Will it ever be the right time, not only for them but for joy?

Synopsis

Marie Kondo for the soul.

Anna and Will have been passing in and out of each other’s lives since they were just kids.

Now 20 years later, Anna is married – she has a lovely house, a step daughter in university and a husband with a good job.

What she doesn’t have is joy. When she runs into Will it sparks something in her, a longing for the Anna she used to be.

Together they embark on a journey to find what brings them joy, to discard what doesn’t and to become the people they always wanted to be.

But in finding themselves, can they also find each other?

My review

As teenagers, Anna and Will fell in love. But after losing his mother, Will took his distance. Over twenty years, Anna and Will kept passing in and out each other’s lives, never feeling that it was finally their moment.
Now Anna is married and she adores her step – daughter. But when she bumps into Will again, this time she realizes that her life isn’t a bad one, but it isn’t a joyful one.
Will is coping with being the only surviving member of his family, a marriage torn apart and fighting over his daughter with his soon – to – be -ex – wife.
Walking with Anna, having long talks, Will also sees that perhaps now is the time to figure out what makes him happy.
But what exactly will make Anna and Will happy? Will they find it out? And is that happiness to be found with each other? 

I don’t know how this author manages to do it, but it is so easy to relate to her characters, and for my poor heart, to feel their emotions too, the good ones and the bad ones.
What she describes in this book, is also so recognizable in so many aspects… 

Anna fell in love with Will as a teenager. But we all know that no matter how amazing things appear to be when we’re that young, we know as an adult that somehow as a teenager we were ignorant and did not realize how the world turns and how life works.
When the relationships ends, it’s heart-breaking, but I also understood how hurt Will was after losing his beloved mother. 

Through flashbacks we get to read how both Anna and Will move on with their lives, and how sometime Fate brings them back together, how short that period may be.
And I found it sweet to sweet how they think fondly of the times they met again, how no grudges were being held, but understanding that those are just those things of life… 

When Anna and Will meet again in the present, every bone in my body was screaming that this would be it, this would finally be their moment. Even if Anna was still married, and Will is struggling with his soon – to – be -ex – wife, the both of them know that this is the moment to be some kind of selfish, and wit their talks they know they have to chase their happiness, as life is too short to just settle down and be content with what you have.
If only it would be that easy, once you made the decision… 

This is a slow book, hopping from past to present and back to the past. But it allows us to get to know Anna and Will so much better, as we can see the journey they made to become the persons they are now.
Because, especially in Anna’s case, it was a long and difficult journey. And yet with their last encounter, they learn the most vital lesson, that you only have one life and it should be a happy one. 

I think I was approximately half way through the book when I thought every piece of the puzzle would fall perfectly. But then the author wrote some twists (even terrible ones!) jeopardizing everything all over again.
How angry it made me at that point, it was also part of that journey that our characters had to endure. Because finding happiness does not mean necessarily that you have to have a person by your side. Because you can find happiness also by just being on your own. 

With this author, I knew there would be heart – breaking moments, moments that I would cry very ugly. And the further along I got in the book, nearly reaching the end, I was hoping that no tears would be shed. Only to realize that those last chapters were the worst for my dear heart…  

And without giving away too much, that is just how life goes, good things happen but also bad things, and we are not in control of what happens when…
While it can seem like a dark thought, it also makes you think about what *you* want from life, and it lets to make the choices to follow your heart. 

This was a slow – paced story, showing us a whole lifetime and makes us reflect about our own lives and realize how precious our lives are. And we just never settle for just living our lives, but we just live it to the fullest.
And that may be with a long lost love by our side, but it may not be. Most important is to feel that joy again.

A knight, a thief, a kiss and a mystery

Synopsis

Captured by a knight…

Rescued by his kiss!

When orphan Eva loses the father-figure who’d protected her on the streets of London, she suspects the Knights of Fortitude. But when she steals information from them, she’s caught by brooding knight Nicholas. Learning he might not be the villain after all, she puts her distrust aside to work with him, yet Eva must stay focussed – and not get distracted when they share a stolen kiss!

My review

When Eva loses the only father figure she had in her life, who thought her everything on surviving on the streets of London, she blames the Knights Fortitude of his death.
So when she accepts an offer to steal something from knight Nicholas, she doesn’t only do it for the silver, but also for some kind of revenge.
But she didn’t expect that Nicholas would chase her for her theft, and even more, that he would need her for the important work he and his fellow knights are doing.
While working together, Eva slowly learns that the Knights may not be as guilty as she thought, and that with one stolen kiss, Eva finds herself more and more distracted In the presence of Nicholas. 

Ooooh I loved returning to my good old Knights! I have read the first book of this series and I couldn’t wait to read this next chapter with new main characters. 

Eva is a strong character that I immediately liked. She lives on the streets, and has learned how to survive thanks the unexpected help from a man who was almost like a father to her.
It saddened me to read the way she lost him, and I understood why she held a grudge towards the Knights, even if she initially didn’t have all the information of what happened to him. 

I found it also hilarious how she manages to trick everyone around her, and her ‘skills’ for sure helped her un surviving.
And it was very sweet to see how she took a young woman under her wings, as she saw that this woman was in the same situation as herself many years ago.
This shows that not only Eva is a resourceful woman, a survivalist, but also a caring woman, who looks after her beloved ones. 

We all also know the reputation of Knights, how they serve and protect. And seeing how Nicholas acts very chivalrous, not because of being a Knight, but because it’s the right thing to do, made me like him even more.
Learning about his past, how his father behaved and how Nicholas deeply loved his mother, made me understand his behaviour better, and while my heart broke over his past, seeing the man he has become, made me swoon more over him!  

Eva and Nicholas are obviously from different worlds. But nevertheless, they have the most important things in common, as the need to protect their loved ones.
But obviously the play of pushing and pulling is going to start… And I had so much fun reading the bits where they clashed but also made me ‘aaaw’ over the sweeter moments, showing that it doesn’t matter what your background is. 

Of course, there is also the mysterious part a little bit, and it shocked me also to read how close to Nicholas it all got. And with so many questions left unanswered, I am looking forward to the next part of this series. 

I truly enjoyed reading this story, as it was about a woman who learnt the hard way a way to survive, by also pretending to be someone she is not, about a woman who is loyal but also about a woman who doesn’t see her strengths, but learns to.
But it was also about a man, protecting not only his Country and his King, but also the woman he found while he was on his quest.
But most important it was about love, and its unconventional ways to pair up two strong characters and show them that loving someone is finding someone you trust unconditionally, you find yourself safe with them and that you would do anything to protect them from any harm…

Even in wonderful places murders happen…

Synopsis

A remote retreat…

Nestled high in the Tuscan hills lies Villa Volpone, home to renowned crime writer Jonah Moore and his creative writing course. It’s also the last place retired DCI Dan Armstrong expected to spend his retirement! Dan’s no writer, but maybe this break will help him to think about the next chapter in his own life story?

A gruesome murder…

But only days into the course, Jonah Moore is found stabbed to death with his award-winning silver dagger! And Dan finds himself pulled out of retirement with a killer to catch.

Eleven possible suspects.

The other guests all seem shocked by Jonah’s death, but Dan knows that one of them must be lying. And as he and Italian Commissario Virgilio Pisano begin to investigate it quickly becomes clear that everyone at Villa Volpone has secrets to hide…

But can Dan discover who the murderer is before they strike again?

My review

DCI Dan Armstrong has received a retreat for creative writing as a retirement gift. Not that Dan is a writer, but spending time in the Tuscan hills in Villa Volpone may perhaps inspire him and give him time about his own next chapters.
Dan meets the owners and the other guests and quickly discovers that the retreat is not what he expected. While he is just going with the flow and feeling more at peace in Tuscany, the owner Jonah Moore is found stabbed to death.
But who did it? Dan is glad to help the local forces to find the killer, but with the only witness being Oscar the dog, eleven suspects and too many hidden secrets, can they catch the killer? 

I have read several books from this amazing author, and even if they were more into the romance – section, I knew  just had to read the start of this new series too.
And I wasn’t left disappointed! 

It was easy to like the main character Dan. He has just retired, has a great bond with his daughter, but unfortunately his marriage has just ended. Just like in real life, sometimes it’s difficult to find the perfect balance between work and home. And it was bittersweet to see how Dan still thinks fondly of his soon – to – be – ex – wife but knows that he has to move on. 

Now, I know this author has a great imagination, but I wasn’t expecting the retreat would turn out to be for writer of a special kind of books. So I was as shocked as Dan when he realized where he ended up to be! Yet it was also hilarious to read all about it, how Dan, despite everything he has already been through and has seen, can be left flabbergasted! 

As a reader we know that a murder will take place, and with what we see from Jonah, well, I cannot say I was saddened by it. But like the characters say in the book, that is still not a reason to murder someone…
Just like Dan, initially I didn’t have a clue of who the culprit could be. But slowly, together with Dan and the Commissario (who somehow in my mind looked like Commissario Montalbano from another author and tv show), I realized that not everything was as it seems. 

I was amazed (in a bad way) how each character could have a reason for being the killer. Some reasons were paper – thin, you never know what will drive some people to get their revenge. 

Being a cosy mystery, it wasn’t a dark story, as Dan realizes how at home he feels in Tuscany, how he makes new friends and even becomes attached to Oscar. While he is investigating, he also has some nice moments spending with the other retreaters, and has the chance to do some inner investigations about his own future. 

With this author, I knew beforehand I would be able to feel like I was walking around Villa Volpone myself, and almost taste all the deliciousness Dan would eat and drink.
While at moments I felt I was in an Agatha Christie book, at other moments I felt I was wandering around Tuscany with  the calming voice David Attenborough explaining everything I saw. 

This was a very promising start of a new series, and I cannot wait to read more about Dan and his loyal, not to be underestimated, new friend Oscar!

Can an intervention help a reclusive introvert?

Synopsis

Is true love just a few dates away … or even closer than you think?

Tom has always been a hopeless romantic: but now he’s just hopeless. After lockdown in particular made the millennial a reclusive introvert, it was finally time to get back ‘out there’ – at least according to his best friends Adam, Allison and sister Sarah.

As the group sets up ten miracle dates to rejuvenate Tom’s love life, he soon realises how difficult the dating scene has become, along with juggling his Shakespearean-themed café on the side and a hobby of romantic mixtape making.

As the dates continue to turn into disasters, an old flame keeps reappearing in Tom’s sight – along with bittersweet memories. Fearing it may be too little too late, Tom must decide whether he can date his way to happiness, or find his true match was under his nose the whole time…

My review

Right before the pandemic lockdown, Tom messed up big time with the woman he loves. And the lockdown didn’t help at all, as it turned Tom into a complete reclusive introvert.
His best friends Adam and Alisson, together with his sister Sarah, decide it’s time for an intervention. They set up 10 dates, to make Tom get out there again. Tom has no other choice than go along with their plans. But dating has changed a lot, and where some dates go rather well, some end in total disaster…
Will Tom find through these dates his happiness again?  

In real life, a lot has changed due the pandemic. And now that everything is somehow back to normal, we all realize that the pandemic somehow changed us, even for those who were spared from it.
I see this also with myself… hugging and kissing people are things I still somehow avoid (thank God no more kissing for Christmas or New Year!). And I never was someone who went out each weekend and the lockdown made me enjoy the staying at home part even more. 

That made me understand Tom so well as I felt the same things he felt and is still feeling. But I also felt a bit sad for him, because right before lockdown he screwed up big time and hasn’t been able to come clean about his real feelings, losing one of his best friends because of it.
So reading how his other best friends come up with this intervention, made me glad, because they do have Tom’s best interest at heart, and they want to see him happy again. 

Of course, if all the dates would go without a hiccup, this book would lose a lot of its charm. But thanks to these hiccups, disasters and even dates that go rather well, Tom starts to see and understand that he has to move on.
And seeing Tom getting out of his shell, initially still screwing up a bit yet slowly gaining back his self-confidence, was heart – warming and also somehow eye – opening as it’s easy to wallow yourself in self-pity and loneliness, but by putting yourself on the line, you understand yourself better and you see things you didn’t before. 

I have to also add that seeing Tom on these dates, made me laugh out loud at moments. There were many sweet moments between Tom and his friends and sister, and even the most terrible dates put a sadistic smile on my face.  

Now… while I found it sweet how Tom’s friends intervene and plan these dates, I was absolutely shocked and a bit disgusted when the truth came out. I got so angry, felt betrayed and heart – broken at the same time when I realized that one character didn’t act out on the kindness of their heart, but pure for a selfish reason.
Just like Tom, I just couldn’t forgive that person, as it put their friends also in an awkward situation for keeping it a secret for so long. And getting to know how long the ‘thing’ was going on, even getting to the next step, made my blood boil, making me put the book away for a moment. 

I liked how the author again managed to add the importance of music in this book too, with the help of the old – fashioned mixed tapes. And even a small cameo of characters from his previous book was a nice addition, but it’s not a great deal if you wouldn’t recognize them. 

This book shows us that even the most introvert person can manage to get out of his shell. And that it’s never to late to make up for made mistakes. It’s never too late or wrong to tell someone what your feelings are.
While that big twist almost let me like this book a bit lesser, in the end, after digesting everything I had read, I just couldn’t.
Because even after everything Tom has been through, losing not only a few friends, but also himself, he still found the courage and strength to take his shot at happiness.
And that hopeful message, that anyone can get that shot, makes up of the bit I truly didn’t like and made me see that one ugly event doesn’t take away the beauty a whole story contains. And the author already got forgiven for it with his ending!

Taking care of a garden can bring many surprises…

Synopsis

When Clara Bowes transforms a wilderness of a garden, she isn’t expecting to reconnect with someone special from her past at the same time. Having Rory Angel in her life again is a dream come true. But life is never straight forward – especially in matters of the heart – and soon, a devastating revelation looks set to bring Clara’s hopes for the future crashing down around her. Will she find the strength to reach for her dreams?

My review

Clara Bowes is determined to take care of her grandmother’s beloved garden while her grandmother is in the hospital.
What Clara didn’t expect, is that while working in that same garden, she would reconnect with the man who she had a crush on like forever, Rory Angel.
For Clara, it’s a dream coming true, as Rory finally sees her. But while Clara is getting high hopes, a revelation quickly crashes all her hopes…

Before I started to read this book (interpret as: devour), I made sure I was comfortable, had everything I would need nearby, made sure my tablet was fully charged and I had a big smile on my face as I was happy to return to a place I love. 

Obviously, I immediately liked Clara. And there are so many reasons for me liking her. I see so much of myself in her, as I don’t like to be in the centre of attention, or even standing in a big group of people make me feel uncomfortable.
But just because she is so kind, loving and caring.
Even if she isn’t known for taking good care of plants, she knows how much the garden means to her grandmother. And that is enough for Clara to start cleaning up that garden.
But also how she looks after her little brother Bertie, as Bertie’s mother won’t go winning any award for best mother.
Clara has given up her own dreams, for the people she loves, so how can you not like someone like that? 

And seeing how Clara and Rory meet each other again, well, I was rooting for them straight away! These two characters go way back, and I found it sweet to see how a younger Clara started to develop a crush on Rory. And I could for sure understand her! 

But then the author adds a twist in the story, which I didn’t like at all. And I hope Rosie will forgive me, but I got actual angry for a moment because that was not how the story was supposed to go!
The more I was reading after that twist, the more I saw my opinion change for some characters.
I am not going to say too much over here, but one character I didn’t complete dislike, and even liked a little bit, turned into someone I completely disliked.
And because of that twist, I realized that that one person wasn’t so likeable at all. I started to see more selfish actions, and how Clara to keep the peace just went along with it.
Although it breaks my heart to admit this, also Rory wasn’t my favourite person anymore…  

Now, I know this is the first part of a series, and I have all the faith in this amazing author that things will turn for the better for Clara, as there were already several glimpses of it. I am sure that in the bigger picture Clara will find her happiness and even her courage.
But Rosie will have a lot to answer for if Clara doesn’t!  

Being part of a series also means that I was utterly disappointed when I reached the end of the first book, as it left me with so many questions. Disappointed because now I have to wait (and I am not know for my patience) for the second part! 

But don’t get me wrong, I got angry, disappointed and frustrated. But I also loved getting to know Clara, see myself in her, and admire her for the lengths she goes for those who matter to her. And also how she understands what goes around in the mind of a shy girl and uses her own experience to help.
And while in first instance I didn’t get the link with the Little Duck Pond Café, I can assure you that our beloved played a part in this book too, and I am sure they will also in the next ones.

The ins and outs of The Empire Theatre in the roaring twenties…

Synopsis

Welcome to The Empire theatre

1922. When Jack Treadwell arrives at The Empire, in the middle of a rehearsal, he is instantly mesmerised. But amid the glitz and glamour, he soon learns that the true magic of the theatre lies in its cast of characters – both on stage and behind the scenes.

There’s stunning starlet Stella Stanmore and Hollywood heartthrob Lancelot Drake; and Ruby Rowntree, who keeps the music playing, while Lady Lillian Lassiter, theatre owner and former showgirl, is determined to take on a bigger role. And then there’s cool, competent Grace Hawkins, without whom the show would never go on . . . could she be the leading lady Jack is looking for?

When long-held rivalries threaten The Empire’s future, tensions rise along with the curtain. There is treachery at the heart of the company and a shocking secret waiting in the wings. Can Jack discover the truth before it’s too late, and the theatre he loves goes dark?

Musical theatre legend Michael Ball brings his trademark warmth, wit and glamour to this, his debut novel.

Enjoy the show!

My review

When Jack Treadwell arrives at the Empire Theatre in 1922, he didn’t expect how this place would affect his life.
After stumbling into a rehearsal, Jack is quickly mesmerised by the glitter and glamour of The Empire, but also by its magic on and off stage. And then we’re not talking about all the people he is meeting, like Stella Stanmore and Hollywood heartthrob Lancelot Drake. And Grace Hawkins, who appears to have a lot more on the ball than people may think.
But running a theatre isn’t all sunshine and rainbows, as finding successful plays aren’t that easy, and adding more drama in real life than any tragedy written by Shakespeare himself… 

The world of theatre always intrigued me, although I can honestly say the world isn’t really missing out on my acting talents…
And also the roaring twenties peeked my interest, even a century later.
So it’s safe to say that I was eager to start reading this book! 

As this story is set not so long after the war, it’s easy to understand how people want to enjoy their lives, after all the hardship they had to endure. Even for those who were lucky enough to return, had to learn to forget about everything they had seen. 

Jack was by far the easiest character to like in the whole story. He is so easy – going, very helpful, not afraid to roll up his sleeves.
No task is too big for him, and he always has a kind word for everyone, yet he also knows when and where to stand his ground.
It was a bit funny to read how his career at the theatre somehow just happened by sheer accident, yet it shows again how Jack is easily liked for him just being him. 

Now, it would take too long for me to mention every character individually, as just like in a real play, there are many players, all equally important in the tale.
But be certain of the fact that you’ll know in an instant which character you’ll turn out to love and which you won’t. Because let me tell you, you will or love or despise the characters! 

After an initial struggle, trying to keep up with all the new entries of characters, I found myself completely compelled to just keep on reading.
It was nearly impossible to drag myself away from this captivating story, where you’ll never know what happens next.
There is romance, friendship, laughter and happiness, but also intrigues, betrayal, secrets and tension.
Even when I thought that nothing else could go wrong, the author made another twist, making me almost grasp for some air. 

This was a great book to read, and Michael Ball manages perfectly to put the vivid scenes into words, allowing me to actually see where all the action was taking place. And with great characters like Jack, Grace and all the theatrical company, I cannot see how this book about theatre couldn’t be turned into a play about a book about a theatre!

How two persons so wrong for each on first sight can be just…

Synopsis

Dean Baxter was everything a sensible thirty-two-year-old teacher should avoid. Five years younger, cocky, with a playboy reputation. Oh and guardian to Tom, one of her most promising students. But Lia was a rebel at heart.

Lia Stapleton was everything that was out of reach for an uneducated garage mechanic who’d made too many mistakes. Cambridge-educated, gorgeous and from a well-heeled background, she was his brother’s teacher. But Dean couldn’t resist her.

As Dean and Lia’s tentative relationship begins, can it survive Tom’s disapproval, her parents’ interference. And the dangerous return of his past.

My review

Lia Stapleton is a dedicated teacher who notices the potential of one of her students, Tom. While trying to persuade him to attempt to get into Cambridge, she also has to persuade his brother and guardian Dean that Tom has a shot.
But Dean always thought that one day, the two brothers would run their family’s garage together. And Tom for sure never mentioned Cambridge before.
Now not only Dean has to face that his plans may not come to fruition, but he also has to face that he feels himself attracted to Lia. But how can a sophisticated, gorgeous and well –educated woman like Lia fall for someone like him, uneducated, a mechanic who made plenty of mistakes and a past that won’t let him go?
And why can Lia not get Dean out of her mind, a man who is five years younger, cocky and seemingly to enjoy the female company a bit too much?
Yet resisting is in vain, but can they face so many odds that are against them? Not only Tom who disapproved, but also Lia’s snobbish interferences and Dean’s past that may jeopardize everything that they slowly built…

Kathryn Freeman just did it again! She wrote an amazing, impossible – to – out – away – story, just like I had expected from her!
And I keep being amazed how she manages to write out of the box, with characters that show you on different occasions that you should never judge a book by its cover!

I liked Lia for following her own passions, despite the wishes of her parents. Being a twin, but having a sister who is obviously the favourite, isn’t easy. Yet Lia found a way to do what she pleases, not being afraid to disappoint her parents, which she does anyway (in their eyes…).
And I loved the dedication she shows as a teacher. She sees the potential in her students, especially in Tom, and she does whatever she can to show Tom his own capabilities.

But it also saddened me a little bit, seeing how little she thinks of herself, thanks to her parents. And her own disappointments in the romantic parts makes her question about the honesty of what is being told to her.
How can she not see how amazing she is???

And Dean… in first instance, I had the same thoughts about him that Lia had. His actions spoke very loud, but slowly I realized that what we see, is only a glimpse of the real person.
He may have his looks in his advantage, but reading about the things he did in the past, how he did, and still does, for his younger brother Tom, made me change my whole opinion of him.
Yes, he also made mistakes in the past, but he did it all with the best intentions. And seeing how he gave up his own younger years for Tom, and how he even never got the chance to fall in love and experience a real relationship (and not the heated moments in a store room alone), broke my heart but also warmed my heart as he did it all for Tom…

In this book, there are some moments that made my heart melt all over the place, but also got me frustrated as both main characters just didn’t see that they too deserved their happiness. Even if it is with a person so different and unexpected. And at some points I even got angry with them as they were ruining a wonderful thing because of their own doubts and insecurities.

I absolutely devoured this book, as it shows that love comes in different shapes and forms, and that when you finally have found your perfect match, background, age, past, jobs, … don’t matter at all. What truly matters is the feeling of love, that can conquer everything, from resurfacing demons from your past, to too interfering/snobbish parents. Because in the end, love is all we need…

Life goes on, even with broken hearts…

Synopsis

Will it be tears or triumph for the Hat Girl from Silver Street?

It’s been five years since Ella Bancroft lost the love of her life, Harper Fortescue, and despite her friends’ encouragement, she’s still not been able to move on. The one thing keeping Ella smiling is the success of her hat shop, Ivella.  Her beautiful designs and fabulous creations are the first choice for the fashionable Edwardian ladies of Walsall, and her fame is spreading far and wide.

Darcie Newland won’t ever forgive Ella for stealing her fiancé and ruining her life, even though Harper was never really hers in his heart.  After being exiled by her parents to Scotland after yet another scandal, Darcie is now back in Birmingham and set on revenge.

As her hat shop flourishes, and the possibility of a new love appears when she least expects it, Ella finally dares to hope for a happy future. But storm clouds are gathering over the Black Country, and life might have other plans for the hat girl from Silver Street.

The Queen of the Black Country sagas is back with this page-turning story of friendship and fun, love and second chances. Perfect for fans of Val Wood and Lyn Andrews.

My review

Five years ago, Ella Bancroft got to know what it felt to lose the love of your life, as her fiancé Harper Fortescue passed away.
Even if her hat shop, ran together with former nemesis Ivy is a successful one, Ella hasn’t been able to move on and find a new love.
Darcie Newland never forgot how Harper left her for Ella and after another scandal being exiled to Scotland. But now she is back in Birmingham and is ready to let Ella pay for all the harm she caused Darcie.
With a business getting more happy customers and keeps on growing, does Ella dare to dream for her own happy future with a new man even? Or will Darcie succeed in her plans of making Ella pay for everything? 

I was glad to learn that Ella would get a sequel, as it made me hope that despite losing Harper (still trying to forgive the author for this!), Ella would find love again. 

It warmed my heart to read how Ella and Ivy became partners and run their business together very successfully. And it even put a smile on my face reading that even if the hatched got buried, Ivy still kept the bits that were typically Ivy, with her abondance while making hats and her small streaks of jealousy.
But mots of all, it warmed my heart to see how Ella still is that lovely young woman that we got to know so well in the first book, even if she is still mourning the loss of Harper.
And that was something that is very Ella, she loved and still loves Harper deeply, and she will never forget him… 

However life does go on, and Ella learns again that life never is dull, and both good as bad things can happen all the time.
Ella meets new people, even a new romantic interest, but is also faced with someone from her past, Darcie. And while things are going well for Ella, Darcie shows us that she hasn’t changed a bit at all. 

While I truly disliked Darcie and her schemes, and her selfish ways, and I enjoyed the bits where it’s clear her actions had serious consequences, what happened to her towards the end, made me feel a bit sorry for her too.
Because even if she wasn’t a great person, and her character and behaviour were hideous, I hoped that somehow she would redeem herself… 

In this second book, the author managed again to write a gripping story, showing us how strong yet lovely characters manage to be hopeful and remain kind, friendly despite everything.
Even if this story takes place in a past I don’t know much about, it is easy to feel close to Ella and her friends, old ones and new ones. And made me understand that life sometimes, past or present isn’t always justful, but as long as we keep our heads high and show kindness and forgiveness, life will also reward us, even with a second chance on love…

The hope and dreams of a Queen’s housemaid…

Synopsis

It should be a dream come true to serve the Queen of England…

When Violet Parker is told she will be Queen Victoria’s personal housemaid, she cannot believe her good fortune. She finally has the chance to escape her overbearing mother, a servant to the Duchess of Kent. 

Violet hopes to explore who she is and what the world has to offer without her mother’s schemes overshadowing her every thought and action.

Then she meets James Greene, assistant to the queen’s chief political adviser, Lord Melbourne. From entirely different backgrounds and social class, Violet and James should have neither need nor desire to speak to one another, yet through their service, their paths cross and their lives merge—as do their feelings.

Only Victoria’s court is not always the place for romance, but rather secrets, scandals, and conspiracies…

My review

Violet Parker couldn’t be happier when she learn that she is going to work as a housemaid for Queen Victoria. She sees this as the perfect opportunity to escape her mother who only uses Violet for her own and the Duchess of Kent’s benefit.
Violet is ready to discover the world on her own, but also to discover who Violet is without the threats of her mother.
Finding a kindred spirit not only with the Queen herself, Violet also befriends James Greene, assistant of Lord Melbourne. But James Greene has a reputation of being a ladies man, and the Queen’s court is not the most perfect place for romance, but more for secrets, scandals and conspiracies…

Not many may know this, but I have always been a fan of the British Royal Family. And Queen Victoria somehow always intrigued me a little bit more compared to the other royals.
So obviously, having a book with my favourite royal in it, was something I had to read!

The focus is of course not on the Queen herself, but on one of her housemaids, Violet Parker.
From the start, I had mixed feelings about Violet. Not because she is a character to dislike, but because of her background…
On one hand, I was as happy for her as she was herself at the opportunity to work for the Queen, but on the other hand it saddened me to see how her own mother uses Violet for her own benefit. And the way her mother just acts towards Violet, made my blood boil! I can’t grasp how a mother can be so evil, mean to her own children!

Violet enjoys her new life, but she is never truly freed from her mother. And when the Queen treats her very kindly, Violet is not knowing what to do… Should she betray the Queen’s trust to avoid her mother’s revenge? Or should she tell the truth, and be afraid of her mother’s repercussions?
While not always knowing what to do, we also see Violet maturing. She goes from some kind of gullible young girl, to a woman who stands up for herself and follows her own instinct.

Even on the romantic part, Violet learns the meaning of love. She is wary of the attention of James, as she knows his reputation. But I found it very smart of the author of linking Violet’s growing feelings towards James with the Queen falling in love with Albert.

We cannot truly speak of a real friendship between Victoria and Violet, as obviously Victoria is the Queen and Violet a mere housemaid. But being around the same age, somehow bounded these two total different women, trusting each other and even at times being confidantes.
And that is something I truly enjoyed reading, how despite many differences, also in stand, so many likenesses can be found.

I also enjoyed reading how despite Violet knowing her place and things that James can never be hers, her feelings cannot stop growing.
And more towards the end, we see how Violet decides to be the kind of woman she wants to be, and not what everyone wants her to be.

This story shows us that it’s in our right to live our lives as we want it to, without interferences of people who don’t have our best interest. But also that even if we are afraid of loving a person, or not knowing if it’s love or not, we are allowed to have these kind of feelings. And that it doesn’t matter how high or low you stand on the social scale, because whenever it concerns real love, or friendship, it’s the person that matters, not the title they carry around.

Does love just like the Christmas movies happen in real life too?

Synopsis

Hollywood comes to Roseford, as Christmas wishes really do come true…

The sleepy Somerset village of Roseford is the temporary home for the cast and crew of the latest Christmas movie, and there’s an excitement in the air that can’t be ignored. When Lucy Cameron, the owner of Roseford Café, is asked to fulfil a last-minute catering order on set, she can’t believe her luck.

Lucy’s erstwhile teenage crush, Finn Sanderson, is the star of the film, alongside his glamorous co-star, Montana de Santo, with whom he has been linked on and off the screen, and their sprinkle of stardust around the village is intoxicating.

With Christmas approaching and the snow starting to fall, Lucy’s path keeps crossing with Finn’s, and she starts to get to know the man behind the movie star. As her feelings grow, so too do Lucy’s reservations about even considering becoming involved with someone so well-known. And when Lucy becomes the centre of a social media storm, her fears seem to be justified.

Are happy-ever-afters just the preserve of romantic Christmas movies, or could Lucy and Finn star in their very own, real-life festive love story…

Revel in the perfect country Christmas romance from Fay Keenan, just right for all fans of Julie Houston, Cathy Bramley and Holly Martin.

My review

Lucy Cameron, proud owner of Roseford Café, enjoys living with her daughter in the Somerset village of Roseford.
And when she is asked for a last – minute catering order on the set of the latest Christmas movie, actually filmed in Roseford, Lucy cannot believe her luck.
Especially because the star of the film, Finn Sanderson, is Lucy’s teenage crush. While the world is hoping that Finn and his glamourous co – star Montana de Santo will get together in real life again, Lucy slowly gets to know the man behind all that glitter and glamour. And slowly she starts to fall for that man. But will Lucy’s reservations hold her back to fall completely in love and do happy endings only life in the movies? Or will Lucy and Finn live the perfect love story for real? 

First of all, it was a real joy to return to Roseford. I truly enjoyed the first book in this series so obviously I had to read this book too. While it’s not mandatory having read book one, as this can be perfectly be read as a standalone, why would you skip the chance to fall even more in love with Roseford? 

But back to this book and this story, that made me even love the place even more than before! 

Lucy is a single mother, loving her life. And even if she doesn’t have a man in her life, she doesn’t see this as a missing part.
She loves her Café, she adores her daughter and she is a great friend, and has also great friends. 

I found it refreshing that even if she is divorced from the father of her child, the relationship is still very amicable. Too often when divorced people are depicted in any kind of story, often things didn’t go well, and even turned into a real hostile divorces.
While in this case, both parties realize that it wasn’t working for them but they still care for each other, and look after each other, even when they are on different continents.
But this isn’t about Lucy’s divorce, but  about a total new love interest! 

I think it’s safe to say that everyone has had a teenage crush or dreamed about a movie star and imaging a whole love story around it.
But with growing up, we know that no matter how much we wished as a teenager for that dream to come true, the odds are almost non – existing.
And I love reading stories where the impossible is made possible! 

Finn is just so perfect… even with his imperfections! He may have the perfect looks, but the more we get to know the real Finn, the more I started to fall for him too. He has had his own demons to fight, yet I admired how he was able to turn his life around for the better.
And seeing this kind, gentle man doing a ordinary things, even with some perks of being a star, made me swoon all over the place. 

In this book the author manages to let the readers completely comprehend the struggles both Lucy and Finn are facing.
Suddenly Lucy finds herself being in a media storm, and she is not sure that that is the life she wants to live. She has feelings for Finn, she doesn’t deny them, but how can she live with the fear of never being left in peace? Especially when she also has her daughter to think about…
I could completely comprehend her thoughts, even if I cannot imagine being in that position myself. 

And Finn, he has finally found someone he has fallen in love with, but he quickly realizes that he was in a state of wishful thinking when he thought they would be able to keep their peace.
For someone in the business, it’s easier to live with camera’s pointed at you the whole time, making it also harder to comprehend that such a way of living is not for everyone. 

What made me love this story even more, and perhaps a even a little bit less ( because I think a whole book could have been written about them too), was the other love story. I am not going to give anything away about this one, I want you to discover it yourself but it made me feel even more gooey seeing that romance blossom, showing the reader that loves comes in different shapes and forms. 

If it’s not clear by now that I absolutely adored reading this book, I will make it very clear: I ADORED IT!
The story shows us that love never comes when and how we expect, but with daring to take that step, daring to give it a chance, daring to open up, and with a swoon – worthy grand gesture, you can get the most wonderful love story of your life.
And in a wonderful setting as Roseford, who needs a Christmas movie when you can have it all in this marvellous tale?