A new job opportunity in freezing Iceland will warm the heart again

Synopsis

Rachel Richards is stuck in a rut. Her boyfriend Adam barely notices her most of the time and her life in London isn’t as exciting as it should be. When the company she works for, Snug, asks her to oversee the opening of a new store in Iceland, she jumps at the chance for a change of scenery. Exploring Reykjavik with the help of Icelandic tour guide Jonas, Rachel discovers that life is out there waiting to be lived. As she falls in love with Iceland, she begins to see what is important to her and wonders whether the life she left behind is what she wants after all…

My review

Rachel Richards receives the opportunity of a lifetime when the company she works for, Snug, offers her to oversee the opening of a new store in Iceland.
Not only is this a great chance for her opportunity, but she sees this also as a way to fix somehow her relationship with her boyfriend Adam. Because lately, Adam is more focused on his own career than on Rachel. And being a time apart will only make them miss each other even more, so it is truly a win – win situation.
Even if Iceland is a cold place, she cannot stop falling in love with the place she is staying, with the help of the local tour guide Jonas. And she starts to learn what she truly wants, and if that can be found in London or in Iceland.

If someone would ever suggest me to go for a holiday or for my work for a certain period to a cold place, my answer would be ‘NO NO NO NO!’. I am one of those people that only enjoy the cold from the heated inside, without having to go into the cold, enjoying a hot cocoa and a good book!
But of course, reading a book with a cold location is absolutely not a problem!

And I cannot express how much I LOVED LOVED LOVED LOVED this story!!! It almost (I said ALMOST!) made me want to go to Iceland myself!

Rachel is one of the easiest characters to like! She is kind and even when for once she thinks of herself, she has a feeling of guilt for doing so.
Once arrived in Iceland, she feels a bit awkward, with is obviously making sense, she is alone in a strange country, not accustomed to the local way of living. And in that aspect I admired her, because it’s not just for a week she is in Iceland, yet she is determined to make a success of her stay.

It would have been easy for her to act like a know – it – all and let everything go how she wants it and the people she hired just have to listen to her.
But Rachel is not that kind of person. She listens, sees opportunities that will also benefit the locals and finds a way to make things work.

And I found her sense of adventure also very courageous. She starts doing things she never thought she would do. Of course it does help having Jonas around! He would make even me, the biggest scaredy – cat of the world, feel at ease and just make me to things I would never think of doing!
He is friendly, charming, helpful and know when to step back and not cross that line…

This is not only and purely a romance, but this was a beautiful story about finding yourself, and discovering what would make you happy. And even if the steps you have to take to achieve that happiness, the result will be very satisfying, because you made that decision for *you* and not for someone else.

And having it taking place at such a wonderful, magical (and yes, also a freezing but that doesn’t matter anymore!) added that extra sparkle, even if the story didn’t need it. It’s so easy to fall in love with all the characters, with the place itself and I enjoyed every bit of it, until I sadly reached the end of this heart – warming book…

After heartbreak, a much deserved holiday with that something more!

Synopsis

Annie’s big birthday is looming. Sixty! She feels half that age, even if the mirror tells her otherwise. Hubby Keith promises her a birthday to remember, and doesn’t let her down, but packing his suitcase to shack up with a forty-something isn’t quite the memory Annie wants to make. Suddenly she’s single and – as an empty nester – very, very alone. The Bucket List she and Keith had promised to work their way through is but a dream, until besties Bella and Caz rally around Annie and whisk her away for a trip that will be remembered for ever. Dubai. But it’s not all skyscrapers, bling, sand dunes and sheiks. As the sun sinks over the horizon of Jumeirah Beach… might there also be love?

My review

Annie’s sixtieth birthday is lurking around the corner, and she is hoping that her husband Keith will finally organize a birthday to remember.
And remember she will, only not how she expected… because Keith decided to leave Annie as he has fallen in love with another, much younger woman!
Annie’s world is falling apart, and that’s when her best friend Bella and Caz decide to take her on a trip to Dubai.
How wonderful Dubai may be, this holiday is not what the women expected  it would be, and then there is that one man that continues to appear everywhere Annie is…

I always enjoy reading a story written by this author, so I thought this one would be just alike.
And enjoy I did, but I surely didn’t expect to be laughing out loud so much, making my neighbours think I was going totally crazy!

Annie is a woman that is in rut. At sixty, being married for a long time to Keith and looking forward to the birth of her first granddaughter but beside that, she isn’t making that a big of an effort.
Of course I understood her reasoning, why bother when it’s so easy to do nothing and for years you have been doing the same routine without any complaints…

However, I was angry when Keith delivered his news like it was nothing. Of course there were some signs that the marriage wasn’t a perfect one, but leaving your wife after so long, without even a discussion and for another woman, well, I find it very hard to comprehend.

But let me assure you, from the moment the girls (yes yes, I knew that their ages doesn’t really fit the wording ‘girls’, but I do it anyway) are in the plane, it’s a funny adventure of a lifetime!
Annie manages to sit next to the most grumpy man ever, and even his looks don’t help. There is just a certain level of looking like Gerard Butler that may forgive you for being rude.

The story taking place in Dubai is giving us the readers the opportunity to dream away, wishing we were spending those times in such a wonderful location. We are “seeing” magical places, but we are also learning about the differences in culture. And in such a way, it let us learn new things.

But back to Annie… every new adventure she starts, is the recipe of laughing out loud. She does things she would never imagine she would do, making her learn to enjoy life a little bit more. With her best friends by her side, she opens up more, decides that age is just a number and that she can truly enjoy her life at the most, even without her husband by her side.

I loved reading the competitive streak she has, especially each time that Mr. Butler (the lookalike nicknamed after the real thing) keeps on showing up.
And when that competition turns into something more friendly, I was happy for Annie when she realizes that she still has *IT*.
Even the revelation about Mr. Butler (okay, Theo is his real name…) couldn’t change my feelings towards him, because in the end, he is just too easy too like!

This was a hysterical story to read, about a woman that has to adapt to the changes in her life. She has the funniest adventures, meets new people and learns that sometimes a devastating, one –sided decision from your partner can be the start of something totally new and even better. It makes you open your eyes and gives the opportunity to think about your own life and to do the unexpected and make you happy, even if you didn’t realize you really weren’t.

A funny story with an important underlying message I recommend everyone to read!

A forced marriage is a doomed one, or not?

Synopsis

Forced to wed the warrior

Falling for the man…

Noblewoman Amée Évreaux had pledged her life to God, until her father promised her in marriage to thundering Norseman, Jorund Jötunnson. After escaping her overbearing father, Amée vows never to fall under another man’s thumb, but her resistance to being Jorund’s wife turns to desire as she gets to know her intriguing new husband. For beneath his fierce exterior she’s glimpsed an unexpectedly pure heart. If only she can penetrate the fortress that surrounds it…

My review

Amée Évreux is ready to pledge her life to God. But when suddenly the huge Norseman Jorund Jötinnson appears at the convent, claiming that her father has promised her in marriage to him, Amée recluctantly agrees to the marriage, after reading her father’s letter and to protect the other nuns in the convent.
Amée has fought hard to escape her overbearing father, and she surely isn’t planning on being a compliant wife to that brute that Jorund appears to be.
But spending more time with Jorund shows Amée that her husband is not only a fierce warrior, but is also a passionate man who would do everything for those he cares about. Could Amée be part of his close circle of loved one? Or will his walls be insurmountable for her too?

It’s not so long that I have discovered the romance with Viking involved. And surely my imagination went all the way seeing the Viking like these examples of huge perfection. Ladies, just admit, you all imagine them the same way!
I have read several books involving knights and all different kind of known historical figures, but VIKINGS… that was a nice novelty!

Amée is ready to take her vows, and just happy that she escaped her father. It’s rather obvious from the start that she is just escaping from her father and not having that calling to pledge her life to God.
Why her father is such a horrible character will be slowly revealed, and more proof of being a hideous character will be showed. And that made me understand Amée’s reasoning better. Also because it’s because of her father that her mother did what she did, making Amée feel even more alone on the world…

From the moment Jorund literally barges inside the convent, it’s clear that Amée is a strong character, despite her own beliefs. Initially she fights back (not as the best of fighters, but extra points for trying!) but when her sisters are at risk, she “scarifies” herself so that the rest is safe.

Initially Jorund is a scaring figure. It’s not for nothing he is described as a giant, and compared to tiny Amée, the difference of posture couldn’t be bigger.
but behind his huge appearance, every reader can sense that there is more to him than just being a brutal Norseman.
I kind of found it sweet how he promises to be faithful to his wife, while it would be so easy for him to just do what he wants.

This story has the expected outcome (no surprise there) but that doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t bother with it.
Because both characters have demons that plague them, ghosts from the past and present still hunting them.
And they both have to not only face their demons, but also they have to find the courage and strength to be honest about it towards each other.
Amée is also learning to stand up for herself, not being that mousy girl she initially was. I found it empowering to see how she found the strength to not only face Jorund, but also her father.
And seeing how Jorund’s walls are slowly being crushed and we see the Norseman’s true character was everything Amée and we needed!

I found it an entertaining story to read, with strong yet lovable Vikings, tiny but strong women fighting for their own happiness. And an unexpected love that shows us that even the unexpected can be something wonderful!

An apparently random meeting is not what it seems

Synopsis

Is her whole life built on a lie?

Rose has always been close to her father. Her mother died soon after she was born, so it’s been just the two of them for as long as she can remember.

But a chance encounter days before she’s due to get married leaves Rose questioning everything she has ever known.

The man she trusts most in the world has been keeping a secret from her.

And the truth will leave her with an impossible choice…

My review

Just before getting married to Ryan, Rose is having a pampering weekend with her best friend. And even if her friend has a family emergency, Rose is being persuaded to have the much earned pampering.
During her ‘me – time’ she meets Cassie, and they spend the day and evening together.
But Rose has no idea that meeting Cassie is not so random as it appears, and that revelations will be made that will turn her whole world upside and her trust in those close to her may or may not be justified…

I have never read something from this author before, but reading the blurb, it surely intrigued me. And you never know what new authors you may fall in love with when reading something different than what you are used to!

When Rose and Cassie meet, I understood why they bundled their forces. Spending a day at a spa in company is better than spending it alone, and it makes it easier to dodge not so nice other customers.
However, when they agree to swap their life stories, I found it a bit strange, as you just do not share the most important events of your life with a random stranger.
But of course, the author is doing this with a purpose, making us understand the characters better. And seeing how both Rose and Cassie have lived their lives until now, getting them at this specific spot, was a nice way to do. Even if there are many flashbacks, having them actually being able to ‘hear’ them was a new way for me to relive the past of our main characters.

The more is revealed from the past, the quicker I realized what the devastating realization would be. so when Rose got to know the truth, it didn’t come as a total surprise to me.
But I was left a bit flabbergasted when there were even more revelations, concerning people Rose trusts unconditionally.
I felt how her heart broke when she realized that she has been lied to by more people than she could imagine.

This story for me was proof that there are always two sides to a story. And if you know only one side, it’s easy to judge someone’s behaviour. But also in real life, seeing another point of view can make you understand the other person so much better and you can even comprehend the made choice.
One decision made in the past doesn’t mean that in the present you are that same person. Because everyone of us mature in time and thanks with the right people by your side, you can find the courage to make amends.
But the author shows us also that taking those first small steps towards forgiveness is just the start and that the road can be long because it’s not that because you are ready for the next phase, that the counterparty is there yet.

I found this a beautiful story about regrets, making amends, forgiveness and family. The evolution of the characters made in most cases make me feel proud, even if there was a big disappointment in the case of one character (you’ll know what I mean when you are at that part in the story!).
But here again, with the right, loving people by your side, you will be able to overcome the great pain that has been caused to you!

Who knew…

Synopsis

His childhood nemesis…is the woman he can’t resist!

Chaperoning Charity Brookes while she’s on a singing tour should be easy for Griffith Philpot—he’s spent his whole life sparring with her over her flighty ways! But as he discovers that she’s much more than the impetuous girl he thought he knew, a passion ignites between them… Sharing a steamy kiss leaves him torn – he’s supposed to be responsible for guarding her virtue!

My review

Charity Brookes has the voice of an angel, and she is really looking forward to start her singing tour. But her joy dissolves a bit when Griffith Philpot is chaperoning her during the trip. They know each other their whole lives, but never got really along… so she surely isn’t looking forward to spend time with Griff! Because how headstrong and determined Charity is to do as she pleases, Griff is the one who tries to keep her in control.
However when things escalate and a steamy kiss is shared, the unleashed passion will lead to more than both initially bargained for.

May I just start by saying how much I enjoyed reading the story of each Brookes’ sisters story??? Each sister couldn’t be more different than the other one, but all three of them are so easy to like and it was a real joy reading each story!

Charity might be the most stubborn/ determined sister of them all. Or even the most passionate one.
She is at the verge of her singing career, and she is making a name for herself. Her passion for singing is something I admired and I understand her determination of getting only better at it. but beside her passion for singing, she wants to find the kind of love her sisters have found.
Her flirting with men was something I found funny to read, because I saw how it was all a game for her, without crossing the boundaries. And even if her hopes were set on one specific gentleman, it was easy to see that her heart wasn’t in it.

And then I’m not yet talking about the friction between Charity and Griff! Oooh those were HILARIOUS moments!
Griff seems a very stiff man, things have to go his way and he does not want that Charity takes a wrong turn.
But behind his seemingly superior behaviour, he is just a gentle soul, even if unable to express his real feelings. And instead of making the contact with Charity easier, it’s clashing over clashing over clashing, making the readers have a wonderful time!

And even when the unexpected happens (not so unexpected for the readers!), I loved how Griff manages to be the perfect gentleman, shielding Charity for more gossiping and bad reputation.

Not only was this a hilarious and also lovely story to read, I found it also an adorable one. Because it is kind of typical behaviour that our main characters show. They are constantly disagreeing over everything, but the truth about their feelings couldn’t be more different compared to how they act.
If only sometimes people dare to express their real feelings, a lot of hurt could have been avoided!

I found this story fitting perfectly for Charity, because she deserves in a way of having a love story that is out of the ordinary.
The author managed again to write a story grasping the uniqueness of this sister and her chaperon. I had the best of times and couldn’t wish for a better ending to complete the saga of the Brookes’ sisters!

An unexpected guest with a past brings unexpected consequences

Synopsis

Cornish charm and a Tennessee twist – the perfect pair?
Nessa Vivian is determined to keep her parents’ business afloat, but Pear Tree Farm near the backwater Cornish village of Polgarth didn’t do well as farm, and it’s not faring much better as a camp site. Maybe it’s due to Nessa’s habit of taking in troubled runaways, like ex-soldier Crispin, for next to nothing. Or perhaps her highly-strung sister Lowena is right – caravans named after Beatles’ songs and homegrown pears are not enough to turn the farm into a tourist haven.
Then another troubled runaway turns up, posing the greatest threat yet. Ex-musician Ward Spencer from Tennessee is certainly intriguing, but could his plans to put nearby Tregereth House on the map mean Pear Tree Farm is finished – or does his arrival signal a second lease of life, and not just for Nessa’s business?

My review

Nessa Vivian may not be the most successful camp site owner. Even if she is struggling to keep Pear Tree Farm afloat, she finds it difficult to refuse a place to stay to those in need. Like ex – soldier Crispin, he is welcome to stay and instead of money, he works around the place to earn his stay. This frustrates Nessa’s sister Lowena, because the Farm is a money pit.
When another guest arrives, this will change Nessa’s future plans. Because not only is Ward Spencer running away from the music scene in Tennessee, but he has plans concerning Tregereth House. Will his plans put an end to Pear Tree Farm, or will his arrival have positive influences, and not only for the Farm but also for Nessa personally?

I truly love reading books from this author, and I thought it would be impossible for her to write a story that not only exceeded my high expectations, but made me completely fall in love with almost all its characters!

Nessa is so kind, caring and lovely… even if it’s in het disadvantage, she offers help to those who need it. The way she cares for Crispin, that’s the kind of behaviour all of us should have…
She does not look for a way to get every penny out of her customers, but she wants them to be happy when their stay at the Pear Tree Farm.
On the other hand, being a kind character is lovely, but you still have to have an earning, otherwise the Farm is doomed…

And in this sense, I understood Lowena’s frustrations… It’s beautiful how Nessa cares, but the caring cannot be at your own costs…

The relation between the two sisters is also very recognizable. Obviously they love each other, there isn’t a thing they wouldn’t do for each other, but they often also clash.

When Ward enters the scene, you would be very oblivious to think he wouldn’t become the main character.
Even if initially it’s not clear what made him escape from Tennessee, it’s obvious that whatever happened, scarred him.
And before the reality of his past is revealed, the true character of Ward submerges. This showed me that no matter what happens to someone, it can change that person, but the things that are important, like love, kindness, selfishness, are still there.

Yes, this is a romance, but I felt it as a different kind of story. Of course, I found it lovely to see how the relation between Nessa and Ward is shifting towards an important one. But what truly warmed my heart, was the love between all the characters. Every character have to face a dramatic event, but with just all the other ones around them, giving the support, love and help, they see a way out.

Life almost never goes as expected, but even the unexpected can bring so much joy and love. And there is always the opportunity for redemption, turning the bad into an important lesson to accept and enjoy the good.

There is only one chance at true love, right?

Synopsis

When her dreams of young love were cruelly shattered, Nerissa Morgan found it hard to move on. Now, at forty-three, everyone around her is enjoying life while she’s just going through the motions. With her boss retiring and rumours of a new doctor coming in to take over the practice she manages, change is coming, whether she’s ready for it or not.

Following the death of his beloved wife, Tom Nelson buried himself in work at his busy inner-London GP practice. When his teenage children find themselves in trouble at school, he realises he’s completely lost touch with them. Desperate to reconnect before it’s too late, he whisks his family away to the pretty seaside village of Mermaids Point determined to make a fresh start.

But all is not as idyllic as it seems. With his predecessor reluctant to let go of the reins and the children as distant as ever, the last thing Tom needs is an undeniable attraction to the woman he unexpectedly finds himself sharing a roof with…

Warm, escapist, feel-good and altogether brilliant story-telling from bestselling author Sarah Bennett. Perfect for all fans of Trisha Ashley and Milly Johnson.

My review

At the age of forty-three, Nerissa Morgan only wants to have the security of a job and a place to live, especially now that her boss is retiring from his doctor’s practice. Love is surely not something she is looking for, because she already found the love of her life, even if unfortunately she also lost him.
Doctor Tom Nelson is determined to make a new start at Mermaids Point with his two teenage children. The death of his beloved wife is still too hurtful, however he realizes he need to reconnect with the teenagers that still need him.
At Mermaids Point, not only does he now have a predecessor finding it hard to let go of his patients, but he also must face the growing attraction he starts feel for the live – in housekeeper/ receptionist, also known as Nerissa Morgan.

You know that feeling of happiness when you open a new book from an author you love? And even before you have read one single word, you just know you’ll just love it?
Well, for me it’s exactly like this when I read a book from Sarah Bennett! And I don’t even have a tiny bit of fear that it won’t fulfil my high expectations!

Mermaids Point is not an unfamiliar place for the readers, as this is the second, WONDERFUL, part of the series.
Even if it warmed my heart to see how Laurie and Jake are still completely in love with each other, my heart just melted reading the tale of Nerissa and Tom.
But be warned, their tales are also heart – breaking ones…

Both of them have faced great grief, one not so very long ago and one more in the past. But no matter when it happened, this story shows us there is no timeline or limit for someone’s grief.
And what broke my heart the most was reading how those two small teenagers are still learning to overcome the loss of their mother, that, like Tom says himself, was the glue of the family.

From the first look between Nerissa and Tom, sparks fly around. However, the grief they are still feeling, is still holding them back, and not only that. As Nerissa is also working for Tom, it would complicate things even further.
And let’s not forget that there are also his children to take in account.

How much I wanted that Nerissa and Tom would give in to their feelings, that was also the beauty of this book. They both know what’s at stake and both are not ready to take it next level.
But it was so lovely to see how slowly they are both being able to put the grief behind them. Of course that doesn’t mean that they will forgot or easily dismiss the person they lost, but they realize that remaining alone is not the solution when you have another perfect match.

The author managed again to write a heart – warming story, this time about people having suffered a lot, but with the much deserved respect dare to get out into the unknown again. You never know where a fresh start will take you and who you will meet. And in an amazing community residing in Mermaids Point, there may be that special person making your heart beat again a little faster after a long time, maybe even with the little magical help of the mythical mermaids…

When you have found your happily ever after, you want everyone to find it too!

Synopsis

Beatrice Halliday has been working hard at the Princess and The Pea Inn, loved up with landlord Atholl and enjoying planning events for the locals. But at Christmas there’s a kick – as she realises she’s expecting.

Despite being fearful of the future, Beatrice is graced with a distraction: the prospects of helping a romance flourish when a married couple spend their first child-free holiday at the Inn – and it becomes clear they need some help rediscovering each other. In true Beatrice fashion, she cant help meddling.

Featuring the story of a first love, a new family, a marriage in crisis, and an octogenarian love affair, you’ll fall head over heels for this heart-warming rom-com.

My review

Six months ago, Beatrice Halliday didn’t expect to fall in love with not only the Scottish Highlands village Port Willow, but also with Atholl Fergusson.
Not only has her broken heart been healed, she is determined to make other people as happy and as in love just as she is.
So her latest victims are Ruth and Mark Firth, the competition winners that can use some reignited spark, and Nina, who flew over from the States, determined to show her worth.
However, next to all her efforts as a matchmaker, Beatrice will quickly realize that there is even a bigger surprise in store for her, which will turn her life upside down.

I loved returning to Port Willow and see how Beatrice and Atholl were doing. And it was just heart –warming to see the love between this couple is palpable and even made me a little bit jealous!
Despite everything that happened in Beatrice’s past, she is living proof that a great loss can be overcome. And the things she does to make sure that people around her have that same happiness, made me like her even more than I already did!

Seeing Beatrice and Atholl was the sweetest thing ever! And when an unexpected surprise turns Beatrice’s whole world upside down, my heart broke…
I understood her actions, but I felt so sad for her, because she isn’t capable to enjoy it. And seeing Atholl trying to cope with an unusual Beatrice…

When Nina enters the story, I was furious with the way she was being treated in the States. The reason she is being sent to Scotland, I cannot understand how a company would work like that.
And even if Nina is wearing fancy clothes and behaves very snobby, it’s obvious that that is not the real Nina.
Slowly, we get to see how Nina herself realizes somehow she has lost herself in the cruel and hard world where she works.
Seeing her clash with Mutt (real name is Murray, no worries!) was really hilarious, because we readers could see more into it!

I found this a wonderful story to read, even if in fact it were three stories, where each couple/individual is in another stage of life, with its own issues.
Beatrice and Atholl are enjoying the passion and love from a rather new love, but facing something unexpected.
Nina is obviously lost, because she thought it was clear what she was capable of and now she has to fight to show her true worth. And in Scotland not only does she find herself again, but also something more.
The Firths are in a much further stage in their marriage, but being together for a long time doesn’t mean it’s all working out perfectly.

And having this combination, turned this beautiful book into a wonderful one. Love don’t come easy, for no one. It’s a journey you make together.

But for having that blissful feeling, you don’t only need to find that other person to love, but you have to learn to find yourself and love yourself.
And even if something opens old wounds again, the past shouldn’t hold that grip on you, and the right person will be able to understand your fears and kiss them all away!
but also, when you think the love is all over, a moment away can open your eyes again and reignite some of that passion again!

The author managed to write an amazing sequel, keeping the wonderful bits of the first parts, having delightful new additions, making my poor heart warm over all over again, and making me wish I could have my own romantic adventure at The princess and the Pea Inn!

And today I am also showing you this wonderful cover!

Synopsis

Autumn is stuck in a rut and desperate to escape the fears that bind her to the life she’s grown to hate. Back home and living with her parents after university with a degree that seems to count for nothing, she knows something has to change. After a chance meeting with a stranger at the beach, she makes the spontaneous decision to move to Dublin and chase her dreams. However, what Autumn doesn’t realise is that she has just made the decision that will lead to her death. But does a short life have to mean an unsuccessful life? Will she be able to make it count? 

Red Roses is a compelling and uplifting story that shows the true beauty of life, love and friendship.

About the author

Katie Ward always knew she wanted to write for a living. However, she was told by her careers advisor that “it might be more appropriate for you to work in a shop”. When Katie didn’t get the grades she needed to get into college, she negotiated a three month trial. After successfully completing the course she secured a place at her first choice university to study Journalism. 

After realising she wanted to be an author, Katie moved to Dublin where she worked her way up from receptionist to Executive Assistant at Merrill Lynch. Katie continued to write in her spare time, submitting her short story into the “Do the Write Thing” competition being run by Irish TV show ‘Seoige and O’Shea’. This story was originally written when Katie was 14 after she was inspired by an article in her favourite teen magazine. Katie was the only non-Irish author selected to have her story published in an anthology of the same name which reached 19 in the Irish Best sellers List. Katie was also shortlisted for a competition judged by MAN Booker Prize winning author Roddy Doyle which was run by Metro Eireann newspaper. 

Katie currently lives in Devon with her cat (aka ‘Her Royal Fluffiness’) where she sings in a community choir and has recently taken up Archery. Katie’s favourite author has been Roald Dahl since she was a child as she loves the dark edge he brings to his books. On the flip side though, Katie loves Disney, magic, unicorns and a good rom com film at the cinema with her friends.

THE COVER

Better a good neighbour than a distant friend…

Synopsis

When April moves into Hummingbird House, she is intrigued by her mysterious landlord, Dai. 

With a bruised heart and a distinct lack of furniture, she spends the summer getting to know the other occupants. As she smartens up her home and makes peace with her recent past, she befriends Paul, a solitary ex-chef, and Betty, an elderly lady who lives in the basement flat. 

But Hummingbird House holds many secrets, and the relationships of the tenants are not as straightforward as they seem. April learns some shocking truths one eventful night, and realises that victims and villains can look the same. 

The Landlord of Hummingbird House is a contemporary novel exploring unlikely friendships, unexpected love interests, and family relationships. Here, everyone is in need of a second chance – and appearances can be deceptive.

My review

April has recently moved into Hummingbird House. All she wants now is some peace and quiet after she got her heart broken.
While she is changing the place into her home, with the necessary redecorations, she quickly realizes that the other tenants are a close bunch and want her also in. Not only does she befriend ex – chef Paul, but also Betty, an elderly lady, is becoming quickly more than just a neighbour.
Even if the most tenants are a nice bunch, April is intrigued by Dai, as he is not that open and is behaving strangely.
Slowly April learns that not all the tenants are in a happy mental place. And when one night all the secrets are out, not everything is as easy as it seems, because there are always two sides on a story…

I don’t know what I initially expected from this story, but eventually it was not what I thought it would be.
And I don’t mean that I got disappointed, because I truly didn’t!

Having recently moved myself, I understood how hard it was for April for making her new place feel like actual home. but where I had all the necessary furniture at hand, she barely had anything.
And not knowing immediately what occurred to her, made it difficult to comprehend he and her actions completely.
However, slowly we get to know her better and when it’s clear where she came from, I could only admire her as she is trying to pick up the pieces again.

But this is not only April’s story. Because Dai surely intrigues her. He behaves very oddly, and isn’t that welcoming towards April.
And that is in complete contrast of what the other neighbours tell April. It’s obvious that they are all keeping something secret, and it’s obvious that it’s something devastating.

When reading a story where a young woman moves to another place, and meets new people, it would be an easy and natural assumption that the whole plot will involve some romantic business.
But the author took a whole different direction with this book.
In this tale we get to learn the hurt people had to endure and how difficult it can be to move on from a heart-breaking moment.
Every tenant have lived a moment of pain and each one has another way of coping with it. It’s easy as a reader to feel the pain and despair of the characters.

This isn’t a book that will make you laugh at loud, but its honesty and realism gave me a sense of contentment.

The author wrote a warm story, about random strangers, living in the same building, but connect. This connection is not overly romanticised, but very realistic, making it easier to believe and recognize.
This lovely story shows us how one action, like moving to a new place, can give us the support, friendship and love we need even if we don’t realize how much we need it.