Tizi’s Book Review

An inheritance making a change possible

Synopsis

New starts and hopeful hearts…

At 25, Daisy May’s life is not living up to expectations. Her childhood dreams of being an artist feel as unachievable as a committed relationship or managing to save enough money for a deposit on a house. But a surprise inheritance could change all that.

After Daisy learns she’s now the new owner of a forty-foot narrow boat, she sets out for Wildflower Lock, where the fresh country breeze and the calm water is enough to assure her everything will be okay.

With the help of the ruggedly attractive, yet grumpy riverman, Theo, she begins to work on her new home, the September Rose. Can she breathe new life into the old boat and learn to navigate not only the canals themselves, but also the people who live there? Or will the whole venture pull her under?

My review

Daisy May is a 25 – years old young woman who feels that she is not living up her expectations. Her artistic dreams are as stored as far as possible, a committed relationship isn’t on the table, and we are not talking about how she cannot afford a place of her own.
Until she receives the news that she inherited from her grandfather, whom she only saw once in her life. An inheritance in the shape of a forty – foot narrow boat, in Wildflower Lock. The September Rose could be the answer to her prayers, only not in the way se thinks.
Because no matter if she thinks that selling the boat and the cash would help her, she finds herself more at home on the September Rose, and with the help of riverman Theo, the boat will return to its glory once again.
But will she be able to put the boat that feels like home for sale? Or will she have finally found a place to call home, with people who may be closer to her than thought… 

Isn’t it always intriguing having a story where the main character receives a mysterious inheritance? What would the inheritance be? And what would he/she do with it? Why did he/she receive the inheritance? And what other mysteries are waiting to be uncovered? 

This book for sure had my interest, as I was asking myself all the above questions. So without a doubt I just had to open it and discover the answers myself! 

At the start of this book, we can clearly see how close Daisy and her mother are. It’s always been them against the world, as Daisy’s father left them and never looked back.
And while that was sad to read, because no one deserves to be ignored by their father like that, it’s also clear that there is more to that story than Daisy actually knows. A feeling that only grows while getting more into the story and the more we see Daisy’s mother odd behaviour at moments.
And to make things even more suspicious, why would Daisy ever inherit the September Rose if the paternal side of her family never looked after her at all? 

I have to admit, for me, inheriting a boat would not be a great gift. I wouldn’t know how to live in it, to look after it, never mind renovating it!
Yet I could see how the September Rose would fit Daisy, even if she isn’t aware of it yet.  

Daisy starts as a real city – girl at the beginning of the book, but slowly we get to see how at easy she is on the boat.
And it was wonderful to see how there is a shift in Daisy, from a young woman with many disappointments in life, to a strong determined young woman to find the courage to dare to dream again, finding not only herself again, but also finding herself at home in the most unexpected place. 

Obviously this is only the start of the journey for Daisy, and she wouldn’t get to where she is now, without the help of her friends. Her old friends, but also new friends, like Theo. 

Theo for sure is the surprise of the book, as while there may be something simmering, we see the honestly and care of a real friendship growing.
Daisy finds a real friend in Theo, who helps her with not only the manual work, but is also there when she has the need to unload or when she just needs a shoulder to cry on. 

This book is, like I said, the start of a whole new journey for Daisy, where she discovers the truth about her family, which obviously shocks her. But she also has to find a way to overcome the feeling of betrayal, because in the end, the love she has is still there and is genuine.
But it’s also the journey about finding a home. A home, and not a house. Because a home is where you can just be yourself, where you can find your inner peace. And that doesn’t always come in the shape of a house, but in this case, in the shape of a boat. 

It’s a journey about finding yourself, daring to pick up your dreams again, even with trail and error. And it’s a wonderful journey to read about, even if the ending was rather abrupt, as I was expecting to read more chapters about Daisy and her quest.
But as this is clearly the start of a new series, I am already looking forward to the next trips of Daisy on the September Rose!

What to do with the unexpected gift of a wish?

Synopsis

Getting old might not be the bee’s knees, but Wilma Cooper isn’t ready to hang up her boots yet.

She’s a lot to look forward to in her golden years, not least the arrival of her first great-grandchild.

When blast from the past Gus Brown appears on her doorstep, Wilma’s over the moon to rekindle their friendship.

But it’s not all sunshine and rainbows. Wilma finds herself playing host to a rather unusual house guest. There’s a baby boom in town, but not all babies are created equal…

As Wilma grows closer to Gus, a happy ending looks on the cards. Until an unexpected caller threatens to throw a major spanner in the works.

With a wish up her sleeve and madness in the air, will Wilma find a second chance at love?

My review

Wilma Cooper is ready for the arrival of her great – grandchild. And for sure she won’t let her age stop her!
When her old friend Gus Brown appears on her doorstep, she couldn’t be more thrilled, as she always enjoyed his friendship.
But Gus isn’t the only one appearing on her doorstep, as her curiosity caused the appearance of a peculiar guest.
A guest with a special gift for Wilma. But what could Wilma ever wish for? 

Having read the previous parts of this series, I was wondering what else could possibly happen, as we already had Jinnie with Genie Dhassim and Jo with Genie Aaliyah. So would there be another Genie ready for more mischief? 

I was pleasantly surprised with this story, not only by Wilma being a force of nature, or Genie DJ, but also by how the author shows us that age truly is just a number. Because no matter what age Wilma is, she still deserves a shot at happiness and that she still has a lot of spirit in her. And we should never underestimate that spirit and force! 

As this is the last chapter of the series, it was wonderful to see how it all came to full circle. Even if the focus is on Wilma, we also see how Jinnie and Sam are doing, and also Jo (and Harvey) on a lower level.
Wilma is a known character, but with the main focus on her in this one, I appreciated her even more. Not only because of the wisdoms she likes to share, but also her quirkiness, her curiosity that gets the better hand and especially her unconditional love for her family. 

With this book I for sure had several laughs. Not only because of Wilma’s antics but also with DJ and his parents!
DJ has all the perks of his parents, and some of their weird mindsets, but we also see DJ is somehow ‘smarter’ than his parents combined. He finds it easier to adapt to ‘human’ life and understands when and especially when not use his powers. 

The story for sure lived up to its predecessors, adding even a more important level. Because we see that Wilma won’t let her age dictate her. Yes, she is aware of her age, but she still has so much life in her, and won’t just settle down, sit down and do nothing.
We see a woman of a certain age, acting even more vividly than people of a younger age. And that shows us that we shouldn’t hold back just because of our age.
There isn’t a limit on having fun and enjoying life, or even fall in love again.  

And that was even the funniest bit, seeing Wilma falling in love again, enjoying those moments, realizing to grab those wonderful bits. But on the other hand, we also see her acting a bit as a teenager, as I dare to say it, with giggles but also with almost ghosting the man she has fallen for. 

This was the perfect ending for a hilarious series. And the author gave rightfully Wilma her own spotlight, as her quirkiness, love for life and cheekiness for sure deserve their moment.
But like I said before, the author also shows us that age is in fact only a number and that we should all live our lives at the fullest, just like Wilma did and still is doing. Because even unexpected happiness can be found at any age.

Something to tease you with!

Synopsis

Clive Thompson heads for Whitley Bay caravan park to finish writing his novel. He’s never had a caravan holiday before and is warmly greeted by the manager, Liz Mathews, who lives on the park. She is single and cares for her ninety year old mother who has Alzheimer’s Disease. Clive meets the people in neighbouring caravans and has an amazing view from his veranda over the sea to St. Mary’s Lighthouse. However, Audrey goes missing during the night and Liz is beside herself with worry. The police are out looking for her, but disillusioned by their efforts, Clive begins his own investigations.

More info

I am a published author of eight novels and six novellas with short stories published in women’s UK magazines. I retired last year from Food Technology and scribble away in County Durham. My early work was ‘foodie-romance’ which mixed my knowledge of food with love stories. 

Four years ago, following the Harrogate Crime Writing Festival, I wrote six Curious Casefiles in which I incorporated up-to-date issues: poor mental health in a kidnap scene, the perils of social media, and an intruder on Skype. This collection was published by Northodox Press in January this year which is proving popular:

Meet Rupert Robbins, the author who goes missing and scarily lives out his own novel in real life. A lonely dentist, Gareth can see his wife is in danger on a Skype session – but will he get to her? Happen across our Sherlock lover, Christine who sleuths at a Murder-Mystery weekend and finds her writing buddies are not what they seem when a body is found. And here is Megan who learns the ups and downs of social media when she returns from Glastonbury. Enter, Deirdre a foundling in Durham City who is frantically searching for her birth mother, but will she find what she’s looking for? And finally, Jason who is obsessed with fake news and leading people up the garden path but will it all backfire on him? 

I have progressed to writing psychological suspense and cosy-crime novels with strong, lovable, Northeast characters. This is my passion now, and last year, I published, Clive’s Christmas Crusades, Clive Thompson Investigates I

Twenty-nine-year-old, Clive and his partner, Barbara have lived together for a year now. Clive works as a tour leader on trips around his beloved York City. When he finishes one of his favourite, murder-mystery treasure hunts, he pockets his tips but is mugged on the way home. Clive is enraged that someone could do this to him and sets out to successfully find the mugger himself. Knowing how it feels to be a victim of crime, and with Barbara by his side, Clive helps the community and neighbours fight back against pick-pocketers, burglars, and an on-line dating scam. 

This year, I took Clive on holiday and wrote, Death at the Caravan Park. Clive Thompson Investigates 11  

Clive Thompson heads for Whitley Bay caravan park to finish writing his novel. He’s never had a caravan holiday before and is warmly greeted by the manager, Liz Mathews, who lives on the park. She is single and cares for her ninety-year-old mother who has Alzheimer’s Disease. Clive meets the people in neighbouring caravans and has an amazing view from his veranda over the sea to St. Mary’s Lighthouse. However, Audrey goes missing during the night and Liz is beside herself with worry. The police are out looking for her, but disillusioned by their efforts, Clive begins his own investigations. 

Next year, Clive Thompson Investigates 111 will be published with the title, ‘Confession is Good for the Soul’ where Clive will undertake his final adventures in Harrogate. 

Clive, my bumbling amateur sleuth and self-published author begins a new job for a PI as his assistant and gets involved with deathbed confessional cases. Sergeant Riley confesses to shooting Private Jones during the war for cowardice. Jake Robinson confesses to drowning his sister when he was a teenager. Neil Robinson is mixed up with his twin, Nigel. And Michael Davies finds out that his own father started the housefire where the rest of his family died. Clive, and his good friend, Simon belong to a writing group at the library where you’ll find some very interesting characters. In the climax of the story, when Clive and Simon are caught up in a near-death situation, they are rescued mainly by the community pulling together and the heroic efforts of the PI.

To make an impossible choice…

Synopsis

When Stephanie is told she’s pregnant and that she is sick on the same day, she faces an impossible choice…

After trying for a baby for so long, finding out I was pregnant was supposed to be the happiest day of my life. But in the same breath as the news I had been waiting years to hear, the doctor told me I was seriously ill.

If I carry my baby to term, I will almost certainly die.

If I proceed with treatment, my baby will not live.

My husband – the father of this child – is telling me to save myself. But with all the secrets I know he is keeping from me, I can’t trust him anymore.

What would you do?

An emotional yet uplifting tear-jerker that will have you reaching for the tissues – perfect for fans of EMMA ROBINSON and JODI PICOULT.

My review

Stephanie has been trying to get pregnant for a long time. After several miscarriages, when she finally gets pregnant again, she and her husband James should be over the moon. Only if it weren’t for the fact that on the same day Stephanie is being told she is sick…
So sick that a choice must be made: to keep the baby, but Stephanie will die, or start treatment and lose the baby.
How can that choice be possible made? 

So… from the blurb it’s clear that this wouldn’t be an easy story to read. I can only try to imagine how it feels to have the world falling into pieces at a moment that should be the most amazing time of all. 

Just to be clear, I am not a mother myself, I have never been pregnant and I am even a long – time single woman.
But I have always had the wish to become a mother someday, like so many women have. And obviously also men, as they want to be a dad. 

Whenever we think about having a baby, we never think about how things could go wrong. Yes, we think about the morning sickness, or other issues that will pass eventually. But when did we ever stop to think about the worst case scenario?
What would you do if having the baby you dreamed of for so long, would be at the cost of your own life?
Or how can you decide to give up on something you dreamed of for so long, knowing the regret you will have? 

Stephanie’s story shows us that there is no right choice. Whatever choice you make, you lose. This isn’t the kind of book where you agree with one character and disagree with another one. I understood both Stephanie’s and James’ perspective.
And it saddened me to see how this strong couple is being torn apart by a cruel twist of fate…
Things don’t get any easier as Stephanie is being confronted with James’ secrets, a father in need and even an unwelcome return of someone who broke her heart…
But while it would be easy to see them all as antagonists, the author made the right decision to not make them villains, but victims too, of a life that doesn’t treat everyone fair. 

We see how Stephanie feels the world crashing down around her, and she sees how her decision is putting a distance between her and James.
But we also see determination in her choice, as she wants to protect her little Peanut even if it will cost her her own life. We see Stephanie being an amazing and wonderful mother, even before she ever held her little Peanut. 

From the start, this book made me think what I would do if I were in Stephanie’s shoes. And the answer is easy: I just don’t know…
How can you possibly know what you would do if you aren’t in that specific, terrible situation?
The more pages I swiped, the more I kept hoping that somehow a solution would be found so that Stephanie and James would have it all, without any heartbreak.
But obviously that isn’t how life goes, as there will be heartbreak anyway… 

Yet the ending was perfect as it shows us that (and I am truly trying to be spoiler – free here, but it’s not easy!) life doesn’t go as we imagine, but that doesn’t mean it cannot be even better than imagined. 

This book is filled with pain, yes, and yes, you will need tissues while reading. But it’s also filled with strength, determination, and wonderful hope. And we all know that hope dies last…

When helping out a friend becomes something more important

Synopsis

Interior designer Nicky always used to know how to make the best of things. Ever since she lost her husband though, things haven’t been easy. She’s had to raise her two daughters alone and she’s so proud to see them all grown up, and she knows that’s down to her. But she can’t help but feel like she doesn’t know what to do with her life now…

But then her best friend begs her to help out. Jenny is a TV exec and her new renovation show is in peril. Only Nicky can help.

The catch – Nicky needs to fly to Provence… tomorrow. To renovate a tumbledown B&B. Jenny doesn’t mention the fact that the grumpy B&B owner Robert seems to need a makeover too. Or that the budget is next to nothing…

Will Nicky be able to turn the B&B’s fortunes around, save her friend’s job, and maybe even find some happiness for herself, under the blazing hot French sun this summer…?

My review

Nicky is an interior designer who stored her own dreams away after losing her husband. Even if things haven’t always been easy, she raised her two daughters on her own, and is proud of the women they have become.
But with always looking after her girls, and them having their own lives, also means that Nicky doesn’t know what to do with her life now.
And then her best friend Jenny needs her help… As Jenny’s renovation show is in danger for being cancelled, she needs an interior designer to renovate a B&B.
Nicky takes off to Provence, but quickly realizes that there is nearly no budget, there is a lot of work to do in the B&B, and then there is Robert, the owner, who for sure could benefit from a makeover too.
But perhaps the changes Nicky is making in the B&B will not be the only changes taking place, as maybe, just maybe, Nicky may find some happiness herself? 

Sometimes you pick up a book, knowing you will enjoy it, but not realizing yet how wonderful it is despite its apparent simplicity.
And this book was exactly that. 

Nicky is the kind of character you both admire and feel sorry for. Obviously she did a great job at raising her two daughters on her own, especially if you see where they are in their lives now. But on the other hand, you feel sorry for her, because she ‘sacrificed’ everything, her own dreams, for it. And now that her daughters are standing on their own feet, Nicky is at loss… 

So even if it came out of the blue and with a certain urgency, I was happy to see how Nicky had to take a step in the world again, and has given the chance to do what she loved the most as her being an interior designer.
And is there a better place to ‘get out there’ again than the Provence? 

I have to admit, I had several laughs while reading. And yes, it isn’t a nice thing to say, but the misunderstandings between Nicky and Robert were just too funny! Pigeon – gate even had me in full giggles! 

Yet it was both characters’ vulnerability that did for me… Because they have the same pain and the same struggles. They both find it hard to let go of the past and move on.
So as I saw it, the renovations in the B&B were also some kind of metaphor of renovating their own lives. Slowly both Nicky and Robert are making changes in their lives, by adding new colours in it, but never forgetting the structural work that shaped them. 

And the really sweet thing was that both characters understood each other, even without speaking. They felt when things were going too fast, or were just too hard to talk about. And they understood that ‘getting over their loss’ is not that easy and grief needs to take its time, even if that means years. 

Even if Nicky and Robert are like chalk and cheese, they are exactly what they both need. Their friendship is a slowly growing one. But it was wonderful to see how easy things are getting between them, how comfortable they are getting in each other’s presence. 

I liked it also how ‘innocent’ the story is. Because it’s not about falling in love again, but it’s about finding peace inside yourself again, and finding your true potential again. And understanding not only your own strength, but also the strength of your loved ones.  

This author wrote a wonderful but also powerful story, by showing us that it’s never too late to start chasing your dreams again. And that no matter what hardships you had in life, you can find happiness and peace again, if you dare to open up yourself for it.

Happiness comes in different shapes and forms…

Synopsis

The emotional finale to the bestselling Cornish Midwife series! Get your tissues ready!

Midwife Jess is so used to helping other mums achieve their dreams that she’s put her own hopes of motherhood firmly on hold. After having her heart broken once before, Jess is determined to focus all she has on her small family and stepson Riley and make sure he feels safe, happy and loved.

But when Jess is asked to care for a tiny baby and new mum in need of support, she’s torn. Jess wants to help, but she isn’t sure her battered heart could cope with saying goodbye to another baby she’s fallen in love with.

Jess knows this could be the happy ever after she’s always dreamed of, but what if it costs her more heartache along the way? Is she brave enough to take one last chance at motherhood?

My review

Even if her dreams of motherhood are being locked away, midwife Jess is happy with the little family she has with Dexter and stepson Riley.
Yet she is determined to help others, which can be other mums to have their little bundle of joy in their arms, or even offering support to parents and their children who are struggling.
But with having her heart broken already by saying goodbye to a baby she fell in love with, how can Jess be sure that the past won’t repeat itself?
And then there is Meg, after tragedy struck her family, she is now in a happy relationship with Johnnie. But her husband and son she lost are never far from her thoughts. And her slowly moving on is causing more pain than expected, as her daughter Tilly is struggling with Meg’s new chapter… 

Starting this book was filled with happiness but also sadness.
Happiness as I would be returning to a wonderful place, with amazing characters.
But sadness, as this would be the last book of an amazing series… 

At the start, I thought the book would be focussing on only Jess. But having read every previous book of this series, I should have known that is not how this talented author works. 

Because while Jess’ story is an amazing one, which I will come back later, Meg’s story truly touched my heart. 

Meg and her daughter Tilly have suffered a terrible tragedy years ago, ripping their happy family apart.
And it’s clear that both characters are still grieving over their loss, while slowly moving on also. As I count my blessings as I haven’t lost a dear one yet, I could only try to comprehend the pain both Meg and Tilly are feeling.
It also explains Meg’s overprotectiveness towards Tilly, as the daughter is all that’s left from that once a happy family… 

We also see Meg in a relationship with Johnnie. Johnnie deserves a statue for not only his love for Meg, but also his patience and understanding.
So it saddened me to read how Meg seemed to be still holding back, almost ready to give Johnnie up. Because we could all see how devoted Johnnie was, not giving a inch about the age difference, or even the fact that Meg and he would never have their own child. 

But when the unexpected happens, we see a change in Meg, as she realizes that something wonderful has happened and she should treasure this unexpected gift.
Yet even if I was happy for Meg, it also broke my heart to see how Tilly reacted to the news. And while on one hand I could understand it, as it is indeed shocking news, on the other hand I found her very selfish too. Even unreasonable. 

Yet no matter how easy it was to dislike Tilly and her behaviour, especially more towards the end, this amazing author also shows us that we should never underestimate the effects that a great tragedy can have on people, no matter how much time has passed.
And that a mother’s heart is filled with love, forgiveness and kindness, no matter what. 

Jo Bartlett also shows that a mother isn’t defined by shared DNA, as we can clearly see in Jess’ story.
Jess has been through a lot as we know from the previous books, but we also saw what an amazing person she in fact is. No matter her own pain, her love for Riley is palpable from each page. She would walk on water for that boy. 

But she is also a generous person, as she won’t allow her troubles to stop from helping. Not only does she continue with the support group, but she also wants to help not only children but also parents with their struggles. 

Jess’ story shows us that no matter how tough things have been, it isn’t a free pass on being a terrible person. Jess for sure is evidence of that, as she tries to make the world a better place however she can. Even if helping children would mean that her heart would get broken again. She wants to make a difference, and help those who haven’t been dealt the best cards in life.  

It was also amazing to see how that little family, even without any shared DNA between them, are such a perfect family. Jess and Dexter are so in sync, they are the epitome of power – couple. Their relationship shows what love truly is about. There isn’t a thing they cannot talk about, they support each other in every possible choice.
And Riley is still adorable, if not even more! 

The whole family in fact is so loving, non – judgemental, welcoming, as shown by the arrival of a young mother and little girl who need a helping hand, with an unexpected link to all three members of the family. 

Both Meg and Jess show in this book how strong people can be. No matter what they have been through, how the past has scarred them, they see (or at least try to see) the best in every situation. And no matter what happens to them, they will always, ALWAYS, try to help.  

I never thought I could fall more in love with a whole series, but I did. This last book wrapped things up perfectly. It shows us also how our other friends are doing, with their own little families.
But I loved the most how this magnificent, talented author shows us that love is a power that can overcome the most overwhelming griefs and pains of the world. And even if we try to stop love, it is so strong that it’s just impossible.

Doesn’t everyone dream about a magical kiss at midnight?

Synopsis

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

Will a kiss at midnight change her life forever?

Sadie Winters has spent her whole life doing as she’s told. But when her overbearing aunt forbids her from going to the farewell ball at the beloved local castle, Sadie has had enough!

One magical makeover, one midnight curfew, and wearing a dress of her own creation, Sadie is unrecognizable as Ever After Street’s shy seamstress.

Sadie might dream of meeting a handsome prince but the only person to cross her path is Witt – the slightly awkward estate agent intending to sell the castle and dash Sadie’s dreams forever.

As the clock strikes midnight, Sadie and Witt share a magical kiss and Sadie knows her heart is in serious danger. Surely Witt must feel the same way…? Sadie can’t hang around to find out.

But as reality dawns the next day, and fate brings Witt to Sadie’s door again, Sadie realises that her mystery estate agent prince has absolutely no idea who she is!

Sadie can’t forget their midnight kiss, but is she brave enough to change her life and find love along the way…?

My review

Sadie works as a seamstress in The Cinderella shop, located in Ever After Street, with a mysterious castle on the background.
The shop used to belong to her parents, but after their death, it went to Sadie’s Aunt Ebony. Aunt Ebony is to give the shop back to Sadie ‘once she believes that Sadie is ready for it’. While Sadie is grateful for everything that her Aunt has done for her and the shop, she couldn’t disagree more with the direction Aunt Ebony has taken with The Cinderella Shop. So even if she disagrees, Sadie is a good girl, listening to what her Aunt tells her to do.
That is, until Aunt Ebony forbids Sadie to go the farewell Ball held at the beloved Castle, which will be being sold.
Sadie for once decides to go against her Aunt’s wishes and has a complete make – over, and with wearing one of her own creations, she truly feels like a Disney Princess. A princess with a midnight curfew, to meet her Prince Charming but to run away when the clock strikes midnight after a wonderful kiss. Like a real Cinderella story, her Prince Charming is looking for his Princess. But for sure her Prince will recognize Sadie when he enters her shop? And if he doesn’t will Sadie find the courage to admit it was her? 

Can a story have too many fairytale references? Absolutely not!
Did I love reading this book from the very first word to its last? Absolutely yes! 

Now, I have to say, I was a bit afraid that this story would be too much alike the famous Cinderella story. so I was very happy to see that yes, there were many similarities, but also that the author made sure that this story would go beyond the fairytale. 

Sadie is someone impossible to dislike. The only negative I would dare to say about her, is that perhaps she lets fear hold her back.
Not only is she afraid to speak up to her Aunt, explaining how she disagrees with the direction of the wonderful store they are running.
But she is also afraid to admit that it’s in fact her the Cinderella everyone, and especially Witt is looking for.
Otherwise, we can clearly see her kind character and fall in love with her and her belief in love and even magical moments. 

When she is at the ball, I could understand how uneasy she would feel, not knowing anyone, and feeling out of place. So when she meets her Prince Charming, and there is an instant click, I was over the moon for her, as she deserves to fall in love with someone special. 

As someone very invested in this story, I got very angry when the clock struck midnight, and Sadie had to run back hope, recreating indeed the Cinderella story again. Why did that happen before we knew who Prince Charming truly was? 

And the next day, I could absolutely comprehend Sadie’s anger when Witt, Prince Charming, didn’t seem to recognize Sadie at all! Sadie was expressing the frustration everyone has over the Cinderella story: how can you not recognize someone you spent the whole evening with??? 

Yet this is the wonderful twist the author gives us… because all the above happens rather quickly in the book, so we have plenty of time to take the fairytale and give it the best other direction possible.  

As from this point we get to know Witt better, and not only get to see him as Prince Charming. Because he for sure has flaws, like any human being. But he also has his own issues, that even hold him back. Yet for me, that made me only like him even more, as his vulnerability was so sweet to witness.
And obviously, seeing him at ease, more free even, around Sadie was just wonderful. 

Being with Sadie, helping her out while she and her cousin Scarlett are helping him, makes it possible for him to open up more, and see things from another point.
But him being with Sadie, also allows Sadie to chase her dreams and not let her Aunt hold her back. And seeing Sadie *finally* standing up for herself made me feel proud of her. It takes courage to stand up against someone you love, but sometimes needs must… 

During the story, we know what secret Sadie is keeping from Witt. Yet it was so heart – warming to see these two together, even falling for each other, Witt completely forgetting about his quest to find his Cinderella.
But towards the end, it appears that also Witt has been keeping a few secrets of his own. And while I suspected some, I was still a bit surprised by them.  

This story was so quickly devoured by me, I should feel a bit ashamed of it. But how could I, when I had so much fun? The references to so many fairytales were so spot on and amazing, the slow – burn was there too, but I loved the most how the characters are able to elevate each other. They give each other the courage to pursue their dreams, to fight the dragons of their childhood and to believe in the magic of love again.

When high school friends reunite on a holiday, what could possibly go wrong?

Synopsis

There’s trouble in paradise…

Moving home in her 30s was not the life plan Jas had in mind. So when her best friend gets in touch to say she’s arranging a long overdue reunion with their high school friends, Jas is very much up for the escape. Oh, and it’s all expenses paid to Italy – so that’s a bonus!

But while being whisked away to the beautiful Italian coast may seem idyllic, Jas has to come face to face with not only her ex-boyfriend, but the one that got away too!

It’s a week of sun, sea and unravelling secrets, and as the love triangle from the past starts to develop once again, this trip is not panning out exactly as Jas imagines…

Should the past be left where it is, or could there be a second chance at love on the horizon..?

Join top 10 bestseller Portia MacIntosh for a sun-drenched, laugh-out-loud love triangle romantic comedy!

My review

Jas never thought that not only she would lose her job but she also had to return back home with her parents. While she counts her blessings that her parents welcome her back, she feels like this is for sure a serious step back from her life plan.
Luckily she receives an invite from her best friend, to not only have a reunion, but to have it in a gorgeous villa in Italy, and all expense are being paid. Too bad that the reunion of high school friends both include her ex – boyfriend and the one friend she always had a crush on.
With a week spending in paradise, the holiday seems like a dream coming true. But nothing is less true, as this will be a reunion that no one would ever forget, for one reason or another… 

I eagerly started this book, as I have loved reading previous books of this author. However, I imagined a totally different story than what it actually was.
But that doesn’t mean I didn’t enjoy reading it anyway, on the contrary, as it made me keep guessing what would happen next, as the reunion for sure was one filled with good and not so good surprises for the characters! 

Immediately from the start, I sympathized with Jas. Not only has she just lost her job, but she lost it while she hasn’t done anything wrong. But how can you fight against it, if it’s your own boss in the wrong?
Returning back home for sure feels like a defeat for Jas, as when she was younger, she had dreams about making a difference in the world (don’t we all have had that same dream?). 

When her friend Maxi calls for the reunion – holiday, obviously Jas doesn’t want to miss this opportunity. Who would??? A holiday in Italy, with no worries about any expense, how much better can a holiday get? 

How happy Jas is about the holiday, the reunion also means to face two people of her past… her ex – boyfriend Mike, with a relationship that didn’t exactly ended on good terms, and Cam, the boy she had a huge crush on, and feels like ‘The One That Got Away’.
I could feel Jas’ dread on seeing both men now again, and learning how well they are doing in their lives for sure causes Jas more pain… 

When the group is finally completely reunited, it was easy to see how the old hierarchy was quickly restored. Maxi and DJ act like they are still together, even if Maxi is married to Rupert. Mike is still the popular guy, but also jealous whenever Jas and Cam appear to be doing just about anything. Cam is still the calming force of the group, trying to keep everything under control. And Clarky is still annoying person acting too cool for his own good. 

And it’s exactly Clarky who turns this story into something completely different than expected, with his “great” idea of a boat trip, which turn out to be a survivor’s experience nobody prepared to. 

It’s during and after the experience that the story truly takes off, as we see the dynamics shift from adults into high school behaviour again (although in Clarky’s case, he never left the high school behaviour). 

We get to learn about what exactly caused the close friends to drift apart, despite their strong bond. With the help of flashbacks we get glimpses of that friendship, but also we get to see how everything fell apart. 

Of course this wouldn’t be a Portia MacIntosh if there wouldn’t be any hilarious moments in it. I laughed with the discovery of the suite that the friends ended up with. I laughed over the resort games and to be honest, I also laughed over Clarky’s stupidity! 

I loved reading this book, as even if it was funny at more than one occasion, it also shows us how people always have the need to show off somehow. We don’t want to admit that our lives isn’t that great at all. Jas just lost her job and is back home, but also Maxi, DJ, Mike, Clarky and Cam aren’t having the easiest times. But while that it just how life goes, it’s difficult to admit that to even the people who were the closest to us.  

But the author also shows us that we should grab that second chance when it’s handed to us. Because just perhaps the first chance wasn’t the right time, and we needed to mature to truly understand what we have or could have and truly appreciate that precious second chance not only at love, but maybe even more important, at friendship.

A bet to get you the woman you love, always a good idea…

Synopsis

Finding his future wife

Means revisiting his past…

After making a pact with his brother to find a bride by the year’s end, warrior Camron of Clan Graham faces his toughest battle yet: to win defiant Anna, his first love. She’s fiercely protective of her family and her independence, so Highlander Camron must prove to Anna that she’s more than just a bet—and that he’s a man she can trust with her safety and her heart!

My review

Camron of Clan Graham has always been in love with Anna. He loves her so much that even when she fell in love with someone else, he was happy for her, even if it broke his heart.
But Anna’s love story also ended in heartbreak when the man she trusted wasn’t that honest at all. That made her more protective over her family and more closed up too.
Slowly, with Camren’s kindness, patience and love, Anna starts to see that perhaps Camren is worthy of her opening up again.
But Camron has made a bet with his twin brother, to find a bride by the year’s end… So how much was part of the bet and how much was real? 

Highlanders always evoke a certain kind of curiosity in me. A warrior always seems so strong, fierce and alpha.
So discovering the “softer” side of such fierce men, is always a real pleasure for me. 

And Camren for sure is the gentlest warrior… Yes he is a warrior, but we see more his insecurities, his kindness, his gentleness, and even his stupid decision, making him more human and loveable for the readers.  

From the start we know that he has been in love with Anna, despite their difference in age, and even her being in love with someone else at a time.
But it was sweet to see how Camren always is looking for/at her, seeing her, being mesmerised by her. And not only because of her beauty (while obviously she is a beautiful woman, even with her grey streaks), but because Camren also sees how Anna truly is. She has been hurt, but that only makes her more protective towards her family.
Perhaps eve too protective, especially towards her little brother Lachie.  

That same Lachie that seems to bring Anna and Camren even closer, as Camren cares about this little boy and is ready to help him and teach him, even with a terrified Anna by his side, ready to jump in at even the smallest risk of hurt for Lachie. 

Of course, as a reader, but also with just thinking about it, making a bet with your brother, drunk or not, about marrying first, is never a good idea. But while it was a terrible idea, it was also what brought Camren finally into action. Or helped at least a bit…
But I truly believe, even without the bet, Anna and Camren would end up together anyway, as there are many indications that the feelings are reciprocated, but fear is not allowing them to surface.
And we see also many moments between Anna and Camren, that indicate that the bet would have been superfluous.  

Obviously Anna and Camren have a long way to go before their happily ever after. First of all there is Anna’s fear of loving again. She has been burnt before, and that makes her wary of any man showing an interest in her. And there is Camren, not knowing how to express himself to make Anna understand the depth of his feelings.
But they also learn to trust each other, understanding that they know each other better than thought, while even when the feelings weren’t clear, there was always something between them going on.  

This is a wonderful story about finding love, or rather finally seeing to be loved for a long time. But it’s mainly about building trust, showing you are worthy of the trust given to you. But also knowing who is worthy of your trust and love. And no matter what your doubts are about yourself, those who truly love you, see them as an asset and not an impediment. 

Nicole Locke started of another wonderful series, of that I’m sure already. And with that same bet involving other parties, I cannot wait to read how it will affect them too!