April 1, 2026 – My Sanctuary

Maybe It’s Fate By Heidi McLaughlin

The only thing that could pull Antonia Bernardi away from her high-powered career is her lifelong best friend. And with two children and a cruel prognosis, Miriam Vaughn needs her now more than ever.

Antonia drops everything—her job, her relationship—to be there for the Vaughns. Playing mom to Miriam’s teenage son and seven-year-old daughter is a tall order made heavier by grief. But the kids need her, and she needs them.

Then there’s the boy’s coach and mentor, former MLB star Weston Schmidt. He’s a pillar of support, a safe space for Antonia to rest. But there’s too much going on to even think about romance … or maybe that’s exactly why they should.

Adjusting to life without her best friend, Antonia leans into her new role as guardian, doing work she loves and repairing the old farmhouse Miriam cherished. Nothing can stop the world from spinning—but Antonia has every reason to keep on going.

Love Blooms At The Cornish Cottage By Kim Nash

💔 How do you mend a broken heart? 💔

Michelle finally thought she’d found love with her hot Greek doctor. But when Demetri reveals he’s returning home to care for his sick mother, Michelle’s dream future crumbles. Choosing not to follow him feels like losing more than just love – it feels like losing who she’d started to become.

Determined not to fall apart, Michelle decides to throw herself into rebuilding her life in Sandpiper Shore, but then unexpectedly, Demetri’s brother, Makkis, arrives on her doorstep. Offering him a room seems like the kind thing to do… but the constant reminder of her lost love is difficult for her heartbroken soul.

And the more time she spends with Makkis, the clearer it becomes: there are parts of Demetri she never knew… Just as Michelle starts to heal with a little help from her friends, she’s faced with a decision: fight for the love she knows she deserves, or finally learn how to let go…

Is a new beginning waiting for her this Christmas?

When Imogen leaves her fiancé at the altar and escapes to her grandmother’s cottage by the sea, the only thing she wants to do is disappear.

But in a village curious about their new arrival, Imogen finds hiding out harder than expected, especially with the charming local baker Dexter around to distract her.

As secrets unravel and the festive season draws near, Imogen wonders if she’s been running from the wrong things all along.

Will the runaway bride find her happy ever after under the mistletoe?

About The Author

My Review

This is a heartwarming, feel-good festive romance filled with charm, community spirit, and self-discovery. When Imogen flees her wedding and seeks refuge with her gran in the idyllic coastal village of Mistingham, she’s hoping for space to heal—but instead finds herself swept into the warmth and bustle of small-town life.

Set against twinkling lights and seaside charm, this second installment in The Secret Bookshop series captures the magic of fresh starts and the comfort of community. McLaughlin’s writing sparkles with gentle humor and emotional honesty as Imogen learns to rediscover herself, her passions, and what love truly means. Returning readers will enjoy catching up with familiar faces, while newcomers can easily enjoy it as a standalone.

Imogen is a relatable heroine—flawed, brave, and easy to root for—and the supporting cast adds a lovely dose of festive cheer. With its cozy setting, uplifting message, and a sprinkle of holiday magic, The Secret Mistletoe Promise is the perfect escapist read to curl up with by the fire this Christmas.

My Rating