July 24, 2025 – My Sanctuary

Settling The Score By Clare Connelly

Karma comes to those who wait…

Small town sweetheart, Sienna Mastrangelo has spent years dreaming of payback against her ex. Why should Aiden Carter—NHL superstar and global heartthrob—get to leave her behind while she picks up the pieces of the life he shattered? So when The Karma Club formed, it felt like fate had stepped in. Along with her new best friends they each had a chance to serve up some just desserts on the ex’s that wronged them. But when plans for Aiden’s comeuppance fall through, it’s time for Sienna to settle the score!

Now, with a gorgeous Italian island wedding as her playground, Sienna has one week to make Aiden fall hard, beg for a second chance… then dump him without a backward glance. Throw in a few pranks, some strategic seduction—easy, right? Except their chemistry is hotter than ever, and as the games heat up, so do the long-buried truths…keeping her heart locked away becomes a challenge like none other. But when it comes to this hockey god, there’s no way she’s handing over the key again, even if Karma does have some plans of its own.

Fixing A Broken Heart At The Highland Repair Shop By Kiley Dunbar

Never take broken for an answer…

When her career stalls and her boyfriend betrays her, Ally McIntyre’s dreams shatter into a hundred little pieces. Which is apt, given Ally’s family has built a haven for the worn out and broken: the Cairn Dhu Community Repair Shop and Café in the heart of the Scottish Highlands, famous for its band of expert fixers (and delicious baking). But repairing gadgets and restoring heirlooms is one thing, fixing herself is quite another.

Jamie Beaton is on a temporary summer transfer to Cairn Dhu as a Special Constable, though there’s a deeper, sadder reason that’s drawn him to the Highlands. When a scandal threatens the repair shop and Ally and Jamie’s paths cross, an instant connection – and attraction – sparks. Could finding new love, and the missing piece of Jamie’s past, help Ally’s heart to heal?

As the long summer days draw in, however, Jamie must leave. An unexpected job offer also comes Ally’s way, which could take her far from the Highlands. Should she take a leap into the unknown? Where does she truly feel whole?

Recently-widowed father of one Luke is desperate for a sign.

Since his beloved wife Helen passed, Luke and six-year-old Amy are just about keeping the show on the road, but he’d do anything to have Helen near him again.

Connie’s much-missed mum was everything to her daughter. A friend, a cheer-leader, a comfort, and the best housemate Connie ever had. What she wouldn’t give to speak to her one more time…

Teenage twins Alex and Lucy both miss their dad desperately but neither have the words to put it right.

In the heart of Dublin, a quiet community is forming, drawn together by the loved ones they have lost, but kept together by friendship and laughter. As Luke, Connie, Alex, Lucy and the other patrons of the Leesom Street Café learn to smile again, none of them are quite ready for meeting the person who may be able to make all their dreams come true.

Because if you love and listen hard enough, goodbye might not be the end.

About The Author

My Review

This novel follows Connie, Luke, and Lucasta, three individuals navigating the complexities of grief. Though the story centers on loss, it is written with warmth, humor, and a sense of hope, making it an uplifting rather than sorrowful read.

The characters find solace at a Bereavement Café, which becomes a supportive space where they share their struggles and participate in spiritual activities led by a local celebrity author. As they bond, they begin to heal—helping each other through life’s challenges, such as returning to work, single parenthood, and selling a family home, all while the world continues moving forward.

What sets this book apart is its lighthearted approach to mourning. It embraces the idea that lost loved ones remain with us in unexpected ways, whether through humorous signs or fond memories. Rather than simplifying grief, it portrays the experience authentically, much like reminiscing with family and friends, sharing both tears and laughter. This heartfelt and relatable story reassures readers that while loss is inevitable, love and connection endure, making it a comforting read for anyone coping with bereavement.

My Rating