It’s never too late to celebrate life

Synopsis

‘We’re celebrating life,’ Rose said. ‘Life, every single minute of it. Tell me, girls – is there ever anything better to celebrate than that?’

Five years after seventy-something Tess jetted off to Paris with her best friends, Jen, Rose, Della and Pam – the Five French Hens – for Jen’s hen do, a lot has changed. Prospective groom Eddie has been given the heave-ho, Tess’s husband has been sent packing and the Hens are making the most of their golden years.

But Tess is stuck in a rut. Rather than embrace her independence, she watches on as Rose wows Paris, Jen explores Iceland and Pam heads to Greece. But when tragedy strikes Della, Tess is shaken into action. They both need a change of scenery and longing to see the Northern Lights, they head to the Highlands of Scotland and the magical Isle of Skye.

There Tess and Della get more than they bargained for. Along with stunning scenery and breathtaking history, they find new friends, grand adventures and even romance. And when they’re joined by the other Hens, together they start plotting a fabulous new future for them all.

Travel with Judy Leigh to the magical Highlands in this uplifting, joyous and funny tale of friendships and new beginnings. This is the perfect feel-good story for all fans of Maddie Please, Dawn French and Caroline James.

My review

Five years ago, Tess, Jen, Della, Rose and Pam went off to Paris for Jen’s hen do. Meanwhile a lot has happened, a wedding that didn’t happen, a marriage that ended and a new life that started in Paris. Yet no matter what happened, the Five French Hens have always been there for each other, and their over – seventy – age never stopped them. But both Tess and Della have to face the biggest struggle of them all, as Tess finds herself stuck in a rut on her own, and seeing her other friends thriving on, as their age truly is just a number and not holding them back. Meanwhile Della has to face a great tragedy. Together, Tess and Della decide to have a change of scenery. Their attention is drawn to the Isle of Skye, where a stunning scenery will be waiting for them, and why not, even the Northern Lights. What Tess and Della don’t know, is that their getaway will also be one filled with new friendships, adventures and perhaps even brand new plans for the future.

What I absolutely like about Judy Leigh’s books, is that despite the big age gap between myself and the main characters, I find myself each time invested in their stories and how age always seems just to be a number.

And the Five French Hens for sure seem to have more life and fire in them than many people of my own age! 😊 Not only that, but also the strength of their friendship is something I could be envious of, especially as their lives are very different from each other. Yet that doesn’t hold them back for being there for each other.

While the story starts on a very positive and cheerful tone, the tone changes when Della has to endure a terrible heartbreak. A heartbreak that isn’t uncommon, yet that doesn’t mean that it won’t shake Della’s world at all. My heart broke together with hers, as yes it’s part of life, yet I could feel her heartbreak…

And then there is Tess… finally divorced from a despicable man. So life would look good, wouldn’t it. Nevertheless, Tess feels stuck in her life. While her friends are taking off, enjoying life, she is just at home. A home that isn’t even hers, but where she is staying temporarily…

So of course it makes perfect sense for these two lonely and heartbroken friends to take of on a journey together. If someone deserves a change of scenery, it’s for sure this pair. And having read several books taking place on the Isle of Skye, I knew it would be just perfect for them!

Well… perfect… I was not so sure about it seeing their arrival and their not – so – welcoming host. But I was sure that a lot would be explained and that somehow there would be some kind of redemption.

And I was not disappointed!

Because while it didn’t look good at the start, Tess and Della are both women who aren’t afraid to get their hands dirty (so to speak). They see a situation, they see an opportunity to help out, and they don’t hesitate to do so. That doesn’t only show their genuine and kind character, but also that their age won’t be stopping them!

For a moment, I was afraid that their holiday would turn out to be a working one. But I was happy to read that both Tess and Della are still having many adventures, are discovering the beautiful Isle of Skye and are making friends and even more.

And the most beautiful thing in this book was, while they are helping out in the hotel, on more than just one level, it is helping them too. They slowly understand that there is still a lot of fire in them and that it’s never too late, for anything.

It warmed my heart also to see how the other Hens towards the end of the book join Tess and Della. And more joined forces mean more fire but also more fun, laughter and love.

I read this story with so much delight and warmth. It truly warmed my heart to see how these two wonderful women are ready to take on a new adventure, ready for a bright new future. Judy Leigh gave me exactly what I needed to read, a great story about friendship, care, kindness, understanding, fire and love. And a great story about you are only as old as you feel, and that you are just never too old, for anything!

After a shocking discovery, how easy is it to start again?

Synopsis

49-year-old Tilly Thomas would never have known any different if she hadn’t unexpectedly turned up at hubby Robin’s office to surprise him with an off-the-cuff evening at the theatre.  Instead, the surprise is on Tilly when she interrupts Robin and his young PA in a compromising position.  

Stumbling from the office, blinded by tears, Tilly thanks God she was never gifted the children she once craved and is spared explaining why Mummy and Daddy will now be living apart.  Instead, Tilly has an adopted daughter – but this little girl has a wet nose and warm heart.  

Mongrel Cindy is privy to all her mummy’s hopes and dreams as Tilly prepares to start over in the village of Starlight Croft.  Thank goodness a dog can’t speak because Cindy knows things her mistress has never shared, including a secret that once broke Tilly’s heart.

As Tilly prepares to embrace an unknown future and make peace with her past, she discovers that sometimes difficult roads lead to beautiful destinations…

My review

While Tilly Thomas wanted to surprise her husband Robin at his office, it was her to get the surprise of a lifetime. Unfortunately, it wasn’t a good surprise, as she found Robin very “busy” with his PA… And now at the age of 49, Tilly needs to start all over, while Robin is pushing her to buy her out of the house that has been her home for years. For once, Tilly is happy that she and Robin never had any children. Although Tilly sees her lovely mongrel Cindy as one, and they even have conversations! However, Tilly is ready to start again, and she has fallen in love with the quaint village of Starlight Croft, and especially Starlight Cottage. But even if the cottage itself isn’t available anymore, the village and its inhabitants are more than willingly in accepting  Tilly into their midst. And while Tilly adapts to her new life, there may be different hurdles to still overcome, but even the difficult hurdles  can lead to beautiful things…

I always love reading books about fresh starts. Although of course it saddens me that at first the main character has to go through something painful. And in a way, it also angers me because it is also such a cliché…

And that is exactly how Tilly’s story takes off, with a cliché of the husband having an affair with his PA. But what angered me even more, was Robin’s lightness over the situation… When it’s decided to end their marriage, Robin just wants to buy her out, as he wants the house he used to live in with Tilly, for him and his new girlfriend. Not only that, but he is even pestering Tilly about it, while Tilly is not only trying to get her head around the whole situation…

It cannot be easy to start over again, to find a new place to live in. But it was sweet to see how Tilly fell in love with Starlight Cottage. Of course her way of handling things, as she works in the same place that is selling the cottage, isn’t perhaps the most legit way, but I could understand how she wanted to whatever is possible to get those keys.

While I wanted her to get the cottage of her dreams, I also felt it was fitting that perhaps she didn’t get it. Because in life things don’t always go as we want or dream. But I admired Tilly’s determination on not giving up on living in the village. If Starlight Cottage is out of the question, that doesn’t mean that she cannot find another wonderful place to stay in Starlight Croft, right?

I have to admit, I liked Tilly a lot in this, but there were also several moments that I was a bit doubting her actions and state of mind. I know that there are many people talking to their pets, and seeing them as their children. And there is absolutely nothing wrong with that. But having complete conversations with Cindy the Dog, and imagining Cindy’s responses and actual words of advice, well, it was a tiiiiiiiiiiiiny bit strange to read. Yet that also added a level of humour to the story, that’s for sure!

And the fact that Tilly cannot let go of the cottage, I could easily comprehend that people would think she is some kind of stalker 😊. Especially the new owner of the cottage, Milo.

To say that Tilly and Milo start off badly, would be a real understatement. But Starlight Cottage couldn’t possibly go to a bad person, could it?

The more I read about Tilly and her fresh start, the more I liked her. Despite everything she has been through lately, and even if she has some moments of despair, she doesn’t give up easily. With the help and support of her best friend, Tilly is slowly able to start again. And when she has an offer that many would run away from, she sees this as a sign and accepts it.

But there is more to Tilly than just a fresh – divorced woman making a new start. Because rather out of the blue, there is the revelation of a secret she has been keeping for many years. A secret that hasn’t been shared with anyone. A secret that left even me a bit flabbergasted, even if I always tell that I see such things coming.

There is a lot of room for laughter in this book, but also for misunderstanding and even a few tears here and there. But mainly, there is a lot of room for hope in this book. Because Debbie Viggiano shows us that no matter how many lemons life throws us, life can also give us the chance to make lemonade out of it.

And lemonade is exactly what Tilly is making out of her situation. She doesn’t throw constantly pity parties, but tries to make the best out of each situation. And she doesn’t forget about those close to her. Because not only does she have the best kind of friend, but she is also the best kind of friend, a protective one.

I absolutely loved reading this story that perhaps started with a cliché, yet took of on its own. This story takes us for sure on a wonderful journey, a journey filled with strength, determination, hope and even love has a place in this marvellous book. Not only the obvious love that quickly sparks off the pages, like Tilly’s love for Cindy, or the love for Tilly’s best friend Lisa but also a few special ones…

As this is the first book of a series, it for sure can count as a start! I am now eagerly waiting for the next book to come out!

After achieving your dream, what when you question it all?

Synopsis

Thea Rogers has dedicated her life to her career in corporate law. Apart from her colleague and long-time friend-with-benefits Alasdair, she’s forgone friendships and relationships, and now she’s on track to become her firm’s youngest ever female partner. She should be ecstatic. But when a senior partner dies unexpectedly, Thea realises the people at his funeral are only there out of duty. Suddenly, Thea can’t shake the question: if she disappeared tomorrow, would anyone care?

As the life choices she’s made suddenly make less and less sense, Thea is forced to make a decision. Stick with the original plan or take a completely different path.

Thea has a chance to do it right this time, and fill her world with the things that matter. But can people really change? And once life starts looking up, why does it feel like there’s something… or someone she can’t seem to replace?

My review

Thea Rogers has put everything aside for her career in corporate law. Working outside her hours, not having weekends or holidays, she all takes it in her stride, as she wants to become the firm’s youngest female partner. To decompress though, she has a friends – with – benefits arrangement with her colleague Alasdair. When she finally has gotten the much – fought – for promotion, she couldn’t be more over the moon. Yet quickly she realizes that beside Alasdair, she doesn’t have many people to celebrate with, as friends she has not, and her family doesn’t understand what she is doing. But when a senior partner dies suddenly, she starts to question all the choices she has made. Is it time to make big changes in her life? But will those changes bring her the joy and happiness she is apparently currently missing?

There are several reasons why I chose to read this book. First of all, I have read several books of this author, and I loved them all. So obviously I wanted to read this one too! Secondly, I was intrigued by the plot.

Because at the start of the book, Thea is chasing her dream of becoming a partner. An accomplishment that is not easily reached, and Thea has put all her focus, time and dedication to prove everyone that she is the right person to become partner.

And in a way, her focus is admirable, as Thea knows what she wants, she knows the price she has to pay for it (no free time, no friends, a strained relationship with her family).

But at the same time, that fact also saddened me. Because work and career isn’t all there is in life. In fact, it’s clear that beside Alasdair, her best friend, she doesn’t have anyone else that just gets her like he does. And they only know each other because they are working at the same firm, even if at different departments. I was 100% that if Thea didn’t have Alasdair, she would be even more lonelier than she already is.

It is true that an unexpected event makes you rethink about yourself and the choices you made. I found it a bit strange that Thea was so affected by the death of her colleague, but in a way it also made perfectly sense. She realizes at the funeral that people were there more out of duty and not because they truly cared about her colleague. And it makes her wonder if people would act in the same way if it were her in front of the church.

While reading, I kept expecting maybe a little more romance in it. But I also realized that this wasn’t that kind of book, even if there is some romance in it. But this is more about a journey. A journey where Thea has to discover not only what would make her happy, but also who Thea is. I don’t know if I would be able to make the same choices and decisions she is making, together with her neighbour and new friend Rebecca, but finding that courage is for sure admirable!

There are many funny moments in this book, but also and mainly heartwarming moments. Because with Thea changing completely direction in her life, she is also able to reconnect with her family, and it was sweet to see how they are able to understand each other.

The Thea at the start of the book is in nothing comparable with the Thea at the end of it. While initially Thea’s focus in on her career, we see a more ‘human’ Thea later on. A Thea that makes friends, a Thea that is happy and wants other people’s happiness. We also see that Thea is very flexible in a way. Because with her new adventure with her friend Rebecca, plans are being made but also just as often as they are made, they are changed. And of course Thea needs some time to adjust to those changes, because aren’t we also like that, needing time to process it all, but she doesn’t dismiss any idea, how crazy it may seem.

Even if it wasn’t completely the story I was expecting, I totally loved reading it. Seeing the changes Thea is going through, the inner turmoil she is having, the growth she is having, is not only realistic and real, but also touching. Because it take a huge amount of courage to do what Thea is doing, without any certainty in prospect.

And even if the romance isn’t the main focus, I was happy with the end result of it, because secretly, I was hoping for this exact outcome!

Phoebe MacLeod wrote for sure a funny story, yet delivering also an important message, that sometimes taking a courageous decision, having a leap of faith, can bring so much more in your life than you have right now.

An unexpected guest for Christmas…

Synopsis

She’s always on the outside looking in, but his door might just be the one to open for her this Christmas.

‘Her name’s Tilly. Tilly Thorpe. She lives in London.’

To stop his family from speculating about his love life, travel company CEO Rafe Harrington casually drops Tilly Thorpe’s name as his girlfriend. After all, they’ll never meet – she’s just a name he saw on a rival company’s website.

But when Rafe arrives at his family’s home in Glenbriar for Christmas, he’s shocked to find ‘his girlfriend’ waiting for him.
He has some explaining to do and so does Tilly.

Why did Rafe’s family welcome her with open arms when she’s little more than a spy? Someone who’s trying hard to please her superiors, hoping it’ll bring some desperately desired happiness to her lonely existence.

Rafe isn’t a big fan of the festive season, but neither he nor Tilly can ignore their instant spark. With bad weather forecast, now is the ideal moment to discover some magic. Tilly’s never felt this at home anywhere, but none of it’s real, and that’s not why she’s here.

With time running short, can they seize this unexpected chance to fall in love not only with Christmas but also with each other?

My review

Rafe Harrington has worked very hard to have a successful travel company. And being the CEO also means that he cares about his people, even if they embrace the Christmas Spirit more than he does. As a CEO he is obviously a busy man, also keeping rival companies with underhand schemes at a distance. But that also means that he has no time for love, despite his family constantly asking him about it. To stop his family from asking this Christmas, he decides to tell a white lie and tells that he in fact is seeing someone, Tilly Thorpe. But Tilly isn’t a fictional character, but a real person, a person that caught Rafe’s eyes on his rival’s website. However, when arriving at his parents’ house, he is flabbergasted to hear that  Tilly has surprised him and is waiting for him. Tilly herself is shocked and dumbfounded by the welcome she receives after knocking at the Harrington’s house. She doesn’t understand how they seem to  know her when she didn’t even know the day before she would be here, trying to persuade Rafe to have a meeting with her, to show her superiors what she can do. When bad weather forces Tilly to stay with the Harrington’s, it turns out to be very difficult to ignore the  sparks that fly between her and Rafe… But working for rival companies make it impossible to dive into those feelings, right?

There are authors that write books that just put a smile on your face. So when I started this book, I was ready for the cramps in my face. Unfortunately, I didn’t smile in this book… but I had a HUGE grin on my face, that would grow bigger the more I read, if only that were possible! 😊

Returning to Glenbriar was like returning to a place that you love, something that give you a warm and fuzzy feeling inside, even if we get the story of new main characters, with the appearance of lovely people that we already love.

Right from the start I truly liked Rafe. I can imagine that he is a great person to work for, as he cares about the people that work for him. And even if he doesn’t join the festivities at the office, he enjoys seeing everyone being happy and cheery.

He is also an absolute family man, as he loves his family deeply, and enjoys spending time with them whenever he cans.

But being part of a lovely and loving family also means that they may be asking the same questions each time they see you. And I speak out of experience, and I could understand how Rafe has had enough of those same questions time after time, again and again.

So while perhaps it wasn’t the best decision he could make, but I understood why he told everyone him dating Tilly Thorpe, even if he has never met Tilly in real life and just ever saw a picture of her online, on his rival’s website.

I have to admit, even if I knew what would happen, it was just hilariously funny to see a shocked Rafe when facing Tilly at his parents’ home. Because it’s one thing that Rafe has been thinking about Tilly, but he never expected to see her home, or just see her for real, period.

And then there is Tilly…

Getting to know Tilly saddened me tremendously… not because I didn’t like her, on the contrary. But she deserved and deserves so much more in her life, and she for sure is the kind of person that is underappreciated.

My heart truly broke reading about her childhood, how it affected her and still affects her. And while perhaps the company she works for isn’t the greatest one, I admired somehow her loyalty. While she isn’t treated in the best way there, she also is grateful that she has a job there. That kind of loyalty, deserved or not, is something that maybe is missing in a lot of people these times. so seeing such a trait in Tilly shows for sure her character.

If I have to be honest, reading how Tilly was welcomed by Rafe’s family, and how she has many ‘firsts’ during her stay there, almost brought me to tears… To read how she missed out on so many things that everyone of us has at least done once in their lives…

So my tender heart wanted nothing more than seeing Rafe and Tilly getting closer. And I wasn’t the only one 😊.

Rafe and Tilly had a completely different upbringing, and their careers are also very different, even if they work in the same branch. Yet Rafe shows his most compassionate and understanding side to Tilly. And he also realizes that even if you have just met someone, there can be a connection.

Seeing them getting closer truly warmed my heart, because they are both people who deserve so much love. Even when there may be some hurdles to overcome, seeing them bonding, opening up to each other and just find each other, lovely, nothing more than utterly lovely!

I absolutely loved reading this next chapter in a marvellous series. We see how connections can be made despite a short time span, but also the kindness and generosity of people, and the Harrington family in particularly. Even if Rafe and his family is a fictional family, I could feel their warmth and heart just from each page. And I could feel Tilly’s pain too, but also seeing that pain somehow getting lifted slowly, little by little.

Margaret Amatt had very, even extremely high expectations to fulfil. Yet she managed so easily to not only reach them, but also to exceed them. I felt myself embraced by love and warmth, not wanting the story to end, yet eagerly reading page after page!

Synopsis

Eve Cassidy thought Guy Foster was the only man she would ever love. Theirs was a whirlwind romance and marriage – until it all ended in tears…

Five years after their break-up, Eve still hasn’t found a reason to believe in true love. But when Foster has an accident and she discovers she’s still listed as his next of kin, Eve knows she can’t let him wake up in hospital with no one by his side. After all, those devilishly blue eyes have always been hard to say no to…

Foster isn’t sure if his poor battered brain is playing tricks on him when he sees the only woman he’s ever loved sitting next to his bedside. Maybe Eve never got over him like he never got over her? And when Eve agrees to him moving into her one-bedroom apartment to recover, it’s clear these exes have unfinished business.

Will weeks in close quarters be the making or breaking of this smouldering second chance love story? Up close and personal, old habits can be hard to break.

My review

Will love always keep on hurting?

Five years ago, Eve Cassidy thought she had found love with Guy Foster. And even if they only knew each other for a short time, it felt so right that they got married. Only to end up in a break – up and heartbreak. Now Eve believes she has finally got over Eve, but her marriage and end of it, made her no longer believe in true love at all. And then the unthinkable happens, as Foster has had a terrible accident and Eve is his next of kin, despite there has been no contact at all in the last five years. But she cannot just leave him be on his own with is injuries, and her being a nurse knows he needs someone looking after him. Foster himself cannot believe that when he wakes up, the only woman he has ever loved, is sitting beside him. But Foster needs a long time to recover from his injuries, and Eve being a nurse cannot be a better candidate for the task, even if that means that Foster is going to stay at Eve’s place, a small one – bedroom apartment. Living in such close encounters, has the time come to resolve so many unfinished businesses? Or will the close proximity bring them closer once again?

Whoever dares to say they have never had their heart broken, for one reason or another, is a big liar. Because we all have been there, having our heart crushed in a million thousand little pieces. And that pain have we all carried around for a while, before we were able to put it behind us. And sometimes it was a relief not having to lay eyes on the heartbreaker again. But what happens when you are faced with that person again?

That is the premise of this wonderful, heartwarming, funny, bittersweet even, story. And just like I expected from this amazing author, I loved every bit of it.

I have to admit, that perhaps it was a bit strange it read how five years ago, Eve and Foster met and so quickly decided to get married. Not because I don’t believe their love for each other, but perhaps because when love is concerned, I am wary and I take a rather waiting approach. Never rush things, take you take and don’t take any rash decision.

But beside that, I liked this story of Eve and Foster, who show us so much, as they take us on a whirlwind of emotions and feelings.

Eve is just a wonderful character, right from the start. Despite the more than just one heartbreak she has been through, she has such a warm and kind heart. And I truly believe that Eve has found her calling, as there couldn’t be a more compassionate nurse. She is just lovely, as she shows in so many different occasions.

Because let’s be honest, not everyone would do what Eve will do and is doing throughout the book. Of course it’s a shock to discover that the latest entry in your trauma is your ex – husband. Yet she puts her own feelings aside, even tells a white lie, and wants to be by his side when he wakes up, and his stay at the hospital. If that isn’t proof of altruism and a caring heart, I don’t know what you are looking for further proof… She even agrees to go that far to let Foster stay at her place, while recovering before Foster can return back home!

While slowly also getting snippets of their past, of how Eve and Foster met, it was heartbreaking to see how it ended in heartbreak. And with getting to know Foster better, it was clear that the heartbreak wasn’t one – sided.

Foster… a lovely man he is indeed. But I could understand Eve’s turmoil and why she made the choice five years ago. I can understand that Foster has a dangerous job and passion. But perhaps because I like playing it safe, I don’t think I could live with the fear of losing the man I love. And also that Eve is not Foster’s first priority was heartbreaking…

Otherwise, Foster is a force of nature. Of course he has the looks (especially in my imagination!), but he is also a funny guy (pun intended 😊). And while he doesn’t always show it, he is a gentle man, a man with a big heart. When he loves, he loves completely.

And yet that has been a learning curve for him, as he had Eve and her love, and lost it. The Foster of now knows what he had and what he lost, and he knows that he won’t make that same mistake again.

Being ‘forced’ by spending time together for sure is perhaps painful, as there is so much left unspoken, yet there are also so many heartwarming and funny business. Without realizing it, there is this delightful banter, flirting and reminiscing happy memories. And that makes Eve and Foster realize and understand that their feelings have been mistreated, but haven’t disappeared because of the heartbreak.

In this wonderful book we see people that meet each other, that are right for each other, but the timing just isn’t. And it’s a fact that when something bad or terrible happens, people get enlightened moments. Because it’s then that we all realize what truly matters in life.

But it’s also important to communicate. To talk about the past, to talk about those demons of the past, those unfinished businesses. The past has been a learning curve, but the present is definitely also one.

I loved this book, as it shows that love comes unexpectedly, can let you perhaps act out of character. And that it doesn’t just go away, because the real thing, the real deal can stand even the hardest test of life. And that sometimes it’s right person wrong time, but the right time perhaps may come, if we are brave enough to give that love another chance.

Always keep your eyes on the mission…

Synopsis

A dramatic Medieval convenient marriage story

Will he risk his mission… for her hand in marriage?

Part of The Knights’ Missions. On a secret quest to expose a traitor, Sir Hugh enlists in a tournament to win the hand of his target’s daughter, Lady Bronwen. But the clever, driven maiden jeopardises his plans when their unexpected attraction threatens to distract him from his duty! She’s desperate to escape her father, and Hugh can protect her by claiming his prize and marrying her. Yet honour demands the noble knight keeps their desire at bay, for completing his mission means betraying his new bride’s trust…

My review

Sir Hugh is one of the most known and feared Knights of the Kingdom. Now he is on a secret mission, trying to expose traitor. In order to do so, he needs to participate in a tournament, where the prize is the suspect’s daughter, Lady Bronwen. But Sir Hugh doesn’t know that he may be facing his biggest challenge ever… because once meeting Lady Bronwen, sparks start to fly around. And that may jeopardize his whole missions, as suddenly he cannot image someone else worthy of Lady Bronwen’s hand. Even if Bronwen is the prize of the tournament, she won’t just accept anyone as a winner. Because she has a plan of her own: to escape her own fickle father, and whoever will become her husband, she never wants to lose herself. Yet there is something about Sir Hugh… With both having plans and missions of their own, and an undeniable attraction, how will this tournament end?

Knights.. how many women in the present have had their own fantasies about these kinds of men? Well, I can admit without any shame that I for sure have! And reading stories involving Knights are a little guilty pleasure of mine. And as I have read several book from this amazing author, I knew that I would get a real treat!

Sir Hugh right from the start had my sympathy. He has two close friends, knights themselves. And it’s clear that without Leo or Tristan, Hugh wouldn’t be the kind of man he is now. His upbringing was not easy, as we slowly learn through the story. And in one way it makes sense, because in order to become a knight, you need to have a specific kind of skills. And that means training, dedication and determination.

But Hugh was rather young when his training started, and that also means a distance between him and just every member of his family. And being the last of many children (poor mother though! 😊) means that there is isn’t a connection between him and his two other brothers, which is painfully exposed…

And there is the fact that his best friend Tristan that makes the women turn their head. Hugh has learned the hard way that women aren’t afraid to use Tristan’s friend to get closer to Tristan himself. That made Hugh wary and even afraid of opening up…

Yet there is a lot to like Hugh for. There is obviously his loyalty, he took an oath, a vow, and he is committed to fulfil it till the end. And that is not a trait that everyone has! That commitment shows the kind of man Hugh is, you know that when he promises you something, you can count of him to achieve that.

And then there is Hugh’s character… yes, he is on a mission, but he never loses his heart and compassion. We see this clearly when he befriend other knights on the tournament, but especially his worry and care when injuries apply.

When he sees injustice, he isn’t afraid to put things back right.

In other words, Hugh is scarred yes, but he is also just a great man. And even if he promised himself to never fall in love again, when he meets Lady Bronwen, he is a goner….

Bronwen for sure is the kind of character I pitied… Not only is she being used as a prize at a tournament, but also her own relationship with her father is a strained one. Not because her father has been a bad person the whole time, but he has changed during the years. A change that not only affected Bronwen herself, but also her mother…

I could understand why she accepts her fate, but I admired how she wanted to add her own twist to it.

She has seen what love could do to someone, as she sees the effect on her mother, and she never wants to lose herself because of love. And thus she is determined to marry someone (as she has no choice than getting married off) to at least someone that won’t ever break her heart, as she won’t give it away to anyone.

And that is the funny (in a way) fact of this book. Because we all know that love won’t be stopped, no matter how much you fight against it.

But while there is an initial physical attraction between Bronwen and Hugh, it’s their emotional and intellectual connection that makes spark fly around.

Despite their many differences, they also have a lot in common, and there is just something that makes them connect. They understand each other, they care about each other and they just *see* each other.

And that made me devour this lovely book so fast. Of course there is more than the romance between Hugh and Bronwen, as obviously there is a traitor to be found and discovered and a tournament to be won.

Perhaps some bits didn’t come as a surprise, and a few resolutions came a tiny bit too quickly. But that didn’t take away the pleasure I had while reading. On the contrary, because as I have apparently missed reading the first book this series, I will for sure need to catch up now! 😊

Sometimes you need your sister for a fresh start

Synopsis

Joy Chandler has had enough!

All she wanted was a lovely family Christmas with perfect turkey and luxury crackers. Instead, daughter Sara announces she’s getting divorced…and where is the fizz? And son, John and perfect wife Vanessa announce they are leaving for New York… and are the vegetables organic? And not one of them has made her a cup of tea!

So Joy decides she’s going to leave them all to it and head to France to visit her younger sister Isobel – a break from it all is just what she needs!

Isabel’s potato farm in France might be rustic, but Joy is hoping to find a bit of the old her again. Do her family really only think she’s their dogs body? Where has Joy’s joy gone?

Being with Isobel is loud and chaotic and being together brings out both sisters’ mischievous side! And being in France adds a welcome touch of ooh la la to Joy’s life again. Soon, she has a new job, a new man and maybe even, a second chance at living!

An uplifting and hilarious story about living life to the full and always, always having fun! Perfect for fans of Judy Leigh and Dee Macdonald

My review

Joy Chandler is looking forward to spend Christmas with her children. But what she hoped would be a drama free and heartwarming family reunion, turns out to be a real disaster. Not only does her daughter Sara tell everyone that she is getting a divorce as her husband is having an affair, but also Joy’s son John has news. News that will bring him and his own family on the other side of the world, as he will be moving to the States after a promotion. With nieces bickering and fighting over everything, Joy starts to feel more and more just like housemaid and taken for granted. So now Joy decides to put herself first, and heads off to France, where she will be staying with her sister Isabel on Isabel’s potato farm. Joy and Isabel couldn’t be more different, as Isabel is for sure more free – spirited. Yet the sisters couldn’t be more happier to be spending much more time together. And together they have more fun than expected, and Joy finds her own joie de vivre again. She does things that bring her joy, and loves staying in France. But could it be that love itself can also be found in France?

I know that Maddie Please writes about characters that are in a further stage in life than my own. And I say this with the greatest respect, but you cannot deny that me with my 38 years old, have not the same experience and matureness as the characters in Maddie’s books. Yet the age difference doesn’t stop me from reading these books! 😊

At the start of this book, I didn’t know what to think of Joy. Not that I didn’t like her, on the contrary, but there was this sadness and tiredness over her. Without a doubt she is a great and loving mother and grandmother, as we can see with all the preparations she has for the celebration of Christmas. But at the same time, we also see how she put everything and everyone before herself. She takes everyone’s opinions and wishes in account, making things more complicated for herself.

And while she isn’t that old, sometimes she lets herself feel older than her actual age. That truly saddened me, because you shouldn’t let age hold you back, and you can always chase your dreams.

But what angered me a little bit, was how her children and even her grandchildren take Joy for granted. In a way they all acted selfish in my opinion. Yes, it isn’t Sara her fault that her husband cheated on her, so her dramatics were somehow justified. Yet I couldn’t not feel annoyed by her behaviour, ruining Christmas for the whole family in fact.

And her brother John isn’t that much better honestly. Yes, his promotion is great news, but couldn’t he have told it before and perhaps taking Joy’s feelings more in account?

So I couldn’t agree more with Joy to leave everyone behind and finally go and visit her sister in France. Because in more than just one aspect, that is exactly what Joy needs, to get away from everything and everyone, and just think about herself for once and find some joy back in her life.

I truly liked seeing Joy and Isabel together. There is that all so common and recognizable banter between siblings, and that palpable love. Because no matter the literal distance, they are still very close. And even their differences, because let it be clear that Joy and Isabel couldn’t be more opposite, they know they will always be in each other’s corner.

And it was just hilarious to see how (un)subtle Isabel was tying to play matchmaker! And yet that is also just something that a sibling can get away with!

But the most beautiful bits were seeing how Joy finds happiness again, how she learns what brings her that, and that she should do more things for her and not for someone else. And it was funny to learn what brings Joy joy (and no, I won’t stop making this stupid word joke 😊). I don’t know if I will ever enjoy the things that Joy does, but that is also the beauty of this book, how joy can be so many different things for everyone.

Slowly we see a whole different Joy emerge. Or perhaps a Joy that has been hidden for too long. Being outside her comfort zone of her home, with the influence of her sister, Joy has so much more fun than she had in years. And she even is finding herself courageous enough to start dating again!

I truly enjoyed reading this book, as we see that it’s never too late to have a second chance at just life again. And sometimes taking a step back from what we know is what it takes to understand what we truly want from life.

This is an inspiring book, that takes you on a real journey, filled with laughter, mischief and warmth. A journey showing us that age is just a number and that you can always start chasing your dreams!

Sometimes a holiday brings magic and clarity…

Synopsis

Three women meet on holiday in Kefalonia. Each is secretly filled with turmoil.

Stella must decide on whether her twenty-year affair with Anton has reached the end.

Melody must find a way to go back to the love she knows she has with Luke.

Eliana must overcome her own complicated relationship with love to find harmony with Dean. 

Against the backdrop of the beautiful Miramare resort, the women quickly build a friendship and share their stories and deepest secrets, subconsciously guided by the magic of the Ionian Island.

With azure seas and clear blue skies, the women, and their partners, must find a way to nurture themselves before they can salvage their own relationships while navigating their attitudes to love. But can they find their way to a kinder, better place within themselves.

The Greeks have so many words for love, that they are guided and find a way through their own turmoil, to find the real happiness, love, and magic that exists within us all.

Follow strong, authentic female characters who have drive, sass, and attitude in this  poetic narrative with a stunningly slow simmer. It’s a story that will capture your heart. Disappear into a world of love. Into The Magic of Miramare.

My review

Miramare Resort has been welcoming many guests and holiday – comers in Kefalonia. When Stella arrives at the resort, she is at a crossroad: as she is having an affair for over twenty years with Anton, has it run its course? Or is there still a future on the table? At the resort she befriends two couples, that are having their own challenges. There are Melody and Luke, whose relationship is a truly strained one. The past has affected their present but how will it affect their future? And Eliana and Dean may love each other passionately, yet that doesn’t mean that everything is going all that great between them… Their shared holiday is a moment to think about relationships, love and the future. Friendships are being born, stories and secrets are being shared while enjoying the beauty of Kefalonia. And  with perhaps a little bit of magic, this will turn out to be a holiday like no other…

I have said it before, that visiting Greece is on my bucket list. And no, I still haven’t ticked it off, so for now I will explore this beautiful country through books and beautiful stories. So I was ready to be taken away to Kefalonia!

The story centers around Stella, Melody and Eliana, with Stella taking the main lead and we see a lot through her eyes.

Now, Stella’s story was one that took me while to warm to. Because Stella is in a relationship, if we can call that, with an unavailable man. And it’s not just a recent thing, but it lasting for twenty years. I can understand the excitement and lust of it. But twenty years? That it a long time to play second fiddle and always being the understanding person, being the woman ‘on the side’, easily cast away by Anton whenever it suits him best.

Even now, when Anton should be going on this holiday with her, Stella finds herself on her own on her arrival at the Miramare Resort. And while her situation is one of her own choice, I couldn’t not feel sorry for her. It must feel terrible to be ditched by your ‘partner’ again, while it should have been a lovely time.

So I was happy for her to befriend two other couples in this story, because Stella for sure needs someone in her corner, to find her own voice again, as she for sure needs to find herself again. And meeting new people can perhaps also give her the right inspiration for her new book she needs to write.

I liked it to see how Stella befriends people that are all so different from not only herself, but also between themselves.

There is Melody and Luke. And perhaps they were the couple that worried me the most, as there appear to be may red flags, yet it’s still enigmatic of what truly is going on with the pair, and what has occurred to them in the past.

It is perhaps easy to judge and condemn one character in their storyline, and for sure I don’t try to justify the facts, but we also need to understand the person behind the act. And what has turned them into such a person. And there is also the matter that sometimes we do things that are out of character, because of a something missing…

Eliana and Dean were perhaps the funniest couple, intentional or not. Because while the love for sure is palpable between them, Dean for sure is a character. He may be apparently only thinking about one thing, and also saying things at the most inappropriate moments. Yet the love between them, behind all the banter, feels so real, genuine…

In this book we see that not one relationship is as straight – forward as may seem on the outside. We never know what happens behind closed doors.

And we also see that friendships can be found in the strangest places. And that even holidays – friendships, which always seem to have an expiration date, can stand the test of time.

I liked to see how there seems to be something magical, mystical about the Miramare resort. It’s not a Bibbidi-Bobbidi-Boo thing, which made me very happy. Yet there is just *something* that makes all the characters rethink about past choices and think about their future, perhaps even finding the courage and inspiration to make difficult choices and decisions about their future. That Miramare – sparkle ignites something in the characters, and that was lovely to see.

After reaching the end of the book, I was happy with the course of this book, showing us that taking a step away from the comfort of our lives can be the incentive we need to make a change. And that a step away can open our eyes, see things how they are for real. And that a step away can bring us things and people in our lives that we didn’t know we needed.

When Christmas brings people together, perhaps even a bit forcedly…

Synopsis

Fate may have brought them together, but secrets seem destined to keep them apart…

An accident and a lost passport mean Gemma’s six-month sabbatical to go travelling is not off to a strong start. She heads to Polkerran Point to stay at her aunt’s while her new passport is processed and to find temporary work in the meantime.

Enter musician Matt. Newly moved into a secluded, renovated mill – complete with a recording studio – Matt is preparing for his band’s big reunion tour. Focused on writing new music for the album, he needs a live-in housekeeper.

Even as sparks fly, Gemma can sense Matt’s keeping secrets and with her role ending once Christmas is over, will there be anything to keep her in Polkerran?

A cosy, festive Cornish romance for fans of Phillipa Ashley and Cressida McLaughlin.

My review

With Gemma losing her passport in an accident during her sabbatical, she has no other choice to stay with her aunt at Polkerran Point waiting for her new papers. But she knows that bureaucracy can take a while, thus is Gemma looking for a temporarily job, to pass the time and to have at least some income. And that is how she ends up working for Matt, a former musician, staying for the moment in a reclusive and secluded mill, which includes also a recording studio. As Matt is preparing for a reunion with his former bandmates and a tour, he needs to have a live – in housemaid. Even if Gemma isn’t all that certain about her capabilities as such, with the help of Matt’s sister and Gemma’s aunt, she accepts the job. While Gemma and Matt couldn’t be more different, and Matt isn’t a ray of sunshine, something ignites in Gemma, even if Matt seems to be having many secrets. But what will happen when Gemma’s papers are ready, Christmas will be over and their lives will take a different direction?

It has been a while since my last visit to Polkerran Point, yet the reunion couldn’t be more delightful! And as it has a while, I was happy to quickly realize that having read the previous books of the series isn’t mandatory.

Gemma of course doesn’t start off in the best situation, as she has been in an accident, and has lost not only all the possessions she had with her during her sabbatical, but also important treasures that kept her company during her travels. But she also lost her passport, and that keeps her a little bit trapped at one place.

But that doesn’t mean that I didn’t think that Gemma is a courageous, adventurous character. Because it’s not for anyone to just take a sabbatical and visit places on your own. I know for sure that I am not that adventurous at all!

Gemma is also a bubbly character, she doesn’t let her accident curb her enthusiasm. On the contrary, her moment of standstill, gives her the chance to think about future plans.

She absolutely loves Christmas, goes completely into it. But she is also this funny young woman, even ironic at moments. She also isn’t afraid to mock herself.

I don’t know if Gemma is a lost talent as a housemaid, because her cooking… well let’s say I was happy for Matt that there were other options available 😊.

Matt… I have to say that he for a long time is a real enigma. He is Gemma’s complete opposite as he isn’t a cheery character at all. He is rather grumpy, secretive and even dark in moments. It isn’t that I immediately fell in love with him, but just like it was with Gemma, it was a slow burn.

Obviously Matt has his reasons for being the man he is during in the book. And we see that being a musician, isn’t at all a world filled with glitter and glamour. Because his past for sure left its mark on Mark, and even now he is still struggling with some demons.

Gemma and Matt start off as just employer and employee; but living together if course also brings them closer. They slowly start to understand each other, and realize that how someone acts, isn’t perse a proof of someone’s real character. Sometimes life makes you a different person, it scars you. But the essence will always be the same. And that is something Gemma starts to understand from Matt, and that we see and understand too.

There are several funny moments in this book, yet also a few frustrating ones (of course when Matt is being a bit obnoxious and too mysterious). But that is all part of the journey both Gemma and Matt are having. They don’t only learn to trust each other, they also learn to believe each other, making them also want to help each other.

And of course, seeing some old friends again was truly amazing, and seeing how well they are doing and still are so lovely characters truly warmed my heart all over again.

But my heart warmed the most seeing how two lovely yet somehow broken or hurt characters are finding comfort with each other, find each other to have personal growth too. And that, together with the Christmas – aspect in this book, made me truly enjoy reading this story!

Giveaway!

Yes, there is also a giveaway!

Giveaway to Win a paperback copy of Christmas at Polkerran Point along with a small gift bag(Open Int)

The gift bag contains a pack of Christmas post-it notes, a Cornish coaster, a gingerbread tree ornament and some festive-wrapped Tic Tac mints!

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/33c69494601/?

*Terms and Conditions –Worldwide entries welcome.  Please enter using the Rafflecopter box below.  The winner will be selected at random via Rafflecopter from all valid entries and will be notified by Twitter and/or email. If no response is received within 7 days then Rachel’s Random Resources reserves the right to select an alternative winner. Open to all entrants aged 18 or over.  Any personal data given as part of the competition entry is used for this purpose only and will not be shared with third parties, with the exception of the winners’ information. This will passed to the giveaway organiser and used only for fulfilment of the prize, after which time Rachel’s Random Resources will delete the data.  I am not responsible for despatch or delivery of the prize.

When family turns your world upside down.

Synopsis

Under the winter stars, anything is possible…

Ezzie Wynter can’t wait for Christmas on the beautiful Isle of Skye. Her island home sparkles at this time of year thanks to the snow-capped mountains and frosty winter walks, topped off with family gatherings with those she loves the most.

But her peaceful Christmas idyll is upended when she hears that the Larson family – the owners of Rothach Hall – are flying in from Sweden for the festivities. As Manager of their grand Scottish manor house, Ezzie suddenly has decorations to hang, food to source and itineraries to organise.

Life only becomes more difficult when Mats Larson turns up. The owners’ handsome, self-assured son is used to doing things his own way – and he is only another headache to add to her overflowing list.

Yet when unexpected visitors arrive looking for Ezzie, nothing else matters as she is left questioning everything she ever knew about herself. But amidst the Christmas chaos, she might also discover that, when all is lost, it’s sometimes those we least expect who come to our aid…

A beautiful, escapist festive tale to curl up with by the fire this Christmas. Perfect for fans of Sarah Morgan and Karen Swan.

My review

Ezzie Wynter loves working as manager at Rothach Hall on the isle of Skye. And with Christmas looming around the corner, Ezzie couldn’t be more excited. She cannot wait to spend the holidays with her siblings, her strength and force in her life. But when the owners of the Hall are flying over from Sweden for the holidays, Ezzie is a bit out of her comfort zone. Now she has to make sure the Hall is Christmas – ready before the family arrives. But when Mats Larsson, son of the owners, appears at Rothach Hall, Ezzie is not prepared for what his presence will do to her. But it is not only his presence that shakes her, because an unexpected visit from unexpected people may change everything even more for Ezzie…

In the previous book, I had the immense pleasure of have a first encounter with the Wynter sisters, and getting to know Thea better. Of course I was more than eager to get to know the other sisters too, especially as the sisters are as close as sisters could possibly be while there is no DNA shared between them.

Having read the previous book isn’t mandatory, but it for sure helps you to understand the dynamics between the sisters better, and also their past. And it for sure helped me knowing what happened in Ezzie’s and Thea’s past, and it also helps you to understand that the sisters, all three of them, would just do anything for each other.

Right from the start, I truly liked Ezzie. She is not only an amazing sister, but also a very understanding person, a person that never shows how much she freaks out internally but finds a solution to almost every problem that crosses her path.

But despite her apparent calmness, Ezzie is also a woman in turmoil. She had an amazing upbringing, and couldn’t wish for a better adoptive family. But seeing her sister Thea finding her biological mother, makes Ezzie wonder if she should also do the research. I could understand in a way how Ezzie would feel that she has had the best parents in the world, and her fear of disappointment. Her adoptive parents were the only real parents Ezzie have. And it was bittersweet to read how adoption can turn out to be a wonderful thing. Because a family isn’t because of a blood connection, but a connection made out of love.

It saddened me too to read how Ezzie starts to feel some loneliness in her life. With one sister living further away and another one having found the love of her life, it leaves Ezzie on her own. And seeing that inner turmoil broke my heart…

So when the Larsson family appears, I was happy for Ezzie for not only the distraction but also perhaps the opportunity for romance and love? Even if the sudden appearance of Grete, Mats and his children was a bit questionable (in the sense of why now so suddenly, because of course they have every right to go to the Hall, as Grete is the owner..), and it is just a holiday, seeing Ezzie and Mats hitting of, was just great.

Obviously it is a slow burn romance, as Ezzie and Mats in first instance clash, but slowly there is a friendship growing between them, an understanding that slowly evolves to something more.

Yet there are also several struggles between them, some easier to solve than others.

However, no matter how wonderful reading the romantic bits were, I felt that this was more about Ezzie and not on her search for a romantic love.  Because the unexpected visitors shake her up rather roughly, which is completely understandable. She finds herself in a position where she is the hurt party, but she also shows her loyalty. It’s a growing process for her, where she learns that one thing doesn’t exclude the other.

At first I was wondering how the title of this book would fit with Ezzie’s story. And after reaching the end of it, I couldn’t think a more fitting title, as it captures perfectly the essence of this journey. And a journey it for sure was, with trial and errors, from more sides than just Ezzie’s;

Yet this was an absolute heart – warming, inspirational story to read. Sue Moorcroft once again managed perfectly to put into words what truly matters in life and in love.