Tizi’s Book Review

When love is the last thing on your mind

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?

My review

After discovering that her boyfriend made her ‘the other woman’, Penny Archer has had enough of men. As a single mum, in her forties, her main focus will be now solemnly on her daughter, their puppy, her book club and work commitments.
At the wedding of one of her friends, she decides to let her hair down, only to end up awkwardly on her own at the ‘tossing the bouquet’ bit. Little does Penny know that this will make her path cross wit Ryan. Ryan, who has loved and lost and is absolutely not looking for love anymore.
But Penny and Ryan have an undeniable connection… however will this connection be enough to hold on to as what started disaster seemingly only causes a domino – effect with more disasters lurking around the corner?  

Reading a book from an author you don’t know, is always a risky business. Will you like the book? Or is the blurb the only thing that you enjoyed reading?
Will it be a success or will you finish (if you finish the book that is…) with an unsatisfied feeling? So many questions, and the only way to get an answer, is to start reading. And that is what I did… 

Even if there is not one thing I have in common with Penny, somehow I connected with her. I could understand her feelings, her doubts and her resolutions.
Being a single mother cannot be easy, and discovering that your boyfriend is in fact still married, turning you into ‘the other woman’, well, I can only try to imagine the shock!
So yes, I completely understood why she would now focus on anything else but finding love again. 

Of course, as a single friend attending a wedding, the bouquet – tossing bit is an awkward situation, and one I found myself in. Penny’s reluctance made sense, especially seeing afterwards how it all ended. 

Yet that one disaster gave also the starting shot  of something new… because that is where Penny meets Ryan… 

I have to say, the whole story was a rather sweet one, as Penny and Ryan after that one night start to see each other more and more. We know Penny’s situation, but getting to know Ryan and his backstory, well, I liked Ryan, but my heart also broke for him! 

Penny is not looking for love, and Ryan is not ready for love, yet the connection they have is too strong to ignore. Seeing these two people still looking for each other, finding each other, opening up to each other, was truly wonderful. 

But I “liked” it also seeing reality in it. Because wanting something and being ready for something are two completely different things. And we see Ryan struggling with the desire to move on, yet also not wanting to let go of his past.
And we see Penny struggling with giving her heart after it has been broken once too often…
There is an obvious but also frustrating pulling and pushing away, where both Penny and Ryan have to face their fears and decide if they will allow those fears to stop living. 

There was a point in the book where I thought that perhaps the story was taking a bit too long to reach its end. But those last difficult bits were also kind of needed. because what happened to Penny there, and her feeling of failure and shame, is something many of us are unfortunately facing in their lives too.
And in that optic, the author needed Penny and Ryan to go through perhaps the roughest patch, to show us as a reader or whoever finds himself/herself in that same situation, that the fault is not in our hands. What happened before, was done out of love, and it takes a despicable character to use that to his own advantage. 

On a much lighter note, I absolutely fell in love with Rocket! We see here for sure that an animal’s love is the purest and kindest, and the most unconditional one! 

I was glad that I gave this author a chance, as she rewarded me with a lovely, sweet story about two people not looking for love, but find each other. But the author shows us that love doesn’t always come easy. It’s up to us to believe that even unexpected love is worth sticking together during difficult moments. And to never give up on it and finding the strength to fight the fear of opening up again, as the right person perhaps will not completely understand what you have been/ are going through, but they will show their support and love no matter what…

Giveaway

Giveaway to Win a signed copy of The Bridesmaid’s Brother and a signed copy of Liar (Open INT)

https://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/33c69494569/

When what should be the prelude to a dreamy wedding, turns into a nightmare

Synopsis

The high society wedding…

Social media influencer Crystabel Hughes is determined her wedding to Giles Preston Smythe will be the talk of the town. No matter the cost or the upset, nothing will stop this wedding!

A cheating groom…

But for Alexi Ellis and the rest of the staff at Hopgood Hall, Crystabel’s demands are becoming increasingly extreme. And when Alexi spots the groom getting up close and personal with one of the bridesmaids, she fears trouble is only a bouquet toss away.

A killer bride caught red-handed?

And Alexi’s fears are confirmed when the groom is found dead on the night before the wedding, stabbed through the heart – the person holding the dagger. his beloved bride-to be Crystabel.

Hopgood Hall doesn’t need any more bad press, but the race is on to find the killer and close the case before Crystable live streams her dilemma.

Can Alexi, Jack and Cosmo find out why Giles was killed? And, more importantly, can they stop the killer before they strike again?

Perfect for fans of Faith Martin, Frances Evesham and Emma Davies.

My review

At Hopgood Hall are all preparations made for the “celebrity” wedding of the year, as social media influencer Crystabel Huges has chosen the boutique hotel to wed Giles Preston Smythe.
But Crystabel’s demands are becoming more and more extreme and Alexi Ellis and the rest of the team for sure have their hands full with the bride.
Things don’t get easier when Alexi then spots the groom into an entangles situation with one of the bridesmaids.
With all the bad press from previous events, Alexi hopes that this event will remain chaos-free. But her hopes are in vain, when the groom ends up murdered, and the bride – to – be is holding the dagger!
Is Crystabel truly the murderer of her fiancé? And why was Giles murdered? And if Crystabel were to be innocent, who is the real culprit?
Alexi, Jack with loyal feral cat Cosmo are once again doing their own investigations, which are not that easy as prime suspect Crystabel is using her social media to claim her innocence and there is still a murderer on the loose and perhaps looking for a next victim?

I have to admit, perhaps this book was the most difficult for me to like of the complete series. Not that is was badly written, because that was absolutely not the case.
But it was more a case of not liking the characters/suspects at all in the story!

Of course it was a delight to return to Alexi and her new life at Hopgood Hall. I truly liked seeing how well adjusted Alexi was, and how at home she felt, even if her ex cannot understand that he should leave Alexi alone.

And seeing the relationship of Alexi and Jack growing stronger by the day warmed my heart.
Sometimes you see in series that relationships shift, and that feelings start to change. Luckily this was not the case, as we only see the usual and expected issues.

Like I said, I had really a hard time sympathizing with Crystabel. And that was even before she became the prime suspect of the murder of Giles!
Can you think about an influencer you truly do not like? Add ‘gold-digger’ to the equation, and ‘attention – seeker’ and you can have an idea what kind of person Crystabel is.
Even if I had my own gut – feeling telling me that she was innocent, I just couldn’t find an inch of liking towards her. And as I got to know her better, well to be brutally honest, I wouldn’t have minded if she would be charged while being innocent! If that isn’t showing you how much I just despise Crystabel…

Of course murder is something terrible, and perhaps Giles didn’t deserve to get his end in this way. But even Giles’ persona wasn’t that likeable at all. Not to the same extend as his fiancée, but still… The more Alexi and Jack are digging into Giles’ life, the more we see a man that doesn’t know what he wants, doesn’t stick to just anything and just doesn’t have a backbone…
Nevertheless, getting murdered was not something he deserved…

Again there are several twists that made me suspicious of each new character appearing. The author doesn’t give you any clue about who the real culprit could be, but gives you plenty of possibilities with each an own motive.
And when the truth came out, it left me a little flabbergasted. Not because it came as a total surprise, but how the character was behaving throughout the whole story and how there were no qualms until the very end about letting Crystabel take the blame. Shows that some people are just despicable…

I enjoyed reading this cosy murder mystery, that even with despicable victims and culprits, made me want to keep reading. I truly enjoyed being investigating together with Alexi, Jack and the incomparable Cosmo, who for sure with his usual antics kept putting a smile on my face! 😊

Today I’m trying to tempt you with with this book!

Synopsis

Welcome to The Pumpkin Patch at Pickle Grove.

Andi is worried that her relationship with Drew has become dull and boring. They never do anything exciting these days, in or out of the bedroom. So when a swoon-worthy stranger appears she is instantly swept off her feet.

When they unexpectedly meet again, they realise they have more in common than they thought possible so draw up a pact to spice up their lives! The plan they conjure up while working together at The Pumpkin Patch, to make their partners jealous, brings them closer than ever.

Andi plucks up the courage to finish with Drew but there are no signs of Andrew doing the same and she thinks she’s lost him forever.

With meddling exes, misunderstandings and miscommunication getting in the way, can The Pumpkin Pact bring them back together?

Purchase Link – https://amzn.eu/d/f8zin9z

Christmas, the season where anything can happen…

Synopsis

Everyone deserves a Christmas treat…

The annual Wheaton gingerbread exhibit (a model village made of gingerbread) and grotto has been an important part of the sleepy Cotswold hamlet’s Christmas celebrations for decades.

For years the gingerbread exhibition drew visitors from across the region and each year the model town grew more elaborate and ambitious but recently, interest has been dwindling. The gingerbread grotto needs to be rehomed or close forever.

Sixty-four-year-old Margi, the event’s founder, has had enough of village life (and its total lack of eligible men) and is planning to sell up and head to Birmingham to live closer to her niece.

She has lost her spark and her Christmas spirit and decides this will be her last gingerbread village, but despairs when she finds her only support is her old friend, Izzy, her niece Lucy from Birmingham, and Fern, the shy young farmer’s daughter. Oh, and Patrick, the gorgeous, reliable school caretaker.

As if this wasn’t enough, Lucy is determined to get her out dating again and persuades her to try some online dating apps but Margi’s had her heart broken too many times and wonders if she has just missed her chance.

Can they save the Gingerbread Grotto and can Margi get her old spark and her Christmas spirit back?

A cosy, totally feelgood seasonal read that will have you smiling. The perfect read to snuggle up and have you feeling festive! Fans of Jenny Colgan and Trisha Ashley will love this book.

My review

Sixty – four – year – old Margi has been organising the annual Wheaton gingerbread exhibit. It has become a real tradition around Christmas.
But this year, Margi has lost her spark and as the exhibit only keeps on growing but the amount of volunteers are decreasing. So Margi decides that this year’s exhibit will be the last one.
For sure it doesn’t help that Margi is lonely but has also had her heart broken once too much, even if her niece Lucy, from Birmingham, is trying to persuade Margi to date some more. And why not, with the help of dating apps?
Will Margi be able to find her spark back? Or is this definitely the last gingerbread exhibit? And will this Christmas bring Margi some love too?

I started reading this book with very good intentions as I know what delightful books this author can write. But for some reasons I cannot explain myself, in those first chapters, I just couldn’t find my mojo…
Yet as an Italian, I am known for my stubbornness, and I refused to give up on this book. And glad that I was that I didn’t! Because suddenly, out of the blue, I was completely enthralled by this book!

Margi has started a wonderful tradition, that I did not only admire, but also made me feel very very hungry! ☺️
I could see where her passion for the gingerbread village came from, but I could also understand why she had had enough of it this year.
It saddened me to see how initially she had to fight to keep the tradition alive, as nobody Wheaton seemed to care about Margi’s efforts.
Yet I found it also heart – warming to see how Margi still could rely on some hard-core volunteers, like her friend Izzy, her niece Lucy, latest addition and farmer’s daughter Fern and most important, school caretaker Patrick.

As Margi is sixty – four, I could comprehend why she was thinking about stopping with the grotto after this year. I saw it somehow as a general feeling that Margi had, as why just bother with anything, as there is no one to appreciate her or all her efforts, not only concerning the grotto.
She has had so many disappointments lately, and the grotto and its struggles are just the last straw. She is also taking herself down, for no reason. Yes, the men in her life haven’t been acting like they should, but that doesn’t mean that the blame is on her. Yet she has still so many doubts about herself, or about the intentions of the person who would be so perfect for her.

But slowly, on such a heart – warming level, she starts to see that people still do care, and are read to offer a helping hand.
I found it so sweet to see how more and more people got invested in making the grotto a real success, and how even the youngsters are using their ‘power’ and knowledge to make this grotto the most amazing one.

This was truly a beautiful story about self – discovering, second chances, but also about friendship and community.
There is always a moment in our lives where we are doubting about the choices we have made and which choices we should make next, or even where we are doubting ourselves. But it’s only with the love, kindness, help and appreciation of those around us we realize that life does come with ups and downs, but that doesn’t define us at all.

We are enough, we are worthy, what we do is appreciated and it’s never too late to find love.
And is there a better time to realize that than the Christmas season?

So while it was a rough start, in the end it was worth of keep on reading, as even if the main character may be older than I am, it made me realize that in fact, no matter of the past or our doubts, it’s always the right time to love and feel loved, by friends, family, new acquaintances, the community and even a new (or old) love interest.

A job offer in paradise, how to refuse?

Synopsis

Welcome to Holly’s Hawaiian Holiday, the third book in a brand new series from the author of the Hummingbird Hotel series and the Cornish Confetti Agency series.

Escape to the beautiful Hawaiian Islands!

When Holly Henderson loses her dog-grooming business in the Blossomwood Bay fire, she’s devastated, and her plans to expand into creative coat-dyeing are over before they began. After her temporary job at Blossomwood Kennels also comes to a heart-breaking end, she’s left with no choice but to accept her cousin’s offer of a dog-sitting assignment for celebrity TV chef Oscar Reynolds if she wants to keep her beloved springer spaniel, Ariel, in dog biscuits.

However, the assignment is in Hawaii and Holly has never been further than a short weekend trip to Paris. With some trepidation, she heads to Oahu and the Mahina family’s ranch where, within five minutes of arriving, she’s run off the road by a speeding Ferrari and doused in an avalanche of “organic” fertiliser.

So much for the glamorous holiday she’d hoped to enjoy!

But despite the inauspicious start, it doesn’t take long for the tropical island paradise to weave its Aloha magic through Holly’s veins. Can the hang loose lifestyle help her find the confidence she needs to deal with the demons that have been chasing her for as long as she can remember? Or will they continue to pursue her, sapping her energy, and ruining her chance of finding happiness?

Join Holly as she explores everything the beautiful Hawaiian Islands have to offer, and enjoy a story filled with sun, sea, and surfing, along with a Dash, Dollop & Drizzle of heart-warming romance.

My review

After the Blossomwood Bay Fire, Holly Henderson has lost her dog – grooming business. Even if her dream ended up in fire, she luckily found a new temporary job at Blossomwood Kennels. But when that job comes also to an end, Holly doesn’t know what to do.
Her cousin comes up with the perfect solution: a job as dog – sister for celebrity TV chef Oscar Reynolds. The only “downside” is that the job is in Hawaii and Holly has never been on such a faraway journey.
However, beggars cannot not be choosers and Holly heads to Oahu, even if her arrival isn’t exactly how it was planned.
Nevertheless, Holly finds herself quicky submerged in the magical atmosphere of the place. And perhaps she can finally defeat her demons and find her own happiness, while helping the Mahina family too with their own struggles. 

How does Daisy James do it in each book? No matter where she takes us with her stories, whether we are in France, Italy or Hawaii, she captures perfectly the way of life in that place, and makes it so easy for her readers to make them feel they are walking there themselves. 

The book starts when the tragical fire already took place, and we get to know a Holly that is trying to put her life back on track. But it’s easier said than done of course. 

From the beginning, we see that Holly is the kind of person that wants to avoid any kind of confrontation as much as possible. And while that is very relatable, because don’t we all want to avoid it, for Holly is has a deeper reason, a reason that has affected her at a younger age and she is still having that same demon hanging over her. 

But we also see a Holly with her heart at the right place. While she loses her temporary job, she also knows that it’s the best decision, also for the animals kept at the kennels. Because she for sure is an animal – lover, and if she could, she would take all the animals with her! 

So having presented a job as a dog – sitter is absolutely her cup of tea! Despite the job being in the paradise of Hawaii, I could understand her initial trepidation, especially when we learn that Holly hasn’t been a real globe trotter. And her arrival isn’t exactly running smoothly.. 

But no worries, as Hawaii quickly shows its way of living, and ‘hanging loose’. I have never been to Hawaii myself, but I liked it to read how laid back the people there are. They have obviously their responsibilities and they take them too, and their worries for sure bring a few frowns on their forehead. But generally speaking, it’s a relaxing way of life. 

I have to say, I don’t think I would manage to work with Alani. That woman is a recipe for disaster, with her forgetfulness. But that doesn’t take away her kind and generous character, even if she is adamant on finding The One, but having the wrong mindset perhaps? 

Holly working in Hawaii may be exactly what Holly needed in her life. Hawaii, its inhabitants and also Oscar give her the chance to mature, to face her demons and stand tall. Of course this isn’t a change made overnight, as she needs a lo of courage to finally do it. But she also knows that it’s the right thing to do, as the confrontation may reveal the truth that affects the island. 

It was lovely to see Holly and Oscar grow together, how even if they don’t know each other, are so at ease with each other. Of course does the presence of Max, the Westie, help. But there is just an underlying something bringing these two people together. 

Yes, there are also a few twists, a few predictable and some not, adding drama to the story. but that drama is also needed, as the characters need to understand what is happening and what it is that they true want. 

I absolutely enjoyed this journey to Hawaii and I loved seeing Holly emerge from the shadows. Daisy James took us to an amazing place, making us wanting to order any food and drink that was mentioned. And we got to know some wonderful characters, going through their own rollercoasters but rising stronger and fiercer than before!

Having found love is just the start… keeping it is something different…

Synopsis

How can life be too busy for love?

Phoebe Dashwood is living the dream. She’s running her own successful vet practice, Puddleduck Vets, alongside her grandmother’s animal sanctuary.

She’s also dating the gorgeous, yet slightly broken Rufus Holt, the most eligible bachelor in the New Forest.
So why isn’t she blissfully happy?

Both Phoebe and Rufus are consumed 24/7 by their own commitments. Their relationship is always last on the list.
Phoebe juggles quirky, yet demanding clients and their pets whilst widowed Rufus is consumed by his anxieties, responsibilities of fatherhood and the unenviable tasks of being a Lord in waiting with a huge estate to manage.

Phoebe knows that when you’re a vet, there isn’t always a happy ending. But will there be a happy ending for Phoebe, Rufus and everyone else at Puddleduck Farm?
Is it ever really possible to have it all?

My review

Phoebe Dashwood is finally in a happy place. She is running her own vet practice, has a loyal team and also managed to date the elusive Rufus Holt, Lord – to – be and still scarred by his past.
But no matter how wonderful things may seem, Phoebe and Rufus are so packed by their own commitments, that they can barely spend any quality – time together. And Rufus’ anxieties aren’t making things easier.
With being a vet, there is never a peaceful moment, but will Phoebe manage to have her
well – deserved happy ending anyway? 

First of all, I need to say that I found it so lovely to return to Puddleduck Farm! I was very curious to see how Phoebe was doing, and all her friends and family too! 

Only to be left disappointed… now, not that I didn’t like the story, no worries! But it saddened me that even if some time has passed, there hasn’t been a real evolution in Phoebe’s relationship with Rufus.
Yes, Rufus has a serious baggage, and being a vert isn’t easy, as you can be called up any time.
But somehow I had hoped that some demons would have been chased away, that a balance somehow would have been found… 

And we see the toll It has taken on Phoebe. While on paper she has it all, the reality is very different. Being a vet is a calling, and you know that helping the animals is always the main priority. Phoebe still has a great passion, and the way she is heart – broken when there are animals in need show that more than often.
We also see a kind – hearted Phoebe, that finds it difficult to be strict. Any kind of sad story is enough for her to give reduction, to do exams without charging the patients’ owners. And while that is truly admirable, that is however not how a business is run… 

Phoebe’s life as a vet is hectic, so I had so much my fingers crossed that at least in her free time he could cuddle up and relax with her boyfriend. Too bad she didn’t…
That relationship hasn’t evolved like a relationship should. In my opinion, it seemed more that Phoebe and Rufus were ‘just’ friends and the sparkle I saw in the previous books was somehow just missing. 

Yes, I know that Rufus is still struggling, and demons aren’t chased away just overnight. And yes, obviously Rufus still loves his late wife and his priority is looking after his son. The baggage he is carrying around is a heavy one, and I completely understand that.
But Rufus’ character seemed to be standing still, while all the other characters have grown.
And Emilia’s presence for sure didn’t help in the evolution of the relationship. 

In this book, we see the struggles of being in a relationship. Whether it’s finding no time to spend together, or an unexpected surprise, or being not ‘good enough’ for your partner’s parents, how wonderful it may seem to be having found love, it isn’t always a walk in the park. Getting together is just the start, not the finish. 

Don’t worry, this isn’t a depressing book, as the ending tied all the knots perfectly. Perhaps not like we expected it to end, but different isn’t always bad. Because for sure I had several laughs too! Saddam the cat for sure lives up to his name, and his antics had me laughing all over the place. And let’s not forget about sweet, wonderful Archie, Rufus’ son. His innocence and curiosity is a force to be reckoned with.
Della Galton wrote an amazing third part of a wonderful series. She shows us that love is always a work in progress, and we keep learning from it. And sometimes love is enough, and sometimes it just isn’t… 

But that doesn’t mean that we should give up on our search for our own happy ending. Because perhaps the journey we have taken will show us that what we truly need, has always been there and we just have to understand what our heart is trying to tell us.

Oooh check out this cover, are you just as impatient as I am???

Synopsis

Lexie Dunbar is a book lover. And her favourite place in the world is her local bookstore, Book Ends.  So when she hears that it’s going to be sold, Lexie decides she needs to do something to help.

Lexie’s plan to save the ailing shop is fully underway until gorgeous-but-grouchy artist Tobias Black arrives on the scene determined to turn the bookstore into an art gallery. Lexie is horrified; the last thing the quaint town of Bracken Way needs is a pretentious artist, even if he does seem to charm everyone but her.

Tensions continue to rise until Tobias discovers a shocking secret that shows they might have more in common than they realise. As sparks fly, can Lexie and Tobias work together, or will opposing ideas get in the way of them finding their very own happy ever after…

Pre-order Links 

UK – https://www.amazon.co.uk/Bookshop-Loch-brand-escapist-romance-ebook/dp/B0CCXFV6GK/

US – https://www.amazon.com/Bookshop-Loch-brand-escapist-romance-ebook/dp/B0CCXFV6GK/

Publication Date: 29th February 2024

About the author

Julie Shackman is a former journalist from Scotland, who has always wanted to write feel-good romance. As well as being an author, Julie also writes verses and captions for greetings card companies. Julie admits to having an obsession with stationery and handbags. She is married, has two sons and a Romanian rescue pup, Cooper. The Bookshop by the Loch is Julie’s tenth novel.

The cover!

To spend Christmas and New Year in New York, just not like how expected…

Synopsis

Thirty-two year old Charlie Brown has a plane to catch.

As Christmas approaches, she is New York bound, to be reunited with boyfriend Harry after work has kept them apart.

But once she lands, Harry is nowhere to be found…

There’s no hand-drawn sign with her name being brandished at the gate. No answer from Harry’s phone. And all at once, Charlie’s worst fears come true.

What has happened to Harry? And what should Charlie do now that she’s an ocean away from home?

As Charlie slowly comes to terms with her predicament, she makes a decision. She’s not leaving New York without finding out the truth, and with a little help from her handsome new friend Pete, there might still be a path to happily-ever-after…

Bestseller Zoë Folbigg returns with a page-turning story of love, friendship and learning to believe in your own worth. Perfect for fans of Mike Gayle, JoJo Moyes and David Nicholls.

My review

Make – up artist Charlie Brown cannot wait to fly over to New York to spend the holidays with her boyfriend Harry, who is living there for work.
But when Charlie arrives at the airport, there is no Harry to be found. Not only that, but Harry doesn’t answer his phone and with Charlie not knowing Harry’s address, Charlie is utterly lost in a city she doesn’t know.
What can Charlie do in a city on the other side of the world, and worried about what could have happened to the man she loves?
With the help of her new friend Pete, a real New Yorker, Charlie is determined to find out the truth. But is it a truth Charlie wants to hear?  

If there is one thing I absolutely hate, it’s ghosting… so reading how Charlie is being ghosted by her actual boyfriend of all people, made my blood boil!
How can someone who claims to love you, leave you just stranded in a city you never been before? I understand that people can fall in love with someone else, but is it so hard to grow a pair and actual just break up with them? 

And Charlie for sure doesn’t deserve to be treated like that!
Charlie is such a likeable character. Likeable but also a bit naïve… from the moment there is radio silence from Harry’s side, I knew what happened. Yet Charlie has the hope somehow it’s all a misunderstanding, or that something has happened.
However, even in her naivety, Charlie shows an admirable determination. She goes lengths to find out what happened with Harry. 

And also further in the story, she shows a growth, by not just accepting cr*p from anyone. Slowly she learns to even go for the confrontation, to make her point clear, to show others that they are wrong. 

Charlie is also a very caring person. She doesn’t look at “what” you are, but who you are. She likes or dislikes you for the right reasons. And with Harry being the exception, she also quickly senses someone’s true colours. 

That is why it’s so easy for her to befriend Pete. Because Pete is genuinely a nice guy. I have never been to New York, but I can imagine it’s the kind of city where a lot of people only care about themselves and won’t help out a stranger.
But that is not who Pete is. He befriends Charlie not only out of pity, but because they just click. Even if Pete himself has been heartbroken, and apparently the person in question likes to rub it in, Pete didn’t let it affect his kind nature.  

It warmed my heart to see how Pete, his friends and even his family embraced Charlie. While Charlie sees the bad of some people, she, and we as a reader, see also all the good that people have. 

This was a wonderful, heart – warming but also slow – burning story, about how the worst that could happen can turn in the best.
We see the characters grow more mature, learning to stand tall and stand up for themselves. But we also see so much kindness and love in this book.
And it’s a nice extra touch having a character discovering a new city, taking us together with her on all her explorations!