Category Archives: Book Review

Review Card & Book Review – If All Else Sails By Emma St. Clair

In this grumpy-sunshine romance, school nurse Josie and her brother’s best friend–hockey player Wyatt Jacobs–are tricked into spending a summer together that’s anything but smooth sailing.

When Josie’s brother sends her to a random address for their (sometimes) annual Super Summer Sibling Extravaganza, she finds neither siblings nor extravaganzas. Instead, ends up at a run-down cottage on the Northern Neck of Virginia occupied by a hockey player she knows and loathes.

A hockey player who isn’t just one of her sports agent brother’s clients. He’s also his best friend. And Josie’s sworn enemy.

Oh–and her brother wants Josie to help Wyatt recover from his injury.

Dragging grumpy hockey players to physical therapy is a far cry from bandaging skinned knees, but for the price her brother offers to pay, Josie is willing to try.

Even if it means sharing what she dubs the quaint little murder cottage with Wyatt.

Begrudgingly, Josie starts to see a little more of the man behind the grumpy exterior. And when she finds out he was supposed to sail the Intracoastal Waterway south to Savannah scattering his uncle’s ashes, Josie surprises even herself by offering to be Wyatt’s first mate.

Smooth sailing is nowhere to be found, and Josie begins to wonder if they’ll be able to make it home without killing–or kissing?–each other.

And yet, the longer they share cramped quarters and canned food, the more of Wyatt’s layers she peels back until Josie realizes she misunderstood him, their shared history, and perhaps herself as well.

About The Author

My Review

When Josie shows up expecting her annual Super Summer Sibling Extravaganza, she instead finds herself in the back of a police car—and roped into helping her brother’s best friend, Wyatt, recover from an injury. Josie, a school nurse on break, is less than thrilled. Not only does she have zero patience for stubborn athletes, but she’s also had a long-standing dislike for Wyatt since their awkward first meeting years ago.

Wyatt, a professional hockey player, has been quietly pining for Josie ever since that first encounter. With her brother as his agent and Josie now acting as his impromptu nurse, close quarters force them to face old grudges, buried feelings, and the kind of chemistry that can’t be ignored.

I thoroughly enjoyed this story from beginning to end. Josie and Wyatt are both well-drawn characters with depth, humor, and relatable flaws. Their emotional and personal growth felt natural, and the progression of their romance was sweet, satisfying, and full of heart.

My Rating

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Review Card & Book Review – Where Are You Now By Jenny Hale

While she’s unconscious, she hears two options:

“Find Lucas Phillips and live out the rest of your life, or pass on peacefully—which will it be?”

She chooses to live. There’s just one problem. She hasn’t seen Lucas Phillips since she was fifteen years old.

Ava questions everything she knows in her search for Lucas: her faith, belief in herself, and her life choices. But her biggest questions are, what will she do when she finds Lucas and what happens to her if she doesn’t?

A heartwarming story that will have you believing in fate. If you adored the movies based on Jenny’s books and are searching for more feel-good romance, look no further!

About The Author

My Review

Ava St. John is all work, no life—until a near-fatal car accident lands her in the hospital and everything changes. In the quiet stillness between life and death, she hears a voice telling her to find Lucas Phillips… or pass on peacefully. Choosing life, Ava embarks on a journey to reconnect with Lucas, a figure from her past. But with her high-stakes legal career on the line and the dream of making partner slipping away, she’s forced to rethink what really matters.

This is a beautiful story of family, friendship, love, and second chances. Ava’s emotional journey is both heartfelt and compelling. The storyline is engaging without being overly dramatic, and it gracefully explores how life-altering moments can lead to meaningful transformation.

Where Are You Now delivers all the feels—from heartbreak to hope—and leaves you with that warm, satisfied glow.

My Rating

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Review Card & Book Review – Well, Actually By Mazey Eddings

Eva Kitt dreamed of pursuing a journalism career all her life. Instead, she’s the host of Sausage Talk, interviewing B-list celebrities over lukewarm hotdogs. When Eva’s impromptu public call out of her college ex goes viral, she’s thrust into the spotlight. It doesn’t help that said ex is Rylie Cooper, a beloved social media personality, who built a platform on deconstructing toxic masculinity and teaching men how to be good partners.

Forced to confront Rylie on a live episode of Sausage Talk, he offers Eva a deal: allow him to take her on a series of dates to make up for his toxic behaviour, then debrief them on his channel to show he’s changed. Eva refuses to play nice, but this could advance her own career… and she wouldn’t mind defaming Rylie’s good name in the process. When their manufactured dates start to feel real, Eva has to wonder if the boy that broke her heart has become the man that might heal it.

About The Author

My Review

Eva is working hard to carve out a career in journalism, but for now, she’s stuck in a truly degrading role. Meanwhile, Rylie—an old ex—has managed to find a foothold in the world of social media. When Eva sees one of his posts, she makes what feels like a throwaway comment on her personal account. Naturally, it goes viral. Naturally, Rylie sees it. And just like that, the two reconnect and start collaborating on a new project, opening the door to a second chance. Constantly. Maybe this was amplified by the audiobook narration, which leaned hard into a high-pitched, urgent tone that made every emotional beat sound like a meltdown. Annoyed? Whine. Flirty? Whine. Nervous? You guessed it—whine. It wore me down early.

Rylie, on the other hand, is a sweetheart. But even he has quirks that made me pause: his fashion choices are baffling, to the point where it’s hard to believe Eva would realistically go for him. And his willingness to tolerate Eva’s relentless edge? Borderline masochistic. That said, the romance still follows the satisfying beats you expect in a second-chance love story. No surprises here—and that’s part of the charm. Overall there is humor, tension, and enough heart to keep things moving. And hey—sometimes even a not-quite-right love story deserves a second chance.

My Rating

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Review Card & Book Review- Love And Lattes At Pumpkin Hollow By Victoria Walkers

I remembered my mum telling me that autumn was a chance for nature, and for people, to let go of anything that was holding them back…

Willow Connor has one shot to save her family’s farm – turning it into Birchbrook’s first ever pumpkin patch. There’s just one problem: she has exactly zero pumpkins and only six weeks to make it happen. Everyone in the close-knit town thinks she’s crazy, but she’s determined to prove them wrong.

Enter Dylan Henderson, a hotshot property consultant with a clipboard full of reasons why selling is the smarter choice. Determined to stand her ground, Willow makes him a bold offer – stay and watch her turn the farm around. To her surprise, he agrees.

Now, as Willow throws everything into making her pumpkin patch a success (even if it means buying every pumpkin in the county), she also finds herself learning a thing or two from Dylan – about business, about ambition… and maybe about love?

Will she save the farm and prove everyone wrong? And when the deal is up, will Dylan walk away – or has he found something worth sticking around for?

About The Author

My Review

This is an irresistibly cozy, feel-good romance that captures the essence of autumn and small-town charm. Set against the golden glow of falling leaves, pumpkin patches, and warm lattes, Victoria Walters creates a heartwarming seasonal escape that feels like a big hug in book form.

The story follows Willow, a fiercely independent woman with deep roots in her hometown, who’s determined to save her family’s beloved farm from being sold. Enter Dylan, a polished, pragmatic city consultant tasked with convincing her to let go of it. From the start, Willow and Dylan are clear opposites — she’s driven by emotion, tradition, and love for the land, while he’s focused on logic, business, and results. But what begins as tension and conflict quickly evolves into a slow, endearing build of understanding and affection.

Their dynamic is one of the book’s strongest points. Willow is easy to root for — loyal, passionate, and grounded. Dylan, though initially set up as the “enemy,” gradually reveals layers of kindness and vulnerability that make his transformation and eventual connection with Willow believable and satisfying. As he begins to see the value in what Pumpkin Hollow represents — not just to Willow but to the entire community — his character arc adds emotional weight to what could have been a predictable storyline.

The romance, while sweet and heartfelt, doesn’t always fully sizzle when it aims for steam. The more intimate moments between Willow and Dylan feel slightly rushed and lack the emotional depth or buildup that would make them feel organic. Still, the emotional journey they share — from adversaries to partners — carries enough warmth and chemistry to keep readers invested.

Overall, it is a delightful autumnal read perfect for fans of small-town romances with a strong female lead and a redemptive love interest. It offers cozy vibes, a satisfying love story, and a celebration of community, resilience, and the beauty of holding onto what matters most.

My Rating

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Review Card & Book Review- One Snowy Day By Shari Low

Georgie Dern has the chance to swap her empty nest for the job of a lifetime in Los Angeles. Can she chase her dream if it means letting down the woman who has given her the world?

Jessie McLean should be counting down the hours until she jets off to spend her retirement years in the sun. But when a devastating betrayal resurfaces, she has to choose between a fresh start and staying behind to settle old scores.

Alyssa Canavan has spent years building the business she adores. Now a legal letter has threatened her home and livelihood, but how does she fight a family that doesn’t give a damn?

Lachlan Morden is forced to return to Scotland to face the people who almost destroyed him. Will coming home reopen old wounds, or will a memory from the past lead him to the perfect revenge?

About The Author

My Review

The story centers around Jessie, a woman standing on the precipice of a major life change. She’s about to leave everything familiar—her beloved hometown of Weirbridge, her eclectic beauty shop, and most heartbreakingly, her family—for a fresh start abroad. As someone who cherishes strong family connections, I deeply felt Jessie’s turmoil. Her journey is emotional and honest, and her doubts make her all the more real.

Her daughter Georgie, now expected to step into her mother’s shoes, faces her own crossroads. With the support of her brother Grant, her daughter Kayleigh, and an unexpected (and very charming) guest who crashes Jessie’s farewell party, Georgie is forced to reevaluate not only her future, but also what—and who—truly matters most to her.

What makes One Snowy Day so compelling is how much unfolds in a single, dramatic day. Secrets from the past come to light, long-held emotions rise to the surface, and relationships are tested and transformed. The fast pace doesn’t feel rushed but instead adds to the emotional tension and excitement, showing just how much life can change in a moment.

Overall, it is a warm, wintry hug of a novel, reminding us that while the past may be complicated, the future can still be filled with love, hope, and new beginnings.

My Rating

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RevIew Card & Book Review- Moving On By Roisin Meaney

Three great loves. Two very different countries. One step closer to finding her way home…

As a new decade begins, hopeless romantic and big dreamer Ellen is finally moving on from her hometown.

In Galway she takes a job in a bookshop, and somewhere between the dusty bookshelves and the quiet afternoons, a bookseller named Ben finds a place in her heart.

Fast forward, and the bright lights (and cosy flats) of London are calling Ellen’s name. There she meets Leo, a charming, attentive city banker who’s everything she’s ever wanted.

And wherever she goes, her heart beats in time with her childhood friend, Danny – though they never seem to be in the right place at the right time.

About The Author

My Review

Moving On is a quiet, emotionally resonant novel that lingers long after the last page. It’s not the kind of book you rush through—it’s one you return to slowly, in quiet moments, with a cup of tea in hand and a heart open to feeling deeply.

At its center is Ellen, who steps away from the familiarity of her hometown to begin anew—first in a charming Galway bookshop, then amid the bustle of London. Along the way, three very different men represent three very different versions of love, but the question that haunts Ellen is deeper: where does the heart truly belong?

There’s no dramatic twist or sweeping climax—just the soft, steady rhythm of life, love, and rediscovery. Moving On is a story that respects the small moments: a kind gesture, a difficult choice, the slow rebuilding of a broken heart. It’s a novel about resilience, about showing up, and about finding comfort in the everyday.

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Review Card & Book Review- The Sanctuary Keepers By Alexandra Barber

When Carrie Adams flees to the remote, pretty Isle of Wight after her life crumbles, all she wants is quiet solitude to heal. Hideaway House, with its thatched roof and weathered turquoise door, seems the perfect retreat – a place where time stands still.

As Carrie settles into island life, she’s drawn into a circle of unlikely friends: apple-cheeked Rita, whose warmth feels like coming home; the prickly Major, guarding his own grief; and Guy, a tousle-haired gardener whose quiet presence stirs something unexpected in her heart.

But the house holds secrets of its own – whispers in empty rooms lead Carrie to an old tea caddy of bittersweet memories of a family who once lived here, long ago. As Carrie begins to piece together the cottage’s achingly beautiful secrets, she realises that the threads connecting past and present could be the key to finally finding her own fragile peace…

About The Author

My Review

This book is a heartwarming and emotionally rich novel that beautifully weaves together themes of romance, betrayal, healing, and community.

The heart of the story centers around Carrie, who is reeling from a painful betrayal by both her ex-fiancé and her employer. Her devastation is palpable, but the narrative quickly shifts toward hope when her best friend, Jules, sends her on a restorative getaway to Hideaway Cottage. There, Carrie finds more than just a quiet place to retreat—she discovers a village full of kind souls and personal stories, all as layered as her own.

The supporting characters are a true highlight: Rita, battling family and farm pressures; Guy, a grounded landscaper with quiet strength; Cressie, a struggling new mother; and a cast of other women who each add warmth, depth, and a sense of kinship. These characters—and the community they create—offer Carrie a space to reflect, rebuild, and reimagine her future.

Barber paints the Isle of Wight as almost magical—a sanctuary where healing feels possible, and love (in all forms) quietly finds its way in. Carrie’s budding relationship with Guy is sweetly understated, and the story leaves room for more development, suggesting future installments might delve deeper into the hidden stories of Eliza and Isaac, the mysterious tea caddy, and the unresolved lives of the villagers.

With its perfect blend of emotional depth, cozy setting, and feel-good resolution, This book is a beautiful reminder that even after deep hurt, new beginnings are possible—and sometimes, all it takes is a small cottage by the sea.

My Rating

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Review Card & Book Review – Gracie Harris Is Under Construction By Kate Hash

Gracie Harris never intended to become the queen of grief. But when an essay she writes the night of her husband Ben’s memorial goes viral, she lands a popular column on love and loss and an impressive book deal.

Now, the biggest tragedy of her life is the center of her world. With a looming book deadline and her kids at summer camp, Gracie escapes for a summer of solitude to the ramshackle mountain house she and Ben bought for their family before his death. When charming contractor Josh arrives on her doorstep to help renovate the home, Gracie discovers an unexpected connection that is energizing . . . and surprisingly flirtatious.

As her feelings and resilience grow, Gracie must decide whether she’s ready to embrace a new version of her life. Gracie’s first Happily Ever After didn’t last as long as she’d expected. Now she has to wonder: Could Josh be her chance for a second great love story?

About The Author

My Review

This is a heartfelt, emotionally nuanced novel about loss, resilience, and the beautiful mess of starting over. Gracie Harris is a deeply relatable heroine—grieving, overwhelmed, and unsure of her next step, yet still managing to press forward. After her husband’s death, an unfiltered essay about her grief unexpectedly launches her into the public eye, giving her a new, if unwanted, platform. With a looming book deadline and her kids away at camp, Gracie seeks solitude—and maybe clarity—in a crumbling mountain house she and her husband once dreamed of renovating.

Enter Josh, the steady, kind contractor who brings not just skills but a quiet emotional intelligence. As the house takes shape, so too does the connection between them. Their relationship unfolds naturally, grounded in shared vulnerability rather than grand romantic gestures. The chemistry is real, but it’s Gracie’s internal transformation—raw, awkward, and ultimately hopeful—that gives the novel its emotional power.

This is a beautifully told story about letting go, moving forward, and learning that even when life doesn’t go as planned, it can still lead somewhere meaningful.

My Rating

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