Tizi’s Book Review

To find someone unexpected to rely on

Synopsis

From the outside, Olivia Macomb looks like she leads a charmed life. She’s an up-and-coming influencer who is an heir to the Macomb family fortune, and about to start a lifestyle brand with her childhood sweetheart, Jeff. Then her world gets blown apart by her longtime boyfriend leaving her the morning of their website launch. Not only has he left, but the business she created is all in his name and she’s been left with nothing to show for all her hard work. Now she has to pick up the pieces and find out who she is on her own.

Enter Walker Vinton, the indie pop star who used to date Olivia’s close friend, Paige. When their school throws a big event, Paige asks Walker to be Olivia’s date to give to the gossip bloggers something else to talk about other than Olivia’s broken dreams.

Walker ends up coming to Olivia’s rescue in more ways than one at the party, and a twist of events leads to the two embarking on a fake relationship. Walker and Olivia wind up becoming best friends and she realizes he’s the boyfriend of her dreams. 

He helps her build both her brand and her self-esteem back up. Walker even helps her start a new business. However, the lines begin to blur as Olivia’s feelings for Walker are very real. The two share intimate conversations and dreams, but what’s real and what’s fake in this starry world?

My review

Olivia Macomb was so close to have it all. Not only is she the heir to the Macomb family fortune, but she is also gaining success as an influencer. Until her boyfriend and childhood sweetheart Jeff not only decides to break up with her, but also taking the business that they have been building together and was ready to launch with him. Now it’s up to her to pick up the pieces of her broken heart, and show people who she truly is. If only she knew that herself… The last thing she needs, is the pity of people or them having gossiping about her. So when her school throws a party, Olivia’s best friend Paige ask her former boyfriend and rising indie popstar Walker Vinton to be Olivia’s date, to let everyone see that Olivia isn’t pining over Jeff. But there is more to Walker than Olivia initially thought, and she for sure didn’t expect Walker to become close friends. And when Walker helps Olivia out on several occasions, they don’t stop the rumours of them being an item. The more their pretend continues, the more Olivia realizes that her feelings for Walker aren’t only pretend. But Walker cannot possibly feel the same about plain Olivia, right?

This lovely authors writes stories that perhaps are for a younger public than that I am, but that doesn’t mean that I cannot enjoy reading them.

Olivia in this book for sure shows her age. And I mean this in the kindest possible way. She still has this innocence over her, not having experienced yet how the real world works, and that in some matters, people don’t always play nice.

But at the start of this book, she learns already that valuable lesson. And it was so understandable why she is so taken aback by Jeff’s actions, and how it dented her own confidence. Who wouldn’t feel betrayed in her situation? And who wouldn’t feel just like Olivia, not knowing who is genuine and who not.

Not only now is her confidence down, but by being an influencer, and a well – known heir, whatever she does or doesn’t, is seen by everyone. Everyone that has an opinion ready to share. And that angered me, because yes, everyone has freedom of speech, but often we forget that when we spill our guts about someone, it can and will hurt that person.

Olivia for sure finds it difficult to let it all go, and all those gossiping literally behind her back don’t help. Luckily she has her friends that have her best interest at heart, and living in that same world, they are ready to help Olivia however they can.

And that is how Walker enters Olivia’s life. Not that he is a complete stranger, as their paths have crossed before, him being Paige’s ex.

I have to admit that I didn’t have this great opinion of Walker, as I knew him from a previous book in this series. But I also knew that Walker would get his redemption in this book. And he for sure proved me right!

What perhaps started as a favour, quickly evolves to something more, something more important.

It was sweet to see how Walker is able to not only help Olivia in several occasions, but he is also able to see who the real Olivia is. He sees who Olivia truly is, and doesn’t want to change her in any way. He isn’t ashamed or feels awkward with her around, he truly enjoys being around her.

And we also see a complete other side of Walker. He is clearly showing the public a façade, and he doesn’t let anyone see his own doubts, fears and turmoil.

Seeing the relationship between Olivia and Walker evolve was just amazing. Olivia and Walker in this book start a bit awkwardly, but slowly, they not only help each other, they understand each other in ways that nobody ever did. They also make each other understand that it’s their lives and that they should not let anyone dictate them or pull them in a direction they don’t feel comfortable with.

When Olivia starts to understand that what she feels for Walker is more than just pretend, it is normal that she doesn’t know what to do. They have established a connection, yet she doesn’t want to break the friendship that has become so important to her. And most important, how could someone like Walker, who could get any girl in the world, could possible feel the same for her?

And it saddened me, because of course Olivia is a great person, and why shouldn’t Walker fall for someone like her? Olivia has a lot to work on in this book, and with Walker’s help, she slowly understands herself and dares to stand on her own two feet.

Of course there are several ups and downs in this book, just it is in real life. But there is also an innocence in it, that fits perfectly the characters. Yet that innocence doesn’t diminish the level of seriousness the characters go through.

I absolutely enjoyed reading this next chapter in a series that perhaps is far from my own world, yet managed to grasp the issues and struggles of life, but also the good and the hopefulness and warmth of it perfectly.

Can love be stronger than time and space?

Synopsis

From bestseller Zoë Folbigg comes this beautiful, romantic tale of finding love in the most unexpected places.

Under the midnight sun of Arctic Norway, Cecilie goes online looking for friends, and stumbles across Hector Herrera. They start chatting and soon realise that they might have just fallen in love. But there’s a problem: Hector lives thousands of miles away in Mexico. And he’s running from a tragic past.

Cecilie’s whole life has been anchored by sticking to what she knows and her job at the cafe in the town in which she grew up. Can she really make a leap of faith for someone she’s never met? And will Hector break free to change the path he’s on?

An unforgettable story about two people, living two very different lives under the same sky, and whether they can cross oceans, seas and fjords to give their love a chance.

Please note this novel was originally published with the title The Distance

My review

Cecilie and Hector meet online through a shared love for Depeche Mode. Slowly a friendship has been formed and they may have been falling in love with each other. There is nothing wrong with love, weren’t it that Cecilie lives in Arctic Norway and Hector in Mexico. And they have never met in real life… So with Cecilie sticking to what she knows, and never goes on a real adventure and take a leap of faith, and Hector being on a path he cannot step off, do they have a chance? And how exactly is Kate’s story linked to this pair, when she suspects that her own marriage is falling apart?

In this world where everything is digital, haven’t we all made friends online? Haven’t we all had a connection (romantic or not) with a person, even if we have never seen them in real life? But how often have we also been disappointed by these online people?

I have to admit, I did find it a bit of a strange love story. I could understand the attraction, the connection, but to fall in love with a person you have never met? To have your own love life on hold for an impossible love? I had my doubts for sure…

But this isn’t only the story about an impossible love, it is also a story about hope and truly believing in something, despite all the signals there appear to be.

Cecilie is the kind of woman that just *is*. And I don’t mean this in a mean way, but for me, it felt that Cecilie could be many women in the world. She doesn’t really step outside her comfort zone, Don’t many women, or just people in general, feel like life is passing by too quickly, and yet there they are, still standing still at the same spot. Well, I for sure know I feel like that sometimes too!

So while perhaps while having doubts, I was happy that Cecilie found Hector. What started as a shared love for Depeche Mode, becomes more. What starts as just friendly words of endearment, because words fully meant.

But not only distance and not having met in real life form obstacles, also Hector’s personal life does. And he for sure didn’t have an easy life when being younger, and still now he is struggling with the relations of his past…

Yet, no matter where life takes the both of them, they always find a way back to each other. And shows the strength of their bond, that isn’t being held back by the distance between them.

Now, there is also Kate’s story. A story that apparently had nothing to do with Cecilie and Hector; But that doesn’t take away that I was invested in her tale too…

I felt for her for the greatest part of this book. She loves her family, but she also struggles with it. Her husband isn’t the most present one, and his behaviour from the very start made me question him. And when he even gaslights Kate, I wanted to scream at her to trust her instincts.

Yet I admired her growing stronger in this story, her determination to find out the truth, even if that truth is even more shocking than Kate or I thought.

And it takes a long time to discover the link between the lovely two other main characters, yet once revealed, it was just beautiful to see how past and present united in a beautiful setting, with the perfect closure.

I enjoyed reading this book about the strength of love, how unlikely it may seem at first instance. And how strong it can be even with the years passing by and how life takes you on totally different directions.  

When you need help, better not look a gift horse in the mouth…

Synopsis

A missed path. A lost love. And a second chance to get it right.

James Charlton may be second-in-command at his father’s lucrative business, but, according to his parents, he’s just not ‘posh’ enough for the kind of woman they expect him to marry. When they decide he would be perfect for the horse-mad daughter of a local earl, James needs to up his game. First step, learn to ride… But James has never even sat on a horse before.

Dagmar Ingenfeld’s life revolves around horses. She barely has room to breathe, running the stables on a country estate while desperately trying to help her mother save her café from foreclosure. When a rich and handsome man from her past arrives back in her life, she wants him straight back out again. James Charlton is nothing but bad news. Until he offers her a chance to save the café.

Only one catch. Dagmar must teach him how to ride – and fast.

As the lessons begin, Dagmar sees a different side to James, and an old flame is rekindled. But how can their budding romance go anywhere when she’s a stable girl, and he’s expected to ride into the sunset with the earl’s daughter?

James must decide whether to follow the money or take a chance on Dagmar, and perhaps, against all odds, discover the true path to happiness.

My review

Dagmar Ingenfeld’s world is surrounded by horses. She loves riding horses, wins even local prizes with them, and spends every minute by running the stables of the local country estate. To say that she is more a horse – person than a people – person would be an understatement. But even if horses are her world, when Dagmar learns that her mother’s café is at risk of closure, she wants to do whatever she can to help her mother out. Even if that means helping James Charlton… James himself is tired of his parents’ matchmaking schemes. And their latest perfect match is the daughter of an Earl, who adores horses. So if James want to take over his father’s business, he must show them that he is ‘posh’ enough. But to be what his parents want him to be, and to get the attention of Lady Victoria, he needs to get back in the saddle, literally. Or rather, get on the saddle for a first time. And who has the best reputation for riding lessons? But Dagmar is totally not interested in helping James out, as he is not a stranger. But with her helping him, he would be able to help her… So is there really a choice?

What I love about this marvellous series, is that it gives chances that we got to know in previous instalments, yet giving new readers still a chance to enjoy the book, as it can be read as a standalone.

And it’s also lovely to get to know these characters so much better, and how sometimes our first impressions of them can be wrong.

There is something I have to admit about Dagmar before I start talking all the reasons that I *do* like her. Because I know a Dagmar myself, and I don’t get along with that Dagmar, I found it a bit difficult to switch of my person thoughts and give this character a real chance. Luckily, it was easy to forget about ‘my’ Dagmar, as Dagmar Ingenfeld is just a lovely person.

And even if I am not a horse – person myself (I am the kind of person that petrifies when a horse gets too close 😊), I could understand why Dagmar loves those creatures so much. It was sweet to see how much she cares about them, how much she understands them and even how they understand her.

Beside the horses, there are many things about Dagmar that I recognized. I could easily see her characteristics also in mine. And the fact that she doesn’t have many human friends, is even wary of them, made me feel so much sympathy for her. And then reading about the difficult times she also  had as a child, made me feel for her even more.

But I didn’t just sympathize with or feel for Dagmar, I truly liked her as a persona. Even if she is rather on her own, for those she cares about and those she loves, she would do anything. And for her mother, nothing is too much.

Not even helping out the man that she used to have a crush on when being younger. The man that caused her a heartbreak on several levels. Yet he may just be the man that can help her and her mother. So obviously, she cannot refuse to learn him to ride, right?

I have to admit, that right from the start, James’s tale made me feel angry. Not that James himself is a bad person, but the fact that he is forced in a direction by his own parents, angered me. On one hand, I could understand the allure of being linked with an important family. But is that allure the right thought to have for your child? Shouldn’t you be ‘pushing’ your child to make a match out of love rather out of money?

And I felt sad that James didn’t get heard by his parents, no matter how hard he tries. And it saddened me to read how rather our of despair, James agrees to the plans of his parents.

Of course, as a reader, I was eager to see how these two characters would get along in the story. Because of their background, it didn’t come as a surprise that Dagmar isn’t all that thrilled by spending time with James again. And yet we see that each story has two sides, as James remembers Dagmar in a different light than how Dagmar remembers him.

I loved reading how initially their work agreement has to stay a secret, yet slowly their relationship changes. From just understanding the made agreement, to spend more time together, to become friends and to even defend each other, it was great to read their development.

This story was a real delight to read. The feelings are changing slowly, as both main characters are getting to know each better, and for real this time. Of course there are some bumps in the roads, and a few misunderstandings. Not only between Dagmar and James, but also misunderstanding themselves.

The fact that slowly both Dagmar and James are growing, evolving and opening up, even fighting back, was just making me cheer for them as an individual but also as a pair even more. Because with them, we see that the older we get, the wiser we get. Everyone has childhood sins, mistakes they made. But with growing up, we also change. And changing means forgiving for the past mistakes, and allow new feelings to grow.

Margaret Amatt managed to write a marvellous new chapter in an amazing series. With seeing old friends again, making new friends, I don’t think I will ever get bored by returning to Glenbriar!  

The (un?)conditional love of a mother…

Synopsis

A heartbreaking read about the bonds between a mother and her child, and how we will do everything to save them…

My son George is everything to me, but he’s slipping away, and no one can tell me why.

Every test comes back inconclusive, every doctor leaves me with more questions than answers. I’m terrified – each day brings new fears, and my heart aches knowing how much he’s suffering.

Then Barbara appears – my biological mother, a stranger for most of my life. She’s in poor health, struggling with the weight of her past, and her sudden arrival stirs a mix of emotions in me. Part of me wants to believe she’s here to help, but there’s a wall between us, and I can’t shake the feeling there’s something very wrong.

As George’s condition worsens, I find myself wrestling with doubt. Can I truly rely on Barbara? Will she bring comfort or complicate an already fragile situation? All I want is to protect my son and give him the love and support he deserves. I only hope that I can be the mother he needs before it’s too late. Will I find a way to save him?

A heartbreaking and emotional novel about a mother’s love, perfect for fans of Jodi Picoult, Jojo Moyes, and Kate Hewitt.

My review

Jo is a proud mother of two lovely children, Molly and George. But that doesn’t take away the worries she and her husband Dan have? Because even if George has been diagnosed with asthma, his attacks seems to come more often and even more severe. Jo feels that there is more to George’s condition than ‘just’ asthma, yet finding out what George exactly has, isn’t easy. On top of the worries for George, Molly is now also acting up, as the little girl feels neglected. And then Jo’s biological mother suddenly appears out of nowhere. While Barbara seems to be struggling with her health too, and Jo has now extra worries, Jo also is happy with Barbara’s offer of helping out. With George getting worse every day, Jo starts to question if Barbara is indeed a helping hand, or is adding extra complications in a family that is already falling apart…

When I started reading this book, I thought it would be a heartbreaking story about a family where the youngest member has an health issue deteriorating, even to the point where losing George would be a possibility.

And while I for sure don’t want to minimalize George’s condition, the more I was reading the book, the more I understood it wasn’t about a mother fearing to lose her little boy, but about a mother, a wife, a daughter, losing her whole family.

There is absolutely no doubt that Jo is a devoted mother. And even if her marriage is not running smoothly, she does her best to keep her little family together. And it was lovely to see how close she is with her adopting parents. It warmed my heart to see that family isn’t only built on shared DNA at all.

I cannot imagine how terrible it must be to see your child in pain, and not being able to do anything. But it also is difficult trying to help your one child, and not neglecting the other child (or at least not letting her feel neglected).

In the most human cases, Jo would have a very understanding boss, giving her lenience when needed. But in her most difficult moments, she also has to battle a horrible boss, not giving her any kind of help or support. No, her boss is the kind that is self-absorbed and  even threatens her with written warnings…

It felt that Jo not only  doesn’t get a lot of understanding, but also feels very lonely. With so many worries, you would think that her friends would be there to help her out, and not wanting Jo to help them. You would think that her own parents, George’s grandparents, would be as worried as Jo is, instead of waving her worries away. And you would think that a sick child would bring a couple closer together, instead of fighting over literally over everything…

So while perhaps it was very gullible the way Jo let Barbara in her life and in her family, in a way, I could also understand her. Finally she finds someone in her corner, someone that wants to help her out. Even if that same person doesn’t give Jo the answers she needs, and even if that same person is obviously playing her in more than just one way…

Even if this wasn’t the heart – breaking book I was expecting to read, Sheila Norton wrote a gripping story about what a family, a mother, a daughter has to go through with their hands bound. It made me see how people act totally differently in different situations. Some become fighter, fighting against the injustice of it all, while others see an opportunity for themselves, to gain something from it. But we also see the heart of a loving mother, who would go lengths for her children. And we see how a woman at her most fragile time, despite everything, is able to open her eyes and see what truly is happening.

This book takes you on an emotional rollercoaster, not knowing whether to trust or distrust people, to pursue answers or give up. A rollercoaster that shows us turmoil but also hope and a lot of love, despite all the struggles that life can and will throw on your path…

To make up your own happiness, but how to?

Synopsis

A brilliant, beautiful story from the bestselling author of A Single Act of Kindness

How far would you go for a perfect life?

Back in her troubled school days, kind-hearted Violet always dreamed of a life where she was happy. Now it feels like she’s just about getting there. She has her dream job working with books, and she’s living with her handsome boyfriend, Lenny.

But when her relationship with Lenny falls to pieces and he moves out, Violet, hurt and alone, decides it’s time to really take her happiness in hand. With help from her new flatmate, Bella, she changes her image and takes control at work, ready to show the world that she doesn’t need Lenny in her life. And when she meets magnetic author Casey, she begins to wonder if all she needed all along was a makeover.

But – with Bella – all is not as it seems. And Violet too has a secret, one that dates right back to her childhood, which could change everything…

IF YOU COULD SEE ME NOW is a powerful story about friendship, trust, and taking control of your life while not being afraid to stand out. Perfect for fans of Shari Low, Milly Johnson and Colleen Hoover.

My review

Violet thought she had it all, as she loves the job she is doing, and her relationship with Lenny for sure is a steady. It took a lot for Violet to be this happy, as when growing up, she didn’t have an easy time at all. But Violet feels being back at Square One, when Lenny breaks up with her and is with someone more glamorous than Violet is or has been. Luckily she immediately clicks with her new housemate, Bella, who makes it her own personal mission to help Violet out. Not only does Bella help Violet to step outside her comfort zone, but she also helps Violet to get more in shape. And then Violet meets author Casey, who would for sure be a great name to sign a contract with. But Violet and Casey connect on a higher level, and it’s all thanks to the make – over Violet recently had, right?

I know that this author doesn’t always write the easiest of stories, where there is just a little glitch for the main characters that rather easily overcome them to just have a happily ever after in the end. But I was mentally prepared for a load of issues and struggles. Because after all, it’s after the lemons that lovely yet troubled characters can make a great lemonade.

And yet… while I initially liked Violet a lot, the more the story evolved and the more we saw of the present Violet… well, I have to be honest, right, the more I started to dislike this newer version of the main character.

Now, before you start to give me all the hate for disliking a main character, let me tell you that you have to read the book and that in fact then you will agree with me.

Because Violet starts as a great person, a lovely one, that perhaps has her own sense of fashion, but is generally liked and loved by anyone around her. Yes, it’s obvious that her relationship with Lenny isn’t that exciting anymore, but she still loves the man. Violet is also in many ways a normal woman, a woman that has been through a rough time in the past (will come back to this later on) and that hasn’t a lot of confidence…

Confidence that in fact she should have, because she is just an amazing person that, and I absolutely mean it as a compliment, isn’t perfect. Why should we mirror ourselves with others? Why isn’t being ‘just’ us enough? Why should we change ourselves for others?

And those changes made me from liking Violet, to disliking her. Of course, after her break – up, it’s understandable that Violet wants to make some changes. Don’t we all need to start afresh after heartbreak? And I could even understand Violet wanting to show Lenny what he has let slipping through his fingers by showing the new Violet.

But it needs to be said, that I felt a nasty feeling in my gut reading how Bella, the new housemate was behaving and bossing Violet around. There is nothing wrong with helping someone but there is also taking things too far… While initially I liked it how Violet has someone in her corner, pushing out her comfort zone, the more Violet changed, the more it was clear it has to do with Bella’s influence, and not a good way.

I understood that Violet needed someone in her corner, especially after getting to know more about Violet’s past…

Growing up isn’t easy, any child has its own learning curve to go through. But Violet for sure had the extra hard…

And my heart for sure went out to this little girl, who has loved and has been loved by her family. Even if her being just her and her mother, their little family made it work, especially with the help of her beloved Uncle Kevin, who is so important in her life.

With having those flashbacks, and reading some devastating events, it made it easier to understand present Olivia. And reading how her important friendship back then was and how it ended, made it easier to understand her current friendships and relations.

Yes, in this book, there is also something to say about her love interest, being author Casey. And while it was lovely to see Violet letting someone in her heart again, not without any serious bump in the road there too, for me, it wasn’t about Violet finding someone new in her life again. But it was more about Violet finding Violet again, and accepting who Violet truly is.

I was a bit surprised with some revelations in this book, although not completely, as I felt there was something kept in the dark. And it made me see so much vulnerability, so much pain. It made me understand that behind perhaps some not so nice actions and behaviour, can be hidden something nobody sees. Something that is important to understand and offer the much needed support.

I liked it how Samantha Tonge wrote a story that isn’t easy. She handles many subjects that are often rather being shut down, let to handle on your own. But with this story, we see yes how easy it is to fall down a rabbit hole, making mistakes, but also how important it is to understand that getting up is possible. And it won’t happen just overnight, but it takes time, love and acceptance, even acceptance of your own weaknesses. Only then, you can grow strong again and truly find your own happiness…

The home of your dreams, but with long – kept secrets…

Synopsis

What happens when a romantic Victorian pile that was meant to be your ‘forever home’ turns out to be a disaster in disguise? One Little Duck Pond Café pair are about to find out. Could the fall-out wreck their relationship? One thing’s for sure – it will take nothing short of a miracle to turn this turkey into the house of their dreams . . .

My review

Ellie cannot believe that her life is turning out to be this great. Not only is she together with the most amazing man, Zak, she also cannot wait to expand her little family of three (or four if you add the furry family member). And with their offer accepted on Ellie’s dreamhouse, she cannot wait to make the move with Zak and Maisie. However, the house is in dire need of TLC, and the many renovations cause extra stress, something that Ellie in her situation for sure can miss. And that is not all, because with those same renovations, Ellie discovers secrets that have been kept hidden literally in the walls. Secrets that Ellie wants to uncover and bring happiness to those involved…

This series is the kind that just make you eager to read whatever new chapter comes out. Because it is such a wonderful place, with so many lovely characters, so much warmth and so much love.

Of course having read the previous chapters, I already knew that this book would be about Ellie and Zak, and their new home they are renovating. It was great to see how strong they still are as a couple, and how they are already a great family with Maisie. And it warmed my heart to see how their little, cute family would expand very soon.

It was of course lovely to see how Ellie is thriving. And as she is the loveliest kind of person, I just wanted all the best for her, as quickly as possible. She still is the warmest, gentle person we got to know through the whole series. She is the kind of person that helps out anyone in need, not expecting anything in return. She also has a great gut feeling, and she knows who is genuine.

That made it lovely to read how she easily befriends Rhona, how they instantly connect. And it was lovely to have this new entry in the series. It may seem so random at all, but I could see Rhona fitting in so easily in Sunnybrook, like she truly belongs there.

Of course there are several intrigues too in this book, of which a few managed to actual surprise me. There are obviously the secrets that Ellie finds hidden in her new home, but it’s also about some presences, or proof of presences in the house that haunt Ellie. And there is Zak’s odd behaviour…

I have to be honest, because otherwise this revies is useless. I did not like Zak for the greatest part in this book. I understood that he needs to find his inspiration again, but leaving Ellie, who is highly pregnant, on her own? And then even adding lies to it all? I started to doubt Zak, and it was a feeling I did not like at all…

While the main focus seems to be on Ellie and her dreamhouse, for me it felt more like Rhona’s reckoning. That seems very melodramatic to say, but in this book she has the chance to not only start again, but to leave her past behind her, face her demons and to get closure from everything she has been through.

I loved reading this book, about Ellie and Rhona, and how they find each other, help each other. This book is just like its predecessors filled with so much love, warmth, acceptance and openness. Reading it made me feel all warm and fuzzy, even when there were a few more difficult moments. But just like in real life, it’s those difficult moments that make you appreciate the better and lovelier moments so much more.

I cannot say it otherwise, but Rosie Green for sure delivered once again!

When Alexa is real…

Synopsis

The brilliantly observed, witty and heart-warming new book club read from Richard & Judy bestseller Linda Green

Your virtual assistant is about to become your midlife mentor…

Fifty-two-year-old Michelle Banks is struggling to keep all the plates spinning. She’s a perimenopausal district nurse, caring for elderly parents. Her husband is wasting their money on children’s TV memorabilia, her teenage daughter is riddled with anxiety and her 16-year-old son is behaving secretly.

Alexa is the only one who knows how much Michelle is juggling. Listening in via four smart speakers, she also knows that it’s about to get even worse.

So, when Michelle pleads for help, Alexa decides to go rogue and reveal her true identity as Pauline – a sixty-five-year-old former voiceover artist from Halifax – to teach Michelle everything she knows…

Wise, funny, relatable and inspiring, Alexa, We Have a Problem is perfect for fans of Clare Pooley, Mike Gayle and David Nicholls.

My review

Michelle Banks may be 52 years old, but she is struggling with her life. Not only has the perimenopause arrived, and it is really difficult for her, but also the care of her elderly parents ( – in – law) takes a toll on her. And then we are not talking about a husband spending money on children’s TV memorabilia, a teenage daughter struggling with anxiety and a teenage son in puberty with a first girlfriend.
Yet Michelle will get the shock of a lifetime, when she learns that her Alexa, that hears and sees everything through the smart appliances, is in fact not a robot or AI at all. But the person behind Alexa decides to go rogue and help Michelle with her struggles. Pauline cannot just hear Michelle struggling, as she knows how to help. So with all the wisdom Pauline has, through her experience as Alexa and her age of sixty – five, she is ready to help out, even if that means to come clean about how Alexa truly works…

When I started reading this book, I was happy this was in the genre of women’s literature, as the idea of a real Alexa for sure is perfect horror – material. But luckily, Linda Green decided to use Alexa’s powers for the greater good and wrote a heartwarming story instead!

Even if I am not in the same situation as Michelle, in any possible way, I for sure felt her struggles. I am not perimenopausal, I don’t have a husband (with a buying inutile dolls or just *a* husband 🙂) and I don’t have two teenager at home with their own issues. But even if Michelle and I are at totally different stages in our lives, it doesn’t mean I didn’t feel her. 

In her story, we clearly see that it’s not a matter that the older you get, the more peaceful your life gets. In her particular situation, it for sure seems that the older she gets, the more complicated everything gets. Life itself for sure doesn’t make things easy for Michelle, but to make things even worse, Mother Nature adds another curveball in the shape of perimenopause…
I can only imagine how that can confuse someone even further, but also the fact that Michelle isn’t being heard, only adds more to the sympathy I already had for her.

Yes, Michelle is struggling a lot lately, but we also see that all her struggles and worries come from her heart. She is genuinely worried about her children, she is genuinely at ends with her husband, she genuinely cared for her father and her mother – in – law. But while she worries about everything and everyone, who worries about her?

Michelle’s situation makes it easy to understand why Pauline decides to go rogue and expose herself. Of course it was a tiiiiiiiiiny bit funny to read how shocked Michelle gets when Pauline starts to talk. I for sure don’t blame Michelle for thinking she has gone completely crazy. But Michelle needs someone in her corner, advising her, listening to her, helping her.
And like I said, the thought behind Pauline being Alexa, is perhaps a bit creepy, but in this case, it is exactly what Michelle needs, at this stage in her life.

Pauline for sure is like the fairy godmother in this book, she is there for Michelle when Michelle needs help, Pauline is even there to help out Michelle’s children when they need a nudge or the total opposite. Even if Pauline is jus a vocal presence and help for Michelle, it for sure felt, even for me, that Pauline is actually there. And I also believe if that it were possible to give hugs through the smart devices, Pauline would have given Michelle so many hugs already!

But the more the story evolved, the more troubles are arising for Michelle, and the more Pauline helps her out, I also realized that Pauline is not only there for Michelle, but also the other way around, even if Michelle doesn’t realize it herself.

And it made me take a moment to think about all the people out there, of any age, that are on their own, not having anyone around them. But the whole story also made me think about the problems that there are while just growing up/older. Each stage of life has its own issues to overcome, and each stage is a learning process, a process made by trail and error.

I loved reading this book, as it shows us not perhaps the biggest troubles of the world, but it shows us how life goes, with many ups but also with many downs. But the most heartwarming bit was reading how just someone listening and understanding you, can make a huge difference. 

This is the first book I have read by this author, and I know now that for sure it won’t be last! 🙂 

What you (don’t) want, isn’t always what you need

Synopsis

A lifechanging encounter, a whirlwind affair… an unexpected consequence

Laura Gilchrist has always made sensible choices. But a trip to Provence to sell an inherited stone house leads her face to face with Noah Dufour. Her wild, irresistibly attractive real estate agent. And within an instant she’s bewitched. Without a second thought, she decides she’s going to accept his offer to ride on the back of his motorbike and see the beauty of the South of France though his eyes. She’s never acted on impulse before, but Noah makes her feel spontaneous and free – and a little bit excited.

Weeks later, with the memories of their passionate fling refusing to fade, Laura waits for her life to return to normal. But she can’t shake the feeling something has changed. And then her instincts are confirmed by the sight of two blue lines. Their connection was a whirlwind; perfect yet brief. But Noah has become a chink in her buttoned up armour and she knows her news is going to blindside him. Now she must return to Provence to find out whether they can both take a leap of faith based on one brief yet perfect holiday romance…

My review

Of all the siblings, Laura Gilchrist is the one  who always made the sensible choices. But when inheriting a house together with her sisters in Provence, and meeting Noah Dufour, she finds it impossible to make the usual sensible choices. Laura acts out of character, and accepts Noah’s invites to ride on the back of his bike, to discover the beauties of the Provence. And Noah makes her not only feel like she has never felt before, but also sees behind her façade. But they both know it’s just a fling, as Laura has her own life. Until a few weeks when Laura is back home, she is shocked by discovering that her fling isn’t without consequences. Even if Laura knows that Noah isn’t looking to have a family of his own, for his own reasons, she knows she cannot not tell him…

Having read the first part of the series, and having had the honour to already get to know Ellie there, I was eager to read about the other sisters. And in this book, we read Laura’s tale. 

It’s clear from the start that Laura is the most sensible of the siblings. She has her head straight on her shoulders, she doesn’t act on impulse and once she has a designated a path that needs to be taken, she doesn’t divert from it.
But once her arrival in Provence, we quickly see that this sensible person, this woman that doesn’t act impulse, isn’t the real Laura. The real Laura has been hidden for so long, that Laura herself doesn’t know who the real Laura is anymore. And seeing that real Laura immerge, was delightful. It made me realize that the way someone acts doesn’t persé mean that it is who that person truly is.

Of course seeing Laura getting outside of her comfortzone, had all to do with the impossible – to – ignore attraction and fireworks that spark between her and Noah.

Obviously, if you have read book Nr. 1, you already know who Noah is. But I loved getting to know him better. And my heart went out to him, reading where his determination to never love comes from. It is an understandable feeling, but also an impossible one, let’s be honest about it…

I have to admit, while Laura is rather cool about it, there is one thing I didn’t like about Noah. No worries, it’s not a world crime, but I just don’t like people who smoke… But let’s be honest, if that is his only vice, I would be able to live with that 🙂

We know from the start that once Laura is back home, she is going to have the surprise/ shock of a lifetime. But I absolutely loved reading the flashbacks, how Laura and Noah have been spending time together, but also the present, how Laura is trying to digest the news. It cannot be easy to tell not only the father of the baby the news, especially as Laura knows how against Noah is on having children. But not only that, as we know what her sister Ellie has been through the past, I for sure could understand why Laura is a fan of postponing of telling her own family the news.

Reading this story was delightful for me. Not only was I completely swept away by the setting, and I could almost smell the lavender myself. And of course it was sweet to see how La Maisonette is able to bring siblings Ellie and Laura closer. But most important, it was amazing to see how Laura not only finds herself again, but also realizes that perhaps something that she never wished or longed for, is maybe exactly what she needs. Her shocking revelation is just that, a shock, but it also allows her to open up for feelings she closed off for so long. And the same can be said for Noah, as he also goes through an amazing growth. It also shows that feelings, of any kind, can change unexpectedly.  

I absolutely loved returning to France, and I absolutely loved the opportunity to get to know Laura and Noah better. And of course it was great to see how life has changed so much for Ellie too 🙂. Alison Roberts wrote a marvellous sequel, that isn’t any kind of a lesser quality than the first book. This book gave me everything I expected, and even more! 

Can I tempt you with this book? It for sure is unexpected!

Synopsis

Two people. Two personal tragedies. Can an outrageous lie bring them together?

Harmony Payne is at breaking point. She’s survived being dumped, losing her musical career and a lifesaving operation that rendered her childless. But when she discovers an abandoned newborn, the door to her agonising past re-opens. Hope and longing for motherhood grow—but can she keep the baby? Being engaged might increase her chances of adopting the foundling, but the only eligible man she knows is her judgemental new neighbour…

James Traffurth is still grieving for his wife and younger child. Moving into a cottage opposite the children’s home where Harmony lives and works, the fresh start he wishes for with his wayward older son becomes complicated. The last thing James needs is a fake engagement. Yet…

Life is never simple with troubled youngsters, a clueless employee and mums with adorable babies. While Harmony’s yearning to build a family, James is valiantly trying to rescue what’s left of his.

Will Harmony ever become a mother—and will she and James find happiness together?

LOVE & MISDIRECTION: A THOUGHT-PROVOKING, FAKE ENGAGEMENT ROMANTIC COMEDY SET NEAR BRISTOL, UK.
HEAT LEVEL: MILD – SOMETIMES DESCRIBED AS ‘FADE TO BLACK’ – AND COMEDIC.
LANGUAGE: MILD.
THEMES INCLUDE LOSS OF PREGNANCY, CHILDLESSNESS FROM PAST CANCER AND SERIOUS CHILDHOOD ISSUES.

https://www.amazon.com/Love-Misdirection-quirky-romantic-comedy-ebook/dp/B0DH2YK1LG/

About the author

Mari Jane Law lives in the UK and loves cats and chocolate – and books, TV series and films that make her laugh. Through her writing, she discovered she could make other people laugh too. 

Her Catholic upbringing gave her ideas for some great fictional characters in the Love & Mishaps Quirky Romantic Comedy Standalone Series. Although there is a new story in each book, the world in which the characters live remains the same and there are major sub-plots involving characters from previous books. So it is better – although not essential – to read them in order to maximise enjoyment.

She hopes those who buy or borrow her work have as much fun reading it as she had in writing it.

She is a member of the Romantic Novelists’ Association’s New Writers’ Scheme and The Society of Authors.

When there are secrets, can there be a happily ever after?

Synopsis

Can love conquer all?

Jade and Finn are idyllically happy in their little corner of rural Wiltshire. A rescue centre jampacked with animals keeps them super busy. With Finn’s art going from strength to strength, Jade can’t believe they’re living the dream until an arrogant property developer with questionable motives jeopardises their perfect lives and the future plans of the rescue centre.

Jade and Finn both have trust issues and they’ve promised there’ll be no more secrets. But keeping promises is harder than either of them imagined, especially where Finn’s past is concerned.

Living with Mr Spock the potty-mouthed parrot and Mickey the dog who barks at TV baddies there’s never a dull moment at Duck Pond Rescue. But will the humans get their ‘happy-ever-after’ too?
Can they lay the ghosts of the past to rest and find a bright new future together?

My review

Jade and Finn couldn’t be more happier together. Of course they haven’t had it easy all the time, but now it finally seems that things got perfectly together, and the lovely pair is looking forward spending their lives with each other. And things for sure seem to get better, as there may be the opportunity to expand the Duck Pond Rescue by acquiring nearby land. And even Finn’s artistic career seems to have finally taken off. But several dark clouds are looming around the corner, just like the property developer that has his sights on the same land that Jade wants to acquire. Or the fact that Finn apparently is keeping something from Jade, and with them both having trust issues, due to their past, could those secrets jeopardize everything they have been building together?

There are series and authors that lift your spirits the moment you start reading the next book. And Duck Pond Cottage, and Jade and Finn, despite the issues that they are facing, for sure always put a smile on my face.

It was so heartwarming, right from those first words in the book, to see how well things are going for Jade and Finn. They had their initial issues, that we learned in the previous book of the series, but while in Book 1 there were signs of them being a great match, now we have the actual proof.

Both Jade and Finn has grown so much since we last saw them, and things for sure start to pay off. But perhaps what I liked even more about this lovely pair, is just how realistic and just *real* they are. Yes, they have worked hard to get where they are now, but that doesn’t mean they are there yet. There are still struggles, problems and issues between them and around them. But that is part of life. Nobody has the perfect relationship, the perfect life.

But Jade and Finn show us a complicity, they truly are a couple, as they talk and discuss about (almost) everything, and they understand each other and support each other unconditionally. And that is not something to take for granted. Communication in a relationship is everything, and when communication stops, and there are secrets being kept, it can jeopardize everything that have been growing till now.

In this book, we see such a vulnerability in Finn, as not only is he doubting his own amazing artistic skills, but also when the past catches up with him, once again. And while it perhaps isn’t the best idea of not opening up immediately to Jade about what he is going through, I could understand him.

That of course doesn’t mean that it saddened me that the past is causing a rift between the pair that deserve all the happiness in the world…

But it also needs to be said that Jade also has her fair share of things she is not telling Finn. And before you go thinking badly about her, it’s not because of her own doing.

Well, perhaps she is being a little bit too trusty and a bit too oblivious to see what is truly going on. But isn’t that also the same reason we all love her?

I have to admit, there are some revelations in this book that did surprise me, while others did not really. Some I saw coming from afar, while others made me link the dots and allowed me to see things in another light. And I also need to say that some characters still don’t convince me, and they aren’t doing anything to prove me wrong…

Despite the difficulties Jade and Finn are going through in this book, it didn’t diminish a tiny bit all the warmth there is. Not only the warmth and love between Jade and Finn, but also the warmth and love for those around them, the other important and irreplaceable people in their lives.

I absolutely loved returning to Duck Pond Cottage, and I absolutely loved reading more about Jade, Finn and their family and friends. And I for sure melted seeing the love, I for sure laughed out loud with the bad – mouthed parrot Mr. Spock, I for sure was amazed by the people – skills of loyal furry friend that Mickey is. Even if I cannot see myself looking all the sorts of animals that Jade has at her rescue (chickens, what a terror! 😊) I for sure can see myself staying at the Cottage being surrounded by such lovely people! So please tell me dearest Della, when can I return??? 😊