Tizi’s Book Review

When closure turns out to be the start of something new…

Synopsis

As one door closes, another one opens…

When Agnes Agistini receives a phone call from Theo, her brother-in-law informing her that her estranged, abusive husband Oscar has died in an accident, she feels nothing but relief. But that relief is short-lived as Oscar’s vengeance from an early grave forces Agnes to return to the place she fled from over forty years ago. A place and time she’s not keen to revisit.

At the request of a French notaires dealing with Oscar’s last will, Agnes travels to Cannes in the South of France alongside their daughter Francine and her grand-daughter Jasmine.

Agnes knows that going back will inevitably drag up deep, dark memories which she is yet to reconcile, but what choice does she have?
What she wasn’t prepared for are the family secrets that will come to light, or the cruel way in which Oscar treats her right until the bitter end.

As always Theo remains by her side, helping to navigate the myriad of bombshells Oscar leaves in his wake. But as wonderful memories begin to resurface Agnes begins to wonder if she can finally make peace with the past and find an everlasting happiness?

My review

Agnes Agistini fled years ago from France, away from her abusive and even cruel husband Oscar. Now her brother – in – law Theo is calling her to inform her that Oscar has been in an accident and has passed away. As is accustomed in France, Agnes has to return to the place that holds so many memories, and not good ones. Together with her daughter Francine and granddaughter Jasmine (or Zazz, how she likes to call herself), Agnes travels to Cannes, for the reading of the Will. But Oscar, even deceased, is playing his evil tricks again. Because what is written in his Will, will shock Agnes and her family. Luckily, Agnes can count of the everlasting help from her brother – in – law Theo, who is more than willing to stand by Agnes’s side through a turmoil that resurfaces memories, not only bad ones, but also good ones.

With the chapter of Agnes’s marriage with Oscar finally and definitively closed, despite several secrets being revealed, is it finally time for Agnes to find her happiness, just like her daughter and granddaughter?

I have read several books of this author. And each and every one of those books show us stories about the past, how it affects people, but also how life can change by one event.

And I have to say, perhaps this book is my favourite one of all I have read by Jennifer Bohnet. I am not saying that I disliked the others ones, but this one had somehow a special something, a special extra thing.

It’s not uncommon that marriages aren’t always a success story. But Agnes’s marriage is something else. And it’s not because she doesn’t love Oscar at all. But also because her own parents are just not listening to her, still forcing her to get along with the marriage, even if that is the last thing on her mind.

And yes, it is easy to say as a bystander that Agnes just should grow a pair and stand up for herself. But you also have to take in account that young Agnes didn’t grow up with all the freedom we have now. And that just a few decades ago, it was expected from children to listen to their parents and don’t question them. And that ‘disobedience’ would be paid with a complete cut off from the family.

So of course my heart went out to Agnes, as she had no other option to marry that bully of a Oscar. And it broke my heart to see how Agnes had to endure all the hurt, physical and emotional, by the hand of Oscar.

Luckily, not all the Agistini’s are terrible people, as Agnes found an ally and a friend in the form of Theo. Seeing their bond, their friendship, and their love, truly warmed my heart. Theo shows both in the past and in the present, that even in one family, people can be so different from each other. Where Oscar is a brute, a bully, Theo is the kindest, warmest, most generous person possible.

Everything I have said until now, is about Agnes in the past. In the present, Agnes is free to live her life how she wants. She managed to get away from Oscar, and built a new life, together with her daughter Francine and granddaughter Zazz.

I know that rules are rules, and that Agnes, Francine and Zazz have to go to Cannes for the reading of the Will. But it is also crystal-clear that Agnes and her family are gong to be surprised/ shocked once again by Oscar.

Despite Oscar’s last nasty tricks, I found the strength all three women are showing in this book admirable.

There is obviously Agnes, who is able to definitely get rid of the scars of her husband. She is able to finally close that chapter, not carrying around the burden of Oscar anymore.

Then there is Francine, who also isn’t the saddest over the loss of her father, as she also endured Oscar’s behaviour. But it’s obvious that the girl who grew up in France for a while, grew up to become an adult that has lost her spontaneity and perhaps even has become a little bit of an overbearing mother to Zazz.

And then there is Zazz, a young woman, with a bright future laying ahead of her. She just needs to find her path, or to say more correctly, she has chosen a path that she now has to follow. She is a woman not afraid of challenges, but she is also the kind of person that does not just simply follow the mainstream, but she makes up her own mind.

There are several secrets being revealed in this book. And I can say that some surprised me but I cannot say they all came as a complete shock. In fact, I was happy with some of those secrets coming out, as the truth was a more satisfying one.

I found this book inspirational in a way. Because there are three generations of women, with their own kind of wisdoms and experience, but also their own desire and hopes for the future. Each of them has an own path to follow, a journey to grow, a journey to accept the past, to live with consequences but also to forgive, and to love again.

We see how even the greatest bully cannot break people, no matter how hard they try. And we see how hope and love are the last things to die. We see how life and love always find a way, perhaps not through the journey we expected to endure. But the hurdles we need to take to get there, only makes us stronger and makes us appreciate all the sacrifices we had to make and pains we had to endure to get the happiness and love we truly deserve.

How devastating news can bring the resolution to fix what has been wrong

Synopsis

When Mallory receives life-shattering news, she decides to use this summer to make sure her family and friends are prepared for whatever might come.

But Mallory has a challenge when it comes to her mother, Gigi. Following the loss of her husband, Gigi is lonely. So when Mallory makes a shocking discovery that shows a new side to Gigi’s relationship with her estranged sister Rose, she decides to intervene and make a last attempt to reunite them.

Returning to her mother’s quiet hometown, Mallory and her cousin Penny try to get to the bottom of a dispute that has lasted more than sixty years, involving a lost wedding dress and a heartbreaking secret. But with Rose and Gigi determined to ignore their daughters’ efforts, will Mallory be able to put her affairs in order before it’s too late?

Gorgeous and emotional new novel from Helen Rolfe, perfect for fans of Shari Low, Cathy Bramley and Lucy Diamond.

My review

Mallory and Penny may be cousins, but they feel more like sisters as they are best friends. No matter what happens in their lives, they can always count on each other. The same cannot be said of their mothers, who are actual sisters. Gigi and Rose haven’t talked for years to each other, both too proud but also too hurt to take the first step to reconciliation. But when Mallory receives life – scattering news, even if she isn’t telling her family what is going on with her, she makes it her mission to bring her mother and aunt back together. And Mallory and Penny hope that one wedding dress, important to both sisters and partially cause of the rift, can also be the one thing to bring Gigi and Rose back together. But a rift lasting for so long isn’t going to disappear that easily. So will Mallory and Penny succeed in their mission, before it’s all too late?

I have to say, generally, I love Helen Rolfe’s stories and I feel so much happiness, joy and love with each book. In this book, so don’t get me wrong, all the above feelings are present, but it was also a very bittersweet story.

And that is mainly because of Mallory being on the receiving end of devastating news. We aren’t told immediately what she has, but it’s crystal-clear that it is bad… My heart went out to her  immediately, as nobody deserves to hear such a terrible diagnose…

I could also understand why Mallory is a bit reluctant to tell her family about it. Of course they deserve to know the truth, but aren’t we all afraid for the looks of pity and sorry?  And she doesn’t want to be a burden to anyone, and she wants to make sure that her lovely daughter has someone to look after her.

It was lovely to see the bond between Mallory and Penny. Even if they are ‘just’ cousins, they have such an important relationship. Their connection goes so much deeper, and it was funny in a way to see how in the past they found each other, before even knowing they are actually related, and even closely. The friendship between Mallory and Penny shows us that sometimes, sisterhood is not only between actual sisters, but why not, between cousins and best of friends. And just as sure Mallory is, just as sure was I, that when the time would come, Penny would look after Mallory’s daughter.

Now, it may sound like a depressing story, and Mallory’s illness isn’t something to like lightly. But there is also and even mainly room in this book for hope, redemption, forgiveness and most important love. I am talking about love in all different shapes and forms. Love between cousins and friends, love between parents and their children, love between siblings.

Love that is so powerful, but also so frail at the same time, as we can see with Gigi and Rose.

I cannot imagine not speaking to my brother for even a few days, as we hear each other daily, even just by text. So reading how Gigi and Rose haven’t talked to each other for sixty years, just shocked me. But it was also obvious that something has happened all those years ago, that broke the sisters apart, as before they were very close, and sharing their dreams and hopes together.

Perhaps we see with Gigi and Rose how sometimes resentment can go just a bit too far. Yes, what happened in the past was wrong, but the sisters not being in touch ma de me wonder how different their lives would be if there would have been a reconciliation years back…

I liked to read how Mallory and Penny were so determined to bring the sisters back together. Of course it wouldn’t be an easy task, but the cousins are certain that that one wedding dress, the one that was partially cause of the rift, would also be what would bring the sisters back together.

Especially Mallory’s desire to bring her mother and aunt back together came from the strong feeling that we should spend the best of our lives with our loved ones. And that it’s never too late for forgiveness.

Despite the heavy subject and burden that Mallory is carrying, there is always that silver lightening, that ray of hope that never gets extinguished. Even with that dark cloud looming over Mallory, she gets many happy, funny, hopeful and lovely moments. And it shows us that no matter what your current status is, wonderful things can still come on your path.

Perhaps this was a different kind of story that I expected from Helen Rolfe. But that doesn’t take away that in the end, I had a big smile on my face. Because yes, initially the story starts heartbreaking, but it is show us so many beautiful things that our lives are surrounded with. We just have to see them and allow them to help us to make the best days of our lives with them…

The desire to find a parent, the discovery to find so much more

Synopsis

After an amazing year looking after Hollyhock Farm, on the beautiful island of Jersey, pregnant Lettie needs to step back from farming. The problem is, with her family overseas, there’s no one to take over.

But then help comes from two places at once. Handsome fire-fighter Joe needs to escape his small home since his mother and her new husband came to stay; he offers to help run the farm in exchange for board in one of the spare rooms. Then, adventurous newcomer Skye takes the other room, excited to try her hand at farming in such an amazing place.

But managing the farm together may be more than either of them bargained for, especially as each of them drives the other crazy, in more ways than one. Will the tension get too much for Joe and Skye, or could love bloom with the Jersey flowers this spring?

My review

Skye has never known who her father is. Allt hat she knows is that her late mother got pregnant with her after spending a season on the island of Jersey. So when she has the chance to spend some time on Hollyhock Farm, looking after the animals while owner Lettie is reaching her due date, it’s just too perfect to let this moment slip. But Skye didn’t expect to share the farm, and having someone else staying in the other spare room. And especially she didn’t expect that person to be firefighter Joe, who has his own reasons of needing some time away. Because even if he loves his mother, her reappearing on his doorstep with her latest husband and taking over Joe’s home, it’s just too much for him. While initially Skye and Joe are struggling to find a way to collaborate, soon they find their pace. And when Joe is able to help Skye discovering the identity of her father, a much deeper bond quickly grows. However, with them being on Hollyhock Farm only temporarily, where will it leave them when Lettie, Brodie and a newborn baby will return to their home?

Ooooh, the joy to return to Hollyhock Farm! Even if I am not ‘farm’ girl myself, Hollyhock for sure is something special. And once again I enjoyed every bit being here!

This time, it’s up to Skye and Joe to discover not only the beauty of Hollyhock but in a way, also its magic.

Joe isn’t a complete stranger to the loyal readers of the series. And in this book, we also get the confirmation that he truly is a good guy, wanting to help, perhaps even at his own stake. This is highlighted in the fact that he leaves his own home when his mother and her husband appear at his doorstep, wanting to stay there. This may not seem that strange at all, but I don’t know if I would be able to take it so calmy hearing how Joe’s mother just takes over. Not only does she wants the master bedroom, she also needs Joe’s money to renovate a place that isn’t even her (a.k.a. Joe’s home).

Him moving temporarily to Hollyhock Farm is also another proof of Joe’s kind character. His friends Lettie and Brodie are in need of a helping hand, and of course he would help them out. And yes, in a tiny selfish way, it also helps him too. This gives him the perfect opportunity to ‘get away’ from his mother, without actually hurting her feelings, and as he has to take some time off from his work, it all works out just perfectly.

Although… he for sure wasn’t expecting to be looking after the farm with Skye. And while it was shocking for the both of them discovering this, for us as a reader, it was hilarious to read, especially as their first encounter for sure was a heated one (literally!).

My heart went out to Skye. She is a delightful young woman, a free spirit, as she truly enjoys discovering the world. But she is also carrying baggage, as the loss of her mother is still hurting her. But not only that, the fact that most of the time Skye grew up with her Gran, wasn’t easy. Not that her Gran treated her badly, but I could understand that Skye felt like she wasn’t enough for her mother. And not knowing who her father is… so much turmoil for a young woman…

Yet that doesn’t kill her spirit, she takes everything in her stride. She is such a happy persona, is not afraid of heading of to a new adventure, and she doesn’t mind to make a whole 180, working on a farm. She is eager to learn new things, but she is also not afraid to admit when she is wrong. But she is also a determined woman, as she is on a mission and doesn’t give up easily.

Skye and Joe are different in many ways, but they are also so alike in so many ways. They come from different worlds, but their characters, the most important traits, are so alike.

Of course when staying at the same house/farm, it brings people closer together, as they are almost 24/7 together. And seeing Skye and Joe getting closer, understanding each other, having the desire to help each other, was truly just so sweet and heartwarming!

Perhaps I was expecting a little more intrigue with the mystery of Skye’s father. But in a way, it also shows how a close community and how caring everyone on the island is. So maybe, it was fitting that the mystery was a community effort.

Of course we also see Lettie and Brodie in this book again, and I was happy to read how they were doing too.

I absolutely adored reading this book, a brand new chapter in a wonderful series. Georgina Troys managed perfectly writing a compelling, but also funny, romantic story about two characters finding not only an ally with each other, but also finding themselves even more.

How France truly is the place to be for love…

Synopsis

When a heartsick Maggie is sent on an errand by her mother to Cannes, she is keen to get it over with as quickly as possible.

She has been tasked with collecting a treasured box of photos from her late grandmother Elizabeth’s best friend, the impossibly glamorous Allegra Morgon who is desperate to tell Maggie all about the year she and Elizabeth spent in Paris. The sixties were in full swing, the air hummed with jazz, artists and students made the streets their own, and the City of Love was weaving its magic. And against this backdrop, two people were beginning a love story that would last a lifetime – but be over too soon.

As Maggie hears more about Allegra’s life, first in Paris, then New York, and finally on the Riviera, she is captivated and inspired. Was life always leading Maggie to this moment, this beautiful place so she could finally learn to stop living in the past? Because if she can, then another love story for the ages might just be within her reach…

Helen McGinn’s deliciously escapist, unashamedly romantic story is perfect for fans of Carol Kirkwood, Karen Swan and Erica James.

My review

After the end of her marriage, to do her mother a favour, Maggie decides to head off to Cannes in France. This because an old friend of her late grandmother has found an old box, filled with treasured memories. Maggie hopes to take the box of her grandmother Elisabeth, and return as soon as she can back home. However, when Maggie meets Allegra Morgon, she is curious about the two friends being in Paris during the sixties. And Allegra cannot wait to tell all about that year where not only they met and went to jazz clubs, but also the year where Allegra fell in love. A love that could last a lifetime, if only they would ever have the chance… Maggie finds herself captivated and inspired about how Allegra lived her life in Paris, New York and Cannes. And it makes her wonder if perhaps France is the place where her own broken heart can be healed…

Having visited France, and also Paris myself several times, I know what the attraction, the allure is of this beautiful country. And I know that many books take place in this beautiful setting, whether it is Paris, Cannes, or somewhere else in France, and it always adds that something special to the story.

The story takes off with already a heartbroken Maggie. Her marriage already ended, so we didn’t have to go through hell will her. Although we will learn the details later on, and I could understand how much she has been through and how much in pain Maggie still is.

It’s obvious that Maggie needs a place to heal, and with her mother having requested to head off to Cannes for a box full of mementos of Maggie’s grandmother Elisabeth and her year in Paris, it may be exactly the escape that Maggie needs.

When Maggie arrives in Cannes, and meets Allegra for the first time, it’s not surprising that despite being complete strangers, there is a connection between the both women. It was great to see how no matter the difference in age, the different stage of life they are in, and just a different path their lives have, they just click.

It’s often through stories that we get to know about the past of our families, especially of our grandparents. Because how often do we see our grandparents just as thus, and perhaps not always realizing or understanding (especially when we are younger), that they had adventures of their own…

And seeing Maggie eager to get to know her late grandmother better, but also that friend of Elisabeth, Allegra, who for sure is an enigmatic and interesting character!

With Maggie listening to Allegra, we get a dual storyline, where Maggie is trying to find peace after a terrible time, and where Allegra is all to willing to tell about her life. Perhaps Allegra is even all too happy to have found someone ready to listen to the talk of an old lady.

An old lady that for sure lived an amazing life. Her trip to Paris may start as a punishment from her parents, but it quickly turns out to be the best thing that could have happened to her. Not only is Paris a real eye – opener for her, but she also sees a whole new world through Parisian eyes. She starts to understand art, she learns the joy of jazz bars and the passion of dancing (with the right person), and she learns love.

And how much I loved reading about Allegra and Etienne, how they meet, how feelings start to grow and how slowly the pair of them are becoming more than just friends. That last bit was truly so heartwarming!

But we also know by seeing the Allegra in the present, that it is not a story that will end how we all are hoping it would end. But that is also part of life, because no matter how much love there may be, sometimes there are other actors in the scene, changing the course of life and that love…

However, no matter what happened to Allegra, and how life worked out for her in perhaps a different way, it was bittersweet to see how that one love she had with Etienne still is as important as it was while she was still with him…

And while Maggie is eagerly getting to know Allegra better, she has an encounter of her own, that makes her rethink about love. And in Cannes, Maggie gets enough time, space and peace to let her heartbreak heal, to let her heart capable of opening up again.

This is such an inspiring story in different aspects. We see through Allegra’s eyes that a punishment can bring great people on your path. And that even when you get torn away from the person you love the most, life can still bring you to unexpected places, unexpected paths and that happiness can still be found. Perhaps not the way you expected or hoped, but happiness can still be found, just like love.

And through Maggie’s eyes we learn that hearts can be broken terribly, and that it may not be easy to let your heart heal. But also that a getaway can turn out to be the perfect medicine to heal but also to make important, lasting and life – changing encounters.

When low, the only way is up…

Synopsis

It’s never too late…

Lyra Clarkson has built a career capturing other people’s perfect moments. She loves her work as a wedding photographer – despite her family’s disapproval – but she’s never quite found her own path.

Guy Walker, former rock star turned wedding singer, has hit a new low. Desperately needing cash, he’s agreed to take any gig his manager can get him, even if this new form of entertainment isn’t justsinging.

As Lyra and Guy’s paths cross – in the most bizarre way possible – an unexpected kiss will change everything. But was it simply a chance encounter or is fate bringing them back together?

Now forced into each other’s lives for the entire wedding season, the unlikely pair may just figure out together how to realise both their dreams…

My review

Seven years ago, Lyra Clarkson had That Night, a night that changed her life. Now she is a wedding photographer, capturing perfect moments of couples’ special day. No matter how much she loves her job, it isn’t exactly her big dream. And the fact that her whole family disapproves of her career choices, doesn’t help her self-confidence.
Guy Walker is a former rockstar working as a wedding singer. At the height of his fame and fortune, he also that a That Night, that completely changed his life too. Even if the last thing he wants, is to attract any attention, as he is in need money, he has no other choice than singing at weddings when needed.
And it is at one of the (pre-) wedding activities that Lyra and Guy first meet, in an unexpected situation.
The more they meet during wedding season, the harder it becomes to resist the mutual attraction. But with both having several huge demons haunting them, is there a way to find happiness again and a way to realize their dreams?

Haven’t we all had at least once in our lives a crush on a famous person? Whether it is a musician, an actor or someone else, we all have been in love. And in most cases, that was just an impossible love, an unrequited love, a love from afar. And as usual, such kind of loves pass overtime.

But what would happen if years later, you would meet that same crush? However, he would not be the rockstar but more a ‘has – been’? Yet there is still something that attracts and now it appears to be mutual? What would you do?

And that is exactly what happens in this book, although there are obviously more layers and more depth to it than the situation I sketched here above…

While I liked Lyra’s character, her situation angered me. I was proud of her that she made the decision years ago to follow her own dreams. But reading how her own family, instead of supporting her and being proud of her, keep on ridiculing her and making her feel small and even less than her own sister, made my blood boil. Yes, I understand that as a parent you have a certain dream for your child. But isn’t being a parent also about letting your child chase her own dreams?

And her family’s behaviour clearly affects Lyra. No matter how amazing she truly is, no matter how much she pretends it doesn’t hurt her, it’s obvious that she blames herself for what happened to her father, and she feels like it’s her penance to make her family as happy as possible, even if she doesn’t always agree with everything they say or do…

Her passion for photography is palpable each time she takes her camera in her hands. She manages to capture perfect pictures, unexpected ones. It couldn’t be more obvious that taking pictures is what Lyra was born to do. And thus seeing how she parked her passion, it just didn’t feel right…

And then there is Guy… a man who literally had it all, yet one night destroyed it all…

His story for sure broke my heart. His past as a rockstar, and everything he has lost because of the fame and fortune still haunts him. I could understand why he doesn’t want to be recognized anymore, and be as far away as possible from everything that he once wanted…

It sounded a bit weird to me that he is doing jobs that he doesn’t want to actually do, as he needs the money. Initially that made me think in a certain direction, a direction that we have heard also in the real world, how famous people have lost all their money due additions.

But I was glad to discover that Guy isn’t that kind of rockstar, and that the money is going somewhere special, somewhere that matters to him…

Guy in so many aspects is the kind of character that you just feel truly sorry for. It is not only because he is at his lowest now, but what he has been through is devastating, and he is still carrying around the burden of it, the sense that he failed and that he still has to pay the price for him not being there when it matters.

He even believes that he is truly broken and that he doesn’t deserve to be loved, as he is not worthy. He also doesn’t want to put a burden on the woman next to him. Because he is certain that it will all just end in heartbreak…

When Lyra and Guy start bumping into each other, (pre) wedding after (pre)wedding, something is simmering between them. Yes, they initially don’t get along, and Guy is afraid that Lyra is only after the famous Guy, thus their relationship (if you can call it like that), doesn’t start that greatly.

But is was so sweet to see further along in the story how Lyra truly gets Guy, she sees behind his façade, she realizes when he needs comfort, when he needs a listening and understanding ear, and even when he just needs a supporting hug.

Of course in this book, the readers need *a lot* of patience 😊 Because it takes a while before something truly happens. Correction, when something truly significant and something that matters happens between them. Talking about a very slow burn! But with two characters, both haunted, it makes sense that they just don’t dive in a relationship, as those nasty demons need to be chased away first!

I don’t know why it is that romance stories like this one are just more. Is it because both main characters have to grow a lot in it? There has to be a lot of trail and error? The characters need to understand that they are allowed to dream big? Or that the past is in the past and they have to learn to let go?

Laura Carter wrote a beautiful story, with  several moments that made me laugh, but also several that nearly put tears in my eyes. Because no matter what happened in the past, how haunted you are, what you believe of yourself, you are always worthy of love, a second chance (you’ll get the second chance reference while you’re reading! 😊) at love.

When an escape from an unwanted marriage proposal results in more scandals and secrets…

Synopsis

A marriage of convenience to a scoundrel? Not if Augusta can help it.

The impoverished daughter of a baronet, Augusta has no intention of being bartered away like a prize horse. Instead, she flees to London, determined to forge her own path as a modiste.

But fate has other plans. On her very first day in the city, she crosses paths with a brooding earl—one burdened with a clubfoot and a reputation nearly as scandalous as the proposal she ran from. His captivating sister, Mariana, is not only Augusta’s employer’s best client but harbors a secret ambition of her own: to marry the one man society deems wholly unsuitable.

Drawn into Mariana’s reckless schemes of masquerades, cross-dressing, and Whig intrigue, Augusta soon finds herself entangled in more than just scandal—she’s losing her heart to a man who embodies everything she swore to escape.

But the earl has secrets of his own. Is he truly the rogue society believes him to be?

And when Augusta’s past comes calling, will her newfound independence—and her heart—survive?

A charming, fast-paced Regency romance perfect for fans of Bridgerton and the sweetly adventurous love stories of Maggie Dallen and Jenny Hambly.

My review

Augusta may be the daughter of a baronet, but with no money, her future prospects aren’t that bright at all. And she also doesn’t want to get married to someone she didn’t chose herself. As her own aunt is pushing Augusta to do what she truly doesn’t want, Augusta decides to flee to London, and find a way to make her biggest dream of becoming a modiste come true, somehow.
However, right from the moment she arrives in London, nothing goes as planned.
Already on her first day she is in a nearly – accident with an Earl, the Earl’s sister Mariana is not only Augusta’s employer biggest customer but is also plotting away for her own secret ambitions.
With Augusta being Mariana’s ally in her schemes, Augusta finds herself entrapped in an unexpected world, but she finds herself also more and more enthralled by the Earl himself, George. But George himself is facing his own demons, not all related to his clubfoot, but a reputation that precedes him and has nothing to do with the actual truth…
With so much going on in their lives, and so many secrets to be kept, where will it all end and is there a happy end possible?

The perks of living in 2025, is that we are free to love and marry whoever we want. We all know that it hasn’t always been the case, and that many women (and men too), have been very unhappy in their arranged marriage.

So with the knowledge of that background, I was proud of the young woman that Augusta is in this book. Just like everyone else, she has her own dreams and hopes she wants to pursue. And when her aunt forces her to marry someone Augusta truly doesn’t like, it was courageous of her to run away to London.

Augusta is even prepared to live a life as a ‘commoner’ initially, in order to not only gain her freedom, but also to attempt to make it as a modiste. And that was just so admirable, seeing this young woman not only following her dreams but doing it in a time where it is not accustomed for a woman to do what she wants.

In this book though, it is not only Augusta that follows her passions and her dreams. When she meets Mariana, she has found a kind of kindred spirit. Because Mariana too won’t let the rules of society dictate what to do or don’t do. By her own ways, she is more into politics than expected or desired from women. And her hearts beats faster for someone beneath her status, but Mariana bluntly refuses to marry anyone that is not the man she truly desires and loves. 

Both Augusta and Mariana show that even in a time where women aren’t allowed to w-do how they please, there can be found a way. And even if the ladies are pursuing different dreams and are keeping different kind of secrets, there is an instant feeling of trust between them and a mutual desire to help each other, no matter how dire or dangerous the situation may seem.

And let’s not forget about George…

He for sure makes an impressive entrance in the book, as he comes to Augusta’s help when she just arrives in London. But not only then, he even comes at Augusta’s  rescue more than just once! 

Yet he has a reputation in London, and not a good one. I have to admit, initially I didn’t understand how people’s opinion could be somehow the truth about the man I was getting to know better. Where there is smoke, there must be a fire somewhere, the rumors must have started somewhere ,so I wanted to know that start. Yet I was amazed by how it started, because it was anything but I was expecting. And I liked George’s behaviour and his actions as it shows what a righteous man he is. And he is also a caring big brother to Mariana. He wants to protect her above everything, wants to protect her from making mistakes. But we all already know that Mariana won’t be stopped easily 🙂.

However, beside his kind and helpful heart, he is also a haunted person. His clubfoot is for some people a reason for mocking, even bullying him. And he feels ashamed by not being ‘normal’, and he is sure that no woman would love him for who he is, but would only be attracted to him because of his wealth and status. And that saddened me, because George is by far the most normal person! There are other characters in this book that are more abnormal. I truly believe that we should divide people by being ‘normal’ and not, because of a physical difference. 

There is a lot of taking place in this book, Augusta fighting for her freedom, but feeling attracted to George. There is Mariana who is fighting for knowledge, but also for the right to love whoever she wants. And then there is also George, who wants to protect his loved ones, and is fighting against prejudice, injustice, but also his own feelings.

This book shows us the strength of women, as Augusta and Mariana go for their dreams, but it also shows us the strength of love. It shows us that even in a restricted past, determination can start a move that can make change, that can bring happiness, joy and love in life.

When everything has gone down, can it find a way back up?

Synopsis

A heart-wrenching and life-affirming story of love and loss from number one bestselling author Nicola May

Gracie Davies is at an all-time low. After a devastating loss, the last thing she needs is a colleague hinting over coffee that it’s time to lose her baby weight. Then her boyfriend betrays her, and her world totally falls apart.

Rebuilding her life from scratch – with the support of her free-spirited sister, an unorthodox therapist, and a feisty new friend – Gracie finally begins to get her mojo back. Add in a passionate fling with handsome landscaper Ed, a fairytale encounter with a Hollywood film star and the persistence of her adulterous ex, and life is anything but predictable…

Soon she finds that community, purpose, and perhaps even new love might be the perfect prescription for a broken heart.

But can a heart that’s been so utterly shattered ever trust again?

Warm, witty, wildly sexy and deeply moving, Nicola May’s unforgettable novel is perfect for fans of Jojo Moyes, Marian Keyes, and Amanda Prowse.

This is a revised version of The Women of Wimbledon Common/The SW19 Club

My review

Gracie Davies has gone through hell, and is still there. Not only is she struggling with the lost of her babies, but also the knowledge of never be able to have any more babies, is crushing her. Her pain and grief are also affecting the relationship she has with Lewis, the man she loves with all her heart. But not only is she being body shamed, and being told that it’s time to lose her baby weight, she also discovers the moment that she is feeling a tiny bit better, that Lewis cheated on her… Now it’s up to Gracie to rebuild her life again, and instead of just going with the flow, and let things go their way, she decides to make several changes in her life. With the help from her sister, her therapist and a brand new friend, Gracie even starts to have a fling with landscaper Ed. However, Lewis doesn’t give up on Gracie that easily, and when a Hollywood film star  shows also an interest, Gracie feels that her life has never been this lively. But is it enough to heal her heart? And in order to heal it, Gracie also needs to understand what her heart truly wants, and if she can do what it takes to heal and to find her happiness once and for all…

This isn’t an easy story to read, especially those first chapters. Of course by reading the blurb I knew that Gracie would be going through hell, but I didn’t know that hell would be that, well, hellish, for her…

There are plenty of women in the world that lose their baby during the pregnancy. Unfortunately, that happens a lot, and somehow it is also something we as outsiders acknowledge, but taking about it, is still somehow a taboo. And only people who have been through such terrible events, can understand the pain, the grief and the sense of loss that comes with it. All the others, who have been lucky to have never been going through this, have no right to say what is right to feel or to say.

While losing a baby on itself, is already terrible enough, Nicola May decided to make things even worse for Gracie. Because not only has Gracie lost twins, but she also needed to have a hysterectomy, burying her hopes and dreams of becoming a mum completely…

Of course Gracie is struggling, if she weren’t, it wouldn’t be normal. How can someone cope with everything that Gracie has been going through? And the audacity of some people, not understanding or showing any kind of compassion…

Luckily, Gracie finds herself surrounded by people willing to help her. Not only does she has the most supporting sister, but also her therapist is there to listen to her. And Gracie finds not only an ally but a real friend in Maya.

Help she also has and needs when she discovers that Lewis has done the unthinkable, with someone she never expected. And while that only breaks her heart even more, or rather her heart has been through a blender, it is also in a way the kick in her ass she maybe needed to get her life back on track.

That last straw is a real eye – opener for Gracie. She understands that she needs to live again, to get that spark back in her eyes. Obviously her heartbreak won’t just disappear overnight, but she realizes that she needs to start somewhere. But finding that somewhere, that something, isn’t that easy to find.

I truly liked seeing how slowly the light is returning in Gracie’s eyes. Even if I had my own reservations and thoughts about Ed, and Gracie having a fling with him, it was also the medicine Gracie needs. Even if Ed is having his own struggles and difficulties to go through.

Now, I also need to say that there were a few moments where I thought that Gracie wasn’t doing the right thing. That perhaps she was acting too much on impulse instead of thinking rationally about what to do. But it also felt right in a way for Gracie to do the wrong thing. Because Gracie is going through a learning curve, she is growing, and the only way to do such, is by trial and error.

Seeing Gracie grow, made me feel proud of her, as she slowly starts to get out of her shell, and even chase her dreams. She isn’t afraid to start all over again, not only personally but also professionally. And I even was in awe of her, how she manages to turn the terrible things she has been through into something positive, and how she makes it possible to help others too.

Yes, a lot is happening in Gracie’s life since the start of the book, as she meets different people, all affecting Gracie one way or another. And yes, I could start talking more in detail about Ed, or about the Hollywood star. But while they are in Gracie’s life somehow, I feel like talking too much about them in my review, would take away the spotlight on Gracie’s complete journey.

While the main focus is definitely on Gracie, we also get snippets of the life of other characters, like Maya, or Gracie’s therapist, Scott. While their lives are entwined with Gracie’s, they are facing their own, personal struggles and life – changing events. Their moments show us that we never truly know what happens in someone else’s life.

Nicola May wrote an inspiring story, about how to cope with grief and loss. Nicola shows us that sometimes things have to go way down before we are able to rebuild our lives again, to find that spark again, and to even become a beacon for other people. And to find a way to fix something that we thought was irrevocably broken…  

Is silence truly always golden?

Synopsis

A gripping and thought-provoking novel from bestseller Caroline Finnerty that asks the question: How far would you go, to protect your child?

When Charlotte Daly wins a scholarship to the prestigious St Thomas’s school, her mother Ali – who has struggled to bring Charlotte up as a single mum – is so proud. She hopes this opportunity will mean a better life for her clever, brilliant daughter.

Ali worries, however, that Charlotte is having a hard time fitting in with her new, wealthy peers. Sowhen Charlotte is invited to a sixteenth birthday party by popular boy Ollie, Ali pushes her to go, hopeful that she’ll finally make some friends.

Just before midnight, Charlotte calls Ali to come pick her up from the party. She’s shaking and silent: it’s obvious something has happened but she won’t say what.

It’s only the next day, when Ali is at work, that she learns a teenage boy has been seriously injured. Then the police turn up at their house, wanting to question Charlotte about the events of that night. People are pointing the blame at Charlotte, saying the injured boy was last seen talking to her, before he was found unconscious in the pool.

As the investigation deepens, Ali finds that everyone has their own agenda and people will stop at nothing to protect their children – especially wealthy people. Only Charlotte knows the truth about what happened that night. Can Ali get her to tell the truth before it’s too late?

My review

Ali Daly is over the moon when her daughter Charlotte wins a scholarship to the prestigious St Thomas’s school. As it isn’t easy for a single mother to bring up a child, Ali hopes that this opportunity will give Charlotte all the chances she didn’t have herself for a better life.
However, Charlotte finds it difficult to adapt to her new school, and despite the secrecy, everyone appears to know that she is the one that won the scholarship, making it even more difficult for Charlotte.
So when there is an invitation for a birthday party by one of the popular boys, Charlotte goes under slight pressure.
However, when Ali picks Charlotte just before midnight, it’s clear that something has happened. But it’s the day after that Ali hears at work that an accident has happened, and when the police turns up home, that all the fingers are pointing towards Charlotte.
As Ali believes that her daughter truly is innocent, she becomes aware that there are people with their own agenda to protect their own children, with no regard for the actual truth. So will Charlotte open up and tell what happened that one night? And will the truth always prevail?

I am not a mother myself (that ship sailed long time ago), but I truly believe that I would be the kind of mother that wants the absolute best for her child, aiming high for him/her. Of course that applies for 99.99% of the parents. 😊

But seeing how Ali has raised her daughter on her own, amazed me. not because Ali wouldn’t be capable, but being a parent as a couple is already difficult enough in these times, but doing it on your own… Luckily, Charlotte has never caused Ali any trouble and she is very focused on her studies.

It’s clear that Charlotte is a real introvert, she doesn’t have (m)any friends, she doesn’t go out and prefers staying at home. And a change of school, from public to private, is a big change for her, especially as she knows that everyone will look down at her, as she doesn’t have the same status as all the others…

But I could also understand Ali, as she wants Charlotte to have the best opportunities in life, even if that means changing school. And I could understand her hope that Charlotte would be making new friends at St. Thomas.

It’s obvious in this book that a mother’s wish doesn’t always align with a child’s one. While it’s obviously all done for the right reason, it can be difficult for a parent to see what truly is best for the child and not just ‘push’ their own dreams forward.

It broke my heart to see the injustice in this book. It was great reading how Ali stands behind Charlotte from the very start until the bitter end. But seeing how Ali has to fight to find out the truth, how people want to twist the truth, it made me just sick…

It is an ugly thought, that people with money, with some kind of status want to make their own truths, and aren’t afraid of even threatening those ‘beneath’ them, for their own advantage. You would think that in the world we are living in now, that would be all in the past. Although…

I liked Ali’s determination to discover the real truth, not just believing what others are saying and claiming. Perhaps, with anyone that isn’t Charlotte, I would believe that Charlotte isn’t as innocent as she claims to be. But right from the start, I was in her corner too. And learning more about her, and her past, what she has been through already and her ongoing struggles, I was only more certain of her innocence.

This sounds like a very dark story, and it for sure takes dark turns here and there. Especially with some more shocking revelations that I didn’t see coming. But it was also a strong story, about the bond between a mother and a daughter. Not only about how far a mother would go to protect her daughter, but mainly about the love between mother and daughter.

So while this wasn’t an easy story to read, the love was palpable and that made me truly like the story.

When a castle is the setting to get through tough times.

Synopsis

What if the castle has the key to mend their broken hearts?

After a miserable few years, fun-loving Iona McKenzie tossed her corporate job to the wind, swore off long-term relationships, and escaped to the Hebridean island of Barra to teach water sports.

Recently dumped by an ex who labelled him ‘boring’, Monty MacNeil is having a tough time. When he’s tasked with carrying out his late father’s last request to scatter his ashes at Kisimul Castle – the famous castle in the bay – he doesn’t expect his trip to Barra to begin by running smack bang into a feisty and gorgeous woman, knocking her off her bike, and almost dropping his father’s urn into the sea.

Iona turns out to be the person he needs to take him over to the castle, but Monty soon sees another way she can help him. A few paddleboarding lessons would make him look more adventurous and give him a way back to his ex when his holiday’s done. But an unexpected attraction begins, despite both Monty and Iona fighting it, and the lessons soon develop from boarding and snorkelling to ‘love lessons’. Suddenly it’s harder to separate real from pretend.

True love may be closer than they think, but if they want it, both must take a chance – and soon – before Monty returns to his life on the mainland.

My review

Despite his fear of everything involving water, Monty MacNeil heads of to the island of Barra, to scatter the ashes of his father at Kisimul Castle. For Monty, this is also a chance to prove his ex, Sophie, that he isn’t the boring man she claimed him to be when ending things. But being adventurous is easier said than done, as it just isn’t in Monty’s nature and whatever adventurous activities there are, they mostly involve water. And not only water, but also all provided by Iona McKenzie… And Iona is everything that Monty is not… But Iona has her own reasons for staying at the island, as she had been through a few miserable times herself. And the island is giving her the freedom and fun she has been looking for, teaching water sports and having everything but a long – term relationship. These two opposites start clashing, but slowly an attraction starts to grow and somehow, Iona finds herself teaching not only Monty to be more confident on the water, but also to be more confident in the love area, to conquest Sophie back. But is that truly what Monty wants, after spending time in Barra?

What I love of this author, is that she is able to take me to unknown places, yet makes me fall in love with not only the place, but also with the main characters, no matter who they are, what their background is or the reason of them being in this story.

From the start, I felt so so just so sorry for Monty. My heart went out to him, seeing him struggling with the loss of his father. And I found it sweet that Monty wanted to fulfil his father’s last wish to have his ashes scattered at Kisimul Castle. Even if Monty doesn’t believe what his father was determined to prove, he want to honour who his father was, by doing something that terrifies him.

His fears are so palpable, and I could understand them all. Even if not at the same level as Monty’s, I will be holding on in a plane, on a boat, and you could offer me all the money of the world, you would never see me doing any kind of water sports…

But his backstory is more than the above… because his girlfriend ended things with him. Of course feelings can change, and love can end. But reading how Sophie claimed Monty to be ‘boring’, well, I found it very rude. It felt like Sophie was just looking for an excuse to break up with Monty and just gave a stupid reason to do so. Is it obvious that I don’t like this Sophie at all?

Yet as we see Monty’s resolution to show her wrong, and wants to win her back, makes it clear that Monty would do anything for his loved ones. And that no matter how much Sophie hurt him, he still cares about and loves her.

The person that Monty is, couldn’t be more different than Iona’s character. Where Monty is strict (in a certain way), and holds in, Iona just lets go.

Obviously Iona has not always been this free – spirited and it took her a whole process to get to this point of happiness and freedom. It took her a while, which also means that she won’t let go of that freedom that easily.

I could understand why she doesn’t do relationships, but I didn’t agree with her choice. Being free does also mean free to love. To let love find you. So in a way, her not committing to anyone, felt like she was locking herself in, not enjoying her freedom at the fullest.

Also, I need to admit, even if I would never ever do all the things that Iona is doing, I was in awe of her. She is courageous obviously, but she is also caring, loving and helpful. She shows this in so many different ways to her island – friends. You can count on Iona, and she would help out her friends, even if that means being around Monty.

With characters being so different, obviously Iona and Monty don’t get along initially. It’s not that they dislike each other, but they are just in different worlds, with different lifestyles and purposes. So when slowly Iona and Monty are getting closer, and help each other in the most difficult moments (emotionally and physically too), those bits were truly warming my heart.

And they find themselves opening up to each other, finding not only someone that listens, but also someone that wants to genuinely help. And that brings them perhaps to an unconventional agreement.

An agreement that brings them even closer, even if they don’t understand exactly how close they have become, and how much them being together is changing them, for the better of course.

This isn’t just a story about opposites that attract, which in itself is already a great trope. But it is about doing things you would never expect to do, to get over your fears, to understand who you truly are and what you truly need in life. It is about daring to step outside your comfort zone, daring to open up your heart and let life and love take a course you would never imagine. It is about letting yourself feel again, and see what real love can look like.

This is the first book of a brand new series, of an author that I already loved before. And this first book for sure sounds very promising for the rest of the series! Margaret Amatt once again swept me of my feet!

When being stood up makes you meet someone else…

Synopsis

Sometimes love happens when you least expect it…

When Nadia and Tom are both unceremoniously stood up by their dates under the clock at Waterloo Station, fate throws them together in the most unusual of circumstances.

What starts as a brilliant story for future dinner parties soon turns into a wonderful friendship, and both Tom and Nadia realise they’ve found the perfect partner in crime.

Tired of dating but always needing a plus one for weddings, parties, and the like, they agree to fake date each other. But as their pretend relationship starts to feel more real, Nadia and Tom begin to wonder if there’s more to their connection than convenience.

Could the relationship they’ve been faking be the one they’ve been waiting for all along?

A heartwarming fake dating rom com, perfect for fans of Beth O’Leary and Sophie Kinsella.

My review

After some persuasion, Nadia decides to agree on a blind date. But when waiting under the clock at Waterloo Station, and there is a no – show, Nadia realizes that she has been stood up. However, under that same clock, she meets Tom. He also is waiting for his date, but also it dawns to him that he has been stood up. With freshly engaged Bea and Ruth, and freshly discovering a cheating husband Rachel, a random meeting under that clock forms unexpected friendships. And as both Nadia and Tom are tired of being asked about their relational situationships, they decide to be each other’s plus – one. No strings attached, no expectations, just someone to have by their side to avoid questions. But their agreement can only last for a time, so what will happen when it’s time to ‘break up’?

There are so many books in the world, about people agreeing to be a pretend boy/girlfriend, that you would think that you have read them all, and that maybe you shouldn’t bother with this one?

Well, let me tell you that you are wrong if you just even think about skipping this one. Because, yes, it may seem like a thirteenth book in a dozen, but it for sure isn’t one!

Being on a blind date can be a great experience, but can also be the total opposite. And trust me, I have been through the latter! But the worst thing possible on a date, is being stood up. While Nadia and Tom are finding themselves in the same situation, of being stood up that is, their mindset or purpose is completely different.

While as Nadia is truly meeting a stranger for the first time, Tom already knows who he is meeting with. Nadia is in for a first encounter, and hopefully a good one, Tom is at the station for an agreement made ten years ago. See, already a unique setup! 😊

I have to say, I don’t know if I would be speaking to complete strangers in any station. But that is me, being an introvert and just wary of everything and everyone. Although, when there is a lockdown taking place, it makes sense somehow to be speaking to the people around you. And both Nadia and Tom find great people to take with, Bea and Ruth are just wonderful, and Rachel, despite finding out about her cheating husband, is also a great persona!

It was great to see how the Waterloo Five just instant connect, become friends and each other’s supporters. It may seem unlikely that real friendships can be made so easily, but these five show that it is possible.

But back to Nadia and Tom…

Nadia and Tom couldn’t be more different from each other, but them left stood up brought them together and in another situation, they would have never met. And them being in an alike situation, it makes sense to join forces.

What I liked the most about their ‘scheme’, is we can call it like that, is that there isn’t a lot of pretending taking place. Yes, towards Nadia’s colleagues they pretend to be a couple, but in other occasions, they never explicit tell anyone that they are together. Obviously, people make assumptions, and Tom and Nadia don’t do their best to prove them wrong, but that makes it even funnier to read!

There are so many funny bits in this book, but also so many heartwarming ones. Like I said, Tom and Nadia couldn’t be more different, yet together they have the best of times, whether it’s talking about worst dates ever, or playing tennis with Tom’s family. Their constant banter was truly delightful.

Of course their friendship changes, as their feelings for each other is slowly shifting. But while I truly wanted them to give in to their feeling, I also liked it how they respected their friendship and tried to hold to their agreement.

And obviously there has to be one extra event to shake things up even more. And while that appearance angered me, it was also what both main characters needed to truly understand the depths of their feelings, for whoever those feelings are.

I absolutely loved reading this book, as it for sure put a smile on my face. And it was different from the fake boy/girlfriend trop, only making it even better! Plus the fact that there are amazing friends to be found, made it only extra – extra better! 😊

But what I loved the most, was that perhaps the best kind of people, whether friends or even more, can be found in the most unlikely places, in the most unlikely situations. But aren’t those the best kind?