A Christmas miracle or two in the making

Synopsis

When charming, mysterious Nik sits next to Jess on a plane home from a Christmas toy trade fair, she never could have imagined the impact he’d have on her life. As they touch down in London, Jess is hesitant to let Nik walk away, and before she knows it, she’s invited him to visit.

As the two take in the delights of the toy store where she works, Jess gets an upsetting phone call. Willow Court, her grandmother’s care home, is to close before Christmas. Jess is determined to find the perfect new home for her Gran – and throw the best Christmas party Willow Court has ever seen!

But time is running out with the closure looming and Jess becomes increasingly drawn to enigmatic Nik who joins forces with her and best friend Oliver to realise those plans.

Will a chance encounter on an aeroplane bring love to Jess’s life or is this Christmas miracle too good to be true?

My review

Jess is returning from a Christmas toy trade fair when she meets Nic on the plane. They click immediately, and the whole flight they are talking and having fun.
So when they have landed safely back in London, Jess is not ready to just let Nik walk away. And what best excuse than to show him the toy story she works in?

But when she receives a call that Willow Court, the care home her beloved Gran Alice is staying in, has to close and even before Christmas, Jess has a new mission: finding the perfect new home and have the best Christmas party EVER for all the inhabitants of Willow Court!

She can count on her best friend Oliver for help and even Nik is there to help out any way he can.

Will this Christmas be the perfect Christmas for Jess, with an amazing party, and even maybe to find love?

When I started to read I thought I knew how it was going to end. Young woman meets handsome man on the plane, and after some struggles, happily ever after.
But I think the love bit is just a minor player in this story. Of course, I was cheering for Jess to find love.

I found this a too realistic story, and in a saddening way… it broke my heart reading about how Gran Alice and the people she was living with had to move out of the place they loved. I can only imagine how it must feel if you have to leave your home, while it’s just a matter of money.

Yet I admired Jess her determination to create the last amazing Christmas party. even when everybody is down, she won’t allow anyone to rain on her parade.
And it was just lovely to see how even the most contrary person starts to melt, and yes even if it’s all thanks to Nik!

Nik is truly an extraordinary man, he is kind, generous and wants to help any way he can. The way he and Jess click, it seems like a match made in heaven!

But for me, the real star of the book is Alf… he lives in Willow Court and has the weirdest conspiracy theories. Every time another theory submerged, I had the best time! But when the  last theory came out, I started to have cramps of laughing so much. Yet somehow I kind of hoped that he was right, as it would just fit in perfectly in this Christmas story!

I found this a beautiful story, showing the true meaning of Christmas. Christmas is not only about presents, but making those you love happy, show them how much you love them.
It had everything I wanted from such a book, and after I finished it, I found myself feeling all warm on the inside, because even if it was not what I expected, it was just perfect the way it was!

When trust is something you have to earn.

Synopsis

The woman who haunts his dreams

Secret agent Phil Cullen is upset when he discovers that the young woman he rescued from Mrs Newbody’s establishment has absconded from his housekeeper’s care without a word. Thinking he has been deceived, he resolves to forget about her… something easier said than done.

The man she wants to forget

Sophia Turner is horrified when she is duped into entering a notorious house of ill-repute. Then a handsome stranger comes to her aid. Desperate that no one learns of this scandalous episode, Sophia flees to the one friend she knows she can trust. With luck, she will never see her mysterious rescuer again.

But fate has other plans…

Months later, Phil is on the trail of an elusive French agent and Sophia is a respectable lady’s companion when fate again intervenes, taking their lives on a collision course.

Traitors, spies, and shameful family secrets – will these bring Sophia and Phil together… or drive them apart?

My review

Sophia Turner is trying to find a way out of her future. She finds herself in a house with a certain reputation, but is not willing to do what’s expected from her.
Luckily for her, a handsome stranger comes to her aid and helps her escape. But Sophia feels that she can trust no one, so she quietly runs away from the man who helped her and runs to the only person she can trust.

Months later, Sophia is a respectable lady’s companion. But danger is still around the corner, and fate bring her back meeting her rescuer, Phil.

Will Sophia and Phil trust each other, and help each other in their own quest? And will this mean they will be growing closer? Or will the truth be reason of driving them apart?

This story is one where a lot of things happen. You have the story of Sophia, who is understandably terrified of what her future will be. Because she has been betrayed by someone she thought had her best interest, she is suspicious about everyone she meets.
She just wants to be free and do what makes her happy, and living in a house with that kind of reputation is certainly not what she had in mind.

And then we have Phil. From the very start you know he is a man with a sense of right and wrong. He sees Sophia and he does whatever he can to help this woman who he never met before.
He has his heart at the right place, that is obvious. But he is also a man with a mission, and will not allow any distractions.

Both Sophia and Phil are so stubborn people, that when they meet each other over several occasions, I just had to laugh.
Sophia is in my opinion, more ahead in time compared with other women of her time. She will not let anyone dictate her what to do and speaks her own mind.
And when that clashes with Phil, I was having so much fun!
Like I said, Phil has his heart at the right place, but he surely can learn to communicate better! He is so focused and determined, when in need he just takes charge.

Yet it’s not just about these two strong people meeting each other, otherwise it would be a story like so many. But here we have intrigues, mysteries, secrets. I was eager to know what really was going on, why some people did what they were doing.

I liked it how there were twists, and I found myself totally misjudging some people. I never knew if all the truths were out there, and if it was really all there was.

Yet the author managed to bring it all together, giving in the end all the answers we were seeking. An entertaining read, not giving everything away too soon, with strong main characters who will have to learn to trust each other and being rewarded for their trust. 

Christmas at Tudor’s Court!

Synopsis

Make Merry at Court

…with three Tudor Christmas stories!

In Christmas at Court Sir John Talbot and Lady Alice’s secret betrothal must wait until Henry Tudor claims the throne. Next in Secrets of the Queen’s Lady the lady-in-waiting to Anne of Cleves is unexpectedly reunited with a handsome—younger—diplomat at the palace’s festivities! And in His Mistletoe Lady Catherine seeks help from a mysterious Spaniard to free her father in time for Christmas!

My review

Three lovely novella’s all in 1 book.
In ‘Christmas At Court’ we find Sir John Talbot and Lady Alice in a secret betrothal with an extra motive.
While in ‘Secrets Of The Queen’s Lady’, the lady – in – waiting to Anne of Cleves sees an old acquaintance again, and he is a handsome yet younger diplomat.
And last but not least, ‘In His Mistletoe Lady’ Catherine finds herself helped by a mysterious Spaniard to free her father.

Without giving too much away, I loved reading every story of this book!
They are all three so different, different styles, yet I cannot say which one I liked the most!
I loved how the fictional characters are involved with people who really existed. That made everything more realistic for me.

Even if the downside of a novella is that the pace is a very quick one, it didn’t disturb me at all. I could envision everything that was going on, I understood each character and found myself sharing each emotion, from anticipation, joy to even fear and even mistrusting.

Three beautiful stories, taking you back in time and all taking place around Christmas! Perfect to dream away!

Of course Monday is the worst day of the week!

Synopsis

How can Mia find happiness?

Lawyer Mia’s picture-perfect dream life in New York is imploding. Her job has become too stressful, she’s exhausted from carrying her friends and what’s up with her striking, wealthy fiancé?

But when life-changing decisions force her to move to Maine, where she’ll face her often critical father and hard truths about what truly matters in life, she re-discovers a passion of her youth.

What begins as a low moment in her life quickly pushes her to consider what she genuinely wants and leads her down a new path where she must embrace the future and let go of the past.

Will this move help Mia to fix her life, once and for all, and will she finally find true love?

My review

Mia is a lawyer in New York. Yet her life is not what she expected to be… her job is driving her crazy, her fiancé isn’t the most compassionate or caring person in the world, and her friends rely a little bit too much on her.

Will Mia be able to make life – changing decisions? And will they be able to make Mia find her true passions again?

What I liked about this story is the reality Mia is in. it’s so recognizable, finding yourself in a situation you don’t want to be in, and you lack in finding the courage to turn your world upside down.
And that is how we meet Mia. She truly wants to help people who need a lawyer, yet her own business is not going how she wants it to go.
She is struggling finding many clients, her assistant is having several other business going on (one more legal than another).

And let’s just be honest, I despise her boyfriend/ fiancé. From the first instant I read about it, it’s clear what kind of man he is.
Everything he does, will only benefit him.
So when Mia finds herself engaged to him (yes, she finds herself engaged…) it’s the start of changing her life’s course.

When she goes to her parents in Maine to tell them the news, she is ready to take the bullet, as her father has strong opinions about everything.
Yet being away from everything, gives Mia the opportunity to overthink everything. And she realizes that she lost her spark.

What made me like and enjoy this story is the courage Mia is showing. She wants to do things that make HER happy, but not being totally selfish. She knows that her decisions will affect other people and she is looking for the best solution.

Mia finds what makes her happy and has had enough of just being a people – pleaser. And this is something more people should learn. Dare to change and make different decisions. Do not let your life be dictated by other people who will only use you as they please.

This story showed me that having courage will open new, other doors you didn’t dare to dream about and that you will find happiness as long as you follow your heart. It may result in the job of your dreams, true friends an even love.

A strong and inspiring message!

Synopsis

She’s wreaked havoc in everyone’s lives. Can she find forgiveness… even from within?

Former drug addict Melinda desperately wants to make amends for years of misguided aggression. Fresh out of rehab and in control of her type of bipolar disorder, she’s grateful to have a secure job and a safe homestead for her long road to recovery. Welcomed by a glorious cliffside sunset and her handsome rancher host, she’s surprised by their instant attraction.

Determined to excel at her work, Melinda does her utmost to display kindness and forges a healthy connection with the horses. And when her dedication warms the heart of the steeds’ drop-dead gorgeous owner, she starts to believe in the possibility of unexpected love and a new future.

Can Melinda truly conquer the demons of her past to find redemption?

Reformed Dreamer is the fourth and final book in the sweet Inspiration in Cologne women’s fiction series. If you like hard-won second chances, surprising romance, and rising above mental health hurdles, then you’ll love Deborah King’s touching story.

My review

Melinda received a second chance after her drug addiction. Now she is living on a ranch, with her host Darius keeping an eye on her and help her control her bipolar disorder.
slowly she Is getting her life back on track, and discovers her passion for horses.

Has Melinda found where her future lays? And is love also something she will find?

I have to admit, initially I had some difficulties to relate with Melinda. Her story is a sad one, but also something I never had to encounter in my own life.
I don’t know anyone with a bipolar disorder, or with an addiction.
That made it a bit difficult for me to understand what she went through and still is going through.

But once a few things are being made clear, it was easier for me to empathize with her.
She has had a rough period, yet she is determined to make the best of the new chance she has been given.
Being on the ranch is giving her the opportunity to meet new people, discover the world of working with horses and conquer the demons of her past.

Even if there is something blooming between her and Darius, this was not a love story in my eyes. It is more a story about how second chances can change someone for the better. Thanks to the chance she received, Melinda opened up. She dares to confront those who are ready to judge her.

Melinda grows during this story from a wary person to a woman ready to face her past, finding her passion, finding love and daring to chase her dreams once she knows what her future is.

The author manages to write about difficult subjects, and writes about it in a way that even someone like me, with no such experiences, can sense what is going on in Melinda’s mind. It’s inspirational what someone can accomplish with the right people by her side.

I found this a story that made me feel all warm and it shows that forgiveness and a second chance can truly change a person for the best. It reminds me also that it’s human to make mistakes. It’s a journey to put the past behind you but the reward you receive is priceless.

A beautiful story about amazing people.

Synopsis

Let bestselling author Lindsey Hutchinson transport you back in time to Marshall’s Children’s Home, for this heart-warming and unforgettable tale from the Black Country.

The Fitch children are finally safe, after they and their friends were rescued from the grim orphanage Reed House by Minnie and Billy Marshall. Their children’s home Marshall’s is full of love and laughter, and a world away from their terrible ordeal of being sold to Una Reed for five shillings.

There are many more children who still need a home, especially in a world where the workhouse is the last option for desperate families, and so Minnie makes it her mission to build Marshall’s into a refuge for all the waifs and strays. 

But kind hearts can be taken advantage of, and before long, Marshall’s in under attack. Can Minnie and Billy keep their family together and keep all the children safe, or will they be torn apart again? 

The Queen of the Black Country sagas is back with a heart-warming, unputdownable and unforgettable tale of triumph against the odds. Perfect for fans of Val Wood and Lyn Andrews.

My review

Minnie and Billy Marshall have opened their home for orphaned children. The Fitch children and their friends are now all living happily together, in a house of laughter and love. This in sheer contrast when they were living with Una Reed, at the Reed House.

There are more children in need of a warm home, so Minnie is determined to expand her home and offer a safe place to stay for those in need.
But not everybody is happy with Minnie and her mission. Will Minnie and her family be able to realize their dream? Or will their odd yet perfect family be torn apart?

This story shows how altruistic people can be. But also selfish and mean…
I loved how open and caring Minnie and her family is. Anyone in need can find a helping hand at their home. and even mistakes are forgiven, as long as you show regret and are ready to change for the better.

Minnie is a woman I admired from the very start. She has had her own share of misfortune, yet as she is now happily married with Billy, she wants to help other people. She does not only let children stay at her home, but also helps out adults who need help.
Despite the hard times, she truly is a ray of light.
And not only Minnie, but the whole family is open, kind and caring. Once they allowed you in their hearts, you are part of the family.

But it’s not only happiness, there are also tragic things happening. And those bits made truly break my heart. Without giving away what is happening, those involved are people I started to care about, and it was unfair what was in store for them.

Yet even in despair, the love in Minnie’s house is palpable. They offer a shoulder to cry on, in their own way. Each person has something that is typical for his/her behaviour. Yet it’s that particular thing that makes a difference in time of need.

I found this a beautiful story, about amazing people, ready to make a difference in someone’s life. They are a lovely family, expanding in admirable ways. They open their hearts without judgements. People in real life can still learn a few things from this beautiful saga!

Warning: you will need tissues!

Synopsis

Jeremy Lewis has just returned from a year in Europe, ready to start college in Alabama and pursue his dream career in the National Hockey League. Other than boring school work, he’s eager to play hockey, hang out with his new teammates and maybe even rekindle an old flame when Chelsea unexpectedly reappears in his life.

Life is looking pretty darn peachy.

But when his parents are brutally murdered in a mass shooting, merely surviving each day feels like an achievement. How can he get through college and keep his budding career on track when all he wants to do is drink and squander his parent’s fortune? Can he convince Chelsea he’s a changed man when he seems so intent on his own destruction?

My review

Jeremy Lewis is ready to start college in Alabama. Last year he spend a year in Europe but now he is ready to pursue his dream. In his free time, he plays hockey and spends time with his new friend/ roommate A.J.

When he suddenly sees Chelsea again, he knows that she’s the perfect girl for him. But she is not interested at all!
Jeremy is not known for giving up easily so he puts all he has in the game. But when his world comes crashing down, can he pick up the pieces again?

I know Jeremy from the A.J Williams series and the Lisa Miller Series. So I already knew what a great and loyal friend he can be. But his story always intrigued me.

After reading this first part, I realized that I didn’t know Jeremy at all…

Of course, Jeremy is the perfect example of a flirt… every girl he meets is in ‘danger’. Yet there seems to be something more when Chelsea comes back in the picture.
I loved reading about the attraction and the pushing away between them.

But oh my God, Jeremy’s story is so heart breaking… What happens to him it just terrible. And when guilt and grief are coming over him, I just wanted to step in the book and give him a hug and tell him he is not alone…

There are several heavy topics in this story. But the author managed to find the perfect balance between pointing out the seriousness of it and not becoming a depressing story.
When the topic concerns one of the main characters, the actions taking by that person are recognizable and real.
And the efforts made by those close to them show a matureness and a knowledge that not everybody has.

I honestly love Jeremy, with all his flaws. He would move the earth for his friends. And he shows a vulnerable side I didn’t know yet he had. Despite everything he goes through, he shows several times how mature he is for his age, despite his not so great sense of humour 😂

When can I read the next part???

I KNEW IT!!!

Synopsis

Could a post-it note really lead to love…?

Sadie doesn’t have time for finding love. She’s too busy as PA for famous artist Damian Banks. When she’s not arranging exhibitions, she’s organising his dry cleaning or dumping his never ending stream of girlfriends.

But when she strikes up an unusual friendship with her desk share buddy, she finds a confidante and a new potential love interest. Problem is, they’ve never actually met…

With Christmas just around the corner, can Sadie put herself first for a change and find what she’s been looking for all along?

The brand new romantic comedy from top 10 bestseller Portia MacIntosh. Perfect for fans of Sophie Ranald, Mhairi McFarlane and Zara Stoneley.

My review

Sadie is the PA of famous artist Damian Banks. Her job consists of arranging exhibitions, but also picking up his dry cleaning, dumping the girl he is currently seeing, buying gifts for family and friends etc.
Not exactly the perfect job, and also her colleagues are not warming up towards her, despite the efforts she makes.

The only person she has bonded over is Adam, the guy she shares her desk with. The only way they communicate is with post – its, as they have never really met because they work on different days…
Sadie finds herself more and more attracted to this mysterious Adam, but how good do you know someone you have never met?
And will Sadie allow Damian to be more his nanny than a real PA?
With Christmas nearby, Sadie has to make some important decisions…

From the very start I loved this book!
I was a bit confused when we first meet Sadie, but rather quickly it’s obvious for what an obnoxious man Damian is… Sadie breaking up with the woman HE is dating? That’s even worse by breaking up by text!
I don’t know how Sadie does it, but I would not have her patience at all! I think I would have been fired after a week or so!

But despite her horrible boss, I was looking forward with Sadie what message Adam left her. It’s a bit weird falling for a guy you never met, but the whole thing is just too cute for words!

When suddenly Damian is spending Christmas with Sadie and her Christmas – obsessed family, I thought it would be the clash of Titans. But of course as often, we get to know a whole other Damian…
The Damian at Christmas and the Damian in the office are so different people, and we get to understand why Office Damian is just a d*ckh**d!

Damian and Sadie are more themselves during the holidays and there were so many sweets moments that made me swoon…
Yet when all the truths came out, of course it was a bitter pill to digest for the other party. Instead of finding excuses for themselves, both characters admit they were wrong in the way they handled things.

This story was the perfect Christmas story. There is a woman wanting to have more from her job, a man who has to take his defences down, a mystery man who we only know by post – its. And then we have this community that goes over the top with their Christmas celebrations.

I loved every bit of the story, even if I kind of knew how it would end, or at least what I hoped how it would end.

But I have still 1 question in my mind… is Terry Mackie really guilty or not?????

Will this Christmas be where all Carly’s wishes come true?

Synopsis

It’s the most wonderful time of the year…

It’s December on Castle Street; the fairy lights are twinkling, snow has settled and the festive season is in full swing.

For Carly, the owner of Carly’s Cupcakes, it’s the busiest time of year getting everyone’s Christmas treats ready on time. However with her clumsy sister, Bethany, as a co-worker, it’s proving a difficult task. They say you shouldn’t mix work with family. Maybe they have a point…

As Christmas approaches, Carly is also eagerly awaiting the return of her best friend to Whitborough Bay. Liam has no idea he’s been the object of her affection since their schooldays. After years of pining after him, can Carly pluck up the courage to finally tell him how she really feels by 25th December?

Could a little festive magic make all of Carly’s wishes come true this Christmas…?

A heartwarming, short festive story of friendship and family from bestseller Jessica Redland. You can find out what happens to Carly next through exploring her best friend Tara’s story in Starry Skies Over The Chocolate Pot Café.

This is a new and updated version of Christmas at Carly’s Cupcakes which has been previously published.

My review

Carly is a woman with amazing patience… She has given her sister Bethany a job in her Cupcake Shop, but Bethany causing more havoc than being a real help.
But firing Bethany is not an option, having in mind what she went through…

Silver lining is that she can look forward to the return of her best friend Liam. Since school they have been best friends, and have had many adventures together. And no matter what happened, nothing could break their friendship.
But what Lima doesn’t know is that Carly loves him, and not just as a friend.
Will this Christmas Carly find the courage to speak up?

When someone writes a story taking place around Christmas, you have to be a terrible writer to ruin my happiness!
But what made this story even more precious to me, is that there is so much going on, and that there are topics discussed pointing out the reality of such situations and how important the right help is.

From the very start it’s obvious how much a caring person Carly is. Not many people would hire their brother or sister in the business they have. And how quickly would someone fire a person who is not fit for the job?
Yet Carly is always there with her positivism, giving Bethany chance after chance. And when it’s too much even for Carly, she hides it from Bethany.

And before you start thinking bad of Bethany, just don’t… when I got to know her past and the struggles she is having, I felt a sadness coming over me. What she has been through, and how she is trying to find her place again, it’s a heart-breaking story…

A story about friends with more feelings they dare to admit, is not something we’ve never read about either. But Carly’s and Liam’s story is just too sweet for words. They are sticking together from school, and whenever Carly thinks back on what they did and does the same thing, just in memory of that amazing moment, just adorable!

While I was reading this book, I was longing for winter to come, to make snow angels myself (never made one in my whole life!😱), drinking hot chocolate with one of Carly’s amazing cupcakes!

There were moments that made me feeling down a bit, but after reaching the end, I felt satisfied. The message of not giving up came through loud and clear. I admired Bethany for her strength, even if she didn’t see it herself, I adored Carly’s determination for being there for her sister. I loved the tender sweet moments of the flashbacks.

To cut the chase, I loved every bit of this story, as it gave me more than expected!