When dreams finally come through, though not as expected…

Synopsis

When dancer Nell Avery auditions for Speakeasy, a new West End musical, she is shocked to discover that the choreographer is Finn Harris, a man she never expected to see again.

Ten years ago, Nell and Finn had a casual, no-strings fling. He left London to work abroad. Nell found herself pregnant.

Having made the decision to raise her child alone, Nell didn’t tell Finn that he was the father, a secret easy for her to keep while he was hundreds of miles away. But now Finn is back – and he offers Nell a role in Speakeasy’s cast.

Nell knows if she takes the job she risks Finn finding out her secret, with unimaginable consequences for the life she has made for herself and her daughter, Savannah. But Speakeasy could be Nell’s only chance of dancing on a West End stage – the dream she’s had ever since she first put on a pair of tap shoes. How can she give up her dream?

My review

Nell Harris is a professional dancer whose biggest dream has always been of being part of a big West End musical. So obviously she is over the moon when she can audition for Speakeasy, the brand new musical that has high expectations. However, she is shocked to learn that the choreographer is no one else than Finn Harris. Finn has a great reputation but it’s not that she is afraid of the hard work, but it’s because Nell and Finn have a history. Ten years ago, they were great friends, and had one special night together, just before Finn left London to work abroad. The last thing Nell expected was to be expecting. As she took the decision to not tell Finn, now she is afraid that her secret will come out as it appears that they will be spending a lot of time together, as Nell has secured a spot in his musical. With her dream finally coming through, can she risk that the life she has built with her daughter Savannah could be falling apart with Finn finding out the truth? Especially as her resolution to stay away from Finn is easier said than done…

I am not a dancer myself, but I absolutely enjoy watching musicals, or just dance shows in general. So of course I had to read this story, about a dancer seeing finally her big dream coming true!

What I absolutely loved about Nell, was how even if she is seen as an ‘older’ dancer, she keeps on giving her all, going to auditions, trying to secure a spot in each new show. She has had several rejections too, but she just doesn’t give up. And that for sure is admirable!

Her energy during the auditions is so palpable, she is a fierce dancer. But she is also a kind person in a world where jealousy and self – importance are not unknown. While it would be easy to just think about herself, Nell doesn’t hesitate to help out her fellow dancers in time of need, worry and doubts. In a way, it felt that Nell took the job of motherhood to the dancefloor.

Talking about motherhood… Being a single mother is not easy, yet I liked it how Nell has a whole team of family and friends to help her raising Savannah. Yet it’s clear that Nell is doing an amazing job and it’s a testament to Nell that Savannah is such a delightful girl.

I don’t agree with the choice Nell made ten years ago, not telling Finn about the pregnancy. And even now, that he is back in her life, no matter how temporarily it may be, she is not telling the truth. I don’t agree with her, but in a way I could understand her too. She didn’t want to ruin Finn’s life back then, and now she doesn’t want to ruin Savannah’s life. Understandable in both situations, but still not the right decisions in my eyes…

But that makes Nell a more real person, with flaws even if it’s all done with the best of intentions.

And of course it was funny to see her shocked reaction when she realizes that Finn is back in her life 😊.

Seeing Finn in action, at least in my mind, was truly eye-opening. We get to see how the ideas in his mind come to fruition with the dancers and an amazing dance is executed.

Finn is not an easy teacher, he demands perfection from his dancers, but when the stakes are so high, it’s normal to demand the best from his dancers. But he is also a really nice guy. He is genuinely happy to see Nell again and wants to rekindle that old friendship again.

But he is also a correct person. Even if he is happy to see Nell again and feelings are slowly growing, he doesn’t give her any special treatment or any heads ups. On the work floor, or rather the dance floor,  there is only room for professionalism.

Professionalism everywhere, but when Finn and Nell are on their own, sparks for sure fly around! With them, we see not only how old feelings are easily reignited with the right people, but also how dance can bring people (back) together.

Of course I was also curious to read how Nell’s secret would come out and what the reaction would be. And while it was expected for Finn to react the way he did, it also saddened me, as I just wanted Nell, Finn and Savannah to be a happy family as soon as possible, because they deserve to be a happy unit.

Obviously I loved reading the story between Nell and Finn, and their ups and downs. But I also loved reading more of the dance world. How there is rivalry, jealousy and even some not so nice behaviour, but most important, how there is friendship, care, kindness, and sincerity between the genuine dancers. But also the traditions of the musical world, the respect there is not only for the play, but also for the place itself. And I even liked how there is some kind of serendipity, how things fall into place and also how in a way, especially for Nell, it’s a full – circle – moment.

I cannot name one thing I didn’t like about this book, even if of course there are a few not so likeable characters in it. But they also make this story a beautiful story, an inspiring story that I just had to devour.

When your best friend is going to marry someone who isn’t right…

Synopsis

Love is in the air…

After difficult times, Holly is finally adjusting to her new normal. Her daughter Hope is happy, she’s created a beautiful home, and an unexpected offer may mean fantastic opportunities for her sweet shop, Just One More.

But her sense of calm is shattered when best friend Giles drops a bombshell – a proposal to Sienna, a woman Holly barely knows and who isn’t right for Giles at all.

For Giles’s sake, she tries to make peace with Sienna, throwing herself into wedding planning. But as everyone else cheers on the ‘happy’ couple, Holly’s left questioning whether her doubts are about them – or about something in her own heart…

Return to the cosy world of the Cotswolds in this heartwarming story of love, friendship and second chances – perfect for fans of Holly Martin and Jessica Redland.

My review

Years have past since Holly lost the love of her life, Evan. And it took her a while, but now she is finally rebuilding her life together with her daughter Hope. Obviously it helps that she is surrounded by her family and friends, who understand what she has been through and have helped her through every step.
Perhaps the biggest surprise in these years has been the reinforced friendship she has with Giles. While in the past things have been awkward between them, Giles is now Holly’s best friend.
But when after an accident, Giles proposes to his girlfriend Sienna, Holly tries to be happy for them, even if she believes that Sienna isn’t the right woman for her best friend. As being the ‘best woman’ for Giles, Holly tries to make peace with Sienna, which is easier said than done. And the more she thinks about the upcoming wedding, the more Holly wonders if what she feels for Giles is deeper and more significant than just friendship…

After the devastating, heartbreaking yet also hopeful previous book of this series, I was eager to read how Holly would be living in a world without her Evan.

So when I discovered that this book is taking place five years after the previous one, my system went a bit in short circuit. Because I had that eagerness, and I was very curious how Holly would learn to cope even more.

But that doesn’t’ t mean that I didn’t enjoy reading this book, as it shows us perhaps that even after losing the love your life, it takes time to get your life back on track and even believe in love again.

And perhaps it wasn’t a bad idea of the author to let Holly enjoying her life, and not still feeling that heartbreak. Of course Holly still misses Evan, but the pain has diminished and she is able to look brightly at what life still has in store for her.

With Holly being surrounded by loved ones, friends and family, it’s in a way easier for Holly to move on. She doesn’t feel guilty for allowing the happiness back in her life, making changes that she would normally make with Evan, but now is making on her own. Evan will always be part of Holly’s and Hope’s life, but his absence wont hold this little family back. And is was so sweet to see how Evan’s family, even if living on the other side of the world, are still part of Holly’s world.

I have to admit, that i was surprised to read how close Holly and Giles got, after everything that happened between them. In a few books, their relationship has completely changed. But of course you also have to take in account that years have passed since the last book. And Holly and Giles also show us that people can change, that new chances can be given. And that with a new start, some of the best friendships can begin.

And while perhaps in the past Giles wasn’t my favourite character, and he already kind of redeemed himself in the previous book, he for sure shows his real nature in this book. He is an amazing friend to Holly, and their friendship truly works both ways: Giles would walk over water for Holly and Holly would drop anything if Giles needs her.

And just like is normal with best friends, Holly wants the best for Giles. And Sienna is not the best for Giles, as Holly sees so many signs of the mismatch. But it is also a testament to Holly that she tries to befriend Sienna, even if her own feelings are not as nice. All this for the sake of Giles, as Holly knows that not only it would make Giles happy, but also that if it would have to come between Holly and Sienna, Holly would lose.

Seeing the turmoil Holly is in, is not only eye-opening for her, but also for the readers but also very realistic. Because it’s only when we risk losing what we care about the most, that we realize how much we truly understand how important it has become. And that a life without it, or that person, is truly unimaginable. Of course it is also important to understand if the feelings are genuine or rather an act of jealousy.

In this book we see a lot of fear in a way. Fear  of losing, fear of mistakes, fear of admitting feelings, or allowing new feelings. Fear of acting upon those feelings too. But life is filled with fear, and letting all those fears hold you back, will also make you miss out on perhaps the best things, even things you thought you would never feel or experience again.
But there is also a huge mountain of warmth and love in this book. From friends, family, even some hard love at times, that forces the characters to come clean.

And this complete emotional rollercoaster, chaos in the book makes it an amazing book to read. Life can be hard and difficult, it can be a real challenge. But Life doesn’t give us anything that we cannot handle. It forces us in a way to get out of our comfortzone, it dares us to take that leap, that jump into the unknown.
I don’t think that the author could have come up with a better ending for a series, for characters that have been through hell but also to (maybe a bit over the top…) heaven.

A Knight with a mission, a Maiden with a plan

Synopsis

He’s her protector…

She’s his forbidden temptation!

Part of The Knights’ Missions. Sir Leopold’s first mission is supposed to be a chance to prove his valour. But, tasked with safely escorting Lady Arianwen to her husband-to-be, Leo finds he is little but a glorified bodyguard. Only the seemingly simple mission goes awry when Ari proves that she’s willing to do anything to get away from her impending nuptials. As attraction sparks between them, can Leo choose knightly duty over love and deliver Ari to her wedding?

My review

Sir Leopold has been trained to be a knight. Training was not easy, but he has loyal friends in Hugh and Tristan. In fact, they are more brothers than their brothers by blood. Yet all their careers are in jeopardy, even not by their fault. So to protect them all, Leopold has agreed on this new task: to safely escort Lady Arianwen to her husband – to – be. Obviously it’s a task that doesn’t need a Knight, as it’s just playing bodyguard to the Lady. But what Leo doesn’t know, is that Arianwen has a plan of her own. Because she has absolutely no intention of getting married, especially not to the man chosen by her stepfather. Now it’s just seeking the right opportunity for Ari to escape to be never found again. However, while on the journey, Leo and Ari have sparks flying around, where Ari surprises Leo more than once with her skills, and Leo shows Ari that he is not that easily fooled. And the pair become close in a way they both didn’t expect. But when the time comes, will duty come before the heart?

Knights and Maidens in distress, how many stories have already been written with this theme? And how many of them are just so repetitive? Yes, we know how it will all end, but so many stories have also the same complete storyline, that you may think that once you have read one of them, you have read them all.

And believe me when I say that I have read many stories. Luckily, I have also read many stories written by this author. And yes, while the end is not a surprising one, I enjoyed reading the whole story, getting a unique story, without ever getting the feeling of ‘been there, done that’.

So of course I needed to read the start of a new series from her, and I was eager to discover where Ella would take us this time, and what kind of journey we would embark to.

In present times, especially in our modern world, it’s unimaginable that a young woman, merely an adult, is being sent off to marry not only a man she doesn’t even know, but also to a man that is way too old for her, only for the benefits that bring the union. But of course there was a time that this was the normal way of marriage.

So seeing Arianwen forced to get marry, not by her father, but by her stepfather, for me was really cringy. Especially as her beloved father, who sadly passed away, had other ideas for her, as he was perhaps the only person who truly got her. Ari has been trained by her father, and isn’t the typical maiden at all. She stands her ground and even when men underestimate her, she can for sure take them down.

Of course Ari wouldn’t go down without a fight, although she doesn’t want to hurt her mother by her actions. Because despite what Ari is forced to do, she loves her mother, who doesn’t understand her or is afraid to speak up, and Ari adores her little sisters. But I could understand her being ‘selfish’, if we can call it that way.

She hasn’t been herself for just too long, and even if it comes at a cost, she deserves to be herself and to be free to do what her heart tells her to do. Even if that means trying to escape during the journey in the presence of a knight.

Unfortunately for her, luckily for us, that knight is Sir Leo. And for sure I thought when I first set eyes on him, what an amazing man he is!

It couldn’t be more obvious that he truly is one of the good guys, no matter what others may think of him and his friends Hugh and Tristan. Leo has always wanted to be a Knight for the King, and mainly also prove to his parents that he is worthy, that he isn’t just a spare. And that perhaps he is even a better person, a better knight than his older brother, the favourite son.

Even if protecting Ari is beneath his strengths, he does what is expected from him, and is adamant on fulfilling his mission, no matter how difficult Ari  is making it for him to bring it to a success.

But while Leo is getting frustrated at Ari’s attempts, and Ari is angered as each time Leo finds her or ‘intercepts’ her, I was having several laughs! Because these two characters for sure get under each other’s skin! I felt proud when Ari shows her abilities in a fight, and I was amazed at Leo’s general skills. And I liked the playfulness, the banter between this unlikely pair.

But while I also greatly enjoyed reading this story, seeing the two of them getting closer, also broke my heart a little bit. Because there is no way that they will find a way to make things work. Ari is supposed to get married. And yes, she can find a way to escape her fate. But that would mean that Leo would fail, and that he would have to pay a hefty price for his failure.

And Leo could help Ari getting away, but he is on a mission, and betraying that mission, would also mean betraying his best friends, that are more brother to him. His heart is torn and choosing is losing anyway…

Yet their connection is undeniable. And it was truly sweet to how these people with so many expectations from other, and hidden feelings, find each other. They do not only connect in a physical way, but the more they talk, the more they see that in fact, they have so much in common. Reading how people find each other, in strange circumstances always just hits me, as it shows that there is always hope. And that there is always someone for everyone out there.

I enjoyed reading this first chapter of a brand new series. It shows us the strength and determination of women in a difficult time set. It shows us the loyalty of Knights, or rather of Brothers. It shows us a deep connection that makes you question everything you thought you knew. But most of all, it shows us love and what it makes you do…

An adventure that can be life – turning

Synopsis

Are you single?
Have you lost your confidence when it comes to travelling?
Would you welcome a few weeks away to find that missing spark?
Climb aboard the Creaky Cauldron for an adventure like no other!

Budding entrepreneur Kat Sinclair wants to grow her quirky solo narrowboat holiday enterprise but faces rejection at every turn. Until a Hollywood film crew gets in touch with the potential to change her business, dreams, and love life forever.

‘Enemies to lovers’
‘Small town romance’

My review

Kat Sinclair gives experiences of a lifetime to her customers. Because where else can you climb aboard of a narrowboat and not just have a holiday, but also learn how to handle the boat yourself? Many customers have come and left with a happy and content feeling. Kat has also big plans for her business, as she wants to expand it and make a real success of her unique holiday experience and also attract more customers. Meanwhile, at the moment, she has a Hollywood film crew to show the ropes, while they are making a documentary with Jordan Harrington, famous Hollywood celebrity. Somehow this trip will turn out to be an experience that both Kat and Jordan will never forget, because even if Jordan’s behaviour isn’t always a pleasant one, being on the narrowboat with him and the team, limited space will bring people closer…

Starting a new book, from a new author for me, is always an adventure. It’s not only about liking the story itself, but liking the style, the uniqueness of the author. And even if I am not a (narrow)boat – person myself, I am always eager to discover new authors and trying at the same time to try to get the (narrow)boat – thing. 😊

I always like it when there are characters that are truly hands – on and also have an eye for not only good business but also have great ideas to expand it. And Kat is exactly that, but more too. At the start of the book, she is in a relationship, but it’s clear that she and her partner are not seeing things the same way. And even if we as a reader know it’s not gonna last and will end really early in the story, well, seeing the end of a relationship is always difficult.

Yet she never loses her focus and she always keeps her eye on her big dream, expanding her business involving the Creaky Cauldron. She is that determined kind of person. But not only that, she is also a kind, gentle and also patient person. She sees a whole arrange of different kind of customers and welcomes them all with open arms.

Even the most difficult of customers/ passengers get a chance with Kat and her amazing experience on the Creaky Cauldron. All of the filming crew are very nice and pleasant characters. Even if they come from Hollywood and could be all presumptuous. But I was pleasantly surprised to see just how lovely they all are!

Yet at the same time, Jordan doesn’t make the best of first impressions. And if  have to be honest, nor were the second or third. He for sure initially confirms the cliché of Hollywood actors who believe that they are all that. And while on the calm and peaceful trip, he for sure only adds fuel to my initial negative thoughts as he only shows his best behaviour when a camera is pointed at him.

But while the Creaky Caudron calmy passes by and everyone on the boat learns the tips and trick of managing it, just like Kat, we slowly get to know another side of Jordan. A side that his crew know, but he keeps hidden from Kat. A side that is the total opposite from what we have seen from him a long time.

I found it sweet to read how the story is not only about Kat and Jordan, but how the trip on the Creaky Cauldron affects everyone. Not only the team and Jordan, but also Kat. And slowly, inch by inch, mile by mile, Kat and Jordan see each other for who they really are. And understand each other on a level that perhaps not many do…

Yes, this is a romance, but I didn’t feel it like the ‘romance’ category is doing justice to the whole story. Because this is not only an adventure on the water, but also an adventure, a journey for the characters. So much happens, all of them learn so much from not just each other but from themselves too. There is so much progress in each character, so much understanding and also lots of love, in every sense of the word.

I enjoyed discovering this author, and I enjoyed reading this book with great characters. Even if boats are not my thing, I felt like I was actually on the Creaky Cauldron myself and I loved every bit of it. Even the few scary moments didn’t take my enjoyment away!

I like the sound of this book, don’t you?

Synopsis

Lieutenant Colonel Ezra Hart finds himself in urgent need of a wife—inheriting the viscountcy relies on it! But while he’s dutifully spinning the Season’s jewels around Society’s ballrooms he finds himself desiring the one woman he shouldn’t covet…

French émigrée Seraphine Mounier is as beguiling as she is vivacious, but Ezra knows she has no interest in the marriage mart. What’s worse, she represents the very enemy he fought at Waterloo. As an undeniable connection sparks, resisting Seraphine seems one battle Ezra’s destined to lose!

https://www.amazon.com/Viscounts-Forbidden-Flirtation-Season-Historical-ebook/dp/B0DFDTH464

About the author

Sarah Rodi has always been a hopeless romantic. She grew up watching old, romantic movies recommended by her grandad, or devouring love stories from the local library. Sarah lives in the village of Cookham in Berkshire, where she enjoys walking along the River Thames with her husband, her two daughters and their dog. She has been a magazine journalist for over 20 years, but it has been her lifelong dream to write romance for Mills & Boon. Sarah believes everyone deserves to find their happy ever after. You can contact her via @sarahrodiedits or sarahrodiedits@gmail.com or at sarahrodi.com

With a return ticket in a few weeks, whatever you do, don’t fall for someone

Synopsis

Happy ever after’s don’t apply to me…

I have six weeks left of my sabbatical in LA before I go home to my family and our business. I’ve spent months traveling, surfing and working on my tan but I get bored easily and I needed more. So that’s what led me to my temporary job at S&M gyms – and Violet West. The most hypnotically beautiful woman I’ve ever seen, whose killer curves and sharp tongue rock my world.

But the clock is ticking and my return ticket is booked. I need to be careful I don’t fall too hard. I need to keep my composure when she temps me to take a leap of faith with her, when she gets me so hot and bothered I end up in the emergency room. When she invites me into her home and convinces me to break my self-inflicted sex-ban… But the biggest risk? When she shows me what it feels like to be really loved, something I know nothing about. And now I don’t want to leave. But I know good things never last… right?

My review

Lincoln has almost finished his sabbatical in LA, and is ready to head back home to Scotland. His sabbatical was not only to get his mind of the family business, but also to stop his previous behaviour with women. That resulted in a self – inflicted ban from getting involved with women. But just with a few weeks left, he meets Violet West at his temporarily job… And his resolution starts to crumble, as Violet is just impossible to resist.
Violet herself is ready to take a chance with Lincon, and enjoy the weeks that he is still in L.A., no strings attached. But with the clock ticking, and both Lincoln and Violet learning what it feels to be loved, where will they end, as a split is inevitable?

In life, there are many rules, self-inflicted or not. And it is also generally known that having something with someone you work with, is perhaps not the smartest of the ideas. I am not saying that it is bad, but just that perhaps there is a lot of extra to think about before taking that road. And of course sometimes, the attraction (physical or not) is just to hard to ignore, and the heart takes over.

But what when there is a limited timespan? What when you want to give in, but you know that whatever is simmering, will end anyway, no matter what the feelings are, are becoming or even have been? That’s when a book gets even more interesting!

I have never been on a sabbatical, and for the moment, I haven’t had the need to have one. But I understand that there are people that do have had need, that urgence, to leave their known world behind for a period, and get away from it all. And in books, it’s often that the story starts with a character taking off, and we see the start of a brand new journey.

And I liked it that the author took a spin on this storyline, and gave a unique twist to it, by letting us meet Lincoln when his sabbatical is almost over.

We know that Lincoln comes with money, yet he doesn’t show or flaunt it, like many others would. He isn’t afraid to just take a ‘normal’ job, even if it’s just temporarily. Furthermore, he is not only well off and handsome like hell, but he is also a smart person, with many ideas to make improvements, and sees what works and what doesn’t.

And yes, in a way I found it also admirable that he managed to hold on to his self-imposed ban from women. 🙂 

HIs first encounter with Violet, couldn’t it be more hilarious? Talking about making assumptions! I for sure laughed out loud because I know that despite Lincoln’s good intentions, he messes up so greatly! 🙂 And it was funny to read how Violet let him get away with it, for just a moment though 🙂.

Now, I need to say one thing… When Violet falls after that meeting, I found her particular situation a bit strange and awkward. But that can be all also put on me, as I could never imagine me walking around like Violet does without feeling awkward all the time, and even a bit afraid of showing too much. But on the other hand, it shows her confidence, strong attitude and – excuse my language – her balls!

However, besides Violet’s strong entrance, we also quickly see a vulnerable side of her. With Lincoln, she cannot stop by acting out of character. Out of character, for as much as Violet knows who she is and what she truly wants…

It needs to be said, that both characters don’t have an easy background… While Lincoln is very close with his father, he is clearly still carrying the pain and hurt from his mother leaving them. And while he hides it from everyone, and even from himself, for the reader it couldn’t be any clearer that it is still haunting him, and making him even afraid of finding and making a deeper connection with someone. That is what scares him from that connection with Violet, and how despite his feelings, he cannot completely open up to her.

But also Violet is struggling, as while she also has a deep and wonderful connection with her father, she also feels very alone and lonely at moments. The relations with her sister is very strained, to put it kindly, and it angered me to see that. As I am very close with my own brother, I cannot grasp the fact that someone can be so evil and nasty and selfish towards their own sibling…  And it also felt that most of the time, she was proving something to her family, showing her worth…

This book for sure isn’t afraid to get very heated, very steamy. Lincoln and Violet match each other perfectly, and I don’t even know if heated is hot enough! Yet it is also great to see how that physical connection starts to become something deeper, more important and significant. Even if that terrifies the both of them!

Now, of course there has to be a conflict, somehow. And I didn’t expect it to be what it turned out to be. Not only was I just as shocked as the characters, but I was shocked about how blasé the involved party acted about it, while the contrast couldn’t be any bigger. While I didn’t agree wit how Lincoln acted, I could understand the turmoil he was in…

I know that in books there is a great appreciation and love for grand gestures. And I love them too. But while of course here the grand gesture for sure counts greatly, I don’t know if I would appreciate that kind of gesture myself. Perhaps, and just maybe, it was a too grand of a gesture? But again, it could be totally just be my issue, so just deal with it Tizi 🙂.

This was the first book I have read of this author, and it was a great first meeting. I loved the spice, I loved the banter, I loved the sweeter bits. Conclusion: I loved it all, and most of the characters (you’ll get it when you read this book yourself 🙂). As this is part of a series, I cannot wait to read more!

To move to a village full of ghosts…

Synopsis

The first in a delightfully warm, cosy and romantic new series with a fantasy twist, for fans of the BBC series ‘Ghosts’.

Can Callie give some needy ghosts their happy-ever-afterlife, while making Rowan Vale her own forever home?

When cash-strapped single mum Callie visits the beautiful Cotswold village of Rowan Vale on a school trip with her daughter, she is enchanted. It’s run as a living museum, with a steam railway, vintage teashop, Elizabethan manor house and old water mill allowing tourists to see history in action.

But there’s more to Rowan Vale than meets the eye…

To Callie’s surprise, the owner of the village, elderly Sir Lawrence Davenport, requests a meeting with her. It appears Callie has been observed talking to several villagers she shouldn’t be able to see – as they’re ghosts.

Sir Lawrence then makes an astonishing offer: to sell Callie the whole estate for a tiny sum, if she agrees to protect the village’s present tenants and make sure the headstrong ghosts are represented too.

With a spectral lord of the manor and his imperious wife, a naughty 1940s schoolgirl and the man who once taught William Shakespeare among them, it seems Callie’s role as owner wouldn’t be easy.

And that’s without the added complication of Lawrie’s disinherited grandson, the gorgeous Brodie.

Rowan Vale and Callie may need each other. But is this a match made in heaven or hell?

Fans of the BBC’s Ghosts, or books by Lucy Jane Wood, Laurie Gilmore and Heidi Swain will love this heart-warming and magical novel.

My review

When single mother Callie helps out with going with her daughter on a school trip to the Cotswolds village of Rowan Vale, she never expected that the trip would be so life – altering. Because not only Callie realizes that her curse of seeing dead people is this there, but that when the villagers, and specific Sir Lawrence Davenport, learn about her gift (and not a curse), she gets an offer she cannot refuse. An offer that entails in her buying Harling Hall at a ridiculous price, as only someone with the gift can be residing in it, and Lawrence is the last of his family seeing the ghosts. However, running a Hall is already not easy, and Callie never had the kind of worries that a Lady of the Manor has. But seeing ghosts and ghostly issues doesn’t make things easier at all for Callie. And the help Lawrence and his grandson Brodie is only temporary, as soon they will moving not only out but also away… So how will Callie cope with all the changes in her life and new presences around her?

While I don’t believe in ghosts, I absolutely love the BBC series Ghosts. And yes, I even love the American version, as it has the same bigger picture idea, yet having an (obviously) American twist to it.

So now having a book that has the same inspiration, of course I had to read it! And I loved it!!!

There are several reasons that at the start of the book, I felt sorry for Callie. I can imagine how difficult it must to be a single mother, no matter how lovely Immi is. But Callie struggles at the start to keep all the balls in the air. Yet you cannot ignore that she does whatever she can.

I have to say, initially I thought that Callie would be at peace with her gift, and she wouldn’t be surprised by all the ghosts she would encounter at Rowan Vale. But perhaps it was better the way Sharon Booth wrote this story, about a character that always had the ability to see ghosts, but due circumstances she didn’t anymore. And I loved it how her visiting Rowan Vale reignited it all.

Obviously I could understand her shock, when she sees those first ghosts and doesn’t grasp that they are ghosts and not living people like you and me. And it causes a few funny scenes when the ghosts realize that they are being seen or when Callie keeps on assuming they are alive.

There are several kind of ghosts in Rowan Vale, and some have a bigger part in the story than others. The ghosts with their own story to tell in this story, show us a humanity that surprised me but also broke my heart. They are all so different, in so many ways. From different eras, from different ages, from different background. And while it was great to see how they have somehow evolved also through time, but in a way also got stuck in their ways.

I was truly wondering how Callie would be coping with everything that has so quickly changed for her. Not only is she now the owner of Harling Hall, and she has to work everything out, with her own struggles with it. But she also has to earn the trust and the respect of the inhabitants of Rowan Vale, the living ones and the ghostly ones. And she has to keep on being there for Immi too…

Immi, she for sure is a force to be reckoned with, as despite everything is changing around her, yet she takes it all in her stride. And even when she has a few problems of her own, she tries to not to burden her mother with them.

I liked it how this book isn’t just about Callie or just about the ghosts or about a potential romance between Callie and Brodie, but it’s an accumulation without ever getting lost in chaos. Callie does everything she can, with trail and error obviously. And it’s exactly that trail and error that made her so easy to relate with, even if seeing ghosts may not be all that believable (at least for me 😊).

Callie isn’t without flaws, and she has been through a lot even at a younger age, learning to see her gift as a curse, something to be ashamed of. And her background also made it more difficult to trust people, and to open to them.

Yet I liked it how she saw things that needed to be changed. Because it’s not because how things have been done until now, that it was the right way. We see Callie grow in not only her character but also in her ‘job’. While at first she let things be, we see how she wants to make things better for everyone.

Obviously there is a potential love interest in this book, and while it was great to read those bits, as it also shows Callie’s and Brodie’s evolution in this book, it didn’t feel like the most important part of the story. Although, the will – they – will – they – not were a bit frustrating 😊.

This was a funny, no a hilarious, book, where each character whether dead or alive, had their own charm. And it was a heartwarming story about fresh starts and trying to make the right choices and decisions. A story where everyone need to adapt to changes, easy ones and more difficult ones. But this was a an amazing story, also about how important it is to understand people and respect them for who they are and what they have been through.

Sharon Booth showed with this book once again what an amazing author she is, making me have the urge to read page after page after page.  

A little competition can bring out a lot of feelings

Synopsis

I’m determined to win over the one guy who hates me…but I never expected to fall for him

Being a prince may seem like a fairytale, but to me, it’s not all sunshine and rainbows. That’s why I’m excited when I get permission from my uncle—the king of Norway—to go undercover as a student at an American college for a year. And I’m even more ecstatic to be selected for their football team. Soccer, I mean. The only problem? Farron, the team captain, dislikes me on sight. Determined to win him over, I start a charm offensive, but nothing works. He only hates me more.

Until the animosity comes to an explosive release…and we end up kissing each other. How did that happen when neither of us has ever been attracted to a guy before? Farron wants to let it run its course and get it out of our system, but I doubt that’ll work. I’m falling for him hard, but he has no idea who I really am. I fear that if he finds out, he’ll never speak to me again…

The Prince and the Player is the first book in the Prince Pact series and features an undercover, sunshiney prince and a grumpy, handsome soccer captain, two guys who mistake hate for attraction, a double bi-awakening, and two opposites who attract each other like magnets.

The royally romantic, enemies-to-lovers college romance for fans of Casey McQuiston, Alexis Hall and Jax Calder.

My review

Being a prince is not easy. Even if Tore himself is not the first in line for the throne, he still has many responsibilities. And he knows that the list will only extend. So now is the time to enjoy some freedom, and go on a sabbatical and go experience the American college life for a year. There Tore will be part of the football team, or like the Americans call it, soccer team. But he didn’t expect to be clashing with the captain of the team. For a reason Tore doesn’t know, Farron cannot stand the newest arrival. Especially when Tore shows his worth on the field. It all comes clashing in a way neither of them expected: in them kissing. Never did they think to be falling for not only the same sex, but for each other. But are they really falling for each other, or is it more a chase of getting each other out of their system? And what about Tore not telling Farron who he really is, the exact kind of person, that comes with money, that Farron despises the most?

There are plenty of stories where a royal person wants to pretend to be ‘normal’ and goes undercover in a college or university, getting a taste of that life. Both in books and movies that is a trope that has been used several times. And I have to admit, I am a sucker for such tropes. And the extra addition of this being a MM love story, well it was not only brave but even more perfect!

While growing up, we all have that fantasy that being a prince or princess is truly something special, something of a fairytale. But with age comes also wisdom, and we all know that being royalty isn’t all that easy at all. Being royalty brings a lot of responsibilities, and in a world where royalty is often seen as superfluous, it’s also a matter of surviving.

Even if Tore isn’t first in line for the crown, he still has many responsibilities, even if he is a young man with the whole world at his feet. He doesn’t know much beside the royal life, but he knows that he is living a privileged life. A privileged life, but not a free life where he can do what he wants, what he dreams of.

So I could understand how he wanted to see what a normal life looks like, now that it still all possible. Because the more time passes, the slimmer those chances are getting. It was truly a  case of now or never.

I liked Tore from the very start. He may be a prince, but he is genuinely a nice guy, with a positive attitude and just goes for it. Even in a country that he doesn’t know, where even the words have a different meaning, he tries to blend in. And I liked it the most that you can take a prince out of the circle of royalty, but you can never take the royalty out of the prince. He keeps being polite, even using perhaps fancier words than needed in college.

But he blends in, makes new friends, even if he is still keeping his real identity hidden from everyone. Because he wants people to accept Tore, and not Tore the Prince.

However, not everyone is ready to accept Tore in their midst. Because Farron is not only against everyone with money, but he is also in a way jealous of the talent that Tore is on the field. Tore is everything that Farron wants to be, and he feels a real competition with him.

I could understand a little bit Farron’s feelings towards Tore, but initially I couldn’t grasp why he was feeling so deeply and so negative. Slowly, bit by bit, his upbringing and his difficulties during that upbringing were revealed, and I not understood Farron much better. But I could also understand his thoughts and why he feels the way he feels towards Tore, even if Tore himself didn’t  do anything wrong to Farron.

As a reader, we of course know that their animosity will climax in a great kiss. A kiss that I was anxiously waiting for it, but shocks both young men. Not only does the realization that the ‘hatred’ is in fact something else hit home, but also the fact that the sizzling kiss is with another man, makes the both of them question, well, everything they thought they knew.

It was nice reading how different they each react to the kiss. Tore is like the Prince he is, he is stoic about. Well, in the sense that he goes with the flow, tries to understand what it all means and what his actual feelings now truly are.

While Farron has the complete opposite reaction. He is totally freaking out by the event, not understanding it at all. And while things get heated up with Tore, Farron also often shows a cowardice behaviour. But we also know that he is acting out of fear and of not understanding.

As a matter of fact, I could understand both reactions, no matter how different they are. Acting in one way or another is something very human, and we are not the same, so even our actions are not the same.

Of course it’s obvious that Tore’s secret is coming out at one point in the story, bringing down everything the pair has been attempting to build, or to understand. But after the initial shock, and the needed time to digest it all, there is also a level of maturity in the characters. A level that brings both characters in understanding each other even better than they ever did.

This is the first book that I have read from this author. And I liked it how the characters in this book aren’t the standard couple. Because in the real world, nothing is standard anymore. Standard is overrated, as it puts people in boxes, while people should be allowed to be who they are, in or out a box.

I loved this book, and I cannot wait to read what other stories and tales are waiting for the other princes like Tore!

Revenge is best served cold

Synopsis

Don’t get mad. Get even.

Kate Whitaker has always believed in love, but when a stranger named Willem shows up on her doorstep, the news he has to share isn’t as exciting as his god-like looks might suggest. He’s come to tell her that Kate’s fiancé is also engaged to his sister.

Kate doesn’t know how she didn’t see the red flags: Jon’s work as an airline pilot having him flying around the globe, the postponed dates, the huge rock of an engagement ring that isn’t her style at all.

Overcome with fury – and entranced by the Nordic god’s piercing blue eyes and quiet allure – Kate agrees to accompany Willem to his hometown of Amsterdam to help break the news to his sister. Yet what begins as a simple gesture of support soon twists into a deliciously devious plan to get back at Jon.

Kate is drawn into a world of retribution, revenge and – unexpectedly – romance. Because sometimes the best way to get over someone is to get under someone else…

A laugh-out-loud romantic comedy about broken trust, sweet revenge, and the surprising places we find love. Perfect for fans of Sophie Kinsella and Emily Henry.

My review

Kate Whitaker does not know what to believe when a complete stranger is at her door. Especially as that stranger, Willem, claims that Kate’s fiancé is already engaged to his sister. Of course Kate is wary of those claims, even if with Jon being an airline pilot things aren’t always easy. But with clear evidence, it’s clear that Willem is telling Kate the truth. Now Kate is plotting on revenge, but first she must do something else: go to Amsterdam with Willem, and inform his sister of Jon’s real nature. In Amsterdam Kate quickly bonds with Willem, while he is showing her around. And even when a new victim of Jon’s shenanigans arises, the pair work together to stop Jon for once and for all. But revenge is not all that is on their mind, because the more Kate and Willem are together, the more the attraction grows. But Kate cannot possibly fall that easily again for a man, can she? Even if he looks like a Nordic God and is just an amazing person in general.

Yup, I started this book with one of the biggest smiles possible. Not only because it is a book of the amazing Sandy Barker, but also because I would return to the wonderful people of the Ever After Agency!

This book though not only does start off differently than the other books of the series, but is also works in a complete different way. Because Kate’s goal is not to find love, but to get even with her ex – fiancé. And while I had all the faith in Sandy and her writing abilities, I was also very curious how this story would be evolving and how the Ever After Agency would be involved, as this for sure isn’t what they normally do.

I felt sorry and I even pitied Kate at the start of this book. Because it must be terrible to not only discover that your fiancé has been lying to you, but to discover it by a stranger at your door. I can imagine her shock and the devastation.

Yet it couldn’t have been easy to agree to go with Willem to Amsterdam to break the same news to his sister. That shows that no matter how devastated Kate is herself, she is concerned about other people. And that she wants to do the right thing, no matter how difficult it may be.

She has an imminent complicity with Willem, they connect immediately, despite the circumstances they meet.

Willem… as a Belgian, my standard settings are to like the inhabitants of the Netherlands. But Willem could be even French, Chinese, African, Australian, I don’t care, as he is just a great person. He is perhaps a bit overbearing towards his sister, but it is also all done because of love. He is very protective of her, something very recognizable, as I have the same protective brother! Although I doubt he would go as far as Willem in order to protect me 😊.

But he is not only protective of his sister, as he gets to know Kate better, he shows her the same protective streaks. What a man he is! Can I get his address in Amsterdam please?

Of course as Kate has just ended her relationship with Jon one – sided, the last thing she is looking for is a new romance. But when ever did love stop because it wasn’t the supposed right time? And don’t we often say that love comes on your path in the most unexpected times and ways?

So I absolutely loved seeing Kate and Willem together, on a joined quest that is bringing them more and more together over time, in different places too.

Yet I still had one major question: how would the Ever After Agency, and the lovely Poppy fit in with the whole story?

Because let’s be honest, it is her job to match people, and not help with revenge plans. However, this is also a peculiar situation, and the sense of right and wrong is very strong with Poppy. And as there is a friendship being formed with Kate, Poppy just want to help out.

I liked reading how everyone in the agency, not only Poppy truly sympathizes with Kate and her situation, and they all want to help her out, within the lines of legality of course.

I need to say one thing, that isn’t that important in the story at all, but as a Belgian, sharing many recipes and dishes with our neighbours, I was over the moon with the appreciation of bitterballen! BITTERBALLEN FOR LIFE! 😊

Saying that I devoured this book, is an understatement. Is there a superlative of devouring? Well, whatever that word is, I did that! 😊

Sandy Barker showed us once again what an amazing author she is, adding a wonderful story to an amazing series. And with changing the storyline, she shows us not only her talent, but also that love comes in whatever form and shape it wants to come.

And my application for the Ever After Agency is still valid, as I want to find my perfect match with the help of Poppy! 😊

A getaway to write a book…

Synopsis

Jessica is escaping to the Greek Retreat to discover if running away from a broken engagement really can lead to a happy ever after. She doesn’t believe life works that way, but her future could depend on it.

The Greek island of Kynos is an idyllic hideaway, offering its visitors the space and time needed to truly appreciate the traditional hospitality. The locals are always friendly and ready to entertain their guests, while the daily activities offer many different ways to explore the island and its heritage.

Jessica is hoping The Retreat will provide everything she needs in order to plan for a successful future, but has she left it too late?

The Greek Retreat is a trilogy of standalone tales full of sunshine, surprises and love.

My review

Jessica has written a successful series, but with the task to write something new, she does not know where to find her inspiration. Hoping to get over her writer’s block, she decides to head of the Greek Retreat, on the idyllic island of Kynos. The visitors are there able to find the peace and qualm they are seeking, and in Jessica’s case, hopefully a story that awaits her. The inhabitants of the island itself are welcoming Jessica, providing to all their needs and also the necessary entertainment when required. Slowly Jessica starts to write down what comes to mind, also making her wonder where her future truly lays, and if perhaps some things she left behind, she left it too late?

When I started this book, I thought that it would be about yes, Jessica trying to find inspiration to write a book, but all the while trying to overcome her own heartbreak. And as it’s been used in many other books, finding romance on the island.

So I was in a way happy that my initial thoughts were wrong, because why does a wonderful story always has to start with a heartbreak?

I am always in awe of people that are able to write (wonderful) books. I for sure don’t think that I would be able to do that, as my ideas would be like thirteen in a dozen, and I would be very repetitive. So I was eager to not only get to know Jessica better, but also to have a peek at her writing process and where she would get her inspiration from.

I have never been to Greece, although for sure it’s on my bucket list, despite the too many tourists visiting. Yes, I know I am being hypocritic, as I would be a tourist visiting the area. But perhaps the Greek Retreat would be more my thing, as it would provide me all I need of a vacation, alongside the peace and quiet I also long for.

Just like Jessica does, in order to find some kind of inspiration. Jessica isn’t facing any kind of real trouble in her life, but she feels the pressure of writing something great. And that pressure is making it not only more difficult, but makes Jessica also doubt herself. And that is something recognizable for us all, isn’t it. Haven’t we all wondered more than once that if we were good enough, if we were able to fulfil expectations. Or did we already give our best and are we just getting ready for failure?

Of course when Jessica arrives on the island, she needs to find her way around it. Even if there are some strange encounters with a few inhabitants (okay, just the one 😊), Jessica quickly makes new friends. New friends that are able to give her the right inspiration for her book.

And it was great to have a story in a story. Because we have sight into the whole writing process Jessica is going through. From having an idea, to discard other ideas, to get frustrated when they don’t coma quickly enough. To even get angry when the fictitious characters take their time for the romance to take off.

Writing a book is not an easy task, and here we get to see how difficult it actually can be, that it isn’t just a matter of putting words on paper. Even the simple task of giving your characters a name isn’t just that straightforward…

But beside Jessica getting on with her book, it is also a story about self-reflection. We see how Jessica not only finds her mojo back, but she also finds herself back. She starts to see and understand that what she has at home is a good thing, and that perhaps she needs to show her appreciation more. And perhaps that is also something we need to realize ourselves, the grass isn’t always greener, and that we have to be happy with what and who we have in our lives. And that is not just applicable in romance but in life in general. In a world where we share everything with everyone online, or to be more correct, the perfect snippets, we have to see the reality and not the fantasy. With Jessica being offline during her retreat, she sees exactly that, the reality and the beauty of that reality.

I enjoyed reading this peaceful story. It for sure was a surplus having two stories for the price of one as we get to see how Jessica’s writing story evolves. Having an insight in the process of writing a book for sure made my respect for authors increase. And of course I enjoyed spending time on a beautiful island, on a Retreat that I might need myself! 😊