Monthly Archives: April 2024

Review Card & Book Review – Christmas in Fortune’s Cove By Victoria James

Annie Hamilton is a single mother of two and veterinarian whose family is on the verge of falling apart. Her husband has passed away, her teenage son is finding trouble at every turn, and she’s desperately struggling to keep it all together. When she decides to leave the city for Fortune’s Cove in a last-ditch search for peace and togetherness, she’s welcomed by her late husband’s best friend, Matt—a friend who swore he’d always be there for them.

Surrounded by majestic ocean, the island’s famous red sand dunes, and a glowing holiday spirit, Annie and her family are embraced by a warm community more than willing to welcome them. As she joins Matt’s veterinary practice and her son begins to stabilize, Annie feels hopeful for the future, beginning to realize that true family is all about love and not just about blood. Annie could never have imagined that a thousand hundred miles from the city could feel the closest to home that she’s ever been. But this cozy enclave harbors a trove of secrets that could undo the life of a vulnerable young woman.

When the past threatens the family Annie is rebuilding, she finds the courage to fiercely protect all of them—and discovers just how far she’ll go to save her family and herself.

About The Author

My Review

Annie Hamilton, a single mother, moves with her troubled teenage son Adam to Fortune’s Cove on Prince Edward Island for a fresh start, accepting a job at a veterinary practice owned by Matt, her late husband’s best friend. Promising Adam they’ll return to Toronto if things don’t improve by Christmas, Annie immerses herself in the welcoming community. As the holidays approach, the family finds joy in festive events, but shadows from Annie’s and Matt’s pasts threaten their newfound happiness. “Christmas in Fortune’s Cove” unfolds over six weeks, blending predictability with enjoyable moments. The chemistry between Annie and Matt, with a history traced back to university, adds a sweet touch. Set against the backdrop of Prince Edward Island, the story encompasses family, healing, and festive romance, showcasing the magic of Christmas.

My Rating

Link To Purchase

Happy Publication Day – 9 April 2024

No Place Like Home By Barbara O’Neal

Life didn’t turn out the way Jewel Sabatino planned. However long she’s been gone, home is waiting.

At seventeen, Jewel fled Colorado for New York City and didn’t look back. Now she’s raising a teenage son alone and is a loving caretaker to her one true friend when she receives a surprising inheritance: her aunt’s Pueblo farm and one hundred acres of land. After decades, it’s time for Jewel to reconnect with everyone and everything she left behind.

Her seventeen-year-old son, Shane, is finally meeting his relatives. Jewel’s soulmate, Michael, has a serene haven for his final days. And Jewel’s welcome back is one of a strong community embracing rich Sicilian traditions, three ebullient sisters preparing for a summer wedding, and a tearful and anxious mother with open arms. But for Jewel, it also means facing her father, who has never forgiven his favorite child for betraying him. And he may never forgive her.

As Jewel’s emotional journey begins, an estranged visitor turns her life around again and could heal her wary heart in ways she never expected.

The Wedding Box By Toni Blake

MARRIAGE
Not even a bridal-veil-stealing dog can ruin Haley and Ben’s wedding day. And when Haley’s beloved Aunt Nan gives them a gift that’s not to be opened “until your first big disagreement,” Haley is sure the box will sit gathering dust for a lifetime. After all, she and Ben are the perfect couple. Aren’t they?

MAKING UP
But life comes with stresses. Architect Ben’s career dreams are rooted in losses from his past, while bakery owner Haley has her own firmly-set – and conflicting – plans for how to get to a happy future. Each time they decide to open the gift, though, something stops them, pushing them to solve the issue themselves, and before long, the mysterious box takes on almost mythic proportions. They can’t imagine what’s inside that could fix every marital woe, but they want to save it as long as possible.

MIRACLES
What happens when a problem comes along that can’t be solved and no gift could ever fix? This one might just take believing in miracles.

Review Card & Book Review – My Billionaire Rancher: Secret Lover By Lavender Skye

A broken engagement, a return trip home, a desperate search for a new job, and an unexpected shot at forbidden romance. How did I get here?!

My life was going perfectly. I had a hot fiancé, a perfect wedding planned, and my whole career ahead of me. My happy-ever-after was just around the corner…

Life was great until I found out that my fiancé was cheating on me. I lost my job and had to return home to Denver, feeling more defeated than ever. When my dad hooked me up with a great opportunity on his best friend’s ranch, I had to take the chance to get my life back on track.

Then I met my new boss: Theodore Woods, Billionaire Rancher. Gruff, demanding… and deliciously handsome.

Also. My dad’s. Best. Friend.

I guess, after Colin, I’m looking for a real man—one who will respect me, take care of me, and treasure me. And the heat I’ve caught in Theodore’s eyes sparks those tummy flutters all over again.

For the first time in a long time, I’m feeling hopeful. But what will my parents say? Won’t they freak out? Is Theodore worth the risk?

About The Author

My Review

Amelia, reeling from a painful breakup, returns to Denver seeking a fresh start. Desperate for a job, her father arranges for her to work on a horse ranch owned by his best friend, Colin. Initially a grumpy rancher, Colin’s demeanor changes in Amelia’s presence. Despite being labeled as a billionaire romance, the story focuses more on an age-gap and grumpy/sunshine dynamic with a quick, steamy resolution. The title may mislead readers expecting opulent lifestyle depictions typical of billionaire romances. The age-gap theme, with the protagonist at 24, is subtly overshadowed by parental influence, sometimes veering towards an underage dynamic. While the novella delivers standard love scenes, the erotica aspect unfolds gradually, with the spice level being moderate. A quick, steamy read with a happily-ever-after, but not strictly adhering to traditional billionaire romance tropes.

My Rating

Link To Purchase

Happy Publication Day – 8 April 2024

Fake It ’til You Make It By Laura Carter

Can a fake date fix everything?

On a day Abbey thought would be the best of her life – her boyfriend is surely going to propose tonight, right? – it all falls apart: he tells her he’s met someone else. And then to make things worse, she loses her job.

In an act of reimagination, she splurges her wedding savings on renting an apartment in a building she’s always dreamed of living in and kits out her wardrobe to match.

But when her family invites her ex – a close family friend – plus a date(!!) to her parents’ vow renewal, Abbey realizes her façade won’t be enough. There’s nothing for it but to fake one more thing – a romance. And she knows exactly who to ask… her hot new neighbor…

Review Card & Book Review – Stuck With You By Aimee Brown

Jade Monroe has finally found the man of her dreams. 

Or has she? Despite them being newly engaged, her fiancé Conner has suddenly gone radio silent. And even though her family are all giving her the same advice, (he’s just not that into you) she’s not convinced.

River Matthews has always been his authentic self, without apologies. Honest to a fault, light-hearted and a little lonely. Currently he’s the last single standing in his group of friends and he’s starting to feel his clock ticking. He’s got close to happily-ever-after before, but now it’s once-bitten-twice-shy, and the only way he’s going to find love is if he takes a chance.

The wisdom goes that if you just stop looking, your perfect partner will appear, but who will be there when Jade and River stop searching for ‘the one’?

About The Author

My Review

In this charming tale, Jade gets the proposal of her dreams but starts questioning her relationship when her fiancé overlooks key details. Working at a bar, she encounters River, who senses the truth about her fiancé. As Jade navigates past trauma and vulnerability, River strives to show her genuine love. While some label it a love triangle, Conner’s detachment makes it more about Jade’s journey. The story beautifully explores Jade’s growth and River’s efforts to reveal her worth. Despite Jade’s frustrating stubbornness, her loyalty adds depth. The narrative, not rushing to a happily-ever-after, unfolds into a sweet romance. The book invites readers to reflect on the nature of true love and self-discovery, making it a lovely, heartwarming read with characters destined for each other.

My Rating

Link To Purchase

Review Card & Book Review – Another Time, Another Place By Jo Lovett

The best people in life are worth the wait…

When Liv finds herself locked in a shed with handsome stranger Ben (after they try to rescue a cat together), the instant connection they make feels like fate had a hand in it. Has Liv finally found her perfect match?

But everything about the timing means there’s no way they can be together. Not least because Ben has a girlfriend and Liv is moving from London to Paris the next day.

Over the coming years their paths weave in and out of each other’s lives – together, but always fleetingly.

If only they could stop missing each other, who knows what fate may have in store for them…

About The Author

My Review

In this captivating love story, Liv and Ben’s initial encounter in an abandoned building sparks instant attraction, but life’s timing complicates their connection. Fate continues to intertwine their paths over eight years, leading to a series of encounters and missed opportunities. Finally acting on their feelings during wedding celebrations, Ben confesses his love, only to disappear abruptly. Liv, determined to find closure, faces the challenge of unraveling Ben’s mysterious secrets. As Liv grows into a confident woman, the slow-burning chemistry between them becomes palpable. Despite frustrating misunderstandings, the story explores the resilience of love at first sight. With compelling characters and a hidden secret, this novel is a must-read for those who believe in fate and enduring connections.

My Rating

Link to Purchase

Review Card & Book Review – The Gingerbread Christmas Village By Kiley Dunbar

Everyone deserves a Christmas treat…

The annual Wheaton gingerbread exhibit (a model village made of gingerbread) and grotto has been an important part of the sleepy Cotswold hamlet’s Christmas celebrations for decades.

For years the gingerbread exhibition drew visitors from across the region and each year the model town grew more elaborate and ambitious but recently, interest has been dwindling. The gingerbread grotto needs to be rehomed or close forever.

Sixty-four-year-old Margi, the event’s founder, has had enough of village life (and its total lack of eligible men) and is planning to sell up and head to Birmingham to live closer to her niece.

She has lost her spark and her Christmas spirit and decides this will be her last gingerbread village, but despairs when she finds her only support is her old friend, Izzy, her niece Lucy from Birmingham, and Fern, the shy young farmer’s daughter. Oh, and Patrick, the gorgeous, reliable school caretaker.

As if this wasn’t enough, Lucy is determined to get her out dating again and persuades her to try some online dating apps but Margi’s had her heart broken too many times and wonders if she has just missed her chance.

Can they save the Gingerbread Grotto and can Margi get her old spark and her Christmas spirit back?

About The Author

My Review

This book weaves a delightful tapestry of genres, blending holiday charm with themes of friendship, loss, family, and personal growth. Set in the quaint hamlet of Wheaton, the story revolves around sixty-four-year-old Margi, organizing the fading Wheaton Gingerbread Grotto exhibition. Facing challenges like competition from a neighboring light extravaganza and a dilapidated town hall, Margi, along with her diverse team, navigates personal struggles. The narrative explores emotions tied to breakups, lost love, and self-discovery. Despite Margi’s mature perspective, the story remains multi-generational, emphasizing the timeless nature of personalities and loves. With a heartwarming touch, the novel imparts uplifting messages about living authentically, disregarding societal expectations, and fostering community spirit. A Christmas romcom that not only fulfills expectations but surpasses them, leaving readers with a warm, soulful smile.

My Rating

Link To Purchase

Review Card & Book Review – The Love Department By Ally Bunbury

The countdown to Christmas is on at Shillington’s luxury department store in Dublin city …

Immy Brooks has just been put in charge of personal shopping and seems to have a gift for knowing exactly what people want. The one person whose mind she can’t read is her best friend (and soon-to-be boss), Lando Shillington. The night before he leaves for Paris, the two share a drunken night of passion – but Immy hasn’t seen or heard from him since …

Lando can’t get Immy out of his head but he is under pressure to save the family business and he’s in Paris to learn the ropes from the retail magnate, Charles de Croix. Radical changes are needed if Shillington’s is to return to its former glory. But Lando hadn’t banked on getting on quite so well with Charles’ daughter, the glamorous and eminently dateable Celine.

Christmas is in the air when Lando returns to Dublin with Celine and de Croix, both determined to give Shillington’s a Parisian makeover, but does their arrival spell the end for Immy and Lando, before they even get started?

About The Author

My Review

Immy Brooks and Lando Shillington, childhood friends turned passionate lovers, face an uncomfortable shift in their relationship on the eve of Lando’s business trip to Paris. Lando, reluctant heir to his family’s Dublin department store, seeks guidance from Charles de Croix, owner of the opulent Le Marché Cher in Paris. Lando’s interactions with Immy become strained as he grapples with newfound responsibilities and a potential romance with de Croix’s daughter, Celine. When de Croix decides to help revitalize Shillington’s, the Dublin store, Lando, Delia (his mother), and Immy navigate a world of wealth, love, and business transformation. The Love Department unfolds with extravagance and ostentation, providing a festive escape into a realm of opulence, while addressing universal themes of love, friendship, grief, and the pursuit of happiness.

My Rating

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Review Card & Book Review – The Cypress Maze By Fiona Valpy

Tuscany, 1943. Stranded in war-ravaged Italy, Beatrice’s dream of an escapist year teaching English is shattered. Granted shelter at the Villa delle Colombe, she seeks refuge in Francesca and Edoardo’s beautiful walled garden, hidden from the outside world, with an elaborate cypress maze at its heart.

But Beatrice is not the only one seeking an escape here. Francesca has brought children to the safety of the house, as well as other adults, all of them seeking sanctuary on the estate with its mysterious maze. As the war closes in, the residents are forced to witness—and do—unthinkable things…

2015. Tess arrives at the villa raw from the agonising loss of her husband. Beatrice, now custodian, guides her to the solace of its gardens, where Tess begins to heal. But all hope of peace is shattered by the arrival of Marco, the estate’s absent owner, who wants nothing more than to hand it over to developers.

Distraught, Beatrice realises she must finally reveal the villa’s painful past if she wants to save it. As the extraordinary story unfolds, Tess realises that Villa delle Colombe is not just a refuge, but a beacon of hope in the darkest of times. Can she convince Marco to give it a new lease of life—and find a way back to happiness herself?

About The Author

My Review

“Villa delle Colombe” unfolds as Beatrice, working as an English tutor in wartime Italy, finds herself declared an enemy alien. A stroke of luck connects her with Francesca, leading to shelter at Villa delle Colombe. Edoardo, Francesca’s husband, anticipates the impending conflict and constructs a maze as a contingency. The villa becomes a refuge for war-displaced children. As the Germans take control during the Allies’ armistice, the peaceful Tuscany valley transforms into a battleground.

The narrative spans two timelines, with Beatrice and Tess sharing their perspectives from 1940 to 2015. In the contemporary timeline, Tess visits Villa delle Colombe, assisting Beatrice in preparing for the new owner, Marco. Amidst fears of the villa’s potential sale, Beatrice opens up about its wartime role. Tess, grappling with widowhood, helps document Beatrice’s experiences, revealing the villa’s history as a haven for Beatrice, local men, children, resistance members, and an allied soldier. The shared storytelling aims to bring closure to Beatrice and Tess while enlightening Marco about his father’s childhood sanctuary.

This heartwarming narrative explores themes of love, loss, and the weight of grief. The dual timelines interweave seamlessly, providing a captivating reading experience. The rich and detailed descriptions added depth to the story, and I found myself particularly drawn to Beatrice’s resilience and Tess’s unwavering determination. Witnessing the support these brave women offer each other in 2015 was truly moving, and the book concludes on a satisfying and fulfilled note.

My Rating

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Review Card & Book Review – The Women Who Wouldn’t Leave By Victoria Scott

Connie Darke is trying to run away from the traumas in her past, and it’s led her home, to the small rural council estate she left almost 20 years earlier.

Matilda Reynolds has spent most of her long life in the Worcestershire village of Stonecastle, and she’s content there, with her animals and her solitude. Until a fall lands her in hospital, and Matilda has to turn to her strange young neighbour Connie for help looking after her home.

Out of their tentative arrangement, each woman gains a new sense of community. But before long, that community comes under threat when the council decides to sell the estate, to make way for expensive developments. 

Connie and Matilda are determined to fight for their home, whatever it takes…

About The Author

My Review

In this touching tale, Connie seeks refuge in her childhood home after life takes a toll. Her observant walks reveal the lives of neighbors, including Matilda, an elderly recluse surrounded by cherished memories. Forced by circumstances, Connie cares for Matilda’s animals, forming a heartwarming bond. As the threat of eviction looms due to council and developer plans, Connie and Matilda rally the community in a fight for their homes. The narrative beautifully explores themes of friendship, resilience, community, and overcoming trauma. Compassionately told, it serves as a poignant reminder to be kind, showcasing the power of human connection. An insightful, engaging, and uplifting story of standing up for what’s right and finding solace in unexpected places.

My Rating

Link To Purchase