Book Review – Page 104

Book Review – Family Ties At The Second Chances Sweet Shop By Hannah Lynn

Life has finally settled down for Holly Berry…

Holly’s family has always been there for her, and when her dad is made redundant she is only too happy to help out. But giving her father a job wasn’t quite what she had in mind.

And when she tries to involve herself with Ben’s family, tensions rise quicker than one of her delicious cakes. Will family complications be too much for her blossoming relationship or is this the next step on the path to happy ever after?

Published Date: 21 June 2023

My Review

In this series, the author explores Holly’s ongoing journey in a way that keeps her character authentic by addressing the consequences of her past decisions. The story begins with Holly’s struggles with her own relationships and those of her roommate, which might be relatable for new readers but could feel slightly prolonged for those familiar with the characters. The plot takes a dramatic turn as a figure from Holly’s past reappears, setting the stage for the next book. I recommend reading this series to connect the dots between the books, as no single installment brings closure to Holly’s personal growth. It’s rewarding to watch her gradually navigate life’s challenges. While some books in the series may be more appealing than others, it’s a great choice for readers who enjoy a continuous character development narrative with straightforward and emotionally engaging writing.

My Rating

Book Review – Last Bride Standing By Ginny Baird

With just ten days left till her folks’ loan comes due, ever-pragmatic Charlotte Delaney is officially throwing in the towel on the bet that she made with her sisters. It looks like it’s up to her to save their parents’ café and beloved home with a marriage of convenience to her family’s rival. It’s time to get the in-name-only nuptials over with. Of course, Charlotte’s never been one to easily admit defeat…

Aidan Strong has exactly zero intentions of marrying one of the Delaney sisters—even Charlotte, his first crush. He’s come to Majestic, Maine, to make things right…only Charlotte has other plans.

She’s challenging Aidan to a new wager. And the prize? His billion-dollar coffee empire. Now the tiny seaside town of Majestic is about to witness the ultimate game of hearts…and winner takes all.

Published Date: 27 June 2023

My Review

Charlotte Delaney, the only sister yet to find love, faces a unique challenge: marry Aidan Strong, now a successful 30-year-old running Bearberry Coffee, in a five-year, in-name-only arrangement. In return, she’d get half of Bearberry Coffee, a significant aid for the Delaneys’ local café, Bearberry Brews. However, Charlotte aspires for more than just half, leading to a fresh rivalry. When Aidan returns to Majestic Maine after two decades, his transformed handsome appearance takes the sisters by surprise. While Aidan and Charlotte’s dynamic involves continuous banter and competition, Charlotte’s portrayal can come across as slightly mean-spirited.

The book follows a captivating tale of love, betrayal, and redemption. Both characters confront their prejudices and learn to trust. The book delves deep into the characters’ introspection, occasionally making the pace slow, but concludes satisfyingly, wrapping up the storylines a decade into the future. Although the book can stand alone, reading the first two offers deeper context. The ending felt rushed, but the book is recommended for its engaging storyline and character development.

My Rating

Book Review – Catch And Release Groom By Cindi Madsen

Imogen Kaplan may be a runaway bride, but she’s determined to take her “honeymoon” at a luxury wilderness resort, even if she is surrounded by annoyingly mushy couples. No husband. No happily-ever-after. Just trees, bugs, and one very grouchy, mouthwateringly fit, and—let’s just admit it—unfairly gorgeous guide who’s shown up to take her fishing at Nope O’Clock in the morning…

Easton Reeves is pretty sure that Hell looks a lot like Honeymoon Week. It’s over-the-top romantic crap as far as the eye can see—everything a guy who’s been dumped at the altar wants to avoid. And now he’s supposed to teach this cute, smart-mouthed little city pixie how to fly fish? I’ll be lucky to escape without a hook in my ear.

Now it’s like fate keeps throwing them—the two people least interested in romance—together at a resort that’s all about the love. Sparks are not supposed to happen, let alone the temptation to kiss each other senseless. But it’s one thing to get hooked on sizzling chemistry…and quite another to turn a sexy little fling into real life.

Published Date: 12 June 2023

My Review

Easton Reeves has sworn off romance ever since he was abandoned at the altar by his high school love. Juggling roles as a sheriff, search and rescue worker, and fly fishing instructor, he aspires to run a tackle store and lead fly fishing trips full time. Everything changes when he meets Imogen Kaplan while providing a fly fishing lesson. Intended to be on her honeymoon, Imogen called off her wedding a month prior. However, having already booked the “Honeymoon Package,” she decides to experience it solo. When their paths cross, Easton immediately feels she’s going to be a handful. As Imogen realizes she’s the only single person among couples, she strikes a deal with Easton: he pretends to be her spouse during the events, and in exchange, she’ll be his plus-one at his ex-fiancée’s wedding. Both Imogen and Easton, entertaining characters with trust issues, enjoy challenging each other. Though neither seeks love or commitment, destiny might have other ideas. Their evolving relationship and playful banter are a delight to witness.

I enjoyed this light-hearted read, especially the lively exchanges between Imogen and Easton. Easton, with his endearing grumpiness, was a treat. We learn about Imogen’s background in fragments, which sometimes made it hard to connect with her. The story’s pacing seemed uneven at times. Nonetheless, it was an entertaining read overall. I particularly liked Easton’s close-knit group of friends and their unwavering support for one another.

My Rating

Book Review – Mr Jerk By Leslie North

The first time I met Noah Parker, he asked if I was an escort. Apparently when you’re a billionaire sports agent, finding strange half-naked women in your hotel room is…normal?

That didn’t stop me launching a stiletto at him.He’s fine—good reflexes. Still, he walked into my hotel room—claiming it’s his—and has no plans on leaving.Neither do I.

Which is how I end up sharing a bed with Mr. Jerk.Platonically…more or less. Nothing happened, I just might have had a few naughty thoughts and some very pleasant dreams.

He’s hot, all right? A hot jerk. Volcanic levels of hotness.But a jerk nonetheless.Like when he fires his assistant in front of me.And then asks me if I want the job.Only a 5-star, card-carrying, world-revolves-around-me, A—hole would be so brazen.

But he’s also paying me triple what my newspaper assistant job did. Giving me access to legit superstars.Starring in my dirtiest of fantasies. And that’s a problem.Because I can’t fall for my bosshole.They say he always gets what he wants. But he’s not getting me.

Published Date: 18 May 2023

My Review

Due to a reservation mishap at the hotel, Maddy finds herself sharing her suite with Noah, a high-profile sports agent who might have mistaken her for someone else when they first met. This unusual start leads her to a role as his personal assistant.Their initial misunderstandings aside, Maddy and Noah instantly connect. She challenges him and introduces fresh business angles, while the sparks between them are undeniable. As the boundaries between work and romance begin to blur, they dive deep into their relationship. However, everything takes a turn when a figure from Maddy’s past threatens their budding romance, potentially causing a scandal for the company and tarnishing her reputation. With growing challenges pushing them apart, they must decide if their relationship is worth the potential backlash. The emotional climax was deeply touching.

I loved the dynamic between Maddy and Noah. Maddy was the ideal counterpart for him, helping him pause and notice the world around him, and she had a unique ability to make people confide in her. While Noah appeared to be a strict boss, his relentless drive and constant need to plan and control sometimes blinded him to his surroundings.Maddy and Noah’s journey was intense, but they ultimately find their deserved happy ending. Overall, It was an endearing read to me.

My Rating

Book Review – Summer At Forget Me Not Cottage By Helen Rolfe

Welcome back to Little Woodville.
Visit old friends and new in this super, summer escapist read. Morgan Rosewood finds herself at a crossroads in her life after returning home to Forget-Me-Not Cottage to care for her ailing mother. She and boyfriend Ronan, had plans, big plans, but all these hopes and dreams are put on hold when Morgan’s mum suddenly dies.
Morgan’s emotions are in turmoil but she sets about the task of clearing the house and running her late mother’s vintage market stall.
Nate Greene has his own reasons for staying away from Little Woodville. Nate needs to reconcile his past and tackle the long overdue task of decluttering the place he once loved – his abandoned wood workshop, filled to the brim with his creations. He secures a stall at the local market to showcase his wares and it isn’t long before the workshop reignites the passion he once shared with a special person.
Thrown together Morgan and Nate have their own personal battles to overcome.
Can the beautiful little Cotswold village teach two lost souls what matters,
and more importantly, will it give them each something they didn’t come here for? Love…

Published Date: 26 June 2023

My Review

After her mother’s passing, Morgan returns to her family cottage in Little Woodville, aptly named “Forget Me Not,” to sort through her belongings, even though they had a strained relationship. As she and her sister Tegan sift through their mother’s items, which include those she sold at the local market, Morgan contemplates staying at the cottage permanently. However, her engagement to Ronan in Scotland complicates matters. During this time, she encounters Nate, who’s visiting his father Trevor in the village. As they get acquainted, sparks fly, but Morgan’s commitment to her fiancé poses a dilemma. She’s faced with tough choices about her future.

A touching tale of recognizing life’s true treasures. The way the community supports Morgan and Nate, guiding them to clarity, is heartwarming. The market scenes and gatherings at Sebastian’s stood out notably. This poignant read takes us through an unhurried romantic journey between the pair, marked by both melancholic and joyful memories. The story’s additional characters enrich the narrative, their unwavering kindness resonating not only with Morgan and Nate but with the reader as well.

My Rating

Book Review – Summer At The Chateau By Annabel French

A newly single woman. A tall, dark and handsome stranger. A chateau that keeps bringing them together. What could go wrong?

When Lizzie Summers is jilted at the altar, she’s left completely heartbroken. But then she receives news that she has inherited a beautiful chateau in Provence, and it seems like the perfect escape.

Upon arrival, she discovers she is now the proud owner of . . . a crumbling ruin. A decrepit chateau – with nothing but dust and a goat for company.

Intending to head straight back to the airport, Lizzie instead gets caught in a freakish summer storm and finds herself trudging through a vineyard for help. Bedraggled and furious, she enlists the help of her nearest neighbour, the enchanting Luc. Perhaps she should stay and mend the chateau – and her broken heart – after all…?

Published Date: 8 June 2023

My Review

Lizzie Summers, a magazine writer, is devastated after being left at the altar. She finds a temporary escape when she inherits a chateau in Provence, recalling childhood summers where she imagined being a princess. Initially, she intends to sell it quickly and return to London. However, the deteriorating state of the chateau demands repairs before selling. A storm pushes her to seek shelter with the neighboring vineyard manager, Luc, a grumpy figure. Realizing she needs Luc’s assistance to restore the chateau, their shared journey throughout the summer not only rebuilds the property but also heals Lizzie’s broken heart.

This delightful summer read exudes warmth from its vibrant characters and vivid descriptions of Provence’s sun and heat. I felt as if I could smell the lavender surrounding the Chateau, taste its delectable cuisine, relish the wine, and let all my worries melt away.

My Rating

Book Review – The Sheikh’s Defiant Girlfriend By Leslie North

A forbidden romance blossoms beneath the burning desert sun…

Sheikh Amir Botros, a notorious womanizer, may finally have met his match in the form of Soraya, his best friend’s sister.

Soraya is fascinating, beautiful, and fiercely intelligent… She constantly pushes Amir away, rejects him in public and refuses to return his calls. And despite his best efforts, he can’t even make her smile. She never lets her guard down around him, no matter how hard he tries…

Soraya can’t believe how arrogant and obnoxious Amir Botros can be… He’s always showing up to her university or the restaurant where she works uninvited. He won’t leave her alone and he won’t take no for an answer. Forcing her to ask herself… Why is she so attracted to a man she knows she should despise?

But when he kisses her, something inside her melts. She knows she can’t resist him. But what happens when forces beyond both their control conspire to tear them a part?

Published Date: 1 June 2023

My Review

In the second book of the Botros Brothers series, Sheikh Amir Botros finds himself falling for Soraya, his best friend Malik’s sister, whom he’s known his whole life. Despite Amir’s notorious playboy reputation, he’s recently begun seeing Soraya differently, wanting her to reciprocate his feelings. However, Soraya, trying to be independent by working and studying, is wary of his intentions given past childhood pranks. She’s exhausted from her endeavors and, while she once had feelings for Amir during her teens, she’s irritated by his uninvited and frequent appearances. Amir’s attempts to woo her, including surprise outings, further alienate her. Close friends recognize Amir’s sincerity, but unless he truly listens to Soraya’s desires and needs, their relationship is doomed. A significant event at Tariq and Sara’s wedding strains their budding relationship even further. While this story revolves around Amir and Soraya, readers also get glimpses into Tariq and Sara’s continued narrative, adding a familial touch.

My Rating

Book Review – It Had To Be You By Tracy Solheim

It’s hard to keep a big secret in a small town . . .

When Paige Hollister discovers her “Mr. Right” already has a “Mrs. Right,” she swears off men forever. Even more humiliating, she suddenly finds herself labeled the other woman and out of the teaching job she loves. So Paige does what every unemployed single woman staring thirty in the face does: She hightails it to the beach. Bad luck like hers is hard to outrun, however. Her getaway is stalled when her car breaks down in a small-town chock full of meddling, nosy residents. The worst of them being the local sheriff—none other than her estranged father.

Finally on top of the golf world, Tanner Gillette is poised to show everyone he’s not just an entitled playboy coasting through tournaments on his pedigree. That is until his life is turned upside down by a little girl who shows up on his doorstep with a birth certificate inexplicably bearing his name. Complicating matters more, the kid isn’t talking. When the stress of caring for a child whose mother is AWOL gives Tanner a bad case of the yips, he’s forced to enlist help from the one person in town who can’t wait to leave.

Sticking around Chances Inlet and her father’s shiny new, über-successful family isn’t on Paige’s to-do list. Especially when she’d prefer to keep her embarrassing incident under wraps. Yet she can’t walk away from the troubled little girl. Or the sexy Australian golfer who just might make her want to take a chance on trusting her heart again.

Published Date: 5 June 2023

My Review

When Paige Hollister discovers she’s the unwitting “other woman” to a married “Mr. Right,” she decides to leave her teaching job and start anew in the town where her father, the local sheriff, resides. Abandoned by her father in her youth, Paige grapples with her place in his new family. Upon her arrival, Paige is faced with Whitney, a young girl left on Tanner Gillette’s doorstep. Tanner, a golf champion determined to prove he’s changed, is unsure about finding Whitney’s mother. As they collaborate to care for Whitney, Tanner and Paige must address their growing feelings and navigate challenges that threaten their relationship.

Paige and Tanner, both carrying emotional scars but possessing kind hearts, find themselves challenged by the irresistible Whitney. The gradual unfolding of their vulnerabilities and the warmth of Chances Inlet, with its charming residents, lovable children, and pets, contribute to the story. Paige’s newfound “adopted family” adds an extra layer of connection once she allows them into her life. As if that wasn’t delightful enough, there are also cameo appearances from Summer and Luke, characters from the author’s beloved book “Double Dog Dare.” The narrative is skillfully written, effortlessly flowing, and so engaging that I couldn’t resist reading it in one sitting.

My Rating

Book Review – The Recipe For Happiness By Jane Lovering

When Seren’s brother Andrew signs her up to Yorkshire Dating, only for them to recommend that she ‘gets a life’ before they find her a match, Seren has to admit that they may have a point.

She loves her job cooking at an elder day centre and her little flat, but it’s fair to say her life is a little short of hobbies and friends. Since she was young Seren has felt safer close to home, but now she’s a thirty-something divorcee, it’s time for a change.

Change arrives in the shape of alarmingly clever collie Kez, who Seren offers to take in ‘temporarily’, and kind but mysterious new colleague Ned. But as Ned and Kez tempt Seren out of her shell, it means facing her fears. And when Andrew finally reveals the secrets of their childhood, Seren’s need for safety suddenly makes sense.

A problem shared is a problem halved, and with friends by her side, Seren might be able to get a life that she loves at last.

Published Date: 9 June 2023

My Review

Seren is content in her routine life, overseeing a senior care center and living in an apartment just above it. Despite her satisfaction, her newly-wedded brother, Andrew, believes she’s missing out on life. He nudges her into unfamiliar territories, from online dating to playing Dungeons & Dragons, and even persuading her to aid in dog training. Through interactions with Ned, a new employee, and Kez, a dog she’s hesitantly looking after, Seren gradually steps out of her bubble. Her discomfort makes her reflect on her past and what might have held her back.

The story is a heartwarming journey of hope, promoting messages of acceptance and inclusivity. It features a diverse set of characters, each with their unique challenges, transcending age, gender, and background. Having grown up under her brother’s care after their parents’ passing, Seren has always kept herself guarded. Yet, with Ned’s support, who has battles of his own, and Kez’s unwavering loyalty, they find healing, rekindling a zest for life and love. Their story unfolds within a vibrant community, emphasizing the healing power of companionship and second chances at happiness.

My Rating

Book Review – The World Outside My Window By Clare Swatman

Laura is watching the world go by without her.

Unable to leave her house since suffering a trauma, Laura is stuck gazing out of her window at Willow Crescent, relying on husband Jim and best friend Debbie for help.

Then one day, Jim doesn’t come home.

A day becomes two, days become a week, and still no sign of Jim. And with the police half-hearted in their efforts to look for him, Laura is forced into a decision. She’s going to have to face the world outside and find her husband herself.

But what Laura hasn’t realised is that Willow Crescent is a community, eager to help. From Arthur and Carol next door ready to rally the neighbours, to Marjorie and her daughter Faye at number nine looking for their own reasons to engage with the world. From Sonja at number seven who thinks she may have seen Jim in London, to widower Ben at number four who understands all about being lonely. Laura has a world ready to embrace her if she can just find the nerve.

And when it slowly dawns on them all, that the Jim they thought they knew, may have been hiding some unfathomable secrets, Laura has a choice – retreat back behind her window, or start living the life that was waiting for her all along.

Published Date: 5 June 2023

My Review

Following a traumatic attack in London, chef Laura becomes agoraphobic and moves to the suburbs with her husband, Jim. Her increasing dependence on him strains their relationship, and she resorts to alcohol when lonely. When Jim mysteriously doesn’t return from a trip, Laura is forced to seek help from her neighbors.

This book addresses relationships, trauma, and mental health with a mix of first-person and third-person narratives. While the portrayal of relationships and emotional manipulation is commendable, Laura’s failure to notice red flags over seven years seems implausible. The shifting perspectives can disrupt the reading flow, and the plot progresses predictably. Despite its shortcomings, the book offers insights into Laura’s emotional journey, though it may not resonate with all readers.

My Rating