How downsizing is just the start…

Synopsis

Could down-sizing her life mean up-sizing her dreams?

Since her daughter grew up and left home, Sandy has found herself filling her house with things – impulse purchases that she just has to have but that quickly lose their sheen. Why would she need an expensive set of copper pans when she has no one to cook for?

Realising that her shopping habit is out of control, she asks herself: can she de-clutter, downsize and start a new life?

She has always wanted to live on a barge, and she reasons that there is no way she would have room for random purchases on a boat. Taking the bravest decision of her life, Sandy buys and refurbishes a barge in the beautiful city of Amsterdam.

Relishing her independence, she is not looking for love, but as the nights draw in and the leaves start to fall from the trees, she finds herself drawn to cafe owner and expert hot chocolate maker Abe.

Is she willing to take a second chance on finding the one?

My review

Sandy never thought that her daughter moving away to Australia, would be the start of her impulse shopping. When the penny finally drops, she knows that something needs to change. Not only is she cleaning up her closets, but she also sees this as a chance to truly downsize and start a new life. With an add that she suddenly sees, she makes up her mind to not just buy a barge, but also make the move to the city of Amsterdam. However, the boat she has bought needs more TLC than expected. Luckily her neighbour Abe, not only café owner but also perfect hot – chocolate – creator, is there to help her out. Despite her attraction to Abe, Sandy is adamant that she is not looking for love, but for independency. But is there truly only room for independency and nothing for love at all?

Often there is a misunderstanding of where I am living. People assume I live in the Netherlands, but in fact, even if I speak Dutch (or rather, Flemish) I live in fact in Belgium. And while we do speak the same language and we have many many similarities, there are also several differences between us…

I have been in Amsterdam myself just once. And I have to admit, there were many lovely places, but at some places a specific odour cannot be ignored (you know which kind of odour I am talking about, don’t you 😊). And that put me a tiny bit off… However, I am always curious to read how characters in books experience the city of my neighbour country 😊.

And yes, living on a boat, a barge, or anything just floating on water, would be a hell for me. I need my space, I need my comfort,  I need something on solid ground.

I have to say, that initially I found Sandy some kind of sad character. While she is supportive of her daughter moving to Australia, she realizes that she has no one to look after now anymore. And while she has one best friend, that will appear several times in this book too (and is an important supportive person for Sandy), she feels more lonely and alone than ever.

And it saddened me too reading how she finds ‘relief’ by impulsive shopping, buying things that yes she likes, but not necessarily needs or will use…

On the other hand, I liked it how she was able to make the switch. She realizes that something needs to change. And not only does she start decluttering, but she truly goes big by looking for a barge. And while it may seem very impulsive and naïve to just buy through the internet and based on some photos and the word of a complete stranger.

But while I would never act the way Sandy does, it is also the start of the changes in her life. Not only to truly and literally downsizing, but also to be more independent, and most important, more happy. Because Amsterdam is a place she has very fond memories of. And isn’t there a better place to start again, than a place that made you once so happy?

Right from the start once arrived in Amsterdam, Sandy is ready to be hands-on. But she also quickly realizes that while she wants to be as independent as possible, sometimes you just a helping hand, whether is comes in the form of a kind and good looking neighbour or not…

Seeing how Abe is welcoming her in Amsterdam, and is willing to help her around, with well practically everything, made me believe in the goodness of people again. In a world filled with evil people, we need more people with Abe’s heart and kindness. He is not only being a good neighbour, but a truly good friend to Sandy. Even if Sandy is initially reluctant to accept his help…

It was sweet to see how Sandy is adapting to her new life in Amsterdam. And how she is truly bonding with not only Abe but also other people. In a way, I could see the burden fall off Sandy’s shoulders the moment she moves to Amsterdam. So many things fell into place the moment she steps into her own barge.

Of course there are several hiccups in this book, alongside several misunderstandings. Even if some could be avoided, I also kept in mind there is also a language barrier. I know that Dutch isn’t an easy language to learn, and I could comprehend how Sandy would misinterpret what she hears. 

Talking about language… at the start of the book, there was a sentence written in Dutch that wasn’t completely correct, and I was a bit afraid that it would be the start of getting annoyed with wrong spelling and grammar. Luckily for me, it was just one small error, and whenever there was written something in Dutch, it was correct 🙂. And of course, reading how the Dutch delicacy of  bitterballen also is mentioned, extra points from my side! 🙂

Obviously this is a book about fresh starts, new starts. And there are many stories like this one out there. But yet this book never felt like reading something I have read before. Because while in such stories, the main characters take a huge step with a huge amount of courage, there is something to be said doing this when you are just a tiny bit older, with already adult children. And going to a country, a city where you don’t know the language.

Sandy, or rather Helga Jensen, shows us that great things and great people can cross our paths if we just dare to make a change. And that a place from the past can be the perfect place for your present and your future. And also that no matter how much you have fought for your independency, and that you are a strong woman on your own, building your life up again, some people are worth of being let in. And that finding love, admitting to love, does not mean that you are giving up your independency at all. But it just means that you are expanding your life, your heart, to share your life with someone special, and someone worthy of it to share with.

Helga Jensen swept me away with this wonderful, heartwarming, inspiring and encouraging story about leaving your old life behind, in order to start a brand new, fresh life. All this in a setting that I know already, yet surprised me also with a few unknown fact and places that I for sure want to see for myself, and just be in awe just like Sandy was! 🙂  

Can a haunting ghost bring love?

Synopsis

The only thing scarier than ghosts is falling in love. 

Knox McIntyre has mastered the art of avoiding drama, especially the romantic kind. Ever since his screenwriting career went up in flames, the grumpy bartender has kept his past buried and his heart off-limits. But when a paranormal reality show sets its sights on the boutique hotel where he works, he gets roped into the production—and partnered with the one woman who just might unravel him.

Charlotte “Charlie” Fraser is the Duchess Hotel’s sunny front office manager, a hopeless romantic with a weakness for happy endings and broody bartenders. After months of pining for Knox, she’s finally ready to act—even if it means battling her inner scaredy-cat by helping him bring a ghost-hunting show to the hotel this Halloween.

As Knox and Charlie dig into the hotel’s chilling past, they find themselves irresistibly drawn to each other. Every lingering look, near kiss, and shared secret brings them closer to something real. But unless they can summon the courage to face their feelings head-on, their love doesn’t stand a ghost of a chance.

My review

Knox McIntyre and Charlie Fraser are colleagues. While Knox is working at the bar of the Duchess Hotel, Charlie is the hotel’s front office manager. They see each other almost every day, and there is definitely a mutual respect between them. Not only mutual respect though, as there is an attraction between them, but both of them are reluctant to admit their feelings. But not only are they afraid of admitting their feelings, but it is only a fact that Knox and Charlie couldn’t be more different. Where Charlie is open and a sunny presence, and a true believer in romance and love, Knox has been burnt by love and his friends, making him more standoffish and wary of people. And he absolutely stays away from everything that involves romance. However, when The Duchess may be the setting for a paranormal reality show, Charlie and Knox are working together to bring the show to the hotel. And when there is a storage room, previously used by guests, may be truly haunted, scaredy – cat Charlie and sceptic Knox are ready to investigate things even further. And could the haunted room be what will bring Knox and Charlie closer too?

There aren’t many books that when I start reading it, that make me feel a bit conflicted. I think I have read all the books this author has written, and I was very eager to start this second book of The Duchess’ series. However, when I heard about her passing, I just couldn’t believe it… I was truly shocked. Yet as not only a reviewer, but also as a fan of hers, I wanted to honour her and her writing skills. So my love for her prevailed over the shock of her passing…

At the start of the book, I was a tiny bit afraid that the focus would be a lot on the ghostly side of the story. As I am not a real believer of haunted ghosts, I feared that too many ghosts would make me not like the story like I have liked the previous books.

But rather quickly I was reassured, as it becomes clear that yes, ghosts are the reasons for this story to start, but they are not the main subjects.

Because while Knox and Charlie are joining forces to allure the paranormal reality show to film at The Duchess, it is truly a story about the development of a relationship, about finding courage in so many different ways.

Charlie felt so recognizable for me. I saw her sunny character and I could relate to it easily. She is also a real believer of love and romance, even if she hasn’t found her perfect match yet, just like me. And yes, even her being a scaredy – cat truly resonated with me!

I found it also utterly sweet to read how she has always liked Knox, just from afar. I could recognize that agony too, feeling something and being afraid of not only ruining that friendship, but being afraid of having feelings that are not reciprocated…

Especially as Knox is truly a closed book, not only not showing his real emotions, but he has also built his walls so high, that he isn’t letting anyone getting close. His behaviour truly made me wonder what turned him that way.

Because it is clear that his behaviour is because of something that happened to him, and that he hasn’t always been this closed off. And reading what he had endured, how he has been betrayed on several levels, made me understand him so much better.

And it made it also easier for me to see even further beyond his protective shield. There are several moments where we see the real Knox emerge, but just when that Knox appears, he also that quickly disappears…

Yet with Charlie, when they are on their own, we see so many sweet moments. We see how Knox is when he is feeling comfortable, when he is not under scrutiny, who he is when it is okay to be who he is.

We see slowly things shift between Charlie and Knox, we see how there is a trust growing between them, a complicity and an immense mutual respect. Slowly they trust each other enough to truly open up, making them also become protective of each other. And when in time in need, they stand up for each other.

Obviously, there are ups and downs, if everything would go perfectly, it wouldn’t sound very realistic would it? But even with the downs, it is part of their learning curve. And that is also part of the beauty of the story.

There is also an elephant in the room, or rather a ghost in the room that needs to be addressed. Like I said it before, I am not a real believer of haunting ghosts. And I was curious to see what the ghost story would be.

It was a bit scary to read how the room affected Charlie in the occasions she was there, and the climatic scene made me shiver… Yet there was also a kind of respect and understanding the characters had towards the ghost. And it warmed my heart to see how they wanted to undo the wrongdoings, even if a lot of time has passed…

Not only was this a heartwarming story, but also a story about courage, about facing not only your feelings, but also your past. It is a story about letting your walls down, letting people in, and finding the right person to fight even alongside you.

I read this story with a warm yet sad heart. Yet I truly enjoyed this beautiful story, even if there was some ghost – hunting involved. Because even the ghost couldn’t take away all the love that so obviously sparks from all the pages!

It’s just a game, but there is a lot at stake…

Synopsis

In a waiting room hidden high away from everyone, six disgraced celebrities are desperate to recover their heavily tainted reputations. An incredibly controversial new gameshow is offering them a route back to the big time, along with a $7.2 million cash prize. But with no consolation prizes and serious consequences every time someone loses out, will signing up prove their salvation or their downfall?

My review

6 celebrities are waiting to learn if it is their turn on the spinning wheel. The gameshow they are participating, is one with a big jackpot, but as all the contestants have fallen into disgrace for one reason or another, they believe that this could be their chance for redemption. But to have a chance to win, they need to face their biggest fears, something they didn’t known when signing the contract. With big dreams, will it also be a case of big falls?

I think we can all name some celebrities that we saw rising up to fame, and we have also seen how deep they have fallen. There is something voyeuristic in seeing them and seeing them fail. So what when six of such celebrities are in show, trying not only to win a big amount of money, but are also seeking a chance to undo their mistakes?

I didn’t know what to expect from this book, as it sounds like a gameshow I would never participate in, no matter how much money they would give me if I were the winner. Because even if the participants don’t know it beforehand, living through my worst fears, is not something I want to experience!

There are six different kind of people, and while I could sympathize with a few of them, I also felt that I never could ever get to know the real them. Yes, we see them interacting with each other, even annoying each other, but we never get to get to their core, we never know what they are truly – truly feeling.

While the prospect of money can be very alluring, signing a contract for a gameshow, without knowing what to expect, sounded a bit vain and even gullible from each celebrity. They should know better, right? Especially thinking that they have signed several contracts in the past, and should know which pitfalls there can be in a contract…

I have to admit, that seeing the celebrities facing their own fears, I found my long list of fears just expanding… I had several palpitations myself, had some cold sweat and I could feel the panic attacks nearly coming up…

This is absolutely not a story for lighthearted people, as anxiety and fear for sure will grow more and more as the story evolves. The author shows us that fear and anxiety are stronger than the will of not only mere people like us, but even celebrities are not immune to those feelings.

Alexander Raphael had made me sitting on the edge of my seat the whole time. I was a bit petrified by fear, as it just came of the pages, combined with the urge of keep on reading. Even if I should know better, I was hoping that some fears would be ‘okay’ and not have me terrified. But alas, my hopes were truly in vain…

This may not have been perhaps the longest story to read in pages, but it for sure felt like it, as the wheel of doom just didn’t stop for one moment… The author manages to even silence the biggest and boldest of characters, by letting them face the most terrible imaginable things they could encounter.

It made me realize that not only fears are something that everyone of us have, and it made me realize that I had some uncovered fears myself. But it also and mainly made me realize and understand that people claiming to want redemption, are still able to do stupid things, like signing up to be on a gameshow without knowing what they will have to face… all for the shine of fame and money…

What will prevail, love or loyalty?

Synopsis

After tennis star Georgie Porter retires at just thirty-one, she buys a campervan and returns to her hometown of Glenbriar, hoping to make amends for the hurts she caused to a former sweetheart. But instead of finding the man whose heart she broke many years ago, she comes face to face with his younger brother, Kerr.

Easy-going and quietly loyal, high school teacher Kerr Halley has strong opinions about Georgie Porter – and there are rules about interacting with your brother’s ex, no matter how long ago she split with him. Especially when Kerr has always secretly carried a torch for her.

When they’re thrown together to fundraise for a local sports project, old grudges begin to thaw, and Kerr’s true feelings come to light.

As Georgie rediscovers the charm of small-town living, she’s drawn to Kerr’s warmth, his wit, and the way he sees the woman she is now – not just the girl she used to be. But falling for him means confronting her past… and risking fresh heartache within a family she’s already hurt.

In a town where history runs deep and people have long memories, Kerr’s loyalties are tested – and Georgie must decide if she’s brave enough to play for love, and not just for victory.

My review

Georgie Porter has reached the end of her tennis career. At the age of thirty-one, the world is still her oyster. But as her focus has always been on tennis, she does not know yet what her future will look like. But what she does know, is that in order to start a new chapter in her life, she needs closure about her past. That means that after buying herself a campervan, she needs to set off to Glenbriar, and apologize to a former sweetheart. However, when she knocks at the door, it is not Jake who opens the door, but his younger brother Kerr. Kerr Halley knows how much Georgie’s betrayal hurt his brother, and he is not happy that she has returned to Glenbriar and is looking for Jake. But Kerr cannot forget that he always had had a crush on Georgie. But bro’s before, well, exes, right? Yet when they are thrown together to fundraise for a sports project, things start to shift between them… But with an uncertain future, and a dark past, could things ever work out for them?

I know that I am being repetitive, but how amazing was it to return to Glenbriar! Here is a whole community with all their ups and their downs, yet they all connect all wonderfully, whether just as friends, as family, and even more important connections.

What I liked about getting to know Kerr much better, how his life somehow came at full circle becoming an adult. I could relate to him as he became a teacher himself, obviously having had great examples. Yet where I failed, he is a great teacher, a supportive one and his own former teacher is now his best friend. Who would ever imagine that your former teacher now is your friend.

Of course being a teacher is not an easy job, it is a passion, and while he loves his job, there are of course moments where he get a few grey hairs! But doesn’t every job have that effect?

Kerr is not only a teacher, but he is also the person you can always count on if you need a helping hand. It doesn’t matter if it is for a fundraiser, or a technical hand with a show, Kerr is your man!

But Kerr is also a loyal person. Not only when he gives his word, he will keep it. But he is also the kind of person that when you hurt one of his loved ones, you hurt him. And as Georgie hurt his brother so many years ago, Kerr cannot put that behind him. That kind of loyalty is truly admirable, especially after learning that in fact, Kerr always had a weak spot for Georgie…

I liked reading his protectiveness, as he knows that Jake is not in a great spot, and anything could trigger him. So he wants to avoid to make things worse, even if that means to make it clear to Georgie to back off…

Tennis is a sport that I enjoy watching, and I always wondered what big names will do when their prime time has passed. That is exactly the spot where Georgie finds herself.

Her career has ended, and as tennis has been her whole world, she is now a bit at loss. Which is of course understandable. I don’t know what I would in her place.

Though I am absolutely not a fan of campervans, I was nodding with approval when she bought her own and decided to return to Glenbriar.

It is clear that she not only wants to make amends with Jake, but she also hopes that she will find some inspiration and will know what to do next.

In a way, even if it’s water under the bridge, I admired how Georgie just wants to undo her past mistakes. But of course, in order to apologize, you have to have the counterparty ready to listen….

As a reader, it’s no surprise that Georgie doesn’t knock at Jake’s door, but at Kerr’s. And reading her confusion was yes, a bit funny 😊.

But the funniest was for me to read how Kerr and Georgie keep on meeting, keep on spending time together (even if just slightly forced). And it was sweet to see how these two people, with complete different background, but shared growing up, start to truly understand each other.

It is true that each story has two sides. And yes, Georgie could have ended things better with Jake, but on the other hand, it’s also in the past. And while I admired Kerr’s loyalty towards Jake, I also felt that Jake was and still is being selfish. In a way, he looks like a friend of mine, as he doesn’t allow himself to be happy with his life.

And it angered me even at a point, reading how Jake is the reason Kerr is holding back what concerns his feeling for Georgie. Feelings that are not new, as it was so sweet to read how Georgie was the girl Kerr always liked, yet Jake was the lucky person (another reason to disklike him!).

But for one angry Jake, there were so many other people genuinely happen to see Georgie back home. She is welcomed back with open arms, old friendships are easily rekindled. Glenbriar and its community once again shows us its kindness, warmth, love and forgiveness.

In this book, there is a lot of emotional turmoil going on. Not only is there Kerr, who loves his brother, but is falling (again) for someone that would not be approved by his family. And which kind of love should have the upper hand? Because if he choses Georgie, he could be seen as selfish, but if he choses his family, he may ruin his own chance at happiness and love.

And then there is Georgie, who has returned back home. A home that includes people not all that happy to see her return. But she needs to make not only amends, but also needs to figure out what her future looks like. And there is Georgie, who does not want to ruin Kerr’s relationship with his family, as she has already once broken that family. But over the years, people grow, mature and change… So is it fair to give up her own chance at love?

Margaret Amatt once again wrote a marvellous story, showing us the beauty of love, but also the difficulties that love can bring. We see how some things of the past need to be forgotten and forgiven, but also how some things of the past, the things that truly matter, don’t change. And how a second chance, or rather a real first chance, is something everyone deserves!

Can a dating app truly make you find love, even by just building it?

Synopsis

Beth is fed up with dating.

Sam doesn’t date.

So why are they creating a dating app together…?

After a failed marriage and a string of strikeout dates, Beth is starting to think she’s not cut out for a forever love. Then she meets Sam.

Sam has an uncanny knack of matchmaking his friends into long-term relationships. Now they’ve challenged him to turn his skill into code – a dating app with a difference. It all seems ridiculous… until he’s introduced to Beth.

Beth’s job in venture capital, and her dating experience, are ideal. Plus, she desperately needs a fruitful client project, or her job is on the line.

Sam clearly has the matchmaking skill and the coding knowledge to make this app a success. Not only that, maybe he’ll find her a Mr Right?

When they start double dating for project research, Beth falls hard. There’s just one problem: Sam, an incurable romantic, has his heart set on a Paris meet-cute destiny, and won’t consider anyone else.

However, when they decide to fake date as part of the app’s marketing plan, it’s clear to everyone that they belong together.

But if Sam can’t see that Beth is his perfect partner, he’s failed the ultimate matchmaking test, and the app is doomed.

Can she change his mind, save the project, and secure them both an Appy Ever After?

Appy Ever After is a laugh-out-loud, closed door romcom full of chemistry but no spice.

My review

Beth has always believed in love. However, her failed marriage and terrible dates afterwards, she is truly fed up with the dating scene. To make things even worse for her, her job in capital venture needs her to find a great new client project. And Beth feeling the breath of her new boss, someone she used to date, doesn’t make her feel any more comfortable.  A client that may come in the shape of Sam. Because Sam has an idea, an idea that will bring people together. Even if Sam isn’t looking for love himself, as he knows how he will meet the woman of his life, he is able to match people and have them have long-lasting relationships. So why not bring his skills to use and create an app? Beth not only may be able to give him the necessary money, but she is also a great coder. When two great forces meet, great things may happen. And even some fake dating may be taking place… But the more time Beth and Sam spend together, the more the people around them see how perfect they are for each other. So could their Appy Ever After make them, and especially Sam, see what potential there is for them?

In a way, I really connected with this story. Because both Beth and Sam are single and are or have been looking for love. Just like Sam, I used to have these great expectations about my own meet – cute. Several years later, I have to admit that I have given up hope and I just enjoy my single life! 😊

And in a world where many people are looking for love, the cyberworld is filled with several apps and websites that promise you the perfect match. And haven’t all been disappointed with a few of our matches?

So yes, I was a bit wary of Sam and Beth joining forces and writing a new app. Because where would they be different from all the other ones that there are out there?

Coding is not something I understand, but I do have the complete respect for people that are able to create apps or websites that go so much beyond than the easy website I have for my own blog 😊. And I was happy to read that Beth was used as the person with the technical brain. I found it refreshing that the female main character is used and not using the cliché of a coding male main character.

I also felt a bit sorry for Beth. Her marriage ended because sometimes that just happens. It isn’t that her husband is a bad person, it just ended without a specific reason. But Beth never gave up on love, and it was sad to read how on her search for her perfect match, she had to have several disastrous dates…

On the other hand we have Sam. He isn’t looking for love, as he has this image in his head how he will meet the woman of his dreams. And while it was rather sweet how he hung up on that dream, I found it also a bit silly. I am not saying that Sam is silly, but he held on so much on that idea, that he doesn’t see what is right in front of him.

However, I liked how Sam wants his own friends to find happiness and love. And it is not because of some kind of gift, or magic that he has, but he just manages to connect the right people in the right place. And it even is some kind of admirable, that he wants to use that insight to connect even more people.

Sam is also a righteous man, as we see further along in the story. Because when he discovers something that breaks his heart, he knows that the truth must come out, even if it may cause further heartbreak. But he is also righteous in the sense that he doesn’t just judge, but he gives chances to explain and to come clean…

Seeing Beth and Sam together was both so great to read, but also so frustrating! Because just like everyone around them in the book, I could see the potential, the sparks. Beth and Sam start as business partners, become close friends, having each other’s back and are each other’s support, beyond everything.

In this book, we see how strange love can work. It can take just one moment to bring great people in your life. But we also see how sometimes we can be our own enemies, where we make ourselves unable to see the truth, what is right in front of us. And we also see how fear of losing what we have can hold us back.

But we also see how meeting the right person can make us feel brave, courageous and how we dare to nor only believe but also feel love again.

All this is captured in a funny, sweet story with great characters that feel real, that go through real emotions and have real struggles. All that easier to not just like them, but love them and cheer for them!

A journey that starts in darkness…

Synopsis

Out of darkness, light will shine…

Amy Hardy once lived a life full of colour, but a tragic accident has turned her world to shadows. Determined to embrace her new life, Amy sets off on the famous Compostela pilgrimage, hoping to find light in the darkness and a new path.

Accompanying her on her journey is Luke Patterson a man whose own troubled past casts dark shadows over his life. He’s hoping that guiding Amy will be a distraction from his own troubles.

But as Luke and Amy travel through the stunning scenery of Northern Spain, following in footsteps of those travellers before them, they feel a connection to each other. And as their bond grows, a love story from the distant past emerges before them, forcing them to confront their own secrets, pain and feelings for each other.

Can a story of courage and bravery help them both to emerge from the shadows into the light once more?

Under A Spanish Sky is an enchanting novel about the search for happiness, fulfilment…and above all love.

Please Note: This book was previously published as Chasing Shadows

My review

After an accident, Amy’s world has turned dark, literally. But that doesn’t stop her from going on a pilgrimage to Compostela with a guide. Luke has been a dark place, figuratively speaking, and while initially a bit reluctant, slowly he starts to enjoys Amy’s company. And with having to be her eyes, he starts to see things differently too. The further they are on their journey, the more not only their connection grow, they also feel connected to the people that have walked the paths before them. People, of which even had their own love story. On this journey not only Amy and Luke, but also Luc and Aimée, start to question whether in a world filled with darkness, there will be light again…

I have to admit, that it took some adjustments from my side when I started reading this story. And that is just because I am used to this author having a great series set in Italy. And now being in Spain, was a bit different. But different isn’t bad, is it? Especially when you know the author and he could even write a story set on the North Pole, with only a bear being the main character 😊

I have never been on a pilgrimage myself, and to be honest, it isn’t on my bucket list either. But I do admire people who are doing it, have done it or are planning to do it. And of course the pilgrimage to Compostela is a very famous one!

Being on this journey, cannot be easy. It can be difficult for everyone, but I admired Amy wanting to do it, even with her sight gone. There are extra challenges for her, but I was even in awe of her determination to complete the whole journey, even if her journey is slightly different from the ‘standard’ journey…

I cannot imagine how it feels not being able to see anymore. I think it is also worse losing your sight than never having been able to see at all. I for sure would miss everything I love to see, and being surrounded by darkness all the time. Yet even if that is Amy’s situations, I liked it reading how she makes the best of it. She has had her lows, but she is back in action, so to speak.

Obviously, and I don’t mean this in any way of being disrespectful, Amy cannot go on this journey on her own. Her guide, her chauffeur and her eyes, is Luke.

Luke hasn’t had an easy time in the past, and I could understand his reluctance to help out his friend, who had a friend that needed someone to accompany her on her journey. When you are feeling low, you don’t want other people around you, or people needing to rely on you.

Of course, even if he started this journey with Amy not being all that happy with his life at the moment, he wants to make this as unforgettable as possible for Amy. And while initially his descriptions of the places they are  at, are not what Amy needs, I found it sweet to read how Luke starts to understand what Amy needs to hear, needs to feel.

Being on a journey together also means that you grow closer. And it was just amazing seeing the relationship evolve between Amy and Luke. They started as strangers, brought together by a common friend, they slowly become friends, able to open to each other, talking about things they have been bottling up.

The extra beauty of this book is, beside reading Luke and Amy’s story, is that we get two stories for the price of one.

On the same paths that Luke and Amy are travelling, also Luc and Aimée have been walking centuries ago.

I found it a bit funny, as they had almost the same names as Luke and Amy, but in a way it also made me see in a way an even deeper connection between all the characters.

Luc and Aimée are in a complete different timeline, in a different life than Luke and Amy. Even just between the two of them, things couldn’t be more different. Yet they have a mission in common, in a world where they are being chased.

Luc and Aimée are on a more dangerous journey to Compostela, literally being chased down and fighting for their lives. Yet they stand by each other’s side, no matter what. They protect each other from their enemies.

And that was what I liked reading from their story, the complicity they had, the fact they would be there for each other no matter what. In fact, that is a common thread in the whole story, the bond there is between the main characters.

That connection, that kind of loyalty even, is what makes this a great story to read. There is determination, even strength in all the characters. But there is also kindness, understanding and that deep connection.

In this book we see that no matter how dark the world may look like, literally or figuratively, a journey may bring light back in your life, especially if you are on this journey with the right partner.

Maybe this book is set in a different setting, and this is not only a mental but also a physical journey the characters are going through. Yet no matter the difficulties the characters are going through, the story is filled with that typical ‘T A Williamsism’ that elevates this story into a higher level.

What a cover, of course it will be an amazing story!

Synopsis

Daisy’s career hasn’t exactly been going to plan and the last thing she wants to do is stay home and wallow in self-pity. So, when an opportunity arises to escape her London home, and make some money working a fancy event at a stately home, she jumps at it.

Determined to make the most out of the situation, she decides a road trip to the Scottish Highlands would be the perfect way to reset and take control of her life.

When devilishly handsome Evan finds himself stranded at the event following a cancelled flight to Scotland, Daisy does the kindest thing she can think of and invites him to join her. As they embark on their journey north, will the scenic trip help them rediscover themselves, and possibly even find something they weren’t expecting…

Pre-order Links

https://www.amazon.com/Journey-Scottish-Highlands-contemporary-romance-ebook/dp/B0FBT1BBXT

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Journey-Scottish-Highlands-contemporary-romance-ebook/dp/B0FBT1BBXT

Publication Date: 29th January 2026

About the author

Julie Shackman is a former journalist from Scotland, who has always wanted to write feel-good romance. 

As well as being an author, Julie also writes verses and captions for greetings card companies. Julie admits to having an obsession with stationery and handbags. 

She has two sons and a Romanian rescue pup, Cooper. 

Journey to the Scottish Highlands is Julie’s fourteenth novel.

The cover!

When love isn’t on your priority list…

Synopsis

A fresh start…

For A&E nurse Eden Grainger, Port Kara offers more than just a safe haven. It’s a chance to break free from her ex Jesse and start a new life. Her focus now is solely on her four-year-old son, Teddie, whose autism means he sees the world in his own unique way.

A guarded heart…

Pathologist Drew Redford prefers to keep himself to himself in the busy hospital. Shaped by family loss and navigating life with high-functioning autism, he finds comfort in certainty. But when Eden and Teddie enter his world, an unexpected connection forms, especially through his gentle interactions with little Teddie.

A kindred connection…

Despite a growing fondness, both Eden and Drew are cautious. Eden is wary of repeating old mistakes, and Drew struggles with letting people in. But Teddie continues to bring them together and Eden thinks this could be the start of something really special. But when Jesse returns, Eden is thrown into turmoil and makes a mistake that could cost her everything.

My review

Port Kara feels more than ever as a safe haven for A&E nurse Eden Grainger. It took her a while to end things with her now ex Jesse, but now being free, Eden is more than ready for a fresh start. Her only priority in life is now looking after her son Teddie, a four – year – old with autism. Life isn’t always easy, but Eden wouldn’t trade Teddie for anything in the world. What Eden didn’t expect though, is that pathologist Drew Redford would understand her situation. Working together at the same hospital for sure made them cross paths here and there, but with Drew preferring to be on his own, there hasn’t been a real opportunity to actually create a friendship between them. However, when Eden and Teddie enter his world, something shifts inside him. With Drew being one of the few to truly understand Teddie and his needs, Eden realizes that there is more to Drew than she thought. What starts as an acquaintance, evolves into a deep friendship. But with them both being very cautious and afraid to give their hearts away, could it possibly become something more? Or will a face from the past make them lose everything that Eden and Drew have been building?

Having read all the previous parts of this wonderful series, of course I was eager to read this new adventure. And of course I had perhaps extreme high expectations. But I have to say this even rather quickly in this review, that I think that this may be my favourite book from the series!

Even if I am not a parent myself, I can imagine how expecting parents are visioning their baby, and how their baby will grow, saying its first word, taking those first steps etc. But it is also a fact that not all children are the same, and that there are children that even more different than “normal” ones. But different doesn’t mean lesser or not normal. Different is just different.

And I loved reading Eden’s devotion towards Teddie. Eden feels that there are moments she is truly struggling with raising Teddie. But reading how she knows Teddie, even with limited ways of communication, just truly warmed my heart. Eden has changed the future visions she had for Teddie, and has made new ones, more directed at who Teddie truly is, and not the Teddie she imagined she would have.  

It must be said, that Eden hasn’t had an easy time before, and I am not talking about Teddie at all. Her relationship with Jesse was absolutely a toxic one, where she was being manipulated, gaslit and she just became a shadow of her former self. And I was happy for her to have finally finding the courage to step away from Jesse, prioritizing Teddie above everything and start fresh at Port Kara.

Port Kara we all know is a safe place for many people, Eden included. But also for someone else, namely Drew Redford.

I wasn’t all that sure what to think about Drew. Not because I doubted that he would be a good guy. But because he was and is such a closed characters. He has a lot going on in his mind, but he doesn’t show his cards to the people around him.

And I was a bit afraid that Drew would be a stereotypical autistic person, only showing the clichés, and that I would not be able to connect with him.

But I was happy that this amazing author did not ridicule the spectrum, but shows us that there are so many different layers. And that while there may be a lot that is shared, not everyone is the same, even on the spectrum. Just like you and I are different from each other, that is also applicable for people on the spectrum.

The more I saw of Drew, the more I understood him too. As an introvert myself (with moments pretending to be an extrovert), I could completely understand why Drew prefers to be on his own, and doesn’t interact with many of his colleagues.

Not only did I understand him better, but there are several views Drew has, that I totally agreed with. His mindset is so spot on, that I found myself nodding with everything he is saying.

And then there is his interaction with Teddie… that man made my ovaries just explode! He is the gentlest of men, the kindest, most accepting one. He doesn’t except a lot from anyone, just pure honesty…

Seeing things evolve between Eden and Drew was so so sweet… where things start with Eden needing some tips and advice from his side, evolves into a great friendship. A friendship that means so much to the both of them. It means so much to them, that they are afraid to take that next step.

And that is so relatable. Because aren’t we all afraid of losing what we have, by wanting to take things to a next level? Aren’t we all afraid that what we feel isn’t reciprocated? And aren’t we all afraid that what we have is so fragile that it could be that easily broken?

This is shown when someone from Eden’s past resurfaces, and is jeopardizing just everything. While I wanted to scream at Eden to just let it go, it is also a testament to her kind character… In this particular situation, there isn’t a right or wrong thing to do. Eden does what she feels she needs to do, and Drew’s decision was also a comprehendible one… And his next steps in this climax shows us once again how much more he sees and understands that what we would think…

I absolutely devoured this book. It felt so real, so raw even at moments… It shows how caution can hold you back, but also how connections can be formed, how understanding each other can bring you closer.

So now can you understand why I fell in love with this story so much?  

The things we do for (lack of) love…

Synopsis

Welcome to The Pumpkin Patch at Pickle Grove.

Andi is worried that her relationship with Drew has become dull and boring. They never do anything exciting these days, in or out of the bedroom. So when a swoon-worthy stranger appears she is instantly swept off her feet.

When they unexpectedly meet again, they realise they have more in common than they thought possible so draw up a pact to spice up their lives! The plan they conjure up while working together at The Pumpkin Patch, to make their partners jealous, brings them closer than ever.

Andi plucks up the courage to finish with Drew but there are no signs of Andrew doing the same and she thinks she’s lost him forever.

With meddling exes, misunderstandings and miscommunication getting in the way, can The Pumpkin Pact bring them back together?

My review

Andi feels that her relationship with Drew has become dull and anything but exciting. There just aren’t moments they share together, and even in the bedroom the only action taking place is actual sleeping. When Andi meets a complete stranger, it is clear that sparks fly around between them. But as Andi is in a relationship, and even when the stranger keeps on appearing in her life and they appear to have so much in common, Andi is not that kind of woman. Especially when Andrew is also in a committed relationship, even if even his isn’t all rainbows and unicorns… So when they both realize the situation they are in, they come up with a plan: to make their partners jealous by namedropping each other. But the more time they spend together working at The Pumpkin Patch, the closer they get. And when Andi finally finds the courage to finally end things with Drew, she knows that her feelings for Andrew can never lead to anything. Or is there a way anyway?

Haven’t we all been in a relationship that didn’t make us 100% happy, but we still hung on to it, for one reason or another?

This is the situation Andi finds herself in, with Drew. She still cares about him, but things have clearly changed in time. And I could understand how a relationship evolves, and that those initial sparks and fireworks might disappear, but it was clearly that while Andi still clearly cares about Drew, that things have shifted in a way that is not matching with a real, caring, loving relationship. To make it even worse, even in the bedroom things are unmoving and there is absolutely no “action” taking place…

So when Andi meets Andrew, I was happy for her to find those sparks again, even if it wasn’t with Drew. Because it opened her eyes, seeing how it feels to feel just alive again.

I was rooting for Andi and Andrew, even before I knew that Andrew wasn’t single. I could see the potential of them together so clearly. But on the other hand, I truly liked it how, even if things aren’t that great in their relationship, they don’t go on a path I cannot agree with.

Seeing their friendship develop, reading how they truly just ‘get’ each other, was so sweet to read. And as being the same kind of situationship, it makes sense for them to be each other’s confidantes. 

And it even makes sense for them to come up with the Pumpkin Pact.

Maybe it may sound a bit juvenile to come up with the pact, to just make their partners jealous. But I could understand where they were coming from… something has to change if it the relationship wants to survive.

Or in Andi’s case, it makes Andi finally take that step to end things. It was not an easy decision, but let’s be honest, we knew it was a necessary thing…

And even then, I respected Andi as I saw how she feels about Andrew, but doesn’t act upon them, as Andrew still is in a relationship. It must be heartbreaking for her, seeing the man she loves but she cannot have him…

I haven’t spoken about the steamy moments in this book, but if you have read other reviews, you know that there are some hot scenes. But these all happened with my seal of approval.

This book works inspiring in a way, as it doesn’t only show us how relationships can change, and how it takes courage to make important choices. But we also see how one accidental meeting with the right person can change everything. And we see how meeting one person can change everything but also how it doesn’t mean that respect should be thrown out the window.

And we also see how misunderstandings, miscommunication and even jealousy can be a threat. But those threats can be void, as long as we keep communicating, keep  on being open about what we feel and who we are.

This was a perhaps quick read, but not an unenjoyable one. And even if it would seem like an easy choice from the author to give the characters these names, I found it not only a funny bit, but also a cleaver proof and play of how easy misunderstandings can arise. Something to for sure keep in mind!

Can so much hurt be healed with the help of Christmas Spirit?

Synopsis

AN ALL-NEW CHRISTMAS SPIRIT BOOK FOR 2025

CAN LARA ADD A DASH OF MAGIC THIS CHRISTMAS?

The Sugar and Spice bakery sparkles with holiday spirit as Jacob serves up more mouthwatering festive treats, and Christmas spirit Lara tries to sprinkle her magic over those finding the time of year difficult.

Ollie is at his wits’ end. A debt from years ago comes back to haunt him just as he and his girlfriend are buying their dream home.

Rose is dejected as her college sweetheart has dumped her now they’re in their final year. She’s not looking forward to Christmas alone, nor her twenty-first birthday on Christmas Eve.

Sacha has recently moved to Winstanton following the failure of his business. He’s too embarrassed to confide in his family, but can he find the friendship he so desperately needs and begin to trust again?

Diana tries to find her new normal after the unexpected death of her husband earlier this year. All her plans for retirement have been thrown out the window and she feels lost. She needs a renewed sense of purpose and to find her place in the world.

Can Lara provide the answer to a joy-filled Christmas?

A story of hope, love, friendship, community, and of course, Christmas spirit.

For fans of Sarah Morgan, Philippa Ashley, Jenny Colgan and Cathy Bramley.

Praise for the Christmas Spirit series:

‘Christmas all wrapped up!’
‘Right from page one you are drawn into all the joys of Christmas!’
‘A lovely story about love, friendship and hope all wrapped up in a lovely Christmas jumper!’
‘You can taste the hot chocolate, see all the Christmas lights and feel the warmth of a Christmas hug.’

My review

Lara is even more over the moon now that Christmas is finally looming around the corner. She also especially hopes that she can work her Christmas Spirit – magic again as there are many people around that need her help. Not only is there Rose, whose college sweetheart has just dumped her in their final year and now feels more lonely than ever. But there is also Ollie, whose past debts may jeopardize the future he is building with his girlfriend, ready to take the next steps in their relationship. And there is Sacha, who recently moved to Winstanton, afraid to admit to his own family that his business failed. And then there is Diana, who is trying to find peace and a new purpose after losing her husband unexpectedly earlier this year. Lara has a lot of work to do at the Sugar and Spice bakery, wishing joy and happiness for all.

Is there ever a time that you should not read a Christmas story? of course not, you and especially I can read Christmas stories all year round! And when an author like Susan has one out, I don’t care when it comes out, I just *have* to read it. Add to that statement the fact that Lara is back… Well do I need more reasons???

Obviously Lara is a real sweetheart  in this book, once again. Even if she is just a child herself, she has such a kind, gentle, sweet heart, wanting only happiness and love for everyone. And while she may work in mysterious ways, ways we cannot explain ourselves, it was so heartwarming to read how she just sees everything, present things or how thing would work out just perfectly in a not so distant future, with effects to the distant future.

There are several cases that Lara needs to work on, each with their own story and background, but with one common thread, love.

There is for example young love, or young heartbreak initially. Because at the start of the story, Rose isn’t in a happy place, as her boyfriend just broke up with her. Even if Rose is a young adult, not having had a lot of life experience yet, we all can recognize her pain, can’t we?

And being heartbroken in the Christmas period, I could understand how Rose isn’t all that looking forward to the most wonderful time of the year.

But while being heartbroken, and Rose doesn’t show it all the time, I could also clearly see her resilience.

And then there is the loss of a love that has truly lasted a lifetime. Diana has loved and still loves her husband dearly. And it truly saddened me to read how much his passing is still hurting her. I could also understand it, as after shared a lifetime together, and now being on her own, cannot be easy at all for Diana, especially with the kind of love she had.

But just like with Rose, I could see so much resilience in Diana. Even if her love is no longer around, Diana is making plans. I admired her desire to learn French, to even go to France. But I also enjoyed her kindness towards not only old characters, but also new characters. Diana shows us that finding love is a wonderful thing, losing it is terrible, but that there can be life after losing love.

There is even life and love after mistakes of the past. That is something we see with Ollie. Because he has made errors in judgements and just mistakes in general in the past, like everyone of us. And just when it seems that he has his life back on track, when he is ready to take a next step with his relationship, those mistakes resurface, threatening everything he has tried to rebuild.

It is so typical that at the worst possible time your past resurfaces. A past that also in Ollie’s case is not something to be ashamed of, but understandable difficult to admit what has happened. And the more Ollie’s story evolves, the more we see how not being open about the past can jeopardize not only the present, but also the future.

Ollie learns that honesty is always the best direction to take. Only with honestly you can move forward and find a new happiness and can let you see a bright future, without the dark shadows of the past.

Shadows of the past that also Sacha is feeling. The way his business ended, left a bad aftertaste. Not only has it ruined a friendship, but also ruined a business he truly loved. I could understand how at loss he was at the start of this book, and how also in his case, it is difficult to admit failure to your loved ones.

Sacha is at loss, and with his move to Winstanton, he hopes to not only find the answers to what to do with his life now, but also to find purpose back in his life.

Sacha’s life has changed in a way he didn’t expect, but he knows his former life will not return. And he has to make the best of the situation he is in. Many people would become very bitter about the turn their life would take, but Sacha never loses his kindness and his heart.

All the characters are going initially through a rough time. But with some help from sweet Lara, there is a connection that brings them all or partially together, and even closer. We see the resilience in each character, we see how no matter what lemons life has thrown at them, it didn’t break their kind, gentle and warm characters.

Susan Buchanan shows us with this story, that there is sunshine after the rain, that goodness, kindness and love, will be rewarded. And is there a better timing than Christmas? Is there a better main setting than the Sugar and Spice bakery? And is there a better Christmas Spirit than Lara?

This story warmed my heart, once again Susan accomplished this with not just perfect characters, but characters with flaws, normal characters that learn and mature the more their stories evolves. All that making them even more loveable and likeable! Well done Susan, well done! 😊