How can learning from the best turn into something more when there is so much to clash over?

Synopsis

“The photography conference simmered with talent: those who had it, those who wanted it, and those who would always suck no matter how hard they tried. Stella Price wondered where she fell on that scale.”

Stella is determined to become a successful wedding photographer, even if it means learning from Connor Knight, a wedding shooter with sexy rock star status and an ego to match.

Burned by an affair that ended her last career, Stella should know better than to get entangled with Connor during a residential course in a romantic French chateau. But while his arrogance turns her off, his talent turns her on.

Their clashes lead to a whirlwind of passion, but Stella struggles to frame a future with a man who’s come to distrust “happily ever afters” and hides a softer side behind his image. Can Stella learn from her past mistakes and teach Connor about real love before he disappears from the picture?

My review

After being exposed as having an affair with her boss, Stella has completely changed her career and is finally following her true dream by being a starting wedding photographer.
But being successful means more than having some good shots, and Stella is determined to learn from the best, even if the best is Connor Knight…
While attending his residential course, Stella learns all the tips and tricks of turning a photograph into a wonderful shot. And despite all her efforts, and Connor’s arrogance, Stella cannot deny that his talents are a real turn – on.
But even if Connor shoots at weddings, he doesn’t believe in it, or in marriage. And Stella is determined to not make the same mistake again…So how can there be a match when their differences are so big?  

In my mind I always had this image that being a wedding photographer would be a wonderful and also rather easy job to do. Because how difficult can it be to capture all the love in a shot? But obviously I was wrong in my thinking, as this book showed me that there is so much more to it than just pressing the button on the camera. 

Initially I wasn’t a great fan of Stella. Not because she isn’t a nice character, because she truly is. But it saddened me to see how somehow she was being very gullible while having the affair with her boss. It’s one thing to believe that in the end he will pick you, but in Stella’s case, she knew she would always come second place. So why settle for that? I just couldn’t understand why Stella would lower herself to be the side character while she deserved the whole spotlight. 

However, despite her past behaviour, I like her courage to finally chase her own dreams and not those of her parents. And reading how she tricks Connor into giving her a place on his course actually made me laugh out loud! 

And that was the essence of this book. We see our main character finally doing what *she* wants, all entwined with a great humoristic touch.
It’s not only Thumb Wars, but also Stella’s idea of what her cleaner is doing as job, or the first wedding she is shooting.
This all happens while we get to know the real Stella, a woman who did too much to please other, has too many unjustified insecurities. But also a woman who is determined, won’t be stopped by anyone or anything anymore. 

And that goes also for Connor… He is being this over – confident man, twisting women around his little finger. I for sure could understand why Stella didn’t like him at first. But also, I could understand how his talent could turn things into his advantage.
The fact that he warned Stella off, was a turn – off for me, because really, how cocky can a man get? But on the other hand, there were so many other moments that were a real turn – on! And I loved reading him trying to hide his jealousy! 

I found this a great, funny, even sexy story to read. If this is only the debut novel of this author, what will the future bring?
Because she captured perfectly the vulnerability of each character, showing us what truly lives behind all the bravado. But there is also strength, courage and determination in it. The characters all develop so well, and also in a realistic way. Not just they get together, and then ‘the end’. No, the initial fears don’t just disappear, but the characters have to learn to take that frightful step, and dare to believe in things they initially believe in.
A book that I easily devoured and that gave me many laughs! What an enjoyment to read!

Today I am tempting you with an extract from a marvellous children’s book!

Synopsis

On the night of the sleepover, Marigold Moonglow revealed a secret that changed Katherine’s life completely. When Katherine found herself flying on a dragon with Charlie Broccoli, she considered that to be the least of her problems. Her friends had turned against her and Katherine was desperate to prove them wrong. “I’m still the same person you’ve always known,” she said. But was she? Only time would tell. . .

Extract

Katherine and her friends, Sophie and Charlotte, are having a sleepover in her den in the orchard. All is going well until something hits the roof. Katherine opens the door and discovers the orchard is cover in snow. – it’s the middle of summer!! Marigold Moonglow, Katherine’s fairy godmother, arrives in a land train pulled by a blue elephant. Marigold reveals a secret that changes Katherine’s life and they all take to the air in the land train. Katherine, Sophie and Charlotte have very mixed feelings about the situation.

Chapter Three

Summer Snow

A few days earlier, Marigold had said,  “Sophie’s birthday will be the perfect time  for the magical treat I promised you. I’ll  come to your den when you have your  sleepover. But don’t tell the girls, let’s  
surprise them!”

It had been difficult keeping that secret to myself, and I was longing to blurt it out. As every minute ticked by,
I was getting more impatient. I looked at the time on my phone. It was 21.30 and the sun had set and been replaced by a beautiful full moon. It was a perfect night for our sleepover.

I hope Marigold turns up soon, or we’ll be asleep before she gets here,
I thought to myself, then, without realising it, I mumbled out loud, “She’s probably stopped to talk to a tree.”

“Who’s talking to a tree?” asked Sophie.

“Nobody,” I said, realising I’d nearly given the game away. “I’m going outside to see what hit the roof.”

“We’re not allowed in the orchard after dark. We promised,” Sophie
reminded me.

“Oh, snickerdoodles!” I groaned. “I’ll just open the door then. Maybe I’ll see something.”

I grabbed my torch and shone the  light outside.

“Wow!” I cried out in delight.  “The orchard’s covered in snow.”

“Stop messing about,” snapped  Sophie. “We’re not falling for that. It’s  summer. It doesn’t snow in summer.”

“I’m not messing about! There really is thick snow outside,” I said.
“Come and see for yourselves.”

The girls could hardly believe their eyes, and in a flash, we had
tumbled out of the den, and were running round whooping for joy. The soft layer of snow was shining in the bright moonlight, and although I was wearing my slippers, my feet didn’t feel cold or wet. Even the snowballs we started throwing at each other felt warm. It was all very odd.

No matter how long it takes, you always want to know the truth…

Synopsis

Secrets can’t stay hidden forever…

After six years in prison for a crime he did not commit, Sebastian Carter is out and determined to get answers about who set him up. He knows it’s someone close to him and Sebastian will make sure they pay.

Ava Harper is living a lie. Although she loves her job caring for young Lily Carter, her real reason for being in the Carter household is to get answers of her own – from none other than convicted murderer Sebastian.

Sebastian hates liars, but he’s intrigued by Ava. As he gets to know more about her, he wonders if the answers she’s looking for could solve his mystery too.

Or will getting too close to Ava risk them both getting killed…?

My review

Sebastian Carter has been in prison for six years, convicted for a crime he didn’t commit. And now that he is out, he wants to know who set him up and make them pay…
But what he didn’t foresee is to find an ally in Ava Harper, caretaker of Lily Cater, Sebastian’s little sister.
However, Ava has an agenda of her own, as she also needs some answers. Answers that hopefully Sebastian can provide.
Together they try to find all the answers they need, only by quickly realizing that both mysteries are entwined somehow… 

Most of the times, the endgame in thrillers don’t come to me as a total shock, as I have figured out while reading the who/what/why/when’s. But with this author, I also know that it will be a guessing game from start to finish. 

Initially I had my doubts about Sebastian’s character. His father and his brothers for aren’t the perfect example of law abiding people. So I found it a bit difficult to believe his innocence completely. Yet the more I got to know Sebastian, the more I realized that he is the complete opposite of his family, and is following the rules and laws like everyone should.
And also the way he looks after Lily, made my heart melt, even if it sounds strange to feel like that while reading a thriller! 

The same can be said of Ava… she started her job to look after Lily with her own secret agenda. So how genuine and honest can someone like that be? Yet again, I was contradicted by Ava’s actions. We see very clearly that she understands Lily and knows how to act towards poor, young Lily. And while Ava wants to figure out the truth, she also wants to protect Lily from any more harm, just like Sebastian. 

While reading, I kept seeing schemes and betrayals everywhere I looked, I didn’t trust anyone except our main characters.
Especially Sebastian’s family and their gang were the kind of people I kept being wary of, never truly letting go of my doubt.
And I was a bit shocked to see how much Ava’s story was linked to Sebastian’s.
Just like Sebastian and Ava I was eager to discover the truth, while hoping that they would make it out safely. 

To take the pressure of the story, I liked how these two haunted characters not only found an ally with each other, but despite their backgrounds they felt how they could trust each other. A trust purely based on a feeling. And as at heart I am a real romantic soul, seeing their bond strengthening was just the icing on a different cake that I needed. 

The story was a very gripping one, and with it being fast – paced with many twists, kept me sitting on the edge of my seat. And while one mystery and resolution didn’t leave me completely satisfied, I truly enjoyed reading this thriller.
The resolution may not have been completely how I would have liked it, but the ending completely did, as it gave the perfect closure of an amazing story.

You can try to run from love…

Synopsis

With her ex and her kids away, a woman takes up running and meets a new man – but can they make it to the finish line?

Ten years after their divorce, this is the first time Hannah’s ex-husband has had the kids for more than a weekend. Her calendar is gloriously blank, ready to be filled with some self-care time.

That is, until Hannah’s BFFs push her to join a charity race for which she’ll need to start training – after all, she’s not doing anything else.

And her mum nags her to have Aunt Dorothy over for a visit.

So much for me-time…

However, Hannah’s not in tip-top shape, and running is a challenge to say the least. Maybe Gabe, the nice-looking personal trainer, can help with that? The more Hannah struggles, the more determined she becomes. But then Hannah is tripped up when she finds out Gabe has ashocking secret. Does this mean he’ll be out of the running for a place in her heart?

My review

Hannah has always been looking after her children. So when her ex – husband takes the children on a holiday for a month, Hannah has no idea what to do with all her free time.
That is, until her BFF’s persuade her to join a charity race. Only problem is, Hannah isn’t in shape at all…
Luckily with the help of personal trainer Gabe, perhaps she will be able to reach the finish line, even if it is just to prove everyone around that she can.
However, the charity run is not her only challenge, as her own mother has made arrangements so that Hannah’s Aunt Dorothy is staying at Hannah’s, and the growing attraction Hannah feels for Gabe, who seems to have a shocking secret that may ruin everything… 

First of all, I am not a runner myself. I tried once, many many many years ago, and I found an easy excuse to quit!
So a story where running is involved, isn’t my idea of a romance! 

However, this story swept me off my feet and before I knew it, I reached the finish line (pun intended!). 

I truly sympathized with Hannah and even if I am not a parent myself, I found her tale recognizable in many aspects.
Being a parent is obviously not a sacrifice. But I could see how Hannah lost herself while watching and loving her children.
She prioritized her children over everything, which resulted in her not knowing anymore who the real Hannah was. 

Yet I also liked her spirit. I laughed how she twisted the incidents in her own advantage, making Gave doubt if he truly was in error or not.
And once she decides to participate at the charity run, she is determined to show everyone that she can and will finish it, no matter what her own mother or children think. 

I have to say, I was shocked with their reaction, as I would have expected her family to support her, even if she wasn’t shape! Ooh if I could just slap fictional characters!!! 😊 

While Hannah’s focus is on training to reach the goal, slowly we see Hannah also finding herself again. With her best friends all finding love, Hannah realizes that she has been standing still (literally and figuratively) for too long.
It’s not because she has teenage children and is divorced, that she shouldn’t take a new chance at love.
And I think we all know who that new chance will be! 

It’s clear that Gabe is a funny, energetic and kind man. But we also see that there is something he is hiding, or rather avoiding. It made my mind go in all different directions, even if my gut feeling kept saying that Gabe is one of the good guys.   

At the revelation of his secret, just like Hannah I was a bit shocked. But as in the most cases, once explained, it made a lot of sense and things got resolved quickly, luckily for our main characters! 

I also liked it how the author added many humoristic moments in it and I absolutely adored Aunt Dorothy!
And while maybe being a subplot, also Hannah’s best friends are somehow tangled up with love. But instead of using the many clichés and actual realities, Suzie Tullett made a great twist showing the good in people anyway, and giving proof that unfortunate things can happen and while things may seem bad, they aren’t always… 

This book was very easy to read, I just finished it in a few hours. It shows how easily someone can get lost in the daily hectic of life. But it also shows that it can be a matter of refocusing to find yourself again.
I truly enjoyed reading this story, even if it involved a sport I absolutely do not like!

Is literally digging up the past always the best idea?

Synopsis

On paper, Hope Travers has an idyllic life.

Living in a bustling farmhouse with her mum, aunt and uncles, cousin and too many dogs to count, surrounded by the breath-taking Cotswolds countryside, she knows she is privileged and protected. 

But all families have secrets, and the Travers family are no exception. Their farmhouse sits in the grounds of the Juniper Meadows estate, passed down through the generations and now being made to pay its own way with a myriad of businesses and projects. When a construction crew uncover what appear to be historical ruins, the history of the Travers family is put under ever closer scrutiny as a dig gets underway.

Hope may have found a blossoming romance with local archaeologist Cameron Ferguson who is running the dig, but when things start to go wrong around the estate and family secrets begin to be revealed, Hope wonders if she’s made a big mistake in digging up the past.

My review

Living at a farmhouse together with her mum, aunt, uncles, cousin and many dogs was always lovely, but Hope Travers now also has the need for some alone – time. And she has found the perfect spot on Juniper Meadows, grounds in her family’s possession for generations.
However, when the construction works finally start, Hope didn’t expect that the works would be stopped by finding historical ruins.
With local archaeologist Cameron Ferguson leading the dig, Hope could never have foreseen that those ruins would put her own family under scrutiny. A family who has tried very hard to keep some secrets hidden.
But that is not the only problem, as more and more things start to go wrong around the estate… 

I can only imagine how difficult it can be for an author to start a brand new series. The readers needs to get the right setting and the right feelings. And the characters need some time to develop the way you want. But you don’t want to take too much time away from the real story, and you don’t want to give too much time to the story, as you have a certain direction in mind for the stories that are yet to come.
Being an author for sure isn’t as easy as it seems and I for sure would be too impatient for it!
But I also know Sarah Bennett and her talent of writing wonderful books and series, and I didn’t have any doubt that I would love this brand new series! 

Obviously, the story takes some time to truly start, as Hope has a lot of family members and we do need to get to know them.
We also needed the build – up, as there has to be a logical sense for Cameron and his team to be at Juniper Meadows, and it has to be a logical one. 

I loved the dynamics of the Travers – family. It was really great to see how all the siblings are still very close and are ready to do anything for each other. That love is also obvious between Hope and her cousin, and I could actually feel that they were more like brother and sisters and not just cousins. it warmed my heart to see such a close unit! 

On the other side, such a close unit can also be overwhelming so in this respect, I also perfectly comprehended that Hope needed some (little) distance from all that hectic. 

Hope is a lovely, caring character, who understands that her moving out hurts her mother. However, even if it breaks her heart to see her mother like that, she is also very excited. And I could perfectly relate with that, as I still see in my own life how my own mother was suffering from an empty nest syndrome, while I couldn’t wait to be living on my own. 

And also when her plans need to stop, and it put her whole schedule on hold,  she also knows that those ruins are very significant and too important to just ignore. So she doesn’t even doubt about giving Cameron and his team all the time and space they need to discover what lays beneath. 

The instant attraction between Hope and Cameron is palpable from the first look they share. I loved seeing the two together, getting closer the more Cameron is spending on site.
And I liked how understanding they both are of each other. Hope knows that Cameron is doing an important job, also with digging out the past of Hope’s family. But also Cameron is very understanding when some revelations are more shocking than expected, especially those that affect Hope directly. 

Cameron shows also in another aspect what a great character he is, as he becomes very protective to one of his students. A student that he initially was very prejudiced about but slowly had to change his mind about.  

There is a lot happening in this book, as there is the mystery around the dig, a case of sabotage, an obnoxious parent and most important the secrets of Hope’s family.
Some of these subplots left me flabbergasted as I did not see them coming. Yet there are also so many remaining open issues…  

So while I absolutely devoured this first book in the series, I am also a little bit upset. Because this wonderful author has left me no other choice than the need of reading all the following books. How can I move on without having all these questions answered? 😊

The heart and sense of fairness won’t be stopped by anything…

Synopsis

It’s 1911 and, against her mother’s wishes, quiet New Yorker Emma dreams of winning the right to vote. She is sent away by her parents in the hope distance will curb her desire to be involved with the growing suffrage movement and told to spend time learning about where her grandparents came from.

Across the Atlantic – Queenstown, southern Ireland – hotelier Thomas dreams of being loved, even noticed, by his actress wife, Alice. On their wedding day, Alice’s father had assured him that adoration comes with time. It’s been eight years. But Alice has plans of her own and they certainly don’t include the fight for equality or her dull husband.

Emma’s arrival in Ireland leads her to discover family secrets and become involved in the Irish Women’s Suffrage Society in Cork. However, Emma’s path to suffrage was never meant to lead to a forbidden love affair…

My review

Emma is a young New Yorker sent away by her parents to Queenstown, southern Ireland. Despite her own convictions, in 1911 women don’t have the same rights as men. And it’s her parents hope that putting some distance, Emma will be putting her thoughts and desire to be involved with the suffragette movements away.
But Emma has been through too much already and won’t be stopped fighting for women, no matter where she is living.
Her stay in Queenstown also is the start of uncovering secrets of her grandparents, which Emma is determined to uncover, with the help of hotelier Thomas. Thomas, who has given up hope to be loved and noticed by his actress wife Alice and is feeling closer to that American woman in a short period than to his own wife.
While Alice has big plans of her own, which don’t include Thomas…

Before I started to read this book, I thought I knew what this story would be about. Young woman moves to the other side of the world, meets a married man, things happen blablabla and a happily ever after happens, and the agonist gets what’s deserved.
But I was happy to realize that this story may seem thirteen in a dozen, but absolutely isn’t! 

First of all there is Emma.
Even before she sets one foot in Ireland she has been through horrendous events, which literally and figuratively scarred her.
Yet she also has this strength in her, the determination to move forward and fight for the right cause.
In the 21st century it’s hard to imagine a time where women didn’t have the rights as we do know. But reading how strong and fierce women like Emma made it possible for us to have the lives we have now, made me feel thankful, as it’s clear that the fighting sometimes has been literally. 

Emma is also determined to discover the truth about her grandparents’ past. And while initially it seemed like a real mission impossible, I admired how Emma wouldn’t just give up. And seeing that determination rewarded in several aspects, gave the past the perfect closure. 

This book also gives Alice her own space. But while I was reading her bits, my feelings towards her where the complete opposite of how I felt of Emma.
However, towards the end so many things fell into place, and the way she acted in the most precarious situations, made me change my opinion over her. I even felt sorry for her as it was clear that her situation was one that wouldn’t be easily accepted… 

The fact that there is a forbidden love affair didn’t come as a surprise. And while I have very strong and negative feelings towards affairs, it was obvious that no matter how wrong it was, it was something inevitable and right… 

Before I even realized it, I was totally immerged in this story. It is filled with strong women with strong beliefs. But it’s also about having impossible dreams and also crushed dreams.
However, it’s also about not giving up, fighting for the right cause and love. Love that let us do heart-breaking things, but also love that lets us do wonderful things. 

This author wrote a compelling story, one that was impossible to put away, even when the presence of a well – known ship made me fear for the worst possible outcome.
It made me realize that we should be grateful for the sacrifices our ancestors made, how small or big they were. But the most it made me realize that being strong women, following our hearts and fighting for the just cause is never a wrong thing to do.

When you find yourself at the lowest…

Synopsis

When you suddenly find yourself loveless and penniless, how on earth do you make it through? An emotional but ultimately uplifting story of one woman’s struggles to get by, and the special someone who brings hope and happiness to light up her world…

My review

Jen has always been the kind of woman who didn’t have any worry. Even during her marriage with Jake, she never had to worry about money, as Jake took care of everything.
But when Jake tells her that things are over, and after a drunk spending fee, Jen quickly realizes that life isn’t as easy when every penny counts, especially with a young son to look after.
Her troubles only seem to increase, just like her feelings of shame… But isn’t there always a rainbow after the storm, even in the most unexpected ways? 

I have loved each new story of the Little Duck Pond Café series, but perhaps for me, this one was the most heart-breaking, realistic and recognizable one. 

It was easy to understand how Jen found things so obvious, as at a younger age, she was her father’s favourite child and now her husband Jake was looking after their financials.
Even the marriage itself with Jake seemed that Jen took for granted, even if she were truly honest, there would have been a few signals… 

So when Jen finds herself on her own, with her son Luke, it’s not a big surprise that she is struggling to keep her head above water.
It broke my heart to see her having setback after setback and not finding a way to get out of her downward spiral.
As an outsider and as a reader, I was telling Jen all the time to reach out for help, as her family and her friends wouldn’t doubt to help her out.
But somehow, I also understood her reluctance and her shame. Not that I have been in her shoes, and hopefully never will, but I can see it’s not easy to admit your problems… 

Yet I also admired her positivism and determination in a way, as she doesn’t want to let Luke see how not well things are going… Her first priority is and will always be Luke’s happiness, even if that means that she will have to eat the same pasta for days. 

It was clear in this story that bad things can happen to anyone of us, and that it can be a very deep fall.
But what stood out even more, is that help can be found in very different ways, expected and not.
Clara’s behaviour as a friend did not surprise me at all, as I knew from before what a marvellous person she is.
Yet it warmed my heart to see and realize how many people there are around to help out, to help complete strangers, even those who won’t admit that their help is much needed and appreciated.
It’s that altruism that truly makes the world a better place… 

However, where there is altruism, there is egoism, and one shocking revelation truly left me flabbergasted, as I did not see that one coming! 

Obviously there is also something for us romance – lovers in this book, but that wasn’t the main focus. Yes, it’s wonderful to see how Jen opens her heart slowly again, but I see it more as a kind of reward at the end for everything she has been through.
Jen’s journey changed her, made her also realize what she wanted to do in her life, and her new choices made her meet new people and gave her a new chance at love. 

And also in this instance, the altruism, the need to do the right thing, shows us how many wonderful people there are around us, caring about not only other people, but also about the lives of animals, bringing me even to tears, seeing how much love there can be between humans and animals. And that love is love in its purest kind… 

This was all over again a great story to read, not always an easy one, but great anyway. The author shows us how easy the tables can be turned, for anyone.
But it also shows that admitting you’re struggling is not something to be ashamed of, as that is just life…
However, it’s always important to keep in mind that one day things will change again, with the help of everyone around you. And when that change happens, you’ll appreciate everything and everyone all the more and you’ll appreciate the love even more!

Just look at this wonderful cover, doesn’t it look promising?

Synopsis

A new start means new neighbours, from present and past…

When Alice discovers her husband has been cheating there are just three things she wants; their gorgeous second home in Yorkshire, their spaniel William, and a quiet life.

But no sooner than she arrives in Great Fencote, strange things begin to happen. A skinny-dipping swimmer disappears without trace, only to pop up behind the counter of a local coffee shop. Someone seems to be crying at night, but she can’t work out who. And equally unsettling is the incredibly sexy builder she employs to turn her barn into a holiday let.

Old houses hide old secrets, but is The Cheesemaker’s House ready to share the tragedy in its past? And can Alice, café owner Owen, and builder Richard, find a way to lays its ghosts to rest for once and for all?

The perfect read for fans of Barbara Erskine, Kate Ryder and Jenni Keer.

The Cheesemaker’s House was Jane Cable’s debut novel and reached the final four of the Alan Titchmarsh Show’s People’s Novelist competition. Jane now writes under her own name for Sapere Books and as Eva Glyn for Harper Collins imprint One More Chapter.

“The gift here is to make you want to read on.” Jeffery Archer

Purchase Links

Amazon: amzn.to/3l68jxq

Apple: https://apple.co/3laPr0h

For a very limited time only, The Cheesemaker’s House is only 99p!

About the author

Jane Cable writes romance with a twist and its roots firmly in the past, more often than not inspired by a tiny slice of history and a beautiful British setting.

After independently publishing her award-winning debut, The Cheesemaker’s House, Jane was signed by Sapere Books. Her first two novels for them are contemporary romances looking back to World War 2; Another You inspired by a tragic D-Day exercise at Studland Bay in Dorset and Endless Skiesby the brave Polish bomber crews who flew from a Lincolnshire airbase.

Jane lives in Cornwall and her current series, Cornish Echoes, are dual timeline adventure romances set in the great houses of the Poldark era and today. She also writes as Eva Glyn.

Social Media Links – 

Twitter: @JaneCable

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JaneCableAuthor

Website & newsletter sign up: http://www.janecable.com

The cover!

A wonderful place where dreams can come true, but which dream to follow?

Synopsis

A second chance to realise her dreams…

A classically trained pianist, Steph works as a recording engineer for a small studio when she’s offered the job of a lifetime – travel to the Italian Riviera to help world-famous band, Royalty, record their reunion album after a decades-long hiatus.

Steph could definitely do with the distraction. Her boyfriend – who also happens to be her boss – is increasingly unreliable and erratic, and she’s awaiting news from her doctor after a recent biopsy. So an all-expenses-paid trip to Italy is the perfect escape.

What she doesn’t expect is an instant connection with Rob, the son of Royalty’s lead singer. With her career – and her heart – at a crossroads, what path will Steph follow?

My review

Steph is a classically trained pianist who is working with her boyfriend as a recording engineer for a small studio. When the opportunity of a lifetime rises, to help recording the reunion album of the famous band Royalty, and that on the Italian Riviera, Steph grabs it with both hands.
Especially as she needs the distraction herself, with an unreliable boyfriend, and the fear of hearing the results of a recent biopsy.
Working with Royalty not only brings her in contact with people she admired for years, but it also gives her the chance to elevate her own career. And then there is Rob, son of the lead singer, which she has an instant connection with. But with her career and her heart pulling her in different directions, which is the right path to follow? 

Oh my God, how much I love this author and his stories! Each time I am on a different adventure, and each time I fall in love with the characters and each time I feel at home with the Italian link. 

When we first meet Steph, she is already at one crossroads. She feels that her relationship is going only for the worse and as the boyfriend is also her boss, things are even more complicated. So what is the best thing to do? To hang on to a man she loves, but has changed so much? Or end things, risking to also lose a job she loves doing?
And there is also the health issue, as Steph discovered a lump and needs more tests to check out what it is.
Well, I know for sure that in that instant I wouldn’t want to be in her shoes! 

And when the opportunity of a lifetime comes, the book really takes off…
Obviously I knew that this talented author would make it possible to let the readers envision perfectly the scenery. And once again I felt like I was walking side by side with the characters. I could see the beauty of the place, I could almost smell the sea and I got actually hungry with each new plate that appeared! 

But this story isn’t about the scenery or the food, it’s about Steph and her wonderful opportunity. I was happy for her when she got to meet the band she admired for so long, and I could sense her excitement! Just imagine how you would feel if you were able to collaborate with your idols!
To make things even more amazing for Steph, all the members see her talent too and things go even beyond her wildest dreams! 

I could also perfectly understand her new dilemma… She gets the chance of a lifetime, with Royalty, but now that she has met Rob, what is the right thing to do? Follow that opportunity or follow your heart? Once again, I wouldn’t want to be in her shoes…
Because even if Rob initially was standoffish, at the verge of being even rude, slowly Steph and us too, get to know the real Rob. And the real Rob is just an amazing, wonderful and talented man. And he is an understanding one, in more than one occasion. Add the fact he is the owner of lovely Waldorf, what more can you ask from a man??? 

While things are evolving between Steph and Rob, I liked it how T.A. Williams didn’t let the characters get away with their feelings. Yes, even if at moments I wanted that kiss to be happening now instead of later. But that only gave me a greater satisfaction when it finally did! 

The final outcome was the one I was hoping for, yet the ‘how they got there’ saddened me a bit, as it was not that a magical wand appeared and made everything work, but it was somehow at a cost… So gullible Tizi was wondering why Steph couldn’t have her cake and eat it too…  

This was again a marvellous book from a very talented author. He took me again on a journey together with great characters. It’s a story about making the right choices, on more than one level, knowing when it’s time to put a halt to things and knowing when it’s time to move forward. And realizing that for some things, it’s never too late…
As this is only the start of the Beneath Italian Skies series, I cannot wait to read the rest!

Will love be enough?

Synopsis

A forever love…or a future dashed?

Midwife Ella Mehenick can’t wait to marry the love of her life, Dan Ferguson. They have both waited so long for their perfect day, and they know their future together will be everything they’ve ever dreamed of. But when Ella suddenly and unexpectedly collapses at work – all plans are put on hold.

Dan just wants Ella to get better, but Ella, so used to caring for others, struggles to accept she needs care herself. She doesn’t want Dan to give up everything for her and suddenly the life they dreamed of seems to be slipping through their fingers…

Once rock solid, Ella and Dan suddenly seem further apart than ever before. Can they find a path back to their happy ever after or will Ella’s change of heart risk everything they love?

My review

Midwife Ella couldn’t be happier… she loves her job, she has the best friends in the world and she cannot wait to marry the love of her life, Dan.
It took the couple a while to get at this point, but both of them cannot wait to spend their future together.
That is until Ella collapses and suddenly their future may turn out the total opposite of what they envisioned.
How can Ella, a real care – taker, accept help from others? And it is right that Dan should be giving up everything to take care of her?
What once was a couple that was rock solid, is now a couple at loss… And perhaps their happily – ever – after will never come… 

This story was one that I did not like at all…
Before Jo starts to panic, as I was a fan from the very start of this series, I have to explain myself… 

In my eyes, Ella and Dan had their story, had their perfect ending, and everything would go only for the best for them. Because they are just that kind of couple, even all the happiness wouldn’t be enough, as they deserve so much and even more.
So reading now a story where things don’t go as I wanted them to go, well, that just a big NO from me. 

But I also understand the reason why this story needed to be written… Because while this story is fiction, and Ella and Dan are not real people, Ella’s story is a real story for so many people.
And having now an extra voice, can only help the real people out there to make us understand them better. 

As a reader, I knew when Ella starts to have some issues, that it wouldn’t be something that would pass easily. And seeing her struggling more and more, not exactly knowing what is happening to her, made my heart clench.
And when the diagnosis came, it truly broke my heart. And being just a reader of this story, I can only try to imagine the shock of people who receive this news for real… 

I have to admit, I didn’t understand Ella’s actions and reasoning for the full 100%, as it felt she was doing all the wrong things for the wrong reasons. Why wouldn’t she tell her friends, why did she keep on pushing Dan away?
But again, who am I to judge, as it is not me who is in that situation?
And yet somehow, somewhere deep inside, I could comprehend her too… Because she wanted to protect her loved ones, she didn’t want to become a burden, she didn’t want to ruin their lives by having to look after her. 

What frustrated me the most, was that Ella couldn’t understand that loving her means that all the characters, her parents, Dan, her friends, wouldn’t mind to take care of her. Love is a package deal, you don’t just walk away when things get difficult. And the people who love you, won’t look at you with pity… 

But I am repeating myself again, as a bystander, it’s always easier to say things like that, but if I were ever in that same position, who knows how I would react… 

This is a book with a strong and important theme. Unfortunately health issues are more and more present in our lives, and I don’t think there is one person in the world who doesn’t have a family member, a friend or even an acquaintance without health issues.

And this wonderful author, who broke my heart, put perfectly into words how difficult it can be to come to terms with a life – changing diagnosis. It makes you take the wrong decisions, which you may think are altruistic, but in fact are somehow selfish. You don’t love someone only during the good times, but you stand by their side during the most difficult ones, you work thing out together.
But what is as almost as important as standing strong together, is keeping to communicate. Because what sometimes is being done for the right reasons, without communication it can be the wrong thing to do. 

I found this a heart – breaking story, but also filled with heart – warming moments. Ella for sure didn’t deserve this outcome, but in truth nobody does in real life… Yet it warmed my heart to see her surrounded by so many people who love her, who would do anything for her even while she kept pushing everyone away.
But with this story I am more convinced that before, that love won’t let to be pushed away, even at the darkest and most difficult moments…