When a terrible moment means a change in your life

Synopsis

Welcome to your happy place…

Each morning as bookseller Florrie Appleton cycles along the promenade of her seaside hometown, watching the surfers far out in the bay, breathing in the fresh salty air, she counts herself lucky. She has a small but picture-perfect cottage overlooking the sea, a group of friends she can always rely on, and the job of her dreams at her favourite bookshop. But when tragedy strikes, her little slice of heaven is in danger of being lost forever.

To save the bookshop from closure, Florrie finds herself thrown together with the elderly owner’s handsome grandson, Ed Hartes, who has a habit of making butterflies dance in her stomach. But the only romance Florrie has time for lies within the pages of her favourite novels, and her instincts are telling her to be wary. There’s something Ed’s keeping from her, and she can’t face another heartbreak.

When Florrie stumbles upon a mysterious stash of yellowed letters in the storeroom, it seems Ed isn’t the only one with secrets. The old bookshop is full of stories waiting to be told, and they aren’t only in the pages of the books….

The perfect uplifting, feel-good read for fans of Jessica Redland, Jenny Colgan and Phillipa Ashley.

My review

Florrie Appleton has never thought about leaving the town she lives in. She has her family, her amazing friends, a boyfriend that doesn’t make sparks fly around but he’ll do, and a job at Happy Hartes Bookshop.
Being a bookworm, Florrie has started working with love and passion at the bookshop as a weekend job when younger, and now she is still working there with the same energy fulltime.
Little does she know that one Monday morning, her whole world will turn around with a devastating discovery…
Because now she owns half of the bookshop, together with her boss’ estranged grandson Ed Harte.
And while she has many ideas to keep the bookshop a success, she doesn’t dare to give in the growing feelings she is cultivating for Ed. Because she cannot give her heart to someone who doesn’t know if he will be sticking around or not. 

Is there something better for a bookworm like me than reading a book about a bookworm, working in a bookshop, and perhaps even finding romance, and add a little mystery to it too?
That’s what I thought… 

So obviously I immediately liked Florrie. But not only because we have a shared passion for books, but because she just is such a nice person!
The way she looks after the customers of the bookshops, how she laughs and cries with her friends, and the way she takes Gerty in after their loss, these are just some of the examples to proof who Florrie really is.
Even the way she is reluctant of getting out of a passionless relationship shows her she thinks more about other people than herself. 

My heart broke when it was her who made the discovery that Monday morning, and her reaction shows us that Bernard was so much more than just her boss.
Bernard, the kind of grandfather everyone would love to have, making Florrie his ‘honorary’ granddaughter…
It made me wonder with such a great character, how it would be possible that he has such an ungrateful family… A family that broke all contact when they didn’t get things their way… 

But luckily Bernard’s kind character can be found in Ed’s character too. Because Ed decides he wants to know his grandfather, and that is of course the right decision, not only for the matter of the heart, but also that is great news for our own Florrie! 

This isn’t just a story about two people finding each other. But it’s also about people trying to figure out where they want to go with their lives. Because not everyone always knows what they want from life and what the right direction is.

And there I understood why Florrie didn’t want to invest too much of her heart in getting closer to Ed. Because what if he would just leave and leave her and her heart broken?

While it was lovely to see how feelings grew stronger, I also was very invested in the story of some side characters. Without giving too much away, their story warmed my heart and I was glad I was put on the wrong track for once, as the reality was even better than I imagined! 

I loved reading this book, with two lovely characters who both deserve the world, amazing friends that will make you laugh and a bookshop I wish I could spend all my time and money!
This story shows us that family doesn’t mean that there has to be a connection by blood. And that fighting in the same corner, even with a small diversion there, can be the start of a wonderful romance.

Cooking is love, love is cooking

Synopsis

Mix together a group of mature students:

A culinary Sloane, a take-away cook and a food journalist.

Add in:

A handsome host

Season with:

A celebrity chef

Bring to the boil:

At a luxurious cookery school in France!

 

Waltho Williams has no idea what he’s letting himself in for when he opens the doors of La Maison du Paradis, his beautiful French home. But with dwindling funds, a cookery school seems like the ideal business plan. 

Running away from an impending divorce, super-snob Caroline Carrington hopes a luxurious cookery holiday will put her back on her feet. Blackpool fish and chip café owner Fran Cartwright thinks she’s won the lottery when her husband Sid books her on a week working alongside a celebrity chef. Meanwhile, feeling she is fading at fifty, journalist Sally Parker-Brown hopes her press week covering the cookery course will enable her to boost her career.

But will the eclectic group be a recipe for success, or will the mismatched relationships sink like a souffle? 

Whip out an apron, grab a wooden spoon and take a culinary trip to La Maison du Paradis, then sit back and enjoy The French Cookery School!

My review

This summer, La Maison du Paradis has opened its doors as a cookery school, as its owner Waltho Williams needs the funds to keep the place going.
And with such a celebrity chef teaching the secrets of the French cuisine, Waltho hopes that this may be the start of a successful new business plan.
To say that the first group of students is an eclectic one, is an understatement. Because not only there is Caroline, who is at the verge of a divorce and has to learn how to be independent. But there is also Fran, whose presence is always very clear and loudly, but with a heart of gold, and wants to learn in order to fulfil her and her husband’s dream. This all with the watchful eyes of Sally, a food journalist who sees and hears everything. And has caught the eye of bad boy/ teaching chef Daniel.
But no matter who they are, one way or another, this summer course is one that everyone will remember.

Being an Italian, it means that love for food and cooking runs through my veins. Whenever I feel stressed, let me bake some cakes or cookies, and all the stress evaporates. When I want to impress a person of interest, you can be sure that my homemade pasta with polpette will be on the table. SO of course I have to read a book where cooking is involved. And yes, as an Italian I am ready to leave the all known rivalry with the French aside 😊. Because passion for food is something that doesn’t know boundaries or borders.

And in this book there is not only a shared passion for food or cooking, but it’s also a place where friendships are being born, lessons learnt and not only related to cooking!

Caroline is perhaps the most tragic character of this book. Although, perhaps it’s a shared first place with Waltho…
It saddened me to get to know her better, because she hasn’t had an easy life. And that is for sure an understatement…
She for once in her life is doing something for herself, after a marriage filled with gaslighting, betrayal, and loneliness.
Initially I thought that this cookery course wasn’t what Caroline needed in her life, but after finishing it, I couldn’t agree more that it was exactly what Caroline needed.

I cannot imagine how her life has been before, and how little and insignificant Caroline must have felt. And even now, free from those shackles, Caroline is still struggling with truly letting go and just enjoy life, its beauty and even the simple things like food. The restraint she put on herself, “thanks” to her “wonderful” husband, I for sure couldn’t be possible be living like that.

Caroline can be best described as a loner, she wants peace and quiet. So of course she clashes with the character that is her total opposite!
Because Fran is a force of nature, always cheerful, loud and for sure catches the eye!
I liked her character, perhaps because I think I am equally loud? 😊
She also makes easily friends, and lets everyone be themselves.

But I also liked her because she took this course for fulfilling her darling husband’s dream. She is a bunch of joy, happiness and laughter, but she is also eager to learn. Yet at the same time she is a very helpful person, even if that means that she finds herself failing during the lessons.

And let chef Daniel just be the kind of person that is showing Fran’s failures and making her ‘pay’ for them.

You would think that not much would or could happen in the time the guests/pupils are staying at La Maison. But you are so wrong. Because what happens there is more than perhaps has happened in a whole year in my own life!

There is some serious clashing, there is drama, there is comradery, there is a shared passion for food, there is summer romance, there is forgiveness, there is understanding, there is love. There is just so much more than even I initially thought! And each new recipe, each new excursion, each new development was a real joy to read.

It was lovely to see how the characters learn that there is more than sees the eye. And that our first impression of someone can be wrong. Because we don’t know what someone has been through or is still going through. And that made it even more heart – warming to see how perhaps even the most unlikely friendships were being made.
But what I liked the most, is how one journey can be filled with extraordinary experiences, and how you can find the most unexpected yet most lasting things!

This book was a delight to read, and even if it made me hungry while reading, I truly enjoyed every bit of this heart – warming story!

What to do when life is trying to squash you?

Synopsis

WHEN LIFE FEELS LIKE…
A TEST YOU DIDN’T STUDY FOR

When Maggie King turned sixty, she thought her life complete.

Now she’s sixty-one, and everything has gone horribly wrong.

Husband Greg has abruptly upped and left leaving Maggie bewildered. But there’s no time to question his departure because her ancient parents are all-consuming.

Once fondly referred to as the Golden Oldies, they’re now the BOBs – Bad-Tempered Old Buggers.

Sister Freya is never available to help, and Maggie is rapidly reaching the end of her tether.

She wants her life – and husband – back.

Instead, she’s trapped in what has been coined the Sandwich Generation – supporting both children and parents – except this particular sarnie is in danger of falling apart.

Maggie needs to learn that when life is like a club sandwich, it needs the best ingredients – and that includes lashings of love and some knee-trembling romance!

My review

At her sixtieth birthday, Maggie thought she had the best life. Even if thing weren’t always that perfect, it for sure worked for her!
Little did she know that one year later, her whole life would have been turned upside down. Not only did her husband Greg leave her, the health of her parents is also deteriorating. And she cannot count on her sister for any help, because her parents and her sister don’t see her job as a photographer as a ‘real’ job and expect her to be available all the time.
And while her own children can mend for themselves, as a mother the worrying never really stops.
Can Maggie find the way to put everything into the right balance and not forget herself in this whole new process?

Opening a book of Debbie Viggiano is like starting a journey that you never know where it will end. Knowing this author, I don’t that even if I don’t know a lot about the journey,  I know I will love the journey and the final destination of it!

And my oh my, what a great book this was! I have to say, that Debbie for sure wrote another compelling, heart – breaking but also heart – warming and inspiring story.

It all starts very positive, where Maggie celebrates her birthday with her loved ones, and how everything seems to be working out for her and her family. Of course there are a few bumps on the road, and Maggie worries about the health of her parents. But isn’t that natural, as both her parents aren’t getting any younger and have their own fights to fight.

The contrast one year later couldn’t be bigger… because we see Maggie trying to communicate with Greg, but her husband isn’t the most talkative and loving husband anymore. And while initially Maggie was mainly worrying about her mother, now also her father is showing a faltering health.

It saddened me to see how at loss Maggie was, with everyone relying on her, parents and sister taking her availability for granted and not realizing that Maggie has a job and that she cannot just cancel prior appointments whenever they ask her to.

Maggie for sure isn’t having an easy time, everyone wants something for her, her time, her availability, her presence, her understanding.
But when she asks for the same things, especially from her sister, she finds herself on her own. And that angered me. Everyone has a life of their own, and yes, we all love our parents, siblings, children etc. But love doesn’t mean to lose yourself and not getting any help when you’re screaming for it.

Luckily, this isn’t a complete sad story, but also a very heart – warming one, in more than just one way.
Because when Maggie decides to finally do something for herself, to have some love back in her life, it truly was a wonderful decision she made.
And it put a smile on my face seeing how the things that frightened her the most, turns out to be the thing she perhaps needed the most.

And that brings also someone on her path, bringing also more light in her life again. I know I am talking in riddles now. But if I start divulging too much, it will take all the surprise and delight away when you are reading this book yourself! 😊
But just let me say this: concerning her husband Greg, not everything is what it seems. And when I realized it myself, I was even a little bit flabbergasted, and I wondered how I didn’t see the signs earlier on!

I truly enjoyed reading this story, even if my world and Maggie’s couldn’t be more further apart. Maggie is in a point in her life where she is still mothering her adult children, but has also become the main carer of her parents. Looking after your parents, especially with their age and their problems, isn’t an easy task, as it’s not easy to make them see that their independence is what is putting them even in greater danger.
But we also see how strong a person can be, and that that strength can come at any age, and everyone can learn to stand up for themselves.
And most important, no matter what age you are, love, no matter in what form, can be found again. And that kindred spirits can always find each other, giving even more strength that we have found ourselves!

Debbie Viggiano wrote a marvellous, inspiring story that even after I finished it, kept lingering around in my thoughts, letting me understand that we cannot just take things for granted, but also that no matter what struggles come on our paths, we should never lose ourselves!

Paris isn’t always the city of love…

Synopsis

Personal shopper Annie Valentine is back! Older and bolder!

Fashion guru Annie is struggling to cope with her hectic life. With the demands of two older children, plus four-year-old twins, her marriage to Ed is in a romance-free rut and she’s clinging by a couture thread to her job as the nation’s favourite fashion fixer.

And where is Svetlana, her multi-millionaire friend, when Annie needs her? Busy with an expensive mid-life crisis, that’s where!

When Ed gets the chance to teach in Paris, Annie thinks time apart could be the answer. Wrong!

In Paris, Ed transforms into a debonair silver fox, attracting the attentions of stylish siren Sylvie.

Annie can’t lose her man or the job she loves, so bundling her bags, her babies and a reluctant Svetlana onto the Eurostar, she sets off to the rescue. But can the City of Love deliver the ooh la lathat her marriage, and her fashion series, so desperately needs?

Another brilliant laugh out loud emotional read, perfect for fans of Fiona Gibson, Tracy Bloom and Sophie Ranald!

My review

Annie Valentine for sure feels the years passing by. Her show as a fashion guru is at risk, her two older children have their own demands, having four – year – old twins is a challenge. That for sure is putting her marriage with Ed not high on her priority list. So even if they love each other deeply, when Ed gets the chance to teach in Paris, they both believe the distance will make them understand once again how important they are to each other.
However… once Ed is in Paris, Annie hears he is spending more and more time with colleague Silvie. And her jealousy starts to rise.
It doesn’t help that she cannot rely on her friend Svetlana, who is having her own mid – life crisis.
With inspiration strikes Annie on how to save her show, she takes off with the twins to Paris herself to save what matters the most, her marriage.
But how will she be welcomed in the City of Love?

It was great to meet Annie again, as I already know her from her previous books. And on one hand it was amazing to see my friend again, but on the other side, I was also a bit afraid. Because a new book means new trouble. And I wanted Annie to live her life happily ever after with the man she loves.

But just like in real life, a marriage, family, and life in general isn’t always a guarantee for that happy end we are all searching for.
It is always a work in progress, a matter of finding the perfect balance yet often too failing in finding it…

I can only try to imagine how hectic Annie’s life is at this stage, trying to keep being inventive for her show, demanding children in every age-range, an elusive friend and a marriage where romance has slowly died.
Wisdom for sure comes with age, but even the wisest people need a breather once in a while!

I could feel the stress level rise with Annie, wanting to be the best mother, wife, friend and show host. And see her trying yet also failing at moments was just a reminder that in fact we are all human, and are allowed to make mistakes.

Yet we see that Annie is also a very supporting woman, encouraging all her children, wanting to show Svetlana her true beauty, and being supportive towards her husband Ed pursuing his dreams, even if that means being apart from each other.
Annie for sure has many many balls up in the air, and is doing her best to not let any of them fall…

With Paris being the epicentre of fashion, I found that Annie had a great idea for her show. And of course it would help to save her marriage, as she is getting signs from Ed, even involuntary ones, that something is amiss…

I have to say, while previously I truly liked Ed, in this book, I was deeply disappointed in him… Yes, I wanted him to chase his dreams in Paris, but how quickly dismissive he became… and then his behaviour in Paris and how he practically kicked Annie out… it just didn’t fit with the Ed I used to know.
That also shows us that over the years a lot of things happen, but also how being in a rut can make you even doubt everything you used to know.
But even if Ed’s revelation was a bit a shocking one, well, let me just say that even when you doubt him the most, don’t give him that easily the chop..

And then there is Svetlana. She is a force of nature, an amazing force of nature. But in this book we also see that even forces of nature can go through difficult moments. Even forces of nature need to have a goal in life, yet finding that goal isn’t always an easy task.

Of course Svetlana often with her behaviour put a smile on my face, but she also let me remind that we all have that sense of being constantly at our best, that we have to improve ourselves and even keep the high standard we put ourselves in. But why? Isn’t it enough of being enough for our loved ones? Why put ourselves in such a stress for others, others that don’t matter that much?

While this was of course a book that made me laugh several times, it was also a book that reminded me that life and love are always a work in progress. That even when things have been in a rut, we shouldn’t tale them for granted. And that we should keep fighting for love. But it’s also about finding yourself again and letting your inner beauty come out. And also that sometimes even small changes, like a different haircut, can be the best change ever.

When you want to save your home…

Synopsis

Set sail for the idyllic island of Jersey in this gorgeous new romance, perfect for fans of Rachael Lucas and Phillipa Ashley…

When Lettie’s parents call her and her brother back to Hollyhock Farm on the island of Jersey, the last thing they expect to be told is that their childhood home is up for sale. Following a health scare, their father needs to take a step back, and the sale of the land and business to their uncle, they are told, is all but done.

Back on the island, with its rolling hills and golden sands, Lettie immediately remembers what it feels like to breath in the fresh air in the green fields, and be part of this tight-knit community – a far cry from the life of events and high fashion she leads in London.

But she surprises even herself when she suggests that she instead could take over Hollyhock farm. Humouring her, her father agrees to give her a three month trial, and Lettie is determined to prove she’s up to the task.

But the summer season is no easy feat for a new farmer, and Lettie has a huge task ahead of her. And when an old flame reappears in the form of dashing local vet Brodie, Lettie’s summer is about to get even more complicated…

My review

When Lettie and her brother are summoned by their parents to return to Hollyhock Farm on the island of Jersey, it’s Lettie’s last thing on her mind to think that her parents want to sell their home.
Even if her life in high fashion could not be more different than living on a farm, Lettie finds herself offering to run the place herself. And her father agrees to give her a three month trial.
But running a farm isn’t an easy task, not for a seasoned farmer, and for sure not for a rookie like Lettie.
Yet Lettie can count on the help of her Uncle, her brother and the whole community of Jersey, and even on the help of someone who also just recently returned to Jersey. A someone that caused Lettie her first broken heart…
Is three months enough to persuade her parents to keep the farm? Or is her plan doomed to fail?

Jersey is a place that I didn’t know before, but grew on me while reading this amazing author’s book. It feels such a lovely, warm and welcoming place, I could see myself wandering there amongst my friends.

So in that matter, I could understand how Lettie feels returning back home, after her hectic life in London. Because in Jersey, on Hollyhock Farm, it’s yes about hard work, but also about peace, fresh air and just *home*.

I know for sure that the life of a farmer is nothing for me, I don’t have that endurance or strength. Yet I admire the farmers, working so hard every day, under any circumstance.
And even if it’s a sad decision, I could comprehend Lettie’s parents, especially after their scare, how they want to enjoy life and go travelling.
It’s also clear that the decision is also a decision that pains them, because the farm has been their home and now it won’t be any longer.

It was admirable that Lettie suggested to take over the farm, but I felt that Lettie didn’t know what she had said. And Lettie quickly learns that farmer days can be long, tiring and perhaps also leaves you feeling unsatisfied as the job is just never don.

Yet Jersey and its inhabitants once again didn’t fail to make me proud, because Lettie finds herself quickly surrounded by people that want to help her, any possible way.
She even can rely on the new vet for help, even if the new vet isn’t that big stranger to her…

Oh, I immediately liked Brodie! Okay, I have a weak spot for animals, so anyone else who cares about animals, is to my liking. But Brodie went even beyond that.
He is just such a kind and gentle character. He absolutely does whatever he can for the animals, and even prioritizes them above himself. So what that his place is a mess, and he hasn’t had the time yet to unbox everything yet?
And of course he is also kind towards people, otherwise he wouldn’t be swoon – worthy, right?

It was a bit funny to see Lettie knows Brodie, yet Brodie himself doesn’t seem to recognize or recall Lettie from his past. When he finally gets it, sorry Brodie, but I had to have a huge eye-roll, because the signs were there!

Yet that didn’t take away my delight to see Lettie and Brodie growing closer, even if is a rival in the field. And even then, Brodie is there for Lettie when she needs help.

This was a delightful story, about fighting for the place you call home, but also about the struggles of running a farm. But mostly it was about family, friends and community. Because when everyone puts their heads in the same direction even the most outrageous idea can be turned into a real success! And all this in a wonderful setting, what else can you possibly want more? 😊  

Falling for your to – be boss, always a bad idea, right?

Synopsis

At 28, with a Ph.D under her belt and a meteoric rise to head of Research and Development at Mercer Robotics, Reese feels her decision to put her career first has worked out pretty well for her. Sure, she doesn’t have many personal relationships to speak of, but she does love her team and they like her too.

So when she’s called to the Big Boss’s office and told she will be looking after his son while he does a rotation in her lab, she’s not thrilled that her hard work and achievements have boiled down to being a glorified babysitter – especially to a billionaire playboy with zero experience of mechanical engineering.

But then tall, blond Thomas walks into her office, and Reese realizes this assignment is going to be even harder than she thought. Because the CEO’s son is not only extraordinarily gorgeous, chiseled, and charming… he’s also on course to become her new boss one day, and so extraordinarily out of bounds. As the pair get to know each other, can Reese hold her nerve and her beliefs, or will she fall victim to the billionaire charm?

A gorgeously funny enemies-to-lovers, work-place rom com, perfect for fans of Sarah Adams, Lynn Painter and Jo Watson.

My review

Reese may be only 28, but she already has a Ph.D and has even become head of Research and Development at Mercer Robotics. Her career comes before everything, and as she has been burnt by love before, she doesn’t have time for personal relationships. But that doesn’t take away that she has a great and passionate team, who has each other’s back no matter what.
So even if she doesn’t have that aspiration herself, she is a bit flabbergasted to learn from her Big Boos himself that he has planned for his own son to become her boss one day. And that Reese has to look after him while doing a rotation in her lab.
Because Thomas has absolutely no background in mechanical engineering and Reese has no time to babysit him.
But the moment Thomas walks into her office, there sparks something between them. And it doesn’t help that Thomas doesn’t stop flirting with her and Reese get to know the Thomas behind the suit and the money.
Yet with Thomas one day going to be her boss, and him feeling even a bit inferior to Reese, is there a future truly possible?

I absolutely love Camilla Isley and her books. So obviously I was very very very eager to read Thomas’s story and learn who he would fall in love with.
But did I expect to completely devour this book in one long session? Nope…
And did I expect to have a huge smile on my face from the very start until the very end? Nope…

Yet I had one small fear, that the technical explanations would be too complicated for me and I wouldn’t understand one bit that was being said.
And yes, at moments that was indeed happening, but luckily I could count on Thomas’s likewise ignorance and he has the possibility to ask the questions I had! 😊

Throughout the whole story, I had such an admiration for Reese. At that young age having achieved so much already, she for sure deserves my respect!
But it saddened me also to read how on a personal level she has become victim of her own success, making her not be looking for love anymore.

Nevertheless she has a great to work with, and I liked every member of it, with the exception of one… 😊
And obviously she is also very protective of the work they do, and is obviously very wary learning that Thomas one day will be her boss. Because how can someone without any mechanical background make the right decisions?

But Thomas isn’t just anyone, is he? I already liked him in the previous books, and I truly couldn’t wait for his tale. And boy oh boy, I even fell more in love with him!
Yes, Thomas has the looks and the money and has perhaps had a rather privileged life. But it was a real delight discovering so many different layers of Thomas.

Because Thomas may be very flirty, he also knows to respect boundaries, and is truly and genuinely interested in what Reese’s team does. Even if perhaps he doesn’t understand everything, he is eager to learn and even succeeds in finding the solution for a problem, even if it was unintentional.

We also see the funny side of Thomas more, the little jokes, remarks, and post – its. It only adds to his charm even more. And I could for sure understand how difficult Reese it found to resist him.
And that was frustrating in a way, the both of them holding back for so…long… Not fair Camilla, not fair! 😊
But it was also understandable why Reese would keep her distance, predicting problems in the future when Thomas would be her boss. Not an easy situation, but for sure there would be some loopholes, right?

Reese and Thomas are two very different characters, but opposites attract, and these two lovely characters for sure complement each other. Both Reese and Thomas have self – doubts, for one reason or another. But it was lovely to see how when this pair is together, things just go naturally.

There is one character that stole my heart even more than Thomas did. Or rather, a droid. Because
K – 2P felt for me like the secret treasure of this book! Where can I get my own droid? But perhaps not one with my characteristics, because that would be terrible I think! 😊

I said it before, the whole long reading session, I had a big smile on my face. But I also had several laugh – outs, swooning moments, and yes, even a few gasps…
And it was of course great to see my other friends from the previous books again! And how Thomas’s story entwined with Blake and Gabriel, running simultaneous and even Marisa’s appearances were a great addition!

I never thought I could possibly fall even more in love with this author, but with this marvellous book, she now turned me into a real groupie! 😊

Sometimes one act of kindness can make a world of difference…

Synopsis

Meet Tilda Wright…

Tilda has done everything she can to make her life neat, protected, tidy. No longer the girl who was scared of everything, whose family pushed her away, who hit rock bottom. Now she runs her life – as she does her successful business – with the utmost organization. As long as she keeps everyone at arm’s length, she will be fine. She will be safe.

But then a chance encounter with a man who’s fallen on hard times changes everything. Milo needs a break, and self-contained Tilda surprises herself by deciding she should help him. Just for a while. A few days at the most.

Maybe all he needs is someone to organize him, to help him clean up his act? She is sure she knows how to kick-start Milo into turning his life around.

What Tilda doesn’t know is that – with this single act of kindness – it might actually be her own life that’s about to change forever…

My review

Tilda Wright has worked hard to make her cleaning business a successful one. her life has not only been easy, and she knows what it’s like to be rock-bottom. That is why now that finally her life is back on track, everything in her life is neat and protected. Tilda doesn’t do spontaneous, even her dinners are planned. And she keeps everyone at distance, not only the people that work for her, but also her neighbours, and even her own family.
Yet that doesn’t mean that she doesn’t feel sorry for Milo, who is living on the streets, in her street. She knows how difficult life can be…
So when Milo has been literally hit, she cannot leave him in pain on the streets. Even while everything inside her screams to not do it, she offers Milo her help.
And Tilda makes it her plan to get Milo’s back life on track. But little does Tilda know that her act of kindness, no matter how much she eve surprised herself, could be an act that will change her life too…

How often do we see people on street and have our judgement ready? Yes, there are some people only pretending to be living on the streets, trying to gain some money from you. But now I am talking about the real people living on the street, how saw their lives falling apart, and having no other option that living on the streets.

And do we truly know what happens behind closed doors? What people, even the successful ones, are going through? What inner demons they are still fighting and trying to defeat? No, of course we don’t…

This book was in that aspect so overwhelming, making me realize that while I have had only little demons to fight, I can count myself lucky that I have never fallen so low. But also that falling so low is nothing to be ashamed of. Life can throw you lemons, and sometimes they hit you very hard…

It’s clear from the start that while Tilda is proudly running her own business, her life is not that okay at all. Ever since losing her father as a child, her whole life changed. From going to boarding school, not connecting with any other child there, losing the close bond she had with her little brother, her mother ready to pinpoint all Tilda’s “flaws”, leading all to that dramatic point in her life a few years ago…
My heart just broke for her, and learning about her past for sure made me understand her nature and behaviour so much better. As she has been disappointed by so many people, she had to toughen up, even not letting her own cat, Dettol, getting too close. Because all that Tilda knows is that if you let someone too close, it will end in heartbreak.

So in a way it was lovely to see that despite Tilda’s hard lessons, she never lost her kindness. Every fibre in her bone screams to just walk away from Milo, to not offer some help, because you may never know how that would backlash.
But with her heart screaming louder to help out, Tilda finds herself doing the exact opposite, and offers Milo the help he desperately needs.

Poor Milo… he also has been through a lot, and is also still carrying the burden and the guilt of what happened years ago.
My heart broke also for him, because it’s clear that he wants to get his life back on track, but with being so at the bottom, it’s not easy to pick yourself back up…

He is even shocked himself with the help Tilda offers him, because he isn’t used to people being kind to him.

He understands that Tilda is still wary of him, but it was sweet to see how slowly Tilda is letting go of her strict policy, and how Milo is slowly getting the much needed opportunities all because of Tilda’s kind heart.

Obviously Tilda and Milo clash over a few things, but as they are both growing in the story, they also come more and more to an understanding. And there were a few revelations that came as a surprise to both the main characters and to me, but also a few revelations that for me were a bit obvious, yet I was eager to read how that revelation would flabbergast Tilda and/or Milo.

Can I just also say that Dettol is my personal hero in this book! I just wanted to grab her and give her all the possible hugs ever! 😊

This book shows us that even with a small gesture, an act of kindness can truly mean the world to someone.
And that with one act, one gesture, it can also change our own lives.
I was truly touched by this story, as it shows that no matter how deep you fall, it takes just one person to lift you back up. But also that even if we don’t see it, how events of the past can hold us back, not letting us being all that spontaneous again. But also that all it needs is one person, perhaps even one that irritates you, to bring spontaneity back in your life, just like letting love back in your life. And that can be by easy things, like learning how to pet an cat, or even rekindle broken relationships.   

It’s never too late to make amends and to find happiness

Synopsis

It’s never too late…

After five husbands and five broken hearts, Lydia feels like she’s always been chasing something. But now she’s found her purpose, and having moved to Driftwood Bay to spend more time with her daughter Meredith, she’s happier than ever. 

But there’s still life in these old bones yet! With her newfound sense of identity, she’s keen to re-explore the things that made her happy as a younger person. Lydia’s passion was dancing – she used to compete in her younger years, and there’s no place she’s more at home than on the dancefloor. 

So when widower and antiques restorer Martin tells her about a big dance competition, she’s ready and raring to bring more joy into her life. But while making memories with Martin, the more she realises that both of their hearts need restoring too…

My review

Lydia has made a few mistakes in the past, how she abandoned her daughter with her own mother, getting married five times, giving up her passion for dancing, …
But now she has settled in Driftwood Bay, to spend more time with her daughter Meredith, and it seems that finally everything fell into the right place.
Lydia is also that kind of person that doesn’t let her age hold het back, because no matter how old she is, she still has still a lot of fire in her!
A fire she wants to keep alight with things that make her happy. And as her passion used to be dancing, Lydia is over the moon when her friend, widower Martin, tells her about a dance competition they will be taking part in. And while practicing together, Lydia understands that while making new memories, this is also an opportunity to understand her own heart better.

First of all, it was lovely to return to Driftwood Bay! And as Lydia wasn’t completely my favourite person in Meredith’s story (especially at the start of the book), I was very eager to see how life would be for her in Driftwood Bay, and how her relationship with Meredith would evolve.

And I have to admit, I totally devoured this book, I was totally smitten by the friendship, love and even the fears that are present in this book. Yes, even the sadder moments were perfectly fitting in the story.

On one hand it was sweet to see how at home Lydia has been feeling since her move to Driftwood Bay. And also how her relationship with Meredith has been growing.
But in another way, it was also a bit sad to see that Lydia is still carrying around a lot of guilt of the mistakes of her past, and is trying to do the right thing without jeopardizing that still fragile bond between mother and daughter.
And it was extra sad to see how lonely people can feel, even if they are surrounded by people that love them.

In that view, I found it great to see how the friendship between her and Martin grew stronger. It helps to create that bond when both their children are together with each other, but Martin seems to comprehend what Lydia needs. And he wants to put a smile on her face, by bringing her things that bring her happiness.

It is such a silly thought, do what brings you happiness. Yet how small those things may be, it’s true that even the smallest things can bring happiness. From seeing a sunset, a walk on the beach, or to just dance again. Anything can bring happiness, but it’s to find those little gems and use them.

Lydia in this book goes to a whirlwind of emotions. She loves being close to Meredith again, she is making new friends, finding new old passions again. But she also gets several scares… And while in a book it would be great if everything would run smoothly, life isn’t always a walk in the park and bad things can happen…

Perhaps for me personally it was a bit more difficult to relate completely to Lydia, because she could be my mother or grandmother even, but that didn’t take away the wonderful feelings I had while reading page after page!
I found this an amazing and even inspiring story about how you are never too old to dream and to pursue your little happiness’s.
And while pursuing those happy moments, you can learn to mend your own heart, and understand what it truly wants and needs…
This is once again an amazing story by the hand of the talented Kim Nash, who had to fulfill my high expectations and succeeded in it splendidly! 😊

When the desire to escape brings a marriage of convenience…

Synopsis

Her betrothed cheated on her. The duke offers to save her. Can a marriage of convenience turn into true love?

In this steamy historical romance, a sheltered baron’s daughter and a celebrated duke agree on a marriage of convenience, but he has a secret that may ruin it all.

She is desperate to escape …

When Miss Annabel Ridley learns her betrothed has been unfaithful, she knows she must cancel the wedding. The problem is no one else seems to agree with her, least of all her father. With her wedding day approaching, she must find a way to escape her doomed marriage. She seeks out the Duke of Halmesbury to request he intercede with her rakish betrothed to break it off before the wedding day.

He is ready to try again …

Widower Philip Markham has decided it is time to search for a new wife. He hopes to find a bold bride to avoid the mistakes of his past. Fate seems to be favoring him when he finds a captivating young woman in his study begging for his help to disengage from a despised figure from his past. He astonishes her with a proposal of his own—a marriage of convenience to suit them both. If she accepts, he resolves to never reveal the truth of his past lest it ruin their chances of possibly finding love.

The Duke Wins a Bride is the delightful first book in the Inconvenient Brides series of steamy Regency romance books. If you like worthy heroes, strong heroines, fast-paced plots, and enduring connections, then you’ll adore Nina Jarrett’s charming novel. Can be read as a standalone book.

My review

Miss Annabel Ridley cannot wait to marry her betrothed. That is until she finds out that he has been unfaithful and isn’t planning on making any changes in his behaviour. No matter how hard Annabel tries to cancel the wedding, both her father as Richard want the wedding to take place.
Her only option left is to ask the Duke of Halmesbury for help.
But what Annabel doesn’t know, is that the Duke, Philip Markham, has just decided that the time has come to search for a new wife, after losing his first one. Wanting to avoid the mistakes of the past, he hopes that he can find a bold bride, even a fierce one.
So when he finds Annabel in his study, he thinks that she may be the answer. Because a marriage of convenience is what they both need to solve their problems. And it for sure helps that Philip is captivated by Annabel.
But even in Regency, can a marriage of convenience work, when Annabel is not perse looking for love, but at least respect? And where Philip has already been burnt in a marriage before?

I can truly enjoy reading a Regency story. But I enjoy those stories even more when there is a strong female lead, ready to fight for herself and her happiness.

And that is exactly the kind of character that Annabel is. We meet her when her wedding is approaching. And while perhaps there isn’t that big passionate love with her betrothed, there is a good base to start a marriage with.
Until the moment she discovers that he has been unfaithful…

I have to admit, that moment, despite the tragedy for Annabel, put a little smile on my face, reading how Annabel sees the situation and compares it with well, animals… 😊

But of course it’s terrible for Annabel to see what Richard has been doing behind her back and isn’t even a tiny bit remorseful about it, or has any thoughts about acting differently after getting married to Annabel.

Just like Annabel, it angered me to read how both her father as Richard expected to just let the wedding take place, despite everything that happened…
I was especially disappointed in her father, his lack of interest, his lack of even love towards Annabel and how only the title and reputation count for him…

So yes, while perhaps it isn’t the smartest idea, I could completely comprehend why Annabel decides to fight for herself and even isn’t afraid to put herself into danger, as long as it means that she can get the much needed help to escape that marriage.

Annabel is clearly not that meek woman everyone expects a woman to be. Even while requesting the help from the Duke, she doesn’t let him intimidate her, but she stands her ground. And only after realizing that what Philip offers is the best possible option, AND after she has made her own ‘inspection’ and added a few of her own stipulations, she agrees to the marriage of convenience.

It could have been a weird tactic of Philip, proposing marriage to a woman he just literally met. But slowly learning about his previous marriage, and understanding how that and losing his wife affected him, well it made a lot clear of the persona Philip is.
He also immediately sees the fire that Annabel is, and that is exactly what he is looking for in his wife. So why would he look any further? And of course it helps a bit getting his own revenge.

Revenge that perhaps was also understandable, but also perhaps based on conclusions that were made too quickly, making him lose also his best friend…

But it was great to see Annabel and Philip slowly getting to know each other, learning from each other. Of course there are some hiccups and that trust isn’t gained all that easily. But slowly they are getting there, the both of them wanting to see the other one happy. Even if that means putting your own personal thoughts aside.

And their attraction for sure sparks from each page, but those sparks never take the spotlight. It is an important aspect in the relationship, but it’s also the emotional bond that they have that is just great to see, and the mutual interests that they have.

This was a lovely book to read, about strong characters trying to find a way to happiness. And while it all starts with a marriage of convenience, there is growth as a couple, understanding each other, and also most important, respect from both parties. And also learning to understand one’s own feelings and admitting them and not let fear hold you hold.

As this was the start of a brand new series, I cannot wait to see what else this author has in store for her readers! 😊  

A summer in Italy, a summer to never forget

Synopsis

Abi is distraught when her ex-husband Alex takes their twelve-year-old daughter, Chloe to spend the summer with his glamorous fiancée Marisa and her parents at their home on the beautiful Italian island of Procida. Persuaded by her best friend to book a holiday at the island’s Hotel Paradiso, Abi finally meets the woman she’s been avoiding for so long. Will the two women’s strained relationship survive the summer?

One-time teenage swimming sensation, Loretta, has run the Hotel Paradiso since leaving Capri broken-hearted. When childhood friend Salvo comes to stay, Loretta is forced to confront her past and the fears that have kept her away from the water for forty years. But just as she finds the courage to open her heart, she discovers all is not as it seems with Salvo…

It’s a summer of new beginnings for Abi and Loretta – and one they will never forget.

Take a trip to Italy with Victoria Springfield for a summery getaway any time of the year!

My review

Abi is heartbroken when her ex – husband takes their daughter Chloe for the whole summer to the Italian island of Procida, with his fiancée and her parents. It’s not about the plans that Abi made herself, but more the fear that she is losing her daughter to the more glamourous side of life.
S when her best friend persuades Abi to book a holiday at Procida’s Hotel Paradiso, Abi takes off, ready for the confrontation too with the woman that took her husband.
Once upon arriving at Hotel Paradiso, Abi befriends the owner, Loretta, who has run the hotel since she left Capri heart – broken many years ago. But also for Loretta it’s time to face her past when an old friend appears to be staying at her place…

A story set in Italy? Do I really need more to pick a book up? Of course not! And it being set in a place so near my own roots, of course it has an advantage!

At first I have to admit, I didn’t truly warm towards Abi. Not because she is a bad person, or a terrible mother. But it felt like she was too clingy towards her daughter Chloe. I understand that Chloe is all Abi has left, but I also felt that Abi was relying a bit too much on Chloe being around and Chloe wanting to spend her time with her mother. Because Chloe is a teenager, and there can be nothing more humiliating for a teenager to be seen with her mother! 😊

So with those thoughts in my mind, I found it over the top that Abi flies over to Procida to check on her girl. I felt that Abi should have let Chloe enjoy a wonderful summer in a wonderful place, without having a mother lurking around each corner.

Yet it was bittersweet to see how Chloe needs her mother, even in a wonderful place like Procida, because no matter the setting, it’s clear that Chloe isn’t having the best summer ever. And being a teenager, not wanting to need your parents, yet wanting to need your parents, is only adding more confusing in the head of Chloe.

While I initially not truly liked Abi’s decision to go to Procida, it turns out to be that in fact it was the best decision she could make, as it’s clear that not only she is needed, but also that Abi is slowly learning to move forward and even perhaps think about her own future, and not let it rule by her daughter.

Of course there are some awkward situations, as Abi finds herself slightly forced to spend time with her ex – husband, his fiancée and her family. I felt the odd one out in her place! But just like any real Italian would, Marisa’s family welcomed Abi like she was truly a member of the family!

This book is a treat, as we get two stories for the price of one, because we also get to know Loretta, the owner of Hotel Paradiso.
It’s clear from the start that Loretta has been through some dramatic moments in her, life, making her escape Capri and start a hotel in Procida.
Not only is it the heartbreak she endured after a phenomenal achievement, but she is also haunted by an event that took place not that much later.

No matter how much Loretta tries to hide her demons, with the appearance of Salvo, it all quickly resurfaces. To only show us that sometimes hurt and shame can linger for a very long time.

But it was also sweet to see how with the arrival of Salvo, Loretta now is able to put everything into perspective, and put it behind her, even being able to look positively towards her own future, and even daring to open up her heart again…

I found this a heart – warming story, about two women at different stages of life. But somehow, they  have both been holding back, because of their pasts.
In that matter, it was inspiring to see how one summer can impact people. Yes, even during that one summer mistakes are made, miscommunications happen and fear is still holding them somehow back.
But in this one specific summer, with meeting new and old people again, both Abi and Loretta find the courage to look forward to a future, a future with much more and brightful colours, because that is what opening your heart can do, make you take that plunge into the unknown.
And yes, of course it helps to realize your potential in a setting as wonderful as Procida! 😊