Tizi’s Book Review

Today a guestpost about something that affects all of us, in some way or another

Synopsis

“I don’t know what to say” and “I don’t know what to do” are common responses to a life-threatening diagnosis. Voices of Cancer is here to help.

Every cancer story is different, but there is one commonality: both patients and the people supporting them often struggle to properly articulate their wants and needs through particularly challenging and in many cases, uncharted territory. Lynda Wolters knows firsthand: she was diagnosed with stage 4 terminal mantle cell lymphoma in August of 2016.

Voices of Cancer offers a candid look into the world of a cancer patient, informed by Lynda’s own story and conversations had with dozens of patients weighing in on their needs, wants, and dislikes as they navigate the complex world of diagnosis, treatment, and beyond. With comprehensive and accessible insight from people who’ve been there, Voices of Cancer helps educate, dispel fears, and start positive conversations about what a cancer diagnosis truly means, while shining a light on how best to support a loved one on their own terms.

Guest Post

It has been a few years since I’ve written Voices of Cancer, and while I am currently healthy, I read back through this book and realize what a blessing it was that the universe put this project at my feet. Being diagnosed with cancer and going through the treatment – not so good, but the people; just wow!

I didn’t speak cancer when I was diagnosed, had only had an outsider’s second-hand experience of the dreaded disease and felt more like my boss who when I told him I had cancer he crossed himself and said, “Thank God it’s you and not me.” A lot of people take offense to that statement. Not me. And here’s why.

Cancer was likely the single best life changing event that occurred to me and for me. What I mean by this is, I was never a bad person, never outwardly mean, or malicious, never in trouble (not so much as a speeding ticket), and while I checked all the right boxes (volunteering, showing up on time, earning my way), I did it all because I was expected or obligated to. Cancer gave me the insight of perspective – and that it is mine to choose how I want to show it and live it. I chose to move forward with love and with my truth (meaning I started to set healthy boundaries).

Voices of Cancer was a catalyst of my treatment and my conversations but what the book may not convey is the distinct inner change that occurred when I was diagnosed and then afforded the opportunity to write and share with the world what cancer patients really need and what really drives us mad. (Hint: We don’t want you sympathy.)

I will never say I am glad to have my diagnosis, to know that it is always inside me, incurable, and lurking, but I can say, it was the best thing that ever happened to me.

As you read Voices of Cancer, keep in mind that a few things are certain and one of them is, we all die. With cancer, most of us have some time to digest and reflect, to reach out and have the touch conversations, to make our amends, ask forgiveness, give forgiveness. I would take this route any day as my friends and family know what they mean to me and how I feel about them.

A singles’ holiday to remember

Synopsis

A singles’ holiday to India’s Golden Triangle – Taj Mahal, the pink city of Jaipur, tiger-spotting in Ranthambore, the noisy, crowded streets of Delhi – all go to make up a trip that is hot, humid and spicy. Eve Mitchell, Travel Together’s tour manager extraordinaire has a couple of familiar faces in her little group of travellers and others that she hasn’t met before; sexy man-eating pensioners, a compulsive over-eater, a constant whiner and a man with a personal problem. And there’s a big surprise awaiting someone -and Eve – early one morning. By the end of the tour, which sees our group travelling by coach, rickshaw, train and elephant, she will know rather more about some of their innermost secrets than she’d like. But Eve deals with all the twists and turns the trip throws at her as we come to understand what makes people travel the world with a bunch of complete strangers and appreciate the success that is a singles’ holiday

My review

As Travel Together’s tour manager, Eve Mitchell is ready for her new trip to India. Amongst the singles, there are a few familiar faces, which pleases Eve. But travelling with a very diverse group also means that Eve will have to face a variety of issues that she is expected to solve.
Each member of the group has a different expectation, and it’s up to Eve to make sure that each and every one of them will have an experience to remember. And while the group starts of with being one of complete strangers, will the return back home, after visiting India’s most beautiful places, be one of a group of new friends? 

I have to say, I was very curious to read this second part of a series. I didn’t know how the story would be. Would the focus be purely on Eve, and we would see how she would have to fix once again several problems caused or affecting anyone of the group?
And who would be back on the tour? Especially as I had a few favourites on the trip to Antigua. 

Of course Eve takes a big part of the story. And while in the first book we see a very professional Eve, we see here a more ‘human’ Eve. Of course that doesn’t mean that she suddenly is being anything but professional, but perhaps because we already her, we can see more Eve as a person, and not like the well – oiled – tour manager – machine we know she is. 

But obviously we also get to know the group better. And once again there were people I liked from the start, people that I instantly disliked, and people I was glad to see back. 

And seeing how an old acquittance now had changed his tune, put a smile on my face. Where he in the first book was very annoying, he now has ‘learnt’ from the previous trip and now he was put in the group of people that I liked.
Just like he proved it, between the two trips, the returning characters have been evolving, even maturing further. 

I have never been to India myself, but of course I have an own image of it in my mind. And even I had only the words on the page to use, I could depict all the places perfectly.
It felt like I was part of the group, discovering beautiful places. 

Now, I know that I said about the previous book that the length of chapters were not my cup of tea. As each chapter describes one day, with different perspectives, they are rather lengthy chapters. Bu I have to say, now that I was mentally prepared for it, and I knew what I would get, it didn’t bother me to read long chapters. 

Perhaps I enjoyed reading this book more that the first book, as I knew already all about Eve and the returning characters. and I was curious to read about the new entries. And I was pleasantly surprised to see characters that were cliché – wise annoying, frowning – eyebrows disturbing, but also
to see characters that started off as obnoxious perhaps, and then changing for the kind of character you just want to wrap in a warm hug! 

And once again, I find myself curious to see what this author has more in store for Eve and those close to her in her next adventure!

When falling in the love is the easiest part…

Synopsis

Homes don’t come much more idyllic that Primrose Hall. Set against the backdrop of the beautiful Primrose Woods, and restored to its former glory, Pia Temple still pinches herself when she wakes up there every day.

Waking up next Jackson Moody is pretty great too. And since the couple rekindled their first love, they’ve become an unstoppable team running Primrose Hall’s packed calendar of events, surrounded by the friends and family who make up the crew at the hall.

But not everything is perfect at Primrose Hall. Pia is beset with doubts about the future, and a new arrival shakes everything Jackson thought he knew about his past. And as the events come thick and fast – literary festival, craft fayres, Halloween and the much-anticipated Christmas Carols evening – the many balls Pia is juggling threaten to tumble down around her ears. Will the year at Primrose Hall be a time of endings or new beginnings…

My review

Pia Temple is in a happy place, literally and figuratively speaking. Not only has her teenage romance with Jackson Moody a second life, but living in the majestic Primrose Hall is a dream coming true.
She would have never thought a few months ago that she would be loving her job as event planner of the place she lives in, with the man she loves.
But even if everything is running smoothly, Pia cannot stop herself doubting over the future. Not only would she lose the man she loves in a worst case scenario, but also her home and her job. And when someone arrives with a shocking revelation, Pia sees a side of Jackson she didn’t know about, even if it’s normal that Jackson is shaken by it.
Add in the equation that Pia learns that perhaps Jackson isn’t sharing the same thoughts about weddings, children and other things, Pia is wondering between several events, how the new year will look for her…

First of all, I will be stating the obvious, as it was a delight to return to Primrose Hall and its Woods. I was truly looking forward to see my friends again, and I was very curious to see the next phase in everyone’s life.

I have to admit, while I was expecting all the possible unicorns and rainbows, this wasn’t completely that kind of story.
That doesn’t take away that I still fully enjoyed reading this book! We see several struggles Pia is facing, not only on her own, but also as being part of a couple.
And yes, of course we all want that happily ever after, but let’s be honest for a moment, that isn’t the reality.

That is exactly what we see in this book, because getting together is perhaps the easiest bit. But especially in a relationship there are hurdles that need to be taken.

While Pia truly loves Jackson, and she finds it wonderful to wake up with him by her side, she also knows that she has to rely on him for everything. It’s his house, it’s a job he gave her and even if everything is fine by now, what if…

Now, it’s not all gloom and doom, as it was wonderful to see Pia and Jackson as a couple. They were able to put the past behind them.
Pia with her optimism is the perfect antidote for Jackson’s moodiness (lamest pun intended! J). And Jackson’s calmness is the perfect antidote for Pia’s overthinking.
They are just the yin to each other’s yang!

Jackson isn’t always the easiest character to like. He is rather adamant in some of his opinions, and also his behaviour wasn’t always that that lovely. But then I remembered what he has been through, and what new changes and revelations he is facing now, and I cut him some slack.
And seeing his actions telling something else than what he is saying, well, showed in fact that he isn’t that cold – hearted or stiff as he may seem.

Being in love and in a relationship doesn’t mean there aren’t any doubts. Not about each other, but about all the possible ‘what if’s’.
It’s all about trust, communication, understanding and also patience. Because only with those, can doubts be erased, fears overcome and misunderstandings talked out.
Love and relationships are always an ongoing work in progress, and both parties have to be open to only gain a higher layer of happiness and love.

This was a beautiful story about the pitfalls in a relationship, but mainly about the beauty of it. Because two are always stronger than one.
And we see here two lovely people deeply in love, but also ready to fight the struggles together.
I truly enjoyed reading this story making us understand that love is worth to fight down all the doubts and fears we have!

To chase after your dreams until they come true, is it possible?

Synopsis

It’s time to return to Ivy Lane, where hopes and dreams become happy-ever-afters.

Erin Donohue would describe herself as happy. Well, maybe not exactly happy… but not unhappy either.

For the most part she loves her job as Head Chef at The Ivy Inn, working alongside bestfriend, Jo and making a home with boyfriend Aaron. Things are going just fine. Or so she thinks…

After a tough shift, Erin returns home to be greeted by silence. There is no trace of Aaron or his belongings. In that split second her whole life and world are turned upside down. It seems Aaron has exited the building and her life.

After a small pity party, Erin pulls herself together and starts to re-evaluate her life. Her friends seem to be chasing their dreams while she’s been left single and wondering what on earth her next move will be. But then fate throws her a sign.

Can she find the courage to build the life she always dreamed of but believed was out of her reach?
And can her bravery inspire other residents of Ivy Lane to take a chance on finding their own happy ending

My review

Erin Donohue is rather happy with her life. Things aren’t all rainbows and unicorns, but she cannot really complain.
She loves her job as Head Chef at The Ivy Inn, for one of her best friends, and she is in a relationship for a while now with her boyfriend Aaron.
But when she returns home from a shift, she realizes that there is nobody waiting for her. Aaron is just gone, with all his stuff, without a word of explanation.
After wallowing in pity for a moment, Erin now has the chance to re – evaluate her life. And with encouragement from her friends, who have done the same thing and truly believe in her, and an opportunity she cannot let pass by, she finds herself chasing her dreams.
Erin starts to believe that she will finally have her true happiness. And perhaps she can persuade the other residents of Ivy Lane to do the same?

With such a title, is it surprising that I had the whole time I was reading one song playing on repeat in my mind? J I found myself even swaying along with it! 🤣
But this review is about the book, so let’s get it on!

Oooh, this was such a marvellous, inspiring, warm and strong book!

It doesn’t start as a strong story, meaning that Erin is being dumped by her boyfriend. Well, dumped is not the correct word, as she is just being ghosted by the man she has been together for years now.

I just don’t get it how people can act like that… Even if you want to break up, at least have the guts to do in your partner’s face.
But Aaron shows more than once just what a coward he is. Not only that, but also how selfish and spoiled he is…

For Erin, it’s good riddance, but of course it takes some time for her to overcome the hurt. I felt sorry for her, as she started to doubt herself, thinking that perhaps she did something wrong. Even worse, she think there is something wrong *with* her, as she sees how happy all her friends are, and she is single and lonely.
But she doesn’t ask herself those questions with a string of jealousy, as she is truly happy for her friends to have found love and have chased their own dreams.

I found Erin a very strong character, as she decides to put that break – up behind her, and she is determined to use this ‘opportunity’ to make a change in her life, and find the courage to chase her dreams. And why shouldn’t she, especially when she finds the perfect available place!

No matter how much I liked Erin just as her, what I liked the most was the love and kindness she is surrounded by. She and her friends are those kind of people who would go lengths to help out. No matter is it’s by offering emotional support, edible support or even financial support (by being a silent partner) , we see so many offers being made that just cannot be refused.

And by having (and being one too) such supportive friends, we also see Erin’s confidence coming back and even expanding! She truly starts to believe that she can make her dream come true.

I found it also sweet to see how Erin becomes even closer to Flora, how she finds more comfort in this elder lady than in her own parents. And the love they share, is shown in the most beautiful homage, that even made me feel emotional.

Beside seeing Erin chasing her dreams, of course it was lovely to see my dear friends again. It warmed my heart even more to see how they were doing.
And how they still are as lovely as I had left them a few books ago. I for sure would love it to have them as my own friends!

All the friends together are also a bit up to mischief, but with the most right intentions possible! They want every resident on Ivy Lane to be happy, and if that means to give some gentle pushes to some of them, they won’t be stopped!

I absolutely devoured this book, as I wanted to keep being surrounded by so much love, warmth and strength. Sometimes what we think is the worst that could happen to us, can turn out to be the best, as it gives us the chance to re – evaluate our lives. That allows us to see things and people (even those close to us) in a different way. And seeing things differently can be the push to chase our dreams and see it all come fruition. And is there anything better than living your dream, with the people you love the most?

Can lost friendships be found again, for the sake of the greater good?

Synopsis

Four friends, one big secret… and the journey of a lifetime.

It’s nineteen years since they stopped speaking to each other, but now Morgan needs to contact her three best friends from school: Paige, Emily and Tiff.

Her teenage son wants to meet his dad and Morgan can’t ignore his requests any longer. And Paige, Emily and Tiff all knew what actually happened back then. Even if that was what led to their friendship group falling apart, they’re the only people Morgan can think of who might be able help her find the man who disappeared without a trace before she could tell him she was pregnant.

Can Morgan persuade her old friends to go on a road trip to track him down? As adults – with marriages, children and a whole bucket-load of their own problems – will they be able to work together to solve the mystery? And if so – just when forgiveness for the past looks like it might be possible – how will they cope with the biggest shock of all?

A story about love, families and how the people who know you best are the ones you will always need in your life. Totally heartbreaking, brilliant, uplifting fiction for fans of Jill Mansell, Paige Toon and Sheila O’Flanagan.

My review

Nineteen years ago, Morgan, Paige, Emily and Tiff were best friends. Believing that nothing or no one could break their bond, all it took was one prom night for the girls to never talk to each other again.
But with Morgan’s teenage son determined to meet his father, she cannot ignore those requests any longer. And to find his whereabouts, Morgan knows that the only people that can help her, are those that don’t talk to each other.
Just like the old times, Morgan hopes to bring the club together and solve the mystery. But with what happened nineteen years ago, and the problems that adult life brings with it, will the former best friends come together? And is this perhaps a chance to forgive and forget? Or will it be more a case of ‘too much has happened’?

Oh, how much have I enjoyed reading this book! It all felt so real and all felt so possible. Sometimes you read a book and even if you loved it, you can sense that things like that would never truly happen in the real world.
But not with this book!

The focus is on Morgan, as it’s because she needs the help of her former best friends.
My heart went out to her, because the young Morgan had so many dreams, and the Morgan of now has fulfilled none of them.
I see her also as a real Momma – bear, as she loves her son Olly deeply, but she also comes a bit over as too overprotective. Yet I could also understand her, as she had and still has to raise a child on her own.

Perhaps I didn’t agree with her keeping Olly’s father identity a secret, and still refusing to give Olly just some information. But who am I to judge someone’s decision? How can we tell anyone what to do or not to do when we are not in the same situation?

Like I said, this story felt so real. Because haven’t we all have had friendships that we thought would last a lifetime, but for some reason or another all hell brakes loose.
And that is what happened with Morgan, Paige, Emily and Tiff. And all hell brakes loose because of one person, whom nobody thought would be able to break such a strong bond.

Even if things ended badly for the four friends, I liked reading how close they all were, despite them being all so totally different from each other. it only shows that being different can complement us.

Of course Morgan’s cry for help isn’t initially welcomed that warmly. Each woman is in a different stage of their lives, and the last thing they need is to unearth the past. A past that has hurt them and 

scarred them again all differently.

Yet it warmed my heart to see how they all realize that they need to help, for Olly’s sake, even if the revelation of the father’s identity is a shock to them.
And somehow it was funny, yet in a sweet way, to see how these once – friends, despite their determination not to, are getting closer again. They open up, reveal their thoughts they never felt able to talk about to anyone else.
For me, this was proof that real friendship can never truly be broken.

And yes, there were some twists in the story that I didn’t see coming, making me even fearful that the fragile bond would be broken once again. But wisdom comes with the years, and these women show now that they are being more responsible and mature about everything, compared to nineteen years ago. Which is absolutely logical, as we all grow more mature and have come to an age where things can be more relativized.

The author wrote a story about putting your own needs and feelings aside, for a bigger purpose. But at the same time it’s also about finding each other again. It doesn’t always has to be a story with a great romance, but an honest story about real friendship and form that strong bond again, can also be a very fulfilling read.
And perhaps it’s about taking one step at the time, with some trail and errors made, but what about that feeling of belonging to a ‘club’, isn’t it worth it to take those small steps? Because you know that in the end, those people will stand by your side, every (difficult) moment of your life.

When a cute dog means a life changing decision

Synopsis

LOVE LINDISFARNE…Take a Christmas trip to magical Northumberland and find love amongst the stars in this feel-good novel, which will transport you to iconic Holy Island where dreams really can come true!

Dumped at the office Christmas party, Ellie is about to vent her spleen on social media when a photo of a cute little dog advertising a charity catches her eye. Her world suddenly changes dramatically when she is offered a month’s stay in Northumberland to help look after rescue animals.

Ellie isn’t too sure where Northumberland is, but accepts, eager to start a new life away from London. Her destination is Lindisfarne, and her arrival on the small island in the North Sea is terrifying, fearing for her life on the causeway as the tide comes crashing in.

Ellie finds herself living in a hilltop castle, and far from the cats and dogs she expected she would be looking after, she is faced with all kinds of furry and feathery animals – and she doesn’t have a clue about any of them!

Welcomed to island life by the warm-hearted residents, she quickly embraces living in this special place, and from the moment she spots the mesmerising Zen with the gorgeous coffee bean eyes, her plans to stay single and mingle begin to fade fast.

Thanks to a severe storm, Lindisfarne is cut off from the mainland, and the islanders work together to salvage the planned Christmas events. Ellie is kept so busy that she hasn’t much time to think about her future when her time on the island ends.

Will the universe give Ellie its blessing? Will she find her happy ever after on the enchanting island of Lindisfarne? If it’s in the stars, then it’s in the stars…

My review

Ellie has just been humiliated in a terrible way at the office Christmas party, with as a result in her being single again.
Wallowing in self-pity, she finds a photo of a cute little dog advertising for a charity.  And before she knows, she has been spilling her sad tale of woe to Santa.
And Santa wouldn’t be Santa if he wouldn’t offer Ellie a chance to escape all her drama. Before she knows, Ellie finds herself agreeing on staying a month in Northumberland to help taking care of rescued animals.
But Ellie is getting one shock after the other, as she realizes that her new home in Lindisfarne is a small island, where tides can literally sweep you of your feet. And that the animals to look after aren’t sweet little cats and dogs.
Yet she also discovers that she will be staying in a castle, with a welcoming community and animals that all slowly steal her heart. And let’s not forget about Zen, who is ready to help out anyway that he can.
Quickly Ellie realizes that perhaps the most remote place in the world may be exactly what she needs. But if there a future for her on the island, as she was only meant to stay for a month?

I love reading stories where the main character makes the choice to leave their home after experiencing heart – break.
Even if it may seem as running away, I see it more as courageous, to just pack and leave to start over.

Of course, in this case Ellie decides to leave London for just a month. But it still felt like something brave to do for me, as Ellie subconsciously understood she needed to get away from everything to just find herself again in a way and to think about her next steps in life.

I can only try to understand how humiliated Ellie felt at the office Christmas Party… I truly cannot comprehend how people can be so evil, how they want to have the cake and eat it too…
And her reaction, wallowing, made perfectly sense to me. And her venting to a complete stranger, online, sometimes it helps better to talk to someone unknown than to your closest friends.

Ooh, and I obviously understood how she fell in love with the cutest dog ever online! I could picture that sweet little ball of fur and I was also completely in love with that picture in my imagination.

I have to admit, I found the chaos Ellie stumbled up to on her arrival rather funny. Yes, tides are a very serious matter, and it’s not something to joke about. But I’m more talking about how out of depth she is feeling, not actually understanding the driver or why she is being left in the middle of nowhere.

But I also fell in love with the whole community of Lindisfarne (with the exception of one character, but you’ll know who I am talking about when you meet that one very specific character).
Ellie is welcomed with open arms, and no questions asked. Everyone in Lindisfarne is ready to help her out, from offering her a warm bed at her arrival, to explaining how to milk a goat.

It was wonderful to see how at ease Ellie feels in a place so far away from her own world. Even if she doesn’t know how to look after the animals, she isn’t discouraged by it.
She also falls in love with each of the animals separately, and even the most devilish one will love her!

Even if she is ‘in the middle of nowhere’, I liked it how she still relies on her ‘home buddies’. Not only is she showing them an unknown side of her, but despite the distance, they are all still there for each other, with a word of wisdom (or not…) and advice.

Of course Ellie has a love interest, in the form of Zen. He for sure is an awesome man, even if perhaps at the beginning of the book he seems to be anything but a nice man. But in those circumstances I could completely understand his frustrations.
But the more the story evolves, the more we see what a nice, caring and helpful man he is. He is always ready to help out anyone who needs a hand, even at the risk of his own safety.

The sparks between Ellie and Zen fly, and it frustrated me a tiny bit that they…just…wouldn’t… give…in!!!
It’s so clear what an amazing couple these two together would be!

And while I could understand when there is a new entry, that Ellie may think to just go and have some fun. But on the other hand, I didn’t want her to, because I wanted her with Zen! ☺️

The romance for sure was lovely to read, but I was left more amazed by how at home Ellie feels. She is in a strange place, but everyone is just so kind and warm, and everyone accepts Ellie in their midst. It shows that even at the places you would never think about, can feel like a warm home. And that in the oddest places you can fill that piece in your heart that was missing.
It takes perhaps courage to step away from your comfort – zone, but the reward you will gain, the friendships that you will find, the love that you will find, are priceless.

I truly enjoyed reading this book, as it shows us that sometimes one tiny little cute dog can make you take a decision with great and amazing consequences, and that you will find a place where you truly belong…

When a romantic grand gesture turns into something complete different…

Synopsis

It was supposed to be a holiday of a lifetime…

But when Jen’s boyfriend David suddenly cancels their romantic Paris trip, needing to urgently travel to Athens for work, it’s best friend Bonnie who suggests they surprise him.

Having already booked the time off from her events company – Christmas Every Day – Jen decides an impromptu and romantic gesture might be just what their relationship needs?

Arriving in Greece and finding David is not there, Jen has a lot of questions. And when she gets her answers she has a choice – should she go home or should she stay a while?

With the help of Astro, the handsome yet Christmas-hating waiter from the local bar, she sets about a little Greek Christmas research. But what starts as a ‘business trip’ soon turns into something more…

My review

Jen is truly looking forward to the planned holiday to Paris with her boyfriend David. So obviously Jen is devastated to hear that David has to cancel as he is needed in Athens for his work.
And when her best friend Bonnie has the idea to travel to Athens to surprise him, how can Jen refuse the idea?
But when arriving in Athens, there is no David to be found anywhere. And then the truth comes out…as apparently David hasn’t been that honest…
Having already taken the time off from her Christmas – business, Jen and Bonnie decide to stay in Athens. A place that she wants to discover its traditions. And with the help Astro, Jen get to know Athens in a way that tourists never could. Meanwhile Jen is determined to show anti – Christmas Astro the beauty of the holiday that is always filled with much love. And perhaps that these two find something more too? 

I always enjoy reading books that somehow have Christmas involved. And I always enjoy reading books where a main character goes to another country for one reason or another and find love.
So as this book seemed the perfect mash – up, how could I not read it? 

Grand gestures are a weak spot of mine also, so I liked it how Jen wanted to surprise her boyfriend David by showing up in Athens.
Of course, we as a reader, will already know it will end in heartbreak for Jen, but yet I couldn’t dislike her for her optimism and her love for David (even if undeserved…). 

My heart went out to her, discovering how deceitful David has been, on so many different levels. I could even understand that Jen has had enough of men for the moment. 

But I also understood how she couldn’t give up on the opportunity of discovering Athens. And is there a better way to discover it than with a best friend like Bonnie?
These two friends are in a way very different from each other, but also so very alike at the same time. Bonnie understands the hurt Jen is feeling, but she wants Jen to rediscover joy again. Even if that involves some not so innocent drinks! 

I liked it how Jen was completely into Christmas. But what made it extra special, was learning the reasons for it. The holiday means so much for her, because of her past, and she wants everyone to feel the joy. 

And that couldn’t be more different than Astro’s feelings about the holiday. If someone would hate Christmas, there had to be a very good reason for it. And unfortunately, Astro has…
Anything concerning Christmas is a reminder of what happened when he was a child, and so even if I didn’t agree with his thoughts, I could understand where he was coming from. 

But that isn’t the only worry Astro has. I felt that he still was at loss, he wants to do what’s right for his family, but he also wants to have the chance to do what he wants, to follow his own dreams, without being a disappointment. 

And that made Jen and Astro meeting perhaps the best thing that could happen to then. They both have somehow the same fear of disappointing, yet together they try to make each other see that following your own dreams isn’t wrong, and that asking for help isn’t something to be ashamed for. 

But they also experience that deep feelings don’t always need years and years to grow. Sometimes when the right person comes on your path, even a short holiday in Athens is more than enough to restore your faith in love again. 

And that when it happens, the physical distance is just a small hurdle to jump over, as solutions can be found. 

This was a lovely story about broken people, yet finding the courage to restore their hopes and dreams. And it was also amazing to discover another side of Athens, showing real people, with all their hurt and doubts included. But it also shows us that for love, whether the romantic kind, the family kind or friendship kind, we would do anything for our loved ones…

When buying a house turns out to be not a dream but a nightmare…

Synopsis

An unwelcome guest?

Still in shock after the tragic death of husband Richie, Cassie Macreddin hopes that her new home, historic Hindon House, is the place where she can heal her pain and hide her secrets.

But Hindon House has secrets of its own…

Cassie soon realises that not everyone is pleased at her arrival and that someone is actively trying to make her leave Hindon House….but who? And why?

As events escalate, Cassie must fight to save her home…and maybe even her life.

Don’t miss the brand new thriller by Valerie Keogh! Perfect for fans of Sue Watson, Shalini Boland and K.L. Slater.

My review

After losing her husband in a tragic accident, Cassie Macreddin is to start again. With buying the historic Hindon House she hopes to have found the place to overcome her pain.
But Cassie soon discovers that all the issues with the house are not based on negligence. And that there is someone trying to chase her away from Hindon House.
When things start to get out of control, Cassie is suspicious of everyone who has been setting foot in her house.
Can Cassie discover the culprit before it’s too late? Or will she be chased away with all her own secrets too? 

I have to admit, this story didn’t go exactly as I thought it would. In fact, it was somehow the complete opposite.
And while that wasn’t a bad thing per se, it made me wary of everything that was happening in the book, because I didn’t know where it was going… 

Losing your husband is a terrible thing, and I can only try to imagine how painful that may be. Yet from the start I felt that there was something we didn’t know about Cassie and Richie’s relationship and how it all ended so tragically. 

Yet I was glad to see how Cassie found the courage to pack everything and take a fresh start somewhere new.
Now, I am always in awe of majestic houses, but imaging Hindon House, its greatness but also seeing it many many flaws, I know that I wouldn’t feel safe in it, for many different reasons, imaginary and not. 

I could understand Cassie, how initially things may seem being done (or not) by herself. And in an old house, it’s normal that perhaps the electricity doesn’t always work as it should. And I absolutely would have acted the same way, if I were truly terrified as Cassie was. 

But despite her fear, I also admired her courage. She won’t let anyone chase her away and she is determined to discover who is after her, or rather after the house.
And I could absolutely comprehend that she grew suspicious of just everyone she met. From the real estate agent who wanted the house for himself, to the renovating team. Just every one could be behind terrorizing Cassie. 

This book was one of those rare books that I didn’t have a clear idea who was behind it all. I had my suspicions, but I couldn’t figure out the motives or even how that person could have done it all on their own… 

And just maybe the extend of it all, the involvements were asking too much of my imagination, but we also know that in real life too things can take a strange turn and that, unfortunately, we shouldn’t be shocked by anything anymore… 

The ending and seeing it al wrapped up with Cassie perhaps left a bitter taste in my mouth. Not because it was a bad ending. But because what we discovered at Hindon House left that ugly taste in my mind. And I couldn’t blame Cassie for the choice she made in the end. 

The author for sure wrote a story that keeps you guessing but also that keeps on freaking you out. Because just like Cassie I felt the fear creeping upon me. And even when all the truths came out, and I thought that all the secrets were out in the open, Valerie Keogh wrote a last bit, giving me even more goosebumps…
And that is in fact when a thriller truly succeeds in its purpose, when the reader is left in shock and fear…

To fulfil your dreams, to find a family…

Synopsis

Family is everything…

In the years since her death, Gemma has been running her late mother’s café with devotion, and when an opportunity comes to buy out her next-door neighbour and expand, she jumps at the chance.

She knows she will do her mother proud – keep her legacy going strong – but deep down she knows there’s still something missing. With her mum in her mind more than ever, and the knowledge that she may never start a family of her own, she can’t stop thinking about what life has in store for her.

But sometimes family are those you choose, or those who choose you! And with a growing community of supporters cheering Gemma on – including some new faces at her blossoming bistro – and maybe one in particular, will she really spend the rest of her life alone?

My review

With the chance of expanding her late mother’s café, Gemma is over the moon being able to buy out her neighbour.
But expansion also means hard work. Luckily Gemma can count on her sister and the whole community to help a hand.
However, no matter how cheery Gemma may seem, when on her own it’s when she starts to ponder if she will always be on her own, and if she will never have someone by her side.
Gemma also knows that she cannot manage the café on her own. Luckily she is able to hire teenager Occy as a help. A bond is quickly formed and Gemma is feeling very protective towards the girl. And with her father Jude Adams, Gemma is starting to feel that perhaps love is on the cards for her. That is, until both their pasts resurface? 

Kim Nash is an author that I haven’t know that long, but with the books she has written and I have read, I have realized that perhaps it’s the most ‘simple’ stories that can truly touch your heart. 

Gemma is the kind of character that feels so real, so recognizable. But she is also a hurt character, in so many different ways.
Unfortunately she is one of those women who had to give up her own dreams of having a family. But to make things even worse for her, it also meant losing the man she thought she loved. And that in a terrible way. 

While Gemma on the outside is a bubbly characters, always ready to help out, we also see the darker moments in her. While attempting to keep her late mother’s dreams alive, she is doubting herself. Is it all good enough? Would her mother be proud of her?
We see those doubts, and even the hurt she feels, further on the story very clearly.  

Yet it’s clear that Gemma is one of those persons that feel very deeply. She would do anything for her sister. And when Occy starts to work at the café, Gemma feels so protective towards this teenager.
Gemma is the kind of person you can always rely on, for having a shoulder to cry on, for some advice or just having a friend to have a laugh with. 

I found it funny to see how at odds this great woman was with local fire and safety officer Jude Adams.
Yes, Jude doesn’t make a great first impression, but I knew deep down that it was a misunderstanding and that Jude would turn out to an amazing man. 

Jude is an amazing father to Occy, yet maybe at moments a bit overprotective. But learning about what he and Occy have been going through, and how Jude is just doing his best for his daughter, I could understand where he was coming from. 

It warmed my heart to see how Gemma and Jude slowly are growing closer together. It was sweet to see how Gemma and Jude are being friends, relying on each other as just that, trusting each other and confiding each other.
And it’s only later on that things are evolving even further. But this slow burning romance is exactly what they both need, they need a strong base to build upon.
Both main characters are going through so much growth, also with thanks of them having each other. And seeing that growth, even if it isn’t without trial and error, was wonderful (even if at one point heart – breaking) to read. 

We also see that Gemma is trying to understand what *her* dreams are. Because it’s admirable to see how she wants to continue her mother’s legacy. But that doesn’t mean that there isn’t place for her own dreams too.
And we see her realizing that perhaps having a family doesn’t mean it has to come in the traditional ways, but that even if it comes as a ‘package – deal’, it can give you the love you were searching in a different yet perhaps even magnificent way.   

This story has characters that aren’t flawless. Gemma, Jude, even Occy and other characters have made and are still making mistakes. But that is also how it goes in real life. Because with every decision or choice, there the chance of making the wrong one. And that doesn’t make us perfect, but just human. 

I found this a marvellous book to read, as it’s filled with so much warmth, love and understanding.

One place, different times

Synopsis

AD 61

Brittania is in the hands of the Romans but when the conquering army betray the dead King Prasutagus by defiling his daughters, his Queen, Boudicca, is determined to regain her land.

Iceni slave Brea remembers little of the time before the Romans, and has grown used to their louche and indulgent customs. She diligently goes about her duties looking after the artless Aurelia, wife-to-be of the handsome war hero Marcellus, but her longing for freedom and her desire to find her lost father, are never far from her mind.

Present Day

When Hanna returns to Norfolk from years working abroad, the strange dreams of her adolescence return: indistinct figures in tunics, mighty soldiers in armour, gladiators, temples, an Iceni warrior woman leading her people. Gradually Hanna’s dreams begin to slip into the present as visions in the famous mists rolling across the fens, and as shocks of recognition when a new face moves to her childhood home.

As Hanna realises that she has a connection with a tragedy that occurred many years before, so Brea has to understand that her fate is bound up with her Roman master. And as the drumbeat of rebellion gets ever closer Brea must make the fatal choice between love and

loyalty while Hanna has to find a way to make peace with the past.

My review

After spending years abroad, Hanna returns to Norfolk. With her return, also the strange dreams she used to have during her adolescence reappears. Strange dreams that show her an Iceni warrior woman, soldiers in armours, gladiators and temples.
But then her dreams take a different turn, as Hanna suddenly starts to have visions of that same woman, in the mysterious mists of the fens.
Hanna is determined to figure out what her dreams and visions may mean. And she discovers that that Iceni warrior woman is in fact Brea, a young woman captured by the Romans, and turned into a slave. A slave whose duties were to look after war hero Marcellus’ wife – to – be Aurelia. But Brea never loses hope to be free once again, and to be reunited with her lost father. And she finds an ally in the most unexpected way, as Marcellus himself promises to help her to find and free her father.
But Brea comes to a point to make a choice between love and loyalty to her people.
And Hanna meanwhile has to face the connection she has with Brea, and has to decide where her life will be, and make peace with her past. 

I am the kind of person who doesn’t believe in visions, ghosts or other things that are inexplicable. But I am also the kind of person that, even if I don’t believe it, I keep an open mind, just in case… 

And what I liked about this book is that it’s all rather believable. In the sense that Hanna is a woman with both feet on the ground, she isn’t a spiritual kind of woman, into witchcraft or other things like that. 

Ever since her accident as an adolescence she has been having the strangest dreams. And as I am known for having the weirdest dreams myself (I could write about them!) , I could sympathize with her as I know how it feels to wake up from them and being disorientated. 

Somehow those dreams also gave Hanna a kind of wanderlust, as she has been traveling around the world. It felt to me that she was perhaps scared to return home, afraid to reignite the force of those dreams? 

I have to say, returning back to Norfolk and seeing Hanna reunited with her mother, warmed my heart. Because my first impressions of her mother were those of a mother pushing her child to be the best at everything. Yet Stephanie is in fact a lovely woman and an amazing mother. 

Once back home, Hanna has to think about what to do next with her life. And that was somehow also recognizable. Because haven’t we all been at that point once in our lives, taking a stop, thinking about our past, present and future? And sometimes going back home is exactly what we need to do, as home will give us the answers, unexpected possibilities and puts the right people on our paths. 

But home, in Hanna’s case also brings her back in a faraway past, in Brea’s life. 

And Brea for sure is a tragic character in a way… I can only try to imagine what it feels like to see how your home is being taken away, how it feels to be turned into a slave.
Perhaps ‘lucky’ isn’t the right word, but that is what I felt about Brea’s circumstances. Because even if being a slave, she is having a rather safe life. 

Her ‘master’ isn’t the abusive one, using his power to his own benefits, and as long as Brea and the other slaves follow the rules, they have nothing to fear. But still, even if she has it rather easy as a slave, isn’t freedom always better? 

Her story truly saddened me in so many different ways, but I also admired her as she somehow, despite her current life, she never lost hope. She truly believed that someday she would be free and reunited with her family again, and why not, even find love. 

I was happy for her when she even found it, even if it were in an impossible way. but just like Brea, I kept hoping that a way would be found for her to have all her dreams coming true somehow, someway… 

Seeing the connection between Hanna and Brea is one to see with an open mind. If you start pinpointing everything that you find unbelievable, this book isn’t for you.
As I kept my mind open about it, I truly enjoyed reading both characters’ story, about how even if centuries separated them, there is something that brought them together. 

And I liked it to see how even with such a huge timespan, in the end, we all want the same thing, to be free, to be surrounded by family and friends, and to find love. And while one might have to fight literally to gain it, one other has to dig deep (literally) to find it. But even if the how and the what may be different, the purpose is always the same…