August 19, 2025 – My Sanctuary

Review Card & Book Review – A Recipe For Love By Amelia Berry

Cinderella meets Bake-Off in this irresistible rags-to-riches feel-good romance

From the moment they meet, Bella and Adam know this is no ordinary holiday romance.

This is the real deal.

But when they find out Adam’s father has died and he has inherited the penniless Lowbridge Loch estate, their lives are changed in an instant.

Bella suddenly finds herself dealing with crumbling castles, battling baronesses and a tiny community of eccentric characters. Rising to the challenge, Bella has an idea to save Lowbridge Loch. She will create The Highland Cookery School.

But will her plans sink like a souffle when her skills are put to the test? And can Bella and Adam’s love survive the pressure of saving the estate?

About The Author

My Review

This book follows Bella and Adam, two very different people who meet in Spain and experience a whirlwind romance that quickly leads to an engagement. Expecting to settle in Edinburgh, Bella is instead swept up to the Scottish Highlands after Adam’s father unexpectedly passes away. As they adjust to life in a rural castle—referred to simply as “the house” by Adam’s family—they face the challenge of saving the estate by opening a cookery school in the castle kitchens.

Bella is pragmatic and proactive, in stark contrast to Adam, who is struggling with grief and feels increasingly isolated as life moves forward without him. Their love for each other is evident, but their relationship is tested by the weight of responsibility and emotional turmoil. A third-act breakup threatens their future together, but rather than being just about misunderstanding or miscommunication, it delves into how their past experiences shape their views on love and relationships.

The book offers rich character development, an engaging small-town setting, and a fantastic cast of secondary characters—especially the chatty but mostly incomprehensible Netty and some hilariously memorable sheep. While the third-act breakup trope may feel predictable, the emotional depth and unique setting make for an entertaining and heartfelt read.

My Rating

Link To Purchase

Amazon

Barnes & Noble

Kobo

Happy Publication Day – 19 August 2025

Falling Into Place By Allison Ashley

Accountant and freelance personal stylist Carly Porter, daughter of a compulsive gambler, knows the personal cost of a bad bet. But when she partners with her best friend, Sasha—publisher of a floundering fashion magazine—Carly can’t resist. The highly publicized makeover of an Oklahoma City bachelor could boost sales and be Carly’s ticket to her dream profession. The bachelor in question is none other than Sasha’s older brother, Brooks.

Hardly the party boy Carly remembers from high school, Brooks is now an antisocial, work-obsessed physician still struggling with a devastating loss. But if it means helping his sister, he’s in. It’s Carly’s job to get him out of those lived-in scrubs, style him to the nines, and bring Brooks back to life. But so far, the only real connection is between Brooks and Carly—and falling for a client could cost Carly the career she’s worked so hard for.

To move forward, they’ll both have to overcome their painful pasts. And whatever the risk, maybe even take a chance on love.

If I’d Have Known By Savannah Carlisle

Gigi Franklin is planning her best friend’s wedding, and long-time friend Austin Beckett is trying to help her keep the private event top secret. As Gigi and Austin work together, their rivalry increases and sparks begin to fly, but Gigi’s too busy building her law practice to make time for dating.

If the wedding wasn’t enough to manage, she’s also tasked with finding the rightful heir to the local Salty Breeze B&B. Then, newcomer Simon Ridley arrives in town, throwing a wrench in the process.

As Gigi races against time to uncover the truth about the B&B’s ownership and pull off the perfect wedding, an old journal surfaces that might change everything she thought she knew about love.

Review Card & Book Review- Hard To Get By Laura Moher

Everyone may know your name, but do they know the real you?

Andi Salazar’s hard work at the local women’s shelter makes a big difference in her small town, but at the end of a long day, Andi can’t wait to blow off some steam as her sexy, voluptuous bombshell singer persona. Andi burns down the stage with her fiery spirit, catching the eyes of Galway High’s popular new math teacher, Kevin Mahoney.

After his ex dubbed him as too “vanilla”, Kevin’s on a mission to find the real version of himself. One look at Andi and he nearly bursts into flame. After colliding in the hallway, their chemistry leads to a hot, sweet hookup that leaves him wanting more. But when their work brings them together again, Andi and Kevin can’t stay apart for long. Kevin is the first man Andi feels like she can trust, and conversation with Andi makes Kevin truly enjoy opening up to her.

Although friendship may be safer, romance could be everything and more, especially when an unexpected variable changes their lives in the best way possible.

About The Author

My Review

The novel follows Andi Salazar, a fierce advocate for domestic violence survivors, shaped by her own painful past. Music is her escape, and when she takes the stage with a local band, she captures the attention of Kevin Mahoney. Newly arrived in town and recovering from a tough breakup, Kevin is immediately drawn to Andi and wants more than just a fleeting connection. Though she is hesitant to start anything serious, a one-night stand unexpectedly ties them together for much longer than anticipated.

Kevin is a standout hero—patient, devoted, and willing to do whatever it takes to make Andi feel safe. His unwavering support and admiration for her make their relationship all the more compelling. The story tackles heavy themes with sensitivity, so checking the trigger warnings is recommended. Like the previous books in the series, This is an emotional read, blending heartfelt romance with meaningful representation and thoughtful handling of difficult topics.

My Rating

Link To Purchase

Amazon

Barnes & Noble

Kobo