Decisions decisions decisions…

Synopsis

Alice thought her future was set in stone, until her past came knocking…

Alice Butler starred in a successful US sitcom until tensions in the cast and crew caused the show to be cancelled. Now, five years later and working towards her dream job in art history, she’s called back for a revival of the show. It can only end in disaster, surely?

Flown to a villa in Chianti to meet with the rest of the cast, Alice must decide where her future lies – with her boyfriend, David, who laps up the Hollywood company, or with the mysterious Matt, who shies away from public attention?

My review

Decisions decisions decisions…

Alice Butler is looking for a job in art history, her true passion. But most people will remember her as the actress of a successful U Sitcom. Even if it was five years ago, people still recognize her and compare her to her character.
Now that a revival of the show is being discussed, Alice is also contacted again even if the show was cancelled until the tensions on the set were unbearable. Alice is flown to Chianti to meet the cast again and see she must decide what her future will be. Will she go back in the spotlights? And what will her boyfriend David want to do? Or should she follow her passion for art history and find a lesser paid job? And then there is also mysterious neighbour Matt…

Do I really have to say again how much I enjoyed reading a book of T.A. Williams? Really??? Okay then, here it goes!

Whenever I read a book by this author, I just know I will love it. And also this book was a success!
It’s not only how he managed to describe in perfection the atmosphere of the setting but it also the way he manages to write about people that are maybe out of our comfort zone, yet so recognizable!

Alice used to be an actress in a famous sitcom, that had a lot of similarities with a real sitcom about a bunch of *friends* living in New York. But it’s clear that even if there are similarities there are also many differences. But the sitcom is absolutely not the most important thing in this story.

It’s about Alice and what she wants to do with her life.

Everyone who thinks about a career in Hollywood, sees all the glitter and glamour, but with Alice, we also get to see behind the scenes. When she was acting, there was a lot of tension, even causing the sitcom to be cancelled.
Now that she is following her dream, it’s a difficult choice to make. Continue to follow her dream or step again in the spotlights and just cashing in?
And how will her relationship with David evolve?

This story grabbed my attention and just didn’t want me to let go. The dilemma Alice is facing, not knowing what to do is in many ways recognizable for so many of us, even if it doesn’t involve an acting career. Every one of us at least once had to think about what would the best thing to do? And having people around you with their own opinion isn’t surely helping.

We see Alice making decisions for HER best interests, and thinking what would make HER happy. And not only about her work, also in her relationship with David. Of course there is one thing that makes things very easy for her to make a decision!
And what is going on with mysterious Matt??? Just like Alice I was just wondering what was truly going on with him, as I just couldn’t understand him being so evasive! I even started to think the worse!

I absolutely enjoyed spending time in Chianti, just feeling like I was truly there. And for even who have never been there, the details that the author managed to capture in his book makes sure that you can have the complete picture!
Another perfect escape to Italy with a main character making hard decisions, surrounded with people that you will instant like or dislike. But never forget, first impressions can be wrong in some cases!

When an offer to divorce becomes a marriage trial.

Synopsis

From shopkeeper… To Duke’s wife

When Beatrix, Duchess of Howden, writes to her estranged husband offering a divorce, she’s stunned when he arrives on her doorstep with a different proposition: a six-week marriage trial! Quinton Roxbury seems cold and inscrutable, but Beatrix gradually realises his rough exterior hides a heavy burden. As their connection deepens, dare she trust him with her own scandalous past and risk the marriage she never knew she wanted?

My review

Beatrix enjoys her life as a shopkeeper with her friends. But what her friends don’t know, is that she is actually married to the Duke of Howdon and that she ran away right after the wedding.
When she proposes a divorce, Quinton Roxbury surprises her by showing up at her doorstep. He does not want a divorce, but his proposition is to have a six – week marriage trial. If after those six weeks, Beatrix still wants to divorce, he will accept it. But only after she has given their marriage a try.
Beatrix thinks it will be easy, because Quiton appears to be cold and never shows his true emotions. Yet not all is what it seems. But will it be enough for Beatrix to trust him with her own secrets? And will it all be over in six weeks?

When I first read about Beatrix, it’s obvious she is not an evil woman. Yet I couldn’t match the image I had of her, with a woman who would just run away after taking vows and pretending her marriage never took place.
But even if her actions may seem harsh, it’s clear there is a story behind it. And let’s not forget she wants to get her freedom back, but also wants her husband to be free of her.
It show that there is a kind and gentle side of her, and what she wants is just to be happy, living with her friends and being a shopkeeper.

So when Quinton Roxbury appears on her doorstep, with another proposition, she is in shock. Of course Beatrix accepts the offer, otherwise we wouldn’t have a story at all.
I was very curious to know if and how Beatrix would adapt to a life as a Duchess, while she is totally not knowing what is expected from her. And how would Quinton’s family welcome her?

This story may seem like a simple story, man and woman spend time together, realize they have feelings and give their marriage a real chance.
But there is so much more going on…
Not only is there a man who doesn’t show or admit his feelings, there are also secrets from both sides that could jeopardize the whole relationship.
And to make things even worse, there is a bitter mother, siblings taking sides and relatives I don’t even wish for my worst enemies.

Even if I was eager to read about Beatrix and Quinton, there is one character that truly stole my heart… Sweet Helen went from a presence under a table to a young sister seeing (and hearing) more than everyone else and she turns out to be the real heroine of the story.

I enjoyed reading about how  two different people being forced being together, find common ground, and even dare to stand their ground for each other.
This story gave me more than I expected and I loved it!

Is there a better escape from your life than dog – sitting?

Synopsis

One dog. Two strangers. An unfurgettable romance.

Wanted: someone nice, normal and trustworthy to housesit a beautiful cottage in the Lake District while the owner is away on a business trip. Must like dogs.

Wanting to escape from crap bosses and useless boyfriends, Becky jumps at the chance of being a dog sitter and the perfect escape – rest, relaxation and a very cute pooch called Bella.

But looking after Bella comes with a catch, namely gorgeous, brooding, Chris Hemsworth-worthy Ash James, who claims Bella is his dog and will stop at nothing to get her back!

Becky’s not about to hand over lovely Bella to any Tom, Dickor Ash.  She’s determined to watch every move Ash James makes…even if it gets her very hot under the collar.

My review

Becky needs an escape from her current life, as her job doesn’t satisfy her anymore and her boyfriend is rather useless.
So when she has the chance to accept a job as a dog – sitter in The Lake District, she grabs it with both hands.
Pooch Bella is a real treasure, only Becky didn’t expect that there would be several rules she had to follow, and one of them is to keep Ash James as far as possible not only from the house, but also from Bella.
Because no matter how good looking Ash is, he has a mission… He will get Bella back no matter what!
Yet Becky will not just hand Bella just over, regardless the looks and how much they have in common.

What do you have to do to make me forget about everything? Just give me a book written by Zara Stoneley!
Whenever I start reading a book by this author, I just keep reading and forget to eat, to sleep,… But this book has even something more, and that is THE cutest, THE funniest, THE most adorable dog EVER!!!

Becky needs to get away for a period because both her boyfriend and her job are making her feel like she has missed her spark.
And I surely understood her motivations, when I read about the circumstances she was working in! And just admit it, if you would have the opportunity to spend some time in the Lake District and look after a dog, wouldn’t you grab it with both hands????

I could really relate to Becky, she finds herself in a situation she doesn’t like anymore, but she doesn’t know what she wants to do next. Because everyone is afraid of just giving up the security you have and just follow your dreams.
Becky is down to earth, with a great love for animals. The way she interacts with Bella is how every owner of a pet should be.
And surely not be over the top, like the real owner Georgie is! For Georgie it’s more important what her followers think than what is in the best interest of Bella.

That is totally the opposite of Ash, who is truly swoon – material! He is not only handsome, but also kind, caring and with a hint of mischief. But he has just like Becky his heart at the right place, and truly loves Bella, no matter what.

But put Becky and Ash together and it’s fireworks! They clash often, over Bella, but slowly a bond is being made and that bond is just something to be jealous of!

I loved every bit of this story and I was happy when it ended, because it gave me everything I expected. But I was also sad, because the main characters in this book were marvellous people, and together with Bella they were people I started to care about, wishing they were real and that they would be part of my life!

How not to lose your mind with all the pressure of a family and being main breadwinner.

Synopsis

‘Clever, wise and achingly funny.’ Cathy Kelly

‘You can have it all,’ they said. ‘Happy children, happy marriage, great career – no problem,’ they said…

Mother-of-one Saoirse is just about holding it all together – combining part time work with the school run, while her husband David gets to focus on his career. But when David loses his job, everything has to change.

With no hesitation, Saoirse suggests she takes on the role of main breadwinner. After all, how hard can it be? And when a new client offers her a life-changing sum of money, Saoirse can look the other over-achieving Woodvale school-run mums in the eye with pride.

But there’s a problem with keeping too many balls in the air – eventually one is bound to drop. And when that happens – well, who knows what the consequences could be…

Laugh-out-loud funny, achingly relatable, but with a heart of gold, and warmth running through every page. This is the perfect read for anyone who has way too many balls in the air! The novel may or may not have been inspired by real life…

My review

Saoirse is still combining her part – time job with taking care of her daughter Anna, while her husband David is focussing on his career. This all works perfectly, even with the minor hiccup between Saoirse and David after the revelation in ‘Time Out’.
But when David loses his job, Saoirse suggests to be the main breadwinner, giving David the opportunity to find a job he likes.
Yet being the money bringer is not such an easy task as she thought… Because will the offer of a new client really be the solution to all her problems? And she is still competing with the overachieving Organics at the school gate…

For this story I truly recommend to read first ‘Time Out’, because there are several references to it, and if you have not read it, it will not make a lot of sense.

But how fun it was to see Saoirse and her family and friends again! Especially after the cliff-hanger of the previous book.

It’s clear that it’s not all puppies and sunshine between Saoirse and David, but as a real couple, they are working on it.

Saoirse is her usual self, trying to please everyone, even The Organics know what button to push to let Saoirse do what they want.
Yet I see a more determined Saoirse. She does not just accept at each first opportunity, and especially when it concerns a new client, she overthinks what the best thing to do is.

This is again a realistic view of how current days parents (not only mothers) are struggling with a normal life. No matter how hard you try to keep everything going smoothly, there is always something going wrong, it can be a small thing but also a bigger thing.

I had several laughs, together with Saoirse, but I also felt frustrated with her too. And oh, how I wanted to give The Organics a reply that would show them!
And to see how Saoirse and David are working together on several issues, shows that when you work on a marriage, not everything Is lost.

In this sequel I had the same fun as the first story, but it all felt more familiar, because I knew what our characters were like and how messy their lives could get. But again it was a peep in the life of an average family, with sometimes not so average problems, but it is clear that no matter how hard you try, sometimes life takes a turn you didn’t expect, and that is the same for everyone. So whenever in despair, just remember : we’re not alone!

Can seven steps truly find you your Mr. Right?

Synopsis

Alex is tired of being single. After years of disastrous hook-ups and relationships that lead to the bedroom but nowhere else, Alex is convinced she’ll never find her Mr Right. Then her newly married friend Stacey recommends what worked for her: a self-help book that guarantees Alex will find true love in just seven steps. Sounds simple, right? 

Except Alex soon discovers that each step is more difficult than the last, and one of the rules involves dating, but not sleeping with a guy for six months. Absolutely no intimate contact whatsoever. Zero. Nada. Rien. A big challenge for Alex, who has never been one to hold back from jumping straight into the sack, hoping it will help a man fall for her. 

Will any guys be willing to wait? Will Alex find her Mr Right? And if she does, will she be strong enough to resist temptation and hold out for true love?

Join Alex on her roller coaster romantic journey as she tries to cope with the emotional and physical ups and downs of dating whilst following a lengthy list of rigid rules.

Only When It’s Love is a fun, feel-good, romantic comedy by British author Olivia Spring, about self-acceptance, determination, love and the challenge of finding the one. 

The sequel, When’s The Wedding? will be published on 25thMarch 2021.

My review

Alex is looking for her Mr. Right, but she only manages to get ghosted or being contacted for ‘having some fun’.
When her friend/ colleague Stacey tell Alex how she managed to get married by following the rules dictated in a self – help book,  has difficulties believing that it could be just so easy.
On the other hand, what can she lose? So she start following the seven steps. But what when each step is more difficult than the previous one?
And what if one rule involves dating, but under no circumstance sleeping with a man for six months?
Will Alex manage to follow all the rules, no matter how hard they seem to be? And will she find he Mr. Right?

This book is something I kind of feel ashamed of… Not because I didn’t like reading it, on the contrary! I started reading, and before I knew, the day flew by, the evening flew by and then I finished reading the last page.
It was just impossible to put it away!

Initially I thought that Alex was a bit superficial. The way she looks like is very important to her, she doesn’t get out of her house without a layer of make – up and wears heels even if they are killing her.
But the more I got to know Alex, the more it’s obvious that she is just an insecure woman, who loves watching romcoms. And that makes her very recognizable. It’s easy to relate to her.

So when she starts her adventure of following the seven steps, I was eager to know what the result would be for her.
She meets two men, very different from each other, yet with each having their own charm. But for me it was rather clear who I preferred, and I hoped that Alex would follow my feeling!

This story is about Alex finding her Mr. Right, but I found it more about a story about Alex and just loving herself. We see Alex mature to a young woman who knows what she wants, and does what makes HER happy instead of wanting to please someone else. And when you love yourself, it’s easier for someone else to love you too.

A funny story, which makes you forget everything around you, but with a strong message that left me with a happy feeling!

Is there a better day than Valentine’s Day to promote this book?

Synopsis

Former TV star Brandi Tyler’s big screen debut crashed and burned amid rumors of an affair with her married co-star… Now, she wants nothing more than to quietly slink away from Hollywood. When she’s offered an opportunity to get out of town and work on a project involving the photographer that launched her career, it seems like the perfect escape! Unfortunately for Brandi, her famous face makes hiding out even a huge city like Houston a little tricky. 

When the celebrated photographer’s son offers to let her use his home for privacy, it seems like everything is falling into place. Little does she know that Michael Ames a gorgeous best selling author, and he comes with the package! As Brandi makes her way through old photographs and new scandals, Michael struggles with his next project, and they both fight the growing attraction between them. 

Maybe a posse of new girlfriends, some Texas-sized boozy brunches, and a little private time in the writer’s room will help this leading lady find her path back onscreen. And, if she can just picture it, maybe this time she’ll even find love?

About the author

Born in Montreal but raised in New England, author Michelle L. E. Price has been writing as long as anyone can remember. An avid reader who was on the verge of losing her mind as a mom to two small children, Michelle began writing her first book, Hidden in the Writer’s Room, as an escape… at least her characters would do exactly what she told them to do and she could always count on a happily ever after ending. She also enjoys wine, re-watching 90’s sitcoms and occasionally running, but heavily relies on writing to stay sane. Michelle is a firm believer that laughter and love are the best parts of life.

When a meeting with a first love uncovers hidden secrets.

Synopsis

Should first love be left in the past, or is first love, forever love…

Sisters Annie and Jess are used to their mother Julia being spontaneous. But when Julia announces she’s flying off to Rome to meet her first love Patrick, whom she hasn’t seen for fifty years, it’s an adventure too far. So, her daughters decide the only way to keep Julia safe, is to go too – without actually telling their mother she has chaperones!

Julia and Patrick’s love story was everything – epic, once-in-a-lifetime, with a tragic ending and life-long consequences.  First love is hard to forget, but sometimes, just sometimes, life delivers a chance to rewrite your story. 

As the eternal city of Rome works its magic, old secrets, old friends and old loves become new possibilities and new dreams. And when the four travellers return home, nothing will ever be the same again.

Join Helen McGinn for a timeless, joyous, unforgettable journey through love, family, and long-forgotten dreams.  A novel to hold to your heart and treasure, perfect for fans of Elizabeth Noble, Cathy Kelly and JoJo Moyes

My review

Annie and Jess are used to their mother Julia and her being ‘spontaneous’. But when Julia decides to fly to Rome to meet her first love Patrick after fifty years, the sisters are not so sure of that decision. So without Julia knowing, Annie and Jess also fly over to Rome, to keep an eye on their mother. Little do they know that the love story of Julia and Patrick was a beautiful yet also a tragic one…
The journey to Rome is only the start of discovering the truth, because once back home everyone has to decide what the right course is.

I think that the author did a great job in dividing the story into two parts.
The first part is all about the trip to Rome and what is taking place there, while the second part is about what happens after the trip.

First of all, having been several times to Rome, I enjoyed being there in my imagination. “Thanks” to the current pandemic, going to places I love visiting time after time, I did not have my ‘shot’ of Italy, but thankfully with this book I could walk on the Roman streets again!

I have to be honest, when I read Julia her plan, I totally understood how Annie and Jess were feeling. Who would ever agree to meet a man after fifty years? And not only that, but also agreeing on meeting him in another country! Yet this decision makes it obvious just how spontaneous Julia is.

Annie and Jess are not very alike, their characters couldn’t be more different, yet they are like real sisters: they bicker a lot, but they obviously love each other. And also both of them love their mother very much and would do everything to prevent Julia to make a mistake.

This is not just a story about seeing your first love again, but also about a chance to redemption. And the second part of this book is all about it.
Even if sometimes I found things going too smoothly without many hiccups, the second part was a bittersweet event.
Without giving too much away, it shows how one (forced) decision fifty years ago affected many people in the present.

I loved how each character faced the revelations on their own way, matching perfectly with how I imagined they would.
And I enjoyed reading how there were even more surprises in store for our main characters!

A real beautiful story, with many emotions both for the characters as the reader. Not something to be easily put away!

Is going back the way to move forward?

Synopsis

Anastasia Travess is caring, beautiful and talented, but all her life her abusive father has kept her down. Seeking love wherever she can there has only ever been one man she trusts, one man who makes her complete and he rejected her years ago. 

Piers Talbot is an enigma, a charming bachelor with only one woman in his heart. But when offered a choice between fixing his estranged family and obtaining his heart’s desire he makes probably the worst decision of his life.

When Anastasia rekindles her past relationship with Piers’ younger brother, the lines between love and loyalty become blurred. Amid danger, betrayal and deception, Anastasia is forced to question everything she thought she knew. 

But will Anastasia have the courage to escape from the shadows?

My review

Anastasia Travess is a young woman who seemingly has it all, the is caring, beautiful and talented. Yet the only she really wants, is to be on the receiving part for love from her abusive father.
Luckily she can count on her best friend Piers, who would do everything for her. But his feelings for Anastasia go deeper than just friendship.
When Piers has to choose between following his heart and fixing the bad relationship between his family members, he pushes Anastasia towards his younger brother.
Little doe Piers and Anastasia know that this decision will have consequences nobody saw coming.

This story gave me instantly a sense of doom. You know something is going to happen, but when and who is involved? What will the consequences be for the main characters? So many questions that made me continue reading…

Anastasia’s story is a sad one… the way she lost her mother as a child was terrible and her father is not ever going to win the Award For Father Of The Year. That makes her searching love in other places, and she is in relationships with men she doesn’t truly love.
There is also an event in the past that has truly scarred her, making me pity her even more.

But when it’s obvious that she has Piers to count on, I felt a sense of relief, that she is not alone and whatever she does or is happening to her, Piers is always there for her. Such a friend should everyone have!

For the readers it’s obvious that between Anastasia and Piers are some unspoken feelings, and every time they were together, I was hoping that they would finally admit them.
Despite Piers’ desire to admit what he feels, he puts his family first and gently pushes Anastasia towards her first love, his younger brother Mark.
In a way I admired Piers, putting his own family best interests first, but I found it also sad, because he was giving up his own happiness…

But this is not only a romance, the impossible love between two people. There is drama in it, suspense, threats and danger in it too.
We see Anastasia change into a woman she is not, all ‘thanks’ to Mark, who has a secret agenda, and he is not the only one.
And sometimes that is wat made it a bit confusing for me. There are so many things going on, so many people directly or indirectly involved. If some of the subplots would have been skipped at all, or a little more elaborated, it would have helped to avoid my confusion.

But I enjoyed reading about Anastasia and Piers, their bond is truly indestructible and they go lengths for each other!
This story is about love, strengths and courage. It shows how people with no good intentions can change kind hearted people in a sad way. But there is always a possibility to escape the shadows. And that true love (between friends, your own chosen family,…) is always worth of every battle.

Today I’m taking part in the reveal lf this beautiful cover!

Synopsis

Escape to the beautiful Scottish Highlands for a heartwarmingand feel good cosy romance that will whisk you away from lockdown!

When Scotland’s sleepiest hamlet becomes the centre of hot gossip, Layla Devlin finds herself caught in a mystery…

When Layla’s fiancée has an unexpected heart attack and dies – in another woman’s arms, no less – Layla is determined to pack up and leave Loch Harris, the village she’s always called home. But an unexpected inheritance and love for her quiet corner of Scotland send her down a new path.

Now Layla finds herself facing a whole new kind of drama. Rumours swirl that a celebrity has moved into Coorie Cottage and Layla is determined to have him headline her opening night at local music venue The Conch Club. But the reclusive star is equally determined to thwart Layla’s efforts. RafeBuchanan is in hiding for a reason, and soon his past comes to Loch Harris to haunt him…

About the author

I am a contemporary romance author from Scotland, who is obsessed with stationery and handbags.

I am married with two sons and have a poodle cross Romanian rescue puppy called Cooper. A Secret Scottish Escape is my fifth book.

I trained as a journalist and studied Communication & Media. When I’m not reading or writing, I love getting out for long walks, listening to music and watching romcoms.

THE COVER!

Can science find the person of your dreams?

Synopsis

Meet Patrick Cooper – desperately down on his luck, and head-over-heels in unrequited love with his best friend Bridget.

Meet Bridget’s sister, Emma Donovan –  eternally single maker-of-cakes for many a happy couple, whilst never making it down the aisle herself.

Emma has four younger sisters, all of whom are married or getting married, and an Italian mother who can’t understand what is ‘wrong’ with her eldest daughter, who seems to be stranded on the shelf.  Despairing of her own ability to find a suitable husband, Emma agrees to be part of a compatibility project to get married at first sight. 

Meanwhile Cooper is struggling to get over his crush on Bridget and seems destined to stay firmly on the shelf too. Perhaps it’s time his fate was taken out of his hands…

Is happily-ever-after just about daring to take a chance, or do you need some extra magic to make love last?

Join Beth Moran, Cooper and the Donovan sisters on this life-affirming and uplifting tale of love, family, friendship, and risking it all for happiness. 

My review

Emma Donovan is loving her job as a wedding cake – maker. But the longer she is staying single, the more it bothers her that everyone seems to find their better halves except her…
And of course it doesn’t help that her four younger sisters are all married or in the process of getting married. And on top of it all, having a real Italian mother who wants to see her oldest daughter settled.
So when her sister Bridget is working together with Patrick Cooper on a compatibility project to get married at first sight, Emma as despaired as she is, agrees on taking part.
But when Patrick is also taking part on the project as a guinea pig, to get over his unrequited love for Bridget, could it be that science truly can match people?

This story gave me mixed feelings…

On one hand we have Emma, struggling with her single – status and having younger sisters all happily married or nearly walking down the aisle.
And having a job creating wedding cakes surely isn’t helping her depressed feelings.
So when she decides to let science take over and help her sister Bridget to get married at first sight, I understood her reasons.

And we have Patrick, being in love with Bridget, but knowing it would never be requited…  So when he is also part in the project, I thought I knew where the story would go.

But from that very point, the story took a turn I didn’t expect. The matching didn’t was how I imagined, but all is fair in books, so here also I understood the reason behind it.

I enjoyed reading how both Emma and Patrick have to adjust to be part of a married couple, both having no idea what adventure they started.
Slowly they are growing closer together, they get to know each other and a friendship is being built.
But also personally they are making an evolution, because of their situation they have to figure out what they truly want. They have to do some inner searching and have to find the courage to speak out.

Feelings are not something that can be denied, and no matter how much you work on them, you cannot just pretend they exist (or don’t exist).
Both Emma and Patrick have to figure out what they actual feel, not only for each other. And is staying married just to prove a point the right course to take?

This story shows us that a marriage is something that needs to be worked on, not only for complete strangers matched by a project, but also for people who know each other.
I liked reading how both Emma and Patrick are trying to make things work. They truly give their best and don’t give up easily.

The ending of this story somehow made sense, because a lot of pieces of the puzzle fell together. But there was this tiny piece that left me bit longing for more, because I felt there was one unfinished business that I would have loved to see it also finished. Yet even if it did not end like I wished, it somehow was perfect in line with the whole story.