A new kind of yearbook has arrived for founders, dreamers, and doers. The Entrepreneur’s Almanack is a funny and deeply personal chronicle of what it feels like to start a business from scratch. This third in a series of short yearbooks celebrates the underrated art of entrepreneurship and a key aspect of the same: namely, success in business has more to do with intangibles than we care to admit.
The guesswork and the gut, divine providence, even dumb luck are all players and should be welcomed round the table, not ignored at the fringes.
The Entrepreneur’s Almanack is the cosmic crutch you never knew you needed in business, but shouldn’t be without.
When Robin Bennett grew up he thought he wanted to be a cavalry officer until everyone else realised that putting him in charge of a tank was a very bad idea. He then became an assistant gravedigger in London. After that he had a career frantically starting businesses (everything from dog-sitting to cigars, tuition to translation)… until finally settling down to write improbable stories to keep his children from killing each other on long car journeys.
When Rowan Bellamy’s marriage collapses in spectacular style, she retreats with her two children, Bella and Theo, to the last place she ever wanted to return—her windswept Cornish hometown of Port Agnes. Taking the headteacher role at the local primary school is the easy part. Facing village gossip, curious neighbours, and old flames? Not so much.
Especially when one of those flames turns out to be Nathan Lark — the boy who broke her heart and the man who now has a reputation as bruised as her own. With his young nephew Leo a pupil in Rowan’s school, she and Nathan are thrown into each other’s lives once more. And whether she likes it or not, the chemistry between them is impossible to ignore.
As salty sea air begins to soothe old wounds and Port Agnes slowly feels like home again, Rowan must decide if she’s brave enough to let go of the past and open her heart one more time.
My review
Rowan never thought that the lack of passion in her marriage would end in a terrible discovery and the actual end of her marriage. Not being able to stay at the place that was her home for a long time, Rowan decides to take her children Bella and Theo and move back to her hometown, Port Agnes. She is ready to start again, with a new job as headteacher in the local school and rekindling friendships with old friends, and making new ones. But picking up the pieces of her life is not that easy, especially as in villages like Port Agnes, curious and gossiping neighbours are common. And when Rowan crosses paths with Nathan Lark, tings get even more complicated. Because Nathan is Rowan’s old flame, but with him being Leo’s uncle, a pupil of Rowan’s school with special needs, their paths cross more than it normally would. But despite the chemistry and sparks flying around between them, Nathan has a bad reputation and even has spend some time at his Majesty’s pleasure. Both Rowan and Nathan are still coming to terms about how their lives have turned out to be, so the last thing on their mind should be the sparks between them. But that is easier said than done…
Whenever I start reading a book of this wonderful author, I know that real life is being put on hold. House chores, cleaning, even sleeping, it can all wait because I have this book to read! 😊
Marriages that end aren’t a rarity anymore in the current world. And while it is always a sad thing, it can happen… So while I knew that Rowan’s marriage wouldn’t make it, I was still a bit shocked at the true reason.
Shocked, but also a bit sad. Because without giving anything away, we see how people cannot be their true selves, and have to pretend for ‘the bigger picture’. And nobody shouldn’t be able to not be their real selves, life is too precious to put on a mask and pretend.
What also saddened me, was reading how Rowan loves her husband, but how there isn’t any passion in their marriage. Of course, with the shocking revelation, it makes sense why that is lacking. But it saddened me as Rowan never got to feel that real passion, that deep love, those fireworks that spark with every touch, with every kiss.
Another thing that saddened me, was reading how Rowan feels that she cannot stay at the place that has been her home for so long. I know that her move is necessary for the storyline, but still 😊. It angers me how people are afraid of the gossiping, bad looks and looks of pity, even if Rowan in this case has done absolutely nothing wrong.
It broke my heart a little bit, reading how not only Rowan but also Bella and Theo need to adjust to their new lives in Port Agnes. Especially as the children don’t know the real reason of the move and the split of their parents (yet).
Starting over is not easy, adapting to not only a new life, but also returning back home, where a lot has stayed the same, but at the same time, a lot has changed too. Rowan is obviously doing the best she can in the situation she finds herself in, always putting her children first.
But not only as parent we see what kind of person Rowan is, also as a headteacher and a person in general, we see that she has a caring heart, wanting to help wherever she can, always having the right priorities.
The right priorities, even if that means putting her own feelings aside. Feelings concerning Nathan Lark…
Nathan… what a man that he is!
As an uncle he would move earth for Leo, there is not one thing he wouldn’t do for his nephew. And seeing their relationship was so heartwarming… Not only Nathan’s relationship with Leo, but also with his own brother, Will. I know how it feels having a great bond with your sibling, so I could understand and I could recognize the connection the two brothers have.
It is not a secret at the start of the book that Nathan has made a mistake in the not so far away past, but also that he has paid for it. And it angered me reading how some people are still condemning him. Especially as the committed crime is in my opinion not a that terrible one. And with the circumstances, it was even understandable…
Both Rowan and Nathan are not ready to give in to their feelings, with everything that has happened recently in their own lives. And with both not coming completely clean, there is always a certain level of trepidation.
On the other hand, it was so sweet to see how they are ‘forced’ spending even more time together because Theo and Leo become instant best friends! 😊
It needs to be said, my heart broke reading about Leo, but I also admired his mindset. It cannot be easy being restricted like he is, and knowing what the future may bring. But his positivity is something to truly admire! Leo for sure is an inspiration!
This is not only a story about second chances, but it also like the title says it, about letting go of the past. The past can be a burden, as we see with Rowan and Nathan. And there are and always will be people that will never let us forget about mistakes that we have made. The past shouldn’t be allowed to hold us back. Yes, we should learn from the past and from the mistakes, but it shouldn’t be a reason of not starting to live again, to love again, to allow love again.
Jo Bartlett not only captivated me with this wonderful story, she also brought me joy with it, she inspired me and made me believe in the good of people again.
Can the happiest time of year heal the most broken of hearts?
Georgine loves Christmas. The festive season always brings the little village of Middledip to life. But since her ex-boyfriend walked out, leaving her with crippling debts, Georgine’s struggled to make ends meet.
To keep her mind off her worries, she throws herself into organising the Christmas show at the local school. And when handsome Joe Blackthorn becomes her assistant, Georgine’s grateful for the help. But there’s something about Joe she can’t quite put her finger on. Could there be more to him than meets the eye?
Georgine’s past is going to catch up with her in ways she never expected. But can the help of friends old and new make this a Christmas to remember after all?
My review
After the breakup with her ex, Georgine’s life isn’t an easy one. You may think that a breakup may be difficult, but her ex left her with debts, making Georgina struggle to make ends meet. However, the financial worries won’t stop her to love Christmas. She is even organizing the Christmas show at the local school. And when with the arrival of Joe Blackthorn comes also extra help for that same show, Georgine couldn’t be more grateful. Yet there is something about Joe that Georgine recognizes, but cannot put her finger on. What Georgine doesn’t expect, is that somehow her own past is catching up with her, making her question everything once again. But will this Christmas be the one where all the pieces finally fall into the right place?
I had one big issue while reading this book… The main character’s name is Georgine, but each time that name appears, I read it as Giorgina, as that is my mother’s name 😊 So that also made me see each time my own mother in my mind and not the character that is closer to my own age and not to my mother’s 😊.
But if that is the only issue I have with this book, well, that isn’t really an issue, right? 😊
I found it difficult to understand how Georgine could live like she is at the start of the book. While of course her current situation isn’t caused by her own, it angered me reading how she is paying the price for the mistakes of someone else.
It is also clear that in her past something has happened, causing other financial issues. But as this isn’t made clear from the start, I didn’t know what to expect as a revelation, making my mind also going wild, thinking of the strangest things that could have happened.
But even if Georgine has struggles, I liked reading how she loves Christmas and how she wants to all she can for the show at the local school. A local school that truly could be an inspiration for other, real schools.
I also admired Georgine, how she is looking after her father, without making him feel like any kind of burden, even if he isn’t the fit man he used to be. Also when her sister appears on her doorstep, Georgine is ready to help Blair.
But don’t get me wrong, Georgine is ready to help all her loved ones out, but she has learned her lesson and she is not just letting people walk over her.
When Joe Blackthorn arrives in Middledip, it is obvious that he has a history with the place and with some people. But it is also clear that in a way, he is running away from something.
My heart broke when discovering Joe’s background. What he has been through as a young child, is something that nobody should go through. A child needs to have a worry-free upbringing, having fun, feeling loved and cherished.
Yes, he has made mistakes in the past and even not so far away present. But I couldn’t blame him, because it is all obviously linked to the way he grew up…
I also have to say, I could understand why Joe is keeping his real identity hidden from especially Georgine, but I could also understand the anger, disappointment and mistrust from her side, when discovering who Joe truly is.
Not only with Joe, but also with Georgine, we see how the past can burden you, and affect your present and your future. It is difficult to get rid of that burden, to make people understand that you are not the same person you once were.
But we also see that no matter what has happened to us, the essence, what makes us us, never changes. Because we see that Joe made mistakes with the influence of others, but that his core is an amazing person.
And seeing how Joe and Georgine are finding each other again, after all those years, how that connection they both believed they had as youngsters, somehow managed to stand the test of times, was just so great and heartwarming to read.
Of course, there are several ups and downs both Georgine and Joe have to overcome, and there are still secrets being kept, out of shame or fear, but also here, the core of their feelings never changed.
And that is the power of this book, showing us how people can turn their lives around. But also how strong feelings and emotions can be, no matter how much time has passed. And that around Christmas, anything can happen, and even insurmountable things can be solved, if you just believe and have faith, trust and love.
For Lou Chalmers, Books and Coffee in Pelican Crossing isn’t just a bookshop and café, it’s the realisation of a dream. But with her sixty-fifth birthday approaching, she’s beginning to feel the weight of time and harbours regrets over her estranged relationship with her sister. Facing yet another lonely Christmas, she wonders if it’s time to try and reconnect.
When retired widower Blair Stevens leaves Tasmania to join his daughter in Pelican Crossing, he questions if he’s made the right decision. But as he delves into the town’s history and starts writing the novel he’s always wanted to, he becomes engrossed in his new life.
When an event at Lou’s bookshop brings the two together, they strike up an unlikely friendship. As Blair helps Lou search for her long-lost sister, their connection deepens in a way neither of them anticipated. But as fate pushes them towards each other, will their friendship blossom into something more?
A heartwarming story of two strangers who find unexpected companionship in this small town on the Queensland coast.
My review
Lou Chalmers is the proud owner of Books and Coffee in Pelican Crossing. It has always been her dream to own a bookshop, and seeing how well her business is doing, warms her heart. But being sixty – five makes her realizes that there are some things that need to be sorted out and forgiven, like the estrangement she has with her sister Fleur. And with Christmas looming around the corner, she feels the loneliness more than ever. However, despite all her efforts, Lou cannot find her sister Fleur. Until she meets Blair Stevens, who recently moved from Tasmania to Pelican Crossing, to be closer to his daughter and grandchildren. Having just arrived, Blair wonders if he made the right choice by moving, but finds himself drawn by not only the town’s history, but also by Lou. And as he knows how to help her with her search, because he is writing a novel about his own ancestry, the two start to form a friendship. But could they also start to feel something more, something they didn’t expect to feel (again)?
Even if the average age of the main characters in this series is well above my own age, the amazing author that Maggie is, always manages to make me not only like them, but also make their stories to recognizable and relatable to me.
So of course I had to read this next instalment, not only because I like all the characters, past and present ones, but also because Pelican Crossing is just such a warm, welcoming, accepting place!
Lou made me somehow see myself in forty years (just 25, but let’s keep that a secret, won’t we 😊). Now, our lives couldn’t be more different, but yet there were some resemblances. Lou has achieved her dream of having a bookshop, and is rather content with her life. I am very very far off achieving my dream (if I already knew what my real dream is of course). And I can say that the contact with my family, my parents and brother, is very good.
But as Lou is on her own, after the betrayal of her sister Lou found very difficult to forgive, she finds herself lonely at moments. And that made me realize, being single for a while, with not having my own family, how not only fast time passes by, but also how fragile and precious life can be.
Lou is of course surrounded by friends that truly love and care about her. but seeing everyone having found love ‘again), and her still being on her own, that truly resonated with me, I could understand Lou and her feelings and emotions.
I liked it how Lou knows that the time has come to move on from the past, that holding on that grudge won’t do anyone any good. Better late than never, right?
And of course, help to find Fleur comes in the wonderful form of Blair.
Blair loved his wife dearly, and ever since losing her, he is a bit at loss. And with the desire being closer to his daughters, he has decided to make the move from Tasmania to Pelican Crossing. And I liked reading that, how committed as a father and grandfather he is. He truly loves his family and would literally do anything for his loved ones.
Seeing Blair in the grandpa – role especially, was so heartwarming, so sweet! He shows exactly what grandparenting is about: loving the children dearly, but also spoiling them 😊.
However, what I loved the most about this story, was the pace where everything was happening. Because from the moment Lou and Blair meet, there immediately something there between them. However, the friendship that they start, was just so great to read!
They may be different, have had different kind of lives, yet they are in a way kindred spirits. And even when there is nothing more to their bond (yet?), they just love spending time together, even if there are just some passing, quick moments.
And that felt like the strength of the book, how slowly, genuinely, naturally things evolve, at the right pace, giving both characters to understand, accept their feelings.
Now, with that title, it is clear that the topic of family is also an important one. Seeing how Lou wants to make amends, shows the growth she has made during the years. But also we see the grief, the pain when she realizes that time has passed to quickly. However, there is also her acceptance, when she connects with new people in her life.
In this book we see the power of connecting with people, how important family, friendship and love in general just is. We can be content with our lives, but with that extra something, how great life can be…
Maggie Christensen not only delivered a wonderful story, but also exceeded my expectations for it!
A Hallowe’en wedding is taking place in Sunnybrook! One well-loved Little Duck Pond Café regular will be walking down the aisle at a reputedly haunted manor house miles from anywhere – and it’s set to be the spookiest and most fun Big Day ever. But when the local river floods and the wedding party is stranded there overnight, weird things start to happen. Are ghostly antics at play here? Or is there something far more sinister going on? Will the wedding even go ahead?
My review
Wedding bells are ringing for a beloved couple in Sunnybrook. And just like Sylvia and Mick are, they want it to be something special. So why not having a Halloween wedding in an old mansion which has rumours of being haunted. But as everyone they love, cannot wait for this joyful event, nothing can stop this power couple, right? Especially when an old friend of Sylvia’s, a famous florist, has agreed to do what she does best. But what Celia didn’t expect, is that she would be facing the One That Got Away… So can Celia keep her cool with Mark around her, and most important can everyone keep their cool when strange things start to happen, that could even jeopardize the wedding everyone is looking forward to?
The start of my reviews of this series is becoming repetitive, something that the stories never will be; but what a delight it was to return to Sunnybrook! Each return here, each new story, makes me feel like walking back home, being embraced by not only lovely people, but lovely and warm feelings too!
And how amazing is it being present at the wonderful wedding that Mick and Sylvia have planned! Who says that marriage is only for young people??? Because Mick and Sylvia may have an age on paper, and have lived through a few scares, but it is easy to see that their love keeps them young at heart!
Now, I have to admit, even if being single for a long time, whenever I would ever imagine getting married to someone, it would be the romantic wedding everyone has. And not even one second I would think about getting married at Halloween. And absolutely not in an old mansion with haunting rumours! But Mick and Sylvia chose something that in a way is so fitting for them. A standard wedding would not be them at all!
It was so sweet how just everyone in Sunnybrook wishes this couple all the best, and see how happy they make each other. Once again we see how just wonderful the people in Sunnybrook, and especially our friends, truly are.
It was also a bit of a creepy story, because at the mansion where the wedding and the preparations are going to take place, strange things are starting to happen. I am not a believer of ghosts, so I was sure that there would be logical explanations for all the strange things, but I also have to admit, that perhaps there may be something else…
On the other hand, there is also the bittersweet story of Celia. I liked her from the very start, even if it is clear that the persona she is on the show, isn’t the real Celia. And that not only resonated with me, I also found it very recognizing. Because haven’t we all put on a braver face, put on a more extravagant version of ourselves out there?
I could feel how during the years she has felt she somehow has lost the essence of who Celia truly is. And how much she has given up, or not has had all the experiences in life she perhaps wanted to have.
And it saddened me reading how at a younger age she has loved dearly, and how nobody and nothing could ever compare to that love.
I could definitely understand her shock seeing Mark out of the blue, and how they will be staying at the same place for a while….
But I also saw it as an opportunity! I had my fingers and my toes crossed for the pair of them, hoping there would be a lovely and delightful reunion.
However, I could understand why Celia after seeing some things, wanted to keep her distance from Mark, not wanting to be heartbroken again. But I could also see how easily things could be misunderstood, especially when you don’t know the whole history, background or situation that is taking place.
Once again I was amazed by Rosie Green’s storytelling talents. Because not once I felt a little bit bored, or feeling ‘been there done that already’. In fact it was the complete opposite, because I was totally captured by this lovely story, by the lovely people, and the wonderful emotions and feelings that spark from every page!
A heartwarming and heartbreaking tale of love, loss and the chance to put things right
When Georgie turns up at a quiz night in a London café, Peter storms past her without a second glance. Fifty years ago, on their penultimate night at university, she had betrayed him and he has never forgiven her for wrecking their seemingly perfect relationship.
Their life journeys since that fateful night could not be more different. Georgie has had brief success and notoriety with Mothercluckers, an all-female punk band, followed by a life ruined by alcohol and drug addiction. By contrast, Peter’s career as a university library administrator has been fulfilling, stable and successful.
Rachel, the café owner’s daughter, knows all about the Mothercluckers. Obsessed by their wild reputation, she can’t believe her luck when Georgie turns up and she cajoles her father into allowing Georgie to stay in their family home for the night. When Georgie tells her about Peter, Rachel schemes a reconciliation.
Meanwhile Mia, Peter’s new colleague at the university library, is a breath of fresh air who reminds him of the young Georgie. Mia is soon pushing for him to reunite with Georgie.
Can the two young women succeed in getting Georgie and Peter to face up to the incident that tore them apart? The clock is ticking.
My review
Fifty years ago, Georgie broke as a young woman, her boyfriend Peter’s heart. Despite all her efforts, he never forgave her and then life took them both in complete different directions. Where Georgie’s life as being part of a punk band, was filled with music but also bad decisions, Peter built a solid, academic life. In the present, Georgie walks into a London café quiz and there is Peter. But he is anything but happy to see her, shocking a bit Georgie. However, with having both young women being suddenly their biggest supporters, and wanting nothing more for Georgie and Peter find each other again in one way or another, their paths will cross again. But with everything that has happened between them and in their own personal lives, is there room for not only forgiveness but also for each other?
When we were younger, haven’t we all made choices and mistakes that at a later stage in our lives, we regret? It can be something innocent, but as we can see in Georgie’s life, one mistake can be the start of a downward spiral, adding mistake after mistake after mistake.
But when we see Georgie in the here and now, we also see that your life can be turned around, that you can change for the better.
It saddened me reading about Georgie’s past, how one bad decision let to another, to another and even to addiction and fatalities to people close to her. She managed to push the people that loved her, away by her behaviour, her reactions and even unwillingness to see her mistakes in a way.
I also have to admit, I wasn’t understanding why now Georgie appears in London, wanting to apologize to Peter after all those years. If I were in her shoes, perhaps I would just forget about what happened fifty years ago, and just move on with my life, as it finally is getting back on track, with just a few hiccups left to get over.
But I found it also a testimony of her changed character, as she is determined to come clean about what happened not only those years ago, but also recently. She shows a resilience, a vulnerability but also an understanding. She understands Peter’s reluctance, his behaviour of ignoring her. And that shows just how much Georgie has grown over the years.
Now, it needs to be said, that while Peter for sure seems like a real proper man, Georgie’s betrayal scarred him much deeper than it would seem. He has also made mistakes in his life, perhaps not as grave as Georgie’s, but mistakes that also hurt the people around him and the people that he loved/loves.
I have to admit, I was a bit wary of Mia and Rachel at the start. In Rachel I initially saw someone wanting to befriend and help Georgie more because Rachel is a fan of Georgie, and not out of the kindness of her heart.
And in Mia’s case, I saw perhaps a young woman not knowing what or who she wants in her life. I saw her jumping from one decision to another, not thinking properly about the consequences.
But I was happy to read how in fact, these two young people, seeing the world and life so differently from Georgie and Peter, are an actual help to these perhaps lost souls. Thanks to their help, their persistence, we see how Georgie and Peter are accepting each other again.
This book didn’t start perhaps with me being drawn into it completely. But the more the story evolved, the more the main characters but also the side characters grew, the more I had the need to discover how it would all turn out.
Because, like I said before, just like Georgie, we have all made mistakes, can all mistakes, errors and wrong decisions be forgiven? And can it be too late for it? Or can it be that it is never too late to make right again what was done wrong? This process is the strength of this book, showing us that people can change, can attempt to redeem themselves. And who knows where forgiveness, acceptance and understanding can bring us, no matter how old or young we are…
To join forces against a common enemy, but is he truly?
Synopsis
Nestled deep in the countryside lies Starlight Croft – population small, gossip levels high, and secrets harder to hide than a cow in a phone box.
Jen Armstrong thought she had life more or less under control – marriage ticking along, teenagers on the right side of the law – until hubby Peter unexpectedly demises leaving Jen suddenly single, hugging a secret, and trying very hard not to fall apart in front of the entire village.
Just when things couldn’t get messier a For Sale sign appears. The community centre – the only place big enough to host Pilates and the local psychic’s séance nights – goes up for sale.
Cue The Starlight Society: a mismatched crew of locals with hearts of gold, questionable strategies and Jen reluctantly roped in to assist. Their mission? Raise the cash to save the hall before a charming-but-infuriating property developer named Liam Lancaster possibly turns it into a boutique hotel with mood lighting and tufty towels.
Can they pull it off? Will the hall survive? Might a secret be unwittingly revealed? And can Jen resist throttling an enemy who has the most annoyingly twinkly eyes?
A feel-good romantic comedy where love, lies, and livestock collide.
My review
Starlight Croft can be best described as a small village, filled with great people, but also filled with local gossip where everyone knows everything about everyone. Or at least, that is what they think. Because nobody knows what secret Jen Armstrong is carrying around. From the outside it may seem she had a good marriage with Peter, and their teenage children are never causing her any distress. But when Peter suddenly dies, not only Jen now has to come to terms with an almost empty nest and being on her own, on top of that secret that looms over her head. And then Jen finds herself drawn into the village drama, as the community centre is going up for sale and the brand-new The Starlight Society is raising money to keep the centre out of the hands of a property developer wanting to turn the centre into a hotel. Despite the general dislike towards Liam Lancaster, Jen finds herself drawn towards him. Yet just being widowed and Liam being the enemy, and that secret of hers, it’s no way, right?
Right from the start of this book, it was clear that Jen is, well not exactly happy, but in a way relieved that Peter has passed. For us readers it is clear that it was a toxic relationship, but the details are initially unknown to us, and the depths of the toxicity too.
As my imagination is known for running wild, my thoughts went all the way. And as seeing how Jen is burdened with her secret, can you blame me for it? 😊
Despite my imagination, it is clear that Jen has been through a lot but that in fact, she is a kind, gentle woman. She is a caring mother, a genuine friend and just a woman that can finally feel free.
It is also obvious that Jen is well seen in Starlight Croft, that people care about her too, and that the community see more than Jen may think. And it speaks volumes that everyone want Jen involved with saving the centre. Now, it also needs to be said, that nobody truly has another choice, as there is force of nature to be reckoned with. 😊
It warmed my heart to see how the whole community is fighting against the common enemy, as they all care about the centre and they see how it is a big part of the community itself.
A common enemy, in the form of Liam Lancaster, that perhaps is immediately disliked by everyone, but not by me. Because yes, he might be the developer who wants to build a hotel. But I also kept in mind that it is just his job that he is doing. While it is a fight he has against the community, I could also see the real person that Liam is.
Now, of course there are several misunderstandings between Jen and Liam, and there are some fears that Jen understandably has. But the connection these two people have, is palpable from the pages. I was cheering for the pair of them!
It was also sweet reading how Jen is able to open to Liam, and how Liam is not judging for her choices. Because Liam is the first to know about the secret Jen has, and while it could have been easy to blame her, to make her even feel worse and make her feel guilty, he understands the position Jen was in, and what truly happened on that fateful night…
This story may be about a community fighting against a common enemy, to save the heart of their homes. This story may be about a blooming yet perhaps even ‘forbidden’ romance. But for me, it felt like this story is about courage. Courage to let love back in, courage about letting go of the guilt, courage of standing up to the real enemy and courage of doing the right thing, not only for you but for the people around you.
Debbie Viggiano made me laugh with this book, as there are for sure some ‘special’ inhabitants in Starlight Croft, but also how funny some misunderstandings were. It made me worry, because it made me realize once again that nobody truly knows what happens behind closed door in a family. But most important, it made me smile, because Karma is always you-know-what and somehow, someday, good people will receive what they deserve. And despite what has happened in the past, they will be able to look forward to a bright and happy future.
When you are forced to take a break, but it takes you somewhere totally unexpected
Synopsis
Packed with humour, romance and a love affair with nature, Escape to the Northern Lights is a story of transformation, second chances and finding home in the most unexpected places.
High-powered lawyer Sara thought she had life figured out – until her whirlwind marriage ends in divorce, her dream promotion slips away and a burnout diagnosis forces her to take a break.
Desperate for a reset, she books a four-week spa retreat in Norway, imagining a luxurious escape. Instead, she finds herself in the rugged wilderness of Firefly Forest, knee-deep in reindeer droppings and stuck with an annoyingly bohemian – and ridiculously attractive – outdoorsman, Henrik.
What starts as a nightmare turns into a journey of self-discovery as Sara swaps designer heels for bare feet, legal briefs for tree-hugging, and fleeting flings for something far deeper…
My review
After the end of her marriage, Sara is totally focused on her job as a lawyer. Her next goal is to become partner, until she is being told that there will be no new partner. As the final drop, it causes Sara to have a burnout, with a forced break, to regroup herself again. With the insistence of her best friends and a sudden free spot, Sara decides to book a four – week spa retreat in Norway. Because is there a better way to relax than in a luxurious retreat? However, the retreat in Firefly Forest isn’t what she thought it would be, especially as the resort she has in mind is actually in Sweden and not in Norway. So instead of the luxury she was expecting, now she finds herself in a resort where there is no (or rather very limited) connections with the internet and the workshops are totally out of Sara’s comfort zone. While initially Sara couldn’t get away from the Firefly Forest as quickly as possible, slowly she starts to understand how her own wellbeing is progressing, with tree-hugging and sauna’s with colling down in small lakes. And there is the connection with Henrik, which started on the wrong foot, but now is changing too…
You can say a lot about me, but not that I am a workaholic. Don’t get me wrong, at the office, I give all my best, but once I am at home, I “forget” about work and focus on myself. As being a single woman for a rather long time, I can also try to imagine how Sara is feeling after her divorce…
I can understand that there are people like Sara in the real world, so focused on their job, on that promotion that is looming around the corner, but are not listening to their own body. And unfortunately, that is something that appears more and more, as I know several people personally who for one reason or another have had a burnout.
And I was completely agreeing with her decision to go on a retreat, to clear her mind. As I call myself a luxury tourist, I found it not more than normal that Sara was ready for being spoiled for weeks, with all the comfort just around her. When I am on holiday, I don’t want to have one worry in the world, and just like Sara, I want to have everything at my disposal.
However, reading how Sara messes up or gets the wrong info, making her strand on a completely different kind of resort, is just hilarious for us readers! But I also admired Sara, as while waiting for a way to get out of there, she is ready to go along with all the workshops, no matter how difficult it is to have no contact with the world.
Of course she isn’t doing it at the start with the biggest joy in her heart, and yes, I was laughing at loud when things go a tiny in a wrong direction for her during the workshops. But the more she is participating, the more she gets to know not only the other customers, but also the people that run the resort, Sara starts to understand the meaning of it all.
Because at Firefly Forest, everyone has the chance to clear their mind, get closer to nature, but also find a way to see things differently, to live differently. While Sara was on each workshop, reading how the burdens are being lifted of her shoulders, somehow I also felt some burdens being lifted. Now, I am not a complete convert, but I could see how even I could benefit from a (although shortened) stay in such a lovely place.
Like I said, I laughed several times while reading, let’s not forget about Sara’s disappointment at seeing the northern lights 🙂. However, there were also many moments that not only Sara had an aha – experience, where she finally understood the meaning of several things, but I had them too. Seeing how Sara understands what truly matters in life, and what is worth fighting for.
And no, as you will read yourself, it isn’t about finding romance. Because life isn’t always about romance. But there is of course room for romance too in Sara’s journey/stay in Norway. Seeing that relationship with Henrik evolve was just the sweetest thing. While they didn’t start off with the right foot, especially as it may seem that Sara is looking down at the resort, and Henrik may be ridiculing at her at moments (seems like it, he isn’t such an ogre!). The more Sara appreciates the efforts of the resort, and how it makes her change, the more Henrik sees the real Sara, and the attraction starts to fly around every corner!
I also loved it how Sara is embracing the Norwegian way of life, and how it affects her own life and how she wants to keep that special way of life in her own life.
For me, reading this book was not only a heartwarming one, seeing how Sara finds so much on her stay in a resort that isn’t what she expected, but it was also an inspiring one, as we can see how with the right incentive, inspiration, changes can be made in life. But it was also eye – opening, because even if I am not in the situation Sara was in at the start of the book, it made me realize that what happened to Sara can happen to anyone of us. And the only way to prevent that, is to listen to our body, to find a way to clear our mind and find out what truly brings us joy and happiness. And if in that process, there is love to be found, all the better! 🙂
Two old friends. One snowy village. A Christmas they’ll never forget.
Ivy thought she had Christmas all wrapped up: a peaceful December in her cosy Devon cottage, just her bouncy rescue pup and kind-hearted neighbour Fred for company.
But when a stranger appears on her doorstep asking for shelter, Ivy makes a split-second decision that turns her plans upside down – and sets the whole village of Brambleton buzzing. Who is he? What is he running from? Why does Ivy feel such a powerful urge to help him?
As the snow begins to fall, and secrets start to thaw, Ivy and Fred team up to help their newfound neighbour. Soon Ivy realises that the magic of Christmas has sparked more than just opening her door to a stranger – it has given her the courage to open her heart to love.
Join Ivy in this feel-good festive escape about community, kindness, and discovering that it’s never too late to get your happy ending.
My review
Ivy has always done good, and now as a retired vicar, she enjoys the peaceful setup to Christmas, with her rescue but very active pup and he r friend and neighbour Fred. However, even in a little village like Brambleton there is always something to gossip and complain about, and Ivy is not only used to it, but she also tries to stay out of all the drama, but always keeping her heart and passion for her home. Her heart, which is always telling to never look away from someone in need. Always, even when there is a complete stranger standing on her doorstep, asking for shelter. Ivy is intrigued and wants to know more about this man who now is staying in her shed and doing the odd jobs for her. Even if not everyone is happy with the presumed arrival of strangers on a dinghy, Ivy and Fred join forces to help Omar out as much as they can. Because is helping people not what Christmas is all about? And the more Ivy is helping out, the more Ivy starts to learn to open up her heart, no matter how scary that may sound!
It is very often that when the theme of a story is Christmas, the focus is on romance, with yes of course, room and space for other things, but mainly on main characters and the road to their happily ever after.
But in this book, the focus is mainly on the real meaning of Christmas, what it truly means to show kindness, and be kind to others. Of course there is room for emotional growth too, but for me it felt like the author wants to make us understand again what Christmas is about and that doing good is always a good choice.
At the start of the book, it is clear that many years ago, Ivy went through a serious heartbreak, and that caused her to guard her heart for further disappointment. We don’t learn immediately what has happened to her. But I liked it treading how even that heartbreak didn’t cause Ivy to give up on her beliefs, and didn’t become bitter around others.
Now, I have to admit, while I also always try to be the helping hand, I don’t know if I could or would go so far as Ivy does. If there would be a stranger at my door, I would close that door as soon as possible. I would be terrified and perhaps I have read too many thrillers, but I would definitely go for the worst – case – scenario.
However, her actions in this situation, shows that she truly acts upon her beliefs. Of course she is not that gullible person, as she is still wary of who Omar truly is. But she just cannot leave Omar out there, on his own…
Not only her actions warmed my heart, but also Fred’s. He is Ivy’s best friend, and he for sure is sceptic with Omar’s stay. But he also manages to see beyond what’s on the surface, and he also takes Omar’s story and fate to heart.
It is not easy to be in a corner on your own, as Ivy and Fred do, against several people of Brambleton. While it is wrong to judge Omar in this case, I could in a way also understand these people.
Because aren’t we all a bit scared of the new? And haven’t we all heard nasty stories? But it is so important to not judge people as all the same, because nobody is the same. And it doesn’t matter where you come from, what your religion is, or what you skin colour is, everyone deserves to be respected.
Omar’s arrival is also the start of an emotional rollercoaster – journey for Ivy. Her heart has been closed off for so long, that it is difficult for her to understand what her feelings truly are. Especially towards, well, you can take a guess, right? 😊
When I say it’s a journey, it is a real journey. Because just when she thinks she has it figured out, something happens, making her doubt everything and especially herself all over again. And that is also understandable, because if she would be wrong, it would jeopardize everything…
I found this truly a heartwarming story, showing not only the importance of kindness, but also the importance of acceptance, the importance of the truth, the importance of courage and the importance of love. All this is wrapped in a lovely Christmas story!
One fake boyfriend. One bed. One very complicated Christmas …
Piper
I promised my mom I’d bring a boyfriend home for the holidays.
I did not mean Brody King—Hollywood heartthrob, tabloid trainwreck, and the reason I have a folder of fantasy fan art I’ll take to the grave.
He’s also my brother’s best friend and the man who ghosted our small town (and me) twelve years ago.
Now we’re sharing one bed, faking a relationship, and pretending he’s changed.
The problem? I’m starting to believe it.
But Brody doesn’t do forever.
And I don’t do heartbreak twice.
Brody
The plan was simple: come home, look reformed, and don’t fall for Piper Locke. Again.
Instead, I’m stuck in a snow-globe town with the girl I never stopped wanting.
Piper’s smart, hilarious, way too sexy—and still completely off-limits.
She thinks I’ll leave like last time.
And she’s right. My next job’s a world away from Hideaway Harbor.
But this fake relationship feels dangerously real, and Piper isn’t just a PR fix.
She’s the reason I want to stay.
Too bad I’m the last person who deserves her… and the one person who can’t seem to walk away.
The Holiday Fakers is a laugh-out-loud, one-bed, fake-dating romcom with festive flair and serious steam. If you love small-town chaos, slow-burn tension, and a guaranteed happily ever after, this book is your perfect cozy escape.
The Holiday Fakers is part of the Christmas at Hideaway Harbor series of six spicy romantic comedies. The books are interconnected standalones and can be read in any order.
Piper Locke always had a soft spot for Hollywood heartthrob Brody King. And it has nothing to do with his looks, because Piper has known Brody even before he was famous. As a young girl, she has been in love with him, and even if he left Hideaway Harbor twelve years ago without looking back, she has a Google alert set for him. But Piper would have never imagined that for this Christmas, she would be fake – dating him while being with her parents, under the scrutiny of her brother, who also happened to be Brody’s best friend all those years ago. Brody isn’t all that excited to be pretending to be in love with Piper, but he has no choice, as he needs to clean up his imagine, in order to gain the part of a series he truly wants. And it is more complicated than just faking with Piper, because he cannot fall for Piper, again… Especially as his life is a chaotic one, and Piper is still off – limits, and out of his league… But when they have are forced to spend their stay in just one bedroom, and smiling and holding hands in public and for pictures, is it truly only faking that they are doing?
Fake – dating romcoms have always been a guilty pleasure of mine. I am always curious to read how things will evolve, how and when things will shift between the main characters. And this book has an extra trope that I adore, that when the main characters have always have ben in love for years, but for some reason, never acted upon those feelings.
So yes, I was extra excited to read this book, and as I have read other books of this author, I knew it would be a funny, sweet, heartwarming but also spicy and hot story!
It is clear from the start what kind of person Piper is. She is a great person, but also a person with many insecurities and doubts. At the beginning, she is scared of losing her job after a merging, especially as her competition is her actual ex. An ex she hoped to bring home to Hideway Harbor, and hasn’t had the courage to admit to her family that she single again…
Her insecurities also become so clear as she just doesn’t see or believe how truly talented she is. Of course, as this is a book, I couldn’t see the art she is creating, but I could imagine how it all would look like. If only I had an inch of her talent! 😊
What I also liked about Piper, is just how recognizable, how real she is. Because I could only comprehend all too well to be in love with your brother’s best friend, and that love not only being unreciprocated, but also impossible to act upon those feelings.
Brody initially seems like a real rogue. His imagine isn’t a clean one, he has made errors spilled all over the papers. And I wasn’t ready to let him into heart that easily, also learning that he has walked away from the people that have opened not only their home but also their heart, and never looked back.
However, I had to change my opinion, or rather my prejudice, over him. Because it becomes clear that Brody has made mistakes in the past, but he wants a chance to show that he has changed, for the better.
It was of course funny reading how they are both initially reluctant to be fake – dating each other. But as they both have reasons, to go through with it, they have no other choice. Luckily for us! 😊
That initial awkwardness was just hilarious to read. Piper and Brody have known each other, but at the same time, they don’t know each other at all. They don’t know how to behave around each other, and they don’t know how much they can truly trust each other.
But you know what truly was delightful to read? It were the bits where we see that both Piper and Brody are fighting against their own feelings, when they are seeing each other for who they really are. What starts as awkwardness, slowly shifts into something real, something deep, to a point where they want each other’s dream to come true.
I had so many laughs also in this book, can you imagine having a mother like Piper’s? Just hilarious! But there are also so many sweet moments, for example Martha that is so wise for her age, and then there is also Billy with his loyal companion Lucky on their own quests…
And then there are those heated moments! The book is in the greatest part a sweet story, but when things get heated, they for sure get heated! 😊
I absolutely devoured this book, not knowing if I had to continue reading, as I wanted to see all the evolutions, or slowing down, as I wasn’t ready for reaching the end!
This book gave me so many emotions, I could feel the pain, the hurt, the doubts, but also the happiness, the joy, the trust and the love.
Evie Alexander wrote such a heartfelt story, making me not only fall in love with its main characters but also the warm and lovely community of Hideaway Harbor!
Tizi’s Book Review 