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!

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…

When the laws of Regency can take everything away, there is the mystery of life and its curveballs

Synopsis

In Regency England, twenty-seven-year-old Leonora Appleby is considered by many – herself included – to be beyond her most eligible marrying years. With her childhood home, HasterleighManor, soon to be taken over by the heir to the land, George Lockwood, Leonora has happily resigned herself to a quiet life as a country Miss.

But life has a way of springing surprises and the return of the brooding war hero Earl Rokeby, presumed dead on the French battlefields, to the magnificent neighbouring Rokeby Abbey has the village atwitter with speculation. Earl Rokeby has returned, scarred in mind and body, with news for Leonora’s best friend Charlotte Blythe – news that will change everything.

Now Charlotte and Leonora must travel to Town for the Season and take their futures and fate into their own hands in the whirl of balls, parties and gossip. But will either of them return to Hasterleighwith a husband and a fortune, and what other secrets does the devastatingly dashing Alistair Rokeby have up his silken sleeves…

Sunday Times bestselling author Jane Dunn brings the Regency period irresistibly to life. Perfect for fans of Jane Austen, Janice Hadlow, Gill Hornby, and anyone with a Bridgerton-shaped hole in their lives.

My review

Leonora Appleby is a young twenty – seven – years old woman. Yet according the Regency standards, she has passed her best years, and marriage seems to be no longer in her plans. Not that Leonora is depressed by this fact, but she is sad that her childhood home, will be taken over by the heir of the lands, George Lockwood. Yet Leonora is sure that she will truly enjoy her life as a country Miss. With the return of her neighbour, Earl Rokeby, Leonora cannot suspect what changes that will bring not only to her own life, but also to the life of her best friend, Charlotte Blythe. Because Alistair Rokeby reveals a secret about Charlotte’s parentage that will shake both women’s world. And that even will bring the friends to Town for the Season, where their lives will take a turn for the unexpected, filled with gowns, balls and glamour. But also with even more secrets and schemes… All this while Leonora is more captivated by the haunted – by – war Rokeby…

While I absolutely enjoy reading stories taking place during Regency, I am also very much aware that actually living in that era is absolutely nothing for me. I am for sure that at my age, I would be already be seen as an old spinster, no prospect of marriage or having children. And let’s not talk about loud and outspoken character! 😊

There are too many absurd rules to take in account, rules and expectations I could never live up to. And women for sure are seen as weaker, not expected to have a mind of their own.

So right when I started with this book, I liked Leonora, because despite everything that was expected from her by society, she ahs made her own life, and lived it like she wants. She does not dream of marriage, but she wants her peace and quiet. Yet she also knows, that being the only child and being a daughter, she cannot stay in her childhood home, Hasterleigh Manor. But she is happy enough to be staying in a nearby cottage whenever the heir, George Lockwood, decides to take up residency.

I truly found Leonora being a character living in the wrong era. Yet I also felt some kind of pride towards her, because she still does what is right for her, and not what is right for society. Yet she does what is right for the people she cares about, even to protecting those who are having a more difficult time than her.

Her first encounter with Rokeby is an odd one, as Rokeby isn’t for sure acting as a Prince Charming. I didn’t know what to think of him myself, as his behaviour and his questions go from one way to another.

Yet despite his peculiar behaviour, I couldn’t not have sympathy for him. Because what he had to endure during war, truly scarred him, literally and figuratively speaking. He has also been keeping a secret for so many years, and that has been weighing on him.

Rokeby for sure is an enigma for greatest parts of the book. But the more he is living in Rokeby Abbey, and is somehow spending time with Leonora, there is more light in him, there is, to say it with his own words, more music in his life.

It also needs to be said, I was pleasantly surprised by George Lockwood. Being the heir of Leonora’s home, it would have been so easy for him to play King of the Castle (or rather, Manor). Yet that is not who George is. He is this kind person, understanding and also just finding his place in the world.

Obviously I also need to talk about Charlotte, as she seems to be somehow an important key in this story too. Hers is a sad background, as she has been abandoned as a baby, but that doesn’t take away that she has been raised by lovely ‘adopted’ parents.

Yet the truth about her parentage links her with Rokeby and gives her a better prospect in life, but also with the revelations and the world knowing about it, opens the gates for vultures and even people wanting to tarnish her family’s reputation.

But beside Charlotte’s family secrets, she is also Leonora’s best friend. The love between the friends is so clear and genuine. These two women have the same vision on so many subjects, and have a great connection.

Perhaps there is one tiny remark I have, as I believed that maybe, just maybe, there were a few too many twists in this book. I could understand why the author added them, as it for sure added some more drama in it. But for a few, it felt like adding drama for the dramatic purpose, and not exactly giving an extra in – depth layer to the story itself.

But that doesn’t take away I enjoyed reading this story, about strong women, haunted Earls and a desire to find happiness, joy, love and music in your life. Obviously this doesn’t come easy, as the path to the end goal is filled with schemes, fear and miscommunications. But isn’t reaching the final goal worth it?

Doesn’t everyone deserve an all – consuming love, but what if it puts you in danger?

Synopsis

Pemberley Presents…

After an absence of twelve years, Dominic Sanford returns to his dilapidated estate on the borders of Pemberley a troubled man. Journals have recently come into his possession that bring into question the accident that killed both of his parents and suggests they could have been murdered. Dominic will know no peace until he discovers the truth.

Georgiana Darcy feels an immediate attraction towards her brother’s engaging friend. Determined to be of service to her neighbour, Georgiana scours her own father’s diaries and discovers disquieting information about illegal activities at the time of the Sanfords’ demise.

As Dominic and Georgiana delve deeper, they uncover a fiendish web of organised criminality fuelled by thirst for revenge against Dominic. Georgiana unwittingly plays a major role in the miscreants’ plans and by involving her, Dominic has placed her directly in danger’s path. Can he save the woman whom he has come to admire, or will Georgina’s daring have pushed her too far into danger?

A sparkling continuation of Pride and Prejudice perfect for fans of Bridgerton!

Please note: This book was previously published as Miss Darcy’s Passion.

My review

Georgiana Darcy enjoys living with her brother and sister – in – law at Pemberley. She dreams of finding the same kind of love that Mr. Darcy and Lizzy have, but she is also a bit afraid that any man that shows interest in her, is more interested in the perks of being married to her, and not for love of Georgiana.

When Dominic Sanford returns after twelve years to his estate, bordering with Pemberley, it’s clear he has many worries. Luckily he can count on the old friendship with Mr. Darcy. And he for sure needs all the help he needs, as he is adamant on discovering the truth of the accident that killed both his parents.

That also means that Georgiana herself is helping, with reading the journals of her own father, trying to find some important clues to what happened in the past. Yet Georgiana finds herself more and more attracted to Dominic, and she finds herself acting more daring than she ever thought.

But what neither of them expected is to uncover a web of organized criminality, with people who are set on taking revenge, at all costs, endangering both Dominic and Georgiana…

With the original P&P and even with the previous books of this series, I was very curious and eager to read a story with Georgiana in the spotlight.

Because at first, she is this shy young woman, carrying around a lot of guilt and even shame for a mistake made in the past. Yet slowly, under the supervision of her brother Mr. Darcy and the encouragement of Lizzy, we have seen her flourish.

I truly liked her seeing evolve into a real delightful young woman, who knows what she wants yet still has to discover how to achieve it.

Georgiana has been living for too long in the shadow of Mr. Darcy, but she also needed this living in the shadows, because she is rather young and needs someone to guide her. Especially as there are many vultures out there, more interested in her money than in Georgiana herself.

In the precious books, there seemed to be a love interest in the making, and I was happy for Georgiana to see that. So perhaps I was a bit surprised to not only see Georgiana’s interest diminish, but also having a new possible love interest entering the scene.

Yet quickly I understood why the author made this choice, as Dominic Sanford is the kind of person and neighbour that is just so easy to like. In his case, what you see is truly what you get. And what you see and get for sure is a real gentleman, a kind person, a warm person, a person also set on discovering the truth, but also a person that keeps his head cool in dire situations.

It was sweet in a way to see Georgiana getting infatuated with Dominic, and to see how her feelings are just growing stronger. There is this instead connection between the pair, showing us that sometimes an unexpected return can give you what you have been dreaming of for a long time.

I have to say, while the first book was in a way totally not focused on love, and the second was completely focused on love, this book was the perfect mix of love and mystery in a way. Because Dominic wants to uncover the truth, and finds allies in Mr. Darcy and Georgiana.

We see Georgiana getting more and more confident in this book too, finding courage, and also follow her instinct. Even if that brings her in dire situations… But we all know what love makes us do…

Of course it was great to see Lizzy and Mr. Darcy too, and seeing  once more. Their love is truly one to be envious of. Although… towards the end everything this power couple has been building, could be falling into pieces as the most terrifying seems to be happening. But even during the darkest moments of this couple’s life together, seeing their deepest feelings was heartwarming in a strange way.

In this book we see Georgiana growing into the magnificent characters we already knew she was, but it has been just hidden. Seeing a character flourishing was truly amazing. I liked it to see how she tries to understand not only her feelings but also the depth of them. She also turns out to be kind of bad – ass, ready to fight for her loved ones! And yes, you can take that literally! 😊

Two holidays, same destination, ten years between them.

Synopsis

Three friends, a Balearic promise and a summer that could change their lives forever…

For twenty-one-year-old Belle Madden her first holiday to Ibiza with best friends Gem and Laurie was memorable for all the right reasons: partying the night away, planning a future filled with big dreams and making a promise to return in ten years to celebrate living their best lives – hopefully…

Fast forward a decade and Belle is desperate for a change. Eager to escape her relationship troubles, she jumps at a job opportunity that takes her back to the White Isle.

Despite loving island life and her new job, Belle realises something is missing. With their busy lives the three friends have drifted apart, their friendship fractured. Remembering their promise to return, Belle seizes the opportunity to organise a reunion holiday.

After the initial excitement of being back together in Ibiza, cracks start to appear. A lot can change in ten years. Dreams can be shattered, love lost and hope destroyed. And when secrets are revealed, long suppressed emotions begin to unravel…

Will Belle repeat her past mistakes or can a second chance summer be the beginning of a happy-ever-after for friendship as well as love?

My review

Ten years ago, twenty – one – years old young women Belle, Gem and Laurie have the holiday of a lifetime on Ibiza. As their holiday was filled with partying, dreaming big and even flirting around, the three ladies agree to return to Ibiza ten years from now, to celebrate their friendship and their best lives. But a lot can happen in ten years, and while Belle, Gem and Laurie are still friends, it isn’t the same as it was before. And for sure they haven’t achieved their best lives as they thought they would. As Belle is ready for a change, and get some distance after the end of her relationship, she accept a job offer that will bring her back to Ibiza. And her new job couldn’t be a better opportunity to reunite with her friends, and fulfil their promise of ten years ago. However, this will turn out to be a challenging holiday, in more than just one way…

I have read several books of this amazing author, and she for sure had taken me to amazing places. For sure her books have made my bucket list of places to visit longer! But while for sure the settings are always captivating, it’s the story itself that is just terrific!

The main focus in this book is on Belle, as ten years ago she had a fling with Diego during her stay on Ibiza. And that one fling in a way set her off any other man, as no one could compare to Diego.

We see through flashbacks how Belle is enjoying her stay there, and how she was enthralled by him.

But while she is acting like the typical twenty – one – years old young woman – as she should – she also shows the kind of person she is. Because no matter how much she longs to spend the last night with Diego, when her friend Laurie needs her, she doesn’t hesitate and choses her friend above Diego.

But the way she has been clinging for too long to the thoughts of Diego, somehow irritated me. Because let’s be honest, all that have had a summer fling, throughout years we have all been able to see what that fling has been, just a lovely time for that moment.

With the help of the flashbacks in this book, as a reader I already had a good inkling how the storyline of Belle and Diego would evolve. And thus I wasn’t at all that surprised by Diego’s reaction when he reencounters Belle…

While in a way it was a bit sad for Belle, it was also what Belle needs to truly understand what happened ten years ago.

It gives her the chance to put everything in the right perspective and move forward with her life.

I have to admit, I am always a bit jealous when I read about friendships that have lasted and are still lasting for decades. While I have close friends, those friendships formed during my school – career haven’t lasted the test of time.

And perhaps the friendship between Belle, Laurie and Gem is a more realistic one. Because with years the friendship changed, also with the “help” of their holiday ten years ago.

But it’s also a fact that life can take different directions, that life pulls you in different directions. We see clearly how these three friends are still holding on to their relationship, but as they all are in a different stage at life, and with different characters, it isn’t always that easy. And then there are of course secrets that have been kept for too long too.

The three women reuniting, reliving their memorable holiday, the writing’s on the wall that there will be some minor explosions. But the only question is, what will the reaction be when the word is out of what happened in the past, and how none of the women were able to talk about the struggles in their lives?

Of course there is plenty of room for romance in this book. And it for sure warmed my heart seeing how even the most closed – off of hearts was able to open up in this book and believe in love, and a chance at happiness again. Even if it isn’t an easy journey to get to this insight.

But the more I was reading this book, the more I realized that this book is about love. But not only in the romantic kind of love. Because we see how three friends at loss (because that is what they are, in their own way), trying to find their ways back to each other.

And that is what made this book so beautiful, as we see how fragile friendship can be, but at the same time also how strong and resilient it can be.

Every house has its cross to carry…

Synopsis

A mile outside the Cotswolds, everyone knows everyone in Honeystone, and for many years the villagers have lived quiet, steady lives. But a wind of change is here…

Anthea is the new owner of Spindle Hall. A renowned perfumer who lost her sense of smell, she’s not interested in making new friends. Yet somehow that seems impossible in this idyllic village.

Years ago, Peony left Honeystone with a broken heart, and now she has returned with it freshly bruised. Her single father, Robert, is struggling with slow business at the Hare and Thistle pub. Perhaps this time they can help each other?

Izzy has never known what she wants to do in life other than be at Raspberry Hill Farm and care for her little niece, Clover. But when a new doctor shows up in town, she starts to wonder…

A story about the magic of ordinary people, no one does heartwarming stories like Kate Forster. Welcome to Honeystone, you can rest here.

My review

Living in Honeystone, in the Cotswolds, means that you somehow know everything abut everyone and that everyone knows everything about you. So even if Anthea, the brand new owner of Spindle Hall, is looking for peace and quiet after a failed marriage and losing her sense of smell, what is terrible for a perfumer, and she isn’t interested in making new friends, the village finds ways to make her befriend some inhabitants. And one of those people is Peony, who left Honeystone years ago with a broken heart. But now Peony has returned after a break – up, and is looking for making a new fresh start, with the help of her father Robert and his pub. But Peony wasn’t expecting to cross paths with Izzy that quickly. Izzy has never left Honeysuckle, especially now that her brother Connor, who is also Peony’s ex – boyfriend, and her niece Clover need her. Yet she cannot stop wondering if that is what life has in store for her. And then a new doctor arrives in town…

How often do we think we know what is happening in someone’s life, but in fact we only know what people are allowing us to see?

But isn’t it true that in a small village, just like Honeystone, for sure people know more than we may think!

In this book, there are several main characters, from every range of age. And every character show us that each and every one of them is carrying a burden, in all a different way.

There is Anthea, after a failed marriage, barely surviving Covid, and having lost everything she has built for so long. It saddened me to read what she had to overcome, and I could understand why she just wanted to be left alone. I am not a perfumer myself, but who doesn’t enjoy a nice scent? And we all have had colds that took our sense of smell away. Yet do you remember how happy you were when you could smell again? Great feeling, right? So not being able to smell again, while it was such an important thing in your life, I could comprehend Anthea’s devastation! And when something like, I could for sure understand why Anthea wanted to just lick her wounds on her own, not wanting to be around anyone else.

But what you wish for, isn’t what you need, as Anthea quickly realizes. Because no matter what she claims, she finds herself befriending not only Izzy, but also Peony, Robert and Dora. And we see how not only she becomes inspired by the people and Spindle Hall itself, but also how in a way she is the inspiration for her new friends, and even more.

Perhaps my heart went the most out to the character of Peony. Of course also the other leading ladies’ story was a gripping one, yet Peony…

The end of a relationship is always a difficult moment, even if it was something that everyone saw coming from miles. In a way, it feel like a failure, because you loved that person and yet it didn’t last.

But Peony now has returned to Honeysuckle, a place that caused her heartbreak in the past too. And the man that broke her heart is still living in Honeysuckle, so meeting him is just inevitable… Were that only the last of her problems…

Izzy made me feel that her life was rather stagnant. She has never left Honeysuckle, and her main focus has been her niece Clover, as Clover hasn’t had an easy start in life. But with Clover now ready to go to school, where does that leave Izzy?

Let’s not forget about Dora, whose life with Barry isn’t all sunshine and rainbows. With her story we see how manipulative people can be, how someone that is supposed to loved you, can drag you down, belittle you and just make you feel useless…

So it was truly heartwarming to read how these women, with their families, find each other. Despite their own issues, they find a way to help each other, to support each other and just be there for each other in time of need.

I truly enjoyed reading this story, as it shows how no matter what direction your life took, with re-meeting the right persons in your life, you can get it back on track. And that sometimes the right place to do that, can be the most quaint but also most nosy place, like a little village in the Cotswolds.