January 19, 2026 – My Sanctuary

The Italian Village In The Hills By Victoria Springfield

Stella has spent decades trying to forget the heartbreak that made her flee the Italian village of her childhood. But when her new fiancé surprises her with a trip back to Liguria for her upcoming birthday, she is forced to confront the past, her first love and a tragic family rift.

Amy is mourning her beloved grandpa and curious to know more about the old coin necklace and mysterious postcard that he left her. Following his trail to the Italian Riviera, a chance meeting leads Amy to Stella’s village in the hills and to secrets that have lain buried since the war.

Against a backdrop of cobbled medieval streets, sunlit piazzas and rustic olive groves, both Stella and Amy make surprising discoveries about their families – and themselves.

By facing up to the past and opening their hearts, can Stella and Amy find happiness in the Italian village in the hills?

My Big Greek Island Exscape By Sandy Barker

As the Divorced Diva – blogger, brand ambassador and businesswoman extraordinaire – she’s spun three failed marriages into gold, building a brand that celebrates single life.

So when her wealthy ex-husband Julian invites her to front his new wellness retreat, Ally jets off to his exclusive Greek island, certain it’ll be just another glamorous gig.

What she doesn’t expect is to find another ex on the island – the one who got away, and the only one she can’t forget.

Is fate handing her a second chance at love, or is it simply a case of too many exes in paradise?

It’s the most wonderful time of the year at Bay Books, and a new love story is being written in the stars… ✨

Nestled amongst the comforting shelves of her beloved Bay Books, Lily Appleton finds the peace and quiet she needs. But with Christmas just around the corner, Lily has to find an extra pair of hands to help her share the bookish magic.

After selling his business, Lars Jóhannsson is feeling lost. A job at Bay Books would give him the space he needs to contemplate his next move, but returning would mean confronting a painful past he’s been avoiding. He’s also fairly sure he’s the one person Lily would never want to see again.

Lily is torn. Lars could be the perfect fit for Bay Books, but he once rejected her friendship and the hurt still lingers. But working together, Lily discovers a vulnerability that Lars has kept hidden away, along with a few surprising secrets. And as the Christmas season sprinkles its magic, Lily discovers the warmth of renewed friendship and the joy of heartwarming traditions from Lars’s Icelandic roots.

About The Author

My Review

This is festive perfection, offering a tender second-chance romance wrapped in twinkling lights, Icelandic traditions, and the irresistible charm of a bookshop at Christmas. It’s the kind of story that feels like a warm hug on a cold night.

Lily is a relatable and quietly strong heroine. Still healing from heartbreak, she pours her energy into running her beloved bookshop through the festive season, finding comfort in the joy it brings to others. Yet her world is turned upside down when Lars, a man from her past, returns with his own regrets and unfinished business. Their slow, heartfelt reconnection is handled with sensitivity, building layer by layer into a romance that feels genuine, tender, and full of emotional resonance.

The cozy bookshop setting and the small-town holiday bustle are infused with warmth, while the inclusion of Icelandic traditions through Lars adds depth and a unique cultural richness. This is a story about forgiveness, healing, and fresh beginnings, underscored by the power of community and found family. Heartfelt, charming, and uplifting, it’s a perfect winter read.

My Rating