Tizi’s Book Review

To find a good match isn’t that easy…

Synopsis

What happens when a sensible Cinderella meets a European prince? Find out in this sparkling romantic Regency story!

A royal distraction…

…for the debutante!

Given her meagre dowry and lack of known parents, Isobel Lennox must use her only London season to make a sensible match. So why, oh why is she dazzled by the dashing, handsome Prince Claudio? She’s not highborn enough to be his bride–and he’s certainly not ready to marry. But one mesmerizing kiss later, neither can stay away from each other!

From Harlequin Historical: Your romantic escape to the past.

My review

Isobel Lennox is ready to make her debut in London together with her triplet – sisters. As her dowry isn’t really that substantial, and the mystery around her parentage complicates even more, she knows that she has to make a good match. A match that is not perse made out of love, but one that has to be sensible.
Yet no matter how hard she tries to have that match, she keeps on clashing with Prince Claudio, currently also residing in London.
Clashing that evolves into an undeniable attraction but with Isobel’s unknown parentage and Claudio’s unreadiness to marry, nothing can ever come from it. However, could one kiss change everything?

I found it wonderful to return to the triplets, and wanted to discover more not only about them personally, but I also still had a few questions I wanted an answer for.
As I have already read Rose’s story, I was eager to get to know Isobel better. And I was glad to see that in fact, Isobel and I have a lot on common! 😊

It cannot be easy, making your debut in London, with knowing that you will be judges, gossiped about and your chances of finding a match are rather slim.
Yet I liked it how all three sisters are trying to make the best out of their situation.

Isobel for sure put a smile on my face several times. Being a feisty character, speaking before thinking at times, it was just hilarious to read it all! And at some lengths even so recognizable, as I often speak out while I should have taken a moment to think! 😊

But if you are able to see behind the outspokenness, we also see a person that is worried. Worried about her sisters, her family and her own future. The love between the sisters is so clear, they would do anything for each other. Not only Isobel is protective towards her sisters, but it definitely works in two ways, as the sisters would do exactly the same for her!

Claudio is the kind of character that you see mature during the story. He starts as a real player in this book, having a great time with the ladies and surrounding himself with people who only care about his title.
He isn’t used to people talking back to him, or calling him out on his behaviour.
And perhaps it’s exactly that, Isobel calling him out, that starts the initial spark between them. And is the start of a shift in Claudio himself.

As Isobel is part of a triplet, it was great to see how Claudio is definitely attracted to Isobel, and Isobel only, making us see that he isn’t that superficial at all, as he likes Isobel’s character.
And it was sweet to see how Claudio was able to pick up the woman of his desires, without needing the ‘help’ of the women’s wardrobe! 😊

It was also delightful how this pair, initially constantly at odds with each other, slowly learn to trust and even want to protect each other.
But we also see despair in this book, when it seems that choices have been made that cannot be undone. And decisions are made out of that despair, showing us only how deep those growing feelings actually are.

I liked it how this story took place at the same time as Rose’s story took place, as we could see some same events through different eyes. Yet even with this second instalment, there are still several questions remaining unanswered. So now I have no other option than reading the third book too… what a sacrifice I have to endure!!! 😊

Giveaway time!

Giveaway to Win a Signed copy of Miss Isobel and the Prince (Open INT)

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/33c69494589/?

Are you ready for this wonderful cover?

Synopsis

One mistake could change their lives forever… 

My life is a mess. My marriage is falling apart, and I’d hoped the arrival of our baby girl would bring us closer together. Yet, as she grows, I see less of a resemblance to my husband, stirring unsettling questions. 

I was hoping a visit from my friend, Victoria would bring some stability. With her seemingly perfect life in Spain, she embodies hope for a brighter future. 

But our reunion has taken an unexpected turn. And when a shock diagnosis shakes our family further, Victoria doesn’t know it yet, but she might just hold the key to saving our family. 

But if I want her to help, a big secret has to come out. Revealing the truth risks everything – my marriage, our friendship, our families. Can we weather this storm, or will it shatter us beyond repair? 

An emotional and powerful novel of motherhood, friendship and what family means to us all. Perfect for fans of Jodi Picoult and Susan Lewis. 

Purchase Links

https://www.amazon.com/When-You-Were-Mine-emotional-ebook/dp/B0CBYGL1R5

About the author

Born in Scotland, Emma-Claire travelled the world as the child of military parents. After almost 20 years in Spain, she returned to the UK with her husband, two daughters, and rescue dog, Pip. Emma-Claire worked as a journalist for English language magazines and newspapers in Spain and in 2015 launched The Glass House Online Magazine. When not writing emotional fiction, you can find her dreaming up new book ideas or wrapped in a blanket with a book in her hand. This is Emma’s second novel. You can find her at @ECWilsonWriter on Twitter

The cover!

Can someone new in your life lift you up?

Synopsis

Take to the skies in this gorgeous and gripping new series, perfect for fans of Jo Bartlett and Cathy Bramley.

A Second Chance…

For Maya, serving as a pilot in the Whistlestop River air ambulance team is a dream come true. And now, with her divorce from her overbearing husband finally complete, flying over the fields of Dorset, and saving lives with the Skylarks, is the centre of her world. If only her ex would accept their separation as readily as she had, life would be perfect…

A fresh start…

Having recently transferred from London to Dorset, paramedic Noah is ready for a new start. But he’s brought with him a lot of baggage, not least his infant niece who he’s been looking after since his sister died unexpectedly earlier that year. Noah adores Eva, but is he really cut out to look after a baby?

A risk worth taking?

When Noah and Maya find themselves on the same rescue team, they’re immediately drawn to each other. Yet, with so many complications in their personal lives, do they have time to open their hearts to someone new?

As their friendship grows, Noah and Maya are both about to discover that life is worth nothing unless you share it with the people you love.

My review

Maya has dreamed since she was a little girl to be a pilot. And being a pilot in the Whistlestop River air ambulance team is just perfection for her. It’s not always easy, but every time she takes off, her heart sings with joy.
If only now her ex – husband would accept their divorce instead of still acting like a married couple…
And then she finds herself drawn to her new colleague, paramedic Noah. He recently transferred from London to Dorset. But Noah isn’t having an easy time, as he is looking after his niece Eva, after losing his sister.
He adores Eva, but he doesn’t feel fit to be a parent.
With the both of them having a lot of baggage and unfinished business, will their slowly growing friendship eventually result in something more? Or are they afraid to open up their hearts again?

I found this a wonderful book to read! Perhaps it wasn’t completely the story I had imagined it would be, but in the end, it turned out to be an even better story than I came up with!

On one hand, I admired Maya’s patience with her husband, as he clearly doesn’t understand it that they are divorced and he should stop bothering her.
But on the other hand, I also wanted her to be stricter, because it’s clear that he won’t ever stop playing her, and using her to his own advantage.

Maya has been through a lot, from a younger age, losing her mother, a strained relationship with her father, and a secret she has been keeping for way too long. But her past didn’t turn her into a bitter person, on the contrary.
Because Maya is such a lovely person, with a kind heart, understanding and patient.

And she deserves to find love, and find the right kind of love. So of course, I was over the moon when Noah enters the scene!
Initially the pair doesn’t immediately get along, but learning more about their background, the initial reaction and the following reaction to it, made perfectly sense.

Noah’s story is for sure a sad one… in London he seemingly had it all, until his sister dies. With her daughter Eva now in his care, it wasn’t that surprising that his life suddenly all fell apart.
It is admirable that without a doubt he took Eva in, but I could also easily understand the struggles he is facing. HE has become a parent overnight. Becoming a parent is a real challenge, and that is when someone has been preparing for it. So imagine how difficult it is for Noah!

Yet his love for little, sweet, and at times exhausting, Eva is so obvious. He wants what’s best for her. And it was truly heartwarming to see how protective he has become of her, and how he learns to trust his instincts whenever it concerns Eva.
Seeing their bond growing, was truly the sweetest thing to read! 😊

So with such lovely characters, why wasn’t this the story I expected it would be? Because while there is absolutely some romance involved, and growing attraction, it didn’t feel to me that that was the primary subject of the book.
To me it felt more like a story about friendships, facing your demons and even understanding yourself and what you truly want. It’s also about standing up for yourself, and not letting people waltz over you anymore.
And it’s sometimes with new people in your life that you can find the extra incentive to finally to all the above.

This was an absolute heart – warming story, even a strong story, about people who deserve the world and finally find a way to chase it. There is also room for forgiveness, understanding but most important, love, in every possible way.
Helen Rolfe wrote a story that I just had to devour!

Returning home to Jersey, finding what was thought to never see again

Synopsis

Gabriel has returned to the island of Jersey after ten years abroad to help his aging showbiz parents revive their failing Art Deco hotel, The Encore. This proves to be something of a challenge, especially as his singer father and actress mother are more concerned with staying in the limelight than keeping track of the cash-flow. It looks like Gabriel isn’t going anywhere fast. Meanwhile, he’s stunned to find that the hotel’s new receptionist is Daisy, the girl he fell in love with years earlier in Vietnam, and falling in love with someone who is tied to Jersey is the last thing she wants.

Previously published as A Jersey Bombshell

My review

After losing her mother, Daisy decided to start over again at the island of Jersey. Not only is this a place dear to someone she met years ago in Vietnam and it sounded like paradise, but it’s also a place to hide from her past.
She enjoys the peace and the sense of community in Jersey, and loves her job as a hotel receptionist at the Art Deco hotel, The Encore, run by a showbiz couple.
Her shock couldn’t be bigger when she learns that the son who just returned is Gabriel, the same man she fell in love with in Vietnam, and talked about the island.
Even if there was a promise of keeping in touch, and that promise has been broken, a lot has happened in the years apart. Yet the attraction is still there, despite Daisy’s elusiveness and Gabriel’s own past he is tied to…

What… a… delight… to… return… to… Jersey! With each book I read from this author, with this wonderful island as a setting, my eagerness to visit the place only increases!

My heart broke reading about Daisy and her past… it’s clear she is a lovely character, but life hasn’t been really fair to her, hasn’t it?
While I loved it to read how she enjoyed her time in Vietnam and meeting Gabe, it was so sad to learn about why she had to cut her travels short. And it’s also clear that even if she likes staying in Jersey, there is also something she is hiding from. But what it is?

But even is there is something haunting her, it was great to see how at ease she feels in Jersey, how slowly she is getting accustomed to the place and the whole sense of community. It’s so obvious that she feels at home on the island, and it’s also something she truly deserves, after everything she has been through.

Daisy is also the kind of person that hold on to her values. We see this when Gabriel admits something to her. Even if it would be very easy for Daisy to just ignore that snippet of important information, she wants to do what’s right, even if it’s very difficult.

Talking about Gabriel… I have to admit I don’t know very much about the work and life of a marine biologist. But without knowing the exact details, I know their research is a very important one. And I also understand it takes one to all different places in the world, where marine biologists are needed.
His passion for his job is very palpable and I cannot not admire him for what he is doing.

But there is so much more to Gabriel… He is kind, gentle and patient. He is not this flawless character, as he has made mistakes in the past, but he is also the kind of person that is man enough to face the consequences and do what’s right, even if his heart isn’t in it. But he knows that sometimes things must be done to be the righteous kind of person.

Obviously them meeting again in Jersey put a big smile on my face, as I wanted to see the mutual shock on their faces. But I also wanted to see how much of that attraction that they once had, would be still present.
It’s clear that during those years apart, they have both been through a lot, but that didn’t take away that the person they fell for, was still there.
Seeing how Daisy and Gabriel obviously still feel something for each other, and are trying to find how to cope with those feelings, but also sticking to their own values, and respecting each other’s values was sweet to read.

Now, with Daisy clearly hiding away on the island, it’s stating the obvious that some drama will be happening in this book. And it angered me to read about how nasty people can be, how devious and just putting it bluntly, how ugly people can be.
And there is also the issue that Gabriel is facing. The restrictions he has to overcome made me frown my eyebrows, but who am I to comment on the laws? Even if I didn’t agree with that specific law, I had my fingers crossed for some kind of loophole, to facilitate a thing or two in the tale!

But that drama, that ugliness couldn’t take away the loveliness, the heart of the island and its inhabitants, firm presences, new inhabitants and returned ones. Because each character in this book, is a great persona, fitting perfectly in the island that emanates so much warmth. Even the most excentric character (and yes, I am talking about Gabriel’s family here 😊) is such a great addition on the island, a needed trait for Jersey.

I truly, absolutely loved returning to Jersey, I was delighted in getting to know Daisy and Gabriel, and I loved seeing some old friends once again!
This book made me fall in love even more with Jersey, as this was a warm, hopeful story about lost loves given another chance.

The importance of 5 stars…

Synopsis

Lavender Cottage, Yorkshire’s finest B&B, is owner Janet Jackson’s pride and joy. Now, after a year of running it and coming out alive, she’s set her heart on becoming a Superhost. For that Janet will need a bloomin great tsunami of 5 star reviews- despite the many obstacles that stand in her way.

Number one, of course, is the guests themselves. Their strange requests, habits and lasting damage to her garden, the cottage and her sanity, are a non- stop challenge.

Add in the piles of laundry, sleepless nights, scary spreadsheets, sneaky neighbours, and sex with no strings . . . and her goal seems far away. 

Yet despite an endless run of dramas, and thanks to her passion for hospitality and home baking, Janet may find she is just a Lemon Drizzle cake or two away from a 5-star life.

My review

Janet Jackson worked hard in the past year to make a success of her B&B, Lavender Cottage. But in order to become what is called a ‘Superhost”, she must gain a lot of 5 – star reviews.
But not all the guests are that easily pleased, as they all have their own kind of strange requests and habits.
And it’s not only the guests Janet is struggling with, but also her own private life is causing her more than one stressed moment.
Nevertheless, despite all the anxiety Janet is facing, Superhost is the goal she wants to achieve. But will she realize that dream of hers?

After reading the first book of the series, I was so sure that running a B&B would be absolutely nothing for me. To deal with all the stress, the drama, no way José! 😊
And after finishing this book, I am only even more convinced that I will never ever ever run a B&B, not for all the money in the world!

Of course I was happy to discover that Janet managed to survive a year with her Lavender Cottage. And of course I wanted her to achieve the status of Superhost. But at the same time, I also knew this wouldn’t be a walk in the park. Not only because guests can be truly annoying, difficult and demanding, but also because Janet doesn’t only has to worry about the B&B, as her personal life is not that easy too…

I was happy to see how Janet has become more assertive in this book, even if it’s clear that she isn’t there completely yet.
There are still moments where I wanted her to truly speak out her mind and not let people just walk over her. Obviously, easier said than done!

There is also the whole new dynamics at Janet’s home, especially as her sister Mitzi is all into renovating the attic for her own, and is ever more into otherworldly things. I have to admit, it was a bit difficult to me completely understand what Mitzi was up to, but that is purely on me, as Mitzi’s world is so far away from my own! 😊

Janet struggles in this book to keep all the balls in the air, but it was also sweet to see how she rely on the support of her daughter Chloe, Mitzi and even some new appearances in this book. It was great to see how people want Janet to be successful in her B&B.
But I have to say, the struggles are of such a wide range, from a personal level, with also irritating neighbours, to obnoxious guests, I don’t know which one is the worst.

Nevertheless, even those struggles put a smile on my face, perhaps the evil kind of smile? 😊 Because let’s be honest, isn’t it funny to see how much can go wrong in someone else’s life?
But it was also funny to see how in a way Karma found a way in a hilarious way!

This book made me perhaps more resolute to never have a B&B on my own, but that didn’t take away the pleasure I had reading Janet’s continuing tale. It was great to see how Janet continues to mature, how she is even able to find new directions with her business. And all of this, while surrounded by the most supporting people around her!

When you need to get to the wedding of your ex, with the ex of your ex’s fiancée…

Synopsis

Four exes and a wedding. And a road trip no one expected…

Jo Watters would rather do anything than go to her ex-husband Ben’s wedding to perfect Monica, and if it wasn’t for her beloved children she would already be far, far away. But having promised to be civilised for the sake of their soon-to-be-blended family she is headed to Spain with a fixed smile and hoping for a very fixed drink!

But when Jo realises that she’s on the same plane as Monica’s ex-husband, the devastatingly handsome but equally cantankerous Adrián, she thinks her trip can’t get any worse… she’s wrong. When bad weather forces the plane to land the wrong side of the Pyrenees, and the hotel they’re sent to only has one double room available Jo begins to wish she was anywhere – anywhere – but here…

Determined to get to the wedding however they can, Jo and Adrián make an unlikely team, but as their disastrous trip continues, Jo starts to wonder if fate has other ideas for her and Adrián, especially when he seems to be getting more handsome by the day…maybe this trip won’t be so terrible after all?

My review

Jo Watters isn’t really looking forward to her trip to Spain. And that has all to do with the reason she is heading over. Because it’s not a vacation she is having, but her ex – husband Ben is getting married to Monica, and for their children’s sake, Jo and Ben agreed to keep things civilised.
Yet her trip already starts badly, as she discovers that Monica’s ex – husband, Adrián is on the some plane.
And then due bad weather, the plane needs to land in France instead of Spain. And then the hotel they are staying in, only has one double room left available.
Even if Jo isn’t all that happy to spend time together with Adrián, they have to join forces, in order to get on time to the wedding. And the more time they spend together, the more Jo realizes that Adrián isn’t all that bad at all.
But with all their bad luck, will they get to the wedding?

Well, there are several authors that put a smile on my face when I pick up one of their books. And there is no doubt in the world that Leonie Mack is one of them!

Jo is absolutely a delightful character. She is an amazing mother, and she would do anything for her two children. She would even fly over to Spain, to see her ex – husband getting married to another woman, all for their kids. I know for sure that not anyone would do that! Yet that shows us also that Jo puts the right priorities, and nothing is more important for her than her children’s happiness.

But at the same time, Jo is also a hilarious character! 😊 The ways she goes to avoid Adrián initially, at the airport, but also on the plane itself! Of course, part of the hilarity is unintentional. But that only adds to more laughs!
And yes, there are also absolutely intentional funny moments!

And Adrián for sure also is to “blame” for it! I didn’t know what to think of him when he first appears. It wasn’t the best of first impressions. Yet slowly we see Adrián real character. Just a devoted parent as Jo is, a funny guy, an understanding man and a caring man.
It was lovely to understand the growth he has made before, and even if he still is treated not that kindly by his ex – in – laws, he does what is right, even if he could easily have said not so kind words…

Now, how much of bad luck can Jo and Adrián have while heading of to Spain? Even Murphy did his best in this book, making absolutely everything going wrong!
While it was hilarious, it was also exasperating! There were moments I was thinking: haven’t they both endured enough already? 😉
Yet it’s also because of that Murphy’s Law that Jo and Adrián are able to get closer and understand each other better, and help each other. And I am not only talking about the physical help each of them needs at moments in this book, but also the emotional help.

This was absolutely an amazing, marvellous, wonderful story to read, about two people going to and being in a place they rather would not be. But out of love, they do things for the greater picture. And while everything seems to be going wrong for them, they find not only an alliance together, but so much more, and something that is also much more important and so much more hopeful.

Leonie Mack took me on a great journey, with many many downs, but all the ups made the downs just disappear.
And just like I started this review: I just had the biggest smile on my face while reading. The smile only disappeared for when I had to belch out a really loud laugh! 😊

To prove a crime hasn’t been committed, but at what cost?

Synopsis

My name is Amber Ryan.
I’m in prison, but I’m innocent.
And I’ve been jailed not just for a crime I didn’t commit, but for a crime that never even happened.
Now, my friend is going to try to prove it.
But to do that, she has to go back.
Back to the dark.

My review

Heather and Amber used to be best friends, until they weren’t anymore. And now Amber is in prison for a hideous crime.
When approached by Felicity and her brother Nathan, Heather finds it hard to believe that the siblings truly believe that Amber is innocent, and even worse, the crime in fact never took place. But as the victim is Jack Shannon, Heather’s ex – boyfriend, she knows that with him, anything is possible. And in order to gain evidence, Heather has no other option to him and the dark world around him. Heater is adamant to uncover the truth, but at what cost will that eventually be?

When I started to read this book, I was very curious to discover what Amber actually did and how it would be possible that there was no actual crime committed. Because I think we all go in the same direction thinking about why anyone would get a life sentence.

And perhaps that was what didn’t feel 100% right in this book, as the sentence felt too severe for the committed crime. But it also gave you already an idea of the possible scheme and deception that took place.

It saddened me to read at the start of this book how these two close friends fell out over a man, and having history repeating itself once again when attempts were made to restore that friendship.
On one hand I could understand Amber, for wanting to protect her relationship, but on the other hand, I could also understand Heather, as she wanted to warn and protect her friend.

I have to say, the way Heather was approached by Felicity was so dodgy, I don’t know if I would meet up with her if I were Heather. And the made claims for sure seemed a bit weird, even if Heather knows that there is something wrong with Jack Shannon.
But it’s one thing finding your ex weird, it’s a complete different story when someone tells you that he could be an actual criminal.

Yet I admired Heather’s courage, as she wanted to help out her old friend and her new friends, even if she knows that it will cost her a lot. Because let me make one thing very clear: Jack Shannon makes me raise several red flags, and I am not only talking about him living at nighttime!

I don’t know how Heather manages to keep the pretence going, as I for sure couldn’t! But we also see how Jack is able to manipulate, play and even mould Heather in the way he wants.
This man gave me goosebumps from the very first appearance until the ultimate last one.

In this whole book, I was afraid for Heather, as I knew that something would happen. But when? How? And who could she truly trust? And won’t she loose herself while trying to set her friend free?
I constantly had an uneasy feeling, and with several twists and turns in it, that feeling never left me…

And yes, even if some twists seemed a tiny bit farfetched, and Heather at moments for sure may count herself lucky in having such allies, the story got me sitting on the edge of my seat. I didn’t want to read further out of fear, but I also felt I needed to continue reading, to put my mind and my heart at ease!  

When two complete opposites are suddenly becoming neighbours and sparks fly around

Synopsis

Roxie Nowak is a former basketball player, with a great job in tech and her own swanky place. She doesn’t date, because what’s the point? Men always want someone petite, pillowy, and pastel—everything that Roxie isn’t—so she sticks to casual hookups, and life is good.

As a hot lawyer and a romantic to boot, Chris Dunn should have no trouble finding love. But a gaping hole at his center, left by childhood hurts, prevents him from having the type of relationship he seeks. He knew Roxie years ago, when her basketball career ended, and she inspired him to take the reins to his career.

When Chris moves back to town and into Roxie’s building, their friendship and mutual attraction deepen. They finally give in with blinding intensity, unaware just how combustible the mix of her avoidance and his insecurity can be—until one vindictive ex-lover lights a match.

My review

Roxie Nowak had to give up her dream of becoming a professional basketball player after an injury. Now she has a great job in tech and a fancy place to live. The only thing she doesn’t need, is to date, as Roxie is nothing like the women men are looking for. But that doesn’t mean she isn’t having any casual hookup.
But when she learns that her new neighbour is lawyer Chris Dunn, someone she knows from college, she cannot deny the attraction.
Even if Chris is Roxie’s total opposite, as he is a real romantic and believes in real love…
Despite their differences, they quickly become close friends, and also the attraction keeps on growing. But are their feelings strong enough to overcome their differences and personal insecurities?

It’s always a bit exciting, when you pick up a book from an author you didn’t know before. Will you like the writing style? Will you enjoy the story? Are the characters likeable? So many questions, and having just one way to have an answer: start reading! 😊

I liked how Roxie was a woman who knows what she wants, and isn’t ashamed of doing so. She is a strong character, and in a way it angered me seeing how people were judging her, just because she is a woman, because when it’s a man acting like her, everyone is “proud” of him… why the double standards???

But while I like her strength, her persona also made me a little bit sad. She doesn’t allow many people getting closer, out of fear of getting hurt afterwards. And it also saddened me to read how she truly believes that she isn’t what men are looking for… can’t she see how amazing she is???

It was sweet in a way to see how Roxie realizes that she already knows her new neighbour Chris, from their college time, as he was dating Roxie’s roommate. It was even sweeter to read how back then they already had some kind of connection, and spent time together.

And Chris now as an adult, I could easily see myself falling for him too. He is kind, funny, gentle, understanding and non – judgemental.
He understands the distance Roxie at moments needs, and even if sometimes he want to follow his instincts, he knows that he has to follow Roxie’s lead…

Sparks for sure fly in this book, and at moments it can get very steamy! But while it was detailed, it wasn’t disturbing at all, and it fitted in the story. It wasn’t that the heated moments were dragged there just to make it hotter. But it came up at the perfect moment, in the perfect way.
Roxie and Chris have a chemistry, physical but also emotional to be envious of.

But this pair also have to face several challenges. Not only is there Roxie’s fear of commitment, but also the way the both are treated by their respectively parents, how they both have some serious emotional baggage that still need to be processed.
Can I say that I was truly disappointed in the behaviour of some parents? I just cannot comprehend how you can be like that to you own child, as in one case it’s coldness, careless, nonchalance towards your own flesh and blood, and on another case it’s just not understanding your child, and keep on giving digs that are totally unjustified!
At moments it was also a bit frustrating, to see how their fears and insecurities would hold them back, or even act out of character. I wanted to scream at them to just get a grip! 😊

I have to say though, I was expecting a bit more sportive mentions in it, as on the cover and in the blurb there are several references to it. But in the book itself, I found it more as a sidenote. Not that it mattered that much to me, as basketball is something far from my own world 😊

This was a great first encounter with a new author. It was fast – paced, there wasn’t any unnecessary lingering or detailing in it. The main characters while having to face their issues, were lovely, likeable and even relatable.
We see how the right person in your life can be the right incentive to throw your fears out of the window and take that leap of faith. And of course there will be hurdles that need to be taken. But once again, with the right person it’s worth the jump.

Can independence and love go hand in hand?

Synopsis

Welcome to your happy place…

Stella Hutton has everything under control. Her high-flying career as a lawyer relies on her keeping a calm, rational head on her shoulders. She hasn’t got time for love, or space for a man in her glamorous new apartment, a converted warehouse overlooking the rugged cliffs of Micklewick Bay.

But when a handsome stranger walks into the Jolly Sailors pub, with a sparkle in his blue eyes and a head of dark curls, everything changes. Making a beeline for her, Alex Bainbridge introduces himself while a gorgeous Labrador waits at his feet. Electricity instantly sparks between Stella and Alex, as her heart flips inside her chest and her usual strict rules about men fly out the window…

Stella thinks her crush will pass. But every time she bumps into Alex — on her daily jog along the promenade, at the supermarket, inside the Happy Hartes Bookshop — her feelings only grow stronger. Her close-knit group of friends have never seen her like this before. After thirty years of being happily single, has Stella finally met the one? Or will her cherished independence sabotage her chance at a forever love?

Escape to Micklewick Bay in this uplifting, feel-good page-turner, perfect for fans of Heidi Swain, Jenny Colgan and Phillipa Ashley.

My review

Being raised by a single mother, Stella Hutton is a strong, independent woman. Even her demanding job as a lawyer isn’t able to lose her calmness and she can rationalise everything. Recently moved to a fancy new apartment, a converted warehouse in Micklewick Bay.  The last thing she needs or wants, is a man in her life.
Yet when in the Jolly Sailors pub she sees a handsome strange with blue eyes, Stella is flabbergasted to see what his presence ignites in her.
And then she learns that Alex Bainbridge and his Labrador are actually her new neighbours…
Even if Stella believes that her feelings will pass, the more they bump into each other and get to know each other better, the stronger her feelings get. But will Stella finally believe in love, and not seeing it as losing her independence? And how will her recent discoveries affect her life?

First of all, what a delight to return to Micklewick Bay! I have fallen so much in love with this lovely place and its inhabitants. And from the close unit of friends, I was very curious to read Stella’s story and I wanted to know who would steal her heart!

I knew beforehand that Stella was a very strong and independent woman. Being raised by just her mother, Stella grew up learning to mend for herself, to chase her dreams herself and not depend on someone else.
While it is admirable, it was in a way also a bit sad to see how that independence also made her somehow not letting love in.

Both Stella and her mother have worked hard to get where they are now, and I truly admired their determination and persistence they show. They know what they want to achieve and go for it.
The love between mother and daughter is so obvious, as it has been the two of them for a very long time. Even if the identity of her father is still a dark cloud looming over them…

Of course it’s understandable that Stella wants to know who her father is, especially as her own mother won’t spill any bean at all… And even if I didn’t agree with Stella snooping around at her mother’s place, I could see why she did that.

I have to say, I was deeply disappointed when the truth came out. Because what happens next, is not something I would anyone to have to go through… We see a side of mankind, a selfish side, a dishonest side, a side that doesn’t care about anyone else, just about its own gain…

Luckily Stella has Alex by her side. Alex, wow… in this series I didn’t think anyone could beat Bear, but Alex for sure is just as great!
He is funny, kind, generous, and he also feels that Stella needs to let things go at her pace. He sees Stella as an independent woman, and he knows that he has to be patient with her, taking those walls down one brick at the time.
It was funny to see how he is being new in Micklewick Bay, but that is also the perfect for him to spend more time with Stella, as she shows him the heart and soul of this wonderful place.

There is also room for another side story, and while perhaps getting more depth into these bits didn’t fit the romance side of this book, my curiosity about that storyline for sure was peeked! 😊

I absolutely adored getting to know Stella so much better. Stella is perhaps the more closed character of the friends, but having her in the spotlight, getting to know her to the core, for sure made me appreciate and like this character even more.
And yes, it was also hilarious to see how this strong woman, no matter how adamant she is, falls into the wonderful trap that love is.
Oh and of course it was delightful to see the group of friends together again, seeing how their stories are evolving and how supportive they are of each other!

Love, that once again we see in all its aspects, a new love, love for friends, love for family, and even a shot at love at an ‘older’ age. Because it doesn’t matter how old or young you are, love will find you and give you a shot to experience that wonderful feeling.

Summer days aren’t always filled with sunshine…

Synopsis

Welcome to your happy place…

As summer comes to the tranquil shores of Micklewick Bay, Maggie Marsay is on cloud nine. She can barely keep up with orders for her handmade teddy bears, turning her crafting hobby into a thriving business. And after trying for a baby for some time, she has joyful news to share with her devoted husband Bear who she lives with in an idyllic clifftop cottage alongside their cheeky labrador.

But an unexpected visitor casts a shadow over Maggie’s sun-drenched bliss. Robyn, a ghost from the past Maggie hasn’t seen in twelve long years, arrives on their doorstep. What could have brought Robyn back into Maggie’s life after so long? Is she truly sorry for her past mistakes, or is she up to her old tricks?

Maggie welcomes Robyn into their home, trying her best to forgive and forget. But when Robyn starts to drive a wedge between her and Bear, Maggie’s close-knit group of friends and neighbours rally around. Can they help Maggie weather this storm and find her way back to happily ever after? Or is trouble here to stay?

Escape to Micklewick Bay in an uplifting, feel-good page-turner for fans of Heidi Swain, Jenny Colgan and Phillipa Ashley.

My review

With the arrival of the summer, Maggie Marsay couldn’t be any happier. She is absolutely deeply in love with her husband Bear, who adores her too. Her business of handmade teddy bears is gaining more and more popularity. And after trying for so long, and having been heartbroken before, the
long – wished for baby may be finally on its way.
So when Maggie receives a letter from her cousin Roby, she doesn’t know what to do. Because Robyn caused many problems in the past already for Maggie. Could it be that Robyn truly learnt from her mistakes and is a changed person?
Being the kind – hearted people they are, Maggie and Bear welcome Robyn in their home. But it doesn’t take long before Robyn manages to drive a wedge in this normally so solid couple. Is this wonderful couple strong enough to survive the storm that Robyn is? Or will it all end in heartbreak?

Is there a lovelier couple than Maggie and Bear? I truly don’t think so! Their love just sparks from each page, and it for sure set the bar very high for any f my future partners! Take some lessons from Bear you guys! That is how a man should love a woman! 😊
And of course Maggie is also an inspiration of how a woman should love her man!
Because it isn’t all the time about the big gestures, but it’s also the small things, a kiss here, a hug there, understanding each other and being in sync that makes it all work!

And Maggie cannot wait to share her great news to Bear, as she finally managed to get pregnant. Even if they are fictional characters, I couldn’t be more over the moon for them, as it’s so clear what amazing parents they will be!

At first I couldn’t understand why Maggie was so reluctant when receiving Robyn’s letter. Because Maggie’s behaviour is so out of character, I just couldn’t match the Maggie I know with the Maggie that is cautious and even holding a grudge?
But after learning about what happened to her many years ago, well, I could understand her a lot better.
And even if I was wary myself, I liked it how Bear, the voice of reason, still keep on believing in the good in people, and keep on believing that people can change.

Unfortunately, from the moment Robyn enters the scene, I absolutely disliked her. The way she just assumes that she can stay at Maggie’s and Bear’s place, the way she is flaunting herself, how she is getting too touchy with Bear. And then I am not talking about how everything seems to revolve around her, her jealous streaks, and her rudeness to Maggie’s friends and family! And most important, her dodgy past, because I didn’t believe her story for even one moment!
It angered me so much to ese how Robyn is jeopardizing everything, and is able to plant seeds of doubts, is able to put cracks in one of the most solid relationships. And for what cause?

Nevertheless, no matter how much Robyn tries, there is still so much love present in this book. Despite the hiccups, Maggie and Bear clearly still love each other, they can also count on the love, care and even worry from their closest friends and their family.
And that was truly beautiful to see, how love can be stronger than the nastiest schemes and plots.

Every couple in the world has to face a more difficult moment, no matter how great the love is. It broke my heart yes, but even with the cloud of doubts and secretiveness, I had no doubt that this couple would be endgame.
Because a love that strong, like Maggie’s and Bear’s, is strong even to face a hurricane like Robyn is. Perhaps it may take some time and serious hurdles to overcome, but a way back together can and must be found again.

I absolutely devoured this book, even I got at moments jealous of having such a great love…
But my jealousy didn’t outweigh the so many beautiful feelings in this book, especially the feelings concerning love. And not only love for a partner, but also for your best of friends, for your family. And as a united front, these kind of love can overcome everything!