Not everyone wants the protection of a knight

Synopsis

A knight’s protection…That she doesn’t want…or need?

Joan Lovent may be losing her sight but she refuses to lose her independence too. So when Sir Warin de Talmont tells her it’s too perilous to be out alone in the city, she doesn’t pay him any heed. But with threats surrounding them, she begins to value his protection and helps with his dangerous work in return. If only the powerful connection between them wasn’t so impossible to ignore!

My review

Joan Lovent has lost so much in her young much, and not even the prospect of losing her sight takes away her wish for independence.
When her brother, her only family member she has, asks Sir Warin de Talmont to protect and keep Joan safe, Joan still does as she wants, with a frustrating Warin as a result.
But the both of them quickly learn the advantages of spending time together. Joan start to value his protection and sees a side of Warin she didn’t expect. And Warin finds himself being helped in his dangerous job, as Joan shows her capability of sensing things that no one with sight would see.
But joined forces means also growing feelings, however with both having lost so much and still have to lose, will they stand a chance? 

By now I have read many stories in this genre and several books by this author. And while the ending isn’t coming as a big surprise, I loved the whole journey towards it. 

In this tale, there are two characters, that are strong in their own ways, but also stubborn in their own ways.

The tragedy Joan has faced, and even the tragedy that is waiting for her, would have been easy to turn her into a depressed character, just sitting back and wait for her destiny to arrive, without any happy prospects. Having a loving husband and her own family is something she only dreams about, but she is also realistic that no man will want a marriage with a woman who in the end will lose her sight.
But Joan won’t allow her progressing disability to hold her down. And that is what I truly admired in her. She still ventures outside to help those in need, and turned her disability into a good thing, as she reinforced her other senses and can easily pick up what no one does. 

She also is determined to not become dependant from her brother or anyone else, as she doesn’t want to be a burden to anyone. Somehow, despite the pains she has, she will stand on her own two feet and find her purpose in life. 

And seeing how she keeps fighting for her causes against Warin, was just hilarious! Warin, who feels his duty to look after Joan, is doing whatever he can to keep Joan safe, but she just won’t hear any of it!
Warin, who has his own guilt to carry, and put his life at service of the Crown… Warin who is working so hard to find out who is against the Crown, but is also fighting his growing feelings towards Joan.
Warin, who as only one, is able to put a smile on a little girl’s face…  

It was great to see how these two broken persons joined forces, and learned to not underestimate each other. While their scars were so alike, they let those scars change their lives in different ways. And together they learned from each other how a great grief and loss can be overcome and see the joys and beauties of life again.  

I was glad the direction the author took with this story, showing us not only to never underestimate a woman, but also showing us that missing one sense doesn’t mean that we are completely useless.
Even with something missing, we are strong, important persons in our own way.
And that even the most broken person can be healed by the power of love and that it’s only fear that makes us hold back.
But fear shouldn’t be able to have that effect on us, because everyone is worthy of receiving love.

While autumn may seem the end of many things, it can also be the start…

Synopsis

The first in a new romantic comedy series from CP Ward, author of Christmas at Marshmallow Café and Summer at Blue Sands Cove.

Having fled a relationship and a previous life she would rather forget, young teacher Jennifer Stevens throws herself into a demanding new job at Brentwell Primary. Charged with marshalling a group of unruly eight-year-olds to the autumn harvest festival, her only solace is the peace of nearby Sycamore Park.

As the evenings draw in and the leaves begin to fall, will new friends, delicious autumn treats, and a possible new man on the orange-tinted horizon help Jennifer finally come to terms with her past and begin to look forward into the future?

Autumn at Sycamore Park is another delightful romantic comedy from CP Ward, author of several popular seasonally themed novels. Set against a backdrop of warm autumn days, it offers everything fans of CP Ward’s other books have come to love: laughter, friendship, good times, and a hint of newly discovered love.

My review

Jennifer Stevens recently moved to Brentwell, fleeing from her relationship. She is now starting a new job as a teacher at Brentwell Primary. Having turned her whole life upside down, Jennifer is trying to feel at home in Brentwell, together with her dog Bonky.
Learning the dynamics at school, trying to manage her eight – year – old pupils and a autumn harvest festival lurking around the corner, Jennifer needs to find calm and peace. And that she finds in Sycamore Park, where she finds more than just a place to destress, as she learns the importance of the place thanks to her new made friends that understand her better than anyone who she knew before her move. 

How often do we read books where the main characters leave their former home to start all over again?
And how often are these main characters in a bad relationship, having all the rights to have their escape?
Being not that kind of book, made me truly enjoy this story! 

Initially I thought that Jennifer moved because her relationship ended in a bad way. So it was a relief to see that not all relationships are bad, but just sometimes it just isn’t enough.
Her former boyfriend wasn’t a bad man, just he wasn’t the right man for Jennifer, as his priorities obviously laid somewhere else.  

I could completely understand how terrifying it must have been for Jennifer to move to a new place, starting a new job and having no one by her side.
Her fears are obvious to us readers, but also her determination to make the best of each new situation. 

Saying that much doesn’t happen in this book, would do the whole story injustice, because there are obviously things happening. But this isn’t a book filled with action, plenty of drama, heart – breaking, sobbing moments.
This book is just showing us life how it is.
It was very easy to comprehend how things at Brentwell Primary were, even the bantering between teachers. There is obviously the little rascal in Jennifer’s class, Gavin, who you would like to strangle some times, but shows that even eight – years – olds can understand things better than we expect.

And Sycamore Park, with the people who care for the place, shows us the importance and impact of a place in nature to just relax and enjoy all the beauties of life and nature.

I found it amazing to see how Jennifer is finding herself more and more at home in Brentwell, making new friends, a few more important than other ones, but nevertheless friends they are.
And even a new acquaintance with the prospect of becoming something more? 

I knew I would enjoy reading this book, as I know the skills of this author. But throughout the whole reading sessions, I found myself smiling, even laughing, but also having a melted heart in a few occasions.

This is truly a heart – warming story, showing us not only the wonderful things we can encounter when making a change, but also the beauty of a changing season. And I found it even a bit inspirational, because it also shows us the impact we can have on other people’s lives, by just seeing beyond the big pretend and façade they are showing us.  

So what are you waiting for, enjoy this wonderful, cosy and warm book!

A mysterious death, a mysterious house, scared yet?

Synopsis

Mystery, mayhem, a manor house and a generous serving of romance… 

When police knock on Alice Donaldson’s door at 4am, she knows the news won’t be good. There’s been an accident involving her ex-husband Grant, and as his existing next of kin, they need her help.

Grant is missing up on the North York moors, but the Grant Alice knew could barely be persuaded out on a walk around the block. What on earth possessed him to go on a hike in the middle of the night?

Alice soon finds herself working with Grant’s girlfriend Jenna and Jenna’s gorgeous ‘Lord of the family Manor’ brother Max, to find out what has happened, and what caused Grant’s accident at The Fortune House – the spooky house out on the moors.

The locals tell all manner of ghoulish stories about The Fortune House, which Alice is not minded to listen to. But before long, things take a turn for the strange and Max and Alice have a new mystery to solve. While all the while Alice can’t help hoping she might meet the requirements to be Max’s ‘Lady of the Manor’ at his country pile, Hatherleigh Hall.

My review

Alice Donaldson never thought that the police would be knocking on her door at 4am, telling her there has been an accident involving her husband Grant.
Her husband that left her many years ago and she never heard from again. Her husband, that has gone missing on the North York moors, while when together he never got out.
To make things even more awkward, Alice befriends Jenna, Grant’s girlfriend and Jenna’s brother Max. They all want to figure out what happened that night, and why Grant was at The Fortune House, a house known for being haunted by ghosts…
While spending more time together, and Alice helping Max out with him writing a book, Alice starts to feel more for Max than she would imagine. But how could Max, Lord of an actual Manor -Hatherleigh Hall – ,  fall for someone like ‘plain’ Alice?
And ghosts aren’t real at all, right? 

Normally, having a story with ghosts, or haunted houses aren’t really my cup of tea. I don’t believe in ghosts, but if they were to be real, I just hope they won’t ever bother with plain old me. So I am pleading to all the kind ghosts around the world: please leave me alone! 😊 

But when this author writes another book, and there are ghosts involved, I know I will just read it anyway! 

What I absolutely loved in this book, is how much I could relate with Alice. She is a curvier woman, with not the greatest self – esteem and stuck in a routine, seeing no way out.
And before you say it, yes, I am the curvy kind of woman too, relating very easy to all the doubts Alice has. 

But beside the way the way Alice looks, she is also a smart, kind, inventive woman. While it would have been easy to just leave Jenna and Max alone, she understands the pain Jenna is going through, and sees how Jenna needs someone that listens to her.
And Alice is ready to help Max with his work, even if she doesn’t know if she is an actual help or not. 

I was a bit surprised when there was a twist in the story, and it didn’t leave a very positive impression… The twist itself was a good one, but the thought behind it, made by that specific character wasn’t something I liked. 

The mystery around the haunted mansion was also not what I expected. There are several tales of witnesses that gave me goosebumps, but I thought I knew who the ghost was, but was left a bit in a shock when it wasn’t what I thought it would be. 

Seeing Alice and Max together was heart – warming and made me feel even hopeful for myself. No, I am a realistic girl and I know that the odds of finding myself a Lord on the Manor myself are non – existing.
But seeing how Max saw Alice for who she truly was, and not just looking at the way she physically looks like, was just so wonderful.
It shows that there are still people around who value a character higher than looks. 

I found it sweet how Max tries to show Alice that he truly likes her, and wants to let her see herself the way he sees her, as an amazing, beautiful, smart woman.
Everyone needs to have a Max in their lives, and feel loved unconditionally. 

The whole book includes a haunted mansion and a ghost, but that was not the main theme. It was more a story about finding not only love, but also finding the courage to step out of your routine, finding the courage to put your trust in someone and believing the spoken words of someone we care about. 

Again the author wrote a wonderful, sweet, light, yet slightly different story, with a main character you cannot not love. I enjoyed reading every word of it, despite the few goosebumps!

Can one splendid night be enough to know? Or not?

Synopsis

One night. But how many second chances?

Heartbroken on Hogmanay, Steph wanders through the Edinburgh street party until she bumps into Jamie. He’s funny, attractive and clearly interested. In a word, he’s perfect – but she didn’t get his number. All she remembers is his lime and mango beer.  

Determined to be reunited, Steph tracks him by a milk carton style campaign, sticking a message to his favourite beer across local pubs. Although eventually reunited, Jamie is frequently uncontactable and evasive, and Steph worries she’s on the path to heartbreak once more.

There’s a fine line between being patient and being gullible, and Steph’s reaching her limit. When a chance encounter with Jamie reveals his secret, she faces an even tougher decision. Should Steph give love another chance, or was one night in Edinburgh all she and Jamie were meant to have?

A funny and emotional romance for fans of MhairiMcFarlane, Beth O’Leary and Rosie Walsh.

My review

The last thing Steph imagined, was that she would be heartbroken. Because the man she has been married with, has fallen in love with someone else.
And is there a better way to get over your heartbreak on Hogmanay than partying in Edinburgh streets with her best friend Anna, where she meets Jamie.
After one heck of a night, and being hurried, Steph forgets the most important thing, to get Jamie’s number.
As she cannot forget the man, she decides to find him with a milk carton style campaign. And with success nonetheless!
Happy to be reunited, Steph enjoys spending the weekends with Jamie. But why can’t they meet during the weekdays? And why is he not easy to contact and avoids any personal question?
Steph knows that patience can be rewarding, but when does patience change into being just a gullible woman?
What is Jamie hiding? And was Steph being used as so many women? Or is there more to Jamie’s story than she thinks? 

Is there something more romantic than meeting a guy on a special evening and feeling that click immediately? That is a recipe to a happy every ending, right? But what when you have no idea how to reach him?
So yes, I loved the idea of using the milk carton strategy to find Jamie back. 

But let’s start from the beginning… Steph gets the shock of her life when her husband tells her he has fallen in love with someone else.
She didn’t see that coming, as often also happens in real life.
But what I admired the most in Steph, as she realizes that there is nothing she can do about it, is that she adamant to stay best friends with Connor. Because even if on a romantic level it didn’t work out, their bond is too strong to break. 

I also loved her determination… while sleeping with the first man she meets on the Edinburgh streets is not something she would usually do (hasn’t done that ever!), she connects with Jamie, and she wants to see what there is in store for them.
It may seem that she is on a rebound, and just clutching herself to the first man she meets, and having too high expectations, she doesn’t give up or listens to her friends.
While I would be siding with her friends, because what do we really know about Jamie, I also understood why she wanted to find him.
A click that easy and strong, that must mean something? 

And I was happy when the two reconnected, but I was also very wary… It’s obvious that there is something that Jamie isn’t telling us, but what? And even if Steph was being very patient with him, giving him time and space, I don’t know if I would be the same. I am not known for my patience, so I think I would have reached my limit much sooner than Steph did. 

While I was going through several scenarios about Jamie, from being married, to being just a man looking for a one night stand, I was truly shocked when the truth came out.
But it also opened my open. Not everything is what it seems, and there is so much we don’t know about people. But is it right to judge them for that? A person’s situation isn’t proof of who the person actual is.  

However, Steph is the kind of person who looks beyond it, and sees the person for who he is, what cannot be said of her own family…
Can a family be more obnoxious than hers? 

This was a lovely story, about how relationships end, but remain in another form, about finding new love, but not letting be played with. But also a lovely tale about people helping out other people, even if it isn’t very rewarding in the monetary business, but more in the emotional business. Because helping those in need is never the wrong thing to do.
But most important, is that we see people for who they really are, and not judge them for the circumstance they are in right now. We never know what brought them in the situation, but there is always a way out. It may take some time, but no matter how deep the fall has been, we can stand up again and stand proud for what we have been through.
And the right people will stand by your side and help, no matter how low or how high you are standing…

With secrets of the past, who will have their happy ever after?

Synopsis

How long can you hide your past from the one you love?

When Abigail and Edward became co-owners of historic Winfield Hall in the beautiful Sussex countryside, they had little idea what the future held. But, as the days of summer lengthen, their feelings towards one another grow and love begins to blossom.

Harry and Aura have been a couple for a year now and, with the summer solstice approaching, Harry hatches a very special plan. He just hopes that the sun, moon and the stars are all in alignment.

But not everything is going to plan. Life has a way of catching up with you and it isn’t long before Abi discovers that Edward’s been lying about his past, and the family secrets he’s been hiding now threaten their future happiness. Can Edward make amends for his mistakes and will Abi ever be able to forgive and trust him again?

Heartwarming and uplifting, The Colour of Summer is the final book in The House in the Clouds trilogy by bestselling author Victoria Connelly.

My review

Both Edward and Abigail never expected the affect Winfield Hall would have on their lives. they both dreamed of owning the place, and being co – owners made sure that wish got realised. But now that time is passing, their feelings towards each other are evolving too.
And Harry and Aura couldn’t be happier after a year being a couple. With the Summer solstice approaching, harry even has something special planned.
But no matter how good things are looking for the future, the past always finds a way to catch up, and maybe break that fragile bond between Edward and Abigail…

After finishing the first two books of this series, I had a happy feeling, even if I still had so many questions after reaching the end.
So I truly hoped to have all the answers with this third and last book.

Sometimes a book doesn’t have to have a great amount of action or tragedy to be a good book. Sometimes a good book is showing us the struggles of a normal life, and make us realize that despite our setbacks, we can be happy with what we have.

That doesn’t mean that there aren’t any tragedies or sad tales of woo in this, but the author shows us what can be done to overcome them.

And I am talking about Abigail and her family….
We know about Abi’s recent past, but in this book, it’s as clear as possible that something happened in her past too, but Abi cannot put all the pieces together.
Add a sister that is even more closed and more flammable than before.

Also Edward is not spared in sad events. And while he is, as expected, in charge of it all, because of what he has told Abi before, he cannot turn to her, as his white lies will certainly cause incomprehension…

But there are also so many lovely moments in this book! Seeing Harry and Aura together, is one of the sweetest things in this book. And how Aura is accepted in Harry’s family after the initial wariness, truly warmed my heart.
It shows that opposites do attract and that we all can learn from each other!

Of course, all of us readers are waiting for one specific thing to happen, and when it did, I was just over the moon!
Reading how Edward and Abi FINALLY found each other and dared to speak out at loud about their feelings, was wonderful.
And when the past caught up with them, I could understand Abi’s feelings and reluctance. But I also knew that the both of them had worked too hard and too long to just let it all go after the first glitch.

This last chapter was the perfect ending of a beautiful story, showing us the beautiful things of life, but also the less beautiful ones.
But what I learned from it all, is that whatever hardship you are facing, there is always a solution, and asking for help is surely not something to be ashamed of.
And even after the hardest bits, there is always sunshine after the rain, showering us with the must most beautiful and shining colours of life!

Can an intervention make you find love?

Synopsis

Shelly Larson is in a man drought so dry it makes The Grapes of Wrath look like a Hampton’s pool party. With most of her besties (The Sweet Water Circle) in good relationship standing, The Circle spins to Shelly with a long-overdue intervention. It’s time for her to find her forever man. Or at least a guy without a foot fetish who doesn’t text pictures of himself in his tighty whities. 

Shelly wants no part of the dating scene, but no matter what she tries, The Circle is ahead of her, so eventually she relents to the torturous trio of speed dating, online dating apps, and blind dates. Will she find a diamond in the rough or will it just be rough? 

Meanwhile, the only Circle member still looking for love, Donna, is back from L.A., divorced and crashing with Shelly. When Donna’s new man makes a play for Shelly, it sets off shockwaves that could fracture The Sweet Water Circle’s thirty-year friendship, just as Taylor’s wedding to billionaire Ben Bach brings the crew from Sweet Water to Ibiza and Paris, not once, but twice. Will Shelly risk her friendships for a chance at forever love that could end up in heartbreak? Find out in the series finale of The Sweet Water Circle!

My review

Even if almost every member of the Sweet Water Circle is in a happy relationship, Shelly Larson is absolutely not looking for love. She enjoys spending her time in her greenhouse and making her own wine. And she surely doesn’t need a man to make her feel complete.
But that is not what Sweet Water Circle wants for Shelly, thus an intervention in scheduled.
Now Shelly is speed dating, online dating, having blind dates. But the quest for finding love isn’t an easy one. Luckily she has Donna by her side, freshly returned from L.A. after her divorce and also member of the Sweet Water Circle.
Can Shelly find what the other members have? Does she has to kiss many frogs before finding her Prince Charming?
And how strong is the bond of the Sweet Water Circle when something unexpected seems to be happening?

It’s not a secret I absolutely love The Sweet Water Circle! I have read each story and each time I fell in love with the characters.
So obviously I had to read Shelly’s story, while we know that she isn’t looking for love at all.

Being a single woman for a long time myself, I could perfectly understand Shelly and why she isn’t looking for love. Being single means you have your own freedom and structure, and no risk of having a heartbreak.
So why change that when we are completely content with our lives?

And now that her friend Donna is back from L.A. and crashing at Shelly’s place with her son, Shelly isn’t feeling lonely at all.
But The Sweet Water Circle isn’t accepting a ‘no’ for an answer and make an intervention, slightly forcing Shelly to do things she doesn’t want to do.
I had so many laughs reading how her speed dating went, because it just seemed all so awful yet so true! But it wasn’t all that awful, because there was one match…

I would be a bit angry myself if my friends would trick me the way they did  with Shelly, but of course they did it with the right intentions. And they truly want the best for each other, and all be as happy as the already settled members are, and even a wedding is on the schedule!

About the wedding, can I just say that I was a bit surprised at reading what money can buy? Because I honestly didn’t think that a marriage in the Notre Dame and the reception in Versailles would be actual possible?

It was nice to see how Shelly seems to have found her match, but if I am being honest, I didn’t like Zack 100%. While he is easy – going, and gives Shelly all the time and space she needs, I just didn’t feel the love sparking from the pages… And his sometimes laidback attitude, going along with everything, while I would find it strange to tag along, was in big contrast with his behaviour, being a bit too possessive.

And the shock revelation, causing a rift between the Circle… I could see how it affected the two concerned friends, but the reactions of the other members was not what I really expected from them… In that view I was a bit disappointed that suddenly Shelly was standing alone in a corner…

It may seem I didn’t enjoy reading this story, but don’t get me wrong, because I truly did! I loved reading how Shelly was getting back out there, found someone who had the same passions as her.
Seeing how Shelly and her friends are enjoying Paris and Ibiza, was just what I expected it to be, slightly over the top, yet just perfect for the Circle!

When I started to read this last book, I thought I knew where it would end, but I have to admit that I didn’t expect that twist, although the more I was reading the more I saw the direction this wonderful author was going.

Being book number Five, it wouldn’t be easy to keep up the high standards of the previous books, and fulfilling my high expectations, but Grayson Avery showed again that I should have faith and not to be worried, as I had another great time reading Shelly’s story

And may I please beg for a next book, because I want Donna to have her own story too!

Can love overcome the pain and hurt from the past?

Synopsis

A second chance…With her first love!

Lady Brenna Stewart is grateful to be saved from her burning carriage—only her rescuer is Laird Garrick MacLean, the man she once loved and lost! He seems determined to protect her from the unknown enemy pursuing her across the Scottish Highlands. But, bitterly hurt by his past betrayal, she needs answers. Why did he abandon her? And how can she keep her heart safe now, when the connection between them is as strong as ever…

My review

Lady Brenna Stewart finds herself rescued from her burning carriage, after being ambushed. But she didn’t expect that her saviour would be Laird Garrick MacLean, the man she once loved but disappeared without ever returning or letting her know if he were still alive.
However, quickly both of them realize that someone is still after Brenna, and Garrick is determined to bring the woman he once loved into safety.
Travelling the Scottish Highlands, fighting mercenaries, and trying to discover who is after all the attempts of murder, is not an easy task. Especially as Brenna demands answers of why Garrick left her. Can Garrick tell her about the demons that still haunt him? And can Brenna trust Garrick again, not only with her life, but also with her heart?
Because one thing is obvious, the connection they once shared, is as strong as ever…

I surely love stories about lost loves, second chances, and strong Scottish men. Thus I loved this story, that’s how easy things sometimes can be.

Being in 2022, I had to put my mind in the right era. Because if this story would be taking place in this year, I would have many red flags!
But my mind set right, I could comprehend a little bit better, why Brenna was going to marry a man she never saw before, pleasing her father.
And it was clear this wouldn’t be a marriage filled with love, as we read how Brenna was ‘welcomed’ by her fiancé.

I truly liked Brenna, because she is the total opposite that is expected from women in that era. She has a mind of her own, is not afraid to speak out and surely can fight off men.
Brenna stands also her ground. She got heartbroken when Garrick left and didn’t come back. But she also picked up those broken pieces and slowly tries to move on.
When Garrick is back, she just doesn’t accept a lame excuse, but demands the truth from him.
She is also a compassionate woman, because she sees the hurt in Garrick and feels for him.

I also could see Garrick’s pain, and I felt for him. but I didn’t agree with the decisions he made. I could see his point, but I didn’t think it was the right thing to do.
And also seeing how he reprimanded Brenna for moving on, while HE was the one that left without any more information, made me even a bit angry, as he was being unjust.

However, Garrick isn’t a bad, evil man… imagine such a story!
The lengths he goes for Brenna, from getting her out of a burning carriage, to protect her with his own life, fighting and killing the men that are after her, shows that he still cares for her.
And we know what a loving and caring man he is, because his family is everything for him, and learning about his past and how it affected him, broke my heart too.

This isn’t a tame story, about two people finding each other again, but there is lots of action and even a mystery to be unsolved.
And it was nice to see how the female protagonist isn’t just being a damsel in distress, but puts in her own weights in fights, and even overcomes her fears as that means her staying alive.
It was also funny to see how a typical Alpha is struggling with seeing a woman fighting next to his side.

The mystery about who was behind the murdering attempts wasn’t a really mystery to me, but I was a bit surprised when the length of the deception was going…

As this is the second part of a series, it was obviously great to see some old friends again, learning how they were doing and how sometimes it can be obvious when people are related, as they have the same features.

This was a very entertaining story, about second chances, but also about how grief can burden us and make us feel less.
But I truly liked that no matter what happened in the past, love, the real kind, will always find a way and open our eyes, showing us that while we blame ourselves, not every bad thing happening to us is our fault.
And despite all the pain and hurt we endured, we can find happiness again.

There is a lot Rome can offer in one summer, and even more than you thought

Synopsis

Kate Harper has always loved the painting that has hung in her parents’ dining room for years, never suspecting that it is worth a fortune. When her art dealer boyfriend cheats her family out of the proceeds of the painting’s sale, she is left devastated and alone.

Kate discovers that two hundred years ago, the girl in the painting, Charlotte Browne, ran off to Rome with the artist who painted her portrait, but her eventual fate is unknown.

Hoping to uncover the mystery of what happened to Charlotte, Kate seizes the chance of a summer job in Rome, where she strikes up a friendship with artist Jamie Taylor. As they explore the city and start to piece together the surprising secrets of Charlotte’s life, Kate finds herself wondering if a summer in Rome can mend a broken heart…

My review

The painting hanging in her parent’s dining room has always intrigued Kate Harper. So when her boyfriend shows an interest in it, and ends up actually buying it, her heart is a bit broken.
Unfortunately, her heart gets broken even more when she discovers that her own boyfriend hasn’t been that honest at all about the value of the painting, and cheated her family out of the proceeds of the sale.
However, Kate cannot forget The Italian Girl and she discovers that the woman in the painting is Charlotte Browne, a young woman that ran off to Rome with the artist who painter her, about two hundred years ago.
Wanting to know what happened to Charlotte, Kate takes the offer for a summer job in Rome, hoping to find more clues about Charlotte’s fate.
Rome wouldn’t be Rome if Kate wouldn’t be amazed by all the beauty the city has to offer, exploring it all with her new friend, English artist Jamie Taylor.
Will Kate find out what happened to Charlotte? And is one summer enough to mend a broken heart? Or is falling for someone else all too soon and too fast?

Thanks to Covid, it has been several years since my last visit to Rome. So having the opportunity to visit Rome again, even just by reading a book, I grabbed it with both hands!
Add a mysterious painting, a woman betrayed by some close to her, and romance, and it can’t be getting any better!

While I truly liked Kate, there was one tiny bit of frustration from my side. It’s obvious that Kate is a very kind and lovely character, I kind of was astonished in how quickly she believed Gabe, without any actual proof, what the worth of the painting was. Especially as Kate was working in a gallery, even if not being an expert herself. I would have expected her to want some actual proof, something written on paper.
But maybe that is just me, overthinking things, having read too many stories about dishonest people.

But with the exception of that small issue, I truly liked Kate. And reading how she is discovering Rome for the first time, seeing her being amazed about it all, made me appreciate again the beautiful city all over again!

I also admired the courage Kate has, because she has nothing than just a small reference to discover more about Charlotte Browne. And, even if it was only a summer job, making the move to an unknown city, is not something I would see myself doing.

But the real beauty of this story, was seeing how Kate was developing more and more. initially she wasn’t that self-confident, she doesn’t really know what she truly wants to do. Slowly we see Kate getting out of her shell, finding again her own passion for art again, and getting a serious boost of self-confidence.
She also is a very focused woman, as she doesn’t just give up after it would appear that nothing more can be found about Charlotte.

Seeing how her friendship is getting stronger with Jamie was very sweet to read. Their relationship is a slow – burning one. While there is attraction, reading how at ease they are with each other, while just being friends, was surely giving us a hint at what to expect when the time was right.

Of course, having a main character so focused on wanting to find out what happened to Charlotte Browne, makes also the readers very curious! While things wouldn’t seem to be going towards a happy end for Charlotte, I had a feeling I knew what happened to her. But obviously I had to know if I had figured it all out.

I adored wandering around Rome, with lovely characters like Kate and Jamie, but also her other new friends.
Rome was described just like it was, with its chaos, beautiful places, people accepting and opening their arms to new entries.
There are many moments show us, that sometimes doing something new and different, will give us all the answers to questions we had and even didn’t know we had. And that yes, even a city can gift us the most wonderful feeling in the world.

A crime never comes alone…

Synopsis

One unexplained disappearance is strange, but two are sinister.

In Lower Hembrow, an idyllic village nestled beneath Ham Hill in Somerset, the villagers are preparing to enjoy the autumn traditions of the rural English countryside until Joe Trevillion, a curmudgeonly local farmer and the father of six children, vanishes.

When Adam Hennessy, the ex-detective proprietor of The Plough, the village’s popular Inn, investigates, he finds ominous undercurrents beneath apparently harmless rumour and gossip.

Meanwhile, a vicious campaign of vindictiveness forces Adam and his three amateur sleuth friends to dig deep into the secret lives of their neighbours to expose the source of a cruel vendetta and prevent another death.

As they uncover the disturbing truth, the friends learn they must also lay their own past lives to rest before they can hope to make their dreams for the future come true.

My review

Everyone is ready to celebrate the Harvest Festival in Lower Hembrow. Imogen is adamant that this event will go without the extra ‘surprise’ as happened the last few events.
But no such luck, as Joe Trevillion, a local farmer and a father of six, disappears…
As the local forces don’t see an actual crim, with the help of former detective and current proprietor of The Plough Adam Hennessy, Imogen tries to figure out where Joe went.
But finding out the truth may seem harder than thought as the villagers are all ready to tell all the gossip and rumours about Joe.
However, not only Joe’s disappearance is troubling Imogen, as doubts around her own relationship with Dan, even at their second chance at love, isn’t going all that well.
And when weird things appear to happen to Dan too, the four sleuth friends (Steph included) need to dig out the whole truth try to prevent things to get even worse.

Whenever I am reading a story, never mind the genre, I always am looking for the happy moments for the main characters.
And how things ended in the previous book of this series, things were definitely looking good for our main characters.
So yes, I was happy to return to the village in Somerset, to see what the next adventure would be for our sleuthing team! 

And luckily for us, but not for the village, this time there is a mysterious disappearance to be investigated.  
What I like about this team, is how they all have their own forces, but it’s by joining their forces, they unravel the truth.
Even if the disappearance may not be a high priority for the actual forces, when things escalate, it’s thanks to Imogen and Adam that the mystery gets solved. 

In this third chapter, there is also more focus on the entwined relationships. And seeing how Adam and Steph are getting more and more in sync was just lovely to read.
But on the other hand, seeing how Imogen and Dan seem to appear to be reaching the end of their story, broke my heart a bit.
While I wanted this couple to last, I understood how they got to this point. And even when a new appearance may be the final nail on the coffin, I still kept hoping for the best, because as a reader we knew more intel.
However, it was great to see how in times of need, everyone just was there, offering help and support, no matter how awkward things got before. 

This was again a great, cosy mystery to read, and showing that my sleuthing abilities are close to those of our main characters.
I loved to get to know all the main characters even better, learning about pasts that scarred some, making them even more real in my eyes, as sometimes in books the past of a main character doesn’t matter and doesn’t affect the present and the future.
Here the author shows us that the past made us who we are now, with all our fears and scars.
But even if things get too heated, we can get all the answers and closure that we need, and dare to show our true emotions and intentions.

Getting together is only the start

Synopsis

The Parsons sisters are all loved up.

Sarah is living in Sydney with Josh and their cat, Domino, but is anxious about her fast-approaching fortieth birthday.

And Cat is still living in London with her flatmate, Jane, but is in a long-distance relationship with Jean-Luc, her childhood sweetheart and recently re-discovered love.

One of the sisters receives a surprise wedding proposal – it’s a yes! – and everyone heads off to Tuscany for a destination wedding.

Reunite with favourite characters from the Holiday Romance series in one of the most beautiful locations yet for love, laughter, wedding vows, and just a smidge of sisterly mayhem.

My review

Cat and Sarah as not only sisters, but also best friends, even if they live on the other side of the world from each other.
Cat is living happily together with her re-found love Jean – Luc in London, while Sarah is all loved up with Josh in Sydney.
When Jean – Luc pops the question, it’s obvious that Sarah is the call Cat makes. And a reunion is being planned, as the freshly engaged couple dream is getting married in Tuscany.
While everything seems to be perfect for Cat, she has doubts about where their future may lay.
And things aren’t all that easy for Sarah too, as turning 40 makes her anxious and makes her feel like she is missing something from her life. But what is it?
While planning a perfect wedding and gathering family and friends in a vineyard in Tuscany, there are big questions waiting for an answer, and rather sooner than later, as the sisters’ future depends on it. 

Oh oh oh, how happy I was when I started reading this new story from this amazing author. And having both Cat and Sarah as main protagonists, was just the cherry on top of the cake!
It may not come as a big surprise, but I absolutely adored them in their own story. But having them now together, at the same time, was just wonderful! 

I loved reading how Cat and Sarah may be very different, but also so very much alike! And I was amazed at how despite the miles separating them, their bond is just so strong and solid. They truly are not just sisters, but also the bestest friends you could imagine. 

Cat and Sarah are happy in their relationships, and things couldn’t be looking more brighter. Jean – Luc is just an amazing boyfriend, and the lengths he goes for Cat, well, can I get a Jean – Luc myself?
And Josh… while he may be younger than Cat, he is also the most understanding boyfriend Sarah could wish for… Can I get a Josh myself?
Oh wait, or can I get a perfect blend of Josh and Jean – Luc??? 

And seeing the real joy on both of the sisters as Cat is getting married, shows again how they wish the world for each other.
However… the author managed to put perfectly in words the doubts each sister is having.
Cat is doubting where she and jean – Luc should make a home. London is HER home, but she also understands that Paris is HIS home… how can a compromise be found when their dreams are set in different place? 

And Sarah… I could understand how the turning 40 was making her anxious. I felt somehow the same way when I turned thirty…
I felt for her, as she knew that something was missing in her life, but Sarah couldn’t grasp what that exactly was.
And seeing how that put a strain on her relationship with Josh, while Josh was the things she is the most certain of. 

Now, obviously this author wouldn’t write a story that is only filled with sad bits. Because I also had the best of times while reading.
Seeing the sisters back together warmed my heart, and seeing their friends reunited too!
Love sparks from all the pages, as we know that both couples are built to last, despite the doubts and possible signs from the universe (which are totally bonkers!).

Whatever setback is being encountered, nothing cannot be overcome, and joined forces are building a strong team!
Even the most despicable sister – in – law cannot stop what has been written in the stars! 

Sisters, friends and family all back together was just perfect, add a wonderful setting in Italy (totally not biased as an Italian here!) and the great writing skills of an author I absolutely adore, turned this story in an amazing book. I felt like I was part of the family, being in Tuscany myself, but also finding myself sometimes blush over the heated moments showing the passion the couples still have for each other!