A show that inspires you to follow your passion again and makes you find even more!

Synopsis

Saturday nights are strictly for dancing… 

As the glitter ball shimmers and sequins flash, forty-year-old Maggie remembers the pull of the dancefloor.  But now, as a newly divorced mum of two, Maggie’s certain her dancing days are over.  Or are they…?

Encouraged by her friends, Maggie dusts off her silver stilettoes and enrols for dancing classes, all she needs now is the perfect partner.

Enter Seb.  Young, carefree and hot as hell, Seb is definitely a perfect 10!  Even though everything about him is outrageously inappropriate! But as Seb sweeps her across the dancefloor every week, Maggie begins to see a new side to him; kind, caring, funny, strong. 

And Maggie realises that he’s the only one she’d like to foxtrot with…perhaps even forever

My review

Maggie has a weekly date on Saturday night. No matter what happens, on Saturday she, her daughters and friends gather together to watch ‘Strictly Come Dancing’.
Maggie used to dance (pure for fun), yet now she is a single mother of two, so she has other priorities in life.

But with a gentle nudge of her friends, she starts taking classes again. And boy does she loves it! even if she does not have the perfect dance partner, she enjoys doing something for herself again.

So when Seb suddenly is taking the same classes with her, it seems a perfect match as sparks start flying around. Only there are a few problems… Seb is the younger brother of her best friends, he is also several years younger than her.  And he is her total opposite!
While Maggie is very strict and does not do spontaneous things, Seb is more a free spirit. He is carefree and when an idea strikes him, he goes for it immediately!

Will it stay strictly platonic between these two? Or is there a chance of success for our two dancers?

I was so happy when I started reading this book because it’s KATHRYN FREEMAN TIME!!! And those who follow me, know how excited I get when I read another of her lovely books!
And again it was so much fun reading it!

I love it when two o so different people start liking each other. And no matter what, they cannot ignore the sparks flying around!
Maggie and Seb are so different, but they are also at different places in their lives.
Maggie is a divorced woman, with two beautiful daughters, an important job. She is also very strict when it comes to planning and does absolutely NOT like surprises.

While Seb is just back from Australia and does not have a real clue what he wants to do with his life.

But despite their differences, they are also so alike… they would do anything for their loved ones. For Seb it means flying back home for taking care of his parents. For Maggie it’s making her daughters as happy as possible.

The setting of this book is also just lovely. It could have been easily one of those books that are so alike. ‘During dancing the passion was too hard to resist and 2 persons fall deeply in love and live their happily ever after’.
But not this one! This book has real characters, dancing is an important part of it, but does not take over the whole book.

We get to see real people, with their real fears and emotions. And yes, Maggie and Seb have issues, like every real couple (or couple – to – be). They don’t just give in and end of story. No, they are just as real as you and me, having fears for the future, the judgements of other people.

Each character, not only Maggie and Seb are so delightful to read about. They each have their own emotions, personalities. But no matter how different they are, they are accepted and loved by their families, friends, and even by us as reader!

Again a lovely, funny, sparkly story by Kathryn Freeman you have to read!

Lust and love in Egypt.

Synopsis

A scarred mercenary…Or the Disappearing Duke of Greybourne?

Rafe has spent years running from his true identity. He’s a lone wolf, living far from aristocratic England and his violent father. Then unconventional Cleopatra Osbourne requests his protection as she crosses the Egyptian desert. In Cleo he discovers a fellow outcast—and a fierce desire! Cleo must return to London, and here lies Rafe’s dilemma—because following his heart means claiming the title he’s avoided for so long!

My review

Cleopatra Osbourne is looking for her brother in Egypt. But as she finds herself chased by people with lesser good intentions, she asks for protection to Rafe while she crosses the desert.
Rafe poses as a mercenary, but in truth he is the Duke of Greybourne.
During their crossing of the desert, Cleo and Rafe find they have more in common than thought and are finding it hard to resist their attraction.

But when Cleo has to return to London, Rafe is not sure what to do… will he just stay in Egypt or will he follow her back but that means also he has to claim his title…

This is not the first book of Lara Temple I’ve read, so I kind of knew what to expect. But somehow I found myself still surprised by it!

From the very beginning Cleopatra is not your standard lady in distress. She is looking for her brother in Egypt and is going several lengths to accomplish her goal. Talking about a woman in charge!
Being a lady, especially in that period and in a country like Egypt is not so easy. Yet when it’s clear how Cleo manages to get around things, I found it hilarious!

She also shows how strong she is, as she does not take easily “no” as an answer. She wants to be involved with every step.

Rafe is something else… he is literally scarred and is used to be just him and his friend Birdie. He is used to people staring at his scars and being a bit afraid of it.
Yet what he went through when he was younger has scarred him emotionally.
So when he meets Cleo for the first time, he is very distant.

What I truly liked about this story is that Cleopatra does not need constant rescuing. She is very independent and just needs a little bit of help.
And yet I also loved the way Rafe tries to protect her all the time. it shows that he is a real good man!
Cleo knows her mind and even dares to take some risky decisions when it comes to her attraction to Rafe. She is mature enough to know giving in to the attraction does not always mean that there is something more.
And she also sees behind Rafe’s scars. And she knows that the looks of someone is not what makes a man.

This story is about two people looking for something. One is literally looking for her brother, but also a place and a person she belongs to. While Rafe is looking for closure about the past, and also for courage to claim what is his.

Two different characters finding each other, giving each other a cause to face their demons and daring to take a chance. Yet also causing sometimes misunderstandings that could be easily avoided.

A lovely tale about love, lust and eventually following your heart, and not being held back by society and their standards. I loved it from the first word until the last one!

Will Emma be able to escape her demons?

Synopsis

Emma’s world is rocked as the real monster lurking in the shadows is unveiled.

Emma Andrews’ last memory of her mother is seeing her bleeding to death on the bathroom floor. Several years later, Emma is kidnapped and forced to face the same monster that killed her mother. Quickly, Emma—a daydreamer with an inventive personality—must learn to separate her fantasies from reality in order to differentiate friend or foe.

As secrets unfold and the shadows emerge, Emma wonders if she can endure reliving the trauma of her past. One thing she does know for certain—she can’t do it alone.

Will Emma escape from this monster alive? Will Chance still love her after she reveals her past? Or, will someone new teach Emma the true strength hiding within her?

My review

Emma and Chance are falling in love, but will their love have an opportunity to blossom? Emma is facing the last events of trying to escape her fiancé Rick.
But escaping Rick suddenly doesn’t appear to be the biggest danger. There is someone else lurking in the shadows and will go lengths to get his hands on her.

She has to rely on Andy to keep her safe. But Andy finds himself attracted to Emma more and more. And even Emma is finding it hard to resist him.
Will Andy be able to love her even with her past? And what about Chance? Is there something still possible for these two?

Again a disturbing sequel written by T. L. Mahrt!

This time we get to know a little bit more about Emma and her past, and who are the men with not so good intentions.
This story was different compared with the first part, because things we knew for sure, seemed suddenly not true.
So it was hard to figure out who were the real bad guys and what their motivations were.

Yet I liked to read how Emma was getting stronger, more independent. She learns to stand up for herself and literally fight.
She also learns more about herself and is trying to understand her feelings.
Having several men that are attracted to her and vice versa is not easy. She has to figure out who she truly loves and who will only receive friendship from her.

I have to admit, I didn’t like how Emma and Andy were getting closer. But this is just because I was cheering from the beginning for Team Chance…
But of course I understood why the two of them are getting closer.

There are still many questions I have about Emma and her past and how she did end up at the place where the series started.

But as the story has not reached its end yet, I cannot wait to see what of Emma’s past will be unveiled and what is left in store for Emma and who the man is she truly loves!

When you’re being torn, following your heart is the only right solution.

Synopsis

A brand NEW festive read from Rosie Clarkes’ bestselling Mulberry Lane series.

1949

Peggy and Able Ronoscki’s seaside cafe in Devon is thriving and their twins Fay and Freddie are growing up fast.
To pursue her daughter’s destiny, Fay must train in London and Peggy is faced with a dilemma of moving the family back to London once more.

Meanwhile, Peggy’s elder daughter Janet has her own troubles. She fears her husband is having an affair and Is desperately unhappy.

Peggy is torn two ways and can only hope that a reunion with her friends at Christmas can help resolve her problems.

My review

The people of Mulberry Lane are ready to celebrate the holidays now the war is finally over. Even those who left Mulberry Lane are still having a strong friendship with those who they left behind.
But is running their café their dream coming true? Or is the feeling of missing their loved ones too big to overcome?

And what is more in store for The Lanes and their families? Now that the war is over, does it mean that they will all have the life they dreamed of? Or are there more hurdles to overcome?

Again a beautiful saga of Rosie Clarke!

For me, this was the first book of this series I’ve read. And it can be perfectly be read as a standalone, although reading the previous parts would be more helpful to understand what happened earlier to all the characters.
But the necessary things are explained again shortly, so it was easy to catch up.

All the family and friends that appears in this saga are people you would like to have in your own life. Despite their own problems, they are always there for each other, even if you just need someone to listen to.
They are all ‘normal’ people, not someone it’s hard to imagine in your own life. Whatever they are going through, could be happening to you in the same era.
Each and everyone one of them is just going through life the best way they can. There are happy moments, but also moments that make you think about how life can be unfair to some…

This story is not to be liked of the action or immense dramatic events, but because of the simple reality.
Sometimes all we need is a story about a specific period of someone’s life. Characters coping with starting to live again after the war, having their own insecurities and facing them. But also true friendship and love with no hidden agenda.

I found myself submerged in the story and found it hard dot put it away!

Finding what you didn’t know that you were looking for.

Synopsis

Twin sisters. One scorching summer.

A bucketful of secrets.

Diana’s life is perfect. Her twin sister, Josie’s – not so much. 

Diana has a rich and successful husband, two talented youngsters and an adorable dog. She always looks as if she’s stepped from the cover of a magazine. Her immaculate second home by the sea, for idyllic summers with her perfect family, was actually featured in one.
 
Josie has a messy, compact flat, dates, but not relationships, and she can’t even keep a houseplant alive. She moves from job to job, goes clubbing with her friends and often looks as if she’s fallen through a hedge.

Although Josie loves Diana deeply, each year she declines the invitation to spend the summer with her sister. Or any other family holiday. Because Josie has a secret.
 
But is Diana’s life so perfect? Or is she also hiding something? When secrets are revealed this summer, everything will change. Josie could finally have the life she’s always wanted … if she’s brave enough to take a chance.

My review

Josie is used of being the black sheep of the family. Whatever she does, she is no match compared to her twin sister Diana. Diana has it all, she is rich, has a successful husband and has lovely children and even a dog. Josie is living her single life happily, going from one job to another. And she does not want a relationship!

But when it appears to be something going on with Diana, Josie wants to help her out, even if it means that Josie has to go to the summer house in Seahorse Harbour. She is not looking forward going back there, as she has a secret she wants to keep.
Yet she is not the only one with secrets…

Will the truth come out? And will Josie still want her old life when she has the chance for something new?

Again a story by Emily Harvale that got me hooked!

This story was in my opinion a bit different compared to what I’m used of her, but that doesn’t mean I didn’t enjoy it like her other books!

Josie is what I would call a free spirit. She does what she wants and does not to settle down. Yet I had so much fun with her! The things she says, not being embarrassed at all!
She is the kind of woman you know you’ll have fun hanging around!
But it’s clear very quickly that she also has her difficult moments… She wants to be there for her sister, but the secret she has makes it hard for her to be around Diana and her perfect life…

And when it’s obvious that Diana is also at a crossroad, well I felt sorry for both sisters! And when all the secrets were out, I felt how the weight of those secrets were lifted from everybody’s shoulders.

This is not a simple happy happy joy joy story, but it shows the complications of a real family, no matter if it mainly concerns adults.
Yet this is what made this book even more realistic for me. It’s not a story about fallen in love and living happily ever after. It’s about family, being there for each other and coming clean about the past.

Each character in this story, no matter how minor their part is, is an important link in the whole story. No matter how insignificant their presence may be, they are necessary for the bigger picture.
There are people who immediately steal a piece of your heart, and people who don’t. For other people they have to struggle a little bit to also find a piece, but in the end it’s worth losing your heart over them.

And not only people, Dog Henry is surely the quickest in squirming into your heart!

This was a beautiful story to read, about family struggles, daring to take a chance, and coming clean about the past.
I had several laughs, but also a few difficult moments when the truths came out. And yes, there is also love, so it was everything I needed and even more! I felt like Josie, not knowing what I truly wanted, but this book gave me everything and even what I didn’t know what I needed!

I cannot wait to read more about the adventures at Seahorse Harbour!

An amazing escape to Siena!

Synopsis

Lucy needed a change of scene. She didn’t expect the change of a lifetime.

Doctors Without Borders has been Lucy Young’s life for the past four years. After being rescued from a conflict zone, she’s making a change from saving lives under gunfire to practising medicine in safe, serene Siena.

Now treating wealthy patients at a private clinic, she’s never felt less comfortable. She’s used to helping those in dire need – not those in need of a nip and tuck. Her turmoil grows when she encounters injured tennis star David Lorenzo, whose smiles make Lucy forget her aversion to the rich.

She’s soon falling for the sportsman but is she losing herself in this world of excess? All she’s ever wanted was to help the underprivileged, so can her future lie in Siena at the clinic – with David?

This sunny romance is the perfect summer escape for fans of Lucy Coleman and Alex Brown.

My review

After having spent years with Doctors Without Borders in a conflict zone, Lucy needs some time off. So she decides to go Siena, trying to figure out what she wants to do in the future, how she can follow her passion and yet not being in danger.

She finds a job in a private clinic, where wealthy patients are treated. She enjoys not having to work in dire circumstances, yet she feels not as satisfied in her job anymore.
When she meets injured tennis star David Lorenzo, she starts to feel something she hasn’t felt in a long time. But will she fit in a world where money is all that matters, while all she really wants is to make a difference for those in real need?

So, before I start with stating how much I enjoyed this book, I have to say that one of my favourite Italian cities is Siena. I have visited it several times and each time I was in awe…
Reading a book taking place right there, made me feel like coming home again. I knew how the surroundings looked like, where the characters were in that specific moment.

But back to the story now…
I loved it from the very start until the end! Ok, the very start might be a stretch, because it was a rather frightening situation where Lucy was in.

But immediately I found myself devouring the book, sympathizing with Lucy, and her need to make a difference.
I can only imagine how it must be if one moment you are helping people with a minimum of equipment, and the other moment you are in a world of wealth.
So I admired the way Lucy managed it, trying to find a common ground and that her helping in a private clinic is still helping those who need her knowledge.

When we meet David for the first time, he doesn’t make the best of impressions. Yet slowly I understood where he came from and what he has been through. Of course again, I have no idea how the world of a famous tennis player looks like, but I can always use my imagination.

The contrast of viewing the world is so big between Lucy and David in first instance. Yet David manages to surprise me by being so ‘normal’. Yes, he has the wealth but he also wants to be able to do something.
Together they manage to bring out the best in each other, facing their demons and chase away the nightmares.

I found this a beautiful story, about o so different people yet finding common ground. A love story in the most beautiful setting ever.
A story about love, discovering what you truly want from life and chasing your dreams.

T.A. Williams managed again to make me dream away with his amazing books!

Spoiler alert: you will need tissues!!! 

Synopsis

A moving and heartwarming love story perfect for fans of Me Before You and One Day in December…

Leila’s charm bracelet tells a story of love, a story of loss, a story of hope.

This is the story of her … and the story of Jake.

When Leila Jones loses her precious charm bracelet and a stranger finds it, she has to tell the story of how she got the charms to prove she’s the owner. Each and every one is a precious memory of her life with Jake.

So Leila starts at the beginning, recounting the charms and experiences that have led her to the present. A present she never could have expected when she met Jake nearly twenty years ago…

My review

Leila Jones loves her charm bracelet. So when she loses it, she does whatever she can to find it again. Luckily for her, a stranger finds it, she starts explaining how she got each charm, proving that she’s the owner. 

Each charm turns out to be the story of her and Jake… from the moment they met until the present. 

I just loved this book, even if those lost chapters had me crying like a baby… I wasn’t ready for that ending, and I just had to give myself a break and cry, cry, cry…
And making me cry over a book, well, I have to say to the author: well done! 

We get to meet Leila and Jake when they are only young children. Leila has to move away and Jake is moving to her old house. A random coincidence, that will be the start of some beautiful.. 

Through the years, we get to know Leila and Jake better. We see how they are getting closer, how they collide but in the end, they are there for each other. 

Both Leila and Jake have their struggles, are trying to find their place in the world and in each other’s lives.
Yet I was cheering from the very start that they would end up together. Because the reader can see immediately how perfect these two are for each other. 

To express what this book did to me, is hard to write down. Even just thinking about it is making the tears well up all over again.
It’s a beautiful story about two people growing up, both literally as emotionally. It’s also written so easily you will find yourself turning page after page, only having to take a break to wipe those tears away! 

I can go on telling you how this story and its characters captured my heart (and also broke it a little bit) but the best thing you can do, is start reading it! I promise you, you will need those tissues but you will find a real amazing, beautiful, captivating story!  

Fighting for your own freedom. 

Synopsis

Regency England. A land of oppression and social discontent.

Arthur Thistlewood is fighting for a revolution. Susan Thistlewood is fighting for freedom. From Arthur.

Battered and bruised by her violent husband, Susan finds comfort in food and books. As Arthur’s legal property, leaving the marriage seems an impossible dream — until a chance encounter with a charismatic Bow Street Runner. In the sanctuary of an inconspicuous London bookshop, the Runner’s easy manner and unexpected generosity compel Susan to pursue a life without her husband.

But will the Bow Street officer provide a key to Susan’s freedom? Or will he place her in the greatest danger of all?

Inspired by true events from the Cato Street Conspiracy of 1820, this is a tale of courage, determination, and love.

My review

Susan Thistlewood is in an unhappy marriage. And being in an unhappy marriage in Regency England isn’t as easy as in the present. You cannot just divorce from your husband when he is making you unhappy. There are strict conditions when a woman can apply for divorce. 

So while her husband Artur is fighting for a revolution, Susan has to find a way to escape and chase her own happiness.
When in a London bookshop, she meets a charismatic Bow Street Runner, is he going to help her for her freedom? Or is he putting her in a greater danger? 

From the very start, I pitied Susan… she dreams of a happy marriage, while she is stuck with Arthur. He has been married before, but his wife died earlier. The way he treats Susan and his son (from his first wife), I found it despicable.
Also the violent streaks he has, both towards Susan, his son, but also the plans he is plotting to start a revolution, made me dislike him immediately. 

So I understood Susan’s desire to find a way out. But it’s not an easy task…
I admired Susan for not just giving up, trying to find a way to be set free of an awful husband. Despite the hard times she has to endure, she finds joy in places she would least expect it.
Also she finds friends who truly care about her, and those feelings are reciprocated.  

When she meets that Bow Street Runner, she finds herself in a position to achieve her dream, and even if that means to put herself in danger, she is tired of living in fear of what her husband will do next to her. 

Through the whole story, Susan’s courage is visible. She is not one to just sit down and wait for luck to pass by. She wants to grab her own luck, and will not be condemned in a life of unhappiness.
Even if sometimes Susan may seem a bit naïve, especially in the beginning, her character evolves to a strong woman. She puts her priorities right and is not afraid to speak up.

This story shows that strong women are always fighting for their happiness, in the past and even in the present.
Susan is a beautiful example of it, as she does not just give up. 

This story is about a courageous woman in difficult times, with a streak of historical facts.  I found it hard to put it away as I wanted to see what more twists were awaiting. And I wanted to know how and if Susan would manage to achieve her one true desire, find happiness.  

Mallorca is not only sun, sea and fun, as will soon be discovered by our main characters. 

Synopsis

The sun … the ocean … the farmhouse … the scammer… the police… the 3-legged dog?

George and Ellen have retired to sunny Mallorca. Social butterfly Ellen is itching to make yacht-owning friends while George’s heart is set on a secluded farmhouse in the country. In fact, now that they’re no longer living busy London lives, they’re beginning to realise they have very different ideas of happiness.

Private investigator Salva specialises in cases of adultery. That’s why it’s particularly embarrassing that he didn’t realise his long-term girlfriend has been cheating on him. He has no time to nurse a broken heart, since his family are the victims of a property scam they urgently need him to solve.

Robyn Chase is giving talks on her self-help book, No More Toxic Relationships – 7 Years, 7 Lessons. She’s finding it awkward being a relationship guru when her own boyfriend is avoiding her.

The sun is shining in Mallorca and everything looks beautiful. But the residents of one particular apartment block are about to discover it all might be too good to be true.

My review

How the lives of people on the same apartment block can be so different…
First we have George and Ellen. They are a retired couple, and moved to Mallorca with big dreams. But soon they realize they have totally different views and dreams.
George is set on buying a secluded farmhouse, while Ellen is making new friends all over the island. And the richer they are, the better. 

Salva is a private investigator who just found out that his girlfriend cheated on him. Having now second thoughts on his career, he has to mend a broken heart, and on top of it, he has to help his family, victims of a property scam. 

Robyn Chase is a famous writer, thanks to her self – help book. Yet she is struggling with her boyfriend, who seems to prefer avoid her rather than spending time together. 

How will all these characters get over their problems? And will they all find their happiness? 

Initially I had some struggles, because I had no clue how all these characters would come together. Because other than just living in the same block, there wasn’t anything that linked them together. 

But for those who will have the same question, don’t worry, give it time, it will all be clear! 

There are people in this book, that I had some sympathy for, but slowly I had to change my mind. I am not going to say who or what, but I truly disliked some at the end! 

I found this a disturbing story… it showed me that there are people with not the best intentions and are willing to take advantage of the good of people.
And even if I found it sometimes stupid how some of the main characters behaved, I know that it happens more than we think!
Everything that happens to each character could be happening to any of us. 

Yet there were also silver lightings, otherwise it would be a very depressing story. Despite the people I disliked, there were several people I truly liked and sympathized with.
And it showed me that yes, there are ugly people around, there are also people with their heart at the right place, and do the right thing. 

This story was about facing the truth, taking the right decision for you and putting the past behind you.

Even if at some points I didn’t like the way some characters were acting, the good actions took over and made me like this story.  

An unexpected inheritance with a twist of faith… 

Synopsis

Escaping a difficult childhood, unhappy marriage and dead-end job, Rachel McIntyre has escaped to the tiny Hebridean island of Inniscreag in search of a new beginning.

Taking a job as the manager of the local distillery, she’s just settling into her new life when the elderly, eccentric owner dies, unexpectedly leaving her two hundred year old family legacy in Rachel’s inexperienced hands.

Can she keep the small, community business alive in the face of a takeover attempt from a major multinational corporation? And can she resist the charms of the flirtatious, attractive company lawyer who arrives on the island to persuade her to sell up?

Join Rachel and the quirky inhabitants of Inniscreag – along with a couple of unexpected arrivals – in this funny, heartwarming tale about love, loss and having the courage to start over.

My review

Rachel McIntyre has found the perfect escape from her unhappy marriage. She has taken a job as manager of a local distillery in Inniscreag as start of her new life.
After some initial struggles, she finds herself at home now and is even accepted by the community. When the elderly owner of the distillery dies, Racehl is shocked to find out that the poor lady leaves the legacy of the distillery in Rachel’s hands. 

Rachel does not know a thing about how a distillery actual works, so she fears she cannot keep business alive. But when a multinational  will go very far to own the distillery, she hopes she can keep Edith’s dream alive. 

This story was some rollercoaster!
The moment you think it’s all ending, BOOM another twist! 

From the very start I felt sorry for Rachel. She ran away from an unhappy marriage, yet her husband is not giving her the closure she needs. It’s not that she has not tried to keep her marriage together, but at one moment it has to stop… And fact that her husband wasn’t as supportive as he should be, well, I understood why Rachel had to get away. 

I must say, Inniscreag looks like an amazing place to live. Okay, it’s a small island, and the roads are not as comfortable as what I’m used to. But the sense of belonging somewhere, having people to support you, well, you don’t find that everywhere.
Even if Rachel is not from the place, the islanders opened their hearts to her, and she finally has found a place she can call home.  

Rachel shows so much courage, but is yet also vulnerable. Despite her vulnerability, she is also strong and does not allow anyone to take advantage of her anymore. 

She has the courage to start over again, to put the past behind her, finding out the truth no matter how shocking it can be. 

When it’s clear that Rachel does not want to sell, the multination goes lengths to get what they want. Yet Duncan, their lawyer, has surprised me more than in one way. Some of the surprises were nice, and other not so nice.
But the more I read about Duncan, the more I started to like him. And I was not the only one! 

I loved this story from the very start until the end. There are so many things happening that I cannot just talk about.  
But this book made me feel all warm on the inside, made me laugh and sometimes even angry.

This was a story that surprised me in a good way, and making me long to be part of this amazing community, that acts more like one big family!