When you lose the person you love, can you find comfort?

Synopsis

Recently-widowed father of one Luke is desperate for a sign.

Since his beloved wife Helen passed, Luke and six-year-old Amy are just about keeping the show on the road, but he’d do anything to have Helen near him again.

Connie’s much-missed mum was everything to her daughter. A friend, a cheer-leader, a comfort, and the best housemate Connie ever had. What she wouldn’t give to speak to her one more time…

Teenage twins Alex and Lucy both miss their dad desperately but neither have the words to put it right.

In the heart of Dublin, a quiet community is forming, drawn together by the loved ones they have lost, but kept together by friendship and laughter. As Luke, Connie, Alex, Lucy and the other patrons of the Leesom Street Café learn to smile again, none of them are quite ready for meeting the person who may be able to make all their dreams come true.

Because if you love and listen hard enough, goodbye might not be the end.

Heartbreaking and heartwarming, uplifting and utterly unforgettable, Claudia Carroll’s latest novel is perfect for all fans of Ruth Jones, Jojo Moyes, Cecilia Ahern and Shari Low.

My review

Ever since losing his beloved wife Helen, Luke is struggling. Not only is he raising their daughter on his own, but his job as an architect is very time – demanding. He finds it difficult to find the perfect balance, and he would do anything to have Helen back. Connie knows what it feels to lose a beloved one, as she is also still trying to cope after losing her mother. Connie’s mother was more than just her mum, she was Connie’s best friend. And now Connie is on her own, with a brother living on the other side of the world, eagerly wanting to sell the home Connie has been living in. Twins Alex and Lucy may be teenagers, but losing their father for sure scarred them. The sisters couldn’t be more different one from another, yet their grief is the same. While one more reluctant than another, these people all meet together at a bereavement café, talking, listening or even being there by force, trying to cope with their pain. But  when one day a famous author enters the scene, perhaps now they all have the chance to talk again to the person they love and need the most…

I have said it in other reviews, I am not the kind of person that believes in anything supernatural. And that also applies on ghosts, seances, appearances etc. Now, if that is something you believe in, that is your prerogative, just like it’s mine in not believing.

But there  is something in grief, in hurt, that made me pick up this book, even if there happens to be something mystical.

I also have to admit, I haven’t been faced with a great grief  myself yet. I know that that will come one day, but I perhaps was too young when losing my grandparents, not understanding grief completely. So for now, I have been saved from that heartbreaking feeling. But many people have been through this, and are still going through it, and I always do my best to be the supportive person for my friends and those around me that are facing grief.

My heart truly went out to Luke. He is still in pain since losing Helen, and it’ easy to see the struggles he is having. He wants to be the best dad possible for his little girl, but he had a demanding job. And with a young team, it’s not easy making everyone understand what he is going through.

And that angered me, because grief is something personal, and in these moments, a job, a career, work, is the last of someone’s worries. And not seeing that understanding from his boss, and his colleagues just left me flabbergasted. And there is one person paying the price, and that is Luke’s little girl, Amy…

Being a parent being part of a couple is already not an easy task, imagine doing it all on your own. Amy needs her father more than ever, even if she for sure is a bubbly character, very resilient despite her young age. Yet a little girl just needs her father, no matter how much she may enjoy playing with her cousins…

Luke is torn, he wants to be with Amy, but losing his job isn’t an option either… And then he is being reprimanded by someone unexpected, and also received the ‘gentle’ suggestion to participate at the bereavement café…

While Luke’s story broke my heart, I have to say that Connie’s story terrified me a little bit…

Now, don’t worry, Connie is also a lovely character, and she is truly at loss after losing her mother. As I am rather close to my mother too, I could easily comprehend Connie’s pain and struggles. And it saddened me that she couldn’t find comfort and solace with her brother, because I truly believe that something like this, losing a parent, would bring my brother and I even closer.

So why terrifying you may think? Well, because Connie starts to receive some strange calls. Calls not on her regular phone, but a phone that shouldn’t be even working anymore.

Calls even at the most inappropriate moments, letting Connie get some ugly looks from bystanders.

And I could understand how Connie could not talk to anyone about what she is going through, because wouldn’t you also believe that she has gone truly crazy?

You may think from all the above that this is a depressing story, but don’t be fooled. Because the presence of famous author Lucasta is for sure a ray of light! And yes, I was sceptical about her gift, and it for sure is something peculiar.

But Lucasta may be excentric, but she is also a wonderful person. She may not be up to date with everything that is going on in the world, and sometimes she should better think twice about what she says, but there isn’t an inch of a doubt that whatever she does or says comes from the heart.

And she helps not only Luke and Connie, but also others in a way that no one else possibly could! Not only to get over their grief, but also giving opportunities.

I was a bit afraid that the focus in this book would be a little too much on the special gift, bit I was happy to read that yes, it is an important asset of the book, but that it’s mainly about coming to terms with loss.

Because we see Luke, Connie, Alex, Lucy, Stella and other people understanding that coming together, talking about their pain, truly does help. And even if you don’t want to talk about it, even reminiscing can slowly heal the heart.

I didn’t expect to like this book as much as I eventually did. Yet it managed to touch my heart, feel the pain of the characters, but also feel the relief and the calmness that came on a later stage. And just perhaps, I was a bit disappointed about the epilogue, as something *finally* takes place, a something that I thought would have happened way sooner 😊. But perhaps also this was something that fitted the story perfectly, as you can’t rush things!

When a glimpse of your future lets you dictate the present…

Synopsis

Suddenly Maddy is right there… in her very own future. And it’s all wrong, yet again.

It happens to her every time. When the kisses lead to the bedroom, just when she thinks she might have found the one… Just for a split second, Maddy disappears, and she finds that she’s living her own life. But ten years into the future.

She’s only there for a little while. But each time, it’s long enough to know that she doesn’t want to be any of those future versions of Maddy. Because every man she falls for seems to lead her to a future that is just… wrong.

Until she meets Oliver. And the vision of their future is happy. Beautiful even. A little girl runs around, her braids flying behind her, giggling about how she wants sausages for dinner. She has eyes just like Oliver’s.

There’s just one catch. If Maddy wants the family she’s seeing in her future with Oliver, she realizes she has to break his heart now…

Would you destroy your present if there’s a chance that it could give you the perfect future?

Perfect for fans of David Nicholls, Matt Haig, and The Husbands by Holly Gramazio. The most unmissable ‘what if?’ love story of the year!

My review

Maddy Hart hasn’t ever been in a real relationship. Not because she is afraid of the commitment, but because she has a special kind of gift. Whenever she ends with someone in bed, in the heat of the moment, she finds herself in the future. She lives for a moment her life in ten years, with the man she is spending the night with in the present. And seeing that future, made her decide that she doesn’t want to be the version she sees of herself. But then she meets Oliver. What seemingly looks like a just crossing – paths – moment, somehow turns in them becoming roommates. And then feelings start to grow. The moment that Maddy sees her future with Oliver, and with a little young girl that immediately steals her heart, she knows that she is in. But slowly, as the relationship with Oliver in the present evolves, and Maddy sees more of her future with Oliver, she learns that the future she sees is not that easy to gain as she would want…Because it means that somehow, somewhere, there is a heartbreak in the cards…

When I started reading this book, I knew that I need to keep an open mind. Because if you don’t accept all the things that are taking place in this book, you won’t enjoy reading it at all. On the contrary, not believing will ruin this book for you.

I have to say though, that even with my open mind, I still had and still have many questions about Maddy’s gift. It also sounds very intriguing, having the ability to see the future with the person you are with at the present. On the other hand, I don’t know if I would want to know how my future would look like. Because life is a journey, where you grow, but also where you fail and make mistakes.

And while reading, it felt like Maddy wasn’t living her life at the fullest, as she let those visions hold her back. I believe that Maddy sees the future at those specific moments, but I also think that perhaps there would have been a way to change the outset future? And with that open mind of mine, I also believed that perhaps Maddy could change the future, and not let the future go in the direction she saw the glimpses.

But of course, if Maddy wouldn’t act in the way she did, we wouldn’t have this specific story and she wouldn’t cross paths with Oliver 😊.

Even if this would be the story of Maddy and Oliver without her gift, it would still be a great story. Because we see how a woman and a man meet, by sheer coincidence. And somehow, their paths cross again. They even end up living together, as roommates.

it was sweet, lovely and just amazing seeing Maddy and Oliver together. First as just roommates, than as friends and then even something more important.

Both Maddy and Oliver are the kind of people have been through a lot, and they both are still hurt somehow of their past.

Yet they are exactly what they both need, who they needed to find in their lives, for a happy life.

I have to admit, that the blurb already states that in order for Maddy to have the future with Oliver she sees in her visions, there has to be some kind of heartbreak. And I honestly believed that the heartbreak would take place earlier in the book. But that heartbreak takes place rather late in the book, as the focus is more about Maddy and Oliver finding each other, and their journey together, while at the same time Maddy tries to figure out how exactly that future came to fruition.

As Maddy is trying to link all the dots of her future, we also see the futures of the people around her. How her family and friends are doing in the future. Family and friends that with each appearance I cared more and more about. Not only there is Maddy’s best friend Priya, but also Maddy’s parents and brother.

Not only with Maddy’s story, but also the stories of those around her, we see that life isn’t always easy, on the contrary. It can be a real hardship, as life can throw serious lemons. But no matter how many lemons there are being thrown, we see that sometimes we need just a different view on things, in order to have a positive turn.

I absolutely enjoyed reading this book, as we see that sometimes a present pain and hurt is necessary to have the future of our dreams. But it is also a story about taking a deep dive into the unknown, and find the courage to make choices. Whether that choice is to open up our hearts, or the choice to pursue what we want from the future.

The author truly wrote a great story, putting a lot of emotion in her words. And even the additional of something mystical in a way, something that is not exactly my cup of tea, added a little extra in it, that made me love this book even more!  

Can the City of Love heal a broken heart?

Synopsis

Can you ever swear off love, in the city of love?

Coco is having a hell of a month. She’s lost her boyfriend and her business, been forced to uproot her daughter to move back in with her parents in Paris, and now an infuriatingly handsome stranger is yelling at her for acting like a tourist… Right underneath the Eiffel Tower.

Storming away from him – and swearing off men for life – she decides she’s going to take the first job that comes her way.

Then, as if fate hears her, later that day she stumbles into a little bookshop – but not any old bookshop. This one comes complete with a café, cocktail bar, reading room and secret tunnel of books, and just a little hint of magic in the air. So when Coco’s offered a job selling books there, it feels like the perfect fit.

There’s only one problem… propping up the bar in the bookshop is none other than the grumpy, gorgeous stranger she’d met earlier that day…

A totally romantic, bookish and gorgeously escapist romantic novel, set in Paris in Springtime. Perfect for fans of Emily Henry, Abby Jimenez, and Sarah Morgan.

My review

Coco finds herself going back to Paris with her daughter, to live with her parents, after not only seeing the end of her relationship, but also seeing her business falling apart, thanks to that same boyfriend. But life in Paris isn’t easy, as the jobs are not just waiting for her, and for the jobs that have her interest, her background plays up. Even her daughter Eloise resents Coco for ruining her life, as she had to leave her school and all her friends behind. Coco is so frustrated that life isn’t going as she hoped it would be going, that she is ready to accept the first job she can have. Unfortunately, that means that her apparent perfect job in a little bookshop means that she crosses paths again with the grumpy yet handsome man she met upon her arrival back in Paris and also earlier that same say. As the bookshop is so much more than just a shop selling books, but it’s also a café, cocktail bar, reading room and a place with some kind of magical atmosphere, is this the perfect place for Coco to get her life back on track?

Paris, hasn’t it always been a dream worthy location? Whenever a story takes place in this beautiful city, you know it’s going to be something spectacular. And for sure the story didn’t disappoint!

The start of the book angered me, because Coco is obviously paying the price for something she didn’t do. And it’s just unfair that Coco has to start all over again, with nothing, because of the antics of someone that as supposed to love her unconditionally. And it angered me even more to see that Coco worked so hard to build her business and to see it all fall apart…

And while Paris should be the place to heal everything, for sure it doesn’t start so for Coco. Because not only does she have an unpleasant encounter with a grumpy man, who even dares to call her ‘a banana’, but she is also struggling with her teenage daughter, who truly resents Coco for the move to Paris.

Of course, if the story would be all doom and gloom, even if Coco struggles to find a job. And just like I was expecting it, Coco finds perhaps the best fitting job, working in a little yet special bookshop. It is not a normal bookshop, but it’s just perfect for Coco. It’s not a normal bookshop, as the owner for sure is excentric, but the customers can also grab a coffee, or why not, a cocktail, or can enjoy reading in a little corner. I think I would spend hours myself there! 😊

It was also funny to see how Coco once again has to face Grumpy Yet Handsome Man, also known as Henri. Their case is a perfect example of starting off on the wrong foot, meeting each other at a bad moment. Because as Henri is used to spending a lot of time at the bookshop, Coco gets to know another side of Henri, a side that is not grumpy at all.

And it was sweet to see how slowly their clashing relationship slowly shifts, also thanks to some meddling! Meddling from people that initially may seem a bit odd, but have not only Coco’s but everyone’s interest at hard.

But I also have to say, that a certain twist didn’t come as a complete surprise, as it would be somehow too random.

A twist that involves Coco’s own daughter Eloise, and her struggles to adapt to a new life in Paris. Of course I can understand it isn’t easy to leave your home, your friends and your life behind, and start all over again in a city you don’t know. Knowing the language helps, but it doesn’t solve everything. And being a teenager alone isn’t easy, to add the stress of moving and starting over, I could feel the anxiety! Yet I couldn’t completely agree with her actions…

This book for sure is a heart – warming story, showing about the strength and the ability to start over. It’s about resilience, but also about believing again. Believing in love again, believing in good things will happen to you and even that Karma will be a b*tch. The good will be rewarded and the bad will pay a price.

Once again Rebecca Raisin not only took us to a wonderful setting in Paris, but also took us on a real journey, with wonderful yet realistic characters.

Only time can tell…

Synopsis

Three generations; Two families; One secret.

After another relationship disaster Alice Littleton returns home to spend summer in Dublin’s Sandycove with her Mum, Ciara and beloved grandmother Eva at their family deli and grocers.

As Alice settles back into her old life with best friend Becca and her new boyfriend Conal Blake, she begins to fall in love with the comings and goings of their family shop and once more enjoying the rhythms of Irish life.

Meanwhile her mother Ciara, is consumed with running the family deli. Single and with mid-life looming, she feels life is passing her by until best friend Mary-Marg suggests they restart the disco they used to run as teenagers. Could this be what Sandycove’s millennials need or will there be murder on the dancefloor?

But it seems that all small-towns have their fair share of secrets and the past will always catch up with you.

Why does Conal’s grandmother insist on meeting Alice and what happened between her and Eva?

And why hasn’t Ciara spoken to Conal’s father, Paddy, for thirty years?

Is it time for the truth to be told so they can change their future?

My review

Alice Littleton decides to return back home for the summer after the end of her relationship. At a younger age, she couldn’t wait to leave Sandycove and even move to Australia. But now what she needs, is the comfort of her home. Her mother Ciara and her grandmother Eva couldn’t be more happier with the return of Alice, as they have obviously missed her dearly. Quickly Alice adapts back to her old life, and rekindles old friendships and meets new people. Seeing her best friend Becca again is lovely, and Alice couldn’t be happier to meet Becca’s new boyfriend Conal. And with helping Ciara in the family shop, Alice finds the peace and calmness she much needed to heal her broken heart. Ciara herself meanwhile is struggling, as she feels that her life is passing by too quickly and she isn’t living it at the fullest. So when her own best friend Mary – Marg suggests to reopen the disco they used to tun as teenagers, perhaps this is the fire Ciara needed to have back in her life. Meanwhile Alice tries to figure out from Eva why Conal’s own grandmother is so persistent on meeting her. Could it be that there is a secret that has been being kept for years? But what is it exactly and is that part of the reason that Ciara isn’t talking to Conal’s father Paddy for over thirty years?

I have visited Sandycove a few times by reading this author’s books. And each time I enjoy my time there, as I feel so much love and warmth while reading the stories.

And I have said it before, I always like reading stories where the main character returns home for one reason or another.

While often in books, it’s as the main character does not have another choice, and is forced to return to the place he/she wanted to escape, I loved how for Alice it wasn’t the case.

Because yes, her relationship ended, but she could have easily stayed in Australia. But no, she needed the comfort, love and support from home. And I could understand that, as something you need to be surrounded by your loved ones.

It was sweet to read how easily Alice adapts back to the life she once left behind. That for sure is proof that home will always be home, no matter how far you went and for how long. But it was also great to see how with age comes wisdom, and Alice has some great ideas to  turn the family shop into a bigger success, to attract even more customers.

Customers that are obviously all part of the wonderful community that Sandycove is, customers and thus people that are welcoming Alice back with open arms, not resenting her for a tiny bit for leaving them. Friends that are just happy to see Alice again. And the new people Alice meets in Sandycove that also have a lasting impact on Alice.

Initially I was wondering why the focus was so much, also in the blurb, on the friendship with Becca and Becca’s boyfriend Conal. Why was Conal so important for the storyline? But without giving anything away, let me tell you that Conal very much is part of the bigger picture in this book.

A bigger picture that involves also Alice’s mother Ciara and grandmother Eva. Both of them are strong women, that also have been through a lot, and that maybe now need to face the music.

Not that Ciara and Eva have some dark secrets, but there is something… Something that will be revealed in time, also leaving me a bit shocked, but that something also came at the right time, after the pair of them also have been through some growth.

And that was another beautiful thing in this book, because we see even people in a further stage in their lives, still growing a lot, still evolving a lot.

In Ciara’s case, we also see how she feels like stuck in a rut. And even if she has every reason to be happy and content with her life, there is just something missing.

So I was both happy and curious to see when the idea came to fruition to restart the disco once again. And I found it that Claire (and also and perhaps even especially Mary – Marg) show that age is just a number and that you are never too old for anything!

And with Eva, we see how it’s never too late to lay the past to rest.

I absolutely loved reading this book, as it shows real people with real struggles and real situations. Life isn’t always a walk in the park, and there are indeed issues and troubles, but it is also about taking life back in own hands, and try to make change.

And sometimes, going back home is exactly what your heart needs to heal and to feel alive again.

Oh, and yes, I still have that Cher song now stuck in my head! 🤣

When what you see doesn’t match with you (think you) know…

Synopsis

Dare she risk her secrets?

In the world of upstairs/downstairs, Housemaid Penny Smith anticipates her employer’s needs and blends into the background making her the perfect spy for the prime minister against a suspected member of the Devil’s Sons. There’s only one problem. When she meets the guilty marquess, his actions don’t match the evidence against him. Lord William Renquist defies her every expectation and sets her traitorous heart racing.

Lord William Renquist, Marquess of Stoneway and secret spy to Queen Victoria, must infiltrate the Devil’s Sons, tearing the brotherhood apart from the inside. His mission – to bring evil men to justice while atoning for the sins of his family, proving honour is stronger than tainted blood. There’s only one problem. A canny maid who is always in the right place at the wrong time and who deliciously challenges his every order.

Liam and Penny are unknowingly playing a dangerous game from opposite sides of justice. And at a masked ball, forbidden attraction burns into something far more complex as their secrets spin into daring confessions. This battle against their enemy will only be won if Penny and Liam can work together. But can a maid from downstairs ever trust an upstairs marquess?

My review

Penny Smith may be a ‘simple’ housemaid, but almost nobody knows that in fact she is working for the Prime Minister, spying against a member of the Devil’s Sons. Her illiteracy doesn’t mean that she cannot be of invaluable importance for the Prime Minister and the Queen.
As a housemaid, she is now working for one of the main suspects, Lord William Renquist. It’s up to her to find the necessary evidence against him.
But what Penny doesn’t know, is that Liam is on a mission of his own. As a Marquess, it’s easier for him to make the necessary connections, especially has his late brother already was in.
However, despite their initial prejudices, Penny and Liam start to feel something for each other. But their focus should be on their mission, and whatever they may feel, with thinking what they know about each other, it could never work, right?

What I have liked of this series so far, was how the female leads are all so strong women, with a mission to accomplish. And while their main focus is on that mission, they cross paths with a strong male character, with a mission to accomplish too. And with crossing paths, something they all didn’t believe would happen to them, happens.

So of course I had to read the new installment!

And maybe, Penny is my favourite female protagonist for now. Because she is just like her predecessors, a strong woman, with a mission she is working on. But at the same time, she is also a very recognizable woman, a normal woman. Perhaps she is even more vulnerable, as she is worried about her mother’s situation and wants to do whatever she can to help her mother. It’s also the fact that being a housemaid isn’t the best position to fight against the enemy nor is her illiteracy helping her.

Yet that doesn’t stop her, on the contrary. I liked her fire, how even limited she feels she is, she does whatever she can. She is adamant of finding enough evidence against the possible members of the Devil’s Sons. Even if she isn’t study – smart, she for sure is street – smart, and that helps her a lot in this story.  And I liked it to see how she could strand her ground, against people with bad intentions. And for as far as she can she see, she believed that her boss, Lord William Renquist is one of those kind of people.

As a reader, of course we already know that Liam is a good person, despite what he tries to make the people around him believe. It couldn’t have been easy for Liam, trying to make everyone believe that he truly is a bad guy. But even if he is lying that is ugly, his real nature cannot be ignored. And there are many moments where we and also Penny can see that Liam is the kind of person that listens, cares and wants to help. He has the right sense of what good and bad is.

Both Penny and  Liam are fighting against the evils of the world, not knowing they are fighting for the same cause. We see how two great people, despite their difference in status, have the same purpose, how they are thinking for the same greater good. We also see how their shared moments make them understand not only each other better, but also each other’s worlds. And despite the many differences, there are also many similarities.

Of course there is romance in this book, and it even gives us several heated moments. And while they are initially both wary of each other, I liked reading how somehow, subconscious, they know they can trust each other, despite the many proofs that would make them think otherwise. 

These are two people, with a lot of distrust in mankind, yet in each other they seem to see something else too. Something they feel, something they didn’t expect to feel. And their feelings isn’t the only hurdle to cross their paths, as those sparks that are flying around aren’t something that could possibly have a future. Or can it?

I truly enjoyed this third part of the series, with strong, fierce characters on a mission. Characters that want to free their homes from evil. But it’s also about characters feeling something that they cannot explain, that goes against what is there in plain sight. For me, that means that the heart sees and understands much more than the eyes see. And the author managed to put into words what the heart feels, together with an intriguing plot about good and evil that makes you keep on reading.

Can your childhood home feel ever like home again, with everything that changed?

Synopsis

Escape to the coastal village of Brambleton with this heartwarming love story filled with intrigue and rural charm

‘Heartwarming, emotional and full of community spirit. I couldn’t put it down’ Amanda Prowse

Clare’s life has just been turned upside down. Yesterday she was a successful London lawyer, about to travel the world on a well-deserved sabbatical. Now she’s back in her childhood home in rural north Devon, after the sudden death of her mother.

Brambleton is a picture-perfect seaside village, where everyone knows your name and where secrets don’t stay behind closed doors for long. Clare left it behind for a reason along with an old flame she wants to leave firmly in the past. Yet, as she gradually learns to collect eggs from unruly chickens, make apple cider on frosty mornings, and look after her mother’s tearaway dog, she begins to fall under the spell of small-town rural life.

When a greedy landlord threatens the future of the village, Clare can’t resist taking a stand to fight for the underdog once again. She’s determined to leave as soon as she’s won, but she hasn’t counted on Brambleton weaving its way into her heart. And she definitely didn’t plan on falling in love…

Will she embrace the village community that has taken her in, or is the pull of her old life too strong to resist? As she makes her choice, Clare will discover that sometimes the most unexpected places are where we truly belong.

My review

Clare’s been building on her career as a lawyer in London. Yet as she felt the need to have a break, she has prepared everything for her sabbatical year, discovering the world. But no matter what she has planned, after suddenly losing her mother, she heads off to her childhood home in rural Devon. Her life now and her life then couldn’t be more different, and also quickly the whole village of Brambleton knows of her return, just proving that many things never change. But there are also many changes, as many villagers are risking of losing their homes at the hand of their greedy landlord. As Clare quickly finds her stride back and adapts back to the rural way of life, she is ready to fight together with the underdogs. And she won’t let anything lose her focus, not even by an old flame…

It’s not a secret that I always enjoy reading books where the main character returns back home, after leaving the place for many years.

Yet it saddened me a bit to read how Clare wasn’t in touch with her mother, when a disagreement took place years ago. Of course parents and children clash, even when the children are already adults. But to let a disagreement last for so long… To make it even more sadder, was how Clare decided to make amends, when the news arrives that her mother is gone.

And that made me think that regret always comes too late, and that sometimes it’s just too late to make things right again… And that something that Clare learns the hard way, and has to live with the regret that she didn’t talk things out with her mother…

Of course, I was a bit curious, in perhaps a evil kind of way, as I wanted to see how Clare as a lawyer would cope in a place like Brambleton. The busy city life is for sure far away from rural Brambleton! And I was satisfied reading how Clare initially struggles with, well just everything. 😊

On the other hand, I was also happy for her, that after those initial struggles, she finds her feet back, and when needed, she can count on her old friends once again. That bit was also lovely to see, how those friends were welcoming her back home with open arms, with no bad feelings.

Quickly it truly feels like Clare has never been away, as she truly is part of the community. It was also a bit funny to read how everyone wants Clare’s advice on legal matters, even if that isn’t Clare’s expertise. And no matter how much Clare tries initially to stay out of it, she cannot just not do anything.

Especially when she learns about the injustice taking place, at the hand of Tricky Ricky… It even angered me, how his greed and his selfishness just could keep going, as he also is rather influential and has several decision – making positions.

I have to say though, while I admired Clare’s involvement to make things right for the community, she also makes some errors that I didn’t expect from a lawyer. Errors is perhaps not the correct word, but I would think in some occasions that as a lawyer, she would have thought better…

And perhaps that same error, or more prejudice Clare shows with her old flame… Because while it makes sense that Clare initially keeps her distance from Sam, he doesn’t show any sign that he is one of the ‘baddies’, despite his connection with Tricky Ricky…

Sam is the perfect example of being perhaps privileged, yet still having his heart at the right place. He is the kind of person that is patient, kind, helpful and also keeps giving chances. Even when Clare blows hot and cold, he doesn’t just yield, he is persistent on being the gentleman he is. And not only that, he even doesn’t want everyone to know what he is doing… what a man!

It was great to read how Clare changes from this busy lawyer – life to the rural Devon – life. We see her adapt to a life that she used to know, but we also see how Clare uses her knowledge to make things better for the whole community. We also see how Clare thinks about the choices she made in her life, and how some she regrets and how some made her the person she is now.

But most of all, I enjoyed reading how Clare realizes that how perhaps years ago she had the need to get away from her home, but how now her home is her safe place. A place that is not all that luxurious as she may be used to, but brings her more peace and calmness than whatever plans she may have had to feel free and destressed.

Sometimes, going back home is the perfect remedy and medicine to heal all the wounds we have in our hearts. And that is exactly what this author captured perfectly!  

When helping out becomes a nightmare…

Synopsis

All I wanted was to help women become mothers. When I met Alice Monroe, we instantly connected. She was as passionate about motherhood as I was, and I couldn’t wait to support her through this life-changing experience.

But the day that should have been Alice’s happiest, turned into a nightmare. And after Alice’s dreams were shattered, she blamed me. Even though there was nothing I could have done, she wanted to ruin me. I lost my business, my reputation. My world fell apart.

Then, I discovered I was pregnant. That’s why we moved hundreds of miles away to the remote Derry countryside. Now, with this beautiful baby, we can have a fresh start.

But then Alice sends me a message. She knows where we are. And I realise, it doesn’t matter how far we’ve moved, I am not safe from her. My baby is not safe.

She would have been the perfect mother. But if she can’t have her happy family, she’s not going to let me have mine.

Don’t miss the brand-new nail-biting thriller from Claire! Perfect for fans of Valerie Keogh, Andrea Mara and Claire Douglas.

My review

Mel built her career as a doula, with a desire to help out mother while giving birth. Until recently, everything went without a hitch. But with Alice, a year ago, it all went terribly wrong. Even if they quickly became close friends during Alice’s pregnancy, when it was time to deliver the baby, it turned out to be a big nightmare. After losing the baby, Alice started to blame Mel, and while Mel could understand that Alice needed someone to blame, Mel didn’t expect that Alice would ruin her career. And not only that, as Mel is now expecting too, she and her family have no other option to move away as far as possible from Alice and the nightmare they have been living through. Derry for sure seems far away enough and even if living in a camper while renovating their new home isn’t ideal, the young family is hoping for a fresh start. But rather quickly, Mel realizes that she can run but she cannot hide, as the nightmare seems to be starting all over again… And realization dawns that not only Mel isn’t safe, but neither is her unborn baby…

I am not a mother myself, or have I ever been pregnant. But I can imagine the thrill of feeling a baby inside you growing, and how you start imagining his/her life. And the joy of buying all those cute baby things! And obviously, as a caring mother, even when the baby isn’t there yet, you only want the best, as a before – care, as a during – care and as an aftercare.

I am not all that known into all that comes with pregnancy, and giving birth (beside what I know from school, tv and books obviously 😊). So I didn’t have a clear idea of what a doula truly does, and what the responsibilities are of such a person while giving birth.

Not having any kind of prejudice, perhaps allowed me to be more open-minded about it all, I don’t know. But for me it felt like any kind of help, the legal kind of help of course, as long as it helps, why not?

But I have to say that it felt a dangerous path learning how Mel and Alice were close friends. I don’t believe it’s a bad things to make new friends, but it’s a line crossed with being professional, as when things go badly, like it did with Alice, there is so much more at stake.

That doesn’t take away that Mel’s heart is at the right place, as she too is truly devastated hat happened during Alice’s delivery. Of course not to compare the pain Alice and Thomas are gong through, yet also Mel is devastated by the events…

After tragedy happened, I could also understand Alice and Thomas. Their loss is terrible and the need to blame someone is human. And in a twisted way, it made sense that they blamed Mel, even if it’s a case where nobody could do anything. And again, in a twisted way, I could understand, no that is not right, I could see why Alice went to make Mel the bad person. When hurt, angry and grieving, you do things without thinking clearly.

Despite everything Alice has put Mel through, I admired Mel. Because it would have been easy to respond, to start throwing dirt too. But Mel kept her decorum, stayed silent and let Alice just be. Even if that means that Mel has to move to Derry…

It angered me in a way to read how Mel is forced out of her hometown, to escape all the negativity but also to escape all the hate. Alice for sure hasn’t made things easy for her, as Mel saw no other option. Yet I liked it in a strange way to see how united her little family is, even how resilient they are all are.

But of course we know that things aren’t that easy, to just move. And it scared me also to see how Mel even at her new home isn’t feeling safe at all. How her past is haunting her once again, while all she wants is to live in peace and as happy as possible with a new baby boy on its way.

I for sure don’t want to be in Mel’s shoes in this story. Her nightmare just never stops, and it even brings everyone around her in danger too…

It must be terrifying, realizing that even your new home isn’t safe. Not only Mel doesn’t know who to trust, even I didn’t know which direction to look at. Because let me tell you this, the author for sure knows how to make you distrust just everyone. Even the most genuine of the people are suddenly acting suspicious. But there were also a few people that made me wary from the first moment.

The author adds several twists and turns in this book, and while just maybe I could already see where the story would go to, it never stopped me from being scared and terrified.

With this book we see how perhaps the most beautiful thing in the world has turned into the most terrifying one. And we see how you cannot trust anyone, not even the people that once were close to you…

That is indeed a terrifying thought, yet it’s exactly that thought that made me keep reading this book, as I just had to have all the answers to the questions not only I had, but also the questions that Mel and her family had…

When it starts with just one murder…

Synopsis

It’s murder in paradise!

A picturesque scene…

As grape harvest season rolls around, retired DCI Dan Armstrong and his beloved canine companion, Oscar, are looking forward to a nice quiet September. But when Dan is contacted about a mysterious death out in the Tuscan Hills, it seems that work must come before pleasure.

A suspicious find…

At first it appears that the body found lying outside a prestigious winery has been the result of a tragic hit and run. But then the police discover that this is a cover up for murder…but who would kill in such an idyllic spot and why?

A face from the past?

As Dan investigates, he meets famous ex rock star, Digger, owner of the winery and prestigious Podere Dei Santi hotel. Digger’s guests include wealthy businessmen, tourists, and, among them, suspected mafia hitmen. But more significant for Dan is a face he knows only too well from his own past and he soon finds that wine isn’t the only thing fermenting around him.

Could this murder be the start of a gangland war, or do the killer’s motives lie much closer to home? Will complications from Dan’s past return to trouble his future? Either way, Dan and Oscar must work around the clock to solve another mystery.

My review

Retired DCI Dan Armstrong truly feels at home in Tuscany, the place he moved after his retirement. Life for sure is looking good, an amazing girlfriend, a loyal furry companion, many Italian friend and even his investigation business is doing well. And with September approaching, Dan hopes for a quiet and peaceful time? But with the busy grape harvest season rolling on, Dan is asked once again to help the local police forces when a murder takes place in the Tuscan hills. What looks like an unfortunate incident at a local yet prestigious winery, quickly turns into something more sinister. As the winery itself is in the hand of a famous ex – rockstar known as Digger, and his customers are all from the wealthy side of the population, where to look for the culprit? And with the presence of someone from Dan’s past, is there more at jeopardy for Dan?

Book Ten in a series. And in most series, book ten means that even from before, the quality diminished. And even the most loyal readers are finding themselves not looking all that forward to pick the book up.

However, all the above is NOT applicable for this series and absolutely not applicable for the writing skills of this author!

But, I have to say, I am starting to worry about the murder – level taking place in Tuscany, as there are once again murders taking place in this lovely place.

Returning back to Tuscany and to my friends Dan and Oscar, was of course a delight. When people and animals steal bits of your hearts, you just want to read more from them, you have the *need* to see how they are doing, how life is treating them and those around them.

And seeing how Dan is more and more at home in Tuscany, how he has become truly a part of the community there, truly made me happy. Yet I also liked it how he didn’t become the typical retired man, not doing anything special, just passing time without being of real importance. No, that is not who Dan is. He cannot waste time, he wants to matter, he wants to help people, friends.

He is also the kind of person that has learnt from his past and the mistakes he made in his failed marriage. But that doesn’t make him the perfect man, because there are moments where he still makes mistakes, or is being the typical man, not knowing what his girlfriend truly wants to hear or needs to hear. But that only adds to liking Dan, because who is truly perfect? 😊

Another murder… you can take the man from the forces, but you cannot take the forces out of the man. And this time, the setting is even more Tuscany – worthy, as this time, we are going to investigate alongside our friends at a winery and a prestigious hotel. Is there anything more Tuscan than a good wine?

Whenever the help of Dan and Oscar is required, you know that nothing is ever what it seems. And thus the apparent accident is anything but that…

With the murder taking place at the winery/hotel, and a busy one, the list of possible suspects is not a short one.

Once again the investigation isn’t an easy one, as there are many possibilities, each even feasible. And T. A. Williams for sure knows how to make you think in one direction, to change then again… And he for sure also knows how to let his readers into the dark world of winemaking, something not everyone knows…

And yes, I have to talk about Oscar, as he once again is a force to be reckoned with! I don’t know if this series would be as fun, alluring or just as cute at it is now! 😊

T. A. Williams wrote an amazing tenth part of a wonderful series. Even this tenth part never bored, never repetitive. This book was a great cozy mystery, once again delivering on point! Even if once again it’s about murder, I enjoyed reading this book, with great main characters in a wonderful setting!

Why wait for the proposal?

Synopsis

Three women. One crazy hen weekend. A life-changing decision.

When three women meet on a mutual friend’s hen weekend on the Scottish island of Arran, they get more than they bargained for when one of them has the genius idea of proposing on 29 February, like the age-old Irish tradition.

High-flying businesswoman Anouska and boyfriend Zach are deliriously happy and madly in love. If only they had more time together. But now she’s pregnant and doesn’t know how to tell him since having kids hadn’t featured in their plans.

Dog walker Jess lives with her childhood sweetheart, but they’re already like an old married couple, without the romance, or the wedding, or the ring. When Mark doesn’t propose on New Year’s Eve, Jess is gutted and decides to take matters into her own hands.

Ellie and Scott still live apart after six years, and his lack of commitment is a sore point. She’s up for a huge promotion which involves moving country. It’s make-or-break time. She needs to know he’s worth turning down the job for.

The women meet weekly, helping each other with decisions big and small, becoming each other’s support system in the run-up to ‘the big ask’.

Will love conquer all or will their hopes and dreams come crashing down around them?

My review

Anoushka, Jess and Ellie meet at the hen weekend of a mutual friend. And even if they didn’t know each other before, there is an instant connection and the three women become friends. They are all in a relationship, and when the idea of a leap year proposal suddenly rises, all three start to think about proposing to their partners. But can it all be that straightforward? Because Anoushka is a successful businesswoman, flying all over the world. And her boyfriend Zach is building his own empire in the hospitality sector Being busy is an understatement, and they don’t always manage to spend a lot of time together. But now Anoushka is pregnant, and she doesn’t know how to tell Zach, as children were never part of their plans… Jess and Mark are childhood sweethearts and are living together for a while now. But it seems that the passion has gone over the years, and Jess feels that they have become an old married couple. Especially when on New Year’s Eve, Mark doesn’t propose as Jess expected, makes Jess wonder if perhaps she needs to take matter in own hands. Ellie meanwhile has been together with Scott for six years, but feels a lack of commitment from his side. Not only is there absolutely no talks about going to live together but also the prospect of Ellie’s promotion and a required move makes her wonder where her future may be. The run – up towards that last day of February, the three friends find the much needed support, encouragement and help with each other. But will they all have the finale they were hoping for?

I like it when women take matter in own hands, no matter what the occasion may be. And while it is tradition for the pan to propose to the woman, why cannot it be the other way around?

The story evolves around three women, Anoushka, Jess and Ellie. I loved it how these women are very different from each other, yet they connect very easily during a hen weekend.

It shows that sometimes you don’t need to know each other for many years to build a genuine friendship with someone.

As the three main characters are very different, it also gives them the perfect change of perspective. This new friendship gives each character the chance to see what is lacking in their relationship, or (and perhaps that is even better 😊) what the strength is.

I cannot say which character I liked the most in this book. I admired Anoushka’s strength and her ability to adapt to the big change in her life. But on the other hand I was a tiny bit angry with her, as she isn’t able to tell her partner Zach about her pregnancy. And we all know that procrastination, especially on something this important, is a bad idea.

Maybe with Jess I was the least sure about the idea of the leap proposal idea. Jess says it herself, she loves Mark, and they have been together for years. But is a proposal the best way to get the excitement back in your relationship? And perhaps with a new arrival I was worrying that things would take a turn for the worse, as it seems that there is an instant connection?

And then there is Ellie… For me, it felt like she was in the saddest relationship of them all. Because she wants to move forward with Scott, but it’s clear that he doesn’t feel the same. To make it even worse, at least in my eyes, was that Scott only agrees with going forward when he can gain something from it. Nope, not a fan of Scott at all here, and while I was in one way happy to see my suspicions getting right, it saddened me to see how it all evolves for Ellie…

While the story’s premise is about three women proposing their partners as it’s leap year, this story is so much more than just a way to pop the question. Because we see three different women, in three different relationships, at three different stages in not only their relationships but also in their lives. And they are all at a crossroad, doubting which direction they should go with their lives.

Yet beside the doubts and many questions crossing the main characters’ minds, the bond they have found with each other is what truly stands out. Because they find each other, they find real friends. Despite the short period they have known each other, they have found support, comfort and strength with each other.

And that is the force of this book, and the talent of Susan Buchanan, because she always finds something special with each character, with each storyline. This is a story about three normal people, with a special plan in their minds, but most important, they find special people to share everything with. And that is an invaluable something!

I absolutely loved reading this book, as it made me laugh, it made me sad and it even made me angry. But most important, it made me just feel happy with the outcome for each character!

One moment that truly is life – changing, but how?

Synopsis

Do you believe in love at first sight?

Holly does, in spite of everything that’s happened in her life. Sometimes the thought that her soulmate is out there is the only thing that keeps her going.

Then she hears her favourite song being played in a train station. She’s drawn to where the sound is coming from, as if by a magnetic force. There is a handsome young man sitting at the piano, who smiles at her, and she feels that spark she’s always dreamt of. She asks if she can join him, and sings along, seeing his face light up.

He’s called Mark, she later discovers. And he feels the same. They both feel like they’ve been hit with a thunderbolt. But even though it seems like they’ve known each other for lifetime, the truth is that they’re strangers.

Because Holly has secrets. And so does Mark.

And one of them might just kill to keep them…

The Soulmate is the most breathtaking, cat-and-mouse psychological thriller you’ll read all year! A thriller about obsession, love, deceit and murder, perfect for fans of Gone Girl, The Housemaid, and You.

My review

When Holly hears her favourite song being played at a piano at the train station, she cannot help herself, she has to see who is playing it. And when she meets the eyes of the handsome player, a spark ignites. And then she starts to sing along with Mark, and Mark even feels the same spark! But Holly cannot just see what this is between her and Mark, because Holly has many secrets about her life and about her past. But Mark has secrets of this own… And after all, they are complete strangers, right?

Love at first sight, isn’t that something most of us dream about? Just locking eyes with someone and then ZING! Of course, the odds of happening that in real life are rather slim, so at least we will always have books where such things happen.

But what when the meeting eyes with someone is not that easy, and there is so much sanding between the pair of you? And what if the both of you are keeping secrets that are not just silly little secrets, but real dark ones…

Right from the start it’s clear that Holly is a sad character, as she is not living her life at the fullest, and that her current relationship isn’t one built on trust and love. It’s the complete opposite, as she is in an abusive relationship, emotionally and even physically. But getting away from it isn’t that just easy for her, as her past can come back to haunt her at any moment.

And I wanted her to find someone truly special, I wanted Holly to find love, the kind that is genuine and real. I wanted her to have an escape and to have a happily ever after. As a reader we don’t know immediately what happened in her past, yet it’s clear that isn’t not a kitten up a tree, but something really big. But I wanted Holly to have the chance to let go of her past and just be free.

But this is a psychological thriller, so I had to pack away all the romantic thoughts I had, and I had to switch them into darker ones, as the story of Holly and Mark won’t be one with rainbows and unicorns…

Initially, I was hoping that Mark would be everything that Holly needs, a Knight in shining armour, someone that would save her from the dark clutches she is being held.

Yet nothing is what it seems, and while initially Mark for sure seems the right person, there are some red flags appearing. And it even angered me to see those red flag being real, as slowly Mark allows the readers to see how own dark secrets…

I also have to say, I wasn’t sure for a rather long time if both characters could be trusted completely. It’s safe to say that they both appear to act in odd ways, and while I wanted to give them the benefit of the doubt, I knew that without knowing the whole truth, I couldn’t give my compete trust.

But let it be clear, between all the twists and turns the author lets us going through, and revelation after revelation, there is truly only one person to feel compassion for and one person to despise…

I liked it how the author took a popular trope from romance books and turned it into something sinister. Because no matter how good things may look like at first sight, we cannot always trust our gut feeling. And that sometimes escaping from hell, doesn’t mean you go to heaven…