What a cover, of course it will be an amazing story!
Synopsis
Daisy’s career hasn’t exactly been going to plan and the last thing she wants to do is stay home and wallow in self-pity. So, when an opportunity arises to escape her London home, and make some money working a fancy event at a stately home, she jumps at it.
Determined to make the most out of the situation, she decides a road trip to the Scottish Highlands would be the perfect way to reset and take control of her life.
When devilishly handsome Evan finds himself stranded at the event following a cancelled flight to Scotland, Daisy does the kindest thing she can think of and invites him to join her. As they embark on their journey north, will the scenic trip help them rediscover themselves, and possibly even find something they weren’t expecting…
Julie Shackman is a former journalist from Scotland, who has always wanted to write feel-good romance.
As well as being an author, Julie also writes verses and captions for greetings card companies. Julie admits to having an obsession with stationery and handbags.
She has two sons and a Romanian rescue pup, Cooper.
Journey to the Scottish Highlands is Julie’s fourteenth novel.
For A&E nurse Eden Grainger, Port Kara offers more than just a safe haven. It’s a chance to break free from her ex Jesse and start a new life. Her focus now is solely on her four-year-old son, Teddie, whose autism means he sees the world in his own unique way.
A guarded heart…
Pathologist Drew Redford prefers to keep himself to himself in the busy hospital. Shaped by family loss and navigating life with high-functioning autism, he finds comfort in certainty. But when Eden and Teddie enter his world, an unexpected connection forms, especially through his gentle interactions with little Teddie.
A kindred connection…
Despite a growing fondness, both Eden and Drew are cautious. Eden is wary of repeating old mistakes, and Drew struggles with letting people in. But Teddie continues to bring them together and Eden thinks this could be the start of something really special. But when Jesse returns, Eden is thrown into turmoil and makes a mistake that could cost her everything.
My review
Port Kara feels more than ever as a safe haven for A&E nurse Eden Grainger. It took her a while to end things with her now ex Jesse, but now being free, Eden is more than ready for a fresh start. Her only priority in life is now looking after her son Teddie, a four – year – old with autism. Life isn’t always easy, but Eden wouldn’t trade Teddie for anything in the world. What Eden didn’t expect though, is that pathologist Drew Redford would understand her situation. Working together at the same hospital for sure made them cross paths here and there, but with Drew preferring to be on his own, there hasn’t been a real opportunity to actually create a friendship between them. However, when Eden and Teddie enter his world, something shifts inside him. With Drew being one of the few to truly understand Teddie and his needs, Eden realizes that there is more to Drew than she thought. What starts as an acquaintance, evolves into a deep friendship. But with them both being very cautious and afraid to give their hearts away, could it possibly become something more? Or will a face from the past make them lose everything that Eden and Drew have been building?
Having read all the previous parts of this wonderful series, of course I was eager to read this new adventure. And of course I had perhaps extreme high expectations. But I have to say this even rather quickly in this review, that I think that this may be my favourite book from the series!
Even if I am not a parent myself, I can imagine how expecting parents are visioning their baby, and how their baby will grow, saying its first word, taking those first steps etc. But it is also a fact that not all children are the same, and that there are children that even more different than “normal” ones. But different doesn’t mean lesser or not normal. Different is just different.
And I loved reading Eden’s devotion towards Teddie. Eden feels that there are moments she is truly struggling with raising Teddie. But reading how she knows Teddie, even with limited ways of communication, just truly warmed my heart. Eden has changed the future visions she had for Teddie, and has made new ones, more directed at who Teddie truly is, and not the Teddie she imagined she would have.
It must be said, that Eden hasn’t had an easy time before, and I am not talking about Teddie at all. Her relationship with Jesse was absolutely a toxic one, where she was being manipulated, gaslit and she just became a shadow of her former self. And I was happy for her to have finally finding the courage to step away from Jesse, prioritizing Teddie above everything and start fresh at Port Kara.
Port Kara we all know is a safe place for many people, Eden included. But also for someone else, namely Drew Redford.
I wasn’t all that sure what to think about Drew. Not because I doubted that he would be a good guy. But because he was and is such a closed characters. He has a lot going on in his mind, but he doesn’t show his cards to the people around him.
And I was a bit afraid that Drew would be a stereotypical autistic person, only showing the clichés, and that I would not be able to connect with him.
But I was happy that this amazing author did not ridicule the spectrum, but shows us that there are so many different layers. And that while there may be a lot that is shared, not everyone is the same, even on the spectrum. Just like you and I are different from each other, that is also applicable for people on the spectrum.
The more I saw of Drew, the more I understood him too. As an introvert myself (with moments pretending to be an extrovert), I could completely understand why Drew prefers to be on his own, and doesn’t interact with many of his colleagues.
Not only did I understand him better, but there are several views Drew has, that I totally agreed with. His mindset is so spot on, that I found myself nodding with everything he is saying.
And then there is his interaction with Teddie… that man made my ovaries just explode! He is the gentlest of men, the kindest, most accepting one. He doesn’t except a lot from anyone, just pure honesty…
Seeing things evolve between Eden and Drew was so so sweet… where things start with Eden needing some tips and advice from his side, evolves into a great friendship. A friendship that means so much to the both of them. It means so much to them, that they are afraid to take that next step.
And that is so relatable. Because aren’t we all afraid of losing what we have, by wanting to take things to a next level? Aren’t we all afraid that what we feel isn’t reciprocated? And aren’t we all afraid that what we have is so fragile that it could be that easily broken?
This is shown when someone from Eden’s past resurfaces, and is jeopardizing just everything. While I wanted to scream at Eden to just let it go, it is also a testament to her kind character… In this particular situation, there isn’t a right or wrong thing to do. Eden does what she feels she needs to do, and Drew’s decision was also a comprehendible one… And his next steps in this climax shows us once again how much more he sees and understands that what we would think…
I absolutely devoured this book. It felt so real, so raw even at moments… It shows how caution can hold you back, but also how connections can be formed, how understanding each other can bring you closer.
So now can you understand why I fell in love with this story so much?
Andi is worried that her relationship with Drew has become dull and boring. They never do anything exciting these days, in or out of the bedroom. So when a swoon-worthy stranger appears she is instantly swept off her feet.
When they unexpectedly meet again, they realise they have more in common than they thought possible so draw up a pact to spice up their lives! The plan they conjure up while working together at The Pumpkin Patch, to make their partners jealous, brings them closer than ever.
Andi plucks up the courage to finish with Drew but there are no signs of Andrew doing the same and she thinks she’s lost him forever.
With meddling exes, misunderstandings and miscommunication getting in the way, can The Pumpkin Pact bring them back together?
My review
Andi feels that her relationship with Drew has become dull and anything but exciting. There just aren’t moments they share together, and even in the bedroom the only action taking place is actual sleeping. When Andi meets a complete stranger, it is clear that sparks fly around between them. But as Andi is in a relationship, and even when the stranger keeps on appearing in her life and they appear to have so much in common, Andi is not that kind of woman. Especially when Andrew is also in a committed relationship, even if even his isn’t all rainbows and unicorns… So when they both realize the situation they are in, they come up with a plan: to make their partners jealous by namedropping each other. But the more time they spend together working at The Pumpkin Patch, the closer they get. And when Andi finally finds the courage to finally end things with Drew, she knows that her feelings for Andrew can never lead to anything. Or is there a way anyway?
Haven’t we all been in a relationship that didn’t make us 100% happy, but we still hung on to it, for one reason or another?
This is the situation Andi finds herself in, with Drew. She still cares about him, but things have clearly changed in time. And I could understand how a relationship evolves, and that those initial sparks and fireworks might disappear, but it was clearly that while Andi still clearly cares about Drew, that things have shifted in a way that is not matching with a real, caring, loving relationship. To make it even worse, even in the bedroom things are unmoving and there is absolutely no “action” taking place…
So when Andi meets Andrew, I was happy for her to find those sparks again, even if it wasn’t with Drew. Because it opened her eyes, seeing how it feels to feel just alive again.
I was rooting for Andi and Andrew, even before I knew that Andrew wasn’t single. I could see the potential of them together so clearly. But on the other hand, I truly liked it how, even if things aren’t that great in their relationship, they don’t go on a path I cannot agree with.
Seeing their friendship develop, reading how they truly just ‘get’ each other, was so sweet to read. And as being the same kind of situationship, it makes sense for them to be each other’s confidantes.
And it even makes sense for them to come up with the Pumpkin Pact.
Maybe it may sound a bit juvenile to come up with the pact, to just make their partners jealous. But I could understand where they were coming from… something has to change if it the relationship wants to survive.
Or in Andi’s case, it makes Andi finally take that step to end things. It was not an easy decision, but let’s be honest, we knew it was a necessary thing…
And even then, I respected Andi as I saw how she feels about Andrew, but doesn’t act upon them, as Andrew still is in a relationship. It must be heartbreaking for her, seeing the man she loves but she cannot have him…
I haven’t spoken about the steamy moments in this book, but if you have read other reviews, you know that there are some hot scenes. But these all happened with my seal of approval.
This book works inspiring in a way, as it doesn’t only show us how relationships can change, and how it takes courage to make important choices. But we also see how one accidental meeting with the right person can change everything. And we see how meeting one person can change everything but also how it doesn’t mean that respect should be thrown out the window.
And we also see how misunderstandings, miscommunication and even jealousy can be a threat. But those threats can be void, as long as we keep communicating, keep on being open about what we feel and who we are.
This was a perhaps quick read, but not an unenjoyable one. And even if it would seem like an easy choice from the author to give the characters these names, I found it not only a funny bit, but also a cleaver proof and play of how easy misunderstandings can arise. Something to for sure keep in mind!
Can so much hurt be healed with the help of Christmas Spirit?
Synopsis
AN ALL-NEW CHRISTMAS SPIRIT BOOK FOR 2025
CAN LARA ADD A DASH OF MAGIC THIS CHRISTMAS?
The Sugar and Spice bakery sparkles with holiday spirit as Jacob serves up more mouthwatering festive treats, and Christmas spirit Lara tries to sprinkle her magic over those finding the time of year difficult.
Ollie is at his wits’ end. A debt from years ago comes back to haunt him just as he and his girlfriend are buying their dream home.
Rose is dejected as her college sweetheart has dumped her now they’re in their final year. She’s not looking forward to Christmas alone, nor her twenty-first birthday on Christmas Eve.
Sacha has recently moved to Winstanton following the failure of his business. He’s too embarrassed to confide in his family, but can he find the friendship he so desperately needs and begin to trust again?
Diana tries to find her new normal after the unexpected death of her husband earlier this year. All her plans for retirement have been thrown out the window and she feels lost. She needs a renewed sense of purpose and to find her place in the world.
Can Lara provide the answer to a joy-filled Christmas?
A story of hope, love, friendship, community, and of course, Christmas spirit.
For fans of Sarah Morgan, Philippa Ashley, Jenny Colgan and Cathy Bramley.
Praise for the Christmas Spirit series:
‘Christmas all wrapped up!’ ‘Right from page one you are drawn into all the joys of Christmas!’ ‘A lovely story about love, friendship and hope all wrapped up in a lovely Christmas jumper!’ ‘You can taste the hot chocolate, see all the Christmas lights and feel the warmth of a Christmas hug.’
My review
Lara is even more over the moon now that Christmas is finally looming around the corner. She also especially hopes that she can work her Christmas Spirit – magic again as there are many people around that need her help. Not only is there Rose, whose college sweetheart has just dumped her in their final year and now feels more lonely than ever. But there is also Ollie, whose past debts may jeopardize the future he is building with his girlfriend, ready to take the next steps in their relationship. And there is Sacha, who recently moved to Winstanton, afraid to admit to his own family that his business failed. And then there is Diana, who is trying to find peace and a new purpose after losing her husband unexpectedly earlier this year. Lara has a lot of work to do at the Sugar and Spice bakery, wishing joy and happiness for all.
Is there ever a time that you should not read a Christmas story? of course not, you and especially I can read Christmas stories all year round! And when an author like Susan has one out, I don’t care when it comes out, I just *have* to read it. Add to that statement the fact that Lara is back… Well do I need more reasons???
Obviously Lara is a real sweetheart in this book, once again. Even if she is just a child herself, she has such a kind, gentle, sweet heart, wanting only happiness and love for everyone. And while she may work in mysterious ways, ways we cannot explain ourselves, it was so heartwarming to read how she just sees everything, present things or how thing would work out just perfectly in a not so distant future, with effects to the distant future.
There are several cases that Lara needs to work on, each with their own story and background, but with one common thread, love.
There is for example young love, or young heartbreak initially. Because at the start of the story, Rose isn’t in a happy place, as her boyfriend just broke up with her. Even if Rose is a young adult, not having had a lot of life experience yet, we all can recognize her pain, can’t we?
And being heartbroken in the Christmas period, I could understand how Rose isn’t all that looking forward to the most wonderful time of the year.
But while being heartbroken, and Rose doesn’t show it all the time, I could also clearly see her resilience.
And then there is the loss of a love that has truly lasted a lifetime. Diana has loved and still loves her husband dearly. And it truly saddened me to read how much his passing is still hurting her. I could also understand it, as after shared a lifetime together, and now being on her own, cannot be easy at all for Diana, especially with the kind of love she had.
But just like with Rose, I could see so much resilience in Diana. Even if her love is no longer around, Diana is making plans. I admired her desire to learn French, to even go to France. But I also enjoyed her kindness towards not only old characters, but also new characters. Diana shows us that finding love is a wonderful thing, losing it is terrible, but that there can be life after losing love.
There is even life and love after mistakes of the past. That is something we see with Ollie. Because he has made errors in judgements and just mistakes in general in the past, like everyone of us. And just when it seems that he has his life back on track, when he is ready to take a next step with his relationship, those mistakes resurface, threatening everything he has tried to rebuild.
It is so typical that at the worst possible time your past resurfaces. A past that also in Ollie’s case is not something to be ashamed of, but understandable difficult to admit what has happened. And the more Ollie’s story evolves, the more we see how not being open about the past can jeopardize not only the present, but also the future.
Ollie learns that honesty is always the best direction to take. Only with honestly you can move forward and find a new happiness and can let you see a bright future, without the dark shadows of the past.
Shadows of the past that also Sacha is feeling. The way his business ended, left a bad aftertaste. Not only has it ruined a friendship, but also ruined a business he truly loved. I could understand how at loss he was at the start of this book, and how also in his case, it is difficult to admit failure to your loved ones.
Sacha is at loss, and with his move to Winstanton, he hopes to not only find the answers to what to do with his life now, but also to find purpose back in his life.
Sacha’s life has changed in a way he didn’t expect, but he knows his former life will not return. And he has to make the best of the situation he is in. Many people would become very bitter about the turn their life would take, but Sacha never loses his kindness and his heart.
All the characters are going initially through a rough time. But with some help from sweet Lara, there is a connection that brings them all or partially together, and even closer. We see the resilience in each character, we see how no matter what lemons life has thrown at them, it didn’t break their kind, gentle and warm characters.
Susan Buchanan shows us with this story, that there is sunshine after the rain, that goodness, kindness and love, will be rewarded. And is there a better timing than Christmas? Is there a better main setting than the Sugar and Spice bakery? And is there a better Christmas Spirit than Lara?
This story warmed my heart, once again Susan accomplished this with not just perfect characters, but characters with flaws, normal characters that learn and mature the more their stories evolves. All that making them even more loveable and likeable! Well done Susan, well done! 😊
A heartwarming, feel good romantic comedy. ‘I absolutely adored this book. It gave me all the feels! A charming read full of warmth and heart.’ ***** Kim the Bookworm
Bea Winters is in desperate need of a fresh start. Being bullied at work is not her idea of fun and she longs to follow her dream of becoming a published author. When an advert appears in her local paper to work in a publishing house in the sleepy village of Bloomsdale, it sounds too good to be true.
She strikes up an instant friendship with gorgeous aspiring author, Eddie Richards and her dashing millionaire boss Scott Summers. But all isn’t as it seems in the sleepy village of Bloomsdale.
How does the local clairvoyant know her name? Who does the little black dog that keeps appearing belong to and why does she keep bumping into the mysterious Charlie?
As she starts to unravel the truth, it seems that everyone in Bea’s life is keeping secrets.
An uplifting romantic comedy that will warm your heart – perfect for fans of Cathy Bramley, Milly Johnson and Carole Matthews.
My review
Bea Winters likes her job, weren’t it for her being bullied by just one colleague of hers. But as we all need a job for a living, Bea just stays put where she is, and takes several deep breaths a day to get through it. And then just one day, she notices an advert… Not just any kind of advert, but the kind that offers the job and the opportunity Bea has been dreaming of, as it is an offer to work in a publishing house in a small village named Bloomsdale. While initially she doesn’t appear to have all the qualifications, somehow that same advert appears again, but slightly changed. And before Bea even realizes, she has landed the job! Once arrived in Bloomsdale, she quickly befriends Eddie Richards, an aspiring author just like Bea, who helps her not only finding a place to stay but settling in. And then there is her boss, Scott Summers. Bea enjoys her new life, there are also things happening in Bloomsdale that Bea just cannot explain… Like how does the local clairvoyant knows her name? Why does that little black dog keep appearing? And who actually is Charlie? Oh, and what about all the secrets that keep on appearing?
I never know what to exactly expect from a book of this author. Not that I am wary of her writing, because I have truly enjoyed every book I have read of her. But I don’t know what is going to happen, what is going to happen to the main characters or how things are going to evolve, and in this case specifically, what are all the secrets that are being kept in this village of Bloomsdale?
At the start of the book, I truly felt sorry for Bea. She is doing her job all the best she can, but with being bullied, it for sure isn’t easy to put on a smile on her face all the time. And that resonated with me on some levels. I haven’t been bullied at my previous job, but some people were so exhausted that I felt the joy draining out of my body after each day that has passed.
So even if the advert that Bea’s sees may have appeared in a strange way (let’s ‘blame’ it on serendipity), I was happy for her, to have an opportunity to make a change in her life.
Even if Bloomsdale is just the setting of this book, once Bea arrived there, I felt a lightness in my heart myself. I could feel that this was the place where Bea not only has to be, but where she truly belongs and is supposed to be.
It was sweet to see how Bea and Eddie immediately connect. They establish an immediate friendship, with Eddie being the best kind of friend, not only with helping Bea in every way he can. HE also listens to her, even when he might think that Bea is seeing things, imagining things.
However, I also have to say that I was a bit shocked seeing how Eddie reacts each time he is around Scott Summers. Especially upon learning their connection to each other… It seems that Eddie changes in a whole different person when Scott is around, and I just couldn’t grasp the why’s…
I also have to admit that while I could understand the attraction that Bea has towards Scott, but I didn’t like – like Scott. I couldn’t put my finger on it why exactly, but I felt that he wasn’t completely honest and playing nicely with the people around him.
Bea truly is on a journey in this book. Not only is she starting a new life in a new village, with a new job. But with all the people she is meeting in Bloomsdale, she also gets to know more about herself, her family and things that haven’t been said out loud.
The more the story evolves, the more Bea starts to not only ‘get’ people, but she also starts to ‘get’ herself, and make discoveries about her and those around her. Discoveries that perhaps as a reader needs to you keep an open mind, and me as a sceptic had me raise my eyebrows. On the other hand, who says that what I believe is the truth? Couldn’t it be the other way around?
Florence Keeling wrote a sweet, heartwarming story, about fresh starts, the meaning of family, friends and love. But also how some past dynamics can change a whole future. Everyone has some secrets, some skeletons in their closets. But the bigger the secrets, the heavier the burden. And by coming clean it will not only alleviate yourself, but also it will allow you to make amends.
But most important, with this book we see how Life can give a nudge in the right direction. How it can make you meet people that you need in your life, even if you didn’t know it. And how one advert can be the catalyst of giving you so many answers and make you understand yourself, those around you and how love, in all its aspects, make itself even more visible than ever.
When not only an inheritance brings you to France…
Synopsis
Every moment is a new beginning on the French Riviera
Five years ago, Adam and Lucy Belgrave took the plunge and bought a sprawling rundown farm in the South of France to bring back to life, much against the advice of Adam’s brother, Elliot.
Today, that dream is becoming a reality and the farm is beginning to thrive and Elliot finds himself grateful for the refuge it provides after his career falters and his marriage fails.
After the death of her beloved granny, a bitter divorce and surprise redundancy – the saying ’sad things come in threes’ resonates with Briony Dymond’s life. With her mother by her side, Briony travels to France to learn some news that will change her life completely. Will she have the courage to embrace granny Giselle’s special wishes?
As spring returns to the French Riviera both Elliot and Briony seek to put their pasts behind them and look to find happiness in the future. But can the past give up its hold on the present?
My review
Briony Dymond has experienced in person what it means when people say that bad things come in threes. In a short time, not only did her marriage end, has she become redundant, she also lost her beloved granny. Saying that Briony needs some peace and an escape, would be an understatement. However, with her Granny Giselle last wishes, Briony and her mother have the chance to escape to the south of France. AS the place is familiar for them, they also quickly rebuild connections with old friends. That includes Adam and Lucy Belgrave, who years ago took a plunge and bought a rundown farm and make things work again. They are working bit by bit, even if there may have been some initial worry from Adam’s brother Elliot. However, Elliot couldn’t be prouder on the life his brother and sister – in – law have created, even if his own has fallen into pieces. A fresh start in France is what Elliot needs the most… When two broken hearts and souls meet, can there be healing taking place?
All the stories that I have read from this author, have one thing in common: the setting in France. Beside the (of course wonderful) setting, each story is completely different and I find myself eagerly picking up a new book!
I hate it when clichés are being confirmed, even just in books, as they show us that they are a cliché for a reason. Unfortunately, Briony learns the hard way that bad things always come in threes. The end of a marriage is always a painful event, even if in retrospect it was the only choice. To lose a beloved member of the family is perhaps even more painful, as it is for sure final. And perhaps losing your job is the lesser pain of them, but when it’s the last straw…
In a way, it’s good for her that Granny Giselle has left a cottage to inherit. It’s the perfect chance for Briony and her mother Jeannie to not only reconnect between them, and come clean about unsaid things, but also to reconnect with a place that meant so much to the both of them and still feel a connection to a person that is no longer between them…
Escaping from your past isn’t always the best choice, but for Briony it for sure is. She needs to not only recharge, but also take her life back in her own hands. And to recharge her batteries, is there a better place than in South France?
I am not the kind of person that would find peace by renovating an old farm, or living in a cottage. I would get more stressed by all the peace and quiet, but I can understand the allure of it. And it is just what Briony and Jeannie need, especially as there is more to the inheritance than Briony thought…
In the cottage, surrounded by memories and mementos, Briony had the time to think about what to do with her life. But not only that, she has the time to fall in love with France and its way of life. The way she has been welcomed (back) and how everyone is just accepting her because of Giselle, truly warmed my heart. And seeing how people are willing to help Briony, and not just interfere and be nosy, shows us the meaning of a real close community.
A community that also embraces Elliot, who also needs a fresh start after seeing his own marriage end in a terrible way, filled with lies and betrayal…
On one hand, my heart went out to him, as even if I didn’t know the whole story yet, it was obvious that Elliot was and still is in pain, and just wants to move on. And on the other hand, I admired his courage to do exactly that, and even stand up for himself when those demons of the past resurface.
Elliot and Briony have both learned the hard way what love can do, and how much it can hurt. And it is normal behaviour to act wary around new people. Yet what we see here is how these broken people find each other and connect. Even if there are attempts at keeping distance.
Slowly we see how those immense high walls can crumble, and how trust can be built, piece by piece. Of course this doesn’t happen overnight, and not without hiccups. There are some moments of odd behaviour, going hot and cold, but I cannot say I can blame either one of them, as it is obvious that fear and wariness are still present.
This isn’t the kind of story where there is an instant attraction, and falling heads over heels in love. But a slow story, showing how even the most beautiful things need time. Perhaps it is best to be compared with how long it takes for Adam and Lucy to renovate their farm. It takes some serious time, but the result can be so rewarding!
Jennifer Bohnet once again amazed me with her writing skills, taking me once again on a marvellous journey with real and realistic, not flawless, people. And once again in a great setting!
Amid betrayal and family secrets, a journey to the Scottish Highlands brings unexpected romance, healing, and a second chance at happiness.
Scarlett flees to the Scottish Highlands on her 35th birthday after discovering her husband’s affair. Desperate for a fresh start, she seeks comfort with her estranged mother at the estate of the surly, yet rather attractive bachelor, Edward Cameron-Reid; a reclusive laird devoted to his family’s legacy.
As Scarlett disrupts Edward’s solitary life, an inescapable chemistry sparks between them amid the estate’s last-minute preparations for his brother’s wedding. However, their growing connection faces turmoil when shocking secrets and hidden motives surface, threatening not only the wedding but their blossoming romance.
Will the drama keep Scarlett and Edward apart? Can they overcome their fears and confront their true feelings for each other? Or will they discover that even after heartbreak, love has the power to offer a second chance?
A dual-narrative, spicy contemporary romance set in the Highlands of Scotland, for fans of Elliot Fletcher and Evie Alexander.
My review
Scarlett Hope didn’t have to have any worry after her marriage. Even if she didn’t get along with her mother-in-law that well, her life was the kind that would lavish her in comfort and style. That is until she discovers that her husband has not only betrayed their marriage, but also got their tenant pregnant… To make things worse, Scarlett discovers this on her own 35th birthday! Scarlett decides to keep her dignity and leaves the place that has been her home for a long, with just the bare minimum. The only place Scarlett can think of to give her safety, is to go to her own, though estranged, mother, in the Scottish Highlands. Scarlett hopes to find refuge there, and also a way to get her life back on tracks, and to make her life her own again. But while her mother welcomes her daughter back with open arms, the fact that she is the gardener of Hadden House, and its owner Edward Cameron-Reid isn’t all that thrilled with Scarlett’s arrival, things don’t start off all that well. Because the last place Edward wants to be, is at Hadden House, but as there a wedding going to take place, and the last thing Edward needs, is being distracted by a fiery and funny woman like Scarlett. So even when sparks ignite and fly around, both their responsibilities and past keep them from taking things further. Or not…
There is one thing I truly hate in these kind of books. And that is the level of betrayal the main character has to endure. Of course there must happen *something* to let the story take off. But it is almost always in such a nasty, ugly way, that it truly breaks the main character. Why are people so mean, deceitful? If the grass is truly greener on the other side, have the b*lls to do the right thing to the person you claimed to love…
Yet I was proud of Scarlett and her decision to leave. It would have been perhaps easier for her to just stay where she was, in a world of luxury and comfort, but that is not who Scarlett is and what she wants. She wants to be loved for the right reasons, she wants commitment, loyalty and have a partner in every sense of the word.
And I admired Scarlett and her choice to find refuge with her mother. For many people it would an obvious choice, to go to your parents, but as it is a strained relationship, it cannot have been easy for Scarlett to ask for help to a person that has hurt you in the past…
I liked it also to read how Scarlett isn’t the posh kind of woman, despite her married life. She doesn’t expect her mother to give her shelter and that Scarlett can just sit around and do nothing. No, Scarlett isn’t afraid to get her hands dirty, or to use her knowledge, her know – how, to earn her own living.
While Scarlett for sure puts on a brave face, the hurt she has been though, at the hand of the man that is supposed to love her, is palpable. Not only at the start of the story, or upon the arrival at Hadden House. But the more the story evolves, the more we see how Scarlett, bit by bit, is able to get over her pain.
Of course this doesn’t happen overnight, and even after meeting Edward, and sparks start to fly, we see that hesitation in her. Shame on you if you fool me once, shame on me if you fool me… right?
It is almost mandatory that things don’t start off that greatly between Scarlett and Edward. If they would become BFF’s immediately, this story wouldn’t have the same attraction as it does now. Also because Edward isn’t a person with a perfect life.
Edward has his own struggles and demons to battle. His life has also been filled with ups and downs and he hasn’t come to terms with everything yet.
He isn’t all that happy has Scarlett has arrived, and he is wary of the woman. He wants to keep his distance, not only with Scarlett, but with many people that aren’t in his inner circle.
However, attraction, sparks, fireworks, they don’t care about your inner turmoil. And they won’t just back down because you want to. And seeing that attraction, those sparks fly around, was just great! Edward and Scarlett both deserve to find that attraction, those sparks, to show them that everyone deserves to find all the above and even more.
So as a reader, it was a bit frustrating to read how Edward at moments was hot and then cold towards Scarlett. But it also made sense in a certain way. Because it is a journey the both of them have to go through. With their backgrounds, it is not easy to just open up and let people, and let love back in.
I truly enjoyed reading this story, that shows us that keeping your dignity is something scary yet courageous. It shows us that broken bonds can be mended as long as there is love and also patience involved. And that even if life keeps on throwing curveballs, love can always find its way to you.
This book handles many different subjects, and isn’t only and strictly limited to the story of Edward and Scarlett. The author isn’t afraid to write down some heavy stuff in this story either. Heavy stuff that would perhaps be too heavy, yet here we see it alternate with some lighter, funny moments, without ever putting anything to ridicule about it. These shifts made it truly great story to read, made me think, wonder, laugh, all at the same time.
This was my first encounter with this author, and I cannot wait to discover more of her works!
Thea Ashcombe, a fiercely independent single mum, is about to face her toughest challenge yet: Christmas on a shoestring. As the festive season looms, Thea’s feeling a little like their old family Christmas tree – tired and lacking in sparkle!
Nick Saint, the quiet and devoted farm shop manager in the idyllic village of Lower Brambleton, has secretly liked Thea for years. Trapped in the friend zone since high school, he’s given up hope of Thea seeing him as anything more than reliable ‘Saint’ Nick…
But when Thea steps into Nick’s world to help at the bustling farm shop, something unexpected happens. Suddenly, her sensible head is spinning with a schoolgirl crush she never saw coming! Is it just the enchanting glow of Christmas, the twinkling lights playing tricks on her mind?
As they work side-by-side preparing for the magical Christmas market, and as Nick’s thoughtful gestures – like a perfectly fresh Christmas tree appearing at her door – begin to melt her defences, Thea starts to wonder – maybe all she really needs for Christmas… is Nick!
My review
Thea Ashcombe is a single mother of two, doing her best to make everything work. But life isn’t easy and more than often, at the month’s end, it is a real struggle. But even if her Christmas tree has had its best time, Thea is fiercely about giving her two children all what is possible. Even if that means taking a second job at the farm shop manager for some extra money. And even if that means working for Nick Saint, a friend that she has known for years. Nick, who has had a secret crush on Thea for years, but has always been put in the friendzone. But while working in the farm shop together, and making preparations for the magical Christmas market, something starts to shift in their relationship… However, is Thea ready to let her guard down again, especially as she has been burned by love before?
With a title like this, and with Christmas looming around the corner, I thought that perhaps this book would be actually with some magic spells and magic events. So yes, I was a bit reluctant, because while I love reading about everything that can happen around Christmas, I am not a real believer of magic in any aspect.
But luckily for me, it wasn’t at all about the Bibbidi-Bobbidi-Boo kind of magic, but just the magic of love and Christmas. A big ‘pfew!’ from my side! 😊
I am not a parent myself, and so I cannot complete comprehend the difficulties and struggles of raising children, let alone when you are a single parent. Of course as a loving mother, Thea does all that she can, and she has not only great kids (that, yes, can be exhausting at moments) but she also can rely on her family for support and help.
For her resilience, and fierceness, I truly liked Thea, but I loved her for her realness. She isn’t the perfect mother, the perfect daughter or perfect sister. She has struggles and has made mistakes. But she won’t let those struggles or mistakes bring her down. On the contrary, she thinks about ways how to make a change for the better, for the sake of her children.
While I admired that for her, I also felt sad a little bit. Because her burns of the past also made her built very high walls, not allowing anyone to get close again. And with doing all that she can for her children, I also felt that she has lost herself in the process…
It saddened me also reading how despite all her efforts, financially things aren’t that easy. And with those needs that must, Thea needs a second job, even if it break her heart that it means less family time.
On the other hand, if she didn’t need a second job, we wouldn’t have this story, would we? 😊
And that brings us to Nick Saint. First of all, just that name! With that name, Nick must be a good guy, right? 😊
Of course I had a few not – so – secrets smiles reading how Nick has always had a crush on Thea, even if they have always been just friends. But he doesn’t help Thea out because of that crush, but just because he is that kind of man, helping out a friend, a neighbour, out of the goodness of his heart!
Nick is just like Thea, a man made of flesh and blood, and while he always does good, it doesn’t mean that there haven’t been a few hiccups in his life. But for me, seeing a real man, with a few flaws and errors in judgement, made me only like Nick even more! Who needs a perfect man, when being imperfect is perfect enough?
Seeing Nick and Thea together, truly warmed my heart. And not because things change immediately, but because it is a slow shifting that is taking place. And slow – burns, in the right setting (like this one) are sometimes better than that instant spark, that instant attraction.
Because Nick and Thea take their time, they rely on their friendship. But they also don’t want to ruin what they already have had for a long time. And also here, with things changing between them, it is so realistic what they are going through.
Having those feelings is natural, but acting upon them, admitting what you are feeling, letting those high walls down, isn’t easy at all. And this is something that both Nick and Thea have to understand, learn, and be courageous about. With the right person, love is worth the risk. And no matter what curveballs may be thrown around you, the right person will show understanding, patience and will want to help you out.
We see in this wonderful story that life in general can be a real journey, with ups and downs. You never know what direction your life will take, and how you will grow in time. And all that has happened can make you build up high walls, but we also see how those walls can be torn apart, how love can come perhaps in the most unexpected (or not? 😊) ways and how being courageous can may be the best decision that you have ever made, for the right person!
Bella Douglas is living her dream life on the Isle of Skye but misses her friends at Drumblair Castle. She has the love of her life by her side, Granny Isla just up the road and has landed a big job to renovate the interior of a gorgeous Victorian hotel for an American client. What could possibly go wrong?
When Bella’s new client sends their son to project manage the hotel renovation, things take an unexpected turn for the worse. Ex-model Carlton Somers has set his sights on Bella and doesn’t seem to understand the word ‘no’. But her relationship with Harris is rock solid; nothing can break that foundation … can it?
Meanwhile Granny Isla’s ‘friendship’ with her neighbour Tam Guthrie is going from strength to strength but when drama hits Pabay View Residential Home Bella’s life is quickly sent into a tailspin. What will it take to get her life back on track? And can she ever find time to focus on her own happiness and future?
My review
Bella Douglas may be missing her friends at Drumblair Castle, but she is happy with her new life on the Isle of Skye with the love of her life Harris, and her Granny Isla also living nearby! And Bella having scored a prestigious job, renovating the interior of a Victorian hotel, could things get even better? Well, worse for they can, as the son of the American hotel owners, doesn’t understand that Bella isn’t interested in him at all… Because who wouldn’t be interested in an ex – model? The more time passes, the more Bella struggles with keeping Carlton at bay. Luckily, her relationship with Harris is stronger than ever, and nothing or no one could ever come between them. Or can it? And when Granny Isla adds more headaches, Bella sees how easily things can change… But can it change for the better once again?
I was a bit conflicted when I started this book. Not because I doubted Lisa Hobman in any way. But it was because I have read Bella’s previous story, and I was happy with how things turned out for her, and I just wanted her to have her happily ever after. And with this new book, with her as a main character, that would mean that Bella and Harris would have to jump several hurdles and that their happiness wouldn’t be that evident.
However, when did that ever stop me from reading a story from an author that has brought me happiness and joy several times? I just had to keep the faith!
And at the start of the book, we see indeed how happy Bella and Harris are together. Obviously Bella misses her friends at and around Drumblair Castle, but it was sweet to see how their friendship even stands the test of distance.
And I liked it how even the move didn’t bring her spirits down, and that even at her new home, she finds happiness.
Of course it helps that she has Harris by her side, her rock. It took them both a while to get into this lovely, heartwarming relationship they have now.
We all know how amazing Harris is. He is a committed man, both at home as at work. He would walk on water for Bella, The love he has for her (and of course the other way around too), is so palpable. He cares so much about Bella, and Isla’s, wellbeing, that I just want a Harris myself!
Talking about Isla, am I glad that she hasn’t changed just one bit! Things have changed for her, and even for her love is all around. But she never loses her spirit, she is still up for those confusing miscommunications. And that was just hilarious to read! Even if she takes it perhaps one step too far in this book. Yet when you read the reasons behind it, can you truly blame her?
There were also bits in this book that angered me. And that anger was mostly “thanks” to Carlton…
Carlton is the perfect example of men who don’t understand what women are saying. When we way “no”, it isn’t playing hard to get, or being coy. When we say “no”, it means “no”. And reading how Carlton just doesn’t get what Bella is truly saying, or how he isn’t able to read the room, or see her discomfort, just made my blood boil.
And while Bella stands her ground, and keeps her professional had on, we can see how it puts a strain on everything. She loves her job, but because of that toxic behaviour, she is having doubts. And it even if Harris is in Bella’s corner all the time, you can see how it puts a strain on that amazing relationship.
Also Harris has his own demons to fight in this book, a ghost of the past that may jeopardize everything… Unfortunately those demons, his and Bella’s, make him resurface some old self-doubts.
Bella is going through a lot in this book, yet no matter what is going on, she feels the love of everyone around her. Whenever doubts arise, whenever she needs a listening ear, there are plenty of people there for her. We see how her best friends are showing why friendships are so important in your life.
And that is the power and strength of this book. The genuine and selfless love that all these wonderful characters have for each other. But we see also how that love is always a work a progress. Falling in love is always the easiest part but to maintain your happiness and your love together, united, you cannot take it for granted. And communication is key, always and forever.
Lisa Hobman showed us with this story how strong a relationship is, but also how fragile it can be. But most important, we see how beautiful every kind of love can be, and how it can empower you.
This was absolutely a wonderful story to read, as I loved seeing my old friends again and read how they are doing now. After my visit to this amazing place with marvellous people, I had this content feeling coming over me, a feeling that made me feel all warm and happy!
When career-focused Chloe Bellamy is sent to Iceland on a last-minute work trip, it’s her big chance to prove she deserves a seat at the top.
But there’s one problem, she may have embellished her CV a little… saying she speaks Icelandic when she doesn’t! And now, to add to her woes, she’s landed with no place to stay.
Gunnar Eriksson has a habit of saving people. First, when he rescued a young boy from a volcano and offered him a forever home. Then opening his door and welcoming in a spirited yet accident-prone Octogenarian. Now Gunnar has somehow tied himself to Chloe who needs all the help she can get but, for some reason, is reluctant to accept it.
Neither of them are looking for love, but under Iceland’s spell, and with a little extra help from those around them, something begins to shift. Could one kiss beneath the Northern Lights change everything?
This Christmas, escape to Iceland for festive feels, unexpected friendships and maybe even a chance at love.
My review
Chloe Bellamy is focused on her career, adamant to make it to the top. The fact that her boss relies on her 24/7 for sure means that Chloe will be soon made partner, right? The focus on her career is also a way to not think too much about her own heartbreak. Chloe isn’t even all too bothered that her boss sends her on a last – minute work trip. If only it wasn’t for the fact that on her CV, Chloe told a small white lie stating that she speaks fluent Icelandic. And let that just be the place she is being sent to! To make things even worse, upon her arrival, it becomes clear that Chloe has no place to stay at all. Luckily for her, Icelandic Gunnar Erikkson cannot leave anyone stranded. He has proved this with Magnus, a boy who has lost everything and Gunnar taking in also Hildur, an old friend with the family, who gives her help and advice, wanted or not. So when Gunnar offers Chloe his help, Chloe’s reluctance frustrates Gunnar. But their paths keep crossing and Gunnar finds himself helping Chloe out on several occasions. Will the Northern Lights work their magic on Gunnar and Chloe, two people who are absolutely not looking for love and live in different countries?
The way I got to know this wonderful author, was on the journeys she took me along to the sun, to warm and beautiful locations. So the fact that she is taking us now on a complete different setting, well, I was obviously very curious!
Not that she is taking us to a terrible place in this book, but well, let’s say that you won’t be needing your swimming suit! 😊
But no matter where Mandy takes us, whether it is on some sunny and warm Greek Island, or to the cold and snowy Iceland, it is always a great journey, with amazing places and growing characters.
Initially, my thoughts about Chloe were contradicting. My heart went out to her after learning about her struggles and what she has been through in the past. And it is clear that she still hasn’t processed and gotten over everything.
And that truly made me feel for her.
On the other hand, her total focus on her job, her being to eager to please her boss, just didn’t feel right. I can understand the focus on building a career, but it angered me a little bit to see how Chloe would drop everything after a call from her boss Michelle, with sometimes even impossible demands… There is working hard for your career, and there is being taken advantage of and not standing up for yourself?
But of course, this trip to Iceland is for Chloe also a learning, growing journey. And while she is stubborn, headstrong and independent, slowly she also learns that accepting help isn’t a sign of weakness, and that admitting that you are hurt, isn’t a weakness. But she also finally understands that family comes in different shapes and forms. And that the how’s don’t matter, as long as there is love…
All this, because on this journey, she has Gunnar by her side…
Gunnar, that initially may seem like a grumpy man, wanting to be just left on his own, not being bothered by love at all. But it is clear that he truly has a kind heart, a generous one. Because I am sure that while speaking hypothetically, everyone would say they would do what Gunnar did for Magnus, but that not everyone would actually go through with it when it becomes a reality.
There isn’t a thing that Gunnar wouldn’t do for Magnus, and with the help of Hildur, he does everything he can. But we see that despite all the good intentions Gunnar has, that it is a struggle to raise a boy on your own. And while I was proud of what he does, it saddened me also to see how there are moments that Gunnar is at loss and doesn’t know how to be there for Magnus.
So also Gunnar is on a journey in this story, even if he is already at home 😊. Because Gunnar has to learn to open his heart again. Yes, he has Magnus and Hildur in his life and heart, but those are the only people he has let in.
And I can understand that it can be a scary thing to let people in, but the reward of it can be so great and amazing….
I have to say, reading the interactions between Chloe and Gunnar for sure put a smile on my face. When they are clashing, I was smiling. When they were getting closer, I was smiling.
While they don’t see it initially, them is exactly what the both of them needed. When they are together, they see how things can be different, if only they learn to stand up for themselves, believe in themselves, allow themselves to be open and honest.
In this literal but not figuratively cold book, we see how one encounter can change everything we think and believe in. How one encounter can let our own confidence grow. How one encounter can show us that love can be scary, but is in fact something beautiful.
Tizi’s Book Review 