Can you trust people when it involves money?

Synopsis

Ben Walker’s life shatters after one reckless night. Seduced by Maxine—a ruthless femme fatale—he wakes to a nightmare: compromising photos, blackmail, and the threat of losing everything—his marriage, career, and freedom.

Faced with impossible choices, Ben pays the price. But one payment is never enough.

Dragged deeper into a deadly web of lies and manipulation, the stakes escalate, and the noose tightens. What began as a desperate bid to protect his secrets becomes a desperate fight for survival.

With his world crumbling and prison on the horizon, Ben must confront a brutal truth—how far will he go to break free? And can anyone truly escape the sins of their past?

A gripping neo-noir thriller of betrayal, seduction, and deadly consequences.

My review

Ben Walker never expected that being seduced by Maxine would end up in compromising pictures, blackmail and just lose everything he has and loves. But everyone knows that blackmail never stops after just one payment, and Ben finds himself in a downward spiral, taking risks he never thought he would take. However, the depth of what is going on, goes much deeper than Ben expects, and even if the noose around his neck tightens, he has no idea which web of ideas have been concocted…

When I started with this book, I knew that things wouldn’t be as they would appear at first sights. Of course with the blurb it is a dead giveaway, but it for sure had me intrigued and I was very curious to see how many levels of betrayal would be revealed.

Being a normal person, never having had any financial issues but also not swimming in it, I never had those big dreams like the main characters have in this book. Of course having more is always better, but I am happy with the current situation.

At the start of the story, I felt sorry for Ben. He has made a mistake in the past, and that truly put a strain on his marriage. And while I for sure condemn his choice to go along with Maxine, on a certain level I understood him. He always wanted to do all the possible to please his wife, and one indiscretion, a wrong one yes, put everything at risk. And while the road Ben is taking, is the wrong one, he just want to erase that one mistake…

The love he has for Eleanor, his wife, is clear for everyone. They started as a couple when things went well, but as things took a turn, I somehow started to see that Eleanor is a driven woman. A woman driven by money and luxury. And the relationship she has now with Ben is not the life she envisioned. A life she hasn’t given up on yet and a life that her best friends seem to have. 

I could understand Eleanor’s anger towards Ben, because once again a man in her life has betrayed her. Yet I couldn’t shake the uneasy feeling this woman gave me. Not only there are clearly lengths Eleanor would go to get what she thinks she deserves, but it is also a fact that while she begrudges Ben for his choices, she isn’t the angel she pretends to be.

Right from the start I knew that there would be so many levels of betrayal, deception in this book. And while I thought I would figure it all out rather quickly, there for sure are a few twists and turns that i didn’t expect. That I didn’t expect and that shows how far people are ready to go to achieve their own dreams, and how people can be selfish and even throw their own ‘loved ones’ under the bus.

We see here how beautiful life and love may seem, but at the same time how fragile it also can be. And we see how far people are ready to go, how self-centred people can be, and how just ugly people can be… So while this is absolutely a dark thriller, a psychological thriller showing us all the ugliness in the world, it also made me appreciate more the ‘normal’ life I have, the ‘normal’ people in my life, and the genuine, real, love I get from my loved ones.  

A fresh start starts with a fresh garden

Synopsis

Rosie Steadman needs a new start. It’s over a year since her husband died, and there must be more to life than her job in retail. When she spots an advert to rent a garden, it feels like the perfect project.

Media celebrity Connor Forbes is currently lying low in his brother’s flat after a public break-up and, with job prospects drying up, finding someone to look after the overgrown garden is the least of his problems. 

For both Rosie and Connor, it’s a strictly business arrangement. But can they keep it that way? 

As Rosie gets to know the man beneath the tarnished image, she finds it harder to resist his charms, but she’s been hurt before and Connor has a reputation – can this really be a second chance at love?

My review

It’s been a year since Rosie Steadman became a widow. And she cannot really say that she has moved on after losing her husband. But now the time has come to start again. And when she sees an advert of a garden being rented out, she sees this as a sign. Not that she green fingers, but somehow the advert allures her and she cannot wait to get her hands dirty. What Rosie doesn’t know is that she is renting the garden from Connor Forbes. Connor is hiding away in his brother’s flat, after a very public break – up causing also his television job drying up. And while his neighbours are complaining about the overgrown garden, he couldn’t care less. So when Rosie agrees to look after the garden, that is at least one thing less on his worry – list. While things start off strictly business, slowly Rosie and Connor get to know each other and slowly become friends, helping each other out. However, when opportunities arise, can Rosie find the courage to open up her heart again, or will Connor live up to his reputation?

There are plenty of books in the world about starting all over again. There are even plenty of stories where one of the main characters has lost a partner and find it difficult to move on. And yes, there are some tropes, when you have read of them, you have read all of them. But luckily for us, this book isn’t that kind of book! 😊

Being single myself, and not having had to cope yet with a great loss in my life (or at least where I was old enough to comprehend it), I can only try to understand how Rosie felt and is still feeling at the start of the book.

When you are married, life is filled with compromising. There are obviously moments where you don’t get along, but you have to add some water to your wine. But I felt really early on, that in her marriage, it was especially Rosie adding water, wanting to please her husband.

And that made me not only feel sad for her, but also made me understand better just how much at loss she is.

I don’t know if I would react on an advert to look after a garden, and no, it isn’t because I am anything but a person with green fingers 😊 But more because I would be too wary reading that add and I would believe that it would be a crazy person who put that advert there.

Crazy is not how I would describe Connor, but a tormented man, a hurt man, a man in hiding. And he for sure isn’t scoring any points in his initial behaviour. No matter what you have ben through, it doesn’t cost a thing being kind to others, doesn’t it?

But I also have to admit, the way he has been painted as a bad guy, and how easily people just put him aside, it angered me. Yes, perhaps Connor didn’t see and understand what was happening, and he could have been more perceptive, but that doesn’t mean that what has happened to him is fair in any way. So yes, I could understand him hiding away, keeping to himself.

Rosie needs a nudge to start again, and Connor is the way. Of course things don’t start off great between them. I would even dare to say it starts rather hostile. The contrast between the pair of them couldn’t be bigger. Where Rosie is a little ray of sunshine, even happy to meet Connor’s neighbours, Connor is a dark cloud, even feared by others.

However, Rosie’s kindness doesn’t let her reciprocate Connor’s behaviour, even if Rosie truly does want to. In fact, when Connor needs it the most, it is Rosie who helps him. And it is there that we see a shift, a change in their strained relationship.

A change that they both need, to move on. Having each other in their lives and not only in a business matter, is what they both need. With each other in each other’s lives, the dark clouds are slowly disappearing, and I could feel a lightness in my heart myself seeing how their own confidence starts to grow, how they elevate each other.

While I truly melted seeing how the relationship evolves between Rosie and Connor, what warmed my heart was seeing Connor also opening up towards others, showing his real character and not just affirming what people assume of him.

But while things are going great, we also see that humans are still humans, and miscommunications happen, wrong decisions and choices are being made. And while as a reader, that can be frustrating, it adds a real level of humanity, realness to the characters.

What starts as a perhaps strange advert, shows us the healing powers of tending a garden. You never know what people you may encounter in the strangest ways, but that can be the catalyst of beginning all over again. It can give you courage, strength, and even make you understand better the past and how not to make the same mistakes again.

Linda Corbett wrote not only a beautiful story, but also a strong one. She shows us that no matter what happened in the past, we can always start again.

When money, or the need of it, make you grab an unexpected opportunity

Synopsis

Maisey Green needs an escape. Strapped for cash and running from her past, she stumbles into a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity—a week aboard billionaire Otto Ravenesky’s exclusive superyacht in the South of France.

It’s a world of dazzling luxury and simmering tension, in forced proximity with a man she despises yet can’t ignore, Maisey fights to resist the pull between them. But the chemistry is undeniable, and every charged moment pushes her closer to the edge of temptation—and the guilt that comes with it.

But in this seductive game of power and passion, Maisey must ask herself: how far is she willing to go for freedom—and what will it cost her?

Perfect for fans of Mills & Boon, Sylvia Day and Jackie Collins, Alcatraz For The Rich is a sizzling romance filled with power, lust, and the battle for control in a world where no one plays fair.

My review

Maisey never thought that she would be struggling with money the way she does now. Not only is her past still catching up on her, but her financial situation is becoming real dire. So when a strange but a once – in – a – lifetime opportunity arises, she warily accepts it. How bad can it be anyways, spending a week on billionaire Otto Ravenesky’s superyacht in the south of France. Maisey feels out of depth being surrounded by all this luxury and wealth, and Otto for sure knows how to irk her. Yet at the same time, there is a pull that Maisey fights off as hard as she can. In a game of power and passion, of attraction and rejection, how far is Maisey willing to go without losing herself completely?

This was perhaps a difficult book to read for me. Not because it was badly written, but because we see the struggles people have to endure, and how those needs make you go on a direction you never expected to take. And how big the contrast can be.

I felt sorry for Maisey, as she finds herself in a difficult situation, and she doesn’t see a way to get out of her financial struggles. And it angered me as her situation wasn’t of her own doing… On the other hand, I also thought that she could have been stricter and be stronger and not give in to her ex and his demands. But as a bystander, as a reader, that is always easier said than done, right?

I don’t know if I would make the same choices and decisions Maisey is making in this book, especially agreeing on the strange opportunity that arises. But I could comprehend that Maisey didn’t have another choice, even if that means doing things she never thought she would be doing…

What I did like about Maisey, is how despite the situation she finds herself in, she doesn’t mince her words, and doesn’t let take advantage of her. Just because she is staying on Otto’s yacht, and he is paying her, it doesn’t mean he can just disrespect, discard her, just because he can and he is rich…

There were moments where I despised Otto and his behaviour, as he is clearly a rich prick, using his money and his power for his own personal benefits… And as I cannot stand people that use their money and power, I found it truly difficult to see any good in Otto.

But I have to admit, there were moments where Otto shows a more vulnerable side, a side where he understand Maisey and where he truly connects with her. And those moments made me understand the attraction between the main characters.

Maisey clearly doesn’t feel comfortable in her situation, which is obviously understandable as not only is doing what she does so out of her comfort zone, but also the people  she meets while working are not her kind of people.

What we see in this book is that sometimes we get into situations outside our own doing. And that there are choices and decisions that need to be made in order to cope with it. Sometimes we have to do things we never imagined to do, but when needs must… And it may not be easy, but we need to find the strength to not lose ourselves and always stay true to ourselves.

With the ending that this story has, it is obvious that Maisey’s tale is far from over…

A new job, but not one as expected

Synopsis

It’s going to be a bumpy ride… 👀

Liberty’s just landed her dream job. The catch? It’s at Matcher, the dating app that ruined her life. After catching her boyfriend sending intimate pictures to everyone in a twenty mile radius, Liberty is struggling to get back into the dating game. Every man gives her the ick sooner or later.

Still, she’s having a great time travelling the world for work, until she’s assigned a secret mission: Travel to New York with her handsome and charming boss Jordan and swap out a contract from under his nose. It should be easy, but the more time Liberty spends with Jordan, the more she realises he might not be the bad boy she thought he was. But it turns out they’ve both got a lot to unpack, and Liberty still needs to complete her mission if she wants to keep her job – which means not breaking the one golden rule: do not fall for the boss!

My review

The last thing Liberty expected, was to discover that her boyfriend has been sending intimate pictures to people he met on a dating app, Matcher. As their lives were entwined on several levels, Liberty is struggling to find a new job. And getting back on the dating scene is not that easy, as many of her dates are giving her the ick one way or another. So when she finally lands a job, it’s a twist of life, as it is at Matcher. While travelling the world and using the app for work purposes, she doesn’t have a real job assignment. Until she is told that she has to travel to New York, as her boss Jordan’s assistant. But not just being his assistant, as she has a secret mission, to swap contracts without Jordan discovering her scheme. However, that is easier said than done, because Jordan not only isn’t letting her getting close but also the more time she spends with him, the more she realizes that to each story, there are two sides. So should she do anything to keep her job, or follow her own feelings?

When it was time to read this book, I was really excited. Portia MacIntosh is always writing funny stories where people get heartbroken at the start of the book, having to pick up the pieces of their lives again and then hopefully start to believe in love again.

Obviously, the story doesn’t start easy, where Liberty discovers that her boyfriend has not been the kind of man she expected him to be. Now, I need to say, from what we see of his behaviour, I quickly disliked him, and that was even before Liberty discovers those pictures…

I found that behaviour truly despicable… not only is it disgusting that he is looking online for other women, but he is also sending pictures that in fact no woman wants to receive…

And it angered me how Liberty was the one losing everything, while she didn’t do anything wrong…

I also know how frustrating it can be when you want to work, but you cannot find a job. It can be very demotivating when you have the eagerness, but you don’t get the chance.

However, whenever I was invited for a job interview, I always made sure where I was going, which company. Thus I was a bit surprised that Liberty didn’t know that her interview would be at Matcher. And yes, haven’t we all painted a better picture of ourselves and our knowledges during interviews. But in my opinion there is a difference in making yourself look better and the white lies Liberty is telling. For me, it went a bit beyond painting a better picture. But that is just me 😊.

It sounds like a dream coming true, doesn’t it, going to places, with no real task at hands. But for me, it was like a red flag, because it just didn’t sound right what Paige asks of her, doing literally nothing. On the other hand, if your boss asks to do something, well you just execute…

But when her boss Paige asks to be Jordan’s assistant in New York and swap contract, something was truly smelling fishy… And while Liberty wants to follow the given orders, she also starts to realize that something is just off. I could understand the dilemma she was facing, because there was just so much at risk.

And it is in New York that we finally start to see who Liberty truly is. Yes, previously she has had terrible dates, making me laugh. But once in New York, she starts to open up, let herself be her real self. Of course with Jordan around, there still are some serious fails from her side, but that makes her only even more human. Because haven’t we all embarrassed ourselves once or twice?

Not only do we see her enjoy and discover New York, but also Jordan. Yes, I know it sounds strange, but I just mean that spending time with him, Liberty realizes that the picture of him that has been painted, doesn’t resemble the truth at all.

And yes, Jordan is not the person Paige made us believe he was. And yes, I was already wary of Paige’s side of the story and yes, I was happy to get to know Jordan better. It made me realize once more that to each story there are two sides, and that people aren’t always that honest and genuine as we may think.

When the sparks start to fly around between Liberty and Jordan, they for sure flew! And I for sure had a smile on my face! From their first meeting there was so much potential between them, and I have to admit, that just like Liberty did, I made some assumptions.

What we see in this book is obviously that everyone tells a story from their point of view, exaggerating or omitting information. But we also see that the best way to truly understand a person, and ‘get’ them, is spending time together. Even if some of those moments are embarrassing moments. It is in the moments that truly matters, despite fear, mistakes, misunderstandings, we see who we really have in front of us, and the depths of feelings.

Portia MacIntosh for sure made me laugh a lot in this book. And while perhaps the romance bits took a while to get there, it was for sure worth the wait!

Stars in the eyes, stars on the island, love in the heart?

Synopsis

Will sparks fly at Hollyhock Farm this summer?

When a hit TV series sets up camp at Hollyhock Farm, Jersey’s tranquil lanes are turned upside down. Radio DJ Callum Preston is used to high-maintenance guests – but nothing prepares him for interviewing the star-of-the-hour actor Riley Sharp, or meeting his beautiful, overworked PA, Tasha Dodds.

As Callum and Tasha grow closer in the island sunshine, the farm becomes the backdrop for more than just the cameras. But with paparazzi scandals brewing and Callum’s family thrust into the spotlight, will their Jersey summer end in heartbreak – or be the start of something wonderful?

My review

As a radio DJ, Callum Preston is the local celebrity. But his status compares to nothing when a TV hit series is shooting at Hollyhock Farm. The peace an quiet of the Isle of jersey is out of the window, especially as the star of  the show, actor Riley Sharp is ready to swoon everyone over, for his own benefit of course. Erratic behaviour that drives his PA, Tasha  Dodds crazy. Not only now, but the years that Tasha has been working for Riley, Tasha has been wondering how much more she can take. When Tasha and Callum meet, there is not only an instant connection and understanding, but the more Callum shows Tasha the beauty of the isle, the more Tasha questions where her future may lay. But no matter how much feelings may be growing between Callum and Tasha, with Riley’s reputation and paparazzi lingering around every corner, even putting Callum’s own sister in the spotlight, what will happen when the summer ends, and the shooting is over, and thus Tasha will be leaving?

There are places that grew on me by just reading books with that setting. And the Isle of Jersey is for sure one of those place I have never visited, but that I have started to truly love and appreciate, together with its wonderful community.

A community and especially Hollyhock Farm that has opened for the shooting of a series. It for sure sounds something out of this world, how of all the places, people have chosen this place to make the series. It may be even something to become starstruck about, having actors and crew wandering in the place that you call home.

But no matter how starstruck we may be, we also know that not all actors or famous people are that great or kind in real life, than how they make themselves appear. And that for sure is applicable for Riley Sharp.

He is obnoxious, rude, mean, and truly believes the sun shines through his you-know-what. And I couldn’t just understand how his lovely PA, Tasha, could keep up with his behaviour. And then we aren’t talking about his on – and – off relationship. If Tasha cannot keep up, who else could possibly can?

Even if Tasha is questioning how long she can keep up with Riley’s actions, the fact that she hasn’t run away yet, shows her levels of loyalty an forgiveness. In a way, she knows that Riley is testing everyone’s patience and that she could or should have left a long time ago. Even if it isn’t the first time, and it won’t for sure be the last time that Riley is testing Tasha, she won’t just give up on him or on her job. That shows also her determination.

A determination that causes her many headaches, worries and sleepless nights, so is there a better place than Jersey to kind a calmness and peace again, despite Riley? And is there a better person to show her that peace and quiet, with surprising places, than Callum?

Right from the start we know that Callum is yes a busy person, but also who truly treasures his family. Of course, just like with every family, there are moments they get Callum on his nerves, but the love he has for each member of the family wins each time over the stress they cause him.

With the birthday party for his beloved Grandpa, it is just a matter of time before he meets Tasha. And his natural kindness and gentleness makes is so easy to understand why these two people connect.

It was so sweet to see how well Callum and Tasha understand each other, and just how good they get along. The both of them have been through a difficult time (and perhaps are still going through), so I could for sure appreciate the pace of their story.

While there is an instant connection, they both not only take things slow, but they for sure take their times to get to truly know each other, to understand each other. And that is something that sometimes in books is hastened too much.

And with so many issues around them, not only Riley’s constant irritating behaviour, but also how things apparently explode unexpectedly, involving Callum’s sister. Perhaps I would have loved reading more about that evolution, seeing their own storyline and how things turned out the way they do, but I was more than happy with this lovely, sweet story.

I absolutely loved reading this slow-burn story, returning to a place that I love. In this book, we see that you can find someone special in an unexpected way, but to make haste decisions is never a wise decision. Both Callum and Tasha know what they feel, but they also want to give each other the much needed freedom, without ever wanting to pressure each other in making a decision when the time may not be right yet.

And that made me not only appreciate the main characters even more, but made me also appreciate the author even more. Because love and life decisions cannot be taken without thinking through things. Something that even in real life we should think about…

But how wonderful it was to return to Jersey, to meet new friends, but also old friends! This series and this author manage to never disappoint!

Revenge and deception, the perfect combination

Synopsis

An heiress and a maid swap places in brand-new duet The Heiress Switch

Undercover as the Earl’s fiancée

And to settle old scores…

Part of The Heiress Switch: On a transatlantic voyage, English maid Marguerite hatches a plan with an American heiress to temporarily trade places when they arrive in England. Forced into servitude, this is Marguerite’s chance to re-enter Society, and posing as the betrothed of Benedict, Earl of Linford—the man at fault for her circumstances—is the perfect opportunity for revenge! But her anger is soon replaced by an unsettling attraction. Still, Benedict caused her to lose everything once and she won’t lose her heart to him now—even when he reveals some unexpected truths…

Perfect for fans of:

 Hidden identity

 Enemies to lovers

My review

Marguerite grew up with just a few worries and a father that she loved dearly. Until Marguerite lost everything and everyone, and she had no other option that giving up her status and work as a maid for a wealthy American family. Now that she is returning back home with the American heiress, for an arranged marriage of that same heiress, the young women come up with a plan. A plan to switch places once arriving in England, and where Marguerite, now known as Daisy, will pose as Sophia Van Bergen, in an attempt to get her revenge on the Earl of Linford, Benedict, who is responsible for all her losses. But when meeting the Earl, some of her thoughts of revenge are replaced by thoughts and feelings of attraction. But can Marguerite/Daisy/Sophia look past all the hurt Benedict caused her, and what about secrets and truths that are being kept, both from her side as his?

Stories about women getting revenge, why are such stories great to read about? And yes, even you know how it will end with ‘these kind of stories’, is there something wrong about enjoying them? 

And by the way, the outcome may be predictable, but not the way towards it!

The start of the book is a start with mixed feelings. While it was sweet to see how Marguerite is having her first infatuation with the Earl of Linford, it also is a heartbreaking one. Because soon Marguerite loses everything, not only life as she knew it, but also her beloved father.

I cannot imagine how it feels to go from Society to a maid, as needs must, but I could understand how Marguerite, or Daisy as she calls herself now, is eager to have some revenge on the man that took everything from her.

But despite her thoughts of revenge, she also shows a determination and a great work ethic. Through the years working as a maid, not only has she seen how Society treats the working class, and how much respect is appreciated. But she also does her best working as a maid, she doesn’t want anyone to think less of her.

While on her trip with the real Sophia Van Bergen, I was happy to see some kind of comradery between the two young women. Of course there is a difference in status between them, but there is also a connection between them, not only because they are on a journey together, but also and mainly because they are so close of age.

Of course in real life, switching places and identities is never a good idea, but in books, it gives its readers a great time! 😊

The unease Daisy starts on her quest for revenge is palpable on each page. Of course it is always easier said than done, pretending to be someone else. But there are so many loopholes someone can fall into, so many different ways Daisy could betray herself.

However, at the same time is was good to read to see how Daisy does her best to impersonate Sophia, but manages to let the real Daisy/Marguerite come out. Even if she is now ‘of Society’ again, she never disrespects the people working for Benedict, his aunt and his sister. She always keeps on being very respectful, thanking each and every one of them.

So while perhaps it was a real tragedy what Daisy had to endure, it has also shown her perhaps a lot gratitude and humility.

Obviously, we as readers know that Benedict, the infamous Earl of Linford isn’t the despicable man that Daisy believes him to be. And I was very curious to read how Daisy would not only come to those insights herself, but also how it would affect her and her feelings towards that same Benedict.

Benedict that shows us that in fact he is a righteous man. How easy it would have been for him after the tragedy to purely think about himself and how he could profit. But that is not the kind of person he is. He knows what the right thing to do is, and lives by following his heart and doing those right things.

The reason of his betrothal to Sophia is made of necessity at the time, which in the present would not be acceptable, makes sense in the timespan of this book. That is just how things were done back then. And even if during the story, Benedict’s circumstances are changing, and a betrothal isn’t needed anymore, he doesn’t want Sophia to be shamed or disregarded. Which of course doesn’t mean 

he wants to find a way out of it.

That is until he gets to know the woman he believes to be Sophia. While initially Sophie/Daisy does everything to get on his nerves and infuriates Benedict, there are moments where he sees the real Daisy, where he sees a vulnerability, an honesty, a genuineness and  a caring side he didn’t expect to see.

And those moments, where both Benedict and Daisy see the real Daisy and Benedict, made me believe that everything would work out no matter what, no matter what lies and truths are not being told, and how it could change everything between them.

That is also the beauty of the story, because we see genuine, honest people, having gone or are going through a difficult time, where it is even needed to pretend to be someone else. But despite everything their real character, their real feelings, their real heart will always find a way to resurface.

Both Daisy and Benedict show a lot of courage in this book. Courage to start all over again, courage to believe that things will work out for the best, courage to come clean about everything and courage to prioritize the right things, to prioritize what truly matters.

With a story where places are being switched, there is always another story to be discovered. And with those snippets that we have read about the real Sophia, I cannot wait to read what happened to her and what adventures she had! 😊

When past and present collide in an unexpected way…

Synopsis

A love that will change them forever

A treasure that will bring them home

West Mercia, AD 873 – Merewen’s settlement is on guard against the outside threat of the ‘Heathen’ Norsemen. But for Merewen, the real threats come from within, as her future is cruelly snatched away from her.

Eirik, a Norseman, finds himself abandoned and injured after his uncle’s plunder of Mercian land goes wrong. He thinks his fate is sealed – until Merewen saves his life.

Hereford, Present Day – Left reeling after a huge betrayal, Alix moves to her grandfather’s farm in Hereford to heal her broken heart. There, after being given a family heirloom, she soon finds herself haunted by memories of a life she never lived, a relationship she never had, and a time in which she never existed.

Local farmer Noah is being hounded by the police to find the Viking hoard that his sister and her criminal boyfriend stole from his farm. Noah must prove his own innocence while struggling to decipher the curious connection he has to newcomer Alix – a bond that seems to transcend their own reality.

As they search for the lost treasure, Alix and Noah start to feel the whispers of a love they never expected, one powerful enough to echo through history.

My review

After having her heart broken by two people closest to her, Alix couldn’t be more happy to move to her uncle’s farm in Hereford. Being away from her family, Alix hopes to let her heart heal and with a new job she hopes it will all work out for the best. Weren’t it for the fact that strange things are starting to happen, ever since she has been gifted a family heirloom. Because every time she touches the crystal pendent, she is brought back in a faraway past, with a man she has never met, with a life she has never lived. And when she meets her neighbour Noah, on whose own farm has been found a Viking hoard, things become even more intriguing. Because while Noah wants to protect his sister, he cannot avoid the fact that she and her criminal boyfriend have tried to sell illegally all that has been found, causing even Noah being haunted by the police. Noah is determined to find the rest of the reassure, while at the same time he tries to understand the connection he has with Alix. Could there be a link with Merewen and Eirik, who met in West Mercia in AD 873? Merewen just has all her future snapped away from her, in favour of her own sister. With no happy prospects in sight, Merewen is wary when she discovers a hiding Norseman, Eirik. Eirik is tired of the plundering and just wants to settle down, even if that isn’t what his uncle wants. And when Eirik is injured and abandoned, he thinks that this is it. But he didn’t count on Merewen and her ways to heal people. With so different lives, how do Alix, Noah, Merewen and Eirik connect with each other, through time and space?

Is there a better feeling than knowing when you start a book, not only with a dual timeline, but also from an author that you just know that will pull you in her story and will captivate you?

I am always very curious when reading dual timelines, how those two stories will connect. And yes, perhaps the way it works out isn’t something I would believe in the real world, but in books anything can happen.

What I liked in a strange way in this story, is how alike all the characters are. Both Alix and Merewen are facing a betrayal they didn’t expect, ruining in fact the plans that the both of them had. And it felt also significant that the betrayal they had to endure, was done by the same connection.

But what I liked about both characters, these women, despite the heartbreak, are strong women. They have been hurt but are determined to take their future in their own hands, and find in their own way happiness again.

Especially in Merewen’s story, we see how this woman, limited in doing what she truly wants, finds a way to do what not only is what her heart tell her to do, but what in fact is just the right thing to do. Even if that means helping out someone who could perfectly be your enemy.

With Alix and Merewen we see how people around us can hurt us, but we see how strong women can be, and how life can turn around.

The same can be said of Noah and Eirik in a way.

Both Noah and Eirik are in a place in their lives they don’t actually want to be anymore. Noah’s life is turned upside down by his sister and her boyfriend and their criminal activities. And while it is obvious what the right thing to do, just like a real big  brother, Noah wants to protect his sister, and believe in the good of her.

Eirik has had enough of going from place to place, plundering and even killing. All he wants is to settle down, but because of loyalty, he keeps on doing the plundering even if his heart isn’t in it. Out of loyalty he does what he doesn’t want to do, but that loyalty and love is not reciprocated as after a fight he is just being left behind without a second thought…

And it was in a way bittersweet, seeing how Eirik is grippling at his life, fearing this may be the end for him, then seeing an angel, obviously being Merewen, to his rescue.

I loved reading how each character, at a bad time in their lives, find each other. Perhaps they don’t have the best first meetings, but reading how slowly they start to see each other in a different light, and understand each other, just warmed my heart.

While each character has own trauma, problems to get over, finding a companion, a friend, an ally, helps to move on, to see a way for a different direction.

And that is the strength of the story, or rather stories. Because no matter what curveballs life throws you, no matter what betrayal you have to endure, no matter in what era you are living, all it can take is meeting one person who is able to change just everything…

I truly found this a great story to read, bringing past and present together in a beautiful way, showing us not only how people can hurt us, but how people can heal us…

When returning home means to fight for it too…

Synopsis

From the USA Today Best-Selling Author Terry Lynn Thomas
An Apple Butter Christmas
A Heartwarming Small-Town Christmas Romance

Coming home for Christmas was supposed to be temporary—until love, legacy, and one unforgettable orchard changed everything.

Welcome to Hartstone, where the snow is deep, the secrets are deeper, and love might just get a second chance under the twinkling lights of the town Christmas tree.

Diana Marchcroft didn’t plan on returning to Hartstone, but when her beloved aunt is injured, Diana leaves the city behind to help save her family’s struggling apple orchard. What she doesn’t expect? The fight of a lifetime and the survival of her family’s heritage. The orchard is at risk of being developed into an exclusive golf course and destination wedding venue.

Alex Kelley thought he’d buried his feelings for Diana after their relationship ended abruptly on the night he planned to propose. When he unexpectedly bumps into her, he realizes that some embers never go out.

With the town busy with visitors for the annual Apple Butter Festival, Diana and Alex discover that sometimes Christmas miracles come wrapped in second chances.

If you love:

• Cozy snow-covered small towns
• Second-chance love stories
• Orchard festivals and secret kisses under the stars
• Family, friendship, and a sprinkle of holiday magic

…then curl up with An Apple Butter Christmas, a feel-good romance that will warm your heart like a mug of hot cider on a winter’s night.

My review

Diana Marchcroft ran away from her home in Hartstone, after being heartbroken by Alex Kelley. She has avoided coming back home many times, but when her aunt is injured, Diana doesn’t hesitate to return to not only help her aunt out, but also to save her family’s legacy. Because their apple orchard is at risk of being bought and turned into a golf course and destination wedding venue. Diana is not ready to give up her home without a fight and tries think of ways to prevent the sale, even if that means to move back home herself. Even if that means she bumps back into Alex… Alex who never understood why Diana left her home, him and broke his heart on the night he wanted to propose. But when two hearts have been broken, is there still something left of their feelings? And with joined forces, can the orchard be saved, just like Diana’s and Alex’s love?

When I started reading this book, I had to look op what apple butter is. Because those first chapters, I found it difficult to comprehend what products were made at the apple orchard. So not only did it enlighten me but it also put a smile on my face when I realized it can be compared to appelstroop, something that is made in Limburg in Belgium, my home 😊.

Another thing I was wondering at the start of the book, is what made Diana run away from Alex? Because reading how close they have always been, and how one night it all ended, I couldn’t link those two things. But of course I also believed that what happened then, truly hurt Diana leaving her no other option than leaving.

Even if Diana ran away from Hartstone, the fact how easy she returned, shows that she is not only a kind and loving person, but also the fact that she has missed her home and her loved ones who are living in this community. And that despite that the man who broke her heart is also in Hartstone.

While her choice for leaving was for herself, the fact that without a doubt Diana returns back home, shows us that she has her priorities straight and that she put others’ need before her own.

I liked reading her fire in this book. While she understands why her beloved aunt wants to retire, just like I could understand it, she also holds on to the family legacy. It’s not because she hasn’t been living in Hartstone or at the orchard, that she doesn’t care about it.

Not only does Diana has fire, but also Kiera won’t go down without a fight. She also cares about the orchard, and not just because it is her job. She truly wants the orchard to flourish, literally and figuratively. I liked reading how many great ideas Kiera has, and how entrepreneurial Kiera is.

While I liked reading those bits, reading how one character is playing dirty, even spreading lies and sabotaging the orchard, made my blood boil. I could comprehend the situation Meredith finds herself in, but is her way the only way? I don’t think so…

And not only the way Meredith acts involving the orchard, but her behaviour in general was just not likeable at all. The sneakiness, the desire to make people get things wrong, especially where Diana and Alex are involved…

Alex… he for sure shows what it means to be a good, righteous man. And what it means to love someone even if they broke your heart…

Alex is the kind of person that wants to help out everyone, who wants to give everyone a second chance. He also believes that someone should not pay for the errors of someone else. And he is the kind of person to rather have someone in his life as just a friend, than not having that person in his life at all.

But he is also the kind of person that enough is enough. He gives everyone a (second) chance, but he won’t let anyone fool him or his loved ones.

Of course with two broken hearts, I was curious to see how things would be resolved. And in a way, I found it sad reading how things were ended in the past without any clear explanation. Because all this could have been easily avoided with just communicating…

And we see in this book how much that is actual key… Not only between Diana and Alex, but with others too. It may be difficult to be open about everything, but when you do, you know exactly where you stand and what the truth is, avoiding miscommunications.

Being human means making mistakes. Perhaps some could be avoided, perhaps not. But it is important that we learn from our mistakes, that we forgive (but not let take advantage of us neither! 😊) and that we can put the past behind us and look forward to a happy future.

Can Christmas wishes come true?

Synopsis

After one toxic relationship too many and more failed jobs than she can count, spirited Scarlett Finch has lost her sparkle and doesn’t think she can face this year’s festive season. The last thing she expects is to land a Christmas job at Glenbriar’s Little Station Bookshop, especially not thanks to a slightly unhinged older woman with a parrot, a pug, a wild imagination, and some crackpot ideas for displays – not to mention a flair for making unexpected decisions, like hiring Scarlett without telling the owner.

Widowed dad-of-three Lloyd Miller is just trying to keep life on track. Between moving house, juggling his day job, and preparing to take over the bookshop from his retired mum, the chaos inside the shop is the last thing he needs, particularly when it includes Scarlett, the woman he shared a no-strings summer fling with… and hasn’t stopped thinking about since.

While Glenbriar twinkles with Christmas lights, both Scarlett and Lloyd are haunted by their pasts, drawn together in their present, and uncertain of their future.

A bookshop full of anonymous wishes might just give them the courage to make their own – but with neither convinced they deserve a second chance, it’ll take more than festive magic to open the book on a new romance. They can’t change the past – but they can still choose how the story goes.

My review

Scarlett Finch knows everything about toxic relationships, as she has been in several ones. Relationships that have led her into making mistakes in the past, making her lose her sparkle and joie de vivre now. With all her loved ones around her being in a happy place, Scarlett has never felt more alone and lonely, especially with Christmas looming around the corner. And having no job, doesn’t make it easier for her to see things from the bright side. Until one day, she is looking at a Help Wanted sign at Glenbriar’s Little Station Bookshop. And before Scarlett knows it, the old woman in the store, with a pug and a parrot, has given her a job without even consulting the owner. The owner who happens to be the mother of Lloyd Miller, with whom Scarlett has had a summer fling with. Lloyd is struggling with the loss of his beloved wife, looking after his three children on his own, having a new job and at the same time taking over the bookshop from his mother. So with too many things on his mind, he is shocked to find Scarlett in the bookshop. But at the same time, he is also happy to see her again, as he hasn’t been able to forget the young woman that rocked his world that summer… However, both Scarlett and Lloyd are not only scarred but also haunted by their past and with too many differences and much more important priorities, even their Christmas wishes couldn’t come true, or can they?

There were several reasons I was happy to start reading this book. Not only do I love the stories this wonderful author writes, but I was also happy to return to Glenbriar, residence of many of my friends by now. With several books in this series, it feels like truly being welcomed back by all my friends that I made with each book. But as Scarlett isn’t a complete stranger, and I know about that trip that took place in summer, and what she has been through, I truly wanted to see how her story would turn out to be.

Right from the start, I still felt sorry for Scarlett. She has been through a lot, has met many wrong men and has made several mistakes already in her young life. She is at a point in her life where she wants to make a change, but she is also struggling with turning that leaf over.

I was cheering for Scarlett, having everything crossed that she would find her own happiness and that she would understand that making mistakes is just human. I could also see so clearly that Scarlett has learned from her mistakes, and just how much she has matured from our first encounter with her till this very book.

I loved reading how Scarlett rather by accident ends up getting the job at the Station Bookshop, not only because of the force of nature that Eunice is, but also because Scarlett admits herself that she hasn’t picked up a book for ages. But just like Eunice, I could feel that Scarlett was just the right person at the right place. Not only to help Eunice out, but also to give the bookshop a much needed injection of change and spark.

But most important I was also very eager to read how Scarlett and Lloyd would find each other again and if there would be any chance of that fling to evolve into something more important. Even if it may seem the wrong time and place…

Lloyd… there is so much going on in his life now, and unfortunately, not all has been a wonderful time.

Reading his background, learning about all that has happened and is still taking place, getting to know his children, well, it broke my heart…

Of course losing someone is painful, and losing her in that way, even more terrible. However how much Lloyd is still hurting over his loss, he knows that his children need him now more than ever. And while Eve, his eldest daughter may not agree with his choice, I could understand why Lloyd made the choice to move to Glenbrair.

It is not only to have a fresh start, but also and mainly to have the comfort and help from family around him. But being reminded with every turn around the corner what they have lost as a family, to be reminded of what they all have endured, and who has left is, isn’t the best way to start look forward again.

Now, it is not that Lloyd is in any way looking for someone new, because his priority is only on his children. He just wants to see a smile back on their faces, and he wants them to be able to not forget their mother, but to think about her with happy memories.

I had to laugh a little bit, reading how both Scarlett and Lloyd are flabbergasted when they see each other again. They never thought they would ever meet again, so while it was funny as a reader, I could understand the short circuit in their minds.

While of course I wanted Scarlett and Lloyd to find each other immediately again, I appreciated how Margaret let the main characters take their time. Not only because it was initially a bit awkward, but also because both Scarlett and Lloyd know that no matter what they may or may not feel, they aren’t the priority. Especially Scarlett shows a great maturity in knowing that Lloyd should and must only focus on his children.

Children who are not only struggling with the move, but are still grieving (and understandably) over the loss of their mother. And it felt so real to see how each child or teenager is coping with all what has happened to them.

And seeing how Scarlett wants to help each of them out, but without crossing a line anyhow, shows us once again how good at heart she truly is. She knows what matters, when to offer help but also when to take a step back. But also not letting anyone belittle her anymore.

I liked in this book there is a special place for the Christmas tree where anyone can hang their own wishes in. And it was sweet to see how there are of course some superficial wishes, but more important, how there are wishes from the heart…

The story of Scarlett and Lloyd couldn’t be more fitting for a Christmas story, because it is a beautiful story about yes pain and grief, but more important about second chances, growth, love, matureness, understanding, respect and even forgiveness.

I cannot wait to read this one!

Synopsis

Some places are special enough to heal hearts… Welcome to Little Beaubrook

In a tiny English village hidden away for decades, the mists are parting to reveal a manor which glows gold and tumbledown thatched cottages that have been waiting for the right people to rebuild them.

On moving in day, a diverse group of new neighbours have only two things in common. Their hearts have been broken in some way, and they’ve all signed a contract with some very strange stipulations, including buying one of the cottages for a pound. As Chair of the commonhold association, Albie Curville hopes that by sharing his late wife’s rules for living he can bring these reluctant strangers together to fulfil her dying wish before he runs out of time… and before they discover his secret.

When their newfound community – built on kindness, friendship and a manor with a long history of helping those in need – is threatened by an outside source, can they finally overcome their pasts to save Little Beaubrook and seize the second chances they deserve?

Come and visit this magical lost village for a cosy, feel-good story about love, found family, new beginnings and the healing power of community. Perfect for fans of Debbie Johnson, Jenny Colgan, Evie Woods and Phaedra Patrick.

Pre-order Links

UK  – https://www.amazon.co.uk/Magical-Beginnings-Little-Beaubrook-heartwarming-ebook/dp/B0FVNQC7S8

US – https://www.amazon.com/Magical-Beginnings-Little-Beaubrook-heartwarming-ebook/dp/B0FVNQC7S8

About the author

Bella Brightside is a multi-published, award-nominated romance author who writes under several pen names and had commercial success with her novel The Last Charm. Owned by a husband, large family and two naughty beagles, she drinks too much coffee, buys far too many books and spends her nights wondering how a sentient village would behave. 

You can find her on Instagram at @authorbythesea1207.

She is represented by the literary agent Rachel McMillan.

Time for the cover!