Tizi’s Book Review

Let there be pudding!

Synopsis

After bonding with the lovely Jensen as they save a dog in trouble, Annalise – new to Sunnybrook – is gutted when they part without swapping numbers. She’d had the weirdest feeling he could be The One but now she might never see Jensen again. When she loses her new job in a wedding boutique, her week goes from bad to worse – until Maddy and the café crew come to her rescue with an exciting solution. The Pudding Club. Can Annalise rise to the challenge and – with the help of the Little Duck Pond Café crew – start teaching others how to make her glorious puds? And could The Pudding Club be the key to finding Jensen again?

My review

Annalise is facing several struggles at the same time: while she is worried about the health of her grandmother, her work at a wedding boutique isn’t a joyous matter at all. And then when she finds a stray dog and wants to rescue it, it results in meeting lovely Jensen. But just her luck, they don’t swap numbers, so she has no chance in contacting him again. To make things even worse, not so much later, she also loses her job. But after meeting Maddy and the café girls, it may be the start of a new adventure, as she is persuaded by her new friends to open The Pudding Club, where she will showcase her recipes to eager watchers at the café. And perhaps it will bring her to finding Jensen again, as she at least knows that he also loves pudding?

Book 35 of a series, there must be some kind of ‘I had enough of it already’, right? NO, ANYTHING BUT! Because Rosie Green once again wrote a wonderful story, without being repetitive even once!

Annalise, Lisa for the friends, is such a warm, kind, generous character. Despite losing her mother due a disease, she is a bubbly person, even if things aren’t going smoothly.

While of course it is a sad situation, it was so sweet to see how close grandmother and granddaughter are. This pair would do anything for each other, as we see how without a moment of hesitation Lisa would donate her kidney. But while perhaps frustrating for Lisa, her grandmother refuses to even think about jeopardizing Lisa’s health in just any way.

For Lisa I just wanted everything going smoothly in life, because she for sure is facing several setbacks. I don’t know how she can keep her calm in the wedding boutique, while clearly being sabotaged 

even by her own boss.

And when by sheer coincidence she meets a lovely man, somehow contacts aren’t swapped and she has no way of finding him back. Although it was a bit funny to see how Lisa attempts to find Jensen again!

I enjoy baking myself a lot, but I have to admit, that puddings aren’t my thing. I don’t even think that in Belgium you can find many varieties of pudding. Of course you have the simple puddings, vanilla, chocolate or another taste, but a tradition of sticky toffee pudding, spotted dick etc, we don’t know that over here.

Yet that didn’t take away my pleasure in reading how Lisa is working her magic by creating delicious puddings.

And I was for sure intrigued by the little book Lisa consults for the recipes. Just like Lisa, I wanted to know more about Millicent and Susan, and what happened to them and if there would be a way to connect the past with the present.

I found this such a heart – warming story, about not giving up, chasing your dreams, but also about finding friendships in unexpected ways. Because Lis for sure didn’t expect to befriend some customers that were treated badly in the wedding shop (not by herself, don’t worry! 😊). But finding new friends like Maddy is exactly what Lisa needs. Because don’t we all need genuine, understanding friends in our lives?

Even if there is also the quest of finding Jensen back, that wasn’t the most important focus of this book. It’s all about Lisa facing the struggles in her life, trying to find the right way to get things done. And it’s also about all the love she has in her life and protecting and cherishing those loved ones.

Rosie Green didn’t disappoint even a tiny bit with this book. She wrote everything I needed from her, and even made things better in the end, by adding recipes that I for sure will be testing! 😊

Looking for a fresh start, finding more than just your roots

Synopsis

Welcome to the town of Starr’s Fall, where Autumn can feel like it goes on forever, and two people have a chance to fall in love…

The leaves are falling, with a crispness to the air, along with the scents of coffee and pumpkin spice, past a half-empty street of shuttered storefronts and a bandstand that has seen better days…

Just like the whole town of Starr’s Fall, thinks Laurie Ellis – as she and her beloved dog Max head to collect the store keys. Maybe she has seen better days, too, but she’s certainly ready for a new start—and to leave her past behind. Still Laurie wonders whether she made a terrible mistake in coming to lovable but shabby Starr’s Fall. Will she even find customers for her pet store and bakery, never mind a community to welcome and accept her?

Not according to Joshua Reilly, the handsome but grumpy manager of the bookstore across the road, who claims he’s never heard of anything so ridiculous as a bakery for dogs.

But Laurie remains stubbornly undeterred. She’s starting over, right here. Not least because she has another secret reason for being here… one she isn’t telling anybody, at least not yet, as it involves her own tragic past.

What she doesn’t yet know is that a clue to the mystery is hidden deep in Joshua’s bookstore. And he doesn’t yet realize that Laurie herself might be the key to mending his own battered heart… for Laurie and Joshua and the whole town, it’s going to be a fall to remember.

My review

Laurie Ellis is ready for a fresh start. So she heads off with her lovely dog Max to Starr’s Fall. She wants to leave her past behind, and open a pet store and bakery.
Yet she is also a bit scared, because will the store be successful? And will the community accept her as a newcomer?
And her fear is justified, as she sees how her neighbour across the road, Joshua Reilly, behaves. Joshua has the reputation of being grumpy and reclusive. And he for sure doesn’t believe that Laurie’s business will be successful.
But Laurie has an ulterior motive for her move to Starr’s Fall, one that she isn’t yet ready for to share with anyone. Yet Joshua’s bookstore may be having a clue for the answers that Laurie needs. And perhaps Laurie may be the answer for Joshua to heal his own broken heart?

Picking up a book from a new author is always a but scary. Even if the author has a great reputation, it doesn’t mean that her books will appeal to me, or that I will like her writing style.
So with a little bit of trepidation I started this book, hoping that I would like it, a bit afraid that I wouldn’t…

But my worries were unjustified because I absolutely loved reading this book!

Making the move to a new town, where you don’t know anyone, can be a scary thing. So in that aspect, I admired Laurie, because let me say this: I couldn’t do that! Even when I moved to be living on my own, I stayed in very close proximity of my family and friends 😊.
But while I admired Laurie, also for starting a business that isn’t that obvious. Yet that also says a lot about Laurie’s character, how she has a heart for animals and wants the best for them, as we can also see the way she cares about her own dog Max.

I also admired her as she chose Starr’s Fall for a specific, ulterior reason. Being a foster child, she doesn’t know who her biological parents are. The only thing she knows is that her mother is from Starr’s Fall, so there is no better place to start her search in this little place.
Yet her growing up in the system, is also why I felt so sorry for her. Because not only did she not have the best of childhoods, but she also still has so many unanswered questions…

As I am a little bit evil, I enjoyed reading the initial clashing between Laurie and Joshua. And that because of course we already know that romance is on the cards between this pair.

It was difficult to immediately like Joshua, because of the way he acts. Not only is he very reclusive (something that I could understand, as at moments I prefer solitude too), but he is very grumpy, answers very rude even.
Yet slowly getting to know him better, made me understand not only his character but also his behaviour that much better.

And it was great to see how slowly those immense high walls he has been building, are falling apart. Even if it scares him terribly, Laurie makes him want to do better, she is the incentive for him to be more open, brighter and more out there.

In fact, the both spending time together makes it possible for the both of them to be more open and bright. And if there are two people who deserve to find lightness and even love again, it’s for sure Laurie and Joshua!

This story is also about Laurie’s search for her biological mother. And that quest isn’t an easy one, but also involves a little bit of luck.
But I also have to admit, that I was a bit disappointed in this storyline. Not because of the storyline itself, but of the outcome. I am not going to tell much more about it, but let me tell you it wasn’t the resolution I was hoping for. But in a way, that is also part of life, that things don’t always go as expected or imagined…

I absolutely enjoyed discovering this author, her storytelling, and her characters. She has added many different layers in this book, even unexpected ones. I cannot wait to read more from her! 

As best friends, nothing is too much to ask for

Synopsis

‘Extraordinary… a raw, vulnerable, breath-stealing love you can feel as you read’ Emily Henry

‘Dazzling, tender, and romantic’ Carley Fortune

We’ve always been best friends… but what if we were more?

Laniah and Isaac have been best friends since childhood, and they couldn’t be more different. She’s a homebody who runs a small natural hair store with her mum. He’s an international influencer with the paparazzi on his tail.

When Issac comes home for the first time in months and discovers Laniah and her mum are struggling to keep their business afloat, she refuses to take a dime from him. And so, he does what any self-respecting best friend would do: tells the world they’re dating.

Suddenly business is booming, and Laniah reluctantly agrees to pretend to be lovers for the course of the summer. Just long enough to catch the eye of an investor and get her dream back on track.

But as the lines between what’s real and pretend blur, it becomes harder and harder to see where friendship ends and something else begins….

Brimming with chemistry, A Love like the Sun is the perfect slow-burn, friends-to-lovers romance about falling in love and second chances. Perfect for fans of Tia Williams and Emily Henry.

My review

Laniah Thompson and Issac Jordan are best friends since childhood, even if their current lives couldn’t be more different. Laniah enjoys just staying at home, and is passionate about the business she runs with her mother, Wildly Green, a natural hair store. While Issac runs an international brand and is famous around the world, followed by paparazzi.
When Issac finally makes an appearance back home in Providence, and learns about the financial struggles Laniah is facing, as her best friend of course he wants to help her. However, Laniah refuses to just accept his well – deserved money.
So Issac comes with the next best thing: telling everyone they are dating. Now business is blooming once again, but also everyone suddenly has an opinion about Laniah, something she isn’t accustomed to.
But telling the world also means to pretend, and now that thin line that has never been crossed before is at risk. Because the more they pretend, the more difficult it becomes to keep everything in the friend – zone. Is the pretence of them the incentive to see each other more as just best friends? Or is the risk to lose each other too big for a shot at love?

I love reading books where friends start to pretend to be in a relationship and I am always eager to see how things will develop, what hurdles will cross their paths and how it will all end (at the same time hoping for that one specific end 😊).
And I am also always curious to read how different lives can go, even for best friends.

In this book, it was lovely to see how Laniah and Issac have been best friends, even if everyone around them suspected at least that there was more than just friendship. But their friendship is a genuine one, that has been through a lot in the past, yet never faltered. Even if now their lives are total opposites, they know they can always rely on each other, no matter what.

As true friends, they will always want to help each other, and that is exactly what Issac wants when he learns about Laniah’s store being in difficulties. While it for sure is honourable that he wants to help financially, I could also Laniah’s reluctance of accepting that kind of help. It’s difficult to explain, but even I wouldn’t want to accept money from my friends, even if that would help me out.

And I found it great that Issac understood that, yet was adamant on finding another way of helping his best friend.
Now, telling everyone they are dating isn’t perhaps the ideal solution, but of course if Issac did something else, we wouldn’t have this story 😊.

My heart went out to Laniah, as she isn’t only struggling with her business, but has a lot on her plate. And it angered me to see how someone who is supposed to take her complaints at heart, is just so quickly dismissing her, with consequences that could have been easily avoided.

But the focus is obviously on the shifting cards between Laniah and Issac. Through some flashbacks, we can also see how this pair has always been there for each other, and how there has always been *something* there.
I found it sweet to read how at moments they are supposed to be pretending, they are just themselves. They don’t realize how “couply” they are by just acting as usual.

And seeing the attraction grow between them, with many will – they – will – they – not moments were while frustrating but also delightful! Also reading them realizing the depth of their feelings, was also really good!

Obviously taking their friendship further isn’t without risks, because is taking a chance at love, and perhaps failing, worth the risk of losing your best friend? But on the other hand, what if this is the kind of love that everyone is looking for?

I liked reading this book, as it shows that sometimes because of we are so used to things, we aren’t able to see past that. We cannot see the potential of making a change. But it’s also about fear not letting you hold back. Fear for that change, but also fear of the unknown future. Yet it’s mainly a story about love. Love in all its aspects, love that can change for the better and love that is worth the risk!

Juniper Meadows, a place to have a break, a place to reconnect

Synopsis

When Sadie Bingham’s life takes an unexpected turn, her children treat her to a well-earned break at Juniper Meadows, the gorgeous Cotswolds estate owned by the Travers family.

The festive season is in full swing, and Sadie throws herself into the packed Twelve Days of Christmas programme, relishing the opportunity to make new friends and new memories.

Single father Dylan Travers hasn’t been to his childhood home of Juniper Meadows for decades. Estranged from his cantankerous father Monty, he has made a happy life for himself in the States. But now with teenage children keen to know more about their roots, Dylan has brought them back to the Cotswolds to meet his family.

As Sadie and Dylan both navigate a Christmas very different from the ones they had expected it’s soon clear that, geography apart, they have a great deal in common. And as Dylan confronts his past and Sadie contemplates her future, perhaps the miracle of this Christmas will be the happily-ever-after they both deserve.

Let Sarah Bennett whisk you away to a snowy Cotswolds for the perfect winter romance. A Sarah Bennett book is guaranteed to brighten any day, perfect for all fans of Cathy Bramley, Katie Fforde and Phillipa Ashley.

My review

Sadie Bingham didn’t expect the retirement of her husband also being the end of her marriage. As she sacrificed a lot during the marriage, her children believe it’s time for a well – earned weekend at Juniper Meadows in the Cotswolds. During the Twelve Days of Christmas programme, Sadie will have the opportunity to make new friends, but also being pampered.
The Travers family have all worked hard for the estate being as successful as it is now. So it makes sense that Dylan Travers has some trepidation returning to his childhood home, after years of estrangement. He left years ago, as living with his father was living hell. He has had a happy life in the States, even if his marriage ended (on good terms). Yet his teenage children are eager to learn more about their roots, and so Dylan takes them to meet the family.
Both Sadie and Dylan are spending a Christmas unlike what they are used to. But them being at the same time on Juniper Meadows means spending also time together as they realize they have a lot in common. But as there is a past to be dealt with and a future to think about, will there be a possibility of ‘them’, when their lives are literally worlds apart?

There are books you cannot wait to start reading, as you just love the author. And be sure of it, this book was calling my name for a long time! So when it was finally its time, I had a big smile on my face, ready to return to a place with many happy memories!

Before I start my long review filled with admiration, I also want to say that, while it’s clear that Sadie and Dylan are older than me, I never felt that as a barrier. I could easily sympathize with the main characters and in some aspects I could also easily relate to them.

Obviously we know from the very start that Sadie’s marriage isn’t going to have its happily eve rafter, otherwise she would have never have the chance to go the Juniper Meadows. Yet that doesn’t take away that it’s a terrible discovery, reading how someone that is supposed to love you, can treat you and just behave in that way.
And learning how Sadie sacrificed a lot, made even my blood boil as the Despicable Man just acts selfish, and in fact just should know better.

But it also warmed my heart to see how her adult children wanted to do something nice for their mother. The love between mother and children is so palpable, they understand each other, they want the best for each other, without any condition.

What I liked about Dylan’s past, is how, even if his marriage ended, he is still in a very good relationship with his ex. They are still friends, and they are even that close that Dylan stepped in to give her away at her wedding, when her father wasn’t able to.
I think that is truly admirable, because way too often we see the complete opposite. And it also sets a great example for their children, as there is still love between them.

Yet it saddened me to read about the reasons why he decided so many years ago to leave his family behind. At first I thought that the generally assumed reason was absolutely an overreaction. But I quickly realized that it was just an excuse as there was a complete different but more understandable reason for his escape.

His return home for sure couldn’t have been easy, so many years have passed, and so much has been left unsaid. If I were in Dylan’s shoes, I would be even more scared than him. I wouldn’t know how to act, or how everyone would react at my return!

On the other hand, we as loyal readers know how the Travers family are! And obviously they didn’t disappoint!

As the story it set around Christmas, there is no doubt that some magic is involved. Not real magic of course, but at Christmas, something special always (can) happen.
And seeing Sadie and Dylan finding each other, getting to know each other, comprehending each other, was just wonderful.
They didn’t go through exactly the same things in life, yet they understand what has happened in the past, and are ready to offer a listening ear, but also showing patience when needed.

I found it also so sweet to see how well Sadie got along with Dylan’s teenagers, as that for isn’t something to take for granted at all!
It’s easy to condemn teenagers for their behaviour, as they aren’t going through an easy time. But having Sadie understanding and supporting the teenagers, was just showing us that there can be a way to get through to them.

Of course there are several demons to face in this book, like Dylan’s relationship with his parents. None of the Travers siblings have had an easy relationship with either parent, but seeing how efforts are being made, both from the siblings and especially their mother, was so heart – warming. Because lessons can be learned at any age, and with real, honest regret, it is never too late.

And Sadie has to understand that no matter age, there can always be a chance at love. And that the insurmountable issues she thinks there are, are not that impossible at all. But of course, putting your heart there in the open, is never easy!

I truly, absolutely, completely loved reading this story. A story that not only brings me back to a lovely place and my wonderful friends, but also gives me the opportunity to meet new wonderful people!
this was once again a captivating, heartwarming story, but also one with several laughs (that ending! 😊). Just a must – read! 

A French Château for a fresh start and new connections

Synopsis

A fresh start in the beautiful Brittany countryside is what dreams are made of…

Buying and relocating to the Château du Cheval in rural France has fulfilled one of Peter and Ingrid Chevalier’s lifelong ambitions. Despite never being able to trace a missing link in Peter’s French ancestry he feels he has finally come home. Now they must renovate the Château to its former glory and make it pay for itself…
With money getting tight, they take the decision to sell a couple of cottages on the estate. Can the Château begin to pay for itself and be sustainable for the future?

Divorced Sasha Heath and her brother Freddie decide to sensibly invest their mother’s inheritance into property and buy the two rundown cottages on the Château’s estate. Putting the past behind them, a new life in France beckons, but will it live up to their dreams?

As they relax and settle into their new idyllic lifestyle, their new lives throw up several surprises, and all they can do is cross their fingers and hope everything will turn out well in the end.

An uplifting tale of new adventures and second chances. Perfect for the fans of Jill Mansell and Fern Britton.

My review

Siblings Sasha and Freddie Heath are looking something to invest their mother’s inheritance in. Property is not cheap, and thus they decide to look abroad. Their eyes fall on two rundown cottages on Château du Cheval in rural France. Both cottages need a lot of TLC, but Sasha and Freddie are ready for the challenge.
Luckily they quickly befriend the owners of the Château, Peter and Ingrid Chevalier. Not that long ago they both the Château, but restoring it to its former glory has been a costly enterprise, forcing them to sell the cottages. And then there are also the worries about their daughter, and a missing link in Peter’s French ancestry.
Life is France for sure requires a new lifestyle, and with new friendships and help of Peter and Ingrid, Sasha and Freddie hope that they can quickly adapt and enjoy their new lives, even if there are several surprises in store for them.

And off we go to France once again with this author! Ready to discover what new adventure is waiting for its characters and also us of course!

If Jennifer Bohnet would have been a “lazy” author, she would have turned this book into 2 separate books, with no link between the two pairs living on the ground of the Château. Because for sure it would have been possible to let Peter and Ingrid have their own story, and Sasha and Freddie also an adventure of their own.
But this author chose to entwine both stories, adding extra layers, adding extra emotions and just adding extra love in it.

I liked the bond Sasha and Freddie have. As I am very close to my own brother, I could understand the connection the siblings have. Although I have to also say, I don’t know if I would have the patience to be living next door to him, or if he would have the patience 😊

I also think that living in a Château itself would be very expensive, as Peter and Ingrid are realizing. So selling two cottages next to each other may be the perfect solution not only for Peter and Ingrid, but also for the siblings, as they are ready for a brand new adventure.

The Château itself absolutely made me dream away, wondering what the walls would say if they could speak. Because for sure they have seen a lot!

While it for sure is that the story is about the two pairs, we get to know a whole new community. It’s not easy to arrive in a different country, not speaking the language fluently and just finding your feet generally speaking.
But it warmed my heart to see how Sacha and Freddie are being welcomed with open arms, offering not only help but mainly friendship.

There are several tings taking place, some shocking revelations, some tender moments, some courageous choices but also several funny moments.
Seeing how so many people get together, was truly heart – warming. It shows that there are still good, kind and generous people around, something that sometimes we need to reminded of.

This was a great reading escape, as I enjoyed spending time on the grounds of a French Château. Once again a wonderful story, taking you to an amazing place and surrounded by great people!

To run a sanctuary, to live your life

Synopsis

A story of love, second chances and the wonderful start of a BRAND NEW series from Della Galton featuring Duck Pond Lane Animal Rescue.

It’s not just animals who need to be rescued…

Following the unexpected death of her mother, and the breakdown of her relationship, animal loving idealist Jade Foster, uses her inheritance to buy a smallholding in the beautiful Wiltshire countryside hoping to realise her dream of providing a sanctuary for unloved animals in need of a new home.

Jade employs the enigmatic Finn McTaggart to help out at Duck Pond Lane Rescue and forms a friendship with both Finn and her local Vet, Aiden Southerland. But Finn is running from his own demons and Aiden longs for a more romantic relationship with broken-hearted Jade.

Romance is not on the cards for Jade, but as both men fall for her natural beauty, the rivalry between them hots up. But can any of them heal enough to find lasting love?

What none of them realise is that a devastating secret from the past has the power to destroy the present and that love, however wonderful, isn’t always enough.

Previously published as Passing Shadows by Della Galton

My review

Jade Foster is still grieving for the unexpected loss of her mother. However, she has been able to turn something so heartbreaking into something good, as she used her inheritance for opening a shelter for animals in search for a new forever – home. But running Duck Pond Lane Rescue isn’t always easy, and when Finn McTaggert seems to be looking for a job, Jade hires him to have a helping hand. Finn has some baggage of his own, and he hopes that working at Duck Pond Lane Rescue will not only take his mind off whatever bothers him, but will also give him some direction. While working together, Jade and Finn seem to be getting closer, but there are several things holding them back. Just like veterinary Aidan, who has been holding a torch for Jade, but never found the courage to step forward. Or that both Jade and Finn aren’t ready for letting love in their hearts. And then there is a secret to be revealed that can possibly crush everything that everyone has slowly been building…

Start reading a new series from an author you truly like, is always a bit scary. Will I like it? What will the new characters be like? Is the story as good as the previous books?

But as I have read the previous series, and I know the kind of stories Della Galton writes, my fear was just a little bit less. It wasn’t completely gone, but I trusted the talent Della Galton has 😊.

When Jade first makes an appearance, I both was in awe of her, but I also felt sorry for her. She is obviously still grieving as she lost her mother so abruptly, but she also turned something so hurtful into something beautiful. I think that many people with an inheritance would use it for their own benefits (nothing wrong with that, everyone is free to do what they want), but that is not who Jade is. She truly has a heart for animals, and she wants to help them the best possible way. Perhaps opening Duck Pond Lane Rescue wasn’t her initial plan, but it is her current dream and passion.

Obviously, I wasn’t born yesterday and I know while running a sanctuary for animals is very admirable, it is also very hard work. Not only you never know what animal will be arriving, but you are also depending on the goodwill of people. And while Jade is doing okay for now, it’s clear that every cent counts. And also she cannot manage running everything on her own.

So while perhaps it may seem odd in hiring Finn, and also offering him a place to stay, it is the perfect solution of what Jade needs. Because of course it’s handy having the fixer – all already on place instead of waiting for his arrival whenever needed.

It also helps that there is an instant chemistry between Jade and Finn, making this a much more interesting story! 😊

Finn is the kind of man that will do anything to help out, but is also at loss. He doesn’t have any real plans, and is just living at the moment, for the moment.

He needs to rediscover himself, but I also think he needs to believe in himself a little bit more.

I liked his hands – on attitude, no job was too much to ask for. And he truly cares about the animals. And let me say, that is absolutely a turn – on! 😊

There is a bit of a love triangle, as we shouldn’t forget about Aidan. While initially I liked Aidan, and I felt sorry for him, as I was obviously Team Finn, somewhere in the middle, his behaviour wasn’t something to like. All the sympathy I had for him, seemed to disappear because of his acts. And while I could understand the frustration and irritation, it didn’t fit with the character of Aidan I had built in my imagination. Luckily there was room for redemption in his case!

But if there was one character that annoyed me more often than I liked, it was Jade’s best friend Sarah.

And I am not saying that because she is an awful person, absolutely not. Otherwise I don’t think that Jade would be friends with her.

But it’s because of the lies she has been telling those the closest to her, and refused for a too long time to see sense; jeopardizing not only her own future and happiness, but also Jade’s in a way.

I thought that she was asking too much from Jade, not realizing that in fact it’s her who is in the wrong.

On the other hand, Sarah’s little boy is just adorable! He has this innocence in him, just like any child should. And I loved it how he is an actual child, enjoying playing outside, having genuine interest and not just sitting behind a screen all the time! 😊

In this book the main character is obviously Jade and her lovely animals (even if a few aren’t so adorable at the start of the book – poor souls…). But we see that each character is on a journey. From Jade and Finn, to Sarah and Finn’s father.

And seeing some old friends reappearing, having at least a link with the previous series was for sure a nice surprise! 😊

I truly enjoyed discovering a whole new world, apologies, series 😊. This was for sure a captivating story, showing characters with real emotions, with real struggles and real feelings. It didn’t feel like reading a story with fictional characters,  but it could have been perfectly a story about people you would actual know in real life.

If the first book of the series is already this amazing, I cannot wait to read the next bits!

What does the heart truly want?

Synopsis

Lily Forshaw stands on the brink of a bright future. A future she fought for, cried for, and risked her heart and soul for.

Yet, despite her fairy tale life, a deep scar remains etched upon her heart. It’s a wound that will never truly heal, a lingering memory and a haunting hope of what might have been.

Now, Lily faces challenges that will threaten her friendships, her career, and her blossoming love. Can she find a way through?

Meanwhile, the man she left in the past, holding a piece of her heart, has found his way back to her at a time when nothing else seems to make any sense.

Will Lily fight for what she might lose, or will she embrace a new beginning?

Catch up with Lily, Cassie, Zack, and Luke in the eagerly awaited sequel to ‘For The Love of Lily’.

My review

Lily had recently made the most difficult possible choice ever… But now her life seems to go truly forward. She has lost a lot for it, but the sacrifice was worth it, as now she is taking steps forward.
Yet she cannot shake the feeling of loss, and she fears the heartbreak will never completely heal.
What Lily doesn’t know is that there are still many changes and challenges waiting for her, on a personal level and also career-wise. And when unexpectedly an old face reappears, it will shift the cards once again, and Lily stands once again on a crossroad…
Where lays Lily’s future? With the choice she already made, or is her heart pointing in another direction?

When you reach the end of a romance book, it’s always taken for granted that the main character has reached the much sought for happily ever after. Even when someone has to choose between two love interests, we always assume that her final decision is the right one and that is the end of the story.

But what happens in the aftermath? Was the made choice the right one? Can the couple move forward, without any doubts, regrets or mistrust? So I was happy to read what happens after ‘The End’, as that is something that is often not thought about.

Initially it seems that Lily is happy with her current life. She is deeply in love with Zack, and they are even making plans for a joined future. Career – wise everything is going smoothly too, even if there are few hiccups there. But in general, Lily cannot complain.

Or at least we think so…. Because there is a hole in her heart. And it makes sense, because choosing is losing. And it’s not that she lost a love interest, she also lost one of her best friends. So seeing Lily mourn that loss, or reminiscing those moments with Luke.

It may seem like Lily doesn’t know what she wants. She made Zack a promise, yet she seems to be longing for Luke. And it may seem that she wants to have her cake and eat it too. But the more I read, the more I understood that that is not true.

Lily made an impossible choice (or was forced to), but isn’t it human to question yourself, having in a way still some doubts, when the feelings were so big? And it’s not just about the love – love, but she also lost her best friend because of the evolved feelings. Before everything, Lily and Luke were also friend, and now she is in a Luke – free world. And as a friend, she is worried about Luke, but she also knows that she cannot reach out to him like she usual would…

I have to admit, at some moment, I got a bit frustrated with Zack. In a way I could understand his uncertainty, but I didn’t like his own insecurities projected on Lily. If he were a bit more understanding, less pushy at some moments, perhaps things would have gone differently?

While I struggled with Zack, I liked Luke’s behaviour. He got his heart broken, but that doesn’t mean that he doesn’t care about Lily. He needs distance, but also understands that Lily needs distance.

I know for sure that I wouldn’t like to be standing in Lily’s shoes, as she is trying to understand what it is that her heart wants.
She has done in the past what she thought would be the best, wanting to make someone else happy. But while that is a noble thing, how can you make someone else happy if you aren’t 100% happy. Before you think about someone else’s heart, you must prioritize your own heart. Because if you ignore or don’t understand what it’s saying, you will never be happy…

At first, I thought this would be a story about a woman torn between two men. But this is more about Lily understanding herself, learning and prioritizing. Through her whole journey, she can luckily count on the support of her friend Cassie, who is often the voice of reason.

This was an easy book to like, because it shows that life isn’t a walk in the park. No matter what you do, who you choose, in one way or another, heartbreak will always be there. So I found it a realistic book, where perhaps doing the right thing is wrong, and doing the wrong thing is right?

When life throws you lemons, alpacas are the answer!

Synopsis

Emma is having a fresh start.

After a successful teaching career, an exciting new chapter awaits Emma – helping her fiancé Grayson run one of Beatrix Potter’s farms. While imagining days spent supporting Grayson with his dream, working the land and helping with the animals, Emma harvests a dream of her own – to set up an alpaca-walking business around the farm.

But working together isn’t as easy as Emma expected. Soon her dreams are in tatters and, broken-hearted, she must start over yet again.

When Oliver, Rosie and the team at Willowdale Hall welcome Emma with open arms, she can’t believe her luck. But starting a new business in a new place is a daunting prospect, especially when it comes with unexpected obstacles. With a reserved, prickly groundskeeper as a partner, rapidly changing family dynamics to contend with, and time running out to get her new career off the ground, Emma may have bitten off more than she can chew.

But even though things are not going to plan just yet, the best is yet to come for Emma, if she can just take a leap of faith and follow her heart…

Escape to the Lake District with million-copy bestseller Jessica Redland, for an uplifting story of family, friendship and love.

My review

Emma always loved being a teacher. But together with her fiancé Grayson, she is ready to start a brand new chapter in her life. As they finally managed to get their hands on one of Beatrix Potter’s farms, Emma cannot wait to help Grayson running the farm. And perhaps she can also have her own dream coming true, set up an alpaca – walking business.
However, life with Grayson on the farm is not as she expected it to go, and quickly she finds herself heartbroken, dreamless and even homeless.
Luckily, a recent revelation brought Oliver and Rosie, and a whole team at Willowdale Hall in her life, and Emma can now start her own business.
But it isn’t easy on her own, especially so many changes all at once. And working together with a prickly groundskeeper doesn’t make it any easier at all.
Yet Emma always believes that the best it yet to come, so she truly hopes that it will also be in this case.

My dearest Jessica,

You made me fall in love with hedgehogs with your wonderful series. Please don’t let me fall in love with alpacas too, my bank account cannot handle a new passion! 😊

But just wow, what a wonderful, amazing story this was, once again. And why am I even surprised??? I know that Jessica and her tales touch my heart, make me weep like a baby, engulf me in a warm embrace, so why would this book be the exception?

If there is one emotion that I felt throughout the whole book for Emma, it for sure was ‘admiration’. Because she dares to step out of her comfort zone as a teacher and is ready to start fresh with her fiancé on a farm, she leaves what she knows behind. And it’s not only because of Grayson that she ‘gives up’ everything, she is actually looking forward herself to her new life.
But also when everything goes awry, and she has to have another fresh start, after some wallowing (which is only natural), she picks up the pieces again and is ready to have her dream coming true.

Admiration also of how she accepts the revelation of her father. What happened in the past cannot be changed, and she is looking forward to meet the new people in her life. Once again, this is with some logical trepidation, but if you are just like me and have read/devoured the previous books of this series, you know just how delightful Oliver and Rosie are.

But I have to say, I also felt sorry for Emma in several occasions. In the past she already got her heart broken once, and I have to say that I couldn’t understand why she was so in love with Grayson. Now, we don’t know how he was when they first met, but the present Grayson, I found him truly selfish, childish, immature and the kind of person that takes advantage of someone with a kind and generous heart (like Emma).

Emma for sure isn’t having an easy time, but she makes the best of everything, and doesn’t give up. No matter what she is struggling with, from making sure her Magnificent Seven alpacas will have a great home, to a strained relationship with her father. She even doesn’t give up on love, despite her history.

Now, I have to say, that the romantic bits in this book were lovely to read. But it didn’t feel like that was at all the focus of the book. Because it’s definitely about Emma’s journey to happiness. Happiness by running her own alpaca-walking business, happiness by being surrounded by her family, happiness by understanding what truly matters for her and happiness by realizing how she wants her future to look like.

To say that I devoured this book would be a real understatement. At some times, I didn’t know what to do. I wanted to read as much and as fast possible, absorbing every word of this wonderful story. But on the other hand, I also knew that the more I read, the quicker I would be reaching the end. And that would mean saying a goodbye to all the lovely characters and was I ready for that?

Jessica, I truly don’t understand how you manage each time to write such splendid stories, with captivating characters and amazing animals too! And having some old friends over again, for sure is the cherry on top of the most exquisite cake ever!
Luckily, Belgium has been spared from a shortage of tissues, as I was able to not cry, but on the other hand, I found myself singing all the time a famous Belgian song with the same title, telling us exactly the same message, that the best indeed is yet to come! (and if you want know which song, use our dear friend Google and search for the group Novastar with the same title 😊)

Can the peace of a quiet place like Tanglewood bring a happy Christmas?

Synopsis

A fun, festive cosy romance

A rural book shop. A chance to start over. But can she make her dream a reality?

Kazz used to love the excitement of her London life, but lately her passion for expensive city living has begun to wane. So when she’s given the opportunity to open a bookshop in picturesque Tanglewood, she jumps at the chance.

But village life is much quieter than she anticipated – is she actually suited for rural living? Resigned to a boring and uneventful Christmas, when she meets gorgeous Saul she is more than ready to have some fun and enjoy the festivities. If only Saul didn’t have a reputation for being a player…

Will Kazz become the heroine in her own Christmas romance, or will he love her and leave her under the mistletoe?

This gorgeous festive romance is perfect for fans of Kiley Dunbar, Rachel Lucas and Sue Moorcroft.

My review

Kazz’s life in London wasn’t always perfect, but she loved the excitement of it. But lately Kazz finds it more and more difficult to keep up with the London pace. When just before Christmas she not only is without a job and without a house, Kazz decides that now is perhaps the best time to visit her best friend Stevie in the quiet town of Tanglewood.
Tanglewood is everything London is not, and Kazz for sure needs to adapt to its pace. But the opportunity to open a bookshop is just too good to pass by.
And when she meets Saul, things take a turn for even the better and fun is on the cards again. Yet Kazz is warned by her friends as Saul for sure has the reputation for being a player and doesn’t go further than just a few dates.
However, will Christmas works its magic, or will Kazz return to the London life she was used to?

I always think it’s a bit funny to read a story where a character leaves a hectic city like London and goes to a total opposite little town, having to adapt to a complete different lifestyle. 😊

With Kazz, I didn’t know what to think. Because while she enjoys her hectic life and job in London, she also feels that something is missing. And there is no terrible break – up she needs to get over, or a tragedy to overcome.
Although I have to say I was a bit shocked to see how everything happens just all at the same time. Losing a job always sucks, but learning that your mother decided to move with her partner to Spain and also learning that your home is going to be sold (not by choice of Kazz’s mother!), is just too much to handle! 😊

Before you go thinking that Kazz’s mother is the evil character in this book, please don’t. Because she truly is a great mother, concerned about Kazz just like any wonderful mother is.
But I couldn’t possibly blame her for leaving Kazz, because Kazz just didn’t tell her about her current situation.

Life in Tanglewood couldn’t be more different than life in London, and it was great to read how Kazz is slowly learning that lesson too. People in Tanglewood not only know each other, but also know everything about each other. But also are ready to help each other out. Even an outsider like Kazz will be helped, just because she is friends with Stevie. That is all people need to know.

I liked to see how Kazz initially is reluctant to open the bookshop, but slowly realizes that her passion is indeed with books. It was her dream but somehow she lost sight of her dream. Perhaps I wouldn’t be happy if my friends would be a little bit too pushy to open a shop, but it’s also clear that Kazz perhaps needs that nudge.

When Kazz and Saul meet, as Saul will be helping Kazz out, initially it starts a bit strained. It made perfectly sense to me that it’s awkward to sit in a car with a total stranger, and that conversations just don’t flow that easily.
But having a long trip is also the perfect opportunity to get to know someone.

It saddened me to read how Saul has his reputation. Yes, he may be not committing to anyone and just has a few dates with women. But doesn’t that also mean that he hasn’t met the right woman yet?
Because not taking his dating history in account, it’s clear that he is just an awesome man. Ready to help whenever he can, he is kind, gentle and understanding. He only opens his heart for someone worthy of it, so what is wrong with that?

Attraction is a funny thing, because attraction between the right people can make the impossible turn into possible. We see it clearly here, as both Kazz and Saul aren’t looking for going ‘steady’, yet with each other they have to rethink about their thoughts.

Obviously there are several hurdles to take, some easier than others… And it is clear in this book that communication for sure is key, even how scary it may be to open up.

But I truly loved reading this book, about new starts, meeting new people, rediscovering dreams and passions. But most of all, about finding love, peace and rest in a wonderful quaint setting!

When The Grinch meets Secret Snowflake…

Synopsis

Burned by love, Sebastian has sworn to remain single, but he may have just met his match.

Sebastian: Being single is under-rated. No inexplicable mystery of love for me. I admit I’m attracted to my co-worker Iris—and not just because she was wearing glowing cat paw underwear. But even though she’s breached my first line of defense, I’m set in my Grinch ways.

Iris is the Secret Snowflake for her perfect man—who is definitely not Sebastian.

Iris: No more naughty heartthrobs for me. Catching my rock star ex cheating cured me. All I’m asking Santa for is my work bonus and a nice—dare I say boring?—guy. And that’s my Secret Snowflake recipient: Ernest. But now our company has been hacked, and secrets abound. I’m working around the clock to figure out who and why—with our aloof, but oh-so-attractive company counsel, Sebastian—before I get a stocking filled with coal for the holidays.

The last thing I should also be trying to decipher is him. I know I can trust Sebastian to help me. It’s trusting my heart that’s the problem.

When things are definitely not what they seem, sometimes it takes the light of the holidays to reveal the clues to love.

My review

Ever since Iris caught her rock star boyfriend cheating on her, all she is looking for is a nice guy. And she believes she has found him with her Secret Snowflake recipient. But as she doesn’t know what Ernest really likes, she asks her colleague Sebastian for his input, as he seems to be the closest to Ernest.
However, when the company is being hacked, Iris has to work to figure out what is going on, and that also means working with Sebastian.
Joining forces means attraction that grows between the pair. But Sebastian isn’t at all looking for love, even if the more time he spends with Iris, it’s harder to ignore the attraction.
And Iris for sure should only be focusing on the job of deciphering the hacks and not trying to understand Sebastian….

Picking up a book written by Kathy Strobos for me always feels like picking up a book filled with happiness. Because she always manages to write great stories with great characters but also realistic and just real characters.

Although I have to say, that perhaps I thought that the focus would be more on the Secret Snowflake bit. But I was glad it wasn’t because it gave the characters the opportunity to show who they really are, without the Secret Snowflake being the common thread throughout the whole story.

Iris has been burnt by love in the worst way, in a way that no one deserves. So while her ex-boyfriend was a rockstar, with a bad boy reputation, it makes perfectly sense that now she is looking for the complete opposite and wants a nice guy instead.

I liked Iris from the start, because she is not only a smart cookie, she is also a kind and generous person. She knows her friends, what makes them happy. She even goes that far to make someone feel less awkward by pretending to be pregnant too (as a joke 😊).
Honesty forces me to say that I was a bit in awe of her knowledge, because IT is for sure not my cup of tea!

On the other hand we have Sebastian. He enjoys his job, but finds it difficult to let his father understand that he isn’t looking for something else and he is doing what he is truly passionate about. And the last thing he is looking for, is love. It’s not that he is a player or using women for his own benefit, but he just enjoys singledom.

I have to warn you as a reader, because this for sure is a slow burn. But that is also what the book needs. Of course there is that physical attraction and many will – they – will – they – not moments. Despite my frustrations, because I wanted them to get together asap, it’s exactly the pace that Iris and Sebastian need to understand not only their own feelings but also understand each other, and just get to know each other.

This book was so utterly sweet in so many different aspects, because we see how Iris and Sebastian are just rooting and supporting each other. They want each other to succeed in whatever they do, and don’t want to be the one holding each other back. And that is a beautiful thought, even if it as the cost of their own happiness.

I also never heard of ‘Secret Snowflake’ before, only of ‘Secret Santa’, and I liked how by using a snowflake is so much more inclusive and allowing everyone to participate.

I had high expectations of this book, as I absolutely devoured the previous books of this series and other books of this author. While it isn’t adamant having read the previous book, perhaps it will be easier to understand some bits of this book. And because they are also just delightful to read! 😊
And the cameos of my old friends for sure put an even bigger smile on my face. I absolutely loved this book, the author did a wonderful job with this story about love, respect and courage about letting fear miss you out on perhaps the best possible thing.