Book Review – Page 121

Book Review – The Keepsake Quilters By Felicity Hayes – McCoy

One family. Three generations. And the threads that bind them together …

Successful TV producer Penny has always been a planner. She knows exactly what her future looks like – until an unexpected pregnancy forces her to rethink everything, especially her relationship with the baby’s father.

Penny’s mum Val raised her alone and always taught her daughter to be independent. But she can’t understand why Penny seems intent on pushing her away now, when she needs her more than ever.

Marguerite, Val’s recently widowed mother, has an idea to help heal this rift: sewing together a keepsake quilt for the baby. But as the quilt takes shape, memories surface, and the three women begin to discover more about each other than they ever could have imagined. As Christmas approaches, will they finally realise that maybe they’ve been looking for happiness in all the wrong places?

Published Date: 22 October 2022

My Review

This is a story of 3 generations of women focusing on the story surrounding the pregnancy of Penny. It started with a lunch with her grandma Marguerite and mother, Val where Penny break the news to both of them. From the beginning, the 3 generation of women are disconnected as a family with only random meetup between them. But Penny’s pregnancy has brought Marguerite and Val to come together to help Penny which Penny is trying to avoid. So, they decide to make a keepsake quilt for the baby.

It is a heart-warming read that tell the story of 3 persons from different generation. The story is very engaging and well written story plot. Love reading each of the main characters’ approaches in life which can be as different as it is.

My Rating

Book Review – There’s No Place Like Home By Jane Lovering

Isabel, Izzy to her friends, has got nothing left to lose when she makes the bravest decision of her life.

A month living under canvas on the Yorkshire Moors with five strangers wouldn’t normally be her idea of a good time, even if there is prize money to be won at the end of it, but she’s all out of options.

Joining her in this wild goose chase, being filmed for a TV show, are farmer Seb, whose marriage is creaking but who is desperate not to lose his family. Sheltered Ruth who needs an opportunity to show she can make her own decisions. Glamorous socialite Kanga, who has been living a lie. American Junior who has his own secret that has led him there. And last but not least, mysterious and brooding Mac, who Izzy can’t help but be drawn to.

As the fickleness of nature tests them all to their limits, this disparate group come together to face the challenge. But when Izzy finally tells them the truth that has brought her out on the Moors, will that be the end of their adventure, or the beginning of her future? Because what Izzy really needs is a place to call home, and someone to share it with could be even better…

Published Date: 10 January 2023

My Review

Six people decide to join a reality show where they have to stay in each other company for a month when it is freezing cold and raining camping with basic amenities. Each of them has their reasons to take part in this reality show. Izzy want to find money for rental downpayment, Kanga is certain that her participation in this show will lead her to greater things, Ruth with her innocent outlook what to start to explore life, Junior is chasing bigfoot, Sebastian is convinced he saw something on the moor and want to find out the truth while guarding his secret closely and Mac, a grumpy guy who don’t wish to be there at all.

This book focuses on life, family, friendship and relationship between one to another. The characters are with different personality and each of them have their own story to tell. Overall, the story plot is good albeit abit draggy, full of twists and turns and overall it is a good read to me.

My Rating

Book Review – Finding Home In Dolphin’s Cove By Kellie Hailes

All Kenna Sanders has ever wanted is to find a place she can call home. So when her grandmother leaves her failing bait shop business to her, Kenna sees a chance at building a stable life in the Cornish village she was born in but never knew. But her grandmother’s will has one stipulation: she has to share the cottage with a total stranger!

Kyran has lost everyone he holds dear and now his business is on the verge of collapse. The last thing he wants is for a woman to waltz in, promise to make it all better, and stir up feelings he’s long supressed. Especially a woman in such close proximity…

Kenna has an idea to save the business: set up a fishing festival to reinspire interest in the bait shop. As they work closely together, attraction quickly sparks between them. But while Kenna is looking for forever, Kyran is too afraid to get hurt again. Can they find a way to make the festival a success and escape with their hearts intact?

Published Date: 22 August 20232

My Review

Kenna went back to take over the bait shop that her grandmother leave her. She saw the chance to set up a stable for herself in the Cornish village she born into but never stay around before. However, her inheritance came with a clause, she have to stay with Kyran who basically a stranger to her. The bait business is on the verge of collapse and Kenna have to come up with something to save the business.

This story is about family and finding love again. Both Kenna and Kyran comes from a dysfunctional family. While Kenna have her mum, Kyran was alone since he was small and it was Kenna’s grandma who take care of him. He also experienced painful loss and it was rather difficult for him to be closed to someone again. It is rather emotional read for me reading the story as the main characters individually dealing with some emotional conflicts.

My Rating

Book Review – Once Upon A Royal Christmas By Teri Wilson

“I’m Prince Nikolas of San Glacera. Oh, you’ve never heard of us? Well, you’re not the only one. Our country relies on winter tourism, but we’re attracting fewer and fewer visitors. I admit it’s a problem. I just don’t think the solution is an American who likes to play dress-up.

You see, while I was away on a trip, my younger sister convinced the palace to hold a contest. The winner gets to star in our annual Ice Village festivities and accompany our royal family to holiday events.

And who did they choose? Gracie Clark, who runs a children’s party business and performs as—I kid you not—‘Princess Snowflake.’

Of course, I do respect the fact that she volunteers at children’s hospitals. I suppose to some, she might have a certain charm… But the whole cheap spectacle is beneath our dignity.

I’m not going to shirk my duty to my kingdom. I’ll go to every event with her. At least, once Christmas is over, she’ll be gone…”

Published Date: 1 November 2022

My Review

Gracie is a Princess Snowflakes who dress up as princesses and other characters for party and openings. All her application for loan to expand her business was rejected as Bank doesn’t see her business prospects. Her business partner entered her for a contest and the winner will win $30k, the exact amount that she needs for her business. And she indeed won the contest and now, she have to travel to the Royal Palace in San Glacera to help with their winter festival. When she arrives, she met Prince Nikolas, the heir to the throne, who come across as a grumpy.

It is a light, entertaining and predictable story with a twist on the Cinderella theme. I love Gracie and Nikolas’ characters. They are so different in their background but yet similar at the same time. I enjoyed reading their relationshipThere were many heart warming moments that make me smile. Overall it is a sweet love story to me.

My Rating

Book Review – Something From Tiffany’s By Melissa Hill

New York City at Christmas and a visit to Tiffany’s is a recipe to sweep a girl off her feet unless fate has other plans . . .

When Ethan Greene lost his wife, he never thought he would be able to replace her, until one woman stepped in and showed him how to be happy again. Now, on a romantic Christmas trip to New York City, he has a plan to show Vanessa just how important she is to him and maybe even to give his daughter, Daisy, a complete family again. He’s going to propose with a perfect ring from Tiffany’s.

Gary Knowles and his girlfriend, Rachel, are on the trip of a lifetime in New York at the most magical time of year. The only thing missing is Gary’s gift for Rachel, since as usual, he’s left his shopping far too late. On a last-minute Christmas Eve visit to Tiffany’s, he quickly picks out a charm bracelet for her and heads back to their hotel. But, in a moment, one small mistake changes everything…

Published Date: 4 October 2022

My Review

It is a story of 2 man who are bought a gift for their respective partners and the gift got mixed up between them when they involved in an accident. Gary did his last minutes shopping, bought a Tiffany’s charm for his girlfriend while Ethan who planned to proposed over Christmas bought a perfect engagement ring for Vanessa. And when the Tiffany’s bag got mixed up, their lives has become intertwined when Ethan tried to recover to find back his pricey bag.

This story filled with twist and turns. At times, i feel frustrated with Ethan. He come across as Mr Nice guy in this story. He doesn’t want to hurt Rachel’s feeling hence he missed the chance to tell her the ring that she wore belong to him and not from her fiancé. Overall, this book is a quick read to me with fate and betrayal being the focus of the story.

My Rating

Book Review – Mail Order Cowboy By Victoria James

Hope Roberts has a strict No Cowboys Allowed policy. Between raising her daughter, running her business, and trying to settle into her new ranch, Hope has no room for romance—especially when it comes to cowboys. What she needs is someone to help fix her ranch. But the only person to respond to her ad is the one man Hope still blames for her husband’s death…

In Wishing River, Dr. Dean Stanton is pretty much a legend. Cowboy, doctor, heir to his family’s ranching empire—everyone knows and loves him…with the exception of Hope. But Dean doesn’t trust a complete stranger to keep Hope and her daughter safe. And despite their troubled past, he’s still the best cowboy for her job.

Bit by cautious bit, Hope’s little family of two is making room for the man she once thought of as her enemy. Until one day, Dean looks like the perfect exception to her “no cowboys” rule. But he’s been keeping a secret from her that could destroy their newfound family…

Published Date: 27 December 2022

My Review

Hope is a holistic doctor who juggle between a ranch, work and her kid. Hope has recently moved into the ranch with her daughter. She needed help but could not find someone to and she don’t know how to fix the ranch. The only response she gotten is from Dr Dean who was her husband doctor and she blame him for his death. Dean, is a wealthy doctor who comes from a family who make you cringe. Unlike his father, Dean is responsible and sweet. He has loved Hope from afar but keep it all to himself.

It is a story about healing and finding love again. It centered between Hope and Dean who being in love but unable to be together. Love reading when they are together and they do make a cute couple. Dean is the perfect hero who seem to have a perfect life; wealthy, a professional doctor, a rich rancher and heir to a fortune. But he is miserable. He has strained relationship with his father and no contact with his only brother. Hope on the other hand, is struggling and her attraction to Dean is not helping her. Both of them need to work through their secrets and overcome all the hurdles for them to find love with each other. Overall, it is a sweet read to me.

My Rating

Book Review – All That We Are By Mariah Stewart

In the decade since Emma Dean’s husband died, she’s maintained a peaceful and organized life in her hometown of Wyndham Beach—until she finds evidence of her husband’s longtime affair. How, Emma wonders, can a man who’s been gone for ten years still break her heart?

Still reeling from the betrayal, Emma must focus on the group of artists she’s invited to take up residence at the art center she founded, one of whom is secretly seeking refuge from her abusive ex. Toss in a charming businessman who’s returned to town with eyes for only Emma, and it’s becoming a most interesting summer.

And the biggest surprise of all is about to ring Emma’s doorbell and turn her life completely upside down yet again.

As Emma struggles between what was and what is, she discovers that the life she really wants—however unexpected—is just within reach, if she’s willing to fight for it.

Published Date: 13 December 2022

My Review

Emma found out her death husband had a relationship with his secretary on the his 10th death anniversary. He was the local bank’s president and has left her well off and taken care off. She felt bitter and struggled to overcome the betrayal despite that it happened long ago and her husband is no longer around as it makes her questioned their relationship and the life that they shared together. While all this happening, she found a little girl at her doorstep claiming that her father is Emma’s only son, Chris. It comes as a shock to her and she can’t possibility asked the little girl to go back to where she come from before they find out the truth about her existence. While all this thing going on, Emma get support from her 2 close friends, Maggie and Liddy and her possibility of closer relationship with Owen consumed the rest of the story.

This story explores on complexity in relationship about betrayal, family and friendship. The main characters are relatable and story line realistic and flow easily. The mystery surrounding the little girl make the story make me hard to put down my kindle. The friendship between Emma, Maggie and Liddy is clearly strong in this book and the way they supported each other is something that make the reader envious. Overall, it is an enjoyable read to me.

My Rating

Book Review – Family Secrets At The Inglenook Inn By Helen Rolfe

Rupert has been the chef at the Inglenook Inn for years. He loves working at the boutique hotel, crafting exquisite meals and fantastic desserts for each and every guest. When his boss, who is practically family, is called away on an emergency, Rupert has to step up and run the place. That would be challenge enough, but when his sister Natalie shows up, she brings a whole lot more baggage than her belongings.

Katy is out of a job and out of luck until she lands a temporary job at the Inglenook Inn. With her years of experience, helping to manage a hotel is a challenge she relishes. But there’s more drama under the one roof than she ever expected and on top of that she’s worried her dad might be making a major decision he’ll regret.

Rupert and Katy have their hands full, but there’s magic in the air at the Inglenook Inn, and as they work side by side they discover something new and unexpected.

Is it possible to fall in love in just a few short days?

Published Date: 15 December 2022

My Review

Katy is recently unemployed and find out that her father is planning to remarry. Being unemployed drive her to find job as soon as possible and when Sofia needs to be with her daughter who was involved in an accident, her friend employed Katy to run the Inglenook Inn with the resident chef, Rupert. Rupert is happy to take over the responsibility. Both Katy and Rupert work very well together and when Rupert’s sister turned up at their doorstep, she brings a whole set of problem to them to solve.

It is a story of family relationship, love and friendship support. I love the main characters who come across as very caring and their dialogues are very well written. There is instant spark between Rupert and Katy. Overall, it is a heartwarming story which carries some sensitive issues which both Rupert and Katy have to faced.

My Rating

Book Review – The Sweet Spot By Adriana Locke

She wants forever. He plays it day by day. They’re both wishing for the best in USA Today bestselling author Adriana Locke’s charming and sexy hopefully-ever-after romance.

Single mom Palmer Clark will not be sidelined by the new man in town. Sure, the honey-tongued baseball legend is gorgeous, loves puppies, and has charmed his way into the community’s heart, but Palmer craves stability. Nothing about Cole says forever. So why is he so hard to resist?

Cole is swinging through town to visit his parents when he meets the kind of down-to-earth distraction he’s been looking for since retiring from the majors. True, his long-term relationship score is zero. But even though raising his average with Palmer seems impossible, it’s worth a shot.

As promising as the summer nights are, fate turns small-town dreams upside down, and some lessons are learned the hard way. But having faith in love and choosing hope over fear might get Palmer and Cole to the sweet spot they’re looking for.

Published Date: 29 November 2022

My Review

Palmer is a single mother with a 12 year son, Ethan. She strive to provide stability to him despite her irresponsible ex husband’s lack of interest in their son. Cole is back to town after an injury. He is a professional baseball and with the injury, he know his retirement from the sport is up soon. Given time off from the sport, he is back home visiting his family. It was at a local bar he met Palmer and there was an instant attraction between them which Palmer trying hard to deny it.

This is a small town romance where 2 characters who has entirely different things in their life found love with each other. The characters were very likable and their chemistry is felt from the very beginning till the end. Overall it is a sweet read to me.

My Rating

Book Review – A Chance Inheritance By Carolyn Brown

Three cousins who’ve grown apart
The love of a grandmother that brings them back together
A fresh start they all deserve

Upon inheriting their grandmother’s home and family bait shop, three cousins—Lanie, Jodi, and Becky Cornell—return to Catfish, Texas, hoping to find the fresh start they all need. Turns out living as roommates in Granny Lizzie’s tiny two-bedroom house and running the Catfish Fisherman’s Hut isn’t at all like the idyllic summers they spent as children on the banks of the Red River. The days are long and hot, the tourists demanding and rude. And then there’s Chris Adams, a local river guide who seems to have eyes only for Becky.

But Lizzie’s death has set in motion a chain of events that will cause a new generation of Cornell women to come together. And thanks to this chance inheritance, some local fishermen, and the love of their grandmother, the Cornell cousins discover that sometimes an ending is really the beginning of a brand-new happily ever after.

Published Date: 10 January 2023

My Review

Lainie, Jodi and Becky are Lizzie Cornell’s granddaughters. All 3 of them inherited their grandmother’s home and bait shop and they return to Catfish to grieve her passing. While they were there, they realise how much the Fishing Hut meant to the locals and they want to continue the legacy their grandmother have created.

This book is a short story about 3 cousins who returned home to find their new footing in their life. It is a story of family relationship, love and memories of them with their grandmother. Overall it is a sweet read to me.

My Rating