To join forces against a common enemy, but is he truly?

Synopsis

Nestled deep in the countryside lies Starlight Croft – population small, gossip levels high, and secrets harder to hide than a cow in a phone box.

Jen Armstrong thought she had life more or less under control – marriage ticking along, teenagers on the right side of the law – until hubby Peter unexpectedly demises leaving Jen suddenly single, hugging a secret, and trying very hard not to fall apart in front of the entire village. 

Just when things couldn’t get messier a For Sale sign appears. The community centre – the only place big enough to host Pilates and the local psychic’s séance nights – goes up for sale.

Cue The Starlight Society: a mismatched crew of locals with hearts of gold, questionable strategies and Jen reluctantly roped in to assist. Their mission? Raise the cash to save the hall before a charming-but-infuriating property developer named Liam Lancaster possibly turns it into a boutique hotel with mood lighting and tufty towels.

Can they pull it off? Will the hall survive? Might a secret be unwittingly revealed? And can Jen resist throttling an enemy who has the most annoyingly twinkly eyes?

A feel-good romantic comedy where love, lies, and livestock collide.

My review

Starlight Croft can be best described as a small village, filled with great people, but also filled with local gossip where everyone knows everything about everyone. Or at least, that is what they think. Because nobody knows what secret Jen Armstrong is carrying around. From the outside it may seem she had a good marriage with Peter, and their teenage children are never causing her any distress. But when Peter suddenly dies, not only Jen now has to come to terms with an almost empty nest and being on her own, on top of that secret that looms over her head. And then Jen finds herself drawn into the village drama, as the community centre is going up for sale and the brand-new The Starlight Society is raising money to keep the centre out of the hands of a property developer wanting to turn the centre into a hotel. Despite the general dislike towards Liam Lancaster, Jen finds herself drawn towards him. Yet just being widowed and Liam being the enemy, and that secret of hers, it’s no way, right?

Right from the start of this book, it was clear that Jen is, well not exactly happy, but in a way relieved that Peter has passed. For us readers it is clear that it was a toxic relationship, but the details are initially unknown to us, and the depths of the toxicity too.

As my imagination is known for running wild, my thoughts went all the way. And as seeing how Jen is burdened with her secret, can you blame me for it? 😊

Despite my imagination, it is clear that Jen has been through a lot but that in fact, she is a kind, gentle woman. She is a caring mother, a genuine friend and just a woman that can finally feel free.

It is also obvious that Jen is well seen in Starlight Croft, that people care about her too, and that the community see more than Jen may think. And it speaks volumes that everyone want Jen involved with saving the centre. Now, it also needs to be said, that nobody truly has another choice, as there is force of nature to be reckoned with. 😊

It warmed my heart to see how the whole community is fighting against the common enemy, as they all care about the centre and they see how it is a big part of the community itself.

A common enemy, in the form of Liam Lancaster, that perhaps is immediately disliked by everyone, but not by me. Because yes, he might be the developer who wants to build a hotel. But I also kept in mind that it is just his job that he is doing. While it is a fight he has against the community, I could also see the real person that Liam is.

Now, of course there are several misunderstandings between Jen and Liam, and there are some fears that Jen understandably has. But the connection these two people have, is palpable from the pages. I was cheering for the pair of them!

It was also sweet reading how Jen is able to open to Liam, and how Liam is not judging for her choices. Because Liam is the first to know about the secret Jen has, and while it could have been easy to blame her, to make her even feel worse and make her feel guilty, he understands the position Jen was in, and what truly happened on that fateful night…

This story may be about a community fighting against a common enemy, to save the heart of their homes. This story may be about a blooming yet perhaps even ‘forbidden’ romance. But for me, it felt like this story is about courage. Courage to let love back in, courage about letting go of the guilt, courage of standing up to the real enemy and courage of doing the right thing, not only for you but for the people around you.

Debbie Viggiano made me laugh with this book, as there are for sure some ‘special’ inhabitants in Starlight Croft, but also how funny some misunderstandings were. It made me worry, because it made me realize once again that nobody truly knows what happens behind closed door in a family. But most important, it made me smile, because Karma is always you-know-what and somehow, someday, good people will receive what they deserve. And despite what has happened in the past, they will be able to look forward to a bright and happy future.

Can everything from the past be forgiven?

Synopsis

A heartwarming and heartbreaking tale of love, loss and the chance to put things right

When Georgie turns up at a quiz night in a London café, Peter storms past her without a second glance. Fifty years ago, on their penultimate night at university, she had betrayed him and he has never forgiven her for wrecking their seemingly perfect relationship. 

Their life journeys since that fateful night could not be more different. Georgie has had brief success and notoriety with Mothercluckers, an all-female punk band, followed by a life ruined by alcohol and drug addiction. By contrast, Peter’s career as a university library administrator has been fulfilling, stable and successful. 

Rachel, the café owner’s daughter, knows all about the Mothercluckers. Obsessed by their wild reputation, she can’t believe her luck when Georgie turns up and she cajoles her father into allowing Georgie to stay in their family home for the night. When Georgie tells her about Peter, Rachel schemes a reconciliation. 

Meanwhile Mia, Peter’s new colleague at the university library, is a breath of fresh air who reminds him of the young Georgie. Mia is soon pushing for him to reunite with Georgie.

Can the two young women succeed in getting Georgie and Peter to face up to the incident that tore them apart? The clock is ticking.

My review

Fifty years ago, Georgie broke as a young woman, her boyfriend Peter’s heart. Despite all her efforts, he never forgave her and then life took them both in complete different directions. Where Georgie’s life as being part of a punk band, was filled with music but also bad decisions, Peter built a solid, academic life. In the present, Georgie walks into a London café quiz and there is Peter. But he is anything but happy to see her, shocking a bit Georgie. However, with having both young women being suddenly their biggest supporters, and wanting nothing more for Georgie and Peter find each other again in one way or another, their paths will cross again. But with everything that has happened between them and in their own personal lives, is there room for not only forgiveness but also for each other?

When we were younger, haven’t we all made choices and mistakes that at a later stage in our lives, we regret? It can be something innocent, but as we can see in Georgie’s life, one mistake can be the start of a downward spiral, adding mistake after mistake after mistake.

But when we see Georgie in the here and now, we also see that your life can be turned around, that you can change for the better.

It saddened me reading about Georgie’s past, how one bad decision let to another, to another and even to addiction and fatalities to people close to her. She managed to push the people that loved her, away by her behaviour, her reactions and even unwillingness to see her mistakes in a way.

I also have to admit, I wasn’t understanding why now Georgie appears in London, wanting to apologize to Peter after all those years. If I were in her shoes, perhaps I would just forget about what happened fifty years ago, and just move on with my life, as it finally is getting back on track, with just a few hiccups left to get over.

But I found it also a testimony of her changed character, as she is determined to come clean about what happened not only those years ago, but also recently. She shows a resilience, a vulnerability but also an understanding. She understands Peter’s reluctance, his behaviour of ignoring her. And that shows just how much Georgie has grown over the years.

Now, it needs to be said, that while Peter for sure seems like a real proper man, Georgie’s betrayal scarred him much deeper than it would seem. He has also made mistakes in his life, perhaps not as grave as Georgie’s, but mistakes that also hurt the people around him and the people that he loved/loves.

I have to admit, I was a bit wary of Mia and Rachel at the start. In Rachel I initially saw someone wanting to befriend and help Georgie more because Rachel is a fan of Georgie, and not out of the kindness of her heart.

And in Mia’s case, I saw perhaps a young woman not knowing what or who she wants in her life. I saw her jumping from one decision to another, not thinking properly about the consequences.

But I was happy to read how in fact, these two young people, seeing the world and life so differently from Georgie and Peter, are an actual help to these perhaps lost souls. Thanks to their help, their persistence, we see how Georgie and Peter are accepting each other again.

This book didn’t start perhaps with me being drawn into it completely. But the more the story evolved, the more the main characters but also the side characters grew, the more I had the need to discover how it would all turn out.

Because, like I said before, just like Georgie, we have all made mistakes, can all mistakes, errors and wrong decisions be forgiven? And can it be too late for it? Or can it be that it is never too late to make right again what was done wrong? This process is the strength of this book, showing us that people can change, can attempt to redeem themselves. And who knows where forgiveness, acceptance and understanding can bring us, no matter how old or young we are…

When you are forced to take a break, but it takes you somewhere totally unexpected

Synopsis

Packed with humour, romance and a love affair with nature, Escape to the Northern Lights is a story of transformation, second chances and finding home in the most unexpected places.

High-powered lawyer Sara thought she had life figured out – until her whirlwind marriage ends in divorce, her dream promotion slips away and a burnout diagnosis forces her to take a break.

Desperate for a reset, she books a four-week spa retreat in Norway, imagining a luxurious escape. Instead, she finds herself in the rugged wilderness of Firefly Forest, knee-deep in reindeer droppings and stuck with an annoyingly bohemian – and ridiculously attractive – outdoorsman, Henrik.

What starts as a nightmare turns into a journey of self-discovery as Sara swaps designer heels for bare feet, legal briefs for tree-hugging, and fleeting flings for something far deeper…

My review

After the end of her marriage, Sara is totally focused on her job as a lawyer. Her next goal is to become partner, until she is being told that there will be no new partner. As the final drop, it causes Sara to have a burnout, with a forced break, to regroup herself again. With the insistence  of her best friends and a sudden free spot, Sara decides to book a four – week spa retreat in Norway. Because is there a better way to relax than in a luxurious retreat? However, the retreat in Firefly Forest isn’t what she thought it would be, especially as the resort she has in mind is actually in Sweden and not in Norway. So instead of the luxury she was expecting, now she finds herself in a resort where there is no (or rather very limited) connections with the internet and the workshops are totally out of Sara’s comfort zone. While initially Sara couldn’t get away from the Firefly Forest as quickly as possible, slowly she starts to understand how her own wellbeing is progressing, with tree-hugging and sauna’s with colling down in small lakes. And there is the connection with Henrik, which started on the wrong foot, but now is changing too…

You can say a lot about me, but not that I am a workaholic. Don’t get me wrong, at the office, I give all my best, but once I am at home, I “forget” about work and focus on myself. As being a single woman for a rather long time, I can also try to imagine how Sara is feeling after her divorce…

I can understand that there are people like Sara in the real world, so focused on their job, on that promotion that is looming around the corner, but are not listening to their own body. And unfortunately, that is something that appears more and more, as I know several people personally who for one reason or another have had a burnout.

And I was completely agreeing with her decision to go on a retreat, to clear her mind. As I call myself a luxury tourist, I found it not more than normal that Sara was ready for being spoiled for weeks, with all the comfort just around her. When I am on holiday, I don’t want to have one worry in the world, and just like Sara, I want to have everything at my disposal.

However, reading how Sara messes up or gets the wrong info, making her strand on a completely different kind of resort, is just hilarious for us readers! But I also admired Sara, as while waiting for a way to get out of there, she is ready to go along with all the workshops, no matter how difficult it is to have no contact with the world.

Of course she isn’t doing it at the start with the biggest joy in her heart, and yes, I was laughing at loud when things go a tiny in a wrong direction for her during the workshops. But the more she is participating, the more she gets to know not only the other customers, but also the people that run the resort, Sara starts to understand the meaning of it all.

Because at Firefly Forest, everyone has the chance to clear their mind, get closer to nature, but also find a way to see things differently, to live differently. While Sara was on each workshop, reading how the burdens are being lifted of her shoulders, somehow I also felt some burdens being lifted. Now, I am not a complete convert, but I could see how even I could benefit from a (although shortened) stay in such a lovely place.

Like I said, I laughed several times while reading, let’s not forget about Sara’s disappointment at seeing the northern lights 🙂. However, there were also many moments that not only Sara had an aha – experience, where she finally understood the meaning of several things, but I had them too. Seeing how Sara understands what truly matters in life, and what is worth fighting for.

And no, as you will read yourself, it isn’t about finding romance. Because life isn’t always about romance. But there is of course room for romance too in Sara’s journey/stay in Norway. Seeing that relationship with Henrik evolve was just the sweetest thing. While they didn’t start off with the right foot, especially as it may seem that Sara is looking down at the resort, and Henrik may be ridiculing at her at moments (seems like it, he isn’t such an ogre!). The more Sara appreciates the efforts of the resort, and how it makes her change, the more Henrik sees the real Sara, and the attraction starts to fly around every corner!

I also loved it how Sara is embracing the Norwegian way of life, and how it affects her own life and how she wants to keep that special way of life in her own life.

For me, reading this book was not only a heartwarming one, seeing how Sara finds so much on her stay in a resort that isn’t what she expected, but it was also an inspiring one, as we can see how with the right incentive, inspiration, changes can be made in life. But it was also eye – opening, because even if I am not in the situation Sara was in at the start of the book, it made me realize that what happened to Sara can happen to anyone of us. And the only way to prevent that, is to listen to  our body, to find a way to clear our mind and find out what truly brings us joy and happiness. And if in that process, there is love to be found, all the better! 🙂 

A Christmas and what it’s really about…

Synopsis

Two old friends. One snowy village. A Christmas they’ll never forget.

Ivy thought she had Christmas all wrapped up: a peaceful December in her cosy Devon cottage, just her bouncy rescue pup and kind-hearted neighbour Fred for company.

But when a stranger appears on her doorstep asking for shelter, Ivy makes a split-second decision that turns her plans upside down – and sets the whole village of Brambleton buzzing. Who is he? What is he running from? Why does Ivy feel such a powerful urge to help him?

As the snow begins to fall, and secrets start to thaw, Ivy and Fred team up to help their newfound neighbour. Soon Ivy realises that the magic of Christmas has sparked more than just opening her door to a stranger – it has given her the courage to open her heart to love.

Join Ivy in this feel-good festive escape about community, kindness, and discovering that it’s never too late to get your happy ending.

My review

Ivy has always done good, and now as a retired vicar, she enjoys the peaceful setup to Christmas, with her rescue but very active pup and he r friend and neighbour Fred. However, even in a little village like Brambleton there is always something to gossip and complain about, and Ivy is not only used to it, but she also tries to stay out of all the drama, but always keeping her heart and passion for her home. Her heart, which is always telling to never look away from someone in need. Always, even when there is a complete stranger standing on her doorstep, asking for shelter. Ivy is intrigued and wants to know more about this man who now is staying in her shed and doing the odd jobs for her. Even if not everyone is happy with the presumed arrival of strangers on a dinghy, Ivy and Fred join forces to help Omar out as much as they can. Because is helping people not what Christmas is all about? And the more Ivy is helping out, the more Ivy starts to learn to open up her heart, no matter how scary that may sound!

It is very often that when the theme of a story is Christmas, the focus is on romance, with yes of course, room and space for other things, but mainly on main characters and the road to their happily ever after.

But in this book, the focus is mainly on the real meaning of Christmas, what it truly means to show kindness, and be kind to others. Of course there is room for emotional growth too, but for me it felt like the author wants to make us understand again what Christmas is about and that doing good is always a good choice.

At the start of the book, it is clear that many years ago, Ivy went through a serious heartbreak, and that caused her to guard her heart for further disappointment. We don’t learn immediately what has happened to her. But I liked it treading how even that heartbreak didn’t cause Ivy to give up on her beliefs, and didn’t become bitter around others.

Now, I have to admit, while I also always try to be the helping hand, I don’t know if I could or would go so far as Ivy does. If there would be a stranger at my door, I would close that door as soon as possible. I would be terrified and perhaps I have read too many thrillers, but I would definitely go for the worst – case – scenario.

However, her actions in this situation, shows that she truly acts upon her beliefs. Of course she is not that gullible person, as she is still wary of who Omar truly is. But she just cannot leave Omar out there, on his own…

Not only her actions warmed my heart, but also Fred’s. He is Ivy’s best friend, and he for sure is sceptic with Omar’s stay. But he also manages to see beyond what’s on the surface, and he also takes Omar’s story and fate to heart.

It is not easy to be in a corner on your own, as Ivy and Fred do, against several people of Brambleton. While it is wrong to judge Omar in this case, I could in a way also understand these people. 

Because aren’t we all a bit scared of the new? And haven’t we all heard nasty stories? But it is so important to not judge people as all the same, because nobody is the same. And it doesn’t matter where you come from, what your religion is, or what you skin colour is, everyone deserves to be respected.

Omar’s arrival is also the start of an emotional rollercoaster – journey for Ivy. Her heart has been closed off for so long, that it is difficult for her to understand what her feelings truly are. Especially towards, well, you can take a guess, right? 😊

When I say it’s a journey, it is a real journey. Because just when she thinks she has it figured out, something happens, making her doubt everything and especially herself all over again. And that is also understandable, because if she would be wrong, it would jeopardize everything…

I found this truly a heartwarming story, showing not only the importance of kindness, but also the importance of acceptance, the importance of the truth, the importance of courage and the importance of love. All this is wrapped in a lovely Christmas story!

When defending a suspect of murder because a bigger web of lies, suspects and danger…

Synopsis

Former prosecutor Jordan Monroe thought estate law was safe. Then her mentor dies, leaving her to defend Dr. Mallory James in a double-murder case that could resurrect her career—or destroy what’s left of it.

Dr. Ian Stratton, a respected Harbor Point surgeon, and his pharmaceutical-rep mistress are dead from lethal injections. The evidence points straight to Mallory: a volatile affair, public threats, and a mountain of motive. But as Jordan builds her defense, she uncovers something bigger—a hospital drowning in secrets, cover-ups, and dangerous enemies.

Inside Harbor Medical, three shadowy suspects emerge:

• Dr. Blake Rowe — Stratton’s betrayed best friend with deadly drug knowledge

• Evelyn Grant — a disgraced tech stalking Jordan’s niece

• Sarah Rowe — Blake’s wife, lying about her access to the victim

When Grant’s obsession turns violent and surveillance evidence leaks, Jordan must protect her family while fighting manipulated witnesses, missing evidence, and a system built to bury the truth. The deeper she digs, the more she questions Mallory’s innocence—and her own role in defending her.

In a world where everyone lies, Jordan must decide how far she’ll go to win. Because the most dangerous predator… is the one you never see coming.

Perfect for fans of John Grisham, Lisa Gardner, and Melinda Leigh, Contagion of Lies delivers a relentless legal thriller where courtroom drama collides with psychological suspense—and every decision carries a cost.

My review

Jordan Monroe put her time of being a prosecutor behind her and has recently started working at estate law. Estate law is for sure a safer choice, or at least that is what she thought… Because due of loyalty her mentor has towards the family, now they are defending Dr. Mallory James, accused of a double murder. Even if Dr. James is not a likeable person at all, together with her mentor, Jordan is ready to pull her weight. Until her mentor suddenly dies in court, and it is up to Jordan to make the jury understand that there are more suspects than just Dr. James. Because Dr. Ian Stratton, the first murdered victim, for sure had a reputation of collecting women, just like he seduced the second victim, pharmaceutical rep Sophia Kane. The more Jordan is trying to build her defense, the more secrets, lies and suspects are being uncovered. And while Jordan is trying to clear her client’s name and uncover the truth, the more her own family needs protection from someone they don’t know and don’t see coming…

Beside a few speeding tickets, I have never been in touch with the law. I have also never been in a courtroom. The things I know about it, is what I have read in books or seen in movies or on tv. So I have never been faced with murder or any kind of crime, myself or involving someone around me (luckily!).

I also do not know how ‘easy’ it is to change from being a prosecutor to estate law. Yet I admired Jordan as she made that choice, and even if estate law is a safer choice, she wants to make it work, and show her worth.

When Dr. Mallory James arrives at the scene, practically demanding that the firm Jordan is working for, helps her with the incriminations she is facing, everything starts to shift, and not all in a good way.

It is for sure not easy to like Dr. James, and I could understand how the forces and the prosecutors see her as the main suspect. Not only several of her actions are disputable, but her behaviour in general is not that of a compassionate, empathic woman. So I was wondering how Jordan her team could possibly turn the cards.

But the case isn’t that straightforward as everyone is hoping, one way or another. Because the more the story evolves, the more questions are being raised, the more suspects appear, the more lies are being revealed.

And that sickened me a little bit, seeing how people can be at their ugliest. How they can use other people for their own advantages, for their own pleasure, without taking feelings, emotions and consequences in account. Even best of friends don’t matter…

In this book, we see the whole picture, even if it is just bit by bit. It start with the discovery of Dr. Ian Stratton, to the investigation, to the actual trial and all that comes in between and what Jordan and those around are going through.

I found every step interesting, even if some bits, especially at the trial were repetitive, but it also shows how it all truly happens. Things aren’t always exciting, filled with action. But we also see how the same event can be seen in a different view. How one presence at a certain time can be seen in two different views.

At the same time, I kept wondering what truly had happened, who was the real murderer and why. There are in this book so many possibilities, all believable. I did not have any idea what the real truth was, I saw suspects, suspicion, wariness and fear growing with every possibility. To be reaching the end to be just be in shock once again, and I felt even a bit unsatisfied by it. Because, without giving anything away, it felt like justice didn’t prevail completely… But that is also the reality unfortunately…

This story for sure kept me guessing, failing at seeing the truth and I found myself trying to understand what truly was taking place. And that is when you know that you are reading a good thriller, when you are trying to grasp for the truth, but you fail…

What is the enemy of your enemy?

Synopsis

A disgraced warrior…

Torn between duty and desire!

Sir Tristan must win back his honor. His orders from King Edward are simple: seek out the leader of Pwll Du Castle—the unmarried Lady Catrin—and demand she leaves. As Tristan is renowned for his lethal charm and handsome looks, how can she resist? But when the beautiful Welshwoman comes under siege from her covetous neighbor, Tristan finds himself fighting for her! Yet, is it a losing battle? For securing the castle and fulfilling his knightly duty will mean letting Catrin go…

My review

Lady Catrin is ready to protect her people of  Pwll Du Castle against everyone and everything. She is used to fight back, as her home has been under siege several times, luckily finding her victorious. But when she captures a stranger on her lands, she is certain that it is a scheme from her nemesis. What she doesn’t know, is that Sir Tristan arrived at  Pwll Du Castle on a whole different, yet similar mission. Because he has received orders from King Edward to make Lady Catrin leave as the king himself has set eyes on  Pwll Du Castle. And why would the king not use Tristan’s well – known charms? However, Catrin seems to be immune for Tristan’s charms, as she knows all too well how people look when you have the looks. And her focus is once again on protecting her people as her neighbour is once again planning a siege. But this time, Catrin can count of the help, knowledge and skills of Tristan. The more Tristan is helping out and teaching, the closer he and Catrin are getting. As they start to understand each other better than everyone else ever did, Catrin’s wariness starts to shift, just as Tristan’s resolution to keep his distance is evaporating. However, Tristan still has to follow his orders, which makes things impossible with Catrin to evolve, isn’t it?

It’s not a secret that I love reading stories involving knights, strong women and a fight here and there 😊 And I have read this series with great pleasure, falling in love with each character. Of course that also means that Tristan isn’t a complete stranger to me, yet I couldn’t wait to get to truly know him, and I just had the urgence to see behind his looks and see the real Tristan.

And yes, it helps me liking Tristan because it’s one of my favourite male names 😊.

I admired Tristan’s determination and focus. He got orders from the king, and he is adamant on being successful on his mission. A mission with which he wants to show his worth, and that he is more than just a knight with good looks. But most important, he wants a chance to show everyone that he is not the kind of person everyone believes he is, a person that is still paying the price for lies. And he wants to redeem the fact that his best friends, his brothers, are also paying the same price, by being loyal to Tristan.

It is rather clear from the start that Tristan and Catrin are at an impasse. Because they both want complete different things. Where Tristan needs to persuade Catrin to give up  Pwll Du Castle, Catrin wants to protect her home and her people at any cost.

And where I admired Tristan’s determination and focus, I liked Catrin devotion to her people.

Catrin did not have an easy upbringing, where her own father just saw her pretty face and wanted to use it for his own benefits, by wanting to marry her off to the highest bidder. Now that she is in charge, she shows that she is so much more than what everyone literally sees.

She has literally fought for her people, she is still fighting for her people, and she will never back down, no matter who is attacking her. That fierceness we see in so many occasions, but we also see how she knows when she needs to accept the offered help. Because all that matters are her people…

Of course when Catrin and Tristan first meet, they are in a fighting stance. Obviously Catrin doesn’t trust one word Tristan is saying, and she is totally immune whenever Tristan puts on his charming game.

But in a way, it was sweet to see how the pair of them, start to understand each other. Of course it doesn’t seem like a rea problem of the world, being nice looking. But with their stories, we see how people assume things, how people use their vulnerabilities for selfish purposes.

Because Catrin and Tristan have both been hurt and disappointed, they understand each other’s pain. And they find it somehow easier to open to each other with what they had to endure and are still enduring.

Obviously, also fighting together against the same enemy, not only are they spending more time together, but they are starting to develop feelings they were so against on having. Without spoiling anything, I have to admit I was a bit shocked with Tristan revelation, but at the same time, it made me respect him even more!

Now, of course the ending didn’t come as a complete surprise. But with Catrin and Tristan it  is the journey that is more important than the end result. The pair of them both start off as wary people, not truly letting anyone new getting close. But it was sweet, heartwarming, to see how walls are slowly falling apart, how trust is being built and how love is growing.

In this book we not only see this whole journey between Catrin and Tristin, but we also see how these characters are putting other’s needs before their own… Because it would be easy to just pursue your own dreams and hopes, but it is greater to put someone before yourself…

Ella Matthews absolutely captivated me with this lovely story! Tristan of course lived up to the high expectations I had for him, but he even went beyond and turned out to be a greater man than I thought. And Catrin is exactly the woman I expected her to be, ready to see behind Tristan’s façade, she is exactly the woman that Tristan needs. She is exactly the fierce, strong, independent woman I needed her to be!

I couldn’t read this book fast enough, but also I couldn’t read it slow enough!

How one disastrous viral video brings you to New York for an unforgettable Christmas

Synopsis

Welcome to New York, where the Christmas lights dazzle, the snow is falling and love is just around the corner…

Evie Green’s Christmas dream turns into a nightmare when a viral video makes her the laughing stockof the internet. But then a 5 star hotel sees a PR opportunity and invites her to New York for a Christmas she’ll remember forever.

Enter Noah Sanderson, a disgraced soccer star seeking anonymity. Forced to fake a festive romance for the cameras, sparks fly – but not the twinkling Christmas kind!

As Fifth Avenue sparkles in all its holiday glory, can The City that Never Sleeps show these two frosted hearts that, maybe, the best love stories are the ones you never see coming.

Don’t miss this cozy Christmas spin off series from the million-copy-bestselling author of the Romantic Escapes series! Each book can be read as a standalone.

Guaranteed:

Forced proximity

Grumpy sunshine

Happy ever after

Cozy comfort read

New York Christmas magic – think red velvet bows, chunky tartan-knit scarves, giant red baubles, the Rockefeller Centre Christmas Tree, Macy’s, The Nutcracker and more!

My review

Evie Green is still trying to cope over the loss of her mother after an illness. That caused that Evie went viral over a video that has been posted and turning her into a real laughing stock. All she wanted, was to fulfill her mother’s dream, instead now she is at risk of losing everything. But when the Plaza Hotel in New York sees a PR opportunity, they invite Evie over to New York and celebrate Christmas like in the movies. But what wasn’t in the plans for Evie, was to be faking a romance with Noah Sanderson, a disgraced soccer player looking for redemption and anonymity. However, sparks start to fly around them, and not the good kind of sparks. Evie truly starts to enjoy poking Noah, while Noah cannot understand how Evie can act without thinking at first. The more time they spend together though, the more Noah starts to realize that there is more about Evie than he initially thought. And Evie wants Noah to enjoy life more, and have more fun and not overthink everything. So could it be that their fake – dating for PR – reasons could change into something deeper, especially with the Christmas magic of New York. But what when they will both return back home?

There are combinations in this world that you know that will work even before it has started. For example, a hot chocolate with marshmallows in it, perfection! Another example is Julie Caplin and a Christmas story. Even before I had even read one single word of this book, I just knew I was going to love it, love the characters and love the author even more! 😊

At the start of the book, it is easy to blame Evie for being scammed. Just like those around her, I was thinking: you, of all people, should know better than falling for such a scheme! But what I couldn’t understand, yes, Evie made some serious mistakes, and she is risking it all at the moment. But why would her own friends, the people she is living with, post that video online? Why shame her in such ways? That was something I just couldn’t grasp…

On the other hand, Evie’s mistakes also show us that in fact, yes, it can happen to anyone, even to the smartest between us. And when you are in a vulnerable state, can you truly think that clearly?

Because let there be one think clear: Evie is still grieving over the loss of her mother. And she is so at loss at the moment, she has also lost her joie – de – vivre. So I was happy for her when the impossible truly seems to be happening, as the Plaza Hotel is ready to help her out. Of course for the Plaza it is great PR, but I loved it how all the people working there, from the doorman to the front office, were so kind and genuine with Evie…

It was funny to read how Evie and Noah keep crossing paths. They already had a cute/funny first encounter at the airport, before things went down. And then they are surprised when they are staying at the same hotel (of course, for us it wasn’t a big surprise 😊). That initial animosity keeps on hanging around them for a while, making it even more hilarious for us. The way Evie can taunt Noah without a that big of an effort, just wonderful!

Now, I also have to say, while Noah is easily triggered, I could understand the chip on his shoulder. He has made an error of judgement, with severe consequences, and the thought of what he has done, is still haunting him. And I could understand his reluctance on being so spontaneous as Evie is being in New York. He has a career he wants to get back on track asap, so doing the adventurous things Evie wants to do, I could understand how he isn’t jumping of joy at the idea.

And of course, I would be just terrified, like hell would need to freeze over for me to climb that building, and still… Yet seeing how Noah feels that adrenaline rush, and changes his mind, i could see how something unexpected can turn out to be something amazing.

Evie and Noah are looking very differently at life at the moment, and I could comprehend both visions. And while it saddened me reading that Evie has been holding back for so love, it was lovely to see how spending time with Noah in the city that never sleeps, is awakening something inside of her.

And the other way around, it is just the same. With seeing New York and experiencing the city through Evie’s eyes, Noah starts to see things differently. He also starts to see things differently when feelings are concerned.

Of course we know that when people are still hurting, there comes a wrong moment, when wrong things are being said, hurting other people in the process. And this story is no exception. However it shows that pain, loss, grief is also a learning curve. You cannot just get over it that easily. There are moments that put you back, letting you make mistakes.

This was a heart – warming, inspiring story, about learning to cope with loss, grief, learning from your mistakes, seeing things differently. It is also about second chances in life, about putting the past behind you. It is about getting strong again, seeing hopes for the future, by grabbing chances in life. And by finding that one person that makes you see and understand all the above.

I have never been to New York myself, but Julie Caplin made me feel like I was walking alongside Evie and Noah, seeing all the beautiful, romantic places, sprinkled with the magic of Christmas and snow. And she made me fall in love with people that have been broken yet are slowly bringing all those pieces back together. A wonderful story that I just couldn’t get enough of!

There is something not only festive in the air…

Synopsis

As snow falls over Micklewick Bay, Lark Harker is preparing for the busy festive season at her vintage clothing boutique, creating enchanting window displays of sequinned dresses and crafting handmade Christmas decorations from shimmering silk ribbon.

But her festive preparations are put on hold when Nate Wilkinson arrives at her cottage door. The owner of a local upcycling business, Nate asks for her help clearing out the long-abandoned Crayke’sCottage – a place locals whisper is cursed and haunted by its smuggling past.

Deep within the cottage’s shadowy rooms, Lark discovers two mysterious leather suitcases. The first reveals a treasure trove of 1940s clothes that sparkle with wartime romance and mystery. But the second holds a darker collection: smuggling artefacts, cryptic coded messages and a rusty iron key that gets Lark’s mind whirring. 

As Lark consults the town’s museum curator to unlock the suitcases’ secrets, she finds herself torn between growing feelings for her dear friend Nate and the inexplicable intuition that warns her away from love. When the rusty key leads to a shocking discovery in the cottage, Lark must trust her instincts and overcome her fears to finally find the greatest treasure of all…

My review

Lark Harker is ready for the festive season in her vintage clothing boutique. Winter is always a special season, with the magic of snow, ready to cover Micklewick Bay. When her best friend, and local upcycling business owner, Nate Wilkinson, asks for her help to clear out Crayke’s Cottage, an abandoned house with a lot of history, words of curses and obviously a lot of gossip. Of course Lark is more than willing to help out her friend, because who knows what treasures can be found! And when Lark finds two leather suitcases, it may seem truly seem like a treasure that has been found. Where one suitcase reveals a wonderful, uplifting story of love and romance during wartime, the other suitcase is a darker one, filled with smuggling artefacts, coded messages and more mystery. Mystery that puts Lark in turmoil. Because the more Lark is uncovering about those suitcases, the more her own intuition starts screaming at her. Screaming that she needs to stay away from love, even if her feelings for Nate may be shifting… But with more revelations coming out in the open and giving answers, could Lark find her own answers too?

Just like in the real world, Micklewick Bay is a place with lovely people, but also very different people. Having read the other books in the series, I have already discovered wonderful people, being unique in their own wonderful ways. So I was more than ready to get to know Lark and read her story!

And what a delight it was to get into Lark’s world, even if I was and perhaps still am a bit sceptical about the strength of her intuition. I won’t ever judge someone for their beliefs or gifts, and I will always give everyone a chance. But for me, even in books, it is a matter of seeing is believing. However, I was ready to be open – minded, as I had the faith and belief in this author, that not only she writes amazingly, but also that she could make me like Lark, even if I don’t agree with everything that Lark believes in.

That is also the strength of a book, of an author, even if you don’t believe in the same things, you can still feel with the main character, you can comprehend what she is going through, that you can sense her turmoil. But also that of course you can laugh alongside her, that you can have fun with her and that she can truly become a friend of yours.

Lark is such a great person, a lovely character, that even my non – believing couldn’t stop me from liking her. Because not only is she gentle, kind, loving and caring, but she is also the kind of person that doesn’t judge, only wants happiness for her loved ones. And when one of her loved ones is hurt, she wants to do everything she can to help out.

This is made so obvious the way she is with her dad. Saying that Lark has a ‘normal’ family, would be an euphemism, but even if her family is not the stereotypical family, she couldn’t love her parents any more. She sees that her dad is still heart – broken after losing his partner, and she couldn’t be happier when her lovely dad is going to stay for a while at her place. I love my own dad very much, but I don’t think we would be able to be living together anymore (you know how Italians are! 😊).

I liked reading about the friendship Lark has with Nate. They have known each other for a while now, and while It is clear that Nate wants to take things further with Lark, he respects her and her reluctance of moving forward.

His acceptance shows how not only he is someone that respects others, but it also shows his character. He doesn’t push Lark or anyone else in the direction he wants to take, but he shows understanding. It cannot be easy to be unrequited in love with someone, but it was sweet to see how too important his friendship with Lark is. Being friends with Lark is better than not having Lark in his life at all.

Of course, as a reader and a bystander, it is frustrating to read how Lark is keeping Nate at a distance in that aspect. Because just like everyone around them, you can see the potential, if only Lark wouldn’t be so scared about losing Nate. Or if she would just trust her feelings, and not give in to the negative thoughts she is having.

Now, with the ‘help’ of the two found suitcases, and the story involving the found items, we also see not only the emotional turmoil Lark is having, but also the emotional growth and strength she is having on this not always easy journey.

Despite my own thoughts about Lark’s intuition, it was amazing to read what all the items found in the suitcase meant, and what secrets they kept from the past. Each suitcase shows a different time set, a different kind of emotions. How strange the world and its people is…

This was perhaps a bit a different story than I thought it would be. There were for sure some aspects that I found not easy to grasp. But that didn’t take away that not only I appreciated the story the author has written, but that I also truly liked the characters, with their kind hearts, but also understandable, human fears. Yet the resilience they show, their growing strength is what truly stood out!  

A fairytale as an inspiration…

Synopsis

From fake betrothal…to fairytale ending?

Once upon a time, governess Hattie Potts longed for adventure, but accepting a position in Duke of Wimberley William Sutherland’s household was only the beginning…

For when the scandal surrounding his wife’s death exposes him and his daughter to Society gossip, William has an unorthodox solution to divert the unwanted attention: a pretend courtship with Hattie!

She’s transformed into the perfect lady for her dashing employer. Yet, while very real sparks are flying between them, an accident leaves William with no memory that their engagement is only a charade…

My review

Hattie Potts grew up with her best friends in an orphanage. But she always dreamed of having an adventure, to get out of her comfort zone. As she knows what it is to grow up with a mother, when she hears that the Duke of Wimberley, William Sutherland is looking for a governess for his daughter, Hattie knows that despite her lack of experience, she is the right person for the job. Because William wants to see his daughter Millie happy again, after tragedy struck their family, with the addition of Society gossip… And William wants to protect his little girl against the world and anyone looking for a story to tell. The only way he can come it with, is with the inspiration of the fairytale of Cinderella, to pretend together with Hattie, that Hattie is not Hattie the governess, but Lady Penelope Denning, with an ongoing courtship. Their charade seems to work, and even sparks start to fly between Hattie and William. But what will happen with their agreed charade when after an accident, Williams loses his mind?

As a young girl (and yes even a little bit now 😊) I have always loved reading fairytales. And while growing up, of course I have learnt that there is no Prince Charming like in those stories, but still, what a delight reading them!

And as an avid reader now, I can truly enjoy reading Regency stories. And I don’t care about the opinions of others, to look down on these kind of stories. I like reading them, spending time in a different era, with lovely characters.

With a story that combines both genres, and written by an author that I know and appreciate, how can I resist?

I started reading this story with maybe a little bit of pity for Hattie. While she is now into adulthood, it is clear that growing up hasn’t been easy for her. Well, I could comprehend that it isn’t easy for anyone growing up in an orphanage, especially during Regency.

But at the same time, I was proud of her and the kind of woman she has become. And with having her loyal friends by her side, that are more like sisters to her, was just heartwarming.

It is also clear that Hattie has a gentle and kind heart. While she lacks experience as a governess, she just feels that she is the right person for the job, as she can truly understand what Millie is going through.

Ooh my heart broke reading about Millie… She is a delightful child, but she has been traumatized by what happened to her mother.

Luckily, Millie has her father William by her side. And all that William wants, is to see his little girl happy. And seeing the lengths William goes to achieve that, shows us what a great man he is. Because he doesn’t care about his own happiness, all he wants, is to have his little girl smiling, laughing and talking again.

It isn’t that custom for a man of the Regency era to be so involved with even his own child, yet here we see that even then, there are the right kind of men already…

Deception is never a good choice, but I could understand William’s reasoning. Because once again, all he wants, is to protect his little girl. And seeing how well Millie and Hattie get along, is that white lie such a big crime?

I liked reading how not only William isn’t pressuring or forcing Hattie to agree with the scheme, but he also trusts her enough with it, and has faith in her.

If the story and the twists would stop here, we would have already an amazing story, especially with the background stories of Hattie, William and Millie and seeing the bonds grow between just all of them. But Jeanine Englert added an extra twist, elevating this story even further.

Because with William losing his memory at one point, it shifts all the cards once again…

I am not going to dig deeper into what happens next, because I think it is important to read those bits yourself. But what I am going to say, it that William’s amnesia makes us and those close to Willliam, to see the real William pre – trauma. We see a William that hasn’t lost faith in love, who isn’t carrying the burden of the tragedy and what it brought alone.

This story shows us how the past can burden our present and our future. But we also see the power of fairytales, even in the Regency era. We see how for the greater good, for the love of a child, not only brings plans or deception to fruition, but also how that common love for a tiny person, can bring two people closer. People that have their own baggage, not wanting to let love get any closer. But as we all know from fairytales, we know how that will work out, right?

Jeanine Englert wrote not just a great first book in a series, but she wrote a story with the perfect mix of different genres, making me enjoy her tale even more!