To fake it with a handsome Santa…

Synopsis

Have yourself a merry little fauxmance—with a dashing Santa who just might make it real.

Rosie Gonzalez isn’t having a wonderful Christmas time. Not when she’s at risk of losing her job as assistant manager of the Duchess—Victoria’s oldest boutique hotel. If she and her team can’t bring in more guests by the end of December, she’ll be let go. Adding to her stress is a calendar filled with family gatherings where her mom will inevitably nag her for still being single. 

Drew Richardson isn’t faring much better. As if working alongside his ex at Northlife Fitness wasn’t bad enough, now she’s invited him to her December wedding. And since all his coworkers will be there, bailing isn’t an option. To get through it, he’ll need a plus-one for moral support. 

So, when Rosie recruits him to play Santa for her hotel’s activities, he also proposes a fake-dating scheme to benefit them both. Just for the holidays—nothing more. But as things between them turn from nice to naughty, they’ll have to decide whether a real relationship could be the best Christmas gift of all.

My review

While perhaps it wasn’t her first choice hotel, Rosie Gonzalez loves working as assistant manager for the Duchess, Victoria’s oldest boutique hotel. But this Christmas could turn out to be a horrible one, if she and her team cannot bring more guests in by the end of December, there will be no more job to have…
To add even more stress to her, Rosie’s family expects her to participate on their usual gatherings. Of course Rosie loves her family but their constant nagging to find a boyfriend is rather annoying…
Because of course there isn’t room for a boyfriend now, even if apparently her crush Drew Richardson is single again.
Single after been cheated by his girlfriend… And that same ex now getting married and inviting him to her December wedding. As all his coworkers as also invited, as she used to work at Northlife Fitness too, there is no chance of him to kindly reject the invitation. If only he could find a plus – one to support him…
So when Rosie needs a Santa for the Christmas activities at the hotel, and someone to pretend to be her boyfriend with her family, and Drew needs a fake – date for the wedding, a scheme is set up, only for the holidays. But will these two keep playing nice, or will things heat up and get naughty?

Starting to read a new series is always exciting yet also scary at the same time. Because even if you have read several books from an author, will this new series capture your heart as the previous books did?
Well, let me immediately reassure you, because yes it will!

There are many things I liked in this book, but I liked it how the main characters are just ‘normal’ people. While in the previous books there were archaeologists or people in the wine business, this time it were people working in a hotel or a fitness center. And while I liked the previous books too, in this book it was easier to relate with Rosie and Drew, because they are just so ‘normal’. It could have been easily mine story (I wish 😊).

In Rosie I saw just so many real people. Because she loves the job she is doing, especially the hotel she is working in. Yet we also see that she finds it hard to find the right balance between work and private life. More than once she lets her work and her boss dictate how long she stays at work, or covers for coworkers.
And I understand that working in the hospitality means a flexibility because anything can happen anytime and as an assistant manager you have to be there for not only your colleagues, but also to put some small fires out.

But it saddened me to read how Rosie is yes absolutely determined, but I also found that she was taken advantage of. IT shows her heart for the hotel, but it isn’t up to her to be there 24/7 or fix everything that goes wrong. That’s what managers are for and while I don’t want to diminish what Rosie’s job entails, but with the title of manager you should carry also all the responsibilities and not just forward them all to your assistant…

It saddened me that it affected Rosie’s romantic life, because with the now extra pressure of the hotel, dating is absolutely the last thing on her mind. And with her family constant nagging her, well, I could understand why a fake boyfriend would be the perfect temporarily solution!

And why not ‘use’ Drew for her plan? Especially if Drew is also in need of someone to be his fake date…
His story for sure angered me. I can understand that there isn’t love anymore in a couple, or that things just don’t work out. But to start on cheating? No, that is something that I don’t understand. And in a way his ex gaslights Drew, putting all the blame on him? No can do!

His discomfort of having to attend her wedding, as they used to work together and his superior is the ‘Lucky Guy’, well, do I really have to spell it out?

It was sweet to read how there was already something simmering between them before this story takes off, until Drew meets his now ex. So it isn’t a case of meet – cute, but more a case of ‘well, here we meet again’.

Thus it makes it easier to come to an agreement, as we aren’t talking about complete strangers coming up with strange ideas or plans.

And it was adorable to see how Drew in first instance absolutely delivers as the perfect Santa at the hotel, and the perfect boyfriend at Rosie’s parents’ house! But on the other way around too, because Rosie also plays her part amazingly, and is being Drew’s perfect girlfriend.
I have to admit, having this imagine of Drew in my mind, i could perfectly comprehend Rosie’s naughty thoughts, and what she would want to do to and with ‘Santa’ 🙂 If every Santa (or The Real Santa) would look like Drew, I for sure would share her thoughts!

I absolutely devoured this book, and not only because we see this ‘will – they – will – they – not’. But because of the growth both characters go through. Rosie has to learn by faking to stand more up for herself, to prioritize herself above others sometimes. And Drew needs to let go of the past, by understanding that he is more than enough, just the way he is. Even if his ex, or even his own parents do not see it. With the right people, it’s easy to find joy, happiness and love, and perhaps even believe in the magic surrounded around Christmas! 
This was an amazing start of a series that I already know will be marvellous! 

A chance for a bright future not only for your home, but also for your heart?

Synopsis

Festival season has come to Hollyhock Farm…

Since his sister Lettie took over their parents’ farm on the beautiful island of Jersey at the start of the year, Zac Torel’s life has changed completely. Zac loves Hollyhock Farm, and he’s determined to help Lettie succeed, but when their insurance company refuses to pay for the restoration of one of their barns in time for winter, the clock is ticking for the Torrels to raise the money themselves.

The siblings decide to host a wellness festival, but with the summer already well underway, they’ve got their work cut out to get everything ready before the season ends. Lettie recruits the help of Melody, a yoga teacher from Edinburgh. New to the island, Melody is determined to shake things up and make a success of Lettie’s festival.

But Melody has come to Jersey with more baggage than her small backpack implies. And as her friendship with Zac grows, will her past catch up with her?

My review

Zac Torel couldn’t be prouder of his sister Lettie, ever since she decided to take over their parents’ farm, Hollyhock Farm. And Zac is determined to carry his weight as much as he can. But no matter how many good intentions there may be, the siblings are struggling, as the insurance company won’t pay fully for the much-needed restoration of one of the barns before winter comes. So the plan of hosting a wellness festival comes to fruition, hoping to raise enough many. Luckily Zac and Lettie also find help with the presence of Melody, a yoga teacher from Edinburgh and her grandmother. Melody quickly feels at home at Hollyhock Farm, and while there is obviously simmering something between her and Zac, Melody is also scared that the past she ran away from, will catch up with her, jeopardizing everything once again…

I am not a farm – girl myself, yet returning to Hollyhock Farm didn’t dread me at all. On the contrary, I was happy to return to such a beautiful place, with great characters. And of course I was very eager to get to know Zac better, and see what story was in store for him!

When a story ends, it is always great to see how the characters have matured during the telling. But when you are reading a series, it is even greater to see what happens next, and even when the former main characters aren’t the main characters anymore, seeing them back again was just great.

But like I said, I was very eager to get to know Zac much better, and I couldn’t wait to see who his match would be.

Zac for sure charmed me from the start! But I also felt sad for him, as his past has for sure scarred him. What he has been through, truly broke my heart, and I understood his reluctance in a way of letting romance or just people back in.

But no matter what happened in his love life, he absolutely loves his family, his parents and his sister. He is so proud of Lettie, for the choice she made to save the farm. And obviously he is a supportive brother and son. But there is supportive and supportive… And the way he has Lettie’s back, how he wants to put his weight in, being there for Lettie and the farm, just shows what an amazing person he in fact in.

For such a wonderful person, there must be a wonderful match, doesn’t it? And Melody is just that! Melody is this bright person, with a great relationship with her grandmother. She feels so at ease at the farm, not afraid to get her hands dirty too, and is all too willing to help Lettie and Zac out with their wellness festival. It for sure feels that Melody has always been at Hollyhock Farm, part of the family already.

However, it’s also obvious that Melody is escaping from her past. And while it of course it is mandatory for the story that Melody arrives at the farm, the reason for it just angered me. Because even if she is obviously a victim, why do the victims always need to escape what they have been through…

Yet it warmed my heart to see how not only Melody finds a warm place to stay, where she feels at home so easily. But it also warmed my heart to see the relationship between her and Zac evolve. Even if there may be some moments where I might have feared that Zac may have lost his chance.

Things may start slowly between them, but even at their rockiest moments, there is a care and worry in it. Zac shows this especially, he is very protective of Melody, even after a revelation and not knowing the whole story. Even if it would be easy for him to get just angry and walk away from it all, in Melody’s time of need, he is there for her.

While this is all taking place, it was also amazing to see how Zac and Lettie find themselves surrounded by lovely people, helping them out however they can. Because that is the kind of people that Lettie and Zac are surrounded by, people who just want to help and want the siblings to succeed in their plans.

In this lovely book, we see two characters both burnt by love before, in different ways and perhaps not on the same level of severeness. Yet we most importantly see that perhaps it needs you to find the right person to make you believe in love and romance again. And yes, it doesn’t happen overnight, as obviously there are hurdles to overcome on several levels. But with patience and with matureness, courage, why shouldn’t love get a second chance?

Can Christmas and its Spirit fix all the problems?

Synopsis

Can a sprinkle of magic heal broken hearts this Christmas?

With Jacob now at the helm at the cosy Sugar and Spice café, it’s the perfect opportunity for Christmas Spirit Lara to weave her magic.

Fraser is floundering in his new role as headteacher as he grapples with guilt over having to place his beloved mother in a care home, leaving him feeling lost and alone during what should be a joyful time. 

Meanwhile, school janitor Paul is torn between his desire to feel needed and the pressure from his wife to retire, dimming the season’s sparkle. 

Valerie, overwhelmed by the demands of newborn twins, feels she’s not giving her other daughter enough attention. She needs a bit of me time and for her husband to realise the responsibility for the kids falls to both of them.

And Bella, heartbroken after her husband’s shocking request for a separation just a year into their marriage, longs to escape the memories of last year’s perfect Christmas.

Can Lara help them rediscover joy, connection, and the true spirit of the season? 

A heartwarming journey filled with friendship, community, and a dash of holiday magic that promises to transform the lives of those in need of hope this Christmas.

My review

Christmas is approaching and it should be the most magical time of the year. Unfortunately, that the case for everyone… Because Fraser has recently become headteacher and he is struggling with his new position. But he is also struggling with feelings of guilt since his mother had to move into a care home. And let’s not talk about his romantic life, which is non – existing. Paul the janitor loves his job, and even if he has reached the age to retire, he for sure believes he could add a few extra years working. Even if his wife is already making plans for after retirement and is even pressuring Paul into it. Valerie meanwhile should be enjoying her newborn twins, but finds herself longing for more me – time, as she is doing the biggest part of parenting on her own and feels she is neglecting her older daughter. Bella is trying to hide her heartbreak from anyone, as she is still trying to digest that her husband asked for a separation, even if she believed that the marriage was one filled with love. So now young Lara has made it her mission to bring joy into everyone’s life. Will she manage to put a smile on everyone’s face once again?

I have to admit, even if this book is the third part of a series, this is the first one I read of it. And I was bit scared that it would be a little bit difficult to catch up with each character, or just to understand everything that was going on.

But I shouldn’t have worried, because it can be perfectly read as a standalone, and if more information should be required, we get all the info we need!

It was sweet to see many different characters, with a different background, at a different stage in their lives. Yet despite their differences, their lives are somehow all entwined, with the school and all its activities and teachers and students as the main setting.

And one little girl with a special purpose this Christmas!

I cannot say which story I liked the best, the most, because that would be an impossible choice. Susan Buchanan made each character so lovable, likeable, but also with a some kind of layer of sadness over them.

Whether it is a man with a new position but with feelings of guilt, or a woman losing her calm with twins, each and every one of the characters has something over them.

And even if their own situation is far from my own, again, each and every one of them had something that made it so relatable, recognizable.

There are several heartbreaking moments in this book, but they all evaporate with the presence of all the warmth, love and kindness in this book. Christmas is always a special period of the year, but that is not the only magic in this book. Because all the characters have such a kind, generous heart. And no matter what is going on their own lives, they always are there to offer a helping hand, to be there for the community.

I absolutely enjoyed reading this Christmas book, with a wonderful layer of magic, mixed with many drool – worthy cupcakes, hot chocolates that I wanted to devour myself. But the heart of the story was exactly that, the heart. Susan Buchanan shows us with this great story what Christmas is about, but most important, what love in all its facets is about. There were several moments that made myy heart melt, for several reasons, yet once again showing us the power of love, the magic of Christmas.

If you are in need of a perfect Christmas book, go ahead, pick this one up. I assure you that you won’t regret it for even one moment!  

Always chase your dreams, big or small

Synopsis

Amber Fitzpatrick is about to hit thirty and has achieved none of the things she hoped to have done by now. Her dreams of owning her own business seem out of reach. Her boyfriend has just dumped her and now her biological clock is clanging in her head.

But maybe Amber doesn’t need a man for the next stage of her life? Maybe as an independent woman she can have a baby all by herself?

There’s only one problem. Handsome but excruciatingly annoying best friend Tyler Williams. Tyler thinks Amber’s motherhood plans are plain crazy! She just needs to wait for Mr. Right to come along…and maybe he’s closer than she thinks?

But with Amber hellbent on doing it alone, Tyler sets out to prove to her that being her best friend could also come with excellent benefits…if only she’s brave enough to take the chance.

A grumpy sunshine, best friends to lovers romance, perfect for fans of Portia MacIntosh, Laura Carter and Phoebe MacLeod.

My review

Amber Fitzpatrick has one big dream, to own her own business. And not just any kind of business, she wants to own the pub that once was in her gran’s hands. But her business plan has been on hold for a while, as she wanted to support her boyfriend Brad to achieve his own big dream. Amber knows that at the moment, Brad is stressed, but when he disappoints her once again, she wants him to commit to her more and stop neglecting her. However, Amber didn’t expect that conversation ending up in her being single again… Despite her new situation, Amber realizes that it’s time to fulfil her biggest dream, to have a child. So even if there is no significant other in her life, why shouldn’t she pursue her dream? When her best friend and Amber’s bar chef Tyler Williams hears about her plan, he isn’t so sure that her plans are that great at all. On the contrary, he thinks it’s totally crazy! Because what is wrong with waiting for Mr. Right? Or is Mr. Right closer than Amber may think?

There are books with plots that for sure sound close to home. Not that my life matches a lot with Amber’s, but her state of mind for sure resounded with mine in several occasions.

I understood that in this book, Amber was initially the most supporting person, girlfriend she could be. She has big dreams of her own, but seeing as her boyfriend Brad is closer to achieve them, she gives him the biggest support possible. And I admired her for that, even if it’s clear that Amber’s support, understanding and love weren’t 100% reciprocated. On the contrary…

And that angered me, because yes, I could comprehend Brad being stressed. But failing on being there for Amber on so many occasions? It could happen once, even twice, but so often? Just huge big red flags!

Amber shows real maturity, having had enough and choosing herself for perhaps once. It is not an easy decision to make, as she had many plans, which involved also Brad. But we see here how Amber realizes that it takes two to tango, it takes two to make a relationship work. You cannot do it on your own, it has to be a team effort. And when one taps out, well, there isn’t much you can do…

I have to say, just like her friends, I was a bit shocked when Amber decides to have a baby on her own. Of course, from the blurb it didn’t come as a total surprise, but how it seemed to me, it looked like it was a decision she made on the spur of the moment. But slowly, I and everyone around Amber, realized that this is something that Amber has been thinking for a while and not a drunk decision at all.

It was in a way sweet to see how worried her best friends, and especially Tyler, are. Just like real friends, they all saw already that Brad wasn’t the right person for Amber, but we also all know that warning someone doesn’t always have the right effect.

Tyler perhaps doesn’t express himself correctly, about his dislike for Amber’s plans. But I could understand where he was coming from. Being a parent isn’t easy, even when there are two. But being a single parent, and having a big dream too, for sure adds more difficulty to the whole bigger picture.

It won’t come as a big surprise when sparks start to fly around between Amber and Tyler, even if they have different visions on Amber’s decision. But it was also so sweet to learn how Tyler always a-held a torch for Amber, and how, despite them clashing heads, still protects her and stands up for her.

Obviously there is some clashing between them, but this book is also filled with so much love, care and worry for and about each other. Although I have to say that perhaps the confrontation in the second act was kind of the silly way. Because it was the both of them wanting only the best for each other. And yes, perhaps the final revelation didn’t come as a total surprise.

In this book we see that some dreams mean to take matter in own hands (although perhaps don’t do as Amber and trust the internet too much? 😊). And we see that being in a supportive relationship doesn’t mean to put your own dream in the freezer. But that perhaps what we are actually looking for can be found closer than we may think. And we just have to find the courage to go after the dreams, the old ones, the new ones, and the ones we didn’t know we had…

Perhaps this wasn’t the too big laugh – out – loud book that I was expecting, but that doesn’t mean that I didn’t enjoy reading it. Because we see so much strength, courage, determination but also so much friendship and love in it!

When you have to play matchmaker for the person you love…

Synopsis

What do you do when you realise you’ve fallen for your best friend, but he sees you as the sister he never had? And to make things worse, you’re stuck in the middle of a matchmaking scheme to find him someone else!

Best friends Gaby and Raff are inseparable and know each other inside out. But with Raff’s string of disastrous relationships and his newfound fame as Britain’s Best Baker, it’s time to enlist the Ever After Agency to help him find true love.

At first, Gaby is all in – Raff is a catch, after all. But as she secretly helps to find his perfect match, she’s hit with unexpected pangs of jealousy. And before she can act on her feelings, Raff falls for one of his dates.

Can Gaby keep her emotions in check, or will she risk ruining their friendship to find out if Raff feels the same way?

Set in London and Seattle, this romantic and festive romcom is perfect for fans of Emily Henry, Mhairi McFarlane and Lindsey Kelk.

My review

Gaby, Raff and Freya are each other’s best friends. And when Raff’s latest girlfriend breaks up with him, over a text, on the day he wins Britain’s Best Baker, Gaby and Freya are there for him. But they are also realistic, as Raff has a long list of disastrous relationships. And Freya has had enough, as she wants Raff to find his perfect match. As Freya works for the best matchmaking agency in the world, Ever After Agency, why not sign him up? Raff reluctantly agrees, but he doesn’t want to be involved, he doesn’t want to have his time spending completing the questionary, he doesn’t want to go on premeditated dates, nothing. So it’s up to Gaby to help the Agency to find the best possible candidates. However, while searching for Raff’s perfect woman, Gaby realizes that what she feels for Raff goes deeper than just friendship. And just when she makes this realization, Raff is hitting off with one of the chosen candidates…. And as a best friend, Gaby wants Raff to be happy, but what about her own feelings?

My dearest Sandy,

Once again you wrote a magnificent story, making me wish that the Ever After Agency truly existed. Because if it were, I would sign up immediately, being sure that Poppy would find my own perfect match.

But not only the greatest agency of all times made this a wonderful story to read. But also because the great characters that Gaby and Raff are. Even if their world is far from my own, they are both so recognizable, relatable and just loveable, even if at moments the both of them can be a tiny bit frustrating 😊.

Gaby and Raff (but also Freya, let’s not forget about her!) are so good friends, best friends. They are each other’s biggest fans, supporters. They understand each other on such a level that is even something to be envious of. Even if Gaby’s and Raff’s upbringing couldn’t be more different, they have found each other at work, and their bond has become so strong, so important, so wow… These friends want to see each other happy, no matter what. And whatever choice one of them makes, there will always be someone cheering for them.

It’s clear that Gaby understands Raff the best. She knows that he didn’t have an easy upbringing, that his parents are not the best parents in the world, even if she had the complete opposite kind of upbringing. She also knows what truly makes him happy, but also what irks him. She is perhaps his biggest cheerleader, supporting him in every step he takes in life.

So obviously Gaby is the right person to find the perfect woman for him. And even when she doesn’t realize it herself, Poppy and even we as a reader see quickly what her real feelings are. It starts when she dismisses possible matches for the perhaps the most stupid reasons. But even when the penny finally drops, Gaby does not only wants to jeopardize her friendship with Raff, but as she wants Raff to be happy, she doesn’t stand in the way when a match seems to be perfect for him.

Because that is the kind of person that Gaby is, putting everyone’s happiness as a priority. We do not only see that with Raff, as she even goes that far to invite him over to her parents’ home for Christmas, but also how she is hands – on when ‘disaster’ strikes at Christmas.

I have to say, as an amateur – baker myself, Raff for sure ticked off many boxes for me. is there anything sexier than a man that can not just bake, but create actual masterpieces? And just like Gaby is for him, he is a great, supportive friend. He believes in Gaby and her capacities, he knows what she is able to, even if she doesn’t know it herself.

But it also needs to be said, he is also the most oblivious person in the entire world! Just like Gaby and Freya say themselves, women could be have their heads tattooed stating their interest in him, Raff wouldn’t notice it! Yet that is also part of the attraction he holds!

And I have talk about his parents… how obnoxious, unsupporting can you be as a parent? My heart broke for Raff seeing not only how he was treated at a younger age, but still is. And that while Raff is just this amazing, wonderful persona, going after his dreams. Luckily he has the best kind of friends, and the best Aunt in the world!

It was sweet to see their relationship slowly shift in this book. Gaby is in this impossible position, between a rock and a hard place. Because not only she wants to see Raff happy, even if that will cause her own personal heartbreak. But there is also the issue that she doesn’t want to lose what she has with Raff, this strong friendship. And Raff is this utter romantic soul, believing in that happily ever after, despite the example he has had in his own life.

Obviously, seeing Poppy again was also beautiful, as we can to see what happens after a happily ever after. And her strong relationship with Tristan, and their evolutions are for sure couple goals to achieve in life!  

So you see Sandy, what you did to me? You made me once again fall in love with a great story, wonderful characters, keeping me believing that perhaps there will be someone like Raff to Gaby, like Tristan to Poppy, for me, out there somewhere! And it there isn’t, well, I have plenty of your stories to have perfect book boyfriends/husbands/partners! 

Oh, and thanks to this book, I am stuck with Adele’s song with the same title in my head! 🙂 

Check out this cover!

Synopsis

To move forward, I’ll have to look back to our past…

I know I have to get myself out of this funk, but it feels impossible. My childhood best friend is dead and nothing in life is working out as I’d planned.

Then Lottie leaves me a ‘jar of joy’ in her will – filled with instructions to visit places where we had our happiest memories. But with every happy memory, I also remember the things that tore us apart.

Because Lottie was keeping secrets. And Jay – the man we both loved – keeps turning up at the same places. Even as I feel pieces of myself begin to heal, some wounds run too deep.

It’s time to make a change in my life, but can Lottie’s jar of joy really give me the strength I need?

A heartbreaking yet hopeful novel for fans of PS I Love You, The Memory of Us and The Last Letter from Your Lover.

Pre-order Link – https://geni.us/PiecesOfUsBook

Publication Date: 27th February 2025

About the author

Eve Ainsworth is a public speaker, creative workshop coordinator and award-winning author who draws from her extensive work with teenagers managing emotional and behavioural issues to write authentic, honest and real novels for young people and adults. Eve’s adult debut, Duckling, was published by Penguin Random House in 2022. She has had short stories published in magazines such as Writers’ Forum and Prima and articles posted online for the Guardian, Metro and BookTrust. Eve is also a champion for working class voices, has set up the Working Class Writers Network and is an experienced mentor.

The cover!

When an amazing author has written her 25th book, that for sure needs a celebration, doesn’t it?

And is,there a better way to celebrate this milestone than a huge tour with all her 25 five books having a day in the spotlight? And you guessed it right, today it’s my turn!

Let me remind you of the wonderful story that ‘Is This Love?’ is…

Synopsis

A love like no other . . .

Caring Tamara Rix has never left her childhood home, the village of Middledip.

Both her life and her heart revolve around her beloved sister Lyddie, who needs round-the-clock care after a devastating accident as a child.

She would do anything for Lyddie, even if it means losing out on love and putting herself second.

But when Lyddie’s childhood sweetheart and ex-boyfriend Jed Cassius returns to Middledip, he brings with him a secret he promised his dying father he’d share. A secret that shakes the Rix family to their core.

Jed’s life is shrouded in mystery, but despite his strange background, Tamara can’t help but be drawn to him.

But can Tamara find a balance between her love for Lyddie and growing feelings for Jed, or will she discover that some kinds of love just don’t mix?

https://geni.us/is-this-love

About the author

Sue Moorcroft is a Sunday Times bestselling author. Her novels have been #1 on Kindle UK and Top 100 on Kindle US, Canada and Italy. She writes two books a year for publishing giant HarperCollins and has won the Goldsboro Books Contemporary Novel of the Year, Readers’ Best Romantic Novel award, two HOLT Medallions and the Katie Fforde Bursary. She’s the president of the Romantic Novelists’ Association.

Her novels, short stories, serials, columns, writing ‘how to’ and courses have appeared around the world.

When becoming a lady’s companion is just the means to an end…

Synopsis

Spring, 1811… A stranger arrives at Wyverne Hall

Sophie Delavallois is the new companion to the ageing Dowager Marchioness, but she also has another reason for coming to the infamous Wyverne mansion, one that will shake the family to their core.

Lord Drake left his childhood home many years ago, and only returns now to see his beloved grandmother. He takes little interest in the goings on of the house, until the arrival of Mademoiselle Delavallois. There’s something about her that he can’t put his finger on; it’s as if he’s seen her before, but surely, that is not possible…

Sophie is also drawn to Drake, but he is a Wyverne, and she cannot allow herself to fall for him, because her intentions towards the family are resolute – revenge. But inside the walls of WyverneHall, she discovers the rumours about the family barely scratch the surface, and she can’t escape the dangerous allure of the Viscount.

Once her plans are set in motion, will he be her saviour or her ruin?

My review

Sophie Delavallois has lost everything, as she is the only one of her family left. After surviving the Terror in France, she and her family thought that a new life was waiting for them. But things went a totally different direction, leaving Sophie all alone, and on a path that may not be so acceptable. Nevertheless, Sophie is set on revenge, revenge on the family that took everything from hers. And her plan is starting to take fruition as she starts as the new companion to the ageing Dowager Marchioness, as it’s that exact family, the Wyvernes, the culprits. But what Sophie didn’t take in account, is the presence of Lord Drake, grandson of the Dowager. His greatest wish is to stay as far away as possible from his childhood home, but his love for his grandmother makes him to check on her and visit her regularly. And while he distrusts the latest arrival, being Sophie, there is also something about her that intrigues Drake… And Sophie cannot deny to feel the same about Drake, despite all the despicable rumours being spread about him… So will Sophie be able to set her plans into action, gaining her revenge? Or will there be another outcome?

Regency is an era where women don’t have much voice, they are expected to be following the rules, play the game and hope for the best possible marriage proposals. But what happens when all your securities fall apart, when you lose every member of your family and you have to survive on your own?

That is exactly what happened to Sophie at the start of this book. She lost absolutely everything. Not only that, but she lost it all in a terrible way, with only one man, one family to blame, the Wyvernes.

Sophie had to find ways to survive, ways that not everyone would find acceptable, but when needs must, Sophie didn’t have much choice. And in a way, she has been lucky to have found someone to take her under his wings.

Reading about her past, I could for sure understand her thirst for revenge. What happened to her and her family was so despicable, and if I were her, I don’t think I would be able to keep my coolness, my calmness throughout the story.

I liked Sophie, as she is a strong woman, despite everything she has been through? Of course, in a way, she had to become this strong persona, in order to survive. But she has a mind of her own, she is not ashamed of what she has done and is going to do. And I was even in awe of her, having that kind of emancipation, in a time where it isn’t even a word yet…

But beside her strong character, I liked her gentleness with the Dowager. In a way, she finds a kindred spirit, perhaps even a (even though a strange one), grandmotherly figure. Because even if the Dowager has a blessed age, she notices things, she understands more than you may think. Yet she isn’t ashamed to speak out words of disgust even against her own flesh and blood.

I am not averse some spicier moments in book, and when Sophie meets Drake, for sure there are some heated moments. As righteously should, because sparks for sure fly between the pair. But there are moments that are just so despicable, shocking, making me doubt the sanity of some characters.

And those moments made me understand better why Drake wishes to keep his distance from his family. Because it’s obvious that Drake is the good kind of person. His love for his grandmother is obvious, and not only that. He has taken some measurements to protect others, to avoid the family’s name to be tainted even further, as he has also been victimized by some actions…

With two main characters, so set on (self) preservation, and one even so set on revenge, it was amazing to see how they would find each other. And even if their (current) lives couldn’t be more difference, there is an acceptance of each other, without prejudice. There is even an understanding, a belief of what is being said. And that was the beauty of this story, because not everyone would accept Sophie’s actions, or would believe Drake’s words.

I have to say, the ending surprised me with a few revelations I didn’t see coming, but also with perhaps a bit of abruptness. There was a lot happening, and suddenly it was perhaps over too quickly. But that didn’t take away I liked reading this story!

We see in this story that despite everything that has happened in someone’s past, someone who has seen all the ugliness in the world, there are still amazing things, amazing people with an open mind and understanding can be found.

And that revenge perhaps can taste sweet, but aren’t there also other things that taste even sweeter?

Today I am sharing a guest post!

Synopsis

Ila has her pride. And she’s about to discover just how much trouble that can be…

It’s 1976 and in the Vile Parle suburb of Mumbai, bastion of the Maharashtrian middle-class, Ila Bendre’s mother is determined to get her four daughters married off as soon as possible.

Ila has no intention of snaring a proposal from some dull specimen of Marathi manhood so she can pretend to care about cricket for the rest of her life. She wants a career and life of her own, and she’ll do whatever it takes to escape married bliss, no matter what the neighbours might say.

But when Ila’s Bollywood-obsessed younger sister, Latika, takes the matter of marriage into her own hands, it looks as if the Bendre family’s reputation in this close-knit community will be ruined once and for all…

As we follow the Bendre sisters from dinners to parties to weddings, from Vile Parle to Pune, will love eventually conquer all in this ingeniously witty and charming tale of pride, prejudice and puranpolis?

Guest post

LOVE, MARRIAGE AND THE GREAT INDIAN FAMILY

An old professor of mine had once said that Americans have social security; Indians have their families. It’s the most succinct description I’ve heard, of the institution that is the Indian family. 

It forms the very centre of our society and culture – love it, hate it, there is no escaping it. And there are plenty who argue that there is no need to escape it in the first place. After all, Indian children often live with their families well into adulthood, if not for their entire lives. Oprah had once famously asked Indian actress Aishwarya Rai and her husband, actor Abhishek Bachchan, “You live with your parents? How does that work?” To which Abhishek Bachchan had quipped, “You don’t live with your family? How does that work?” 

See when it comes to marriage in India, whoever you marry isn’t just marrying you, they are marrying into your entire family. And so, the thinking goes, the rest of your family gets to have a say in who becomes your better half. After all, they’re going to have to live with this person for their whole lives too (we don’t consider divorce, it’s too Western). 

In fact, the very concept of arranged marriage is centred around these beliefs. On the idea that if two families from the same socioeconomic class, belonging to the same religion, caste, subcaste even, are connected by marriage it’s better for everyone involved. There is a shared heritage of customs and cuisine, language and lifestyle that means that both families don’t have much to adapt to, after the wedding. But what about the personalities of the people getting married? Their like-mindedness? Common interests? What about love? Eh, all that will happen later probably, don’t worry. Ok, sexual compatibi-? Ssh, we don’t talk about sex, we’re Indian.

Which is why love marriage is considered such a transgression. While it’s pretty common these days, there are still enough and more Indian parents who, on some level, feel that it’s unthinkable that their child even think of making such a huge life decision independently. We raised you, they think, we know what’s good for you and you think you can just choose a life partner without involving us in the process? You?!? Who can’t be trusted to make a trip to the grocery store without adult supervision? You, marrying whoever you want? For love? You may as well slap us across our faces and be done with it. 

Not to say there aren’t those who throw caution – and any hopes of wedded bliss – to the winds and marry against the explicit wishes of their family. Now, to be honest, many of these stories do get a reasonably happy-ish ending. Eventually. The family becomes nuclear, not joint. Relations turn cordial over time, if not entirely Hallmark-card-worthy. People make do. But some love stories… they just become cautionary tales. Every few months, you see a newspaper headline where two young people, from different religions or castes or economic classes, are found dead somewhere, all for the monumental crime of daring to love each other, without their family’s approval. 

Romeo & Juliet ain’t got shit on us.

So what then, you ask? Well, if you want a happy married life which a. includes your family b. doesn’t include constant disapproval of everything your spouse does and c. some modicum of mental peace, your best bet is the arranged love marriage. Where you consciously or subconsciously pick a partner your parents are sure of approve of, then bring them home so your family can officially approve them for marital purposes, and then lather, rinse and repeat the process with your partner’s family. This way, everyone goes to their shared home happy. There is a wedding that makes it to Instagram under the hashtag #MyBigFatIndianWedding and within six months, both sets of in-laws start asking if the new bride has any “good news” in the pregnancy department.

But that, as they say, is a story for another day.

Vedashree Khambete Sharma

A new city, an exciting prospect but then…

Synopsis

It’s been years since Anna has seen Leo Knight. And of all the apartments in all the cities in all the world, he just happens to walk in to her cosy new attic home – as her new housemate.

As the two walk the cobbled streets of Prague, taking in the sights and sounds from Wenceslas Square, frosted with snow, to the soft glow of candlelit Charles Bridge, the enchantment of the City of a Hundred Spires soon starts to work its magic on them…

My review

Anna is over the moon and super excited to be staying in Prague for an actual beer brewing competition. She cannot wait to work at the brewery, and being able to create her own special beer for the competition. Even if that means being away from her steady and safe boyfriend…However, Anna is shocked to learn who her housemate will be for the next few months. Because of course there are other competitors, and as board and lodging are included, although shared. Of all the people, the man that is staying with her at the apartment, is Leo Knight, the man that broke her heart. So obviously Anna wants to keep as far away from his as possible. However, even if they are adversaries, living back together, discovering a wonderful city together and sharing a love for beer, what will happen?

Being an Italian Belgian (or Belgian Italian, depending on my mood 😊), you would assume I would love drinking a good beer. Because Belgium is of course also known as a beer country. Unfortunately, I do not. The only kind of beer I enjoy drinking, is a good kriek, a fruity beer. And only if it’s the right brand. Me picky? No, not at all! 😊

However, I let people enjoy their beers, and I can for sure enjoy reading books about this beverage, even if I would pick something else to drink while reading.

And I absolutely love reading stories about people moving (even if only temporarily) abroad, ready for a brand new adventure. And as Prague is on my bucket list for cities I want to visit asap, could I get a better preparation than reading a book set in this city? Oh, and a book by an author that I for sure love?

While it’s clear that Anna is a great person, it’s also clear that she is holding back for reasons that aren’t known yet. For one thing, there is the boyfriend that I didn’t think was truly a match. He doesn’t do anything wrong initially, but from his first appearance, he just didn’t do it for me. And further along in the story, my dislike for him only grew. And no, it doesn’t has anything to do that I was Team Leo from the start 😊

But back to Anna for a moment… Because what she has been through in the past, for sure turned her in the person she is now. And no matter how lovely Anna is, she is also wary, scared and very careful. She has not have an easy childhood, and while growing up, well, it’s easy to say that she didn’t have the best example in front of her…

I was eager to learn more about Anna’s and Leo’s past, as it’s obvious that things didn’t end on good terms. Yet seeing Leo, and getting to know him better, I kept wondering what…

Because let’s be honest, Leo is this open, warm, friendly character. He is the kind of person that will help anyone out, is easy approachable, easily makes friends and for sure is the light of the party. Yet we also see that when things ended with Anna, he truly got hurt by it.

Even when things don’t start very amiable between Anna and Leo, their forces proximity, and with the help of their lovely and funny neighbours, there is a slow shift taking place. They start spending more time together, are discovering the wonderful city that Prague is together and even are able to clear the air about the past.

While this for sure is a slow – burning story, as Anna starts in this book as being in a relationship, this was absolutely a heartwarming story to read. Heartwarming because not only we see two people rebuilding some kind of friendship again, but also heartwarming because we see how surrounding yourself with the right people, can make you feel more confident. And this is so clear with Anna, because she is the perfect example how self-doubt, a low self – esteem and just fear in general can jeopardize the best thing you could have…

Julie Caplin didn’t disappoint me at all with this wonderful book. This is escapism at its best, with an amazing setting, wonderful characters on an inspiring journey, and a message that perhaps sometimes taking a chance can be scary, but won’t the final rewards be worth it?