The moment you stop looking, that’s when Prince Charming will come knocking on your door!
Summer Knowles does not want a boyfriend. Relationships have caused enough problems in her life. As bridesmaid at her sister’s wedding, she’s going to avoid all things romantic – especially the brawny, hipster best-man who has commitment-phobe written all over him!
When Archie Hill meets Summer, he immediately thinks bridesmaid-and-best-man-with-benefits! They have one week together and may as well make the most of it. But what if one week just isn’t enough…
As wedding fever takes hold, can a sworn-off-men bridesmaid and a die-hard bachelor learn a thing or two about happy-ever-after?
There are worse fates than growing up knowing that you will one day inherit a vast and magnificent Cotswolds country estate, but for Rhys Travers it has always felt like a huge responsibility.
Juniper Meadows is home to much of his extended family, not to mention the many local businesses that operate on the estate, so there’s no time to sit back and enjoy the view. Juniper Meadows is a full-time job, and that doesn’t leave much time for romance…
Tasha Blake’s career leaves no time for romance either – much to her mother’s chagrin. Tasha’s sister Danni has kindly provided two grandchildren, but Victoria Blake is keen for more! When her job takes her to Juniper Meadows for an extended project, the slower pace of life, the beauty of the countryside and the warmth of the Travers family, soon has Tasha in its thrall, and the future Lord of the Manor Rhys Travers is rather easy on the eye too.
As the busyness of life on the estate sweeps Tasha and Rhys along, they are both able to ignore the secrets and silences that are growing between them. But when the future of Juniper Meadows hangs in the balance, loyalties and love are tested to breaking point. When the chips are down, can Rhys and Tasha see a future together, come rain or shine…
Secrets At The Cottage By The Sea By Caroline Young
Arriving on the doorstep of her new cliffside cottage with its craggy, white-washed walls and chipped blue door, Jude Fitzgerald closes her eyes and listens to the cries of oystercatchers and the crash of waves in the cove below. As she steps over the threshold into the rundown old cottage, Jude feels like she’s come home. Ever since the death of her husband, Alex, she’s longed to return to the island of Anglesey, which they visited for their honeymoon only a few years before.
Resolved to hide away from the world, Jude spends her days walking the beaches alone, while at night she gazes at the stars lost in memories, until an unexpected gift from a kind neighbour offers her a lifeline. Slowly, she opens her heart to the island community, joining a class to learn the local language, going sea swimming with new friends, and rediscovering her long-forgotten love of art. Over time, Jude sees that while her old life has ended, a new one is just beginning.
But first she must let go of everything that ties her to the past – including family secrets that have passed from one generation to another and keep her from picking up the phone to her estranged mother. As events take a surprising but welcome turn, Jude learns that it’s possible move on while keeping Alex in her heart, and that it’s never too late to follow your dreams…
At 25, Daisy May’s life is not living up to expectations. Her childhood dreams of being an artist feel as unachievable as a committed relationship or managing to save enough money for a deposit on a house. But a surprise inheritance could change all that.
After Daisy learns she’s now the new owner of a forty-foot narrow boat, she sets out for Wildflower Lock, where the fresh country breeze and the calm water is enough to assure her everything will be okay.
With the help of the ruggedly attractive, yet grumpy riverman, Theo, she begins to work on her new home, the September Rose. Can she breathe new life into the old boat and learn to navigate not only the canals themselves, but also the people who live there? Or will the whole venture pull her under?
Published Date: 14 July 2023
My Review
Daisy May, at 25, craves a more meaningful life, steering away from her childhood aspiration of becoming an artist. Despite a distant connection with her mother, Daisy finds comfort in two close friends. The unexpected inheritance of a houseboat named September Rose introduces her to Theo, a brusque yet captivating Riverman, following an accidental boarding of the wrong vessel. Confronting work challenges and escalating rent, Daisy opts to refurbish the houseboat for potential resale. However, as she delves into the project and bonds with fellow boat inhabitants, she discovers concealed facets of herself and her family, unveiling longstanding secrets her mother may be concealing. The lively interaction between Daisy and Theo enriches this captivating narrative, although the somewhat abrupt conclusion sparks curiosity, hinting at the possibility of a sequel.
Any soldier who gets out of the service with his life should be happy to leave danger behind. Though his army brothers are content running their new business in Maine, Kendric “Bob” Evans isn’t ready to give up the fight. He’s been supplementing his hours with covert rescue missions organized by the FBI. But his latest charge may be more than he bargained for.
Marlowe Kennedy is on a routine archaeology dig in Thailand when she’s arrested for drug trafficking. She has suspicions about the true culprit, but even when she’s rescued from prison, there’s nothing she can do about it without proof. Her protective bodyguard’s only objective is to keep her safe until they cross the border into friendly territory.
The best way to do that? Travel as man and wife.
After returning to Maine, as Bob and Marlowe navigate this treacherous terrain with the help of their friends, they face vengeful authorities, a vindictive frame job, and perhaps most important of all―turning their fake marriage into something real.
At 25, Daisy May’s life is not living up to expectations. Her childhood dreams of being an artist feel as unachievable as a committed relationship or managing to save enough money for a deposit on a house. But a surprise inheritance could change all that.
After Daisy learns she’s now the new owner of a forty-foot narrow boat, she sets out for Wildflower Lock, where the fresh country breeze and the calm water is enough to assure her everything will be okay.
With the help of the ruggedly attractive, yet grumpy riverman, Theo, she begins to work on her new home, the September Rose. Can she breathe new life into the old boat and learn to navigate not only the canals themselves, but also the people who live there? Or will the whole venture pull her under?
As Faith tries on her future mother-in-law’s wedding dress in preparation for her own wedding, her tears are not of joy. The hideous frock is nicknamed ‘The Ghost Web’ by Faith’s best friend Marilyn, who can’t understand why Faith would even consider wearing it. But there’s a lot Marilyn doesn’t know about Faith – not the least of which is that Faith is just the latest of the names she has called herself.
Faith and her brother Sam survived a traumatic childhood which included having to change their names to hide from the past, but surviving has left scars. Faith’s generous fiancé Perry doesn’t just promise to be a partner, he offers freedom and security, and enough kindness to keep Faith squashing down any doubts on what ‘being in love’ really means.
It’s not until she meets an extraordinary group of women at the Grace Chapel choir, that things start to become crystal clear. As choir-leader extraordinaire, the indomitable Hester, holds a mirror up to her ragtag group of singers, all with their own burdens and insecurities, and teaches them to see how magnificent they are, so Faith can dare to dream of a future where she and Sam can stop running and she might even be ready to accept the love that she deserves.
Autumn Laine has lost her creative sparkle. After losing her grandad and her job as an illustrator in quick succession, she is at a crossroads in life and needs a break. Spending time with her parents in Paris, even in the artistic community of Montmartre, doesn’t appear to be the answer.
So when her penpal, Rosie, invites her to stay in the Lake District, Autumn jumps at the chance to get away from the hustle and bustle of Paris. After all, where better to re-discover her creativity than the place which inspired her heroine, Beatrix Potter?
Arriving at the picturesque lakeside village of Willowdale, Autumn is swept up by the beauty and magic of the stunning landscape. Welcomed into the community with open arms, she slowly starts to feel like herself again as her creative instincts re-ignite.
But when she meets Dane, who has escaped to the Lakes for his own reasons, will Autumn’s walls come down to let someone in again after so long? Or will the secrets of her past continue to hold her back?
Published Date: 17 July 2023
My Review
Confronting a pivotal moment in her life post-job loss and personal challenges, Autumn Laine accepts an invitation from her penpal Rosie to explore The Lake District. In the midst of the inspiring scenery and Beatrix Potter’s influence, she forms a connection with Dane, a cyclist navigating his own troubles. Their journey unfolds as a tale of healing, inspiration, and the possibility of a deeper connection than mere friendship. ‘The Start of Something Wonderful’ skillfully depicts Autumn’s personal growth, the evolving penpal relationship, and the profound impact of friendship against the backdrop of a splendid setting.
Autumn Laine has lost her creative sparkle. After losing her grandad and her job as an illustrator in quick succession, she is at a crossroads in life and needs a break. Spending time with her parents in Paris, even in the artistic community of Montmartre, doesn’t appear to be the answer.
So when her penpal, Rosie, invites her to stay in the Lake District, Autumn jumps at the chance to get away from the hustle and bustle of Paris. After all, where better to re-discover her creativity than the place which inspired her heroine, Beatrix Potter?
Arriving at the picturesque lakeside village of Willowdale, Autumn is swept up by the beauty and magic of the stunning landscape. Welcomed into the community with open arms, she slowly starts to feel like herself again as her creative instincts re-ignite.
But when she meets Dane, who has escaped to the Lakes for his own reasons, will Autumn’s walls come down to let someone in again after so long? Or will the secrets of her past continue to hold her back?
A new beginning is a daunting prospect, but could it be the start of something wonderful too..?
Moving home in her 30s was not the life plan Jas had in mind. So when her best friend gets in touch to say she’s arranging a long overdue reunion with their high school friends, Jas is very much up for the escape. Oh, and it’s all expenses paid to Italy – so that’s a bonus!
But while being whisked away to the beautiful Italian coast may seem idyllic, Jas has to come face to face with not only her ex-boyfriend, but the one that got away too!
It’s a week of sun, sea and unravelling secrets, and as the love triangle from the past starts to develop once again, this trip is not panning out exactly as Jas imagines…
Should the past be left where it is, or could there be a second chance at love on the horizon..?
Published Date: 6 July 2023
My Review
Jas, recently fired, joins old high school friends for a holiday in Italy organized by her now-married ex, Maxi. She’s part of a past love triangle involving Mike and Cam. The reunion takes a surprising turn when Clarky’s island adventure disrupts the plot, followed by a swift rekindling of relationships at a spontaneous sex resort, leaving the author’s attempt at character growth and plot development feeling rushed and unsatisfying.
The book brims with fun, laughter, and friendship—perfect ingredients for a delightful summer read. I found myself laughing out loud, particularly during the holiday resort games! It’s a feel-good story emphasizing the importance of good friends for the soul.
Moving home in her 30s was not the life plan Jas had in mind. So when her best friend gets in touch to say she’s arranging a long overdue reunion with their high school friends, Jas is very much up for the escape. Oh, and it’s all expenses paid to Italy – so that’s a bonus!
But while being whisked away to the beautiful Italian coast may seem idyllic, Jas has to come face to face with not only her ex-boyfriend, but the one that got away too!
It’s a week of sun, sea and unravelling secrets, and as the love triangle from the past starts to develop once again, this trip is not panning out exactly as Jas imagines…
Should the past be left where it is, or could there be a second chance at love on the horizon..?
My Sanctuary 