As young women, Lise and Emma had the kind of friendship people dream about. While Lise’s own family was distant and disengaged, Emma’s was welcoming and warm, and for the first twenty-six years of their life, growing up together in a close-knit community, the duo were inseparable. But when they decide to spend one year living together in Paris, what starts as the adventure of a lifetime becomes a disaster that changes everything. And when Emma returns to Bath the following summer, Lise stays behind in France, their friendship in tatters.
Now, sixteen years later, Lise has come back to their hometown, determined to put things right. But to do so, she’ll have to face up to the truth about what happened in Paris. And with Emma refusing to talk to her, can she get close enough to share her secret?
Midwife Jess is so used to helping other mums achieve their dreams that she’s put her own hopes of motherhood firmly on hold. After having her heart broken once before, Jess is determined to focus all she has on her small family and stepson Riley and make sure he feels safe, happy and loved.
But when Jess is asked to care for a tiny baby and new mum in need of support, she’s torn. Jess wants to help, but she isn’t sure her battered heart could cope with saying goodbye to another baby she’s fallen in love with.
Jess knows this could be the happy ever after she’s always dreamed of, but what if it costs her more heartache along the way? Is she brave enough to take one last chance at motherhood?
Tasting wine is not enough: sommelier Giovanni D’Angelo wants to create it. To put his family first, he’s always deferred his dreams—a vineyard to run, a woman to marry. But a three-week vineyard tour in Italy could set him back on track.
For Emma Rutledge, wine is in her blood. Intent to run the family wine business one day, she finds that the men in her family are only intent to push her out of it. But that’s fine—she’s got a plan.
When Gio and Emma meet on a wine tour in Tuscany, their shared aspirations fuel an undeniable chemistry. Returning home to California, they work toward setting up Emma’s vineyard and a label of their own. But when Emma receives a life-altering diagnosis, she worries it’s all been for nothing.
As Emma works to cement her family legacy while dealing with this unexpected challenge, Gio tries to convince her that their future isn’t just wine.
It’s each other.
Published Date: 27 June 2023
My Review
Emma Rutledge and Giovanni D’Angelos both receive wine tours to Tuscany for their thirtieth birthdays. Unbeknownst to them, they end up on the same tour, discovering a connection beyond the vineyards. Gio, a sommelier from San Diego’s Little Italy, dreams of owning a vineyard. Emma, the daughter of R&R Wineries’ owner, seeks independence after her ex-husband becomes her boss. As they explore the Tuscan countryside, sparks fly, and a special bond forms.
Back in California, Gio supports Emma’s quest for a vineyard, helping her break free from her father’s control. Their relationship deepens, facing challenges together. When Emma is diagnosed with a rare genetic condition, Gio remains by her side, strengthening their connection. The story combines humor, romance, and memorable characters, with Gio proving to be the ideal partner. The Tuscan setting, delightful characters, and vivid descriptions enhance the reading experience, making “Beginning of Forever” by Catherine Bybee a recommended and enjoyable read.
Tasting wine is not enough: sommelier Giovanni D’Angelo wants to create it. To put his family first, he’s always deferred his dreams—a vineyard to run, a woman to marry. But a three-week vineyard tour in Italy could set him back on track.
For Emma Rutledge, wine is in her blood. Intent to run the family wine business one day, she finds that the men in her family are only intent to push her out of it. But that’s fine—she’s got a plan.
When Gio and Emma meet on a wine tour in Tuscany, their shared aspirations fuel an undeniable chemistry. Returning home to California, they work toward setting up Emma’s vineyard and a label of their own. But when Emma receives a life-altering diagnosis, she worries it’s all been for nothing.
As Emma works to cement her family legacy while dealing with this unexpected challenge, Gio tries to convince her that their future isn’t just wine.
Keeping a family promise can be the beginning of a whole new life for everyone in town.
Taylor Gilford is more than happy to accept her grandmother’s gift of a cottage on the Lilac Lake Inn’s property to be shared with her two sisters, Dani and Whitney. The youngest, she’s always felt left out when the sisters got together. Living at Lilac Lake will give her a chance to know them better. More than that, it might help the “writer’s block” she’s been experiencing and help her recover from a stinging critique by her publisher’s new editor, Thompson C. Walker. After a few successful books in her fantasy series, Taylor can’t allow her career to end without fighting back. As she struggles, she learns a lot about herself and realizes that reading between the lines can bring a lot of happiness.
Family doesn’t mean everyone has to like each other. That’s the case when cousins Taryn, Anna Rose, and Jorja return to Shamrock, Texas, to help manage their grandmother’s flower shop, the Lucky Shamrock. The reunion isn’t exactly a beautiful arrangement—considering they’re as compatible as ranchers and coyotes.
Thank heaven for a handsome go-between like Clinton, who lives above the shop. The easygoing war vet, and most eligible bachelor in Wheeler County, is now throwing romance into the mix and setting the local women to gossiping. But as the hot months wear on, hidden secrets begin to surface for the temperamental Irish trio. And it’s bringing them closer together than they ever thought possible.
With a flurry of weddings, a love story in the making, a surprise baby, and crazy good fortune, maybe that shamrock painted on the window does bring luck. Because for Taryn, Anna Rose, and Jorja, this could be the summer that’ll change their lives forever.
Published Date: 4 July 2023
My Review
Taryn, Anna Rose, and Jorja return to their hometown, Shamrock, TX, agreeing to assist in their grandmother’s flower shop, The Lucky Shamrock, as she cares for her friend Ruby post-hip surgery. Unbeknownst to them, each cousin harbors secrets, leading them to rely on one another more than anticipated. Residing above the shop is Clinton, an attractive war veteran with family wealth, deemed the town’s most eligible bachelor. Despite several ladies vying for his hand in marriage, Clinton is dedicated to supporting veterans with PTSD. Remarkably, he even considers temporary custody of a charming baby to help one of his fellow vets seek assistance.
The book is a heartwarming tale of these women’s transformation from reluctant helpers to supportive friends, emphasizing love, tenacity, and strength in the face of challenges. The trio faces challenges, from mean girls to family dynamics. The surprise ending has a profound impact, with a particular character confronting their issues. Amidst the main story, a subtle romance develops between Taryn and Clinton, growing through shared responsibilities and friendship. The satisfying epilogue offers a glimpse into everyone’s lives a year later.
Family doesn’t mean everyone has to like each other. That’s the case when cousins Taryn, Anna Rose, and Jorja return to Shamrock, Texas, to help manage their grandmother’s flower shop, the Lucky Shamrock. The reunion isn’t exactly a beautiful arrangement—considering they’re as compatible as ranchers and coyotes.
Thank heaven for a handsome go-between like Clinton, who lives above the shop. The easygoing war vet, and most eligible bachelor in Wheeler County, is now throwing romance into the mix and setting the local women to gossiping. But as the hot months wear on, hidden secrets begin to surface for the temperamental Irish trio. And it’s bringing them closer together than they ever thought possible.
With a flurry of weddings, a love story in the making, a surprise baby, and crazy good fortune, maybe that shamrock painted on the window does bring luck. Because for Taryn, Anna Rose, and Jorja, this could be the summer that’ll change their lives forever.
Finding a man is like buying a house: sometimes you have to look beyond the exterior to see the potential underneath.
As an estate agent, Alex’s job is to create happy-ever-afters. It’s just a shame she can’t work the same magic on her own life. Her long-term boyfriend Thomas still lives with his mother, and her hopes of them taking the next step are dashed when he announces he’s spending all his savings (savings she’d quite hoped he’d want to put towards their future home) on an ‘artist retreat’ in San Francisco.
With Thomas thousands of miles away, getting a little too friendly with his fellow artistes, Alex strikes up a friendship with her new neighbour, Callum. Taciturn, grumpy and nerdy, Callum couldn’t be more different to Alex’s bubbly personality…. So why is he the one she wakes up wanting to talk to?
As they get to know each other, Alex starts to wonder if the answer to all her problems might be closer to home than she thinks…
One spilled glass of wine and bridesmaid Ensley James is ejected from a country club wedding in the rain. Ensley looks on the bright side. That would be her longtime crush Drew Daniels. The moody, broody, skin-pricklingly sexy groomsman is tossed out with her. Waiting out a hot spring storm in a cozy shed for two, it’s time for Drew’s confession: he’s strictly a one-nighter. Ensley’s dare? Give her three date nights and see where it goes.
A veterinarian like Drew is great when it comes to puppy love, but he has his reasons for his rules about women: no true feelings, just flings. So why agree to Ensley’s three-date challenge? Easy. Miss Ray of Freaking Sunshine is absolutely irresistible. Night after night, Ensley and Drew can’t ignore the heat, the growing intimacy—and the unexpected complications. Drew’s walls may be crumbling, but Ensley’s still at risk of being another tryst.
Especially with Ensley’s final confession. This one could be their rockiest challenge yet.
Published Date: 13 June 2023
My Review
Ensley James is determined to support her best friend through wedding events, even if it means dealing with a stepmother who makes Cinderella’s seem like a paragon of love. Despite her best efforts, Ensley gets banished from the wedding, left stranded outside the country club in her picture-worthy bridesmaid’s dress, enduring torrential rain. Enter Drew Daniels, her brother’s best friend, who rescues her, leading to hopes of something more until he reveals he’s a strictly one-night kind of guy. Undeterred, Ensley goads the broody veterinarian into giving her three dates.
The book features Ensley, a cheerful and supportive friend, and Drew, a broody veterinarian exuding hotness. Ensley’s happiness and hope add a cute dynamic to the story, while Drew’s moody and in-charge attitude complements her well. Their chemistry and banter create an engaging interplay throughout the book.
She sparkles. He growls. Baring their true feelings could be the start of a wild love story—or the end of it—in a sexy romantic comedy by a USA Today bestselling author.
One spilled glass of wine and bridesmaid Ensley James is ejected from a country club wedding in the rain. Ensley looks on the bright side. That would be her longtime crush Drew Daniels. The moody, broody, skin-pricklingly sexy groomsman is tossed out with her. Waiting out a hot spring storm in a cozy shed for two, it’s time for Drew’s confession: he’s strictly a one-nighter. Ensley’s dare? Give her three date nights and see where it goes.
A veterinarian like Drew is great when it comes to puppy love, but he has his reasons for his rules about women: no true feelings, just flings. So why agree to Ensley’s three-date challenge? Easy. Miss Ray of Freaking Sunshine is absolutely irresistible. Night after night, Ensley and Drew can’t ignore the heat, the growing intimacy—and the unexpected complications. Drew’s walls may be crumbling, but Ensley’s still at risk of being another tryst.
Especially with Ensley’s final confession. This one could be their rockiest challenge yet.
My Sanctuary 