April 5, 2025 – My Sanctuary

Only love can make them whole

Poppy Sawyer has spent years struggling with survivor’s guilt over the car wreck that killed her high school boyfriend. But when her grandfather wills her part of his antiques shop in Christmas Bay, she returns home to face the pain in her past—and Justin Frost, the deceased’s brother. Neither expected their long-buried, forbidden attraction would spark at their first meeting. Nor the healing they find in each other’s arms. But guilt is a hard obstacle to overcome, as is Justin’s family. The only way forward together is to find forgiveness—with their loved ones and each other.

About The Author

My Review

Flirting with the Past by Kaylie Newell, the first book in the Hearts on Main Street series, is a heartwarming romance centered on Poppy’s return to Christmas Bay after her grandfather’s death. Tasked with running his antiques shop alongside her cousins, Poppy is haunted by guilt over her high school sweetheart Danny’s death. Complicating matters, she reconnects with Justin, Danny’s older brother, who initially blamed her for the tragedy. As old feelings resurface, Poppy and Justin navigate their grief, guilt, and growing affection, leading to a tender story of healing, forgiveness, and family reconnection.

My Rating

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I found you because I wanted to tell you. Jack is with someone else. He’s got no intention of sending for you or the kiddie or seeing you ever again. Don’t try to contact him, you’ll never find him.

All it takes is one message for Gemma’s life to fall apart. A confirmation of all she’s feared these last few months. Jack was supposed to be preparing for their new start in Australia, building their home, building their life together. And now this. Gone. Without a trace. Leaving their perfect world – all that their two-year-old daughter, Poppy, knows and cherishes – shattered.

Crystal comes into Gemma’s life at the opportune moment. This new friend, who’s been through it before, who knows how it feels for all of your hopes and dreams to suddenly implode, who wants to help, who will do anything…

Crystal loves Poppy. And Poppy loves Crystal. The minute they meet it’s as if all of the heartbreak over her dad leaving dissipates. Poppy feels whole again. And in a way, so does Gemma.

But what starts as a small kernel of jealousy soon grows into a larger sense of unease. Who is this woman who’s so obsessed with her daughter? And why does it feel like there’s something she’s not telling her?

About The Author

My Review

In this emotional story, Gemma, a single mother, is shattered when she learns her partner has moved to Australia, found someone new, and no longer wishes to be involved, even with their daughter, Poppy. At her lowest, she meets Crystal, a supportive colleague who quickly becomes involved in her life. While Crystal helps with Poppy, Gemma grows uneasy as Crystal begins acting more like family, even as Poppy’s mother. Ignoring her parents’ warnings to set boundaries, Gemma’s fears come true when Poppy goes missing. As the truth about Crystal’s past and secrets emerge, Gemma discovers answers to unexpected questions. The novel explores friendship, family, and blurred boundaries, building suspense as Crystal’s intentions unravel. With complex emotions and a dramatic second half, the story ultimately leads to a heartwarming conclusion, though it takes readers on an intense emotional journey.

My Rating