Will Clara get all what she wishes for?

Synopsis

With her new-found happiness unexpectedly crushed, Clara is struggling to move forward. It’s hard – especially with step-sister Lois bouncing around the place with joy and making all sorts of plans for the future. And when the household is shocked by a mysterious break-in and a neighbour makes a shocking accusation, Clara finds herself in an impossible position. It’s a situation that threatens to destroy her blossoming romance almost before it’s begun . . .

My review

Clara is trying to forget her feelings for Rory, as he is still dating her stepsister Lois. But seeing Lois making future plans with Rory isn’t the only issue Clara is facing… Clara is worried about the operation her Gran has to go through, and when a break – in at her home is linked with her stepmother, it seems like Pandora’s Box has been opened. And what about her relationship Shaun, will it bloom to something further? 

You know what I really dislike about reding a book that is part of a series? I have to show patience that I just don’t have…
With this second part, I was hoping that things would start to go better for Clara. And while after Book 1 I was sad that she didn’t get her man in the end, I was at least hoping that her new relationship with Shaun would proof her that there are plenty of great men around. 

However, Rosie Green did an amazing job in disappointing me… Now Rosie, don’t panic, take a deep breath…
My heart was set on a story filled with happiness, love, and new chances. And what did I get? Even more drama, more secrets, more heartbreak.
It’s obvious that a lot has to happen, otherwise we wouldn’t need a third book. But can’t Clara have a break? 

It saddened me to see how Clara felt around Lois and Rory, especially when it’s crystal-clear that these two people just don’t fit together.
And reading how Rory just goes along with everything, and how far Lois would go to get things her way, really angered me… 

And then there is Irene’s behaviour, where things just seem to go a lot worse… 

Despite every setback, we see how Clara is reaching her boiling point. Yes she is a kind character and doesn’t want to hurt anyone, but enough is enough. And she takes matter in own hands for the sake of her little brother.
And that is something that I admired in her, because it’s not easy to stand against your own family. 

With that determination, there are several shocking revelations made. And while they were heart – breaking, it also made it possible for the characters who I didn’t like for the full 100%, to redeem themselves. These revelations showed me that their actions were a reaction to past events.
And even the characters that seemed selfish, oblivious and uncaring, showed another side as they also were maturing along with and thanks to Clara. 

I loved seeing how Clara grew more and more, stood up for herself, but never losing herself. She kept on being that lovely character we met in Book 1, but also matured into a person who knows that Life can throw you several curveballs. 

And can I say that I just keep crossing for my fingers that in the end, even in the love – section she will get she always dreamed about? 

It may seem that I didn’t enjoy reading this book, but I absolutely did! My ‘anger’ of how things went, only shows how invested I was with Clara and her story. It is no lie when I say that I devoured this book and I am waiting patiently (or not so patiently…) for the last part of this series which I absolutely adore!

A ghostly return, but not from who you wanted…

Synopsis

When Beatrice Beaumont loses her husband, George, she finds herself raising their young daughter alone in the ancestral home, Ketton Hall, deep in the Suffolk countryside. With Christmas approaching and marking the first anniversary of George’s death, there’s nothing Bea wants more than to have him back again.

One night, she makes a wish for him to return and gets the shock of her life when a ghost appears. But it isn’t her George…

The Wrong Ghost is a delightful Christmas tale, full of warmth and charm, perfect for a dark winter’s night in a cosy, candle-lit room.

My review

Beatrice Beaumont lives with her young daughter alone in the ancestral home of Ketton Hall. She is still deeply grieving the loss of her husband George. Not only is Christmas approaching, but also the first anniversary of George’s death, making this period an extra difficult one…
When one night she wishes George to return, she never expected to have her wish granted… just not in the way she expected. Because a ghost named George truly appear, but it’s not her George…

I found this a delightful, heart – warming, hopeful novella to read. It seems so easy for this author to write compelling stories that makes your heart ache but at the same time make your heart melt.

The pain and grief Bea is feeling through the whole story is so palpable, especially as she lost her beloved George in such a terrible way…
I could only try to understand how difficult it was for her to move on, yet it’s clear she would move heaven and earth for her little girl, fighting her demons, those in her mind and real demons like George’s cousin.

I don’t live in a great, ancestral house myself, but if I were, I would feel intimated too, especially if just like Bea, it’s the home of the man you loved.
And her tale reminded me that in such grand houses the weirdest things can happen, even summoning ghosts!

Believing in ghosts is not something that I can say I do, but if ghosts truly exist, I hope they would all be like George!
Bea doesn’t know how she did it, but she summoned George from *somewhere*. And while it’s obvious she is frustrated it isn’t her own George, but one of his ancestors, maybe this other George is exactly what Bea needs…

It’s not that George is doing great, amazing things, but his presence and their talks, allow Bea to take baby steps allowing her to move on.
He is helpful in so many obvious and subtle ways. He helps her not only with the resolving the mystery of some old and precious jewellery, but having his shoulder to cry on, Bea is able to feel lighter.

Do you know when you truly enjoyed a novella? The moment you reach the end and you feel unsatisfied! This was such an amazing story, even if the end was bittersweet, and it was way too short! I fell in love with this tale, even starting to like to have ghosts in it, while often I find this a nogoer for me. The author shows us that no matter how broken, crushed our heart is, bit by bit it is possible to see silver linings again. And even me feeling unsatisfied after the end, I can see so much potential for a sequel, and even more?

Always trust your dog!

Synopsis

Elise Butler is a wildlife biologist who enjoys her stable (if somewhat predictable) job in finance at the World Wildlife Trust. However, when the veterinarian at Riverbend Animal Conservation Center goes missing, Elise offers to help the unlucky wildlife Conservation Center get back on its feet. Not only will the job in Riverbend, Indiana let her get back to her roots of working with animals, but it’s also a short drive from her sister’s workplace at Riverbend K-9 Academy, a training center for some of the FBI’s best explosive detection dogs.

FBI Special Agent Finn Cooper and his canine partner, Sedona, are chasing a well-funded animal trafficking ring. After an injury sidelines Finn from official FBI undercover work, he goes to work at Riverbend K-9 Academy to stay busy while he recovers…and to investigate his only remaining lead in the animal trafficking case.

Just as Elise begins to settle into life in Riverbend, her sister asks her to help the K-9 Academy by fostering one of their puppies. Finn is eager to keep Elise focused on training Zeke, the enthusiastic German shepherd puppy earmarked to become Riverbend’s first wildlife detection K-9, and keep her well away from his quiet animal trafficking investigation. Zeke quickly proves himself an expert both at chewing shoes and sniffing out clouded leopards. When Zeke starts finding scents where they don’t belong, Elise and Finn begin to realize that the Conservation Center may be more criminal than unlucky. And if Elise doesn’t keep her nose out of it, she might be the next target.

An Ear for Trouble is Book 2 in the Riverbend K-9 Series. All books in the Riverbend K-9 Series may be enjoyed as standalone novels or as a series.

My review

Elise Butler enjoys her job in finance at the World Wildlife Trust. But not only is she good with numbers, she also has a big heart for any kind of animal. So when her help is needed at Riverbend Animal Conservation Center, as the veterinarian has gone missing, she is happy to help the Center to get back on its feet, especially as now she can work more with the animals.
And this is also the perfect opportunity to see more of her sister Zoey, who works at Riverbend K-9 Academy.
Her sister, that asks her to foster one of the puppies, Zeke, where Elise does not hesitate one minute, especially when her new neighbour Finn Cooper is happy help training Zeke. Finn is a FBI Special Agent with canine partner Sedona, injured after chasing an animal trafficking ring, and now spending his recovery time at the K – 9 Academy.
But when a cub clouded leopard dies unexpectedly, both Elise and Finn start to realize that both their investigations are linked somehow…

While I have no pets myself, I consider myself an animal lover (and being on my own I don’t think it’s right to leave a pet all day alone in a small apartment – this just FYI…).
So having a second part of a series where dogs truly steals the show, how could I resist?

It’s also very obvious that Elise has an even bigger heart for animals. Even if she is working on the financial parts of Animal Centrums, she doesn’t hesitate to get her hands dirty (even literally speaking). And she doesn’t waste a breath for taking Zeke in…
Elise is a character so easy to like and relate to. She is just a young woman trying to find her place in the world, even had her own share of bad luck that at some moments still haunt her. And the fact that she at moments still feels anxious after having a burglar at her home, made me relate with her even more, as I had the some ‘lucky event’ a year ago.
Her gentle heart is also obvious, seeing her reaction when one of the cubs has passed away. her hurt is so obvious from just reading it…

Then there is her stubbornness.. that for sure made me laugh! Her stubbornness is something she shares with her sister, so when we have two characters not giving in… well, I for sure was curious to see who would win!
And that same stubbornness shows clearly with the interactions with Finn! But it was also sweet to see how at ease she feels with Finn and how alert she is whenever Finn thinks he is being subtle.

Obviously this is Elise’s love interest. And while it was great to see their bond grow, that was not the focus of this story.
The focus was on the animals, dogs and cubs clouded leopards. I already had a feeling that there would be so much more than the author shows us. And even if my suspicion were confirmed in every way, it left me with a bad taste in my mouth… Not because the story isn’t any good, but because unfortunately the fiction written here is also reality…
How people try to gain an own profit on the back of animals that cannot defend themselves…

Luckily for the animals in this story and for us readers, we have Zeke! Reading his fascination with shoes was hilarious, but I also felt proud of his own set of skills. Not only does he show how good animals are at sensing the emotions of their owners, but also how when trained well, they show how invaluable they are, as they ‘see’ what we ‘mere’ humans cannot see.

The author has clearly done her research, it shows how she describes the works of both Elise and Finn. The mystery (while not so very mysterious to me) still was an intriguing one, as I was eager to read how deep things were entwined.
And while Elise and Finn are the obvious main characters, determined to find out the truth themselves, the true hero in this book was Zeke, with his young eagerness and his expertise.  Obvious proof that a dog’s instinct are always right!

This was a great second book in a series, which can be read as a standalone. But having read the first book myself, I found it awesome to see how the previous main characters were doing and how they still had an important spot in this new story, without taking the spotlight away from Elise and Finn.
A spotlight that was truly well – deserved as I was rooting for them, not only for solving the mystery but also for getting closer to each other!

Because even the smallest of us need to understand things…

Synopsis

Doctoroo & the Case of the Red-Hot Hawaiians

Doctoroo (also known as Dr. Marsha Roo) and her team―Kirby Koala, Louie Llama, and Terence Toad― may live in Australia, but they travel all over the world solving medical mysteries. In Doctoroo & the Case of the Red-Hot Hawaiians, they fly to The Big Island of Hawaii, where red, hot and very itchy hula dancers are in danger of missing their Big Dance Festival. Will they have to skip the Festival, or will Doctoroo help them in time?

Doctoroo & the Case of the Hacking Hippo

Doctoroo (also known as Dr. Marsha Roo) and her team Kirby Koala, Louie Llama, and Terence Toad may live in Australia, but they travel the world solving medical mysteries. In Doctoroo & the Case of the Hacking Hippo,they are in Australia, where the famous opera singer Hilda Hippo has a gigantically germy coughing problem. Will Hilda keep coughing and miss her chance to sing for a very important person, or will Doctoroo and team solve her problem in time?

Doctoroo & the Case of the Hacking Hippo is part of the DOCTOROO series, which uses mystery, humor, and adventure to teach healthy habits to children ages 4 – 8.

For more info:

https://www.doctoroo.health/

About the author

Dr. Rachel Wellner is a Board-Certified general surgeon, a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons, and Society of Surgical Oncology-trained breast oncology surgeon. In addition to her MD and surgical training, Dr. Wellner earned a Masters in Public Health from Columbia University, reflecting her interest in global health.  Most recently, she founded a start-up called Caelum Diagnostic Solutions, Inc. with the goal to identify cancer edges intraoperatively. Prior to that, she was an Assistant Clinical Professor of Surgery at the Montefiore-Einstein Center for Care. 

She has also been Director of Breast Services at NYEE/Continuum Cancer Center, Pascal Valley Hospital, and Palisades General Hospital. Dr. Wellner graduated Magna Cum Laude and Phi Beta Kappa from Dartmouth College, earned her medical degree from the University of Connecticut and her Master’s degree in Public Health from Columbia University. She pursued her surgical training at The Mount Sinai School of Medicine and worked to establish clinical rotations in underserved regions of Nicaragua, Guatemala, India, and The Dominican Republic. She has been featured as a guest expert on several local and national news networks, including WPLX 11, Fox and Friends, and CNN.

To plan the perfect wedding with the most annoying best man…

Synopsis

Wedding planner Madeline lives in a picture-perfect thatched cottage, in a picture-perfect English country village.

There’s only one problem – dream cottages take a lot of work, and with a leaking roof, and not enough money to pay for it, what Maddie needs now is a big wedding to plan.

So she’s delighted when she takes on the wedding of Californian heiress Peyton, to all-round good guy Patrick.  She’s less delighted to find out that she’s going to have help – from the admittedly gorgeous, but equally maddening, tall, dark and handsome best man Lorcan.

The wedding is set to take place in a castle in rural Ireland, and so, in no time, Maddie and Lorcan are on their way to Ballalee. Life hasn’t always been easy for Maddie, and work has become her refuge. But soon the warmth and humour of Lorcan’s Irish family and friends start to chip away at Maddie’s walls. And as the big day approaches, it might be time for Maddie to focus less on her clients’ love life and more on her own…

My review

Maddie is a woman with a plan, actually with many plans. Everything in her life is planned into details, so that there is no room for unexpected and unwelcome surprises. And that works perfectly as she is a wedding planner. She is delighted with her working on the wedding of Californian heiress Peyton and her fiancé Patrick, especially as that pay check will allow her to fix the roof of her dream cottage. However, she is less happy when Peyton and Patrick both insist that Patrick’s best man Lorcan is going to help her every step in the way towards the ‘I Do’.
Of course Maddie doesn’t want Lorcan interferences, but as the wedding is taking place in Ballalee, Ireland, Maddie realizes that she needs his help more than imagined. And that is a problem, as Maddie’s walls start to crumble around gorgeous Lorcan and the warmth she receives from the Irish community… 

Shortest review ever… 

WOW!!! 

The End 

How much that would be enough said in my opinion, I also know that you want to know step by step what my thoughts were while reading so here is the official, more serious review… 

This book was just amazing in all its aspects. I loved how Maxine Morrey was able to keep me sitting on the edge of my seat, wishing (sometimes at loud) that the slow burning fire would FINALLY ignite. But I also ‘loved’ it how both main characters slowly crash the high walls around their hearts by just being forced to spend time together. 

When we meet Maddie for the first time, it’s crystal-clear that something happened in the past making her act the way she does. I also have everything written down, but that is more for me not forgetting anything, while in Maddie’s case it was more the case of avoiding the unexpected.  
And yes, it may work perfectly for her, at least she thinks so, but I also saw immediately how that was holding her back.
With the job she has, obviously that works perfectly, as planning a wedding isn’t an easy job. Yet no matter how difficult it is to plan this wedding, as it’s rather a last – minute job, everyone can see how passionate Maddie is about it. She wants it to be the best day for Peyton and Patrick…
I liked her for being so detailed about every bit, even going the extra lengths and have a back – up plan if something would go wrong. 

Yet she didn’t expect to be forced to join forces with Lorcan. Oooooh Lorcan… that man for sure made me like Irishmen even more than before! He is very easy on the eye, which is always a nice extra, and he makes things seem so easy. He has a solution for every issue and in some aspects he is also very humble. Yet in other aspects he is the greatest ego – tripper Maddie has ever met.  

And that made reading this book so hilariously funny! I ADORED reading their constant banter, yet also when needed their joined forces to make everything work.
This book is a VERY slow burning romance, as at moments it got me almost angry because I JUST WANTED THEM TO KISS!!!
But on the other hand, it also made it possible for both main characters and the readers to understand Maddie and Lorcan much better. The both of them have been hurt terribly, and it takes time to trust someone and to open up to them. And with the author taking her time for the sparks to finally fly around, it gives us also all the time to understand their emotions and feelings much better. 

I had so many emotions while reading, as the characters bickering around like little children had me laughing, the moments where we see the real Lorcan and Maddie made me swoon, anytime Bod was in the story I just heard the dripping of my melting heart (can I adopt Bod, please???). But I also had several facepalms when the wrong thing was being said, or when we clearly saw the walls rising all up again. 

Saying I loved this book from the first chapter until the epilogue wouldn’t do justice to this book, as it was even better than I expected it to be (and I had extremely high expectations). This book better come with a warning, as I found it impossible to just put it away… I read it every little free moment I had (and yes, toilet visits included…).
So when someone asks you to read this book, just say yes…

Is there anything better than a cover reveal? Yes there is, it’s a DOUBLE cover reveal!!!

Synopsis

A Scottish Country Escape

Escape to the Scottish Highlands with a brand new spring romance from bestselling author, Julie Shackman

*Julie Shackman’s brand new romance The Cottage in the Highlands is exclusively available on First Reads for November*

Determined to overcome a family tragedy, Elle Cassidy decides to reopen her late mother’s ailing newsagent as a stationery shop in the quiet Scottish town of Fir Haven.

But when the arrogant yet handsome crime writer Dexter Grayling almost runs over Elle in his beast of a sports car, the town is thrown into a tailspin – especially when Dexter claims that local resident Linda Carlucci has put a curse on him and he is no longer able to write.

Can Elle put aside her dislike for the self-absorbed writer and help Dexter uncover what is really going on with the Carlucci family? And in the process will Elle realise that there’s a lot more to her beloved Fir Haven than she first thought…

For fans of Donna Ashcroft, Jane Linfoot and Rachael Lucas.

Pre-order Links

UK – https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B0B9SK1DHM  

US – https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0B9SK1DHM

Publication Date: 16th March 2023

The Christmas Highland Lodge

The brand new Christmas romance filled with love and second-chances

Fall in love with the Christmas romance of the year, full of love and second chances!

Lottie Grant loves the festive season so much that she works at the incredibly successful Christmas shop, Christmas Crackers, in her pretty Scottish home town of Craig Brae. But when the shop is sold, her world is turned upside down, leaving her wondering what she will do next.

Just as she’s about to give up hope on finding a new dream job, an offer comes that she can’t refuse, managing a set of luxury wooden cabins… and opening just in time for Christmas!

As she gets to work decorating the cabins, and hanging lights on the fir trees, Lottie can’t believe her luck. That is until the arrival of Blake Dempster, a moody but handsome hiking expert, who threatens to bring down her festive joy. But never one to shy away from a challenge, Lottie is determined to change Blake’s mind about all things festive.

And as the snow falls and the fairy lights sparkle, will work-obsessed Lottie and frozen-hearted Blake make their Christmas wishes come true?

Pre-order Links

UK – https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B0BDBT59L4

US – https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0BDBT59L4

Publication Date: 20th October 2023

About the author

Julie Shackman is a former journalist from Scotland, who has always wanted to write feel-good romance. As well as being an author, Julie also writes verses and captions for greetings card companies. 

She admits to having an obsession with stationery and handbags and has an impressive pile of gorgeous To Be Read novels she is wading her way through.

She is married, has two sons and a Romanian rescue puppy, Cooper. A Scottish Country Escape and The Christmas Highland Lodge are Julie’s eighth and nineth novels respectively

Cover #1:

Cover #2:

Life never goes as expected…

Synopsis

With Jo’s future changed forever, it’s time to embrace a new chapter in her life. One which will take her away from her Cornish home and the ex-boyfriend who’s living the life which should have been theirs. 

But crossing paths with local surfer Ben before she leaves wasn’t part of the plan. Seven years ago Ben’s world was turned upside down, but could Jo be the one to make it right for him? When hidden truths threaten, Jo will have to fight for love and the life she’s really meant to live.

My review

Jo once thought she had it all, she loved her husband and they were both ready to start a wonderful family together. But Fate had other plans, and now Jo is ready to start a new chapter in her life, on her own. She is ready to leave her Cornish home and her ex who is living the life they should have together.
She didn’t expect that her taking surfing lessons, would let her meet Ben. With the both of them having world’s turned upside down, they understand the need of keeping things casual. However, they are for each other who makes them believe in love again.
But falling in love is the easiest part, as Jo quickly learns that she will have to fight for not only their love, but for so much more… 

Having read the previous book of this author, I was fully aware that I would be on an emotional rollercoaster. But even I was ready for it, it still got me completely… 

First of all, it broke my heart to see how Jo was trying to overcome her heartbreak. She deeply loved her husband, but their attempt on becoming a family and the news it wasn’t in store for her, put an end to their fairy-tale.
I am not a mother myself, but I hope that one day, after finding the right partner, I will have a lovely child myself. And I cannot imagine how it would crush me getting to know that I would never be able to put a tiny human on the world…
It broke my heart for Jo, because from the first chapters already, we see that she is a kind, lovely, caring person. Of course, if she weren’t, she wouldn’t be a nurse, caring deeply for her patients… 

I also comprehended why she wanted to get away from her home, because every corner, every place would remind her of what she has lost… 

It was lovely to see how Jo and Ben meet, even a bit hilarious to see how at ease they are with their banter. I could see how well – matched these two people are!
But also Ben didn’t have an easy life… His world completely changed seven years ago, and he still hasn’t been able to move along, especially as he is not on his own… 

The more Jo and Ben were together, even facing the distance, the more I wished to quickly reach the end… Not because I wanted the story to be over quickly, but because things fell into place for the both of them and I didn’t want to let anything happen to change it. 

But it did, in a way that was way too close to home for me… I am not going to explain what happened, but I can say that what Jo and Ben had to go through, reminded me of something that happened in my family too. And it reminded me that no matter how strong someone is, it will never be an easy journey. While reading those bits, I found myself in tears, for the injustice of it all.
And having Ben’s parents acting terribly the way they did, made my heart only boil even more! 

However, during these hardest bits, Jo showed such a strength, determination and will to stand by Ben’s side, no matter how difficult things got.
And it warmed my heart to see how Jo not only opened her heart to Ben, but found what she was missing in Poppy too… 

On a side note, it was also lovely to see some old friends again!

If you keep your eyes dry while reading this book, I can only applaud you. Because even just thinking about it, has me got teared up all over again. And while nearly the end, the author made me think the worse, I found this a wonderful story to read. It shows us that Life and Fate doesn’t give us the life we dream of, but gives us the life just right for us, giving us things in a way we didn’t expect, yet marvellous anyway…

A Panto is all you need…

Synopsis

Can a little Cornish village panto convince a troubled Hollywood heart throb to act again?

Oh no it won’t! At least that’s what Zach Broussard initially thinks when the eccentric Anna Teague tries to railroad him into helping out with her community pantomime production in the run-up to Christmas. Zach has his reasons for leaving Hollywood behind, and his retreat to the remote village of Polcarne in Cornwall signals the start of a new acting free life for him.

But when Zach meets Anna’s daughter, Rosey – an ex concert pianist who has swapped Mozart for panto tunes – he starts to wonder whether he could change his mind, and not just about acting.

If nothing else, will the residents of Polcarne ensure Zach has a Christmas he never forgets?

Oh yes they will!

My review

When Zach Broussard needs an escape from Hollywood, and the remote village of Polcarne in Cornwall gives him all the peace and quiet he needs. He cannot imagine to take back his acting, and in Polcarne he can finally think of what direction his life should take.
Gently pushed by Anna Teague, he finds himself helping out with the community pantomime production, where he meets Anna’s daughter Rosey. Rosey, who is a talented musician who has returned home after a failed marriage and has changed her tunes from Mozart into panto…
While neither of them are looking for something serious, just being together makes them both wonder if they have found something they weren’t even looking for… 

Angela Britnell has written another wonderful story, filled with Christmassy feelings and also letting me enjoy a British tradition I know about, but not enough and that all in a wonderful setting in Cornwall! Could my expectations be any higher? Nope… Did I get disappointed a little bit? Not at all! 

Zach and Rosey are at a different stage in their lives, both coping somehow with their grief.
Zach’s grief is still raw and painful, and his guilt is almost tearing him apart. So I completely understood why he needed to get away from those spotlights and needed to be at a place where no one would bother him.
While I understood his pain, it’s only further along in the story that his pain has a deeper cause. And it made me only want to jump in the book to give him all my love in the biggest hug possible.
However, there were also moments I wanted to jump into the book for total different reasons… and that is to blame to his behaving very stupidly!
But that is all part of his growth and trying to move on from a past that hurt him beyond… 

And meeting Rosey is the perfect medicine for him. Because Rosey knows how it feels to have a broken heart, although for a different reason and a different outcome. But while she is still not feeling the need to dive into another relationship, she is clearly already in a next phase.
However, being further along, doesn’t mean she is there yet… And that vulnerability and fragility was so palpable, no matter how hard she tries to keep up the façade… 

Seeing how these two people meet each other at the right time, even if it doesn’t seem so, truly warmed my heart.
There is obviously the physical attraction, but slowly the emotional attraction overshadows the physical one.  

Of course, reading this beautiful story caused me to laugh several times, how could it not with a character like Anna in it.
But there were also the sweetest moments, about a second chance at love. And maybe even as important as the romance between Rosey and Zach, the bond of a whole community.
Because there are moments that some characters behave despicable, and the community react in the right way. 

I absolutely devoured this heart – warming Christmas story about two lovely people who have both endured a terrible heart – break, but found each other and were able to put the pain behind them and look forward to a bright future together, perhaps not how they envisioned it once, but nevertheless magnificent!

A rebellion to be never forgotten

Synopsis

A country rebelling
It’s 1916 and, as war rages in Europe, Gráinne leaves her job in a department store to join Countess Markiewicz’s revolutionary efforts. It is a decision which will change her life forever. A rebellion is brewing, and as Dublin’s streets become a battleground, Gráinne soon discovers the personal cost of fighting for what you believe in…

A forgotten sacrifice
Decades on, student Nicky is recovering from a break-up when a research project leads her to her great-grandmother’s experiences in revolutionary Ireland. When Nicky finds a long-forgotten handkerchief amongst her great-grandmother’s things, it leads to the revelation of a heartbreakingstory of tragedy and courage, and those who sacrificed everything for their country.

Inspired by a heartbreaking true story, this emotional historical novel will sweep you away to the Emerald Isle. Perfect for fans of Jean Grainger, Sandy Taylor and Fiona Valpy.

My review

In 1998 Nicky is looking for inspiration for a research project. She wants to find something original and worth talking about. And even is her relationship with her parents is strained, as they (and specially her mother) sees her as a rebel, it’s the family past that gives Nicky the right subject.
Because it’s her own great – grandmother Gráinne that joined in 1916 the revolutions in Ireland. Gráinne left her job in a department store to join the cause, but also learns the hard lessons that during rebellions that fighting for what you believe comes at a high cost… 

I have to admit, that my knowledge of the Irish history is rather limited… Of course I am aware of the fact it was not an easy fight for Ireland to gain their independence. But ask me for any kind of details, years, important characters, and all I could come up with is the famous U2 song… 

So in this matter, this was a very enlightening book, as I learned something completely new, fascinating and inspiring, but also about the hardships and sacrifices. But also about growing up (too fast perhaps in Gráinne’s case), maturing and understand yourself and your family’s history better. 

Gráinne is a young woman in 1916 living in an Ireland that still is under British ruling. An Ireland that dreams of being independent and the Irish people trying to fight for their country.
I admired how Gráinne feels that becoming joins the revolutionary efforts, something I cowardly have to admit wouldn’t be sure to be as courageous as Gráinne…
While things are escalating to its climax, we see how Gráinne goes from a young, perhaps a bit gullible woman, and grows, matures into a woman who sees and understand the sacrifices a fight brings. I liked it how we see how she starts to question not the rebellion, but if the cost is all worth it… Especially if in the end, the goal is only achieved years later… 

Having read several books of this author, with dual timelines, it’s often that the main characters never meet in real life. So I found it a nice change to see how Gráinne and Nicky are related to each other. and not related in a far away, as Gráinne is Nicky’s great – grandmother. 

I found that Nicky is somehow also having her own, personal rebellion. She is finding her own path, breaking up with her boyfriend, starting something with someone total different, and finds it difficult to have an easy relationship with her parents.
Of course, both main characters are fighting for total different things, but somehow that rebellious streak is something they have in common. 

Since Nicky visited Gráinne, there is a change in Nicky. She starts to that the people who love her will always have her back, even if they don’t always understand each other.
And Nicky starts to appreciate the family she has, and should show her appreciation more.  

After finishing this book, I found myself browsing on the internet, eager to learn more about the Easter Rebellion. And I was a bit flabbergasted when I realized that some of the characters present in the story, were actual people who participated in the rebellion (again, only because of my own ignorance…).
And seeing how the author managed to blend reality with fiction, yet staying true to known facts, gave me goosebumps (in a good way). It’s easy to re-write a story of people with your imagination, but it’s harder to stick to the facts and let the readers get involved with the history. 

This story shows us that in the past many people made sacrifices to let us have the present we have now. And with remembering that past, with people we know, we get to see our sometimes own selfish ways, and the remembrance will let us mature and understand who we truly are.