Category Archives: Book Review

Book Review – Wedding Days At Halesmere House By Suzanne Snow

The last thing on Lizzie’s mind is catching the bouquet… 

Events planner and maid-of-honour Lizzie Martin knows her best friend Gemma is making the right decision for her wedding. After the original venue catches fire, and a space opens up at Halesmere House, it makes complete sense to move the wedding to the Lake District artists’ residence. But Lizzie has painful memories of Halesmere…

When she bumps into Cal, her first love, she is forced to confront the past. Now a sought-after blacksmith, Cal has his own studio at Halesmere (based on Halecat House in Cumbria) and the two must find a way to get along if this wedding isn’t going to be a complete disaster.

It soon becomes apparent that their attraction hasn’t waned, but can Lizzie put their shared past behind her and learn to trust the man who left her once before?

Published Date: 2 February 2023

My Review

Lizzie found herself to be back to the Halesmere House to organised her best friend’s wedding. Given a choice she would not step into the house where she has many memoriesof Cal, her first real love who leave her. She has been avoiding going back there since the fateful day. Yet, she know deep down that Gemma is making the right decision for her wedding. Upon arrival, she found herself come to face to face with Cal, now a sought after blacksmith. Lizzie is forced to confront the past. Cal has his own studio at Halesmere and both of them need to find a way to get along to make the wedding a success.

The book has a very engaging story plot that really grab my attention. I fell in love with both Lizzie and Cal. Both of them had their own distinct personality. As a reader, you feel their love from the moment they met up and still am after so many years. Overall, it is an enjoyable read to me.

My Rating

Book Review – Summer Sundaes On The Boardwalk By Georgina Troy

When Sacha Collins, cafe owner and sundae-maker extraordinaire, meets Italian archaeologist, Alessandro Salvatore in Rome, she’s grateful to him for being her tour guide. Now he’s turned up in the seaside village where she lives and is setting up a gelateria in direct competition to her retro Summer Sundaes Café.

She’s only been running her café for two years since taking over from her father. Until now the only other shops on the boardwalk have been a wool shop, an antique shop and a second-hand book shop. These have helped rather than hindered her custom. How will her creative sundaes made from fresh Jersey ice cream compete with his delicious Italian gelato?

Sacha is worried. Is there enough custom for both businesses to thrive? Who is behind the strange changes being made on the boardwalk? And when the oldest resident on the boardwalk is threatened with eviction can Sacha and Alessandro come together and find a way of helping her?

For a peaceful little boardwalk overlooking one of the quieter beaches on the island, there’s an awful lot going on and some of it is going to lead to big changes.

Published Date: 30 January 2023

My Review

Sacha met Alessandro in Italy on her recent trip with her aunt to Rome. Her aunt fell unwell and has arranged for someone to take Sacha around Rome and that person is Alessandro. There is obvious attraction between both of them. When the holiday is over, Sacha return to her home in Jersey to run her café and ice cream sundae shop. Soon, she discovers that Alessandro is planning to open a gelato shop near her shop and he will be her direct competitor.

The book has a story plot that flow very well and it made it an easy to read. Love all the characters in this small community such as Bella, Jack and Rosie created by the author. Despite their small role in the story, these characters draw the readers into the story. Overall it is an enjoyable read to me.

My Rating

Book Review – Sandy Wishes By Judith Keim

Sometimes, wishes do come true…

Brooke Weatherby is tired of being the dependable one, the boring one of everyone at Sanderling Cove. She agreed to come to the cove for the summer unaware her two cousins, Charlotte “Charlie” Bradford and Olivia “Livy” Winters, would also be there to help manage The Sanderling Cove Inn while her grandparents take a long road trip in Europe. More than anything, she wishes for independence from her role as a sometime caretaker of her mother, so she’s free to find true love.

Unknown to her and her cousins, the five grandmothers at Sanderling Cove have invited their beloved grandchildren to spend as much time as possible this summer at the cove, hoping that romance might flourish among them.

One grandson, Dylan Hendrix, is a well-known artist who decides to take a break from Santa Fe and experiment with different kinds of paintings inspired by the scenic Gulf Coast of Florida. As he and Brooke get to know each other, he encourages her to discover her own artistic talent. Brooke’s world opens to colors and possibilities she never dreamed of as her life begins to change.

Grandmothers can be very determined when it comes to seeing their grandchildren happy. A family saga full of love. Be sure to read all the books in the series – Waves of Hope, Sandy Wishes, Salty Kisses.

Published Date: 31 January 2023

My Review

Brooke and her two cousins is back in Sanderling Cove to run her grandmother ’s inn while she and her new husband went for their honeymoon. They were tasked to improve the inn while at the same time, taking some time off their normal schedule to figure out their life direction. They have no idea five grandmothers are plotting to bring their grandchildren back to Sanderling Cove in the hope to get them settle down in the town. It is a great change for Brooke given that she have been taking care of her mother and it is taken toll on her. Brooke rediscover her passion for art and it was art that she found herself attracted to Dylan.

This book focus on friendship, self discovery and family relationship and focus on Brooke. Love how Dylan added some stability in Brooke life and the way she find contentment in her life at the end of the story. Overall it is a good read to me.

My Rating

Book Review – Breaking All The Rules By Amy Andrews

Sometimes you gotta toss your whole life into a burning dumpster to find what’s most important…

Beatrice Archer has always done everything she’s supposed to —worked her ass off, ignored her non-existent personal life, and kept her mouth shut. Now she’s over it. The rat race, respectability…the underwire bras. She’s taking her life back. Starting with moving to Nowhere, Colorado to live life on her own terms.

Now Bea gives exactly zero forks. Beer for breakfast. Sugar for everything else. Baggy sweats and soft cotton undies FTW. Then a much younger and delightfully attractive cop is called to deal with her flagrant disregard for appropriate clothing outside the local diner (some folks just don’t appreciate bunny slippers) and Bea realizes there’s something missing from her little decathlon of decadence…and he might be the guy to help her out.  

When it comes to breaking rules, Officer Austin Cooper is surprisingly eager to assist. He’s charming, a little bit cowboy, and a whole lot sexy. But Bea’s about to discover that breaking the rules has consequences. And all of the cherry pies in Colorado can’t save her from what’s coming…

Published Date: 24 January 2023

My Review

Bea lost her chance for promotion yet again and she decided to quit. Being so disappointed with herself, she throws a dart on a world map, and it landed in Credence, Colorado. She spends her time doing nothing bingeing on eating and drinking, something she would not imagine herself to do before. Austin, the deputy police turned up after someone lodge a complaint on a “strange women”. Seeing her, Austin is attracted to her despite their age gap. He tried to help her on her list. Overtime, their relationship turned from being an acquaintance, to a friend and lover with benefit.

It is a flirty yet fun story about a couple with age gap between them in a small town. It is a story how one deemed success is just like Beatrice and Austin and life balance. Austin is my ultimate book boyfriend. I love for his patience with Bea and his confidence with himself and the way he handled the situation. He also bring out in Beatrice. Overall it is a fun read to me.

My Rating

Book Review – Accidentally Famous By Marissa Clarke

Jack Winston may be Hollywood’s biggest action hero, but he’s seriously burned out. He can’t even save himself from his PR team’s latest scheme: dating a starlet. But when his assistant accidentally tags Cassidy James from Blink, Maine (wherever that is) on social media, the paparazzi decide that she’s Jack’s latest fling. Now Jack needs to do some serious damage control…starting with the adorable home reno pro in paint-splattered overalls.

Cassidy is not prepared when the Jack Winston shows up in her quiet little town—and whew, he is that gorgeous in person. Before she can pick her jaw up off the floor, his PR team is bombarding them with a whole new plan involving “fake girlfriend,” “optics,” and “sign this NDA” (whatever that is). But no one warned her that Mr. A-List Action Star is hot, funny as all get out, and loves old houses as much as she does.

Now they have two weeks to convince everyone they’re in a fake relationship—two weeks that will drive Cassidy’s reno business through the roof and help Jack reclaim his “spark.” The plan is going fine, dare she say, perfectly…until she discovers something that will change everything.

Published Date: 24 January 2023

My Review

Jack is a famous actor who couldn’t wait to reunite with his sister while waiting for his next picture to start. When his accidentally accidentally tagged the wrong person in the Instagram, he did not expect such a big hoohaa and impact to Cassidy life. Cassidy live in a small town and is involve in refurbishing homes is curious with the sudden interest from viewer in her youtube channel. When Jack showed up and asked her cooperation to fake date him, she reluctantly agreed. From the start, Jack is intrigued with her and the town community. But Cassidy has her eyes set on her ex-crush Tristan. When Jake’s manager realised that his attraction to Cassidy, she tried all her best to separate them.

This is a heartfelt love story that I really like. Both Jack and Cassidy were perfect together. I feel the pain when Cassidy sent Jack away. Overall it is an enjoyable read to me.

My Rating

Book Review – Escaping Valentine’s Day By Christi Barth

An Italian romance is on the menu, but is she ready to order?

Content creator Rory Hibbert knows Valentine’s Day is only fun for couples and chocolatiers. For singles like her, it’s a day of disappointment. And that’s why her new marketing agency client has arranged a tour of Italy crammed full of activities to distract from the holiday. This trip is a test for Rory—if it goes well, it will jump-start her new social media career.

There’s just one snag: the ex she never got over is also on staff.

Huck Cranshaw walked away from the love of his life for a huge opportunity on a cooking competition show. At least, that’s the excuse he gave Rory at the time—and he’s regretted it for five years. Cooking for tourists was supposed to be a stopgap between restaurant positions. Now it could be much, much more: a chance to fix the past.

But when an Italian prince catches sight of Rory, Huck’s not the only one vying for her heart this time. Can Cupid still steal Rory’s heart when the truth finally comes out?

Published Date: 2 February 2023

My Review

Rory agreed to be part of a crew to Italy to avoid being alone on Valentine. Being single like her, it is a disappointment day. She has never thought that Huck is also on the same tour as her, the ex who she never over with. Huck walked away from the love of his life to take on a cooking competition which he regretted till today. Being in the together give him hope to fix the past.

This story is about 2nd chance romance for Rory and Huck. Despite being separated for 5 years, it is obvious the attraction between them and I love all the widow’s wise words to both of them. Overall, it is a light read to me.

My Rating

Book Review – Save Me By Samantha Chase

Pretending to date the town’s bad boy seemed like a good idea.

But who knew that being bad could feel so good…

A small town, fake dating, opposites attract standalone romance from NY Times Best Selling Author Samantha Chase

Ryleigh Donovan has been unsuccessfully dodging her mother’s matchmaking attempts for far too long. In an act of desperation, she finds the one guy in her small town who is guaranteed to shock everyone to be her fake boyfriend. It doesn’t need to be for long, she just needs to buy herself enough time to recover from her mother’s last disastrous fix-up. It’s really a fool-proof plan. But when a few staged kisses lead to some very real feelings, she realizes she might be in over her head.

Ryker Masella has been patiently waiting for the perfect opportunity to get Ryleigh to take him—and his numerous attempts at asking her out—seriously. When she grabs him and kisses him in front of her family to prove a point, he’s more than on board. But when she proposes a fake—and temporary—relationship, he’s 100% on board. After all, she might be all about pretending, but he sees it as a way for Ryleigh to truly see the real him.

Fake flirting and orchestrated dates quickly bring on real feelings. For Ryker, they’ve always been there and he’ll be as patient as he needs to be. She might have asked him to save her from her family, but what he wants is to save her from herself.

Published Date: 31 January 2023

My Review

Rayleigh is pissed off with her meddling mother, Kate who trying to set her up on dates. To avoid that, she decided to fake dated Ryker whom she know is not her type. Ryker on the other hand, is determine to show her who he really is. Rayleigh from the beginning, judged Ryker for his bad boy look and but they begin to spend time together, her opinion started to change.

This is the 3rd book in the Donovan series and is my favorite thus far. I love both Rayleigh and Ryker and they gave me joy in reading their story. Ryker is exactly who Rayleigh needs in her life as he is supportive and patience in waiting for Rayleigh to noticed him. Overall it is a delightful read to me.

My Rating

Book Review – A Love To Last A Lifetime By Clare Swatman

The one that she wants…

Adam Bowers; handsome, funny and with the charm of a rock star, from the moment she laid eyes on him, teenage Erin was smitten. But first loves don’t always last, and after a whirlwind romance, Erin and Adam go their separate ways. Yet, Erin never lets go of the feeling that Adam may have been her soul mate…The one that she needs…

Greg fell in love with Erin in their first week at university. Solid, trustworthy and hopelessly devoted to Erin, he knows he’s better for her than the feckless Adam, who is forever leaving Erin broken-hearted, before winning her back with his charm. As far as Greg is concerned, it’s easy to promise the world, but it’s harder to love someone for a lifetime.The one that got away…

Years later Greg and Erin are married, and although life hasn’t always been easy, Greg’s love for Erin has never dimmed. But when Adam comes back, in desperate need of Erin’s help, everything changes.  Erin starts to wonder whether fate is trying to tell her something…

Will Erin risk it all for the man she had thought was ‘The One’?

Published Date: 23 January 2023

My Review

Erin never forget her first love, Adam eventhough she married Greg for 10+ years. When she found out that Adam is back in town after 18 years and has lost all his memories including her, she found herself at a crossroad. Her marriage is in trouble, her husband gambled away their money and she also have to cope with her mother’s dementia and father’s mental health issues. Should she help Adam and risk her marriage to help him?

This book is a romance story which touched on not only love but relationship and family. Love all the main characters in the story which each of them have their issues. There are many flashback which provide insights of what happened before and these flashbacks was very well written. The story is told by Erin in dual timeline and as I read, I can feel her anxiety and her struggle in every decision she make. Overall it is a good read to me.

My Rating

Book Review – The Ex Next Door By Jo Platt

Thank you, n(ex)t.

After burst pipes destroy Esme’s city-centre flat, she temporarily relocates to a delightful and small cottage in a village on the edge of town. The change is a big one, but Esme soon settles in and, as the art gallery she co-owns with her business partner, David, continues to thrive, life is sweet.

Until Elliot – an ex whom she hasn’t seen or spoken to for years – moves in next door, along with his perfect new girlfriend, Morgan. Suddenly, Esme’s past is right on her doorstep, or at least just over the fence.

When Elliot and Esme decide to keep their former relationship a secret from those around them, their subterfuge sets off a chain of events which not only forces Esme to re-evaluate her past relationship with Elliot, but also puts her friendship with David under the microscope and under pressure.

Published Date: 26 January 2023

My Review

Esme found out that her next door neighbor is her ex and his new girlfriend, Morgan. It comes as a shock to her as she still holds the feeling for him despite they have “separated’ many years ago. Esme has never got over the break up with Elliot. It evoked memories and feelings to Esme and seeing her, Elliot pretend not to know her at all. As the story progress, I kept having the tension reading their story when both Elliot and Esme decided to keep their former relationship a secret.

This book is about life, relationship and personal growth which Esme learnt about herself and what she really wanted. I have the impression that Morgan will end up with Dave, Esme’s partner at the beginning and did not expect the ending to be as such. Overall, it is an enjoyable read to me.

My Rating

Book Review – Your Place Or Mine? By Portia MacIntosh

Two reluctant housemates. One question: Is this your place or mine…?

When Serena is kicked out of her flat, an offer from her friend, Taylor, to house sit for her while she and her husband go travelling could not be better timing. But unfortunately for Serena she’s not the only one to have received this offer…

Enter Ziggy: arrogant, messy (and annoyingly handsome) musician, and friend of Taylor’s husband. Living with him is far from ideal, especially when he claims the best room, has loud parties – and the least said about his kitchen manner the better…

There’s just one solution for Serena – drive him out of the house by being twice as difficult to live with than he is! But Ziggy knows Serena’s game and as war ensues between them, being forced together under one roof may result in some unexpected consequences…

Published Date: 17 January 2023

My Review

Serena found herself alone when her boss, Diana passed away without a job and a home. Diana’s children decided to dispose of their mum’s café. Being stranded, she is happy enough to accept her friend’s offer for her to stay in her house while she and her husband travelling. However, due to miscommunication, her husband also offers the house to his friend, Ziggy to stay. Ziggy is a messy companion with a free & easy attitude. Soon, Serena discover that Diana has indeed left her something and she need to decide what to do with it.

This book is a story about grief, financial and relationship issues. The story plot is interesting and I like the characters though I might not be able to accept the way they solve their problems. Both Serena and Ziggy have a big different in their personality. I love their constant bickering which started as dog and cat fight escalated into prank against each other. Overall, it is a delightful read to me.

My Rating