June 15, 2025 – My Sanctuary

Falling In Love At Pennycress Inn By Sarah Hope

Is this just a summer romance or could it be more?

Nicola grew up at Pennycress Inn, in the beautiful Cotswold village of Meadowfield, and now she’s come full circle by landing a job there. After a difficult few months, she’s happy to be back in the place she loves and calls home.

The whole village is looking forward to the annual summer carnival, and Nicola is charged with asking the local farmers to lend their tractors and trailers for the occasion. It’s an easy task – until she meets the new owner of Little Mead Farm, who stubbornly refuses to help.

On sabbatical from his City job for the summer, Charlie wants to do up his late uncle’s farm and put it on the market as soon as possible. The place might have been in his family for generations but country life is simply not for him. He has no time for whatever the villagers are up to.

When Nicola and Charlie meet, sparks fly – and unexpected feelings grow. Soon there’s more at stake in Meadowfield than the success of the carnival. But whatever happens between them, this is just a summer romance… isn’t it?

He’d lost the holiday spirit…

Until she brought light back into his life.

Rancher Arlo Fortune is devastated when he loses his best friend in a tragic accident. The only thing that heals him is opening his heart to his friend’s adorable daughter, Aviva…and his friend’s grieving sister-in-law, the brand-new guardian to the orphaned child. Carrie Kaplan has one mission: to lavish her niece with love in a Jewish home like her sister always wanted. Her stop in Chatelaine is only temporary. Right? But as she teaches Aviva about the miracle of Hanukkah, holiday magic might just beckon from Arlo’s ranch around the bend…

About The Author

My Review

Fortune’s Holiday Surprise by Jennifer Wilck is a heartfelt story about love, family, and healing after loss. Carrie, grieving the loss of her sister and brother-in-law, moves to a small Texas town to care for her niece, Aviva. Arlo, her brother-in-law’s best friend, is also mourning while uncovering secrets left behind by his late father. Together, they navigate grief and rediscover joy.

The book beautifully highlights Jewish traditions, particularly Sephardic Hanukkah customs, alongside the Fortunes’ Christmas celebrations. Carrie and Aviva help Arlo reconnect with his family’s holiday spirit, creating a charming blend of traditions. Carrie and Arlo’s romance is sweet and understated, growing naturally from their shared bond. This is a warm, uplifting holiday tale celebrating love, family, and cultural heritage.

My Rating