There is a thin line between hate and…

Synopsis

One summer to make her his…

After four failed seasons, Emily Hawkins is tired of following the rules. Aside from crossing swords with her lifelong enemy, Freddie Dashworth, she is an exemplary member of Society. But after all this time, she’s yet to find a husband and life with her over-bearing mother is becoming intolerable. 

Freddie returns to his childhood home to help look after his orphaned niece. His neighbour, Emily, has been his nemesis for years. The infuriating miss is the only woman immune to his charms and there’s nothing he enjoys more than her disapproving glares. It’s a shame he can’t stop thinking about her, because she clearly despises him.

One minor indiscretion later and everything in Emily’s ordered world changes. The one person on her side appears to be Freddie but can she trust her former antagonist? And what will happen to her when she does?

My review

Emily Hawkins would prefer to sit in a library, engulfed by books, rather than going to balls and find a husband. Not only does she has attended four seasons without success, it doesn’t help that her mother is over – bearing and pointing out each of Emily’s fault, yet keeps on looking for the best possible suitor for her daughter. Yet she doesn’t realize that Emily isn’t interested at all in interacting with eligible titles. Although, whenever Emily crosses paths with Freddi Dashworth, her proper behaviour disappears and he is somehow able to trigger her. And now Freddie has returned to the family home to look after his orphaned niece, together with his brothers. So now that their paths are crossing again, the former animosity quickly resurfaces, as Emily still appears to be immune for Freddie’s charms and Freddie keeps on pushing her buttons somehow. Yet both of them cannot stop thinking about each other, and one indiscretion changes everything…

There are many tropes that I like reading. And one of them for sure is the enemies – to – lovers. Add to that storyline the world of the Ton, and seasons, and balls, and I am in for it!

Right for the very start, I like Emily. She is a lovely person, a caring person, but also a restrained one. It’s clear that her mother dictates what to do and what not, not understanding Emily’s character at all. Or rather, not caring about Emily. The only thing that matters, is finding the right husband, one with a title and with wealth.

It saddened me to read how Emily thinks so low of herself, ‘thanks’ to her own mother. It shows us how hurtful words can be, and how small they can make us feel. Because Emily perhaps isn’t the most beautiful woman in the world (but she also could be…), it is her character, her persona that makes her a beautiful young woman, ready to stand on her own two feet.

Also, the fact that she loves reading, doesn’t that tell you enough already? 😊

Her animosity with Freddie for sure put a smile on my face while reading. Because yes, Emily and Freddie are very different people, and they have been through and are still going through some hardships in life.

Freddie, what can I say about him? Yes, he may seem like a real tease at the start of the book. And he for sure seems to use his charms to be a popular fellow at balls and other social events.

But the more I read about him, the more sorry I started to feel for him too.

I cannot imagine what it must be for four brothers, who aren’t the closest, forced to look after their niece, they didn’t even know that existed.

Yet it was sweet to see how not only Freddie, but all of the brothers, fell in love with lovely (Char)Lotte. And yes, she also stole my heart!

But back to Freddie! Because he also shows that in fact, he isn’t only the charmer that he seems to be. Rather the opposite, as he has several demons of his own that keep chasing him. And that made him more human to me, as not only Freddie has been through a lot, with a wicked and even evil upbringing in a way, but he is also a person made out of flesh and blood. He isn’t this perfect man without any flaws. But rather a man that perhaps has issues that you wouldn’t expect from someone with his status. I have to admit though, when I learned about his ‘big secret’, I thought that perhaps in modern times, in the present, with the knowledge we have now, there would have been a solution?

Emily and Freddie are complete opposites, causing them to not getting along for years. So when Freddie is back, it makes sense that that animosity also returns. But because of Lotte, there is something that shifts between them. To be honest, it is not only because of Charlotte that something changes, but Lotte for sure helps to let Emily and Freddie spend more time together.

And we all know what that means, right? That they get to know each other better and start to understand each other’s character of course, what were you thinking? 😊

Because of Freddie and Emily spending more time together, they slowly start to realize that their banter, their animosity, is in fact hiding their deeper, more honest and genuine feelings. And reading that realization coming to fruition, was just great!

Of course, with this title, we already know what is going to happen at one point in this book. But I felt like it was a bit of a spoiler, because it for sure takes a long time to get to that point. And I enjoyed much more reading how things start to shift between them, rather than getting to that one indiscretion.

But is also bittersweet how, despite their forced unio, which isn’t that unwelcome for neither party, how the both of them are still insecure about expressing their true feelings. However, that also made them more realistic, because on paper it may be easy to be honest about your feelings, but in real life, that is terrifying, isn’t it?

Ella Matthews shows us once with her great writing skills, that perhaps it is the person that we ‘dislike’ the most, is the person that gets us the best. And that that one person can get the best of ourselves out of us. And that that one person believes in us, and sees our talents, but most important sees in our hearts.

When you are finally settling in, the past resurfaces…

Synopsis

With help from the Little Duck Pond Café girls, Rosie’s Spice Kitchen is becoming a firm favourite at the Lockley Meadow farmers’ market. But when shocking things start happening and a face from the past stirs up memories she would rather forget, widow Rosie’s hopes for a better future for her and her little daughter, Amelie, are suddenly dashed. Has someone discovered her devastating secret? The secret that is preventing her from moving on and finding love again?
Meanwhile, new mum Ellie and step-daughter Maisie are both hiding emotional secrets of their own . . .

My review

After a year, Rosie is slowly getting over the loss of the love of her life. And with her little girl Amelie settling in, and Rosie’s Spice Kitchen is becoming a favourite stop at the market, Rosie feels that her life is falling back into place. It helps of course she has the support of the Little Duck Pond Café girls, who are always there for not only a cup of tea, but also a listening ear or a shoulder to cry on. But when Rosie sees a face from her past, and strange things start to happen, she is afraid that her one dark secret, isn’t so secret at all. However, that doesn’t stop her from helping out Ellie and Maisie, who are adapting to their changed lives and relationships now that baby Isla has arrived.

There are books or series that make you happy. And then there is this series, that just make me ecstatic to return for a new adventure!

Obviously, my heart went out to Rosie and Amelie. Rosie had found the love of her life with Mark, only to lose him way too early, and Amelie will never have the chance to truly get to know her father?

I cannot imagine how difficult it must be to move on after such a great loss, yet I had to admire Rosie and her determination to start again. Yet it is also clear that while she tries to move on, the past is always in the back of her head, never letting her forget what she has lost.

It was bittersweet to see Rosie finding her feet again, because it all is because of what she has lost. And it is not only her lovely mark that she lost, with her moving, the contact with her friends, the Famous Five – or what is left of them – is not what is used to be.

I could understand the shock Rosie has when she sees her past catching up on her. Not only is it because her old friends suddenly reappear, but there are also some strange things happening. And while it may appear as a big secret that Rosie is carrying around, I already had an idea what that was. Not that it take any joy away while reading though!

And even the discovery of who is behind all those acts and messages, I wasn’t truly surprised. But once again, it didn’t bother me that I had it all figured out before the revelation.

In this book, it isn’t only about Rosie and her taking back charge of her life. But it is also about Maisie and Ellie.

While I was delighted for Ellie to finally having Isla previously, I was also eager to see how she would be managing at being a mum. Because we all know that Ellie has a lot on her plates, and being a mum is never turning out as expected.

So I was a bit surprised to see how Ellie apparently has it all together. Not that I didn’t believe in her capabilities, but I can imagine that having a baby would cause some chaos somehow?

And my heart just went out to Maisie, as we get to see life behind the scenes through her eyes. We all know how delightful Maisie is, yet seeing all those doubts and insecurities are seeping in this beautiful character.

It just broke my heart to read how not only is she struggling with her first crush, but most important, how small she feels with the arrival of Isla. It is very mature of her, how she behaves. Yet it was so sad to read what she thinks Ellie feels now… While in fact, we know better and that Ellie is hiding her struggles…

Of course there are several ray of lights for both Rosie and Maisie. But it is clear what the message of this book is: that it takes time to let go of the past. That it isn’t easy to forgive yourself for any kind of mistake you may have made. That you are allowed to find happiness again, even love.

Rosie Green wrote another marvellous chapter in an amazing series. She still has to find the “ability” to become repetitive in this series, something I hope she never does! 😊 Once again I was swept off my feet, finding it impossible to put this book away, as not only it was great to return to such a wonderful place, but to get to know new lovely people who stole another piece of my heart!

When a forced time – out can change your path

Synopsis

High-flyer Becky Thorne cannot believe what she’s being told. She doesn’t need to be signed off for burnout! Life has been a bit chaotic lately, that’s all. As if dealing with her enviable job and permanent meddling from her mother aren’t enough, she’s also inherited a café in the Loire from an estranged great-aunt, complete with sitting tenant who refuses to budge.

But nobody stands in Becky’s way! Ignoring her best friend Amber’s advice, she decides to storm over to France and sort the tenant out. Then she can finally get the café sold and jump back on the career ladder.

What she doesn’t count on is the tenant being Pascale, who is six feet of tall, dark, handsome and extremely grumpy about her plans for change. Not to mention the village and the secrets it holds about her past.

Becky’s path to success is all planned out. But the Loire has a magic she might not be able to resist…

My review

Becky Thorne is used to work as hard as possible, especially as her own mother pushes her to be a successful woman. But Becky cannot believe that after an incident with a laptop that has been thrown, she is signed off, before she has a burnout. The last thing Becky thinks she needs, is time to relax. Although, perhaps with her time off, she could take care of the café in the Loire, which she inherited from her great – aunt. With Becky staying in France, she can perhaps also deal with the sitting tenant who won’t leave the café, as Becky’s purpose is to sell the place as soon as possible. In order to sell the place, Becky believes that the café needs several changes. Changes that the tenant, Pascal, doesn’t agree on, as that it is not what the village nor the café truly need. While Becky and Pascal clash over how to run the business, Becky cannot ignore that Pascal is a handsome man, and that he sees more and understands her even better than her own mother. But while Becky starts to like the peaceful life (even when it’s not always that peaceful…) in Vaudrelle, her life is in London, climbing that career ladder, isn’t it?

I was eager to start this book, because I know how Gillian Harvey can sweep me of my feet, and take me on a journey of not just the start of a different life, but most important, one of self – discovery!

Now, I have nothing against people that want to be successful, and climb that ladder. But I have to admit that at the start of the book, I didn’t truly warm towards Becky. Ot because she is a bad person, not at all, but because she is so focused on her job, and doesn’t see what is actually happening to her, or to those around her.

Even when the doctor tells her to take some time off, she is sure of the fact that she is not on the verge of a burnout, and that the doctor is wrong.

But, I need to also say that I couldn’t blame Becky for being always on top of the game, because it is obvious that it is something that her own mother keeps on repeating. And no, it isn’t that her mother is so money – focused, but it is a matter of being independent, self – sufficient, and not needing help from anyone. And relaxing is something superfluous, isn’t it?

Even when Becky arrives in Vaudrelle, she initially keeps up that ‘higher class’ attitude. Meaning that she comes from London, so of course she knows better. And she for sure knows how to improve a café in a little village!

The mean part in me wanted to see Becky fail, or at least a tiny bit. Just because I wanted Becky to understand that a career, being successful, isn’t all there is in life. Happiness doesn’t come with the amount of money on your bank account. I have to say though, it does help 😊. But happiness comes from doing something you love, with caring people around you. And not with a call or a mail that makes the twitch in your eye return.

Vaudrelle is the kind of place that gives your soul the peace it needs. It isn’t it most exiting place in the world, but that is also not something Becky needs at the moment. Becky needs that calmness and peace for more than just one reason.

Returning to a place she used to visit as a child, staying with her great – aunt, makes her think about her life and about her choices, those that she already made and those that she still ahs to make.

She sees another way of living, one less busy, expecting one, but one that brings you so much more happiness and satisfaction. And of course, it helps that she has Pascal by her side! 😊

Pascal, who initially clashes with Becky, because of different views on just everything. But Pascal, who is there to help her, that shows her that he gets her better than she would think. Pascal, who has great aspirations of himself, but has also been struggling.

Seeing Becky and Pascal seeing from ‘enemies’ to reliable and trustworthy friends, was just so sweet to read. And also reading that relationship evolve further, was something that make me squeal! 😊

Becky and Pascal are very different, but they complement each other. Pascal is exactly what Becky needs.

There are several funny moments in this book, especially reading how there is this huge misunderstanding and how it all is being revealed. Not only was that funny, but in a way also very fulfilling, as it gives Becky even more opportunities.

This book is obviously about the journey Becky is going through. It isn’t an easy journey, because Becky does not know what *she* truly wants from life. Just because her life has been going in one way, it doesn’t mean it should be keep going that way. But it can be scary, take a new direction, one that you have no certainties in life.

And it is also a journey about Becky herself. As her life is taking a ‘time off’, she has time to think about what brings her joy, about what truly matters to her, and what kind of person/friend she has been in the past and what kind of person/friend she truly wants to be.

I truly enjoyed reading this book, as we are on a journey together with Becky, with a laugh, with a tear. Gillian Harvey grasped perfectly how life can feel like a trap at moments, but also how that same life can give us unexpected chances to make a change. It is up to us to decide whether that chance, how unknown that may be, is worth to take…  

When the need of a fresh start brings you to Napoli…

Synopsis

A tender and funny novel that combines the best of Scottish and Italian culture with the joys of female friendship and a cast of characters reminiscent of Jenny Colgan and Sophie Kinsella.

When Lucy’s childhood sweetheart stands her up on their wedding day, leaving her alone on a plane eloping to the tropical location of his choosing, their dream – now feeling like just her dream – of their bairn filled future disappears in a heartbeat (or the time it takes for her to listen to the rambling drunken voicemail he left calling off the wedding).

In Naples, Elena is recently widowed and struggling to keep her husband’s family’s beloved and centuries old mozzarella factory afloat, whilst running her language school and bringing up their son. At risk of losing both businesses- and adding even more disruption to their life – she advertises a job and hopes for the best.

The stars seem to align and Elena and Lucy, each suffering from a very different sort of loss and loneliness, set about trying to lift the struggling business and each other.

A charming, tender and funny novel about the power of female friendships, the importance of letting go and the joys of eating pasta!

My review

After years being together with Stewart, Lucy is ready for the next step. But when their private wedding on location ends up with Lucy being stood up, she feels that her whole world is falling apart. All her dreams for the future have fallen into pieces, and the life she used to live, isn’t that inspiring at all anymore. So when she reads an advertisement for a teaching job in Napoli, Italy, she feels like this is a sign. Once arrived in Napoli, Lucy is staying with Elena and her son Stefano. Elena used to have big dreams for the family’s mozzarella factory, and her own dream of running a language school. But being widowed way too early, Elena cannot manage it all on her own. So she is more than happy with the arrival of Lucy. Especially as, even if different, the women share the sense of loss. And even if they don’t know it yet, them being together may be the cure to heal their pain and sense of loneliness. Because there is nothing that (new) friendship and female comradery and unity cannot heal…

I am easy to convince to read a book. Just give me a great blurb, and I am sold. Or make it even easier for yourself, and put in the title something that I feel connected to, and I am already hooked. So of course, with Napoli in the title, I just had to read this book!

Although I have to admit that at the start of the book, the first few chapters, I got very angry. Not at Lucy, as she hasn’t done anything wrong at all. But I got angry at Stewart. I just don’t understand why people cannot be honest about their feelings; no matter how difficult it must be. And to make it even worse, he doesn’t even have the guts to tell it to Lucy, but he decides to let do it with a voicemail, while Lucy is already flying over to their wedding location.

The devastation Lucy is going through is so palpable. I could understand the pain she is enduring, because she has been betrayed in the most terrible way, from the person she loves and trusts the most.

So despite her pain, I was happy to see how suddenly there is this female compassion, where complete strangers, from the manager to the housekeeping, are doing all the possible to help Lucy. This for sure shows that there are kind and compassionate people all over the world, even when you least expect it to find them.

Being an Italian myself, I couldn’t agree more with Lucy starting afresh in Napoli, as there is no better place on earth than Italy! 😊  But I could also comprehend her trepidation, as it cannot be easy to move to another country, not speaking fluently the language. And let’s be honest, also not knowing where she will end up…

But there couldn’t be a more fitting place for Lucy to ‘end up’ with Elena and her son Stefano. Not that Lucy suddenly finds paradise and is in place where nothing is going wrong. Yet it is the place that Lucy needs to be, and the place that needs Lucy too.

Because even if their lives are so different, Lucy understands that in a way, Elena and she are feeling the same pain, the same hurt, the same loneliness and even the same fears.

My heart broke a second time while getting to know Elena and sweet sweet Stefano better. She and her late husband Giancarlo had so many plans for the future, not doubting for one instance that they wouldn’t succeed.

Unfortunately, Elena and Stefano have to face a life without their beloved husband and father. And their loss shows us how unfair life can be. Or rather, how selfish and money – grabbing some people can be…

It may seem strange, but I liked it to see how the author took her time to show us the reality of life. Italy is known for all the beauties it has, but there are also many ugly bits in it. And it is important to not forget about those bits, and to fight against it.

But I just loved reading how these two women, Lucy and Elena, find each other in their pain. As Elena doesn’t want to give up her dream of running the language school, she brings into her life the person she needs the most.

It was just so heartwarming seeing these two women form a friendship, how with being together and living together, they are able to grieve, to finally see things brightly again and are able to look forward positively.

Of course there is room for romance in this book, but while it shows Lucy that love is still around, it didn’t feel for me the main message of the book. Because this book is all about friendship, determination, not giving up, and believe that good things will come your way. And that may start with moving to Napoli, meet amazing people, get a taste of mozzarella (di bufala of course😊) and will make you open a teashop in a country addicted to coffee!

Can family heal the wounds?

Synopsis

Sometimes facing your fears can be the start of something wonderful

Fiona Gilchrist has spent years running from her demons. But deciding to take back control, she packs up her life and makes the trip to Provence to be reunited with her sisters. And almost instantly, there is something about La Maisonette which is healing and Fi knows she’s ready for a chance to start again.

When an opportunity arises to work alongside vet Christophe Brabant, Fi, although hesitant cannot resist saying yes. Because immersing herself in what she loves is the ultimate distraction. And while Christophe may be utterly charming, he’s also committed to his job so Fi knows she’s in safe hands. Yet, what starts as a blossoming friendship quickly turns to something deeper. Because for the first time in her life, Fi begins to feel relaxed and completely at ease. Could it be that Christophe’s heart is more like hers than she realises? Or has she allowed him to penetrate the boundaries she always considered unbreachable?

Coming to France took a leap of faith, but in doing so it has allowed these two damaged souls a chance to find each other while Provence works its magic…

My review

Of all the Gilchrist sisters, Fiona is the one that keeps her distance the most. After what happened to her years ago, Fi is still trying to escape her demons, failing at it. So when something happens, Fi needs to escape. And for once, what she truly needs, is to be with her sisters. Because Fi needs to take back control of her life. And she hopes that her stay in La Maisonette in Provence will give her not only the peace she is seeking for, but also the warm embrace and love from her loved one. But Fi quickly realizes that opening up after so many years isn’t easy, even if she can rely on her sisters’ support through every step. And no matter what or who they are, Fi is always wary of men. Until she meets Christophe Brabant, best friend of the family. And when there are opportunities to work with Christophe, over a shared passion over animals, Fi cannot resist the chance to work with him, and obviously with the animals. When friendship starts to bloom between them, and the knowledge that they both never will open their hearts to anyone again, brings them closer than they could ever imagine. But will their friendship evolve to more, despite them both being so closed – up? And will Fi finally chase all her demons away?

The Gilchrist sisters are the kind of family that slowly grew on me. They haven’t had an easy time, and it saddened me to read how the family grew apart over the years. And in the first two books, I started to appreciate the siblings, even if I have to admit that Fiona, due to her clear absence, wasn’t my favourite sister.

But with this book, I have to admit I was very prejudiced. Because while in the previous books it may seem that Fi isn’t just a family person, in this book it becomes so very obvious that even family doesn’t even know which demons are haunting us…

The more I got to know Fiona, the more I could relate to her. Now, I have not been through what she has been through years ago. But her lack in self-confidence, was something I recognized easily. And while in my case, it grew on me, it saddened me to read how Fiona is still that insecure young woman, whose scars of the past didn’t help her at all.

It also broke my heart reading how what happened to her, tore her apart from her family. Instead of confiding in them, she made the choice to distance herself from them, making her feel even more alone and lonely…

But when needs must, Fi has no other option to return to her home. Her home, being her family, as La Maisonette isn’t her real home.

Throughout the book, I could feel Fi’s pain, doubts, insecurities and longing for a change. I admired her to finally find the courage of coming clean about what she has endured in the past. And it warmed my heart to see how the Gilchrists not only embrace her, surround her with love, but also know that there are times that Fi needs to be on her own. Because healing doesn’t just come overnight, it is a whole process to go through. A journey that Fi has started but hasn’t reached the finish yet…

Fi for sure is going through a lot, as there are several demons that are still haunting her. But I loved reading how she finds solace and comfort with animals, especially the donkeys. With them, Fi finds a peace that she cannot find with even the gentlest of people. We see not only how much Fi cares about the animals, but also how animals can sense people’s characters. Fi loves animals unconditionally and that love is reciprocated.

Of course I also need to talk about Christophe…

Because his presence and his character is also part of Fi’s healing process. But also because he also needs to go though some healing himself.

He has been hurt by love before, and that made him adamant on falling in that trap again. But despite his determination to not let love back in, you can see from everything he does or says, what a kind person he truly is. Not only the way he interacts with people, but the way he is with animals too, just swoon – worthy!

And then I am not talking about the way he talks! As a polyglot myself, I found the way he mixes up all the languages he speaks so endearing!

There are moments where Fi for sure looks like a deer in headlights, scared of just everything, even mundane things like picking up a baby. But that shows us the depth of how she feels and thinks about herself… And seeing how Christophe seems to grasp all that, that Fi needs to be treated gently, to allow her real character, her lovely character to emerge, was just so sweet. And seeing their friendship evolve, just wow…  

This third book of the series is perhaps the most touching one. Yes, the focus is on Fi, but there is also some family resolution in it, what I didn’t expect to be taking place here.

We see here how different siblings can be from each other, which makes sense as they are characters of their own. But we also see how events of the past can tear us away from the people we love the most. And how difficult it can be to open up about what happened to us. However, we also see the strength of a family, how when in time of need, you can rely on always having a support group.

This was a lovely, heart – warming but also heart – breaking story to read. But it shows us that even the people that has been broken the most, can start to see the rays of sun again, see that what happened to them isn’t their fault, and that with being surrounded by family and friends, believe that they are worthy of love and being loved, no matter how scary that may feel.

Can you prove that love is real?

Synopsis

It’s the most wonderful time of the year…isn’t it?

Emily Anderson adores romance—both in books and in real life (though her own love life is more ‘tragic subplot’ than ‘happily-ever-after’). As an audiobook narrator, she spends her days bringing love stories to life, convinced that one day, her own perfect romance will come true.

Jude Cavendish, thinks romance is a fairy tale for fools. A crime author with a serious case of writer’s block, he’s horrified when his publisher asks him to add a love story to his latest novel. He knows murders, mysteries, and mayhem—not grand gestures and stolen kisses.

Desperate for help, Jude reluctantly turns to Emily, whose sunshine personality is the complete opposite of his grumpy cynicism. She’s determined to show him that love is more than just fiction, and he’s determined to prove her wrong. But as Christmas magic sparkles over the Cornish coast, Jude starts to wonder… what if Emily’s right?

Could the festive season bring them both the plot twist they never saw coming?

My review

Emily Anderson loves romance, both in real life and in books. Even if there is no romance in her own life, she truly believes that love is real, just look at her parents! After a lucky encounter a few years ago, now she also has the job of her dreams, as an audiobook narrator, with her own small fanbase. Surrounded by romance, she also truly believes that one day, she will experience that great romance story of her own. But her new task is for sure an unexpected one, as she is hired by famous crime author Jude Cavendish. With a publisher in common, Jude needs Emily’s help, as he has been requested to add some romance in his latest book. If only Jude were to believe that love is real… Emily hopes that she is able to prove Jude that love is real, and not just a matter of a transaction. And with Christmas looming around the corner, and leaving London for the Corish Coast for the festivities, will Emily show Jude the magic of love and perhaps even experience it herself?

It’s no secret that I am a great fan of Jo Bartlett. She has the amazing talent of writing heartfelt stories, whether it is about Cornish midwives, or families facing great tragedies. No matter what the story is about, she always manages to capture my attention and just doesn’t let go until I have reached the end.

Another amazing thing about Jo is her ability for her readers to not only sympathize with the main characters, but as a reader, you also recognize yourself in one or even several characters. And that for sure was something I had with Emily.

I am a real romantic at heart, believing in that great amazing thing that love is. However, just like Emily, I haven’t been that lucky yet in finding my perfect match. But that doesn’t stop me from believing that it exist.

And just like Emily, I can be swept away in books where the most heart touching love stories are happening.

But those are not the only similarities I had with Emily. Emily is content with her current life at the start of the book, but she isn’t living her life at the fullest. She has a job, but just like for so many people amongst us, it isn’t her actual dream job.

I liked to read, even if it is pure fictional, how one trip truly changes Emily’s life for the better. Emily not only encounters her favourite author, but that same encounter also gives her career a complete twist, making of her an audiobook narrator.

Oh, and this all happens rather early on the book! So can you imagine my curiosity of what else would be happening? 😊

Emily is such a sunny character, how can you not like her? And that all despite she has been through. Not that she had an unhappy upbringing, but it wasn’t easy with a mother with health problems. And yet we see Emily and her family stick together, go to every high and every low together, united.

Jude couldn’t be more different than Emily. And the more I got to know him, the more my heart ached for him. His life shows us how events from the past can scar us, how events, incidents can become demons that haunt us for years. And how, unfortunately for Jude, how a loss can affect the relationship between a father and a son…

So I couldn’t blame him for not believing in any kind of love, as he has been hurt just too often by people that claimed or should have loved him…

And I could understand why Jude isn’t writing anything romantic in his books. Even when I am reading books from crime authors, I am also hoping there will be lighter moments filled with, why not, some love.

Emily and Jude being chalk and cheese would be an understatement. They get along, it’s not that they cannot stand each other, but they just see things so differently.

It for sure seems like a mission impossible, making Jude believe that love is real. I could feel his bitterness while he is explaining that he sees love just as a part of a transaction. And while it saddened me (or rather, broke my heart), I could understand him, and where he came from.

And how heart – warming was it to see Emily’s attempt to make Jude see how wonderful love can be. We all know how beautiful it can be, but in a unique way, Emily also shows Jude *all* the aspects of love, not just the romantic way of it.

Jo Bartlett shows us in this beautiful story that love for sure works in mysterious ways. And seeing Jude melting bit by bit, starting to believe in this weird thing that love is, yet never losing the essence of what Jude makes Jude, just great. And this with an Emily who never loses her belief and makes it even her mission to ‘convert’ Jude…

And what a nice addition to see some old friends of mine again! That for sure added an extra smile on my face!

I absolutely devoured this heart – warming story! Jo Bartlett manages to capture the essence of what love is in this wonderful book, and through Emily’s character she is able to make everyone believe in love (again). And I am for sure curious to see the kind of book Jude has finally written! 😊

When six turns out to be the perfect number (or not…)

Synopsis

A simmering Fangirl Down X Rivals X Crazy Rich Asians (with a British twist)

LOLA is juggling two jobs to make ends meet; underpaid sales exec by day, and waitress in a cocktail bar by night.

MONTY is the captain of Bath Beasts cricket team and heir to a portfolio of luxury properties.

Girls like her don’t normally end up with boys like him. But when she accidentally bares all at his cup final, destiny (and the number six) ensures their match is a home run.

Unfortunately, Monty’s family has other ideas, doing all they can to prevent their golden boy from getting bowled over by the lowly Lola. Can their love survive the attacking shot? Or will they find themselves on a sticky wicket?

My review

Life isn’t easy on your own, that is something Lola for sure knows. That is why she is trying to juggle two jobs at the time. If only things at her main job, being a sales exec, would be enjoyable, she would be able to enjoy life some more. But no, her newest colleague for sure doesn’t know which lines cannot be crossed, and can charm his way out of everything. Even at a cricket game, with important people, he doesn’t stop, causing Lola to find herself in the spotlight, showing a little bit too much. That for sure draws the (unwanted) attention to her. Not only of everyone in the stadium, but also the attention of Monty, the captain of the Bath Beasts cricket team. He knows from the field what happened to Lola, but Monty even afterwards cannot get that woman out of his mind. Monty is trying to figure out how to follow his passion, but without completely disappointing his family and their business. So when Lola and Monty start getting to know each other, it is not only Lola who believes that she is punching above her weight, but also Monty that needs to fight his own family, who believe that Lola isn’t good enough for their golden boy. So will whatever is growing between Monty and Lola be strong enough to fight against everything and everyone that want them to go their own ways?

I have gotten to know this author with her food – related books. Causing me yes, to be hungry after each book. So if this time, she is going the sports – tour, of course I had to read this too. Even if my knowledge of cricket is non – existing, why would I let that aspect hold me back?

Now, rather quickly in the book, I was getting angrier with  every moment. Not because I didn’t like the story up that far, but because of the behaviour of some of the characters Lola is working with. In these times, you would assume that such behaviour would be quicker condemned, and that we all would be able to see through the farce and charm of others.

I don’t know if I could handle it all so gracefully as Lola does. Being diplomatic isn’t something I am known for, so I was perhaps a bit jealous of Lola, taking it all in, not letting anyone see how much she actually is hurt. She doesn’t let ‘the bullies’ win!

However, her moment of ‘shame’, wow, I don’t think I would be ever able to show my face anywhere!  I could completely comprehend how Lola is feeling in those moments, while she isn’t at fault in any way, no matter how others may see it!

So even if I was ready to jump into the book, and give everyone that somehow has hurt Lola a good shouting, it is also how Lola and Monty truly meet and how their story starts…

Like I said earlier, I don’t know a lot about cricket, but I have to say that in all sports, I like it to see how the players are all committed, passionate about the sport they love. And that for sure also applies to Monty.

If you would have to base your opinion of Monty purely on his family, you wouldn’t warm towards him like I did. Yes, it is easy to make judgements about a person based on what those close to him do or act like.

But in Monty’s case, it is clear that he is part of a wealthy family, but that in fact he is very different. He just wants to do what he loves, what he is passionate about. In fact, he just wants what we all want… Be happy by following our passions, what makes our heart beat faster.

And Monty is just such a likeable character… He is very down to earth, he isn’t the kind of person to flaunt with his wealth. If he wouldn’t be part of a family that has been running a very successful business, I truly believe that he would be the same guy.

Although there may be one bit that I would think that Monty should have learned to do better… And that is to stand up for himself a lot better. Because we see that he wants to follow his passion, but finds it difficult to be so outspoken about it with his family. On the other hand, that is also a bit understandable, as he clearly has a lot to live up to. And it is always easier said than done, isn’t it?

Lola’s and Monty’s lives couldn’t be more different from each other. Monty seemingly has it all, and Lola has not a lot. But what they both share, is that in fact, they aren’t happy with their current lives, and what their prospects may be.

They both have dreams that seem faraway dreams, yet it in a way, it was funny to read how similar those dreams look like!

And let’s not forget, that there is clearly sparks flying around when these two lovely people are together, despite their backgrounds or opinions from their loved ones. It was sweet to see how extreme they first lay eyes on each other, but then slowly there is a friendship growing between them, and even more.

And while I don’t believe in it myself, how their lives are entwined with the number six. Suddenly, after meeting Monty, Lola is aware of that number appearing more regularly in her life. If that isn’t a sign, I don’t know what she needs more! 😊

I always enjoy reading stories about people finding each other, even if they are very different from each other. But I like discovering with the main characters what it is that bring them together, what unites them.

Isabella May managed to capture my attention and to keep it, despite a sport I have no affinity at all with it. All thanks to great main characters, and their personal, mutual and combined growth they are going through!

Love doesn’t come easy…

Synopsis

Lottie’s relationship with Greg ends when he leaves her for Emma, a decision that links their lives in ways neither woman could foresee. 

Emma traps Greg into marriage when she becomes pregnant. Later, a one-night stand leaves Lottie carrying Greg’s child, forcing them into an uneasy co-parenting arrangement. 

As both women navigate their complicated ties, they build an uneasy alliance. And when Lottie faces the ultimate challenge, she is forced to ask Emma for help. Can two women who once loathed each other come together during a dark time? 

Poignant, heart-wrenching, and hopeful, this is a tale of resilience and the power of unexpected connections. 

My review

Lottie is happy with her relationship with Greg, as she truly believes she has found The One. Until Greg falls in love with Emma and believes that his future is with her… Lottie is heartbroken and finds it difficult to move on and finds herself in a downward spiral. However, Emma feels that she is losing Greg, and to make sure that she doesn’t lose the man she loves, intentionally gets pregnant, which forces Greg to marry Emma. But as Lottie and Greg have been together for so long,  their lives are entwined, and as they have the same friends, they keep on seeing each other on several occasions; making it difficult for Lottie to truly get over Greg, and for Emma to get over her jealousy… But over the course of time, both women, once enemies, are forced to work together, as Life isn’t making things easy for either of them…

Life never goes as expected, and that is for sure something Lottie learns on her journey.

It must be devasting to see how the man you love, leaves you for another woman. However, when in most cases, you are able to severe all ties with your ex, as Lottie and Greg have been together for a long time, her friends are his friends and the other way around. So how haunting can it be, when you are forced to not only keep on seeing the man that broke your heart, but also seeing him happy with another woman?

I could understand that Lottie finds it hard to move on, as she is constantly faced with what she lost. But I have to admit, that I never did warm towards Greg. He seems like the guy that wants to have it all, without having to face responsibility of his actions.

Yes, of course, when Emma falls pregnant, he does the right thing by marrying her. But he doesn’t do it because of his love for Emma, more out of duty, as he doesn’t want his child to go through the same as he did.

His inability of letting Lottie go, makes Lottie make decisions that I could comprehend in one way, but I didn’t agree with them. There are lines in my opinion that cannot be crossed, yet in this book, they are crossed… But at least Lottie knows that what she is doing, is wrong…

I have to say, that the blurb of the book gives away a lot. Because I was expecting Lottie’s pregnancy earlier in the book, while in fact it takes a long time, even years pass, before it happens. And the same can be said of her diagnose.

This book in fact, is the long journey that Lottie is going through. And not a journey over days, weeks or months, but in fact over years. We see not only how she gets over her heartbreak, or how she is making mistakes, but also how she is standing up again, learning from her mistakes, starts to trust again.

We also see how relationships change, and how in some cases they even stay the same. Not only the relationship with Greg changes at the start of the book, but also the relationship between Lottie and her friends change. Not that there is a falling out, but life take them in different directions, no path is the same. Yet it was heartwarming to see how their friendship stands against every test that Life throws them.

In this book, we don’t only see Lottie’s story, but also Emma’s. And just like Greg, I didn’t like her from the start. Especially when there is the tricking part, I just couldn’t understand Emma’s desperation. But on the other hand, love make us do crazy things, doesn’t it?

While it makes sense and is more than understanding that Lottie and Emma initially are enemies, I liked reading how over time, even their relationship shifts. Because of the made decisions, their lives are and will forever be entwined, and both women, over the years are trying to make their awkward situation work.

So while Lottie’s life has many ups and downs, where hope rises and falls, we see how she can rely on her loyal friends and even unexpected allies to get her trough her toughest of moments, over and over again.

There was a moment in this book, at another low of Lottie, where I thought that she had been through a lot already, and that it wasn’t fair of what she has to face again. But in real honestly, whenever is life truly fair?

Yet reading about Lottie’s resilience, her fights, her struggles, even her lowest moments, but also reading about the support, help and love she receives, even from unexpected corners, shows us how strong we all can be and ready to fight those battles.

This isn’t an easy journey to read through, as the author shows us how many twists there can be in our lives. But we also see how stronger we can get after each fight, and that life can be too short to wallow in misery and sorrow. And that no matter what we have been through, we should never lose hope, and always believe in love.