Tizi’s Book Review

When needs must, they can bring unlikely friendships

Synopsis

‘A lovely book about two feisty and at times funny women, who stole my heart and had me rooting for them from the very beginning. A heartwarming, uplifting read that would be perfect for book clubs or just curling up with in the garden on a sunny afternoon. Utterly, utterly fabulous!’ Faith Hogan

A gripping and uplifting new novel by the author of BA Book of the Month and LoveReading Debut of the Month Patience.

Connie Darke is trying to run away from the traumas in her past, and it’s led her home, to the small rural council estate she left almost 20 years earlier.

Matilda Reynolds has spent most of her long life in the Worcestershire village of Stonecastle, and she’s content there, with her animals and her solitude. Until a fall lands her in hospital, and Matilda has to turn to her strange young neighbour Connie for help looking after her home.

Out of their tentative arrangement, each woman gains a new sense of community. But before long, that community comes under threat when the council decides to sell the estate, to make way for expensive developments.

Connie and Matilda are determined to fight for their home, whatever it takes…

My review

After her troubled residence in London, Connie has returned back home in the village of Stonecastle, trying to overcome her trauma. But her experience has made her wary of everything and everyone, and she finds it difficult to trust.
She prefers staying away from people and takes very early walks.
When her neighbour Matilda Reynolds has a fall and is in the hospital, it’s up to Connie to look after the animals.
The animals are the reason Matilda and Connie form an unlikely friendship, which only strengthens when their homes are under threat.
Suddenly the whole community comes together to save the homes. Will they manage to stay out of greedy hands?
And will all these new friendships last when some secrets of the past are revealed?

This story is a wonderful story about community and friendship. But it’s also a difficult story, in the sense that both main characters, Connie and Matilda have been through rough patches and are still carrying around their secrets.

Connie returned to live back to her mother after troubled years living in London.
It’s not easy to like Connie from the start, I have to admit. But that’s only because we don’t know her whole story.
Of course it’s clear that she is struggling with starting again. When we learn about her struggles, initially it made me frown a little bit, as I couldn’t understand what actually happened to her. It all seemed so strange, and I couldn’t figure out what actually happened.
But even if she escaped London, she isn’t having an easy time. And slowly we get to learn that there is more going on that initially thought.

So that made it beautiful to read how Connie finds comfort while taking care of Matilda’s animals. Initially wary of especially the goats, we see how Connie feels more at ease with them. And not only that, but the animals also are a way for Connie to get (re)acquainted with the community. And most important, a way to befriend Matilda.

While Connie was not that easy to immediately warm to, for Matilda I immediately felt sorry. She is of an older age, and has absolutely nobody…
And her being alone with her memories for sure showed in the way she is living. She is also wary of people, she just want to be left alone.

It absolutely saddened me to see how people are left on their own, having no one having an interest in their wellbeing…
So it’s not a surprise that Matilda ended up in the hospital, and has to rely on strangers to look after her beloved animals.

Once back home, is the point where Connie and Matilda become friends. But not without some clashing. I could understand why Matilda was acting like she did, and why Connie felt heartbroken when her services were ‘no longer required’.
Yet it was heart – warming to read that these two women actually need each other, not only for being looked after, but also for just having someone that cares about them, and perhaps understands them better than they may initially think.

Up till now I already liked the story, but it’s the addition of the common enemy for the community that elevates this story even higher.

I truly found it inspiring to see how what people can achieve when they join forces. What starts as a way to keep their homes, we see so much more. Because just like Connie, we see that everyone has their own fights to fight. And it’s easy to have an opinion over someone, even when we don’t know that person.

We see how all the residents become a community, in the real sense of the word. They learn they can rely on each other, and help each other. And help each other in overcoming the demons.
And how real friends, because that’s what everyone has become, are not judging you for your past, but try to help you to look forward into a bright future.

I also liked it how the author addresses some difficult topics, showing us that not being well, both mentally and physically, is not something to be ashamed of. There is no need to hide those bits of you, as they are part of you.

This was truly a heart – warming story, about two broken characters finding an unlikely friend in each other, making it possible to speak out about what is haunting them, making it possible to close those infected wounds.
And it’s about how strong people can be, when forces are joined. Every one of us has a strength that is needed, even when we don’t think we do.
It’s also about the beautiful power of a community, where you can be who you are, without any prejudice or pointed fingers!

Who doesn’t dream to live in a castle with the person they love?

Synopsis

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

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

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

Castle on the Mead: Harrison Connell leads a quiet life, but Ashley Hadley is determined to get him to come out of his shell. When she gets the chance to move into his castle, she sets about putting the old building back on the map. Harrison doesn’t want his home to become a tourist attraction, but that’s the least of his worries, as someone seems determined to destroy him, or maybe it’s Ashley they want to hurt.

My review

Ever since Harrison Connell arrived, Ashley Hadley has been in love with him. Even if Harrison is rather closed up and on his own, Ashley tries to break his high walls and hopes that one day she will win his heart.
The fact that they have shops nearby for sure helps Ashely to get slowly closer to Harrison. That is until the landlord, Viktor Blake, decides to sell all the shops, as a reaction to Ashley’s rejection of his advances. And when Ashley’s place is once again flooded, Harrison surprises not only Ashley but also himself by offering her to stay in his castle.
A castle for which Ashley starts to have wonderful ideas for, but Harrison is reluctant of having people around. A castle that perhaps could work its magic and will be the place where Ashley and Harrison may find love in each other’s arms, showing that love trumps any kind of fear? 

Oooh what a delight to return to Pepper Bay!  

At first I thought that I missed the initial chapters in the book, as it immediately takes off. There isn’t the first meeting of Harrison and Ashley, Ashley slowly falling for the mysterious Harrison, nope, that’s all taken place already! But that didn’t diminish the joy getting into the book! 

I saw a lot of myself in Ashley, the better I got to know her. She knows everyone and everything, yet despite her constant chattering, she is also a bit of an introvert. She doesn’t like standing in the spotlight, and she even has fears that may seem absurd to others, but are real for her. Well, that’s me in a nutshell too! 

But what I liked the most about Ashley is that she sees more in Harrison than others do, and more than he sees himself.
She knows that something happened to him, making him even more on his own than before, and she wants to show him that she and everyone in Pepper Bay don’t care about the way he looks. Because Pepper Bay is a welcoming and warm and kind place to live in, where everyone looks after each other, without prejudice. 

Ashley also has very found and wonderful memories about her grandfather, and that made it so understandable to see why she wishes to make all these changes in the castle. But she doesn’t do it only for herself and her memories, but she wants that everyone can make such wonderful memories for themselves. 

While it may seem pushy of her, trying to persuade Harrison to do something he doesn’t really feel like doing, she does it for Pepper Bay, but also for Harrison himself, making him slowly get out of his shell and see the beauty of living in Pepper Bay. 

And Harrison may sound like unworldly, but my heart broke for him. His preference of being alone and on his own for sure is understandable, but also unhealthy…
He also doesn’t seem to understand why Ashley is so drawn to him. But I for sure could! Because there are people who don’t care how someone looks like, but they care more about someone’s character.
And Harrison for sure is a wonderful character! He doesn’t show it always, but he is so caring, kind, loving and understanding. And even if he is more the reserved type of man, he also has his own fears he is still facing daily. But understanding his fears and knowing how to deal with them, he is able to help Ashley too. 

I found it great to see how Ashley and Harrison are living together in the castle, how they are able to break down each other’s walls and how their feelings are slowly growing and growing. There are so many moments in it that are so film – worthy! 

It’s also heart – warming to see how the whole family, the whole community comes together in aid when someone is jeopardizing everything Harrison and Ashley are working so hard for. Again proof that Pepper Bay is an amazing place!  

There is just one tiny thing that annoyed me, and perhaps it’s because I just don’t understand it… I know that ‘Harrison’ is a mouthful to say, but the abbreviation ‘H.’… well, I don’t get it and it gave me a little chill every time Ashley called Harrison like that. But this is just on me! 

Because putting this little issue of mine aside, I adored reading this story about two characters that elevate each other to a higher level. They both manage to pick each other up when they are feeling down.
And that is the beautiful thing about love, no matter how fast those feelings appear to grow, it doesn’t look at appearances, but at someone’s heart. And when two lovely hearts find each other, there is nothing or even no one that can break them.

When so much time has passed, is a second chance still possible?

Synopsis

A captivating story to tug on your heartstrings

Following her divorce, Greta Roberts has found solace running Birds of a Feather, an upmarket boutique in the seaside town of Bellbird Bay. But when a ghost from her past reappears, Greta’s peaceful, single life is sent into a spin.

Leo Carlson has built an empire of hotels and resorts but has never forgotten the perfect summer he spent in Bellbird Bay in his teens. When the opportunity to purchase a hotel there arises, he finds it difficult to pass it up.

Meeting again, Greta and Leo are quick to discover they are different people from the young couple who kissed on the beach and vowed to love each other for ever. Beset with challenges which threaten to keep them apart, can Bellbird Bay work its magic and provide these two with a second chance at love?

My review

Greta Roberts enjoys running her boutique Birds Of A Feather in Bellbird Bay after her divorce. She always dreamed of travelling, but after having a daughter at a young age, she stored her dreams, and is now seeing Jo living the life Greta dreamed of.
Greta loves her single life, but when Leo Carlson appears in Bellbird Bay, she is in shock. Because Leo is her first love, the one she thought, despite their young age, would spend the rest of her life with. But that one summer together is all they had.
Leo meanwhile has built an empire of hotels over the whole world. And the opportunity to but a hotel in Bellbird Bay is too good to pass on. And he too is shocked when he meets Greta again, as she is the one he could never forget.
Yet 30 years is a lot of time, and the both of them have changed. But can they have a second chance no matter what, or will old fears be resurfacing too? 

Bellbird Bay is always a wonderful place to return to, and with each book I fall more and more in love with the place and its inhabitants. So of course I was eager to start reading this latest chapter! 

Greta is not a complete stranger for those who have read the whole series, but she only made brief appearances before, so we don’t actually know her.
Yet getting to know her was just amazing! 

First of all, there is so much to like about Greta. While she is independent, and runs the boutique on her own, she also cares deeply for her daughter, and as a real mother, she never stops worrying about Jo. She also sees the free – spirit in Jo she herself once had, and while she encourages Jo’s wanderlust, Greta also hopes that Jo will soon settle down. Doesn’t every mother? 

And also her relationship with Mick…. They married young and ‘out of duty’, and perhaps they weren’t never truly the best match, especially with Mick’s wandering eye… Yet I found it a good thing to see how things ended amicably between them, and how they are still looking after each other. 

Even if I am younger than Greta, I could understand the regrets she has regarding her past. Perhaps ‘regrets’ is not the correct word, but her life went differently than she imagines. Instead of exploring the world, she never left Bellbird Bay, married Mick and had a daughter.
While she absolutely loves her daughter Jo, and still cares about Mick, even after their divorce, I could see why she kept thinking of all the ‘what if’s in her life. 

And one ‘what if’ concerns her first love, Leo Carlson. He spent one summer in Bellbird Bay, where he and Greta fell deeply in love.
A summer where promises were made, but also broken… 

I wasn’t that surprised to read that the relationship of this young couple never became something more. But while in real life such ‘loves’ would appear to be just a summer fling, this wasn’t the case with this young couple.
It just happens that Life happened and pulled the two lovebirds apart. 

I found it also interesting to see how different the lives of Greta and Leo are. Because while Greta never left her home, Leo explored the world, and created his own empire.  

But no matter how much money Leo has, or how he can just buy things without a second thought, I liked it how down – to – earth he still is. And how he could never forgot that one girl in Bellbird Bay that stole his heart. 

Of course, if the both of them just picked up after 30 years, that would be rather unbelievable. So I liked it how the author put into words what Greta was feeling.
Greta knows that they both have changed, and that a lot of time has passed. And while she wants to start over again with Leo, she also needs her own time, to get to know him again, to change her life from a single one to that of a couple.
And there is also her family to take in account. Both Greta and to a lesser extent Leo too, have to think about those around them.
But also (old) fears need to be handled, dears that come with every new/ old relationship.  

The author wrote a marvellous next chapter about lovely and recognizable (okay, I never met a real hotel tycoon myself but you get me 😊) characters. And while the main characters may be of a wiser age then mine, I never felt their age being an issue.
Because the main focus of this book is showing that no matter how much time has passed, second chances can come anytime and anywhere. And it takes courage to take that leap of faith, and that can be a scary thing to do, no matter how old or young you are! 

I truly enjoyed reading this book, and it for sure lived up to my expectations!

How one evening of fun ends in tragedy…

Synopsis

One chance meeting. A night that changes everything.

The Kennedy sisters, Molly, Alex and Sam, have a Christmas tradition – a night out, just the three of them, sisters together.

Lewis Stone can’t face the work Christmas party, but as he’s one of the bosses, he has to put in an appearance. He leaves as soon as he can politely get away, ready for the holidays to begin.

When Lewis Stone meets the Kennedy sisters, a train of events begins that engulfs them all.

One sister is left fighting for her life.

One sister is left fighting for her marriage.

And one sister is hellbent on revenge…

My review

Molly, Alex and Sam are sisters with a Christmas tradition, they have one night out together, having fun.
But their night of fun ends in tragedy when one of the sisters get hit by a car.
With one Kennedy sister fighting for her life, one sister is determined to get revenge on Lewis Stone, the driver who caused the accident. And the other sibling is fighting for her marriage.
But what none of the sisters realize, is that no matter how close they think they are, there are secrets that may make them think differently about each other… 

The blurb of this book intrigued me and knowing this author made it an easy decision for me to read it.  

Even I only have 1 sibling, and it’s a brother, it doesn’t take away I could relate with the bond of the Kennedy – sisters.
Because even my brother and I are having our own lives, our bond is very close. So I could understand the closeness the sisters had. 

Now, the story starts rather quickly with the accident, and it’s more about the aftermath of it, and how it affects not only each sister, but also other persons, like the driver Lewis.
The author gives us a clear idea of what happens before, during and after the accident, making us also realize that an accident happens quickly, even in the blink of an eye. 

Of course the devastation is great, and each sister is reacting differently. While one sister is set on getting revenge, even if it were an accident, the other sister wants to just move on with her life. (I am deliberately avoiding mentioning any names, or the outcome, to avoid any spoilers!).
This again shows how the same tragedy affects people differently and how reactions can be totally different. 

The many different point of views took some time for me to adapt, but once I was in the flow, I could easily understand which character had the spotlight. And it gave me a better understanding of its persona. 

The more I was into the story, the more I felt that the author would want us to like and dislike certain characters more or lesser. And with the addition of several side characters he only added more fuel to the confusion, wanting to make us wonder which direction the story would take.
But I saw through his façade, and no matter what picture the author was showing us of each character, I remained wary of each and every one of them. Because I just knew that there would be for sure a few twists towards the end that would shock. 

That made it possible for me to even see the great twists before they actually happened, and I had it all figured out beforehand, leaving me with a somehow satisfied feeling when I saw proof that my feelings were right. 

Yet that satisfied feeling didn’t last for a long time, as the author shows us that people, and even those close to us, aren’t always people we think they are. When cornered, you never know what the reaction will be. It can be a good, logical reaction, but also a bad reaction, affecting others and not in a good way…

When spreadsheets help you with everything, why couldn’t it help with finding your perfect man?

Synopsis

If you’re not a ten on Sophie’s spreadsheet, you’re never getting her between the bedsheets…

No aspect of Sophie’s life goes unrecorded in her Excel spreadsheets, so when she accidentally sends it to her entire contact list instead of just her best friend, Sophie has a lot of uncomfortable explaining to do.

First on the list? Dr Michael Adams. After a disastrous first date, Michael scored a ‘3’ on Sophie’s ‘love life’ tab, but when she shows up to apologise for sharing his result with the world, he issues an unexpected challenge: ten dates to prove that love can’t be calculated by an equation or contained by boxes on a spreadsheet.

Sophie isn’t someone who’s used to thinking outside the digital box, but there’s something about Michael that makes her want to take a chance…

My review

Sophie has a spreadsheet for everything. Literally for everything, from a weekly sheet deciding what to eat, which person received which gift on what occasion, and even a spreadsheet with a scoreboard for her dates.
When a date gets a low score on her ‘Love Life’ tab, there will be no next date.
But when by accident she sends her complete spreadsheet to all of her contacts, the person with the lowest score, Dr. Michael Adams, with a poor ‘3’, challenges Sophie.
He wants to show her that love cannot be found by using a spreadsheet or ticking of boxes. And even if Sophie is certain of her spreadsheet’s success, she agrees on going on ten dates with Michael.
Ten dates to show Michael that her spreadsheet was right about him, or ten dates to show Sophie that taking a chance on someone, no matter how high or low the score is, is worth of the invested time. 

I absolutely love this author, and each book I have read, made me laugh and gave me a great time. So even without reading the blurb, I started reading this latest book with excitement. 

I could understand Sophie’s need in using spreadsheets for many things in her life. It for sure helps in remembering things anyone would otherwise just forget.
But even I, who forgives a lot in literature, frowned my eyebrows at reading her ‘Love Life’ spreadsheet. Okay, I could see how Sophie would value the aspects mentioned on the sheet, but I also found it rather clinical.
How can you ‘judge’ someone after a first date? Haven’t we all felt a bit awkward that first date? Have we ever been truly ourselves that date? Of course not, so a lot of people would score low on Sophie’s sheet. 

But isn’t that also the fun of dating? Getting to know the real person in front of you? Discovering things you have in common, but also things you don’t have? So if someone is a dog – person and you’re a cat – person, is that enough of reason of stop dating? Or if someone has an off – day the day of the date, doesn’t that person deserve a second chance? 

So obviously, while it was a disaster for Sophie, I found it hilarious when by accident she shared her complete file with all her contacts! Because not only her dating – spreadsheet has been shared, but every spreadsheet she has made.
And everyone could open the file and read it!
Having been in Sophie’s situation once, sending a mail that was not supposed to go to everyone, and not being quick enough to recall the message, I could share her embarrassment as I felt all those feelings! 

But I have to say, I truly admired Michael. Because even he has seen his low (and unjustified) score, he took it like a real man, and took no great offence at it.
On the contrary: he even wants to prove Sophie that her spreadsheet is not fail proof. 

And the more I read about Michael, the more I just fell in love with this man! Yes, he has been hurt in the past, on a terrible way. But he is the sweetest, funniest uncle in the world, the most caring grandchild someone could wish for, he’s a great listener, he is non – judgemental, understanding. He’s just so loveable! 

The dates Sophie and Michael are having, show for sure the difference between them. But on the other hand, that is also their force. They learn from each other and lean on each other, and they never would if they just had that one date… 

While reading not only did I have many smiles on my face, but also a few frowns. Smiles because it was lovely to see two wonderful people getting closer to each other. but frowns because of their, and especially Sophie’s fear of admitting those same feelings.
But even if Sophie’s behaviour at moments was frustrating, I could understand her point, even if it was the wrong point.
So having two characters maturing, seeing the huge steps forward they both were making, was again worthy of my smiles. 

This author shows us with a great sense of humour how sometimes being stuck in a way of thinking is holding us back. And that if we only find the courage to think outside the box(es) and dare to accept a challenge, we may find what we are looking for, even if at first instance we would have dismissed it.
Another great success of a marvellous author, who is able to make my love for her and her writing increase with each new book!

No matter how perfect a family seems, you don’t know what happens behind closed doors…

Synopsis

No one really knows what goes on behind closed doors.

On the quiet street of St Brigid’s Terrace in Dublin, Eileen Murphy lives alone at number 26 with her dog Dora. Virtually a recluse, she keeps herself to herself as she tries to come to terms with her tragic past.
Next door in number 28 lives beautiful Lucy Walsh, her husband Neil and their 5-year-old daughter Anabel. To Eileen, who watches from her window, the Walshes are the perfect family.
But one fateful night, Eileen is pulled into their world and she realises that Lucy Walsh’s life isn’t as perfect as she thought.
With the unexpected help from little Anabel, the women become a lifeline for each other to overcome the demons in their lives.
Through Eileen’s help, Lucy finds the courage to overcome her fears and in aiding Lucy, Eileen is forced to emerge from her solitary world and take baby steps to confront her own past.
As the bonds of friendship change these women forevermore will Lucy find the courage to forge a new life for herself and her daughter and will Eileen find it within herself to forgive for her old mistakes?

My review

Eileen Murphy is living a rather reclused life with her dog Dora, as she is still trying to come to terms with her past.
Yet she cannot stop watch her neighbours next door through her window, as they depict the picture of a perfect family, a married couple with a lovely 5 – year – old daughter.
But then Eileen realizes that the perfect family isn’t real, and that Lucy Walsh is living in fear…
With Anabel having touched Eileen’s heart, Eileen and Lucy become more than just neighbours, as they realize that they can be each other’s help in the darkest moments.
With Eileen’s help, Lucy understands that she has to face her fears, and with Lucy’s help, Eileen is stepping outside the real world and is ready to face her past… 

I have to admit, while this story is absolutely a dark one, I somehow expected it to be even darker. But despite what the main characters have been through, and are still, there is also a big light of hope and compassion in it. 

We don’t know what happened to Eileen in the past, yet it’s clear that something terrible did and that she is still guilty about *that*, making it impossible for her to have a happy life.
So even I was in the dark about it (and yes, my mind went a bit in overdrive here, so many possibilities, that I even went to the extreme of it), I couldn’t feel anything else than pity for her. 

It’s sad to see how her past has turned her into a real recluse, afraid of nearly every sound and seeing how she doesn’t interact with anyone and how even going for groceries is a huge task for her… 

But once Anabel with her childish innocence has broken a barrier, we see the nurturing nature of Eileen more and more emerging.
Not only is she touched by Anabel, but Eileen, as there is more interaction with Lucy, truly starts to care about Lucy’s and Anabel’s wellbeing. 

A wellbeing that needs to be looked after, because it’s clear that Lucy isn’t having the perfect little family she dreamed of…
While at the start there are several red flags, it’s until it’s too late that the horror starts for her…
And it is gruesome to read how even the smallest comment can be a trigger where Lucy has to undergo hideous attacks. 

What Lucy is going through, is truly horrifying. And as a bystander it’s easy to say what to do. But the author shows us that things aren’t just that easy. Because no matter what, you (once) love(d) that person. And there is so much more to it than just walking out that door.
But with Eileen’s help, Lucy also understands that there are lines in a relationship that cannot be crossed. And those lines have been crossed in Lucy’s. and there is also to take in account how those actions will traumatize Anabel, as she has seen things that no one, especially not a child should ever see… 

So like I said, it’s a dark story. but if it were all doom and gloom, not only would I not have finished this story, but somehow I would also be disappointed in this author, as I know what wonderful, inspiring and hopeful stories she can write. 

And the silver linings are that two haunted women find each other in their darkest moments. And it was heart – warming to see how they both are there for each other. It’s obvious how Eileen helps Lucy, but Lucy also makes Eileen step outside her reclusive and lonely comfort zone. 

Lucy also makes Eileen understand that what happened in the past wasn’t completely Eileen’s fault, and that there is still a chance and hope for forgiveness and making amends. 

An unlikely friendship begins, where the healing process also starts. Eileen and Lucy are very different from each other, yet that is also the strength of their growing friendship, as they can show each other that there is another point of view, and that together they can find the courage to do what scares them the most. 

Of course this book made me think about the struggles people can face, the mental but also the physical pains someone has. And how these pains can affect people, not only short-term but also long-term.
It’s something that makes you stand still and appreciate what you have, and count your blessings, as not everyone is in that same lucky and happy situation.
But the feeling that stood by me after finishing the book was one of hope and courage. As we see how no matter how dark things can get, it sometimes takes one little girl to make things turn for the better. And that with friends by your side, every fear and every demon can be faced, even if it only takes one baby step at the time.

Check this cover out!

Synopsis

For Penny Archer, dating after forty has proved to be less ‘silver foxes and romantic dinners’, and more ‘last chance bargain bin’. She’s met every liar and cheater in the dating pool, and after one heartbreak too many, she is officially sworn off men.

A strong, single mum, she doesn’t need a partner, and besides, the family planner is crammed with work commitments, school meetings, puppy classes, chores for her ageing parents and, of course, her beloved book club. Although a cuddle now and then wouldn’t go amiss…

Penny jumps at the chance to let her hair down at a friend’s wedding, blissfully unaware that she’s about to crash into a stranger’s life in the most mortifying manner.

Can something that begins in disaster ever end in happiness, or is it all too good to be true? Will Penny ever turn the pages of her own book towards that happy ever after?

Pre-order Link – https://mybook.to/TheBridesmaidsBrother

Publication Date: 19th September

About the author

Olivia Lockhart (Livvie to her friends) is an English author who can’t quite decide if she wants to write contemporary romance or paranormal romance. Either way, it HAS to be romance.

She loves to write about the underdog, the one who got away, the bits of love stories we can all relate to.

When not writing she can be found drinking wine, cuddling her beloved pooch or with her head buried in a book.

The cover

Working on a construction site, not only constructing a building but also a life back into shape

Synopsis

It’s a relationship under construction, and there are no warning signs…

Project Manager Ella Mackenzie thought she had her whole life perfectly mapped
out – just like one of her colour-coded spreadsheets.  She is the last person to do anything
reckless or impulsive.

But when her and her terrible boyfriend split, she is left single, homeless and without a backup plan.

Suddenly, her whole worldly belongings are crammed into the back of her little Fiat, and she’s driving two-hundred-and-fifty miles across the country to start a new job that she should never have accepted in an industry she knows nothing about. What could possibly go wrong?

Ella doesn’t know the first thing about building sites, but thankfully Noah Harris is an expert in construction and is there to show her the ropes (and the ladders).

And, as Ella is about to find out, he’s an expert in a few other things too…

My review

Ella and Lee are happily living together, even if their relationshiphas to be a secret due their employer’s  policy of not dating colleagues.
While they both think they are getting away with it, Ella discovers that their secret is not so secret at all, after Lee quits the job to join a competitor. And with Lee acting rather dismissive about Ella losing her job, Ella sees that her perfect boyfriend isn’t so perfect all.
Ella needs a job to have a fresh start, and when the offer arrives for a job on a construction site, despite her non – existing knowledge, she accepts. But the construction world is truly a man’s world, and Ella has to fight to stand her ground. Yet with an ally in the form of foreman Noah, Ella slowly finds her feet in a new place where perhaps she can find what she has been missing in her life. 

I truly enjoyed reading this story, as there were many things I liked but also a few that I didn’t. Now, before I give this great author a heart attack, what I didn’t like was completely to blame on a few characters and their awful behaviour. It has absolutely nothing to do with the author, her style, her story or the main characters. 

At the start of the book, Ella is in a “secret” relationship with Lee, as their employer has a strict rule about dating colleagues.
And this is already the first thing I didn’t like… because why would an employer have the power to dictate who to date and who not? Yes, of course there is history behind that rule, but couldn’t they have made up some clear directions for dating colleagues? Wouldn’t that all have been easier for everyone and everything? 

But I could get over this issue and was happy to put my frustrations aside. Until we got to know Lee better…
Can I say he is a total a**hole, d*ckhead, and all other possible nasty words you can come up with? How obnoxious, selfish, conniving can someone be?
I understand that someone needs a new challenge career – wise, but acting the way Lee did is simply nasty…
And keeping Ella out of it, stating that private and work should be separated??? THEY WORK FOR THE SAME BUSINESS!!!
So yes, I was glad to see Lee exit the story! 

However, this isn’t about Lee, as it’s about Ella and starting all over again… 

Ella is the kind of woman who takes matter in her own hands when things in a wrong direction. Not only does she show that with the Lee – situation, but also with the many issues at the construction site.
Even if her knowledge is lacking, she wants to understand what is going on, so that she can figure out how to make it go right again.
She is also not one to sit down and cry over her sad life, but also here she takes matter in her own hands. Every situation she tries to make it better. 

On the construction site we see many clichés being confirmed, but Ella is also able to wipe them all away, by showing that woman for sure can have a place there too!
I found it great to see how slowly she is gaining every workman’s respect! 

Every workman, and also Noah’s…
What is it with men that work with their hands that make them so attractive? Even just from the words on paper I fell in love with Noah. 

He shows patiently Ella around, explains her how everything works, and even helps her after hours. But he also is welcoming Ella during the weekends, having again the patience of an angel, letting Ella help around on his own personal project. 

This book isn’t only about starting over, but it’s also about doing the right thing. With a smile and with a frown, we see how Ella is finding her own voice and even courage again. She discovers that unknown isn’t always unloved. And even in the most manly work environment, women can, or even must have a well – deserved spot. 

I truly enjoyed reading this book, filled with funny moments, odd nicknaming but mostly great and kind characters, just doing their best at their job but also in their lives.
And while it is a light story, it’s easy to also intercept the reality that not all people we know are the right kind of people. But it’s up to us to let the right people surround us and make us see that love and happiness can be found at the least expected place!

How people can surprise you in unexpected ways…

Synopsis

One ambitious businesswoman.

One irresponsible heir. 

A deal that will turn both their lives upside down… 

To grow her craft business, Nancy is in desperate need of two things: help and money. So when a potential investor she’s looking to impress recommends an assistant, she jumps at the chance to secure both.

Freddy Astley-Davenport is a notorious playboy with zero work experience. He’s poised to inherit his family’s estate in sunny Seashell Bay – but only if he can hold down a job for six months first. His plan is to take the assistant role in name only, then do the least work he possibly can.

Nancy has other ideas, though, and the pair butt heads from day one. However, as they argue, sparks begin to fly, and they soon discover exactly why opposites attract…

An absolutely escapist, funny, feel-good summer romance. Fans of Cathy Bramley, Katie Fforde and Milly Johnson will adore Bella Osborne.

My review

Nancy loves her crafts business, but she also knows that owning one is rather difficult. Without help and money, she can impossibly keep growing.
When a possible investor recommends an assistant, she thinks that she can kill two birds with one stone. If only it weren’t Freddy Astley-Davenport… a notorious playboy, with absolutely zero working experience and zero right mindset…
And he has his own agenda, which involves working as less as possible.
But that doesn’t fit with Nancy’s work ethos, and this will be only the first of many disagreements they will have.
However, when help is truly needed, they see each other from a total different perspective.
And then there is Nancy’s housemate, Alice. She loves her job at the school, even if the head teacher is more frustrating than possibly. When an unexpected kiss and the discovery that he is actually the father of one of her pupils, Alice fears that things might get too complicated. Even more complicated than her life and health already are…  

There are stories in this world that you know you will love even before you have even started them. And for me, this book was one of those! I love the author and that made it easy for me start this book with a huge smile plastered on my face! 

In fact, there are two stories to be told, even if Nancy’s tale has the bigger spotlight. But that didn’t take any love away from Alice, as her story was just as marvellous! 

Nancy’s tale is for sure the funnier one, as we can see a lot of bickering and bantering.
Nancy is a great example of a woman who has made it on her own, is passionate about the business she created and wants to make a real success out of it.
But she is also faced with the reality, as no matter how wonderful your dream may be, it isn’t easy having an own business. 

She is also the kind of person who wants to keep everything in her own hands, to keep an overview of everything. But that also means that she is in over her head. And having an assistant for sure would help! 

And enter Freddy…
Freddy is Nancy’s total opposite. He comes from wealth and never had to move one finger. And I have to say, I also had a certain image of Freddy in my mind, and his attitude at the start for sure only made that image being confirmed. 

These two characters together are a recipe for fireworks, and not the good kind. And those are exactly the kind of fireworks that give me a blast 😊
Two total opposites, working together, clashing together, how wonderful to read! 

But despite the many differences between them, slowly the real Freddy surfaces. A Freddy that hasn’t had an easy time, and is still having some struggles. Obviously he also knows that his problems aren’t the problems of the world, but why shouldn’t his struggles be acknowledged? 

And we also see the kind, caring and lovely Freddy, who doesn’t hesitate to take Nancy to his parents’ estate while injured.
And this is the place where the magic happens… Obviously Nancy and Freddy still have different visions, yet they come to understand each other better and see the person in front of them for who they really are. 

And then we have Alice… she is Nancy’s housemate, but the way they look after each other, they could perfectly be siblings.
Alice is a teacher’s assistant, with her heart at the right place. She is the kind of teacher everyone would love to have, instead of the teacher Alice is assisting. 

Her story is a smaller one, but I found her the heart – breaking one…  

The kiss she had with a stranger for sure ignited the right kind of fireworks. And when she discovers that Dom is her pupil’s father, Alice knows it may complicate things. 

It’s clear that Alice is hiding something, with also her overbearing parents. And even if we don’t know the specifics, it’s clear that it’s her secret holding her back from living her life at the fullest.
Her fear of her future makes her keep everyone at a distance, wanting to avoid heartbreak, even if it’s at her own happiness’ cost. 

This book for sure lived up to my extreme high expectations. I laughed and I cried, as we see how wrong our impressions of people can be, but also how fear can make us miss out the best thing that could ever happen to us.
And even if life doesn’t go exactly as planned, a change of direction doesn’t mean we won’t find what we looking for.
But one thing I have to add… this book only added more fuel on my discomfort of peacocks! 😊