Four exes and a wedding. And a road trip no one expected…
Jo Watters would rather do anything than go to her ex-husband Ben’s wedding to perfect Monica, and if it wasn’t for her beloved children she would already be far, far away. But having promised to be civilised for the sake of their soon-to-be-blended family she is headed to Spain with a fixed smile and hoping for a very fixed drink!
But when Jo realises that she’s on the same plane as Monica’s ex-husband, the devastatingly handsome but equally cantankerous Adrián, she thinks her trip can’t get any worse… she’s wrong. When bad weather forces the plane to land the wrong side of the Pyrenees, and the hotel they’re sent to only has one double room available Jo begins to wish she was anywhere – anywhere – but here…
Determined to get to the wedding however they can, Jo and Adrián make an unlikely team, but as their disastrous trip continues, Jo starts to wonder if fate has other ideas for her and Adrián, especially when he seems to be getting more handsome by the day…maybe this trip won’t be so terrible after all?
The end-of-summer sunset kisses the golden stone of Tuppenny Bridge’s Market Square and children chase fireflies past gardens brimming with sunflowers. Last year, Kat Pennyfeather’s life was turned upside down, but it seems destiny isn’t finished with her yet…
Kat Pennyfeather knows the joys and challenges of parenthood all too well – she’s been thrown into the deep end as a single, first-time mother to adorable baby Hattie. With the unwavering support of her beloved great aunties, affectionately known as The Lavender Ladies, and the sanctuary of her cosy home above Pennyfeather’s Wool Shop, Kat is holding things together…. mostly.
Across town, Jonah Brewster finds himself navigating the treacherous path of single parenthood after a painful divorce and unexpected loss. Jonah longs for stability, but the last thing he wants are the blind dates his well-meaning sister is constantly thrusting upon him.
When Kat and Jonah unexpectedly reconnect in the Market Café, something sparks between them. They’ve known each other for years, but now there’s a newfound understanding there… and, at least for Kat, something else too. But their shared past holds more than comfortable friendship – a terrible tragedy and some difficult unspoken truths. Can Kat and Jonah defy the odds and embrace an unexpected chance for happiness?
Meanwhile, The Lavender Ladies are making their own secret plans. Kat, well aware of their mischievous ways, hopes that whatever it is won’t put her job in the wool shop at risk. But when the truth is finally revealed, it’s so much worse than she thought. What on earth is she going to do now?
“Second Chances in Tuppenny Bridge” aptly portrays a couple getting another shot at love and starting anew after facing life’s challenges. Kat and Jonah, childhood friends reunited, navigate their complicated lives as single parents with warmth and humor. The story, told from their perspectives, delves into their struggles, heartaches, and the budding romance between them. Despite their hardships, they find solace and support in each other, leading to a transformative journey. With bursts of humor and a cozy atmosphere, the novel draws readers in, making it easy to empathize with the characters and their emotional journeys. As Kat and Jonah’s stories unfold gradually, the author skillfully addresses heavier topics and offers viable solutions, creating a well-composed and compelling read. Overall, “Second Chances in Tuppenny Bridge” is a heartwarming tale of love, resilience, and new beginnings that readers won’t want to put down.
Could one chance meeting change your life forever?
Zara is at a crossroads in life. While she adores her job as a producer’s assistant working on hit TV shows, travelling around the country means she doesn’t truly feel that she has a home. With a fractured relationship with her family and unrequited love weighing heavily on her heart, she is torn about what her next step in life should be…
Snowy is hiding from the world. He’s devoted his life to home schooling his young son and caring for sick owls at his home, Owl’s Lodge, deep in the Yorkshire Wolds countryside. While he’s passionate about both, it’s a lonely existence and he’s starting to question his decisions. But how do you step back into a world you’ve pushed away for years…?
When Zara brings an injured owl to Owl’s Lodge, its frosty, reclusive owner is far from welcoming. Despite hostilities, there’s a connection that neither could ever have prepared themselves for. As they discover a shared passion, a new friendship blossoms, but both Zara and Snowy are used to shutting people out.
Can they both find the courage to open up and the strength to move on from their pasts? And what could this mean for their future happiness?
Amelia Riley and Ben Lawson have something in common – fathers who have kept secrets.
On the day of his father’s funeral, Ben’s life changes forever when a woman he’s never met shows up claiming to be his sister. As he investigates the past, Ben is shaken to discover that much of his life has been built on a carefully constructed foundation of his father’s lies. Needing answers, he agrees to visit Juniper Meadows, the ancestral estate owned and run by his long-lost relatives, the Travers family.
Arriving in the pretty Cotswolds countryside, the first person Ben meets is Amelia Riley. They are immediately drawn to one another, but Amelia has her own complicated ties to the Travers family. Her only goal is to set the past to rights so she can move on with a clean conscience.
As Ben starts to see the events of his childhood more clearly, he allows the warmth and fun he finds at Juniper Meadows to draw him in from the cold. But just as he’s contemplating setting down roots, Amelia is making plans to leave…
The story revolves around two main characters, Amelia and Ben, whose perspectives alternate throughout the narrative. Amelia grapples with her father’s criminal actions and her pride prevents her from accepting help, despite genuine kindness from those around her. Ben, a grieving son, discovers he has a newfound family and navigates meeting them for the first time at Juniper Meadows. The warm welcome he receives and his transformation under the Travers family’s care highlights the importance of family and close friendships. Despite the wintery cover, the story is set in autumn, culminating in a Halloween celebration, but the warmth of the characters compensates for any seasonal expectations. Overall, the novel explores themes of self-discovery and the significance of familial and friendship bonds, making it a compelling read.
Secrets In The Little Irish Village By Michelle Vernal
Grace Kelly can’t escape the draws of Emerald Bay; the sweeping cliffs, the sparkling sea… and her gorgeous new flatmate. The problem is, she has to keep him a secret from her family. And she isn’t the only one in the village with something to hide this summer…
Grace really needs someone to help cover the rent for her London flat, but Christopher Dorrance? Everyone in the little Irish village of Emerald Bay knows about the feud between their families, though no one knows how it started. But, both being in a tight spot, they try and make it work, swearing to tell no one back home. Until a mutual friend and her son in the bay are left homeless after a storm. Grace and Christopher must head back to Ireland to help… together.
As they flesh out their idea to raise money for their friend with a village charity concert, Chris’s blue eyes light up. Even though they have to hide out for every planning session, and after all her father has said about the Dorrances, Grace can’t believe how kind he is. Soon sparks are flying as they laugh together, chasing dairy cows from a field to set up the stage. Could Chris be more than just a flatmate?
But their hopes that a good cause will soften the hostility between their dads are dashed. The two men still argue constantly. And with a happy future for their friend depending on the concert running smoothly, the truth behind the feud threatens to come out and destroy everything…
Could the events of the past destroy any chance of a future for Chris and Grace? Or, if Grace follows her heart, could she finally heal the rift between their families?
Sarah, head of HR at a London hospital, is still recovering from being jilted and has sworn off men. When the new hospital director, Dr. Lucas Moore, takes an interest in her, Sarah agrees to let him pretend to be her boyfriend. Despite her prickly demeanor, Sarah finds herself drawn to the sweet and kind Lucas. Their slow-burn romance unfolds against the backdrop of Christmas in London, with vivid descriptions adding to the cozy atmosphere. Alongside their relationship, other storylines involving nosy neighbors, family drama, and Sarah’s unsettling boss provide depth to the narrative. Emotional moments and relatable characters make this a heartwarming read, despite some uncomfortable themes. Overall, “Christmas in London” is an engaging story with a satisfying conclusion and a perfect pick for the holiday season.
Freakishly smart. That’s the unwelcome box Ru Evans is put into for life. After all, she taught herself Euclidean geometry at age seven, has an eidetic memory, and is about to enter college at thirteen years old.
Boarding at a house near campus 150 miles from home, Ru meets seventeen-year-old Gabriel, an outsider himself who, like Ru, has trouble making friends—until they form a fast sibling-like bond. Finding a relatable someone in the world to talk to is a first for both of them.
But when Ru’s mother dies and the threat of living with her miserable aunt looms, Ru hatches an escape. It’s an impulsive road trip that takes Ru and Gabriel from California to Canada, where Ru can fulfill her ultimate dream: to see Atlantic puffins in the glorious wild.
Mile by mile, Ru discovers the joy of friendship, found family, dark night skies, and the aurora borealis, and she basks in going from being a smart person to just a person. Though she knows they’ll be in trouble when they’re caught, for the short time they are navigating twist by twist of an unknown road, the freedom is liberating, and she is living for what feels like the first time.
Royal RetellingBy Holly Kerr
What if Prince Charming fell for the wicked step-sister?
The youngest son of the king of Laandia, Gunnar lives a charmed life, travelling the world without a thought of what’s going on in the kingdom. But when he’s called home for the royal wedding, Gunnar finds he has a big problem:
Prince Gunnar doesn’t have a date for the wedding.
And while this shouldn’t be a problem for the Playboy Prince, Gunnar has requirements: whoever he takes can’t take the attention away from the bride and groom, which would definitely happen with his jet-setting friends; and whoever he brings needs to know this is a one-time thing.
So when the town’s Sea Queen agrees to go with him, Gunnar is relieved—but her oh-so wicked stepsister, Stella, decrees it a very bad idea.
Once childhood friends, Stella now considers him more like a sworn enemy. Gunnar prefers to not think of her, because this Stella, who curses rather than curtsies, has a never-ending arsenal of insults that is a sure way to ruin his day.
But as the wedding approaches, and Gunnar spends more time with Stella, he starts to wonder that, in this fairy tale retelling, he’s picked the wrong sister.
Ellie Browne has left behind her high-flying job in London to return to the charming Buckinghamshire village of Little Leyton.
Working shifts at the Dog and Duck pub and running her own doggy-daycare business, Ellie’s looking for a simpler way of life in this idyllic English setting.
But Little Leyton’s landscape is changing: Johnny Tay, Ellie’s ex, wants to pick up where they left off; sultry property developer Max Golding has moved into the village and is ruffling feathers; and rumour has it that the pub, which holds a special place in Ellie’s heart, might be sold. Suddenly, life’s looking a whole lot more complicated…. Can Ellie overcome all the challenges to finally find her one true love?
The story follows Ellie as she juggles her new dog-walking business and shifts at The Dog and Duck pub. While the setting is cozy and familiar, the plot feels predictable and lacking freshness, reminiscent of similar themes explored by other authors. One glaring issue is the inclusion of the refugee crisis, which feels out of place in a chick-lit novel and isn’t adequately addressed. Additionally, the extensive introductions of even minor characters feel unnecessary. The plot meanders through various subplots without clear direction, leaving the impression that the author lacked focus. Despite these flaws, the book touches on current issues like the Syrian refugee crisis, adding depth to the narrative. Overall, it’s a heartwarming Christmas read with endearing characters, perfect for the holiday season, but may not offer much beyond its familiar setting.
Gina Knight is looking forward to the prospect of retirement with her husband of forty-three years. Until, to her surprise, said husband decides he needs to ‘find himself’ – alone – and disappears to Santa Fe, leaving a Dear John letter in his wake.
Now Gina needs a new role in life, not to mention somewhere to live, so she applies for the position of Companion to elderly Dorothy Reed. At eighty-nine, ‘Dot’ needs someone to help her around the house – or at least, her family seems to think so. Her companion’s first role would be to accompany Dot for a week-long extravagant wedding party.
But when Georgina arrives at the large Norfolk estate where the wedding will take place, she quickly discovers Dot has an ulterior motive for hiring her. While the other guests are busy sipping champagne and playing croquet, Dot needs Georgina to help her solve a mystery – about a missing painting, which she believes is hidden somewhere in the house.
Because, after all, who would suspect two old ladies of getting up to mischief?
Two broken hearts learning how to live – and love – again.
After a devastating tragedy shakes Erin’s world, she returns to her hometown of Point Perry seeking solace and a fresh start. But just as she begins to find her footing, an unexpected visitor and an old enemy threaten to upend her life once again.
Tom, a devoted single father and beloved teacher, is no stranger to turmoil. His ex-wife, now a Hollywood starlet, has descended upon Point Perry for her movie premiere, stirring up trouble and putting Tom’s priorities to the test. As the town buzzes with excitement over the event, Tom must also navigate a strained relationship with his father and protect his son from his ex’s manipulations.
Despite their emotional scars and obstacles, Erin and Tom can’t ignore their growing connection. As they begin to explore the chance for a future together, they must confront their past traumas and find a way to move forward. Will their love be enough to overcome the challenges they face, or will their emotional baggage prove too heavy to bear?
Erin Fitzgerald, reeling from a tumultuous year, returns to her hometown of Point Perry to confront her past and bring her mother’s ashes home. There, she crosses paths with Tom Schultz, a single dad and school teacher, whose ex-wife’s return complicates his life. Despite their emotional baggage, Erin and Tom find themselves drawn to each other, their budding romance complicated by buried secrets and unexpected revelations. As they navigate their feelings, the supportive community of Point Perry offers a backdrop of healing and second chances. “Point Perry Promises” is a heartfelt and emotional romance that will make readers laugh, cry, and fall in love with its endearing characters. Joanne Speirs delivers a captivating debut novel that promises more heartwarming stories to come.
My Sanctuary 