To chase after your dreams until they come true, is it possible?

Synopsis

It’s time to return to Ivy Lane, where hopes and dreams become happy-ever-afters.

Erin Donohue would describe herself as happy. Well, maybe not exactly happy… but not unhappy either.

For the most part she loves her job as Head Chef at The Ivy Inn, working alongside bestfriend, Jo and making a home with boyfriend Aaron. Things are going just fine. Or so she thinks…

After a tough shift, Erin returns home to be greeted by silence. There is no trace of Aaron or his belongings. In that split second her whole life and world are turned upside down. It seems Aaron has exited the building and her life.

After a small pity party, Erin pulls herself together and starts to re-evaluate her life. Her friends seem to be chasing their dreams while she’s been left single and wondering what on earth her next move will be. But then fate throws her a sign.

Can she find the courage to build the life she always dreamed of but believed was out of her reach?
And can her bravery inspire other residents of Ivy Lane to take a chance on finding their own happy ending

My review

Erin Donohue is rather happy with her life. Things aren’t all rainbows and unicorns, but she cannot really complain.
She loves her job as Head Chef at The Ivy Inn, for one of her best friends, and she is in a relationship for a while now with her boyfriend Aaron.
But when she returns home from a shift, she realizes that there is nobody waiting for her. Aaron is just gone, with all his stuff, without a word of explanation.
After wallowing in pity for a moment, Erin now has the chance to re – evaluate her life. And with encouragement from her friends, who have done the same thing and truly believe in her, and an opportunity she cannot let pass by, she finds herself chasing her dreams.
Erin starts to believe that she will finally have her true happiness. And perhaps she can persuade the other residents of Ivy Lane to do the same?

With such a title, is it surprising that I had the whole time I was reading one song playing on repeat in my mind? J I found myself even swaying along with it! 🤣
But this review is about the book, so let’s get it on!

Oooh, this was such a marvellous, inspiring, warm and strong book!

It doesn’t start as a strong story, meaning that Erin is being dumped by her boyfriend. Well, dumped is not the correct word, as she is just being ghosted by the man she has been together for years now.

I just don’t get it how people can act like that… Even if you want to break up, at least have the guts to do in your partner’s face.
But Aaron shows more than once just what a coward he is. Not only that, but also how selfish and spoiled he is…

For Erin, it’s good riddance, but of course it takes some time for her to overcome the hurt. I felt sorry for her, as she started to doubt herself, thinking that perhaps she did something wrong. Even worse, she think there is something wrong *with* her, as she sees how happy all her friends are, and she is single and lonely.
But she doesn’t ask herself those questions with a string of jealousy, as she is truly happy for her friends to have found love and have chased their own dreams.

I found Erin a very strong character, as she decides to put that break – up behind her, and she is determined to use this ‘opportunity’ to make a change in her life, and find the courage to chase her dreams. And why shouldn’t she, especially when she finds the perfect available place!

No matter how much I liked Erin just as her, what I liked the most was the love and kindness she is surrounded by. She and her friends are those kind of people who would go lengths to help out. No matter is it’s by offering emotional support, edible support or even financial support (by being a silent partner) , we see so many offers being made that just cannot be refused.

And by having (and being one too) such supportive friends, we also see Erin’s confidence coming back and even expanding! She truly starts to believe that she can make her dream come true.

I found it also sweet to see how Erin becomes even closer to Flora, how she finds more comfort in this elder lady than in her own parents. And the love they share, is shown in the most beautiful homage, that even made me feel emotional.

Beside seeing Erin chasing her dreams, of course it was lovely to see my dear friends again. It warmed my heart even more to see how they were doing.
And how they still are as lovely as I had left them a few books ago. I for sure would love it to have them as my own friends!

All the friends together are also a bit up to mischief, but with the most right intentions possible! They want every resident on Ivy Lane to be happy, and if that means to give some gentle pushes to some of them, they won’t be stopped!

I absolutely devoured this book, as I wanted to keep being surrounded by so much love, warmth and strength. Sometimes what we think is the worst that could happen to us, can turn out to be the best, as it gives us the chance to re – evaluate our lives. That allows us to see things and people (even those close to us) in a different way. And seeing things differently can be the push to chase our dreams and see it all come fruition. And is there anything better than living your dream, with the people you love the most?

Can lost friendships be found again, for the sake of the greater good?

Synopsis

Four friends, one big secret… and the journey of a lifetime.

It’s nineteen years since they stopped speaking to each other, but now Morgan needs to contact her three best friends from school: Paige, Emily and Tiff.

Her teenage son wants to meet his dad and Morgan can’t ignore his requests any longer. And Paige, Emily and Tiff all knew what actually happened back then. Even if that was what led to their friendship group falling apart, they’re the only people Morgan can think of who might be able help her find the man who disappeared without a trace before she could tell him she was pregnant.

Can Morgan persuade her old friends to go on a road trip to track him down? As adults – with marriages, children and a whole bucket-load of their own problems – will they be able to work together to solve the mystery? And if so – just when forgiveness for the past looks like it might be possible – how will they cope with the biggest shock of all?

A story about love, families and how the people who know you best are the ones you will always need in your life. Totally heartbreaking, brilliant, uplifting fiction for fans of Jill Mansell, Paige Toon and Sheila O’Flanagan.

My review

Nineteen years ago, Morgan, Paige, Emily and Tiff were best friends. Believing that nothing or no one could break their bond, all it took was one prom night for the girls to never talk to each other again.
But with Morgan’s teenage son determined to meet his father, she cannot ignore those requests any longer. And to find his whereabouts, Morgan knows that the only people that can help her, are those that don’t talk to each other.
Just like the old times, Morgan hopes to bring the club together and solve the mystery. But with what happened nineteen years ago, and the problems that adult life brings with it, will the former best friends come together? And is this perhaps a chance to forgive and forget? Or will it be more a case of ‘too much has happened’?

Oh, how much have I enjoyed reading this book! It all felt so real and all felt so possible. Sometimes you read a book and even if you loved it, you can sense that things like that would never truly happen in the real world.
But not with this book!

The focus is on Morgan, as it’s because she needs the help of her former best friends.
My heart went out to her, because the young Morgan had so many dreams, and the Morgan of now has fulfilled none of them.
I see her also as a real Momma – bear, as she loves her son Olly deeply, but she also comes a bit over as too overprotective. Yet I could also understand her, as she had and still has to raise a child on her own.

Perhaps I didn’t agree with her keeping Olly’s father identity a secret, and still refusing to give Olly just some information. But who am I to judge someone’s decision? How can we tell anyone what to do or not to do when we are not in the same situation?

Like I said, this story felt so real. Because haven’t we all have had friendships that we thought would last a lifetime, but for some reason or another all hell brakes loose.
And that is what happened with Morgan, Paige, Emily and Tiff. And all hell brakes loose because of one person, whom nobody thought would be able to break such a strong bond.

Even if things ended badly for the four friends, I liked reading how close they all were, despite them being all so totally different from each other. it only shows that being different can complement us.

Of course Morgan’s cry for help isn’t initially welcomed that warmly. Each woman is in a different stage of their lives, and the last thing they need is to unearth the past. A past that has hurt them and 

scarred them again all differently.

Yet it warmed my heart to see how they all realize that they need to help, for Olly’s sake, even if the revelation of the father’s identity is a shock to them.
And somehow it was funny, yet in a sweet way, to see how these once – friends, despite their determination not to, are getting closer again. They open up, reveal their thoughts they never felt able to talk about to anyone else.
For me, this was proof that real friendship can never truly be broken.

And yes, there were some twists in the story that I didn’t see coming, making me even fearful that the fragile bond would be broken once again. But wisdom comes with the years, and these women show now that they are being more responsible and mature about everything, compared to nineteen years ago. Which is absolutely logical, as we all grow more mature and have come to an age where things can be more relativized.

The author wrote a story about putting your own needs and feelings aside, for a bigger purpose. But at the same time it’s also about finding each other again. It doesn’t always has to be a story with a great romance, but an honest story about real friendship and form that strong bond again, can also be a very fulfilling read.
And perhaps it’s about taking one step at the time, with some trail and errors made, but what about that feeling of belonging to a ‘club’, isn’t it worth it to take those small steps? Because you know that in the end, those people will stand by your side, every (difficult) moment of your life.

When a cute dog means a life changing decision

Synopsis

LOVE LINDISFARNE…Take a Christmas trip to magical Northumberland and find love amongst the stars in this feel-good novel, which will transport you to iconic Holy Island where dreams really can come true!

Dumped at the office Christmas party, Ellie is about to vent her spleen on social media when a photo of a cute little dog advertising a charity catches her eye. Her world suddenly changes dramatically when she is offered a month’s stay in Northumberland to help look after rescue animals.

Ellie isn’t too sure where Northumberland is, but accepts, eager to start a new life away from London. Her destination is Lindisfarne, and her arrival on the small island in the North Sea is terrifying, fearing for her life on the causeway as the tide comes crashing in.

Ellie finds herself living in a hilltop castle, and far from the cats and dogs she expected she would be looking after, she is faced with all kinds of furry and feathery animals – and she doesn’t have a clue about any of them!

Welcomed to island life by the warm-hearted residents, she quickly embraces living in this special place, and from the moment she spots the mesmerising Zen with the gorgeous coffee bean eyes, her plans to stay single and mingle begin to fade fast.

Thanks to a severe storm, Lindisfarne is cut off from the mainland, and the islanders work together to salvage the planned Christmas events. Ellie is kept so busy that she hasn’t much time to think about her future when her time on the island ends.

Will the universe give Ellie its blessing? Will she find her happy ever after on the enchanting island of Lindisfarne? If it’s in the stars, then it’s in the stars…

My review

Ellie has just been humiliated in a terrible way at the office Christmas party, with as a result in her being single again.
Wallowing in self-pity, she finds a photo of a cute little dog advertising for a charity.  And before she knows, she has been spilling her sad tale of woe to Santa.
And Santa wouldn’t be Santa if he wouldn’t offer Ellie a chance to escape all her drama. Before she knows, Ellie finds herself agreeing on staying a month in Northumberland to help taking care of rescued animals.
But Ellie is getting one shock after the other, as she realizes that her new home in Lindisfarne is a small island, where tides can literally sweep you of your feet. And that the animals to look after aren’t sweet little cats and dogs.
Yet she also discovers that she will be staying in a castle, with a welcoming community and animals that all slowly steal her heart. And let’s not forget about Zen, who is ready to help out anyway that he can.
Quickly Ellie realizes that perhaps the most remote place in the world may be exactly what she needs. But if there a future for her on the island, as she was only meant to stay for a month?

I love reading stories where the main character makes the choice to leave their home after experiencing heart – break.
Even if it may seem as running away, I see it more as courageous, to just pack and leave to start over.

Of course, in this case Ellie decides to leave London for just a month. But it still felt like something brave to do for me, as Ellie subconsciously understood she needed to get away from everything to just find herself again in a way and to think about her next steps in life.

I can only try to understand how humiliated Ellie felt at the office Christmas Party… I truly cannot comprehend how people can be so evil, how they want to have the cake and eat it too…
And her reaction, wallowing, made perfectly sense to me. And her venting to a complete stranger, online, sometimes it helps better to talk to someone unknown than to your closest friends.

Ooh, and I obviously understood how she fell in love with the cutest dog ever online! I could picture that sweet little ball of fur and I was also completely in love with that picture in my imagination.

I have to admit, I found the chaos Ellie stumbled up to on her arrival rather funny. Yes, tides are a very serious matter, and it’s not something to joke about. But I’m more talking about how out of depth she is feeling, not actually understanding the driver or why she is being left in the middle of nowhere.

But I also fell in love with the whole community of Lindisfarne (with the exception of one character, but you’ll know who I am talking about when you meet that one very specific character).
Ellie is welcomed with open arms, and no questions asked. Everyone in Lindisfarne is ready to help her out, from offering her a warm bed at her arrival, to explaining how to milk a goat.

It was wonderful to see how at ease Ellie feels in a place so far away from her own world. Even if she doesn’t know how to look after the animals, she isn’t discouraged by it.
She also falls in love with each of the animals separately, and even the most devilish one will love her!

Even if she is ‘in the middle of nowhere’, I liked it how she still relies on her ‘home buddies’. Not only is she showing them an unknown side of her, but despite the distance, they are all still there for each other, with a word of wisdom (or not…) and advice.

Of course Ellie has a love interest, in the form of Zen. He for sure is an awesome man, even if perhaps at the beginning of the book he seems to be anything but a nice man. But in those circumstances I could completely understand his frustrations.
But the more the story evolves, the more we see what a nice, caring and helpful man he is. He is always ready to help out anyone who needs a hand, even at the risk of his own safety.

The sparks between Ellie and Zen fly, and it frustrated me a tiny bit that they…just…wouldn’t… give…in!!!
It’s so clear what an amazing couple these two together would be!

And while I could understand when there is a new entry, that Ellie may think to just go and have some fun. But on the other hand, I didn’t want her to, because I wanted her with Zen! ☺️

The romance for sure was lovely to read, but I was left more amazed by how at home Ellie feels. She is in a strange place, but everyone is just so kind and warm, and everyone accepts Ellie in their midst. It shows that even at the places you would never think about, can feel like a warm home. And that in the oddest places you can fill that piece in your heart that was missing.
It takes perhaps courage to step away from your comfort – zone, but the reward you will gain, the friendships that you will find, the love that you will find, are priceless.

I truly enjoyed reading this book, as it shows us that sometimes one tiny little cute dog can make you take a decision with great and amazing consequences, and that you will find a place where you truly belong…

When a romantic grand gesture turns into something complete different…

Synopsis

It was supposed to be a holiday of a lifetime…

But when Jen’s boyfriend David suddenly cancels their romantic Paris trip, needing to urgently travel to Athens for work, it’s best friend Bonnie who suggests they surprise him.

Having already booked the time off from her events company – Christmas Every Day – Jen decides an impromptu and romantic gesture might be just what their relationship needs?

Arriving in Greece and finding David is not there, Jen has a lot of questions. And when she gets her answers she has a choice – should she go home or should she stay a while?

With the help of Astro, the handsome yet Christmas-hating waiter from the local bar, she sets about a little Greek Christmas research. But what starts as a ‘business trip’ soon turns into something more…

My review

Jen is truly looking forward to the planned holiday to Paris with her boyfriend David. So obviously Jen is devastated to hear that David has to cancel as he is needed in Athens for his work.
And when her best friend Bonnie has the idea to travel to Athens to surprise him, how can Jen refuse the idea?
But when arriving in Athens, there is no David to be found anywhere. And then the truth comes out…as apparently David hasn’t been that honest…
Having already taken the time off from her Christmas – business, Jen and Bonnie decide to stay in Athens. A place that she wants to discover its traditions. And with the help Astro, Jen get to know Athens in a way that tourists never could. Meanwhile Jen is determined to show anti – Christmas Astro the beauty of the holiday that is always filled with much love. And perhaps that these two find something more too? 

I always enjoy reading books that somehow have Christmas involved. And I always enjoy reading books where a main character goes to another country for one reason or another and find love.
So as this book seemed the perfect mash – up, how could I not read it? 

Grand gestures are a weak spot of mine also, so I liked it how Jen wanted to surprise her boyfriend David by showing up in Athens.
Of course, we as a reader, will already know it will end in heartbreak for Jen, but yet I couldn’t dislike her for her optimism and her love for David (even if undeserved…). 

My heart went out to her, discovering how deceitful David has been, on so many different levels. I could even understand that Jen has had enough of men for the moment. 

But I also understood how she couldn’t give up on the opportunity of discovering Athens. And is there a better way to discover it than with a best friend like Bonnie?
These two friends are in a way very different from each other, but also so very alike at the same time. Bonnie understands the hurt Jen is feeling, but she wants Jen to rediscover joy again. Even if that involves some not so innocent drinks! 

I liked it how Jen was completely into Christmas. But what made it extra special, was learning the reasons for it. The holiday means so much for her, because of her past, and she wants everyone to feel the joy. 

And that couldn’t be more different than Astro’s feelings about the holiday. If someone would hate Christmas, there had to be a very good reason for it. And unfortunately, Astro has…
Anything concerning Christmas is a reminder of what happened when he was a child, and so even if I didn’t agree with his thoughts, I could understand where he was coming from. 

But that isn’t the only worry Astro has. I felt that he still was at loss, he wants to do what’s right for his family, but he also wants to have the chance to do what he wants, to follow his own dreams, without being a disappointment. 

And that made Jen and Astro meeting perhaps the best thing that could happen to then. They both have somehow the same fear of disappointing, yet together they try to make each other see that following your own dreams isn’t wrong, and that asking for help isn’t something to be ashamed for. 

But they also experience that deep feelings don’t always need years and years to grow. Sometimes when the right person comes on your path, even a short holiday in Athens is more than enough to restore your faith in love again. 

And that when it happens, the physical distance is just a small hurdle to jump over, as solutions can be found. 

This was a lovely story about broken people, yet finding the courage to restore their hopes and dreams. And it was also amazing to discover another side of Athens, showing real people, with all their hurt and doubts included. But it also shows us that for love, whether the romantic kind, the family kind or friendship kind, we would do anything for our loved ones…

When buying a house turns out to be not a dream but a nightmare…

Synopsis

An unwelcome guest?

Still in shock after the tragic death of husband Richie, Cassie Macreddin hopes that her new home, historic Hindon House, is the place where she can heal her pain and hide her secrets.

But Hindon House has secrets of its own…

Cassie soon realises that not everyone is pleased at her arrival and that someone is actively trying to make her leave Hindon House….but who? And why?

As events escalate, Cassie must fight to save her home…and maybe even her life.

Don’t miss the brand new thriller by Valerie Keogh! Perfect for fans of Sue Watson, Shalini Boland and K.L. Slater.

My review

After losing her husband in a tragic accident, Cassie Macreddin is to start again. With buying the historic Hindon House she hopes to have found the place to overcome her pain.
But Cassie soon discovers that all the issues with the house are not based on negligence. And that there is someone trying to chase her away from Hindon House.
When things start to get out of control, Cassie is suspicious of everyone who has been setting foot in her house.
Can Cassie discover the culprit before it’s too late? Or will she be chased away with all her own secrets too? 

I have to admit, this story didn’t go exactly as I thought it would. In fact, it was somehow the complete opposite.
And while that wasn’t a bad thing per se, it made me wary of everything that was happening in the book, because I didn’t know where it was going… 

Losing your husband is a terrible thing, and I can only try to imagine how painful that may be. Yet from the start I felt that there was something we didn’t know about Cassie and Richie’s relationship and how it all ended so tragically. 

Yet I was glad to see how Cassie found the courage to pack everything and take a fresh start somewhere new.
Now, I am always in awe of majestic houses, but imaging Hindon House, its greatness but also seeing it many many flaws, I know that I wouldn’t feel safe in it, for many different reasons, imaginary and not. 

I could understand Cassie, how initially things may seem being done (or not) by herself. And in an old house, it’s normal that perhaps the electricity doesn’t always work as it should. And I absolutely would have acted the same way, if I were truly terrified as Cassie was. 

But despite her fear, I also admired her courage. She won’t let anyone chase her away and she is determined to discover who is after her, or rather after the house.
And I could absolutely comprehend that she grew suspicious of just everyone she met. From the real estate agent who wanted the house for himself, to the renovating team. Just every one could be behind terrorizing Cassie. 

This book was one of those rare books that I didn’t have a clear idea who was behind it all. I had my suspicions, but I couldn’t figure out the motives or even how that person could have done it all on their own… 

And just maybe the extend of it all, the involvements were asking too much of my imagination, but we also know that in real life too things can take a strange turn and that, unfortunately, we shouldn’t be shocked by anything anymore… 

The ending and seeing it al wrapped up with Cassie perhaps left a bitter taste in my mouth. Not because it was a bad ending. But because what we discovered at Hindon House left that ugly taste in my mind. And I couldn’t blame Cassie for the choice she made in the end. 

The author for sure wrote a story that keeps you guessing but also that keeps on freaking you out. Because just like Cassie I felt the fear creeping upon me. And even when all the truths came out, and I thought that all the secrets were out in the open, Valerie Keogh wrote a last bit, giving me even more goosebumps…
And that is in fact when a thriller truly succeeds in its purpose, when the reader is left in shock and fear…

To fulfil your dreams, to find a family…

Synopsis

Family is everything…

In the years since her death, Gemma has been running her late mother’s café with devotion, and when an opportunity comes to buy out her next-door neighbour and expand, she jumps at the chance.

She knows she will do her mother proud – keep her legacy going strong – but deep down she knows there’s still something missing. With her mum in her mind more than ever, and the knowledge that she may never start a family of her own, she can’t stop thinking about what life has in store for her.

But sometimes family are those you choose, or those who choose you! And with a growing community of supporters cheering Gemma on – including some new faces at her blossoming bistro – and maybe one in particular, will she really spend the rest of her life alone?

My review

With the chance of expanding her late mother’s café, Gemma is over the moon being able to buy out her neighbour.
But expansion also means hard work. Luckily Gemma can count on her sister and the whole community to help a hand.
However, no matter how cheery Gemma may seem, when on her own it’s when she starts to ponder if she will always be on her own, and if she will never have someone by her side.
Gemma also knows that she cannot manage the café on her own. Luckily she is able to hire teenager Occy as a help. A bond is quickly formed and Gemma is feeling very protective towards the girl. And with her father Jude Adams, Gemma is starting to feel that perhaps love is on the cards for her. That is, until both their pasts resurface? 

Kim Nash is an author that I haven’t know that long, but with the books she has written and I have read, I have realized that perhaps it’s the most ‘simple’ stories that can truly touch your heart. 

Gemma is the kind of character that feels so real, so recognizable. But she is also a hurt character, in so many different ways.
Unfortunately she is one of those women who had to give up her own dreams of having a family. But to make things even worse for her, it also meant losing the man she thought she loved. And that in a terrible way. 

While Gemma on the outside is a bubbly characters, always ready to help out, we also see the darker moments in her. While attempting to keep her late mother’s dreams alive, she is doubting herself. Is it all good enough? Would her mother be proud of her?
We see those doubts, and even the hurt she feels, further on the story very clearly.  

Yet it’s clear that Gemma is one of those persons that feel very deeply. She would do anything for her sister. And when Occy starts to work at the café, Gemma feels so protective towards this teenager.
Gemma is the kind of person you can always rely on, for having a shoulder to cry on, for some advice or just having a friend to have a laugh with. 

I found it funny to see how at odds this great woman was with local fire and safety officer Jude Adams.
Yes, Jude doesn’t make a great first impression, but I knew deep down that it was a misunderstanding and that Jude would turn out to an amazing man. 

Jude is an amazing father to Occy, yet maybe at moments a bit overprotective. But learning about what he and Occy have been going through, and how Jude is just doing his best for his daughter, I could understand where he was coming from. 

It warmed my heart to see how Gemma and Jude slowly are growing closer together. It was sweet to see how Gemma and Jude are being friends, relying on each other as just that, trusting each other and confiding each other.
And it’s only later on that things are evolving even further. But this slow burning romance is exactly what they both need, they need a strong base to build upon.
Both main characters are going through so much growth, also with thanks of them having each other. And seeing that growth, even if it isn’t without trial and error, was wonderful (even if at one point heart – breaking) to read. 

We also see that Gemma is trying to understand what *her* dreams are. Because it’s admirable to see how she wants to continue her mother’s legacy. But that doesn’t mean that there isn’t place for her own dreams too.
And we see her realizing that perhaps having a family doesn’t mean it has to come in the traditional ways, but that even if it comes as a ‘package – deal’, it can give you the love you were searching in a different yet perhaps even magnificent way.   

This story has characters that aren’t flawless. Gemma, Jude, even Occy and other characters have made and are still making mistakes. But that is also how it goes in real life. Because with every decision or choice, there the chance of making the wrong one. And that doesn’t make us perfect, but just human. 

I found this a marvellous book to read, as it’s filled with so much warmth, love and understanding.

One place, different times

Synopsis

AD 61

Brittania is in the hands of the Romans but when the conquering army betray the dead King Prasutagus by defiling his daughters, his Queen, Boudicca, is determined to regain her land.

Iceni slave Brea remembers little of the time before the Romans, and has grown used to their louche and indulgent customs. She diligently goes about her duties looking after the artless Aurelia, wife-to-be of the handsome war hero Marcellus, but her longing for freedom and her desire to find her lost father, are never far from her mind.

Present Day

When Hanna returns to Norfolk from years working abroad, the strange dreams of her adolescence return: indistinct figures in tunics, mighty soldiers in armour, gladiators, temples, an Iceni warrior woman leading her people. Gradually Hanna’s dreams begin to slip into the present as visions in the famous mists rolling across the fens, and as shocks of recognition when a new face moves to her childhood home.

As Hanna realises that she has a connection with a tragedy that occurred many years before, so Brea has to understand that her fate is bound up with her Roman master. And as the drumbeat of rebellion gets ever closer Brea must make the fatal choice between love and

loyalty while Hanna has to find a way to make peace with the past.

My review

After spending years abroad, Hanna returns to Norfolk. With her return, also the strange dreams she used to have during her adolescence reappears. Strange dreams that show her an Iceni warrior woman, soldiers in armours, gladiators and temples.
But then her dreams take a different turn, as Hanna suddenly starts to have visions of that same woman, in the mysterious mists of the fens.
Hanna is determined to figure out what her dreams and visions may mean. And she discovers that that Iceni warrior woman is in fact Brea, a young woman captured by the Romans, and turned into a slave. A slave whose duties were to look after war hero Marcellus’ wife – to – be Aurelia. But Brea never loses hope to be free once again, and to be reunited with her lost father. And she finds an ally in the most unexpected way, as Marcellus himself promises to help her to find and free her father.
But Brea comes to a point to make a choice between love and loyalty to her people.
And Hanna meanwhile has to face the connection she has with Brea, and has to decide where her life will be, and make peace with her past. 

I am the kind of person who doesn’t believe in visions, ghosts or other things that are inexplicable. But I am also the kind of person that, even if I don’t believe it, I keep an open mind, just in case… 

And what I liked about this book is that it’s all rather believable. In the sense that Hanna is a woman with both feet on the ground, she isn’t a spiritual kind of woman, into witchcraft or other things like that. 

Ever since her accident as an adolescence she has been having the strangest dreams. And as I am known for having the weirdest dreams myself (I could write about them!) , I could sympathize with her as I know how it feels to wake up from them and being disorientated. 

Somehow those dreams also gave Hanna a kind of wanderlust, as she has been traveling around the world. It felt to me that she was perhaps scared to return home, afraid to reignite the force of those dreams? 

I have to say, returning back to Norfolk and seeing Hanna reunited with her mother, warmed my heart. Because my first impressions of her mother were those of a mother pushing her child to be the best at everything. Yet Stephanie is in fact a lovely woman and an amazing mother. 

Once back home, Hanna has to think about what to do next with her life. And that was somehow also recognizable. Because haven’t we all been at that point once in our lives, taking a stop, thinking about our past, present and future? And sometimes going back home is exactly what we need to do, as home will give us the answers, unexpected possibilities and puts the right people on our paths. 

But home, in Hanna’s case also brings her back in a faraway past, in Brea’s life. 

And Brea for sure is a tragic character in a way… I can only try to imagine what it feels like to see how your home is being taken away, how it feels to be turned into a slave.
Perhaps ‘lucky’ isn’t the right word, but that is what I felt about Brea’s circumstances. Because even if being a slave, she is having a rather safe life. 

Her ‘master’ isn’t the abusive one, using his power to his own benefits, and as long as Brea and the other slaves follow the rules, they have nothing to fear. But still, even if she has it rather easy as a slave, isn’t freedom always better? 

Her story truly saddened me in so many different ways, but I also admired her as she somehow, despite her current life, she never lost hope. She truly believed that someday she would be free and reunited with her family again, and why not, even find love. 

I was happy for her when she even found it, even if it were in an impossible way. but just like Brea, I kept hoping that a way would be found for her to have all her dreams coming true somehow, someway… 

Seeing the connection between Hanna and Brea is one to see with an open mind. If you start pinpointing everything that you find unbelievable, this book isn’t for you.
As I kept my mind open about it, I truly enjoyed reading both characters’ story, about how even if centuries separated them, there is something that brought them together. 

And I liked it to see how even with such a huge timespan, in the end, we all want the same thing, to be free, to be surrounded by family and friends, and to find love. And while one might have to fight literally to gain it, one other has to dig deep (literally) to find it. But even if the how and the what may be different, the purpose is always the same…

On the discovery of how the business works, to discover each other

Synopsis

What happens in Glenbriar stays in Glenbriar

When sunny and efficient Felicity Swan lands her dream job as PA to the new CEO of the Glenbriar Whisky Co., the dream soon turns into a nightmare. Gavin Sinclair isn’t what she expects.
Gavin’s only qualification for the job is that he’s the owner’s son. He knows he’s out of his depth but he doesn’t need his PA criticising the changes he wants to make.
Questioning his business decisions isn’t the only way Felicity makes Gavin hot under the collar. He can’t get her out of his mind. But dating an employee is strictly off-limits, especially one ten years younger than him.
While touring the Glenbriar distilleries together, Gavin and Felicity discover each other’s company is more intoxicating than the whisky. But when the trip’s over, they have a tough decision to make if they’re to ensure their highland fling isn’t simply a brief tryst at the illicit still.

My review

Felicity Swan loves her job as PA to the CEO of the Glenbriar Whisky Co. even if the new CEO is Gavin Sinclair, the owner’s son.
Gavin isn’t popular at all, especially as it’s clear that in fact he doesn’t know much about being a CEO or the business in general.
And the last thing Gavin needs, is a PA who has her own opinions over his plans for the business. Yet somehow Gavin cannot put Felicity out of his mind…
So when they go together touring around Glenbriar distilleries together, Gavin must keep in mind that having a fling with an employee is off – limits, especially one that ins ten years younger than him.
But on that same tour, both Felicity and Gavin discover that their initial opinions were incorrect. And them spending time together make them see a whole different side, a side that is hard to ignore….

So, where to start? By stating how much I loved this complete series perhaps?
I loved exploring the first book, and with each new book into the series, the more my eagerness and love started to expand. Even at a point that perhaps this book is my favourite of the whole series perhaps? Or will the next one even be more awesome than this wonderful story?

From the very start I liked Felicity. She is just so bubbly and happy, you can practically see the unicorns and rainbows surrounding her!
I liked it how she is proving herself, even if she doesn’t have the right qualifications, she shows everyone that with the right mind-set and determination you can get anywhere in life.

Yet even if we don’t know the details of her life immediately, it’s clear that she also has a certain vulnerability over her. There are just a few glimpses of that initially, yet those moments made me want to get into the book for real, and give Felicity a hug!

But I also felt that Felicity isn’t the kind of person that needs someone’s pity! She has gone through a very rough patch, and sometimes there may be moments she is having difficulties, but she also makes it clear that she has overcome them and is in fact a strong woman.

And then there is Gavin. For several reasons my heart went out to him.
First of all, he has become CEO, but his world couldn’t be further away than that from the distilling world of whisky.
To make it even worse, his employees aren’t exactly welcoming, and see him more as a stiff plank than an approachable CEO as his own father was.

While at work things aren’t easy, his own parents aren’t also making his personal life an easy one. While his father is rather laid – back, his mother for sure is very opinionated, and want everything her way or no way.

Yet we see also so many soft sides of him, even if hidden, that made my heart melt…

Gavin is struggling with his position, and the last thing he needs is a bubbly, even inferring presence of his newest PA.
But it’s clear to us that what Gavin needs, is exactly that.

I found it amazing to see how apparently two complete opposites suddenly find each other, and understand each other on a level that nobody else does.
Yes, there is attraction between them, and yes, things get heated between them. But I loved it more to see how these two somehow broken characters truly care about each other. And they support each other and believe in each other, even when nobody else does.

With having someone believing in you, and caring about you in the right way, not diminishing your feelings or thoughts in any way, gives you more strength, self-confidence and courage to do some things you would never think about doing before.

And seeing that happening with such wonderful characters, was just marvellous!
Margaret Amatt for sure fulfilled my high expectations and now I am once again eagerly waiting for the next book!

Is it a prank too far, or what is there truly happening?

Synopsis

Single mum Ellie is shown a missing person post on Facebook.
It’s of her three-year-old son, Tyler…
But he’s right there, holding her hand.

Surely this is some kind of prank – she knows her friend Louise can go too far with her jokes sometimes. And Ellie is used to the other mums gossiping at the school gates…

But now the other parents are questioning whether Tyler is really her child.

Ellie does everything she can to prove the post is fake, but the longer it goes on she knows it is malicious. Who would do this to her? And why?

It could be her ex, Darren, but deep down she knows it must be linked to what happened all those years ago – the night she’s been doing her best to forget…

All she knows is that she has to keep her son safe – no matter what.

My review

Ellie is a single mum, trying to build up her life together with her three – year – old son Tyler. Things aren’t always that easy, but she is doing her best and tries to be involved as much as possible.
Of course she knows that the school gate is the perfect place for the other mums to gossip. She tries to stay out of it as much as possible, but then she is the subject of the gossips, as there is a suddenly a missing person post on Facebook. And the missing person is her son Tyler…
Now Ellie not only has to figure out what is happening, as the post is only the start, but she also has to convince everyone that everything they are hearing about her is false. Is this a prank from her friend Louise that has gone too far? Or is there someone after her? And why? And is it linked with what happened to her three years ago?

Sometimes you have stories where you think you know what will happen. And when the book follows your thoughts, it can still be a good book.
But then there are books like this one, where you think to know what to expect. Yet then it turns out to go totally differently, even if a few initial hunches are still proven to be right.

From the start I somehow pitied Ellie. Yes, she is doing her best, but I can only imagine the hardships on being a single mum. Also reading how her ex – boyfriend keeps on refusing to acknowledge Tyler as his son was heart – breaking and made me frown my brows.
How could Darren be so sure of that fact, while Ellie was adamant on him being the lovely boy’s father…

It’s clear that Ellie has made mistakes in the past. Yet after a mysterious yet terrifying event three years ago, she has wiped the slate clean and has turned out to be a loving mother to Tyler. She is still wary of everything and everyone, which in her case, even if we are not aware of the details, is perfectly understandable.

I was astonished a bit reading about the missing person report. It made me even doubt for a moment about Ellie’s sincerity, showing how easily doubts can arise.
And while it’s always innocent until proven actually guilty, how do you prove that you innocent?

Yet I also admired in a way Ellie. She is an amazing mother, despite her situation. She loves Tyler deeply and would do anything for him.
She is also a very determined person. She won’t allow her ex to keep on ignoring that he is Tyler’s father. But she is also determined to find out who is after her.
And slowly we see her also growing more courageous by trying to figure out what actually happened that night three years ago.

The more I was into the story, the more creeped out I was getting. Not only upon discovering the facts of that specific night, but also reading about people’s characters. While we always should go out from the good of people, here we see the total opposite, in so many different, hideous ways…

There are for sure moments in this story that I got goose bumps. But even with those moments, I found it encouraging that Ellie, despite her doubts, found people ready to fight in her corner, with an unconditional love for her.

This book was a terrifying one, showing all the fears that not only a mother, but a woman in general too, can go through.
But beside the fear, we also see a lot of resilience and strength in this book, showing us that facing our demons, real ones included, can be a scary thing but isn’t knowing the truth always the best? And that we can only grow stronger afterwards!

Faking to be still madly in love for just the festivities, can that truly work?

Synopsis

After years of being everyone’s favourite couple, always up for a party and having fun wherever they go, things have fizzled out.

But when they realise they have a whole calendar of events and celebrations with friends and family coming up, Cara and Millsy can’t face letting them down.

So they decide to make a pact: just convince everyone they’re as madly in love as ever and get through the festivities without causing suspicion, and then deal with the break up in the new year. How hard can it be…?

Swept up in the festive spirit, will Cara and Millsy fake it tilthey make it? Or will they realise they are meant to be after all…?

My review

Ever since Cara and Millsy got together, they were everyone’s favourite couple. But what nobody knows, is that after years of being together, Cara and Millsy have decided to end their relationship. With many shared festivities for the holidays on the calendar, they both have decided to pretend to be still together and only inform every one of their break – up later on.
However, how long can they pretend to be still madly in love? And how easy will it be, when Millsy’s accent coach is tagging along everywhere they go?

So first I have to talk about the thing I didn’t like, so that I can focus completely on everything that I *did* like.
I didn’t know that this was an actual sequel, so it felt a bit that I missed out on a great story. I would have loved to know how Cara and Millsy got together, as it’s clear that it took them a while to get where they were before their break – up.

But on the other hand, perhaps it was better that I didn’t read the first book? Because I think I would be heart – broken to see how a lovely couple would be breaking up?

Yet that didn’t take away my positive feelings I had while reading this book.

Of course a relationship isn’t always sunshine and rainbows, and even the best of relationships can reach its end.
It’s sad, but that’s life…

While I didn’t agree with Cara and Millsy’s decision to pretend to be still together for the holidays, to spare everyone’s feelings, I could understand it somehow.
Being the perfect couple comes with extreme high expectations and admitting defeat isn’t easy. And it’s only more difficult when so many plans have been made beforehand, especially during the holidays.

It’s always nice to see how an ex – couple still care about each other, and have end things amicable, instead of pushing each other’s limits at each possible occasion.
And it’s obvious that Cara still cares deeply about Millsy. Just because things didn’t work out, for one reason or another, it doesn’t mean that the love has gone.

And I found it truly sweet to see how, even if they are pretending, Cara and Millsy are still so in sync with each other. From sharing plates, to understanding each other with just one look.
Even if I haven’t read about how they got together, I could clearly envision how they worked as a couple.

It saddened me though, to see how Millsy was trying to push Cara to move on, as if he wanted to do the same as soon as possible.
And the presence Tally for sure wasn’t helping! There wasn’t one moment that I liked her character at all.
I understood how Millsy needed her to get his accent right, but was it truly necessary to be present at every activity, to wriggle her into just everything, appropriate or not.

Even if you could see the theme as a sad one, because it’s about a couple that have broken up, it was still a funny story to read!
Not only are the dates that Cara is going to, hilariously terrible, but also the weird situations Cara and Millsy find themselves into for sure put a smile on my face!

But it was also a heart – warming story, because no matter how hard they try to hide it, the love is still so obvious. And then of course a certain ‘incident’ involving Santa, well actions speak louder for words, that’s for sure!

I found this a wonderful story to read, about a couple wanting to protect in a way their loved ones. But we also see how they pretend to be okay with the decision they took, but in fact they are not. Sometimes breaking up is the right thing to do, but let’s be honest, sometimes it’s just not. And while it may have been a difficult decision to break up, perhaps sometimes we need to find the courage to admit that the initial decision was a wrong one.

Portia MacIntosh found the perfect balance with her latest book, as she wrote a lovely, heart – warming, heart – breaking story about the consequences of an (unwanted) break – up. But even if the premise is a sad one, it is also filled with joy, fun and laughter, as hope is always the last thing to die!