparks fly. Despite a rival for his affections, and her ex’s inability to know when to give up, she and Dexter are drawn to each other like magnets.
Just as she’s settling into life at the sanctuary and making friends, a letter arrives from back home in Scotland. A letter which could both upset her new plans and give her everything she has ever wanted. Everything except Dexter.
Kat is torn: should she stay in the tropical rainforest paradise with her beloved sloths, new friends and the delectable Dexter or pursue her lifelong dream? Or can she find a way to have it all?

A fun, escapist read full of romance, beautiful scenery and humour, perfect for fans of Emily Henry, Beth O’Leary Leonie Mack and Portia MacIntosh.

My review

After a devastating loss, Kat MacDonald finally managed to fulfil her dream: to make a trip to Costa Rica. Even if the plans were initially different, she is ready to enjoy this time with her boyfriend Aidan. And she cannot wait to visit the sloth sanctuary! However, this holiday isn’t going as planned, because instead of doing exciting things, Aidan doesn’t pay any attention to Kat at all, and when he does, it is in a negative way. But enough is enough, and even if they are on holiday, Kat decides to break things off with him. And before she knows it, she has quit her job and is volunteering at the sloth sanctuary. There she meets a lot of new people, with a shared love for the animals. And there she also meet Dexter, and sparks fly rather immediately. But being a volunteer in Costa Rica supposed to be only temporarily, and with her mother and even her ex pushing her to return home, Kat starts to wonder where home truly is…

I have to admit, before this book, I never had given sloths that many thoughts. My knowledge of them were rather limited, and when I think about them, I think about movies like Zootopia/ Zootropolis and Ice Age. So while I was eager to read a new book from this amazing author, I was also curious to see is I would grow to like or even love these animals I don’t know much about.

At the start of this book, it would seem that Kat has a rather good life. I don’t think that many would be able to go on a trip to Costa Rica, and with a boyfriend that has been there through the most difficult time of Kat’s life, and there are plans for moving in together.

But this apparent good life only shows that we don’t always see what truly is going on. Because rather quickly, I felt that things weren’t that great at all. Not only is Kat obviously still in pain over losing her father, but also things with Aidan aren’t that perfect at all.

And it needs to be said, that I didn’t exactly warm to Aidan myself. Of course, we know that things will end between badly between them, but seeing how Aidan is acting, I couldn’t understand why Kat didn’t see this side before and how she has been able to just stand him.

So yes, I was proud of Kat when she ends things with him, and stands up for herself and her new acquaintances. It cannot be easy to break up a relationship, especially not when you are on holiday together and have plans for the future. But when it needs to be done, it needs to be done.

While Kat was courageous in breaking up with Aidan, I also found her a ‘bit’ impulsive… I understand the passion you can have for something, or for a specific species. And yes, becoming a volunteer at a sloth sanctuary is not an opportunity you can find every day, but if I were in Kat’s shoes, I don’t think I would quit my job, leave home behind that easily. But of course, that is also the beauty of Kat, she follows her instincts, her gut feelings, and goes with the flow.

On the other hand, that impulsiveness also causes issues that with more calmness and thinking – time could have easily been avoided.

Issues that often somehow involve Dexter…

I could so easy understand the attraction Kat starts to feel for this stranger. Not only do they share a love for sloths, but there is an easiness between them, that is perhaps even something to be envious of. There is this instant connection, clear visible sparks that fly around. And while in other occasions I would be frowning as how fast Kat is falling for someone else after her breakup, in this case, it just makes perfect sense.

But like I said, Kat’s impulsiveness cause also a lot of misunderstandings and issues. There were several moments where I just wanted to should at Kat for not doing something rash, but take her time, talk about what she may think to have heard or seen…

The moments where Kat and Dexter “get along”, and where they are trying to see how things progress between them, were just so sweet and great to read. And when they don’t get along, it was frustrating, because their issues are so futile, non-existing! Both characters deserve each other, as they are just both so lovely!

Obviously, there is a lot of spotlight also on these wonderful animals. And yes, I have to admit that I have learned to appreciate them, and that I for sure would love to volunteer in a sanctuary, just like Kat does in this book. 😊

There is one thing that I absolutely didn’t appreciate in this book. Don’t worry Susan, it has to do with the behaviour of a character, nothing to do with your amazing writing skills. I was so disappointed in Kat’s mother. I can understand that a parent – child relationship isn’t always as easy. But it angered me reading how Kat’s mother just took Aidan’s side, kept on insulting Kat and her choices and even used Kat’s beloved father in attempts to make Kat go back home.

All Kat’s choices, decisions, doubts, misunderstandings and even questions, are a learning curve for her. She makes her bed and lies in it, through trial and error she understands what makes her heart beat faster, what makes her feel good. Kat not only learns even more about sloths, but about herself too.

There is only one way to end this revies. And that is by stating that Susan Buchanan just swept me off my feet with this latest story! I fell in love with it from the very start, and I just never stopped loving it, even the hardest, more difficult bits couldn’t dimmish my love for the Kat’s story!

To save a bookshop, to protect your heart

Synopsis

A love story she didn’t see coming…

When book lover Jade Taylor applies to manage the Little Bay Book Shack on Nantucket Island over the summer, the last thing she needs is the distraction of billionaire resort owner, Liam Haven.

But things take an unexpected turn when Liam becomes Jade’s boss – a man who only reads contracts for pleasure…

In a bid to save the bookshop from being absorbed into the Haven resort, Jade is determined to teach Liam that there’s more to life than acquiring real estate. And if she can make him realise happily ever afters do exist, might she be able to save the island’s bookshop in the process?

My review

Jade Taylor needs to prove herself, that is exactly why she accepted the job to manage the Little Bay Book Shack on Nantucket Island over summer. But what Jade didn’t expect was that already on her first day, she would meet Liam Haven. And out of character, they spend a wonderful night together, even if it’s with no strings attached. So when Jade discovers that Liam is not only her boss, as he just bought the book shop, but that he is also planning on closing the shop permanently, it’s an understatement that Jade is not amused. Hearing about this, Jade has a new mission: to show Liam how important books are to people, even if Liam never reads a book himself. Yet no matter how much Jade and Liam are clashing over the future of the book shop, that initial attraction they had, doesn’t appear to be disappearing at all. And the more that Jade learns about Liam’s ways and reasons of being so closed off, the more Jade realizes that behind that tough attitude, is something completely different. If only she could show Liam that there is no need for hiding and that there can be a happy end even for him?

It’s not a secret that I always enjoy reading books from this author. So of course I was very eager to read this next book of her!

Although I need to say I was a bit shocked about those first chapter, as things got steamy rather quickly. Now, I am not a prude, as I have read several steamy stories and I am not ashamed about that, but it was just not what I expected to read so early on! 😊 But it was also necessary for the storyline, as we needed Jade and Liam to have this physical attraction early on, to only have an emotional attraction and growth later on.

I liked Jade right from the start. Even if I am not the kind of person that would do what Jade does in this book, there are also many similarities and there is just an instant connection I had with her. Those differences between me and her, I am absolutely not talking about her and Liam on the first day, or wanting to shame her in any way. But it is also, and perhaps mainly, about her leaving her home behind, and travel many miles, for a temporarily job.

Yet I admired her for it, as not only she is following her passion and her love for books, but also as she wants to show the world that she is more than just a pretty face. At the same time, it also saddened me, as she has the need to prove that, as she is often being judged for her looks, but also compared to her sister.

Jade is such an open, warm, loving and even sunny character, I could understand how easily people are captured by her, and how easily she makes friends in a new place. But she is of course also the kind of person that gives everyone a fair chance. We see this in the way she clashes with Liam over the book shop, but how she cannot stand the gossiping about him, or the rude remarks that are made about him. Remarks that are not always correct to be made…

It would be too easy to classify Liam as obnoxious, only cares about money and himself. And yes, his behaviour would apparently only confirm the above. But it is also so very clear that his tough attitude, his nonchalance towards other is just a façade. A façade to let anyone see how insecure in fact he is, and how much the past has scarred him.

And yes, throughout the book, he makes a lot of wrong decisions, he says the absolute wrong things, especially to Jade. But in a way, I couldn’t blame him for being so clumsy when it comes to feelings. Because he had to protect himself for so long, and out of fear, he has become this closed, even standoffish character.

Liam is for sure having a difficult time in this book. Because he has always been able to keep his distance from everything and everyone, with the exception of his grandma, that he loves more than anything. Yet when Jade arrives on the scene, he is out of depth.

So it was lovely to see how Jade is able to slowly break down those walls. And how funny it was to read how Jeremy just doesn’t care and keeps on poking that bear that Liam can be! 😊

This story for sure shows us a lot of growth. Jade learns not only about what makes her heart beat faster, but how to be independent. And she also learns that she is more than enough, that she isn’t lesser than anyone else. And that anyone who made her believe that, or dent her self-esteem, is just an idiot. All this while Liam learns to open up, to allow people in his heart. He learns that there are people that genuinely care about him, and that will always have his back, no matter how many stupid things he may say or do. But most important, that even if love can be a scary thing, and that it may have hurt him in the past, it can also be a wonderful thing.

Kathryn Freeman wrote a great story, with yes some steamy scenes, but never losing the bigger picture. We see that passions are not always shared, but that openness can make us understand them better. And that despite the scars of the past, with the right person(s) having your back, even the biggest wounds can be healed. And that in love, even the cheesiest gestures can be the most perfect ones!

When marriage is not on the cards, but must be, is there a second chance?

Synopsis

Can a ballroom reunion… Lead to a union at the altar? 

War hero James Ashworth needs a rich wife to restore his family’s fortune. Despite the scars battle left on his soul, he’ll do his duty—even if everywhere he turns, he sees the woman he loved and lost…

Meeting James catapults widow Amelia back to the past— the letters he stopped responding to while at Waterloo and her subsequent forced marriage. Yet, when she discovers her father’s role in the Ashworths’ misfortune, she’s compelled to help—even if she has no intention of falling for the man who broke her heart!

My review

As Amelia and James lived practically next door of each other, they not only grew up together, but they also developed sweet feelings towards each other. But then James left to battle at Waterloo, and Amelia has not heard from him since then. Now James has returned as a hero, even if he doesn’t see himself like that, there are women looking to become the new Lady Ashworth. But Ash, as friends call him, is looking at getting married at all. Especially when there are way too many financial worries. And especially when he keeps on meeting Amelia several times. Amelia, the woman that broke his heart by marrying someone else while he was in battle, and did not wait for him. Even if she is a widow now, and she could do as she pleases, Amelia wants anything but getting married again. And she for sure does not want to rekindle the friendship she once had with Ash, especially as he stopped answering the letters she sent him. But when she discovers that her father is responsible for the financial misfortune Ash and his family is in, she cannot just walk away…

I have read several books written by this author, and loved them all, even if they were taking place in a different era than this book. Yet I was curious to see how Ella would “cope” in a different era. And let me say, I was very pleasantly surprised by it, yet it shouldn’t have, as I should have trusted Ella’s writing skills!

The world where Amelia and Ash are living in, has been for sure romantized in books, films and even plays. It is of course dreamy, going to balls, having those dances, sneaky glances. But we often also forget that it is also a world where especially women could not be as independent as we are now, and there not a lot freedom, especially when there is a lot of responsibilities involved.

And that is something we see in both characters’ lives.

While Amelia is now a widow, she is still looking after her younger siblings. She worries about them, as she is now in a way head of the family. But what saddened me, was to read how she was forced into marrying a man she did not love. Everyone should be free to marry (or even not) the person they love, and not marry because of duty.

In a way, despite her forced marriage, Amelia got lucky, as her husband wasn’t a mean person. But there just wasn’t that spark. And even in the bedroom, Amelia never got the pleasure to discover what pleasure means…

It is strange to say, but Amelia being a widow, gives her much more freedom than she could imagine. There are no expectations to fulfil, as Amelia has been done, done that. And the fact that there are no children involved, makes things even easier for her.

I liked it how Amelia is wondering at the start of the book whether to take on a lover or not. Once again, proof of her liberties she has as a widow. And yet…

When Ash returns from the Battle at Waterloo, old wounds are being reopened, and it is crystal clear that Amelia truly got heartbroken after not receiving any letter back from the young man she had a tender feeling for. Of course she isn’t welcoming Ash back with open arms, as she still holds a grudge of how he treated her.

And while I could understand Amelia, and I believe that I would act in the same way, I was curious to get to know Ash better, and just understand him better. Because it just cannot be that the main character, for who we would be rooting, would just dismiss Amelia like that.

I can only try to imagine what it is to fight in a war, and I understand completely that something like that can scar just anyone. And not only physically… So reading his reasons for cutting Amelia off, made me understand him so much better. He didn’t make the best choice, but he made choice that makes sense.

As being seen as a hero, it was a bit funny to read how suddenly Ash has become the catch of season. Even if marriage is the last thing on his mind…

It is only testament of his character, that Ash doesn’t take the ‘easy’ way out. While an advantageous marriage would for sure solve the financial issues, he wants to find his own way to fix things.

It was a bit funny to read how just not along Ash and Amelia get initially. They are both holding grudges, Amelia for Ash not writing back, and Ash for Amelia not waiting for his return… But seeing also how the both of them want to do the right thing, to correct mistakes of others, shows their kind and generous and just lovely characters.

And it is them wanting to do the right thing, that brings them back closer together, despite their initial idea of keeping distance. That for sure was great to read, but even better was reading how comfortable it gets between them. Yes, there is initial wariness, and they are both attempting to keep their smooth. But years being together, knowing each other like no other isn’t erased that easily, and reading how that easiness is returning, just amazing!

Of course there are several hurdles that are not that easy to take. They have a shared past, that has been scarred by hurt? There are also the present difficulties, and present ideologies, keeping these two apart. Yet doesn’t love always deserve a second chance? Especially as the separation isn’t one by choice.

I absolutely loved reading this story. It was bittersweet, heartwarming but also heartbreaking at moments. Ella Matthews captured my attention, and Ash and Amelia would not allow me to lose it in any way. I devoured this book, as I just wanted to know how, when and if these two wonderful characters would finally find their happy end like they truly deserved.

What we do for love, and what love lets us do

Synopsis

A truly heartbreaking but ultimately uplifting story about family, friendship, love and serendipity.

When Bee loses her job, home and boyfriend – all on the same day that a man accidentally spills coffee all over her; she decides life can’t get any worse. So when her mother finally tells Bee the name of the father she’s never met – a musician named Luke Friday – she decides to take a risk and go in search of him.

Meanwhile, Alex – who accidentally bumped into a pretty girl earlier that day, spilling his coffee all over her – returns home, where his mother is increasingly dependent on him. He wants to help her find some of her memories again. But the only person he thinks can help is a stranger to him. A man called Luke Friday, who his mother once played music with.

As Alex and Bee start their search for the same man, Luke’s nine-year-old daughter is also looking for something – anything – that might help her father with his grief. Little does she know her prayers might just be about to be answered… as a little thing called love starts to bring their lives together in ways none of them could possibly have imagined.

My review

After losing her mother, Mack, a 9 – years – old girl living in Majorca, writes to the Universe, with a wish for her father to find happiness again. Little does she that in the UK, after a terrible day, Bee discovers who her father is, after years of not knowing his identity. And as Bee has no job, no home or no boyfriend to take in account, she decides to head off to Majorca, to find out who this Luke Friday is. At the same time, Alex is looking after his mother, diagnosed with early dementia. While at times for sure it is a struggle, he wouldn’t want to do anything differently. Alex is certain that his mother will find some of her memories back through music, and slowly concocts a plan to bring her former band back together. And trying to not only find all the members, but also convince them all, takes him to Majorca, in the hope that he convince Luke Friday to get along with him and Kevin, who already agreed. Could truly one request from a little girl to the Universe bring all these people together and would the Universe truly give not only little Mack, but everyone, perhaps not what they want, but what they truly need?

After reading the blurb of this story, I was expecting a wonderful romance story, with even perhaps a possibility to a love triangle? Because let’s be honest, we don’t get a lot of clues from the blurb. But on the other hand, I should have known that this amazing author would write a story that goes beyond romance, yet with love firmly at the centre stage.

Once into the story, I didn’t know what I should be feeling. Of course I felt sorry for Luke, Mack, Bee and Alex, but despite everything each of them has been going through, it didn’t feel right to pity them. No matter each difficulty, everyone is trying to make the best out of their situation. Easier said than done of course, and there is a lot of room for trial and error.

Bee for sure isn’t having an easy time, not only does she lose her boyfriend, job and even home in almost the same day. But the fact that her own mother isn’t all that eager to have her back home truly angered me. I could understand perhaps that she didn’t want Bee to be back home permanently, but helping Bee out of a shorter period, what is the problem with that? I imagined that Bee must feel so rejected by everyone, just at loss, and alone. So of course it is logical to head off to Majorca, to meet a man she didn’t know existed.

And while in one way it seems a bit rushed and not so sensible at all, going to a strange country, to meet a complete stranger without having an actual plan, it also felt like it is what Bee needs at this stage in her life.

Enter Luke and Mack in her life. To say that they are in a happy place (figuratively speaking) would be a euphemism… as they are anything but happy. And can you blame them, with the loss they had to endure not so long ago? My heart truly broke for this pair, as they both are still clearly trying to cope with their loss.

Yet at the same time, I was so proud of Mack. Despite her young age, it felt like she has an old soul. For sure she is even more mature than any other girls of her age, and I believe that is has nothing to do with the tragedy that struck them, but it is just who Mack is…

We see a lot of ups and downs, with both Luke and Mack, but that is so understandable. Grief gives you some good day, but also bad days. And in a way, I was glad that Bee is there for the bad days too, even if she is out of her depth, and she doesn’t know what the right thing to do is. Yet it is clear that her just being there, is already more than enough.

But what warmed my heart the most, was reading how Mack and Bee connect. There is a world of differences between them, the huge age gap just one of them. But Mack’s easy acceptance of Bee and Bee’s words and actions of support are the medicine that the both of them need.

And then there is Alex… He is the perfect example of being a great son. His mother has been diagnosed with early dementia, which already is a difficult prognosis. Yet Alex is determined to look after his mother for as long is possible. There are several examples in this book showing that it isn’t easy looking after someone with dementia, as there are plenty of incidents taking place. And I truly admired Alex for not giving up, keeping up high hopes, never losing his patience.

Now, I know that it may seem that this is a very depressing story. But it truly isn’t. Yes, there are sadder bits in it, but that isn’t the general tone of the story.

Because there is Bee, that finds not only a father, but also a sister, while trying to figure out where her place in the world is. Yet with the wisdom of a lovely little girl, Bee starts to see things differently. And then there is Alex, that out of love for his mother wants to accomplish something impossible.

Perhaps in a farfetched way, we see how music enriches people’s lives. Because for Rachel/Roxy (Alex’s mother), it brings back a light in her eyes and memories, but it also brings the old band mates back together. And it brings Bee and Alex in each other’s lives, after a random first meeting at the start of the book.

This story for sure was a heart – warming, lovely, love story. Love in the not always romantical way, but love for our children, love for our parents, love for old friends, love for new friends, love for music, love just for everything.

Beside all the heartbreak there is in this book, and in life generally, we also see so many rays of lights, rays of love, rays of hope. I devoured this bittersweet, wonderful book and Debbie Howells once again touched my heart in a way that will not be easily forgotten…

Murder with an extra ‘shine’…

Synopsis

An iconic bridge… 🌉

Private investigator, Dan Armstrong, lives and works in Florence and knows the world famous Ponte Vecchio well. Usually a magnet for tourists, on this occasion it is the scene of an unexplained death, and Dan finds himself involved in the intriguing case.

An uncompromising man… 😠

Dan quickly discovers that the victim, an elderly jeweller, was every bit as hard as the diamonds he sold in his shop on the bridge. Few people liked him, not even his adult children, and his business dealings look murkier than the waters of the River Arno. Dan suspects more secrets lie hidden…perhaps inside the massive safe in the old man’s luxury villa…

A complex case. 💎🔍

As the evidence begins to mount up, so too do the suspects with their different motives. With a fortune in gold bullion and precious stones involved, Dan thinks the only way to catch the killer is to lay a trap, but might he be caught in the killer’s sights? Fortunately, he has Oscar, his canine wingman at his side, always eager to prove that he’s as good as gold. 🐶

Can Dan and Oscar sniff out the killer’s tracks or will this case be a bridge too far?

My review

Dan Armstrong truly left his former life behind and started fresh in Florence. In fact, life couldn’t get any better, as he truly loves his partner Anna, his most loyal and furry friend Oscar always by his side, and even if his new job as private investigator takes a lot of time, he manages to write rather successful books. But somehow, when there is a rather strange death that has taken place at the famous Ponte Vecchio, Dan gets involved again. And not just because the dead man has not committed suicide like it would appear on first sight, but has been murdered, but because that same man asked for Dan’s help. And now, not only Dan finds himself helping the police forces again to find out the truth, but he also discovers that the victim was known in the world of diamonds, and thus a lot of money is involved. Throughout his investigations, Dan is trying to unravel the truth, while at the same time more deaths are taking place and even his closest friends are carrying a burden that may be part of a for now unknown greater picture…

Here we are again, writing down our thoughts about the newest instalment of a series that we absolutely love. And I am talking in plural, because I believe that many readers are sharing my opinion 😊

I have read every book of this series, from the very start with Dan falling in love with Florence to and slowly finding a new place to call home. Because let there be no doubts about the, with each book, Dan is finding more at home in Florence, with a great dog in Oscar, many loyal friends and has even found love again in the process.

However, I am truly getting a bit worried about the people living or just visiting Florence, as once again, in this book, there are some body counts taking place! And not only that, but at one point, I even got worried about a beloved character in the series too!

I don’t know how Dan always finds himself involved in cases that are never straightforward. Why can a murder not be easy to solve? How come that Dan finds himself somehow working once again with the Italian forces to discover what happens? And how come that it is even very risky for Dan’s life to be investigating?

This time, Dan is being hired by the victim (or rather, victims), and that brings him in the world of jewellery, and diamonds to be more specific. I was even more intrigued as usual, as there is a minor link with Antwerp, a city not even 100 kilometres from my home.

Now, of course this is a cozy mystery, and beside the heavy, difficult investigation, there is aplenty of room for lightness, and even to show the strength of friendship. And obviously, there is always a special spotlight for Oscar, showing everyone that he is more than ‘just’ a dog! If there would be a time that Dan cannot have Oscar anymore, can I please adopt him? I promise I will love him more than I already do now! 😊

I have to say though, that Anna is for sure proving to be Dan’s perfect match. The patience and understanding of that woman! I don’t know if many women would put up with Dan’s profession and his spurs of the moments!

Of course it was a delight to return to Florence again, seeing my good old friends again, even if I knew that once again murder(s) would be taken place. And I have to admit, this book was perhaps more intricated, as there initially are several things taking place, without a common thread between them. But the more I was reading, the more the bigger picture became clear to me.

T A Williams made me truly feel like being physically back in Florence, he managed perfectly to make his readers understand the Italian way of life, but also making his readers think in one direction, only to make them realize later on that their (or rather, mine) thoughts were just wrong.

I absolutely enjoyed this latest instalment of the series, showing even more layers of Dan throughout his investigations. But we also saw once again the loyalty of Oscar. Could there possibly be a time where I do get bored and tired of this series? Honestly, I don’t think so! 😊  

When a reunion makes you reminisce but also doesn’t go as expected.

Synopsis

Would you give up your dreams for love?

1990: In a hot, humid Hong Kong summer, three young singers are loving life, performing to packed crowds every night in a swanky hotel bar. Twenty-three-year-old Scottish songbird, Moira Chiles is living the dream alongside Carina Lloyd and Lisa Dixon. They work hard, play hard, and always stick together… until one day Moira has to make a choice that changes everything.

Fast forward to…

2025: In a wet, chilly, Glasgow summer, Moira has just retired after singing in Glasgow pubs and Caribbean cruise ships for three decades. Now she’s ready for a new adventure – one that takes her to Hong Kong to revisit a world she left behind. Moira hasn’t seen Carina or Lisa for over thirty years, but will an invitation to join her on a holiday of a lifetime rekindle the friendships that changed her life? Or will stepping back in time expose secrets that could break their hearts?

My review

Thirty years ago, Moira, Lisa and Carina met in a hotel in Hong Kong, working in a hotel bar, having the time of their lives. They were ready to chase their dreams, and they were certain that their friendship would last forever.

In 2025, Moira has just retired from singing  in pubs and on cruises, and she is ready to relive (at least partly) the memories she has of Hong Kong. So with inviting Carina and Lisa to join her on a holiday, she hopes to rekindle that lost friendship. But are the women truly ready to go through memory lane? Or are there even thirty years later, secrets being kept that will only cause heartbreak?

Shari Low is one of those authors that keep on surprising me with their writing skills. And why am I even surprised, as I have several of her books, and I know about her amazing talents.

Yes, perhaps the set  up of many of her stories is the same, multiple main characters, flashbacks to a past with the start of just everything. But let me tell you, those are truly the only similarities, because each story is truly unique and captivating. Oh, and isn’t it lovely how Shari Low manages to let us see some old friends of ours once again?

When we are meeting Moira, Carina and Stevie (yes, I’m leaving Lisa out of the equation for now, but if you read the book, you’ll know why), I was wondering how they would all be connected. They are living their own separate lives, and Moira and Carina don’t even know about Stevie’s existence. Their lives couldn’t be more different from each other, and they are all in a different phase of their lives too.

I could easily write here what each character is like, and what their own storyline is about. But while on itself, it would be a great story too, it’s the fusion of those three stories that turned this book in an amazing reading time.

It is not a surprise that *a lot* happens in a timespan of thirty years, yet I was a bit surprised just how much the main characters have changed in those years. Of course life takes a direction, and you adapt to that direction. But it was even astonishing to read how much someone can change, or has to change.

And we see that with Carina, how she has changed from that free, lively and in a way even wild young woman to the woman she has become after her marriage.

Her life is now at a crossroad, after a devastating discovery. And with Carina we also see that you can lose yourself during life. But also that you can always find yourself again, even if it takes a holiday to Hong Kong to find yourself again 😊.

But the biggest ‘personality’ change we see with Lisa. Thirty years ago, she was the wildest of the friends, having no regrets at all. Yet we read that the Lisa Moira and Carina knew, is the complete opposite to the Lisa that Stevie knows.

Yes, this story started as Moira wanted to be with her friends again, but it quickly turned into a story of discovery. Discovery of who you once were, what changed you, but also what used to make you happy. Also it was a journey of discovering how events can change you, and even can completely change you.

And yes, I have to admit, the dramaqueen in me perhaps expected even more secrets, more devastating ones. However, maybe the secrets in my mind would have bit a little bit too much ☺️.

But it was also a wonderful story about discovering about the people close to you, and seeing a complete different side of them. There are secrets being revealed between the friends, that makes every decision that was made clearer, and even rise regrets about not doing their utterly best to keep in touch.

And most important of all, this was a marvellous story about friendship, the strength of the real kind of it. That even time, events and no contact, will never break the strongest of bonds. And that how one meeting over thirty years ago, can write out a whole new path not only for those back then, but also the people linked to them, thirty years later on, somehow.

Shari Low had the impossible task to fulfil my extreme high expectations. Not only did she once again reach them with ease, but even succeeded them by lengths. But let her be warned now, as the bar will only be even higher now! 😊

Are soulmates stronger than time?

Synopsis

Two souls bound together but lost in time. Until now.

AD 80 

Duro of the Iceni tribe escaped life as an enslaved gladiator and is now finally home in Britannia with one thing on his mind: vengeance. For 20 years he has sought the Roman legionary who destroyed his family. What he didn’t expect was Gisel: a fierce Germanic woman with long white-blonde hair, forced into slavery by the Romans. Hypnotised by her spirit and her beauty, Duro frees Gisel and slowly tries to win her trust as they work together to complete his quest.

Present Day

Mackenna Jackson returns to Bath with a broken heart, thanks to rockstar Blue Daniels. Luckily she can still count on Blue’s former bandmate Jonah Miller as a listening ear. But Jonah has secretly been fighting stronger feelings, drawn to Mac’s quiet confidence and gorgeous white-blonde hair. As they explore the area, memories they can’t quite explain flood them both.

Is the spark between Mac and Jonah in fact a sign of something much deeper – a love enduring through millennia – or can it all be an illusion?

My review

The time is AD 80, where Duro of the Iceni tribe finally can taste freedom again, after not only having fighting as a gladiator, but also escape the fire that killed many. Now that he is back in Britannia, he only has one mission: avenge the Roman legionary that destroyed his family many years ago. But his thirst for vengeance doesn’t take away his righteous sense. Not only does he not have the intention to take away the position of chief man of his brother, but rather wants to share is, but he also helps out a recently enslaved woman, Gisel. And the more he gets to know her, the more he hopes that she will start to feel the same as he does about her…

In present times, Mackenna sees her relationship with rockstar Blue Daniels ending after catching him in flagrant with two other women. While the paparazzi are not letting her go, ready to find any kind of gossip, she can count on the help and support of Blue’s former bandmate, Jonah, who is nothing like her ex. Slowly, Mac starts to wonder if she was perhaps too blinded by Blue, and didn’t see who would do anything for her. But while Jonah is being truly a good friend, how can she ever explain him the visions she is suddenly having, about her and Jonah but in a complete different era? And what does it mean?

Having read several books of this author, I always know that I will be captivated by the stories and will be in for a treat, even if not always the outcome is that predictable.

As I already knew, we would be having two stories for the price of one. And as I already knew, after reaching the finish, I could not possibly say which one of the two was my favourite. They are both so different from each other, and I am not only taking about them taking place in different eras, but also just generally speaking, Duro and Gisel are going through things completely different than Mac and Jonah are going through.

Of course, with the stories taking place in different eras, I also had to switch between mindset. What is normal now, wasn’t in AD 80, and obviously the other way around. So while some actions taking place in AD 80 would not be accepted now, then it was normal.

What I liked about Duro and Gisel, and not just their entwined story, but for their characters, is that they are just normal people. Well, meaning that they are not part of the ‘rich and famous’, but are a gladiator and a slave. Yes yes, I know that isn’t normal, but they are not people that have been born or gained richness and power, but they just seek for their freedom and vengeance.

Duro wasn’t a complete stranger, but it was just great to get to know this great amazing warrior better. Of course when I think about gladiators, I think about the films with the same name. But obviously being a gladiator is truly  of life and death.

Seeing him now as a free man, even not perhaps in the most  legal ways, was just great. Because I think that everyone should be a free person. And with his background, it was very understandable that he was seeking for vengeance. I cannot even try to imagine what it is like to be not only being captured, but seeing how one man and his ‘crew’ ruin your whole family…

With everything that Duro has been through, you would think that he would be a bitter, angry man. But while yes, he has these feelings, they are only directed towards one man. And when Duro isn’t fighting for vengeance, he is truly a great guy. He is caring, protective, and a man that knows what is right and what is wrong.

The way he suddenly wants to protect Gisel, a complete stranger, warmed my heart. It would have been so easy for him to just walk away when seeing this slave, but he just doesn’t.

Gisel is of course also a force of nature, not someone to mess with. She is being enslaved by a man who wants to use her as he pleases. Yet she is the kind of woman that is not afraid for fight for her freedom, she has a smart and clear mind of her own. And while she is grateful for Duro’s help, she is still wary of him. And I liked that, because she isn’t swooning over her rescuer.

What I liked about this pair, is their complicity. They don’t know each other, yet there is not only this pull between them, but they will have each other’s back no matter what. Gisel understands Duro’s wish for revenge, and as she knows how it feels, she will support him on his quest.

And seeing slowly seeing that complicity grow into more and deeper, was just great.

Of course this is a book with two stories, and I was also very eager to read Mac’s story too.

There are many prejudices towards rockstars, as they live in a world of sex, drugs and rock ‘n roll. And I was a bit disappointed to see how Blue, Mac’s boyfriend, confirmed all the clichés. But of course, with every cliché there is someone to dismiss the clichés.

And Jonah couldn’t be more perfect for the task!

He is not only truly a nice guy, but he truly cares about Mac, he listens to her, wants to help her anywhere and anyhow he can. He is being 100% Jonah, without expecting anything in return. He does everything out of the kindness in his heart, and is putting his own feelings for Mac away, because he knows that Mac isn’t in the right mindset yet for letting love back in her heart.

And Mac deserves someone like Jonah, especially after Blue… I couldn’t understand how such a genuine and real woman like Mac could have endured being with someone like Blue.

Going through a heartbreak is already difficult enough, but then being also prosecuted by the paparazzi… If you are a famous person yourself, it can be already difficult, but for normal people it must be a real nightmare!

There are reasons that make Mac and Jonah spend time together, and while they are slowly building a friendship, it’s obvious that them together is just right. And seeing an attraction grow, but also being afraid to come out too strong or too fast or not being sure that it’s reciprocated, just added extra lovely layers to this story.

Of course there has to be link between both couples. And while I perhaps am not such a believer of lovers, soulmates, finding each other over and over again, it was just fitting for this story and this author.

And yes, with Doru and Gisel going through highs and lows, I was a bit afraid of them being star – crossed lovers, only having a second chance again with them being Mac and Jonah. But even if I was a bit afraid, I found it impossible to stop reading.

Christina Courtenay wrote once again a captivating story, about hurt people, in different ways. But it is also a story about how people can find someone in perhaps unexpected ways. And it is mainly a story about how strong love can be, and that soulmates will always find a way back to each other…

Sometimes, dreams come true in just another shape as expected, right?

Synopsis

What would you wish for if you had one chance?

Esme Cassidy had two dreams growing up: to be a famous film star, and to own Drumblair Castle.

Sadly, overly cautious parents put paid to a career in front of the camera, instead encouraging her to study towards a ‘proper job’, and Lady Olivia MacBain is the current custodian of ‘her castle’.

After graduating and a year travelling, Esme returns home broken-hearted and throws herself into her new role as Lady Olivia’s PA at Drumblair Castle. It’s not quite her original dream but at least she’s living at the castle in one of the estate cottages with her housemate and friend, handsome, yet quirky, groundsman Judd.

With the news that the castle will be used as a film set for a period movie, Esme gets to witness first-hand the career she missed out on. And with her teenage crush in the starring role, she can’t believe her luck. But he wouldn’t be interested in a girl like her, surely?

My review

Esme Cassidy had two big dreams while growing up: to become a film star, and to live in Drumblair Castle. However, her parents that love her deeply, wanted her to instead of following her dream, to study for a ‘proper job’. And also her dream of being the owner of Drumblair Castle is something she will never achieve, as Lady Olivia is the righteous owner. After a sabbatical year, ending in heartbreak for Esme, she is now ready to start fresh. And Esme never expected to be having the next best thing to be the owner of Drumblair Castel, as she now is the PA of Lady Olivia. And when she has the chance to live in one of the estate cottages, it feels like truly her dream coming true. But her dreams may be even closer than expected, because the castle will be used as a film set for a period movie. And Esme cannot believe her ears when she learns that her teenage crush is in a leading role! Now not only is she seeing how her life would look like if her dream came true, but she also finds herself befriending the star of the show. Yet she knows that someone like him would never fall for a girl like her, right? And what about the growing friendship she has with her roommate?

Drumblair Castle has been the wonderful setting of some marvellous stories. And yes, the place truly stole my heart, just like each couple finding each other at the Castle. So was I ready to dive into another great story? Absolutely!

Esme is the kind of woman that I could easily relate to in so many different aspects. Haven’t we all dreamed about living in a castle?  And haven’t we all dreamed once to become a famous person? Of course, with growing up, becoming adults, we all put those ‘silly’ dreams away.

Also the fact that her parents are absolutely lovely, but also a bit overprotective, also sounded very familiar. I saw a lot of my own relationship with my parents in the relationship Esme has with her parents. The love between all three is very palpable, but there is always a moment where you need to spread your own wings and make it on your own (okay, a bit melodramatic from my side, but you understand me 😊).

Esme is also an adventurous kind of woman, something that isn’t me at all, as she took a year to discover the world on her own. And that made me feel in awe of her, just packing and leaving, not knowing who you will meet, what adventures are waiting for you.

Unfortunately, in Esme’s case that also means getting her heart broken in a terrible way. Of course we all knew that the story would start with a heartbroken Esme, but it still hurt to see how Esme gets her heart crushed while even when the time has arrived to say a temporarily goodbye, she had all the hopes to make it work.

Now, if her initial love story would end well, we wouldn’t have the delight to read this story, wouldn’t we? Her heartbreak also allows us to see her growth and resolution to find her own happiness again.

And that determination and resolution to make it, made me truly like Esme even more than I already did at the start of the book. Also the fact that Esme is an open, caring, non – judgemental person, made me like her. And let’s not forget that she also wants to do the right thing, even if it would be her paying the price for it.

Once again I was amazed by all the people living and working around Drumblair Castle. Although I shouldn’t be surprised, should I? People come in different forms and shapes, and not everyone is the same. Not everyone has the same passions, not everyone expresses themselves in the same way. But different isn’t bad at all, in my opinion it makes life more exciting too! And it was clear that Esme feels the same way. And we see this especially the way she is with her new housemate, Judd.

While they have known each other from working both at the Castle, they never had much opportunity to get to know each other better, but now with living together, they see that yes, they are different from each other, but that in many ways they are also the same, and that they understand each other, on every level.

Esme is truly feeling at home living with Judd nearby the Castle, and of course there is the fact that Esme is getting glimpses of a world that once was her dream.

And we all know that the lives of the famous isn’t only glitter and glamour, but that they are just normal people, just like you and me. We see this especially with Zach, that he isn’t the kind of person that believes he is better than a non – famous person.

It was sweet to see the interaction between Zach and Esme. There is a genuine bond between the pair of them, and I liked it how Zach sees Esme’s potential and genuinely tries to tempt her to finally pursue her old dream.

Now, I have to admit, I was definitely rooting for one contender. Not because there was one goodie and one baddie. Both contenders were amazing in their own ways, but there was just one of them that made my heart skip a beat, or beat a little bit faster 😊.

I absolutely devoured this book, as it brought me back to a wonderful place, with amazing characters. And I had the honour to get to know new, marvellous people. But in a way, the Castle worked its magic once again, as we see that perhaps childhood dreams do not always come true, but maybe they come in our adulthood in a form that we didn’t expect. But it also shows us that in order to make those dreams come true, we need to mature, to grow in order to let those dreams happen.

Lisa Hobman wrote a funny, inspiring, heart – warming story about standing on your own two feet, finding your own happiness and finding your own crew. And this for sure is a story about never stop dreaming!