Tizi’s Book Review

Can you turn around your life?

Synopsis

They only had each other – now they’re being torn apart.

When thirteen-year-old Bertram Jordan is arrested and sent to a penal colony in Australia, his biggest regret is leaving behind his friend Alice Truelove. The children were each other’s comfort when they had to live rough on Wednesbury heath, surviving on whatever meagre funds they could pilfer from passing market-goers. Now they must face their futures alone.

While BJ is learning to survive and then thrive on a cattle ranch in Fremantle, surrounded by the hundreds of other men and boys who have been shipped from England, Alice is making her own way in the poverty-stricken Black Country. When a stroke of good fortune means that Alice can start her own business, she cunningly disguises her young age, and before long has established a thriving bakery. As her business grows, so do her responsibilities, and Alice relishes the opportunity to help those who helped her when she was down.

But every night as Alice and BJ rest their heads on opposite sides of the world, both go to sleep with the same last thought. Will they ever see each other again?

The Queen of Black Country sagas is back with a fascinating tale of bravery, forever friendship, heartbreak and joy. Perfect for all fans of Katie Flynn, Val Wood and Lyn Andrews.

My review

While growing up hasn’t been easy for Alice and her best friend BJ, somehow things have turned around during the years, despite being separated as BJ has been arrested and sent to a penal colony in Australia.
No matter how dire their initial circumstances were, and how far they are from each other, BJ is showing his worth in Australia and Alice is expanding her own bakery ‘empire’. While initially the contact was lost between them, somehow they have found each other again, and with regularly writing each other, they keep each other updated about each other’s lives.
However, no matter how good their lives are progressing, their only desire is to see other again. Will they make their greatest desire come true? Or have their paths split and they will never see each other again?

Oh, how eager was I to read this second chapter of Alice’s and BJ’s story! I still had so many unanswered questions after the first book, and I truly wanted to know what fate had in store for these two young people. Their lives as children wasn’t an easy one and I was cheering for these friends.

I found that this book could be perfectly split in two different books, but of course as Alice’s and BJ’s friendship is the common thread, one book was perhaps the best choice 😊.

We already know that Alice is the proud owner of a bakery and I was happy read to read how the sky is the limit for her. She is the kind of person that was able to turn her cards, turn something bad into something good.
But she is also a young woman with her head on her shoulders, she doesn’t forget where she came from and doesn’t act differently.
On the contrary, she tries to help those in need, she is a generous and kind person. And even when someone in a way that I for sure would not accept, Alice shows patience, understanding and forgiveness. She will always offer her help.
However, she is not someone to mess with, as when she sees injustice she stands against is, fighting against people who belittle her.

And how sweet was it reading how even distance cannot break the friendship she has with BJ??? Of course initially, once found each other again, it makes sense to be keeping in touch, but with time passing by, you would think the contact would also lessen. But real friendship can stand the test of time and distance!

I was happy to see how BJ is thriving in Australia. In the first book he didn’t have an easy time, but now things are for sure looking brightly for him.
And how amazing is it that he has all the possible support from just everyone where he is staying! He is not treated as a criminal, but as a real human being (and the only right way by the way!).
Which each suggestion, he is being heard, and being appreciated.

In this second book we see how people with a terrible start in life, are able to change the cards they were handled. And that for sure works inspiring, even if the story is set in a past we cannot relate to.
We see how contrasting life can be, how people with the same kind of background, can act differently. While Alice and BJ and nice side characters show us the positive twist, we see with other characters how the downward spiral can become your real downfall.

After finishing this book perhaps too quickly for my liking, I found myself smiling with how life has turned for Alice and BJ. But on the other hand, I was also a bit frustrated, because it isn’t the final end of their story, and I am too eager to get to know how this tale will end!

Looking forward to the wedding of the year, hopefully the run towards it will be drama-free

Synopsis

As the year draws to an end at Primrose Hall, Pia and her Lord of the Manor fiancé Jackson are putting the finishing touches to their annual Carols by Candlelight evening.

The past twelve months have not all been plain sailing – Jackson’s father Rex had a serious health scare, his long-lost brother Tom appeared unannounced, and Jackson himself had his own disaster. Sothe family are thrilled to finally be able to look forward to Christmas together and the event of the year – Jackson and Pia’s long-awaited wedding.

With the idyllic backdrop of Primrose Woods, the dream venue, and a community ready to celebrate with them, Pia and Jackson are counting the days until they are husband and wife. Now they just need to cross their fingers that the dramas of the previous year are all behind them…

Welcome back to Primrose Hall for the wedding of the year and guaranteed laughter, friendship and romance. Perfect for fans of Cathy Bramley, Heidi Swain and Julie Houston.

My review

At Primrose Hall, Pia and Jackson are looking forward to their Christmas wedding. The last year has been a difficult one, as there was more than just one struggle they needed to face. However, they are not only thinking about the wedding bells, because running a place like Primrose Hall means to keep investing, to be inventive and even think outside the box. Surrounded by their family and friends, Pia and Jackson are planning the wedding and making plans for the estate. And they are not the only ones making plans for the future…

When you are invested in a series, you cannot wait to read how it will finally all come together, to that hopefully happy ending the characters deserve.

So obviously I couldn’t wait to read this next chapter in this series, as I truly loved reading and discover how the couples were doing now. And let me tell you this straight away: what a delight this book was!

Pia and Jackson for sure have been through a lot before getting to this exact point. The love between them is still so very obvious, it’s just something to get envious over! But they are also very recognizable and relatable. Well, not 100% relatable, as not everyone is living in such a wonderful estate as they are 😊, but the feelings and emotions for sure are.

Because while it may seem all be going smoothly, they are human. And Pia doesn’t always agree with Jackson, and even has a few moments of doubt. Doubt that is normal to have, even when Pia is so deeply in love with Jackson. Marriage is for sure an important commitment, that shouldn’t be taken lightly, and Pia’s thoughts show us that thinking about everything, every possible outcome – especially with what already happened in the past – is so logical.

Nevertheless, about the things that matter the most, Pia and Jackson are for sure in sync with each other. They are partners in “crime”, as they are not only understanding each other, but also complement each other perfectly.

Although I have to say, the author nearly gave me a heart attack with the events taking place on Pia’s hen do! 😊

I loved it also to see how the other couples were doing. And they also have their ups and downs, showing the struggles of a rather new couple, but also showing the exciting prospects of a couple going the length. We see the different stages of relationships, and that with wonderful people!

In this book we see a lot of complicity too, seeing how not only the couples are uniting, and supporting, but also the friends and families among themselves. We see a lot of not only lovely people, but loved people. People that want to find their happiness and want their loved ones to find happiness.

I absolutely devoured this book, as it gave me the perfect closure of a wonderful series. it went exactly how I wanted it to go, with many heartwarming moments, funny moments but mainly just so much love in it generally!

When love made you stay already once, you cannot make the same mistake again

Synopsis

Julia Volpe’s Italian dream has turned into a nightmare.

Still living with her ex, Luca, a year after they’ve broken up, desperate to sell the dilapidated B&B that was meant to be their future, Jules knows she needs to leave. There are just two problems. Her passport has expired and she’s broke.

Not quite ready to ask her parents for help – at the ripe old age of twenty-seven – Jules decides to head as far away from Luca as she can to work on an olive farm until she has enough money to pay for her passport and a ticket back home.

Jules has sworn off love, but she hadn’t bargained on the beauty of Cividale del Friuli, the ancient Italian town on the banks of the gloriously blue Natisone river. As the community of farmers, neighbours and locals generously welcome her into their lives, Jules can feel her defences crumbling. But it’s when she meets Alex, broodingly handsome yet charmingly gallant, that Jules truly knows she’s in trouble. Because Alex has sworn off love too, and his reasons run deep enough for him to keep his word just as Jules is starting to reconsider her resistance to romance.

Live your very own Italian dream and let Leonie Mack whisk you away. Romantic, spell-binding, truly touching and perfect for all fans of Jill Mansell, Mandy Baggot and Sarah Morgan.

My review

When Julia Volpe came to Italy from Australia, she didn’t expect to fall in love with Luca and decide on not only staying with him, but also buy a B&B together. However, she didn’t expect to be still living with him a year after their break – up… Julia doesn’t want anything more than just leave Luca and also Italy behind, weren’t it for two problems: her passport  has expired and a ticket home is something she cannot really afford at the moment. So the next best thing is just leaving Luca and find a job at an olive farm in Cividale del Friuli, a place that Luca hopefully will never find. Even if Jules has sworn off love, she cannot stop falling for Cividale del Friuli and its community of nosy but genuine people. And staying with Alex, the man she met by chance, and is now apparently linked to the farm, makes her wonder is she perhaps will be making the same mistake she made with Luca. But Alex himself isn’t all that happy with Jules staying at his place, because being on his own just suits him fine, and he for sure wants to keep clear of love, for his own reasons…

If you are following my reviews, you know that stories set in Italy already score extra points for me. Add to that equation that it’s a romance AND it’s a book by an author that I truly love, well, can I truly dislike it?

The honest answer is “yes, it is possible…”. But, before I give Leonie Mack a heart attack, that was absolutely not the case, as I loved every bit about it!

The start of the book is a sad one, as it’s clear that Jules has hit rock bottom. I cannot imagine staying with my ex even a year after breaking up, but I could understand why Jules stayed, as she just doesn’t have any other option…

Now, the how bureaucracy is not completely clear to me, but knowing Italian bureaucracy, and having an idea about the complications of just flying to Australia, I had an idea how Jules ended up in this particular situation.

It angered me a little bit, to see how Jules was treated. She gave up a lot for love, she left her home, invested in a B&B that isn’t working and now she is left empty – handed. And learning that her ex and his mother always have been criticizing her, having remarks on everything she did, just angered me. Being in a country, not speaking the language, Jules for sure could use all the support she needed, but didn’t get it…

I was surprised by Jules’s courageous behaviour, not only when she decided to stay in Italy, but also her decision to just go away from Luca and his even in a way toxic behaviour, not knowing where the future would bring her. Of course Jules doesn’t go without a plan, as she is going to Cividale del Friuli and work at a farm for board and lodging.

While reading, I for sure could relate easily with all the Italian characters, those living in Cividale del Friuli obviously – as they are the good kind of people. It was recognizable to see how it all starts with wariness, but also nosiness, yet once Jules is ‘part of the team’, she truly is part of the family too. Even if being part of the family means to be subject to a lot of matchmaking…

And the person she is being matched to, is Alex. Alex, who she already met one evening and there for sure was something…

Of course as a reader, we know that it wouldn’t end on just that one night, but when Alex re-enters the scene, the contrast couldn’t be any bigger. Because the Alex we meet on the farm is for sure not the same Alex Jules spent several hours with… And let’s be honest, if I didn’t know the initial Alex, I don’t know if Alex would keep my interest…

Now, it needs to be said, Alex has been through a lot in the past, and it’s clear that he still hasn’t come completely to terms, he is still holding on to the past and is still grieving.

And learning those bits, made me understand him better, understand why he is hot one moment and cold the other.

In this book we see a story about two people who have lost love, in one or another, making them afraid to open up again, or give love a chance again.

But we see that Jules and Alex, despite their resolution to not make the “mistake” of falling in love again, not only understand each better than expected, also find someone that ignites something inside thought to be gone forever.

And that exactly is the beauty of this book, beside a wonderful setting (not at all biased here, even if my roots are more southern than the northern Friuli setting 😊). Love doesn’t come easy, love can come with pain, or can be tried to be stopped by pain and loss and fear. But love also make you courageous, wanting to put yourself out there, no matter how scary that may be. And it’s okay not finding that courage immediately, as there is a whole process to go through.

Leonie Mack wrote a wonderful story, capturing the Italian life perfectly, and also adding the typical dialect, but she mainly captured the difficulties and struggles of the heart, and how it can be conflicted in not wanting to make mistakes anymore, but also finding it impossible of not beating that little bit faster for someone very special…

When love is surrounding you, do you dare to take that leap?

Synopsis

It’s not supposed to be her love story…

Planning a wedding with the man you’re secretly in love with… what could go wrong?

Liv Holland has a secret: she’s been crushing on Arran Adebayo, her brother’s best friend, for years. They’re ‘just friends’ but she can’t help the butterflies in her stomach whenever she’s around him.

When they’re asked to help plan festivities for Liv’s brother’s wedding, Liv and Arran can no longer deny the sparks between them. But with both having their own chequered romantic history, risking everything for love could mean losing each other forever…

As the wedding bells ring, will Liv and Arran finally find their own happy ever after?

My review

Liv Holland couldn’t be more thrilled to hear about the engagement of her twin brother Sam and her best friend Maya. After everything the pair has been through – also separately – they for sure deserve their happily ever after together. And Liv is happy to be entrusted to help planning all the festivities, even that means being even more involved with Sam’s best friend Arran. Not that she dislikes Arran, but it’s rather the complete opposite, as she has been in love with him for years. However, Liv is afraid to act upon her feelings as herself and Arran has also become the best of friends, and Liv couldn’t bare the thought of losing not only Arran, but also losing Arran’s son Jayce… But what Liv doesn’t is that after a blind date that happens to be with Arran, Arran suddenly sees Liv in a different light. But Arran has had his heart broken last year, and can he truly find the courage to open up his heart again, with his new best friend and his best friend’s sister of all people?

Oh how much have I loved reading this book! I even dare to say that I perhaps even prefer Liv’s and Arran’s story to Maya’s and Sam’s one. In a way in this story there is perhaps more realism and just more sparks are flying around, and just more will – they – will – they – not – moments. And then those heated moments, and those looks shared between Liv and Arran!

Liv for sure is the girl – next – door type, just genuine, caring and lovely. While perhaps any other sibling would be a little bit contrary to see the brother falling in love with the best friend, Liv couldn’t be happier for the pair. That for sure is a testament for her altruism and love for her loved ones. I for sure could see her working at the nursery, as she understands the children and has just a way in general with them.

But despite all those wonderful traits, Liv is also scarred by her father. The relationship even when she was just a child, was a strained one, and the way her father is in general made her fearful of falling in love, or just open her heart for that possibility. Her father’s behaviour, in the past and even still now, has made her hold back, even afraid of just being herself. As she has always been compared to her father, and the way they were alike, put a genuine fear in her. And that saddened me, because that fear doesn’t allow her to just be herself, while Liv is just such a wonderful person, even a fierce and strong one, but she won’t let that show too much…

Luckily she is surrounded by lovely friends, who understand her better than Liv herself may think. And the friendship she has with Arran, which just grows stronger in time, makes her yes wonder who she truly is, but with Arran she also finds someone to confide in, without any judgement.

Seeing Liv and Arran together, even before those sparks start to fly around all the place, truly warmed my heart. Arran is perhaps a typical man, afraid to ask for help, but with Liv offering her assistance when Arran even hasn’t voiced it. And that is what real friendship is: just offering your help and not accepting a refusal as an answer.

Arran for sure also has had his share of setbacks in the past. While it’s obvious that Jayce is the light of his life, the break – up  with his ex – fiancée was a bitter pill to swallow as he wasn’t expecting it at all.

Perhaps it’s not nice of me, but Jess’s character angered me, reading how she expects Arran to have Jayce for the weekend, so that she could go out with her recent boyfriend. It’s not that she doesn’t have the right to go out, but I didn’t like it how she just keeps an assuming that Arran will just jump at her every request… But I am also the first to say that towards the end of the book, somehow she made it possible to change my opinion over her…

I truly enjoyed reading how close Liv and Arran are becoming in this book, even they already had a strong bond before the start of the book. And the relationship Liv has with Jayce was just sooooo sweet to read!

While as a reader it was a bit frustrating reading how two lovely characters that for sure deserve not only love, but each other, are afraid of admitting their feelings, I could also understand those fears. Because what if in a terrible twist, things would end badly, there would be so much loss, not only their love, but also their friendship, causing perhaps even further problems in their circle of friends, and let’s not forget how it would affect Jayce.

But those sparks… just wow, talking about fireworks!

I absolutely devoured this book, as we can see how real friends support each other no matter what, and how those relationships can shift into something perhaps even more wonderful, as the person that sees you the best, understands you the best, can give you the best. As long as you won’t allow fear, self – doubt and hurt of the past hold you back from having the most beautiful thing in life, and what you also for sure deserve!

Zoe Allison for sure wrote a warm and lovely story and I for sure hope that a third book will come out with another couple that has now something simmering!

When protection is needed, but who is the one in need?

Synopsis

A bodyguard and forced proximity await in the emotional final installment of Secrets of Clan Cameron…

The Highlander’s choice:
Protect her or his clan?

Every family has secrets. Kenna Hay’s? The mother who abandoned her is alive! Now Kenna must journey across Scotland to find her. After years of lies, she’s determined to keep Rolf Cameron, who’s tasked with escorting her, at arm’s length…despite their unexpected connection.

Highlander Rolf swore to Kenna’s father he’d keep her safe. Even though his own quest to uncover his family’s past could put both their clans in danger… But what’s more dangerous is the all-consuming attraction between them, which is becoming impossible to ignore!

My review

Rolf Cameron is determined to find out all the secrets that have been being kept from his and his siblings. That brings him setting up a meeting with a person that seemingly is in possession of documents that may reveal it all.However, that meeting ends abruptly, even before it began, as the man he is supposed to meet, gets killed. But not before he asks Rolf to protect his daughter Kenna on her journey across Scotland, with those precious documents.Kenna is devastated learning about the death of her father, and makes it clearly that she not only hates the clan responsible for it, but also the Clan Cameron. Because of territory, Kenna has already lost too much, and can only find comfort in the runes. Runes that suddenly has been sending her more and more signals of danger and signs of obscurity. During their journey, Rolf keeps his real identity hidden from Kenna, but that doesn’t stop the attraction to grow between them. But with so many secrets between them, and secrets seem to be following everywhere they go, how will their journey end?

Having read the previous books of this series, I was eager to read Rolf’s story, the most enigmatic of the siblings. And perhaps also the sibling who is most at loss. It’s clear that not only he is carrying a lot of responsibility around, but he has so many questions about his family, about his own memories and the only way to have some peace, is find those answers, no matter where it takes him.

I couldn’t imagine the perfect love interest for Rold, as he is also rather closed off, and even afraid to let anyone in. Of course he loves his siblings dearly, and there isn’t a thing he wouldn’t do for them. But he is in turmoil, and not just any woman would be able to take his walls down.

Kenna for sure shows her worth in this story. But just like Rolf, she is at loss. She lost her mother at a young age, only to have her relationship with her father strengthened by it. So obviously I could understand her devastation seeing her father dying. And I couldn’t blame her for feeling so fiercely against the culprits, and even adding the Cameron’s in those feelings, even if they weren’t justified.

I have to admit, runes don’t really call to me, and I don’t know if I would let them have the kind of power they have to Kenna. But I can understand how it is a gift for Kenna, and how she uses the runes as a kind of comfort, a solace even. But it’s also clear that in a way, it’s a shield that Kenna uses. She allows the runes to even let her hold back in a way. As the runes aren’t a science, and there is a lot of uncertainty. And that uncertainty frightens her and thus lets that hold her back.

Kenna and Rolf are very different in many ways. But they also realize slowly, by spending so much time together, on their journey, how alike they are, in the things that truly matter. And I mean this in the good things, but also in the things that aren’t totally positive, like their fears, their demons.

But as this is a journey they are going through together, literally and figuratively, they not only learn to open a bit, but the realization that they are in fact kindred spirits, chases a bit the demons away. And with the attraction between them, I was happy to see their relationship evolve, even if there are still secrets being kept between them.

This isn’t just a story about two people from different clans finding each other, but it is also about politics in a way. Because we see how territory, power and that thirst for more, can affect just everything. There are many secrets revealed in this book, and also many revelations, even shocking ones.

There is a lot of going on in this book, as there are several storylines to follow and discover. That made it great story to read. There is the attraction between Kenna and Rolf, the many different dynamics between them. But also the mystery surrounding their homes and families.

In this story we see how fear can hold you back, but as the desire for protection ignites something in the pair of them. But we also see how finding each other can bring peace, even without having all the answers. And that is also the power of love, to let go of the past yet embrace the future that lays ahead of you!

Even in paradise it’s not always sunshine

Synopsis

It’s hard to stay professional when you’re stuck on a tiny island… with your ex

Carrie Briggs is on the cusp of a career breakthrough. About to be made partner at her accountancy firm, she’s been given one more hoop to jump through before it can be made official.

And she could think of worse clients to work with – because world-renowned billionaire Joe Hettich is flying her out to his private island in the Caribbean.

But her hopes of career highs (and relaxing in the gorgeous sun in her spare time, of course!) are dashed when she meets the CFO of Joe’s company: Luke Chalmers, the man who broke her heart seven years ago when he chose his ex over her.

With a storm brewing in paradise – both in her heart and literally, on the island – she’s going to have to put her big girl pants on and get through this, before all those feelings have a chance to resurface…

A sun-filled and heartwarming romance, perfect for fans of Emily Henry and Christina Lauren.

My review

Carrie Briggs is doing everything she can to finally become partner. It took her a long time to be so close to her dream, especially as previously in her past some rumours went around about her, how she wasn’t afraid to use every trick in the book to get high in the hierarchy. So when her boss asks her to fly over to a high esteemed client, to the private island in the Caribbean,  she believes this is the last hurdle to take. However, once arrived on the wonderful island, Carrie is shocked to learn that her client, Joe Hettich, is in the company of his CFO, Luke Chalmers. And let it just be Luke that was the one that broke her heart seven years ago, and also jeopardized her career, as they sued to have a thing together. A thing that Carrie believed to be love, until Luke left her to go back to his pregnant wife. So to say that Carrie is rather bitter, is a real understatement. She cannot wait to finish her job, fly back home and forget Luke all over again. But a storm is coming, a literal and a figurative one, and Carrie despite her hateful feelings towards Luke, must face the music…

As a real romance – lover, I cannot imagine a more dream worthy storyline than being stuck on a wonderful island? Now, of course that island being hit by a hurricane, well, not that dream – worthy anymore! 😊

I was very eager to start with this book, as I have previous books for this author and I loved them all and they for all made me laugh, even out loud.

So when I reached the end, I was a bit sad, because this book didn’t make me really laugh at loud. I am not saying that I didn’t enjoy the book, because I did, but maybe (and I hope the author will think badly about me…) I liked the previous book just better.

It all starts with a flashback, bringing us back seven years ago, the right moment where Carrie’s heart got broken by Luke, and a heartfelt letter in an attempt to make the wrongdoings right again. And the regret of Luke’s actions is so palpable from the written words, making me even hope (in vain) that Carrie and Luke will get their second chance. Which they won’t as otherwise we wouldn’t be reading this story.

Despite the heartbreak that Carrie had, and the consequential backlash of it, Carrie is now finally reaching the dream of becoming a partner of the firm she is working for. She has worked hard to get to this point, and she knows that perhaps lately she has said more “yes” to requests, making her life rather hectic. But the end justifies the means, right?

While I liked it how Carrie was pursuing her dreams careerwise, it saddened me to read how not only she doesn’t have that significant other in her life, and even worse, how her heartbreak seven years ago truly scarred her.

But slowly getting to know that history, I could perfectly understand the devastation she has felt back then and also the hatred she started to feel and still feels for Luke.

Even if Carrie is unaware of the link between Joe and Luke, I couldn’t wait to read the moment that Carrie sets her eyes on Luke once arriving on the island. Yes, I am that evil, enjoying to read those bits! 😊

Great part of the book, Carrie and Luke are truly enemies. They cannot even be kind to each other, and they cannot help themselves but throwing digs to each other. And even when they agree to keep things businesslike and be generally polite to each other (and nothing more), we see it takes great effort on both sides.

Because not only Carrie is hurt by Luke’s behaviour those years ago, Luke also got hurt by Carrie, as he believed and still believes that their relationship didn’t mean that much to her as it did to him. And her ghosting him that easily only proof that even further.

It’s so obvious that these two people should just sit together as adults and talk about the past and just clear the air between them? But as an outsider that is obviously easier said than done. Instead we see two people that are hurt and hurting each other. Yet it’s also clear that there is still something brewing, and it’s not only the storm.

Being stuck together, forces them to spend time together, giving them also the time to come clean about present misunderstandings and get to know each other once again, for real.

Like I said, the biggest part of the book Carrie and Luke were antagonists, and only later on in the book there is a shift between them. Perhaps I would have liked it to see that shift taking place earlier in the book. But on the other hand, it also makes sense that grudge, hurt and pain just doesn’t disappear that easily, and that it truly takes time to open up (again).

I enjoyed reading this book, as it shows that even after many years, there can be something simmering between exes. But it isn’t that easy to let go of the past, and go for a second chance. We see in this book that perhaps being stuck can be exactly what we need, to face our fears and our pains. And that how scary it can be to open up again, love always deserves a second chance.

Can a strange dream tell you your future?

Synopsis

Alisha Jones, or Princess Christmas as she is affectionately known, is joint heir to her Grandpa Frost’s family fortune, but being third behind an older sister and brother means she has to work three times as hard to prove herself.

Marsha Underwood, her grandpa’s PA and ever-present thorn in her side, is determined to undermine her at every turn and Alisha finds herself powerless to prevent this.

An encounter with a fortune teller at the Frost Christmas Ball leads to a bewildering dream of the future; and the added complication of Tom Walker, the son of Frost’s new business partner leads to a tumultuous year.

With her friends by her side, will she be able to turn things around? And what exactly does the strange dream mean?

A story of family, friendship and love at first sight with a sprinkle of Christmas magic

My review

Alisha Jones is working for the family business, with her Grandpa Frost at the reins. While she is known as Princess Christmas, life isn’t exactly going how she wants. Because being the younger sister to her siblings, she has to work three times as hard. And her Grandpa’s PA Marsha is taking advantage of every opportunity to put Alisha in a bad light. When at the Frost Christmas Ball Alishe meets a fortune teller, it makes her have one of the strangest dreams involving a cranberry. And according that same fortune teller, her dream will tell her about her future husband. But while that dream keeps lingering around, Alisha is facing the most difficult year in her life, as she finds herself in the middle of more than just one turmoil. And then there is Tom Walker, son of Frost’s new business partner… Will things turn around for Alisha with the help of her friends? Or will this year will end in another disaster?

Even if I am not a believer of fortune tellers, I can enjoy their presence in a story, especially in a Christmas story. And of course in this book, that presence is adamant as it gives Alisha some clues about her future!

I can only try to imagine the hardship of working in a family business. And Alisha being the youngest of the siblings, it for sure is clear that Alisha is being compared to her siblings all the time.

It’s not only that Alisha is doing her very best at her job, and she is rather good at it, but it angered me to read how Marsha is seemingly keeping her pushing out of everything, not only out of her job but in a way also out of the family.

It felt like Alisha can’t do anything good, can’t live up to the extreme expectations, can’t show her worth. Luckily she has a strong clique of loyal friends, that not only push her to stand up for herself, but would walk on water for her.

I have to admit, while reading, I felt a lot of anger. Not because that story was a bad one, but just because the behaviour of those around Alisha. I am not only talking about Marsha, who is so obvious yet nobody sees her true character.

But what truly made me furious, was reading how her own family acts towards her. Now, it isn’t that it’s a bad family, because they aren’t. However, when Alisha needs their support the most, she finds herself all alone in her fight.

Alisha is in this book going through a few mindfucks. She is worried about the business, as there is something going on there, and not the legit way. But only on a personal level things aren’t that straightforward. Her ex did something really dirty on her, and that he is still around for sure doesn’t help.

And the appearance of Tom only adds even more worries.

It was sweet to see how Alisha and Tom meet, as he for sure seems the perfect gentleman. But I have to say, he didn’t really do it for me. Not only because he has his own issues that need to be solved (and those are big issues!), but he isn’t honest from the very start. It’s not that he is a bad guy, but I didn’t fall in love with him like I often do with the love interest of the main character.

Nevertheless, I could understand why Alisha finds herself attracted to him, as he is down to earth, easy to talk to and sparks do fly around them.

Initially I thought this would be a real romance, how Alisha would find that special person. And I was expected some kind of drama before a wonderful ending.

But I realized rather quickly that this wasn’t just a romance story, but “just” a story about a woman going through a difficult period.

It’s a story about Alisha learning to fight for what and who she loves. She fights for her place in the business, she fights for the business in general. She fights against wrongdoings, even when cast away from and by her loved ones. But Alisha also learns that what she sees, isn’t always how the cards are truly laying.

She fights for love, trying to find out where her future lays, with the help of people that will always have her back.

Obviously there are several funny moments in this book, created intentionally by the characters or not. So there is a lot love found around while reading. And that is the most important, because no matter what happens in your life, if you have that love and support, you can come through everything. While Alisha feels alone at some moments, by not knowing what truly is going on, she doesn’t see the bigger picture and trust that she is in fact not alone.

At moments this felt like a heavy book to read, as Alisha is struggling through a lot. But with the addition of Christmas, and its magic, it added extra lightness to it, with also the help of Alisha’s friends and just Alisha’s bubbly character. A character that is also very recognizable, as that bubbliness cannot be constantly present.

Despite everything happening to Alisha, I found this a heartwarming story, about a lovely character on the search. A search that doesn’t come easy as there are a lot of hurdles to take. But with determination, inner growth and believing in yourself and in your own strength, even the worst of situations can be changed. And that one thing you are looking for, can be found, as long as you don’t let yourself hold back.

Searching for many answers, in a bookshop

Synopsis

Everyone’s story has some magic. You just have to turn the page to find it…

As the sun rises over the little Provence village where single mother Adeline has escaped with her little girl Lili, she breathes deeply. This is their new beginning. Here, she can forget the lies her family told her. Here, she can start her story again.

Later she opens the door to the town’s tiny bookstore, where she is to work, ready to meet the mysterious owner Monique for the first time.

She expected an ordinary bookshop. But this bookstore feels somehow different… magical. Breathing in the smell of books, she feels a jolt of something. It feels like a new chapter beginning.

As she gets to know the villagers – including the handsome Andre and friendly Michel – she starts to believe in the magic of this new start. But can a runaway like Adeline ever find what she’s looking for? Or is a happy-ever-after just another fiction?

A totally gorgeous, escapist, romantic novel – set in rural Provence – by the bestselling author of A Year at the French Farmhouse and The Bordeaux Bookclub.

My review

Adaline is at loss after discovering something devastating after the death of her mother. Not knowing who she is anymore, she decides to accept a new job in a book shop in a quaint little village in the French Provence, together with her little daughter Lili. But working with and for Monique is for sure interesting, to say the least. Because whenever Monique is around, there is something in the air, even something magical. Adapting to the French way of life, and learning more about Monique and her beliefs, Adaline starts to feel more at home than she ever imagined. She truly liked life in this community, meeting new and interesting people, like the customers of the book shop, Andre of the bakery and Michel, who looks after his aunt Monique. But will Adaline also find the answers she is looking for?

Gillian Harvey is the kind of author that doesn’t write the stories that are all happy – happy – joy – joy. Not that she writes depressing stories, but she writes stories with characters that have been through or are going through a lot.

And that is exactly the kind of character that Adaline is. Even if it isn’t made known from the start what is haunting her, you don’t need to be a rocket scientist to understand what she had discovered and why she is at loss.

I admired her in a way to just pack up and leave her London life behind and start over in this little village in the Provence. I don’t know if I would have the courage to do that, leave everything and everyone you know behind. Especially as Adaline chose Provence on the tiniest clue she could have to find the missing answers.

Working in a book shop for sure is a dream coming true for booklovers, like me, and I was eager to learn how Adaline would embrace her new life and new job. But just like Adaline, I was a bit thrown off my game reading how Monique runs her shop, and just the way Monique is in general.

And I mean this in the kindest possible way, but Monique for sure is something special! I don’t truly believe in what she believes, but it fits her perfectly. That doesn’t mean that Monique is a gullible or ‘simple’ person, but more that she is open to everything around her.

Even if our opinions differ on that matters, it’s clear that Monique is a lovely character, a warm person.

It was sweet to see how Adaline is adapting to her new life, meeting new people, all the while trying to find the answers to her so many questions. And seeing how the ‘Monique – ness’ is rubbing off on her, was a nice touch.

Of course Lili is the real delight of the book! Children are so resilient, and I liked it how easy she adapted to her life in France, and how she just embraces everything that comes on her way.

In this book we see how a bad revelation can turn in something good, as Adaline starts the story on a bad way, but slowly we see her finding joy and happiness again. We see Adaline change from a broken person in a person that becomes lighter, fights off even the loneliness and finds so many things she needs in her life, people, sense, family and more.

It was great reading this story about a young woman in search of something, but finding so much more than she expected. There is a special something in this book, not exactly magical but something close to it. And that something for sure added an extra sparkle to this book that I loved devouring!

When your perfect match is your ex…

Synopsis

What if the one who got away is really the one?

When Stella finds herself back home with a string of disastrous dates under her belt, she’s certain she’s hit rock bottom. Until she discovers her mother has signed her up to The Love Hotel: a luxury matchmaking service where a perfect love match is guaranteed! Stella is adamant she’ll have nothing to do with this nonsense! But then a match is found faster than she can say ‘Not.A.Chance!’ So, how bad can two weeks in the scorching Spanish sunshine be?

Very bad, actually. Because when Stella arrives, she’s mortified to learn her date is no perfect stranger. In fact she knows him a little too well. Because Max is the childhood sweetheart who broke her heart, who her heart remembers and who is more gorgeous than ever.

With no refunds, Stella reluctantly decides to stay and enjoy the holiday – all she has to do is keep Max at an arm’s length…right? Easier said than done when Max is impossible to ignore. And as the Love Hotel begins to work its matchmaking magic, Stella can’t deny that the sparks still sizzle between them. And maybe, the experts were right afterall…

My review

Stella has given up on finding love, especially after disastrous date after disastrous date. But her stubborn mother loves her too much to let her give up so easily, and has signed Stella up for The Love Hotel, a matchmaking service where the perfect match is a guarantee.
Stella doesn’t believe that the matchmaking hotel will be able to find her perfect man, but spending two weeks in the Spanish sun, what could possibly happen?
That is until she meets her match Max… Because Max isn’t the complete stranger Stella expected to meet. But Max is the man who broke her heart when he was Stella’s childhood sweetheart.
So the last thing Stella wants to do, is spend time with him. Easier said than done, as refunds aren’t possible and keeping him at distance isn’t easy with all the planned and won activities.
However, for Max this is the perfect opportunity to explain what happened all those years ago. And how much his life has changed due one event.
What the both of them aren’t expecting, is that the attraction there once was between them, is still very much alive. And that the Love Hotel always delivers…

This was a book that made me choke on my drink already in the first chapter! Correction, already in the first sentences! 😊
But Olivia Spring for sure shocked me and made me laugh so loud! Because not only was it funny, but also recognizable! 😊
But beside that start, what an amazing story this was! I enjoyed reading it from the very start until the very last word!

Emily is such a likeable character, she is lovely, funny and just so recognizable. There wasn’t one bit I didn’t like about her! The relationship she has with her mother is just wonderful! I don’t think that everyone would support their mother’s career choices, but Emily takes it in her stride and has no qualms about it all. On the contrary, she has a good laugh about it too!

So despite being a wonderful persona, it saddened me to read how she hasn’t found love again, and how she is still heartbroken about how her ended relationship with Max so many years ago. Perhaps that is what I found a tiny bit annoying about Stella, how she was still hanging on to that badly ended relationship, while I would assume that she would have gotten over it by now.

Yet I found it hilarious to read how her own mother, of all people, signed Stella up for the Love Hotel! Talking about a mother determined to let her daughter find and believe in love again!

The Love Hotel for sure is something special, and I wonder if I could sign up to be matched myself? I could even live with the ridiculous job descriptions the people have over there. But it’s clear that all the people there are working with a passion, and want to find the perfect match for their customers and let love prevail!

The shock Stella gets when meeting her ‘perfect match’ was just so funny to read, even if we as a reader know beforehand who it will be. To discover the man you were ogling before is your ex, just too funny!

What a spectacle Max is! it would have been too easy to dislike him if we would base our opinion on Stella’s experiences. But as we get to read his own thoughts and get to know him better from his own thoughts and actions, gave me a better insight in his character.

Not only we see that he is a good friend, and a wonderful godfather, but we also see his determination to take his business next level.
But it broke my heart to read what he has been through in the past. Not only about his injury and how it still affects him, but also how he had to make some choices that in fact he didn’t want to make…

Seeing Stella and Max together was just hilarious. They initially just don’t get along, what is made clearly with the obligatory playlists they have to make.
And how Stella antagonizes Max, just wonderful!

But slowly, even perhaps sometimes slightly forced in a way, we see them growing closer again, and their history makes sure that they understand each other’s fears even before they are spoken out at loud. And seeing the support in those moments, just heartwarming!

And then there is the sexual tension, that sparks from the pages! And causes some for sure even more hilarious awkward situations!

I had the best of times reading this book! I had extremely high expectations and they for sure were all fulfilled and even exceeded! I loved reading every little bit, even the sadder and heart – breaking moments, surrounded by the truly laugh – out – at – loud moments, the moments that made me swoon, the moments that were just lovely and sweet. And I was so eager to discover how these two lovely people would overcome their hurdles. 
To just say it very clearly what I have not said yet that outspoken: this book was just AH-MA-ZING!!!

To protect your family, to protect your heart

Synopsis

Can love survive once the Earl’s Dangerous Secret is revealed?

From her country house to the glittering ballrooms of Regency London, Emily Ellerton finds herself ensnared in a treacherous dance, when the Earl of Thornburn, notorious for his icy manner and ruthless ambition, strides into her life.

Lord Nathaniel Renwick, Earl of Thornburn, conceals a dark past—one that threatens the safety of Emily’s own family. When her injured brother, George, becomes the target of Lord Thornburn’s urgent mission, Emily must play a dangerous game of deception—posing as an innocent debutante, all the while guarding her brother’s life.

But as the tension between Emily and Nathan simmers, so does their undeniable attraction. Sparks ignite, and enemies become lovers, their hearts caught in a web of desire and danger. But betrayal stalks their every step and they must unravel the truth before the secrets of the past tear them apart forever?

“The Earl’s Dangerous Secret” is a captivating Regency romance filled with intrigue, passion, and the promise of redemption.

My review

Emily Ellerton is shocked to learn that her injured brother George is suspected of being a traitor. But as she trusts him implicitly, she doesn’t hesitate to not only look after his injuries, but also cover for him. Because George is being chased the Earl of Thornburn, Lord Nathaniel Renwick. And Nathan is determined to find George, even if that means following Emily at every step she takes.
But Emily won’t betray her brother, no matter what evidence Nathan may have. However, beside the tension there is between Emily and Nathan, with the tricks they are both playing, they cannot deny the attraction simmering between them. 
As the attraction keeps on growing, where will the loyalty lay in the end? Especially when it becomes clear that Nathan is keeping secrets from Emily too, secrets that could break the bond that has been growing between them.

People often think that Regency books (or even romance in general) are a dime in a dozen, as you know how it will end, and there won’t be any big surprises.
But what these people don’t understand it that it isn’t about the end in these kind of books, but it’s about the journey.

And there is a big journey in this book, for both main characters.

First of all there is Emily. What I liked the most about her is, is her unwavering belief and trust in her brother George. She doesn’t believe for even one minute that he could betray his country. She would walk on water for George, she would even lie to people in order to protect him. And that love was just amazing to read, because not everyone would do what Emily (and the other relatives) are doing for George.

Emily is also very inventive, especially when it means to deceit Nathan. And with deceit I mean it in a good kind of way, because she does this for the protection of her brother. And she doesn’t do anything evil to Nathan, but just telling a few lies.

But the more she interacts with Nathan, the more impossible it becomes to ignore the sparks that are flying around, despite his icily manners and strong determination to find George.

Nathan for sure is the perfect example of a determined and fierce man. He doesn’t give up easily and gives everything for whatever his mission is.
But it’s also clear that his determination came at a cost, and that cost is still haunting him, in a way that is limiting him to live his life at the fullest.

And that saddened me, because what happened in the past, yes, he was involved in it, but to keep blaming himself isn’t right. And his self-blame is forbidding him to allow love back in his life.

There are heated moments in this book, but they are not only showing the physical attraction between Emily and Nathan, but also a deeper connection. Because no matter what their mission is, they don’t want to hurt each other, and even try to protect each other, even so when a devastating revelation is made.

While there is this dance between Emily and Nathan, there is also the matter of the traitor. Who is it really? Could George be betraying his country, his family and his friends? Or is the traitor someone else? There are for sure a few twists and turns, making me eager to discover the real truth about it.

I truly enjoyed reading this Regency novel, that is not only filled with romance, but also with growth, understanding, compassion and mystery. And it also makes us see that with the right person, guilt can be erased and happiness and joy can be found once again.