Being on your own is just fine, until it isn’t anymore…

Synopsis

Following the death of her husband, Cleo Johansen and her daughter moved to Bellbird Bay determined to make a new start. Having carved out a new life, Cleo is shattered when a shadow from her husband’s past throws their lives into disarray.

Will Rankin has lived in Bellbird Bay all his life. Now widowed, the former surf champion runs the local surf school and enjoys a close relationship with his son. Content to lead a single life, the appearance of an undesirable stranger is quick to upset his peaceful existence.

While neither Will nor Cleo is interested in forming a new relationship, an unexpected attraction surfaces when a mutual friend suggests they spend more time together.

Set against a background of sun, sea and sand, can Cleo and Will find a way to move forward together?

A heart-warming tale of family, friends, and how a second chance at love can happen when you least expect it.

My review

Cleo Johansen and her daughter built a new life after the death of her husband. Being just the two of them is all Cleo needs, so it’s obvious that she is struggling a little bit with Hannah making her own future plans.
But even if she would feel lonely, she for sure isn’t looking for a new love interest. And even if she were, she wouldn’t look at all at Will Rankin, with his surf dude – attitude.
Will also isn’t looking for love, as he has already lost the woman he loved. But when he finds himself on the receiving part of some unwanted feelings and flirtation, Will knows that his friends just want to help him out when they suggest to pretend to be dating Cleo Johansen.
What starts as just a pretend, slowly grows into an unexpected and real attraction. But are they both ready to let love back in?  

How much fun it was to return to Bellbird Bay! With each story I have fallen more and more in love with the place and its inhabitants!
But even if you haven’t read any book of this series, you can easily just grab this one! 

Initially I admired how Cleo, after losing her husband, found he courage to just pack everything and move to Bellbird Bay to start all over again.
She found her own place to be happy with Hannah and she doesn’t need more at all.

In Cleo I saw a lot of my own mother/parents to be honest.
No matter how old I am, the worrying never stops, and the love is for always unconditional. Even if Hannah makes some decisions Cleo doesn’t 100% agree with, she knows that it’s up to Hannah to live her life like she wants.
Cleo knows that she has to let Hannah go, even if it hurts her mother – heart to see her daughter go. 

But beside being a loving mother, she is in general a caring person. Even if initially she doesn’t really like Will, she helps in out.
And when a shocking secret comes out concerning her husband, she does the right thing to do, even if it’s against her own daughter’s wishes. 

It was really sweet to see how two total opposite people find each other. Because let’s be honest, Will couldn’t be more different than Cleo!
But while we know about his surf – history, reading about his own family and how those past events broke his heart, well, they broke my heart too! 

Slowly we see a more serious side of Will, a man with a passion for his business, a loving father, a caring friend and in general just a great guy! 

So the better we get to know both characters, the more we as a reader would see how perfect they would match. And while it started as a pretend, seeing the emotions and feelings turn into something more, truly made me smile.
The emotions of the characters were realistic, and even if some reactions were a bit on the dramatic side, I could understand the point of view of the character.  

I enjoyed reading every bit of this book. Obviously it’s filled with romance, which warmed my heart, just like the friendship and family in it.
But it also made me laugh at the persistence of someone not understanding a rejection, to even making me a bit afraid as things would appear to be escalating.

This was again a great story written by Maggie Christensen, as it shows us that there isn’t an expiration date on finding love. You never know who crosses your path…

A favour to be returned in an unusual way…

Synopsis

She’s rescued a knight

Now she needs the favour returned…

When widowed Lady Johanne happens upon an injured knight, she sees an opportunity to form an alliance and protect her home, Castle Brae, from her enemies. The betrothal she proposes might be merely for appearances, but the very real attraction between her and Sir Alewyn thrills and disturbs her. For it’s clear he’s hiding something… Can she trust him, with so much at stake?

My review

Widowed Lady Johanne knows she has to watch her back to keep her home Castel Brea safe. So she is totally aware of the risk she is taking with rescuing an unknown yet injured knight. Because who says that he isn’t a spy trying to uncover secrets of the Castle? Especially when that same knight claims he has lost his memory…
But has he truly? Or has his presence at the Castle not been as random as it appears? Because it’s clear that Sir Alewyn is hiding something, but what?
No matter what his reasons are, Lady Johanne needs his help for protecting her home, even if that means to fake their betrothal. No matter how many things they can be faking, their attraction for sure isn’t one of those things. But how far does their trust reach? Because secrets are going to come out anyway… 

It’s known that I truly enjoy reading about Knights, their strength and protectiveness. Add like usual for this author a likewise strong and protective Lady and I am for sure hooked! 

Lady Johanne in this story is just the perfect example of how women are absolutely capable of leading and guiding those under her charge.
Her husband may not have been a good example, but she for sure knows where her priorities lay and does more than her best to keep Castle Brae safe.
And she is making sure that her son grows into a respectful, strong man too! What an amazing woman Lady Johanne is! 

She also wants to make things on her own. While it would have been easier for her to just accept a proposition from her neighbour, she knows it’s not the right decision to make. So she prefers to find her own ways to make things works instead of taking an easy way out, which would also mean her people would be on the losing side.
Her kindness is also clear when she decides to take the injured, unknown Knight to her castle. While it would have been smarter to just let him be, we see that she cannot leave a man in need of help. And not just any Knight, without knowing, she is looking after one of the King’s Knights, who has his own agenda, unbeknownst to Lady Johanne. 

Sir Alewyn may have been able to stay at the Castle using the excuse of having amnesia, but that gives him the perfect opportunity to figure out if the rumours are true.
While I didn’t like him fooling the people who helped him, I could understand why he did it.
But I also liked seeing a soft side of this imposing Knight, who with just standing up would be terrifying almost anyone.
However, seeing him helping around at the castle, and agreeing with Lady Johanne’s proposal, I saw him for who he truly was, just a kind, caring and helpful person.

What I liked the most about this story was that even he biggest Knight has his own insecurities and doubts. I found it bittersweet to see how Sir Alewyn is struggling with his own place in the world, not seeing his own talents. This only shows us that no matter who we are, we all have our own insecurities, even if unjustified. 

We all know how this story will end, but that didn’t take away the joy of reading page after page after page.
Seeing how two strong-willed characters are growing closer, putting their trust in each other and seeing the lengths they would go for each other, warmed my heart. Their attraction was palpable from each page. 

I truly enjoyed reading this next book in an amazing series, the author easily took me in a world of Knights and Ladies, and showed me that size can be impressive, but that behind that big stature, the kindest men can be found. And the right Lady can see what her Knight truly is made of.
Is there a place where I can find such Knights myself?

When it’s time to chase your own happiness…

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?

My review

With her end of the forties approaching, Joanna realizes between her gins and chocolate, that the only thing she can be proud of, is her son Jack. But Jack is also an adult now, and making plans for his own future.
She cannot count for support on her husband, as the marriage is rather loveless, they are stuck in a rut and things are his way or no way… Every attempt Joanna makes to bring back some passion is being dissed so it’s obvious that she is a little bit jealous of the perfect life and marriage her sister has.
After the most embarrassing event at the supermarket, Joanna decides to take back charge of her life. Leaving her husband is only the first step of regaining her independence.
And Joanna starts to learn that happiness isn’t found in a few days, and that her own friends and family are struggling with their lives.
Secrets, revelations and just life in general keep Joanna surprising all over again. But in the end, does she find her own happiness again? 

Sometimes you read a book and the further you are in it, you realize what a strong message the author is trying to tell you. And this book is one of it. 

Joanna is a married woman, with a job, a son she adores. So it would seem she has it all, right? But Joanna doesn’t have it all… Her marriage is everything but a happy one, she knows that her only joy, her son, will leave the house at some point, and even her job isn’t making her feel fulfilled anymore. And her younger sister deems to have all the good genes, a perfect husband and now even a wonderful baby. Isn’t it normal that ‘plain’ Joanna feels a little bit jealous?
And that, the way Joanna feels at the start of the book, is something that is so realistic, so understandable.
It shows us that behind every façade there may be an uglier truth, and that people can be unhappy even if on paper they have a perfect life. 

I admired Joanna when she finally decided she had enough. What’s the point of her life if she is only feeling miserable?
The author takes Joanna on a life – changing journey and allows us to watch all the steps Joanna is taking.
Some steps are hilarious, like her visit to the supermarket, some steps warmed my heart, like the kindness of people she meets, some steps are sweet, like her finding the perfect place and some steps are even shocking, like the secret her own mother reveals. 

It was lovely to see how Joanna got out of her shell, becomes more confident and isn’t afraid to just do once in a while what she wants to do and not just pleasing people around.
Her growing in this story also allows her to have a better relationships with her loved ones, find new friends, and even dare to be passionate again.
Although, concerning that last bit, I was rather shocked how that turned out to be! 

I truly enjoyed reading this book, and the author managed to write a heart – warming tale about finding the courage to demand more from life than just a feeling insignificant.
How scary, even terrifying it may seem, everyone deserves to find pure happiness in life, and if that means to turn your whole world upside down, so be it. Because the people that truly matter, will stand by your side every step you take on this journey.

Is there a better place to mend your broken than Glentorrin?

Synopsis

After the heartbreak of a secret unrequited love, Millie Treadaway has finally found someone to spend her life with.

Harry Rose is handsome, successful and treats her like a princess. That is until Millie presents her fiancé with a surprise birthday gift, and their future is suddenly doomed.

Eight months later Millie returns to Glentorrin on the Isle of Skye for her best friend Jules’ Christmas wedding. Heartbroken, single and heavily pregnant.

Staying in Lifeboat Cottage with Jules’ brother, kindheartedDexter, she’s given up on love and resigned herself to be the best single Mum ever.

But a shock phone call from Harry leaves her reeling and doubting herself and her decisions.

Do second chances work? Or is Dexter, right? That she deserves much more?

Can the festive spirit in Glentorrin, and a little stray Jack Russell terrier, heal her heart?

Or is she fated to remain a member of the lonely-hearts club forever?

My review

Millie Treadaway has the perfect birthday present for her fiancé Harry. Because Harry does not only have the looks, he is also successful and treats her like a princess. So could there be anything more perfect than having a child together, even if it was not planned?
Millie is happy to be pregnant, but is shocked with Harry’s reaction.
Eight months later, Millie is going back to Glentorrin for her best friend Jules’ Christmas wedding, as a single and heavily pregnant woman.
She knows that being a single Mum won’t be easy, but she already loves her baby so much and will be the best possible Mum.
Staying with Jules’ brother Dexter at Lifeboat Cottage, she sees how loving and wonderful not only Dexter is, but the whole community of Glentorrin is.
But when Harry contact her again, after long months of silence, Millie must decide where her future is… Should she give Harry and their child a chance of being a family? Or do Millie and the baby deserve more, even if that means being a family of just two? 

Yes, this book is part of a series. Yes, it can perfectly be read as a standalone. Yes, you should ABSOLUTELY read it even if you haven’t read the previous before (and while you’re at it, read the previous parts!!!).
Yes, I have falling completely in love all over again with all the characters of Glentorrin! And yes, I cried while reading it! 

Before I read any of this author’s books, I hadn’t heard of Glentorrin before. But there are only a few places I got to know from books that I would just love to live there myself, and Glentorrin, with their lovely, amazing inhabitants, surely made the short – list! 

From the start, I truly liked Millie. She doesn’t have a very close family, but with meeting Jules at the University, she did not only find a best friend, but also a family who welcomed her with open arms.
But what made me love Millie, is how she stood up for herself and the baby when Harry made his own thoughts clear.
The moment Millie discovers her pregnancy, she is over the moon, and loves the baby immediately. She protects it (yes, I know, calling the baby “it” is terrible, but I don’t want to give away if it’s a boy or a girl, so bear with me…) unconditionally, and is determined to have it, even if that means to do it as a single mother. 

I can only be in awe of Millie’s courage. I am not a mother myself, but I know that having a baby is yes, very rewarding, but can sometimes also be a challenge. So reading about Millie’s determination made me like her even more than before! 

Glentorrin shows again what a magnificent place it is to live. Even if Millie is only planning to stay short-term, everyone welcomes her, helps her with (small) gestures, and Millie never felt more at home.
Obviously it helps that she has Dexter by her side. Jules’ brother is the kind of man every woman can fall in love with. He not only opens his home for Millie, but he looks after her, cares about her and makes Millie understand that she deserves all the happiness in the world, Harry included or not. 

I always like it when friendships stand not only the test of time, but also the test of distance. Millie and Jules would do anything for each other, and they know they can always rely on each other, no matter what. The support Millie can count on, truly warmed my heart. True friends understand when help is needed, and offer it unconditionally. 

The thing that got me the most, is the dilemma Millie is facing. That may sound like a strange thing to say, but while Millie knows that Harry is not the man she thought he was, she doesn’t want to take the father away from her unborn child.
She wants to do the right thing for her little one, even if that would mean heartbreak for her.  

This was a wonderful, marvellous, superb story, showing the strength of a mother, but also the doubts. With a child in your life, nothing will ever be the same again, but that doesn’t mean it’s a bad thing, even if *someone who we truly despise* does think so…
It shows us also love in all its aspects, between friends, own chosen family, long lost loves, new loves, love for just who we are, and everlasting love. And even the love of/for animals.
Because let me tell you, if Nigel won’t steal you heart, there is something definitely wrong with you!  

With this book, Lisa Hobman again met my extremely high expectations, surpassed them easily and made me fall in love all over again.
And yes, even if the epilogue seemed a tiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiny bit over the top, I still loved it how it all got together and gave the more perfect than perfect ending of an amazing story!

What better way for a crime – writer to find her mojo back with a real – life mystery?

Synopsis

ONE TURKEY FARM, FIVE WILD COLLEAGUES AND A BARN FULL OF MYSTERY

When jilted crime writer August Saunders returns from London to her roots in rural Wiltshire, she feels lost and lacking in inspiration. Determined to reignite her writing mojo, she responds to an advert for a shared workspace in a converted barn.

At the Hub, with its ill-equipped gym, inedible catering and motley array of fellow users, including a matchmaker more interested in her own conquests and a TikToker with a dodgy nocturnal sideline, August is confronted with a real-life mystery to solve.

Why is Max Ronson, the handsome but volatile owner of the Hub, so evasive about his past? And who or what is he hiding on the premises? She is determined to find out – but will her curiosity snuff out the spark of romance?

Nicola May mixes mischief with mystery in a fast-paced rural romp which will make Futtingbrook Farm as beloved a location as Ferry Lane Market or Cockleberry Bay.

Perfect for fans of Beth O’Leary, Sarah Morgan, Jill Manselland Cathy Bramley.

My review

August Saunders didn’t expect to return from London back to Wiltshire with a broken heart. And how can she mend her broken heart when her ex seems to be enjoying his life, and it’s all splattered in the gossip sections?
Feeling lost, alone and without inspiration for her next book, she decides to respond to an advert for a shared workspace in a barn.
The Hub offers a gym not that well equipped, a catering service best to be avoided and a bunch of fellow users, with their own reasons for renting a space.
Slowly August is finding her mojo back, thanks with the mysteries surrounding the place. What is the TikToker doing during the night?
And what about the owner of the Hub, Max Ronson? Why doesn’t he want to talk about his past? And what else is he obviously hiding?
And why does August, despite her suspicions, finds herself attracted to him? 

Okay, this is an easy review for me, because Nicola May did it again. Just when I think that she has reached her peak, and her best books have been out, she comes again with a great story and gets me hooked from the first page! 

From the start I sympathized with August (although, I was a bit confused initially as I kept thinking that August was a male name 😊).
She truly loved her ex and it’s obviously very difficult for her to just start thinking about moving on.
With a gentle push from her sister, she decides to rent out a space at The Hub and then it all takes off. 

I was amazed by how easy it all felt at The Hub. While It could have been a case where everyone just works and doesn’t interact with each other, it felt like a warm, welcoming place, even if the catering services were… well I’ll let you discover that yourself! 

Being a crime – writer, I perfectly understood August’s investigating wish, wanting to know exactly what is going on at the Hub. And while maybe I didn’t completely agree with her snooping around, I saw where she was coming from.

Slowly we see the real August again, a caring woman, not afraid of her own sexuality, but also with a tender heart. She doesn’t hesitate to help out for a good cause and when she starts volunteering, well, it melted my heart and I loved August even more!
And then her attraction towards Max… 

Max is not always the easiest character to like. One moment he is super nice, and the next he is being an utter sh*t. And what about all that mysterious behaviour? It’s clear that it’s something dodge that is going on!
When he is being nice, he is truly easy to like. I loved the banter he had with August. And I could for sure understand the attraction.
But when he is being at his worst, it was really hard to like him. But the better I got to know him, the more I understood that he has his own problems to face, and doesn’t always choses the right way…

This book is filled with hilarious bits, beautiful moments, heart – breaking pieces and with heart – warming actions. A character like August shows us that behind everything, a whole story is hidden. And that events of the past can make us take wrong decisions but always with the best intentions. It’s easy to condemn those who are in the wrong, but it’s better to help them out and not push them deeper.

Nicola May wrote a story that is a slow build – up, but in the end you cannot not be happy about what you have been reading! This was for sure again a marvellous book and I cannot wait what else she has in store for us!

Love is love, whether you’re a Viking of the past or a contemporary woman living on a farm in Scotland

Synopsis

A love forged in fire lives on through the ages

She stared at the man again. Was he real? Her mind returned to the ghostly figure by the shore and to her strange dream. No, he was not a figment of her imagination.

Skye Logan has been struggling to run her remote farm on Scotland’s west coast alone ever since her marriage fell apart. When a handsome stranger turns up looking for work, it seems that her wish for help has been granted. 

Rafe Carlisle is searching for peace and somewhere he can forget about the last few years. But echoes of the distant past won’t leave Skye and Rafe alone, and they begin to experience vivid dreams which appear to be linked to the Viking jewellery they each wear. 

It seems that the ghosts of the past have secrets . . . and they have something that they want Skye and Rafe to know.

My review

After her marriage fell apart, Skye Logan is living alone on her farm on Scotland’s west coast. Living alone, and on a farm isn’t easy and it’s hard work to make ends meet.
When stranger Rafe appears on her doorstep, looking for work, Skye is wary but the extra hands are obviously welcome.
It’s clear that Rafe is keeping secrets from her, as he is looking to forget about his past, but how can Skye blame him as she is keeping secrets from him too?
And what about those vivid dreams they both suddenly seem to have, about Vikings? Are they linked with the jewellery they both are wearing?
And who are the people in their dreams? What are they trying to tell Skye and Rafe?  

In my honest opinion, dual timelines in a story can be tricky. Because if you have a clear link between the two stories, and both stories are equally strong, you can have a great book.
But if you don’t, things may seem farfetched for the readers.
Luckily for us, Christina Courtenay wrote a book which is clearly the former! 

The story begins already with a bang. We get to know a young Ottar, who is the son of a Jarl, but his whole family and clan are being slaughtered by a rival group of Vikings and Ottar is taken hostage as a thrall.
Putting myself in his shoes, I could for sure comprehend why he was seeking for revenge for the murder of his family. But it’s also clear he is a smart one, as he doesn’t haste anything and knows he needs to grow muscles and strength and create a good plan that will lead him to success. 

I liked Ottar, not because he wants to avenge for what happened, but because despite his past and the way he is treated now, he still is a good young man.
When he meets Asta and starts to interact with her, we see how he wants to protect her from the injustice she is also enduring.
And he knows that Asta, being the daughter of the Jarl responsible of his own family’s death, cannot be held responsible for her father’s acts. 

I found it sweet to see how Ottar and Asta were getting closer, developing feelings they didn’t expect.
Especially because Asta is just perfect for Ottar. She is kind, gentle, sweet and caring. And she acts at the best interest of her clan, even when it would have been her right to lead the clan, but that right has been stolen from her.
She also had a perfect sense of what’s right and what’s wrong, and always does the right thing. 

So how does this bring us to the present with Skye and her struggles? All because of a piece of jewellery Skye finds on her grounds. Once found, Skye begins to have these dreams about Vikings, obviously related to Ottar and Asta. 

I have to admit, if a Rafe would appear on my doorstep, and ask for work, I wouldn’t know I would let him. I am very a very wary and suspicious person, and as Skye is living on her own, on a farm, well, I had bells ringing all over in my head. 

But actions speak louder than words, and quickly I started to like Rafe too!
He is the kind of man not afraid of some dirty work (literally speaking, you dirty minded people! 😊) and is eager to learn new things, that Skye shows him. 

Also here, it was lovely to see Skye and Rafe growing closer.
Skye is going through a rough patch, with her marriage fallen apart while her husband refuses to sign the papers, and I can only imagine the hardship of running a farm on your own.
Skye and Rafe meeting is exactly what they both needed, for being able to move on with the next chapters of their lives. 

Towards the end I was afraid that the perfect ending in my mind would be a wish from my overly romantic heart, as it seemed impossible for both stories to reach that outcome. Because the author managed perfectly to let us sit on the edge of our seat until the very end!

If these both stories would be separate books, standing on themselves, I would for sure enjoy them. But having them merged together, made them even better. Even for me, a sceptical woman who doesn’t believe in the supernatural! 

I truly loved reading this story (these stories), as it shows us that no matter what you have planned, love can make you change your plans, and show us another, better outcome for our lives.
It totally, and to be honest – unexpectedly, swept me of my feet, I was totally into the story and I even forgot my wariness towards the supernatural/ inexplicable!

Giveaway!

Yes my dears, there is also a giveway!

Win a signed copy of Hidden in the Mists Viking tea-towel and Viking carved butter knife (Open INT)

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/33c69494516

Time for some promo, and I am intrigued for sure!

Synopsis

Inheriting a run down house from a stranger isn’t exactly the present Laura had expected for her 30th birthday. Especially when the house in question holds memories of a frightening encounter from her prom night fourteen years ago…

So when a man starts appearing in the house her first thought is that she must be dreaming. But Ben is very real indeed and somehow linked to an antique mirror and another life in 1942.

As their friendship blossoms, Laura learns more about the house and its history…and even discovers some surprises about her own destiny.

With her future foretold, Laura must find a way to alter destiny. But how can you change the future if it’s already written in the past?

Purchase Links – 

UK – https://www.amazon.co.uk/Please-Remember-Me-Florence-Keeling-ebook/dp/B0B325J7BT

US – https://www.amazon.com/Please-Remember-Me-Florence-Keeling-ebook/dp/B0B325J7BT

About the author

I was born in Coventry but now live in Nuneaton. I married the love of my life over 20 years ago and we have two almost grown up children. We share our lives with two mad dogs as well.

Writing is a great passion of mine, that one day I hope to be able to turn into a career but until that day comes, I will continue working in accounts and payroll.

I also write for children as Lily Mae Walters.

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!