September 25, 2025 – My Sanctuary

Review Card & Book Review- The Cornish Cottage By The Sea By Kim Nash

A new start by the sea…

For Jo Jenkins, life has always been about putting others first. But with her children grown and her ex-husband as rotten as ever, she knows it’s time to put herself at the heart of the story. So, when she inherits a beautiful beachside cottage in Cornwall, she grabs the chance to start over.

The crumbling old cottage needs a little love, but so does Jo. And with the help of her new friends – a kind-hearted jeweller, a no-nonsense businesswoman, and a local Jack of all trades with a past of his own – Jo begins to rebuild more than just bricks and mortar.

But tucked away inside the cottage is a secret that could change everything. As the waves roll in and the sea air clears her mind, Jo must decide if she’s ready to let go of the past. Will she finally learn to embrace the life she truly deserves?

About The Author

My Review

This is a heartwarming, uplifting tale about new beginnings, self-discovery, and the healing power of community. Jo Jenkins, reeling from a double betrayal—her husband leaving her for her best friend—receives an unexpected inheritance: a cottage in Cornwall from her ex-husband’s great aunt. What starts as a tentative visit turns into a life-changing journey, as Jo finds not just a charming fixer-upper, but the spark of a new future. Jo’s journey feels authentic—full of doubt, courage, small joys, and slow healing. The relationship that unfolds between Jo and Seamus, the kind-hearted handyman, is sweetly paced and grounded in friendship and trust. The seaside town is vividly drawn, with a warm cast of secondary characters who bring the setting to life. With gentle humor, moments of poignant reflection, and themes of resilience and hope, this book is the literary equivalent of a cozy blanket and a cup of tea.

My Rating

Link To Purchase

Amazon

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Happy Publication Day – 25 September 2025

Live, Laugh, Leave Me Alone By Harper Ford

Lucy is fifty, frazzled and fed up. After spending half her life working, she’s tired, and her idea of inner peace involves a sofa, wine and a takeaway.

But when her boss announces his retirement, Lucy gears up for a well-earned promotion – that is until Tara, her annoyingly perfect colleague, swoops in, dazzling the CEO with her #BossBabe energy and commitment to a wellness bootcamp so hardcore it sounds like a cult.

Desperate to compete, Lucy lies about joining the same program — even though her body feels more landfill than temple. Now she’s trapped in four weeks of ice baths, crystals and green juices… not to mention jade eggs in unspeakable places.

As the wellness madness escalates and rivalries flare, Lu starts to wonder if she actually might be growing as a person – or if that’s just the kombucha talking? And why can’t she shake the feeling that maybe Tara isn’t as perfect as she seems?

Wrapped Up At The Vintage Dress Shop By Annie Darling

❄️ 🧵Falling in love is never seamless…🧵❄️

Phoebe Baker has two passions in life: vintage dresses, and her French Bulldog, Coco Chanel. As the fierce and sassy manager of The Vintage Dress Shop, it’s not only her job, but her calling to make sure everyone leaves her shop with their dream outfit. She doesn’t need anyone or anything when she’s in her frock heaven.

When an incident between Phoebe and a customer goes viral and risks damaging the reputation of the shop, Phoebe’s job is suddenly on the line.

But Phoebe risks losing more than just her beloved shop; there’s also Freddy, the shop’s business advisor, who’s had enough of being second best to a bunch of second-hand dresses.

As Christmas approaches, can Phoebe stitch everything back together again, and open up her heart?

The Grump I Loathe By Leslie North

Connor Lockhart is gorgeous, grumpy, and about as charming as a brick wall. He’s also—plot twist—my new boss. Our first meeting? A total disaster. I’m late for a major panel at a gaming convention, standing in line for a burrito, and the guy in front of me is treating the menu like it’s a gourmet tasting. I ask if I can cut. He says no—like I asked for his social security number. I may or may not have dumped super spicy salsa all over his precious order. Fast forward: that burrito snob? Now signs my paychecks. At the company of my dreams.Dream job. Nightmare boss.

He’s impossible—cold, cranky, allergic to small talk. Smiling seems physically painful for him.Sure, he’s got that jaw-dropping face. And when the smile does show up? Swoon.But there’s something else—something under all that grump that’s way too easy to like. When his nine-year-old daughter starts feuding with my nine-year-old half-sister, we’re forced into a truce. Then a kiss. Then… way too many feelings.

I don’t want to fall for my grumpy boss. I just want to get him out of my system.

Too bad my heart has other plans.

Review Card & Book Review- An Italian Wedding Adventure By Leonie Mack

When the destination wedding agency Sophie works for merges with an adventure travel company to create unique ceremonies for outdoor enthusiasts, Sophie is horrified to discover her gruff ex-boyfriend Andreas works there. Even worse: he’s been assigned as her guide for a scouting trip to Italy, in search of the perfect location for a summit-top wedding.

Thrown together to make another couple’s romantic dreams come true, all Sophie can think about are the dreams she once had for them. But when the truth of what actually happened eight long years ago finally emerges, will Sophie risk imagining a happily-ever-after and opening her heart to Andreas again…?

About The Author

My Review

Sophie is a spirited wedding planner who specializes in destination weddings and is always chasing her next adventure. When an unconventional couple approaches her with a unique wedding request set in the Italian Alps, it leads her straight back to her past—and to Andreas, the ex-boyfriend she hasn’t seen in eight years. Their relationship ended when Sophie proposed and Andreas turned her down.

Now, reunited by work, Sophie and Andreas are forced to revisit their unresolved history. As they collaborate on creating a dream wedding amidst the stunning Alpine scenery, old emotions begin to stir. Through scenic hikes, heart-to-hearts, and the magic of the mountains, the two slowly rebuild their bond and rediscover a connection that may never have fully disappeared.

This light and charming romance is perfect for holiday reading or when you’re craving a bit of escapism. While the chemistry between Sophie and Andreas is sweet, the story could have been enriched by diving deeper into their shared past. And although the setting adds charm, some inaccuracies in the use of Italian might bother detail-oriented readers. Still, it’s a cozy, feel-good tale about second chances and finding love where you left it.