November 6, 2025 – My Sanctuary

Review Card & Book Review- A Summer Of Secrets On Arran By Ellie Henderson

Three women. One summer on Arran. And a secret that could change everything they knew about love.

Rosie, seeking solace on the quiet Isle of Arran after a heartbreaking divorce, hopes to rediscover herself in its peaceful surroundings. But as she settles into the old cottage that was once her family’s retreat, she begins to question if she’s truly left her past behind.

Isobel, her lifelong friend, arrives to support Rosie. But what begins as a simple visit soon becomes complicated. Beneath her warmth and laughter, Isobel holds secrets of her own — secrets that threaten to change everything for both her and Rosie.

Bella, Isobel’s daughter, has always wondered about her father, but her mother refuses to talk about him. When Bella stumbles upon a hidden diary, a shocking revelation sends her to Arran in search of answers. Instead, she finds herself torn between the love she’s always known and the possibility of a new and unexpected romance.

As the women confront their pasts, they learn that sometimes the truth can lead to the most surprising new beginnings — and even a second chance at love, when they least expect it.

About The Author

My Review

At the center of the story are Rosie, Isobel, and Bella—three women, each navigating a turning point in their lives. Rosie arrives on Arran after a painful divorce, hoping the island—and her family’s old cottage—can offer the peace she’s been craving. Isobel, her lifelong friend, joins her, but brings with her long-held secrets that slowly begin to surface. And Bella, Isobel’s daughter, driven by a desire to uncover the truth about her father, finds more than just answers when she follows a hidden trail that leads her to Arran—and possibly to love. Each woman’s journey feels personal and layered, exploring themes like identity, loyalty, and the long shadows cast by the past. The relationships—especially between Rosie and Isobel—are lovingly crafted, showing how friendship can both withstand and be tested by time and truth.

Though there are romantic threads in the story, this novel is primarily about personal rediscovery. The love stories are subtle and tender, complementing the characters’ emotional growth rather than dominating it. The inclusion of mature characters navigating romance later in life adds depth and a welcome layer of realism.

What makes the story even more special is its setting. The Isle of Arran is almost a character in its own right—evocative, peaceful, and quietly transformative. Henderson brings the island to life with vivid descriptions, making it an ideal backdrop for a story rooted in reflection and renewal.

One of the key plot points—Bella’s discovery of a hidden diary—adds a bit of mystery and momentum to the narrative, though some readers might find it slightly far-fetched. Still, it serves its purpose, unlocking long-buried truths and setting the characters on their respective paths to healing.

This is a tender, multi-generational story about healing, forgiveness, and the unbreakable bonds between women. Rich in atmosphere and heart, this novel is the perfect summer escape—ideal for fans of women’s fiction that blends emotional depth with a hopeful tone. This is a beautifully written, emotionally satisfying novel about starting over, finding closure, and the courage it takes to face the truth.

My Rating

Link To Purchase

Amazon

Barnes & Noble

Happy Publication Day – 6 November 2025

Off Limits By Emma Rae

She’s the cheerleader. He’s the star player. One problem: their contracts.

For Serenity Harper, paying off her father’s massive gambling debt means working a job as a late-night dancer in a sleazy dive bar. But achieving her dream of becoming a cheerleader for the Canyon football team, she must hide her double life from her new employers.

But when Serenity catches the attention of the newest Canyon star player, golden-boy Jake Walsh, while out shopping – sparks instantly fly.

But their contracts have a very specific clause: no fraternizing with the players or cheerleaders. As the pair struggle to stay away from each other, will Serenity’s other secrets come to light, and will Jake lose his perfect player image…?

Never Look Back By Susan Lewis

A dead husband. A missing wife. Will they find her in time?

Romy Kaplan has vanished from her home.

Or has she?

When Romy begins posting on her social media accounts asking everyone to stop looking for her, the police are certain she is safe. But Romy’s nearest and dearest are far from convinced.

Her husband died in the bath under inconclusive circumstances six weeks ago. And Romy would never disappear without telling someone where she is going.

As true crime podcast host, Cristy Ward, picks up Romy’s case… she has the whole world asking…

Where is Romy now?

The Secret Mistletoe Promise By Cressida McLaughlin

Is a new beginning waiting for her this Christmas?

When Imogen leaves her fiancé at the altar and escapes to her grandmother’s cottage by the sea, the only thing she wants to do is disappear.

But in a village curious about their new arrival, Imogen finds hiding out harder than expected, especially with the charming local baker Dexter around to distract her.

As secrets unravel and the festive season draws near, Imogen wonders if she’s been running from the wrong things all along.

Will the runaway bride find her happy ever after under the mistletoe?

Royally Off-Limits By Kate O’Keeffe

He needs a royal redemption arc. She needs to keep her distance. The public wants a love story—and they’re about to get one.

I called him Ledonia’s most eligible man-child in a headline. Now I’m living at his palace.

After my no-holds-barred exposé on Prince Maximilien goes viral, the royal family doesn’t banish me—they hire me. Apparently, the King and Queen think damage control looks like me filming an exclusive behind-the-scenes series on their charming, cocky, scandal-prone son.

Prince Max isn’t thrilled. In fact, he downright despises me. Which is fine. Because the feeling? Entirely mutual.

But the thing is, I didn’t expect him to be smarter, deeper, and somehow even hotter in royal pajamas. And I definitely didn’t expect to start falling for a man I’ve built a career out of publicly roasting.

There’s just one problem: He has no idea who I really am.

Review Card & Book Review – King, Enemy , Husband By Jackie Ashenden

Vows will bind them…
Passion could ruin them!

After decades under Accorsi rule, King Tiberius has fought to reclaim his crown. Yet the violent coup has left his kingdom divided. To unite his people and quell any discontent, Tiberius is left no choice…but to immediately wed his enemy’s daughter, Guinevere Accorsi!

Wearing Tiberius’s ring frees Guinevere from her tyrannical family. Living life in the shadows is all Guinevere has known, so stepping into the spotlight as Tiberius’s queen is daunting. However, her biggest challenge will be ruling over her traitorous desire for her ruthless husband…

About The Author

My Review

King, Enemy, Husband opens with intensity as Tiberius reclaims his stolen throne after years in exile, only to find Guinevere—the daughter of his family’s enemies—hiding within his reclaimed castle. What follows is a marriage of necessity that becomes a journey of healing and emotional intimacy. Ashenden crafts a powerful enemies-to-lovers story that thrives on tension, vulnerability, and mutual respect.

Tiberius is a classic Ashenden hero—stoic, commanding, yet deeply wounded. Beneath his armor lies a man longing for connection, and his slow surrender to love is beautifully portrayed. Guinevere’s transformation is equally moving; after years of emotional manipulation, she learns to reclaim her voice and self-worth. Together, they navigate power, politics, and pain with honesty rather than melodrama.

The chemistry between them smolders, building from wary alliance to soul-deep devotion. Ashenden’s lush prose and emotional precision make every moment between Tiberius and Guinevere feel earned. This is a royal romance rich with passion, redemption, and emotional truth—a story where love becomes both weapon and salvation.

My Rating

Link To Purchase