June 10, 2025 – My Sanctuary

Review Card & Book Review- Beautiful Broken Love By Shanora Williams

It’s been months since her dreams of forever were brutally shattered. Seven long months since her husband and soulmate, Lew, died in her arms, leaving her to carry on. Alone. And Davina Klein-Roberts still isn’t sure how to move forward.

To escape her anguish, Davina throws everything into work, pushing Golden Oil Co., her self-built skin care line, to become a viral success. Now she’s poised to clinch a major endorsement deal too. But it’s bittersweet without Lew by her side.

A meeting with Deke Bishop, the hot NBA star she’s courting for her brand, leaves Davina flustered. With his dimpled smile and warm handshake, Deke’s a natural pitchman. And he’s clearly interested—not only in her lotions.

Davina soon discovers that Deke’s more than just another player and carries his own pain. But as her feelings for him grow, so does her guilt. Will the pain of a future already lost keep her from embracing hope for a new one?

About The Author

My Review

This was such a heartfelt story. After losing her husband, Davina throws herself into her skincare business. When she notices a star basketball player commenting about his dry skin, she sees an opportunity to promote her brand. She reaches out to Deke’s manager, hoping he might consider being an ambassador, though she doesn’t expect him to endorse her small company.

Deke doesn’t need the money, but knowing his sister loves Davina’s products, he agrees—thinking he might score some freebies for her. However, the moment he meets Davina, he’s captivated and eager to find ways to spend more time with her.

Davina, aware of Deke’s reputation as a player and put off by his confidence, isn’t interested in a relationship. Still grappling with her grief, she doesn’t reveal her husband’s death. Deke, unwilling to pursue a married woman, is caught off guard when he learns the truth. Having experienced grief himself, he offers his support, even if it’s just as a friend.

This beautifully written story captures love, healing, and the power of connection, making it truly unforgettable.

My Rating

Link To Purchase

Amazon

Barnes & Noble

Happy Publication Day – 10 June 2025

Everything’s Coming Up Rosie By Courtney Walsh

Sometimes what you think you want and what you actually want turn out to be different things . . .

Rosie Waterman has one dream: to become a working actor. But lately, that hasn’t been working out. When she loses her apartment and her job on the same day, she does what she always does–puts herself out there, ready to find the next big thing. But a trip home makes her realize that while she’s been struggling to make this dream come true, all her friends have become real adults with careers and weddings and babies on the way. Rosie’s been at this for years, and she has nothing to show for it. But how does she simply let go of her dream?

When she’s offered a job as the director of a regional theatre’s production of Cinderella, she jumps at the chance–even though she’s only directed in college and the job is in Door County, Wisconsin, and not in New York. She has no other offers, and at least she’ll be getting paid to do something theatrical. But when she arrives, she quickly realizes that the “regional theatre” is actually in a retirement community, and the “actors” are actually senior citizens with no acting experience whatsoever.

Working on the show presents new challenges, forcing Rosie to learn how to step up and be the leader this fledgling theatre troupe needs. The more time she spends with her new cast, the more she begins to rethink what it means to dream big, especially when that big dream hasn’t turned out to be at all what she thought it would be. It’s not at all what she expected, but could it be exactly what she needs?

Below Deck Billionaire By Amy Andrews

Sun…Sea…Temptation!

Theo Callisthenes – renowned playboy and heir to a multi-billion-dollar Greek shipping company’s sex-capades – always make the front page! But when one misdemeanor goes too far, his brother offers up a challenge. Restore his reputation with a 4-month sex ban…

Vowing to see the ban through, Theo takes up residence on his superyacht sailing around the Greek islands. Until one day the one woman he hasn’t been able to hit and quit – Tiffany Wainright – strides onboard as the newest member of his crew. Temptation has set sail with him and the forced proximity gives him absolutely nowhere to hide! Tiffany might live below deck but their attraction is still electric and she’s just too close for comfort.

Then an opportunity to salvage a business deal he put in jeopardy is back on the table. To ensure success Theo may need a very indecent proposal. Can he convince Tiffany to pose as his fake fiancé during the day to help seal the deal and trust that neither of them will succumb to their burning chemistry once the sun goes down? It’s only for two days but how long will the ban hold when the door closes on his suite and there’s only his sorely tested honour keeping them in check?

Review Card & Book Review- The Silver- Haired Sisterhood By Judy Leigh

‘We’re celebrating life,’ Rose said. ‘Life, every single minute of it. Tell me, girls – is there ever anything better to celebrate than that?’

Five years after seventy-something Tess jetted off to Paris with her best friends, Jen, Rose, Della and Pam – the Five French Hens – for Jen’s hen do, a lot has changed. Prospective groom Eddie has been given the heave-ho, Tess’s husband has been sent packing and the Hens are making the most of their golden years.

But Tess is stuck in a rut. Rather than embrace her independence, she watches on as Rose wows Paris, Jen explores Iceland and Pam heads to Greece. But when tragedy strikes Della, Tess is shaken into action. They both need a change of scenery and longing to see the Northern Lights, they head to the Highlands of Scotland and the magical Isle of Skye.

There Tess and Della get more than they bargained for. Along with stunning scenery and breathtaking history, they find new friends, grand adventures and even romance. And when they’re joined by the other Hens, together they start plotting a fabulous new future for them all.

About The Author

My Review

The protagonist is seventy-seven, supported by a vibrant cast of similarly aged friends, including eighty-year-old Rose, who refuses to let age or health challenges dampen her spirit. Judy Leigh emphasizes the importance of maintaining a positive outlook on life and seizing new adventures, regardless of age.

Aging brings its difficulties, but how we confront them defines us. Some characters face grief in different ways—one finds comfort in memories, while another struggles with survivor’s guilt and turns to alcohol. However, an epiphany inspires him to embrace change, reminding us that our worth is shaped by who we are now, not past mistakes. Leigh weaves a message of resilience: “Out of something bad, there’s always hope.”

Friendship is a central theme, celebrated as “the family you choose,” offering strength and support in challenging times. Set primarily on the stunning Isle of Skye, Leigh’s vivid descriptions immerse readers in the beauty of a snowy December landscape.

The novel highlights the power of second chances, showing that while we cannot rewrite the past, we can create a brighter future. The Silver-Haired Sisterhood is a heartwarming, uplifting story filled with hope, friendship, and the joy of new beginnings. Judy Leigh’s storytelling continues to captivate and inspire, leaving readers eagerly anticipating her next work.

My Rating

Link To Purchase

Amazon

Barnes & Noble

Kobo