Monthly Archives: August 2022

Book Review – Cornish Clouds and Silver Lining Skies By Ali McNamara

Meteorologist Sky Matthews does not like surprises.

Sky monitors her life like she does the weather, carefully and with a scientific eye. So, when she misses out on her dream job abroad and finds herself with no choice but to take a position on a tidal island off the Cornish harbour town of St Felix instead, she feels completely at sea. Worse still, she has to work alongside TV weatherman Sonny Samuels, who barely knows his storms from his tsunamis.

It doesn’t take long for Sky to become enchanted by the strange weather patterns over St Felix. Sonny is convinced they link to local folklore, but Sky knows her science too well to fall for that. Until she meets Walter, a local weather watcher with no qualifications beyond a lifetime of experience and Sky is forced to question everything she thought she knew about the weather, herself… and Sonny

Published Date: 18 August 2022

My Review

Sky Matthews travel to a little Cornish town, St Felix to study strange weather patterns. She still recovering from sickness and is driven to prove that she is back to her old self after a long time off. She is expecting a trainee to be with her and never expect a weather presenter, Sonny Samuels. At the town, she get know local people like Walter, Ant, Dec and Kate.

The story have mysterious element and a main character with chronic illness ME. The author did a splendid job in describing how the disease affect Sky. Love both the main characters. Overall it is a lovely lighthearted read for me.

My Rating

The Review Card – Cornish Clouds and Silver Lining Skies By Ali McNamara

Meteorologist Sky Matthews does not like surprises.

Sky monitors her life like she does the weather, carefully and with a scientific eye. So, when she misses out on her dream job abroad and finds herself with no choice but to take a position on a tidal island off the Cornish harbour town of St Felix instead, she feels completely at sea. Worse still, she has to work alongside TV weatherman Sonny Samuels, who barely knows his storms from his tsunamis.

It doesn’t take long for Sky to become enchanted by the strange weather patterns over St Felix. Sonny is convinced they link to local folklore, but Sky knows her science too well to fall for that. Until she meets Walter, a local weather watcher with no qualifications beyond a lifetime of experience and Sky is forced to question everything she thought she knew about the weather, herself… and Sonny.

About The Author

Ali McNamara is a writer and author.

Her debut novel, From Notting Hill with Love…Actually, the first of three ‘Notting Hill’ books, became an instant bestseller. 

Ali has had much overseas success with her books – particularly Breakfast at Darcy’s which was a Top Ten bestseller in Italy. Her novels Step Back in Time and Letters from Lighthouse Cottage were nominated for the Romantic Novel of the Year.

Ali lives in Cambridgeshire with her family and beloved dogs. In her spare time she likes to visit antique shops and people watch, more often than not accompanied by a good cup of coffee! 

Ali suffers with two chronic illnesses: M.E./CFS and UCTD and is a disability and invisible disability advocate.

Link to Purchase

Book Review – New Family Required By Carmen Reid

Sasha Greenhope has a very lovely life. Her marriage is solid, her only daughter is delightful, and the family business is going full steam ahead.

The only blip on the horizon is the upcoming family reunion for her parents 40th wedding anniversary at Chadwell House – the family pile. Sasha just does not fit with her rich family. Her French mother, Delphine thinks everything Sasha does is a faux pas.. And siblings, Adele and Beau, are clearly the favourites, leaving Sasha surplus to requirements

So when Sasha’s husband Ben takes this exact moment to reveal that they are about to go bankrupt, Sasha wants to be anywhere but stuck in a lavish marquee!

Swallowing her pride, and a whole bottle of fizz, Sasha determines to ask her family for help – and maybe even a loan – only to discover that her parents and siblings are all keeping secrets of their own!

Published Date: 13 July 2022

My Review

Sasha have a lovely marriage life.. she thought she have it all until the day that her husband Ben told her that they are about to go bankrupt. That is just a few days away from her upcoming family reunion for her parent’s 40th wedding anniversary. She threaded this occasion when her siblings, Adele and Beau are attending too. 

It is a story of family, relationship and secret where communication is so powerful that it can hold or break a relationship. There are many conflict that is being revealed and as a reader I was surprise and shock by the revelation.Overall, it is an enjoyable read.

My Rating

Happy Publication Day – 18 August 2022

Cornish Clouds and Silver Lining Skies By Ali Mc Namara

Meteorologist Sky Matthews does not like surprises.

Sky monitors her life like she does the weather, carefully and with a scientific eye. So, when she misses out on her dream job abroad and finds herself with no choice but to take a position on a tidal island off the Cornish harbour town of St Felix instead, she feels completely at sea. Worse still, she has to work alongside TV weatherman Sonny Samuels, who barely knows his storms from his tsunamis.

It doesn’t take long for Sky to become enchanted by the strange weather patterns over St Felix. Sonny is convinced they link to local folklore, but Sky knows her science too well to fall for that. Until she meets Walter, a local weather watcher with no qualifications beyond a lifetime of experience and Sky is forced to question everything she thought she knew about the weather, herself… and Sonny.

My Big Fake Wedding By Jessica Hatch

The date is set. The guy is not.

When Bea Corbin enters a lottery to win her perfect wedding, she never imagines that her name will be picked right after she’s been cheated on, and unceremoniously dumped, by her ex-boyfriend. But when the event planner calls with the good news, Bea doesn’t say any of that. She panics and says yes.

Going against the advice of her oldest friend Oliver, Bea announces her marriage to her friends and family, and begins her hunt for a husband. Just because Oliver is an old-fashioned romantic doesn’t mean that Bea’s colour-coded binder filled with ways to find a fiancé won’t work.

As luck would have it, Bea soon has the most awkward, tequila-fuelled first kiss of all time with her gorgeous office crush, Andrew. But as Bea and Andrew’s relationship gets more serious at the exact moment her ex-boyfriend reappears declaring his undying love, things become more complicated than she could have imagined. Bea feels more lost than ever, especially because Oliver is no longer taking her calls, or answering her texts…

As the ceremony draws nearer, Bea discovers that the only thing more complicated than finding a husband on a deadline is finding the right one.

Single All The Way by Portia Macintosh

Will Dani find love this Christmas? Or will she be Single All The Way…?
When Dani’s boyfriend (and boss!) dumps her for a younger model, the only silver lining she can see is to be able to spend Christmas at home with her family after years away.

Determined to surprise them, Dani turns up unannounced in her hometown, excited to see that the festive season in Marram Bay is in full swing with Christmas lights twinkling on every corner. But disaster strikes when she finds her parents’ house is empty and they appear to have gone away on holiday!

Christmas alone and single is not ideal, and when Dani starts bumping into old friends, neighbours and potential love interests, she can’t face telling them the truth. So in a panic she claims to be home to throw a Christmas party for the whole town – easier said than done with 12 days to go before Christmas…

As the fake party approaches, little does Dani know that there may be someone there under the mistletoe for her, if she can just let her guard down and see them…

The Review Card – New Family Required By Carmen Reid

Sasha Greenhope has a very lovely life. Her marriage is solid, her only daughter is delightful, and the family business is going full steam ahead.

The only blip on the horizon is the upcoming family reunion for her parents 40th wedding anniversary at Chadwell House – the family pile. Sasha just does not fit with her rich family. Her French mother, Delphine thinks everything Sasha does is a faux pas.. And siblings, Adele and Beau, are clearly the favourites, leaving Sasha surplus to requirements

So when Sasha’s husband Ben takes this exact moment to reveal that they are about to go bankrupt, Sasha wants to be anywhere but stuck in a lavish marquee!

Swallowing her pride, and a whole bottle of fizz, Sasha determines to ask her family for help – and maybe even a loan – only to discover that her parents and siblings are all keeping secrets of their own!

Family secrets, warring siblings and a disastrous reunion… what could possibly go right?!

About The Author

Carmen Reid is a journalist, writer and mother. Her novels Three in a Bed and Did the Earth Move? were bestsellers and are both published by Corgi. She is also a contributor to the book of short stories Scottish Girls About Town. After a decade spent in London working as a news reporter, Carmen now lives in Glasgow with her husband and two children.

Link to Purchase

Book Review – Seduced by the Spare Heir By Andrea Laurence

Going from black sheep to king, with the help of one very special woman… 

Gabriel Montoro’s worst nightmares are realized when his older brother abdicates the throne of Alma, leaving fun-loving playboy Gabe next in line. Now he needs to shape up—fast. That’s where Serafia Espina fits in. 

The exquisite ex-supermodel can school him in the social niceties. But as they get into the royal routine, Gabe begins to see this old family friend in a very different light. Soon the protocols are out the window, and Serafia is sharing his bed. But is this angel hiding something that could threaten what they’ve begun?

Published Date: 7 July 2022

My Review

Gabriel is the a fun loving carefree playboy and he never expected to play the role as the King of Alma. His brother has just abdicated for a life with his wife and child that they are expecting. Gabriel need to change his image and he seek his friend Serafia for help. Serafia is a supermodel who left the glamour life behind. She doesn’t need another spotlight after trying to keep low but helping Gabriel to be the best King is her priority.

Both Gabriel and Serafia’s character had a special connection that hard to describe. They both wounded by life and I love how their friendship grew and turn into love. It does come across as a fairytale story where there is a King as the main characters but the story line came together well. Overall it is a good read to me.

My Rating

The Review Card – Seduced by the Spare Heir By Andrea Laurence

Going from black sheep to king, with the help of one very special woman… 

Gabriel Montoro’s worst nightmares are realized when his older brother abdicates the throne of Alma, leaving fun-loving playboy Gabe next in line. Now he needs to shape up—fast. That’s where Serafia Espina fits in. 

The exquisite ex-supermodel can school him in the social niceties. But as they get into the royal routine, Gabe begins to see this old family friend in a very different light. Soon the protocols are out the window, and Serafia is sharing his bed. But is this angel hiding something that could threaten what they’ve begun?

About The Author

Andrea Laurence is an award-winning author of contemporary and paranormal romance. She has been a lover of reading and writing stories since she learned to read at a young age. She always dreamed of seeing her work in print and is thrilled to share her special blend of sensuality and dry, sarcastic humor with the world. A dedicated West Coast girl transplanted into the Deep South, she’s constantly trying to develop a taste for sweet tea and grits, while caring for her husband and pair of spoiled golden retrievers.

Link to Purchase

Book Review – A Bride for the Italian Boss By Susan Meier

Holiday romance on the menu? 

Passionate chef Rafe Mancini is renowned for his food—and his temper! No one meets his exacting standards, until stand-in maître d’ Daniella Tate breathes new life into his restaurant, and Rafe… 

Daniella is only visiting the picturesque Tuscan village of Calanetti, but with Rafe she finds the sense of belonging she’s always craved. Clutching her ticket home, Daniella must make a decision…return to her old, safe life or stay as Rafe’s bride! 

The Vineyards of Calanetti 

Saying “I do” under the Tuscan sun…

Published Date : 7 July 2015

My Review

Daniella is in Italy to find her foster mother’s family and found a job as a hostess in Rafe’s restaurant. Rafe had trouble to connect with his customers and employees. Daniella performed very well in her hostess role that she become a big hit with the customers. During their working relationship, both Daniella and Rafe find themselves to be attracted to each other. But unfortunately Daniella make a mistake and Rafe fired her. Daniella left the job but Rafe soon come to realisation that he need Daniella in his life.

It is a heartwarming read for me as it was beautifully written with characters each overcoming their own personal fears and insecurity to find happiness in the end.

My Rating

The Review Card – A Bride for the Italian Boss By Susan Meier

Holiday romance on the menu? 

Passionate chef Rafe Mancini is renowned for his food—and his temper! No one meets his exacting standards, until stand-in maître d’ Daniella Tate breathes new life into his restaurant, and Rafe… 

Daniella is only visiting the picturesque Tuscan village of Calanetti, but with Rafe she finds the sense of belonging she’s always craved. Clutching her ticket home, Daniella must make a decision…return to her old, safe life or stay as Rafe’s bride! 

The Vineyards of Calanetti 

Saying “I do” under the Tuscan sun…

About The Author

Susan Meier was born on April 22, 1956 in Western Pennsylvania, United States. The third of 11 children, she raised in a big family. At school she wrote and directed plays complete with commercial breaks, and she wrote poetry through High School.

She has been the employee of a major defense contractor, a columnist for a small newspaper, and a division manager for a charitable organization, as well as a legal secretary, office manager, receptionist, waitress, bingo worker and ice cream sales person. She decided to pursue fiction in earnest one month before her 30th birthday, she published her first romance novel in 1990. She ended her tenure after 25-years when she resigned her position in the human resources department for a major defense contractor to write full-time.

She has been an active member of the Pennsylvania writers organization, Pennwriters, previously serving as President, Vice-President, Treasurer, Area Representative, Bylaws Committee Chair and Elections Chair. She is Pennwriters’ 1999 Meritorious Service Award winner. She is also a member of RWA and is a moderator on the cataromance.com Kiss and Tell bulletin board. She is a frequent workshop speaker.

Susan continues to live in Pennsylvania with her husband Michael, their three children, Michael Jr., Sarah and Allen, and two cats.

Link To Purchase

Book Review – An Italian Dream By Kate Frost

Best friends since childhood, Fern Chambers and Stella Shaw have been through everything together and are at a crossroads in their lives.

Carefree Stella has a monumental secret and down trodden Fern’s happy life is not all it seems.

With their 40th birthdays approaching, a luxury holiday to the island of Capri is a chance for them to reconnect, let their hair down and celebrate in style. But untold truths and frustration bubble beneath the surface, turning what should be a holiday of a lifetime into an opportunity to make life-changing decisions.

Far from home, where anything feels possible, secrets are revealed, heartache is shared, love discovered and new friendships forged.
Will their Italian dream turn into a nightmare or lead to newfound happiness?

Published Date : 7 July 2022

My Review

Stella won a huge lottery and planed an expensive getaway together with her bestie Fern and daughters to celebrate their 40th birthday. A time for them to reconnect and celebrate in style. However, it is far from what Stella expected. It was in this trip, that Fern comes to know something that both Stella and her own daughter is hiding.

It is a story of relationships, expectation and dreams. 2 besties away from their usual day to day life are force to face their own issues and make changes in their life for the better. Both Stella and Fern are very different but share the same vulnerability. Both of them lacking in confident in facing their own relationship. There is a twist in the story at the end.Overall it is a beautifully written that captured my attention from the first page.

My Rating