Monthly Archives: September 2025

Review Card & Book Review- The Best Days Of Our Lives By Helen Rolfe

When Mallory receives life-shattering news, she decides to use this summer to make sure her family and friends are prepared for whatever might come.

But Mallory has a challenge when it comes to her mother, Gigi. Following the loss of her husband, Gigi is lonely. So when Mallory makes a shocking discovery that shows a new side to Gigi’s relationship with her estranged sister Rose, she decides to intervene and make a last attempt to reunite them.

Returning to her mother’s quiet hometown, Mallory and her cousin Penny try to get to the bottom of a dispute that has lasted more than sixty years, involving a lost wedding dress and a heartbreaking secret. But with Rose and Gigi determined to ignore their daughters’ efforts, will Mallory be able to put her affairs in order before it’s too late?

About The Author

My Review

Mallory is facing a difficult time—her daughter Jilly is struggling in school, and life-changing news has left her anxious about the future. More than ever, she needs the support of her family. However, her mother and aunt have been estranged for years, creating a rift that makes coming together nearly impossible. Determined to mend the broken relationship, Mallory, along with her cousin and best friend Penny, devises a plan to bring them back together.

As the story unfolds, past and present timelines intertwine, revealing the history behind the sisters’ falling out. Central to their rift is a wedding dress, which carries its own emotional weight and deep-rooted secrets. Through themes of family, forgiveness, grief, and even romance, this book delivers a poignant and engaging read. While the story has its somber moments, it also offers humor and uplifting scenes, ultimately leaving readers with a sense of warmth and reflection on what truly matters in life.

My Rating

Link To Purchase

Happy Publication Day – 7 September 2025

Could It Be Magic? By Fay Keenan

Thea Ashcombe, a fiercely independent single mum, is about to face her toughest challenge yet: Christmas on a shoestring. As the festive season looms, Thea’s feeling a little like their old family Christmas tree – tired and lacking in sparkle! 🎄💝

Nick Saint, the quiet and devoted farm shop manager in the idyllic village of Lower Brambleton, has secretly liked Thea for years. Trapped in the friend zone since high school, he’s given up hope of Thea seeing him as anything more than reliable ‘Saint’ Nick…

But when Thea steps into Nick’s world to help at the bustling farm shop, something unexpected happens. Suddenly, her sensible head is spinning with a schoolgirl crush she never saw coming! Is it just the enchanting glow of Christmas, the twinkling lights playing tricks on her mind?

As they work side-by-side preparing for the magical Christmas market, and as Nick’s thoughtful gestures – like a perfectly fresh Christmas tree appearing at her door – begin to melt her defences, Thea starts to wonder – maybe all she really needs for Christmas… is Nick! ✨

Review Card & Book Review – Secret Beneath A Riviera Sky By Jennifer Bohnet

As one door closes, another one opens…

When Agnes Agistini receives a phone call from Theo, her brother-in-law informing her that her estranged, abusive husband Oscar has died in an accident, she feels nothing but relief. But that relief is short-lived as Oscar’s vengeance from an early grave forces Agnes to return to the place she fled from over forty years ago. A place and time she’s not keen to revisit.

At the request of a French notaires dealing with Oscar’s last will, Agnes travels to Cannes in the South of France alongside their daughter Francine and her grand-daughter Jasmine.

Agnes knows that going back will inevitably drag up deep, dark memories which she is yet to reconcile, but what choice does she have?
What she wasn’t prepared for are the family secrets that will come to light, or the cruel way in which Oscar treats her right until the bitter end.

As always Theo remains by her side, helping to navigate the myriad of bombshells Oscar leaves in his wake. But as wonderful memories begin to resurface Agnes begins to wonder if she can finally make peace with the past and find an everlasting happiness?

About The Author

My Review

Secrets Beneath a Riviera Sky is a heartwarming novel that delves into family bonds, resilience, and the impact of the past, all set against the picturesque backdrop of the French Riviera. The story follows three generations of women—Agnes, Francine, and Jasmine—as they embark on a journey to uncover long-buried family secrets, forcing them to confront past wounds and redefine their relationships with one another.While the Riviera setting adds charm to the story, it could have been more vividly described to fully immerse the reader in its atmosphere. Additionally, while the book successfully explores emotional depth, certain moments could have been given more weight to heighten their impact. Overall, Secrets Beneath a Riviera Sky is a compelling and fast-paced novel that will resonate with fans of contemporary women’s fiction and multi-generational family dramas. It offers a touching exploration of rediscovering the past, healing old wounds, and embracing the hope that comes with new beginnings.

My Rating

Link To Purchase

Review Card & Book Review – How To Fix A Broken Heart By Nicola May

Gracie Davies is at an all-time low. After a devastating loss, the last thing she needs is a colleague hinting over coffee that it’s time to lose her baby weight. Then her boyfriend betrays her, and her world totally falls apart.

Rebuilding her life from scratch – with the support of her free-spirited sister, an unorthodox therapist, and a feisty new friend – Gracie finally begins to get her mojo back. Add in a passionate fling with handsome landscaper Ed, a fairytale encounter with a Hollywood film star and the persistence of her adulterous ex, and life is anything but predictable…

Soon she finds that community, purpose, and perhaps even new love might be the perfect prescription for a broken heart.

But can a heart that’s been so utterly shattered ever trust again?

About The Author

My Review

This is a heartfelt and uplifting novel about Gracie’s journey to heal after a devastating miscarriage, betrayal, and the loss of her dreams of motherhood. After losing twins halfway through her pregnancy and undergoing an emergency hysterectomy, Gracie is consumed by grief. Her pain deepens when she discovers her partner, Lewis, has been unfaithful. Determined to reclaim her life, she leaves him and embarks on a journey of self-discovery and renewal.

As Gracie navigates her new reality, she throws herself into building a business, forming new friendships, and even exploring romantic possibilities. While none of her love interests feel like the perfect match, her most meaningful relationships are with those who truly support her, especially her sister. Their bond is one of the highlights of the novel, offering warmth and humor amid the heavier themes.

Despite its serious subject matter, the book maintains a light and hopeful tone, making it an engaging and relatable read for anyone who has faced loss, heartbreak, or unexpected life changes. While some subplots involving minor characters may feel less compelling, the core of the story—Gracie’s resilience and personal growth—shines through. This novel is a touching exploration of rebuilding after tragedy, proving that even after the darkest times, happiness and new beginnings are possible.

My Rating

Link To Purchase

Happy Publication Day – 6 September 2025

A Merry Irish Christmas By Clodagh Murphy

A surprise visit home, an unexpected houseguest, a Christmas she’ll never forget… ☃️

Mary hasn’t told her family that she’s coming home for Christmas. After breaking up with her boyfriend just before the holidays, she decides to surprise them and get a last-minute flight home. But when she arrives in Ireland after a long journey, she discovers her family have had the same idea, and gone to New York to surprise her.

To make matters infinitely worse, they’ve done a house swap with grumpy (but sexy) New Yorker Evan, who makes it clear he doesn’t want her, or her Christmas cheer, around.

Mary is determined to keep the festive spirit alive, so she proposes that she and Evan each get one day where the other has to do things their way. But can Evan put aside his grouchiness to embrace a proper, Irish Christmas? And how will Mary cope with a day of sulking and moody walks on the beach?

One thing’s certain: as the temperature drops outside, things start to heat up inside the McBride house. Maybe it’ll be a merry Christmas after all …

Review Card & Book Review – Catch A Falling Star By Laura Carter

📸 Wedding photographer Lyra Clarkson has built a career capturing other people’s perfect moments. She loves her job – despite her family’s disapproval – but she’s never quite found her own path.

🎸 Wedding singer Guy Walker, former rock star, has hit a new low. Desperately needing cash, he’s agreed to take any gig his manager can get him, even if this new form of entertainment isn’t just singing.

As Lyra and Guy’s paths cross – in the most bizarre way possible – an unexpected kiss will change everything. But was it simply a chance encounter or is fate bringing them back together?

Now forced into each other’s lives for the entire wedding season, the unlikely pair may just figure out together how to realise both their dreams…

About The Author

My Review

Catch a Falling Star by Laura Carter is a charming and emotional second-chance romance that combines humor, heartfelt moments, and irresistible chemistry.

The story centers on Lyra Clarkson, a passionate wedding photographer who thrives on capturing others’ happiness, even though her family questions her career and she’s still searching for love herself. Her world shifts when she crosses paths with Guy Walker, a former rock star whose career has fizzled, leaving him singing at weddings to make ends meet. Their unexpected reunion leads to a spontaneous kiss, reigniting old feelings and forcing them to confront unresolved emotions from their past.

Thrown together during a bustling wedding season, Lyra and Guy’s banter, shared history, and undeniable attraction make for a rollercoaster of awkward run-ins, laugh-out-loud encounters, and tender reconnections. Beneath the lighthearted moments lies a deeper exploration of forgiveness, growth, and rediscovering what truly matters.

Laura Carter’s witty and engaging storytelling makes the romance feel authentic while weaving in themes of friendship and family. With its lively characters, musical flair, and heartwarming second-chance love, this novel is a delightful treat for romcom fans.

My Rating

Link To Purchase

Review Card & Book Review – Meet Me Under The Clock By Jo Lovett

Sometimes love happens when you least expect it…

When Nadia and Tom are both unceremoniously stood up by their dates under the clock at Waterloo Station, fate throws them together in the most unusual of circumstances.

What starts as a brilliant story for future dinner parties soon turns into a wonderful friendship, and both Tom and Nadia realise they’ve found the perfect partner in crime.

Tired of dating but always needing a plus one for weddings, parties, and the like, they agree to fake date each other. But as their pretend relationship starts to feel more real, Nadia and Tom begin to wonder if there’s more to their connection than convenience.

Could the relationship they’ve been faking be the one they’ve been waiting for all along?

About The Author

My Review

Meet Me Under the Clock follows two strangers, Nadia and Tom, who meet at a train station after both being stood up by their dates. To avoid further romantic disappointments, they agree to a fake dating arrangement. What follows is a slow-burn romance where they spend time getting to know each other.

While the premise is charming, the story leans heavily on dialogue, which may not appeal to all readers. Much of Nadia and Tom’s conversations revolve around small talk and indecisiveness, making their interactions feel somewhat repetitive. Their personalities and perspectives are quite similar, which at times makes it difficult to differentiate between them. Additionally, the overly polite nature of their exchanges, as well as those of the supporting characters, results in conversations that feel a bit restrained.

The writing style focuses more on telling rather than showing, which, combined with the dialogue-heavy approach, may not provide as much immersion as some readers prefer. While the story has a heartfelt and sweet tone, the reserved nature of the characters and their interactions may make it a slower read for those looking for more dynamic exchanges.

My Rating

Link To Purchase

Happy Publication Day – 5 August 2025

Chaos Theory By Slyvia Leatham

Sometimes the future arrives whether you’re ready or not. A charmingly quirky, feel-good Irish comedy about accidentally finding yourself.

Maeve McGettigan has just landed a job as Dublin’s least prepared robot babysitter. One minute she’s coasting through her boring marketing job; the next, she’s responsible for Kobi: a well-meaning robot assistant with zero filter and a knack for publicly humiliating her. As chaos erupts around her, Maeve finds herself unexpectedly caught between two very different men: Shane – her on-again, off-again messy situationship – and Josh, Kobi’s nerdy-in-a-hot-way creator who makes her question everything she thought she wanted for her life.

But then Maeve and Kobi’s story takes a truly shocking twist, and it’s suddenly time for her to decide: what – and who – is she really fighting for?

Snowy Surprises In The Highlands By Lisa Hobman

Magic happens when you least expect it…

Bella Douglas is living her dream life on the Isle of Skye but misses her friends at Drumblair Castle. She has the love of her life by her side, Granny Isla just up the road and has landed a big job to renovate the interior of a gorgeous Victorian hotel for an American client. What could possibly go wrong?

When Bella’s new client sends their son to project manage the hotel renovation, things take an unexpected turn for the worse. Ex-model Carlton Somers has set his sights on Bella and doesn’t seem to understand the word ‘no’. But her relationship with Harris is rock solid; nothing can break that foundation … can it?

Meanwhile Granny Isla’s ‘friendship’ with her neighbour Tam Guthrie is going from strength to strength but when drama hits Pabay View Residential Home Bella’s life is quickly sent into a tailspin.
What will it take to get her life back on track?
And can she ever find time to focus on her own happiness and future?

Review Card & Book Review – Wish You Were Here By Alex Brown

Deedee Merriman loves her job running a travel agency but with turnover down and a big birthday fast approaching she’s thinking about the next chapter of her life and the changes she wants to make.

Determined to stay vibrant and keep a youthful outlook on life she invites her friends, Gina and Rosie to celebrate with her in New York, one of her favourite places and where she feels closest to her late husband, Joe.

On arrival, there’s a surprise, secret gift in store for Deedee of a small, ramshackle beach house in the beautiful Hamptons where Joe spent his childhood. But the house isn’t the only secret and discovering the truth will change everything….

About The Author

My Review

This is a heartwarming novel about grief, friendship, and self-discovery. It follows DeeDee, a widow approaching her 70th birthday, who feels lonely and uncertain about the future. To mark the milestone, she travels to New York City with her friends Rosie and Gina, reconnecting with her NYC-based circle.

The story explores how friendships can become chosen family, the process of healing after loss, and the courage it takes to embrace change. While DeeDee is portrayed as youthful and adventurous, some aspects—like her fluency in modern slang—feel unrealistic for her age. Additionally, the newer friendship between the three women could have been more developed to feel as authentic as DeeDee’s longstanding New York connections.

Though somewhat predictable, the novel is a fun and uplifting read, capturing the excitement of NYC and the importance of living fully at any stage of life.

My Rating

Link To Purchase