Monthly Archives: September 2022

Book Review – Someone’s Else Honeymoon By Phoebe Macleod

When Charley finds herself suddenly single on Christmas Day it feels like her world has fallen apart.

Forced to move back in with her parents, she embarks on a journey of re-invention. When she meets Ed, who is on honeymoon alone after being jilted at the altar by a bride he’s never met, it looks like her life may be taking a turn for the better.

Fate, however, has other ideas, and she and Ed are forced apart.

Will she find her way back to him, or are they just not meant to be?

Published Date: 9 August 2022

My Review

Charlie found herself homeless on Christmas Day, it was like her world have fallen apart. She move back home with her parent and trying to move on with the help of her BFF. To help their daughter, her parent invited Charlie to join them on their annual vacation and it was there she met Ed who is on honeymoon alone after being jilted at the alter by a bride he never met before. 

Overall I enjoy the simplicity of the storyline which easy to follow. However, I found that some imbalance in the plot especially the time where Charlie met Ed was too short as compared to the focus on the Charlie’s breakup.

My Rating

The Review Card – Someone’s Else Honeymoon By Phoebe Macleod

When Charley finds herself suddenly single on Christmas Day it feels like her world has fallen apart.

Forced to move back in with her parents, she embarks on a journey of re-invention. When she meets Ed, who is on honeymoon alone after being jilted at the altar by a bride he’s never met, it looks like her life may be taking a turn for the better.

Fate, however, has other ideas, and she and Ed are forced apart.

Will she find her way back to him, or are they just not meant to be?

About The Author

Phoebe MacLeod is the author of several popular romantic comedies. She lives in Kent with her partner, grown up children and disobedient dog. Her love for her home county is apparent in her books, which have either been set in Kent or have a Kentish connection. She currently works as an IT consultant and writes in her spare time. She has always had a passion for learning new skills, including cookery courses, learning to drive an HGV and, most recently, qualifying to instruct on a Boeing 737 flight simulator.

Phoebe loves watching people and observing social interaction. In fact she nearly got into trouble once when a man in a shopping mall thought she was staring at him! As well as curling up with a book, she loves good food, good wine and good friends – especially when all three come together!

Link to Purchase

Book Review – The Highland Hens By Judy Leigh

‘One of those books that makes you feel good about being alive!’

In the imposing Glen Carrick House overlooking Scotland’s famous Loch Ness, lives eighty-eight-year-old Mimi McKinlay, cared for by her three adult sons. Hamish has inherited his mother’s musical talents, Fin is the responsible brother, and Angus has the complicated and brooding personality to match his dashing good looks. 

But what all the brothers share is a concern that their beloved mother is living in her memories of her days on stage, while letting her present days pass her by.

Jess Oliver is at a turning point. Amicably divorced after years of being married, this trip to the Highlands is a first taste of independence. It isn’t long before the beauty and hospitality of Scotland captures her heart.

When Mimi and Jess’s paths cross, a friendship is formed that will change both women’s lives. And as together they find ways to look forward instead of to the past, long forgotten dreams are within reach, and every new day is fresh with possibilities.

Published Date: 4 Aug 2022

My Review

It is a story Mimi, an eighty eight years old  and her three sons, Finlay, Angus and Hamish. Mimi lived in her last as a carefree and stage performer. As Mimi is getting uncontrollable, Finlay decided to look for a caretaker to be around for Mimi and Jess enters the McKinlay’s lives who presence becomes integral to the family. 

This is a story of memories, family and relationship which on love, loss, grief and happiness. Love to read about the 3 brothers who cared so much for Mimi to ensure she have the best life possible. Overall it is a heartwarming and lovely read with wonderful characters and setting.

My Rating

The Review Card – The Highland Hens By Judy Leigh

‘One of those books that makes you feel good about being alive!’

In the imposing Glen Carrick House overlooking Scotland’s famous Loch Ness, lives eighty-eight-year-old Mimi McKinlay, cared for by her three adult sons. Hamish has inherited his mother’s musical talents, Fin is the responsible brother, and Angus has the complicated and brooding personality to match his dashing good looks. 

But what all the brothers share is a concern that their beloved mother is living in her memories of her days on stage, while letting her present days pass her by.

Jess Oliver is at a turning point. Amicably divorced after years of being married, this trip to the Highlands is a first taste of independence. It isn’t long before the beauty and hospitality of Scotland captures her heart.

When Mimi and Jess’s paths cross, a friendship is formed that will change both women’s lives. And as together they find ways to look forward instead of to the past, long forgotten dreams are within reach, and every new day is fresh with possibilities.

About The Author

Judy Leigh completed an MA in Professional Writing at Falmouth University in 2015, leaving her career of 20 years as an Advanced Skills teacher of Theatre Studies. She has had several stories published in magazines, including The Feminist Wire, The Purple Breakfast Review and You is for University. She has also trained as a Reiki healer, written a vegan recipe blog and set up a series of Shakespeare Festivals to enable young people to perform the Bard’s work on stage.

Link to Purchase

Book Review – Along the Shore By Rochelle Alers

Cherie Renee Thompson is finally ready to dive into change. After two summers vacationing on Coates Island, she’s now a permanent resident, studying to be a teacher, and has formed invaluable friendships with two remarkable women, Kayana and Leah. Their summer book club, which meets weekly at the Seaside Café, has taught Cherie to seize the day. And as the ex-mistress of a powerful politician consistently unable to commit, Cherie is determined not to waste any more time—or try romance again…

When Cherie meets new sheriff and ex-army veteran Reese Matthews, there’s an immediate, undeniable spark between them. For his part, Reese has survived ongoing loss and believes that Cherie is as open and uncomplicated as she appears—until her former flame returns. Free of his responsibilities, he’s offering Cherie the luxurious life he always promised…

Now, in a summer of glowing potential, tranquil days, and book club meetings filled with insight and caring, Cherie must weigh past dreams against new chances, search her heart for what’s real—and what will fulfill her most.

Published Date : 26 July 2022

My Review

Cherie move to the island where both of friends, Leah and Kayana have settled with their husband and fiancé. Cherie comes from a poor family and meets her former rich lover at the school. Soon, they carried on the affairs for more than 10 years even when he got married. Even up to she deliver her baby boy and leave it to him as his current wife is unable to get pregnant in exchange for money. She is not happy but there is nothing she can do. Moving to the island is a way for her to let go of her past and to start life again. Here, Cherie found herself attracted to Reese but first she need to come clean to Reese on her former life. Overall, it is an enjoyable read for me.

My Rating

The Review Card – Along the Shore By Rochelle Alers

Cherie Renee Thompson is finally ready to dive into change. After two summers vacationing on Coates Island, she’s now a permanent resident, studying to be a teacher, and has formed invaluable friendships with two remarkable women, Kayana and Leah. Their summer book club, which meets weekly at the Seaside Café, has taught Cherie to seize the day. And as the ex-mistress of a powerful politician consistently unable to commit, Cherie is determined not to waste any more time—or try romance again…

When Cherie meets new sheriff and ex-army veteran Reese Matthews, there’s an immediate, undeniable spark between them. For his part, Reese has survived ongoing loss and believes that Cherie is as open and uncomplicated as she appears—until her former flame returns. Free of his responsibilities, he’s offering Cherie the luxurious life he always promised…

Now, in a summer of glowing potential, tranquil days, and book club meetings filled with insight and caring, Cherie must weigh past dreams against new chances, search her heart for what’s real—and what will fulfill her most.

About The Author

Rochelle Alers has been hailed by readers and booksellers alike as one of today’s most prolific and popular African American authors of women’s fiction.

With nearly two million copies of her novels in print, Ms. Alers is a regular on the Waldenbooks, Borders and Essence bestseller lists, and has been the recipient of numerous awards, including the Gold Pen Award, the Emma Award, Vivian Stephens Award for Excellence in Romance Writing, the Romantic Times Career Achievement Award and the Zora Neale Hurston Literary Award

Link to Purchase

Book Review – Winter’s Path By Kelly Moran

My name is Matt Holcomb, and I’m the good guy. The boy next door. I’m the safe bet and I always do the right thing. Then one night two years ago, I made a terrible mistake that caused irreparable damage, and the guilt is killing me. If I’m ever to make the leap and find love again, the woman would have to be perfect. She can’t disrupt my carefully constructed control. I met my best friend Jenny Winter as a teenager and have loved her ever since. She’s gorgeous and talented. Her voice could make angels weep. Yet she chose someone else and I swore I’d never fall for her again. Until something happens between us and passion ignites. But she’s not the right girl for me, and crossing the line with her would not only change everything, it’ll take away the only good thing I have left.

Published Date: 2 August 2016

My Review

Jenny and Matt have a been best friends since teenager. They both understand that the friendship forged will not be more than that despite Jenny harbored a secret crush on Matt for years. Matt on the other hand, decided to move to Seasmoke permanently after ending a relationship which he convinced he doesn’t deserve to be love or be loved in return. It was here that Matt discover that his feeling for Jenny.

Overall, it is a heart wrenching emotional read for me especially at the ending. Love reading about Matt and Jenny carry their pasts and baggage and how they overcome it.

My Rating

Happy Publication Day – 13 September 2022

So It Goes By Jennifer Probst

Two people with little in common but business give pleasure a shot in a charming romance about fate and taking chances by New York Times bestselling author Jennifer Probst.

The truth? Lonely advertising rep Malia Evergreen is still waiting for a soul mate, marriage, and a family. The lie? Telling every busybody she knows that she’s met someone. Now it’s a matter of finding him. Malia needs a date for a wedding. In a pinch she strikes a bargain with her former client, CEO Palmer Matterson—an arrogant, defiantly single, alpha billionaire whose best quality is insincerity. The perfect fake date.

Palmer has wanted Malia from the first moment he saw her. A challenging, sexy career woman who knows what she wants. It’s just not him. Not yet, anyway. This is Palmer’s chance to win her heart.

As fate throws them together, Malia unravels the layers of the man she thought she knew and, against the odds, finds herself falling in love. Palmer’s falling too. If only they can convince each other what they share…a belief in a happy ever after.

The Review Card – Winter’s Path By Kelly Moran

My name is Matt Holcomb, and I’m the good guy. The boy next door. I’m the safe bet and I always do the right thing. Then one night two years ago, I made a terrible mistake that caused irreparable damage, and the guilt is killing me. If I’m ever to make the leap and find love again, the woman would have to be perfect. She can’t disrupt my carefully constructed control. I met my best friend Jenny Winter as a teenager and have loved her ever since. She’s gorgeous and talented. Her voice could make angels weep. Yet she chose someone else and I swore I’d never fall for her again. Until something happens between us and passion ignites. But she’s not the right girl for me, and crossing the line with her would not only change everything, it’ll take away the only good thing I have left.

About The Author

Kelly Moran is a romance author of enchanting ever afters. She is the winner of the 2013 Catherine Award and a 2014 Award of Excellence Finalist through RWA, plus she earned one of the 10 Best Reads of 2013 by USA TODAY’s HEA. She is a proud Romance Writers of America member. 

Kelly’s been known to say that she gets her ideas from everyone and everything around her and there’s always a book playing out in her head. No one who knows her bats an eyelash when she talks to herself. Her interests include: sappy movies, MLB, NFL, driving others insane, and sleeping when she can. She is a closet caffeine junkie and chocoholic, but don’t tell anyone. She resides in Wisconsin with her husband, three sons, and her black lab. Most of her family lives in the Carolinas, so she spends a lot of time there as well.

Link to Purchase

Book Review – When the Leaves Stop Falling By Kelly Moran

Ten years ago, Courtney Morgan had somehow found the courage to escape a life of abuse and run. Now living a comfortable–albeit lonely–existence, she’s determined to make the most of her second chance. But when a newcomer strolls into the diner where she works, a series of events lands her on a road trip from Arizona to Georgia. After she learns her travel companion has been given a terminal diagnosis and is returning home, Courtney sees this as an opportunity to pay it forward and help, like someone had once done for her. Yet, despite her good intentions, it seems fate is determined to put love and friendship in her path, forcing her to evaluate her own future and what she desires most. Offering forgiveness is hard, especially when that person needing it most is herself. And she’s discovering the important things in life are about the people along her journey, not the destination.

Published Date : 12 Oct 2015

My Review

Serena suffered heart condition since young and it’s condition is getting worst now. She is en route back to her family when she met Courtney. Courtney has  amazing gift when she doesn’t want to own. Love the way Serena and Courtney established their new friendship. Jake who have been holding on to the day that Serena will be back is hoping that she will finally let him love her. Serena on the other hand, has her reasons and she must tell him the truth. 

It is a lively story that make you cry laugh and believe in the existence of love.

My Rating