January 30, 2026 – My Sanctuary

Review Card & Book Review – 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?

About The Author

My Review

This is a charming festive read that captures both the magic of the season and the enduring appeal of the Scottish Highlands. Hobman’s talent for creating warm, relatable characters shines once again in this story of love, resilience, and community spirit.

At the heart of the novel is Bella Douglas, whose idyllic life on the Isle of Skye is tested when a charismatic ex-model arrives, threatening to unsettle her happiness. Hobman handles the conflict with a deft touch, ensuring the tension never overshadows the uplifting, cosy tone that defines the book. The Isle of Skye setting is painted vividly, its snow-dusted beauty providing the perfect stage for a tale that blends romance with gentle drama.

A particular highlight is the subplot featuring Granny Isla and Tam Guthrie, which demonstrates that love and companionship can be rediscovered at any age. Their storyline at Pabay View Residential Home adds both humor and poignancy. Overall, it is a delightful seasonal escape, full of warmth, charm, and heartfelt moments.

My Rating

Link To Purchase

Amazon

Barnes & Noble

Kobo

Review Card & Book Review- The Boy Next Door By Sian O’Gorman

You’ve only got one life, so make sure you LOVE it!

Journalist Claudia Kelly loves her work at one of Dublin’s best magazines but when she is tasked with editing Irish Man, she’s unsure she’s up to the big job.

But when her former childhood neighbour, the handsome artist Johnny Hogan returns home, he and Claudia immediately resume their old friendship and he encourages her to take the role.

With an impending hostile boardroom takeover, Claudia is forced to pick a side whilst navigating her mother’s new romance and her sister Fiona’s earth-shattering secret. With a dysfunctional team to manage and new skills to learn, she has to draw on an unknown inner strength.

But why is the mysterious Brian O’Brien, a former friend of her late father, back in their life? And why has the company’s chairman so much faith in her? Can Claudia finally open a new page on a happier life for them all?

About The Author

My Review

The Boy Next Door is a heartwarming story about taking chances, embracing change, and finding strength when life throws unexpected challenges your way.

Claudia Kelly loves her job at a Dublin magazine, but when she’s suddenly asked to edit Irish Man, she isn’t sure she’s ready for such a big role. Support arrives from an unexpected source—her childhood neighbour, Johnny Hogan, now a successful artist back home. Their renewed friendship, with the possibility of something more, gives Claudia the encouragement she needs.

As she navigates an impending boardroom takeover, a difficult team, and her own doubts, Claudia also faces upheaval in her personal life: her mother’s new romance, her sister Fiona’s shocking secret, and the return of Brian O’Brien, a man mysteriously linked to her late father. With so much at stake, Claudia must discover her inner resilience and decide what—and who—she really wants.

Though the story takes a little time to build, Sian O’Gorman weaves together family, friendship, work, and gentle romance into an uplifting, relatable read about stepping out of your comfort zone and seizing new opportunities.

My Rating

Link To Purchase

Amazon.

Barnes & Noble

Kobo