March 2026 – Page 6 – My Sanctuary

Review Card & Book Review- Dragos’s Broken Vows By Millie Adams

“You’re my wife…
Till death do us part.”

Dragos. I grant my wife anything she desires—except knowledge of my lethal past. Yet the secrets I protect Cassandra from are the architect of my ruin. I’ve driven her away. What she doesn’t realize is I won’t let her turn her back on our vows…

Cassandra. Fleeing my wealthy husband’s gilded cage—and our obsessive hunger—was a desperate, futile gesture. Not even his enemies’ attempt on his life could stop him from tracking me down. Injured but dangerous, Dragos only remembers my name…and that I belong to him!

About The Author

My Review

This is an intense, darkly emotional romance that explores obsession, redemption, and the power of love to heal deep wounds. Cassandra, a gifted artist, married Dragos after a whirlwind romance—only to find herself trapped in his shadow, isolated by his secrets and control. When she finally escapes to Paris, she hopes to reclaim her freedom—until Dragos finds her again, wounded and suffering from amnesia, remembering only that she is his safe haven.

What follows is a gripping, passionate story that balances danger and tenderness as the couple confronts their past. Adams handles the tension masterfully, allowing layers of Dragos’s trauma and Cassandra’s heartbreak to unravel with emotional precision. Even stripped of his memories, Dragos remains magnetic and formidable, yet his vulnerability adds depth and humanity to his character.

Blending sensuality, suspense, and raw emotion, Dragos’s Broken Vows captures the complexity of love born from pain. The conclusion—and its perfectly crafted epilogue—offers both catharsis and hope, making this one of Adams’s most powerful, unforgettable romances to date.

My Rating

Link To Purchase

Review Card & Book Review- Christmas With The Princes By Hannah Langdon

When Laura Wilde arrives at the snow-dusted English estate of Lyonscroft for Christmas, she’s fleeing her sister’s wedding chaos and seeking refuge in her job as a private nurse. But this enchanting manor holds secrets – not least why the devastatingly handsome heir, Nick Prince, seems determined to keep everyone at arm’s length…

Nick wants nothing more than to escape Christmas and sell the family estate, but Laura’s arrival changes everything. As she cares for his beloved grandmother, the spirited Princess Marilise, Laura finds herself caught between two worlds: the warmth and wisdom of an extraordinary woman with stories to tell, and the guarded heart of a man with a past he doesn’t want to talk about.

But when Laura transforms the cold, unwelcoming house into a magical Christmas wonderland, something shifts. Between unexpected dog rescues and stolen moments under the mistletoe, Laura must decide: will she play it safe and stick to her carefully ordered life, or risk everything for a love that could heal them both?

About The Author

My Review

This is a tender, heartfelt holiday story that beautifully blends grief, healing, and the redemptive power of connection. Laura, still mourning her husband’s death, pours her compassion into caring for others as a home nurse. When she begins working for Marilise Prince—an indomitable grandmother determined to make her final Christmas meaningful—Laura’s quiet world collides with that of Marilise’s grandson, Nick, a man burdened by duty and family expectations.

Langdon excels at creating layered characters, each struggling with loss in different ways. Laura’s empathy and Nick’s guarded vulnerability form the emotional heart of the story. Their slow-building bond, while subtle, feels authentic and grounded in shared pain and newfound hope. The addition of Marilise adds warmth, humor, and wisdom, anchoring the narrative with her zest for life.

What truly shines here is the vivid portrayal of Christmas—every decoration, shared meal, and act of kindness radiates festive spirit. Christmas With The Princes is a touching celebration of love, renewal, and the small miracles that make the holiday season truly magical.

My Rating

Link To Purchase

Amazon

Barnes & Noble

Happy Publication Day – 5 March 2026

The Summer Everything Changed By Sian O’Gorman

Is it ever too late to reclaim the life you never lived?

Rosie O’Malley has not drawn breath after tragically losing her mother and then being abandoned by the one man she knew she loved.
Burying her grief and heartbreak, Rosie threw herself into running Sandycove’s Cliff Top hotel determined to make a success of her mother’s legacy and keep a roof over her family’s heads. It’s now ten years later and this weekend, the hotel throws open its doors to host its very first wedding.

Boston-based Patrick Power touches down at Dublin Airport for his brother’s Seán’s wedding, having dedicated the last decade to building his thriving Irish restaurant business. A decade earlier, he left behind the love of his life and try as he might, he’s never been able to forget her.

Imagine Patrick’s shock when he discovers the wedding is being held in Cliff Top, Rosie’s hotel – the girl he let slip away.

As Sandycove shimmers in a heatwave, can Patrick navigate a family wedding as well as his own feelings? And will Rosie realise she’s been living her late mother’s life and not her own? Can she forgive Patrick for leaving her or will ambition and responsibility once again stand in the way of love?

A Wedding At The Little Bookshop By The Sea By Eliza J Scott

Booksellers Florrie Appleton and her fiancé, Ed, are just three weeks away from their dream wedding. Between hand-selling beloved classics, unveiling Ed’s enchanting window displays and hosting lively book readings with local authors, they’ve managed to plan an intimate ceremony that promises to be everything they’ve ever hoped for – filled with literary delights, lots of laughter and the love of those closest to them.

But when Ed’s mother, Dawn, arrives unannounced on their doorstep, Florrie’s world is thrown into chaos like confetti. Dawn claims she’s come to help with the wedding preparations, yet she’s never shown the slightest interest in her son before. As she starts dismissing their carefully curated shelves and snooping around their cosy cottage, Florrie can’t shake the feeling that Dawn’s plans stretch far beyond simply choosing flowers and cake.

With her close-knit group of friends rallying around her and the bookshop’s loyal customers offering support, can Florrie protect her relationship and the bookshop that means everything to her and Ed? Or will their happily ever after slip through their fingers like pages torn from one of her treasured books?

Review Card & Book Review- My Daughter’s Baby By Kate Hewitt

As I hold my daughter’s newborn baby to my chest, my heart breaks knowing she didn’t live to meet her son. Someone will need to raise this child, but who will fight the hardest?

When I get the call my estranged daughter Sophie is in labor and that there are complications, I can barely breathe. It’s been months since I spoke to her—I had no idea she was even pregnant. I rush to the hospital, tears streaming down my face. But as I run through the hospital doors and see the nurses’ faces, I realize I am already too late.

I look down at the precious baby she left behind, swaddled in a blanket with perfect rosy cheeks. My husband and I could give him a stable, loving home. It would be a second chance for us. Because we didn’t get it right with Sophie—no matter how hard we tried, I know we failed her. This is our chance to finally make things right.

But then I meet the tear-filled gaze of my son-in-law, Tom, and realize it isn’t going to be that simple. He is the reason we didn’t have a relationship with our daughter. My husband is sure his troubled past will mean we get custody. But now Sophie is gone, is it time to give Tom a second chance? Or is it foolish to trust someone we don’t even know?

My chest aches as I realize I have no idea what Sophie would have wanted, or even what I truly want. Because I have secrets of my own… secrets that Tom doesn’t know and never should. Should I fight to raise my daughter’s baby myself, even if it costs me everything?

About The Author

My Review

This is a deeply emotional and thought-provoking story about grief, forgiveness, and the complicated bonds of family. When Diana and her husband Andrew are suddenly faced with the devastating loss of their estranged daughter Sophie, they must navigate their guilt, anger, and love while caring for the grandson she leaves behind. Their decision to let Sophie’s partner, Tom—whom they never approved of—stay with them creates a tense yet powerful exploration of trust, compassion, and healing.

Hewitt excels at crafting emotionally charged family dramas that challenge readers to ask themselves, What would I do? The moral dilemmas at the heart of this story feel achingly real: the clash between grief and control, judgment and acceptance, love and pride. Each character is flawed yet deeply human, making their growth all the more satisfying.

Ultimately, this novel reminds us that family isn’t about perfection but perseverance—about learning to forgive, to listen, and to love again, even when the past feels impossible to overcome. Moving, honest, and beautifully written.

My Rating

Link To Purchase

Amazon

Barnes & Noble

Happy Publication Day – 4 March 2026

The Old Girls’ Island Getaway By Kate Galley

Two old friends. One sun-soaked adventure.

Dorothy and Gina may be separated by twenty years, but their friendship is timeless. At seventy-one and nearly ninety, life’s too short not to have a little fun – especially in Corfu.

When Dorothy is invited to visit an old friend at his villa, she insists Gina comes along. They’re looking forward to sunshine, sea breezes, and perhaps a dash of ouzo. But their plans are upended by an unexpected guest: glamorous actress Florence Quinn, who’s taken up residence in the pool house.

Florence may sparkle on the surface, but she’s hiding something – and someone – from her past. Determined to help, Dorothy and Gina embark on a quest across the island, only to find that Corfu holds more secrets, scandals, and surprises than they ever imagined.

A warm, witty, and adventurous tale of friendship, mischief, and unexpected discoveries.

Review Card & Book Review- Ten Christmases Without You By Jenny Hale

It’s Emmy Brewer’s tenth Christmas since she lost her mom, and without her, Emmy’s floundering. Her job is pointless, and she struggles to find direction and passion. So when her sister invites Emmy’s childhood crush and former neighbor, Charlie Russell, to their family Christmas, and he shows up, given her state, Emmy is anything but excited.

Their meeting sets off a string of events that bring them together once a year at Christmas. Through trying moments, laughter, and bad timing, Emmy must face her life’s choices and decide what she actually wants. Will it be Charlie? Or will he be the catalyst for something else entirely?

About The Author

My Review

This is a heartwarming, emotional holiday story about grief, rediscovery, and second chances. Emmy returns home for Christmas, still mourning her mother’s passing ten years earlier and feeling directionless in both her career and life. Her journey takes a tender turn when she reconnects with Charlie, her childhood friend and once-close confidant. Their friendship slowly rekindles into something deeper, and Hale beautifully captures that quiet, hopeful magic of rediscovering love right when life feels most uncertain.

Both Emmy and Charlie are at crossroads, dissatisfied with their jobs and unsure of their futures, which makes their connection feel authentic and deeply relatable. Alongside them, Hale paints a cozy, family-filled holiday backdrop—complete with laughter, bickering, and the warmth of shared memories. Emmy’s discovery about her late mother adds an emotional layer that ties the story together with grace and closure.

Tender, nostalgic, and full of festive charm, this book is a lovely reminder that healing and love often bloom in the most familiar places—just in time for Christmas.

My Rating

Link To Purchase

Amazon

Barnes & Noble

Review Card & Book Review – Still Holding Out For You By Jennifer Carr

They met chasing dreams on national TV.

What they found was something bigger than fame.

Austin Blake always thought ranch life was his future—until a chance encounter at a dusty Montana bar lands him a spot on Real American Country, a televised music competition that could change everything. When he meets Willow Gracin, a fiercely talented singer from Savannah with a heart full of lyrics and something to prove, sparks fly—on and off the stage.

As the cameras roll and the music plays, Austin and Willow find a connection deeper than either expected. But when the spotlight fades, life has its own rhythm—one that tests their strength, their love, and everything they thought they knew about purpose and passion.

When a tragic diagnosis threatens to silence their love song, country music stars Austin and Willow must fight for a future together in a way they never imagined. Spanning a decade of soaring highs and devastating lows, this is a story about the love you hold onto, the legacy you leave behind, and the music that carries you home, even after the last note has faded.

About The Author

My Review

This is an emotional and beautifully written sweet romance that strikes all the right chords. Austin and Willow’s love story begins on stage, where their connection through music is undeniable—blending harmonies, lyrics, and hearts. Their chemistry is both artistic and deeply personal, evolving into a tender marriage that seems destined for forever. But when life throws them an unexpected challenge, Willow is faced with a heartbreaking choice that tests the strength of their love and their shared dreams.

Carr masterfully crafts a romance that’s as heartfelt as it is poignant, weaving in themes of love, loss, resilience, and hope. The emotional depth of the characters makes their journey feel incredibly real, and the musical backdrop adds a lyrical quality that enhances the story’s intimacy. Readers will laugh, cry, and ultimately be uplifted by the message of courage and unconditional love.

Touching, romantic, and full of heart, this is an inspiring story that lingers long after the final note fades.

My Rating

Link To Purchase

Amazon

Barnes & Noble

Happy Publication Day – 3 March 2026

Almost Real By Nicole Snow

Lena Joly has a fierce soul for healing every pet who limps into her struggling clinic. Taming human jerkwads is nothing new—until the day Brady Pruitt storms in with an adorable lost puppy.

There’s nothing cute about him. His wicked reputation overshadows devastating good looks and a jaw-dropping fortune. She’s relieved to send Seattle’s infamous bad boy billionaire packing and get back to fighting for her clinic. But Brady already decided the spitfire who ranks him lower than a banana peel can convince his family he’s finally respectable.

Lena could scream. A temporary “engagement” to fool his optics-obsessed parents? An obscene payday to keep tails wagging forever? And practice kissing?

Holy hell. The girl with barbed wire guarding her scarred love life can’t hide when the butterflies hit. And after their love for animals sweeps them away, after pillow talk becomes bad habit, after it feels too real, two stone hearts will be glorious confetti…

It Seemed Like A Good Idea By Lauren Blakely

I really don’t need a bodyguard—I run a small-town lavender farm, for bee’s sake! But I’m getting one anyway since my identical twin sister just booked the movie role of a lifetime and it’s being shot in my hometown. And guess who my new broody, tattooed protector is? None other than the guy I had a one-night stand with last month.

Correction: he’s the guy with the wicked mouth and heated eyes who ran out on me before the bang without so much as goodbye. And of course he arrives in my tiny hometown where the film is shooting right in the nick of time to save me from the paparazzi at the market. The coffee shop. The dress shop too. I’m trying hard to stay mad after the third time the sexy jerk rescues me.

Maybe just one night would relieve all this tension? But one night turns into another, and then into sharing hearts and secrets that are best locked up. Especially since he’s leaving and I’m staying, and there’s no way we can be more than a summer romance that ends far too soon.

The Sailor By Susan Stoker

Like his brothers, Zach Young has recently moved home to Maine after the untimely death of his father. In addition to helping his mom maintain Lobster Cove, the family’s beloved property, the Navy cook has big dreams of opening his own restaurant…but, for now, has reluctantly settled for a lobster shack. Not exactly what he had in mind, though a new lobsterwoman in town has made his daily trips to the docks worthwhile.

Having been literally bullied out of her last port city a little farther down the coast, Marit Phillips isn’t in Rockville long before the familiar grumblings begin…hardened lobstermen thinking a petite woman can’t possibly do the job, no matter how experienced. Fortunately, her new boss judges her based on work ethic…and the handsome cook who visits their boat every day? He seems to see things in Marit that even she doesn’t.

But as much as Zach builds her up, there’s another man in town, his polar opposite, trying to tear her down. And he proves more determined than the couple thought possible…

Review Card & Book Review- Big Nick Energy By Kristen Bailey

One woman, two Nicks, and a Christmas season that’s about to get very complicated.

When librarian Kay bumps into her ex-boyfriend Nick at a Christmas market, she thinks fate is finally giving her a second chance with her first big love. But then she gets spectacularly tangled in a Christmas tree-netting machine and meets another Nick entirely. One who cuts her free, dresses her wounds, and makes her pulse race in ways that thoroughly confuse her.

Finance Nick is successful, settled, and ready to talk five-year plans. Farmer Nick makes handcrafted furniture, supports local charities, and sees the creative spirit Kay has kept hidden behind her library desk. But how is a girl to choose?

Soon she’s spending her days delivering books to children’s hospitals and care homes with farmer Nick, before dashing home to whip off her reindeer onesie and glam up for romantic dates at the ballet with finance Nick.

But the countdown to Christmas is on, and Kay can’t keep this up forever. Somehow she must navigate London’s most complicated love triangle, avoid getting any more pine needles stuck in her hair – and work out once and for all which Nick has her heart.

About The Author

My Review

This is a delightful, feel-good Christmas romance filled with warmth, humor, and festive charm. The story follows Kay, who’s been carrying the sting of being dumped by her boyfriend, Nick, in the middle of pub trivia night eight years ago. When fate brings them back together during the holidays, old sparks fly—but complicating matters is “New Nick,” a kind and thoughtful man she meets at a Christmas tree farm who helps her organize a local book drive.

Bailey balances the nostalgia of second chances with the excitement of new beginnings, creating a charming love triangle that feels real rather than contrived. While the plot is somewhat predictable, the cozy atmosphere, witty dialogue, and believable emotional beats make it a pleasure to read. There’s no explicit content, making it perfect for fans of clean romances with plenty of heart.

With its festive setting and relatable characters, this is a comforting holiday read that reminds readers love can surprise you twice—once from the past, and once from the unexpected present.

My Rating

Link To Purchase

Amazon

Barnes & Noble

Review Card & Book Review – The Captain By Christi Caldwell

Miss Linnie McQuoid Smith has spent a lifetime dreaming of love, but the man she’s always longed for is no longer the one she remembers. Captain Jeremy Tremaine, once a devoted family friend, is now consumed by vengeance, his heart hardened by betrayal at sea.

Lord Culross, on the other hand, offers Linnie the kind of future she ought to want. Yet his quiet devotion and steadfast affection pale in comparison to the intoxicating and undeniable pull she feels toward Tremaine.

But Tremaine’s thirst for power threatens to eclipse their desire for one another, and the demons he carries may destroy them both. As shadows close in, Linnie must decide: the safe path of a love freely given, or the reckless passion that could cost her everything.

About The Author

My Review

This is a sweeping, emotional romance that perfectly balances darkness, desire, and redemption. Captain Jeremy Tremaine is the epitome of a morally gray hero—scarred, brooding, and burdened by vengeance. Opposite him, Linnie McQuoid Smith is a luminous force of compassion and courage, determined to chart her own course even when love seems destined to wound her.

Their shared history gives this story a powerful emotional undercurrent. Linnie’s enduring affection for Jeremy and the rift between him and her cousin Arron create a web of loyalty, guilt, and longing that feels intensely human. Linnie’s emotional openness—her tears, hope, and resilience—make her a heroine easy to root for.

Caldwell excels at slow-burn passion and moral complexity, crafting a redemption arc for Jeremy that is raw, painful, and ultimately cathartic. When he finally surrenders to love, the payoff is exquisite. Though the revenge-marriage plot could have explored its darker edges more deeply, The Captain still delivers a lush, heartfelt journey of forgiveness, courage, and love’s power to heal even the deepest wounds.

My Rating