Geplaatst op door Tizi

‘There’s No Place Like Home’ – written by Jane Lovering #BookReview @janelovering @rararesources @BoldwoodBooks

Participating in a reality show like no other may be just what is needed

Synopsis

Isabel, Izzy to her friends, has got nothing left to lose when she makes the bravest decision of her life. 

A month living under canvas on the Yorkshire Moors with five strangers wouldn’t normally be her idea of a good time, even if there is prize money to be won at the end of it, but she’s all out of options.

Joining her in this wild goose chase, being filmed for a TV show, are farmer Seb, whose marriage is creaking but who is desperate not to lose his family. Sheltered Ruth who needs an opportunity to show she can make her own decisions. Glamorous socialite Kanga, who has been living a lie. American Junior who has his own secret that has led him there. And last but not least, mysterious and brooding Mac, who Izzy can’t help but be drawn to.

As the fickleness of nature tests them all to their limits, this disparate group come together to face the challenge. But when Izzy finally tells them the truth that has brought her out on the Moors, will that be the end of their adventure, or the beginning of her future? Because what Izzy really needs is a place to call home, and someone to share it with could be even better…

My review

In normal circumstances, Izzy would never participate in a reality show, especially when it involves living a month on the Yorkshire Moors, with five complete strangers, trying to find proof that big cats live on the Moors.
But the prize money at the end of the show may be the only solution as all her other options have run out…
With nature testing and taunting the team to their limits, slowly truths are being revealed and nothing is as it seems. And Izzy’s own truth can maybe be the end of the whole adventure, or the beginning of a bright new future? A future with a place she can finally call home?

I have read several book from this author with the greatest pleasure. I know how well she can captivate her audience, thus I was also physically prepared for a marathon reading session.
However, this turned out to be a different story than expected, and also with a different focus.

Don’t understand me wrongly, different does not equal bad. It just took me a little bit of extra time to adjust myself to this tale that turned out to be with a much bigger and important message than imagined.

It’s hard to imagine in a western world how someone who was doing rather okay would find herself in the particular situation Izzy finds herself in.
But it only shows how volatile comfort and wealth is… But Izzy also shows how resilient she is, by doing whatever she can to turn the tide.

For me personally, making the choice Izzy made would be double horror. First of all, I am not the camping/ nature kind of girl. Sleeping on the outside, in a tent with limited hygienic and other facilities would be the worst punishment for me.
And participating in a reality show, well for no money in the world I would ever do that, even if this show would appear to be different from the shows we know.

Even in this slightly innovative show the clichés of the participants seem to be confirmed. But what I liked about spending all this time with the participants, is that nothing is what it seems, for any of them…
It’s easy to create an opinion of somebody without knowing the real person behind the façade. But how often do we realize afterwards that our opinion wasn’t correct and that the truth couldn’t be more different from what we see and think.
And that is something we should always keep in mind, that what you see, isn’t always the truth…

Once I pushed the reset – button in my mind and kept not comparing this stories with Jane’s previous books, I truly started to enjoy this book. I was afraid with every mysterious noise, was suspicious with the behaviour of each character but I was also feeling relieved for the characters when their secret came out in the open as they could be their real selves again.

So while this story was not what I expected, it proofed me that, like we say in Belgium, a change in food makes you eat (literally translation 😊), meaning that a change isn’t always bad but can turn out to be a very pleasant surprise!

Geplaatst op door Tizi

‘A Laird In London’ – written by Catherine Tinley #BookReview @CatherineTinley @rararesources

Can kindred spirits find each other despite society’s standards?

Synopsis

There’s a new Laird in town

Will he leave with a wife?

Angus MacDonald has just arrived in London to reclaim his land when he rescues Lady Isabella Wood from a cattle stampede! Their instant attraction is undeniable, but Isabella must wed this Season and Angus isn’t looking for a bride. His wild Hebridean home is a world away from London Society, so Isabella is completely out-of-bounds. Even if their connection is unlike anything he’s felt before.

My review

Isabella may be a Lady in name, but she has her own opinion over Society’s rules. She enjoys more a walk in the park, feeling free and talking to whomever she wants than attending balls and acting all posh.
Even when her own brother tells Isabella that she must marry before the end of the Season, she hopes that even if she really doesn’t want to marry, she can marry out of love.
But the eligible candidates don’t make her heart beat faster… there is only one man who has that effect on her, and of course he is off limits, as Angus MacDonald is a Scottish Highlander trying to reclaim his land, owned by Isabella’s brother…
And Angus is absolutely not looking for a wife, and for sure not in London!
Isabella’s and Angus’ worlds couldn’t be more apart, but since Angus rescued Isabella from a cattle stampede, their attraction and connection couldn’t be any more stronger.

I like it when there is a new chapter in a series I loved. And I can appreciate the efforts the author makes with linking the previous book with her new one, but also allowing ‘new’ readers to enjoy this book even without having read the previous book.
And this was for sure the case in this book! There are a few references to ‘A Laird For The Governess’, but you can perfectly read this story as a standalone.

It’s no secret that even if a little bit predictable, I truly enjoy reading these kind of books. And when in a case like this one, there are so lovable characters, my enjoyment was even bigger!

Living in the 21st century myself, I can only try to imagine how difficult life was for women in the Regency era. We all know that women weren’t as entitled as we are now, and that they had to follow whatever the male members of the family requested.
And things aren’t that different for Isabella, as she has to do as her brother Freddy tells her to.
But I liked it how Isabella wasn’t a sheep following the herd. She has a mind of her own, and doesn’t just accept the rules Society has. She sees people for who they are, and not what their lineage is.

Despite her status, I kept seeing Isabella as a normal young woman, that yes, has her own opinion over several things, but in the end just wants the same as us: to be happy, marry for love and to do what *she* wants to do and not because it’s expected from her.

And I saw the same in Angus. Yes, he is a Highlander also with a certain status. But his greatest wish is not a selfish one, but one for ‘his people’.
It’s obvious from every page that he cares about the people at home. But he is also protective, not only towards his sister Eilidh, but when he sees a danger he isn’t afraid to put himself in its line to protect someone else.

But Angus is also a very perceptive man. He knows how the Londoners see him, unjustified as someone ‘lesser’ than them. And while it would have been easier for him to react to this injustice, he ignores it, and at moments even better, he uses their prejudice in his own advantage!

Obviously there are some leery characters, of which some are more easily to forgive than others, and even put in place by someone unexpected, which made me laugh.

Even if the focus in this book is on Isabella and Angus, there is one (potential?) couple that piqued my interest.
And that is because both Max and Eilidh (Isabella’s brother and Angus’ sister respectively) are also so easy to like. The most I  liked it how Max learned to take his own life in hands, and not living with the thought of ‘just being a spare’.
But their presence in this book made me long to read their own story in more detail!

I just loved how two different people have yet so much in common. And obviously I found it great to read how despite their efforts to stay clear from each other, they keep on being drawn to each other, it’s just stronger then themselves!

And that fact is something that we all should keep in mind, in Regency era or the 21st century… Because no matter how different someone may seem, they may surprise us with what we do have in common, more than expected.
And those similarities are what matters, because the common ground can be the start where deeper feelings can grow…
And that takes away the predictability of the story, and turns it into something more heartfelt…

Geplaatst op door Tizi

‘Doctoroo’ series – written by Dr. Rachel Wellner #BookReview #Bookseriesforchildren #Doctoroo @rbwellner

Doctoroo makes things easier for children to understand!

Synopsis

Doctoroo & the Case of the Red-Hot Hawaiians

Doctoroo (also known as Dr. Marsha Roo) and her team―Kirby Koala, Louie Llama, and Terence Toad― may live in Australia, but they travel all over the world solving medical mysteries. In Doctoroo & the Case of the Red-Hot Hawaiians, they fly to The Big Island of Hawaii, where red, hot and very itchy hula dancers are in danger of missing their Big Dance Festival. Will they have to skip the Festival, or will Doctoroo help them in time?

Doctoroo & the Case of the Hacking Hippo

Doctoroo (also known as Dr. Marsha Roo) and her team Kirby Koala, Louie Llama, and Terence Toad may live in Australia, but they travel the world solving medical mysteries. In Doctoroo & the Case of the Hacking Hippo,they are in Australia, where the famous opera singer Hilda Hippo has a gigantically germy coughing problem. Will Hilda keep coughing and miss her chance to sing for a very important person, or will Doctoroo and team solve her problem in time?

Doctoroo & the Case of the Hacking Hippo is part of the DOCTOROO series, which uses mystery, humor, and adventure to teach healthy habits to children ages 4 – 8.

For more info:

https://www.doctoroo.health/

My review

Dr. Roo is not a doctor like you have seen before. Whenever and wherever she is needed, she turns into Doctoroo, travelling the world with her team all over the world, solving medical mysteries.
In ‘Doctoroo & the Case of the Red-Hot Hawaiians’ the whole team is in Hawaii to help out the hula – dancers, as they are all hot and very itchy, risking to miss their great performance.
And in ‘Doctoroo & the Case of the Hacking Hippo’, they are in Sydney, trying to discover why opera singer Hilda Hippo keeps on coughing, risking to miss the opportunity of a lifetime…

Not having children of my own, I can only try to imagine the difficulty of trying to explain an illness (how small or big it may be) to children.
And diseases and illnesses are not an enjoyable subject to read to children, but no matter how small these children are, you can never be too early to try to explain them the importance of looking after yourself and taking the necessary precautions.

Dr. Rachel Wellner grasped perfectly the importance of informing children with these delightful two books, but also by putting a lightness into them, so the stories are not too ‘teachy’.
It is made clear that you have to look after yourself, by using sun cream or disinfecting your hands (or in case of the characters, your paws). But also that there is no need to panic over everything, and that not all germs are bad to us, on the contrary!

I think this series is perfect to make children understand the concept of a disease and its cause, but also how prevention works and how we ourselves are responsible for taking care of our bodies. I’s never too early to learn the important things, and why not take advantage of such light books to understand it from a young age!

Geplaatst op door Tizi · 1 reactie

‘Single With Cat’ – written by Rosa Silva #BookReview

Love me, love my cat… or rather, love my cat, love me?

Synopsis

Can she save the Happy Endings Bookstore and have the happy ending she deserves?

Olivia is back in her hometown to reopen the bookstore her grandmother left her. She has a whole plan mapped out for the Happy Endings Bookstore. Just one problem – she finds out the bank is ready to foreclose on the bookstore’s mortgage.
Gabriel, the bank manager, is as drop dead gorgeous as he is grouchy. Olivia hates the guy, but her cat Chili seems to love him. Now Olivia has three months to save the bookstore and rub it in Gabriel’s face.

Olivia tries everything to save the bookstore, but with a quest to find out the identity of an anonymous romance writer, her mother wanting to find her a husband, and her grandmother’s grouchy neighbor making her life hell, Olivia has a lot on her plate.

The tension between Olivia and Gabriel escalates as the deadline to save the bookstore approaches, but as the two slowly begin to let their guard down, they might learn that sometimes stepping outside one’s comfort zone can lead to the greatest reward.

Single with Cat is a feel-good romantic comedy perfect for readers who love cats, books, and happy endings.

My review

Olivia has returned to her hometown and is determined to reopen her grandmother’s bookstore. She wants to have only books with a happy ending, thus she names the store Happy Endings Bookstore. However, her dream can fall apart, as the bank is ready to foreclose on the mortgage. And even if the bank manager is hot, his reluctance to be flexible, makes Olivia hate the guy. Although those feelings aren’t shared, as her cat Chili seems to love him…
With only three months left, can Olivia manage to save the bookstore, and to prove Gabriel’s wrong? But the bookstore aren’t her only worries, as Olivia is determined to discover the identity of a famous romance writer, but also with her mother wanting to see Olivia married, and a neighbour that is being annoying.
And Olivia may also realize that Gabriel isn’t the evil man she thought he was…

I love books (obviously) and I love cats. So is there just one reason in the world why I wouldn’t want to read this book? I don’t think so!
This is the first book I have read of this author and what a great discovery this has been!

I found Olivia very recognizable, and I saw a lot of my own personal situation in her in some ways. I am single too (but don’t have a cat unfortunately), and while not to that extend, my parents want me to see me settled too.
I admired her determination to open the bookstore, as in current times it’s not easy to be an independent bookstore.

But I also liked her curiosity. She wanted to know who the writer is, she wanted to know why her neighbour was being so unfriendly.
And that discovery made me realize that a feeling can run deep and for a long time, and how holding a grudge can just hold you back. But once you let go of those negative feelings, amazing and wonderful things can and will happen to you

While sharing Olivia’s feelings for Gabriel was rather easy, as it was frustrating to read how he was not ‘cooperating’, I could also understand his point of view. Being a bank manager doesn’t mean that you can quickly disregard the rules.
Initially Gabriel seemed a too strict man, not only following the rules but also being rigid, not open and rather unforgiving.
However, when his story was revealed, I for sure changed my opinion of him, and for the better. And what he did at the end, made my heart completely melt.

Reading the encounters between Olivia and Gabriel for sure put a smile on my face. Seeing them clashing was hilarious, but seeing them somehow being pulled together was wonderful. It shows that somehow the heart knows better who is a right match before our mind knows.

Being not an extreme long story, makes that perhaps feelings develop rather quickly. But that made it also easier to just devour this lovely book. I had several laughs, a few gasps, the desire to cuddle with Chili and felt myself surrounded with lovely people who learned about the beauty of love, forgiveness and openness.
I enjoyed reading this book, discovering this author and I am curious to read more from her!

Geplaatst op door Tizi

‘Seeking Stars’ – written by Leonor Soliz #BookReview @leonorsolizz

An eye – opening documentary with that something more

Synopsis

Can love survive the pressures of Hollywood, paparazzi, and rabid social media fans?

Ana Lira doesn’t really care about celebrities, but even she knows who Liam McMillan is. He has the eyes, curls, and charisma that could overshadow the sun. Every movie he makes is a blockbuster and that romcom he did? She lost count of how many times she’s watched it. The man is a superstar…

And thanks to her niche skills, she’s contracted to work with him. In close quarters. For a month.

Liam McMillan has it all, except for free time or people he trusts. He needs a break. Badly. Working with Ana doesn’t fit the bill… but as they share time alone on the beach, long days of tearing his eyes away from her delicious thighs and soft everything, she becomes exactly what he needs.

No matter how much Liam flirts with Ana or how close they get, Ana’s the one risking the most. As a Latina newcomer to the film industry, she can’t ignore her agent’s guidance to avoid a relationship with Liam. And even if Liam convinced Ana to give their relationship a chance, they’d have to do so with a million eyes judging their every step.

Could their new relationship withstand the pressure of fame, or would Ana have to choose between love and career?

Seeking Stars is a multicultural comfort romance, with an A-list celebrity hero and a latina, mid size filmmaker heroine.

My review

Ana Lira can almost feel her dream coming true, as her documentary – making skills are finally being noticed and she has juts signed her contract.
But what she didn’t expect was that her first official job would be to follow and make a documentary about Liam McMillan. Eve if Ana is not into celebrities, she knows that Liam is an absolute superstar.
But Liam is also in desperate need of a break… he has gone from one event to another, from one movie to another, and he needs to catch his breath. And if the only way to have that, means to have Ana Lira following his every step, so be it…
However, being  together all the time, going on trips together, makes Liam realize tat Ana is everything he needs. But getting together would be Ana taking more risks than Liam,  as she is not only a newcomer in the film industry, but she is also a Latina, with her own agent persuading her to not get involved. And let’s not forget about the whole world ready to judge them, especially Ana, whatever they do… 

There are so many stories written about a famous actor/actress falling for someone ‘normal’. While Ana can be described as ‘normal’, even with her having just signed a contract, this story is not a case of a dime a dozen… 

In a story, it’s often where one character has to take that leap of faith, to overcome their demons before finally finding the courage to allow love in their hearts.
But here the author managed to make her readers understand that sometimes, there are two main characters that have demons to slay. 

Ana has fought a long way to get where she is now, and she won’t give that up so easily. That made me like her immediately. She could have easily been playing the ‘victim’ part, as her background would allow her to do that. But no, she fought for having her dreams realized and I was happy for her when she finally signed on those dotted lines.
However, what I liked about Ana the most; is her being so down – to – earth. Yes, she was a bit starstruck with Liam, but let’s be honest, who wouldn’t be? Yet she wants to see Liam the person and not Liam the actor.
She wants to grasp the hardship it can be of being Liam McMillan and want to show it to the world that being famous isn’t all that glitter and glamour. 

And while we all think we know a few of those hardships, seeing Liam struggling with them, made my heart really go out for him.
It’s more than just being followed by paparazzi, or having to live up to extreme standards. It’s also a case of not knowing when someone is interested in *you* or in your fame and fortune.
Liam has been burnt in the past and doesn’t want to make the same mistake again. But how can he resist Ana? 

I loved it how this was a slow – burn romance, it wasn’t a case of feeling a physical attraction, but how Ana and Liam also aligned on an emotional level.
And the reasons for not ‘giving in’ that easily were all legit, I could understand why at moments Ana was in doubts, why at moments she didn’t feel she couldn’t be handling all the attention and online trolls. 

But the moments Ana and Liam had together, getting to know each other for who they really are, was so wonderful to read about. And while I understood Ana, it was also sometimes frustrating because these two people deserve to find happiness and love with each other.

Ana’s best friend Ely for sure deserve that title with right… I laughed how she at moments just objectified Liam, yet kept her calm and protected Ana however she could. She is the kind of friend who would never turn her back on you… 

I truly enjoyed reading this book, as it shows us the hardships of love. Even if this story is about a famous person, the author shows us that even they have the same doubts and insecurities that we, normal people, have.
But also that no matter what your situation is, choosing love is always the right decision, no matter what other people may say…

Geplaatst op door Tizi

‘Clara’s Christmas Magic’ – written by Rosie Green #BookReview @Rosie_Green88 @rararesources

What kind of Christmas will Clara get?

Synopsis

The festive season is fast approaching but with the challenges facing Clara, it looks like being anything but the most wonderful time of the year. Can she somehow find the strength to meet those challenges head-on and find her way to the perfect, happy-ever-after Christmas?

My review

Clara is more determined than ever to go to New York and find her beloved grandmother’s sister.
Right by her side will be Rory, who has been the best of friends. Of course her feelings for Rory have not disappeared, but there are still so many reasons she cannot act upon them. Because even if things are going better at home, she cannot break what has been slowly building back together.
Will this Christmas be the moment where all the pieces of the puzzle will finally fall perfectly into place?

Rosie Green knew that while I loved the previous parts of this series, I also got a bit angry as I wanted in each book that Clara would get her happily ever after.
Being promised I would happy with this book, I had very high expectations!
Luckily for this author, by the end of the book, I was a happy Tizi!

Obviously, Clara is still that wonderful character from the previous books. She is still caring, loving, and (sometimes at a frustrating level) putting other one’s happiness before her own happiness. I understood that she finally is being real sisters with Lois, and she doesn’t want to jeopardize that. But COME ON Clara, you deserve to be happy and in love too!

I appreciated that the author showed us also another side of Clara. A side that isn’t always seeing the best in each situation. Clara turned in New York into an even more real person in my eyes. Because while she landed very hopeful, we see how slowly she starts to realize that just flying over there might have been a goose chase and I somehow saw a little light go off in her eyes… Yet that doesn’t take away that Clara even in New York manages to be juts herself and befriend new people.

Rory has changed my opinion of him through the series. While in book one I initially truly liked him, the further along I didn’t exactly dislike him, but I didn’t like him that much anymore. In Book Two he started to redeem himself, making me love him all over again.
And in this book, he stole my heart completely.

I liked it how he is the kind of man that after a failed relationship, still cares for his ex. He also shows a great patience and understanding, as it cannot be easy to hear all the time that things cannot go any further, while receiving mixed messages all the time.
And while it broke my heart, I could also understand why he decided to stop waiting… Even if I was cheering for Clara and Rory to get finally together, I comprehended that somewhere a line had to be drawn… 

But the way things wrapped up perfectly towards the end, and I am not only talking about the romance, was just wonderful.
I loved it how there were no unanswered questions left, how the end was what I was hoping for.
This amazing author shows that patience is always rewarded, no matter if it concerns a loveable character or a reader that needs the author to write a story and an ending she will love.
And just for the record: yes, I did get what I hoped for and even more!

Geplaatst op door Tizi

‘Sensation’ – written by Ofelia Martinez #BookReview @OMartinezAuthor

How to live with the man you love but it’s not reciprocated…

Synopsis

I’ve been in love with Ramiro Jimenez since my junior year in college, and now, his fiancée is dead. No cause and effect between the two.

Suddenly finding himself the sole guardian of two little boys, Ramiro steps into fatherhood. With his entire world upturned, drowning in his grief, he looks to me, of all people, for help he claims only I can provide.

I became a nurse to help people, so there’s no way to say no when he asks for the unimaginable—to move in with him for a year. In exchange for my help, he’ll cover my room and board so I can pay off my nursing degree debt faster.

Now I just have to figure out how my unrequited-lovesick heart will survive being forced to see him every day.

Sensation is a steamy, slow-burn, forced proximity, single dad romance in the Heartland Metro Hospital series and can be read as a complete standalone with a guaranteed happily ever after.

My review

Sara has loved Ramiro the moment she met him for the first time. And even if Ramiro never gave Sara an inkling that the feelings were mutual, her feelings never disappeared.
Even when the most terrible thing happens, Sara does not hesitate to be there for the man she loves. Even if that means to live with Ramiro who has just lost his fiancée and who has become the guardian of two little boys.
Sara living with Ramiro and the boys means that she can help them to get their lives back on track, grieve for their loss, while she will able to pay off her nursing degree debt easier.
However, will Sara her feelings diminish seeing a grieving man every day, knowing he will never be hers? Or can so much change in just a year? 

Sometimes before you start to read a book, you think you have figured out how the plot will evolve and that you won’t be having any surprises.
But while I had that thought with this book, the author wrote a complete different, yet amazing story! 


I think it’s safe to say that every one of us has ever been in love with someone but the feelings weren’t mutual.
So in that way, Sara was very recognizable. She knows that Ramiro doesn’t have the same feelings for her, but that won’t stop her from being there for him in his most difficult moments. 

Even when she agrees to live with him and the boys René and Oscar, shows us just how deep her feelings go.
It would be easier for Sara to just take a step back, but her kindness and altruism won’t let her walk away from people in need. 


And for me, Sara being there was somehow more important than the romance. She is not only there to help Ramiro, but she is also supporting the three people who are grieving on their own way.
She sees the pain Ramiro, René and Oscar are feeling, the grief that is consuming them on different ways. And with her being herself, understanding the sense of abandonment better than anyone else, finds a way to help them. 


Living together with the man you love is of course not easy, and Sara also sees that while she stills loves Ramiro, she has to think also for herself.
I liked how the author described how Sara was feeling while getting back on the scene. With Sara’s past, her slow steps for sure made sense.
And knowing that feelings just don’t disappear, Sara dating someone else isn’t easy for her.  


What warmed my heart, was seeing how slowly, on their own way, Sara, Ramiro, René and Oscar started to form a unique family on their own.
The boys for sure stole my heart, and their hurt for sure broke my heart. Being so young and losing their rock just wasn’t fair to them. Yet seeing them overcoming slowly their pain, and becoming young boys again was wonderful.
And then that scene in the church, for sure dampened my eyes!  

It would be easy as a reader to pick a side in the sudden love triangle Sara finds herself in. But while Ramiro took a very long time to come to senses, Sara didn’t start to date a jerk that we want quickly out of the picture. Because Davyn is just a great guy, who also deserves happiness.

While the final choice did not come as a total surprise, I felt sad that there was one party who got heart – broken while he deserved more… 

This isn’t the easy story that I expected, as several difficult subjects in this book. There is grief, loss, trauma’s, even neglect. But there is also a lot of love, kindness and most of all, heart in it.
Because no matter what happened, love and heart are the perfect cure for so much heartbreak. And a little bit of tele – novella drama and laughter never hurts!

Geplaatst op door Tizi

‘Two for Charging’ – written by Lasairiona McMaster #BookReview @QueenofFireLas

Is it really possible to have a second chance at love?

Synopsis

Dedicated. Driven. Divorced.

Coach Elliott Swift is under pressure from all sides. His players are counting on him to return the team to championship success despite his recently graduated star players. His toxic ex-wife dogs his every move, and his sickly, aging parents require constant care.

When he literally bumps into his childhood best friend, Clare, in the period product aisle of the pharmacy, everything changes. Twenty years is not enough to erase her impact on him. But she gives him the brush off as though they were never a thing.

The last thing he needs, or wants, is a relationship. But he wants her.

He’s always wanted her.

Can he earn her forgiveness and put the mistakes of their past behind them? Or will his inability to forgive himself prevent them both from moving forward?If you’re pucking obsessed with Helena Hunting, Pippa Grant, and Elle Kennedy, you’ll love this hot-as-puck, sports romance. Two for Charging is a full length standalone with no cheating, cliffhangers, and a guaranteed happily ever after.

Welcome to the Minnesota Snow Pirates, where skilled and sexy mother puckers’ lives get turned upside down by strong and badass heroines. Curl up with your next book boyfriend today.

My review

Clare is a single – mother and absolutely adores her children, even if things aren’t always easy. It’s not easy to be the perfect mother while your douchebag ex – husband is ready to find and laugh at every mistake.
And then she start to bump into Coach Elliott Swift all the time. In itself not a big deal, wasn’t it for the fact that twenty years ago he broke her heart by pursuing his career on the rink. And that moment was pivotal in Clare’s life, as from then she didn’t believe anymore that love alone would be enough. Because if it was, Elliott would have come back to her…
But also for Elliott things haven’t been easy. Not only does he feel the pressure of delivering again, after the championship success of last year, he is worried about his aging parents who need more help every day, and then there is his ex – wife, who not only betrayed him in an awful way, but also cannot just leave him alone. So a new relationship is out of the question. But why can he not keep Clare out of his mind?
Two people, burnt by love, hurt by each other, is it possible to find each other again and forgive each other for the past mistakes and finally get their own happily heated ever after? 

Being a big fan of this author (I don’t give just everyone a rating of five stars!), this was not my first encounter with Coach Elliott.
In the previous books it was crystal – clear that he is the rock of the team. He makes sure his team keeps the focus and he also is there for whatever reason.
But I loved how we got to know the person Elliott Swift, and not just Elliott the coach. 

I have to admit, I just laughed my ass of that first chapter, I could so understand the humiliation Cat would feel with a very loud – talking mother in the period products aisle. But on the other hand, I could see myself acting exactly the same way Clare did! 

Clare is the kind of mother who looks after her children with all her heart, but quickly disregards herself.
She hasn’t been lucky in the romance bit, and her ex – husband acting the way he does is the last thing Clare needs.
I felt sorry for her, because she does her utterly best to keep everything going, and even if her youngest has made a heart – breaking decision, Clare shows again how amazing she is, by letting Mason making his own choices and she supports him all the way. 

I also found it understandable why Clare was reluctant of opening her heart again to Elliott. Because isn’t it shame on you if you fool me once, shame on me if you fool me twice? 

But Elliott isn’t just some guy from the past, because Clare loved him with all her heart. And I found it also sweet to see how those feelings were mutual.
And getting to see Elliott for the man he is, not only as the coach of my beloved Snow Pirates was an amazing discovery.
Because Elliott is not the typical alpha – man. The way he looks after his parents, no matter how difficult that situation is, made my love for him only increase.
He is obviously an amazing coach, but he is so much more than just a coach. His team knows that his door is always open for them, no matter what issue they have, sport – related or not.
And Theo is the perfect example of how Elliott can guide a person in the right direction. But the lengths Elliott goes for Mason, made my heart absolutely melt. 

It took a while before the passion, which I am used to from this amazing author, finally is set free. But when it did… just WOW!
Clare and Elliott are just amazing together, even they are still finding the perfect balance between them and trying to let completely go of the past. 

The heated moments between these marvellous characters were different compared to those in the previews books of this series. But that also makes sense if you think about it. Because both Elliott and Clare are older than the team players and their love interest, so it’s logical that their passion is expressed in another way. Another way, but not less heated! 

This story shows us that letting go of the past, and daring to open up to someone of the past, can bring us that one thing that we missed in our lives. They can make us do things we wouldn’t dare to do. And it isn’t always about something extraordinary, but it can be also simple things, like applying for a better job.
Lasairiona also managed to show us that there are two sides of a story, as Clare thought that Elliott never came back for her, and while Elliott thought that Clare had quickly moved on.

I just DEVOURED this book as I laughed, I swooned, I was on the verge of crying happy tears but also sad tears.
This was the perfect ending of a wonderful series, showing us that with the right person, second chances are the best thing in the whole world.
And with this perfect ending, Lasairiona confirmed again why she is worthy of all my stars!

Geplaatst op door Tizi · 1 reactie

‘The Golden Oldies’ Book Club’ – written by Judy Leigh #BookReview @JudyLeighWriter @rararesources @BoldwoodBooks

How a monthly book club can change lives, no matter the age

Synopsis

Deep in the Somerset countryside, the Combe Pomeroy village library hosts a monthly book club.

Ruth the librarian fears she’s too old to find love, but a discussion about Lady Chatterley’s Lover makes her think again.

Aurora doesn’t feel seventy-two and longs to relive the excitement of her youth, while Verity is getting increasingly tired of her husband Mark’s grumpiness and wonders if their son’s imminent flight from the nest might be just the moment for her to fly too. And Danielle is fed up with her cheating husband. Surely life has more in store for her than to settle for second best?

The glue that holds Combe Pomeroy together is Jeannie. Doyenne of the local cider farm and heartbeat of her family and community, no one has noticed that Jeannie needs some looking after too. Has the moment for her to retire finally arrived, and if so, what does her future hold?

From a book club French exchange trip, to many celebrations at the farm, this is the year that everything changes, that lifelong friendships are tested, and for some of the women, they finally get the love they deserve.

My review

Jeannie is running the local cider farm in Combe Pomeroy. But lately she has been wondering if the time has come for her to retire. Because she s always the one looking for everyone, but no one is looking after her…
But she can count on her friends, who are not only total opposites from each other, they are also in a different situation…
Like Ruth, who runs the library, but is afraid she will never find love. Or Aurora, that even at seventy – three is looking for the excitement she used to have. Then there is Verity, not understanding why her husband Mark has turned into a grumpy man. And Danielle, with a cheating husband who isn’t worthy of her…
The friends all come together on their monthly book club, and when their discussions turn into a plan to all go to France for an exchange trip, they could never imagine that this trip will be the start f a year filled with many changes. 

I absolutely love how this author manages to make me forget the age gap between me and her characters!
While just looking at the age, the characters could all be my grandmother, but their liveliness, passion and courage for adventure makes me see them more as a friend than an elderly (no offence!). 

The friends couldn’t be more different from each other, yet it was great to see how it all just clicked and made sense for the reader. In each clique there is the extravagant one, the quiet one and it was easy to pinpoint each friend into the right category.
However, it is not a case of there being one leader, and the rest follows. Because in their own unique way, they manage to help each other through each crisis. 

I can tell you right here and now what each friend is going through, but that would also take away your joy and surprise when you decide to read this book (which would be a great choice by the way!).
With each crisis it was easy to feel compassion for the character. Even if I am not at that stage in my life (yet), I can comprehend the doubts every one of the women is feeling.
And seeing how these friends decide that age is just a number and that that number shouldn’t hold them, almost made me want to stand up and applaud them! 

The more I was reading into this book, the more I found bits from each character that were recognizable. I could relate (to some extent) to each character, finding some features that applied also to my own persona.  

Of course this book wouldn’t be a Judy Leigh book if it wasn’t also filled with tons of humour! And laugh I did! Violet for sure took the spotlight whenever the mood needed be much lighter. For a ninety – five years old wonderful lady, she for sure knows how to make everyone groan or laugh with her silly jokes!
But she is also the voice of reason in a few occasion, trying to let not only Jeannie see that there is still so much to enjoy from life!
However, she is also the cause of a few misunderstandings, which only made me laugh even louder than before! 

Each person in the end makes a choice that changes her life, but that choice isn’t taken lightly, as it shouldn’t. Each woman finds the courage, with the friends on her side, to take a frightening step to a brand new future. Each person in the end makes a choice that changes her life, but that choice isn’t taken lightly, as it shouldn’t. Each woman finds the courage, with the friends on her side, to take a frightening step to a brand new future even if not knowing for the 100% what else in store for them. But nothing ventured is nothing gained, right? 

This is a wonderful book, about second chances at not just love, but also at life. The author takes her time to show the change in each character, which is totally understandable as people don’t just change overnight… And seeing how much can change in a year, but also how solid friendship can be, made reading this book a true enjoyment. Again the author wrote a wonderful story, about great characters and not disappointing her reader at all!

Geplaatst op door Tizi

‘Family Secrets At The Inglenook Inn’ – written by Helen Rolfe #BookReview @HJRolfe @rararesources @BoldwoodBooks

Some Inns feel more like a home than an actual Inn…

Synopsis

Welcome back to the Inglenook Inn, your home away from home.

Rupert has been the chef at the Inglenook Inn for years. He loves working at the boutique hotel, crafting exquisite meals and fantastic desserts for each and every guest. When his boss, who is practically family, has to rush away to take care of her daughter, Rupert has to step up and run the place. That would be challenge enough, but then his sister Natalie shows up, bringing a lot more than luggage.

Katy is out of a job and out of luck until she lands a temporary job at the Inglenook Inn. With her years of experience, helping to manage a hotel is a challenge she relishes. But there’s more drama under the roof than she expected and she’s worried her dad might be making a decision he’ll regret.

Rupert and Katy have their hands full, but there’s magic in the air at the Inglenook Inn, and as they work side by side they discover something new and unexpected.

Is it possible to fall in love in just a few short days?

My review

Rupert loves working as a chef at the Inglenook Inn. And even the owner of the boutique hotel feels more like family than his actual boss.
But when she is called away for an emergency, it’s Rupert’s task to step up and run the place.
Being only the chef was easy, but he cannot run the place on his own. So he hires Katy as a temporary help.
Katy is glad to have found the job, as she was out of one. She is not afraid to help out any way she can. And as the job comes with room and board, how can she resist. Especially now that she knows her father is taking an major decision that will change their lives.
But when unexpectedly Rupert’s sister Natalie shows up, it’s clear that managing the inn will be the easiest task of them all, as Katy and Rupert are uncovering several secrets. Secrets that may or may not break that strong bond that they built in only a short time span. 

I have always been charmed by boutique hotels. Of course, going to the bigger ones, you know that fewer things will go wrong, but you also know that you are just a client and a number.
While in an inn, it’s all more familiar, cosier and even if things happen to go a bit wrong, well, that’s part of the charm too, right? 

From the very start, I liked Rupert. He is not just a chef, cooking and not caring for the guests, but he truly tries to please everyone, and also looks after his boss, who he sees more as family. And isn’t it a wonderful thing, when the place you work, becomes a home far from home? I felt the love he has for the Inn, and I knew that when he started to take over the Inn when in need, that yes he would have struggles, but he would also do his best to make his boss proud.

It’s also very clear that he is a family man. Even if he is living far away from his parents and siblings, he would do anything for them. That is also made obvious when his youngest sister unexpectedly appears in the Inn.
His youngest sister who has caused many headaches in the family, but also the sister who need Rupert now more than ever.

Obviously it’s crystal-clear that her appearance will cause some trouble, and I found myself being very easy to judge her, when ‘seeing’ some things that Natalie was doing. But I was somehow glad that my first impression of Natalie was wrong, and when the truth came out, I even found myself a bit ashamed of my thoughts and I felt so sorry for her… Yes, Natalie’s behaviour made me dislike her, especially how she behaved towards Katy, but in the end, she redeemed herself and like I  said, everything made sense… 

Katy was the kind of character where you can easily see her pain. It’s been her and her dad for so long, and now that her dad is moving on, I could understand why Katy felt so at lost. Her only rock wasn’t only hers anymore…
And I agreed with her, that maybe going to stay at the Inn was the best thing, so that she could try to find the answer to her question of where her future would bring her. 

Katy is also the kind of person who gives people chance after chance. Which is obvious with Natalie on the scene. And Katy also won’t let her personal like or dislike interfere with her friendship with Rupert or her many tasks at the Inn. She prefers to keep the peace and quiet and not create a scene.
But the further in the story we also see a fragile, hurt Katy. I was a bit shocked at that revelation, but it also made me understand her behaviour better, especially at moments where gentle and kind Katy shows that some things can not just be covered by the cloak of love.
However, even in the most heated moments, Katy’s kindness and caring nature never truly leave her, making some of the most heart – warming bits of this story!  

I loved reading how quickly Rupert and Katy bond and become friends. While some friendships (and more) need a long time to be as strong as it is, sometimes the strongest feelings can arise in a short period.
But what I liked the most was that, yes there is some flirtation throughout the story, but the romance is such a slow build-up that when it finally happens, it gives the readers such a satisfied feeling of ‘FINALLY!
Rupert and Katy are first of all friends, helping out each other however they can. And it’s their kindness and passion for the case that makes their feeling progress into something more. 

But the thing that touched me the most, was the fact that people can surprise us in the best ways. Both Rupert and Katy learn this, as nothing is what it seemed to be, and that the people who maybe don’t appear as the most likeable, or appear as the people that are hurting us the most, can turn out the be the people that will heal all the hurt we have endured.
And yes, sometimes we just need a few days to find that someone special, who will make our heart beat a little bit faster…