Going back to move forward…

Synopsis

After a rough year, the last place Lizzie Warner wants to be is Roseford. It may be a picture-postcard country idyll, but for Lizzie it will always hold difficult memories from her past. But when the alternative to staying with her Aunt Bee, owner of Roseford Blooms, is moving back in with her controlling parents – well, the choice is easy.

Simon Treloar was born and raised to be the Lord of the Manor, but now he’s had to hand over his beloved RosefordHall to a heritage charity, he begins to question his usefulness. Can he find a way to make his mark, or is it better to walk away from generations of history and strike out on his own?

When Lizzie and Simon meet, they recognise kindred spirits in each other. But with both questioning their futures, can one magical summer in Roseford help Lizzie and Simon move on from what is holding them back? Or is there too much history on both sides for them ever truly to be happy together?

My review

Lizzie Warner did not have the best year… After her relationship ended, and the joint business has been sold, the cherry on top of the cake is her ending up in an accident when returning to Roseford. How idyllic the place may be, it holds difficult memories for her. But staying with her Aunt Bee is for sure better than staying with her controlling parents.
She is also hoping to avoid Simon Treloar as much as possible, for those same memories. However, that is impossible as Roseford isn’t that big. And Lizzie feels an undeniable affinity with Simon. But Simon has also his own struggles, as Lord of the Manor. He had to hand over Roseford Hall and wonders f he will be able to make his own mark.
With a history between them, is there a future in store for them? Or will it all be over once summer is over?  

First of all, how wonderful it was to return to Roseford! This place stole my heart more and more with each new book, and this new chapter wasn’t the exception.
For those who haven’t read the previous parts, you can perfectly read this as a standalone, but trust me that you will just feel the need to read more about this wonderful place and their amazing inhabitants! 

Lizzie was a confusing character. In the sense that younger and very recent Lizzie was someone I felt sorry for.
When we meet her, she is out of a relationship and she sold her business, and we can see that despite her bravado, it still hurts. After her accident, I could understand why she decided to stay with her Aunt Bee, despite the memories. Because even I felt suffocated by the controlling behaviour of her parents, and her own sister for sure wasn’t any help. 

It takes a while for us to discover what happened years ago, but you can sense it wasn’t something to take lightly. I ah veto admit, my imagination went in overdrive so somehow I was happy that my thoughts were so off! Yet it also shows how things that happened in our younger years still affect us.

Like I said, Lizzie was a confusing character, because the present Lizzie is a lovely person! Yes, she is still in a bad place, but slowly we see her flourish and find herself. Seeing her finding new dreams again and finding the courage to chase them, is truly heart – warming.
Lizzie deserves to be happy again after everything she has been through. 

I was very curious to see how Lizzie and Simon were connected from even before meeting in this book. Again my mind went in overdrive, but again I was happy to be wrong.
Simon is the kind of man who wants to do right without disappointing anyone. Yet he is also his worst judge, as he sees everything he does in a failure. Giving over the Manor was the right thing to do, yet he fails to see that, as he feels that he let down not only his ancestors but also his family. 

However, in everything that he does, from taking his sister’s dog out, looking after his nieces, to still being protective towards his adult sister, we see what an amazing and caring man he is. 

The thing I liked the most about this story was how alike Lizzie and Simon are. Not only are they both still finding their feet, but also how they were as teenagers. They both were always the odd ones out, and had the same struggles and insecurities.
Insecurities that sometimes still arise as an adult, allowing them to make mistake that made me facepalm several times. But that added only to the charm of this book. 

Lizzie and Simon are connected by a past that still haunts Lizzie, but seeing each other again is what makes it possible to put their past behind them, and get closer together, stronger. 

Obviously we see some old friends again, and having those small injections of previous books was marvellous. But even if you don’t know them, you will still appreciate those moments!

Fay Keenan delivered again a sensational story, with realistic characters that find each other after dark moments. Because even if Simon is the Lord of the Manor, this story could be about anyone of us, as we all have been through what Lizzie and Simon have bene through somehow. But they show us that by not only finding each other, but themselves, they are able to see what their dreams really are. And just like them, we also can find the courage to start afresh and even find happiness in a place we never expected to find it.

A curse that brings more than just bad things…

Synopsis

Escape to the Scottish Highlands with a brand new spring romance from bestselling author, Julie Shackman

*Julie Shackman’s brand new romance The Cottage in the Highlands is exclusively available on First Reads for November*

Determined to overcome a family tragedy, Elle Cassidy decides to reopen her late mother’s ailing newsagent as a stationery shop in the quiet Scottish town of Fir Haven.

But when the arrogant yet handsome crime writer Dexter Grayling almost runs over Elle in his beast of a sports car, the town is thrown into a tailspin – especially when Dexter claims that local resident Linda Carlucci has put a curse on him and he is no longer able to write.

Can Elle put aside her dislike for the self-absorbed writer and help Dexter uncover what is really going on with the Carlucci family? And in the process will Elle realise that there’s a lot more to her beloved Fir Haven than she first thought…

For fans of Donna Ashcroft, Jane Linfoot and Rachael Lucas.

My review

After losing her parents in a terrible tragedy, Elle Cassidy wants to reopen her mother’s newsagent as a stationery in shop.
Living in the quiet Scottish town of Fir Haven, Elle knows everyone and everyone knows her.
But the quiet quickly changes as famous crime writer Dexter Grayling has moved to this town. And when he nearly runs over Elle and local resident Linda Carlucci with his sports car and even diminishes his actions, Elle for sure makes it clear that such behaviour is not appreciated.
Despite her dislike for the man, Elle finds herself helping Dexter with his claim of being cursed after the incident and now the famous writer no longer can put words on paper.
While trying together to discover if there is really a curse and learning more about the Carlucci’s family, Elle also learns more about Dexter and realizes that he isn’t as arrogant and obnoxious as she thought… 

I am not the type of woman who believes in curses. So just like Elle I was very sceptical with Dexter’s claim that Linda Carlucci had cursed him.
Also it didn’t help that Dexter didn’t make a great first appearance and his behaviour for sure was not a nice one. 

Elle’s tale is a sad one, and it made me understand better her fierce reaction to Dexter’s driving skills. I can only try to imagine the pain she felt after losing her beloved parents. It saddened in a way to see how she submerges herself in work. Having a focus is all good and well while grieving, but Elle was too focused on the job, not allowing herself to grieve properly in first place, and just to live again. We see this also in other events, where she is too focused, has too much on her plate 

And while initially she isn’t all too happy to help Dexter, as she only does it to please her Grandma, we see the real character of Elle slowly submerging again. An Elle that is passionate, determined, and has a great heart for not only people but also for the lovely place she is living in.  

Her dislike for Dexter is very understandable, as I said earlier, he doesn’t make an effort to be liked in his first appearance.
And I have to admit, his behaviour didn’t always make me change my mind about him. Most of the time he keeps behaving like a VIP, a privileged person, not always taking other people’s feelings in account.
So why would we even try to like him? Well, because it’s the moments where he shows his vulnerability, or when he shows a gentler side, that make up for all the lesser likeable moments. 

Another admission is that I was perhaps more invested in the curse itself, and not the evolving relation between Elle and Dexter.
I was intrigued by it. Was Dexter truly cursed? And why? Along with Elle and Dexter I wanted to know  more about not only Linda Carlucci, but also about her past and what her family had to endure. 

I found this a wonderful mix to read. On one hand we have Elle and Dexter on an emotional level, after an initial standoff, getting to know each other better and even develop feelings. And on the other hand we have the mystery of the curse, and a past that affected many inhabitants of Fin Haven. And why not, let’s also add a community ready to save a nature reserve.
And while there may seem to be happening a lot at once, the whole story takes its time to develop properly, letting the readers comprehend each character, each event better. 

Reading this book was exactly what its title says, an marvellous escape with evolving and maturing characters all in an idyllic Scottish setting that made me want to go there! And even the threat of a curse could stop me from reading!

When everyone suddenly needs the help of the black sheep of the family…

Synopsis

The course of true love never did run smooth, but with Phoebe MacLeod it always gets a chance. Perfect for fans of Jo Watson, Mhairi McFarlane and Portia MacIntosh.

The black sheep is coming home for her sister’s wedding.

One week with the whole family in one house.

What could possibly go wrong?

Poppy is a therapist. You’d think her parents would be proud. But Poppy is the type of therapist that makes her mother cringe – she helps people with their, ahem, bedroom problems…

Normally Poppy deals with her difficult family – two parents, one brother, a couple sisters and an assortment of nieces and nephews – by keeping a county or two between her and them. But with her little sister about to get married there’s no avoiding the week-long family holiday in Cornwall.

The trip was always going to be a catastrophe, but Poppy never imagined how much her family needed her professional skills… Nor did she expect to meet a sexy surfer on what was supposed to be the most unromantic holiday ever.

Can a nightmare holiday lead to the love of a lifetime?

My review

Poppy is great at her job as a therapist. However instead of having proud parents, especially her mother feels ashamed of Poppy’s career as a sex therapist.
But it’s not only her job that turned Poppy into the black sheep of the family, as with each relative the relationship is strained.
So obviously, spending a whole week with them for her little sister’s, isn’t something Poppy is looking forward to…
With the expectation that it will all end in catastrophe, Poppy is shocked to see how her family is seeking her advice…
And then there is Sam, her sexy neighbour Sam, teaching her how to surf. But will things remain platonic between them? 

I always know beforehand that I once I start reading a book from this author, that I will be enjoying it from start until the very end.
And this book for sure wasn’t an exception. Or perhaps an exception in the sense that I devoured it even faster than Phoebe’s Macleod’s other books! 

When we meet Poppy, it’s crystal-clear that she is amazing at what she does. She sees the struggles in a couple and without admonishing them, she is able to make the relationship work again.
Yet she also finds herself in awkward, hilarious situations where for example one patient tries to do something right but misses the mark completely. I can only try to imagine the horrendous object he bought while trying to spice things up! 😊 

While she is a real competent therapist, it infuriates me to read how her own family acts towards her. First of all there is her mother, who is truly ashamed of Poppy’s job, even if she doesn’t even know what the job consists of…
And the strained relationship between the siblings made me sympathize with Poppy even more.
Why can’t they all see the great person that Poppy is, instead on hanging on to prejudices and the past (which was totally innocent!). 

Obviously from the moment the family holiday starts, I was in Poppy’s corner. Poppy tries to stand her ground against everyone, but we also see how difficult it is to keep the peace. Because just like everyone in the world, Poppy loves her family, even if they don’t understand her. 

And then the real fun begins… 

It is just hilarious to see how Poppy turns from some kind of pariah, with a job nobody, especially the groom’s parents, must know about, to the confidante.
Somehow, everyone suddenly needs Poppy’s advice. Well, if Poppy were more like me, and she would be a petty person, well, they could all go f*ck themselves and sort their own issues!
But Poppy isn’t that kind of person, and even in situations she herself feels uncomfortable in, she tries to help anyway she can. 

There is a bit of romance in this book, but Poppy meeting Sam isn’t the main focus of this wonderful book. While seeing Poppy sneaking in and out of the house like a teenager, even taunting her mother with it, kept putting a smile on my face.
But also seeing Poppy and Sam growing closer, with the extra help of someone from Sam’s side, made me keep smiling. 

But the main focus of this story is on the family. Phoebe Macleod captures perfectly the dynamics of a normal family, even if in this case it’s taken a little bit to its extreme.
Just like in reality, Poppy’s family members are all different from each other, and while they all love each other, they aren’t all on the same page.
However, we all should appreciate and respect each other, and sometimes even take the time to listen to each other and even get to know each for real…
This important message arrives very loud and clear, surrounded by a great layer of (un)intended humour!

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!