Is The One That Got Away truly that greatest love we remember?

Synopsis

Fashion designer, Elle Bliss, is unlucky in love.

She’s still hung up on her first love, Leo, who ended things abruptly, then mysteriously disappeared – and a decade on, no one else can measure up.

But Elle’s all-time dream of showing in Paris Fashion Week is about to become a reality, and she has no time to dwell on her dismal love life. That is until Leo – now going by Lorenzo – comes back into her life.

A celebrated up-and-coming shoe designer, ‘Lorenzo’ is nothing like the man she fell in love with. Rude, brash and with an ego the size of Paris, he’s too caught up in his own celebrity.

But as they constantly cross paths in the city of love, Elle begins to question how much of ‘Lorenzo’ is an act – a persona for the cameras. Because deep down, she can see glimpses of the man he was, and feelings from all those years ago become impossible to ignore…

Join Elle in the most romantic city in the world in this laugh out loud enemies-to-lovers romance, perfect for fans of Sophie Kinsella and Emily Henry.

My review

Elle Bliss is slowly building her fashion designing career. With her sister Cassie by her side, the dream is to make it into Paris Fashion Week.
While the business runs rather greatly, Elle’s love life isn’t… Because no matter who she meets, she cannot forget her first love, Leo. Their love was a great one, until the moment that Leo ended things and disappeared into thin air, a decade ago.
Just when Elle’s dream seems to come true, in the city of love she has an encounter with an up – and – coming shoe designer, Lorenzo. On paper a collaboration would be perfect, weren’t it that Lorenzo is in fact Leo. And ‘Lorenzo’ isn’t anything like the Leo Elle fell in love with…
But with their paths keep on crossing, Elle wants to understand how much of Lorenzo/Leo is just an act, and if there is anything left of the Leo Elle loved and perhaps still loves..

There are authors that I cannot wait to pick up their latest release. Because I know, even before I have read just one word, or even the blurb, that I will absolutely love the book. Sandy Barker has proven time over time over time that she truly deserves my blind trust, and with this book also she has proven what a great author she is!

Don’t we all have that one person, that feels like The One That Got Away? That first love, where even in retrospect it seemed the biggest love of them all, and we cannot just forget about them? But what when Fate brings that same person back on our paths, and our ideal match seems to be a fidget of our imagination?

Elle is exactly going through that… She cannot seem to forget Leo. And I could understand that, even if they were rather young, they just got it all, things seemed to go very smoothly. And just like Elle, I was left with many questions with Leo’s disappearing act.
How could you just go up in thin air while claiming that you are deeply in love? There is just too much left unsaid for Elle being able to move on…

While of course she does her best, as she chasing her dream of becoming a famous fashion designer. Now, I am totally not into fashion myself, I just wear what I like, and so what if it would mismatch? But I liked to see how Elle gets her inspiration, how she is able to put that imagination onto paper and into fabric. She shows such a creativity, something that I always lacked! 😊

And it was sweet to see how the two sisters are working together. Even if fashion is Elle’s dream, Cassie stands behind her sister, every step Elle is taking. But not only careerwise it was great to see the dynamics… Cassie also knows that Elle needs to get Leo out of her system and even resources to hire The Ever After Agency to find Leo.

I didn’t know what to think about Leo. Reading the stories from Elle, he for sure seemed like her Prince Charming, but how could he just leave her? And then when he appears back on the scene, as ‘Lorenzo’, I just couldn’t understand it. Because Leo for sure didn’t make a great impression upon his return, on the contrary! I almost wanted to strangle him!

But I shouldn’t have doubted for a minute that Sandy Barker would provide us a terrible love interest! Because slowly we see that the real Leo is still there, and that Lorenzo is a forced façade. And by reading what Leo had done in the past, for a right cause, made my respect for him increase…
We also see that Leo had done what he had done at a great personal cost, but that he is such a righteous person that he couldn’t possibly even live with himself if he would have done things differently… And that shows what a great, loving and altruistic kind of person Leo is. It made me see Leo as Leo for the man he truly is, and Lorenzo more of a character, a personage he has to play in order to somehow even protect and save himself.

That same realization is also what Elle makes, and seeing slowly these ‘old’ lovebirds finding each other, understanding each other was truly sweet.

Yet we also see the nastiness in the world, the world where people live of gossip, where people get used for other’s own advantages and how you have to fight for your right to love whoever you want.
Nevertheless, with a loving sister, a whole matchmaking agency by your side, the endgame may be worthy of the fight you have to fight.

I absolutely adored this book, with amazing characters, and seeing eve my old friends again. And of course, the shot at a second chance love, between the flashlights of Paris Fashion Week.

Sandy Barker wrote once again a story so compelling, wonderful and marvellous, showing that no matter how long ago that Great Love was, when That Love is in your cards, it will find a way back to you. Oh and yes, I had the whole time a certain song playing on repeat in my head! 🙂 

Today a promotional bit!

Synopsis

Mia Flanagan has never been told who her father is and, aged ten, stopped asking. Now she keeps her own secrets. But when the movie she’s working on ends in disaster, she flies home to discover her fiancé has a secret too; leaving her dreams crushed.

Broken-hearted, a lonely summer in London looms. Until family friend, Archie Fitzgerald, invites her to stay at his fading mansion on Ireland’s ancient east coast.

For Archie also has a secret, and the longer Mia stays, the more she wonders if Archie really is her father after all.

Summer of Secrets is a tale of how the ghost of love can blight many lives. And how Mia, realising the past cannot hurt her, must make way for new love and the promise of happiness waiting in the wings.

Purchase Link – https://mybook.to/SummerofSecretsRBk1

About the author

Adrienne Vaughan writes spellbinding, page-turning romantic suspense.

Her Heartfelt Series − The Hollow Heart, A Change of Heart and Secrets of the Heart – is set on an island off Ireland’s west coast and features a feisty investigative journalist, and her irresistible West Highland terrier. Adrienne studied at the Dublin College of Journalism and loves animals, especially dogs.

Her collection of short stories and poetry, Fur Coat & No Knickers was shortlisted for the Irish Carousel Prize for Anthology and her WWII short story, Dodo’s Portrait, was shortlisted for the Colm Toíbín International Short Story Award at the Wexford Literary Festival.

Summer of Secrets is the first in a series of sweeping family dramas, each with a touch of Irish magic.

All her books are heart-warming, uplifting reads, featuring her trademark gripping style, and laugh out loud moments.

Adrienne, husband Jonathan, and two cocker spaniels divide their time between rural Leicestershire, the Wicklow mountains, and coastal South Devon. Agatha Christie – the cat – takes care of things while they are away.

PS: Adrienne’s keeping everything crossed there’s still time to realise her ambition to be a Bond girl.

Not everyone can be the Mr. Darcy you dream of…

Synopsis

No man can be as good as the one in your imagination…

Librarian Liv Thomas has always dreamed of writing a romance novel. But she’s stuck when it comes to creating a romantic hero – sadly – lacking anyone in real life to base him on.

When her brother suggests his best friend stay in their shared flat for a few weeks, she can’t believe her bad luck. Aiden Rivers is irritating and pushes all her buttons. Worst of all, he’s gorgeous, has a sexy accent and reminds her of her all-time favourite character Mr Darcy.

Liv finds herself unexpectedly inspired and the leading man in her novel begins to bear an uncanny resemblance to Aiden. He can never find out though: she’d never live it down. Because Aiden can only ever be her love interest in the pages of her book – and definitely not in real life… right?!

A laugh-out-loud enemies to lovers rom com, perfect for those who spend far too much time thinking about Mr Darcy coming out of the lake!

My review

Liv Jones has always dreamt of writing her own book, but her own fear has always held her back. So she just surrounds herself each days with books as she works as a librarian. Yet in her free time, she is slowly trying to put her ideas onto pages, and even if her book will never see the light of days, she imagines what her romantic hero would look like. easier said than done, as she doesn’t have anyone to base her fictional character on.
Her ideal is of course the famous and gorgeous Mr. Darcy, who doesn’t need any further introduction. And then her brother suggests that his best friend coming to stay at their shared apartment. A best friend, Aiden Rivers, who reminds Liv too much of Mr. Darcy, with his great looks and a sexy accent. But Aiden is anything but Mr. Darcy, as he manages to push all of Liv’s buttons…And to make things even worse, he started to work in the university where Liv also works.
And then Liv starts to notice that the romantic hero of her book resembles too much of Aiden… But there is a difference between the real Aiden and the character Liv is writing, right? Because there is absolutely no way that Aiden could turn out to be in fact anything Liv ever wanted her own hero to be, right?

I have to admit, when I started this book, I completely agreed with Liv’s infatuation with Mr. Darcy. And that specific lake scene, well, better that some things are left unsaid! 😊
But just like I adore reading Pride & Prejudice time after time after time, I absolutely love reading a great enemies – to – lovers!

And Liv and Aiden for sure are the perfect example of this trope! From the very start Liv is irritated by not only Aiden’s return, but also him staying at the apartment she shares with her brother, but on top of that, also starting to work at the university she works as a librarian.

There are several reasons I liked Liv. There is her love for books, her dream to write one of her own. But there is also the close bond with her brother. They couldn’t be more different, yet the love between the siblings is so obvious and clear. That was something that truly resonated with me, as I recognized that kind of bond.

Of course it was hilarious to read the constant clashing between Liv and Aiden. Seeing how Aiden keeps pushing Liv’s buttons, Liv trying to beat Aiden in everything… I could almost grab a bucket filled with popcorn, so much did I enjoy those moments!

But beside the clashing, it’s clear that something deeper and even more important in hidden in this relationship. Because when it truly matters, Aiden is having Liv’s back. At Liv’s scariest moments, she has Aiden’s shoulder to cry on.

And it was lovely and even sweet to see how Liv starts to see the real Aiden, and not the Aiden that annoys her. She might think that the character in her book is a fidget of her own imagination, but he is more Aiden than Liv initially thought.

I found this a wonderful book to read, and not only because of the trope. But we also see people chasing their dreams, daring to take a dive into the unknown. And we also see how lives in the present are being lived, from being a social media influencer to an artist. And how those worlds at times dare to clash or  even jeopardize what’s been built.
And then there is the fact that sometimes we allow people to get in our hair, but we fail to see what’s behind the façade and all that bravery.
And, as I am a sucker for grand gestures, I sure got a thrill from the ones in this book, makes me believe that perhaps there are real Mr. Darcy’s out there, or at least people wanting to make a fantasy come true! 😊

Today I am sharing an extract

Synopsis

Maggie and Sam take a break from the murder and mayhem of Bishops Well and embark on a relaxing mid-winter cruise across the northern seas. The brochure promises smooth sailing, good food and dazzling entertainment. Sam is hoping to sprinkle the mix with romance.

But nothing goes to plan. 

Maggie runs into an old lover, the mesmerising Benedict Rawbotham, who goes out of his way to sweep her off her feet. Sam is left seething with jealousy.

A mayday signal sent by a fishing boat forces the cruise liner off course. But there is something fishy about the rescued crew and Maggie insists that two young women have died on that boat. Alas, no one believes her. 

Soon one of the alleged fishermen is also dead and so is one of the cruise passengers. Cordelia Conti Lang, nicknamed the Bitcoin Queen, with links to London’s criminal underworld, is found in her cabin, stabbed to death. 

In pursuit of the killer, Maggie hurtles from one disaster to another and Sam begins to fear for her life. Has he taken her on a cruise to hell?  

Extract

The rescue operation at sea

Despite being told to remain calm and below deck, a huge proportion of the passengers disobeyed the order and braved the elements to witness the rescue operation. The remaining portion were those who could watch the goings-on from their cabins on the starboard side where all the action was taking place. Everyone else put on hats and gloves, fetched their cameras, and hurried on deck. The wind was slapping them about their faces, the freezing rain lashing and soaking them to the bone, but curiosity was stronger than the adverse weather conditions. 

​Powerful search-lights were pointed at the small vessel wobbling haplessly on furious tides. The rescue craft from the cruise liner had reached the boat and four people had boarded it. 

​‘Do you think they’ll find them alive?’ Maggie asked Sam. 

​‘My guess is as good as yours. Though, on second thoughts, yours is possibly better.’

​‘Oh, is it?’

​‘Well, if you can’t see any ghosts hovering over that boat, then maybe they’re still alive.’

​‘Of course I can’t see any ghosts, Samuel – it’s way too far!’ She pursed her lips, offended. ‘I never know with you – if you’re serious or taking the mickey.’

​Sam put his arm around her. ‘If I take the mickey, it is done with affection.’

​People gasped and camera-phones started rolling when the first person emerged from the vessel, wrapped in a silver thermal blanket. He – or she – was led to the rescue craft, stumbling and leaning heavily on the crew member who had his arm hooked under their elbow. There were more gasps, more selfies, and a few exclamations, when another person – hopefully alive, but potentially dead – was carried out on a stretcher. 

Once the person was safely transferred onto the craft, it shot through the waves towards the ship. Mr Hatton was overseeing the operation from the deck. As soon as the craft aligned with the pulleys, the person in the thermal blanket was lifted up onboard the ship. He – for it was a man – was instantly intercepted by a medic and led away. The harness was lowered to receive the person on the stretcher. Attaching the stretcher took no longer than two minutes, and it was up in the air, heading for the safety of the liner. Again, members of the medical team were on hand to swiftly carry the injured person away to the medical bay. 

Meantime, the rescue craft was heading back towards the fishing vessel. Pixeled with the incessant icy rain, the search lights were crossing in front of the boat to guide it along the way. 

‘They found two more people!’ Vincent Hatton shouted to the crowd by way of an explanation.​

Indeed, two more stretchers were taken inside the boat and within ten minutes, they were returned to the rescue craft, laden with human cargo. The craft carried them to the cruise liner, and just like the other two, they were winched up onboard. 

‘They’re dead,’ Maggie told Sam.

‘Both of them?’

‘I think so. I can see two young women – their spirits, I mean. They’re very unsettled, thrusting their arms in the air. They may be screaming – their mouths are wide open. No wonder – it’s all new to them. Sudden death tends to throw people off balance.’

The spectacle was over. The search lights were turned off and the sea glared back at the onlookers, violent and black, like the gaping mouth of a leviathan threatening to swallow them. The storm wasn’t relenting. The passengers were ordered inside.  

Can a broken friendship be mended again?

Synopsis

A warm-hearted and gripping story of community, secrets and the family we choose that will captivate fans of Lucy Diamond, Cathy Bramley and Jessica Redland.

As young women, Lise and Emma had the kind of friendship people dream about. While Lise’s own family was distant and disengaged, Emma’s was welcoming and warm, and for the first twenty-six years of their life, growing up together in a close-knit community, the duo were inseparable. But when they decide to spend one year living together in Paris, what starts as the adventure of a lifetime becomes a disaster that changes everything. And when Emma returns to Bath the following summer, Lise stays behind in France, their friendship in tatters.

Now, sixteen years later, Lise has come back to their hometown, determined to put things right. But to do so, she’ll have to face up to the truth about what happened in Paris. And with Emma refusing to talk to her, can she get close enough to share her secret?

My review

Lise and Emma grew up as best friends, and they were sure that nothing could ever come between them. Even if their lives were different, with Lise having a distant family, while Emma’s were welcoming and warm, they were absolutely inseparable. They even decided to spend a year together in Paris.
But right there in Paris, is where their close friendship ended brutally, with Emma returning to Bath on her own while Lise staying in France…
Sixteen years later, Lise finally returns home too, and is determined to make things right again with Emma, even if that means coming clean about what happened all those years ago. But when Emma is refusing to just talk to her, is there truly a way that a once so strong friendship, now scattered into a million pieces, can be mended again?

Haven’t we all had childhood friendships we were 100% certain that would never end? And yet when you think about it, many of those friendships haven’t stand the test of time. Of course there are friendships that did, but let’s be honest, many of them just didn’t.
And often there isn’t just a specific reason for it not lasting, just life taking us in different directions. But what when there was a specific reason that the friendship ended? How would it affect it the people involved? And if the heartbreak was so devastating, is there a way to make things right again? That is exactly what this lovely book is about…

I loved seeing young Lise and Emma together, they were ready to conquer the world, always having each other’s back no matter what. It was more like seeing sisters together and not “just” friends, because they just connected so well, and were always there for each other, understanding each other even without a spoken word, offering comfort, wisdoms (for their age at least 😊) and Emma always made sure to let Lise know that Emma’s family was also Lise’s as understanding that Lise’s own family weren’t the warmest kind…

Personally, I admired they courage for living in Paris for a year on their own, even if they did not speak the language. I for sure would never make that choice myself, because let’s be honest, I’m a big scaredy – cat ! 😊
But I liked it how hands – on they were, they took matter in own hands, determined to find jobs, to make things work. Because as long as they were together, it would all work out.

Seeing this strong friendship, I wondered what on earth could have happened to tear it all into pieces. Because I truly believed that their friendship would be indestructible. And it was obvious something truly terrible had to have happened to have this outcome. And to see how they weren’t there for each other in the most difficult moments after that year in Paris, broke my heart.

And even if I didn’t know yet what happened in Paris, reading what happened later on in Emma’s life, without Lise showing her support in any kind of way,  I could understand Emma not wanting to talk to her former best friend when Lise is back in town.
But I also saw the efforts Lise was making to get Emma to talk to her again. Because it was not only Lise’s life at stake here…

There is something about being angry at someone for so long, that it’s easier to hold to that grudge, than letting the past for what it is and start over once again… So much has happened in both women’s lives and I could see how they could be there once again for each other, if only they would let each other back in…

Normally I am rather easy in choosing a side. Who was in the right and who was in the wrong? But in this book, there isn’t a right or wrong side. Because what happened in Paris, wasn’t to blame on either Lise or Emma, but more to blame on the people around them. And those people put an end on a friendship…

And even later on, Emma back in Bath and Lise still in Paris, they both didn’t have it easy…
Emma had to face several and heart – breaking losses, while Lise was living together with a man that made me almost throw up each time he appeared.
Yet I liked to see the resilience in both women, coming out stronger than before.

I truly liked it also how both their daughters got along, even before the huge revelation towards the end. It seemed like history was repeating itself, from mother to daughter. And it was a bit funny to see how the girls were somehow the catalyst of Emma and Lise interacting again.

This book was amazing to read, although I have to say I didn’t expect anything else from this wonderful author.
the story shows us the easiness of friendship, but also the difficulties in it. But most important we see that no matter what happened in the past, or how people fell out, when it concerns real friendship, the love always find a way to bring those people back into our lives. And that with perhaps some persistence, patience, but most of all, forgiveness, that bond that was once so strong, can be found again, and make you forget about all the lost time, as it’s the time that we can now spend back together is what matters!

It’s never too late to reassess your life and choices and make a change…

Synopsis

A laugh-out-loud romantic comedy that will warm your heart! Perfect for fans of Mhairi McFarlane, Marian Keyes, Kathleen Whyman and Caroline James.

Is it ever too late to start again…?

Erika Forde has always played second fiddle to her husband David, the famous novelist. But since their son, Matt, left home for university, cracks have started to show in their marriage.

Erika has long had a nagging suspicion that David may not always have been faithful, and now his latest books are starting to wane in popularity causing erratic moods that are affecting Erika.

But while David’s career starts to dip, Erika’s advertising agency is on the up.

Erika’s creative genius wins the agency a huge client in Stable Denim, but her life is thrown into turmoil when one of the models cast for the campaign turns out to be her ex-boyfriend, Enzo.

Has Enzo been sent back into Erika’s life for a reason? Is it time for her to reevaluate her marriage?

Or should some things be left in the past…?

WHEN WE WERE US is a second chance love story, that shows the ups and downs of family life with buckets of humour and wit.

My review

Being married to David hasn’t always been a walk in the park for Erika Forde. Not only does Erika believe that he hasn’t been always that faithful husband, but since their son Matt left their home, things are turning quickly in a downward spiral. And while Erika’s being successful in her advertising agency, David’s career as a novelist is hitting low.
When Erika’s agency wins a huge client in the form of Stable Denim, it brings her Enzo back in her life, Erika’s ex – boyfriend. And his return makes Erika think about her life, choices and most important, her marriage…

There is always something about second chance love stories that pull me in. Because it warms my heart that love somehow will always try to find a way, no matter how much time has passed, or what age the involved people have.
And it’s that new chance that make the people rethink about past choices and think if the life they are living now is the kind of life they envisioned of having, or are they living in contentment, and not living their lives at the fullest.

It’s clear from the start that Erika isn’t in a happy marriage. Well, that for sure is an understatement. Because if I had to live with a man like David, I would have walked away way sooner and way faster. Erika I believe if the kind of person that is very recognizable for many people. She isn’t happy in her marriage, but isn’t really doing anything about it. Life isn’t perfect for her, but she keeps on carrying on.

Of course she loves her son Matt with all her heart, but with him away, only shows her how lacking her marriage is, and in fact how terrible David is. Because he absolutely is! At first there was a tiny bit of understanding from my side, yet the better I got to know him, the more I despised him, and in the end, my despise even turned in a kind of hatred…

So I was happy to see that while David’s career is hitting its lowest point, Erika’s is actually booming. She truly deserves all the acclaims and she is just good at what she does.
And I was curious to see where things would go once Enzo entered the scene.

It was great to see the changes in Erika once Enzo back in her life. But what I liked the most in this book, was that even when there is a second chance at love, things don’t go easy. Not only does Erika have to make a decision about her life, but there are more setbacks and sort of betrayals than Erika could possibly imagine.
Choosing for love is perhaps the easiest choice to make, but life isn’t always rainbows and unicorn, and Erika learns that there still will be difficulties in life, even when the man she loves and loves her is by her side.

And that is truly the best bit in this book, showing the reality in this romance. But it also shows the strength and power of love. Because when you truly love someone, you are ready to take every hurdle with them, no matter how hard things may get.  

A good neighbour is better than a far boyfriend…

Synopsis

Finding a man is like buying a house: sometimes you have to look beyond the exterior to see the potential underneath.

As an estate agent, Alex’s job is to create happy-ever-afters. It’s just a shame she can’t work the same magic on her own life. Her long-term boyfriend Thomas still lives with his mother, and her hopes of them taking the next step are dashed when he announces he’s spending all his savings (savings she’d quite hoped he’d want to put towards their future home) on an ‘artist retreat’ in San Francisco.

With Thomas thousands of miles away, getting a little too friendly with his fellow artistes, Alex strikes up a friendship with her new neighbour, Callum. Taciturn, grumpy and nerdy, Callum couldn’t be more different to Alex’s bubbly personality…. So why is he the one she wakes up wanting to talk to?

As they get to know each other, Alex starts to wonder if the answer to all her problems might be closer to home than she thinks…

My review

Being an estate agent, Alexa is used to show people the houses of their dreams. And she hopes that with her boyfriend Thomas, she will be able to find the perfect place too, as they have been together now for a long time. But Alexa is shocked to learn that Thomas has other plans, as he believes to have found his true calling, that of being an artist. And in order to achieve his new big dream, he wants to use all his spendings, which were planned to be used on their own home, to go on an artist retreat in San Francisco.
That doesn’t take away Alexa from sharing a bigger flat with her best friend Emma. But the two friends aren’t the only ones moving, as they learn that their new neighbours also just moved. Just like Alexa and Emma, Mark and Callum are best friends sharing a flat. And when things move quickly between Emma and Mark, Alexa learns that Callum has more in him that he shows. With understanding each other better, where does that leave Alexa with Thomas, as Alexa starts to feel more at ease with her neighbour than with her actual boyfriend?

When I read the blurb of this book, I knew I would like it, even if the short summary did spark that great curiosity immediately. But you know that there are authors that you just read, no matter what the blurb is saying. And as Phoebe MacLeod is one of those authors that don’t disappoint, I just started to read, ignoring the blurb. Because the story for sure would be an amazing one!

I think you have to be a special kind of person to be a good estate agent. Because you have to be able to see more in a building than you can actual see, but you also have to understand your clients in a way to find the house of their dreams, even if they haven’t have a clue what that may be.
And Alexa for sure has a talent for it, not driven by the advantages she may gain, but because she wants to find the right house for the right people. Even if finding the right match may take some patience.

And it’s clear that Alexa has a lot of patience, not only towards her clients, but also towards her boyfriend Thomas…. Because Thomas is for sure not the best example for a boyfriend. He isn’t satisfied with his life, and each time he discovers a new passion, only give that passion up rather easily. Yet Alexa stands by his side with every new great idea he has. Because even if he frustrates her at times, showing her support is what a good girlfriend does. And with being so long together, she has big dreams for a future to spend together.

But not only with Thomas Alexa shows her gentle character, also with her best friend Emma. Because all is well with your best friend when living on your own, but it’s when you live together that you get to know all those little irritating behaviour. Alexa for sure gets frustrated with Emma, and I for sure could understand her, but Alexa also understands that Emma discovering new territory and has still so much to learn.

Yet the most important treat Alexa has, is her non – judgemental attitude. She doesn’t judge Callum’s odd and introvert behaviour, she doesn’t judge perhaps the weirdest clients she may ever have. And that only shows us what an amazing person Alexa is.

She couldn’t be more opposite than Callum, yet also in his case, she sees more than he allows anyone else to see. Being an introvert can make it difficult for interaction, yet it was lovely to see how Alexa was able to break down his walls, and see her understanding him, as we also got a better understanding of him. And only to realize that Callum for sure is one amazing man, with his own insecurities, but also with his willingness to protect those he cares about, and even doing things outside his comfort zone.

I had the best of time seeing how a breakfast Alexa crashes becomes a tradition between the pair, how their “neighbour relationship” evolves to friendship and keeps on evolving.
It was in a way even funny to see things are getting awkward but also sweet in a way… And of course as I was supporting for Alexa and Callum getting more than friends, I just loved it see how Alexa realizes what Thomas’ real character was, and understands that perhaps her future lays elsewhere, and not by Thomas’ side…

This was a lovely, funny, even hilarious story, a slow – burn. The author delivered not only what I expected, but more. We see how differences between people can make each other stronger, how it can open you up. It shows us that getting to know someone and understand them takes time and patience, but that for the right person, it can end in a very rewarding way.
I devoured this book, only having one regret, as I reached the end far too quickly!

To save a place you love, to discover so much more

Synopsis

Lexie Dunbar is a book lover. And her favourite place in the world is her local bookstore, Book Ends.  So when she hears that it’s going to be sold, Lexie decides she needs to do something to help.

Lexie’s plan to save the ailing shop is fully underway until gorgeous-but-grouchy artist Tobias Black arrives on the scene determined to turn the bookstore into an art gallery. Lexie is horrified; the last thing the quaint town of Bracken Way needs is a pretentious artist, even if he does seem to charm everyone but her.

Tensions continue to rise until Tobias discovers a shocking secret that shows they might have more in common than they realise. As sparks fly, can Lexie and Tobias work together, or will opposing ideas get in the way of them finding their very own happy ever after…

My review

After discovering that the promotion that was practically hers, went to someone else, Lexie Dunbar decides that she needs to start over. Being the booklover that she is, when she learns that her local bookstore is going to be sold, Lexie realizes that she needs to step in and help to keep the place that brought her so much joy and happiness.
But even if her plans are warmly welcomed, she didn’t expect to be fighting over the place with artist Tobias Black, who sees his Uncle’s place the perfect spot to open his own art gallery.
With now a premises to share Lexie and Tobias have to learn to work together, even if that costs them a lot of effort.
Nevertheless, when secrets are being revealed, personal and not, Lexie and Tobias learn that despite their initial dislike, they can count on each other, and perhaps find their own way to happiness.

This could be a very short review by just saying that Julie Shackman did it again, writing a wonderful story, one that kept my interest and attention from the start until the very end. Period.
But that wouldn’t do the story and the author complete justice, because there is so much to it, it would even take me a whole book to write myself to express how it made me feel.

At the start of the book, I could completely understand Lexi’s state of mind. Losing a promotion is something that obviously would bother you. But losing it without an acknowledgement of the work you have done in the past, and seeing it go to someone else, a stranger, well, that for sure has to sting.
Having been not so long ago in a likewise situation myself, I for sure agreed with Lexie that she needed some time away, to clear her head and rethink about her position and where her future would be.

And having Lexie being a booklover, just like me, how could I possibly dislike her? Because Lexie is the kind of character you want to be friends with, as she is genuine, loving, caring and altruistic. Add the fact that she, her mother and her dear grandfather have been the three musketeers most of the time, well, it only made her ever more loveable and even more real.

I liked it how Lexie made it her mission to save the bookstore, Book Ends, as not only is it a place that she loved spending her own time in, but she also truly believes that with a few upgrades, the store would thrive once again like in the past. She fights with her every might to make things work, even if that means that she has to share the space with Tobias Black.

Tobias Black… he didn’t make a great first impression, as I didn’t like his attitude, and his behaviour as he felt that he deserves to turn the bookstore into an own art gallery.
But as often happens, slowly I started to realize that in fact, Tobias isn’t the bad guy as I initially thought. Yes yes, I know that he would turn out to be a great character, but still, even knowing this, I couldn’t truly like him at his first few appearances.

I found it truly funny to see how Lexie and Tobias work together, antagonizing each other all the time. But it was also sweet to see the slow change in them. Especially when there are several secrets revealed, unexpected returns are made, and Lexie and Tobias find each other to rely on.

There happens a lot in this book, but never in a way that I lost track of everything. On the contrary, it was all written so well it was easy to keep up.
There happens a lot in this book, but it never crossed my mind that things could be left out, as all those bits made all their important contribution to the story itself.

Because we see not only many different layers of love, but also many different layers of strength, courage and especially forgiveness.
And it’s with all the above that happiness can be gained.

I will end this review the way I started it, by stating that Julie Shackman wrote once again a wonderful story!

When another murder comes on your path, but this time the stakes could be even higher..

Synopsis

An instalment in bestselling author T. A. Williams’ Armstrong and Oscar cozy mystery series!

A cozy crime series set in gorgeous Tuscany… It’s murder in paradise!

A secluded villa…

When Dan Armstrong is asked to provide security at a private villa on the outskirts of Pisa, he’s pretty sure it will be an easy job. Villa Gregory is remote; the gathered guests are rich – what could possibly go wrong?

A glittering gathering…

Inside the high walls of the palatial villa, Dan discovers the gathered guests are some of the most powerful tycoons in the media world, with plans for world domination. With so much at stake, Dan redoubles his efforts to keep everyone safe.

A detective under pressure?

But when one of the group is found murdered, Dan’s heart sinks – especially considering Anna’s own daughter is in the frame! When the police arrive, Dan meets formidable Inspector Adolfo Vinci, a man whose main talent seems to be for getting things wrong. It all goes from bad to worse for Dan as the man from the Leaning Tower starts leaning on him.

It’s another case for Dan and Oscar to solve and this one won’t be easy!

My review

Things are looking well for Dan Armstrong in Tuscany. His relationship with Anna is great, as he has learned from his past mistakes, and his business is also doing well.
So when he is asked to provide security at a private villa near Pisa, he thinks it would be a rather easy job, because what could possibly go wrong?
Dan and his loyal friend Oscar are ready to do their thing at Villa Gregory, and as Anna’s daughter is one of the guests, Dan hopes that he has the chance to get to know the daughter of the woman he loves.
But with a Villa filled with prominent guests, Dan is shocked to discover the murder of one of the most powerful tycoons. And with all the fingers pointing towards Anna’s daughter Virginia, and a rather lazy Inspector Adolfo Vinci, Dan is determined to discover what happened and to clear Virginia’s name…

There are a few cosy mystery – series that I am always eager to pick up, book after book after book. Yet this series is one of those lucky few! Is it because its setting in Italy? Is it because of the main characters, furry ones and not? Or is it the talent of this author that can keep on writing stories about, let’s be honest, brutal crimes, yet can keep a lightness in it after all?

It was a delight to visit Dan again, and seeing how well he was doing on several aspects in his life. Not only is his new career thriving, even his writing career is taking off. And he is surrounded by new friends, and has a beautiful woman next to him. Oh, and let’s not forget about Oscar, his furry but also most loyal friend!

His latest job brings him nearby Pisa, known for, well you know what. And as a reader, we all know that what should be an easy job for Dan and Oscar, will turn out to be the complete opposite…
Once again Dan has to investigate a murder, and not ‘just’ a murder, but a murder of a powerful man, and to make things worse, everything points in the direction of Anna’s daughter Virginia.

Obviously, as a loyal reader, I knew that Virginia would be only a diversion, as the real culprit would only be revealed at the very end of it. But in this book, the murderer could be just anyone, from the security guard to the cook, just anyone could be it.
And we all know, when there is money involved, the motives are only increasing…

I have to admit, that in this book, no matter how delightful it was to see my friends again, there were some aspects I didn’t really like. Hopefully the author will forgive me for that! 😊
For instance, I didn’t immediately liked Virginia… I could understand that it can be difficult to see your mother in love again, with another man that is not your father. But grow up, you’re an adult woman, you know how the world and how love works! How can she dislike Dan, even if she hasn’t ever met him before or talked to him?
And while I knew that she was innocent, the mean bit in me wanted her perhaps to pay for her dislike of Dan? 😊
Luckily Virginia starts to see that, despite her behaviour, Dan is in fact in her corner, and is in fact a nice man, worthy of her mother. And who could possibly resist Oscar???

Then there are the other guests present in the villa… I just couldn’t truly like them… There is a difference in being wealthy and just being a snob. And with each and every one of them having a plausible motive, the chances of me liking them only diminished. Of course they are not all alike and there are a few I disliked a little less compared to others 😊

Lastly, there is the terrible inspector, Adolfo Vinci… he is just everything that an inspector, or rather just anyone in the forces should not be. He is not only obnoxious, he is rude, thinks he knows it all, and has a severe case of tunnel vision. Just the moment he entered the scene, I felt my anger rise.  But also here we total opposite characters, showing us that while there are Adolfo Vinci’s in the world, there are plenty of others who are doing a great job!

Yet my issues with some characters didn’t take away the joy I had to put on my own detective hat on, ready to investigate along with Dan and Oscar, trying to get any clues or seeing things that may seem innocent yet hold a ticket to the truth.

Once a cosy mystery by this amazing author not only brought me back to a wonderful setting, but once again made me devour a book, where a former policeman and his loyal dog are up in resolving a murder. And next to the heavy matter of a murder, the author once again put enough of lightness, and even love in this book, making it a treat to read the book, even if blood spilling was involved.

When in need, real feelings surface…

Synopsis

Welcome to Pepper Bay, where you’ll find love, drama, and a happily ever after.

Snuggle down with this cosy, feel-good, comfort read that whisks you away to a beautiful bay on the Isle of Wight – Perfect for fans of Christie Barlow, Alison Sherlock, Rachael Lucas, and Holly Martin.

The Pepper Bay books are standalone stories that intertwine with recurring characters. Best enjoyed when read in order.

The Gatehouse Café: Vivien leads a double life. A happy one the world sees, and a miserable one that’s hidden away. Nobody knows what goes on in her home once she has closed up the café for the day. She doesn’t think anyone will believe that her partner is a horrible person, especially as he is a policeman.

Finn has been secretly in love with Vivien since he was a teenager, but she’s only ever viewed him as a friend. When he discovers she’s in trouble at home, he does everything in his power to help set her free, because even if she never falls in love with him, she’s still his best friend, and she needs help.

My review

Vivien loves running her Gatehouse Café in Pepper Bay. But while outside everyone thinks that Vivien is a happy woman, it’s once the café has closed for the day that her nightmare begins. Because nobody knows that Vivien is living together with an abusive partner. And if she would ever put it in the open, who would possibly believe her, as her partner is a member of the forces as a policeman.
But when things have gone too far, and Vivien has had and taken enough, she can count on her best friend Finn to be there for her. But what Vivien doesn’t know, is that Finn has been in love with his best friend for years…
And Finn would do anything for her, even if his feelings would never be reciprocated, because that’s the kind of man Finn is, the helping friend always in your corner, even when the world seems a dark place and Vivien may never overcome the fear her partner induced…

What an absolute delight it was to return to Pepper Bay. With each new story I fall more and more in love with the place, and my love for it was already a big one!
Yet this was perhaps also the most heartbreaking one of the series?

Because right from the start we learn that lovely Vivien, despite her façade, is living a real nightmare with her partner…
It makes me wonder and just not understand how someone can voluntary hurt the person they claim to love…
And it made me understand how well the victims are hiding the terror they are living in, and how much they can endure. It may seem a strange thing to say, but in Vivien’s pain there was also a lot of strength in it.
It truly broke my heart to see Vivien, a woman who deserves to be worshipped is treated by her partner. And it make a terrible situation even worse, the author added an extra terrible layer by making the abuser a policeman, the exact kind of person that should protect people.

The abuse itself was luckily not that graphic, giving my poor heart at least one less thing to worry about. Yet that didn’t take away that I could feel Viv’s pain anyway.

Despite everything, I was happy that Viv could always rely on her best friend Finn, no matter how much she even tried to push him away, for his and her own sake…
Finn is perhaps the kind of person that seems too good to be true… he is just everything I could possibly dream about for my own Prince Charming.

It’s clear, even without reading about his thoughts, that he is truly in love with Viv. But as she is in a relationship, he ‘settles’ with just being friends. It’s enough for him to have Viv in his life, even just as a friend, than not having Viv in his life at all.
And when he learns about the hell Viv has been living in, I just literally swooned! He steps up as the perfect man, he gives Viv everything she needs, a home to stay in, all the possible help she may need, a shoulder to cry on but also he shows her that not everyone is like that scumbag and that there are good people that love her.

So while Viv’s background is a terrifying one, something I don’t wish to anyone, this story is not about escaping an abusive relationship. But it’s about finding the right person for you, finding the person that restores your trust in mankind again. And while this marvellous author did let Finn go through something terrible too, as obviously things don’t go as straightforward as we readers want to, what people are looking for, can be found easily closer than they thought. But some people are just a bit slower on catching up with this fact!

I absolutely devoured this book, is it really already the 11th part of the series??? I cannot just believe how much joy this series brings me! K.T. Dady once again showed what love truly means, what love makes you do, and especially what love isn’t.
But we also see that love is strength, courage and most important of all, the most beautiful thing in the world!