Really, sleep is overestimated!

Synopsis

Can the past always be forgiven?

Ben Stratton and Bryony Nightingale. Everybody thought they’d be together forever. But, when Ben leaves the small market town of Castle Clare to travel the world, Bryony is heartbroken, seeing his departure as the ultimate betrayal.

Throwing herself into her work running the much-loved children’s bookshop, Bryony determines to forget Ben and to start dating again. But Ben doesn’t make it easy for her, sending her postcards filled with his love and posting her foreign editions of all the great romantic novels from the countries he’s travelling through.

Then, after six long years, the unexpected happens and Ben returns, determined to win Bryony back. But will she forgive him and does he have the courage to tell her the truth about why he left her?

Natural Born Readers is the third book in the warm-hearted Book Lovers series by the bestselling author of The Rose Girls and A Weekend with Mr Darcy.

My review

Bryony Nightingale was heart – broken six years ago when the love of her life, Ben Stratton, left her for travelling around the world. She wanted to forget him, but for 2 long years, he kept on sending postcards and gifts to her. And not just random gifts, no, foreign editions of the greatest romantic novels…

But this was six years ago… Bryony is now focused on running the children’s bookshop and is ready to date again. She is even willing to date Colin The Baker, even if there is something missing…
And suddenly the impossible happens… Ben is back in Castle Clare. And all he wants is to win Bryony back.
Is Bryony really over Ben? And will she forgive him for abandoning her?

Another amazing part in this series! I don’t know how Victoria does is, writing so captivating stories, but keep on the work (although maybe not… because now I’m a zombie! 😆).

In the previous parts, we get to know Bryony a little bit. We know that something happened with her and the mysterious Ben, but that’s a topic nobody can talk about.
So I was very curious to know what happened so many years ago and what impact it had in Bryony.

And my o my… I loved this one also from start till end!
I so understood Bryony her motives of acting so cold towards Ben. How would you act, when the man you loved with all your heart, just goes away, without a real explanation?
AND he just expects you to forgive him? I would be angry too!

Bryony feels also betrayed by her own family, as they welcome Ben back with open arms. This because he always has been part of the family, when he was a kid…

Trying to find a way to escape Ben, she befriends her neighbour, Flo. And this was the real surprise of the story! Flo is a ray of joy through the whole story. She also has to cope with difficulties, but she and her animals, made me laugh each time they appeared!

This story manages to capture you from the first minute. And left me again awake during the night! All the emotions in this book got straight to my heart, aching for Bryony her pain, longing for forgiveness for Ben, a bit being vindictive together with Bryony again.
Even when Bryony does not the right thing, I understood her motives and I hoped it would not be the end of it all. Because deep down, you known that she is still that heart – broken girl of six years ago…

But let’s not forget about Ben… when we first meet him for real, and not by memories of the Nightingales, we sense that there was more to his leaving that everybody thought.

If you are hooked to the previous parts like I was, you will LOVE this one too! A sweet story about mending broken hearts, forgiveness and a bond that is too hard to break!

I just LOVED IT LOVED IT LOVED IT LOVED IT!!!!

A life – fixer is sometimes all you need.

Synopsis

A heart-warming, uplifting romance served with a generous slice of cake. Perfect for fans of Jill Mansell, Katie Fforde and Cathy Kelly.

There’s no problem Becky Watson can’t fix. Except her own love life…

Struggling single mother Becky Watson longs to revive her career as a life-fixer, working miracles to solve her clients’ problems, no matter how big or small. Since the birth of her two-year-old son she has been stuck preventing wedding fiascos for the richest and rudest residents of the Comptons, a charming, leafy area of southern England known for its artistic heritage. 

So when semi-reclusive local artist Charlie Handren reluctantly hires Becky to fix his six-year creative slump, she’s delighted to set him up with a come-back exhibition and Rachel Stone, the woman of his dreams. 

Though they get off to a rocky start, Becky and Charlie soon become close. But as the beautiful Rachel becomes Charlie’s muse, Becky is forced to wonder: will giving Charlie everything he wants mean giving up her own happily ever after?

My review

Becky Watson is a single mother, trying to resuscitate her job as a life – fixer. So whatever problem you have in your life, you can hire Becky and she works her magic.

When Charlie Handren, local artist,  hits rock-bottom, under pressure he hires Becky to get his inspiration and why not, love life, back on track. Only problem: this means he has to trust whatever she does, even if he doesn’t like it all!
Opinions crash, arguments are never far away. But when Charlie sees the result, and even has a new muse, he must admit that hiring Becky was not so stupid at all!

After a slow start, all I can say it: what a great story!
Initially I didn’t truly comprehend what Becky was actually doing. A life – fixer? Never heard of it!
But the more I saw Becky at work, the more I comprehend what a miracle – worker she really is!

Somehow Becky manages to foresee upcoming problems, and succeeds in solving them in a subtle way. She sees things that are invisible for others, and jumps in with one of her magic tricks (not real magic of course, but the solutions she thinks of, I couldn’t have thought of them myself!).

This is made clear in the weddings she is in charge of, which shows that she knows what she is doing.

On the other hand, we get to know Charlie. He is a local artist, having for a long time now no inspiration at all. So when forced by his daughter and sister to hire Becky, he is not eager to give his life in hands of a total stranger!
His reaction is understandable. I wouldn’t be so happy if someone just starts dictating me what to do. Even when you know she has the best interest, it’s not easy!

The way Charlie and Becky collide is funny to read, especially when there is some overreacting! But when Charlie realizes that there is some actual result, he has to admit that Becky knows what she is doing.
The more time they spend together, the more they create a friendship that is not work – involved. So are Charlie and Becky spending evening together, just watching movies. And Becky can rely on Charlie for babysitting – duties!
These sweet moments are just adorable to read about!

And when Becky sees that Charlie finds his inspiration back after meeting with Rachel, she puts her own growing feelings aside, because Charlie’s happiness is more important than jeopardizing everything they worked so hard on.

I loved this story, even if it took me some time get into it. As cakes are also an important part of the story, reading this story is like baking a cake. Initially you are eager to see the end result, and mixing all the ingredients are a bit of a hard job. But when the cake is in the oven and you see it rise, you get the instant boost of happiness! That is also with this book, you want to skip immediately to the end, but trust me, it will be all worth it reading about the developments!

A sweet, funny story about giving your life in hands of someone else, trust someone to make the right choices. But also about making new friendships and even put your own feelings aside, daring to take a chance in life and never give up!

Who needs sleep anyway???

Synopsis

Polly Nightingale never meant to fall in love again especially not with a biker thirteen years her junior. But then Jago Solomon enters her life with a guitar strapped to his back, and Polly and her six-year-old son, Archie, know that they’ve never been happier.

But what happened three years ago when Polly’s husband, Sean, went missing? And what will it mean for Polly and Jago if her past ever catches up with them?

Join the Nightingale family once again for the second in The Book Lovers series by the bestselling author of The Rose Girls.

My review

Polly Nightingale hasn’t had it easy… Three years ago, her husband disappeared into thin air, leaving her alone with a young child.
But now she has find her way in living with a six – year old Archie, and doesn’t need help or pity from anyone. And she surely doesn’t need to fall in love again!

It all changes when they meet Jago… he teaches Archie how to play the guitar and quickly it feels like Jago has always been part of their small family.
Is Polly ready to open her heart for Jago, even if he is several years younger? And will she be able to close the chapter which involved her husband?

When you are reading a next part of a series, and you loved the previous one, you are always a bit afraid this one will not be as good as the previous one.
And because I LOOOOOOOVED the first part, I never thought part two would be as good!

In this story, we get to know Polly. We know from book 1, that her husband disappeared and she has been living alone with her son Archie.
Here we get to know what effect that had on her life, and how she initially struggled.
When someone disappears, you don’t have the chance for closure. You always have the hope that he will come back.
It also means that Polly gave up seeing other men, because in fact, she still is a married woman…

Somehow I understand her reasoning, but everybody knows that the moment arrives that you have to let go of the past and start living your life again.
And for Polly, it all starts when she meets Jago.
Of course initially she has her reservations, as there are so many differences… She is a married woman, with a child, and a self-proclaimed of middle age (she’s in her thirties…). Jago is a biker, in his twenties and playing in a band.

I loved to read how Polly tries to ignore her feelings and even tries to play matchmaker for Jago and her sister!
It causes several awkward moments between the 3 of them, that made me laugh!

But it’s not all sweet and funny… as we get to know the truth about Polly’s marriage, my heart nearly broke for her. And just the moment she is embracing her happiness, something happens that makes Polly return into her past behaviour. And my heart broke just all over again!!!

While reading this book, I had to prioritize my life… put the book away and sleep? Or forget sleeping and read on? Choices choices…
And just like for book 1, I gave up sleep!

This book dragged me in its world and I couldn’t, didn’t want to escape from it!
I needed to know how the story would end, even if now I walk around like a zombie! But trust me, IT WAS ALL WORTH IT!!!

A reunion with extra motive…

Synopsis

Madelaine had everything she wanted.
Friends, a successful film career, and a loving boyfriend.
Then she was dead… 

Lexie’s friend Helen was part of a close-knit group at university. Now, ten years later, Helen is fearful when another of the group reappears and suggests a reunion.

Lexie contrives an invitation to the weekend get-together at one of England’s ancient stone circles where one of the group admits they believe their long-dead friend was murdered. 

Lexie discovers each of the group has secrets and each has lied, but could they also have committed murder? 

There is another death at the stone circles, and Lexie uncovers information that may connect the two crimes… and implicate her good friend. 

Is someone targeting the former students, or is the killer one of the group? 

The Worst Lie is the second standalone novel in the exciting Lexie Wyatt murder mystery series. 

If you like British crime novels featuring ordinary people in extraordinary circumstances, then you’ll love this gripping tale of secrets, lies and obsession that leads to murder.

My review

Lexie and Helen are friends for a few years now. Helen was part of a group friends during her university period. But when a reunion weekend is suggested, Helen is not so eager to participate…
This because 10 years ago, after a similar weekend Madelaine, a friend, died… And someone suspects it wasn’t suicide like presumed…

Lexie manages to receive an invitation to the weekend, and quickly discovers that each member of the initial group has secrets. Keeping secrets is not a crime, but did someone murder Madelaine? And is it the same person committing the same crime again?

I love it when I am reading a thriller and I have totally no clue of who the culprit it!
It all starts with Lexie wanting to help her friend Helen and wanting to find out about the death of Madelaine 10 years ago.

What starts rather innocent, soon evolves to something darker…
Lexie manages to let other people spill their beans and get closer to the truth.
But the more secrets are out, the more suspects there are. And I am not only talking about what happened 10 years ago…

The reunion is just an excuse for the truth, but the truth is not only about Madelaine, but also about what the group did that evening, and the following days.
Each time Lexie discovers something, the suspicions only grow bigger and I found myself distrusting everyone.
The obvious suspects made me think they were great at hiding their tracks, but even people I never thought of, became suspects after their secrets were out.

A gripping thriller, which made me not rest until all secrets were out, and the truth was out.
Although having the truth, isn’t the end of the story.
Solving one mystery doesn’t mean that it’s the same solution for the other mysteries. And the strange events just keep taking place, so you know that there still is more than meets the eye…

And when the end was finally there, I found myself finally taking a breath of air, as I was holding it (figuratively speaking of course) during the whole story!

Everybody needs a year of saying no!

Synopsis

Lottie Wentworth has never been more pleased to hear Big Ben ring in the new year and wave goodbye to The Year of Saying Yes!

When a long-term relationship ended, her best friend’s scheme to get Lottie back in the swing of things seemed like a good idea. She’s kept her promise to Jess to see it through but, as a lover of the quiet life, Lottie couldn’t be happier to say hello to a brand new year – The Year of Saying No! 

Unfortunately, the one thing she still seems unable to say no to is the crush she has on her best client and now friend, Army veteran, Seb Marshall. But she’s working on it, and with rescue dog Humphrey at her side, she knows that she’ll manage just fine.

Lottie’s decision to stop trying to please everyone has brought a sense of relief beyond what she had expected. Her actions and determination have also begun to send ripples throughout her life and those closest to her, bringing about changes none of them could have expected. 

But will all those changes be for the good?

My review

After a year of saying yes to everything, forced by her best friend, Lottie decides that this year, she is going to say no instead!
The idea of saying yes was an idea to get her life back on track and discover new things. But Lottie now only wants to do what she wants, so she is determined of saying no if she is not convinced.

Army veteran Seb is Lottie’s client and friend, but also her secret crush. When he hears about her resolution, at first he is skeptical. But when Lottie explains that she not saying no to everything, but only to things she really doesn’t want to do, he is supporting her as a true friend is supposed to do.

Is saying no the solution to get your life back on track? Or is it only a way of missing opportunities?

Immediately, from the first sentence, I liked Lottie! She had a rough period, when her relationship ended. And ‘forced’ of participating in a year of saying yes, now she does what SHE want. So she starts saying no and she even takes a dog!

But there was a HUGE frustrating part, whenever it concerns Seb…

Seb is this great man, having literally suffered a lot during his time in the Army. But he and Lottie go from a client  -relationship to becoming real friends. And there is even potential to more, IF THEY WERE JUST NOT SO DAMN STUBBORN!!!
On one hand, I get the doubts Lottie has, because if it all went wrong, she would lose not only her best client, but also a great friend. And is it all worth it?
But on the other hand, they would be so perfect together!!!

Lottie realizes though the story what she really wants, and slowly stands more up for herself. Initially she fears a little the reaction but her confidence grows and she puts herself first, even if it will pain her…

I always find it admirable when someone gets out of her comfort zone and does what she really wants. I am myself a people pleaser, always doing things I even don’t like, just to help people. So reading about Lottie, standing up for herself,  will hopefully work inspiring for me, and be more like Lottie!

This story worked for me inspirational, as it shows that being ‘selfish’ isn’t always a bad thing. It’s worse doing things you really don’t want to do just to please someone.
But even if I got frustrated here and there, I found myself smiling and cheering for Lottie (and Seb).
A beautiful, funny story with a strong message!

A book about book lovers, what’s not to like???

Synopsis

Author Callie Logan never expected to swap her life in London for one in rural Suffolk but, after the breakdown of her marriage, she decides that a fresh start is just what she needs. Finding Owl Cottage in the tiny village of Newton St Clare, Callie determines to give up on love and throw herself into her work. But fate seems to have other ideas and she soon has two very different men vying for her attention. 

First there’s Leo who likes to live on the wild side which usually means taking his dates foraging in the local woods for their supper. Then there’s Sam Nightingale, owner of Nightingale’s bookshop. Sam, recovering from a divorce, has also vowed to embrace the single life. That is, until he meets Callie.

But is Callie willing to risk her heart again and, if she is, will she make the right choice? 

The Book Lovers is the first in an exciting new series by the bestselling author of The Rose Girls and A Weekend with Mr Darcy.

My review

After her failed marriage, Callie decided to leave London and move to Suffolk. Time to find inspiration for her new children’s book but also to give up love!

Finding herself in a new lovely place, she meets new people.
After a first strange encounter, she befriends Leo. He’s not the average man, as he likes to go for long walks and is a fan of foraging.
But she also meets Sam Nightingale, owner of a bookshop. He also is recovering from a divorce and he also wants to give up love, just like Callie.

Is just giving up on love really a possibility? And what if you have two men with a strong connection? Can Callie put her ideas aside and pick out the right man for her?

Never give a book about books and book lovers to a book lovers! I honestly gave up sleep for this story! And for me giving up sleep, well, you must be writing a damn good book!

I just loved it! Every chapter, even the weird parts about sniffling old books! I have to admit I’m a “sniffler” myself, so I understand perfectly Sam’s and Callie’s feelings concerning the smell/perfume of old books.
Not many smells are better than books, so I could see myself standing next to Callie and Sam smelling books!

But ok, back to the essence of the story!
You feel the progress in Cassie and her new chapter in life. After a failed marriage it’s hard to pick up the pieces, but Callie is determined to enjoy life again and surround herself with her one and true love, books!
Finding a kindred spirit in Sam, she finds herself going to the bookshop more often. And going on dates, with no strings attached with Leo, she enjoys things she never imagined.

She finds herself at a crossroad, as she feels that giving up love isn’t that easy. But how to choose between 2 wonderful men? Ooh I wish I had the same difficulties! 😃

It’s hard to explain why I loved this book so much, because it’s ore a feeling in my gut, difficult to put into words.
It’s just the whole package that made it a wonderful story! I loved Callie, Sam, Leo, Grandpa Joe, just every character (except the ex – husband and ex – wife of course).
I’m all settled for the next part, and yes, I am ready for again sleepless night(s)!

So much more than just a romantic story!

Synopsis

The first in a new sun-filled series from the author of the Villa Limoncello trilogy.

Welcome to The Cornish Confetti Agency!

When the grand finale of Lexie Harrington’s catwalk show ends with a disastrous twist on the ‘ice bucket challenge’, she knew her highly-strung boss would fire her on the spot. What she wasn’t expecting was to bump into her fiancé cosied up with an attractive blonde in the restaurant opposite their apartment!

Desperate to escape her heartbreak, Lexie flees to her childhood home of St Ives to hold the fort at The Cornish Confetti Agency for her best friend Freya, leader of the yummy mummy network and firm believer in ‘happily ever afters’. Little did she know that delivering a Caribbean-themed wedding in sunny Cornwall would rival the fashion industry for drama, tantrums and mysterious goings on. 

Who is responsible for dousing the bridesmaid’s dress with tomato ketchup? Or hiding the bride’s beloved Jimmy Choos? Or attaching googly eyes to everything in sight?

The perfect Cornish wedding? Is there such a thing for The Cornish Confetti Agency? 

My review

Lexie feels that her world is falling apart. When the grand finale of the catwalk ends in a disaster, she is held responsible and the consequence is that she is getting fired on the spot.
Going home depressed, she sees her fiancé in a restaurant opposite their apartment with another woman!

As it’s getting all too much, see grabs the opportunity to help out her best friend Freya organizing a wedding for the Cornish Confetti Agency.
But little does she know that the dramas around a catwalk are nothing compared the dramas around a wedding!

Oooh I loved this story! Initially I thought it would be an only romantic book. But it wasn’t at all!

Lexie just had the worst time and her desire to run away from it all, is understandable.
As she has “some” experience in organizing events, she agrees to help her best friend with the Cornish Confetti Agency and follow up the wedding with a Caribbean theme.
As most of it was already organized, she is sure that it will be just a “ticking of checks on the list”.

I love it when a simple task suddenly appears to be a worst nightmare! Yes sometimes I can be a real sadist ☺️.
But admit, if everything would run smoothly, would this book be so charming?

Lexie finds herself into deep, but does her best to be crisis manager. This shows that she is focused on the job and will do whatever she can to get the result she had in mind.
And even when there appears to be a saboteur, she is determined to find him/her! This with the help of journalist Theo.

Lexie and Theo team up to discover the truth, and slowly they find themselves looking for each other more often than not.
Theo is yes a journalist looking for scoop concerning the wedding, but there is so much more to him. He has been through a lot recently too, and also had to cope with a broken heart…

The further you read in the story, the more mysterious the sabotages get. I found myself distrusting every guest of the wedding. But when the truth comes out, it was someone I never thought of!
I had a real “WHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAT????” moment but when the reasons are made clear, I had a “OOOOOH!!!” moment, feeling sorry for the culprit.

Thera are people in the story I liked from the first moment, and also people I disliked immediately. I have to admit that some made change my opinion about them, but some other made my dislike even bigger!

A beautiful story about how running away from your problems isn’t the solution, but can be an opportunity for a new direction, meeting new people, but also that trouble is always around the corner, in places you less expect them!
I had several gasps, but also lots of laughs and found myself smiling at the sweet moments, not only between Lexie and Theo, but also between bride and groom!
All set in the beautiful Cornwall, which made it even more special! 

When a new job is a real eye opener!

Synopsis

When life gives you lemons… add a splash of gin! A deliciously feel-good romantic comedy for fans of Sophie Ranald

When Liv’s high-flying career goes off the rails, she finds herself working at a glitzy new gin bar to pay the bills. She’s never let romance distract her, but with one very hot colleague, a mysterious online follower who might just be her soulmate, and a lot of cocktails, her dating life is about to be shaken up…

But is Liv looking for a sparkling flirtation, or something a little stronger?

Sometimes you have to face up to your past, seize your future, and mix your own recipe for happy ever after…

My review

When Liv is going for a meeting, she expects to receive her well-deserved promotion. But when the promotion vanishes into thin air and she even loses her job, she keeps her head  up high and is certain that quickly she’ll find a company who will appreciate her skills.
She starts with a great motivation her job search, but when it’s clear to her the timing couldn’t be worse, she is nearly desperation.

And at that point, also realizing that she cannot be too picky, as her financial situation isn’t allowing her months and months of not working.
When an old acquaintance offers her a job at a bar, she has to accept it, but only temporarily to pay the bills. Because working in a bar is NOT her dream job!

New friendships are made, and thanks to her perceptiveness and reading customers make her enjoy her job even more than she thought!

Ooh I so enjoyed reading this book!
Liv looks like a snob, looking a little bit down on people who work in a bar. But being part of that world, she quickly changes her mind.
She also learns that people she thought were her friends, were not really her friends. And that you can find real friends where you least expect it.

Liv is a recognizable woman. Everybody wants a career and be successful and have a lot of money. But Liv has extra motives… she had a rough childhood and she is determined to never go back in that situation.
But having money and being successful is not the most important thing in life. If you don’t have anyone to share it with, friends, family, partner, it’s a lonely life.
Luckily she can count on her best friend, Dylan who puts her back with both feet on the ground. He also is always there for her and give her the idea to use her perceptiveness in a blog.

And did blog make me laugh! I loved it how she was right on with her assumptions and gave it a funny twist! The way she blends the story with some ideas for cocktails, well it made me laugh about the story and curious about the cocktails!

The way Liv evolves in the story is beautifully written. You get to know Liv on a better level, the same time Liv realizes that she is living her life on the wrong way. Thanks to the help of her mystery online friend, she opens her eyes and is finally able to get a grip on her past and get it behind her.

This book is a way to realize yourself what the real priorities in life are. And that also sometimes all you have to do is look past the first impressions of people, because someone you would disregard quickly, can be surprising you more than you think!

Is it all only glitter and glam?

Synopsis

Cecily wants a big life, but can she handle it?

Cecily feels like she has it all: great best friends, the beginnings of a career as a model/actress, and she’s dating her favorite singer, Andrew Holiday. Then Cecily’s best friend Lila begins to ditch her every time Lila’s boyfriend calls. Cecily feels lost, but she and Andrew begin connecting more and she’s never been in a relationship where she felt so understood. Andrew even begins to confide in her about his anxiety. Soon Cecily experiences her own anxiety on a magazine photo shoot, but she manages to impress the magazine staff. Just when it seems like all her dreams are coming true, everything comes crashing down when a photo of Andrew with another girl appears online. He swears nothing happened, but Cecily is crushed. She feels like she’s lost two of the people closest to her.

Was her perfect relationship real or was she in over her head?

My review

The adventures of Cecliy continues. She is now officially dating Andrew. As to say, as officially as possible, because Andrew wants to keep the relationship a secret.
Not because he’s ashamed, but he wants to protect Cecily.
But Cecily is happy with this, because even despite the distance between them, the connection they have is real.

But when her best friend Lila is putting her and Allie aside to be part of the popular chicks, Cecily feels more alone than she ever thought. And when Andrew is photographed with another girl, her doubts about being good enough rise fast and her insecurity may jeopardize everything.

I loved this second part! The story takes off right where the previous ended.
Cecily now has to face the reality about dating a famous singer. The distance isn’t doing any good but both Cecily and Andrew want to make the best it. The connection they have is just sweet.
They think very alike and can talk about anything.
But of course, the distance isn’t helping and soon Cecily doubts about just everything.
Which makes sense, being a teenager and finding herself in a surreal situation isn’t easy.

This book doesn’t sugarcoat anything. It shows that getting the guy isn’t the hardest part, but it’s the start of making a relationship work. And being a teenager being more mature than general, doesn’t make it easier.
But when you have the right friends around you, will make it easier. Here again Krysten put the finger on the problem. Because teenagers will do a lot to be part of the popular clique or to be on the good side of the guy they fancy.
Lila goes in the series from a good friend to a total b*tch. And even if I do somehow understand her, I don’t understand how someone can just turn her back to her friends like that…
Luckily Cecily can still count on Allie, who stands by her side no matter what.

Cecily also gets the opportunity of a lifetime, being part of a magazine photo shoot. But hearing not so nice remarks makes her doubting of herself and her dreams. Being a young girl, the world of the famous can be a scary one.

All her new adventures make her question herself and what she really wants. But she has Andrew, Allie and even some unexpected allies on her side, who will show her that people being mean doesn’t mean that they are telling the truth.

And even when she doubts about Andrew, she has a lot of people on her side trying to show her the truth even if believing deception is easier for her. But Cecily wouldn’t be Cecily if she would give up that easily!
And Andrew proves again in this story that he is just as amazing as the songs he writes!

A sweet sequel, on the same drive as the first one, opening a mirror in the teenage world with all the glitter and glam, but also pointing out what young people have to face in, let’s be honest, a cruel world.
The emotions are real, recognizable and you keep hoping for Cecily that she will be able to see what a gem she truly is. And for those who don’t see her like that, that it’s their loss!
And before you think it’s a too depressing story, there are moments that make you smile and make you melt in the inside!

Secrets are made to be found out with time…

Synopsis

We all have secrets, but some of our secrets are darker than others…

When Julia’s husband leaves her, and their small son Matty, to live with another woman, her friends – especially Caroline and Vick – rally round to help. But when Julia starts a new relationship after a chance meeting, her friends are not quite as supportive.

Julia sees Brendan, the quietly spoken IT guy who comes round to fix her computer, as a loving and protective man and – as time passes – a potential father figure for Matty. Caroline and Vick, on the other hand, see him as jealous, controlling and potentially dangerous. He appears to be a man with a secret past.

What her friends don’t know is that Julia has secrets of her own and, if they get out, they will almost certainly shatter her fragile domestic bliss.

Landsliding is a compelling drama that turns your expectations on their head with a subtle twist to leave you wondering where your sympathies truly lie.

My review

Julia relies a lot on her friends Caroline and Vick and their husbands after her own husband left her and their son Matty.
But when Julia meets Brendan, her friends are suspicious about him. The relationship moves to quickly and Brendan seems too jealous and controlling.
Julia does not shares their worries and is happy she met someone loving and protective and even cares about Matty.

Brendan behavior goes from caring and loving to over-protective and controlling, even causing a distance between Julia and her best friends.
Behind his behavior lays a secret he is not willing to share. But also Julia has a secret of her own…

From the first moment, I felt pity for Julia… without a real explanation, her husband leaves her and doesn’t even tries to keep in touch with their son. Of course, a single mom cannot manage to solve all the problems in her household. Luckily for her, she can always rely on her friends. But when Brendan appears in the story, you feel that something is going to happen…

I understand the reservations Caroline and Vick had towards Brendan. He appears out of the blue, and he makes himself rather quickly part of Julia’s life.
I found him too smooth, too eager to be involved with Julia. From the first instance I disliked him.
But I have to admit the way the acts with Matty, is admirable. Matty is just a little boy missing his father. And Brendan does not see Matty as a burden, but wants to see him happy.
But here also, something kept nagging me that something was just off…
No matter what good act Brendan was doing, I kept having this feeling of distrust. You feel something big is coming out and I was afraid of what it could be.

Julia initially was a kind of a doormat… she was tired of being alone and grabs at the first opportunity to have someone who takes matters in hand. And when the first signs of Brendan being off appears, she keeps on defending him, even if she knows Brendan is behaving oddly.
But slowly Julia grows in the story. She goes from ‘doormat’ to a woman who wants to know the truth and wants to gain her own independence.

This story made me change sympathies all the time. I liked Julia, but when she betrayed her friends, I didn’t like her that much anymore.
Talking about her friends… Caroline and Vick seemed like real friends, but when Vick broke off all contact with Julia, it seemed a reaction too extreme if you take in account they were best friends.
And Caroline acts with the best intentions, but she also once in a while seems too possessive and wants to be acknowledged instead of just having her friend’s back.

This story makes you wonder who you can really trust and who is having a secret agenda. Each character has something dodgy and even if I felt sympathetic towards someone, I couldn’t shake that odd feeling…
When all the secrets are out, all the pieces of the puzzle come together and everything makes sense. And I even felt a bit embarrassed for being so mistrusting…

But the last chapter was something I didn’t see coming at all! It made me rethink of everything I read before and doubting if I had skipped some important clue or not!
So the end was not really the end and left me even with bigger questions than I already had!