When low, the only way is up…

Synopsis

It’s never too late…

Lyra Clarkson has built a career capturing other people’s perfect moments. She loves her work as a wedding photographer – despite her family’s disapproval – but she’s never quite found her own path.

Guy Walker, former rock star turned wedding singer, has hit a new low. Desperately needing cash, he’s agreed to take any gig his manager can get him, even if this new form of entertainment isn’t justsinging.

As Lyra and Guy’s paths cross – in the most bizarre way possible – an unexpected kiss will change everything. But was it simply a chance encounter or is fate bringing them back together?

Now forced into each other’s lives for the entire wedding season, the unlikely pair may just figure out together how to realise both their dreams…

My review

Seven years ago, Lyra Clarkson had That Night, a night that changed her life. Now she is a wedding photographer, capturing perfect moments of couples’ special day. No matter how much she loves her job, it isn’t exactly her big dream. And the fact that her whole family disapproves of her career choices, doesn’t help her self-confidence.
Guy Walker is a former rockstar working as a wedding singer. At the height of his fame and fortune, he also that a That Night, that completely changed his life too. Even if the last thing he wants, is to attract any attention, as he is in need money, he has no other choice than singing at weddings when needed.
And it is at one of the (pre-) wedding activities that Lyra and Guy first meet, in an unexpected situation.
The more they meet during wedding season, the harder it becomes to resist the mutual attraction. But with both having several huge demons haunting them, is there a way to find happiness again and a way to realize their dreams?

Haven’t we all had at least once in our lives a crush on a famous person? Whether it is a musician, an actor or someone else, we all have been in love. And in most cases, that was just an impossible love, an unrequited love, a love from afar. And as usual, such kind of loves pass overtime.

But what would happen if years later, you would meet that same crush? However, he would not be the rockstar but more a ‘has – been’? Yet there is still something that attracts and now it appears to be mutual? What would you do?

And that is exactly what happens in this book, although there are obviously more layers and more depth to it than the situation I sketched here above…

While I liked Lyra’s character, her situation angered me. I was proud of her that she made the decision years ago to follow her own dreams. But reading how her own family, instead of supporting her and being proud of her, keep on ridiculing her and making her feel small and even less than her own sister, made my blood boil. Yes, I understand that as a parent you have a certain dream for your child. But isn’t being a parent also about letting your child chase her own dreams?

And her family’s behaviour clearly affects Lyra. No matter how amazing she truly is, no matter how much she pretends it doesn’t hurt her, it’s obvious that she blames herself for what happened to her father, and she feels like it’s her penance to make her family as happy as possible, even if she doesn’t always agree with everything they say or do…

Her passion for photography is palpable each time she takes her camera in her hands. She manages to capture perfect pictures, unexpected ones. It couldn’t be more obvious that taking pictures is what Lyra was born to do. And thus seeing how she parked her passion, it just didn’t feel right…

And then there is Guy… a man who literally had it all, yet one night destroyed it all…

His story for sure broke my heart. His past as a rockstar, and everything he has lost because of the fame and fortune still haunts him. I could understand why he doesn’t want to be recognized anymore, and be as far away as possible from everything that he once wanted…

It sounded a bit weird to me that he is doing jobs that he doesn’t want to actually do, as he needs the money. Initially that made me think in a certain direction, a direction that we have heard also in the real world, how famous people have lost all their money due additions.

But I was glad to discover that Guy isn’t that kind of rockstar, and that the money is going somewhere special, somewhere that matters to him…

Guy in so many aspects is the kind of character that you just feel truly sorry for. It is not only because he is at his lowest now, but what he has been through is devastating, and he is still carrying around the burden of it, the sense that he failed and that he still has to pay the price for him not being there when it matters.

He even believes that he is truly broken and that he doesn’t deserve to be loved, as he is not worthy. He also doesn’t want to put a burden on the woman next to him. Because he is certain that it will all just end in heartbreak…

When Lyra and Guy start bumping into each other, (pre) wedding after (pre)wedding, something is simmering between them. Yes, they initially don’t get along, and Guy is afraid that Lyra is only after the famous Guy, thus their relationship (if you can call it like that), doesn’t start that greatly.

But is was so sweet to see further along in the story how Lyra truly gets Guy, she sees behind his façade, she realizes when he needs comfort, when he needs a listening and understanding ear, and even when he just needs a supporting hug.

Of course in this book, the readers need *a lot* of patience 😊 Because it takes a while before something truly happens. Correction, when something truly significant and something that matters happens between them. Talking about a very slow burn! But with two characters, both haunted, it makes sense that they just don’t dive in a relationship, as those nasty demons need to be chased away first!

I don’t know why it is that romance stories like this one are just more. Is it because both main characters have to grow a lot in it? There has to be a lot of trail and error? The characters need to understand that they are allowed to dream big? Or that the past is in the past and they have to learn to let go?

Laura Carter wrote a beautiful story, with  several moments that made me laugh, but also several that nearly put tears in my eyes. Because no matter what happened in the past, how haunted you are, what you believe of yourself, you are always worthy of love, a second chance (you’ll get the second chance reference while you’re reading! 😊) at love.

How France truly is the place to be for love…

Synopsis

When a heartsick Maggie is sent on an errand by her mother to Cannes, she is keen to get it over with as quickly as possible.

She has been tasked with collecting a treasured box of photos from her late grandmother Elizabeth’s best friend, the impossibly glamorous Allegra Morgon who is desperate to tell Maggie all about the year she and Elizabeth spent in Paris. The sixties were in full swing, the air hummed with jazz, artists and students made the streets their own, and the City of Love was weaving its magic. And against this backdrop, two people were beginning a love story that would last a lifetime – but be over too soon.

As Maggie hears more about Allegra’s life, first in Paris, then New York, and finally on the Riviera, she is captivated and inspired. Was life always leading Maggie to this moment, this beautiful place so she could finally learn to stop living in the past? Because if she can, then another love story for the ages might just be within her reach…

Helen McGinn’s deliciously escapist, unashamedly romantic story is perfect for fans of Carol Kirkwood, Karen Swan and Erica James.

My review

After the end of her marriage, to do her mother a favour, Maggie decides to head off to Cannes in France. This because an old friend of her late grandmother has found an old box, filled with treasured memories. Maggie hopes to take the box of her grandmother Elisabeth, and return as soon as she can back home. However, when Maggie meets Allegra Morgon, she is curious about the two friends being in Paris during the sixties. And Allegra cannot wait to tell all about that year where not only they met and went to jazz clubs, but also the year where Allegra fell in love. A love that could last a lifetime, if only they would ever have the chance… Maggie finds herself captivated and inspired about how Allegra lived her life in Paris, New York and Cannes. And it makes her wonder if perhaps France is the place where her own broken heart can be healed…

Having visited France, and also Paris myself several times, I know what the attraction, the allure is of this beautiful country. And I know that many books take place in this beautiful setting, whether it is Paris, Cannes, or somewhere else in France, and it always adds that something special to the story.

The story takes off with already a heartbroken Maggie. Her marriage already ended, so we didn’t have to go through hell will her. Although we will learn the details later on, and I could understand how much she has been through and how much in pain Maggie still is.

It’s obvious that Maggie needs a place to heal, and with her mother having requested to head off to Cannes for a box full of mementos of Maggie’s grandmother Elisabeth and her year in Paris, it may be exactly the escape that Maggie needs.

When Maggie arrives in Cannes, and meets Allegra for the first time, it’s not surprising that despite being complete strangers, there is a connection between the both women. It was great to see how no matter the difference in age, the different stage of life they are in, and just a different path their lives have, they just click.

It’s often through stories that we get to know about the past of our families, especially of our grandparents. Because how often do we see our grandparents just as thus, and perhaps not always realizing or understanding (especially when we are younger), that they had adventures of their own…

And seeing Maggie eager to get to know her late grandmother better, but also that friend of Elisabeth, Allegra, who for sure is an enigmatic and interesting character!

With Maggie listening to Allegra, we get a dual storyline, where Maggie is trying to find peace after a terrible time, and where Allegra is all to willing to tell about her life. Perhaps Allegra is even all too happy to have found someone ready to listen to the talk of an old lady.

An old lady that for sure lived an amazing life. Her trip to Paris may start as a punishment from her parents, but it quickly turns out to be the best thing that could have happened to her. Not only is Paris a real eye – opener for her, but she also sees a whole new world through Parisian eyes. She starts to understand art, she learns the joy of jazz bars and the passion of dancing (with the right person), and she learns love.

And how much I loved reading about Allegra and Etienne, how they meet, how feelings start to grow and how slowly the pair of them are becoming more than just friends. That last bit was truly so heartwarming!

But we also know by seeing the Allegra in the present, that it is not a story that will end how we all are hoping it would end. But that is also part of life, because no matter how much love there may be, sometimes there are other actors in the scene, changing the course of life and that love…

However, no matter what happened to Allegra, and how life worked out for her in perhaps a different way, it was bittersweet to see how that one love she had with Etienne still is as important as it was while she was still with him…

And while Maggie is eagerly getting to know Allegra better, she has an encounter of her own, that makes her rethink about love. And in Cannes, Maggie gets enough time, space and peace to let her heartbreak heal, to let her heart capable of opening up again.

This is such an inspiring story in different aspects. We see through Allegra’s eyes that a punishment can bring great people on your path. And that even when you get torn away from the person you love the most, life can still bring you to unexpected places, unexpected paths and that happiness can still be found. Perhaps not the way you expected or hoped, but happiness can still be found, just like love.

And through Maggie’s eyes we learn that hearts can be broken terribly, and that it may not be easy to let your heart heal. But also that a getaway can turn out to be the perfect medicine to heal but also to make important, lasting and life – changing encounters.

When an escape from an unwanted marriage proposal results in more scandals and secrets…

Synopsis

A marriage of convenience to a scoundrel? Not if Augusta can help it.

The impoverished daughter of a baronet, Augusta has no intention of being bartered away like a prize horse. Instead, she flees to London, determined to forge her own path as a modiste.

But fate has other plans. On her very first day in the city, she crosses paths with a brooding earl—one burdened with a clubfoot and a reputation nearly as scandalous as the proposal she ran from. His captivating sister, Mariana, is not only Augusta’s employer’s best client but harbors a secret ambition of her own: to marry the one man society deems wholly unsuitable.

Drawn into Mariana’s reckless schemes of masquerades, cross-dressing, and Whig intrigue, Augusta soon finds herself entangled in more than just scandal—she’s losing her heart to a man who embodies everything she swore to escape.

But the earl has secrets of his own. Is he truly the rogue society believes him to be?

And when Augusta’s past comes calling, will her newfound independence—and her heart—survive?

A charming, fast-paced Regency romance perfect for fans of Bridgerton and the sweetly adventurous love stories of Maggie Dallen and Jenny Hambly.

My review

Augusta may be the daughter of a baronet, but with no money, her future prospects aren’t that bright at all. And she also doesn’t want to get married to someone she didn’t chose herself. As her own aunt is pushing Augusta to do what she truly doesn’t want, Augusta decides to flee to London, and find a way to make her biggest dream of becoming a modiste come true, somehow.
However, right from the moment she arrives in London, nothing goes as planned.
Already on her first day she is in a nearly – accident with an Earl, the Earl’s sister Mariana is not only Augusta’s employer biggest customer but is also plotting away for her own secret ambitions.
With Augusta being Mariana’s ally in her schemes, Augusta finds herself entrapped in an unexpected world, but she finds herself also more and more enthralled by the Earl himself, George. But George himself is facing his own demons, not all related to his clubfoot, but a reputation that precedes him and has nothing to do with the actual truth…
With so much going on in their lives, and so many secrets to be kept, where will it all end and is there a happy end possible?

The perks of living in 2025, is that we are free to love and marry whoever we want. We all know that it hasn’t always been the case, and that many women (and men too), have been very unhappy in their arranged marriage.

So with the knowledge of that background, I was proud of the young woman that Augusta is in this book. Just like everyone else, she has her own dreams and hopes she wants to pursue. And when her aunt forces her to marry someone Augusta truly doesn’t like, it was courageous of her to run away to London.

Augusta is even prepared to live a life as a ‘commoner’ initially, in order to not only gain her freedom, but also to attempt to make it as a modiste. And that was just so admirable, seeing this young woman not only following her dreams but doing it in a time where it is not accustomed for a woman to do what she wants.

In this book though, it is not only Augusta that follows her passions and her dreams. When she meets Mariana, she has found a kind of kindred spirit. Because Mariana too won’t let the rules of society dictate what to do or don’t do. By her own ways, she is more into politics than expected or desired from women. And her hearts beats faster for someone beneath her status, but Mariana bluntly refuses to marry anyone that is not the man she truly desires and loves. 

Both Augusta and Mariana show that even in a time where women aren’t allowed to w-do how they please, there can be found a way. And even if the ladies are pursuing different dreams and are keeping different kind of secrets, there is an instant feeling of trust between them and a mutual desire to help each other, no matter how dire or dangerous the situation may seem.

And let’s not forget about George…

He for sure makes an impressive entrance in the book, as he comes to Augusta’s help when she just arrives in London. But not only then, he even comes at Augusta’s  rescue more than just once! 

Yet he has a reputation in London, and not a good one. I have to admit, initially I didn’t understand how people’s opinion could be somehow the truth about the man I was getting to know better. Where there is smoke, there must be a fire somewhere, the rumors must have started somewhere ,so I wanted to know that start. Yet I was amazed by how it started, because it was anything but I was expecting. And I liked George’s behaviour and his actions as it shows what a righteous man he is. And he is also a caring big brother to Mariana. He wants to protect her above everything, wants to protect her from making mistakes. But we all already know that Mariana won’t be stopped easily 🙂.

However, beside his kind and helpful heart, he is also a haunted person. His clubfoot is for some people a reason for mocking, even bullying him. And he feels ashamed by not being ‘normal’, and he is sure that no woman would love him for who he is, but would only be attracted to him because of his wealth and status. And that saddened me, because George is by far the most normal person! There are other characters in this book that are more abnormal. I truly believe that we should divide people by being ‘normal’ and not, because of a physical difference. 

There is a lot of taking place in this book, Augusta fighting for her freedom, but feeling attracted to George. There is Mariana who is fighting for knowledge, but also for the right to love whoever she wants. And then there is also George, who wants to protect his loved ones, and is fighting against prejudice, injustice, but also his own feelings.

This book shows us the strength of women, as Augusta and Mariana go for their dreams, but it also shows us the strength of love. It shows us that even in a restricted past, determination can start a move that can make change, that can bring happiness, joy and love in life.

Is silence truly always golden?

Synopsis

A gripping and thought-provoking novel from bestseller Caroline Finnerty that asks the question: How far would you go, to protect your child?

When Charlotte Daly wins a scholarship to the prestigious St Thomas’s school, her mother Ali – who has struggled to bring Charlotte up as a single mum – is so proud. She hopes this opportunity will mean a better life for her clever, brilliant daughter.

Ali worries, however, that Charlotte is having a hard time fitting in with her new, wealthy peers. Sowhen Charlotte is invited to a sixteenth birthday party by popular boy Ollie, Ali pushes her to go, hopeful that she’ll finally make some friends.

Just before midnight, Charlotte calls Ali to come pick her up from the party. She’s shaking and silent: it’s obvious something has happened but she won’t say what.

It’s only the next day, when Ali is at work, that she learns a teenage boy has been seriously injured. Then the police turn up at their house, wanting to question Charlotte about the events of that night. People are pointing the blame at Charlotte, saying the injured boy was last seen talking to her, before he was found unconscious in the pool.

As the investigation deepens, Ali finds that everyone has their own agenda and people will stop at nothing to protect their children – especially wealthy people. Only Charlotte knows the truth about what happened that night. Can Ali get her to tell the truth before it’s too late?

My review

Ali Daly is over the moon when her daughter Charlotte wins a scholarship to the prestigious St Thomas’s school. As it isn’t easy for a single mother to bring up a child, Ali hopes that this opportunity will give Charlotte all the chances she didn’t have herself for a better life.
However, Charlotte finds it difficult to adapt to her new school, and despite the secrecy, everyone appears to know that she is the one that won the scholarship, making it even more difficult for Charlotte.
So when there is an invitation for a birthday party by one of the popular boys, Charlotte goes under slight pressure.
However, when Ali picks Charlotte just before midnight, it’s clear that something has happened. But it’s the day after that Ali hears at work that an accident has happened, and when the police turns up home, that all the fingers are pointing towards Charlotte.
As Ali believes that her daughter truly is innocent, she becomes aware that there are people with their own agenda to protect their own children, with no regard for the actual truth. So will Charlotte open up and tell what happened that one night? And will the truth always prevail?

I am not a mother myself (that ship sailed long time ago), but I truly believe that I would be the kind of mother that wants the absolute best for her child, aiming high for him/her. Of course that applies for 99.99% of the parents. 😊

But seeing how Ali has raised her daughter on her own, amazed me. not because Ali wouldn’t be capable, but being a parent as a couple is already difficult enough in these times, but doing it on your own… Luckily, Charlotte has never caused Ali any trouble and she is very focused on her studies.

It’s clear that Charlotte is a real introvert, she doesn’t have (m)any friends, she doesn’t go out and prefers staying at home. And a change of school, from public to private, is a big change for her, especially as she knows that everyone will look down at her, as she doesn’t have the same status as all the others…

But I could also understand Ali, as she wants Charlotte to have the best opportunities in life, even if that means changing school. And I could understand her hope that Charlotte would be making new friends at St. Thomas.

It’s obvious in this book that a mother’s wish doesn’t always align with a child’s one. While it’s obviously all done for the right reason, it can be difficult for a parent to see what truly is best for the child and not just ‘push’ their own dreams forward.

It broke my heart to see the injustice in this book. It was great reading how Ali stands behind Charlotte from the very start until the bitter end. But seeing how Ali has to fight to find out the truth, how people want to twist the truth, it made me just sick…

It is an ugly thought, that people with money, with some kind of status want to make their own truths, and aren’t afraid of even threatening those ‘beneath’ them, for their own advantage. You would think that in the world we are living in now, that would be all in the past. Although…

I liked Ali’s determination to discover the real truth, not just believing what others are saying and claiming. Perhaps, with anyone that isn’t Charlotte, I would believe that Charlotte isn’t as innocent as she claims to be. But right from the start, I was in her corner too. And learning more about her, and her past, what she has been through already and her ongoing struggles, I was only more certain of her innocence.

This sounds like a very dark story, and it for sure takes dark turns here and there. Especially with some more shocking revelations that I didn’t see coming. But it was also a strong story, about the bond between a mother and a daughter. Not only about how far a mother would go to protect her daughter, but mainly about the love between mother and daughter.

So while this wasn’t an easy story to read, the love was palpable and that made me truly like the story.

When everything has gone down, can it find a way back up?

Synopsis

A heart-wrenching and life-affirming story of love and loss from number one bestselling author Nicola May

Gracie Davies is at an all-time low. After a devastating loss, the last thing she needs is a colleague hinting over coffee that it’s time to lose her baby weight. Then her boyfriend betrays her, and her world totally falls apart.

Rebuilding her life from scratch – with the support of her free-spirited sister, an unorthodox therapist, and a feisty new friend – Gracie finally begins to get her mojo back. Add in a passionate fling with handsome landscaper Ed, a fairytale encounter with a Hollywood film star and the persistence of her adulterous ex, and life is anything but predictable…

Soon she finds that community, purpose, and perhaps even new love might be the perfect prescription for a broken heart.

But can a heart that’s been so utterly shattered ever trust again?

Warm, witty, wildly sexy and deeply moving, Nicola May’s unforgettable novel is perfect for fans of Jojo Moyes, Marian Keyes, and Amanda Prowse.

This is a revised version of The Women of Wimbledon Common/The SW19 Club

My review

Gracie Davies has gone through hell, and is still there. Not only is she struggling with the lost of her babies, but also the knowledge of never be able to have any more babies, is crushing her. Her pain and grief are also affecting the relationship she has with Lewis, the man she loves with all her heart. But not only is she being body shamed, and being told that it’s time to lose her baby weight, she also discovers the moment that she is feeling a tiny bit better, that Lewis cheated on her… Now it’s up to Gracie to rebuild her life again, and instead of just going with the flow, and let things go their way, she decides to make several changes in her life. With the help from her sister, her therapist and a brand new friend, Gracie even starts to have a fling with landscaper Ed. However, Lewis doesn’t give up on Gracie that easily, and when a Hollywood film star  shows also an interest, Gracie feels that her life has never been this lively. But is it enough to heal her heart? And in order to heal it, Gracie also needs to understand what her heart truly wants, and if she can do what it takes to heal and to find her happiness once and for all…

This isn’t an easy story to read, especially those first chapters. Of course by reading the blurb I knew that Gracie would be going through hell, but I didn’t know that hell would be that, well, hellish, for her…

There are plenty of women in the world that lose their baby during the pregnancy. Unfortunately, that happens a lot, and somehow it is also something we as outsiders acknowledge, but taking about it, is still somehow a taboo. And only people who have been through such terrible events, can understand the pain, the grief and the sense of loss that comes with it. All the others, who have been lucky to have never been going through this, have no right to say what is right to feel or to say.

While losing a baby on itself, is already terrible enough, Nicola May decided to make things even worse for Gracie. Because not only has Gracie lost twins, but she also needed to have a hysterectomy, burying her hopes and dreams of becoming a mum completely…

Of course Gracie is struggling, if she weren’t, it wouldn’t be normal. How can someone cope with everything that Gracie has been going through? And the audacity of some people, not understanding or showing any kind of compassion…

Luckily, Gracie finds herself surrounded by people willing to help her. Not only does she has the most supporting sister, but also her therapist is there to listen to her. And Gracie finds not only an ally but a real friend in Maya.

Help she also has and needs when she discovers that Lewis has done the unthinkable, with someone she never expected. And while that only breaks her heart even more, or rather her heart has been through a blender, it is also in a way the kick in her ass she maybe needed to get her life back on track.

That last straw is a real eye – opener for Gracie. She understands that she needs to live again, to get that spark back in her eyes. Obviously her heartbreak won’t just disappear overnight, but she realizes that she needs to start somewhere. But finding that somewhere, that something, isn’t that easy to find.

I truly liked seeing how slowly the light is returning in Gracie’s eyes. Even if I had my own reservations and thoughts about Ed, and Gracie having a fling with him, it was also the medicine Gracie needs. Even if Ed is having his own struggles and difficulties to go through.

Now, I also need to say that there were a few moments where I thought that Gracie wasn’t doing the right thing. That perhaps she was acting too much on impulse instead of thinking rationally about what to do. But it also felt right in a way for Gracie to do the wrong thing. Because Gracie is going through a learning curve, she is growing, and the only way to do such, is by trial and error.

Seeing Gracie grow, made me feel proud of her, as she slowly starts to get out of her shell, and even chase her dreams. She isn’t afraid to start all over again, not only personally but also professionally. And I even was in awe of her, how she manages to turn the terrible things she has been through into something positive, and how she makes it possible to help others too.

Yes, a lot is happening in Gracie’s life since the start of the book, as she meets different people, all affecting Gracie one way or another. And yes, I could start talking more in detail about Ed, or about the Hollywood star. But while they are in Gracie’s life somehow, I feel like talking too much about them in my review, would take away the spotlight on Gracie’s complete journey.

While the main focus is definitely on Gracie, we also get snippets of the life of other characters, like Maya, or Gracie’s therapist, Scott. While their lives are entwined with Gracie’s, they are facing their own, personal struggles and life – changing events. Their moments show us that we never truly know what happens in someone else’s life.

Nicola May wrote an inspiring story, about how to cope with grief and loss. Nicola shows us that sometimes things have to go way down before we are able to rebuild our lives again, to find that spark again, and to even become a beacon for other people. And to find a way to fix something that we thought was irrevocably broken…  

When a castle is the setting to get through tough times.

Synopsis

What if the castle has the key to mend their broken hearts?

After a miserable few years, fun-loving Iona McKenzie tossed her corporate job to the wind, swore off long-term relationships, and escaped to the Hebridean island of Barra to teach water sports.

Recently dumped by an ex who labelled him ‘boring’, Monty MacNeil is having a tough time. When he’s tasked with carrying out his late father’s last request to scatter his ashes at Kisimul Castle – the famous castle in the bay – he doesn’t expect his trip to Barra to begin by running smack bang into a feisty and gorgeous woman, knocking her off her bike, and almost dropping his father’s urn into the sea.

Iona turns out to be the person he needs to take him over to the castle, but Monty soon sees another way she can help him. A few paddleboarding lessons would make him look more adventurous and give him a way back to his ex when his holiday’s done. But an unexpected attraction begins, despite both Monty and Iona fighting it, and the lessons soon develop from boarding and snorkelling to ‘love lessons’. Suddenly it’s harder to separate real from pretend.

True love may be closer than they think, but if they want it, both must take a chance – and soon – before Monty returns to his life on the mainland.

My review

Despite his fear of everything involving water, Monty MacNeil heads of to the island of Barra, to scatter the ashes of his father at Kisimul Castle. For Monty, this is also a chance to prove his ex, Sophie, that he isn’t the boring man she claimed him to be when ending things. But being adventurous is easier said than done, as it just isn’t in Monty’s nature and whatever adventurous activities there are, they mostly involve water. And not only water, but also all provided by Iona McKenzie… And Iona is everything that Monty is not… But Iona has her own reasons for staying at the island, as she had been through a few miserable times herself. And the island is giving her the freedom and fun she has been looking for, teaching water sports and having everything but a long – term relationship. These two opposites start clashing, but slowly an attraction starts to grow and somehow, Iona finds herself teaching not only Monty to be more confident on the water, but also to be more confident in the love area, to conquest Sophie back. But is that truly what Monty wants, after spending time in Barra?

What I love of this author, is that she is able to take me to unknown places, yet makes me fall in love with not only the place, but also with the main characters, no matter who they are, what their background is or the reason of them being in this story.

From the start, I felt so so just so sorry for Monty. My heart went out to him, seeing him struggling with the loss of his father. And I found it sweet that Monty wanted to fulfil his father’s last wish to have his ashes scattered at Kisimul Castle. Even if Monty doesn’t believe what his father was determined to prove, he want to honour who his father was, by doing something that terrifies him.

His fears are so palpable, and I could understand them all. Even if not at the same level as Monty’s, I will be holding on in a plane, on a boat, and you could offer me all the money of the world, you would never see me doing any kind of water sports…

But his backstory is more than the above… because his girlfriend ended things with him. Of course feelings can change, and love can end. But reading how Sophie claimed Monty to be ‘boring’, well, I found it very rude. It felt like Sophie was just looking for an excuse to break up with Monty and just gave a stupid reason to do so. Is it obvious that I don’t like this Sophie at all?

Yet as we see Monty’s resolution to show her wrong, and wants to win her back, makes it clear that Monty would do anything for his loved ones. And that no matter how much Sophie hurt him, he still cares about and loves her.

The person that Monty is, couldn’t be more different than Iona’s character. Where Monty is strict (in a certain way), and holds in, Iona just lets go.

Obviously Iona has not always been this free – spirited and it took her a whole process to get to this point of happiness and freedom. It took her a while, which also means that she won’t let go of that freedom that easily.

I could understand why she doesn’t do relationships, but I didn’t agree with her choice. Being free does also mean free to love. To let love find you. So in a way, her not committing to anyone, felt like she was locking herself in, not enjoying her freedom at the fullest.

Also, I need to admit, even if I would never ever do all the things that Iona is doing, I was in awe of her. She is courageous obviously, but she is also caring, loving and helpful. She shows this in so many different ways to her island – friends. You can count on Iona, and she would help out her friends, even if that means being around Monty.

With characters being so different, obviously Iona and Monty don’t get along initially. It’s not that they dislike each other, but they are just in different worlds, with different lifestyles and purposes. So when slowly Iona and Monty are getting closer, and help each other in the most difficult moments (emotionally and physically too), those bits were truly warming my heart.

And they find themselves opening up to each other, finding not only someone that listens, but also someone that wants to genuinely help. And that brings them perhaps to an unconventional agreement.

An agreement that brings them even closer, even if they don’t understand exactly how close they have become, and how much them being together is changing them, for the better of course.

This isn’t just a story about opposites that attract, which in itself is already a great trope. But it is about doing things you would never expect to do, to get over your fears, to understand who you truly are and what you truly need in life. It is about daring to step outside your comfort zone, daring to open up your heart and let life and love take a course you would never imagine. It is about letting yourself feel again, and see what real love can look like.

This is the first book of a brand new series, of an author that I already loved before. And this first book for sure sounds very promising for the rest of the series! Margaret Amatt once again swept me of my feet!

When being stood up makes you meet someone else…

Synopsis

Sometimes love happens when you least expect it…

When Nadia and Tom are both unceremoniously stood up by their dates under the clock at Waterloo Station, fate throws them together in the most unusual of circumstances.

What starts as a brilliant story for future dinner parties soon turns into a wonderful friendship, and both Tom and Nadia realise they’ve found the perfect partner in crime.

Tired of dating but always needing a plus one for weddings, parties, and the like, they agree to fake date each other. But as their pretend relationship starts to feel more real, Nadia and Tom begin to wonder if there’s more to their connection than convenience.

Could the relationship they’ve been faking be the one they’ve been waiting for all along?

A heartwarming fake dating rom com, perfect for fans of Beth O’Leary and Sophie Kinsella.

My review

After some persuasion, Nadia decides to agree on a blind date. But when waiting under the clock at Waterloo Station, and there is a no – show, Nadia realizes that she has been stood up. However, under that same clock, she meets Tom. He also is waiting for his date, but also it dawns to him that he has been stood up. With freshly engaged Bea and Ruth, and freshly discovering a cheating husband Rachel, a random meeting under that clock forms unexpected friendships. And as both Nadia and Tom are tired of being asked about their relational situationships, they decide to be each other’s plus – one. No strings attached, no expectations, just someone to have by their side to avoid questions. But their agreement can only last for a time, so what will happen when it’s time to ‘break up’?

There are so many books in the world, about people agreeing to be a pretend boy/girlfriend, that you would think that you have read them all, and that maybe you shouldn’t bother with this one?

Well, let me tell you that you are wrong if you just even think about skipping this one. Because, yes, it may seem like a thirteenth book in a dozen, but it for sure isn’t one!

Being on a blind date can be a great experience, but can also be the total opposite. And trust me, I have been through the latter! But the worst thing possible on a date, is being stood up. While Nadia and Tom are finding themselves in the same situation, of being stood up that is, their mindset or purpose is completely different.

While as Nadia is truly meeting a stranger for the first time, Tom already knows who he is meeting with. Nadia is in for a first encounter, and hopefully a good one, Tom is at the station for an agreement made ten years ago. See, already a unique setup! 😊

I have to say, I don’t know if I would be speaking to complete strangers in any station. But that is me, being an introvert and just wary of everything and everyone. Although, when there is a lockdown taking place, it makes sense somehow to be speaking to the people around you. And both Nadia and Tom find great people to take with, Bea and Ruth are just wonderful, and Rachel, despite finding out about her cheating husband, is also a great persona!

It was great to see how the Waterloo Five just instant connect, become friends and each other’s supporters. It may seem unlikely that real friendships can be made so easily, but these five show that it is possible.

But back to Nadia and Tom…

Nadia and Tom couldn’t be more different from each other, but them left stood up brought them together and in another situation, they would have never met. And them being in an alike situation, it makes sense to join forces.

What I liked the most about their ‘scheme’, is we can call it like that, is that there isn’t a lot of pretending taking place. Yes, towards Nadia’s colleagues they pretend to be a couple, but in other occasions, they never explicit tell anyone that they are together. Obviously, people make assumptions, and Tom and Nadia don’t do their best to prove them wrong, but that makes it even funnier to read!

There are so many funny bits in this book, but also so many heartwarming ones. Like I said, Tom and Nadia couldn’t be more different, yet together they have the best of times, whether it’s talking about worst dates ever, or playing tennis with Tom’s family. Their constant banter was truly delightful.

Of course their friendship changes, as their feelings for each other is slowly shifting. But while I truly wanted them to give in to their feeling, I also liked it how they respected their friendship and tried to hold to their agreement.

And obviously there has to be one extra event to shake things up even more. And while that appearance angered me, it was also what both main characters needed to truly understand the depths of their feelings, for whoever those feelings are.

I absolutely loved reading this book, as it for sure put a smile on my face. And it was different from the fake boy/girlfriend trop, only making it even better! Plus the fact that there are amazing friends to be found, made it only extra – extra better! 😊

But what I loved the most, was that perhaps the best kind of people, whether friends or even more, can be found in the most unlikely places, in the most unlikely situations. But aren’t those the best kind?  

Can you learn to trust again?

Synopsis

After the death of her abusive husband, Erica Masters returns to Perth, eager for a fresh start and the birth of her granddaughter. But when she learns her husband has changed his Will in favour of their son, leaving her with nothing, she flees to seek refuge in Pelican Crossing, the place she once called home.

Having sold his fishing boat after a bitter divorce which left him to bring up his two teenage sons, Jamie Whittaker has found success with his fishing charter business. Thrilled by the arrival of his first grandchild, he is stunned when his teenage flame, Erica, reappears in town.

As the pair reconnect, old feelings resurface, but Erica remains guarded after her painful past. Jamie, determined to win Erica’s heart once again, manages to break through her defences until a family tragedy turns their lives upside down.

With everything unravelling around them, can these two troubled souls build a future together?

If you enjoy emotional reads, you’ll love this gripping tale of love and second chances.

My review

After the death of her husband, Erika Masters initially believed that the worse would have passed. But less is true, as she discovers that not only her abusive husband changed his will and left it to their son, but also that the business that he has left behind is in a mess. With her daughter – in – law just having had a baby, Erika doesn’t see any issue with staying at her son’s place and give a helping hand. However, when her son Kieran seems to look to much after his father, Erika decides that it’s time for a fresh start, and makes the move to Pelican Crossing, where her brother still lives and the place that once was home for Erika too.
Home where her teenage love, Jamie Whittaker is still living. Jamie, who is enjoying his life, even after a bitter divorce and bringing up his two sons on his own. And he cannot be more happier since the arrival of his first grandchild.
With Erika and Jamie finding themselves being practically neighbours, they easily reconnect. But Erika is still scarred by her past, is still very wary and is not ready to let her defences down. Which make Jamie only more determined to win her over and show her that not all men are the same…
Will they find a way back together, or is it all water under the bridge?

I have said it before, and I will say it again, even if the characters in all of Maggie Christensen’s books are going through phases in their lives that I haven’t experienced myself (yet), it is always so easy to relate and feel for them.

Both characters are not complete strangers, yet it is always nice to get better insights in their persona.

And we already know what Erika has been through, but I found it even more heartbreaking to see how it scarred her and how the events still affects her. I can only imagine what it’s like to be in an abusive relationship, and it is also something I never want to experience myself. But it was also amazing to see how strong Erika has become. Already in the previous book of the series, Erika took an important decision by wanting to leave her husband.
But in this book she becomes even stronger and is ready to stick up for herself, when she realizes that perhaps her own son is more alike to her husband than Erika could ever imagine.

And I was proud of her when she made the decision to make the move to Pelican Crossing. Yes, it was perhaps weird to see how she was leaving her daughter – in – law behind, and her granddaughter. But on the other hand, Erika knows firsthand that you cannot force someone to take action. It must come within, seeing and realizing when a relationship may or may not turn into an unhealthy one.

Obviously, getting a fresh start is easier said than done, no matter how strong Erika has become. Because she is still wary of people’s intention. And the fact that everyone in Pelican Crossing knows her, and knows about her past (her recent past, and the fact that in her teenage years she dated Jamie), makes her feel uneasy at times. Which once again, is perfectly understandable.

But we see Erika also flourish, as not only she learns to stand on her own feet, but she also stands up for herself. She is grateful for the help she gets from her brother, but she wants her independence, she wants to make it on her own.

Making on his own is something that Jamie has learned. HIs marriage ended in a bitter divorce, and he has spend years (wonderful years, no doubt about it) raising his sons on his own. It wasn’t without trail and error, and he for sure has made some sacrifices for the greater good. But now his sons are grown up and he couldn’t be any prouder. And he adores his first grandchild!

Jamie never left Pelican Crossing, and is surrounded by not only people he has known his whole life, but also many friends. But just like in Erika’s case, everyone knows his business. So while he isn’t that sorry that Erika has returned, he could also do without the interference of everyone.

This isn’t a case of ‘with just one look they fall deeply in love’. But their shared history makes it easier for Erika and Jamie to become quicker friends than complete strangers would. Of course Erika’s reluctance is understandable. And I loved it how Jamie respected that and understood Erika. However, he won’t give up that easily. And no, I know that is may sound a bit too persistent or stalkerish, but it  truly isn’t. Because Jamie and Erika often meet by sheer accident, and Jamie is just the most perfect gentleman, understanding what Erika needs, but also knows that Erika may need a little nudge to find the courage to open up again.

Obviously both characters don’t just get together without any glitch. There are several ups and downs in this book, even a tragedy that may jeopardize all Erika and Jamie have been building. Although I have to say, the tragedy itself was for sure a scary one, the level of it was not what I expected it to be. Yet that made me happy, to see that it wasn’t what I expected it to be, even if a ‘surprise’ visit put everything at risk once again.

It was lovely to see how love can find its way back to people who have been through a lot but deserve a second chance. Maggie Christensen wrote once again a story about not only second chances, but also about finding a place where you belong. A place where you can feel safe, cherished and loved. What a wonderful read, once again! 

Doesn’t this cover just look good???

Synopsis

Get ready to fall in love with the brand new romance in the Scottish Escapes series from bestselling author, Julie Shackman.

When romance author Rosie Winters’s own fairytale romance ends with a bang, she’s determined to get away from everything. Packing up her belongings she sets off for the furthest place she can think of: Scotland.

Rosie spent her summers at her late grandmother’s coastal cottage in the Highlands and knows it’ll be the perfect place to wallow for a while. Even better that there’s a gorgeous lighthouse and dolphins in the bay.

What Rosie didn’t expect was to bump into the new lighthouse keeper, Mitch. Despite her recent heartbreak, Rosie finds herself fascinated by the mysterious Mitch. As they spend more time together, is it possible that he needs Rosie every bit as she needs him…

Pre – order links:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Scottish-Lighthouse-Escape-lighthouse-armchair-ebook/dp/B0D9PLQ25Y

https://www.amazon.com/Scottish-Lighthouse-Escape-lighthouse-armchair-ebook/dp/B0D9PLQ25Y

About the author

Julie Shackman is a feel-good romance author from Scotland and is published by the HarperCollins imprint One More Chapter. When not writing or reading, Julie loves to take her Romanian rescue pup Cooper for long walks, working out, watching romcoms and indulging her love of music. A Scottish Lighthouse Escape is her thirteenth novel.

The cover!

When things get heated over a villa…

Synopsis

One bachelorette party. One stag do. One double-booked villa and only one way to decide who gets it: a competition.

Workaholic Molly is buzzing when her best friend tells her she’s getting married. As maid of honour Molly can’t wait for the perfect bachelorette party in Spain. What could be better than a week in a stunning villa? Sun, sea, cocktails and gossiping – and best of all, no boys allowed. But when the hens arrive they discover that they are not alone. The villa has been accidentally double booked by a group of stags who make it very clear they’re not leaving!

It’s a disaster, and no one wants to give up their place in paradise. Attempts at compromising fail instantly, so their only option is to have a winner takes all competition. Battle lines are drawn and it is girls v boys – but will the competition be too hot to handle?

As their rivalry heats up, and Molly finds herself gravitating towards stag Travis, it’s clear that he’s enjoying the attention – but Molly can’t let herself get distracted, and under no circumstances can she fall for the enemy.

My review

Molly is a passionate recruiter that goes lengths to find the perfect man for the perfect job. But when her relationship ends unexpectedly, and even turns out in her making a professional error, Molly realizes that perhaps it’s time for a break. Luckily, her best friend is getting married, and not only the wedding itself but also the bachelorette party will be taking place in Spain. An amazing villa, sun, sea and lots of cocktails, there couldn’t be anything better, and what could possibly go wrong?
A lot, as it appears that the villa has been double booked, by a group of stags, on a bachelor party and wedding too.
As nobody wants to leave the villa, also as there is no other option available, it’s the start of a boys – versus – girls war, where the winners get to stay and losers will have to leave. But with stakes so high, and fraternizing with the enemy is out of the question, Molly finds herself drawn to one of the men, Travis. With games that are on, who will be the final winner? And of what exactly?

Another Porta Macintosh book that I just had to read! Everything written in the blurb was just so appealing, that if I would skip the chance to read it, it would be a clear sign that I am not feeling well!😊

I cannot say that I have been on a bachelorette party, at home or even abroad. So all I know about it, is what I have read in books or seen in films or television. And we all know that fiction isn’t the reality, so I all take it with a grain of salt. But that doesn’t mean I don’t enjoy reading and seeing how things go terribly wrong, one way or another.

When we first meet Molly, it isn’t that she is in a bad place, but we know things are going to change. And I have to admit, that I didn’t know what to think about her relationship with Dean… Their vibes, and just Dean’s vibes were just not right. So when Dean breaks up with Molly, for the strangest reason, at the strangest moment ever, I dare to say that I wasn’t sorry for it. Of course my heart went out to Molly, as she doesn’t deserve to be treated that way. But we also know that each story has to start somewhere…

I have to say, before I start telling my thoughts about what is taking place at the villa in Spain, that I liked how Molly’s boss is acting towards her. He sees that one of his best forces is not herself, and while many in his position would find it easy to let Molly go, he gives her not only another chance to come to herself again, but also ‘forces’ her to take some time off. And that is of course perfect for Molly! 🙂

Molly and her friends are very different kind of characters. Yet I liked it how these different women have bonded in the past, a few closer than others, yet there is genuine love and care between all of them. They are all four of them adamant of not only having the best bachelorette party, but also the best wedding, and while the bride will be on a honeymoon, Molly and the rest will enjoy an extra week in the villa.

I was initially a bit afraid that the stags our lovely friends are meeting at the airport, would be the same guys they would be ending up sharing the villa with. I just didn’t feel how any of those guys would be interesting or attracting enough for Molly. So I was happy that those guys just made a brief appearance! 🙂

The villa for sure sounds like an idyllic place, even if it is rather secluded. But I myself wouldn’t care about the place not being in a busy city or town, it even adds extra to the charm of the villa!

The first encounter with the men for sure was a hilarious one. I cannot say that I would have the courage to go jumping naked in the pool like Molly’s friends do, no matter how close I am with my friends. But I cannot blame the girls, because, why not? And I for sure didn’t expect that this moment would be where the men would make their first appearance. As a reader, I had to laugh out loud, but if I were in that same situation, I would have died of embarrassment. 

Discovering that the place you are staying is double booked is on itself already a terrible discovery. But to realize that it is for the exact same time, exact same reason and there is absolutely no other possible arrangement available, can it be even more terrible? Of course I was in the girls’ corner, but I could also understand why the guys weren’t willing to move out of the place.

And that means only one thing… war! 🙂

Now, I need to say one thing.. perhaps I would have made better arrangements. Because no matter how lovely it sounds to have a  bedroom and also a bathroom, having no kitchen at your disposal, for a foody like me, that would be a bigger hell than having to sleep on a couch!

But war is war, and no concessions can be made! And the acts of war were just so funny to read! From shampoo, to tampons, to periods, everything is allowed during a tough battle! And I liked it how some clichés were completely discarded and proving us wrong in some aspects. And It was also extremely funny to read how when the battles are being played, it takes each time an unexpected turn.

However, what I liked the most was how Molly finds herself suddenly drawn towards Trevor, her ‘enemy’. Yet it was just sweet to see how they find themselves stealing moments, bending the rules, to just be kind and nice towards each other. And reading how they are growing  closer, getting to know each other and even trying to keep the peace, making sure that things don’t escalate too much.

There are several moments that made me truly laugh out loud, but also that warmed my heart. And yes, a few moments that angered me or even saddened me. But that is the price we pay when we read a book, isn’t it? It cannot all be happy – happy – joy – joy. 

I absolutely devoured this newest book of an author that keeps on being amazing! She once again wrote a marvellous story, filled with laughter, fun, teasing and a healthy dose of rivalry. But most of all, it has wonderful characters that find each other in the most peculiar of situations and slowly learn and understand that all is fair in love and war 🙂 .