When bad press is the last thing you need…

Synopsis

A failing hotel…

With its reputation in tatters, Alexi Ellis is determined to save her beloved Hopgood Hall from any more bad press. A writing course for wannabe journalists shouldn’t cause too many issues and will hopefully take the heat off Hopgood Hall….

A shocking death…

But disaster strikes, when one of the group is found dead in a local pub. What’s worse Alexi was the last person to see the victim alive, which makes her suspect number one.

A case too close to home?

Alexi is sure she is being set up but who would go to such deadly lengths? With her reputation and liberty on the line, this is a case Alexi, Jack and Cosmo can’t afford to leave unsolved!

Perfect for fans of Faith Martin, Frances Evesham and Emma Davies.

My review

While Alexi Ellis hoped to help her friends with running Hopgood Hall, the past has proven the total opposite, as since Alexi arrived there have been several murders.
So Alexi truly hopes that a calm writing course for wannabe journalists will run smoothly and will give Hopgood Hall finally a positive connotation.
But then another murder happens, and it’s a member of the group Alexi is hosting. To make things even worse, Alexi is the last person to have seen the victim alive…
With her being suspect number one, Alexi is adamant to discover who the real culprit is, together with her partner Jack and loyal feral cat Cosmo. Because it’s clear that she is being set up, but who would do that? And of course there is her reputation and credibility to save!

A new story in a series that I have read from the start? Of course I have to read it! So obviously I grabbed this book, willingly entering once again in the lives of Alexi, Jack and Cosmo.

I have to admit though, I could understand some side characters in the book, as they see Alexi as a bad omen somehow. Because let’s be honest, for a quiet and calm place, there have been weirdly many murders, and it all started since Alexi arrived.
And I really wanted her to have at least one successful event, so that everyone wary would see that in fact she is an asset and not the complete opposite.

Another thing I have to admit, is that I didn’t really have an sympathy for the victim. Of course he didn’t deserve what happened to him, but his behavior beforehand made me really like him. I found him annoying, pushy and opinionated.
But again, no matter how much I disliked him, I never wanted him dead.

In this book I truly felt sorry for Alexi and those around her. Because this time, she is the prime suspect.
Yet I also admired our beloved friends, as they know that there is not only a murderer out there, but also someone trying to set Alexi up. Alexi finds herself surrounded with people (and once again an amazing Cosmo! J) who stand by her side and are ready to find proof of her innocence.

Obviously this remains a cozy mystery, so there still are plenty of moments of lightness, sweetness and even laughter.
And I liked it how once again 2 mysteries, the big one concerning the murder and a lighter one, regarding a disappearance, somehow were linked.

Yet there were also a few characters that by the end of the book only had my disapproval. I can try to understand their reasoning, but the way they handled things were so wrong in many ways… It shows us just how far people would go to get what they want, some further than others and with not an inch of regret or remorse…

I truly enjoyed returning to Hopgood Hall, even if I knew that there would be lurking a murder around the corners once again.
But that fact didn’t diminish any of my joy to read this book, with characters that I love more and more, who show us what friendship means, what resilience means, what determination means and what righteousness and the importance of the truth means.
And I absolutely liked it how no matter how many dark clouds seem to appear, all the right kinds of love keep on prevailing above everything!

When something is not like you expected it to be, but it turns out to be what you needed…

Synopsis

When Brid Harcus is sent to the Orkney Islands, in the far reaches of Scotland, she has high hopes for her trip being short, straightforward and lucrative.

Her mother has inherited a cottage from her Great Aunt Jennet which has been unlived in and unloved for decades, and the time has come to make it habitable and saleable. Easy, right?

But Midness Cottage has other ideas. For one thing it’s rather more ‘fixer upper’ than Country Living, with a resident goose and her goslings who have made themselves at home. And Brid definitely hadn’t planned for the strongly-held local belief that the cottage is meant to be the home of the Orkney Witch, and whomever lives in it must fulfil this role. Not the best message for the estate agent brochure and of course Brid doesn’t believe in magic, let alone have healing powers.

But Orkney does have healing powers. Its beauty and peace are enchanting, its people welcoming, and Brid’s handsome new friend Magnus is rather charming too. When her life back in York starts calling her home, will Brid sell up and ship out? Or did the last Orkney Witch cast a spell and leave a legacy of love if only Brid believed in magic…

My review

Brid Harcus sets off to the Orkney Islands in Scotland. Her goal there is to make her mother’s inherited cottage livable again and sell it as soon as possible. Brid has good hopes that it will be all very quickly, until she actually arrives.
Because Midness Cottage isn’t just in need of a little bit TLC, but in fact it needs everything, just like a standard bathroom, even if the goose and its goslings are a “nice” addition to the place.
And selling might be more challenging than Brid expected, as there is the local belief that the cottage was and will always be the home of the Orkney Witch and no one will get near the place, unless they are in need of the witch’s healing powers.
But Brid doesn’t give up that easily and transform the cottage in an actual nice place, with the help of her new friend Magnus.
Yet when York calls Brid back home, Brid realizes that Midness Cottage and Orkney Islands, but also Magnus have grown on her. So what is ‘home’ for Brid, the place she always lived in, or the place that somehow bewitched her?

There is something about stories about moving to the complete opposite of what you are used to that truly piques my interest.
Yet in this book, the opposite of what Brid is used to, is putting it rather mildly. Because just like Brid, I was in complete shock to see the state of the cottage. And I think I wouldn’t have the courage that Brid had and you would see me running away, screaming, straight back home!

Not only I found Brid courageous by staying in the cottage, but also living with a goose and its goslings, not having a decent bathroom and learning al about the myths about the place she is staying in, for sure it wouldn’t be my cup of tea.
But I also liked her determination to make things work, she knew that she could pimp up the place.

I am not a real fan of stories concerning witchcraft, so when the locals visited Brid, I had several rolls of my eyes, just like Brid did. It always makes me wonder why people would believe that a potion, a cream or a spell could possibly work. But, if that makes them happy, who am I to condemn them?
Now, don’t go worrying if you are just like me, because the witchcraft isn’t a real big part of the book. It appears here and there, and Brid may be seeming to create some potions and creams, but she does it with the same approach as I did: if it doesn’t harm you…

At the start of the book, Brid is adamant to make this a short trip, as she wants to return back to her life in York. And while the cottage and perhaps even the whole place isn’t that appealing on first sight, slowly Brid starts to understand the charm of it.

And it was lovely to see the effect the cottage and the Orkney Islands have on Brid. She makes new friends, and grows even closer with Magnus. But we also see a perhaps stressed Brid becoming more relaxing, calm person. It seems that Brid needed Midness Cottage more than Midness Cottage needed her. And not only that, Brid needed also the community, just as how the community needed a new witch.

Of course Brid has to have a love interest… and it couldn’t be more perfect than Magnus! While at first he may seem rather standoffish, his real, kind, caring and even altruistic nature emerges. And we don’t see that only in the way he helps Brid, but also how he is there for others.

This book shows us how life can sometimes go in a way we didn’t expect. Because Brid for sure never envisioned herself staying at a cottage, brewing potions and creating creams, and being accused of being a witch. Yet in Orkney Islands and in Midness Cottage, she finds herself more at home than she would ever think.

Once again this marvelous author took us to an amazing journey, filled with great characters, geese that steal the show and a warmth that sparks from each page. And a belief that perhaps witchcraft may be real, but not in the way we all expect it to be!

To pretend to be deeply in love with your sworn enemy, for your job…

Synopsis

Lara and Sonny are sworn enemies.

As rival showbiz journalists, they are always out to get one-up on each other – whether being the first to scoop the latest celebrity gossip, or sabotaging a potential lead.

So when their bosses ask them to join forces and go undercover at an exclusive celebrity retreat, they can’t think of anything worse – except that they are going to need to pretend to be in couples therapy to blend in…

Being on a tropical island for work would be most people’s idea of heaven, but for Lara and Sonny it’s hell. Can a week of sun, sea and uncovering showbiz secrets together chip away at Lara and Sonny’s rivalry? And once they get home and the fake relationship is over, could a real one be left in its place?

Join top 10 bestseller Portia MacIntosh for a laugh-out-loud, enemies to lovers, fake relationship romantic comedy.

My review

Lara and Sonny are both showbiz journalists, looking for the latest scoops, trying to outshine each other as much as possible. Even a little/innocent sabotage is allowed in their rivalry.
But when their bosses ask them to join forces, and pretend to be a couple in need of therapy at an exclusive celebrity retreat, they have no other choice than to act all loved – up.
While attempting to gain a few scoops on a tropical island, Lara and Sonny may or may not find out that between love and hate there is a thin line…

I was very eager to start reading this book, as Portia MacInstosh is one of those authors that is always able to put a smile on my face.
And while it for sure achieved that goal, for a few reasons, my smile wasn’t a big as usual.
Not that the story was bad, on the contrary. But after finishing it, I still had a few questions that remained unanswered and in a  few occasions, the given answers weren’t completely satisfying.

It’s clear from the start that Lara despises Sonny. Enemies is perhaps a too strong word to describe their relationship, it’s more rivalry that perhaps at moments even get out of hand.
The depth of that rivalry went deeper than I expected, even with learning that there is a past between them, a past that was the catalyst of all.

Of course as a reader it’s funny to discover how Lara and Sonny clash and keep on clashing. On the other hand it was also funny to read how they manage (or at least attempt) to pretend to be deeply in love.
Their feelings towards each other (being negative obviously) made it easier to pretend to be a couple that need help.
And the ‘therapy’ for sure aided them in coming clean about their real feelings, and to come to a better understanding.

I have to admit, the island and all the secrecy around it, sounded very mysterious and made me very wary. It even reminded me in a way of a TV show I saw not so very long ago, where strange things are happening. And this couples’ retreat for sure gave me the same vibes! J

I loved reading how Lara and Sonny were slowly realizing that they had the same ethos, and that made them understand each other better.
Especially Lara learns that what happened in the past is exactly that, in the past. And that her initial thoughts of Sonny aren’t in fact represent who Sonny truly is.

Another thing that I liked about this story, is how seeing that even the more wealthier and famous persons amongst us are facing the same issues we all have. Money and status doesn’t buy everything, and just like everyone else, even the rich people are looking for love, and have the same fears and doubts like us ‘plebs’.

I enjoyed reading this story, even if perhaps I would have liked it more seeing more playing around the mystery of the island, more depths to some characters and a more final and conclusive end.
But that didn’t take away the fun I had diving into the story. And for sure I liked it to see how holding a grudge can perhaps hold you back from something else, and make you not see who someone truly is and what those feelings you have truly mean, as you let yourself submerge into the negativity instead of the positivity.

To let Scrabble find the perfect man for you

Synopsis

Scrabble fan Jo always seems to pick the wrong guys. Now she’s moved to the Yorkshire village of Hebbleswick, anddecided to give dating one last chance. This time, there’s a catch: she will only date men whose names would score highly in her beloved word game.

After Tarquin (16 points) proves just as disappointing as the rest, she meets low-scoring local doctor Ras (3 points). Her rules mean she can’t date him – but when he asks her to organise a Scrabble festival with him, she can’t say no.

As the event draws nearer and Jo and Ras grow closer, will Jo ignore her rule and let true love blossom over the triple letter scores?

My review

If there is one thing that Jo absolutely loves, it’s playing Scrabble. And after dating another wrong man, she decides to handle things differently this time.
After her move to Hebbleswick, she is determined to only date men whose names would score highly on the board.
Easier said than done of course, as Tarquin with his 16 points turns out in disappointment once again. And local doctor Ras, with his only 3 points, is out of the question according her own new rules. But when he needs her help organizing a Scrabble festival, how can she refuse?
With spending so much time together, could Jo realize that putting her trust in a board game to find the perfect man is perhaps bonkers? Or will the board game deliver, just not in a way Jo expected? 

I am going to admit something that may anger many people, but needs must… I never was a big fan of board games, and I have never actually played Scrabble.
But to my defence, I think I would come up with the shortest and even lamest words, giving me very few points. 

Yet that didn’t take away the fun this board game gave me in this book. Of course it’s never a good idea to do what Jo did, allowing a game to set the bar to date a man or not.
On one hand I could see how funny it would be, to find a man whose name would give many points, but to use that as a standard, I couldn’t truly comprehend.
And of course I knew, just like all the readers will know, it would not give Jo the outcome she expected. 

But the more I read about Jo, the more I not only understood her, but also her reasoning. In a way, Jo is a wallflower. She isn’t someone that enjoys the spotlight, and even at her work, she prefers to stay quiet even if there is some obvious bullying and other wrongdoings in her direction. 

Yet even if I was encouraging Jo to take a stand in several occasions, she was also someone I could relate with. I saw several of her characteristics in myself. And I knew how difficult it could be to get out of that shell you’re in. 

I liked it how slowly Jo was getting out of that shell. But it was also funny to see how in one specific occasion it was more an act of bravado than her actual want to do that specific thing (you’ll understand what episode I am talking about when you get there 😊). And I was somewhat even proud of Jo, as seeing her defeat her fear would give her an unexpected yet immense reward. 

Ras for sure was a wonderful character to get to know. While him being a doctor was scoring extra points for me, he also shows realness. He isn’t that kin of fearless character, but he is rather shy and unsure. And that made me like him even more, as he isn’t the perfect guy at all. Yet we also see him passionate about things he truly cares about, and he doesn’t just give up. When he goes in, he goes in all the way!
And while at first instance things seems to go in the wrong direction with Jo, a great friendship and understanding is growing between the both of them, brought together by their shared loved of Scrabble.  

But what I liked the most in this book, was the way how something that Jo loves, is actual able to bring people together! Not only does the game make her cross paths with Ras on several occasions, but with Ras needing her help to organize the festival, we see how a ‘simple’ board game can form perhaps even unlikely friendships, and can get people out of their (even lonely) houses.
New friends are being made over the board, new passions grow, even new romances bloom. 

In this book we see characters grow, take huge steps forward and becoming more confident. We see how a community can be build, letter tile by letter tile. It even made me wish to have a board game event nearby home where I could attend, even with my own short and low points words! 😊
I truly enjoyed reading this book, as it took something as random as a Scrabble game and turned it into a wonderful and even inspiring story, with the wonderful addition of seeing some other characters again that we have met previously!

When desperate, you take every opportunity to change the cards…

Synopsis

She drives a tractor. He arrives in a red Ferrari. What could possibly go wrong?

Flora Barton is desperate to save her family home Strawberry Hill Farm. She only needs one thing – a great business idea to keep the farm afloat!

So, when Nico Rossi arrives from Italy with a crazy plan to save the farm, Flora should be overjoyed. The trouble is the Rossi men are infamous playboys and sensible Flora doesn’t trust impetuous Nico at all.

Nico has been trying to escape the famous Rossi surname his whole life. Arriving in sleepy Cranfield after recently losing his beloved grandfather and family vineyard, he has no intention of staying on any longer than necessary. But he soon realises how desperate the situation is and throws caution to the wind to help turn the farm into a Glamping site.

Can Flora realise her dreams to keep the farm safe for the future and can Nico ever stop running from his past?

As they try to save Strawberry Hill Farm, secrets are revealed and just maybe they’ll discover why opposites attract…

My review

Flora Barton has done everything she could think of to save her family home, Strawberry Hill Farm. But that one spectacular idea hasn’t come up yet…
So when Nico Rossi arrives from Italy in her Ferrari with an idea to save the farm, Flora should be over the moon, as Nico could have the answer to all of her prayers. Weren’t it that Flora doesn’t trust Nico at all, and he has apparently inherited his father’s reputation.
But what Flora doesn’t know, is that Nico is in fact nothing like his own father, and that losing his beloved grandfather caused him to lose his home too.
And when Nico realizes how dire Flora’s situation is, instead of keeping his visit a short one, he is adamant on helping Flora with turning the farm into a Glamping site.
Will them working together on the project bring these two opposites together? And will Flora’s dream to save the farm really come true? 

I had several delights when I started reading this book. First of all, I was delighted to have in my hands a book. As a bookworm, I’m easily pleased! 😊
Second, I was delighted to have in my hands a book from this author! Having read several of her books, I knew I would be in for a treat!
Third, I was delighted to have in my hands a book from this author from the Railway Lane Series! Having read the previous books, and absolutely loved them, I was very happy and eager to read Flora’s story! 

I knew from the previous books that Flora wasn’t having it easy, as she had too many worries about the farm and that all her previous ideas and attempts to save her home were in vain.
My heart truly went out to her in this book, as we can see clearly how much she cares about the place. And it saddened me to see Flora think that she is the one who wasn’t able to keep the business running. 

Even if I am not a farmer myself, I can understand the pressure a farm brings. There is so much to take care of, yet you are also so dependable of nature. One summer too hot, one winter too cold, one autumn too rainy can have immense consequences to the land. And no matter what precautions you take, it’s just not in your hands completely… 

Yet despite her situation, it warmed my heart to see how Flora could count on her friends. Even if the help is rather limited, she knows that they are always there for her, no matter what her situation is.
And they are all ready to give a helping hand, like being a guinea pig to test the glamping site. 

Nico for sure made a spectacular entrance in the book. The cliché couldn’t be bigger, an Italian arriving in a Ferrari. And just like Flora, I had a prejudiced opinion of him. Yet the cliché couldn’t be any more wrong.
In fact, I quickly realised that Nico in fact is a gentle soul, but also a heartbroken one. And while the gentle side made me swoon, the heartbroken one truly angered me. Because wat he has been through, by the hands of his own father, is just terrible. So I could understand his little act of vengeance, and fully agreed with it! 

The way Nico’s father acted, made sure that Nico has become very wary of everything and everyone around him. In that matter, it was sweet to see Nico understanding that the people of Railway Lane are genuine and honest people. And the kind of people to accept every new ‘entry’, and as Nico learn himself, welcome him between their midst. Again a wonderful example what a great community Railway Lane is! 

On a sidenote, now that I have addressed Nico’s father… in this book he is a rather obnoxious, selfish, terrible person. Yet any Italian know that there is a real soccer with exactly the same name, and a big legend as Nico’s father would appear. Yet the real person couldn’t be more different than the fictitious one, and for me personally, it was a bit of a mindf*ck. 😊 

Of course Flora and Nico are meant to clash. And while the both of them are frustrated by each other, it was wonderful for the readers to read it!
And the slow realization that the first impressions were wrong, and seeing that together they for sure are a force to be reckoned with, was amazing.
United they are so much stronger, and united they can bring a great plan into fruition.  

I loved reading this story, of how people can grow out of their mistakes of the past and become more responsible, as Nico is a perfect example of it. He knows that in the past he has made mistakes, but he also has his head screwed on the right way. He has been hurt by those that should have his best interest at heart, but has made the wise decision to step away from that toxic relationship. 

We also see that no matter how catastrophic a situation may seem, there is always a way to solve things. Perhaps not in the way you envisaged, but different doesn’t mean wrong.
And with (old and new) friends, it is possible to truly believe in your dreams again, as nothing is ever truly lost. And perhaps your attempt to escape can turn out to be you finding the place that truly feels like home and feels that you belong. 

This was once again a wonderful story that fulfilled my expectations, as it is filled with so much warmth, love and hope, despite the desperate situation this book starts with!

To pick up life again after everything went wrong…

Synopsis

For forty years the fabulous Odette Devine has been a beloved matriarchal actress on Scotland’s longest-running TV show.
Today she is broken, betrayed, and desperate to find out if this is her payback for a lie she told forty years ago.

A year ago today, Tress Walker’s husband was killed in a car accident, on the same day she gave birth to their baby. Reeling from the discovery that he was with his mistress, Tress has to choose whether to protect her fragile heart or open it to love again.

Noah Clark was devastated to discover his wife and his best friend were having an affair. Now the love of his life is asking for another chance to make their marriage work. But can there ever be a way back, once the trust is broken?

Noah’s sister Keli Clark has recently been ghosted by the man she loves. When a shocking message from a complete strangerreveals the reason why, Keli will have to decide whether to forgive, forget, or to make sure he pays.

Twenty-four hours. Four shocking secrets. One tumultuous tale of love, loss and second chances.

My review

One year ago, Tress Walker went through hell. Not only was her husband killed in a car accident while she was in labour, but she also discovered that he had a mistress.
Luckily now, she can still count on Noah Clark, her husband’s best friend. He is the only one who can understand her, as his wife was the actual mistress.
Then there is Odette Devine, an actress known from a Scottish TV show. But her personal life isn’t all that glitter and glam with several failed marriages, betrayals and feeling more lost and alone than ever. Is her current life payback for the lies she told four decades ago?
And then we have Keri Clark, Noah’s sister. She thought to have found love, only to be ghosted by the man. But even if things seemingly ended with the man, Keri cannot just turn to the next page as there are more than just one issue… 

I was very eager to pick up this book from this amazing author. There are authors that you don’t even bother reading the blurbs, as you are just happy a new book is out.
When I realized that this book was an actual sequel of a book I absolutely loved reading, my happiness was even bigger than before! And I was hoping very much that in the end, I would get the ending I was hoping for. 

There are several main characters in this book, and they for sure deserve their own place in the spotlight. But if I would describe how each character affected me and how they made me feel, my review would end up being a book on its own, and let’s be honest, who would want that? 😊 

Of course I had a week spot for Tress and Noah, as I already knew them.
Even if things aren’t going exactly perfectly for Tress and Noah, I was happy for them, seeing how life was going for the both of them.
Obviously there were the initial struggles after discovering the devastating truth. But it warmed my heart to see that their friendship was perhaps even stronger than before.
They both show us that real friendship can stand any test. 

This pair, even we can call it like them, show us the resilience of people, but they also show us that finding the courage for moving on isn’t an easy thing to do. And even when we think we have, a ghost from the past can for sure bring us back to square one… 

And these kind of ghosts can even go back in decades, as we can see in Odette’s story. I felt sorry for her, even actual pitied her. For me, it was like she was making the one mistake after the other, of course unintentional. Or perhaps it truly was Karma coming back with a vengeance… 

And perhaps vengeance is what Keri is looking for. I have to be honest, at first instance I had a gut feeling about the man that Keri had fallen in love with. But then there were many indications that were making me believe I was wrong. But I should learn to always trust my gut, as I was proven right! 😊 

These seem very different stories with not a lot in common, or a common thread. But I liked it how in an obvious way (Noah and Keri for example) or in a not so obvious way, all these characters were linked somehow. 

But what I loved the most in this book, was the unconditional love in it. Noah and Tress didn’t allow their heartbreak to end their friendship. Noah also became a fixture little Buddy’s life, even if Buddy would always remind him of the betrayal that took place.
But we also see the unconditional love between friends, as Keri can trust her colleague/friend to always be on her side, no matter what happens. And then there is the love for our new friends, which can be a new love, but can also run very deep in an instant.
And even love for old friends, those we have lost track of. In this kind of love we see that time can be a good healer, and that one mistake may have changed several lives, but when is holding a grudge for decades ever the right option? Isn’t rekindling that friendship, and forgive more important than that? 

We also have love for family in this book, whether it’s for our family by blood, or our chosen family. Because Buddy, that little sweetheart (although I still have problems with that nickname…) can for sure always rely on his “aunties” to have his and his mother Tress’s back no matter what. Yet that also means that those two women will always interfere one way or another, with the help of Shania Twain or not! These women for sur put a smile on my face! 😊 

I absolutely devoured this book, page after page! Shari Low even exceeded my extreme high expectations, writing a compelling, heartwarming, lovely story about people picking up the pieces of their lives. finding courage to move on, start once again. It’s difficult to not to give away too much, as there are things I want to thank Shari and her talent for, like for example, in the end, I got the ending I was hoping for!

When a booking goes wrong, what could possibly happen?

Synopsis

Two weddings, three hotel reservations gone awry…and one weekend in Cornwall they’ll never forget!

When the similarities between Ella Swift and Callum Smith’s last names lead to a hotel room mix-up, they find themselves sharing a cramped cottage in Porthkara rather than the private luxury hotel suites they expected.

Each in town for a different wedding – and carrying more baggage than just the suitcases in their hands – the reluctant roommates are forced to share a shelter from the storm surge that sweeps in off the Atlantic. But as the rain crashes down there’s a shift in more than just the atmosphere, and by the time the sun rises on a new day, Ella and Callum’s futures have already been forever changed…

My review

Ella Swift and Callum Smith arrive at their booked hotel to attend a wedding. They are attending different weddings and haven’t ever met before. But when the new owners of he hotel have to admit that there was mix – up with their last names, and there is no other room available, these two strangers have no other option than sharing a cramped cottage that has past its best time in Porthkara.
To make things even worse, when a storm passes, have no other choice than spending even more time together. More time together where they both realize that they both have internal storms raging on, with dark clouds from their pasts.
And before they know, Ella and Callum find themselves finally finding someone that they can trust without any condition attached. But is one weekend enough to chase away all of their demons? Or will it stay to this one perfect, yet not without hiccups, weekend? 

Whenever I go to a hotel, I always have this small fear that we will discover that something went wrong and that there is no room available for me. Yes, I am one of those worst – case – scenario people, eve if nothing like this actual ever happened to me.
So of course I was curious to see what kind of story and solution the author could come up with. 

I have to say, before I started this book, I was not completely convinced about the mix – up as in my modest opinion, Swift and Smith were two very obvious different names.
But I was glad that there was a perfect logical explanation for the mix – up! And I truly couldn’t be angry with the new owners, as for sure they are in too deep, and the new system isn’t making things easier for them, on the contrary. 

Ella and Callum couldn’t have a more different background. Not only that, but their demons are also very different. Yet somehow I found it that despite their differences, they were both very alike. The pains from their pasts for sure scarred them deeply, and both of them are somehow afraid to move on, even not knowing how their future would look like. 

Of course I had my laughs reading about the state of the cottage, if you can call it like that, and how this unlikely pair have to struggle with every little thing. Yet it’s also each and every one of those struggles that bring them more and more together.
From a fear of the storm, to organizing the perfect wedding venue, slowly Ella and Callum realize themselves how alike they are, and how they can trust each other, even if they don’t know each other at all. 

And for me, that was the essence of this book. Yes, you know that the feelings between Ella and Callum will develop. But they are both initially not in the right place (figuratively speaking of course) to even understand that shift.
Because they both have to understand themselves and allow themselves to make that growth for themselves, before they can think about getting involved. 

Both Ella and Callum have to understand where they truly belong, and how to move on from those painful feelings. And letting go of the past doesn’t mean forgetting about who we lost. But letting go means forgiveness, understanding and remembering the good while letting go of the bad. 

So even if the chemistry between the main characters wasn’t very palpable from each page, I saw it more as the need for each of them, and especially Callum, to make that internal turmoil stop and allow love back in their lives. 

I truly enjoyed reading this book, as we see how one weekend can affect someone’s life. For Ella is was finding a place she could call home, and let her life move on from the big spotlights. And building a relationship with her also – famous father.
And for Callum is was returning to a place that holds many memories, but also being back there, discovering that he has more people that love him than he thinks. And of course allowing his broken heart to mend again and allow it to be open to love once again. 

This is a book about how one moment can change your life, how it can make you find the courage to something new. And this all set in a wonderful setting, even if the cottage itself initially could definitely need a lot of TLC, that the readers for sure are willing to give!

At Christmas, anything could happen!

Synopsis

The festive season is fast approaching and the Little Duck Pond Café menu has been given a mouth-watering sprinkling of December magic. Jaz is hoping for the perfect festive season with little daughter Emma. But her feelings for next-door neighbour, Milo, are getting in the way. With his old love back on the scene, is she really prepared to risk her heart and make it the best Christmas ever?

My review

After her divorce, Jaz is afraid of ending up heartbroken again, even if she cannot deny the attraction she has for her amazing neighbour Milo. And yet, even if things seemed to progress in a positive way, Jaz is struggling with finding the perfect balance in being a single parent and finding the courage to let love back in her life.
But no matter the inner struggles she has, Jaz will always be there for her friends from The Little Duck Pond Café, and is ready to be a helping hand when one of her friends is organizing a Winter Wonderland, for the less fortunate around them and us. And one way or another, it’s going to be a memorable Christmas for everyone! 

Ooow what a delightful story Rosie Green wrote once again! It just has everything I wanted and needed to read! It has friendship, romance, the many different aspects of parenthood, but there is also room for a not so light and warm bits, making this story maybe even more real, as life for sure isn’t all about rainbows and unicorns… 

I have to say, Jaz was at many moments a frustrating character. And I don’t mean that I didn’t like her, because let’s be honest, is there anyone in Sunnybrook that isn’t a lovely character?
But Jaz was frustrating, as she has found something (or rather someone…) wonderful, but she is allowing her fear to let that amazing thing/person (yes yes, it’s Milo, I know it, you know it…) slip through her fingers. 

But while it was frustrating, I could also understand her. She thought in the past she had everything already, to only end up heartbroken. And I got her reasoning, that if she had to go through that once again, she wouldn’t know if that would be truly possible.
And of course she has her little girl to think about! There is nothing Jaz does without thinking about adorable Emma. 

Emma, who for sure deserves her special mention in this review, because she is just wonderful, sweet, genuine and just too cute for words!
I liked to see how she adjusted to the new home situation, and how she and Mabel have become best of friends, and are just more than just neighbourly children. 

Milo is obviously an amazing, caring man, even if at moments he can be rather clueless. He doesn’t see the obvious when it’s standing right in front of him. But that only adds to his charm, as he shows that he is an amazing father, a great friend, a person who respects someone else’s wishes, even if he doesn’t comprehend it always. 

But in this book, there is so much more than just the romance (or the non – romance?) between Jaz and Milo. Because we see of course our old friends back, and we see how they are doing. Also in this case, it’s not all perfect, but once again, when is that actually in real life?
Yet despite some setbacks, our beloved friends never lose what makes them so loveable. Even when perhaps initially prejudiced, there is a case of admitting mistakes and desire to make wrongdoing right again, and help the people on need. 

And one of those in need is Freddy. Freddy for sure stole my heart and broke it too with his story. he shows us that even in families, dreams aren’t always accepted, and that sometimes parents have their own wishes for their children, forgetting that everyone has the right to follow their own passions.
Freddy shows us pain, and even stubbornness. But he also shows us warmth, kindness and determination. While I myself was perhaps initially wary of him, he showed me wrong, and I hoped to see things resolved for him too! 

In this story we see the real sense and meaning of a community, as people gather all together not only for Christmas, but for each other. it doesn’t matter if you just joined the community or are a long lasting member, once Sunnybrook embraced you in, you are a fully member, and you will always have people ready to help out. 

Rosie Green shows us once again what a talented author she is. Because she shows us real people, with all their beautiful bits, but also with their fears. But she shows us also how a community work together as one, with a kind and warm heart.
Each time I dive right into the story, eager to read it all at once, only feeling a bit of regret as time has passed too quickly and the end came way too fast!

When baking brings people together

Synopsis

Now in his seventies, Robert Parkin is stunned to find himself the unlikely sex symbol of the village gardening club.

Living in happy solitude with his cat Isaac Mewton in the Devon village of Millbrook, entertained by his mischievous chickens and goats, Robert has never figured out the rules of romance. But as the local ladies vie for his company, it soon becomes clear that Robert’s Victoria Sponge cake is the lure, and as his baking prowess grows, so does his confidence.

Cheesecakes, meringues, puddings, Robert can do it all, but his real masterpieces are his scones – ginger, rosemary, coconut, fruit, his recipes are inspired and soon come to the attention of the local media. Which county does the best cream tea – Devon or Cornwall? It’s time for an age-old debate to be settled with a competition.

Robert’s sisters Bunty and Hattie are both at crossroads in their lives, so news of their brother’s baking competition is the perfect excuse to bring them to Millbrook. And as the siblings relish each other’s company, and Robert relishes being at the heart of his community, a summer of scones may just light the way to long-lasting happiness for them all.

Enjoy Judy Leigh’s wonderful world of family, friendship and feasting in this perfect feel-good story for all fans of Maddie Please, Dawn French and Caroline James.

My review

In Devon village Millbrook, Robert finds himself suddenly subject of the desire of all the local ladies. While he enjoys his solitude with his animals, his baking skills are becoming legendary and the women, single and not, are all seeking his attention. It even goes that far that the local media pick up the buzz and a good old fashion bake off between counties is being organized. Which county bakes the best scones? Is it Devon or Cornwall?
As Robert finds himself in a situation he didn’t really want, luckily he can count on the help of his sisters Bunty and Hattie. Not only are they more than willing to help with the contest, but also to play as buffer between him and all the ladies.
But the sisters aren’t only staying with Robert for helping him out, as they are also at crossroads in their lives, at the verge of making important decisions. And with all the siblings once again all together, it’s the perfect opportunity to not only come closer once again, but also to have each other to rely on and have a voice of reasoning. And the three will also realize that baking truly brings people together, in more than just one way.

If there is one thing I do when I am stressed, it’s baking. Just the fact of breaking the eggs, mixing everything (eat some of the raw dough too  of course 🤣) truly calms me.
And I absolutely enjoy watching the Flemish version of Bake Off! So having a book of an author I absolutely like and it has baking in it, of course I have to read it!

This story was hilarious, heart – warming but also a bit frustrating at the same time!

I found Robert’s sudden popularity so funny to read about! And it’s not that he did something special to gain that popularity, as all he did was minding his own business, and bake delicious creations.
Seeing all those women ‘fighting’ over him, to have his attention, for sure made me laugh out loud, as it was so weird to see adult women, married and not, swooning over Robert 🤣

But I also felt sorry for Robert, as he was truly on his own, looking after his animals. Animals with the funniest possible names! I wish I had Robert (or rather, Judy Leigh’s!) inspiration to come up with such clever names.
And while he has his sisters, the contact with them isn’t that easy, and they all have their own issues in their lives.

So has Hattie finally fought for her own freedom and divorced her rather dominant and even abusive husband. But being on her own is more difficult than imagined, and after years of degrading, she can still hear her husband’s voice in her head.
With Bunty crashing at her place, Hattie decides to ‘escape’ to Robert’s.
Of course it saddened me to read how unhappy Hattie has been in her life. But she inspired me also in a way, as even at her age, she finds the courage to open up to new challenges.

Bunty was a bit more difficult to like from the start. But that is also because we don’t know her complete background.
I found it a bit disturbing how she just left her husband and wanted to figure out if there was something with a new person.
A person who I would have kicked in his *ss without a doubt!

Yet slowly I got to understand Bunty better, and I felt sorry for her and her past, as it was a devastating one. Her story shows us that grief can last for years and that we all have a need to grieve together with those the closest to us.

But the more I got into the story, the more wonderful it  became. Not only we see the three siblings getting more and more out of their shelves, but we also see clearly how age truly is just a number. And that you are never too old for a challenge, to start with something new, to meet new people, and to  allow love (back) in your heart.

That is the beauty of this story, as we do not only have three siblings, but a whole community somehow waking up, and seeing that the world is still their oyster and there are still plenty of possibilities and opportunities for them.
Judy Leigh wrote once again a marvelous story, about relatable people, recognizable people, and their perhaps even unknown search for happiness.
And that baking truly is good for the heart and the soul, as in an unique way brings people (back) together!
I enjoyed reading this book from the first page until the very last one! 😊

Check out this wonderful cover!

Synopsis

Life just got life-y…

On the night that Trudy Asp discovers her ex is engaged to the same dental hygienist who’s been picking at her teeth for ten years, her daughter, Madison, suddenly announces that she too is getting married, in Europe.

Frumpy, floundering, and forced to live with her martini-swilling mother, Trudy is swamped by these revelations. And on top of it all, she’ll be wearing the second most scrutinized gown at the wedding.

Having packed on the pounds during the demise of her marriage, the idea of being eyeballed by her ex and his scrawny fiancée Zelda, is truly horrifying. To make matters worse, there’s the paralyzing fear of a transatlantic flight — something Trudy has avoided for decades.

When Zelda offers to stand in for her, Trudy is forced to confront the forces that stole her marriage and threaten to steal her daughter’s wedding too. With three months until the ceremony, Trudy must get to Europe, squeeze herself into a gown, and claim the role she wants more than anything: Mother-of-the-Bride.

Will this Odd Mom Out sink or swim? Or will she drown in a sea of humiliation?

Pre-order Links

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CP1GB4V2

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0CP1GB4V2

Publication Date: 1st January 2024

About the author

Sandy Day is a recovering chatterbox and writer of riveting slice-of-life poetry, memoir, and fiction. She has authored five books to date, with two in the works. A graduate of Glendon College, she studied creative writing under Michael Ondaatje and bp nichol. A lover of cheese, coffee shops, and illustrations, she lives on the shore of Lake Simcoe in Georgina, Ontario, Canada. You can find and follow her on Substack and sandyday.ca – it rhymes!

The cover!