Tizi’s Book Review

When another murder comes on your path, but this time the stakes could be even higher..

Synopsis

An instalment in bestselling author T. A. Williams’ Armstrong and Oscar cozy mystery series!

A cozy crime series set in gorgeous Tuscany… It’s murder in paradise!

A secluded villa…

When Dan Armstrong is asked to provide security at a private villa on the outskirts of Pisa, he’s pretty sure it will be an easy job. Villa Gregory is remote; the gathered guests are rich – what could possibly go wrong?

A glittering gathering…

Inside the high walls of the palatial villa, Dan discovers the gathered guests are some of the most powerful tycoons in the media world, with plans for world domination. With so much at stake, Dan redoubles his efforts to keep everyone safe.

A detective under pressure?

But when one of the group is found murdered, Dan’s heart sinks – especially considering Anna’s own daughter is in the frame! When the police arrive, Dan meets formidable Inspector Adolfo Vinci, a man whose main talent seems to be for getting things wrong. It all goes from bad to worse for Dan as the man from the Leaning Tower starts leaning on him.

It’s another case for Dan and Oscar to solve and this one won’t be easy!

My review

Things are looking well for Dan Armstrong in Tuscany. His relationship with Anna is great, as he has learned from his past mistakes, and his business is also doing well.
So when he is asked to provide security at a private villa near Pisa, he thinks it would be a rather easy job, because what could possibly go wrong?
Dan and his loyal friend Oscar are ready to do their thing at Villa Gregory, and as Anna’s daughter is one of the guests, Dan hopes that he has the chance to get to know the daughter of the woman he loves.
But with a Villa filled with prominent guests, Dan is shocked to discover the murder of one of the most powerful tycoons. And with all the fingers pointing towards Anna’s daughter Virginia, and a rather lazy Inspector Adolfo Vinci, Dan is determined to discover what happened and to clear Virginia’s name…

There are a few cosy mystery – series that I am always eager to pick up, book after book after book. Yet this series is one of those lucky few! Is it because its setting in Italy? Is it because of the main characters, furry ones and not? Or is it the talent of this author that can keep on writing stories about, let’s be honest, brutal crimes, yet can keep a lightness in it after all?

It was a delight to visit Dan again, and seeing how well he was doing on several aspects in his life. Not only is his new career thriving, even his writing career is taking off. And he is surrounded by new friends, and has a beautiful woman next to him. Oh, and let’s not forget about Oscar, his furry but also most loyal friend!

His latest job brings him nearby Pisa, known for, well you know what. And as a reader, we all know that what should be an easy job for Dan and Oscar, will turn out to be the complete opposite…
Once again Dan has to investigate a murder, and not ‘just’ a murder, but a murder of a powerful man, and to make things worse, everything points in the direction of Anna’s daughter Virginia.

Obviously, as a loyal reader, I knew that Virginia would be only a diversion, as the real culprit would only be revealed at the very end of it. But in this book, the murderer could be just anyone, from the security guard to the cook, just anyone could be it.
And we all know, when there is money involved, the motives are only increasing…

I have to admit, that in this book, no matter how delightful it was to see my friends again, there were some aspects I didn’t really like. Hopefully the author will forgive me for that! 😊
For instance, I didn’t immediately liked Virginia… I could understand that it can be difficult to see your mother in love again, with another man that is not your father. But grow up, you’re an adult woman, you know how the world and how love works! How can she dislike Dan, even if she hasn’t ever met him before or talked to him?
And while I knew that she was innocent, the mean bit in me wanted her perhaps to pay for her dislike of Dan? 😊
Luckily Virginia starts to see that, despite her behaviour, Dan is in fact in her corner, and is in fact a nice man, worthy of her mother. And who could possibly resist Oscar???

Then there are the other guests present in the villa… I just couldn’t truly like them… There is a difference in being wealthy and just being a snob. And with each and every one of them having a plausible motive, the chances of me liking them only diminished. Of course they are not all alike and there are a few I disliked a little less compared to others 😊

Lastly, there is the terrible inspector, Adolfo Vinci… he is just everything that an inspector, or rather just anyone in the forces should not be. He is not only obnoxious, he is rude, thinks he knows it all, and has a severe case of tunnel vision. Just the moment he entered the scene, I felt my anger rise.  But also here we total opposite characters, showing us that while there are Adolfo Vinci’s in the world, there are plenty of others who are doing a great job!

Yet my issues with some characters didn’t take away the joy I had to put on my own detective hat on, ready to investigate along with Dan and Oscar, trying to get any clues or seeing things that may seem innocent yet hold a ticket to the truth.

Once a cosy mystery by this amazing author not only brought me back to a wonderful setting, but once again made me devour a book, where a former policeman and his loyal dog are up in resolving a murder. And next to the heavy matter of a murder, the author once again put enough of lightness, and even love in this book, making it a treat to read the book, even if blood spilling was involved.

When in need, real feelings surface…

Synopsis

Welcome to Pepper Bay, where you’ll find love, drama, and a happily ever after.

Snuggle down with this cosy, feel-good, comfort read that whisks you away to a beautiful bay on the Isle of Wight – Perfect for fans of Christie Barlow, Alison Sherlock, Rachael Lucas, and Holly Martin.

The Pepper Bay books are standalone stories that intertwine with recurring characters. Best enjoyed when read in order.

The Gatehouse Café: Vivien leads a double life. A happy one the world sees, and a miserable one that’s hidden away. Nobody knows what goes on in her home once she has closed up the café for the day. She doesn’t think anyone will believe that her partner is a horrible person, especially as he is a policeman.

Finn has been secretly in love with Vivien since he was a teenager, but she’s only ever viewed him as a friend. When he discovers she’s in trouble at home, he does everything in his power to help set her free, because even if she never falls in love with him, she’s still his best friend, and she needs help.

My review

Vivien loves running her Gatehouse Café in Pepper Bay. But while outside everyone thinks that Vivien is a happy woman, it’s once the café has closed for the day that her nightmare begins. Because nobody knows that Vivien is living together with an abusive partner. And if she would ever put it in the open, who would possibly believe her, as her partner is a member of the forces as a policeman.
But when things have gone too far, and Vivien has had and taken enough, she can count on her best friend Finn to be there for her. But what Vivien doesn’t know, is that Finn has been in love with his best friend for years…
And Finn would do anything for her, even if his feelings would never be reciprocated, because that’s the kind of man Finn is, the helping friend always in your corner, even when the world seems a dark place and Vivien may never overcome the fear her partner induced…

What an absolute delight it was to return to Pepper Bay. With each new story I fall more and more in love with the place, and my love for it was already a big one!
Yet this was perhaps also the most heartbreaking one of the series?

Because right from the start we learn that lovely Vivien, despite her façade, is living a real nightmare with her partner…
It makes me wonder and just not understand how someone can voluntary hurt the person they claim to love…
And it made me understand how well the victims are hiding the terror they are living in, and how much they can endure. It may seem a strange thing to say, but in Vivien’s pain there was also a lot of strength in it.
It truly broke my heart to see Vivien, a woman who deserves to be worshipped is treated by her partner. And it make a terrible situation even worse, the author added an extra terrible layer by making the abuser a policeman, the exact kind of person that should protect people.

The abuse itself was luckily not that graphic, giving my poor heart at least one less thing to worry about. Yet that didn’t take away that I could feel Viv’s pain anyway.

Despite everything, I was happy that Viv could always rely on her best friend Finn, no matter how much she even tried to push him away, for his and her own sake…
Finn is perhaps the kind of person that seems too good to be true… he is just everything I could possibly dream about for my own Prince Charming.

It’s clear, even without reading about his thoughts, that he is truly in love with Viv. But as she is in a relationship, he ‘settles’ with just being friends. It’s enough for him to have Viv in his life, even just as a friend, than not having Viv in his life at all.
And when he learns about the hell Viv has been living in, I just literally swooned! He steps up as the perfect man, he gives Viv everything she needs, a home to stay in, all the possible help she may need, a shoulder to cry on but also he shows her that not everyone is like that scumbag and that there are good people that love her.

So while Viv’s background is a terrifying one, something I don’t wish to anyone, this story is not about escaping an abusive relationship. But it’s about finding the right person for you, finding the person that restores your trust in mankind again. And while this marvellous author did let Finn go through something terrible too, as obviously things don’t go as straightforward as we readers want to, what people are looking for, can be found easily closer than they thought. But some people are just a bit slower on catching up with this fact!

I absolutely devoured this book, is it really already the 11th part of the series??? I cannot just believe how much joy this series brings me! K.T. Dady once again showed what love truly means, what love makes you do, and especially what love isn’t.
But we also see that love is strength, courage and most important of all, the most beautiful thing in the world!

When to help you have to return to a place that holds a lot of pain…

Synopsis

Brand new from best-selling author Jo Bartlett, an emotional and uplifting read, guaranteed to break your heart and put it back together again.

A family in turmoil…

Phoebe Spencer left home a long time ago, desperate to get away from her mother’s emotional manipulation. She knows her life is better away from her family, but she can’t help feeling she’s simply running away from her problems…

Then Phoebe hears that her younger sister Lucy has disappeared, leaving behind her four-year old daughter, Darcy. Phoebe’s certain Lucy will be back soon – she’d never leave Darcy alone – and then Phoebe can get on with her life again.

But as the days pass there’s still no sign of Lucy, and everyone begins to fear the worst. Phoebe has toconsider the terrible truth that Lucy might never come home. And as their mother makes it clear she wants to take control of Darcy’s life, Phoebe must do all she can to protect the girl her sister left behind – no matter the cost to her.

A brand new emotional read from bestselling author Jo Bartlett.

My review

After growing up with an emotional manipulative mother, Phoebe Spencer couldn’t wait to leave home, as the situation became truly unbearable.
But when Phoebe hears now that her younger sister Lucy has disappeared and left her four – year old daughter Darcy, Phoebe has no option to return home to look after Darcy.
Yet Phoebe is certain that Lucy will quickly return, making it possible for Phoebe to run away once again from her mother.
But when days pass and Lucy is still missing, it seems that the worst fears are becoming reality… And with Phoebe’s mother wanting to take Darcy in custody, it’s up to Phoebe to protect Darcy not only of a devastating truth about Lucy, but also to protect Darcy from the same poison Phoebe and Lucy grew up with. But at what cost?

Jo Bartlett has written magnificent series that I absolutely devoured. So was it a difficult decision to pick up another book written by her? Absolutely not! Did I love it? Absolutely yes! Did the story break my heart in one million little pieces for several reasons? Absolutely yes!

After I finished this book, I found myself in a way grateful for the family I have. Because no matter how much at times they annoy me, I have a rather normal family and that is not something everyone can say.

Because it’s obvious that Phoebe’s family is a dysfunctional one. At first I didn’t completely understood how it really was for Phoebe and for Lucy. But the more I saw with my own eyes, the more I could comprehend why Phoebe had the urge to escape from her mother.
It even angered me how her mother just got away with it all, just to keep the peace but not seeing how it would affect the lives of Phoebe and Lucy.

Phoebe’s reluctance to return was obvious and it made sense. Yet I also liked her sense of responsibility in it. Because she understood that she had to return home, not for herself, or her parents, but for little Darcy. Leaving Darcy in the clutches of Phoebe’s mother is unthinkable and it would only end in another terrorized child.

It was a tiny bit funny to see out of depth Phoebe was, as she was responsible for Darcy’s care now. But it was also heartwarming to see how she leant on who she could count for help. And her neighbor (or rather, Lucy’s neighbor…) Jamie for sure has been her rock, in so many different ways.

Darcy for sure stole my heart. A child of this age still as that innocence, not understanding the world and not understanding the finality of things. But she also shows a resilience, as we see her adapting rather quickly to a changed situation, a situation without her mother in it.
We also see how easy it is for children to love someone. Her aunt Phoebe was practically a stranger to her, but Darcy accepts Phoebe easily in her life.

This wasn’t always an easy book to digest, as it handles serious matters. It’s not easy to understand what people are going through and what makes them take certain decisions, decisions that are irreversible.
But it wasn’t only a difficult story to digest, it was also a story somehow filled with so much love in it.
We see Phoebe returning to her even personal hell, for her sister and her niece. And even if she doesn’t have a clue about raising a child, she is slowly learning the trick, out of love for that little girl who doesn’t have anyone left in her corner. And we see Phoebe fighting to protect Darcy. And she lets Darcy understand that even if her mommy isn’t there, she will always have Phoebe.

Jo Bartlett wrote once again a story that makes you realizes that perhaps no matter how often we complain, in most cases we should be counting our blessings, because not everyone is that fortunate. But even if we are in fact unfortunate and have a difficult family situation, and tragedy has struck, there will always be someone for us to rely on.
And we can also be the person to rely on when someone else has to face a difficult situation, and even if we are out of our own depth, love will make the difficult journey a feasible journey where even we can learn a lot from…

How one day can be the start of a year filled with every kind of emotion

Synopsis

They didn’t know – when Winter gave way to Spring that year – that their lives were all about to change…

Marnie didn’t realise – when she stormed into a bookshop one day, demanding a self-help book – that she was about to make a new best friend.

Bookshop-owner Rae didn’t know she had been living like a shadow since her parents died. But then Marnie exploded into her life. And suddenly she realised things had to change… more so when she meets handsome nurse, Jack.

And when Forrest’s life is turned upside down by a fatal car crash, he knew he was being given a second chance, but didn’t know why. He thinks Marnie might just be the woman he’s destined to be with. But – as she discovers that she has an illness she may never recover from – what if it’s too late for them?

Can it ever be too late though? To make friendships that change everything. To grow, to change, to start again. Even – for two unlikely new best friends to find love at last…?

The Last Days of You and Me is a heartbreaking, uplifting, magical story about friendship, love and above all what it means to truly live. Perfect for fans of Me Before You, Love Actually and One Day.

My review

Marnie and Rae meet in Rae’s bookstore when Marnie is looking for a self – help book. Marnie did not leave the store only with unexpected books, but also with the start of a brand new and strong friendship.
If only Marnie didn’t have to cope with an obnoxious lawyer, trying to get his client out of wrongdoings. But when that same lawyer has a car crash, Forrest realizes that he has had a second chance in life and is ready to things right again. And meeting Marnie may even show him that even love can be in store for him. But with Marnie’s discovery of an illness, is it perhaps too late for them?
An illness that makes everyone ponder about their own lives and its fragility. And where Rae realizes that keep on mourning the death of her parents, especially after meeting nurse Jack…
With the days passing by, and Marnie’s days are slinking, feelings arise and grow, but with the inevitable approaching, what will happen? 

When I began reading this book, I knew beforehand it wouldn’t be a walk in the park. This author knows how to touch her readers, even when heartbreaking events are taking place in her stories.
And from the blurb already I knew that my heart would have to face a lot of pain, yet I wasn’t prepared of how deep that pain would go…
But like I said, the pain was accompanied by a feeling of warmth and love, because it’s in the most hurtful moments in life, amazing people will be there by our side, taking one step at the time during the most difficult bits… 

This whole enlightening journey starts on a day where four characters meet by perhaps sheer coincidence, or perhaps Fate put them on each other’s path… 

Marnie and Rae’s start of a wonderful friendship begin with Marnie entering Rae’s bookstore. Isn’t it somehow ironic that Marnie is looking for a self – help book yet ends with a best friend? And isn’t it wonderful to read how this amazing friendship just takes off? 

Both Marnie and Rae aren’t in a great place when they meet, for totally different reasons. Yet they connect in a way that is just meant to be. These two friends are both scared, once again for totally different reasons, yet they manage to help each other in a way, to step out of their comfort zone and eve face the most brutal outcomes they could imagine. 

Their friendship, no matter how ‘young’ is it, is a genuine one, and one of the strongest possible, because they are there for each other, supporting each other even when not asked…
And Marnie’s diagnose broke my heart, because I could easily envision how their future would look like if only they had years to spend together as best friends… 

But Marnie in the same moment she meets Rae, she also meets Forrest, and this encounter wasn’t a successful one… Let’s just say they clash on that occasion!
Forrest for sure doesn’t make a great first impression, not only to Marnie but to me too! He’s acting like he’s all that and he is rather ruthless.
But like often happens, it takes an eye – opening accident to discover how wrong one’s behaviour has been, and change it for the better. 

The Forrest after the accident is a complete different persona, a man that ‘has seen the light’ and now only wants to do what’s right, and not what gains him more fame and fortune. And this Forrest for sure shows his worth, as he isn’t scared away when learning about Marnie and how her life has an expiration date… 

And then there is Jack, who also is a customer of Rae. Jack, who for sure immediately earned my respect and admiration for his choice of career.  But it’s also his compassion for his patients, and him going lengths for those under his care…
He is exactly what Rae needs, even if she doesn’t know it yet…. And he for sure shows his worth when even Marnie needs him. His heart doesn’t look if a patient needs him, or a friend. He wants to help out those in need, no matter who they are or what they need. 

This book is needed to be read with an open mind, as there is an aspect that perhaps may seem far – fetched. While initially I was a bit sceptical, by the end of the book it left me wondering if perhaps it truly was all that impossible as I thought it would be. Because wouldn’t it be wonderful if in fact it could truly be possible? 

The end of the book left me a bit flabbergasted, as the final revelation wasn’t something I saw coming. And normally I am rather quick on getting the small hints hidden in the story. But I just figured it out at the very last, shocking me. Yet when I thought about it later, it was clear that Debbie Howells did indeed leave some obvious hints, but being so enthralled by the story, I just didn’t pick them up… 

I found this a beautiful yet also heart – breaking one, as we see characters finding their person in life, whether it’s a best friend, or even the love of their lives. It shows us the strength of love, and how far we would go for our loved ones, standing by their sides in the most difficult moments, even when the inevitable is imminent… It shows us in a heart – breaking, eve tear – jerking way how far love can and will go, even defying the impossible…

When Venice is not the place for Love, but for Heartbreak instead…

Synopsis

Venice was where it all began…

Libby and Will spent a glorious honeymoon in this magical city. They didn’t have much money, but they had a whole lot of love and a bright future ahead of them.

And Venice was where it all went wrong…

Two kids and twenty-five years later, they are struggling with money problems but somehow Will manages to fulfil his promise to Libby to take her back to Venice for their anniversary. This time, they are doing it in style and a masked ball awaits. But among the beautiful buildings and romantic canals, Libby learns that her husband has a secret that breaks her heart.

The trust is broken and the marriage is over. But there are decades of love and two grown sons between them.

Can they ever find their way back to each other or have they missed their chance forever?

A funny and heartwarming second-chance romance, perfect for fans of Milly Johnson and Julie Caplin.

My review

When Libby and Will got married twenty – five years ago, Libby fell in love with Venice, as that was where they had their honeymoon. So Will promised her that on their twenty – fifth anniversary, they would return to this magical city.
With two grown sons, and even with financial struggles, Libby is over the moon when Will is true to his word and of they go on their second honeymoon!
But this time, thanks to finally some luck, they go in style. However, when Libby discovers an ugly secret Will has kept from her, she doesn’t know if she can possible love the man that just broke her heart…
And just like that, after twenty five years togethers, their marriage is over… Or will Venice prove its magic once again? 

The people who know me, know that I don’t particularly love Venice. It is a beautiful city, I don’t deny that, and there are beautiful places to see. But for me (and this is purely my own opinion!), it’s all too busy and too touristy. But I know that people love the place, and I can understand the allure. Yet if I had to pick a place to go as a honeymoon, I wouldn’t chose Venice, especially not when knowing that it is a rather expensive place.
But of course, it was lovely to see how young Libby and Will enjoyed their honeymoon there and who am I to spoil their time there? 

I always admire people who stick together no matter what happens in their lives. Libby and Will are  now married for twenty five years, and that truly is something admirable, especially reading that things haven’t been always that easy and honestly still aren’t.
Yet it was sweet to see how there was that one promise made at their wedding, and how adamant Will was to keep that promise. 

In a way, Libby at the start of the book felt like a sad character. She had her demons to face, her issues with numbers but also seeing that the career – world was a men’s world, in a way that precented her own growth.
And Will may be the love of her life, he for sure shows a very stubborn streak, perhaps even acting like a know – it – all  and not listening to the great advice Libby may have. 

Yet Will adores his wife, even if he doesn’t appreciate everything she does for him, or could possible be doing for him.
He also keeps her in the dark about how dire the financial situation is, even doing something terrible, and thus truly breaking the trust Libby had in Will. 

After that discovery, I could understand why Libby had enough, and I liked it how she wouldn’t just give in, going back to what she has known for so long.
I admired her standing up for herself, holding firm but I also liked those moments of jealousy, showing us that no matter the hurt, the love was just maybe still there. 

We see Libby on an emotional journey, going from heartbreak, to liberation in a way, to have the epitome in the place that was part of the start of her life with Will.
This is a journey where Libby has to figure out what her heart truly wants, and if what Will did was truly unforgivable.
People are too quickly to throw the towel, but twenty five years is a long time to flush down the drain.
And when those who have hurt us are truly trying to fix their wrongdoing, is it right to hold a grudge that eventually would even prevent us happiness again? 

This was a beautiful story about mistakes, heartbreak, but also about family, love and forgiveness. And it shows us that sometimes made decisions can be overturn once again, if that is what our heart tells us to do…

When your greatest wish brings your first heartbreak back in your life…

Synopsis

Driven and smart, Marissa Mayer has worked her way to COO at a major Fintech startup as well as launching her own successful app on the side. Now what she wants more than anything is a baby. And having given up on love after her heart was broken by the boy next door, she’s prepared to do it alone.

Recently returning to New York from LA, Dr John Raikes is an expert in his field of neonatal medicine. But when John introduces himself as Marissa’s doctor, sparks fly, and not in a good way. Because Dr John Raikes is no stranger: he’s her teenage sweetheart all grown up.

Marissa knows she should keep John at arm’s length, lest she have her heart broken again… But there’s something about a man in a white coat. And with John determined to show Marissa he’s changed, can she keep saying no when her heart is saying yes?

A gorgeously funny enemies-to-lovers, second-chance rom com, perfect for fans of Sarah Adams, Lynn Painter and Jo Watson.

My review

Marissa Mayer has always been driven and passionate, making her the business woman she is now. Unfortunately that also came at the cost of building an own family. With the biological clock ticking away, Marissa decides that she will not wait for her Prince Charming and because she has already had once a heartbreak, she takes the decision to have a baby on her own.
But when she goes to the hospital to undergo all the steps of IVF, she is shocked to discover that the doctor is in fact John Raikes, the person that broke her heart at their prom…
So it makes sense that Marissa wants to keep him as far away as possible. Yet John is adamant to show Marissa that he has grown up and matured.
And when it appears that somehow their lives will be linked forever, can Marissa find the courage to open her heart again for the man that broke it? 

I was very much looking forward to the second instalment of the series, even if the main character wasn’t the one I would have preferred (still waiting for Thomas’ story! 😊).
And Camilla Isley for sure didn’t disappoint one bit! 

Even if I am not on the same level of being successful as Marissa, I could understand her desire for a baby, as this is something I am thinking about myself. If love doesn’t cross your path for one reason or another, it’s time to take matter in your own hands.
In that aspect, I admired Marissa as she took the courageous decision to do it all on her own. 

I admired also the way she has been building her career, and I liked it how she used her own pain to create something for others too. It made sense for me that people have the desire to delete everything after a heartbreak!
But I also just liked Marissa for who she is. She is the kind of person that gets you, that understands what you need, even if that initially isn’t what you want. 

Even if her encounter with John didn’t come as a surprise for us, I found it hilarious to see how shocked Marissa was to make this wonderful discovery! 😊
And I absolutely liked to see the dynamics between this couple, especially the anger Marissa still feels towards John.
Of course I was also very curious to know what happened in the past, and if, how and when these characters would end up together, once again, especially thanks to Marissa’s determination. 

Now, I have to say, when that one specific discovery was made, I had a small eyeroll… because it was a bit too convenient of that happening, with them.
But that was the only eyeroll I had during the whole story, I pinky promise! 

It was also enlightening in a way to see what Marissa had to endure to get her greatest dream come true. It’s often in books and in films, that everything is being diminished. We don’t see how much the characters are struggling, what is needed and which steps need to be taken. It isn’t a walk in the park for sure, so my respect for all the people who went through this path for sure grew! 

Nevertheless, this book made laugh so many times, but it made me also swoon as many times! I would even love to see the interaction between Marissa and John on a screen, see if the sparks fly that easily between them.
But I swooned as soon as John entered each time the scene. He shows that there are great men walking around, but also men who aren’t afraid to admit their mistakes, and are perhaps even ready to crawl for the woman they love. 

And then there is little, sweet, lovely Nora. Seeing John taking care of his little girl for sure made my ovaries explode! But Nora herself is just a force of nature too! 

I found it great to see how people act and react in unconventional situations, and seeing Marissa allowing John slowly back into her life and into her heart was truly the best!
And obviously it was great to see how Marissa was surrounded by people who love her best, just like our friends Blake and Gabriel. Wasn’t it amazing to see them back??? 

This was absolutely a marvellous story to read, as it made me laugh so much, but it also made me cheer so much for a couple that are having a second chance, perhaps a bit forced by a strange dealing of the cards. And even if this sequel wasn’t about the character I wanted it to be, I absolutely loved every bit of it, as it shows us that something weird things have to happen to have our dreams come true, even the dreams we didn’t know we had!

Life isn’t always smooth sailing…

Synopsis

Home is where the coffee is…

Daisy May is embarking on a new chapter of her life as a permanent resident at the idyllic Wildflower Lock. Determined to seize this second chance she’s been granted, Daisy is putting her all into making her new business venture a success. As her friendship with Theo grows ever stronger, her happily ever after seems within reach.

However, life isn’t always smooth sailing. When a string of unfortunate mishaps and an unruly stag party leaves Daisy’s finances in dire straits, she starts to question her decision to launch a coffee shop. But just when she’s nearly lost hope, the mysterious and generous Christian enters her life. Astute and eager to assist Daisy, he proposes a solution that could be the answer to all her problems… or will it be the beginning of even more challenges.

My review

After inheriting the September Rose, Daisy May has decided to become a permanent resident at Wildflower Lock. With this fresh start, daisy is ready to embark in a new adventure by opening a coffee with. Luckily, she can always count on her lovely neighbour Theo for help, and even their friendship has a huge potential into turning something more important.
But things aren’t going all that easy, and Daisy finances aren’t able to cope with all the extra costs that keep on rising.
So when Christian enters her life, and may have the perfect solution, it’s up to Daisy to trust him not only for the business aspect, but also for matters of the heart… 

As this is the second book in the life of Daisy, and the first book left me a bit hanging (but in a good way!), I was very happy to continue reading what else this author would have in store for Daisy.
It can be read as a perfect standalone, as the most important bits are being explained in case you haven’t read Book Nr. 1.
And being a whole new book, I knew beforehand that Daisy would be once again facing several challenges and things wouldn’t be running all that smoothly, even if I wished for her, and for me too, that it would. 

If there is one thing I have learned from Daisy, is that she is a determined person. once she has an idea, she wants to see it in fruition as soon as possible.
She has a vision for the September Rose, and with the help of Theo, she wants to make everything as perfect as can be.
But Daisy also shows her determination, or rather stubbornness, in another way. a way that for us readers is perhaps frustrating, but as it makes sense for Daisy, she is not putting her thoughts aside.
And yes, that involves her idea involving the relationship with Theo. 

In this second book, we see that this lovely pair is still growing closer to each other. Yet that final step hasn’t been taken yet. But seeing how daisy can always rely on Theo, without ever to repay the favour, was truly lovely.
So seeing how well these two were together, frustrated me as Daisy keep on being adamant to keep Theo in the friend – zone, even if the right feelings are there. 

I liked the idea of Daisy opening a coffee shop, as I can imagine that people on their walks for sure would enjoy a nice cuppa and even a tasty piece of cake! But while the idea was a great one, it was also one with many difficulties. And Daisy for sure has her share of difficulties to overcome, and the financial ones aren’t the only one! 

It angered me somehow to see how daisy has to overcome one problem to be only facing the next one in line. But it also warmed my heart how she has so many people around her showing their support and even offering their help in different ways. 

When Christian enters the scene, I wasn’t all that happy. Not that he is a bad person, but I could see how easily it would be for just anyone to fall for him and his perfect manners. And seeing a new potential love interest for Daisy wasn’t exactly what I was hoping for, as for in this book, there was already one person that stole my heart, and it wasn’t Christian! 

But despite Christian ruining my love story, I could see that perhaps he is what Daisy needs to make her dreams come true and even believe more in herself. Sometimes it’s the strangers or new people in our lives that can make us see our real potential.  

Of course seeing Daisy not giving up, keep on fighting for her dreams was great to see, even if it was ‘tainted’ (yeah yeah, I didn’t like the guy as I saw him as a thief from attempting to steal Daisy away, forgive me already 😊) by the presence of Christian. And perhaps that is what this story shows us, that that last nudge can be given by someone new in our lives, can be the nudge that we in fact need. It’s that new person in our lives that can make us perhaps understand better who we are and what we need, or rather who we need.  

I truly enjoyed returning to Wildflower Lock and seeing what else was in store for Daisy. And this chapter for sure shows us that there several highs but also lows in life. But it’s up to us to work and keep on believing in our dreams.
And I am still trying to figure out if the ending of this great sequel is the final ending for Daisy, or if there will be another chapter looming around the corner, as perhaps the ending from this one came too abruptly to end!

No matter what, home will always be home…

Synopsis

A mother and daughter adrift, a friend in need, and a village to call home…

When Kate O’Hare discovers she’s pregnant, she is determined to return to her hometown of Sandycove in Dublin.

On the other side of the Atlantic, her estranged mother, international superstar, Lola, is heartbroken following the loss of her soulmate, Paulie. On hearing Kate’s plan, Lola follows her, seeking a second chance at motherhood.

Kate discovers her best friend, Flora, is back in her childhood bedroom, her marriage and self-esteem in tatters following her husband’s public betrayal.

Flora now finds herself with no husband, home, or future, while her own mother Patsy is stepping out of her comfort zone into the world of interiors. Can Patsy’s new life reignite Flora’s talent and creativity?

And what of the O’Hare family secret which has the power to unlock a pathway to greater mutual understanding? And will music and the magic of Sandycove be enough to empower the women through such challenging times?

An emotive story of forgiveness, new beginnings and happy-ever-afters…

My review

When Flora discovers that her husband is having an affair with his best friend’s wife, she has no other option to return to her mother Patsy, with a sense of shame and a self – esteem just gone. Luckily Patsy welcomes her back with open arms even if Patsy herself is following her dream of becoming an interior designer. And with Flora back home, Patsy hopes to ignite Flora’s passion and fire again.
And then they find Kate, Flora’s best friend on their doorstep. Finding herself pregnant was a shock for her, and she definitely needs to get her thoughts straight, and what better place to do that than home, which is also the best place to set the roots for her new own family. The last thing she expected was that her own estranged mother Lola would also return to Sandycove after losing her best friend and soulmate Paulie. With different fragile and broken relationships, is Sandycove the home that will heal all that has been broken? 

Having visited Sandycove in this author’s previous books, I could not wait to return to this wonderful place. But if this is your first visit, you don’t have to worry, as this is a standalone. 

When I started this book, I was a bit afraid that four main characters would make it complicated for me. Four different stories to tell, yet all linked together, if for sure sounded like a real piece of work not only for the author to write, but also for the readers to keep up.
Yet I shouldn’t have worried, because not once I lost the plot and I could perfectly understand which character was in the spotlight and I could even click my brain into the right setting. 

All the four characters are at a crossroad in their lives, all for different reasons and have all a different background.
So I felt sorry for Flora, discovering her husband’s betrayal in a terrible way, but I also was angered to read how her husband treated her and how little and small he made her feel.
And I could understand Flora’s reluctance in a way to return to her mother, as it felt like a step back and how she even felt ashamed of what happened to her. 

It cannot be easy to pick up the pieces after a failed marriage. But how hers ended was just ugly and unfair, especially discovering later on in the book what her husband (or rather ex) has been up to. But we also see that a mother is always there for her child, no matter how old they get.
So obviously I loved Patsy! 

I was amazed how she just keeps going, doesn’t let her age hold her back and she still keeps on chasing her dreams!
But she is also a wonderful, loving and even worrying mother. Because she sees how Flora is coping (or rather not…) and she wants to help Flora to see the beautiful things of life again, and make her see that it’s never too late to start again. 

Kate was a complete different story, as she finds herself pregnant in France, but knows that her partner doesn’t want any children and wants to keep their freedom. I of course cannot say what I would do in her situation, but I could understand why she wanted to return home in Sandycove, although perhaps I wouldn’t have done it so sneaky. 

And it warmed my heart to see how even physical distance couldn’t break the great friendship between Kate and Flora. While they are best of friends, for me it felt more like a real sisterhood. Kate didn’t have a close bond with her mother, and she chose Flora and Patsy as her own family.
It truly is amazing to see how these kind of friendships, that are stronger than family ties in some circumstances, can stand the test of time and distance. 

Lola for me was a harder nut to crack… I understand that someone has dreams and you want to chase them. But at the cost of your own child? That was a very difficult concept to grasp…
But reading her story shows us that not everything is as simple as it seems, and that it’s never too late to try and make amends… 

This story is filled with beautiful moments, but also difficult moments. But for me it’s mainly filled with love. Love that has been lost, but is trying to find its way back. Love that has never disappeared. Love for a passion that resurfaces. But most important the love between a mother and a daughter.
In this book, we see how different that love can be, from the ‘easy’ love between Flora and Patsy, to the difficult love between Lola and Kate. 

Life isn’t always that straightforward and we all make mistakes. But it’s never to late to fix that, and perhaps us trying to make amends will even bring us unexpected yet lovely surprises.
We see in this book that it’s never too late, and that even the most restrained relationships can be fixed with determination but also with patience.
And that the place that feels like home is the perfect setting to mend a broken heart, no matter the reason it got broken, or by whom it got broken. 

Sian O’Gorman wrote once again a marvellous story in a wonderful setting with amazing yet not flawless people. Yet with people that mature the more the story evolves and learn that no matter what happened before, great things can be still waiting for us!

Better a good neighbour than a distant friend…

Synopsis

A picture-perfect town, a place where dreams come true. Welcome to Ever After Street…

A tale as old as time…

Since her mum’s death, Marnie Platt has shut herself away from everyone who cares about her. Worse, her beloved bookshop on Ever After Street is suffering too. With sales down and the shop’s garden falling into disrepair, Marnie risks losing the very last thing she loves. Until a chance encounter with her surly and reclusive neighbour….

Dark and brooding, Darcy O’Connell likes to keep himself to himself. But when he hears Marnie needs help, he can’t turn his back on her. Soon they are spending most evenings together in her enchanted garden and a friendship starts to bloom…

With the help of old and new friends on Ever After Street, Marnie’s bookshop begins to thrive again, and with Darcy’s kindness, she starts to get her sparkle back too. She just can’t understand why Darcy continues to shut himself away – especially from her. Can she convince him it isn’t too late to embrace life, and maybe love, again?

Because every story, even theirs, deserves a happy ending….

My review

Marnie Platt runs a bookstore names ‘A Tale As Old As Time’ on Ever After Street. But since losing her mother, Marnie is struggling with just everything. Not only has she shut herself away from everyone, even the bookstore isn’t running smoothly anymore and its garden needs more than just some TLC.
She knows that things need to change, but just doesn’t know where to start, even if she may lose everything she worked so hard for.
But the last thing Marnie expected was that help would come in the shape of broody and reclusive neighbour Darcy O’Connell. His knowledge is perfect for restoring Marnie’s garden and make it once again a place to be proud of.
And even if Darcy isn’t ready to show himself to Marnie, a friendship start to bloom together with the flowers and the plants in the garden. Just like the bookstore itself is ready to shine again.
Marnie realizes that no matter how much she tried to push every neighbour and friend away, in time of need everyone on Ever After Street wants to see Marnie successful. And could there be something blooming between Marnie and Darcy, even if Marnie has no clue how Darcy looks like and why he keeps himself hidden from everything and everyone? 

As a little Tizi, I always loved fairytales. And Beauty and the Beast for sure was one of my favourites, if not my absolute favourite. But just like everyone else, I grew up, had to become a responsible adult and the Tizi of today knows that fairytales are just that, a fairytale. But that doesn’t mean I cannot enjoy any of them anymore. 

So when this amazing wrote a next chapter in the Ever After Street Series, with a serious link with the so much beloved fairytales, *of course* I had to read it. Not only because I love this author, but also because I loved the first book, and I was very eager to return to such a lovely place and read what else would happen in this street where I wish I could live! 

Marnie was from the start such a lovely character, but unfortunately also a sad one. it’s clear she is a wonderful and kind person, but losing her mother for sure broke her.
I can only try to imagine her pain and her heartbreak, and I could comprehend how Marnie not only pushed everyone away, but also how her loss affected the bookstore.
When you lose someone you love, and you shared the business with, it’s logical that that business which holds so many memories is also a painful reminder of what was and now isn’t anymore.
In a way, Marnie’s inner turmoil is obvious by the state of the bookstore. And it broke my heart too, to see how difficult just everything was for her… 

Somehow, she needed a kick in the *ss to wake up, to try to salvage what she and her mother have been building for so long. And while the notice came as a shock, it was exactly what she needed. and that kick also brought Darcy on her path. 

Darcy is the most reclusive possible character I have read about. Everything he does was surrounded by several clouds of mystery. We have no idea how he looked like, what happened to him and why he avoided contact with just any other person. 

But it warmed my heart to see how, even if he tries to keep his distance, when he hears Marnie and he realizes she needs help, he offers his, even if initially reluctantly. And even then, we never get a glimpse of Darcy, and in fact the largest part of the book we have no idea what he may look like. 

Perhaps that was even why I just adored this book. Because the blooming friendship and feelings aren’t based on aesthetics, but purely based on the had conversations, the understandings between Marnie and Darcy. The feelings develop on a pure level, Marnie likes Darcy for who he truly is, not for the way he looks, as Marnie doesn’t even knows what Darcy looks like.   

Somehow the two of them manage to ignite something in each other. Marnie finds the spark back and comes up with great ideas to save the bookstore, even does the impossible. And Darcy slowly finally finds the courage to let people, Marnie in particular, getting closer to him.  

I absolutely loved how the community once again showed the readers what a wonderful place Ever After Street is. Not only do they show Marnie an unconditional support, but they realize also their mistakes toward Darcy and are adamant on showing him that he also can count on them, as he also is and will always be part of their community.
And seeing my old friends was absolutely delightful! 

Of course a fairytale, even a modern one, needs to have a ball. And this ball was marvellous, magnificent, it took my breath away! It ticked every box a magical ball needs, with all the good things happening, but also (and unfortunately) the bad things.
But the good for sure outweighed the bad ones! 

Jaimie Admans made me d-e-v-o-u-r this beautiful story, about broken and scarred people. But she also shows us that looks don’t matter, as it’s one’s character that make you fall in love with them.
It is possible to fall in love with someone you haven’t seen but have had the most important talks with. You don’t have to physical see someone to *see* them.
if you love fairytales, just like me, and want to read them in a modern way, go on, grab this book and fall in love with every little bit written in it!