December 11, 2025 – My Sanctuary

When Carrie Adams flees to the remote, pretty Isle of Wight after her life crumbles, all she wants is quiet solitude to heal. Hideaway House, with its thatched roof and weathered turquoise door, seems the perfect retreat – a place where time stands still.

As Carrie settles into island life, she’s drawn into a circle of unlikely friends: apple-cheeked Rita, whose warmth feels like coming home; the prickly Major, guarding his own grief; and Guy, a tousle-haired gardener whose quiet presence stirs something unexpected in her heart.

But the house holds secrets of its own – whispers in empty rooms lead Carrie to an old tea caddy of bittersweet memories of a family who once lived here, long ago. As Carrie begins to piece together the cottage’s achingly beautiful secrets, she realises that the threads connecting past and present could be the key to finally finding her own fragile peace…

About The Author

My Review

This book is a heartwarming and emotionally rich novel that beautifully weaves together themes of romance, betrayal, healing, and community.

The heart of the story centers around Carrie, who is reeling from a painful betrayal by both her ex-fiancé and her employer. Her devastation is palpable, but the narrative quickly shifts toward hope when her best friend, Jules, sends her on a restorative getaway to Hideaway Cottage. There, Carrie finds more than just a quiet place to retreat—she discovers a village full of kind souls and personal stories, all as layered as her own.

The supporting characters are a true highlight: Rita, battling family and farm pressures; Guy, a grounded landscaper with quiet strength; Cressie, a struggling new mother; and a cast of other women who each add warmth, depth, and a sense of kinship. These characters—and the community they create—offer Carrie a space to reflect, rebuild, and reimagine her future.

Barber paints the Isle of Wight as almost magical—a sanctuary where healing feels possible, and love (in all forms) quietly finds its way in. Carrie’s budding relationship with Guy is sweetly understated, and the story leaves room for more development, suggesting future installments might delve deeper into the hidden stories of Eliza and Isaac, the mysterious tea caddy, and the unresolved lives of the villagers.

With its perfect blend of emotional depth, cozy setting, and feel-good resolution, This book is a beautiful reminder that even after deep hurt, new beginnings are possible—and sometimes, all it takes is a small cottage by the sea.

My Rating

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Gracie Harris never intended to become the queen of grief. But when an essay she writes the night of her husband Ben’s memorial goes viral, she lands a popular column on love and loss and an impressive book deal.

Now, the biggest tragedy of her life is the center of her world. With a looming book deadline and her kids at summer camp, Gracie escapes for a summer of solitude to the ramshackle mountain house she and Ben bought for their family before his death. When charming contractor Josh arrives on her doorstep to help renovate the home, Gracie discovers an unexpected connection that is energizing . . . and surprisingly flirtatious.

As her feelings and resilience grow, Gracie must decide whether she’s ready to embrace a new version of her life. Gracie’s first Happily Ever After didn’t last as long as she’d expected. Now she has to wonder: Could Josh be her chance for a second great love story?

About The Author

My Review

This is a heartfelt, emotionally nuanced novel about loss, resilience, and the beautiful mess of starting over. Gracie Harris is a deeply relatable heroine—grieving, overwhelmed, and unsure of her next step, yet still managing to press forward. After her husband’s death, an unfiltered essay about her grief unexpectedly launches her into the public eye, giving her a new, if unwanted, platform. With a looming book deadline and her kids away at camp, Gracie seeks solitude—and maybe clarity—in a crumbling mountain house she and her husband once dreamed of renovating.

Enter Josh, the steady, kind contractor who brings not just skills but a quiet emotional intelligence. As the house takes shape, so too does the connection between them. Their relationship unfolds naturally, grounded in shared vulnerability rather than grand romantic gestures. The chemistry is real, but it’s Gracie’s internal transformation—raw, awkward, and ultimately hopeful—that gives the novel its emotional power.

This is a beautifully told story about letting go, moving forward, and learning that even when life doesn’t go as planned, it can still lead somewhere meaningful.

My Rating