The book revolves around Adrian, a chef, and Teagan, a paramedic who also works at her father’s pub. Teagan is dedicated to her job and caring for her father, while Adrian’s life revolves around cooking until an injury sidelines him. Fate brings them together, and they bond over cooking, discovering a strong chemistry between them. The story skillfully integrates food and cooking, with the characters’ shared moments in the kitchen standing out. Despite some predictable and far-fetched elements, the well-written narrative keeps the focus and engages the reader throughout.
Portia Fortescue has traded in the hustle and bustle of London to help renovate a magnificent French manor house on the beautiful island of Jersey with her boyfriend Charlie.
But what they hoped would be a blissful escape to the chateau, turns out to be more of a DIY SOS. As the winter snow sets in, the stress of restoring the derelict building begins to take its toll on their relationship. Portia has known heartbreak before, but thought she’d found her happy-ever-after with Charlie…
Then, just as all seems lost, Portia and Charlie discover the warmth of the community – the best friends anyone could ever ask for. This new life could be everything they want it to be… if only they can finish the chateau in time for its grand reopening!
Portia and Charlie, living in London, decide to renovate Charlie’s inherited chateau on Jersey. Portia sells her flat to fund the renovations, aiming for a shared home. Challenges arise – no heat, damaged windows, and collapsing ceilings. They face the harsh Jersey winter, testing their resolve. The alternating chapters reveal their struggles, friends, and the charm of the Jersey community. Will they overcome obstacles and find happiness away from London? It’s a heartwarming tale of love, challenges, and the allure of a small-town life.
Danielle “Dani” Gilford eagerly accepts her share of the gift of a cottage on the property of the Lilac Lake Inn in the Lakes Region of New Hampshire. Her grandmother, Gigi, has decided to sell the inn after realizing it’s too difficult to run as she ages and with rising taxes. Dani and her two sisters, Whitney and Taylor, must renovate and maintain the cottage and live there at least six months of each year, as a means of helping Gigi keep a vow to hold onto as much of the family property as possible.
The first person that Dani meets when she returns to the lake is Brad Collister, who, with his brother, has been hired to renovate the inn for the new owners. His brother, Aaron, is as attractive as Brad, but life with the brothers is complicated. Brad is still grieving for his wife, who died two years ago from cancer and Aaron’s interest lies with the business. And after working in Boston at an architectural design firm where the men in the office do everything they can to keep her from getting recognition for the work she does, the last thing Dani is looking for is a man. But the little town of Lilac Lake is full of interesting people, and surprises await Dani as she and her sisters work together to keep a promise to their grandmother, and Dani discovers new possibilities for herself about life and love.
Octogenarian Eugenia Wittner, known as GG, faces financial misfortune due to a cheating financial planner. She retains only a deserted caretaker’s cottage and a few acres for her granddaughters, Dani, Whitney, and Taylor. The deal stipulates the cottage must stay occupied, prompting GG to gather her granddaughters for the task. Dani, an accomplished architect, arrives first, followed by Whitney, seeking solace from Hollywood’s paparazzi, and Taylor, their half-sister. Together, they embark on renovating the cottage but encounter a mysterious entity. As the renovation progresses, Dani forms a connection with contractor Brad Collister, navigating his mourning process and facing impediments from his late wife’s family. Dani is also tempted by a job offer in Boston, but her time in Lilac Lake strengthens her resolve to stay. The story, skillfully crafted by the author, weaves relatable characters into a unique narrative with otherworldly elements, setting the stage for an enjoyable series. Highly recommended.
After her divorce, Ruth McCoy is eager to trade her children’s painful memories for new holiday traditions. But Ruth has a whole new set of distractions when fate brings the man she once loved together with the son he never knew he had…
Life has thrown Judd Rankin some tough turns, and he’s startled by the feelings he still has for Ruth. Though the successful rancher knows better than to chase old dreams, he doesn’t mind lending the struggling single mom a hand. And when Judd sees Ruth’s teenaged son’s interest in his custom saddle business, he’s happy to let the boy help him build the harness for Branding Iron’s Christmas sleigh. Besides, the kid reminds Judd of the young man he once was. A man who believed anything was possible…
Powerless to deny the growing bond between her son and Judd, Ruth knows it’s only a matter of time before her secret is discovered. But will the revelation shatter the tender feelings between her and Judd—or turn out to be her family’s greatest gift?
Ruth McCoy, with a tumultuous romantic history, faces the return of Judd Rankin, her former love who spent time in prison for manslaughter. Ruth has two daughters from her failed marriages, and her son, Skip, unknowingly fathered by Judd, works on Judd’s ranch. The narrative unfolds with the tension of hidden paternity and a past filled with wrong choices and regrets. Ruth struggles with revealing the truth to Judd and Skip, haunted by the secrets of their intertwined pasts. As their complex story of young love, redemption, and second chances unfolds, the characters grapple with rebuilding trust and finding happiness amidst their shared history. The looming specter of past choices resurfaces, challenging Ruth and Judd as they navigate their feelings and contemplate a possible happily ever after.
Paige Young and Cole Clark are polar opposites. A world traveler since birth, Paige loves to lead activities for guests at a luxury island resort in Turks and Caicos. From bingo nights to cliffside hikes, Paige is up for anything. Cole, meanwhile, prefers his number-crunching desk job. He’s the assistant director at the resort—stiff and meticulous. He’s so by the book that he keeps the book. In his desk drawer.
They’re perfectly aligned in one way, though—their ability to drive each other crazy. Every day brings a fresh battle of wits. They’re rivals, archnemeses…and they’re definitely never going to talk about that one time they kissed. Ha ha. Nope!
But when Paige finds out that Cole has been ordered to fire her on the same day a hurricane threatens their little slice of paradise, it’s clear the game is over.
At odds, in peril, and forced to shelter in place together, these two enemies might finally have to confront their true feelings. (You know, the ones hidden under all those withering looks.)
Summer Days At Clifftop Cottage By Eliza J Scott
Welcome to your happy place…
As summer comes to the tranquil shores of Micklewick Bay, Maggie Marsay is on cloud nine. She can barely keep up with orders for her handmade teddy bears, turning her crafting hobby into a thriving business. And after trying for a baby for some time, she has joyful news to share with her devoted husband Bear who she lives with in an idyllic clifftop cottage alongside their cheeky labrador.
But an unexpected visitor casts a shadow over Maggie’s sun-drenched bliss. Robyn, a ghost from the past Maggie hasn’t seen in twelve long years, arrives on their doorstep. What could have brought Robyn back into Maggie’s life after so long? Is she truly sorry for her past mistakes, or is she up to her old tricks?
Maggie welcomes Robyn into their home, trying her best to forgive and forget. But when Robyn starts to drive a wedge between her and Bear, Maggie’s close-knit group of friends and neighbours rally around. Can they help Maggie weather this storm and find her way back to happily ever after? Or is trouble here to stay?
Finding Love In Micklewick Bay By Eliza J Scott
Welcome to your happy place…
Stella Hutton has everything under control. Her high-flying career as a lawyer relies on her keeping a calm, rational head on her shoulders. She hasn’t got time for love, or space for a man in her glamorous new apartment, a converted warehouse overlooking the rugged cliffs of Micklewick Bay.
But when a handsome stranger walks into the Jolly Sailors pub, with a sparkle in his blue eyes and a head of dark curls, everything changes. Making a beeline for her, Alex Bainbridge introduces himself while a gorgeous labrador waits at his feet. Electricity instantly sparks between Stella and Alex, as her heart flips inside her chest and her usual strict rules about men fly out the window…
Stella thinks her crush will pass. But every time she bumps into Alex – on her daily jog along the promenade, at the supermarket, inside the Happy Hartes Bookshop – her feelings only grow stronger. Her close-knit group of friends have never seen her like this before. After thirty years of being happily single, has Stella finally met the one? Or will her cherished independence sabotage her chance at a forever love?
Jocelyn Becker would do anything for her twin sister. Unfortunately, “anything” this time means taking Ilse’s place as host of tv’s Home & Hearth and filming five Christmas-themed episodes at the Victorian inn and shops of Weber Haus. Somehow, Jocelyn will have to convince the world—and her co-host, Ben—that she is Ilse, who can craft, cook, bake, sing, and skate. Jocelyn, however, cannot.
Snowball, the inn’s official greeter, is also having double trouble. The show has its own feline star, a Snowball-lookalike named Angel who’s more of a devil in disguise. Meanwhile, Snowball has noticed enough sparks between Ben and Jocelyn to light up a Christmas tree. But thanks to Jocelyn’s deception and Angel’s antics, this is going to be Snowball’s most challenging match yet.Still, the holidays are made for mistletoe kisses, crackling fires, cozy evenings, and of course, sweet Snowball shenanigans . . .
In the festive ambiance of Weber Haus, this holiday romance unfolds with twin-swap mistaken identity, TV show filming, and the mischievous feline matchmaker, Snowball. Despite initial reservations about the lead characters’ outsider status in the beloved inn, Ben and Jocelyn’s connection and chemistry shine through. The narrative cleverly avoids the pitfalls of a mistaken identity storyline, creating a relationship built on trust. The TV show element, typically not a favorite, surprises and captivates, offering delightful ideas for themed holiday parties. The cat, Snowball, orchestrates a few catjinks, adding humor to the tale. While some nitpicks include a wish for more involvement of the inn’s owners and exploration of Ilse’s character depth, the overall verdict is a heartwarming and adorable holiday read. The book combines comedy, lighthearted drama, and a delightful setting, making it a perfect one-sitting read with a cup of hot cocoa and sugar cookies.
My Sanctuary 