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!

A life – changing holiday on Corfu.

Synopsis

Five people, three secrets, one planned proposal. What could possibly go wrong? 

A holiday in a luxury villa on Corfu sounds like the answer to all their prayers but it will change their lives forever. A week in paradise might not be long enough…

My review

Kate has organised a perfect holiday for her, her son Scott, his girlfriend Linda and two of their friends Marc and Charlotte in a luxury villa in Corfu.
Not only has Kate organised the villa, but also every excursion has been planned and even a proposal has written Kate’s name all over.
But nothing goes as planned and frustrations seems to take the upper hand. And this holiday will be the catalyst of several changes in unexpected ways for everyone.

When I first read how Kate was organising the perfect holiday, I admired her because it’s not an easy task to organise everything and keep an extra thought about everyone’s wishes. There is nothing she wouldn’t do for her son, her main goal is to see her son happy.
But slowly I saw Kate more as an interfering woman. Yes, she does everything for her son, but she doesn’t see beyond him. I was frustrated together with Linda, when Kate appears to have forgotten *again* Linda’s allergy.
However Kate redeems herself and she is just one example of characters evolving and maturing in this story.

What I enjoyed about this book, is how everyone appears to be pretending to be someone else.
Okay, my observation seems to be an odd one, but during this holiday, masks fall off and each character has to face the truth.
Corfu appears to be the perfect location to do some digging and realizing what each character really wants from life. And Corfu offers solutions no one expected.

I found this an entertaining story, yet also a good example that holidays and also life never goes as expected. And it’s up to us to decide what we want to do with the new challenges. Making such important decisions can be terrifying but they are also an opportunity to find real happiness.
And what better place to undergo such an experience than Corfu? Letting this story take place there, only added more to the feeling of escapism everyone right now needs!

When the appearance of a mermaid brings more than just tourists…

Synopsis

‘Delightfully romantic and touching.’ Phillipa Ashley

Laurie Morgan runs a café in the small seaside community of Mermaids Point, named after the beauties rumoured to live in the waters a few miles off the top of the point. When a hazy image is posted online of what appears to be a mermaid, the café and the village are soon full to bursting with curious sightseers. 

The most eye-catching of the new arrivals is handsome author, Jake Smith, who has rented a cottage for the summer while he works on his new book. Or so he says. In fact, he is a journalist, burned out and disillusioned with life, whose editor has sent him on a crack-pot hunt for mermaids…

Jake quickly finds himself drawn to village life, and to the gorgeous woman who runs the local café. But he soon suspects there’s trouble lurking beneath the idyllic façade, and when it looks like Laurie’s family might be involved, Jake faces a difficult choice. Pursue the truth, or protect the woman he’s beginning to fall in love 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

Laurie Morgan loves running her café in the community of Mermaids Point. Legend goes that mermaids were actually living in the waters there and that Laura and her family are even linked to the mermaids.
When a hazy image with what appears to be a mermaid goes viral, everyone comes to the little village trying to spot the mermaid themselves.
Also Jake Smith has found his way to Mermaids Point and has rented a cottage for the whole summer. With the white lie of being a writer, he is trying to discover the truth about the pictures for his story in a paper.

What he doesn’t expect to discover, is a village who accepts him with open arms. And on top, to start developing feelings for Laurie Morgan. But when his discoveries may involve Laurie’s family, he has to decide what matters more to him: his career, or protecting the woman that stole his heart…

Before I started to read this story, I made sure I was sitting somewhere comfy, ready to enjoy a beautiful story. Because I knew I would love every bit of what this author wrote.

I instantly liked Laurie. She is the kind of person everyone would like to have around. She loves her family and she would fight like a warrior to protect them from anyone that wants to cause them harm.
She is not afraid of a new challenge, as proven by her determination to open a café, and is not afraid when it appears to become one of the busiest moments. and even when things are a bit too calm, she doesn’t lose her faith that it will all be all right.
Yet her one mistake of the past is holding her a bit back, as she doesn’t open easily her heart. She was made a fool once, and will not allow anyone to break her heart again. Not even if when Jake appears in the story.

Jake is someone that I liked very quickly. He needs a break after his last article disillusioned him a bit. This shows that he is not just after sensation, but that he cares about those he writes about. He also has a good sense about right and wrong.
The more is revealed about Jake and his childhood, the more I longed to get into the story to just give him a hug. But luckily he had Laurie around…

The chemistry between Laurie and Jake is truly palpable. I loved reading about how these two people, with both luggage, find each other and slowly are learning how to dare to love again. Whenever these two lovely characters appeared together, I found myself smiling of contentment.

Yet there was one tiny bit I was left a bit disappointed… The end came a little too abrupt for me. I loved the sense of family and belonging, but I would have loved to read just a bit *more*. But that’s just because I loved each character so much I wasn’t ready yet to say ‘goodbye’…

This book was wonderful to read, not only because of our main characters, but also because of the mysterious yet wonderful setting. I wished I was staying at Mermaids Point myself, with all the beautiful inhabitants. And maybe while staying there, starting to believe that mermaids truly exists, why not?

The power of wine!

Synopsis

A sweet romantic comedy set in beautiful Napa Valley!

Ivy needs a miracle and a drink—not necessarily in that order. With a struggling winery, the only hope of keeping her dream alive is snagging a gold medal at the annual wine competition. She’s determined to win, but she can do it without the help of Ted Jacobs, aka Mr. Know-it-All.

Ted wants to catch lightning in a bottle and create the world’s greatest wine, but he’s smart enough to know he can’t do it alone. When he heads to Napa to keep his grandma from ending up in jail (don’t ask), he meets Ivy. She’s as complex and intoxicating as his award-winning cabernet, but as stubborn as the mule next door when she stomps on his offer to collaborate.

Ted knows it’s risky to mix business with pleasure, but if Ivy would only listen, they might just be the toast of the town.

My review

Ivy is running a winery, but after having her trust being crushed by her ex, it’s more work than fun. The only hope she has to keep her dream alive, is winning the gold medal at the annual wine competition. But is her competing wine up to the task?
According to Ted Baker it isn’t. But Ivy is surely not going to listen to a know – it – all and does not want his help at all! Because help does not come for free, and Ivy is absolutely not going to trust a stranger, after her trust already has been crushed once.

Ted is getting more and more frustrated when Ivy keeps on rejecting his well-meant help and advice. Of course he is not by accident staying at the winery, as he has his own dream of making a perfect wine, mixing his grapes with those of Ivy and his lovely grandma interfering with a plan to steal a grapevine .
Will it be possible to make Ivy listen? And will Ivy be able to accept help and advice? Or will these two just keep clashing?

There are some authors that I instant know I will love to read their new book. And Rich Amooi is surely on my list of authors I adore!
So when I opened the book on my Kindle, I had a big smile on my face and the whole time I was devouring the book, that smile stayed put on my face, and was only getting bigger.

Both Ted and Ivy have broken hearts, and that has scarred them (and in Ted’s case, you can it quite literally). And in Ivy’s case it made her very wary and even having trust issues.
Ivy is this strong woman, ready to fight for her vinery. And she will not allow a stranger like Ted to tell her how to make wine!

And Ted is a real kind, helpful man. He knows what he is talking about, only he has some problems in giving the message in the right way. And right this minor problem causes huge issues with Ivy.
I adored reading their bickering, how these two lovely characters just clash over everything!
But beside their bickering, there are so many lovely moments too..
The way Ted adores his grandma, and wants to protect her for any mischief she is in, that is just wonderful. You can see how caring a person is, by the way they treat their elder relatives.

I can easily say that there was not one bit I did not like about this story. The way Ivy and Ted are getting closer, offering and accepting help was wonderful to read. The moments whenever a change of shirt was required were hilarious (by the way, can I get my own collection of shirts from the winery????) and the grandparents from both sides were just the kind of grandparents everyone wants to have (or maybe not, depends how much you are ready to endure 🤣).

This story made me thirsty not only for wine, but for just MORE. Again this author wrote a captivating story about clashing characters slowly realizing their wrong doings and changing into a better version of themselves. And this made them open up and daring to trust and even love again.
The only advice I can give is: take a nice glass of wine and enjoy reading/devouring this beautiful story about lovely people and their wineries!

And now there is even a Giveaway! Come on, try your luck:

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/33c69494414/

When the past resurfaces at your lowest…

Synopsis

When thirty-four-year-old Nellie Wagstaff loses her job and discovers her fiancé is a cheating scumbag in a single day, she feels like the world has come crashing down. And that’sbefore the solicitor’s letter, along with a request to visit a place she hasn’t thought about for a very long time.

Heartbroken, Nellie escapes to the beautiful seaside town of Muddleford in Dorset, where she discovers she’s inherited more than she ever bargained for. Nellie never knew why her mother stopped talking to her sister, but now childhood memories of Muddleford come flooding back: long hot summers, the sea glistening beyond the sandy cove… and a stolen kiss with a boy called Jack.

Jack, now a devilishly handsome vet, has the local pet owners swooning over him, and as Nellie and he become close once more, and she gets used to gossiping with the locals and sipping wine at her beach hut with sand between her toes, she’s sure she can feel sparks flying once more. But just as she thinks she might be able to open her heart again, her newest frenemy, the glamourous Natalia, tells her a secret about Jack that changes everything.

Nellie will never know why her mother and aunt parted ways. She’ll sell the house, forget about Jack, and get back to real life. Because there’s nothing for her in Muddleford… is there?

An utterly uplifting and completely hilarious summer read about learning to trust yourself and of finding love and friendship in the least expected places for fans of Jessica Redland, Heidi Swain and Holly Martin.

My review

At the age of thirty four, Nellie Wagstaff wouldn’t have expected that her life would all fall into pieces in just one day.
Not only does she loses her job, but she discovers that her fiancé is not only leaving her, but has also been cheating on her.
So when a solicitor contacts her because she has inherited from her Aunt Lilian, she sees this as the perfect escape from her heartbreak. Little did she expect that she would inherit so much because after all, it has been years since her last visit to Muddleford in Dorset. And spending time back there, her childhood memories come flooding back and also her best friend back then Jack is still around.

But what will Nellie do with all the inheritance? Sell it all and go back to her real life? And why are sparks flying around whenever handsome Jack is around, as he is totally unavailable? And will she ever discover why her mother and her Aunty Lil parted ways? And who is this mysterious Norman, who seems to be the love of her Aunt’s life?

This author was a discovery for me, never having read something from her before. But I have noticed how everyone is enjoying reading her books, so I gave it a shot.
And now I am sorry I ever started reading her books, because I feel a new addiction to an author in the making!

When I reached the end of this book and I was counting how long it took me to finish it, I didn’t know what feeling should take over. Should I be feeling ashamed? Or proud? Because it took me just one… single… day… to DEVOUR it.

From the first page, I found myself standing beside Nellie, feeling with her. My heart got broken, I felt her loneliness, her moments of happiness and her felling of just belonging in Muddleford.

Nellie is a woman I could honestly easily befriend in real life. She did not have an easy childhood, as her mother was facing her own demons. And now she finds herself again alone after being betrayed by her fiancé in the most selfish way ever.
When she is back in Muddleford, I saw her opening up, and I liked her even more! Even if her Aunty Lil passed away, Nellie still regards the house and the belongings with the required respect.
And when she hears an information about Jack, even if she is a bit devastated by it, she does the right thing. Because she is NOT that kind of woman!

I’ll be very quick about my feelings about Jack… he’s just perfect!!! But so I found the whole community just amazing. Even if there was a character I initially disliked, in the end I found myself loving just each and every one that appeared in the story.
And then there is Norman… he is the One that truly stole my heart!!!

This story was about finding a place to call home, of having the feeling of belonging somewhere. It was sweet, hopeful yet also a few times heart-breaking.
It shows us that sometimes a change of scenery can have a huge impact on our lives and it’s easier to realize what was going wrong before and what changes we need to make to find happiness again.

I think this book should start with a very important warning because you will find it just impossible to put away! You’ll need to find a hiding place to avoid interruptions because no matter what you will do in-between sessions, this story will keep your mind busy. And for me, this book was a treasure and I gladly gave up any sleep for it! I want to applaud the author and give her a big hug for making me forget everything in this chaotic world!

When a request for help becomes more.

Synopsis

Sometimes you have to write your own future…

The life of former journalist Juliette Seymour has been quiet and unassuming. Up until now, she’s been concentrating on running the local newspaper and raising her daughter. 

But all that is about to change when Juliette is informed that the Ticklemore Tattler is to fold and that she’ll be out of a job. She begins to wonder whether she can buy the newspaper and try to make a go of it herself.

Aware that she needs some advice she contacts Oliver Pascoe, little knowing that when her old colleague re-enters her life, his help isn’t the only thing she wants him for!

As she begins to fall in love, however, what she doesn’trealise is that Oliver has something he’s keeping from her.

A gorgeously uplifting story, perfect for fans of Holly Hepburn, Heidi Swain, and Isabelle Broom.

My review

Juliette Seymour enjoys her quiet and calm life. Even if running the local newspaper The Ticklemore Tattler isn’t as exciting as her former journalistic career, it’s all she needs beside raising her daughter.
But when Juliette is informed that the newspaper is to fold, she starts wondering if she can somehow buy the paper herself. Of course she knows that she cannot do it on her own, so she reaches out to her former colleague Oliver Pascoe for advice.
Will they be able to find a way to save the paper? And what about the growing feelings between them and a few secrets bound to come out?

When I started reading this story, I had mixed feelings. On one hand I was very happy to return to this beautiful, amazing community. But on the other hand I was also a bit afraid, because I loved reading the first part of this series and I feared that I wouldn’t fall in love with it too…
But all my fears were unnecessary, because even if it’s a bit different, it was just as beautiful!

Juliette is a journalist that I found a bit stuck in her life. She is doing the same work for years and does not like change. The only things that truly matters to her are first of all her daughter, and the newspaper.
I admired her passion but somehow I also felt sorry for her, because there was just nothing more…
So when she learns that the newspaper is going to fold, she has a new mission: to save the paper.

And for the story it means: Enter Oliver Pascoe…
He is now a writer and is currently writing a biography of a politician. When Juliette contacts him, it’s like a blast from the past. He always found her attractive woman, but she suddenly disappeared and rumours about an affair with a married politician were spread.
When he decides to help her with ideas of how buying the paper and give it also a much needed boost, I just knew and loved where the story would go (or at least where I thought it would go 😃).

I have to admit, at first I thought I had figured out what Juliette her secret was, but I was surprised when I discovered that I was wrong!
And even if Oliver’s secret isn’t a world – devastating secret, I understood why he was reluctant to admit it to Juliette. But it’s clear he has his heart at the right place! We also see how Juliette is becoming again the fierce woman she once was. She isn’t afraid of a challenge anymore and is ready to fight for “her” paper and is even allowing to find love again.

Quickly Juliette and Oliver realize they are not alone on their mission, because the whole amazing community will do whatever they can to save the paper.
And that is exactly what made me love the story even more. The sense of community, working together to save something that matters is admirable. Everybody wants to do their own bit.

I found this a beautiful story about second chances at love and fighting for your dreams. Before I knew it, I found myself totally absorbed in the story, having the actual need to read more. I already started to love this community and all the characters made me love them even more!

World War 2 through the eyes of a young girl…

Synopsis

A coming of age war story and family saga full of romance, mystery and danger in London’s East End. From the Sunday Times and ebook bestselling author of the Lizzie Flowers series and A Wartime Christmas comes a gripping NEW coming-of-age saga about love, loyaltiesand secrets.

IN THE TURMOIL OF WAR, CAN SHE KEEP HER FAMILY TOGETHER?

‘Surely one of the best saga writers of her time’ – Rosie Clarke

1938, East London. Nine year old Daisy Purbright is a country girl at heart and together with beloved brother Bobby, they’ve enjoyed the endless freedoms of rural England.

But when her father gambles the family’s fortunes on a speculative investment in London’s docklands, Daisy and her family are swept up into the intrigue, danger and excitement.Desperately the Purbrights attempt to settle to a new life in the East End, but the whisperings of war grow louder.

Then, one late afternoon in September 1940, Adolf Hitler conducts a paralysing bombardment on London and war tightens its grip. Life changes dramatically and closely guarded secrets threaten the Purbrights’ happiness.

Can Daisy and her family survive one of the most fateful events of the 20th century?

Perfect for fans of Nadine Dorries, Pam Howes, Rosie Clarkeand Dilly Court.

My review

Daisy Purbright is a nine – year girl that moved with her family frim rural England to East London. Even if she loved her life at the countryside, slowly she has to settle to a complete different life. But the fear of a new war lingers around the corner, and when Hitler starts to bombard London, life as everyone knew is over.
Daisy is finding it hard to comprehend what is going on and hopes that her life will quickly will be as it was, and at the same time she has to keep secrets that could threaten her family’s happiness.

Reading a story taking place during any World War, gives me goosebumps… I always keep hoping that real tragedy won’t strike the main characters, but often it’s wishful thinking.

This story is all about a young girl Daisy and her perception of the War. And the author managed very well to show that comprehending war for adults is difficult, but children are totally oblivious.

Daisy is a cheerful girl, enjoying first life on the countryside, and later adapting to a life in London, even if her heart still longs for her previous home.
She loves her family, but her brother Bobby she truly adores. The curious streak of children is obvious, as we find Daisy often eavesdropping and by thus hearing secrets from people around.
Against my better judgement, I hoped that Daisy would keep her cheerfulness and enjoy her life as it was.

But when the war is literally crushing homes around her, she has to escape London with her brother. At the time that is what parents did, just to protect their children. And here it is shown that even if was for the better, children do not always grasp what reality is happening around them.
However as the War is getting closer, Daisy and all the children have to grow up very fast.

And seeing how our main character had to endure the consequences but also having to face a nemesis of her young past, was just heart – breaking.

The author managed to write a gripping story of how children perceive the War and how they cope with all the sudden and for them incomprehensible changes.
The same time the author manages to capture the courage and persistence of children like Daisy, because no matter what, they keep hoping that their lives will return like before.

How would you cope when you lose the love of your life?

Synopsis

April 16th is always one of Charley’s worst days of the year.

It’s her husband’s birthday, a painful reminder of his death four years ago.

So naturally, her car breaks down.

She nearly gets run over trying to catch the bus.

And then she’s made redundant.

Her friends see the redundancy as a chance for her to start again and live the life she always wanted, but since being widowed Charley has clung to familiarity and avoided change like the plague. Then, out of the blue, her mother-in-law Pam pitches up in need of a place to stay after walking out on her 40-year marriage.

Together, Charley and Pam find themselves at a crossroad. It’snot easy to move on after The One, but they can’t stand still forever.

My review

After losing her husband, Charley is trying to hang on to every bit that reminds her of the love of her life. This also means that there are days she absolutely loathes, April 16th being one of them, as it’s Josh’s birthday. So it’s no surprise when on this specific day her car decides to breaks down, she nearly gets run over AND is made redundant.

While everyone around sees her redundancy as an opportunity to start again, Charley does not want to change a thing. But when suddenly her mother – in – law appears on her doorstep, with a marriage of 40 years in the drain, it’s like standing on a crossroad. Moving on seems an impossibility but no one can keep on living in the past. Question is how much Charley can let go without feeling like forgetting her wonderful years with Josh…

I found this a both a heart – breaking as hopeful story.

Charley is a young woman who has lost her husband in a terrible way, without being able to say goodbye.
Marrying Josh meant not only moving but also having contact with her own mother limited to the strict necessary.
So losing him meant to rely on her friends and Josh’s family alone. But no one could understand the pain of losing The One.
I understood why Charley wanted to keep everything like it was, like Josh could walk in the place any moment. But I knew it was also an unhealthy situation because it was keeping Charley from actual living again.

When Pam moves in, it’s the start of a change for Charley. Not only does she now have to take someone in account, but she is also having someone extra nudging in her back. Now that she has the opportunity to do something she truly wants, it’s a pity that she allows the fear take over.
This fear also prevents her to see her true potential. She sees her friends and their achievements, and she is certain she is the “lesser” friend.
But her friends wouldn’t be her friends if they wouldn’t push her to see herself how she truly is. And whenever Charley needed extra help, all her friends were there to do whatever they could.

And I loved how the love between Charley and Pam is obvious. Pam was not “just” a mother – in – law for Charley, but she acts like a real mother towards Charley. Perfect proof that mother – in – laws aren’t all that terrible at all!

This story has some funny moments in it, but it isn’t a comedy. It shows us how hard it can be to move on. Charley is taking baby steps to take back the reins of her life, but without forgetting the blissful moments with Josh.
While reading, I got this sense of hope, that no matter how things get, with the right people around you, you will find the strength again.
And that moving on and opening your heart again doesn’t mean it takes away the love you had for the person you lost, but just that there is extra room for someone new.