Book Review – Page 118

Book Review – A Second Chance In Valentine Valley By Emma Cane

Steph Brissette is inching back to life after losing her high school sweetheart husband in a tragic accident. Between her family, her work at the Sugar and Spice Bakery, and helping the Valentine Valley widows save an historic schoolhouse, her days are full. It’s only in her dreams that she revisits the accident – one that she can’t quite convince herself was not her fault.That is, until Jeremy Chen comes back to town.
Jeremy left Valentine for medical school and has now returned to take his place as the town’s new doctor. He first knew Steph as the bratty little sister of his best friend. Then, in one heartbreaking moment, she became the woman he saved – and the widow of the man he couldn’t help. Still searching for his new place in town, Jeremy now sees Steph as a desirable woman. But can she ever look at him without seeing everything she lost? The only certainty is that in a town called Valentine, love is always worth a second chance.

Published Date : 8 November 2022

My Review

Steph is a young widow who lost her husband in a skiing accident. She blamed herself for the accident as she was the one who insisted to go for the holiday even though her husband rejected at first. Steph is still recovering from the loss.

Jeremy, a doctor, on the other hand, was there when the accident happened to his best friend’s little sister and was on the ski Petrol that saved Steph but didn’t get to her husband in time. He is now back to Valentine Valley to replace the town’s retiring doctor.

It is a short story about sweet second chance story in a small town with complicated issues that Steph is carrying in her. As Jeremy and Steph started to spend time together, they come to realize their feelings for each other and help each other to heal emotionally from the accident.

My Rating

Book Review – Queen Of Hearts By Whitney Dineen

Queen Charlotte of Malquar has a talent. She’s already helped two of her children find mates, and now she’s convinced her daughter’s new secretary would be a perfect partner for her remaining single son.

Agnes Dupuis has a plan. She’s going to work for the royal family for a couple of years before opening her own upscale employment agency. When she starts her job with Princess Aubrey, she knows everything is on track. After a short time, she gets transferred to the crown prince’s staff, and she couldn’t be more ecstatic.

At thirty-five, Prince Andrew knows it’s past time for him to find a bride. Unfortunately, it’s a nearly impossible task. While he would like to marry for love, it doesn’t look like that will be an option. His future wife will be queen one day and she must have all the necessary skill sets to thrive in that role.

Sparks fly when Agnes and Drew start to work together. Drew fights his attraction for his new secretary as hard as he can. Meanwhile, Agnes doesn’t know what she’s doing wrong. She can’t seem to do anything to make the prince happy.

Will Queen Charlotte be responsible for another match? Or are Agnes and Drew destined to forever butt heads.

Published Date: 14 October 2022

My Review

Andrew is next in line to be king and he really take it seriously to the extent he willing to date someone suitable to be the future king. He set high standard on women he date and no women thus far good enough to date more than theee time. Agnes is his new private secretary whom he finds very attractive. This make him in a crossroad as he don’t know how to handle his feeling when Agnes is around especially whilst Agnes trying hard to set boundaries between them.

I love how Agnes goes against and won’t put up with Andrew’s crap. The meddling between their mothers leading the way to make a match between them is really fun to read.

My Rating

Book Review – Situationship By Marina Adair

Teagan Bianchi has survived a road trip with rambunctious toddler twins and a large mutt named Garbage Disposal. She clings to a tattered scrap of hope that moving into her late grandmother’s house is the best way to repair her failing business—and the sad shreds of her life—after the man who promised her forever lost everything they had. But she’s barely arrived when she finds herself face to face with her teenage crush, now an irresistible man—who still happens to live next door . . .

Veterinarian Colin West is closer to being an empty nester than a soccer dad. His marriage lasted only long enough to give him his beloved daughter, and he has no regrets. But as she readies for college, Colin contemplates his own future—which is, of course, exactly when his past shows up, as gorgeous as ever, and twice as fascinating. But Teagan torpedoed his plans once before. Is he crazy to consider letting her into his life again? Is Teagan ready to admit what she’s really afraid of? Could this unexpected “situationship” be forever?

Published Date : 25 October 2022

My Review

Teagan is back to her family home with her four year old twin after her divorce. Upon arrival, she found her younger sister already living in the house and her first love Colin is staying next door. Colin too have problems or his own. His teenage daughter is giving him trouble and also his boss who focus more on monetary value instead of helping out the animal in needs.

It is a story about family relationship and second chances in love. Love reading how Teagan found her footing and rebuilding her life as a single parent. The characters are well developed and the story of each of the character are easily relatable. I enjoyed watching both Teagan and Collin reconnect and fall in love all over again.

My Rating

Book Review – Second Bride Down By Ginny Baird

Aspiring artist Misty Delaney is not about to let her parents’ beloved café go under. Not when she can just merge the company by entering a quick marriage of convenience with the rich son of their family’s rival. But her sisters aren’t having it. They all made a deal: they each get one month to find true love. She can’t just fold. To make sure Misty gives finding love a chance, they post a “Marry me: Misty!” billboard outside town. Surely that’ll give her options?

Watching Misty field marriage proposals from strangers, that she clearly doesn’t want, is a big cup of nope for café manager Lucas Reyes. He and Misty have been friends for years, but it’s time he step up and make his romantic feelings for her known. And what better way to start than by sending her unwanted suitors packing with an announcement that she’s already in a relationship. With him.

Lucas’s little stunt buys an extremely grateful Misty one week to come up with a solution that saves the café and keeps her sisters happy. A week during which she and Lucas need to act like they’re in love. Except, between late-night stargazing, crashed mopeds, and dancing in the rain, their pretend romance feels almost…perfect. But it’s one thing to start falling. It’s another entirely to turn one week into forever…

Published Date: 25 October 2022

My Review

Missy was caught in a fire when her sister booked a billboard with her photo and telling the world she is looking for suitor. When mans started to line up outside their cafe, Lucas who work in the cafe declares that he and Missy are already dating. Lucas has been in love with Misty for years but Misty has no idea. Given the situation that man began to stalk her, Misty and Lucas agree to live with each other to show their commitment.

This book is book 2 of Majestic Maine series. I enjoyed the first book and I have high expectation for this book too and it has meet my expectation. Same as the previous book, this book is about strong family bond and friend to lover story. The fact that Misty is not aware or Lucas’s feeling for her was fun to read. This is a fun lighthearted story that make me smile and laugh. Love how these sisters’ bond and their willingness to sacrifice.

My Rating

Book Review – The Matchmaker And The Cowboy By Robin Bielman

Callie Carmichael has a gift for making bridesmaid dresses—some even call them magical. Somehow, every person who’s worn one of her dresses has found love. Real love. And as long as that happily-ever-after is for someone else, Callie is happy. Because she’s fully over getting her heart broken…which is why her new roommate is definitely going to be a problem.

After being overseas for six months, Callie’s only choice is to stay with her best friend’s ridiculously hot brother, Hunter Owens. Cowboy, troublemaker, and right now, the town’s most coveted bachelor. Only, Hunter isn’t quite the player she thought. And if it weren’t for her whole “no more love” thing, their setup could get confusing really fast.

Now, Hunter wants Callie to make him a best man suit—a “lucky for love” kind of suit. But what happens if she makes the suit and he finds true love…and it isn’t her?

Published Date : 25 October 2022

My Review

Callie returned to home to discover her home is unlivable and she need a place to stay. She was asked to take care of Hunter who is recuperating from a spider bite. Callie is a talented dressmaker and has earned her reputation for making magical maid of honor dresses. Whoever wear her dresses will find their other half. Hunter was surprise to see Callie in his house. Hunter has always had a crush on Callie and with her staying this close, he hope that it could change her opinion of him.

I love how Hunter and Callie’s relationship develops and although they have a lot in common, they are not on the same page when come to commitment and feeling. Love how Hunter adored Callie despite he is the most eligible bachelor in town. They have amazing chemistry and it only grow as the story progresses. Overall it is a good read to me.

My Rating

Book Review – One Last Gift By Emily Stone

For as long as Cassie can remember, there had always been the three of them: Cassie, her beloved big brother Tom, and Tom’s best friend Sam.

Since Cassie and Tom’s parents had died, and Sam’s dad was never around, the three kids had stuck together like glue, getting into mischief, with Tom always looking out for Cassie, and Tom’s best mate put on earth to annoy her.

Now they are adults and nothing much has changed: Tom is sorted, cocky Sam is going places and Cassie is… well, Cassie thinks she’s figured it all out.

And then tragedy happens and three becomes two.

For Cassie picking herself up and moving on seems unimaginable. But then she finds the envelope with her name written on it, asking her to follow the clues to a treasure hunt carefully laid out for her months before. It promises to lead her to one last gift.

And suddenly what seemed like an ending just might be the beginning of something remarkable, unexpected, beautiful and new…

Published Date : 13 October 2022

My Review

Cassie and Tom lost their parent at a young age and both are very close. Both of them spent most of their time with Sam. On every Christmas, there is a tradition initiated by Tom who will send Cassie on a scavenger hunt to find her own gift similar to an amazing race. Sam is Cassie’ s first crush and Sam is Tom’s best friend who are always around for each other. The hardest thing happened when Tom passed away due to a freak accident and before he died, Tom has prepared the annual scavenger hunt for Cassie without knowing that this is their last time. After losing Tom, Cassie took some time before finding courage to find Tom’s one last gift to her.

This book focus on strong family ties, grief after losing loved ones and forgiveness. Reader get to see the evolution of Cassie and Sam and their journey of self-discovery is very meaningful to see. Both of them went thru a complicated and hardship to find their happily ever after. It was an emotional rollercoaster for me reading this book.

My Rating

Book Review -Mistletoe And Magic For The Cornish Midwife By Jo Bartlett

It’s the most wonderful time of the year…

But for single mum and busy midwife Nadia, it’s quickly turning into her worst Christmas ever.

Her marriage is over, and whilst her husband has moved on, Nadia finds herself back home, squashed into her mum’s spare room with her two small children. They might not be a perfect family anymore, but Nadia is determined to make this Christmas special for them.

Dr Hamish Spencer totally understands Nadia’s pain. As a fellow single parent, he’s struggling to cope with a rebellious teen daughter and a precocious six-year-old! Perhaps if he and Nadia join forces, they could make this Christmas slightly more memorable for everyone?

The last thing Nadia wants is a new man in her life, but she’d definitely like lovely Hamish as a friend. But Christmas has a way of melting the hardest of hearts and maybe a kiss under the mistletoe could change everything?

Published Date : 27 October 2022

My Review

Nadia return to Port Agnes after her marriage broken and met Hamish, the village doctor. Both of them are single parent and their daughters are best friend. As they grow closer, Hamish’s eldest daughter, Saffron is creating issue for them. Frankie is Nadia’s mum and being recently divorced, she met Guy but her son Hari does not agreed to their relationship.

This book is about 2nd chance, women helping women, family and its close knit community. I love both Nadia and Frankie for their courage to start their life again after disappointing marriages and them being supportive of each other. Overall, it is an emotional read to me.

My Rating

Book Review – The Sheikh’s Christmas Present By Leslie North

Romance is in the air, so buckle up and prepare for takeoff…

The Christmas season is a time for giving, and pilot Maria Walken has a planeload of gifts for refugees in Syria. She’s determined to get her cargo delivered in time for the holidays, come hell or high water. When a handsome Sheikh shows up in need of a lift, she can’t stand his arrogance and wealth… Or the way he makes her heart race. But when he offers a large donation to her charity, she can hardly refuse.

Sheikh Jarik Shadid is desperate to get to Lebanon, to testify in a high profile trail. He needs discrete transportation, and he’s more than willing to contribute to Maria’s charity in exchange for a seat on her plane. But when a freak snowstorm prevents them from taking off, Jarik’s no-nonsense attitude starts to melt. And his attraction to the beautiful, principled pilot grows stronger.

Maria always promised herself she’d never fall for a man like Jarik. But as they work together to spread holiday cheer, she’s begins to wonder… Is Jarik the Christmas present she’s been longing for?

Published Date: 20 October 2022

My Review

Jarik sneak away from his bodyguard to attend a trial and he is looking for a transportation to take him to Lebanon. Maria is a pilot who transport Christmas gift donated to her foundation to the less unfortunate kids. Jarik determine that she let him ride her plane and willing to make donation to her foundation. Jarik’s offer is something that Maria’s need. Not to give in too easily, Maria tried her luck asking for double the amount Jarik’s offer which Jarik agreed and also he must help her to unload the donation.

It is a story of two person who are different in their life perspective. One is extremely wealthy and the other who don’t trust other people especially the wealthy ones. The chemistry between them is so strong but they did not know how to react.

My Rating

Book Review – Christmas In Paris By Tilly Tennant

As the snow flutters down on the Eiffel Tower and fairy lights sparkle on the pavement cafés of Paris, meet the girl determined not to fall in love in the most romantic city in the world…

When Brooke arrives in Paris at Christmas, it feels like the perfect place to escape after being dumped by her long-term boyfriend. And while her head might be turned by the romance of couples strolling arm in arm along the riverbank, and the air scented with chocolat chaud, her heart remains firmly under lock and key – this trip is going to be about her.

Brooke might be able to resist the charms of one persuasive Frenchman who takes her to some of Paris’s most romantic spots, but when a chance encounter leads her to green-eyed Armand with his dark wavy hair and warm smile, she is annoyed to feel her heart skip a beat…

Still, what’s the harm of a holiday romance with no strings attached? Brooke is sure she can play it cool. But when Armand opens his heart to her in a candlelit restaurant and kisses her at the top of the Eiffel Tower, she throws caution to the wind. Armand isn’t her ex – and doesn’t she deserve a second chance at love?

But when Armand begins to blow hot and cold, she wonders if she has been taken for a fool. Why does he never answer his phone? Who is the mysterious tall blonde French woman who always seems to be watching Brooke? And when Armand leaves Paris without warning as Christmas Eve approaches, should Brooke try and find out more about the stranger she has found herself falling for?

Published Date: 21 October 2022

My Review

Brooke embarked on a business trip with her best friend Felicity after her boyfriend breakup with her to get married to another person. She didn’t plan for a new relationship but it seems that there is one waiting for her in Paris, in the form of mysterious Armand.

It is a story of heartbreak and second chances. Brooke and Felicity is a charming character and their friendship is the main theme in this book. Their friendship were tested and I love to see how their friendship overcome it. There were plot twists and mystery surrounding them too. Overall, It is a warm cosy read to me.

My Rating

Book Review – The Girl I Used To Be By Debbie Howells

Anna and Will have been passing in and out of each other’s lives since they were just teenagers.

Now 20 years later, Anna is married – she has a lovely house, a grown-up stepdaughter and a husband with a good job.

What she doesn’t have is joy. When she runs into Will it sparks something in her, a longing for the Anna she used to be.

Together they embark on a journey to find what brings them joy, to discard what doesn’t and to become the people they always wanted to be.

But in finding themselves, can they also find each other?

Published Date: 19 October 2022

My Review

Anna and Will reconnected and fate keeps bringing them together and yet circumstance make them being apart. Their timing was off for many years after their breakup. When they do run into each other it is usually after some major event which they do not share to each other which lead to the miscommunication between them.

This book is about second chance and living the life differently from the one that you are. This story is a slow romance with rollercoaster emotion on the play. The author did a good job in letting the reader to get the view of both of the characters at different timelines and their inner thoughts. The characters are well developed. Overall this is a lovely story to me.

My Rating