A marriage of convenience and pity, that could never work…

Synopsis

An imperfect proposal…

But a perfect match?

Major James Rossington, Viscount Austerfield, survived Waterloo, but can he survive the Season as London’s most eligible bachelor? Convinced his battle scars make him unlovable, and to escape Society’s matchmakers, Ross proposes a wedding in name only to shy, sensible Carenza Bettridge. Liberated from her cruel stepmother and bullying half-sisters, she blossoms into a confident, altogether desirable woman. He promised Carenza a convenient marriage, but inconveniently finds himself wanting more…

My review

Carenza Bettridge absolutely adores her father and doesn’t hesitate to look after him. unfortunately, her stepmother and half-sisters aren’t applying the same kindness that Carenza is known for. On the contrary, her stepmother is cruel and her sisters bully her. Cinderella was treated like a queen compared to the things Carenza had to endure!
When Major James Rossington, Viscount Austerfield, also known as Ross, returns from Waterloo, he is the most eligible bachelor. But even while the unmarried ladies flirt with him and he is victim of his sister’s matchmaking skills, he knows that people are terrified and horrified of his scars.
So while her stepmother wants one of her own daughters to be the one to get married to Ross, it is Carenza that received the proposal. However, it is a proposal for a wedding in name only, as for Ross it will make him unavailable for more matchmaking, and after seeing how Carenza is treated, a way to escape her stepmother.
But Ross doesn’t expect to see Carenza blossom into a confident and caring woman. Maybe the marriage will become a real one?

I am one of those women that even at the age of 35, truly enjoy a good fairy tale. And with this title, I couldn’t pass on the opportunity reading this book!

But I have to say, the way Carenza is treated by her family, with excepting of her lovely father of course, gave me the shivers. There are so many examples in the world where new families are created, and people love each other, no matter if blood – related or not.
However, in a different era, things may be different, and if the characters were all kind to Carenza, we would have a complete different story.

Despite her stepmother and her sisters, Carenza remains that kind person, not fighting back. And not because she doesn’t mind the bullying, but because she knows how that would affect her father. so for his sake, she keeps enduring all the nasty nudges…

I loved reading how Carenza shows her true self after being ‘saved’ by Ross. After years being seen as a just a maid, she now can be the real Carenza. And obviously, she remains the same kind Carenza as before, but now she won’t hesitate to stand her ground, become more confident and trust her own gut.

Talking about Ross… being a Major, makes it obvious he is a courageous man. He admits himself that he loved his years in the army, and he was reluctant of become a Viscount, after losing his beloved brother. And his scars don’t make things easier for him. and seeing how there are predatory women flying around him, pretending to like him and not being disgusted by him scars, made it understandable why he proposed to Carenza.

I found it very sweet to see how, once married, these two lovely people started getting closer. But it also broke my heart seeing how the war had not only scarred Ross on the outside but also on the inside. But on the other hand, it warmed my heart to see how Carenza kept on showing him that she isn’t bothered by it.

This story may look like the fairy-tale at first glance, but while reading the comparison totally dissolved. This was a book about two people who deserve the world, but the world hasn’t treated them very kindly. Both characters are facing the reality that not all people are as kind and gentle and honest as themselves.
But when you find a kindred spirit, who wants to give you the world, it doesn’t matter how nasty some bits of the world can be.

I loved reading this book, not because the rather predictable ending, but because of how the characters find each other, and find a way to help each other out.
It shows us that love can cure a lot, and with the right people, friends and family, everyone can get that fairy-tale happy end, even when you thought it would never happen to you.

A second chance for two broken souls?

Synopsis

An unforgettable Greek escape…with the man she never forgot! 

A-list actress Catherine Wilde has it all, but behind closed doors she is fighting personal battles. So the chance to escape to the private Greek island of her best friend’s brother, Alaric, offers the tranquility she craves. Except seeing Alaric again sets her heart rate soaring. Life might have changed him, but he can still make her feel alive—and when the torch she once held for him reignites, it’s impossible to ignore!

My review

Catherine Wilde is known to the world as Kitty Wilde, A-list actress. But when she isn’t standing in front of the cameras, she now is facing the most difficult time she ever had.
She needs to find some peace again, and what better way to find that tranquillity again on a private Greek island, owned by her best friend’s brother, Alaric.
But even if seeing Alaric ignites something in Catherine, Alaric is doing his best to avoid her. Because Alaric is not only scarred on the inside, but also on the outside. And all he wants is to be left alone.
However, maybe being back together, on a remote island, is what they both need to feel alive again?

When the weather outside is dreadful, dark, rainy and cold, a story about second chances on a wonderful island, written by the amazing Rachael Stewart surely cheers me up!
And reading about someone famous, being rather normal and having ‘normal’, human feelings, also easily warms my heart!

Catherine is known all over the world, because she is an amazing actress. But the life of an actress is not an easy one. Not only is she standing all the time in the spotlight, but everything that happens to her, the good and the bad, it’s written everywhere and not always things are described as what truly happened.
And after what happened to her, wanting her to escape everything, trying to cope with her feelings of guilt, made me see her from another perspective.
The lives of the famous ones aren’t always filled with glitter and glam, and reading also what Catherine had to endure, even at a younger age, go get he where she is now, was a real eye – opener, but also a tale that made my heart break…
Catherine is carrying a feeling of guilt that not is justified, but it’s always easier for an outsider to make that realization…

And talking about guilt… Alaric surely knows what it means to carry that heavy burden. Because of one event, his whole life got turned upside down, and not only. His action had consequences for people he truly cared about, and he cannot face them anymore.
Also in his case, I understood his desire to disappear, but I didn’t agree with it.
From what we understand, Alaric was a real handsome, and talented man. But now he is scarred, and he believes that because of what happened in the past, he cannot create the same talented paintings/drawings as before.

Rachael Stewart managed perfectly, as I am used from her, to grasp the pain both our main characters have to endure.
But she also managed perfectly to show us those shimmers of hope and new beginnings. What starts as a ‘just one night only’ or ‘giving in into those feelings of lust’, is obviously changing into the realization that old feelings can resurface. And that meeting an old flame can make you feel alive again and understand that those feelings of guilt aren’t always justified.
Love always finds a way, no matter how hard you resist, and that love makes all the scars, inside and outside disappear.

A beautiful tale about second chances, broken people, a beautiful grand gesture, written by an author that succeeded my high expectations and delivered exactly what I needed on a droopy day!

Giveaway

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Ghosts, suspicious white vans, Christmas and… maybe love?

Synopsis

The chance to spend a night ghost-hunting alone with Hudson Holmes at Brambleberry Manor seems like a dream come true for Ruby Watkiss. Maybe, she thinks, this is their chance to get closer? But when mysterious goings-on start happening which have nothing to do with the spirit world, the pair are catapulted off on another sleuthing adventure. And as the snow starts to fall and emotions are rising at the Little Duck Pond Cafe, Ruby is faced with a double challenge. Can she be braver than she’s ever been, in order to rescue something very close to her heart? And can she convince Hudson that Christmas really can be the most wonderful time of the year?

My review

Ruby Watkiss enjoys having sleuthing adventures with her friend Hudson Holmes. So when there is an opportunity to do some ghost- hunting at Brambleberry Manor, Ruby grabs this chance with both hands. Because not only can they debunk the myth, but maybe it’s also a chance of finally getting closer.
And when white vans starts to appear, and a rescue mission is required, Ruby and Hudson join again forces for a hopefully positive outcome right before Christmas.
Beside the sleuthing, can Ruby convince her friend that Christmas *is* the most wonderful time of the year? And will she find the courage to admit her feelings?

I am rather late with reading the Little Duck Pond Café series, and it’s a long list to catch up with everything that happened in the previous, first books.
But even if I missed out (SHAME ON ME!!!) I totally fell in love with the books I’ve read so far.
And I absolutely adore Ruby and Hudson!

This series in a series is the perfect combination of mystery and romance. Of course, our power couple aren’t facing world threatening mysteries, but mysteries they are still!
These mysteries aren’t those of the kind where the readers know immediately what’s going on, but they take us together with the main characters on a sleuthing adventure!

And then the romance… *triple swoon*!

Both Ruby and Hudson are wonderful characters, and from the first book I wanted them to get together. But of course, when there is a bond of friendship and feelings start to change, it takes a lot of courage to admit these feelings.
And there are so many doubts for Ruby: Does Hudson feel the same? Will this ruin the great friendship? Is it all worth it?

I loved reading this new chapter and I had several times where my heart melted (not all of them involved Ruby and Hudson), but also a few times where my heart broke (again, not all of them involved Ruby and Hudson) and this combined with several gasps of fear (even a few ghostly gasps!).

The author managed again to write a lovely story that you will read in just one session. It’s a Cristmassy story, about showing the real beauty of this holiday, about strong feelings and finding the courage to take the risk, all with a touch of mystery, both real and supernatural (or not?).

And for me personal, the ending was even better than I expected it to be! Not only about how things went for our main characters, but also how our ghost story ends. And instead of giving me the extra chills, it made me feel extra warm inside!

On a TV dating show, how do you know what’s real?

Synopsis

Toni Spielman and Will Thomas have no plans to date — anyone — but when fate throws them together on a TV dating show, they have to smile, pretend, and rethink their plans.

My review

After a devastating event, Toni decides to spend some time with her father Rick Scott, who own Scott Productions in England.
When after the contestants of one his most (in)famous shows, Could This be It?, have had their own catfight, Toni has to step in as a last minute entry.
And she finds herself paired up with Will, and they go together on a skiing trip, followed by camera’s, all for the show.
Even if both Toni and Will made up some answers and pretended to be someone else, they have a click and truly start to like each other.
But both of them are hiding things, and when those secrets are out, how will they know what was pretended and what was real? 

I always enjoyed reading a Rosie Dean, so I was very happy when  started to read this one.

But my happiness quickly evaporated when Toni has her dream quickly crushed…
Having that next step in a relationship is something many people dream of, and when in that same relationship you do not want the same thing, it’s hard. Especially when the inevitable thing happened to Toni, she didn’t have the much required support from her partner.
So yes, I understood why she took some time off and decided to go to her father, even if they don’t have the best relationship. 

It wouldn’t be for everyone, stepping into a TV show as back – up because your father asked you to, but that only shows that Toni truly cares for her dad, and doesn’t want him failing.
But I loved how she went off the script, even if she didn’t realize it, and didn’t pretend to be just someone else for ratings’ sake. 

And being matched with Will, things could be worse right?
As a reader we know what Will has been though in the past and what his current motivations are. So we *know* that he isn’t actually very happy with participating on a TV dating show but it’s just a means to an end.
What we get to know from Will as a person, is that he may be a bit impulsive, but he has the biggest heart you could ever imagine. 

Of course, both characters have their own agenda in this story, and seeing how they are trying to avoid discovery was very funny.
But most important, I found it lovely to see how two persons with their own broken hearts, find unexpectedly someone and see that broken hearts can be mended, no matter how fast or slows things going.

There is a clash, obviously when the truth comes out, but even then, the lovely personalities shine through. And the kindness shown during another devastating event, made my heart melt. 

I found this a wonderful, lovely read. It shows us the beauty of a blooming love, but also about how secrets, no matter how small they are, can make even the most loyal of us doubt about the real intentions.
But even when doubt clouds our vision, if it’s love, the dark clouds will disappear if you would only give it a chance…

How do you know when love is worth of risking the pain?

Synopsis

It’s winter at The Vineyard in Alsace, and wedding bells are in the air

How do you know when you’re ready for love?

Ellie Robinson has spent her life running from commitment following the breakdown of her parents’ marriage when she was young. She doesn’t believe in happy ever afters and the last thing she wants is to settle down in one place when she could be travelling the world.

Having moved from place to place throughout his childhood, Henri Weiss now calls the vineyard in Alsace home, and he loves the stability the vineyard and the people on it give him. While he enjoys travelling, it’s always good to come home again.

Following an extended travelling trip together, Ellie and Henri find their differences more marked than before, despite their love for each other being even stronger. Then a series of shocks in Ellie’s personal life throws things into turmoil, leaving Ellie unsure as to how to get everything she wants. And Henri facing the loss of the future he has dreamed of.

Can Ellie and Henri reconcile their very different desires and take a leap of faith on their love for each other? Will they get the happy ever after they’ve both been longing for?

Escape to The Vineyard in Alsace once again for this uplifting, romantic read and enjoy Christmas at Domaine des Montagnes.

My review

Ellie Robinson has the so – called travelling bug. Staying at just one place and settling down at one place is surely the last thing on her mind. And that is all thanks the divorce her parents went through when she was young.
But Henri Weiss, her boyfriend who she truly loves, enjoys the stability and security of living at the vineyard with his friends in Alsace. And he cannot wait to settle down definitely. Every time he goes away, he is more than happy to return home.
As both want different things, will their love be strong enough to find a compromise? And is their love enough to take that leap of faith, while both their lives are suddenly changing quickly, with Ellie receiving one shock after the other and Henri feels more alone than ever as his future may not be as secure as he thought.

Oh how I loved returning to the vineyard and see all my old friends again!!

But my feelings towards Ellie were shifting ones.
I understand how someone wants to see as much of the world as possible, don’t we all have that dream? But of course growing up, means also settling down, being together with the person you love and even start a family of your own.

So seeing how Ellie, just returned and already looking for a new place to go to, while she could have everything anyone would wish for, made me not really really like her… I found her a bit selfish, and perhaps even afraid of making a commitment. And not only a commitment with Henri, but also not wanting a commitment towards her friends and career-wise.

Of course there was more to her desire to wanting to have an escape, and the more was revealed about her past, and how the break – up of her parents made an impact on her feelings, a lot made sense now.
Seeing your parents breaking up, isn’t easy, but Ellie’s tale was even a worse one, because all what she thought was the truth, suddenly appeared to be untrue..

And while Ellie has her own struggles, Henri is also in limbo… he loves the stability that the vineyard gives him, but a bad harvest put the whole business in a bad situation. The one thing he needed the most, after losing his parents, a place he truly feels at home and welcome is now suddenly not a security anymore.
And while he is ready to definitely settle down and make a real commitment with Ellie, those feelings are not reciprocated, making him question if there is a future together in store for them.

This was not a story where it’s clear that love is enough. Because how perfect that sounds, life gets in the way. And events of the past have an influence of how you see things now. Both Ellie and Henri have been through difficult moments, and they reacted each differently, making them wish different things.

But what I loved about this story, was how both are determined to not give up on what they have together. Relationships is about finding a compromise, and Ellie slowly starts to see what a treasure she as with Henri and her friends at the vineyard. And that makes her wonder if she is ready for taking that leap of faith, hoping that love will be enough…
And of course it was great to see how the other couples are doing!

Discovering the true Spirit of Christmas (and not only that…)

Synopsis

From disco balls to Christmas baubles …

Ex-dancer Emily Williams turned her back on the sparkle of popular dancing show Strictly Dancing with Celebs to help those in need. Now the only dancing she does is teaching lonely pensioners to waltz, and the closest she gets to disco balls is making baubles with the homeless people in her Christmas crafts class.
She’s certainly not star-struck when Hollywood heart-throb Blake Harris is sent to her at short notice for community service, and has no desire to babysit the arrogant actor with his bad boy antics and selfish ways. Christmas might be a time for miracles, but Blake seems to be a lost cause.
But Emily’s reasons for abandoning her dancing passion means she understands the Hollywood wild child more than she’d like to admit. Could their time together, coupled with a dash of Christmas spirit, lead to a miracle change of heart for them both?

Book 3 in Helen’s Spotlight series but they can all be read as standalone stories.

My review

Emily Williams had a short appearance on dancing show Strictly Dancing With Celebs, and she loved every minute of it.
But she has turned her back on the world of dancing, and the only time she gives in to her passion, is when she is teaching the waltz at the community centre where she works.
So when Hollywood actor Blake Harris has to do community service, Emily surely is everything but star-struck.
Especially when Blake appears to do whatever he pleases, is never on time and whatever he does, has a selfish reason.
But what nobody knows, is that Emily understands Blake’s behaviour better than anyone else, because she left the dancing scene for a reason…
And maybe that is exactly what Blake needs, someone who truly understands him, without prejudice. And with the preparations for Christmas at the centre, maybe these two broken souls find each other to mend what has been broken…

When I read a story from this author, whether it’s Christmas or not, it’s always something magical…
The inner – Tiziana would love to stand in a ballroom and feel the thrill of dancing a waltz, salsa, rumba and I don’t know what else. But me being clumsy, it’s just something to dream about 😀

When we first meet Emily, she is starting her dance with her celebrity partner on Strictly Dancing With Celebs, but it’s obvious that her partner won’t be winning the final.
So when we see present – Emily, I was surprised seeing that her passion had been stored away and now she is working in a centre, helping those in need.
Of course it’s a noble thing she is doing, and she truly wants to make a difference, even if it’s on a smaller scale compared to the rest of her family.
But I couldn’t see what would have caused such a change of plans for her.

However, seeing Emily trying to help everyone at the centre, with limited resources, but with passion, was something I admired.
Not everyone can handle or behave correctly, without showing pity to those less fortunate.

I have to be honest, that’s the whole point of writing a review… for a big part of the story I did not like Blake.
He has issues, like so many, and when it’s time to pay for his mistakes, he doesn’t take his task serious. He arrives late, leaves early, and when he does something good, he makes sure it’s mentioned in the paper… And that is not the kind of people Emily and the other volunteers need at the centre.
But he redeems himself, because when I got to know where he is coming from, and he shows his true emotions, well, it made more sense.
And the more he shows the real Blake, the easier it was to like him and in the end he even stole my heart…

This was a wonderful story about people that made mistakes, but also are doing their bit to make the world a better place (wow, sounds rather melodramatic 🤣). Every one of us can make a difference, no matter how big or small it is. Not everyone is as lucky to have a comfortable life, and sometimes bad luck can strike us all.

It’s also a story about seeing behind the mask some of us carry, and even if we think that someone is not a nice person at all, we can be wrong, because we don’t know what caused to make that person behave in this particular way.
And just maybe, the real person is someone worth of falling in love with…

Pretending to be married, of course nothing more will happen…

Synopsis

The only man who’s tempted her…Now poses as her husband!

When an injured knight arrives on Brida O’Conaill’s doorstep, the village assumes he’s her long-lost husband. But her only previous connection to Sir Thomas Lovent was an intense shared moment at a tournament years ago. Brida maintains the pretence while she nurses him, yet once he’s back to full, virile health, she cannot reveal Thomas is not her husband—or that she’s unmarried!—when everyone is expecting them to act like husband and wife…

My review

Brida O’Conaill and Sir Thomas Lovent had a heated moment on a tournament years ago. But she hasn’t seen or heard from him since then. Not that she was left heart – broken, as she is determined to stay unmarried for the rest of her life.
The village she is living is, believes that she actually is married but that her husband is on a pilgrimage. So when Sir Thomas arrives at Brida’s doorstep, injured, everyone assumes they are husband and wife. And Thomas and Brida cannot reveal the truth, especially now that apparently someone is scheming against the King and Thomas finds himself being a suspect of murder…
Forced to keep up the pretence, will they be able to fool everyone? Or are they only fooling themselves?

The next part of the series, and I loved it!

We already knew Brida and Sit Thomas as they made an appearance before, but I was very happy when these two got their own story to share!

The prologue already was a nice appetizer, making us reader want to see more about the attraction between Brida and Thomas.
So when we jump forward in time, I was a bit surprised as nothing has happened in between.

When Thomas appears wounded at Brida’s doorstep, it’s obviously the real start of their adventure together.
I found it hilarious how they kept up the pretence of being married, and how they manage to appear a lovely couple when surrounded by people, but when alone Brida could strangle Thomas.
Their bantering, and pushing each other’s buttons was so funny, it had me giggling (yes, at 35 years I still giggle!) all the time!

Initially I couldn’t understand why Brida was adamant of never getting married, especially when her feelings for Thomas keep developing. But what happened to her when she was younger, and the influence of her mother, made sense to me. Even if Brida would think rational about it, it’s not easy when you are so sure about your future to think about it with a clear mind.
But I saw where she was coming from, and she just want to avoid getting hurt or hurting her loved ones.

And Thomas… he is one of the most easy – going men I have encountered in books, he is flirtatious, funny and without a worry. But that is all appearances, because his tale isn’t a very happy one neither.
The way he looks after his sister after his family’s tragedy is wonderful. And that tragedy has scarred him. But he is also courageous, not only because he is a Knight, but because realizing his feelings for Brida, he is ready to risk his heart…

I loved seeing how Brida and Thomas joined their forces and grew closer to each other, despite all that constant bickering and fighting (because we know their real feelings!).

This next part was something I truly enjoyed reading, not only because of the adventure our characters make, but also because they also learn that without the other one, there is no laughter (you’ll know what I mean after reading this book!)

When you’re looking for revenge but you find something else

Synopsis

A kidnapped royal…

Could be the Viking’s undoing!

After Brand Ivarsson of Kald abducts Anne of Termarth on the eve of her wedding, the Viking’s consumed with only one thing: revenge against her loathsome betrothed. But confronted with the stunning princess, so foreign to his world, Brand’s captivated not only by her beauty, but by her spirit and her kindness. Is Anne his prisoner…or is she the one who’s captured his scarred heart?

My review

Princess Anne of Termath is getting married after this has been arranged by her father. She dreams of having her own freedom and decide who to marry, but that is not in her cards. So the night before getting married to Lord Crowe, Anne is wandering along the ramparts of Termath Castle.
The last thing she expects to happen, is being kidnapped by Brand Ivarsson of Kald. He is seeking revenge against Lord Crowe and taking the Princess is the perfect way.
Even if both have prejudices ready, soon they realize that not everything they thought to know about the other was correct.
And maybe their feelings of despise and hate change into something completely the opposite?

Sometimes, all a woman needs is reading a book where a hot, ‘beastly’ Viking is the main character! And when you are in that mood, this book is the perfect read!

Before I started to read this story, I had to get in the right mind-set: remember Tiziana, we are talking about a historical tale, so women are not enjoying the freedom we have now, Vikings are conquering the world and absolutely forget about the comfort we have in the present!

So when we see Anne for the first time, it’s obvious that she isn’t all that thrilled about her wedding arrangements. And take also in account that her father isn’t the most involved one…
But of course, just listening and do as your told, is what you do in these times, even if you are a Princess.
Even if Anne is doing as told, she dreams of being free to make her own choices. She is in reality a feminist before feminism was a thing!
She is also a kind person, and she doesn’t want anyone to be hurting. And in order to protect her people, she agrees to go with Brand, as long as everyone else is safe, even if every bone in her body is afraid of being taken to Kald.

Of course, when we think about Vikings, Northmen etc, we all imagine these fierce warriors, with no compassion, only looking for making more conquests. And Brand his ‘nickname’ The Barbarian doesn’t help his cause.
And obviously, kidnapping Anne isn’t proof of his kind character. But when I got to know Brand better, and learned about what he had to endure when younger, my heart bled for him.
Slowly we get to see the real Brand, and he is not only a fierce Viking, but also a protective brother, only wanting peace for the people of Kald.

Yes, we know what will happen between Brand and Anne, but there was so much more to this story. it shows us that we always have a certain idea about a person or a people, based mostly on what we have heard from others. But the truth can be so different. Brand isn’t a blood seeking, violent man, just as Anne isn’t a gullible, spoiled princess.

And can I say that when there was a certain event linking both characters, my heart just melded?
I truly enjoyed reading this story about a Viking and a Princess, that thanks to each other find what it means to love someone unconditionally…

Two women, two different tales about love…

Synopsis

A snowy Victorian Christmas – Two festive short stories!

In The Christmas Runaway by Jenni Fletcher: wilful, independent heiress, Fiona MacKay, impulsively runs away to a remote Scottish tower where she’s trapped in the snow with equally headstrong, deliciously dishevelled Angus Drummond.

In Their Snowbound Reunion by Elisabeth Hobbes: fifteen years ago, Amy Munroe and Anthony Matthews were cruelly parted, and each blames the other. When Amy becomes Anthony’s new housekeeper, their passion is reawakened!

My review

The Christmas Runaway

When Fiona MacKay’s father is getting married again and to a much younger woman, Fiona isn’t very happy with the changes that will occur. So she decides to run away and hopes she can stay with her friend Mhairi in Windy Heads Tower, in remote Scotland.
But she doesn’t expect to spend time with Angus Drummond too…

Their Snowbound Reunion

Fifteen years ago, Amy Munroe and Anthony Matthews were madly in love. But they cruelly went their separate ways, blaming each other for their broken hearts..
Now Amy is Anthony’s new housekeeper, believing that Anthony won’t visit the place a lot. But when Anthony and his children are forced to stay longer than predicted, old passion are reignited.

Is there something more beautiful and heart – warming than a romance in the snow?
Because for me, it surely is on top of the most romantic things in a book!

Both stories are taking place around Christmas, so plenty of snow is guaranteed! But that’s how far the similarities goes…

In Jenni Fletcher’s story we see how Fiona seeks refuge in Scotland, with her friend Mhiari. Even if I thought that running away wasn’t the solution for her issues, I understood where she was coming from.
It’s been her and her father for a long time, and now everything changes, and that is not an easy thing to digest…

I found Fiona a marvellous character. When she meets Angus, it’s not under normal circumstances, but she stands her ground. And when that first misunderstanding is cleared, we see also that Fiona is a kind character, looking after her friend Mhiari, and isn’t afraid to face confrontation with Angus.

I loved reading how Fiona and Angus were almost in a constant fight, but it also warmed my heart to see how they were melting towards each other. They couldn’t be more different, but that’s part of the attraction, isn’t it?

Elisabeth Hobbes’ story is a whole different kind. The beginning is already a heart – breaking one. We barely started to know the love couple and then it’s already over…
And then fast forward fifteen years…

Amy’s and Anthony’s lives took a different direction, but Fate brought them back together, even if that wasn’t their intention to ever meet again.

Oh but how I loved seeing how Amy and Anthony are growing back close together! And may I say that his children are just too adorable!
Of course, the huge elephant in the room must be addressed, and when the truth came out, I cannot say I was totally surprised by it…

It warmed my heart to see how Amy tried to show Anthony that loosen up won’t be the end of the world. And then seeing what Anthony does afterwards, made my heart melt.

Both stories were so wonderful to read. The only ‘negative’ I can say, is that the stories were just too short! I would have loved to read more about these lovely women, and their love interests.
But even if it was all too quickly over, I enjoyed reading every bit of it. And sometimes it’s the short stories that show us the importance of love and how fast it sometimes can go!

Could it be that ghosts from the past aren’t that ghostly at all?

Synopsis

A perfect life…

Paul Henderson leads a normal life. A deputy headteacher at a good school, a loving relationship with girlfriend Jenna, and a baby on the way. Everything seems perfect.

A shocking message…

Until Paul receives a message from his ex-fiance Nicole. Beautiful, ambitious and fierce, Nicole is everything Jenna is not. And now it seems Nicole is back, and she has a score to settle with Paul…

A deadly secret.

But Paul can’t understand how Nicole is back. Because he’s pretty sure he killed her with his own bare hands….

Which means, someone else knows the truth about what happened that night. And they’ll stop at nothing to make Paul pay…

A brand new psychological thriller that will keep you guessing till the end! Perfect for fans of Sue Watson, Nina Manning, Shalini Boland

My review

Despite his troubled past, Paul Henderson now has everything he could dream of. He is deputy head teacher, he is totally in love with his girlfriend Jenna and soon he will be father for the first time.
But then his ex – fiancée Nicole reappears from Australia, with a score to settle with Paul. But her being back and making Jenna insecure, because Nicole is everything that Jenna isn’t, is not the biggest problem…
It’s not possible that Nicole is back, because Paul killed her with his own hands…
So what is going on???

If you don’t want to be terrified while reading, DO NOT READ THIS BOOK!

Through the whole story, I felt sorry for Paul. As a child already, he didn’t have the easiest life, and now that everything seems to go well, a ghost from a not so far away past has returned to haunt him.
Of course, we know that he killed Nicole, and of course that is not a good thing, but when slowly we see how his life with Nicole was… well I still don’t approve it, but I understood him better. And the fact that he still doesn’t remember exactly what happened, saddened me even more.

We do not only Paul’s view, but also Jenna’s. And her point of view also made me a bit sad… because she is constantly faced with how amazing Nicole was, and she feels less because of those constant reminders.
She starts to doubt about herself and I found that such a sad thing, because even if Jenna doesn’t have the looks like Nicole, she is an amazing woman!

But when messages from Nicole start to appear out of the blue, I felt several chills… because I started to doubt everything that was told before…
Was Nicole truly dead? Maybe she was just unconscious? And if so, why return after being away? And with the bits we got to know about Nicole, why was she haunting and terrorizing Paul and Jenna?
And if Nicole was truly dead and ‘safely’ buried, who was it then? And why????

Slowly we also get to see glimpses of Paul’s and Nicole’s past together, and it shows us that no matter how good things are from the outside, we never truly know what goes on behind the closed doors and how the past can still haunt people.

Like I said, I found this a terrifying story, because all the time it left me guessing what was going on. I had my suspicions, but the author managed very well to make my mind go in every direction!
It’s not only that Nicole is sending messages, but also strange things are happening around… And let me tell you, I checked several times if my house was truly locked and there was no way that someone could come inside!

But despite all my fears, I found it very difficult to put the book away, because I wanted to discover what was truly going on.
And maybe, just maybe, some of my suspicions were correct. But then again, the reasons for it all, was something I didn’t see coming…