Book Review – Page 133

Book Review – A Country Escape By Katie Fforde

An utterly gorgeous and escapist rural romance, set on a perfectly-imperfect small farm in the beautiful English Cotswolds, that fans of Robyn Carr, Carolyn Brown and Susan Mallery will fall in love with.

When Fran Duke was a little girl, she dreamt that one day she’d get to move to a beautiful farm, keeping animals and living the rural dream. Now it looks like her dream might come true…

Because her Aunt Amy, who Fran has never even met, has made her an offer she can’t refuse. Fran can live on her dairy farm for a year rent-free and, if she is able to turn the farm’s fortunes around—and keep it out of the hands of the dastardly neighbor Antony Arlingham—she gets to stay and live there forever.

Fran feels excited for the challenge. Right up until the moment she walks up the muddy path to the tumbledown little farm and realises it’s in a state of total disrepair. Not only that, but she’s more than a little scared of the cows themselves. But, rolling up her sleeves, she thinks it’s nothing that she can’t overcome.

But then she crosses paths with Antony… And as her eyes take in the tall, dark, handsome stranger with eyes that seem to flicker with gold, she knows she’s in trouble. Has she found herself a country escape, or will she end up running away?

Published Date : 25 May 2022

My Review

It is a story about Fran receiving an unexpected inheritance from a distant relative, Aunt Amy that if she can make a success of a dairy farm, she will inherit the farmhouse and the herd. She also aware that there is another relative, Roy from Australia who will be competing with her for the inheritance. Aunt Amy has also told her to steer clear of the immediate neighbor, Antony. Fran who is a chef by trade, decided to take up the challenge. However, she did not anticipate the problem that is awaiting her.

Initially overwhelm and have no idea in running a farm, Fran explore to make cheese from the milk given that that the farm in need of immediate fund, she together with her friend, explore ideas to turnaround.

The characters are delightful and well developed. At the beginning of the story, I was expected a hostile Antony based on Aunt Amy’s warning to Fran. Surprisingly, as Fran get to know him, she finds that Anthony is one of the nicest people she has ever met and Fran begin to find herself falling in love. I love Fran’s determination in making the farm work despite that she scares of cows on the farm. Overall it is a charming and fun read for me.

My Rating

Book Review – Summer At The French Cafe By Sue Moorcroft

As soon as Kat Jenson set foot in the idyllic French village of Kirchhoffen, she knew she’d found her home. Now she has a dreamy boyfriend, a delightful dog and the perfect job managing a bustling book café in the vibrant Parc Lemmel. ‘

But when she learns her boyfriend isn’t all he seems, it’s the start of a difficult summer for Kat. Vindictive troublemakers, work woes and family heartache follow, and the clear blue sky that was her life suddenly seems full of clouds.

Then she gets to know the mysterious Noah, and her sun begins to shine brighter than ever. But Noah has problems of his own – ones that could scupper their new-found happiness. Together, can they overcome their many obstacles, and find love again?

Published Date: 12 May 2022

My Review

This is a story about Kat Jenson, manager of a book cafe: Livres et Cafe in France, which near a large leisure and water park area, her half brother Solly and Noah.

It is a story about betrayal, illness, revenge and complicated family relationship which leave you with a mixture of feeling. The characters are wonderful and story moved along at a great pace that kept me captivated until the ending. Love Kat and Noah’s charming romance and the way they tackling the issues of their own: Kat with the sabotage mystery on the cafe and her complicated relationship with Solly and her father and Noah with his relationship with his ex-wife and her new husband. Overall, it is a great read for me

My Rating

Book Review – Knocked Up In Alaska By Samanthe Beck

Everyone in Captivity, Alaska now knows Lilah Iquat’s big (and getting bigger) secret. She’s knocked up. Pregnant. All it took was a foolish decision with lasting consequences. Now Lilah’s going it alone—with the help of the town. But with one particular craving getting stronger, Lilah has her eyes on just one thing: too-sexy Ford Langley.

Ford’s ex-Army Special Forces sense of honor and duty haven’t disappeared. Which is exactly why Lilah is fully off limits, hands-off, and don’t even think about it, Ford. She’s too young and too bright for an ex-Army man who’s seen too much, too soon. Which means that he’ll hold to his code—even if it kills him. And it just might.

Now Lilah is showing Ford how much light and life and love he’s missing out on, testing every last shred of his resolve. But with a baby on the way and the whole town involved, Ford and Lilah are about to learn the hard way that life never goes according to plan…especially when it comes to love.

Published Date : 16 May 2022

My Review

A story about 21 yo Delilah who got pregnant with her unborn baby’s father died in an air crash and 31 yo, Ford, an owner of a Bar. She ran away from home when her mother rejected her and Ford offered her a job and a place to stay. This has push them together. As they relationship develop, Ford refuse to acknowledge his attraction, push Lilah to other suitor. Lilah on the other hand, want to prove that she is capable to be independent and able to take care of her baby.

I love this story very much. Both Ford and Lilah make a great couple though the age group has been one of the main the issue in their relationship. I love reading how much Lilah has grown at the beginning of the story to a mother at the end of the story. Love reading Ford’s protectiveness over Lilah but his stupidity despite his true feeling for Lilah make me abit annoyed.

My Rating

Book Review – When We Meet Again By Jill Steeples

Alice Fletcher doesn’t like to take chances and she certainly doesn’t believe in fate. Three years after the end of her last long-term relationship, she’s in no hurry to risk another heartbreak.

But fate has other plans. One day, on her drive home, Alice comes across a man, dazed and lost, by the side of a wrecked car. And with no one else around, Alice goes to help.

TV star Jimmy Mack is riding the crest of the career wave one minute, and the next he’s staring at his crashed car. But when Alice comes to rescue him, things start to look up.

What Alice and Jimmy discover next changes everything. Fate might have marked them out for each other, but somehow their destinies have got tangled. Will they get their happily-ever-after, or might their time together be shorter than either of them would hope…

Published Date: 12 May 2022

My Review

It is a wonderful and uplifting story about soulmates. This book is not what I anticipated it to be when I begin to read. I wonder at the beginning of the story how the story gonna be develop given that the main characters are from a different world. It does come across to me whether is there another main character in the story that can drive this story and that Jimmy is the guardian angel in this story. This keep me in anticipating till I reach the part that both Alice and Jimmy realize what is going on. It kinda make me sad and bitter for their fate. This feeling that stayed with me till the end of the story .

My Rating

Book Review – In Bloom By Fern Michaels, Lori Foster and Carolyn Brown

AMAZING GRACIE * Fern Michaels

After years spent traveling the world as a flight attendant, Gracie Walden is ready to stay a little closer to her roots, starting with two weeks at home in Amarillo, Texas. But there’s unexpected turbulence between her mother, Ella, and her older sister, Hope—and it will lead to a revelation that changes Gracie’s life in amazing ways . . .

THE MOTHER’S DAY CROWN * Carolyn Brown

Monica Allen still hasn’t forgiven Tyler Magee for breaking her heart when they were teenagers. Ten years on, they’re back in Luella, Texas, visiting their respective grandmothers. and there’s just a white picket fence and a whole lot of awkwardness between them. Will two weeks be long enough for Monica to learn to stop holding a grudge—and hold on to love?

MEANT TO BE * Lori Foster

When Cory Creed was just a little girl, she knew she’d grow up to marry Austin Winston—and she made the mistake of telling him so. Tired of watching him avoid her ever since, Cory has decided it’s time to leave Visitation, North Carolina, and Austin, behind. But Austin has finally realized what Cory was once so sure of, and now it’s his turn to prove they belong together . . . with a little help from their mothers.

Published Date: 26 April 2022

My Review

3 different short stories from 3 authors which can be read as standalone.

1st story by Fern Michaels are gearing more towards women fiction. Started off with Gracie’s coming home to spend her holiday with her mother and sister only to discover the truth about herself.

Lori Foster wrote the 2nd story focusing around Cory and Austin. The story developed rather too fast and as a result the love story between them look surreal to me.

The 3rd and final story is by Carolyn Brown is about Tyler and Monica, their 2nd chance to be together again with the helps from both their grandmother.

My Rating

Book Review – MaybeWe Won’t By Melissa Foster

When workaholic Boston attorney Deirdra de Messiéres is passed over for a well-deserved promotion, she takes a two-month hiatus to show her boss just how much he needs her and heads home to Silver Island. But beyond seeing her sisters happy, home is not where Deirdra’s heart is. She has no interest in their family restaurant, the Bistro, or reliving hurtful childhood memories, and absolutely no interest in spending a single second with Josiah “Jagger” Jones, the Bistro’s too-laid-back musician and chef. Sure, the hippie is hot, but he drives her nuts. The guy lives in a van with his dog, and he can’t even commit to a solid work schedule. To make matters worse, he’s always around. She needs to get off the island, stat.

Jagger has overcome his own personal trials to place stock in life’s pleasures: family, friends, peace…and if he has his way, one positively beautiful, absolutely uptight attorney. Jagger knows he’s the perfect person to help Deirdra deal with her hurtful past and find her way back to being happy.

A chance encounter leads to deep conversation, and night after liberating night, Deirdra lets down her guard. But neither is long for Silver Island. Free-spirited Jagger has wanderlust, and Deirdra has a career to return to. They’re on different paths, and plans for a future together don’t stand a chance. But when has anything gone according to plan?

Published Date: 26 April 2022

My Review

This book is the the 3rd book in the Silver Harbor Series. It follows 3 sister: Abby, Caitlyn and Deirdre. This book focus on Deirdre who is an attorney at law, who objective in life is to focus on her works. This lead to her neglecting her family and missing out on social life. However, when she missed out a promotion which clearly she feel she is entitled to, she took a long leave of absence and return back to Silver Harbor, a place that holds many of her painful memories. She met Jagger, a drifter who claimed to know her mother.

I love reading about Deirdre finding her true self and finally is able to learn to put down her baggage that she has been carrying. Love Jagger for what he have been doing with his autistic brother and the plan that he is doing with his family despite his care free lifestyle. This character make me realise that we should learn to look beyond what is on the surface and not to judge people without getting to learn who the person’s true self is.

My Rating

Book Review – Sunday At The Flower Inn By Jodi Thomas

Jessica Ann McKenzie—“Jam” to everyone in Honey Creek—has fulfilled her dream of owning the best restaurant for miles around. Serving candlelit dinners to every couple in town on Valentine’s Day is a reminder of another dream, one she’s just about given up on. Until, that very night, Sergeant Tucson Smith clambers out of the muddy river and onto her land, bringing the promise of something they’ve both been searching for.

When McCoy Mason crashes on Interstate 45, he doesn’t just bust up his Mustang, his leg, and his relationship. He also loses his prospects of a job and apartment in Houston. Honey Creek, home to his estranged grandfather, offers a temporary respite, a place to recover before moving on again. After all, what permanent use could a town so picture-perfect have for a man like him?

At sixty-seven, Charles H. Winston III lives by order and routine. One of his most cherished rituals is a regular lunch date with three lovely ladies at the Honey Creek Café, including the very proper Miss Lilly Lambert. But it’s not too late to surprise the whole town—or himself—by seizing a chance for a once-in-a-lifetime adventure. And there’s no better season than spring, when the warm breeze blowing in from the Brazos River brings fresh hope and second chances to those who need them most .

Published Date: 26 April 2022

My Review

This book tell the story of Mike and Melanie, Jam and Tucson, McCoy and Baylor and Mr Winston and Lily. I love the story of Mr Winston and Lily the most. Love to see how they explore the one side that they haven’t done. Their story are just too sweet to read 🙂

As the same with earlier books, this book has several storylines and the character will flow into one at the end of the book. It also have a mystery and I love how the people in Honey Creek came together to solve it. Overall, I love the way the author bring together stories from different characters at different stage in life.

My Rating

Book Review – The Meet Cute Method By Portia Macintosh

Do movie romances ever happen in real life…?

Frankie doesn’t believe in true love. As relationships expert at popular magazine Stylife, she has learnt that dating disasters are far more common than happy ever afters.

So when she is tasked to find out if meet cutes can work in real life she is up for the challenge – but whether it’s being a damsel in distress with a flat tyre, or spilling coffee over a stranger, she isn’t convinced this can really lead to love.

But little does Frankie know that the ultimate meet cute opportunity is just around the corner. As she is whisked off her feet (all in the name of her work project of course…) perhaps true love isn’t just for the movies after all…?

Publish Date: 4 May 2022

My Review

Frankie was tasked to go on a trip with someone she hardly known i.e at the elevator and to write her adventures thereafter, she never thought that things will changes so drastically. She thought it is going to be an innocent trip with Max. Unbeknown to her, Max invited her to join the fully paid holiday for a reason.

This book is about cute storyline with romance, friends turned lovers and full of humor. It leave you with a fuzzy feeling with a fun loving story and lovable characters. Overall it is a fun read for me

My Rating

Book Review – A Rose Petal Summer By Katie Fforde

Caro Swanson has taken a job in a remote part of Scotland.

She’s answered an ad in The Lady: being a companion to an elderly gentleman who lives in a country estate could be perfect! Surely it’s time to make a change and do something different for a while?

The fact that she may also see Alec, the young man who she met some years previously and who she has always thought of as her ‘one who got away’, is of course purely incidental.

Soon Caro is falling in love – not only with Alec but with the stunning country house she’s now living in. But the estate is in financial difficulties, and Caro soon realises there’s only one way to rescue it.

So begins a magical romantic summer, one that will take Caro from Scotland to London and the south of France, in search of a classic lost perfume that might just restore all their fortunes

Published Date: 19 April 2022

My Review

Caro took up a job in Scotland as a companion to an elderly man, Murdo while his daughter is away. The story focus on her life there and evolve around her acquaintance with the family. It was here she found the man that she fall in love years ago in Greece.

The story line is lively, moving from one character to another, pleasant read to me. The story is entertaining with strong characters with their own charms.

My Rating

Book Review- Someone To Love By Tracy Corbett

Synopsis

It’s hate at first sight for the wedding planners…

It’s down to maid of honour Beth and best man Matt to plan a dream wedding for the absent bride and groom. Not only do they have to handle the bride’s sky-high expectations and their respective dysfunctional families, they also have to deal with each other – and so far, it’s not going well.

Fire-fighter Matt is far too laid-back for Beth’s liking, and Beth’s need to arrive half an hour early for everything is driving Matt crazy. But over the weeks, the arguing and animosity morphs into something else that feels fun and flirty…

With Beth’s father parading his new, half-his-age girlfriend around, her mother set on revenge, Matt’s family refusing to engage in the celebrations, and an addled grandmother thrown in the mix, is there any way Beth and Matt can make the wedding a success?

Published Date: 14 April 2022

My Review

Beth is responsible given her profession was tasked by her younger sister in planning her wedding together with the groom’s uncle whom Beth couldn’t stand. Beth and Matt’s relationship did not start off well and this has form a rather negative perception of Beth over him. In the middle of planning, there is story of her parent who are in the middle of a divorce.

The storyline is promising but I find it abit rushed as it’s storyline started to develop. The story is also complicated and serious than what I expected just by looking at the book cover. Too many issue appeared and while I find all the conflict is interesting I feel that these conflict does not have sufficient time for it to develop before it end/resolved

My Rating