With so much going on, is one retreat going smoothly too much to ask?

Synopsis

Welcome back to the Hummingbird Hotel!

When Abbie Coleman is asked to organise a Dance & Desserts retreat for a group of exhausted schoolteachers, she decides to pull out all the stops. With line dancing, flamenco and the Charleston on the agenda, along with a whole host of delicious themed desserts, it’s her chance to prove to everyone that she has – at last – gained the skills needed to be an accomplished hotelier. This time she’s determined there will be no “unfortunate incidents” that make the Hummingbird Hotel look like Corfu’s Comedy Central.

With her big fat Greek wedding to the gorgeous Nikos Angelopoulos only three weeks away, will she finally be able to deliver a retreat without the habitual chaos and calamity the hotel has become famous for? Can she turn a clunky chicken dance into a classy Charleston and a boogie-woogie into a beautiful ballet? Or will she be boot scootin’ it back to London and life as a floundering florist?

Let Daisy James whisk you away to gorgeous Corfu with a feel-good holiday read filled with sun, sea and a sprinkle of romance. Perfect for fans of Mandy Baggot, Sue Roberts & Sandy Barker.

My review

In only three weeks it’s finally happening, Abbie will marry the love of her life Nikos in Corfu. With all the preparations almost ready, Abbie hopes that her latest retreat will go without any hiccups and that she can finally show that she in fact is a accomplished hotelier.
Even if the retreat is a Dance & Desserts one, for a group of schoolteachers, and her dancing skills aren’t really that great, she is determined to put her best foot forward.
With everything on her mind, can this retreat be accident – free? And will Abbie’s and Nikos’ plans for the future be the wonderful start of their lives together? Or will things fall apart before they even started? 

Returning to the Hummingbird Hotel is always a great joy for me. I have loved reading how first Abbie got the hotel and how slowly Corfu turned into her new home, with also finding love with Nikos.
So it’s obvious I just had to read this last chapter! 

Even if Abbie hopes to have a retreat without any problems, we know there is some trouble lurking around the corner.
Obviously, the mishaps are more a case of mischief than truly hurtful. And somehow I could understand why the culprit acted in such ways, even if in the end, the ‘victim’ showed his true colours and good intentions. 

But while the mystery and Abbie’s desperation is fun to read about, I found this more about how Abbie and Nikos are planning their future together, and the struggles they are facing to obtain their own happily ever after. 

It was so sweet and wonderful to read that even after a few setback, the love between these two characters is rock-solid. No matter what happens, I loved to see how they are there for each other, understanding each other with a few words and just having the same dreams, together. 

While one decision they made broke my heart (but I still understood it), Daisy James also shows that makes a decision and letting go is not easy. Wee see that when Abbie learns that what she has built with so much love, isn’t always appreciated.
so I kept hoping that there would be another, better fitting solution… 

Coming back to Hummingbird Hotel, knowing it would be the last time (not counting the re – reading sessions in the future), left me a bit melancholic…
I not only started to love Abbie and Nikos, but all their friends and family too. Getting to know them, and now parting our ways is a sad thing.
But it was also a privilege being part of their lives. And reading how in this book love is all around, warmed my heart.
And I am not only talking about love between the main characters, but also between friends, family and also the love for a place, just like Hummingbird Hotel and Corfu. 

I laughed reading about the dance classes, imaging Felix being true to himself, I enjoyed imaging how the desserts were being tasted (and devoured). I also freaked out when meticulously planned things went wrong, even bringing me almost to despair.
But I also felt hopeful, because this couple, their friends and family shows us that no matter what, together they stand strong and a solution will be found, maybe even a better one than the original plans. 

I enjoyed reading each book of this series, and for me, this last chapter couldn’t be a better ending for this great adventure the author made us participate together with amazing characters.

Love can change people, and not always for the better

Synopsis

She loves him…

Lizzie Green once loved Tom Murphy with a passion that bordered on obsession. All she wanted was his love to be returned. Then one night something terrible happened and Tom left Lizzie broken hearted. She swore she would never let him hurt her again….

She loves him not.

Now, ten years later, Tom turns up on Lizzie’s doorstep still as charming as ever. Lizzie knows he still has the power to break her heart and destroy her life again. But Lizzie can’t say no to him….

Can she?

My review

Lizzie Green and Tom Murphy have been best friends for ever. And then Lizzie realized that her feelings for Tom weren’t only amicable. She truly loved him with all her heart and passion.
But Tom doesn’t give Lizzie any indication that her feelings are reciprocated. And then that one night happens, a night that leaves Lizzie heartbroken and alone…
Ten years later Lizzie is known as Beth, as a way to put that past behind her. That is until Tom turns up at her doorstep.
Lizzie knows that Tom still has the power to break her, and not only her heart. But is she strong enough to say ‘no’ to him? 

I am a romantic type, and I have read several stories where lifelong friends suddenly realize that their feelings run deeper and slowly get involved and get their happily ever after.
But this for sure isn’t that kind of story, it is even the total opposite! Because what happens when feelings aren’t reciprocated or when the person of your affections doesn’t turn out to be who you thought? 

Initially it all begins on a happy note, as ten years ago, Lizzie and Tom are the best friends, and they just do everything together. They even decide to go to the same university, even if Lizzie’s parents, especially her mother, doesn’t think it’s a good idea.
Even if I could understand her parents’ view, I was happy for Lizzie that she would always have her best friend close to her. 

It’s until we fast-forward to the present. And we see a whole different Lizzie, who now goes as Beth. The contrast couldn’t be bigger, as that sparkly, social, happy Lizzie turned into fearful, grey mouse Beth.
And it’s clear that something devasting happened, to change Lizzie completely. And the lack of Tom’s presence in her life, makes it obvious that somehow he is involved in it. 

Through flashbacks we see how Lizzie is struggling with her feelings while Tom turns into a person I liked into someone I didn’t like at all…
And we get to learn how Lizzie becomes ‘the other woman/girl’, and desperately wants Tom for herself.
I got fearful at a moment, because it’s clear that her patience is running out, and with alcohol involved that one night, I had no idea what would happen. 

The more I got into this book, the more I started to have my own ideas about what happened that one night, even if Lizzie’s own memory couldn’t tell her what happened. 

I despised how Tom re – entered Lizzie’s life, turning her protected world upside down all over again. He just appeared out of nowhere, made himself too comfortable at Lizzie’s home and even stared to tell her what to do.
While maybe it’s about time that Lizzie started to live again, it isn’t Tom’s place to tell her how to live.

However, we also see how Lizzie, even if the way she acts towards Tom is the total opposite, doesn’t like the way Tom barged into her life and home again. This time around, she doesn’t just believe everything Tom tells her, and she slowly starts to stand up for herself and is even determined to find out what truly happened ten years ago.  

Even if the revelation didn’t come as a total surprise to me, as I had a feeling that there was so much more than what Lizzie believed what happened, I was flabbergasted how far people would go for their own gain. And the want of knowing the real truth is what kept me going.  

In this book, we get to learn that sometimes we only see the good in people. And that not always people are who we think we are. Unfortunately, some people use us to their own advantage, as proven in a rather extreme way by this author.
The author also shows us the impact such people have in our lives. They can make or break us, their actions and motives can change us, and turn people for a bright person into a fearful person, hiding from everyone.
But even if we are being played, the truth will come out at some point and we get to learn how strong and resilient we truly are.

A summer filled with unexpected adventure and revelations

Synopsis

A Summer of Castles. A secret in ruins.

At the beginning of the sultry 2003 English summer, Robyn Yates quits her job to photograph fifteen castles for a man she’s never met. A man who won’t tell her his real name. 

What motivates her is an unusual ability she can’t explain nor understand. Somebody does though and is keen to exploit her secret.

But Robyn isn’t alone on her journey. An artist is painting pictures of the same castles. Wherever she goes, so does he, like a stalker. But is he dangerous? And could this man be the same person who wants her photographs? 

She decides to challenge him, never anticipating that the confrontation will change the path of both of their lives.

The stifling summer will eventually end, but will Robyn find out the truth in time?

My review

In 2003, Robyn Yates gets to fulfil partly her dreams, even if it comes in a strange way. She has always dreamed of visiting the castles of England.
So what does it matter if she has never met the man who wants her to photograph fifteen castles? Or that she doesn’t even know his name?
But it’s not only her dream that makes her accept the job, but also her unusual ability, that gets triggered at each place she visits.
While she expected to be alone on her journey, it becomes clear that an artist is following the same route. Is he following her? And is he dangerous? Or has he received likewise instructions?
Little does Robyn know that confronting him will make sure that her summer is unforgettable and that both their lives will change forever.

I always had a fascination for castles and having a story where the main character is going to visit not one, but fifteen castles, for sure it had my interest!
Add that we are in England, and it was even better!

Although, I have to admit, that the blurb of the book took my imagination a whole different direction than the actual story took.
I thought it would be a darker story, as Robyn finds herself being followed. And in those first chapters, it would really appear that the artist was not a genuine person.
But the more the story progressed, the more I realized that this is not that kind of story, and I was happy with the direction of the book.

I have to admit, that Robyn’s ability is not something I truly believe in. I believe, as in a book, that Robyn truly has this ability and that it’s not just an overactive imagination. So for in a book I can accept it, but if someone in real life would tell me about it, I would be sceptical…

Also, I wouldn’t know if I would accept the job like Robyn and Joseph did, without more information, just to follow the itinerary, send over what’s requested, but not knowing who you are actually working for.
But that is also the charm of the book, trying to figure out what is truly going on, and how Robyn and Joseph are both lined by the same person (or not?).

Both main characters have their own issues, and are trying to find their own spot in the world, literally and figuratively speaking. But it was also lovely to see how they are bonding together and are able to feel at ease with each other. Of course, there has to be some misunderstandings between them, that is mandatory!

With visiting each castle, I found myself using Google to understand better how the characters would feel with seeing the place.
it made me feel closer to them as I could see myself what they were seeing.

The further along in the story I found myself, the more curious I got about the main purpose of this journey. Obviously, there was a scheme of bringing Robyn and Joseph together, but in this story, it’s not until the end that all the pieces of the puzzle fall together.
And even if at moments it seemed a bit farfetched, I could appreciate the efforts someone would go for their beloved ones.

The author shows us with this tale that sometimes the most unexpected journeys takes us to unexpected places and let us meet unexpected people. But also that one unexpected thing can bring us the thing we were missing the most in our lives, love, acceptance, family and belonging.

Time to reveal a wonderful cover, and the story for sure has my interest!

Synopsis

Joanna is approaching the end of her forties and the empty nest syndrome looms. She consoles herself with gin and chocolate, realising that apart from her son Jack, she has achieved absolutely nothing in her life.

Somewhat on the plus side of plump and barely five feet tall, she finds it difficult not to envy her younger, prettier sister. Such elevated elegance seems so unfair – as does Hannah’s successful marriage. Joanna, in contrast, has remained in a loveless marriage for the past thirty years, stuck in a rut with the most miserable man on the planet but not having the impetus to get out.

It takes an embarrassing but hilarious encounter in the supermarket to make her realise what she’s been missing. It’s exactly the push she needs to make her change her life. With a little encouragement, Joanna starts to regain her independence, finally leaving her grumpy husband to enjoy life as a single woman. As she attempts to rebuild her own future, her family and friends continually surprise her with their own revelations.

Life is never dull, laughter never far away; can Joanna finally find true happiness within herself at last?

Pre-order Link – https://amzn.eu/d/ftHPlMW

Publication Date – 28th August

About the author

For many years Susi Osborne worked in libraries, and later as a classroom assistant in a junior school. She currently runs a business selling all things vintage in an antiques centre. She also runs Northwich LitFest which she started ten years ago. Susi lives in Cheshire with her husband, her family and two dogs. Happiness is a Thing With Wings is her fifth novel. Her previous books are – 

The Ripples of Life

Grace & Disgrace

Secrets, Lies & Butterflies

Angelica Stone

The COVER!

What will summer bring after a spring with disasters?

Synopsis

‘Gorgeous, glorious and uplifting. A delight to read.’ (Christie Barlow)

List-juggling, business-owner mum-of-three Louisa is reeling after a tragedy, as well as learning how to cope after a life-changing revelation. With oil worker husband Ronnie possibly being able to move onshore, she hopes he can help her manage the burden.
But the secrets she keeps are causing her headaches and she’s unsure if her ability to make good decisions has deserted her. All she seems to do is upset those around her.
With Louisa’s to-do list gathering pace at an incredible speed, will she manage to provide a stable home for them all, embrace her new normal as well as rebuild their life from what’s left?
And if she gets what she has always wanted, will it match up to her expectations?

For fans of Milly Johnson, Sarah Morgan and Heidi Swain.

My review

Lou is still a woman with lists. Whatever she has to do, is mentioned on her to – do list. But instead of having it all easier, after the last tragedy, her list only grew longer.
More than ever, she now needs the help of her husband Ronnie, especially after their surprise discovery, so fingers and toes are crossed that Ronnie can quickly find an onshore job.
But when things don’t always go as expected, Lou has to face that what she things are good decisions, aren’t always seen as thus by those around her.
Can Lou manage to be on top of everything, and fulfil her own expectations? Or will it all crash down and make her world and family fall totally apart? 

When I started this book, I for sure was prepared, as I have read the previous book ‘Spring’. And even if it was a while ago, I was rather quick with catching up again with what happened there.
But even if you haven’t read the previous parts, it is easy to follow this wonderful story. 

After the disaster that happened in the previous book, we see a Lou that is trying to fix everything. With the help of her new friend/ new boss she and her family are staying in a suite in his hotel. And while it may seem like a dream coming true, I could also understand the struggles. Yes, you have all the luxury, the rooms get cleaned, you can order room service. But it’s also restrictive… because your whole life is just in one room, you cannot move around like you would at your own place.
And I completely understood how the kids would get bored after a while and would be ending up in mischief. 

While things between Lou and Ronnie may be going better, they are still a long way from being what they were a while ago.
Lou is still struggling with keeping all the balls in the air, and Ronnie is being a typical man, not seeing where his help is needed and not seeing Lou practically drowning.
Even if they have received wonderful news, it only adds more pressure on Lou, and even the well meant comments are only adding fuel to the fire, making Lou feel even more inadequate.

However, no matter what next challenge was waiting for Lou, I admired how she just kept going. At one moment I truly saw her as a Mama Bear protecting her family at any all costs.
Maybe the way she did some things, weren’t the right way, but she did it for the right reasons.
I completely understood her, but I also comprehended how her own family and her closest friends didn’t appreciate the direction she took. 

Lou has so many tests in this book, that I was amazed how she just kept going. It isn’t just the issue with her home, but also the struggles of her family, being there for her friends, keep the business going, that last surprise.
Many people would have thrown the towel in the ring, but Lou cannot afford to lose everything she worked so hard for. She has a determination and fierceness that made me even stand a bit taller as she wouldn’t take ‘no’ for an answer. 

This book shows us the determination of a woman, with her desire to make everything work, but also facing reality that not everything can go as she wants. Lou also come to learn that going too fast means that at one point, you’re going to crash with all its consequences. 

I loved reading this next part of the series, even it shows us not only all the good that happens in life, but also the twists that life has in store for us.
We often take things for granted, or think our secrets are safe, but at one point, we have to face reality and see that all can be lost very quickly.
But that is real life, and this author managed again perfectly to show us that real life is filled with beautiful, wonderful things, but also with things that just aren’t… 

This book is so easy to devour, as I just kept reading if and how the pieces of the puzzle would fall into place.
Susan Buchanan is able to make you feel comfortable at one point, and the next moment you are left flabbergasted as everything seems to fall into pieces again.
But no matter the twists, she also shows us that with the right mindset, determination and strength, even the extension of a surprise is not insurmountable! And that love can maybe even overcome the greatest sense of betrayal. And most important, happiness comes in shapes and forms you never expected.

Teamwork makes the dreamwork

Synopsis

A feel-good, opposites-attract, slow burn romantic comedy

Somebody stole my painting! The one I need for the career-defining Vertex Art Exhibit. This upcoming art show is my chance to finally be recognized as an artist—after ten years of waitressing and being asked if I still have that “lovely painting hobby.”

I have mere weeks to find my painting or lose my artist dream forever—but it’s going to mean working with William.

William Haruki Matsumura. Good-looking, if you like the Secret Service type. You know, law-abiding, protector of women and children. That’s all fine, but I can never tell what he’s thinking. Which drives me crazy.

He insists on coming along to do “damage control.” As if “accidentally” wandering into certain areas is “breaking and entering.” I may be an emotional artist, but William shouldn’t dismiss my investigative skills yet.

William is definitely my opposite, and, if there’s one takeaway from my parents’ divorce, it’s that opposites might attract, but it doesn’t last. But detecting with William is kind of fun—and fluttery. I definitely can’t trust these feelings, or can I? However this caper ends, I think this may be more than a crush.

My review

Miranda is on the verge of having her dream coming true. She can finally show her painting at the Vertex Art Exhibit and she is certain that this exhibit is her chance to be finally appreciated as an artist.
That is, until the most important painting is being stolen, together with another famous painting owned by her Uncle.
Without her painting, her place at the exhibit is at risk, and she has only a few weeks to find the paintings back.
Miranda is determined to find the culprit, but what she doesn’t need is to be chaperoned by William Haruki Matsumura, who is connected to her through her Uncle’s partner.
While Miranda would go everywhere head first, William is the calmer of the pair. And is also frustrating Miranda as she never knows what she is thinking.
Together on a mission, Miranda quickly learns a whole different side of William, that is actual fun. Opposites have always attracted, but with so much at stake, can Miranda trust her feelings? 

There are some authors that you know before you have read one word, that you will enjoy reading their books.
And this author surely is part of my list! 

I appreciate art, but give me paint, a canvas and brushes, and I would come up with something a toddler could make.
And while modern art isn’t my cup of tea either, again, I appreciate the artist’s work and passion in it.
So I can only imagine how devasting the discovery of stolen paintings can be.
And I can surely comprehend how Miranda is struggling with putting anything else on a blank canvas! 

So obviously, Miranda wants to find her painting back, not only for her exhibit but also for herself, as this painting was a turning point in her career as an artist.
I have to say, I absolutely loved Miranda! She is a determined woman, as she won’t back down until her painting is back where it belong.
She is also an inventive one. The way she can trick people (in a good way) by changing her appearances, made me laugh out loud!
But she also is a correct woman. Meaning that if someone isn’t as passionate about her work, she would rather lose the sell than have it hanging somewhere and not being loved. 

So obviously, such a headstrong woman, needs someone to balance things. And William is the perfect yang to Miranda’s yin!
He is an accountant, so clearly a strict man, making numbers work and not colouring outside the lines. And he keeps Miranda from doing things she didn’t think through.
While William may seem like a boring accountant, the more we read about him, the more fun he seems to be and he surely is very chivalrous!  

I loved how the author managed to keep the reader intrigued about the theft, but also kept us luring with Miranda and William.
I kept looking for clues together with the main characters, while at the same time I was in need for the romantic moments.
While more clues were being found, more feelings were developing. Even if both Miranda and William have their own stories of broken hearts and reluctance of admitting their feelings, even in their way of moving on couldn’t be more different (as Miranda is still friends, while William doesn’t see the point). 

This book is filled with so many emotions, there is anger, sweetness, love, laughter, frustration, determination and understanding.
Being opposites doesn’t mean that things are impossible, just that in some circumstances we have to learn to step in the other person’s shoes. Because seeing things our way doesn’t mean that everyone sees it the same way. 

The author for sure fulfilled my high expectations, and I found myself swept away in this mysterious yet lovely story, with not only amazing main characters, but also great side characters giving us that little extra making this story even more amazing!

When one is determined to never get married…

Synopsis

Temptation like never before for the fashion-loving bluestocking when she meets an unconventional duke.

Headstrong Grace Bamford is determined to remain unwed and keep her independence. Which means interesting, marriageable men are best avoided. Her classical studies and philanthropy are more important to her than a husband and a lot safer.

Angus Medley’s life is turned upside down when he unexpectedly inherits a dukedom. He is wrenched from the career he loves as an Edinburgh advocate to take up responsibility for the Duchy of Evesham and the people relying on it for their livelihoods.

Grace rescues Angus from a knife-wielding attacker outside the London orphanage she helps to run. He dismisses the attack as a failed robbery but Grace suspects foul play. Is someone from Angus’s past trying to kill him? Grace offers to help him investigate, concerned for his safety, even though it means spending time with the most attractive man she has ever met.

Marriage is the last thing on Angus’s mind as he grapples with his new responsibilities and his hidden enemy, until he falls in love with Grace. Will Grace find the courage to follow her heart?

Georgette Heyer meets Mary Balogh in this romantic adventure.

My review

Grace Bramford is determined to never get married, as she wants to keep her independence and surely doesn’t need a husband to tell her what to do or not to do.
She enjoys doing what she pleases, like taking care of the orphanage and her classical studies.
When she saves Angus Medley from an attacker, Angus may think it was just a robbery going wrong. But him becoming the Duke Of Evesham may make him a target for other purposes.
Investigating the matter together, means that Grace start to fall for Angus, but she is not prepared to give up her independence. Especially with her own brother trying to play matchmaker between them. And Angus himself is for sure not looking for someone to marry.
But with lives at stakes, how long will it take for Grace and Angus to admit their feelings? 

I surely can enjoy reading a Regency romance, even if the outcome isn’t that big of a surprise. And with this author, I know there is more than just swooning looks, hidden/ forbidden kisses and damsels in distress. 

I loved Grace’s resolution to never get married, especially when you take in account how marriages were in that era.
Grace is an independent woman, but not only that. She is smart, capable and fearless. I for sure never heard of a woman carrying a weapon around!
It’s not easy being a woman back then, but Grace won’t let her being a woman let her hold back.
She knows what she is worth and what she can do, and she won’t back down. 

But beside this fierceness, she also has a gentle, sweet nature. She is truly invested in the orphanage, and helps out every way that she can. But she also makes sure that when someone wants to employ one of the orphans, the orphans go to a good place. 

Angus was quickly winning me over. He isn’t accustomed with the society rules as he now is a Duke. But even in his elevated status, he just remains the man he was before. He treats people equally, he doesn’t care if you’re an orphan, in the working class, or a Duke. He looks at the character of people.
However, being a typical man, he doesn’t know how to express his feelings correctly, and while he says things with the right intention, they come out in the wrong way, making it funnily frustrating! 

It was fun to see also some old friends again, and how they accept Angus between them. But also seeing how they are offering their help in discovering who Angus’ enemies are and why. Again proof that me liking them was the right thing to do! 

Grace and Angus together, you know that feelings will grow, but also knowing the characters, they will hang on to their beliefs. And even if it made me frustrated at moments, because we know the potential, it shows us that the main characters aren’t quick in dismissing their thoughts and actually overthink everything. 

This was a captivating, intriguing story, making me see enemies everywhere, and having me watch our main characters their backs too.
But there were also many moments filled with loyalty (Sam is surely one of the characters that will steal your heart), tender moments between our main characters and moments that made me grasp a little bit for air. 

It is in this book perfectly clear to never underestimate the force of a woman, but as headstrong as the main characters can be, also never underestimate the force of love. And the right person will understand your views on several matters, and will accept them and will never try to change you.

Everything is going to ‘bee’ allright

Synopsis

Her new start is about to bee-gin!

Having moved into her mum’s spare room after a disastrous break-up, Kayleigh Harwood is desperate for a fresh start. When she sees an opening for a new beekeeper at the old manor house at Elderflower Grove she jumps at the chance – despite not knowing a thing about bees…

The abandoned house holds a mystery of its own – the previous owner vanished years ago – and locals have been inventing stories about the manor ever since. Unable to resist the urge to look around, Kayleigh is shocked to find drop-dead-gorgeous gardener Carey living inside!

Carey explains that the house and surrounding land is at risk of being demolished, endangering the bees, and he has been staying there to protect it. Convinced the secret of the house holds the key to saving Elderflower Grove’s bees, Kayleigh is prepared to do everything she can to help. But is she ready to find her own happy-ever-after too…?

My review

Kayleigh Harwood recently moved back to her mum after breaking up with her boyfriend. Crashing in the spare bedroom is okay for a short period, but Kayleigh wants to have her fresh start as soon as possible.
So when she sees an opening position as beekeeper at Elderflower Grove, she applies for the job and surprisingly is hired even if she lied during the interview and doesn’t actual know one thing about bees…
However, her only task is to look after the bees, and she may never enter the mansion. Not only because after a fire several years ago, it’s dangerous, but also because the owner just disappeared after that.
Add the tales of the villagers of the mansion being haunted, it would be smart to not enter the house. But curious as Kayleigh is, she enters anyway and is shocked to find gardener Carey living there!
As the mansion and its land and bees are  at risk of getting demolished, together with Carey, Kayleigh starts to make plans to save the mansion that starts to mean so much to her, and Kayleigh even starts to care about the bees.
Can the mansion be saved? And will the found letters be the solution Kayleigh and Carey were looking for? 

I am not particularly a fan of bees. Of course I appreciate the honey they make and I know that they are important in nature. But, my apologies, if a bee comes too close to my liking, I will go all crazy and it will be a case of survival of the strongest…
So you can see that I would never do what Kayleigh did, and apply for a job as beekeeper. 

Yet I admired Kayleigh, even if I do not agree with her lying about her ‘bee-ing’ a beekeeper. But she wants to get her life back on track and it all starts with finding a job.
I found it sweet to see how there was even somehow a link between Kayleigh and the mansion, as she was the one who spotted the fire several years ago.
And seeing how her confidence and appreciation for the bees grows more during the story, was juts lovely.
I don’t know for a fact if bees can actual understand us, but I think it’s a very sweet thought, that even with bees you get what you deserve. 

When Kayleigh meets Carey, it is not in an usual way. Kayleigh is doing something she shouldn’t be doing (being inside the mansion) and get the shock of her life seeing Carey.
But quickly they bond, and as both having had their heart broken, have no intention then being more than just friends.

There is also a bit of a mystery to solve in this wonderful book. Because what happened truly to the owner? She disappeared after the fire. While it would be easy to assume she has become victim of the fire too, is that truly what happened?
Together, Kayleigh and Carey want to find out what happened and with the help of the house itself, slowly we also get to learn what happened. And I found the revelations bittersweet…
And with Carey being so reluctant to ‘bee’ seen, made me for a moment even believe that he was just a ghost, like the tales would make you believe. 

I have to say, I just ADORED the fact that Kayleigh is a Pride & Prejudice fan just like me. And the references to this classic and even one specific event made me love this book even more!
And the ‘bee’ and ‘well’ intended puns made me laugh out loud, making me to make up some of my own, ‘beeing’ up to standard with the ones the characters make up so ‘well’.  

While even after this story, I won’t ‘bee’ a Bees’ Fan Number 1, I for sure appreciate them a little bit more.
This story was so easy to read and to love, as it shows us both people’s and bees’ resilience and strength. And when people are passionate for the right cause, a way will ‘bee’ found and in the end, maybe you will find more than expected and you can ‘bee’ courageous, face your fears and even find love…

With high expectations, it’s obvious things will go differently on your holiday

Synopsis

It was meant to be a gloriously romantic getaway in Wales for Ruby and Hudson. That was the plan, anyway. But then friends start inviting themselves along, lured by the idea of unwinding in a chocolate-box pretty cottage, wandering the lanes and the coastline, soaking up the sun and the stunningly beautiful Italian-inspired architecture. With Ellie, Jaz, Fen and Madison popping up around every corner, plus another sinister mystery to solve, will the lovebirds ever find time to indulge their desire for sun, sea and . . . strawberry shortcake?

My review

Ruby and Hudson are happily together now, and are looking forward to have a romantic getaway, just the two of them.
But their plans fall into water when suddenly not only Hudson’s new assistant Joanna is staying in the cottage next to theirs, but also Ruby’s friends have planned their vacation in a hotel nearby.
So not exactly the getaway Ruby and Hudson envisaged. Add a new mystery that needs to be solved, involving Ruby’s new friend Bee, Joanna showing a not so nice side of her and Hudson being more away for work emergencies, will this lovely couple find the time for just themselves? 

You may know that I was rather late with catching up with the Little Duck Pond Café Series, but you also know that I fell completely in love with each story.
And Ruby and Hudson even have a more special spot in my heart! So obviously l just had to read this next part! 

Is there anything more perfect for a totally in love couple to go on a romantic getaway, just being the two of them, having sun, sea and strawberry shortcake (and yes, that’s an euphemism for another word that also starts with ‘s’…). 

Obviously, if this book would only be romantic, it would be a great book anyway, but we know this couple and we know there has to be a mystery somewhere somehow.  
And while I was ready to solve this mystery together with Ruby and Hudson, I have to admit I was slightly disappointed in Hudson. 

Now, don’t get me wrong, I still love him, but his behaviour in this book wasn’t what I expected and I can tell that Ruby shared my opinion!
I can understand when an emergency at work needs your presence, but the whole point of the romantic getaway was to have some alone time.
And his inability to see Joanna’s behaviour, especially towards Ruby, well, it just infuriated me.
But do not despair, because he redeems himself BIG TIME and my love for him only grew! 

Despite Hudson’s absence, Ruby tries to make the best of her holiday. She spends some time with her friends and even befriends cleaner Bee and her lovely daughter Jodie.
And with the mystery revolving around them, Ruby is adamant to figure out what is going on. That’s the Ruby we know! 

Also Jaz gets her spotlight moment in this book. We know from the previous parts she wasn’t having an easy time, so it was lovely to see how she is getting back to be her normal self. And while one devastating revelation could break her, I admired her decisions! 

I absolutely loved reading this book, even if there were some terrifying moments that didn’t only scare Jodie and moments that made me feel disappointed in the men. But making mistakes is human, and sometimes we have to look at the bigger picture.
I loved reading how strong, lovely, and caring Ruby and Hudson are, not only as a couple but also as individuals.
And with the friends gathered together, it’s all good when it ends well! 

The author managed to let me devour this book in one session and made me look even more forward to the next part of this marvellous series!

I for sure cannot wait to read this book, can you?

Synopsis

When Leonie Baxter finds herself out of a job and out of a relationship, she’s at her wits end. Her life has just been turned upside down and she needs a plan, fast.

By chance, on a walk with her rescue puppy, Leonie stumbles across a striking house in the woods; fully furnished but unoccupied. As a journalist, she is determined to find out more, after all, reporting is in her nature.

But her attempts are thwarted by Lily Cruickshank who lives in the cottage next door. Why won’t Lily help Leonie? And who is the mysterious Flynn Talbot, whose letter Leonie finds inside the house?

And in uncovering the secrets of the abandoned house, will Leonie open her own heart and let love back into her life?

The brand new escapist story from the bestselling author of A Secret Scottish Escape and A Scottish Highland Surprise, for fans of Jo Thomas, Trisha Ashley and Cathy Bramley.

Pre-order Links:

UK – The Cottage in the Highlands: Relax and unwind with the brand new winter romance (Scottish Escapes, Book 3) eBook : Shackman, Julie: Amazon.co.uk: Kindle Store

USA – Amazon.com: The Cottage in the Highlands: Relax and unwind with the brand new winter romance (Scottish Escapes, Book 3) eBook : Shackman, Julie: Kindle Store

Publication Date: 1st December

About the author

Julie Shackman is a former journalist from Scotland, who has always wanted to write feel-good romance. As well as being an author, Julie also writes verses and captions for greetings card companies. Julie admits to having an obsession with stationery and handbags. She is married, has two sons and has a Romanian rescue puppy, Cooper. The Cottage in the Highlands is Julie’s seventh novel.

The COVER!