When Seren’s brother Andrew signs her up to Yorkshire Dating, only for them to recommend that she ‘gets a life’ before they find her a match, Seren has to admit that they may have a point.
She loves her job cooking at an elder day centre and her little flat, but it’s fair to say her life is a little short of hobbies and friends. Since she was young Seren has felt safer close to home, but now she’s a thirty-something divorcee, it’s time for a change.
Change arrives in the shape of alarmingly clever collie Kez, who Seren offers to take in ‘temporarily’, and kind but mysterious new colleague Ned. But as Ned and Kez tempt Seren out of her shell, it means facing her fears. And when Andrew finally reveals the secrets of their childhood, Seren’s need for safety suddenly makes sense.
A problem shared is a problem halved, and with friends by her side, Seren might be able to get a life that she loves at last.
Unable to leave her house since suffering a trauma, Laura is stuck gazing out of her window at Willow Crescent, relying on husband Jim and best friend Debbie for help.
Then one day, Jim doesn’t come home.
A day becomes two, days become a week, and still no sign of Jim. And with the police half-hearted in their efforts to look for him, Laura is forced into a decision. She’s going to have to face the world outside and find her husband herself.
But what Laura hasn’t realised is that Willow Crescent is a community, eager to help. From Arthur and Carol next door ready to rally the neighbours, to Marjorie and her daughter Faye at number nine looking for their own reasons to engage with the world. From Sonja at number seven who thinks she may have seen Jim in London, to widower Ben at number four who understands all about being lonely. Laura has a world ready to embrace her if she can just find the nerve.
And when it slowly dawns on them all, that the Jim they thought they knew, may have been hiding some unfathomable secrets, Laura has a choice – retreat back behind her window, or start living the life that was waiting for her all along.
Published Date: 5 June 2023
My Review
Following a traumatic attack in London, chef Laura becomes agoraphobic and moves to the suburbs with her husband, Jim. Her increasing dependence on him strains their relationship, and she resorts to alcohol when lonely. When Jim mysteriously doesn’t return from a trip, Laura is forced to seek help from her neighbors.
This book addresses relationships, trauma, and mental health with a mix of first-person and third-person narratives. While the portrayal of relationships and emotional manipulation is commendable, Laura’s failure to notice red flags over seven years seems implausible. The shifting perspectives can disrupt the reading flow, and the plot progresses predictably. Despite its shortcomings, the book offers insights into Laura’s emotional journey, though it may not resonate with all readers.
Unable to leave her house since suffering a trauma, Laura is stuck gazing out of her window at Willow Crescent, relying on husband Jim and best friend Debbie for help.
Then one day, Jim doesn’t come home.
A day becomes two, days become a week, and still no sign of Jim. And with the police half-hearted in their efforts to look for him, Laura is forced into a decision. She’s going to have to face the world outside and find her husband herself.
But what Laura hasn’t realised is that Willow Crescent is a community, eager to help. From Arthur and Carol next door ready to rally the neighbours, to Marjorie and her daughter Faye at number nine looking for their own reasons to engage with the world. From Sonja at number seven who thinks she may have seen Jim in London, to widower Ben at number four who understands all about being lonely. Laura has a world ready to embrace her if she can just find the nerve.
And when it slowly dawns on them all, that the Jim they thought they knew, may have been hiding some unfathomable secrets, Laura has a choice – retreat back behind her window, or start living the life that was waiting for her all along.
When Sarah starts work at the Botros Oil Company, she doesn’t expect the tall and stunningly sexy CEO to be so rude, arrogant, and argumentative. He obviously doesn’t approve of his brother hiring her.
Sheikh Tariq Botros has never met anyone like Sarah. She has no respect for tradition. She’s clumsy, stubborn, unladylike, and talks far too much. She also isn’t intimidated by him. In fact, she openly challenges him. Just talking to her is an exercise in frustration.
After a heated argument leads to an unforgettable night of passion, they both agree it can never happen again. But there are consequences to their unprotected encounter, and they’re forced to come to terms with their feelings and the explosive attraction between them.
Published Date: 25 May 2023
My Review
In the first book of the Botros Brothers series, Sara Matthews, a recent engineering graduate, arrives in Kithab, Middle East, to work in the oil fields. Interviewed by VP Amir Botros for a junior engineer and an assistant position, she’s soon hired for the latter. Sara builds a rapport with Amir but clashes with the traditional CEO, Sheikh Tariq Botros, who disapproves of her. Curious about an unexplored oil field, Sara independently investigates it, further angering Tariq. However, an unexpected intimate encounter between them leads to Sara’s pregnancy. Tariq’s grandmother, Fiddah, discovers Sara’s condition and ensures her well-being. Tariq, realizing his responsibilities, moves Sara into his home. Despite initial conflicts, their mutual attraction grows. Fiddah’s intervention helps Tariq confront his feelings for Sara.
What stood out for me was Sara’s intelligence and dedication. I appreciated Tariq’s depth; while he’s stern, Sara brings out his lighter side. Notably, the author allows the couple ample time—a realistic nine months—to recognize and nurture their love. However, the subplot involving Tariq’s mother felt unnecessary. I also think the narrative could benefit from more depth to intensify its emotional impact. The series promises further intriguing tales of romance and tradition.
When Sarah starts work at the Botros Oil Company, she doesn’t expect the tall and stunningly sexy CEO to be so rude, arrogant, and argumentative. He obviously doesn’t approve of his brother hiring her.
Sheikh Tariq Botros has never met anyone like Sarah. She has no respect for tradition. She’s clumsy, stubborn, unladylike, and talks far too much. She also isn’t intimidated by him. In fact, she openly challenges him. Just talking to her is an exercise in frustration.
After a heated argument leads to an unforgettable night of passion, they both agree it can never happen again. But there are consequences to their unprotected encounter, and they’re forced to come to terms with their feelings and the explosive attraction between them.
A deal that will turn both their lives upside down…
To grow her craft business, Nancy is in desperate need of two things: help and money. So when a potential investor she’s looking to impress recommends an assistant, she jumps at the chance to secure both.
Freddy Astley-Davenport is a notorious playboy with zero work experience. He’s poised to inherit his family’s estate in sunny Seashell Bay – but only if he can hold down a job for six months first. His plan is to take the assistant role in name only, then do the least work he possibly can.
Nancy has other ideas, though, and the pair butt heads from day one. However, as they argue, sparks begin to fly, and they soon discover exactly why opposites attract…
Published Date: 20 July 2023
My Review
Nancy’s craft enterprise is on the brink of collapse without a new profitable deal. Her presentation flops, yet a glimmer of hope arises when Freddy steps in. Freddy, born into wealth and unacquainted with work, must prove he can handle a job to gain control of his family’s estate. In return, he hints at providing Nancy the much-needed contract. As her assistant, he’s not ideal, but shines when he takes an injured Nancy to recuperate at his Seashell Bay family estate, exposing her to a lavish lifestyle.
Parallel to this is another captivating narrative. Nancy’s flatmate, Alice, is experiencing London’s allure while working as a teaching assistant. A memorable kiss at a club haunts her, especially when the man reemerges as a parent of a student in her class. Alice presumes he’s taken until a vacation revelation suggests he might be attainable.
These intertwined romance stories are linked primarily by their main characters, Nancy Barraclough and Alice Pelling, who cohabit, discuss their dilemmas, and give each other love advice. The tale is a delightful romantic escapade filled with vivid personalities and set amidst a beautiful backdrop.
A deal that will turn both their lives upside down…
To grow her craft business, Nancy is in desperate need of two things: help and money. So when a potential investor she’s looking to impress recommends an assistant, she jumps at the chance to secure both.
Freddy Astley-Davenport is a notorious playboy with zero work experience. He’s poised to inherit his family’s estate in sunny Seashell Bay – but only if he can hold down a job for six months first. His plan is to take the assistant role in name only, then do the least work he possibly can.
Nancy has other ideas, though, and the pair butt heads from day one. However, as they argue, sparks begin to fly, and they soon discover exactly why opposites attract…
Former Navy SEAL Jake Travers’s mission is simple… Tail Marco Bresi, the man who once kidnapped billionaire Trent Caldwell’s baby, so Trent can find out what he’s up to now. But Jake never expected to find an intoxicatingly beautiful woman alongside the shady character he’s following.
Alexandra Moretti may be smart, gorgeous, and the most captivating woman Jake has ever met. But as far as he’s concerned, she’s the key to getting close to Marco. But as Jake gets closer to her, his attraction becomes an addiction. And soon, he can’t imagine life without her…
After a disastrous arranged engagement, Alexandra is looking to escape Italy, so she allows Marco to bring her to the U.S. as a favor to her father. But the second she meets the ruggedly handsome Jake, she finds herself drawn to him. Something about his smoldering blue eyes and commanding presence makes her feel safe and protected. And she knows he desires her as much as she desires him…
But will their steamy affair come to an end when Alex uncovers Jake’s true motives?
Published Date: 11 May 2023
My Review
Jake is tasked with keeping an eye on Bresi, the antagonist. However, he becomes infatuated with Alexandra, who’s accompanying Bresi to the US. Hoping to leverage his relationship with her to get to Bresi, Jake unexpectedly finds himself genuinely falling for Alexandra, complicating matters of disclosure. On the other hand, Alex, elated to be in America, is taken by surprise when she encounters the charismatic Jake. As their whirlwind romance intensifies, questions of trust and familial ties arise.
The book showcases palpable sexual tension and passionate exchanges between the protagonists. Despite their instant attraction, which some might find accelerated, their bond feels genuine. The narrative takes a twist when Alex discovers Jake’s true intentions, leading her to distance herself, focusing on her musical aspirations. Recognizing he can’t live without her, Jake devises a plan, with his friends’ aid, to win her back and reveal the whole truth
Snowflakes And Surprises In Tuppenny Bridge By Sharon Booth
In Tuppenny Bridge, fresh snowfall carpets every cottage roof, turning the village into a shimmering wonderland of white. Snatches of carols swirl in the frosty air and, beside a roaring fire in The White Hart Inn, rosy-cheeked families gather over mugs of hot chocolate. But despite the holiday cheer all around her, Clementine Grant can barely manage a smile…
Clemmie has always been a romantic at heart, even going so far as to write her own regency romance novels… not that she’d EVER let anyone read them. This year, she’s dreaming of a white Christmas, but any chance of a merry holiday is dashed when she spots her ex-boyfriend, Ross Lavender, across the village green at a carol concert.
Even worse, Clemmie is mortified when, in the village Christmas raffle, she picks the winning ticket. The prize? A portrait painted by Ross himself, who is a talented local artist. Burning with shame, Clemmie tries unsuccessfully to give it back. She’d rather forget the portrait and the man behind it – no way does she want to spend hours alone together this holiday season.
But then an unexpected snowstorm traps Clemmie and Ross in close quarters, and old emotions and secrets emerge from beneath the ice. With Clemmie’s sweet Aunt Dolly clearly keeping something from her, and a potential new suitor – the charming Reuben Walker – stirring the pot, Clemmie’s future is at a terrifying crossroads. Will the spirit of Christmas, with its promise of new beginnings, help bridge the distance between two people who thought it was over for good? Or will the weight of the secret Clemmie’s been carrying ever since they split up prove too heavy for her to bear?
Former Navy SEAL Jake Travers’s mission is simple… Tail Marco Bresi, the man who once kidnapped billionaire Trent Caldwell’s baby, so Trent can find out what he’s up to now. But Jake never expected to find an intoxicatingly beautiful woman alongside the shady character he’s following.
Alexandra Moretti may be smart, gorgeous, and the most captivating woman Jake has ever met. But as far as he’s concerned, she’s the key to getting close to Marco. But as Jake gets closer to her, his attraction becomes an addiction. And soon, he can’t imagine life without her…
After a disastrous arranged engagement, Alexandra is looking to escape Italy, so she allows Marco to bring her to the U.S. as a favor to her father. But the second she meets the ruggedly handsome Jake, she finds herself drawn to him. Something about his smoldering blue eyes and commanding presence makes her feel safe and protected. And she knows he desires her as much as she desires him…
But will their steamy affair come to an end when Alex uncovers Jake’s true motives?
My Sanctuary 