Tizi’s Book Review

Will coming back home result finding (back) love?

Synopsis

When life goes off track sometimes the only thing you can do is go back to where it all began…

Emmy Palmer is the star of Bragadon Forest, the biggest fantasy series on TV; adored by the public, living the life of glamour and luxury in London.

But when scandal strikes, Emmy must escape the city and return to her seaside hometown to lie low and wait for the storm to pass.

Emmy’s agent decides it would be a good look to star in the community Christmas pantomime, but who else could be playing her leading man but her ex-boyfriend who she may or may not have ditched to move to London a decade ago…

As the show approaches, love and friendships blossom and the real question is – Will they? Won’t they?

My review

Emmy Parker is the star in one of the biggest fantasy series currently on TV. However, nobody knows that her character will leave the show in a brutal way, making Emmy hope that she will now be able to show what a good actress she really is by starring in movies.

But when she finds herself suddenly the main character of a scandal, she sees no other option than currently laying low back home, where also tragedy strikes.

Being back home makes old friendships resurface and even an encounter with a former love interest. A love interest who happens to be the leading man in a pantomime Emmy’s agent is happy to see Emmy take part.

Will old feelings also resurface? And will they finally get back together, or won’t they?

My list of authors that I love reading is getting longer each time I discover a new author. But the list of TOP authors that I adore, isn’t that long, and this author is a member of my VIP club! Memberships are for free, the only requirement is writing stories that completely captivate me!

So, obviously I made myself comfortable when I started this new adventure. And did it manage to keep the author in my VIP club? Yes it did!

I immediately liked Emmy. Even if she is a successful actress, she isn’t one of those actresses who are completely b*tches in real life.

Her relationship with her grandfather was adorable and also with the rest of her family she has a great bond, no matter how weird some of them are. The only failing relationship is that with her father, as he left his family and never looked back.

For me, the scandal could have been a bit more juicy, even if it weren’t true at all. But if you are bringing a scandal into the story, why not go over the top with it? But that’s just me, having an evil streak!

I loved reading about Emmy returning home, but also my heart broke when some very sad news was told to Emmy.

Seing the dynamics between Emmy and each member of her family was so recognizable too. We all have that crazy aunt in our family, or members with secrets or just who we don’t get along that well. But no matter what, Emmy still loves each one of them, even if that feeling is buried deep down inside.

The concept of a pantomime isn’t that well known in Belgium, so I had to investigate a little bit for understanding what the fuss is all about. And now I surely want to see one myself! But I also understood why Emmy wasn’t so keen on participating but being genlty forced by her old friends, family and her agent, she finds herself playing Cinderella.

I had so many laughs while reading this story, because of the situations Emmy finds herself in. Seeing her former boyfriend in one of the most awkward situations EVER nearly made me spill my drink.

Having an irritating person working on your just bought house, clashing each meeting, was hilarious. And also reading about puberal behaviour by adults was real funny.

The romance bit was not really what I expected, but nevertheless I loved it! Even if I initially was rooting for one romantic development, I find myself going a whole other direction. However, the end was perfect!

This story was just the total package. It wasn’t just about returning back home, but also about family, friendship,and passion. Returning home can be the opportunity to face the past and give people a new chance.

But returning home can also mean finding something new and find the courage to start a whole new, different adventure. And realize it’s never too late to give love a chance!

Where could one meeting bring two broken hearted persons…

Synopsis

Welcome to Pepper Bay. A small close-knit community where you’ll find chocolate box cottages, quaint shops, drama, friendship, and love.

Snuggle down with this cosy, feel-good, comfort read that whisks you away to a beautiful bay on the Isle of Wight – Perfect for fans of Christie Barlow, Phillipa Ashley, and Holly Martin.

The Pepper Bay books are standalone stories that intertwine with recurring characters.

Starlight Cottage – Anna Cooper and Jake Reynolds both live at the luxury London building, River Heights. The only difference is that Jake lives in the penthouse, and Anna lives in a tent on the roof.

When Jake finds out, he offers Anna a chance of a new life in his grandmother’s childhood home in Pepper Bay, and she decides to take the opportunity to see if she really can make a fresh start somewhere else.

The beauty of Pepper Bay, with its quaint shops, chocolate box cottages, and all of Jake’s closest friends, immediately fills Anna’s heart with nothing but love, and it isn’t just Starlight Cottage that she finds herself falling in love with.

My review

Anna Cooper is currently in a dark place… she thought that breaking up with her then – boyfriend Rob, would be the start of her new and brighter life. But she didn’t expect to be living in a tent on the roof of luxury London building River Heights with her dog Max.
Of course it’s only a temporarily thing, just until she has her life back on tracks. Luckily she can count on Stan, the building manager, giving her a cover and a helping hand.
Jake Reynolds is also staying at River Heights, only he is living in luxury in the penthouse.
When Jake discovers Anna’s secret, he offers not only to clean his penthouse, but he also offers her the chance of a new life in Pepper Bay, in his grandmother’s childhood Starlight Cottage, a place he avoided as much as possible.
Will Starlight Cottage and Pepper Bay, with all the quaint shops and everyone close to Jake and his family, be the home Anna was longing to find? And is Pepper Bay the only thing Anna will find herself falling in love with?

When as a reader I discovered about Anna’s current living accommodations, I felt truly sorry for her. Of course, not knowing the whole story, I found it hard to understand that there wasn’t any other solution.
And the fact that Anna is a kind and lovely woman, made it even more sad for her, being at the mercy of other people.
Luckily she has Stan, who does so much more than he is allowed, just to help her out.
When more is known of the reason she is where she is, I felt so much more sadness for her, and so much anger for her ex – boyfriend Rob.
The sense of injustice was so overwhelming, it got me almost yelling at the book!

Jake was a harder nut to crack. he doesn’t have any money problems, and is living in his penthouse. My first impression of Jake wasn’t a positive one, the way he reacts to Anna and Max. I found it hard to understand why it would be so difficult to just show some kindness.
Yet I found it really sweet how he started to care for Anna and Max, by following her grandfather’s last moment of advice.
And showing this other side of him, made it for a reader clear that he has so much to offer, only is he afraid of showing it.

I found Pepper Bay, and Starlight Cottage a wonderful place to read about. It was funny how Jake was welcomed back, like he actually is one of the family. And how people around there making assumptions, creating some awkward situations.
But Pepper Bay shows also towards Anna how welcoming and caring and just how lovely the inhabitants are. They open their arms and also hearts for her, understanding her without many words being spoken.

I also had many laughs, because it’s obvious that there are feelings developing between Jake and Anna, but as they are not expressing them, again here many understandings are being created.  And I found it adorable to read how Jake would become jealous when Anna quickly befriends his own best friend Nate!

Maybe the feelings are developing a bit too fast for my taste, but on the other hand, nobody can stop what they feel… Even if there is a difference in status, Jake being obviously “better off” compared to Anna, nobody can command the heart. And even if Jake, while just wanting to help Anna, does the wrong thing, I couldn’t blame him, because he does it all with from the kindness from his heart.
And seeing how both these characters are changing, by being with each other, was really sweet to read.
Jake is showing more and more his true character, wanting to help out, while Anna is learning to stand up for herself, even if it’s against Jake himself.

I found this a heart – warming story, about two broken people, trying to find happiness and love again. It shows us that sometimes people do the wrong thing, but only with the best interest at heart. And that with the right person by your side, you will able to dare to open your heart and not be afraid to love anymore. A wonderful story with a wonderful message!

Everyone wonders what’s being hidden under a kilt! Unfortunately I won’t reveal *that* today, but I will reveal the cover of Evie Alexander’s book!

Synopsis

A fiery heroine, a Scottish god, a cabin, a castle, and enough heat to warm the coldest Scottish winter…

Highland Games is an unputdownable, enemies-to-lovers, romantic comedy, with sparkle and sizzle and a guaranteed happy ending. This sexy, witty, debut from Evie Alexander will have you laughing, swooning, and staying up way past your bedtime…

Perfect for fans of Sally Thorne, Talia Hibbert, Sophie Kinsella, and Helen Hoang. If you’re looking for a riotous romantic comedy with plenty of heat, then Highland Games is for you!

♥♥♥ Welcome to Kinloch, and the hottest winter Scotland’s ever seen. ♥♥♥

Zoe’s always played it safe, just as her parents wanted. But when her great-uncle dies and leaves her a ramshackle cabin in the Scottish Highlands, she decides it’s time to change her life.

Upping sticks seems like a good idea in her cosy flat in London, but the reality is very different. There’s no electricity or running water, the roof leaks and there’s no front door. If that wasn’t bad enough, she’s moved up in the depths of winter and her scorching hot neighbour wants her out.

Rory’s got a fifty thousand tonne problem. If he can’t make Kinloch castle profitable, he’s out of a job. He needs a clear head, but there’s someone living in the cabin he saw as his own and she’s turned his world upside down.

Rory needs Zoe out of Scotland, and out of his life. The trouble is, she has no intention of leaving.

Let the games begin…

Pre-order Link – https://amzn.to/3la37GY

Publication Date: 15th October

About the author

Evie Alexander is the author of sexy romantic comedies with a very British sense of humour. She takes a method approach to her work, believing her capacity to repeatedly fail at life and love is what has given her such a rich supply of material for her writing.

Her interests include reading, eating, saving the world, and fantasising about people who only exist between the pages of her books. She lives in the West country with her family.

THE COVER

Will Immi and Gray finally say ‘I do’ like they dreamed?

Synopsis

What could be more festive than a winter wedding in the picturesque English countryside? Join us for Christmas in the Cotswolds with the bestselling Lucy Coleman.

Imogen Tolliman and Gray Adams can’t wait to get married after getting engaged the previous year, when they were stranded by snow in a blizzard. Now they are busy planning their wedding, but when the date slips six months because Gray is working on a huge film project, it seems like fate that after their snowy start, they will end up getting married at Christmas. 

The couple are living in Immi’s grandfather’s picturesque lock-keeper’s cottage at the Aysbury marina in the Cotswolds, which they are renovating to become their forever family home. As well as building work, full-time jobs and wedding planning, Immi is in charge of raising money to build a children’s playground, to celebrate the tenth anniversary of The Santa Ahoy Cruises – her grandfather Tollie’s life work. 

When Gray is suddenly forced to travel abroad, Immi is left to cope with everything alone, and before long, even the best-laid plans start to wobble. When a terrible betrayal is uncovered, the whole community of Aysbury is left reeling, and Immi is left wondering if there will be a wedding after all…

Let Lucy Coleman transport you away to an unforgettable Cotswolds Christmas full of romance and laughter, friendship and family and much-loved festive traditions. Perfect for all fans of Trisha Ashley, Holly Martin and Sue Moorcroft.

My review

Getting married at Christmas wasn’t what Immi Tolliman and Gray Adams initially planned, but as Gray was working on a huge film project, the wedding plans had been postponed by six months.
Now they are living in Tolli’s cottage and their desire to make the place feel like their home is slowly becoming reality.
However, with Gray’s work, Immi finds herself alone, missing Gray terribly. And when events that are turning her life upside down, she surely could need Gray’s support and comfort. But it’s not only on a personal level that things are changing and Immi’s not sure how to cope, also the fundraising to celebrate the tenth anniversary of The Santa Ahoy Cruises is suddenly at risk.
Luckily, Immi has the whole community of Aysbury ready to help any way they can, even if that means for Immie to give away some responsible. And just maybe, she can have the Christmas wedding of her dreams anyway… 

First of all, let me just say how much I enjoyed returning to Aysbury, and see all the wonderful people there again!

Initially I was a bit sad that the wedding I was also looking forward too had been postponed, but the more I thought about it, the more I saw it fitting Immi and Gray perfectly, having a Christmas wedding! 

The love this couple for each other just sparks from the pages, and I found it just adorable to read how Immi is having a hard time missing Gray when he is out there working. Of course, Immi understand the necessity of him being away from her, but it doesn’t make things that much easier for her! 

Of course, the characters have not much changed, and I’m not only talking about Immi and Gray. Even if Tolli becomes a bit more distant, somehow I understood his reasoning, because instead of being a close unit with just Immi, now he is not the only man in her life anymore. But just the whole community remains their wonderful selves.

And I loved how Immi’s friends were able to understand what Immi dreamed of for her wedding, without Immi really saying it at loud. And how everyone is ready to help Immi a hand with her wedding preparations, made me want to wish I was living in such a beautiful, close community too! Even the hardest setback, with a terrible betrayal, made the community even stronger, after the initial setback.

This story was heart – warming, about not just beautiful and kind people ready to start their lives finally together, but about a place truly worth of calling home.
Aysbury has a magical effect on people, and adding the Christmas magic with it too, made me devour this story!

This isn’t a great story about people with extraordinary treats, but it’s an extraordinary story about normal people just wishing for their dreams, however big or small they are, come true. And not only their dreams, but also the dreams of their loved ones.
And in the end, isn’t that what we all need in our lives, just making the small things count, and be happy with the life we are living. Because it’s not always the big things that make our happiness, but those small gestures, with a loving bunch of people around you…

A post – it romance…

Synopsis

Same desk, different days.

A post-it note is just the beginning…

Alice loves her job and wants to keep it – whatever the price. But then she’s told the company is switching to flexible working and hot desking…Alice’s desk might look a mess, but she knows exactly where everything is. Or she did. Until she found out she’s going to share it with the most annoying guy in the office.

Jamie can work from anywhere. He’s quite happy to sweep his work life into a box at the end of the working day. But can sharing a desk with Alice be as much fun as teasing her in person?

With no option but to try it and see, will their relationship turn into open warfare or will it ever progress beyond a post-it note?

My review

Alice is looking forward of working in the office again, after COVID. Working at home wasn’t easy for her, as her co – inhabitants found it hard to grasp that even if she is at home, she is actually working.
But her enthusiasm of being at her own desk quickly evaporates when it’s communicated that the company is switching to flexible working and hot desking.
Now she has to clean up her desk, full of things that inspire her during her work.
Not only now she will not see her friends at the office anymore because of different schedules, but she also has to share her desk with Jamie…
Jamie who is the total opposite of Alice, and doesn’t struggle at all with the sharing a desk with her.
And most important, he doesn’t remember that Alice and he have had a close encounter not so long ago.
What initially starts as marking their own territory, shifts into communication over post – its and not all is that work – related.
Will their relationship ever shift from post – its to something more? Or are there secrets of the past that will change the whole course?

Those who know me, know how much I can enjoy a story written by Zara Stonely!
So I stared this book with a huge smile on my face!

When we first meet Alice, she is that one happy person anxiously happy to go back working in the office after Covid.
Being a homeworker myself for more than a year now, I could understand a little bit her happiness, but I thought she was a bit TOO happy. Because of course it’s nice to see all your colleagues again, but working from home also has its advantages!
However, when her home circumstances are made clear, I understood her need for having her own place at the office, without risking to being disturbed for nothing really important.

It takes a while in the story when there is finally some romance going on, but that’s because the author wants to give us the opportunity to truly understand the character of Alice. And that is necessary, because I thought initially that Alice should grow a backbone, as it’s obvious that people are taking advantage of her, in one way or another.
And when the reason for her wanting to avoid any real confrontation made my heart ache… it made a lot more clear of how Alice reasons and thinks.

I ABSOLUTELY loved the idea of sharing the desk with Jamie. And the notes they leave each other. It all starts very innocent, mostly related to the sharing the desk and making some ground rules. But then it shifts into more banter and that made me not only smile but also laugh out loud!

However… this is not only a sweet, feel good story to read… Because not only there is their previous encounter still laying in the dark, but also Jamie has other demons to face.
And let me tell you, when I read what he was going through, my heart melted. Because despite the big surprise the secret he is keeping is, the lengths he will go for it, shows us how truly amazing Jamie is.

I don’t want to add spoilers here, because I want you to devour this lovely book and I want you to be left flabbergasted just like me! But I loved how our lovely main characters showed the required maturity in these circumstances. They both know what the priority is at that moment, and even if it’s a difficult decision, all the rest will have to wait.

I found this a story not only about the blooming romance (or not…) between Alice and Jamie, but I found the focus and importance was the growth Alice is making.
Alice finally finds the courage to stand up for herself and stand her ground. And being very alike like Alice myself, I know how hard it can be to just say ‘no’ when someone just think he/she can walk all over you.

This was again a wonderful story by the mind of Zara Stoneley. It’s rather up to date and refreshing, ‘using’ the whole COVID pandemic as the start of a romantic story instead of it putting our whole lives on hold.
It was entertaining, funny, and can be just what you need to make you feel all happy and good again!

What’s in store for the most focused and sensible Hiverton sister?

Synopsis

Nick Byrne knows she’s the sensible one of the five Hivertonsisters. Independent, motivated, and successfully running her own business – she has never settled for anything less. And certainly, never used her family estate to give her a leg up.

But as an investigation is launched into her trading company, Nick’s world begins to crumble. Suddenly out of work, her mind wanders to her father – what would he do? She hardly knows anything of her orphaned parent and longs to find answers – some which will hopefully guide her.

With her newly gifted dog for company, Nick sets off to Ireland to retrace her family history. However, the high-flying city girl soon learns that every adventure comes with a few surprises – even in the shape of a romance.

Will Nick discover more about her father’s hidden past – or will she take home more than she bargained for?…

Be inspired by this feel good romcom, for fans of Trisha Ashley and Cathy Bramley.

My review

Nick Byrne’s world is all about succeeding in her trading business. But when suddenly not only her company is under investigation, but she also loses the appartment she was living in, Nick needs to find her focus back.

With time to spare now, she is determined to find out more about her father’s past. So of to Ireland she goes, with the puppy she out of the blue received as a gift.

While doing her research, she meets Gabe in the hotel she is staying, and maybe she will find more in Ireland than initially thought. Or not?

I don’t know what it is with these sisters… but each time I think I favour one sister, then I read a new story and realize I just cannot have a favourite sister, because they are all amazing!

With Nick maybe it was a slowly growing love, but that’s because I find her job a confusing one. The trading market isn’t really my cup of tea, so relating to Nick her passion for it was a bit difficult.

But that doesn’t change the fact that Nick is supereasy to like! Even if she perhaps is too much focused on her job, it’s obvious she is this caring, loving person. The people that work for her, know that Nick trusts them completely and she is has their back.

And obviously, she truly loves and adores her sisters and their family!

What she is going through with the investigation and her appartement, has written injustice all over the place, and of course as the reader we know what is partly going on. But still it was hard to read what a lovely character had to endure…

But Nick wouldn’t be Nick if she would just still and wallow in self pity!

I loved how Nick somehow became a different person, being Letta again, the nickname her parents and sisters used for her.

Of course, she is the same person, but she is feeling more free, and she is focusing on something completely different than her job.

Being Letta allows her to be her truly self, and it was a joy to read how she is finding herself again.

As a reader, it’s obvious who or what Gabe is and what his plans are. But I was happy to read how different he was from his brothers and he is actually a great, sweet, kind guy!

Whenever Gabe and Letta are together, they enjoy the little things and I loved reading how these simple things could be just something wonderful, and even made me wish I was there too!

The quest of finding her father’s history made me curious too, because her beloved father has not had the easiest childhood and not many records can be found.

However, when there was finally result, the reality of the past broke my heart, yet the present warmed it!

Letta shows again how amazing she truly is!

But the one character in this book that stole my heart, is Ohana! This puppy stole my heart completely!

The author managed again to meet my extremely high expectations! This was not only about a young woman trying to find her roots, but also about finding herself. It’s easy to let a job take over your whole world. But sometimes when something bad happens, it can be the start of a whole new unexpected adventure. It shows us also that we have to appreciate the family we have and not just take them all for granted, because not everyone is that lucky.

Bonds, friendships and alliances can be formed quicker than you may think. And help can come from unexpected corners, but that only shows us that those who show their worth, have their heart at the right place!

I found this a wonderful next chapter in the series, and found myself enthralled in the tale of Nick.

I cannot think of another group of sisters that are so easy to love all in equal way, even if they are all so very different from each other. The bond they have is surely unbreakable and I wouldn’t want to have them in any other way! What more can I say to the author than just ‘Bravo!’

So many heart-breaking moments, all outdone by the most heart – warming moments.

Synopsis

Welcome to The Starfish Café – where you will find stunning views, delicious food and lifelong friendships.

Two broken hearts.

Since she inherited The Starfish Café, Hollie has poured her heart into the business, striving to keep her mother’s traditions and warm-hearted spirit alive. But behind closed doors Hollie is searching for true happiness, as she grieves the tragic loss of her family who were once the beating heart of the café…

An unexpected meeting.

Jake lives by two rules: don’t let anyone get close and don’t talk about what happened. Little does he know that a chance meeting at The Starfish Café, facilitated by a fluffy lost dog, is about to turn his world upside down…

The chance to love again.

Can Hollie and Jake break down the barriers that have been holding them back from finding love and happiness, before Christmas comes around? Afterall, with courage, nothing is impossible…

My review

Hollie is the owner of The Starfish Café. She loves the place with all her heart, because it’s the place which contains so many happy moments. She is determined to keep her mother’s traditions alive, and is trying to offer the customers a warm place to have a cup, just like her mother did.
But as for her own happiness, Hollie has a long way to go, because she is still trying to cope the loss of her whole family, which tore her heart apart.
When a lost dog brings Jake in her life, it seems that Hollie is ready to start looking forward again.
But Jake has his own sad story… because of his past, he won’t let anyone get closer and he surely doesn’t talk about it…
Both Hollie and Jake have their walls built so high, but maybe their meeting can be the start of wrecking those walls.

So… whenever I start reading a Jessica Redland, I am prepared, surrounded by tissues, a soft pillow ready to use as comfort and all possible communication devices turned off.
I know that I will be on a huge rollercoaster of emotions, and I thought I was ready for a new marvellous story.
But I didn’t expect that I would be searching for my tissues so quickly and so often!
If suddenly there is a lack of tissues in Belgium, I sincerely apologize and totally blame the author!!!

Hollie is part of a close, loving family, and they are just the family everyone would dream of. Even Hollie and her brother are very close. It’s a family where the love is obvious from the very moment. So when Hollie doesn’t only lose her brother and father in a tragic accident, but later on also her mother, my heart just broke, almost literally!
I felt so much sadness for Hollie, and has a real sense of injustice for everything she had to endure! However I admired her also, because she does whatever she can to keep the Café as how her mother imagined.
After her last relationship ended in one of the worst ways possible (I for a moment even thought that is was even worse!) she surely doesn’t have time for love, which I somehow understood perfectly.

May I say that Jake has the most horrible sister in the world? Being blamed for everything the siblings lost is just so wrong is so many ways… Grieving over loss could have been a moment for getting closer, but everything Jake has endured, even in the past and still is, is just so so so wrong!
I just wish I could slap her!
Luckily Jake could count on his grandmother, who tried her best to shield Jake from more hurt and just giving him all the love possible.

Both stories are so terrible, and I was hoping that the both of them meeting, would be the end of all the heartbreak and now a wonderful future would be lurking around the corner, with the cutest dog ever sitting beside this couple.
Unfortunately, it’s not easy..

First of all, the dog, Pickle… what a luck that Jake found him, because the owner surely isn’t worthy of having such a wonderful dog!

And when there are moments when everything seems to reach the perfect conclusion, things of the past that were not spoken about, are being revealed, making both Jake’s and Hollie’s past even more heart – breaking! And how clear it is that there is still to be cleared…

Now, I know I have been talking about all the sad, heart – breaking moments… but there are so many lovely, sweet, heart – warming moments in it too! And all these happier moments surely make up for the tissues I had to use!

Despite all the heartache, it was so heart – warming to read how these two broken persons found each other. It’s obvious they deserve all the love in world and even if they are not totally alike, they have so much common, and understand what grieve can do to you.

The author managed to write again a book that’s just impossible to put away! The characters are not to be pitied, but to be actually admired. Despite everything they went through, they find the courage to face their fears, take a leap of faith and dare to put themselves back out there.
Being together is that little nudge they both needed to get over their fears.

This is just a wonderful story, that will fill you with joy and hope, and will fill your house definitely with dirty tissues!!!
Again a new masterpiece by this author, and now I’m already counting the days for her next book!

The road trip of a lifetime!

Synopsis

It’s always a good time for a road trip… 

When 82-year-old Lil decides to book herself, her 65-year-old daughter, Cassie, and her friend Maggie on a bus trip across Europe, she hopes for a little adventure to counteract the monotony of life in sheltered accommodation. 

Along with three members of the Salterley Tennis Club and the Jolly Weaver five-a side football team, whose ideas of a good time are rather different to Lil’s and strikingly at odds with each other’s, the merry band of travelers set out on their great adventure. 

From moving moments on the beaches of Normandy, outrageous adventures in Amsterdam, to the beauty of Bruges and gastronomic delights of France, the holiday is just the tonic Lil, Maggie and Cassie needed.  

And as the time approaches for them to head home, Lil makes an unexpected discovery – even in her advancing years, men are like buses – there isn’t one for ages then two come along at once. Is Lil ready to share her golden years, and can the ladies embrace the fresh starts that the trip has given them. Or is it just too late to change…

My review

Lil is a happy, single 82 – year – old lady, enjoying her life. When opportunity arises, she books a holiday for herself, her 65 – year – old daughter Cassie and her friend Maggie Together with members of the Salterley Tennis Club and the Jolly Weaver Football Team, they will be on a bus trip through Europe.
While exploring Normandy, Amsterdam, Bruges, Ghent and more of France, Lil, Cassie and Maggie are having a great time, even if all the participants have another idea of what having a great time means.
And while all travelling together, different characters are a recipe for some clashing, sneaky behaviour but also new friendships. And even Lil will discover that you’re never too old for growing feelings!

Judy Leigh’s books are always a winning recipe if you’re looking for a feel – good read with great, strong characters, all easy to love!

Lil is 82 years old, but damn, if I will be as vibrant as her when I reach that age, that surely would be great!
She only once fell in love, with an American soldier. But before things could get any further, he went back home, leaving Lil alone and even if unaware at the moment, pregnant with Cassie.
However, even if her life didn’t go really as expected, she enjoyed wherever life would take and she is still having her joie de vivre!
She is also kind, not only generous towards her family and friends, but those little things she did for e.g Jenny, were really heart – warming.

We also got to know Cassie better, and I have to say, in some ways she looks so much like her mother. She is also kind of a wandering spirit, not looking for love and just being content with her current life.

I loved reading how mother and daughter go on this trip together, getting even closer than before.

And also the other participants of the trip all have their own moment in the book, making sure that there are many things going on and as a reader you’ll never know for 100% for sure what the next thing will be that will make you laugh!

I have been on a few bus trips myself, so I could relate to the characters easily when being tired of just sitting in a bus, seeing in passing beautiful sceneries etc.
Also making new friendships during holidays was something I recognized. And seeing how friendships (and some more) will still be standing after the trip, had me nodding in agreement.

I just frowned my brows reading one leg of the trip, because for me, it didn’t make sense at all… After Bruges they go further on their trip, for only later on returning to Ghent. Being a Belgian, and knowing these places, I didn’t understand why they won’t be doing it in one straight line. But that’s just me, being a total nitpicker as usual!

Overall I found this a beautiful story, about people of all age ranges and characters being on an adventure together. Mainly I found it submerged in sweet moments, showing us that age is really just a number. And that past loves can somehow still have a hold us, and that future loves are not only for young ones!
This was a funny, feel – good story, that made me laugh, sometimes even left me a bit flabbergasted, and even the ‘heavier’ moments were just wonderful to read!

When is it worth of uncovering your true identity?

Synopsis

Risking her life

To save a knight!

Disguising herself as her late twin brother keeps Avva Carpenter, and her family, safe. Until Sir William Devereux arrives in her town. As the castle’s stable master, Avva can’t avoid the knight—or the desire he instantly stirs in her. He’s everything she never knew a nobleman could be: honest, kind, brave. When danger surrounds them, the only way to help William is to reveal her true identity, but can she trust him enough?

My review

Avva Carpenter is working as the castle’s stable master in her town. However, she is not being there as herself, but she is disguised as her twin brother Aven. The disguise is not only for her own protection, but also for keeping her family safe.
When Sir William Devereux arrives at the castle, everything changes. Avva feels attracted to him, because he is everything the men in her town are not.
But William is a knight, and not just any knight, he is one the King’s Knights and he has a mission. And when suddenly danger is lurking around every corner, Avva is ready to help the Knight, but that would mean revealing her true identity and put her trust in William… Easier said than done… 

Ella Matthews always manages to write a story different than her previous ones. Just when you think that there is no way this author can surprise you with her books, she does it again! 

The things Avva had to endure during her life, were truly heart – breaking. And on top of it all, she lost her twin brother Aven and now she has to pretend to be him, just for the safety of the rest of her family.
Living in terror, just like she is doing, is hard to imagine, yet I admired her strength and courage of just keep doing what she is doing.
When William appears in the picture, there is an instant attraction, but that doesn’t mean that Avva is ready to throw everything she has done until now through the windows.
She knows what is at stake, and the only reason she is helping William is for William, nothing more, nothing less. 

Even if I immediately liked William, his future plans weren’t… Because of his strong belief of helping out his family, he will do whatever he can to help his parents and his sisters.
But the plans were so wrong, because we all know who would be perfect by his side… 

Even if initially William isn’t aware of Avva being what she really is, I found it beautiful to read how he feels this attraction towards ‘Aven’.

The author managed to write something still so up to date in current times, showing that love comes in all forms and shapes. It doesn’t matter who you love, as long as the feelings are reciprocal and genuine. 

I admired the courage and determination of both characters. They are ready to literally fight, even when it would seem that the odds are against them.
And even if Avva is not as strong as William, I loved reading how she was of invaluable help to William. 

This story was very entertaining to read, made me gasp in fear a few times but also made me smile over the tender moments between Avva and William.
It shows us that trust is something that has be earned and that when it has been giving, is very rewarding.
And love, no matter what stands in the way, will always find a way to make sure that the right people will find each other.