Book Review – Page 101

Book Review – The Man I Met On Holiday By Fiona Gibson

How Lauren thought her summer holiday would go:Priceless mother-son memories made before Charlie leaves for university.

How things actually are, now they’re here: Charlie refusing to speak to her and a creeping sense of dread contemplating the rest of her life alone.

Although Charlie has decided that holidays with Mum are now deeply uncool, Lauren is determined not to waste this trip. Then she meets James, who was supposed to be holidaying with his daughter but is now, like her, unexpectedly flying solo.

Lauren is soon sneaking away for romantic dinners under the stars and the pair start planning for a future.

But what happens when Lauren and James pick up their emotional baggage back home? And what will their kids make of their mid-life rom com in the making?

Published Date: 2 March 2023

My Review

In Corsica, Lauren, a woman enjoying her vacation with her teenage son, crosses paths with James, a divorced veterinarian from London. They quickly develop a strong bond and rediscover the true meaning of love. Their connection continues even after their holiday, as they bring their families together. This book narrates their story of finding a second chance at love, while also exploring the conflicts and challenges they face along the way. The perspectives of both Lauren and James’ children, Esther and Charlie, are included, adding depth to the narrative. I appreciate how both Lauren and James handle the issues involving their children in a practical manner. Overall, this book is an enjoyable read.

My Rating

Book Review – Something New At The Borrow A Bookshop By Kiley Dunbar

A fairytale ending isn’t just for fiction…

The Borrow-a-Bookshop is recovering, seven months on from the winter flood that destroyed all its stock, and the latest temporary bookseller, Joy Foley, arrives in Clove Lore with her daughter, five-year-old Radia Pearl. As a tech expert, she’ll be working on dragging the Bookshop into the twenty-first century.

But what no one knows is that Joy is running from Radia Pearl’s father. She can’t settle down here or anywhere … moving on is how she stays safe. So when Radia befriends Monty Bickleigh, ex-fisherman and the new cook at The Siren’s Tail pub, despite herself, Joy finds herself growing closer to him, and the quirky community of Clove Lore.

While Joy settles in to the bookshop, Araminta Clove-Congreve, local lady of the Manor, is finding running her new wedding business harder than anticipated. She needs to hire a chief wedding planner, and fast – and Joy’s family may have the answer.

As Joy finds her heart softening by the magic of Clove Lore, can her new friends – and Monty – be enough to convince Joy to stop running and find a new life?

An uplifting, gorgeously romantic read that will warm your heart; fans of Jenny Colgan and Trisha Ashley won’t be able to put this down. Bookworms everywhere, escape to the magic of Clove Lore today…

Published Date: 23 March 2023

My Review

Joy, a skilled technology expert and digital nomad, has taken up a position at the Borrow a Bookshop bookstore. Alongside being a devoted mother to her five-year-old daughter, she seeks a sense of belonging and a tranquil life. Joy and Radia Pearl, both new Borrowers and temporary booksellers, have found solace in this opportunity, as they are escaping Radia’s father. During their time there, Joy develops a close bond with Monty, a former fisherman.

This book delves into the theme of second chances in love, while shedding light on the mental abuse Joy has endured in her marriage, from which she has been trying to escape. Through the story, I can perceive the profound love of a mother in Joy and the resilience it grants her in protecting Radia. Overall, this heartwarming read resonates deeply with me.

My Rating

Book Review – Save The Best For Last By Jennifer Probst

Tessa Harper, makeover queen of a self-care media empire, loves a challenge. But when she’s forced to satisfy her female readership’s growing interest in sports, Tessa reluctantly seeks out Ford Maddox. The popular sportscaster, annoying friend of her bestie, and long-time sparring partner agrees to strike a deal. He’ll give Tessa his expertise if she’ll give him hers. Namely a makeover to help him get past the friend zone with the woman of his dreams.

Ford has always considered Tessa to be nothing more than a pampered elitist. But if she can turn his rough style and attitude into boyfriend material, it’s worth the aggravation. The plan is working. The problem is, Ford’s also starting to see Tessa in a new light. And there’s more to the complicated woman than meets the eye.

Ford is falling hard. But is he ready to give up his ideal love to take a chance on an opinionated, independent spitfire who’s turning his life—and his heart—upside down?

Published Date: 21 February 2023

My Review

Tessa Harper holds the position of beauty and fashion director at Quench, a successful company dedicated to women’s self-care. She manages the business alongside her three closest friends. Although Tessa and Ford frequently interact due to their shared social circle, they don’t get along well. However, Ford realizes that Tessa could assist him in pursuing the woman he’s interested in. Despite their initial discord, they develop a comfortable rapport and enjoy sharing their interests. The outcome of their relationship, however, is unexpected for both of them.

This book portrays a story of two individuals transitioning from frenemies to lovers, and I thoroughly enjoy the characters of Tessa and Ford. Tessa showcases her talent and ambition, while Ford exhibits passion in his work, though he sometimes comes across as naive. Overall, it’s an engaging read for me.

My Rating

Book Review – You Get That From Me By Charlotte Butterfield

You can’t choose your family…

Stella thought she knew how her life would turn out. A stellar career, the perfect husband (not like her own good-for-nothing dad), two gorgeous children, a dog to take on muddy countryside walks. But here she is: forty, single, living with her mum and grandmother, and trying to choose the ideal sperm donor out of a catalogue.

Bonnie might be an expert in genetics, but she knows there are some things you shouldn’t hand down to your children – like the secret of what really happened in her marriage forty years ago.

Florence has raised two generations of wonderful women in this house – but her life, and the story of her blissful marriage, are more complicated than she’s ever admitted.

When all three women start writing down their stories for Stella’s unborn child, the secrets and memories woven into the house begin to resurface. You can’t choose your family – but maybe you can choose what you make of it…

Published Date: 9 March 2023

My Review

Stella resides with her mother and grandmother, and despite being in her 40s and experiencing a string of unsuccessful relationships, she yearns to have a child. Deciding to pursue motherhood through a sperm donor, Stella receives unwavering support from both her mother, Bonnie, and her grandmother, Florence. In a touching gesture, Stella presents them with a notebook, encouraging them to document their stories for her future child. As they embark on this writing journey, a flood of memories resurfaces, unveiling hidden secrets and unraveling their seemingly straightforward past lives. The book centers around the intertwined lives of three generations of women who find themselves living together in their ancestral home. The deep connection among daughter, mother, and grandmother is beautifully depicted, and I particularly appreciate the unwavering support Bonnie and Florence provide for Stella’s decision. The characters are all remarkable and resilient, despite the generational gaps between them. Overall, this heartfelt story has left a lasting impact on me.

My Rating

Book Review – Where We Belong By Sarah Bennett

On paper, Hope Travers has an idyllic life.

Living in a bustling farmhouse with her mum, aunt and uncles, cousin and too many dogs to count, surrounded by the breath-taking Cotswolds countryside, she knows she is privileged and protected.

But all families have secrets, and the Travers family are no exception. Their farmhouse sits in the grounds of the Juniper Meadows estate, passed down through the generations and now being made to pay its own way with a myriad of businesses and projects. When a construction crew uncover what appear to be historical ruins, the history of the Travers family is put under ever closer scrutiny as a dig gets underway.

Hope may have found a blossoming romance with local archaeologist Cameron Ferguson who is running the dig, but when things start to go wrong around the estate and family secrets begin to be revealed, Hope wonders if she’s made a big mistake in digging up the past.

Published Date: 9 March 2023

My Review

Hope, amidst her contentment with her expansive family, yearns to establish a home of her own within the family estate. However, the discovery of historical artifacts at the proposed site leads her to Cam, an archaeology lecturer at the university. With his agreement, a summer excavation project takes shape, involving Cam’s friend and fellow lecturer Barnie, a team of archaeologists, and a group of enthusiastic student volunteers. As multiple storylines unfold, centered around various characters, it becomes apparent that beneath the surface of this unconventional yet tightly-knit family lies a web of secrets that cannot remain hidden for much longer, with far-reaching consequences.

This book presents a delightful tale encompassing family bonds, friendships, secrets, dramatic revelations, and intriguing puzzles to solve. While the undeniable attraction between Hope and Cameron captures attention, I found myself particularly drawn to Hope’s cousin, Rhys. Overall, this book provided an enjoyable experience, perfectly blending elements of love, family, and friendship.

My Rating

Book Review – Finding Happiness By Ros Rendle

Can Angela build a new life for herself and her daughters…?

Having lost her husband in a motorbike accident, forty-six-year-old Angela Ross has decided to start afresh in the small village of Waterthorpe. Along with her daughters — sixteen-year-old Grace and twenty-five-year-old Debs — she does her best to adjust to village life, supporting herself with her writing.

But when she meets Gilles Richard — the head gardener at Moondreams House, the large local estate — Angela’s heart is once again thrown into turmoil.

Torn between her loyalty to her deceased husband and her growing attraction to the kindly gardener, she is unsure whether she is ready to pursue a new relationship. And as she and Gilles become closer, she cannot shake the feeling that he has something to hide.

As long-buried secrets begin to unravel and family conflicts come to a head, Angela’s anxiety over the future increases. And with her painful past still weighing her down, she must decide whether she is finally ready to follow her heart…

Can Angela find a way to move forward? Will she and Gilles act on their feelings?

Or will their unresolved traumas keep them apart…?

Published Date: 24 February 2023

My Review

Angela is embarking on a fresh start in Waterthorpe following the passing of her husband, accompanied by her two daughters: 25-year-old Debs and 16-year-old Grace. The loss of her husband has left her with numerous unanswered questions, as he is no longer there to provide answers. When Angela encounters Gilles, the charming head gardener of a local estate, there is an undeniable chemistry between them.

However, Angela hesitates to fully embrace a new relationship, uncertain if she is ready. Additionally, Gilles appears to be concealing something. This book explores the theme of starting anew after the loss of a loved one and the possibility of finding love once again. Personally, I found it to be a delightful read overall.

My Rating

Book Review – Summer Nights at The Starfish Café By Jessica Redland

A new beginning…

As her summer wedding to Jake approaches, Hollie is excited for their new beginning as a family. But when some unexpected news threatens the future she and Jake had hoped for, Hollie will need to find the strength to overcome heartache once more.

A fragile heart….

Single mum, Kerry, loves her job at The Starfish Café, but behind the brave smiles and laughter with customers there is a sadness deep within. So when someone from her past re-appears in her life, Kerry can either hide away or face her demons and try to finally move on from her heartbreak.

A summer to remember…

For Hollie and Kerry it promises to be an emotional rollercoaster of a summer, but the community at The Starfish Café will always be there to help them through – after all, with courage nothing is impossible…

Published Date: 6 April 2023

My Review

Holly and Jake’s relationship has flourished, leading them to tie the knot and eagerly anticipate what lies ahead. This narrative delves into their journey, alongside Kerry, an individual employed at the Starfish Cafe, who carries a complex history. Kerry has single-handedly raised her four children since her husband abruptly departed upon learning they were expecting twins. However, he has recently resurfaced after seven years, expressing his desire to reconnect with their lives. Kerry finds herself cautiously navigating this situation, grappling with the deep-seated resentment towards him and the manner in which he left.

This is the final installation in the Starfish Cafe Trilogy. Each character in Summer Nights at the Starfish Café serves a distinct purpose, contributing their unique essence to the narrative. Jessica, in particular, constructs a captivating environment that envelops the central setting of the Café. Love, loss, life, and happiness intertwine within this enchanting space, making it the hub around which the story revolves.This book is a wonderful, warm ending to this lovely series.

My Rating

Book Review – The Devine Doughnut Shop By Carolyn Brown

For Grace Dalton, her sister, Sarah, and her cousin Macy, the Devine Doughnut Shop is a sweet family legacy and a landmark in their Texas town. As the fourth generation to run the Double D, they keep their great-grandmother’s recipe secret and uphold the shop’s tradition as a coffee klatch for sharing local gossip, advice, and woes. But drama brews behind the counter, too.

Grace is a single mother struggling with an unruly teenage daughter. Heartbroken Sarah has sworn off love. Macy’s impending wedding has an unexpected hitch. And now charming developer Travis Butler has arrived in Devine with a checkbook and a handsome smile. He wants to buy the shop, expand it nationally, and boost the economy of a town divided by the prospect.

With the family’s relationships in flux, their beloved heritage up for grabs, and their future in the air, it’s amazing what determination, sass, a promise of romance, and a warm maple doughnut can do to change hearts and minds.

Published Date: 14 February 2023

My Review

Grace is a single mother struggling with a teenage daughter , who want nothing but attention from her peers. Sarah thought she found the love of her life finally and Macy is excited with her impending marriage. However, things doesnt always seem as perfect as they wish to. Sarah found out her man is not and Macy’s future husband is not what she thought he is.

This book is about family and inheritance of 3 women’s with their own struggles with focus on trust, hope and friendship. The story also touch on bullying in school. I love Grace and her daughter; Ashley relationship and between Grace , Sarah and Macy. It really heartwarming to see how the 3 of them support one another and the trust between them. Overall it is a heartwarming read to me.

My Rating

Book Review – A Change Of Heart For The Cornish Midwife By Jo Bartlett

A forever love…or a future dashed?

Midwife Ella Mehenick can’t wait to marry the love of her life, Dan Ferguson. They have both waited so long for their perfect day, and they know their future together will be everything they’ve ever dreamed of. But when Ella suddenly and unexpectedly collapses – all plans are put on hold.

Dan just wants Ella to get better, but Ella, so used to caring for others, struggles to accept she needs care herself. She doesn’t want Dan to give up everything for her and suddenly the life they dreamed of seems to be slipping through their fingers…

Once rock solid, Ella and Dan suddenly seem further apart than ever before. Can they find a path back to their happy ever after or will Ella’s change of heart risk everything they love?

Published Date: 27 February 2023

My Review

Ella is about to get married to Dan and map out her future when she started to have some health scare and the diagnosis was quite severe. She started to reconsider her decision to marry Dan and her future. Dan on the other hand, try his best to show to her the diagnosis will not change things for them. But it makes Ella feel worst instead of comforting her.
This book is part of The Cornish Midwife series and each book feature a story of different midwife. In this installation, it is Ella’s story and it was quite an emotional one at different level where it tells the story about facing a life changing diagnosis and about disabilities, living with them and in the community. Overall, it is an emotional read to me.

My Rating

Book Review – Dreams Come True At Primrose Hall By Jill Steeples

Pia Temple has always had a soft spot for Jackson Moody following a passionate teenage love affair that burnt out over one long summer, more than ten years ago. First loves can be hard to forget, and the devastatingly gorgeous Jackson, is harder to forget than most.

After putting aside her ambitions while she cared for her parents, it is finally time for Pia to think about herself. So, when she’s offered the perfect job running the social calendar at Primrose Hall, with a dreamy flat included, how can she refuse? There’s only one problem… The new owner of the refurbished seventeenth-century manor house set in the idyllic Primrose Woods, is none other than Jackson, the man she’s thought about every day for years.

In a whirl of weddings and craft fairs, literary festivals and tea parties, Pia blossoms in her new role. But with the delectable Jackson a daily distraction, maybe this isn’t the dream job after all – especially when Jackson’s unfeasibly beautiful ex-girlfriend Tara, comes back to visit the hall…

Published Date: 22 February 2023

My Review

Pia forgo her future to take care of her parent. Now that they are no longer around and her family home is sold, she need to find a job and a home for herself. She found her answer when she saw a job advert from Primrose Hall, recently refurbished by the new owner and now the owner is looking for a personal assistant. It’s a live in position and pay is great but there is an issue. The owner is Jackson whom broke her heart after a perfect summer long ago and he left town without a word. With Bertie, her four legged companion, Pia settled well in Primrose Hall with Jackson nearby. The story then follows Pia as she adjusts to living at Primrose Hall. With Jackson’s presence nearby, it evoke their long ago romance.

This is a story of 2nd chance in love and I Love the storyline very much; with the easy flow and engaging story. Jackson come across as handsome, caring, sensitive and protective while Pia is a lovely character with her confident and big heart. The interaction between them have a slow burn vibe to it. Overall, it is a heartwarming read to me.

My Rating