Liv is given the chance to live one life-changing week over, but can she change her future…? And does she want to? A gorgeous, uplifting novel, perfect for fans of Shari Low, Paige Toon and Beth Moran.
When Liv’s boyfriend Kit disappeared on a hike, seven years earlier, she thought her life was over. But with the help of their family and friends, she’s pushed her way through the grief, and now, miraculously, she’s found a way to love again.
Until the morning of her wedding, when Liv steps through a doorway, and finds herself, somehow, back at the flat she shared with Kit: seven years earlier, six days before he left. Now, Liv has a chance to live those six days over, and change everything. If she gets this right, she can find out why Kit leaves and stop him.
But can she save him? And if she does, how will she choose, between the man she loved then, and the one she loves now?
For Beatrice, working at one of London’s boutique hotels is a dream come true. She doesn’t need a social life. She just needs an ordered diary, crisply folded sheets and happy guests. But Beatrice’s routine comes to an abrupt halt when her hotel is raided by the police and all the staff are arrested. Suddenly she finds herself released on bail, and trapped in London, with only the hotel chef Jock for company.
Having decided to make the most of their situation, Beatrice lets her hair down – figuratively and literally – for the first time in her life. And incredibly, despite the threat of possible prison around the corner, she finds she loves every moment spent exploring London in Jock’s company.
But all bubbles have to burst, so when the pair are released without charge, it’s time for Beatrice to get her life, and her career, back on track. She can’t let a little thing called feelings get in her way… So why can’t she forget Jock, even when her career dreams look set to become reality?
Beatrice may like to keep life fully booked, but can you ever really be too busy for love?
Beatrice enjoys a perfect life managing a posh boutique hotel in upscale London, excelling due to her perfectionist nature. Her world crumbles when the hotel is raided, and she is arrested as a potential accomplice in a prostitution ring operating out of her workplace. Awaiting the investigation’s outcome, Beatrice is released on bail and spends time with the hotel’s chef, Jock. Together, they explore London, and romantic sparks fly, prompting Beatrice to envision a new future.
After being exonerated, Beatrice and Jock part ways to pursue new careers. As Beatrice builds her new life, she repeatedly reflects on her whirlwind week with Jock and questions whether life should be more than just work. Will their paths cross again, or is life too busy for love?
The book starts strong, hinting at a future for Beatrice and Jock, but loses momentum when they separate. The story then focuses more on Beatrice’s self-discovery than their romance. Despite fond memories, neither character takes action to reconnect, making the narrative frustrating and dull after the first quarter. Beatrice’s relationships with other characters are interesting, but the story feels disconnected from its beginning, slowing the pace.
The novel shifts from romance to personal growth, with an anticlimactic reunion. While Phoebe’s writing is vivid, the promising start fizzles into a less engaging narrative, focusing on Beatrice’s relationships and personal journey rather than developing the initial romantic plot. Their reunion feels forced and unrealistic, given their lack of meaningful connection, leading to a disappointing conclusion.
He’s her work nemesis. They’re fake dating. What’s the worst that could happen?
Agnes has run her family’s restaurant, The Shark Biscuit, for the last six years, ever since her father’s health took a turn and she had to step in to keep the doors open. Now she’s crippled with guilt because it’s her fault it’s closing. One more night and she’s free.
After years of squaring off against the infuriating, gruff and arrogant head chef Harrison, she can’t wait to see the back of him. But when her ex-boyfriend brings his entire family in for dinner, hoping to win her back, she begs Harrison for help – pretend to be her boyfriend until her ex leaves.
What she hadn’t planned for was the storm of the century trapping everyone in the restaurant. As the hours pass, Agnes realises Harrison knows her better as a fake boyfriend than her real one ever did. If only they weren’t carrying secrets that could tear each other’s worlds apart…
Secrets Of Foxglove Cottage By Rebecca Alexander
From her open window at Foxglove Cottage, she looks out at the garden full of wildflowers drenched in golden sunlight. Her fingers tremble as she turns the fragile page of the old diary and discovers a secret that will change her life forever…
When Zosia arrives at Foxglove Cottage holding her small son’s hand in hers, she is desperate for a new beginning. Her new job is to help seventy-year-old Hazel transform her tumbledown cottage and re-open the enchanting old café, seeped in folklore. Hazel is warm and welcoming, but Zosia can never share the truth about why she has left her own home.
When neighbourly Leon, a bear of a man with deep brown eyes, arrives to help them restore the cafe, Zosia can’t help falling for his rugged charm. But her heart has been shattered before, so she distracts herself by translating an old diary that’s been in Hazel’s family for generations. She discovers an extraordinary love story hidden in the yellowing pages. It pulls her back into World War Two, as if the past is whispering through the garden’s tangled vines and the granite cottage walls. Could the old wartime romance help broken-hearted Zosia believe in soulmates again?
Zosia longs to open up to Hazel and Leon but if her past catches up with her it could ruin everything. When she uncovers the diary’s long buried secret, will it help her let go of her own past? Or, when she receives a letter that threatens everything she holds dear, will she be forced to leave Foxglove Cottage for good?
Scandal meets sizzle when a runaway bride’s quick getaway lands her in the arms of her almost-groom’s rival, but he has more than business on his mind when he makes her an offer she can’t refuse.
Your wedding day is meant to be the happiest day of your life. Not the day you discover your groom is a cheating jerk.
When I run, strong arms catch me. It’s just a shame they belong to my ex’s nemesis, Oliver Deubel. Rich and powerful, the man is sin in a suit. He’s also arrogant, demanding, and infuriatingly irresistible.
When my wedding disaster goes viral and deportation hangs over my head, Oliver offers me a deal: help him ruin my ex in exchange for my visa. The fine print? Move in with him.
I want to laugh in his face, until I discover how ruthless he is. So I decide to repay him by making his life a living hell, and he retaliates by…being nice to me. Which is where things become really weird as lines blur and pretend suddenly begins to feel real.
But Oliver is no Romeo, and only a fool would fall for him.
The story features a mix of tropes and situations, including opposites attract, rival’s ex-fiancée, forced proximity, scandal, social media frenzy, and a business conflict. It delves into themes of friendship, activism, mysterious love, and redemption.
The narrative kicks off with a dramatic and humorous start, featuring a memorable meet-cute. Evelyn (Evie/Eve) flees her wedding after discovering her fiancé’s infidelity, causing chaos. She ends up in the lap of Oliver Deubel, her ex-fiancé’s biggest rival. Oliver seizes this chance to get back at his rival, Mitchell Atherton.
Despite Oliver’s morally questionable offer, Eve and Oliver develop a strong connection. Eve stays in the UK, posing as Oliver’s fake fiancée to remain in her newfound home. Their relationship evolves from proximity and curiosity to admiration and desire.
The story’s detailed and accurate writing brings a diverse cast to life, set in the UK with authentic British characters. Eve and Oliver navigate their attraction and uncertain future, balancing deception and genuine connection. The gossip column adds intrigue and humor.
Supporting characters, including Eve’s friends and Oliver’s acquaintances, enrich the story. Despite obstacles and misunderstandings, Oliver’s determination to keep Eve and their deep mutual understanding ultimately drive the plot toward a hopeful future.
When, at the age of 71, Gina Knight’s husband of four decades left her unexpectedly, she thought her life over. Until she met Dorothy Reed – a woman so full of the joie de vivre you’d think she was 21, not nearly 90. Gina would do anything for Dorothy. So when Dorothy suggests she take on the role of companion for one of Dorothy’s old friends, Gina sees no reason to say no.
Meredith Harper is a successful writer, living in Provence, and needs help looking after her husband, whose health is deteriorating. But when Gina arrives at the grand chateau, it becomes clear that Dorothy has not given Gina the full story. Because Meredith is also writing her memoirs, and Dorothy wants to know the contents before anyone else. So much so, she’s sent Gina to spy.
But what secrets is Meredith keeping? And will Gina be able to find out the truth before her cover’s blown?
The Little Island Flower Stall By Tilly Tennant
Escape to a colourful little flower stall on the island of Jersey with its sweeping golden beaches. The perfect place for Bella to discover that a heartbreaking family secret might just help her find a new beginning…
When Bella’s heart is broken by her cheating husband, she runs towards those who love her and won’t let her down. Packing a bag, she escapes to Jersey, to help her beloved great-aunt Celestine run her seaside flower stall.
Soon Bella begins to find peace as she arranges wildflowers in vases and learns lessons about life from Celestine, who has loved and lost many times during her years on the island. But when charismatic, brooding Rory arrives at the flower stall, seeking answers about his own family’s past, could all that be about to change?
Bella can’t help but be drawn to Rory, with his aquamarine eyes, and as they walk together under vast blue skies, discussing his tragic family history, Bella wonders if her great-aunt might be able to help.
But when Bella shows Celestine a letter about Rory’s lost grandfather, hidden on the island during the war, her beloved aunt shuts her out. What does Celestine know and why won’t she open her heart? And when Bella discovers that Rory has been keeping something important from her, she fears she has trusted the wrong person once again…
Bella is determined to get to the bottom of the long-buried secret at the heart of this beautiful island. Can it bring her the new beginning that she desperately needs?
Dan Armstrong hasn’t done much retiring since moving to Tuscany, and with his new career as a successful private investigator taking off, it seems murder seems to follow him. He’s hoping a much-needed trip to beautiful Portofino will give him the break he needs and quality time with girlfriend Anna.
A gathering of celebrities…
Portofino is a celebrity paradise, and holidaying on a nearby superyacht is a group of British media stars, all famous for being infamous. Dan isn’t impressed by their status or wealth, but when he overhears an argument between two of the group, he suspects something fishy could be going on…
A cold-blooded killer?
And then a body is washed up on shore and Dan’s hopes for a holiday go overboard. Could this simply be a tragic accident or is there a killer amidst the assembled celebrity cast? Dan and Oscar have their work cut out before the tide turns…
In this murder mystery story, private investigator Dan and his black lab, Oscar, outsmart local authorities amidst a backdrop of extortion, theft, gun running, and the misdeeds of British TV executives and stars on a luxury yacht. The narrative keeps readers guessing with numerous suspects and complex connections between them and the victims, some of whom aren’t even on the yacht.
Dan’s investigation is complicated by his desire to work during a vacation with his love interest, Anna, adding personal tension to the story. While the Italian authorities’ cooperation with Dan may seem unrealistic, the plot remains engaging, especially with Oscar playing a crucial role.
The series, which travels through Italy, highlights the Tuscan walled city of Lucca and small towns along the Ligurian coast, leaving readers eager for Dan and Oscar’s next adventure.
Harlow James is destined to rock the dating world. The creator of Kissmet, the app helping singles find love, she’s in New York to secure advertisers. But the sassy, small-town girl can’t help meddling in other people’s business.
When she runs into a muscular stranger at her go-to food truck, Harlow doesn’t realize he’s Landon “Andy” Burke, the NFL’s most-wanted free agent, in town to talk contracts. She just sees a hottie about to get burned by undercooked street food. Though she tries to warn him, he shrugs her off, making a little wager instead.
In a messy twist of fate, Andy finds himself in the same hotel as Harlow. When she collects on their bet, they make a mind-blowing—and bed-rocking—connection. But after the weekend, she goes home to Green Bay to her goofy dad and corgi, ready to focus everything on work again. Kissmet, however, has other ideas, when Andy knocks on her door…
Book People By Jackie Ashenden
When Kate, a fledgling bookseller, decides to open a bookshop that celebrates the kinds of genre fiction she loves to read (popular and fun!), she’s surprised to find that not everyone in the town is as excited as she is.
Least excited of all? Sebastian, owner of the highbrow bookshop across the road, who has rules for everything: the kind of books he sells, the clothes he wears, and the people he dates (no-one local).
When the pair find themselves working together on the town’s literary festival, their growing attraction becomes harder and harder to ignore. Professional rivalry aside, just one steamy kiss can’t mean anything, can it?
The Valentine Box By Toni Blake
It started with a box for collecting heart wishes…
Among the constants in Taylor Mulvaney’s life are the heart-shaped box made by her father, the mysterious hearts she sometimes sees, and her longtime crush on Luke Montgomery. The valentine box has a way of connecting her and Luke time and again – and even after Luke breaks her heart before leaving their hometown of Sweetwater, Kentucky for good, she never gets completely over him.
The box brings them back together when they least expect it.
Fifteen years later, Taylor still sees hearts. And now she even makes them, baking heart-shaped treats at the Sweetheart Bake Shop. After a rough start in life, she’s found her way. Until, that is, Luke comes home for his father’s funeral, bringing a deluge of old feelings flooding back. Before she knows it, a note dropped in her still-beloved valentine box has Taylor swept up in helping him save his family’s horse farm – and trying not to fall back in love with the guy who once left her shattered.
How will it end?
Could Luke really want Taylor the way she’s always wanted him? Can she trust in the future to turn out better than the past? The valentine box is still working its magic to draw them together all these years later, but can Taylor set her fears aside long enough to believe in a second chance at love?
A mile outside the Cotswolds, everyone knows everyone in Honeystone, and for many years the villagers have lived quiet, steady lives. But a wind of change is here…
Anthea is the new owner of Spindle Hall. A renowned perfumer who lost her sense of smell, she’s not interested in making new friends. Yet somehow that seems impossible in this idyllic village.
Years ago, Peony left Honeystone with a broken heart, and now she has returned with it freshly bruised. Her single father, Robert, is struggling with slow business at the Hare and Thistle pub. Perhaps this time they can help each other?
Izzy has never known what she wants to do in life other than be at Raspberry Hill Farm and care for her little niece, Clover. But when a new doctor shows up in town, she starts to wonder…
Honeystone is a quaint English village overshadowed by the nearby Cotswolds, causing tourists to overlook it. However, the true charm of Honeystone lies in its villagers, particularly the women. The book follows Peony, Izzy, Anthea, and Dora, with perspectives from Robert, Connor, and Joe.
Robert, the pub owner, is Peony’s father. Peony, back from London, is Connor’s ex-girlfriend, which complicates her relationship with Izzy, Connor’s sister. Connor has a daughter with cerebral palsy, adding depth to his story. Joe, the new village doctor, often interacts with Clover, Connor’s daughter, with Izzy accompanying them. Dora works at the pub and is trying to escape her abusive husband. Anthea, a former perfume industry success, is starting over after COVID-related anosmia and a divorce.
Kate Forster’s writing is light and charming, reminiscent of Jane Austen and Elizabeth Gaskell, capturing the essence of British village life with a magical touch. Despite its perfect ending, it’s a delightful read for dreamers and hopefuls.
Lexie is always on the move, but there is one constant in her life – her ‘wish jar’; the childhood tradition from home that she couldn’t leave behind.
When Lexie’s estranged dad dies, she is shocked to learn that she has inherited half of his travel company in Bath. Her dad’s will stipulates that she must work with Theo, her handsome but bad tempered business partner, for a year.
Once the year is over, Lexie intends to leave. But a work trip to sizzling Spain reveals a chemistry between Lexie and Theo that is impossible to deny.
Will Lexie find a reason to stay in one place? Will she discover the secret her father kept from her, and finally learn the meaning of home?
About The Author
My Review
The story explores Lexie’s passion for travel, inherited from her father, who divorced her mother when she was young, leading to their estrangement. After his death, Lexie must manage his business with Theo, starting with a rocky relationship that develops into a compelling love story. The book features rich side characters like the strong and influential Angela, who plays a crucial role. The narrative also delves into Lexie’s family dynamics and her father’s impact on her and her sister, evoking strong emotions. The wish jar tradition Lexie shared with her father adds a touching element. The detailed trips and the intertwining personal stories make this more than a typical romance novel. It’s a heartwarming Christmas read, prompting readers to cherish family bonds and traditions.
To everyone who knows them, Louisa and Tom are the perfect couple. They have two beautiful kids, Stan and Flo, and are about to celebrate ten years of happy marriage. Life is perfect. But when Lou is dealt devastating news, that perfect life is turned upside down and Lou and Tom must reevaluate the very foundations on which their marriage is built.
Lou’s greatest concern is who will look after her children if she’s not there to care for them? Will anyone be able to love them like she does?
Holly can’t face the news that Lou is so sick, and as twins they’ve always been together. Older by twenty minutes, Holly has always tried to protect her little sister. So she’ll do anything, promise anything, to make Lou feel happy and safe. Holly loves Stan and Flo fiercely, but with no children of her own can she ever be the mother her sister wants for her children?
Determined to make the most of every precious moment, Lou’s final wish for her family is to show them what it really means to live and love. And as Tom and Holly try to navigate their own pain, all they want is to shower Flo and Stan with love and help them make the most of the time they have left with the mother who adores them.
My Sanctuary 