And why not, a cover reveal to make you dream away!
Synopsis of each book
Adorable April Afternoons
Jessica is escaping to the Greek Retreat to discover if running away from a broken engagement really can lead to a happy ever after. She doesn’t believe life works that way, but her future could depend on it.
The Greek island of Kynos is an idyllic hideaway, offering its visitors the space and time needed to truly appreciate the traditional hospitality. The locals are always friendly and ready to entertain their guests, while the daily activities offer many different ways to explore the island and its heritage.
Jessica is hoping The Retreat will provide everything she needs in order to plan for a successful future, but has she left it too late?
The Greek Retreat is a trilogy of standalone tales full of sunshine, surprises and love.
Chrissie is escaping to the Greek Retreat to avoid some of the issues her parents have left her to deal with at home. She hopes that visiting a new location will give her a different perspective and help her to find a way forward.
The Greek Retreat is a trilogy of standalone tales full of sunshine, surprises and love.
Katie is escaping to the Greek Retreat to give herself some space to recover from an unexpected predicament. She blames herself for the situation she finds herself in and knows that something has tochange, although she has no idea what she is looking for.
The Greek Retreat is a trilogy of standalone tales full of sunshine, surprises and love.
Stephanie writes contemporary fiction in the form of novels, novellas and short stories and her books explore a wide range of life’s challenges, dreams and responsibilities. The stories are all character based, so she has fun expressing each unique personality and the reasons behind their actions in a setting which always has a strong sense of community.
She published the AEGEAN SUN series of books as a fly-on-the-wall vision of life in a Greek resort during the summer season, the CHRISTMAS ON THE CLOSE series is set in a British suburban cul-de-sac over the festive period and the GREEK RETREAT trilogy is planned for publication in 2025.
Stephanie lives in Lancashire where, apart from reading and writing, she loves gardening and cycling and is a huge fan of the soaps Emmerdale and Neighbours
On the verge of her second marriage, Carla Carter knows she’s finally found the one. She and her fiancé, Tom, met through Logical Love, a dating agency she founded for the pragmatically minded, and she’s confident that, together, they will dispel an old family curse claiming Carter women are unlucky in love.
But Carla’s highly superstitious family insists she visit a fortune teller before her big day, and the tarot cards reveal that a different man holds the key to Carla’s happiness – someone she met while travelling during a gap year, twenty-one years ago. This startling information spurs Carla to trace and revisit the ex-boyfriends she met during that time before she walks down the aisle.
From Barcelona to Amsterdam, Turkey to Paris, will Carla find her perfect match? And can a face from her past help Carla rewrite her entire family history, forever?
My review
Carla Carter truly believes that with her second marriage, she has found the love of her life. Especially as she met Tom when they matched on Logical Love, the dating agency she created herself, focused on the pragmatic side of things. That is in big contrast with her own family, that believes that the family is cursed, and that all the Carter women are unlucky in love. And that is something that Carla doesn’t believe at all. To please her family, Carla agrees to visit a fortune teller before her marriage. Only to be shocked with the revelation that the love of her life is someone she met during her gap year twenty – one years ago. While Tom himself is on a convention, Carla decides to track down all the men she met during that year, as an attempt to prove the fortune teller wrong. So she embarks on a journey, going from Spain, through Portugal, Italy and France, to discover what the fortune teller truly meant. But what will be the outcome?
I started this book not knowing what to expect. Of course I’ve read the blurb, and while on one hand I was intrigued by the fact that the main character would be looking for her exes throughout Europe before her own wedding, I was wary of the fortune teller bits. Because that is absolutely not my cup of tea at all. Everyone is free to believe whatever they want, but for such things, I am always very skeptical.
But I was happy reading that in fact that the fortune telling isn’t a that big part of the story, it’s more the ‘excuse’ of Carla starting her journey. I was also happy to read how the curse – bit was intriguing but not claiming a full place in the spotlight.
While most of the time I like Carla, there were also moments that I found her a bit too “strict”. Yes, she created her dating agency, making matches based on facts. And after the fortune – teller and a shocking discovery, she suddenly doubts everything. I can understand how it would shock her, but to start doubting her match? Yes, the match was made perhaps with an error, but it doesn’t take away the fact that she is in love with Tom… so why would she want to jeopardize everything because of someone told her and a percentage? Isn’t it that love cannot be stopped, no matter the differences or the inference of others?
But isn’t it also the truth that we often wonder ‘what if…’? And I enjoyed reading how Carla makes it her mission to find all the men she met during her gap year. Not only does she take us to wonderful places, but revisiting those places of the past, we also get a better understanding of Carla, who she is, who she was in the past, what she has been going through and what may have scarred her.
No relationship was or is perfect, and we see that perfectly here, how we some things see through rose – colored glasses. But isn’t it a fact that past events are being romanticized in our minds? And that when something bad happens, even in the present, sometimes we see it as a world – ending tragedy?
I liked in this book how it came to a conclusion, how the author didn’t take a direction I wouldn’t like. Instead she made Carla go on a real journey, a journey that answers many of her questions and brings unexpected people on her path…
And I also liked how the whole curse – thing was handled, how something apparently bad isn’t always exactly what the characters of the book think it is.
I enjoyed reading this book, as there is a lot of growth for the main character, a lot of (self) – discovery but mainly a lot of love, and the realization that with love can come some hurt and doubt with it. But in the end, love, somehow, will always find a way…
Beatrice Donovan would do anything for her identical twin sister. Including stepping into her hotel management job temporarily and pretending to be her – she’s desperate. What could go wrong? A lot apparently! Because her sister Delilah has hugely understated her role – the hotel is at risk of closureand she’s promised she can turn it around. Now Bea has to find a way to fly under the radar, get the job done before anyone notices their switch up.
Sounds easy, all Bea has to do is avoid her temporary new boss Jonah. However, that’s a lot harder than she thought. Not only does he have impossibly high standards, he’s also out of this world gorgeous, an ex-rockstar with a chip on his shoulder and he’s watching her like a hawk! So Bea uses her charm to keep him focussed on the job and not her. But by trying to put up boundaries and keep things professional, Bea finds herself seeing the real man beneath the grumpy façade . Yet with so much at stake, she knows she shouldn’t fall for her sisters boss…but then again, it may just be the best unintentional mistake she’s ever made!
My review
Beatrice and Delilah Donovan are twins. But while twins are often very alike, as for several reasons and a different upbringing, Bea and Dee couldn’t be more different. Where Bea is on top of things, and order rules, with Dee it’s more go with the flow, and she’ll see where she gets. But now it seems that Dee finally secured an important job as hotel management. However, when an injury occurs, Dee needs Bea to take over and to pretend to be Dee. Because not all is going well and Dee understated what the job entailed and not only her job but also the hotel is at risk. And now it’s up to Bea to try to save her sister’s job, to save the hotel but also not be found out about their switch up. Yet that is easier said than done, because Bea/Dee’s boss Jonah is not easily fooled. Being an ex – rockstar made Jonah wary of everything and everyone. And when Dee suddenly seemed to have changed drastically overnight, he doesn’t know what to think. But suddenly he finds himself attracted to this woman and he cannot understand why. And Bea for sure also starts to feel an attraction towards her sister’s boss, but everything must stay professional, right? But for how long can the both of them resist?
While reading the blurb, it seemed to me that Dee’s scheme would come out way too quickly, as the differences between the twins were so easy to detect. So with a great sense of curiosity, I started reading this book, as I just wanted to know how Bea would (or at least try) to fool Jonah.
My first thought that it was perhaps a bit childish, Dee’s request to switch places. Because it’s things that we rather see such things happening while characters are still in school (or at least, that is my perception).
On the other hand, it also shows the love that there is between the siblings, as Bea, even reluctant, agrees to help her twin out. And of course, I was very curious to see how things would work out, as Bea and Dee are absolutely different characters.
That made me wonder, how could it be that the sisters could be so different from each other. And I am not only talking about character, but also in the way of handling things. While Bea is focused, determined, with great ideas, it seems that Dee just does as she pleases, doesn’t really think about what her actions may cause. I am not saying that Dee is a bad person, but just the contrast is very big. And that was something I couldn’t comprehend initially, until was explained that while they are twins indeed, they grew up with separated parents and thus had a complete different upbringing.
What I liked about Bea, is how hands – on she is. Even if she is thrown in the deep, she is full of ideas of how the hotel can turn into a success. And more important, she is full of the *right* ideas. She takes initiative, and she even keeps her professionalism, despite the attraction she feels towards Jonah, no matter his odd behaviour.
Although I must say, I don’t know if I could have Bea’s patience, as for sure some “demands” that Jonah asks from her are for sure ridiculous. But on the other hand, is also allows Bea to step outside her comfort zone.
I also have to say, despite Jonah not always being the happiest character of the book, he also shows a patience I didn’t expect. Because it’s clear that Dee hasn’t been behaving as the professional she proclaimed to be. If I were in his shoes, with all the mistakes Dee already made, I don’t think she would be getting another chance.
I felt sad for Jonah too. Because he had a dream, only to see it all fall apart, and also have his heart broken in the process. Getting to know him better, I could understand his wariness, how he doesn’t trust just anyone around him. But I could also understand his desire to show the people his real worth, that he isn’t a failure.
But what I liked the most in this book, was seeing how attraction grows despite the deceit. Because Jonah finds himself suddenly attracted to Bea, not knowing that she is Bea… It shows that even subconscious, a connection can be made. And that was truly lovely to see.
Both characters in the story are not without fault, and sometimes strange actions are taking place. But when angry, hurt, we don’t always act in the right way.
I enjoyed reading this book, as it shows that sometimes the heart knows better and more than we may think. And that sometimes a position switch, trading places, can make us rethink about choices and perhaps let life take us a different direction and let us meet people that will match with us perfectly. And also that sometimes, letting go isn’t so bad at all.
Sophie and Tom first visited Paris together as students. During their weekend away in the world’s most romantic city, falling in love – with the place, and each other – was simply inevitable.
They resolved to return every summer and kept their word, until something happened that changed their world forever.
Five years on, Sophie’s travelling to Paris alone to meet Tom again in their special place, on the Pont du Carrousel at midnight.
Because life has torn them apart. And now Sophie has something to tell Tom. Something that will change everything…
The most heartbreaking, uplifting and powerful novel you’ll read all year. Perfect for fans of David Nicholls, Kristin Hannah and The Notebook.
My review
Years ago, Sophie and Tom went as students to Paris. Even with their many differences, they fell in love, and with a shared love for Paris, they decided to return each summer to the place that stole their hearts. And for years they have managed to stick to their resolution, hell or high water. No matter what was happening in their lives together, summer meant a weekend in Paris. But then life happened, and pulled Sophie and Tom apart…. This year, Sophie goes to Paris on her own, meeting Tom at their special place. Because Sophie has something to tell Tom, and that will change everything once again, and for once and for all this time…
There are stories where you start reading, where you think you know beforehand what will take place. Only while reading, you realize that your initial thoughts were wrong and then at the end you find yourself into tears… And this book was exactly that…
I know this author for a while now, and yet she managed to completely surprise me with this book. Not only because we see what happened to Sophie through the years since meeting Tom, but also what her current situation is.
It’s often in a book that when a couple gets together, we have reached the end of the book and their story. But I found it great to read what happens in the following years between Sophie and Tom, as we get a better insight of who the characters really are. And it gave us also the opportunity to not only see the highs but also the lows of a couple.
As Sophie and Tom had different upbringings, it makes sense that once in a while they also clash. The more I was reading about their lives together, and their trips to Paris, the more I started to believe that perhaps it was those differences that would have been the cause of them not being together anymore.
So I also have to admit, I wanted to like Sophie from the start, but the way she goes to Paris on her own, for the last time to meet with Tom, gave me mixed feelings. I was rooting for this couple from the start, but as their lives took different directions, Sophie going to Paris to meet Tom also felt some kind of betrayal to the life she is building on her own…
The more I progressed in the story, the more I saw much reality in it. Life isn’t always a walk in the park, and for sure there are several hurdles we all have to overcome. And those hurdles can come in quick succession, and one hurdle can be easier to overcome than another…
And then suddenly, for me the penny dropped… even before it was written clearly black on white… and everything fell into place, everything made even more sense than it already did. Of course I am not going to say what exactly, but you’ll get it…
Of course, I loved walking alongside Sophie and Tom in Paris, as I have been there several times too. It was easy to recall whatever they were seeing. But I also loved having those sweet and important moments with them, even on that bridge that means so much to the both of them…
To let me cry in a book, you need to write one heck of a book. And throughout the whole book, there were no tears. And then those last few chapters… They just broke me completely… It was so beautiful, so perfect to have those snippets in it. Of course I felt a bit stupid, letting chapters affect me like that, but it was just stronger than myself.
I absolutely loved reading this book, seeing how relationships evolve trough the years, how there are many happy moments but also difficult moments. We see how difficult it can be to let go, but that sometimes we must in order to move on…
For me personally, it felt like the best book this wonderful author has written at the moment. And yes, that also means that there are now extreme high expectation, Gillian! 😊
As dawn breaks, four people are planning journeys that could change their lives forever…
Kara McIntyre is supposed to be jetting off to her destination wedding in Hawaii. However, a last-minute hitch appears to have left her without a job, home and, more importantly, a fiancé.
TV sensation Ollie Chiles and Kara always have each other’s backs. But when his wife goes viral in a compromising clinch with another man, Ollie must choose between supporting his best friend in her hour of need or going home to save his marriage.
Alice Brookes is flying away to a new life after surviving a horrendous marriage and a very public scandal… until a stranger brings a letter from the past that could change everything.
After saying goodbye to someone he loves, Zac Conlan should be heading back to Dublin. Now a shocking discovery is threatening to change his plans and his future.
When weather delays their flights, Kara, Ollie, Alice and Zac discover that storms are brewing… and the turbulence is about to shake their worlds.
My review
Kara McIntyre never thought that just before heading off to Hawaii to getting married to Josh, she would have to pay for her actions, leaving her without a job, a home and even without a fiancé. But as it was meant to be a double – wedding, together with her sister, Kara still heads off to the airport. At least she knows her best friend and TV sensation Ollie Chiles will be by her side. But Ollie is also having his own struggles, as his whirlwind marriage of a few years ago seemingly is going downhill. Because with his wife going viral in a compromising position, he now has to choose between being a supportive best friend to Kara or to make an attempt to save him marriage. However, the friends aren’t the only ones with worries at the airport. Because take a look at Alice Brookes. After escaping a terrible marriage, she finally has her life back on track, until a blast from the past may jeopardize everything once again. Or Zac Conlan, who just lost once again someone he cared deeply about. But a shocking discovery may change his whole life…
Picking up a book of this author always makes me happy, even if at the start I am wondering how all the different storylines will be linked. While in the past I was a bit scared that I wouldn’t be able to keep up with the storylines, I am now calm about it and have the knowledge that Shari makes sure I can still follow 😊.
There is a lot happening in this story, but it’s easy to keep up. And with a lot of happening, I don’t know which character had the most of my sympathy… Because each character is going through something, something that shakes up their world…
But maybe I liked Kara the best of them all. Because even if we don’t know it from the very start, she is the kind of person to stand up against injustice, against the bad of the world, no matter what the consequences may be, even if it may cost it her own wedding.
At the same time, her story angered also, because she is the one losing everything, while those who should pay for it, are getting away with everything. And it angered me even more that her own fiancé didn’t stand by her side, and is fighting more against her instead of with her… So of course that makes her think about her own personal relationship, because a relationship, a marriage is about forming a unit, standing a front together. And that is something missing, so I cannot blame her for calling things of.
I don’t know if I would be up for a double wedding, but as it’s a wedding on location, and it’s with her sister, it makes sense for Kara to share her wedding with her own sister. At the same time, it means that in this particular situation, that Kara still heads off to Hawaii, for her sister’s sake.
Luckily, she can always count on the loyalty of her best friend, Ollie. Even if their lives took completely different directions, and it’s not always easy to catch each other on the phone, they are always there for each other. I found it great to see how Kara and Ollie were able to maintain this friendship, and genuinely care for each other.
Kara can count on Ollie for support, but it also works the other way around. And Ollie for sure can need his best friend now…
Ollie seems to have really made it. He is now a famous actor, something he has been dreaming of for a long time. But behind the scenes, he is struggling… And it saddened me to read how his marriage is falling apart. With both parties being actors, it’s normal that they spend much time apart. But it’s not only the physical distance that is difficult to overcome, because it’s clear that there is also jealousy and suspicion taking place. And that not only saddened me, but also angered me. A marriage, no matter what your job is, is always a work in progress, based on trust and faith in each other. And that is not something Ollie is having from his wife. It’s a constant struggle and fight to keep his patience, and trying to convince her that he still loves her (does he though?) and that Kara is truly only a friend, and that there is nothing more going on.
Perhaps Zac’s story was the one I liked the less. Not because I didn’t connect with him, because I for sure did and I could feel his pain. But if I had to pick favourites, I don’t think he would win 😊.
My heart went out to him, as he has lost a few people he truly loved is just a rather short time span. And one discovery makes him doubts his life, what he saw as a certainty and what he thought he always knew.
I cannot even imagine how devastating such a discovery can be, and what Zac is going through. It’s an extra layer of shock after losing a beloved one. Yet I could also understand that he wanted to know the truth as soon as possible, as living in doubt would be scarier and more terrible than knowing the truth…
And then there is Alice. Alice was great to meet again, as she is not a complete stranger. But don’t worry, if you don’t know her before the start of this book, you can easily catch up!
Her storyline shows us that how it can affect someone when living with regrets. Because she lost contact with her best friend many moons ago, and there has never been an occasion to rekindle that friendship and when opportunity may rise… And that touched me, perhaps even unexpectantly. Because don’t we always think that there will be a time and place to do something, only then to realize that it can be too late…
But we also see that even between people that are very close, there can be dark clouds looming over their heads, and that there may be secrets being kept that can turn your world upside down.
While reading, some connections are very clear, yet I was wondering how it would all connect in the end, as I couldn’t see how it would. And for some connections, the more was revealed, the more I got a bit scared that it would change my opinion of the characters. So I was happy to read that it didn’t 😊.
Because no matter what Shari Low writes, she always writes about great, lovely characters, despite the turmoil they are going through. And no matter that Shari writes a story that takes place in just one day, she shows us that life altering events can happen in just a short time.
Once again, I was completely captivated, this story gave me everything I expected to have, and even gave me more. After reaching the end of it, I closed the book with a satisfied feeling, yet also a bit of a sad feeling, as I had to say goodbye to wonderful characters…
Rule #1 Do not cross the line with best friend’s sister
Ben
On the ice I’m formidable, relentless and I lead by example. Now my coach wants me to step up as Captain – and lead the team off the ice too. But this is my worst nightmare; I’d rather play hockey naked than do any kind of public speaking! To make matters worse, my best friend’s sister has shown up out of the blue to live with us temporarily. We have a history… it’s awkward, she’s starting to invade my fantasies and I can’t seem to escape her. But maybe she could be the answer to my problems…
Mabel
Moving in with my brother was not part of my life plan, but I have no choice at the moment. I need to get away and start my life over. I just wish I didn’t have to share the condo with Ben. I thought I’d buried my teenage crush, but seeing him all the time has me fascinated with him all over again! But now he’s asking for my help to be more outgoing and confident, and basically fake it until he makes it. Sure I can help, but that would mean a lot of time alone. I need to stay strong and resist the obvious temptation…
My review
After breaking up with her boyfriend, Mabel has no other choice to escape her ex and move in with her brother. Even if she loved her job, she needs to start a new life from scratch. What Mabel didn’t expect though, is that her brother’s best friend Ben is temporarily staying with her brother too. And that may complicate things, as Mabel used to have a huge crush on Ben. But Ben himself isn’t comfortable with Mabel staying in the same condo, as there may be some history between them. And that is not the only thing that worries Ben, as he may be finally become the Captain of his hockey team. And being the Captain also means not only leading the team but also do some public speaking. Being an introvert, it’s not as easy as that may seem, so help is needed. With Mabel being such an open and easy – to – talk – to persona, Ben asks her help to be more outgoing. The more time they are spending together, the more difficult it becomes to maintain their distance. Can they both resist the temptation as they not only have both inner struggles to overcome, but also Mabel has been labeled off – limits by her own brother.
I am always intrigued by stories where one character is declared off – limits for one reason or another. And when there is some history between the characters, yet to be discovered by the readers, it only adds to the intrigue. Oh, and when it involves hockey, I just *have* to read it!
Yet rather quickly I discovered that this story has much more depth in it than I initially expected.
First of all, there is Mabel. You would think that her life couldn’t be any better, but it’s crystal – clear that her relationship isn’t a healthy one. And I would expect that her partner and with his position, he would have a total different character. Yet we see that we never know what happens behind closed doors, and how a toxic person can affect your own character.
As an outsider it’s always easier to say what to do, but when you are in that kind of situation, how can you easily get out? The fact that Mabel is even ashamed to talk to her family about, shows the depth of the gaslighting that took place…
Yet I liked Mabel as she never truly loses her spark. Once out of her situation, she is the bubbly person she always used to be. She isn’t afraid to be herself anymore, even if there are moments where she doubts everything and everyone (and can you blame her?).
Her character couldn’t differ more than with Ben’s. And for once, I could relate more with the male main character than with the female. Because no matter how hard I fake it, I am also an introvert. I am the loud presence in a group of people that I know very well, but put me in front of people that I don’t know, and I would rather disappear.
At the same time I was a bit surprised that he wants to become Captain. Not because I doubt his abilities, because it’s clear that he can play hockey. But because even for people that know nothing about the game, the status of Captain brings several responsibilities with the ‘upgrade’. Responsibilities that don’t all match with Ben’s character.
I could perfectly understand why Ben needs Mabel’s help, especially seeing some awkward situations that take place. And I know that no matter how difficult it may seem, sometimes you have to fake it until you make it. Yet, it is also about finding a common ground, making the faking a little bit easier 😊.
I found it both hilarious and endearing seeing how Mabel and Ben are spending more and more time together. It was absolutely heart – warming to read how Ben truly sees Mabel and also saw the changes in her. Changes that her own family didn’t see taking place…
With the underlying attraction and that history that they have, I was eagerly waiting to see their relationship develop. Although I have to admit that, even if I am not a prude, I found myself a few times blushing as things suddenly went rather quickly in a perhaps graphic way?
And while perhaps I could comprehend the desire to keep things hidden, everyone knows that especially such things will come out, and that it won’t be well – accepted… so just maybe it wasn’t the most adult thing to do?
I enjoyed reading this story, that has – like I already said – has a lot more depth than I expected it to have. Both Mabel and Ben are on a journey, to not only find themselves (again), but also step outside their comfort zone. They learn to put their trust in someone, making them grow also personally. I found myself reading this rather quickly, as despite the heavier tones sometimes, it was very easy to devour the pages!
Laura wants to shake things up. She’s thirty-eight, and has been living in her parents’ house since her divorce last year. Her siblings seem to have got their lives together: successful careers, happy marriages, beautiful children.
Laura’s determined to prove herself. And buying the beautiful Pennycress Inn in the idyllic Cotswolds village of Meadowfield could be just the way to do it.
But getting the inn ready for its first guests proves easier said than done! With crumbling walls, dangerous woodwork and loose roof tiles, not to mention unfriendly locals and even errant sheep, Laura soon fears she’s made the wrong choice.
Luckily a friendly face is on hand in the form of gorgeous chef, Jackson. But is he too good to be true? And just why are the villagers so against her?
Can Laura turn her life around and get the fresh start she longs for at Pennycress Inn?
My review
After her divorce last year, thirty – eight – year old Laura is ready for a fresh start. Her big dream has always been running an Inn. And now that she has the time and the resources after her settlement, she can realize that dream after purchasing Pennycress Inn. And Meadowfield is the best setting in her eyes, as it’s a place where nobody knows her, and nobody sees how her life has been a succession of failure, especially compared to her family. But her dream may not be that easy at all to realize, as the Inn may need a lot more TLC than expected. And the locals aren’t that welcoming at all.. But luckily her neighbour is not only someone she knows, but also more than willing to help her out. Hopefully with the help of Jackson, Laura can do what is needed for the Inn, but also change the opinion of the locals. Will this be the fresh start Laura needed?
The start of a new series from an author that I love, always make me feel both excited and a bit scared. With the background that I had, will the series live up to the high expectations I have? Will the story enchant me like the others did?
Yet rather quickly I found myself absolutely enjoying reading this wonderful story, and any fear or doubt just evaporated!
Even if Laura starts buying an Inn, and that is not something I could possibly do myself, there for sure were many, many other things that made me truly like the main character. Not only like her, but it was also easy to recognize many of her thoughts and even doubts. I easily connected with her, and I had everything crossed for her so that everything would work out for her. Of course I knew she would have some bumps on her way, but I felt that she deserved the fresh start she that much needed.
I could understand why she needed a fresh start, how she feels like a failure compared to the rest of her family and how she wants to show that she can make it on her own. And on her own also means away from her family. Perhaps that sounds weird, but her reasoning made perfect sense to me. Because being close means also means that they can interfere anytime, even it’s with the best intention. And what Laura needs more than anything else, is proving her worth. Not only to her family, but mainly to herself too, even if she doesn’t know this yet.
I have to say, it didn’t come as a surprise that the Inn isn’t exactly ready – to – business, yet the level of TLC needed, even I underestimated it. But once again, I could understand why Laura failed initially to see all the defects of the inn. When you fall in love with a place, you see it only through rose – tinted glasses…
What shocked me the most though, was how everyone behaved around her… Being wary of the newcomer is understandable, but I found everyone just rude! I don’t know if I would be able to keep calm like Laura does…
And while the explanation of their behaviour was reasonable, I found it also a bit short – sighted of everyone…
Despite the ice-cold welcome she receives from everyone, I was absolutely thrilled to read that someone was over the moon with her arrival in Meadowfield. Jackson isn’t a complete stranger and that made it just even more perfect for me. There isn’t this awkward getting to know each other, there is just genuine care between them, a happiness of finding each other again, and a wonderful, strong connection.
In this first instalment we not only see how Laura is trying to realize her dream. But we see more importantly how Laura understands that asking for help isn’t a sign of weakness. We also see how she finally sets some boundaries with her family, making them understand why her marriage ended and that family always comes first.
But we also see courage in many aspects. Not only courage to start something completely new, but also courage to open up again, towards your family, talking about the hurt and pain you feel, but also opening up for something not exactly new, yet new at the same time. Opening up for finding happiness again.
I absolutely devoured this book, Sarah Hope swept me off my feet with this first book of a brand new series. While often in a first book in a series it’s exploring the “area”, this book just lets you enjoy the beauty of a fresh start, and let you fill your heart with joy and happiness! I cannot wait to read more!
When to make a point at your sister’s wedding and you bring your ex…
Synopsis
Don’t get mad, get Ethan!
Lana has had enough. Her ‘perfect’ sister is getting married. In Australia. On Lana’s 30th birthday and no one seems to have noticed. To make matters worse, she’s been given a list of rules she must follow so she doesn’t upstage the bride. Well, rules are meant to be bent right?
She’s found a killer dress, now she just needs the most inappropriate wedding date she can find. But where to start? All her attempts at online dating are simply disasters, and not in the right way! Too boring/married/easily intimidated! But then her drop dead gorgeous ex Ethan suddenly reappears in her life. With the power to make her dizzy with excitement she reminds herself why they broke up. Together they literally attracted chaos until their relationship imploded. They couldn’t make it work. But could Lana make this work in her favour… just for the wedding?
However, when they arrive in Australia Ethan seems to have forgotten he’s only there to help cause bedlam. Instead he’s off the charts charming, nothing like she remembers and not playing by her rules. She’s here for revenge, not a rekindled holiday romance…but Ethan has other ideas!
A laugh-out-loud, fake dating romantic comedy from million-copy bestseller Portia MacIntosh
My review
Between siblings, there is always a bit of rivalry, between the love. But for Lana and her half – sister Persephone it’s different… Ever since her father married Seph’s mother, Lana never felt more disconnected from her own family. Things aren’t made any easier as Seph has decided to get married on Lana’s thirtieth birthday, of all days. And when Lana is being summoned for an intervention from her father, stepmother and Seph, she decides she had enough. So the with her new determination to bend the strict rules, she finds a killer dress, and now she needs to find the perfect date. Or rather, the most imperfect date, as that is what everyone expects from her. But finding someone (im)perfect is easier said than done, until her ex Ethan shows up again. Whenever Lana and Ethan were together, it was a recipe for chaos and disaster. And the perfect plan comes up, because that is exactly what Lana needs, to bring a little bit of chaos (without disrupting the actual wedding of course). However, once in Australia, everyone is besotted with Ethan, and Ethan himself is on his best behaviour, having Lana’s back and being the best boyfriend she could imagine. But it’s all pretend, isn’t it?
Starting a book of this author, is always preparing myself also for a trip filled a lot of fun! And with a setting like Australia, it felt like an extra cherry on top of the cake!
Lana is right from the start a very likable woman, even if there are several aspects of her life that i felt sorry for.
In several aspects of her life, things aren’t going that greatly, and it’s not that she can rely on that many friends. Also at work it seemed to me she is being taking for granted, even in a way taken advantage of, and she is not always being appreciated. Normally there are always some colleagues that turn into friends, but even there Lana feels rather lonely. And then I am not talking abut how she is being ridiculed when she brings up an idea that doesn’t sound so silly to me!
So when at the start of the story, when she first meets Ethan, she playing pretend, I saw it more from the funny side, like intended, and not in a more “evil” way.
And I for sure found it funny to read about that encounter with Ethan, and how things turn in utter chaos, on top of the sparks that fly around between the pair.
Of course it’s clear that after that first encounter, things aren’t going to last, so while that made me sad, as they for sure were amazing together, I also wanted to know what separated them and what would bring them back together.
But like I said, there were several aspects that saddened me, and even angered me. What angered me the most was the relationship with her father, her stepmother and her half-sister. I can understand that things cannot be easy when there are ‘step’ and ‘half’ family members involved. But just wow, Lana for sure hit the jackpot…
I cannot understand how dismissive her stepmother could be, how easy it was for her to paint Lana as the black sheep of the family, and not taking Lana’s feelings in account at all.
And how so is someone selfish about a milestone birthday? Becoming thirty is not nothing… I rather found Speh rather selfish, planning a wedding on your sister’s birthday? Even if there isn’t a close bond between them, there should be at least some sense?
Perhaps it isn’t the best idea Lana has, but I for sure couldn’t blame her. When someone thinks the worst of you, don’t you just sometimes want to show the real worst of yourself? Yet I was happy that Lana wasn’t a total cow and wanted to actually ruin Seph’s wedding, as that would be too much and would in fact also ruin the story.
Trying to find the best worst date was so hilarious to read! From trying to be bad, to be just a scumbag, Lana sees them all. And while there are several red flags (pun intended, and you’ll get it when you read the book 😊) I somehow also admired Lana in a way of not running away screaming… Although there was also a dodged bullet…
It was like serendipity that it’s then that Ethan appears back in her life… And despite everything, despite all the chaos, sparks starts to fly once again!
I loved to see how Ethan is not only acing at being the pretend boyfriend, but he is also the best ally Lana could have in Australia. He sees her for who she is, appreciates her just the way she is, and does not want to change one bit of her. He is her accomplice all the time, showing her family that Lana is an amazing person, and not the black sheep or the ‘just plebs’…
Perhaps Lana’s behaviour could be seen as childish, but after being seen for so long as the ‘bad person’, can you blame her? I cannot guarantee that I wouldn’t act the same way!
What we see in this book is a story about acceptance, being you is more than enough. And if there is someone who doesn’t appreciate it, it’s their loss. But it’s also a story about accepting the chaos of life and love. It’s also about new chances, understanding and courage.
Portia MacIntosh managed to put all this in a hilarious, warm, lovely story. A story for which I had high expectations, and it didn’t disappoint one bit! 😊
Four women struggle with their life choices and the hand fate has dealt them…
All Pippa Green has ever wanted is marriage and kids, but at thirty-four and about to embark on IVF, her dream of having a family is far from certain.
Pippa’s younger sister Georgie has the opposite problem, juggling her career, her lover, a young daughter and a husband who wants baby number two. She seems to have it all. But does she?
Carefree Sienna, Pippa’s best friend, is happy travelling the world with her successful career in film, however, long term boyfriend Ashton is desperate for Sienna to commit to their future. When mother nature has a surprise, will it make or break them?
Happily married Connie shares her fertility journey with Pippa, but while their blossoming friendship is cemented through the highs and lows of shared experiences, Connie underestimates the impact being unable to conceive will have on her and her marriage.
As their lives collide in a way they could never have predicted, will any of them find lasting happiness?
Perfect for fans of Rowan Coleman, Dani Atkins and Sian O’Gorman.
Previously Published as Beneath the Apple Blossom by Kate Frost
My review
Pippa Green’s greatest wish is to become a mother. But after many attempts and having reached the age of thirty – four, she has no other option of trying to get pregnant through IVF. She and her husband are looking forward and have the most positive attitude. Pippa’s struggles are the total opposite of her younger sister’s Georgie. After marrying young, she now has a lovely daughter, and her husband is ready for Child Nr. 2. But Georgie isn’t sure wanting the same… Through a blog that Pippa set up, she meets Connie. A worry shared is a worry halved, and having to go through the same journey bring Pippa and Connie closer and they quickly become friends. The contrast between Pippa and her best friend Sienna couldn’t be bigger, as Sienna does not want any commitment even if she is in a steady relationship with her boyfriend Ashton. Four woman, four different lives, find themselves all connected one way or another, but where will Life take them?
Sometimes you read stories that just hit right home, even if perhaps the situation the characters find themselves in, is not the same situation you are in. And this story was just exactly that. Not that I am trying for children myself, but having children has always been a dream of mine, but as I still haven’t found my perfect match, and being 38, that dream is locked away now.
But that didn’t take away the compassion I had for especially Pippa in this book. There are people in the world that were made to become parents, and from the very start, it was clear to me that Pippa was one of those people.
As the main focus is on her, it’s her that we get to know the best. And through everything, every step during her journey, I was hoping alongside with her that her dream would finally and asap come true. I admired her, her courage to persist and I liked her ability to write down her happy moments but also the painful moments.
Even if not in her same situation, I could comprehend how difficult it was and even is for Pippa to see people with children, how easy it was for them, while she has to struggle. And it broke my heart for her…
But I could also understand how difficult it can be for those around her. Because it’s not easy having what someone wants to dearly. But on the other hand, you deserve your own happiness too. It’s not easy to try to be compassionate but also not to hide your own moments of happiness.
I have to admit, it was not easy to like all the characters, or at least at some moments. For example there is Georgie… This is a young woman that seemingly has it all, yet she cannot shake the feeling that she is missing something in her life. There is absolutely nothing wrong with feeling that way, but it’s what she does with those feelings that I found it difficult to digest… There are always options to make a change, but of all the options she had, for me she made the only wrong choice…
Also Sienna wasn’t always an easy character to understand. She loves Ashton, her boyfriend, but for some reason or another she does not want any kind of firm commitment. I can understand that you can need your personal space (believe, I can relate to that very easily 😊) but I also found her at moments a bit too convinced of not giving up on anything.
Even when the unexpected happens to Sienna, I felt her at moments being a cold character. Life is about compromising, and yet it seems that she only wants others to compromise… But I was happy to see a slow change in her the more the story progressed.
Connie doesn’t appear immediately in the story, yet I could see why she gets along with Pippa so easily. It’s not only because they are going through the same, but also Connie is a kind character, a compassionate and understanding person.
Yet when the penny dropped with her story, my heart just broke in tiny little pieces. Because she doesn’t deserve to go through what she is going through… At the same time, she also shows a resilience, a strength that is admirable. I don’t know if I would/could act the same way!
Despite the many difficulties in this book, the many heartbreaking moments, I found it rather easy to devour it. It shows the reality that no matter how much you want something, it doesn’t mean that you can get it easily. Life doesn’t go always as you want it, or expect it to go, yet it’s important to never give up, to keep the hope alive. And also to handle the lemons that life gives you. Because no matter how many lemons you get thrown at, you can always make a delicious lemonade of it!
Hannah Lynn’s GORGEOUS series continues as Daisy May looks ahead to her happy ever after…
It’s time to meet the family…
Daisy May thought she had everything figured out. After successfully establishing her coffee shop at the idyllic Wildflower Lock and with things going well with charming Theo, she was ready to embrace her happily ever after. But when Theo pops the question, the happiness is overtaken by worries.
Because meeting Theo’s family for the first time is not accompanied by the warm welcome she hoped for. Theo’s parents disapprove of her and they have no qualms in showing it. And when they reveal secrets about Theo’s past, Daisy is left in a spiral.
As insecurities creep in, and with even her own mother expressing her doubts, Daisy begins to question her future with Theo.
Will love conquer all, or will she give in to her fears and cancel the wedding?
The heartwarming conclusion to the Wildflower Lock series, a gorgeous story of friends, found family and above all, romance!
My review
Daisy May finally believes she has it all together. Her coffee shop at the Wildflower Lock is running well, and she and Theo are deeply in love. And when Theo pops the question, Daisy is over the moon. However, being engaged means that she finally has to meet Theo’s family for the first time. Despite all of the good intentions Daisy has, and her willingness to show her from her best side, Theo’s parents aren’t really welcoming her with open arms. On the contrary, they make sure that Daisy and Theo both know that they don’t approve of her… They even go that far to reveal some secrets that Daisy didn’t know about. Secrets that only add to the doubts that are suddenly arising, together with the doubts Daisy’s own mother is expressing… Doubts that can jeopardize everything Daisy and Theo have been building up. So will their love be strong enough to overcome it all, or not?
I was eager to read this next chapter, especially as now Daisy and Theo are a steady couple, still deeply in love. They even share custody in a way of the newest addition in the form of a lovely dog!
Of course I knew the characters already, yet they both manage to keep on surprising me, both in good ways, but also not so good ones…
Daisy and Theo are the kind of characters that deserve each other, as they have both worked hard to get where they are now in their lives. And having found each other, after some struggles, and seeing them so happy, truly warmed my heart. I nearly swooned reading how Theo proposed Daisy, as it is just so characteristic of him, and also that he really knows Daisy, and knows what will please her or what not.
I was a bit surprised to read that Daisy hasn’t met Theo’s parents yet. However, once I got to know them too, I could have loved not knowing them at all! I cannot understand how people can be like that. And how on earth did Theo turn out to be the lovely man with such parents?
When those same parents reveal some secrets, I was just like Daisy initially very angry. The secrets are those of the kind that Theo perhaps should have thought twice about them, and about telling Daisy about them. But after some thinking about it, for me it didn’t feel like they were such a great deal… Yes, Theo is perhaps being a typical man, not seeing things or reading the signs, but we know his heart, so I could not stay angry at him for too long.
On the other hand, I found Daisy a bit of a frustrating character at times. At the start of the book, she knows she has a good thing with Theo. Yet slowly we see her doubting everything. And if those doubts came from herself, it would be understandable, but she lets the opinions of others question her everything. And that angered me, because she *knows* Theo and she loves him.
Even if that frustrated me, it also made both characters very realistic. Because making mistakes is human, but also let people cloud your own judgement is human.
Hannah Lynn wrote a great sequel of this series. A sequel that shows the beauty of love, but also the doubts and insecurities of life. Perhaps it wasn’t always as easy to like the main characters all the time, but wrong choices, wrong decisions and wrong opinions are part of life. And it’s up to the characters, up to us in real life, to make the right choices and the right decisions, and to listen to your heart.
Tizi’s Book Review 