Monthly Archives: April 2025

Review Card & Book Review- Saving Christmas In The Little Irish Village By Michelle Vernal

Christmas trees decked with fairy lights twinkle in every window, carollers fill the streets, and charity worker Hannah is gearing up for the season of giving in the little Irish village. But it’s not just the cold winter winds that are chilling her spirits this year…

When twenty-three-year-old Hannah Kelly finds out that the beautiful rolling hills around her hometown could be destroyed by a new building development, she rushes back to Emerald Bay to rally the community. But arriving home at The Shamrock Inn, there’s another shock in store… the handsome and sparkling-eyed lead developer, Tom Flynn, has checked in as a guest. Is this Hannah’s chance to save the village?

Hannah tries to convince Tom the beautiful area needs to be protected: even though he’s as stubborn as the donkey in the local nativity play. But when sharing that this is also where her late grandfather first met and proposed to her grandmother, his gentle hug as she sobs makes her wonder if maybe they aren’t so different…

As sparks start to fly, Hannah decides to invite Tom to experience the joys of a Kelly Christmas Day. When Tom’s hand catches hers as they peel brussels sprouts together, Hannah’s cheeks start to blush. But it turns to a flush of anger as he ducks out to take a call – about work starting in the spot she’s fought so hard to save. And the voice on the phone is strangely familiar…

About The Author

My Review

This is the fifth book in the “Little Irish Village” series, though it works well as a standalone. The story follows Hannah Kelly, an environmental campaigner who returns to her hometown, Emerald Bay, after hearing about a development threatening the village’s conserved land. Determined to protect the village’s heritage, she takes on the fight while staying at her parents’ inn for Christmas.

There, she meets Tom, a businessman from Dublin staying for the festive season. Initially clashing with him, Hannah must navigate both her campaign against the development and various family dynamics, all while dealing with the village’s past and present troubles. Though the book is marketed as a romance, the main focus is on Hannah’s personal journey and her battle to preserve the village, with romance only coming into play towards the end.

The novel offers a cosy, enjoyable atmosphere, with vibrant characters, especially the Kelly family. However, it lacks momentum in the middle, and the Christmas vibe fades at times. Despite some frustrations with the pacing and character development, the charming dialogue, vivid Irish setting, and touching moments, particularly related to the famine cottage, make it an engaging read.

My Rating

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Happy Publication Day – 6 April 2025

Happy Ever After At The Second Chances Sweet Shop By Hannah Lynn

Love is in the air…

After difficult times, Holly is finally adjusting to her new normal. Her daughter Hope is happy, she’s created a beautiful home, and an unexpected offer may mean fantastic opportunities for her sweet shop, Just One More.

But her sense of calm is shattered when best friend Giles drops a bombshell – a proposal to Sienna, a woman Holly barely knows and who isn’t right for Giles at all.

For Giles’s sake, she tries to make peace with Sienna, throwing herself into wedding planning. But as everyone else cheers on the ‘happy’ couple, Holly’s left questioning whether her doubts are about them – or about something in her own heart…

Review Card & Book Review – The Other Bridget By Rachael Johns

Bridget by name, Bridget by nature…

Librarian Bridget Jones, named after the famous fictional heroine, was raised on a remote farm, with only her mother’s romance novels for company.

Now, living alone in the city, Bridget is a hopeless bookaholic and believes that anyone who doesn’t like reading just hasn’t met the right book yet. If only fixing her love life was that simple.

When handsome Italian barista Fabio catches her eye, Bridget prays she won’t ruin things. But when her cranky neighbour Sully insists on making life tricky, she is faced with a new obstacle. Why is he going to so much effort to drive her round the bend?

With the help of a colourful cast of friends, Bridget decides to put both men to the test. But will mixing romance and fiction lead to her happily ever after?

About The Author

My Review

This story follows Bridget, a librarian and hopeless romantic who grew up surrounded by romance novels on a remote cattle station. Her passion for reading and romance shapes her life in Fremantle, where she runs a book club at the library. When Fabio, a charming Italian barista, moves from casual flirting to joining her book club, Bridget worries that her so-called “romance curse” might ruin her chances with him. However, she finds herself unexpectedly attracted to her grumpy neighbor, Sully. Torn between the two, Bridget devises a plan to test both men by selecting books tailored to their personalities, leading to unexpected and heartwarming outcomes.

The novel highlights the connection between romance and literature, with well-developed supporting characters who add depth to the narrative. It’s a beautiful exploration of love, self-discovery, and the power of books to influence our lives.

My Rating

Link To Purchase

Review Card & Book Review – Flirting With The Past By Kaylie Newell

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

Link To Purchase

Review Card & Book Review – Not Your Child By Sheila Norton

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

Link To Purchase

Review Card & Book Review – Santa’s Secret By Fern Michaels

Christmas is filled with beloved and long-kept traditions, but sometimes, there’s nothing better than creating brand-new ones. That’s why Francesca and her high school friends Amy, Rachael, and Nina are traveling to Italy to spend the holidays with Frankie’s boyfriend, Giovanni, and his family.

Giovanni and his brother, Marco, run a small Italian restaurant in Manhattan, where cherished family recipes delight tourists and locals alike. But there’s one recipe that eludes the brothers. Their mama refuses to divulge the special ingredient in her coveted panettone, claiming it is “Santa’s secret.”

While Frankie joins Giovanni and Marco in the kitchen, hoping to uncover the mystery of Mrs. Lombardi’s mouthwatering panettone, Amy, Nina, and Rachael are on their own quests. Amy wants to see the statue of David in Florence, Nina needs career inspiration, and Rachael longs to meet some eligible Italian men.

About The Author

My Review

This is the third book in Fern Michaels’ *Santa’s Crew* series, focusing on the friendship of Frankie, Amy, Nina, and Rachel as they embark on their annual Christmas trip with their families—this time to Italy. The story introduces Giovanni and Marco, brothers who run a family restaurant in Manhattan. Though their Italian restaurant is famous for its family recipes, they still haven’t learned their mother’s secret panettone ingredient. Eager to discover it, they close the restaurant for the holidays and head to Italy to reunite with their family.

The novel combines the warmth of family traditions and the beautiful setting of Italy, where the group navigates both personal journeys and travel misadventures. While it offers rich descriptions of Italy’s culture and cuisine, the story is not deeply rooted in typical Christmas themes. Despite this, it remains a heartwarming tale about love, family, and friendship. Though the holiday connection may not be as strong as expected, the book provides an enjoyable, feel-good story.

My Rating

Link To Purchase

Review Card & Book Review – Royally Matched By Kate O’Keeffe

I’ve got 99 problems, and picking the wrong guy might be all of them.

I’ve always had my royal checklist: Attend the Husband Hunting Ball? Check. Find the perfect match for a princess like me? Check. Feel zero sparks with Mr. Right (aka Enzo Revera)? Sadly, double check.

But then I meet Marco, Enzo’s charming and rugged brother. He’s everything I shouldn’t want, especially since I’ve planned my life to avoid the messiness of love.

When a twist of fate puts Marco at my side, I can’t deny our chemistry, even if he’s all wrong for a princess like me. Thrown together by royal duties and an ancient riddle, Marco and I embark on a crazy adventure that leads us to hidden clues.

As we unravel a secret that changes everything, I’m faced with a choice between duty and desire. Can I defy expectations and claim both the throne I’ve always wanted and my true love?

About The Author

My Review

Princess Sofia, determined to find a suitor, attends a royal ball with her focus on Lord Strozzi. However, her plans are derailed when a drunken man proposes to her, and she is saved by another guest, whom she nicknames “Duck.” Despite being charmed by Duck, Sofia continues her pursuit of Strozzi.

Meanwhile, Marco, attending the ball reluctantly at the insistence of his brother Enzo, is unexpectedly captivated by Sofia’s beauty. As Enzo’s assistant, Marco disapproves of his brother’s potential engagement to Sofia, even as he gets to know her better. It isn’t long before Sofia discovers that the man she calls Duck is actually Marco. Though he may not always make the best impression, Marco’s sincerity and genuine nature win Sofia over.

This charming romance features royal intrigue, lighthearted moments, and humorous encounters, including a subplot involving mischievous dogs. The story’s unexpected twists and lovable characters make for an engaging and delightful royal adventure.

My Rating

Link To Purchase

Happy Publication Day – 3 April 2025

Together Again At The Cornish Country Hospital By Jo Bartlett

A lost love…

A&E Nurse Amy Spencer lives a very ordinary life in Port Kara. She loves her job at the hospital and has a great group of friends, but there is something or someone missing from her life. Amy’s tried dating but no one ever compares with the one boy that got away – Lijah Byrne.

A surprise arrival…

Lijah’s life since he left Port Kara has been what dreams are made of. But lately Lijah has started to feel hollow – the fame and celebrity he once craved now makes him feel trapped. The only place he’s ever felt safe is Port Kara… so maybe it’s time to go back home?

A reunion written in the stars.

When Amy bumps into Lijah again, she only sees the boy she once loved with all her heart. But their lives are so different now. Amy knows a rekindling of their past love will end in heartbreak, but she can’t give up her second chance to be with the man she loves.

Review Card & Book Review- Fix Me When I Fall By Zoe Forward

I never should’ve agreed to do Ryan Brandt.
I know it’s best I never see him again. He ruined my everything. My career. My heart.

I have little choice when his movie career implodes from one too many PR fiascoes. I’ve been assigned to spin his disasters and makeover his life. If I don’t, my life in the career fixing business is over.

Now his intensity and seductive scheming are set on me. I refuse to cave to it.

Mackensie Parker is mine. I forgot until she burst into my life full of accusations that my smoking hot action movie career was about to crash.
I never should have touched her. Falling for her will ruin my life. Again.

There’s too much at stake. The problem is our chemistry is instant. Combustible. Something neither of us can resist. Before I know it, she’s under my skin.

About The Author

My Review

This is a heartwarming romance about Mackensie Parker, a Hollywood fixer, and Ryan Brandt, a fading movie star. Mackensie, whose job is to revive celebrity careers, is tasked with salvaging Ryan’s reputation, even though he once broke her heart after her sister’s tragic death. Determined to stay professional, Mackensie works to repair Ryan’s life and career, while struggling with her lingering feelings for him.

Ryan, initially resistant to change, slowly recognizes Mackensie’s efforts and the undeniable chemistry between them. As they work together, old emotions resurface, complicating their professional relationship. Outside threats, including Mackensie’s job security and sabotage attempts against Ryan, add tension to the unfolding romance.

This story beautifully balances personal and professional challenges, as Mackensie and Ryan navigate misunderstandings, rekindled feelings, and second chances. Full of drama, emotion, and sweet moments, *Fix Me When I Fall* is a compelling read about overcoming the past and rebuilding both love and trust.

My Rating

Link To Purchase