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

Synopsis

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

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

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

My review

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

An unexpected guest for Christmas…

Synopsis

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

My review

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

And then there is Tilly…

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Synopsis

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

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

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

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

My review

Will love always keep on hurting?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Always keep your eyes on the mission…

Synopsis

A dramatic Medieval convenient marriage story

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

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

My review

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sometimes you need your sister for a fresh start

Synopsis

Joy Chandler has had enough!

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

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

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

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

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

My review

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sometimes a holiday brings magic and clarity…

Synopsis

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

My review

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

When family turns your world upside down.

Synopsis

Under the winter stars, anything is possible…

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

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

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

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

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

My review

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Synopsis

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

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

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

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

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

My review

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Giveaway!

Yes, there is also a giveaway!

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

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

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

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

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 an apparent accident be exactly that?

Synopsis

A tragic accident or an untimely death?

When Drew Hopgood’s brother, Frank dies whilst out climbing, it’s initially thought his death was simply a tragic accident. But when Frank’s much younger wife, Stella arrives at Hopgood Hall demanding half of Frank’s inheritance the Hopgoods and Alexi Ellis begin to suspect foul play…

Stella has no claim to Frank’s legacy, but she isn’t giving up easily. And with the reputation of Hopgood Hall still fragile, Alexi can’t afford to lose any more money because of Stella’s greed.

So Alexi, her partner Jack, and Cosmo of course, decide to dig deeper into Stella’s background. Just how did she meet Frank and were they really as in love as she claims?

As the trio investigate, they discover Stella has her own reasons for being back at Hopgood Hall. And rather than console the grieving widow, Alexi and Jack think they might need to look again at Frank’s tragic death – because rather than an accident this could have been a deadly fall – planned by his own wife!

A boutique hotel. A feral cat. A recipe for murder!

A gripping murder mystery, perfect for fans of Faith Martin, Frances Evesham and Emma Davies.

My review

Drew Hopgood and his brother Frank weren’t that close, yet Frank’s death comes as a shock and a surprise. Losing his life after a fall while climbing has been declared as an accident, despite Frank being an avid and good climber. Alexi Ellis and her partner Jack are just like Drew and Cheryl shocked when Frank’s widow appears at Hopgood Hall, claiming half of Frank’s inheritance of the place, even if Drew bought Frank out. Stella not giving up that easily makes Alexi and Jack wonder if there is more to Stella’s demands than on first appearance, especially as the reputation of Hopgood Hall still has not recovered fully of past events. So was Frank’s death truly an accident as claimed, or is Stella some involved? It’s up to Alexi, Jack and the (in)famous Cosmo and new addition Silgo to put their investigating hats back on and unravel the truth once again.

While I absolutely love returning to Hopgood Hall, it is also always with a sense of dread. Because retuning to a new story in this series, means that another victim has fallen, and that Alexi and Jack once again have to investigate and try to find out the truth.

Slowly I start to fear for the lives of everyone around Hopgood Hall! 😊

This time the victim is closer to home, as it is Drew’s brother Frank. I didn’t have the pleasure to get to know him before, and I have to admit, I don’t truly feel that I missed something. Now, Tizi, don’t be cruel, that isn’t a nice thing to say… But trust me, when you are getting to know Frank a little bit better through all the discoveries and Drew’s memories, I believe that you will share my same thoughts.

Even if I didn’t truly feel sad over Frank’s death, my heart went out to Drew. Because even if the siblings weren’t that close anymore, and their lives took different directions, Frank is Drew’s brother. Losing a family member will always hurt you, no matter how close you were.

I liked it how Alexi and Jack were there for their friends during these terrible moments, offering every kind of support possible. For me it felt that these four people, these two couples, have become a special kind of family of their own.

Even if I knew that Stella, Frank’s widow, would make an appearance and claim half of the Hall, I was shocked by her audacity. A few words came up in my mind to describe, but I cannot possibly repeat them here as they were anything but the nice kind of words.

Of course that didn’t help my own feelings, aligned with those of Alexi and Jack, that Frank’s death perhaps wasn’t so accidental as it seemed on first instance. And I was happy to see the couple and their pets (or co – investigators…) trying to figure out the truth.

Now, it won’t come as a shock who I suspected to be involved with Frank’s death, but I also knew that this author is a master with inventing twists and turns that even I didn’t see coming!

As this is a cozy murder mystery, there are of course lovely moments, sweet moments and even funny moments. And yes, Cosmo steals the scene once again, in several occasions. And it was over the top sweet to see how Silgo not only made a nice addition to the unit, but also turns out to be of inestimable value! That for sure sounds promising for following investigations for the furry group!

Normally I am the kind of person that rather quickly has an inkling what happened and who is truly involved with the crime. Yet once again, I had to  show patience (which I don’t have! 😊) to finally have all the cards on the table and understand what happened to Frank and why.

But that of course doesn’t mean that I didn’t enjoy reading another great cozy murder mystery at the hand of this author, with great main characters that not only grow stronger as a person on their own, but mainly and more important as a couple and a unit completed by amazing friends and lovely, unpredictable yet most loyal furry friends that for sure will put a smile on your face with their antics!