Monthly Archives: April 2025

Review Card & Book Review – The Fake Wedding Project By Pippa Grant

Romeo and Juliet meets Hallmark Christmas movie in this steamy romp about star-crossed nonlovers caught up in a fake romance that could change everything they know in a real big way.

Faking an engagement to my secret high school crush was not on my to-do list when I landed for a short visit home. But when Amanda Anderson announces that she’s my fiancée, I take a leap and play along with the farce.

Why? Because the Capulets and Montagues have nothing on the Andersons and Silvers of Tinsel, Michigan. In the name of bringing peace to our Christmas-themed hometown and ourselves, we’ll play the part of Romeo and Juliet.

If our relatives think we’re in love, they’ll have to end this ridiculous feud. Right? Amanda’s a professional dog walker, and I’m an engineer who loves dogs—how hard could it be to show our families what else we all have in common?

The heat and this town’s infernal holiday cheer are messing with my head, though. And once we start making our fake wedding plans, I can’t seem to keep my heart out of it.

About The Author

My Review

The Fake Wedding Project is a lighthearted and charming romance set in Tinsel, Michigan, a town where it’s Christmas all year round, even though the story doesn’t take place during the holiday season. The Anderson and Silver families have been feuding for generations, though no one remembers the original cause of their rivalry. When Amanda and Dane, descendants of the two families, return to town for their grandparents’ anniversary celebrations, they come up with a plan to fake an engagement in hopes of finally ending the feud.

Though the story is filled with plenty of holiday-themed backdrops, the focus is on the humorous and heartwarming antics between the two families as they constantly try to outdo one another. The romance between Amanda and Dane develops gradually, with the fake relationship providing the perfect opportunity for the two to get closer. Amanda’s witty personality contrasts with Dane’s quiet strength, and their growing bond is sweet and understated, taking a backseat to the family dynamics and the town’s elaborate wedding planning.

The fake engagement plot drives the story, and the connection between Dane and Amanda feels genuine, as they protect and stand up for each other against their competitive families. As Dane wrestles with his long-standing crush on Amanda, she begins to question what is real and what is part of their act. The story is engaging and fun, with a blend of humor, romance, and family loyalty that makes it hard to put down.

My Rating

Link To Purchase

Amazon
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Review Card & Book Review – A Christmas Romance In The Scottish Highlands By Donna Ashcroft

Can Ella and her unlikely Prince Charming put aside their differences to live happily ever after?

Thirty-two-year-old Ella’s life is busy enough running her evil stepmother’s cleaning business, without adding Christmas into the mix. She doesn’t have time to play Cinderella in her local festive pantomime, but she recently lost her father, who loved the show and helped out every year, so she finds herself being fitted for glass slippers anyway. Her life may be falling apart, but she won’t let his memory down.

Then Ella meets brooding and handsome stranger, Alexander, who is playing Prince Charming, and her heart skips a beat. Might this knight-in-shining-armour inspire Mistletoe’s best show yet? But Alexander quickly makes it clear that he doesn’t want anything to do with her or their town’s traditions. And as the night of the show draws near, it’s one disaster after another, with the ugly stepbrothers falling suspiciously ill, and Alexander rolling his eyes at every chance he gets. Ella is exhausted and can’t help but feel she’s letting everyone – including her father – down.

But when an on-stage kiss gets a little too heated between Ella and Alexander, she’s surprised when he offers his muscled shoulder to lean on. Under the spotlight, Alex’s gentle encouragement of the child performers and his adorable pre-show nerves make Ella wonder if there may be more to her prince than she thought. As props go missing and scenery falls flat, can Ella and Alex bring the town to together for one last showstopper? And as the curtain falls on the performance of her life, will Ella find her fairytale ending?

About The Author

My Review

This retelling of Cinderella follows Ella, a talented artist who is overworked, managing her stepmother’s cleaning business while her stepbrothers constantly make excuses to avoid helping. In addition to her day job, Ella works whenever she can with Henry, a famous artist. Alex Charming, another artist, comes to town to assist Henry with his work and has a fateful first meeting with Ella. Their paths cross again when they are cast in the local festive pantomime, with Ella playing Cinderella and Alex as Prince Charming.

Both characters are weighed down by personal struggles: Ella is trying to balance her art with her overwhelming family responsibilities, while Alex has spent his life trying to meet his father’s expectations. With Ella’s support, Alex begins to realize his self-worth, and Ella learns that she deserves to prioritize her own happiness.

The story, set in the Scottish Highlands, is a heartwarming romance full of festive spirit, personal growth, and charming moments. It features endearing relationships, including Alex’s connection with Henry’s dog, and offers a magical take on the classic Cinderella tale with a modern twist.

My Rating

Link To Purchase

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Happy Publication Day – 11 April 2025

Meet Me Under The Clock By Jo Lovett

Sometimes love happens when you least expect it…

When Nadia and Tom are both unceremoniously stood up by their dates under the clock at Waterloo Station, fate throws them together in the most unusual of circumstances.

What starts as a brilliant story for future dinner parties soon turns into a wonderful friendship, and both Tom and Nadia realise they’ve found the perfect partner in crime.

Tired of dating but always needing a plus one for weddings, parties, and the like, they agree to fake date each other. But as their pretend relationship starts to feel more real, Nadia and Tom begin to wonder if there’s more to their connection than convenience.

Could the relationship they’ve been faking be the one they’ve been waiting for all along?

Review Card & Book Review- The Making Of Us by Debbie Howells

Two people are about to take off on a journey that could change their whole lives…

As the plane surges up into the clouds, Stevie finds herself clutching the hand of the handsome stranger sitting in the seat next to her.

It is a moment that will change everything. But Ned is heading to see his dying mother, and Stevie is returning to France to escape a terrible loss in her past. Neither of them can think about that tiny flame that just flickered between them.

But then their paths keep crossing, leading them both to the same beautiful community garden in a small French village; run by a mysterious old man named Zeke – a man with many of his own secrets.

As it becomes clear that fate is going to keep bringing them together – the two of them have to ask – are they ready for a happy-ever-after? Do they even know how to find it?

As the seeds grow into plants and flowers all around them, Stevie begins to wonders if Zeke – and his garden – might just have the answers…

About The Author

My Review

This book follows the lives of four strangers whose paths cross in a small French village. Each of them is in search of personal fulfillment and contentment, and they find solace and a sense of community within the village. As with the author’s previous work, *The Last Days of You and Me*, the themes of love, loss, grief, and second chances play a central role in the story.

The characters—Stevie, Fay, Ned, and Zeke—are all grappling with life’s challenges. Stevie is mourning the loss of her parents after a plane crash and trying to rebuild her life. Fay has retreated to her summer home to reassess her failing marriage, feeling as though she has lost herself by prioritizing her family for too long. Ned, an aspiring musician, returns home to care for his dying mother while struggling to find his footing in his career. Zeke, along with his mysterious garden, becomes a pivotal connection in their lives, offering a metaphorical bridge between them.

The novel weaves together their individual stories through alternating perspectives, blending moments of sadness with warmth, insight, and compassion as they each confront their challenges in love and life. The community and the characters’ intertwined journeys become a source of healing and reflection, providing readers with a sense of hope despite the struggles faced by them.

My Rating

Link To Purchase

Amazon
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Kobo

Happy Publication Day – 10 April 2025

Don’t Believe A Word By Susan Lewis

They raised me. Nurtured me. And lied about everything.

Sadie’s childhood has always been shrouded in mystery.

But there are three things she knows.

She was raised by two aunts.

She never knew her parents.

She is convinced she was stolen.

Cristy Ward, podcast host, is gripped by Sadie’s story. It’s perfect for her next true-crime investigation. Yet Sadie’s aunt claims it’s all a fantasy.

Hooked On You By Ada Barume

Ore has (almost) landed her dream job as an investigative reporter for the New Yorker. There’s only one catch – they’ll only give her the job if she can get the scoop on working for the elusive billionaire Harrison Marigold. To write the article, she’s got to spend two weeks on his luxury yacht off the coast of Australia, and convince the crew to spill the beans.

Daniel has (almost) landed his dream job as captain of a super yacht down under. There’s only one catch – he has to take one last job, chartering a yacht for an eccentric billionaire, and making sure an unfairly beautiful journalist doesn’t distract his crew from their work.

But making sure Ore doesn’t sink his chances of staying on course by sea-ducing his crew turns into a much harder job than Daniel expected. Ore’s also finding her assignment more difficult than she ever thought, thanks to the crew’s loyalty to Captain Daniel, but also, the waves of attraction towards him that keep crashing over her.

The Forgotten Book Club By Kate Storey

Life can begin with a single story. You just have to Bring Your Own Book…

For three decades, Grace supported her husband Frank’s passion for books, despite not being a reader herself. Since his passing, their shelves echo longingly, and Grace’s heartache has only grown.

When Grace’s grandson suggests joining Frank’s old book club to feel closer to him again, Grace reluctantly agrees. Yet, upon arrival, she discovers this isn’t a typical book club: here, members settle in for an hour of reading… in silence.

Disappointed by the sparse attendance and confused by the lack of chatter, Grace flees. But when fellow member, Annie, convinces her to stay, Grace is determined to ensure that neither Frank – nor his beloved book club – are forgotten.

And as she breathes new life into the group, Grace might just find this is where she truly belongs. Because this next chapter of life could just be the beginning of her story…

Wish You Were Here By Alex Brown

Deedee Merriman loves her job running a travel agency but with turnover down and a big birthday fast approaching she’s thinking about the next chapter of her life and the changes she wants to make.

Determined to stay vibrant and keep a youthful outlook on life she invites her friends, Gina and Rosie to celebrate with her in New York, one of her favourite places and where she feels closest to her late husband, Joe.

On arrival, there’s a surprise, secret gift in store for Deedee of a small, ramshackle beach house in the beautiful Hamptons where Joe spent his childhood. But the house isn’t the only secret and discovering the truth will change everything….

Review Card & Book Review – Billionaire’s Secret Baby: Brother’s Best Friend Romance By Jennifer Hartley

One night with my brother’s best friend…

My heart is literally racing. He’s the boy I wanted more than anything. The one I always had a crush on and couldn’t have. Now he can buy anything he wants.

Except, he’s staring right at me like I hold the answers to his darkest secrets.

He’s forbidden, and I know he’ll break my heart.

I also know that if my brother comes to know he will break his nose. But that doesn’t stop me from taking what he’s offering.

And when I find out I’m pregnant, NOTHING will ever be the same again.

Billionaire’s Secret Baby is a brothers best friend romance and the first novel in the Bad Boy Billionaire series, although all books can be read as standalones. A HOT romantic story with a guaranteed happily ever after, it does have some strong language and sexy times. Enjoy!

About The Author

My Review

This is a second-chance romance centered on former high school sweethearts Lillian and Andre, who reconnect at Rosemary Farm. Both have grown weary of their lives in New York City—Lillian feeling trapped by her family’s wealth and expectations, and Andre struggling with the emptiness of his success as a billionaire. After a fight with her brother over her refusal to join the family business, Lillian seeks refuge at the farm, where she unexpectedly crosses paths with Andre. Despite years apart, the spark between them reignites, and they use this time away from the city to rediscover themselves and their relationship.

While the book promises a small-town romance with the familiar trope of the billionaire falling in love, Andre’s billionaire status feels secondary to the plot, which focuses more on their countryside retreat. The romance feels rushed, with the story lacking depth in the characters’ backstory, especially regarding their high school relationship. There is some misalignment between the book’s marketing and its actual content, as the advertised “forbidden romance” aspect is underdeveloped. Overall, it’s an enjoyable, fast read with a happy ending, but it leaves some readers wanting more emotional and character depth.

My Rating

Link To Purchase

Amazon

Review Card & Book Review – Last Christmas Crush By Mia Heintzelman

A beautiful hopeless romantic and her ex’s guarded best friend return home for the holidays and back into each other’s lives in this festive, bighearted, forbidden romance about letting go and letting fate.

Chiara Fortemani is home for the holidays—technically, her family’s tiny villa—where she’ll explore post-breakup digs and grow their vineyard’s brand during Napa’s annual Christmas food and wine festival. But as she interviews local wood craftsmen to curate custom gifts, she’s shocked to run into Jameson West… her ex’s best friend.

Jameson has loved Chiara since he carved her a birdhouse in woodshop. She’s everything he ever wanted: beautiful, funny, loyal… but thanks to the bro code, off-limits. Now a rising investment banking star, Jameson’s in town temporarily to help the family business tackle seasonal contracts. West Woodworks has been making Fortemani casks for ages, so the job will be easy. It’s the unexpected reunion with newly single Chiara that has him on shaky ground.

As they design together, days in the lumberyard and nights on steamy calls create magic. When Jameson confesses his feelings, Chiara is amazed by this sweet, attentive man who always should’ve been her first choice. But Jameson is still her ex’s best friend. Is uprooting her life for a man again a huge mistake…or a Christmas miracle?

About The Author

My Review

This is the third installment in the Fortemani Family series, following the story of Chiara Fortemani and Jameson West. The two childhood friends, who have secretly harbored feelings for each other for years, reunite at Chiara’s brother’s wedding after a long separation. With both back in their hometown for the holidays, they take the opportunity to rekindle their friendship, eventually deciding to explore the romantic connection they had long ignored.

Chiara, seeking more independence and respect in the family business, struggles with being seen as the “little sister.” Jameson, the former best friend of her ex, steps back into her life just in time to help with the family’s holiday events. As they grow closer, the chemistry between them ignites, leading to a heartwarming holiday romance filled with emotional moments.

Beyond the romance, the novel tackles important social themes, notably the issue of maternal mortality in African American communities. Through a poignant subplot, Heintzelman highlights the alarming disparities in healthcare faced by women of color, making the book both a touching tribute and a call for awareness. *Last Christmas Crush* blends heartfelt romance with a meaningful exploration of family, growth, and social justice.

My Rating

Link To Purchase

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Kobo

Review Card & Book Review – The Little Provence Book Shop By Gillian Harvey

As the sun rises over the little Provence village where single mother Adeline has escaped with her little girl Lili, she breathes deeply. This is their new beginning. Here, she can forget the lies her family told her. Here, she can start her story again.

Later she opens the door to the town’s tiny bookstore, where she is to work, ready to meet the mysterious owner Monique for the first time.

She expected an ordinary bookshop. But this bookstore feels somehow different… magical. Breathing in the smell of books, she feels a jolt of something. It feels like a new chapter beginning.

As she gets to know the villagers – including the handsome Andre and friendly Michel – she starts to believe in the magic of this new start. But can a runaway like Adeline ever find what she’s looking for? Or is a happy-ever-after just another fiction?

About The Author

My Review

In this novel, Adeline, grieving the loss of her mother, uncovers shocking news that sends her from London to Provence in search of her true identity. Along with her young daughter, she ends up in a charming bookshop owned by Monique, an eccentric woman known for her use of crystals, spells, and an intuitive ability to read people. The story incorporates elements of magical realism, a touch of romance, and themes of self-discovery.

However, the descriptions of the bookshop and the village of St. Vianne are immersive, and the concept of bibliotherapy—using books to aid emotional healing—adds a meaningful layer to Adeline’s journey. The inclusion of Emily Dickinson’s poetry and reflections on storytelling add depth to the novel, making it a more thoughtful exploration of human connection and healing.

My Rating

Link To Purchase

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Kobo

Happy Publication Day – 8 April 2025

Too Hot To Handle By Portia MacIntosh

One bachelorette party. One stag do. One double-booked villa and only one way to decide who gets it: a competition.

Workaholic Molly is buzzing when her best friend tells her she’s getting married. As maid of honour Molly can’t wait for the perfect bachelorette party in Spain. What could be better than a week in a stunning villa? Sun, sea, cocktails and gossiping – and best of all, no boys allowed. But when the hens arrive they discover that they are not alone. The villa has been accidentally double booked by a group of stags who make it very clear they’re not leaving!

It’s a disaster, and no one wants to give up their place in paradise. Attempts at compromising fail instantly, so their only option is to have a winner takes all competition. Battle lines are drawn and it is girls v boys – but will the competition be too hot to handle?

As their rivalry heats up, and Molly finds herself gravitating towards stag Travis, it’s clear that he’s enjoying the attention – but Molly can’t let herself get distracted, and under no circumstances can she fall for the enemy.

Some Like It Scot By Pepper Basham

She lives her life on the fly. His heart is double-knotted to home. Can two different souls create a life together?

Popular travel writer and podcaster Katie Campbell roams the world collecting other people’s stories. She’s built a career as “Miss Adventure,” known for saying yes to anything new–country, food, or experience–and predictably finding those adventures taking a downward turn into misadventures.

Offered the chance to explore her ancestral roots through a three-week Edwardian experience, Katie finds herself immersed in the beauty and eccentricity of Scotland. In her period attire, with traditional foods and activities, the opportunities for misadventures are endless, especially with the presence of a maniacal macaw, a jealous co-worker, and an all-too-surly Scotsman.

Reclusive and protective Graeme MacKerrow doesn’t venture far from his island home. A stoic Scotsman, Graeme’s comfort zone has always been family, and after his sister’s death, he’s even more determined to save the MacKerrow ancestral home and keep those he loves close. The sudden intrusion of a six-foot-one American lass, famous for her traveling misfortunes, was far from his plan.

As this world of folklore, community, and woodworkers-in-kilts tempts Katie to discover her own story, could this one grand series of misadventures lead her directly to where she belongs? And would a settled-in-Scot ever risk loosening his grip on what’s familiar to allow a wanderlust writer a home in his heart? How could their very different worlds share the same page of life’s story when “home” is in two very different places? But maybe home–and the future–isn’t quite what either one imagined it would be. Maybe home is less about a place . . . and more about a person.

Review Card & Book Review – The Promise Of Tomorrow By Samantha Tonge

She’s not ill. She’s not in imminent danger. But she is sure it’s going to happen.

Because many years ago… she’d made a promise to a stranger, in the woods. Elena’s mother was in hospital, after a life-threatening accident. The promise would keep her mother safe, but put Elena’s own life at risk, instead, when she grew up and turned thirty.

Elena put the promise to the back of her mind, over the years. But she’s twenty-nine now, and when something happens that puts her life in danger, she remembers. And she knows.

But Elena hasn’t done everything yet. She’s not brave like her daredevil friend Rory. But she’s also not ready to give up on life. Not before she’s been to Paris. She always wanted to skydive too. She’s never even fallen in love.

Without the promise of tomorrow, can she fulfil all her dreams before fate comes for her?

About The Author

My Review

This book follows the intertwined journeys of Elena and Rory, two friends and co-workers, as they navigate personal challenges together. When Rory’s apartment undergoes renovation, Elena offers him a room, bringing them closer. Elena, haunted by the belief that she will die when she turns thirty, is determined to embrace life by taking on new experiences before her birthday. These include falling in love, traveling to Paris, and trying extreme sports. While Rory appears spontaneous and adventurous, he is driven by personal struggles of his own.

As Elena confronts her fear, tied to a promise she made to a stranger at age ten, Rory helps her take risks while teaching her the importance of caution. Their friendship deepens, especially during their trip to Paris, and Elena eventually confides in Rory about her secret. Together, they grow emotionally, supporting one another in overcoming their fears.

The novel, filled with emotional and heartwarming moments, delivers a hopeful message about courage, friendship, and living fully.

My Rating

Link To Purchase

Amazon
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Kobo