Tizi’s Book Review

When a place steals your heart…

Synopsis

Welcome to Sea Glass Cove!

Marine archaeologist Lauren Sunshine is used to life on the go. Her suitcase is always packed ready to explore the country’s underwater heritage so when a shipwreck is found off the Dorset coast, she is thrilled to be leading the excavation team.

Philippa Silver, ‘Phil’ to the folk of Sea Glass Cove, has devoted her life to the Museum by the Sea. But funding is tight, and despite subletting half of the museum to her best friend Jules’s sea glass shop, she fears for the museum’s future.

Phil hopes the wreck discovery could bring more visitors, but there’s a problem – the museum’s too small to house its treasures. Thankfully, new friend Lauren seems as determined as she is to save the museum.

But, when Phil’s brother Ollie catches Lauren’s eye, she begins to wonder if she has more than one reason to be interested in life at Sea Glass Cove….

My review

Lauren Sunshine is a marine archaeologist that is thrilled to be leading the excavation team in Sea Glass Cove. She has prioritized her career above everything, and her suitcase is always packed.
But her meeting Ollie, makes her wonder if there is more to life than excavating. And that is not all, because in Sea Glass Cove, she also befriends Philippa Silver, Phil, who runs the Museum by the Sea. A museum at risk of closing, yet Phil won’t go down without a fight, especially as she has her best friend Jules, who runs the sea glass shop sublet from the museum.
In the timespan of one summer, several lives will be changed, but in what way?

Why do we always allow our jobs to ‘dictate’ our lives? We should be working to live our life at the fullest, and not spend our free time worrying about work. And while I can appreciate someone dedicated to their work, it’s shouldn’t be your main focus.

Unfortunately, that is exactly what is taking place in Lauren’s life. She has worked hard to get the recognition she has now, and she for sure took her mentor’s advice at heart, to have her career as her only priority. There is no room for love, or just dating in her life, also because she never stays long at one place.
On one hand, I admired her for what she has achieved at her age. But on the other hand, it is also a sad situation. Not only doesn’t she has someone to return to, but she doesn’t really have a place to call home, as her suitcase is always ready to take off once again.

But I also know that you only have to find the right place with the right people living in it, to make you wonder if perhaps your initial choices and convictions were wrong.

And that place is Sea Glass Cove for Lauren. Obviously, a love interest is always a good reason, but the best reason is that you find just the right people, and make friends. And one of those friends is Phil.

Not that Phil is a less worrier… She truly loves working in the Museum by the Sea, but the museum is struggling heavily. There are just not enough visitors, and she also sublet the premises to her best friend Jules even if there are enough artefacts found from the shipwreck Vissen.

There are several dynamics in this book. There is the attraction between Lauren and Ollie, bit facing several struggles, misunderstandings and miscommunications, fuelled also by fear. And then there is the relationship of Phil with Jules. How do you know when someone is into you? And dare you to evolve the relationship from friendship to more? Even if there is the fear that it could possibly ruin everything?

Obviously, the doubts and fears are a bit frustrating as a reader, but that’s only because you know that the endgame, if the characters would just dare to, could be wonderful.

A lot is taking place in this book, the quest to find the missing chess pieces, the quest to save the museum, a life – altering competition and much more. But it never feels too overwhelming, as it all makes perfect sense in the greater picture of the story.
There are also so many lovely characters in this book, that for one reason or another just take a piece of your heart.

I enjoyed reading this story, as while a lot is happening, it never feels rushed. The author took her time to make us understand perfectly not only the inner turmoil, but also how everything works in the characters world.
This was the perfect read to get away from the real world, and let yourself submerge in the surprisingly exiting world of excavation and the sense of home in a wonderful place just like Sea Glass Cove.

Check this out!

Synopsis

When ambitious city girl, Darcie Freeman is sent to the Isle of Skye to conduct research for a travel guide, she’s horrified. The prospect of having to travel to a remote island in the Scottish Highlands leaves her wondering what she’ll do.

Step in Logan Burns. Gorgeous and adventurous, he lives and breathes the island, and along with his sister Iona, who owns a rather haphazard PR company, they’re going to show Darcie everything she needs to know about Skye.

As Darcie swaps her designer shoes for her walking boots and her faux fur jacket for her raincoat, will she learn there’s more to life than the picture-perfect presence she shares on social media, or will it be the case that Skye is the limit…

Pre-order Links

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Scottish-Island-Summer-escapist-romance-ebook/dp/B0CW1767DP/

https://www.amazon.com/Scottish-Island-Summer-escapist-romance-ebook/dp/B0CW1767DP/

Publication Date: 30th January 2025

About the author

Julie Shackman is a former journalist from Scotland, who has always wanted to write feel-good romance. As well as being an author, Julie also writes verses and captions for greetings card companies. Julie admits to having an obsession with stationery and handbags. She is married, has two sons and adopted a Romanian rescue puppy, Cooper. A Scottish Island Summer is Julie’s twelfth novel.

The cover!

When a holiday together turns into something completely differently…

Synopsis

‘A lovely warm escapist read’ KATE EBERLEN

She’s in love. Just with the wrong man…

Nora is done with dating, but still dreams of finding the one. So when a handsome stranger comes to her rescue one night and vanishes leaving only a business card, it’s like a scene out of a movie…

It doesn’t take long for the two to ‘bump’ into each other again, and Nora falls for the perfect-on-paper Gabe. Only a few weeks later, he invites her to Sicily, and she cannot believe her luck!

Until Gabe is forced away for work, leaving her alone with his big and warm family in gorgeous Sicily who welcome her with open arms. Everyone but Luca, his older and distrustful brother, who is always around.

Soon Nora finds herself on a dreamy, romantic getaway-just with the wrong brother.

My review

Nora has had enough of dating. From now on, she only will give love a chance after a clear sign that he is The One.
So when one night, Nora has almost an accident, and he disappears without a word, yet only passing on his business card, she believes that this is the perfect meet – cute.
So when they bump into each other by accident (or not so accidental), is doesn’t take long for Nora to fall in love with the more – than – perfect Gabe.
Things are so well that Nora agrees to join him on a holiday/ celebration with his family, in Sicily. But when Gabe suddenly has to leave for work and leave Nora alone with his family, Nora fears for the worst. However, Gabe’s family welcome her with open arms, and embrace her in their warmth. With the exception of Gabe’s brother Luca, who is wary of Nora and the relationship.
Nora quickly realizes that she not only has found the perfect boyfriend, but also the perfect family. If only she could share it all with Gabe, and not with his brother…

A love story set in Sicily? Of course I have to read it! Especially when love at first sight is included and also a wary brother that makes me already guess the direction of the book! 😊

I have to admit, that throughout the biggest part of the book, didn’t know what to really think about Nora. It’s clear she is a kind and good person. And I liked it how she has had enough of dating, and would now be waiting for a sign when she would meet The One.
Her backstory was a happy yet also sad one at the same time. Even if she doesn’t know her father, she grew up happily with her mother and grandparents. Being a close unit, it makes perfect sense that present – Nora is at loss now…

So what was it that made me not completely like Nora for the full 100%? While it’s obvious she is a nice person, and has a unique style that she owns marvellously, it’s the easiness in which she believes she has found the perfect man.
Yes, it could perfectly be that Gabe is her Person, but how can you tell in only a few weeks? Okay, perhaps I am too sceptical in believing that it can all be found so easily. Which we also know that Nora didn’t just bump into Gabe a second time! 😊

Also the fact that there is a small white lie being told to Gabe’s family, and not just saying there is a misunderstanding. For me, it didn’t sit right. But once again, that’s just me 😊

But it isn’t that I disliked Nora, because while perhaps I didn’t agree with all her actions, I could understand where she was coming. Especially where it concerns Gabe’s family. Here she is, on her own instead of with Gabe, with a family that perhaps doesn’t understand her in a linguistical way, but understand her with their hearts. And she has found a family like hers used to be, and she has found what has been missing in her life.
Who would want to walk away from that?

Talking about family… Nora gets along with everyone from this wonderful family (well, they are Italian, of course they are wonderful 😊), with the exception of Gabe’s brother Luca…

Luca… he doesn’t come off as the kindest characters initially, but I couldn’t for sure blame him! How would you react when suddenly a woman appears with your brother, apparently engaged and knowing what you know about his previous relationship?
But no matter what his thoughts are about Nora, it was sweet to see his kindness, as he is ready to help her around. And it goes even further, when he gets to know Nora better and learns about her life.

I found it great to see Nora flourish during this book. She needs to have a family to love and that loves her, and in Sicily she has found the perfect match.
And she also realizes, evolving from a perhaps gullible woman into an actual grown up, that there is a difference in lust and love.

While initially it would seem the story would revolve Nora and Gabe, and I later was happy to see that it took the direction I actually wanted, to me it felt more that more about Nora finding a home. Not a physical home, but a home made of people.
And isn’t that what we all want?

I truly enjoyed reading this story, with characters that grow and learn about what truly matters in life, and that indeed it can be found at the most unexpected moments, and in unexpected ways!

Isn’t home the best place for a fresh start?

Synopsis

A fresh start among old friends…

Florence May never expected to trade the high life of London for the cosy comfort of a beach hut in her Cornish hometown, but the moment she steps inside she knows it was the best choice she ever made. The fact that it comes with a requirement that she sets up a business on site? A minor setback that’s easily fixed by opening up a surfside outpost of her friend Clemmie’s Little Cornish Kitchen … where Floss finds herself unexpectedly flourishing.

And when the hotel owner next door sets out to buy the land out from under her? Floss calls on her loyal friends to help her save her little slice of heaven. Because if there’s one thing the community of St Aidan does well, it’s banding together to make the most of every second, whatever life throws at you.

My review

Florence May, Flossie for her friends and family, has decided to swap the hectic London life for the calm and peace of a beach hut in her Cornish hometown. As things have been for sure life – altering for her, the quiet of St Aidan is exactly what she needs. But what Flossie didn’t know after purchasing her beach hut, is that there is a stipulation that the new owner must set up a business on site. Having no clue what to do, Flossie can luckily count on her girls’ squad, especially as her friend Clemmie suggests to use Flossie’s beach hut as a surfside outpost for Clemmie’s Little Cornish Kitchen. Even when then in St Aidan there is a link with her London – life in the form of Kit, Flossie is determined to not let the past hold her back. No matter how much Flossie proclaims that she is done with love, Kit slowly finds a way to creep in. But when the hotel owner next door, Kit’s boss of all people, wants to buy Flossie out, it’s a matter of the community of St Aidan to join forces. Because that is what St Aidan does best, protect one of their own. Especially one that is flourishing under the Cornish sun like Flossie…

I have never been to Cornwall myself, and for sure it is on my bucket list. After reading several books with this setting, I lost my heart to this place, and I truly believe it is a magical place, where the peace, quiet and calmness can do wonders to you. So even if I haven’t been there (YET! 😊) of course I had to read a book with this setting. And it obviously helps if it’s from an author that I love!

From the start, I could understand why Flossie needed to return to St Aidan. While initially she loved her life in London and had a wonderful relationship, after things went downhill, why not return to your roots? Especially if that place is filled with family and friends, and it can give you the much needed peace…

My heart broke for Flossie, learning what she has been through. And it easy to only look at one side of the journey she has been through, but people also often forget how that one setback can affect so many other aspects of your life.

And with this story, with Flossie’s tale, we do not only see that perfect life falling apart because of it, but also how in another it can give you the strength to make life – changing choices, and go for a second chance, a fresh start.

And what a fresh start, as it for sure starts with a bang! It must have been surreal for Flossie to find herself in that situation. But in a way, it was also fitting in a way, because not only is this the moment she meets Kit, but it’s also the start for Flossie to understand that no matter what life throws at her, she is still here, and is even a very important presence, to everyone.

It was lovely to see how everyone in St Aidan, not only her friends and family, welcomed Flossie back with open arms. And yes, even if in a place like St Aidan, everyone knows everything about everyone, this is the place that Flossie needs, and the place that needs Flossie…

Starting over is never easy, but with such a squad behind Flossie, I knew that Flossie would succeed! I have to admit though, that when Flossie starts to assemble desserts together, I was a bit worried. It seemed a bit like a scene of a cartoon, let’s just put everything together and we’ll see what will come out of it!

But of course, I should not have doubted Flossie, as her recipes are a success!

Obviously, there has to be a love interest in this book. Not that it is mandatory, but I think that Flossie needed a love interest in her fresh start, in order to complete the growth she is going through. With everything she has been though in London, and how it affected her, of course I could understand why Flossie didn’t need love on her path. Also this is a setback of what she has been through, has been fighting against. Her course altered her life in so many ways, and she truly believes that love isn’t written in the stars for her.

Well, luckily for her, and for us, there is Kit!

It was sweet to see how this couple keep on darting around each other, for one reason or another. It may be for catching Shadow who has ran off once again, or for calming Kit’s customers. Somehow, these two just keep on finding, needing and supporting each other!

But what warmed my heart the most in this beautiful story, is that no matter what happened to you, no matter how different you can be from those the closest to you, in St Aidan there is always a place for you. And no matter how hard you try, you cannot stop love from hitting your heart and make the impossible even happen.

This was truly a heart – warming story, showing us no matter how ugly life can het, surrounded by the people that you love, in a wonderful setting, second chances at life and love will find a way! In more ways than just one! And those Flossie – recipes at the end of the book? For sure I will try them out!!! 

When your whole world is crashing down, is there still hope?

Synopsis

Blossom Sunshine’s life is anything but boring right now. She’s determined to finally solve the mystery of who her biological father is – despite Mum Ada putting a spanner in the works. What is Ada trying to hide? Meanwhile, best friend Billy is doing his best to impress new girl Jenna. This means cutting back on all the delicious cakes and carbs that he loves, but Jenna’s worth it. Isn’t she? And then there’s Blossom’s own love life, which has been a catalogue of disasters up till now – but that was before she met Trevor.  He’s not her usual type but she thinks maybe that’s a good thing?Could this be real love at long last? One thing’s for certain – the path to Blossom achieving her heart’s desire looks like it will be far from smooth!

My review

Blossom Sunshine has a record of finding the wrong boyfriends. But no matter how bad things ended, she could always count on the support of her sisters Skye and Rory. Yet now she has met Trevor ,and things should be looking up, weren’t it that Blossom recently discovered that her mother has been lying to her her whole life about who her father is. Determined to find out the truth, she is on a mission now. But finding her real father isn’t the only thing bothering her, as Blossom also feels that she is losing her best friend Billy to a woman who doesn’t deserve Billy’s heart. Will there be sunshine after the downpour for Blossom, just like it was for her sisters? Or will the youngest sister never have answers to her questions?

Having devoured the previous books of the trilogy, I could not wait to read Blossom’s story. Not only because I still had several questions left unanswered previously, but I also wanted to see who would steel Blossom’s heart, as it is clear that Blossom’s heart is a real treasure.

Blossom in this book isn’t the Blossom that we met in the previous books. Because the discovery that her mother has lied to her for years, was a shocking one. And I could understand Blossom too, why not be honest about her parentage, even if it would be hurtful to hear about it? And just like Blossom, I didn’t believe the next story she was told…

However, despite her inner turmoil, she never loses her kind and caring heart. She always has a kind word for everyone, and is always offering a helping hand to her loved ones, from her sisters, to her friends, to even the people in her happy place…

Blossom is the kind of person that the world needs more of, because these kind of people make the world a so much better place…

So even if her life was in turmoil, I was happy for her to have found love, in the form of Trevor. I have to admit, I perhaps would have preferred her falling in love with someone else, but I could understand the attraction. And Trevor, even if he isn’t Blossom’s usual type, for sure ticks all the boxes. Although I have to admit that I wasn’t 100% convinced by him. And no, it has nothing to do with my own preferences! 😊

I liked Blossom’s determination, finding out one way or another who her father is, and just what her own history is. I loved the strength of the sisterhood, as Blossom can rely on Skye and Rory to be there for her at the most difficult moments.

As we know, the relationship with Skye has always been a more strained one, often explained by the bigger age gap between the sisters, but that doesn’t take away the clear love the sisters have, Rory included.

Now, from book 1 of this trilogy, I had a gut feeling about Blossom’s parentage. But Rosie Green managed very well making me doubt myself, only to make me scream afterwards a very loud “I KNEW IT!!!”

But this isn’t only a story about Blossom and her quest. It’s also a book about love, and self – discovery. Love, because Blossom has to learn that no matter what happens, love, in its truest from, just doesn’t disappear overnight. And I am not talking only about the romantic kind of love, but the love in a family, for sisters, for mothers, for friends. Friends like Billy, that perhaps you don’t know that long, yet there is this instant connection. The bond between Blossom and Billy is a sweet one. They just get each other, accept each other, and wish each other the best.

And just like Blossom, I was saddened to see how Billy getting the girl of his dreams changed him. Now, don’t go thinking badly about Billy, because he for sure doesn’t deserve it. But Billy is a perfect example of wanting to change yourself for the sake of someone else, so they like you. But let me tell you this dear reader, you are just perfect the way you are, and if someone wants to change you, or take advantage of you, that means they aren’t the right person for you!

Now, like I said, this is also a story about self – discovery. It would be too easy to just link it to Blossom’s desire to find her father. Because it’s not only that. It’s also about Blossom needing to find out what she wants to do with her life and what direction her life should take. Blossom needs to find the courage to make a choice, a decision, to take the right path. But she also needs to follow her own feeling, and not just rush into things.

This third amazing book of a wonderful trilogy for sure had me hooked from the first page! Blossom didn’t have an easy journey in this book, as she has definitely several challenges. But no matter what happens to her, she never loses the essence that makes her uniquely Blossom.

Blossom may seem the most fragile of the sisters, but yet she shows us so much strength, passion, kindness and understanding. She is the kind of person I would like to have as a friend myself, as I would know I would always have a fierce ally in my corner. She shows us that no matter what curveballs life throws us, they can only strengthen us.

Rosie Green wrote once again a stunning book, with great characters, character evolution, and most important, so much heart in it!

Don’t we all wish for book boyfriends to be real?

Synopsis

Lose yourself in Lakeville Hills in this gorgeous new romance from bestselling author Camilla Isley…

When she’s ghosted by yet another Tinder match, Leighton swears off dating for life. Who needs apps and blind dates when she has the perfect-in-every-way (apart from being fictional) heroes of her beloved romance novels?

That night Leigh finds a second-hand book on her TBR pile, which transports her to the small-town of Lakeville Hills, where the heroines wear shorty-shorts and the men drink bourbon. And as Leigh drifts off to sleep, she dreams of billionaire cowboy Killian St Clair, who could win a gold medal for smouldering and bicep flexing.

For a while, Leigh finds it easier to stomach misogynistic supervisors, newly coupled friends, and extravagant bridesmaid duties knowing she can return to Lakeville Hills each evening. Until one day, she wakes up to find she’s brought a bit of Lakeville Hills back with her: the impossible sexy and entirely implausible Killian St Clair is in her apartment.

Now Leigh must help Killian navigate the real world. But as she gets to know the man behind the trope, can she keep her heart safe, or does she risk falling in love with her book boyfriend in real life?

My review

Leighton has had enough of dating apps and dating in general. She is also tired of seeing all her friends finding the loves of their lives, while she only manages to get ghosted. And then she finds the most perfect boyfriend ever, in the form of Killian St Clair, billionaire cowboy. If only he wasn’t living in the current book Leighton is reading now, and he appears in her dreams too! Leighton at this points enjoys more the nights with Killian in her dreams than living the real life, with demeaning supervisors and not spending too much money… But when one morning she wakes up, and Killian is right there beside her. How on earth is it possible that Killian went from the pages of that strange second – handed book into standing in her apartment? Now Leighton has to make Killian adapt in the real world, where he is a nobody? And can risk Leighton to lose her heart to this more than perfect persona, even if he cannot be possible real?

How much can a 37 – years old woman swoon over a book? Let me tell you, the swoons are impossible to count! Because this book gave me every vibe I needed and didn’t know I needed!

Being a bookaholic, I have dreamed so often of book boyfriends, or me being the main character in my favourite book, and yes, I admit, having the perfect boyfriend on paper appearing in real life.

So being ecstatic that the wonderful Camilla Isley, who I adore, wrote a book about a nice girl next door having Mr. Perfect magically switch from being on paper in being there for real, is for sure an understatement!

Leighton for sure had my sympathy from the start. I could completely understand her and I could relate to her in a few occasions. Let me tell you that while I absolutely enjoy my singledom, at moments it also pains me to see how everyone finds their perfect match, setting up families, and here I am, on my own, devouring books. And everyone wants to match you, or tell you that love will find you when the time is right…

And let’s just not talk about dating apps and disastrous dates!  

So just like Leighton, I have found several perfect boyfriends, in books… And even if at moments they disappoint you, the love is a wonderful one!

And Killian, both in the book as in real life (well, Leighton’s real life that is), just wow! I swooned over him as a billionaire cowboy, getting on Leighton’s nerves, the perfect character for an enemies – to – lovers trope! He gave so many alpha – vibes that I truly wondered why Leighton in her dreams wouldn’t just give in. Because why should you hold in in your dreams???

But there is one thing more delicious than Killian on paper. And that is Killian in real life… That man for sure is every woman’s dream. He finds himself in a world that he doesn’t know, where he doesn’t even exist. Yet he shows entrepreneurship, has a hands – on attitude, but most important, he cares about Leighton, and shows her that they are meant to be together, in one world or another. While he finds himself in a different world, and he has to adapt to it, he never loses himself, and his kindness and protectiveness never wavers…

Sparks in real life for sure are flying around with Leighton and Killian. And I was more often than not angry for the moments that appears to be leading to something and then just… don’t. But I could understand Leighton’s reservations. Because it’s not only the fear that Killian could easily disappear, just as easy as he appeared, leaving Leighton perhaps even more heart – broken than ever. But I could also comprehend that Leighton isn’t sure about Killian’s real feelings, as his feelings for her were literally written for him…

This book is the perfect romance for people who have been dreaming to have their book boyfriend in real life. There are just a few minor points that didn’t allow me to give this book the full five stars, but “only” four (four and ¾ if I could!).

And that is just because Camilla Isley had me feeling afraid in this book… Because just like Leighton, I was afraid that Killian would have disappeared overnight…

And also that perhaps things went too easy at some moments? Yes yes, in a romance anything can happen, but Killian being so quickly successful in his new job, and then gaining papers so easily… Perhaps I would have liked a little more struggles in these instances? Although I had a laugh with the counter favour Leighton and Killian had to deliver in order to get those papers! 😊

But once again Camilla Isley wrote a hilarious, amazing book, with a little bit of magic in it. She made me devour Leighton’s and Killian’s story so quickly, that I even regretted reaching the end! I don’t know how this author manages to write stories that I needed in my life, but I know for sure that no matter what she will be writing next, I will devour it once again, and love it all over!

Can love be found the old – fashioned way?

Synopsis

Late at night when I wander the streets of Paris, my thoughts turn to her… How do I tell her how I feel? Perhaps, I need to show her…

The pretty little streets of Montmartre are abuzz with a rumour. Apparently a mystery matchmaker, known only as ‘Paris Cupid’, has somehow helped the city’s most famous bachelor find love.

But old-fashioned romantic Lilou is staying very quiet. She’d just wanted to set up her best friend, and to get on with her life selling whimsical old love letters, in Paris’s famous St. Ouen market.

She hadn’t imagined her little Paris Cupid project could ever have attracted so many people looking for true, heartfelt romance. Though the truth is that Lilou adores helping people find the right person. Even if her own love life is nothing short of disastrous.

But then a message arrives. And it’s just for her. Someone is in love with her. Someone who knows her secret. But they’re keeping their own identity secret too… Could it be from cheerful, talkative, flame-haired Felix? Or quiet, beautifully handsome Benoit? Or even Pascale – who drives Lilou mad every day?

After so long of helping others find their soulmate, is it time for Lilou to find love of her own in Paris herself?

My review

Lilou is a real romantic. But being tired of the avalanche of dating apps, and the current way of finding love, she started her own project. It started as wanting her best friend to find love, and now Paris Cupid has become a real success. A success that even made Parisian most famous bachelor find love, and he is spreading the word! Now not only there are more people trying to find love through Paris Cupid, but there are also people trying to discover who Cupid may be. And that is something Lilou doesn’t want to be in the open… Because it’s not about her, but about finding love. And then Lilou herself starts receiving messages of love, but without telling her who he is. And thus Lilou now has to figure out who of the St. Ouen market is professing his love to her…

Right from the start this book has ‘romance’ written all over it. Obviously there is the setting, Paris must be one of the most romantic places in the world. Then there is Lilou, who sells old letters at the market. And not just any kind of letters, she finds treasures in old love letters. And then of course the job Lilou has beside her St. Ouen Market job… being Paris Cupid, helping people finding love…

Having been on a few dating apps myself, and deleting them too, I found it so refreshing to see how Lilou makes people find love. It is endearing to have actually write letters, post them and wait for a reply. It requires so much more effort then just writing a short message, and it for sure removes the risk of receiving some nice picture while on the search for that perfect match! 😊

Now, I also have to admit, that I didn’t truly understand how Lilou’s letter selling business could work. But that is purely on me, because I don’t think I would like to spend money on a letter for someone else, no matter how old or precious that letter may be. But I suppose that if there is a market for everything, why shouldn’t there be one for old letters?

How could you not like Lilou? She is a real romantic at heart, and is so kind – hearted that she wants her friends to find love. Not just any kind of love, but the perfect match. I loved it how she came up with the idea for Paris Cupid, and I could also understand why she only confided in one person about it. She doesn’t care about making a name about herself, she wants love to prevail. Just shows once again what a kind and caring person she is. She wants love, not fame or fortune.

And it warmed my heart to see how she is being wooed herself, by receiving mysterious love messages herself. For a person that wants her loved ones to find love, it’s only right that Lilou herself finds love!

I have to admit, while Lilou herself doesn’t know who the secret messenger is, I had a good idea who it would be. And I wasn’t disappointed by the final revelation, on the contrary, I found it even super sweet to read how the mysterious writer has come up with the perfect great gesture!

This book somehow made me believe once again in love. And that sometimes old-fashioned ways to find it are and will always be a right way to find love. I can only imagine the thrill in opening a letter, getting to know someone better and fall in love with the words on paper, and not let you guide by the looks of someone.

Perhaps we should all grab more our pens and write letters to our loved ones. And I am not only talking about love interests, but also to our friends and family. Because is there something more real and touching than reading a letter where a lot of effort has been put in? And letters for sure will last much longer than a mail or a message on your phone…

I truly enjoyed reading this story, showing us not only the power of love, but also the power of words! And all this in a wonderful, even magical setting, with beautiful characters that show us love, friendship and sense of community!

When your life needs a change, summer is what it needs

Synopsis

Two people. Two pasts. One summer to fall in love.

Caleb is a former professional surfer trying to build his life after a career-ending accident.

Lindy has moved to Loor island to start a new life, combing the shores for sea glass to weave into jewelry.

When the two meet, sparks fly – but not the good kind. Then they discover they’re neighbours, and they’re stuck with each other for one, long summer.

As they slowly learn to trust each other, and find themselves sharing their stories that brought them to Loor, their dislike begins to unravel into friendship, then maybe something more.

But will the weight of their pasts ruin their chance of a future?

My review

Needing a change in her life, Lindy has moved to Loor Island. While the accepted job as a pet sitter isn’t exactly what she thought it would be, she is ready to give it her all. And of course, she hopes that all the sea glass she finds on the island can be integrated in jewellery. But already upon her first arrival, Lindy learns that the island way of life is very different to the life she has known. And her neighbour, former professional surfer, Caleb, is someone Lindy just cannot read… Nevertheless, Caleb is there when needed, forced or not by his grandmother Betty, who is a force to be reckoned with. As summer passes by, Lindy and Caleb grow closer, but with both having a past haunting them, is one summer enough to chase those dark clouds away?

Most of the times, I immediately like the main character(s) of a story. there is something I can relate with them, seeing things of myself in them or even them having the kind of life I always dreamed of. But with Lindy, I have to admit, that wasn’t the case.

I understand it that perhaps you don’t have the job you dreamed of, or that at that same job you aren’t as respected as you should be. For sure I have been in a likewise situation, where I didn’t feel the passion for my job anymore. But it never stopped me from doing my job good. And it bothered me to see how distracted Lindy was, and how easily her thoughts were wandering off, even when her boss was talking to her.

And there is her relationship with Max, which I just didn’t understand. Yes, everyone can have their hobby or passion. But in a couple, isn’t it also to have a hobby or passion in common? Or at least there is a right amount of balance? Because with Lindy and her boyfriend – at – the – start – of – the – book, it felt to me like Lindy was doing a lot for him, but the actions weren’t reciprocated?

On the other hand, who am I to comment on someone else’s relationship, me, the single – for – life? 😊

And when that relationship stranded, it for sure wasn’t healthy to see how Lindy kept checking online what was going on!

But on the other hand, I also admired her. Because Lindy understood that something had to change, and she bravely decides to make the move to Loor Island.

Not only did I admire her choice, but I also admired her courage. Because let there be one thing clear, if I discovered what the job truly entails, I would be running away, as fast as possible!

I have to say though, I had several laughs at poor Lindy’s sake… the misunderstandings she has, or how she finds herself in situations she didn’t ask for, well, as a reader it was the best! 😊

Yet it’s also a fact that Lindy finds her real self on the island, and she finds herself understanding what it means to be part of a community, if she wants it or not.

Even if her first encounter with Caleb wasn’t a positive one, it’s clear that they both are people with serious baggage. And that perhaps meeting each other, is what they both need in order to be able to move on.

While initially reluctantly, Caleb finds himself being helping Lindy, and that creates a bond that they cannot keep on ignoring.

With two people with demons, I always like to see the evolution in their characters. Things never start on a great note, but slowly both main characters are able to let down their guards, even if sometimes it needs some well-intended interferences. Yet the loveliness of this book is how the demons can be chased away, and that the right people will just get you. But also that distance can put a lot in perspective, and can make you see what you weren’t able to see before.

And that obviously, one summer can make a huge difference, and that one summer can bring so much in your life, and it can make you feel more at home and at ease than you could ever imagine.