For Jo Jenkins, life has always been about putting others first. But with her children grown and her ex-husband as rotten as ever, she knows it’s time to put herself at the heart of the story. So, when she inherits a beautiful beachside cottage in Cornwall, she grabs the chance to start over.
The crumbling old cottage needs a little love, but so does Jo. And with the help of her new friends – a kind-hearted jeweller, a no-nonsense businesswoman, and a local Jack of all trades with a past of his own – Jo begins to rebuild more than just bricks and mortar.
But tucked away inside the cottage is a secret that could change everything. As the waves roll in and the sea air clears her mind, Jo must decide if she’s ready to let go of the past. Will she finally learn to embrace the life she truly deserves?
Piper Paulson’s life is finally on the upswing. She has a new job, a BFF roommate, and a commitment to avoid dating after an ex cost her her peace—and her former career. She may not have two nickels to spare, but that’s a problem for Future Piper.
James Newhouse doesn’t have time or energy to deal with… well, anything. A hotshot banker with a complicated family, he’s determined to keep people at arm’s length. His attraction to Piper isn’t part of the plan, and neither is adding her to a Family Fares commuter pass as his ‘wife’ to save her money on train fare. Too bad his judgment is speeding away faster than their shared train.
Thrown together by chance (and a handful of Elvis impersonators), James and Piper find themselves witnesses to an incident on their commute—‘married’ witnesses, who may be asked to testify if the crime goes to trial. Can they keep up the charade to avoid being outed for their lie? And perhaps more importantly, can they protect their hearts in the process?
This story centers on Piper, a free-spirited woman who, after nearly two years of healing from a bad breakup with a banker, now works at a not-for-profit. She crosses paths with James, the very type of person she’s trying to avoid, and after a dramatic event, they enter into a “marriage” of convenience. As they navigate the line between their fake relationship and a real one, they also confront their personal fears, grief, and emotional baggage.
What sets this book apart from other marriage-of-convenience stories is the grounded and relatable reason for their arrangement, especially given the context of a cost-of-living crisis. The author’s strength lies in crafting flawed, authentic characters who feel like real people, complete with their own misconceptions about love and relationships. The story includes some intimate moments, but they serve to deepen the connection between the characters rather than feeling forced.
My Sanctuary 