When a Christmas challenge becomes a matter of the heart…

Synopsis

A picture-perfect town, a place where dreams come true. Welcome to Ever After Street…

It’s the most wonderful time of the year, but Franca Andrews has never felt more miserable. With business far from bustling, she needs a Christmas miracle to keep her beloved nutcracker shop open… But there’s one man standing in her way – expert snow globe maker Raff Dardenne.

Dardenne Snow Globes have a magical reputation for bringing lovers together, a myth that Raff continues to exploit, much to Franca’s annoyance! But this Christmas their shops are pitted against each other and only one gets to stay on Ever After Street. Franca doesn’t know how her handmade nutcrackers are ever going to compete with Raff’s magical snow globes, especially at the most magical time of the year!

Franca’s determined to prove Raff’s business is built on lies. But when disaster strikes, and she’s left unable to make anything, she needs help. It’s just very frustrating that the only person offering is her gorgeous, annoying, nemesis himself!

As these two enemies get to know each other, Franca discovers another side to Raff – kind, caring and funny. . But unless she can prove that his magical snow globes can’t really match true lovers together, she’s going to lose everything…

But maybe it’s not too late for them to put aside their differences and find some Christmas magic of their own?

My review

Franca Andrews knows what it feels to have your dreams falling apart. Luckily, she found a new passion, which brought her to Ever After Street and her nutcracker shop. But lately Franca has been feelings miserable and her shop isn’t having the success it used to have. And of course it doesn’t help that this year she is crossing swords with Raff Dardenne, the owner of the snow globe business, also situated on her street. Because after Christmas, there is only one shop that can remain open, and Franca is determined to win, and also expose the lies Raff is telling. Because of course it’s a pile of bollocks that his globes have a magical reputation of matching lovers. But what Franca didn’t count on, was the mistletoe accident making it nearly impossible to win the battle of the shops… And then the most unexpected thing happens, and Franca and Raff actually get to know each other better and understand each other. However, once Christmas is over, and only one shop will survive, where will it leave them?

Since I started reading this wonderful series, I have slowly started to believe in fairytales again. Of course a revised and updated version of fairytales 😊

But I have to admit that the story of the nutcracker is a blank spot as I have never read the original story. I only know the wooden nutcrackers, like the ones that Franca creates.

I also have to admit that I don’t truly understand how a business so much focused on one holiday can survive throughout the rest of the year. But that is just to blame on my lack of knowledge on how to run a business and not knowing how to make business profitable a whole year.

When first meeting Franca, I just had to admire her spirit. In the past, she was so close in turning her dream and passion into reality, to only have it broken literally into pieces. And not only did it end her career, but also learning the ugly truth about it, also meant that her heart hot broken in the process…

Yet I admired her how she was able to start a brand-new chapter in her own book and just started her own business.

And is there a more perfect place than having your business than in Ever After Street? Of course not!

Taking her background in account, and seeing how the marriage of her parents ended, I couldn’t blame her for completely mistrusting Raff. I won’t explain here why exactly she has these thoughts about Raff, his family and his business, but in her mindset, it makes sense.

Of course as a reader, it was a bit funny to see how much Franca despises Raff, but I also had a feeling that her acting that way was a bit over the top. I can understand you disliking someone, but taking it that far, that it may even cost your business?

And obviously, even if Raff is the cause of the situation France finds herself in, I was very eager to get to know the real Raff, and not just base my thoughts on the Raff that Franca has envisioned.

I loved Raff from the moment he shows up at Franca’s, to make things right. His background is perhaps not as dramatic as Franca, but he also is carrying around a burden. A burden he does not know how to carry without losing himself in that process. We see that he wants to do everything he can for his family and the legacy his family has, but we also see that it’s a his own cost. Because running the business like his grandfather did, means that Raff cannot be his real self, the Raff full of good ideas and more real.

It was just so heartwarming to see Franca and Raff growing closer, how their rivalry starts to change into something that more important, a real friendship and perhaps even something even deeper than that. Seeing trust being built, understanding and such a deep connection, that was exactly what I was expecting from a story in Ever After Street.

But I also have to admit that there were a few moments that made me fearful. Because in those moments, I could see how everything that the main characters have been building, could be falling apart.

Ever After Street is such a wonderful place, where people learn that their mistrust based on something of the past was uncalled for, that the perception they have of someone, isn’t always putting the other person in the right light, because what we think of someone isn’t always what that person truly is.

Ever After Street is a wonderful place, where the real character of a person shines through, where rivalries can take a complete 360° turn, and where we see the true heart of a community…

Once again Jaimie Admans swept me of my feet, making me believe in the power of fairytales, love, Christmas and mistletoes! And making me fall in love with nutcrackers and snow globes! 😊

Can the need for help erase the dark clouds of the past?

Synopsis

A disgraced football star, a high school in need of saving and a reunion too hot to handle

Headteacher Ella Lucas and football star Jake Prince have a very complicated history! Their mind-blowing encounter two years ago is proving impossible to forget now Jake is back, in her small town after being kicked out of the NFL.

She knew he was trouble then, but Ella has enough on her plate without having to worry about Jake Prince. Her school’s on the brink of closure, and she needs help. Then it dawns on her that maybe they can benefit each other – in more ways than one! Ella will help Jake to restore his disgraced reputation, if he can coach the football team to a winning streak. With nothing to lose, Jake reluctantly agrees….

As the school season heats up so does the inevitable chemistry between them. Far from being stuck in the past, the sparks between them are still there. And although he may look like her next mistake, Ella is determined that she will keep her hands off Mr Anti-hero even though she has an itch longing to be scratched. Because Ella’s has one golden rule: this is strictly business, they are never ever getting back together….

My review

Ella Lucas does not know what to do. She is head teacher but her school is on the brink of closure. There is one solution, bringing Jake Prince, former NFL – player, as a coach. But Jake has not only a reputation, but he and Ella also have a complicated history. And that not only involves a mind – blowing night two years ago…
As Jake himself hasn’t got that much to do himself, except running his own bar, he agrees to help Ella out. Especially as perhaps it can restore his own reputation because the end of his career wasn’t on a positive note…
With the spirits lifting up for the underdog football team, also things between Ella and Jake heat up again. However, the both of them are determined to keep their distance, and aren’t looking for getting together. And the fact that they have been living in the same town as children, and having their past resurfaces time after time, keeps on making things more complicated than ever…

I thought at the start of this book that it would be a very light story. Man and woman (re)meet, have lot of action, fall in love during the process, one big issue nearly the end, to end in a happily ever after.
And after that first chapter, I was even more convinced of my initial thoughts.

But once I got into the story, it was clear that not only the characters but also the story itself is filled with depth. Depths in unexpected ways, but also in some expected ways.

Let’s start with understanding Ella better…
She is fighting in so many different ways, in so many fights, that I felt sorry for her.
First of all, she is fighting to keep her school open. And that is truly admirable because the school is not only in bad papers, but also doesn’t have the best of reputations and the teenagers there don’t have the most privileged lives.
So seeing Ella fighting for them, wanting them to have a bright future, was something not only right but great to see too!

And that while her own personal life isn’t going that smoothly at all… Not only is she carrying around the shame of what her mother did for a living but she also has the most difficult relationship with her brother. Difficult, because for years she didn’t know she had in fact a brother…

She is struggling so much, that I think someone else would have already thrown the towel in the ring! But that is not Ella, because she fights for everything and everyone, and doesn’t just give up because that would be the easiest option.

And then there is the simmering sparks with Jake. While Ella does her best to pretend she despises him, it’s clear that in fact it’s the total opposite. They have been gone through the same struggles while growing up, so there is already that one connection between them.
Obviously there is also a physical connection between them, but once again, there so much more depth in their relationship that what I expected.

Jake is the kind of man that hasn’t had it easy growing up, had to fight hard to gain his success, but also lost it too. And now is seemingly muddling along, with a bar that isn’t his real passion. Also in his case, it’s his own past, and the burden he is carrying around of his father’s “burden”.

I found it in a way sweet to see how two characters, both scarred by life, find not only the guts to fight for something important, but also find each other.
You would think that with someone knowing your ugly background, it would be more difficult, as the past would always hang over you. But the opposite is true, because they know who you have been and can see the growth you have made.

And I found it truly inspiring even to see how they join forces, reluctantly perhaps at first, and want to make a change. Plus seeing that actual change, seeing how a whole school get excited, involved, just wonderful!

It’s mandatory that there has to happen something that risks to jeopardize everything Ella and Jake have been building. This happens on a few levels, as just one level would be too easy, right?
But also here, after the initial shock, the main characters show how much they have grown, matured not only before but also during the story.

I truly enjoyed reading this book, as of course there were some heated moments, in more ways than just the one 😊. But it also shows us how much people can change during the years, how much they can mature. And perhaps most important, how engaged people are for the right cause. All this is also added with learning to accept the past for what it was, and have your closure so that you are able to look forward to your own future, that will be brighter with all the acceptance and changes that you made!

An escape in the hope to heal, to find peace

Synopsis

Heartbroken after the loss of a friend and the collapse of her marriage, Stella hopes that this trip to the idyllic Greek island of Crete will give her and her family a chance to heal. And when she first steps into the breath-taking Villa Ariadne, with its views over the azure waters and intoxicating scent of lemons, Stella’s troubles seem to melt away.

Until the arrival of an old acquaintance, and an unwelcome revelation, threaten to undermine the peace at the villa, and Stella is forced to make a difficult decision.

But with the help of Crete’s beautiful scenery and the kindness of its locals, Stella is about to discover that Villa Ariadne can still offer an escape… and so much more. Can she open herself up to the possibility of love and find the strength to start again?

My review

After losing her best friend and simultaneous seeing her marriage ending, Stella decides that she needs to get away. With family and friends, she takes off to Crete, hoping to get over her heartbreak and hoping to find some inner peace again.
Villa Ariadne for sure seems the perfect place to do some healing, with an astonishing view and amazing smell of the lemon trees.
And slowly Stella realizes, what truly matters in her life, with the help of the island itself, its inhabitants, and even unexpected arrivals.
Will this Greek escape be enough for Stella to find fresh hope in life again?

I cannot imagine how terrible it is to lose a best friend… I am happy to have all my friends still around me. So all I can try is try to understand what Stella has been going through and what she still is going through.
Stella is obviously an amazing friend, how she has been there until the very last moment. And seeing how devastated she is after losing her friend, shows what a great heart she has.

But I could also comprehend how her being a great friend, was affecting her family. It’s difficult to find the right balance, and afterwards how to deal with your grief while people are depending on you. And it saddened to see how her grief, or inability to grieve, was eventually the demise of her own marriage, also affecting the relationship with her children.

Stella is also the kind of person that has to learn how to block people. She is a real people – pleaser, and finds it difficult to put boundaries. And again, affecting her own relationships…

Taking in account all the above, I found it a good idea for Stella to take a trip to Crete. It’s so obvious she needs to get away and find a place to clear her mind, to just digest everything that she has been through.
But it was also clear that things wouldn’t go so smoothly all the way and that there would be some clashing and drama, even with those the closest to her.

The focus in this book is obviously on Stella and her journey to heal, find peace but also her journey to understand where things have gone wrong and why.
Of course we also see the other characters that accompanied her on this holiday, and also how the community on Crete welcome the new arrivals.

We see how Stella has to make several amends, but also how she has to realize herself what she truly wants and how to set her boundaries but without being too hurtful towards the people that in fact deserve to put in their place.

I have to admit, Stella wasn’t always the easiest character to like, as she seems stubborn, not understanding towards others and in a way also blaming others for her own errors. But that is also the beauty of this book, because we see Stella truly having an emotional journey, understanding it all and making amends.

And also, perhaps that one specific scene towards the end was not that necessary, and a closed door scene would have been better? Because honestly, I was a bit shocked reading those bits, as it was so different from the whole book! 😊

I enjoyed reading this book, as it shows how sometimes the right thing, out of your heart, can cause a disruption somewhere else. But we also see that sometimes to take a step back, away from home, can be the perfect opportunity to get everything back into perspective, and allow you to properly grieve. And only when you allow that grief, you can also understand the errors you made and find a way to set them back right.
And what better setting than sunny Crete, in a wonderful Villa! 😊 

To spend Christmas with the man you despise, the worst possible Christmas ever, right?

Synopsis

Two sworn enemies, snowed in over Christmas with chemistry that will melt the ice!

Nina Thompson has one Christmas wish: to avoid her brother’s obnoxiously handsome best friend, Tristan, like the plague. From the moment he humiliated her as a teenager to their escalating revenge schemes, Nina and Tristan’s relationship can only be defined as an all-out prank war! And there is yet to be a winner.

But it just so happens the ghost of Christmas present has other ideas. When Tristan unexpectedly crashes her family’s Christmas, Nina’s dreams of a peaceful holiday vanish faster than Santa up a chimney. Determined to end their rivalry for good, she braces herself for one last prank-filled showdown.

But when they find themselves snowed in, with no way of avoiding each other amongst the holiday festivities, they discover their heated exchanges have been masking a different kind of sizzle. Caught in a snow globe of holiday romance, they decide to let their fiery chemistry burn bright—but this is absolutely and unequivocally nothing more than a secret fling destined to melt with the snow, this is not a forever romance…

This Is Not a Holiday Romance is an enemies to lovers, brother’s best friend, forced proximity rom-com perfect for fans of Sarah Adams, Abby Jimenez, and Lynn Painter.

My review

Nina Thompson is happy to return back to her home to celebrate Christmas. But when she hears that her brother Dylan is bringing his best friend along, her mood quickly shifts. Because Tristan is the one person that pushes her buttons all the time since being teenagers. Nina never forgot how he humiliated her years ago, and things evolved to a continuous series of pranks, one more devious than the other. Even during the festivities their pranks keep on going, testing the patience of everyone around them. But when the Christmas Spirit pulls the perfect prank, by snowing everyone in. And it’s then that Nina and Tristan discover that what sparks between them is not only rivalry, but something more passionate. But no matter how much passion there is between them now, once the snow has melted, things will melt down for them too, or won’t it?

There are a few authors that put a smile on my face by just picking up their next book. I am excited before I even know what the book will be about. And Camilla Isley is one of those lucky authors, because I had the biggest grin on my face at the start, while reading and at the end of the book!

Nina is of course a wonderful character. I liked her from the very start as she is truly a warm and kind person. And the relationship with her family, is just amazing.

She is the kind of person that values the right principles and stand by her friends in time of need.

Yet it’s also clear that her pranking Tristan has a deeper even darker source. Even if the pranks are rather innocent, her disliking Tristan comes from what happened years ago.

What perhaps for Tristan was an innocent remark, even a joke, it affected Nina deeply. And that saddened me, because Nina is just is like I said a wonderful person. We see how words, spoken without a second thought, can have a lasting impact on people.

The pranks of course are hilarious, and I am happy that I still have the trust of eating an Oreo without being afraid of putting it in my mouth! 😊

And with a person like Tristan being the victim/ culprit added more to the fun!

Tristan is the typical kind of man that seemingly hit the jackpot, he has the looks, he has the brains and doesn’t have any financial worries.

But while for Nina he for sure is a cocky person, we also see a funny man, a kind man, a generous man, but most important, also a vulnerable man.

Because behind his flamboyant persona, there is a man that has been hurt by the people that should love him the most…

I could understand that the continuous bickering between Nina and Tristan is tiring for everyone around them, but they have now this “tradition” between them and they just cannot stop. Until the moment that one prank goes a bit too far and shifts everything between them…

I loved seeing dynamics change, how suddenly Nina and Tristan comprehend each other, how much for their rivalry was in fact just a misunderstanding, or just being teenagers. There is of course a physical aspect in their spark, but it goes much deeper than just “the flesh”. While snowed in, they spend more time together, they get to know the real Nina and the real Tristan. And that was truly beautiful to read, how these strong people find someone to open up to, to show their vulnerability with.

Of course with their fling being secretive, it’s written in the stars that their secret will come out. And of course that happens in the most terrible act.

But it must also be said, while I was angry at Tristan in that aftermath, I could also understand him why he made that choice… with his background, it made perfect sense, even if it was a terrible one…

Camilla Isley wrote once again a great story, showing us a great enemies – to – lovers tale. But also a tale about how we sometimes think in the wrong way about people. And how hurtful words can be. But it’s also about finding romance and love in the most unexpected way, in the most unexpected person. And that perhaps the most unperfect person is the most perfect person for you.

I easily devoured this book, perhaps even too quickly! But I cannot wait to see what story a certain brother and a certain best friend can make! 😊

When to chase a dream, you need the help of the man that broke your heart…

Synopsis

Join the residents of Railway Lane for one last magical adventure…

Globetrotting Libby Jacobs has lost her job but is looking forward to spending more time in her home village of Cranfield.

She dreams of turning her chocolate making hobby into something more permanent. There’s only one problem – Ethan Connolly.

Despite being soul mates growing up, Libby hasn’t been close to Ethan since their disastrous date at the school prom. But now he’s back and he has just what Libby needs… a large kitchen! But can they even bear to be in the same room together?

Ethan never stays in Cranfield too long as it reminds him of his parents’ terrible marriage. But when disaster strikes, he’s forced to stay and help realise his grandad’s dream of a Christmas train. Can the whole village help Ethan create a seasonal spectacular in time?

Can Libby confront her secrets and realise her dreams?

And can Ethan ever stop running from his past and trust his heart?

Perhaps the magic of winter on Railway Lane might just give Libby and Ethan a second chance after all…

My review

Libby Jacobs has flown over the whole world being a stewardess. But while initially the job sounded so alluring, Libby has been struggling with keeping a smile on her face with the more and more demanding customers. So when she loses her job, the only thing that worries her is the financial side of it. Because how can she now take care of her father, living on Railway Lane in Cranfield? Libby has no other choice to return back home too. But perhaps now Libby has the opportunity to follow her real dream and turn her chocolate making hobby into something real. However, in order to create her delicious treats, she needs a lot of room. Room that she doesn’t have at home. The only person who has a big enough kitchen, is Ethan Connolly. Libby and Ethan know each other since they were children, and have even been best friends. Until he broke her heart at school prom… Ethan also recently returned to Cranfield, even if he has no plans to stay for all too long. But when tragedy strikes, he needs to reassess his plans. Because now he has made it his goal to make his Grampa’s dream of a Christmas Train coming true. And even with him not believing in love any more, after seeing his parents’ marriage ending in disaster, having Libby daily in his kitchen makes him rethink about his ideology. But with secrets between them, and so much unspoken between them, is there a chance of finding happiness in a place that holds so much hurt for the both of them?

First of all, what a wonderful return it was for me to Railway Lane! Having read every book of this series, Cranfield for sure stole a piece of my heart, each character stole a piece of my heart and I was ready for Libby and Ethan doing the same to my poor heart!

Libby for sure from the very start has an air around her filled with confidence, swag and her job as a stewardess for sure is one that sweeps you off your feet. Or at least that is what Libby makes everyone believe. Because being a stewardess for isn’t all that glamourous at all. Beside the fact that even if she is flying everywhere, yet not seeing any of the places at all, I can for sure understand that her job isn’t all that easy.

People are being more and more demanding, even ruder if I dare say so, and for someone as outspoken as Libby, it’s difficult to always keep a smile on your face and not just say what you are actually thinking.

But even if losing her job is perhaps something that Libby doesn’t really regret, it’s the consequences of not having an income that worries her the most. And getting to learn her background, more about her situation with her father, the struggles she will have to face, that is what truly saddened me.

Because Libby has been through a lot, and even if she has had rebellious streaks at a younger age, it’s clear that she is a responsible woman. Even if the relationship with her father isn’t an easy one, she wants the best for him.

What also broke my heart a little bit, is that Libby truly passionate about making chocolate delights, as that connects her with her mother who has passed away years ago. Yet that passion is something that she has to keep hidden from her father, because as while for her it’s a lovely link to her mother, she doesn’t want to tell her father about it, as she believes it will only cause him more heartbreak…

Luckily, she can always count on her best friends, to help her out even when she is reluctant of asking for help. It was truly sweet to see how they not only seem to understand her even when she doesn’t open up about everything, but also how they join forces to make her dream come true.

And that is a common thread in this book, because the community of Cranfield is there to help anyone who needs a helping hand.

That is what Ethan experiences too. After seeing how the marriage of his own parents went down terribly, he has always been reluctant to return to Cranfield, making his visits as short as possible. And I couldn’t blame him, as the place holds so many not – so – nice memories…

But also in his case, despite his background and what he has faced in the past, the love he has for his brother, father and Grandpa is palpable from each page.

And to see the dedication he has to see his Grandpa’s dream coming true, truly shows what an amazing man Ethan actually is.

We also see how kind – hearted he is, allowing Libby to use his kitchen, even if the relationship with her is a strained one.

It takes a while for us readers to understand what truly happened between them. And I have to say, there was also a bit of a surprising discovery! 😊

I found it truly great to see how Libby and Ethan not only are spending more time together and around each other, but also understanding and accepting more about what it means being part of a community. But them spending time together is a great occasion to smooth things between them out. Because for sure there is a lot for them to talk about!

They both mature a lot in this book, admit their fears and understand that in fact in a way they have been hiding for a long time.

Once again Alison Sherlock wrote a wonderful story, about the importance of community, how it can help you, and let you grow. We also see how the mistakes of the past still affect you, and hold you back. But when you find surrounded with the people that truly care about you, you can let go of the hurtful past and look ahead to a bright future, with perhaps not with the person you expected to, but bright and wonderful for sure!

Are you just like me and cannot wait for release date?

Synopsis

An uplifting festive romance perfect for fans of Hallmark Christmas movies and authors such as Phillipa Ashley, Trisha Ashley, Sue Moorcroft, Rebecca Raisin and Donna Ashcroft.

Fleeing her heartache and horrendous job, Bella stumbles upon a December wedding in the beautiful village of Haileybrook and the spirit of the season moves her to act as a fake date to handsome stranger Jack.

Jack and Bella hit it off, but Bella has to leave in a hurry and their magical evening soon becomes nothing more than a blissful memory.

A year later, Bella is returning to Haileybrook, seeking a fresh start and a quieter life. With a new job close to her cosy cottage home, a peaceful Christmas is surely only days away.

But it’s not long before family surprises, small-town feuds and romantic drama disrupt Bella’s plans, and she has to wonder if being alone is what she really wants for Christmas …

Pre-order Link – https://mybook.to/BellasCC

Publication Date: 18th September 2024

About the author

Claire Huston lives in Warwickshire, UK with her husband and two children. She writes uplifting modern love stories about characters who are meant for each other but sometimes need a little help to realise it.

A keen amateur baker, she enjoys making cakes, biscuits and brownies almost as much as eating them. You can find recipes for over a hundred sweet treats at clairehuston.co.uk. This is also where she talks about and reviews books.

The cover!

Can a broken heart be healed while surrounded by your loved ones?

Synopsis

It’ll be a Christmas to remember …

Holly Berry is finally in a place where she can see her happy ending: a beautiful daughter, who’s growing ever sweeter by the day, a new home she can make her own, and – of course – her partner-in-crime, Evan.

But when tragedy strikes, Holly’s life is thrown into turmoil. And, perhaps in denial, she decides to cancel all of her Christmas plans in favour of some healing of her own.

She thinks spending time with Evan’s family will help, but it’s her own family she needs to be with right now. Luckily, they know this, and follow her out to the States to join her in her alternate holiday plans.

They say that time heals all wounds, and with her loved ones around her, can she hope for a brighter tomorrow…?

A heart-wrenching and ultimately uplifting story about friends, family and true love lasting forever, from the bestselling author of the Wildflower Lock series

My review

Holly Berry feels that she finally has it all, her sweet shop is running greatly, her daughter is a real delight and she has found her perfect man in Evan and she cannot wait to live together in the house they recently bought. Of course it took her a while to get here, so she is truly counting her blessings. With Christmas around the corner, and big plans in the making, what was meant to be a small getaway for the loved – up pair, turns out in a terrible tragedy. And Holly decides to not only cancel all the plans, but also to escape everything and fly over to the States, and stay with Evan’s family. Yet her own family and friends know her the best, and give her all the needed support even in the States. But with a heart broken that much, is there a chance of time healing all the wounds?

With this book, I made a terrible mistake. Because I have read the previous parts in the series, so I just started with this brand-new chapter without bothering reading the blurb. And that was a BIG mistake, because I was looking for a happy romance, only to have to discover that Holly is having her heart, hopes and dreams crushed, breaking my heart in the process too!

And this book for sure starts just like I imagined it would be, with Holly and Evan making huge steps forward in their lives together, Holly surrounded by her loved ones, and has just found the perfect balance in her wonderful life.

It was just so great to see how after everything, Holly and Evan are reaching their happily ever after, and that just everyone around them is cheering for them.

So with all these positive events awaiting the lovely pair, I was anything but prepared to see how it all fell apart. And in what a way!

I know that Evan did the right thing there, but did the outcome had to be so final? Even at night, after having put the book away, I was thinking of ways to have Holly heartbroken in a way, but not in such a final way.

It was devastating to read how Holly is coping in the aftermath. While I didn’t always agree with the choices and decisions she took, I knew that acting in that was, was her way of trying to deal with everything.

There isn’t a script to follow when grief hits you, you have to find what works for you, and you alone. And for Holly, what works is going to the States, to Evan’s family.

Despite the grief surrounding Holly and everyone else, it was also bittersweet to see that Holly has so many people around her, being there for her in any way she needs. Even if that means flying over to the States to be by her side.

It was pulling my heartstrings to see how also comfort was found with the people going through the same things as Holly was.

This for sure wasn’t an easy book to read, and I can imagine it wasn’t either easy for the author. Because we were all waiting for that happily ever after, to see it all fall apart.

But even if I had many ugly – crying moments while reading, seeing how the characters are coping with grief, each on their own way (by running away, reminiscing, and even blaming someone else), was good to read. Because like I said, life doesn’t always go as planned, dreamed or hoped. But perhaps time is indeed a good healer, and it will allow you to cry, despair but eventually also smile and remember about the happy times without having to feel the terrible ache in your heart.

When Christmas is about dreams, but not shared ones…

Synopsis

You are invited to spend CHRISTMAS ON THE CLOSE where each of the neighbours are celebrating in their own special way.

Veronica and Owen are looking forward to a happy Christmas on The Close with their friends and neighbours.

Their son, Travis, is due to take some important exams, but will he be able to concentrate when a serious crush derails his schedule?

As their fortieth birthdays approach, some significant celebration will be required, but how can Veronica agree to Owen’s life-changing request?

The fifth standalone episode of ‘Christmas on The Close’ shows how sharing a treasured life with someone does not necessarily result in sharing the same treasured dreams.

My review

Veronica and Owen love their life on The Close, and with their son Travis being a teenager now, Christmas Time is the perfect occasion to see what dreams they still may have, especially as both their fortieth birthday is approaching.
But Veronica is shocked to learn that Owen has a request that she never even thought about it. A request that will change their lives completely.
So this Christmas, Veronica has some serious thinking to do, beside worrying about her son Travis. Because not only Travis need to focus on his examens he is not sure he wants to take, but he is also determined to finally make a move on his crush.
This for sure will be a Christmas to remember for the whole family, but in what way?

Sometimes you don’t need an elaborated book to show the values of family, love and Christmas. Sometimes a short story about a family and their personal dilemmas and issues can be just the right thing to make you realize exactly that.

Christmas is always a time to think about the past, present and future. You think what has happened, where you are now, and what you hope there is waiting for you.
And we see here how Veronica is having the exact thoughts, also adding a self-conscious layer of doubt.
Because getting closer and closer to forty, can be a terrifying thought, and makes you indeed think about what you truly want to achieve before it’s “too late”.

Just like Veronica I was a bit shocked to read about Owen’s request, or rather question. On one hand I could understand him, but on the other hand, just like Veronica, I saw a mountain of possible issues.
But it’s also once again recognizable that when an important birthday approaches, you think about everything. Even if Veronica didn’t have the same thought as Owen, it makes her think about it…

And Travis, perhaps I was the most invested in his story. Because it’s not easy being a teenager. Not only does Travis is stressed about his examens, he is not sure which direction he wants to follow. And he has a huge crush on his neighbour!

I found it truly sweet how he wants to get noticed, going extra lengths for his crush. But I was afraid that his story of love would end in disappointed as there were several red flags…
Yet I also found it great to see how something unexpected happened for Travis!

I truly enjoyed reading this quick story, about a normal family ready for Christmas. A Christmas that will be remembered for different reasons, as choices are being made, realizations made and a Christmas that has been a real eye – opener for the characters!

When your life turns out to be a lie but also at risk, who to trust?

Synopsis

The first rule of undercover work—don’t get attached…

Pilot Elise Hughes left the family business in the Florida Keys and now flies the rich and powerful to and from the Rocky Mountains. When she has to execute a by-the-book emergency landing, it’s no big deal. But being stranded in a small town with her handsome new colleague is something else entirely.

Obsessed with getting justice for his murdered father, undercover FBI agent Eric Erickson believes retribution is finally within reach. Until things get complicated. And dangerous. And he’s forced to face a few too many realities—including Elise’s connection to a well-known crime boss.

After Elise is kidnapped by the same man who took Eric’s father, he has a choice to make—find Elise or exact revenge. Meanwhile she has a choice of her own—trust the dangerous family she never knew she had or the man who’s been lying to her from the start.

My review

Elise Hughes is a pilot flying off the rich and powerful people to and from the Rocky Mountains. While there is a clear difference between her and the clients, with a few of the clients she get better along than with others.
What she didn’t take in account is that for her latest flight, she is paired up with Eric Erickson. And there is just something about Eric that is just…
But when the pilots have to execute an emergency landing in a small town, and having them stranded there, together with their clients, Elise learns some ugly truths, also involving her.
Because not only is Elise kidnapped for her being related to a dangerous family, but also Eric is seeking out revenge for his father that has been murdered, by exactly the same people who kidnapped Elise. And now the pair of them have to make some important choices: can Elise trust the family who she just found, with all their baggage? Or will she trust Eric, who lied to her from the start, but also being the person that ignites something in her? And what will Eric do? Execute his plans for revenge and bring down Elise’s family? Or find the woman he cannot get out of his mind?

I have to admit, I don’t like flying, I have never dreamed of being a pilot or just anything involving being high up in the sky. But I for sure have the respect for people who made that their jobs. And being a pilot isn’t easy, and seeing how Elise managed to become exactly that, while it’s still seen as a ‘manly’ job, well she had my admiration from the start!

At the start of the book, there is a lot we don’t know about Elise. Well, to be honest, Elise doesn’t know herself yet… But what we know from her, saddened me. Because she discovered that her father, the man she idolised, wasn’t as great as she always thought he was.
And it also broke something between her and her siblings, as her brothers seem to have posthumously forgiven him, but Elise just cannot…

But even if as a reader it isn’t a complete surprise, Elise’s true background is a shocking one. She never could have imagined what secrets have been being kept from her, only when it’s too late.
Now, I don’t know how I would react in her situation, but I liked her for standing her ground, fighting back and even trying to figure out an escape plan.

And she is lucky to have an ally, in the shape of Eric Erickson, even if initially they just don’t seem to get along…

Beside the name of the character, which was a bit a too easy choice (until further on we discover the truth about this too), Eric is everything I expected from this type of character.
Yes, he is on a revenge mission, but he doesn’t cross a line, or has a lack of the rules. As an FBI agent, he knows that things need to be done the right way, or no way.

But what I liked the most about Eric, was how he can shift his focus. Because while initially his only focus is on revenge, with this growing between him and Elise, he realizes that the woman he is starting to fall for is more important than getting even.

It also needs to be said, it was a bit difficult to “accept” in a way everything that was happening, as there for sure is A LOT. But I also believe that it’s purely to blame that my world and Elise’s and Eric’s are just so far from each other. I know that there is some serious bad sh*t in the world, but I have been living in a rather “clean” one, if you understand what I am saying? I have never encounter just a snippet of the character’s world, so in a way I am blissfully unaware of it 😊.

I for sure enjoyed reading this first book from a new author. It has suspense, danger, but also romance in it. We see characters grow, mature and understand the way of the world. And with that understanding comes also learning to prioritize what truly matters.
And as this is the first chapter of a series, I cannot wait to discover what else the author has in store for us! 

Isn’t this cover making you want to pick up the book and read!?

Synopsis

Christmas cheer was dead, to begin with.

The world rests on Eliza’s shoulders. The kids, her husband, work, her elderly mother and don’t forget her newest friend, perimenopause. It’s too much to carry, but she’s been doing it for years. It’s just what a good wife and mother does, isn’t it? 

When another Christmas rolls around, Eliza is drained by all the expectations and logistics of the holiday season. She’s fast approaching her breaking point, only no one around her notices she’s on the edge.

After an incident at her in-law’s on Christmas Eve brings things to a boiling point, she finds herself with three unexpected visitors. The spirits of the past, present, and future take her on a journey through her life to shake her out of the rut she’s gotten into. Their messages leave her with new possibilities: reconnect with her past, reclaim her present, or forge a new future, and you, the reader, decide which option is best! 

Pre-order Links

https://books2read.com/u/3kw7gO
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0DDHX2854

Publication Date: 15th October 2024

About the author

Alana Oxford is a Michigan author of romcoms, sweet romance, and humorous women’s fiction. She wants her stories to bring sunshine and smiles to her readers. She enjoys improv comedy, moody music, everything book related, and has an ongoing love affair with the United Kingdom.

The cover!