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!

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!