An unforgettable summer for so many different reasons…

Synopsis

Going to the chapel, but will they get married?

After the holiday romance to beat all other holiday romances, it’s back to regular life for Holly Berry, and the sweet shop is busier than ever. With Jamie and Finn’s wedding coming up, Holly is rushed off her feet, making sure their big day is perfect.

So when her handsome boyfriend comes to visit, she is both elated to see him and overwhelmed. She wants to show Evan all the things she loves about her village, as well as introducing him to baby Hope, but how can she find the time?!

Evan offers to lend a helping hand in the shop, and as he gets to know the locals, this loud and proud American certainly makes an impression. But Holly knows she can’t get used to this – because it won’t be long until he has to go home.

Can she make the most of the summer, with everyone she loves finally in the same place, or will she let the hectic wedding planning get the better of her?

A heartwarming romance set in the beautiful Cotswolds, perfect for fans of Holly Martin and Jessica Redland.

My review

Holly Berry just had most amazing holiday, and now she is looking forward to the wedding of the year, that of her friends Jamie and Fin.
And Holly wouldn’t be Holly if she would do anything to make sure that the wedding is going to perfect.
Of course there is also her boyfriend Evan, who has come to visit. She cannot wait to show him around in the village, the place she loves so much and the sweet shop she is running. And of course Evan has to meet Holly’s little girl Hope.
But no matter how much she enjoys having Evan by er side, as he is even helping out in the shop, Holly knows that at one point he has to return home…
So with making the best of this summer, how will the summer end?

I started reading this book without realizing it was part of a series. That is my own fault, as I just look at the writer and grab the book, without doing some research! 😊
But while I was reading, I also realized that it wasn’t completely mandatory to have read the previous books. Yet now I of course will, as I have truly enjoyed reading this book, also read the previous ones!

What I loved the most in this book was somehow the simplicity of it all. Yes, there is some drama in it, and some misunderstandings. But it’s also clear that there is so much love in it, and that everything that is done, even the wrong thing, is done with the right intention and out of love.

Holly herself is also an amazing person. They way she is running the shop, but most important, how a wonderful friend she is to not only Jamie and Fin, but what a dedicated mother she is to little Hope. I absolutely liked it how she put Hope first before everything and how Holly is still befriended to her daughter’s father.
I found that truly refreshing, because in too many books we see where such relationships can be very strained. But the author shows us that there is another way, the best way.

I have to admit, I had some doubts about her relationship with Evan. Not that Evan is doing something wrong, on the contrary. For him it’s also testing the grounds, and often it’s a case of trial and error. But he wants to make a great impression, only to going over the top with it all.
And that sometimes angered me a tiny bit, as he especially at first doesn’t seem to realize that he is overdoing it.
Yet he makes it all up as he shows his worth by even surprising me. It was sweet to see how he when it truly matters put his priorities right, showing us how it was so easy for Holly to fall in love with him.

There are some incidents in this book, but it was great to see how a whole community, and not just one or two characters, join forces, even from unexpected people, are ready to find the perfect solution, that perhaps is eve better than the initial plans.

In this book sparks so much love, from each page. We see that life isn’t always a walk in the park, and that mistakes and misunderstandings can be made. But with love around, it’s easy to make up for the mistake and come to an understanding when there seems to be some miscommunication.
Like I said, this isn’t the kind of book with avalanches of tragedies, heart – breaking events or dramas. But when there is something “bad” happening, it is something that truly matters. Yet also in these cases, it will always be love, in all its facets, that will prevail!
A lovely read, that for sure put a lightness in my heart, showing that life isn’t filled with darkness, but with just a few clouds that the sun, especially in summer, will chase away!

An unforgettable hen weekend, just not in a good way…

Synopsis

They DID promise her a killer hen weekend…

Jeanie’s getting married, and – despite her completely impossible four sisters – her best friends Clio and Amber are determined to give her a bachelorette weekend to remember. They’re in matching pink T-shirts and the drinks are flowing…

But the night turns out to be unforgettable for all the wrong reasons when a girl turns up dead on the dancefloor. And – even though she’s a stranger – she is wearing one of Jeanie’s hen T-shirts.

Who is she? And why are the police convinced that the hens are involved? Can the newly-formed Bad Girls Detective Agency solve the murder? And in time to get Jeanie up the aisle?

Unputdownable mystery set on the English coast – perfect for fans of The Thursday Murder Club, Bad Sisters and How to Kill Your Family.

My review

Jeanie is finally going to marry the father of her twins. But while it should be the happiest time of her life, she is having doubts… Not only because she isn’t really enjoying the hen weekend with her sisters and her best friends Clio and Amber, but also because Tan, Jeanie’s fiancé, is acting all weird all the sudden.
And then when the girls are all out, in matching T – shirts, a girl ends up dead on the dancefloor, wearing one of those T – shirts. But Jeanie doesn’t know the girl, nor does anyone else of the gang.
So even if solving a murder mystery should be the last thing on their minds, the Bad Girls Detective Agency are once again determined to not only find the culprit, but also have Jeanie on time to say her ‘I Do’.

Getting married can be a very stressful and emotional event. But what when your sisters and friends have organised an outlandish hen weekend, and all you want is peace and calm? And what if you are having doubts, as there seem to be many signs wanting you to not go ahead with it? And most important, what if your fiancé is acting out of character, and isn’t the loving man and father of your children anymore?
Those are all the things Jeanie is thinking about on her hen weekend…

And then the worst thing hasn’t happened yet, as after a not so nice encounter on the dancefloor ends with a dead girl. A girl Jeanie doesn’t know, yet a girls that is wearing a matching T – shirt that her whole gang is wearing…

The gals in this book have already been through some series stuff in the first book of the series, so I was very eager to see with my own eyes how they would solve another murder mystery!
Of course my heart went out to Jeanie, as everything she hoped and wished for seems to go down the drain.
I even pitied her, as she has to go through a hen weekend she isn’t enjoying, going along with it for the others’ sake.
And it was heart – breaking to learn that sweet, gentle Tan was keeping things from her.

Oh and then of course there is the murder…A murder that seems not related to Jeanie, a murder that appears to be very random.
And to be very honest, while getting killed is obviously terrible, I didn’t really feel for the victim, as slowly it becomes clear that there is more to the victim and she wasn’t a saint at all. But obviously that doesn’t justify the murder!

Somehow it felt like this murder mystery was exactly what Jeanie needed, in so many different ways. And with her friends and sisters ready to go ‘detectiving’ by her side too!

While reading this book, there were side stories I couldn’t really to the bigger plot, but I knew that this author wouldn’t just write something without being a link. So I was very eager to see how all the pieces would fall together.

Some of those pieces weren’t nice ones, as we can see the worst of people. But as this is a mystery where there are also many laughs, we also see the best of people. And we see things going wrong, but yet once again in a funny way.

The Bad Girls Detectives for sure is a peculiar bunch of women, they are not exactly working in the logical sense of how a murder should be solved. Yet their determination is strong and solid, and their friendship makes them protective towards each other. because no matter how dire their situation may look like, they know they can always rely on each other.

This was a great sequel that followed up a promising start. And while I am not 100% sure I would ever hire this agency, I know that their thirst for the truth would eventually solve any mystery. And on that note, please let me finish singing a certain song in my head, as I just couldn’t stop the whole time while reading this book with such a title! 😊

Check out this cover, doesn’t it make you eager for the release date?

Synopsis

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

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

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

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

Pre-order Links 

UK –  A Scottish Highland Hideaway: Fall in love with the brand new autumnal Scottish escapist romance (Scottish Escapes, Book 7) eBook : Shackman, Julie: Amazon.co.uk: Kindle Store

USA – Amazon.com: A Scottish Highland Hideaway: Fall in love with the brand new autumnal Scottish escapist romance (Scottish Escapes, Book 7) eBook : Shackman, Julie: Kindle Store

Publication Dates – 23 August (E-Book) & 29 August (Paperback)

About the author

Julie Shackman is a former journalist from Scotland, who has always wanted to write feel-good romance. 

As well as being an author, Julie also writes verses and captions for greetings card companies. Julie admits to having an obsession with stationery and handbags. 

She is married, has two sons and adopted a Romanian rescue puppy, Cooper. 

A Scottish Highland Hideaway is Julie’s eleventh novel.

The cover!

Is love worth the risk?

Synopsis

A fresh beginning…

Esther Hamilton, is finally finding her feet after her split with her horrible ex, and is looking forward to her new single life. She has a job she loves in the busy Accident and Emergency department, a new home and for the first time ever, a chance to just have fun with her good friends. Love is very much off the cards…

An old friend…

Until the arrival of Joe Carter – the brother of Esther’s best friend, Danni. Joe is also newly single and still as gorgeous as ever, but Esther can’t lose her heart to Joe. If it all went wrong, she’d lose two of her best friends.

A second chance at love?

But working together over a troubled patient, the connection between them is undeniable. And when Esther’s parents’ marriage hits trouble, Joe is there for her, offering her support, and Esther knows she’s fallen hard.

Are they brave enough to take a risk on love, or are they destined to remain friends forever?

My review

After breaking up with her fiancé, Esther Hamilton is slowly finding her feet again. Luckily she has made amends with her best friend Danni, as they both have been fooled by Esther’s fiancé.
Even if things aren’t always easy, she loves her job at the A&E in the hospital. Now Esther is enjoying the single life, with love being the last thing on her mind.
And when Danni’s brother Joe returns, Esther is happy to have her old friend back in her life. When a troubled patient brings them working together, Esther cannot deny the deep connection she has with Joe. And when her own parents seem to be having a rough time, it’s Joe she can count on for support. But Esther could never risk losing her two best friends, as she knows how much that would hurt.
But isn’t love always worth the risk?

When I first started reading books from this author, it was a slow – growing love. But now I can proudly state that I am completely hooked and I am as happy as a little child whenever I start a new book!
And I found it wonderful to return to the Cornish Country Hospital, with all its great characters (with the exception of a few obviously!)

I was very curious to see how Esther was doing, after all the revelations (and drama) of the first book. But I liked it how positive she was, after everything. She realized on time what a douchebag her fiancé was, and even if there was a small glitch in the friendship with Danni, now everything is just like it should be. And even if there isn’t a significant other in her life, Esther is completely happy! She has loving parents, her examples of how love should be, she loves her job even if it isn’t always easy and her bond with Danni is stronger than ever.

It’s clear that she is also a very caring person. It shows in many different aspects, not only the care for her own family, but also how she does understand that Danni and her new love need some time alone (even if they don’t say it to her, or contradict her). But also how much compassion she shows towards the patients. And perhaps she cares too much about them, as she has been too close already before with far – reaching consequences, even if she wasn’t at fault at all.

Esther is the kind of person that is always thinking about others, wanting to help them. And that is so heart – warming to see, that there are good people in the world, wanting to help.

With Joe returning, I was very curious to see how that relationship would develop. It was great to read that there already was a bond, a connection between them, and that things would just develop from there. And it was sweet to see that no matter how much time had passed, and how far away Joe used to live, their friendship picks up like it never left.

I could understand Esther’s dilemma as her feelings start to grow. Because there are so many possible problems: how would Danni react, or what if things wouldn’t work out? Is Esther truly ready to risk so much? And while on one hand I could understand that, I also wanted them to just go with it! 😊

But I also found that this story wasn’t only about the blooming relationship between Esther and Joe. But it was also about the struggles people have in life, and how they can or cannot cope it. And Esther being the kind and gentle person she is, is doing her best to help. Yet it’s not easy to find the balance and cross the fine line.
Mental issues aren’t all that easy to talk about, but I also feel that it is a necessary thing. Because we need to learn to be open about it and not see it as a weakness. And we also need to see that getting the right help is not something to be ashamed of…

We also see in this book a second storyline, about Esther’s mother Caroline. While on the outside she seems to be in a happy marriage, ever since Patrick retired, the envisioned life she thought they would have, isn’t just happening…

I must admit, I got also frustrated at Patrick’s behaviour, because he seems so passive and I just couldn’t see that passion, that big love between them.
And I could understand that Caroline decides to things on her own, as Patrick just doesn’t want to do anything…

Even if that brings Caroline making choices I didn’t fully agree with. But in a way, I could comprehend her actions.

In its totally this was a wonderful story, once again a book from this author didn’t disappoint me. It is a heart – warming, compelling story, about characters at crossroads. For one reason or another, there are choices that need to be made, and it’s up to them to make the right choice.
But there is also so much love in it, a growing love, a broken love, a sisterly love and love and care for other people.
We see in this book that life isn’t always easy, and that there may be curveballs that we cannot avoid. But there is always room for caring, loving and forgiving. And in the end, it’s the care, love and forgiveness that truly matter…

When no one compare to the one that got away, and then he’s back…

Synopsis

There’s no place like home…

Although dog trainer Sally is relatively new to Wagging Tails, the team she works with have quickly become her family and the dogs her friends.

But when Andy, the one that got away, turns up for a brief respite from the city, she is at a crossroads. As tempting as a life with him is, she loves her home of West Par, and anyway, she has responsibilities here.

Number one on that list is ensuring the dogs’ home stays in business. A developer has been sniffing around wanting to buy the land, and the team is worried.

Sally will do anything to save her home and her friends’ livelihoods but the lure of reuniting with her lost love is strong. Is there a way for her to have both?

My review

Sally is a dog trainer recently started at Wagging Tails Dogs’ Home. But even if she is rather new, she already feels part of that family, and just like everyone else, her mission is to save each dog and find the perfect home for each and every one of them. And that also means to save the business, now that a developer is determined to gain the land for his own purposes.
On a personal level, Sally cannot get her ex out of her mind. No matter how many lovely men she meets, they cannot compare to Andy, the one that got away.
But when Andy suddenly appears in West Par, Sally does not know what to do, as her heart is now divided. Because Andy also seemingly hasn’t forgotten her. But his life is in the city, while Sally’s in West Par…
So with a dilemma like that, what is the right thing for Sally to do?

What an amazing return to Wagging Tails Dogs’ Home! This place for sure holds a special spot in my heart, as I truly love it how much every member of the team is dedicated to the place, the job and the wonderful, sweet doggies staying there! If I could, I would adopt each and every one of them (the dogs I mean 😊) and give them all my love!

I found Sally a very recognizable character. Because don’t we all have that one person that is ‘the one that got away’? And don’t we all wonder what our lives would look like with that person in it?
To make it even ‘worse’ for Sally, it isn’t that they had a huge fight that ended things. But it was a case of life pulling them in different directions.
So I could understand how she was a bit shellshocked seeing Andy again, and having all those feelings resurface.

But Sally is also a very recognizable woman seeing her passionate in her job. She is a wonderful dog trainer, wanting to understand the animals she is working with, and showing a lot of patience and love while working with them.
If everyone just had a little bit of Sally in them, the world would be a much better place!

I have to admit, when Andy returned, of course I was delighted for Sally, as there was this huge potential of a second chance. But it was also crystal-clear that he was hiding something from Sally. And I had a gut – feeling what that secret would be.

But that didn’t take away the fact that, beside that secret, Andy is a good person. He followed his dreams and passions initially, but he also has a great heart. Because when his family needed him the most in the past, he didn’t hesitate one moment.
Of course, he also made a few mistakes, wrong decisions. But then, haven’t we all?

I found it really endearing seeing that old flame reignite. When Sally and Andy are together, they are so in sync, it doesn’t seem they have been apart for so long. I truly wanted that Sally’s imagine of Andy was a real one, and not a sugar – coated version of him.
And it was so sweet to see how they both feel the same way!
But I could so easily comprehend the dilemma too… no matter how they have been feeling and apparently still are feeling about each other, their current lives are in total different places. And could Sally give up her life in West Par, that she loves, for the love she has for Andy? And is it the right thing to do to ask Andy to make such a ‘sacrifice’ for love?

Now, that developer… he also ignited something in me, pure anger and rage! It truly annoyed me how persistent he kept on being. I don’t think that I could muster that much patience as everyone did in the book! I would have used a lot of words I cannot ever repeat here, and wouldn’t be averse at using violence! 😊
Yet I admired the united front everyone formed at  Wagging Tails Dogs’ Home’. No matter how much money was offered, the future of the home was more important than anything else.

This was a lovely, heart – warming story, not only about second chances, but also about fighting for a right cause, family (bound by blood and otherwise), friendship and most important love in all its aspects.
Returning to West Par was returning to my happy place. Not only did I see some old friend back  but I fell in love with each new presence, on two legs but mainly I fell in love with those on four legs!

When forced to wed, can a childhood sweetheart be the solution?

Synopsis

A betrothal bargain

With the Highlander from her past

When Susanna Cameron needs to thwart her brothers’ plan to marry her off, she turns to her childhood sweetheart, Laird Rowan Campbell, with a daring proposal—to be her pretend betrothed! In exchange, she’ll help the now-hardened Rowan get revenge on the man who killed his family. The only flaw in Susanna’s plan—their returning attraction! 

My review

Ever since losing the man she loved, Susanna Cameron has closed her heart avoiding any possible kind of heartbreak. But when she learns from her brother that he is going to marry her off for the clan’s sake, she knows that there is more than her brother is telling her. seeing no other solution, she seeks help from her childhood sweetheart, Laird Rowan Campell. Not only does Susanna wants him to pretend to be her betrothed, but she also needs his help to uncover the secrets both her brother are keeping from her. In exchange, she will help Rowan to get his revenge on the man that killed his family.
But even if Rowan is no longer that same man Susanna once knew in and out, could what they once felt for each other reignite? And are both broken people ready to love and be loved again?

Is there something more heart – breaking than losing the person you love? Yes there is… as you lost him ‘thanks’ your own family…
Because that is exactly what happened with Susanna, as her beloved one died as her father interfered in their romance. And all because of status…

So yes, I could understand why Susanna wouldn’t want anything to do with love anymore. Because losing Jeremiah wasn’t the first heartbreak she had to endure, but also refusing Rowan long before broke her heart. And once again it was because of her family interfering.

It’s clear that Susanna is a strong character, she won’t be fooled by anyone. And she isn’t afraid to put up a fight, even against her own brothers. Brothers that are clearly keeping something from her and are not willing to share their worries.
So I admired Susanna, ready to make an alliance with Laird Rowan Campbell, despite their past. Because she won’t just go along with whatever her brother demands her to do!

Now, Rowan is not a complete stranger for us eager readers of Jeanine Englert’s books. But even if you haven’t read other books, you can still catch up rather quickly.
Rowan’s tale for sure is a heart – breaking one, as he once had it all, and lost everything, even costing him temporarily his own sanity.
In that aspect, I admired him as he managed to get out of that downward spiral he was in. Only a strong man can manage to put his head straight back on his shoulders and return to be the Laird his clan needs.
But I could absolutely understand his thirst for revenge! Who wouldn’t want to get revenge on the person that took everything away from you?

It was a bit funny, seeing the strained relationship between Susanna and Rowan. Initially for sure they don’t like each other, or at least the people they have become. And having to act to be in love with each other… just so funny for us readers!

But no matter how they felt at the start of the story, it’s obvious that there is still something lingering between them. No matter how much life has changed Susanna and Rowan, their hearts are still the same, even if it took some serious battering.

Slowly the extreme high walls built around their hearts are falling apart, and that is only possible with the right person. Of course it isn’t a walk in the park and there may be some frustrations and arguments taking place between Susanna and Rowan. But the harder they fight, the more clear it is for us to see where it all comes from…

There is one character that absolutely stole my heart in this book, and that is delightful little Rosa! She is the reason Rowan was able to return to his former self, as his little girl needs her father. But her innocent character is just so adorable!

This is a story about two characters who have both been through a lot, as life and Fate hasn’t been gentle on either of them. But that also made them more resilient and stronger than anyone else. Their scheming together makes it possible to slay huge demons of the past and even fight against enemies made of flesh and blood, together. And seeing how both Susanna and Rowan are losing that dark cloak around them, and being able to open their hearts again, was truly great to read!

When you’re ready to move on, but the past apparently isn’t…

Synopsis

This is the first book in an exciting new trilogy (‘The Sunshine Sisters’, part of the Little Duck Pond Café series) about three sisters, who are all – in their different ways – searching for something missing in their lives. They haven’t been close since a shocking incident years ago sent them spinning off in different directions. Will the village of Sunnybrook work its magic and finally reunite the family?

In this first story, Rori has escaped a desperate situation by fleeing to the village. But can she really leave her past behind, or will it come back to haunt her, as she fears it will? Can she find the peace and happiness she craves in Sunnybrook?

My review

Aurora, Rori for friends, moved to Sunnybrook to have a brand new start after a bad relationship. She loves her new friends and meeting Kurt may make her believe in love again, perhaps. But when things start to happen, bad things, Rori is afraid that her past has come back to haunt her. Fearful of what may come, but also determined to not let that fear take over her life, Rori and her friends are ready to solve the mystery. But is her fear directed in the right direction? And will it all be uncovered on time, before something disastrous happens again?

There are authors that write long series and it’s often that with the next book in the series, the quality somehow diminishes, or the story seems like a repeat of a previous book. So being Book Nr. 32, you would think that the Little Duck Pond Café would have somewhat lost a bit of its charm, right?
WRONG, YOU ARE SO SO SO WRONG!!!
Because this book is just as delightful as its predecessors and just as wonderful!

I admired Rori from the first moment, because she has been through a lot in the past, with a relationship that was anything but a good one. But also the relationship with her mother and sisters isn’t an easy one.
Yet she shows such a strength, having found the courage to start a new life in Sunnybrook, making new friends and looking brightly ahead at her future.

But she isn’t just a little ray of sunshine, because of how her previous relationship went, made her wary. Even if she tries to move on, she never loses that wariness over her. And seeing how the story evolves, it’s a good thing that she keeps both eyes wide open. Because you never know in what corner the danger may lurk…

Even her meeting Kurt, doesn’t take that wariness away. And I found that a good thing, because she didn’t let her feelings get in the way of using her common sense. No matter how delightful Kurt may seem.
And yes, he absolutely is a great character, especially at moments where Rori seems to be at her lowest, he shows his worth! Specifically at one occasion perhaps he didn’t act in the mature way he should have, but hey, I would have done exactly the same thing! 😊

Although I have to admit one thing… With the bad things happening to Rori, I stared to become very suspicious of everyone, and yes, of Kurt too…
I can only imagine how terrible Rori must feel, having the feeling trying to come back at her, with a vengeance.
But I also knew somehow that things weren’t that straightforward as Rori thinks it is. I knew that this author would have something up in her sleeve, leaving me a bit flabbergasted when it all came out!

Yet this is not only about Rori and her new start, but also about Rori and her family. Rori is clearly the peacemaker in the family, and just wants all her siblings getting along. Her family is a special one, with very different characters, passions and dreams. So in a way, it makes sense that they don’t all get along that very well. But I also felt that there is so much more to yet discover in this family.

This was absolutely a wonderful story to read, with so many different layers. But also with so much love and strength in it. As there is still so much still to be discovered and secrets ready to be revealed, I cannot wait to get to know Rori’s sisters better! 😊

It can really be a hard – knock life…

Synopsis

Thirteen-year-old Alice Truelove can’t take another day of her father’s cruelty.

Better a life on the streets than being constantly blamed for her mother’s sad death, or that’s what Alice thinks as she packs up her meagre possessions. But fending for herself in the Black Country town of Wednesbury is not as easy as she expected, and it soon hits her that without help she will quickly be hungry and cold.

Bertram Jordan, or BJ to his friends, became an orphan much too young after his parents were stolen away by influenza. Growing up on the streets has not been easy, but BJ has learnt to survive, and when he meets Alice, alone and desperate, he’s happy to take her under his wing.

As Alice learns the tricks of the pick-pocketer, the best ways to charm the stallholders on the market and the skills to get by, the two children become firm friends. So, when BJ makes a fatal mistake, Alice can’t bear the thought that she might lose her only friend – forever…

The Queen of Black Country sagas is back with a heart-breaking tale of friendship, families and survival against the odds. Perfect for all fans of Katie Flynn, Val Wood and Lyn Andrews.

My review

Alice Truelove cannot live with her father any longer, as he blames her for the death of Alice’s mother. Even if she is only thirteen years old, Alice believes that life on the streets will be better than continuing living with her father. So she packs her few belongings and heads off to the streets. But being on your own, living on the streets in the Black Country of Wednesbury isn’t a walk in the park. It’s a daily struggle, not only fighting for food, but also for finding shelter.
Luckily Alice quickly meets Betram Jordan, BJ for his friends. BJ takes Alice under his wing, and learns her how to survive, as he became an orphan too young and has been living on the streets himself a long time now.
Even if Alice isn’t a fan of being a pick – pocketer, it allow the new friends to survive, by also charming the stallholders on the market. But when a mistake is made, and the friends are separated, Alice wonders if she will ever see BJ again and if she can survive on her own.

How terrible is it growing up hearing time after time that only you are the reason that your mother died? And how terrible is it that you have to hear it from your own father, who hasn’t shown any kind of affection towards you?
So while it was a heart – breaking decision that Alice made, I could understand where she was coming from.
Perhaps it was naïve of her, as she didn’t really have a plan, or at least thought about several
back – up plans.

I can only make an attempt to understand how it feels to be living on the streets, and then I am thinking about it in the present, where there are plenty of options of finding shelter and places to eat (or at least, I think so 😊).
So thinking about living on the streets in the Black Country of Wednesbury, well, that makes it so many times more difficult! And that is thinking about it generally, but think about how it must be for a young girl like Alice..

But the friendship between her and BJ, that truly was something beautiful to see. BJ truly takes care of Alice, showing her the tips and tricks to survive on the streets. On one way I could comprehend Alice’s reluctance of pickpocketing, but on the other hand, it was also clear that it’s a way of surviving..
And it was sweet how BJ tries to make Alice understand that, and he shows patience with her. He wants Alice to see happy in not so great circumstances. And them caring about each other truly warmed my heart.

So that made it even more terrible to see them separated, in a way that looks so final…
Their lives take a complete different direction, even literally. There are new people in their lives, new friendships, yet never forget about each other, and they both hope to see each other again one day.

I wasn’t aware that this book was the start of a trilogy, so I was a bit flabbergasted in reaching the end. Because I still had so many questions, and I  wanted the answers *now*! 😊
But even if now I am eagerly waiting for the next books, it doesn’t take away how this book captured me. Because it shows us that even in the most dire circumstances real friendships can be formed. And that no matter where life takes you later on, and how your life changes, that friendship still stands.
But also that no matter what a bad start you had in life, you can always turn it around (even by using a few white lies if necessary). And that even after setback after setback, there will be a silver lining coming along!

Aren’t you intrigued?

Synopsis

“That’s like believing in Father Christmas,” he said.

“Or mermaids,” she replied, gravely.

Meet the Morgans. Three very different sisters, who each blame themselves for their mother’s mysterious disappearance. 

Now over forty years on, they’re in crisis.

Cassandra – the eldest – runs the family’s cliffside hotel. But the business is in trouble, and a secret from the past seems determined to resurface.

Greer – the youngest – walked away from a glittering career to live alone in London. Now she has no choice but to return to the family home – but what kind of welcome can she expect.

And Orla – the middle sister – whose obsessive shell collecting and messages from the ‘sea-people’ dominate her life. But Orla knows things. She knows Greer is coming home to a new future, that Cassandra’s dark secret will change their lives and their mother never really left at all. 

And there’s another secret, something they all share …but of course, nobody’s telling.

Purchase Link – https://mybook.to/ShellSistersRRBk2

About the author

Adrienne Vaughan writes spellbinding, page-turning romantic suspense.

Her Heartfelt Series − The Hollow Heart, A Change of Heart and Secrets of the Heart – is set on an island off Ireland’s west coast and features a feisty investigative journalist, and her irresistible West Highland terrier. Adrienne studied at the Dublin College of Journalism and loves animals, especially dogs.

Her collection of short stories and poetry, Fur Coat & No Knickers was shortlisted for the Irish Carousel Prize for Anthology and her WWII short story, Dodo’s Portrait, was shortlisted for the Colm Toíbín International Short Story Award at the Wexford Literary Festival.

Secrets of the Shell Sisters is the second in a series of sweeping family dramas, each with a touch of Irish magic.

All her books are heart-warming, uplifting reads, featuring her trademark gripping style, and laugh out loud moments.

Adrienne, husband Jonathan, and two cocker spaniels divide their time between rural Leicestershire, the Wicklow mountains, and coastal South Devon. Agatha Christie – the cat – takes care of things while they are away.

PS: Adrienne’s keeping everything crossed there’s still time to realise her ambition to be a Bond girl.

When your heart pulls you in different directions…

Synopsis

A broken heart, a shameful secret…

Wakefield, Yorkshire 1871

Loretta Chambers has spent her life working at her father’s boatyard down at the docks. She’s tried hard to keep the business afloat, but with the railways taking trade away every day, Lorrie fears for the worst.

The arrival of handsome Italian, Matteo Falcone brings a brief glimmer of hope and a yearning inside Lorrie for another life, away from the filthy grime of the dockside. But despite her feelings for Matteo, she could never travel to Italy with him, and leave her father alone.

But one reckless, impetuous moment leaves Lorrie with a secret she will struggle to hide. And when tragedy strikes at the boatyard, Lorrie is left feeling more alone than ever before.

Always a dutiful daughter, Lorrie now carries a shame that could ruin her life forever…

My review

The year is 1871, and Loretta Chambers is helping her father running the boatyard at the docks of Wakefield in Yorkshire.
Things aren’t easy, especially since the new partner is making changes Loretta doesn’t fully agree.
When Matteo Falcone arrives, it’s not only a link to the part of the family Lottie doesn’t know anything about, but his presence also ignites something in her Lottie never experienced before. And it makes her dream of a life away from the docks. But with one reckless moment, and tragedy strikes, Lottie has to fight for what her father has been building, even if she feels more alone than ever…

There is something about the past that always intrigues me. It amazes me how much has changed for people, especially women, in such a short time. And I know that this author doesn’t write easy stories, but always manages to capture the reality.

Lottie’s tale doesn’t start as a real sad one, even if her circumstances aren’t easy. She is living with her father, helps running the boatyard, even if the business is in bad papers. And the new partner her father has for sure made me raise my eyebrows, as his behaviour for sure isn’t 100% legal.
Normally for a woman it’s not that custom to be involved with the business, but I liked it how Lottie was perhaps a feminist before it was a thing.

I liked Lottie, because no matter if she is just a young woman, she has a clear opinion of her own, and she is smarter than many people in this story.
She knows what she is talking about and even has a good insight of business in general. She is also respected by the men at the boatyard, and that respect is returned.

When Matteo arrives on the scene, I could understand her interest in the man. Not only because Matteo is a handsome man but most important because he is a member of Lottie’s maternal family. A family that Lottie doesn’t know anything about.
So yes, her attraction to that man for sure is understandable. And also, Matteo for sure is a smooth talker…

Yet in the book it saddened me to read how not only Lottie, but also her father in a way, were taken advantage of. It shows how ugly the world can be, and how deceptive, selfish and nasty some people can be.
Because Lottie finds herself fighting against many things, also many prejudices and injustices. She also learns the hard way that even the people you thought would be on your side, can hurt you.

Nevertheless, no matter what Lottie is going through, she luckily also learns that there will always be people fighting along her, in her corner.
And that warmed my heart, to see how comfort and understanding could be found in unexpected corners.

It was a bit a pity to see that the blurb, the title and even the cover gave somewhat away what would be happening to Lottie, as this only happens rather late in the story. But that didn’t take away the pleasure I had in reading this book. Because just like at the start of the book, Lottie shows a strength and determination that even nowadays people can be envious of.
Lottie keeps on fighting, even against all odds to find her own happiness, and to protect what her father has been fighting for himself.

And that is the beauty of this book, as no matter what happens to Lottie, she never gives up. And perhaps her life didn’t go as she would have thought, yet she manages to make something out of it anyway. And that for sure works as an inspiration!