Letting it go is easier said than done!

Synopsis

A second chance…
With the single dad?

When hotelier Sophia Lambert finds billionaire Jack McGregor’s runaway daughter, a thank you dinner sounds harmless. Until Sophia finds herself tantalizingly attracted to Jack… The deeply desirable single dad re-awakens long-buried emotions in Sophia, but his jet-set life is beckoning. Unless Sophia can tempt him with her own proposal: to keep his feet on the ground…

My review

Sophia Lambert never expected that one of the tasks of a hotelier would be hiding under a table with a six – year – old. But when the child of a VIP goes missing, it doesn’t matter what she has to do, as long as the little girl is found!
Only too bad that under the table is exactly how Jack McGregor finds her and his daughter… what a lousy first impressions she is making. But Jack is just all too happy his daughter has been found.
After agreeing on a thank – you dinner, Sophie finds herself attracted to Jack and long – buried emotions are being awakened. And it appears that those feelings are mutual.

But their lives are just so different, and each of them has a troubled past making them hold back. Or is there a way anyway?

For those who are following my blog, know how much I adore Rachael Stewart. And for those who don’t follow me: I ADORE HER!!!! 🤣
Normally her stories are a bit spicier, so I was very curious to read something a bit out of the box of her.

And again, I loved it!

I found this an utterly sweet story about people that have a lot to overcome.
Both Sophia and Jack are carrying around a lot of guilt, and that guilt is holding them back from moving on.
I’m not going to give any details, because that would spoil the joy of reading this book and discovering it for yourself. But what I can say, is that I understand their way of thinking, yet it was sad to see how the past was a dark cloud over their lives.

Sophia is a kind and caring woman, and she has everyone’s best interest at heart. She is someone you immediately like and on some levels, I even wished I was her!
Despite her past, she has no troubles going to the same level as Lily, and together they have so much fun!
Even if she is not a mom herself, she senses immediately what Lily needs and wants to make sure that little girl is happy.

Jack is a workaholic, yet his only priority is Lily. He may seem a little overprotective, but once his past is revealed, I somehow understood him. sometimes he goes a bit too far, but honestly I couldn’t blame him.

Yet the true star of this story is Lily. She is the one that immediately stole my heart, and she is also the reason that Sophia and Jack are getting closer. Her innocence and her enthusiasm are so fun to read about!

This story shows that everyone deserves a second chance, and that love can overcome every fear.
Not only the love story between Sophia and Jack is wonderful, also the settings are amazing. The trip they make is out of a dream.
For me, this was a perfect total package and the author fulfilled all my expectations, even if it was something a bit out of the box for her!

The perfect vengeance with help from chocolate!

Synopsis

Ellie Sanchez wants revenge. Spurned during her school days at prestigious Monty’s academy when she was plain Eleanor Finch, and played second fiddle to her idol, Barnaby Westwood, and his show-off sister, Clementine, Ellie will stop at nothing to turn the tables now she’s all grown up. The siblings and their snubbing have been the catalyst for everything that’s gone wrong in her life, from parental neglect to her divorce.

When the Westwood travel merchandise company advertises for a new HR manager, Ellie decides her unique combo of karma and Law of Attraction has finally come good. And she’ll be bagging herself a cherry-on-the-cake, second, and richer, husband in the process – once Barnaby sees how much she’s changed, anyway. 

Fast forward two years and he STILL doesn’t recognise her! 

Fast forward two years and the company is in a financial mess.

Last Chance Saloon-style, Ellie coerces the siblings and their older sister, Brooke (the perpetual spanner in her works) to a rustic gîte in Normandy for a spot of team-building… over a very ‘special’ box of artisan chocolates.

Cue ALL the fireworks in the cocoa bean version of Jumanji…

My review

Ellie Sanchez has a plan. And that plan all starts with applying for the job of HR Manager at the Westwood travel merchandise company.
It’s not the job she is truly interested in, but more in getting back at the Westwood siblings. Because they have a history…
While at school, Ellie was plain Eleanor Finch, and rather invisible for her crush Barnaby Westwood and his sister Clementine.
Now that her appearances have changed, she has  planned the perfect revenge. Because those siblings were the catalyst for everything that went wrong in Ellie’s life.

Not only is she planning on getting Karma to do its thing, but she also relies on the Law Of Attraction, sure that Barnaby will see how much she is changed and that she is the woman of his dreams.

But when after several months the company is in deep waters and the Westwoods still don’t have a clue who she truly is, she devises the ultimate revenge. All it takes is a rustic gîte in Normandy, under the pretence of team – building, and a mysterious box of artisan chocolates.

How to make sure I read a book? Put chocolates on the cover and I won’t be able to ignore it!

I have to admit, there is a lot of going on, but it took me a while to see the whole picture.
When Ellie starts working for the Westwoods, it’s obvious that there is something that happened in the past. But that is not completely revealed immediately. So I had some difficulties understanding her true motives.

Despite her secret agenda that isn’t so innocent, Ellie is someone I quickly warmed to. Because there are so many things that makes her recognizable. Anyone who wasn’t part of the popular gang at school, has felt the same way Ellie felt. And who hasn’t even once devised a way to get revenge to the people that hurt you?

I had so much fun reading about the silly games she invented under the pretext as bonding. Everything Ellie does, has a secret agenda. And yes, you can think of it as it may be a bit over the top everything that Ellie is planning, but I found it very entertaining!

When Ellie puts the chocolates into action, it takes a bit of imagination, because I surely hope that the effects they were having on the eater was something completely made up!
Yet it was an eye – opener, not only for the readers but also for the characters.
The message that got through to me was that nothing is what it seems.

I found this very entertaining, and surprising towards the end. Getting revenge can be a main reason for acting like Ellie did, but is it truly the main purpose? Because without giving anything away, in the end Ellie did not get the revenge like she planned, but she found more than bargained. And isn’t that eventually all that matters? Not having the revenge like you planned, but just having closure and ending with surprising people by your side.

A Christmas full of second chances.

Synopsis

Christmas at the Little Waffle Shack

Heritage Cove is in full swing for the festive season and as the temperature dips, who will be lucky in love this Christmas?

It’s December in Heritage Cove and along with the village Christmas tree, frosty mornings and the promise of the most wonderful time of the year, the new waffle shack is about to open. And its owner isn’t a stranger to the Cove, because after all this time, Daniel is back to make amends with his brother Harvey – as well as a few other locals he might have offended along the way.

Fairly new to the village, local blacksmith Lucy has kept up the pretence of being with her ex for the sake of his gran but she’s fed up with all the lies. Determined to come clean and live the life she wants to live, she’s devastated to find that her attraction to Daniel is tainted by the fact he’s hiding a few things of his own. And his secrets are ones she isn’t sure she’ll ever be able to get past.

Heritage Cove is full of friendship and community; it’s a welcoming place people visit and never want to leave. But will it work its magic for Daniel and Lucy?

A festive read packed with Christmas romance, love and second chances, this is Book 2 in a series of standalone novels set in Heritage Cove, the little village by the sea…

My review

Blacksmith Lucy is determined that this Christmas will be the last one she will pretend still being together with her ex for the sake of his Gran.
She wants to move on with her life, and even if now she is doing a job she truly loves, still having to pretend with her ex, is just not moving on.

Daniel is coming back to Heritage Cove after several years. beside opening a new waffle shack, he also wants to make amends with his brother Harvey, as their relationship can best be described as non – existing. And while he tries to fix this relationship, he is ready to apologize to other locals who have been ‘victim’ of his past actions.

Lucy and Daniel quickly feel the mutual attraction, but will the secrets that Daniel is keeping be a deal breaker? Because some of those secrets are more devastating than others…

First of all, I was so happy returning to Heritage Cove! I loved reading Book No. 1 and was looking forward reading Book No. 2. But it can perfectly be read as a standalone!

From the very start, it’s obvious that Lucy is a very caring woman. The story behind her cat and the fact that she is pretending being still married because of her ex’s Gran, it’s just a fact that she is a kind woman with her heart at the right place.
Now that she is ready to move on, she has to finds a way to bring the news to both her ex and Gran.
But she is also a woman with strong beliefs. She can forgive many things, but there are also several things that are just unforgivable.

Daniel is a troubled man. We get to learn about his childhood and he didn’t have the easy childhood many of us had. And the way he handled this as a young man was so different compared to what his brother Harvey did (and here it’s handy if you read the first book) that it caused a huge rift between the brothers. And this Christmas he wants to bond again with his brother.

My heart was aching for these two, because they have been through so much, and I just wanted them to be happy, and why not, even together!
The attraction was so obvious, but the moment I thought ‘Yes, now it’s finally going to happen!’, something comes up, and takes Lucy and Daniel even further apart.

I found this a lovely story, about new starts, falling in love, but I found this truly a family story. Bonds can be broken, but it takes a lot of courage to take that first step to make amends. And that was something I truly admired in Daniel. He knows he has made mistakes in the past, but now he wants to truly apologize. It’s not something that is easily done, so in my opinion he was great in doing just that.
Lucy shows her greatness in giving forgiveness. There are a lot of misunderstandings and kept secrets. And Lucy, after the initial shocks, is ready to listen to hear the whole story.

This book showed me again what an amazing community resides in heritage Cove and made me want to live there too!
I loved reading about Lucy and Daniel, the way they handled each situation and despite every setback, they still are their amazing self.

My only point of criticism: reading a story with waffles in it, made me as a Belgian extra hungry that I just had to start baking my own batch of waffles. So thank you for all the extra unnecessary calories I had to take in!!! 🤣

Will having the wedding of your dreams be possible?

Synopsis

Do you believe in fate? Livvie Weatherill does…

This time last year, if anyone had told Livvie Weatherill she’dhave fallen in love and would be making plans for her Christmas wedding to Zander Gillespie, she would have laughed in their face. If they’d gone on to say they’d be planning to have their wedding at the imposing DanskelfeCastle, she’d have laughed even louder!

But it would seem fate had plans for her…

Since moving to the pretty moorland village of LytellStangdale Livvie is happier than she’s ever been. She’s living with Zander and she’s working at her dream job as a wedding dress designer at Romantique with her friends, Kitty and Violet. It’s fair to say, she’s enjoying immersing herself in village life, from romantic walks in the countryside, to meeting friends at the quaint Sunne Inne. And she can’t think of anything better than rounding off the day cosying up with Zander.

Life is sweet.

Her blossoming friendship with Freda Easton, the endearing but reclusive elderly lady who lives down the lane, has taken everyone by surprise. But Freda has a secret and, in a turn of events no one could predict, she finds herself grateful for Livvie’s fierce loyalty, cementing their friendship further.

Just when things seem to be running smoothly, a face from the past arrives on the doorstep casting a shadow over Livvie’s wedding plans. Adding to the drama, an icy blast of Arctic air brings heavy snowfall to the village, covering the moors in a thick blanket of snow.

Is their love strong enough to withstand the challenges thrown at them? Will they get their magical Christmas wedding?

Join Livvie and Zander – and all the usual characters – for a sparkling Christmas full of love and laughter in Lytell Stangdale.

My review

Last year Livvie Weatherill had the biggest changes in her life. She would have never imagined that her holiday would result in falling in love with Zander Gillespie and this year she would be planning her own wedding and the option of getting married at Danskelfe Castle would be the icing on the cake!

Also her living in the village of Lytell Stangdale is going for the best as she now is living her dream of being a wedding dress designer, together with her friends Kitty and Violet.
She enjoys her new life and is making new friendships, especially with Freda Easton.

But when things are going too smoothly, it’s a certainty that something bad will happen. and for Livvie and Zander it’s not just one thing that will jeopardize their wedding.
Is their love strong enough to overcome this nightmare?

I was so happy to read more of this beautiful couple again. Their love is just too sweet and too cute for words. The way they are just made for each other, I wish I could find such a love myself!
And they are just the perfect little family, together with Labrador Alf. Even all the mischief Alf is in, is covered with the cloak of love.

The start of the story is the happily ever after of the previous book, but instead of staying on that cloud of happiness, events are taking place that makes Livvie question everything.
Livvie wants to have the perfect wedding with the perfect man, but she quickly realizes that to have the wedding at the Castle, it will cost.
I felt sorry for Livvie her decision, because I truly cared about Livvie and I wished she could have everything she desires.

And when someone of the past appears, and it involves Zander, I got terrified for a moment, thinking that it would be the end of it all, and hearts would be broken all over the place! I just hoped that right decisions would be made and that our beloved couple would find a way to overcome this!

But the person that really got my heart broken, was Freda…
Initially she seems like this strange character, I even saw her as a kind of an old good witch, living on her own, and being mocked for her being not what people see as “normal”.
But when the truth came out, oh it was terrible! What happened in her past was truly an injustice and the way she still carries that burden, it left me speechless.
Yet here we see again what an amazing person Livvie is, as she opens her home and heart for Freda and how she is also struggling with the injustice.

Another moment I wished I could knock some sense in some people and give Livvie a big hug, was whenever Livvie her mother and sister appears in the story. Talking about selfish people!!!
Luckily Livvie can truly count on the love of her stepmother Rhoda! This shows that the love of a mother can come also from people that are not blood related.

But now I am talking only about negative things that are taking place in the story, but I LOVED reading about the dynamics between Livvie and Zander, I laughed with Alf, I smiled over the friendships.
This was a beautiful story, about family, friendships that can be found in the strangest places, secrets of the past being discovered, but most importantly, about love.
I enjoyed reading it all, even with all the heart – break it caused me!

While trying to find out the truth, you find something else…

Synopsis

Mistletoe and moonshine: a Christmas match made in heaven? 
Moonshine Hollow’s famous ‘Lightning Flash’ might be an acquired taste, although the same could be said for moonshine distillery owner Cole Landon, what with his workaholic habits and ‘Scrooge’ tendencies when it comes to all things Christmassy.
But when Jenna Pendean from Cornwall pays a visit to Cole’s family-run distillery in Tennessee during the holiday season, will Cole’s cynicism about the existence of Christmas miracles be put to the test?

My review

Jenna Pendean lives in Cornwall, but after a discovery, she makes a trip to Tennessee to visit the moonshine distillery owned by Cole Landon and his family.
She wants to find out the truth about her great grandfather and discover how he was involved in creating the recipe for the famous ‘Lightening Flash’.

After a tour visit in the distillery she meets Cole and even if his focus is on running the distillery, he is a real Scrooge whatever concerns Christmas.
But their meeting is the start of many changes. Yet with many secrets to be kept and a big distance between the places they live, Christmas miracles are truly put to test…

I found this not only a love story around Christmas, because it went so much deeper.

Jenna wants to find out the truth about her great grandfather, but with her own parents the relationship isn’t so perfect. Her parents divorced and they have both moved on, but their grudge towards each other affects Jenna more than they think.

Cole also is not having the easiest family. His father died in a tragic way, and the relation with his stepfather is rather cold.
He loves his family, but they have this habit of interfering (with the best intentions) and sometimes that can be frustrating. And I know what I’m talking about! J
Also he has this need to prove everyone he can take care of everything.

When things are getting more serious between Jenna and Cole, they mature and they dare to address their worries. Yet they are still a bit afraid to come clean about their secrets. Both Jenna and Cole are keeping things from each other, and all because being afraid of losing the other one.

But together this is a really beautiful couple. They take out the best of each other, and they are just a couple to become jealous of! And even when in the heat of the moment they get angry, they behave like adults and after they have calmed down, they show they are ready to hear the whole story.

I also loved reading about the history of moonshine and the American past. I have to admit, moonshine is not something I knew so I had to do some research myself. And also reading about some of the Christmas traditions in Tennessee made me rally feel very Christmassy!

A beautiful story about the past, family issues and facing them, daring to ask help and finding love. This story made me realize how important family is and that real family is always there for you, no matter what trouble you got in. I loved it! 

Starting over in Lisbon

Synopsis

‘Beautifully written, comforting and utterly uplifting, Lucy Coleman’s stories are the perfect tonic when life is a little grey.’ Holly Martin

Seren Maddison left behind a rainy Britain to follow her dreams and live and work in Lisbon. The vibrancy, the beautiful scenery and the sunshine, made her fall in love and she knew, instantly, that it would be her forever home.

International artist Reid Henderson has homes in Lisbon and London. Following his painful divorce, his dream is to turn his luxurious home into an art school and gallery.

When Seren and Reid first meet there is an instant attraction, but they are both people who have been hurt, and each have dreams that are so far apart, they aren’t even on the same page. 

Can they enjoy one summer of happiness together, as life bestows a gift of memories to cherish for the rest of their lives? Or is their destiny to chart a path into the future, in a home where dreams can come true?

Seren and Reid may be about to discover that love is as much about what you are prepared to give up, as what you are prepared to keep hold of.

Let Lucy Coleman transport you away to sun-drenched Portugal where true love really can conquer all, and home is where the heart is. Perfect for all fans of Trisha Ashley, Holly Martinand Sue Moorcroft.

My review

Seren Maddison decided to follow her dreams and left Britain behind to live and work in Lisbon. Just every bit of the city makes her feel at home, and she wouldn’t think about moving back to rainy Britain.
While working on her project, she meets international artist Reid Henderson. There is an instant attraction and they can’t keep their eyes of each other.
But Reid is still recovering from his painful divorce and having two homes in London and Lisbon makes it difficult for him to realize his own dream.

Will their one summer of happiness together with no strings attached be enough? Or is there a way to make a future together? Is love a matter of holding on to what you want or is it also a matter what you are ready to give up?

A story about starting over in a foreign country, well that certainly got my interest!

I found Seren from the start a very courageous woman. Just thinking about leaving everything behind, moving to a country you don’t even speak the language (very well), it would be just a nightmare for me. And not having a friend around, even more tragedy in my eyes!

So I admired Seren for just jumping into the unknown, starting a new job with real challenges. I also admired her being straight forward. She is not afraid to speak up her mind, even if everyone else in her situation would just nod and not stand their ground.

She is also adamant to make her project a success. Every new problem is a challenge she is ready to take, together with her team.

When she meets Reid, it’s obvious he will be her love interest. But he comes with a lot of baggage. He is divorces, but his ex and her family are still involved in his business. The relation with his daughter is not optimal, he is trying to realise his dream, so a relationship is absolutely the last thing on his mind.

It’s instant clear what the potential of this couple would be, together they are a force of nature. But his past and her trying to fit in a country with other customs, values and mind – sets are in the way.
Yet they both accept the situation they are currently in, and respect each other, not trying to force the other one in a situation that would only make them both unhappy.

This story is about starting over, finding love, but also about respecting each other and realizing that finding love does not mean it comes at the right time.
And the fact that made me kind of sad was that finding love sometimes means that you have to be ready to give something up. And for a romantic soul like me, it was something I had to digest, because love should come without strings attached.

This story points out what the beauty of love can be, but also what we have to overcome to gain that blissful feeling of loving someone and be in a relationship with this person. And that is something we have to realize.
But it doesn’t take the beauty away of this story. It shows what life can be when you dare to take that leap of faith and dare to start over again.

An unforgettable Christmas

Synopsis

Christmas has arrived…

And she’s spending it with her boss!

New Yorker Erin is intrigued when Hugo Harrington asks for her help on a hotel renovation in London, just weeks before Christmas! But Erin soon discovers how personal this project is to her brooding boss. Watching him wrestle with the memories of his past uncovers a side to Hugo she’s never seen. And then a stolen snowbound kiss changes everything…

My review

Erin is working for Hugo Harrington renovating a hotel in London. Despite her attraction, her only focus is her job and her son Noah. Giving in to her feelings is not an option, especially when she still feels betrayed after discovering the secrets her deceased husband kept from her.
But while working with Hugo on the renovations, she realizes that the hotel is a personal project and she sees a side of him she didn’t know.

This is the third part of The Christmas at the Harrington Park Hotel, and I surely was eager to get to know Hugo better! But for those who haven’t read the previous parts, it can be perfectly read as a standalone, so don’t let this hold you back!

Erin is a single mum, after her husband passed away. and even if she has a demanding job, I admired her ability to keep her focus on the only thing that matters, her son Noah. In a stressful it’s easy to lose your focus, but Erin will not allow anyone to take her away from Noah.
And even when her latest project moves her to London, she takes her little family with her.

Before I read this story, Hugo seemed to me bit of a cold character. But in this book, his true nature comes out. And so many things became clear to me.
At the moment he is telling about his past, I felt so sorry for him for the injustice and I just wanted to give this handsome man a hug to comfort him.

The chemistry between Erin and Hugo is palpable on every page they are together. Even if they are different on so many ways, they also are so much alike.
They both have a past that they are still carrying around, and are struggling with a way to put it all behind them.
And despite they are bonding, they are afraid of taking things further, with the fear of just getting hurt. And that realisation made me sad, because everyone is allowed to have a happy present and future…

I found this a bittersweet story. I say bittersweet, because the past is still a heavy burden on both characters, while they are just so nice people.
Both of them are finding a way to put the past behind them, but as always, it’s easier said than done.
Yet it was also a beautiful story, about second chances at happiness, in a beautiful setting. It was about people realizing what they wanted before they knew they wanted it.
It made me dream away about falling in love around Christmas, and this story is perfect to sweep you off your feet!

I surely want to read the latest Emily Harvale!

Synopsis

Could this be true love? Or is it just for Christmas?

Finding an abandoned dog beside the road isn’t the Christmas surprise interior designer, Molly Ford is hoping for. But when the local vet can’t find a space for the bedraggled dog, Molly makes a rash decision. 

The problem is, she’s spending Christmas with her brother, Terence, and his girlfriend is allergic to dogs, so the bundle of wet fur, which Molly has named Miracle, might not be the only one needing a home this Christmas.

And Miracle causes chaos wherever he puts his paws. He pees on the Christmas tree, shreds the Christmas presents and eats the honeyed ham. That’s just the first night. 

When Terence’s best friend, Chance offers Molly and Miracle a place to stay for Christmas, Molly is ecstatic. She doesn’t mind at all when he informs her there are strings attached. She’d rather like a festive fling with gorgeous Chance.

Now Molly’s in for another surprise. Chance is about to pop the question. Except it’s not to Molly. In fact, he needs her help to get the dilapidated cottage he’s bought, all clean and sparkly in time for his girlfriend’s impending arrival on New Year’s Eve.

But as Molly and Chance grow closer, spending time together beneath the stars in a winter wonderland and enjoying the Christmas festivities, they realise they have feelings for each other.

Could this be true love? Or is it just for Christmas?

About the author

Emily writes novels, novellas and short stories about friendship, family and falling in love. She loves a happy ending but knows that life doesn’t always go to plan. Her stories are sure to bring a smile to your face and a warmth to your heart.

Emily loves to connect with her readers and has a readers’ group in which many have become good friends. To catch up with Emily, find out about the group, or connect with her on social media, go to her website at www.emilyharvale.com.

Having lived and worked in London for several years, Emily returned to her home town of Hastings where she now writes full-time. She’s a member of the SoA, an Amazon bestseller and a Kindle All Star. When not writing, she can be found enjoying the stunning East Sussex coast and countryside, or in a wine bar with friends, discussing life, love and the latest TV shows. Chocolate cake is often eaten. She dislikes housework almost as much as she dislikes anchovies – and will do anything to avoid both. Emily has two mischievous rescue cats that like to sprawl across her keyboard, regardless of whether Emily is typing on it, or not.

Social Media Links –  

https://www.facebook.com/emilyharvalewriter

https://www.twitter.com/emilyharvale

https://www.instagram.com/emilyharvale

What would you do when your boyfriend dumps you for being ‘too boring’?

Synopsis

Jess is trying to win back her boyfriend, who dumped her for being boring. Jamie is trying to complete his father’s bucket list before he takes the Crown. Both of them are hiding who they truly are, and when the truth is discovered, it’s a real royal Christmess!

My review

Jess is determined to win back her boyfriend. She was hoped to be proposed, but instead she got her heart broken when the boyfriend, Collin, breaks up with her, under the pretence that she is just too boring.
And what better way to win Collin back than proofing that she is not boring at all? so off she goes with her best friend to the mountains of Vermont, ready for adventurous that will show just how much fun she is and so get Collin back.

Jamie on the other hand wants to complete the bucket list he created with his father, before taking the Crown. So he goes incognito to Vermont, to enjoy and discover life as a commoner.
And there he meets Jess. After the initial dislike, they start to get closer, but what will happen when it’s unveiled that they both are keeping secrets from each other?

This is the typical Christmas royal story you HAVE to read. To go even further, I can see it easily made into a movie!

When we meet Jess, it’s when her heart is getting broken. Instead of getting engaged, she finds herself dumped by Collin. And for me it was obvious that Collin was someone I totally disliked. So even if I felt sorry for Jess, having to go through that, I was happy Collin was not going to be an important character in this book.

Jamison (or rather Jamie 😄) feels the pressure of taking the Crown and getting married. He is ready to take his responsibilities, but before he does all that, he wants to finish the bucket list he started with his father before the King passed away.
And when I knew what he wanted to do, I felt truly sorry for him. What he wanted to do was so common, things that for us would  be normal things, nothing special, like eating a real burger with French fries.

I had so many laughs reading this story, the situations Jess gets in, trying to proof her bravery, with some help from her best friend Molly.
But there were also so many sweet moments where we see that Jess and Jamie are bonding and getting closer.
Of course they are hiding their true selves to each other, Jess being described as boring, and Jamie being royal. But their characters connect in a way that makes that their background doesn’t matter.

This story ticks all the boxes for escaping our own world, dreaming of meeting our own Prince Charming.
It’s a funny romantic story, but also with the message that we shouldn’t try to change ourselves to please someone else. Because for the right person, you are just perfect, even with your green hair and all your fears!

When changes are ahead

Synopsis

‘Utterly uplifting, pure escapism’ Trisha Ashley, bestselling author

Animal loving Samantha Jones is on a mission to ‘live the dream’.
When best friend Abby has a beautiful baby boy Sam’s priorities change and she realises she wants more from her life
Uninspired with her dull day job Sam plans to expand Purbeck Pooches, her seaside pet sitting business into a full-time career and embarks on a mission to find her perfect man.
Sam soon hits trouble. Her boss accuses her of moonlighting. The perfect man is frustratingly elusive and her parents make a shock revelation.
The odds are stacking up against her but Sam finds that sometimes when you reach for the moon, you get a handful of glittering stars thrown in for free.

My review

Samantha Jones has one real passion: animals. It doesn’t matter what kind of animal, she wants to expand Purbeck Pooches, het petting sitting business. Her ultimate dream is to change it into a full time job. But of course actually doing requires a lot of courage and money.

And when her best friend Abby has a beautiful boy and they are staying at Sam’s place, Sam realizes she wants more from her life. And a baby is surely one of those things!
Due her shifting priorities, her day job is very low on her priority list, and her boss is surely not happy with it.
And when her parents bring her shocking news, Sam has the feeling her life like she knew it, is falling apart.

Will Sam manage to realize her dreams? And will the perfect man appear too?

Ooh how much have I enjoyed reading this book!
Immediately I liked Sam, and I adored her for her love of animals.
She has a dream of expanding her business, but as many of us, she doesn’t dare to make the jump. So she continues working as an audio typist. It’s not her dream job, but it pays the bills.

It’s obvious she has a big heart, and not only for animals, but also for those who she cares about. The way she opens her house for her pregnant best friend, not asking anything in return. And the way her world turns upside down when her parents tell her their plans.

I have to admit, at the start, I thought it would be a romantic story about how Sam meets the man of her life and then falls in love and blah blah blah 🤣
But this story is not such a story.
I found this a story about friendship, follow your passions and dare to jump in the Big Unknown. And yes, there is also a love interest, but it’s just a nice extra, not the main story.

Sam is a recognizable character, I think everyone could name a person they know that could be their own ‘Sam’. She is lovely, but she has insecurities every one of us has. Yet the courage she shows to take her business further, is admirable.

All her friends, family and colleagues are also just nice people. And even the people Sam isn’t close with, find a way to warm your heart.
And despite being total opposites, Abby is an amazing best friend, and she actually made me laugh at loud.

And for those who know this author, there are some nice appearances. When I saw these persons again, I just had a big smile on my face.

I found this a lovely, sweet, funny story about putting your dreams into reality, not giving up, love in all the possible ways. It made my day and it surely will make yours!