Maddie Summers has never been the impulsive type. So taking a new job as a holiday rep in Turkey is way out of her comfort zone. Will embarking on a boat trip with a host of demanding passengers see her all at sea – literally?
But then there’s Jackson, the sexy Australian rep who she’s falling for, hook, line and sinker. Though any chance of romance is complicated by Maddie’s gift for chaos, the powerful family onboard ship (including their light-fingered five-year-old), and a supervisor with secrets he’ll do anything to keep hidden.
Amid the rough waves of jealous crewmates, missing jewellery and even a potential man overboard, Maddie must be brave and throw logic to the wind. Can she take a risk and set a course for love?
Maddie Whittle is done with heartbreak — or so she tells herself. Six years after losing her beloved brother, she’s transforming her family’s estate into a wellness retreat.
The work is hard, the stakes are high and Maddie has no time for distractions.
Until a runaway piglet from the local farm brings her face to face with James Byron — an infuriating blast from her past.
Maddie needs help. James needs a job. What neither of them want is the slow-burning tension that could turn their bickering partnership into something far more dangerous: hope.
As winter sets in and renovations bring them closer, Maddie must confront the one thing she’s avoided for years. The possibility of a future defined by love.
This is a tender, slow-burn romance that captures both the ache of grief and the hope found in second chances. It’s the kind of story that lingers, blending heartache with warmth in a way that feels both cozy and deeply moving.
At the center is Maddie Whittle, who is still carrying the weight of her brother’s death six years later. Pouring her energy into transforming her family’s estate into a wellness retreat, she keeps her emotions tightly guarded. Her world shifts when a runaway piglet unexpectedly reconnects her with James Byron, a man from her past she’d rather forget. What begins as banter and conflict slowly evolves into a tender connection, challenging Maddie to lower her defenses and embrace the possibility of love again.
Gate’s writing shines in its heartfelt tone and emotional resonance. While some themes feel heavy-handed and the characters could have used more depth, the overall story is uplifting and beautifully written. For readers who enjoy emotional, character-driven romances, this is a heartfelt exploration of healing, resilience, and rediscovering joy after loss.
My Sanctuary 