Primrose Woods, the perfect place to start over again

Synopsis

Primrose Hall is more than Jackson Moody and his fiancée Pia’s home – it’s the heart of the community.

The Sunday craft fairs in the renovated stables are a popular draw for the locals and tourists alike, enticed by the beautiful surroundings of Primrose Woods as well as the irresistible goodies on display. But for Sophie Wright they’re a chance to forge a new life and a new business. After leaving behind a turbulent relationship, Sophie is starting again – and romance is the last thing on her mind.

Drop dead gorgeous Tom Moody, Lord of the Manor Jackson’s newly-discovered older brother, is loving being a member of the Primrose Hall community. Content to muck in where he can be helpful, he’s just happy to be part of the family. But when tragedy strikes, Pia needs Tom more than he ever expected. And when Tom needs a shoulder to cry on, Sophie might be the perfect person to help – if only she hadn’t sworn off romance for good…

Join the gang at Primrose Hall for laughter, tears, friendship and romance, perfect for fans of Cathy Bramley, Heidi Swain and Julie Houston.

My review

After the end of her relationship, Sophie Wright is ready to start over. She cannot wait to her new life to start, together with her new business.
And she for sure counts herself lucky, as at first she had the help from a friend, and now she is lucky to have found her own place, surrounded by the Primrose Woods. A fresh start, with no room for romance.
That is until at the Sunday craft fairs in Primrose Hall she meets Tom. Tom is Lord of the Manor Jackson’s older and just found brother. While the relationship with Jackson at moments is still not easy at moments, Tom loves having found his family. He is ready to help anywhere he can, while trying to think where his future may be. And after breaking up with his girlfriend, love is the last thing on his mind.
But when tragedy strikes, and Pia, Jackson’s fiancée needs Tom’s help, it Sophie that is there for Tom…

What a delight it was returning to Primrose Hall! After the previous books I was left with a few questions so obviously I was thrilled to have a whole new book!

Sophie for sure was a great character to discover. I admired her choices, as how she managed to get out of a relationship before it became really toxic.
And I admired her how determined she was not only to start all over again, but she was also determined to finally chase her own dreams and find a way to make it all work.

Of course, seeing how her relationship ended, I understood why she clearly states that she has no time for romance anymore, and how she will focus only on herself from now on. After what she has been through, she absolutely deserves to create her own happiness.
I liked it how she was able to see how bad her relationship was getting, even becoming dangerous, a downward spiral. So she took the matter in her own hands, before things got out of control.

It was also heart – warming to see how she found a helping in perhaps the least obvious person, but seeing how that friendship evolve, was truly amazing.
But Sophie isn’t the kind of person that is just on the receiving side of help, because she herself is also an amazing friend. Whenever she can, she doesn’t hesitate to help, and she just shows kindness to everyone and everywhere.

And it’s her kind character that makes her connect with Tom, together with an alike ‘sad’ story. Because Tom for sure also deserve all the possible hearts. I can only try to imagine how it feels to find your family. And while his father has been very accepting, it was heart – breaking to see Tom’s attempts to bond with Jackson…

But this situation isn’t one where there is party right and one party wrong… normally siblings grow up together, and that bond is there automatically. But when you just meet as adults, it’s way more difficult and it for sure takes time to get accustomed to each other.

While the situation with Jackson isn’t an easy one, it was sweet to see how Tom finds himself belonging somewhere. The missing pieces have finally been found and put into the right place.
But that is the charm of Primrose Hall and everyone living around the Woods, it’s such a welcoming and open community, where there is room for everyone!

In this book we also have some more Pia & Jackson – time which was absolutely delightful! Perhaps at moments I found Jackson a bit selfish and thoughtless, but let’s not forget where he came from. So even those few missteps are easily covered by the blanked of love! 😊

Yet the main focus of this book is definitely on Sophie and Tom. And they for sure deserve that spotlight! Because they show us not only how a friendship can evolve, but also how sometimes we let fear of rejection hold us back. We see clearly the feelings change into something deeper, but both parties are aware of what has been said in the past, how neither of them was ready yet to love again. And what they have now, is too tender to be jeopardized by perhaps not reciprocated feelings.

But this book is also about family and the sometimes difficult dynamics in it. We see how everyone wants to protect everyone, only having the opposite results sometimes. While things are done out of love, sometimes it’s not always the best choice.
Nevertheless, we see that family loves every member unconditionally, despite the errors, and no matter how long someone has been in the family group. And we also see how much a family wants to help, again unconditionally and full of love.

This was once again a beautiful, heart – warming story, set in a wonderful place, filled with so many nice characters. I found myself surrounded by love, kindness and generosity. Jill Steeples wrote a magnificent story about characters that even if they are determined not to fall for it, deserve all the best kind of love in their lives.

When you need a date, an upgrade is just perfect!

Synopsis

Gigi isn’t looking for the one. Just someone…!

As she gears up for her sister’s destination wedding in Hawaii, the countdown is on for Gigi to find a date. Just someone to prove to her friends and family that she’s ok, and to stop the pitying looks would be great!

Of course she can’t wait to be bridesmaid for her sister, but it’s just not ideal that the best man is also her ex… especially when he is bringing his hot new reality star girlfriend!

But when Gigi arrives at the hotel in Hawaii to find there has been a mix-up with her room, and she’s been upgraded to a suite, things start to look up. Not only is the room bigger than her entire flat, but the staff are waiting on her hand and foot, and she’s being treated like royalty!

Something isn’t quite right, but The Suite Life suits Gigi, and why shouldn’t she pamper herself while she mends her broken heart? It may even lead to her finding the perfect date after all…

A laugh-out-loud, friends to lovers, close proximity romantic comedy from million-copy bestseller Portia MacIntosh.

My review

Gigi is happy for her sister, as the destination wedding date in Hawaii is approaching. But what she isn’t looking forward to, is seeing her ex and his new girlfriend. Especially as  Gigi knows that everyone will look at her with pity, as it’s clear she isn’t over her ex yet.
So all that Gigi needs, is to find a man, that she can bring as a date, to show that she is doing just fine.
After a mix – up at the hotel, Gigi finds herself upgraded to a suite, and has everyone at her service. While she doesn’t understand what is happening, this shot of good luck could work in her favour to find the most perfect date ever.
And with a new found accomplice in the form of tourist Donnie, the search for it has begun and has more spark than Gigi ever imagined!

It’s no secret how much I love this author and with how much eagerness I start each new book. And how much did I enjoy reading this one!!!

From the very start, I warmed towards Gigi. Not because she is something extraordinary, or has a life to be envy of. But she is just a regular woman, very recognizable and relatable.
The only thing that made me feel sorry for her, is how she being seen by those around her, as she saw not only her relationship end, but only knowing that her ex would always be around, being her brother – in – law – to – be his best friend…
And it saddened me to see how that ex seems to have traded her for a reality star, making Gigi doubt herself even more…

So of course it felt like karma when upon her arrival in Hawaii, she has been upgraded to the best room of the hotel. And not just *a* room, but a real suite, with a personal pool! I know I would be screaming in delight seeing all the perks I would be getting!

Obviously our main character has to face some awkward situations she finds herself in, but those moments, while humiliating for Gigi, for sure made me laugh out loud! Yet I also know that if I were in her shoes, I would never ever get out of my room – excuse me, my suite – ever again!

Being single myself (for way too long…) I know how difficult it can be to find the perfect man. That made it very easy to relate to Gigi’s quest in finding the perfect date. While Gigi only needs a date for one day only, for sure each man she encounters, it is so obvious that she encounters every possible cringe – worthy cliché of the dating pool…
Luckily she finds an ally in Donnie, a tourist himself at the resort, but being bored as he is also on his own…

And having a purpose on his stay in Hawaii for sure is more alluring than just staying at the pool or in his room that seems like a real nightmare! Poor Donnie!

But Donnie is also a great character! Not only is he being Gigi’s wingman, but he is also very protective of her, even if they have just met. He doesn’t leave her on her own until he gets the clear – off from Gigi, and on several occasions, he appears to be the one that saves the day, on more than just one occasion!

I truly liked the blooming friendship between Gigi and Donnie, as not only have they been through relatable things, but they connect in a way that was just so lovely to read about. Sometimes you meet someone so randomly and unexpectedly yet there is an undeniable connection, making you feel at ease with someone who you have just met. And this connection was what made me keep my fingers crossed, hoping that Gigi would quickly see what was right in front of her, instead of pursuing her quest on finding the perfect date.

When it’s clear why Gigi is getting a preferential treatment, for me it was rather to figure out the truth. And I for sure could understand the reason for secrecy, especially seeing how differently people started to treat Gigi after making the wrong assumptions.

I truly devoured this book, as it was exactly what I expected from this amazing author. No, I am actually lying, as this story even went beyond my expectations!
I had several laughs over the situations Gigi finds herself in, got a bit angry over how everyone around her behaved towards her, I envied Gigi’s evolving relationship with Donnie, I admired Gigi’s altruism and the list just goes on and on and on!

Portia MacIntosh once again proved what an amazing and talented author she is, and set once again the bar very high for her next stories! A bar that without any doubt will be reached very easily! 😊

When your Gran needs your help, you would do anything, wouldn’t you?

Synopsis

A Greek island holiday. A fake-dating pact. A chance at true love?

After losing her job as a book scout, hopeless romantic Evie needs a fresh start. So when she hears that her eccentric grandmother has just taken on a small bookshop in Santorini, Evie jumps at the chance to visit her.

But life on the island is not as idyllic as it first seems. Gran has a tempestuous relationship with her landlord and he’s threatening to take the bookshop away from her. So when Gran asks Evie to fake a romance with her landlord’s Greek God of a grandson, Georgios, to keep the family on side, she reluctantly agrees.

As the sun sets on Evie’s Greek holiday, can she save the bookshop – and fake date her way to love?

My review

Evie truly enjoyed being a book scout, until her new boss decided to go a different direction, making Evie end up without a job.
Finding a new job isn’t that easy, and as she needs a fresh start and decide which direction to take next, the chance to visit her excentric Gran in Santorini is the perfect getaway.
But Evie doesn’t only go there to visit Floretta as she truly misses her Gran, but also because Floretta is known to act impulsively. Especially now Floretta has gotten married once again, and took over a small bookshop. A bookshop the landlord is threating to take away from Floretta. So with Evie in Santorini, Floretta thinks it would be perfect to get on the landlord’s good side if Evie would be dating his grandson Georgios, or rather, fake – dating…
To protect her Gran, Evie agrees with the scheme. But as her holiday comes to an end, will she be able to save the bookshop? And what about Georgios, as it may have started as faking to date him, but was is truly all just pretend?

When I picked up this book, I had never heard of a book scout before. And I have to say, that for sure seemed a wonderful job to have: reading books to see if they would work on the big screen. And as Evie was responsible for the romantic books, well I actually envied her!
But that wasn’t the only thing I could relate to, with a character as Evie. Because she isn’t the most extravert character, and prefers to sit quietly in a corner, totally enthralled by the books she is reading.
She doesn’t even truly dares to stand up after being let go, she just meekly packs her stuff and leaves.

Her persona is the total opposite of the rest of her family… her mother is a fancy lawyer, her sister is make a name of her own as an actress, and then there is Floretta, her Gran.
Floretta is a very outspoken person, very extravert. She loves falling in love, and has been married many many times.
I have to admit, reading how each of her husbands left the scene, for sure made me a bit suspicious of her… I would never dare to get on her wrong side, as I would honestly fear for my life! And even if Floretta is still walking around freely, I never was completely sure of her innocence! Luckily at the end of the book, a lot is made clear! 😊

With fake – dating as a plot, we often think about two parties agreeing to pretend of being together for a greater good. But I liked it how the author gave this trope a twist, as Evie is only seeing Georgios to save the bookshop.
While perhaps it is not an honest thing to do, faking an interest in a person and even playing him, it fitted the story. But it was also good to see how that ploy completely backfired, as Evie and Georgios are actually growing closer together. And while Evie believes she is still pretending, the pretence is long over.

As Evie spends more and more time with Georgios, she dares to get out of her rather closed world. Initially she doesn’t agree on everything Georgios has planned, but slowly she finds the courage to get out of her comfort zone and she starts doing things she never imagined she would be doing.

And Georgios for sure shows patience and understanding towards Evie. He doesn’t push her to do what she truly doesn’t want to do. But his presence somehow makes Evie to want to be more courageous. And that was lovely to see, how a person without doing something that exceptional, makes you want to do unthinkable things!

Floretta is, like I said, a force to reckon with. but her passion for the bookshop for sure also sparks from each page. She invested a lot in the place, wanting it to make something spectacular. And I could totally see the complete picture, a place to lose yourself in this wonderful place, but also having that little extra thing that nowhere else can be found.

I found myself not only totally falling in love with not only the bookshop, but also with Santorini itself. It felt like I was discovering the island alongside Evie, feeling the charm of it.
All that on top of reading a wonderful story about how the desire to save a place that matters can turn into a place that feels like home, finding a place where you belong and even a place to find love.

Doesn’t everyone deserve a chance to start over?

Synopsis

Luckless Lilah Clarke needs a big break, but getting caught wrecking a stall at the Glenbriar Fair was not what she had in mind – especially when the man who catches her is as hot as a summer’s day and sends her heart racing.

Charity campaigner Aidan McBride has returned to Glenbriar after a long absence to discover the love of his life dating his cousin, his cottage in tatters, and his beloved bees gone. When he catches Lilah destroying his mum’s stall and discovers the reason, he sees something in her he can’t explain – or resist.

Feeling sorry for her, he offers her a job, and she reluctantly accepts. What other options does she have? Now, it isn’t just Aidan’s new bees that are buzzing. Lilah dreams of Aidan being hers, but for someone with a background like hers, he’s well out of her reach.

Still stung by the loss of his ex, Aidan struggles with his ever-growing attraction to Lilah. But if he doesn’t spit out exactly how he feels about her before her past catches up with her, he stands to lose the real love of his life.

My review

Lilah Clarke didn’t grow up in the best of circumstances, and in fact, still isn’t living in the best. When her brother brings her in an awkward situation at the Glenbriar Fair, she has to face Aidan McBride. Aidan has just recently returned from a long trip to arise more awareness after losing his father. And has discovered that his girlfriend is now engaged to his cousin.
Upon his return, he is shocked to learn that not only his cottage is in a terrible state, but also that his beloved bees have all gone, while he asked his mother to look after everything.
As it’s clear he needs help to clean everything back up, he offers Lilah the chance to work for him, an offer Lilah reluctantly accepts.
A reluctance that slowly disappears, as Lilah gets to know Aidan better. And for the first time she starts to have feelings for someone. But how could someone like Aidan ever fall for someone like Lilah, with her background? And she cannot forget, that he is also still hurt from the betrayal of his ex…

So here we are again, happily returning to Glenbriar… this is a series that got me hooked, and I have loved each and every story. For those who haven’t read any of the previous stories, don’t worry as you can read them all on their own. But trust me when I say that quickly you’ll find yourself wanting to read them all!

Somehow it felt like this was somehow a very sad story. Well, at least what the characters had been through before, and how it affected them.

It was so sad to read how Lilah didn’t have an easy childhood, how difficult it was for her to grow up, and then also face the nastiness of other people. And even now she is carrying that same burden, because even now things aren’t going that well for her.
Yet it was so easy to spot that Lilah wants her life to take a turn for the better, and she wants to shake off all the bad things that happened.
I found it also saddening, reading how she never has been truly in love with someone… Okay, she is still a young lady, but even that her age I can say that I have fallen in love (not that it was always reciprocated, but that’s a whole different story 😊).

It’s clear that Lilah has missed many things in her life, like a happy childhood, a loving family, being surrounded by love. And that is something that every child should have in their life…
Yet despite everything, and no matter how deep in the gutter her family is, she also still wants the best for them. Even if her own brother brings her into trouble, she wants even him to get his life back on track. Just not at her own cost…

‘Thanks’ to her upbringing, she is also a bit wary. She is ready to fight or fly when needed. She is ready to fly off when she meets Aidan for the first time. And she doesn’t truly trust him when he offers her a job.
But I  liked her spirit, as she somehow also is a bit proud. When Aidan offers her a job to clean his cottage, she doesn’t want his pity and makes that very clear to him.

So seeing her slowly changing was a real delight. Seeing her losing her wariness, making new friends, even putting her trust in people was so sweet. If there is someone who deserve a chance to redeem her situation, it for sure is Lilah.
And of course it was great to see how people change their minds about her once they get to know her better. Because how often is it that our own prejudices about someone are wrong?

In that aspect is Aidan truly a wonderful character. It would have been so easy to just go his own way, and let Lilah solve her own problems.
But that is not who Aidan is…
Of course he pities Lilah initially, but as he needs help, he sees a solution that will help the both of them. And he truly believes that everyone deserves a second chance. Just how admirable is that?

Now, he has had his own share of bad times… Losing his father was just terrible and while Aidan didn’t handle things perfectly, I could understand why he needed some time off.
I have to admit although, I wouldn’t be so kind to my own mother if I would return home and everything is just pure chaos…
And then the situation with his ex and his cousin, I wouldn’t be able to keep my calm in that situation either!
But that’s Aidan.. keeping his cool on the outside and somehow finding it hard to express his feelings…

It would be easy to say that Lilah is the one with the most issues in this book, and that thanks to Aidan, and their evolving relationship, it all fall into place. But that first of all isn’t true and second, it wouldn’t do any justice to the complete book…
Because it’s both Lilah and Aidan that are doing some serious ‘growing up’. Slowly they learn to trust each other, they learn to listen and they learn what love means.

That is exactly the power of this book, as the author shows us that no matter how difficult life can get, it can take one person to put their faith in us, to have a turning point and make things better.
And while perhaps I expected more revolving around the Bee Barn itself, Aidan showed me a side of bees I never thought of. And even if I will still stay far away from these buzzing animals, I have perhaps appreciated them a little bit more! 😊

A return to home can bring so much more and else…

Synopsis

Aurora Henderson and Leo McKendrick were love’s young dream when they first dated as teenagers.

But like many a first love, parents, life, and distance got in the way, and the couple lost touch. Now, twenty years later, Aurora – Rory to her friends – needs a break. Burnt out from her teaching career and longing to write a novel, Rory heads to the idyllic village of Roseford for a summer of writing and relaxation.

Leo needs a change too. Ex-pat life in Australia has come to a sticky end so the opportunity to run his family’s B&B, Roseford Villas, for the summer is too good to turn down.

Neither Rory nor Leo believe in fate, but when Leo opens the door to his latest guest, he might just have to reconsider. And when a sultry summer fills with nostalgia and memories and six weeks flies by too fast, love’s young dream might just get a second chance…

Romance and friendship, community and colourful characters mean Fay Keenan’s latest story is perfect for fans of Holly Martin, Cathy Bramley and Jo Bartlett.

My review

Taking a break from teaching, Rory finally decides to chase her dreams and write a novel. She heads off to the village of Roseford, as she can also do research on the lives of what inspired her.
Only for Rory to get the shock of her life, when she arrives at the B&B she is going to stay. Because the person who welcomes her, is no one else but Leo, her first love. Her first love, who moved with his parents on the other side of the world.
Leo has not so long returned from Australia, in need of a change too. So this summer, while awaiting to start his new job, he runs his family’s B&B, Roseford Villas.
A whole summer filled with memories and nostalgia, could it be that those feelings was more than just a first young love? But what when life starts again after summer? Will it just be a short reminiscence? Or will this second chance have a chance to finally last?

Don’t we all remember our first love? And the odds are that one way or another that first relationship didn’t last.
But no matter how things ended, that first love is and will always be something special.
And admit it, don’t you once in a while wonder ‘what if…’
Life can take you in a whole different direction, even at the other side of the world. But what when life brings you unexpectedly back together?

When first meeting Rory, I was a bit in awe of her. While she is a bit tired of (the uncertainty of) her job as a teacher, she finds the courage to chase her dream. I can imagine it cannot be easy writing a book, no matter how much inspiration you have.
Her passion for books is something I absolutely have in common with her, and her wish to write her own novel for sure made sense to me.

That same desire also makes sure she is determined to get to the bottom of a love affair of the past, even if it ended tragically.

It was sweet to read how serendipity works in this book, because what are the odds that Rory is staying in the B&B that Leo is running momentarily, to help his aunt and uncle…

Leo’s story saddened me, as he left his life in Australia behind to start again. Not only did his marriage fail, but he is also still literally hurting from the accident he was in.
But I could understand his need to get away. And sometimes doing the completely opposite of your actual job, like running a B&B, is the perfect way to reorder your thoughts and your life.

Of course, both characters have been through several things, and they have both grown and matured since the last time they saw each other.
Yet it was so sweet and tender to see how Rory and Leo know that there is still something there, beneath the surface. But they also know that they have to talk about the several elephants in the room. And also need to discuss what they both expect from each other.

But they also support each other, and are so in sync with each other. Leo encourages Rory but also understands that Rory needs to be on her own, to write. And Rory on the other hand is ready to take time with Leo, and give him the opportunity to explain things on his own time.

This was a lovely story to read, about not only second chances, bus also about how unexpected life can go. We see how that first love affects us, and how sometimes crossing paths again can give you the closure or the continuation you need. We also see how much can change over the years, but also how much of what makes us *us*, is still there, no matter what.
And obviously, it was amazing to return to the place where many friends are residing. Fay Keenan for sure wrote a wonderful book, perfectly matching the previous books of the series!

Can you truly escape from a nightmare?

Synopsis

Passion, obsession, cruelty, control. There is no limit to how far some people will go for love.

Duncan Stone is one of the country’s most eligible and handsome bachelors, and he wants to take me, Callie Parker, on a date.

At first I am surprised and flattered, the envy of my friends. Then when our whirlwind romance escalates and he asks me to move in with him, it’s like a dream come true.

But as I get to really know my new boyfriend, my fairytale turns into a nightmare. Duncan is no Prince Charming. He is the Devil.

Isolated from my friends and family, watched day and night, a prisoner in my own life, I know if I am going to survive, I need to escape.

When a chance encounter with an old friend throws me a lifeline, I realise this is my live or die moment, and I find a hiding place deep in the Norfolk countryside.

I’m supposed to feel safe here, so why do I hear footsteps outside my hideaway late at night, and sense that someone is watching me?

Is it paranoia, or has Duncan managed to find me?
Or perhaps the danger is closer to home than I realise.

My review

Callie Parker cannot believe it when Duncan Stone, one of the most eligible bachelors, shows an interest in her.
What starts as an amazing romance, quickly turns into something else. Because from the moment Callie moves in with Duncan, her life turns into a living hell.
Duncan is anything but a caring boyfriend, and isn’t adverse in using force to turn Callie into the compliant woman he wants.
Even if Callie totally isolated from everyone and everything, she knows that she needs to escape, or that things will end very badly.
With the help of an old friend, she manages to hide in the Norfolk countryside. Callie should be safe, but she cannot shake off the feeling that she is being watched… Is it just a case of paranoia? Or has Duncan found her, despite the measurements Callie took?

Sometimes, when I read a book, I hope that the author had a lot of imagination while writing is, as it was way too shocking to read how some characters behaved.

And in this book, Duncan shows the ugliest possible side of people. Not only his violent streaks or his bullying are terrible to read, but also the way how he manages to gaslight Callie…

Because as a reader, as an outsider, it’s easy to tell Callie to get away from Duncan. But we see here clearly, how such a manipulator is able to make Callie doubt herself, how to alienate Callie from everyone, family and friends.
It was even heartbreaking to read how such a confident young woman like Callie turned into a terrified woman, having to endure everything Duncan puts her through, and not having one single person on her side.

That is also unfortunately the truth, as even the people the closest to you, aren’t able to see what you are going through, and believe the lies that are being told, or even believe that there is something wrong with you.

Yet while most of the time I pitied Callie, I also admired her when she finally decided that she had enough. It must not have been easy for her to take that step, but after everything she had to endure, she knows that it could only end in one way, a bad one.

Once she gets away, it was again heartbreaking seeing her so terrified of every noise, every sudden moment, even every act of kindness…
But it was lovely to see how slowly, very slowly Callie opens up, becomes her former self again and learns to trust again. Yet she has been through a lot, and she never loses her wariness.

And it’s that same wariness that keeps her on point of everything… that same wariness that makes her realize what truly is going on even in the quiet countryside of Norfolk.
I was a bit shocked when that specific truth came out, especially as initially we see a different side… only shows that you can never really know a person…

This book is anything but an easy book to read, as we see how someone with cruel intentions is able to turn something as beautiful as love into a real nightmare. A nightmare that doesn’t seem to stop, no matter what Callie tries to do.
It’s terrible to see how one person is able to break another person, pure out of selfishness and feeling superior…

Yet there is also a positive turn in this book, because help can come in unexpected ways, and even the most hideous bruises, physical and emotional ones, can be healed with having the right kind of people by your side. People that are ready to help you, fight with you, no matter what. And in the end, it’s that kind of people we need in our lives, the good ones, the ones that are able to chase away all the bad ones.

Keri Beevis wrote for sure a difficult story, as I could almost feel Callie’s pain myself. But sometimes we need books like this one, to remind us that it’s easier said than done to just walk away, that gaslighting is something all too real (unfortunately…). But that we also have learn to actual listen to the signals and offer a helping hand to those that are screaming for help…

What when you’re not the only one faking it?

Synopsis

Can a fake date fix everything?

On a day Abbey thought would be the best of her life – her boyfriend is surely going to propose tonight, right? – it all falls apart: he tells her he’s met someone else. And then to make things worse, she loses her job.

In an act of reimagination, she splurges her wedding savings on renting an apartment in a building she’s always dreamed of living in and kits out her wardrobe to match.

But when her family invites her ex – a close family friend – plus a date(!!) to her parents’ vow renewal, Abbey realizes her façade won’t be enough. There’s nothing for it but to fake one more thing – a romance. And she knows exactly who to ask… her hot new neighbor…

A laugh-out-loud fake-dating rom com, with a chemistry you’ll be thinking about long after turning the last page. Perfect for fans of The Hating Game and Elena Armas

My review

Abbey always believed that she and her long-term boyfriend Andrew would be endgame. They have been together for years, and Abbey believes that he is going to propose. But Andrew isn’t proposing at all, as he has met someone else…To make things worse, Abbey also loses her job.
With her wedding savings now available to do as she pleases, Abbey rents an apartment in the building of her dreams and even goes on a shopping spree for a whole new wardrobe.
Even if problems are lurking around the corner, Abbey doesn’t want to think about them yet and wants to enjoy living in a beautiful. Weren’t it for her new neighbour, as he annoys her to bits, no matter how handsome he may look like.
But when Abbey learns that her ex is also invited to her parents’ vow renewal, and he brings a date along, she wants to show everyone she found the perfect man. And who better to ask than her neighbour?

I always enjoy reading books where fake – dating is involved. And even if the romance – bits are initially all a big pretend, I like to see how the faking turns into something else.
But while this book is about the fake – dating, it’s not only the dating that is fake… because both the main characters, Abbey and Ted, are faking to be someone else than they actually are. And isn’t a triple fake better than a single fake? 😊
And with this author, I knew for sure I would have many laughs, but also many swoons!

For sure I felt sorry for Abbey at the start of the book. Is there something more terrible to learn that your boyfriend has met someone else while in fact you’re expecting a proposal? And to learn that he has been doing things behind your back? Oh and let’s not forget the bit about losing your job…
So could I blame Abbey for just once not doing the sensible thing, and renting an apartment perhaps above her limits and even get a whole new wardrobe? Of course not!
On the contrary, I even loved her for that! 😊
And could I blame her for deciding to fake – dating, when it’s clear that her parents are having such high expectations for her and her ex? Obviously not!

Did I love it to see how Abbey and Ted initially clash even at their first meeting and how they start off with a bunch of misunderstandings and mistaken identities? ABSOLUTELY! 😊

And Ted, he for sure didn’t deserve the betrayal he had to endure, especially as not just one person betrayed him, but the two people he entrusted the most…
Perhaps running away and hiding away isn’t the most mature behaviour, but can you truly blame him? Because I for sure cannot!

I found it exhilarating to see how Abbey and Ted are initially clashing over everything, yet it was sweet to see how at a party they  enjoy more a game than the party itself! Even if they both are pretending to be someone they are not, the real Abbey and Ted submerge more often than not. Perhaps them pretending to be someone else, makes them act a bit more differently, but also more open than they otherwise would.

Despite them not knowing who they have opposite them, they know that they have endured the same kind of pain and deceit, making them the perfect allies. Putting up a façade is perhaps not the best idea, but for sure we know that in books that works perfectly!
Seeing Abbey and Ted playing to be in love was so spot on, I think even I would truly believe in this couple 😊.

I loved reading this book, had so many laughs, swoons (like I already said before), but also a few frustrations, as seeing Abbey and Ted getting closer, with so many almost – moments but then just not – moments. I wanted them to give in to what they were feeling and stop the pretence, as they are so perfect for each other. Of course it was also a bit frustrating to read how close the both of them are to tell the truth, but once again fail to come clean about everything.
But that is also part of the charm of the book, because aren’t we all scared about admitting something we did wrong, as we don’t know how the truth will be accepted?

Perhaps the end was a bit too rushed, or maybe it’s just me who wanted to read more about what would happed next to Abbey and Ted, as I absolutely wasn’t ready yet to say goodbye to these lovely characters!

Having read several books of this author already, I can now say with absolutely certainty that she is slowly climbing up to my list of amazing authors, and that with her, I have reached the point that I don’t even want to read the blurb of her books anymore, and I just want to enjoy her stories. Because with this wonderful, hilarious, even sweet story, I was once again devouring it all at once, way too quickly reaching its end!

When you wake up and there are years lost…

Synopsis

When Shelley Woodhouse wakes up in hospital from a coma, the first thing she says is that her husband must be arrested.

He’s the reason she’s in here. She knows it. She remembers what he did. Clearly as anything.

But there are things Shelley has forgotten too, including parts of her childhood. And as those start to come back to her, so do other memories. Ones with the power to change everything.

But can she trust these new memories, or what anyone around her is telling her? And who is the mysterious hospital volunteer who brings her food and keeps making her smile? Is it possible to find your future when you’re confused about your past.

My review

Shelley Woodhouse is certain that it’s her husband who got her in the hospital when she wakes up from her coma. Because she remembers how violent the man was she married, and she remembers clearly what happened that put her in the situation she is in now.
But Shelley is shocked when she realizes that what she believes is the truth, in fact isn’t as Shelley learns that she has forgotten many things, from her childhood, but also from her present.
And as memories seem to resurface, she doesn’t know if they are actual memories or just what the people around her are telling her.
Will Shelley ever remember what truly happened? And get her husband to pay for what he did? And who is the volunteer who keeps on visiting her, putting a smile on her face?

What a book this was… It angered me, it made me sad, but it also gave me joy, happiness and hope.

When Shelley wakes up, she is so sure of what happened and what brought her in this particular situation, but as a reader there are so many signs telling us that in fact what Shelley believes to have happened isn’t in fact the reality.

I can only try to imagine how confusing things may seem to Shelley, as she has forgotten so much and is convinced that her husband is the culprit.
And slowly, together with Shelley we start to learn about her life, her past and her present…

My heart truly broke when learning about her past. Even if things weren’t always easy, she had a happy life with her mother and her grandmother. And then everything changed when her mother met the wrong man.
From that moment Shelley’s life is somehow filled with fear, anger and even desperation. She sees what love shouldn’t look like, yet she is helpless as her mother fails to make the right choices.

And it for sure angered me to see history repeat itself when Shelley finds herself also in that same situation, failing to make the same right choice as her mother failed to do.
But while it’s easy to condemn Shelley for sticking around, and not just walking away, haven’t we heard it way to often how people find it so impossible to do what seems logical to do?
Why does it always have to come to a near miss before we find the courage?

How often I almost found myself screaming at Shelley, but as an outsider it’s always so easy to say what we would do in such situations. But it’s a whole different matter when you actually are in that specific situation…

Yet there are also many beautiful things in this book. Like how despite everything, Shelley still has her best friend by her side. And just the kindness of even strangers, like volunteer Matt, who with his kindness and just unselfishness manages to put a smile on Shelley face. I have to admit, my heart also skipped a beat a few times when Matt appears and spends time with Shelley.

Now, I have to admit, that when Shelley finally has all the pieces of the puzzle falling together, I already had a gut feeling about it. Of course not the complete picture was already clear to me, but the most important bits didn’t came as a surprise. But that didn’t take away my delight in seeing that I was right!

This isn’t always an easy book to read, as we can see how ugly people can be. And how difficult or almost impossible it can be for people to extract themselves from a horrendous situation. But we also see that in fact it is possible, and that we just have to find the courage that is hidden deep inside ourselves. And that even from the ugliest of situations, something beautiful, even inspiring can grow. And most important, that just because you have met the wrong person, it doesn’t mean that you stand alone, because there will always be people right by your side, helping you fight your battles…   

When you want to realize your dream, sometimes you must work hard…

Synopsis

Enjoy a stroll in the park with this uplifting story of love, friendship and following your dreams. 

When Molly Brown buys a derelict cottage in the middle of a rundown park, she hopes to return both the cottage and the park to their former glory. However, Molly soon begins to wonder whether she’s bitten off more than she can chew, especially when the good-looking guy from the council refuses to help.

In his role as Parks and Highways Officer, Jack Feathers doesn’t want to waste public funds on an overgrown, unloved park, no matter how gorgeous Molly is. But when he finds himself needing somewhere to live, Molly makes him an offer he can’t refuse – to move into her spare room, rent-free.

The catch? He has to help bring the park back to life.

It seems to be an ideal solution, until… Molly falls for Jack, the park is vandalised, and she realises he is still in love with his ex.

And soon Molly begins to regret letting Jack into her home, her life and her heart.

A delightful romance full of warmth, humour and community spirit, perfect for fans of Jessica Redland and Suzanne Snow.

My review

Molly Brown has always dreamed of buying the cottage in Sweet Meadow Park. Only now that her dream finally came true, it isn’t the idyllic cottage of her dream, but rather a derelict one.
Yet Molly is adamant to restore the cottage into its former glory, and why not, also turn the park once again in a beautiful place.
But restoring the park is not as easy, especially as Molly learns that she cannot count on the help from the council.
Because Parks and Highway Officer Jack Feathers doesn’t see the point of using public funds in a place that isn’t appreciated.
However, when Jack needs a new place to live, Molly makes him an offer he cannot refuse: he can stay in her spare room, rent – free. He only needs to help with the cottage. And Molly silently hopes that she can persuade him to help bringing the park back to life.
Living together brings the two also closer. But are they also both ready to open their hearts for love again?

There are authors that never disappoint. And Liz Davies is one of them, as I absolutely loved and devoured this book!
I cannot pinpoint what exactly made me love this book so much, there are so many lovely things in it, that it’s just its totality!

I admired Molly’s courage, it’s not for everyone to buy a derelict cottage, as I know I couldn’t do it! But it is Molly’s dream and she goes for it! How admirable!
She clearly has also a stubborn streak, as in a few occasions perhaps it would have been better to listen to common sense. Yet that is also part of her charm.
She is also a passionate person, as she wants to turn a ‘lost cause’ once again in a beautiful place. Even if she has all the odds against her.

But she is also just a kind, sweet and generous person. Not only towards people, even people that she initially dislikes, but also towards animal. Because not many people would just take a stray dog in their home.
Just another proof of the kind of person she is.

Of course it’s a bit strange to let a complete stranger to stay in her house, even if he works for the council. But if Molly wouldn’t do it, we wouldn’t have a story of course 😊

Jack somehow felt like a tragic character. He isn’t a bad person, on the contrary. He is the guy who always wants to do good, but finds himself in awkward situations. He understands why Molly wants to bring the park back to life, but because of his past efforts, he knows it’s a work in vain. And he has juts given up on it.
The same with his ex… he is being just too nice to her while I would have told her to get lost waaaaaay before and in a not so nice way.

I truly liked the dynamics between Molly and Jack. They start as complete strangers, even antagonists, then slowly they become close friends and then even other feelings develop.
But I also liked how they somehow are shy around each other. Unbeknownst to each other, they are afraid to admit how these feelings are growing and getting deeper…

But to me it wasn’t only about the romance (or not…) but it was more about a whole community, to fight for something and to never give up, no matter how dire the situation make look like. And it’s also about how people may surprise you.

Another lovely story from an amazing story, and realizing that this is actually the first book of a series, and it truly made my day! 😊

When you’re hearing voices in a lift, it cannot be real, right?

Synopsis

FLOORED is a charming romantic comedy guaranteed to give you a lift.

Hannah and Drew work in the same office.

Hannah and Drew use the same elevator.

Hannah and Drew aren’t looking for love.

They haven’t even met.

Yet something is happening…

Amiable TV production accountant Drew has turned his back on love after the death of his fiancée, an incident which cemented his longstanding elevatophobia. When Drew moves towns and jobs for a fresh start, he hears a voice in the office lift telling him to “be careful”.

Is it his fevered imagination, the ghost of his fiancée, or someone playing a cruel prank? Quickly, he becomes desperate, foolish… and unexpectedly smitten.

Sweet and sassy Hannah wouldn’t mind finding love, but keeps choosing the wrong boyfriends. Her innate social anxiety, deepened by bad experiences with a preying boss, is a huge barrier to dating anyone new.

Yet, to expose her boss’ antics, she needs to be lucky as well as smart. However, talking to a sweet but hapless co-worker isn’t the answer… is it? After all, she could never imagine meeting him in person.

When Drew discovers the adorable girl behind the voice, a relationship blossoms alongside a shared determination to bring justice to their workplace, risking everything.

Will their daring plan succeed or will it jeopardize the happiness they’ve found with each other?

This wonderful, laugh-out-loud, will-they-won’t-they romcom is perfect for those who loved Beth O’Leary’s “The Flatshare”, Laura Jane Williams’ “Our Stop”, or Sally Thorne’s “The Hating Game”.

Praise for Floored:

“This book of yours is fantastic! It’s so well written, witty, funny, and the story kept me wanting to know more every single minute. I absolutely love the dynamics of Drew and Hannah’s relationship… and all the other character dynamics too. It’s such a well thought-out plot and I love how everything falls into place at the end.” – Editor

“I’ve just finished reading Floored and absolutely loved it. I loved the relationship between Drew and Hannah as they both overcame their (realistic) problems. The comedy throughout was fantastic, I don’t think there was a second that I didn’t have a smile on my face when reading. It’s a great romance, with lots of extra strands to it to keep the reader entertained and excited.”- Reader

My review

Drew in a TV production accountant who does not do dating. Because after losing his fiancée, there cannot be anyone after her. He is not only scared (or scarred…) by love, but he is also resolute to never step into a lift, even if that means to take the steps to the floor to do his job. Yet when one day he has no other choice to take the lift, after excruciating terrors, he gets the shock of his life, as he hears a voice in that same lift telling him to be careful…
Is someone pranking him? Is Drew losing his mind? Or is it the voice of his fiancée he hears?
But it’s not a standalone incident, as Drew realizes that there is in fact a voice in the lift. A voice that belongs to Hannah, who is determined to expose her boss’ inappropriate behaviour. And that is why she has come up with a smart plan. Yet she didn’t expect to like talking to her co – worker through the lift…
But no matter how much she enjoys ‘their time together’, her history of wrong boyfriends and her anxiety will make sure that Hannah will never find the courage to meet in real life. Or could she?

When I started reading this book, I could partially understand Drew’s reservations towards lifts. I am not a real fan of it either, but when there are more than two floors to go to, I take the lift, otherwise, steps it is!
But wouldn’t it be terrifying if suddenly you hear a voice? If that isn’t something fitting for a horror movie or book, I don’t know what else would be! 😊

What I liked about this book, was how two people, with their own serious amount of issues, find each other and like each other without even having seen each other. Their liking is purely based on the sound of their voices and the conversations they have. And it has nothing to do with the way they look.
And that was so beautiful to see, how they connect in perhaps a weird way, but a way that is just so fitting for the both of them.

Yet I have to admit, it was a bit weird seeing Drew getting closer to ‘Elle’. It was at a point even a bit cringeworthy, seeing  an adult man seeing like that, while he knows that it isn’t the lift itself talking, yet he seems to lose all common sense…
Luckily that common sense returns and we see Drew acting all normal again.

My heart broke a little bit getting to know both Drew and Hannah better.
Drew is still afraid of dating, after losing his fiancée in an accident. For him, she was endgame and while I understood that nothing could ever compare to her, it was sad to see how just Drew stopped living at all…
He is being teased by his colleague/friend about his no – longer – existing love life, but it was sweet to see how that same teasing friend is there for him when seriousness is required.

And then Hannah… she is so sarcastic, every time she opened her mouth, I wanted to know what would come out now!
Her attitude was so in contrast with her anxiety… because I know for sure that if Hannah were a real person, she would be my best friend! 😊

Hannah and Drew are very different kind of people. Yet it’s their differences that make it that they are perfect for each other.
It’s also them being “different” from others that they understand each better than anyone else ever could.
Of course as they both have to find the courage to let go of their fears and doubts, it is not a head – over – heels – in – love romance. But seeing how slowly the high walls are broken down, was so sweet. We see tons of patience in this book, a lot of understanding and yes also a few mistakes being made. But all that is just natural!

This was a lovely story to read, showing us that each and every one of us has struggles in life, perhaps not as big as the both main characters do. But it takes the right person to find to take that daring step into the deep to let love do what it does best…