Tizi’s Book Review

Not only a hotel in Turin in need of some love…

Synopsis

She needed a getaway. What she found was a home.

When Louise surprises her boyfriend by returning early from a work trip, safe to say she wasn’t expecting to see him in flagrante delicto with another woman. Heart-torn and vowing to stay away from men, when Louise’s next project involves restoring an ageing hotel in Italy, she leaps at the chance to get away.

Managed by a crew of sextagenarians, the Grand Hotel del Monferrato needs all the love and care Louise can give it. But it’s hard to stay focused on the job when her thoughts keep straying to Vito, the reclusive and mysterious neighbour.

With his tragic past and her no-romance policy, Louise knows they can’t have a future. Yet something keeps pulling the two together…

A beautiful romance set in the hills of Turin

My review

After returning early from a work trip, instead of surprising Louise’s boyfriend, it’s him who surprises her by being in bed with another woman.
Needing to be away, Louise grabs the opportunity to start a new project that involves restoring a hotel in Turin.
Despite its magnificent location on the hills, it’s obvious that Grand Hotel del Monferrato is everything except Grand, like the name would suggest.
With a crew being close to retirement age, it’s a real challenge to return the hotel to its previous prestige.
Another challenge appears to be not thinking about Vito, neighbour and former owner of the hotel. Even if he is being reclusive and mysterious, keeping everyone at distance, and Louise’s determination to stay away from men, the two of them seem being pulled together…

Returning to Italy with a book from this author, is always a pleasure for me. Am I biased because I am Italian? Yup… Do I care? Nope…

Louise gave me a bit of mixed feelings, to be honest. She is in a relationship, but her focus was more on her job, instead of her boyfriend. And while I absolutely condemn what Thomas did, cheating is NEVER okay, maybe it was something inevitable…
A relationship means both parties have to give and take, and having good communication. And that was something lacking.
And like the story will proof, their happy ever just wasn’t meant to be.

And is there a better place than Italy to get your thoughts and feelings back together? Of course not!
It broke a little bit my heart seeing how a hotel that once was grand, is now feeling the aches of time and lack of love and care of a real manager.
However, my heart warmed all over again, seeing how the crew did their best to keep the place running, even if it was not an easy task.

I liked Louise’s hands-on mentality, and desire to make the hotel shine again like before. Ad that is not only because it’s her job, but because she is falling in love with the place. If just everyone would show such dedication…

And the hotel gives her the best opportunity to do some thinking. She realizes that, even if she loves her job, she also wants to be part of a relationship. But how can she combine the two without giving up on either one of the things she wants?

While trying to answer those questions, I loved reading how Louise started to feel at home in Turin. And not only the people in the hotel welcome her, but also she feels at peace there.
Of course I also had a few laughs and frowns, because of Louise misinterpreting a certain situation, and the return of an old flame confusing her more. And then there is Vito…

Initially I didn’t like Vito that very much… when he wasn’t being invisible, he was being curt, even impolite maybe. Lucky for him, he had Leo, who made up for Vito’s lack of enthusiasm. At least Leo was always very ecstatic to see Louise! And to be clear, Leo is Vito’s dog.
But the more Vito appeared in the story, and when finally the reason behind his reclusiveness is revealed, so much made sense! And his tale broke my heart, as his love was so obvious, but I also wanted him to see the truth, rather sooner than later, for Louise’s interest!

Beside the story of Louise, the author managed again to take us on a wonderful journey in Italy. While there are many famous cities to see, Turin is maybe not that highly ranked amongst tourists. But while reading, I felt like I was feeling the fresh air Louise was breathing, almost feeling the ground under my feet myself.

This story is filled with wonderful sights, great new friends, heart-warming realizations, lots of mouth-watering food and an amazing journey of knowing yourself and daring to take a brand new challenge!

I thought it would be difficult for the author to fulfil my high expectations, as it is always difficult to write something as amazing as your previous books, which I adored. But shouldn’t I have learned by now and know this author better?

Can Love cope with what happened in the past?

Synopsis

Penny ran to London at the age of 19, wanting to forget her past. Her only link to it is her lovely Aunty Mags, the only person she trusts unconditionally.
No one of her friends, colleagues, or clients know who she once was. But having a best friend as Fi, dragging her to parties, being invisible or unnoticeable is impossible.
And it’s thanks to Fi and her poking around, that Penny meets Oli.
Oli, who dreams about making a difference in the world, and is trying to win a seat in the upcoming general elections. And Oli knows just after a few dates that Penny is his perfect woman.
But how longer can Penny’s secret be kept hidden? And what consequences will this have for the both of them, and Oli’s plans to be elected?

My review

When I am reading a book where there is a secret kept hidden, and the secret isn’t even known to the reader, I overuse my imagination and I think of the craziest things our main character could be hiding.

So even while Penny seems like a real nice person, not knowing what she did, kept me a bit suspicious.
But the better I knew Penny, and see her taking care of her clients, being a great friend, and a loving niece to her Aunty Mags, made me wonder if it truly was something that terrible that was in the past. 

Nevertheless, I truly enjoyed reading how Penny and Oli met, and even if the first date was fabricated, seeing how they just clicked, was marvellous.
Both Penny and Oli aren’t perfect, smooth characters, making them more real. The first date wasn’t a perfect one, and even later on, what they do or say isn’t the best thing to do or say.
But that is how things go in real life… we don’t meet the perfect person and everything goes smoothly.
Sometimes we need interference of a sister or a best friend, pushing us in the right direction, showing us what could be.
And no matter how long you know someone, when you know, you just know… 

Slowly the author lets us discover Penny’s past. And while I wasn’t completely flabbergasted by it (once we get into the flashbacks, it’s rather easy to discover what happened to Penny), I understood why Penny wanted to remain under the radar. 

This was indeed an amazing romantic story, but it shows us also how the past can scar us. Penny did the things she did because of her love for her father, and while she knows better, her love for him too big.
The other beautiful thing about this story is, is the reminder that second chances can be given. When the truth is out, obviously that affects Penny’s and Oli’s relationship. But is the past reason enough to throw away the beautiful relationship these two people have?

And once someone has paid for the made mistakes, can a restart really take place? And can broken relationships be healed? No matter how much the person that should be caring about us, hurt us, is it possible to slowly rebuild what has been broken? 

There are a lot of heavy topics addressed in this lovely book. And while the author doesn’t minimalize what happened, she surrounded them by so many lovely, funny bits filled with love, turning a perhaps darker story in a wonderful romantic tale about two people with their own burdens, finding each other and trusting in love again. 

This was my first encounter with this author, but if all her other stories are like this one, I am sure she quickly will find herself a new Belgian fan!

When two people at crossroads in their lives find each other

Synopsis

Bestselling author Alex Nelson is slowly coming apart at the seams after a failed marriage and an abrupt change in career leave him at a crossroads in life. When an unexpected opportunity arises to escape to the idyllic village of Mermaids Point, he’s hot on the heels of his brother, Tom, who has recently moved there. Buying a rundown bookshop might be just his latest harebrained scheme, but Alex has never been one to do things by halves.

After spending her early years caring for her mother, Ivy Fisher is finally ready to start living her own life. But when the impossibly charming, impossibly good-looking Alex Nelson swoops in and snatches her dream out from under her nose, it really is the last straw. Forced by circumstances to spend more time with him, Ivy finally gets a peak of the real man beneath the confident exterior, and she likes what she sees.

But just when things are starting to come together for them, Ivy is reminded why men can never be trusted. Is Alex who he says he is, or is he using Mermaids Point as nothing more than research fodder for his next bestseller?

My review

Having lost her mother, after years looking after her, Ivy Fisher can be finally living her own life. Looking after her mother wasn’t a sacrifice for Ivy, but now she can finally think what she wants to do. When her dream is snatched away from her, no matter how hard she tries, she cannot hate Alex Nelson… Because the more she gets to know Alex, the more she likes the person she sees, even if somehow he is still haunted by his failed marriage and a case of writer’s block.
And while Alex has bought the bookshop in Mermaids Point Ivy had her eyes set on, dire circumstances force them to spend time together.
But even when everything seems to fall together, with a shocking secret, will Ivy be able to learn to trust Alex, and men in general again? Or is once the trust is broken, it can never come back?

Now, when reading a book, I always imagine me walking alongside our main characters. And while I have read about beautiful places, not always I had the desire to live there myself.
But Mermaids Point is one of those places I truly wished I could be living in.

And if there is one character that should be used in a dictionary as example of unselfish, caring and loveable despite everything she went through, it surely is Ivy!
Not only was she amazing while taking care of her mother, but even growing up with a father that abandoned them, didn’t break her.
If you don’t like her, there is honestly something wrong with you!
And obviously, when her mother loses the fight she fought for so many years, Ivy is lost… What will she do now?
And to make things worse, while she (and also her mother) thought everything was taking care of, the devastating news that not everything is what it seems, makes things only worse!

What I liked about her even more, is that she makes the right decisions, even if it would be easy to hold a grudge over some people. And when the unthinkable happens (again…), she again shows her great heart and reaches out to the hurt party.

My heart literally melted when Alex showed up at Ivy’s mother’s funeral, offering his services as shoulder – to – cry – on, tissue – supplier, shutting – people – out’er etc.
He knew what Ivy needed the most, and just was there, even if they don’t know each other that well.
While I understood why he keeps his career and his accomplishment a secret, especially as his book wasn’t a very nice one, I knew that when it would come out, it would result as a disaster.
But I understood that he wants Mermaids Point, and especially Ivy, to see him as the man he is now, and not the broken man he was when his marriage ended.

And again, what a wonderful community Mermaids Point is, even the greatest gossiper included! The way they all, every one of them, stand by Ivy’s side during her hardest moment, warmed my heart. Seeing also how her friends understand her, but also make her see what she doesn’t, just marvellous!
And Lucifer… that is not a normal cat!!! But I loved Lucy anyway!!!

I loved every bit of this magnificent chapter in Mermaids Point! Sarah Bennett managed again to put everything that is beautiful in a great story, and even turned the uglier bits in something amazing!
Because despite of what happened in the past, and how it scarred us, being scared is normal, but sometimes being scared together is the solution to be happy together!

A summer fete ending with a bang…

Synopsis

A fete worse than death…

After finding the killer of Lucy Roth six months ago, life has settled back to normal for bookshop owner, Nancy Hunter, and her grandmother, Jane. The annual Dedley End village fete is just around the corner, and Nancy is delighted when bestselling author, Thomas Green, agrees to launch his first new novel in ten years there.

But then a series of sinister events lead Nancy to realise someone is trying to sabotage their fete, so she, along with Jane and their journalist friend Jonathan, must turn detective to discover who isn’t at all thrilled about the return of Thomas Green.

When a body is discovered at the summer fete, the death scene mirroring that in Thomas’ latest bestseller, they realise that there’s another killer in Dedley End, but can they outsmart someone who appears to have pulled off the perfect crime?

The clues are right under Nancy and Jane’s noses, if only they can find them. Because the answers to life’s questions can always be found in a book…!

A twisty, unputdownable cozy mystery that fans of Richard Osman, S.J. Bennett and The Marlow Murder Club will love.

My review

Six months ago, Nancy Hunter and her grandmother Jane unravelled the truth about the murder of Lucy Roth. While life now goes on like before, the bookshop owners surely miss a little bit excitement.
But there is one thing Nancy is looking forward to, and that is the annual Dedley End village fete. Especially as bestselling author Thomas Green has agreed to launch his latest novel during the fete!
However, in the run – up to the fete, it’s clear that someone is determined to sabotage the fete and Thomas Green.
And when a body is discovered at the fete, scene mirroring the one described in Thomas’ latest book, Nancy, Jane and friend/ journalist Jonathan, are determined to figure out who the culprit truly is.

Sometimes I enjoy reading about murders and deceit and mystery. But the more macabre bits give me shivers, so this cosy mystery gave me just everything without freaking me out!

I was very happy to return to Dedley End, and was very curious to see how my dear friends were doing, after the deadly event six months ago.
And yes, while that murder surely has things shaken up, our main characters haven’t let that event drag them down.

While reading, I felt like I never left the place, and I immediately was submerged into the whole new adventure.
For someone who doesn’t know our power team, it may seem that Nancy, Jane and even Jonathan are crazy, being excited over sabotage, mystery and murder. But as someone who knows these people, we know they don’t think like that because they are evil or mad.

I loved how not only Nancy, Jane and Jonathan are joining forces to discover who the murderer is, but several other inhabitants of the community make an important input.

The road to the truth isn’t an easy one, as a lot of deception is involved.
Even if the real murderer was someone I suspected all along, I wanted to know the why’s and how’s of it.
And even while it would seem the perfect murder has been committed, of course the culprit had to make a stupid mistake, making it easier for our main characters to point the finger in the right direction.

Beside the whole intrigue of the murder, it was a warm story, because of Nancy’s and Jane’s background, a best friend whom I secretly hope will become more than just that, and a community sticking together, managing to organise the impossible.

And this lightness in the story turned this tale which could easily be much darker, an enjoyable read. I found myself investigating along the main characters, but also laughing and nearly sipping tea with them too!

A summer in Greece, working while re-evaluating your life and choices

Synopsis

Taking a chance on love is just the beginning…

When Harlow Sands arrives on an idyllic Greek island to work on a big budget movie, it should be the opportunity of a lifetime. But her uncertainty over the direction of her life and the high expectations of Maeve Fennimore-Bell, her domineering Hollywood producer mum, threatens to ruin her summer on beautiful Skopelos

Location manager Tyler Reed has his fair share of demons. His and Harlow’s lives have been entwined for over a decade and now forced to work together, their complicated past begins to unravel.

Harlow is desperate to break free and make her own way in the world, but with a fractured family, a long-hidden secret and a need to belong, can her happy-ever-after be found during one Greek summer?

Escape to the beautiful Greek isles with bestseller Kate Frost for the perfect uplifting, feel-good romantic read.

My review

Harlow Sands finds herself on a Greek island working for a big budget movie. While this is the opportunity of a lifetime for everyone else, it isn’t for Harlow.
Because the reason she is working on this movie, is because of her mother, Maeve Fannimore – Bell, a famous Hollywood producer, with extreme high expectations for her only daughter.
And to be honest, Harlow doesn’t know which direction she wants to take with her life… Add location manager Tyler Reed in the equation, and Harlow knows that this summer will be a long one, as Tyler is someone she knows inside and outside, and shares a secret with her.
No matter how beautiful Skopelos is, this one summer will turn out toe be an important one for Harlow as she has many things to consider for her own, and the presence of Adonis may be something to be taken in account, or not… 

Kate Frost always managed to transport me to amazing places, I can almost smell everything she describes so well in her books.
So being this time in Greece, I saw myself walking alongside Harlow. 

When I read the blurb of this book, I thought this would be a story about second chances at love, with both Harlow and Tyler being at the same place, working on set, and of course with a past.
But I was glad it wasn’t that kind of story. Perhaps because I didn’t completely liked Tyler (although he absolutely redeemed himself through the story) 

It’s obvious that Harlow took a serious step back in her career. But even if we didn’t know the exact reason behind it, I admired her of taking that decision and stick to up. She doesn’t even have an ounce of a doubt, because in her mind, it was the right thing to do.
What I also immediately liked about Harlow, was that she did want be appraised for her own efforts, and not taking advantage of her mother.

The relationships Harlow has through this story (with her family, her friends, love interests,…) shows us what Harlow is missing in her life. Her mother is not easy to please, her father has a new family (but the whole “new” family adores Harlow, so no case of even stepfamily!) and she feels that she owes some people for what happened in the past. 

And I felt that the journey Harlow is making in this one summer, is the main subject of this wonderful book.
While in the past Harlow had difficulties in sometimes standing up for herself, we see her finding her voce and starts fighting for herself.
And with this growth she is going through, it makes it possible for her to improve several relationships, with unexpected results. 

Add a Greek God like Adonis, and this is the perfect mix for an amazing trip, learning us more about the Greek culture, but also learning more about personal growth.
Adonis was a wonderful addition, with his own struggles and fears, but sometimes it takes two persons in the same situation to make a positive change. 

I found this again a marvellous book of the author, I enjoyed every bit of it! And adding several references to Mamma Mia! Was the last extra cherry on top of an amazing cake!

Can you fall in love with someone you only know by letters?

Synopsis

A resolute spinster. An irresistible rake. One accidental letter… Can love triumph over this hopeless muddle in the middle of the London season?

Lady Ludmilla is mortified. Though the spinster extraordinaire knows it is foolish, she has fallen head-over-heels for the amiable man with whom she’s been secretly corresponding, and that cannot be. When she sets out to uncover his identity, her world shatters. For her best friend Addy turns out to be none other but London’s worst rogue—the man who has ruined her engagement to someone else ten years earlier.

Lord St.Addington is perturbed. The wicked Viscount is developing a marked tendre for a spinster, and that cannot be. She might be mistaking him for someone he is not, or, what is worse, know precisely who he is. As London’s worst hellrake, he has a role to maintain, a charade to play. A depraved heart like his surely can’t be falling in love…least of all with a plain, outspoken spinster.

Determined to discover the truth behind the man she loves, Lu does what she does best: she sits down and writes a letter…

If you crave a humorous romp with witty banter and surprising twists, you will love Sofi Laporte’s charming masquerade.

My review

Lady Ludmilla Windmere is adamant that the looks her family is known for, have passed her. So after a devastating revelation years ago, and her own low self-esteem, turned her into a spinster, with absolutely no plans to change that.
And living with her reclusive aunt surely doesn’t make things easier for Lu. Only silver linings is the correspondence she has with Addy. What all started with a letter, turned into a great friendship, and Lu may even feel more for her best friend.
But Lu doesn’t know who Addy is, as they have never met in real life. So when Lu goes to London, she is determined to figure out who her best friend is. However, back in London, she meets Adrian St. Addington, rakehell extraordinaire, and the reason for her heartbreak. And despite both reputations, Adrian seems to grow a soft spot for Lu.
But can Lu forgive him for the past? And who is really the man behind all these letters, which made Lu find her perfect match?

Yes, this is a regency romance. No, you haven’t read anything like this before, and I mean that as a compliment!

I immediately liked Lu, for not really a specific reason. It’s her just being Lu that made me sympathize with her.
She didn’t have it always easy, and living with her Aunt surely isn’t the best of gifts. Compared to her sister, who is living in London, it would surely seem that Lu had it worse.
But we see Lu’s real, funny, caring character when she starts writing letters with Addy. While so many of us would stop writing after it’s clear who should have received the letter has moved, Lu enjoys writing Addy and she truly is a funny one! 

I also felt a bit sorry for her, as she is so sure of her being the ‘lesser’ member of a family, while it’s obvious she has her own charms. So I was happy when Lu goes to London and truly starts to shine. 

And Addy… I thought it was obvious for us as a reader who he truly was. But the author manages so well to deceive us, and all the time there were twists and turns making me wonder about the real identity of Addy! 

I was truly surprised when in the end, it was obvious we missed a lot as a reader, just like Lu. Because a lot of things happened, her sister Jessica involved, that we just didn’t see coming.
And while the story takes place in a time set where people are expected to do constantly the right thing according society, I found it funny to see how Lu in one particular situation acts very millennial! 

This was a great, funny story to read, about loving someone you don’t know, but also about despite a certain reputation, not everyone knows the real you.
Even your own opinion over someone can be wrong, but nothing can be undone and feelings can turn out to become the total opposite of what you felt before. 

The author managed to make me laugh, to make me swoon, to make me confused in a wonderful and enjoyable way!
I didn’t know this author before, and she surely surprised me and made me curious about her other works!

A lot can happen in just one year…

Synopsis

Life in London has lost its sparkle for Stella Simpson.

So when she gets the opportunity to escape to the country for a year, it seems too good a chance to miss. In the beautiful Somerset countryside, the majestic Roseford Hall has been painstakingly restored and is now ready for its grand opening. And as the writer in residence, Stella gets to see it all  – from the rowdy resident peacocks, the hidden secrets of the Hall, to befriending the Lord of the Manor himself.

At the other end of Roseford, single father, Chris Charlton is facing his own refurbishment woes. Rocked by a tragedy two years previously, his plans for crumbling Victorian wreck Halstead House are as stuck as he is. 

As Roseford Hall prepares to welcome a new era, and Halsted House’s future is under threat, Chris and Stella find themselves drawn to one another. Can they finally leave their pasts behind, and will Chris and Stella be able to embrace their new beginnings together – or apart…

My review

Living in London isn’t doing it anymore for Stella Simpson. And when her mother, behind her back, sent an application for the job of writer in residence in Roseford Hall, it’s a too good opportunity to let pass by.
Stella is amazed by the beauty of the Somerset countryside and Roseford Hall. Being writer in residence gives her access to everything, even the hidden secrets of the Hall.
If only everyone would be accepting her stay as the Hall is… because her neighbour, and landlord Chris Charlton didn’t give her really the welcome she would expect.
But what Stella doesn’t know, is that Chris is facing several of his own demons, and one of them is the renovation of his place, whose past is still haunting him.
But their mutual attraction is too hard to ignore… But are they both ready to leave their past behind them and start all over again?

I am always intrigued when the main character makes a move to a new place, and starts all over.
Yes, in Stella’s case it’s just for one year, but anyway, taking that big step, I know I wouldn’t do it! And seeing how Stella herself didn’t apply for the job, but her mother did it, for Stella’s own good, made me love this book a little bit more.

Of course Stella is an amazing character, but she is also very recognizable. She isn’t really content with her current life, but she doesn’t dare to take that step that could change everything. Because you never know what kind of change there will be… will it turn out to be a good change? Or a bad one?
But Stella realizes she cannot really refuse, especially when her mother makes another announcement.

I have always dreamed of staying in a place (or at least nearby) so majestic as Roseford Hall, and I am sure I would have the same reactions as Stella!
I wanted to walk next to her and see the beauty of not only the Hall, but everything around it too!

When Stella first meets Chris, of course it’s not a nice meeting. I would be very surprised if it would!
But the more Chris appears in the book, together with Helena, his mother – in – law, and his son Gabe, the more my feelings towards him changed.
There is a reason why he is being grumpy and keeps his distance from anyone. And also his feelings of guilt aren’t helping him.
And while I understood where he was coming from, sometimes it was just so frustrating as a reader, because he just didn’t let go of the past and didn’t see what he has in front of him!

And because of Chris being Chris, we also see Stella being more herself. She made one mistake in the past, and that is still not digested by her and that makes her hold back, and not only career wise. But at Roseford Hall she is truly feeling at home, and she won’t allow anyone to mess with her, or keep playing games with her (not that Chris is playing with her but Stella won’t accept that pushing and pulling away anymore).

This was not only a story about two wonderful people meeting each other, but also about learning how to put the past behind you. And understanding that putting is behind you doesn’t mean to forget everything, but accept what happened and allowing yourself to be happy again.

I found this a wonderful, lovely and heart – warming read, and the author fulfilled each of my high expectations!

A challenge for a better life

Synopsis

Some days Bee feels invisible. Most days Bee does not feel as if she is ‘living her best life’.

Sure she has a loyal group of friends, a job she’s good at, and a small London flat to call home, but a lot of the time, Bee feels as if no one actually ‘sees’ her.

Her best friend, the unfeasibly handsome and successful Luca Donato does not have that problem. People are practically falling over themselves whenever they see Luca, but one thing the two friends do have in common, is they haven’t yet found the ‘One’.  When their friend Tia challenges them to change all that through online dating, Luca and Bee set about the task with very different levels of enthusiasm.

The saying goes that you have to kiss a lot of frogs to find your prince, and it’s not long before Bee is ready to admit defeat. But with Luca inundated with potential love interests, Bee is determined not to give up. Surely her perfect partner is out there somewhere… 

‘Read yourself happy’ with Maxine Morrey’s latest heart-warming, feelgood, page-turning romance, guaranteed to make you smile. Perfect for fans of Lauren Weisberger and Sophie Kinsella.

My review

Bee has a loyal bunch of friends, but she doesn’t really like change. That is why she is doing a job she doesn’t really like and stays in a small London flat, but also her won self-esteem is on the low side.
Sometimes she even feels that nobody sees her…
She is actually the total opposite of her best friend, Luca Donato. He can have every woman he wants and is a successful businessman.
The one thing they do for sure have in common, is that they both haven’t found The One yet.
So when their friend Tia challenges to find their perfect match by online dating, the bet is on, even reluctantly by Bee…
But Bee won’t allow Luca to win so easily this challenge, because somewhere, after all the weirds dates, there must be someone perfect for Bee?

This could be very short review by me just stating: I LOVED IT!
But of course that wouldn’t do the author or this wonderful book any justice, so obviously I will elaborate.

In many ways, I could relate with Bee. Bee doesn’t like to make big changes, and she is a creature of habit. Even if she doesn’t like her job, why change it when you don’t know where you will end up.
That is also why she is refusing to accept a job for Luca’s business. Because will she be up to the job? And how will that change the dynamic between the best friends?
She also doubts her own abilities and her own worth.
And while I felt sorry for her, because it’s obvious that she is an amazing person, I could see so much of myself in her. Even if you are not completely happy, why change your security for the unknown?

Even if Bee could use a boost of confidence and courage, I found it great to see how she is surrounded by a few great friends. They are trying to gently push her out of her comfort zone, just because they care and want to see Bee at her best.
But from the moment I learned how Bee and Luca met, my heart just melted… That was such a lovely scene, even at that tender age as kids..

I was amazed at the friendship between Luca and Bee. Not because Luca is this hot guy and Bee sees herself as nothing extraordinary, or because he is successful and she is not. And it’s not even about a man and woman being best friends. But it was just amazing to see how their friendship is lasting for years, and that Bee is truly part of the Donato’s family, as her own family is not a presence in her life.

Of course there is the challenger, where both Bee ad Luca have to find their perfect match. And again, so many things are recognizable! Just like Bee, I had some terrible dates, or unwanted pics, so seeing Bee handling those same situations made me laugh out loud!

And yes, I kind of knew what would happen when Bee starts to see someone regularly and how eventually the story would end, because unlike Bee, we see so much more!
But that diminish my pleasure of reading this story? Absolutely not!
Because this lovely book is not only about finding love. But I see it more about finding the courage to make a change, how terrifying it may seem. And I love it how our main protagonist also discovers what she truly wants and truly is, and even how scary it may be, goes for it.

I have read several books by this author by now, and still have to find one that I didn’t’ truly enjoy reading!

Keep your eyes always on the prize, easier said than done

Synopsis

It’s going to be the best summer ever for ambitious, overachieving Quinn. A huge history buff, not only has she landed her dream job interning in the archives department of the local castle, but her best friend will be working there too.

However, Quinn isn’t the only one to be working in Archives this summer; Quinn’s academic rival, Patrick, is sharing her office in Muniments. They’re competing for the Letter of Recommendation (singular) from the research historian that Quinn needs to get her dream future placement.

Their emotionally-loaded and competitive rivalry turns into a reluctant friendship, as they spend every day working together in silence (and sharing the occasional Twix). Until the Re-Enactors arrive. Between Patrick and Harry – the Golden Knight of the jousting team – Quinn’s carefully planned summer is thrown into complete disarray. Meanwhile, her best friend’s relationship may look perfect on the outside, but Quinn is starting to realise that there’s more going on than there seems.

Although Quinn is determined and single minded about planning every detail of her sparkling future, she comes to discover that the best things in life are the spontaneous ones – and that some people are more important than any Letter of Recommendation (singular) could ever be.

My review

Quinn has a strict plan for her whole future. It will all start with working during summer at her dream job, in the Archives of Fullerton Castle.
Getting the Letter of Recommendation will be the first step to gain her goals.
But then Quinn realizes that Patrick, one year above her, is sharing her office and also wants to get that Letter.
Both competitive, their rivalry makes them work in silence and each minding their own business. But a shared Twix slowly turns their rivalry into a careful friendship…
Throughout this summer, Quinn will learn that life doesn’t always go according plan, and many great things come unexpected. But also that nothing is ever as it seems, with a Re-Anactor who set his eyes on Quinn, but with an ulterior motive, and a best friend’s relationship going awry…

If we are being very strict, I am not really what you would consider a YA… BUT… age is just a number and if I like to read a YA book, who is ever going to stop me? What will happen if I read such books? Will the world be taken over by aliens? I don’t think so…
So yes, I read this book, and yes, I truly enjoyed it. Whatcha gonna do?

Quinn knows she likes history and has a plan figured out in her head to achieve her goals. Does that make her a nerd? Not at all, juts a focused young woman, knowing what she wants and what it takes to follow her dreams.
And that is what I liked about this book and Quinn. Quinn is not a troubled young woman, she doesn’t have to figure out what she wants. And no, she doesn’t need to be surrounded by a bunch of friends, being the most popular girl at school.
She has enough with her best friend Frankie. And now she can spend the summer with dong something she adores.

But what I enjoyed even more with this story, it that Quinn learns, also a bit in the hard way, not everything goes as planned. Not only is Patrick suddenly competition, but that despite her initial dislike, Patrick isn’t that bad of a guy.
She also learns that people do and say things they don’t mean, but that some people are also very petty, and go lengths to get some revenge.

This is a sweet, innocent story, of course being a YA book it cannot be filled with smothering looks, things going too far etc. but that only adds to the charm.
We see how Quinn is maturing, and realizes that sometimes the best comes in an unexpected way.

I found it such an easy read, it made me see how complicated the lives of a teenager can be. And while getting older, we can relativize things, but when you are in the middle of it, it’s not that easy.
The author manages perfectly to show us the struggles but also the beauty of friendship, following your dreams and falling in love with someone unexpected yet so perfect for you.