A fresh start never comes easy, does it?

Synopsis

Laura wants to shake things up. She’s thirty-eight, and has been living in her parents’ house since her divorce last year. Her siblings seem to have got their lives together: successful careers, happy marriages, beautiful children.

Laura’s determined to prove herself. And buying the beautiful Pennycress Inn in the idyllic Cotswolds village of Meadowfield could be just the way to do it.

But getting the inn ready for its first guests proves easier said than done! With crumbling walls, dangerous woodwork and loose roof tiles, not to mention unfriendly locals and even errant sheep, Laura soon fears she’s made the wrong choice.

Luckily a friendly face is on hand in the form of gorgeous chef, Jackson. But is he too good to be true? And just why are the villagers so against her?

Can Laura turn her life around and get the fresh start she longs for at Pennycress Inn?

My review

After her divorce last year, thirty – eight – year old Laura is ready for a fresh start. Her big dream has always been running an Inn. And now that she has the time and the resources after her settlement, she can realize that dream after purchasing Pennycress Inn. And Meadowfield is the best setting in her eyes, as it’s a place where nobody knows her, and nobody sees how her life has been a succession of failure, especially compared to her family. But her dream may not be that easy at all to realize, as the Inn may need a lot more TLC than expected. And the locals aren’t that welcoming at all.. But luckily her neighbour is not only someone she knows, but also more than willing to help her out. Hopefully with the help of Jackson, Laura can do what is needed for the Inn, but also change the opinion of the locals. Will this be the fresh start Laura needed?

The start of a new series from an author that I love, always make me feel both excited and a bit scared. With the background that I had, will the series live up to the high expectations I have? Will the story enchant me like the others did?

Yet rather quickly I found myself absolutely enjoying reading this wonderful story, and any fear or doubt just evaporated!

Even if Laura starts buying an Inn, and that is not something I could possibly do myself, there for sure were many, many other things that made me truly like the main character. Not only like her, but it was also easy to recognize many of her thoughts and even doubts. I easily connected with her, and I had everything crossed for her so that everything would work out for her. Of course I knew she would have some bumps on her way, but I felt that she deserved the fresh start she that much needed.

I could understand why she needed a fresh start, how she feels like a failure compared to the rest of her family and how she wants to show that she can make it on her own. And on her own also means away from her family. Perhaps that sounds weird, but her reasoning made perfect sense to me. Because being close means also means that they can interfere anytime, even it’s with the best intention. And what Laura needs more than anything else, is proving her worth. Not only to her family, but mainly to herself too, even if she doesn’t know this yet.

I have to say, it didn’t come as a surprise that the Inn isn’t exactly ready – to – business, yet the level of TLC needed, even I underestimated it. But once again, I could understand why Laura failed initially to see all the defects of the inn. When you fall in love with a place, you see it only through rose – tinted glasses…

What shocked me the most though, was how everyone behaved around her… Being wary of the newcomer is understandable, but I found everyone just rude! I don’t know if I would be able to keep calm like Laura does…

And while the explanation of their behaviour was reasonable, I found it also a bit short – sighted of everyone…

Despite the ice-cold welcome she receives from everyone, I was absolutely thrilled to read that someone was over the moon with her arrival in Meadowfield. Jackson isn’t a complete stranger and that made it just even more perfect for me. There isn’t this awkward getting to know each other, there is just genuine care between them, a happiness of finding each other again, and a wonderful, strong connection.

In this first instalment we not only see how Laura is trying to realize her dream. But we see more importantly how Laura understands that asking for help isn’t a sign of weakness. We also see how she finally sets some boundaries with her family, making them understand why her marriage ended and that family always comes first.

But we also see courage in many aspects. Not only courage to start something completely new, but also courage to open up again, towards your family, talking about the hurt and pain you feel, but also opening up for something not exactly new, yet new at the same time. Opening up for finding happiness again.

I absolutely devoured this book, Sarah Hope swept me off my feet with this first book of a brand new series. While often in a first book in a series it’s exploring the “area”, this book just lets you enjoy the beauty of a fresh start, and let you fill your heart with joy and happiness! I cannot wait to read more!

When to make a point at your sister’s wedding and you bring your ex…

Synopsis

Don’t get mad, get Ethan!

Lana has had enough. Her ‘perfect’ sister is getting married. In Australia. On Lana’s 30th birthday and no one seems to have noticed. To make matters worse, she’s been given a list of rules she must follow so she doesn’t upstage the bride. Well, rules are meant to be bent right?

She’s found a killer dress, now she just needs the most inappropriate wedding date she can find. But where to start? All her attempts at online dating are simply disasters, and not in the right way! Too boring/married/easily intimidated! But then her drop dead gorgeous ex Ethan suddenly reappears in her life. With the power to make her dizzy with excitement she reminds herself why they broke up. Together they literally attracted chaos until their relationship imploded. They couldn’t make it work. But could Lana make this work in her favour… just for the wedding?

However, when they arrive in Australia Ethan seems to have forgotten he’s only there to help cause bedlam. Instead he’s off the charts charming, nothing like she remembers and not playing by her rules. She’s here for revenge, not a rekindled holiday romance…but Ethan has other ideas!

A laugh-out-loud, fake dating romantic comedy from million-copy bestseller Portia MacIntosh

My review

Between siblings, there is always a bit of rivalry, between the love. But for Lana and her half – sister Persephone it’s different… Ever since her father married Seph’s mother, Lana never felt more disconnected from her own family. Things aren’t made any easier as Seph has decided to get married on Lana’s thirtieth birthday, of all days. And when Lana is being summoned for an intervention from her father, stepmother and Seph, she decides she had enough. So the with her new determination to bend the strict rules, she finds a killer dress, and now she needs to find the perfect date. Or rather, the most imperfect date, as that is what everyone expects from her. But finding someone (im)perfect is easier said than done, until her ex Ethan shows up again. Whenever Lana and Ethan were together, it was a recipe for chaos and disaster. And the perfect plan comes up, because that is exactly what Lana needs, to bring a little bit of chaos (without disrupting the actual wedding of course). However, once in Australia, everyone is besotted with Ethan, and Ethan himself is on his best behaviour, having Lana’s back and being the best boyfriend she could imagine. But it’s all pretend, isn’t it?

Starting a book of this author, is always preparing myself also for a trip filled a lot of fun! And with a setting like Australia, it felt like an extra cherry on top of the cake!

Lana is right from the start a very likable woman, even if there are several aspects of her life that i felt sorry for.

In several aspects of her life, things aren’t going that greatly, and it’s not that she can rely on that many friends. Also at work it seemed to me she is being taking for granted, even in a way taken advantage of, and she is not always being appreciated. Normally there are always some colleagues that turn into friends, but even there Lana feels rather lonely. And then I am not talking abut how she is being ridiculed when she brings up an idea that doesn’t sound so silly to me!

So when at the start of the story, when she first meets Ethan, she playing pretend, I saw it more from the funny side, like intended, and not in a more “evil” way.

And I for sure found it funny to read about that encounter with Ethan, and how things turn in utter chaos, on top of the sparks that fly around between the pair.

Of course it’s clear that after that first encounter, things aren’t going to last, so while that made me sad, as they for sure were amazing together, I also wanted to know what separated them and what would bring them back together.

But like I said, there were several aspects that saddened me, and even angered me. What angered me the most was the relationship with her father, her stepmother and her half-sister. I can understand that things cannot be easy when there are ‘step’ and ‘half’ family members involved. But just wow, Lana for sure hit the jackpot…

I cannot understand how dismissive her stepmother could be, how easy it was for her to paint Lana as the black sheep of the family, and not taking Lana’s feelings in account at all.

And how so is someone selfish about a milestone birthday? Becoming thirty is not nothing… I rather found Speh rather selfish, planning a wedding on your sister’s birthday? Even if there isn’t a close bond between them, there should be at least some sense?

Perhaps it isn’t the best idea Lana has, but I for sure couldn’t blame her. When someone thinks the worst of you, don’t you just sometimes want to show the real worst of yourself? Yet I was happy that Lana wasn’t a total cow and wanted to actually ruin Seph’s wedding, as that would be too much and would in fact also ruin the story.

Trying to find the best worst date was so hilarious to read! From trying to be bad, to be just a scumbag, Lana sees them all. And while there are several red flags (pun intended, and you’ll get it when you read the book 😊) I somehow also admired Lana in a way of not running away screaming… Although there was also a dodged bullet…

It was like serendipity that it’s then that Ethan appears back in her life… And despite everything, despite all the chaos, sparks starts to fly once again!

I loved to see how Ethan is not only acing at being the pretend boyfriend, but he is also the best ally Lana could have in Australia. He sees her for who she is, appreciates her just the way she is, and does not want to change one bit of her. He is her accomplice all the time, showing her family that Lana is an amazing person, and not the black sheep or the ‘just plebs’…

Perhaps Lana’s behaviour could be seen as childish, but after being seen for so long as the ‘bad person’, can you blame her? I cannot guarantee that I wouldn’t act the same way!

What we see in this book is a story about acceptance, being you is more than enough. And if there is someone who doesn’t appreciate it, it’s their loss. But it’s also a story about accepting the chaos of life and love. It’s also about new chances, understanding and courage.

Portia MacIntosh managed to put all this in a hilarious, warm, lovely story. A story for which I had high expectations, and it didn’t disappoint one bit! 😊

What you want isn’t what you always get…

Synopsis

Four women struggle with their life choices and the hand fate has dealt them…

All Pippa Green has ever wanted is marriage and kids, but at thirty-four and about to embark on IVF, her dream of having a family is far from certain.

Pippa’s younger sister Georgie has the opposite problem, juggling her career, her lover, a young daughter and a husband who wants baby number two. She seems to have it all. But does she?

Carefree Sienna, Pippa’s best friend, is happy travelling the world with her successful career in film, however, long term boyfriend Ashton is desperate for Sienna to commit to their future. When mother nature has a surprise, will it make or break them?

Happily married Connie shares her fertility journey with Pippa, but while their blossoming friendship is cemented through the highs and lows of shared experiences, Connie underestimates the impact being unable to conceive will have on her and her marriage.

As their lives collide in a way they could never have predicted, will any of them find lasting happiness?

Perfect for fans of Rowan Coleman, Dani Atkins and Sian O’Gorman.

Previously Published as Beneath the Apple Blossom by Kate Frost

My review

Pippa Green’s greatest wish is to become a mother. But after many attempts and having reached the age of thirty – four, she has no other option of trying to get pregnant through IVF. She and her husband are looking forward and have the most positive attitude.
Pippa’s struggles are the total opposite of her younger sister’s Georgie. After marrying young, she now has a lovely daughter, and her husband is ready for Child Nr. 2. But Georgie isn’t sure wanting the same…
Through a blog that Pippa set up, she meets Connie. A worry shared is a worry halved, and having to go through the same journey bring Pippa and Connie closer and they quickly become friends.
The contrast between Pippa and her best friend Sienna couldn’t be bigger, as Sienna does not want any commitment even if she is in a steady relationship with her boyfriend Ashton.
Four woman, four different lives, find themselves all connected one way or another, but where will Life take them?

Sometimes you read stories that just hit right home, even if perhaps the situation the characters find themselves in, is not the same situation you are in.
And this story was just exactly that. Not that I am trying for children myself, but having children has always been a dream of mine, but as I still haven’t found my perfect match, and being 38, that dream is locked away now.

But that didn’t take away the compassion I had for especially Pippa in this book. There are people in the world that were made to become parents, and from the very start, it was clear to me that Pippa was one of those people.

As the main focus is on her, it’s her that we get to know the best. And through everything, every step during her journey, I was hoping alongside with her that her dream would finally and asap come true.
I admired her, her courage to persist and I liked her ability to write down her happy moments but also the painful moments.

Even if not in her same situation, I could comprehend how difficult it was and even is for Pippa to see people with children, how easy it was for them, while she has to struggle. And it broke my heart for her…

But I could also understand how difficult it can be for those around her. Because it’s not easy having what someone wants to dearly. But on the other hand, you deserve your own happiness too. It’s not easy to try to be compassionate but also not to hide your own moments of happiness.

I have to admit, it was not easy to like all the characters, or at least at some moments. For example there is Georgie… This is a young woman that seemingly has it all, yet she cannot shake the feeling that she is missing something in her life. There is absolutely nothing wrong with feeling that way, but it’s what she does with those feelings that I found it difficult to digest… There are always options to make a change, but of all the options she had, for me she made the only wrong choice…

Also Sienna wasn’t always an easy character to understand. She loves Ashton, her boyfriend, but for some reason or another she does not want any kind of firm commitment. I can understand that you can need your personal space (believe, I can relate to that very easily 😊) but I also found her at moments a bit too convinced of not giving up on anything.

Even when the unexpected happens to Sienna, I felt her at moments being a cold character. Life is about compromising, and yet it seems that she only wants others to compromise… But I was happy to see a slow change in her the more the story progressed.

Connie doesn’t appear immediately in the story, yet I could see why she gets along with Pippa so easily. It’s not only because they are going through the same, but also Connie is a kind character, a compassionate and understanding person.

Yet when the penny dropped with her story, my heart just broke in tiny little pieces. Because she doesn’t deserve to go through what she is going through…
At the same time, she also shows a resilience, a strength that is admirable. I don’t know if I would/could act the same way!

Despite the many difficulties in this book, the many heartbreaking moments, I found it rather easy to devour it. It shows the reality that no matter how much you want something, it doesn’t mean that you can get it easily. Life doesn’t go always as you want it, or expect it to go, yet it’s important to never give up, to keep the hope alive. And also to handle the lemons that life gives you. Because no matter how many lemons you get thrown at, you can always make a delicious lemonade of it!

Is love enough?

Synopsis

Hannah Lynn’s GORGEOUS series continues as Daisy May looks ahead to her happy ever after…

It’s time to meet the family…

Daisy May thought she had everything figured out. After successfully establishing her coffee shop at the idyllic Wildflower Lock and with things going well with charming Theo, she was ready to embrace her happily ever after. But when Theo pops the question, the happiness is overtaken by worries.

Because meeting Theo’s family for the first time is not accompanied by the warm welcome she hoped for. Theo’s parents disapprove of her and they have no qualms in showing it. And when they reveal secrets about Theo’s past, Daisy is left in a spiral.

As insecurities creep in, and with even her own mother expressing her doubts, Daisy begins to question her future with Theo.

Will love conquer all, or will she give in to her fears and cancel the wedding?

The heartwarming conclusion to the Wildflower Lock series, a gorgeous story of friends, found family and above all, romance!

My review

Daisy May finally believes she has it all together. Her coffee shop at the Wildflower Lock is running well, and she and Theo are deeply in love. And when Theo pops the question, Daisy is over the moon. However, being engaged means that she finally has to meet Theo’s family for the first time.
Despite all of the good intentions Daisy has, and her willingness to show her from her best side, Theo’s parents aren’t really welcoming her with open arms. On the contrary, they make sure that Daisy and Theo both know that they don’t approve of her… They even go that far to reveal some secrets that Daisy didn’t know about.
Secrets that only add to the doubts that are suddenly arising, together with the doubts Daisy’s own mother is expressing…
Doubts that can jeopardize everything Daisy and Theo have been building up. So will their love be strong enough to overcome it all, or not?

I was eager to read this next chapter, especially as now Daisy and Theo are a steady couple, still deeply in love. They even share custody in a way of the newest addition in the form of a lovely dog!

Of course I knew the characters already, yet they both manage to keep on surprising me, both in good ways, but also not so good ones…

Daisy and Theo are the kind of characters that deserve each other, as they have both worked hard to get where they are now in their lives. And having found each other, after some struggles, and seeing them so happy, truly warmed my heart.
I nearly swooned reading how Theo proposed Daisy, as it is just so characteristic of him, and also that he really knows Daisy, and knows what will please her or what not.

I was a bit surprised to read that Daisy hasn’t met Theo’s parents yet. However, once I got to know them too, I could have loved not knowing them at all! I cannot understand how people can be like that. And how on earth did Theo turn out to be the lovely man with such parents?

When those same parents reveal some secrets, I was just like Daisy initially very angry. The secrets are those of the kind that Theo perhaps should have thought twice about them, and about telling Daisy about them. But after some thinking about it, for me it didn’t feel like they were such a great deal…
Yes, Theo is perhaps being a typical man, not seeing things or reading the signs, but we know his heart, so I could not stay angry at him for too long.

On the other hand, I found Daisy a bit of a frustrating character at times. At the start of the book, she knows she has a good thing with Theo. Yet slowly we see her doubting everything. And if those doubts came from herself, it would be understandable, but she lets the opinions of others question her everything. And that angered me, because she *knows* Theo and she loves him.

Even if that frustrated me, it also made both characters very realistic. Because making mistakes is human, but also let people cloud your own judgement is human.

Hannah Lynn wrote a great sequel of this series. A sequel that shows the beauty of love, but also the doubts and insecurities of life. Perhaps it wasn’t always as easy to like the main characters all the time, but wrong choices, wrong decisions and wrong opinions are part of life. And it’s up to the characters, up to us in real life, to make the right choices and the right decisions, and to listen to your heart.

Christmas and a wedding, perfect combo, or not?

Synopsis

With the wedding of the year approaching, excitement is running high at the café! But there’s just one problem. Maddy is grappling with a secret. Could it derail all of hers and Jack’s glorious plans for their big day? Will there actually be a wedding?

My review

Maddy cannot wait to marry the love of her life, Jack. A Christmas wedding is what she always has been dreaming of, and with jack she is lucky to finally have her dreams coming true. But already at her hen party in Lapland, that there is something going on with Maddy? Something she won’t even share with her best friends. And something that even saunas, Northern Lights and husky puppies cannot chase away… But will her secret jeopardize also her upcoming wedding?

Been invested in this wonderful series, I started reading this book with a big smile on my face. Because seeing the epitome of a great love story for sure filled my heart with great joy.

But in this book, while the premise was a great one, we also see that a happily ever after isn’t that always easy to hold on to, even after reaching ‘the end’ in the book.

And thus, my happy thoughts, and my happy place were replaced by sadness and even anger at moments. Because Maddy isn’t having an easy time at all, and it isn’t the stress of the wedding preparations. Her issues for sure show us that life can throw you unexpected curveballs, no matter what excited moments you are going through.

Well, to say that Maddy isn’t having it easy, would be an understatement. From the start of the book, she is keeping secrets from everyone, even from Jack. Secrets that are devastating, secrets that Maddy is still trying herself to grasp, secrets that make her rethink about everything, every choice she has made up till now.

While reading, I found myself getting a bit angry, and not only because of what Maddy is going through, but also a bit because Maddy didn’t confide in anyone about her worries. A problem shared is a problem halved, especially with her group of amazing friends. But on the other hand, I could understand her decision to keep it all for herself, because what she is keeping from everyone, isn’t easy to talk about.

I admired Rosie Green, because it’s easy to write a lovely story filled with heartwarming bits in it, but it’s courageous to show us the other side of the medal, that life isn’t all sunshine and rainbows. Yet at the same time we also see that the real friends, that the love of Maddy’s life see that something is off with her, no matter how hard she tries to hide it. And it was sweet to see how they both want to help her, yet also want to give her the space and time for herself.

It may seem like this is a dark story. And while there absolutely are difficult moments in this book, it is also filled with so many lovely moments. Seeing our old friends again, seeing them in the next phase of their lives was just wonderful to read. But it was especially sweet and just amazing to read how no matter what is happening, the friends are all there for each other. Despite everything happening, there is love all around.

We see the strength of love, every kind of love, even when it is for sure challenged by the hardest of hardships. We see how things threaten to fall apart, but also we see how many rays of lights and hope are always able to shine through.

I absolutely loved reading this book, amazed by the beauty of a dream worthy hen party (although… that cold! 😊) but mainly about the real bonds between all the characters. There is room for laughter but also for a tear. We see the reality of life, the more difficult bits but most important, the beautiful bits.

Rosie Green once again swept me away, and I cannot wait to be swept away again!  

Never go to the wedding of your ex…

Synopsis

Divorced, Re-wedded. Survived….

Lucie Marshal is absolutely furious! How did she go from being a successful wife and mother to divorced, teetering on bankruptcy, and barely speaking to her grown-up daughter? Even worse, she’s just heard that her moronic ex-husband Miles is marrying a much younger woman in an influencer-style wedding in France #blessed #theone

Lucie will absolutely NOT be going. To hell with Miles, his new teeth, new hair and new wife! She’s perfectly fine…In fact, Lucie feels lost and angry almost all of the time. Just what happened to her younger, freer wild child self, who used to live life to the full?

But then pregnant daughter Zoe needs a lift… and eccentric nephew Deva needs a lift too and now Lucie has somehow agreed to drive her Dad’s beloved old Jag all the way across France to take them to her ex-husband’s wedding.

With a pitstop in Paris, a breakdown, unexpected passengers, and miles of open road, all set to Deva’s showtunes soundtrack – could this be the journey Lucie needs to find a way back to herself?

My review

Lucie cannot believe her eyes… while her divorce from Miles left her struggling on every possible account, she just received an invite from him. Not just any kind of invite, but an invite to his wedding. Lucie isn’t a resentful woman, but how can Miles afford an over – the – top wedding in France, while she can barely pay off her credit cards bills? Of course Lucie is not going to France, she wouldn’t even dream about it. But with her elderly father mushing her, and her daughter needing a way to get to France, Lucie has no other option to borrow her father’s old Jag, and also have her eccentric nephew Deva as a passenger and head off to France… But the trip won’t be as straightforward as Lucie may believe, because the relationship with her heavily pregnant daughter Zoe is  rather strained. And to say that Lucie doesn’t know Deva that well, is an understatement… With more than just one detour and more than just one bump in the road, will they make it to the wedding in one piece, literally and figuratively speaking?

When a marriage falls apart, I can understand how it can tear your life into tiny pieces. It’s never a joyous moment, and when it ends badly, of course there is some resentment. But in Lucie’s case, the divorce means more than just the end of her marriage to Miles, as his lies has brought her financial troubles. So of course I could understand not only her resentment but also her anger, as she had to adapt to a complete different kind of lifestyle.

I am not saying that Lucie is a superficial woman, because she truly isn’t. But in a marriage, you are a team. There is reason that in the vows you say ‘for better or for worse’, because as a team you work together on whatever comes. Lucie is angry because Miles left her struggling, disrupting even the relationship with Zoe and now he is marrying again. Lucie doesn’t want Miles back, not at all, but I was in her corner, flabbergasted seeing how well Miles is doing, lavishing around, with a fancy wedding ceremony in France.

Despite her feelings towards Miles, I liked Lucie. It truly warmed my heart to read how Lucie visits her father, making the best of the remaining moments, as losing him is just a matter of time. Saying that Lucie is a worrier, is taking it lightly, as Lucie worries about everything: her father, the situation with her daughter Zoe, money and the list can go on. But that is also the nature of the ‘beast’…

But of course, if Lucie would stick to her idea and not head off to France, we wouldn’t have this book, would we? 😊

Even if it’s against her own desires, I knew that the trip to France would do Lucie good. Well, not only Lucie, but Zoe and Deva too. Because this book isn’t only about Lucie, but it is also helping Zoe and Deva with their own lives and decisions – to – be – made.

The trio couldn’t be more different from each other, or being on different stages of lives. While Lucie has life experience and it made her more wary of everything, Zoe is on the verge on motherhood, but with a rather complicated relationship with the father of her baby. And we are not talking about the strained relationship between Lucie and Zoe… And then there is Deva, living in a world of his own, stuck to routines yet with an amazing passion for everything that is Chanel.

Their journey to France quickly turns into something much more than just arriving on time at the wedding. Because their distance is palpable at the start of it. But slowly, being all in this small space together, they start to talk. And not only talk, but also actually hear and understand each other. Lucie, Zoe and Deva grow so close during their journey, that it truly warmed my heart. They may be very different from each other, but the love that already was there, and also grows, was just wonderful to read.

They also have several unexpected adventures on their journey, making the wariness make room for compassion and care. Their journey also allows them to let go some of the grudges and also allows their real selves to come out.

And best of it all, we see mainly Lucie change from this wary and too careful woman into a woman ready for something new in her life, but also a woman standing up for herself.

I enjoyed reading this book, showing us that perhaps a weird invite can be what brings back the fire in ourselves. There is a lot of laughter and funny moments in this book, but the laughter never took away the light from the real message in this book: that no matter who you are, you are more than good enough as you are. And that no matter how your life turned, it is never to late to take matter in your own hands, and that it’s never too late to start a new chapter in your life.

To celebrate Christmas in a place that mattered so much…

Synopsis

It’s Christmas time in Lytell Stangdale!

When Romy Stainthorpe sees Holly Tree Cottage staring back at her from the pages of a magazine, she’s sure it’s a sign. The quaint property is situated in Lytell Stangdale, a village in the heart of the North Yorkshire Moors. Her time there is steeped in happy memories of carefree days with the moorland wind blowing through her hair. And not just that, it’s where she had her first kiss and where she first fell in love.

It was her perfect place, where she felt most at home. Until her family’s hasty departure years twenty-one years earlier. Since that day, Romy has never been back, but the cottage has regularly crept into her thoughts. And now it’s available to rent for the festive season…

Could it be the perfect getaway Romy needs to get her life back on track, not to mention escape her friends’ well-meaning attempts at matchmaking since her divorce from Russ?

Local farmer, Finn Tindall is struggling to navigate the first Christmas since his ex-wife took herself and their sons to live in the US. He’s thrown himself into his work at Castlegate Farm and rarely ventures out, unable to face the pitying glances thrown his way. His only company is his loyal black Labrador Ted.

Convinced that fate is talking to her, Romy heads back to a snowy LytellStangdale. Once there, she’s thrilled to see the village is looking Christmas card-pretty and has embraced the festive period. The only place where there’s no Christmas cheer is Finn’s heart.

It doesn’t take long before Romy and Finn’s paths cross, setting long-hidden emotions stirring once more. Suddenly Christmas doesn’t seem so gloomy after all.

Could this be the exciting fresh start each of them deserves?

Will Finn and Romy decide their second chance at love is worth fighting for? Or will the obstacles put in their way make them think it’s time to say goodbye?

Why not take a trip to festive Lytell Stangdale where a warm welcome awaits and happy-ever-afters are guaranteed?

My review

Romy Stainthorpe hasn’t been looking forward to Christmas for a long time. The relationship with her mother isn’t an easy one, all because of events that took place twenty – one years ago. Events that changed Romy and Romy’s vision of family and life in general. Ever since, nothing has been the same for Romy, and more than ever, Romy needs a getaway. And could there be a clearer sign that seeing Holly Tree Cottage in a magazine? The cottage is not just a random cottage, but the cottage that was in her family’s hands until those events many years ago. Yet that cottage holds so many lovely memories, as Holly Tree Cottage in Lytell Stangdale was the only place where Romy truly felt at home. And where she fell in love for the first time too. Seeing that the cottage is available during the holidays, Romy cannot let the perfect opportunity pass. Even if she is terrified of returning to Lytell Stangdale, to be reminded of everything and everyone Romy left behind in a haste, with a not so great reputation of her family. But could it be that the people of Lytell Stangdale are more than excited to have Romy returning where she belongs? And that her crossing paths with her first love and local farmed Finn Tindall would be perfect to let old wounds heal?

I have to admit something terrible… being an avid reader, made me forget about Life on the Moors. But, I also have to say, once I returned, it felt like I never ever left! And I immediately felt, just like Romy, back home.

Sometimes, in books there are sad characters. Characters that have been through a lot in the past, things that have marked them, making the course of their present and future change. And that is exactly what happened to Romy. Because she is a sad character, in the sense that twenty – one years ago, Romy was this young, cheerful, happy woman, and her whole life got disrupted, not by her fault at all, yet scarring her terribly…

I am not a believer of signs, or messages being sent somewhere, somehow. But a sign is exactly what Romy gets, because what could be the odds of her going through exactly that magazine where a picture of Holly Tree Cottage is? So for Romy’s sake and the sake of the story, I was willingly putting my own skepticism aside.

It’s not immediately clear what happened twenty – years ago, what made Romy and her family get away from the cottage and the village and not returning at all, and also causing an even bigger rift between Romy and her mother. So while I was eager to get to know those bits, I was more eager to get to know Romy better.

And despite what happened to Romy in the past, it’s clear that not only the cottage itself, but also Lytell Stangdale is her home, the place where she truly belongs. It warmed my heart to read how easily Romy adapts to the quieter life, how easily everyone welcomes her (back) home. And most important, how there are absolutely no signs of resentment, but only love for Romy. Because that is exactly what Romy needs to feel around her, love.

I liked it to have also the very important flashbacks, making me understand not only Romy better, but also her relationships while staying at the Holly Tree Cottage. We see the depth of the friendships, making is easier to understand the acceptance of Romy’s mistakes of the past, and the love that is still there. But also understanding her relationship with Finn was very enlightening.

Finn, who has also been through many changes, and is still processing everything that is still happening. My heart broke for him, as he is very heartbroken with the move of his lads. He is not only an amazing person, but a very loving and caring parent. He is the kind of father that only wants the best for his children, even if that means breaking his own heart during the process.

As a real romance – lover, I was hoping that Romy and Finn meeting again would ignite that old love again. But while it was lovely to see the pair growing closer again, despite some hurdles, it was just heartwarming to see how smoothly their friendship returns, how easily they understand and comprehend each other and are there for each other.

Romy’s return to the cottage just felt right from the start like Romy’s found her family again. Everyone is happy to see her, making Romy feel happy too, something she hasn’t been feeling for a long time.

In this wonderful, sweet, amazing book, we see how a place that isn’t your actual home, can feel like your home. How it can make you feel where you truly belong and let you heal from all your heartaches. But it’s not only a place that can make you feel like that, it is also the kind, generous, forgiving and ‘hearty’ people that make you feel like the best version of yourself. Eliza J. Scott manages perfectly to make you understand that no matter how heartbroken you are, surrounding yourself with love can ease the most painful aches. And this with people that we as a reader already know, in a beautiful setting AND Christmas. What more can you possible want? 😊

A Christmas filled with many surprises

Synopsis

Christmas is coming to Pelican Crossing, bringing with it a host of surprises.

Fifty-eight-year-old widow Rachel Mason thought she had her life all figured out – running her quaint Bed and Breakfast, spending time with her grandkids, and keeping her loyal West Highland Terrier by her side. But when her son announces a Christmas surprise, Rachel’s world is turned upside down.

Luke Findlay, widowed, retired, and looking to check off items on his bucket list, suddenly finds himself back in his hometown of Pelican Crossing, where he is tasked with temporarily running the local vet clinic.

When the new vet turns out to be Rachel’s teenage crush, and her son’s Christmas surprise is very different from what she anticipated, her life becomes unexpectedly complicated. But then, Luke receives a surprise of his own.

As Rachel and Luke reconnect, sparks fly, and old feelings resurface. But with Luke’s impending departure and Rachel’s unforeseen responsibilities, can their newfound connection survive?

Fans of heartwarming romances will love this story of second chances and unexpected love.

My review

After losing her husband, Rachel Mason has opened her home and turned it into a B&B in Pelican Crossing. She loves having people around her, no matter if they are guests, or that she spends time looking after her grandchildren together with her loyal and adorable West Highland Terrier, Molly. Even if her days are filled, she feels the absence of her son, who is living on the other side of the world. So when he informs her that he is coming over for the holidays, with a surprise, Rachel is obviously over the moon. But Rachel gets also another surprise because when in need of a vet, she cannot believe that the temporarily vet isn’t a complete stranger, but Luke Findlay, the crush she had when being a young teenager. Luke has not that long retired from being a vet in Sydney. But helping out a colleague takes him back to the place he grew up, Pelican Crossing. While a lot has changed over the years, a lot still has remained the same. And when he meets Rachel again, it awakes something in him, something he hasn’t felt since losing his beloved wife. Rachel and Luke are slowly reconnecting, but the surprises never stop arriving at Pelican Crossing, and with Luke only staying a few months, where will that leave them at the end of the holidays?

It needs to be said, before I spread my thoughts on the story itself, that it is always great to return to Pelican Crossing! Even if each new story in this series focusses on another main character, I always find it amazing and great to see how all the characters are entwined throughout the whole series. And you don’t need to have read the other books to start with it, yet you will fall in love with it and trust me when I say you find yourself reaching out to grab all the books!

Rachel is a wonderful character. With adult children she initially felt rather alone as the children obviously took off to have their lives on their own. Yet I liked how she turned her situation around and decided to open her home as a Bed and Breakfast. It’s clear that she is a caring and lovely host, wanting nothing but the best for her customers.

But she is also an amazing mother and grandmother. Rachel doesn’t hesitate to help her daughters out, whether it’s for babysitting duties or just for support. Yet it also saddened me to read how much Rachel’s heart was broken as her son is living at the other side of the world.

Perhaps it’s typical for men, but it made me even a bit angry, reading how distant Alexander was. And not only the physical distance, but also just having a call here and there, not keeping the family up to date. Or perhaps it’s because that I am the daughter of a real Italian family, that there isn’t one day that I don’t hear just anyone from my family 😊.

And that Alexander is able to keep such a surprise from his mother, and even some future decisions he makes, well, I wasn’t a big fan of Alexander all the time…

Even if Rachel’s life is truly filled and full with daily excitement, it is also clear that ever since losing her husband, there is just something missing in her life. And as we already know from the previous books, seeing her friends having found love again, it makes Rachel jealous a little bit. Although, ‘jealous’ is perhaps isn’t the right word, but her friends’ situations make her realize further more that she is missing out.

In that aspect, I wanted her meeting Luke to ignite some fire back in her. Yet I was surprised to read how Rachel and Luke aren’t complete strangers at all, but already have a shared background. And not only that, but especially discovering how exactly their paths have already crossed!

Just like Rachel, Luke is clearly a great person. He recently retired from being a vet in Sydney, giving his son the opportunity to run the place. Yet it’s clear that while he hung up his doctor’s coat, he just cannot stop himself from worrying. His passion for animals even goes that far to accept the proposition of a colleague of his, retuning into practice, but in Pelican Crossing this time. It shows that you can take the vet away from the practice, but not the passion from the vet.

But not only as a vet we see his kind and gentle character, also his role as a father explains a lot. While it cannot be easy for Luke to take his son and his girlfriend in, for love out of him, Luke doesn’t hesitate, even if it drives him crazy rather quickly 😊

And that I could understand perfectly, because no matter how much you love someone, by being on your own, you have your own routines, ways of handle things. And sharing your home with someone not like you, can disrupt the peace you have been building. And an escape is needed, an escape to Pelican Crossing 😊.

I truly loved reading how Rachel and Luke slowly find each other, even if there are more and more surprises awaiting them. Some of those surprises are lovely, others can shake up their worlds… Both Rachel and Luke have to find out where their hearts is pulling them, and understand what they truly want and need. But they also have to find the courage to take some scary decisions, and just speak out.

This for sure is a festive story, although I have to admit it was some kind of mindf*ck for me as a European, to celebrate Christmas in summer 😊. But the magic of Christmas works no matter if there is snow or if there is sun 😊.

This was a wonderful story to read, not that I expected anything less! Maggie Christensen once again took us on a wonderful journey, showing us the kind hearts of people, the courage and the power of love. And that all set with the magical atmosphere surrounded around Christmas!

When down, the only way is up

Synopsis

Felicity was never meant to end up with a money-pit farmhouse to renovate and a broken heart to heal…

But when Fliss attempts to drown the sorrow of seeing her ex-fiancé and his new wife’s magazine-worthy wedding all over social media, one rash decision loses her a job and gains her a doer-upper in the blink of an eye.

The only bright spot of living in the country is the very dishy and very handy loveliest-man-ever Jesse Woods. And when Fliss’s new roof has an ill-advised meeting with a tree in the middle of the night resulting in her literally seeing stars, there’s only one thing for it. She’s going to have to accept Jesse’s help and a place to stay.

City girl Fliss is at rock bottom but if anyone can teach her to turn her gaze from the gutter to the stars it’s Jesse Woods. She’s been burnt trusting men before, but Jesse may just be worth breaking her own rules for…

A smart, romantic, relatable and laugh-out-loud funny romcom perfect for fans of Sophie Kinsella, Lindsey Kelk and Sophie Ranald. ‘Read yourself happy’ with Maxine Morrey.

My review

Felicity lost everything at once: not only has her ex – fiancé got married and showing it all off on the social media, but one decision also  made her lose her job. In the heat of the moment, she decides to buy a doer – upper, ready for a fresh start. And thus Felicity leaves the busy city for a new life in the country. Although her start for sure starts differently as expected, because not soon after her arrival, she ends up with a tree in her bedroom and a car in half, Fliss is almost ready to just give up, weren’t it that Jesse Woods is more than willing to help her, just because that is the kind of man he is. Fliss and Jesse for sure clash over more than just one matter, but Fliss slowly learns that not all men are the same…

It’s not a secret I love reading books about second chances. And I love such stories even more when the main character switches to a whole different kind of lifestyle. A city girl moving to the country for a fresh start, can a story get any better?

Well.. it doesn’t seem like it for Fliss. Because her doer – upper turns out to be a real nightmare, on more than just one level.

I have to say, I admired Felicity/Fliss for the choice she made, to love the city behind and start again in a place so different from what she has known. Despite my admiration for her, I also had some prejudices towards her. Because it’s easy to think that Fliss is accustomed to her lifestyle, but in fact that proved to be absolutely wrong of me think that.

Slowly I got to understand that there is more to Fliss that what I initially thought. Her life hasn’t been easy at all, having to have faced struggles that no one, especially at a young age, should ever be facing. Fliss learned important lessons throughout her life, making her stronger and resilient, but in a way also more fearful and scared.

When disaster strikes, and Fliss finds herself without a just – bought – home, it was sweet to see how Jesse offers his help and assistance. And that all despite their initial painful (literally!) encounter.

Jesse for sure is the kind of man I am looking for myself. He is kind, generous and ready to offer his help. For Fliss, he is ready to call in several favours. I found is also sweet in a way that he feels responsible for the state of the house, even if he isn’t to blame at all.

It was funny to read how Fliss and Jesse clash over almost everything. Fliss wants to show everyone that she doesn’t need anyone, or any kind of help. She wants everyone to see that she can make it on her own. Meanwhile, Jesse wants Fliss to understand that just because Fliss can do it on her own, she doesn’t have to…

Old habits die hard, and old hurts aren’t easy to heal, and that for sure is applicable for both Fliss and Jesse. Yet somehow, even if their backgrounds make them wary, they find each other. They find someone not only that makes them open up, but also make them believe in the good of people again.

Although, I have to say, that the whole community shows the good in people. Each and everyone of them welcome Fliss with open arms. They are more than willing to help Fliss, but also they are more than willing to offer their friendship to her. And that truly warmed my heart, because their kindness and generosity it exactly what Fliss needs in her life.

I absolutely loved reading this story. It may seem such a simple storyline, but while reading more and more of it, I found so much depth in it. Because Fliss may have lived a complete different life but never felt a place more like a home like she does now.

Maxine Morrey managed once again writing an inspiring, heartfelt and heartwarming story. We see how one storm can perhaps turn out to be the best thing ever happening to you, as it will bring lovely people on your path, and makes you grow as a person. What more can I say than that it was just a marvellous read!

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!