Tizi’s Book Review

Family, in any form, is what truly counts

Synopsis

A tragic loss…

Since the death of her beloved father, Isla Marlowe has felt the need to do something to honour his memory; something meaningful that will bring joy to others and repay the kindness of a stranger who changed their lives. She’s got the perfect solution, but she’s worried not everyone will understand.

A precious gift…

Aidan Kennedy and his husband, Jase, are desperate to start a family of their own, but finding the right woman to help them is difficult and some people don’t think they should even try. So when Isla offers them the chance to fulfil their dream, they can’t believe their wish is about to come true.

A family made of friends?

But when Isla is forced to face her greatest fear, Aidan and Jase’s dream has to be put on hold. Broken-hearted and questioning everything she once believed, Isla desperately needs someone to share her problems with but has no idea where to turn.

But then, in her darkest hour she discovers that friends can be the family you choose for yourself.

My review

Aidan Kennedy has had a hard time growing up, but now his life is almost perfect with his husband Jase. Almost, because their greatest wish is to have a family of their own. But finding the right woman to make their dreams come true isn’t easy, and they also have to face the unfortunately still living prejudices…

So when Isla Marlowe offers her help to fulfil their dreams, it seems that now they can start hoping instead of just dreaming.

Isla herself has been thinking about how to honour the memory of her father that she lost way too soon. With her background, she knows how important it is to find donors so that couples can create their own family.  And she knows that there won’t be any better parents in the world than Aidan and Jase.

But Isla has to face the biggest challenge in her life too, something that has the possibility to crash her own dreams and hopes…

There are stories that are wonderful. There is a lot of love in it, a few hurdles to jump over but in general, stories that just warm your heart.

And then we have this book… written by an amazing author. And let me tell you already now, before I go deeper into the story itself, this story is obviously all the above. But the amount of heart, passion and courage is just amazing.

I don’t know which storyline touched me the most. Because while they are obviously entwined, and the further the story goes, the closer it all gets, Isla and Aidan life stories have gone and are still going in different directions.

Isla is an inspiring character, in so many different levels. I was a bit surprised by her background, but her story also shows that a family isn’t merely made out of DNA, but it’s about the members in it. As I count myself lucky that I still have both my parents still around, I cannot even try to imagine the heartbreak Isla went through and is still going through after losing her father.

And I admired her decision in wanting to honour his legacy. Isla has been thinking what the right way would be, and she doesn’t take that decision lightly.

Seeing how a young woman is so down to earth, but also unselfish and has a big heart, showed me that no matter how ugly the world can be, there are so many delightful people, that can have a huge impact someone else’s life.

I truly liked Isla, not only because of the decision she has made, but also for the way that she just is. She is a great friend, but also while at work at the A&E in St. Piran’s Hospital, she shows her kind and generous heart.

It was lovely to read how Isla and Aidan were already friends at the start of this book, but how their friendship only increases with Isla helping Aidan and Jase in realizing their dream.

Can I just say what a power couple Aidan and Jase are? And not in the sense that they are perfect, don’t have issues or struggles. But they have found each other, and they are perfect for each other. they understand each other, and even when they don’t, they do their best to.

There couldn’t be a more amazing couple that will turn out to be amazing parents, because it’s clear that their child would be loved just the way they are.

Aidan and Jase have no prejudices, and especially Aidan has fought hard to be where they are now.

So it broke my heart to see how this amazing person, who deserves to be loved by everyone, has a strained relationship with his own family. He got truly hurt by especially his own father, who cannot accept Aidan for who he is.

Unfortunately, that even in 2024 is still a reality…

But while his own family is struggling with Aidan being Aidan, he has found a whole new family. Because Jase and his family are the Hallmark – kind of family. They are accepting, welcoming, understanding with a good dose of crazy 😊.

Both this power couple, as Isla deserve all the happiness in the world. But life doesn’t always goes the way as planned… And Isla’s life for sure takes an unexpected turn… How terrible would it be to finally have found a purpose in life, and even have met a potential special someone, only have it all blown away by devasting news?

I could understand Isla’s fears and her trepidation to tell her loved ones. But on the other hand, only by a-telling you can find the support you need, even if you don’t know that. Your loved ones would see it as a duty or a burden to support you. They just want to stand by your side through the toughest moments in your life. And how lovely was it, despite what Isla has to face, that she has Aidan, Jase and Rube by her side? It only shows that sometimes you don’t need to know someone for a very long time to have a bond with…

I found this once again a wonderful story by an author that just keeps on growing in my estimation for her. Jo Bartlett isn’t afraid to write about difficult themes, or themes that people may be opiniated about.

But what truly imprinted, was that families comes in so many different shapes and forms. Family isn’t always about shared DNA. Sometimes you need to find your own special family, find those special people that matter to you the most, and thus creating your own special, unique family unit. And no matter what your family looks like, or how it has been made, family is the most important that you can have in your life!  

Can you get to know someone in just 5 ‘play dates’?

Synopsis

New from the NUMBER ONE bestselling author of The Note. A must-read uplifting romance for fans of When Harry Met Sally and One Day!

When Jesse Lightning meets Minnie Byrne, he is having a bad day.

Reeling from the effects of a very bruised heart, the last thing Jesse wants is a new friend. But Minnie is hard to say no to, and reluctantly Jesse realises that her impetuous playfulness might do him good.

So when Minnie suggests they go on fortnightly platonic dates with no strings, no promises, no expectations beyond good company, Jesse agrees before he has a chance to think too deeply about it.

Two friends.

Five days.

No chance of another broken heart.

Until Jesse reveals a secret that proves Minnie’s heart isn’t as safe as she thought. Thank goodness five days isn’t enough time to fall in love…

Once you meet Jesse and Minnie you’ll never forget them. This is bestseller Zoë Folbigg at her absolute best with a story of friendship, love and taking chances. Perfect for fans of Cathy Kelly, Mike Gayle, JoJo Moyes and David Nicholls.

My review

Jesse Lightening is a bit flabbergasted when on one of his worst days, he is approached by Minnie Byrne. He doesn’t need a new friend, especially one as persistent as Minnie. But somehow he finds it impossible to resist Minnie’s proposal: going on platonic dates, just to get to know each other without researching each other or knowing each other’s last names.
Together they go on 5 ‘play dates’, with the ingenuity of children, just do what puts a smile on them.
Slowly Jesse realizes that Minnie is what he needed in his life, to make some dark cloud disappear. And it’s remarkable how easy their friendship grows stronger. But there is a secret that Jesse has that can jeopardize everything they have been building. Luckily there isn’t love at stake, as five days, or rather dates aren’t enough for such strong feelings, right?

When I started reading this book, I wasn’t that sure I would actually like it or believe it. Not that I doubted the author, because I have read several books of her.
But I found it hard to grasp the fact that two strangers could have the romantic kind of feelings after only five days.
Lust, falling in love, that is possible in five days, but actual love? Difficult to believe, or at least for me. And I thought that in the book it would be actual five days, like from Monday till Friday, with just occasionally seeing each other.

Luckily, I got it wrong, and the story took place over a longer period, and Jesse and Minnie meet five times, for a long time, almost spending greatest period of the day together. So in that aspect I could believe that there could be something great growing between the two.

Normally, I sympathize the most with the female main character. But while Minnie is obviously delightful, I felt that my heart went more out to Jesse and his story.

As an introvert, I cannot imagine something worse than a stranger approaching me, start conversation and almost ‘forcing’ a friendship. And when I have a bad day? Just leave me alone, will you??? 😊
Jesse has everything happening all at once, and my heart broke for him…
It’s obvious how losing his father has affected him, and how in a way he is still in denial. The loss hasn’t really resonated yet…
But to make things even worse, around the same time he discovered that his marriage is falling into pieces, as his wife has been and is still being unfaithful.

The last thing Jesse needs is a cheery woman, being positive about everything. And the more I saw the pair of them together, the more I realized that Minnie is exactly what Jesse needs. Because Minnie is light, cheerful, positive while Jesse is darker, more ‘depressed’ and for sure needs someone to show him the beauty and fun all around him.

With such a light attitude, I was surprised to read that Minnie has had her own struggles, and still is struggling with the break – up. She seems a strong character, yet her ex truly played her one, in a way breaking her.
I liked it to read that the author didn’t make a great deal about Minnie seeking help, because there is nothing wrong about having someone else showing you how to cope.

The friendship started perhaps (or rather, it just started that way 😊) randomly and a bit forced, but I found it wonderful to read how in their own way Minnie and Jesse are able to lift each other up. Their relationship as friends took off by accident, but I believe that in a way it was just meant to be.

Of course there has to be a second act in this story too. I have to admit, I didn’t find it that a terrible secret that Jesse kept from Minnie. But on the other hand, I could also understand Minnie a bit.

This was a sweet story, showing how random things can turn out to be the best thing that could happen.
But we also see how the struggles in life can affect you and put a damper on everything. Yet with meeting the right person, everything can be put into perspective, or make you see the beauty and easiness that are in life.

 

When helping out is the perfect way to escape

Synopsis

Escape to chic and glamorous Paris!

When Poppy Phillipson loses her chocolate-making business in the Blossomwood Bay fire, she’s heart-broken; all her hopes and dreams wiped out in the space of an hour. As if that wasn’t enough, her last three dates were a complete disaster – one two-hour lecture on the intricacies of the off-side rule, one no-show, and an embarrassing abandonment mid-date – and she’s having a hard time not to take it personally.

So, when her brother asks her to come to the rescue of his friend Olivier Bourdain, owner of Pâtisserie Madeliene, following a freak skiing accident, she decides it’s the perfect way to escape the Devonshire drizzle and enjoy a petit sojourn from all-thing romance exploring the boutiques and boulevards of elegant Paris.

However, when she meets handsome French chef Fabien Dumont, with his sexy accent and dark brooding eyes, her determination to take a dating hiatus is severely tested. Should she concentrate on improving her skills as a pâtissière, or should she throw caution to the wind and embrace everything the City of Light has to offer… including the possibility of love?

Join Poppy as she heads to the dazzling city of Paris, and enjoy a story filled with delicious French pâtisserie and a soupçon of heart-warming romance.

My review

After losing her chocolate – making business to her Blossomwood Bay fire, is Poppy a bit lost. Not only did her dream end up in flames, but also on a romantic level things aren’t that great, with one disastrous date after the other.
So when her brother tells her that she could help out his friend Olivier Bourdain after a skiing incident, at first she isn’t sure. But on the other hand, spending some time in Paris and a typical Parisian Pâtisserie could be exactly what she needs together with her dating ban. However, Paris isn’t the City of Light and Love for a reason, and handsome chef Fabien Dumont ignites something in Poppy that she hasn’t felt for a long time. So will Poppy be courageous enough to embrace the Parisian life and enjoy her time there?

Whenever I pick up a book from this author, Eager and Curious Tizi emerges. I cannot wait to read what great adventures the main character will embark to.
And with Poppy going to Paris, a city that I have visited myself several time and have enjoyed the real Parisian Pâtissiers myself, it couldn’t get any better than that! 😊

The book doesn’t start at its happiest, as we know that the fire destroyed Blossomwood Bay, leaving many owners in the dark, not knowing what to do next. Also Poppy is just holding on, thinking what to do with her life now, as her dream truly just went into flames.
While that would be already difficult enough, if you have someone by your side, it can make things easier. Unfortunately, that is not the case for Poppy, as she is just having terrible dates, after being burnt terrible by love before.

Yet it also was sweet to see how she is surrounded by lovely people. Not only the people of Blossomwood Bay itself, but also her brother(s) are still very protective of her. And knowing what she has been through, especially her brothers want her to find happiness again. And while that is very much appreciated, I could also recognize some of Poppy’s frustrations. As I have also an older brother, I see that protective streak back with Poppy’s brothers. We all know that it’s all done with the best intentions, but sometimes they should all just back off a tiny little bit 😊.

I could also absolutely understand Poppy’s initial trepidation to head off on her own to Paris, not speaking French all that well anymore, and also not knowing anyone in this marvellous city.
It can be scary to arrive there on your own…
But of course our Daisy wouldn’t let our main character arrive in a city to let her have a terrible time!

Obviously I had a good laugh at moments, because as Poppy has to get used to the French language again, there may be some misunderstandings 😊. But if there is one thing that truly warmed my heart, was seeing how even in Paris, in a strange place, country, Poppy finds herself surrounded by lovely people.
Hélène is a force to reckon with, even an inspiring character, with each day a new class, one crazier than the previous class. But while being excentric, she is just so lovely! 
There are also the people Poppy meets at her new job, like Camille, Olivier himself, with all their own dreams and hopes.
And I have to admit, the cliché of French people, or at least the cliché that I had in my mind about French people, being arrogant and distant, were never seen in this book. On the contrary! All characters were warm, delightful, welcoming, patient and understanding.

I have talked a lot about everything in this book, with the exception of the romantic bit. Well, I am of course saving the best for last! 🙂
Sometimes you meet people that you instantly connect with, or that make sparks fly around. And that what happens between Poppy and Fabien. I liked to see how their first encounter is one filled with a misunderstanding, but it was great to see how slowly they become friends, and how the attraction starts to grow even bigger. 

Fabien, no matter how great he is (because he absolutely is! 🙂 ) isn’t having an easy time. Someone is after him, wanting to see him fail, and it weighs heavy on Fabien. We see here that no matter how good our intentions or ideas are, they can all come crashing into pieces at the hand of someone else…
But we also see that those that truly care about Fabien are adamant on finding out the truth.

It was a real enjoyment reading this book, even if I had to be patient to discover some truths (like how exactly Poppy got heartbroken in the past, or who the culprit is in the jewelry heist affecting Poppy’s friends back home). But even if patience isn’t my forte, it was definitely worth the wait. Because “meanwhile” I got to read a great story, about having a foreign adventure, that becomes a personal journey. But more important, I got to read a story about great characters, chasing their dreams or finding a way to achieve them. Just amazing! 

Can love be found, when goodhearted schemes are also involved?

Synopsis

Greta Davies, the features editor at a women’s magazine, is accomplished and successful. That is, in all areas except her love life.

Determined to help, Greta’s boss – and friend – secretly enlists the help of the Ever After Agency, andsets out to make her dreams come true.

Work-obsessed Greta is nothing if not stubborn, so it’ll take some creative thinking, which leads to a lightbulb moment: a new column focused on dating in the city.

With date after disastrous date, things are not looking rosy for Greta. But little does Greta know, the perfect man has been there all along. Will she realise it’s more than friendship before it’s too late?

A fun and sexy rom com inspired by the classics How to Lose a Guy in Ten Days, Thirteen Going on Thirty and Sex and the City.

My review

Greta Davies couldn’t be more prouder with everything she has achieved as a features editor at a women’s magazine.
Unfortunately, no matter how successful she is being, the only place where she isn’t successful, is in love. As her boss wants Greta to find her perfect match, she enlists the Ever After Agency to work their magic. But as Greta may not know the real purpose of Poppy’s presence, a little white lie is being told, making Greta believe that it’s for the benefit of a new column, about dating in the city.
However, Greta is a clever girl, and quickly knows what truly is going on. As she is also ready to find love, she gives a twist on the task ahead, and starts to have disastrous dates, to hopefully end up with the perfect date and the perfect man.
Yet could it be that Greta already met the perfect man for her, but she saw him in a different light?

Sandy Barker is one of those author that I just have to see her latest book, and without even reading one word of it, I already have a huge smile on my face. Why? Because she has the ability to write wonderful, hilarious stories, that at the same time in a way are also very recognizable and heart – warming.

And once again, she absolutely delivered!

Greta is right from the start a wonderful character. Even without knowing her yet, I was happy for her accomplishment. She works hard, goes for her goal, yet always in a kind and genuine way. She isn’t the kind of person that will stab you in the back to get higher.
She surrounds herself with people that she trusts unconditionally, both at work as in the private atmosphere. She is the kind of person you want to be actual a real person, and is part of your own inner circle!

However, as so often is the case, no matter how successful someone is, there is something missing in another aspect. And Greta is the kind of person that deserves to find the perfect man. Speaking out of experience here, that is easier said than done! 🙂
Luckily her boss thinks the same and to add even more delight, asks Poppy for help!

Before I continue talking about Greta and her journey, I have to say how great it was to see Poppy again, together with Tristan. I already had a smile on my face while reading, but whenever Poppy appeared, my smile only grew bigger. And seeing the amazing relationship she has with Tristan, how in sync they are, just warmed my heart even more!

Now, back to Greta! 🙂

I truly believe that everyone deserves to find love. But the disastrous dates Greta has? Even I didn’t have *that* bad dates! But while I pitied the women that dated them before Greta did, at least for Greta it is material for her column. I for sure would be running for the hills if those men would be truly potential love interests! (although I have to admit, some weren’t that extremely bad! 🙂)

On her quest for love, or rather documenting the worst kind of dates, she befriends Ewan. And Ewan being a lookalike of James McAvoy, well, I was swooning immediately! But Ewan is not only about the looks. Conversation with him seems so easy, so real too.
Ewan is just the total package, even if perhaps he could learn to be more honest about a few things, to avoid misunderstandings later on.

The relationship between Greta and Ewan is a friendly one, but it was sweet on so many levels to see how well they understand each other, they support each other and don’t judge each other. Greta and Ewan just connect, even if they don’t realize just how well they connect. The more I saw the two of them together, the more I was hoping they would see what everyone, readers and other characters in the book, is seeing.
But while I was cheering for progress, I could also understand Greta. She has her eyes set on finding love through the agency, and truly believes that Poppy can deliver what promised. And I have to admit, Poppy’s Number 1 choice for sure is Greta’s perfect match on paper. But still…

In this lovely, amazing, hilarious, great book, we see how in the end, all what people want and need, is to have that special love, a person that makes you smile just thinking about them, seeing them is the highlight of the day, and just have that wonderful connection.
Sandy Barker once again showed us her splendid talent by writing a story proclaiming exactly that. With her talent, she makes you believe that love is out there for everyone, and that there is a lid for every pot. And that sometimes you don’t have to go all that far to find it!

Now, I have one last question for Sandy… Please tell me that the Ever After Agency truly exists, with all its wonderful people working there, and that I can sign myself up? 🙂

The things we do for our loved ones, or even pretend to be doing…

Synopsis

Sometimes, you have to fake it until you make it…

Ros is too busy for a boyfriend; between work and looking after her poorly father, there’s no time left for a relationship. But when she overhears her dad’s dying wish is for her to find love, Ros is determined to make it happen – or at least, make it look like it has.

Enter Cameron, a struggling mature student with a mountain of debt but a zest for life.

Ros, driven by love for her ailing dad, reluctantly agrees to the simple business transaction: paying Cameron to play the role of her boyfriend. Ros meticulously plans their fake relationship – but when Cameron decides to go off-script, chaos ensues.

As Ros and Cameron navigate the ups and downs of their faux romance, their differences drive each other crazy. But they may just need each other more than they think…

My review

Ros and Darla are best friends, even if they are complete opposites. While Ros lives by her flip charts, and doesn’t take any risks at all, Darla goes with the flow, hopping from one job assignment to another. But that is also thanks to her ex, The Wanker, who brought Darla in an awkward position, making her lie to her own parents…But also Ros finds herself lying to her own father. As his health is deteriorating, his greatest worry is that when the time comes, Ros will be on her own. Thus Ros, wanting to see her father happy and unworried, she and Darla come up with the perfect plan: to pay someone to be her boyfriend for the time being. Ros being Ros, plans everything to perfection, but Cameron, the man playing the boyfriend – part, quickly starts to go unscripted, making Ros freaking out the longer their pretence is going on. Meanwhile Darla’s latest job as a pet sitter turns out to be more challenging than expected. And the neighbour of her temporarily residence is only added more fuel to her frustrations…

Often in books we read how parents would do anything for their children. But often the feelings are reciprocated, and children would do anything for the happiness of their parents. Well, mostly adult children would, as I know for sure that adolescents have a mind of their own 😊

And in this book, we see how Ros would do anything for her dad… Her dad means the world to her, and his illness broke her heart. She enjoys every moment she has with Barry, even if she never stops worrying about him.

For years it has been just Barry and Ros, bringing father and daughter even closer. The love between the two is just so palpable…

While lying to your loved ones is never a good idea, I couldn’t blame Ros in her case… if with such a small white lie, she could put a smile on her father’s face, and it would make him stop worrying about her, why not?

Now, of course I truly liked Ros for that, but I have to admit, in other aspects, Ros would be occasionally frustrating me. Not that she is a bad person, but she keeps just everyone at distance. Once again, in one way I could understand her. Because her mother leaving Barry and Ros behind, why wouldn’t Ros have commitment issues? But on the other hand, she keeps everyone at such a huge distance… I know that you cannot be friends with every one of your colleagues, but if I wouldn’t have any friends at my work, interact with any of them, I would go totally crazy…

But back to the story… Luckily Ros has a great friend in Darla. Even in friendships, the rule that opposites attract is applicable. And it’s thanks to Darla that the perfect plan for Barry’s happiness come up. And that in the shape of Cameron.

Initially I thought there was a big age gap between the two, as Cameron is a student while Ros is already building a career. So I was happy to read that there was a logical explanation for it, not turning it into something creepy! 😊

Just like with Darla, Cameron is Ros’s complete opposite. He doesn’t play by Ros her rules, and it was hilarious and sweet at the same time!

Ros’s character would force her to plan everything beforehand, playing safe in every possible aspect. And Cameron not following any of her plans or rules, was the best thing that could happen to Ros!

We see obviously Ros getting frustrating and angry over Cameron’s behaviour, but we also see the influence Cameron has over Ros. And how well he fits in Ros’s life, and how he gets everyone’s approval, Barry’s and Gazza’s included!

Of course their (fake) relationship is one filled with trial and error, but the evolution of that relationship was just wonderful to read!

And then there is Darla… she is the kind of friend that will always have your back. But her life is in turmoil, as her ex – boyfriend for sure pulled a number on her and leaving her in a financial disaster…

It saddened me to read how someone that is supposed to love you, to be your partner can deceive you and abandon you when the net is closing in… With Darla only having two option, defeat or fight back, I was proud of her choosing the latter, even if she also was lying to her parents, for not showing how bad things are going…

But that also means that Darla has to take several jobs to pay of the debts. Bringing her in the situation she finds herself in, a pet – sitting job that isn’t exactly turning out to be what she thought it would be!

And that is for the readers the best thing! Because her struggling is not only with the animals, but brings her clashing several times with her neighbour Elliott.

But it’s in time of need that you see one’s real character. And while he may seem grumpy, and mock Darla, Elliott delivers when Darla needs help.

I found this a hilarious but at the same time a heart – warming book. We do not only see children wanting to protect their parents and not let them worry about their offspring. But we also see how two lovely characters are trying to find a way in their lives, messed ones or not. We see real friendship, but we also see how meeting a person can make you evolve, mature and see things in a different perspective.

This book is filled with love, strength, courage and friendship. This was absolutely an amazing story written by a wonderful author!

Second chances but at what?

Synopsis

Divorced, frustrated by her daughter’s matchmaking, and resigned to staying happily single, Liz Phillips thinks she has her life all figured out… until she meets Finn Hunter.

Having moved to Pelican Crossing twelve months earlier to support his daughter after a family tragedy, Finn finds himself juggling family obligations and a demanding job as the editor of the local paper. He has little time for romance.

When Liz and Finn’s paths cross, there’s an undeniable spark between them. They quickly form a connection which neither of them anticipates.

Amidst the whirlwind of their relationship, a secret from Liz’s past resurfaces, threatening the closeness she shares with her daughters. Having Finn to lean on is a godsend, but Finn is concealing a secret of his own. A secret that once revealed could undermine the trust and understanding they share and destroy any chance of a future together.

Can Liz find her happy ending or is she destined to face the future with only her family for company?

My review

Liz Philips knows that her two daughters have her best interest at heart with their matchmaking skills. But as she is already divorced, she isn’t looking for love at all. Life is already difficult enough, a relationship is the last thing Liz needs or wants. Until the moment she meets Finn Hunter, editor of the local paper. While the attraction is absolutely mutual, also Finn’s focus is on his own family. Because he made the move a year ago, to be closer to his daughter and grandson after tragedy struck them. Yet the more time Liz and Finn spend together, the more it feels like they both have a second chance at love. But Liz has a secret about her past that suddenly resurfaces, jeopardizing the relationship with her daughters, and even more. And then it appears that Finn also is have been keeping secrets from Liz, secrets that can destroy just everything they have been slowly building in Pelican Crossing…

The moment I returned to Pelican Crossing, I felt myself feeling all warm and cosy, as I knew I would be loving another wonderful story about second chances at love, no matter what age.

Once again, while reading the book, I never felt the age gap between the characters and myself. Of course there are things that only can take place with personas that have life experience that comes with age, but at the same time, I loved it to read about characters that are still young at heart!

I can only attempt to imagine how it feels when your children leave home and suddenly you are on your own. As a parent, you always put your children first, and even when they are adults, the worrying never. Speaking with experience here, as I-my own mother is like that 😊

But having put your own life on hold, it’s difficult to start living again.

Liz is exactly in that position, as both her daughters are out of the house, living their own lives at their best. It’s obvious that Liz is a loving mother, as she is still worried about the two young women, even if they are able to run their own affairs without problems.

And it was funny to see the roles reversed, as Liz’s daughters are trying to not only try to play matchmaker, but also letting her experience new things, even if they are beyond Liz her comfort zone! And it was also funny to see Liz wanting to please her daughters, yet also want to stand her ground and doesn’t want her two girls meddling in her own life!

How is it that the more adamant you are that you don’t need someone, that that is the exact moment that you meet someone? Because the more Liz is sure that she doesn’t want or need a relationship, sparks start to fly around her and Finn.

The pair are both claiming the same thing, they aren’t looking for a relationship, as their own families are the number one priority. Yet I found it utterly sweet to see how both have a hug smile on their faces when they meet up, coincidentally or not. And I loved to see their relationship evolve to something deeper, even if they aren’t aware of it at all!

Now, it may seem an easy out, claiming that your family needs you and you don’t have time for love. But for once, in this book, that is totally the case!

I have to admit, Maggie Christensen left me a bit shocked with the revelation of Liz’s secret, as I didn’t see it coming, while I normally have a hunch of what the secret could be.

It broke my heart to read what she has been through in the past, but at the same time, it also warmed my heart to see how things are falling into place in the present. Only to be feeling sad again to see how telling the secret is causing a huge rift between Liz and her youngest…

But if there is one more devastating story, it for sure is Finn’s. Well, to be more specific, what his daughter and grandson have been through. It’s terrible to lose someone in general, but what happened to Adele’s husband and Sandy’s dad, just crushing…

I admired Finn as he had no doubt to make the move to Pelican Crossing to be with his loved ones, and support them in any possible way. It’s clear that the trauma is still very present, and as a loving father and Grandy, he wants to everything in his powers to put back a smile on Adele’s and Sandy’s face.

Liz and Finn are the perfect example of parents that never stop loving or caring about their children and family… they even put their own happiness on hold for them. And while I understood them, it was also a bit frustrating, as they both deserve their own moments of happiness!

In this book, we see how secrets, withheld for the rights reasons, can affect any kind of relationship. And perhaps Finn’s secret was as shocking as Liz’s long – kept secret, we see how it shifts the trust. It can break what has been building slowly.

But, we also see how stubbornness and hurt can cloud over the ability of making the right choice or decision.

I once again truly enjoyed a story by the hand of Maggie Christensen, showing us that age is just a number, and that everyone, how young or ‘old’ they may be, deserve a shot at love. But it’s also a wonderful story about family, fresh starts, redemption and just pure love, whatever kind of love that is!  

When you manifest your perfect man, and then you get…

Synopsis

Willow asks the universe to find her The One, but will she recognise him when he appears?

When Willow moved back to the village she grew up in for a new start, she was ready for a new way of life too. Now happily settled in her dream cottage with her beloved dog Spud, Willow enjoys the peace and sense of community country living brings.

That is until her quiet is shattered by her new neighbour. Sure brooding Henry Darcy, or Doctor Dishy as Willow’s best friend Abby calls him, may be easy on the eye, but it doesn’t take long for the new neighbours to discover that they don’t agree on anything.

Where Henry does science, Willow does nature. Where Henry does minimalism, Willow does multicolour. When Willow asked the universe to manifest her perfect man, either she wasn’t specific enough, or Henry isn’t it.

But when Willow tries again and a new man arrives in the village, has fate got it right this time and delivered her The One, or does she need to look closer to home…

‘Read yourself happy’ with Maxine Morrey’s latest comforting and utterly uplifting love story. Perfect for fans of Mhairi McFarlane, Catherine Walsh and Sophie Kinsella.

My review

After a failed marriage, Willow gladly returned back to the village she grew up in. With her fresh start, she also adapted a new kind of life. She loves living in her cottage with her lovely dog Spud, surrounded by plants and flowers that bring her peace. In the village where everyone knows everyone and everything, she has found the calmness that she needed.
But when Willow asked nature to manifest her perfect man, she didn’t expect that her new neighbour, Henry Darcy, would be the complete opposite from what she wants.
Because with his artificial grass, his minimalistic ideas and him not being a dog – person, Willow and Henry just clash over everything.
Yet a good neighbour is worth more than a distant friend, and Willow is ready to bury the hatchet. While slowly a friendship grows, a new arrival in the village makes Willow wonder if he may the perfect man. But perhaps the perfect man doesn’t come in the shape Willow expected him to be?

I am always curious reading stories with fresh starts, neighbours that are total opposites and clash, to see an evolution taking place slowly. Or in this book’s case, very very slowly 😊

Now, I must admit, I am not a nature person. Or at least, not as Willow is. But I know the wonders plants and herbs can have and how they can help. I understand it, but I don’t think I have the patience of taking care of them, giving them the needed love, and my hay fever also doesn’t help! 😊

But even if I don’t share Willow’s passion and heart for nature, there is still a lot of love to give her! First of all, the relationship with Spud, just amazing! At moments I was even doubting that Spud was a real dog, there is so much love between the two of them! And he for sure is an exceptional little dog, who truly understands what Willow says, and even more, he is great at sensing someone’s character!
To make things even better for Willow’s case: is there a cuter, more lovable job than Willow’s? I never heard of it before, but I can absolutely understand that she has too many customers! The bears I had to say goodbye to just because it was better for them… If I had a Willow then, I knew where I would go with my lovely bears!

The difference with her new neighbour couldn’t be bigger… and even just after moving, Willow clashes with Henry. While I could understand that Henry wants to make the house his home, the way he likes it, I could also understand Willow, the way she is she doesn’t want to tear nature away for human personal preferences.
Obviously the relationship starts on the wrong foot, and I was ready to make some popcorn while reading the drama unfolding! 😊

Henry’s character doesn’t give the best impression, by often saying the wrong thing. But the more into the story, the more it’s clear that it’s not that Henry is a bad character, but he has so much going on in his own head, that he doesn’t always think before talking.
But once Willow and Henry decide to be good neighbours, we see the real Henry, and we see what a lovely character he is. And that he is doing his best to make his own fresh start work out for the best.

Even if Willow at times still disliked Henry, I have to admit I had a soft spot for him, even at moments when he frustrated me. Because no matter what he says, his actions speak so much louder. And for him, it’s also a case of unknown makes unloved. Not only how we see him, but also how he sees the world!

I found it sweet and heart – warming seeing the friendship grow between Willow and Henry, despite their many differences. We see how wonderful and eye – opening it can be to have someone who doesn’t see the things like you do. 
Willow and Henry learn from each other, and even when they don’t agree, they accept each other’s opinions.

Obviously I wanted the story to go in a certain direction, so when a new character entered the scene, well, I wasn’t a fan. But it wasn’t just because I wanted Willow to go another way, but there was just something about the new doctor in town that made me feel uncomfortable…

So even if Willow was taken away by the new doctor, and it hurt Henry, and it caused the biggest drift between them, I loved it to see how he still wants to protect her. And it broke my heart to see the decisions Henry makes for his own sake…

Nevertheless, as I know this author, I was 100% sure that in the end, Willow would have her happily ever after, one way or another! 

I truly found this an amazing story, showing us that first impressions or even first actions aren’t always the complete picture we see of a person. And it also takes time for a person to feel comfortable enough to open up completely. But also the right person will widen your world, make you love new thing and will agree to disagree!

There is no age limit when it concerns to live again

Synopsis

The brilliant, brand-new novel from the TOP TEN bestselling author of 59 Memory Lane

New friends, new flame, new fun . . .

Kate dreamed of a happy marriage, a house full of children and a fulfilling teaching career. But after twenty-five years of married life and about to hit the big 5-0, it’s clear that her dreams haven’t quite come true. Then her husband leaves her for his golf partner, forcing Kate to take stock of what has become of her life.

Luckily, new friendship comes her way in the form of three feisty older women who take Kate under their wings, plus a new flame (could it be more . . .?) sparks with local divorced dad, Milo. As her big birthday approaches, Kate’s zest for life begins to return.

But opening herself up means making herself vulnerable to being hurt all over again . . .

Can it be true that life begins at fifty? And will Kate be brave enough to find happiness, and grab hold of it with both hands?

My review

When Kate was younger, she had many dreams: become a teacher, have a happy marriage and a house full of children. Now that she has nearly reached the age of 50, her husband decided to choose a life with his mistress, there are no children, and she never went for a teaching career.
But with new friends who take her under their wings, Kate understands that you are never too old to enjoy life.
And could it be that there is even love in the cards for her, in the form of divorced dad Milo? Or is Kate too afraid to open up her heart again and find complete joy?

Is there an age in life when you can say with 100% certainty that you have everything that you wanted in life?
I don’t believe there is, there is always something that can happen that can change your whole course in life, no matter how young/old you are…

With Kate’s story, we see that setbacks can happen all around, and even more than just once…
Her story, well to be more precise, her past, is rather a sad one. We see clearly how first she has an overprotective father, a controlling husband, and then she is being discarded by that same husband. And it broke my heart to read that the one thing she wished for the most, having children, wasn’t meant for her…

Her life has been nothing but grey and beige, while Kate deserves a life in full colour… So while of course the end of a marriage is a sad event, with that kind of husband, I was happy for Kate, as now she could be herself and live her life how *she* wants it.
But of course, it’s difficult to break free from a life that you are so accustomed to. Luckily, she can count on her new friends to help her with it! 😊

I found it sweet to see how surrounding yourself with the right people can get you out of your shell. Because that is exactly what happens with Kate, because her friends persuade her to be more ‘adventurous’ and get more colour and brightness in her life.

And that brightness also comes in the shape of Milo. He is a divorced dad, but it’s clear that the relationship with his son isn’t an easy one. That saddened me, because no matter what happens between the parents, they should never talk badly about each other to the children…

As Kate and Milo are in the some position, both being divorced, with a cheating partner, it makes completely sense that they have a connection. But it’s not only that, they connect on a much deeper level than just ‘being divorced’.
They become the kind of friends that find each other but it feels like they have known each other for years.

In my opinion, the last revelation could have been skipped, but in a way it also shows that life and Fate work in mysterious ways.

I enjoyed reading this story about finding yourself and the courage of being more coloured at no matter what age. It also works inspiring, as age truly is just a number, and you are only as old as you (make yourself) feel. It’s never too late to start over again, to find the real you, and to even find love again!

When meeting the wrong person…

Synopsis

Everyone has secrets. Are yours worth dying for?

Julia Sutherland isn’t too sure about her new colleague. Ellis Kirkbride is friendly, charismatic and handsome, but there’s just something about him – a bit too slick, a bit too confident, and he stands a bit too close. Normally she’d share her concerns with her husband Rob, but he’s been distant lately and Julia has a secret he mustn’t find out.

Ellis Kirkbride thought he had found the right woman. She was everything he could want but she didn’t want him. And that was unacceptable…

In a tale of twisted love and chilling revenge, bestseller O.J. Mullen will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very last page. Perfect for fans of K. L Slater, Claire Douglas and Sue Watson.

My review

When Julia Sutherland meets her new colleague Ellis Kirkbride, she has a bad feeling about him. But despite her uneasiness about him, Ellis acts like the perfect colleague. Only a too perfect one…
Normally Julia would share her thoughts with her husband Rob, but Rob seems to be having a stressful time at his own work. Or at least that is what Julia thinks… She knows they both have demanding jobs, and it seems that they are drifting apart.
Meanwhile Ellis believes he has found the perfect woman. But she doesn’t think they have the connection he feels with her, even if he has proof of that one evening.
So with her rejecting him, Ellis now wants to show her that no one can reject him. And he is ready to stop at nothing to make his point, even revealing the dark secrets that everyone tries to protect…

Having read several books of this author, I thought I knew what to expect from this one. Well, I was wrong! For the greatest part of the book, I had no clue how the resolution would look like, and who would be able to walk away from what was happening…

I immediately liked Julia in the story. She is a workaholic, no doubts about that. But she still loves Rob deeply, and she sees him as her best friend. Just like a marriage should be like!
But also at work she shows her worth. She has her own team, and just like a Mama Bear, she protects her cubs, fighting for them when there is some injustice.

But at her work, what angered me, beside all the rest that was happening, also how her own boss could be an old, archaistic snob. He at moments could give some remarks which made me want to say that we are in the 21st century, and such remarks are just not done!

There are several sides in this story, and not all of them were so innocent. There is only one innocent party in the whole, and that is Julia. Because Ellis, well, he is a creep on several levels. Julia’s husband Rob also becomes a less liked character, with his behaviour, deceit and lies.
Yes, Julia is also keeping something from Rob, but if we are comparing the severity of them, well Rob’s secrets are for sure worse than Julia’s…

The more I got into the book, more goosebumps I was having. It’s strange how a human mind can work, and how it can create a reality of its own. And I am not even talking about the actions some can do. I was left shocked and flabbergasted and wanted to kick some ass myself after some barbed remarks that were intentional…
This book for sure shows us the evilness in all its extremes, and how it also can be something that a person can be carrying around since being at a young age.

But, and this is kind of a dilemma for me, we also see how people that we love and that love us, can feel that something is wrong. And how their persistence can be the thing that can bring salvation.

I had no idea where the author would go with this story. It starts rather innocent, and then things just get worse and worse after each chapter. Towards the climax, I even felt my heartbeat increasing with fear. And it’s in those cases that you know that you have a real good thriller in your hands.