It may be cold outside, but when on a cruise that will warm your heart…

Synopsis

Pack your bags for the adventure of a lifetime…

From the #1 bestselling author of The Cruise, embark on an unforgettable journey and sail through Norway’s winter wonderlands to see the spectacular Northern Lights.

________

Will the Arctic wonderland work its magic this winter?

Joy never imagined stepping aboard a cruise ship without her husband, Tom. Now widowed, Joy wonders what her voyage on the Emerald Dream will hold – and as it glides through breathtaking Norwegian fjords, she longs to believe in happiness again. However, she carries a secret that could unravel her fragile hopes if it ever came to light…

Elsewhere on deck, as the sun dips below the horizon and the polar night sets in, Henry, a lifelong bachelor, is living his dream of seeing the Northern Lights. Having long since given up on love, he now dedicates himself to his passion for photography. But when he meets Joy, is it more than the aurora borealis that catches his eye?

As they embark on a snow-dusted adventure which takes them from bustling ports to reindeer-drawn sleigh rides, will Joy and Henry find the courage to embrace love again? Or will hidden truths sink the possibility of a new beginning?

A heartwarming, feel-good voyage of self-discovery, romance and second chances, perfect for fans of Sarah Morgan and Judy Leigh.

My review

Joy never imagined to go on a cruise without her husband Tom. Yet now she is ready to step onto the Emerald Dream on her own, ready to see the beauties that the Nordic countries holds. Yet Joy is worried, being on her own isn’t easy, and she hopes that the loneliness she feels right now, will be there during the whole cruise. However, Joy quickly makes new friends, who welcome her and they all form a close group. One of her new friends is Henry. As a longtime bachelor, he has given up hope on finding love. But not having found love, doesn’t mean him not pursuing his dreams. And thus he is taking the cruise to finally see the Northern Lights. It quickly becomes clear that Joy and Henry share the same opinions and thoughts. And the more the cruise is coming along, the more time they are spending together. However, are the both of them ready to let love in (again)? And what about the secret that Joy is keeping?

I have to admit, while it seems great to be on a cruise, I don’t think I will ever go on one. First of all, remember Titanic? 😊 And second, I need once in a while a moment to escape everything and everyone, and when on a cruise ship, there aren’t many options, are there? 😊

But of course that doesn’t mean that I cannot enjoying reading book that take place on a cruise ship 😊.

At the start of the book, it is clear that Joy is trying to cope on a new life as a widow. Everything in the past has been done with her husband Tom. It for sure seemed like they couldn’t be without each other.

So of course I felt sorry for her, because it can be a scary thing, to start a new adventure on your own. At the same time I admired her too, because there would be no way I would go on a cruise on my own!

We also learn rather quickly that while Joy is forming friendships, that there is something that she is hiding. She has a secret, keeping it all to herself. And it takes a while before the real secret comes out, but there are also a few moments where we get glimpses of what may have been transpired.

And here we see that we don’t know what is taking place in someone’s life, we see only what they allow us to see…

Even before I knew what Joy had been through, I was happy to read how she finds her tribe in a way. A tribe, a bunch of new friends, who are more than willing to get to know her, and even remain friends after the cruise is over.

I have to say, while the blurb focusses on Joy and Henry (more about him later on), we get to know each of the table sitters a little better. And the most were marvellous characters, there is one couple I think I would get into a real fight with! And yes, you will know who I am talking about when you are reading the book yourself😊.

We see how each relationship is different, how each couple has its own struggles, whether those issues truly matter is another question. And we see different characters, how one can be open and warm, while someone else is jealous and thinks to be better than others…

Luckily, Henry is one of the good guys in this book.

Perhaps Henry is also a bit naïve in a way, because he doesn’t see and understand how his kindness can be misinterpreted. And with him not clearly explaining clearly the kind of relationship he has with his neighbour, it also causes some misunderstandings that could have been easily avoided.

In a way, I felt sorry for Henry, because he is one amazing man, yet he didn’t manage to find love in his life. And I felt connected with him for that reason, because no matter how amazing I am (😊) love is still not around…

So obviously I was happy for Joy and Henry finding each other on the cruise ship, and having this connection. I was also happy about the pace of how things are evolving. While there is a liking, they aren’t joined by the hips, and still enjoy doing things on their own. Yet when there are moments them doing the same activities, by sheer coincidence, the sparkle in their eyes truly warmed my heart!

What I enjoyed about this book, is how (important) friendships can be created on even a limited place like a cruise ship. When you meet someone, place or time doesn’t matter, because what is being built is something important and lasting.

And it doesn’t matter what age you are, or what you have already been through in your life. The right people will support you, help you and like/love you just for you being you. And isn’t that what truly matters? And it doesn’t always have to be an important romance relationship, because the friend – kind of relationship is just as important!

When attraction is building but not with the man you are going to wed…

Synopsis

A spicy, forbidden love Viking romance

Their forbidden tryst…

Is treason!

Helena’s spent her life preparing to be the Byzantine Prince’s bride. But when his cruel disinterest turns her position perilous, she finds salvation in fierce warrior Viggo. As the Prince’s personal guard, he knows her betrothed like no other. Could Viggo help her win his affections?

Only, Helena swiftly discovers the man she craves is not her husband-to-be…but thrillingly rugged Viggo! To act on their desires would be committing treason. Getting caught could be fatal. And yet, resisting their illicit connection feels like a fate worse than death…

My review

Helena grew up not only knowing being a disappointment to her father, but also just having one goal in life: becoming the Byzantine Prince’s bride when the time arrives. Everything she knows and loves has always been in function of what the Prince knows and loves. So when she finally is the woman the Prince wants to wed, Helena believes that her life is going to change for the better. Can’t be any worse, right? Well, that is until Helena realizes that the Prince is not interested in her at all, and makes sure that everyone knows his disinterest. Her only hope is now that the Prince’s personal guard, Viking Viggo, will help her in winning the Prince’s affection. However, the more time Helena and Viggo are spending together, the more Helena realizes that everything she starts to feel, from attraction to ravings, aren’t directed towards her fiancé, but towards that scarred Viking. And Viggo sees that Helena is nothing like all other women, that she truly has a kind and generous heart. But acting upon his feelings, means betrayal on the highest possible level. So with the impossibility of acting upon their feelings, where will that leave them?

I was a bit afraid of reading this story. Not because I doubt the talent that Sarah Rodi has, but because while I love reading Viking romances and Regency romances, I did not know how to feel about this story taking place in Byzantine.

Because even if it stated that this is a Viking romance, it is obvious that this is a different kind of story, even if Viggo is a Viking himself, it doesn’t follow the ‘rules’ of a Viking Romance. But in the end, does it matter if it is a Viking romance, a Regency romance or a Byzantine romance? What matters is that the story captures your attention, that you love the main characters and that in the end you are left with a happy feeling.

Right from the start, it is clear that Helena has a mission in this book, to conquer the heart of the Prince. And while I can admire that kind of determination, it is also obvious that in fact, it isn’t a mission of her own choosing, but one that has been dictated by her own parents.

Everything Helena has done in the past, has been taught in the past, has been to turn her into the perfect bride for the Prince. And it saddened me make that realization, because it isn’t out of love that Helena’s parents want this union, but for their own (financial) benefit… And that lack of love from them is palpable from the pages…

It was also sad to see that once Helena has indeed become the bride – to – be, things aren’t turning out to be as she expected. Of course Helena knows that it isn’t an union out of love, but she for sure hopes that at least the Prince shows some interest in her. Which he of course doesn’t…

And that made me even more sad than I already was. Because all that Helena wanted, was first of all, get away from her unloving parents, and find someone that gives her what she has been longing for a lifetime.

In a way, in the palace, Helena is feeling lonelier than ever, as her own freedom is even more limited now. So even if things didn’t start that smoothly between her and Viggo, I was happy that at least someone cared about her.

It would be easy to dislike Viggo at the start of the book, as he is working as a guard for the Prince pure to gain coin to start a new life elsewhere.

But it is easy to judge someone just on appearances, and without knowing their backgrounds. It became rather obvious the more I saw of Viggo that in fact he is just a big friendly giant, with his heat at the right place.

He and his sister didn’t have an easy time growing up, but now he is doing everything he can to provide for her and protect her from the evils of the world. He has already gone lengths to protect his sister, but would move heaven and earth for her even now.

And then there is the way he acts around Helena. Even if she is a complete stranger, and he clearly misjudged her character, there are several moments where he not only warns her but also protects her.

So ever slowly, Viggo starts to understand that Helena is in a way so very innocent, gullible. She never had the choice to make her own choices, discover what she likes and loves. And challenges her to think for herself.

And Helena starts to see that this big Viking has a soft heart, wanting nothing more than protect his loved ones.

While I was reading, and seeing how closer the pair of them were getting, I kept wondering how things could possible work out for them, because going against the Prince is just impossible. Even if it is going against a prince I truly disliked from the very moment.

But like I said earlier, it is easy to judge and dislike someone without knowing the whole story. And while throughout the whole story, my dislike for the Prince perhaps even kept growing, towards the end, the pieces of the puzzle all fell together, making me understand his actions and making me even feel sorry for him… And it confirmed the fact that with great power comes great responsibilities, but it also add limits to what you can do and feel…

What amazed me in this story, is the journey that both Helena and Viggo are going through. Helena learns who she truly is, what she likes, dislikes. But she also learns that she is a helper. When there are people in need, in any situation, Helena wants to help out those in need. Even if it is at risk of her own safety, she doesn’t care.

And then there is Viggo. This big, gentle yet fierce protecter. He takes his job very serious, but he also prioritizes the right things. He won’t let anyone hurt his loved ones. But he is also a very patient man, and somehow a teacher, as he is the one that opens Helena eyes for real.

Like I said, initially I was a bit afraid of disliking this Byzantine story, yet I found myself so quickly drawn into it, wanting, no, needing to know how Helena and Viggo’s story would evolve.

How long can you hang on to a past that will never return?

Synopsis

When life changes in an instant, how do you find the courage to begin again? ❤️‍🩹

A&E doctor, Eve Bellingham’s life changed forever the night her fiancé Max was the victim of a brutal attack. Now, two years later, she has moved her life to Cornwall and is working at St Piran’s Hospital, helping his family cope as Max struggles with his devastating injuries.

But though Eve’s loyalty has never wavered, the man she loved is gone. Annie – Max’s mother – still clings to the hope that one day everything will return to how it was, but Eve isn’t so sure it ever will. Torn between duty and despair, Eve feels trapped in a life that no longer fits.

Then she meets Felix Grainger, the dedicated occupational therapist helping Max towards independence. With kindness and quiet strength, he awakens feelings Eve thought she’d lost forever.

To seize her second chance, Eve must risk breaking the only family she’s ever known. Because sometimes, letting go is the bravest way to begin again.

My review

Eve Bellingham had it all just two years ago, until one brutal attack destroyed her fiancé’s life and thus also hers. In order to have Max properly taken care of, not jus his family, but also Eve made the move to Cornwall. Even if Eve knows better, Max’s family, especially his mother, believe that one day the Max they all knew and loved, will return. However, at the moment Max is working hard to just gain his independence back, together with occupational therapist Felix Grainger, which is easier said than done. Though Eve hopes that Max will get better, she has lost the man she loved with all her heart. And even if her loyalty is always with Max and his family, nobody at St Piran’s Hospital know the complete story, no matter how wonderful all of Eve’s colleagues are. Despite Max’s family is the only family Eve ever had, when Felix starts to make Eve feel things she never thought to be feeling again, how can Eve ever think of starting again without the people she used to and still loves deeply?

Having read all the previous books of this series, I was sooooo ready for this next chapter! Because this wonderful author just manages book after book to write about great people, in a turmoil yes, but no matter what the characters are going through, there is always a ray of love, warmth, friendship and hope.

I haven’t found the love of my life (yet), but is there something more terrible than losing that person while there were still so many plans to make and execute? Well, in this book we see there is… 

Because while it is terrible that Max has been brutally attacked, he did survive the assault. But the Max Eve has fallen in love with, that amazing man, is gone… I don’t understand the whole medical specifics about it, but it broke my heart to read how whole his personality has changed in just one night, by just pure bad luck, meeting the wrong person at the wrong time.

And it broke my heart to see Eve struggling. Of course Max is in a worse position, as he is the literal real victim of the assault, but it doesn’t take away that also his family and Eve are victims too. Because of course they want to give Max the best help possible, even if that means moving to Cornwall, and going for visits without having a warm welcome at all…

Eve shows in this book how loyal she is not only as a fiancée, but also as an almost – daughter – in – law. While it is clear that the life she had envisioned with Max is out of the question now, it is also obvious that her visits are becoming a chore and aren’t doing any good. Not to Eve, but not to Max either. And I don’t mean this in a bad way, but it is clear that what Eve and Max once had, is long gone.

Yet we see that despite that Eve doesn’t love Max the same way, she still truly cares about him, and wants him to get better. And the same applies for her feelings towards Max’s family.

Initially I found it a bit difficult to understand the dynamics, and why Eve finds it impossible to stand up against Annie, Max’s mother. But slowly, reading how Eve found with Max the family she always longed for, made me understand it all so much better.

I don’t know if I could do what Eve is doing for Max and his family, being the rock everyone needs her to be. Because who is Eve’s rock? Who is there to comfort her, to listen to her own fears and doubts, hopes and wishes? I am not saying that Max is being a burden, but the whole situations everyone is, is a burden. And I could understand why Eve is keeping her personal situation a secret from all the people in St Piran.

Because at the hospital, Eve can be ‘just Eve’, not ‘Max’s Eve’. At the hospital, Eve can be herself, forget in a way all the curveballs life has thrown.

But at the same time, keeping it all to herself, Eve is more alone and lonely. She keeps her distance from her lovely colleagues, out of fear. But it is obvious that all she needs, is to have all these wonderful people by her side.

And seeing how St Piran is working its magic on Eve, was just so heartwarming. Because everyone in St Piran is just being there for Eve, giving her the time and space she needs to open up about her life, to find that courage.

St Piran is exactly what Eve needs, because she needs to understand that while she still loves Max in a different way, she also has to allow to be free again, to be herself again, to find peace again, and even to find love again.

And why not let Felix help Eve to figure this all out?

Felix has also been through an emotional rollercoaster, and he may have moved back to Cornwall, but the past hasn’t let him completely go.

It is clear that the weight of that past is still haunting him, but at the same time, we also see that Felix is the kind of person that you can always turn to for help. His demons hasn’t turned him in to a cynical person, on the contrary, it has made him more adamant to help those in need.

We see this not only with his interaction with Max, but also in so many other moments, where his kindness and availability truly shine.

So is it truly that mysterious why there is an attraction between Eve and Felix? Absolutely not. Because Eve needs to understand that letting go of Max is the right thing to do, for her own sanity in a way. But Felix also understands that Eve needs time to come to terms with it.

In a way, I found this a sad story too. Because Eve is trapped in a way, in a situation she cannot see how to get out of it. She loves the people that are more family than her own family, but is it fair for her to keep hanging on to what has been? To be forced in a way to clinging on a past, seeking for revenge, instead of forgiving and moving on.

But while this is a sad story in a way, it is also a beautiful, wonderful, heartwarming and even eye-opening story. Because it is perhaps easy to hang onto the past, but it takes courage to stand up for yourself in a way, letting go of all the ‘what –  ifs’ that are circling in your head. It takes courage to open up, to let people back in. It takes courage to understand that choosing yourself isn’t always a selfish act. Because everyone, you included, deserve to be love and be loved unconditionally, deserve to follow the happiness.

And Jo Bartlett wrote all of this in a story that will break your heart, will warm your heart, will touch your heart. This story for sure didn’t let me go that easily, but even as just a reader, it was absolutely worth the emotional rollercoaster I went through!

Why wait?

Synopsis

It’s never too late to find yourself… 💫

When she unexpectedly loses her husband, Yvonne Kellerman’s world turns quiet and grey. Five years on, her days are filled with the gentle chatter of her loyal parrot, Trevor, and the comfort of her crafting table—but she can’t shake the feeling that life is slipping her by and Yvonne feels lost and lonelier than ever.

When she joins the local crafting club at Willowdale Village Hall, Yvonne expects nothing more than a few afternoons of sewing. Instead, amongst the other local crafters, she discovers friendship, laughter and a renewed appreciation for her gorgeous Lake District home. It’s a reminder that she isn’t alone and, with each new stitch, her confidence returns, and so does her belief that it’s never too late for fresh starts and new beginnings.

When a familiar face from her past reappears, Yvonne finds herself standing at a crossroads: will she protect her heart, or embrace the chance to love—and truly live—again?

My review

Yvonne Kellerman has a lovely life with her husband. But after losing him unexpectedly, her world has turned lonely. Yes, she has some lovely neighbours, but when even her best friend is moving away, and the neighbourhood doesn’t feel all that warm and cosy anymore with all the new families around, Yvonne feels that life is slipping away and she realizes that something has to change before she feels truly all alone on the world. So when she hears about a local crafting club at Willowdale Village Hall, with a little bit of fear in her shoes, Yvonne decides to go over. And slowly, after spending several afternoon sewing, Yvonne finds new friends with the local crafters, and her life starts to shine a little bit brighter. And slowly, stitch after stitch, not only is her passion returning, but also her own confidence. And with her new friends, Yvonne starts to understand that it is never too late to start again, especially when someone unexpected from her past reappears…

It is not a secret that I absolutely adore Jessica Redland. If she would be living in Belgium, or just nearer my home, I think I would have a restraining order from her 😊

With every book Jessica writes, I find it so easy to connect with the main characters, and it is just devouring time when reading, as each time it is such a compelling story. Although I was a tiny bit afraid with this book, as Yvonne is in a complete different stage in her life than I am. It is a fact that Yvonne is a bit older than me, and has been through a lot already.

But I should not have doubted Jessica for a minute, because even if Yvonne’s life and mine are completely different, I connected with her too immediately, and I understood her with her every thought, feeling, doubt and emotion.

There is something about Yvonne, right from the start, that makes you wonder how her life has been. Because it is obvious that she is still grieving over the loss of her lovely husband, who was also her best friend. But it is also clear that that isn’t all there is to tell about Yvonne.

Even if my situation is nothing like Yvonne’s, I could perfectly understand and even feel the loneliness and loss Yvonne is feeling at the start of the book. And her sense of not belonging in her neighbourhood anymore, was also something I could understand. Because life goes on for everyone, and no matter how lovely the neighbourhood used to be, and what great friendships Yvonne has built over the years, change always is coming.

And unfortunately, seeing how the new neighbours aren’t that neighbourly as Yvonne expected them to be, it is also something very recognizable. Because let’s be honest, who does truly know their neighbours? Who truly goes for just a coffee? Not the younger of us, that’s for sure. And while I sometimes curse my elder neighbours, and their lack of distance at moments, I also appreciate the fact that especially those older than me, are just a shout away if I would ever need a helping hand!

I admired Yvonne as she finds the courage to go to the local crafting club. And while I admired her, I also felt more alike her, reading about her trepidation of entering the village hall on her own. I hate entering a new place on my own, I would rather run away, so I completely understood Yvonne’s fears.

Of course it is clear that Yvonne will enter the local crafting club, and that things will start to change for her, for the better. But I still was happy to see her enter the hall, even if she doesn’t truly have a choice there, doesn’t she 😊.

I loved reading how warm and welcoming everyone is, seeing Yvonne becoming a part of their little crafting community. And it warmed my heart reading how Yvonne has found her happy place. A happy place where not only she has found her kind of people, but a place where she can be herself, but where she is also becoming a person to go to.

And with her finding her peace and confidence again, having found a safe place, she has found people that she can trust, and open up to about her past, and what is tormenting her.

As a child, I used to have a journal, who hasn’t, but I never though about it how the journal is being used in this story, as an adult. And while I still don’t see it doing it myself, I can see the appeal of it, how it can be liberating.

And with Yvonne taking the task of journalling very serious, I could see how it helps her letting go of things she cannot change, but also how it helps her looking forward to a future of her own making in a way.

Especially letting go of the past is a huge task for Yvonne. She has been through a lot while growing up and while it may not have been an easy choice she made then, I could understand what drove her to make those choices. Yet it also felt that she has been missing out a lot, and even a chance of a happier, a more being loved life.

It sounds rather strange, but you just need to read the book to understand what I am talking about, and it will all be making sense…

There is the resurface of an old face in this story, but it didn’t feel at all that that was the point of the story. I truly believe that Jessica wants to show us that no matter what age you are, it is never too late to step outside, meet new people, make new friends, and just start again. It may all sound very scary, but the reward you will get instead will be worth of it all!

Jessica once again wrote a marvellous story, making me feel all the possible emotions once again. And as I am used now with this wonderful author, I have the need to read more, but also to read less. I want to know how it will end, but I don’t want to say goodbye yet…

If you need to read an inspiring story, need a little nudge to get outside yourself, go on, pick up this book and get inspired. Because after all, why wait for tomorrow if you can start today?

When Christmas isn’t turning out to be the most wonderful time of the year…

Synopsis

Festive excitement is in the air, the tree is sparkling on the village green and Christmas music is making even the most hardened cynic feel a little sentimental – but one Little Duck Pond Café favourite is feeling anything but romantic! Is this destined to be a festive season best forgotten? Or could Katja’s dream of a merry little Christmas possibly end up coming true?

My review

After a terrible breakup, Katja truly believed she has found love again, in the form of Caleb. Not only is he just amazing, but he also understands Katje better than no one else did before. He knows that things need to go slowly, not because Katja isn’t sure about her feelings, but because she is afraid of the depths of them. However, while Katje doesn’t want anything more than snuggling with Caleb for their first Christmas together, there are things that worry Katja. Firstly, there are these reoccurring nightmares she keeps on having, making her fear for what she may lose, and secondly, Caleb starts to act out of character. Has Caleb run out of patience and is letting her down slowly, and will this be a lonely Christmas for Katja after all? Or is there more than what the eye sees?

Initially, I was over the moon reading this next instalment that I absolutely love. However, that feeling started to shift the more I was reading it. Now my dearest Rosie, don’t go panicking, keep on reading my thoughts of the book and you’ll see what you have done to my emotions and more important, to my heart! 😊

Of course I knew who Katja is as she also takes part in the previous parts of the series. So I knew already what she had endured in the past, and how her previous relationship ended not only in heartbreak, but also in a terrible way.

Even if now she had found love again with Caleb, I could understand why she wants to take things slowly with him, and how she is a bit afraid of admitting what she truly feels. Having been burnt by love before does that with people, doesn’t it?

And my heart went out to her, seeing how she is being haunted by nightmares and how those nightmares are exhausting her. I think I could understand where those nightmares are coming from, but as I have been haunted by nightmares myself for a longer period (though for complete different reasons), I know that even if you know better, it doesn’t stop those nightmares from returning.

When you are in need, you should get all the possible support. And how much did it warm my heart how all of Katja’s family and friends are always there for her. It is not easy to understand what is going on in someone’s head, but seeing their support, shows how close and how caring just everyone is in this wonderful community.

A community that wants Katja to be happy, just like she deserves to be. A community that wants Katja to understand that she has the real deal found with Caleb.

However… no matter how amazing Caleb has been, how patient he has been and how understanding he has been, the change of his behaviour made me share Katja’s doubts…

We see Caleb becoming more distant, dodgy even. And I did not like this side of Caleb. Even if I knew that this author would never disappoint me with characters that I would truly dislike, Caleb for sure was testing me in every possible way.

I truly tried to keep my faith and I truly tried to believe him and his goodness. But Caleb also made sure that no matter what I wanted to believe, I only saw the bad things… Bad things I didn’t want to see, but couldn’t otherwise…

There is so much to say about Caleb’s character and behaviour, and things will be made clear in the end. But as this is a spoiler – free review, I cannot divulge further on it. But what I can say, is that Rosie for sure played dirty!  And I don’t know if I have forgiven her yet! 😊

Despite the turmoil Katja is going through, and all the doubts she is having, we see also her strength in this story. She has been through a lot, but that also makes her a compassionate person, seeing signs that perhaps not everyone sees. She is ready to help out those who find it scary to stand up for themselves. Katje shows us that no matter how difficult life gets, kindness and care don’t cost a thing.

Rosie Green wrote a beautiful, strong, compassionate story, where things aren’t going easy for the main characters. But the characters are always kind-hearted, patient, righteous and protective of their loved ones, but strong enough to not let the bad ones win and take over. All this is written in a wonderful tale, surrounded with some Christmas sprinkles, making me (in the end 😊) love the story completely and full heartedly!

When your future is doing the same you did in your past.

Synopsis

From grieving widow…

1851, England. After her merchant husband saved her from a life of prostitution, Louisa Hill was briefly happy as a housewife in Bristol. But then a constable arrives at her door. Her husband has been found hanged in a Bath hotel room, a note and a key to a property in Bath she knew nothing about the only things she has left of him.

To a new life as a madam…

Knowing the debt collectors will arrive any moment, Louisa must leave everything she knows behind, and move to Bath. But left with no means of income, Louisa knows she has little choice but to return to but her old way of life. But this time, she’ll do it on her own terms – by turning her new home into a brothel for upper class gentleman. And she’s determined the horrors she was forced to endure in the past are not experienced by the girls she saves from the streets.

Enlisting the help of Jacob Jackson, a quiet but feared boxer, to watch over the house, Louisa is about to embark on a life she never envisaged. Can she find the courage to forge this new path?

My review

Louisa thought she finally escaped a life of prostitution, by getting married. She enjoyed her life as a housewife, but when a constable knocks on her door, her dream falls apart. Her husband has been found dead in a hotel room and left her a property in Bath and many debts. Now that Louisa has no more income, she sees no other option than returning to her old job. But this time it will be on her conditions. She won’t run just a random brothel, but one for upper class gentlemen. And to make sure that every woman in the house is safe, she needs someone to watch the house. And her eye falls on boxer Jacob Jackson. Will Louisa succeed in run the brothel how she envisions it? And can she truly protect the girls?

Initially I couldn’t’ imagine that I would like Louisa. Maybe in my own naivety, I found it hard to understand why someone would go back into prostitution, after just escaped from it. I thought that there would be other solutions.

But okay, putting my own thoughts aside, I had to admire Louisa’s determination to be different. She truly wants the best for the girls and goes lengths to provide protection.
Once she made her decision, she is sticking by it, and will not allow anyway to bully her away.

When she meets Jacob, she immediately sees he is exactly what she needs. Jacob is a boxer, so I understood he wasn’t jumping at this opportunity.
Jacob was a hard nut to crack. He strongly beliefs that because he was raised with violence, that he is also a violent man. He thinks that violence runs in his blood and nothing can change his mind.

All the people in this story make an evolution. Louisa has to learn to love again, daring to allow someone in her life and heart again. Jacob has to learn that violence isn’t the solution and that he isn’t born to be a violent man.

This is not a story where it’s all rainbow and sunshine. It shows how hard life can be if you are not so lucky.
But it also shows that determination can change your life and that you don’t have to be only a victim.
And being in a difficult position, but having people that care about you, is all that matters. The people that are about you and you care about can come in different sizes and shapes. It can be a friend that you know for years, the latest addition of your brothel and even that boxer that needs to provide the protection.

It’s a dark story, but with silver linings that made this story an enjoyable read. I found myself feeling compassionate about the characters, hoping that they would see the light and not just give up.

A Classic story, updated

Synopsis

Caroline’s got frugality down to a fine art. She can make a tin of soup stretch for days, considers “reduced to clear” her love language, and thinks Christmas is just a daft excuse for people to throw their money away on tinsel trimmed tat. 

But Christmas Eve night takes a turn when her best mate, Marlene, drops in for a chat. Lovely, right? Except Marlene’s been dead for seven years and she’s got a message for Caroline, she will be visited by three spirits and if she doesn’t pay attention, her future’s looking bleaker than the contents of her fridge freezer. 

Caroline’s convinced she’s having a hallucination. Ghosts? Surely not! But as the night goes on, she starts to wonder if she might just learn something worth more than her latest discount voucher. And for someone who knows the price of everything and the value of nothing, this might be the wake-up call she didn’t see coming. 

Move over Ebenezer! This modern, laugh-out-loud retelling of the Dickens classic has a new Scrooge in town. Perfect for fans of Sophie Kinsella. 

My review

When you would look up frugality in the dictionary, there is definitely a picture of Caroline next to the description. So what if she is eating from the same tin of soup for days, so what if her sofa is killing her back, as long as she doesn’t have to spend an extra penny. Not even her friends can make her change her way of living, especially as in fact, Caroline doesn’t have many. But one evening, Caroline gets a wake – up call from her best friend Marlene. Nothing strange, weren’t it for the fact that Marlene has passed away seven years ago… And Marlene is telling Caroline that she will be visited by three ghosts, hoping they can make Caroline see that if nothing changes, her future will be bleak and lonely… Sceptical initially, Caroline starts to wonder if there may be some truths in what she is being told…

Of course the classic of A Christmas Carol is known to me. And while I have seen adaptations of it, movies and series, I haven’t ever read the actual book. I know, shame on me!

And I can only imagine how not only how difficult it can be for an author to take such a beloved story and give it another twist to it, but it also courageous, because there is so much to take in account and a lot of prejudice against it too.

I can understand how especially in these current times, sometimes you have to think about every penny and how to spend it. And initially I thought that Caroline couldn’t afford any frivolity, and that it makes sense for her to use the same tin of soup for days.

So learning that in fact Caroline would have been able to buy a more comfortable sofa, but just doesn’t want to, made me frown a little bit. Yes, you shouldn’t spend your money on unnecessary things, but when it is a necessity… And even if it weren’t unnecessary, but it is something you truly want, why not? You only live once, right?

When Marlene appears, knowing that Caroline’s best friend has passed away, it makes sense for Caroline to think that she is hallucinating, wouldn’t you freak out too? But it is also a necessary wake – up call, because there is still time for Caroline to change her own life.

Obviously, Caroline is a stubborn woman, and thus strong ways must be found. So let the known three ghosts enter the scene!

While I truly wanted Caroline to realize that her way of life is no way of living in fact, it also saddened me to read how it came this far with her. And how alone and lonely in fact Caroline is. Yes, partly it can be blamed on herself and the choices she has made overtime, but still… Being lonely and alone is somehow a vicious circle, difficult to get out of it on your own…

Yes, perhaps after the visit of the last ghost, Caroline’s action were a total 180 compared to her previous behaviour, but is makes it obvious to the readers how much the ghosts have affected her and how well the message has arrived.

I truly enjoyed reading this revisited version and how it was set in the present, with everything we know and have now. Of course the classic remains the classic, but I truly believe the author owned this story. And with reading this tale, it made me once again realize how life should be lived at its fullest, enjoy it at the fullest, with the people you love, because before you know, it can be over in a blink. And you wouldn’t want to be just a footnote in someone’s else life, would you? Don’t you want to be the star in your own life?  

Is all truly lost when we think it is?

Synopsis

A sweeping Regency tale of identity, devotion, and unexpected romance.

Lady Antonella thought she knew who she was—until a shattering family secret strips her of her name, her place in society, and her future. Cast adrift in Cornwall, she finds an injured goshawk in a poacher’s net and begins to nurse it back to health. But the hawk belongs to the war-scarred Lord Atherleigh—a man haunted by loss, determined to dismantle his mews, and certainly not expecting a spirited young woman to upend his solitude.

In London, her twin sister Belinda—radiant, poised, and newly on the marriage market—has only one goal: to find a worthy match… for Antonella. But when Hector Gainesworth, a charming rogue with laughter in his eyes and secrets of his own, turns his attention to Belinda instead, her heart begins to spin in an altogether unexpected direction.

As the sisters navigate betrayal, desire, and the demands of their hearts, two men must decide whether to risk everything for love. And Antonella’s goshawk may be the wild, winged thread that binds their fates.

My review

Antonella and Belinda have been the closest of sisters, and not just because they are twins. Or at least that it what they always believed to be. However, one shocking revelation makes Antonella not only take away her place in society, but also her identity. She doesn’t know who she truly is and where she belongs. The only thing that brings her solace, is her passion for birds. So when she finds an injured goshawk, she is determined to bring it back to health. Little does Antonella know that in fact, the goshawk belongs to Lord Atherleigh, who lost not only his hand but also hope and the will to live during war. And little does Antonella know that what starts as a random encounter, could possibly bring them together. Or not? Meanwhile in London is Belinda determined to protect her sister, and she is ready to make sure that Antonella’s life is secured. And that means to find a compatible suitor for her. But when Belinda meets Mr. Gainesworth, who is perfect for Antonella, Belinda must make an impossible choice and understand what her heart truly desires…

When I started reading this book, I was a bit in doubts. Not because I doubted the story, but because I am absolutely not into birds at all. In fact, I am a bit terrified of them! They can stay in the sky as long as they won’t, as long they don’t come near me! 😊

In that aspect, I found a kindred spirit in Belinda, as she feels the same about those feathered animals. But as a wonderful, supporting and loyal sister, she is in Antonella’s corner and even if she doesn’t understand it herself, she sees the passion Antonella has for them.

The love between the sisters is so sweet to read. Of course being twins is even a closer bond, but as I have an amazing relationship with my own brother, I can understand how the sisters would do anything for each other. Their differences, both physical as their interests, cannot break their sisterly connection.

A connection that cannot be broken by hearing upon the news that in fact they aren’t sisters at all. Of course, being sisters for years cannot be erased by one shocking revelation. You cannot just stop being sisters overnight. And I loved reading the determination from both women, that nothing would tear them apart, that they would find ways to always be in each other’s lives.

I have to admit, I was shocked how the news was brought to them, how cold, how rationale, without any feeling. And it not only saddened me but also it also broke my heart seeing how easily Antonella was dismissed, ‘downgraded’. Even if Antonella isn’t truly family, you raised this woman, so how can you not care about her anymore?

Of course Antonella is at loss after the news. Wouldn’t you be too? Everything you thought you knew, turns out to be a lie… At loss is even an understatement! Obviously Antonella needs to find her peace in a special place.

And seeing how she has that place, and how it brings her inner calmness, made me in a way happy for her. Seeing also how she is determined to help out the injured goshawk, how she somehow connects with it, made me like her, admire her even more.

A hurt Antonella and an injured bird, they need an equally pained character.

Lord Atherleigh for sure fits the bill, haunted by not only the loss of his hand, but also the demons of the war that are still haunting him. How to cope with everything you have seen, everything you have lost, and knowing that people are starting at you.

I could absolutely comprehend how he feels that he has lost everything, that there is nothing left for him. But I also wished for him to see quickly the light again, and that he would understand that there is still more than enough in life.

So seeing Antonella and Lord Atherleigh somehow finding each other, understanding each other, warmed my heart. But are those few encounters truly enough?

At the same time, we see Belinda in London, trying her best to find the best suitor for Antonella.

Seeing that sisterly love, that determination, made me immediately like Belinda even more than I already did before!

Whenever Belinda is in Society, she is looking around, not for herself, but for Antonella. Yes, that makes some strange conversations, putting several smiles on my face 😊

And when Belinda meets Mr. Gainesworth, I could see why Belinda thinks he is the perfect match for Antonella. But I could clearly see who would be an even perfecter match! 😊

In this book we see how even the most disruptive news cannot break a bond that is thicker than blood. But we also see how it can make you still question everything and even yourself. And we see how different people are, and how different lives can go. Yet no matter how different people are, or what they have been through, there is also an unexplainable connection that can be formed, against own beliefs and altruism.

And that is the strength also of this book, how all the characters, no matter their hurt, are thinking about others. We see how despite everything that is happening, how big each character’s heart is. That made me forget about my fear and dislike of birds that connect the characters one way or another!  

Let’s get you curious with an extract!

Synopsis

Odele Gardia . . . married to wealthy businessman Howard, is the hard-nosed matriarch of the family and will stop at nothing to achieve her goals. She’s ruthless in the boardroom and not afraid to lean on adversaries. 

Sebastian Gardia . . . Odele’s brother and business partner. His wife, Freya, reveals that she is pregnant with their first child.

Elliot . . . the prodigal son, is returning from America with his girlfriend, intending to propose to her.

Business is booming, her brother is going to become a father, and her son is coming home – it’s surely a time to celebrate. But Odele is hiding a huge secret and is constantly looking over her shoulder. If the secret came out, it would destroy the family.

Jimmy Alder . . . booted out of the police force, has been paid to spy on the family. The discovery he makes could have catastrophic consequences for them all.

A dysfunctional family, protectors of their power, wealth and each other, have no warning of the revelations about to erupt and the cost to their dynasty.

Extract

Wealthy Odele Gardia, the ruthless matriarch, is looking for a fixer. She requires someone discreet to ‘lean on’ a family member.

Odele parked her car in the executive car park that she’d purchased a permanent parking space for, and made her way down in the lift and out into the fresh air as she started the short walk to the office. As she approached the entrance, the vagrant was back, sitting on the pavement. She’d labelled him as a vagrant, but he was far from it. While he might be unshaved and dressed shabbily, he was too good looking to be who he was trying to be. And she was well ahead of him now, anyway.

“I paid you to move on. Why are you still here?”

He shrugged. “I need more money. Ten quid doesn’t go far.”

“Can’t you take yourself off and loiter somewhere else?”

“I could,” he nodded to the paper cup at the side of him, “but I don’t get handed Costa coffees down the side streets.”

“Where do you live?”

He shrugged again. “Here and there.”

“Are you Jimmy Alder?” she asked and she noticed the surprise in his eyes.

“Lady,” he said, “I can be anyone you want me to be.”

“Very funny. I understand you used to be a police officer?”

He didn’t answer. 

“Well, did you?”

“I might have been.”

“But you got kicked out of the force.”

“Did I?”

“That’s what I’m told. And now you’re being paid to watch my brother?”

“Really?”

“Yes, by his wife, my sister-in-law. You’re following him, that’s why you’re here, so no need to play the innocent.”

“Look lady, I’m happy to move on if you pay for a decent lunch for me.”

“I can do better than that. I can give you some work.”

“What sort of work?”

“Work that’ll bring you in some money, so you don’t sit outside my office every day.”

“I’m listening.”

“Are you discreet?”

“It’s my middle name.”

Odele glanced at her Rolex. “Do you know cafe Valerie on the high street?”

“Yep.”

“Meet me there at midday.”

“And you’ll shout me lunch?”

“Yes.”

“How can I refuse, then? A man’s got to eat.”

Odele opened her purse and tossed a ten-pound note at him. “In the meantime, clear off. I’ll see you at 12.”

How strong is love truly?

Synopsis

Emma is at an all-time low the day she meets Nick. She sits down in a quiet rose garden in her local park, and from nowhere a handsome man sits next to her and turns her world upside down.

Over the weeks, she and Nick meet regularly, always in the same place, always at the same time. They discover they have a lot in common – shared heartbreak, and shared dreams. They tell each other stories about the people they’ve lost – things they’ve never told anyone else. Bit by bit, they get to know each other, and fall in love.

But there’s a catch, because however much they have in common, they have one big thing keeping them apart… twenty years apart. Because when Nick is sitting in the garden it’s 1999 – two decades before Emma is there.

Emma never expected to fall in love again, but now she has, she’s not going to give up on it without a fight. But how do you turn something impossible into a happy ever after?

My review

It’s one of those days for Emma… not only is she still struggling with the loss of her husband, but at her work things didn’t go easy today. So after a day she just wants to forget, she decides to make a stop in a rose garden at her local park. Nick had exact same idea after still grieving over the loss of his wife a few years ago. While normally the both of them find it difficult to talk about what they have been through, Emma and Nick connect and are able to talk just about everything. Over the weeks, they keep on meeting in their special spot, and slowly the both of them start to believe that they may fall in love again. However things aren’t just that easy as they may think, and meeting outside the rose garden is impossible, because they learn that in fact, they are not living in the same year and there are twenty years separating them… So even if Emma and Nick are ready to fight for what there is blooming between them, could there possibly be a future for them, when even the present is trying to tear them apart?

Clare Swatman always writes wonderful stories, that truly touch your heart, but also stories with a little extra, an extra that will also make your heart ache….

While I was reading this book, I couldn’t not think about a wonderful movie starring a certain Sandra B. and a certain Keanu R. There are similarities of course, but also many differences, making me not only fall in love with both main characters, the story but also made me feel their own heartbreaks.

I can only try to imagine how it feels to love your partner. And when you loved so dearly, like Emma and Nick did and still do at the start of the story, I could comprehend that the both of them are struggling with letting go and just attempting to move on.

So obviously, when Emma and Nick meet in the rose garden, and connect, I was happy for the both of them. There is no time limit for grief, and weeing how their meeting is able to get over their pain and sense of loss, was just so heartwarming.

It would be easy to ‘blame’ their connection on the fact they share a common grief, but the more time they spend together, the clearer it becomes that there is so much more that connect them than just the loss of their partner.

I have to admit, that when I started reading this book, I haven’t read the blurb thus didn’t know what the twist of their love story would be. Of course there were signs the more we got to know Nick and Emma better, but when the penny finally dropped for them and me, I was a bit shocked.

The fact that the evolution of Emma’s and Nick’s romance is limited to the rose garden, made me wonder how long the magic would be able to capture my attention. But I should not have worried, because I was just so into the story!

And while Emma and Nick for sure spend their shared time together in this mystical, magical garden, we also get enough to see of Emma and Nick on their own, at their homes, with their family and friends.

But we also see how the both of them are trying to make sense of what is happening to them, even if it doesn’t make sense at all. Why can they see each other, even if there are twenty years between them? And why are they falling for each other, when the prospect of a future together is nihil?

This book is split in three big parts. Parts that show how both Emma’s and Nick’s lives have changed after meeting each other, and how their presence in each other’s lives affected their own personal lives and paths.

There are also several fears outspoken in this book. What will ever come of the feelings Emma and Nick are having? Can the future be altered, and how will it be altered? Is it courageous to fall in love again after having had it all already?

Clare Swatman wrote an amazing, heartfelt story, showing us the beauty but also the ‘impossibilities’ of love. She shows us the power of love, but also the fragility of it. But she also shows us hope, courage, strength, determination and how the strangest things happening to us can bring us the most beautiful things.

After I finished reading this book, I could not stop thinking: what a story I just read! A story that I for sure recommend to read! 😊