When going back home means a fresh start.

Synopsis

WELCOME TO THE BEAUTIFUL SEASIDE TOWN OF PORT AGNES.

A fresh start…

Midwife Ella Mehenick left the small Cornish town of Port Agnes for London and never looked back. But when her seemingly perfect life crashes down around her, there’s only one place she can heal her battered heart – the place she once called home. 

A new arrival…

Ella is quickly welcomed into the small community midwife team and loves her new job caring for mums and their precious babies – it’s what she does best! But being back also means facing ex-flame Dan Ferguson…the first man to break her heart. 

A second chance at love?

Dan is still as gorgeous as ever, but he’s never forgiven Ella for leaving. And now she’s back it’s clear that there is unfinished business between them. As Ella settles into her new/old life, she can’t stop the memories of how she once loved Dan so completely – and maybe never stopped.

Maybe coming home to Cornwall is Ella’s chance to love again…

Meet The Cornish Midwives of Port Agnes- where community, friendship and love are always delivered.

An uplifting and escapist read, perfect for fans of Christie Barlow, Jessica Redland and Holly Martin!

This book was previously published as Return to Port Agnes.

My review

After having her heart broken and her humiliation has been going viral, midwife Ella Mehenick decides to go back home, in the small Cornish town of Port Agnes.
Being a midwife made to possible to find a job caring for mums and their babies in a great team, who has welcomed her with open arms.
But being back in a place you never wanted to go back to, isn’t easy. Especially when Ella keeps on meeting the man she had her first love with.

I found this a sweet story about picking up the pieces, rediscovering yourself and forgiveness.

When Ella finds herself being ditched a few minutes before getting married, I felt her shame too. It’s terrible when your fiancé decides you’re not the one after all, but when this happens at your wedding day, it’s just horror.
However Ella is adamant to get over the humiliation and sees this as the perfect opportunity to start over.

I loved reading more about the profession of being a midwife. Because not having children myself, I only know what I see on the television, movies or read in books. So it was even enlightening, reading that it’s not just being there whenever the baby decides it’s time. Now I see midwives also more as a “caring” person. They do everything for the baby, but also take care of the mother – to – be. They provide advice, help whenever and however they can. And that even how phobic or anxious the mother is, with a kind word a mother can already feel better. And Ella surely does even more than expected. She shows how she truly cares about her “patients” .

Being back home is not always easy for Ella, having nasty comments from not so nice people, and having your ex – boyfriend around.
However Ella quickly bonds with her colleagues and true friendships are being made. Also old friendships are being rekindled. And her feeling of belonging in Port Agnes only grows.

I had a sense of proudness when Ella allows Dan to explain the past and she realizes that there is always more to a story. It’s easy to stick to your grudge you’ve been holding for so many years. but here Ella shows how mature she is.
And Ella shows also how good of a friend she is while playing matchmaker.

This was a lovely book to read, taking place in a beautiful setting. But also with beautiful characters you easily warm to (the kind characters of course, there are a very few you would kick in the a**). I loved reading this story, making me appreciate midwives even more and making me fall in love with these characters that I would easily accept in my own life as my friends!

Never underestimate the persistence of a woman!

Synopsis

From the glittering ballrooms of the ton to the city’s grittiest corners, London has no shortage of wrongs in need of righting–and the Maidens of Mayhem are prepared for the challenge. United by secrecy and sisterhood, these daring women from all walks of life aim to fight injustice wherever it takes them–even into the arms of unexpected love. This feminist take on Regency-era Robin Hoods from USA Today bestselling author Anabelle Bryant is destined to storm readers’ hearts!

Scarlett Wynn’s tragic childhood taught her that life can be cruel to women with little power. So when a local seamstress disappears, Scarlett vows to find out why. Armed with a weapon and her courage, Scarlett scours London for clues–and crosses the unlikely path of Ambrose Cross, the Duke of Aylesford, at an unlikely place: an upscale brothel. The Duke is trying to solve a mystery of his own, and Scarlett is sure they can help each other–if she can resist the attraction that draws them together…

As Duke of Aylesford, Ambrose is duty-bound to protect his family name from scandal no matter the cost. But Scarlett’s fearless spirit forces him to look beyond his world of privilege. Scarlett is as intoxicating as she is dangerous, igniting a fire in him like no other. When the pair learn both mysteries they’re trying to solve are tied to a string of missing women, the tangled scheme they uncover may put their lives, and their growing love, in mortal danger–and lead them to search their hearts like never before…

“A delightful historical romance with a liberal dash of adventure, plenty of sizzling heat, and a heart of pure gold. A superb start to Bryant’s new Maidens of Mayhem series”

–Lenora Bell, USA Today bestselling author

“Duchess if You Dare is a fantastic read that kept me up late and has me anxiously awaiting the next book in the series.”

–USA Today Bestselling Author Renee Ann Miller

My review

Scarlett Wynn will not let her tragic childhood dictate her future. She fights against the injustice against women, and when her seamstress disappears, Scarlett is determined to figure out what happened to her.
Even if a woman is in a disadvantage during Regency, Scarlett knows how to walk in London streets without being afraid. Because she knows how to fight and defend herself against characters with less good intentions.
When her search makes her path cross that of Ambrose Cross, they decide to put their strengths together to both find the answers to their missions, even if it brings them to an upscale brothel.
Joining their forces means spending time together, and a growing attraction. But with having such a different upbringing and being on a different state of mind, will attraction be the only thing in store for them?

If I’m being honest, the first chapters were a bit difficult for me. I found it hard to grasp just everything. But as I am a stubborn person, I refused to just give up. So I kept reading and in the end, I was glad I did!

I liked the idea of a group of women not afraid to fight against injustice. And this during Regency! Scarlett had a hard childhood, but that made her into the strong woman she is now. She is literally not afraid to take matters in her own hands. She stand her ground and knows how to defend herself. And the way she can keep herself invisible, it seemed to me that she was like a superhero!

I admired her determination to find out what happened to a person she knew, and she won’t let anyone hold her back. So when she meets the Duke of Aylesford, Ambrose Cross, who is also on a mission, but has a few outdated regards of what a woman should do or shouldn’t do, it’s a standard recipe for a clash.

Slowly Scarlett and Ambrose realize they have to learn to work together if they want to find out the truth.
And it was entertaining to read how these opposite characters feel an attraction but are doing their best to not give in.
The interaction between them was one of the things that kept me reading. Because their differences is part of the attraction but it’s also the thing that is keeping them apart.

I would have loved to read more about the Maidens of Mayhem and how it all started for these women, but I suppose that is something that will all be discovered in future books.

The mystery of disappearing women was something that intruiged me, especially reading how easy it was just to be gone and having no one that cares, with the exception of Scarlett of course. And how evil some people can be, because they are chasing their own fortune without regard for others…

Even if it is just fiction, it made me think how fortunate we are, as we have people that care for us and would go lengths to find us if necessary.

After the difficult start, I enjoyed reading this story about empowered women, a Duke acting very “un-duke-like” and a mystery about disappearing women.

When the stay at a cottage means unravelling family secrets.

Synopsis

A new start can come from the most unexpected places…

It’s been years since Lizzie Lockhart spoke to her parents. But she was safe in the knowledge she knew everything about them. Once upon a time, they were as close as could be. Until they weren’t.

After receiving the earth-shattering news of their passing, Lizzie decides it’s time to unearth some family secrets and find out just who her parents really were… starting with Streamside Cottage. A cottage Lizzie never knew existed, in a place she’s never heard of: the beautiful English village of Leafton.

Leaving behind London, and the tattoo parlour she called home, Lizzie finds herself moving to the countryside. Faced with a tight-lipped community, who have secrets of their own, Lizzie is at a loss for what to do, until her rather handsome neighbour, Ben, steps in to help.

As Lizzie finally begins to piece together the puzzle of her family history she realises she has to confront the truth of the past in order to face her future.

My review

Lizzie Lockhart is not on speaking terms with her parents for several years. Yet when she receives the news that her parents passed away, she realizes that even if she thought she knew everything about them, they had many secrets. And one of those secrets was Streamside Cottage, in the beautiful village of Leafton.
As Lizzie never heard of this cottage or the village, she is determined to find out why her parents kept this place yet never went there. However leaving London and the tattoo – parlour that is also her home, makes Lizzie feel at a loss.
Because the more time she spends in Leafton, the clearer it is that not only her parents are good at keeping secrets, but the whole community too.
Luckily she can count on her kind and handsome neighbour Ben to help her out!

This story truly surprised me. I thought I knew what it would be about, but was I wrong!
I never thought there would be so heart-breaking secrets, misunderstandings  and the sense of belonging somewhere.

Lizzie is a young woman I both admired and pitied. Her parents were rather controlling, not allowing her to make her own decisions or mistakes. And in the beginning it’s obvious that something happened to break al the contact. And that made me very curious. What could Lizzie have possibly done to her parents not want to talk to her anymore? It seemed a bit harsh that following your own dreams would mean to lose your parents.
Yet somehow Lizzie managed to live her life how she wants to, working in a tattoo parlour, and even if her relationship with Ash didn’t work out, they loved each other.

When she arrives at Streamside cottage it’s the start of just everything…
Not only doesn’t Lizzie understand why her parents kept the cottage while never going there, the village is also full of mysteries. Inhabitants avoiding her, carrying secrets that may or may not involve her family, a haunting legend and dreams that are more than just simple dreams.

There is just so much to this story, making it impossible to point out just that one thing that made me devour it.
I loved reading the little facts concerning tattoos at the start of each chapter, but I also loved how a community after the initial hesitation accepts Lizzie as one of them.

I absolutely *ADORED* Taz, without further explanation, because you must read the book.
And Ben… he is just perfect… and how in the end all pieces of the puzzle suddenly fall together… it was not something I saw coming, so I was very surprised but also over the moon with this twist!

I found this a beautiful story, but also a painful one. Not because it was hard to read, but because of what our characters had to endure or already have endured. Yet beside the pain it was a hopeful story too, because even if the ending came too quick for me, it was an ending full of positive possibilities.
The author managed again to grip my attention and did not let it go until the last word, leaving me with a smile of contentment.

A new start when you’re seventy…

Synopsis

Sun, Sangria and new starts, from the author of the bestselling Five French Hens.

Molly’s seventieth birthday comes as something of a shock. The woman in the mirror certainly looks every day of those seventy years, but inside Molly feels she still has so much more living left to do. Widowed and living alone with her cat Crumper, Molly fears she is slipping into a cliché of old age.

When Molly’s sister Nell appears on her doorstep, distraught that her husband of more than forty years, Phil, has left her for a younger lover, the women decide to seize the day. By the morning, flights are booked, bags are packed, and off they go for an adventure in Spain.

The sun, the sea, the new friends and the freedom are just the tonic for broken hearts and flagging souls. But even Spain isn’t enough to revive Molly’s spirit. A solo journey to Mexico is booked as Molly continues to chase the sun and to chase happiness. Will she find what she’s looking for in Mexico, or will she discover that true contentment can’t be found on a map, but it might just be found in a new flame. 

Judy Leigh is back, with her trademark spirit of joie de vivre, fun, warmth and timeless lessons in how to live.

My review

After her seventieth birthday, Molly feels like she has been missing out. being widowed and living with just her cat Crumper was not how she imagined life would be. When suddenly her sister Nell appears on Molly’s doorstep after Nell’s husband left her for a younger woman, they both decide it’s time to be adventurous again.
So the both pack their bags and are ready for a whole new adventure in Spain.
Enjoying the sun, the sea and making new friends is enough for Nell, but Molly still feels it’s not enough. So for Molly it’s again time to pack and leave for Mexico this time.
Will Molly’s free spirit find the required peace in Mexico? And is Nell truly ready for a new relationship?
What is more in store for these two sisters who have different ideas for their trip?

What I truly liked about this story, is that even if the main characters are all of a certain age, their adventures could be applicable to anyone. It’s not a typical story about realizing the best of your life has already passed and making the best of what’s left.

Molly is someone I quickly felt sympathy for. She is this free spirit feeling that something is missing. I admired her courage to just pack her bags and leave for this big adventure in Spain, together with her sister.
And even if the place in Spain is not what they both thought, she keeps this positive attitude, not letting the bad thoughts take over.
She is quick in making new acquaintances and is not afraid to discover new things.
Even when she feels like not belonging anywhere, she is ready to just leave and look for what she is searching for somewhere else, and why not, even in Mexico!

I found Nell a harder nut to crack… of course it’s terrible that her husband left her after being married for so long. So it’s obvious I pitied her. Bu her behaviour in Spain and towards Molly was not always something I understood.
I understand that she is ready to put the past behind her, but I didn’t like how she easily put her own desires first, without really taking Molly feelings in account. Once she has found a new love interest, Molly is being pushed aside.
And when it benefits Nell, it’s just being the two sisters again. And that was something very selfish and made me dislike her a bit.

But even if I didn’t understand Nell motivations all the time, I loved reading about these two women, rediscovering themselves, bonding again and ready for new adventures they never thought about.
I loved Molly’s passion and curiosity. The way she just adapts in a new place, making easily friends and allowing herself to put herself out there, is something admirable.
I also liked Nell’s sense of protectiveness. In her own way, she doesn’t want Molly getting hurt.

I found this a lovely story that shows us that age is truly just a number. You are never too old for a new adventure, starting all over again and find somewhere you belong. And feeling home does not mean finding an actual place, but being surrounded by the right people. Friendships can be made even if you’re living in different countries, the bond that has been created won’t be broken by country borders.
And that you have to dare to put yourself out there, because you’ll never know what you’ll find… 

Life is always full of surprises, good and bad ones…

Synopsis

BRAND NEW FROM LIVERPOOLS’ VERY OWN BESTSELLING AUTHOR, SHEILA RILEY

1910 LIVERPOOL DOCKS.
Ruby Swift is a hard-working, straight-talking woman of substance who does not suffer fools gladly,
But when tragedy strikes on a bitter Christmas Eve, Ruby and her beloved Archie take matters into their own hands when a trusted employee’s house is mysteriously engulfed by flames and lives are lost.
Orphaned by the fire, Ruby welcomes heartbroken sixteen-year-old Anna Cassidy, into her home and family but circumstances conspire against them and she is unable to save Anna’s twelve-year-old brother Sam Cassidy, who is sent by the Church to Canada as a Homeboy. 
Can Ruby help mend a broken heart and can these two children ever be reunited or is there another higher game in play?

Mersey Mistress takes you on a journey to another time, another place. From the banks of the River Mersey to the frozen waters of the Canadian Saint Laurence River.

My review

Anna Cassidy is a sixteen – years – old girl finding herself without a home or family when tragedy strikes on Christmas Eve. She and her twelve – years – old brother Sam are the only ones who escaped the flames.
Ruby Swift and her beloved Archie are adamant of taking both kids into their home. As they are on time to take Anna with them, they are too late for Sam, as he is being sent to Canada with the promise for a better life.

Will Anna be able to feel at home at Ruby’s? Is Sam having the promised better life so far away from his sister? And is there a chance for the siblings to find each other again?

No matter how much information is giving for this book, it would never be enough. There is so much more going on than described on any blurb, that you just have to read it to understand all the dynamics.

This is not simply the story of Anna, or Sam or Ruby. Yes, they are our main characters, but through them we see how life was not so long ago, just before World War 1. And it’s not all that beautiful.

We have Ruby and Archie, a couple together for years, but with a past that has left them scarred. Yet they did not let dictate them and choose to live their lives how they wish to.
And for being in that specific time set, it is something admirable. They don’t care what people think of them, they do what they believe is best.

And the lengths they go for Anna is something truly amazing. Anna’s mother was working for Ruby, but taking the orphaned child in your own home, it’s not something every employer would do.

Anna’s story is a terrible one, yet it shows us also how resilient Anna is. No matter what she has been through, after a period of getting well herself and grieve, she starts living again, showing Ruby her worth and not taking advantage of the goodwill of Ruby and Archie.

Also Sam’s story surely made my heart break… the better life he has been promised to have, is not what he really expected. This means he has to find a way to make it better himself.

This book shows that there are many good people in the world, ready to do just anything to help someone out. But it also shows how despicable some people can be, even people who should be giving the good example.

Yet the main message came out as a positive one, because no matter what you have been through, with helpful people by your side, you can change direction of your life.
And that the good will prevail over the bad!

Even if the ending left me with many questions, and not a real closure, I am curious to read what else life has in store for Anna, Sam and Ruby!

When you are in love with your boss, who also is an A – list actor!

Synopsis

Unrequited love is hell on earth

Personal assistant Wendy Davila is in love with her boss, Halden Armstrong, megastar of the Apollosuperhero film franchise. But she can’t compete with the succession of stick-thin blond beauties he’s caught and released. Or can she? When Halden asks Wendy to accompany him on a fishing trip to Muskoka, it’s her chance to remake her dark-haired, curvy Latina self into his ideal woman and cast her hook for Halden.

Can he trust her?

Halden has been burned by love. The last thing he wants is a woman like his ex who faked it until she landed him. Wendy is special, and the private trip is an opportunity to explore his feelings for her. However, the Greek god has an Achilles’ heel. Can he trust Wendy with a secret that could ruin his career? And will she still care for him when she learns the truth?

When Apollo falls off his pedestal, Wendy must decide if the man she adores is a keeper.

My review

Wendy Davilla is the personal assistant of the star of the Apollo superhero film franchise, Halden Armstrong. Not only does she knows him the best, but she also has been secretly in love with him. Too bad that Halden only appears to be dating thin blond beauties, and Wendy has curves and with her Latina looks, obviously NOT blond.
So when Halden is taking her along on a fishing trip to Muskoka, she hopes that finally she will make him notice her, even if it means that she has to become a blond.
But Halden has his own problems… not only is he afraid of trusting women after his disastrous marriage, he is also carrying a secret around. And then we are not talking about his feelings for Wendy.
Will Wendy be able to show Halden she can be trusted and is worthy of his love? Or will his latest mistake burn all bridges?

Each and every one of us has had a crush on an A – list actor, and my list is actually a rather long one 😄. So for us “normal” people, we are used to have an unrequited love. But Wendy is actually working for the man she loves, it must be a real hardship seeing that man on the red carpet with women that look nothing like you.
When opportunity arises to join Halden on a fishing trip, I was happy for her, to have finally some alone time with him.

I have to admit, I found it a bit hard to completely like the main characters. I didn’t like how Wendy changed her own appearances to just be noted by Halden. And while packing her bags, she seemed superficial, only choosing clothes that would help her seducing him.
But slowly I warmed towards her, because no matter she has planned, or tried to change, her true nature comes out each time.
When Halden tells her his secret, she makes it clear she knows him better than he thought. And also her behaviour towards some characters, show us that she sees more than meets the eye, and that she is not judging at someone’s misfortune or hard times.

Halden is a man afraid of trusting women, and after his failed marriage. He is afraid of people judging him. but thanks to Wendy’s presence he sees what an inspiration he can actually be for people in his same situation. That made me truly feel sympathy for him, but then how easily he made a mistake jeopardizing everything between him and Wendy, was something I found not so easy to comprehend.

But I was looking for a light, entertaining story and this book surely ticked those boxes. And it was nice to dream away in a world of glitter and glamour, but also a world full of mosquitos and fish! 😃

When an inheritance becomes so much more.

Synopsis

A docile wife is what he wants. A husband is the last thing she needs. Can a quest for a killer teach them that they are both wrong?

Emma Smythe and her brother arrive at Easterby Hall to discover that a handsome stranger has laid claim to their ancestral home and the family title. Have her relatives been murdered, and is her brother next? Determined to find the answers, she has no option but to trust the gentleman who insists that he will help. But danger appears in many guises, and for a woman intent on remaining single, her intriguing protector may prove the biggest threat of all. 

The attempts on Richard Lacey’s life begin when he inherits a title and a rundown estate. A coincidence? He’s not so sure. Problems multiply with the unexpected arrival of Jamie and Emma Smythe. Long thought dead, they too are potential targets. Richard thinks he wants a docile, obedient wife, but will the task of keeping headstrong Emma safe from danger change his mind?

Embroiled in a sinister mystery, can Richard and Emma work together to catch a killer? And will this dangerous quest teach them that what they both wish to avoid is exactly what they need?

Filled with intrigue, unexpected twists, and faultless period detail, this slow-burn romance is a must-read for lovers of classic Regency fiction.

My review

Richard Lacey finds himself inheriting a title and an estate which already had its best time. But after the news has spread about his inheritance, he is suddenly targeted at several attempts on his life. It’s too much a coincidence that the attempts began after receiving the inheritance.
To complicate things even further, suddenly Emma Smythe and her brother appear on his doorstep. They are the righteous heirs as it was their family that died under strange circumstances or just been brutally murdered.
Now Emma and Richard have to join forces to discover who is after their lives.  Richard being the gentleman has promised to keep Emma an her brother safe. But how can he keep his promise when Emma is adamant on not just being a damsel in distress and has a strong mind of her own?

I found this story a nice mixture of just every genre (with the exception of horror 🤣). There is the drama concerning Emma and her family, the mystery of who is after the characters’ lives, the action when things get a bit dangerous and the romance.
There is also the positive note of accepting people just as they are, not giving importance what people think.

Emma has been through an ordeal, trying to get back home safely after her parents died, and simultaneous taking care of her younger brother. She has mind up her mind that she does not want to get married, because it would only limit her, and she needs to be free.
She is also a strong young woman, not allowing someone to dictate her what she can do or not. She is not someone who just sits docile waiting for a man solving all her problems, she wants to solve the problems herself.

And even if Emma clashes with Richard, the attraction between them just grows. Because Emma realizes that Richard is not like many other men. When he makes a promise, he intends on keeping it. He also is someone who wants to do the right thing, even if it means a loss for him. He knows that Emma and her brother are the heirs and will do everything to make certain that they will get what is theirs.
He would do whatever he can to protect those he cares about, and even if someone is different, he sees the real person and not at what is making him different. He sees the characters for how they really are and is not afraid to show affection.

I found this a very entertaining story. I enjoying reading how Richard and Emma are strong characters clashing several times, yet somehow completing each other. But I also loved reading about all the other characters, how they all fit perfectly in a tale where a lot happens yet without creating confusion.
But most important I loved reading about a family that has been through a lot, but don’t judge and just accept new entries in their family as because family is what matters.

When a move to the other side of the world becomes so much more.

Synopsis

Divorced and keeping a heart-breaking secret, Abbie Potter is sleep-walking through her life as a publicist at a London football club. She seems to spend more time covering their scandals than celebrating their wins, and has had enough. Though she’s already prepared for a fresh start, some shocking news pushes her to take an opportunity even further from home – in Salt Lake City.

The first morning of her new life, Abbie bumps into Kyle Miller. He’s persistent, and Abbie’s more than intrigued by him. Everything else seems to fit into place too: she has a fulfilling job, is on a journey of self-rediscovery, and has revived her love of music thanks to a new-found friendship.

She can’t risk losing what she’s built for herself, but how can she stop it from slipping through her fingers without shattering the façade she hides behind?

My review

Since her divorce is Abbie Potter not really happy. Her job as a publicist for a London football club makes her spend more time covering for scandals instead of giving her joy. And when she hears some shocking news, she is ready to just get away as far as possible. So how can she refuse a job that will take her to Salt Lake City?
Ready for a fresh start, she packs and off she goes.
It’s the beginning of a journey full of self – rediscovery, igniting passions that were slumbering, putting the past to rest, new friendships and even a persistent Kyle Miller that she cannot easily ignore.

Can I just say how much I enjoy reading a story about starting all over again? And believe me, if you’re like me, you will truly enjoy this book!

Initially I felt pity for Abbie. Her marriage was over without a real reason and since then she is in a downward spiral. Even her job is not giving her satisfactions, especially after the latest event.
I have to admit, I would be just like Abbie, even with such a great opportunity I wouldn’t want to move to Salt Lake City, leaving everything and everyone I know behind.
Yet I was cheering for her when she took that step, after the news she heard. It’s obvious there is more to the story of her marriage, but I just wanted Abbie to find happiness again, because that is something that just everyone deserves.

And when she literally bumped into Kyle, I was even cheering harder, because she needed a Kyle!

Kyle is the kind of friend (to start with…) that everyone needs in their life. He’s the kind of guy always ready to help out, he knows people (in the good sense!) and is kind, funny and just everything!

But I did not found this purely a love story, but more a story about finding yourself again. Abbie needs to get her life back on track and slowly she discovers that moving away is the right decision, no matter how much she misses her family and friends.
Thanks to the new friendships, especially with Rose, she finds a way to be more involved with her true passion again.
And stepping away from everything, makes it possible to reflect on everything that happened in the past and allows Abbie to process all those events that scarred her.

Seeing the real Abbie was a real joy because I knew there was more potential in her, and the ideas she comes up with were just amazing. And every time she is with Kyle, I wanted the scene to take longer, because I love this pair!

I found this a strong story, about rediscovery, grieving over what has been lost, but also no longer allowing the grief to take a hold on your life.
It’s a beautiful, warm and also an inspirational story, full of hope, opportunities, love and strength!

How one month in Spain can change everything…

Synopsis

Lainey Summers feels blessed to have her dream job writing for a renowned foodie magazine. And the day she goes to interview chef Rick Oliver at his new restaurant—Aleatory—in London’s popular Piccadilly, is the start of an unexpected journey.

When Rick is offered the opportunity to jet off to a monastery in Andalucía, to film a cookery competition for Spanish TV, Lainey goes too, to cover the story.

Spending a month filming in the stunning Spanish countryside, soaking up the sights, sounds, smells and of course the cuisine, Lainey and Rick start to enjoy each other’s company. But their time together flies by too quickly, and before they know it, Rick and Lainey have to face going their separate ways.

With both their worlds shifting beneath them, the call of Andalucia and the call of happiness grows ever stronger. But with everything at stake, will they be able to take the chance of a happy-ever-after…

Let Lucy Coleman whisk you off on a sun-baked, life-affirming, total escape to beautiful Andalucia.  

My review

If there is one thing Lainey Summers truly loves, it’s writing for a foodie magazine. Little did she know that when she interviewed chef Rick Oliver it would be the start of a whole new adventure taking her in a monastery in Andalucía.
Because Rick is going to be hosting a cookery competition there and he wants Lainey to cover the story for her magazine.
And spending a month together is a recipe for getting to know each other and getting closer. And time surely flies by when you’re having fun, and their lives is taking them on different places. Despite Rick being off limits and life being in the way, will they find a way to be together?

As usual the author managed to describe the surroundings perfectly. Wherever Lainey was walking, I could see the whole image.
I saw again myself walking side by side with the characters. And it’s this aspect that the author has shown over several books that makes me want to read her creations.
I also had to use my best friend on the Internet (also known as Google) to see if somehow the descriptions of the book were being too creative compared to the reality.
However I shouldn’t have worried, because it was just all how I imagined!

I instantly liked Lainey. She loves just like me food, AND she managed to find a job that actually involves her passion.
She truly cares about her parents and does her utterly best to help them whenever she can. Even if she doesn’t understand the motivations of her mother leaving her father, she does not judge her and is just trying to find a way to keep them both happy.
And her sense of justice is admirable. Not only does she defend her father when he became a pariah, but she tries to see when it’s truly opportune to give the raw truth or when it’s time to sugar – coat whatever happened.
But mostly important proof of her sense of right and wrong, is when the attraction grows between her and Rick. Because no matter how she feels about him, he is not available and that means she will not give into temptation. And THAT shows her true character, which I could only applaud.

Also Rick was a character I instant liked. Him being a chef, talking about food, was for me a real turn – on. But also him just being himself, this jovial, open character was wonderful to read. I loved reading how there was just a click with Lainey, but he also knows that his feelings and his desire to give in are wrong, and just doesn’t give in.

I have to say although, how much I loved reading about these two lovely characters and their time in Andalucía, I missed that special spark when they were back in their normal lives. I had a feeling it was all too hasted, the months passed a bit too quickly and the ending left me a bit longing for more. The run-up to the end was perfect, but the end was a little bit too close to the current reality and if there is one thing I want from a book, is to escape reality. 

But these last chapters wouldn’t allow me to like the whole book less. All the time spending in Spain was just wonderful, and also the changes the characters are making, trying to figure out what they truly want from their lives, was right what I expected. And of course our characters are made to love!
Another beautiful story about how one event can change your whole vision and gives you that last push to chase your own dreams!

When returning on the ice means facing your past.

Synopsis

When falling in love comes with the risk of falling flat on your face …

Former Olympic skating champion Katie Saunders is well known for her ‘ice queen’ persona in the press. On the face of it, perhaps Katie should have forgiven her former skating partner and ex-boyfriend, Alex Michaelson, for the accident that shattered both her ankle and their Olympic dreams – but she just can’t seem to let it go.
When Katie reluctantly agrees to take part in a new TV skating show, it’s only because she’s desperate for cash. What she didn’t count on is the drama – not only is she partnered up with infamous love rat rugby player Jamie Welsh, but one of the judges is none other than Alex Michaelson himself.
As the show progresses, will Katie be shown the hard way, once again, that romance on the ice should remain strictly off-limits?

My review

Former Olympic skating champion Katie Saunders is hitting rock bottom. Her time of fame and fortune is well over after a skating accident that destroyed her career. And it doesn’t help that she appears to be a real ice queen.
When opportunity arises to be back in the spotlight in a new TV show, she reluctantly accepts, as she sees no other option to survive. But not only is she being partnered up with rugby player Jamie Welsh, also one of the judges is Alex Michaelson, the man she holds responsible for destroying her career.

Who of us has never watched a show like ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ or ‘Dancing On Ice’ or however such shows are called in your country?
So having the opportunity to read a book about such a show, surely had my interest.
However this book is not all the glitter and glam we see in such shows.

When I got to know Katie’s story, the first emotion I had, was one of pity. I can only imagine how it feels when your dream suddenly falls apart. But it’s not only the never skating again, but also being alone, and being depicted as an ice queen, unable to forgive and forget.
And I had some difficulties understating her, why she couldn’t forgive Alex. Because it’s all in the past now, I didn’t see the point of holding a grudge.

When she discovers who her partner is, I knew sparks would fly around. And not in a positive way! They are total opposites and  Jamie has his own reputation flushed down the drain. He not only ruined the chance of winning the World Cup, but everyone sees him as a cheater, ruining his own marriage.

But slowly, the more our icing couple progresses in the show, the more secrets are revealed and truths are coming out.
And not all is what it seemed. Katie’s story was a heart – breaking one. Without giving too much away, let me just tell you that once you know what happened to her, you’ll completely understand why she acts in certain ways.
What happened to her, is just cringe – worthy, and I’m not just talking about the accident.
She went through things nobody should ever be going through. And as she had nobody in her corner, made it even more terrible.
And Jamie’s story is not heart – breaking at the same level as Katie’s yet is was also a sad one.

Skating together created a certain intimacy between our characters, and they have to learn to trust each other. They need to be sure they won’t let each other fall, literally and figuratively. Thanks to the ice skating, they get closer and dare to open up and they are ready to share their story.

This story is about second chances,  but also about speaking up. Fear has the ability of making us hold back. But we all should be able to speak up, without being afraid for repercussions. And with the right people by your side, redemption can be found. And not only that, but also learning to trust and love again.

A heart – breaking yet also heart – warming story that it’s never too late and that people will see your true colours and will appreciate you and your efforts even more!