Tizi’s Book Review

To celebrate Christmas in a place that mattered so much…

Synopsis

It’s Christmas time in Lytell Stangdale!

When Romy Stainthorpe sees Holly Tree Cottage staring back at her from the pages of a magazine, she’s sure it’s a sign. The quaint property is situated in Lytell Stangdale, a village in the heart of the North Yorkshire Moors. Her time there is steeped in happy memories of carefree days with the moorland wind blowing through her hair. And not just that, it’s where she had her first kiss and where she first fell in love.

It was her perfect place, where she felt most at home. Until her family’s hasty departure years twenty-one years earlier. Since that day, Romy has never been back, but the cottage has regularly crept into her thoughts. And now it’s available to rent for the festive season…

Could it be the perfect getaway Romy needs to get her life back on track, not to mention escape her friends’ well-meaning attempts at matchmaking since her divorce from Russ?

Local farmer, Finn Tindall is struggling to navigate the first Christmas since his ex-wife took herself and their sons to live in the US. He’s thrown himself into his work at Castlegate Farm and rarely ventures out, unable to face the pitying glances thrown his way. His only company is his loyal black Labrador Ted.

Convinced that fate is talking to her, Romy heads back to a snowy LytellStangdale. Once there, she’s thrilled to see the village is looking Christmas card-pretty and has embraced the festive period. The only place where there’s no Christmas cheer is Finn’s heart.

It doesn’t take long before Romy and Finn’s paths cross, setting long-hidden emotions stirring once more. Suddenly Christmas doesn’t seem so gloomy after all.

Could this be the exciting fresh start each of them deserves?

Will Finn and Romy decide their second chance at love is worth fighting for? Or will the obstacles put in their way make them think it’s time to say goodbye?

Why not take a trip to festive Lytell Stangdale where a warm welcome awaits and happy-ever-afters are guaranteed?

My review

Romy Stainthorpe hasn’t been looking forward to Christmas for a long time. The relationship with her mother isn’t an easy one, all because of events that took place twenty – one years ago. Events that changed Romy and Romy’s vision of family and life in general. Ever since, nothing has been the same for Romy, and more than ever, Romy needs a getaway. And could there be a clearer sign that seeing Holly Tree Cottage in a magazine? The cottage is not just a random cottage, but the cottage that was in her family’s hands until those events many years ago. Yet that cottage holds so many lovely memories, as Holly Tree Cottage in Lytell Stangdale was the only place where Romy truly felt at home. And where she fell in love for the first time too. Seeing that the cottage is available during the holidays, Romy cannot let the perfect opportunity pass. Even if she is terrified of returning to Lytell Stangdale, to be reminded of everything and everyone Romy left behind in a haste, with a not so great reputation of her family. But could it be that the people of Lytell Stangdale are more than excited to have Romy returning where she belongs? And that her crossing paths with her first love and local farmed Finn Tindall would be perfect to let old wounds heal?

I have to admit something terrible… being an avid reader, made me forget about Life on the Moors. But, I also have to say, once I returned, it felt like I never ever left! And I immediately felt, just like Romy, back home.

Sometimes, in books there are sad characters. Characters that have been through a lot in the past, things that have marked them, making the course of their present and future change. And that is exactly what happened to Romy. Because she is a sad character, in the sense that twenty – one years ago, Romy was this young, cheerful, happy woman, and her whole life got disrupted, not by her fault at all, yet scarring her terribly…

I am not a believer of signs, or messages being sent somewhere, somehow. But a sign is exactly what Romy gets, because what could be the odds of her going through exactly that magazine where a picture of Holly Tree Cottage is? So for Romy’s sake and the sake of the story, I was willingly putting my own skepticism aside.

It’s not immediately clear what happened twenty – years ago, what made Romy and her family get away from the cottage and the village and not returning at all, and also causing an even bigger rift between Romy and her mother. So while I was eager to get to know those bits, I was more eager to get to know Romy better.

And despite what happened to Romy in the past, it’s clear that not only the cottage itself, but also Lytell Stangdale is her home, the place where she truly belongs. It warmed my heart to read how easily Romy adapts to the quieter life, how easily everyone welcomes her (back) home. And most important, how there are absolutely no signs of resentment, but only love for Romy. Because that is exactly what Romy needs to feel around her, love.

I liked it to have also the very important flashbacks, making me understand not only Romy better, but also her relationships while staying at the Holly Tree Cottage. We see the depth of the friendships, making is easier to understand the acceptance of Romy’s mistakes of the past, and the love that is still there. But also understanding her relationship with Finn was very enlightening.

Finn, who has also been through many changes, and is still processing everything that is still happening. My heart broke for him, as he is very heartbroken with the move of his lads. He is not only an amazing person, but a very loving and caring parent. He is the kind of father that only wants the best for his children, even if that means breaking his own heart during the process.

As a real romance – lover, I was hoping that Romy and Finn meeting again would ignite that old love again. But while it was lovely to see the pair growing closer again, despite some hurdles, it was just heartwarming to see how smoothly their friendship returns, how easily they understand and comprehend each other and are there for each other.

Romy’s return to the cottage just felt right from the start like Romy’s found her family again. Everyone is happy to see her, making Romy feel happy too, something she hasn’t been feeling for a long time.

In this wonderful, sweet, amazing book, we see how a place that isn’t your actual home, can feel like your home. How it can make you feel where you truly belong and let you heal from all your heartaches. But it’s not only a place that can make you feel like that, it is also the kind, generous, forgiving and ‘hearty’ people that make you feel like the best version of yourself. Eliza J. Scott manages perfectly to make you understand that no matter how heartbroken you are, surrounding yourself with love can ease the most painful aches. And this with people that we as a reader already know, in a beautiful setting AND Christmas. What more can you possible want? 😊

Never go to the wedding of your ex…

Synopsis

Divorced, Re-wedded. Survived….

Lucie Marshal is absolutely furious! How did she go from being a successful wife and mother to divorced, teetering on bankruptcy, and barely speaking to her grown-up daughter? Even worse, she’s just heard that her moronic ex-husband Miles is marrying a much younger woman in an influencer-style wedding in France #blessed #theone

Lucie will absolutely NOT be going. To hell with Miles, his new teeth, new hair and new wife! She’s perfectly fine…In fact, Lucie feels lost and angry almost all of the time. Just what happened to her younger, freer wild child self, who used to live life to the full?

But then pregnant daughter Zoe needs a lift… and eccentric nephew Deva needs a lift too and now Lucie has somehow agreed to drive her Dad’s beloved old Jag all the way across France to take them to her ex-husband’s wedding.

With a pitstop in Paris, a breakdown, unexpected passengers, and miles of open road, all set to Deva’s showtunes soundtrack – could this be the journey Lucie needs to find a way back to herself?

My review

Lucie cannot believe her eyes… while her divorce from Miles left her struggling on every possible account, she just received an invite from him. Not just any kind of invite, but an invite to his wedding. Lucie isn’t a resentful woman, but how can Miles afford an over – the – top wedding in France, while she can barely pay off her credit cards bills? Of course Lucie is not going to France, she wouldn’t even dream about it. But with her elderly father mushing her, and her daughter needing a way to get to France, Lucie has no other option to borrow her father’s old Jag, and also have her eccentric nephew Deva as a passenger and head off to France… But the trip won’t be as straightforward as Lucie may believe, because the relationship with her heavily pregnant daughter Zoe is  rather strained. And to say that Lucie doesn’t know Deva that well, is an understatement… With more than just one detour and more than just one bump in the road, will they make it to the wedding in one piece, literally and figuratively speaking?

When a marriage falls apart, I can understand how it can tear your life into tiny pieces. It’s never a joyous moment, and when it ends badly, of course there is some resentment. But in Lucie’s case, the divorce means more than just the end of her marriage to Miles, as his lies has brought her financial troubles. So of course I could understand not only her resentment but also her anger, as she had to adapt to a complete different kind of lifestyle.

I am not saying that Lucie is a superficial woman, because she truly isn’t. But in a marriage, you are a team. There is reason that in the vows you say ‘for better or for worse’, because as a team you work together on whatever comes. Lucie is angry because Miles left her struggling, disrupting even the relationship with Zoe and now he is marrying again. Lucie doesn’t want Miles back, not at all, but I was in her corner, flabbergasted seeing how well Miles is doing, lavishing around, with a fancy wedding ceremony in France.

Despite her feelings towards Miles, I liked Lucie. It truly warmed my heart to read how Lucie visits her father, making the best of the remaining moments, as losing him is just a matter of time. Saying that Lucie is a worrier, is taking it lightly, as Lucie worries about everything: her father, the situation with her daughter Zoe, money and the list can go on. But that is also the nature of the ‘beast’…

But of course, if Lucie would stick to her idea and not head off to France, we wouldn’t have this book, would we? 😊

Even if it’s against her own desires, I knew that the trip to France would do Lucie good. Well, not only Lucie, but Zoe and Deva too. Because this book isn’t only about Lucie, but it is also helping Zoe and Deva with their own lives and decisions – to – be – made.

The trio couldn’t be more different from each other, or being on different stages of lives. While Lucie has life experience and it made her more wary of everything, Zoe is on the verge on motherhood, but with a rather complicated relationship with the father of her baby. And we are not talking about the strained relationship between Lucie and Zoe… And then there is Deva, living in a world of his own, stuck to routines yet with an amazing passion for everything that is Chanel.

Their journey to France quickly turns into something much more than just arriving on time at the wedding. Because their distance is palpable at the start of it. But slowly, being all in this small space together, they start to talk. And not only talk, but also actually hear and understand each other. Lucie, Zoe and Deva grow so close during their journey, that it truly warmed my heart. They may be very different from each other, but the love that already was there, and also grows, was just wonderful to read.

They also have several unexpected adventures on their journey, making the wariness make room for compassion and care. Their journey also allows them to let go some of the grudges and also allows their real selves to come out.

And best of it all, we see mainly Lucie change from this wary and too careful woman into a woman ready for something new in her life, but also a woman standing up for herself.

I enjoyed reading this book, showing us that perhaps a weird invite can be what brings back the fire in ourselves. There is a lot of laughter and funny moments in this book, but the laughter never took away the light from the real message in this book: that no matter who you are, you are more than good enough as you are. And that no matter how your life turned, it is never to late to take matter in your own hands, and that it’s never too late to start a new chapter in your life.

A Christmas filled with many surprises

Synopsis

Christmas is coming to Pelican Crossing, bringing with it a host of surprises.

Fifty-eight-year-old widow Rachel Mason thought she had her life all figured out – running her quaint Bed and Breakfast, spending time with her grandkids, and keeping her loyal West Highland Terrier by her side. But when her son announces a Christmas surprise, Rachel’s world is turned upside down.

Luke Findlay, widowed, retired, and looking to check off items on his bucket list, suddenly finds himself back in his hometown of Pelican Crossing, where he is tasked with temporarily running the local vet clinic.

When the new vet turns out to be Rachel’s teenage crush, and her son’s Christmas surprise is very different from what she anticipated, her life becomes unexpectedly complicated. But then, Luke receives a surprise of his own.

As Rachel and Luke reconnect, sparks fly, and old feelings resurface. But with Luke’s impending departure and Rachel’s unforeseen responsibilities, can their newfound connection survive?

Fans of heartwarming romances will love this story of second chances and unexpected love.

My review

After losing her husband, Rachel Mason has opened her home and turned it into a B&B in Pelican Crossing. She loves having people around her, no matter if they are guests, or that she spends time looking after her grandchildren together with her loyal and adorable West Highland Terrier, Molly. Even if her days are filled, she feels the absence of her son, who is living on the other side of the world. So when he informs her that he is coming over for the holidays, with a surprise, Rachel is obviously over the moon. But Rachel gets also another surprise because when in need of a vet, she cannot believe that the temporarily vet isn’t a complete stranger, but Luke Findlay, the crush she had when being a young teenager. Luke has not that long retired from being a vet in Sydney. But helping out a colleague takes him back to the place he grew up, Pelican Crossing. While a lot has changed over the years, a lot still has remained the same. And when he meets Rachel again, it awakes something in him, something he hasn’t felt since losing his beloved wife. Rachel and Luke are slowly reconnecting, but the surprises never stop arriving at Pelican Crossing, and with Luke only staying a few months, where will that leave them at the end of the holidays?

It needs to be said, before I spread my thoughts on the story itself, that it is always great to return to Pelican Crossing! Even if each new story in this series focusses on another main character, I always find it amazing and great to see how all the characters are entwined throughout the whole series. And you don’t need to have read the other books to start with it, yet you will fall in love with it and trust me when I say you find yourself reaching out to grab all the books!

Rachel is a wonderful character. With adult children she initially felt rather alone as the children obviously took off to have their lives on their own. Yet I liked how she turned her situation around and decided to open her home as a Bed and Breakfast. It’s clear that she is a caring and lovely host, wanting nothing but the best for her customers.

But she is also an amazing mother and grandmother. Rachel doesn’t hesitate to help her daughters out, whether it’s for babysitting duties or just for support. Yet it also saddened me to read how much Rachel’s heart was broken as her son is living at the other side of the world.

Perhaps it’s typical for men, but it made me even a bit angry, reading how distant Alexander was. And not only the physical distance, but also just having a call here and there, not keeping the family up to date. Or perhaps it’s because that I am the daughter of a real Italian family, that there isn’t one day that I don’t hear just anyone from my family 😊.

And that Alexander is able to keep such a surprise from his mother, and even some future decisions he makes, well, I wasn’t a big fan of Alexander all the time…

Even if Rachel’s life is truly filled and full with daily excitement, it is also clear that ever since losing her husband, there is just something missing in her life. And as we already know from the previous books, seeing her friends having found love again, it makes Rachel jealous a little bit. Although, ‘jealous’ is perhaps isn’t the right word, but her friends’ situations make her realize further more that she is missing out.

In that aspect, I wanted her meeting Luke to ignite some fire back in her. Yet I was surprised to read how Rachel and Luke aren’t complete strangers at all, but already have a shared background. And not only that, but especially discovering how exactly their paths have already crossed!

Just like Rachel, Luke is clearly a great person. He recently retired from being a vet in Sydney, giving his son the opportunity to run the place. Yet it’s clear that while he hung up his doctor’s coat, he just cannot stop himself from worrying. His passion for animals even goes that far to accept the proposition of a colleague of his, retuning into practice, but in Pelican Crossing this time. It shows that you can take the vet away from the practice, but not the passion from the vet.

But not only as a vet we see his kind and gentle character, also his role as a father explains a lot. While it cannot be easy for Luke to take his son and his girlfriend in, for love out of him, Luke doesn’t hesitate, even if it drives him crazy rather quickly 😊

And that I could understand perfectly, because no matter how much you love someone, by being on your own, you have your own routines, ways of handle things. And sharing your home with someone not like you, can disrupt the peace you have been building. And an escape is needed, an escape to Pelican Crossing 😊.

I truly loved reading how Rachel and Luke slowly find each other, even if there are more and more surprises awaiting them. Some of those surprises are lovely, others can shake up their worlds… Both Rachel and Luke have to find out where their hearts is pulling them, and understand what they truly want and need. But they also have to find the courage to take some scary decisions, and just speak out.

This for sure is a festive story, although I have to admit it was some kind of mindf*ck for me as a European, to celebrate Christmas in summer 😊. But the magic of Christmas works no matter if there is snow or if there is sun 😊.

This was a wonderful story to read, not that I expected anything less! Maggie Christensen once again took us on a wonderful journey, showing us the kind hearts of people, the courage and the power of love. And that all set with the magical atmosphere surrounded around Christmas!

It’s never too late to celebrate life

Synopsis

‘We’re celebrating life,’ Rose said. ‘Life, every single minute of it. Tell me, girls – is there ever anything better to celebrate than that?’

Five years after seventy-something Tess jetted off to Paris with her best friends, Jen, Rose, Della and Pam – the Five French Hens – for Jen’s hen do, a lot has changed. Prospective groom Eddie has been given the heave-ho, Tess’s husband has been sent packing and the Hens are making the most of their golden years.

But Tess is stuck in a rut. Rather than embrace her independence, she watches on as Rose wows Paris, Jen explores Iceland and Pam heads to Greece. But when tragedy strikes Della, Tess is shaken into action. They both need a change of scenery and longing to see the Northern Lights, they head to the Highlands of Scotland and the magical Isle of Skye.

There Tess and Della get more than they bargained for. Along with stunning scenery and breathtaking history, they find new friends, grand adventures and even romance. And when they’re joined by the other Hens, together they start plotting a fabulous new future for them all.

Travel with Judy Leigh to the magical Highlands in this uplifting, joyous and funny tale of friendships and new beginnings. This is the perfect feel-good story for all fans of Maddie Please, Dawn French and Caroline James.

My review

Five years ago, Tess, Jen, Della, Rose and Pam went off to Paris for Jen’s hen do. Meanwhile a lot has happened, a wedding that didn’t happen, a marriage that ended and a new life that started in Paris. Yet no matter what happened, the Five French Hens have always been there for each other, and their over – seventy – age never stopped them. But both Tess and Della have to face the biggest struggle of them all, as Tess finds herself stuck in a rut on her own, and seeing her other friends thriving on, as their age truly is just a number and not holding them back. Meanwhile Della has to face a great tragedy. Together, Tess and Della decide to have a change of scenery. Their attention is drawn to the Isle of Skye, where a stunning scenery will be waiting for them, and why not, even the Northern Lights. What Tess and Della don’t know, is that their getaway will also be one filled with new friendships, adventures and perhaps even brand new plans for the future.

What I absolutely like about Judy Leigh’s books, is that despite the big age gap between myself and the main characters, I find myself each time invested in their stories and how age always seems just to be a number.

And the Five French Hens for sure seem to have more life and fire in them than many people of my own age! 😊 Not only that, but also the strength of their friendship is something I could be envious of, especially as their lives are very different from each other. Yet that doesn’t hold them back for being there for each other.

While the story starts on a very positive and cheerful tone, the tone changes when Della has to endure a terrible heartbreak. A heartbreak that isn’t uncommon, yet that doesn’t mean that it won’t shake Della’s world at all. My heart broke together with hers, as yes it’s part of life, yet I could feel her heartbreak…

And then there is Tess… finally divorced from a despicable man. So life would look good, wouldn’t it. Nevertheless, Tess feels stuck in her life. While her friends are taking off, enjoying life, she is just at home. A home that isn’t even hers, but where she is staying temporarily…

So of course it makes perfect sense for these two lonely and heartbroken friends to take of on a journey together. If someone deserves a change of scenery, it’s for sure this pair. And having read several books taking place on the Isle of Skye, I knew it would be just perfect for them!

Well… perfect… I was not so sure about it seeing their arrival and their not – so – welcoming host. But I was sure that a lot would be explained and that somehow there would be some kind of redemption.

And I was not disappointed!

Because while it didn’t look good at the start, Tess and Della are both women who aren’t afraid to get their hands dirty (so to speak). They see a situation, they see an opportunity to help out, and they don’t hesitate to do so. That doesn’t only show their genuine and kind character, but also that their age won’t be stopping them!

For a moment, I was afraid that their holiday would turn out to be a working one. But I was happy to read that both Tess and Della are still having many adventures, are discovering the beautiful Isle of Skye and are making friends and even more.

And the most beautiful thing in this book was, while they are helping out in the hotel, on more than just one level, it is helping them too. They slowly understand that there is still a lot of fire in them and that it’s never too late, for anything.

It warmed my heart also to see how the other Hens towards the end of the book join Tess and Della. And more joined forces mean more fire but also more fun, laughter and love.

I read this story with so much delight and warmth. It truly warmed my heart to see how these two wonderful women are ready to take on a new adventure, ready for a bright new future. Judy Leigh gave me exactly what I needed to read, a great story about friendship, care, kindness, understanding, fire and love. And a great story about you are only as old as you feel, and that you are just never too old, for anything!

When down, the only way is up

Synopsis

Felicity was never meant to end up with a money-pit farmhouse to renovate and a broken heart to heal…

But when Fliss attempts to drown the sorrow of seeing her ex-fiancé and his new wife’s magazine-worthy wedding all over social media, one rash decision loses her a job and gains her a doer-upper in the blink of an eye.

The only bright spot of living in the country is the very dishy and very handy loveliest-man-ever Jesse Woods. And when Fliss’s new roof has an ill-advised meeting with a tree in the middle of the night resulting in her literally seeing stars, there’s only one thing for it. She’s going to have to accept Jesse’s help and a place to stay.

City girl Fliss is at rock bottom but if anyone can teach her to turn her gaze from the gutter to the stars it’s Jesse Woods. She’s been burnt trusting men before, but Jesse may just be worth breaking her own rules for…

A smart, romantic, relatable and laugh-out-loud funny romcom perfect for fans of Sophie Kinsella, Lindsey Kelk and Sophie Ranald. ‘Read yourself happy’ with Maxine Morrey.

My review

Felicity lost everything at once: not only has her ex – fiancé got married and showing it all off on the social media, but one decision also  made her lose her job. In the heat of the moment, she decides to buy a doer – upper, ready for a fresh start. And thus Felicity leaves the busy city for a new life in the country. Although her start for sure starts differently as expected, because not soon after her arrival, she ends up with a tree in her bedroom and a car in half, Fliss is almost ready to just give up, weren’t it that Jesse Woods is more than willing to help her, just because that is the kind of man he is. Fliss and Jesse for sure clash over more than just one matter, but Fliss slowly learns that not all men are the same…

It’s not a secret I love reading books about second chances. And I love such stories even more when the main character switches to a whole different kind of lifestyle. A city girl moving to the country for a fresh start, can a story get any better?

Well.. it doesn’t seem like it for Fliss. Because her doer – upper turns out to be a real nightmare, on more than just one level.

I have to say, I admired Felicity/Fliss for the choice she made, to love the city behind and start again in a place so different from what she has known. Despite my admiration for her, I also had some prejudices towards her. Because it’s easy to think that Fliss is accustomed to her lifestyle, but in fact that proved to be absolutely wrong of me think that.

Slowly I got to understand that there is more to Fliss that what I initially thought. Her life hasn’t been easy at all, having to have faced struggles that no one, especially at a young age, should ever be facing. Fliss learned important lessons throughout her life, making her stronger and resilient, but in a way also more fearful and scared.

When disaster strikes, and Fliss finds herself without a just – bought – home, it was sweet to see how Jesse offers his help and assistance. And that all despite their initial painful (literally!) encounter.

Jesse for sure is the kind of man I am looking for myself. He is kind, generous and ready to offer his help. For Fliss, he is ready to call in several favours. I found is also sweet in a way that he feels responsible for the state of the house, even if he isn’t to blame at all.

It was funny to read how Fliss and Jesse clash over almost everything. Fliss wants to show everyone that she doesn’t need anyone, or any kind of help. She wants everyone to see that she can make it on her own. Meanwhile, Jesse wants Fliss to understand that just because Fliss can do it on her own, she doesn’t have to…

Old habits die hard, and old hurts aren’t easy to heal, and that for sure is applicable for both Fliss and Jesse. Yet somehow, even if their backgrounds make them wary, they find each other. They find someone not only that makes them open up, but also make them believe in the good of people again.

Although, I have to say, that the whole community shows the good in people. Each and everyone of them welcome Fliss with open arms. They are more than willing to help Fliss, but also they are more than willing to offer their friendship to her. And that truly warmed my heart, because their kindness and generosity it exactly what Fliss needs in her life.

I absolutely loved reading this story. It may seem such a simple storyline, but while reading more and more of it, I found so much depth in it. Because Fliss may have lived a complete different life but never felt a place more like a home like she does now.

Maxine Morrey managed once again writing an inspiring, heartfelt and heartwarming story. We see how one storm can perhaps turn out to be the best thing ever happening to you, as it will bring lovely people on your path, and makes you grow as a person. What more can I say than that it was just a marvellous read!

After a shocking discovery, how easy is it to start again?

Synopsis

49-year-old Tilly Thomas would never have known any different if she hadn’t unexpectedly turned up at hubby Robin’s office to surprise him with an off-the-cuff evening at the theatre.  Instead, the surprise is on Tilly when she interrupts Robin and his young PA in a compromising position.  

Stumbling from the office, blinded by tears, Tilly thanks God she was never gifted the children she once craved and is spared explaining why Mummy and Daddy will now be living apart.  Instead, Tilly has an adopted daughter – but this little girl has a wet nose and warm heart.  

Mongrel Cindy is privy to all her mummy’s hopes and dreams as Tilly prepares to start over in the village of Starlight Croft.  Thank goodness a dog can’t speak because Cindy knows things her mistress has never shared, including a secret that once broke Tilly’s heart.

As Tilly prepares to embrace an unknown future and make peace with her past, she discovers that sometimes difficult roads lead to beautiful destinations…

My review

While Tilly Thomas wanted to surprise her husband Robin at his office, it was her to get the surprise of a lifetime. Unfortunately, it wasn’t a good surprise, as she found Robin very “busy” with his PA… And now at the age of 49, Tilly needs to start all over, while Robin is pushing her to buy her out of the house that has been her home for years. For once, Tilly is happy that she and Robin never had any children. Although Tilly sees her lovely mongrel Cindy as one, and they even have conversations! However, Tilly is ready to start again, and she has fallen in love with the quaint village of Starlight Croft, and especially Starlight Cottage. But even if the cottage itself isn’t available anymore, the village and its inhabitants are more than willingly in accepting  Tilly into their midst. And while Tilly adapts to her new life, there may be different hurdles to still overcome, but even the difficult hurdles  can lead to beautiful things…

I always love reading books about fresh starts. Although of course it saddens me that at first the main character has to go through something painful. And in a way, it also angers me because it is also such a cliché…

And that is exactly how Tilly’s story takes off, with a cliché of the husband having an affair with his PA. But what angered me even more, was Robin’s lightness over the situation… When it’s decided to end their marriage, Robin just wants to buy her out, as he wants the house he used to live in with Tilly, for him and his new girlfriend. Not only that, but he is even pestering Tilly about it, while Tilly is not only trying to get her head around the whole situation…

It cannot be easy to start over again, to find a new place to live in. But it was sweet to see how Tilly fell in love with Starlight Cottage. Of course her way of handling things, as she works in the same place that is selling the cottage, isn’t perhaps the most legit way, but I could understand how she wanted to whatever is possible to get those keys.

While I wanted her to get the cottage of her dreams, I also felt it was fitting that perhaps she didn’t get it. Because in life things don’t always go as we want or dream. But I admired Tilly’s determination on not giving up on living in the village. If Starlight Cottage is out of the question, that doesn’t mean that she cannot find another wonderful place to stay in Starlight Croft, right?

I have to admit, I liked Tilly a lot in this, but there were also several moments that I was a bit doubting her actions and state of mind. I know that there are many people talking to their pets, and seeing them as their children. And there is absolutely nothing wrong with that. But having complete conversations with Cindy the Dog, and imagining Cindy’s responses and actual words of advice, well, it was a tiiiiiiiiiiiiny bit strange to read. Yet that also added a level of humour to the story, that’s for sure!

And the fact that Tilly cannot let go of the cottage, I could easily comprehend that people would think she is some kind of stalker 😊. Especially the new owner of the cottage, Milo.

To say that Tilly and Milo start off badly, would be a real understatement. But Starlight Cottage couldn’t possibly go to a bad person, could it?

The more I read about Tilly and her fresh start, the more I liked her. Despite everything she has been through lately, and even if she has some moments of despair, she doesn’t give up easily. With the help and support of her best friend, Tilly is slowly able to start again. And when she has an offer that many would run away from, she sees this as a sign and accepts it.

But there is more to Tilly than just a fresh – divorced woman making a new start. Because rather out of the blue, there is the revelation of a secret she has been keeping for many years. A secret that hasn’t been shared with anyone. A secret that left even me a bit flabbergasted, even if I always tell that I see such things coming.

There is a lot of room for laughter in this book, but also for misunderstanding and even a few tears here and there. But mainly, there is a lot of room for hope in this book. Because Debbie Viggiano shows us that no matter how many lemons life throws us, life can also give us the chance to make lemonade out of it.

And lemonade is exactly what Tilly is making out of her situation. She doesn’t throw constantly pity parties, but tries to make the best out of each situation. And she doesn’t forget about those close to her. Because not only does she have the best kind of friend, but she is also the best kind of friend, a protective one.

I absolutely loved reading this story that perhaps started with a cliché, yet took of on its own. This story takes us for sure on a wonderful journey, a journey filled with strength, determination, hope and even love has a place in this marvellous book. Not only the obvious love that quickly sparks off the pages, like Tilly’s love for Cindy, or the love for Tilly’s best friend Lisa but also a few special ones…

As this is the first book of a series, it for sure can count as a start! I am now eagerly waiting for the next book to come out!

After achieving your dream, what when you question it all?

Synopsis

Thea Rogers has dedicated her life to her career in corporate law. Apart from her colleague and long-time friend-with-benefits Alasdair, she’s forgone friendships and relationships, and now she’s on track to become her firm’s youngest ever female partner. She should be ecstatic. But when a senior partner dies unexpectedly, Thea realises the people at his funeral are only there out of duty. Suddenly, Thea can’t shake the question: if she disappeared tomorrow, would anyone care?

As the life choices she’s made suddenly make less and less sense, Thea is forced to make a decision. Stick with the original plan or take a completely different path.

Thea has a chance to do it right this time, and fill her world with the things that matter. But can people really change? And once life starts looking up, why does it feel like there’s something… or someone she can’t seem to replace?

My review

Thea Rogers has put everything aside for her career in corporate law. Working outside her hours, not having weekends or holidays, she all takes it in her stride, as she wants to become the firm’s youngest female partner. To decompress though, she has a friends – with – benefits arrangement with her colleague Alasdair. When she finally has gotten the much – fought – for promotion, she couldn’t be more over the moon. Yet quickly she realizes that beside Alasdair, she doesn’t have many people to celebrate with, as friends she has not, and her family doesn’t understand what she is doing. But when a senior partner dies suddenly, she starts to question all the choices she has made. Is it time to make big changes in her life? But will those changes bring her the joy and happiness she is apparently currently missing?

There are several reasons why I chose to read this book. First of all, I have read several books of this author, and I loved them all. So obviously I wanted to read this one too! Secondly, I was intrigued by the plot.

Because at the start of the book, Thea is chasing her dream of becoming a partner. An accomplishment that is not easily reached, and Thea has put all her focus, time and dedication to prove everyone that she is the right person to become partner.

And in a way, her focus is admirable, as Thea knows what she wants, she knows the price she has to pay for it (no free time, no friends, a strained relationship with her family).

But at the same time, that fact also saddened me. Because work and career isn’t all there is in life. In fact, it’s clear that beside Alasdair, her best friend, she doesn’t have anyone else that just gets her like he does. And they only know each other because they are working at the same firm, even if at different departments. I was 100% that if Thea didn’t have Alasdair, she would be even more lonelier than she already is.

It is true that an unexpected event makes you rethink about yourself and the choices you made. I found it a bit strange that Thea was so affected by the death of her colleague, but in a way it also made perfectly sense. She realizes at the funeral that people were there more out of duty and not because they truly cared about her colleague. And it makes her wonder if people would act in the same way if it were her in front of the church.

While reading, I kept expecting maybe a little more romance in it. But I also realized that this wasn’t that kind of book, even if there is some romance in it. But this is more about a journey. A journey where Thea has to discover not only what would make her happy, but also who Thea is. I don’t know if I would be able to make the same choices and decisions she is making, together with her neighbour and new friend Rebecca, but finding that courage is for sure admirable!

There are many funny moments in this book, but also and mainly heartwarming moments. Because with Thea changing completely direction in her life, she is also able to reconnect with her family, and it was sweet to see how they are able to understand each other.

The Thea at the start of the book is in nothing comparable with the Thea at the end of it. While initially Thea’s focus in on her career, we see a more ‘human’ Thea later on. A Thea that makes friends, a Thea that is happy and wants other people’s happiness. We also see that Thea is very flexible in a way. Because with her new adventure with her friend Rebecca, plans are being made but also just as often as they are made, they are changed. And of course Thea needs some time to adjust to those changes, because aren’t we also like that, needing time to process it all, but she doesn’t dismiss any idea, how crazy it may seem.

Even if it wasn’t completely the story I was expecting, I totally loved reading it. Seeing the changes Thea is going through, the inner turmoil she is having, the growth she is having, is not only realistic and real, but also touching. Because it take a huge amount of courage to do what Thea is doing, without any certainty in prospect.

And even if the romance isn’t the main focus, I was happy with the end result of it, because secretly, I was hoping for this exact outcome!

Phoebe MacLeod wrote for sure a funny story, yet delivering also an important message, that sometimes taking a courageous decision, having a leap of faith, can bring so much more in your life than you have right now.

An unexpected guest for Christmas…

Synopsis

She’s always on the outside looking in, but his door might just be the one to open for her this Christmas.

‘Her name’s Tilly. Tilly Thorpe. She lives in London.’

To stop his family from speculating about his love life, travel company CEO Rafe Harrington casually drops Tilly Thorpe’s name as his girlfriend. After all, they’ll never meet – she’s just a name he saw on a rival company’s website.

But when Rafe arrives at his family’s home in Glenbriar for Christmas, he’s shocked to find ‘his girlfriend’ waiting for him.
He has some explaining to do and so does Tilly.

Why did Rafe’s family welcome her with open arms when she’s little more than a spy? Someone who’s trying hard to please her superiors, hoping it’ll bring some desperately desired happiness to her lonely existence.

Rafe isn’t a big fan of the festive season, but neither he nor Tilly can ignore their instant spark. With bad weather forecast, now is the ideal moment to discover some magic. Tilly’s never felt this at home anywhere, but none of it’s real, and that’s not why she’s here.

With time running short, can they seize this unexpected chance to fall in love not only with Christmas but also with each other?

My review

Rafe Harrington has worked very hard to have a successful travel company. And being the CEO also means that he cares about his people, even if they embrace the Christmas Spirit more than he does. As a CEO he is obviously a busy man, also keeping rival companies with underhand schemes at a distance. But that also means that he has no time for love, despite his family constantly asking him about it. To stop his family from asking this Christmas, he decides to tell a white lie and tells that he in fact is seeing someone, Tilly Thorpe. But Tilly isn’t a fictional character, but a real person, a person that caught Rafe’s eyes on his rival’s website. However, when arriving at his parents’ house, he is flabbergasted to hear that  Tilly has surprised him and is waiting for him. Tilly herself is shocked and dumbfounded by the welcome she receives after knocking at the Harrington’s house. She doesn’t understand how they seem to  know her when she didn’t even know the day before she would be here, trying to persuade Rafe to have a meeting with her, to show her superiors what she can do. When bad weather forces Tilly to stay with the Harrington’s, it turns out to be very difficult to ignore the  sparks that fly between her and Rafe… But working for rival companies make it impossible to dive into those feelings, right?

There are authors that write books that just put a smile on your face. So when I started this book, I was ready for the cramps in my face. Unfortunately, I didn’t smile in this book… but I had a HUGE grin on my face, that would grow bigger the more I read, if only that were possible! 😊

Returning to Glenbriar was like returning to a place that you love, something that give you a warm and fuzzy feeling inside, even if we get the story of new main characters, with the appearance of lovely people that we already love.

Right from the start I truly liked Rafe. I can imagine that he is a great person to work for, as he cares about the people that work for him. And even if he doesn’t join the festivities at the office, he enjoys seeing everyone being happy and cheery.

He is also an absolute family man, as he loves his family deeply, and enjoys spending time with them whenever he cans.

But being part of a lovely and loving family also means that they may be asking the same questions each time they see you. And I speak out of experience, and I could understand how Rafe has had enough of those same questions time after time, again and again.

So while perhaps it wasn’t the best decision he could make, but I understood why he told everyone him dating Tilly Thorpe, even if he has never met Tilly in real life and just ever saw a picture of her online, on his rival’s website.

I have to admit, even if I knew what would happen, it was just hilariously funny to see a shocked Rafe when facing Tilly at his parents’ home. Because it’s one thing that Rafe has been thinking about Tilly, but he never expected to see her home, or just see her for real, period.

And then there is Tilly…

Getting to know Tilly saddened me tremendously… not because I didn’t like her, on the contrary. But she deserved and deserves so much more in her life, and she for sure is the kind of person that is underappreciated.

My heart truly broke reading about her childhood, how it affected her and still affects her. And while perhaps the company she works for isn’t the greatest one, I admired somehow her loyalty. While she isn’t treated in the best way there, she also is grateful that she has a job there. That kind of loyalty, deserved or not, is something that maybe is missing in a lot of people these times. so seeing such a trait in Tilly shows for sure her character.

If I have to be honest, reading how Tilly was welcomed by Rafe’s family, and how she has many ‘firsts’ during her stay there, almost brought me to tears… To read how she missed out on so many things that everyone of us has at least done once in their lives…

So my tender heart wanted nothing more than seeing Rafe and Tilly getting closer. And I wasn’t the only one 😊.

Rafe and Tilly had a completely different upbringing, and their careers are also very different, even if they work in the same branch. Yet Rafe shows his most compassionate and understanding side to Tilly. And he also realizes that even if you have just met someone, there can be a connection.

Seeing them getting closer truly warmed my heart, because they are both people who deserve so much love. Even when there may be some hurdles to overcome, seeing them bonding, opening up to each other and just find each other, lovely, nothing more than utterly lovely!

I absolutely loved reading this next chapter in a marvellous series. We see how connections can be made despite a short time span, but also the kindness and generosity of people, and the Harrington family in particularly. Even if Rafe and his family is a fictional family, I could feel their warmth and heart just from each page. And I could feel Tilly’s pain too, but also seeing that pain somehow getting lifted slowly, little by little.

Margaret Amatt had very, even extremely high expectations to fulfil. Yet she managed so easily to not only reach them, but also to exceed them. I felt myself embraced by love and warmth, not wanting the story to end, yet eagerly reading page after page!

Sometimes you need your sister for a fresh start

Synopsis

Joy Chandler has had enough!

All she wanted was a lovely family Christmas with perfect turkey and luxury crackers. Instead, daughter Sara announces she’s getting divorced…and where is the fizz? And son, John and perfect wife Vanessa announce they are leaving for New York… and are the vegetables organic? And not one of them has made her a cup of tea!

So Joy decides she’s going to leave them all to it and head to France to visit her younger sister Isobel – a break from it all is just what she needs!

Isabel’s potato farm in France might be rustic, but Joy is hoping to find a bit of the old her again. Do her family really only think she’s their dogs body? Where has Joy’s joy gone?

Being with Isobel is loud and chaotic and being together brings out both sisters’ mischievous side! And being in France adds a welcome touch of ooh la la to Joy’s life again. Soon, she has a new job, a new man and maybe even, a second chance at living!

An uplifting and hilarious story about living life to the full and always, always having fun! Perfect for fans of Judy Leigh and Dee Macdonald

My review

Joy Chandler is looking forward to spend Christmas with her children. But what she hoped would be a drama free and heartwarming family reunion, turns out to be a real disaster. Not only does her daughter Sara tell everyone that she is getting a divorce as her husband is having an affair, but also Joy’s son John has news. News that will bring him and his own family on the other side of the world, as he will be moving to the States after a promotion. With nieces bickering and fighting over everything, Joy starts to feel more and more just like housemaid and taken for granted. So now Joy decides to put herself first, and heads off to France, where she will be staying with her sister Isabel on Isabel’s potato farm. Joy and Isabel couldn’t be more different, as Isabel is for sure more free – spirited. Yet the sisters couldn’t be more happier to be spending much more time together. And together they have more fun than expected, and Joy finds her own joie de vivre again. She does things that bring her joy, and loves staying in France. But could it be that love itself can also be found in France?

I know that Maddie Please writes about characters that are in a further stage in life than my own. And I say this with the greatest respect, but you cannot deny that me with my 38 years old, have not the same experience and matureness as the characters in Maddie’s books. Yet the age difference doesn’t stop me from reading these books! 😊

At the start of this book, I didn’t know what to think of Joy. Not that I didn’t like her, on the contrary, but there was this sadness and tiredness over her. Without a doubt she is a great and loving mother and grandmother, as we can see with all the preparations she has for the celebration of Christmas. But at the same time, we also see how she put everything and everyone before herself. She takes everyone’s opinions and wishes in account, making things more complicated for herself.

And while she isn’t that old, sometimes she lets herself feel older than her actual age. That truly saddened me, because you shouldn’t let age hold you back, and you can always chase your dreams.

But what angered me a little bit, was how her children and even her grandchildren take Joy for granted. In a way they all acted selfish in my opinion. Yes, it isn’t Sara her fault that her husband cheated on her, so her dramatics were somehow justified. Yet I couldn’t not feel annoyed by her behaviour, ruining Christmas for the whole family in fact.

And her brother John isn’t that much better honestly. Yes, his promotion is great news, but couldn’t he have told it before and perhaps taking Joy’s feelings more in account?

So I couldn’t agree more with Joy to leave everyone behind and finally go and visit her sister in France. Because in more than just one aspect, that is exactly what Joy needs, to get away from everything and everyone, and just think about herself for once and find some joy back in her life.

I truly liked seeing Joy and Isabel together. There is that all so common and recognizable banter between siblings, and that palpable love. Because no matter the literal distance, they are still very close. And even their differences, because let it be clear that Joy and Isabel couldn’t be more opposite, they know they will always be in each other’s corner.

And it was just hilarious to see how (un)subtle Isabel was tying to play matchmaker! And yet that is also just something that a sibling can get away with!

But the most beautiful bits were seeing how Joy finds happiness again, how she learns what brings her that, and that she should do more things for her and not for someone else. And it was funny to learn what brings Joy joy (and no, I won’t stop making this stupid word joke 😊). I don’t know if I will ever enjoy the things that Joy does, but that is also the beauty of this book, how joy can be so many different things for everyone.

Slowly we see a whole different Joy emerge. Or perhaps a Joy that has been hidden for too long. Being outside her comfort zone of her home, with the influence of her sister, Joy has so much more fun than she had in years. And she even is finding herself courageous enough to start dating again!

I truly enjoyed reading this book, as we see that it’s never too late to have a second chance at just life again. And sometimes taking a step back from what we know is what it takes to understand what we truly want from life.

This is an inspiring book, that takes you on a real journey, filled with laughter, mischief and warmth. A journey showing us that age is just a number and that you can always start chasing your dreams!

Always keep your eyes on the mission…

Synopsis

A dramatic Medieval convenient marriage story

Will he risk his mission… for her hand in marriage?

Part of The Knights’ Missions. On a secret quest to expose a traitor, Sir Hugh enlists in a tournament to win the hand of his target’s daughter, Lady Bronwen. But the clever, driven maiden jeopardises his plans when their unexpected attraction threatens to distract him from his duty! She’s desperate to escape her father, and Hugh can protect her by claiming his prize and marrying her. Yet honour demands the noble knight keeps their desire at bay, for completing his mission means betraying his new bride’s trust…

My review

Sir Hugh is one of the most known and feared Knights of the Kingdom. Now he is on a secret mission, trying to expose traitor. In order to do so, he needs to participate in a tournament, where the prize is the suspect’s daughter, Lady Bronwen. But Sir Hugh doesn’t know that he may be facing his biggest challenge ever… because once meeting Lady Bronwen, sparks start to fly around. And that may jeopardize his whole missions, as suddenly he cannot image someone else worthy of Lady Bronwen’s hand. Even if Bronwen is the prize of the tournament, she won’t just accept anyone as a winner. Because she has a plan of her own: to escape her own fickle father, and whoever will become her husband, she never wants to lose herself. Yet there is something about Sir Hugh… With both having plans and missions of their own, and an undeniable attraction, how will this tournament end?

Knights.. how many women in the present have had their own fantasies about these kinds of men? Well, I can admit without any shame that I for sure have! And reading stories involving Knights are a little guilty pleasure of mine. And as I have read several book from this amazing author, I knew that I would get a real treat!

Sir Hugh right from the start had my sympathy. He has two close friends, knights themselves. And it’s clear that without Leo or Tristan, Hugh wouldn’t be the kind of man he is now. His upbringing was not easy, as we slowly learn through the story. And in one way it makes sense, because in order to become a knight, you need to have a specific kind of skills. And that means training, dedication and determination.

But Hugh was rather young when his training started, and that also means a distance between him and just every member of his family. And being the last of many children (poor mother though! 😊) means that there is isn’t a connection between him and his two other brothers, which is painfully exposed…

And there is the fact that his best friend Tristan that makes the women turn their head. Hugh has learned the hard way that women aren’t afraid to use Tristan’s friend to get closer to Tristan himself. That made Hugh wary and even afraid of opening up…

Yet there is a lot to like Hugh for. There is obviously his loyalty, he took an oath, a vow, and he is committed to fulfil it till the end. And that is not a trait that everyone has! That commitment shows the kind of man Hugh is, you know that when he promises you something, you can count of him to achieve that.

And then there is Hugh’s character… yes, he is on a mission, but he never loses his heart and compassion. We see this clearly when he befriend other knights on the tournament, but especially his worry and care when injuries apply.

When he sees injustice, he isn’t afraid to put things back right.

In other words, Hugh is scarred yes, but he is also just a great man. And even if he promised himself to never fall in love again, when he meets Lady Bronwen, he is a goner….

Bronwen for sure is the kind of character I pitied… Not only is she being used as a prize at a tournament, but also her own relationship with her father is a strained one. Not because her father has been a bad person the whole time, but he has changed during the years. A change that not only affected Bronwen herself, but also her mother…

I could understand why she accepts her fate, but I admired how she wanted to add her own twist to it.

She has seen what love could do to someone, as she sees the effect on her mother, and she never wants to lose herself because of love. And thus she is determined to marry someone (as she has no choice than getting married off) to at least someone that won’t ever break her heart, as she won’t give it away to anyone.

And that is the funny (in a way) fact of this book. Because we all know that love won’t be stopped, no matter how much you fight against it.

But while there is an initial physical attraction between Bronwen and Hugh, it’s their emotional and intellectual connection that makes spark fly around.

Despite their many differences, they also have a lot in common, and there is just something that makes them connect. They understand each other, they care about each other and they just *see* each other.

And that made me devour this lovely book so fast. Of course there is more than the romance between Hugh and Bronwen, as obviously there is a traitor to be found and discovered and a tournament to be won.

Perhaps some bits didn’t come as a surprise, and a few resolutions came a tiny bit too quickly. But that didn’t take away the pleasure I had while reading. On the contrary, because as I have apparently missed reading the first book this series, I will for sure need to catch up now! 😊