When to choose between love and friendship…

Synopsis

It’s been over twenty years since Cass Marshall’s relationship fell apart, and she returned home to Bellbird Bay. Now, although happy with the success of her beachwear business, Cass often longs for someone special to share her life.

Nursing the wounds of a failed marriage, Mick Roberts has finally accepted his ex has moved on with her life. Determined to avoid his daughter’s attempts at matchmaking, he immerses himself in his whale-watching business.

When family sickness brings the two together, Cass wonders if her life is about to take a turn for the better. But with Mick’s ex-wife also being Cass’s best friend, a seed of doubt emerges.

This doubt intensifies when Cass’s recently widowed ex arrives in town, determined to use any means to drive a wedge between Cass and Mick as he fights for a second chance.

Can Bellbird Bay work its magic again and provide a happy ever after for Cass and Mick, or are they destined to spend the rest of their lives alone?

My review

Cass Marshall has always been very secretive about her relationship twenty years ago. The end of it drove her back home to Bellbird Bay, where now she is running successfully her own beachwear business.
Maybe saying that Cass is jealous of seeing everyone around her, including her best friend, seeing finding love again, but it stings a little bit.
Mick Roberts is still facing the fact of his failed marriage, even if he wishes his ex – wife all the best. But he for sure could go without his daughter’s matchmaking.
Cass and Mick have always known each other and were friends, but things start to shift between them. Yet with Mick’s ex – wife being Cass’s best friends, it’s not only a matter of following their feelings, but also keep loyalties.
But is it right to prioritize friendship over a chance at love? And what when there is a sudden reappearance in Cass’s life?

As usual it was a delight to return to Bellbird Bay. It is always so heartwarming to see ow people, no matter what age or background, are always able to find a(nother) chance at love. And the lovely setting for sure helps!

Perhaps this book was in a way more complicated than the previous books in this series. Because it’s already not that easy being in a new relationship, with growing feelings. But if you add in the equation that the love interest is the ex of your best friend, well, let’s make things even more complicated, why not!

From the start, Cass is facing different issues all at the same time. Not only is she looking after and taking care of her mother, but suddenly she finds herself with an unexpected lodger in the form of her sister’s son Justin. And then seeing everyone around her having romance in their lives, makes her wish for her own romance, but not the romance she lived twenty years ago.

It would be easy to judge Cass from the past. But I could also see how she was being played and even used by her ‘partner’, who was never even thinking about choosing Cass.
Yet I liked it how Cass has been able to put that past behind her, and create her own successful business.

And it was great to see how Cass just understood her nephew Justin, even if in fact they didn’t know each other that well before.
She also understands that perhaps it isn’t Justin who is the problem, but rather the parents, a.k.a. his father.

And obviously there is the blooming romance with Mick. we already knew that Mick made a mess of his marriage, and it seemed that he wouldn’t change.
But after a scare, I liked it to see how Mick understands his errors and that a change is needed.

It was lovely to see his interactions with his daughter, and how he would do anything to put a smile on her face, even if that means to allow her matchmaking schemes. All while he isn’t looking for love. But we all know that love doesn’t work that way, don’t we! 😊

So I truly liked to see the shifts in Cass’s and Mick’s relationship. While it starts with understanding each other with the care of parents, they rely more and more on each other, becoming friends and realizing that feelings run deeper than that.

I have to admit, while it was lovely to see the progress between Cass and Mick, I was a bit disappointed and even a bit angered towards Greta…
I couldn’t comprehend why she was so against Cass and Mick getting closer, especially as Greta herself had found her happy ever after with Leo…
It struck to me like she was jealous, instead of being happy to see her best friend falling in love.
So more towards the end I was glad that Greta changed her opinion, as I wouldn’t want to dislike her! 😊

Greta and her opinions didn’t make it easy for Cass to just go with the flow with Mick. it was truly a case of choosing is losing… Because if she listens to Greta, she would lose Mick and her chance at love. But if she chooses Mick, it would jeopardize the friendship with Greta.

Nevertheless, Bellbird Bay wouldn’t be Bellbird Bay if it wouldn’t work its magic also on this pair! And while I loved this journey throughout the whole series, it’s also with a sad heart that I finished the last chapter, as the whole series came to an end.
Maggie Christensen took us once again on a real trip, showing us that love perhaps doesn’t always go straightforward. And there may be a few or several bumps underway, but following your heart and persevere can bring you your own happy ever after.

When a change of scene is needed, and turns into something much more important

Synopsis

Martha is the youngest of three sisters and, in her mid-thirties, has the dubious honour of being the only one to call off a wedding at the last moment.

Now, feeling as if she’ll be single forever, and trying to keep her low opinion of her sister Iris’s fiancé to herself for risk of looking bitter, Martha needs a change of scene.

When she is given the opportunity of a holiday to Paxos it seems too good to turn down, though the idea of travelling alone is daunting. And when the trip to the Greek island gets complicated, Martha wonders if this has all been a mistake.

But soon the island and its residents start to work their magic on Martha, and when she meets single father Harry and his adorable son Milo, a new way of living is revealed in contrast with the drab routine of her life back home. How can Martha leave behind the warmth of the people, the freedomand the fun, not to mention Harry and Milo when it’s time for her to go home…

Let Helen McGinn magic you away to a world of sunshine and serenity, romance and relaxation. Perfect for fans of Erica James, Carol Kirkwood and Karen Swan.

My review

Martha isn’t really looking forward returning home for several reasons. First of all there is the fact that she doesn’t like her sister Iris’s fiancé. And mostly important, she feels as a failure compared to the rest of the family. Not only because she is the youngest, but mainly because she called off her own wedding at the last moment.
And when things go very awry, she decides she needs a change of scenery. That brings her to the Greek island of Paxos, where things don’t start smoothly, but Martha quickly understands that the island itself and its inhabitants are perhaps exactly what she needs and she sees a different kind of life compared to her life back home.
And Harry and his son Milo have also something to do with her feeling the freedom, the fun and the ease on this wonderful island. But what when the time has arrived to return home?

I haven’t ever been to Paxos, or anywhere in Greece, but it has always been on my bucket list. And the next best thing is perhaps reading a book taking place in Greece. But maybe not in the same circumstances that Martha finds herself on this wonderful island.

There are several moments, especially those first chapters, that I felt sorry for Martha, and I even pitied her.
It was clear that she feels like the black sheep of the family, the one that didn’t get married, the one that isn’t that successful and the one that is still single at her age. (why that is so bad, no idea, as I am even older and happily single 😊).
But while she was somehow wallowing herself in self-pity, I admired the courage she showed when making difficult decisions. Not getting married while everyone was encouraging her, was not easy, yet she decided to follow her heart. And that was the only right thing to do.

And when Toby, her sister’s fiancé, does something despicable, and tries to put the blame on her, it angered me how it would appear to be that everyone indeed blamed her. And I completely understood her need to escape that (temporarily) toxic environment.

Yet it also warmed me to see how her family, especially her sisters seem to understand her better that Martha thinks. And before Martha realizes it herself, the siblings know that Martha just needs to get away from everything and everyone, to put her own mind at ease. And so Martha finds herself on the island of Paxos.

Of course Paxos feels like paradise, even while just reading, even if Martha’s arrival is a bit a bit messed up. But we see that Martha is a kind and gentle person. And in a way, we can see that she is a teacher, the way she cares about the little boy that will turn out to be Milo.

Once settles in Paxos, we see a clear change in Martha. She starts to relax, learns to take things easy and is losing a lot of the stress she was carrying around. It also was sweet to see how the people on Paxos (or at least the bigger part of them) were ready to help Martha around, show her the island and just show her the way of life on Paxos.

The pair of Harry and Milo stole my heart, especially Milo. Things haven’t been easy for father and son, and still aren’t 100%. But you can see how much they love each other, and how much Harry would do for his son (as he should…).

Obviously Harry is Martha’s love interest. And while perhaps for me things went a little too bit physical between them, it was more than just that. Because even if Harry is still having his own issues, it just clicks with Martha. And he understands her better than anyone else.

There was one thing that annoyed me. It didn’t have to do anything with the story itself, but it concerns more the behaviour of people. And unfortunately, that is something very recognizable even now. Because whenever Martha is having some kind of doubts about Harry, it doesn’t have to do anything with Harry’s behaviour itself, but rather with the gossiping of a few characters on the island.
But like I said, that is something still very true in real life…

I truly enjoyed reading this book, as we can see that sometimes getting away is perhaps what we need. It can show us new perspectives, new ways of life and put the right people on our paths. It was great to discover Paxos together with Martha, seeing her becoming the person that perhaps she has been hiding or escaping from. And also see her face her fears, overcoming them, because again, with the right person by your side, even the biggest fears can be overcome, and with the right person, a way can be found to be together, no matter what!

When an agony aunt from the past inspires you

Synopsis

Starting over can be hard to do…

So when mum of two Beth moves out of her beloved marital home and into an unloved and unkempt cottage, she can’t help but feel demoralised. Faced with months of DIY and dust, her children Jacob and Olivia aren’t impressed either. But when Beth finds a box of letters while she’s clearing out the children’s room, things start to look up.

The correspondence is decades old, between agony aunt Evelyn and those in need of solace. Intrigued as to why the letters have been kept safe all these years, Beth can’t resist reading them, and as the wisdom and kindness of Evelyn falls off the pages, so Beth starts to feel she has a friend and champion in this woman she has never met.

Good advice doesn’t age, and as life starts to look brighter, Beth begins to wonder if she could track down Evelyn and thank her for her help. But as Beth uncovers more about Evelyn’s story, it becomes clear that everything is not as it seems. And now Beth is determined to bring peace to Evelyn as she has to her.

A spell-binding, heart-warming story of friendship, love and being brave enough to be yourself.

My review

Now that her marriage ended, Beth has moved to a cottage that is in much need of some TLC. But starting over after being cheated on, and it’s a struggle to keep her two children happy, is not easy. And then we are not talking about all the DIY Beth has to do.
When Beth suddenly finds a box with letters from the previous owner, her interest is piqued. Of all the things, the last thing Beth expected was to find, was that the letters belonged to agony aunt Evelyn, providing words of wisdom to her readers.
Wisdom that Beth needs in her own life, but also works as an inspiration, as Evelyn gives Beth the idea to start as an agony aunt herself. While providing advice herself, Beth realizes that Evelyn’s advice is having an effect on her own life too. And while before everything looked dark, life starts to look better for Beth. But Beth also learns that Evelyn kept a secret, and Beth is ready to uncover it, hoping it that somehow she can help Evelyn just like the way Evelyn helped her.

There are often stories where marriages end, perhaps even badly, where the main character starts over and with maybe just a small bump, manages to find the perfect happy ending. So when I was reading this book, I was happy that Beth wasn’t that kind of person.

She is really struggling with her changed situation and is even bitter how things are going. And I couldn’t blame her, as for sure she is the one with the worst cards on the table.
*SHE* was the one that had to move out, *she* is the one adapting to a new, even lonely life, *she* is the one living in a house that needs a lot of work. And all while her ex – husband is apparently living the life with his new partner.
So yes, I absolutely comprehended her anger and bitterness, because it just wasn’t fair. And yes, I even understood her resentment towards her ex – husband!

Perhaps I am a bit too young (“only” 37 years old ☺️) or the aspect of an agony aunt isn’t that well known in Belgium, but I was intrigued by it.
In a way, I could understand why people would write to a complete stranger, asking for advice. And having the chance to do it anonymously, without someone knowing who wrote the question, is easier.

Just like Beth, I wanted to know the kind of advice Evelyn would give, to the wide arrange of questions. But what was a bit surprising yet at the same time it wasn’t, was how people in the past were struggling with the same kind of issues people are struggling now.
It was even a bit funny to read Evelyn’s advice, sometimes so wrong, but most of the time she was spot – on.
And with those snippets of advice, Beth finds also her answers and even inspiration. Reading Evelyn’s letters inspires Beth to become also an agony aunt, yet in the digitally world. But Evelyn somehow is able to persuade Beth to make some changes herself, being able for Beth to make new friends, and even move on from all the pain and anger she is still feeling.

It was sweet to see how Beth is finding her independence again, making new friends and perhaps even a love interest. And yes, some may find that love interest and what happens perhaps a bit hypocritical. But I saw it more as people finding each other at perhaps not the right time. Because that is also something that happens often in real life, due circumstances not being able to be together.

I found this once again a great book from an amazing author. She tells life how it really is, not sugarcoating everything. The main focus was indeed on Beth, but I was as enthralled with Evelyn’s story as I was with Beth’s. We see that nobody’s life is perfect, and that everyone has their own timeline to get over things. But that sometimes with the help of an agony aunt from the past, you can put your own past behind you, find your happy place again and even show forgiveness and acceptance towards the ones that angered you in first place.

When it’s time to start over again…

Synopsis

She’s writing her story one recipe at a time…

‘A delicious story that wraps itself around your heart’ Evie Woods, bestselling author of The Lost Bookshop

It’s been three years, two weeks and one day since Kate Shaw’s life changed forever. Three years, two weeks and one day that Kate has been angry – with herself and life.

But today is different. Different because Kate has finally taken the step she’s been avoiding…back into the kitchen. Now, what begins as a (disastrous) attempt to make pancakes becomes a culinary journey that is not only a love letter to someone so important to her, but also an unexpected means of connection to a community she never knew she had…

My review

It has been three years since Kate Shaw’s life changed. From a happy wife, content with her life, she turned into the kind of person that counts the days from the moment everything changed. And the worst of it, since those three years, two weeks and one day, Kate has been angry with everything and everyone, herself.
But Kate has had enough of wallowing in sorrow and anger, and she is ready to turn over a new leaf, and it will all start with baking pancakes. Little does Kate know that her terrible and disastrous attempt at making pancakes will make her see that no matter how alone she felt, she has a whole community ready to help her, and even to be helped by her.

I didn’t know what to expect from this book once I started reading it. But sometimes it’s those kind of book that bring you the unexpected yet something so beautiful at the same time. And that is exactly what this book did…

While it’s not really outspoken, it’s clear what happened to Kate, and how she cannot cope with the sense of grief, loss and even guilt.
Even if years have passed, she cannot shake those feelings off, even if she knows how it affects her current life and her current behaviour.
Some people may think that three years is a long time to grieve, and that Kate should have been able to move on earlier. But who are we to judge or decide how long someone needs to be able to start over? Every person is different, and needs a different timeline. For some it may take a short time, while for others perhaps it’s never the right time. And everyone is making the right decision for themselves, and there is nothing wrong with that!

I have to admit, while I laughed at the disaster cookery with Kate, I think I also would go crazy with the visual proof of it all. Even with the easiest recipes Kate managed to turn her kitchen into a crime scene! 😊

Another thing I have to admit, initially I was a bit weary of how people almost invited themselves at Kate’s place. But quickly I saw how genuine they all were. It warmed my heart to see how they fund each other, and how they all helped each other, and how they needed each other to help.

Each person arriving in Kate’s kitchen or living room turn out to be an asset and manage to het Kate out of her shell. But Kate, with her kind and generous heart, is also able to help each and every one of them with their own problems.

This was a lovely read, a slow one. But being it a slow story at moments, show exactly that while life sometimes seems to go too fast, there are things that need to work out at their own pace.
And that even if guilt seems to drown us, it can be at the most unexpected moments that we can lose that feeling of guilt, understanding that guilt wasn’t something we should be feeling, because our loved ones, those still with us and those that aren’t, do understand us better than perhaps we may think, and accept us how we are.
And there are some recipes I for sure will test myself, but perhaps without turning it into a disaster like Kate did! 🤣

Is The One That Got Away truly that greatest love we remember?

Synopsis

Fashion designer, Elle Bliss, is unlucky in love.

She’s still hung up on her first love, Leo, who ended things abruptly, then mysteriously disappeared – and a decade on, no one else can measure up.

But Elle’s all-time dream of showing in Paris Fashion Week is about to become a reality, and she has no time to dwell on her dismal love life. That is until Leo – now going by Lorenzo – comes back into her life.

A celebrated up-and-coming shoe designer, ‘Lorenzo’ is nothing like the man she fell in love with. Rude, brash and with an ego the size of Paris, he’s too caught up in his own celebrity.

But as they constantly cross paths in the city of love, Elle begins to question how much of ‘Lorenzo’ is an act – a persona for the cameras. Because deep down, she can see glimpses of the man he was, and feelings from all those years ago become impossible to ignore…

Join Elle in the most romantic city in the world in this laugh out loud enemies-to-lovers romance, perfect for fans of Sophie Kinsella and Emily Henry.

My review

Elle Bliss is slowly building her fashion designing career. With her sister Cassie by her side, the dream is to make it into Paris Fashion Week.
While the business runs rather greatly, Elle’s love life isn’t… Because no matter who she meets, she cannot forget her first love, Leo. Their love was a great one, until the moment that Leo ended things and disappeared into thin air, a decade ago.
Just when Elle’s dream seems to come true, in the city of love she has an encounter with an up – and – coming shoe designer, Lorenzo. On paper a collaboration would be perfect, weren’t it that Lorenzo is in fact Leo. And ‘Lorenzo’ isn’t anything like the Leo Elle fell in love with…
But with their paths keep on crossing, Elle wants to understand how much of Lorenzo/Leo is just an act, and if there is anything left of the Leo Elle loved and perhaps still loves..

There are authors that I cannot wait to pick up their latest release. Because I know, even before I have read just one word, or even the blurb, that I will absolutely love the book. Sandy Barker has proven time over time over time that she truly deserves my blind trust, and with this book also she has proven what a great author she is!

Don’t we all have that one person, that feels like The One That Got Away? That first love, where even in retrospect it seemed the biggest love of them all, and we cannot just forget about them? But what when Fate brings that same person back on our paths, and our ideal match seems to be a fidget of our imagination?

Elle is exactly going through that… She cannot seem to forget Leo. And I could understand that, even if they were rather young, they just got it all, things seemed to go very smoothly. And just like Elle, I was left with many questions with Leo’s disappearing act.
How could you just go up in thin air while claiming that you are deeply in love? There is just too much left unsaid for Elle being able to move on…

While of course she does her best, as she chasing her dream of becoming a famous fashion designer. Now, I am totally not into fashion myself, I just wear what I like, and so what if it would mismatch? But I liked to see how Elle gets her inspiration, how she is able to put that imagination onto paper and into fabric. She shows such a creativity, something that I always lacked! 😊

And it was sweet to see how the two sisters are working together. Even if fashion is Elle’s dream, Cassie stands behind her sister, every step Elle is taking. But not only careerwise it was great to see the dynamics… Cassie also knows that Elle needs to get Leo out of her system and even resources to hire The Ever After Agency to find Leo.

I didn’t know what to think about Leo. Reading the stories from Elle, he for sure seemed like her Prince Charming, but how could he just leave her? And then when he appears back on the scene, as ‘Lorenzo’, I just couldn’t understand it. Because Leo for sure didn’t make a great impression upon his return, on the contrary! I almost wanted to strangle him!

But I shouldn’t have doubted for a minute that Sandy Barker would provide us a terrible love interest! Because slowly we see that the real Leo is still there, and that Lorenzo is a forced façade. And by reading what Leo had done in the past, for a right cause, made my respect for him increase…
We also see that Leo had done what he had done at a great personal cost, but that he is such a righteous person that he couldn’t possibly even live with himself if he would have done things differently… And that shows what a great, loving and altruistic kind of person Leo is. It made me see Leo as Leo for the man he truly is, and Lorenzo more of a character, a personage he has to play in order to somehow even protect and save himself.

That same realization is also what Elle makes, and seeing slowly these ‘old’ lovebirds finding each other, understanding each other was truly sweet.

Yet we also see the nastiness in the world, the world where people live of gossip, where people get used for other’s own advantages and how you have to fight for your right to love whoever you want.
Nevertheless, with a loving sister, a whole matchmaking agency by your side, the endgame may be worthy of the fight you have to fight.

I absolutely adored this book, with amazing characters, and seeing eve my old friends again. And of course, the shot at a second chance love, between the flashlights of Paris Fashion Week.

Sandy Barker wrote once again a story so compelling, wonderful and marvellous, showing that no matter how long ago that Great Love was, when That Love is in your cards, it will find a way back to you. Oh and yes, I had the whole time a certain song playing on repeat in my head! 🙂 

Married for the sake of their countries, but can love be part of it too?

Synopsis

Will the king finally surrender to their tantalizing chemistry? Find out in the latest royalty romance by Lela May Wight!

Their royal marriage: Separate beds but shared temptation… 

Two months have passed since the world watched Natalia La Morte marry King Angelo Dizieno. But Natalia hasn’t seen or heard from him since their startlingly scorching kiss at the altar… 

Promoted from spare to heir after tragedy struck, Angelo can’t be distracted from his duty. Being within touching distance of the woman he has always craved—his brother’s intended queen—has him on the precipice of self-destruction. The last thing he needs is for Natalia to recognize their dangerous attraction. If she does, there’s nothing to stop it from becoming all-consuming…From 

Harlequin Presents: Escape to exotic locations where passion knows no bounds.

My review

In kingdoms, it’s accustomed that marriages are arranged. That I the reasons Princess Natalia La Morte finds herself married to King Angelo Dizieno.
She hopes that with her marriage, the people of her kingdom can prosper from the wealth of her husband.
But Angelo doesn’t want anything to do with Natalia, he only wants to spend time with her when required. His duty lays with his own people, especially since his “promotion” from spare to heir. And the last thing he needs is to be distracted by the woman that was intended for his brother, even if Natalia was the woman Angelo craved.
But with a palpable attraction and Natalia’s desire to make progress, can Angelo keep his walls up? Or will Natalia find a way to make her husband trust her?

Sometimes you need to read a book where it may be predictable how the story will evolve. And there is absolutely nothing wrong with it!

I have to admit, I had a few difficulties with this book… and one of them was that I couldn’t really place it. Reading Natalia’s bits, made it seem that it was taking place in a far past, yet while reading Angelo’s bits, it was clear it was set in the present. That caused short circuit at moments in my head! 😊
And while I knew that it was part of the story, and it was needed to give both Natalia and Angelo more character, I didn’t truly appreciate the way the both of them were raised…
And finally, for a princess, I would have assumed Natalia’s last name would carry more importance. But La Morte is a rather sinister last name, as it literally means ‘The Death’… so it didn’t bring me any joy reading that last name 🤣

Nevertheless, I liked reading this story. Not only because the attraction between the two characters was very palpable.
But also because we see how both Natalia and Angelo are growing maturing in the book.
Because Angelo hasn’t had it easy growing up, as his brother always was more important than him. And that truly affected him. Yet he also made mistakes in the past, and he wants to show everyone he is worthy of wearing the crown, even if it was intended for his brother.
It saddened me a little bit to see how his determination built such high walls, as he couldn’t manage to show any real emotions, even behind closed doors. And it saddened me to see how guilty he keeps on feeling, even with him marrying the woman he desired, because it was supposed to be once again his brother marrying Natalia…

And Natalia… she wants so much for her people, she is ready to sacrifice her own happiness for them. She hopes that with marrying Angelo, she will be able to make the necessary changes. But she finds herself once again fighting for her people.
I could understand her anger, as Angelo not only does not listen to her, but just ignores her completely.
But I admired her determination, as she doesn’t just give up, and persists. And it was sweet to see how slowly, very slowly, Natalia manages to break down Angelo’s wall. Despite him being so closed – off, she sees that behind the King, there is a man afraid to fail everyone, and is a man carrying a heavy burden…

This story shows us how the past and even expectations can be a strain on someone. Life doesn’t go always as expected, but even with the unexpectedness of it, the right people can come on your path. And when perhaps it all starts as just a physical attraction, can turn into a better understanding of each other, and even more. As long as we dare to break walls, and dare to let our guard down…

Today a promotional bit!

Synopsis

Mia Flanagan has never been told who her father is and, aged ten, stopped asking. Now she keeps her own secrets. But when the movie she’s working on ends in disaster, she flies home to discover her fiancé has a secret too; leaving her dreams crushed.

Broken-hearted, a lonely summer in London looms. Until family friend, Archie Fitzgerald, invites her to stay at his fading mansion on Ireland’s ancient east coast.

For Archie also has a secret, and the longer Mia stays, the more she wonders if Archie really is her father after all.

Summer of Secrets is a tale of how the ghost of love can blight many lives. And how Mia, realising the past cannot hurt her, must make way for new love and the promise of happiness waiting in the wings.

Purchase Link – https://mybook.to/SummerofSecretsRBk1

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.

Summer of Secrets is the first 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.

Not everyone can be the Mr. Darcy you dream of…

Synopsis

No man can be as good as the one in your imagination…

Librarian Liv Thomas has always dreamed of writing a romance novel. But she’s stuck when it comes to creating a romantic hero – sadly – lacking anyone in real life to base him on.

When her brother suggests his best friend stay in their shared flat for a few weeks, she can’t believe her bad luck. Aiden Rivers is irritating and pushes all her buttons. Worst of all, he’s gorgeous, has a sexy accent and reminds her of her all-time favourite character Mr Darcy.

Liv finds herself unexpectedly inspired and the leading man in her novel begins to bear an uncanny resemblance to Aiden. He can never find out though: she’d never live it down. Because Aiden can only ever be her love interest in the pages of her book – and definitely not in real life… right?!

A laugh-out-loud enemies to lovers rom com, perfect for those who spend far too much time thinking about Mr Darcy coming out of the lake!

My review

Liv Jones has always dreamt of writing her own book, but her own fear has always held her back. So she just surrounds herself each days with books as she works as a librarian. Yet in her free time, she is slowly trying to put her ideas onto pages, and even if her book will never see the light of days, she imagines what her romantic hero would look like. easier said than done, as she doesn’t have anyone to base her fictional character on.
Her ideal is of course the famous and gorgeous Mr. Darcy, who doesn’t need any further introduction. And then her brother suggests that his best friend coming to stay at their shared apartment. A best friend, Aiden Rivers, who reminds Liv too much of Mr. Darcy, with his great looks and a sexy accent. But Aiden is anything but Mr. Darcy, as he manages to push all of Liv’s buttons…And to make things even worse, he started to work in the university where Liv also works.
And then Liv starts to notice that the romantic hero of her book resembles too much of Aiden… But there is a difference between the real Aiden and the character Liv is writing, right? Because there is absolutely no way that Aiden could turn out to be in fact anything Liv ever wanted her own hero to be, right?

I have to admit, when I started this book, I completely agreed with Liv’s infatuation with Mr. Darcy. And that specific lake scene, well, better that some things are left unsaid! 😊
But just like I adore reading Pride & Prejudice time after time after time, I absolutely love reading a great enemies – to – lovers!

And Liv and Aiden for sure are the perfect example of this trope! From the very start Liv is irritated by not only Aiden’s return, but also him staying at the apartment she shares with her brother, but on top of that, also starting to work at the university she works as a librarian.

There are several reasons I liked Liv. There is her love for books, her dream to write one of her own. But there is also the close bond with her brother. They couldn’t be more different, yet the love between the siblings is so obvious and clear. That was something that truly resonated with me, as I recognized that kind of bond.

Of course it was hilarious to read the constant clashing between Liv and Aiden. Seeing how Aiden keeps pushing Liv’s buttons, Liv trying to beat Aiden in everything… I could almost grab a bucket filled with popcorn, so much did I enjoy those moments!

But beside the clashing, it’s clear that something deeper and even more important in hidden in this relationship. Because when it truly matters, Aiden is having Liv’s back. At Liv’s scariest moments, she has Aiden’s shoulder to cry on.

And it was lovely and even sweet to see how Liv starts to see the real Aiden, and not the Aiden that annoys her. She might think that the character in her book is a fidget of her own imagination, but he is more Aiden than Liv initially thought.

I found this a wonderful book to read, and not only because of the trope. But we also see people chasing their dreams, daring to take a dive into the unknown. And we also see how lives in the present are being lived, from being a social media influencer to an artist. And how those worlds at times dare to clash or  even jeopardize what’s been built.
And then there is the fact that sometimes we allow people to get in our hair, but we fail to see what’s behind the façade and all that bravery.
And, as I am a sucker for grand gestures, I sure got a thrill from the ones in this book, makes me believe that perhaps there are real Mr. Darcy’s out there, or at least people wanting to make a fantasy come true! 😊

Today I am sharing an extract

Synopsis

Maggie and Sam take a break from the murder and mayhem of Bishops Well and embark on a relaxing mid-winter cruise across the northern seas. The brochure promises smooth sailing, good food and dazzling entertainment. Sam is hoping to sprinkle the mix with romance.

But nothing goes to plan. 

Maggie runs into an old lover, the mesmerising Benedict Rawbotham, who goes out of his way to sweep her off her feet. Sam is left seething with jealousy.

A mayday signal sent by a fishing boat forces the cruise liner off course. But there is something fishy about the rescued crew and Maggie insists that two young women have died on that boat. Alas, no one believes her. 

Soon one of the alleged fishermen is also dead and so is one of the cruise passengers. Cordelia Conti Lang, nicknamed the Bitcoin Queen, with links to London’s criminal underworld, is found in her cabin, stabbed to death. 

In pursuit of the killer, Maggie hurtles from one disaster to another and Sam begins to fear for her life. Has he taken her on a cruise to hell?  

Extract

The rescue operation at sea

Despite being told to remain calm and below deck, a huge proportion of the passengers disobeyed the order and braved the elements to witness the rescue operation. The remaining portion were those who could watch the goings-on from their cabins on the starboard side where all the action was taking place. Everyone else put on hats and gloves, fetched their cameras, and hurried on deck. The wind was slapping them about their faces, the freezing rain lashing and soaking them to the bone, but curiosity was stronger than the adverse weather conditions. 

​Powerful search-lights were pointed at the small vessel wobbling haplessly on furious tides. The rescue craft from the cruise liner had reached the boat and four people had boarded it. 

​‘Do you think they’ll find them alive?’ Maggie asked Sam. 

​‘My guess is as good as yours. Though, on second thoughts, yours is possibly better.’

​‘Oh, is it?’

​‘Well, if you can’t see any ghosts hovering over that boat, then maybe they’re still alive.’

​‘Of course I can’t see any ghosts, Samuel – it’s way too far!’ She pursed her lips, offended. ‘I never know with you – if you’re serious or taking the mickey.’

​Sam put his arm around her. ‘If I take the mickey, it is done with affection.’

​People gasped and camera-phones started rolling when the first person emerged from the vessel, wrapped in a silver thermal blanket. He – or she – was led to the rescue craft, stumbling and leaning heavily on the crew member who had his arm hooked under their elbow. There were more gasps, more selfies, and a few exclamations, when another person – hopefully alive, but potentially dead – was carried out on a stretcher. 

Once the person was safely transferred onto the craft, it shot through the waves towards the ship. Mr Hatton was overseeing the operation from the deck. As soon as the craft aligned with the pulleys, the person in the thermal blanket was lifted up onboard the ship. He – for it was a man – was instantly intercepted by a medic and led away. The harness was lowered to receive the person on the stretcher. Attaching the stretcher took no longer than two minutes, and it was up in the air, heading for the safety of the liner. Again, members of the medical team were on hand to swiftly carry the injured person away to the medical bay. 

Meantime, the rescue craft was heading back towards the fishing vessel. Pixeled with the incessant icy rain, the search lights were crossing in front of the boat to guide it along the way. 

‘They found two more people!’ Vincent Hatton shouted to the crowd by way of an explanation.​

Indeed, two more stretchers were taken inside the boat and within ten minutes, they were returned to the rescue craft, laden with human cargo. The craft carried them to the cruise liner, and just like the other two, they were winched up onboard. 

‘They’re dead,’ Maggie told Sam.

‘Both of them?’

‘I think so. I can see two young women – their spirits, I mean. They’re very unsettled, thrusting their arms in the air. They may be screaming – their mouths are wide open. No wonder – it’s all new to them. Sudden death tends to throw people off balance.’

The spectacle was over. The search lights were turned off and the sea glared back at the onlookers, violent and black, like the gaping mouth of a leviathan threatening to swallow them. The storm wasn’t relenting. The passengers were ordered inside.  

Can a broken friendship be mended again?

Synopsis

A warm-hearted and gripping story of community, secrets and the family we choose that will captivate fans of Lucy Diamond, Cathy Bramley and Jessica Redland.

As young women, Lise and Emma had the kind of friendship people dream about. While Lise’s own family was distant and disengaged, Emma’s was welcoming and warm, and for the first twenty-six years of their life, growing up together in a close-knit community, the duo were inseparable. But when they decide to spend one year living together in Paris, what starts as the adventure of a lifetime becomes a disaster that changes everything. And when Emma returns to Bath the following summer, Lise stays behind in France, their friendship in tatters.

Now, sixteen years later, Lise has come back to their hometown, determined to put things right. But to do so, she’ll have to face up to the truth about what happened in Paris. And with Emma refusing to talk to her, can she get close enough to share her secret?

My review

Lise and Emma grew up as best friends, and they were sure that nothing could ever come between them. Even if their lives were different, with Lise having a distant family, while Emma’s were welcoming and warm, they were absolutely inseparable. They even decided to spend a year together in Paris.
But right there in Paris, is where their close friendship ended brutally, with Emma returning to Bath on her own while Lise staying in France…
Sixteen years later, Lise finally returns home too, and is determined to make things right again with Emma, even if that means coming clean about what happened all those years ago. But when Emma is refusing to just talk to her, is there truly a way that a once so strong friendship, now scattered into a million pieces, can be mended again?

Haven’t we all had childhood friendships we were 100% certain that would never end? And yet when you think about it, many of those friendships haven’t stand the test of time. Of course there are friendships that did, but let’s be honest, many of them just didn’t.
And often there isn’t just a specific reason for it not lasting, just life taking us in different directions. But what when there was a specific reason that the friendship ended? How would it affect it the people involved? And if the heartbreak was so devastating, is there a way to make things right again? That is exactly what this lovely book is about…

I loved seeing young Lise and Emma together, they were ready to conquer the world, always having each other’s back no matter what. It was more like seeing sisters together and not “just” friends, because they just connected so well, and were always there for each other, understanding each other even without a spoken word, offering comfort, wisdoms (for their age at least 😊) and Emma always made sure to let Lise know that Emma’s family was also Lise’s as understanding that Lise’s own family weren’t the warmest kind…

Personally, I admired they courage for living in Paris for a year on their own, even if they did not speak the language. I for sure would never make that choice myself, because let’s be honest, I’m a big scaredy – cat ! 😊
But I liked it how hands – on they were, they took matter in own hands, determined to find jobs, to make things work. Because as long as they were together, it would all work out.

Seeing this strong friendship, I wondered what on earth could have happened to tear it all into pieces. Because I truly believed that their friendship would be indestructible. And it was obvious something truly terrible had to have happened to have this outcome. And to see how they weren’t there for each other in the most difficult moments after that year in Paris, broke my heart.

And even if I didn’t know yet what happened in Paris, reading what happened later on in Emma’s life, without Lise showing her support in any kind of way,  I could understand Emma not wanting to talk to her former best friend when Lise is back in town.
But I also saw the efforts Lise was making to get Emma to talk to her again. Because it was not only Lise’s life at stake here…

There is something about being angry at someone for so long, that it’s easier to hold to that grudge, than letting the past for what it is and start over once again… So much has happened in both women’s lives and I could see how they could be there once again for each other, if only they would let each other back in…

Normally I am rather easy in choosing a side. Who was in the right and who was in the wrong? But in this book, there isn’t a right or wrong side. Because what happened in Paris, wasn’t to blame on either Lise or Emma, but more to blame on the people around them. And those people put an end on a friendship…

And even later on, Emma back in Bath and Lise still in Paris, they both didn’t have it easy…
Emma had to face several and heart – breaking losses, while Lise was living together with a man that made me almost throw up each time he appeared.
Yet I liked to see the resilience in both women, coming out stronger than before.

I truly liked it also how both their daughters got along, even before the huge revelation towards the end. It seemed like history was repeating itself, from mother to daughter. And it was a bit funny to see how the girls were somehow the catalyst of Emma and Lise interacting again.

This book was amazing to read, although I have to say I didn’t expect anything else from this wonderful author.
the story shows us the easiness of friendship, but also the difficulties in it. But most important we see that no matter what happened in the past, or how people fell out, when it concerns real friendship, the love always find a way to bring those people back into our lives. And that with perhaps some persistence, patience, but most of all, forgiveness, that bond that was once so strong, can be found again, and make you forget about all the lost time, as it’s the time that we can now spend back together is what matters!