August 4, 2025 – My Sanctuary

Review Card & Book Review – The Unexpected Family Man By Alexis Morgan

A substitute family…

Or a second chance at forever?

Between running his family’s bar, volunteer firefighting and becoming guardian of his late best friend’s son, Shay Barnaby barely has time to sleep. Thank goodness for Carli Walsh, the administrator at Luca’s school. Carli finds herself helping the grieving little boy adjust to his new world—and marveling at how quickly the three of them feel like a family. But after a previous marriage built on lies, Carli needs the real thing. Can Shay prove he’s not just looking for a substitute mother to Luca but a love that lasts a lifetime?

About The Author

My Review

Shay Barnaby has his hands full running his family’s bar, volunteering as a firefighter, and now raising Luca, the son of his late best friend. Struggling to balance his new responsibilities, he finds unexpected support in Carli Walsh, the caring administrator at Luca’s school. As Carli helps Luca adjust, she and Shay form a close bond, and soon, the three of them start to feel like a family.

However, Carli has been hurt before—her previous marriage was built on lies, and she refuses to settle for anything less than real love. Shay must prove that he isn’t just looking for a substitute mother for Luca but a lasting partner. Can they overcome their pasts and build a future together?

This touching and uplifting romance explores themes of love, trust, and second chances, with heartfelt moments and emotional depth.

My Rating

Link To Purchase

Happy Publication Day – 4 August 2025

Love And Lattes At Pumpkin Hollow By Victoria Walters

I remembered my mum telling me that autumn was a chance for nature, and for people, to let go of anything that was holding them back…

Willow Connor has one shot to save her family’s farm – turning it into Birchbrook’s first ever pumpkin patch. There’s just one problem: she has exactly zero pumpkins and only six weeks to make it happen. Everyone in the close-knit town thinks she’s crazy, but she’s determined to prove them wrong.

Enter Dylan Henderson, a hotshot property consultant with a clipboard full of reasons why selling is the smarter choice. Determined to stand her ground, Willow makes him a bold offer – stay and watch her turn the farm around. To her surprise, he agrees.

Now, as Willow throws everything into making her pumpkin patch a success (even if it means buying every pumpkin in the county), she also finds herself learning a thing or two from Dylan – about business, about ambition… and maybe about love?

Will she save the farm and prove everyone wrong? And when the deal is up, will Dylan walk away – or has he found something worth sticking around for?

Review Card & Book Review – What Happens At The Beach … By Rachael Stewart

TEMPTATION UNDER THE SUMMER SUN…

After her home and livelihood are demolished by developers, Fae agrees to house- and dog-sit for her wealthy stepsister in Bondi Beach. A fish out of water in this glamorous setting, Fae has her guard up when she encounters gorgeous neighbor Rick and his adorable Great Dane. But the philanthropic billionaire quickly challenges her perceptions, and their intense chemistry explodes into a passionate—but strictly temporary—flirtation. Because it’s clear Rick doesn’t trust easily, and Fae could never truly belong in his affluent world—could she? Yet it’s increasingly hard to imagine their trysts ever ending!

About The Author

My Review

This is a heartwarming, slow-burn romance that beautifully develops between Fae and Rick. Their chemistry is undeniable, but unlike other Rachael Stewart books, their connection grows gradually, based on trust and understanding rather than just physical attraction. The story is filled with swoon-worthy moments that will melt your heart.

Fae, having lost her job, home, and sense of self, finds refuge when her step-sister asks her to dog-sit while away on her honeymoon. It’s the perfect opportunity for Fae to take a step back and figure out her future. Meanwhile, her first meeting with Rick—entangled dog leads and all—adds humor and charm to their budding romance.

The novel is filled with warmth, laughter, and lovable dogs, making it an irresistible read. While Rick’s ex-fiancée and Fae’s father may be frustrating characters, the overall story is an absolute delight.