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‘Home For The Hockey-Days’ – written by  Lasairiona McMaster #BookReview

When it starts with a bang…

Synopsis

In the frozen heart of Cedar Rapids, hockey hotshot August Kade collides with more than just his on-ice rivals when a fender bender sparks unexpected fire with Rowan Armistead – the whip-smart ex of his fiercest competitor.

As Christmas lights twinkle and tensions rise, the polar opposites find themselves skating on thinning ice.

Can the jock and the introspective beauty conquer their societal divides and the ghosts of relationships past? Or will their smoldering romance shatter under the weight of old wounds before the last hockey-day puck drops?

“Home for the Hockey-Days” is a sizzling novella about the improbable across-the-tracks romance that proves sometimes the greatest gifts come wrapped in unlikely packages.

My review

August Kade lives for ice hockey. But being part of hockey team Cedar Rapids Raccoons also means that he needs to be on top of his grades. And that is not that easy, as his grades are dropping. To keep his dream of playing the games, he has no other option to have a tutor. Luckily he can count on his teammates/friends to pass him the number of a tutor. Yet he is shocked to learn that Rowan Armistead is not only the young woman who crashed his car, but she is also the his biggest rival’s girlfriend. Or at least he thinks so… But needs must and August cannot afford to lose more points or his spot in the team. With Rowan tutoring him, attraction starts to grow. However, with August’s background, can they find a way to each other, or are their differences too great to overcome?

You know what I truly hate about novellas? It’s that they are too short! Especially with this author, I am so invested in each character, and I am just not ready to say goodbye yet! And I just want *MORE*!

With this novella, though I had an extra challenge… As I am a loyal reader, I have read all the Cedar Rapids Raccoons books already. And with this book being more of an anthology, I had to have somehow some amnesia, and forget what I already know about some characters.

Yet I was quick to open up my heart to August and Rowan. They are both delightful, yet also vulnerable at the same time.

August for sure deserves more in life. Yes, he may be the captain of the Cedar Rapids Raccoons, but he is struggling on so many levels. Not only are his grades not what they are supposed to be, but also his financial status isn’t helping. And with a brother in trouble, August finds it hard to not only confide with someone, but he also finds it difficult to accept help.

And while in one way, I wanted to bang his head, wanting him to stop to be so stubborn, I could also understand him. When someone believes that accepting help is a sign of weakness, it’s difficult to get out of that mindset, especially when there are teammates without any of his worries.

But his teammates, and especially the De La Pena’s wouldn’t be the mates they are, if they wouldn’t help out a friend in need…

August getting a tutor wouldn’t be half as funny if his tutor would be just a random person, without a link somehow to August. Not only is Rowan linked through the De La Pane’s, being friends with Athena, but she has also a link with August’s enemy. On top of it all, she is also the person crashing into his car (which already has had its best time…)

Rowan is a great young woman, she is the kind of person that I could easily be friends with in real life. She had her own share of bad luck, but she had her head straight on her shoulders, knows what she wants and how to achieve it.

Yet even if she is a kind person, she doesn’t accept crappy behaviour for anyone. She isn’t afraid to call out bad behaviour, and that for sure is admirable! She is a woman with balls, even if it took her a journey to be this fierce woman.

August and Rowan together make the sparks fly around? Whether their encounter is cheer luck, or when they have planned their meeting, there is something going to happen all right…

But this novella, while of course it has some great spice in it, isn’t only about physical attraction. Because I felt it like it was more a journey to acceptance and believing that you are more than enough. Who you are isn’t defined by the lemons life throws you, but it’s about who you are on the inside. And the right person doesn’t look at that bank account, or background, but sees you for who you are, and if you are a good person, that is more than enough.

Lasairiona wrote a great story, about growth and acceptance (and yes, great spice too). She only angered me a little bit as I was so completely into this couple yet they just had to do with a novella, while they for sure could have a complete novel of their own. Even I think that even a complete book would still leave me hungry for more! 😊

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‘Fake Fling With The Billionaire’ – written by Rachael Stewart #BookReview @rach_b52

When even a real princess doesn’t believe in Prince Charming anymore…

Synopsis

A former princess, the billionaire next door and a scandal in Paris… Read all about the blossoming romance that has the media buzzing in Rachael Stewart’s latest Harlequin Romance!

ROYAL MEET-CUTE ON HER DOORSTEP!

While navigating a high-profile divorce, ex-princess Cassie is lying low at a friend’s Paris apartment. She doesn’t expect to become intimately acquainted with new neighbor Hugo, who’s locked out—and naked! Despite their…unusual encounter, Cassie and the billionaire form an unlikely connection, both struggling under the weight of predetermined destinies. When a leaked photo creates a media frenzy, Hugo suggests faking a captivating romance, giving Cassie the cover to rebuild her life. But what started as a charade only draws them closer, blurring the lines between fact and fiction…

From Harlequin Romance: Be swept away by glamorous and heartfelt love stories.

My review

Cassie used to be a loved princess by everyone. Too bad that her husband didn’t feel the same way and thought that he didn’t need to be faithful. Now that they are divorced, her ex’s royal family are doing everything they can to put Cassie in a bad light, trying to put the blame of the end of marriage on her. With the paparazzi lurking around each corner, Cassie is lucky to be having still a few good friends. And one of those friends is letting her stay in his Paris’ apartment. With his apartment being a separate floor from the hotel, Cassie does not need to worry about curious eyes. But the last thing she expects, is to lay her own eyes on her neighbour, Hugo. Especially as their first encounter is when he is naked… When Hugo learns that Cassie is keeping herself hidden and hasn’t ever explored Paris, he makes it his mission to show Cassie what she has been missing. But when one day, a picture of them is made public, a new plan is being formed: they will pretend to be dating, as that will give them the perfect cover. Because the ex – princess and the billionaire, that for sure rings good, right? But the more they are pretending on the outside, could it be that they may be not so much pretending on the inside?

What young girl hasn’t ever dreamed of becoming a real princess? Yet with growing up, dreams change, and we all know that being a princess isn’t exactly a Disney fairytale… And even princesses see their marriages end.

Unfortunately, Cassie’s end of the marriage doesn’t mean her regaining her freedom. It angered me reading that not only her ex – family is doing whatever they can to make her look like the bad part, but also Cassie isn’t having any kind of support from her own family.

How cunning can families be? I can understand that parents want the best for their children. But there is a huge difference between wanting the best or just using your own child for social prestige. And then not supporting your child when they need you the most? I just cannot understand that…

With no support from her family and most people she thought of being friends, Cassie had my immediate sympathy. I was happy for her that even if she has lost a lot, she still has a few real friends, who truly are in her corner. A friend in need is indeed a friend indeed!

And that brings her to Paris. Having been to Paris several times myself, I can easily say that it’s a city that never bores, there are always new places to discover. So another moment of anger rose while reading. Because of that despicable ex – family, Cassie has no other option than staying hidden in her apartment. Journalists, paparazzi are chasing her and all that while Cassie just wants her freedom back, wants to discover a wonderful city, and she wants to do what she loves the most…

It would be so easy to portrait Hugo as a real Knight In Shining Armour, ready to sweep the princess of her feet, showing her that love is worth a chance. But I liked it that Hugo isn’t that. Because Hugo has his own demons to chase. And the last thing he needs, is looking after someone.

Of course their first encounter is a hilarious one, it couldn’t be any funnier than that! 😊 And what follows is an attempt to apologize, but also a way in. A way into getting to know each other, a way to also opening up themselves.

I found it truly sweet how Hugo suddenly finds himself wanting to show Cassie around, to show her that she doesn’t need to hide away. And he wants her to enjoy herself, he wants her to understand that she is more than good enough, that she didn’t do anything wrong.

Seeing them getting closer was just so heartwarming, as these are 2 people that have been through a lot. This isn’t just Hugo wanting to help Cassie, it’s also Cassie that wants Hugo to see that what happened in his past isn’t a testament to his character. Yet he is just a person that followed his heart, to only have to broken later on. And that isn’t on him…

I absolutely loved reading this book, even if for a while it only takes place in a limited place. But that doesn’t mean that is felt constricted at all, on the contrary. Seeing Cassie understand that she now is a liberated person, that she can do what she wants and what she pleases, was just amazing. We see slowly this “little” woman, this kitten, finding herself and rise to this great and strong person. And we see how letting go of the past, and letting love back in can liberate anyone. But it takes courage to do that, and that isn’t easy. But it’s all worth it. Because love is worth it.

Rachael Stewart once again showed us that love can be found in unexpected ways, with unexpected people. And with her amazing writing skills, she got me captured in this wonderful story from the first word until the very ‘the end’!

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‘Unexpected Family For The Rebel Tycoon’ – written by Rachael Stewart #BookReview @rach_b52

When you have a good neighbour…

Synopsis

From just neighbors…to a forever family? Dive into Rachael Stewart’s latest captivating romance!

FROM REBEL TO MR. RIGHT NEXT DOOR?

Everyone’s heard of Matteo De Luca: tycoon, soccer player and international thrill seeker. Until an injury sees him permanently benched—and bored! So bored that when his neighbor’s kid drives off another nanny, Matteo volunteers to step in, adding “manny” to his CV. After unexpectedly becoming her nephew’s guardian, it’s clear Porsha’s defenses are high. But as Matteo gets to know the woman beneath, a startlingly intense connection emerges… Could this be his biggest adventure yet?

From Harlequin Romance: Be swept away by glamorous and heartfelt love stories.

My review

Porsha is struggling with the changes in her life. She has always been focused on her career, but now that she is has become the guardian of her nephew, she finds it difficult to find the perfect balance. Especially as Fin has the great ability to chase all of the nannies away. So when an incident with a flying bra makes her neighbour knock on her door, Porsha doesn’t understand why Fin is ecstatic. Because her neighbour is (in)famous former football player Matteo DeLuca. Now that his sport career has ended, he has a reputation in the investment world, but he is also an adrenaline junkie. So Matteo shocks himself and Porsha when he offers his help and become Fin’s “manny”. But looking after Fin also means that Matteo gets to know Porsha better. And the more Porsha lowers her defences, the more the attraction is impossible to ignore. But Porsha isn’t the only one wanting to keep her heart closed for heartbreak, as Matteo himself doesn’t want to let love in…

Just every time that I think that this author cannot surprise me, she comes up with another story, doing exactly that. And this book wasn’t the exception!

It’s often that both in books and in real life, women have to make a choice: career over children, or children over career. And no matter how much we may say that women don’t have to make that choice, in reality it often is just that, women taking a step back once children enter the scene.

But for Porsha, the situation is very different. She has been working so hard on her career, so focused on being different from her own parents, following the rules. And she never expected to become the guardian of Fin, her nephew. So it’s normal that Porsha is struggling with finding the right balance. She loves Fin, let there be no doubt about it, but she finds it difficult to be a parent.

Not only that, but because of the fact that her own parents are rather free – spirited, and her beloved sister was also carefree, made Porsha the complete opposite, wary, overprotective and seeing danger everywhere.

But I have to say, my heart went out to Fin… He is only seven years old, but I cannot imagine how it feels to lose your mother, especially that young (to take in account that when the story takes places, Fin is already with Porsha for two years…)

However, Fin never loses his innocent enthusiasm, and reading his joy and happiness while being together with Matteo, just warmed my heart. Fin is an energetic boy, who truly deserves to be happy, just as any child deserves to be.

As a first encounter, the one between Porsha and Matteo for sure can count as one of the most original ones. Who would have ever imagined how a bra would be the culprit! Ten out of ten for originality for Rachael on this one! 😊

Matteo would be easy to be a cliché, a sportsman whose career ended, with lots of money, a certain reputation and now yes, lost.

But the moment he meets with Fin, we see this tender man coming out, a man that is doing what he can to put a smile on a little boy’s face. And seeing that soft side of Matteo, made me fall in love with him too!

And on a way more personal, Italian note, I just loved it how Rachael fitted some Italian in it. Yes, she isn’t the first one to do it, or will be the last one. But I have read how Italian was used in some English books, and how just the wrong words were used. And yes, no complete conversations were written down, but the right Italian word or even the right Italian saying used at the right time was for sure a nice addition!

In this book perhaps I expected more “action” (if you know what I mean 😉). But I was pleasantly surprised to read how this is yes a romance, but it’s more about having the right person to let those immense high walls down. And it’s not only Porsha who has to learn to let go, but also Matteo has to learn how to let in. And that is not easy, as those walls took a long time to be built, so it isn’t taken down so easily? Yet seeing that journey, taken together, was so heartwarming.

This book was so easy to devour. But that doesn’t mean it was an easy story. Because the main characters have so much depth, so much to overcome and so much to learn. But the fact that the story has so much heart, made it a wonderful book to read!

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‘Family Portrait’ – written by Victoria Connelly #BookReview @VictoriaDarcy

You cannot chose your family, can you?

Synopsis

Sometimes, it’s those closest to you who are hiding the most.

After the death of their artist father, Alex, Brenna and Cordelia Bellwood return to Slate House – the Victorian mansion in the Lake District where they grew up together. But the three siblings have very different memories of being there and of their relationship with their famous father.

For Alex, his passion for art was always overshadowed by his father’s fame. For Brenna, life was turned upside down when their mother left them, forcing her to grow up much too quickly. And Cordelia – once the beloved muse of her father – now questions her role after a shocking revelation that threatens the whole family.

Set against the beautiful backdrop of Grasmere, Family Portrait is a lyrical and poignant story showing that the things that tear us apart can also bring us together again.

My review

After losing their father, siblings Alex, Brenna and Cordelia Bellwood reunite at Slate House, their childhood home, to take care of what needs to be taken care of. In most cases, a loss would bring family closer together, but being the children of the famous artist that Nicholas Bellwood for sure didn’t make things easy for them. So there is Alex, who is an artist himself, but never managed to step out of the shadow of his father, even if he made the move to Greece. Brenna never was close to her father, and she feels that she had to grow up way to quickly after their mother left them. Cordelia is the youngest sibling, and she is the only one that has a close bond with their father. But when the will is read, there are revelations that will shake everyone’s world. Revelations that may tear the siblings even more apart than they already were, or is there a chance that in fact it will bring them all closer?

If you grew up in a happy family, it always makes you question what happened to a family to not be a happy one. Of course the explanations are limitless, as I could think of many reasons why a family doesn’t work. And in whatever book I read, it always saddens me to read how children are affected by the behaviour of the people that take care of them.

When I began reading this book, it’s so obvious that Nicholas Bellwood and his behaviour had and still has an effect on his children. Perhaps it even angered me a little bit, reading how different Nicholas was towards each of his children.

It truly broke my heart to see how distant the three siblings were from each other. You would think that such a distant father would bring the siblings together, yet it managed to tear them even more apart. Of course it’s not that they weren’t talking at all with each other, but for one reasons or another, their lives took them in complete different directions.

And perhaps it didn’t come to me, as a reader, as a complete shock to read about the secret that their father kept from them for years. It just fitted with the image of Nicholas I had in my mind. Yet it left me also a bit flabbergasted reading this completely other version of Nicholas. And I am not going deeper on this matter, otherwise I would be talking way too cryptic while attempting not giving away anything 😊.

Yet this isn’t a dark story. Yes, it shows us a complicated family, with complicated relationships. But no matter what, it’s clear that the three siblings love each other, no matter how scarred they are from the past and the present. And it was sweet to see that they take care  of each other, sometimes even with some tough love.

I absolutely loved reading how slowly the three siblings are growing closer to each other once again. They have lost each other time, but being together at Slate House gives them the chance to understand each other better again. And that warmed my heart, for real, because no matter what has happened, the love of siblings will always stand every test.

The focus is mainly on Brenna in this book, which I could perfectly understand. Of course the author had to make a choice, and because Brenna had the most complicated relationship with her father, it was also the most interesting storyline.

Brenna is truly on a journey in this book. Not only does she have to come to terms with losing her father, but she is also on a journey of finding herself again. And while on this journey, she has to be there for her siblings, each on their own journey.

I found myself devouring this book, wanting, no, needing to know more about this family that is trying to find each other again, but also finding themselves again after a childhood and upbringing that wasn’t easy.

Victoria Connelly once again managed to write a story that touched my heart, as it shows the difficulties of a family, but also the beauty of it, no matter what complications they may encounter!

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‘The Guidal: Saving Light’ – written by Roxy Eloise #BookReview @RoxyEloise_

Can it all be saved with so much at stake?

Synopsis

Ever since that traumatic night, Aurora hasn’t been herself.

Her indifference and recklessness have left her friends bewildered, watching the girl they love slip away. Suddenly favouring the company of the once despised Boulderfells, Aurora is better at resolving conflicts with her bullies, but at what cost? The Guidal prophecy is at jeopardy, and unless they can bring Aurora back to her former self, Seioh Boulderfell’s relentless pursuit of a Puracordis-free world will dominate, solidifying his power over everyone she loves. The unwavering Kalmayans are convinced of their rightful claim and will stop at nothing in their secret plans to overthrow.

Betrayal from a friend ill-prepares Aurora to thwart the Kalmayans’ advances. Something dark sweeps in, something that has been dormant for millennia. Faced with choosing between love, duty, and the balance of Puracordis, can Aurora rise to be the Guidal so desperately needed? Who can she trust? Which path should she choose? The wrong choice will end with her life and establish dystopia once and for all. Friends, bullies, and a touch of something magical, Aurora is lost in a world of light and shadow.

My review

Since that one night, Aurora isn’t herself any more, in more than just one way. That night literally and figuratively scarred her, making her friends worry if the Aurora they all love will ever return. Because of that night, Aurora went into self – protection modus, and hasn’t allowed to just feel anymore. Not only that, but she has also become reckless, at the risk of losing everything and jeopardizing everyone. However, also the Guidal – prophecy is in jeopardy, and a Puracordis – free world is more and more becoming reality. So will Aurora find the strength, the courage and the force together with her friends to find the balance of Puracordis and become the Guidal she is?

You may know that I am not a big fan of magical stories. Yet there is, at least in my mind, a difference between the magic of makes cakes appear from nothing or creating a whole dress for a ball and the magic in a dystopian world, where such powers are chased and ‘taken care off’…

Yet I was very curious to return to visit this dystopian world, and see what would happen next to Aurora, especially after how Book Number 2 ended.

My heart broke to read how the attack Aurora survived previously changed her. And I have to admit, I didn’t really like this new Aurora. Of course it makes complete sense that such an attack changes a person. But how Aurora behaves afterwards, is so out of character for her, she truly made it difficult for me to keep sympathizing with her…

Living in a dystopian world is not easy, especially in the world Aurora is living in. So many rules, so many laws to follow, without much freedom at all. Even the partner you will marry is chosen for you. 

And calling Aurora a rebel wouldn’t explain her complete character, but she is different from everyone else, and she has a strong mind of her own.

Yet also in this book, we see her rather young age. She is torn apart, not only between her love interests, but also between what the right thing to do is, or just be the young woman she is, following the rules, without having to pay for the consequences of her actions (and as a follower, there wouldn’t be any surprising actions of course…)

While Aurora’s world is falling apart, she can always count on the support of the people that love her, no matter how difficult she makes it for them. For me, that meant that no matter what world you are living in, no matter how out of character you may act, love will always be around, one way or another.

In this book, there is so much threat going on, and this time, from several sides. Not only is there Seioh Boulderfell’s mission to have a world where there is no Puracordis, but also the threat coming from unexpected corners, from the  Kalmayans, ready to take Aurora just out of the picture.

Through flashbacks, or rather Aurora’s ‘out of mind’ experiences, we get to understand how her dystopian world came to fruition. And I think that is an important aspect of the book too, because we read how one event can change the whole course of the world, and how it can change everything we knew.

In this book we see how young people are growing up very fast, while still learning more about themselves, their feelings while trying to understand the world they are living in. Meanwhile they have to literally fight to save themselves and those around them. Yet this isn’t a story where there are no consequences to be paid for actions. And prices need to be paid, in even terrible, devastating ways…

But even those terrible moments never managed to make me turn away from the book, because I just had the urgence to know what would happen next…

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‘Maddy’s Christmas Wedding’ – written by Rosie Green #BookReview @Rosie_Green88 @rararesources

Christmas and a wedding, perfect combo, or not?

Synopsis

With the wedding of the year approaching, excitement is running high at the café! But there’s just one problem. Maddy is grappling with a secret. Could it derail all of hers and Jack’s glorious plans for their big day? Will there actually be a wedding?

My review

Maddy cannot wait to marry the love of her life, Jack. A Christmas wedding is what she always has been dreaming of, and with jack she is lucky to finally have her dreams coming true. But already at her hen party in Lapland, that there is something going on with Maddy? Something she won’t even share with her best friends. And something that even saunas, Northern Lights and husky puppies cannot chase away… But will her secret jeopardize also her upcoming wedding?

Been invested in this wonderful series, I started reading this book with a big smile on my face. Because seeing the epitome of a great love story for sure filled my heart with great joy.

But in this book, while the premise was a great one, we also see that a happily ever after isn’t that always easy to hold on to, even after reaching ‘the end’ in the book.

And thus, my happy thoughts, and my happy place were replaced by sadness and even anger at moments. Because Maddy isn’t having an easy time at all, and it isn’t the stress of the wedding preparations. Her issues for sure show us that life can throw you unexpected curveballs, no matter what excited moments you are going through.

Well, to say that Maddy isn’t having it easy, would be an understatement. From the start of the book, she is keeping secrets from everyone, even from Jack. Secrets that are devastating, secrets that Maddy is still trying herself to grasp, secrets that make her rethink about everything, every choice she has made up till now.

While reading, I found myself getting a bit angry, and not only because of what Maddy is going through, but also a bit because Maddy didn’t confide in anyone about her worries. A problem shared is a problem halved, especially with her group of amazing friends. But on the other hand, I could understand her decision to keep it all for herself, because what she is keeping from everyone, isn’t easy to talk about.

I admired Rosie Green, because it’s easy to write a lovely story filled with heartwarming bits in it, but it’s courageous to show us the other side of the medal, that life isn’t all sunshine and rainbows. Yet at the same time we also see that the real friends, that the love of Maddy’s life see that something is off with her, no matter how hard she tries to hide it. And it was sweet to see how they both want to help her, yet also want to give her the space and time for herself.

It may seem like this is a dark story. And while there absolutely are difficult moments in this book, it is also filled with so many lovely moments. Seeing our old friends again, seeing them in the next phase of their lives was just wonderful to read. But it was especially sweet and just amazing to read how no matter what is happening, the friends are all there for each other. Despite everything happening, there is love all around.

We see the strength of love, every kind of love, even when it is for sure challenged by the hardest of hardships. We see how things threaten to fall apart, but also we see how many rays of lights and hope are always able to shine through.

I absolutely loved reading this book, amazed by the beauty of a dream worthy hen party (although… that cold! 😊) but mainly about the real bonds between all the characters. There is room for laughter but also for a tear. We see the reality of life, the more difficult bits but most important, the beautiful bits.

Rosie Green once again swept me away, and I cannot wait to be swept away again!  

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‘Stuck In Second Gear’ – written by Carmen Reid #BookReview @thiscarmenreid @rararesources @BoldwoodBooks

Never go to the wedding of your ex…

Synopsis

Divorced, Re-wedded. Survived….

Lucie Marshal is absolutely furious! How did she go from being a successful wife and mother to divorced, teetering on bankruptcy, and barely speaking to her grown-up daughter? Even worse, she’s just heard that her moronic ex-husband Miles is marrying a much younger woman in an influencer-style wedding in France #blessed #theone

Lucie will absolutely NOT be going. To hell with Miles, his new teeth, new hair and new wife! She’s perfectly fine…In fact, Lucie feels lost and angry almost all of the time. Just what happened to her younger, freer wild child self, who used to live life to the full?

But then pregnant daughter Zoe needs a lift… and eccentric nephew Deva needs a lift too and now Lucie has somehow agreed to drive her Dad’s beloved old Jag all the way across France to take them to her ex-husband’s wedding.

With a pitstop in Paris, a breakdown, unexpected passengers, and miles of open road, all set to Deva’s showtunes soundtrack – could this be the journey Lucie needs to find a way back to herself?

My review

Lucie cannot believe her eyes… while her divorce from Miles left her struggling on every possible account, she just received an invite from him. Not just any kind of invite, but an invite to his wedding. Lucie isn’t a resentful woman, but how can Miles afford an over – the – top wedding in France, while she can barely pay off her credit cards bills? Of course Lucie is not going to France, she wouldn’t even dream about it. But with her elderly father mushing her, and her daughter needing a way to get to France, Lucie has no other option to borrow her father’s old Jag, and also have her eccentric nephew Deva as a passenger and head off to France… But the trip won’t be as straightforward as Lucie may believe, because the relationship with her heavily pregnant daughter Zoe is  rather strained. And to say that Lucie doesn’t know Deva that well, is an understatement… With more than just one detour and more than just one bump in the road, will they make it to the wedding in one piece, literally and figuratively speaking?

When a marriage falls apart, I can understand how it can tear your life into tiny pieces. It’s never a joyous moment, and when it ends badly, of course there is some resentment. But in Lucie’s case, the divorce means more than just the end of her marriage to Miles, as his lies has brought her financial troubles. So of course I could understand not only her resentment but also her anger, as she had to adapt to a complete different kind of lifestyle.

I am not saying that Lucie is a superficial woman, because she truly isn’t. But in a marriage, you are a team. There is reason that in the vows you say ‘for better or for worse’, because as a team you work together on whatever comes. Lucie is angry because Miles left her struggling, disrupting even the relationship with Zoe and now he is marrying again. Lucie doesn’t want Miles back, not at all, but I was in her corner, flabbergasted seeing how well Miles is doing, lavishing around, with a fancy wedding ceremony in France.

Despite her feelings towards Miles, I liked Lucie. It truly warmed my heart to read how Lucie visits her father, making the best of the remaining moments, as losing him is just a matter of time. Saying that Lucie is a worrier, is taking it lightly, as Lucie worries about everything: her father, the situation with her daughter Zoe, money and the list can go on. But that is also the nature of the ‘beast’…

But of course, if Lucie would stick to her idea and not head off to France, we wouldn’t have this book, would we? 😊

Even if it’s against her own desires, I knew that the trip to France would do Lucie good. Well, not only Lucie, but Zoe and Deva too. Because this book isn’t only about Lucie, but it is also helping Zoe and Deva with their own lives and decisions – to – be – made.

The trio couldn’t be more different from each other, or being on different stages of lives. While Lucie has life experience and it made her more wary of everything, Zoe is on the verge on motherhood, but with a rather complicated relationship with the father of her baby. And we are not talking about the strained relationship between Lucie and Zoe… And then there is Deva, living in a world of his own, stuck to routines yet with an amazing passion for everything that is Chanel.

Their journey to France quickly turns into something much more than just arriving on time at the wedding. Because their distance is palpable at the start of it. But slowly, being all in this small space together, they start to talk. And not only talk, but also actually hear and understand each other. Lucie, Zoe and Deva grow so close during their journey, that it truly warmed my heart. They may be very different from each other, but the love that already was there, and also grows, was just wonderful to read.

They also have several unexpected adventures on their journey, making the wariness make room for compassion and care. Their journey also allows them to let go some of the grudges and also allows their real selves to come out.

And best of it all, we see mainly Lucie change from this wary and too careful woman into a woman ready for something new in her life, but also a woman standing up for herself.

I enjoyed reading this book, showing us that perhaps a weird invite can be what brings back the fire in ourselves. There is a lot of laughter and funny moments in this book, but the laughter never took away the light from the real message in this book: that no matter who you are, you are more than good enough as you are. And that no matter how your life turned, it is never to late to take matter in your own hands, and that it’s never too late to start a new chapter in your life.

Geplaatst op door Tizi

‘Christmas At Holly Tree Cottage’ – written by Eliza J. Scott #BookReview @ElizaJScott1 @rararesources

To celebrate Christmas in a place that mattered so much…

Synopsis

It’s Christmas time in Lytell Stangdale!

When Romy Stainthorpe sees Holly Tree Cottage staring back at her from the pages of a magazine, she’s sure it’s a sign. The quaint property is situated in Lytell Stangdale, a village in the heart of the North Yorkshire Moors. Her time there is steeped in happy memories of carefree days with the moorland wind blowing through her hair. And not just that, it’s where she had her first kiss and where she first fell in love.

It was her perfect place, where she felt most at home. Until her family’s hasty departure years twenty-one years earlier. Since that day, Romy has never been back, but the cottage has regularly crept into her thoughts. And now it’s available to rent for the festive season…

Could it be the perfect getaway Romy needs to get her life back on track, not to mention escape her friends’ well-meaning attempts at matchmaking since her divorce from Russ?

Local farmer, Finn Tindall is struggling to navigate the first Christmas since his ex-wife took herself and their sons to live in the US. He’s thrown himself into his work at Castlegate Farm and rarely ventures out, unable to face the pitying glances thrown his way. His only company is his loyal black Labrador Ted.

Convinced that fate is talking to her, Romy heads back to a snowy LytellStangdale. Once there, she’s thrilled to see the village is looking Christmas card-pretty and has embraced the festive period. The only place where there’s no Christmas cheer is Finn’s heart.

It doesn’t take long before Romy and Finn’s paths cross, setting long-hidden emotions stirring once more. Suddenly Christmas doesn’t seem so gloomy after all.

Could this be the exciting fresh start each of them deserves?

Will Finn and Romy decide their second chance at love is worth fighting for? Or will the obstacles put in their way make them think it’s time to say goodbye?

Why not take a trip to festive Lytell Stangdale where a warm welcome awaits and happy-ever-afters are guaranteed?

My review

Romy Stainthorpe hasn’t been looking forward to Christmas for a long time. The relationship with her mother isn’t an easy one, all because of events that took place twenty – one years ago. Events that changed Romy and Romy’s vision of family and life in general. Ever since, nothing has been the same for Romy, and more than ever, Romy needs a getaway. And could there be a clearer sign that seeing Holly Tree Cottage in a magazine? The cottage is not just a random cottage, but the cottage that was in her family’s hands until those events many years ago. Yet that cottage holds so many lovely memories, as Holly Tree Cottage in Lytell Stangdale was the only place where Romy truly felt at home. And where she fell in love for the first time too. Seeing that the cottage is available during the holidays, Romy cannot let the perfect opportunity pass. Even if she is terrified of returning to Lytell Stangdale, to be reminded of everything and everyone Romy left behind in a haste, with a not so great reputation of her family. But could it be that the people of Lytell Stangdale are more than excited to have Romy returning where she belongs? And that her crossing paths with her first love and local farmed Finn Tindall would be perfect to let old wounds heal?

I have to admit something terrible… being an avid reader, made me forget about Life on the Moors. But, I also have to say, once I returned, it felt like I never ever left! And I immediately felt, just like Romy, back home.

Sometimes, in books there are sad characters. Characters that have been through a lot in the past, things that have marked them, making the course of their present and future change. And that is exactly what happened to Romy. Because she is a sad character, in the sense that twenty – one years ago, Romy was this young, cheerful, happy woman, and her whole life got disrupted, not by her fault at all, yet scarring her terribly…

I am not a believer of signs, or messages being sent somewhere, somehow. But a sign is exactly what Romy gets, because what could be the odds of her going through exactly that magazine where a picture of Holly Tree Cottage is? So for Romy’s sake and the sake of the story, I was willingly putting my own skepticism aside.

It’s not immediately clear what happened twenty – years ago, what made Romy and her family get away from the cottage and the village and not returning at all, and also causing an even bigger rift between Romy and her mother. So while I was eager to get to know those bits, I was more eager to get to know Romy better.

And despite what happened to Romy in the past, it’s clear that not only the cottage itself, but also Lytell Stangdale is her home, the place where she truly belongs. It warmed my heart to read how easily Romy adapts to the quieter life, how easily everyone welcomes her (back) home. And most important, how there are absolutely no signs of resentment, but only love for Romy. Because that is exactly what Romy needs to feel around her, love.

I liked it to have also the very important flashbacks, making me understand not only Romy better, but also her relationships while staying at the Holly Tree Cottage. We see the depth of the friendships, making is easier to understand the acceptance of Romy’s mistakes of the past, and the love that is still there. But also understanding her relationship with Finn was very enlightening.

Finn, who has also been through many changes, and is still processing everything that is still happening. My heart broke for him, as he is very heartbroken with the move of his lads. He is not only an amazing person, but a very loving and caring parent. He is the kind of father that only wants the best for his children, even if that means breaking his own heart during the process.

As a real romance – lover, I was hoping that Romy and Finn meeting again would ignite that old love again. But while it was lovely to see the pair growing closer again, despite some hurdles, it was just heartwarming to see how smoothly their friendship returns, how easily they understand and comprehend each other and are there for each other.

Romy’s return to the cottage just felt right from the start like Romy’s found her family again. Everyone is happy to see her, making Romy feel happy too, something she hasn’t been feeling for a long time.

In this wonderful, sweet, amazing book, we see how a place that isn’t your actual home, can feel like your home. How it can make you feel where you truly belong and let you heal from all your heartaches. But it’s not only a place that can make you feel like that, it is also the kind, generous, forgiving and ‘hearty’ people that make you feel like the best version of yourself. Eliza J. Scott manages perfectly to make you understand that no matter how heartbroken you are, surrounding yourself with love can ease the most painful aches. And this with people that we as a reader already know, in a beautiful setting AND Christmas. What more can you possible want? 😊

Geplaatst op door Tizi

‘A Christmas Surprise In Pelican Crossing’ – written by Maggie Christensen #BookReview @MaggieChriste33 @rararesources

A Christmas filled with many surprises

Synopsis

Christmas is coming to Pelican Crossing, bringing with it a host of surprises.

Fifty-eight-year-old widow Rachel Mason thought she had her life all figured out – running her quaint Bed and Breakfast, spending time with her grandkids, and keeping her loyal West Highland Terrier by her side. But when her son announces a Christmas surprise, Rachel’s world is turned upside down.

Luke Findlay, widowed, retired, and looking to check off items on his bucket list, suddenly finds himself back in his hometown of Pelican Crossing, where he is tasked with temporarily running the local vet clinic.

When the new vet turns out to be Rachel’s teenage crush, and her son’s Christmas surprise is very different from what she anticipated, her life becomes unexpectedly complicated. But then, Luke receives a surprise of his own.

As Rachel and Luke reconnect, sparks fly, and old feelings resurface. But with Luke’s impending departure and Rachel’s unforeseen responsibilities, can their newfound connection survive?

Fans of heartwarming romances will love this story of second chances and unexpected love.

My review

After losing her husband, Rachel Mason has opened her home and turned it into a B&B in Pelican Crossing. She loves having people around her, no matter if they are guests, or that she spends time looking after her grandchildren together with her loyal and adorable West Highland Terrier, Molly. Even if her days are filled, she feels the absence of her son, who is living on the other side of the world. So when he informs her that he is coming over for the holidays, with a surprise, Rachel is obviously over the moon. But Rachel gets also another surprise because when in need of a vet, she cannot believe that the temporarily vet isn’t a complete stranger, but Luke Findlay, the crush she had when being a young teenager. Luke has not that long retired from being a vet in Sydney. But helping out a colleague takes him back to the place he grew up, Pelican Crossing. While a lot has changed over the years, a lot still has remained the same. And when he meets Rachel again, it awakes something in him, something he hasn’t felt since losing his beloved wife. Rachel and Luke are slowly reconnecting, but the surprises never stop arriving at Pelican Crossing, and with Luke only staying a few months, where will that leave them at the end of the holidays?

It needs to be said, before I spread my thoughts on the story itself, that it is always great to return to Pelican Crossing! Even if each new story in this series focusses on another main character, I always find it amazing and great to see how all the characters are entwined throughout the whole series. And you don’t need to have read the other books to start with it, yet you will fall in love with it and trust me when I say you find yourself reaching out to grab all the books!

Rachel is a wonderful character. With adult children she initially felt rather alone as the children obviously took off to have their lives on their own. Yet I liked how she turned her situation around and decided to open her home as a Bed and Breakfast. It’s clear that she is a caring and lovely host, wanting nothing but the best for her customers.

But she is also an amazing mother and grandmother. Rachel doesn’t hesitate to help her daughters out, whether it’s for babysitting duties or just for support. Yet it also saddened me to read how much Rachel’s heart was broken as her son is living at the other side of the world.

Perhaps it’s typical for men, but it made me even a bit angry, reading how distant Alexander was. And not only the physical distance, but also just having a call here and there, not keeping the family up to date. Or perhaps it’s because that I am the daughter of a real Italian family, that there isn’t one day that I don’t hear just anyone from my family 😊.

And that Alexander is able to keep such a surprise from his mother, and even some future decisions he makes, well, I wasn’t a big fan of Alexander all the time…

Even if Rachel’s life is truly filled and full with daily excitement, it is also clear that ever since losing her husband, there is just something missing in her life. And as we already know from the previous books, seeing her friends having found love again, it makes Rachel jealous a little bit. Although, ‘jealous’ is perhaps isn’t the right word, but her friends’ situations make her realize further more that she is missing out.

In that aspect, I wanted her meeting Luke to ignite some fire back in her. Yet I was surprised to read how Rachel and Luke aren’t complete strangers at all, but already have a shared background. And not only that, but especially discovering how exactly their paths have already crossed!

Just like Rachel, Luke is clearly a great person. He recently retired from being a vet in Sydney, giving his son the opportunity to run the place. Yet it’s clear that while he hung up his doctor’s coat, he just cannot stop himself from worrying. His passion for animals even goes that far to accept the proposition of a colleague of his, retuning into practice, but in Pelican Crossing this time. It shows that you can take the vet away from the practice, but not the passion from the vet.

But not only as a vet we see his kind and gentle character, also his role as a father explains a lot. While it cannot be easy for Luke to take his son and his girlfriend in, for love out of him, Luke doesn’t hesitate, even if it drives him crazy rather quickly 😊

And that I could understand perfectly, because no matter how much you love someone, by being on your own, you have your own routines, ways of handle things. And sharing your home with someone not like you, can disrupt the peace you have been building. And an escape is needed, an escape to Pelican Crossing 😊.

I truly loved reading how Rachel and Luke slowly find each other, even if there are more and more surprises awaiting them. Some of those surprises are lovely, others can shake up their worlds… Both Rachel and Luke have to find out where their hearts is pulling them, and understand what they truly want and need. But they also have to find the courage to take some scary decisions, and just speak out.

This for sure is a festive story, although I have to admit it was some kind of mindf*ck for me as a European, to celebrate Christmas in summer 😊. But the magic of Christmas works no matter if there is snow or if there is sun 😊.

This was a wonderful story to read, not that I expected anything less! Maggie Christensen once again took us on a wonderful journey, showing us the kind hearts of people, the courage and the power of love. And that all set with the magical atmosphere surrounded around Christmas!

Geplaatst op door Tizi

‘Reach For The Stars’ – written by Maxine Morrey #BookReview @rararesources @BoldwoodBooks

When down, the only way is up

Synopsis

Felicity was never meant to end up with a money-pit farmhouse to renovate and a broken heart to heal…

But when Fliss attempts to drown the sorrow of seeing her ex-fiancé and his new wife’s magazine-worthy wedding all over social media, one rash decision loses her a job and gains her a doer-upper in the blink of an eye.

The only bright spot of living in the country is the very dishy and very handy loveliest-man-ever Jesse Woods. And when Fliss’s new roof has an ill-advised meeting with a tree in the middle of the night resulting in her literally seeing stars, there’s only one thing for it. She’s going to have to accept Jesse’s help and a place to stay.

City girl Fliss is at rock bottom but if anyone can teach her to turn her gaze from the gutter to the stars it’s Jesse Woods. She’s been burnt trusting men before, but Jesse may just be worth breaking her own rules for…

A smart, romantic, relatable and laugh-out-loud funny romcom perfect for fans of Sophie Kinsella, Lindsey Kelk and Sophie Ranald. ‘Read yourself happy’ with Maxine Morrey.

My review

Felicity lost everything at once: not only has her ex – fiancé got married and showing it all off on the social media, but one decision also  made her lose her job. In the heat of the moment, she decides to buy a doer – upper, ready for a fresh start. And thus Felicity leaves the busy city for a new life in the country. Although her start for sure starts differently as expected, because not soon after her arrival, she ends up with a tree in her bedroom and a car in half, Fliss is almost ready to just give up, weren’t it that Jesse Woods is more than willing to help her, just because that is the kind of man he is. Fliss and Jesse for sure clash over more than just one matter, but Fliss slowly learns that not all men are the same…

It’s not a secret I love reading books about second chances. And I love such stories even more when the main character switches to a whole different kind of lifestyle. A city girl moving to the country for a fresh start, can a story get any better?

Well.. it doesn’t seem like it for Fliss. Because her doer – upper turns out to be a real nightmare, on more than just one level.

I have to say, I admired Felicity/Fliss for the choice she made, to love the city behind and start again in a place so different from what she has known. Despite my admiration for her, I also had some prejudices towards her. Because it’s easy to think that Fliss is accustomed to her lifestyle, but in fact that proved to be absolutely wrong of me think that.

Slowly I got to understand that there is more to Fliss that what I initially thought. Her life hasn’t been easy at all, having to have faced struggles that no one, especially at a young age, should ever be facing. Fliss learned important lessons throughout her life, making her stronger and resilient, but in a way also more fearful and scared.

When disaster strikes, and Fliss finds herself without a just – bought – home, it was sweet to see how Jesse offers his help and assistance. And that all despite their initial painful (literally!) encounter.

Jesse for sure is the kind of man I am looking for myself. He is kind, generous and ready to offer his help. For Fliss, he is ready to call in several favours. I found is also sweet in a way that he feels responsible for the state of the house, even if he isn’t to blame at all.

It was funny to read how Fliss and Jesse clash over almost everything. Fliss wants to show everyone that she doesn’t need anyone, or any kind of help. She wants everyone to see that she can make it on her own. Meanwhile, Jesse wants Fliss to understand that just because Fliss can do it on her own, she doesn’t have to…

Old habits die hard, and old hurts aren’t easy to heal, and that for sure is applicable for both Fliss and Jesse. Yet somehow, even if their backgrounds make them wary, they find each other. They find someone not only that makes them open up, but also make them believe in the good of people again.

Although, I have to say, that the whole community shows the good in people. Each and everyone of them welcome Fliss with open arms. They are more than willing to help Fliss, but also they are more than willing to offer their friendship to her. And that truly warmed my heart, because their kindness and generosity it exactly what Fliss needs in her life.

I absolutely loved reading this story. It may seem such a simple storyline, but while reading more and more of it, I found so much depth in it. Because Fliss may have lived a complete different life but never felt a place more like a home like she does now.

Maxine Morrey managed once again writing an inspiring, heartfelt and heartwarming story. We see how one storm can perhaps turn out to be the best thing ever happening to you, as it will bring lovely people on your path, and makes you grow as a person. What more can I say than that it was just a marvellous read!