Review Card & Book Review – A New Lease Of Life By Celia Anderson

Ingrid is desperate to sell up and move on. Recently widowed, she no longer needs the large house or the treasures (and tat) collected by her late husband, Tommy, an auctioneer. Then there’s the debt he left her with, too.

So, she jumps at the chance to downsize and move to Willowbrook on a temporary lease. She’ll open a pop-up shop for just one year – to dispose of Tommy’s accumulated goods – and then move on. No getting embroiled in village life.

But Ingrid hasn’t reckoned on Willowbrook’s extrovert local ladies (known as the Saga Louts). Or handsome local craftsman Joel, with whom there’s a definite attraction. They all want to help set up ‘The Treasure Trove’.

Surprisingly, it turns out Ingrid can also help them.

Will she ever achieve the fresh start and simpler life she craved? Or will Ingrid discover a wonderful new way to move onwards and upwards?

About The Author

My Review

In this uplifting story, recently widowed Ingrid moves to the village of Willowbrook after her husband’s death leaves her with debt and a house full of treasures to sell. Renting her aunt’s closed shop, she begins her journey to simplify her life. Along the way, she’s supported by a lively group of older women called the Saga Louts, who take her under their wing, and Josh, a kind-hearted carpenter who becomes more than just a helper.

As Ingrid navigates challenges, uncovers hidden strengths, and helps others with their struggles, she finds friendship, community, and a renewed sense of purpose. This heartwarming tale celebrates second chances, resilience, and the joy of connection in a diverse and supportive village.

My Rating

Link To Purchase

Happy Publication Day – 5 July 2025

The Magic Of Provence By Alison Roberts

Sometimes facing your fears can be the start of something wonderful. . .

Fiona Gilchrist has spent years running from her demons. But deciding to take back control, she packs up her life and makes the trip to Provence to be reunited with her sisters. And almost instantly, there is something about La Maisonette which is healing and Fi knows she’s ready for a chance to start again.

When an opportunity arises to work alongside vet Christophe Brabant, Fi, although hesitant cannot resist saying yes. Because immersing herself in what she loves is the ultimate distraction. And while Christophe may be utterly charming, he’s also committed to his job so Fi knows she’s in safe hands. Yet, what starts as a blossoming friendship quickly turns to something deeper. Because for the first time in her life, Fi begins to feel relaxed and completely at ease. Could it be that Christophe’s heart is more like hers than she realises? Or has she allowed him to penetrate the boundaries she always considered unbreachable?

Coming to France took a leap of faith, but in doing so it has allowed these two damaged souls a chance to find each other while Provence works its magic

Review Card & Book Review – How Do I Tell You? by Nicola May

How do you rebuild your life when it changes forever in an instant?

Thirty-five-year-old Victoria Sharpe has a decent job as an illustrator, a perfectly good if predictable relationship, and great friends. So why can’t she shake the feeling that something is missing?

Keen to let off steam, she sets off on a night out with her best friends. Next morning – one reckless decision later – she resolves to make some seriously overdue changes to achieve the fulfilment she craves.

Then she gets devastating news that shatters everything she ever wanted for her future.

Or so she thinks. Because as friends and family rally around to support her, and an unexpected new romance causes her heart to skip a beat, Victoria discovers that sometimes in the deepest darkness the brightest light can shine through. But, after all she’s been through, can she let it in?

About The Author

My Review

The novel centres on Victoria Sharpe, a woman in her 30s feeling stuck—in her job, in her relationship, and in life more broadly. With an alcoholic mother and a sense of something missing, Victoria’s world feels stagnant—until a major revelation turns everything upside down. I won’t spoil it (and deliberately went in blind myself), but when the twist hit, I genuinely gasped. It’s one of those rare plot turns that feels both unexpected and deeply human.

Victoria’s journey of self-reflection and transformation is deeply moving. Her friendship circle is a particular highlight—full of warmth, support, and authenticity. The way her friends rallied around her felt incredibly real, and the emotional reactions throughout were handled with nuance and honesty. The subject matter—while I won’t name it to preserve the impact—was something I haven’t come across in fiction before, and May addresses it with impressive sensitivity.

More than just a romance, How Do I Tell You? delves into complex themes of identity, family, and personal truth. It’s a powerful, empathetic story with heart and depth—and one I highly recommend.

My Rating

Link To Purchase