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.

I just love all the sisters!!!

Synopsis

Clementine’s swapped a London flat for a Scottish castle – but will she get her fairytale ending?

After discovering they were heirs to an enormous fortune, the lives of the five Hiverton sisters have never been the same. 

While oldest sister Ariana settles in Norfolk, Clementineheads up to the remote Scottish Highlands to move into the castle that forms part of their estate. Not bad for a girl brought up scrabbling for money in a tiny house in East London…

However, Clem quickly finds out that Ruacoddy Castle is falling apart, the neighbours – especially grumpy young farmer, Rory – are suspicious of her and the eccentric housekeeper, Ottoline, is still in residence.

But as Clem finds herself growing closer to the village community, even growing closer to Rory and forming an alliance with Ottoline, she realises that life in the Highlands might just be the change she needed. 

She just needs to find out if Manolo Blahnik make wellies…

Take a trip to the gorgeous Scottish countryside with this utterly feelgood, romantic and hilarious read – fans of Jenny Colgan, Holly Martin and Cressida McLaughlin will love this!

My review

Now that the Hiverton sisters have inherited a fortune, their lives have changed for the better, as money problems is something of the past.

Clementine heads to Ruacoddy Castle in Scotland, to see the actual state of the building. It’s also the perfect occasion for her to take a break from her career as a fashion designer, as her last job turned to be a poisoned gift, leaving not only her passion but also her heart in pieces.
But it’s quickly clear that Ruacoddy Castle is falling into pieces, the neighbours aren’t that very welcoming and that housekeeper Ottoline is a force of nature and is not eager to help Clem.
However the Scottish Highlands work their magic on Clem and she starts to finally feel at home. And surely growing closer to Rory, the young farmer, is a plus!

Each time I start reading about one of the sisters, I think I have found my favourite sister. But then another book appears and I love her just as much as the other sisters! And same thing applies for Clem!

When Clem goes to the Scottish Highlands, what she truly wants is just escape from the mess she found. She is very secretive of what had made her run away, but knowing the sisters, I knew it wasn’t just a minor issue. From the previous stories, I knew that the sisters were not drama queens, so whatever Clem was running from, was serious.

But instead of running into a peaceful place, she finds that Ruacoddy Castle is a big mess. And working together with Otto is a mission impossible. On top of it all, she also has to fight the prejudices that she is just a rich, spoilt girl that doesn’t know what work is.

What I truly loved about Clem is that she is a very impulsive girl. She speaks and acts before she thinks, thus causing hilarious situations! Yet it’s obvious she has a kind heart and is ready to fight for whatever or whoever she cares about. That may be a Castle in ruins, but also a stubborn housekeeper known as Otto. Or why not, creating a wedding dress for a woman she just nearly met!

This story was a bit different compared with the previous ones, because the main characters are not two love interests, but Clem and Otto and their struggling appreciation of each other. Both women have secrets and a strong mind, which of course results in serious clashing. Yet slowly they come to an understanding and realize that their first impressions were wrong. And together they are finding solutions for their problems.

Even if this wasn’t a real love story in my opinion, I have to say something about Rory too… Just imagine how your perfect strong and sexy farmer would look like, add kindness and a strong attraction to it, and you have Rory. He is also a strong character, ready to fight for his home. Yet he has also this sweet side that just made me fall totally in love with him!
He fights with Clem all the time because of their different visions, but he understands when he has to push and when to stop. And the lengths he goes when he sees how much something matters to Clem…

When I started reading this book, I started with a smile, because I was happy to discover another sister. While reading my smile only grew bigger and bigger, because I enjoyed every bit of this story. There were hilarious moments, frustrating moments, sweet moments and lovely moments. Even being a bit different, this story was just perfect!

Liz Hurley managed to write again a captivating story about strong characters, seeing someone how they really are and that a home is where you can find your peace. I cannot wait to read about the remaining sisters!!!

And on this sunny Tuesday, I have a brand new cover reveal!

Synopsis

As an eventful school year draws to a close, Mark has to face his greatest challenge yet.

Witches, demons and spells have quickly become the norm for Mark, but he will find that magic can’t solve all of his problems.

With everyone relying on him, will Mark be able to save the day?

Or will the price of being a hero be too high?

Pre Order Link 

Available at special pre-order deal 99p (normal price £3.50/$3.99)

Purchase links:  https://books2read.com/u/b5kdXO

Publication Date: 1st May

About the author

Kelly S. Marsden grew up in Yorkshire, and there were two constants in her life – books and horses.
Graduating with an equine degree from Aberystwyth University, she has spent most of her life since trying to experience everything the horse world has to offer. She is currently settled into a Nutritionist role for a horse feed company in Doncaster, South Yorkshire.
She writes Fantasy stories part-time. Her first book, The Shadow Rises (Witch-Hunter #1), was published in January 2013, and she now has several successful series under her belt.

The cover

When your peace is disturbed by uninvited guests…

Synopsis

Escape the rat race by heading to the Yorkshire Moors in Jane Lovering’s funny, warm and magical new novel.

Needing an escape, Dora swapped city living for life as a shepherdess on her grandad’s Yorkshire farm. More than a decade later Dora is still there, now farming the fifty acres and caring for the one hundred rare sheep by herself. She never hears the call of the city, but instead relishes the peace and simplicity of life on the Moors.

When Dora’s glamorous but quarrelsome sister Cass, her teenage nephew Thor and his handsome tutor Nat, turn up for an unexpected and unreasonably long stay, life on the farm is thrown into chaos. Cass brings with her unwelcome memories from the past, and of someone who once stole Dora’s heart. 

Dora takes refuge in the comforting routine of the farm, the sheep never allowing her too much time to dwell. But, as the seasons change, the snow starts to melt, and as lambs begin to fill the fields, Dora can’t keep hiding in the hills. Because even though she’s trying, Dora can’t run away from a love that never really let her go…

Let Jane Lovering whisk you away to the beauty and serenity of the Yorkshire Moors, far away from the noise of the city. Just right for fans of Emma Burstall, Holly Martin and Kate Forster.

My review

Dora inherited her grandad’s Yorkshire farm and swapped her city life for a life as a shepherdess. She enjoys the peace and quiet, even if running a farm with one hundred rare sheep is not an easy task.
However, when her sister Cass and nephew Thor suddenly appear on her doorstep, together with tutor Nat, demanding to stay for an undefined time at the farm, Dora’s peace and calm are swapped for Chaos and Disorder!
Not only has Dora lost her peace, but also unwanted memories resurface, and because of the interfering of Cass, Dora needs to find a solution to save the farm. And Nat seems to be part of her past also somehow…

I always enjoy reading a book from Jane Lovering, yet this one was a bit different. Not that I didn’t enjoy reading it, because I honestly did!
But there were some darker themes in it that I didn’t expect.

Dora seems like a strange woman, looking on her own after one hundred rare sheep. It surely wouldn’t be something for me! And it’s not just literally looking at the sheep, there are so many more tasks involved! And some of them just gave me shivers!
It’s very quickly obvious that Dora has some secrets from a dark past, what made her escape to Folly Farm. And even if initially her past was partly made clear, I did have some sympathy for her, but not the overwhelming feeling of feeling sorry for her.
Yet the more is made clear, the more the real overwhelming feeling of pity came to me.
However, now she has put her past behind her, and looking after sheep surely made some hilarious situations are taking place. I found myself laughing at the stubborn sheep (one sheep particularly!).

When Cass suddenly stands at her door, I didn’t like her presence. Cass came over like a know-it-all, it seemed like she thought she could just come and start making decisions over the farm, never taking Dora’s opinion in account. And that made Dora doubt if being at the farm was truly her own wish or just something thrown at her.
Yet again, there is always more than meets the eye, and slowly I had to readjust my opinion over Cass, because just like Dora, I didn’t understand what Cass had been through and is still going through.

But please keep in mind, there are also so many sweet and funny moments! I loved reading how Thor slowly starts to embrace farm life, even if his dream is to become insta-famous. And his livestreaming will prove to be a real lifesaver!

I am not writing anything on Nat on purpose, because I want you to discover him all by yourself. Let me just say that no matter what happened before, I would like to have a Nat all for me too!

This story is about running away from your past, but also that sometimes confronting them can be liberating. And that it can be hard to see the difficulties someone else is in when your own plate is already full. Yet when you take the time to be honest and open, you will be able to find the perfect solution for all people involved and appreciate your loved ones and vice versa.

I found it sometimes a funny story, sometimes a story with a darker twist to it. But I enjoyed reading about two sisters so different yet so alike.
Again Jane Lovering didn’t disappoint in this book, writing about a place to call home, seeing people for the first like how they really are and many many many funny sheep! 

A huge tumble with huge consequences.

Synopsis

Meet Kaitlyn Colby, a clumsy, inappropriate blurter with self-esteem issues, but also quite handy with an axe. She’s certainly no superhero, but she fights the battles of a single mom with sweet snarkasm. Between work and pining for and co-parenting with her man-child ex (is there any other kind?), Kaitlyn has no time to find that special someone. And if she did, would he really want her anyway? Kaitlyn’s sister and friends (The Sweet Water Circle) say yes, so following a typical Kaitlyn slip up, The Circle intervenes to force her out of the funk that she fell into following her unwanted divorce.

When Kaitlyn makes a decision to pursue her advertising career over love, she tumbles (like no tumble you’ve ever seen…or heard) into the life of hunky, bay breeze-drinking Hunter Dixon, an ad exec who is intrigued enough by Kaitlyn that he hires her firm to revive a struggling project, much like herself.

Can Kaitlyn become the woman she needs to be to land the man of her dreams? Maybe. Maybe not. But you’ll laugh out loud as she tries. There’s no doubt you’ll be rooting for the lovable, hilarious, and relatable Kaitlyn. And you’ll probably love her friends, too, which is good, because their stories are ready to be told in the Sweet Water Circle series!

Project Kaitlyn could be the funniest book you ever read. It’s a hilarious romantic comedy that speaks the truth (well, most of the time) about life and love, and…hiking thongs? What the heck is that? Well, you’ll just have to read it to find out!

My review

Kaitlyn Colby is a single – mom with no time for finding that special someone. After all, whenever in need of some loving, she can always count on her ex – husband, as their lust is still very much present.
And also, who would ever want her? No matter what her best friends of The Sweet Water Circle say, she keeps on having very low self – esteem…
But when on an event she literally takes a big tumble and bumps into Hunter Dixon, little does she know that not only her career but also her love life will take a new direction!

Did I ever expect to have so much fun reading this book? Absolutely not! Did I have several loud laughs, scaring the people around me? Absolutely yes!

Kaitlyn is a woman that could have been my friend in real life. She is so recognizable, fun to be around, a great sense of humour and even her clumsiness is something I can relate to! And if she were for real, I would be just like her friends of The Sweet Water Circle, trying to make it clear to her just amazing she is, because her low self – esteem is totally unjustified!
Yet she is also hot – tempered, the way she lashes out at that cardboard!

The most fun starts when she meets Hunter Dixon. Talking about original first meetings! I had my first loud laugh while Kaitlyn was tumbling, but if I were in her shoes, I would have the same feeling of total embarrassment!

Kaitlyn and Hunter are total opposites.. Kait – formerly known as Kaitlyn, does not like to take unnecessary risks and doesn’t do ‘spontaneous’. While Hunter just easily goes with the flow and he will see what the future holds for him. and he surely doesn’t do ‘serious’!
Yet the attraction is palpable and just sparks from each page!
The banter between this couple is hilarious, they take it to a whole new level!

Yet the insecurity Kait still has, put a bit of a dark shadow over this couple’s potential. Kait is not sure what Hunter sees in her, and adding a flirting colleague like Sascha in the equation, is not surely helping out!

However slowly Kait starts to see what everybody else sees, that she totally is worth of love, and why not Hunter’s love? She grows in the story to a stronger woman, not only thinking about others but also thinking about what makes her happy. And if that is Hunter, so be it.

I loved reading how she started to do things outside her comfort zone, with the encouragement of Hunter. I will never think of hiking in the same way! 😄

The friends that Kait has, are just too much fun! So I have to put them in my review!!! They truly want what’s best for Kait, showing how close they really are, no matter their differences. They help each other, support each other and give even some unwanted or strange advice. Be prepared whenever the Circle is present, because you’ll never know what will be said!

This author was a real revelation for me, as I enjoyed every bit of this book! It’s fun, sweet but also with a message that everybody is worthy of love, and that no matter how little you think of yourself, people will see your true colours and love you just the way you are!
I cannot wait to read more!!!

A little bit of love, a little bit of drama, a little bit of secrets.

Synopsis

It’s 1988. The era of young love, with Scott and Charlene melting hearts in Neighbours, and a new princess for the Royal Family. With Bros, Madonna and Wet Wet Wet in the charts, and children hoping for Ghostbusters’ toys in their stockings.

But it’s not all fun for Belinda. If her life was a board game, she’s losing at snakes and ladders. Once she’d been working her way up one of those ladders but, thanks to her snake-like polytechnic lecturer, she’s toppled from the rungs. Now she works in an old people’s home, where her chief duties involve cleaning toilets and emptying commodes.

At least her lovely colleague, Joe, offers excitement in her otherwise dreary life. But Belinda can’t believe he’d be interested in someone like her. Not when her pretty friend, Tracey, only has to glance at a man to have him fall for her.

But just when it seems things are looking up for Belinda, the residents’ precious possessions start to go missing. Then she witnesses a disturbing incident and doesn’t know what to do. Luckily, Belinda has Joe to guide her – until she discovers that he’s hiding a secret, one that forces her to make an agonising decision.

Will she continue to hide in the shadows, never speaking out – or will she put her future on the line to stand up for what is right? After all, she’s caring for a generation that’s lived through two wars. Now it’s time to fight for them.

My review

In the Eighties, Belinda is ready to start a new job. After her own share of unfortunate events, she works in a care home/ residential home, mainly cleaning toilets and emptying commodes.
It’s not the job of dreams, but without a degree, she is not in the position to be picky on jobs.
Luckily she befriends colleague Joe, a very lovely and good-looking man. The closer they become, the more insecure Belinda becomes, because why would someone like him be interested in someone like her, while he could get someone gorgeous as her best friend Tracey.

But slowly things are looking better for Belinda, because the residents’ are really fond of her. However when possessions start to disappear and not all colleagues are treating the residents with the respect they earn, Belinda is not sure what to do. Should she dare to speak out, with risking her own job? Or should she just keep quiet?
With the guidance of Joe, Belinda is trying to do the right thing. But when it appears that Joe also has a secret of his own, Belinda has to make an even more important decision that will also affect the residents…

First of all, I was only two when this story is taking place 😃 So a few references were not that clear to me. But overall I truly enjoyed reading this blast from the past!

Despite her past, I admired Belinda and her courage of not just giving up. Working in the home is not something she saw herself doing, but she is committed to the job and she starts to really care about the residents. She sees how some people are feeling lonely and she does her best, even when her workhours are over, to make these people a little bit happier.
And I think that even in the present, we need more people like Bee, caring and looking after those who have fought literally so that we are where we are now. The older people are often seen as a burden, while they can still be a source of knowledge.

In the beginning, Bee is a very insecure woman, lacking self – confidence. But slowly she evolves in a young woman, standing up for the rights of the residents, and starts to see also her self-worth. And thanks to Joe, she starts to see how other people see her, a lovely, caring young woman with her heart at the right place.
Even when she discovers the truth about the missing possessions, she keeps in mind what the right thing to do is, even if it hurts someone nearby her.

I loved reading how this girl went from cleaning toilets to fighting for the care of the residents. And to read how she and Joe are getting closer, was just too sweet!
Being a story taking place in the Eighties, there were a lot of funny references that I could perfectly imagine. And also there were bits that were hilarious to read about!

I found this a very entertaining story with lovely moments, but also with secrets to be uncovered.
Sometimes I was left shocked with how the residents were treated, realizing that unfortunately this is still a fact in present times. But with people like Bee and Joe, the injustice can be undone with the caring people that truly have our beloved ones best interest at heart!

The story of a teenager

Synopsis

Emme starts dating a popular high school student who happens to be from a famous political family. It seems like everyone at school either wants to be Brendon Agretti or date him. Emme feels out of her comfort zone in Brendon’s worldand it doesn’t help that his picture-perfect ex seems determined to get back into his life, along with every other girl who wants to be the future Mrs. Agretti. Emme is already conflicted due to the fact her last boyfriend dumped her and her whole world is off kilter with her grandparents’ health issues. Life suddenly seems easier pushing Brendon away and relying on her crystals and horoscopes to guide her. Emme soon starts to realize she needs to focus less on the stars and more on her senses. Can Emme get over her insecurities and make her relationship work? Life sure is complicated when you’re dating the it guy.

My review

When Emme starts dating the popular guy from high school, she is not ready for all the extra luggage that comes with it.
Not only does she have to face her own insecurities, but she also has to face the flirting of Brendon’s ex – girlfriend. As at home she is also having difficulties because of her grandparents’ health issues, she starts to rely more and more on the guidance of crystals and horoscopes.
Because it seems to be all too much for her, it seems to her it will be easier to just push Brendon away. But is it the right choice to make? And should she learn to trust her intuition over the crystals and horoscopes?

When being in high school, who didn’t dream of being in a relationship with the most popular guy? Of course, if you’re not one of the popular girls too, chance of that dream coming true, are rather small.
So I was very happy with the opportunity of reading this story.

It’s clear that Emme is a young girl with a lot on her plate. Her previous relationship did not end very well, making her own insecurities grow bigger. Also at home she has to face big issues, because her beloved grandparents’ health situations are deteriorating.
When she starts dating Brendon, I was hoping that everything would go smoothly for her, but of course that would be a very short story if that would be the case.
And the issues she is having, are so recognizable for everyone. We all had insecurities about ourselves. As a teenager we all doubted if we were good enough. And an ex – girlfriend lurking behind every corner surely isn’t making things easy for Emme.

I have to admit, I found it a bit difficult to understand why Emme went all the way with relying on crystals and other beliefs in astrology. But maybe it’s because I have a total lack of interest in such matters.
But I understood that Emme had to find her comfort somewhere, so why not in astrology?

In general I found it a bittersweet story, about a young girl finding love, but having many struggles and sometimes making the wrong decisions. But it was also a story about growing up, because we see Emme slowly relying more on her intuition and even discard the advices given by a supposed good friend.

I think this would be a good story for teenagers to read, to see that there is always light on the end of the tunnel. And for adults it’s a good reminder of what we went through ourselves.

Can a heart be healed after being broken?

Synopsis

When you’ve loved and lost, how do you find the strength to let love in again?

Jemma thinks she’s found the love of her life. Scott is everything she ever dreamed of and she can’t wait to begin the next stage of their life together. But just as she is heading for her happy ever after, a shock revelation shatters Jemma’s life as she knows it. Left to pick up the pieces, Jemma’s friends and family rally round to help her find the courage to move on.

Sam think he has his future all worked out. A thriving career, lovely home and an amazing fiancée. But when tragedy strikes, he finds himself alone, far from everyone he cares about. Did he do the right thing by running away and trying to rebuild the tatters of his life alone?

This is the story of Jemma and Sam. Two lost souls, desperately trying to find closure and happiness. When a chance meeting brings them together a friendship is formed, but the guards are up. 

Will it finally be their turn for a happy ever after? Or will the secrets from their pasts prevent them from moving on?

Escape to Whitsborough Bay for an emotional, uplifting story of love and friendship from top 10 bestseller Jessica Redland. 

This book was previously published as Bear With Me.

My review

When Jemma meets Scott, she thinks she has found her perfect man. and now that she is ready to take the next step, she is over the moon when Scott seems to be on the same page.
But when a revelation just turns her world upside down, it’s hard to pick up the pieces again. Luckily, she can count on her family and friends to help her through one of the darkest moments of her life. But Jemma is not only facing a broken, heart, because her mother is worrying her every day a little bit more…

Sam is still coping with the tragedy that struck his fiancée. His whole future went up in air and now he finds himself alone after running away to a place where nobody knows him.
Because despite the good intentions of his friends and family, how can he start thinking of rebuilding a life when he had it all, and lost it?

When Jemma and Sam meet, they realize that they have found someone that understand the turmoil they are in.

I honestly think I have to stop reading books from this author!  No matter what I read of her, each time it breaks my heart, and I have tears in my eyes…

Both Jemma and Sam have been going through devastating events. And even if in one aspect they are very different, yet they are very similar.
Jemma’s love for Scott has been betrayed in the worst way. And somehow I understood her feelings and actions. Yes, her heart got broken, but it’s not easy to just erase the feelings of love you have for a man who you imagined spending the rest of your life with.
So when a second chance appeared, I understood her dilemma. Yet I couldn’t forget the way Jemma found out the truth…

Sam story was a more tragic, final story. Losing his fiancée Nikki like that, out of the blue, with later on an even bigger tragedy, ugh, no words can explain what it did to me!
Also here, I understood why Sam had the need to get away from everything and everyone.

This story is about grief, coping with your loss and finding strength to trust and love people again. Every feeling the characters go through, was so gripping, honest and real. I found myself often wishing to have the ability to get into the book and just give our protagonists a hug for comfort. Or when they took a step in the right direction, a high five.
There are several painful moments, but also so many emotional, beautiful moments, that made me forget the hardest bits and I found myself smiling with tears rolling down my face… And the bears added an extra layer of adorability!

It’s not only a book about what you have lost, but also finding the courage and strength to cope with whatever will happen next.
I found it an inspirational book about how to dare to look at the future again.

The author managed again to write a story about normal people, going through heart-breaking events, but instead of just giving up, they are able to see a little ray of light.
I just loved it, what more can I say???

How to choose between love and family?

Synopsis

An impossible choice:

His family or love

As steward to the Earl of Borwyn, Erik Ward had only admired sheltered noblewoman Linota Leofricfrom afar – until he has to escort her on a dangerous journey. When she’s kidnapped, he rescues the courageous beauty, revelling in finally having her in his arms. But Erik has a secret plan to reunite his family – now he’s forced to choose between that and his growing feelings for Linota…

My review

Linota Leofric has always been sheltered from everything by her mother. That all changed thanks to her brother. She starts to enjoy the funs of the world and learns all the things she has been missing out.
Little does she know that she has a secret admirer, Erik Ward. However, being born into different worlds, Erik knows he can only admire Linota from afar.
When Linota is being kidnapped for monetary reasons, Erik is ready to do whatever he can to save her. But an impossible choice is thrown at him: save Linota or betray her brother in the worst way but finally be able to find his missing sister.

This was a story I was absolutely looking forward to read, as we got a small glimpse of Erik and Linota in the previous book of this series.
I sensed immediately that there was so much more to their story! And did this story fulfil my expectations? You’ll find out reading below! 😃

Even if Linota is relatively young, she had a difficult childhood. Not only was her father accused of being a traitor, but she also saw him being hanged. And when her mother went a bit crazy and locked up Linota and her sister, well, I truly pitied the sisters even more.
So when Linota is at her brother’s wedding, I enjoyed reading how much fun she was having over sometimes the simplest things!
Her being young and a bit otherworldly, doesn’t mean she doesn’t feel any attraction towards the mysterious Erik Ward.

Erik Ward is this typical silent, mysterious man. but whenever he is nearby Linota, all he wants is to make her smile. And it’s just that aspect that made my heart melt too!
And the fact that he is constantly trying to find his beloved sister, shows how caring he truly is. He made his sister a promise, and he will do whatever he can to keep it.
So when keeping his promise means he has to make an impossible choice, it was just heart-breaking…

Whenever Linota and Erik are together, sparks just fly around. Their attraction is just so obvious, even if they know their love would be an impossible one. Both care very much about their families and will do whatever they can to make them happy, even if that means put their own happiness aside. Yet hiding their feelings makes it impossible for the other person to know how deep the feelings are and often Linota finds herself wondering if the love is only a one – way direction or not… 

I loved reading this story because it gave me the answers of questions I had after reading the previous book. And it confirmed my feeling that Erik wasn’t such a malicious man as we thought. There is always more to a person than we think and whenever someone acts out of character, we have to wonder what the real motivations are.

I found this a beautiful story, about a young woman and a man with a mission, trying to do the right thing by not giving in to their attraction. But sometimes just admitting the feelings you have can be the right thing. I loved reading about all the Leofric siblings and this story was the perfect ending for all of them!