August 2025 – Page 6 – My Sanctuary

Review Card & Book Review – The Woman With All The Answers By Linda Green

Alexa knows your family better than you do. Now you’re about to get to know her…

Fifty-two-year-old Michelle Banks is struggling to keep all the plates spinning. She’s a perimenopausal district nurse, caring for elderly parents. Her husband is wasting their money on children’s TV memorabilia, her teenage daughter is riddled with anxiety and her sixteen-year-old son is behaving secretively.

Alexa is the only one who knows how much Michelle is juggling. Listening in via four smart speakers, she also knows that it’s about to get even worse.

So, when Michelle pleads for help from the woman with all the answers, Alexa decides to go rogue and reveal her true identity as Pauline – a sixty-five-year-old former voiceover artist from Halifax – to teach Michelle everything she knows…

About The Author

My Review

Set in Yorkshire, the story centers on Michelle Banks, a hard-working district nurse juggling the endless demands of teenage children, aging parents, and a financially irresponsible husband. Her exhaustion is palpable—and familiar to many readers—but it’s given a refreshing twist with the introduction of Pauline, a retired actress who impersonates a virtual assistant and slowly inserts herself into Michelle’s chaotic life.

Told in alternating perspectives between Michelle and Pauline, the novel balances humor and heartache while tackling modern concerns: digital scams, mental health, generational conflict, and the feeling of being invisible in one’s own life. Pauline’s unorthodox intervention may start with good intentions, but it raises questions about boundaries, honesty, and the lengths people go to help others—and themselves. The relationship that forms between Michelle and Pauline—born of necessity and bolstered by empathy—becomes the emotional core of the story. Ultimately, this is a novel about unexpected friendships and the surprising ways help can arrive when we need it most.

My Rating

Link To Purchase

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Happy Publication Day – 11 August 2025

Will You Stay Another Day? by Samantha Tonge

If you could spend just one more day with someone, who would it be?

When Lili sends a jokey ‘knock-knock’ message to her best friend Em, she doesn’t expect to hear back. Because – as Lili notices the chill in the air, and the little robin in her garden – she realises Christmas must be just around the corner once again. A whole year since she last saw Em.

But then this time someone replies. ‘Who’s there?’ It can’t possibly be Em, but Lili wants to believe it could be, and she hastily suggests meeting.

However when she gets to the meeting place, there only one other person there waiting. A man. And not just any man. The most handsome man Lili’s ever seen, Dylan… And he is also waiting for someone he’s been missing.

As the days get shorter and Autumn turns to Winter, will two lonely hearts spend another Christmas without their loved ones? Or can they welcome an unexpected friendship? Or maybe even more, if they can just help each other to focus on not what they’ve lost, but what they’ve found…

Review Card & Book Review – Royal Reluctance By Holly Kerr

A secret wedding doesn’t mean a happily ever after.

Eight years ago, Prince Bo of Laandia married Hettie Crow in a secret wedding ceremony.

Two weeks later, she left the country.

Bo, the third son of the King of Laandia, has never felt comfortable being part of the royal family. He’s close to his brothers but keeps his distance living across the country, working as a lumberjack and helping animals. Hettie is still in his thoughts, but no longer in his life, and he’s happy that no one knows that they were once married.

That they’re still married.

But then Hettie suddenly shows up.

And she’s not alone.

About The Author

My Review

This heartfelt royal romance follows Prince Bo of Laandia, who secretly married Hettie Crow eight years ago—only for her to leave the country weeks later. Now living a quiet life as a lumberjack, Bo is stunned when Hettie returns, forcing them to confront their painful past and decide if they can heal and move forward together.

Filled with humor, found-family dynamics, and emotional depth, the story explores themes of grief, insecurities, and second chances. Bo and Hettie’s journey is both sweet and compelling, with well-developed relationships and a protective, supportive cast. A low-spice royal/commoner romance, this book is perfect for readers who enjoy heartfelt love stories with realistic emotional growth.

My Rating

Link To Purchase

Amazon

Review Card & Book Review – No Saint By Donna Alam

I plan weddings for a living, I never planned to get married myself…

Making my clients’ wedding dreams come true is my calling, so when the would-be happy couple ask for help in escaping the press, I say yes… to fake marrying the best man.

Finn DeWitt is pure sin in a suit, a rich player as outrageously hot as he is infuriatingly annoying. We have a history—the one-night kind—but we’re utterly unsuited. How I wake next to him thoroughly honeymooned and truly married, I just don’t understand.

Things can’t possibly get any worse.

Oh, wait.…

I agreed to spend the next six days with him. Pretending to be in love. On an exclusive honeymoon resort. With only one bed.

It isn’t long before the lines blur between what’s real and what’s fake. But we’re not meant to be together. Things haven’t changed. Because I’ve always been a good girl and Finn is definitely No Saint.

About The Author

My Review

This is a sizzling, trope-filled romance with a fun twist on the fake-marriage storyline. Wedding planner Mila agrees to stage a faux wedding, only to find herself “marrying” Fin DeWitt—the enigmatic, irresistible man she hasn’t been able to forget after a past steamy encounter.

Their fake relationship quickly ignites into a believable, emotionally layered romance filled with sharp banter, undeniable chemistry, and slow-burn tension. While the plot hits some familiar romance beats, Donna Alam keeps things fresh with strong character development and a modern, flirty tone.

Packed with passion, humor, and just enough emotional punch, No Saint is a guilty-pleasure romance that doesn’t take itself too seriously—making it an ideal read for fans of witty, sexy escapism.

My Rating

Link To Purchase

Amazon

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Review Card & Book Review – From Provence With Love By Alison Roberts

A lifechanging encounter, a whirlwind affair… an unexpected consequence

Laura Gilchrist has always made sensible choices. But a trip to Provence to sell an inherited stone house leads her face to face with Noah Dufour. Her wild, irresistibly attractive real estate agent. And within an instant she’s bewitched. Without a second thought, she decides she’s going to accept his offer to ride on the back of his motorbike and see the beauty of the South of France though his eyes. She’s never acted on impulse before, but Noah makes her feel spontaneous and free – and a little bit excited.

Weeks later, with the memories of their passionate fling refusing to fade, Laura waits for her life to return to normal. But she can’t shake the feeling something has changed. And then her instincts are confirmed by the sight of two blue lines. Their connection was a whirlwind; perfect yet brief. But Noah has become a chink in her buttoned up armour and she knows her news is going to blindside him. Now she must return to Provence to find out whether they can both take a leap of faith based on one brief yet perfect holiday romance…

About The Author

My Review

This is a charming romance filled with personal growth, emotional depth, and the beauty of Provence. A sequel to Falling for Provence, this novel shifts focus to Laura, a driven real estate agent, and her unexpected romance with the carefree Noah Dufour. Their whirlwind relationship takes a dramatic turn when Laura discovers she’s pregnant, forcing both to confront their fears about love and commitment.

The novel’s vivid descriptions of Provence—its lavender fields, quaint villages, and delicious cuisine—create an immersive setting that contrasts beautifully with Laura’s emotional journey. While the romance follows some predictable paths, Laura’s transformation is engaging, and her chemistry with Noah remains compelling, if occasionally frustrating.

For fans of slow-burn romances with rich settings and heartfelt character growth, From Provence, With Love is an enjoyable, quick read perfect for a cozy afternoon.

My Rating

Link To Purchase

Amazon

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Kobo

Review Card & Book Review – Lethal Reunion By Lacey Baker

Will a class reunion hold the answers

to her sister’s cold case murder?

The last thing Halle Jefferson expects is to receive a chilling threat at her high school reunion—or the gunshot that follows. It’s been fifteen years since her sister’s unsolved homicide, and now her twin’s killer is back. They want something from Halle, and they’ll stop at nothing to get it. And the only thing standing between her and certain death is her former high school sweetheart, Sheriff Kyle Briscoe. Can Halle and Kyle outwit a ruthless murderer and uncover the truth…before they’re silenced for good?

About The Author

My Review

This book delivers a gentle blend of Christian values, second-chance romance, and light suspense. The story centers on Halle Jefferson, who becomes a target during her high school reunion—a chilling signal that her twin sister’s killer may be back after fifteen years. Sheriff Kyle Briscoe, her former boyfriend, reenters her life to help unravel the mystery, reigniting old feelings as they face new dangers.

The novel opens with promise, setting a suspenseful tone, but the tension quickly softens. The investigation—centered around a time capsule—feels somewhat thin and occasionally meandering. While there are intriguing clues and a few red herrings, the mystery lacks complexity and urgency.

What the story does well is highlight personal transformation. Both Halle and Kyle are older, more grounded, and shaped by their faith. Their romance is clean and mature, underpinned by mutual respect and forgiveness. Faith-based themes are gently woven in, offering moments of reflection without being heavy-handed.

Overall, it is a gentle Christian suspense, clean romance, and second-chance love stories with a focus on faith and healing.

My Rating

Link To Purchase

Review Card & Book Review- Hostage Security By Lisa Childs

He’ll risk anything

To save the child he didn’t know he had…

After five years behind bars for a crime he didn’t commit, Josh Stafford gets a fresh start as a security specialist. When work takes him to his ex-fiancée’s jewelry store, he does everything he can to keep his distance. And then the son he’s never met is kidnapped… Josh understands why Natalie Croft doesn’t trust him. He broke his promises to her and couldn’t tell her why. He’s ready to push emotions aside until their little boy is safe—no matter how much he still loves her.

About The Author

My Review

This book is a gripping romantic suspense novel featuring redemption, a secret baby, and a second chance at love. Josh Stafford, recently released from prison after serving five years for a crime he didn’t commit, returns to find that his former fiancée, Natalie Croft, has been raising their son—a child he never knew existed.

Natalie, devastated by Josh’s confession years ago, has tried to move on, focusing on her family’s jewelry business. However, a series of thefts at the store forces her to hire a security company, unknowingly bringing Josh back into her life. When her mother and son are kidnapped, she has no choice but to work with Josh to uncover the truth and save their loved ones.

The novel is a fast-paced thriller with unexpected twists, emotional depth, and family drama. Lisa Childs masterfully balances mystery, romance, and suspense, keeping readers engaged until the very last page.

My Rating

Link To Purchase

Happy Publication Day – 8 August 2025

Ruthless Love By Laura Carter

I’ve always walked the straight and narrow, following the rules, kept my head down and my record clean.

Then Gregory Ryans, billionaire CEO, walked into my office – suit immaculate, smile lethal, morals grey.

It was only supposed to be business, but one brush of his wicked lips against my skin changed everything.

There’s something about him I can’t resist. Something dark. Addictive. And completely dangerous.

I’ll do anything he asks, even help destroy the enemies from his past.

But when tragedy strikes, it threatens to destroy everything we’ve built.

They say love is powerful. But I realise too late – I’ve already fallen.

Review Card & Book Review- Cold Case Murder Mystery By Nicole Helm

He’s retired from the protector business, but a dangerous discovery changes everything

Rancher Zeke Daniels left his secret agent career—and his doomed romance with Brooke Campbell—in the past. Until the forensic anthropologist stumbles across Bent County’s sinister secret…and attracts a stalker in the process. Brooke refuses to quit the job. And there’s no way in hell Zeke will leave her unprotected. But as his professionalism is challenged by their lingering feelings, his determination to protect remains steadfast—from the stalker, the danger and the violent serial killer using the caves as his burial ground…

About The Author

My Review

This romantic suspense novel delivers an engaging mix of mystery, action, and second-chance romance. Brooke and Zeke’s history adds emotional depth, while the excavation site and its deadly secrets provide a compelling backdrop for danger and intrigue.

The pacing keeps the tension high, especially as threats against Brooke escalate and the North Star team gets involved. The mystery surrounding the skeletal remains is intriguing, though the balance between the romance and suspense could be stronger—at times, the action overshadows their emotional journey.

Overall, it’s a gripping read for fans of romantic suspense, with a solid blend of danger, unresolved feelings, and a mystery that keeps you turning the pages.

My Rating

Link To Purchase

Review Card & Book Review – Rescue On The Farm By Allie Pleiter

They weren’t looking for love

But these puppies will bring them together

Police officer Grant Emerson’s temporary trip home is turning into a disaster. Instead of selling the family farm, his mom and aunts have opened an animal shelter—and already rescued several puppies! When neighboring single mother Meg Kittering offers to help, the matchmaking sisters are convinced she can cure Grant’s grumpiness, despite his protests. But behind Meg’s sunny smiles are struggles Grant can relate to. They’re both in need of love…but can they help each other accept it?

About The Author

My Review

This heartwarming romance blends enemies-to-lovers and grumpy-sunshine dynamics in a compelling small-town setting. Meg, a widowed mother struggling to make ends meet, clashes with Grant, who wants his sister Cay to sell their family land instead of turning it into a Rescue Farm. Despite their differences, Meg and Grant are constantly thrown together, leading to a reluctant but undeniable attraction.

Meg is wary of falling for someone with a high-risk career after losing her first husband, and Grant is only in town temporarily. As they fight their growing feelings, they must decide if love is worth the risk. With heartfelt moments and strong themes of faith and family, this is an engaging start to the Rescue Farm series.

My Rating