What will be found when you are looking for answers?

Synopsis

A daring young lady and dashing lord

At Prebbles Flying Circus, the daring Eliza Gray captivates audiences with her breathtaking feats on horseback. Yet beyond the applause, she harbours a longing to find the family she lost as a child and discover who she truly is.

Fate, however, takes an unexpected turn when Eliza is unceremoniously knocked down by a curricle driven recklessly by Raven, Earl Purfoy. Dazed but intrigued, she cannot help but notice Purfoy’scommanding presence.

For his part, the dashing lord, is mortified at his carelessness and resolves to assist the spirited yet intriguing young woman. He deposits her in the care of his dearest friends, Corinna and Alick Wolfe, who encourage Miss Gray in her search for her family and sponsor her entry into London society. The glittering balls and scurrilous gossip of the ton are a far cry from the circus ring and Eliza finds herself the subject of intense speculation and unwelcome advances.

As a most accidental debutante, Eliza has to navigate the complexities of high society and her new friendships. Her quest for family and belonging becomes perilously entwined with Zadoc Flynn, an American heir in search of an English bride, and the unfathomable Lord Purfoy.

Can Eliza uncover the truth of her past and the family she longs for? And will it be Mr Flynn or Lord Purfoy, or indeed her new female friends, who help her find her place in the world?

In a tale of courage, passion, and self-discovery, this lost orphan must decide where she truly belongs.

My review

Eliza Gray does not know who she is, as when she was just a young child, she got lost and she never knew who her family was. That brought her to Prebbles Flying Circus, where over the years she has built a name with her talents on her horse. But now Eliza wants to know where she came from and thus she leaves the circus on her personal quest. A quest that starts with her being knocked down by a cubicle driven by Earl Purfoy. Raven is shocked that he is the cause of Eliza’s accident, and wants to make amends, by making sure she is looked after by his best friends. Corinna and Alick Wolfe are more than ready to help Eliza, not only to look after her, but also to find out about her past. And why not, even sponsor her into society. The more Eliza gets to know about society, the closer she gets to find her answers. But also the more time she spends with Raven, the more she realizes that there is something. But an Earl and a nobody, that is just not done, right? And let’s not forget that Raven isn’t looking for love at all…

Regency books always intrigue me, as they show us, yes perhaps a romanticized version, of a time not that far ago, how different things were. Yet, even it intrigues me, I am sure I don’t want to live in that era, as I wouldn’t be allowed to have a voice or mind of my mind, something that I for sure have 😊.

I am also very close to my family, even if there are moments that the Langone’s are a bit too much, even for me 😊. So I cannot imagine not knowing who my tribe is, who my relatives are. Especially if just like Eliza, knowing that there is a family out there, but not remembering them. Isn’t that an awful thing to imagine?

So of course I could understand Eliza’s need for answers, she wants to know where she truly belongs. I don’t know how things worked in a circus back then, and it doesn’t seem like a free environment. But I could see how despite that situation, Eliza not only has built some real friendships, that support her and encourage her. But we also see how working in the circus has made her connect with horses. A connection that we continue to understand better the more the story evolves.

Growing up in the circus also made sure that Eliza does not take cr*p from anyone. She is a strong woman, standing her ground, not letting take anyone advantage of her, even talking back isn’t something that scares her, but she is also the kind of person that respects those who are kind to her. She is loyal to them, and when she has made a mistake, she does whatever she can to make it right again.

But on the other hand, Eliza is also someone that doesn’t want to stand in the way. She doesn’t want to add any worries to her loved ones. She doesn’t want to be a burden to anyone, and she for sure doesn’t want to force anyone in a situation they are not comfortable in.

Even if that means not admitting the growing feelings she has for Raven Purfoy, the man that caused her accident, but also helped her afterwards.

Raven for sure is that typical dark, mysterious, distant Earl that we expect from these kind of book. But he is also that typical man, typical Earl, that hides behind a façade and even feelings of guilt.

He is a loyal friend, that is for sure. For those in his circle, he would even try to move the moon. But he is rather closed for outsiders, and doesn’t let people easily in. That obviously comes from somewhere, and I couldn’t wait to discover what that was, and if and how Eliza would be able to bring those walls down.

Where the ‘relationship’ between Eliza and Raven starts as accidental, they slowly bond over a shared passion for horses, and Eliza adapting to Raven’s way of life in a way. Their lives and upbringing couldn’t be more different, but with Eliza stepping into society, and Raven’s determination to help Eliza with her quest, bring them closer and closer.

That quest isn’t that straightforward, but that is also to be expected. And I have to say, that while there is one outcome that I was pleased about, I felt a little bit unsatisfied with the truth, and also with the actions and manners of some people that turn out to be related to Eliza…

This book shows us that love and feelings that truly matter, don’t look at where you come from, but what is in your heart. We see an unlikely even an impossible matching in the making. But isn’t it impossible because we, and society, makes it impossible? That fear and guilt can make us miss out what could turn out to be the best possible thing.

A better way to get your friends off your back, is pretend, isn’t it?

Synopsis

When the beginning of the end is just the start…

Newly single Lola Wild has had her fill of well-intentioned matchmaking friends. Her best friend Mirabel’s hen weekend highlights all that’s wrong with Lola’s life and she knows something has tochange.

With Mirabel’s luxurious wedding in Sardinia fast approaching, Lola is looking forward to switching off, spending time with her friends and keeping her non-existent love life off everyone’s agenda.

Meanwhile, fellow wedding guest Rhys Strickland has his own problems. So when a chance encounter brings Rhys and Lola together they decide to help each other out.

To the idyllic backdrop of white sand beaches and azure bays, they bond over shared heartache, and friendship blossoms as they attempt to navigate the hurt and hard truths of past relationships.

Opening up their hearts and embracing change might be the last thing they expected, but what if a holiday of make-believe can turn into something real?

A heart-warming and uplifting story of vulnerability, self-renewal and finding love when you least expect to.

My review

Lola Wild couldn’t be more happier that her best friend Mirabel is getting married to the love of her life, Fabs. As her husband – to – be’s family is born and raised in Sardinia, Mirabel’s hen weekend is going to take place on the wonderful Italian island. Lola is ready to unwind for not only a weekend, but for a finally holiday. What she can miss though, is being the subject of laughter of her friends, as her latest dating story was truly a terrible one. But Lola is also carrying a darker secret about her last relationship, something she hasn’t shared with anyone. So when she meets Fabs’ best friend Rhys, who himself is in a peculiar situations relationship wise, it makes sense for them to join forces and to pretend that there is something going on between the two of them. For Rhys, it’s the perfect way to show everyone that he is absolutely not affected by his ex now being with his friend. What they didn’t expect though, is that their pretend quickly becomes a real friendship, bonding over heartache, and the feeling that they can share just everything with each other. But as they are only here for the wedding and they are in fact pretending to be falling in love, what will happen after their friends’ “I Do”?

No, I was not biased in even the tiniest bit while reading this wonderful book! It just added an extra layer of marvellousness that the author has chosen for an Italian island as the setting of Lola’s and Rhys’ story. But I have to admit, that while Kate Frost obviously wrote it as Sardinia, I changed it in my mind in the Italian way, being Sardegna 😊.

While it’s clear that Lola is a great character, it is also obvious that there is a dark cloud looming around her all the time. And it isn’t just the fact that her last “date” ended terribly, but mainly how her last relationship ended and yet how it still haunts her…

It saddened me to read how she hasn’t been and still isn’t able to talk about her friends about everything that she has been through and what is still going on. Because aren’t friends there in time of fun, but also and most importantly, in time of need?

Now, before you start thinking badly about Lola’s friends, just don’t. Because all of them like to have Lola as the main subject of their banter, but you can also see the love they have for each other. Especially Mirabel and Lola are truly close, and connect more than with the other ladies.

So for Lola not being able to talk about what she has been through, is only proof of how much it has affected her, and how ashamed and even how guilty she feels about what has transpired. Not that any of it is her fault, because we see how manipulative some people can be. How those who are supposed to loved us, are able to break us, to break our confidence and just our whole persona, pure for their own pleasure and evilness…

And thus it is also understandable that Lola isn’t looking for love at all, despite her friends’ efforts in matchmaking in any way. And thus it makes perfect sense for Lola and Rhys to pretend that there is something growing between them, to just get everyone of their back.

I was very pleasantly surprised by Rhys’ character. Not because I expected Kate Frost to give Lola a terrible love interest, but because Rhys just felt so real.

I could understand the hurt he felt when he learns that his ex is now in a relationship with his friend. And it doesn’t help that firstly, she is part of the friendship gang, but that she is also in a way flaunting it every chance she has. It’s clear that Rhys isn’t in love with her anymore, but it is more about the sneakiness of it all, how in a way he has been being played by her.

Of course pretending to be falling for each other, is a recipe for disaster. But even without them pretending, it is obvious that Lola and Rhys just connect. Even if they didn’t know each other before this trip, they feel that they can trust each other. And it was sweet to read how they start to confide in each other, telling each other the things they cannot tell even their best friends. There is a comradery between them, just great to read!

As both Lola and Rhys are still coming to terms with their failed relationships, I could also understand the fear or reluctance to admit what is growing between them. However, no matter how awkward things are becoming at moments, they are still there for each other when it is necessary. That kind of loyalty is something we all need, don’t we. No matter what we are going through at the moment, in times of need, we all stick together.

I absolutely loved reading this book, as it is not only about the pretend relationship, but also about the real meaning of friendship, no matter how old of new that friendship may be. It is about complicity, being there for each other and allowing love back in (and not just love in the romantic way). It is about chasing demons away (even literally) and finding your confidence and strength back. And all of this, in a beautiful Italian setting, what more can you wish for?

When in Benidorm…

Synopsis

She never expected to find herself in Benidorm. But when life gives you lemons, add a shot of tequila…

Connie’s singing career isn’t exactly going to plan. On a final warning from her agent and failing every big audition, she’s desperate for a fresh start. So when she lands a last-minute gig in Benidorm (of all places) she jumps at the chance – despite knowing she’s completely out of her depth.

Thrown into the wild world of the Dollz, a cocktail-fuelled girl group who love glitter as much as they love drama, Connie struggles to fit in. Then there’s Matteo – the brooding, annoyingly attractive local who seems to be everywhere she turns, throwing her further off course.

As she stumbles through a week of sun, surprises and absolute chaos, Connie has to decide: is this rock bottom, or can she find her own way to shine?

Previously published as Benidorm, Actually

My review

Not only has Connie failed to follow into her mother’s footsteps, but also her own agent has given her a final warning. Because Connie may have a great voice, but ever since losing her mother, she has also lost her mojo and the will to sing happy songs. Now she has been given one last chance, a last – minute gig in Benidorm, where she falls in the world of a girl – cover – band called The Dollz. And their world couldn’t be more different than Connie’s as they live on drama, glitter, parties and lemons. Connie finds it not easy to follow this excentric group in all their antics and chaos. And then there is Matteo, Mr. Window Seat, with whom Connie flew over and didn’t have the best trip. Yet Matteo seems to appears everywhere Connie is… Connie doesn’t know what to think or to feel, but what she does know is that this week in Benidorm will be life – changing, whether it is for the better or for the worse, that is still to be decided…

I am always up to read stories where the main character takes off abroad, in the hope that life will take a change for the better finally. Even if I am a tiny prejudiced towards Benidorm (heard too many stories that I think you know what those may be about 😊), I was ready to give this place a shot to change my mind or at least show me a different side of it.

It isn’t so strange that right from the start of the book, all my sympathy went out to Connie. Her big dream ended in failure and on itself that is already a difficult thing to process, but the fact that her failing was caused by grief, made me truly feel for her.

And it is so typical in life, that all bad things happen at the same time… She lost her mother, she didn’t succeed to get accepted, and now she is on a last warning, bringing her singing career even more at risk.

When Connie takes off to Benidorm, her last chance, it is obvious that this trip will change her life. Although it is not clear how exactly… And saying that the trip to Benidorm itself starts with a positive note, would be a lie. Because on the plane, despite all her good intentions, Connie manages to make a real mess out of it, and yes, you can take it literally… That for sure sounds promising, doesn’t it…

As an extroverted introvert myself, I could understand how out of depth Connie is feeling when she is with the Dollz. They for sure a force of nature, and to be honest, not always in the most positive ways… They are loud, present, into the moment, and yes, even inappropriate at moments. They love life, and are the life of the many parties. They do whatever they like, whenever they like, not paying much attention to made agreements, or even taking Connie’s opinion in account. They even manage to forget about her at all!

Now, they aren’t truly that bad, but I think I can say with a conscious heart that I don’t know if I would pick them as my friends.

But them being so different from Connie, is exactly what Connie needs. Because she needs to get out of her downward spiral, she needs to get out of her shell, she needs to step outside her comfort zone. And who better is up to that task than that bunch of crazy, yet kind – hearted lunatics.

And slowly, Connie start to get out of that dark shell, she starts to see and understand that grief isn’t the end station. Grief hurts, no one will deny that, but you cannot let grief rule the rest of your life. And in an unlikely way, together with the Dollz, Connie opens up more, sees the potential life can give her.

Potential that may or may not bring love in the equation too… Because no matter how badly things started with Matteo, with Connie keeping bumping into him, even that awkward relationship starts to shift. Seeing that change, that evolution, even with the many hiccups that there are between them, was just lovely to read.

This is a story that perhaps has many side characters that are a special kind of taste, but that in the end have their hearts at the right place. Side characters that understand Connie better than Connie herself would imagine they could.

Though several laughs and eyebrow raisings from my side, many awkward situations for the characters, we see that perhaps stepping outside what we know may be the best thing that could happen to us!  

One summer, one grumpy neighbour, one chance at love?

Synopsis

Is this just a summer romance or could it be more?

Nicola grew up at Pennycress Inn, in the beautiful Cotswold village of Meadowfield, and now she’s come full circle by landing a job there. After a difficult few months, she’s happy to be back in the place she loves and calls home.

The whole village is looking forward to the annual summer carnival, and Nicola is charged with asking the local farmers to lend their tractors and trailers for the occasion. It’s an easy task – until she meets the new owner of Little Mead Farm, who stubbornly refuses to help.

On sabbatical from his City job for the summer, Charlie wants to do up his late uncle’s farm and put it on the market as soon as possible. The place might have been in his family for generations but country life is simply not for him. He has no time for whatever the villagers are up to.

When Nicola and Charlie meet, sparks fly – and unexpected feelings grow. Soon there’s more at stake in Meadowfield than the success of the carnival. But whatever happens between them, this is just a summer romance… isn’t it?

My review

Nicola is slowly becoming herself again after a few difficult months, with the discovery of a cheating fiancé. Now she enjoys life again, and is truly happy with how things are going, especially as she is working at Pennycress Inn, a place that she loves deeply. With now summer approaching, it also means that the annual summer carnival is returning, something not only Nicola, but everyone in Meadowfield is looking forward to. Of course such an event cannot take place with volunteers, and Nicola is more than happy to help out. So when it is up to her to ask her neighbour to lend his tractor and trailer, Nicola doesn’t see any issue, as she knows the kind heart of Farmer Williams. Until she learns that in the months of emotional turmoil Nicola was in, Farmer Williams passed away and his nephew Charlie is now the new owner. And  the last thing Charlie wants, is to lend out his possessions to a community he doesn’t want to be part of at all. On the contrary, the quicker he can sell the place and return to London, the better. But the more the summer progresses, the more things start to change between Nicola and Charlie. And Nicola starts to believe in love once again. But with Charlie adamant on returning to London after the summer, where will that leave them?

There are authors that write stories series that you like, but don’t ignite a special something while reading. And then there are authors that manage with an apparent easy story or series, to capture what life and love is all about. And Sarah Hope is absolutely the latter!

Of course it was a real delight to return to Meadowfield, a place where I could easily see myself living a wonderful life. As I loved reading the first book of the series, I couldn’t wait to put my hands on the second book. But if you haven’t read the first book, shame on you! Just kidding 😊 but do not worry, as you can read this perfectly as a standalone. But why would you only want to read this one if you can read two wonderful books?

Nicola is the kind of person that deserves all that is good in the world, yet she had the bad luck to fall in love with Nathan, who betrayed her in a terrible way. And while I know that for Nicola, there is a whole new adventure awaiting, my heart went out to her, reading how those last few months were a struggle for her.

So I  was happy to read how at the start of the book, those struggles were behind her, yet we get an understanding what she has been trough. It felt to me that she has a special spark in her, a joy that is just waiting to come out. Nicola is just this kind, gentle, loving, caring and altruistic person. She is the kind of person you can always rely on, you can always count on in need of help. In fact, she is so kind and helpful that even when she is gently pushed into doing something she doesn’t really want to do, she does it anyway. She is *that* kind of person. The kind of person that in fact, everyone needs in their lives, or even more, to be that kind of person!

Even if I didn’t know Farmer Williams, it saddened me to read how he passed away while Nicola was in her sad bubble. From what I have read, he seemed like a real gentle man, someone that was there for the community. And I could understand Nicola’s shock realizing that this gentle man was no longer… And to make it worse, the farm was now in the hands of his obnoxious and even rude nephew Charlie.

Now, with already one bad guy in the book (in the form of Nathan), I just knew that Charlie would show quickly his true colours, and that we would understand his actions more along in the story. And understand I did.

Because Charlie inherited a farm, while his complete and rather successful life is in London. Meadowfield and London are worlds apart, and it for sure feels like a complete shock for Charlie to be in Meadowfield now. Where in London he can have everything within reach, at Meadowfield he is faced with a community that just has its own ways, and that in fact in a way won’t let you just sit as a bystander.

While things don’t start off great between Nicola and Charlie, the ice slowly starts to melt between them, and even if Charlie is set on selling the place as soon as possible, there is an undeniable attraction between the pair of them.

And reading those bits, truly warmed my heart. Not because Nicola deserves to finally have a good man in her life, but because she needs to see that there are good men around, and that even for her, love is written in the stars…

Obviously the uncertainty of things are weighing down on Nicola, and I understood that she wants some answers of what will happen once summer is over. But I could also understand that she wants to enjoy her time with Charlie, as he understands her better than anyone.

I loved reading how Nicola is not only becoming more and more a ray of light in this story, but she also stands tall when there are moments that someone tries to use her kindness once again. And I absolutely adored seeing Nicola and Charlie together, especially reading how Nicola realizes that her first impression of  Charlie were way off, and she discovers his real character.

Sarah Hope once again took us on a marvellous trip, filled with great characters, she took us together with them on an emotional journey, showing us that love can be hurtful with the wrong people, but with the right people it can be a wonderful thing!

When a place holds so many hurtful memories, can it bring happiness again?

Synopsis

Hal never wanted to return to La Canette, the way his family was treated is a painful memory. He only came back to sell the old family home because they desperately need the money. If only the impossible woman next door didn’t get in his way and sabotage his every plan. What else did he expect from the granddaughter of their arch enemy who destroyed their family.

Elodie has beautiful memories of her childhood on La Canette. When her sweet, loving grandfather breaks bis neck, she discovers he’s drowning is debt. The warmth and generous support on the island convince her to return and rescue her grandfather’s honey and beehive business. It’s a difficult challenge made worse by the impossible man next door, why does he hate her?

And if this weren’t enough, an old family secret threatens to ruin everything, unless she finds the long buried answers that might finally allow her to have her happy ending.

*****  “This is so much more than an enemies to lovers romance. … a thriller with a historical WW2 back story and a warm friendly community helping Elodie to create a beautiful honey shop. Everyone should read this”

*****  “I loved the story – I couldn’t stop reading”

*****  “Such a lovely story. Gave me goose pimples. I thoroughly enjoyed it!!!!” 

My review

Elodie has always been seen as a failure by her family. The only person that even remembers her birthday, is her grandfather who is living on La Canette. So when his health is deteriorating, everyone just assumes that as Elodie has ‘nothing important’ to do, she can head over to  help. It is not a problem for Elodie to visit her beloved grandfather Hedge, but the assumptions her own family makes, just irk her. But when Elodie arrives, it is clear that Hedge needs more help than expected, and not only because of his health… Now it is up to Elodie to rescue Hedge’s failing honey shop, even if she has no idea to make it all work, despite all her creative ideas. And then there is her annoying neighbour, Hal, who cannot wait to sell his former home as soon as possible and leave La Canette to never return again. Hal and Elodie don’t get along at all, and despise is even a too kind word to describe their relationship. But Hal is not the only one with secrets, as it becomes obvious that their own homes have been keeping secrets for years. Secrets that may change just about everything…

La Canette is a place that has grown to me the more books I read of the series. So of course I was delighted to return to this beautiful place, with a great community and the wonderful people I have already encountered previously!

Elodie is a real new character to the series. While in the previous books, we already saw glimpses of the main characters, Elodie is a real new entry. A new entry that obviously has a connection to La Canette.

With new characters, there is always a bit of trepidation… Will I like them? Will I connect with them? And with Elodie, I should not have feared at all! I liked her immediately, I connected with her and I just wanted to be her friend! But

I also have to say that I just felt so sorry for her too… Because she may be still trying to figure out her own life, but it isn’t just fair or nice that her own family just take her for granted or even make her feel like a failure or a disappointment… Just because you haven’t got all the answers yet, it doesn’t mean you have failed in any way!

From the moment Elodie is with Hedge, her grandfather, it is obvious that she truly loves her grandfather. And I believe that it is not something to take lightly. Because everyone loves their grandparents, obviously. But not everyone would do what Elodie is doing. If you can do such things for the person you love, it is truly a testament to her kind, caring and just great character!

When Elodie realizes the situation her beloved grandfather is in, she wants to do all the possible to rescue not only his honey shop, but also in general, she wants to help Hedge as much as possible, even if her own knowledge is well, lacking.

In a way it felt that not only Elodie wants to help her grandfather for him, but also to show everyone that in fact she isn’t a failure. And it also felt that she wanted to prove it to herself, that she can make a success out of things. She doesn’t know yet where her future lays, but she feels that La Canette may give her the answers that she is looking for.

That cannot be said of Hal though. After many years, he has returned to La Canette, a place that holds so many painful memories. Even if I didn’t know all the details, I could understand why he wanted to sell his former home as soon as possible. And while I didn’t agree with the speed and the nonchalance he wants to sell his home, I found it sweet how he has planned to use the money to help out his mother and his sister.

Hal and Elodie are clearly for opposite reasons at La Canette. And Hal’s reluctance is palpable and even shows in his rough and rude attitude towards Elodie, even if later on we get to know more about the animosity between the families. And a lot is made clear and makes his behaviour so understandable.

Now, if Hal was a real d*ckhead, I would be very angry with the author! But of course Hal truly redeems himself, and his background of course makes up for my initial bad thoughts about him. And he truly shows his real, kind and wonderful character. Slowly, but his real nature emerges. And yes, maybe I fell a “little” bit for him 😊.

Hal is not the only one with secrets in this book, as Hedge’s and Hal’s homes are having secrets of themselves. Or rather, to be more accurate, whole La Canette is harbouring secrets, for a dark history. Secrets that affect Elodie and Hal more than expected.

Once again I loved the close community that La Canette is. Because when needed, everyone sticks together, fighting against the same enemy. And that is just amazing, knowing that whenever in need, no matter how big or small, there is always someone to help you out, to brainstorm with you, or to do some labour at your place.

What a delightful return this was to La Canette, and what a great next instalment this was! This doesn’t perhaps has a that big connection with the main characters of the previous books, although there is one obvious and great one, but it also felt to me that bringing everyone back wasn’t strictly necessary. Elodie and Hal are carrying perfectly this book on their own. They don’t need the other main characters that often or present in this book, but whenever they appear, it obviously is a delight to see them all again!

When one summer can change everything, but in what way?

Synopsis

One summer on a beautiful island could change everything…

Valentina Taylor’s life has been upended. With her marriage over, and unsure of what her future holds, she heads to the Isle of Skye for the summer with her young son, Barnaby.

But the journey there sets her on a new path, when she meets Xander Courage on the train – a charming American, running from problems of his own. After sparks fly, they go their separate ways. But on this small island, they’re never far from one another…

Skye offers Valentina the refuge she needs as she whiles away the long summer days at her beachside cottage, enjoying visits from her sisters, Thea and Ezzie. But when bad news from home throws her Scottish idyll into turmoil, Valentina finds herself pulled away from the place – and people – that she loves.

Valentina knows she must confront her heart’s desires – but can she let go of the past and embrace the future she deserves?

Lose yourself in a heartfelt story of second chances, love, and self-discovery, set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Isle of Skye. Perfect for fans of Sarah Morgan and Karen Swan.

My review

When it’s obvious that Valentina Taylor’s marriage is over, the best idea that she can have, is to go to the Isle of Skye with her son Barnaby, especially as there she can always find the comfort, support and many embraces from her sisters. On the train to Skye, she meets Xander Courage and his nephew Macdonald, who came over from America to spend also a summer on the Isle of Skye and discover their own roots. After a few hiccups on Xander’s side, Valentina decides to help the pair out, and help them to get to Skye without having to face any other issues. And as Skye isn’t the biggest of Isle’s, it is logical that Valentina and Xander keep on bumping into each other, and as Barnaby and Macdonald connect, despite the age difference, they start to spend more time together. However, Valentina finds herself in turmoil, as it appears that she is needed back “home. So with her heart pulling her in one direction, towards Skye, and her mind and conscience in another direction, to what used to be her home, what will be pulling the hardest and bring her the most happiness?

I need to be honest for just one half of a minute… When I started this book, I knew it was part of a series, a series that I have already read the other books of. But being a bookworm like I am, I have read a lot of other books between those first books and this book, so I needed to catch up a little bit, to submerge myself back in the world of Taylor sisters. And I was quickly completely back in the series, and absolutely ready to get to know Valentina so much better, but also see how the other sisters would be doing!

My heart went out to Valentina, as we knew already beforehand that there was something wrong with her marriage. But reading the how and the who, well it not only saddened me but also angered me. I can understand that marriages end, that there isn’t that kind of love anymore. But that doesn’t mean a free pass to act so selfish and just ghost Valentina and Barnaby…

So I could completely comprehend that Valentina not only needs to stay at a place that give her peace, quiet and being surrounded by her biggest supporters, being her sisters. But I also understood that she wanted to be play a tiiiiiiiiiiny bit dirty, by changing the locks of the house, and letting other people reside there, just to show Gary that she is not someone to mess that easily.

But it is also clear that Valentina is a great and loving mother, a supportive and caring sister. And that is perhaps something that we see more in this book than in the previous parts of the series, where Valentina was present yes, but perhaps a more distant person. And in this book, we get to know who Valentina truly is, what her struggles, doubts, fears are. But also and especially what her strengths are!

We see one of those strengths with her first encounter with Xander and Macdonald. On that ‘faithful’ train, they start talking and when their paths should divide them, Valentina shows her caring character by offering her help to kind but still complete strangers…

And as Skye isn’t this gigantic Isle, it is of course logical that their paths keep on crossing. And I loved reading how not only Barnaby and Macdonald form an unlikely but sweet friendship, but also how Valentina and Xander just connect.

I don’t know if I would be doing everything Valentina starts to do when she receives the news of Gary. But also in this case, we see the greater person that Valentina is. Because she thinks about Barnaby and that Gary still is and will always be Barnaby’s father. And no matter how difficult things are now, they need to find a way to raise their son together.

She shows how to put our own feelings temporarily aside for the bigger picture, but she is also now strong enough to stand up to the critique and digs of her in – laws. I do not know if I could keep my composure like she does, so I was proud of her in those moments!

Just like her siblings, Valentina gets to know her background, because as she was adopted by lovely people, it is normal that she has questions. While in first instance I was happy for her to finally get some of those answers, I could understand her trepidation and her wariness, as I for sure started to have those same feelings.

Yes, of course Xander gets his own voice in this book. He is also going through struggles in his own American life, and I could understand why he needed an ‘out’, to be away from everything and everyone. And the excuse of having a connection with Skye was just perfect for him. I liked him as an Uncle, as a brother, but also and mainly as an understanding and kind new friend to Valentina. He never pushes, he wants to make sure that he is not interfering. Just a kind and gentle man!

Saying that Valentina is going on a journey, would be an understatement. Because there is so much on her plate now, and she has to figure out where her home will be, and what her life will look like now. And with her heart already being broken once, can she find the courage to open it up again? And if she can find that courage, how will it logistically all work out?

Sue Moorcroft wrote once again a marvellous story, about a strong woman, finding her feet once again, with doing the right thing for those around her, but not losing herself in the process anymore.

All the Taylor sisters are amazing and wonderful in their own special way. But perhaps Valentina is the one I respect the most, for everything that she has been through, but never lost her composure and never lost sight of the bigger picture.

This was a great, heart – warming story about a strong woman trying to understand and find what she needs to find her own happiness again.

When life goes down, can you find a way back up?

Synopsis

Is it ever too late to bloom?

Meet Celia. Life hasn’t worked out quite how she’d planned.

Since her son left for university, Celia has felt stuck at home – battling with her husband Geoff over control of the thermostat, and without the merest glint of a social life. Her only joy comes from the plants she nurtures in her makeshift plant hospital in their Glasgow flat.

Then three unexpected things happen:

1. She catches Geoff in bed with a secretary from his sausage factory (no pun intended).

2. Her high-flying best friend Amanda arrives on her doorstep without warning (but with a very large suitcase).

3. A tall handsome French teacher asks her to tend his daughter’s cactus back to health.

Suddenly, Celia finds her life in freefall, but she makes a decision: she won’t let this be the end of her. She’ll bring herself back to life, just like the plants she works her magic on. But just how do you change the habits of a lifetime?

My review

To say that Celia has the life she always expected to have, would be a lie. While she loves her son deeply, since he left for university, she feels stuck. And Geoff isn’t for sure the love of her life, as there is for sure a constant battle, from the control over the thermostat to expenses. The only ray of light in her present life, is taking care of the plants that people bring to her plant hospital. But suddenly her life changes drastically, as firstly, she catches her husband with his secretary. Then her former best friend Amanda stands at her door, without any warning but with many presumptions. And a new client appears, a handsome teacher, begging to resurrect his daughter’s cactus. With a life now in turmoil, can Celia find her spark back?

It’s not surprising that life never goes as expected. And it is not a secret that when bad things happen, they all happen all at once.

And when you are a strong, independent woman, you can take it all in your stride. Unfortunately, right from the start of the book, it feels that Celia is not that kind of woman. I am not saying she is a gullible, weak, following – like – a – sheep – woman. But you can hardly say that she stands up for herself and has a clear voice…

And maybe that is why I couldn’t truly warm to her right away, as being an Italian woman myself, I raise my voice often enough and perhaps also too loudly 😊. But I also knew that throughout the story , she would be facing situations where she would stand tall, and raise her voice (in a figure of speech, not literally 😊).

Celia is the kind of person that can be used as an example of how life takes a turn, a different one than expected, and how all your dreams can just fade away. Celia made one mistake when she was younger, yet I liked it how she took her responsibility, and the love she has for her son is just palpable from the pages.

And even if perhaps Geoff isn’t the man of her dreams, and he has flaws, I liked it how in the past he was there for Celia. Of course those feelings evaporate the moment we get to know him better, and he is caught with his *ss in the open.

That specific *ss is the start of the actual growth of Celia, as she has had enough of Geoff and his antics. With him out of the picture now, Celia slowly starts to realize how life can be with having that freedom.

Well, it needs to be said, freedom… Because in the midst of her own turmoil, suddenly she finds at her front door her former best friend Amanda. Former best friend, because once again, life sometimes just goes that way. When you are young, you always think that your best friend will always be by your side. However, not all friendships stand the test of time (and life). So I was a bit surprised to see how Amanda decides that Celia is exactly what she needs in her own time of need. Especially as contact has been rather inexistent until Amanda’s wedding and Celia’s presence that was suprising.

With Celia and Amanda now reunited, there is a strange atmosphere, as their characters and lives couldn’t be more different. But in a way, they are exactly what they both need. Celia needs Amanda to get out of her own shell, and Amanda needs Celia to vent, but also to understand that some behaviours aren’t just okay.

And then there is Enzo… He is a divorced man with a daughter that is obsessed  with a cactus. Sounds rather random, but it will make sense, believe me 🙂. When the cactus takes a turn for the worse, that brings him to Celia, as she has magic fingers whenever plants are involved. 

While the initial meeting is not one to remember, slowly there starts something between them. Not overnight of course, as Enzo himself in a bit in a turmoil, finding his way in the world in a way.

We see in this book three people, with complete different backgrounds and lifestyles, but all at a crossroad in their lives. And in this book, we read how slowly they realize what they want now in their lives, how they slowly stand tall again and how they find their voice again. And that made me like this story, as reading it, is a journey you go through yourself, at the same time the characters do.

Can a return heal what needs fixing?

Synopsis

Now her children have moved out, Edie has begun to feel lonely in the home she shares with her husband. She hopes returning to Crete, where she and Ralph spent their honeymoon, will help heal the growing rift between them.

And when Edie stumbles upon the website for the Villa Ariadne, with its breathtaking views and peaceful surroundings, it feels like the perfect place to spend a week together, along with their closest friends Mac and Hannah. But then, Edie invites a fifth guest: her feisty, independent colleague Jessica, with unexpected consequences.

It’s clear from the moment they arrive that the villa is special, and under the golden Greek sun, Edie hopes to rekindle the relationship she’s felt slipping away from her. But when conflict arises between two of her fellow guests, will Edie be prepared for revelations that could change her life forever?

My review

After her children moving out, Edie feels more alone and lonely than ever. It’s not that she has an unhappy marriage, but that passion and alliance that there once was, is now missing. Hoping to rekindle their relationship, Edie plans a holiday to Crete, where Edie and Ralph had their honeymoon many years ago. And when Edie stumbles on her online searches upon Villa Ariadne, she is sure she has found the perfect place to stay. Together with their befriended married couple, Hannah and Mack, and invited at the last moment, Jessica, the five head off to a holiday that will not go as expected at all… Not only because Jessica has a strong mind of her own, but also as nothing is what it seems…

I can imagine that in a married couple, there comes a time that sparks aren’t that sparkly anymore. And that when the children leave home, there is a sudden void. And the above circumstances are exactly where Edie finds herself in. It’s obvious to anyone that she isn’t in a bad marriage, that Ralph isn’t a bad guy at all. But it is just that things become stagnant, there is no excitement anymore.

So I liked it how Edie, instead of throwing the towel in the ring, decides to give it her all and tries to fix what is not actually broken, but needs something.

Villa Ariadne is not a complete surprise for me, as I know the setting from another story of this great author. So I knew how not only the Villa itself, but also the community of Crete, would have an affect and effect on the group of fresh arrivals. But do not worry, if you haven’t visited the Villa before, this will be a great first encounter, and you won’t be feeling that you are missing something that happened previously.

While I understand the perks of being a group on a holiday, sharing the costs etcetera, I was a bit surprised to see that not only their friends Hannah and Mack are tagging along, as this is an attempt to bring Edie and Ralph back closer together. But I was a bit shocked to read how Jessica suddenly was part of the group too. Yes, it was done out of kindness, but still, I didn’t truly understand, nor liked it…

In a different setting it makes sense that we see different sides of people who we think to know the best. And there is of course also the fact that you can get along with colleagues at work, but in your free time you just don’t gel…

It was lovely to see how quickly Edie is accustomed to Crete, how she easily befriends the locals and how of course the locals welcome her. Edie is also the kind of person that isn’t scared or bewildered by the strangest of statements or locals 😊.

I have to admit, at first I thought that the complete focus would be on Edie and Ralph. How would this lovely couple find a way back together? And would the friends would be an actual help or would they make things a little bit worse? Of course all the above is present in the book, but it felt mainly that the focus would be on the fact that nothing, nowhere is what it seems…

Obviously I am not going to tell you anything about all that is taking place during this holiday. But let me assure you, there were moments that my own radar started to go off, without any proof, and that I was just shocked by the behaviour of, well, I will say it, just one particular character. And that shows us that we never know what happens behind closed doors, no matter how good we think to know someone, and that unfortunately, there is no limit to selfishness…

Now, it isn’t all worry and gloom, because no matter what happens around them, Edie and Ralph are truly attempting to get closer to each other. Of course this doesn’t happen just overnight, but it was lovely to see how they are both doing their best to not only save their love, but also showing it towards each other.

Even if the story wasn’t exactly going where I thought it would go, I enjoyed reading it. We are faced with the fact that we just do not always know what happens behind closed doors. What we see, isn’t always the reality. But we also see that in fact, we cannot let anyone else direct our own relationships. We know what we truly feel in our hearts, and only we know if that relationship is worth the fight or not.  

Let me finish by saying that after reaching the end of the book, there is a lot to think about, a lot to reflect about. And the author managed to put even difficult subjects to paper, but not making it too heavy, by letting the main characters being surrounded by not only wonderful people, but also a wonderful, special and even in a way magical, setting.

Love works in mysterious ways…

Synopsis

Love thy neighbour

Music-loving Kristi Buchanan dresses like a rockstar and dreams of being an artist, but her reality is much less glam – she’s a single mum in her late thirties… and a church cleaner. Her love-life is non-existent, and she can’t even create a dating profile that doesn’t make her life sound deadly dull.

Young church minister Grant Kerr has a pitiful dating history. Whenever women discover what his job is, they run. With a new position in the idyllic Glenbriar parish, he hoped his life was on the up, but the parishioners don’t appreciate an attractive, unmarried man in the pulpit.

Despite not being religious, Kristi forms an unlikely friendship with him. With each other’s help, they construct their ideal dating profiles, only to end up on separate dates in the same place. But the dates don’t go to plan.

Kristi can’t let herself fall for Grant, not when he’s determined to win over the parishioners by finding the perfect match, and she doesn’t fit the description at all. As Grant wrestles with his own feelings, their friendship is tested. Perhaps if they dare put their faith in each other, they might just find the love they’re both seeking.

My review

Being a single mum in her late thirties hasn’t made things easy for Kristi Buchanan. And it doesn’t help that she was a teenager herself when getting pregnant of her first child, nor that she and the father of her children are no longer together. Her dream of having an artistic career, have been long buried, and the only career she is having, is one of being the church cleaner. Even if she is not religious herself, and she enjoys listening to rock music instead of hymns while cleaning, she forms a friendship with the minister of Glenbriar, Grant Kerr. However, her uniqueness and her past make sure that her name is often mentioned with the local gossipers, and many don’t agree with her being the cleaner of a sacred place. But even if the churchgoers are against Kriste, Grant is adamant on keeping Kristi and let her do her job. And that has nothing to do with the fact that despite that they may be like chalk  and cheese, Kristi and Grant are getting closer over dating profiles, (im)perfect matches and perhaps even circumstances that resonate closer to home than they have ever expected…

Glenbriar is one of those places where I am always happy to return. No matter what my current mood is, once I start reading a book of this series, I have a smile on my face. And that has not only to do with the fact that the place is just so welcoming for everyone, but also because the author is able to write wonderful stories, about perhaps impossible romances, showing us how love works in a way we never expected.

I was eager to get to know Kristi better. We know from the previous books in the series that she and Brann have been together when much younger and share two great children together. But that deeper insight of her character we did not have. Until now that this…

And even if my life couldn’t be more different than Kristi’s, I just immediately liked her! She didn’t have an easy time, and at moments she still doesn’t. But no matter what is happening in her life, no matter what people are saying or thinking about her, she won’t change even a little bit. She is who she is, and if people don’t like her, it’s their loss.

She is obviously an amazing mother, she raised both her children well, and I liked it how Kristi is still close with Brann. This is absolutely proof that even if a relationship didn’t work out, there can still be a close friendship, that you can still rely on each other, that there can still be love, even if it’s another kind of love.

But I was also a bit sad… Because Kristi obviously doesn’t show it, but the stings she gets from the people, they hurt. Kristi has an elephant skin, but she also wants people to see who Kristi is for real, and not just base their judgments on her past and the way she looks.

On top it also saddened me that she finds dating so difficult… Men seemingly don’t grasp that she comes with a past, and that even a mother of two needs some romance in her life…

And that is something the minister of Glenbriar, of all people, understands all too well…

Grant is a young minister, and while he knows that in Glenbriar things used to run a certain way, he also wants to put his own mark. And while it would be easy to listen to the people of Glenbiar, with their biased opinions, I liked it how he listens to the worries, but he won’t allow those opinions and voices to cloud his own judgement. He wants to form his own opinions based on what he sees in people and how he learns about people’s characters by himself.

As a man of the Church, it would be expected that Grant would be welcoming everyone and a-everything. But we also know that it is often easier said than done. And with a minister, you would expect him to try to ‘convert’ Kristi or at least show her a different kind of lifestyle.

But not doing so, and truly accepting Kristi for who she is, made me truly like Grant. He is the perfect example of practising what you preach. He sees Kristi, he truly sees Kristi, even in a way that Kristi doesn’t see herself.

On paper (yes, stupid joke made on purpose 😊) Grant and Kristi wouldn’t work. But we see their relationship slowly shift. They become friends, allies, supporters and have each other’s back. They help each other out with creating or updating their dating profiles, they are just there for each other.  With Kristi being able to help Grant with a personal situation she all too easy can relate with, only strengthens their bond even more. And seeing that relationship evolve, grow stronger by the minute, just wonderful and swoon – worthy material.

Margaret Amatt showed us with this story that even the most unlikely matches can work, as long as it based on mutual respect, understanding and honesty. Even a minister and a rock – chick deserve to be loved, to love without any judgements, prejudices or comments from  outsiders. And that is the power of love, bringing two people together that at first sight couldn’t possibly work, but show that it’s the inside, the heart that can make it work for the best.  

What is your real dream?

Synopsis

There’s a million reasons why I should give you up, but the heart wants what it wants.”

Pierre would give anything not to be falling in Love right now.

A free spirit who makes her own way in life, changing hair colours, tie-dyed skirts and hand painted wellies, she writes funny-wise-honest messages for greeting cards. Even her name is unusual for a girl.

After her last commitment-phobic boyfriend, Pierre promised herself never ever to fall for anyone unless he’s 100% available.

So why can’t she stay away from the wrong man? He’s not hers. Even if he’s in a destructive relationship. Even if he is funny, affectionate, warm, intelligent and talented. Even if he looks like the answer to all her dreams. Some dreams were clearly meant to stay out of reach, right? There’s a million reasons they should stay away from each other…

***** Must read. Fantastic series. Made me laugh and cry. The characters and scenery made me fall in love. Cannot wait for the next book.

*****  Wonderful. Another brilliant book in this series, I enjoyed every word and it is always a pleasure to spend time on the island. Wonderful writing, I can’t wait for the next book in the series!

My review

After her last serious relationship ended badly, Pierre promised herself to never ever fall in love again with a man who isn’t in for the full 100%. However, when the photographer of Millie’s wedding appears to be someone she already met, can she hold on to that resolution? Because Pierre for sure is an excentric person, not afraid to dye her hair in any colour of the rainbow, and is artistic in a unique way, as she loves painting her own wellies in a typical Pierre – way. Yet when she met Gabriel three years ago, there was already something palpable between them. And seeing Gabriel back, Pierre only gets the confirmation that in fact he is a gentle, talented, funny and warm. But he is also in a relationship, with the wedding planner of all people. And even if that relationship is anything but healthy, Pierre tries to not admit what she is starting to feel for him…

What a delight it was to return to La Canette! And I loved it that this story is taking place around the same time that ‘Unwanted Bride’ is taking place, as we can see what is happening to other characters and have more insights.

I knew from the previous books in the series that Pierre is something special, someone unique. And I just couldn’t wait to get to know this wonderful woman a lot better!

While it would be easy to see Pierre as a confident woman (because not everyone would have her courage to go 100 different directions with her hair), it becomes rather quickly clear that in fact, it is just a façade. I am not saying that Pierre is showing a complete different side to people than who she in fact is, but it is more of not letting anyone see *all* her sides. She uses the colours in her life to express herself, but also to not let anyone see what her fears and doubts are.

Because she for sure has them, and her last relationship obviously made those doubts and fears grow bigger. And to make it even worse, it also made her somehow forget about her real dreams. Instead she is settling in doing jobs that yes, she likes, but that don’t thrill her.

As a reader, I cannot deny that I couldn’t identify myself with Pierre. Of course there are aspects that we have in common, and there I felt a connection with her. But even if we are very different, I have to say that if Pierre were a real person, she and I would truly become friends. Because she is that kind of person, to easily befriend. Even if there are moments where it felt like she is a people – pleaser, she is also the kind of person to stand by your side without any hesitation.

In this part of the series, we see how Pierre is trying to figure out where her future lays, what her real dreams truly are. And it saddened me, to see her so at loss… Because Pierre deserves it to follow her dreams, if she knows what they are, and she deserves to find her happiness.

Happiness that doesn’t come easy for her… Especially when Gabriel (re)enters the scene…

I was a bit scared that the instant connection between Pierre and Gabriel would have completely evaporated in the present. Or perhaps exaggerated in both minds.

But I shouldn’t have feared, because once Gabriel is back, sparks start to fly around! So I was even angry, reading that Gabriel wasn’t on the market anymore. And I could live with the fact if it was truly a match made in heaven. But seeing him together with Nicole, of all people, that was something I just couldn’t comprehend…

Gabriel is not only a talented photographer, with an amazing eye for taking the perfect picture, but he is also a warm, gentle, kind person. He also has a great sense of humour, matching perfectly Pierre’s sense of humour.

However, no matter how perfect Pierre and Gabriel would be together, I liked it how their friendship evolved, without ever crossing a line. And while that for a reader is very frustrating, if they would just give in, it would taint the whole story for me, as they are just not that kind of people.

In this story, we see how not only Pierre, but also Gabriel are trying to understand what their dreams truly are. And if the path they have chosen previously is the path that they should continue following. Or is it time to go a different direction?

This book is a real journey, of understanding, learning, appreciating the environment too. With the story taking place in a world, or rather island, that we already know, it was not only a great return to a great place, but it was also a great reencounter with the people that we have already met previously and I was ready to get embraced by them all once again!

Compared to the other books, this one for sure didn’t have to pay the repetitive price! It was a great next instalment of a great series that captured my heart!