Tizi’s Book Review

Can an intervention help a reclusive introvert?

Synopsis

Is true love just a few dates away … or even closer than you think?

Tom has always been a hopeless romantic: but now he’s just hopeless. After lockdown in particular made the millennial a reclusive introvert, it was finally time to get back ‘out there’ – at least according to his best friends Adam, Allison and sister Sarah.

As the group sets up ten miracle dates to rejuvenate Tom’s love life, he soon realises how difficult the dating scene has become, along with juggling his Shakespearean-themed café on the side and a hobby of romantic mixtape making.

As the dates continue to turn into disasters, an old flame keeps reappearing in Tom’s sight – along with bittersweet memories. Fearing it may be too little too late, Tom must decide whether he can date his way to happiness, or find his true match was under his nose the whole time…

My review

Right before the pandemic lockdown, Tom messed up big time with the woman he loves. And the lockdown didn’t help at all, as it turned Tom into a complete reclusive introvert.
His best friends Adam and Alisson, together with his sister Sarah, decide it’s time for an intervention. They set up 10 dates, to make Tom get out there again. Tom has no other choice than go along with their plans. But dating has changed a lot, and where some dates go rather well, some end in total disaster…
Will Tom find through these dates his happiness again?  

In real life, a lot has changed due the pandemic. And now that everything is somehow back to normal, we all realize that the pandemic somehow changed us, even for those who were spared from it.
I see this also with myself… hugging and kissing people are things I still somehow avoid (thank God no more kissing for Christmas or New Year!). And I never was someone who went out each weekend and the lockdown made me enjoy the staying at home part even more. 

That made me understand Tom so well as I felt the same things he felt and is still feeling. But I also felt a bit sad for him, because right before lockdown he screwed up big time and hasn’t been able to come clean about his real feelings, losing one of his best friends because of it.
So reading how his other best friends come up with this intervention, made me glad, because they do have Tom’s best interest at heart, and they want to see him happy again. 

Of course, if all the dates would go without a hiccup, this book would lose a lot of its charm. But thanks to these hiccups, disasters and even dates that go rather well, Tom starts to see and understand that he has to move on.
And seeing Tom getting out of his shell, initially still screwing up a bit yet slowly gaining back his self-confidence, was heart – warming and also somehow eye – opening as it’s easy to wallow yourself in self-pity and loneliness, but by putting yourself on the line, you understand yourself better and you see things you didn’t before. 

I have to also add that seeing Tom on these dates, made me laugh out loud at moments. There were many sweet moments between Tom and his friends and sister, and even the most terrible dates put a sadistic smile on my face.  

Now… while I found it sweet how Tom’s friends intervene and plan these dates, I was absolutely shocked and a bit disgusted when the truth came out. I got so angry, felt betrayed and heart – broken at the same time when I realized that one character didn’t act out on the kindness of their heart, but pure for a selfish reason.
Just like Tom, I just couldn’t forgive that person, as it put their friends also in an awkward situation for keeping it a secret for so long. And getting to know how long the ‘thing’ was going on, even getting to the next step, made my blood boil, making me put the book away for a moment. 

I liked how the author again managed to add the importance of music in this book too, with the help of the old – fashioned mixed tapes. And even a small cameo of characters from his previous book was a nice addition, but it’s not a great deal if you wouldn’t recognize them. 

This book shows us that even the most introvert person can manage to get out of his shell. And that it’s never to late to make up for made mistakes. It’s never too late or wrong to tell someone what your feelings are.
While that big twist almost let me like this book a bit lesser, in the end, after digesting everything I had read, I just couldn’t.
Because even after everything Tom has been through, losing not only a few friends, but also himself, he still found the courage and strength to take his shot at happiness.
And that hopeful message, that anyone can get that shot, makes up of the bit I truly didn’t like and made me see that one ugly event doesn’t take away the beauty a whole story contains. And the author already got forgiven for it with his ending!

Taking care of a garden can bring many surprises…

Synopsis

When Clara Bowes transforms a wilderness of a garden, she isn’t expecting to reconnect with someone special from her past at the same time. Having Rory Angel in her life again is a dream come true. But life is never straight forward – especially in matters of the heart – and soon, a devastating revelation looks set to bring Clara’s hopes for the future crashing down around her. Will she find the strength to reach for her dreams?

My review

Clara Bowes is determined to take care of her grandmother’s beloved garden while her grandmother is in the hospital.
What Clara didn’t expect, is that while working in that same garden, she would reconnect with the man who she had a crush on like forever, Rory Angel.
For Clara, it’s a dream coming true, as Rory finally sees her. But while Clara is getting high hopes, a revelation quickly crashes all her hopes…

Before I started to read this book (interpret as: devour), I made sure I was comfortable, had everything I would need nearby, made sure my tablet was fully charged and I had a big smile on my face as I was happy to return to a place I love. 

Obviously, I immediately liked Clara. And there are so many reasons for me liking her. I see so much of myself in her, as I don’t like to be in the centre of attention, or even standing in a big group of people make me feel uncomfortable.
But just because she is so kind, loving and caring.
Even if she isn’t known for taking good care of plants, she knows how much the garden means to her grandmother. And that is enough for Clara to start cleaning up that garden.
But also how she looks after her little brother Bertie, as Bertie’s mother won’t go winning any award for best mother.
Clara has given up her own dreams, for the people she loves, so how can you not like someone like that? 

And seeing how Clara and Rory meet each other again, well, I was rooting for them straight away! These two characters go way back, and I found it sweet to see how a younger Clara started to develop a crush on Rory. And I could for sure understand her! 

But then the author adds a twist in the story, which I didn’t like at all. And I hope Rosie will forgive me, but I got actual angry for a moment because that was not how the story was supposed to go!
The more I was reading after that twist, the more I saw my opinion change for some characters.
I am not going to say too much over here, but one character I didn’t complete dislike, and even liked a little bit, turned into someone I completely disliked.
And because of that twist, I realized that that one person wasn’t so likeable at all. I started to see more selfish actions, and how Clara to keep the peace just went along with it.
Although it breaks my heart to admit this, also Rory wasn’t my favourite person anymore…  

Now, I know this is the first part of a series, and I have all the faith in this amazing author that things will turn for the better for Clara, as there were already several glimpses of it. I am sure that in the bigger picture Clara will find her happiness and even her courage.
But Rosie will have a lot to answer for if Clara doesn’t!  

Being part of a series also means that I was utterly disappointed when I reached the end of the first book, as it left me with so many questions. Disappointed because now I have to wait (and I am not know for my patience) for the second part! 

But don’t get me wrong, I got angry, disappointed and frustrated. But I also loved getting to know Clara, see myself in her, and admire her for the lengths she goes for those who matter to her. And also how she understands what goes around in the mind of a shy girl and uses her own experience to help.
And while in first instance I didn’t get the link with the Little Duck Pond Café, I can assure you that our beloved played a part in this book too, and I am sure they will also in the next ones.

The ins and outs of The Empire Theatre in the roaring twenties…

Synopsis

Welcome to The Empire theatre

1922. When Jack Treadwell arrives at The Empire, in the middle of a rehearsal, he is instantly mesmerised. But amid the glitz and glamour, he soon learns that the true magic of the theatre lies in its cast of characters – both on stage and behind the scenes.

There’s stunning starlet Stella Stanmore and Hollywood heartthrob Lancelot Drake; and Ruby Rowntree, who keeps the music playing, while Lady Lillian Lassiter, theatre owner and former showgirl, is determined to take on a bigger role. And then there’s cool, competent Grace Hawkins, without whom the show would never go on . . . could she be the leading lady Jack is looking for?

When long-held rivalries threaten The Empire’s future, tensions rise along with the curtain. There is treachery at the heart of the company and a shocking secret waiting in the wings. Can Jack discover the truth before it’s too late, and the theatre he loves goes dark?

Musical theatre legend Michael Ball brings his trademark warmth, wit and glamour to this, his debut novel.

Enjoy the show!

My review

When Jack Treadwell arrives at the Empire Theatre in 1922, he didn’t expect how this place would affect his life.
After stumbling into a rehearsal, Jack is quickly mesmerised by the glitter and glamour of The Empire, but also by its magic on and off stage. And then we’re not talking about all the people he is meeting, like Stella Stanmore and Hollywood heartthrob Lancelot Drake. And Grace Hawkins, who appears to have a lot more on the ball than people may think.
But running a theatre isn’t all sunshine and rainbows, as finding successful plays aren’t that easy, and adding more drama in real life than any tragedy written by Shakespeare himself… 

The world of theatre always intrigued me, although I can honestly say the world isn’t really missing out on my acting talents…
And also the roaring twenties peeked my interest, even a century later.
So it’s safe to say that I was eager to start reading this book! 

As this story is set not so long after the war, it’s easy to understand how people want to enjoy their lives, after all the hardship they had to endure. Even for those who were lucky enough to return, had to learn to forget about everything they had seen. 

Jack was by far the easiest character to like in the whole story. He is so easy – going, very helpful, not afraid to roll up his sleeves.
No task is too big for him, and he always has a kind word for everyone, yet he also knows when and where to stand his ground.
It was a bit funny to read how his career at the theatre somehow just happened by sheer accident, yet it shows again how Jack is easily liked for him just being him. 

Now, it would take too long for me to mention every character individually, as just like in a real play, there are many players, all equally important in the tale.
But be certain of the fact that you’ll know in an instant which character you’ll turn out to love and which you won’t. Because let me tell you, you will or love or despise the characters! 

After an initial struggle, trying to keep up with all the new entries of characters, I found myself completely compelled to just keep on reading.
It was nearly impossible to drag myself away from this captivating story, where you’ll never know what happens next.
There is romance, friendship, laughter and happiness, but also intrigues, betrayal, secrets and tension.
Even when I thought that nothing else could go wrong, the author made another twist, making me almost grasp for some air. 

This was a great book to read, and Michael Ball manages perfectly to put the vivid scenes into words, allowing me to actually see where all the action was taking place. And with great characters like Jack, Grace and all the theatrical company, I cannot see how this book about theatre couldn’t be turned into a play about a book about a theatre!

How two persons so wrong for each on first sight can be just…

Synopsis

Dean Baxter was everything a sensible thirty-two-year-old teacher should avoid. Five years younger, cocky, with a playboy reputation. Oh and guardian to Tom, one of her most promising students. But Lia was a rebel at heart.

Lia Stapleton was everything that was out of reach for an uneducated garage mechanic who’d made too many mistakes. Cambridge-educated, gorgeous and from a well-heeled background, she was his brother’s teacher. But Dean couldn’t resist her.

As Dean and Lia’s tentative relationship begins, can it survive Tom’s disapproval, her parents’ interference. And the dangerous return of his past.

My review

Lia Stapleton is a dedicated teacher who notices the potential of one of her students, Tom. While trying to persuade him to attempt to get into Cambridge, she also has to persuade his brother and guardian Dean that Tom has a shot.
But Dean always thought that one day, the two brothers would run their family’s garage together. And Tom for sure never mentioned Cambridge before.
Now not only Dean has to face that his plans may not come to fruition, but he also has to face that he feels himself attracted to Lia. But how can a sophisticated, gorgeous and well –educated woman like Lia fall for someone like him, uneducated, a mechanic who made plenty of mistakes and a past that won’t let him go?
And why can Lia not get Dean out of her mind, a man who is five years younger, cocky and seemingly to enjoy the female company a bit too much?
Yet resisting is in vain, but can they face so many odds that are against them? Not only Tom who disapproved, but also Lia’s snobbish interferences and Dean’s past that may jeopardize everything that they slowly built…

Kathryn Freeman just did it again! She wrote an amazing, impossible – to – out – away – story, just like I had expected from her!
And I keep being amazed how she manages to write out of the box, with characters that show you on different occasions that you should never judge a book by its cover!

I liked Lia for following her own passions, despite the wishes of her parents. Being a twin, but having a sister who is obviously the favourite, isn’t easy. Yet Lia found a way to do what she pleases, not being afraid to disappoint her parents, which she does anyway (in their eyes…).
And I loved the dedication she shows as a teacher. She sees the potential in her students, especially in Tom, and she does whatever she can to show Tom his own capabilities.

But it also saddened me a little bit, seeing how little she thinks of herself, thanks to her parents. And her own disappointments in the romantic parts makes her question about the honesty of what is being told to her.
How can she not see how amazing she is???

And Dean… in first instance, I had the same thoughts about him that Lia had. His actions spoke very loud, but slowly I realized that what we see, is only a glimpse of the real person.
He may have his looks in his advantage, but reading about the things he did in the past, how he did, and still does, for his younger brother Tom, made me change my whole opinion of him.
Yes, he also made mistakes in the past, but he did it all with the best intentions. And seeing how he gave up his own younger years for Tom, and how he even never got the chance to fall in love and experience a real relationship (and not the heated moments in a store room alone), broke my heart but also warmed my heart as he did it all for Tom…

In this book, there are some moments that made my heart melt all over the place, but also got me frustrated as both main characters just didn’t see that they too deserved their happiness. Even if it is with a person so different and unexpected. And at some points I even got angry with them as they were ruining a wonderful thing because of their own doubts and insecurities.

I absolutely devoured this book, as it shows that love comes in different shapes and forms, and that when you finally have found your perfect match, background, age, past, jobs, … don’t matter at all. What truly matters is the feeling of love, that can conquer everything, from resurfacing demons from your past, to too interfering/snobbish parents. Because in the end, love is all we need…

Life goes on, even with broken hearts…

Synopsis

Will it be tears or triumph for the Hat Girl from Silver Street?

It’s been five years since Ella Bancroft lost the love of her life, Harper Fortescue, and despite her friends’ encouragement, she’s still not been able to move on. The one thing keeping Ella smiling is the success of her hat shop, Ivella.  Her beautiful designs and fabulous creations are the first choice for the fashionable Edwardian ladies of Walsall, and her fame is spreading far and wide.

Darcie Newland won’t ever forgive Ella for stealing her fiancé and ruining her life, even though Harper was never really hers in his heart.  After being exiled by her parents to Scotland after yet another scandal, Darcie is now back in Birmingham and set on revenge.

As her hat shop flourishes, and the possibility of a new love appears when she least expects it, Ella finally dares to hope for a happy future. But storm clouds are gathering over the Black Country, and life might have other plans for the hat girl from Silver Street.

The Queen of the Black Country sagas is back with this page-turning story of friendship and fun, love and second chances. Perfect for fans of Val Wood and Lyn Andrews.

My review

Five years ago, Ella Bancroft got to know what it felt to lose the love of your life, as her fiancé Harper Fortescue passed away.
Even if her hat shop, ran together with former nemesis Ivy is a successful one, Ella hasn’t been able to move on and find a new love.
Darcie Newland never forgot how Harper left her for Ella and after another scandal being exiled to Scotland. But now she is back in Birmingham and is ready to let Ella pay for all the harm she caused Darcie.
With a business getting more happy customers and keeps on growing, does Ella dare to dream for her own happy future with a new man even? Or will Darcie succeed in her plans of making Ella pay for everything? 

I was glad to learn that Ella would get a sequel, as it made me hope that despite losing Harper (still trying to forgive the author for this!), Ella would find love again. 

It warmed my heart to read how Ella and Ivy became partners and run their business together very successfully. And it even put a smile on my face reading that even if the hatched got buried, Ivy still kept the bits that were typically Ivy, with her abondance while making hats and her small streaks of jealousy.
But mots of all, it warmed my heart to see how Ella still is that lovely young woman that we got to know so well in the first book, even if she is still mourning the loss of Harper.
And that was something that is very Ella, she loved and still loves Harper deeply, and she will never forget him… 

However life does go on, and Ella learns again that life never is dull, and both good as bad things can happen all the time.
Ella meets new people, even a new romantic interest, but is also faced with someone from her past, Darcie. And while things are going well for Ella, Darcie shows us that she hasn’t changed a bit at all. 

While I truly disliked Darcie and her schemes, and her selfish ways, and I enjoyed the bits where it’s clear her actions had serious consequences, what happened to her towards the end, made me feel a bit sorry for her too.
Because even if she wasn’t a great person, and her character and behaviour were hideous, I hoped that somehow she would redeem herself… 

In this second book, the author managed again to write a gripping story, showing us how strong yet lovely characters manage to be hopeful and remain kind, friendly despite everything.
Even if this story takes place in a past I don’t know much about, it is easy to feel close to Ella and her friends, old ones and new ones. And made me understand that life sometimes, past or present isn’t always justful, but as long as we keep our heads high and show kindness and forgiveness, life will also reward us, even with a second chance on love…

The hope and dreams of a Queen’s housemaid…

Synopsis

It should be a dream come true to serve the Queen of England…

When Violet Parker is told she will be Queen Victoria’s personal housemaid, she cannot believe her good fortune. She finally has the chance to escape her overbearing mother, a servant to the Duchess of Kent. 

Violet hopes to explore who she is and what the world has to offer without her mother’s schemes overshadowing her every thought and action.

Then she meets James Greene, assistant to the queen’s chief political adviser, Lord Melbourne. From entirely different backgrounds and social class, Violet and James should have neither need nor desire to speak to one another, yet through their service, their paths cross and their lives merge—as do their feelings.

Only Victoria’s court is not always the place for romance, but rather secrets, scandals, and conspiracies…

My review

Violet Parker couldn’t be happier when she learn that she is going to work as a housemaid for Queen Victoria. She sees this as the perfect opportunity to escape her mother who only uses Violet for her own and the Duchess of Kent’s benefit.
Violet is ready to discover the world on her own, but also to discover who Violet is without the threats of her mother.
Finding a kindred spirit not only with the Queen herself, Violet also befriends James Greene, assistant of Lord Melbourne. But James Greene has a reputation of being a ladies man, and the Queen’s court is not the most perfect place for romance, but more for secrets, scandals and conspiracies…

Not many may know this, but I have always been a fan of the British Royal Family. And Queen Victoria somehow always intrigued me a little bit more compared to the other royals.
So obviously, having a book with my favourite royal in it, was something I had to read!

The focus is of course not on the Queen herself, but on one of her housemaids, Violet Parker.
From the start, I had mixed feelings about Violet. Not because she is a character to dislike, but because of her background…
On one hand, I was as happy for her as she was herself at the opportunity to work for the Queen, but on the other hand it saddened me to see how her own mother uses Violet for her own benefit. And the way her mother just acts towards Violet, made my blood boil! I can’t grasp how a mother can be so evil, mean to her own children!

Violet enjoys her new life, but she is never truly freed from her mother. And when the Queen treats her very kindly, Violet is not knowing what to do… Should she betray the Queen’s trust to avoid her mother’s revenge? Or should she tell the truth, and be afraid of her mother’s repercussions?
While not always knowing what to do, we also see Violet maturing. She goes from some kind of gullible young girl, to a woman who stands up for herself and follows her own instinct.

Even on the romantic part, Violet learns the meaning of love. She is wary of the attention of James, as she knows his reputation. But I found it very smart of the author of linking Violet’s growing feelings towards James with the Queen falling in love with Albert.

We cannot truly speak of a real friendship between Victoria and Violet, as obviously Victoria is the Queen and Violet a mere housemaid. But being around the same age, somehow bounded these two total different women, trusting each other and even at times being confidantes.
And that is something I truly enjoyed reading, how despite many differences, also in stand, so many likenesses can be found.

I also enjoyed reading how despite Violet knowing her place and things that James can never be hers, her feelings cannot stop growing.
And more towards the end, we see how Violet decides to be the kind of woman she wants to be, and not what everyone wants her to be.

This story shows us that it’s in our right to live our lives as we want it to, without interferences of people who don’t have our best interest. But also that even if we are afraid of loving a person, or not knowing if it’s love or not, we are allowed to have these kind of feelings. And that it doesn’t matter how high or low you stand on the social scale, because whenever it concerns real love, or friendship, it’s the person that matters, not the title they carry around.

Does love just like the Christmas movies happen in real life too?

Synopsis

Hollywood comes to Roseford, as Christmas wishes really do come true…

The sleepy Somerset village of Roseford is the temporary home for the cast and crew of the latest Christmas movie, and there’s an excitement in the air that can’t be ignored. When Lucy Cameron, the owner of Roseford Café, is asked to fulfil a last-minute catering order on set, she can’t believe her luck.

Lucy’s erstwhile teenage crush, Finn Sanderson, is the star of the film, alongside his glamorous co-star, Montana de Santo, with whom he has been linked on and off the screen, and their sprinkle of stardust around the village is intoxicating.

With Christmas approaching and the snow starting to fall, Lucy’s path keeps crossing with Finn’s, and she starts to get to know the man behind the movie star. As her feelings grow, so too do Lucy’s reservations about even considering becoming involved with someone so well-known. And when Lucy becomes the centre of a social media storm, her fears seem to be justified.

Are happy-ever-afters just the preserve of romantic Christmas movies, or could Lucy and Finn star in their very own, real-life festive love story…

Revel in the perfect country Christmas romance from Fay Keenan, just right for all fans of Julie Houston, Cathy Bramley and Holly Martin.

My review

Lucy Cameron, proud owner of Roseford Café, enjoys living with her daughter in the Somerset village of Roseford.
And when she is asked for a last – minute catering order on the set of the latest Christmas movie, actually filmed in Roseford, Lucy cannot believe her luck.
Especially because the star of the film, Finn Sanderson, is Lucy’s teenage crush. While the world is hoping that Finn and his glamourous co – star Montana de Santo will get together in real life again, Lucy slowly gets to know the man behind all that glitter and glamour. And slowly she starts to fall for that man. But will Lucy’s reservations hold her back to fall completely in love and do happy endings only life in the movies? Or will Lucy and Finn live the perfect love story for real? 

First of all, it was a real joy to return to Roseford. I truly enjoyed the first book in this series so obviously I had to read this book too. While it’s not mandatory having read book one, as this can be perfectly be read as a standalone, why would you skip the chance to fall even more in love with Roseford? 

But back to this book and this story, that made me even love the place even more than before! 

Lucy is a single mother, loving her life. And even if she doesn’t have a man in her life, she doesn’t see this as a missing part.
She loves her Café, she adores her daughter and she is a great friend, and has also great friends. 

I found it refreshing that even if she is divorced from the father of her child, the relationship is still very amicable. Too often when divorced people are depicted in any kind of story, often things didn’t go well, and even turned into a real hostile divorces.
While in this case, both parties realize that it wasn’t working for them but they still care for each other, and look after each other, even when they are on different continents.
But this isn’t about Lucy’s divorce, but  about a total new love interest! 

I think it’s safe to say that everyone has had a teenage crush or dreamed about a movie star and imaging a whole love story around it.
But with growing up, we know that no matter how much we wished as a teenager for that dream to come true, the odds are almost non – existing.
And I love reading stories where the impossible is made possible! 

Finn is just so perfect… even with his imperfections! He may have the perfect looks, but the more we get to know the real Finn, the more I started to fall for him too. He has had his own demons to fight, yet I admired how he was able to turn his life around for the better.
And seeing this kind, gentle man doing a ordinary things, even with some perks of being a star, made me swoon all over the place. 

In this book the author manages to let the readers completely comprehend the struggles both Lucy and Finn are facing.
Suddenly Lucy finds herself being in a media storm, and she is not sure that that is the life she wants to live. She has feelings for Finn, she doesn’t deny them, but how can she live with the fear of never being left in peace? Especially when she also has her daughter to think about…
I could completely comprehend her thoughts, even if I cannot imagine being in that position myself. 

And Finn, he has finally found someone he has fallen in love with, but he quickly realizes that he was in a state of wishful thinking when he thought they would be able to keep their peace.
For someone in the business, it’s easier to live with camera’s pointed at you the whole time, making it also harder to comprehend that such a way of living is not for everyone. 

What made me love this story even more, and perhaps a even a little bit less ( because I think a whole book could have been written about them too), was the other love story. I am not going to give anything away about this one, I want you to discover it yourself but it made me feel even more gooey seeing that romance blossom, showing the reader that loves comes in different shapes and forms. 

If it’s not clear by now that I absolutely adored reading this book, I will make it very clear: I ADORED IT!
The story shows us that love never comes when and how we expect, but with daring to take that step, daring to give it a chance, daring to open up, and with a swoon – worthy grand gesture, you can get the most wonderful love story of your life.
And in a wonderful setting as Roseford, who needs a Christmas movie when you can have it all in this marvellous tale?

Fake – dating your nemesis, just perfect…

Synopsis

Love was never supposed to be part of the deal…

Independent and free-spirted Annika has no plans to settle down anytime soon… if only her parents felt the same way. But when her father unexpectedly falls ill, she’ll do anything to make things better. Even if it means suddenly blurting out she has a boyfriend.

The only issue is, he doesn’t exist.

Then, by chance, she bumps into handsome entrepreneur Rav, and she can’t believe her luck. He’s single, sworn off relationships and looking for a date to attend work events with. He’s the perfect solution to her troubles. Or is he?

Because there’s just one slight catch – he also happens to be her childhood nemesis.

It was only ever supposed to be a simple, temporary arrangement. Nothing more. Certainly love was never part of the terms and conditions. But Annika’s about to discover that some deals are made to be broken…

My review

Annika loves her work, that brings her all around the world. She would never give up her independence or her free – spirit, especially not for a man.
However, her parents would love to see her get settled, rather sooner than later. And with her father’s poor health, Annika does not want to add extra worries.
So a fake boyfriend is what Annika needs. But where does she find one? For sure making an agreement with Rav is a bad idea. Not only because he is handsome and successful, but he is also Annika’s nemesis, as while growing up, her parents compared her and her siblings to the great achievements of Rav.
But Rav also needs a fake date, to attend work events… And the more the two of them have to pretend to be madly in love, the more they realize that the thin line between pretend and reality is starting to disappear…
But love was never part of the arrangement… 

I have always loved reading books about fake dating but also about enemies to lovers. So reading this book just perfect to me, as it combined two of my favourite tropes. 

Annika is a very free – spirited woman, living literally from one bag. While that lifestyle would not be something for me, I could understand her wanderlust and I admired her desire to do some good in the world.
Even if she feels that her parents don’t understood or support her (while they let her live her life like she wants), it’s obvious that she truly loves her family and she doesn’t want to cause them any pain.
Her love goes even that far that she makes up a boyfriend, as it stops her family worrying about her.
However, no matter how much she loves her family, she isn’t the kind of woman to just give up on her dreams. 

And oh, how much did I enjoy reading whenever Annika and Rav are together! Despite her dislike of him, she knows she needs him for her schemes, and he needs her too. And while they are on the same page on the relationship – part, I found it sweet to see how Annika slowly discovers how she got Rav totally wrong. She has an opinion of him, based on their past, but it only shows that sometimes how we remember things, isn’t always the truth! 

Obviously I found it amazing seeing Annika wondering if Rav was truly such a great pretender or of there was some truth in the things he was saying.
Turning page after page, discovering how their feelings and emotions grow and develop warmed my heart, as the both of them deserve to find their perfect match, without having the feeling to give up a piece of yourself.
And when Annika and Rav both realize that no matter what you plan beforehand, love comes whenever it wants, even when you least expect it, involving the person you least expect. But it’s in the unexpected that the greatest things emerge…

This could have been the kind of story you could have read a dozen of, but having these two strong characters, both passionate about what they do, but are also loving and caring added extra layers to make this even a greater book.
And having both main characters being from a foreign descent was not something that was strictly mandatory to elevate this lovely book, showing the cultural differences but also showing the similarities, made my awe only grow.
Because it doesn’t matter where your origins lay, after all, we all love our family and would do anything for them, without losing ourselves. And love doesn’t follow your strict plans, or doesn’t demand to make you give up on your dreams, love just makes you realize that dreams can change…

The magic of Christmas works even when you don’t understand or like it…

Synopsis

She can’t abide Christmas. He’s not sure what it’s all about. Together they’re in for a festive surprise.

Ambitious software developer Holly may have a festive name but the connection ends there. She despises the holiday season and decides to flee to the remote island of Mull in a bid to escape from it.

Syrian refugee Farid has made a new home in Scotland but he’s lonely. Understanding Nessie and Irn Bru is one thing, but when glittery reindeer and tinsel hit the shelves, he’s completely bemused. Determined to understand a new culture, he asks his new neighbour to educate him on all things Christmas.

When Holly reluctantly agrees, he realises there’s more to her hatred of mince pies and mulled wine than meets the eye. Farid makes it his mission to inject some joy into Hollys’ life but falling for her is an unexpected gift that was never on his list.

As their attraction sparkles, can Christmas work its magic on Holly and Farid, or will their spark fizzle out with the end of December?

My review

Holly is an ambitious software developer and while her name suggests the opposite, she hates everything that involves Christmas. Christmas songs? She hates it. Mince pies? She hates it. Christmas songs? She hates it.
What she needs now the most, is to escape from everything and everyone and the best place to do that, is the remote island of Mull in Scotland.
But what she didn’t need, was to have Farid as a neighbour. Farid is a Syrian refugee, making a new home in Scotland. Adjusting is not easy, especially with his family still so far away and not understanding all the traditions of Christmas.
And is there a better person to explain him everything than his new neighbour Holly?
While reluctantly, Holly agrees with Farid’s proposition. And slowly, beside all the sparks flying around, Farid learns the reason of Holly’s despise of this holiday. And maybe Holly can appreciate the holiday again by seeing it all through someone’s eyes? 

I love Christmas stories and I don’t care where in the world the story is taking place, as long as we have easy – to – love characters and I can feel the Christmas feelings flying around!

I don’t go big myself around Christmas, but I decorate the tree, buy the gifts (or let Santa know what to deliver 😊), prepare all the required dishes and spend the actual day with my family.
I do all the basics, but I don’t overindulge in it.
I understand the people who go all crazy about it, but I also understand the people who don’t. 

So even if I didn’t know all the details of Holly’s past, I comprehended that she was the kind of person who just doesn’t like the holiday.
And beside the Christmas – issue I could also understand why she wanted to just get of the radar for a moment.
I can only imagine the peace when you are unreachable or only reachable on your terms. 

It’s obvious that something happened to make her dislike the holiday so much, but before we know the whole truth, the author managed to trick her readers by making it appear something complete opposite.
But once the truth was revealed, my comprehension only grew more! 

Farid is the kind of person you can only admire for his courage. Not only did he have to escape his home, but he also has left his family for their protection. Yet he is making the best of his current situation. And even if he cannot use his skills and knowledge anymore, he appreciates the fact he is still alive and has found people willing to help him. 

I found it sweet how Farid was confused about the whole hype around Christmas. And it sure doesn’t help when he hasn’t mastered the English language and all its saying. I have to admit, I had a few laughs when he got confused!
But we see what kind of man he is, kind, gentle, open, loving and also curious and ready to learn new things. 

When Holly and Farid meet, it was an immediate attraction. And while this bothered me tiny bit (I understand attraction and lust, but for a Christmas love story, I was hoping for something on a deeper level), I quickly understood that this instant attraction was just a way of the author to make things work. 

I loved to read how Holly tries to explain everything to Farid, even if it goes against her nature in a figure of speech.
But what I loved the most was the enthusiasm Farid kept showing, making Holly thinking more about the true meaning of Christmas and the way how things work around this festive holiday, how nothing is impossible. 

It warmed my heart how these two persons, totally different in every possible way, find each other and learn from each other and learn to love (again).

This was a lovely, heart – warming story to read, showing us that while we sometimes take things for granted, that is not the case for everyone (shouldn’t we all reflect on this a little bit more?).
But also that no matter what our visions and thoughts are of Christmas, or even how we lack in the knowledge, its magic always finds a wonderful way…

Everyone has a different life and feels it differently

Synopsis

This collection of short stories gives a glimpse into life, love, loss, and the inexplicable in between.

Including themes of grief, finding hope and second chances, facing the consequences of your actions and getting help from the unlikeliest of places.

·        As Cecilia helps the dying, she questions what happens to their spirits. But is she ready to find out?

·        Can a mother’s race through the New Forest save her son?

·        Will visiting a medium bring Christina the closure she needs?

·        Can an intruder help an old lady with her loneliness?

·        Will the start of another wet and miserable Monday morning end with Maeve’s happy ever after?

This anthology includes the prize-winning flash fiction story – ‘Spirit Song’.

Judge’s critique – ‘Unusual, emotional, warm, surprising — a warm, unusual story. It moved me when I read it.’

Full story list:

Spirit Song

Goodbye Forever

Garden Therapy

Starting Over

A Cat-Shaped Hole

The Phone Call

Knocked Off Her Feet

Catalyst

Not Just For Christmas

A Mermaid’s Tail

From the author of fantasy novels Visions of Zarua and ‘Silent Sea Chronicles trilogy’, this short story collection features multiple genres including romance, supernatural and thriller.

My review

A collection filled with short stories, showing how each person react or experience life, love, loss and the inexplicable differently. 

Full story list:
Spirit Song
Goodbye Forever
Garden Therapy
Starting Over
A Cat-Shaped Hole
The Phone Call
Knocked Off Her Feet
Catalyst
Not Just For Christmas
A Mermaid’s Tail

What I like about short stories, is how easy it is to read them even if you only have a short free moment.
And with such subjects, I was for sure intrigued.
While I just said what the advantage is of a collection of short stories, I have to admit that I finished the whole book in one session… 

But I also have to admit that reading each story put me on a rollercoaster of emotions. There were sweet stories in it, heart – warming ones, heart – breaking ones, hopeful stories. But there was also one story that gave me the creeps… So that one story I was glad I finished it quickly! 

What touched me in this collection, is that life passes by for everyone, and everyone is faced with moments of love and loss. Each moment is different from what you have read before. And that is good for the reader, as you don’t have the feeling that the author is falling back to what has been written earlier. 

Of course, with short stories, I sometimes wished they were longer, as I would have loved to get more details or glimpses of ‘what next’.  That obviously doesn’t apply to each story (as one, as stated before, was gruesome enough with what I’ve read). 

There were some fantasy bits in it, and I wouldn’t have minded if they were completely absent as I am not such a fantasy fan myself, but even with my reluctance, I could appreciate their presence in some of the stories, as I felt how they helped the characters. 

I was positively surprised by this author with this first encounter. She managed to find different perfect blends to show us how life can turn around and define us, in a good way or unfortunately also in a bad one…