Review Card & Book Review- Stirring Up A Love Story By Amelia Berry

Can he cook his way into her heart?

Darcy is still reeling after the death of her beloved husband, the Baron of Lowbridge, eighteen months ago.  He is the reason she left New York for the Scottish Highlands and now she feels lost.

When feisty chef Nate arrives at Lowbridge, she takes against him immediately. He is cocky and brash and the two of them do not see eye to eye on anything. He is, however, brilliant, and over time, despite herself, Darcy feels drawn to him.

But he is 15 years her junior, and she is not ready to move on. Can she have a second chance at love?

About The Author

My Review

This book is about second chances, healing after loss, and discovering that a new life can begin in the most unexpected places. This is a sweet, closed-door romance that balances emotional depth with a light, comforting tone.

Darcy, a widow still learning how to exist in the quiet aftermath of grief, feels authentic and gently drawn. Her journey toward rebuilding a life is tender without slipping into melodrama. Nate, a talented chef forced to step away from the career path he once believed defined him, offers a compelling counterpoint. Watching his frustration, pride, and eventual softening into a new sense of purpose creates a satisfying emotional arc.

What makes this story especially charming is its focus beyond romance. While Darcy and Nate’s relationship unfolds with warmth and patience, the novel shines brightest in its exploration of community, belonging, and the courage to open your heart again. The Scottish Highlands setting adds a cozy, dreamy atmosphere that perfectly complements the themes of renewal and home.

It may not be an all-consuming read, but it is warm, hopeful, and quietly uplifting—an enjoyable story that leaves you feeling comforted and optimistic.

My Rating

Link To Purchase

Happy Publication Day – 1 August 2026

Starry Nights Over Dragonfly Lake By Alison Sherlock

Are the stars aligned or is it case of star-crossed lovers?

Astronomer Beth Jones dreams of forever love but with every romance ending in heartbreak she’s sworn off men. Hiding out at Maple Tree Lodge after losing both her job and Jeremy, her boyfriend, can Beth discover a new way to keep her passion for stargazing alive whilst putting aside her hopes and dreams for a fairytale future?

Carpenter Noah Jackson doesn’t believe in love of any kind and refuses to trust anyone, even his own, estranged family. But when he arrives at Maple Tree Lodge to pick up a surprise inheritance, a winter storm forces him to stay when all he wants to do is flee.

When Jeremy turns up unexpectedly at the hotel in an attempt to win Beth back, Noah is catapulted into a fake romance in front of her ex. Beth knows that Noah isn’t looking for love and he’s the complete opposite of everything she’s been looking for, isn’t he?

As the starry nights begin to weave their magic, can Beth and Noah learn to open their hearts and start to trust each other? 
And perhaps trust the true feelings in their hearts as well…?

Review Card & Book Review – New Chapters On The French Riviera By Jennifer Bohnet

Can a talented chef and a group of writers rediscover joy—and perhaps even create new beginnings?

Eight months after suddenly closing its doors, Michelin-starred chef and Villa Celestia proprietor Guy Lyon is almost ready to begin again. When his friend Sandy Thoreau asks to rent the villa on the French Riviera for a last-minute women’s writing retreat, Guy reluctantly agrees.

As Villa Celestia reopens, Guy is swept into the orbit of an eclectic group of writers. Helena and her friend Mandy are tackling their debut novels, Isobel is polishing a cosy crime novel, Liz hopes to reignite her creativity, self-published Lorraine seeks guidance, and Becky… well, Becky plays by her own rules.

Amid sun-drenched days, shared meals, and creative breakthroughs, friendships flourish and unexpected connections form. Together, they discover fresh inspiration, bold new directions, and the courage to turn the page.

About The Author

My Review

This book is about Guy, a grieving widower who has closed the boutique hotel and Michelin-starred restaurant he once ran with his late wife, unable to face life without her. When his friend Sandy needs a venue for her writers’ retreat, Guy reluctantly agrees to let her use the hotel and quietly cater for the group. The retreat brings together an eclectic mix of writers, each with their own ambitions, insecurities, and personal baggage, eager to learn and explore the beauty of the French Riviera.

Jennifer Bohnet paints the Riviera in vivid, sun-soaked detail, far from the crowded, overpriced image some may imagine, creating a setting readers will want to visit themselves. The story balances the charm of a picturesque location with insight into the struggles and joys of the writing life, showing the dedication, vulnerability, and inspiration that go into creating a book.

Amid delicious meals, budding romances, and unexpected friendships, long-buried secrets surface, bringing tension and emotional depth. This book is a warm, engaging, and feel-good read that blends romance, self-discovery, and the magic of second chances beautifully.

My Rating

Link To Purchase