Book Review – Page 122

Book Review – Shopping With The Enemy By Carmen Reid

The opponents: mothers vs. daughters

The battle scene: a boutique changing room

Fashion-guru Annie’s well-dressed world is falling apart – first she has lost her legendary sense of style, and now her daughter Lauren seems to have become her worst enemy. Even her multi-millionairess friend, Svetlana, is having daughter trouble – she’s at war with Elena over their business in New York.

A trip to a luxurious Italian spa seems like the perfect way for Annie to forget her problems. But celery juice and Pilates can’t solve the disasters that are about to strike . . .

Will Annie rescue her passion for fashion?

And can mothers and daughters ever truly be friends?

Published Date: 17 March 2023

My Review

After experiencing a loss of her artistic inspiration and enduring the humiliation of a disastrous stage performance, Annie is advised to take a break and rediscover her creative spark. Meanwhile, she finds herself grappling with her stubborn daughter, who seems determined to make life difficult for herself. This book offers a delightful blend of humor, relatability, and absurdity. Readers will recognize glimpses of both themselves and their own relationships in Carmen Reid’s well-crafted characters. What unfolds when you’ve done your best to raise your daughter, yet struggle to recognize your own success?

My Rating

Book Review – Finding Love at Roseford Blooms By Fay Keenan

After a rough year, the last place Lizzie Warner wants to be is Roseford. It may be a picture-postcard country idyll, but for Lizzie it will always hold difficult memories from her past. But when the alternative to staying with her Aunt Bee, owner of Roseford Blooms, is moving back in with her controlling parents – well, the choice is easy.

Simon Treloar was born and raised to be the Lord of the Manor, but now he’s had to hand over his beloved Roseford Hall to a heritage charity, he begins to question his usefulness. Can he find a way to make his mark, or is it better to walk away from generations of history and strike out on his own?

When Lizzie and Simon meet, they recognise kindred spirits in each other. But with both questioning their futures, can one magical summer in Roseford help Lizzie and Simon move on from what is holding them back? Or is there too much history on both sides for them ever truly to be happy together?

Published Date: 16 March 2023

My Review

Lizzie’s year has been filled with heartbreak due to her breakup, selling her marketing business to her ex, and enduring injuries from an accident. The thought of spending time with her demanding parents while recovering and planning her future is something she wishes to avoid. When her Aunt Bee offers her the opportunity to stay in Roseford, despite the painful memories associated with certain individuals she’d rather not encounter again, Lizzie decides to accept.

Upon meeting Simon, the owner of Roseford Hall, Lizzie and he develop a friendship that quickly grows into a mutual attraction. They soon realize that they both carry similar dark pasts. Their connection becomes a source of support for one another as they embrace second chances and embark on new beginnings, striving to find happiness together. Additionally, Aunt Bee’s unwavering support for Lizzie adds to the warmth of the story.

Overall, this heartwarming book explores themes of second chances, new beginnings, and the pursuit of happiness. Witnessing the bond between Lizzie and Simon, as well as Aunt Bee’s nurturing role, makes for an enjoyable reading experience.

My Rating

Book Review – The SEAL’s Treatment By Leslie North

She’s helping heal his body, but what about his heart?

Physical therapist Kinley James loves helping her clients—until she accidentally discovers one of them is a Mafia hit man. Now she’s seen too much, and that means her life is in danger. Good thing her sexy new client, Matthew Templeton, is a rugged Navy SEAL.

Matthew is struggling to recover from a serious injury and learn how to be a dad to his recently orphaned niece. He’s committed to powering through his rehab so he can return to the job he loves—and he’s less than delighted when Kinley warns that may not be realistic. Still, not only is she a warm and beautiful woman, she’s amazing with his niece.

And there’s not a chance in hell that he’ll let any harm come to her.

At first, Kinley dismisses the increasingly dangerous “accidents” happening around her, but Matthew is worried… and neither can dismiss their growing attraction to each other. Can Matthew protect Kinley, and confess his feelings for her, before it’s too late?

Published Date: 2 March 2023

My Review

Navy SEAL Matthew Templeton, who sustained injuries during his recent mission in Colombia resulting in the death of his teammate Sebastian, seeks the expertise of Dr. Kinley James, a specialized physical therapist focusing on hand rehabilitation. Matthew hopes to regain his abilities as an explosive and bomb expert, despite Dr. James expressing doubt regarding his chances of fully restoring fine motor skills in his dominant hand for his former role on missions. Undeterred, Matthew remains determined to recover. Coincidentally, they discover that they are neighbors and their paths intersect when Matthew requires assistance with his niece, while Kinley finds herself in need of protection after accidentally overhearing a conversation involving one of her patients.

This book delves into themes of family, friendships, tragedy, and love, delivering a fast-paced and action-packed storyline that keeps readers on the edge of their seats until the very end. While all the main characters possess strength, my personal favorite is Matthew. Overall, it provides an enjoyable reading experience.

My Rating

Book Review – The SEAL’s Hookup By Leslie North

Romance and risk go hand in hand when a Navy SEAL’s unborn child is threatened…

Navy SEAL Jonathan Winter and DEA Agent Tabitha Andrews have a long history together. And it’s about to get longer. Tabitha is determined to clear Jonathan’s name after a mission gone wrong. But her case just hit a bump in the road… a baby bump.

The two shared one night of passion—and now Tabitha is in a fight against time. She’s the only one who believes Jonathan is innocent, so she has to keep working the case. And she won’t be allowed to do that if her superiors learn she’s pregnant with the gorgeous Navy SEAL’s child.

Jonathan’s upbringing tells him marriage is the only option when he learns Tabitha is pregnant. And when he realizes her life may be in danger thanks to the investigation, keeping Tabitha—and his unborn child—safe becomes his only goal.

They decided years ago that a relationship between them couldn’t last. But working together to solve a deadly puzzle may send this headstrong couple in a direction neither anticipated…

Published Date: 9 March 2023

My Review

Jonathan and Tabitha share a complicated history. Jonathan is a Navy SEAL, while Tabitha works as a DEA Agent. When their team faces internal betrayal, Tabitha becomes their best hope in clearing Jonathan’s name through her investigation. However, her discovery of being pregnant with Jonathan’s child prevents her from assisting him. Now, both she and the baby are potential targets, and Jonathan must ensure their safety. This well-crafted and captivating story revolves around a suspenseful romance, featuring strong chemistry between the main characters. As they work together to solve the puzzle of their case, their personal relationship begins to unravel. Overall, it is an engaging and enjoyable read.

My Rating

Book Review – Faking It With The Grump By Kate O’Keeffe

Harper
It’s one thing to be dumped by the huge Hollywood star you thought you were going to marry. It’s quite another to move back to the small town you’re both from.

As a booby prize for being shown the door by Dex Ryder, everyone is trying to set me up with their son, their nephew, or their long-lost cousin’s gardener. Either that or they’re throwing me pitying looks that say, “You’re a big loser.”

I’m not going to put up with their patronizing sympathy anymore.

So, when I spot new-guy-in-town Christopher Young, I set out to make him mine. Or you know, pretend to make him mine. I’m still in a horrible funk over Dex, and Christopher is an uptight grump. Not exactly my type.

The fact that despite appearances, he’s gorgeous and doing weird things to my blood pressure doesn’t mean a thing.

Really.

Not. A. Thing.

Christopher
Hunter’s Creek, population next to nothing, is the reason I work all the time. I’m solely focused on buying the town’s lumber mill so I can go back to NYC and get my big promotion. This small town is a means to an end. Nothing more.

That is until the prettiest girl I’ve ever seen superglues her lips to mine in an unexpected and very public way. She’s not the kind of woman I usually go for with her boho dress and ankle boots, but that kiss…

I’m disappointed when she comes up for air and tells me it’s all for show. But if Harper Cole wants me to be her fake boyfriend while I’m here in town, who am I to turn her down? Being attached to a local might ingratiate me to the townsfolk and make my job that much the easier.

After all, dating Harper can only be make believe. Not when my entire future is at stake.

Published Date: 14 March 2023

My Review

Harper, a lively and enthusiastic teacher, finds herself heartbroken after being dumped by her childhood sweetheart. Returning to Hunter’s Creek, a community where she is adored yet pitied due to a viral video, she strives to project strength and avoid the sympathetic gazes of those around her. On the other hand, Christopher, a high-powered city lawyer, visits the town with a specific objective in mind, focused primarily on his work and maintaining a strict demeanor. In an effort to fend off the pitying looks from friends and family, Harper impulsively claims to be dating someone—none other than Christopher himself. Surprisingly, Christopher agrees to this ruse, recognizing that pretending to date a local may alleviate suspicions about his true purpose in town.

This book delves into the intricacies of a fake relationship within a close-knit community, set against an incredible backdrop. The main characters, Harper and Christopher, couldn’t be more different from each other. Harper is gentle, intelligent, and selfless, often putting others’ needs before her own. In contrast, Christopher is gruff, adhering to rules, and guarded when it comes to matters of the heart. The dynamic banter and chemistry between them are truly captivating. Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book, finding it to be a delightful experience.

My Rating

Book Review – The Winning Tickets By Judith Keim

Sometimes magic happens…

Gabby Willets returns to her hometown of Ellenton, NY, to care for her father, who’s dying of cancer. She and her father are exceptionally close because her mother died giving birth to her in a situation that should never have happened. As Gabby was growing up, she and her father shared a love of cars and even participated in a few races. Her father suggests she work at the Dan Davis Lexus Dealership, where he has been head mechanic for years, and Gabby decides to do it. When a contest is announced with the prize of two tickets for a 10-day Caribbean cruise for the salesperson selling the most cars in a two-month period, Gabby goes for it, competing against the owner’s son, Hank.

Gabby wins the tickets, and she and her best friend, Jessica Knight, board the ship, Tropical Magic, hoping for some magic of their own. The cruise is full of surprises starting with Hank’s arrival with Ashley Phillips, the woman he’s been dating—a woman both Gabby and Jess detest with good cause. Though Hank and Gabby have been attracted to one another, they don’t act on it because dating someone you work with seldom works, and Gabby doesn’t want to lose her job. But as Gabby and Hank get to know one another, magic does happen and suddenly they’re faced with different choices.

Surprises continue, including the most touching surprise of all when Gabby and Hank discover more than a cruise was at stake.

Published Date: 8 March 2023

My Review

This is the tale of Gabby and Hank, two individuals acquainted for years who both work as car salespeople at the local Lexus dealership. Their ongoing competition intensifies as they vie for the grand prize: a luxurious cruise for two. Gabby, raised solely by her father following her mother’s passing during childbirth, returned from New York City to her small hometown to care for her terminally ill father. Hank, on the other hand, is the son of the dealership owner, and his relationship with his father only developed after he moved back to town. Although a mutual attraction existed between Gabby and Hank, they never pursued it due to the dealership’s strict no-dating policy. Gabby intends to bring her best friend, Jessica, on the cruise if she wins, while Hank plans to bring his new girlfriend. In a surprising turn of events, Gabby emerges victorious, only to discover Hank and his girlfriend in the neighboring cabin once aboard the cruise ship named Tropical Magic.

Prepare for an engaging and humorous romantic tale that will keep you hooked with its unexpected turns. The characters in this story are authentic and remarkably well-crafted. The plot is meticulously planned, captivating readers from the very beginning. These characters possess depth, and despite my initial reservations, I couldn’t help but fall in love with Hank. All in all, this book provided me with an enjoyable reading experience that I highly recommend.

My Rating

Book Review – The Man I Met On Holiday By Fiona Gibson

How Lauren thought her summer holiday would go:Priceless mother-son memories made before Charlie leaves for university.

How things actually are, now they’re here: Charlie refusing to speak to her and a creeping sense of dread contemplating the rest of her life alone.

Although Charlie has decided that holidays with Mum are now deeply uncool, Lauren is determined not to waste this trip. Then she meets James, who was supposed to be holidaying with his daughter but is now, like her, unexpectedly flying solo.

Lauren is soon sneaking away for romantic dinners under the stars and the pair start planning for a future.

But what happens when Lauren and James pick up their emotional baggage back home? And what will their kids make of their mid-life rom com in the making?

Published Date: 2 March 2023

My Review

In Corsica, Lauren, a woman enjoying her vacation with her teenage son, crosses paths with James, a divorced veterinarian from London. They quickly develop a strong bond and rediscover the true meaning of love. Their connection continues even after their holiday, as they bring their families together. This book narrates their story of finding a second chance at love, while also exploring the conflicts and challenges they face along the way. The perspectives of both Lauren and James’ children, Esther and Charlie, are included, adding depth to the narrative. I appreciate how both Lauren and James handle the issues involving their children in a practical manner. Overall, this book is an enjoyable read.

My Rating

Book Review – Something New At The Borrow A Bookshop By Kiley Dunbar

A fairytale ending isn’t just for fiction…

The Borrow-a-Bookshop is recovering, seven months on from the winter flood that destroyed all its stock, and the latest temporary bookseller, Joy Foley, arrives in Clove Lore with her daughter, five-year-old Radia Pearl. As a tech expert, she’ll be working on dragging the Bookshop into the twenty-first century.

But what no one knows is that Joy is running from Radia Pearl’s father. She can’t settle down here or anywhere … moving on is how she stays safe. So when Radia befriends Monty Bickleigh, ex-fisherman and the new cook at The Siren’s Tail pub, despite herself, Joy finds herself growing closer to him, and the quirky community of Clove Lore.

While Joy settles in to the bookshop, Araminta Clove-Congreve, local lady of the Manor, is finding running her new wedding business harder than anticipated. She needs to hire a chief wedding planner, and fast – and Joy’s family may have the answer.

As Joy finds her heart softening by the magic of Clove Lore, can her new friends – and Monty – be enough to convince Joy to stop running and find a new life?

An uplifting, gorgeously romantic read that will warm your heart; fans of Jenny Colgan and Trisha Ashley won’t be able to put this down. Bookworms everywhere, escape to the magic of Clove Lore today…

Published Date: 23 March 2023

My Review

Joy, a skilled technology expert and digital nomad, has taken up a position at the Borrow a Bookshop bookstore. Alongside being a devoted mother to her five-year-old daughter, she seeks a sense of belonging and a tranquil life. Joy and Radia Pearl, both new Borrowers and temporary booksellers, have found solace in this opportunity, as they are escaping Radia’s father. During their time there, Joy develops a close bond with Monty, a former fisherman.

This book delves into the theme of second chances in love, while shedding light on the mental abuse Joy has endured in her marriage, from which she has been trying to escape. Through the story, I can perceive the profound love of a mother in Joy and the resilience it grants her in protecting Radia. Overall, this heartwarming read resonates deeply with me.

My Rating

Book Review – Save The Best For Last By Jennifer Probst

Tessa Harper, makeover queen of a self-care media empire, loves a challenge. But when she’s forced to satisfy her female readership’s growing interest in sports, Tessa reluctantly seeks out Ford Maddox. The popular sportscaster, annoying friend of her bestie, and long-time sparring partner agrees to strike a deal. He’ll give Tessa his expertise if she’ll give him hers. Namely a makeover to help him get past the friend zone with the woman of his dreams.

Ford has always considered Tessa to be nothing more than a pampered elitist. But if she can turn his rough style and attitude into boyfriend material, it’s worth the aggravation. The plan is working. The problem is, Ford’s also starting to see Tessa in a new light. And there’s more to the complicated woman than meets the eye.

Ford is falling hard. But is he ready to give up his ideal love to take a chance on an opinionated, independent spitfire who’s turning his life—and his heart—upside down?

Published Date: 21 February 2023

My Review

Tessa Harper holds the position of beauty and fashion director at Quench, a successful company dedicated to women’s self-care. She manages the business alongside her three closest friends. Although Tessa and Ford frequently interact due to their shared social circle, they don’t get along well. However, Ford realizes that Tessa could assist him in pursuing the woman he’s interested in. Despite their initial discord, they develop a comfortable rapport and enjoy sharing their interests. The outcome of their relationship, however, is unexpected for both of them.

This book portrays a story of two individuals transitioning from frenemies to lovers, and I thoroughly enjoy the characters of Tessa and Ford. Tessa showcases her talent and ambition, while Ford exhibits passion in his work, though he sometimes comes across as naive. Overall, it’s an engaging read for me.

My Rating

Book Review – You Get That From Me By Charlotte Butterfield

You can’t choose your family…

Stella thought she knew how her life would turn out. A stellar career, the perfect husband (not like her own good-for-nothing dad), two gorgeous children, a dog to take on muddy countryside walks. But here she is: forty, single, living with her mum and grandmother, and trying to choose the ideal sperm donor out of a catalogue.

Bonnie might be an expert in genetics, but she knows there are some things you shouldn’t hand down to your children – like the secret of what really happened in her marriage forty years ago.

Florence has raised two generations of wonderful women in this house – but her life, and the story of her blissful marriage, are more complicated than she’s ever admitted.

When all three women start writing down their stories for Stella’s unborn child, the secrets and memories woven into the house begin to resurface. You can’t choose your family – but maybe you can choose what you make of it…

Published Date: 9 March 2023

My Review

Stella resides with her mother and grandmother, and despite being in her 40s and experiencing a string of unsuccessful relationships, she yearns to have a child. Deciding to pursue motherhood through a sperm donor, Stella receives unwavering support from both her mother, Bonnie, and her grandmother, Florence. In a touching gesture, Stella presents them with a notebook, encouraging them to document their stories for her future child. As they embark on this writing journey, a flood of memories resurfaces, unveiling hidden secrets and unraveling their seemingly straightforward past lives. The book centers around the intertwined lives of three generations of women who find themselves living together in their ancestral home. The deep connection among daughter, mother, and grandmother is beautifully depicted, and I particularly appreciate the unwavering support Bonnie and Florence provide for Stella’s decision. The characters are all remarkable and resilient, despite the generational gaps between them. Overall, this heartfelt story has left a lasting impact on me.

My Rating