How one old cottage in the woods changes a life

Synopsis

Some houses won’t let go of the past. Some people won’t, either…

When single mum Libby is offered a life-changing sum of money to clear out an old cottage in the woods, she expects dust and decay. She doesn’t expect a house full of secrets, a room full of birds, and a woman who refuses to leave.

The handsome but stressed architect who hired Libby is also a puzzle. Why can’t Ross empty Elm Cottage himself? What can he possibly see in Libby, who has been burned by love and is wary of attachment? How can they persuade the mysterious but kindly Isobel to move on?

As Libby is pulled into the cottage’s story, she must face up to her own deepest fears. Can she help Isobel, fight the past that haunts her, and learn to open her own heart to love once more?

Jane Lovering’s new novel is a delicious, romantic mystery where secrets, love and healing weave through every page.

My review

Libby is a single mother hiding in a hostel from an abusive relationship. With money being a struggle and not having anyone to help her, she accept the offer and the substantial sum of money. What she has to do, is clear out an old cottage in the woods. Would be easy-peasy, But the woman living in the derelict cottage with a bunch of scary birds doesn’t want to leave her home at all. So with Rob chasing Libby to clear the cottage, and Isobel refusing to budge, Libby finds herself between two fires. She also finds herself invested in the story of Elm Cottage and also the reason why Rob cannot empty it himself. And then there is the issue with Rob, who clearly shows an interest in Libby. But with so many fears, Libby needs to face them first, before she can even think about anything else…

Before I start with my actual review of the book, I have to say that with this title, the genre could have perfectly been also a thriller or a horror 😊.

But, as it is a Jane Lovering, of course it is not a terrifying thriller or horror!

Right from the start, it is so obvious that Libby is not living her life, rather just surviving. With her lovely daughter Tilly, Libby is trying to make the best out of her current situation. But anyone can see that it isn’t a healthy situation they are living in. Not that Libby is a bad mother, but her fear is holding her back. And while she tries to be more courageous, to not show Tilly her fears, it isn’t easy.

And seeing that situation, truly saddened me. It shows us how left to your own devices you can be. Because yes, Libby is in hiding, and she for sure could use more help from authorities, but she is struggling on every possible level.

Despite all her struggles, Libby tries to be the best possible mother to Tilly, under these difficult circumstances. She wants her little girl to feel save, to enjoy her childhood. But she also wants to protect her from all the dangers in the world.

So when Rob ‘hires’ Libby to make sure Elm Cottage is being cleared out asap, I could understand Libby’s wariness. It is a strange request, and when Rob makes clear that money isn’t an issue, it sounded even more and more strange even to me.

I had several question marks with Rob’s behaviour, and I wondered why he cannot clear out the cottage himself. How hard can it be, right?

However, while his behaviour may look a bit shady initially, there is a logical explanation for it all, and even the money – issue made sense after Rob’s explanation.

Rob doesn’t make the best of first impressions, but the further the story evolves, the more we see how he tries to comprehend Libby and how he can support her. And while I would have expected him to want to help Libby more out, I could see how him just supporting Libby and wanting to solve everything for her, is not only the best solution for Libby, but also for Rob himself, with his background.

Libby’s fear for birds was something I could easily relate with. I am also afraid of everything with wings, but not as much as Libby. So when reading how Libby enters the cottage filled with birds, I just got terrible goosebumps! I would be running outside, screaming like a madwoman 😊.

Yet it amazed me how all those terrifying birds were somehow trained by Isobel, the woman living in the cottage.

To say that Isobel is a character, would be an understatement. She chose to not talk anymore, and that alone is already something unique. But she is also a remarkable woman, as without any words, she sees and understands everything that is happening around her. And without any words, she is able to pass her thoughts and remarks.

And yes, it is thanks to Isobel, that there are changes taking place. Not only with Libby and Tilly, but also Rob gets some important insights, that without Isobel perhaps would be kept hidden.

There is also an important message about mental health in this story. I am not going to divulge into it, as it is something you need to read and understand yourself. But what I can say, is that it made me realize that things aren’t always what they seem to be, and that it isn’t easy to understand what is truly going on. There still isn’t a clear map about how the brains and the mind function, making it also more difficult for the people around to act in the right way, without scaring away the person involved.

Perhaps this issue was handled a little bit too hasted, as I for sure found myself looking up for more information. But on the other hand, this isn’t a psychological book.

Because this book shows us how a woman living in fear, with meeting perhaps random people, can start to become a little bit more courageous. It can go from not being too scared around birds, to trust people, to let people back in your life. And perhaps even allow your heart to open up again…

While perhaps Libby’s story will not be too relatable to you, as it didn’t always was to me, it for sure worked as an inspiration, as a moment that made me want to know more. And of course, as accustomed with this lovely author, this book gave me the need to just keep on reading!

When the risk of losing your home makes you open your home to help others

Synopsis

The heartwarming new novel from the author of the million-copy bestselling CockleberryBay series

Seahaven Bay has always been a place where the sparkling tides bring laughter, love and a lot of fun. But when Rita Jory’s beloved husband Archie dies in a tragic accident, she’s left alone on their failing Cornish farm with nothing but her grieving heart, a mountain of debt and some very badly behaved goats. Faced with selling the home she loves or finding a way to make it pay, Rita has a moment of desperate inspiration. She decides to transform her beloved Seahaven Farm into a place where broken souls can heal by the sea.

With help from her sharp-tongued mother-in-law, loyal best friend, daughter and new friends, the rundown farm soon blossoms into a haven of healing, creativity and community. Rita dares to believe her future might still shimmer with possibility – and even admits her growing attraction to Jago, the gorgeous neighbouring farmer with whom the Jorys had a decades-long feud.

But just as Rita begins to find peace, long-buried secrets about Archie’s past begin to surface, forcing her to question everything she believed about the life they built together.

Rita must discover the truth and decide if she’s ready to open her heart again – to love, to hope, and to the possibility that even after loss, life can still be full of surprises.

A tender, uplifting and hilarious tale of resilience, friendship and finding light in the darkest moments, perfect for fans of Jill Mansell, Jojo Moyes and Amanda Prowse.

My review

After meeting Archie, Rita Jory left her life in London behind and moved to Seahaven Bay. While the differences couldn’t be more different, Rita enjoyed her married life on the farm with all their animals. With now her adult children having left home, and Archie dying in a tragic accident, Rita is now all left alone and with a mountain of debts she didn’t know about. The only idea she can come up with to save her beloved home and animals, is to transform her Seahaven Farm into a haven where people can heal, find their creativity (back)and find a sense of community. With the help of her best friend, her daughter, new friends and unexpectedly her mother – in – law, Rita is proud of her safe haven. And slowly Rita starts to see a bright future again, especially as there may be some growing feelings for Jago, her neighbour. But falling for Jago is dangerous, as the Jorys have a decades – long feud with the gorgeous and kind farmer… And then there are secrets from Archie’s past to surface, and Rita’s own son that doesn’t understand his own mother, jeopardizing once again Rita’s whole life…

Before I started with this book, I made sure I was comfortable, I made sure that for a while I wouldn’t be disturbed and I was all ready to get swept away by another great story of an author that is only able to write wonderful stories!

Obviously, it saddened me that Rita lost her beloved husband Archie. And that now she is trying to cope with all there is left. On the other hand, I liked it how deep the love between the married couple was. Of course there are the usual disagreements between husband and wife, but Archie and Rita loved each other very much. And that was in a way refreshing, because often in a book, the main character has been facing some wrongdoing, or things ended badly. And yes, Archie died, so Rita is heartbroken, but you get what I want to say, right? 😊

Yet it saddened me also to read in how much trouble Rita is now. She didn’t know the depth of the debts, and she already made the difficult decision to sell some of the land. But it is just not enough…

But while initially Rita is a bit down, and doesn’t see any silver linings, she comes up with a great idea. The idea may have come out of desperation, but for sure it is a great one. In a world with too many expectations, too much stress and too many temptations, a Seahaven Farm is exactly what a lot of people could and would need in their lives.

And the revamped Farm is also what Rita needs at this moment in her life. Because it is clear that while she keeps her head up high, she still finds it difficult to be in a life where there is no Archie anymore. And it broke my heart to see how difficult Rita finds it to talk about her loss, to even her own daughter…

Rita truly starts to live up again when the wheels have been set into motion, and seeing this Rita, full of energy in a way, with a determination to make it all work, was just lovely to read. The matter of opening her Farm up for those who need a helping hand in any way, makes her realize that her life isn’t over and that there is still so much that Rita can do, and that she still matters.

It also warmed my heart reading how Rita is making new friends. New friends that perhaps you and I would chase away. But it is a testament to Rita’s character, that she accepts everyone how they are. She doesn’t have any prejudice, and even when a big secret is being revealed, she shows with her actions that she is one of the good ones.

Talking about secrets… It would be strange if everything would go straightforward for Rita. There is the mystery of the will, the weird behaviour of her son, and a mother – in – laws who helps her, but also warns her to stay away from her neighbour and let the past rest.

A past that haunts her, as secret messages are telling her that the truth will be revealed at the right time…  A past that somehow yet mysteriously also involves her neighbour Jago.

As an Italian, I know how feuds works, and how they can last for decades 😊 But I was also very curious how Jago fitted into the whole picture.

Because the Jago we see in this book, is perhaps a bit standoffish at the start, but we also see that he doesn’t hesitate to help Rita in one way or another. So I couldn’t understand how this nice man could be part of a feud between families lasting for so long.

Despite that feud, I was cheering for Rita and Jago, because it is clear that there is attraction between them. And even if it went against my own hopes, I liked it how Nicola May made it a attracting and pulling away story. The one moment things seem to evolve positively, while the next, something (even inexplicable) happens, pulling Rita and Jago even further away…

It may seem that there isn’t a lot happening in this book, it isn’t filled with action. But don’t be fooled, it isn’t because there isn’t a lot of action, that there aren’t a lot of things going on. Rita for sure has her hands full with making her vision become reality. But there is also a calmness in this book, which is infectious to the readers.

Nicola May let us met with a wonderful, kind and open main character, who shows us that it is never too late to start again. But also that grief and hurt isn’t something that easy to get over, but that it works differently to each of us. And that same grief and hurt can let us act in a way that isn’t us.

I truly loved this book, as it shows us so many emotions, from the ugly ones to the beautiful ones. And it shows us how one idea can be the right incentive to see life again brightly. And how happiness can be found again, if you just are courageous enough.

What an inspiring and heartwarming story once again from an amazing author!

When getting together was the easy part…

Synopsis

Scarlett Hope has found a surprising rhythm at Haddon House. Just months into life with Laird Edward Cameron-Reid, their chemistry is electric, and the future feels full of promise – but something inside her is stirring. She’s traded city charm for estate calm yet still feels caught between worlds. 

Then Harry shows up. A famous music producer – and a blast from Scarlett’s past – he’s in town to film with a renowned band. His arrival is magnetic, disruptive, and the last thing she ever expected. Scarlett loves Edward, but Harry’s presence reawakens the version of herself she thought she’d left behind. 

When Edward’s daughter announces she’s pregnant and moves in full-time, the pressure only grows. And when Scarlett meets Sophie, a young woman struggling to make a home for her unborn child, one small act of kindness turns into something far bigger – a project that might just change everything. But as tragedy strikes, Scarlett faces a deeper choice – not between two men, but between who she was and who she’s becoming. 

Too Much to Hope For is a high spice, emotionally layered story of love, legacy, and identity – about staying rooted in love while growing into something more. Perfect for readers who loved the emotional fire of A New Hope in the Highlands, the small-town heart of Things We Never Got Over, and the soul-deep reckoning of After I Do.

My review

Scarlett Hope couldn’t be happier now that everything fell into place. The bond with her mother is slowly restoring, and she is happily in love with Edward Cameron – Reid. After everything she has been through in the past, she has finally find a place to call home in Haddon House, with people she can trust and love. Yet Scarlett cannot shake the feeling that she cannot be truly be herself, as she also doesn’t has all the answers to her own questions about who the real Scarlett truly is and what would give her real purpose. To add further complications, not only is Edward struggling with holding everything together, but also an old friend from Scarlett arrives and ads extra pressure on the already frail relationship. And then there is unexpected news from Edward’s family that shakes the boat even more. How much can both Scarlett and Edward take and how strong is their relationship, as there must be a limit to their strength…

In many books, the story ends when the main characters finally get together. But in real life, we all know that getting together is the easiest part. Being in a relationship means to open up, let the other person completely in, to find compromise, to communicate and be honest. All easier said than done, but it is always a work in progress, no matter how big the love is.

We know that there is a lot of passion and desire between Edward and Scarlett, but we also know that Scarlett comes with a lot of baggage and that Edward needs to find a way to open up and let Scarlett truly in. And they should not just give in to their desire to each other, but also find a way to openly communicate about, well, everything.

And to be honest, while I loved reading the passion and the love between Edward and Scarlett, it was a bit frustrating to see how especially Scarlett is always facing a brick wall. Edward does his best, but it is difficult to let go of some habits. And it also frustrated me a bit reading how Edward doesn’t always seem to understand Scarlett. And mainly, it angered me also to see how he doesn’t always think before he speaks, hurting Scarlett more than just once in the process.

Now, I need to admit too, that Edward for sure has a lot on his plate, and things are just added on the immense pile… He truly is trying to be the man that Scarlett deserves, but you know, old habits…

When Harry enters the scene, I was truly worried about Edward and Scarlett, because not only does Edward shows a level of jealously (righteously or not…) but I could see how Harry’s presence could risk things even furthermore…

On the other hand, I was happy for Scarlett to see her old friend back, as he could remind her of the Scarlett she used to be. And perhaps that remembering the shared past, Scarlett could find her real self again. And I could see that Harry was a real supportive friend to her, even if it was crystal clear to me that his feelings perhaps weren’t just amicable…

Another thing I need to admit, is that the author for sure has a cruel streak, because Edward, Scarlett and their families are going through several hardships. Life for sure isn’t always fair to any of them, and they are all tested to their limits…

Cruel author too, as Rachel Debrave at one point made several hearts break in this book, but mine included… Again it shows how Life goes, and just how unfair and frail it all is…

In this book, Edward and Scarlett for sure are tested, not only as individuals, but also as a couple, especially as a couple. The both of are on a learning journey, where Scarlett learns and rediscovers the old Scarlett again. And she learns to stand up for herself and knows that love isn’t a free pass for one’s behaviour.

And Edward learns that love is worth the change. That being the old Edward is not what will keep the love alive and being his old self will only push Scarlett, and his loved ones further away.

This book is about change. Change that is necessary, change to just be your real self, change to let love win. Change to survive whatever curveball Life throws you. Change to become a stronger person than you already are. And that all for love’s sake…

When things start to settle, do they really?

Synopsis

The winds of change are sweeping through the idyllic Cotswold village of Lower Leaping.

After a tumultuous few months, Tess Alexander is ready to welcome her first guests to The Garden Retreat, a beautiful lodge in the grounds of Hollyhocks Cottage.

With her daughter Hannah home from her travels in Australia and her mother, Marjorie, acting out of character, Tess has to juggle many demands on her attention. Even her flourishing relationship with dashing Rob Templeton is put to the test when he faces an emotional dilemma from his past and Barney, her beloved beagle, has her at her wits end.

Tess can weather most storms with the unbridling support of her close friends Dilly, Gina and Suzy but when a passing remark in the local pub causes her to question one of those friendships, she wonders who can she really trust?

Can Tess overcome the obstacles in her path to find the happy ending she truly deserves?

My review

Tess Alexander had to face a lot of changes the last few months. But now things are finally coming along, and Tess is ready to welcome her first guests to The Garden Retreat in her garden. And even if things started a bit rocky, her relationship with Rob Templeton made her believe in love again. However, Tess quickly realizes that her worries are far by over, as her daughter is back home from Australia with more than just a broken heart, Tess’s own mother is acting completely out of character, and even Rob is acting differently as his past is catching up with him again. And even a passing remark in the local pub makes her question the loyalty of her best friends. So can Tess find her silver linings again, can she reclaim her happy ending that she for sure deserves?

It is always a bit scary starting a second book in a series. Because the story previously wrapped up perfectly, and with a new book, you are a bit afraid for what is looming around the corner once again for the main characters.

We left Tess previously with a happy feelings, as after her marriage falling apart, with her own ‘stubbornness’, she has been able to turn her life around, find a purpose again and even found love again. At the start of this book, I was still proud of how far Tess has come and how she was looking forward to her changed yet better future.

But of course life always keeps on throwing curveballs, that is just how life goes. And with each curveball, we see how much Tess has grown.

For example: when her lovely daughter is at a crossroad again, it would be easy as a mother to tell her what to do. But Tess knows that the best way to learn, is to make your own choices and perhaps even mistakes. And Hannah is old enough to know what she wants, or what she doesn’t want, or that she just doesn’t know yet. Tess is being the supportive mother that Hannah needs her to be, without judgement, but just being by her side.

However, Tess is still a worrier 😊 Not only does her daughter cause Tess worries, but also her own mother. We know that all the women of the family are strong women, so seeing the matriarch acting out of character, made me worry too. It couldn’t be that something terrible would be happening to this fierce woman?

And when Rob also starts to act different, or is apparently keeping things from her, we see how previous doubts and insecurities start to resurface. It was for sure recognizable, because no matter how growth we have been through, it is easy to fall back into traps of the past.

But we see with the struggles that Tess is facing, whether it is with her own thoughts about her daughter, her worries about her mother, the doubts with Rob, that communication is key. Of course communicating openly about things is easier said than done, as there is the risk that you may hear things you don’t want to hear, but especially in this case, it would have avoided many worries for Tess.

Yet also in this story Tess keeps on growing, she is more courageous. She has the guts to stand her ground, to clearly show her borders, and doesn’t let anyone walk over her that easily anymore.

And like the title says, also her heart is healing. Where it already was opening up with Rob, matters of the heart are always a work in progress.

This isn’t a story that is filled with drama over drama over drama. Yes, there is *some* drama 😊 but it isn’t always earth – shattering. There is drama that could happen to any of us, and how it is handled is how any sensible person would.

But no matter what curveball is thrown, Tess never loses her ‘Tess-ness’, as she doesn’t act indifferent no matter who is in front of her. She never stops caring, worrying and loving. And that is the strength of her character, but also of the story in itself. Because with heart, even if it is still a healing one, the right thing will always be done. And with heart, even a healing one, love (any kind of love) always will be victorious.

When things are not going well, faking may bring some solace…

Synopsis

Fake dating isn’t on the curriculum… but neither is falling in love

He’s tall, dark and handsome… And he’s just announced his engagement to someone else.

Guidance teacher Clara Morgan thought her year couldn’t get any worse, but it just did. No matter how hard she tries to keep her chin up, it’s hard not to feel down.

Kind and intuitive English teacher and single dad Sam Addison realises something’s up with Clara; he puts two and two together and works out her secret.

Shocked that someone has discovered her unrequited love for one of her colleagues, Clara leans on Sam for support. When he’s invited to a wedding, Clara offers to go with him – as a friend. But she starts to see him in a whole new light when she introduces him to the concept of fake dating.

Sam gave up on love long ago and has a whole cupboard full of baggage, but Clara is just so loveable. If only he wasn’t stuck in a complicated home setup, and she wasn’t in love with someone else.

My review

Clara Morgan is a guidance teacher that secretly has a crush on one of her colleagues. So when he announces his engagement, it is normal for Clara to feel down. Not only that shakes Clara, but she has also received some news that truly turns her world upside down…
Her devastation is noticed by English teacher and single dad Sam Addison. And while he doesn’t hear it from Clara, he quickly understand what turmoil Clara is in.
As Clara knows that Sam knows about her heartbreak, how ashamed Clara may feel, she finds comfort and support with Sam. And with their relationship going from colleagues to friends, when Clara discovers that Sam has to attend a wedding and will have to face remarks and comments about being single, why wouldn’t she suggest to be his plus one? So even if Sam gave up on love a long time ago, and has a lot of baggage, is there something wrong with do some fake dating with someone as lovely as Clara? Spending more time together means for the both of them seeing each other in a different light. However, Sam is in a complicated family situation and Clara was just so not long ago in love with someone else. So what are their feelings actually saying, and is there a possibility for more?

There is something about Glenbriar and its inhabitants that always make me feel so happy when I pick up the next instalment of the series. 😊

At the start of the book, it is obvious that Clara has unreciprocated feelings towards one of her colleagues. And even if she tries to hide it, to avoid any awkward situations, hearing about the engagement crushes her. Of course I could understand her developed feelings and the devastation upon hearing the happy news, because we all know how lovely and amazing Kerr is!

In itself, Clara’s broken heart wouldn’t be the end of the world for her, but the fact that she has learned some devastation news about herself, makes her now question not only herself, but also any future plans she may have envisioned.

And what Clara is going through, truly saddened me. Because she is such a lovely, warm, kind young woman who deserves someone special in her life, and the future she dreamed about. IT shows how unfair in a way Life can be, how easily it can take something from you…

But where Life takes something away, it also gives you something. And in Clara’s case, it is Sam’s friendship and support. Of course they already know each other, and there is already a sort of relationship, the colleague – type.

Yet as Sam is quick to realize what Clara’s feelings are for Kerr, Clara finds an ally in him. Because that is the kind of person Sam is… He wants to be there for people he cares about, he is kind, gentle, understanding and with his own personal issues, we see he would move heaven and earth for his children…

Where I felt sorry for Clara is going through, I felt anger with Sam’s storyline. Not because Sam is doing something wrong, but because he loves his children so much, and wants to be near them as much as possible, he is at the mercy of his ex. And let that ex be the person my anger is aimed to.

With Clara and Sam being somehow in a way kindred spirits, their relationship evolves even outside the school walls. Where they start to meet by sheer accident on their walks, they intentionally start to spend more time together.

And when Sam is going to attend a wedding, and he knows him being single is going to be subject of mocking, Clara suggests to be his plus one, and is ready to be fake – dating him. Like we don’t know that things will go through another shift there 😊.

But it isn’t the fake – dating that made me cheer for these two lovely people. It is how they are with each other, how they are around each other’s loved ones, without the need to pretend. There is an instant liking, an instant and genuine love for everyone they meet. Again a testament of their wonderful characters!

Both Sam and Clara are lovely people, but they are going through a lot in their lives at the moment. And love and romance is absolutely the last thing on their mind. But they both deserve it so much, especially with each other.

What we see with Sam and Clara, is not only compassionate they are, but they understand what the other is going through. They are there for each other when needed, but also take a step back when it is needed.

Saying this is a heart – warming story would be an understatement. Because this story emanates just so much love, warmth, kindness and gentleness, despite the turmoil the characters are going through.

Saying I devoured this story, would be an understatement, because I found myself just reading page after page after page. That much I loved reading Clara’s and Sam’s story. Their story shows us that no matter what curveballs Life has thrown us and is still throwing us, there are always people in your life that suddenly become so important and that will make you believe in love again and perhaps make you be courageous enough.

And to end my review, can I say I cannot wait to read the next instalment, involving another teacher, a frustrating student and his father! 😊 

When a murder happens, who is the best to solve it?

Synopsis

Even angels can have a dark side…

As the sticky heat of August settles over Florence, Dan Armstrong is ready for a well-earned break—sightseeing with fiancée Anna, daughter Tricia and her fiancé Shaun. But when a British man is found dead inside the city’s magnificent Duomo, Dan’s plans quickly change.

The victim, Tristan Angel, is a super-wealthy arms dealer with a saintly name and a devilish reputation. But what was he doing in the cathedral, and who decided to make it his final confession?

At Angel’s opulent villa in the hills of Fiesole, Dan and Commissario Virgilio encounter a colourful cast of suspects—each one hiding secrets and none too eager to talk. As tempers rise and the heat outside grows ever more intense, Dan and his four-legged sidekick, Oscar, must sniff out the truth before the killer strikes again.

My review

Dan Armstrong and his loyal companion Oscar learn once again that there is no rest for the wicked. While ready to enjoy a break in Florence with his fiancée Anna, daughter Tricia and her fiancé Shaun, a British man is found dead in the Duomo. And that makes Dan change his plans. Despite his name, victim Tristan Angel is a wealthy arms dealer with a certain reputation. A reputation that makes any member of his party staying in the hills of Fiesole a possible suspect. And what was Tristan Angel doing in the Duomo? As always, Dan and Oscar are willing to help their friend Commissario Virgilio to understand what has happened, and who is the culprit. With suspects each having a possible reason for murder, and more strange appear to be happening, can the killer be found?

While I am always happy to revisit my friends Dan and Oscar, I am truly worrying about how many murders there are happening wherever Dan and Oscar are. For sure that isn’t healthy, is it? 😊

Luckily for us, it’s just another lover cozy murder mystery with great characters, beside in this case the victim himself and several suspects.

With each book, we see how Dan is becoming in a way more and more a real Italian. And as an Italian myself, I loved reading these bits! Because it would be easy to hold on to the British life Dan has been accustomed to. However, Dan embraced the Italian way of life, loving the food, loving the environment and loving the new people in his life (and Oscar, let’s not forget him! 😊).

Florence may be my favourite Italian city, even if during summer it is way too hot for my liking, and there are just tourists everywhere 😊. And the Duomo for sure took my breath away when I visited it.

However, for Tristan Angel, the Duomo literally took his breath away, as it is the place where he is murdered. A name couldn’t be more mismatched, as the victim is anything but an angel… I understand that there is a need for weapons in the world (unfortunately), but when it is used for personal gain and evil, well, I couldn’t feel sorry for the victim.

Although, I must admit that murder is never the right direction to take to make right what has been wrong…

Of course a murder investigation is never a walk in the park, and Dan and Oscar are both doing their duties, helping Virgilio out. With all the guests staying at the villa in Fiesole, I had some sympathy towards just a few of the people staying there, but I never truly warmed towards any of them. Perhaps I disliked them a little bit by association with Tristan Angel, and that is not completely fair of me in a few cases, but it is what it is 😊.

Now, obviously this is a cozy mystery, despite the severity of the murder. Like I already said, we see how Dan is becoming more and more a real Italian, and how his life is falling into place, with Anna by his side. Anna for sure doesn’t let Dan walk over her, as is right that she doesn’t, but she is also a woman that understands Dan and his need for justice.

And let’s never forget about Oscar! Our furry friend shows once again that dogs are men’s best friends, but he is also a unique investigator, not only showing compassion, but most important, he is involved when the important discoveries are being made.

As there are several chapters in this great series already, you would think that somehow, somewhere, things would become repetitive. Yet this wonderful author never falls in that trap, and keeps on writing great stories, where the main characters keep on evolving, growing yet never lose themselves.

And while I may worry about the people getting murdered, as the numbers keep on growing with this series, I hope there will be still plenty of adventures waiting for Dan and Oscar!

A journey that will change the future…

Synopsis

Two best friends. Two one-way tickets. And a future that might just surprise them.
Bex and Amy are best friends and total opposites. Bex is cynical, Amy is romantic. Bex is chaotic, Amy is organised. With the prospect of turning 34 just around the corner, neither is where they expected to be at this point in their lives.
Bex is exploring her sexuality and has a string of failed relationships, while Amy is newly single and desperate to fall in love. Armed with a photographic vision board of the future, Bex and Amy put their trust in ‘The Universe’ and fly from London to Bali, then on to Australia in search of adventure, cocktails on the beach and maybe even love.
Almost immediately, Amy finds someone who is the perfect fit for her dream life. While Bex is stuck playing double dates with his best friend, the most pompous man she has ever met, but also one of the hottest. Travelling via white sand beaches, lush rainforests and road trips through idyllic scenery, the images on their vision board begin to transform into reality.
However, people are not always what they seem, and first impressions are not always accurate. Add in a queer, charismatic love interest and a vindictive ex-girlfriend, and the path of true love begins to get a little more complex.
When ‘The Universe’ has its own agenda, is it possible to manifest a happy ever after?
An Enemies to Lovers destination romance with a sprinkling of Pride and Prejudice vibes.

My review

Despite being complete opposites, Bex and Amy are best friends. Their friendship shows how people can complement each other. Where Bex is a cynical, chaotic and struggling with her own sexuality and has several failed relationships, Amy is organized, romantic and still trying to get over her recently broken heart. One drunken night, where Amy is being anything but organized, the two women decide to create their own personal vision board of how their future should look like. With a result that Bex and Amy find themselves heading of to Bali and later on to Australia, in search of adventure, purpose and perhaps even love. What they didn’t expect is that they would be meeting two men. And while Amy feels an immediate connection with Ben, Bex clashes with JP. And during their travels, they keep on meeting up, while both Amy and Bex start to understand what they truly want in their lives, and that perhaps their vision board can be turned into reality…

I love it when there are friends, best of friends, that are complete opposites. It shows,  in books, how people truly can complement each other, and make it possible to see things in different lights. And Bex and Amy couldn’t be more different, in just every aspect. But their friendship is perfect example of my statement here above.

While Bex is also very different from myself, in a way I could relate with her. There are always expectations from everyone, to make something of your life. Have a good career, have a solid and ‘normal’ relationship, have a family.

But Bex points out in this book, that it is okay to be still searching, no matter if you are already an adult of not. You don’t have to have all the answers yet, and it is okay to be still figuring out who you truly are and what you want from life.

Sometimes, the best things happen when done or planned on a drunken night. And that for sure is applicable in this book, as Amy decides to make this journey after several drinks to drown her heartbreak.

I have to admit, I felt truly sorry for Amy. Not only because she had her whole life planned out, and was in a solid relationship, which ended abruptly. But it is obvious that this one event, the end of her relationship, makes her question just everything that used to be a certainty.

Even if the decision to make this trip was made on a spirited evening, I couldn’t agree more with the ladies, as I think that everyone would benefit to take some time off, to go away for a while, to just find yourself again, to find answers to what you are truly looking for. Although for me, it would have be planned from the very beginning till the end, as I cannot just go with the flow 😊.

Almost immediately on their trip, Amy and Bex meet with Ben and JP. And where Ben is being a nice guy, the guy you want to immediately befriend, JP gives serious ‘leave – me  – alone’ – vibes. Although I could understand JP’s reaction when he first meets Bex, especially after we learn later on who he was talking to…

I could understand Bex’s frustrations as JP acts in a way that would frustrate me too. However, isn’t it true that the more time you spend with someone, the better you get to know them, and you even get to understand their struggles.

And I had to change my mind over JP, as we learn that things aren’t as straightforward as it may seem, as he has a lot of baggage with him. And even he has a lot to learn, has to grow in this book. At a certain moment, he acts in a way that reminded me even as a Mr. Darcy, thinking that he knows things better than what truly is transpiring…

This is journey that is both literally and emotionally. Because while Amy and Bex are discovering the world, with a little bit of help with their vision boards, they are also discovering more about themselves. And also Ben and JP are learning more to follow their hearts.

In this book the author takes also her time to make it an inclusive story. As that is something that doesn’t happen that very often, that there is room for everyone and for who they are, was something that I appreciate it. With Bex and her new acquaintances in this book, we see that just like how everyone looks different on the outside, we are all different on the inside. There isn’t just one label that fits all. Yet we also see how not everyone understands this, and how some are holding onto the old labels, old traditions.

There is romance in this book, both for Amy and Bex, but it felt more a way towards their personal goal, and not the goal itself. Because the feelings that are rising, growing, makes all the characters understand themselves much better too. Even if it is with trial and error…

I enjoyed reading this story, as it shows how at loss people can be, how much pressure there is on all of us. But it also shows us that we need time and space to figure out who we are and where we want life to take us. And self – discovery and acceptance of ourselves, is the only way that we can find happiness… 

When things don’t go as expected, the Scottish Highlands may bring the answers

Synopsis

Daisy’s career hasn’t exactly been going to plan and the last thing she wants to do is stay home and wallow in self-pity. So, when an opportunity arises to escape her London home, and make some money working a fancy event at a stately home, she jumps at it.

Determined to make the most out of the situation, she decides a road trip to the Scottish Highlands would be the perfect way to reset and take control of her life.

When devilishly handsome Evan finds himself stranded at the event following a cancelled flight to Scotland, Daisy does the kindest thing she can think of and invites him to join her. As they embark on their journey north, will the scenic trip help them rediscover themselves, and possibly even find something they weren’t expecting…

My review

Daisy believed that her last acting job in a series would finally be seen, until one review not only teared the whole show down, but also her acting skills (even if her appearance was the only not – complete – negative of the whole show). As living in London is not easy, and Daisy doesn’t want to wallow in self – pity the whole time, she decides to accept a job at an exclusive and fancy event. And to make things even better, Daisy decides that after the event, a road trip to the Scottish Highlands would be perfect to just regroup. The last thing that Daisy expects, is that at the fancy event, she needs to control her emotions. Luckily, there is Evan to stop her from doing something irreversible. And when he finds himself stranded at the event due a cancelled flight to Scotland, and he hears that of all people, Daisy is heading his same direction, how can Daisy refuse him to join her? On their trip back home to their loved ones, Daisy and Evan clash on several things, but together they also find a way to rediscover themselves, to see things differently and also once home, Daisy finds herself helping not only Evan but his whole family to save everything. All the while trying to understand what feelings there are developing between them, even if there may be rivals in the field…

Reading a book by this author is always a real journey, in the positive meaning of the word. And in this case, it is even a partial literally journey, as we see how at one point Daisy and Evan are in Daisy’s lovely car on their way to Scotland.

It is generally known that becoming a famous actress is not that easy. And in that aspect, I felt sorry for Daisy, as it has always been her dream, and in a way her legacy, to becoming a performing artist. And then thinking she has finally landed an acting job that will put her in the spotlight, to only be crushed so savagely… poor Daisy!

I could perfectly understand all her doubts, self – doubts but also her anger towards the journalist that wrote that despicable review! As a reviewer myself, I always try to be kind and even if I don’t like the story, I always acknowledge the effort that has been put into work… So I couldn’t comprehend how someone can be so mean, just for being mean…

And while it isn’t her dream job, when she gets the chance to help out as a waitress on a fancy event, and seeing the financial reward, Daisy is ready to do a great job that one evening. However, and in Italian there is a saying, between the saying and the doing, is the sea (you can say something, but acting upon it…)

That evening, that event, Daisy is a bit starstruck seeing all the famous and rich people, but manages to keep it very professional. Until there is one wrong remark from the wrong person. And as I am an Italian, I perfectly understand how you can go from 0 to 100 in just a blink of the eye 😊.

Luckily, she is being rescued from making a scene by Evan. While the scene would be justified, perhaps it would be not the right time and place, and it would obviously only hurt her.

A lot has happened and just now Daisy and Evan meet, that sounds very promising, doesn’t it? 😊

While for sure Daisy ‘owes’ Evan for saving her from making a fool out of herself, I don’t know if I would be as kind as her, agreeing to let Evan tag along on the road trip to Scotland. I think I am too suspicious and read and saw too many horrors 😊

I don’t know how the streets are in Scotland, but I was a bit surprised reading how there is just one road from Evan’s home to Daisy’s home. If one road at home would be blocked, I know at least 3 other ways to get away 😊.

Of course the reason of the block is a serious one, and if indeed there is only one road, I wouldn’t risk it!

And obviously the blocked road is needed for the story, for Daisy and Evan and what is waiting for them.

There is some tension between the pair, switching from actual frustrations to a palpable attraction. One moment they disagree and the next one they cannot ignore the sparks that are flying around between them.

While all this pushing and pulling away is going on, it was also so sweet to read how Evan’s family is welcoming Daisy between their midst. You would think that people living in such a mansion, for many generations, would be looking down a little bit, but the opposite is true.

And with this wonderful, welcoming family, we see also that every family has its struggles. No matter where you live and what your last name is…

It’s also here that we see what a kind character Daisy has, because even if she barely knows the family, she is touched by their warmth, and wants to help them out. And that also brings her and Evan closer, despite the rivalry of Evan’s own brother.

Obviously, there will be a revelation in this book that will jeopardize everything, and while for Daisy it for sure came as a shock, I already had an inkling of what could be happening. Let’s say that my gut feeling didn’t disappoint me. But even if I already knew it somehow, it doesn’t take the pleasure away of reading how Daisy finds out the truth and her reaction to it.

In this wonderful book, we see how one road trip can turn into a real journey. A journey of discovery and self – discovery. A journey where new people will cross your path, and will make you see and understand things. A journey that will take you somewhere unexpected, yet lovely at the same time. This all is enwrapped in a wonderful story filled with laughter, smiles, compassion, beside the hurt and doubts. And it’s the former that matters, because no matter what happens, there is always a ray of light to make things matter, isn’t there?

When producing a reality shows doesn’t go as planned…

Synopsis

It’s survival of the fittest!

From the moment Cleo met Lockie, her infuriatingly charming co-casting producer on hit reality show Welcome to Singledom, he’s been getting under her skin. Their job? Casting singles for the ultimate island romance. Their problem? They can’t agree on anything.

Now, the cameras are ready to roll, and the contestants—well, most of them—are en route. But when the threat of a tropical storm delays half the cast, launch night turns into a total disaster. With no Plan B, Cleo and Lockie are forced to step in as contestants. Just for 24 hours until the real stars arrive.

Simple, right? Except tensions are sky-high and sparks are flying for all the wrong reasons! All they have to do is couple-up and get voted off – but there’s a storm coming, so leaving the island might not be so easy. Cleo’s used to pulling strings behind the scenes, not falling headfirst into the drama.

But when the cameras stop rolling, will their fake fling fade with the credits—or could it be Cleo’s most unexpected plot twist yet?

My review

Cleo has always been looking for the right contestants for a reality show, Welcome to Singledom. However, as ratings are dropping, the producer wants to up the game, and now Cleo has to work together with Lockie. Cleo doesn’t have an issue working with others, but Lockie is a different matter, as they don’t agree on anything. Right when the cameras are ready to roll on the remote island, a tropical storm is jeopardizing the whole shows. Not only not all the contestants have arrived, forcing Cleo and Lockie to step as contestants themselves. Easy, as it is just for a mere 24 hours. Weren’t it that the storm hits the island and now all the contestants, fake and real ones, are truly stranded, without any help as contact has been broken off. So when finding love turns into survival of the fittest, can Cleo and Lockie put their disagreements aside, and when it’s no longer required for them to fake – like each other, what are they truly thinking and feeling about each other?

Watching reality shows, especially those were romance is the topic, is a guilty pleasure of mine. And yes, there are a few shows in the world where you know the drama level will be extremely high. And yes, I LOVE them 😊.

So at the start of the book, I was both happy and a bit disappointed reading that Cleo honestly want the contestants find love, and not create a show where the purpose is to gain fame.

And thus it angered me also how the genuine aspect of the show is being dismissed in order to gain more viewers… And let that be the purpose of Lockie entering the scene, to get the show bigger and bolder.

And also here I found it sad for Cleo, because when she meets Lockie for the first time, on a speed date, she doesn’t know that he is there for the exact same reason as she is: to find the perfect contestants. All the while she felt an attraction to him…

To make things even worse, Cleo and Lockie are not only fighting themselves for the job, but they disagree on just everything. While as a reading their clashing for sure is hilarious, I could completely understand Cleo’s frustrations.

It would be easy to say that Cleo and Lockie are like chalk and cheese, yes they disagree on many aspects, but without them even realizing, they also agree on several things. Especially on things that matter…

The story truly takes off the moment the cameras are ready to roll, and the threat of a tropical storm is looming around the corner. Not only does that mean that not all the contestants have arrived on time, but also that Cleo and Lockie suddenly find themselves pretending to be one.

And it was funny to read how Cleo and Lockie have to pretend to be interested in each other, but also not too much, as they need to be voted off the show as soon as possible.

But if you think that is all there is to this story, you are o so wrong! 😊

Because the threat of a tropical storm isn’t there for then just to disappear, is it? 😊 And that storm hits hard, changing just everything.

Here we see a real change, how the characters all are joining forces (in their own ways), but also how from romance it goes into a real survival. And of course we see how Cleo and Lockie see each other in a different light, and find a trusting level with each other, get closure, in spite of their initial thoughts about each other.

Together with the other contestants, we see how joining forces can make things work, how each has their own strength and how they can contribute to the bigger picture. And it was also lovely to see how each contestant has own struggles and issues, yet how the others are confirming that it is okay to be who you are, and that not all faults are in fact fault.

Both Cleo and Lockie learn that in this book how to let people in, how to trust someone. However, we also see how fragile that trust can be. Because there is a revelation towards the end of the book that shakes up everything that has been building between them. A revelation that perhaps the attentive readers already can discover before Cleo does 😊.

I truly had my fun while reading this story, as there is the obvious enemies – to – lovers trope, but also the surviving – with – what – you – have – at – hands trop. And let’s not forget about how people sometimes pretend to be something/someone else, to make themselves look better, but slowly understanding that being you is more than enough. And then of course also that the most unexpected things and persons can cross your path on the most unexpected way! And that also growth can come when you least expect it!

To go back to your happy place of the past

Synopsis

🥖🥐🥖🥐 Grab your passport for the first in the European Escapes series 🥐🥖🥐🥖

No home. No job. No boyfriend.

When Lia loses her job straight after a break-up, she escapes to the Molins’ family-run boulangerie in Toulouse – the place she was last happy, far away from her cheating ex.

Sworn off men, she isn’t prepared for the spark she feels for charming cheesemaker Jean-Luc, nor for things heating up at the family’s country home in Gascony when handsome, self-assured vineyard-owner Théo asks her out.

Torn between the two and her connections to the Molins family, Lia has some tough decisions to make.

Lia loves being back in France with the people she cares about, helping in the boulangerie. On discovering it is under threat of closure, she is devastated and resolves to do everything in her power to help it stay open.

Will she succeed? And will she be able to choose between the two handsome Frenchmen and live her happily ever after?

For fans of Gillian Harvey, Rebecca Raisin, Jo Thomas and Veronica Henry.

My review

After not losing just her boyfriend, but also her job, Lia needs to find her happiness again. The last place that brought her joy, was years ago, in Toulouse, where she has been living with a wonderful family, the Molins, and their boulangerie. Once arrived in Gascony, it feels truly like home, and it gives Lia the opportunity to think about her future and her dreams. However, Lia also learns that no matter how welcoming and wonderful the Molins are, they are having their own personal struggles too, even jeopardizing the boulangerie with the threat of closure. Lia is more than willing, despite her flawed French, but how can she not help the family that made her one of the family… At the same time, no matter how much Lia has sworn off men, she finds herself both charmed by local cheesemaker Jean – Luc, who is ready to help her out, and by vineyard – owner Théo, who doesn’t hesitate to as her out on several dates. No matter how lovely her time with the Molins is, Lia needs to think about her future and where that will be…

There is something about Susan’s books, that no matter turmoil the main characters are going through, you just feel yourself embraced by warmth, love, and other delightful feelings.

It is a fact that bad things never come alone, as Lia clearly shows us. Not only did her relationship recently end, but just at the moment she wants to take a few days off, she learns that in fact, she can take all the days she wants, as she also loses her job…

Even before losing her job, I could understand why Lia needs to find happiness again, or rather, place that brings her that feeling. The end of a relationship is never a pleasant moment, and you need to find something joyous again. And when Lia’s mind is made up of going to Gascony again, it feels truly like a sign that going there is the right decision, as her job isn’t an issue anymore.

I have never been abroad staying with another family while I was younger, so I don’t know how it feels to feel part of a family that in fact are strangers. And I am sure that there are some horror stories. But it was so nice to read how Lia enjoyed her time in France, and how the Molins are just wonderful people.

Now, I could also understand how with the passing of years, the contact somehow diminished, as life just goes on, and it takes you in different directions.

Yet I was pleasantly surprised how this French family is welcoming Lia back, like she never left. It would have been so easy to dismiss her, to let her mend for herself. But it is so crystal – clear that is just not who the Molins are.

Because they are warm, kind, caring people, with obviously their hearts at the right place. Even if things are a bit difficult at the start of the book (and with a lot still to happen…), they don’t hesitate to welcome Lia back, like their long-lost daughter. There should be more people in the world like the Molins! 😊

In a way, I could see Lia truly come at peace once arriving in Gascony, how easy in a way she finds her happiness again. And it is not only the Molins that make her feel all warm and happy again, but it is the place, the people in general that all make her feel like herself again.

And it is also the perfect place for Lia to think about her own future, as it is all a big question mark upon her arrival.

It was interesting (lacking a better word for it) reading how Lia is working on different levels. Seeing the struggles of the Molins, she wants to pull her weight, not only because of duty, but because of the love she has for this wonderful family.

Life isn’t fair, and that for sure is seen with the Molins, as they get one thing after another to get through. It is always the kindest people that have to face the most difficult struggles…

But it is also through struggles that sometimes things become clear. Because seeing all the struggles the Molins are facing, it becomes clear to Lia where her heart lays and what she wants to do with her future. And with her trail of thoughts, we see how genuine, unselfish, and caring Lia is…

Of course there is also some French romance added in this book, even if in my eyes, this wasn’t the focus of the book, as it is about Lia and finding her happiness and purpose again.

But back to the romance for a moment 😊. Of course the moment that Lia decides to stay away from men, there are suddenly two! 😊

There is extravagant Théo, who immediately uses his charms to get Lia agreeing on a date with him. He truly is a smooth talker, and I could understand how easily Lia is persuaded by him.

And then there is Jean – Luc, the business – neighbour so to say, as he has a fromagerie next to the boulangerie. His kindness and readiness, understanding and even patience, show his kind nature, his nurturing nature.

Obviously between the two men, I had my own personal favourite, and in a way, I was happy to read that my gut feeling about both men proved to be right (and no, I am not going to explain myself further 😊).

On a total different note, I for sure felt hungry while reading this book, as I could practically smell all the aromas of the boulangerie, and I was envious of the characters eating all the French delights that were made there! 😊

Like I said, this book is about Lia’s journey and her quest for peace, happiness, and purpose. And reading all the ups and downs, not only Lia’s but everyone’s, made it easy to relate to the characters, and also like them all!

Susan Buchanan just did it again, making me fall in love with wonderful characters, feel for them, feeling their pains, but also feeling the love, care and kindness in each and every one of them. And of course the marvellous story, about a young woman finding her happy place again, finding what she has been looking for, was just being devoured by me! Because aren’t we all, or haven’t we all been looking for our happy place in life? And with this book we see that that place can be found, that purpose can be found, and it is up to us to take that chance, even if it may sound like a scary thing to do. But when our heart tells us what to so, is it ever a wrong choice?