Two weddings but only one amazing wedding cake…

Synopsis

One summer in Spain.

One accidentally double-booked eight-tier wedding cake that needs to put in a same day appearance at a rustic countryside finca AND a beachside villa.

Two brides.

Two grooms.

Hundreds of hungry guests.

Freya Ashcroft, owner and culinary whizz at Marbella’s five star bakery, is going to need a miracle to ‘save the date’. If only that was her sole dilemma – as luck wouldn’t have it, she’s also fallen head over heels in love with one of the aforementioned male clients…

My review

Freya Ashcroft is the proud owner of Freya’s of Marbella, and her wedding cakes are to die for. No request is too much for her and her team. But no mater how successful her own business is and being in the wedding branch, her own love life is non – existing.
Freya and her team are always on top everything. That is, until it appears that at the same day two eight – tier wedding cakes have been booked for delivery at total opposite places. And creating two such cakes at the same day is just a mission impossible.
And add that Freya has fallen in love with Tim Nutkins, is only the cherry on top of the disastrous cake, as he is one of the grooms… 

If you are a bit like me, you will not only devour this book, but you will also find yourself craving for some cake!
This author is not new to me, and I always like how she can turn one food item into a great story. And in this story, we even see old friends again! 

I love baking myself, but my talents are limited to a Victoria sponge cake, or something with lots of chocolate that I call “calory bombs”. So having a Freya Ashcroft and reading about her creations, left me in awe. And then I am not talking the eye for details in each cake (details that are totally missing in my own cakes…) 

But enough about cakes, otherwise I am all hungry again…

Freya is so easy to like, as she is passionate about her work, but she is also a very nice boss. She wants to make everyone happy, which is a good thing, but not when it’s at cost of her own happiness. Rather soon in the book we feel that Freya is working too hard, and doesn’t have much time beside making cakes.
And on the love – front she has been through the most terrible thing that could happen to a bride, and her dates after that disaster didn’t go that well either…
She also has a good sense of right and wrong. Because she falls head over heels in love with Tim, but as him being on the verge of getting married, she keeps her distance, even if it breaks her heart. 

Now, I said something about old friends..
It was so lovely to see Alice and River back again, finally just moments away to say ‘I Do’. Normally you only get married once, so I could completely understand how Alice wanted everything to be perfect, an amazing wedding cake included.
But what I even liked more, is that even if Alice goes sometimes over the top, they still remain the Alice and River we know. They are both down – to – earth and would just do everything for each other. 

What a contrast with Tim and Piper… being the other couple. Not a bad word about Tim, because he is just a wonderful guy, even if sometimes a bit blind when it concerns Piper.
Tim loves Piper, and just wants to make her happy. But with Piper being an influencer, and taking lengths for having the perfect picture/ video, well, she got me pissed, even if she is just a fictional character.
And it’s obvious that the term of ‘Bridezilla’ is just made for her! 

The contrast between the two couples couldn’t be bigger, as we have a lovely, totally in love couple with Alice and River, and on the other side we have Tim and Piper, with one member of the couple being rather selfish, controlling and obnoxious…
And in the middle we have Freya, also our main character who deserves her own bit of happiness and love.  

Having three narrators may seem a bit much, but do not worry, because you won’t get confused at all.
Isabella May manages perfectly to show the readers how different reactions can be, seen from another point of view.
But it’s also a great way to understand the characters better, and make us love them even more (or less in one case…). 

I truly enjoyed reading this story. Love is obviously the main theme in this story. The love that is alive for many years and years to come, love for what you do, but also love for yourself.
A wedding is a wonderful event, but it’s also a stressful one. And in this book we see everything that could go wrong, and some even go wrong. Some made me laugh, some made me cringe.
But it was again a great story to read!

Sometimes the simplest holidays are the best!

Synopsis

A simple holiday just got complicated …

Single mum Amy has been struggling since her mother’s death and now her son, Harry, has been accused of bullying schoolmate Oliver — giving Amy’s dictatorial ex-husband yet another reason to criticise her parenting.

All Amy wants is the chance to spend time with her son. Where better to escape all her troubles than camping at the remote but beautiful Lake District farm where she spent idyllic summers with her mother when she was a little girl?

Her tranquil escape seems doomed when Oliver, and his widowed dad, Matt, turn up on the neighbouring pitch — but at Elder Fell Farm, unlikely friendships can be forged. Are Matt and Amy ready to fall in love again? And will their boys bring them together – or drive them apart?

My review

Amy is a single mum, and has been struggling since her own mother’s died. Harry, Amy’s son has been accused of bullying schoolmate Oliver, and her ex – husband does not agree the way Amy is raising Harry and cannot stop criticizing Amy’s parenting skills.
Even if things are difficult, and Amy cannot spend tons of money over a holiday, she decides to go camping at the Lake District farm where she spent many summers with her mother too.
What she didn’t expect was that next to their tent, Oliver and his dad Matt are staying with their campervan.
Is this holiday doomed before it really started? Or is this the opportunity for the two boys to become friends? And what with Amy and Matt? With so much time spending together, are they ready for a chance at love again? And most importantly, are their sons too? 

For me, I cannot imagine something worse for a holiday than going camping. I’m not saying that nobody should go camping, but that is just not my cup of tea. I just see so many things going wrong, with putting up the tent as first, then sleeping on an air mattress, and I am not taking about when it will rain, animals crawling around etc. Okay, maybe I watched too many horror movies! 😊 

But even if camping is not my thing, I absolutely enjoyed reading this wonderful book!

From the very start I totally liked Amy. She is having a rough time, and just tries to make the best of everything. I can only imagine the struggles she is facing. She just lost her mother, Harry is not the easiest child around, her ex – husband is not afraid to criticize her parenting skills and she isn’t really swimming in money.
But despite all the above, we can see how an amazing mother she is. She understands Harry, she knows how to act when he is being difficult, and the love she has for him is just obvious.

Oooh, Harry… don’t you just like the innocence of children? And Harry takes it all next level! Despite the rumours at school, and his tantrums once in a while, he is just a good kid! He is the reason I laughed so much while reading. He thinks he knows a lot, causing us readers to have fits of giggles!
And if he truly were a bully, would he really be friends with Oliver during their stay? 

Obviously for us, it wasn’t a shock when Matt and Oliver are Amy’s neighbours, but I can completely comprehend Amy’s reaction!
But it was just great to see how not only Harry and Oliver are getting best friends, but also Amy and Matt getting closer. 

I loved going on an adventure with Amy, Harry, Oliver and Matt. Each new chapter I was looking forward to their new plans and I felt like I was walking together with them.
What I also absolutely adored, was reading how Amy tries to re-enact with harry the same things she did with her mother. Obviously, as years have passed, things have changed overtime, but going back to places also reveals some secrets about her own mother Amy didn’t know.
But also seeing how feelings are growing between her and Matt, it felt like finally the two of them could have a new chance at love again, and it just felt right…

This story shows us not only that a holiday doesn’t need to be luxurious to be memorable. But it’s not only about the holiday itself, it’s about the people we love that are part of that holiday. In this book, both Amy and Matt prioritize their children, even at cost of their own happiness (Although, even if I comprehend Oliver, some of his own tantrums were driving me crazy!).
It’s clear that parenting doesn’t come with an instruction book, and no matter how many books you read, each child is different, so there is no ‘standard’ rule of how to raise your child.
Parenting is not easy, it’s all through trial and error… And sometimes we just have to follow our instinct for doing the right thing.
The author shows us perfectly the struggles but also the beauty of parenting.  

It was an impossible task to put this book aside, I only took a few time – outs when they were strictly necessary.
I laughed so much while reading, my heart melted at other moments, I got angry (the ‘B’ word does not only apply for children!) and I fell in love with lovely characters, who have gone through some hard times, but are daring to love again.
But… no matter how much I loved this story, I still won’t go camping!

A past that resurfaces, literally and figuratively speaking…

Synopsis

What happens in the field, stays in the field. Or does it?

After the disastrous way her first archaeological dig ended, graduate student Olivia Sanchez abandoned her dreams of working in the field. Now, thanks to a last-minute teaching opportunity in Cyprus, she’ll get another chance to explore ancient history firsthand. This time, failure isn’t an option.

But digging up the past takes on a whole new meaning when she’s forced to team up with her ex, shovel bum Rick Langston. 

For years, Rick has proven his archaeological skills all over the Mediterranean. But with no graduate degree—and a habit of attracting trouble—his reputation could use a little rehab. All he has to do is play by the rules while he’s in Cyprus and he’ll secure a coveted recommendation for his next job. Until Olivia resurfaces like a cursed relic from the past.

Given that their last fling nearly led to their academic ruin, Olivia and Rick can’t afford to repeat their past mistakes. But as they work together under the scorching Mediterranean sun, the heat between them proves impossible to ignore.

My review

Olivia Sanchez always wanted to be an archaeologist. But when her first dig, years ago, ended in disaster, she gave up on that dream.
However, now she finds herself in Cyprus, as a last – minute replacement for a teaching opportunity. This time, she is determined to get her hands truly dirty (literally!) and won’t let this opportunity turn into another failure.
Not even Rick Langston, her ex – boyfriend, part of that disastrous first dig, and a reputation that follows him through every new archaeological adventure.
As both being at the same place, not only ancient remains resurface, also old hurt does. But also old feelings…  

I have read several books from this author, and each one I truly enjoyed. So I was happy to have my hands on this new one, even if the archaeological bits are totally over my head. But I put my good faith in the author, trusting her completely!

We all have mistakes we made in the past that we still carry around, but Olivia is still carrying her mistake as a real burden.
While reading the story, I kept wondering whatever happened was truly that awful, and while in the bigger scheme it would seem just minor, I could also see how the aftermath changed Olivia and how she stored her dream away.
Was it because Olivia, just like me, had to give up on her dream she had since little? Because I could so easily relate with her, I completely understood how it feels when your dreams are being crushed… 

Also her insecurity, is she really ready for the task ahead, won’t she just screw up, is she just keeping everyone behind because of her doing? All those questions she is asking herself, make her so human and recognizable.
She isn’t just a heroine, doing everything right the first time around, but she is a normal, real person. So how can you not like her?
But it was lovely to see how her confidence grew through the book. She knows her stuff even if she doesn’t believe it straightaway.
But also how she is there for the students, her determination to no longer accept the bullying and looking down of certain characters. 

Obviously, for us readers it’s not a surprise that once in Cyprus, Olivia is faced with the presence of Rick.
I loved seeing how these two are going from trying to avoid each other as much as possible in the beginning, then slowly are becoming friends and even more again.
After their first encounter many years ago, both their lives took a total different direction. Not only compared to each other, but also complexly different from what they planned.
And I found it bittersweet to read how Rick, despite his cool, laidback attitude, is also a rather insecure man, not knowing where the future will take him and also carrying an unjustified reputation around him. 

It warmed my heart seeing how these two people, despite their ‘terrible’ past, found each other again, unable to resist the attraction that never passed.
In some way, being together, they become an even better version of the persons they already were. They believe each other, trust each other and find strength with just having the other one by their side.

The setting was also marvellous. I have never been to Cyprus myself and now I am intrigued by the place. Although, being single, I may skip a certain temple, as I will always remember some heated moments taking place over there! 

I loved reading every bit of this wonderful book, even if archaeology is not really my cup of tea. But that shows wat a great author Carla Luna is, as she managed to drag me completely in the story with bits of history, the exhilaration of a great discovery with amazing characters whose passion for the past and each other is palpable from each page!

When your wish to save a library becomes so much more…

Synopsis

An uplifting story about fresh starts, new beginnings and the power of stories, from the bestselling author of Rosie’s Travelling Tea Shop!

When Elodie applies for the job of librarian in peaceful Willow Grove, she’s looking forward to a new start. As the daughter of a media empire, her every move has been watched for years, and she longs to work with the thing she loves most: books.

It’s a chance to make a real difference too, because she soon realises that there are other people in Willow Grove who might need a fresh start – like the homeless man everyone walks past without seeing, or the divorcée who can’t seem to escape her former husband’s misdeeds.

Together with local journalist Finn, Elodie decides these people have stories that need sharing. What if instead of borrowing books readers could ‘borrow’ a person, and hear the life stories of those they’ve overlooked?

But Elodie isn’t quite sharing her whole story either. As the story of the library’s new success grows, will her own secret be revealed?

My review

Elodie Halifax is more known as Ellie Astor, the daughter of a media empire, and the face of the business. With not only her mother, but everyone watching her every move, Elodie’s desire to follow her own dream only grows with each day.
So when she learns that the in Willow Grove they are looking for a librarian, Elodie grabs this opportunity with both hands, also giving her brother a chance to show his own potential in the family business.
Libraries aren’t that popular anymore, but Elodie is determined to show everyone the importance of a library.
However, Elodie also learns that even in Willow Grove there are people who need a fresh start. And with local journalist Finn, she comes up with a plan… A plan where people can not only borrow books, but also ‘borrow’ people, to hear out their stories.
Elodie herself is not ready to share her own story, but with the library’s growing success, can she keep her own real life hidden from the people she starts to care about? 

Hello, my name is Tiziana, and I am a bookworm. So having a book about books, is just adding fuel to my addiction. And I put the whole responsibility of being invisible for everyone out there while reading on the author!
How does she expect me to go outside while there is this wonderful book waiting for me???

I truly adored Elodie. Even if she is famous as Ellie Astor, daughter of a media empire, she is down – to – earth, loves books and just like me can cry while reading them, as they touch her emotionally.
Being in the spotlight, she is used on putting on a mask, and just smile on command, even if her smile isn’t genuine.
When she decides to just follow her heart and passion and apply for the position of librarian, I was cheering her on.

It’s obvious that a library is the perfect place for Elodie. I can almost see the stars in her eyes when she enters her own vision of heaven.
My heart broke with her seeing how the library isn’t that sanctuary anymore, like it used to be.
But I admired her determination to make it work, on her own forces.
And while some ideas may seem very obvious, the idea of ‘borrow a person’ is just genius, and also what Willow Grove needs.
Seeing how she treats the ‘outcasts’ of Willow Grove, and sees the person for who they really are, truly warmed my heart.
Elodie doesn’t hesitate to help out Homeless Harry, or Sofia or even adorable, smart and talented little Alfie…
She doesn’t judge a book or a person by its cover and just does what is right. 

Can I add that Alfie just stole my heart? The author shows us that people are easy to put a label on someone who is ‘different’. But even if Alfie has such a (and may I say terrible) label, his honest remarks and visions made me smile and even laugh out loud. Alfie shows us that he is just like us, looking for someone to share his passion for sharks and find real friends. 

Obviously there is romance in it, because let’s be honest, I don’t think I couldn’t fall in love with Finn myself!
But I didn’t feel that was the main purpose of this book, even if Finn is showing support and help in every step Elodie is taking.  

For me, the whole purpose was to show us that people get into situations beyond their control. Just like Sofia wasn’t to blame that her husband was a scumbag, yet she is the one to pay the price.
And Harry who hasn’t talked to anyone, because he felt invisible…
If we just take time to stop and listen to those around us, we may discover just how amazing they are. And let’s forget about all the presumptions we have, because even if we think we know the truth, that isn’t always the case.

This was a marvellous book to read, perfect for bookworms, but also for non – bookworms. It made me feel happy while reading, and showed me the good in people. Everyone deserves a second chance, or a chance to follow their own dreams and passions. And that may be being a librarian, or cooking, or even finding friends who accept your superpower of calendar counting!

An expected inheritance, but with an unexpected twist

Synopsis

Aoife and her sisters know exactly what to do when they inherit their Great-aunt Detta’s theatre on Halfpenny Lane:

– Restore the dilapidated building to its former glory. 

– Perform together on its stage to packed houses and rapturous applause.

– Live happily ever after.

But they didn’t count on Detta leaving a share in the theatre to her godson, Jonathan. Now they’ll have to persuade him to buy into their vision of stardust and magic – or find the money to buy him out.

As they fight to save the theatre, Aoife also battles her growing feelings for Jonathan. Because she can’t let herself fall for the man who’s about to bring the curtain down on their dreams.

My review

When their Great –aunt Detta passed away, Aoife and her sisters knew they would inherit the little theatre on Halfpenny Lane.
But they didn’t expect to share their inheritance with Detta’s godson Jonathan. And Jonathan doesn’t have the same future visions for the theatre as the sisters do.
While the sisters want the theatre to have a second life, Jonathan wants to sell the place.
So now the sisters, and mainly Aoife have to persuade Jonathan to follow their dreams. And Aoife is not only battling Jonathan, but also her growing feelings for a man who always had a small piece of her heart…

I always enjoy reading a story about how one person was able to have a great, positive impact on younger people.
And that is exactly what Detta was for Aoife and her sisters. Aoife, Mimi and Sive could always rely on Detta, especially when their parents died.
It was truly sweet how Detta was responsible for all the girls to dream to be on stage.

I am very close with my own brother, and I was glad to see that same bond between the three sisters. Aoife is the oldest one and also the responsible one. After their parents died, it was up to Aoife to keep them all together and look after Mimi and Sive. And that resulted in giving up her own dreams and make sure there was a stability while her sisters followed their dreams.

Aoife may seem a bit controlling, wanting to fix everything for her sisters, while they are perfectly capable of doing it themselves. But I understood where Aoife was coming from. Having to look after her sisters for a long time, it’s obvious she wants to protect them like a Mama Bear. But loving means also letting go, and that is something that Aoife is slowly learning in this book.

Inheriting a theatre is not something people say they ever do, so I have no idea about the logistics of opening it again, and seeing the dire circumstance the place was, well I could also perfectly understand why Jonathan wanted to sell the place.

But I also understood the sisters, as it was always their dream to run the theatre and perform there all together.
I admired their persistence and determination, to fulfil their dreams. Even with a few setbacks, they didn’t just give up and kept thinking of ways to make the theatre the place they always dreamed of.
It was heart – warming to see how people helped out, just because of Detta and again her impact on their lives.

And seeing how Jonathan understands the sisters, especially Aoife, warmed my heart! He has his own reasons for wanting to sell the theatre, which we don’t know for a long time, but despite his own wishes, he wants to give Aoife a chance to have their dreams.
It was also sweet to see how Aoife and Jonathan are getting closer, and when Aoife is ill and Jonathan comes to help out, well, that made my heart totally melt!

I loved getting to know Aoife much better, as she is the kind of character that would put herself on hold for the sake of her loved ones. And seeing how she understands that her sisters don’t need her holding their hands, but they just want to be sisters together, was very touching.
She also learns to listen to her feelings and finding the courage to follow her heart.

This is a beautiful story about siblings sharing a dream, doing their best to make that dream come true.
But it’s also about letting go and follow your own dreams, that can match those of your loved ones, but can also be different.
I loved seeing the characters grow to even stronger persons, and I hope that there will the opportunity for the other sisters to have also the spotlight in their own book!

Don’t you always want to know the truth?

Synopsis

She’s in your home…

Leigh Simons can’t say for sure what made her do it. A moment of madness, perhaps, but when the young, loud and gorgeous waitress at her favorite coffee shop reveals she is homeless, Leigh offers her the empty room in her house.

In your head…

Gina is the perfect lodger; Leigh, lonely and frustrated with her life, becomes infatuated with the woman – her boldness, her zeal. If only Leigh could be more like Gina…

And missing without trace.

So when Leigh returns from a work trip she’s shocked to find Gina missing. Where could the young woman have gone…and why?

Leigh fears that something terrible has happened – why else would Gina leave her?

But as she sets out to find her missing lodger, what Leigh discovers changes everything she knows about Gina….and her own life, too.

My review

Leigh Simons doesn’t know why she did it. Was she feeling lonely? Was she hoping that Gina somehow would inspire her? But Leigh did it anyway, and how quickly she made her offer, at the same moment she regretted it the moment the words left her mouth. Because who is her right mind would offer a total stranger, a woman you only know as the barista where you buy your daily shot of cafeïne, to rent the spare room in your house?

But that is exactly what Leigh did when she learned that Gina was lookig for a place to stay. While initially Leigh enjoys Gina’s company, there are also moments of frustrations. And Leigh also struggling at work, with someone who doesn’t understand personal space, an annoying, unknown lodger is the last thing Leigh needs. However, when Gina disappear with just a small note without any further explanation, Leigh wonders what happened to her.But nothing is what it seems, not only whenever Gina is involved, and Leigh’s search for answers turns her whole world upside down.

I started reading this book, having no idea which turn it would take. What I did know, is that there would be no way on earth that I would let a complete stranger stay at my place. So I thought that Leigh was rather crazy in that specific case. But I could also see how lonely she was, and maybe letting Gina stay at her place, would make that lonely feeling disappear.

I could also comprehend the ‘attraction’, as Gina seems this bubbly, fairly kind of person, someone you somehow would admire for just being her.

Leigh is the kind of person that you just feel sorry for. She is in a relationship with Matt, but they are not living together. She is good at her job, but that one presence makes her feel uncomfortable.

She is the suspicious kind of woman, but also an impulsive one, putting her in situations like having a lodger against better judgement or finding herself forced to follow an anger management course. It’s clear I wouldn’t want to be in her shoes…

But I also admired her persistence, she doesn’t just accept that Gina is gone, but she wants a real explanation. And when the police dismiss her, she finds another way to find out the truth. Even when she gets a few scares, she is adamant to find out what happened to make Gina leave.

Perhaps I have read and watched too many thrillers, but my mind went in overdrive. I thought of several scenarios, one scenario being more plausible than another. But whatever my thoughts were, I couldn’t figure out what truly happened to Gina by just keeping to read.

The author manages perfectly to have me sitting on the edge of my seat, reading page after page. Unexpected things keep happening, several twists made me feel more confused than before.

Even if the end and the final revelations left me a bit hanging, as it felt a bit hasted and pulled together, and Leigh’s final action was both understandable and at the same time not, I enjoyed reading this book, and found myself in a rare position of just having no idea what the truth was. A thriller worth of its name!

Loch Ness, a place where you find more than just the legend of a monster…

Synopsis

In the imposing Glen Carrick House overlooking Scotland’s famous Loch Ness, lives eighty-eight-year-old Mimi McKinlay, cared for by her three adult sons. Hamish has inherited his mother’s musical talents, Fin is the responsible brother, and Angus has the complicated and brooding personality to match his dashing good looks. 

But what all the brothers share is a concern that their beloved mother is living in her memories of her days on stage, while letting her present days pass her by.

Jess Oliver is at a turning point. Amicably divorced after years of being married, this trip to the Highlands is a first taste of independence. It isn’t long before the beauty and hospitality of Scotland captures her heart.

When Mimi and Jess’s paths cross, a friendship is formed that will change both women’s lives.  And as together they find ways to look forward instead of to the past, long forgotten dreams are within reach, and every new day is fresh with possibilities. 

Take a trip to the Highlands with Judy Leigh for an unforgettable story of glorious pasts and fabulous futures, of love, friendship, family and fun. The perfect feel-good novel for all fans of Dawn French, Dee Macdonald and Cathy Hopkins.

My review

Mimi McKinlay is an eighty – eight years young woman, reminiscing her days on stage. She lives in Glen Carrick House, overlooking Loch Ness, together with her three sons.
Hamish inherited his mother’s talents, Fin is the responsible one and Angus is known for his brooding personality.
But no matter how different the siblings are from each other, they share the love for their mother, and are looking after her, which isn’t a sinecure as Mimi just does what she wants.
When Jess Oliver arrives in Scotland for a holiday, while waiting for her own cottage to be ready, she immediately falls for the charms of the place.
And Jess meeting Mimi is the start of a wonderful, caring and loving friendship, and they learn from each other how to make the best of every new day filled with possibilities.

I have read several books of this author, but this one for sure captured my heart.
This book isn’t about a great adventure, disastrous events, but it shows the beauty of friendship and how one person can have a huge impact on your own live.

Even if I took some of Mimi’s tales with a pinch of salt, I truly liked her for just being her. Mimi shows us that age truly is just a number, and being eighty – eight doesn’t mean that you have to stop living, dancing or singing, or even love.
She reminded me of one of those icons, I saws a Audrey Hepburn, a Ava Gardner, a Judy Garland, a Julie Andrews, a Liza Minelli in her.
Obviously, she made some mistakes in the past, and has a few regrets. But she won’t allow them to sadden her, as she has so many things to be grateful about, like her three sons.

I loved how she said that she had a favourite son, but it’s obvious she loves them all very dearly, even if they sometimes treat her as an incapable old woman.
It was funny to see how different the brothers are, with each their own character. they all behave differently, the one more open than the other, the other more business-like while another one has the need to discover the world.
But despite the differences, and even the issues they are all facing personally, it’s obvious that as a family they stand as a united front, with always having their mother’s best interest in mind.

And when Jess enters the equation, it was like a breath of fresh air for the family. She is for sure a very kind and loving character. She has her heart at the right place, and it’s so clear to see the good influence she has on not only Mimi but on all the McKinlay’s.

It warmed my heart to see how Jess falls in love not only with Scotland, but with every member of the McKinlay clan, even if they are strictly speaking total strangers.
And seeing how each character has an impact on someone else, was marvellous.
I enjoyed reading how all the characters spent time together, with accepting each other for how they are, without any judgement.

While the end of the book may have made me feel a little bit sad, it gave me also a feeling of contentment and it was a perfect closure. Perhaps not one I would choose myself, but it fitted perfectly in this wonderful book.

I absolutely loved reading this tale, as it shows us the power of friendship and love. Your age doesn’t matter, as long as you enjoy your life, and love the people around you. And perhaps you can find an old love or a new love above all the other wonderful things life can bring you.

A holiday can change your life

Synopsis

When Charley finds herself suddenly single on Christmas Day it feels like her world has fallen apart.

Forced to move back in with her parents, she embarks on a journey of re-invention. When she meets Ed, who is on honeymoon alone after being jilted at the altar by a bride he’s never met, it looks like her life may be taking a turn for the better.

Fate, however, has other ideas, and she and Ed are forced apart.

Will she find her way back to him, or are they just not meant to be?

My review

The last thing Charley expected to happen on Christmas Day, is to be single. With no other option, she moves back in with her parents, and with a hard yet gentle push of her friend Madison, Charley is going for a total make – over.
She also decides to go with her parents on a holiday to Antigua, to recharge her batteries.
There she meets Ed, who is on a honeymoon without a bride. Being both on their own, they decide to stick together and spend their holidays together.
Once back home, will this turn out to be a wonderful holiday fling? Or is there more for them in store, even if Fate seems to pull them back apart… 

As my own love life is non – existing, I can rejoice with reading a great romance book, as it seems that those books can make up for the lack of romance in my life.
So reading about two people meeting on a holiday, seemed the perfect option for me! 

I have to warn you, when we first meet Charley, and her boyfriend, it was cringe – worthy. Literally the first words of this book made me frow, as I couldn’t believe what I was reading. And yes, I could see why the toothbrush was the last straw…
While I understand the need to save the planet, and I am all for it too, you cannot go all the way into the extreme and just assume your partner will follow.
Because believe me, Josh (the boyfriend) did exactly that and even did a few other unforgivable things.
If I didn’t know someone of my own acquaintances going too far with his beliefs, I would think that Josh was a too fictional character.
So yes, even if I weren’t to know that something better was coming, I was happy that Charley got rid of her boyfriend. 

I could perfectly understand that going back to her parents was a temporary solution, no matter how much she loves them. Going back feels always a little bit like failing somehow, even if you aren’t.
And I enjoyed reading how Charley finally got to be her real self again, with a push from her friend Madison. Even if Mads was a bit too much, too excited, too into the make – over, I think everyone needs a Mads in their lives. 

Before I started reading this book, I thought that Charley meeting Ed would take place earlier in the story.
But it’s only halfway that Ed makes an appearance, putting the focus more on Charley and rediscovering herself. And that was a great idea, as finding love is always an amazing thing, but finding yourself is even better! 

Reading how Charley and Ed meet, and discovering how Ed ends up alone on his honeymoon, was funny and awkward at the same time. Aren’t we all guilty of gloating with reality shows on television? But do we ever think about how the participants are truly feeling? 

However, Charley and Ed show us how it is possible to find someone at an unexpected place. And it is possible to find someone that makes you feel comfortable with, and feels like you have known each other for years.
The more time they spend together, the sweeter they are. I laughed over their shared activities, melted at the more romantic bits and even the hotter bits were perfect for their story.
And I got a little bit heart – broken once the holiday was over and things seemed insurmountable.
Long live Interventions! 

This was a wonderful read, a perfect way to escape the reality of my own life, making me dream away. I enjoyed reading every bit of it, making me believe that even the most random meeting can turn into something more, as long as you keep on trying, hoping and believing (building shrines are complimentary).

No matter what, your family always remains family…

Synopsis

Two decades on from a passionate courtship and marriage, Lucas and Esther are getting divorced.  

For Esther, it’s proving hard not to feel bitter watching Lucas enjoying his successful career, not to mention the attentions of his gorgeous, intelligent, and predictably younger lover. She meanwhile is struggling to forge a new life for herself, navigating the pitfalls of modern dating, while trying not to despair at the cost of living as a single woman of a certain age.

Then Lucas faces a shattering accusation at the same time as their children Dylan and Lily, start to implode.  When Dylan runs away, and as his father fights to save his reputation, Lucas and Esther find themselves back in each other’s lives, whether they like it or not. 

Has too much water passed under the bridge, or will long-forgotten loyalties and feelings bring the family back together, just when they need each other the most?

My review

When Esther met Lucas, she thought they would be together forever. But now, Esther is feeling jealous as Lucas moving on with his new girlfriend, and their children don’t need her as much as before.
Meanwhile, Esther herself is struggling to dive back into the dating pool, and trying to live as a single woman on her own.
But when Lucas is facing an accusation, and Dylan runs away, forces need to be joined to overcome it all.
Has too much happened in the past to stand as an united front, or is blood thicker than water no matter what?

I am part of a generation where children have parents that are still married, compared to current status, where it’s more common to have divorced parents. (I am not being judgmental here, I know that often getting divorced is the better solution compare to staying together).
And being single, I can only try to imagine how it feels when you are part of a unit and then you are not…

In this story, I found it’s not about one huge event, but several (little) things, changing the dynamics of an already disrupted family.
Picking up the pieces after a divorce is never easy, and add seeing how your ex – partner is easily moving on while you’re still struggling doesn’t make things easier.

I have to admit, Lucas wasn’t my favourite person in the book. While when Esther meets him so many years ago, he seemed like one of the good guys, his behaviour in the present is not something I particularly liked.
Especially how he behaves towards their children, and the way he acts as a teenager whenever his new girlfriend is involved, made me cringe a little bit.

This story shows not only how to ‘survive’ after a divorce, but also that even if separated, an ex – couple will always form a family unit when children are involved.
But also that each family is different. And how the family you grew up with, can form your own visions of your own family.

However, I also felt that in this book it was shown that despite a marriage that didn’t work, the differences between two people, when it truly matters, all those differences aren’t of importance.
Because there was a time that these two people loved each other, resulting in two children. And no matter what, the children always have the highest priority, even if that means facing a past you would rather forget.

We get not to know extraordinary people, but normal people with some everyday but also some devastating events. But they show us resilience, strength and an unbreakable bond.
I loved reading how Esther is getting back on her feet, even after some serious scares and terrible dates. But I also admired how Esther behaves like a mother, trying to always understand her children, how difficult it may seem, and always defended them. But I also appreciated how Esther stood by Lucas’ side when he is faced with accusations that can ruin his career.

I enjoyed reading this book, that is not filled with extravagant actions, but with the struggles of an ordinary woman with a rather ordinary life. Life doesn’t go always as planned, and it’s not always easy to get your life back on track. But blood is thicker than water, and that bond will always remain no matter what, even with new friendships, new love interests and new directions.

Everyone can change, despite their past

Synopsis

Welcome to Pepper Bay. A small close-knit community where you’ll find chocolate box cottages, quaint shops, love, drama, and a happily ever after.

Snuggle down with this cosy, feel-good, comfort read that whisks you away to a beautiful bay on the Isle of Wight – Perfect for fans of Christie Barlow, Phillipa Ashley, and Holly Martin.

The Pepper Bay books are standalone stories, best read in order, that intertwine with recurring characters.

The Post Office Shop: Tilly Sheridan is fifty, perimenopausal, a widow, and pretty much lives in dungarees. Her daily life consists of running her family’s small shop on Dreamcatcher Farm, where not much goes on. The last thing she expects to happen in her life is to fall in love with an ex-criminal.

Rory Murphy has just finished a fifteen-year sentence for robbery, but he is not the man who first walked into that prison. With the help of a mentor, he changed his life whilst still behind bars, and now he has been given the opportunity of working on a farm to help him integrate back into society. He’s expecting early starts, long days, backbreaking work, and lonely nights, but he finds friendship, family, and love in Pepper Bay. Is it possible for him to finally have a good life? Not if his past has anything to do with it.

My review

Rory Murphy didn’t have an easy life and he is the first to admit that he has made mistakes in the past. Now he has finished his fifteen – year sentence for robbery, and he isn’t the same man anymore.
In prison he had a mentor that changed his life, and being a free man again, Rory hopes he can integrate back into society. With the help of the organisation Shine, with its focus to help ex – criminals, Rory ends up in Pepper Bay, helping on the Sheridan’s farm. Working on a farm means long days and hard work.
But what Rory didn’t expect was to meet Tilly Sheridan. She runs the small shop on Dreamcatcher farm in her dungarees.
Tilly is fifty, widowed, premenopausal and the last thing on her mind is to fall in love, especially with an ex – criminal.
But the heart wants what it wants, so will these two people have their own happily ever after, even after their past?

It’s not a secret that I love returning to Pepper Bay. But for me, this was the sweetest, funniest book of the whole series!

I loved the positive message in this story. Because no matter what mistake you made in your past, the people of Pepper Bay don’t hold it against you if you have changed your life.
Especially the whole Sheridan family shows how to give second chances without any prejudice.
And Tilly even proofs that everyone deserves love in their lives.

From the start, it’s obvious what an amazing person Tilly is. Not only because of her acceptance of Rory in Pepper Bay, but also how she is independent and strong on her own. She has loved but also lost and she doesn’t need a new man by her side.
She is easy on welcoming new people, she doesn’t judge someone based on their past. She sees you for who you are now.
And seeing how she accepts Rory and easily befriends him, shows again what a great character Tilly is.

I have to admit, Tilly is a very sweet and kind person, but also a very funny one, even if it’s unintentional.
Each time she has a hot flush, her ways to cool down are so awkward for her but so hilarious for us to read! I can understand her embarrassment, but I couldn’t stop laughing when one of those flushes came!

And Rory… he for sure changed his life around. He didn’t have an easy young life, which obviously made him made mistakes, for which he has paid his dues.
I liked it how he turned that page and has changed his life for the better. Even if I don’t agree with his past actions, I could understand where he was coming from, and obviously seeing how he redeemed himself, warmed my heart.
He is a selfless man, not afraid to risk his own life for others.

I just loved reading how these two lovely people are getting closer. They deserve to be happy together. It was marvellous to see how people, even after a certain age can fall deeply in love. Add a level of hilarity over needing some help at the more passionate moments, honestly, this book couldn’t be any better!

Of course, there are some moments that were saddening and heart – breaking, because somehow Rory’s not totally freed from his past. And wrong assumptions and decisions are being made, making me a bit angry.
I understood where those assumptions and decisions came from, but they were just wrong!

This was a wonderful return to Pepper Bay, with unexpected main protagonists. But these characters were very quickly in making me fall in love with them.
This book is filled with lovely people, but also with love, hope and showing us that everybody makes mistakes, some on a bigger scale than others. But it’s important to learn from those mistakes and change your life. And with people with an open mind and heart, you can find a place to call home, even if you never had it before.
And love can come at any age and in any shape, even in an unexpected way. But it’s up to us to dare to open our hearts again and even dare to fight for our love.

Maybe this book is the furthest away from my own situation/ life, but I think that this may be my favourite until now of the whole series! It’s such a positive book, putting a smile on my face!