How life goes after different choices at a crossroad…

Synopsis

‘Bea was always early for everything. Even, it turned out, when she was running away from her life.’

As Christmas approaches, Bea Preston has a choice.

Looking up at the departures board in Heathrow airport, her flight to New York boarding soon, she knows that getting on that plane changes everything. Her life in London has grown stale, her relationship with boyfriend Dom has run its course, and New York has always been her dream. But it’s a risk – she’ll miss her parents, her friends, her job.

What if Bea could live both lives? In one she goes back home for Christmas, and in another she heads to the Big Apple. Would her fate remain the same, or can one decision really change everything?

In a grand sliding-doors love story that spans oceans, years and lives, Clare Swatman’s unforgettable tale of fate and friendship is perfect for all fans of Jojo Moyes, Beth Moran and Ruth Jones.

My review

Bea Preston is not the kind of person that easily breaks people’s hearts. But this Christmas, will be different. Because the closer the happiest time of the years approaches, the more doubts Bea has about her life.
That is why she finds herself at Heathrow Airport, ready to board for a flight to New York. Even if her life in London is not what she wants from life, and her relationship with Dom seems to have had its best course, is New York the solution? Because she will leave also her loving parents and family behind.
When just a few moments before boarding, she receives a phone call, she needs to decide what to do: follow her plans and head off to New York for a fresh start, or return home to the comfort of her life as she has always known…

Haven’t we all wondered once where life would take us if at one specific moment we would have made a different decision?

In this amazing book we have a glimpse of what would happen in any of the two options. And to make it even more intriguing, there are time jumps, so each chapter is a new year, in each situation. And it’s obvious that a lot can happen in a year, in a lifetime.

Bea is in so many ways recognizable and relatable. Even if we don’t know why exactly she wants to escape London, it’s clear that it’s something that is truly bothering and affecting her.
But beside her trauma, I truly liked Bea. She is perhaps someone that wants to please people too much and follows their opinions instead of following her own heart and head.
Yet that doesn’t take away that she truly is a caring woman, a loving woman that in fact doesn’t want to hurt anyone.

Nevertheless, that doesn’t take away that sometimes you have to be ‘selfish’. And this is where Bea’s life splits in two: we have the Bea that thinks about what she truly want, and thus heading off to New York. And then there is Bea that listens to those around her and returns back home.

I had perhaps a preference of which storyline I preferred. But even in my favourite one, we see that life can throw several curveballs, making you reassess all the choices you made.
And those curveballs at moments also angered me, in both storylines, as I was cheering for Bea and I wanted her to be happy, no matter what choice she makes.

I found it amazing of how this author managed to let have Bea similar experiences, as events in both storylines overlapped. That somehow made me believe that no matter how much you make your own choices, some things are in a way already written in the stars for you. And no matter what, it will bring you in that spot where Fate wants. Sometimes it will take a longer time to get there, but eventually the goal will be reached.

A truly wonderful story, with a whirlwind of emotions, showing us not only the many ups and downs of life, but also that a lot can happen that will change the course of your life. We see the difficult choices that life presents us, but no matter what, we also see that one way or another, there are loving people around us, supporting and cheering for us.
Oh and I also need to warn you: yes, while reading, you will be singing a certain song with the same title! 😊

An interrupted wedding, a past that resurfaces…

Synopsis

A year ago, Viking Stefan’s clandestine marriage to Saxon maiden Ædwen was torn apart by the shocking discovery that her father murdered his family. Unable to forgive his wife for hiding the truth, Stefan left. But now word reaches him that Ædwen is about to wed again…

Forced to marry at her father’s command, Ædwen’s stunned when Stefan bursts through the church doors and announces that she’s already married—to him! As the warrior steals her away passion reignites, but can Ædwen ever trust Stefan again when he left her alone, devastated—and carrying his baby…?

My review

Saxon maiden Ædwen isn’t looking forward to her forced marriage, arranged by her own father. But for the sake of her secret, she has no option.
But when the moment has arrived to speak the vows, she is shocked to have the wedding interrupted by Stefan, a Viking Ædwen has a past with. Because one year ago, Ædwen and Stefan spent time together, and had also fallen in love, until Stefan discovered that Ædwen’s father is responsible for the murder of his family.
Stefan wants to stop the wedding for his own reasons, as Ædwen is already married, to him… And he takes her against her own will with him. Yet he didn’t expect old passions to resurface that easily. Nevertheless, Ædwen is not ready to trust her old lover and husband again, especially as he already abandoned her once, and leaving her pregnant and alone…

I always enjoy reading stories about Vikings. I always enjoy reading stories about second chances. So of course I enjoyed reading this story, as it just has both! And as it’s from the hand of an author I know, things couldn’t just get any better!

I felt sorry for Ædwen, because not only did she lose the love of her life, Stefan, a year ago because of something her father did, but she is also forced to marry a complete stranger. And the only reason she is agreeing with it, is for the sake of her daughter that has been taken away from her, by the same person (a.k.a. her father) that arranged the marriage.
Just how much can someone endure???

To make things even worse, she is doing whatever her father wants, because of her daughter, only to see it all crash and burn with the reappearance of Stefan…

Now, you would think it would be a joyous moment, the past lovers, or rather the married couple, being together again. But it’s the absolute contrary! Because Stefan not only doesn’t trust Ædwen as she kept it a secret from him that her father is responsible for his family to be killed. But he also believes that Ædwen did even something more horrible…

I could understand both characters, them being very wary of each other, not trusting each other and even keeping secrets from each other.
But while there is still a lot of mistrust, I loved it reading how after everything that has come between them, that passion that they once had for each other, is still there, ready to be ignited with the more time Ædwen and Stefan are spending together.

It was sweet to see how despite the one year that they were apart, how at ease they are with each other. And with ‘at ease’ I mean their subconscious just recognize each other…

We also see that trust needs to be built (again). Especially with a year since seeing each other the last time, and how it ended sourly, it’s clear that things won’t be solved that easily. There is not only a lot to talk about, to clear the air, but there are also new revelations that need to be digested.

There is one thing that was rather frustrating for me… and I am saying this on a funny note, so don’t go panicking! 😊 do you have any idea how annoying it is to write the name of  Ædwen (constantly copy – pasting the first time I typed it…) or just knowing how to pronounce that name? 😊

But I can easily say that I truly enjoyed reading this story about second chances, about forgiveness and about understanding. And most important, how love can and will always find a way, and even give you the greatest surprise and reward of them all!

How lives can change in just 24 hours…

Synopsis

What would you do if you had just twenty-four hours to change your life?

Ailish Ryan has been in hiding since her husband’s affair ended their marriage. But when a friend forces her to face her new reality, will she choose to revisit the past or embrace a brand new future?

Ailish’s daughter, Emmy, thought her boyfriend was nothing like her cheating father, but now she’s not so sure. As the hours pass, she turns detective to find out if she picked the right man, or if history is repeating itself.

Grandmother, Minnie Ryan is on a mission to deliver a very special gift to a lifelong friend. But will grit and a touch of divine intervention be enough to overcome the obstacles that fate is putting in her way?

Dario Moretti has spent his whole life working in the family business, but now it’s in trouble and he’s all out of options. Will he have the strength to let it go, even if it means hurting the people he loves?

The clock is ticking… but will twenty-four hours be long enough to heal four broken hearts?

My review

Ailish Ryan hasn’t been herself since the discovery of her husband’s affair and the subsequential divorce. Instead of learning to embrace her new life, she went into hiding and has been letting things go.
But the news concerning her best friend is perhaps the perfect occasion to turn things around?
Also Ailish’s daughter Emmy, is going through a difficult time. Because discovering that her own father, who seemed to be perfect, could be a deceiving person, scarred her too. And with her boyfriend acting weird lately, Emmy is afraid that she will make the same discovery her mother made not so long ago.
And Emmy’s grandmother, Minnie Ryan, has a special mission of her own. Because with the support of her husband, she wants to give a lifelong friend the gift of a lifetime. But will it be so easy as Minnie hopes it will be?
All the above is happening while Dario Moretti has to make the most difficult decision, as the family business has not recovered since the pandemic… But will everyone accept the choice he eventually will make?
So many decisions and choices that will affect everyone’s life, in only a time span of 24 hours…

When the timespan in a book is only 24 hours, it may seem impossible to have a captivating story. Well, perhaps in many cases that would be, but not when it’s a book written by Shari Low. Because once again, I found myself completely submerged in this wonderful story!

Of course initially it takes some time to put all the pieces of the whole puzzle of the main characters together. But luckily we have a great help for that at the start of the book! 😊

Each main character, Ailish, Emmy, Minnie and Dario, have had a lot in life, no matter how young or old they are, but all four of them have also lost, or are on the verge of losing a lot, with some kind of heartbreak being involved.

I was sad for Ailish, because a few years she thought she had it all, a great family, a loving and devoted husband and even the relationship with her mother – in – law, Minnie, is a good one.
But to discover the unfaithfulness of your husband, and the way she did, I can understand why Ailish has been struggling since then…

But it was also sweet to see how the news concerning one of her best friends, is the little nudge Ailish needs to make a change. With the right incentive, and even some good – meant blackmailing, we see not only a change in Ailish’s exterior, but also the realization that standing still, even hiding, is not the answer. No matter how much someone and the past has hurt you, you have to look forward and chin up!

We also see how one choice affects more people than you may initially think. Because the affair and subsequential divorce, isn’t only affecting Ailish, but also broke something in Emmy. And that is an aspect that is often overseen. No matter how old the children may be, still a minor or already an adult, it also breaks your own heart.
We see how Emmy, who used to be close with her father, saw him as her hero, now saw that image totally crushed. And it also affects her own relationship.
Of course it doesn’t help that her boyfriend is acting weirdly, and for sure I could understand her suspicions, only fuelled by the history of her father’s choices…

Minnie’s tale for sure broke my gentle heart… She is the kind of granny that everyone wants. And the love she has for her husband is so obvious in everything she does and says to him. I truly admire couples that after so many years together still have that fire of love burning. Their lives together have had their ups and downs, but most of the flashbacks put a bittersweet smile on my face.
Bittersweet , because right from the start I had an idea of what was going on, and I even was a bit afraid of the direction Shari Low would go with this wonderful character…

Dario’s story was perhaps different compare to the tale of the three generations. But that doesn’t mean it was less in any way. In his story we see how the pandemic is still affecting people and businesses, as now – and let’s be honest about it – we live slightly differently compared to the
pre – pandemic time. Not only are the prices of just everything still rocketing high, and if I look at myself, I am not that eager of eating out any more. And there is also of course the overload of possible choices…
As Dario is running a family business, he not only has a legacy to keep, but the restaurant is also his own son’s future. So having to make the choice isn’t easy, as it affects more than just him…

Yet I would have loved to go to this kind of restaurant myself, because it’s a family restaurant in the real meaning of the word. When you are there, you are treated as one of them. There is so much warmth and love that you can feel from just reading, so imagine if you were there for real…

I loved seeing how all these different stories were entwined. Obviously Ailish, Emmy and Minnie were linked as being part of the same family, but seeing how also Dario was somehow linked to the women, was really great.
And I absolutely enjoyed reading how much can happen in just one day. It can truly be a life – changing 24 hours! And with learning the background of each character, it was a delight getting to know them better.

Shari Low for sure knows how to captivate her audience! Her stories are always heart – warming, heart – breaking, bittersweet but also realistic. There is never over  the top events taking place, and the main characters are complex just like real people. And this story is luckily for us, loyal readers and fans, not the exception!

When opening an old time capsule is a real eye-opener

Synopsis

Becca Burnside isn’t sure where it all went wrong. How did she end up single in her forties, with the highlight of her weekend being a trip to Big Asda with her mum and the only chance of cuddles coming from her dog?

It’s fair to say that Becca’s life isn’t quite where she’d hoped it would be. She already knew that, deep down, but when she finds the time capsule she and her friends made as teenagers and remembers the hopes and dreams sixteen-year-old Becki (with an i) had for the future, she knows she has to do something, and fast.

Refusing to be controlled by her hot flushes and Unexplained Waves of Sadness, Becca is determined to turn things around – for Becki’s sake. But what will it take to prove there’s life in the old girl yet?

My review

You can say a lot about Becca Burnside, but you cannot exactly say that she is living the life being in her forties. As a divorcee, she doesn’t really comes out of the house, she isn’t in a relationship with anyone, her twins are away studying, and beside her best friend Niamh, she has the most contact with her own mother.
It’s only when she learns that the mother of her former best friend Laura has passed, that something changes in Becca. It’s after all that when someone is gone, you start to think about your own life, and regrets. With the rekindling of the lost friendship, and the find of an old time capsule made with Niamh and Laura, that Becca understands that she has to make a change, for sixteen – year – old Becki (as she called herself back then).
But between hot flushes and Unexplained Waves of Sadness, can that change truly happen?

I have read several stories with main characters older than myself. And in the cases in the past, o course there were obvious differences, but in this book, the difference between Becca and myself were way more obvious.
And I mean this in a good, way, because what Becca is going through, is in that aspect way more realistic, as life isn’t always rainbows and unicorns.

I think that many women in Becca’s situation will recognize themselves. Well, to be honest, in a few I could even recognize myself! 😊
When we were teenagers ourselves, didn’t we all think we would change the world and that our parents were always in the wrong? And how many of our big dreams have we actually achieved in retrospect?

But also it’s true that sometimes friendships end and pride and stubbornness stay in the way of bonding all over again. And it’s only when something heartbreaking happens, that pride and stubbornness don’t matter anymore…
Perhaps it isn’t easy to regain that same friendship again, but with baby steps nothing is ever truly lost.

Sometimes we also need a good kick in the you – know – what to realize that in truth, you aren’t living your life at the fullest, but you are just standing still. And that is what happens with Becca opening the time capsule. She realizes that she hasn’t achieved that much as Young Becki would think she would.

I found it heart – warming to read how strong old friendships can be, yet also how fragile they can be. Yet no matter what happens, a friend in time of need is a friend indeed.
And it was great to see how these three friends are able to give that nudge to each other, in not just remembering their dreams and friendship of the past, but also in motivating in looking ahead and not just give up in any way.

Perhaps this wasn’t exactly the book that I expected it to be, because I had in mind that this would be an over the top hilarious book, where I would wipe away the tears of my face as I would be laughing too hard. Because I know this author, and I always truly loved her books. But while this book for had some great laughs, it wasn’t always a world where everything goes right…
Yet that is also the beauty of the book, because the author portraits life just as it is. With friendships gone bad, hot flushes and Unexplained Waves of Sadness, these things are so recognizable for everyone, no matter what your age is (well, perhaps not the hot flushes, but you know what I mean 😊).

I truly enjoyed reading this book, as it made me think about how life can go, but also how the values that matters the most, can withstand everything, even the biggest fights.
I liked it how this amazing author is able to write about perhaps subjects that are still a bit taboo. For sure an example that more authors should follow!

When the suspect of a new murder is a person that dislikes you but needs your help…

Synopsis

A local gossip is about to get her just desserts!

Life at Hopgood Hall is never boring, but Alexi Ellis hopes that there will be no more murders for the time being – she’s solved four already and is getting a reputation in the local area for being bad luck.

So when local gossip Polly Pearson arrives at Hopgood hall, Alexi knows this can only mean bad news. Polly has made it clear that she dislikes Alexi, and has campaigned for her to leave Hopgood Hall forever – so what could Polly want?

Then Polly reveals that her partner, Gerry has been found murdered in her B&B and that she is the main suspect! Alexi, her partner Jack and Cosmo the cat are all left speechless. More so when Polly begs Alexi for help improving her innocence.

But Alexi isn’t sure she wants to help this spiteful gossip. Is she really innocent or as deadly as the police believe her to be?

My review

After four murders at Hopgood Hall, Alexi Ellis hopes that no new murders will be taking place, or she will truly believe that she is a bad omen…
Yet Alexi is more than astonished when Polly Pearson, local gossip and number one in bad – mouthing about Alexi, needing her help. Because Polly’s partner Gerry has been murdered in her own B&B and Polly is the main suspect.
But is Alexa willing to help the worst gossip out? Together with her partner Jack and Cosmo The Cat, Alexi starts to do some digging and they are all astonished learning that nothing is as straightforward as it may seem…

Starting with this book, gave me a bit mixed feelings. Because while I loved returning to Hopgood Hall and seeing Alexi and her friends and loved ones (and Cosmo😊) again, I knew that another murder would be taken place. All while I wanted nothing more for Alexi and Jack to have the time to just enjoy each other.

I have to say, I don’t know if I would be helping out Polly, taking in account the way she behaved towards Alexi. Okay, even if being accused of murder is a serious matter, I would only point her in the right direction and then I wouldn’t be bothering about her anymore. That only shows how kind Alexi truly is…

Of course I also think it’s a matter that Alexi and Jack are also a bit curious 😊 Did Polly truly did it? And if she did, why did she do it?
And even if all the clues point towards Polly and the police is only focused on her, it can never be bad to have a fresh view on things and look at other possible suspects…

The more I got involved in this story, the more I started to see red flags just everywhere. Everyone was a suspect, everyone was a possible murderer. And while murder is never the right solution/answer, well it’s save to say that victim Gerry wasn’t holier-than-thou… He for sure used women and people in general for his own benefits…

I was a bit shocked to see Jack’s ex making an appearance, and disliked her from the first entry. Not only because she acts like she’s all that, and seems to be some kind of a threat for our power couple. Yet I was happy to see how Alexi and Jack are still as strong as before! But that doesn’t mean I kept on being wary of the ex, and I was glad to read that my gut feeling was still spot on!

There are definitely several twists and turns in this book, as the plot keeps on thickening, and more people enter the scene. Secrets are being uncovered, the suspense keeps on increasing.
But do not worry, as this book, just like previous ones in this series also keeps its lightness. There are several moments that put a smile on my face, and yes, Cosmo is the main smile – creator! He for sure is a force to be reckoned with. And it was also sweet to read how this feral cat has an attitude but also a kind cat heart!

I truly enjoyed reading this story as it was the perfect combination of lightness, suspense, but also with a bit of lovely romance! 

Secrets to hide, secrets to be revealed…

Synopsis

A brand new autumnal story of love, believing in yourself and starting over set in the Scottish Highlands

For Bailey McArthur, her family and job mean everything. She runs her own floristry shop and loves spending time in nature in the pretty town of Heather Moore, whilst desperately trying to forget about being jilted on her wedding day.

When journalist Zach Stern arrives in town asking questions about a famous actor, Bailey decides to throw him off the trail of the superstar hiding out in the Scottish Highlands.

But despite Bailey’s efforts to thwart Zach’s investigation, she finds herself falling for him. It’s just a shame she can’t be honest with him. But then, Bailey might not be the only one with a secret to hide…

My review

After being jilted at the altar and learn about her fiancé’s true colours, Bailey McArthur has started all over again as a florist in Heather Moore. Nobody knows about her past here, or about her background, and Bailey is perfectly fine with it! So when she meets retired yet still famous actor Ezra King, she understand better than anyone why he seeks the anonymity of the Scottish Highlands. With a new and sweet friendship being formed, Bailey sees it as her duty to protect Ezra from vultures as paparazzi have heard that the mighty King may be residing in Heather Moore. And no matter how much journalist Zach Stern claims to have good intentions and wants to write a right story, Bailey does not give in. Because no matter how much she tries to get rid of Zach, she also cannot stop falling for the guy… But with her own secrets to keep, and more secrets from others are being revealed, is honesty going to make or break everything?

What a delight it was to read a new chapter in the Scottish Escapes series of this wonderful author! I was totally ready to find myself drawn into another great story, knowing I would love every bit of it!

Initially, I pitied Bailey. Is there anything worse for someone to not only being jilted at the altar, but also learn that the person you love, as just been playing you before disappearing? I don’t so…

But I quickly also had to admit that what Bailey does after that horrible lesson that she learned, was courageous and made me feel even a little bit in awe of her.

It’s not for anyone to pick up the pieces of her life again like that, pack up and start a brand new business!

I was a bit curious to get to know Bailey better, as it’s clear that she hiding her real identity at Heather Moore. But I could also understand why she keeps that a secret, even for her own employees and the people living in the Highlands.

Because unfortunately, we all are still being condemned in a way for the actions of our past, and not seen for the person we have become and are now.

And florist Bailey is just a wonderful person! it would have been so easy for her to get in a downward spiral, yet she turned a terrible experience into the chance to start over again, and pursue her dreams and passions!

Despite her fear of being discovered who she really is, she enjoys her new life and she is truly happy with what she has achieved in a short timespan and is confident that this life in the Scottish Highlands is meant what she has always been supposed to do.

Even if her life completely changed, she is also the kind of person that understands why someone needs to get out of the spotlight and needs to be anonymous. I found the tender friendship between Bailey and (even if just fictional) the great Ezra King truly sweet to read.

She just gets Ezra and wants to protect his privacy at any cost, even if that means playing a ruse when journalist Zach Stern arrives.

Just like Bailey, I was very wary of Zach. Not only because he was a bit too persistent to my liking, but because he also seems to be keeping a few skeletons of his own in his closet…

But on the other hand, I also understood Bailey’s attraction towards him. That same annoying persistence is also very attractive. And I could absolutely believe how Bailey cannot resist his gaze. And at the same time, ‘despite’ his job, he emanates trustworthiness.

Now, there are many secrets in this book, and for your own pleasure, I won’t go into them here. But just like it always is with secrets and revelations, everyone acts differently when the truth comes out. And sometimes it may be the right directions, but sometimes – and most of the times – it’s the wrong reaction. Which is in a way understandable with the shock of learning that truth, but it is what we do with it after digestion.

The choices we make, the secrets we keep, the revelations we make, they can all take our lives in an unexpected direction. But it’s up to us to make the best of that new direction. Because of our past, we may have new and significant encounters, understand ourselves better and understand what matters in life.

Julie Shackman wrote another great new chapter in an amazing series, showing us the warmth of the Scottish Highlands, but also the resilience of people, the heart of people. And it doesn’t matter who you were in the past, but who you are now and what you do in the present. And also that forgiveness can take you far in life and in love…  

When the search of your younger sister brings you into the ninth century…

Synopsis

A bond that even time cannot break

Storm Berger has never forgiven himself for his younger sister Madison’s disappearance. Suspecting she’s travelled back to the ninth century in the footsteps of other family members, Storm can only make sure she’s safe by going after her. 

Raised unconventionally as her father’s only child, Freydis has never been content to simply accept her fate. So, when she’s promised in marriage to a tyrant, she’s determined to find a way out of the arrangement. Help comes in the form of a mysterious and attractive stranger stranded on her island’s shores: Storm.

The only way Freydis can truly be free is for Storm to marry her himself. But that would mean entwining lives that, until now, have been separated by centuries. . .

My review

Storm Berger has never forgiven himself since a year ago his younger sister Madison disappeared into thin air. He has the suspicion that Maddie, just like his other sibling, has found an ancient but magical artefact, that transports you to the ninth century. Now Storm wants to find such an artefact himself, to find his sister back. After a long search, he finally has such thing in his hands, and indeed it brings him in the ancient times of the Vikings and he crosses paths with Freydis, a young woman who has a will of her own. A will that makes her a strong adversary in fights. But when forced to marry a tyrant, Freydis needs to find a way out of the arrangement and a way to gain her own freedom. And for some inexplicable reason, she may find that help in the form of the stranger recently arrived on her island. A stranger that is nothing like any other man she ever met, but if Storm is her only way out, who is she to refuse his help?

Those who know me, know that I am rather sceptical with stories that involve magic, time travelling, or other things that are rather impossible. So I see you already thinking: “So why Tizi, if you are not liking that kind of stories, have you read this book, that clearly has some magical things in it?”

Well, because, this series got me hooked and I just had to read it!

My heart went out to Storm from the very start of this book. The guilt he carries around since his younger sister went up in thin air is paralyzing him, it’s his only thought to find Maddie again. And yes, as a reader we know where Maddie is, and Storm for sure also has an idea where (or in what era) she is. But I could understand that he needs confirmation that Maddie is doing just fine, wherever and whenever she is…

Yet somehow, Freydis’s story was even a sadder one… Being an only child, even a real Daddy’s girl, she was raised more like a boy than a girl. She is a strong young girl at the start of the story, and it was sad to read how after losing her father, her own mother just sends her off, after her new marriage. From the start it felt fishy to me, but in a way, I was happier to see Freydis go somewhere else than staying with her mother that clearly dislikes her own daughter…

If only Freydis would end up in a happier place… It angers me to read where people use their powers to their own benefits, forcing people to do what they want, not taking people’s feelings in account at all.

Despite having everything against her, Freydis can luckily count on one person always being on her side, in the form of loyal Joalf, who keeps training her and is a real ally.

This isn’t the kind of book where the moment Storm enters Freydis’s world, they fall head over heels in love, they cannot stay way from each other and profess their undying love in the matters of days or weeks.

And I was happy for it! Because to be honest, I don’t believe that people fall in love that easily. In lust, yes, but love needs to grow and that only happens when you get to know someone better in time.

So I found it so sweet to see how time passes by, and Storm and Freydis get closer, even without realizing it. They have respect for each other, they understand each other and want to help each other out.

Of course, it was also a bit funny to see how a Storm from the 21st century is adapting to the 9th century. And while he does a great job at it, of course some slips are inevitable.

And it isn’t easy to explain the way the world runs now, with equality, to people of another era.

With growing feelings, yet unspoken, and things taking an unexpected direction for the main characters, I found myself rotting for this couple. Even if at moments they were so infuriating frustrating! If only they dared to speak out and confess their true feelings! It would have spared the both of some headaches and heartaches! 😊

In more than just one way, I found this truly a power couple. Together they are a force to be reckoned with, their strengths enforce each other even more. And even if the truth is difficult to understand, and living in a whole different era (both for Storm and for Freydis), having each other and having someone to trust completely, makes it all easier to digest and comprehend.

I truly enjoyed reading this story, as it shows the power of not only a magical artefact, but also the power of love. How it can emerge at the most unexpected time and way. And how with love, in fact, nothing is impossible!  

Is what the Lady wants, what the Lady truly needs?

Synopsis

Autumn, 1816…

Lady Ashby is grieving the death of her beloved husband, just two years earlier. Although still young and beautiful, Isabella is resolved never to marry again, and plans to leave London, return to her parents’ Yorkshire house, and resign from society before the year is over. But first, she wants one more taste of life…

Isabella has written a list, the contents of which, if discovered, would create a scandal that neither she nor her family would recover from. A list of things she would like to experience, just once more, before she surrenders herself to the life of a widow. And she knows just the man to help her: her friend, handsome and honourable Captain Leo Winterton.

But Captain Winterton has a secret of his own. He is in love with Isabella – and when she makes her most improper proposal to him, he is powerless to resist her, even if she is resolved never to love again. Can he persuade her they are destined to be together? Or will their impropriety be discovered, to the ruin of both?

My review

Lady Ashby is a widow who decided to never marry again. She has been deeply in love with her husband and it almost broke her learning about him passing almost two years ago. She doesn’t care that she is still young enough to remarry, as she already had the great love of her life. Isabella is ready to resign from society, but not before she can enjoy one last time from life. And to do that, she has written a list, a scandalous list, with things that she wants to experience before retreating. And the man that she thinks is perfect for the job is Captain Winterton. He is respectable and honourable, but also in love with Isabella. So even when he knows that Isabella only wants to use him for her own purposes, he cannot refuse the offer she made. With love not being on the table, and a scandal on the verge of being discovered, whose heart is on the line?

I like it when in a book, especially set in an era where a woman is due to follow strict rules of society, decides to just to what is best for her, and not care what society may think of her.

Of course Lady Isabella Ashby’s story is a sad one. She dearly loved her husband, but he was taken from her way too soon. I could understand her that she doesn’t want to marry again, as she only has place for her late husband in her heart…

I admired her for not wanting to remarry her, as she would only marry for the right reason, being love, and not just out of easiness. She doesn’t care what society may think of her, as her mind is made up.

But I also was a bit in awe of her, as she is adamant on enjoying at least one last time the perks of life. As she has written a list with what she wants to experience, I was a bit curious what all the items of that list were 😊.

Obviously, in that era, and perhaps even in our current times, such a wish is seen as something scandalous, as it’s not how a Lady should behave. Not only is there the risk of being discovered, but also the fact that you need to find an accomplice that is trustworthy and that will be keeping the secret. And clearly not letting feelings get into the way.

Captain Leo Winterton is the man that Isabella has set her eyes on, and I could comprehend her choice. Not only as a Captain he emanates respect, but he is clearly also trustworthy. Yet the more I got to know him, there is obviously a vulnerability in him, I even dare to say a cuteness in him 😊.

As he is a man, it’s understandable that he cannot resist Isabella’s proposal, which man would?

But like I said, there is something vulnerable in the Captain. And rather quickly we get to learn the real depth of his feelings for Isabella. So it was sad to see that Isabella does not want to see what his feelings are and for sure doesn’t reciprocate them.

In this book we also see that Isabella’s feelings or desires are being understood by women around her. Women that aren’t afraid of their own sexuality or interest in it. Isabella isn’t being condemned by those close to her, on the contrary.

And it was funny in a way to see that her female companions are even more eager to see Leo succeed in finding a loving woman, and enjoy that love and happiness. The women, who aren’t strangers to us readers of the series, are even up to scheming to see their plans succeed! 😊

Obviously there are many heated moments, but it isn’t in a shocking way. Sometimes the imagination of an author can go too far, making it awkward to read those spicy bits. But in this book, while we clearly read what it happening, it is written in a ‘readable’ way, I didn’t have the need to skip those bits for being too weird to read.

There is perhaps one thing that was a tiny bit strange, and it was about Leo’s hairiness… it was weirdly hilarious to read that bit, and seeing how a nickname was lovingly used. But that is purely on me, as I now had myself a too big of an imagination? 😊

I enjoyed reading this story, because it’s about a young woman wanting to live her life how she wants it, and not how someone else, or society dictates her to live it. It’s about a woman knowing what she wants, and how to get it.

But it’s also about understanding that no matter how hard you fight against something like love, it cannot be stopped. And it’s up to you to get rid of the fear of loving again and also understand that loving someone else doesn’t erase the love you had previously. And that perhaps you can have the greatest reward of them all, no matter how unexpected or impossible it may have seemed in the past!  

To get your life and career back on track, but at the cost of love?

Synopsis

For Beatrice, working at one of London’s boutique hotels is a dream come true. She doesn’t need a social life. She just needs an ordered diary, crisply folded sheets and happy guests. But Beatrice’s routine comes to an abrupt halt when her hotel is raided by the police. Suddenly she finds herself released on bail, and trapped in London, with only the hotel chef Jock for company.

Having decided to make the most of their situation, Beatrice lets her hair down – figuratively and literally – for the first time in her life. And incredibly, despite the threat of possible prison around the corner, she finds she loves every moment spent exploring London in Jock’s company.

But all bubbles have to burst, so when the pair are released without charge, it’s time for Beatrice to get her life, and her career, back on track. She can’t let a little thing called feelings get in her way… So why can’t she forget Jock, even when her career dreams look set to become reality?

Beatrice may like to keep life fully booked, but can you ever really be too busy for love?

My review

Beatrice has a busy job working at one of London’s boutique hotels. Even if the owner, Madame Dufour, for some reasons doesn’t want to make some logical and sensible changes, Beatrice enjoys her job. So to say that Beatrice is shocked when everyone at the hotel, herself included, is being arrested for running illegal business, is the understatement of the year. Luckily, Beatrice and hotel chef Jock are being released on bail, even if they now have a curfew to follow. Finally Beatrice has free time to explore London, and who better to do that than with the person that is in the same situation, namely Jock. When the pair is being released without charges, Beatrice now has to get her life and her career back on track. Even if that means to accept a temporarily job working for a company shooting a brand-new reality show, set in Mallorca. But no matter how stunning the place is, or how close Beatrice is to achieve her own dream, there is one thing, or rather person, she cannot forget… But she is too busy to let love have a place in her rather hectic new life, right?

Ooh the happiness I felt when I started with this book… just indescribable! I know that Phoebe MacLeod is one of those authors that write stories that put a smile on my face.

I am one of those people that always believe that other people are good people. No matter how much I joke around, I never see something evil in someone’s behaviour. So of course I could understand how Beatrice didn’t see any signs of what was going on in the boutique hotel. If you don’t know what you’re looking for, how can see it?

Unfortunately, Beatrice (and I) also believes that if you are innocent, the system will be able to clear your name. So I could understand her not seeing the need to get legal help. But having seen also too many crime shows, I also know that not getting any legal assistance may not be the best idea ever…

I found it truly sweet to see how Beatrice and Jock, finding themselves limited to the hotel and the curfew are getting closer and truly bonding. So that made me think that the story would be mainly about Beatrice and Jock discovering London together, getting closer and yeah, you know what I mean 😊

So in that aspect, I was a bit disappointed because I had this whole storyline already in my mind and I wasn’t getting that kind of story! But that doesn’t mean that I didn’t enjoy reading it! 😊

Because the main part of the story is about Beatrice and her time in Mallorca, and her also chasing her dreams.

Seeing Beatrice in Mallorca was just great. We see her at ease, being comfortable around Rosa, but also how she can bring the contestants of the reality show at ease. She is able to give the right advice, she understands them and give them a nudge in the right direction. But we also see how her recent past, what happened in London, follows her.

And I found it important that the author, through her book, addressed the issue of internet trolls. It’s easy to condemn someone you don’t know with just writing things online. It’s easy to talk badly about someone without knowing the whole story.

It was inspiring seeing Beatrice finding the courage to talk about it on a podcast, showing everyone how hurtful even online words can be.

What saddened me in this book though, was how Beatrice was treated by her parents. I understand that when you are working in the hospitality, reputation is everything. But doesn’t family prevail over business?

But what put a smile on my face was the moment that Beatrice starts to chase her dream for real. It may seem like just that, a dream, with no chance of turning into reality. However, Beatrice finds a determination to make it happen, and with help from a lovely new character, she can see her vision becoming reality.

And I was glad that in a way, the realization of that dream was a walk in the park. Because that is not how things work in real life. Beatrice even makes a few mistakes, wrong choices, making me a bit angry at her. But on the other hand, I could also understand why she had to compromise at some points.

Now, I haven’t talked about Jock that much in this book. And that is not because he isn’t a great character or love interest. But it’s more that he isn’t just that present in this book. Like I said, this wasn’t the story I was expecting, and thus Jock wasn’t that big of a part of the book as expected.

We see him at the start of the book, and he for sure makes a great impression. But then he is just doing his own thing, only to physically reappear towards the end of it. Yet that doesn’t take away that the memories of the time they spent together aren’t filling up Beatrice’s mind.

While this was not the expected story, I found this truly a great and inspiring story to read. It’s about getting your life back on track after a disastrous event, it’s about daring to dream big and pursue that dream. But it’s also about making mistakes, and trying to rectify them.

And also, it’s about finding the right balance between a career and a dream that may consist of more than you thought. Phoebe MacLeod once again wrote an amazing story, which didn’t surprise me at all!

When doing the right thing bring you to volunteering that brings you to…

Synopsis

BRAND NEW instalment in the warm-hearted romance series from Sarah Hope, for dog lovers everywhere!

Life begins outside your comfort zone…

Book-keeper Megan has always lived life by a set of very rigid rules, but with impending divorce papers on the horizon, she throws herself into a new challenge.

She finds solace and purpose in her volunteer work at a dogs’ home but with finances tight, and soon-to-be ex-husband Lyle controlling her purse strings, she might have to trade the work for something more permanent.

But spending her time in the fresh countryside air, Megan discovers a glimmer of hope for a new beginning, finding strength, love, and the promise of a brighter tomorrow – and maybe, even possibly, a new romance.

A cosy and heartwarming romance set in the beautiful Cornish countryside, perfect for fans of Sarah Bennett, Jo Bartlett and Philippa Ashley

My review

After discovering what her husband Lyle was up to, Megan decided to do the right thing and not choosing his side in the battle. She even realized that the man she is married to isn’t the man she once fell in love with. Now that the divorce papers are ready to be delivered, Megan is also ready for a new challenge. And to make amends for the mistakes of Lyle, she also wants to volunteer at The Wagging Tails Dogs’ Home. Megan starts to enjoy her new life, and she realizes that she doesn’t have to pay for her soon – to – be – ex – husband’s mistakes, and that nobody blames her for anything. But just when things start to look up for Megan, that same Lyle seems to be on the path to be destroying whatever Megan has been slowly building up for herself…

It needs to be said, I was over the moon with this new instalment of such a heartwarming series! While each book has a different main character, it is always great to return to a place that is so wonderful and inspiring!

Megan is also a character that is inspiring. Because previously she even went against her own husband, which must not have been easy. And subsequentially, she also decides to leave her husband. Not only because of Lyle’s actions but also because he isn’t the man she once loved. And slowly we also see that Lyle  has more nasty characteristics than we could possibly imagine.

What made me like Megan even more, was that she wants to make right what her husband has being doing wrong. Even if there is absolutely no need for it, as she is absolutely not at fault!

That only shows what a righteous person Megan is.

It saddened me to see how she, even if she isn’t to blame for anything, she is afraid that someone will judge her for Lyle’s actions. Even at the Wagging Tails Dogs’ Home she initially prefers to not draw any attention, but lurks in the shadows, so to speak.

But of course everyone working at the Wagging Tails are amazing people, as they see Megan for Megan, and not as the wife of despicable Lyle. And obviously I wouldn’t have expected anything else from these wonderful people!

And once again they also show that once you are part of the Wagging Tails, you’re part of the amazing family too!

I truly liked reading how Megan is finding not only her joie de vivre again, but also is trying to find her own purpose again. She starts to enjoy her new life, even if it’s a big change from her former life. She slowly also starts to see her own worth again, understands what she has lost while being married to Lyle and now she is slowly regaining it all, with her own forces.

She is working so hard to rebuild her life, so I could strangle Lyle for his reappearance and what he is doing to Megan. We see his true, nasty colours… And it broke my heart to see how it affects Megan and in which dire situations she finds herself in. Some people are just so ugly and nasty, especially towards people that deserve happiness…

Now, of course there is also a love interest involved. But you will quickly realize that while it is lovely to see Megan opening up for love again, that is not the focus of the book. Because the author shows us that sometimes you need to take matter in your own hands if you want to have a happy and fulfilled life. Or at least that is what has been imprinted in my mind after reading this book 😊

Of course, spending time at the Wagging Tails means also dogs… and I for sure could understand Megan falling in love with Cindy. Who wouldn’t fall in love with that dog? But we also see how important it is what they do at Wagging Tails, and how important it is to match the right person to the right dog (and not the right dog to the right person…).

This book was so easy to devour, even if there were some hard bits to read through. But Those bits were nothing compared to the determination, strength and love in all its aspects that emanates from every page. Because no matter what happened to you, happy days are in fact ahead if only you find the courage to step away from what you have always known, but was so wrong…