Review Card & Book Review – Starry Skies Over Primrose Hall By Jill Steeples


Homes don’t come much more idyllic than Primrose Hall. Set against the backdrop of the beautiful Primrose Woods, Pia Temple still has to pinch herself that she gets to wake up there every day.

Waking up next to Jackson Moody is pretty great too. Ever since the couple rekindled their teenage romance, they’ve become an unstoppable team running Primrose Hall’s packed calendar of events, surrounded by the friends and family who make up the crew at the hall.

But not everything is perfect at Primrose Hall. Pia is beset with doubts about the future, especially when a new arrival shakes everything Jackson thought he knew about his past. And as the events come thick and fast – a literary festival, craft fayres, bonfire night and the much-anticipated Christmas Carols evening – everything Pia is juggling threatens to tumble down around her.

Will the year at Primrose Hall be a time of endings or new beginnings…

About The Author

My Review

The book ends with a heartwarming Christmas gathering, ideal for a festive read. While revisiting Primrose Hall was enjoyable, prior knowledge of the series enhances understanding of character relationships. Pia’s reflections on her relationship with Jackson after a pivotal wedding set the tone for the story, but her uncertainties felt out of place in the Christmas theme. Despite this, the narrative explores community events and challenges, adding depth to the story. Subplots involving Jackson’s parents add warmth and complexity, contrasting with Pia and Jackson’s uncertainties. Despite some reservations, the book concludes with a satisfying ending, hinting at future installments. Overall, it offers a pleasant escape during the holiday season.

My Rating

Link To Purchase

Happy Publication Day – 11 June 2024

The False Flat By Melissa R.Collings

Penelope Auberge is at her breaking point. With an overbearing mother, a married boyfriend, and a boss who gives Pen’s high-profile finance clients to male colleagues, it feels like nothing she’s accomplished in her thirty-two years belongs to her.

Determined to build a life entirely her own, Pen moves from Minnesota to Tennessee to open a solo financial business. There, she meets siblings Deanna and Grant, who attempt to coax Pen out of her socially anxious shell. Hesitant to open up so she doesn’t get hurt (again), Pen is slow to develop a friendship with Deanna, and she’s determined to ignore her feelings for Grant, which is difficult given she’s joined his cycling group and a clear something begins blossoming between them.

Pen’s path in Nashville appears to be smoothing out, but she soon learns that packing up her past isn’t quite that easy. If she wants to start fresh, she’ll have to decide what she really wants—even if that means riding away from her old life for good.

The Riviera House Swap By Gillian Harvey

Nina has always played it safe. But when her divorce papers come through on her fortieth birthday she decides enough is enough.

She’s always chosen the sensible route, staying in her stable job and marrying her rather boring ex. In fact – she realises – she’s chosen security over excitement for years. Ever since she refused to elope with her first love: beautiful, poetic, thoughtful Pierre, the man she met aged 17, on her French exchange. The only man who ever made her heart race.

Maybe it’s time to take a few risks?

Impulsively she goes online and finds another kind of French exchange… a house-swap. She can’t imagine what French businessman Jean-Luc wants with her terraced home in rural England, but she can’t wait to stay in his beautiful, spacious, bougainvillea-strewn villa on the French riviera.

She’s not just there for the house though. She’s decided to find the love she missed all those years ago. But will Pierre still be the man of her dreams after all this time?

Review Card & Book Review – Don’t Stop Believing By Freya Kennedy

Welcome to Ivy Lane, where hopes and dreams can become happy-ever-afters… 

Erin Donohue would describe herself as happy. Well, maybe not exactly happy… but not unhappy either.

For the most part she loves her job as Head Chef at The Ivy Inn, working alongside bestfriend, Jo and making a home with boyfriend Aaron. Things are going just fine. Or so she thinks…

After a tough shift, Erin returns home to be greeted by silence. There is no trace of Aaron or his belongings. In that split second her whole life and world are turned upside down. It seems Aaron has exited the building and her life.

After a small pity party, Erin pulls herself together and starts to re-evaluate her life. Her friends seem to be chasing their dreams while she’s been left single and wondering what on earth her next move will be. But then fate throws her a sign.

Can she find the courage to build the life she always dreamed of but believed was out of her reach? 
And can her bravery inspire other residents of Ivy Lane to take a chance on finding their own happy ending?

About The Author

My Review

The return to Ivy Lane and the reunion with its endearing characters was a joyous experience. Whether familiar with the previous books or not, this installment stands strongly on its own while still nodding to past events. Erin, the Head Chef at the Ivy Inn, takes center stage in a story that’s just as captivating as ever, thanks to Freya Kennedy’s skillful writing. Each character, old or new, is imbued with charm, making them feel like cherished friends. Erin’s journey of resilience and self-discovery, amidst the backdrop of Ivy Lane’s cozy community, offers universal appeal. While it’s tough to pick favorites, Harry’s memorable presence adds to the book’s charm. Like its predecessors, this enchanting tale engrosses the reader and leaves them eagerly anticipating another visit to Ivy Lane

My Rating

Link To Purchase