Tizi’s Book Review

Finding yourself during the War.

Synopsis

July 1914: Britain is in turmoil as WW1 begins to change the world. While the young men disappear off to foreign battlefields, the women left at home throw themselves into jobs meant for the boys.

Hiding her privileged background and her suffragette past, Constance Copeland signs up to be a Clippie – collecting money and giving out tickets – on the trams, despite her parents’ disapproval.

Constance, now known as Connie, soon finds there is more to life than the wealth she was born into and she soon makes fast friends with lively fellow Clippies, Betty and Jean, as well as growing closer to the charming, gentle Inspector Robert Caldwell.

But Connie is haunted by another secret; and if it comes out, it could destroy her new life.

After war ends and the men return to take back their roles, will Connie find that she can return to her previous existence? Or has she been changed forever by seeing a new world through the tram windows?

My review

Constance Copeland is having a rather privileged life. Money is not what worries her father, rather finding a good and wealthy match for his daughter. And hiding his daughter’s past as a suffragette.
But Constance has a mind of her own, and dreams of marrying out of love.
Yet being in 1914, the War brings Britain in turmoil and all the women have to adapt into taking jobs meant for the men at war now.
So Constance, despite her parents’ disapproval finds herself being a Clippie, collecting money and giving out tickets on trams. By changing her name now into Connie, she tries to hide her past and her wealth.
Soon she realizes that there is more to life than what she thought and makes friends in places she would never imagine.

But what will happen when the War ends?

This story was had somehow a double plot. We have on one side Constance and her sense of righteousness. But on the other side, we also have the War and its consequences for our protagonists.

From the start, it’s clear that Constance has a good sense of what is right and what is wrong. Even if sometimes she made the wrong decision, she always did it with the right intentions.
What I truly liked about Connie, is that she doesn’t make a distinction between poor and rich. She doesn’t care what the background of her friends is, even if for some it would mean not to interact with them. She befriends people based on characters and how good they get along.

She is a strong woman, making a mind of her own, and is not afraid to sometimes defy her own father. She stands behind her ideas and does not give up easily.

Also when the War seems to take longer than thought, she is not afraid to make her own decision to start working as a Clippie. Not only because her family is facing economic issues because of the War, but also because she wants to make her own contribution during the difficult times.

And this is what I liked about this story. Everybody knows how awful the War was for those who are fighting. But here we get a glimpse of how it was for those staying at home, women that have to do the jobs of their men, the fear of not knowing how their beloved ones are coping.

This is a story about a strong woman, fighting almost literally for her rights, in one of the darkest moments of mankind. Yet she does not just give up, and she is not afraid of doing what must. The author managed to write about a young woman slowly discovering herself, realizing that her strong beliefs are not understood by everyone. But also that the past mistakes cannot just be erased, but can be forgiven.

Can Nancy trust a man after being betrayed in the past?

Synopsis

Bath, 1852.

As a girl, Nancy Bloom would go to Bath’s Theatre Royal, sit on the hard wooden benches and stare in awe at the actresses playing men as much as the women dressed in finery. She longed to be a part of it all and when a man promised her parents he could find a role for Nancy in the theatre, they believed him.

His lie and betrayal led to her ruin.

Francis Carlyle is a theatre manager, an ambitious man always looking for the next big thing to take the country by storm. A self-made man, Francis has finally shed the skin of his painful past and is now rich, successful and in need of a new female star. Never in a million years did he think he’d find her standing on a table in one of Bath’s bawdiest pubs.

Nancy vowed never to trust a man again. Francis will do anything to make her his star. As they engage in a battle of wits and wills, can either survive with their hearts intact?

The second in Rachel Brimble’s thrilling new Victorian saga series, Trouble for the Leading Lady will whisk you away to the riotous, thriving underbelly of Victorian Bath.

My review

Nancy Bloom is a strong woman, working with her friends Louisa and Octavia in a successful brother in Carson Street.
Her past has marked her, making sure that she will never give up her independence or trust a man ever again. But when she meets Francis Carlyle, her whole world is turned upside down.
As he is a theatre manager, he sees in Nancy the perfect woman to play the lead in a play he is writing.
But can he convince Nancy to trust him and being the star, as once was her biggest wish? Yet both have their own secrets that could change how people see them…

First of all, I enjoyed being back on Carson Street. Nancy, Louisa and Octavia are running successfully their brothel and most important, they being close friends.
We already got a glimpse of Nancy in a previous book, but I was very happy to see that she now has a book of her own!

It’s obvious that Nancy has had a hard past, having her trust in a man been broken in a terrible way. And she is still carrying that burden around. Rather quickly it’s clear that she has hardened over the years, but that deep down she is also a scared woman afraid of trusting the male population again. Yet her passion for the stage is something that made me smile. Even if her life took a different route, she dreams of being on a stage, so she enjoys to perform for an audience.

When Francis appears on the scene, I understood Nancy and her reluctance in just believing his words. Yet Francis is determined to prove his good intentions and is ready to make Nancy his star in a play he wants to see no matter what on the stage.

The thing is, this story does not just tell us about Nancy and Francis, but also about how hard and difficult life would be in the Victorian Time. Not only for adults, who could somehow change their fate, but the victims are truly the children. They have no opportunity to escape to a better place and just have to endure.
And the author manages perfectly to put focus on that pain, but without making it a sad story.
Both Nancy and Francis somehow managed to escape their past, and while together, they understand that they are the lucky ones…

Yet it’s also a story about facing your demons, daring to put faith in people again, yet not forgetting who stood by your side all the time. I loved how Nancy changed from this strong yet unavailable woman started to change into still a strong woman, but a woman with her heart at the right place, and no longer afraid to show it.

I found this a story with sad moments, yes, but also with so many beautiful moments. It shows the hardships of life but it also shows that it is possible to change your course and that fear is only holding you back. And that with the right people by your side, it is possible to reach that happiness that seemed so impossible to achieve in the past.

When two women that are strangers start a journey together.

Synopsis

THE NO. 1 IRISH BESTSELLER!

‘One of my favourite authors’ Marian Keyes

‘If you’ve had to cancel your holiday plans this summer, don’t worry – this beautiful new novel will transport you to sunnier climes…’ – HEAT‘S READ OF THE WEEK

In Sheila O’Flanagan’s stunning new novel, two women face up to shocking truths about the men they’ve loved – and start to make their own decisions about what to do next…

Deira isn’t the kind of woman to steal a car. Or drive to France alone with no plan. But then, Deira didn’t expect to be single. Or to suddenly realise that the only way she can get the one thing she wants most is to start breaking every rule she lives by.

Grace has been sent on a journey by her late husband, Ken. She doesn’t really want to be on it but she’s following his instructions, as always. She can only hope that the trip will help her to forgive him. And then – finally – she’ll be able to let him go.

Brought together by unexpected circumstances, Grace and Deira find that it’s easier to share secrets with a stranger, especially in the shimmering sunny countryside of Spain and France. But they soon find that there’s no escaping the truth, whether you’re running away from it or racing towards it . . .

WHAT READERS ARE SAYING ABOUT THE WOMEN WHO RAN AWAY:

‘Didn’t want it to end‘ *****

‘I would have given this 6 stars if I could‘

‘Within the first chapter, I had left reality and social distancing behind and joined two amazing women on a life-changing adventure’ *****

‘A great summer read‘

‘Five stars all the way!’ *****

‘Sheila O’Flanagan never disappoints‘ *****

‘Fantastic read!’

‘Couldn’t put this book down!’

My review

Deira and Grace meet two women that have been through a rough moment. When they meet, they have different plans. So does Deira want to go to Paris, using the car she just stole from her ex –  partner. And Grace is following the instructions of her late husband Ken, on a trip through Spain.

As fate seems to bring these two women together, Deira decides to change her plans and wants to help Grace to complete the puzzles Ken left behind.
These two women quickly discover that it’s easier to share the secrets they carry around with total strangers, and despite their differences, a strong friendship is being built. But no matter how hard and how far you run away, there is no way you can keep on escaping the truth and you will have to face it anyway…

When I started reading this book, I wasn’t aware I would be on a rollercoaster of emotions.
Initially I found it hard to understand Deira’s motivations. Okay, her partner left her, but then going on stealing his car, seemed a bit a bridge too far.
However, the more we got to know her and her past, the more I understood her and I was finding myself cheering for her!
Deira is in a very dark place, as she has only one purpose that makes her sometimes act like a crazy woman. But again, once you understand her situation, I am sure that you’ll have sympathy for her, just like I did.

Grace’s story is also a heart – breaking one. She sacrificed her own career for her family yet she feels that Ken did not fully appreciate everything Grace did. And when in time of need, it appears that Ken took the “easy” way out.
When she discovers that he planned a whole trip for her, going to Spain and solve his puzzles, she starts on this quest to finally be able to forgive him and move on.

I loved reading how these two women, so different from each other, are befriending quickly. Slowly their relationship evolves from being acquaintances to friends that dare to point out whenever the other one is in the wrong.

Both the women are changing through the story. Slowly, with each other’s help, they are getting out their negative thoughts and are seeing how the past was blocking them to a brighter future. And I have to admit, more towards the end, I admired our characters how they were doing the right thing, even if doing the proposed solution would make their wishes come true.

There are some romantic events in this book, but I found them not being the main subject in the story. They are a nice extra, but it’s not about finding love again, but about finding yourself again.

This story is about how to cope when you find yourself suddenly alone. But it shows how that you can find friendships and even new chances when you least expect it.  It also shows that no matter how dark your thoughts are, and that they are making you do the wrong things, you have a strength in you. In the end, you’ll be come a stronger, independent person and that you can make your own happiness.

It’s just the beginning…

Synopsis

Can true love go the distance?

London lawyer Rachel Watson has wound up in an Indian ashram with hippy heartthrob lover, Seb.

A high-achiever, Rachel has always lived life according to her Life List, ticking off goals along the way. But now that she’s in India, Rachel is going with the flow, or at least trying to…

Rachel’s visa is running out and it’s time to decide whether her relationship with Seb is a holiday romance or built to last.

The pair embark on a trip to Nepal for an Everest base camp trek, but will their relationship survive this gruelling expedition or is it time to part ways?

Flying Duo is the second romantic comedy in the ‘Flying’ series, following on from bestseller, Flying Solo, which was described by the Daily Express newspaper as ‘a must read that will appeal to fans of Sophie Kinsella, Beth O’Leary and Mhari McFarlane’ ★★★★★

My review

After following her ex – boyfriend all the way to India, London lawyer Rachel has finally found love with Canadian Seb.
But after her law suit against the ashram, she has been banned from there and she starts wondering where her relationship with Seb will go. Also that her visa is running out, makes her wonder if with Seb is was a lovely holiday romance, or is he is the real thing?

When on a limp, they go on a trip to Nepal, and do an Everest base camp trek, will this make or break their relationship? Because not only they have to face the hardships of this expedition, but there appears also to be another competitor on the horizon…

Whenever I start reading a story of this author, I know I will forget all my surroundings, and this story was absolutely no exception!

I loved the idea to know what happens when our main character after she has found love. Is it truly her happily ever after? Or what are the issues a new couple has to face?
And Rachel is facing even bigger problems, because what do you do when your boyfriend lives in Canada? And while she enjoys her time in India, slowly she starts to long after London…

The way the author describes Rachel, makes this character a realistic one. She has doubts, insecurities and just longs for her happily ever after with the man she just adores.
But it’s also very common that instead of speaking out, Rachel is afraid of what Seb’s answer will be. And why jeopardize the happiness she is feeling with Seb?

Seb managed to make me feel even more in love with him, just like Rachel does. He is a lovely character, and the way he looks at and after Rachel, makes me wish for a boyfriend like him!
He has had a rough past, but he has found redemption and is figuring out where his future is. Not only geographically, but he is also thinking what he would like to do job-wise.

The only thing I didn’t like in this story, is the trip in Nepal. I enjoy walks, but only when it’s 100% safe! So I understood the fears Rachel was having, the disgust whenever leeches or other insects were involved! It still gives me goosebumps thinking about it!
Yet the moments that were the most fearful for Rachel (and for me too, THAT BRIDGE!!!!), Seb shows again how amazing he is! He understands Rachel and is able to calm her down by being just himself.

I enjoyed reading this next chapter of Rachel, as it shows what happens “after”. Getting together is the easy part. Staying together, thinking about the future is the hardest part. Insecurities are normal feelings to have, but with the right person by your side, all these negatives thoughts disappears, and even other people cannot tear you apart, because in his eyes, you are all your loved one needs!

This was again a story that was just perfect, just like I am used by this author!

How hot can a story get???

Synopsis

A little secret sexy fun
Under the Tuscan sun!

It’s her best mate’s wedding week – and Faye Davenport is celebrating with a skinny dip under the Tuscan moon. Except she’s not alone. The sexy Italian dish is Rafael Perez – her mate’s off-limits older brother. But now it’s too late. This illicit, irresistible fire is already out of control…

My review

Faye is spending a week in Tuscany, getting ready for the wedding of her best friend. She plans on being The Best Maid of Honor during the luxe wedding week, wanting her friend to be as relaxed as possible.
But Faye needs also to relax, and is there a better way to relax in a late – night skinny – dip on her own?
Unfortunately, she is not as alone a she thought, as she is discovered by Rafael Perez, brother of the bride. Sparks starts to fly around, and the more days they spend together, the harder it is to keep their distance. And when the inevitable happens, their secret meetings are the highlights of Faye’s days.
Even if Rafael is off – limits because of his reputation, resisting is impossible. But will Faye be able to prevent a broken heart?

This story was one of the quickest read I have ever had. It just grabbed my attention from the start and I found it impossible to put it away!
Rachael Stewart is truly an author writing a hot story without falling in the trap of repeating herself all over. Each story she writes, is unique in its own way, yet so typical for her!

Faye is a very recognizable woman. She has been single for a while now, and her last relationship didn’t  work out after her career was blooming. And being single has caused frustrations in a certain area… which of course can also be very recognizable!
Even if she has some frustrations, she is a caring friend, she wants her friend to have the wedding of her dreams. She does whatever in her power to avoid any stress for Dani. Faye is a friend in the true meaning of the word, always having Dani’s best interests in mind, even if it means keeping her seeing Rafael a secret.

Rafael is every woman’s dream of a hot fling! His looks (yes I know, it’s a book, but who doesn’t imagine how a character would look like if it were your perfect temptation???) , his laid – back behaviour, it is so understandable Faye cannot resist him!
But it’s not only that, also what Rafael does for his little sister, even if he has another opinion concerning the aspect of marriage.
He is so much more than his looks, his emotions make him a more real, realistic man beside the playboy. And when we get to know the demons he is facing, it made my heart break a little bit…

I found it a very entertaining story, taking place in a setting that feels like home to me. There was not one thing I didn’t like! Although, 1 tiny remark… Rafael Perez is supposed to be the typical Italian, yet his name doesn’t sound like very Italian. It sounds very Mediterrean, but I don’t think there are many Italians with this name 😂 But that’s just me being the annoying Italian woman complaining about a small, insignificant detail!

The author managed again to forget all my surroundings with this story that is just hotter than hot!

When a divorce lawyer and a couple’s therapist have offices next to each other…

Synopsis

First law of magnetism: opposite poles attract.

Single mom Vivian has been burned by love once before, and her job as a divorce lawyer has presented enough evidence to convince her there are no good men left in New York City.

The worst offender is her new neighbor: Dr. Lucas Keller, a couple’s therapist whose piercing blue eyes and flawless dark hair are just as annoying as his bad temper. 

But when Luke starts poaching Vivian’s clients by saving their marriages, she makes it her mission to force him out of the building to save her practice. But it’s Luke who gives her the perfect opportunity when he proposes an unexpected bet. 

With their offices at stake, Vivian and Luke play the field of love in a fierce battle of wits that quickly turns hot and personal, especially when Vivian’s daughter gets involved. Now, taking down Luke has become more than business for Vivian. It’s become a pleasure—and soon, Vivian and Luke will realize how pointless it is to fight the laws of attraction.

My review

Single mom Vivian is a divorce lawyer having found the perfect office. The only thing that bothers her, is the person leasing the office next to hers. Not only is Dr. Lucas Keller a couple’s therapist, but he is also very annoying and just bad tempered.
Vivian and Lucas could not be more different, yet their dislike for each other go next level when Lucas ‘steals’ Vivian’s clients. So now Vivian has a new mission: Get Luke out of the building.
Yet when a bet is on the table, with their offices at stake, each one of them is adamant to win! How hard can it be to find the perfect match especially when you have a dating agency ready to provide a date!

I have never had so much fun reading about clashing characters, terrible dates and yet having tender moments!

Initially I was totally agreeing with Luke, because my first impression of Vivian was not a positive one!
But of course, if Vivian was truly the kind of person I thought, it would be a total different story.

Both Luke and Vivian have become who they are because of their past. And when it was clear what Vivian had been through, a lot of things made sense.
She appears to be a very cold, strict person, but when I got to know her better, and saw what amazing mom she is for Tegan, I admired her. Not only is she a successful lawyer, but she is just *there* for Tegan. And as stated in the book, she protects her child like a true lioness!

And Luke… what more can I say that he is just amazing? And the lengths he goes to help out Tegan, even if the young woman appears to be the daughter of his nemesis! He is truly just a good man, ready to put his dispute with Vivian away, to just be there for Tegan.

And then the dates they both endure… those were just HI – LA – RI – OUS!!! I had my own share of not so nice dates, but nothing compares to the dates our main characters have to attend! Sincerely, I was wiping tears away, so much was I laughing!

This story was not only hilarious, but it was also full of sweet moments! The moment Tegan appears in the story, it goes on a more serious level. The author manages to find the perfect blend of fun with heart-breaking moments. And when you think it’s all over, you will have the most surprising epilogue ever written!
I knew what the author was capable of writing, so I had high expectations, but I never imagined she would be able to raise the bar even higher!

When losing someone means you’ve lost yourself too.

Synopsis

Is there really such a thing as a second shot at true love?

After three wonderful years of marriage, librarian Juliette Fairhurst’s heart is shattered when her husband, Laurie, is taken from her much too soon.
Devasted, Juliette decides to take a sabbatical and reconnect with her mother’s birthplace, the village of Glentorrin on the picturesque Isle of Skye.
Welcomed by most of the villagers, Juliette throws herself into an idyllic community life, taking on the role of temporary summer guardian at The Lifeboat House Museum; a role that offers her the perfect escape from the tragedy of her real life.
During her time on the island, Juliette clashes with brooding single dad and artist, Reid Mackinnon and is befriended by his son Evin and dog Chewie. It’s clear that divorced Reid is struggling and scarred by his own painful experiences.
Can these two lost souls find a lifeline to rescue each other?
Or will their pasts scupper their second chance at real happiness?

My review

Librarian Juliette Fairhurst is still trying to place losing her husband Laurie. They were happily married for three years and were looking forward spending a lifetime together, when their whole world was suddenly falling apart.
Juliette realizes she has lost her own spark, and needs some time off. So she heads off to Glentorrin, a village on the Isle of Skye, her mother’s birthplace.
Very quickly she feels herself at home and is welcomed by most of the villagers.
But will this and her temporarily job at The Lifeboat House Museum be enough to truly get over her loss? And what will she do when she discovers that the man she is constant clashing with, is also struggling and carrying his own grief around?

After I had read the prologue, I was nearly left in tears… It was just so beautiful, yet I knew what would come next, and I didn’t want to continue reading, because I knew what would happen to Laurie…

So seeing how perfect Laurie was, I totally understood the difficulties Juliette was having to ‘just move on’. How can someone just do that after losing the love of her life? But she is not alone, because she has her best friend Millie and her brother Dexter standing by her side, not pushing her to do what they think is best, but just be there for her.
And when she has the need to just go away for a while, they understand her motivations.

This is not a simple love story, because it would have been too easy to just like. This story shows that there is no “right” way to grieve. Juliette has to find her own way to place the pain of losing Laurie. And staying in a wonderful village like Glentorrin with amazing inhabitants surely help.
But it’s not only about Jules’ (Juliette’s nickname 😄) grieve. There are several things people need to grieve over. It’s not always about someone dying, but it can also be of a terrible betrayal, just like Reid’s…

Despite Jules and Reid clashing time over time, Jules understands Reid’s pain and sees how low he is actually feeling. And Jules, being the amazing woman I knew she was, doesn’t just stand on the side-line and watch Reid falling deeper, but offers a real helping hand. Because who better than Jules understands what Reid is going through? 

But do not think this is a depressing story, because there were many happy moments. The moment Reid’s son Evin appears in the book, together with his dog Chewie, I was smiling. There is nothing a sweet boy and his dog cannot fix! And I surely needed these two to get over my heart breaking feeling the pain of Jules and Reid.

I found this a bittersweet story, about pain and grieve and trying to move on. Yet I found it also a hopeful message. Because once you have found the courage and ability to place your grieve, you obviously do not forget your loss, but you can remember the beautiful moments. And that just maybe there is a possibility to love again…

Decisions decisions decisions…

Synopsis

Alice thought her future was set in stone, until her past came knocking…

Alice Butler starred in a successful US sitcom until tensions in the cast and crew caused the show to be cancelled. Now, five years later and working towards her dream job in art history, she’s called back for a revival of the show. It can only end in disaster, surely?

Flown to a villa in Chianti to meet with the rest of the cast, Alice must decide where her future lies – with her boyfriend, David, who laps up the Hollywood company, or with the mysterious Matt, who shies away from public attention?

My review

Decisions decisions decisions…

Alice Butler is looking for a job in art history, her true passion. But most people will remember her as the actress of a successful U Sitcom. Even if it was five years ago, people still recognize her and compare her to her character.
Now that a revival of the show is being discussed, Alice is also contacted again even if the show was cancelled until the tensions on the set were unbearable. Alice is flown to Chianti to meet the cast again and see she must decide what her future will be. Will she go back in the spotlights? And what will her boyfriend David want to do? Or should she follow her passion for art history and find a lesser paid job? And then there is also mysterious neighbour Matt…

Do I really have to say again how much I enjoyed reading a book of T.A. Williams? Really??? Okay then, here it goes!

Whenever I read a book by this author, I just know I will love it. And also this book was a success!
It’s not only how he managed to describe in perfection the atmosphere of the setting but it also the way he manages to write about people that are maybe out of our comfort zone, yet so recognizable!

Alice used to be an actress in a famous sitcom, that had a lot of similarities with a real sitcom about a bunch of *friends* living in New York. But it’s clear that even if there are similarities there are also many differences. But the sitcom is absolutely not the most important thing in this story.

It’s about Alice and what she wants to do with her life.

Everyone who thinks about a career in Hollywood, sees all the glitter and glamour, but with Alice, we also get to see behind the scenes. When she was acting, there was a lot of tension, even causing the sitcom to be cancelled.
Now that she is following her dream, it’s a difficult choice to make. Continue to follow her dream or step again in the spotlights and just cashing in?
And how will her relationship with David evolve?

This story grabbed my attention and just didn’t want me to let go. The dilemma Alice is facing, not knowing what to do is in many ways recognizable for so many of us, even if it doesn’t involve an acting career. Every one of us at least once had to think about what would the best thing to do? And having people around you with their own opinion isn’t surely helping.

We see Alice making decisions for HER best interests, and thinking what would make HER happy. And not only about her work, also in her relationship with David. Of course there is one thing that makes things very easy for her to make a decision!
And what is going on with mysterious Matt??? Just like Alice I was just wondering what was truly going on with him, as I just couldn’t understand him being so evasive! I even started to think the worse!

I absolutely enjoyed spending time in Chianti, just feeling like I was truly there. And for even who have never been there, the details that the author managed to capture in his book makes sure that you can have the complete picture!
Another perfect escape to Italy with a main character making hard decisions, surrounded with people that you will instant like or dislike. But never forget, first impressions can be wrong in some cases!