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!

Life doesn’t always go as expected

Synopsis

Do what you love. Love what you do…

After a whirlwind courtship, Roisin Kelly ignored the sceptics and objectors and married aspiring novelist Brody Brady.

Fast forward one year and Roisin’s honeymoon is well and truly over. Brody has become her reclusive, freeloading lodger whilst he pens his masterpiece and she walks on eggshells.

Working in the Council Planning office, Roisin dreams to escape the mundanity of her life. Her true passions are cooking and entertaining her family and friends but she lacks the confidence to take it any further. When a charity supper club is suggested by best friends Jools and Richard, Roisin has no choice and is reluctantly swept along to be head chef for the fundraiser.

With the help of her friends, Roisin starts to believe that there is more to life that moody writers, hamsters and poor hygiene and that maybe she has a few dreams of her own.

And that just when you think life has nothing left to give, your whole world can change.

My review

One year ago, Roisin Kelly married aspiring Brody Brady after only knowing him for a short time. Unfortunately, her married life isn’t really what she expected it to be. Brody is spending all of his time writing his masterpiece, and has become a real reclusive, and even has a lack of hygiene. But Roisin wants to support him in his dream is and she is counting the days for his deadline.
Even her job in the Council Planning office isn’t what Roisin truly dreams about, as her real passion is cooking for her friends and family.
But ask her to chase her dreams for real, her lack of confidence kicks in. That is, until her best friends Jools and Richard persuade her to start a charity supper club with Roisin as a chef.
With her friends and family by her side to offer helping hands, Roisin start to believe that chasing her own dreams isn’t a bad thing and that she can truly change her passion into something more. And even everyone around her are facing changes in their lives. some of them good, and some not so… 

The start of this book was very promising for the main character Roisin. Who doesn’t like a whirlwind romance ending up in marriage?
But unfortunately, the starting romance was the only good thing Roisin had with Brody. 

I felt so sorry for her, reading how quickly things started to change once married to Brody. I for sure don’t know if I would have Roisin’s patience. But that also shows us the kind of character Roisin is. She knows that her marriage isn’t a good one, okay it’s non – existing. But she has the hope that after the deadline the Brody she knew, will return. 

Can I just say that I totally despised Brody? I found him an arrogant, selfish, literally disgusting pr*ck, just doing what he wants, not being supportive or just actual listening to Roisin.

But luckily, Roisin has great friends and an amazing family by her side. Even if she doesn’t share with anyone how she is struggling in her marriage (can you blame her, as everyone warned her not to get married that quickly), each member of her friends and family know that Roisin is someone you can rely on. 

I loved getting to Roisin better. Her failing marriage isn’t something to blame her for, as we see in so many different moments how great she truly is. She helps out her friends, by doing the supper club even if she doesn’t believe in herself.
But she also is a kind person towards those who need it. While it would be easy to just be a friendly, but not overfriendly, neighbour, she actually helps Harry even if it would be okay if she wouldn’t. And she is the most amazing, caring, loving sister, daughter and aunt her family could imagine.  

I felt so much positivism reading this book, because after every setback, Roisin got back on her feet, kept her head high and kept going. She knew she had the right people that would support her every step on the way.

This story shows us that everyone makes wrong choices in their lives, but it’s up to us to admit defeat when the time has come. But it also shows us that in life, do what you love to do, as life is too precious to do things we don’t feel passionate about.
Life doesn’t always go as planned, but it is up to us to find the courage to change directions. Because we never know where that changed direction will take us. And maybe even bring us back to someone of the past we never truly forgot about…

You never know how life can change in a few blinks

Synopsis

Escape to Sandy Cove, where the scent of summer and the sound of wedding bells are in the air!

Ella makes brides’ dreams come true – there’s no dress she can’t make perfect with her sewing skills and some sparkle. But Ella’s own love life is no fairy tale. Recently dumped, surrounded by fussy brides and with the prospect of wearing a hideous brown bridesmaids dress to her friend’s wedding, Ella feels more alone than ever so agrees to go on a blind date.

A mix up on the night introduces her to Kit. 

Kit is definitely not the man she was supposed to meet, but he could end up changing her life in ways she never thought possible…

A perfectly funny, feel-good summer romance that will whisk you away to sandy beaches and a seaside wedding. Fans of Cathy Bramley, Katie Fforde and Milly Johnson will adore Bella Osborne.

My review

Ella surely has a talent in making brides to have their wedding dress of their dreams. Unfortunately her own love life hasn’t got any wedding bells in store for her, especially as Ella has been recently dumped by her boyfriend.
Surrounded by brides – to – be at work, her own best friend getting married in a few months, makes Ella feel more alone than ever. So when her friends want to set her up on a blind date, she reluctantly agrees.
But thanks to a mix up, she meets Kit instead. Kit, who has his own reasons of being at that place. Reasons that are somehow linked with Ella and Ella cannot just ignore. So Kit and Ella start to work together on their masterplan, while getting to know each other better and becoming actual friends who help each other out.
But their lives couldn’t be more different, so nothing more can come from it, right? 

I always enjoy reading stories from this author, and I absolutely devoured this one! 

I was in awe with how Ella manages to make wonderful wedding dresses, especially if you see how her boss treats her. I admired Ella’s visions of making changes and her capability to do the impossible. If only she would have more faith in her own talents!
But luckily she has her friends to push her a little bit. I loved how the three friends were all so different, but somehow it all worked. Ella, Lucy and Brittany have their own views on things, not always sharing the same opinions, but they would walk through fire for each other. A wonderful friendship that surely should be treasured! 

My heart broke a little bit when Ella and Kit meet. Not because he is an awful man, on the contrary, but because the reason of Kit being there too, did devastate Ella.
While I somehow understood their new plans, I couldn’t 100% agree with it. But seeing how it brings Ella and Kit closer, well, okay, I can run along with it! 

What I loved about this story, is that it is mainly about Ella and Kit, but there is so much more to it. While feelings are growing, Kit’s reasons for not taking things further along are just like the only acceptable reason.
It shows just how caring and loving he is. He is ready to put his own happiness aside, because someone else needs him more.  

It was wonderful to read how Ella starts to grow a pair, stops apologizing for things she cannot do anything about it and starts to believe in herself and her talent.
Even if at a moment she doubts what to do, that doesn’t stop her from doing the right thing.

I found it nearly impossible to put this story down, as I just wanted to read more, not only about Ella or Kit, but also I wanted to get to know Lucy better. Because it’s clear that behind her tough façade is a vulnerability in her that made my heart ache for her.
However, she is also that fierce woman we imagined her to be. I even admired her when her latest clients suddenly are more than she bargained for, yet even with her limited capacities, she proofs to be an invaluable asset in a positive resolution! 

This story is filled with smiles, loud laughs and happy feelings when you start reading it. But there are also heart – breaking moments, moments that you just want to slap someone and moments that made my ovaries just explode.
And just like the three friends, I can never look at a toolbelt at the same way anymore!  

The author managed perfectly to show us how people can mature in a story, how your vision of certain aspects can change when the right moment comes and that believing in yourself can let you make choices you never imagined.
A marvellous book about friendship, love, family, standing up for yourself and even a cat like you never met before!
For me, this book is the total package!

One flight to St. Lucia, with life alternating encounters

Synopsis

As a flight to St Lucia leaves the runway, four passengers meet for the first time.

After escaping her controlling husband, Bernadette Manson is taking the first extravagant holiday of her new life. But when her best friend cancels, will she be strong enough to fly solo?

Tadgh Donovan is about to jet off to his destination wedding when he sees a shocking text. Has his bride-to-be written her wedding vows… or already broken them?

Hayley Ford is the wife of a top fertility specialist yet her battle to get pregnant has almost broken her marriage. Can a trip to the sun heal their relationship or should she brace for a crash landing?

Dev Robbins is crossing oceans to track down the woman he fell in love with at first sight. Will it be a one way trip to happy ever after or a return journey to singledom?

My review

People take planes for several different occasions. Let’s take a look at Bernadette for example. Now that she is freed from her controlling husband, she is going to enjoy for the first time an extravagant holiday. While the initial plan was that her best friend came along too, due circumstances, Bernadette is on her own.
Or what about Dev? He never believed in love at first sight, until one specific night. And now that the woman of his dreams is staying in St. Lucia for a wedding, he flies after her, to profess his love for her.
Talking about weddings… Tadgh may be a famous musician, but he is on his way to St. Lucia to marry his girlfriend. A girlfriend that seems to be have sent a text that makes Tadgh doubt the strength of their love.
Doubts… exactly what Hayley is having. Being a wife of a fertility specialist, but not able of getting pregnant herself… At the point of having a strained marriage. But will this holiday to St. Lucia be the stress-free vacation change her relationship for the better?  

I have read several books of this author and each time I am absolutely amazed how she is able to write such a captivating, wonderful story, even if it only takes place over a short amount of time. 

So even if I knew the talent Shari Low has, I was a bit doubting how a flight of just nine hours could result in an amazing story. But I should never have doubted her! 

To be honest, I never had a flight myself that lasted longer than 3 hours, and for me it would be horror being confined for the whole nine hours in a small space. Add the fact that the main characters are sitting next to strangers, made my horror only grow. 

It was very recognizable, that none of the characters wanted to be one of those passengers that talk for hours to complete strangers, while everyone just want to be left alone.
However, it was beautiful to see how these strangers, at different stages in their lives, somehow were just meant to sit next to each other. Of course, this was the plan of the author! 

I admired Bernadette and her determination, courage and no – nonsense approach. She came from a marriage with a controlling husband, yet she got out of it, and finally can live her life like she wants. She even has the courage to go on a holiday on her own, even if she has no idea what she will do there.
But due her own past, she sees more then meets the eye, and understands the situation Hayley is in. However, how easy it would be to interfere and tell Hayley what to do, Bernadette just tells her own story and lets Hayley know that it’s never too late to make a change. 

I truly felt sorry for Hayley… it’s rather easy and quick to realize that her husband is one of the worst kinds… The way he belittles her, even leaves her on her own in the plane, getting a better place for himself, and tells her how much or how little she may drink… Well, you know enough, right?
But as an outsider, it’s always easy to tell someone else what to do. But how does someone know what Hayley is thinking? Because isn’t the inability of getting pregnant putting a strain on their marriage? And everything will get better during the holiday?
I also felt proud of Hayley, because during the flight, she realizes that yes, she can make up her mind for her own, and no, her husband doesn’t have to be a jerk all the time to everyone.

Dev was a harder nut to crack. I loved his optimism, and faith that everything would end in a happy end. But let’s be honest, meeting a person one night and knowing she/he is The One? The odds aren’t really in favour are day?
But nevertheless, Dev is a good guy and only for that I wished him that his dream would come true.
And even if it wouldn’t he would always have his best friend Lizzy by his side. And his book would somehow always be a success! 

Tadgh may be the cliché of musicians, but he obviously has a tender heart. While not everyone understands why he wants to get married, for him, it’s the logical step. My heart broke for him with that one text, but for a long time I kept hoping for a misunderstanding. Because the level of betrayal would be too big.
And while he of course loves his girlfriend, he also has a secondary reason, and that made my heart just melt!
But the further along in the story, the more I slowly kept hoping for a different outcome.  

Sometimes this story may seems farfetched. But often life takes an unexpected turn at the most absurd places. Who would ever think that four different people could have such an important effect and impact on each other?
Sometimes talking to absolute strangers is exactly what we should do, to see something through different eyes. 

I loved reading every bit of this story, I loved all the main characters equally (and A LOT!). there is a very long build up ( the whole nine hour long flight!) and then everything comes together perfectly. While I felt the ending was a bit too hasted, as I just wanted to read more about what happens after the flight, the finish of a story is not the most important thing, but it’s the journey people take to reach that point. And in this case you can take it very literally! 

An amazing, wonderful story about beautiful people going at the same destination but with their own fights already fought or yet to fight. The beauty of how Fate brings people together that need each other to realize the most important thing in their lives.
A talented author bringing us a story that made me again realize and understand why I appreciate and love her and her books so much!

You never know the insides of a normal person

Synopsis

A family torn apart by their father’s infidelity are forced to confront the past thirty years later. As Natalie’s younger sister, Amanda, prepares for marriage and impending motherhood, her plea for the family to reunite uncovers pent-up tension and animosity. Can they forget the past and become a family again? 

Natalie’s life begins to unravel as their father starts to creep back into their lives and family tensions resurface, affecting her relationship with her boyfriend, Rob. Will the couple find their way back to each other, and can a family that has been torn apart ever heal their wounds? 

Can you ever walk away from someone you love, or do some fires never die out?

My review

Thirty years ago, Natalie’s father walked away from his family, as his infidelity has reached its peak. In the present, Natalie is finding herself ambushed by her younger sister Amanda to reconcile with their father. Amanda always kept in touch with their father, while Natalie cannot let go of the past.  And with Amanda’s wedding around the corner, and Amada finding herself pregnant, Natalie seems not able to escape her father.
Even her brother Paul betrays her by reaching out to their father…
But Natalie is not inclined at all to forgive him, and tensions arise between the family members. This also affects her relationship with Rob, her amazing boyfriend.
Can all wounds be healed over time? Or are some actions unforgivable? And is all truly lost for Natalie and Rob? 

This story took some time to grow on me. Not because it’s badly written or it doesn’t appear to go somewhere, but because initially it was difficult to properly understand and know Natalie.
Her first actions aren’t understandable at all, and I found it difficult to somehow sympathize with her.
Obviously that is the purpose of the author, as slowly we get to know about Natalie’s past and her present issues. 

The more is revealed the more I could understand her reluctance of being in touch with her father. I admired how as a young girl herself, she did everything she could for her mother and her siblings, how she was the one always taking matter in hands. And while her father was not in the run for the award for best father of the year. 

While it may seem a hard decision, not wanting to have her father back in her life, I saw where she was coming from, and I respected her decision. But it frustrated me that her siblings couldn’t just respect it too.
I found Amanda very selfish, she seems never to be content, it is always about her and noting is ever her fault. And everything seems to go so easy for her.
Even if Paul takes Natalie’s feelings more in account, he also seems to be pushing her to do things she truly doesn’t want to do. 

So is it really a surprise that Natalie at one point had enough? For me, no.  

Although, it took me a very long time to understand why she would break things off with Rob. They were together for such a long time, and nothing special had happened. So why throw away the best thing you have? 

But people don’t always reason logically, as this book clearly shows. And when it’s all too much, you make decisions that normally you wouldn’t make.
How would you act if you find yourself cornered?  

In books, often broken families somehow find a way back together. But in real life that is not always the case. Sometimes taking a step back is the best thing you can do, for your own peace of mind and happiness. 

While Natalie has endured many things in the past, and is only now trying to come to terms with it all, this book is also filled with hope and love. Because no matter how some things may be broken, literally and figuratively, there is always hope to fix these broken things. And it’s in the highest need that we realize what is worth fixing. 

Despite the maybe a little rough start for me, once I was in the flow of the story, I found myself submerged in Natalie’s life. There were many, many heart – breaking moments, but the book was also filled with happier moments, that made me smile. 

The author managed to describe the fragility of a family, how one event can change the course of a whole life and how that one event still affects someone even after many years have passed. Family is not made of people of your own choosing, and even if related by blood, members can be totally different. And while you obviously love them, it’s perfectly okay to chose your own happiness over theirs. 

But most important of this story is the message that despite the lemons that life throws at you, for the right person, you are perfectly enough, even with your imperfections and strange thoughts and that things will be all right after all. If that isn’t a hopeful message…