July 9, 2025 – My Sanctuary

Review Card & Book Review- Have I Told You Lately By Beth Moran

One photo and a handful of letters can change everything.

Emmie Brown has always known she was adopted. Nellie Brown sacrificed everything to make their life together comfortable and, while not the most demonstrative or warm woman, Emmie never doubted her devotion. But, when Emmie finds a stash of letters and a hidden photo after her mother’s death, everything she has believed changes in an instant. And she won’t be able to rest until she finds the mysterious ‘G’ who sent the letters.

Emmie’s quest takes her to the breathtakingly beautiful Isle of Siskin and into the home of the gregarious, fiercely loyal Hawkins family. After an isolated and introverted life, the burst of colour and noise is overwhelming. But soon Emmie feels her heart begin to open, her mind begin to dream. And as her friendship with kind and gorgeous islander Pip Hawkins gets closer, endless possible futures draw into focus.

But the discovery of ‘G’s true identity will mean Emmie has to choose. One of her choices would mean revealing secrets hidden for decades, one could lead to happiness, but both will need Emmie to be braver than she’s ever been…

About The Author

My Review

Have I Told You Lately by Beth Moran is a heartwarming tale of self-discovery, love, and friendship set on the fictional Isle of Siskin in England. Emmie, raised by her devoted aunt after her mother’s death, embarks on a journey to uncover her identity after finding mysterious letters tied to her past. On the island, she discovers warmth and friendship with the Hawkins family and her love interest, Pip, while facing unexpected challenges and unraveling secrets about her mother’s sacrifices.

This story beautifully captures themes of women supporting women, personal growth, and the importance of community. Moran’s relatable, imperfect characters, vibrant island setting, and mouthwatering descriptions of food (including pasties) enrich the narrative. With elements of mystery, romance, and personal transformation, it’s a heartwarming and multi-layered story about embracing change and finding oneself.

My Rating

Link to Purchase

Amazon

Barnes & Noble

Kobo

Happy Publication Day – 9 July 2027

Just What The Doctor Hired By Amanda Nelson & Lisa- Marie Potter

Student Autumn Haze’s motto is: no men until she completes her bachelor of nursing degree. Years before, Autumn learned the hard way men are just a distraction she can’t afford until she’s established her career and what she wants. While moonlighting as a Plus One companion pays the bills, she struggles to follow her rules after meeting her newest contract. Pediatric Hospitalist Jensen Edwards is still recovering from a bad breakup that left him the talk of the hospital. Now he’s receiving a best doctor’s award, but after he hires Autumn as his plus one, Jensen is on edge. If word gets out that he hired a companion, rumors are bound to circulate, making work unbearable—again. Their chemistry as a fake couple is undeniable, but can a chance at a real relationship override their fear of commitment?

Review Card & Book Review – A New Chapter At The Borrow A Bookshop By Kiley Dunbar

Will her new love story be the one she’s read before?

A decade after they said goodbye after graduation, old friends Harri and Annie reunite in the beautiful village of Clove Lore in Devon – what more could these bookworms want than a holiday running the tumbledown bookshop?

Unbeknownst to Annie, Harri is arriving with a bruised heart after the end of his long-term relationship, while Annie is running away from painful memories in Texas.

Elsewhere in Clove Lore, the mysterious owner of Castle Lore has died, causing much gossip in the village. When Harri and Annie are sent to investigate the huge Gothic library, they find themselves locked in overnight and soon, are discovering their connection might be more than just good friends…

About The Author

My Review

In At the Borrow a Bookshop, Kiley Dunbar once again weaves warmth, charm, and literary magic into a delightful tale of second chances and rekindled connections. Set in the picturesque village of Clove Lore, this new chapter in the beloved series follows Harri and Annie—a pair of once-close university friends—who reunite after a decade apart to run a bookshop and café together.

Harri and Annie’s relationship forms the heart of the story. Their emotional journey—from nostalgia and unspoken regrets to the slow blooming of something more—is crafted with tenderness and believability. The friends-to-lovers arc is especially satisfying, layered with shared memories, hesitant affection, and the quiet tension of what could have been. Dunbar explores their romantic chemistry gently, giving space for each character to grow individually while allowing their bond to flourish.

Surrounding them is a delightful supporting cast and the cozy Clove Lore community, which adds depth and warmth to the narrative. As always, themes of belonging, healing, and the transformative power of books are central. The café/bookshop setting offers the perfect metaphor: a place where stories are shared, lives are nourished, and love finds its way back.

My Rating

Link To Purchase

Amazon

Barnes & Noble

Kobo