Tizi’s Book Review

What when you’re not the only one faking it?

Synopsis

Can a fake date fix everything?

On a day Abbey thought would be the best of her life – her boyfriend is surely going to propose tonight, right? – it all falls apart: he tells her he’s met someone else. And then to make things worse, she loses her job.

In an act of reimagination, she splurges her wedding savings on renting an apartment in a building she’s always dreamed of living in and kits out her wardrobe to match.

But when her family invites her ex – a close family friend – plus a date(!!) to her parents’ vow renewal, Abbey realizes her façade won’t be enough. There’s nothing for it but to fake one more thing – a romance. And she knows exactly who to ask… her hot new neighbor…

A laugh-out-loud fake-dating rom com, with a chemistry you’ll be thinking about long after turning the last page. Perfect for fans of The Hating Game and Elena Armas

My review

Abbey always believed that she and her long-term boyfriend Andrew would be endgame. They have been together for years, and Abbey believes that he is going to propose. But Andrew isn’t proposing at all, as he has met someone else…To make things worse, Abbey also loses her job.
With her wedding savings now available to do as she pleases, Abbey rents an apartment in the building of her dreams and even goes on a shopping spree for a whole new wardrobe.
Even if problems are lurking around the corner, Abbey doesn’t want to think about them yet and wants to enjoy living in a beautiful. Weren’t it for her new neighbour, as he annoys her to bits, no matter how handsome he may look like.
But when Abbey learns that her ex is also invited to her parents’ vow renewal, and he brings a date along, she wants to show everyone she found the perfect man. And who better to ask than her neighbour?

I always enjoy reading books where fake – dating is involved. And even if the romance – bits are initially all a big pretend, I like to see how the faking turns into something else.
But while this book is about the fake – dating, it’s not only the dating that is fake… because both the main characters, Abbey and Ted, are faking to be someone else than they actually are. And isn’t a triple fake better than a single fake? 😊
And with this author, I knew for sure I would have many laughs, but also many swoons!

For sure I felt sorry for Abbey at the start of the book. Is there something more terrible to learn that your boyfriend has met someone else while in fact you’re expecting a proposal? And to learn that he has been doing things behind your back? Oh and let’s not forget the bit about losing your job…
So could I blame Abbey for just once not doing the sensible thing, and renting an apartment perhaps above her limits and even get a whole new wardrobe? Of course not!
On the contrary, I even loved her for that! 😊
And could I blame her for deciding to fake – dating, when it’s clear that her parents are having such high expectations for her and her ex? Obviously not!

Did I love it to see how Abbey and Ted initially clash even at their first meeting and how they start off with a bunch of misunderstandings and mistaken identities? ABSOLUTELY! 😊

And Ted, he for sure didn’t deserve the betrayal he had to endure, especially as not just one person betrayed him, but the two people he entrusted the most…
Perhaps running away and hiding away isn’t the most mature behaviour, but can you truly blame him? Because I for sure cannot!

I found it exhilarating to see how Abbey and Ted are initially clashing over everything, yet it was sweet to see how at a party they  enjoy more a game than the party itself! Even if they both are pretending to be someone they are not, the real Abbey and Ted submerge more often than not. Perhaps them pretending to be someone else, makes them act a bit more differently, but also more open than they otherwise would.

Despite them not knowing who they have opposite them, they know that they have endured the same kind of pain and deceit, making them the perfect allies. Putting up a façade is perhaps not the best idea, but for sure we know that in books that works perfectly!
Seeing Abbey and Ted playing to be in love was so spot on, I think even I would truly believe in this couple 😊.

I loved reading this book, had so many laughs, swoons (like I already said before), but also a few frustrations, as seeing Abbey and Ted getting closer, with so many almost – moments but then just not – moments. I wanted them to give in to what they were feeling and stop the pretence, as they are so perfect for each other. Of course it was also a bit frustrating to read how close the both of them are to tell the truth, but once again fail to come clean about everything.
But that is also part of the charm of the book, because aren’t we all scared about admitting something we did wrong, as we don’t know how the truth will be accepted?

Perhaps the end was a bit too rushed, or maybe it’s just me who wanted to read more about what would happed next to Abbey and Ted, as I absolutely wasn’t ready yet to say goodbye to these lovely characters!

Having read several books of this author already, I can now say with absolutely certainty that she is slowly climbing up to my list of amazing authors, and that with her, I have reached the point that I don’t even want to read the blurb of her books anymore, and I just want to enjoy her stories. Because with this wonderful, hilarious, even sweet story, I was once again devouring it all at once, way too quickly reaching its end!

When you wake up and there are years lost…

Synopsis

When Shelley Woodhouse wakes up in hospital from a coma, the first thing she says is that her husband must be arrested.

He’s the reason she’s in here. She knows it. She remembers what he did. Clearly as anything.

But there are things Shelley has forgotten too, including parts of her childhood. And as those start to come back to her, so do other memories. Ones with the power to change everything.

But can she trust these new memories, or what anyone around her is telling her? And who is the mysterious hospital volunteer who brings her food and keeps making her smile? Is it possible to find your future when you’re confused about your past.

My review

Shelley Woodhouse is certain that it’s her husband who got her in the hospital when she wakes up from her coma. Because she remembers how violent the man was she married, and she remembers clearly what happened that put her in the situation she is in now.
But Shelley is shocked when she realizes that what she believes is the truth, in fact isn’t as Shelley learns that she has forgotten many things, from her childhood, but also from her present.
And as memories seem to resurface, she doesn’t know if they are actual memories or just what the people around her are telling her.
Will Shelley ever remember what truly happened? And get her husband to pay for what he did? And who is the volunteer who keeps on visiting her, putting a smile on her face?

What a book this was… It angered me, it made me sad, but it also gave me joy, happiness and hope.

When Shelley wakes up, she is so sure of what happened and what brought her in this particular situation, but as a reader there are so many signs telling us that in fact what Shelley believes to have happened isn’t in fact the reality.

I can only try to imagine how confusing things may seem to Shelley, as she has forgotten so much and is convinced that her husband is the culprit.
And slowly, together with Shelley we start to learn about her life, her past and her present…

My heart truly broke when learning about her past. Even if things weren’t always easy, she had a happy life with her mother and her grandmother. And then everything changed when her mother met the wrong man.
From that moment Shelley’s life is somehow filled with fear, anger and even desperation. She sees what love shouldn’t look like, yet she is helpless as her mother fails to make the right choices.

And it for sure angered me to see history repeat itself when Shelley finds herself also in that same situation, failing to make the same right choice as her mother failed to do.
But while it’s easy to condemn Shelley for sticking around, and not just walking away, haven’t we heard it way to often how people find it so impossible to do what seems logical to do?
Why does it always have to come to a near miss before we find the courage?

How often I almost found myself screaming at Shelley, but as an outsider it’s always so easy to say what we would do in such situations. But it’s a whole different matter when you actually are in that specific situation…

Yet there are also many beautiful things in this book. Like how despite everything, Shelley still has her best friend by her side. And just the kindness of even strangers, like volunteer Matt, who with his kindness and just unselfishness manages to put a smile on Shelley face. I have to admit, my heart also skipped a beat a few times when Matt appears and spends time with Shelley.

Now, I have to admit, that when Shelley finally has all the pieces of the puzzle falling together, I already had a gut feeling about it. Of course not the complete picture was already clear to me, but the most important bits didn’t came as a surprise. But that didn’t take away my delight in seeing that I was right!

This isn’t always an easy book to read, as we can see how ugly people can be. And how difficult or almost impossible it can be for people to extract themselves from a horrendous situation. But we also see that in fact it is possible, and that we just have to find the courage that is hidden deep inside ourselves. And that even from the ugliest of situations, something beautiful, even inspiring can grow. And most important, that just because you have met the wrong person, it doesn’t mean that you stand alone, because there will always be people right by your side, helping you fight your battles…   

When you’re hearing voices in a lift, it cannot be real, right?

Synopsis

FLOORED is a charming romantic comedy guaranteed to give you a lift.

Hannah and Drew work in the same office.

Hannah and Drew use the same elevator.

Hannah and Drew aren’t looking for love.

They haven’t even met.

Yet something is happening…

Amiable TV production accountant Drew has turned his back on love after the death of his fiancée, an incident which cemented his longstanding elevatophobia. When Drew moves towns and jobs for a fresh start, he hears a voice in the office lift telling him to “be careful”.

Is it his fevered imagination, the ghost of his fiancée, or someone playing a cruel prank? Quickly, he becomes desperate, foolish… and unexpectedly smitten.

Sweet and sassy Hannah wouldn’t mind finding love, but keeps choosing the wrong boyfriends. Her innate social anxiety, deepened by bad experiences with a preying boss, is a huge barrier to dating anyone new.

Yet, to expose her boss’ antics, she needs to be lucky as well as smart. However, talking to a sweet but hapless co-worker isn’t the answer… is it? After all, she could never imagine meeting him in person.

When Drew discovers the adorable girl behind the voice, a relationship blossoms alongside a shared determination to bring justice to their workplace, risking everything.

Will their daring plan succeed or will it jeopardize the happiness they’ve found with each other?

This wonderful, laugh-out-loud, will-they-won’t-they romcom is perfect for those who loved Beth O’Leary’s “The Flatshare”, Laura Jane Williams’ “Our Stop”, or Sally Thorne’s “The Hating Game”.

Praise for Floored:

“This book of yours is fantastic! It’s so well written, witty, funny, and the story kept me wanting to know more every single minute. I absolutely love the dynamics of Drew and Hannah’s relationship… and all the other character dynamics too. It’s such a well thought-out plot and I love how everything falls into place at the end.” – Editor

“I’ve just finished reading Floored and absolutely loved it. I loved the relationship between Drew and Hannah as they both overcame their (realistic) problems. The comedy throughout was fantastic, I don’t think there was a second that I didn’t have a smile on my face when reading. It’s a great romance, with lots of extra strands to it to keep the reader entertained and excited.”- Reader

My review

Drew in a TV production accountant who does not do dating. Because after losing his fiancée, there cannot be anyone after her. He is not only scared (or scarred…) by love, but he is also resolute to never step into a lift, even if that means to take the steps to the floor to do his job. Yet when one day he has no other choice to take the lift, after excruciating terrors, he gets the shock of his life, as he hears a voice in that same lift telling him to be careful…
Is someone pranking him? Is Drew losing his mind? Or is it the voice of his fiancée he hears?
But it’s not a standalone incident, as Drew realizes that there is in fact a voice in the lift. A voice that belongs to Hannah, who is determined to expose her boss’ inappropriate behaviour. And that is why she has come up with a smart plan. Yet she didn’t expect to like talking to her co – worker through the lift…
But no matter how much she enjoys ‘their time together’, her history of wrong boyfriends and her anxiety will make sure that Hannah will never find the courage to meet in real life. Or could she?

When I started reading this book, I could partially understand Drew’s reservations towards lifts. I am not a real fan of it either, but when there are more than two floors to go to, I take the lift, otherwise, steps it is!
But wouldn’t it be terrifying if suddenly you hear a voice? If that isn’t something fitting for a horror movie or book, I don’t know what else would be! 😊

What I liked about this book, was how two people, with their own serious amount of issues, find each other and like each other without even having seen each other. Their liking is purely based on the sound of their voices and the conversations they have. And it has nothing to do with the way they look.
And that was so beautiful to see, how they connect in perhaps a weird way, but a way that is just so fitting for the both of them.

Yet I have to admit, it was a bit weird seeing Drew getting closer to ‘Elle’. It was at a point even a bit cringeworthy, seeing  an adult man seeing like that, while he knows that it isn’t the lift itself talking, yet he seems to lose all common sense…
Luckily that common sense returns and we see Drew acting all normal again.

My heart broke a little bit getting to know both Drew and Hannah better.
Drew is still afraid of dating, after losing his fiancée in an accident. For him, she was endgame and while I understood that nothing could ever compare to her, it was sad to see how just Drew stopped living at all…
He is being teased by his colleague/friend about his no – longer – existing love life, but it was sweet to see how that same teasing friend is there for him when seriousness is required.

And then Hannah… she is so sarcastic, every time she opened her mouth, I wanted to know what would come out now!
Her attitude was so in contrast with her anxiety… because I know for sure that if Hannah were a real person, she would be my best friend! 😊

Hannah and Drew are very different kind of people. Yet it’s their differences that make it that they are perfect for each other.
It’s also them being “different” from others that they understand each better than anyone else ever could.
Of course as they both have to find the courage to let go of their fears and doubts, it is not a head – over – heels – in – love romance. But seeing how slowly the high walls are broken down, was so sweet. We see tons of patience in this book, a lot of understanding and yes also a few mistakes being made. But all that is just natural!

This was a lovely story to read, showing us that each and every one of us has struggles in life, perhaps not as big as the both main characters do. But it takes the right person to find to take that daring step into the deep to let love do what it does best…

When you want to realize your dream, sometimes you must work hard…

Synopsis

Enjoy a stroll in the park with this uplifting story of love, friendship and following your dreams. 

When Molly Brown buys a derelict cottage in the middle of a rundown park, she hopes to return both the cottage and the park to their former glory. However, Molly soon begins to wonder whether she’s bitten off more than she can chew, especially when the good-looking guy from the council refuses to help.

In his role as Parks and Highways Officer, Jack Feathers doesn’t want to waste public funds on an overgrown, unloved park, no matter how gorgeous Molly is. But when he finds himself needing somewhere to live, Molly makes him an offer he can’t refuse – to move into her spare room, rent-free.

The catch? He has to help bring the park back to life.

It seems to be an ideal solution, until… Molly falls for Jack, the park is vandalised, and she realises he is still in love with his ex.

And soon Molly begins to regret letting Jack into her home, her life and her heart.

A delightful romance full of warmth, humour and community spirit, perfect for fans of Jessica Redland and Suzanne Snow.

My review

Molly Brown has always dreamed of buying the cottage in Sweet Meadow Park. Only now that her dream finally came true, it isn’t the idyllic cottage of her dream, but rather a derelict one.
Yet Molly is adamant to restore the cottage into its former glory, and why not, also turn the park once again in a beautiful place.
But restoring the park is not as easy, especially as Molly learns that she cannot count on the help from the council.
Because Parks and Highway Officer Jack Feathers doesn’t see the point of using public funds in a place that isn’t appreciated.
However, when Jack needs a new place to live, Molly makes him an offer he cannot refuse: he can stay in her spare room, rent – free. He only needs to help with the cottage. And Molly silently hopes that she can persuade him to help bringing the park back to life.
Living together brings the two also closer. But are they also both ready to open their hearts for love again?

There are authors that never disappoint. And Liz Davies is one of them, as I absolutely loved and devoured this book!
I cannot pinpoint what exactly made me love this book so much, there are so many lovely things in it, that it’s just its totality!

I admired Molly’s courage, it’s not for everyone to buy a derelict cottage, as I know I couldn’t do it! But it is Molly’s dream and she goes for it! How admirable!
She clearly has also a stubborn streak, as in a few occasions perhaps it would have been better to listen to common sense. Yet that is also part of her charm.
She is also a passionate person, as she wants to turn a ‘lost cause’ once again in a beautiful place. Even if she has all the odds against her.

But she is also just a kind, sweet and generous person. Not only towards people, even people that she initially dislikes, but also towards animal. Because not many people would just take a stray dog in their home.
Just another proof of the kind of person she is.

Of course it’s a bit strange to let a complete stranger to stay in her house, even if he works for the council. But if Molly wouldn’t do it, we wouldn’t have a story of course 😊

Jack somehow felt like a tragic character. He isn’t a bad person, on the contrary. He is the guy who always wants to do good, but finds himself in awkward situations. He understands why Molly wants to bring the park back to life, but because of his past efforts, he knows it’s a work in vain. And he has juts given up on it.
The same with his ex… he is being just too nice to her while I would have told her to get lost waaaaaay before and in a not so nice way.

I truly liked the dynamics between Molly and Jack. They start as complete strangers, even antagonists, then slowly they become close friends and then even other feelings develop.
But I also liked how they somehow are shy around each other. Unbeknownst to each other, they are afraid to admit how these feelings are growing and getting deeper…

But to me it wasn’t only about the romance (or not…) but it was more about a whole community, to fight for something and to never give up, no matter how dire the situation make look like. And it’s also about how people may surprise you.

Another lovely story from an amazing story, and realizing that this is actually the first book of a series, and it truly made my day! 😊

An unforgettable summer for so many different reasons…

Synopsis

Going to the chapel, but will they get married?

After the holiday romance to beat all other holiday romances, it’s back to regular life for Holly Berry, and the sweet shop is busier than ever. With Jamie and Finn’s wedding coming up, Holly is rushed off her feet, making sure their big day is perfect.

So when her handsome boyfriend comes to visit, she is both elated to see him and overwhelmed. She wants to show Evan all the things she loves about her village, as well as introducing him to baby Hope, but how can she find the time?!

Evan offers to lend a helping hand in the shop, and as he gets to know the locals, this loud and proud American certainly makes an impression. But Holly knows she can’t get used to this – because it won’t be long until he has to go home.

Can she make the most of the summer, with everyone she loves finally in the same place, or will she let the hectic wedding planning get the better of her?

A heartwarming romance set in the beautiful Cotswolds, perfect for fans of Holly Martin and Jessica Redland.

My review

Holly Berry just had most amazing holiday, and now she is looking forward to the wedding of the year, that of her friends Jamie and Fin.
And Holly wouldn’t be Holly if she would do anything to make sure that the wedding is going to perfect.
Of course there is also her boyfriend Evan, who has come to visit. She cannot wait to show him around in the village, the place she loves so much and the sweet shop she is running. And of course Evan has to meet Holly’s little girl Hope.
But no matter how much she enjoys having Evan by er side, as he is even helping out in the shop, Holly knows that at one point he has to return home…
So with making the best of this summer, how will the summer end?

I started reading this book without realizing it was part of a series. That is my own fault, as I just look at the writer and grab the book, without doing some research! 😊
But while I was reading, I also realized that it wasn’t completely mandatory to have read the previous books. Yet now I of course will, as I have truly enjoyed reading this book, also read the previous ones!

What I loved the most in this book was somehow the simplicity of it all. Yes, there is some drama in it, and some misunderstandings. But it’s also clear that there is so much love in it, and that everything that is done, even the wrong thing, is done with the right intention and out of love.

Holly herself is also an amazing person. They way she is running the shop, but most important, how a wonderful friend she is to not only Jamie and Fin, but what a dedicated mother she is to little Hope. I absolutely liked it how she put Hope first before everything and how Holly is still befriended to her daughter’s father.
I found that truly refreshing, because in too many books we see where such relationships can be very strained. But the author shows us that there is another way, the best way.

I have to admit, I had some doubts about her relationship with Evan. Not that Evan is doing something wrong, on the contrary. For him it’s also testing the grounds, and often it’s a case of trial and error. But he wants to make a great impression, only to going over the top with it all.
And that sometimes angered me a tiny bit, as he especially at first doesn’t seem to realize that he is overdoing it.
Yet he makes it all up as he shows his worth by even surprising me. It was sweet to see how he when it truly matters put his priorities right, showing us how it was so easy for Holly to fall in love with him.

There are some incidents in this book, but it was great to see how a whole community, and not just one or two characters, join forces, even from unexpected people, are ready to find the perfect solution, that perhaps is eve better than the initial plans.

In this book sparks so much love, from each page. We see that life isn’t always a walk in the park, and that mistakes and misunderstandings can be made. But with love around, it’s easy to make up for the mistake and come to an understanding when there seems to be some miscommunication.
Like I said, this isn’t the kind of book with avalanches of tragedies, heart – breaking events or dramas. But when there is something “bad” happening, it is something that truly matters. Yet also in these cases, it will always be love, in all its facets, that will prevail!
A lovely read, that for sure put a lightness in my heart, showing that life isn’t filled with darkness, but with just a few clouds that the sun, especially in summer, will chase away!

An unforgettable hen weekend, just not in a good way…

Synopsis

They DID promise her a killer hen weekend…

Jeanie’s getting married, and – despite her completely impossible four sisters – her best friends Clio and Amber are determined to give her a bachelorette weekend to remember. They’re in matching pink T-shirts and the drinks are flowing…

But the night turns out to be unforgettable for all the wrong reasons when a girl turns up dead on the dancefloor. And – even though she’s a stranger – she is wearing one of Jeanie’s hen T-shirts.

Who is she? And why are the police convinced that the hens are involved? Can the newly-formed Bad Girls Detective Agency solve the murder? And in time to get Jeanie up the aisle?

Unputdownable mystery set on the English coast – perfect for fans of The Thursday Murder Club, Bad Sisters and How to Kill Your Family.

My review

Jeanie is finally going to marry the father of her twins. But while it should be the happiest time of her life, she is having doubts… Not only because she isn’t really enjoying the hen weekend with her sisters and her best friends Clio and Amber, but also because Tan, Jeanie’s fiancé, is acting all weird all the sudden.
And then when the girls are all out, in matching T – shirts, a girl ends up dead on the dancefloor, wearing one of those T – shirts. But Jeanie doesn’t know the girl, nor does anyone else of the gang.
So even if solving a murder mystery should be the last thing on their minds, the Bad Girls Detective Agency are once again determined to not only find the culprit, but also have Jeanie on time to say her ‘I Do’.

Getting married can be a very stressful and emotional event. But what when your sisters and friends have organised an outlandish hen weekend, and all you want is peace and calm? And what if you are having doubts, as there seem to be many signs wanting you to not go ahead with it? And most important, what if your fiancé is acting out of character, and isn’t the loving man and father of your children anymore?
Those are all the things Jeanie is thinking about on her hen weekend…

And then the worst thing hasn’t happened yet, as after a not so nice encounter on the dancefloor ends with a dead girl. A girl Jeanie doesn’t know, yet a girls that is wearing a matching T – shirt that her whole gang is wearing…

The gals in this book have already been through some series stuff in the first book of the series, so I was very eager to see with my own eyes how they would solve another murder mystery!
Of course my heart went out to Jeanie, as everything she hoped and wished for seems to go down the drain.
I even pitied her, as she has to go through a hen weekend she isn’t enjoying, going along with it for the others’ sake.
And it was heart – breaking to learn that sweet, gentle Tan was keeping things from her.

Oh and then of course there is the murder…A murder that seems not related to Jeanie, a murder that appears to be very random.
And to be very honest, while getting killed is obviously terrible, I didn’t really feel for the victim, as slowly it becomes clear that there is more to the victim and she wasn’t a saint at all. But obviously that doesn’t justify the murder!

Somehow it felt like this murder mystery was exactly what Jeanie needed, in so many different ways. And with her friends and sisters ready to go ‘detectiving’ by her side too!

While reading this book, there were side stories I couldn’t really to the bigger plot, but I knew that this author wouldn’t just write something without being a link. So I was very eager to see how all the pieces would fall together.

Some of those pieces weren’t nice ones, as we can see the worst of people. But as this is a mystery where there are also many laughs, we also see the best of people. And we see things going wrong, but yet once again in a funny way.

The Bad Girls Detectives for sure is a peculiar bunch of women, they are not exactly working in the logical sense of how a murder should be solved. Yet their determination is strong and solid, and their friendship makes them protective towards each other. because no matter how dire their situation may look like, they know they can always rely on each other.

This was a great sequel that followed up a promising start. And while I am not 100% sure I would ever hire this agency, I know that their thirst for the truth would eventually solve any mystery. And on that note, please let me finish singing a certain song in my head, as I just couldn’t stop the whole time while reading this book with such a title! 😊

Check out this cover, doesn’t it make you eager for the release date?

Synopsis

A brand new autumnal story of love, believing in yourself and starting over set in the Scottish Highlands

For Bailey McArthur, her family and job mean everything. She runs her own floristry shop and loves spending time in nature in the pretty town of Heather Moore, whilst desperately trying to forget about being jilted on her wedding day.

When journalist Zach Stern arrives in town asking questions about a famous actor, Bailey decides to throw him off the trail of the superstar hiding out in the Scottish Highlands.

But despite Bailey’s efforts to thwart Zach’s investigation, she finds herself falling for him. It’s just a shame she can’t be honest with him. But then, Bailey might not be the only one with a secret to hide…

Pre-order Links 

UK –  A Scottish Highland Hideaway: Fall in love with the brand new autumnal Scottish escapist romance (Scottish Escapes, Book 7) eBook : Shackman, Julie: Amazon.co.uk: Kindle Store

USA – Amazon.com: A Scottish Highland Hideaway: Fall in love with the brand new autumnal Scottish escapist romance (Scottish Escapes, Book 7) eBook : Shackman, Julie: Kindle Store

Publication Dates – 23 August (E-Book) & 29 August (Paperback)

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 Highland Hideaway is Julie’s eleventh novel.

The cover!

Is love worth the risk?

Synopsis

A fresh beginning…

Esther Hamilton, is finally finding her feet after her split with her horrible ex, and is looking forward to her new single life. She has a job she loves in the busy Accident and Emergency department, a new home and for the first time ever, a chance to just have fun with her good friends. Love is very much off the cards…

An old friend…

Until the arrival of Joe Carter – the brother of Esther’s best friend, Danni. Joe is also newly single and still as gorgeous as ever, but Esther can’t lose her heart to Joe. If it all went wrong, she’d lose two of her best friends.

A second chance at love?

But working together over a troubled patient, the connection between them is undeniable. And when Esther’s parents’ marriage hits trouble, Joe is there for her, offering her support, and Esther knows she’s fallen hard.

Are they brave enough to take a risk on love, or are they destined to remain friends forever?

My review

After breaking up with her fiancé, Esther Hamilton is slowly finding her feet again. Luckily she has made amends with her best friend Danni, as they both have been fooled by Esther’s fiancé.
Even if things aren’t always easy, she loves her job at the A&E in the hospital. Now Esther is enjoying the single life, with love being the last thing on her mind.
And when Danni’s brother Joe returns, Esther is happy to have her old friend back in her life. When a troubled patient brings them working together, Esther cannot deny the deep connection she has with Joe. And when her own parents seem to be having a rough time, it’s Joe she can count on for support. But Esther could never risk losing her two best friends, as she knows how much that would hurt.
But isn’t love always worth the risk?

When I first started reading books from this author, it was a slow – growing love. But now I can proudly state that I am completely hooked and I am as happy as a little child whenever I start a new book!
And I found it wonderful to return to the Cornish Country Hospital, with all its great characters (with the exception of a few obviously!)

I was very curious to see how Esther was doing, after all the revelations (and drama) of the first book. But I liked it how positive she was, after everything. She realized on time what a douchebag her fiancé was, and even if there was a small glitch in the friendship with Danni, now everything is just like it should be. And even if there isn’t a significant other in her life, Esther is completely happy! She has loving parents, her examples of how love should be, she loves her job even if it isn’t always easy and her bond with Danni is stronger than ever.

It’s clear that she is also a very caring person. It shows in many different aspects, not only the care for her own family, but also how she does understand that Danni and her new love need some time alone (even if they don’t say it to her, or contradict her). But also how much compassion she shows towards the patients. And perhaps she cares too much about them, as she has been too close already before with far – reaching consequences, even if she wasn’t at fault at all.

Esther is the kind of person that is always thinking about others, wanting to help them. And that is so heart – warming to see, that there are good people in the world, wanting to help.

With Joe returning, I was very curious to see how that relationship would develop. It was great to read that there already was a bond, a connection between them, and that things would just develop from there. And it was sweet to see that no matter how much time had passed, and how far away Joe used to live, their friendship picks up like it never left.

I could understand Esther’s dilemma as her feelings start to grow. Because there are so many possible problems: how would Danni react, or what if things wouldn’t work out? Is Esther truly ready to risk so much? And while on one hand I could understand that, I also wanted them to just go with it! 😊

But I also found that this story wasn’t only about the blooming relationship between Esther and Joe. But it was also about the struggles people have in life, and how they can or cannot cope it. And Esther being the kind and gentle person she is, is doing her best to help. Yet it’s not easy to find the balance and cross the fine line.
Mental issues aren’t all that easy to talk about, but I also feel that it is a necessary thing. Because we need to learn to be open about it and not see it as a weakness. And we also need to see that getting the right help is not something to be ashamed of…

We also see in this book a second storyline, about Esther’s mother Caroline. While on the outside she seems to be in a happy marriage, ever since Patrick retired, the envisioned life she thought they would have, isn’t just happening…

I must admit, I got also frustrated at Patrick’s behaviour, because he seems so passive and I just couldn’t see that passion, that big love between them.
And I could understand that Caroline decides to things on her own, as Patrick just doesn’t want to do anything…

Even if that brings Caroline making choices I didn’t fully agree with. But in a way, I could comprehend her actions.

In its totally this was a wonderful story, once again a book from this author didn’t disappoint me. It is a heart – warming, compelling story, about characters at crossroads. For one reason or another, there are choices that need to be made, and it’s up to them to make the right choice.
But there is also so much love in it, a growing love, a broken love, a sisterly love and love and care for other people.
We see in this book that life isn’t always easy, and that there may be curveballs that we cannot avoid. But there is always room for caring, loving and forgiving. And in the end, it’s the care, love and forgiveness that truly matter…

When forced to wed, can a childhood sweetheart be the solution?

Synopsis

A betrothal bargain

With the Highlander from her past

When Susanna Cameron needs to thwart her brothers’ plan to marry her off, she turns to her childhood sweetheart, Laird Rowan Campbell, with a daring proposal—to be her pretend betrothed! In exchange, she’ll help the now-hardened Rowan get revenge on the man who killed his family. The only flaw in Susanna’s plan—their returning attraction! 

My review

Ever since losing the man she loved, Susanna Cameron has closed her heart avoiding any possible kind of heartbreak. But when she learns from her brother that he is going to marry her off for the clan’s sake, she knows that there is more than her brother is telling her. seeing no other solution, she seeks help from her childhood sweetheart, Laird Rowan Campell. Not only does Susanna wants him to pretend to be her betrothed, but she also needs his help to uncover the secrets both her brother are keeping from her. In exchange, she will help Rowan to get his revenge on the man that killed his family.
But even if Rowan is no longer that same man Susanna once knew in and out, could what they once felt for each other reignite? And are both broken people ready to love and be loved again?

Is there something more heart – breaking than losing the person you love? Yes there is… as you lost him ‘thanks’ your own family…
Because that is exactly what happened with Susanna, as her beloved one died as her father interfered in their romance. And all because of status…

So yes, I could understand why Susanna wouldn’t want anything to do with love anymore. Because losing Jeremiah wasn’t the first heartbreak she had to endure, but also refusing Rowan long before broke her heart. And once again it was because of her family interfering.

It’s clear that Susanna is a strong character, she won’t be fooled by anyone. And she isn’t afraid to put up a fight, even against her own brothers. Brothers that are clearly keeping something from her and are not willing to share their worries.
So I admired Susanna, ready to make an alliance with Laird Rowan Campbell, despite their past. Because she won’t just go along with whatever her brother demands her to do!

Now, Rowan is not a complete stranger for us eager readers of Jeanine Englert’s books. But even if you haven’t read other books, you can still catch up rather quickly.
Rowan’s tale for sure is a heart – breaking one, as he once had it all, and lost everything, even costing him temporarily his own sanity.
In that aspect, I admired him as he managed to get out of that downward spiral he was in. Only a strong man can manage to put his head straight back on his shoulders and return to be the Laird his clan needs.
But I could absolutely understand his thirst for revenge! Who wouldn’t want to get revenge on the person that took everything away from you?

It was a bit funny, seeing the strained relationship between Susanna and Rowan. Initially for sure they don’t like each other, or at least the people they have become. And having to act to be in love with each other… just so funny for us readers!

But no matter how they felt at the start of the story, it’s obvious that there is still something lingering between them. No matter how much life has changed Susanna and Rowan, their hearts are still the same, even if it took some serious battering.

Slowly the extreme high walls built around their hearts are falling apart, and that is only possible with the right person. Of course it isn’t a walk in the park and there may be some frustrations and arguments taking place between Susanna and Rowan. But the harder they fight, the more clear it is for us to see where it all comes from…

There is one character that absolutely stole my heart in this book, and that is delightful little Rosa! She is the reason Rowan was able to return to his former self, as his little girl needs her father. But her innocent character is just so adorable!

This is a story about two characters who have both been through a lot, as life and Fate hasn’t been gentle on either of them. But that also made them more resilient and stronger than anyone else. Their scheming together makes it possible to slay huge demons of the past and even fight against enemies made of flesh and blood, together. And seeing how both Susanna and Rowan are losing that dark cloak around them, and being able to open their hearts again, was truly great to read!