The way a first love can be always on your mind

Synopsis

BRAND NEW from bestselling author Julie Houston comes a powerful story of first love, long-hidden secrets and second chances. Perfect for fans of Jojo Moyes, Marian Keyes, David Nichols and Ruth Jones.

First love, long-hidden secrets and second chances.

Anna Piasecki thought she had left her university heartbreak behind. After spending decades building a successful life, she arrives at sixty with everything as she wants it – a glittering career, a devoted partner and brightest star of all, her brilliant son Noah, the apple of her eye.

Theo Mandeville is trapped. Bound by aristocratic duty to his sprawling Yorkshire estate, he has spent decades living the life that was expected of him while regretting the star-crossed romance he walked away from.

When their children meet at college, Anna and Theo suddenly find their carefully constructed lives colliding. With a devastating forty-year-old secret hanging over them, can their families survive the truth and do they dare to trust that fate has other plans for them?

Spanning decades, The Way We Are Now is a sweeping, heartwarming and life-affirming tale of first love, friendship and second chances perfect for fans of Jojo Moyes, Marian Keyes, David Nichols and Ruth Jones.

My review

While Anna Piasecki is at university in the ‘80’s, she never expects how the events of her time then will affect the rest of her life. Like the matter of her best friend Fliss, or Anna’s first yet impossible love, with Theo Mandeville. But Theo is not like Anna, as Anna’s family is working as miners, and Theo’s family has estates, and even are aristocrats. And it is only a matter of time when the differences between Anna and Theo will break them up. Now at her being sixty, Anna has built a successful life, a satisfying career, a devoted partner and a son she adores. But when her son Noah meets Theo’s daughter Immi, Anna’s and Theo’s lives are colliding and with a secret over forty years old still hanging over them, what else can the future be possible have again in store for them?

When you are young, don’t you think how your future will be? The people you meet then, will they still be in your life decades later? And will the person you love then, still be your loved one? What about the personal growth you go through and what will shape you into the person you will become?

And in this book, we see the complete journey Anna is going through, from university as a young woman to a woman with wisdom at sixty. And let me tell you this, a lot happens in just one lifespan!

At the start of the book, as we meet a young Anna, I felt an instant like towards her. She is full of joy, spirit, fire and sees a bright future ahead. I also liked it how she is sharing her temporarily home with other young women. Perhaps Anna doesn’t get along with every one of them the same, as Fliss is for sure her best friend at university. But there is a bond between all the young women.

With Anna and Fliss we see how a friendship can form your future self and how a friendship can still affect you after many years. But we also see with this friendship that how good do you truly know someone? No matter how close you are with someone, we see how secrets are kept, lies being told, to only end in a terrible way…

We also see how there has been and still is a difference in society. Anna is a woman who has been raised in a family of miners. And then there is Theo, who even comes with a title and has a rather privileged life. Despite the differences and the awkward first meeting between the pair, we see how sparks always find a way, somehow.

Life never goes as excepted or hoped, as we see that the love between Anna and Theo is not strong (enough) or that just life gets in the way, or that events push you apart.

Life never goes as expected, as events can decide for you or help you decide which direction your life goes.

As in this book we go over decades in Anna’s life, we read how she encounters new people, how she grows and matures, and how she becomes a strong independent woman. Yet while her life moves on, we also see how there are also a few regrets from het past.

I found it intriguing in a way, reading how Anna’s life was going. How she goes from a young woman perhaps a little bit gullible, to this woman fighting for the right cause, with a family. And I was of course also curious how her life would get entwined with Theo’s life again. And how it would affect the both of them.

This is a book about life and how quickly everything can change. But it is also about how the past can still have a hold on you. It is also about how no matter how young you are, how big an impact love can have. It is also about following your heart, yet also making mistakes. It is about everyone can or are able to keep secrets, or lie.

But it is also about that somehow, somewhere, someday, the pieces will fall into place. You may not know how, but it will..

This is a realistic book, and perhaps it will be a difficult start – like it was for me – but you will find yourself drawn into Anna’s life and realize that some wisdoms in it are for sure applicable in your own life too!

How far to go for a job and a promotion…

Synopsis

A Scottish castle, a fake marriage… and one very real Christmas romance?

After a window display goes disastrously viral – thanks to a malfunctioning animatronic Santa and an unfortunate encounter with Paddington Bear – Lula Haines finds herself without a job just weeks before Christmas. So she jumps at the chance to decorate Hollybrae Castle in Scotland for the holidays.

There’s just one complication: her handsome new boss, Oliver Bracewell, needs a fake wife for the festive season. To secure a promotion that could save his family’s castle, Ollie has been pretending to be a married father-of-two to impress the family-focused firm where he works. Now his bosses are coming to stay at Hollybrae over Christmas… expecting to meet his non-existent wife and children.

At first, playing along is easy as Lula is swept up in the magic of turning Hollybrae into the perfect festive escape with Ollie. But as Christmas draws nearer and she and Ollie grow closer, Lula begins to wonder if Hollybrae could become more than a temporary escape… and if the man she’s only pretending to love might actually be the one she’s been waiting for all along.

With heaps of tartan, tinsel and Christmas magic, this uplifting romance is perfect for fans of Trisha Ashley, Heidi Swain, Cressida McLaughlin, Ellie Henderson or Jessica Redland!

My review

Lula Haines never expected that her window display would end up being a scene from a horror film, as Santa and Paddington Bear are suddenly not showing the Christmas Love. And is there a worse timing to lose your job than weeks before Christmas? So when the opportunity rises to accept a temporarily job to decorate Hollybrae Castle in Scotland for the holidays, how can Lula refuse? And even when her new boss, Oliver Bracewell, explains to her that the job also means that she has to be his fake – wife in order to secure a promotion, Lula does accept it. Ollie needs the promotion to save his family’s castle, and he has been pretending to be a married father – of – two. And now that his bosses and colleagues are staying at Hollybrae Castle, Ollie needs a wife asap, and is already ‘renting’ two children. At the castle itself, Lula is not only mesmerized by the place, but also by handsome Ollie. And the closer Christmas comes, the closer Lula and Ollie are getting, with the attraction more and more difficult to ignore.

Even when it is summer, I can absolutely enjoy and devour a Christmas story. Especially during a heatwave, is there anything nicer than reading a book where there is not only an actual castle, but where snow is falling from the skies and you read about warm hoodies, hot drinks and even if I have never eaten them myself, mince pies (hoping to actual taste them one day)? And having a Christmas story from an author that is as talented as Jaimie Admans??? Could it get even better???

I don’t have an artistic vision myself, so I for sure would be the last person capable of creating a window display, or decorate a place that leaves everyone in awe. The fact I don’t have an inch of ability to put my imagination into reality, only makes me admire those who actually can, even more. So right from the start, I admired Lula, even if it is clear from the blurb that her window display would end in a complete disaster. Where my artistic vision lacks, my imagination in envisioning the Santa and Paddington Bear encounter for sure was up to the task. And I for sure could understand why would be crying and why that display would be trending, for all the wrong reasons.

While I could understand that Lula is terrified of the consequences, and I in a way could understand why she had to be let go, I also disagreed with the ‘how’. Her boss for sure could have been a bit nicer to Lula. And making Lula feel so little and disposable, is that something that is still being done??? 

But of course, all my sympathy went to Lula, because despite what happened to her window display, she is just a really nice and friendly woman. Yes, Lula has had some setbacks in life, and is currently staying with her sister and her family. But the fact that Lula feels as an intruder, wants to stand on her own feet, shows that she does not want to be a burden to anyone. Not that her sister ever makes her feel that way, but I could understand Lula’s feelings. We are all happy when family helps out, but we also don’t want to stretch that help and generosity, do we?

Now, when Lula sees the job offer at Hollybrae Castle, I was in a way happy and relieved to read that Lula isn’t going there as a gullible girl. Yes, the job interview goes smoothly and is at moments truly funny to read, but Lula also has her head straight on her shoulders. Despite the instant connection she has online with Oliver, she asks the right sort of questions and keeps a level of wariness. I liked it also how nothing shakes her, not even the weird request of pretending to be part of Oliver’s happy – but – non – existing family.

It also would be easy to label Oliver like a creep. But as this is a Christmas romance story, of course Oliver isn’t truly one. 

While it is perhaps wrong to tell his bosses and his colleagues that he is happily married and even has two children, the more I got to know Ollie, the more I could understand where he is coming from. Because let there one thing absolutely clear, what Ollie has been through in his life, is something that no one should go through. And reading how somehow he feels the burden to step into his father’s shoes, truly saddened me.

And it saddened me reading how at loss Ollie in fact truly is, how he is struggling to excel at his job, trying to save the castle. But at the same time, it also warmed my heart reading about his bond with Nancy and Hamish, and how he is an honorary Uncle to Rory and Maisie, Nancy’s and Hamish’s grandchildren who will pretend to be Ollie’s children.

Now that I have mentioned Rory and Maisie… how delightful are these two??? For sure they know how to use the situation for their own benefit, but they also are the ones ‘teaching’ Lu and Ollie to act like they truly are married and deeply in love. And how hilarious was it to read those bits! Not only the interfering, but the advice too! I don’t think there are more adorable children as Rory and Maisie! And in a way, i was ‘sad’ as they weren’t really Ollie’s and Lu’s kids. But of course the children are deeply loved by their real parents! 🙂

Back to Lula and Oliver, because just wowsy! 

Already from their first online meeting, the connection is palpable. And when they actually meet at the castle, things only intensify! I loved reading the moments Lu and Ollie are spending  together, getting to know each other and understand each other. Seeing that initial connection evolve into something deeper, while pretending to be already together for years, again, just wowsy.

And yes, perhaps while reading I was aching for Ollie’s hugs myself, because I could imagine how it would feel to be in those arms. Those moments where I was immensely jealous of Lula, I wanted to be her in those moments! Well, not only in those moments, but also the moments where the sparks are truly flying between them, but also the tender moments, the moments where they can just be the real Lula and Ollie.

This seems like an easy story, with easy characters, but like I already said with Ollie, there is so much more to each character. With each chapter you just get more and more to the essence of each character, understanding their actions, their dreams, but also their fears. And with each chapter you hope that the pretending will turn into the real thing. And with each chapter you hope that by the end of the assignment, that same assignment will be long forgotten.

If only it were that easy, right? Not only in books, but also in real life it never is just as easy task. There are always hurdles, struggles, demons of the past and in this case, lies to be kept yet at the risk of being uncovered… 

That is also the strength of the story, as both main characters are keeping up the façade, but at the same time also letting their guards down, showing their selves to each other. It’s also a journey for both Ollie and Lula, where they are trying to understand what they truly want from life, and which direction that life should take. It is about truly admitting what you want your future to look like and not being afraid to chase that exact future, no matter how hard that may be or even if the journey to it will cause some tears.

I laughed so much with this book, I also felt sad at moments, I felt every emotion deep in my heart. I have read several wonderful books of this ah-ma-zing author, but perhaps this Christmas story may be my favourite this far, because not only was I embraced by the warmth and love of Christmas, but also and especially the warmth and love of the characters.

To find solace and comfort in a place that is just *home*

Synopsis

Isla Stewart has a glittering publishing career in London, but when she’s unexpectedly made redundant, she faces an uncertain future.

Licking her wounds, Isla heads home to the Cotswolds. Keeping her devastating redundancy a secret from her proud parents, she seeks refuge at Finch’s, the enchanting bookshop she worked in as a teenager. With the owners struggling with their health, Isla steps in to manage the shop hoping to convince them that the business has a future.

Isla likes nothing more than chatting to people about books, but her safe haven is soon disturbed when she comes face-to-face with her first love, Charlie Brace, made worse by the arrival of Guy Madley, the incredibly handsome property consultant who has advice for owners Jon and Miriam.

As Christmas approaches, Isla has decisions to make. Does her future lie in London or can a whole heap of books and a sprinkling of festive magic offer a life that she could never even have dreamed of?

My review

After being made redundant in her publishing job, Isla Stewart returns back home to the Cotswolds. As it’s the Christmas period, she decides to keep her redundancy a secret from her family, hoping that something else will cross her path quickly. Being back home also means for Isla visiting the bookshop that during her teenage years was her workplace. But when the owners of Finch’s tell her that there are health issues and that running the bookshop has become more difficult, Isla does not hesitate to help these lovely people out, and she offers to manage the shop during the holidays. Especially as Isla hopes that Finch’s will prove its worth and its success. She enjoys chatting with the customers, even if that means meeting her first love again, who broke her heart. And then there is Guy Madley, who starts to stop by the bookshop more and more, but is also the property consultant, ready to sell Finch’s as soon as Jon and Miriam decide to sell. So even when the attraction seems to grow, Isla is also wary of Guy. Not only because his goal is to sell Finch’s, but also because Isla herself does not know where her future will bring her…

I always love reading books where something happens to the main character, forcing her (in this case) to return home. And then home, the place where that person would least think it, wonderful things start to happen.

In this particular case, Isla knows how wonderful her hometown is, how it’s filled with beautiful and kind people. So of course, after her redundancy, she wants to go back home, even if she is keeping that little detail a secret from everyone. And it was lovely to see how everyone welcomes her back, and also how proud her parents are of her.

So while perhaps I didn’t agree with Isla keeping her redundancy a secret from everyone, I could also comprehend why she does. It can not be underestimated how strong the burden of making parents or family proud of you, is. And as Christmas is approaching, it also isn’t the most ideal time to bring such news, is it?

I found it sweet also reading how at home, and how at ease Isla finds herself. It seems like she never left. And the fact how she doesn’t hesitate to help Jon and Miriam out. Because she cares about the two people but also because Finch’s is a place that fills her with many happy memories.

Rather early in the story, I was thinking that the romantic bit in the story would be about Isla meeting with her first love again, and that they somehow would find each other again. And that at the same time, Isla would meet Guy, feel an attraction and that Isla would find herself needing to choose between two men.

But I was happy reading how in fact, the story is not about that. I am not going to spoil a lot about that, but I can say that it was satisfying how the hurt of the past gets closure and how Isla finds herself drawn towards a not only a good looking but also just a nice guy!

However, for me the romantic bits, the love interest, wasn’t what made me love reading this book. It is the journey Isla is going through.

Because we see how at loss initially Isla is after losing her job. But coming back home also gives her the opportunity to figure out what she truly loves doing. Yes, having a career in the publishing branch is something she loves, but could it be that at home she finds something that she even loves more? Isla has a lot of figuring out what she truly want to do.

And I found it so heartwarming how she bonds with people, with customers, or the loyal visitors (whether furry or not). She shows her real colours her, how caring she truly is. And even when she initially feels a bit awkward with children, we see how in fact she is great with them!

There is so much love and warmth in this book, even if the main characters isn’t going through an easy moment in her life. We see how being surrounded by people that love you, being in a place that is not just home, but a place that brings you peace, you can find the answers you were looking for. And why not, perhaps even more? 😊

With books from authors that I know, I always have high expectations. And Jill Steeples is not an author that I know, but also that I love. So the expectations were already higher than normal. But she delivered and gave me even more than I wanted! What a wonderful, warm, hearty story this was!

Can the research of your hometown give you all the answers you were searching for?

Synopsis

Prepare to escape to Scotland with a gorgeous feel-good romance this summer…

Returning to the Scottish Highlands was never part of Poppy Summers’ plan. But life had other ideas.

With her parents’ cherished holiday cottages losing money, Poppy is determined to carry on their legacy and save the business before they’re forced to sell.

Revamping the cottages is Poppy’s priority until she meets Mason Cooper, a charming historian drawn to the highlands for research. As their newfound friendship grows, is it possible that something more might be enough of a reason to make Poppy stay for good?

My review

Now that her disastrous marriage is truly ended, Poppy Summers decide to return to her hometown, to just find herself again. But what Poppy didn’t expect, is to hear from her parents that they have decided to sell their holiday cottages, as it is just losing money. That makes Poppy decide to make her parents an offer they cannot refuse: give her a year to run the cottages, and if she fails, she agrees upon selling it. Suddenly Poppy is full of ideas of how to revamp the cottages, with the help of her best friend Katie and Poppy’s brother Caleb. And then Australian historian Mason Cooper needs her help. Mason is researching the real identity of The Scarlet Highwayman, the local historical rogue. And not unimportant, somehow that same 18th century man has become not only Poppy’s muse in her paintings, but he is also her historical crush. With Mason and Poppy joining forces to uncover the real identity, will that attraction between them continue to grow, or will their different views over the Highwayman tear them only apart?

As usual with this author, I could not wait to read this next book. But I also need to be honest, otherwise what is the point of writing reviews… Somehow, was it the story, was it me, it took me a while before I actually got into the story. But don’t worry, because once it finally got me, it truly *got* me!

When the main character finds herself coming back home, it never is for a positive reason, is it? Heartbreak, the loss of someone, or losing yourself, there is always a sad event making in this case Poppy making return back home. But while of course it is sad how Poppy finds herself returning back home, in a way it is also sweet to see how home, wherever that is, can give you the comfort and the love you need.

And wasn’t it wonderful to read how Poppy’s whole family is welcoming her back? Both her parents, her brother and her best friend are over the moon about Poppy’s return, even if Poppy is at loss at the moment.

But we also see how close this family is because Poppy upon hearing the plans of her parents, isn’t willing to let go of the holiday cottages so easily. The cottages have always been important, and not only financially. Perhaps Poppy should have thought better about her proposition, but I could understand where she is coming from.

It also shows the fire Poppy has in her. She is a loving characters, but also a woman who won’t go down without a fight to protect her beloved ones, and the things that truly matter to her.

I am not artistic myself, I cannot draw, paint, do pottery, and if I would, it would look like a child did it instead of a nearly – 40 – years old woman 😊. In that aspect, I admire Poppy and her best friend / sister – in – law Katie that have the vision and the talent to make wonderful things.

Perhaps Poppy is a bit too much infatuated by the legend/ mystery that The Scarlet Highwayman is, but can I truly blame her? No, I cannot. Yes, it would appear that he has done some things that are unforgivable. But just like Poppy, even before the truth about the mysterious man was out, I could sense that there is way much more about his tale than we would believe. And let’s be honest, Julie Shackman wouldn’t let her main character have a crush on a despicable person, would she? 😊

A mysterious character that lets Mason Cooper enter the scene.

Once again, after his first appearance, I did not know what to think about Mason. Yes, the man has the looks, the charms and I am sure that many many female characters are swooning when Mason just looks at them. But his erratic behaviour was so off at moments, that I didn’t know what to think about the man.

Of course, in several romance books, there is the love interest isn’t that easy to understand. But Mason truly can go from hot to cold in just the blink of an eye. And that made me wondering, but to be honest, also a little bit suspicious… Is Mason truly holding secrets that could break Poppy’s heart? Or am I watching too many thrillers at the moment, making me wary of everyone and everything? Only time could tell, and thus I just kept on reading. But not only because I wanted to know who Mason truly is, but because when Poppy and Mason start investigating, that is when I found myself truly drawn into the story!

The more the story progresses, the more Poppy is finding her feet again. She loves managing the cottages together with Katie, she loves diving into the world of The Scarlet Highwayman, and she enjoys spending time with Mason, even if his behaviour is erratic at times.

We truly see Poppy blossoming in this book, standing her ground, but at the same time still guarding her heart. Because no matter how she is feeling about Mason, she is wary of letting him completely in. And it doesn’t help how he is behaving, and how he is being seen with different women, is it?

But at the same time, the same thing can be said about Mason. The way he is able to tell Poppy things he normally doesn’t talk about, how he is protective of her and how he finds ways to keep spending time with her. And once we know why he is behaving oddly at times, can we truly blame him? The truth makes so much sense…

There is of course the mystery of The Scarlet Highwayman, the reason of Popp and Mason meeting and spending time together. I was obviously intrigued by this mysterious man, and the more the story evolved in general, the more question marks were raised in my head. Who was this man truly? Did he truly did the atrocious things he has been claimed to have done? And how come that even in the present a dubious family well – known in the area is doing all the possible to keep the truth from being revealed?

Of course it was lovely to read how Poppy and Mason are in this pushing and pulling away game, and are learning to trust each other and open up to each other. It is also a story about how *home* can be the place that makes you feel loved and cherished again, and where you can find yourself again and find again the place that makes you happy. And all this is already a perfect recipe to have a wonderful story. But add the mystery of The Scarlet Highwayman, and have its real story revealed, truly makes this a great story to be reading.

And if perchance, you find yourself struggling to get through those first chapters, don’t give up! Keep on reading, because you will be rewarded with a book that has just has a little and a lot of everything. And before you know, you will find yourself reading page after page after page!

When the need is to settle a score, you may find something else

Synopsis

From Heartbreak to Harmony

After young music teacher Mirren Elphinstone’s entitled boyfriend dumps her and walks out on local band Tavrach, Mirren has a score to settle. Despite her usually sunny, helpful nature, she decides auditioning for the vacant lead singer role is the perfect way to get payback.

Tavrach’s enigmatic frontman, Adam Cormac, is desperate. With the Autumn Gold Festival fast approaching, the band needs a new lead singer – and fast. When only one hopeful turns up – a golden-haired beauty with the voice of an angel – Adam takes a chance.

He soon discovers Mirren is the ex of the sneaky band member who not only abandoned them but stole some of Adam’s compositions. Tempers flare, until the tension between Adam and Mirren turns electric. What began as revenge quickly explodes into an attraction as powerful as their duets – but Adam’s been burned too often to risk his heart lightly.

If they want a chance to turn heartbreak into harmony, Adam must believe he’s more than a stopgap, while Mirren must choose love on her own terms. Only then can they strike a lasting chord before the curtain falls.

My review

Mirren Elphinstone is a young music teacher in Glenbriar, who just got her heart broken. Not only was Benji rather entitles, but during their whole relationship, he made Mirren feel small and insignificant. He even never let her met his band mates of the famous local band Travach. So when the band is looking for a new lead singer, she sees this as an opportunity to settle a score. But the frontman of Travach, Adam Cormac, even if desperate to find a new singer, is wary. Yes, Mirren has the voice of an angel, but also looks like one. And the last thing Adam needs, is to be distracted by a woman, as he has been burnt by love not once but twice. However, Mirren finds herself being the latest recruit of Travach. And sparks fly around between Mirren and Adam, even if they do their best to keep things professional. And then there is the thing that nobody of Travach knows that Mirren is Benji’s ex…

There isn’t a place that makes me happier to return than Glenbriar does! Having read every book of this wonderful series, I just could not wait to read this next chapter!

Travach isn’t an unknown band in the series, and in my mind, for sure they sound just awesome! 😊 And haven’t we all read news in real life how one band member leaves, just means the end of the complete band.

So I was happy to read that Travach just doesn’t give up, but are trying to find a worthy singer to replace Benji.

Now, I have to admit, that while I love Mirren’s character, I wasn’t so sure that auditioning for Travach is the brightest idea she ever had. There is heartbreak, there is revenge in a way, but joining the band of your ex, sounds wrong.

That is of course I knew that Mirren has actually a great voice, and would be a real asset for the band. And that is before I knew how Benji treated Mirren… (I don’t want to waste a lot of words, as Benji doesn’t deserve that, but he shows his true, ugly colours more than in just one occasion, and I truly despise that guy!).

And seeing how Mirren became just a shadow of herself, because of that idiot, not only saddened me, but angered me! First of all, not only because nobody deserves to be treated that way, but because Mirren is a sweet, gentle, kind and generous person. And we see how falling in love with the wrong kind of person, can change you…

But despite her past, we see Mirren reemerging, growing strong again, believing in herself again. And that all the while she never loses faith in her pupils, and inspires them, makes them believe in themselves. The kind of person that Mirren at heart is, is the kind of people we need more of in the world.

And we can label Adam in the same category. He has been burnt and hurt by people in the past and even recent present. He has been betrayed in an awful way by Benji. Yet he always is the kind of person that will help you out when you are in need. Even if people has betrayed him, he is always ready to give people a chance in life. And even if love has hurt him before, he doesn’t regret it, as now he has two wonderful sons he is raising.

Two sons who, especially the youngest, Robbie, are just as welcoming, accepting and full of heart as their father. And my heart melted reading about Robbie, his innocence, his playfulness and his character in this book. And yes, reading the bits where he and Mirren are spending some time together truly made me ‘aaaaw’ 😊.

Both Mirren and Adam show a lot of courage in this story. Mirren by auditioning for Travach, by stepping literally in the spotlight and finding her voice. Adam shows courage by just remaining himself, even if it would be so easy to become a harder, more reserved person because of everything that has happened to him.

I loved reading how well Mirren matches not only with Adam, but with everyone in the band. For me, it shows that even if you are different in character, music is something that can unite people. Music doesn’t care who you are, what you look like, or what you do in life. If you feel music in your bones, in your veins, music can open doors and also hearts.

It was wonderful  reading how Mirren is finding her voice in this band, how to make the band members proud of her, and make them not regret choosing her.

And it was just sweet to read how Adam sees Mirren and *sees* her. Even if they don’t know each other that long, Adam can read Mirren, and senses in a way when there is something up with her. sounds very enigmatic, but you’ll understand me when you get to that bit in the book 😊.

Right from the start, sparks are flying around between Adam and Mirren. But I appreciated the slow – burn, as it made it not only more realistic, but also more touching. These are two people hurt by love in the past, and they have learned their lessons. But love also comes when you least expect it, in a way you least expect it.

Of course we know that somewhere in this book, truths will come out and even reappearances will be happening. And it was wit curiosity, or rather trepidation that I was waiting for those bits. How  bad would things turn out to be? And would Adam and Mirren find their ways (back) to each other?

But it is also a fact that perhaps you have to go through a rough bit, to have a clear view and understanding of what your heart is telling you.

In this wonderful next instalment of a wonderful series, we see how you can find solace in music. But also how music finds you, and it gives you that little nudge to be brave in life. Because who knows who will cross your paths, thanks to music…

With worlds so apart, sparks can still fly

Synopsis

Can a Marine on a mission handle Hollywood’s hottest star? The sparks on the action movie set are nothing compared to the ones flying between them…

Olivia Quinn succeeds through simplicity and discipline, whether she’s dominating in the gym, or serving as a Marine. But when her director brother unexpectedly makes her the military consultant on his latest action film, her structured plans go out the window and she’s thrown into an unfamiliar and unpredictable world alongside hotshot action star Chris Blackstone. The cocky actor is everything she can’t stand, with his chiseled, self-important abs, condescension, and charm—for to everyone except her.

Chris is determined to make Desert Strike the blockbuster hit his new production company needs. A fake PR romance with his popular co-star keeps the public’s attention on the movie and distracts the media from his messy family drama. The last thing he has time for is clashing with a disturbingly hot, no-nonsense Marine consultant who sees right through his act. And he definitely can’t afford to fall for her.

Staged explosions give way to sizzling chemistry neither of them can ignore. But when Chris’s ghosts and the paparazzi twist their connection into a media firestorm, he faces a brutal choice: Will he protect the career and image he works so hard for—or fight for the woman who makes him feel like a real person? And under the burning spotlight, Olivia must decide if a lifetime of building strength means she’s strong enough to be honest with herself and open her heart to the vulnerability of love.

My review

Olivia Quinn is a Marine, used to work with simplicity and discipline. But her big dream is to work in Hollywood, as even from a child, she loves acting. So when her brother asked her to be a military consultant on the latest movie he is directing, how can Olivia refuse? Even if that means to leave the Marine temporarily and enter the world of glitter and glamour, and working together action star Chris Blackstone. Chris himself is not waiting for a Marine consultant who has just an opinion about everything in the movie he is producing. It doesn’t help his focus as he finds himself suddenly attracted to that no – nonsense Marine. But as he has a fake PR romance with his co – star and he has a lot of family – drama he wants to keep out of the known, Chris tries to keep his distance. Not that Olivia minds, as she can’t stand Chris and the way he seems to parade around. But where explosions are flying around on set, Chris and Olivia start to realize that there are also undeniable sparks flying between them. However, as both have a lot on the line, are they both willing to be courageous and open their hearts?

This is the first I have read of this author, thus I had a lot of curiosity but also a bit of trepidation. Because the blurb may look good on paper, but can the whole story sweep me off my feet?

First of all, I loved how in this book, the female main character is the actual Marine. Because let’s be honest, there are a lot of books in the world where the man is the Marine and the strong character. So it was refreshing reading how here, it is Olivia who is a force you don’t want to mess with! 😊

But it was also great to read how Olivia is still an actual woman. In the sense that often women in the Marine are shown rather ‘masculine’, if you get what I am meaning? But Olivia is a strong woman, taking no b*llsh*t from anyone, but at the same time is also a very feminine woman. Not that she likes dressing up all the time and wearing make – up, but she is a normal woman, just like you and I.

Her no – nonsense approach is especially hilarious when she arrives on set. Where everybody seems to kiss the floor where Chris walks on, she is immune for his charms. She is on set to get the job done well, and even when there are a few disagreements, she stands her ground, because thigs have to be done correctly, for respect for the real Marines and Forces. And that determination and resolution for sure made me respect Olivia, although, also a bit terrified of her, as I don’t want to be on her bad side! 😊

A bad side that Chris finds himself, as they for sure start badly when they meet each other for the first time.

And while I could understand Olivia’s immunity towards Chris, it was also so very obvious that what Olivia sees about Chris, isn’t who Chris truly is.

Because while Chris for sure has the looks, and knows how to use his charms to get some things done, it is clear that Chris is also a tormented soul, with not only his reputation he has to preserve, but also has demons closer home challenging him.

I don’t believe in faking a relationship, even if it is just for PR and it a mutual choice. Because it will always affect the real lives, and the truth will always come out. But in this case, I could comprehend this decision. Not only it is for Malia’s own protection, and for the publicity of the movie, it is also to keep people at bay in Chris’s case. Even if it complicates things between Chris and Olivia.

I found it powerful in a way, as through scenes, explosions and military actions on set, Olivia and Chris start to see each other for who they truly are. It starts perhaps with a physical connection, but it evolves in an emotional connection, which goes way deeper than just the physical aspect.

There is a mutual understanding of each other’s situation, and a deep respect for each other. But that doesn’t mean that there aren’t moments that their characters clash. And when it clashes, it CLASHES…

Clashing that means that wanting to do the right thing, or for protection, means doing perhaps the wrong thing, or act in the wrong way. But we see that things are done with the best intentions, and that also after the clashing, both characters grow and mature.

I loved reading this story, discovering this author, but also the main characters. Characters that was refreshing seeing in some kind of reversed roles, yet find each other despite their many differences. There is a lot of strength in this book (literally and figuratively), but also a lot of emotion and growth.

I cannot wait to read more of what this author has in store for us! 😊

When one bird in your hands allows you to fly too

Synopsis

A BRAND NEW sparkling, uplifting story about love, friendship and learning to spread your wings from Samantha Tonge✨🦋 Perfect for fans of Shari Low, Faith Hogan and Evie Woods!

Una Lowe lives a perfectly edited life in London. Other than her best friend, she’s careful about who she lets in. Emotional complications are just that – complicated. That is, until she rescues a rare white swallow… who might have just flown in to change her life.

Because, when her beloved swallow fails to return from migration one year, Una’s world crumbles. But a viral social media campaign brings a miraculous response from a man in Bavaria named Konrad, who claims the bird has also visited him. Which leads him to invite Una to his picturesque village for the chance to see their shared feathered friend together.

Stepping out of her comfort zone, Una flies to Germany. Amidst snow-dusted streets, local festivals, and Konrad’s undeniable charm, Una’s protective walls begin to fall down.

But when the complication she’s avoided her whole life comes for her, she’s forced to confront her deepest fears. As autumn turns to winter, and inspired by the tiny, brave bird that brought them together, Una must decide if she is finally ready to risk her heart.

Is the only way to know if you can fly to face a possibility of falling…?

My review

As her parents always made her feel like a burden, Una enjoys her simple life with her best friend Ziggy, their home and a swallow that she saved a few years ago and returns each year. But when the swallow, Blue, doesn’t return from migration, Una is at loss. So after an online appeal, Una learns that there is man in Germany who knows Blue too. And there is no chance of mistaken identity, as Blue has specific marking. Stepping completely out of her comfort zone, Una decides to pay Konrad a visit, and see if Blue will also make an appearance. Soon Una finds herself swept away by the charms of Bavarian small towns but also by Konrad. As the attraction between the two only grows, there is also a lot standing between them. But will Una be brave enough to let her walls fall down?

Whenever I pick up a book of this author, I know that I will be going through an emotional rollercoaster yet that at the end I will close the book with a happy feeling. Yet at the same time, each time I pick up a book of this author, it is also with a little bit of trepidation. Because will this be the book that won’t live up to the extreme high expectations I have?

Luckily for me, and for Samantha too 😊, it is NOT the latter.

Now, I have to admit, I have absolutely nothing with birds! When I see a bunch of birds resting somewhere I need to pass through, there are two options. Or I let someone else walk through them first, so they fly away. Or I just take another route, or take a wiiiiiiiide berth.

So while I liked reading how Una has saved a swallow a few years ago, it is not something I would do myself. Not I would let the bird suffer, but I would call animal rescue or something like that 😊.

I can understand how over the years Una gets attached to Blues, especially as the bird returns every year to pay Una a visit. And perhaps I am a bit wishful thinking like Una, but it truly seems that Blue is a remarkable and smart bird, seeming to understand what Una is telling her.

While I loved reading Una’s ‘relationship’ with Blue, it is also clear that in a way, Una’s life is very restricted. She has one truly amazing best friend in Ziggy, and Ziggy’s mother acts more like a surrogate mother to Una. A surrogate mother that shows more emotion, empathy, love and care than Una’s own parents ever did…

Please do not go thinking that her parents were the evil kind, but it is clear from everything we read, how they prefer just keeping their distance from Una. And that truly saddened me, because Una is just a wonderful person, if only she would let her walls down.

Yet at the same time, seeing the connection with Ziggy was so heartwarming, giving us glimpses of how much love Una can give.

But with love heartbreak can come, and I could understand how it pains Una not seeing her beloved Blue when it’s time for the flying appearance. And while perhaps I find it a bit ‘risky’ to just make a post online (you never know what creep finds you…) I liked it how she is just not giving up.

And with the whole world online, it shows how small the world can be in some instances. Because it is in Germany that Konrad recognizes Blue, but he has named her Cruella, due her special markings.

Once again, I don’t know if I would do what Una does next, because again, the world is full of creeps! 😊
But it also shows that even if she needed to be persuaded a little bit by Ziggy, there is somehow a sense of adventure in Una as she heads off to Germany!

I liked Konrad from the very first appearance. He welcomes Una like an old friend (well, it helps to have a friend in common, doesn’t it?) and is not only letting her stay in his guest house, but also wants to show her the beauty of Bavaria and its cosiness.

It felt to me that Blue/Cruella or the new – found – name Bluella was finding a way to bring two people together. Because while staying with Konrad, or rather at Konrad’s guest house, Una learns not only to open up more, but also let people in.  We see a real transformation taking place in Bavaria, because we find Una doing things she perhaps doesn’t want to do initially, but in the end, she finds herself enjoying it.

This is made more obvious with seeing the shift in her inner thoughts. While at first she thinks about how to refuse, yet she accepts. And slowly, also her inner thoughts are starting to accept invitations, and how further along in the story, she even, voluntary, lets people inside her home!

That is somehow the Konrad – effect, even if Konrad himself has some struggles in life. Yet he is able to get Una out of her shell, to enjoy life even at the fullest.

Now, there are a few tiny moments that I doubted Konrad’s genuineness. As there are here and there a few actions of his that made me think the worse of him. Very vague what I am saying, but when you get to those bits, you will understand me 😊.

Obviously, Una cannot stay forever with Konrad, as her home and her life are in the outskirts of London. But when Una is back home, and she makes a certain discovery, I was wondering how things would evolve and what choices would be made.

The beauty of this book is that we see how Una changes throughout the whole story. At the start of the book, her world is rather small, with just one amazing best friend and a surrogate mother. But the more the story evolves, we see how her world expands and how new and even old people enter her life.

I absolutely devoured this book as it shows real people with flaws. But real people that also go through change, and that perhaps even find the courage to fly. All because of a little bird that needed rescue. Just wonderful!!!

And here is an extract of a very intriguing story!

Synopsis

A young Englishman captured by slavers must survive the snakepit that is seventeenth-century Venice.

1604. As pirates seeking slaves to sell in the markets of North Africa terrorise the coasts of Europe, headstrong Richard Sheriff and his sister Elizabeth are torn from their Devonshire home and thrust into a waking nightmare.

Richard’s skills as a blacksmith see him fetch a high price, but the pirate captain has other plans for Elizabeth and once they are separated, Richard has no idea of his sister’s fate. They must both learn to survive on a deadly voyage into the unknown.

Sold into servitude in Venice: glittering, vicious city of secrets, he is apprenticed to a knife maker. Richard’s talents soon win him renown… but haunted by his sister’s absence, he vows never to stop looking for her, knowing she would do the same for him.

First he must survive that city of ghosts. Will the siblings live to see each other again, or will they join the myriads lost to Venice, where life is cheap, profit is all, and escape nigh-on impossible?

A powerful historical adventure perfect for fans of Kate Mosse, Ken Follett and Robert Harris.

Extract

Early-morning mist veiled the city. Richard saw the beauty that had seduced Challenor. Venice was as enticing and beguiling as any woman opening her arms to greet them. Embrace or smother them? Richard thought. The sun’s rays gently disrobed her, exposing alabaster and marble, smooth stone reflecting the sparkling water. Beckoning. He looked at the gaping maw swallowing the lagoon. Down its throat they went. Water traffic increased. Bells rang out from around the city. Left and right. Near and far. The barges forged along the waterway with the running tide. The further they travelled, the more the city revealed itself. Grand houses on both banks, painted in various hues. Green window shutters encased by arched pillars. Ornate decoration proclaiming wealth. 

The waterway curved around houses and buildings whose frontage were lapped by the waves. It turned again as the silent, awestruck captives clung to the boat’s gunwales, gazing at a city the likes of which they had never seen. Richard looked at Martin. The veteran seaman showed no wide-eyed surprise, he simply gazed ahead. Off to one side a wooden bridge across a narrower canal was busy with foot traffic and carts jostling for position. There was no balustrade to stop anyone tumbling into the water, but the surefooted citizens showed no concern. A few glanced across at the new arrivals, but made no comment and quickly directed their attention back to where they were going.

The captives’ journey continued with a mixture of awe and uncertainty. When the boats went below a curved stone bridge, arched high enough for them not to duck, a few people crossing looked down and called to them. The captives did not fully understand the language, but it sounded as though words of comfort were being offered. The lighters turned into a narrow waterway alongside a pillared hall. Willing hands onshore held the paddle end of the boatmen’s oars, securing the lighter against the wall. The oarsmen shouted and gestured the captives to scramble ashore. Waiting men manhandled them into line and, when everyone had disembarked, they were hustled into a vast open space already crowded with chattering merchants bargaining over their wares. Different areas held various goods. Bales of wool, bolts of cloth, spices, food and barrels. The men led Richard and the others to one corner that appeared to have been kept clear for their arrival.

When making friends becomes having a little book club, with a real whodunnit

Synopsis

In a city full of stories, can she write her own…

Introvert and self-described whodunnit enthusiast Viviane has never much believed in living life outside of the pages of a book. But when her interfering mother insists that Viviane needs some friends who aren’t fictional, she decides to head into the beautiful bustling streets of Porto in search of her community.

What better place to start than by reading her favourite mystery in the corner of a little-known café? But when one, then two, and then outrageously six other people decide to join her silent book club Viviane realises that she is firmly out of her depth. There’s Thomas, a middle-aged man hiding his love for romance novels, Lucinda, a chic sixty-something with a penchant for Christie, and then there’s Tiago, the man of every romance novelist’s dreams.

But when one of these newfound friends disappears from the book club without a word, will the community come together to find their fellow lost soul, and will Viviane find love along the way…?

My review

Viviane is a real introvert, she enjoys spending her time on her own, and preferable reading a book. She is also a self – described whodunnit enthusiast. But her mother wants Viviane to make actual friends, and not enjoying the fictional kind. So Viviane steps outside, to find a community where she can belong to. So is there a better place than stopping in a small café in the streets of Porto, reading her favourite mystery book? First she meets a fellow booklover, even a fellow mystery – lover, Tiago. And he agrees to have a silent book blub, just sitting together in the café, enjoying the books they are reading, without any mandatory yet needless chitchat. But what Viviane did not expect, is that her book club of two quickly expands with six other people. And people that are completely different, not one is alike! A real nightmare for Viviane! And then one of the book clubbers disappears without a word, and Viviane believes that it’s time for the club to join their forces and solve this mystery! But what will they find? And what will Viviane find while spending more time with Tiago?

As a real booklover, I was intrigued by this little book club. Even if my genre isn’t perse a whodunnit, I can still enjoy reading a mystery now and then. Also, what raised my curiosity even more, is that Viviane is an introvert. Something that I can relate too, as I have my moments where I just want to be left alone, in peace, on my own, not wanting to be bothered by anyone or anything.

And while I could understand why her own mother is pushing Viviane to go more out, I could also understand that it wouldn’t be easy for Viviane. While she sees a lot of people she has seen before, her trepidation of just start some small talk was something I so recognized.

I also have to admit that I admired Viviane, because I don’t know if I would be able to go into a café, sit down and just read there on my own. My awkwardness would raise up in the sky! 😊 So I was proud of her, doing just that, finding a nice spot in the café and just relax with a good book to read!

It was also a bit funny reading how the meeting between Viviane and Tiago took place. They literally bumped into each other, and there their friendship takes off. While introvert Viviane initially cannot get rid of Tiago as fast as possible, Tiago is a force of nature that won’t get chased away that easily. Seeing how these opposite characters just match in a way, was so sweet to read.

And yes, I found it also hilarious to read how Tiago keeps on expanding the silent book club, while Viviane is getting anxious about it, especially as the made rules aren’t being followed as much as she would love it.

But where Viviane is feeling out of her depth, it also gives her the perfect occasion to step outside in the real world, make new friends and just be more courageous.

Now, I have to admit, when Viviane starts to suspect that an actual crime is about to take place, I had to have some patience with her. Because she is so focused on solving the mystery, that she has tunnel vision and is unable to see the oh so obvious signs. And she is also unable to suddenly truly listen to her mother, otherwise she wouldn’t be shocked when she actually listens to what her mother has been saying.

Also the way she dismisses Tiago, how she is adamant on not getting closer to him, well yes, it frustrated me a little bit 😊. And her being an introvert for sure explains a lot, but as a reader, where you want to see things progress, especially between Viviane and Tiago, it means testing my patience 😊.

But beside Viviane testing my patience at moments, I found it lovely reading how a bunch of different people can become your tribe somehow. And how books, even different genres, can bring people together and make them connect with each other.

And that is the strength of this book, showing us how we can just find ‘our’ people, and how those people allow us to open up, even if we are used on being very very closed and used to be just on our own and enjoy it. There is nothing wrong with that, but finding the right people will expand your world in a beautiful way!

What starts as neighbours clashing…

Synopsis

You never know when love may come knocking…

Hopeless romantic and romance editor Elle Thompson lives for happy endings—but real-life love? Not so much. But that doesn’t mean she isn’t thrilled when her best friend gets engaged. Really. Not jealous at all.

Meanwhile, Oliver Cole likes things a certain way. Schedules and routines and order. So when his move back to New York is disrupted with the unwelcome addition of Thor—the dog his sister adopted for him—he’s less than enthused. Even less enthused than Oliver? His neighbour, Elle.

When Elle can’t bear to hear Thor howling all night, the two agree to strike a deal: she’ll dog-sit while he’s on shift.

But what starts as a reluctant arrangement soon turns into late-night chats, sizzling chemistry, and two lonely hearts daring to let each other in.

My review

Elle Thompson is a real romantic. She believes in finding The One and Happy Endings. And with a job as romance editor, she for sure has the job of her dreams. Unfortunately, she hasn’t found that Love herself. And while she is over the moon that her best friend gets engaged, she cannot deny she is a liiiiiiitle bit jealous. Meanwhile she cannot stand her new neighbour, Oliver Cole, who leaves his sister’s dog Thor alone for hours. As Elle cannot stand the howling of Thor anymore, and she truly feels sorry for Thor, she makes a deal with Oliver. While he is working his shifts at the hospital, Elle will be dog-sitting Thor. While initially reluctant, because Oliver likes to follow his schedules and his routines, this may be the solution that Oliver was looking for, even if it is with his nosy and annoying neighbour Elle. However, slowly their picking up and dropping off of Thor turn into late – night chats and a real understanding of each other. Could this possibly evolve in something more, even if the both of them are guarding their hearts?

I was very eager to read this book, because I just felt it that right from the start I would like Elle. Not only because she is working as a romance editor (that just sounds an amazing job!) but also because just at heart she is also a real romantic.

And the way she cares about Thor, even before she knows the cute little dog! I don’t think that many people would sleep on a doorstep to not leave the poor dog alone. My admiration and like for Elle only grew the more!

So early on, we get a clear idea of what Elle’s character is. She is kind, caring and loving. But we also see that in fact, while she wants the best for everyone, she feels also rather lonely. This we see in several moments, where she is happy that her best friend has found love, but also moved away. And the fact that everyone around Elle seems to find love, but Elle does not, only adds to her feelings of loneliness. And that is something recognizable for many, isn’t it?

On the other side of the building, we have Oliver. And I liked Oliver, even if at the start he may not seem so approachable or likeable. Of course after reading the blurb you will already know about Oliver and I was a bit afraid that he would turn out to be a caricature.

Luckily, the author made Oliver and his ‘condition’ very realistic and human most of all. As I am a believer that there is something ‘different’ in each person, I was happy to see Oliver being the male main character.

Like I said, at first he isn’t the most approachable person, but the more I got to know him, the more I understood him, and the more I could see how much his struggles, on several levels, are weighing on him. And that broke a little bit my heart, seeing how he is finding his place in this world, where expectations are so high where being yourself is not always accepted.

At the same time, I found it so heartwarming reading how Elle and Oliver are getting closer, obviously with the help of Thor. And more important, it was lovely to see how there is a sort of acceptance of each other’s ‘flaws’. Both Elle and Oliver don’t try to change each other, but they try to find ways to work around the struggles.

Of course are Oliver’s struggles more obvious, but we also see how Elle is struggling with her loneliness and how she just wants to please people. Both characters in this book have learned in the past to hold back somehow, not allowing themselves to get hurt somehow. And even if the attraction between Elle and Oliver is obviously growing, their fear is holding them back, even letting Elle date someone else, while in fact who she truly wants is Oliver…

I found this truly a wonderful story to read, because of its realism. Everyone has their own struggles to live with. Some struggles are easier than others, but struggles they are nevertheless. And in this book we see how these struggles can hold you back, but also how it can prevent you from living your life at its best.

We also see how expectations from others can be a burden, and how those expectations have made it impossible for yourself to find your path that will bring you happiness.

Elle and Oliver both go through a lot of growth in this book, even if it is not without hiccup. But that is also the beauty of the story. Things don’t go easy in life, sometimes you have to fall to be able to get up again and spread your wings like you’re supposed to.

I found this truly an amazing story to read, a story that truly touched my heart. Cristina Wolf wrote a romance showing us that romance isn’t always an easy path to follow. But despite the struggles the main characters are gong through, there is so much warmth, love, care and kindness in it. And it has the cutest possible dog ever!😊