Tizi’s Book Review

Today I am treating you with a guest post of A Wing And A Prayer.

Synopsis

When Betty Palmer’s sister dies under suspicious circumstances whilst landing her Tiger Moth, Betty and three other women pilots of the Air Transport Auxiliary in WWII England unite to discover who killed her and why.
Estranged from her family, Penny Blake wants simply to belong. American Doris Winter, running from a personal tragedy, yearns for a new start. Naturally shy Mary Whitworth-Baines struggles to fit in. Together though, they are a force to be reckoned with as they face the mystery that confronts them.

Against the backdrop of war, when ties of friendship are exceptionally strong, they strive to unravel the puzzle’s complex threads, risking their lives as they seek justice for Betty’s sister.

Guest Post

Hands up who’s heard someone say, I could write a book…only I don’t have the time. I always want to shout at them. Well, make the time!

My new book, ‘A Wing and a Prayer’ isn’t one of those. Saying this, I also have to say, it wasn’t planned. At no point in my relatively short writing life had I ever planned to write in this genre. I thought I’d be writing, or attempting to write, Women’s Fiction/Romances. Next thing I know, I’ve written a World War 2 Historical Saga –actually, as I write this, book 2 is with my publishers and book 3 is a quarter done – and received a publishing deal. Isn’t life strange?

Honestly, the last thing I expected to be doing during this mad time we’ve been going through was to sign my second writing contract. After the best part of a couple of years of quite ill health, I was getting things back together and had started to follow my author friend’s advice who’d been through the same trouble, and was picking up the ‘pen’ again – it’s not quite the same as, picking up the laptop. I’d tried to start up again where I’d left off with a couple of half-finished stories, but it was proving difficult to get some enthusiasm going for them. Then, one advised me to try something new, something that would get me in a place I hadn’t been before. I happened to be watching a television program called, The Spitfire Girls, about the women who served in the Air Transport Auxiliary and this sparked something inside me.

I’d served 16 years on the Royal Air Force, visiting many places around the world and I’d always loved history, especially what occurred on the Home Front in the Second World War. In a day, I’d put together a rough, very rough as I’m not much of a planner, outline of a story about 3 disparate lady pilots. A little to my surprise, the story evolved into a bit of a mystery. Perhaps saying it was a little surprise is to put it mildly. Before writing this book, I could count on the fingers of one hand how many mysteries I’ve read, let alone WW2 sagas, so where the mystery came from, I’ve no idea. Mind you, it’s often said that books acquire a life of their own as they’re written and that was certainly the case of this one; I’m very happy it did too!

I’m a very proud member of the Romantic Novelists Association and indeed, have had a Romantic Drama published before my illness. Since I began the work that became A Wing and a Prayer’, I’ve received nothing but support both from this wonderful organization and also various WW2 – and other era’s – saga authors. I have found another group of friends just when they were needed the most and I cannot wait for things to get back to normal so I can thank as many of them as possible in person. It’s quite an experience being a male author in what is vastly a female dominated genre, and I want all those who have willingly helped me to know how much I appreciate them all.

Which brings me to, what I’m up to now? Well, book 2 is now with my editor and book 3 is somewhere between a quarter and a third of the way into that one. Book 3 is to be a Christmas one and for someone who really didn’t have anything much to do with Christmas before he got married, this is bringing me an entirely new perspective on this time of year. Also, researching a wartime Christmas is fascinating!

Thank you very much for being a part of the blog tour for ‘A Wing and a Prayer’, it’s been a joy to be here.

When old friendships feel like no time has passed.

Synopsis

In their secret tree house, nine-year-old Emma and her best friend Chris made a promise: ‘You and me forever’. 

It’s been five years since Emma left her hometown with her soon to be ex-husband and eight years since the tragedy that taught her and Chris that nothing lasts forever.  

Now thirty, Emma is an unemployed nurse living back on her parents’ farm, her life in tatters. Chris, however, is finally healing and making a success of his family’s country estate. 

They step into their old friendship as if it were yesterday, but as Emma sets out to rebuild her life, will their past and Chris’s future throw her further off balance? 

Or will she find the happiness she left behind by returning to the treehouse?

My review

Now that Emma her marriage has ended, she goes back to her hometown, looking for a new job and trying to rebuild her life.
Going back home means also see her old friends again, Chris included.
During their childhood, Emma and Chris were best friends, and spent a lot of time in their treehouse. But of course, as often, growing older meant for them also growing more distant.
Yet seeing each other again, feels so natural and it doesn’t feel like their friendship was on hold for a long time.

While Emma is trying to pick up the pieces of her life back together, Chris is now finally putting the tragedy in his past behind him and is becoming rather successful.
Will coming home mean for Emma that she can find happiness again?

From the fist moment, I found the bond that Emma and Chris had, so sweet to read about! Even as just children, they make a promise to be there for each other, forever. If you don’t find that sweet, well, then it’s your fault and not mine!

Yet even if I had some clue about how this story would end, I had no idea everything that would happen before!

When Emma comes back to her hometown, she is not happy. Who would be happy when your marriage is over? Luckily for her, her old friends are still there for her, even if they lost contact over the years. talking about real friends!

During the story we get to know also about the loss Chris had to endure and how it has defined him. And my heart broke for him, reading how much it had hurt him and how guilty he felt for it… Yet I found him amazing!

I have to say, there were some twists in the story I didn’t like so much. Not because it was badly written, but just because I wanted to happen what I wanted to happen. And when it went the total opposite way, I got a bit frustrated.
But of course the author did this for a good cause, as it all had a purpose and it all turned to be a real eye-opener.

I had conflicting emotions while reading. I felt sympathy for both Emma and Chris. Yet I got angry too when some secrets came out. I got mad at Chris, for keeping something from Emma. I got angry at other people (no spoilers from my side!) for playing with people’s emotions. I also had happy emotions though! I was content when Emma and Chris got closer and found their friendship still intact.
And I was proud how Emma moved on and dared to take a chance for love.

Despite the beautiful story, I found the last chapters a bit hasted. There were things going suddenly so quickly, that I started to feel I missed something. But maybe (keep in mind that I am NOT an author so I have no clue about writing a book myself!) a few extra pages with some more details would have made this even a more perfect story?

But even with the high speed on those chapters, I enjoyed reading this heart – warming story about starting over again, true friendship, forgiving not only others but yourself and love. I found this a great debut novel!

Having read the previous parts, I surely am intrigued for Part Nr. 3! Let’s give a little tease by having a Cover Reveal!

Synopsis

Withholding the Key, Third and Final Book of With Emma Trilogy.

Will Emma unlock her heart and truly allow herself the happiness she deserves?

Emma Andrews finds herself and everyone she cares about within the walls of the penthouse. Only, this time, it was her who locked the door and threw away the key. Emma finds herself not only planning to take Jarret out for good, but trying to destroy his empire and all who are within it.

Jarret won’t know what hit him…

What Emma doesn’t expect is to see a face that before had only appeared in her dreams.

With Chance’s life holding on by a thread, Emma is pulled to him. Will he prove his love to her, allowing Emma to completely unlock her heart to him? Or, will the man that has taught her to accept her strength, be the man Emma finds her true-self in the bounds of his love…

There is one thing for certain, in order to take Jarret out, Emma will need to rely upon the bond formed from an unexpected friendship.

About the author

T. L. Mahrt is a former business owner, where she utilized her education in cosmetology, barbering and massage therapy for several years. She was raised on and is currently living on a farm in Nebraska, where you can find her running barefoot in the country side with her loving husband and inspiring children and massive dogs. 

After having her son, who was born with Cerebral Palsy and DYRK1A, she made the life altering decision to stay home to care for her two children and pursue her love for writing. She has a love for romance and poetry where, her overactive imagination, along with her adventures and up beat lifestyle drives her inspiration for her writing. 

T. L. Mahrt has a thirst for knowledge, and is currently working on her Bachelor of Applied Science in Communication Studies degree.

The Cover!

Can someone escape from a violent marriage in Victorian times?

Synopsis

Having lost her father, Thea Goodson is alone in the world.

It is true she has a husband, but Ernie is a brutal man, more inclined to use his fists to keep Thea in line than to build on their marriage. And besides, Ernie Goodson has secrets – secrets that even his wife cannot share.
But in Victorian Yorkshire, appearances must be kept up, so Thea goes on powdering her bruises and forcing a smile as she toils in Ernie’s home and tobacco shop. There seems to be no other option.
That is, until a handsome and well-bred stranger arrives to set up shop next door…
Can Thea escape her misery and break from the conventions of society? Or will the clutches of her abusive husband confine her forever?

My review

After losing her father, Thea hoped she could find happiness by marrying Ernie Goodson. He seemed a nice man when he visited and was very kind to her when her father died. So accepting his marriage proposal made sense and Thea hoped she would learn to love Ernie in time.
But once married, Ernie shows his true face. He is not a kind man at all. He prefers to use violence to keep Thea in line and does not accept any contradiction. And then the secrets he is keeping from Thea.

Thea has no other choice than covering her bruises and plaster a fake smile on her face. Because that’s what women are supposed to do in Victorian Yorkshire.

Yet when a new neighbour appears, under the form of a handsome stranger, Thea finds herself feeling what love truly supposed to be like.
But can she escape her abusive marriage? Or will she be bound to her husband forever?

This story captured my complete attention immediately.

I felt sympathy for Thea, after losing her father and finding herself stuck in one of the worst marriages…
I found it terrible how Ernie played a charade and change into a brutal, despicable man after he gained ‘his prize’.
if I knew a Ernie myself, ooh how I would kick him in a not so nice manly place!

Thea has no other choice to endure everything, and that made me reflect on how lucky we are now that things have changed so much for women.
Even if it seems like Thea is only a victim, I found her a strong woman. She is determined to find out what secrets her husband is keeping. She also makes it clear that she wants more responsibilities in the shop, and that she can do more than just cleaning.

When Adam comes in the story, I found it nice to read how slowly Thea is changing and dares to stand up even more to her husband.
No matter how different Adam and Thea are, somehow they were both suffering and lacking on receiving love.
It was beautiful to read how these two kind people became closer during the story.

But the story is by long not quickly over. There are so many things going on. and the moment you think it’s all coming to an end, there is another twist and the consequences are even terrifying!

I found this an intriguing story, as I never knew what would be happening next to Thea. I was so hard hoping she would find happiness, but so often it seemed a dream too far away.
Despite the dark edges of this book, there are so many sweet and tender moments that made me smile.

The author wrote a story showing the brutalities women had to endure in the past. But also showing that not all men are the same, something that sometimes we have to remind this ourselves even in our own present.

Will the Christmas – themed wedding be the wedding without drama?

Synopsis

It’s Christmas at The Cornish Confetti Agency!

When Lexie Harrington is asked to choreograph Phoebe and Sam’s Christmas-themed wedding, she can’t wait to create the perfect winter wonderland – elegantly dressed fir trees, glossy garlands of holly and mistletoe, baskets of yule logs and pine cones, and the mouth-watering fragrance of gingerbread, cinnamon sticks and warm mulled wine floating through the air.

With handsome wedding columnist-cum-fledgling scriptwriter Theo Barker at her side, she’s confident that she can create the perfect festive ambience the bride and groom have been dreaming of since their engagement in the Swiss Alps; no rampant hosepipes, no mechanical mice, no confetti-filled hairdryers.

But this is The Cornish Confetti Agency, and the words ‘plain-sailing’ and ‘hassle-free’ do not feature in the promotional brochure. So, when a much-loved portrait of the groom’s father is adorned with pirate eye-patches and black plastic moustaches, and his expensive cologne is switched for toilet cleaner, Lexie and Theo must once again don their metaphorical deerstalkers and unravel the mystery before the wedding dissolves into Christmas-themed chaos and calamity.

A perfect Christmas wedding?
Is there such a thing for The Cornish Confetti Agency?

A glittery, feel-good story perfect for the festive season, and the third book in The Cornish Confetti Agency series.

My review

Lexie Harrington is planning probably the most magical wedding. Phoebe and Sam’s wedding is Christmas – themed, so bring out the holly and mistletoe, all the gingerbread and mulled wine!
and also all the activities taking place before the actual wedding are themed around Christmas and snow.

Together with Theo Barker, Lexie is ready for a wedding that will run smoothly. But of course The Cornish Confetti Agency would not be The Cornish Confetti Agency is there wouldn’t be some sabotage…
So when a portrait has been ‘brightened up’ with pirate eye – patches and moustaches, and an expensive cologne suddenly truly stinks, Lexie and Theo have to again investigate who is sabotaging this wedding.

And not only the wedding is causing Lexie some stress, also her future is still unclear… will a future at the Agency be possible even when the righteous owner comes back? And if not, what would that mean for her future with Theo?

I think that deep down, I am a mean girl…
even before I started with this again beautiful next adventure of Lexie, I was hoping something would go wrong, just for my entertainment!

And the author fulfilled my mean wish, and even my kinder wishes too!

I LOVED going back to The Cornish Confetti Agency! And what better wedding to prepare than a Christmas – themed one!

Again the imagination of the Daisy James was amazing, showing us how Lexie manages to create the perfect atmosphere for the bride and groom!
Lexie surely knows her business and thanks to Theo and her friends, no task is too difficult for her! And is becoming even better in her investigation skills!

I found it lovely to see how Lexie is finding her place after her running away in the first book of this series.
Finally everything is falling into place for her. She knows what her hearts wants, but she is also a bit afraid of what the future would hold. Because even though her heart is in Cornwall, she also had the opportunity to go back to her life of before.
Oh, the dilemma!!!

Whenever Lexie and Theo are together, work-related or not, it was serious swoon-material! These two together are just too cute for words! Every time there was Lexie – Theo time, I was just smiling no matter what was going on! I ADORE this couple!

This story was too quickly over, as I could read for many hours more about Lexie her adventures, with Theo by her side!
I had many laughs, as even the sabotages were kind of funny (whenever I am not the victim!) and found myself smiling over the kindness, the love and caring that sparks from the pages.

When can I read the next book in this series??????

When discovering one secret turns your world upside down.

Synopsis

What would you do to protect the ones you love?

1861. George’s life changes forever the day he meets Lucy. She’s beautiful and charming, and he sees a future with her that his position as the second son in a wealthy family has never offered him. But when Lucy dies in a suspected poisoning days after rejecting George, he finds himself swept up into a murder investigation. George loved Lucy; he would never have harmed her. So who did?

Now. On the surface Cassie is happy with her life: a secure job, good friends, and a loving family. When a mysterious gift in a long-forgotten will leads her to a dark secret in her family’s history she’s desperate to learn more. But the secrets in Cassie’s family aren’t all hidden in the past, and her research will soon lead her to a revelation much closer to home – and which will turn everything she knows on its head…

Discover a family’s darkest secrets today. Perfect for fans of The Girl in the Letter, The Beekeeper’s Promise and The Forgotten Village!

My review

Cassie is a young woman who seemingly has it all. She adores her parents, has a nice job and good friends.
But when one day she receives letter, secrets of her past come out and she has to face her past choices.
And because of her research of the family’s past there are more secrets to be exposed. And they are not all happy ones…

In 1861 George falls in love for the first time. The young woman he lost his heart to, is Lucy. But when Lucy dies and it becomes apparent it was not just a case of bad luck, but murder, George is suddenly prime suspect.
But kind George could never hurt the woman he loved, right?

My oh my, the author managed to pull me in a story and I couldn’t take a rest before I knew every detail!

I loved the dual timelines and switching between the past and the present. I don’t want to give too much away, but both George’s and Cassie’s story were equally beautiful as terrible.
No worries about the ‘terrible’ part, I will come to it in a bit.

George his story started as a really sweet one. Not receiving a lot of love from his parents, he falls in love with Lucy, who works as a maid at the house.
I found it so sweet to see how George does his utterly best to get closer to Lucy. He already imagines their future together, when tragedy strikes.
And trust me, it’s not only Lucy’s death that is devastating George…

And that is what is terrible to his story…
I felt so much sympathy towards George. If I could, I would give him all the joy and happiness of the world. But he gets betrayed in the worst way, several times. And he just does not deserve that.
Silver lining is that he finds a friend at the most impossible place, and he can count on his older brother.

And Cassie… my first impression was that she was a young woman having her life on track. Yet it becomes obvious that there is a secret she is keeping from us readers as for her friends. But when her past catches up, she has no other choice but coming clean.

Again, without giving anything away, the secret is well accepted, if not a total success.
But when another secret from her parents’ past is unveiled, her whole world falls apart.

George and Cassie are both facing events that are hard to digest. And even if George cannot rely on his parents’ love and support (absolutely terrible and not understandable!), he learns that true friendship can give you all the love you need.
And Cassie learns that the meaning of family does not only mean sharing the same DNA.

I found this story intriguing, capturing, beautiful and bittersweet.
For both characters I did not know what was going to happen to them, forcing me to continue reading.
This story shows that secrets are always bound to come out, and that the truth can be devastating. But it’s up to us to put it behind us, look forward to what the future brings, and design your own path to happiness!

When escaping to Seahorse Harbour turns out to be more than expected.

Synopsis

A distant relative. A blizzard. A Christmas of surprises.

Lottie Short isn’t looking forward to Christmas. Her boyfriend has dumped her and she’s also lost her job. Lottie and her beloved spaniel, Merry, are facing the festive season – and a bleak future, alone.

But a Christmas card and round-robin letter give Lottie hope. And as the first snowflakes fall, she’s on her way to the tiny seaside village of Seahorse Harbour to visit her distant aunt. She’ll stay in a cosy B&B and get some bracing, sea air. That might lift her spirits. 

What she doesn’t plan for is a blizzard, her aunt taking a fall, or the dramas unfolding all around her. But at least there’s a warm welcome at Aunt Elsie’s cottage … and a roaring log fire in the village pub.

That’s not all that might bring a rosy glow to Lottie’s cheeks. Asher Bryant, the local vet is pretty hot, and Lottie also hits it off with another visitor to Seahorse Harbour. This festive season might be better than she hoped. 

And when Lottie gets more than one surprise this Christmas, perhaps she and Merry won’t be spending the New Year on their own.

This is book 2 in my new series of standalone novels set in the tiny, seaside village of Seahorse Harbour.

My review

Lottie Short needs an escape. Her boyfriend has dumped her, and she has lost her job. She feels she is on her own, and her only companion is Merry, her spaniel. She is also still coping with the loss of her dear parents.
When she receives a Christmas card from her distant aunt Elsie, she decides on the spur of the moment to go for a visit.

What she doesn’t expect it a blizzard, secrets to be unveiled and a meeting with the charming vet Asher Bryant.

When I realized that this book was the next one to be read on my list, I literally screamed of joy!

I knew before reading one word of this new adventure, that Emily Harvale would succeed in exceeding my already expectations!

Lottie is someone I just wanted to grab and give the biggest hug I could give! (ok, in a non – Covid world…).
Her sense of loneliness is so big and something you don’t wish for her.
So when she decides to go to Seahorse Harbour, I knew it would be the perfect solution for her and that the place would work its magic on her.

Lottie is not in a happy mental place at the moment, but from the moment she sets foot in Seahorse Harbour, you see a change for the better.
As at first she was afraid of how she would be welcomed, but quickly it’s obvious how amazing the inhabitants are.
Everybody opens their arms and hearts for Lottie, and whenever she makes an issue of only being family by marriage, it’s quickly dismissed because is family, no matter how you became part of it.

And Asher Bryant… oh Asher… already in the first part of this series you stole a little piece of my heart, but now I even fell deeper in love with you!
Asher is a kind man, adoring pets (certainly getting higher on my list by being an animal  – lover!) and loves his job as a vet.
Yet he is also an amazing friend, and offers a shoulder to cry on to Lottie.
The sparks between Asher and Lottie just fly out of the book, and every time they got closer, I was almost giggling like a girl, of happiness.

There is just one tiny bit I didn’t like, and I hope Emily will forgive me…
Lottie has two cousins, Josie and Diana., who were protagonist in the first part. And that book finished perfectly as we expected to be. Yet in this second part, I found it a bit hard to like Diana… she makes a decision that I couldn’t comprehend completely, just like her own family and friends didn’t…
But I secretly hope that this will not be last we will read about Diana and Seahorse Harbour in general!

I found this story just beautiful. It’s about family, in whatever shape and form it comes, about love, about secrets of the past, forgiveness, and of belonging.
And it’s taking place around Christmas. If you’re not convinced by now, I don’t know what else to say to make you read it! 

Meeting the right man at the wrong time!

Synopsis

What happens when the right girl and the right guy meet at the wrong time?

One thing that can be said about Quinn Pearson is that she has a knack for doing the wrong thing at the wrong time. Like, the worst time ever. Take her job for instance. One little slip of the tongue using the mother of all swear words while reporting the news, and suddenly she finds herself with over 18 million views on YouTube and her employment in jeopardy. If that wasn’t bad enough, when she meets the man of her dreams, she nearly chokes to death on a powdered sugar donut.

Thankfully for Quinn, the dashing Brit, Henry, finds her near death experience quite charming. But just when Quinn thinks her luck is going to change, she finds out her timing is all wrong again. Henry is off limits. Or is he? Maybe it’s time for Quinn to quit settling for what life hands her. Perhaps it’s time for her to become more than just a girl.

My review

Quinn Pearson went viral a while ago, but for all the wrong reasons… her cursing while reporting the news has made her infamous with million views on YouTube and jeopardizing her job.

Luck seems to be on her side when she meets Henry. Even her nearly death experience was something he found charming.
Henry is the whole package, but fate keeps playing tricks to her. Because Henry seems to be off limits, when it becomes clear he will be her boss.
Is Quinn the unluckiest person at the moment or will she find her happiness?

I have to admit, I had some initial difficulties to get into the story. But before I knew, I was dragged into it, and I even left my sleep for it!

I see Quinn as a normal person with all too recognizable problems. Being a news reporter I see her as a bit on a higher step on the ladder.
Yet the problems she has are the same as you and I have. She is very down to earth and a very caring and sweet person.

I felt sorry for her the things she had to endure. The “help” her mother was giving (with the best intentions) and the mails she received  at work would put someone down. But she shows how above it all she stands and does not show how they truly hurt her.

Henry is absolutely swoon – material. Give me a British accent and I would do anything! So having Henry as a main character made this book even more perfect!

Quinn has many insecurities that are very realistic and recognizable. Yet she has a bunch of friends on her side and push her for not just settling but chase her dreams!

While reading, I had several laughs, as jealousy, friends with their something odd opinions and personal thoughts passed. Quinn is surely an amazing person, even if she doesn’t see it herself.
Yet during the story, she starts to realise that she has to fight for her own dreams. It was very admirable to see her grow during the story and see her grow a pair…

I found this a lovely story to read, about love, accepting yourself just the way you are and chase your dreams.  Just believe in yourself, don’t change for anyone and dare to dream!

You can escape from everything, except love.

Synopsis

Eighteen months ago, Sophia Jones finally walked out on her unhappy life.

With a tricky divorce ongoing, money is tight and so when friends offer her a housekeeping job while they’re away travelling, she accepts.

Nate McKinley is hesitant when his brother, Gabe, offers him the use of their home in the picturesque village of Wishington Bay. But he has a book to a write and an imploded marriage to recover from, so maybe a change of scene is exactly what he needs. 

As Wishington Bay works its magic, friendship blossoms between Sophia and Nate. For Nate, finally feeling able to be himself with someone who is honest and down to earth is a revelation. 

But Sophia has a secret and a jealous colleague is determined to blow her cover. Can she really keep her old life in the past or is it destined to destroy this new, happy one too?

Take a trip back to Wishington Bay this winter and find out…

A deliciously heart-warming and romantic read, perfect for a cosy winter’s evening, from the author of the bestselling Winter’s Fairytale.

My review

Sophia Jones has found a place where she truly feels at home in Wishington Bay. But with a difficult divorce, she isn’t really swimming in money. So she accept any job she can get.
That’s why she has agreed a housekeeping job from her friends, while they are away.

And so enter Nate…
He has agreed to stay at his brother’s house in Wishington Bay while Gabe is away travelling. He is trying to write a book while trying to cope with the ending of his marriage. The last thing he needs is a housekeeper who knows better…

Oooh how much I loved returning to Wishington Bay!
But no worries, this story can be perfectly read as a standalone.

From the start it’s obvious that Sophia is running away from something. That’s why she keeps her past a secret and does not appear anywhere on social media.
But Sophia is such a loveable character! Even her being clumsy is adorable!

Nate is someone I truly felt sorry for. His grumpiness is understandable when I learned what happened to him.
Yet I loved reading how he opened up, and how kind, caring he truly is.

When Sophia and Nate are together it’s just too sweet for words. I was hoping that something would happen very quickly.
But I found them also very responsible people. They both know that they need closure from their past before starting to think about a future.

Most characters in this story are just people I want to surround myself with. With the exception of Corrine and the exes of course.
Yet there is one specific character that stole my heart… Bryan is the most amazing, sweet, funny character of them all! Oh and he’s a dog…

Of course there is some drama, especially when the past catches up with both Nate and Sophia. I was a bit surprised by Sophia’s secret, it was not something I would suspect. But the way the community of Wishington Bay accept her and don’t judge her… I want to go to live there myself!!!

I found this a sweet, entertaining story. I enjoyed reading about nice, realistic people with their search for a fresh start.
If you want to escape to a beautiful place, what better place than Wishington Bay????

When the magic of Christmas does its thing!

Synopsis

A gorgeously romantic festive read from the author of A Mistletoe Miracle, guaranteed to warm your heart this Christmas!

Could it be the start of her happy ever after?

Ashleigh could use a little Christmas magic. She’s still living in Brighton with her Nan — who could give the Grinch lessons in how to be miserable — her acting career has been reduced to playing one of Santa’s elves, and not even the prospect of a friend’s winter wedding can cheer her up…

That is until Olivier, the gorgeous French chef, reappears in her life. Or more accurately, next door.

When they were teenagers, Olivier would spend every other Christmas with his mother, who just happens to be Ash’s neighbour and owner of the best chocolate shop in England.

If anyone can bring a little sparkle back to Ash’s life, it’s Olivier. All she needs is one kiss before Christmas…

Feel-good and festive, this is the perfect romance to curl up with this winter!

My review

Ashleigh is living in Brighton with her Nan, while her mother is being a famous soap actress. Yet Ashleigh’s own acting career is limited by playing one of Santa’s elves.
Even if she enjoys the festivities around Christmas, her Nan does not want to do anything to feel the Christmas Spirit. Even the excitement of her best friend’s winter wedding cannot cheer her up, as she has no idea what she wants to do with her life… When Olivier appears next door, Ashleigh is very surprised. Olivier spent every Christmas with his mother in Brighton, but now he is a famous French chef.
On top of it, Ashleigh used to have a crush on him!

Will him having next door make past feelings resurface? And will that one kiss finally happen?

If you are not willing to read this book in just a few sessions, don’t even start! Because it will be impossible to put it away!

Ashleigh was someone I immediately felt sympathy for. She wants to help everyone out, and yet at the same time she is longing for some TLC from her mother. Oh, how I disliked her mother! The only good thing she did, was bring Ashleigh to Nan.

Talking about Nan… she may seem like a real Grinch, but in the end I loved her! There are a lot of misunderstandings between her and Ashleigh, but she has her heart at the right place.

The attraction between Ashleigh and Olivier is just way too obvious! Yet it was frustrating that when you finally think something is going to happen, it just didn’t. But this also was part of the charm of this book.

The main characters have their own issues, and have to find out what would make them happy. And what sacrifices they are ready to make.
There are also a lot of discoveries to be made, because there is always more than sees the eye. And these discoveries will determine future decisions.

I fell in love with this book, its characters and the wonderful settings. The characters are on a self – discovering adventure, trying to find their passion again.
But a special remark is for Romesh. He is that extra something in this story! He is funny, caring but also a bit mischievous, yet with always the best intentions!

I cannot say more than sit back, start reading this book and fall in love with it! (and if you are like me, you’ll crave for some chocolate in the meanwhile!)