Tizi’s Book Review

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.

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!