Tizi’s Book Review

Life isn’t always smooth sailing…

Synopsis

Home is where the coffee is…

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

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

My review

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

No matter what, home will always be home…

Synopsis

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

My review

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Better a good neighbour than a distant friend…

Synopsis

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

A tale as old as time…

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

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

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

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

My review

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

When everything seems to change, can it also take a turn for the better?

Synopsis

Rosie feels like there’s something missing in her life.She loves her job as the manager of Willowdale Hall Riding Stables, caring for the horses and teaching children to ride, and she loves the home she shares with her mother in the beautiful Lake District. But she can’t help wondering how her life might look if things had been different. What if her father had been around to help care for her mother? And what if she’d found someone special herself?

When Hubert Cranleigh – the owner of Willowdale Hall – is taken ill, his son Oliver steps into the breach. Brooding and distant, Rosie is furious when he claims not to know who she is. Especially when they have a history.

Rosie’s life is about to be turned upside down, but with the New Year comes new opportunities. What Rosie feels is missing from her life might be closer than she thinks, and with more significant consequences than she could ever have imagined…

Take a breath of fresh air and escape to the Lake District with million-copy bestseller Jessica Redland, for an uplifting story of family, friendship and love

My review

Although Rosie loves managing the Willowdale Hall Riding Stables and living in the Lake District, she feels that there is still something missing in her life.
Of course not knowing her father, has left Rosie with many questions, and taking care of her traumatized mother isn’t an easy task, even if she would do anything for her mother.
Luckily her best friend and pen pal Autumn has just moved around the corner and their long – distance friendship didn’t fail to prove how strong their bond is.
But when Hubert Cranleigh, the grumpy owner of Willowdale Hall has taken ill, and his son Oliver has returned, Rosie hasn’t got a clue about how her life will change.
But what she does know, is that she still cannot understand Oliver’s behaviour now, as he pretends he doesn’t recognize her. But also Oliver’s behaviour in the past has left her with many questions. Because there was a time that Rosie and Oliver were much more…
With the New Year looming around the corner, Rosie perhaps will find the answers to all her questions, together with new opportunities making her take that breath of fresh air she didn’t know she was missing… 

Having a book of Jessica Redland in my hands always takes me to my happy place. Even before I have read one single word of the book, I know I will be captivated by the story, fall in love with its characters and wish I could stay in the marvellous places Jessica chose as a setting. 

And sometimes, just like in this book, I just loved a book that much that I even find it difficult to put into words why it touched me and which bits were the best.
But that doesn’t mean I won’t give it my bets shot! 😊 

Rosie isn’t a new character, as we already got to know her in The Start Of Something Wonderful. But I was happy she got her own place in the spotlight, because I knew there was so much to learn and discover from her.
And Rosie was exactly how I imagined her to be, even behind closed doors! She is a loving, caring and passionate person. If you are lucky to be in her inner circle, you can always count of having someone in your corner, fighting beside you, no matter what. 

With the flashbacks, we also see that even at a young age, Rosie is very perceptive and genuine. She doesn’t care who you are, it’s your actions that speak for them. And those actions will let Rosie decide if you are worthy of her friendship or not. 

She is also a wonderful daughter. Not only that, but she is an amazing one! I don’t know how many people would actually do what Rosie does for her mother, or would just stay with her mother. It was terrible to read how an accident many years ago affected not only Rosie’s mother but also Rosie herself.
Yet Rosie doesn’t leave her mother’s side, and she even adapts her schedule to her mother’s, or rather the weather predictions, just to be there for one of her mother’s attacks.. 

If this book would only be going about the above, it would already be something wonderful (yeah yeah, pun intended 😊). But the forced return of Oliver on the premises added that something more special to already a special something. 

Oliver doesn’t make a great first impression, as he behaves like he doesn’t know Rosie, he acts standoffish, and is rather cold. When Oliver arrives, I would have thought he would be worried dead about his father, and that Oliver would show us immediately that he was a great, even swoon – worthy material. 

But Oliver’s backstory, even affecting Rosie’s background, shows us that we never know what happens behind closed doors. And that no matter what our heart tells us what to do and what to feel, sometimes there are people there who don’t have our best interest at heart, even if they specifically should have… 

We see Rosie and Oliver growing up together, but we also see the mistakes that are being made. And while at the moment self it was difficult to comprehend some actions, the revelations of them with adult Rosie and Oliver broke my heart…
And while initially some behaviours left me bit flabbergasted, in the end they all made sense and I was glad the dots were linked in a way that made me like Oliver even more, instead of making me dislike him. Even what he did was wrong, I now know why he did it, and I couldn’t possibly be mad at him for that. 

Now, Jessica Redland wouldn’t be the amazing author she is if there wouldn’t be a few secrets and revelations that would leave you shocked and speechless.
But that is also part of the charm of this book. Because life isn’t a fairytale, filled with rainbows and unicorns. And some bits are truly heartbreaking, but that is part of life. There are many highs in life, but also several lows… 

There is another elephant in the room that I feel I need to address… the epilogue of the book ends with a kind of cliffhanger and I know that there are reviews in the wide world expressing their anger with it. I say ‘kind of cliffhanger’, because for me it was more of a question that was left open, and with resolution in the hands of the characters.
And while I did actually scream as the book didn’t go any further, as curiosity almost killed me 😊, it didn’t take away any joy I had from reading the book.
It didn’t take away any love I had for the characters, it didn’t make me suddenly dislike the whole book. 

But I do for sure hope that Jessica won’t leave me hanging for all too long, because I want to grab the next book A-S-A-P. And that is not only because I want to discover the mystery, but because this whole series give me so much warmth, love, satisfaction and sense of contentment. And once again, I was capable of reading without an overuse of tissues! Sometimes it’s the small victories that count! 😊

Love can be funny business…

Synopsis

Dumped by Instagram post. Not a whiff of a social life. Can it get any worse?

After a string of failed relationships – romantic and platonic – Lea’s had enough of watching life happen without her. When she bumps into Shep, a comedian at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in need of accommodation, it feels like destiny. And voilá – Lea now has a lodger and some company.

The two get on like a flat on fire, and Lea can’t resist falling for outgoing Shep. But she knows it’s a mistake that will cost her heart – he’s just another guy passing through, after all. And with Shep’s stand-up routine edging him closer to his big break, there’s no way he’ll stick around.

Love is no laughing matter as the Fringe draws to a close. Can Lea find the confidence to step up and confess her feelings to Shep? Will he want to stay?

A feel-good, heartwarming romance for anyone desperate to break out of their shell and find their true self.

My review

After discover that the man she has been dating is moving to Australia and didn’t even bother to tell her, Lea had had enough of any kind of relationship. Not that her world is filled with men… or even friends if we are being honest. With the friends she has being all in a different stage in their lives, Lea feels rather lonely and alone in the world.
So when she meets comedian Shep at the Edinburgh festival and she learns that he is looking for accommodation, she decides to offer him her spare bedroom. Not only now does she have a lodger, but also the company!
While initially it may seem a terrible idea – doesn’t every horror story start with a wrong choice – Lea and Shep become very quickly real friends. And even if Lea knows that Shep is only staying for a short time in Edinburgh, she cannot stop falling for the man that brought her so much life, light and love. But is it right to ask him to stay, for her, at the verge of his big break? Because even if it feels like they have known each other for ages, the fact is that they have just met and Lea doesn’t know if Shep would actually want to stay with her… 

I have to admit, at the start of this book, I didn’t know what to actually think of Lea. When we meet her, she is dating this man, Paul. And it seemed like they were in a steady relationship, so just like her I was a bit flabbergasted discovering that Paul was ready to head of to Australia and didn’t bother to tell his girlfriend. That is until I realized that the steady relationship wasn’t a that steady one, and Palu was just in fact looking for some distraction and not for the love of his life… 

The next moment that I didn’t know what to think about Lea was when she meets Shep. Of course it all starts with a complete misunderstanding and a serious case of clashing. Don’t the best stories start like that?
But I found it very strange how easily Lea offers Shep to come and stay at her place. Perhaps I am way too wary of strangers, but who would ever make that kind of offer?  

Luckily, Lea shows that yes, perhaps she is rather impulsive, but that she also has a brain. She knows that what she did doesn’t make any sense, as who knows what kind of person is staying at her place? Because not everyone has good intentions in this world, unfortunately. 

Nevertheless, even with the strange offer Lea made, it’s clear that this unlikely pair is a match made in heaven. They just click so well together, they understand each other and it seems like they have known each other for years and not just a short time.
Especially Lea finds it easy and comforting in confiding all her worries with this new man in her life. A new man that is able to put a smile on her face by just being there for her, or cracking up a joke or a funny anecdote. 

Shep shows his real character in many different occasions, proving that he is in fact a lovely guy, he is one of the good ones.
Of course he is grateful for Lea’s help, and despite his feelings he doesn’t want to cross that line, until he knows that his feelings are reciprocated.
And he doesn’t belittle Lea’s feelings, he understand how alone and lonely she feels and he doesn’t hesitate to help her out also in this matter. I loved it to see how he knew which kind of friends Lea needed and in which group she would feel at ease. 

Shep also has a big dream, and him staying in Edinburgh is his attempt to succeed. He for sure know how to make his audience laugh, but he also shows that it isn’t that easy to make it actual happen. It’s easy to crack a joke here and there, but to captivate your audience and make them laugh for your entire show isn’t easy-peasy! We see Shep succeed several times, but we also see him fail. And with that we see also how scary it can be, and how one bad show can turn you once again in that self-doubting person, not believing in your own talents.   

It may seem banal how Lea feels. But her story felt so close and relatable. It’s something I have felt in my past too, feeling alone and lonely. And the friends I had back then (or at least the people I thought were friends…) were not in my same situation, not understanding how I felt. And it took me to make some changes in my life to understand who would be truly there for me no matter what, and who was to be brutally honest, a waste of time.
And it took me some time and trust to create a new group of friends where I could be 100% myself, where both my funny bits but also my awkward bits were accepted. 

I think the way Lea feels through great part of the book, is how many people feel in the world. But unfortunately, despite all the ways of contact we have now, it’s not something we throw in the open, our feelings of loneliness… and that is something that should change… 

Seeing Lea making new friends was truly sweet. We see her trying to find her spot, being initially shy, not wanting to be overeager. But it was lovely to see how she was accepted and how she was liked by most of the threesome.
Most, because once again we see how ugly people can be when they think we want to ‘steal’ something that they believe belongs to them and them alone… 

I found this a lovely story to read, to see how one act of kindness can turn into something more important. But it’s also about facing your fears. And those fears can go from standing in front of an audience, to fear of admitting the depth of your feelings and what you truly want. But it’s when those fears are faced and overcome, that the best outcome is made possible!

In a famous city where past and present collide, is a happy end possible?

Synopsis

Brimming with romance, adventure and vivid historical detail, Christina Courtenay’s gripping dual-time novel travels from the present day to the fires of ancient Pompeii.

The sunlight caught her gold bracelet, sending a flash that almost blinded her.

She closed her eyes, but jumped when the earth started shaking and there was an almighty boom behind her.

Present Day
Finally escaping an abusive marriage, Caterina Rossi takes her three-year-old daughter and flees to Italy. There she’s drawn to research scientist Connor, who needs her translation help for his work on volcanology. Together they visit the ruins of Pompeii and, standing where Mount Vesuvius unleashed its fire on the city centuries before, Cat begins to see startling visions. Visions that appear to come from the antique bracelet handed down through her family’s generations…

AD 79
Sold by his half-brother and enslaved as a gladiator in Roman Pompeii, Raedwald dreams only of surviving each fight, making the coin needed to return to his homeland and taking his revenge. That is, until he is hired to guard beautiful Aemilia. As their forbidden love grows, Raedwald’s dreams shift like the ever more violent tremors of the earth beneath his feet.

The present starts eerily to mirror the past as Cat must fight to protect her safety, and to forge a new path from the ashes of her old life…

My review

Caterina Rossi, Cat for her friends, finally found the courage to escape her abusive marriage. Together with her three – year – old daughter she returns back to her roots and family in Italy, hoping that her husband will never find them.
When she meets research scientist Connor, she offers her help with translating documents for his work on volcanology. Connor’s job brings the pair to the ruins of Pompeii, where Cat begins to have visions about a faraway past, linked to the antique bracelet that has been in her family for generations.
Visions that bring her to AD 79, where Aemilia has a new bodyguard as ordered by her distant husband. Even Raedwald is commited to his extra job as bodyguard,  he is set on getting revenge on his half – brother. Because Raedwald has been betrayed and sold as a gladiator in Pompeii. And every coin he can have, brings him closer to execute his plans.
But what he didn’t foresee are the growing feelings he has for Aemilia, that are reciprocated… However, with the Vesuvius acting up like we all know how it has, is a future possible for them?

Having read several books from this author already, I knew what to expect. And even I am very skeptical whenever visions etc. concerns, each book for sure captured my attention and I liked reading them.
Yet I cannot put exactly my finger on it, but when I finished this book, I found myself loving each bit I had read!

This is a dual timeline, yet each main character could have a whole book for themselves. But having a common thread, made the book an even more enthralling one.
But don’t ask me which story I preferred, as I loved them both equally.

I got really vengeful reading Raedwald and Aemilia’s story. First of all, the betrayal Raedwald had to endure made my blood boil. And then reading how he had to adapt as he was being used as a gladiator… we all know how brutal it was.
Of course I understood why he needed to gain his freedom and get his revenge on his family.

It was even funny in a way to see how love changed Raedwald… His focus shifted, although not completely from  gaining freedom to Aemilia’s safety. But not only that, we also see a gentle side with his interaction with Aemilia’s little girl.

Aemilia is obviously not happy in her marriage. It’s clear that hers is a marriage of convenience (like it is common during this era), but still it saddened me to see her so unhappy and not knowing what love looks like. That is, until she meets Raedwald of course.

I always like it when there is growing an impossible love. Although I was a bit afraid for the outcome, as we know that the volcano will erupt. I was afraid that their story would end in tragedy, so I was both eager and reluctant to read their evolution.

Another evolution I was eager to discover was that of Cat. My heart truly broke while reading her story…
Just like Aemilia, she is in an unhappy marriage, but in Cat’s case it’s even worse as her husband is a real tyrant. And Cat has literally felt his anger.
Yet I found her courageous when she finally decided that she had enough and escapes her personal hell.

Perhaps Cat didn’t handle everything like it should have been done, but I could completely comprehended her. And it warmed my heart to see how her family in Italy opened their arms for her, even after everything that has happened.
It shows that a real caring and loving family is always there for you, no matter what happened.

It was also great to see Cat starting a new life in Italy. Slowly she picks up the pieces and slowly she starts to trust those around her.
And that includes Connor…

Connor is exactly what Cat need to restore her trust in mankind. While their first encounter perhaps wasn’t the best one, Connor shows not only an interest in Cat, but he also shows kindness, patience, and gentleness. He is also ready to help out when he sees someone in need. And we see that in his actions towards Cat. Yes, he is attracted to her, but I also truly believe he would help her if she were ‘just’ a friend..

In this book we see in several occasions that there are plenty of ugly people in the world. But we also see, and that is more important, that there are more good people. And these people are there to restore faith in humankind.

Now, I am still skeptical concerning the whole vision-thing, yet in this book it was a great addition. It made it possible to link the main characters without making it all too crazy.
That made it for me possible to truly love reading this story. Because we not only it’s a captivating story in a beautiful setting, but we also see the power of real and the good kind of love and how it can change people and restore their faith.

When the goal is to end a courtship but then…

Synopsis

‘Angelica had always known her lack of high birth, fortune or influence debarred her from being presented as an eligible young woman worthy of marriage. To cap it all, being an actress assured she was utterly beyond the pale of respectability.’

Nightly at the Covent Garden Theatre in London, an enchanting actress is wowing the crowds with her affecting portrayal of Ophelia. Preyed on by rakes and opportunistic young bucks, feted by dukes and earls, even the Prince Regent himself, Angelica Leigh is a sensation.

But in Regency England, beauty and talent are not enough to be considered marriage material, so when the eminently eligible Lord Charles Latimer sets his heart on Angelica, his uncle is sent to intervene.

As a highly respected, hard-working and wealthy lawmaker, The Honourable Ivor Asprey, is himself seen as desirable husband material, but widowed with an eleven-year-old daughter Elinor, he has forsaken all thoughts of romance. Lord Latimer’s mother, the Duchess of Arlington, despairs of her son, despite being reassured by Ivor that his infatuation with the actress will pass. But there is something about Angelica Leigh that demands attention, and even the austere and upstanding Mr Asprey isn’t immune to her charms.

Sunday Times bestselling author Jane Dunn brings the Regency period irresistibly to life. Perfect for fans of Jane Austen. Janice Hadlow, Gill Hornby, and anyone with a Bridgerton-shaped hole in their lives.

My review

Angelica Leigh is an actress that manages to captivate her audience while performing at the Covent Garden Theatre in London.
She even captures the attention of Lord Charles Latimer, who has fallen for the beautiful actress and is determined to marry her.
But Regency England, and especially Lord Latimer’s mother isn’t ready to accept a ‘mere’ actress in the higher society. And thus  Charles’ mother, the Duchess of Arlington, asks her brother, The Honourable Ivor Asprey, to avoid a scandal. And while Ivor is sure that Charles’ infatuation will quickly pass, the widowed with a young daughter finds himself more and more captivated by Angelica… 

Regency stories are always a sort of guilty pleasure for me. Add the fact that there is clear distinction in class between the main characters, and you know that I will gladly read it!
But after finishing this book, I also found this a book showing different kinds of love. 

Because it’s clear that what Lord Charles Latimer feels for Angelica isn’t the real kind of love, but just a crush, an infatuation, even if he doesn’t realize it himself yet.
However, I admired his determination to pursue his wish to marry Angelica. And his feelings for Angelica also make sure that in every circumstance, Angelica has someone fighting in her corner. 

But we also see a nasty kind of love, even we can even call it love. Because Angelica has a suitor, who just wants to have Angelica as a mistress, to have his wicked, lecherous way with her. This is a kind of desire we all despise and need to stay away from. 

And then there is the kind of love that slowly develops, based on respect, understanding and knowing the person for real. And that is the kind of love that rises above every possible obstacle. 

At first, I didn’t know what to think of Angelica as her nature somehow clashes with her work as an actress. Not that I have something against actresses, but her latest play for sure attract the male attention as she doesn’t leave a lot to the imagination.
But it’s clear that acting is a passion of Angelica, and can you blame someone who is chasing their dreams? 

And in fact, Angelica is a kind, sweet, loveable character. There are moments she could chose the easy way out, but that is not the kind of person she is. She could have easily accepted Lord Charles’ proposal, but she isn’t sure about her feelings and she doesn’t want to bring scandal over Lord Charles, no matter how good his intentions are, and she for sure doesn’t want to disrupt a family… 

When because of circumstances she is staying at Ivor Asprey’s residence, we also see that there is so much more to her than we would think.
It was also lovely to see how well along she gets with Ivor’s little sweetheart, who is a real sweetheart.
But what I liked the most was to the developing relationship between Angelica and Ivor, as we see how spending time together can bring people to a better understanding and how it can make even the most reluctant person fall in love. 

And that is obviously Ivor, as he is determined to never fall in love again, as he believes that it will only end in heartbreak. Yet that doesn’t take away that he is ready to fight (even literally) for the woman who has won his heart. 

It doesn’t matter where you stand in society, because for the right person, you would be ready to make the scandalous match. Even when wrong choices are being made for protection, or to avoid a real scandal, in the most difficult moments the real emotions surface and it’s impossible to ignore them any longer. But in the end, every fight, every doubt, everything in general was worth it when love is in fact the endgame.

How one unexpected night can get you out of your comfort zone in so many ways

Synopsis

Lizzie Rose knows what she likes and likes what she knows.

Her role at the London Museum is more than a job, it’s her safe place and her passion. So when Lizzie is passed over for a chance in a lifetime opportunity in favour of her ex-boyfriend and fellow Egypt nerd Friedrich Klein, her heartbreak over their relationship pales into insignificance compared to her sadness at losing the project.

Best friend Colette thinks an evening of cocktails is just the medicine for a broken heart, and meeting dashing, charming, but very much ‘not her type’ Finn Bryson at the bar puts a smile on Lizzie’s face too. But Lizzie isn’t used to spending time outside of her comfortable world of academia and doesn’t believe in mixing business with pleasure. So when Finn’s job brings him to the museum, she’s determined to put an end to any notion of romance between them.

But what if Lizzie’s comfort zone isn’t that comfortable any more? Is it time for Lizzie to take the chance on love that fate keeps bringing her way – even if it means changing the habits of a lifetime?

My review

Lizzie Rose is an archeologist that loves her job at the London Museum. So when she loses the chance to be the lead of a gig to her obnoxious ex – boyfriend, her best friend Colette decides that a night filled with cocktails what Lizzie needs.
On their night out, Lizzie meets Finn Bryson. Even if he is totally not Lizzie’s type, he manages to distract her, and Lizzie even does something she usually never does. Because after all, she is never going to see Finn again.
Until their worlds once again collide and Finn’s job brings him to the museum where Lizzie works. Even if sparks keep flying around, Lizzie is determined to not mix business with pleasure.
Yet Lizzie’s comfortable comfort zone doesn’t feel that comfortable anymore, and it’s up to Lizzie to take a step into the unknown, and perhaps even take a chance on Finn?

Maxine Morrey always manages to write stories that seem at first sight rather simple and easy. But she has the ability and talent to yet make it into something spectacular.
And having read several of her books, I knew I would be in for a treat!

Lizzie is such a recognizable character, even if her job (and passion) couldn’t be further from my own interests. Yet I could completely understand her, how she feels comfortable in her current situation, and not all that eager to make any changes.
I liked it how passionate she is about her job, I could practically see the light in her eyes!

But it was also clear how much her comfort zone was limiting her in a way. What happens when she meets Finn is so out of character for her, yet I could understand her feelings, how she was for sure enjoyed it, but it so not her.
There is so much potential in Lizzie, if only she would allow herself to take that step into the unknown, to even allow her to have fun and let her hair loose without feeling guilty or even losing herself.

And that is exactly why Finn is so perfect for her. While it started as one night of fun, when their paths cross again, he respects Lizzie for who she is, but he also wants her to see that there is so much more in Lizzie’s life than just her passion for archeology.
He understands her boundaries, fears and actions, but without turning Lizzie into someone else, she gently nudges her to understand that perhaps her boundaries are perhaps too strict, limiting her to be the best possible version of Lizzie.

So while before I already loved Lizzie, seeing her spending time with Finn, getting out there, having more fun and realizing how much she is capable of, made me love her even more.
And seeing her together with Finn was absolutely delightful!

Of course there are a few struggles in this book, and not only between Lizzie and Finn, but also things that unfortunately are still happening in the real world. And I thought that Maxine Morrey addressed these issues in a perfect manner, by showing them to us, but without getting too preachy about the injustice of it….

After finishing the book, I had to take some time to think about myself, and wonder if perhaps in the past I was a Lizzie myself, settling for my own comfort zone, but just like her, had to learn to step out of it and enjoy life more but without losing the person I am. I enjoyed reading this story from the first page until the very last one. I had extreme high expectations, and the author not only fulfilled them, but even went beyond!

Check this out!

Synopsis

A TIMES BEST NEW THRILLER PICK

‘Runs at breakneck speed through a dark and dangerous universe populated with characters who are never what they seem’ KATHLEEN KENT, author of Black Wolf

‘A perfect thriller – page-turning excitement, expert plotting, a good dose of wit, and above all a fierce heroine you can’t get enough of.’ ASIA MACKAY, author of Killing It

Meet Elsa Zero: Bad neighbour. Single mother. Ex-deep cover agent.
And right now, the most dangerous person on Earth.

When Elsa’s dull but dedicated boyfriend proposes in a packed restaurant, she doesn’t think her evening can get any worse. But as the clock strikes midnight, her world is turned upside down.

Suddenly Elsa is running for her life, trying to keep her children safe, and desperate to discover what the hell is going on.

Every intelligence agency in the world wants her dead because she’s in possession of a deadly secret – she just has to stay alive long enough to figure out what it is.

But this is Elsa Zero we’re talking about. And it’s a very bad idea to get on her wrong side.

Bursting with tension, twists and humour, this is a brilliantly unique action-thriller perfect for fans of Killing Eve, Lee Child and people who loved watching Nobody and Hunted.

Purchase Link – https://geni.us/ZKPBRRR

About the author

M.K. Hill worked as a journalist and an award-winning music radio producer before becoming a full-time writer. He’s written the Sasha Dawson series, Ray Drake series and the highly-acclaimedpsychological thriller One Bad Thing. He lives in London. Visit him at http://www.mkhill.uk or find him on Twitter @markhillwriter

A ghostwriting job with an unexpected and even terrifying twist…

Synopsis

Every screenwriter knows the best stories come from the truth…

But the truth can be terrifying

Marnie thought she’d left behind her days of writing ‘celebrity’ tell-all memoirs, but when her big break as a screenwriter turns to dust she’s forced to take another ghost writing job.

Except this time it’s for someone who is actually famous. Or rather, infamous. Blythe Hopper. A reclusive former Hollywood star who recently murdered her screenwriter husband.

And Marnie has her own reasons for wanting to meet Blythe, not least because of an email she received from Blythe’s husband, sent two days after he was shot dead.

But Marnie soon learns Blythe is not a woman to be messed with.

Dark secrets lurk at the Hoppers’ palatial London home – secrets long buried, which Marnie is determined to unearth. At any price.

Because this isn’t just about Blythe’s past.

It’s about Marnie’s too.

My review

Marnie is disappointed that her big break as a screenwriter went up in thin air. And the last thing she wants, is act once again as a ghostwriter.
But this latest job is one she could impossible refuse, as this time it concerns the memoirs of Hollywood star Blythe Hopper, infamous now after murdering her screenwriter husband.
A husband that appears to have sent Marnie an email, two days after his murder…
But Marnie learns quickly during her stay at the Hopper’s home in London that there are more dark secrets ready to be uncovered. Secrets that may even involve her…

I don’t often read thrillers, as way too often I am faced with the ugliness of people, and learn how far some would go. So I rather prefer a good romance, or a cosy mystery, where there is always a lightness present.
Yet once in a while, I cannot resist temptation and I grab a thriller, ready to be making my own connections and making an attempt to discover the truth myself before the big reveal.

In a book, there are always characters, most of the times the main character, that you immediately like. But in Marnie’s case, for me, she was a character that I had to learn to like.
I could understand her disappointment when her big break doesn’t happen at all. Of course it’s a bitter pill to swallow, and I could comprehend that she didn’t want to go back to ghostwriting.
But I found it difficult to agree with her work ethos. Especially at the very start, instead of arriving early, she prefers to have a pit stop and have a drink, which results in more drinks and appearing not only late but also inebriated at the scene.

Yet once settled in, Marnie’s misstep was the last thing on my mind, as Blythe Hopper and her loyal business manager Ludo Villander for sure aren’t acting all that welcoming or even normal…
Everything about the place and its inhabitants gave me the chills, and I knew that what we saw was just the tip of the iceberg.

The more the story evolved, the more there were awkward moments. From an overenthusiastic Blythe, to a Ludo acting more and more suspiciously, even on the verge of illegal.
Yet I couldn’t manage to connect all the dots and my imagination went from one extreme to another.

I have to admit, when everything was revealed, it’s not that I was disappointed, but I had a ‘that’s just it?’ – feeling. I had thought it would all have been more elaborated, complicated but Blythe’s revelations and what drove her to murder her husband, were in disproportion compared to her actions.

But that doesn’t take away that I found myself sitting on the edge of my seat, trying to make any sense of the story. I wanted to understand everything that was going on, I needed to know what drove the characters to act in the way they did.
And in the end, I found myself thinking that yes, in fact sometimes the world can be an ugly place, driving you to do things you otherwise wouldn’t. But in a way it’s also a place where Karma will always do its thing…