Tizi’s Book Review

When a surprise turns out to go a whole different way

Synopsis

Sometimes the best surprises reveal the most shocking secrets.

After three decades of marriage, Brenda Jones has decided to leave her husband, just as soon as they both return from a mystery trip with their daughter Zara. But she has no idea that Zara is flying them to Las Vegas to renew their vows.

Zara Jones has recreated almost every detail of her parent’s original wedding – now her only challenge is tracking down the two friends who were pictured with her mum and dad back in 1993.

Aiden Gregg is dealing with his own relationship woes when he receives an unexpected message from a complete stranger. WIth the help of Facebook, Zara has tracked him down and is asking if his parents are the other couple in the old photo? And if so, could he bring them to Vegas for a surprise reunion?

What Zara and Aiden don’t know is that thirty years ago, One Moment In Time changed everything.

Will rewinding the clock right the wrongs of the past?

Or are they all counting down to a rendezvous with disaster?

My review

Zara Jones has made it her mission to celebrate her parents’ thirtieth marriage anniversary by taking the whole family on a trip to Las Vegas. Not only is it Zara’s plan to recreate every detail of their wedding, but she also wants to track down the people pictured together with Brenda and  Colin in Vegas in 1993.
But tracking them down is harder as expected, that is until she finds online an Aidan Gregg, who could be the friends’ son.
However, even if Aidan is indeed Eileen and Gary’s son, he is having his own problems, as he has been jilted at his own wedding.
Perhaps a trip to Vegas with his parents will be the perfect distraction and even an opportunity to make his parents become at least nice again towards each other.
What Zara and Aidan don’t know though, is that thirty years ago, the four friends didn’t leave Las Vegas on good terms, as one moment changed their whole lives… 

Having read several books of this author, I knew I would be in a rollercoaster of a story. And I thought I was mentally prepared for all the twists and turns and shocking revelations.
Yet again, despite all my preparations, I wasn’t ready for the outcome of this book! And yes, I mean this in the best way possible! 

First of all, I found it so sweet of Zara and Millie, wanting to recreate their parents’ wedding, with every detail checked off.
It only shows what a close unit this family is, as they all would go lengths for each other. 

But I also liked how different each member of the family was. Especially when in Zara and Millie’s case it’s a case of being total opposites, COMPLETELY!
While the sisters obviously love each other, they couldn’t be more different, even at a frustrating level. And reading those irritating bits, had me in laughs! 

It’s clear from the start that things aren’t going that well between Brenda and Collin. I could understand that Brenda needed something more from her life with Collin. And it saddened me that for the sake of the girls (young women!) she never expressed it before.
But I also understood that she wanted to have this last trip before breaking the news to both Collin and their daughters. 

With this author, we know that we will get several separate stories, that are entwined, yet giving us the perfect opportunity to get in depth with each character.
So having Aidan having his own space in this book, gave us the chance to get to know him for real. 

And while I thought that his wedding cam rather quickly, I also liked how romantic he was. Because he truly believed he has found his perfect match. So yes, my heart broke for him when the bride didn’t show up…
On the other hand, it was sweet to see how his mother and his best friend would give him the consolation and time he needed. 

Even if the chances were a bit too good to be true, Zara finding Aidan over social media, I was very curious to see how the reunion would be. I was eager to discover what happened thirty years ago, to make these close friends part ways. 

Obviously the first meeting wasn’t a jolly affair, but did we truly expect that? Yet as a reader you could sense that some bridges weren’t burnt completely, and something was still fixable somehow. 

With every party in the same place, all the secrets of the past are being uncovered. And some came as a total surprise to me, while others didn’t completely shock me. But it only shows that one moment in a whole lifetime can change its entire course. If it’s for the better or for the worse, I leave that in between… 

But it’s also a fact that one moment thirty years ago, made it possible for our characters in the present to make some important realizations. Like the grass that isn’t always greener on the other side, or that people aren’t always who we think we are. But also that we may find people that may be our perfect match, even if there may be some hurdles that seem impossible to overcome. 

Shari Low wrote again a great story about how lives can take a different course, and even more than once. Filled with twists and turns, and even great cameo’s, I fond myself totally invested in this wonderful story!

When a contest turns deadly…

Synopsis

The competition is fierce….

Desperate to try and rebuild the reputation of Hopgood Hall, owners Alexi Ellis and Cheryl and Drew Hopgood agree to host a realty TV baking show, spearheaded by their arrogant but enigmatic head chef Marcel Gasquet. Hopefully the ratings will bring in bookings to the struggling hotel and Cosmo, Alexi’s antisocial feral cat, is hoping to get a starring role too!

The temperature is high…

Fiery and hot-headed, Marcel’s antics makes for brilliant television, but off-screen trouble is brewing. One of the contestants, femme fatale Juliette Hammond, makes it clear that she will do anything to secure the winning prize – even if it means sweetening up the prima donna chef.

The results are deadly!

So when Juliette is found dead, all eyes turn to Marcel. Has his fiery French temper got the better of him or has someone else fallen victim to Juliette’s devious ways?

With the reputation of the hotel in tatters and Marcel’s liberty on the line, Alexi needs answers and fast. And the only person she can turn to for help is her old friend and private eye Jack Maddox. Jack’s working his own case, but he can’t refuse Alexi and he knows more than anyone that this murder could cost them everything!

My review

Alexi Ellis is determinate, even on the verge of desperate to rebuild the reputation of Hopgood Hall, now that she owns the place with her friends Cheryl and  Drew Hopgood. So they agree to be hosting a reality TV baking show, with amazing yet arrogant head chef Marcel Gasquet. They have their fingers crossed that the show will get high ratings, and also a lot of new bookings, especially as Alexi’s feral cat Cosmo is becoming a show’s favourite too!
The contestants of the show couldn’t be more different, and one of them, Juliette, is making it even bluntly cleat that she would do anything to end up victorious.
But when Juliette is found dead, and all fingers seem to point towards Marcel, it’s up to Alexi to find all the answers and clear Marcel’s name. And is there someone better to help her out than Jack Maddox? Especially as there is still some unfinished business between him and Alexi… 

I was very eager to read this next story in the series, as I was hoping for some nice developments for Alexi and Jack.
And of course, even if murder is something horrible, how a next murder would be solved by this great duo. Oh, and I wanted more Cosmo too! 😊 

Initially I was a bit disappointed reading that Alexi and Jack weren’t the happy couple I expected them to be. But on the other hand, well, we have this book for things to develop in the right way (hopefully!). 

I absolutely liked the combination the author made of having a reality TV baking show, with a murder mystery.
We all know that TV reality shows are always a bit premeditated and even have more drama backstage than in front of the cameras.
And we also know that there is always one contestant who would do anything to be the winner at the end. 

So while even if Juliette doesn’t make the best first impression, looking down at people, making them feel inferior and even parading around with her looks, well, murdered isn’t how I wanted her to end up. 

And then a great whodunit starts… because even if everything points towards Marcel, we know that despite his arrogance he isn’t a murderer.
The more I was reading, the more I was reading more into things, perhaps even making me more paranoid that I should.
The author manages perfectly to make you doubt over every character/ contestant. And she even manages to link two separate mysteries without making it seem impossible and implausible. 

Having Alexi and Jack joining forces again, was great to read, as they complement each other, not only with the sleuthing! Yet, their romance (or lack of it) is not the main attraction of this story, however a great addition! 

This story made me have my own suspects, to only have them discarded when once again it appeared I was thinking in the wrong direction.
And perhaps, when the truth truly came out, I was a tiny bit disappointed as there wouldn’t to be a great scheme behind it all…
But that didn’t take away I truly enjoyed reading this sleuthing adventure, with some great developments for our main characters and a Cosmo that for sure stole the show!

When you have no other choice than going to Bellbird Bay…

Synopsis

When successful university lecturer Alison Wells’ life unexpectedly falls apart, she follows in her brother’s footsteps and escapes to the coastal town of Bellbird Bay on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast.

Neil Simpson loves teaching and his position as principal at a prestigious boys’ school in Brisbane. But when scandal rocks the school, and he learns his father’s health is failing, he has no choice but to return to his hometown of Bellbird Bay.

Determined not to be a burden to her brother and his new partner, Ali is considering her options when her world and Neil’s collide. Having avoided commitment all her life, Ali is unprepared for the force of her attraction to the man who is trying to come to terms with the upheaval in his own life.

As fate conspires to keep them apart, can this small town work its magic on these two lost souls?

My review

Alison Wells is a successful university lecturer. But faced again with the unchanging  ‘man’s world’ at the university, she decides to take a temporary step back and escape to Bellbird Bay, where her brother is living.
She sees this as the perfect opportunity to think about her future, and whether she sees it still at the university, knowing it will be a constant fight against sexism.
Ali isn’t the only one seeking refuge at Bellbird Bay. Neil Simpson has always enjoyed teaching and loves his position as a principal at a prestigious boys’ school. But even if his name has been cleared after a scandal, it takes more for people to truly believe it. And  with his own father’s health problems, returning back home is the only thing Neil can do.
When Ali and Neil, neither one of them is prepared for the mutual attraction… But with Ali not believing in love and romance due her parents’ history, and Neil’s problems, is this the time that Bellbird Bay’s magic won’t work?

Returning to Bellbird Bay is always a pleasure, and I can never wait to start reading the next story taking place in this wonderful place.

And I have to say, I didn’t get disappointed! Although, I did in several occasions…
Now, it has nothing to do with the story itself, but more with what our characters have to go through, and the injustice of it all.

Let’s start with Ali.
We can clearly see she is passionate about her job and she truly cares about her students. But it angered me to see how easily not only her concerns were dismissed, but how she had to keep on fighting for equality. The men at the university were absolutely archaic, sticking together no matter what and not having a sense of righteousness.
I completely understood why Ali had to put some literal distance when she was (not so) slightly forced to take some time off.

And then there is her sad background. While I was over the moon that she found her brother again, the fact remains that her parents for sure scarred her in her vision of love, romance and commitment. It saddened me to see her refusing any kind of bond with someone she is interested in, because of that past.

Yet it was lovely to see how Ali slowly gives in to her feelings, even if she doesn’t see that those feelings are of the ‘love – kind’. It only shows that no matter how hard someone is fighting against love, when it comes, you can do nothing about it…

I don’t know what story saddened, or angered me the most. Because it’s clear that Neil hasn’t been dealt with amazing cards either…
While his name has been cleared after the scandal at his school, not everyone believes his innocence. And how can you change someone’s mind when they are so certain of it?
To make things even more complicated, his own father is not getting any younger and is having several health issues, making Neil wonder what the right thing to do is…
Oh why not, let’s also add the worries over his daughter and an ex – wife who doesn’t understand that their daughter should do what makes her happy, and not pursue a degree she isn’t passionate about.

With such characters, it would seem impossible that Ali and Neil would end up together, especially as they both have no idea where their future may be.
Ali has a chance to return to the university for a position she has been dreaming of, but is she willing to return to a place where she has to keep fighting for every little bit?
Especially when she has another opportunity, that perhaps can be more rewarding and satisfying in other aspects. And even more important too.
And a chance to be closer to her sibling again, to make up for all the lost time, even if it wasn’t their fault.

And Neil also has a lot to ponder… His daughter seems to be happier than ever at Bellbird, and is ready to stand on her own feet. But Neil himself is struggling with his own future. Is returning to teach the answer? Even if that will take him far away from his father, who may need him more even he won’t admit it?

While this story was very easy to read, it also makes you think… not only about the injustice of the past, or the scars we have. But also about the direction we want to take in the next phase of our lives, no matter what our age is.
Maggie Christensen manages again to write a compelling story about wonderful characters. And even if in this story it may have seemed impossible, she manages to put the magic of Bellbird Bay at work again, for people who truly deserve it.
And all of this, surrounded with lovely, kind, warm and even funny side characters that we all have loved before and still love!

What can happen when you say ‘yes’?

Synopsis

Can learning to say ‘yes’ change your life?

When Cat Jones is given the opportunity of a lifetime to present one of Ireland’s most popular live daytime shows, alongside TV royalty David Fitzgerald she isn’t sure she is ready for the challenge.

But after being pushed by her mother’s friend Lorraine to say ‘yes’ to everything for a month, she reluctantly agrees.

What follows is a whirlwind of opportunities where Catisforced outside her comfort zone with varying degrees of success.

Once she accepts the challenge to take the plunge with the eclectic sea swimming tribe The Forty Footers’in Dublin Bay, she never looks back. She is warmly welcomed into their lives, and learns to find reserves of strength she never knew existed which helps her deal with a toxic ex, and a growing attraction for a handsome TV executive.

With best friends, Becca and Sinead also in need of a re-boot, can Cat empower them to choose ‘risk and adventure’ or willthey go back to their old, safe lives?

Say ‘yes’ and your whole life will open up in wonderful ways

My review

Cat Jones is comfortable in her life. Just like her mother, she doesn’t take unnecessary risks and doesn’t look for a change, as she is content with how things just are.
But when her mother’s friend Lorraine dares the both of them to just day ‘yes’ to everything for a month, Cat is forced to step outside her comfort zone.
So se finds herself agreeing on swimming along the The Forty Footers  in the ice-cold sea, and she agrees to present Ireland’s most popular daytime show.
Even her best friends Becca and Sinead are being persuaded, on a lighter level though, to take more unexpected turns in their lives.
But in the end, what will be the consequences of saying ‘yes’? 

When I started reading this book, I was in the corner of ‘why change something when everything is going fine’. So I could totally relate to Cat’s feelings.
And I would be horrified by having to say ‘yes’ to everything, especially when there is a character, a funny one, just like Lorraine who would make you do the strangest things. 

However, it’s thanks to do things outside your comfort – zone that you get to experience new things and maybe discover wonderful things that you never would if you had followed your first instinct of saying ‘no’. 

I found it truly amazing and even eye – opening to see how Cat’s life is starting to change, for the better, all because her saying ‘yes’, even reluctantly.
It goes from small things, like swimming in the sea, to bigger things like accepting the opportunity of presenting a daytime show. All things where Cat’s initial reaction would be a negative one. 

And seeing how Cat’s life is changing for the better, was even inspiring at some level. We see her making new friends, becoming part of a small yet caring tribe, and we see also the change in Cat herself. We see how from stepping outside her safety cushion makes her feel more confident of herself, even if sometimes it’s with trial and error. But it’s thanks to those ‘fails’ that we learn the most. 

I loved seeing how she finds her little haven of peace while swimming in the cold, but also how she is growing as a host. Even the appearance of an obnoxious ex won’t throw her.
An ex that shows us that we can stand up to bullies without taking their bait, but by standing tall. 

There are several moments that have an effect on Cat’s character, but also those around her. The saying ‘yes’ has such a positive turn for each and one of them, and that positivism for sure sparked from the pages.
Some outturns made me shiver from the cold, some made me feel the same adrenaline Cat was feeling, some were exhilarating and some were absolutely hilarious!   

This was a truly positive, inspiring story about making changes in your life by just saying that little affirmative word.
It shows us that no matter how comfortable our life is, and no matter how scary it may seem, making a change can be so rewarding. The author lets us see that sometimes even our best bits are hidden from ourselves and it’s by doing something different that we can grow into not a better version of ourselves but in a more confident, stronger and even more curious version of ourselves, knowing that no challenge is too big!

When one dream falls apart, can another one start?

Synopsis

Welcome to Freya’s French Farmhouse, the second book in a brand new series from the author of the Hummingbird Hotel series and the Cornish Confetti Agency series.

Escape to the French Riviera!

After losing her aromatherapy studio in the BlossomwoodBay fire, Freya Farnham finds herself at a loose end, especially when her trusty Renault decides that it’s time to head to the scrapyard in the sky. Now she has no excuse not to agree to her parents’ request to head to the pretty village of Saint-Julien to find out why her late Uncle Toby’s gorgeous French farmhouse isn’t selling, even when the real estate agent, Xavier Deschamps, advertises himself as “the best in the whole of Provence”.

As soon as she arrives, Freya realises what the problem is, and so, with the help of handsome local car mechanic Jacques Jordan, she invests her last euro in a kaleidoscope of cleaning products and sets about transforming the drab and dusty dwelling into a chic and shiny château. Little did she know that in the process she would discover more about her family’s history than she bargained for.

Can she come to terms with her past? Or will the demons that have been snapping at her heels since childhood prevent her from seizing the chance to achieve a much-longed-for sense of belonging in the friendly community where she’s treated as one of their own?

Why not join Freya as she explores the lavender-infused Provençal countryside, and enjoy a trip filled with fun, fragrance, and delicious foodie treats with a dash of heart-warming romance thrown in for good measure!

My review

Freya Farnham is at loss. Not only did she lose her aromatherapy studio in a fire in the Blossomwood Bay, she has no longer a place to rent, and her car died on her. With her best friend also having left the country for a brand new adventure, what is there left for her in Blossomwood Bay?
It’s the perfect opportunity for Freya to agree with her parents’ request to discover why her Uncle Toby’s farmhouse is still for sale, while being set in the wonderful Provence.
Once arrived at the Farmhouse, Freya immediately understand why the place hasn’t been sold yet, as the place looks more like a haunted mansion and not a chic French château.
With the help of local car mechanic Jacques Jordan and other new acquaintances, Freya starts to clean the while place and sees a wide array of possibilities.
But where does her future lay? To a place where she has nothing left, or to a wonderful place filled with prospects and people who make her feel more than welcome?  

Daisy James for sure has found the perfect recipe to make her readers escape from the hectic of their own lives, taking them all to a marvellous journey in amazing places.
And this story isn’t luckily for us the exception! 

While this is the second book of a series, and the majority of the drama at Blossomwood Bay has already happened before, it can be perfectly read as a standalone, as the focus is truly on Freya. And even if there are references to ‘before’, you can easily catch up without any worries! 

At the start of this brand new adventure, it’s clear and o so understandable why Freya is feeling down.  She has worked so hard for her studio and now her dream went literally up in ashes. With absent parents (for a right cause, yet absent anyway) and her best friend also away, I felt sorry for her, as her loneliness was truly palpable. 

So going to the village of Saint – Julien, at her parents’ request felt right for me too in every aspect. Sometimes we need to step away to see the bigger picture and to have the space and time to think about what we want to do with our lives. 

I have to admit, I immediately fell in love with Saint – Julien. It sparks warmth and it makes everyone feel so welcome there.
But also there are so many lovable and likable characters, offering kindness and help to Freya right when she needs it!
Yet even if it is a village in the Provence, it kept its uniqueness and its qualities of being a small village, where everyone knows everyone. And even the more particular characters, like Esmée, are part of a warm community. 

Obviously Freya has a love interest in her adventure, in the wonderful form of Jacques. However, no matter how amazing, kind and helpful he is, I didn’t feel that this romance was the whole purpose of the story. Yes of course, it’s a nice addition to have some love in it, but I felt it more the kind of story where our lovely main character is at a crossroads, and has to decide whether or not to take a giant leap into the unknown and start all over again in a place that holds so many great memories for her. 

And there it is… the mystery, or rather two…
Because Freya spent amazing times with her Uncle Toby, yet a huge rift between her parents and Toby made sure that she never visited the Farmhouse in years. It was a real intrigue and together with Freya I wanted to know what happened in the family.
And how exactly did Toby get his hands on the Farmhouse? Especially seeing the place, and reading how the real estate agent made sure it didn’t get sold. So many questions I just needed the answers to! 

Yet even if there were so many questions, I felt myself embraced in warmth with this story. The author shows us that sometimes from a bad event wonderful things can come, only if we found the courage to listen to our hearts.
I truly enjoyed reading this second book, it lived up to the expectations I had and makes me look forward to read the next story this amazing author has up in her sleeve!

When you fake to be the girlfriend of a famous person, yet you may fall for his PA?

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.

The Old Boat Clubhouse: When Hollywood actor Keaton Byrd needs a brand boost, the last thing Harriet Hadley thinks is that it will involve her. All she does is work in housekeeping in Sandly’s biggest hotel. Being asked to be his pretend girlfriend in exchange for a whole heap of money doesn’t exist, even in her wildest dreams. Can she really pull it off? Be the small-town girl who he needs to rebuild his image? It’s worth a try. What could go wrong? Especially with Keaton’s right-hand man, Jude Jackson, always by her side, making sure she’s okay. He smells so good, just like the ocean she adores, and he looks like the men her sister Lexi puts on the front covers of her steamy romance novels. How is Harriet supposed to concentrate on being Keaton’s fake girlfriend when she can’t stop looking at Jude? The best part is, Jude is always looking back.

My review

Harriet Hadley never thought that bumping into Jude Jackson while working as housekeeping in Sandly’s hotel, would turn into an offer she could not refuse.
She is being asked be a fake girlfriend to Keaton Byrd, a famous Hollywood actor in dire need of positive news around his persona.
For a single mother, the offered money is too good to pass on and so she accepts. But how can everyone be fooled by a famous actor falling for a local girl?
Luckily Harriet can count of Jude to look after her, always making sure she is okay with everything going on. And Harriet starts to realize she cannot get Jude out of her mind, and neither can he! 

I absolutely like it how this author manages each time to turn a rather simple story into something marvellous! And how she also manages to make each story unique, even when there is always a common thread. But also how each story can perfectly stand on its own, making you pick out what you want to read, in whichever order you want! 

For me, this felt as the sweetest story of the whole series. I loved all the other books too, yet this story gave me more ‘how sweet’ moments than the previous ones. 

First of all, while it would be easy to pity Harriet for her background, I absolutely didn’t. Of course it’s sad to read how she ended up being a single mom, yet she managed perfectly to create a happy home with her cute little son Tommy.
She enjoys her life, and she would do anything to make Tommy happy, even if she cannot give him everything. 

Harriet is absolutely a kind and generous person, but she is also a strong person. It’s not easy to raise a kid on her own, even if surrounded by her family. However, she is also strong in the sense she won’t take b*llsh*t from anyone. When she meets Jude and Keaton, she makes it absolutely clear that no lines will be crossed howsoever. And I liked that about her, because it would have been easy to exploit her situation to gain more money. 

I absolutely loved reading how she sees more in everyone, even in Keaton, than everyone else. That again shows her kindness and her empathy. She sees behind Keaton’s façade and is able to push him into the right direction, making him see he deserves real happiness too.  

But the best bits were whenever Harriet and Jude were together…
Jude is just a wonderful guy, both inside and outside. With Harriet referring to him as a famous male doll, she just put the right picture of Jude in my mind. 

Even if he has the looks, it’s his behaviour that made me fall in love with him too. Yes, he is working for Keaton, but he keeps looking after Harriet, making sure she is okay with everything that is going on.
His passion for water makes it also easy for him to bond with Tommy, and that truly warmed my heart.  

And then there is his patience and understanding with Harriet. While their feelings are very strong, he understands and accepts that Harriet wants to take things slowly.
It cannot be easy falling for a person while there is so much at stake, but those secret looks, those stolen moments just for Harriet and Jude were truly worth all the faking! 

It was great to see how these two wonderful people found each other and were so comfortable with each other.
Love can come very quickly, as this author has showed us again, but sometimes it’s just like that… what can you about it when it crosses your path?
But it also makes it possible to solve dilemma’s in your life. Because with Jude falling in love with Harriet, several different pieces of the puzzle suddenly all fell perfectly into place… 

I found this again a great book to read, this is absolutely a story that didn’t disappoint! The author wrote again a wonderful story that is so easy and enjoyable to read. I had a smile on my face from the very start till the end!

Can what is now lost, be found again?

Synopsis

I left at dawn on a rainy day. 

I left as he slept, believing that he’d still find me in his arms when he woke up. I left, taking everything I’d promised him. I took it all, and neither of us would ever have it again. 

I left, turning my back on everything I knew, believing I could never be part of it.

I left the man who loved me, the family who raised me. I left my home, my roots, my dreams. I left my whole life behind in search of a past that was never mine. I hurt everyone who loved me, and broke him into so many pieces that I know I’llnever deserve his forgiveness.

But I’m here, now, trying to rebuild everything I’ve destroyed. I’m trying to find what I thought I’d lost. And although he says that he’ll never be the same, though he says that there’s nothing left of him, I can’t abandon him again. I can’t say goodbye to us.

They say that you always find your way back to happiness, but I’ve found my way back to the only place I’ve ever felt at home.

I’ve found my way back to him.

My review

Niamh has returned back home after leaving her home, family and boyfriend on a rainy day several years ago. Now she has returned, but where once she was part of the community, she feels like a stranger now.
She knows that she has hurt a lot of people by leaving, especially Noah while searching for her past. But now that she is back, she wants to fix everything that she broke. Even if her family welcomes her back with open arms, she also knows that make things right with Noah will be the most difficult bit. Because her leaving, made sure that Noah is no longer the same man, and perhaps never will be. So it’s up to Niamh to show him that now she is back to stay, with him. 

I always love a story about second chances (or even third ones), and having read previous books of this author, I had to give new book also a shot. 

In this book, there is no question of who has been through the most, as both Niamh and Noah didn’t have an easy time, or still don’t. 

It’s not clear from the start what made Niamh leave in first instance (or second instance), yet it’s obvious that her leaving broke Noah. And no matter how long has passed, Noah is still a broken man, especially as he still carries around the guilt of what happened while he was trying to cope.
I know, I am talking very vaguely, but I cannot and will not tell the details, because it’s up to you to discover the depth of it all. 

Niamh is facing the difficulty of returning home while she hurt so many people with her leaving, not only Noah. Even if her family is truly happy to see her again, there are other people wary of her return. And I could understand them, as they had to face her absence, trying to build up again what she ‘demolished’.
It would be easy to see Niamh as the ‘bad character’, however, she is not.
She had her own reasons to leave, reasons that I could understand. What she had learned, crushed her whole world and I saw that her search was what she needed, even if it didn’t give her all the answers she needed. 

I also admired her, because it couldn’t have been easy to return. Yet she ahs this determination to show everyone that she is back to stay, and will fight for her loved ones, whatever it takes, even if some will keep on pushing her away. 

Even if that person is Noah, the man she has always loved, and who loves her the most. His tale is truly an even sadder one. because his whole world collapsed, he is proof how a broken heart looks like.
He is facing also other several issues, and I liked it how the author shows us that it’s okay when you’re not okay, that you have nothing to be ashamed of.
I could perfectly understand his reluctance of just welcoming Niamh back, for his own sake. He has been hurt by her in the past and he cannot survive another heartbreak again. 

It was sweet to see the efforts that Niamh made to show Noah she was truly back. And for sure it was also sweet to see how Noah truly lightens up with Niamh back in his life. Of course that doesn’t mean that all issues are resolved, but that makes this book realistic. Problems don’t just disappear in one blink, it is a work in progress…  

This story is a story about heartbreak, but also about healing hearts. It shows the strength of love, that it truly can conquer it all when you have found that special person. It also shows that nobody is perfect, we all make mistakes or have our issues, and that’s okay.

Can a mistress truly find love when she is being trapped?

Synopsis

In the eyes of the ton, Ellen Harding lives a charmed life – she is the beautiful, exquisitely adorned mistress of Lord Gainsborough.
But on the inside, behind her glamorous façade, she is empty – a vessel – deaf to the voice of morality and blind to shame. Unable to escape the gilded cage she has been trapped within.
Kind, gentle Edward Marlow could prove to be her salvation… With one look he gives her hope. With one touch he sets her senses alight.
Lose yourself in the passionate intensity of this stunning debut from exciting new talent Jane Lark.

My review

Ellen Harding is living as a mistress of Lord Gainsborough. While on the outside it may seem that Ellen is his by choice, carrying his jewellery, the truth is a darker one, where she is forced to do whatever Lord Gainsborough wants.
But one night may change everything for Ellen, by meeting Edward Marlow. Just one look gives her feelings she only felt once, and for sure it wasn’t with Lord Gainsborough.
Will Edward be the one who will save Ellen? Is Ellen to risk everything for love? 

I started reading this book with the thought it would be an easy, quick book to read. And while the start was just like I imagined it would, I was a bit flabbergasted when I realized that just when I thought I would quickly reach the end, I wasn’t even halfway the story! 

The start is rather predictable as a young woman is the mistress of a despicable man lays her eyes on her saviour, and feel an undeniable attraction.
But where I thought it would be nothing more than a ‘simple’ romance (nothing wrong with that, as I enjoy reading such books too!), it quickly turned in a whole different kind of story. And that was a very pleasant surprise! 

You cannot not feel sorry for Ellen, because while it would appear that being a mistress would give her more liberties, the opposite is true.
We get to know that Ellen is not being a mistress by choice, but by force. And to protect her secret, she has no other choice than comply…
But life with Lord Gainsborough is not easy. Not only does his looks and age even make me repulse, but his behaviour is just horrible. 

Ellen is truly a tormented soul, and where she has resigned in her life, the appearance of Edward brings everything in turmoil.
I could understand on one hand why she didn’t want him to see her, out of fear. But on the other hand I could also comprehend her frustrations when he kept his distance, because of her love for him.
Her life isn’t an easy one, and while it’s far by perfect, she knows that she is all doing this for one purpose alone… even if that frustrated Edward, as he doesn’t know where he is standing. 

Edward is truly a kind and gentle soul, perfect to heal Ellen’s tormented one. He is very understanding of Ellen’s reticence. But he is also ready to fight for her.
He is the kind of man who sees a woman in need of help, and helps her, without hesitation or asking questions.
He doesn’t care what people may think, he follow his heart. 

And while this is all very sweet, this story goes beyond it all. Because we see a woman who has been treated wrongfully, not only when she was mistress, but way before, by her own father and other people she thought would be on her side.
With now having found someone in her corner, she wants to regain her place in the world, with the people who belong by her side.
And Edward will stand by her side no matter what. 

There are obviously people against the bond between Edward and Ellen, for several and completely different reasons. I could comprehend the wariness of those close to Edward, because a mistress isn’t the kind of person people like Edward should marry. Yet Ellen was clever enough to see their tricks and prove them wrong.
And it was wonderful to see how the group of allies started to grow once they saw the Ellen behind her ‘title’ as mistress. 

It was a slow start for me while reading, but quickly I found myself submerged in this bittersweet tale of two characters who find each other, and find the strength and courage to fight the wrongdoings.
And tat is what love can do, it makes you find that one person who can make the impossible possible… 

This author was a real delight to discover and I cannot wait to read more from her!

Friends help each other out, even by faking

Synopsis

One romantic getaway. Two friends. Seven days just pretending…

When Nina Copeland’s mates try to match her with the guy next door, she needs a plan. Because Matthew’s just a friend, and Nina has a secret she doesn’t want him to discover – not until she’s tidied her messy life.

After his divorce, physics teacher Matthew Gilchrist has kept his heart locked safely away. So why do people keep pushing him to date his chirpy neighbour? He and Nina are fine just as friends. Aren’t they?

Nina hatches a solution to get everyone off their backs: fake a relationship at a family reunion, then stage a break-up so life can go back to normal. What could go wrong?

Stuck together at a romantic highland lodge, new feelings lure them out of the friend zone. But if love is to find a way in, Nina must confront her past, and Matthew put his heart on the line.

My review

Nina Copeland may seem to have it all, but looks can be deceiving. With a famous brother, she is more used to people getting close to her because of him and not because they are actually interested in Nina.
With her real friends all finding their own happiness, Nina feels more alone and lonely than ever. But luckily she can always count on her neighbour for a chat, and why not, to make her garden look better again.
But Matthew Gilchrist is not the same man after his divorce… He does not want to start dating again, even if everyone around him is pressuring him.
So when Matthew is going to the annual reunion, Nina comes up with the perfect plan: to fake a relationship, to get everyone of their backs. What could possibly go wrong?
But in the romantic setting in the Highlands, are their feelings shifting to something deeper? Can there grow something between these friends, even if Nina has a past she is afraid to confront? 

When I started reading this book, I was all set for a funny, sweet and romantic escape, for both the main characters, but also for myself.
Yet the more I got into the book, I realized that while indeed this was a wonderful romance, it also handled some more serious issues, like the ones Nina is facing, but also Matthew… 

First of all, there is Nina. It may seem that she has it all, and doesn’t (need to) work, but when we take a closer look at her life, we can see that things aren’t that easy for her.
It saddened me on several occasions to see how people come to her only because she is ‘the sister of…’ and not because they want to know Nina for who she really is.
And I also felt that her own friends don’t understand her, it even frustrated me how they somehow didn’t see Nina’s true emotions, the turmoil she was and still is going through.
Plus the problem she got into because she felt useless, made It even more clearer that she is a young woman who doesn’t know how she fits in life, despite/ thanks to the help of her brother. 

Now, it may seem that Nina is a very dark character, but the opposite is true. Yes, she obviously is still having several issues, but she is also a very bright persona.
Because of her volunteering, she has learnt to listen to people around her, and even hear things that are not being said. That lakes her able to understand people better, and even offer help in several occasions, by making them see what they are not seeing. 

She is also a great friend, especially to Matthew. Yes, she had a huge crush on him years ago, but could you blame her?
But that’s not the point… she truly cares about Matthew in a genuine way, she wants to help him, even if that means to be in a fake relationship with him.
And slowly she is able to let Matthew understand that he truly is an amazing man, no matter what his ex said. 

Because Matthew truly is amazing, even if he is a bit awkward at moments! My heart broke when his story was being told, how his hideous ex managed to turn him into an insecure boy, doubting himself in every possible way…
Even at moments he makes a total fool out of himself, I couldn’t stop liking him. His awkwardness touched a soft spot in my heart and no matter what he did or say, he is the kind of guy who can be easily forgiven, because he is just so real… 

Nina and Matthew have very different backgrounds, but that doesn’t stop them from being more than just friendly neighbours. They are the kind of friends that can count on each other no matter what, they will always have each other’s’ back, even if that means going on a family reunion fake – dating. 

And that is what frustrated me in this book… because these two characters are just perfect for each other. hey are what the other person needs. But why does it take so damn long before they finally see that??? 😊
If even Matthew’s family can see that, why can’t they? 

I have to say, Thistle Lodge sounds so amazing. Of course there is the setting, in the Highlands, it already made me dream away. But no matter how great a setting is, it’s mainly the company that can make or break the whole reunion.
And Matthew’s family for sure is a gem, each member adds an ‘amazingness’ to this story in their unique way!  

Reading this story was not only great, but it went even beyond. It was marvellous to see how these broken main characters, who already have each other’s back, discover that together they could find their inner peace, and chase away their demons.
And with the both of them being so caring and understanding, they truly and absolutely deserve every inch of happiness, together. 

This book was funny, hilarious, romantic but also bittersweet at moments. It was the perfect mishmash that made me finish it way too quickly as I just couldn’t put it away!

How a cinema can change someone’s life…

Synopsis

Patsy Clements lives in Croftwood. It’s been her sanctuary for three years while she rebuilt a life for herself that is safe and happy. Out of necessity, she has learnt to live without ambitions or dreams, but she does have her best friend Oliver who means everything to her.

Oliver Jones owns the trendy local coffee shop and establishes himself as the town entrepreneur when he buys the derelict old cinema in the park. Bringing it back to life is going to be a challenge and he wants his best friend Patsy to be his business partner. 

After lying low for three years is it a mistake for her to change the life that has kept her safe or is it time to start living again? Will stepping into the limelight tempt fate and mean her past catches up with her and can she survive if it does?

Join Patsy and Oliver in the small town of Croftwood for a summer where friendships are made, challenges are everywhere and romance blossoms at the cinema in the park.

My review

Three years ago Patsy Clemens returned back home in Croftwood, with only crushed dreams. Her life now is a safe one, without any real ambitions or dreams. But it doesn’t bother her, as long as she has her best friend Oliver by her side.
Oliver is not only her best friend, but also the owner of the trendy coffee where Patsy works. And contrary to Patsy, he has big dreams. And one of them is to bring back the old cinema at the park to life. And he wants Patsy to be his business manager.
The cinema however is in need of a lot of TLC, both the building and the whole cinematic setup. With the help of local architect Matt and amateur projectionist Ed, Patsy and Oliver hope to bring the cinema back to life.
And perhaps it will bring Patsy also back to life? 

It always saddens me to read a story where a main character has been through something terrible in the past, that now makes her hold back from even dreaming.
So that is why I immediately felt sorry for Patsy, even without knowing the full details of what she has been though. Because even f she seems content with her life now, it’s clear that she still is looking behind her shoulders. And that is not fair, as she also deserves to have big(ger) dreams than just working at the coffee shop of her best friend Oliver.
So even if she doesn’t have the ability to be a real partner with Oliver’s new acquisition, I was happy for her having a chance to do something else, and step outside, not only out of her comfort zone. 

And seeing her opening up, gaining more confidence, and even getting back on the dating scene, was something wonderful, because it’s something Patsy absolutely deserves!
We also see what amazing ideas she has concerning the cinema, showing us her creativity and her brightness. A cleverness she also shows whenever she interacts with the people of Croftwood, even the more difficult characters. 

Yes, this is also a romance story, as Patsy finds herself meeting two men, Ed and Matt. And while with one she gets quickly along greatly, the other one cannot stop from irking her. I am not going to tell you more about this, I will let you discover this all by yourself, also because the romance doesn’t feel like the main subject. 

Because it’s all about Patsy finding herself again, with the help of the best kind of friends you can imagine. Having Oliver by her side, even if he doesn’t know the depth of her fears, means the world to Patsy. And Oliver is such a nice character, appreciating the friendship with Patsy, not ever wanting something in return for everything he does for her.
He wants only the best for Patsy, he wants Patsy to see her potential and to live again. This kind of friendship is the most honest and most genuine of them all, and also the most precious one.  

This kind of friendship, together with finding the courage to live again, are for me the main themes of this story.
This story shows us that sometimes we need a (gentle) nudge in our back to even find the courage to face our most evil enemies. But no matter how scary it may seem, if we dare to stand tall, with the people who truly care surrounding us, even the evilest of enemies can be overcome. And it’s with these same lovely people by your side that you can start to live again, and to dream again…  

It’s obvious that I enjoyed reading this strong story. The author manages perfectly to grasp the essence of how resilient people can be, and how important it is to have great friends by your side, seeing your true potential even when you cannot…