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!

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 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!