One night, an unexpected consequence…

Synopsis

An uplifting, heart-warming story from the number one bestselling author.

How do you rebuild your life when it changes forever in an instant?

Thirty-five-year-old Victoria Sharpe has a decent job as an illustrator, a perfectly good if predictable relationship, and great friends. So why can’t she shake the feeling that something is missing?

Keen to let off steam, she sets off on a night out with her best friends. Next morning – one reckless decision later – she resolves to make some seriously overdue changes to achieve the fulfilment she craves.

Then she gets devastating news that shatters everything she ever wanted for her future.

Or so she thinks. Because as friends and family rally around to support her, and an unexpected new romance makes her heart skip a beat, Victoria discovers that sometimes in the deepest darkness the brightest light can shine through. But, after all she’s been through, can she let it in?

This uplifting, heart-warming story from number one bestselling author Nicola May will have you reaching for the tissues. An unputdownable, unforgettable read, perfect for fans of Shari Low, Jill Mansell and Amanda Prowse.

“Nicola packs a punch in this joyous story about love and family, healing and hope. Singular, strong and sensitively written.” Milly Johnson, author of The Happiest Ever After

My review

At the age of thirty-five, Victoria Sharpe cannot really complain about her life. She has a steady job as an illustrator, her relationship with Nate is after six years not the most exciting anymore, but the love is still there. Her friends may be very different, but she wouldn’t change them for all the money of the world. Even if her mother and brother make Victoria worry, Victoria is living a rather content life. Yet she cannot shake off the feeling that something is missing in her life. At the hen do of one of her best friends, she decides to let off some steam, even if she regrets the made decisions the morning after. But what Victoria doesn’t know yet, is that this one night off will turn her complete world upside down. And all the plans she had for her future are ready to be flushed down the drain. Or will there be a silver lining despite everything?

When I started this book, I was ready to be succumb myself in happiness, I was ready for an uplifting story, where of course the main character would initially have to go through hardship, but I wasn’t ready for this story…

Because let me tell me you, this story for sure wasn’t what I was expecting it to be. It was a completely different story than I had in my mind. But different doesn’t mean bad, on the contrary!

I think that Victoria finds herself in a stage of her life that many people could relate to. Life isn’t perfect (when is it truly ever?). But just like so many, instead of finding the courage to make a change, she keeps on hanging around.

And while perhaps I didn’t agree with her night of recklessness, I could understand where she was coming from, especially as her relationship with Nate is not what it used to be. Haven’t we all done something out of character just that once, even if we regretted that later on? But I also believe that it was something that Victoria needed to do, in order to have that shake up that she in fact truly needed.

I have to admit, that for a long time while I was reading, I kept wondering where the uplifting moments would start, because Victoria is going through hell for almost half of the book. The news she receives, wasn’t the kind of news I was expecting, and it truly shook me, even if this is just fiction. And while I do not know someone in real life that is in Victoria’s same situation, and thus making it hard to truly understand what she is going through, my heart just broke for her.

Nicola May made a brave choice by letting her main character go through this journey, but unfortunately, Victoria’s fictional journey is a real journey for so many people… And I have to say, that just like Victoria and the people around her, I was a bit ignorant on the matter. I knew a little bit more than the characters, but there was also a lot I didn’t know, things that were explained in the book.

But beside seeing the difficulty of processing that kind of news, because it truly is devastating, life – altering even, we also see Victoria struggling with letting people know. Who to tell, how to tell? And how will her loved ones react? There is no right way to do something like that, and the reactions truly flabbergasted me, in a good way but also in a bad way.

Now, before you go thinking that this is a negative, dark story, please don’t. Because despite what is happening to Victoria, there is a lot of good in it too. We see not only how Victoria is able to make a change in her life, and finally having the courage to make a change. But we also see support, unconditional love (from every kind of loved ones), and that her news isn’t a dead sentence, that that kind of news doesn’t mean that you stop living your life.

It’s that message of positivism that made me absolutely love this book. But also how in the darkest of moments, you can find allies, in perhaps even unexpected corners.

This book for sure is one heck of a journey. We see how a life can easily be shaken up, take a completely different direction. We see how one choice can turn a life upside down, but at the same time, how that one devastating news can open your eyes, how it can make you find the courage to go for your dreams. And we see how after the initial shock, and perhaps the wrong actions after that shock, love and support can be found, that there will always be people in your corner. And that even more can be found, even that one thing that you thought wouldn’t be in your cards anymore…

I don’t give that easily five stars to a book. I read a lot, and I love a lot of books. Yet that doesn’t mean five stars perse. If and when I give five stars, that means that a book truly touched me, tugging some deep hidden heartstrings. And that is exactly what this book did to me…  

Everyone deserves happiness

Synopsis

A surprise arrival

Working with the Whistlestop River air ambulance is Nadia’s whole world. She adores her job and the team – they’re family. But when a baby is abandoned on the steps of the base, Nadia is forced to confront events from her past she’d rather forget.

A difficult change

Hudson is trying to get his life back on track after his divorce. It’s not easy juggling his work as a patient and family liaison officer and being the primary parent for his children. He wouldn’t change it for the world. But when his teenage son’s behaviour spirals out of control, Hudson begins to wonder if he can really be there for everyone who needs him…

A chance for something special?

Nadia and Hudson have always been friends, but the arrival of baby Lena pushes them closer than ever, and as their feelings start to grow, they’ll have to decide – do they have space for love when their families need them? And could they put themselves and each other first, just this once?

My review

Ever since Nadia started working with the Wistlestop River air ambulance, she has found her own special family. The team is not just made by co – workers, but by people that have become so much more and have become very important to Nadia. But no matter how important they are, they do not know everything about Nadia or about her past. However, when a baby girl is left at the base, it reopens old wounds with Nadia, and perhaps the time has come to finally face her past. Luckily, she has her colleague and Hudson by her side. As a family liaison officer, he is invested in the fate of baby Lena, just like Nadia is. But despite Hudson’s commitment, he has several personal issues of his own. Not only is he still trying to get his life back on track after his recent divorce, but his teenage son is also causing Hudson extra headaches. So romance should be the last thing on both minds, yet baby Lena is what brings them closer than ever…

The Skylarks is a series about admirable people. Not only because they have a very important and literally life – saving jobs. But they are also each and every one of them, with no exception, delightful personas! So of course I jumped at the occasion to grab this next chapter!

Right from the start, it’s obvious that Nadia is a wonderful character, but also a character that has been through a lot in the past. So much, that she started a brand-new life, without letting anyone in the secrets she has kept for years. As curiosity kills the cat, I knew I had to be patient and keep reading for the revelations. Not only that, but I also had to keep that same patience to see how it would all be resolved.

My heart broke several times whenever it was Nadia’s turn to tell her story. Not only of her own several heartbreaks over the years, but also how baby Lena and her presence opened all those wounds once again. And then when the past catches up with her, I couldn’t blame Nadia for acting the way she does. She went away for a reason, and the reason was absolutely legit. But I also felt it that Nadia needs closure, she needs to face her demons in order to truly live and enjoy her life.

If there is a person that deserves to enjoy her life, and to find a really special someone, it for sure is Nadia. And could there be anyone more perfect than Hudson? Especially as there is already a connection between them.

But Hudson’s storyline isn’t a clean one either, as he is facing his own struggles.

While Hudson’s story didn’t break my heart as it did with Nadia’s, it doesn’t mean his story didn’t touch me. The end of a marriage is never a happy occasion, and I can only imagine the difficulties to not only come to terms with it, but also how to get your life back on track after the divorce. Put a teenage son in the equation, and things get even more difficult.

He is a real family man, his son is the most important person in Hudson’s life. And no matter how difficult things get throughout the book, he will always be the righteous father. He will not allow his son to get away with what has been done, but he is also there in need of time, listening and also forgiving.

We also see that same passion, compassion, while he is working as a family liaison worker. He does not take his job home with him, but he genuinely cares and is there for the families in the most terrifying moments.

The more their stories evolved, the more I realized that the focus of this book isn’t on the romance between Nadia and Hudson. Of course that is an important bit, but not the most important one. Because it is more about Nadia and Hudson’s personal growth. They both have to deal with the lemons have thrown at them. And dealing with those lemons, means opening up, letting the demons in, but also putting trust in the people around them. People they love and love them right back.

I absolutely devoured this book, loving both Nadia and Hudson. Their journey hasn’t always an easy one, it has been a lonely one at times. But if there is one thing that stands out, is that joined forces, the strength of love, is the strongest power in the world. Nadia and Hudson show us that not only it’s never too late to make amends, but also that it’s never too late for love.

Will the whole truth finally come out, and what will the outcome be?

Synopsis

Discover the truth of The Triplet Orphans in the final instalment of this compelling Cinderella trilogy! 

The key to unlocking Cinderella’s past… 

The enigmatic earl? 

For Miss Anna Lennox, a house party hosted by the Earl of Garvald is a timely distraction from uncovering the truth about her past. And a chance to indulge her secret tendre for him! She can’t escape her quest for long after discovering the earl’s castle was once her home and he was her playmate as an infant! With so many unanswered questions about her past, is there room for Anna to explore her attraction to the earl and discover if her feelings for him are anything more than rekindled friendship?

My review

Miss Anna Lennox couldn’t be happier that her sisters have found love. But as they have always been together, and known as the Triplets, Anna now wonders even more who she even is and how her life will look like. More than ever, she is determined to uncover the truth about her and her sisters’ past. Because even if now the triplets don’t have any worries anymore, the mystery about their parentage still haunts Anna.
When Anna and her sisters are invited by the Earl of Garvald, Anna hopes that the house party will distract her a little bit. Especially as Anna for sure has a sweet yet secret tendre for the Earl himself… But the estate where Anna is residing, look very familiar to her and the Earl himself isn’t a complete stranger at all, as the castle once was her home too, and the Earl was her beloved friend when they were both children. With bits that now connect, both Anna and Will are determined to not only discover the truth about her parentage, but also what happened years ago.

There are series where you can easily read parts without having read the previous books. Such books always have an appearance or such of the characters we already met, but you don’t need the complete background, or that a short explanation is given when necessary.

And then there are series where it’s better to read all the books in order, not only because you will understand all the characters much better, but because you are so invested in the bigger picture and love the characters, period.

With the Lennox Triplets, I was absolutely invested. While I loved reading how each sister, with the exception of Anna, found love, I just wanted to discover and know the mystery of their parentage. The mystery was just too big to just let it go…

But being the romantic person that I am (even if I don’t have romance in my own life at the moment…), I also wanted to read who would capture Anna’s heart, and how!

While reading, I was amazed at the realization how much, even when just being a young child, we can remember. Even if they are memories that we cannot link…
And when Anna arrives at the castle, it’s obvious for us readers that it’s just more than just a resemblance…

Obviously, it was not only sweet to see how Anna and Will find each other again. And let me say, when Anna realizes who Will truly is, I had a mega – smile on my face 😊. But it was also sweet to see how the pair of them are growing even closer. The easiness they had as children between them, is easily restored and grows even further. Of course, there are some clashing moments, with misunderstandings and doing the wrong thing with the right mindset.

And then there is the (FINALLY! 😊) revelation of the parentage. While I was happy that all those answers the characters, but also myself, had, got answered, I was also a bit shocked and flabbergasted to read what truly happened. Even if it’s just fiction, I cannot comprehend how people can think and act in such ways…

I found this a heart – warming, perfect ending for the Lennox Triplets, as it all comes to an end. And not just to any kind of end, but an end that left me with a satisfied feeling. I had not only answers to all my questions living since the start of the series, but I also saw growth in the characters. Characters that didn’t have an easy time but made the best out of their situation. And then we see that a positive attitude may bring many wonderful things on your path!

GiveAway!

Giveaway to Win a Signed copy of Miss Anna and the Earl (Open INT)

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Can you future be affected by your past?

Synopsis

Can the future be rewritten?

On the verge of her second marriage, Carla Carter knows she’s finally found the one. She and her fiancé, Tom, met through Logical Love, a dating agency she founded for the pragmatically minded, and she’s confident that, together, they will dispel an old family curse claiming Carter women are unlucky in love.

But Carla’s highly superstitious family insists she visit a fortune teller before her big day, and the tarot cards reveal that a different man holds the key to Carla’s happiness – someone she met while travelling during a gap year, twenty-one years ago. This startling information spurs Carla to trace and revisit the ex-boyfriends she met during that time before she walks down the aisle.

From Barcelona to Amsterdam, Turkey to Paris, will Carla find her perfect match? And can a face from her past help Carla rewrite her entire family history, forever?

My review

Carla Carter truly believes that with her second marriage, she has found the love of her life. Especially as she met Tom when they matched on Logical Love, the dating agency she created herself, focused on the pragmatic side of things.
That is in big contrast with her own family, that believes that the family is cursed, and that all the Carter women are unlucky in love. And that is something that Carla doesn’t believe at all.
To please her family, Carla agrees to visit a fortune teller before her marriage. Only to be shocked with the revelation that the love of her life is someone she met during her gap year twenty – one years ago. While Tom himself is on a convention, Carla decides to track down all the men she met during that year, as an attempt to prove the fortune teller wrong.
So she embarks on a journey, going from Spain, through Portugal, Italy and France, to discover what the fortune teller truly meant. But what will be the outcome?

I started this book not knowing what to expect. Of course I’ve read the blurb, and while on one hand I was intrigued by the fact that the main character would be looking for her exes throughout Europe before her own wedding, I was wary of the fortune teller bits. Because that is absolutely not my cup of tea at all. Everyone is free to believe whatever they want, but for such things, I am always very skeptical.

But I was happy reading that in fact that the fortune telling isn’t a that big part of the story, it’s more the ‘excuse’ of Carla starting her journey. I was also happy to read how the curse – bit was intriguing but not claiming a full place in the spotlight.

While most of the time I like Carla, there were also moments that I found her a bit too “strict”. Yes, she created her dating agency, making matches based on facts. And after the fortune – teller and a shocking discovery, she suddenly doubts everything. I can understand how it would shock her, but to start doubting her match? Yes, the match was made perhaps with an error, but it doesn’t take away the fact that she is in love with Tom… so why would she want to jeopardize everything because of someone told her and a percentage? Isn’t it that love cannot be stopped, no matter the differences or the inference of others?

But isn’t it also the truth that we often wonder ‘what if…’? And I enjoyed reading how Carla makes it her mission to find all the men she met during her gap year. Not only does she take us to wonderful places, but revisiting those places of the past, we also get a better understanding of Carla, who she is, who she was in the past, what she has been going through and what may have scarred her.

No relationship was or is perfect, and we see that perfectly here, how we some things see through rose – colored glasses. But isn’t it a fact that past events are being romanticized in our minds? And that when something bad happens, even in the present, sometimes we see it as a world – ending tragedy?

I liked in this book how it came to a conclusion, how the author didn’t take a direction I wouldn’t like. Instead she made Carla go on a real journey, a journey that answers many of her questions and brings unexpected people on her path…

And I also liked how the whole curse – thing was handled, how something apparently bad isn’t always exactly what the characters of the book think it is.

I enjoyed reading this book, as there is a lot of growth for the main character, a lot of (self) – discovery but mainly a lot of love, and the realization that with love can come some hurt and doubt with it. But in the end, love, somehow, will always find a way…

And why not, a cover reveal to make you dream away!

Synopsis of each book

Adorable April Afternoons

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

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

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

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

Pre-order Links

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0DPL8X95M

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DPL8X95M

Publication Date: 20th March 2025

Joyful June Journeys

Chrissie is escaping to the Greek Retreat to avoid some of the issues her parents have left her to deal with at home. She hopes that visiting a new location will give her a different perspective and help her to find a way forward.

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

Pre-order Links

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0DPL9T6VH

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DPL9T6VH

Publication Date: 22nd May 2025

Sweet September Surprises

Katie is escaping to the Greek Retreat to give herself some space to recover from an unexpected predicament. She blames herself for the situation she finds herself in and knows that something has tochange, although she has no idea what she is looking for.

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

Pre-order Links

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0DPL3R8BP

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DPL3R8BP

Publication Date: 21st August 2025

About the author

Stephanie writes contemporary fiction in the form of novels, novellas and short stories and her books explore a wide range of life’s challenges, dreams and responsibilities. The stories are all character based, so she has fun expressing each unique personality and the reasons behind their actions in a setting which always has a strong sense of community.

She published the AEGEAN SUN series of books as a fly-on-the-wall vision of life in a Greek resort during the summer season, the CHRISTMAS ON THE CLOSE series is set in a British suburban cul-de-sac over the festive period and the GREEK RETREAT trilogy is planned for publication in 2025.

Stephanie lives in Lancashire where, apart from reading and writing, she loves gardening and cycling and is a huge fan of the soaps Emmerdale and Neighbours

The wonderful covers!

The things we do for our family…

Synopsis

Some mistakes are worth making

Beatrice Donovan would do anything for her identical twin sister. Including stepping into her hotel management job temporarily and pretending to be her – she’s desperate. What could go wrong? A lot apparently! Because her sister Delilah has hugely understated her role – the hotel is at risk of closureand she’s promised she can turn it around. Now Bea has to find a way to fly under the radar, get the job done before anyone notices their switch up.

Sounds easy, all Bea has to do is avoid her temporary new boss Jonah. However, that’s a lot harder than she thought. Not only does he have impossibly high standards, he’s also out of this world gorgeous, an ex-rockstar with a chip on his shoulder and he’s watching her like a hawk! So Bea uses her charm to keep him focussed on the job and not her. But by trying to put up boundaries and keep things professional, Bea finds herself seeing the real man beneath the grumpy façade . Yet with so much at stake, she knows she shouldn’t fall for her sisters boss…but then again, it may just be the best unintentional mistake she’s ever made!

My review

Beatrice and Delilah Donovan are twins. But while twins are often very alike, as for several reasons and a different upbringing, Bea and Dee couldn’t be more different. Where Bea is on top of things, and order rules, with Dee it’s more go with the flow, and she’ll see where she gets. But now it seems that Dee finally secured an important job as hotel management. However, when an injury occurs, Dee needs Bea to take over and to pretend to be Dee. Because not all is going well and Dee understated what the job entailed and not only her job but also the hotel is at risk. And now it’s up to Bea to try to save her sister’s job, to save the hotel but also not be found out about their switch up. Yet that is easier said than done, because Bea/Dee’s boss Jonah is not easily fooled.
Being an ex – rockstar made Jonah wary of everything and everyone. And when Dee suddenly seemed to have changed drastically overnight, he doesn’t know what to think. But suddenly he finds himself attracted to this woman and he cannot understand why.
And Bea for sure also starts to feel an attraction towards her sister’s boss, but everything must stay professional, right? But for how long can the both of them resist?

While reading the blurb, it seemed to me that Dee’s scheme would come out way too quickly, as the differences between the twins were so easy to detect. So with a great sense of curiosity, I started reading this book, as I just wanted to know how Bea would (or at least try) to fool Jonah.

My first thought that it was perhaps a bit childish, Dee’s request to switch places. Because it’s things that we rather see such things happening while characters are still in school (or at least, that is my perception).

On the other hand, it also shows the love that there is between the siblings, as Bea, even reluctant, agrees to help her twin out.
And of course, I was very curious to see how things would work out, as Bea and Dee are absolutely different characters.

That made me wonder, how could it be that the sisters could be so different from each other. And I am not only talking about character, but also in the way of handling things. While Bea is focused, determined, with great ideas, it seems that Dee just does as she pleases, doesn’t really think about what her actions may cause. I am not saying that Dee is a bad person, but just the contrast is very big. And that was something I couldn’t comprehend initially, until was explained that while they are twins indeed, they grew up with separated parents and thus had a complete different upbringing.

What I liked about Bea, is how hands – on she is. Even if she is thrown in the deep, she is full of ideas of how the hotel can turn into a success. And more important, she is full of the *right* ideas.
She takes initiative, and she even keeps her professionalism, despite the attraction she feels towards Jonah, no matter his odd behaviour.

Although I must say, I don’t know if I could have Bea’s patience, as for sure some “demands” that Jonah asks from her are for sure ridiculous. But on the other hand, is also allows Bea to step outside her comfort zone.

I also have to say, despite Jonah not always being the happiest character of the book, he also shows a patience I didn’t expect. Because it’s clear that Dee hasn’t been behaving as the professional she proclaimed to be. If I were in his shoes, with all the mistakes Dee already made, I don’t think she would be getting another chance.

I felt sad for Jonah too. Because he had a dream, only to see it all fall apart, and also have his heart broken in the process. Getting to know him better, I could understand his wariness, how he doesn’t trust just anyone around him. But I could also understand his desire to show the people his real worth, that he isn’t a failure.

But what I liked the most in this book, was seeing how attraction grows despite the deceit. Because Jonah finds himself suddenly attracted to Bea, not knowing that she is Bea… It shows that even subconscious, a connection can be made. And that was truly lovely to see.

Both characters in the story are not without fault, and sometimes strange actions are taking place. But when angry, hurt, we don’t always act in the right way.

I enjoyed reading this book, as it shows that sometimes the heart knows better and more than we may think. And that sometimes a position switch, trading places, can make us rethink about choices and perhaps let life take us a different direction and let us meet people that will match with us perfectly. And also that sometimes, letting go isn’t so bad at all.

When you’ll always have Paris…

Synopsis

Ten years. Two people. One last visit…

Sophie and Tom first visited Paris together as students. During their weekend away in the world’s most romantic city, falling in love – with the place, and each other – was simply inevitable.

They resolved to return every summer and kept their word, until something happened that changed their world forever.

Five years on, Sophie’s travelling to Paris alone to meet Tom again in their special place, on the Pont du Carrousel at midnight.

Because life has torn them apart. And now Sophie has something to tell Tom. Something that will change everything…

The most heartbreaking, uplifting and powerful novel you’ll read all year. Perfect for fans of David Nicholls, Kristin Hannah and The Notebook.

My review

Years ago, Sophie and Tom went as students to Paris. Even with their many differences, they fell in love, and with a shared love for Paris, they decided to return each summer to the place that stole their hearts.
And for years they have managed to stick to their resolution, hell or high water. No matter what was happening in their lives together, summer meant a weekend in Paris.
But then life happened, and pulled Sophie and Tom apart….
This year, Sophie goes to Paris on her own, meeting Tom at their special place. Because Sophie has something to tell Tom, and that will change everything once again, and for once and for all this time…

There are stories where you start reading, where you think you know beforehand what will take place. Only while reading, you realize that your initial thoughts were wrong and then at the end you find yourself into tears… And this book was exactly that…

I know this author for a while now, and yet she managed to completely surprise me with this book. Not only because we see what happened to Sophie through the years since meeting Tom, but also what her current situation is.

It’s often in a book that when a couple gets together, we have reached the end of the book and their story. But I found it great to read what happens in the following years between Sophie and Tom, as we get a better insight of who the characters really are. And it gave us also the opportunity to not only see the highs but also the lows of a couple.

As Sophie and Tom had different upbringings, it makes sense that once in a while they also clash. The more I was reading about their lives together, and their trips to Paris, the more I started to believe that perhaps it was those differences that would have been the cause of them not being together anymore.

So I also have to admit, I wanted to like Sophie from the start, but the way she goes to Paris on her own, for the last time to meet with Tom, gave me mixed feelings. I was rooting for this couple from the start, but as their lives took different directions, Sophie going to Paris to meet Tom also felt some kind of betrayal to the life she is building on her own…

The more I progressed in the story, the more I saw much reality in it. Life isn’t always a walk in the park, and for sure there are several hurdles we all have to overcome. And those hurdles can come in quick succession, and one hurdle can be easier to overcome than another…

And then suddenly, for me the penny dropped… even before it was written clearly black on white… and everything fell into place, everything made even more sense than it already did. Of course I am not going to say what exactly, but you’ll get it…

Of course, I loved walking alongside Sophie and Tom in Paris, as I have been there several times too. It was easy to recall whatever they were seeing. But I also loved having those sweet and important moments with them, even on that bridge that means so much to the both of them…

To let me cry in a book, you need to write one heck of a book. And throughout the whole book, there were no tears. And then those last few chapters… They just broke me completely… It was so beautiful, so perfect to have those snippets in it. Of course I felt a bit stupid, letting chapters affect me like that, but it was just stronger than myself. 

I absolutely loved reading this book, seeing how relationships evolve trough the years, how there are many happy moments but also difficult moments. We see how difficult it can be to let go, but that sometimes we must in order to move on…

For me personally, it felt like the best book this wonderful author has written at the moment. And yes, that also means that there are now extreme high expectation, Gillian! 😊

How one day can change your forever…

Synopsis

As dawn breaks, four people are planning journeys that could change their lives forever…

Kara McIntyre is supposed to be jetting off to her destination wedding in Hawaii. However, a last-minute hitch appears to have left her without a job, home and, more importantly, a fiancé.

TV sensation Ollie Chiles and Kara always have each other’s backs. But when his wife goes viral in a compromising clinch with another man, Ollie must choose between supporting his best friend in her hour of need or going home to save his marriage.

Alice Brookes is flying away to a new life after surviving a horrendous marriage and a very public scandal… until a stranger brings a letter from the past that could change everything.

After saying goodbye to someone he loves, Zac Conlan should be heading back to Dublin. Now a shocking discovery is threatening to change his plans and his future.

When weather delays their flights, Kara, Ollie, Alice and Zac discover that storms are brewing… and the turbulence is about to shake their worlds.

My review

Kara McIntyre never thought that just before heading off to Hawaii to getting married to Josh,  she would have to pay for her actions, leaving her without a job, a home and even without a fiancé. But as it was meant to be a double – wedding, together with her sister, Kara still heads off to the airport. At least she knows her best friend and TV sensation Ollie Chiles will be by her side.
But Ollie is also having his own struggles, as his whirlwind marriage of a few years ago seemingly is going downhill. Because with his wife going viral in a compromising position, he now has to choose between being a supportive best friend to Kara or to make an attempt to save him marriage.
However, the friends aren’t the only ones with worries at the airport. Because take a look at Alice Brookes. After escaping a terrible marriage, she finally has her life back on track, until a blast from the past may jeopardize everything once again. Or Zac Conlan, who just lost once again someone he cared deeply about. But a shocking discovery may change his whole life…

Picking up a book of this author always makes me happy, even if at the start I am wondering how all the different storylines will be linked. While in the past I was a bit scared that I wouldn’t be able to keep up with the storylines, I am now calm about it and have the knowledge that Shari makes sure I can still follow 😊.

There is a lot happening in this story, but it’s easy to keep up. And with a lot of happening, I don’t know which character had the most of my sympathy… Because each character is going through something, something that shakes up their world…

But maybe I liked Kara the best of them all. Because even if we don’t know it from the very start, she is the kind of person to stand up against injustice, against the bad of the world, no matter what the consequences may be, even if it may cost it her own wedding.

At the same time, her story angered also, because she is the one losing everything, while those who should pay for it, are getting away with everything. And it angered me even more that her own fiancé didn’t stand by her side, and is fighting more against her instead of with her…
So of course that makes her think about her own personal relationship, because a relationship, a marriage is about forming a unit, standing a front together. And that is something missing, so I cannot blame her for calling things of.

I don’t know if I would be up for a double wedding, but as it’s a wedding on location, and it’s with her sister, it makes sense for Kara to share her wedding with her own sister. At the same time, it means that in this particular situation, that Kara still heads off to Hawaii, for her sister’s sake.

Luckily, she can always count on the loyalty of her best friend, Ollie. Even if their lives took completely different directions, and it’s not always easy to catch each other on the phone, they are always there for each other. I found it great to see how Kara and Ollie were able to maintain this friendship, and genuinely care for each other.

Kara can count on Ollie for support, but it also works the other way around. And Ollie for sure can need his best friend now…

Ollie seems to have really made it. He is now a famous actor, something he has been dreaming of for a long time. But behind the scenes, he is struggling… And it saddened me to read how his marriage is falling apart. With both parties being actors, it’s normal that they spend much time apart. But it’s not only the physical distance that is difficult to overcome, because it’s clear that there is also jealousy and suspicion taking place. And that not only saddened me, but also angered me. A marriage, no matter what your job is, is always a work in progress, based on trust and faith in each other. And that is not something Ollie is having from his wife. It’s a constant struggle and fight to keep his patience, and trying to convince her that he still loves her (does he though?) and that Kara is truly only a friend, and that there is nothing more going on.

Perhaps Zac’s story was the one I liked the less. Not because I didn’t connect with him, because I for sure did and I could feel his pain. But if I had to pick favourites, I don’t think he would win 😊.

My heart went out to him, as he has lost a few people he truly loved is just a rather short time span. And one discovery makes him doubts his life, what he saw as a certainty and what he thought he always knew.

I cannot even imagine how devastating such a discovery can be, and what Zac is going through. It’s an extra layer of shock after losing a beloved one. Yet I could also understand that he wanted to know the truth as soon as possible, as living in doubt would be scarier and more terrible than knowing the truth…

And then there is Alice. Alice was great to meet again, as she is not a complete stranger. But don’t worry, if you don’t know her before the start of this book, you can easily catch up!

Her storyline shows us that how it can affect someone when living with regrets. Because she lost contact with her best friend many moons ago, and there has never been an occasion to rekindle that friendship and when opportunity may rise…
And that touched me, perhaps even unexpectantly. Because don’t we always think that there will be a time and place to do something, only then to realize that it can be too late…

But we also see that even between people that are very close, there can be dark clouds looming over their heads, and that there may be secrets being kept that can turn your world upside down.

While reading, some connections are very clear, yet I was wondering how it would all connect in the end, as I couldn’t see how it would. And for some connections, the more was revealed, the more I got a bit scared that it would change my opinion of the characters. So I was happy to read that it didn’t 😊.

Because no matter what Shari Low writes, she always writes about great, lovely characters, despite the turmoil they are going through.
And no matter that Shari writes a story that takes place in just one day, she shows us that life altering events can happen in just a short time.

Once again, I was completely captivated, this story gave me everything I expected to have, and even gave me more. After reaching the end of it, I closed the book with a satisfied feeling, yet also a bit of a sad feeling, as I had to say goodbye to wonderful characters…

When your brother’s best friend needs you(r help)

Synopsis

Rule #1 Do not cross the line with best friend’s sister

Ben

On the ice I’m formidable, relentless and I lead by example. Now my coach wants me to step up as Captain – and lead the team off the ice too. But this is my worst nightmare; I’d rather play hockey naked than do any kind of public speaking! To make matters worse, my best friend’s sister has shown up out of the blue to live with us temporarily. We have a history… it’s awkward, she’s starting to invade my fantasies and I can’t seem to escape her. But maybe she could be the answer to my problems…

Mabel

Moving in with my brother was not part of my life plan, but I have no choice at the moment. I need to get away and start my life over. I just wish I didn’t have to share the condo with Ben. I thought I’d buried my teenage crush, but seeing him all the time has me fascinated with him all over again! But now he’s asking for my help to be more outgoing and confident, and basically fake it until he makes it. Sure I can help, but that would mean a lot of time alone. I need to stay strong and resist the obvious temptation…

My review

After breaking up with her boyfriend, Mabel has no other choice to escape her ex and move in with her brother. Even if she loved her job, she needs to start a new life from scratch. What Mabel didn’t expect though, is that her brother’s best friend Ben is temporarily staying with her brother too. And that may complicate things, as Mabel used to have a huge crush on Ben. But Ben himself isn’t comfortable with Mabel staying in the same condo, as there may be some history between them. And that is not the only thing that worries Ben, as he may be finally become the Captain of his hockey team. And being the Captain also means not only leading the team but also do some public speaking. Being an introvert, it’s not as easy as that may seem, so help is needed. With Mabel being such an open and easy – to – talk – to persona, Ben asks her help to be more outgoing.
The more time they are spending together, the more difficult it becomes to maintain their distance. Can they both resist the temptation as they not only have both inner struggles to overcome, but also Mabel has been labeled off – limits by her own brother.

I am always intrigued by stories where one character is declared off – limits for one reason or another. And when there is some history between the characters, yet to be discovered by the readers, it only adds to the intrigue. Oh, and when it involves hockey, I just *have* to read it!

Yet rather quickly I discovered that this story has much more depth in it than I initially expected.

First of all, there is Mabel. You would think that her life couldn’t be any better, but it’s crystal – clear that her relationship isn’t a healthy one. And I would expect that her partner and with his position, he would have a total different character.
Yet we see that we never know what happens behind closed doors, and how a toxic person can affect your own character.

As an outsider it’s always easier to say what to do, but when you are in that kind of situation, how can you easily get out? The fact that Mabel is even ashamed to talk to her family about, shows the depth of the gaslighting that took place…

Yet I liked Mabel as she never truly loses her spark. Once out of her situation, she is the bubbly person she always used to be. She isn’t afraid to be herself anymore, even if there are moments where she doubts everything and everyone (and can you blame her?).

Her character couldn’t differ more than with Ben’s. And for once, I could relate more with the male main character than with the female. Because no matter how hard I fake it, I am also an introvert. I am the loud presence in a group of people that I know very well, but put me in front of people that I don’t know, and I would rather disappear.

At the same time I was a bit surprised that he wants to become Captain. Not because I doubt his abilities, because it’s clear that he can play hockey. But because even for people that know nothing about the game, the status of Captain brings several responsibilities with the ‘upgrade’. Responsibilities that don’t all match with Ben’s character.

I could perfectly understand why Ben needs Mabel’s help, especially seeing some awkward situations that take place. And I know that no matter how difficult it may seem, sometimes you have to fake it until you make it. Yet, it is also about finding a common ground, making the faking a little bit easier 😊.

I found it both hilarious and endearing seeing how Mabel and Ben are spending more and more time together. It was absolutely heart – warming to read how Ben truly sees Mabel and also saw the changes in her. Changes that her own family didn’t see taking place…

With the underlying attraction and that history that they have, I was eagerly waiting to see their relationship develop. Although I have to admit that, even if I am not a prude, I found myself a few times blushing as things suddenly went rather quickly in a perhaps graphic way?

And while perhaps I could comprehend the desire to keep things hidden, everyone knows that especially such things will come out, and that it won’t be well – accepted… so just maybe it wasn’t the most adult thing to do?

I enjoyed reading this story, that has – like I already said – has a lot more depth than I expected it to have. Both Mabel and Ben are on a journey, to not only find themselves (again), but also step outside their comfort zone. They learn to put their trust in someone, making them grow also personally. I found myself reading this rather quickly, as despite the heavier tones sometimes, it was very easy to devour the pages!

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!