When the wedding you always dreamed of turns into anything but…

Synopsis

Save the date…!

Olivia can’t believe it when her boyfriend, Teddy, proposes out of the blue. She loves him (of course she does!) BUT it does seem sudden, especially when they don’t even live together yet…

There is only one place that Olivia has ever wanted to get married – a gorgeous venue on the Cornish coast, built by her grandfather. The problem is they only have one date available – and it’s only a few weeks away! Olivia isn’t so sure about rushing but Teddy jumps at the chance to be married within the month.

Thrown into a whirlwind of wedding planning, alarm bells start to ring for Olivia. Are they doing this for the right reasons? Why is Teddy in such a rush? And when he fails to help with any part of the preparations, Olivia must find help elsewhere, with unexpected results…

As the countdown begins, will the wedding go ahead? Or will Olivia find that her future happiness lies elsewhere…?

My review

Olivia is happily together with Teddy, but is shocked when he proposes out of the blue. Not because she doesn’t love him, but they haven’t been together for that long…
Even if it’s a bit quick, Olivia doesn’t hesitate to say yes.
Olivia has always wanted to get married at one specific place, the venue on the Cornish Coast, built by her grandfather. There is only one problem… the venue won’t be offered as a place to get married anymore. The only possibility is to take a spot that has been opened after a cancellation, only a few weeks away.
And to make Olivia doubt even more, also her brother and his fiancé want to marry at the same venue, so it would be a double wedding.
The more is being planned, the more Olivia starts to doubt if she is doing the right thing. Because the wedding will turn out differently than what she wanted, Teddy is more absent than present. And what’s the rush anyway? And then she finds someone in her corner in the form of Hugo… 

Portia MacIntosh is the kind of author who just *always* delivers. Whenever I start reading one of her books, I know I will enjoy it from start to finish. And this book was again exactly what I expected (which was a lot!). 

We can all see that Liv is the kind of woman who wants to do the right things, doesn’t wat to disappoint anyone and she doesn’t want to cause any scene, even if it means that she won’t get what she exactly wants.
And while it’s nice to be that kind of person, I also felt that it was her right to have the wedding of her dreams too, to have the dress she wants and not what everyone thinks she should wear.
I obviously liked Liv for her kind character, but her gullibility, her agreeing to everything she doesn’t want, made me not like – like her too, if I am making any sense…
Just because you haven’t planned your own wedding in details or are having a double wedding, it doesn’t mean that you cannot have an own opinion or have a vote too. 

Yet it’s clear that Liv is not a lovesick young woman, as she feels that things aren’t all that perfect, and she sees that Teddy isn’t all that devoted to the wedding as he should be. She feels that there is more to his proposal than he wants her to believe.
While reading, I just wanted to scream at Liv to trust her gut – feeling over all the things she was doubting… 

Teddy isn’t a bad guy necessarily, it’s just that he isn’t the right guy for Liv. And as a reader we can sense early on that his proposal comes from a direction that is not only based on love…  

It was nice to see how she found an ally in Hugo. And how well they matched! Even if nothing happens between them during the greatest part of the story, we can see how well they would be for each other. They have so much in common, think alike over so many things.
And Hugo is a great help! He is even prepared to play Liv’s fake – fiancé to help her out! 

But this story is not about Liv and Hugo, but it’s about Liv discovering which direction is the right one for her. And not only if marrying Teddy is the right thing to do, but also about her job and her dreams. Seeing Liv going through this search and discovery, with her family by her side – supporting her on their own ways – made this a truly enjoyable story.

Of course this author can tell a story with many hilarious moments in it, as I found myself often smiling or even laughing. I can say that I devoured this book as I just wanted to know what else was in story for Liv. I wanted to read how Liv finally decided to go with her guts, and follow her heart. Even if the end isn’t necessarily the exact ending I has in mind, it was a more realistic one, not one where everything has to happen very quickly just to tie all the loose ends. And that made me love this book even more, as in life and love it’s never just ‘the end’, but perhaps just the start of a new chapter or book…

When your life is a deadline…

Synopsis

A summer to remember…

Georgia Banks knows she’s living on borrowed time. So, when doctors tell her she’s got one last summer to make all her dreams come true, she’s determined to make every day count.

The one thing that’s never in doubt, is that she wants her best friend, Gabe, to be with her every step of the way. And so, Georgia draws up her not-a-bucket list with all the things she’s determined to tick off before she goes – number one of which is to spend one last summer by the sea.

Seabreeze Farm perched high on the cliffs above the English Channel is the perfect spot, and surrounded by the antics of its menagerie of rescued animals and the warmth of the friendship she’s offered there, Georgia starts to believe she can live out all her dreams before it’s too late.

And just when she thinks there’s nothing left to wish for, Georgia gets another chance at life. But taking it might mean losing the one person she cares about the most.

As she faces her biggest challenge yet, Georgia wonders if her last summer at Seabreeze Farm will mean the end of her biggest dream of all.

This book was previously published as One Last Summer at Channel View Farm

My review

Georgia Banks didn’t have an easy life as her disease restricted her in whatever she wanted to do. Now things have gone even worse as her doctors tells her that she should use this summer to make her dreams come true, as the clock seemingly is ticking even faster.
Number one on her not – a – bucket – list is spending her time by the sea. And when she has the chance to spend it at Seabreeze Farm, with her best friend Gabe, it’s like her dream came true.
Seabreeze Farm is a wonderful place that makes Georgia feel more at home and at peace she could ever imagine.
Yet when the impossible seems to be happening, Georgia realizes that with winning, she may lose the most important person in her life…  

No, just no Jo, you shall no longer write stories that will completely break my heart and then just fix it that!
Not cool, not… cool! 

From the very start my heart went out to Georgia. I cannot even try to imagine how it feels to be living on borrowed time, having a restricted life where you cannot do what you want, or even have to pay attention to what you want to eat.
And while it would have been easy to throw pity – parties all around, I liked it how Georgia didn’t want to hear of anyone feeling sorry for her. She doesn’t want anything out of pity.
Yet her determination for not accepting that, is also a stubborn streak of her, making her not see that the people around her don’t pity her, but just want to see her happy. 

I could also understand her when she said that she doesn’t want anyone to die, or risk their lives, in order for her to live. While transplants are a wonderful thing, especially in Georgia’s case, it’s always at the cost of someone else.
Yet it was wonderful to see how many people are were willingly to let themselves get tested even if it would only buy limited time for Georgia.  

This is also a story about friendship. And Gabe for sure is the most wonderful friend someone could have. He would do just anything for Georgia, and not because her being ill. But just because they are so close as friends.
He also understands her like no one can, knowing when to make even macabre jokes to lighten the mood. 

As a reader it was a bit frustrating to read how these two best friends, sharing everything, weren’t sharing the most important thing, their real feelings. Because while it was understandable in one way, not wanting to risk their amazing friendship, yet on the other hand it was just so ‘aaaargh’ reading how they were not just seeing how amazing things would be… 

Without giving too much away of the whole amazing story, when things would appear to be going the way I wanted, I was extremely happy, but when it went to go downhill again, I got just angry, because that is not how things were supposed to go! And why hang on to what you believe instead of listening to those around you??? 

Of course, returning to Seabreeze Farm was truly wonderful. Seeing our old friends again, and seeing how their kind hearts only became even bigger, was the perfect antidote on a rainy day!
Ellie and her family and friends are just so welcoming and accepting and kind, even I want to go and visit the place! 

Even if I had to wipe away a few tears, I truly loved this heart – warming, inspiring story. It shows us in one way how fragile life can be, but also how strong and generous people can be. While I loved reading about Georgia and Gabe, it also made me think about how someone with just a small gesture can make a difference for someone else.

After finishing this marvellous book, it didn’t take me a lot of time to register myself as a donor, hoping that (hopefully not very soon although, for my own sake!) when my time has come, I can change someone else’s life too…
This is the kind of book that makes you smile, makes you cry, but also makes you count your blessings and makes you think about how you can make a difference too!

To relive the past for real, what will it hold for the present and future?

Synopsis

He travelled through time to capture her heart. 

The amulet was still in the palm of his hand. Was it some sort of conduit to the past? The image of the anguished woman in his vision was seared into his mind. Perhaps it could help him find her?

Ivar Thoresson is desperate for adventure. As an archaeologist specialising in Viking times, he wants nothing more than to travel back to the ninth century as his loved ones have done, to learn everything he can about the era which fascinates him. And whilst his adopted family have always made him feel loved, the chance to meet a true ancestor, the warrior Thorald, is a temptation he cannot resist.

But while Ivar is preparing to go, he uncovers an amulet which shows him a vision of an arresting woman with red-gold hair. Clearly in distress, she is pleading for help. Convinced of the power of the charm and its message, Ivar’s journey takes on a new purpose. He steps back in time determined to follow his destiny – and find the woman who has called to his heart.

My review

Ever since his siblings Linnae and Madison Berger were able to travel back in time, it’s been Ivar’s big dream to also find an amulet that would be able to bring him back in the real Vikings time.
While his adopted family gave him all the love and care, he wants to meet a real ancestor, the warrior Thorald.
When after a long search, he is finally successful, he is more than ready to travel back in time, but now with an extra purpose. Because since finding the amulet, he is having visions of a beautiful woman with red – gold hair, needing his help… 

Okay… time – travelling is a difficult concept to grasp, as I always think of one hundred thousand problems I would have…
And we all know that time – travelling is something not real (until further notice of course…). 

I haven’t read the complete series, but I didn’t feel that it was necessary to enjoy Ivar’s adventure. And whenever there was the need to know something that happened previously, the author made sure we had a small recap. 

Somehow I could understand Ivar’s need to travel back. While he had all he could ask for from his foster parents, he wanted to meet at least one real ancestor. There was absolutely no distinction of how he was treated compared to his siblings, yet I could see how Ivar would still feel as the ‘odd one out’.
And having his sisters being able to travel time, while he hadn’t managed yet, only made him feel more different than he already did before.
When he was finally able to travel back, I hoped he would find all the answers he was looking for and that he would find some peace.   

I found it a little bit funny reading how the clan of Vikings weren’t all that surprised when Ivar arrived, or how easily they accepted his rather lame excuse of appearing out of nowhere. Obviously, them knowing that time – travelling is possible, helps 😊. 

I liked it how no matter how much Ivar thought he was prepared, the reality was different of how he thought it would be. It makes sense that there is a big difference in a real fight compared to how Ivar trained. 

But what made me like this story even more, was reading how Ivar went from a determined bachelor to a protective Viking. It was great to see how this man, never looking for love, finds himself enthralled by a woman he doesn’t know and has only seen in his visions before.
And then to see how Ellisif has exactly the same feelings, despite her determination to never marry again after a disastrous wedding before and her new forced prospects… 

Reading their romance blossoming, showed somehow that it doesn’t matter who you are or where (or even when) you’re coming from, you can always find your match.
Both Ivar and Ellisif are strong characters, in their own ways. Ivar shows an admirable protectiveness but also sense of right and wrong. And Ellisif is tired of men underestimating her and her capabilities. But she is also a curious woman, she doesn’t fear the unknown. 

It was also a bit funny to see how the characters are trying to adapt in a world they do not know, and sometimes even failing at it. Ivar fearing for nits or Ellisif seeing a shower or a bus for the first time, it for sure made me laugh! 

It’s clearly that this author made her homework and tried to stick to the facts as much as possible. Of course, for the sake of this book, some liberties were taken, to make it all work out for the characters we started to care for.
And while in the previous books the ending was somewhat the same, I liked it how the tables were turned a bit, and the opposite happened of what we would think (not in a bad way, don’t worry!). This little detail made me like this book even more! 

Overall I truly enjoyed reading this book, making me wonder what era I would travel to if it were possible. But I also enjoyed somehow living the Viking times through this book, while sitting still comfortably in the advantages of our own era!

Life and dreams aren’t just a game to play…

Synopsis

An irresistible story of love, friendship and the power of Games Night, perfect for fans of Holly Martin and Christie Barlow.

When Emily loses her job, house and boyfriend all within a matter of days, she’s determined to turn a negative into a positive and follow her dream of running a small cafe in the gorgeous Yorkshire village of Essendale.

But she quickly finds she’s bitten off more than she can chew when the ‘popular’ cafe she takes over turns out to secretly be a failing business. Emily desperately needs a way to turn things around, and help comes from the unlikeliest of places when she meets local board game-obsessed GP Ludek. But when a major chain coffee shop opens on the high street, Emily is forced to question if she’ll ever be able to compete.

Has she risked everything on something destined to fail? Or can a playful twist, a homely welcome, and a sprinkle of love make Emily’s cafe the destination she’s always dreamed of?

‘A heart-warming romance perfect for curling up with. I absolutely loved it’ – Kitty Wilson

My review

Emily never thought to lose everything so quickly, as she loses her job, her house and her boyfriend in just a few days.
So while staying with her best friend, she decides to finally turn her dream of opening a café into reality.
But the place she took over is not at all the great business she thought it was, on the contrary…
Now Emily has to think of a way to make her café a successful story. And when she meets the local GP Ludek, who is also a game-fanatic, she starts to see the benefits of having a Board Game Café.
However, when a famous chain coffee shop opens on the high street of Essendale, Emily starts to wonder if her dream was better left to what is was, a dream.
Even if her little café brought her slowly but so much happiness, laughter, joy and even a little bit of love… 

Well, if this was the debut romance of this author, she has very high future expectations to fulfil!
I fell so much in love with this story, with Emily, the ‘clients’ and even some of the games (even if I am not such a gamer, and knew half of the games!) 

Emily is such a vibrant, cheerful woman. And even if she loses everything in the matter of days, she won’t just sit down and wallow around. Of course, in first instance she does right that, but then she starts to see so many possibilities, chances that now she can just grab.
And I loved how her dream of having a café was actually a shared dream she had with her mother. That made my heart string even a little bit more!  

There was just one thing that bothered me little bit in this book, but at the same moment it is also the thing that made this lovely tale possible.
And that thing, or rather person, is Kate…
I understand that she is Emily’s best friend, and it is admirable that she lets Emily stay at her place. Yet at moments I found her behaviour so frustrating… She is so determined to find love that she tries everything, but at the same time she was looking for her perfect man, she was also being very prejudiced. She is at first instance only looking at how someone looks like, and if he isn’t good looking, she quickly dismisses him.
And also how she ruins the grand opening, well, I don’t know if I would want such a person to be my best friend… 

But on the other hand Kate being Kate is also the reason that Emily meets Ludek and that Emily mans up and goes after her dream. So I am ready to forgive Kate’s behaviour as it made so much possible in this book. 

This book warmed my heart on so many different levels… how Emily is following her dream, how she quickly has her steady clients, but also how she starts to enjoy playing board games. Her opening the café brings her so many new opportunities, she meets new people, etc.
But also the way she is looking after people she cares about. She is truly worried about her father, and does her best to get him out of the house more.
And also when Ludek finds himself in the hospital, despite a misunderstanding, Emily rushes to the place even if it holds so many sad memories for her. 

The story is filled with positivism, even when not so great things are happening. Foe example how things are still on a pleasant level with her ex, while it would be so easy to begrudge him. And how Emily finds a whole community helping her with her café and supporting her. Those bits were the best part to read! 

And yes, there is absolutely romance in this book, and while I absolutely adored Ludek, the romance didn’t have the complete spotlight.
Because the spotlight was totally on Emily, finding not only her happiness or see her dream become reality, but her finding something that is completely *her*, no matter what others may think.
Seeing Emily in her element was so wonderful to read about! 

I think that this author is for sure someone to keep our eyes on, as I truly believe that she will treat us with more marvellous stories in the future about amazing, wonderful people who are impossible not to love!

Another investigation for our beloved Private Investigator

Synopsis

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

A glamourous film star…

Life as a private investigator in the suburbs of Florence isn’t always as glamourous as Dan Armstrong imagined it to be, until he is asked to investigate a recent spate of violent attacks on a Hollywood movie set in Florence. The star of the show, movie-star royalty Selena Gardner, fears her life is in imminent danger…

Foul play on set…

As Dan investigates, he discovers secrets and scandals are rife within the cast and crew. But with no actual murder, Dan believes these attacks could simply be warnings to someone…until the first body is found.

A dangerous killer on the loose.

Now Dan and his trusty sidekick Oscar are in a race against time to catch the murderer. But the more Dan uncovers, the more the killer strikes and Dan finds himself caught in the line of fire too! Is this one case Dan and Oscar will regret?

A gripping new murder mystery series by bestselling author T.A. Williams, perfect for fans of Lee Strauss and Beth Byers.

My review

Dan Armstrong is now completely settled down in Tuscany with his loyal canine companion Oscar. He enjoys his life as a private investigation, even if that means to find proof of a cheating husband. Glamourous his life is not, until his skills are required to investigate a series of violent attacks on a movie set in Florence.
Suddenly he finds himself wandering around in tights on sets, meeting a famous actress and even having a small cameo in the movie that is being shot. However, his job prevails and he and Oscar are looking for the culprit. A culprit that started with just some treats but is now turning deadly serious as there are actual victims at the scene… 

Oooh just what a lovely reencounter with Dan and Oscar! I am following this series from the start and with each stories I just like each character more and more, and fall deeper in love with the setting! 

While I liked the previous parts too, I may think that perhaps this one may be my favourite (for now). Why?
Well, because somehow we see a lighter version of Dan. We see a Dan who is happy with the choice of moving to Tuscany, who is at ease with his current life. Of course he regrets the errors he made in the past, resulting in the end of his marriage, but now he is at peace with how things are. 

There is also a funnier side we see in Dan, by choice or not. And I have to admit, I had the most laughs at moments that Dan involuntarily was being funny. I could truly imagine him being all dressed up to the part, just to blend easier in on set. But also when he says things with the right intention but with the o so wrong words, risking to make things blow up before they even started. And that was also a great addition, having a possible love interest for Dan, while this never happened in the previous books. 

But obviously, this is a cozy mystery, so the focus for Dan is to discover who is posing a threat for the people involved in the latest movie being shot in Florence.
And the author manages again to make me think in one direction to then suddenly change complete direction.
Together with Dan, I was trying to figure out who would ever have any reason to have a grudge against the movie being made.
Not knowing who the real victim or target was, added even more to the mystery but also added more joy for me to read. Was the clumsy PA the target? Or was she the culprit? Or what about the director? Or the male main protagonist with a background? So many possibilities in either direction! I love it! 

With an amazing setting, I knew beforehand that this author would be definitely scoring with me. Once again I felt like I was literally walking alongside Dan and Oscar, enjoying the fresh air, the aroma’s and the sights of Florence.
Oscar obviously deserves again all the possible treats, as while he may seem the laziest and most spoiled dog in the world, yet once again he shows his worth when it truly matters! 

This was again a great story from an amazing author, who knows how to captivate his audience with a great story filled with intrigue, mystery, friendship, laughter and even sweetness in it! T. A. Williams is showing again where his talent lays and I cannot wait to read his next tale!

Three women, somehow connected through time

Synopsis

In an underground labyrinth a lost soul wanders, waiting for revenge, waiting for love… 

London 1900

Alice Webster has made the worst decision of her life. When her Aunt Agatha offers her the chance to go on a Grand Tour she jumps at the opportunity to get away from the glare of scandal. Heading off to see the world as the century turns, Alice begins to believe her broken heart can be healed, and a chance encounter on a train bound for Paris changes everything. When their journey takes them to a Cretan house thick with history, and the world-famous dig at Knossos, stories from the past begin to echo through Alice’s life.

London Present Day

Eloise De’Ath is meant to be a grieving widow. But if people knew the truth about her late husband, they’d understand why she can’t even pretend. Needing to escape, Eloise heads to Crete and the house her father-in-law Quinn left her, and slowly Quinn’s home begins to reveal its mysteries. In his office Eloise discovers his life’s work: the study of the Victorian excavation to find the Minotaur’s labyrinth. Fascinated by the diaries of a young woman from the dig, Eloise is drawn into Alice’s tale of lost love and her growing obsession with Ariadne, the princess of the labyrinth.

Three women divided by time but connected by the long-hidden secrets of the past. As their stories join in a golden thread, a terrible injustice might finally be undone…

My review

In London 1900, Alice Webster has made a terrible mistake, one that she will regret forever. Despite her family’s support, she jumps at the opportunity to join her Aunt Agatha on a Grand Tour. At least there she will not be followed by the scandal.
Going visiting the most beautiful places in Europe, slowly Alice starts to believe that her broken heart can be healed. And once in Crete, Alice finds a passion at a dig in Knossos she didn’t know she had. She gets intrigued by the tales and legends of monsters and labyrinths.
And somehow her tale get entwined with that of Eloise De’Ath in the present time. Even if Eloise is a recent widow, she is not the heartbroken woman everyone expects her to be. Because her late husband was not what everyone thinks.
Needing an escape too, she flies over to Crete, to the house she inherited from her father – in – law Quinn. There she finds herself submerged in his life’s work, the study of the Victorian excavation and the search for the Minotaur’s labyrinth, after finding the diaries of a young woman who worked at the dig.
These two women have one thing in common: their interest in the true tale of Ariadne, princess of the labyrinth. 

Dual timelines are always tricky, and somehow this was also a bit of a triple timeline, even greater risk of making things complicated!
Yet the author managed easily to keep the two main stories separated but also linking them without confusing her readers. 

Of both main female character, I found it easier to like Eloise. Even if we don’t know the complete background from the start, it’s easy to see that things are not as simple as it may seem.
And even if you wouldn’t have an inkling about it, the way Eloise’s late husband’s family treated Eloise, you would know that there is more to her story. 

Her escaping to Crete could be seen as a cowardly action, but it gave us also the opportunity to truly get to know Eloise, without a dark cloud surrounding her, literally and figuratively speaking.
We see her opening up, and that Eloise was such a bright, kind and colourful character. Yet her being in Crete also allows her to open up about her past and her multiple struggles during her marriage.
And reading those bits was so saddening and so hurtful, but unfortunately at some levels also a reality for people in the world. 

And then there is Alice’s story… Just like Eloise, we don’t know the full extent of what the scandal is, the only thing we do know, is that involves a man and that Alice’s heart is truly broken.
Even if we don’t know the details, and when we finally do, I liked it how she still had her family’s support and how they wanted to protect her. 

In Alice’s story I liked to read how Alice realized that how terrible she may be feeling, with a broken heart, that time will heel the wounds. Slowly she starts to see things no longer through rose – colored glasses.
And what I liked the most is how one chance encounter would turn out to be of a greater importance later on. 

On a smaller account, there is even a third story told here, one we all think we know, but  perhaps with a kinder and gentler touch, even if the final outcome is the time. And it’s the tale of Ariadne and the Minotaur that ends up being the common tread, that what links Eloise and Alice. 

But even if Ariadne’s story is what brings Eloise and Alice together, the three women have one thing all in common… they have been all betrayed in a terrible yet different way by someone who was supposed to love them.
However, towards the end, they all find the strength to overcome their initial pain and even dare to have feelings of love again in one way or another, and these feelings will be for one that will be truly worthy of their hearts. 

And even if perhaps, from my personal view, that last final step was taken a bit too hastened, I admired all these women for not giving up on love… Because everyone deserves to find happiness, and how we get there, the quick way or the long way, it doesn’t matter as the reward will be worth of the journey!

When do things ever go as we thought they would?

Synopsis

A family reunion takes everyone by surprise…

Jago Treneary hasn’t been home since his father’s funeral three years ago. Now, he’s returning to the Isles of Scilly for his brother’s wedding and is intent on building bridges with his family.

When a last-minute guest arrives to stay at his mum’s house, the trip takes an unexpected turn.

Soon, he’s playing tour guide for Sylvie and rediscovering the beautiful islands he grew up on.

He never expected to feel so at home.

But with his attention on Sylvie he neglects his family.

Before long he’s faced with a choice: follow his heart and see where things lead with Sylvie, or put the work into making things right with his family.

One thing seems certain: he can’t have it all.

With his time on Scilly coming to end, he needs to make some big decisions… fast.

My review

Sylvie couldn’t be more happier now that she is slowly reconnecting with her cousin Lowen Treneary. They spent so many holidays together which she has fondly memories of. To surprise him, she decides to pay him a visit on the Idle of Scilly. However, Lowen doesn’t appear to be all too thrilled to see Sylvie. On the contrary, he avoids spending time with her, and whenever they are together, he is acting very distant and cold. He for sure is not the Lowen Sylvie remembers!
But on the other hand, Sylvie is now spending a lot of time with Lowen’s brother Jago, who has returned from America.
While Scilly is his home, he hasn’t been visiting since his father’s funeral. But now the time has come to make amends.
Together, Sylvie and Jago (re)explore the island, only to realize that they have a connection. But at what cost will their connection come? And what about the future? 

I have read each story of the Isles of Scilly – series. And while I have loved each brother, Jago was the most mysterious one, even more than Lowen. And that because him being absent for most of the parts.
So I didn’t know what to think of him at the start of the book. But also knowing the whole series and this author, I knew I would like him as much as I like all the other brothers. 

Of course, as a first meeting between Sylvie and Jago, it was a very funny one! I truly enjoyed reading how Sylvie tried to start a conversation only to realize that Jago would not be up to it. And then I truly snickered seeing how Jago needed actually Sylvie’s support during the flight. Which I of course understand, as I think many people aren’t actual fan of turbulence! 

Yet it was clear to see that there was just *something* between them. As a reader obviously we know where the story will take us, but reading the surprise of seeing each other again and discovering the link between them, was truly fun. 

The story is clearly that of Jago and Sylvie, but I have to admit that I didn’t like Lowen at all in this story. And yes, we know what happened before in the past with him, and how he is still struggling with it. But still it pained me to see how he acted towards Sylvie, while she was making all the efforts.
It was just not fair of him to ignore Sylvie like that, linking all the bad memories he has to Sylvie, while Sylvie has so many happy memories to hold on to, even if things weren’t always that good. 

But Lowen being the former Lowen again, also gave the perfect opportunity for Jago and Sylvie to spend time together. And that was a real treat!
Sylvie has never been to Scilly and it was just amazing exploring the island with her and Jago. And it was the perfect opportunity to get to know the elusive brother. 

I found it sweet and tender to see how these two complete strangers found a connection. But not only that, but also how they appeared to understand each other or try to understand each other. There were several occasions that we also could understand better how both characters have been through, making it even more easier to like them, even if at moments they acted like idiots… 

I loved it to read how both Jago and Sylvie want to support the other one, encouraging to follow their dreams, giving enough space for it. While they both wanted them to work as an item, they also didn’t want to rush into things. They both have been burnt in the past, not only romantically, and it makes sense of now wanting to take things slow, only frustrating the readers! 😊 

This was a wonderful slow – burn romance (too slow even! 😊) with two main characters that have more than just one hurdle to take. While some hurdles may be harder to take, I admired their courage to move forward, even dare to chase their dreams (again). 

This entire series shows us not only how in one family there can so many different characters, but also so much of unconditional love. But it shows us that for every pot there is a lid, and that we just have to allow that lid to find us and to be open to be found.
And no matter how difficult things may get, nothing is insurmountable when it comes to matters of the heart!

A devastating eruption in Pompeii, a majestic building in Rome and a slave and her master…

Synopsis

They called it the Flavian Amphitheatre. We call it the Colosseum. Let the Games begin. 

Rome, 80AD. A gigantic new amphitheatre is being built. The Emperor has plans for gladiatorial Games on a scale no-one has ever seen before. But the Games don’t just happen by themselves. They must be made. And Marcus, the man in charge of creating them, has just lost everything he held dear when Pompeii disappeared under the searing wrath of Vesuvius.

Now it will fall to Althea, the slave woman who serves as his scribe, to ensure the Colosseum is inaugurated on time – and that Marcus makes his way out of the darkness that calls to him.

Can a motley crew comprising a retired centurion, slaves, a prostitute and an ex Vestal Virgin pull off the greatest gladiatorial Games ever seen? Or will they fail and find themselves in the arena as punishment? Time is running out to deliver an unforgettable spectacle.

From the Ashes is the first, fast-paced novel in the gripping new Colosseum series. Follow the quick-witted and fiercely loyal backstage team of the Colosseum through the devastation of Pompeii, plague and fire. This is historical fiction at its most captivating: both action-packed and tender.

Take a front row seat at the Colosseum’s inaugural gladiatorial Games. Buy From the Ashes today.

My review

Althea is a Greek woman, now a slave working for her domina in Pompeii. But as often with slaves, her dominus sells her to a man in charge of creating the most amazing gladiatorial Games in a new amphitheatre that is being built in Rome.
As Althea is able to read and write, she is an asset to Marcus, her new dominus.
But while they are in Rome, news arrive that Pompeii has disappeared and that everyone and everything they cared for are no longer…
How can Marcus, after losing his wife and child, fulfil the Emperor’s wishes? With not only Althea by his side, but also a prostitute yet loyal friend, and an ex Vestal Virgin, it’s a race again not only time to let the Games begin… 

We have all learnt about the devastation the Vesuvius brought in 80AD at school. And I think it’s safe to say we all have watched or read movies, series, books about Ancient Rome, the fights in the amphitheatre and how life was supposed to be. And some things could be for sure extravagant, as we can also read in the first few chapters of this book. 

Despite everything we know from the eruption of the volcano, it’s not easy to have an emotional link to what happened. Of course it was horrible, but we cannot really say that we know someone that has a far member of the family who has lost someone, can we?
So reading about Marcus’ loss, feeling his pain, made it possible for me to feel that utter despair that people who have seen it all and lost it all, had.
But also the somehow injustice of it all, because many innocent lives were lost at the hand of ‘just’ nature… 

It’s clear from the start that Marcus is one of the good guys, treating his ‘staff’ correctly and not taking advantage of his status. Being a former centurion, he now wants nothing more to live in peace with his wife and son, buying back land. He doesn’t like his job necessarily, but he will do what it takes to make his dream come true.
He is also the kind of person who looks at you for who you are, and not what you are. So he does not see Althea and his other loyal servants as such, but he sees their potential and allow them to rise up. 

Althea may be perhaps a slave, but she is also a smart woman, with great insights but she is also very perceptive and understanding.
When it’s clear that Marcus has lost everything, she feels his pain and understand his grief. But she also understands that he cannot allow himself to jeopardize the job in Rome, and protects him to fall into a deeper downward spiral. 

This book is a race against time, as the amphitheatre must be ready for its inauguration, while our main characters are facing several severe setbacks that come at a price.
Both Marcus and Althea are in an alliance together, to make things happen. Yet seeing this particular alliance, purely based on mutual respect and nothing more, showed me that not everything can be bought or comes with a price. 

A story that takes its reader way back into Ancient Rome, showing its brutalities, not only of the eruption but also the brutalities of the fights in the amphitheatre, but also the honest yet unlikely friendship between a centurion and a slave.

Can a lighthouse bring light in more than just one aspect?

Synopsis

A perfect new start in Cornwall…

Meredith’s life is at a standstill. She’s stuck in a dead-end job, approaching fifty, and her dating life is a string of disasters. But one evening, while browsing the internet, she sees an ad for a lighthouse, and in a moment of impulsiveness, she makes a ridiculous bid for it.

With the help of local handyman Clem, she sets about renovating. And as they work together, a bond begins to form. But when Meredith finds out that Clem is keeping a secret from her, it changes everything. Will they find a way to build something more meaningful together?

A delightful story about community, friendship and having the courage to start over, perfect for fans of Carole Matthews, Milly Johnson and Lucy Dillon

My review

Even if her life is rather dull, Meredith never does something spontaneous. She’s stuck at her job, she is nearly fifty and het love life is non – existing.
Obviously, surfing the internet with a bottle of wine is never a good idea, especially when Meredith realizes the next morning that she has bought an actual lighthouse in Cornwall.
Even if the locals aren’t welcoming her with open arms, she is determined to turn the lighthouse into a home, despite it needing more fixing up than expected.
With the help of local handyman Clem, she starts to turn the place for the better. And it’s not only the house itself that is starting to make Meredith more at home.
But when Clem’s secret is out, will their bond be already strong enough?  

I have not read all the books this author has written, but what I have read always put a smile on my face. So when I started to read this new story, I was both anxiously curious to see if this one would have the same effect on my mood. 

At first I wasn’t that sure, as our lovely main character Meredith is a bit older than myself and we didn’t have that much in common.
However, me of little faith! It’s not because a character doesn’t have a lot in common that I cannot enjoy getting to know her better! 

I felt sorry for Meredith on several levels. Her job wasn’t the most exciting one, her mother won’t ever win any awards for her parenting.
However, even if Meredith may not have an exhilarating life, she has a best friend that supports her in every way, even if their relationship is one that you need to get used to at the start 😊. 

Not being a big drinker myself (I can hardly digest two glasses of wine, so that you get an idea of my drinking abilities), I was a bit flabbergasted to read that Meredith managed to buy not just a house, but an actual lighthouse after an evening of drinking!
Yet I also admired her as she didn’t pull back, but saw it more as some kind of sign to take that step and start all over again. 

However, what I liked the most about Meredith is her actual behaviour. Yes yes, rather quickly she clashes with a local over a parking spot. But after this episode we see how she keeps on keeping her head high. No matter how obnoxious or even rude people are, she is killing them all with kindness! And that for sure put several smiles on my face, reading how those unkind people didn’t know how to respond! Even at moments where I wouldn’t be able to keep my calm, she keeps on giving the benefit of the doubt, even if she feels that things don’t match up. 

It truly warmed my heart to see how Meredith makes efforts all around, to people she has barely met, just out of the kindness of her heart (even if she claims it’s also for her own benefit).
And reading how she and Clem, despite their initial clashing, slowly and unintentionally are growing closer, was one of the sweetest things!
Seeing the both of them together, at ease with each other, trusting each other gave me many ‘aaaaw’ moments. 

Obviously there has to be some kind of struggle somewhere in this story, and while many things point into a certain direction, I knew immediately, without any doubt that things would turn out to be completely different than the author wants to make us believe for a moment. 

This book for sure was easy and truly enjoyable to read. The author shows us that not only it’s never to start all over again, but also that we can find a place to call home in the weirdest places, even in a lighthouse.
We also see that kindness will get rewarded, and that it will be the thing that will make people like you and allow you into their close community.
And that love doesn’t look at age or at age difference, but at who is right for you. And you can have an inkling at who that is, by seeing the efforts they are ready to put while moving into a lighthouse!

Looking for answers in Venice, finding so much more

Synopsis

A bundle of mysterious letters. A trip to Venice. A journey she’ll never forget.

When Luna loses her beloved mother, she’s bereft: her mother was her only family, and without her Luna feels rootless. Then the chance discovery of a collection of letters in her mother’s belongings sends her on an unexpected journey.

Following a clue in the letters, Luna packs her bags and heads to Venice, to a gorgeous but faded bookshop overlooking the canals, hoping to uncover the truth about her mother’s mysterious past.

Will Luna find the answers she’s looking for – and finally find the place she belongs?

My review

Luna and her mother have always been very close. They explored the world together, following their wanderlust.
So when Luna loses her mother, it’s obvious that she is at loss without her rock.
However, when Luna is going through her mother’s belongings, she finds a collection of letters, revealing a past of her mother Luna didn’t know about.
Those letters lead her to Venice, where a little bookshop is located and where Luna hopes to find an answer to all her questions. And perhaps Luna will find more than that… 

Obviously, I am always a bit prejudiced when a story takes place in Italy. Obviously it’s going to be an amazing story!
However, a story taking place in Venice… I have been in Venice several times and it’s just not my favourite city…
I understand the allure but it’s not just my cup of tea. Yet the premise of this story sounded very good, thus I put my own feelings towards the city aside and started to read about Luna’s journey. 

While the story itself was a good one, a young woman who just lost her mother makes some discoveries and it adamant to get answers to all her questions, I found it a bit difficult to feel really connected with Luna.
Was it because her own background differed so much from my own? Or because she seems to be the kind of woman who puts all her belief in her gut or reading the cards?
I cannot put my finger on what it exactly was, but throughout the whole book, I felt a small emotional distance between us. 

But that doesn’t take away that I truly did enjoy reading this book! Yes, there is the cliché of the Italian male population, but I didn’t mind it at all, on the contrary, Sebastiano’s behaviour was so over the top that it even became hilarious!
While even being an Italian, I wasn’t sorry to see Sebastiano leave the stage, and be replaced by a much better fit for Luna, being Oscar. 

The first encounter between Luna and Oscar is one by sheer coincidence, and at first I didn’t pay that much attention to it. So I was very delighted to read how Oscar would become a character of big importance. Not only for the development of the story itself, but also for Luna.  

I loved discovering together with Luna the bookshop, and finding not only Giancarlo but all the cats with their own features. And I admired how Luna, even not knowing if she could stay working at the place, had several great ideas to turn the bookshop into an alluring place to visit.
And seeing how Luna could always rely on her best friend Gigi to stand by her side, or as the people of her community were, are, and always will be only a phone call away, was really sweet.  

Of course Luna is there to find out more about her mother’s past. And while I could follow her reasoning, as a reader you know things won’t be as easy or simple as they may seem.
Once the truth was out, it saddened me to read what happened so many years ago. Yet it also made me happy to realize that perhaps Luna didn’t find what she thought she would, but it turned out to be exactly what she needed to find. 

After finishing this story, I was glad I kept an open mind about it. Just because something doesn’t seem to be my cup of tea, doesn’t mean I cannot enjoy it.
Luna’s journey was one where we learn that we don’t always know everything of those who we love the most. But also that we can find that missing link in our lives, even if it’s not the exact link we were looking for.