The American Woman: a story of hope, disappointment and new beginnings
When it’s impossible to forget is it possible to forgive?
Jennifer is stuck doing dead end waitressing jobs, her naïve dream of Hollywood stardom in tatters. Gareth, an IT consultant on a temporary contract, is the unlikely customer at Giulio’s Diner in the downbeat part of Los Angeles where she is now working.
It shouldn’t be a perfect match, the attractive, outgoing waitress from Idaho and the shy, good looker from Wales, but when it comes to relationships nothing is predictable, is it?
They move from state to state and when Gareth’s work in America dries up Jennifer follows him to Britain. Everything changes. What is she supposed to do when she discovers that she’s been fed a pack of lies?
Now living alone in Muswell Hill, Jennifer is a regular at the popular Dream Café with a great job and a lovely set of friends, but it’s impossible to cast aside the wonderful memories of her time together with Gareth.
Were his lies justified? Are they forgivable? And most importantly, should she be giving Gareth the second chance he so desperately wants?
[This is a stand-alone novel in the ‘at the Dream Café’ series]
R J Gould writes contemporary fiction about relationships using a mix of wry humour and pathos to describe the tragi-comic life journeys of his protagonists. The American Woman is his ninth novel and follows The Engagement Party, Jack and Jill Went Downhill, Mid-life follies, The bench by Cromer beach, Nothing Man, Dream Café, Then and now, and Darren, Andrew and Mrs Hall. He has been published by Headline Accent and Lume Books and also self-publishes. Before becoming a full-time author he worked in the education and charity sectors. In addition to his addiction to telling stories, he has somewhat milder addictions to playing tennis, watching film noir cinema, completing Wordle and eating dried mango slices. He is a member of Cambridge Writers and the Romantic Novelists’ Association UK and lives in Cambridge, England.
Oooooh look at this brand new book from this amazing author!
Synopsis
Love Heart Lane – where friends are there for you no matter what
Fashion designer Libby Carter has always loved weddings, so when her brother finds himself in a bind and asks her to step in and plan the perfect winter wonderland wedding for guests at his hotel, Starcross Manor, she happily takes on the challenge. But this is no ordinary Christmas wedding and when everything starts to go awry Libby asks gorgeous videographer Guy Hart for help.
This isn’t single dad Guy’s usual gig – and he is not a fan of weddings – but saying no to vivacious Libby isn’t an option … especially when saying yes leads to one very unforgettable kiss under the mistletoe!
A high-stakes marriage of convenience in the Viking era.
Back to claim his crown
…and his wife!
Prince Teon married the Viking chief’s daughter Revna to prevent a war, only to leave immediately to fight another one. Now, he’s returned to claim his crown! He’s stunned to discover the love his people have for Revna, and by the intensity of their unexpected connection. Teon tells himself he only needs Revna as an ally, until the passion of their belated wedding night promises they could be so much more…
From Harlequin Historical: Your romantic escape to the past.
My review
Eight years ago Prince Teon married the Viking’s chief daughter Revna as an alliance between the two people. The marriage would prevent a war. But as this wasn’t Prince Teon wish, the day after his marriage, he left his home to fight other wars. Now Teon has returned after the passing of his father, ready to claim the crown. But at his return, he is shocked to see how his own people has accepted heathen Revna as one of them. And not only that, he is also flabbergasted to see how Revna has turned into a woman. A woman he finds himself attracted to. But the hurt and sense of betrayal of the past are too painful to be just forgotten, and Teon is adamant to keep his distance. That is until there is someone threating what is rightfully Teon’s. And Teon may need Revna as his ally, and perhaps even more…
There have been several books written where the main characters had to marry out of duty, or that they were being forced, or to make an alliance. And yes, in those books the main characters didn’t really like each other.
But in this book, Teon truly despises Revna, so much he even leaves his home to ‘escape’ her and their marriage! Talking about forceful feelings, even if negative ones!
I have to say, while I immediately liked Revna, I had not so nice thoughts about Teon at the start.
But let me start with Revna…
Revna made the move to England with her Viking Chief father, ready for a fresh start after losing her mother and brother. As her first encounter with Teon was well, nice is not the correct word, but Teon for sure made an impression, I could understand why Revna wasn’t putting on a bigger fight when her father asked her to marry the King’s son. And it saddened me to see how Revna’s heart broke a little bit by Teon’s behaviour during the wedding and especially afterwards. He couldn’t be any clearer about his despise for her and her people…
But I have to say, I admired Revna. Not only did she show in those eight years how she adapted to her new life, but she also managed to make the people like her and even love her. She showed her new family her values, and she became a real confidante, an ally, a member of the family.
She is also a fierce woman, as she knows how to handle a sword, and fight literally and figuratively speaking for her home. Even when Teon returns, she won’t just step back and let someone put her back in a corner.
Like I said, Teon initially didn’t score very well on my scoreboard. I could understand that he wasn’t all too pleased being forced to marry Revna. But he for sure could understand that Revna wasn’t at fault here? However, slowly he lowers his armour and we, together with Revna learn how his feelings were born and how he kept onto them.
His sudden attraction towards Revna was a physical one, and while I found it superficial of him, I couldn’t blame him, as he is a man after all 😊.
I found the way he acted at his return rather cocky. He comes back after eight years, and expects that his word is law. In a way he is right, being the Prince, but I thought he could at least first asses everything and then put his mark… But luckily for us, Revna is there to put in back in his place! 😊
While things between Revna and Teon are rocky, we slowly see how Teon starts to see himself the good influence Revna had on his home and family. And while things perhaps start with a physical attraction, they are also building an emotional bond, even Teon doesn’t understand how deep that goes until he is faced with danger.
An unexpected danger and menace, that may jeopardize not only the fragile bond between Revna and Teon, but everything Teon and his ancestors has built over the years. A danger that perhaps comes unexpected, but has been building for a long time… A danger that also brings Revna and Teon closer, as they both see each other’s value and strengths.
I truly loved reading this story showing us that our perception over events can be wrong, that our prejudices of someone can be wrong, that our fears can be wrong and that our hatred can be wrong. And there are always two sides to a story, which we should both hear. But we also see a lot of strength in this book, as Revna is a force to be reckoned with. And we see that love is a strong emotion, changing feelings into the complete opposite. And that even the most stubborn, adamant person can be changed by that powerful emotion, and make them desire something they never wanted before, but with the right person by their side, is all they would want.
Sarah Rodi wrote a great story, about strong characters but most important about love in perhaps the weirdest conditions. But sometimes it’s in the weirdest conditions that we find the most valuable things!
A summer spending together, can feelings be ignored once again?
Synopsis
In the latest Harlequin Romance from Rachael Stewart, for this billionaire, spending the summer with his best friend’s little sister is complicated…by his forbidden feelings for the heiress!
Forbidden attraction…
or forever fling?
I’ve always been drawn to heiress Avery Monroe, but I’ve also known how completely off-limits she is! We haven’t spoken since I rejected her kiss three years ago. Now, her brother’s meddling means Avery’s spending the summer with me at my castle in Croatia. I promised to protect her, but uncovering Avery’s secret battles, I can’t keep my true feelings hidden. Will our passion finally be unlocked?
From Harlequin Romance: Be swept away by glamorous and heartfelt love stories.
How to Win a Monroe
Book 1: Off-Limits Fling with the Heiress Book 2: My Unexpected Christmas Wedding
My review
Avery Monroe has been searching herself for several years. Being an heiress for sure always put her in the spotlight, showing everyone every kind of error she made. Now she is going to spend the summer with her brother’s best friend Gabe Curran, in his Croatian castle. But Avery knows that her brother Aidan would never have agreed with it, if he would have known about that one rejected kiss three years ago. And three years is exactly the time that has passed since Avery and Gabe last saw each other… Spending the summer together, Gabe not only is fighting against the attraction he always had towards Avery, but he also learns that Avery is fighting not only the same, but she is also fighting her own battles…
What a delight this latest book from Rachael Stewart was! If you would ask me what my favourite trope would be, I would definitely be having a difficult time picking a favourite one, but for sure ‘brother’s best friend’ would be rather on top of that list! And having this amazing author writing just in that trope, how can I possibly resist?
At the start it’s obvious that Avery is trying to find herself, and as it’s normal to do, she does it with trial and error. So being forced somehow following a path that isn’t her, and struggling with the consequences of her choices (right or wrong), made me truly pity her. Avery acts her age, and there is absolutely nothing wrong with that, but having a spotlight on her every step she takes, cannot make her position any easier.
To make things even worse for her, she always had a crush on her brother’s best friend, Gabe, but he sees her more as a little sister than the woman she is. So when he sees her on a night out, his ‘big brother’ protectiveness emerges. And while I liked Gabe for that, I also wanted him to realize that Avery is not his little sister.
I was left a bit surprised to read that after one kiss, we fast – forward three years, and learn that in those three years, there was absolutely no contact between Avery and Gabe. (yes, I know it’s mentioned in the blurb, but I am the kind of person that doesn’t even read the blurb when a loved author brings out a new book 😊)
And all the above is just the beginning of the book!!!
Three years later, I was happy to see how Avery found her true passion. Yet it also broke my heart to see how her own family still didn’t understand her, or would persuade her to follow her passions. But despite finding her passion, it saddened me even more to see how Avery still feels as the odd one out in her own family…
Gabe isn’t as easy as a character either… He too is struggling, with his own family. His mother left them, and Gabe clearly feels her absence even after so many years. And his father for sure would never win an award for Best Father Of The Year.
Despite their history, that kiss three years ago, in Gabe’s castle, they start to see the real Avery and Gabe. Being secluded in a way, also gives them the opportunity to truly understand each other, and learn from each other, take each other’s advice too. And obviously that brings them closer, even realizing that that simmering attraction they once had, is still there, ready to erupt.
This book is truly a slow – burning kind of story. Rachael Stewart put more into character development, making sure that the readers understand this isn’t a story or a relationship based on physical attraction. But the characters go through an individual journey, together, making them understand what their heart perhaps have been trying to tell them for a long time.
For sure it was a story filled with ‘will they will they not’, and a revelation that came as a surprise for Gabe, but to be honest, not to me completely. But there were also funny moments, truly heart – warming moments, showing that despite the inner turmoil people are going through, there is always room for a laugh.
Rachael Stewart wrote once again a wonderful story, about two people being in each other’s lives for ever, but finding each other once again in a way that brings them courage, love and happiness. And a feeling that won’t be stopped by fear.
I truly enjoyed reading this story and cannot wait for the next one! 😊
“Far as I’m aware–” Joe said, dropping his head briefly, the better to compose his features, “–far as I’m aware, Miss, we’ve no rabies in the Hebrides at the moment.”
Rose Mackie has inherited a house on a far-flung Scottish island from her curmudgeon of a father who wanted nothing whatsoever to do with her.
So she lands on Primrose Island with the intention of packing up the old beach house, selling it to the first person who’ll make an offer, and moving firmly on. But Joe Fraser, her late father’s neighbour, has some inconvenient news for her on that front.
Rose prepares for battle – only to find that the longer she spends on Primrose Island, and the more time she spends around Joe in particular, the more she begins to question everything she thought she knew…
My review
When Rose Mackie inherits her father’s house on Primrose Island, she wants to sell it as soon as possible. As her father was not in her life at all, why should she keep something from him? When her father’s neighbour Joe Fraser informs her that there is a stipulation in the will, and selling the place isn’t as straightforward, Rose knows that she will have to spend more time in her father’s house than she wanted. But the more time she spends in the house, and the more time she spends with Joe, she learns that in fact, she knew less about her father and his situation than she thought to know. And that perhaps that one stipulation that initially infuriated her, wasn’t that bad at all…
I always love reading stories where the main character for one reason or another inherits a house, and then discovers that the truth isn’t what he/she thought it was. So obviously I just had to read this novella too!
I can only try to imagine how Rose must feel, when not only she inherits a house on Primrose Island, but also she inherits it from her father, whom she never had any contact in her life. While Rose until a certain age always believed that her father would return, at one point she stopped caring. If he didn’t care about her, why should she?
Having those thoughts, I couldn’t blame her reluctance and her wish to just sell up the place as quickly as she could. But it was also clear that things weren’t as Rose always thought they were, and I was very curious to see to what extend exactly.
We can see a lot of anger in Rose, and that is completely understandable. Yet in a way it was also funny to see the alterations with Joe. Not only does Rose see Joe as a know – it – all/ better but she also dislikes it how Joe seems to know her father in a different way than hers. So seeing them clash over several things, or over different opinions put a smile on my face, especially as us readers we know how it all will end.
But what warmed my heart the most in this novella, was seeing how Rose, even if she has negative feelings over her new place, somehow finds her peace in Primrose Island. And she also discovers that her father is anything but the mans he thought she was, and that makes her feel regretful, but also closer to a man she has never known.
The downside of a novella is, that there is so much to say and so little space to tell it all. So things evolve rather quickly, or things that perhaps would have escalated more, are resolved without any issue, just an angry look suffices. And it left me with a few in depth questions that were left unanswered, or that I would have liked to see more how things would evolve between Rose and Joe.
But that didn’t take away I enjoyed reading this novella, showing in a short amount how sometimes in a place that doesn’t feel like home, with the truth and discoveries, you find a place more home than anywhere else. And that even on the most remote place (or at least how it feels) you can find the most unexpected yet most wonderful things.
A holiday filled with twists and turns, nice ones and not…
Synopsis
Antigua… the Caribbean at its most luscious, its most beautiful… silver sand, cobalt sky, warm turquoise sea… and a bunch of complete strangers, who only have one thing in common: they’re single. Some are looking for romance, some for something more. But they’ve all chosen to spend their holiday with people they have never met before. And pretty soon, some will become good friends, some enemies and some lovers. And many of them will experience things they never expected, including their tour manager Eve, who perhaps has the biggest shock of all. A story that will make you laugh and make you cry with just the right number of twists to keep you turning the pages as you get to know all the members of the group as they, in turn, get to know each other.
My review
Tour manager Eve is heading off to Antigua with a group of singles, ready for their holiday. As each have their own reasons to participate on a singles’ holiday, they have all chosen the wonderful setting of Antigua, even if they are all are a bunch of strangers to each other. It’s up to Eve to let each person have the best possible times, with excursions, amazing food and live the wonderful experience of an all – in vacation. In the time span of a couple of days, some people of the group become good friends, some will have an instant dislike for each other, and others will benefit of the ‘What happens in Antigua…’. But also in that same time span, things will happen to several of them, and tour manager Eve included, that will change their lives one way or another…
When I started this book, I was thinking about my own personal situation. As I am single, I have thought about going on a singles’ holiday myself. But not having made that final decision yet, I thought that meanwhile I could enjoy reading this book and see how the characters would experience a holiday on their own.
And as I also have brother who is a tour guide in Italy and I have joined him a few times, i for sure could understand Eve’s situation. Eve is a kind person, and is ready to help out however she can. She is also very patient, but we can also see that some are testing her patience to her limits. And again, going on trips with my brother, I knew that people on holiday can be at their best, but also at their worst. Even just as a reader, there were some characters that got me so frustrated! I don’t know if I would have been able to keep calm and carry on just like Eve did!
It was great to see how diverse the group was. Each has its own background, and also personal reasons for being on the holiday. Some may be genuine, but some not. And that diversity for sure made this a captivating story.
Reading about all the several people on the holiday, at first made me a bit afraid I would confuse a character with another. But my fears were unfounded, as it’s very easy to keep with each one of them. Of course, having a group, it’s normal to like one character more and dislike another. And seeing how my gut feeling in the end proved to be right, was satisfying. Yet that didn’t take away that, despite my gut feeling, there were a few twists and turns that I didn’t see coming!
I have to admit, that perhaps the length of each chapter was a bit too long for my liking. I perfectly understand the choice the author made, as each chapter depicts one day at the time. But as I am the kind of person who reads by chapter, if you are laying in bed, ready for some sleep, that one last chapter for sure takes a while to get through! 😊 And yes, there are “pauses” in each chapter so I *could* have stopped at one of those, but once again, I am a reader by chapter 😊. But this is truly a personal feeling I had, and it didn’t influence my opinion over the story itself!
This book for sure gave me the holiday – vibes, as my last holiday was at the start of July and I for sure needed a new break, even if it was a fictional one! But beside that laid – back vibe, it also shows us that even in a short time span, relationships can be formed. And I am not talking only about the romantic one, but also the friendship kind, a kindred spirit kind, and even a surprising kind!
I truly enjoyed reading this story, and while many characters had their closure, I cannot wait to read more about Eve and her next tours!
A surprise inheritance will open the doors to her future, and also the past…
When Aunt Meg leaves her cottage to Anna Redding in her will, Anna immediately packs up and heads to Polkerran, the Cornish fishing village where she was so happy as a child.
With ambitions to turn the cottage into a B&B, a job working for the enigmatic historian, Oliver Seymour, and the return of her childhood crush, Alex Tremayne, it seems the stars have all aligned for Anna.
But Aunt Meg left behind a mystery for her to solve, and a shock discovery reveals she may be living a dream that isn’t really hers to hold. Can Anna rescue the new life she’s made for herself? Who in Polkerran can she really count on in her time of need?
A charming and cosy romance for fans of Trisha Ashley, Cressida McLaughlin and Suzanne Snow.
Previously published as The Cottage in the Cornish Cove.
Praise for New Dreams at Polkerran Point:
‘What a fabulous start to a new series! A gorgeous setting, fantastic characters and a wonderfully romantic story’ Jessica Redland
‘A gorgeous read, infused with love, a true sense of community and delightful characters finding their way into the future as they come to terms with the past.’ Suzanne Snow
‘The perfect read to curl up with and escape to Cornwall. Cass’s descriptions of the county made me feel as if I were there, I could see Polkerran beautifully in my mind and hear the characters calling to each other as they made their way around the village.’ Kitty Wilson
My review
Anna did not have a very joyful youth. She lost both her parents when she was just a baby, and was raised by not really caring relatives. The only moments of joy she had was when she spent her holidays with a family friend, who she called Aunt Meg. When Aunt Meg passes away, Anna returns to Polkerran as she inherited the lovely cottage. Finding herself in the happy place again, she starts dreaming of opening a B&B. in the meanwhile, she works part time for Oliver Seymour, a writer who seems to despise other people’s company. And when she meets Alex again, her crush so many years ago, she is just delighted when he finally notices her and sweeps her of her feet! But a discovery may jeopardize all her dreams and not everybody is being as honest as she thought!
What
A
Lovely
Story
To
Read!!!
Initially it took me some time to get submerged in the story, but after a few chapters, I was just in Polkerran myself and I couldn’t put the book away!
Anna deserves to have the life she always dreamed of, having a cottage with only happy memories. Living at the cottage, she realizes what she really wants, and ideas of having a beautiful B&B are coming to life. And when she meets Alex, you just hope that he will notice her and be the perfect man for her. Initially he just seems to be what every woman dreams about. The relation with Oliver is a bit harder (euphemism of the year 😀)… he is a very closed person, not one ready to chitchat a whole day long. But still waters run deep.
The discovery was something I saw a bit coming, but the whole extend came to a real surprise to me! I did not see that one coming!!! It left me agape! But it’s also something this story needed, it made it complete!
It was a funny story, with finding your place in the world, where you can be truly happy. It’s not only about a place you love, but finding a job to do which you dream. Building friendships in new places, opening your heart and not giving up. And also about doing the right thing, even if this may break our heart!
I enjoyed reading it and can’t wait to read more from this author!
What changes will new arrivals bring to a place that is the heart of a village?
Synopsis
A wonderful story of love, friendship and opening your mind and your heart to new possibilities that will enchant fans of Holly Martin and Heidi Swain.
The Copper Plough is at the heart of village life for the residents of Heritage Cove, and never more so than at Christmas, when the tree glows in the alcove and the smell of mulled wine carries out onto the street. So when new owners for the beloved pub arrive and decide to shake things up, not everyone welcomes the changes with open arms.
Local bakery owner Celeste is ready to keep an open mind. But she’s shocked to discover that one of the new landlords is Quinn, a former Navy sailor with whom she had a short but powerful romance years earlier.
Fate may have brought Quinn and Celeste back together, but life seems determined to keep them apart. Can the villagers learn to embrace the newcomers this Christmas? And will Quinn and Celeste find a way back to each other before snow falls over Heritage Cove?
My review
While the whole community of Heritage Cove is worried about what the new owners of the Copper Plough will do to the place, bakery owner Celeste is keeping an open mind about it. Just because there are new owners, doesn’t mean that everything will be thrown away. But Celeste also tries to make the people comprehend that the new owners do have the right to run the pub how they want, and that changing its name into ‘The Star And Lantern’ is just the beginning of a new adventure for its owners. Then Celeste learns that one of the owners is Quinn, a former Navy sailor she had a short but intense romance with a few years ago. Has Quinn come back to stay and rekindle their relationship? But things aren’t all that straightforward, as Quinn has his own demons to chase away, Celeste keeping her distance despite the attraction. Let’s not forget the community that aren’t all that keen on all the sudden changes. And then there is the fate of a beloved member of Heritage Cove, whose health is taking a turn…
First of all, how lovely to return to Heritage Cove! If there is a place where community truly sticks together and is more a family than just people living in the same place, it for sur is Heritage Cove!
Both Celeste and Quinn may not be the typical main characters that you would expect. Yes, of course they are both lovely, but Celeste has made a choice in her life that perhaps not everyone would understand/ agree with. And Quinn is going through time, which was kind of expected but seeing his struggles aren’t all that easy, especially as it also affects those around him in a way.
Celeste is a very open – minded young woman. In the sense that she is sad to see new owners taking over the pub, but she is also seeing it as an opportunity for them. While the village is rather afraid to see what the future will bring, Celeste is ready to give the owners a chance. She knows that change isn’t a bad thing, and that there can be found a middle ground. But a chance must be given.
With realizing that one of the owners is Quinn, an old flame, I could also understand that Celeste didn’t know how to behave. On one side, she was happy to see him again, but on the other hand, is she ready to give her heart to him completely? And will he accept her choice?
Now, before you go thinking the weirdest things about the choice Celeste made, it isn’t a strange one. it’s a choice that perhaps even takes courage to make, and that perhaps not everyone would agree with. But in the end, it’s Celeste’s life and she can live it anyway she wants.
And then there is Quinn… from his first appearance he somehow made me fall in love with him. And I even liked him more seeing how he respected Celeste’s wishes with their first goodbye…
But my heart also broke for him, seeing how he has returned. Because Quinn is broken, in a way we could expect a former Navy sailor would return. But I found it also refreshing in a way to see how Quinn has changed. Reading how things slowly crept on to him, without an explicit cause, was showing us that his situation can come in different ways, and not just “the one” we all assume.
We see Quinn struggling, but also we see Quinn somehow ashamed of what he is going through. And how he doesn’t know how to cope with it. And that’s a real struggle for so many people in real life. As a bystander it’s always easy to have a readymade solution, but it’s always easier said than done, and only the person living it can know when the right time has come to take the right step to healing.
This is a slow – burn romance, if we can really even call it that. Because, yes the focus is on Celeste and Quinn and their trying to figure out if they have a chance of their HEA, even if there are several struggles to overcome.
But after finishing this lovely book, what remained truly fixed in my mind, was the whole community. A community that looks after each other. And just FYI Helen Rolfe, I still haven’t forgiven you for the agony you caused me by doing that to sweet Barney! 😊 And also a community that loves the place they are living, and wary of any change. But also a forgiving and despite their wariness also an accepting community.
Heritage Cove showed once again the power of friendship and family. A place where home truly is a home, where you can be who you are. A place where perhaps even anything is possible. And of course, a place that resides several of our old friends that delighted us also in this book with their presence and still being of importance to the main characters!
A murder mystery weekend event to uncover more than just a staged murder…
Synopsis
One murder mystery weekend. Two rival sleuths.
They’re looking for answers. But will they find love?
Kate Brannon is delighted to be attending her first murder mystery weekend in a movie-worthy Victorian manor house. Still getting over being dumped, cracking the case would be a welcome boost to her flagging confidence. And the prize money wouldn’t hurt either.
But Kate’s dreams of victory become a nightmare with the arrival of Max Ravenscroft. Smart, enigmatic and annoyingly handsome, Max is Kate’s sleuthing nemesis.
When she and Max are forced to work together, Kate despairs. But, as the investigation brings them closer, she finds being his partner in solving crime isn’t all bad.
With growing suspicions that the game is rigged against them, can Kate and Max beat the odds to find the killer? And, as their partnership deepens, can they find romance too?
A sweet romantic comedy with a cosy mystery at its heart. Perfect for fans of Kathryn Freeman, Laura Jane Williams and Katie Fforde.
My review
After going through a difficult moment, Kate Brannon is happy to be finally attending a murder mystery weekend in a Victorian manor house. Not only will that weekend take her mind of her being recently dumped, but also the prize money is a great incentive. But her enthusiasm diminishes a bit when she learns that Max Ravenscroft will be part of her team. While Max is part of her usual gang, he is also Kate’s nemesis, as he often takes the win barely moments before she cracked the mystery. With the two of them working on the case, Kate realizes that Max is not what she thought he was, and together they may have a real chance of winning. That is, unless the suspicions of the game being rigged are true…
Well, I can say that this story for sure took me by surprise. And in a good way! I found it refreshing that the main characters are taken part in a murder mystery and that there wasn’t an actual murder taken place. It seemed for sure something I would like to do myself too! And the lengths the ‘suspects’ go to be as believable as possible for sure put a smile on my face! 😊
I truly liked Kate, as I could both feel her sadness but also her enthusiasm for what was waiting for her. After having her heart broken, it was clear that this weekend was exactly what she needed to get her ex out of her mind. There were also some bits of Kate that I recognized in myself, like her fear of speaking in public. And I loved her unique style. If only I had the same dresses as Kate does!
And I could also comprehend her dislike towards Max. Max didn’t do anything wrong in the past, but sometimes you just dislike the person who manages to steal your thunder and appears to dislike you just as much.
But in fact, in the whole story I couldn’t find any fault Max. on the contrary, once we get to know him better, we see what a gentle, kind, supporting person he is. He may antagonize Kate at first, but we also see how he manages to make Kate feel more confident and also stronger in general.
I found it sweet in a way to see how these two nemeses realize that what they to know what the other one was thinking, could be so wrong. And once that realization dawned, they found out that they could rely on each other and that together they are a force to be reckoned with. And then the moment they see each other in another but amazing daylight, where they realize that perhaps there is more going on between them… no words needed!
Obviously, there are some issues to be taken care of. Not only the fictional murder, but a host that may not be so genuine and honest as we may think. An appearance that was not only unexpected (yet expected from our side!) but also unwelcome. But all the above only worked in favour of our main characters.
On a last note, I have to say I found the title of the book very clever! It for sure put an extra smile on my face!
I absolutely enjoyed reading this book, and I found myself sleuthing along with amazing characters. Characters that realize that perhaps their initial thoughts about each other could be wrong, and see the real person in front of them. And this all taking place in a wonderful setting! ☺️
How different lives can go, despite the same background
Synopsis
If you’re born with nothing you have to make your own luck.
When Jared Johnson first meets Clarice Connaught he saves her from the hands of her father, who is brutally beating her in the street. Never one to walk past someone in distress, Jared doesn’t hesitate to help. But who is this girl and what is her story?
Jared Johnson started with nothing. At just twelve-years-old he was orphaned and homeless, but eight years later, Jared is a success. Running McGuire’s Rag & Bone Yard and surrounded by friends, all Jared needs now is to find the perfect girl to settle down with.
Nothing has come easy for Clarice but still she has dreams of a grander life and the finer things. And if her father isn’t willing to provide them then Clarice will do anything to find someone who is.
Jared and Clarice have one thing in common – they are survivors – and in Queen Victoria’s Birmingham you need your wits about you to keep the wolf from the door. But Clarice isn’t everything she seems, and like a bad penny that always shows up, she brings more trouble for Jared and his friends than they could ever have imagined…
Lindsey Hutchinson, the top 10 bestseller, Queen of the Black Country Saga, is back with a page-turning and heart-warming story perfect fans of Katie Flynn, Val Wood and Lyn Andrews.
My review
Jared Johnson is the kind of man that never hesitates to help out when someone is in need. That is exactly how he met Clarice Connaught, when she is being beaten by her own father. Jared is immediately intrigued by this young woman and wants to know more about her. He learns that just like him, Clarice hasn’t has it easy, and she dreams of a better life, a life that her own father doesn’t help to provide. But while Jared is being rather successful with running McGuire’s Rag & Bone Yard and has close friends around him. The only thing he is missing, is a woman by his side. And he hopes that Clarice may fill that spot. However, not everything is what it seems with Clarice, as she is determined to go forward in life, and she won’t be stopped by anything or anyone…
Having read several books from this author, I know that I should be prepared for a story that will show us the hardship of life, but also how people in the most dire situations can make the best out of it.
From the start I had a kind of admiration for Jared. He hasn’t had it easy, yet he managed to change his life. From being orphaned and homeless, he has become a man where you can rely on. And the best bit is that he hasn’t lost his kind heart while getting where he is now. As he has been helped out when needed, he is one that will always pay it forward.
And that brings him to meet Clarice, a woman that is in the same precarious situation Jared was once in. And of course as kind – hearted Jared is, he wants to help Clarice out.
At first, I truly pitied Clarice, as we see her as a struggling young woman, with an uncomprehending father. But rather quickly I had to readjust my opinion over her. Because while normally I admire people who are ready to fight to get our their current situation, in Clarice’s case I couldn’t comprehend her behaviour at all as she is the kind of woman who would stop at nothing to gain more money and wealth.
She isn’t afraid of using her looks to have men wrapped around her little finger, using them for her purposes. She also has a lack of conscience, as shown even further along in the book. So for once I wasn’t compassionate about the female main character and I even hoped she would get what she deserved.
We see here how different people handle a likewise situation, as we have Jared who is proud of what he has achieved and as he has truly worked hard for it. But on the other hand we have Clarice that just wants everything handed over, and believes it’s her right. I don’t know if ‘nice’ is the right word to use, but is was ‘nice’ to see how different lives can go by making one choice or another.
So while this perhaps wasn’t the kind of story I expected, and the characters surprised me, and not all in a good way, it still managed to show me that doing good will get you rewarded in one way or another. And that sometimes we can get a lucky escape and find even a bigger joy and happiness unexpectedly.
Tizi’s Book Review 