When will the starts finally align? And is it then just in the pocket or not?

Synopsis

Has someone ever come into your life and you thought, what if you’d had the chance to get to know one another better? Would we be together?

When Liv finds herself locked in a shed with handsome stranger Ben (after both trying to rescue the same cat), the instant connection they make feels like fate had a hand in it. Has Liv finally found her perfect match?

But everything about the timing means there’s no way they can be together. Not least because Ben has a girlfriend and Liv is moving to Paris the next day.

Over the coming years their paths weave in and out of each other’s lives – together, but always fleetingly.

If only they could stop missing each other, who knows what fate may have in store for them…

My review

When Liv hears a cat in distress, stuck in a shed, she doesn’t hesitate to help the poor animal. But what she didn’t expect, was getting locked in the same shed, with Ben, who helped her rescuing that same cat.
There is an instant connection between them, but with Ben having a girlfriend, and Liv moving to Paris the next day, they part ways.
But Fate isn’t ready with them yet, as over the years, their paths keeps on crossing, fleetingly and not. Will there ever be a right time and place for Liv and Ben? Because no matter what is happening in their lives, they cannot forgot those shared moments in a shed…

It always fascinating me having stories where people who are obviously perfect for each other, meet at the most wrong time in their lives. So obviously I had to read this book, as I wanted to know how it would all end, and what would happen meanwhile. 

Initially I found Liv a bit over the top. She was practically already imaging her whole life with Ben while she just met the guy five minutes ago, and has just been locked in a shed with him. Come on girl, get a grip! 

But I also felt sorry for her, as while it may seem a dream to move to Paris, the circumstances about her move are anything but…
It angered me to see how, while she is a victim, she is the one having to pay the price for it. And it felt so wrong that Liv just agreed with it, instead of fighting against any of the taken decisions. 

Obviously, with Liv moving and Ben having a girlfriend, things don’t evolve from there on, it would make no sense at all.
So parting ways, thinking they would never meet again, was somehow the right thing to do for the both of them. 

I expected in this book that over the years, Liv and Ben would see each other again, and that somehow a friendship would grow over the years and then well, you know.
So not being that kind of story surprised me a little bit. But on the other hand, it also allows the readers to understand the characters better, and see them mature separately. 

While they see each other through the years, sometimes just getting a glimpse of each other,  or actually have a small talk, and we know what kind of endgame we want, it’s the fact that they are having their own lives, their own struggles, their own dreams to chase and their own demons to defeat.
And this shows that meeting someone at the wrong time and place doesn’t only mean that it isn’t because of a move to Paris or about being in a relationship, but it means about meeting them when you are ready yourself to meet that person. 

That of course doesn’t take away that even if meeting at the wrong time and place, that person can have an impact on your life, and how you can’t get him/her out of your head. And no matter how strongly you believe that it’s impossible to have that happily ever after, the right person at the right time and at the right place will make you see and believe otherwise. 

We see mainly Liv’s side over the years, but also Ben shows us insights from his point of view. He isn’t the flawless male hero in this story. He is making decisions based on the wrong kind of reasons, while he thinks they are legit. We see that Ben is the good kind of person, but even if sometimes frustrating, his mistakes make him more human and vulnerable. 

There may be a few secrets Ben may be keeping from Liv. Some were rather unexpected while, for me, the biggest one wasn’t the kind that would make or break any kind of relationship, as there are other ways (trying to be spoiler – free here!).And Liv there truly showed me the growth she has been through, as she knows what/who she wants, and will not go down without a fight. 

This was a lovely story to read, about love being worth of the wait, about love being worth of the growth you have to make yourself. But it is also about how with the right person, finally at the right time and place, things can finally fall into place.

City girl meets Cowboy…

Synopsis

Goodbye New York! Hello… Cowboy?

If Samantha’s Baker’s life were as simple as one of the movies she produces, when she – a latte-loving city girl – gets banished to the country and fights with the local hunk cowboy soon afterwards they’d fall in love. But everyone knows the movies aren’t real life! (And just FYI, Mr Cowboy, it’s not gonna happen!)

Travis Hunt knows what it’s like to miss the city. He’s given up everything to take over the family ranch and become mayor of Emerald Creek. He has responsibilities. But how does he convince a gorgeous, hot-shot executive like Samantha to swap her stilettos for cowboy boots and her Friday night cocktails for country dance competitions? Small town life just can’t compete with all the hustle and bustle of New York City.  

But what if it’s not where you are that you call home… What if it’s who you find while you’re there? 

Please note that this title was originally published as Sweet Love and Country Roads.

My review

If you would search for the word ‘city girl’ in a dictionary, you would find a picture of Samantha Baker. Samantha is a successful movie producer, living the life in New York City. When her latest romantic comedy blockbuster is having issues while shooting, and with Samantha’s job suddenly on the line, she has no other option than going on the premises and direct things back in the good direction.

But shooting is taking place in the middle of nowhere, and couldn’t be more out of Samantha’s comfort zone…

Samantha is eager to get everything working and head back home, but things aren’t that easy as it seems, as things don’t work the same way as in New York City.

And add a cowboy who makes Samantha’s blood boil, but at the same time heat other parts, and we have a love story out of script…

First thing first, I am going to state the obvious. Yes, I adore this author. Yes, I adored each book she has written I have read so far. Yes, I read this book in one session. No, I have no regrets at all.

But most important, yes, this new book was just perfection in every possible way!

At the start, I didn’t like Samantha 100%… not because she is a bad person, but because she is so focused on her life in New York that every other place is a lesser place than her home.

But on the other hand, I could also comprehend her, because home is always home, and from living in a place like New York City, where you have everything, going to a place with only one bar, where coffee is just black and cowboys, goats and gigantic cats.

The differences couldn’t be any bigger thus even more fun for us readers!

I also admired Samantha, and her hands – on attitude. She is not someone to mess with and is a force to reckon with!

So seeing her handling every setback with her fierceness and attitude, made me feel all the ‘girl power’ but made me also a bit scared of her! 🤣

Of course, moving to Emerald Creek isn’t a piece of cake for Samantha and adapting to countrylife isn’t a sinecure.

Life in Emerald Creek is the total opposite of what Samantha is used to, and she would have never thought that she could fall in love with such a place, and definitely not with Hildi, the most adorable goat I have ever met!

Talking about meetings… I admit, like so many women, cowboys are my thing! But you have the typical cowboy, and then there is Travis…

He is just the perfect blend of a loving son, a kind man with a great heart and also a focused man.

Yes, the man sometimes infuriated me just as much as he infuriated Samantha, but also in his case, I saw where he was coming from.

Like I said before, this story was just perfect. I loved how Samantha and Travis were constantly fighting against each other, the non – stopping banter, but also the way they joined forces, how they found common ground.

And the sweet and tender moments, the hotter moments and yes, even the heart – breaking moments… Because decisions have to be made, and the outcome is never an easy one…

I honestly think this is Camilla Isley’s best work (till now) and there was never a doubt in my mind that this story was worthy of my rare and precious five star – rating.

There is so much love in this story, so much laughter and so much more, it is just the perfect cure for when you are feeling a bit down.

And while the expectations now are superhigh, almost impossible to achieve, I know I am eagerly waiting for the next amazing story!

When engaged and you find your perfect man and it’s not your fiancé…

Synopsis

Jade Monroe has finally found the man of her dreams. 

Or has she? Despite them being newly engaged, her fiancé Conner has suddenly gone radio silent. And even though her family are all giving her the same advice, (he’s just not that into you) she’s not convinced. Cue her friends who can see something she can’t.

River Matthews has always been his authentic self, without apologies. Honest to a fault, light-hearted & a little lonely. Currently he’s the last single standing in his group of friends & he’s starting to feel his ‘biological’ clock ticking. He’s got close to happily-ever-after before, but now it’s once-bitten-twice-shy, and the only way he’s going to find ‘the one’ is if he takes a chance.

The wisdom goes that if you just stop looking, your perfect partner will appear, but who will be there when Jade and River stop searching for ‘the one’?

Sexy, sassy and downright irresistible, the brand-new friends-to-lovers romance perfect for fans of Sariah Wilson, Lindsey Kelk and Abby Jiminez.

My review

At the celebration of her birthday, the last thing Jade Monroe expected was her boyfriend Conner to pop the question. Especially after being only together for two months, and there is no ring…
So even after an initial hesitation, she says ‘yes’ and is starting to look forward to go ring – shopping together, setting the date and everything else, even if it’s clear that Conner is set on a long engagement, as he is focused on his studies at the medical school.
But Jade is surprised by the complete radio silence from his side, and the only communication is by emojis…
Luckily she can count on the friendship of River Matthews, a regular of the bar where Jade is working. His complete honesty and him making feel Jade at ease in any situation, makes the both of them connect in unexpected ways.
Yet Jade, despite Conner’s disappearance, is still an engaged woman. So what can Jade do, when she has finally found her perfect match, but it’s not the man she is actually engaged to? 

Sweet Jesus, how can I possibly describe how much I loved this book???
There isn’t one thing I didn’t love about it. Oh wait… there is actually one thing… or rather one character. Obviously I am talking about Conner/Corndog. But he isn’t worthy of any more space in this review so that’s all he is getting. 

Because I ABOLSOLUTELY loved Jade and River!!! And their story deserves all the space and love I can put right here and now! 

There is Jade, lovely, amazing Jade…
How can you not like Jade? How can someone treat Jade like he – who – shall – not – be – named – anymore while Jade deserves the world and even more?
While working at the bar ‘forces’ her to be kind to her customers, she is also just a kind person in general. We see her amazingness with her best friends, with her sister, with her father and even how much she cares about her neighbour Thomas. 

She also isn’t the kind of person who rushes into things, as it’s clear how flabbergasted she is when Conner proposes. She feels overwhelmed but how can she say ‘no’?
But she also has a stubborn streak, as she sees that her engagement isn’t what she expected, nor is Conner. Yet she doesn’t do what she should be doing, despite everyone’s almost begging her to. 

And then there is River… come on girls, who hasn’t swooned over him??? If there is a real River out there… Hi, I am Tiziana, I live in Belgium and would love to marry you!!! 😊
He is just the total package deal! Having a famous mother isn’t making things easy on him, and yes, he had his heart broken.
But that man is just God’s gift to women! He is gorgeous (I have a weak for man – buns, forgive me), he is a great listener and he remembers the thing you tell him. As a friend, brother, son,… you couldn’t be happier with River in your life! 

Jade and River together is a delight to read! They are just so perfect for each other (well, River hasn’t met me yet so…) and they connect in a way that would make anyone jealous!
But what I liked the most about these two, is that they can tell each other everything, the most embarrassing stories, the most heart – breaking ones, and they are there for each other, without any judgement.
Even without words, they understand what the other person needs, and they will do everything to see a smile on each other’s face. 

Of course this book is filled with humour too. Even if unintentional, both main characters are so funny. And let’s not forget about the side characters, adding their weight to the story too! 

While the sparks keep flying around, I liked it how both Jade and River never crossed any line. Even if Jade is engaged to a d*ckhead, there are boundaries that should never be crossed, and it was amazing to see how the author managed to keep those boundaries, no matter how difficult it was for Jade and River. 

In this lovely book, we see how sometimes we can meet someone at the wrong time and place, but how Life, Love and Fate are persistent in making us see who is truly perfect for us. And even if it’s again the wrong time and place, it’s up to us to find the understanding but also the courage to turn the wrong time and place in the right time and place.  

I can keep on raving about this much like for ever, but I’ll stop just here, to give you the chance to buy this book yourself and see why I love it, and love it yourself!

To research your family, to find a link through love

Synopsis

Cornwall, 2020

At the beginning of lockdown, teacher Carla Burgess needs to make some changes to her life. She no longer loves her job, and it’s certainly time to kick her on-off boyfriend into touch. But then, while walking on the cliffs she meets, Mani Dolcoath, a gorgeous American with a dark aura.

Mani is researching his family history, and slowly their lives and their heritage begin to entwine. The discovery of a locked Georgian tea caddy in the barn on her parents’ farm intrigues Carla, but then she starts to see orbs, something that hasn’t happened since her grandmother died. They terrify her and she’ll do anything to outrun them, but will she lose Mani’s friendship in the process?

Cornwall, 1810

Harriet Lemon’s position as companion to Lady Frances Basset (Franny) perfectly conceals the fact they are lovers. But when Franny is raped and falls pregnant their lives are destined to change forever.

The one person who may be able to help them is Franny’s childhood friend, William Burgess, a notorious smuggler. But he has secrets of his own he needs to protect. Will his loyalties be divided, or will he come through?

My review

When Covid hits the world, Carla Burgess has time to reassess her life. Is teaching still making her happy? Or should she finally pursue her dream? But not only careerwise Carla is cleaning up her life, it also means that she puts a decisive end to her relationship (if it can be called like that) with Kitto.
Covid means lockdowns, which means that Carla is spending most of her days at her parents’ farm. And she joins her father in researching their family history. Covid also means social distancing. But that doesn’t mean that Carla cannot befriend Mani, an American who came to Cornwall for a job and has decided too to research his family history.
Little do they know that both their researches will be connected with Harriet Lemon, a companion of Lady Frances Basset in 1810. But Harriet is so much more than just a companion, as they are also romantically involved.
However, when Frances is raped and pregnant, she and Harriet have to hide the pregnancy by hiding themselves. And they must put their trust in Frances’ friend, well – known smuggler William Burgess… 

I am always intrigued by dual time lines, especially as often each story could be standing on its own. But the difficulty is linked two separated stories without being too obvious about it.
And with this book, there is the extra intrigue, as there is the illegitimate love story of Harriet and Frances, and Carla finding her way in a Covid – world. 

I liked reading both stories, but Carla’s was perhaps my favourite of the two. Perhaps it was because Carla’s tale is set just a few years ago, which makes it more recognizable and relatable? Because haven’t we all had difficulties in a changing world. Haven’t we all had the time to reassess our lives and even made choices that changed our lives? 

For sure I saw a lot of myself in Carla, as I was also very strict about the imposed rules, and got angry seeing when people just didn’t. Of course Carla finds it difficult too, but she does it out of love, as she wants to protect her family. 

So even when she meets Mani, and the urge to get physically closer (in the literally way! 😊), she follows the rules as the she doesn’t want to face the worst case scenarios of the consequences.
Yet that doesn’t hinder the both of them of getting closer. Even if they are strangers, somehow they make the connection. And seeing their friendship blossoming even in the hardest times, was great to read. 

There is a supernatural touch in this story, which affect Carla. As I am absolutely not a fan of the supernatural twists stories can take, I somehow accepted this touch, as it wasn’t that extreme. It still doesn’t turn me into a believer of such things, yet I could get over it 😊. 

Harriet’s story was not what I expected it to be… I thought it would be more about the growing romantic feelings between Harriet and Frances. And I have to be honest, I was a tiny bit disappointed to read that they were already past that point.
But that doesn’t take away that I enjoyed reading about them, as their love for sure was genuine and the love of the truest kind. 

Not only did it sadden me to see how their love needed to be hidden. Yes, I understand that it were different times back then, but in my opinion, no matter what time you are living in, there is nothing love with loving whoever you want.  
But it also saddened me to see how Frances was the one who was being raped, yet she is the one who needs to go into hiding and keep her pregnancy hidden. It’s always the ones who have been hurt that have to pay the price… 

Each story stands perfectly on its own, and there is an obvious connection between the two women. But the more you read in the story, the more you see that the link between them isn’t only the obvious one, but it’s also about the way they feel.
Both characters are very protective of those they love, and would do anything for them. But they also share the sense of loneliness and isolation. They are limited in what they can do, in different ways for each of them, yet in common anyway. 

And that is the beauty of this book. Because Carla and Harriet couldn’t be more different from each other, yet they also have a lot in common, despite the years that separate them.
It made me appreciate once again all the liberties we have in our own lives, compared to the 19th century, but also compared to not so long ago when we couldn’t do what we wanted and live freely…

Wanting to find love for your best of friends, but at what if it’s at your own cost?

Synopsis

An enchanting, standalone, modern rom-com inspired by Jane Austen’s EMMA, about a matchmaking young woman whose heart may be in the right place… some of the time.

Emmeline – Em to her friends – has very little to vex her, except that she hasn’t left her beloved home, Midwynter Hall, in over two years. 

But her isolation doesn’t stop her interfering in the lives of others, particularly when it comes to love. As a romance writer, Emmeline obviously knows what she’s doing, increasingly plotting real-life matches rather than fictional ones.

When best friend Polly gets mixed up with the wrong sort of man, Emmeline has no choice but to swoop to the rescue. And when old family friend Jordi seeks solace after women and work troubles, Emmeline has the perfect solution. You see, everything she’s written lately – pairing up lovelorn locals – has somehow (maybe magically) come true. So, if she pens a tale about Polly and Jordi despite their many protests, they’ll thank her eventually, once they’re blissfully happy together.

But no one is more surprised than Emmeline when she finds she wants to write herself into the story, especially if someone she cares about may get hurt in the process. 

Because as it turns out, believing you’ve never been in love, doesn’t mean you’ve never (unknowingly) given your heart away…

My review

Ever since experiencing panic attacks, Emmeline – Em for friends – hasn’t left her home in over two years.
With her past as a romance writer, she believes that she knows best, especially when it concerns the love life of others. And she is certain that her meddling has been the reason that those around her have found love.
So when her best friend Polly is seeing Zac, Em is certain that Zac is not the right man for Polly. And that means that Em has to use her writing powers to make Polly pair up with the perfect man. And that perfect man is Em’s friend Jordi.
Despite their reluctance, Em persuades them to give each other a chance. But the more Em is writing about the perfect couple Polly and Jordi, the more Em realizes that perhaps the main character of her story shouldn’t be Polly but Em herself… 

This author always manages to surprise me with her stories, as her main characters are having struggles in their lives that are recognizable for her readers. While we ourselves may not be in that specific situation, we all know someone who is.
With this book the link to our own reality was perhaps a little more distant, but it was still there. 

I have to admit, this was not my favourite story, as I found it a bit more difficult to truly like Em. But as this story took inspiration from ‘Emma’, and that one isn’t my favourite book/character, well I can say that I continued in that direction a little bit😊.
Everything Em does, she does it with the right intention, but she doesn’t realize that she appears very condescending. Just because you think you are right, that you should “force” your opinion on someone else. And that is what Em does with Polly and Jordi. So yes, I got frustrated seeing how Em didn’t listen to her friends and pushed them together anyway.

However, despite my dislike for her actions, I could understand where she was coming from. She wants her best friends to be happy, and she thinks she has found the perfect solution. So can you truly be angry with someone who wants your happiness, even if she isn’t truly listening? 

Also, seeing Em her struggles, and there are several, can you again stay angry with her? I liked it how the author described how Em’s phobia started and how it got worse in time. It only shows that everyone at any age can be struggling. But just like Em, when you have everything within reach, it becomes harder each day to take that step to overcome your fears.
But it’s easy to tell someone to ‘get over it’, but we cannot understand how much distress it causes and also how much it affects other aspects of our lives. 

As a reader, we do know how this story will end. But it’s not about the result, it’s about the journey. Because Em has to realize herself what she truly wants herself and what she always had in front of her.  But that is not the only thing Em has to learn. She also slowly sees that sticking to the status quo is just holding her back. Not only things at home do need to change, but she also has to make a change herself. And she also understands that fears or phobias can be overcome, obviously not in a day’s time, but by taking one step at a time. 

Steps that she will take with her friends and family by her side. It needs to be said, Em has wonderful parents, showing that even if things didn’t work out in a marriage, there can still be an honest and genuine friendship. And Em has friends that understand her better than she understands herself. With a character like Em, they also need a lot of patience but also persistence by not going along with all of Em’s plans. 

Em tries to show her strength in this book, yet her vulnerability is very obvious. Not only how she pretends to be “a big girl”, but especially when she has to show the real Em. She is afraid that she is not (good) enough and that is a feeling very easy to relate to…
However, for the right person, even the person she never thought of in that way, Em is absolutely (good) enough, all her “faults” included.

And that is why, despite my initial wariness of Em never truly emerged and I liked Em for who she truly is, a young girl just trying to find her place in the world again. 

Once again I truly enjoyed reading a book by this author, making a classic story her own. Even if the characters are not perfect, even their imperfections are adding to us liking them. A story that is not about the endgame, but the journey the characters have to go through to realize who they are, who they want to be, and what they want to find happiness.

Another murderer in town, but is it human or animal?

Synopsis

A brand-new cozy crime series set in gorgeous Tuscany…It’s murder in paradise!

A lazy weekend in the country…

Dan Armstrong and the new love of his life, Anna, are heading to a hotel deep in the gorgeous Tuscan countryside for a long weekend, looking forward to some time away from the stresses of their day jobs. With the beautiful and historic city of Siena just around the corner, it promises to be relaxing and enjoyable. What could possibly go wrong?

A mutilated body…

But when a mutilated body is discovered in the hotel grounds Dan is called in to help with the investigation. But who or what could have been responsible for such a vicious attack? Was it the work of wild animals, or is there a brutal murderer at large?

A killer who cried wolf?

Dan knows he is dealing with a clever killer – whether whether two- or four-legged! And as he sets out to solve the case he begins to worry about his own loyal canine companion. Could Oscar be in more danger than any of the other hotel guests or is a murderer trying to cover their tracks?

It’s another case for Dan and Oscar to solve!

My review

Dan and his new love Anna want to spend a relaxing weekend in Tuscany with their friends Virgilio and Lina. Of course Dan’s dog Oscar is also member of the party! With Siena nearby the two couples are looking forward to do sweet nothing and also enlighten themselves with the beauty of Siena.
But when a body is found in the hotel grounds, Dan and Virgilio cannot not help with the investigations. Especially when it appears that wolves are in the area, and the mutilation of the body suggests that a wolf indeed had been active.
However, the scientists residing in the same hotel for a gathering are adamant that wolves don’t just attack people…
So does that mean that there is a another murderer amidst them? And will he/she/it stop after the first murder? Or is anyone else at risk? 

So here we are again, a new book in the wonderful series of Dan Armstrong and his lovely four – legged friend Oscar! 

At the start of the book, I was glad to see how well Dan was doing, with his new life in Italy. Not only is he in a relationship with Anna, but also his book got published and he truly settled in the Italian way of life.
To see how a character we started to love getting everything he deserved, was very lovely indeed! 

Dan has also learnt from his mistakes, and he is adamant that his love for Anna won’t be jeopardized by his work as a private investigator, no matter how loud that call is.
He has his happiness and he knows he has to treasure it, even if it’s still a work in progress. 

This book starts somehow on a lighter level, as Dan, Anna and their friends Virgilio and Lina are planning a relaxing weekend, staying nearby Siena.
But as a reader, we obviously know that there will be nothing relaxing at all! 

When a body has been found, almost everyone is convinced it was the work of a wolf. And while that line of thought is quickly dismissed, it’s clear that the presence of wolves is a point of debate between the inhabitants and the scientists.
I liked it to see how T. A. Willams gave a voice to both views, but not pushing his own opinion to us. The wolves are nearby the hotel and they may or may not be involved with the murder(s). 

The more I got into the story, the more complicated the plot started to get. There were many (too?) obvious links pointing in one direction, but the fact that everyone, suspects and not, seemingly is keeping secrets for sure made me suspicious of everyone! Everyone who appeared was a potential culprit! 

But of course this author wouldn’t be this author if there weren’t many many lovely moments in it too! Obviously Oscar steals the scene every time, but also seeing the comradery between Dan and Virgilio was a great addition. And me liking Dan only increased in seeing how Dan wants to help Virgilio and Lina when it’s clear they’re going through a rough moment!  
And of course, seeing Dan in love with a great lady as Anna was wonderful! 

Once again T. A. Williams perfect ability of describing the scenery was spot on. And yes, I have been to Siena myself several times and it made it easier for me to visualise the place even better. But even if I would ever been there, thanks to all the details, I would have been able to imagine all those beautiful places! 

Perhaps this plot was the most complicated of the series, as there appears to be a domino – effect somehow. And for sure it was more difficult in this book to connect all the dots. Once Dan and Oscar, and their friends, figured it all out, I had my own ‘of course it was like!’ – moment.
Nevertheless, the complexity never made my enjoyment of reading this book diminish!  

T.A. Williams shows again what a talented writer he is, and his love for Italy for sure sparks from each page. No matter if he is writing a romance, or a cozy crime like this one, I will never hesitate to pick up his book and I know that for sure I will appreciate the story he has written!

When needs must, they can bring unlikely friendships

Synopsis

‘A lovely book about two feisty and at times funny women, who stole my heart and had me rooting for them from the very beginning. A heartwarming, uplifting read that would be perfect for book clubs or just curling up with in the garden on a sunny afternoon. Utterly, utterly fabulous!’ Faith Hogan

A gripping and uplifting new novel by the author of BA Book of the Month and LoveReading Debut of the Month Patience.

Connie Darke is trying to run away from the traumas in her past, and it’s led her home, to the small rural council estate she left almost 20 years earlier.

Matilda Reynolds has spent most of her long life in the Worcestershire village of Stonecastle, and she’s content there, with her animals and her solitude. Until a fall lands her in hospital, and Matilda has to turn to her strange young neighbour Connie for help looking after her home.

Out of their tentative arrangement, each woman gains a new sense of community. But before long, that community comes under threat when the council decides to sell the estate, to make way for expensive developments.

Connie and Matilda are determined to fight for their home, whatever it takes…

My review

After her troubled residence in London, Connie has returned back home in the village of Stonecastle, trying to overcome her trauma. But her experience has made her wary of everything and everyone, and she finds it difficult to trust.
She prefers staying away from people and takes very early walks.
When her neighbour Matilda Reynolds has a fall and is in the hospital, it’s up to Connie to look after the animals.
The animals are the reason Matilda and Connie form an unlikely friendship, which only strengthens when their homes are under threat.
Suddenly the whole community comes together to save the homes. Will they manage to stay out of greedy hands?
And will all these new friendships last when some secrets of the past are revealed?

This story is a wonderful story about community and friendship. But it’s also a difficult story, in the sense that both main characters, Connie and Matilda have been through rough patches and are still carrying around their secrets.

Connie returned to live back to her mother after troubled years living in London.
It’s not easy to like Connie from the start, I have to admit. But that’s only because we don’t know her whole story.
Of course it’s clear that she is struggling with starting again. When we learn about her struggles, initially it made me frown a little bit, as I couldn’t understand what actually happened to her. It all seemed so strange, and I couldn’t figure out what actually happened.
But even if she escaped London, she isn’t having an easy time. And slowly we get to learn that there is more going on that initially thought.

So that made it beautiful to read how Connie finds comfort while taking care of Matilda’s animals. Initially wary of especially the goats, we see how Connie feels more at ease with them. And not only that, but the animals also are a way for Connie to get (re)acquainted with the community. And most important, a way to befriend Matilda.

While Connie was not that easy to immediately warm to, for Matilda I immediately felt sorry. She is of an older age, and has absolutely nobody…
And her being alone with her memories for sure showed in the way she is living. She is also wary of people, she just want to be left alone.

It absolutely saddened me to see how people are left on their own, having no one having an interest in their wellbeing…
So it’s not a surprise that Matilda ended up in the hospital, and has to rely on strangers to look after her beloved animals.

Once back home, is the point where Connie and Matilda become friends. But not without some clashing. I could understand why Matilda was acting like she did, and why Connie felt heartbroken when her services were ‘no longer required’.
Yet it was heart – warming to read that these two women actually need each other, not only for being looked after, but also for just having someone that cares about them, and perhaps understands them better than they may initially think.

Up till now I already liked the story, but it’s the addition of the common enemy for the community that elevates this story even higher.

I truly found it inspiring to see how what people can achieve when they join forces. What starts as a way to keep their homes, we see so much more. Because just like Connie, we see that everyone has their own fights to fight. And it’s easy to have an opinion over someone, even when we don’t know that person.

We see how all the residents become a community, in the real sense of the word. They learn they can rely on each other, and help each other. And help each other in overcoming the demons.
And how real friends, because that’s what everyone has become, are not judging you for your past, but try to help you to look forward into a bright future.

I also liked it how the author addresses some difficult topics, showing us that not being well, both mentally and physically, is not something to be ashamed of. There is no need to hide those bits of you, as they are part of you.

This was truly a heart – warming story, about two broken characters finding an unlikely friend in each other, making it possible to speak out about what is haunting them, making it possible to close those infected wounds.
And it’s about how strong people can be, when forces are joined. Every one of us has a strength that is needed, even when we don’t think we do.
It’s also about the beautiful power of a community, where you can be who you are, without any prejudice or pointed fingers!

When things don’t go as expected…

Synopsis

One week. Two couples. A holiday they’ll never forget…

Indi Drewe is turning thirty and is exactly where she wants to be: she’s on the cusp of a promotion, lives in her gorgeous London flat and is sure her perfect-on-paper boyfriend, Will, is about to propose…

Only, on the night she’d hoped Will would present her with a sparkling diamond ring, she finds out that her younger sister Jade is getting married to a man she’s known only for a few weeks!

Worried her sister is about to make a terrible mistake, she immediately flies out to visit her sister in Greece – and is shocked to discover she’s sharing her villa with a far-too-handsome (and perpetually shirtless) stranger, Mikhos.

Indi and Mikhos might be each other’s worst nightmare, but together, they only have days to stop the wedding before it’s too late! Yet with so much love in the air on this paradise island, will they be able to resist falling for each other, too?

My review

Indi Drewe is the kind of person that plans everything. She is prepared against anything and has taken every possible mishap in account.
Now that she is almost thirty, and one her plans were of getting married at that age, she is expecting that her boyfriend Will is going to propose.
But things don’t go as expected, and to make things even worse, her little sister Jade informs her she is getting married to a man she only knows for a few weeks.
Not only needing a holiday, but wanting to prevent Jade of making a terrible mistake, Indi flies over to Greece. And there she finds an ally in Mikhos, owner of the villa she is staying in, and cousin of the groom – to – be.
Will they succeed in making the young couple see that they are moving too fast? And what about Indi and Mikhos themselves? Can they keep ignoring the attraction?

When I started to read this book, I wasn’t expecting to read both Indi’s as Jade’s journey. Yet this was a pleasant surprise, as it gave me more perspective of each side of the story.

From the start it’s clear that Indi is not only a planner, but also a worrier. Not only does she has a back – up plan for almost everything, but she also manages to turn awkward situations in the best ones ( all I will say in advance is: SPICE GIRLS! J).
The worrier side shows especially whenever her sister Jade is concerned. And with reason of course, learning about how Indi was the one looking after Jade after losing their father.
So learning about their traumatic past, I could understand why Indi didn’t hesitate to fly over to Greece.

But with having also Jade’s side, it made it also clear that, despite Indi’s good intentions, it can be something condescending. Indi is prepared to do everything for Jade, but that also prevents Jade from growing up herself, even if that means that she is making mistakes.
Jade has already missed so much in the past, and now that she has the chance of flying free, she deserves it.

When Indi arrives at the island, I expected there to be more about how Indi and Mikhos would try to break up the loved – up couple. But I was glad it didn’t, as it shows that even if they don’t agree, they don’t want to sabotage them.

The more the story evolves, and even if Indi and Mikhos are feeling more and more attracted to each other, the more I felt that this is a love story yes, but a more a story about self-love.
Because both Jade and Indi have demons that are haunting them and have also shaped them. Yet it’s on the beautiful island that with the help of the Greek cousins they accept the way they are and are able to put their past behind them.

Of course that doesn’t take away that I enjoyed reading about Indi and Mikhos! Because beside the physical attraction, they level also emotionally.
They understand each other better than they expected and realize that despite their many differences they also have so much common!

There was one little thing that bothered me, and that was Indi’s and Jade’s mother. Yes, I understand her artistic way of living. Yet it bothered me that when the tragedy struck, all the responsibility fell onto Indi’s shoulders. I missed those motherly feelings from her, while Indi had them all towards Jade.

Overall, this was a delightful, light and warm story, about siblings (by blood or cousins who are more sibling-like) that love each other deeply. But that sometimes that love can be overbearing. Yet it’s also about finding love, making you step outside your comfort zone, and accept that you are perfect, with all your internal and external scars!

We all want to save what we care about…

Synopsis

Zoe has a special talent for saving lost causes…but she’ll need a miracle to save herself from this mess!

When her biggest advertising account cancels their contract, single mum Zoe Taylor’s Good News Gazette – Westholme’s pre-eminent feel-good news source – faces an uncertain future.

Determined to save her paper, Zoe strikes a bargain with millionaire developer Daniel Lewis – he’ll help her find advertisers and in exchange she’ll spearhead his campaign to save the Art Deco cinema from destruction.

But with her boyfriend Sam no fan of her new business partner, an unexpected job offer from her old boss, and an unshakeable feeling that there’s something more between her and Daniel than there should be, Zoe’s future soon feels as uncertain as her paper’s…and she’ll be forced to make a decision that changes everything for her and her son Charlie.

My review

Zoe Taylor has achieved the impossible not so long ago. So when the biggest advertiser cancels its contract, Zoe needs to do once again whatever she can to save the Good News Gazette.
But also the inhabitants of Westholme need her once again, to save the Art Deco cinema from destruction. And even if her boyfriend Sam isn’t happy about it, Zoe again needs the help of millionaire Daniel Lewis. If Zoe accepts the job offer of being in charge of the restoration of the cinema, Daniel will help her to find new advertisers.
However, no matter how well the ideas are and how the works proceed, there is a local gang jeopardizing everything. And with Sam’s reluctance, her own insecure future and whatever is going on between her and Daniel, Zoe knows that decisions need to be made, for her and her son Charlie. 

Starting this second book the series felt like I never left the place. Even if it was a while ago since I read ‘The Good News Gazette’, it was easy to catch up again! 

We are now a year later, and we see how Zoe and Sam are still happily together, even if there are no signs of them taking any next step in their relationship.
But that didn’t bother me, because every relationship is obviously different, and when things are working, why rushing into that next step? 

I loved seeing how Zoe still had her spark, trying to be a good mother to Charlie, trying to keep the Good Gazette a success and having several other balls in the air.
But just like in reality, Zoe doesn’t have a perfect life… she is struggling to keep all those balls in the air, doubting herself, doubting the choices she is making.
That makes her a more realistic and recognizable character. 

Zoe is also the kind of person who wants to do the right thing, no matter what… the cinema was never really on her radar, but once she hears how many people care about the place, she wants to put her weight in.
And also as a friend she wants to help out her struggling best friend, even if there is no straight solution for that. 

At first I was happy to see how Zoe and Sam were still happily together, but I have to admit that the Sam in this story is not the Sam I liked in the first book. He says the right things at right times (mostly…) but there is just something lacking in him in this book.
And it saddens me to say it, but whenever he made an appearance in the story, I was already annoyed by him before he even did something. 

This only shows that getting together isn’t necessarily the recipe for a happily ever after. Being in a relationship still needs effort, a lot of work and understanding. It needs communication and openness. And the next step should be taken for the right reasons and not (because of…’. 

Somehow, it made my initial feeling, or rather preference, resurface. Because that preference once again delivered what I expected from him. But also just like a real person, he also dropped the ball a few times, making him not a flawless person, but a person like you and me. 

Once again, it was amazing and heartwarming to see how a community can work together to achieve the impossible. What starts as a small group, ends up with every inhabitant putting an effort to resuscitate the cinema. Of course it doesn’t go without a glitch, but most glitches, especially whenever Norman and Starr were involved put a smile on my face! 

And I found it inspirational to see how the ‘gang’ was being handled. Even if Sam showed his reluctance to help out when the shenanigans were getting out of hand, the way Zoe and everyone of Westholme found a way to turn the tide.
With the right incentive changes can be made for the better, and even the biggest rascals can turn into committed members of the community. 

Now, there is one elephant in the room that I need to address… the story ends on a cliffhanger. Or rather a few cliffhangers… And I am not a fan of cliffhangers. Does Jessie Wells knows what she is putting me through??? How can I just be sitting down patiently and wait for the next part to come out? Tell me, HOW???? 😊 

But leaving the ending aside, I truly enjoyed reading this book, as once again we see characters that don’t have the perfect life, don’t have everything run smoothly. Characters that are having doubts about which direction their lives should take.
And that makes this book so recognizable for everyone who reads it. Because even if we aren’t in exactly the same position Zoe is in, there is something we have in common with her that we have been through. We know and understand the struggles and seeing how even a fictional character may not have all the answers, makes us love her even more.
But no matter what happens, to Zoe or even to us, the author shows us that when people put their differences aside and put their good will together, a lot can be achieved to get a little bit closer to that well – deserved happy ending.

How one evening of fun ends in tragedy…

Synopsis

One chance meeting. A night that changes everything.

The Kennedy sisters, Molly, Alex and Sam, have a Christmas tradition – a night out, just the three of them, sisters together.

Lewis Stone can’t face the work Christmas party, but as he’s one of the bosses, he has to put in an appearance. He leaves as soon as he can politely get away, ready for the holidays to begin.

When Lewis Stone meets the Kennedy sisters, a train of events begins that engulfs them all.

One sister is left fighting for her life.

One sister is left fighting for her marriage.

And one sister is hellbent on revenge…

My review

Molly, Alex and Sam are sisters with a Christmas tradition, they have one night out together, having fun.
But their night of fun ends in tragedy when one of the sisters get hit by a car.
With one Kennedy sister fighting for her life, one sister is determined to get revenge on Lewis Stone, the driver who caused the accident. And the other sibling is fighting for her marriage.
But what none of the sisters realize, is that no matter how close they think they are, there are secrets that may make them think differently about each other… 

The blurb of this book intrigued me and knowing this author made it an easy decision for me to read it.  

Even I only have 1 sibling, and it’s a brother, it doesn’t take away I could relate with the bond of the Kennedy – sisters.
Because even my brother and I are having our own lives, our bond is very close. So I could understand the closeness the sisters had. 

Now, the story starts rather quickly with the accident, and it’s more about the aftermath of it, and how it affects not only each sister, but also other persons, like the driver Lewis.
The author gives us a clear idea of what happens before, during and after the accident, making us also realize that an accident happens quickly, even in the blink of an eye. 

Of course the devastation is great, and each sister is reacting differently. While one sister is set on getting revenge, even if it were an accident, the other sister wants to just move on with her life. (I am deliberately avoiding mentioning any names, or the outcome, to avoid any spoilers!).
This again shows how the same tragedy affects people differently and how reactions can be totally different. 

The many different point of views took some time for me to adapt, but once I was in the flow, I could easily understand which character had the spotlight. And it gave me a better understanding of its persona. 

The more I was into the story, the more I felt that the author would want us to like and dislike certain characters more or lesser. And with the addition of several side characters he only added more fuel to the confusion, wanting to make us wonder which direction the story would take.
But I saw through his façade, and no matter what picture the author was showing us of each character, I remained wary of each and every one of them. Because I just knew that there would be for sure a few twists towards the end that would shock. 

That made it possible for me to even see the great twists before they actually happened, and I had it all figured out beforehand, leaving me with a somehow satisfied feeling when I saw proof that my feelings were right. 

Yet that satisfied feeling didn’t last for a long time, as the author shows us that people, and even those close to us, aren’t always people we think they are. When cornered, you never know what the reaction will be. It can be a good, logical reaction, but also a bad reaction, affecting others and not in a good way…