Tizi’s Book Review

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!

When something that has been missing, could it be closer than thought?

Synopsis

Poppy Taylor has always been content with her life in Pelican Crossing, but as she watches her youngest daughter get married, she can’t help but feel that there’s something missing. Never would Poppy have predicted the dramatic transformation that occurs as she reunites with an old love and makes a choice that will reshape everything.

Cam Mitchell has always felt a strong attraction to Poppy, and when she reveals her plans to make changes in her life, Cam sees it as his chance to finally reveal his feelings. But Cam’s hopes are crushed when he discovers Poppy’s past love is back in the picture.

Cam becomes increasingly sceptical of the man from Poppy’s past – a feeling that escalates when he uncovers his shocking plans for Pelican Crossing.

With their town now at risk, Cam and Poppy must work together to save their home and find their own happy ending. But will their feelings for each other be enough to overcome the obstacles in their way?

For fans of small-town romances and heartwarming stories of second chances, Pelican Crossing is a must-read. A captivating tale of love, loyalty, and the fight to protect what matters most.

My review

It took a while for Poppy Taylor to get over the loss of her beloved husband. But seeing their youngest daughter getting married, makes Poppy think that perhaps it’s time to make changes in her live. Music to Cam Mitchell’s ears, as he always felt an attraction to his friend.
But when an old acquaintance from Poppy’s past resurfaces, not only are Cam’s hopes crushed, but that same presence may jeopardize everything their home and whole Pelican Crossing stands for. With joined forces, can Cam and Poppy protect their homes, and have their happy ending, preferably together too?

Starting a new series from a known author always fears me a little bit… will I love this series as much as the previous one? Won’t a change of scenery also give me a change of heart? And while this lovely author obviously wrote great books with great characters before, their world couldn’t be further away than mine. So perhaps this time, with the same circumstances, the love won’t be that great from my side? So many questions, with only one way to get an answer… just read the book!
And rather quickly I discovered how unfounded my fears were, because I absolutely loved this first book in a brand new series!

How can someone not like the character of Poppy? She is lovely in every possible way. She absolutely loved her husband Jack, and still does, even if time has passed since he passed away. She treasures every moment they spent together, having a wonderful chemistry, bond and alliance.
But she is also an amazing mother, loving her daughters deeply. And just like the most wonderful mother, she loves them equally, even if they have their own challenges. And just like a real mother, she wishes them all the best, even if it saddens her in a perhaps selfish way, that the women now have their lives of their own.

With the kind of love she had, it was understandable that it takes some time to be ready to make a change. But I loved it to see how even if changes are made, it doesn’t diminish the love she had for him.
And it was sweet in a way to see how Poppy realizes that the change she wants to make, is closer than she thought it would be. Because let’s be honest, for us readers it’s crystal-clear that her friendship with Cam runs deeper than just friends. They are practically already doing the couple – things without being an actual couple (the platonic things 😊).

And Cam, he is just as delightful as Poppy is! He is the kind of friend that would do anything for you, he is an amazing father, an understanding person and also a forgiving one. it wouldn’t be for anyone to be so understanding towards his ex, seeing how his marriage ended. Only shows us that there still are good people on this world, not holding a grudge and just want the best for others. And we see also his amazing persona in time of need…

It was sweet to see how Cam already knows what he feels for Poppy, while Poppy herself is still discovering her own feelings. And it was funny to see how the pair of them wanting to take a next step, yet doesn’t know how to handle things! 😊

I have to admit, that knowing that an old acquaintance of Poppy would resurface, I was a bit afraid that some kind of love triangle would develop. Afraid, because I knew who I wanted Poppy to be happy with.
And also because I got some strange vibes from this new character, and his behaviour is rather odd, to put it mildly.

Yes, of course this is a story about second chances. But also, as we are used from this author, it’s also about family, home, community. And with all the beauty of it, its possibilities, but also its struggles, as we can see that not everything is rainbow and unicorns all the time. Yet we see that with love, kindness, encouragement, even the most difficult hurdles can be taken, when there is someone by you side, helping you with every jump you have to take.

What more can I say than this was a wonderful start of a new series, making me fall in love with new characters, new storylines, while also being pleasantly surprised by cameos by some old friends! 😊
If this first book is just the start, I cannot wait to see what the next chapters will bring!

When a new job at a certain age becomes a challenge full of mystery…

Synopsis

A delightfully heartwarming and funny story that proves it’s never too late to change the habits of a lifetime, perfect for fans of Judy Leigh, Hazel Prior and Maddie Please.

Something old, something new, something stolen…?

Gina Knight is looking forward to the prospect of retirement with her husband of forty-three years. Until, to her surprise, said husband decides he needs to ‘find himself’ – alone – and disappears to Santa Fe, leaving divorce papers in his wake.

Now Gina needs a new role in life, not to mention somewhere to live, so she applies for the position of Companion to elderly Dorothy Reed. At eighty-three, ‘Dot’ needs someone to help her around the house – or at least, her family seems to think so. Her companion’s first role would be to accompany Dot for a week-long extravagant wedding party.

But when Georgina arrives at the large Norfolk estate where the wedding will take place, she quickly discovers Dot has an ulterior motive for hiring her. While the other guests are busy sipping champagne and playing croquet, Dot needs Georgina to help her solve a mystery – about a missing painting, which she believes is hidden somewhere in the house.

Because, after all, who would suspect two old ladies of getting up to mischief?

My review

Just when Gina is about to start enjoying retirement with her husband, he decides that he needs to ‘find himself’, without her by his side, and wants a divorce.
With their house being sold, Gina now needs to find a new place to live, and also instead of retirement, needs to find a way to just live.
So she applies for the position of Companion to Dorothy Reed. While Dorothy, at the blessed age of eighty – nine,  can still look after herself, her daughter seems to believe it couldn’t be a bad idea to have someone looking a bit after her, especially now that there is a week – long extravagant wedding party taking place.
It’s with relief that Gina gets the position, but she also learns upon her arrival at the Norfolk estate, that Dorothy has an ulterior motive: to find a missing painting, a painting Dorothy is sure is hidden somewhere in the mansion.
With Gina present on the “crime scene” and looking after Dorothy, no one would suspect these ladies of a certain age having a mission, right?

I mean it in the most kind possible way, when I say that a story involving elder people up to some mischief put a smile on my face.
So having two characters in this book that could easily pass as my mother or grandmother, well, that was for sure a double smile!

The book doesn’t start that greatly for Gina, as her marriage ended, her husband described her as ‘beige’ and just took off to ‘find himself’, whatever that may mean…
Instead of enjoying together retirement, now Gina has to start all over again, and even has to find a place to live…
It’s obvious that her soon – to – be – husband isn’t my favourite character of this book!

But at the same time while I felt sorry for Gina, I also admired her, as she didn’t just sit there and wallow in pity. She decides to find something to do, and when stumbling upon the position of Companion, it’s clear that it is something perfect for her.
And it does help that while even it is for just a week t start with, accommodations are included.

As Dorothy has already discarded other people to be her companion, I was already suspicious on why she so easily accepted Gina, after learning about Gina’s background. But it was also sweet to see how well these two women get along, beside Dorothy’s motives.
Even if Gina is getting paid for her services, it’s clear that these two women will quickly and easily become friends.

The mystery of the missing painting is also a sad tale, one that caused heartbreak not only to Dorothy, but to her whole family.
And with Dorothy having her own suspicions, I was very eager to know if Dorothy was right, or if her imagination was perhaps running wild.

While reading, I had several laughs, as I was seeing the scene right in front of me, and seeing how things funnily were going wrong. But I found it great to see how generations and even surprising characters joined forces, to get to the bottom of everything.

This was for sure an uplifting book, in a way also showing us that we should never underestimate people, no matter what their age is. Just because someone is older, it doesn’t mean that they cannot surprise us anymore, or don’t have that power, strength or determination anymore. You will find yourself smiling, laughing out loud, but you will also feel sad, angered at other moments. But if you are anything like my, you will also feel proud of these two women, showing us that age is just a number, and that you are never too old for some mischief in your life! 😊

When your presence at a Greek wedding is not what you thought it would be…

Synopsis

Love is in the air…

When singer Cara is invited to a big, fat Greek wedding in Corfu, she sees it as a mixed blessing: some time to heal on the beautiful Greek island with her aunt will be a tonic, but it’s going to stir up memories – of before Seb ghosted her and disappeared off the face of the earth.  

Akis Diakos, brother of the groom, should be looking forward to planning the bachelor party, but burdened by the weight of family expectation, his mind is elsewhere: he has a decision to make – one that could, apparently, ruin his little brother’s life forever. 

When Cara learns that her aunt Margot brought her here under false pretences, she’s faced with a dilemma. She’s not sung in public since that fateful day at Eurovision when her life fell apart, and she’s not planning to now. But with Akis’s encouragement, it’s time for both of them to face up to their fears. 

And who knows – maybe this beautiful duet will also lead to a beautiful romance? 

From the queen of Greek romance comes a story that will heal those heartstrings and make you believe in love again…

My review

After being completely embarrassed on the biggest stage on world, and being ghosted by her boyfriend, singing is the last thing that Cara want to do ever again.
No matter how much people around her, especially her Aunt Margot is pushing her, Cara won’t sing again.
But when that same Aunt Margot tells her that they are both invited to a Greek wedding in Corfu, Cara believes that some time away will do her good.
Until she learns that her aunt has brought her under false pretences and that everyone expects her to sing at the wedding.
Luckily, she can count on the brother of the groom, Akis Diakos for encouragement. But Akis himself is also carrying a huge weight on his shoulder, as he has to make a decision that, believing the curse, could ruin the whole family, and thus also his little brother’s, lives forever.
With both Cara and Akis facing their own dilemma’s and facing their fears, could there also be blooming something between the pair of them?

I always feel sorry when the main character sees her world falling apart at the moment she appears to be finally achieving her dream.
So from the very start, my heart went out to Cara, even if the details of wat exactly happened are still unknown.
She did not only had the most terrible experience during her performance at Eurovision, but her boyfriend Seb also ghosted her instead of giving her the support she needed.

So obviously I could understand why even now Cara refuses to sing. Not only in front of an audience, but just anywhere, even on her own. Who wouldn’t be traumatized after such experiences? It also doesn’t help being pressured to pick up the mic again…

After everything she has been through, it was sweet to see how her Aunt Margot is able to persuade her to go to Corfu, to attend a wedding as guests. Even if as a reader, we know it’s just an excuses, and that Aunt Margot is planning something, I couldn’t shake of the feeling that time away would be perfect for Cara, to get her thoughts back in order.

And I was a bit shocked to discover how deceptive her own Aunt could be. It even angered me, as it appeared that Margot didn’t understand Cara’s fears and boundaries…
Cara’s need to escape and hide was so obvious and understandable, even if I had to hide a few snickers when that brings Akis on her path. Snickers, because their encounter starts with a huge misunderstanding as Cara doesn’t realize that Akis isn’t what she thinks he is.

But even if that encounter made me laugh, getting to know Akis also saddened me. He also has this huge pressure, especially from his mother, as he is expected to follow a path that isn’t exactly what he would choose to do himself. Yet feeling that constant pressure, feeling the weight of his whole family’s happiness on his shoulders, I could understand that he doesn’t understand anymore what he truly wants.

Cara and Akis don’t get along immediately, as they clash over several things. Nevertheless, there is connection between them, an undeniable one. And it was sweet and heart – warming to see how these two people, full of doubts and fears, find someone to confide in, someone that understands them. And most important: someone that in a way makes it possible to get over their fears. Even if their togetherness brings new fears…

Those bits where Cara and Akis are together, just the two of them and not seeing everyone else (you’ll understand what I mean when you read this book! 😊) were just marvellous to read. I could almost feel myself what Akis was talking about.

It would be easy to point the finger towards some people in this books, as they do not seem to understand our lovely main characters (and yes, I am especially thinking about Aunt Margot and Akis’s mother Sofia). But it’s clear that their behaviour has a cause, and not everything is as straightforward as we may seem to think.

Of course on its own, Corfu is a beautiful place, as it’s on my bucket list for a long time. But in this book, it’s also surrounded by splendid characters. Not only Cara and Akis, but Irini, Horatio and for sure Pig make this an unforgettable read!

I loved reading how Cara’s reluctance on being on Corfu turns out to be the best thing that could perhaps happen to her.
The author captures perfectly what it means to have this fear lingering over you. But she also shows us that fears can be overcome. And that fear can perhaps also bring the right person on your path, and turn that fear into courage.
A courage that makes you take that leap of faith, and dare to do what you would ever think to do ever again. And with the right person by your side, it will be just… perfection…

What when life throws you an unexpected curveball?

Synopsis

Autumn’s summer is off to a smashing start… sort of.

Earlier this year, Autumn’s life looked great: she had a great relationship with her brilliant teenage daughter Chloe and from September she was all set to be Deputy Head at the London school where she works. And with a pay rise on the cards, she was excited for her and her long-term boyfriend Marc to buy their first home.

But Autumn’s barely opened the estate agent’s website when Marc vanishes with half their savings, leaving her no choice but to move into grandma’s rural home in Kent. And things go from bad to worse when Autumn is involved in an accident during the move, leaving the village’s dashing new baker Jake in plaster cast, and making her a local outcast before she’s even unpacked her bags.

Determined to put things right, Autumn offers to help Jake in the bakery over the summer holidays. But as things heat up in the kitchen, Autumn can’t help noticing that Jake is a lot more Paul Hollywood and a lot less Mr Kipling than she originally thought.

Maybe this summer isn’t such a write off after all?

My review

When Autumn hears that starting from September, she will be Deputy Head at the school she works at, she truly believes that it’s her and her family’s time.
Because with her promotion, Autumn and her long – term boyfriend will be finally able to buy their first home.
But Autumn is in for a shock, when one morning she wakes up, and Marc has disappeared, taking half of their savings with him.
With now having financial problems, Autumn and daughter Chloe have no other option to move back, temporarily, to Autumn’s mother, in Kent.
Things already start great, as Autumn is involved in an accident, resulting in local baker Jake in a plaster. With the rumours quickly spreading, and putting Autumn in a bad daylight, Autumn is determined to make things right again, and she offers Jake her help in the bakery for as long as the summer lasts.
Even if her life isn’t going as planned, Autumn, and also her daughter Chloe, learn that even when things have went awry, it isn’t all that bad…

In this book, both the characters as the readers go through a whirlwind of emotions.

I was ecstatic to read how Autumn has the chance to be Deputy Head, showing us that skills prevail over seniority. And I could understand that she was over the moon, that now her perhaps unconventional family would be able to buy their first family home.

It was strange to see how everything seemed to be working, as Autumn and Marc truly are getting along, there is a lot of affection visible between the pair.
Knowing that a disappearing act would be taking place, I couldn’t comprehend why Marc would possibly ever would want to leave.
And it made me furious to see how easy it was for Marc to just pack and go away, without any regards for his family. And to make things even worse, to take half of their savings with him!

What angered me also, was seeing how Autumn is going through worst case scenario, even calling the police, to realize that in fact Marc was just being selfish and took off.

But I also admired Autumn’s resilience. She is going through a terrible time, and has no other choice to return and stay with her mother. And even after the incident with Jake, she tries to make the best out of the complete situation.
I liked it how she didn’t just let the gossip pas her by, but she stood up for herself.
But I especially liked her kindness in general. She didn’t have to help out Jake, but she did it because that’s just the kind of person she is.

It was sweet but also hilarious at the same time, seeing three generations living together. I loved how the trio live together, tease each other, but mainly just love and support each other.
It was funny to see alliances shifted with each new situation!

I have to say, while I enjoy baking myself, working in a bakery would definitely not be my cup of tea… I need my sleep and to get up that early would be my personal hell. So in that view, I admired Jake as he truly is passionate about his baking skills, but I also admired Autumn, as she is ready to help in out.

Autumn and Jake, what a lovely friendship that they have created! Both being hurt and burnt by love, they probably understand each other better than anyone else could.
What starts as an act of kindness, becomes  something genuine, honest and real.

There is also so much growth in this book, for each main and side character. While not every character was someone to dislike, the more the story evolved, the more changes happened, the more I liked each character. From Autumn to Chloe, to the village gossiper, that managed to turn into a lovely person!

This book was so easy to read, it captured my attention, refused to let it go for even just one instance. The lovely Phoebe MacLeod shows us with her amazing writing skills that sometimes the ugliest thing that happens to us, can turn out to be the best that could happen to us. And all of this wrapped in a beautiful story, with wonderful, strong female lead characters!