February 6, 2025 – My Sanctuary

Finding Home In Hartfell By Suzanne Snow

Heart and humour abound in Hartfell, as the village welcomes new guests and romance…

The eldest of five siblings and mother of teenage Harriet, Pippa is the glue that holds the family together. When her father, rock legend Jonny Jones, asks her to ‘sort out’ an old family home in Hartfell, the last thing she wants is to spend hers and Harriet’s summer holiday in the Yorkshire Dales.

Surprises lie in wait – the house has a tenant, local vet Gil, who does not want to leave. Even as sparks fly with the handsome vet, tensions rise when Pippa’s plans put his practice and the village fete under threat.

Can she turn the fete into a success and win back the villagers’ approval? And will Pippa unstick herself from her demanding family enough to go after what she needs?

If We Could Turn Back Time By Sian O’Gorman

Three generations. Two families. One secret.

After another relationship disaster Alice Littleton returns home to spend summer in Dublin’s Sandycove with her Mum, Ciara and beloved grandmother, Eva at their family deli and grocers.

As Alice settles back into her old life with best friend Becca and her new boyfriend Conal Blake, she begins to fall back in love with the everyday rhythms of their family shop and Irish life. Is this the tonic she needs to mend a broken heart?

Single and with mid-life looming her mother Ciara is consumed with running the family deli and feels life is passing her by until best friend Mary-Marg suggests they restart the disco they used to run as teenagers. Could this be what Sandycove’s millennials need or will there be murder on the dancefloor?

But it seems all small-towns have their fair share of secrets and ultimately the past will always catch up with you.

Why does Conal’s grandmother insist on meeting Alice and what happened between her and Eva?
And why hasn’t Ciara spoken to Conal’s father, Paddy, for thirty years?

Is it time for the truth to be told so they can change their future?

RESISTING HER OFF-LIMITS PROTECTOR…

Independent and strong-willed Anisa is furious. Her estranged brother has hired a bodyguard to follow her all the way to Madagascar, supposedly to protect her from hidden enemies! But as their eyes lock, she can’t deny it would be easy to fall for the gorgeous stranger. Clearly Nasser feels the same, yet he’s grappling with guilt from a painful past. Anisa knows they mustn’t give in to their forbidden attraction…only their connection is too powerful to ignore!

About The Author

My Review

This is a captivating romance novel that combines passion, intrigue, and emotional depth. The story centers around Layla, a strong, independent woman facing unexpected dangers, and her bodyguard, Zahir, who is determined to protect her at all costs. Their relationship is complicated by the fact that Zahir is strictly off-limits, leading to a thrilling and tension-filled dynamic that keeps readers engaged from start to finish. Layla is portrayed as a resilient woman, but also one who struggles with her vulnerabilities, making her a well-rounded and believable protagonist. Zahir, on the other hand, is a classic hero—strong, loyal, and deeply conflicted by his growing feelings for Layla. The chemistry between the two is palpable, and their forbidden attraction adds a layer of intensity to the narrative.

The plot is well-paced, with a mix of romance, suspense, and drama. The tension between Layla and Zahir builds steadily, leading to a satisfying and emotionally charged climax. The author also skillfully weaves in elements of family loyalty, cultural expectations, and personal honor, which add depth to the storyline and make the characters’ struggles more relatable. One of the standout aspects of the book is its setting, which is vividly described and adds a rich backdrop to the romance. The cultural nuances and societal pressures faced by the characters are handled with sensitivity and provide an additional layer of conflict to the story.

This is an enjoyable read that will appeal to fans of intense, emotion-driven romances. Hana Sheik has crafted a story that, while rooted in familiar tropes, offers enough depth and character development to keep readers invested until the very end. If you enjoy a romance with strong characters, cultural richness, and a dash of suspense, this book is worth picking up.

My Rating