May 2025 – Page 4 – My Sanctuary

Review Card & Book Review- Festive Fling With The Surgeon By Karin Baine

WRAPPED UP…IN EACH OTHER!

Transplant surgeon Tamsin is determined nobody will suffer the post-op complications her sister faced. She certainly doesn’t have capacity for romance. So, succumbing to passion on a visit to Edinburgh with handsome pediatrician Max is a one-night indulgence… Max has his own reasons for being anticommitment, but when he and Tamsin are thrown back together again temporarily, their snow-melting attraction leads to a whirlwind fling. Only, their feelings are deepening along with their desire. This festive season, will they be brave and embrace the gift in front of them?

About The Author

My Review

This heartfelt story follows Tamsin, a transplant surgeon haunted by a painful family past, and Max, a pediatric surgeon with commitment issues. Both convinced love isn’t in their future, they reluctantly enter a fling that soon stirs unexpected feelings. Their deepening connection, fostered by shared time and ordinary moments, leaves Tamsin wary as she struggles with guilt over her sister’s fate.

Max, however, begins to reconsider his stance on commitment. Their emotional journey hits a rocky point when his desire for more conflicts with Tamsin’s insecurities. A compelling subplot around Tamsin’s transplant patient not only drives her passion for her work but adds depth to the story. Their story culminates in a powerful resolution, with Max and Tamsin finding love despite their fears and pasts.

My Rating

Link To Purchase

Review Card & Book Review – Retreat To The Lakeside Cottage By Erin Green

Welcome to the Lakeside Cottage . . . A place to write, where inspiration awaits . . .

Five authors have gathered at the idyllic Lakeside Cottage for a retreat, with the promise of peace and dedicated writing time. At least, that’s the idea . . .

Retreat organiser Rula is there to edit, surrounded by like-minded souls. An interloper, especially one with whom she has a past, was certainly not part of her plan.

Eve has a bad case of writer’s block, despite numerous bestsellers under her belt. Can she find new inspiration? Or will she get drawn into the dramas that unfold around her?

Alice has a deadline looming but is seemingly more interested in anything but writing. And where does she keep disappearing to?

Daphne is an experienced self-published author, but might she be more unconventional in other ways too?

And then there’s Brontë, the complete novice. She’s a mere scribbler, not a ‘proper writer’ like these other women, and she feels totally out of her depth.

As the collective word count grows, and their personal stories interweave, each woman finds herself drawn in unexpected and life-changing directions.

About The Author

My Review

Bronte, Daphne, Rula, Eve, and Alice are all writers who come together at a lakeside writing retreat. Set in a beautiful and peaceful location, the story offers a refreshing change by focusing on a group rather than just one main character. It’s lovely to see how each woman brings her own dreams, struggles, and personality to the retreat, and how their friendships slowly build over time.

The setting is described so well that you can easily picture the calm water and cozy cottages, making it a very comforting read. It was interesting to follow all five women’s journeys, seeing how writing brought them together but life took them in different directions too. Their experiences highlight not just creativity but also personal growth, new beginnings, and the courage to follow your heart.

Overall, Retreat to the Lakeside Cottage is an engaging and heartwarming story. It’s perfect if you enjoy stories about friendship, second chances, and pursuing your passions in a beautiful setting.

My Rating

Link To Purchase

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Happy Publication Day – 17 May 2025

Dancing Under The Moon By Celia Anderson

Forty-something Molly is starting to realise – with growing horror – that life isn’t just passing her by, it has completely gone without her. Her husband, four children and large collection of animals are chaotic and demanding, and her job as a playgroup assistant has lost its power to inspire her.

When temptation strikes and Molly is desperately attracted to the charismatic village headmaster, she is outraged to discover that her husband Jake has beaten her to a fling, and even worse, has done this with one of Molly’s closest friends!

With the whole family plunged into turmoil for a variety of reasons, Molly is forced out of her comfort zone to make decisions that will affect her marriage, her children, her parents and her friends. Can she reclaim her life, and learn to love it again as she does so?

This warm, wise and thought-provoking novel is perfect for fans of Milly Johnson, Cathy Bramley and Judy Leigh.

Review Card & Book Review – Breaking The Ice By Amy Andrews

A bookshop face-off!

NHL hot shot, Nick Hawkeye Hawke has 4 months to recuperate from a potentially career-ending injury. All he has to do is take it easy and keep things low-key. So, looking after his grandmother’s beloved second-hand romance bookshop and working very closely with the ruthlessly efficient Samantha Evans is just what he needs right? Wrong!

Career-driven Sam has impulsively decided to swap her highly stressful corporate job for a slower pace in her favourite bookshop at the exact time her biological clock has started to tick. And she wants absolutely none of that. But when your boss is a hot hockey superstar and you can’t stop daydreaming of him being your baby daddy, forced proximity takes on a whole new meaning.

With temptation around every bookshelf, Nick and Sam find themselves skating on thin ice until they put themselves firmly in the friend zone. But the more they try to resist their slow burn, the more they want each other. How long can they stay in the zone until one of them breaks the ice?

About The Author

My Review

This story centers on Nick, an NHL player nearing retirement, and Samantha (Sam), a career-driven woman with a history of unsuccessful relationships. They reconnect at Nick’s grandmother’s funeral, sparking old feelings Sam has kept hidden due to Nick’s fame and romantic past. Now, after turning 30 and contemplating her future, Sam finds herself open to love in ways she hadn’t expected.

As Nick recovers from an injury and inherits his grandmother’s bookstore, he’s forced to re-evaluate his path. When Sam steps in to help with the shop, their friendship grows, evolving naturally into something deeper. Both characters are relatable and layered, with strengths and flaws that make their journey engaging.

An underlying message resonates throughout: success and wealth don’t guarantee happiness, and life’s unexpected twists can lead to surprising joys if you’re open to them.

My Rating

Link To Purchase

Amazon

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Kobo

Review Card & Book Review- Secrets Of Swanfield House By Elayne Grimes

When Marcie Mosse receives news that her grandmother is sick, she rushes back to her childhood village in the remote Scottish Highlands. Despite the tragic circumstances, returning to her family’s ancestral estate, a once grand and now crumbling farmhouse overlooking a crystal-clear loch, feels like a long-awaited homecoming.

Reconnecting with childhood friends, Marcie is flooded with memories of her life before moving to the city. Then, during a windswept horseback ride along the edge of the loch, she bumps into Ruaridh Balfour. With the same bear-like hug and dry wit that won her over all those years ago, Ruaridh still knows how to read her mind – and make her heart flutter. But Marcie has a life back in London, not to forget a fiancé.

While torn between her past and present, Marcie grows increasingly concerned about her uncle, who’s been like a father to her and seems to be fading before her eyes. Marcie’s instincts tell her something is wrong, and it’s connected to a mysterious new farmhand. As secrets rear their heads and family tragedy strikes, Marcie must decide where she truly belongs – and just how far she’ll go to protect those she loves.

About The Author

My Review

When Marcie returns home for her grandmother’s funeral, she quickly senses that things are off. Her once-warm uncle seems different, her grandmother’s will has been unexpectedly altered, and both her cousin Callum and a mysterious newcomer in town raise her suspicions. As Marcie digs into these mysteries, she starts questioning the recent sudden deaths among local residents. This story is a mix of friendship, betrayal, and community strength, showcasing how people come together to uncover hidden truths. I’m excited it’s the start of a series, as I enjoyed these characters and look forward to more adventures in this beautiful setting.

My Rating

Link To Purchase

Amazon

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Review Card & Book Review – The Party Line By Carolyn Brown

Returning home to Ditto, Texas, is bittersweet for Lila Matthews. Her dear and feisty aunt Gracie has passed away, leaving Lila her estate. That includes a centuries-old house, a field of the freshest strawberries in Atascosa County, more money than Lila can count, and a secret Aunt Gracie took to her grave. All the angels in heaven won’t be able to pry it out of her.

For more than eighty years, generations of folks in Ditto have whispered and gossiped about what the secret could be. When Lila inherits Aunt Gracie’s legacy, ears perk up and tongues start wagging. As Lila reacquaints herself with locals, finds warmth in family—extended and otherwise—and cozies up to a handsome new neighbor, she begins collecting clues to the past. They’re revealing an Aunt Gracie nobody knew—and a life of rebellion, broken hearts, and selfless love that affected more people than anyone realized.

Whatever reason Aunt Gracie had for leaving Lila the secret, will it now be Lila’s secret to keep?

About The Author

My Review

“The Party Line” by Carolyn Brown is a heartwarming small-town story that explores secrets, love, and family. Gracie, who grew up in Ditto, Texas, lived in a time when party lines allowed neighbors to eavesdrop on phone conversations, making privacy a rare commodity. Gracie took one secret to her grave, but when her niece Lila inherits her estate, that secret begins to unravel. Lila is left with a choice: uncover the truth or sell the farm and move on.

The novel shifts between the 1950s and present day, blending a nostalgic look at life in a simpler era with modern themes of love and family. While Lila’s investigation into her aunt’s past is engaging, the romance between Lila and Connor adds warmth to the story, even though it doesn’t dominate the plot. Brown skillfully crafts vivid scenes, but at times, the pacing slows due to excessive detail and the inclusion of side characters like Lila’s mother and business partner.

Overall, the book is a charming mix of romance, mystery, and family dynamics, earning a solid 4 out of 5 stars for its portrayal of community, relationships, and personal growth.

My Rating

Link To Purchase

Amazon

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Happy Publication Day – 15 May 2025

Sunshine After The Rain By Jessica Redland

For the last seven years Mel has been hiding; from life, from her friends and from those who love her the most – her family. But being at home in her beloved Lake District has been far too painful for Mel to contemplate. Because seven years ago, Mel lost everything and she’s never been able to banish the dark clouds that follow her.

When Mel returns to Willowdale for a family event, she has no intention of staying. But surrounded by her family she begins to realise just how much she’s been missing and also, how much healing she still needs to do.

Starting a dream job at Willowdale Hall, going on walks with Emma and her funny alpacas and reconnecting with those she loves, Mel slowly begins to see chinks of light and a more hopeful and happier future ahead.

And as Mel begins to feel stronger, she also feels brave enough to face the most painful part of leaving home…the one man she has always loved. With his help, can she finally banish the dark clouds forever and see the sunshine after the rain?

Review Card & Book Review – My Darling Jane By Ilsa Madden-Mills

On an ordinary day, Jane Darling wouldn’t be caught dead in a sports bar wearing a toga with angel wings. But she’s desperate to launch her matchmaking business to secure her young daughter’s future. Her mission: to attract new clients at any cost.

Her Cupid outfit catches the eye of New York’s beloved star quarterback, Jasper Jannich. She and Jasper have always clashed, but when a pushy admirer goes too far, he steps in as an unexpected knight in shining armor.

He offers a tantalizing proposal: to be Cupid’s Arrow’s premier client. Reluctantly, Jane agrees, aware of the business potential despite her reservations about Jasper and his playboy reputation.

As she sets him up on date after date, it grows clear that Jane’s the only woman he wants.

She is his goal, his endgame.

She’s not not interested…but her heart has been burned before. To get anywhere, they’ll need courage and faith, not just sizzling chemistry.

He’s ready to make the pass. Is his darling ready to catch it?

About The Author

My Review

My Darling Jane is the second book in The Darlings series by Ilsa Madden-Mills. While it can be read as a standalone, reading My Darling Bride first enhances the experience. This book is a heartwarming, emotional, and funny romance that keeps readers fully engaged.

The story follows Jane Darling, a single mom managing her sister’s bookstore and trying to grow her matchmaking service. Jane is smart, witty, strong, and funny. Her counterpart, Jasper Jannich, is a charming and laid-back football quarterback who knows how to sweep women off their feet. Their chemistry is electric, and their banter is both hilarious and entertaining.

Though the relationship between Jane and Jasper isn’t without challenges, the story ultimately delivers a satisfying happily-ever-after. Madden-Mills skillfully blends humor and romance, creating memorable moments and well-developed characters, including fun side characters like Jasper’s nieces and Babs from the bookstore. Overall, it’s a delightful, well-written romance that leaves readers wanting more.

My Rating

Link To Purchase

Amazon

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Happy Publication Day – 14 May 2025

One Summer In Italy By Victoria Springfield

A return to Venice. A friendship rekindled. A time for romance.

Natalie’s landed the opportunity of a lifetime hosting television show ‘Luxe Life Swap’, but she’s dreading going back to Venice, scene of the school trip that changed her life. The beauty of the floating city and handsome watch restorer Eraldo begin to win her over, however. But then glamorous contestant Cate arrives, the girl who was once plain, ordinary Cathy – the ex-best friend Natalie blames for the night that wrecked her life.

Cate’s swapping The Old Vicarage for two weeks in a Venetian palazzo, hoping she might pluck up the courage to go on the quest she’s been putting off for more than twenty years. Forced to spend time with Natalie, Cate hopes to rebuild their friendship – until Natalie makes a shocking accusation against Cate’s husband. Cate needs to find out the truth but how can she expect Phil to be honest when she’s keeping secrets of her own?

Review Card & Book Review – Husband For The Holidays By Dani Collins

A billionaire for Christmas…
or for life?

To Konstantin Galanis, heiress Eloise Martin was always strictly off-limits. Too young, too innocent—and his late best friend’s sister. Then he spots her in snowy Manhattan dressed as a Christmas elf, and discovers she’s chosen destitution over a loveless marriage. The steely tycoon feels duty-bound to offer her protection with his own festive proposal…

The kiss Konstantin turned down years ago still haunts Eloise. Accepting his convenient ring is an act of desperation, and every minute in his presence inflames her hopeless desire. Has Konstantin saved her from the cold…yet condemned her to burn?

About The Author

My Review

Konstantin, a hardworking and reserved man, is still grieving the loss of his best friend. One snowy evening, he is shocked to find Eloise, his late friend’s sister, dressed as a bedraggled Christmas elf. Knowing Eloise as an heiress, Konstantin is determined to find out why she is in such a situation.

After losing her brother, Eloise’s life took a sharp turn when her controlling stepfather tried to force her into a loveless marriage. Unwilling to comply, she chooses a life of poverty rather than be married off. When she unexpectedly crosses paths with Konstantin, the man she’s secretly loved since childhood, old feelings resurface.

Konstantin, feeling responsible for Eloise and her mother’s well-being, steps in to help. To uncover the truth about her stepfather, he proposes a fake engagement, but soon realizes his long-buried feelings for Eloise. As they spend more time together, Eloise struggles to hide her emotions, while Konstantin faces his own fears of love. Will they be able to overcome their pasts and embrace a future together?

This emotional, sensual romance explores themes of love, responsibility, and healing, with complex characters who must learn to let go of the past to find happiness.

My Rating