Tizi’s Book Review

One summer, one grumpy neighbour, one chance at love?

Synopsis

Is this just a summer romance or could it be more?

Nicola grew up at Pennycress Inn, in the beautiful Cotswold village of Meadowfield, and now she’s come full circle by landing a job there. After a difficult few months, she’s happy to be back in the place she loves and calls home.

The whole village is looking forward to the annual summer carnival, and Nicola is charged with asking the local farmers to lend their tractors and trailers for the occasion. It’s an easy task – until she meets the new owner of Little Mead Farm, who stubbornly refuses to help.

On sabbatical from his City job for the summer, Charlie wants to do up his late uncle’s farm and put it on the market as soon as possible. The place might have been in his family for generations but country life is simply not for him. He has no time for whatever the villagers are up to.

When Nicola and Charlie meet, sparks fly – and unexpected feelings grow. Soon there’s more at stake in Meadowfield than the success of the carnival. But whatever happens between them, this is just a summer romance… isn’t it?

My review

Nicola is slowly becoming herself again after a few difficult months, with the discovery of a cheating fiancé. Now she enjoys life again, and is truly happy with how things are going, especially as she is working at Pennycress Inn, a place that she loves deeply. With now summer approaching, it also means that the annual summer carnival is returning, something not only Nicola, but everyone in Meadowfield is looking forward to. Of course such an event cannot take place with volunteers, and Nicola is more than happy to help out. So when it is up to her to ask her neighbour to lend his tractor and trailer, Nicola doesn’t see any issue, as she knows the kind heart of Farmer Williams. Until she learns that in the months of emotional turmoil Nicola was in, Farmer Williams passed away and his nephew Charlie is now the new owner. And  the last thing Charlie wants, is to lend out his possessions to a community he doesn’t want to be part of at all. On the contrary, the quicker he can sell the place and return to London, the better. But the more the summer progresses, the more things start to change between Nicola and Charlie. And Nicola starts to believe in love once again. But with Charlie adamant on returning to London after the summer, where will that leave them?

There are authors that write stories series that you like, but don’t ignite a special something while reading. And then there are authors that manage with an apparent easy story or series, to capture what life and love is all about. And Sarah Hope is absolutely the latter!

Of course it was a real delight to return to Meadowfield, a place where I could easily see myself living a wonderful life. As I loved reading the first book of the series, I couldn’t wait to put my hands on the second book. But if you haven’t read the first book, shame on you! Just kidding 😊 but do not worry, as you can read this perfectly as a standalone. But why would you only want to read this one if you can read two wonderful books?

Nicola is the kind of person that deserves all that is good in the world, yet she had the bad luck to fall in love with Nathan, who betrayed her in a terrible way. And while I know that for Nicola, there is a whole new adventure awaiting, my heart went out to her, reading how those last few months were a struggle for her.

So I  was happy to read how at the start of the book, those struggles were behind her, yet we get an understanding what she has been trough. It felt to me that she has a special spark in her, a joy that is just waiting to come out. Nicola is just this kind, gentle, loving, caring and altruistic person. She is the kind of person you can always rely on, you can always count on in need of help. In fact, she is so kind and helpful that even when she is gently pushed into doing something she doesn’t really want to do, she does it anyway. She is *that* kind of person. The kind of person that in fact, everyone needs in their lives, or even more, to be that kind of person!

Even if I didn’t know Farmer Williams, it saddened me to read how he passed away while Nicola was in her sad bubble. From what I have read, he seemed like a real gentle man, someone that was there for the community. And I could understand Nicola’s shock realizing that this gentle man was no longer… And to make it worse, the farm was now in the hands of his obnoxious and even rude nephew Charlie.

Now, with already one bad guy in the book (in the form of Nathan), I just knew that Charlie would show quickly his true colours, and that we would understand his actions more along in the story. And understand I did.

Because Charlie inherited a farm, while his complete and rather successful life is in London. Meadowfield and London are worlds apart, and it for sure feels like a complete shock for Charlie to be in Meadowfield now. Where in London he can have everything within reach, at Meadowfield he is faced with a community that just has its own ways, and that in fact in a way won’t let you just sit as a bystander.

While things don’t start off great between Nicola and Charlie, the ice slowly starts to melt between them, and even if Charlie is set on selling the place as soon as possible, there is an undeniable attraction between the pair of them.

And reading those bits, truly warmed my heart. Not because Nicola deserves to finally have a good man in her life, but because she needs to see that there are good men around, and that even for her, love is written in the stars…

Obviously the uncertainty of things are weighing down on Nicola, and I understood that she wants some answers of what will happen once summer is over. But I could also understand that she wants to enjoy her time with Charlie, as he understands her better than anyone.

I loved reading how Nicola is not only becoming more and more a ray of light in this story, but she also stands tall when there are moments that someone tries to use her kindness once again. And I absolutely adored seeing Nicola and Charlie together, especially reading how Nicola realizes that her first impression of  Charlie were way off, and she discovers his real character.

Sarah Hope once again took us on a marvellous trip, filled with great characters, she took us together with them on an emotional journey, showing us that love can be hurtful with the wrong people, but with the right people it can be a wonderful thing!

When a place holds so many hurtful memories, can it bring happiness again?

Synopsis

Hal never wanted to return to La Canette, the way his family was treated is a painful memory. He only came back to sell the old family home because they desperately need the money. If only the impossible woman next door didn’t get in his way and sabotage his every plan. What else did he expect from the granddaughter of their arch enemy who destroyed their family.

Elodie has beautiful memories of her childhood on La Canette. When her sweet, loving grandfather breaks bis neck, she discovers he’s drowning is debt. The warmth and generous support on the island convince her to return and rescue her grandfather’s honey and beehive business. It’s a difficult challenge made worse by the impossible man next door, why does he hate her?

And if this weren’t enough, an old family secret threatens to ruin everything, unless she finds the long buried answers that might finally allow her to have her happy ending.

*****  “This is so much more than an enemies to lovers romance. … a thriller with a historical WW2 back story and a warm friendly community helping Elodie to create a beautiful honey shop. Everyone should read this”

*****  “I loved the story – I couldn’t stop reading”

*****  “Such a lovely story. Gave me goose pimples. I thoroughly enjoyed it!!!!” 

My review

Elodie has always been seen as a failure by her family. The only person that even remembers her birthday, is her grandfather who is living on La Canette. So when his health is deteriorating, everyone just assumes that as Elodie has ‘nothing important’ to do, she can head over to  help. It is not a problem for Elodie to visit her beloved grandfather Hedge, but the assumptions her own family makes, just irk her. But when Elodie arrives, it is clear that Hedge needs more help than expected, and not only because of his health… Now it is up to Elodie to rescue Hedge’s failing honey shop, even if she has no idea to make it all work, despite all her creative ideas. And then there is her annoying neighbour, Hal, who cannot wait to sell his former home as soon as possible and leave La Canette to never return again. Hal and Elodie don’t get along at all, and despise is even a too kind word to describe their relationship. But Hal is not the only one with secrets, as it becomes obvious that their own homes have been keeping secrets for years. Secrets that may change just about everything…

La Canette is a place that has grown to me the more books I read of the series. So of course I was delighted to return to this beautiful place, with a great community and the wonderful people I have already encountered previously!

Elodie is a real new character to the series. While in the previous books, we already saw glimpses of the main characters, Elodie is a real new entry. A new entry that obviously has a connection to La Canette.

With new characters, there is always a bit of trepidation… Will I like them? Will I connect with them? And with Elodie, I should not have feared at all! I liked her immediately, I connected with her and I just wanted to be her friend! But

I also have to say that I just felt so sorry for her too… Because she may be still trying to figure out her own life, but it isn’t just fair or nice that her own family just take her for granted or even make her feel like a failure or a disappointment… Just because you haven’t got all the answers yet, it doesn’t mean you have failed in any way!

From the moment Elodie is with Hedge, her grandfather, it is obvious that she truly loves her grandfather. And I believe that it is not something to take lightly. Because everyone loves their grandparents, obviously. But not everyone would do what Elodie is doing. If you can do such things for the person you love, it is truly a testament to her kind, caring and just great character!

When Elodie realizes the situation her beloved grandfather is in, she wants to do all the possible to rescue not only his honey shop, but also in general, she wants to help Hedge as much as possible, even if her own knowledge is well, lacking.

In a way it felt that not only Elodie wants to help her grandfather for him, but also to show everyone that in fact she isn’t a failure. And it also felt that she wanted to prove it to herself, that she can make a success out of things. She doesn’t know yet where her future lays, but she feels that La Canette may give her the answers that she is looking for.

That cannot be said of Hal though. After many years, he has returned to La Canette, a place that holds so many painful memories. Even if I didn’t know all the details, I could understand why he wanted to sell his former home as soon as possible. And while I didn’t agree with the speed and the nonchalance he wants to sell his home, I found it sweet how he has planned to use the money to help out his mother and his sister.

Hal and Elodie are clearly for opposite reasons at La Canette. And Hal’s reluctance is palpable and even shows in his rough and rude attitude towards Elodie, even if later on we get to know more about the animosity between the families. And a lot is made clear and makes his behaviour so understandable.

Now, if Hal was a real d*ckhead, I would be very angry with the author! But of course Hal truly redeems himself, and his background of course makes up for my initial bad thoughts about him. And he truly shows his real, kind and wonderful character. Slowly, but his real nature emerges. And yes, maybe I fell a “little” bit for him 😊.

Hal is not the only one with secrets in this book, as Hedge’s and Hal’s homes are having secrets of themselves. Or rather, to be more accurate, whole La Canette is harbouring secrets, for a dark history. Secrets that affect Elodie and Hal more than expected.

Once again I loved the close community that La Canette is. Because when needed, everyone sticks together, fighting against the same enemy. And that is just amazing, knowing that whenever in need, no matter how big or small, there is always someone to help you out, to brainstorm with you, or to do some labour at your place.

What a delightful return this was to La Canette, and what a great next instalment this was! This doesn’t perhaps has a that big connection with the main characters of the previous books, although there is one obvious and great one, but it also felt to me that bringing everyone back wasn’t strictly necessary. Elodie and Hal are carrying perfectly this book on their own. They don’t need the other main characters that often or present in this book, but whenever they appear, it obviously is a delight to see them all again!

When one summer can change everything, but in what way?

Synopsis

One summer on a beautiful island could change everything…

Valentina Taylor’s life has been upended. With her marriage over, and unsure of what her future holds, she heads to the Isle of Skye for the summer with her young son, Barnaby.

But the journey there sets her on a new path, when she meets Xander Courage on the train – a charming American, running from problems of his own. After sparks fly, they go their separate ways. But on this small island, they’re never far from one another…

Skye offers Valentina the refuge she needs as she whiles away the long summer days at her beachside cottage, enjoying visits from her sisters, Thea and Ezzie. But when bad news from home throws her Scottish idyll into turmoil, Valentina finds herself pulled away from the place – and people – that she loves.

Valentina knows she must confront her heart’s desires – but can she let go of the past and embrace the future she deserves?

Lose yourself in a heartfelt story of second chances, love, and self-discovery, set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Isle of Skye. Perfect for fans of Sarah Morgan and Karen Swan.

My review

When it’s obvious that Valentina Taylor’s marriage is over, the best idea that she can have, is to go to the Isle of Skye with her son Barnaby, especially as there she can always find the comfort, support and many embraces from her sisters. On the train to Skye, she meets Xander Courage and his nephew Macdonald, who came over from America to spend also a summer on the Isle of Skye and discover their own roots. After a few hiccups on Xander’s side, Valentina decides to help the pair out, and help them to get to Skye without having to face any other issues. And as Skye isn’t the biggest of Isle’s, it is logical that Valentina and Xander keep on bumping into each other, and as Barnaby and Macdonald connect, despite the age difference, they start to spend more time together. However, Valentina finds herself in turmoil, as it appears that she is needed back “home. So with her heart pulling her in one direction, towards Skye, and her mind and conscience in another direction, to what used to be her home, what will be pulling the hardest and bring her the most happiness?

I need to be honest for just one half of a minute… When I started this book, I knew it was part of a series, a series that I have already read the other books of. But being a bookworm like I am, I have read a lot of other books between those first books and this book, so I needed to catch up a little bit, to submerge myself back in the world of Taylor sisters. And I was quickly completely back in the series, and absolutely ready to get to know Valentina so much better, but also see how the other sisters would be doing!

My heart went out to Valentina, as we knew already beforehand that there was something wrong with her marriage. But reading the how and the who, well it not only saddened me but also angered me. I can understand that marriages end, that there isn’t that kind of love anymore. But that doesn’t mean a free pass to act so selfish and just ghost Valentina and Barnaby…

So I could completely comprehend that Valentina not only needs to stay at a place that give her peace, quiet and being surrounded by her biggest supporters, being her sisters. But I also understood that she wanted to be play a tiiiiiiiiiiny bit dirty, by changing the locks of the house, and letting other people reside there, just to show Gary that she is not someone to mess that easily.

But it is also clear that Valentina is a great and loving mother, a supportive and caring sister. And that is perhaps something that we see more in this book than in the previous parts of the series, where Valentina was present yes, but perhaps a more distant person. And in this book, we get to know who Valentina truly is, what her struggles, doubts, fears are. But also and especially what her strengths are!

We see one of those strengths with her first encounter with Xander and Macdonald. On that ‘faithful’ train, they start talking and when their paths should divide them, Valentina shows her caring character by offering her help to kind but still complete strangers…

And as Skye isn’t this gigantic Isle, it is of course logical that their paths keep on crossing. And I loved reading how not only Barnaby and Macdonald form an unlikely but sweet friendship, but also how Valentina and Xander just connect.

I don’t know if I would be doing everything Valentina starts to do when she receives the news of Gary. But also in this case, we see the greater person that Valentina is. Because she thinks about Barnaby and that Gary still is and will always be Barnaby’s father. And no matter how difficult things are now, they need to find a way to raise their son together.

She shows how to put our own feelings temporarily aside for the bigger picture, but she is also now strong enough to stand up to the critique and digs of her in – laws. I do not know if I could keep my composure like she does, so I was proud of her in those moments!

Just like her siblings, Valentina gets to know her background, because as she was adopted by lovely people, it is normal that she has questions. While in first instance I was happy for her to finally get some of those answers, I could understand her trepidation and her wariness, as I for sure started to have those same feelings.

Yes, of course Xander gets his own voice in this book. He is also going through struggles in his own American life, and I could understand why he needed an ‘out’, to be away from everything and everyone. And the excuse of having a connection with Skye was just perfect for him. I liked him as an Uncle, as a brother, but also and mainly as an understanding and kind new friend to Valentina. He never pushes, he wants to make sure that he is not interfering. Just a kind and gentle man!

Saying that Valentina is going on a journey, would be an understatement. Because there is so much on her plate now, and she has to figure out where her home will be, and what her life will look like now. And with her heart already being broken once, can she find the courage to open it up again? And if she can find that courage, how will it logistically all work out?

Sue Moorcroft wrote once again a marvellous story, about a strong woman, finding her feet once again, with doing the right thing for those around her, but not losing herself in the process anymore.

All the Taylor sisters are amazing and wonderful in their own special way. But perhaps Valentina is the one I respect the most, for everything that she has been through, but never lost her composure and never lost sight of the bigger picture.

This was a great, heart – warming story about a strong woman trying to understand and find what she needs to find her own happiness again.

When life goes down, can you find a way back up?

Synopsis

Is it ever too late to bloom?

Meet Celia. Life hasn’t worked out quite how she’d planned.

Since her son left for university, Celia has felt stuck at home – battling with her husband Geoff over control of the thermostat, and without the merest glint of a social life. Her only joy comes from the plants she nurtures in her makeshift plant hospital in their Glasgow flat.

Then three unexpected things happen:

1. She catches Geoff in bed with a secretary from his sausage factory (no pun intended).

2. Her high-flying best friend Amanda arrives on her doorstep without warning (but with a very large suitcase).

3. A tall handsome French teacher asks her to tend his daughter’s cactus back to health.

Suddenly, Celia finds her life in freefall, but she makes a decision: she won’t let this be the end of her. She’ll bring herself back to life, just like the plants she works her magic on. But just how do you change the habits of a lifetime?

My review

To say that Celia has the life she always expected to have, would be a lie. While she loves her son deeply, since he left for university, she feels stuck. And Geoff isn’t for sure the love of her life, as there is for sure a constant battle, from the control over the thermostat to expenses. The only ray of light in her present life, is taking care of the plants that people bring to her plant hospital. But suddenly her life changes drastically, as firstly, she catches her husband with his secretary. Then her former best friend Amanda stands at her door, without any warning but with many presumptions. And a new client appears, a handsome teacher, begging to resurrect his daughter’s cactus. With a life now in turmoil, can Celia find her spark back?

It’s not surprising that life never goes as expected. And it is not a secret that when bad things happen, they all happen all at once.

And when you are a strong, independent woman, you can take it all in your stride. Unfortunately, right from the start of the book, it feels that Celia is not that kind of woman. I am not saying she is a gullible, weak, following – like – a – sheep – woman. But you can hardly say that she stands up for herself and has a clear voice…

And maybe that is why I couldn’t truly warm to her right away, as being an Italian woman myself, I raise my voice often enough and perhaps also too loudly 😊. But I also knew that throughout the story , she would be facing situations where she would stand tall, and raise her voice (in a figure of speech, not literally 😊).

Celia is the kind of person that can be used as an example of how life takes a turn, a different one than expected, and how all your dreams can just fade away. Celia made one mistake when she was younger, yet I liked it how she took her responsibility, and the love she has for her son is just palpable from the pages.

And even if perhaps Geoff isn’t the man of her dreams, and he has flaws, I liked it how in the past he was there for Celia. Of course those feelings evaporate the moment we get to know him better, and he is caught with his *ss in the open.

That specific *ss is the start of the actual growth of Celia, as she has had enough of Geoff and his antics. With him out of the picture now, Celia slowly starts to realize how life can be with having that freedom.

Well, it needs to be said, freedom… Because in the midst of her own turmoil, suddenly she finds at her front door her former best friend Amanda. Former best friend, because once again, life sometimes just goes that way. When you are young, you always think that your best friend will always be by your side. However, not all friendships stand the test of time (and life). So I was a bit surprised to see how Amanda decides that Celia is exactly what she needs in her own time of need. Especially as contact has been rather inexistent until Amanda’s wedding and Celia’s presence that was suprising.

With Celia and Amanda now reunited, there is a strange atmosphere, as their characters and lives couldn’t be more different. But in a way, they are exactly what they both need. Celia needs Amanda to get out of her own shell, and Amanda needs Celia to vent, but also to understand that some behaviours aren’t just okay.

And then there is Enzo… He is a divorced man with a daughter that is obsessed  with a cactus. Sounds rather random, but it will make sense, believe me 🙂. When the cactus takes a turn for the worse, that brings him to Celia, as she has magic fingers whenever plants are involved. 

While the initial meeting is not one to remember, slowly there starts something between them. Not overnight of course, as Enzo himself in a bit in a turmoil, finding his way in the world in a way.

We see in this book three people, with complete different backgrounds and lifestyles, but all at a crossroad in their lives. And in this book, we read how slowly they realize what they want now in their lives, how they slowly stand tall again and how they find their voice again. And that made me like this story, as reading it, is a journey you go through yourself, at the same time the characters do.

Can a return heal what needs fixing?

Synopsis

Now her children have moved out, Edie has begun to feel lonely in the home she shares with her husband. She hopes returning to Crete, where she and Ralph spent their honeymoon, will help heal the growing rift between them.

And when Edie stumbles upon the website for the Villa Ariadne, with its breathtaking views and peaceful surroundings, it feels like the perfect place to spend a week together, along with their closest friends Mac and Hannah. But then, Edie invites a fifth guest: her feisty, independent colleague Jessica, with unexpected consequences.

It’s clear from the moment they arrive that the villa is special, and under the golden Greek sun, Edie hopes to rekindle the relationship she’s felt slipping away from her. But when conflict arises between two of her fellow guests, will Edie be prepared for revelations that could change her life forever?

My review

After her children moving out, Edie feels more alone and lonely than ever. It’s not that she has an unhappy marriage, but that passion and alliance that there once was, is now missing. Hoping to rekindle their relationship, Edie plans a holiday to Crete, where Edie and Ralph had their honeymoon many years ago. And when Edie stumbles on her online searches upon Villa Ariadne, she is sure she has found the perfect place to stay. Together with their befriended married couple, Hannah and Mack, and invited at the last moment, Jessica, the five head off to a holiday that will not go as expected at all… Not only because Jessica has a strong mind of her own, but also as nothing is what it seems…

I can imagine that in a married couple, there comes a time that sparks aren’t that sparkly anymore. And that when the children leave home, there is a sudden void. And the above circumstances are exactly where Edie finds herself in. It’s obvious to anyone that she isn’t in a bad marriage, that Ralph isn’t a bad guy at all. But it is just that things become stagnant, there is no excitement anymore.

So I liked it how Edie, instead of throwing the towel in the ring, decides to give it her all and tries to fix what is not actually broken, but needs something.

Villa Ariadne is not a complete surprise for me, as I know the setting from another story of this great author. So I knew how not only the Villa itself, but also the community of Crete, would have an affect and effect on the group of fresh arrivals. But do not worry, if you haven’t visited the Villa before, this will be a great first encounter, and you won’t be feeling that you are missing something that happened previously.

While I understand the perks of being a group on a holiday, sharing the costs etcetera, I was a bit surprised to see that not only their friends Hannah and Mack are tagging along, as this is an attempt to bring Edie and Ralph back closer together. But I was a bit shocked to read how Jessica suddenly was part of the group too. Yes, it was done out of kindness, but still, I didn’t truly understand, nor liked it…

In a different setting it makes sense that we see different sides of people who we think to know the best. And there is of course also the fact that you can get along with colleagues at work, but in your free time you just don’t gel…

It was lovely to see how quickly Edie is accustomed to Crete, how she easily befriends the locals and how of course the locals welcome her. Edie is also the kind of person that isn’t scared or bewildered by the strangest of statements or locals 😊.

I have to admit, at first I thought that the complete focus would be on Edie and Ralph. How would this lovely couple find a way back together? And would the friends would be an actual help or would they make things a little bit worse? Of course all the above is present in the book, but it felt mainly that the focus would be on the fact that nothing, nowhere is what it seems…

Obviously I am not going to tell you anything about all that is taking place during this holiday. But let me assure you, there were moments that my own radar started to go off, without any proof, and that I was just shocked by the behaviour of, well, I will say it, just one particular character. And that shows us that we never know what happens behind closed doors, no matter how good we think to know someone, and that unfortunately, there is no limit to selfishness…

Now, it isn’t all worry and gloom, because no matter what happens around them, Edie and Ralph are truly attempting to get closer to each other. Of course this doesn’t happen just overnight, but it was lovely to see how they are both doing their best to not only save their love, but also showing it towards each other.

Even if the story wasn’t exactly going where I thought it would go, I enjoyed reading it. We are faced with the fact that we just do not always know what happens behind closed doors. What we see, isn’t always the reality. But we also see that in fact, we cannot let anyone else direct our own relationships. We know what we truly feel in our hearts, and only we know if that relationship is worth the fight or not.  

Let me finish by saying that after reaching the end of the book, there is a lot to think about, a lot to reflect about. And the author managed to put even difficult subjects to paper, but not making it too heavy, by letting the main characters being surrounded by not only wonderful people, but also a wonderful, special and even in a way magical, setting.

Love works in mysterious ways…

Synopsis

Love thy neighbour

Music-loving Kristi Buchanan dresses like a rockstar and dreams of being an artist, but her reality is much less glam – she’s a single mum in her late thirties… and a church cleaner. Her love-life is non-existent, and she can’t even create a dating profile that doesn’t make her life sound deadly dull.

Young church minister Grant Kerr has a pitiful dating history. Whenever women discover what his job is, they run. With a new position in the idyllic Glenbriar parish, he hoped his life was on the up, but the parishioners don’t appreciate an attractive, unmarried man in the pulpit.

Despite not being religious, Kristi forms an unlikely friendship with him. With each other’s help, they construct their ideal dating profiles, only to end up on separate dates in the same place. But the dates don’t go to plan.

Kristi can’t let herself fall for Grant, not when he’s determined to win over the parishioners by finding the perfect match, and she doesn’t fit the description at all. As Grant wrestles with his own feelings, their friendship is tested. Perhaps if they dare put their faith in each other, they might just find the love they’re both seeking.

My review

Being a single mum in her late thirties hasn’t made things easy for Kristi Buchanan. And it doesn’t help that she was a teenager herself when getting pregnant of her first child, nor that she and the father of her children are no longer together. Her dream of having an artistic career, have been long buried, and the only career she is having, is one of being the church cleaner. Even if she is not religious herself, and she enjoys listening to rock music instead of hymns while cleaning, she forms a friendship with the minister of Glenbriar, Grant Kerr. However, her uniqueness and her past make sure that her name is often mentioned with the local gossipers, and many don’t agree with her being the cleaner of a sacred place. But even if the churchgoers are against Kriste, Grant is adamant on keeping Kristi and let her do her job. And that has nothing to do with the fact that despite that they may be like chalk  and cheese, Kristi and Grant are getting closer over dating profiles, (im)perfect matches and perhaps even circumstances that resonate closer to home than they have ever expected…

Glenbriar is one of those places where I am always happy to return. No matter what my current mood is, once I start reading a book of this series, I have a smile on my face. And that has not only to do with the fact that the place is just so welcoming for everyone, but also because the author is able to write wonderful stories, about perhaps impossible romances, showing us how love works in a way we never expected.

I was eager to get to know Kristi better. We know from the previous books in the series that she and Brann have been together when much younger and share two great children together. But that deeper insight of her character we did not have. Until now that this…

And even if my life couldn’t be more different than Kristi’s, I just immediately liked her! She didn’t have an easy time, and at moments she still doesn’t. But no matter what is happening in her life, no matter what people are saying or thinking about her, she won’t change even a little bit. She is who she is, and if people don’t like her, it’s their loss.

She is obviously an amazing mother, she raised both her children well, and I liked it how Kristi is still close with Brann. This is absolutely proof that even if a relationship didn’t work out, there can still be a close friendship, that you can still rely on each other, that there can still be love, even if it’s another kind of love.

But I was also a bit sad… Because Kristi obviously doesn’t show it, but the stings she gets from the people, they hurt. Kristi has an elephant skin, but she also wants people to see who Kristi is for real, and not just base their judgments on her past and the way she looks.

On top it also saddened me that she finds dating so difficult… Men seemingly don’t grasp that she comes with a past, and that even a mother of two needs some romance in her life…

And that is something the minister of Glenbriar, of all people, understands all too well…

Grant is a young minister, and while he knows that in Glenbriar things used to run a certain way, he also wants to put his own mark. And while it would be easy to listen to the people of Glenbiar, with their biased opinions, I liked it how he listens to the worries, but he won’t allow those opinions and voices to cloud his own judgement. He wants to form his own opinions based on what he sees in people and how he learns about people’s characters by himself.

As a man of the Church, it would be expected that Grant would be welcoming everyone and a-everything. But we also know that it is often easier said than done. And with a minister, you would expect him to try to ‘convert’ Kristi or at least show her a different kind of lifestyle.

But not doing so, and truly accepting Kristi for who she is, made me truly like Grant. He is the perfect example of practising what you preach. He sees Kristi, he truly sees Kristi, even in a way that Kristi doesn’t see herself.

On paper (yes, stupid joke made on purpose 😊) Grant and Kristi wouldn’t work. But we see their relationship slowly shift. They become friends, allies, supporters and have each other’s back. They help each other out with creating or updating their dating profiles, they are just there for each other.  With Kristi being able to help Grant with a personal situation she all too easy can relate with, only strengthens their bond even more. And seeing that relationship evolve, grow stronger by the minute, just wonderful and swoon – worthy material.

Margaret Amatt showed us with this story that even the most unlikely matches can work, as long as it based on mutual respect, understanding and honesty. Even a minister and a rock – chick deserve to be loved, to love without any judgements, prejudices or comments from  outsiders. And that is the power of love, bringing two people together that at first sight couldn’t possibly work, but show that it’s the inside, the heart that can make it work for the best.  

What is your real dream?

Synopsis

There’s a million reasons why I should give you up, but the heart wants what it wants.”

Pierre would give anything not to be falling in Love right now.

A free spirit who makes her own way in life, changing hair colours, tie-dyed skirts and hand painted wellies, she writes funny-wise-honest messages for greeting cards. Even her name is unusual for a girl.

After her last commitment-phobic boyfriend, Pierre promised herself never ever to fall for anyone unless he’s 100% available.

So why can’t she stay away from the wrong man? He’s not hers. Even if he’s in a destructive relationship. Even if he is funny, affectionate, warm, intelligent and talented. Even if he looks like the answer to all her dreams. Some dreams were clearly meant to stay out of reach, right? There’s a million reasons they should stay away from each other…

***** Must read. Fantastic series. Made me laugh and cry. The characters and scenery made me fall in love. Cannot wait for the next book.

*****  Wonderful. Another brilliant book in this series, I enjoyed every word and it is always a pleasure to spend time on the island. Wonderful writing, I can’t wait for the next book in the series!

My review

After her last serious relationship ended badly, Pierre promised herself to never ever fall in love again with a man who isn’t in for the full 100%. However, when the photographer of Millie’s wedding appears to be someone she already met, can she hold on to that resolution? Because Pierre for sure is an excentric person, not afraid to dye her hair in any colour of the rainbow, and is artistic in a unique way, as she loves painting her own wellies in a typical Pierre – way. Yet when she met Gabriel three years ago, there was already something palpable between them. And seeing Gabriel back, Pierre only gets the confirmation that in fact he is a gentle, talented, funny and warm. But he is also in a relationship, with the wedding planner of all people. And even if that relationship is anything but healthy, Pierre tries to not admit what she is starting to feel for him…

What a delight it was to return to La Canette! And I loved it that this story is taking place around the same time that ‘Unwanted Bride’ is taking place, as we can see what is happening to other characters and have more insights.

I knew from the previous books in the series that Pierre is something special, someone unique. And I just couldn’t wait to get to know this wonderful woman a lot better!

While it would be easy to see Pierre as a confident woman (because not everyone would have her courage to go 100 different directions with her hair), it becomes rather quickly clear that in fact, it is just a façade. I am not saying that Pierre is showing a complete different side to people than who she in fact is, but it is more of not letting anyone see *all* her sides. She uses the colours in her life to express herself, but also to not let anyone see what her fears and doubts are.

Because she for sure has them, and her last relationship obviously made those doubts and fears grow bigger. And to make it even worse, it also made her somehow forget about her real dreams. Instead she is settling in doing jobs that yes, she likes, but that don’t thrill her.

As a reader, I cannot deny that I couldn’t identify myself with Pierre. Of course there are aspects that we have in common, and there I felt a connection with her. But even if we are very different, I have to say that if Pierre were a real person, she and I would truly become friends. Because she is that kind of person, to easily befriend. Even if there are moments where it felt like she is a people – pleaser, she is also the kind of person to stand by your side without any hesitation.

In this part of the series, we see how Pierre is trying to figure out where her future lays, what her real dreams truly are. And it saddened me, to see her so at loss… Because Pierre deserves it to follow her dreams, if she knows what they are, and she deserves to find her happiness.

Happiness that doesn’t come easy for her… Especially when Gabriel (re)enters the scene…

I was a bit scared that the instant connection between Pierre and Gabriel would have completely evaporated in the present. Or perhaps exaggerated in both minds.

But I shouldn’t have feared, because once Gabriel is back, sparks start to fly around! So I was even angry, reading that Gabriel wasn’t on the market anymore. And I could live with the fact if it was truly a match made in heaven. But seeing him together with Nicole, of all people, that was something I just couldn’t comprehend…

Gabriel is not only a talented photographer, with an amazing eye for taking the perfect picture, but he is also a warm, gentle, kind person. He also has a great sense of humour, matching perfectly Pierre’s sense of humour.

However, no matter how perfect Pierre and Gabriel would be together, I liked it how their friendship evolved, without ever crossing a line. And while that for a reader is very frustrating, if they would just give in, it would taint the whole story for me, as they are just not that kind of people.

In this story, we see how not only Pierre, but also Gabriel are trying to understand what their dreams truly are. And if the path they have chosen previously is the path that they should continue following. Or is it time to go a different direction?

This book is a real journey, of understanding, learning, appreciating the environment too. With the story taking place in a world, or rather island, that we already know, it was not only a great return to a great place, but it was also a great reencounter with the people that we have already met previously and I was ready to get embraced by them all once again!

Compared to the other books, this one for sure didn’t have to pay the repetitive price! It was a great next instalment of a great series that captured my heart!

Always the wedding dress maker, never the bride?

Synopsis

Some women were born to wear beautiful wedding dresses, others were born only to make them.

Talented bridal designer, Laura loves weddings, but long ago a tarot card reading told her she’s doomed to never marry. Trying to prove this wrong has left her with three broken engagements, an empty bank account and a career in tatters. Finally, she’s accepted she’ll never walk down the aisle. Now she desperately needs to rescue her career.

A high profile design commission will make her reputation, it’s the only reason she came to La Canette island. She ahs six weeks to make the perfect wedding gown, no time for anything else.

Adam, the handsome but allergic-to-marriage doctor has finally found freedom. He’s just passing through, a week maybe two, maximum, then he’ll be gone. Then a disabled old man begs for his help and he agrees to stay an extra week, and things get tricky. The universe can have an evil sense of humour, and La Canette is a beautiful place where lives can take unexpected turns.

★★★★★  “Rose Amberly has a very warm feelgood style and characters that leap off the page… occasionally a laugh out loud wit.”

★★★★★  “This is just lush! Who doesn’t like wedding dresses? The designs here and the exquisite silks and gold chiffons are almost as wonderful as the romance in this enemies to lovers feelgood novel.”

★★★★★  “This is the second book I’ve read by this author and have to say I’ve enjoyed them both. I want to live on La Canette! Great escapist stories for these lockdown times!”

★★★★★  “A magical uplifting story, full of warmth and laughter and deliciously romantic. Adam is swoon worthy even if he has a troubled past. Laura is the girl who didn’t realise her own strength. Loved it and enjoyed revisiting La Canette.”

My review

Laura is a wedding designer whose biggest dream has always been walking down the aisle. And yes, she has been close to achieve her dream, until her fiancé changed his mind. With now no husband, no job and no home, she can count on the help of her friend, who advices her to go to La Canette Island. Before she knows is, she has been hired to create the wedding dress for the wedding everyone has been waiting for. Laura understands perfectly what Millie wants and needs in her dress, and Laura is ready for the challenge, even if it means creating a perfect dress in just six weeks. Luckily, not only those really close to Millie but everyone on the island, is ready to help Laura out. That included doctor Adam, who just arrived on the island himself, in an attempt to get away from everything and everyone. However, before Adam even realizes it, he finds himself looking after Lord M., whose health is rapidly declining. But with the wedding approaching, Lord M. shows once again his stubbornness and refuses getting further examinations, exasperating Adam. Staying at the same place, and having each other’s back for sure brings Laura and Adam closer. But while things seem to go for the better for the both of them, Life still has a few curveballs for them, jeopardizing literally everything…

I think it is safe to say, that most little girls have always been dreaming about their wedding. And even when growing into adulthood, haven’t we all at least thought once about our wedding dresses?

And I could understand Laura, how it has always been her dream to be walking down the aisle, marrying the man that she loves. I could also understand her devastating when her wedding never takes place. In fact, her fiancé ‘suddenly’ makes a realisation, leaving Laura on her own, without anything to hold on to.

Once again, the marvellous island that La Canette is, offers all the help and comfort that Laura needs. Because La Canette, in all its uniqueness, is a real close community, where everyone is ready to help out.

I liked it how Laura feels at home at La Canette, how she finds peace there, meeting new people, and even having the opportunity of a lifetime. Because of everything she expected, she never thought that she would be the one that would create Millie’s wedding dress.

I was amazed by her artistic talents, especially as I don’t have an artistic bone in my whole body! Even if just by the words written in the book, it’s clear that Laura has great ideas, and that she understands who Millie truly is, even if have just literally met.

However, even if Laura is now in a place, literally, where she feels accepted and wanted, the hurt is still palpable. She wants to protect herself, and her heart, she wants to find herself and be herself, without ever losing herself once again.

And in that aspect she finds a kindred spirit in Adam. Because right from his first appearance, it is obvious that he also needs an escape, an escape from his own world, even an escape from the job that he has always wanted to practice.

However, no matter what happened in both characters’ pasts, it was lovely to see how they connect. Even if they start of just being friendly towards each other (forgetting that real first meeting of course), there is also a complicity between them. They understand each other, with even just a look here and there.

Now, there are several points in this book that I didn’t like and that got me worried. And don’t worry, it’s not because of the writing itself, but because what is happening in the book.

I truly feared the worst for Lord M. Because in the first book, we know already that his health isn’t one of the best, but there was an obvious progress. However, in this book, his health is truly deteriorating. And his stubbornness of refusing help was so infuriating!

And then there is the wedding planner Nicole… God, that woman… I am not a violent person (well…😊) but if she were a real person, and I would be around her like Laura is, I for sure would have slapped her several times!

But this story centres around Laura and Adam, finding a place that truly feels like home. A home where they think about their future, their dreams. We see with this pair how dreams can change, as how life takes you in a different direction than expected.

As a second book of a series, I am always curious to see if the sequel can live up to the first book. And I can happily announce that it for sure did! This is a great next chapter, once again in a wonderful place, filled with great people. People that are going through a lot, with many ups and many downs, but people that grow and understand not only the others around them, but mostly and most important, themselves.

Sometimes, a magical quest is needed to find love…

Synopsis

In a shop full of stories, some magic is real.

Mickey Teasdale loves her quaint curiosity shop, where every item feels magical to her. She loves imagining the past owners of her knick-knacks and telling her made-up tales to customers, but lately, the magic has dimmed; the shop feels cluttered, and even her stories seem as worn as the items she sells.

Everything changes when the grumpiest customer Mickey’s ever met—single dad Ren Montague—walks in with his surly teen daughter, Ava. Ren hates mess and clutter and prefers order and calm, but he’ll do anything to see Ava smile. Yet, something shifts in him when he meets Mickey, who seems like she stepped out of her very own fairy tale.

When Ava discovers a secret diary, hidden from years long ago, she and Mickey believe it must have once belonged to a real-life mermaid! Ever sceptical, Ren tries to protect Ava from disappointment, but as they unravel the mystery together, something special happens…

Ren learns that happy ever afters still exist if you’re brave enough to look for them, and Mickey discovers that real-life can sometimes be way more magical than anything she could have ever imagined.

My review

Mickey Teasdale is running her quaint curiosity shop that she once had with her father. In fact it was her father that passed on his passion for little and big things that are looking to be loved again. However, no matter how much Mickey loves imagining the past of the objects, and who used to own them, the store isn’t attracting that many customers. In fact, people are even a bit scared to enter the shop. Until teenager Ava discovers the shop and sees it as a real treasure cove! Mickey and Ava immediately connect, which cannot be said of Mickey and Ava’s father, Ren. Ren cannot stand chaos, clutter and mess, and cannot understand how Mickey can run a shop the way she does. However, Ren would do anything to see Ava smile, especially after everything they have been through. So when Ava and Mickey find a secret diary, and believe it belonged to an actual mermaid, Ren is ready to indulge in their fantasies, but Ren also wants to protect Ava from any disappointment and another heartbreak. Heartbreak that Ren himself tries to avoid himself, yet he cannot deny that ever since meeting Mickey, something has changed. But can Fairytale Mickey and  Grumpy Ren have their happily ever after? Because those endings only happen in fairytales, right?

Part of growing up, is learning to no longer believer in fairytales. And as a woman at the end of her thirties, I no longer believe in those stories about Prince Charming, a Beast, mermaids etc. However, since I started reading the Ever After Street Series, it has made me long for the time I believed in fairytales, and while not exactly the stories being fairytales, I loved the connection, the link each story has with a famous fairytale.

This time, the wonderful author that Jaimie Admans is, takes us to the world of mermaids, on a journey not only for Mickey and Ava as a real adventure, but also on an emotional journey.

My heart went out to Mickey, right from the start of the book. She and her dad were very close, as it has been just the two of them for a long time. And running the shop was something they both loved doing, together as a united pair.

Ever since losing her dad, it makes sense that Mickey feels a bit lost. And that sense of lost clearly also shows in her shop. While on one hand, I liked it how Mickey makes up stories about each object she acquires, on the other hand it is also a coping mechanism of her. It’s obvious that not everything has a real value, not even an emotional one, but accumulating things is what is working for her; even if it comes at the cost of having a messy shop.

But beside her heartache, it is clear what a great character Mickey is. She is genuine, honest, open and truly kind – hearted. I liked it how she in a way is also free – spirited. And I don’t mean that she walks around with her head in the clouds, but more that she isn’t afraid of being her genuine self. Something that perhaps more people should do and be!

What I loved the most about Mickey, is her immediate bond with Ava. Being in your teens is not easy, and it’s difficult to find out who you are. It’s also a difficult age, because you are still young enough for some things, but too old for others. And Ava shows all those struggles. At times she acts like a little young adult, not wanting to be seen with her dad, and at other, she is mesmerized by the thought that mermaids could be real.

Despite the difference in age that there obviously is between Mickey and Ava, they just connect. Mickey is like Ava’s big sister, giving her advice and help, while Ava makes Mickey see and find what she has lost.

The contrast between Mickey and Ren couldn’t be any bigger. Ren cannot stand any clutter. He lives in a world of order, calm and quiet. And Mickey’s world is anything but that.

Ren is obviously closed off. He would do anything for Ava, but he won’t let anyone back in his life or his heart. And it takes some time to understand exactly why he is this way, because the potential is obviously there. We see him as a caring and loving dad, but also a bit an overbearing dad, too strict at times. But being a parent is a journey filled by trial and error, right?

And what has happened with Ava’s mother, how her actions affected both Ren and Ava, can you blame father and daughter for being scar(r)ed?

For the readers, it’s obvious what a great mismatch Ren and Mickey would be. Opposites attract, and they for sure show. But it isn’t only a matter of opposites attracting, but mainly about learning from each other.

Because slowly, Mickey, with the help and presence of Ren, understands that her way of living, is more a way of surviving, in a wrong way. The mess in her shop is showing the mess in her mind and in her heart. And Ren learns from Mickey that it’s okay to let go, to act on the spur of the moment, to be spontaneous.

Of course this doesn’t happen overnight, and there is some clashing, but not only Ava is holding them together, but also the mysterious diary.

And that diary needs a mention on its own. Because just like Mickey and Ren, I was enthralled by it. While I know that mermaids aren’t real, I could understand the want to believe. The diary for sure is mysterious, and it had raised several questions also from my side.

In a way, it felt like we had two stories for the price of one. And I loved reading, exploring and discovering the both of them. The author managed perfectly to grasp the wonderful world of fairytales, but keeping it very realistic, never going over the top like the tales we are all familiar with. She took the essence of the fairytale, gave it a modern twist to them, turning it into a wonderful, sweet, heartwarming modern romance story. What more can a romantic like me wish for? 😊

When being single starts to feel rather lonely, can love be found?

Synopsis

Sometimes, what happens on the nightshift, should stay on the nightshift…

As an A&E nurse, there’s not much that can catch Tilly off guard (not even those kinds of accidents). But when her bachelor flatmate gets a girlfriend and her sister announces she wants another baby, Tilly is surprised to find herself questioning her happily single existence.

Thankfully, the arrival of a new face on the ward offers a welcome distraction. With his lustrous hair, and charming personality, Dr Luke sets hearts racing all across the hospital. But as Tilly and Luke get to know each other better, she starts to wonder if he’s really her McDreamy after all…

Is Tilly being blinded by her determination to find someone? And while she’s looking in Luke’s direction, will Tilly miss what’s right in front of her?

My review

With being a nurse at the accident and emergency room of the hospital, Tilly knows that it isn’t easy to find love. With changing shifts, it’s not only difficult to find love, but also to build a strong and solid relationship. And to be honest, Tilly doesn’t mind her single status, no matter how much her mother is pushing her. However, when even her roommate and best friend Mike, known as a real player, appears to have found his match, and her Tilly’s sister is thinking about a second baby, Tilly wonders if she may ever find her own perfect match. Until there is a new face at the hospital. Dr. Luke immediately has Tilly’s attention, or rather there seems to be an immediate connection between them. But Luke’s current situation isn’t one where he can prioritize Tilly. And slowly, Tilly starts to wonder if there is a future for them, or that her own wish to find love has blinded her vision?

With a book written by Phoebe Macleod, I always think by reading the synopsis, that I know what this story will be about. However, I shouldn’t trust my instinct, as once again ¨Phoebe proved me that with her excellent writing skills, I never know where the story will go.

I have to admit, I felt a real a connection with Tilly, because we are alike in several aspects. I am happy with my single life. And I don’t feel that I need a man to make me feel happy or complete. Yet there are sometimes moments, just like Tilly has, that I wonder if there will ever be someone out there for me. And that at moments, despite me being happy 99% of the times, that I feel lonely and alone. So in that aspect, I could not only easily understand Tilly, but I could also relate to her. I felt her pain at those moments of doubt that she is going through.

But despite those moments of doubt, Tilly is such a warm and kind person (just like me! 😊). She is a great, supportive sister, an open – minded and non – judgemental roommate, and is just the kind of person whose motto is ‘live and let live’. She is happy when her loved ones are happy and if she can help in any way, she doesn’t hesitate.

That we also see when she is working as a nurse. I cannot imagine everything a nurse sees, from funny things, to terrible things. I admired how she can keep her composure in the weirdest situations, while I for sure wouldn’t be able to keep a real poker face.

I liked it to see how she is respected by everyone, not only her fellow nurses, but also respected by doctors and surgeons. She keeps her professionalism, but isn’t afraid to even reprimand when people are in the wrong. And what I LOVED about Tilly, is her kind heart towards patients. She keeps that same professionalism, but also gives so much warmth and kindness.

And doesn’t that kind of person deserve to be loved and cherished? Of course she does! So when Luke appears on the scene, or rather in the hospital, I had fingers, toes and every other crossable thing crossed!

Now there has to be a bit of honesty from my side, without trying to give anything away about the plotline… While on paper Luke seems to be truly perfect for Tilly, and yes, things aren’t that easy for him, I couldn’t truly warm towards him.

Whenever the love interest appears, I almost immediately fall for him, or even if he is a grumpy a**hole, the more the story evolves, the more I start to like him. However, this didn’t happen with Luke… Yes, I understood the position he is in, that the struggles with his mother isn’t something to diminish. And while Tilly starts to fall the man, still…

We see how Tilly initially covers everything through the mantle of love, yet slowly, with the help of those around her, start to ask questions.

And that shows a maturity of Tilly, because it is easy to see everything through rose – coloured glasses. But no matter how much we like a person, we also have to keep our eyes and mind open for the faults of that person, or the little irks. Is what the other see a red flag? Or can she trust the man she has just met and seems so perfect for her?

Perhaps that is the real purpose of the story that Phoebe is telling us. That love can at first sight be found, even in a hospital. But that doesn’t per se mean that we have to be blind to the possibility of red flags or doubts that arise the more time passes.

And let’s not forget the obvious message of the story, and that is that love isn’t only the romantic bit, but that it is in family, friends, even patients that become more. If you are kind and loving, karma will reward you by surrounding you with the same kind of people. And yes, sometimes with the people you love, you may (even severely) clash, but you should also never forget that even those clashes and disagreements are expressed out of worry and with the best interest at heart.

Phoebe MacLeod just did it again. She wrote a marvellous, heart – warming story about a young woman that deserves the world and is on the search of what is missing in her life. But finding what is missing, doesn’t mean losing yourself or your principles. And that all is written in this book that just swept me away!