August 2025 – Page 4 – My Sanctuary

Review Card & Book Review – Escape To The Country Garden By Hannah Langdon

Frankie Carlisle finds herself back at Feywood – her family’s crumbling manor house – after yet another disastrous break-up. Her sisters Juliet and Martha try to comfort her, but Frankie can’t help but wonder why everything always seems to go wrong in her life…

Then a charming stranger arrives on the grounds, and Frankie’s world is turned upside down once more. Could this unexpected encounter be the key to mending her broken heart and restoring the faded glory of Feywood, or will old wounds sabotage this last chance at happiness?

About The Author

My Review

This novel follows artist Frankie and garden designer Nathan, two opposites brought together to restore a crumbling estate. Frankie, recovering from heartbreak and past mistakes, is reluctant to embrace her talent again. Nathan, cautious and reserved, prefers stability over risk. As they work together, they gradually open up, overcoming their differences and falling in love.

While the story offers a charming small-town romance with themes of growth and second chances, some may find the writing too detached, making it hard to connect with the characters. It’s a predictable but cozy read, best suited for fans of slow-burn love stories.

My Rating

Link To Purchase

Amazon

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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

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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

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Kobo

Review Card & Book Review- Four Steps To The Perfect Fake Date By Lilian Monroe

A notorious rule follower, the old Daphne Davis could do no wrong. But lately she can’t get anything right.

Jilted by her ex, ousted from her home, and laid off from her job, Daphne retreats to her little hometown, Fernley Island. But even there, she feels out of sync. So, bailing on her own sister’s engagement party, she suddenly embraces a brand-new philosophy: no more goody-two-shoes.

Unfortunately, Daphne’s new mantra lands her squarely in the headlights—literally—of her high school nemesis, Calvin Flint. No longer a scrawny jerk, he’s Fernley’s acting sheriff, filling out his uniform waaay better than he ought to.

He’s also Daphne’s new boss.

As Daphne balances the books after a department scandal, a series of mishaps throws her and Calvin together. The sparks that fly take them both by surprise. But will a fake dating scheme and quest for a stolen heirloom ruin their chance at something real?

About The Author

My Review

The story centers on Daphne Davis, the quiet and responsible one in her lively family. After losing her job, her home, and her fiancé—who left her for being “too boring”—she decides to take more chances. This leads to frequent run-ins with Calvin Flint, the town’s acting sheriff and her semi-co-worker. Daphne still sees him as the reckless guy from high school, but when they agree to fake date to stop Calvin’s mother from setting him up at her vow renewal, their dynamic begins to shift.

The book delivers classic rom-com elements—small-town charm, quirky family drama, slow-burn romance, and lighthearted mysteries. While the relationship between Daphne and Calvin doesn’t feel as compelling as some other romance pairings, the novel is still an entertaining read, filled with heartwarming moments, character growth, and fun twists along the way.

My Rating

Link To Purchase

Amazon

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Happy Publication Day – 18 August 2025

Love’s Harvest By Judith Keim

Sarah Bullard Miller returns to Lilac Lake with her four-year-old twin daughters following the death of her husband. She’s always been part of the group of summer kids playing together with the granddaughters of the woman who owned the Lilac Lake Inn, and she loves renewing those friendships. Keeping busy working at her parents’ hardware store and taking care of the girls, she begins the healing process following her husband’s violent death.

Aaron Collister was Sarah’s high school boyfriend. They connected with their sensitivity to nature and poetry, which might have seemed strange unless you knew that big, tough, Aaron was part Abenake Indian and had been given many life lessons by his mother. They renew their friendship, but neither is ready to commit to more until a crisis leads them to their answer.

Review Card & Book Review – Here Comes Trouble By Christy McKellen

Sometimes it’s fun to kiss and tell!

Sensible journalist Jess is not a rule breaker, especially where her career is involved. But trying to extract a tell-all interview from notorious artist and bad boy Xander Heaton is going to test her patience… and self-control. Because she must, at all costs remain professional, respectable and stay focused on the job at hand.

But it’s not long before Jess realizes that Xander spells trouble with a capital T and is living up to his tempting reputation! Trying to keep her distance, Jess decides that maybe she could break her golden rule, just this once to get Xander out of her system and her job back on track. But one night is never enough! And she learns that actually breaking her rules once in a while can lead to more fun than sticking to them!

About The Author

My Review

This book follows Jess, a journalist on the verge of losing her job, who gets a last chance to prove herself by interviewing the elusive artist Xander Heaton. When he invites her to Italy to observe his work, she hesitantly accepts, despite being reserved and professional. As Xander flirts with her, Jess struggles to keep her guard up, but she soon realizes they both have emotional wounds—Jess with body image insecurities and Xander with unresolved childhood pain.

Their time together helps them heal, as Xander learns to prioritize someone else, and Jess starts to see herself through his adoring eyes. Though the romance has some spice, it is woven naturally into their emotional journey. The story is heartfelt and engaging, though the ending feels a bit abrupt, leaving readers wanting more.

My Rating

Link To Purchase

Amazon

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Kobo

Review Card & Book Review- The Art Of Starting Over by Heidi McLaughlin

Devorah Campbell’s life falls apart under the pressure of one truth: her husband is having an affair with her best friend. So Devorah packs up her daughter and their shared heartbreak for small-town Oyster Bay, where she grew up. Her relationship with her father is still on the rocks, but Devorah has her brother there—and, unexpectedly, her brother’s best friend.

Hayden McKenna lost his wife a year ago and has struggled with single fatherhood ever since. Moving back home with his son is a last but best resort, a chance to start fresh, surrounded by family and old friends. But when Hayden runs into Devorah, his childhood crush, sparks fly as bright as ever. If only he could make her see them too…

Amid a swirl of hurt and healing, Devorah and Hayden grow closer, rekindling what they had all those years ago to discover that, sometimes, a new start means going back to the beginning.

About The Author

My Review

This is a second-chance romance set in the small town of Oyster Bay. The story follows Devorah Campbell and Hayden McKenna, former high school sweethearts whose relationship ended due to life’s challenges and misunderstandings.

Now a single father and widower, Hayden returns to Oyster Bay with his son for a fresh start—only to cross paths with Devorah, who is dealing with the betrayal of her soon-to-be ex-husband. As they reconnect, old feelings resurface, but Devorah faces new heartbreak that threatens to push Hayden away again.

The novel explores themes of love, loss, family, and resilience. Alongside the rekindled romance, Devorah must navigate small-town gossip, family struggles, and emotional manipulation. The story is slow-building and character-driven, with a heartfelt and inspiring journey toward healing and new beginnings.

My Rating

Link To Purchase

Amazon

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Happy Publication Day – 17 August 2025

Snowflakes Over Starr’s Fall By Kate Hewitt

Welcome to the magical town of Starr’s Fall ❄️✨🤍

As the stars twinkle and the snow drifts over the town… someone’s about to find the magic she didn’t even know she’d been missing…

Jenna has lived in Starr’s Fall for most of her life, and has run the general store for over ten years. Secretly she might dream of love and romance, but she’s happy as she is. Really.

That is, until Starr’s Fall’s newest resident—ex-New Yorker, millionaire investment banker—Jack Wexler breezes into Jenna’s store, seemingly furious they don’t stock smoked salmon. Jenna is as amused as she is annoyed. Who is this ridiculous guy, and doesn’t he realize he’s not in Manhattan anymore?

Jack meanwhile can’t believe he lost it in public. But ever since being forced to leave his high-flying career to focus on his health, he’s not been himself. What’s more, the last person he’d expected to be attracted to is the shrew of a storekeeper he’s just encountered… which he might have called Jenna, in a moment of temper…

Neither of Jenna or Jack’s ideal of romance includes these sorts of furious sparks flying. But when they’re both roped in to organizing the town’s Winter Wonderland parade, they’re forced to work together. And as Christmas approaches – will two opposites merely attract? Or, in magical Starr’s Fall, could they fall in love for keeps?

Review Card & Book Review- An Alaskan Arrangement By Michelle Lindo-Rice

It was smooth sailing

Until they tied the knot.

When cruise ship assistant manager Kaylin Sampson is passed over for a promotion, she takes a break to regroup. And when her sexy ex offers to reignite their old fling and accompany her on an Alaskan adventure, Kaylin can’t say no. Ethan Harrington knows how to get her out of her funk. Fun is the theme for the week, down to the white water rafting and their fabulous old-timey fake wedding. Except the paperwork is genuine—and now two commitmentphobes are married. The real question is, will it be for better or for worse?

About Your Author

My Review

Kaylin and Ethan had a passionate but casual relationship until she ended things to protect her heart. After being passed over for a promotion, Kaylin takes a cruise to Alaska—only to be surprised when Ethan joins her, hoping for a second chance.

Forced to share a suite and spend time together, they end up stranded in a small town, where a pretend wedding turns out to be real. Though they plan to divorce, their feelings grow, but career conflicts drive them apart. In the end, they realize their love is worth fighting for, leading to a heartfelt reunion and a sweet surprise.

My Rating