Book Review – Page 121

Book Review – The Promise Of Summer By Bella Osborne

Synopsis

Ruby’s life is about to change for ever…

After years of dating losers, cheats and one guy who did something unrepeatable to her kettle, Ruby has all but given up on romance. But then a stranger sits next to her on a train to London and explains his plan to propose to the woman of his dreams. Maybe true love does exist after all?

When the man accidentally leaves the engagement ring behind, Ruby is determined to save the day. But she hasn’t counted on fellow passenger Curtis stepping in and insisting he should be the one to track the stranger down.

As summer closes in, the unlikely pair make a promise to reunite the ring with its owner. But can they find their own happy ever after along the way?

Published Date: 22 July 2021

My Review

Ruby was on her way to meet her sperm donor when she meet Lewis on the train who is on his way to propose to his girlfriend at the London Eye. Lewis took off with her phone and left her the engagement ring. Fearing that Lewis may have forgotten the ring, Ruby tried to stop the train by pushing the emergency button. She was stopped by Curtis who tries to convince her that he should be the one to track Lewis down and return the ring. The story then continue with their adventure of finding the ring owner and how in the end they found their happy ever after.

This is an uplifting, delightful and entertaining story about a softhearted women with a brainy man. Love their interaction and how different they are and yet their attraction sizzle. The story is easy to read and light.

My Rating

Book Review – Christmas At Colts Creek By Delores Fossen

Synopsis

An unexpected inheritance rekindles a red-hot romance just in time for Christmas…

Janessa Parkman spent one long-ago summer in Last Ride, Texas, trying to bond with her estranged father, Abe. Turns out that was plenty of time to fall hard—and crash badly—for Brody Harrell, who managed Abe’s ranch. Everyone believed Brody would inherit Colts Creek one day, but now, fifteen years on, Abe’s will reveals the shocking truth—Janessa gets everything, and she must agree to stay in town for three months…through Christmas.

Brody’s attraction to Janessa burns hotter than ever. Though he refuses Janessa’s offer to give him the ranch, refusing her is impossible. Misunderstanding drove them apart once before, and secrets and betrayals run through both families. But what starts as a temporary Christmas fling might turn into a love strong enough to last every holiday season yet to come.

Published Date: 26 October 2021

My Review

Janessa inherited her father’s ranch which come as a surprise since the last time she spoke to him was 15 years ago. The inheritance come with a condition that she with her mother must stay in Last Ride for 3 months continuously or the ranch will go to charity. It comes as a surprise as everyone is expecting Brody to inherit it. He managed the ranch for years and thought that he earned the right to own it.

I was intrigued with Janessa who comes across as an independent lady and kind hearted with all the works that she did with troubled teenagers. The chemistry between Janessa and Brody sizzled in the story despite all these years. Due to a misunderstanding that tore them apart 17 years ago. Overall this is a fun and interesting read with secrets and lies led to a dramatic filled moment to me.

My Rating

Book Review – Foolish Hearts By Synithia Williams

Synopsis

All they need is a second chance…

It’s been three years since Ashiya Waters walked away from Russell—and made the biggest mistake of her life. She knows she shouldn’t dwell on the past. Love isn’t meant to last…and nobody taught her that better than her own family. But when her grandmother unexpectedly dies, leaving Ashiya in charge of a multimillion-dollar company, Russell is the only one who can help her…and things get complicated fast.

Russell Gilchrist would do anything to be named COO of Robidoux Holdings—with all of the power and money that comes along with it. He’s been desperate to solve the disappearance of his brother, Roderick, for years, and the Robidoux influence could finally turn this cold case hot—and give his family some much-needed closure. The job is his…if he helps Ashiya manage her new business. He’ll just do his work and get out—that’s the plan. But being so close to the woman who broke his heart is dangerous. Seeing her smile and feeling her touch makes him want to forget the past. But will this second chance at love burn them both?

Published Date: 24 August 2021

My Review

Ashiya is an independent women who strive to break free from relying on her family by starting a consignment company, Piece Together. Things change when she was named the heir to her grandmother’s estate. When she was named as sole beneficiary, she face challenges from her cousin Levi who accuse her as a gold digger like her mother. She take the challenge to show to him and her family that she can run the company but first she need someone to guide her. One of her cousin send Russell to help her. Russell agreed to help Ashiya because the cousin is considering him for CEO position and need to know she can trust him. However, she didn’t realise that both Russell and Ashiya was once before dated and fell for her hard.

This book is the 4th book in Jackson Falls series. It story plot is a fast paced with dramas and conflicts. Initially I don’t really Iike Ashiya for her mind game and emotional manipulation on Russell but as the story progress my opinion began to change. This second chance in love story is a good read and have all the strong emotions, forgiveness and passionate romance.

My Rating

Book Review – Alaska Reunion By Jennifer Snow

Synopsis

In the Alaskan wilderness, love blooms in unlikely places—and between an unlikely couple…

Still single, still working at the same bookstore and still pining for the guy who got away, Ellie Mitchell cringes at the prospect of attending her high school reunion. She just can’t face showing up alone—with her dreams of becoming a teacher still unfulfilled—when her ex will be bringing a model-gorgeous plus-one.

Callum McKendrick has been in love with Ellie since forever, but he’s sure she doesn’t take him seriously. Offering to be her date for the reunion—and the post-reunion wilderness retreat—is his chance to show Ellie just what she’s missing by being stuck in the past. But will becoming Ellie’s fake boyfriend be enough to prove that Callum is her perfect match?

Published Date : 24 August 2021

My Review

Ellie, a storekeeper is pining for her high school boyfriend worry about her high school reunion. What more he is attending the reunion too. She can’t turn up alone and face him. So, when Callum asked to go with her as her fake boyfriend, she reluctantly agreed. He have been in love with her and he was thinking that while pretending to be her fake boyfriend, he can show her his true feeling. But things got a bit complicated when Ellie’s ex started to give her the attention that she wanted all this while.

It is a fun read with family and friendship as it’s main them. It filled with adventure, laughter and laughter between the main characters.

My Rating

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Book Review – Under The Mistletoe By Sue Moorcroft

Synopsis

When Laurel returns to the village of Middledip, she’s looking for a quiet life. Adjusting to her recent divorce, she’s ready to spend some time getting back on her feet amidst the glorious snow-dusted countryside.

Yet, life in Middledip is far from straightforward. Coming to the aid of her sister, Rea, as she navigates her own troubles, Laurel barely has a moment to think about where her own life is going.

However, time stands still when she sees her old flame, Grady Cassidy – and it’s soon as if they’ve never been apart. But through her happiness, Laurel remembers why she left the village all those years ago, as she recalls a dark night and Grady’s once-wayward brother, Mac…

Can Laurel learn to forgive and forget? Or will her chances of Christmas under the mistletoe with Grady remain a dream?

Published Date: 28 October 2021

My Review

Laurel is back to Middledip to help her sister Rea. Fresh from her divorce, she wish to find back her feet in Cornwall, find a home where she would pursue her dream as a artist not back to a place she never want to be in again and least of all to meet Grady again. Her relationship with Grady has never been properly ended when she leave Middledip. And now, with Grady, she found the attraction between them still alive but how could they find the happiness that they want when being able to move on takes more than the word sorry from the individuals for what has happened in the past.

I enjoyed this romantic, heartwarming and uplifting story. The theme of forgiveness is strong in this book. It has a complex plot with sexual assaults and bullying as a theme and how the characters find their closure at the end of the story.The setting in Middledip, quaint English village is lovely with the author bringing to life with her vivid description of the place. Overall it is a heartwarming and emotional read for me .

My Rating

Book Review – Snowflakes Over The Starfish Cafe By Jessica Redland

Synopsis

Welcome to The Starfish Café – where you will find stunning views, delicious food and lifelong friendships.

Two broken hearts.

Since she inherited The Starfish Café, Hollie has poured her heart into the business, striving to keep her mother’s traditions and warm-hearted spirit alive. But behind closed doors Hollie is searching for true happiness as she grieves the tragic loss of her family who were once the beating heart of the café…

An unexpected meeting.

Jake lives by two rules: don’t let anyone get close and don’t talk about what happened. Little does he know that a chance meeting at The Starfish Café, facilitated by a fluffy lost dog, is about to turn his world upside down…

The chance to love again.

Can Hollie and Jake break down the barriers that have been holding them back from finding love and happiness, before Christmas comes around? After all, with courage, nothing is impossible…

Join top 10 bestseller Jessica Redland for a magical winter at the seaside, where love blossoms and lifelong friendships are made.

Published Date: 31 August 2021

My Review

Hollie took over Starfish cafe after her mother no longer around. Christmas is a season that she love before all her family member left her. Now being alone, she trying to keep the tradition alive. Jake rescued an abandoned dog and took it to the cafe. There is an instant spark between them which both of them are trying hard to avoid. Whilst Hollie love Christmas, Jake dreading the approach of Christmas.

It is a sad and emotional read for me. Both the main characters have their own emotional struggle within them and being a reader, their emotion tends to get to me. It saddened me to read about them being so young are subjected to so much sadness and heartache. It is a story about relationship between family and friends, loss of loved ones, grief and eventually emotional recovery.

My Rating

Book Review – Dinner On Primrose Hill By Jodi Thomas

Synopsis

Benjamin Monroe is pretty sure how his life will play out. He’ll continue teaching chemistry in his small college, and spend his free time biking through the valley. Eventually, he’ll retire to putter around in his garden and greenhouse.

His colleague, Virginia Clark, is not one for routines. She’s chatty, spontaneous, and bubbly, and before Benjamin realizes what happened, she’s talked him into collaborating on a research project—studying the mating habits of college students. Virginia knows her desire to work with Benjamin is motivated by more than the potential prize money . . . and hopes he might not be quite as indifferent as he seems to be.

Ketch Kincaid, one of Benjamin’s star students, returned to college after serving in the army. He needs something to get his mind off his recent breakup and collecting research data might do it. And there’s another distraction on the horizon—a woman who looks like she, too, knows about heartache.

Soon enough, their project, “The Chemistry of Mating,” is gaining notoriety. Friends, neighbors . . . the whole town has become involved. But no matter what the data determines, one conclusion seems inescapable: love follows its own rules .

Published Date: 26 October 2021

My Review

Benjamin is a lonely lecturer who doesn’t mix much with his colleague. His life is only his workplace and weekend at his family ranch. Things changed when Virginia Clark, his colleague, seeking him out to help her with a research. Although he was abit of a loner, he found himself more spontaneous with Virginia. Hank met Millie when he crashed into her and was badly hurt. He took responsibilities to nurse Millie till she fully recovers. Ketch met Tuesday at the bar and save her from the bullies. What started as a friendship, it has developed into more serious which both of them scared to admit.

This book is the 3th book in Honey Greek series and I have read all of them. This story set in Honey Green followed three different couples with their own story but are entwined with the mystery of pipe bombs that are being left all over town. The romance are lovely and the story is very engaging. I love the characters so much.

My Rating

Book Review- A Wedding At Hedgehog Hollow By Jessica Redland

Synopsis

It’s time for the wedding we’ve all been waiting for…

Life at Hedgehog Hollow is never dull, although Samantha hopes that the new year ahead will be a little less chaotic as she prepares to marry the love of her life, Josh. But disaster strikes when she checks the rescue centre’s bank account after the festive season and discovers it has been emptied. Who would do such a thing, and why? With the future of Hedgehog Hollow now in jeopardy, planning a wedding has lost its shine.

Phoebe is desperate to escape the shadow of her family, infamously known for their attacks on Samantha’s beloved rescue centre. Could the kindness of the Hedgehog Hollow team be the chance she needs for a fresh start, or will her family’s secrets continue to drag her back?

Publish Date: 6 January 2022

My Review

The story started when Samantha or “Sam” discover that the hedgehog conservation centre account is emptied. It linked to Phoebe who was ‘related’ to the Grimes family though Sam has no idea but found out after the incident. So, naturally, Sam blamed herself for being so naive to trust a part timer with the account. Unbeknownst to her, she is about to discover a heartbreaking truth about Phoebe and she is as much as a victim as she is from the Grimes vendetta.

This is the 4th book from Hedgehogs Hollow series and is my 1st book. It is a story about family, forgiveness, sacrifices, pain and bravery in a close knit community. It touches on domestic violence, child abuse and PTSD. I admired Sam’s attitude to forgive and embrace Phoebe despite the missing monies. I love Phobe’s sense of responsibility which given if it is me, I would never do what she does in the story. Am thoroughly enjoyed the story!

My Rating

Book Review – First Kiss At Christmas By Lee Tobin McClain

Synopsis

At 25 years old, preschool teacher Kayla Harris is embarrassed to admit she’s never been kissed. When Tony DiNunzio and his grieving nephew show up in her classroom, she can’t help being drawn to both of them. If only her insecurities-and his guilt over his sister’s death-would stop standing in their way.

As Christmas approaches, can these three come together to form a family… not just for the holidays, but forever?

Published Date: 26 October 2021

My Review

Kayla a preschool teacher, trying to help Jax, Tony’s nephew who have just lost his mom and may have to witness the shooting that kill his mom. He is traumatized and feel insecure and could not let his uncle out of his sight. Kayla found herself trying her best to help Jax to adapt to his environment and could not help herself when she found herself to be increasingly attracted to Tony.

Tony on the other hand, feel guilty and blamed himself for the death of his sister. If only he didn’t turn her away is the only thing that played in his mind. This is the 5th book and my 2nd read in the offspring series. The story set in a small town with romance mix in with mystery and suspense action as the storyline, this book give an welcome charm to its reader. It is a beautiful story of love, forgiveness and second chances and reminded me what Christmas is all about.

My Rating

Book Review – The Secret Path By Karen Swan

Synopsis

In Costa Rica, amid startling white beaches and hot, dense rainforests, the luxurious world of the super-rich butts up against something darker, something sinister. . .

Tara Tremain has worked hard to leave the controlling grasp of her extremely affluent family far behind. With her own career in medicine, she doesn’t need the Tremains’ expectations weighing her down any more. But pulled back into the family’s orbit one last time for an unmissable party in the jungles of Costa Rica, she finds herself flung into action: a local boy is desperately ill and she must trek for days into the jungle to save his life.

What Tara could never have predicted is that the one person who can help her in this impossible journey is Alex Carter, the man who destroyed her life ten years ago

Published Date : 8 July 2021

My Review

Tara a medical doctor is an heiress and due to the privilege that she have, she tends to keep her status. 10 years ago she was betrayed by Alex in the worst possible way and for that she swore she will never be with him again. Fast forward to 10 years later, Tara is going back to Costa Rica, for an event with her boyfriend and best friend’s family. She have look forward for this time off to have some me time with her friend and family. But unbeknownst to her, she got entangled not only in the political situation but also having to track deep into the jungle for the remedy to save her friend’s son. The only way for her to get the remedy is through the help of Alex.

It is an emotional, entertaining and adventurous about love and hate, trust and betrayal. I was immersed with the author’s wonderful and incredibly detailed writing about the setting. You can know how much research was done to write this book by just reading the book. The writing is so vivid and rich and the story line flow smoothly as I read. I feel the pain and the struggle Tara have at the beginning of the book and I feel them again at the ending of the book.

My Rating