Some Inns feel more like a home than an actual Inn…

Synopsis

Welcome back to the Inglenook Inn, your home away from home.

Rupert has been the chef at the Inglenook Inn for years. He loves working at the boutique hotel, crafting exquisite meals and fantastic desserts for each and every guest. When his boss, who is practically family, has to rush away to take care of her daughter, Rupert has to step up and run the place. That would be challenge enough, but then his sister Natalie shows up, bringing a lot more than luggage.

Katy is out of a job and out of luck until she lands a temporary job at the Inglenook Inn. With her years of experience, helping to manage a hotel is a challenge she relishes. But there’s more drama under the roof than she expected and she’s worried her dad might be making a decision he’ll regret.

Rupert and Katy have their hands full, but there’s magic in the air at the Inglenook Inn, and as they work side by side they discover something new and unexpected.

Is it possible to fall in love in just a few short days?

My review

Rupert loves working as a chef at the Inglenook Inn. And even the owner of the boutique hotel feels more like family than his actual boss.
But when she is called away for an emergency, it’s Rupert’s task to step up and run the place.
Being only the chef was easy, but he cannot run the place on his own. So he hires Katy as a temporary help.
Katy is glad to have found the job, as she was out of one. She is not afraid to help out any way she can. And as the job comes with room and board, how can she resist. Especially now that she knows her father is taking an major decision that will change their lives.
But when unexpectedly Rupert’s sister Natalie shows up, it’s clear that managing the inn will be the easiest task of them all, as Katy and Rupert are uncovering several secrets. Secrets that may or may not break that strong bond that they built in only a short time span. 

I have always been charmed by boutique hotels. Of course, going to the bigger ones, you know that fewer things will go wrong, but you also know that you are just a client and a number.
While in an inn, it’s all more familiar, cosier and even if things happen to go a bit wrong, well, that’s part of the charm too, right? 

From the very start, I liked Rupert. He is not just a chef, cooking and not caring for the guests, but he truly tries to please everyone, and also looks after his boss, who he sees more as family. And isn’t it a wonderful thing, when the place you work, becomes a home far from home? I felt the love he has for the Inn, and I knew that when he started to take over the Inn when in need, that yes he would have struggles, but he would also do his best to make his boss proud.

It’s also very clear that he is a family man. Even if he is living far away from his parents and siblings, he would do anything for them. That is also made obvious when his youngest sister unexpectedly appears in the Inn.
His youngest sister who has caused many headaches in the family, but also the sister who need Rupert now more than ever.

Obviously it’s crystal-clear that her appearance will cause some trouble, and I found myself being very easy to judge her, when ‘seeing’ some things that Natalie was doing. But I was somehow glad that my first impression of Natalie was wrong, and when the truth came out, I even found myself a bit ashamed of my thoughts and I felt so sorry for her… Yes, Natalie’s behaviour made me dislike her, especially how she behaved towards Katy, but in the end, she redeemed herself and like I  said, everything made sense… 

Katy was the kind of character where you can easily see her pain. It’s been her and her dad for so long, and now that her dad is moving on, I could understand why Katy felt so at lost. Her only rock wasn’t only hers anymore…
And I agreed with her, that maybe going to stay at the Inn was the best thing, so that she could try to find the answer to her question of where her future would bring her. 

Katy is also the kind of person who gives people chance after chance. Which is obvious with Natalie on the scene. And Katy also won’t let her personal like or dislike interfere with her friendship with Rupert or her many tasks at the Inn. She prefers to keep the peace and quiet and not create a scene.
But the further in the story we also see a fragile, hurt Katy. I was a bit shocked at that revelation, but it also made me understand her behaviour better, especially at moments where gentle and kind Katy shows that some things can not just be covered by the cloak of love.
However, even in the most heated moments, Katy’s kindness and caring nature never truly leave her, making some of the most heart – warming bits of this story!  

I loved reading how quickly Rupert and Katy bond and become friends. While some friendships (and more) need a long time to be as strong as it is, sometimes the strongest feelings can arise in a short period.
But what I liked the most was that, yes there is some flirtation throughout the story, but the romance is such a slow build-up that when it finally happens, it gives the readers such a satisfied feeling of ‘FINALLY!
Rupert and Katy are first of all friends, helping out each other however they can. And it’s their kindness and passion for the case that makes their feeling progress into something more. 

But the thing that touched me the most, was the fact that people can surprise us in the best ways. Both Rupert and Katy learn this, as nothing is what it seemed to be, and that the people who maybe don’t appear as the most likeable, or appear as the people that are hurting us the most, can turn out the be the people that will heal all the hurt we have endured.
And yes, sometimes we just need a few days to find that someone special, who will make our heart beat a little bit faster…

A childhood crush, a broken heart, what will the future bring?

Synopsis

Dax Hartley has made flowers his entire life, just like his late father did.

When his dad’s old florist’s shop is up for sale, he has to have it. Only problem is, he’d need to sell a kidney to afford it. The reality show Battle of the Blossoms is the perfect opportunity to win the money he needs, but when his childhood crush blows back into his life, distractions risk taking his eyes off the prize. He needs his head and heart to start working together to ensure he doesn’t miss the opportunity of a lifetime.

Hollyn Matthews has made some colossal mistakes in life.

When she’s dumped just as she’s expecting an engagement ring, she knows she’s put her heart into the wrong man. Hoping for a second chance at being a grown-up, she moves home to stay with her brother and his best friend Dax, a boy whose memory faded as she ran away from her past. Facing the hurt she left behind means facing some home truths about herself, but there’s one boy who has always loved her, if only she’d take the time to notice him.

My review

Maybe Hollyn didn’t know what to feel exactly, but while she was expecting an engagement ring, being dumped was not what she thought the evening would bring.
She returns to stay with her brother River, licking her wounds and thinking what she will do with her future now.
However, River does not live on his own, as he shares an apartment with his best friend Dax. Dax, who used to have a major crush on Hollyn and is now trying to turn his dream into reality. He wants to follow in his father’s footsteps and open his own florist shop, the same place his father used to have his shop. But for being to do that, he participates in a reality show. And with Hollyn’s return, he finds himself easily distracted.
Returning back home means for Hollyn to also face all the hurt she has caused in the past…
All this is going on while she starts to realize that there is still one man who would do just anything for her…

I absolutely love romance stories, and sometimes even the most predictable stories can bring me so much happiness and fun.
And this story is a lovely, heart – warming one, that brought me even more joy and fun than I expected, while not being predictable at all!

It’s clear that Hollyn is a kind character, but I found her also a bit gullible at moments. There were several incidents, even in the past, that made me want to show her that her decisions weren’t the wisest ones.
But the more into the story I got, the more I saw that Hollyn is not gullible at all, but it was more a case of being gaslighted.
Seeing how her ex behaved towards her, only made me feel more sorry for her, and even made me question the faith we put in people who don’t deserve it.
And her not knowing what to feel with the prospect of the proposal, also shows us that the relationship she is in, isn’t the best kind…

But I found it great to see how Hollyn’s confidence starts to grow in this story, and how she realizes the mistakes she made in the past and how she tries to redeem herself.
It was also realistic that it takes time to forgive and forget, however, even in her case, her family will always be her biggest fan!

Now I have a very important question for the author… Where can I buy Dax for myself? Because he just threw all my perfect imaginary boyfriends through the window and he is my first choice now!
I don’t think there can be a kinder or gentler character!
In his younger years he may be seen as a geek, but what a marvellous specimen has he turned into!
Not only has his appearance turned for the better, but he also kept his kindness and caring nature. The way he welcomes Hollyn back home, with a bunch of lovely flowers, and keeps on being her rock, made my heart melt.
But I also laughed with his quirkiness and sense of humour. And his shirts made always put a smile on my face!

The story itself was so sweet on so many levels. We see how a teenage crush can evolve into something permanent and real, we see how a character finally sees what was in front of her all the time. And we see also how a forgotten deep friendship was able to have an impact not only in the past but also in the present.
Seeing how Hollyn and Dax are getting closer again was something wonderful to experience, and how they are being such a positive influence in each other’s lives.

And the humour also has a big importance in this marvellous book. I laughed how River sticks to his ‘bro code’, not seeing how useless it was.
But I liked the kind of brother he is. he is truly there for Hollyn, giving up his bed, but also giving her all the support she needs.

I have not talked about the participation of the reality show, but while it is important for Dax to realize his dreams, and these moments bring the main characters closer together, the show has its significant moments, but it’s not the connecting thread throughout the story.

I was positively surprised by this book and first acquaintance with this lovely author. I found myself totally invested in the story of Hollyn and Dax, with their chances at redemption, chasing dreams, and finding yourself and love.
What a wonderful, heart – warming, positive story!!!

A great cover and and intriguing story!

Synopsis

One hidden painting. Two women born centuries apart. A secret uncovered.

In 2019, Rachel is stuck in a rut when she discovers what appears to be a Canaletto painting in her grandmother’s loft along with a note addressed to Philippa in 1782. With help from Jake at the local art gallery, Rachel endeavours to find out if the painting is an original and uncovers a secret from the past.

In 1780, governess at Chipford Hall, Philippa is offered the role of mistress by Earl Rupert. She escapes to Venice as companion to bluestocking, Lady Cordelia who reveals a secret that changes both their lives. They do their best to keep the secret from Lady Cordelia’s social circle, but their nemesis is determined to reveal all and ruin them.

Pre-order Link: https://amzn.to/3ES3oGy

Publication Date: 7th March 2023

About the author

Anita Chapman enjoyed writing stories from a young age, and won a local writing competition when she was nine years old. Encouraged by this, she typed up a series of stories about a mouse on her mum’s typewriter and sent them to Ladybird. She received a polite rejection letter, her first.

Many of Anita’s summers growing up were spent with her family driving to Italy, and she went on to study French and Italian at university. As part of her degree, Anita lived in Siena for several months where she studied and au paired, and she spent a lot of time travelling around Italy in her twenties. 

Anita likes to read journals and diaries from the past, and one of her favourite pastimes is visiting art galleries and country houses. Her first published novel, The Venice Secret is inspired by her mother taking her to see the Canalettos at The National Gallery in London as a child. 

Since 2015, Anita has worked as a social media manager, training authors on social media, and helping to promote their books. She’s run several courses in London and York, and has worked as a tutor at Richmond and Hillcroft Adult Community College.

The cover!

Everyone needs their family…

Synopsis

Freya Halliwell is looking forward to marrying the man of her dreams and starting their new life together. After the death of both of her parents, Ollie, along with Freya’s aunt, are the only family she has, but all the family she needs.

Until Freya discovers a shocking secret that makes her question everything she thought she knew about her once happy family and especially the man she used to call dad. Devastated and feeling more alone than ever before, Freya needs time and space to come to terms with the news. But until then the wedding is off!

Seabreeze Farm is the perfect place for Freya to recover. But could this beautiful farm perched high on the cliffs, also hold the answer to Freya’s past and reunite her with the family she never even knew she’d been wishing for?

This book was previously published as Finding Dad.

My review

Freya Halliwell is looking forward to marry the love of her life, Ollie. After just recently having lost her mother, she is now ready to start her own family with Ollie, with the constant support of her aunt.
But one day her whole world falls apart as she discovers a secret that everyone hid from her. And now she questions everything she thought she knew about her parents. The cherry on top of the cake is when she finds Ollie in a restaurant with his best friend and the scene is too cosy for Freya’s liking.
With the wedding suddenly off, Freya needs a place to recover, so she decides to keep her reservation for the Seabreeze Farm, but only for her.
With the warm and compassionate welcome she receives from Ellie, Freya may also find the answers to all of her questions, and even find a bond that is normally only for families… 

It’s no secret how much enjoy reading each book this author writes. So I was a bit disappointed in myself when I realized that this was the second book in the series, and I haven’t read Book N. 1.
However, now I know which book I have to read next! And it isn’t mandatory having read the first book to truly enjoy this book. 

Freya is a character that gave me mixed feelings. Because I felt so sorry for her, as she is still grieving the loss of her mother, but I was also happy for her that she soon would be marrying Ollie.
I understood how shocked she was with her discovery and how she started to question just everything and everyone.
And then calling the wedding off, was perhaps understandable, but also an overreaction, as it was just on top of already a terrible day for Freya, especially as we have seen how understanding and loving Ollie has been before.
I just couldn’t put those two versions of Ollie together, I just couldn’t see Ollie being that kind of guy. 

But this story isn’t about Freya and Ollie, it’s about Freya and her search for family.
I can only try to understand how Freya feels, as the man she loved dearly turns out not to be her biological father.
However, I can understand her desire to find her biological father, as Freya has obviously questions to ask him. 

From the start, it’s crystal-clear that Seabreeze Farm is a wonderful place, with amazing people. The way not only Ellie, but her whole family welcomes fragile Freya, and help her in anyway, warmed my heart.
All their kindness are a real help for Freya, to overcome all her pain and hurt. They don’t judge her perhaps rash decisions, but stand by her side every step of the way. And even if not knowing all the details they are absolutely in her corner.
What a wonderful place, makes me wish to book my own stay there! 

While Freya is going through a very difficult time, the warmth and the love turns this book into a marvellous story.
The author shows her readers that family isn’t only about sharing the same DNA, as Freya absolutely adored her father and vice versa. But also how at ease Freya feels with people she just met. Sometimes you don’t need to know people for a long time to feel a strong connection with. And the revelation of who Freya’s biological father is, shows us again that that kind of connection tells us more than DNA. 

I also loved how the author shows us that the people that truly love us, unconditionally, are able to see the pain we are feeling. And that love will survive everything, and that those who matter, can forgive us for decisions made in the wrong state of mind. 

I had very high expectations for this story, and I can say without an inch of a doubt that the author fulfilled each expectation, even surpassed them and made me fall in love with amazing characters in a magnificent setting. And I have the certainty that this series will turn out to be a spectacular one, filled with laughs, joy, hope and love!

One cottage, so many questions…

Synopsis

When Leonie Baxter finds herself out of a job and out of a relationship, she’s at her wits end. Her life has just been turned upside down and she needs a plan, fast.

By chance, on a walk with her rescue puppy, Leonie stumbles across a striking house in the woods; fully furnished but unoccupied. As a journalist, she is determined to find out more, after all, reporting is in her nature.

But her attempts are thwarted by Lily Cruickshank who lives in the cottage next door. Why won’t Lily help Leonie? And who is the mysterious Flynn Talbot, whose letter Leonie finds inside the house?

And in uncovering the secrets of the abandoned house, will Leonie open her own heart and let love back into her life?

The brand new escapist story from the bestselling author of A Secret Scottish Escape and A Scottish Highland Surprise, for fans of Jo Thomas, Trisha Ashley and Cathy Bramley.

My review

Journalist Leonie Baxter enjoys working for the local newspaper. But with the paper is taken over and will be a joint paper with another town, there is no longer place for Leonie.
While walking to clear her mind with her puppy in the woods, she comes across an abandoned yet wonderful cottage. Her journalistic interest is piqued, even if she is chased away by the neighbour next door, Lily Cruickshank.
However, when her new, yet not as she expected, job brings her back to the cottage, Leonie finds a letter addressed to Lily, from a Flynn Talbot.
Who is Flynn Talbot and why did he write Lily? And why is the cottage in the state it is in? These are just a few questions Leonie asks herself, yet she is determined to get them all answered, while struggling with her new job… 

Before I started reading this book, I thought I knew what kind of story this would be: woman finds an empty cottage, is intrigued by it, wants to know more, meanwhile meets a man, falls in love, discovers the mystery and lives happily ever after.
There is absolutely nothing wrong with is, as I enjoy reading these kind of stories.
And as I know this author, I was ready for being wrapped in a warm blanket filled with love and a tiny mystery.
But… the story took me by surprise and even turned out to be better than expected! 

I think we all have heard about journalists have no scruples, ready to find a story anywhere. But Leonie was the total opposite.
I liked it how she was this caring character, putting importance to each promise she makes. And when her promise gets broken, we can feel her agony of not sticking to her word and having hurt those concerned. 

Also the way she is honestly caring about Lily, despite Lily being not the most kind person around, gives us a clear idea of who Leonie truly is. It would be so easy to just walk away and forget about Lily, the cottage and the letter. But that is not who Leonie is. And she does not do it because of the story she could get out of it, but because she truly cares. 

But also the things she does to make her new job work, made me like her even more. She has now a job that couldn’t be more far away from the persona she is, and even after discovering who got the job she wanted, didn’t turn her into a resentful person, going babbling about the discovery.
On the contrary, she sees the reality and is even offering a helping hand. If that isn’t proof that Leonie is the best kind of person, I don’t know what else you need to see! 

And the mystery about the cottage and Flynn Talbot… While Leonie is trying to find Flynn, I kind of knew that it wouldn’t be an easy task and the Flynn she found, wouldn’t be the letter writing Flynn.
But that only intrigued me more, as I wanted to discover the truth. I was a bit disappointed in the behaviour of ‘found Flynn’, and the way he treats Leonie. But also, I could understand his reservations and this story wouldn’t be so amazing if opinions would change the more time passed. 

For me, the focus of this story wasn’t about Leonie and wherever her relationship with Flynn would go, but it was more about the journey Leonie makes.
Because Leonie learns that life doesn’t always go as expected, and we find ourselves in positions we don’t want to be. But it’s important to always, in any circumstance to stay true to ourselves, and not take the easy way out.
We see how Leonie shows her kindness towards people, but also holds on to her own beliefs. She would never betray someone’s trust for just a story. But she also believes that love deserves a second chance, no matter how much time has passed. 

I loved reading every aspect of this book, the romance bits, the mysteries bits, the even sometimes – grasping – for – air bits. But most of all I loved the characters, as they show us all the possible feelings: love, hope, excitement, eagerness, disappointment, anger for injustice and sense of duty.
The author managed to put this all in one wonderful book, that made me feel all mushy on the inside, while also made me put on my own investigating hat, wanting to discover the truth.
And even if the importance of the setting being in the Highlands wasn’t that much of an importance, with it being in the Highlands, it added that extra sparkle!

Will two friends be able to find also love with the help of London’s Hell?

Synopsis

GAMING HELL CHRISTMAS – VOLUME 2: Mysteries abound at London’s most fashionable Hell.

The Thief Who Stole Christmas – Amanda McCabe
A man who has never broken the rules, and a woman who just might break his heart! But Christmas is always a time for second chances…

As one of Miss Greensley’s Girls, a member of the exclusive club la Sous Rose, and famous author Lady L, Victoria Lanford moves easily through Society ballrooms. Few people know how her unhappy childhood and anxiety led her to pickpocketing (yet, she did return the jewels)! When she comes face-to-face with old flame Rhys Neville, Earl of Hammond, she knows the kind-hearted, straight-laced, devilishly handsome lord is not for her—especially once the past comes back to haunt them. Why, then, can’t she stop thinking about their kisses?

The Kerse Who Saved Christmas – Kathy L Wheeler
Kerse: He, of the no nonsense approach, is stymied by She, a woman considered long past prime marriageability who needs a keeper more than he requires a wife. Yet the dreamy-eyed, impractical, and much too optimistic Philomena still manages to steal his heart despite her unrealistic beliefs and trust in fortune tellers.

My review

The Thief Who Stole Christmas – Amanda McCabe 

Victoria Lanford didn’t have a happy childhood, but that changed the moment she became one of Miss Greensley’s Girls. Now she moves easily through Society ballrooms with her best friends, even if sometimes it’s hard to resist old habits like pickpocketing (even if in the end she returns it all). That old habit and her past come back haunting her even more especially when Rhys Neville, Earl of Hammond, her old friend and flame.
While Tori keeps trying to not look back at that past, why does the handsome and kind Earl keep coming back and even share a few unforgettable kisses with her? 

The Kerse Who Saved Christmas – Kathy L Wheeler 

Philomena enjoys spending her time with books and searching for answers with fortune tellers. And being seen as a woman ‘too old’ to get married, she also believes that she will remain unmarried. But then she meets Kerse… man who keeps triggering her, even claiming that the world is round!
Despite her own beliefs, Kerse is falling for Phil quickly and hard. So can Kerse convince Phil to marry him? Or will her fortune teller be right in stating that a man will ruin her? 

I have read Volume 1, but it is not mandatory to have read that part before you start reading Volume 2. Although it would help to understand the bond between the young women better. 

Just like the previous book, I enjoyed how some events where taking place at the same time, but we were able to see them through the eyes of each main character, and how each woman would percept the same thing a bit differently. 

Perhaps I have a small preference towards Tori’s story, as I always enjoy it when an old flame returns and there may be a second chance at love.
And maybe it was a bit more difficult to be aligned with Phil more, as she was not accepting the fact the world is round, while we know for a fact that it is. Perhaps the being in different era was a too large gap for me in this case?
And also her being a little bit too trusty and gullible towards fortune tellers, made my preference go towards Tori. 

But that doesn’t mean that I didn’t enjoy reading the second story!
Because even if Phil was in some cases a bit gullible, both women are strong and independent women. They have a strong bond between each other and their other friends, and show an immense support no matter what. 

Spending years together has made them more real sisters than those that actual are. And that bond was beautiful to read about. 

Of course I had a few laughs, reading how some other old habits are hard to die!

The concept of Gaming Hell was something I discovered through these books, and while in this volume the importance of such an establishment is not that big, it still is a common tread through the volumes.
But the actual theme, which I truly enjoyed reading, is how these women, with each their own demons, unexpectedly find what they didn’t know what they were searching for, even at moments still in denial. And seeing how even if they tried very hard to resist, they understand and feel the power of love.

Don’t we all like Vikings?

Synopsis

Her forbidden love is back to claim her!

Once Lady Rebekah shared a life changing night with stable hand Raeden but he disappeared the morning after. Now she’s consort to a cruel Saxon Lord, and when Northmen lay siege to Ryestone Keep, Rebekah’s shocked to see Raeden leading the charge! This Viking warrior is not the man she remembers, yet she finds herself drawn to him again. Taken as his hostage, Rebekah must decide: can she trust him with her life…and her dangerous secret?

Purchase Links 

https://www.millsandboon.co.uk/products/hqnsingle-07248001

https://www.harlequin.com/search.html?w=sarah+rodi

Or pre-order from Amazon, out 22nd December

https://www.amazon.co.uk/One-Night-Her-Viking-Warrior/dp/0263302083

https://www.amazon.com/Night-Viking-Warrior-Mills-Historical-ebook/dp/B0B1Z8C1HP/

About the author

Sarah Rodi has always been a hopeless romantic. She grew up watching old, romantic movies recommended by her grandad, or devouring love stories from the local library. Sarah lives in the village of Cookham in Berkshire, where she enjoys walking along the River Thames with her husband, her two daughters and their dog. She has been a magazine journalist for over 20 years, but it has been her lifelong dream to write romance for Mills & Boon. Sarah believes everyone deserves to find their happy ever after.

You can contact her via @sarahrodiedits or sarahrodiedits@gmail.com. Or visit her website at sarahrodi.com

Social Media Links – @sarahrodiedits www.sarahrodi.com

Follow Sara Rodi on Twitter – https://twitter.com/sarahrodiedits

Can this Christmas bring back the missing festive feelings?

Synopsis

It’s the most magical time of the year! Will Brogan and Nick find the happiness they crave so they can celebrate the festive season?

Christmas has always been a special time for Brogan, especially since her move to her grandparents’ smallholding. Set near the picturesque village of Lytell Stangdale in the middle of the North Yorkshire Moors, it’s an idyllic location. But with the loss of her beloved grandparents still raw, she’s struggling to find her festive spirit.

Talked into going to a wedding by her friends, Brogan finds herself sitting next to a rather handsome stranger. Thinking she’ll never seen him again, she dusts off her flirting skills and lets her fun-loving side loose.

Newly single Nick Heuston was dreading going to his friend’s wedding. But a chance encounter with a woman with captivating green and eyes makes him think otherwise. He’s gutted when she disappears without leaving any way for him to contact her.

Telling himself he needs a break from relationships, Nick intends to focus all his attention on his job as a vet at a new practice. It proves easier said than done; he just can’t get Brogan out of his mind.

Meanwhile, Brogan’s been looking forward to starting her new job as a vet nurse at the new local practice.

On their first day at Danskelfe Veterinary Surgery, both are stunned when they come face-t0-face once more – something Nick seems very happy about, but Brogan’s not so sure.

Despite her reluctance, it would seem fate is keen to push them together, and Brogan finds her feelings for Nick growing. As for Nick, the more he gets to know Brogan, the more he finds himself falling for her.

Just when their romance looks ready to bloom, something or someone seems to get in its way.

Will Christmas work its magic? Or are Brogan and Nick destined to be nothing more than a brief encounter?

Why not join Brogan and Nick, together with their canine companions Wilf and Maudie – and all the familiar Life on the Moors characters – for a heartwarming, festive trip to the moors?

My review

Brogan always enjoyed Christmas time, especially since she shared it with her beloved grandparents. But as losing them still hurts too much, Brogan is struggling with finding her Christmas spirit…
At a wedding she reluctantly attended, she find herself sitting next to a handsome stranger. And while sparks fly around, brogan decides to have some fun, knowing she will never see this man again.
But when she starts her new job as a vet nurse at the new local practice, she is stunned to discover that the new vet is the man she thought never seeing again.
Brogan is shocked at this discovery, while Nick is very happy to meet the woman again he cannot et out of his mind, even if she disappeared in the middle of the night.
Is this serendipity at its best and will Brogan and Nick have a chance for truly falling for each other? or will that one special night be the first and last of them being together? 

Returning to Lytell Stangdale is always a great joy for me. Add the Christmas spirit and I knew before reading just one word that the author will have managed to write another marvellous story! 

From the very first chapters, I felt like I knew Brogan my whole life and that she was a close friend of mine. Even if the way she got her heartbreak a few years ago clearly caused her doubting herself, it’s obvious to anyone what a kind, gentle, altruistic and loving person Brogan is.
And seeing how she is still grieving over the loss of her grandparents, wanted me to give her a big, comforting hug.
But I could see that my hug would not be needed, as she has her friends around her, understanding her pain, and lovely Wilf, ready for cuddling his owner whenever she needs it. 

Despite acting out of character, I was happy when she met Nick and had that one magnificent night. And her sneaking out of the room without even saying goodbye was frustrating as a reader, but also understandable. Frustrating because we know beforehand that Nick is a great guy, but understandable because Brogan obviously doesn’t know that… 

And now that you know Brogan… is there a man more perfect than Nick?
Of course he has his own heartbreak, and it saddened me to see despite his efforts to move on, how annoying his ex was still behaving… It made me wonder what Nick ever saw in that woman…
But obviously Nick has a too gentle character to put people in their place. No only his ex, but also the owners of the place he is renting.
Oh God, just thinking about that dump is giving me back the shivers!
And I always think the way a person treats an animal, shows a lot of his character. And seeing not only Nick being a calm and kind vet, but also his love for Maudie, told me more than enough!  

It’s not a big surprise that I had so much fun when both main characters discovered they were working at the same place. And seeing the joy on Nick’s face (or at least, imagining it), made my heart melt, while I laughed at Brogan being flabbergasted! 

I loved reading how Brogan and Nick, sometimes by accident and sometimes not, are spending time together and are getting to know each other for the person they really are, and using that one night as a standard. And that was truly lovely, because I can honestly believe that even without that one night, these two would get together anyway. Just because of who they are and because they deserve to be loved by a kindred spirit. Even if it took a frustratingly long time! 😊   

The kindness in this book also sparks from each page, and not only the kindness of our main characters. Because each inhabitant of this wonderful community look after each other, offer a helping hand. Lytell Stangdale is truly a place I would want to live myself. Especially as many characters already previously stole a piece of my heart (and it was wonderful to see them again!). 

There is also a bit of a mystery, but for me the revelation didn’t come as a total surprise. I figured it out really quickly what that van doing lurking around each corner. But the climax of it was exciting but also hilarious in many aspects! I was glad I wasn’t in public while I came to those bits, because I just laughed so hard! 

This was again a marvellous story by an amazing, very talented author. She captivates perfectly the wonderful characters of Brogan and Nick, showing that despite heartbreak, people keep on showing their kindness and love to even strangers.
I found this a heart – warming, perfect winter romance, about two people who deserve the world, even if they found the spotlight stolen by two fluffy characters named Wilf and Maudie. If the author may ever need inspiration for another kind of story, why not write a dog love story? Because I am sure that there is a lot of potential there! 😊

Can two best friends become more, despite the demons of their pasts?

Synopsis

Will this Christmas…

Change their lives again?

When self-made gentleman Freddie Walton rescued penniless Philomena Nichols at Christmas eight years ago, he never imagined that he would build his empire with her. Yet whilst they have created a life together as friends, Freddie can’t let their special connection become more than that. Not when his dangerous past continues to haunt him… But what happens when Freddie’s feelings for Philomena also refuse to stay hidden?

My review

Freddie Walton was able to turn his life around and has now become a self – made gentleman. Although he has to admit that his empire wouldn’t be what it is now if it weren’t for Philomena. Mena, who has been rescued by Freddie eight years ago, and since then have been best friends.
But despite his own feelings, Freddie won’t allow their bond to become more, as his dark past continues to haunt him. And Mena, believing that Freddie deserves so much more than ‘mere Mena’, is trying to hide her feelings too, as she doesn’t want to lose her best friend.
However, how long can those feelings remain hidden? And what happens when the pull becomes too strong to resist? 

I always have a weakness for stories where best friends stat to develop deeper feelings. So when I started to read, I was looking forward to read the bits where the main characters would FINALLY stop fighting those feelings. 

But… that took a very long, frustrating time! And while I understood where the both of them were coming from, I just wanted to knock some sense in both their heads! Couldn’t they just see how perfect they are for each other! Stop being so stubborn and afraid!!! 

I loved that both Freddie and Mena has come from far away, as their pasts are both rather dark ones. Freddie is still haunted by his Uncle, while it takes a very long time for the readers to discover the exact depth of it. That made it a bit difficult to exactly understand his motivations of keeping Mena at distance.
But on the other hand, I also liked him as he is very protective of Mena. He would do anything to protect her from any harm. 

The first sight we have of Mena is a rather dishevelled one. So seeing her after eight years, and seeing how much she has changed, learnt and matured, shows us that with the right help you can turn your life around.
I admired Mena also for her entrepreneurship. She wants to pay the kindness she received years ago back, by offering help on her own way. She understands how lucky she was, and it was sweet to see how she wants other people who weren’t that lucky, to have that same chance. 

The gothic part of this romance got a bit lost on me, as yes there were dome darker moments, but I wouldn’t describe them as ‘gothic’, but that can be a matter of interpretation. 

This book shows us that despite our feelings, sometimes fear can hold us back to act upon them. Fear of losing those we love, fear of feelings not being reciprocated, fear of a past that may hurt those we love.
But when love is in the equation, we shouldn’t let fear rule over these emotions. Because loving the right person, and being loved by the right person, means that the past doesn’t matter and the only thing that does is being together with your loved one, despite what society may think.

How lives can change between Christmases

Synopsis

‘I hope this Christmas is better than last year’s.’

Following a scandalous affair, wayward Emma Devaney is sent in disgrace from her home in Ireland to Ryhope, where she will live with her widowed aunt, Bessie Brogan, and help run her pub. Bessie is kind but firm, and at first Emma rebels against her lack of freedom. Struggling to fit in, she turns to the wrong person for comfort, and becomes pregnant.

Accepting she must embrace her new life for the sake of her baby, Emma pours her energy into making the pub thrive and helping heal the fractured relationship between Bessie and her daughters. She catches the attention of Robert, a gruff but sincere farmer, who means to win her heart.

As December approaches, thankful for the home and acceptance she’s found, Emma is determined to bring not just her family, but the whole Ryhope community, together to celebrate – and to make one very special mother’s Christmas dreams come true.

My review

Emma Devaney has been sent away after a scandal to her aunt Bessie in Ryhope. While life in Ryhope is different from her life in Ireland, Emma also realizes that many thing are just the same, and not all in a good way.
Initially Emma rebels against her refrained freedom, even if her aunt Bessie shows her kindness, letting her work in the pub, but also firmness.
However, slowly Emma sees the quicker she embraces her new life, the quicker she may even find her own happiness. That is, until she discovers that her last rebellious act came with consequences. And now she is more than ever determined to bring her new family together and even bring the community of Ryhope closer. 

While I enjoyed reading this book, I found it a pity that the blurb of the book and its title gave away a lot of the plot.
Because even if the blurb does tell in fact what happens in the book, I found it not putting the focus on the right things, even spoiling a bit the discovery of Emma’s tale. 

At the start from this book, Emma is seen as a scandalous young woman. And it could have been easy to just go along with the prejudice, reading how Emma found herself in that situation, I found it not fair that she has been put to blame for everything. Because even if what happened was wrong, there were two persons involved… 

I also found Emma’s mother a bit cold. Of course, Emma is not being the easiest daughter, but the easiness which she is being sent away made me also angry… because again, Emma is not the only one to blame. 

Emma’s trip to Ryhope doesn’t go smoothly, causing her arrive to cause again a stir. And it saddened me to see Emma being judged again while she wasn’t at fault at all. Shows again how quickly people have their prejudice ready, without even looking for the truth. And I understood Emma’s behaviour, as everyone saw her being ‘evil’, why would she try to be nice and a good girl? 

Yet I absolutely liked Bessie… she is still heart – broken after losing her beloved husband, but she welcomes Emma in her home and pub, and she doesn’t take note from what people say and is the only person who sees Emma for who Emma truly is. 

Seeing how Emma slowly adapt in her new life, and even matures, made me feel proud of her. She came from a rather dark place, but due her stubbornness she is able to make positive changes not only in her own behaviour but also in the lives of her new found family.
While it may seem at moments that she is a proud woman, as a reader we see very clear that it is not pride that Emma is showing but just not taking nonsense.
And Emma is also not that proud to admit her mistakes and apologies for her behaviour.  

With Robert, a farmer, she starts off with the wrong foot, and they clash several times, but Emma also sees how kind and gentle he is, especially towards Bessie. And she sees how wrong she was in her perception of him.
Robert, who proves to be more of a gentleman than his farmer – state would make you think… 

This book shows us that in a year, so many things can change, and that people can mature easily, having the right mindset. It was lovely to see how Emma changed from a rebel into a young woman with responsibilities and into a loving caring woman, who uses her own strengths for the benefit of her family.
A story set in the past, but also showing in the present that it’s never too late to change and turn your life around for the much better, even against all odds.