January 9, 2025 – My Sanctuary

When Robin finds out she’s going on a work trip to Italy she can’t wait for a week away in the sunshine, away from the daily grind. So what if there’s a client pitch to do while they’re there? The thing Robin is most excited about is the chance to show her work crush, James, what she’s really like outside of work, and divert his attention from Liz, her work rival.

To make things even better, Robin realises that the town they’re going to in Italy is the same place that her childhood penpal, Andrea is from. So it’s the perfect time to re-connect and finally meet her old friend over some delicious Italian food and wine (between work obviously…) But when Andrea doesn’t turn out to be the person Robin thought, things get a little complicated…

About The Author

My Review

In “It’s All Sun and Games,” Robin, an advertising agency employee, plans a work trip to Italy where she contacts her childhood pen pal, Andrea. Surprised to discover Andrea is male, they end up fake dating due to a series of events. Their relationship evolves through humorous and heartwarming interactions. Robin’s family, Andrea’s family, and well-developed characters enrich the story. The Italian dialogue adds charm, especially when translated. The book is a fun, fast read, ideal for fans of Portia MacIntosh, with an engaging romance and delightful setting.

My Rating

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Should Liv take herself out of the friend zone, or are they better off there?

Liv Granger has been flailing through life since her teens. When her brother, Joe, announces his engagement to his long-term boyfriend, Liv realises that she has never been able to commit to anything – a career, a fixed address, a relationship – and she may, in fact, be a massive loser.

With the help of Joe and Henry, her oldest friend, Liv comes up with the Loser List: ten tasks to change her life. The most challenging – three dates with the same person. After each increasingly disastrous date, Henry is always there to the rescue. Has what she’s been looking for been right in front of her the whole time?

Between restraining her mother’s wedding planning and doing everything in her power to not be her father’s wingman for his various short-lived girlfriends, Liv learns that the path to self-improvement needs to start with a little self-acceptance…

About The Author

My Review

Olivia Granger, an astronomy enthusiast working at a planetarium, faces everyday struggles and feelings of inadequacy. The story begins with her needing to vacate her apartment, feeling left behind compared to her successful peers. With support from friends and her boyfriend Henry, Olivia realizes her problems stem from a lack of long-term planning. As she navigates her journey, overcoming failures with Henry by her side, she finds the missing piece of her life. The book is relatable, depicting real-life challenges and personal growth, with a healthy, gradual romance between Olivia and Henry.

My Rating