Tizi’s Book Review

Nothing beats (like) a mother’s heart…

Synopsis

Two sisters, one heartbreaking promise…

To everyone who knows them, Louisa and Tom are the perfect couple. They have two beautiful kids, Stan and Flo, and are about to celebrate ten years of being happily married. Life is perfect. But when Lou is dealt devastating news, that perfect life is turned upside down and Lou and Tom must reevaluate the very foundations their marriage is built on.

Lou’s main concern is who will look after her children if she’s not there to care for them? Will anyone be able to love them like she does?

Holly can’t face the news that Lou is sick. As her older twin sister, she and Lou have always been together, and Holly has always tried to protect Lou. So she’ll do anything, promise anything, to make Lou feel safe and happy. Holly loves Stan and Flo fiercely, but with no children of her own can she ever be the mother her sister wants and needs for her children?

Determined to make the most of every last precious moment, Lou’s final wish for her family is to show them what it really means to live and love. And as Tom and Holly try to navigate their own pain, their only care is to shower Flo and Stan with love and help them make the most of every moment together.

My review

Lou has it all: wonderful husband in Tom, two amazing children named Stan and Flo. Even the bond she has with her twin sister Holly is one of the strongest. Despite the sibling banter, and Holly’s teasing about being older than Lou, the sisters have been through rough times together, only strengthening their bond more. Everything is going perfect, until… the news that Lou is terribly sick. So instead of making more plans for the future, Lou starts making plans for after. Because who will look after her children. Not that she cannot count on Tom on being the doting father he already is, but it isn’t easy to raise two small children on your own. And thus Lou makes Holly promise that Stan and Flo can always count on their Auntie. But despite Holly the children with whole her heart, can she be the person Lou expects her to be? With every minute that counts, both Lou and Tom, together with Holly, are trying to make memories with the children that will hopefully last a lifetime. But no matter what, the pain, but literally and figuratively, never truly disappears. So when the time arrives, can Lou leave everyone behind with a feeling that things will work out somehow? Or cannot everything be planned, like Lou hopes?

This for sure was not an easy book to read, for more than just one reason. Obviously there is the subject of the main character being sick, something that hit closer home to me. My own brother received the news of being ill several years back, and even if in the end, for him it all worked out, I could relate perhaps too easy to the anguish, the fears and the sense of the world falling into pieces…

And then there is the matter that Lou is a wonderful character, a great wife, and an amazing mother. She has so much to look forward to, and seeing all those prospects falling apart… And being the wonderful person that Lou is, she is afraid of leaving the world behind? Not that she is afraid for herself, but the worries she has is for all the people she is leaving behind… It would be easy and understandable to wallow in self-pity,  but that is not who Lou is. She wants to be sure that Tom, Stan, Flo and even Holly will be okay when the time comes.

Receiving such a diagnosis is a real shock, and absolutely not easy to digest. And we see clearly how people react differently. From denial, to not giving up to acceptance, each character, side or main are going through a whirlwind of emotions, and so was I while reading. Despite knowing how it would end for Lou, the optimist in me kept hoping for a miracle for her, that somehow things would change for her. But that doesn’t aways in life, and so it’s only fair in a way that it doesn’t in a book either…

And despite knowing what would be waiting for Lou, I admired her too. Because she is determined to use the time left to make that time count. She shifted the focus from her to her loved ones. It may seem controlling, how Lou somehow wants to make sure of things. But can you blame her? Wouldn’t you want your loved ones to be safe and looked after when you cannot take that task on you anymore?

It warmed my heart reading how Lou finds not only an outlet, but also understanding and compassion online. Of course there are always online trolls, but as the greater part of the responders are with a positive tone and even some good advice, it was not something that Lou needed, but also for us readers, and people in Lou’s same position, knowing that they are not alone… And then there is a wonderful, even more heartwarming/heartbreaking revelation towards the end of the book that made it even more perfect, especially for Lou…

Like I said, this isn’t an easy book to read, and for people having gone through the same or something alike, living with the fear, isn’t an easy task to read it until the very end. But despite  the heartbreak, this book is also filled with so much warmth, love and even strength. Because we see how love makes you want to look after people, even when you won’t be able to do it anymore. We see how a mother’s first worry is always about her children, her family. A mother’s heart, a wife’s heart, a sister’s heart will never stop looking after others, perhaps even if it costs them great effort.

Jo Bartlett wrote a book that shows us that life isn’t fair, it will never be fair. A story about people’s fight, struggles and resilience. Despite what happens, we see so much strength and determination in each character, showing us that that perhaps life can be cut short, but that the heart and the love it holds, will never die…

This for sure is a courageous story for the author to write, about a courageous woman, a courageous family. Even after reaching the end with several tears rolling over my face, I needed a time – out, to digest this wonderful story, to heal my own heart and most important, to appreciate the people around me even more…

A holiday with a past…

Synopsis

Escape to a beautiful Italian island with this wonderfully romantic story, threaded with secrets and intrigue.

It’s time to return to Ischia…

Alessia knows her grandmother grew up on the beautiful Italian island off the coast from Naples. But Ornella seldom talks about her life there – or why she never went back.

So Alessia is amazed when Ornella reveals that, in the months before she left Ischia, she had worked on the set of a famous 1950s movie filmed on the island. Is there a link between the film set and the tragic death of Ornella’s teenage sister?

Ornella has kept her past – and the heart-wrenching promise she made – a secret for over sixty years. She has tried not to think about the love she gave up. But now, perhaps the truth should finally be revealed…

Travelling to Ischia together, Alessia falls in love with the utterly captivating island. Meeting handsome journalist Roberto helps her dig deeper into her family’s past, too. Just what happened to Ornella’s sister? What heart-wrenching secret is her grandmother hiding?

This summer, can Alessia and Ornella put the past to rest and find the happy ending they both deserve?

A wonderfully escapist, romantic and compelling story of secrets and sacrifice, love and loyalty, that is perfect for fans of Karen Swan, Louise Douglas and Rosanna Ley.

My review

Alessia always knew that her lovely grandmother Ornella grew up on the Italian island of Ischia, until Ornella and her husband left the island for England. Now that Alessia’s relationship ended, and she no longer has a job, perhaps is now the perfect time to return to the place that Ornella called home. Yet Nonna Ornella is still able surprise Alessia with revealing that in the 1950’s, she worked on the set of a famous movie filmed on Ischia. Yet Ornella’s reluctance of speaking about that time, makes Alessia wonder if there is a link between the film and her aunt’s, Ornella’s younger sister, tragic death. Because it’s clear that Ornella is keeping more secrets, secrets that she has kept over sixty years. But could it be that returning to Ischia is also the perfect opportunity to open up about what happened to Ornella and her sister? And with Alessia’s encounter with a handsome journalist on a mission of his own, Roberto, Alessa has an ally in discovering the truth. But will there more be found by Alessia on this beautiful island than just the truth?

As an Italian, I may be a little biased when a story takes place in this beautiful country. As an Italian from the south, perhaps I am a little bit more biased. As an Italian that has visited and fallen in love with Ischia, I am perhaps a little bit a lot biased… But honestly, can you blame me? and after all, even if a story is set in the most beautiful place, but the story is not that great, even the best setting cannot fix that…

Luckily for us (and for the author, otherwise she would have to answer to me personally 😊  this is an amazing story, that for sure kept surprising me!Nobody ever needs to find a reason to go to Ischia, as it’s a wonderful place. But the fact that there is an actual link between the place and the main characters, for sure is a nice extra. It means that Ischia is of real importance, and it’s not just a ‘random’ place chosen by cheer chance, or luck.

Right from the start, I liked Alessia. She feels like a real person, someone that could actual live in our real lives. But I also liked her bond with her nonna, Ornella. With there being a generation gap, it would be normal if there would be some friction between the women. And of course not everything goes smoothly all the time, yet the genuine love and care for each other is so palpable from each page.

With Ornella’s reluctance of returning to Ischia, of course Alessia’s curiosity grows. And of course mine grew too! Not only did I wanted to see how Ornella would be returning home, but I was also eager to discover what exactly happened all those years ago to Ornella and her sister. And I have to say, my mind and imagination went wild!

Especially the fact that a famous movie was made when Ornella was young, added extra mystery (and extra plots) to the story. What exactly happened back there? And how could it be that it still had an effect on Ornella as it clearly still haunts her…

Of course there has to be somehow a love interest for Alessia, as let’s not forget that she is also a main character in this book. I liked it how she connects with Roberto, even if they have just met. You would think that him being a journalist, it would be only about getting his story, but that is not Roberto. Yes, his story matters to him, but seeing him with Alessia, makes it clear that these two people, helping each other out, start to feel more and more for each other. And that Roberto’s story starts to fade a little bit.

There are several side characters in this book, that initially don’t seem connected to the greater picture. Yet slowly I was able to connect the dots, and seeing my suspicions finally being right after many attempts, it felt satisfying. And not only for my sake, but also for the characters in the book.

Taking about side characters, it has to be said that I loved seeing how Ornella and Alessia were welcomed (back) to Ischia. The Italians in this book for sure show how open and accepting they can be. 

Of course there is an initial wariness, and here and there someone has to be a d*ckhead, but in general all the people in this book are just warm and kind people, with their hearts at the right place.

This book for sure takes its characters on a journey, together with its readers. Characters that have to discover their roots, characters that have to face their past, characters that have to stop hiding. Characters that somehow are all connected.

And as a reader, I found myself having the urgent need to read more, because those dots needed to be connected asap. Because Victoria Springfield just captures your attention and won’t let you go until you reached the end. And with such a beautiful setting, wonderful, realistic and altruistic characters, why would I just think of putting the book away? 😊

An offer that cannot be refused…

Synopsis

When Life Gives You Lemons, Fake an Engagement

When investment banker Adrian and software engineer Rowena started the day, they didn’t expect to end it engaged! But Adrian has invented a fake fiancée to impress his CEO, regretting the lie almost immediately, and now he is in hot water. Meanwhile, Rowena’s career has just gone up in flames, leaving her unemployed, unexpectedly expecting with no father in the picture, and short of options. When fate throws these two hot messes into a meet-cute of epic proportions, it’s a match made in rock-bottom heaven. They say love is blind, and with nothing to lose, Adrian gets down on one knee… and Rowena says yes!

The rules of engagement are simple:

Pretend to be madly in love

Keep their real lives separate

Absolutely, positively do NOT catch feelings

However, faking it is harder than they thought, especially when every overnight stay comes with only one bed and zero personal space—blurring that imaginary line between ‘just business’ and ‘definitely personal.’

Soon, their carefully constructed charade starts to feel alarmingly… real. Can Adrian and Rowena stick to their engagement pact, or will their fake relationship graduate to something authentically messy, complicated, and wonderful?

Find out in this hilarious, heartwarming tale of two strangers who said “I do” before they even said “Hello.” Because sometimes, the worst day of your life just might lead to the best mistake you’ll ever make.

If the Ring Fits is an age gap, marriage of convenience rom-com with a multi-millionaire MMC and a STEM FMC perfect for fans of Lynn Painter, Sarah Adams and Fallon Ballard**

My review

Software engineer Rowena is falling apart quickly… she is happy that her relationship ended, as it for sure was a toxic one. But she didn’t expect to find herself pregnant, and suddenly also without employment. She doesn’t know what to do nor does she know how she will be able take care of not only her herself but also of the baby that will be arriving. The last thing she expects that while feeling sick in the bathrooms of her what used to be her office budling, she meets up with Adrian. He himself is also feeling sick, as he just told the biggest of lies to the CEO of his firm. Because as the CEO is stepping down, he is looking for a successor and Adrian wants the job. Only needs the next CEO needs to be more of a family man, and that Adrian is not. So Adrian invented a fiancée, and now he needs to deliver. Rowena and Adrian both have something the other needs, so a plan comes to fruition. A crazy plan, but when Adrian pops the question, Rowena accepts. Because they only need each other until they get what they want, right?

Ooh, Camilla Isley just did it again… writing not only a romance story, but one filled with so much more than just a sudden two people finding each other in time of need.

Everyone has a bad moment in life, where things don’t go how we expected them to go. Heck, there can be even more bad moments in life. Unfortunately for Rowena, those bad moments in her life come all at the same time…

While it’s good for her that she is no longer with her douchebag – boyfriend, discovering that she is pregnant for sure shocks her.

To make things even worse, she finds herself losing her job. Not because she is not competent enough, because she for sure is. But because let’s say the environment,  and especially her boss’s attitude, aren’t the healthiest of the places, and sure not a place where equality and righteousness prevails…

I felt both angry in her place and sad for her at the same time. The way she has been treated, both by her boss and even her ex, are just so wrong in many different aspects. And just the moment she is trying to get her life back on track after the break – up, she is faced with another setback. So could I blame her for feeling sick while leaving the building? Of course not! And I don’t think it’s all to blame on her pregnancy…

Her meeting Adrian, in the bathrooms of all places, of course is hilarious. Of all the places they could meet, even an elevator, but no, Camilla had to go a step further and make their first encounter in one of the most awkward and embarrassing places of the whole world. And yes, it was funny they meet in the same circumstances, being sick and needing the toilets. Of course their circumstances are completely different.

I have to say, Adrian doesn’t come off as a great guy at the start of the book. He is focused on his career, seems to care more about his wealth than anything else. And he makes it even ‘worse’ by lying to the CEO, just in order to get the position he has his eyes on.

Now, I knew that Camilla wouldn’t make the main character a horrible person, or a selfish one. So even if Adrian may look like one, I knew that we had to be patient and that Adrian’s real character would show and that we would fall for him.

Perhaps their plan is unconventional. Okay, not perhaps.. 😊 But I could understand where they were coming from. Rowena needs security in her insecure life, and Adrian needs a fake fiancée. So why wouldn’t they join forces and help each other out? This isn’t the kind of story where the main characters just go with the flow. Both Rowena and Adrian come with strict plans and rules. And we already start to see the kind of man Adrian is. Because he is adamant on taking care of Rowena, even just financially, even at the end of their agreement. I don’t think that many people would to that.

What this book isn’t either, is the kind where sparks fly immediately, the main characters share the bed immediately etcetera. No, in this book we see how Rowena and Adrian are not always finding it easy to adapt to the many changes in their lives.

And things don’t always go that smoothly, because not only Rowena isn’t used to all the luxury and sees how the other lives. But we also see that living together doesn’t mean that characters immediately warm towards each other. Adrian is still rather distant, even avoiding Rowena, not making this awkward situation any easier.

Yet slowly, very slowly and very funnily too, we see walls falling down. What starts as physical attraction becomes more. And I am not only talking about it in a romantic way. But we see Adrian opening up, and we see the man he truly is, and how he became the man he is now.

I found it sweet, funny – even hilarious – seeing this unlikely pair being together. I loved reading how they start to form a real unit together, having each other’s back, supporting each other and even help each other out to make their dreams come true.

Dreams that involve the reappearance of some characters that I already loved from previous books that made me literally ‘EEEEEEEEK!’ 😊. Their presence in this book was for sure an extra nice surprise in an already wonderful story!

There is one point that I didn’t fully agree with the author… It’s something that happens rather late in the story, and it involves a name. I understand the meaning behind it, and the idea is a wonderful one. But that doesn’t mean I had to fully like it. But… if that is the only thing I didn’t completely like in the whole story, it’s not that bad, right? 😊

This was absolutely a wonderful story, with a strong and flabbergasting start. A story that for sure kept me captivating. It was impossible to put it away. A story that shows that sometimes when things start off truly badly, it can be the start of a brand new adventure, something unconventional maybe, yet something wonderful.

With each book from this amazing author, I have extreme high expectations. Yet it doesn’t matter how impossible high those expectations may be, Camilla easily fulfils them and keeps on exceeded them! I just cannot wait for her next book!

Can a forever home be found with so many challenges in life?

Synopsis

New friends, new life, new love…

Single dad, Joel Grainger, is devoted to his little girl, Imogen, doing all he can to be a key part of her life. But with Imogen’s mum being ever more difficult and Joel’s job suddenly in doubt, he’s worried that everything is about to change. Joel has given everything to Imogen, and he doesn’t regret it, but maybe he’s lost himself along the way…

Since her dad’s heart-breaking dementia diagnosis, Poppy Wells has been struggling and desperately needs a break. An opportunity to stay in gorgeous Whisperwood Farmhouse nestled in the Yorkshire Wolds and a stone’s throw away from Bumblebee Farm couldn’t be more perfect. Finally able to breathe, Poppy begins to see a new life ahead, a place where she can heal her broken heart and be part of something special. But can she ever leave her beloved dad to get the happiness she craves?

When Poppy and Joel meet there’s an instant connection. But with both of them at a crossroads, a future together seems impossible. Can they find the strength to overcome their challenges to secure their forever home together?

My review

Poppy Wells is running from one place to another. Her job keeps her busy, yet her mind is filled with worries about her dad since he was diagnosed with dementia. She daily visits him, even if she sees him deteriorating each day more and more. So of course she is in dire need of a break, even if she struggles with leaving her father behind, even for a few days. But the opportunity of staying in Whisperwood Farmhouse is too good to let is pass. And it being set near Bumblebee Barn, it’s like it’s meant to be, with her love and passion for bees.
With finally being able to take a breather for once, Poppy starts to think about her own future, and where it may be, and what it may bring her.
And meeting Joel, with an instance click, makes Poppy think about the future even more.
But Joel is also in a difficult place at the moment. He loves his little girl Imogen more than anything else, but with worries about his job, and his ex making things even more complicated, Joel feels more lost than ever…
With the both of them not knowing where life will take them, is a future together even possible?

I don’t know how Jessica Redland is able to write each time wonderful stories, keeping me captivated from the first page until the very last one. And that without ever sounding repetitive even if some characters from other books and series make a (wonderful 😊) appearance.

This is the kind of book that you don’t know for which character to feel more sorry for at the start. Because on one hand there is Poppy, who has been through a lot already, and life for sure isn’t giving her any lemonade at al. On the other hand there is Joel, who would do anything for his little girl, but both his ex and his job are giving him more than just one headache…

The moment I realized all the balls Poppy is trying to keep in the air, the more I felt her pressure also on my shoulders. With her background, we see clearly how unfair life can be. She has to face struggle after struggle, without a chance to just relax for a moment…
If Poppy would be a more selfish person, there would be a lot of stress avoided. But then, would we love Poppy as much as we do now? I don’t think so…

I could understand her guilt of going on a break, but it’s also crystal clear that she needs the break so much. She needs to clear her head, but also think about her future, and herself a little bit.
And there couldn’t have been a more fitting place for her to stay! Not only on a Tizi – level, as we see several old friends again, but also on a Poppy – level! The people she meets there are just the kind of people Poppy needs to be surrounded with. All these lovely people welcome her with open arms, help her to process everything she is going through, and offer Poppy some wonderful, shared moments.

We can see Poppy’s stress level diminish, even if of course not all her problems suddenly disappear. That would be too easy of course 😊. But the presence of Joel also helps more than Poppy could ever imagine…

Joel… can I just swoon for a moment?

Thank you…

Joel, what can I say about him that isn’t a superlative? Yes, he is struggling, as he isn’t able to be the kind of father he wants to be for his girl Imogen. He couldn’t be more caring, devoted to Imogen, but the circumstances aren’t working in his favour…

Just when he thinks that job – wise things will move forward, of course there is a setback, ruining everything once again. He has an important decision to make, affecting more lives than just his.

I have to say, the end of a relationship or a marriage is never a happy occasion, even when things aren’t just working out. But I have to say, Imogen’s mother for sure is a person I immediately disliked…
Everything Joel does, or tries to do, is not good for his ex, it even ends  up in backlash for Joel. It angered me to read how instead of trying to work together, for Imogen and her best interest, I found it rather selfish how she acted…

Both Poppy and Joel are people that deserve to find happiness, and to quote the title, a forever home. And finding that special someone isn’t always the endgame. Because just you find someone, means that all your problems and issues are solved. Yet it helps to have found someone that you can ventilate to. A problem shared is a problem halved, or at least a way to look at things differently. And finding that someone special perhaps can also make you think how you want to see your own future.

Now, I have to address Jessica directly…
Something terrible happens to Poppy in this book, at the hand of someone else. And that got me worried a bit, because it seems that the same event happened already in a previous book/series. Is there something that you need to tell us, Jessica? Is there a dark side of you we yet have to discover? 😊

In this wonderful, amazing, heartfelt book by an amazing and super talented author, we see that life isn’t always easy. It doesn’t always go as we want or wish. And that sometimes you have to be a strong person to be able to carry around the weight of the world.
But we also see that sometimes taking a step aside, to get away, can give you perspective, hope and just what you needed the most.

Once again I gave up freely and happily the most necessary needs in my life in order to read this book, like eating and sleeping. But Jessica Redland is worth of every bag under my eyes, as she once again pulled at my heartstrings, making me fall in love with lovely characters and their heartbreaking yet most important heartwarming tale and search for their forever home.

Disclosure: no shortage of tissues in Belgium was found after finishing reading this book. Small victories…

When the city of love initially starts as the city of healing heartbreak

Synopsis

Can the city of love mend a broken heart?

Romance author Tessa Elliot has writer’s block, and worse – she isn’t sure she still believes in love. To heal her broken heart, she decides to go on the romantic break in Paris she’d booked before her world fell apart.

But when she arrives at the Airbnb, Tessa is stunned to find someone is already there. Her ex’s best friend Ethan has made himself at home, being told that the place would be empty.

As it’s Paris Fashion Week, and with no other options, they agree to share the apartment. Neither will be in the place much after all, with Ethan taking a cookery course and Tessa on a hard deadline to finish her novel.

But sharing close nights in a one bed apartment, there’s an undeniable pull towards one another.

Will Tessa be able open her heart, and her laptop, ever again?

A gorgeous romance set in the city of love, perfect for fans of Emily Henry and Christina Lauren

My review

After her break – up with her boyfriend, romance author Tessa Elliot has a severe case of writer’s block. And all because she doesn’t believe in love anymore. To find inspiration and also heal her broken heart, with some persuasion of her best friends, Tessa decides to go on the planned romantic break to Paris, on her own. As she paid for it all, it for sure seems a waste of money not going.
However, when she arrives at the Airbnb, she is shocked to find the place already inhabited. Because her ex didn’t see any issue in letting his best friend Ethan staying at the place, as it would be empty anyway.
As Paris is completely booked, for the Paris Fashion Week, Tessa and Ethan agree to share the Airbnb, as they won’t be spending much shared time together, with Elliot focusing on his cookery course and Tessa working on her deadline.
However, time is spent together, and the both of them realize that their first impressions of each other were way off, thanks to Tessa’s ex…
Will Paris be able to make Tessa believe in love again, and let her open her heart again? Or will Paris be something Tessa and Ethan will always have, but nothing more?

Paris is the city that many people have romantic ideas of. And while I absolutely love the city, having been there several times, I cannot say that I link personally Paris with love. Of course it doesn’t help that each time I went, I just went with friends or my brother 😊.

So in a way, I was happy to read that Paris would be “used” as a healing medicine, and not a place with too many expectations.

Because when Tessa head off to Paris, she goes with the lowest romantic expectations. She goes there to find inspiration for her book, not looking for romance herself at all.
And I cannot blame, reading how her ex treated her. Perhaps the stages of her relationship came too quickly, but it’s all circumstantial…

Right from the start, the more I read about that relationship, the more red flags  started to appear. So to see how it ended, wasn’t a complete surprise for me, but I could understand Tessa’s devastation. And I cannot blame her for giving up on love. Getting hurt by the person that supposed to love you, is just terrible. And the way Tessa learned the truth, just even more terrible!

I was happy to read that Tessa is surrounded by loyal friends, who are even able to persuade her to go to Paris, despite everything. It saddened me to read about her writer’s block and it made sense to me for Tessa to head of to the City of Love, looking for inspiration.

Now, I have to say, the moment Tessa finds Ethan in the Airbnb, I found it hilarious. Of course it scared the sh*t out of Tessa, as she wasn’t expecting anyone at the place. But then finding someone there, and how she finds Ethan, well, sorry for truly laughing out loud! 😊

It is rather quickly clear that the discomfort between Tessa and Ethan is not because they truly dislike each other, but it’s rather of the picture that infamous ex, Joe, painted to the other. And with what we know about him…

The moment Ethan enters the scene, there was something about him that says that he is the good kind of guy. He has dreams of his own, and him staying in Paris has a purpose. And even if he and Tessa didn’t get along, or got the chance to know each other well while Tessa was with Joe, he doesn’t hesitate to show Tessa around in Paris. What I liked even more, was that beside all the famous landmarks, he shows Tessa the more special, captivating places that not all tourists know about.

And of course it was lovely to see how the more time these two great characters spend together, the better they get to know each other (obviously), but also start to truly like each other. The attraction just keeps growing between them, and while at moments I just wanted them to take things further, I also liked the decency they both have. They don’t want to rush things, they both want to be sure about what they would be doing, but also they don’t want to take advantage of each other when there may or may not be some alcohol involved.

What I liked even better, is that I got surprised by the behaviour during the very heated moments. Talking about still waters! 😊

Of course I have to talk about Juliette, Ethan’s Parisian friend. What a force of nature she is! And how genuine! When she likes you, she *likes* you, and once a friend, there isn’t a thing she wouldn’t do for you! Everyone needs a Juliette in their life! 😊

Too bad that the book also has an act where things seem to fall completely apart… I was almost screaming loudly at Tessa…

Luckily in this book we see that Tessa has had a lot of growth in it. Not only does she find her self-confidence back, but she also speaks out her mind. She dares to dream again, she dares to love again.

All the above made me just read this book at a pace that perhaps was unhealthy. But I found it truly impossible to just put it down, and continue with my own life, while Tessa and Ethan (and Paris) were waiting for me…

A temporarily stop before a fresh start? Or not?

Synopsis

Ingrid is desperate to sell up and move on. Recently widowed, she no longer needs the large house or the treasures (and tat) collected by her late husband, Tommy, an auctioneer. Then there’s the debt he left her with, too.

So, she jumps at the chance to downsize and move to Willowbrook on a temporary lease. She’ll open a pop-up shop for just one year – to dispose of Tommy’s accumulated goods – and then move on. No getting embroiled in village life.

But Ingrid hasn’t reckoned on Willowbrook’s extrovert local ladies (known as the Saga Louts). Or handsome local craftsman Joel, with whom there’s a definite attraction. They all want to help set up ‘The Treasure Trove’.

Surprisingly, it turns out Ingrid can also help them.

Will she ever achieve the fresh start and simpler life she craved? Or will Ingrid discover a wonderful new way to move onwards and upwards?

My review

After losing her husband, Ingrid is ready to have a fresh start. As the house is too big for her own, and her husband being an auctioneer collected way too much treasures and tats but also debts, Ingrid has come up with the plan to downsize, and open a pop – up shop in the village of Willowbrook. Not only does she hope to pay off the debts, but Ingrid also dreams of starting all over again. Even if the initial plan is to stay only for a year at Willowbrook, Ingrid finds herself quickly befriending the local ladies, better known as the Saga Louts, each and every one of them determined to help Ingrid with her shop, not letting their age stop them. And there is also Joel, the local craftsman, to which Ingrid cannot keep denying the mutual attraction. And Ingrid finds herself not only accepting the help of these new friends, but she also becomes an invaluable asset. But the plan was only to stay in Willowbrook for one year, right?

Whenever I start reading a book where the characters are older than me, I am always a bit fearful that the experiences the characters have (and have had), are things that make it difficult to relate with them. And then there are stories, just like this one, where there is an actual age difference between reader and character, but yet the reader is perfectly capable to relate with each character. And with an amazing author, the age difference just fades into thin air, as just a minor detail in a bigger picture.

Wanting to start over, and move away from your home, can seem like a drastic measurement. But beside that Ingrid hasn’t a real choice, due to her husband’s debts, I could comprehend why Ingrid wanted to get away. Not only the logical reasons, as the home is too large, but she is just ready to leave it behind and start fresh.

Sometimes it’s the best thing to get away from the places that hold so many memories. And with the opportunity of a lifetime, opening a pop – up store in Willowbrook, Ingrid feels that moving is the only way forward.

While reading how Ingrid is setting up the store, I kept questioning myself if I would be able to have a husband like Ingrid’s. And I am not saying he is a bad person, but all that hoarding! I think I would go out of my mind if Tommy would be my partner! I was flabbergasted reading how Ingrid could fill so much of the shop with just what her husband had, and the things from her home that she herself doesn’t need anymore.

It saddened me also a bit to read how Ingrid didn’t have this close circle of friends. That is clear by how uncomfortable she initially feels when meeting the Saga Louts. She is clearly out of her depth, not only with the move, but with just everything.

And while perhaps not without a real choice, I liked it to read how the women took Ingrid under their wings, offering their help through every step, with words of advice, and also a non – judgemental listening ear. But perhaps I loved it even more to see how quickly how important Ingrid also becomes for her new friends. Sometimes it’s about finding the right people at the right time, and it doesn’t matter how long you know them to be of significant importance to each other.

On that note, I found it sweet to see Ingrid and Joel together. Of course there has to be some kind of love interest in this book for Ingrid, and why would that not be local Joel?

He is the kind of person that always puts other people’s interest before his own. He always wants to do good for everyone, even if that sometimes ends in putting his foot in it. But you cannot deny that everything he does and says, is done with the best of interest.

Perhaps there are some decisions and choices made that are a bit hasty for my liking. But that is purely on me, as perhaps I am too wary, but also too honest and open about things that take place in my own life. Yet perhaps those moments fit exactly with the general pace of the story, as the bonds grow rapidly but also genuinely.

I found this some kind of funny story, because it shows us that no matter what we may plan, we never know what or who exactly will cross our paths. And that something plans are made to be changed. But more important, I found this absolutely a heart – warming story, showing the beauty of friendship and love. And what stood me by after reaching the end, is that even in a rather short time span, even less than a year, the most significant bonds can be created.  And that it’s never too late for a fresh start!

One night, an unexpected consequence…

Synopsis

An uplifting, heart-warming story from the number one bestselling author.

How do you rebuild your life when it changes forever in an instant?

Thirty-five-year-old Victoria Sharpe has a decent job as an illustrator, a perfectly good if predictable relationship, and great friends. So why can’t she shake the feeling that something is missing?

Keen to let off steam, she sets off on a night out with her best friends. Next morning – one reckless decision later – she resolves to make some seriously overdue changes to achieve the fulfilment she craves.

Then she gets devastating news that shatters everything she ever wanted for her future.

Or so she thinks. Because as friends and family rally around to support her, and an unexpected new romance makes her heart skip a beat, Victoria discovers that sometimes in the deepest darkness the brightest light can shine through. But, after all she’s been through, can she let it in?

This uplifting, heart-warming story from number one bestselling author Nicola May will have you reaching for the tissues. An unputdownable, unforgettable read, perfect for fans of Shari Low, Jill Mansell and Amanda Prowse.

“Nicola packs a punch in this joyous story about love and family, healing and hope. Singular, strong and sensitively written.” Milly Johnson, author of The Happiest Ever After

My review

At the age of thirty-five, Victoria Sharpe cannot really complain about her life. She has a steady job as an illustrator, her relationship with Nate is after six years not the most exciting anymore, but the love is still there. Her friends may be very different, but she wouldn’t change them for all the money of the world. Even if her mother and brother make Victoria worry, Victoria is living a rather content life. Yet she cannot shake off the feeling that something is missing in her life. At the hen do of one of her best friends, she decides to let off some steam, even if she regrets the made decisions the morning after. But what Victoria doesn’t know yet, is that this one night off will turn her complete world upside down. And all the plans she had for her future are ready to be flushed down the drain. Or will there be a silver lining despite everything?

When I started this book, I was ready to be succumb myself in happiness, I was ready for an uplifting story, where of course the main character would initially have to go through hardship, but I wasn’t ready for this story…

Because let me tell me you, this story for sure wasn’t what I was expecting it to be. It was a completely different story than I had in my mind. But different doesn’t mean bad, on the contrary!

I think that Victoria finds herself in a stage of her life that many people could relate to. Life isn’t perfect (when is it truly ever?). But just like so many, instead of finding the courage to make a change, she keeps on hanging around.

And while perhaps I didn’t agree with her night of recklessness, I could understand where she was coming from, especially as her relationship with Nate is not what it used to be. Haven’t we all done something out of character just that once, even if we regretted that later on? But I also believe that it was something that Victoria needed to do, in order to have that shake up that she in fact truly needed.

I have to admit, that for a long time while I was reading, I kept wondering where the uplifting moments would start, because Victoria is going through hell for almost half of the book. The news she receives, wasn’t the kind of news I was expecting, and it truly shook me, even if this is just fiction. And while I do not know someone in real life that is in Victoria’s same situation, and thus making it hard to truly understand what she is going through, my heart just broke for her.

Nicola May made a brave choice by letting her main character go through this journey, but unfortunately, Victoria’s fictional journey is a real journey for so many people… And I have to say, that just like Victoria and the people around her, I was a bit ignorant on the matter. I knew a little bit more than the characters, but there was also a lot I didn’t know, things that were explained in the book.

But beside seeing the difficulty of processing that kind of news, because it truly is devastating, life – altering even, we also see Victoria struggling with letting people know. Who to tell, how to tell? And how will her loved ones react? There is no right way to do something like that, and the reactions truly flabbergasted me, in a good way but also in a bad way.

Now, before you go thinking that this is a negative, dark story, please don’t. Because despite what is happening to Victoria, there is a lot of good in it too. We see not only how Victoria is able to make a change in her life, and finally having the courage to make a change. But we also see support, unconditional love (from every kind of loved ones), and that her news isn’t a dead sentence, that that kind of news doesn’t mean that you stop living your life.

It’s that message of positivism that made me absolutely love this book. But also how in the darkest of moments, you can find allies, in perhaps even unexpected corners.

This book for sure is one heck of a journey. We see how a life can easily be shaken up, take a completely different direction. We see how one choice can turn a life upside down, but at the same time, how that one devastating news can open your eyes, how it can make you find the courage to go for your dreams. And we see how after the initial shock, and perhaps the wrong actions after that shock, love and support can be found, that there will always be people in your corner. And that even more can be found, even that one thing that you thought wouldn’t be in your cards anymore…

I don’t give that easily five stars to a book. I read a lot, and I love a lot of books. Yet that doesn’t mean five stars perse. If and when I give five stars, that means that a book truly touched me, tugging some deep hidden heartstrings. And that is exactly what this book did to me…  

Will the whole truth finally come out, and what will the outcome be?

Synopsis

Discover the truth of The Triplet Orphans in the final instalment of this compelling Cinderella trilogy! 

The key to unlocking Cinderella’s past… 

The enigmatic earl? 

For Miss Anna Lennox, a house party hosted by the Earl of Garvald is a timely distraction from uncovering the truth about her past. And a chance to indulge her secret tendre for him! She can’t escape her quest for long after discovering the earl’s castle was once her home and he was her playmate as an infant! With so many unanswered questions about her past, is there room for Anna to explore her attraction to the earl and discover if her feelings for him are anything more than rekindled friendship?

My review

Miss Anna Lennox couldn’t be happier that her sisters have found love. But as they have always been together, and known as the Triplets, Anna now wonders even more who she even is and how her life will look like. More than ever, she is determined to uncover the truth about her and her sisters’ past. Because even if now the triplets don’t have any worries anymore, the mystery about their parentage still haunts Anna.
When Anna and her sisters are invited by the Earl of Garvald, Anna hopes that the house party will distract her a little bit. Especially as Anna for sure has a sweet yet secret tendre for the Earl himself… But the estate where Anna is residing, look very familiar to her and the Earl himself isn’t a complete stranger at all, as the castle once was her home too, and the Earl was her beloved friend when they were both children. With bits that now connect, both Anna and Will are determined to not only discover the truth about her parentage, but also what happened years ago.

There are series where you can easily read parts without having read the previous books. Such books always have an appearance or such of the characters we already met, but you don’t need the complete background, or that a short explanation is given when necessary.

And then there are series where it’s better to read all the books in order, not only because you will understand all the characters much better, but because you are so invested in the bigger picture and love the characters, period.

With the Lennox Triplets, I was absolutely invested. While I loved reading how each sister, with the exception of Anna, found love, I just wanted to discover and know the mystery of their parentage. The mystery was just too big to just let it go…

But being the romantic person that I am (even if I don’t have romance in my own life at the moment…), I also wanted to read who would capture Anna’s heart, and how!

While reading, I was amazed at the realization how much, even when just being a young child, we can remember. Even if they are memories that we cannot link…
And when Anna arrives at the castle, it’s obvious for us readers that it’s just more than just a resemblance…

Obviously, it was not only sweet to see how Anna and Will find each other again. And let me say, when Anna realizes who Will truly is, I had a mega – smile on my face 😊. But it was also sweet to see how the pair of them are growing even closer. The easiness they had as children between them, is easily restored and grows even further. Of course, there are some clashing moments, with misunderstandings and doing the wrong thing with the right mindset.

And then there is the (FINALLY! 😊) revelation of the parentage. While I was happy that all those answers the characters, but also myself, had, got answered, I was also a bit shocked and flabbergasted to read what truly happened. Even if it’s just fiction, I cannot comprehend how people can think and act in such ways…

I found this a heart – warming, perfect ending for the Lennox Triplets, as it all comes to an end. And not just to any kind of end, but an end that left me with a satisfied feeling. I had not only answers to all my questions living since the start of the series, but I also saw growth in the characters. Characters that didn’t have an easy time but made the best out of their situation. And then we see that a positive attitude may bring many wonderful things on your path!

GiveAway!

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Everyone deserves happiness

Synopsis

A surprise arrival

Working with the Whistlestop River air ambulance is Nadia’s whole world. She adores her job and the team – they’re family. But when a baby is abandoned on the steps of the base, Nadia is forced to confront events from her past she’d rather forget.

A difficult change

Hudson is trying to get his life back on track after his divorce. It’s not easy juggling his work as a patient and family liaison officer and being the primary parent for his children. He wouldn’t change it for the world. But when his teenage son’s behaviour spirals out of control, Hudson begins to wonder if he can really be there for everyone who needs him…

A chance for something special?

Nadia and Hudson have always been friends, but the arrival of baby Lena pushes them closer than ever, and as their feelings start to grow, they’ll have to decide – do they have space for love when their families need them? And could they put themselves and each other first, just this once?

My review

Ever since Nadia started working with the Wistlestop River air ambulance, she has found her own special family. The team is not just made by co – workers, but by people that have become so much more and have become very important to Nadia. But no matter how important they are, they do not know everything about Nadia or about her past. However, when a baby girl is left at the base, it reopens old wounds with Nadia, and perhaps the time has come to finally face her past. Luckily, she has her colleague and Hudson by her side. As a family liaison officer, he is invested in the fate of baby Lena, just like Nadia is. But despite Hudson’s commitment, he has several personal issues of his own. Not only is he still trying to get his life back on track after his recent divorce, but his teenage son is also causing Hudson extra headaches. So romance should be the last thing on both minds, yet baby Lena is what brings them closer than ever…

The Skylarks is a series about admirable people. Not only because they have a very important and literally life – saving jobs. But they are also each and every one of them, with no exception, delightful personas! So of course I jumped at the occasion to grab this next chapter!

Right from the start, it’s obvious that Nadia is a wonderful character, but also a character that has been through a lot in the past. So much, that she started a brand-new life, without letting anyone in the secrets she has kept for years. As curiosity kills the cat, I knew I had to be patient and keep reading for the revelations. Not only that, but I also had to keep that same patience to see how it would all be resolved.

My heart broke several times whenever it was Nadia’s turn to tell her story. Not only of her own several heartbreaks over the years, but also how baby Lena and her presence opened all those wounds once again. And then when the past catches up with her, I couldn’t blame Nadia for acting the way she does. She went away for a reason, and the reason was absolutely legit. But I also felt it that Nadia needs closure, she needs to face her demons in order to truly live and enjoy her life.

If there is a person that deserves to enjoy her life, and to find a really special someone, it for sure is Nadia. And could there be anyone more perfect than Hudson? Especially as there is already a connection between them.

But Hudson’s storyline isn’t a clean one either, as he is facing his own struggles.

While Hudson’s story didn’t break my heart as it did with Nadia’s, it doesn’t mean his story didn’t touch me. The end of a marriage is never a happy occasion, and I can only imagine the difficulties to not only come to terms with it, but also how to get your life back on track after the divorce. Put a teenage son in the equation, and things get even more difficult.

He is a real family man, his son is the most important person in Hudson’s life. And no matter how difficult things get throughout the book, he will always be the righteous father. He will not allow his son to get away with what has been done, but he is also there in need of time, listening and also forgiving.

We also see that same passion, compassion, while he is working as a family liaison worker. He does not take his job home with him, but he genuinely cares and is there for the families in the most terrifying moments.

The more their stories evolved, the more I realized that the focus of this book isn’t on the romance between Nadia and Hudson. Of course that is an important bit, but not the most important one. Because it is more about Nadia and Hudson’s personal growth. They both have to deal with the lemons have thrown at them. And dealing with those lemons, means opening up, letting the demons in, but also putting trust in the people around them. People they love and love them right back.

I absolutely devoured this book, loving both Nadia and Hudson. Their journey hasn’t always an easy one, it has been a lonely one at times. But if there is one thing that stands out, is that joined forces, the strength of love, is the strongest power in the world. Nadia and Hudson show us that not only it’s never too late to make amends, but also that it’s never too late for love.