January 17, 2025 – My Sanctuary

Review Card & Book Review – A Found Family At The Cornish Country Hospital By Jo Bartlett

A tragic loss…

Since the death of her beloved father, Isla Marlowe has felt the need to do something to honour his memory; something meaningful that will bring joy to others and repay the kindness of a stranger who changed their lives. She’s got the perfect solution, but she’s worried not everyone will understand.

A precious gift…

Aidan Kennedy and his husband, Jase, are desperate to start a family of their own, but finding the right woman to help them is difficult and some people don’t think they should even try. So when Isla offers them the chance to fulfil their dream, they can’t believe their wish is about to come true.

A family made of friends?

But when Isla is forced to face her greatest fear, Aidan and Jase’s dream has to be put on hold. Broken-hearted and questioning everything she once believed, Isla desperately needs someone to share her problems with but has no idea where to turn.

But then, in her darkest hour she discovers that friends can be the family you choose for yourself.

About The Author

My Review

This is another great story that goes beyond just a romance (though there is a bit of that too). The perspective of the egg donor in an IVF story was really interesting. Isla’s reasoning is well thought-out and makes perfect sense. I appreciated the extensive discussions between Isla & Aidan and Aidan & Jase about the egg donation; it wasn’t a spur-of-the-moment decision for anyone, and even more discussions occurred when Isla’s health took a turn. I just wish Aidan had been upfront about his thoughts and that Isla could have approached him when she sensed he was having second thoughts. One simple conversation could have prevented a lot of stress for both of them.

It was wonderful to learn more about Aidan, who we’ve met as a supporting character in previous books. I enjoyed discovering what was beneath the surface. It was heartening that Jase’s family welcomed him (and Isla) warmly, especially since his own family was quite a letdown. I’m glad Aidan reached a point where he could be honest with his family, particularly his father, though I’m not entirely convinced by how quickly everyone came around. And while I found it hard to believe his father would show support on an online forum, I’m happy for Aidan because he deserved family involvement in his life, so I can overlook that.

The romance for Isla was also really sweet. The pacing of her and Reuben’s story was perfect. There’s an immediate attraction, but their relationship develops gradually through family group chats and dinners. I’m glad she realized her mistake in pushing him away. And, as always, I love how this author naturally incorporates characters from previous books so we get updates on them without their stories overshadowing the main plot.

My Rating

Link To Purchase

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Happy Publication Day – 17 January 2025

Something In The Air By Helen Rolfe

A surprise arrival

Working with the Whistlestop River air ambulance is Nadia’s whole world. She adores her job and the team – they’re family. But when a baby is abandoned on the steps of the base, Nadia is forced to confront events from her past she’d rather forget.

A difficult change

Hudson is trying to get his life back on track after his divorce. It’s not easy juggling his work as a patient and family liaison officer and being the primary parent for his children. He wouldn’t change it for the world. But when his teenage son’s behaviour spirals out of control, Hudson begins to wonder if he can really be there for everyone who needs him…

A chance for something special?

Nadia and Hudson have always been friends, but the arrival of baby Lena pushes them closer than ever, and as their feelings start to grow, they’ll have to decide – do they have space for love when their families need them? And could they put themselves and each other first, just this once?

Review Card & Book Review – Five Days By Zoë Folbigg

When Jesse Lightning meets Minnie Byrne, he is having a bad day. Reeling from the effects of a very bruised heart, the last thing Jesse wants is a new friend. But Minnie is hard to say no to, and reluctantly Jesse realises that her impetuous playfulness might do him good.

So when Minnie suggests they go on fortnightly platonic dates with no strings, no promises, no expectations beyond good company, Jesse agrees before he has a chance to think too deeply about it.

Two friends.

Five days.

No chance of another broken heart.

Until Jesse reveals a secret that proves Minnie’s heart isn’t as safe as she thought. Thank goodness five days isn’t enough time to fall in love…

About The Author

My Review

Minnie is heartbroken. Her therapist suggests she make new friends, so she decides to befriend a stranger who is having a bad day. Though Jesse is unsure, he agrees to meet her and just “hang out.” The rules are simple: only first names, no phone numbers, have fun, and no falling in love. Five days. No chance of falling in love, right?

I loved this book! In true Zoe Folbigg fashion, things are never what they seem. This book is fast-paced and dynamic; the way she describes the different locations and the characters’ interactions made me feel as if I were right there with them, watching the scenes unfold. I love that her stories have a serendipitous quality to them—it makes for the most heartwarming happily-ever-afters. And those plot twists?! I did not see them coming, that’s all I’m saying.

Jesse was so endearing. His life was in pieces; he was heartbroken and grieving, but he was sweet and flawed, making him quite relatable. Minnie was a bit of a mess, also heartbroken but for different reasons, and she is desperately trying to piece her life back together. They made quite the unexpected pair, falling for the versions of each other they knew—none of them had the full picture—but in reality, who does? In the end, they had more in common than they knew.

This is the perfect summer read, and the blurb doesn’t do this story justice—there is so much that happens in and between those five days.