February 26, 2026 – My Sanctuary

Review Card & Book Review- Home This Christmas By Sue Roberts

Childhood sweethearts. Second chances. And one magical Christmas…

Since chef Ruby left to chase her dreams in London and her family moved away, she’s not had reason to visit her tiny hometown… Until she’s invited to judge the charity gingerbread competition over the holidays, raising money for the local library where Ruby once loved getting cosy. But there’s Christmas mischief at work… Because her ex, Nathan, is a gingerbread judge too.

He is broodier than she remembers, and twice as handsome. Ruby’s pulse races every time their hands brush reaching for the freshly baked treats. And when their eyes meet at the prize giving, it’s even harder to remember all the reasons she left.

Ruby can’t resist staying long enough to raise more awareness for the library charity. Then snowfall traps her in the village. As the fairy lights twinkle and carollers sing, she can’t seem to escape Nathan, and his broody exterior starts to crack… Is the magic of Christmas giving them a second chance?

But Ruby must get back to London for Christmas Day for work. Faced with saying another goodbye, she isn’t sure she wants to…

About The Author

My Review

This is the literary equivalent of a crackling fire and a mug of mulled wine—cosy, heartwarming, and perfectly festive. Sue Roberts delivers a delightful tale of love rekindled in a snow-dusted English village that feels straight out of a Christmas card.

Ruby, a talented London chef nursing a bruised heart, reluctantly returns home to judge a local gingerbread competition. The twist? Her fellow judge is Nathan, her ex-boyfriend, who’s as charming—and as hurt—as ever. What follows is a flurry of witty exchanges, simmering tension, and one hilariously icy mishap that reignites old sparks.

Roberts excels at capturing the warmth of small-town life and the magic of forgiveness. The story blends humour, nostalgia, and just the right dose of romantic tension. While the plot hits familiar beats, the characters and setting make it irresistibly comforting.

Sweet, sparkling, and sprinkled with cinnamon-scented charm, Home This Christmas is a must-read for anyone who loves second chances, festive baking, and feel-good holiday romance. A cosy escape best enjoyed with a blanket and a mince pie.

My Rating

Link To Purchase

Amazon

Barnes & Noble

Happy Publication Day – 26 February 2026

The Island Retreat By Cathy Kelly

Six guests. One week to uncover their secrets.

Rose Talisman is pinning it all on a fresh start.

Five years after her career as a therapist ended in one catastrophic instant, she is opening a retreat in Corfu. The understated, luxurious Villa Artemis is surrounded by wild pines and sea views.

Just six guests. One week. Time for Rose to help them face their secrets – and move forwards.

But Rose has staked everything on the retreat. It has to work – or she loses it all. And people’s secrets have a way of revealing themselves in ways no one expected.

Nobody’s past is staying hidden for long…

The Italian Lakes Affair By Rachel Barnett

A glamorous escape. An irresistable attraction.

Amy’s life runs like clockwork – as personal assistant to a notoriously sharp-tongued celebrity food critic, she’s used to managing chaos without ever creating any of her own. But everything changes when she’s sent to a prestigious Italian cookery school and meets Tad, the enigmatic and quietly brilliant head chef running the show.

As sparks fly in the kitchen, Amy finds herself drawn into a world far removed from the one she’s always known. But with her demanding boss determined to be the centre of attention – and possibly Tad’s too – Amy must decide if she’s ready to step out from behind the scenes and take a chance on love.

Review Card & Book Review- Dreams Come True At The Fairytale Museum By Jaimie Admans

A place where dreams come true…

Lissa’s heart belongs to the Colours of the Wind museum, a charming haven where fairytale artifacts whisper tales of old. But her quiet magic is shattered when a sleek real estate firm buys the building, threatening to demolish her beloved museum. Lissa is devastated and ready to fight.

Enter Warren Berrington, the infuriatingly handsome developer whose modern vision clashes with her quirky world. He talks budgets; she dreams of wishing wells. Yet, Warren offers a lifeline: three months to save the museum, and despite their fiery arguments, a curious spark ignites between them.

Then, true enchantment begins. Spinning wheels whir, glass slippers vanish, and enchanted objects embark on whimsical adventures, making the museum an overnight sensation. Lissa dares to hope her dreams are finally within reach.

But she can’t shake the feeling Warren is playing games. Could he be orchestrating events for a clever ploy, or is Ever After Street weaving a new fairytale, one that might just involve her heart?

About The Author

My Review

Jaimie Admans once again works her magic with a story that’s as heartwarming as it is whimsical. Set in the enchanting Fairytale Museum, the book brims with charm — from glittering exhibits to a touch of real-life wonder.

Lissa, a dreamer who believes in happily ever afters, finds herself clashing with Warren, a down-to-earth developer who sees the museum as a business venture rather than a magical haven. Their opposites-attract dynamic sparks plenty of tension, laughter, and slow-burn chemistry that feels both fun and genuine.

Admans shines at crafting lovable characters and emotional growth, weaving in themes of believing in yourself, finding purpose, and rediscovering magic in everyday life. While the pacing drags slightly in places and the whimsical tone sometimes outweighs deeper emotion, it’s still a delightful escape.

As the final book in the Ever After Street series, it offers a satisfying, fairytale-worthy conclusion filled with hope, heart, and happily-ever-afters.

My Rating

Link To Purchase

Amazon

Barnes & Noble

Kobo