Tizi’s Book Review

A strong and inspiring message!

Synopsis

She’s wreaked havoc in everyone’s lives. Can she find forgiveness… even from within?

Former drug addict Melinda desperately wants to make amends for years of misguided aggression. Fresh out of rehab and in control of her type of bipolar disorder, she’s grateful to have a secure job and a safe homestead for her long road to recovery. Welcomed by a glorious cliffside sunset and her handsome rancher host, she’s surprised by their instant attraction.

Determined to excel at her work, Melinda does her utmost to display kindness and forges a healthy connection with the horses. And when her dedication warms the heart of the steeds’ drop-dead gorgeous owner, she starts to believe in the possibility of unexpected love and a new future.

Can Melinda truly conquer the demons of her past to find redemption?

Reformed Dreamer is the fourth and final book in the sweet Inspiration in Cologne women’s fiction series. If you like hard-won second chances, surprising romance, and rising above mental health hurdles, then you’ll love Deborah King’s touching story.

My review

Melinda received a second chance after her drug addiction. Now she is living on a ranch, with her host Darius keeping an eye on her and help her control her bipolar disorder.
slowly she Is getting her life back on track, and discovers her passion for horses.

Has Melinda found where her future lays? And is love also something she will find?

I have to admit, initially I had some difficulties to relate with Melinda. Her story is a sad one, but also something I never had to encounter in my own life.
I don’t know anyone with a bipolar disorder, or with an addiction.
That made it a bit difficult for me to understand what she went through and still is going through.

But once a few things are being made clear, it was easier for me to empathize with her.
She has had a rough period, yet she is determined to make the best of the new chance she has been given.
Being on the ranch is giving her the opportunity to meet new people, discover the world of working with horses and conquer the demons of her past.

Even if there is something blooming between her and Darius, this was not a love story in my eyes. It is more a story about how second chances can change someone for the better. Thanks to the chance she received, Melinda opened up. She dares to confront those who are ready to judge her.

Melinda grows during this story from a wary person to a woman ready to face her past, finding her passion, finding love and daring to chase her dreams once she knows what her future is.

The author manages to write about difficult subjects, and writes about it in a way that even someone like me, with no such experiences, can sense what is going on in Melinda’s mind. It’s inspirational what someone can accomplish with the right people by her side.

I found this a story that made me feel all warm and it shows that forgiveness and a second chance can truly change a person for the best. It reminds me also that it’s human to make mistakes. It’s a journey to put the past behind you but the reward you receive is priceless.

Warning: you will need tissues!

Synopsis

Jeremy Lewis has just returned from a year in Europe, ready to start college in Alabama and pursue his dream career in the National Hockey League. Other than boring school work, he’s eager to play hockey, hang out with his new teammates and maybe even rekindle an old flame when Chelsea unexpectedly reappears in his life.

Life is looking pretty darn peachy.

But when his parents are brutally murdered in a mass shooting, merely surviving each day feels like an achievement. How can he get through college and keep his budding career on track when all he wants to do is drink and squander his parent’s fortune? Can he convince Chelsea he’s a changed man when he seems so intent on his own destruction?

My review

Jeremy Lewis is ready to start college in Alabama. Last year he spend a year in Europe but now he is ready to pursue his dream. In his free time, he plays hockey and spends time with his new friend/ roommate A.J.

When he suddenly sees Chelsea again, he knows that she’s the perfect girl for him. But she is not interested at all!
Jeremy is not known for giving up easily so he puts all he has in the game. But when his world comes crashing down, can he pick up the pieces again?

I know Jeremy from the A.J Williams series and the Lisa Miller Series. So I already knew what a great and loyal friend he can be. But his story always intrigued me.

After reading this first part, I realized that I didn’t know Jeremy at all…

Of course, Jeremy is the perfect example of a flirt… every girl he meets is in ‘danger’. Yet there seems to be something more when Chelsea comes back in the picture.
I loved reading about the attraction and the pushing away between them.

But oh my God, Jeremy’s story is so heart breaking… What happens to him it just terrible. And when guilt and grief are coming over him, I just wanted to step in the book and give him a hug and tell him he is not alone…

There are several heavy topics in this story. But the author managed to find the perfect balance between pointing out the seriousness of it and not becoming a depressing story.
When the topic concerns one of the main characters, the actions taking by that person are recognizable and real.
And the efforts made by those close to them show a matureness and a knowledge that not everybody has.

I honestly love Jeremy, with all his flaws. He would move the earth for his friends. And he shows a vulnerable side I didn’t know yet he had. Despite everything he goes through, he shows several times how mature he is for his age, despite his not so great sense of humour 😂

When can I read the next part???

I KNEW IT!!!

Synopsis

Could a post-it note really lead to love…?

Sadie doesn’t have time for finding love. She’s too busy as PA for famous artist Damian Banks. When she’s not arranging exhibitions, she’s organising his dry cleaning or dumping his never ending stream of girlfriends.

But when she strikes up an unusual friendship with her desk share buddy, she finds a confidante and a new potential love interest. Problem is, they’ve never actually met…

With Christmas just around the corner, can Sadie put herself first for a change and find what she’s been looking for all along?

The brand new romantic comedy from top 10 bestseller Portia MacIntosh. Perfect for fans of Sophie Ranald, Mhairi McFarlane and Zara Stoneley.

My review

Sadie is the PA of famous artist Damian Banks. Her job consists of arranging exhibitions, but also picking up his dry cleaning, dumping the girl he is currently seeing, buying gifts for family and friends etc.
Not exactly the perfect job, and also her colleagues are not warming up towards her, despite the efforts she makes.

The only person she has bonded over is Adam, the guy she shares her desk with. The only way they communicate is with post – its, as they have never really met because they work on different days…
Sadie finds herself more and more attracted to this mysterious Adam, but how good do you know someone you have never met?
And will Sadie allow Damian to be more his nanny than a real PA?
With Christmas nearby, Sadie has to make some important decisions…

From the very start I loved this book!
I was a bit confused when we first meet Sadie, but rather quickly it’s obvious for what an obnoxious man Damian is… Sadie breaking up with the woman HE is dating? That’s even worse by breaking up by text!
I don’t know how Sadie does it, but I would not have her patience at all! I think I would have been fired after a week or so!

But despite her horrible boss, I was looking forward with Sadie what message Adam left her. It’s a bit weird falling for a guy you never met, but the whole thing is just too cute for words!

When suddenly Damian is spending Christmas with Sadie and her Christmas – obsessed family, I thought it would be the clash of Titans. But of course as often, we get to know a whole other Damian…
The Damian at Christmas and the Damian in the office are so different people, and we get to understand why Office Damian is just a d*ckh**d!

Damian and Sadie are more themselves during the holidays and there were so many sweets moments that made me swoon…
Yet when all the truths came out, of course it was a bitter pill to digest for the other party. Instead of finding excuses for themselves, both characters admit they were wrong in the way they handled things.

This story was the perfect Christmas story. There is a woman wanting to have more from her job, a man who has to take his defences down, a mystery man who we only know by post – its. And then we have this community that goes over the top with their Christmas celebrations.

I loved every bit of the story, even if I kind of knew how it would end, or at least what I hoped how it would end.

But I have still 1 question in my mind… is Terry Mackie really guilty or not?????

Will this Christmas be where all Carly’s wishes come true?

Synopsis

It’s the most wonderful time of the year…

It’s December on Castle Street; the fairy lights are twinkling, snow has settled and the festive season is in full swing.

For Carly, the owner of Carly’s Cupcakes, it’s the busiest time of year getting everyone’s Christmas treats ready on time. However with her clumsy sister, Bethany, as a co-worker, it’s proving a difficult task. They say you shouldn’t mix work with family. Maybe they have a point…

As Christmas approaches, Carly is also eagerly awaiting the return of her best friend to Whitborough Bay. Liam has no idea he’s been the object of her affection since their schooldays. After years of pining after him, can Carly pluck up the courage to finally tell him how she really feels by 25th December?

Could a little festive magic make all of Carly’s wishes come true this Christmas…?

A heartwarming, short festive story of friendship and family from bestseller Jessica Redland. You can find out what happens to Carly next through exploring her best friend Tara’s story in Starry Skies Over The Chocolate Pot Café.

This is a new and updated version of Christmas at Carly’s Cupcakes which has been previously published.

My review

Carly is a woman with amazing patience… She has given her sister Bethany a job in her Cupcake Shop, but Bethany causing more havoc than being a real help.
But firing Bethany is not an option, having in mind what she went through…

Silver lining is that she can look forward to the return of her best friend Liam. Since school they have been best friends, and have had many adventures together. And no matter what happened, nothing could break their friendship.
But what Lima doesn’t know is that Carly loves him, and not just as a friend.
Will this Christmas Carly find the courage to speak up?

When someone writes a story taking place around Christmas, you have to be a terrible writer to ruin my happiness!
But what made this story even more precious to me, is that there is so much going on, and that there are topics discussed pointing out the reality of such situations and how important the right help is.

From the very start it’s obvious how much a caring person Carly is. Not many people would hire their brother or sister in the business they have. And how quickly would someone fire a person who is not fit for the job?
Yet Carly is always there with her positivism, giving Bethany chance after chance. And when it’s too much even for Carly, she hides it from Bethany.

And before you start thinking bad of Bethany, just don’t… when I got to know her past and the struggles she is having, I felt a sadness coming over me. What she has been through, and how she is trying to find her place again, it’s a heart-breaking story…

A story about friends with more feelings they dare to admit, is not something we’ve never read about either. But Carly’s and Liam’s story is just too sweet for words. They are sticking together from school, and whenever Carly thinks back on what they did and does the same thing, just in memory of that amazing moment, just adorable!

While I was reading this book, I was longing for winter to come, to make snow angels myself (never made one in my whole life!😱), drinking hot chocolate with one of Carly’s amazing cupcakes!

There were moments that made me feeling down a bit, but after reaching the end, I felt satisfied. The message of not giving up came through loud and clear. I admired Bethany for her strength, even if she didn’t see it herself, I adored Carly’s determination for being there for her sister. I loved the tender sweet moments of the flashbacks.

To cut the chase, I loved every bit of this story, as it gave me more than expected!

When you’re feeling alone in the world around Christmas…

Synopsis

Starry Skies Over The Chocolate Pot Café Cosy up with a mug of hot chocolate for some festive sparkle from bestseller Jessica Redland.

Everyone is getting into the festive spirit on Castle Street – snow is falling, fairy lights are glistening and Christmas shopping is underway.

But for Tara Porter, owner of thriving cafe, The Chocolate Pot, this is the most difficult time of the year. From the outside, Tara is a successful businesswoman and pillar of the community. Behind closed doors, she is lonely.

With a lifetime of secrets weighing on her shoulders, she has retreated from all friends, family and romance, and shut her real self away from the world. Afterall, if you don’t let them in, they can’t hurt you. She’s learnt that the hard way.

But as the weight of her past becomes heavier and an unexpected new neighbour moves onto the street – threatening the future of her cafe – Tara begins to realise that maybe it’s time to finally let people back in and confront her history. It could just change her life forever…

Starry Skies Over The Chocolate Pot Café was originally released as Christmas at The Chocolate Pot Café. Now re-released with a new title and new cover, this version has been freshly edited and features several new chapters.

My review

Tara Porter is the proud owner of The Chocolate Pot Café. Despite all the success she is having, and the image the community has about her, she feels very lonely.

She ran away from her past with many secrets and intends to never let anyone get close to her again, as it will only cause her more pain. She has learned this lesson the hard way.

But when a new neighbour seems to become a threat for the future of her beloved cafe, Tara needs the help of the community. The only way is to let people back in and learn to trust them and face her past.

From the very first moment I got to know Tara, it’s obvious that something happened to her in her past. Because of her past, she decided to start all over again.
Even if it wasn’t clear what happened to her, it scarred her deeply, causing her being an introvert, wary person.
Of course I understood her reasoning of not letting people in, but I felt so sorry for her. And when she slowly starts letting people in (VERY slowly!), we get to see how amazing Tara truly is. The more she opens up, the easier it comes to her to enjoy life again and she dares to go out there again.

And when the new neighbour seems to jeopardize her café, she becomes this fierce woman, not letting anyone mess with her and her future again. And I liked Tara even more!

Yes, this story has Christmas screaming all around the place and a happy read. But I found this more a story about facing your past. When I got to know the whole history of Tara, I found myself heartbroken. All the things she went through, the breach of trust from the people the closest to you, it was a real injustice.

Yet somehow Tara finds the courage to face it all over again and she even starts to reach out to people.

Tara’s story is a sad one, that is obvious, but now that she has a cause to fight for, we see that she is not that meek girl she once was. She fights for what she loves. She found her strength and will not give up easily.

I know this seems like it’s only a sad story, but there are so many moment that made me smile. And without giving too much away, trust me when I say that Hercules will steal your heart and make you laugh at loud! And yes, there is some space left for love!

This story was something that left me wandering about the true colours of people… some will betray you and then there are people who will surprise in the most amazing way. Tara is someone you will find yourself cherishing and respecting.

I found it utterly hard to put this book away as it got me all wrapped up and wouldn’t let me go until I reached the end!

When you want the girl back…

Synopsis

In the summer of love, or rather of madness, a whole set of stories are emerging. But there is one that has got everyone talking. When Kurt Vannes decides to win back his ex-girlfriend with the help of a literary classic, he sets off a string of events that will build to a dramatic finale.

My review

Kurt his girlfriend has left him. but he wants her back. And in the summer of love (or madness), with the help of a classic, it’s the start of several events with a finale you won’t see coming.

The pity of reading a short story is that the ending too quickly there. After the last page I wished there would be more, because there was so much left in the open. What will be happening next to all those people I started to like in such a short space of time?

I loved the determination that Kurt showed,  not giving up hope, no matter what happens around him.
I love grand gestures, and this one surely is one! Being also a lover of the literary classics, I loved the way Wuthering Heights took an important part in this story.

This story shows how the action of 1 man is the start of several events for several people. Due his grand gesture, people meet, get to learn the beauty of a book they wouldn’t think of reading. Also Kurt manages to create his own fan base that are hoping together with him for a second chance.

For me it was a quick, but entertaining read, turning page after page, hoping for that happy end everyone in the book is cheering for.
Yet is also a reminder that you only know what you have until it’s gone. So cherish it all before it’s too late!

Today I will be amazing you with this fabolous cover! If we would judge a book by its cover, I know that this will be winner!

Synopsis

Meet old and new characters in the Bay for Christmas fun and frolics.

With both the Corner Shop and Cockleberry Café in safe hands, Rosa turns her attention to Ned’s Gift, the charity set up in memory of the great-grandfather whose legacy turned her life around.

Over at the Ship Hotel, Lucas has his work cut out with his devious new girlfriend and the mystery poisoning of an anonymous hotel inspector. Will the hotel still get its 3-star Seaside Rosette?

Will Mary find true love at last? Can Titch cope with the demands of the shop and being heavily pregnant. And can Rosa, with a baby of her own, pull off the Cockleberry Bay Charity Christmas Concert in time?

Christmas in Cockleberry Bay is a festive delight for fans of Rosa and her cheeky mini dachshund Hot, delivering a feast of unpredictable events and surprises.

About the author

Nicola May is a rom-com superstar. She is the author of eleven romantic comedies, all of which have appeared in the Kindle bestseller charts. Two of them won awards at the Festival of Romance, and another was named ebook of the week in The Sun. The Corner Shop in Cockleberry Bay became the best-selling Kindle book in the UK, across all genres, in January 2019, and was Amazon’s third-bestselling novel in that year.

She lives near Ascot racecourse with her black-and-white rescue cat, Stan.

The Cover!!!

Who can forget their first love?

Synopsis

Some loves last for just a short time, but ours lasted a lifetime.

From the moment that Emma met Ryan, she knew he was the one for her, but he leaves her heartbroken when he betrays her and disappears from her life, only to return and shatter her heart for a second time.

We were never meant to be, we just happened against the odds.

It feels like fate when life throws them back together as adults, but Emma has moved on now and she can’t throw everything away for the man who left her heartbroken twice.

Emma is living a charmed life with a beautiful family and her art career beginning to take off, but she can’t help feeling like her heart is pulling her back to her first love.

I keep on coming back to you.

One chance encounter with Ryan, so unexpected that it feels like it was written in the stars, throws them back together and she can’t deny the connection between them is stronger than ever. Emma learns that Ryan has been keeping a secret from her, and she has to decide whether to turn away from him forever or keep fighting for their love against all odds.

My review

Emma and Ryan meet for the first time when they are just teenagers. But quickly they spend each free time together and enjoy the emotions linked with first love.
Despite their love, it all ends when Ryan breaks her heart by betraying her in the worst possible way and then just disappears.

History repeats itself a second time when Ryan returns…

When Emma and Ryan meet again as adults, Emma has a beautiful family and has finally her dream coming true with her art career. And even if she seems to have the perfect life, her heart keeps longing for Ryan. But Ryan appears to have secrets he does not want to share, and Emma has to make a final decision…

This story did not break my heart once or twice, but the whole time!

When Emma and Ryan get together the first time,  it was all so sweet! That first love, that need of spending each moment together… And getting to know each other better, with that innocence, believing it will last forever…
But the betrayal was huge… I understand why Emma was so heartbroken… losing your first love always has a big impact. But for Emma is was not only losing Ryan, there was more to it. Also that Ran just disappeared made it harder for her to process everything.
That moment was where I pitied Emma the most…

When Emma and Ryan meet again, there is time for a new kind of love. It’s not that innocent love anymore, but a more grown-up love. Of course, years have passed so it makes perfectly sense that the love also is different.

And history repeats itself somehow… and that was not only Emma’s heart that got broken, but also mine…
Of course I understood this time why Emma and Ryan couldn’t be together, but it seemed so wrong for them not being together!

Later in their lives, they meet again and this time, I didn’t like what Emma did… I understand the attraction to Ryan, I REALLY do, but her actions were just wrong in my opinion. But Emma wouldn’t be Emma if she didn’t realize it too!

This story takes place of several years, and I loved reading how Emma grew up from a young girl to a real woman.
You see her struggles, her desire to do what she truly wants and what is expected from her.
And you see also her determination, especially towards to end. She does not just give up, and is ready for the awaiting challenge.

I found this a bittersweet story, about the challenges someone can encounter when being in love. And that saying of ‘Shame on you if you fool me once, shame on me if you fool me twice’ is not always applicable. Love is something you have to work and even fight for.  But when it’s true love, it is all worth it.

And just when you think the happy end is there…

Synopsis

Starry autumn nights are bringing a rare celestial event and exciting new guests to the shores of the sleepy hotel Penmarrow.

Maisie is happy to be back among its staff, even with the question of its future ownership still in the air and the fate of her unpublished manuscript soon to be in the hands of London acquisitions editors. More than anything else, she’s happy to finally be in a relationship with Sidney Daniels, the sparks between them no longer denied. She’s excited for the future and things couldn’t be better with regards to romance … except for those lingering little questions about Sidney’s uncertain past, that is.

Meanwhile, the staff at the Penmarrow is tasked with hosting a special celestial conference where stargazers are gathering for a glimpse of the much-anticipated comet. The ever-timid maid Molly is flustered by the return of charming astronomer George and seems to need a little advice on how to rekindle the spark they shared last autumn. Hotel porters Gomez and Riley vie for the attentions of a mysterious female guest, the eccentric ‘Megs’ Buntly pays another visit, and a dramatic revelation about someone on staff will leave Maisie and everyone else reeling from the unexpected news. Is this the moment for the revelation Maisie has been waiting for since her Cornish journey began?

Brimming with humor, romance, and the kind of surprises its fans have come to expect, the seventh book in the series brings a twist at the end that’s sure to leave readers excited — and anxious — for the conclusion of Maisie’s original gorgeous Cornish adventure.

My review

Maisie is finally truly happy. She is working at hotel Penmarrow and she is finally in a relationship with Sidney. And even if she is very curious about Sidney’s past, she can patiently wait until he is ready to share it.
What would make her life really perfect is to find someone to publish her manuscript.

And at the hotel the staff is ready for hosting a special celestial conference, where stargazers are gathering to see the passing comet.

With everything going on, Maisie finds herself having more questions and she is again determined to find out the truths!

First of all, I was so happy to read about Maisie and Sidney being FINALLY together! From the first book I was cheering for these two to be together, so I was over the moon when now they were!
This couple is just too sweet! They are not just swooning all over each other, but they support each other in every step.
And the way the can sometimes make fun of things, it’s just so typically them!

But not only was it lovely to read about Maisie and Sidney again, I enjoyed reading about all the other characters too! Will George and Molly reconnect?
Also the future of the hotel is not sure… will a new owner be found? And will the staff still have a job?

There is again so much happening in this story and even if it’s all different, it all blends perfectly in the greater picture!

Every character has been growing each book and in this book they all showed a great maturity. And I was most amazed by Maisie. Being an aspiring author, she has this natural curiosity. Yet she respects people’s boundaries and gives Sidney his time to open up.

Only the ending left me longing for more… it was again an ending  I did not see coming and it’s so obvious the story hasn’t reached its final ending.

Looking forward to the next chapter in this captivating series!

With a little bit of help from Shakespeare…

Synopsis

A gorgeously uplifting, romantic read that will warm your heart – take a trip to Stratford-Upon-Avon, where magic happens…

It’s autumn in beautiful Stratford-Upon-Avon and Kelsey Anderson is enjoying her new life in her adopted town. Her Shakespearean tour guide days behind her, she’s now opened her own photography studio and loved up with boyfriend Jonathan – even if a long-distance relationship is sometimes lonely.

When best friend Mirren Imrie moves down from Scotland, Kelsey is delighted to have her friend at her side – and as the nights turn colder, Mirren throws herself into dating, until she finds herself growing closer to sexy journalist, Adrian Armadale. But when Mirren uncovers a long-buried scandal while working at the local newspaper, her big scoop might throw Kelsey’s – and Jonathan’s – life upside down. Will she choose her career over her friends’ happiness?

And when Jonathan returns from America and discovers the secrets Mirren has uncovered about his family, it throws his relationship with Kelsey onto shaky ground. Can they find their way back to love, before it becomes the winter of their discontent?

A romantic, funny and feelgood read that will make you smile from ear to ear. Fans of Milly Johnson, Heidi Swain and Holly Martin will fall in love with this cosy winter read!

My review

Kelsey Anderson found the love of her life with Jonathan. Yet no matter how great their love is, having a relationship on long distance, is not so easy!

They are counting the days until they can be together again.

Meanwhile is Kelsey’s best friend having her own problems… The longer Mirren is working as a journalist, the more she becomes unhappy. And let’s not forget that she has broken her boyfriend’s heart in the worst ways.

Seeing no other option, she escapes from Scotland and seeks retreat at Kelsey’s place, taking a break from dating and men.

But when Mirren finds out a secret involving Jonathan, will she go for own glory? Or is her friendship with Kelsey more important? And can she truly trust journalist Adrian? Or is he just looking for some juicy gossip and using Mirren?

This book is the second part of a series, yet can be perfectly read as a standalone. But for those curious to know what happened previously, a small recap is given!

While I was reading this story, it struck me how recognizable all the emotions were… There was the love between Kelsey and Jonathan. That new love, the desire to spend each minute together. But also the despair as they are so far away from each other! Yet they don’t just give up and Kelsey and Jonathan make it more than obvious how much they love each other.

And then the emotions Mirren is going through… her story was a sadder one. Having a job but being undermined all the time. Beine harassed all the time, just because you have that flair about you. And the feeling of guilt because Mirren made mistakes.

There is so much happening in this story, and yet I didn’t find it hard at all to follow! Each time the spotlight shifted, I groaned because I wanted to read more, but was also eager to read what was going on with the other characters!

I found myself going from happy, to sad, to flabbergasted and wanting to fight together with our lovely main characters.

And a special remark also for Blythe, who surprised me in a good way!

This was a lovely, sweet book to read about family, friendship, love, making mistakes but also about forgiveness and giving second chances!