Book Review – Page 134

Book Review – Together Under A Snowy Skye By Lisa Hobman

After the heartbreak of a secret unrequited love, Millie Treadaway has finally found someone to spend her life with.
Harry Rose is handsome, successful and treats her like a princess. That is until Millie presents her fiancé with a surprise birthday gift, and their future is suddenly doomed.
Eight months later Millie returns to Glentorrin on the Isle of Skye for her best friend Jules’ Christmas wedding. Heartbroken, single and heavily pregnant.

Staying in Lifeboat Cottage with Jules’ brother, kindhearted Dexter, she’s given up on love and resigned herself to be the best single Mum ever.

But a shock phone call from Harry leaves her reeling and doubting herself and her decisions.

Do second chances work? Or is Dexter, right? That she deserves much more?

Can the festive spirit in Glentorrin, and a little stray Jack Russell terrier, heal her heart?

Or is she fated to remain a member of the lonely-hearts club forever?

Published Date : 24 August 2022

My Review

Millie never expect to be pregnant neither is she expect to be a single mum. All because her partner doesn’t want a child. Either she terminate the pregnancy or she resign to be a single mum. And she choose the latter. Despite her heartbreak; she return to Lifeboat Cottage to attend Jules’ wedding and met up with Jules’ brother Dexter.

There are some scene which are so heartfelt and full of emotion which make it more enjoyable as I watched the main character developed. The story is complex yet heart warming and kept me engaged from cover to cover. It is a story about family relationship and friendship and overall, a delightful read for me

My Rating

Book Review – Maybe This Christmas? By Jill Steeples

When Beth Brown loses her job and her boyfriend in the space of twenty-four hours, she thinks life can’t get any worse. That’s until she finds herself in the depths of the English countryside working for chef, Rocco di Castri. Not only does she have to deal with his legendary moods, but she’s also expected to get his chaotic schedule and workload in check, all while she’s nursing a broken heart.

It’s not long before Rocco’s idyllic home starts to work its magic and soon she sees a softer side to her boss too. And as the festive season approaches, Beth dares to look forward to everything the perfect country Christmas has to offer – and perhaps some romance of her own. Until news of an unexpected proposal threatens to put pay to all Beth’s plans. Will Beth get her happily-ever-after? Maybe, this Christmas…

Published Date: 23 August 2022

My Review

After being dump, Beth decided to start afresh and found a job working as a PA for celebrity Rocco, a man with good looks but having bad emotional swing. Beth tried to do her job but dealing with a mood swing Rocco is really challenging for Beth. It is a good predictable romance story with some romcom element in the storyline. Love the English countryside setting and the interaction between Beth and Rocco flows easily and fun to read to me.

My Rating

Book Review- Single All The Way By Portia MacIntosh

Will Dani find love this Christmas? Or will she be Single All The Way…?
When Dani’s boyfriend (and boss!) dumps her for a younger model, the only silver lining she can see is to be able to spend Christmas at home with her family after years away.

Determined to surprise them, Dani turns up unannounced in her hometown, excited to see that the festive season in Marram Bay is in full swing with Christmas lights twinkling on every corner. But disaster strikes when she finds her parents’ house is empty and they appear to have gone away on holiday!

Christmas alone and single is not ideal, and when Dani starts bumping into old friends, neighbours and potential love interests, she can’t face telling them the truth. So in a panic she claims to be home to throw a Christmas party for the whole town – easier said than done with 12 days to go before Christmas…

As the fake party approaches, little does Dani know that there may be someone there under the mistletoe for her, if she can just let her guard down and see them…

Published Date : 18 August 2022

My Review

Dani decided to celebrate Christmas with her family, something that she have not been doing all this while. She was dumped by her secret relationship with her boss and being demoted. Faced with the prospect alone, she decided to go back home only to find out that her parent went for a holiday in France. As she tries to cover up the fact she is all alone, there are stories about neighbour rivalry, long lost friends reconnect and flirtation with her teen crush.

It is a light and easy read for me. The story line is engaging and hilarious interactions with plenty of twist in this fun festive romance.

My Rating

Book Review – The Hardest Fight By Amy Vastine

There’s no backing down this time

Lucy Everhart expected her opposing counsel to be a slick, soulless corporate lawyer. Who else would represent developers intent on turning Chicago’s Safe Haven women’s shelter into condos? But she never imagined it would be Dylan Hunt. Clearly, he’s no longer the idealistic young man she fell for in law school. This is Dylan 2.0. The man who let her go without a fight five years ago—along with his passion for social justice, apparently. He may have compromised what he believed in, but Lucy hasn’t. Dylan has no idea what kind of fight he’s in for. But then again, neither does she.

Published Date : 1 July 2015

My Review

Lucy didn’t expect her opponent is her ex-boyfriend Dylan whom she last saw him five years ago and she is still not happy to see him now. Dylan did his homework and know that Lucy will be there but he didn’t realise that his feeling for her remain after all this year and he still doesn’t know why she broke up with him then and he knows that he need to know the reason why she leave.

This book present both domestic abuse and breast cancer as it’s issue which explore the fear of the unknown future. Lucy come across as a strong willed individual who fights from her heart. Love how forgiving Dylan when all the secrets come out. It is a well written story which flowed very nicely .

My Rating

Book Review – A Christmas House Wedding By Victoria James

Ruby Harris, longtime owner of the historic B&B, The Christmas House, is tying the knot—on Christmas Eve! Olivia Harris is thrilled for her grandmother and can’t wait to help plan the event.

Newly divorced, with an adorable baby girl, Olivia has spent the last year starting a new life in Silver Springs. First on her list is to renovate the old warehouse she’s purchased and launch her dance studio. Second is to find a date for the wedding. And third is to not fall for that date, because she’s sworn off relationships forever.

When Olivia’s meets Scott, a talented contractor, she hires him for the renovation. She also tries to ignore the sparks that fly between them. Then, an unexpected Christmas guest arrives: Olivia’s ex, Will, who’s come to rekindle their relationship. Now, Olivia must decide if she has it in her heart to forgive Will, or if she should pursue an exciting new relationship with Scott.

Publish Date: 11 October 2022

My Review

Olivia and Charlotte stayed with Grandma Ruby during their younger days. Now both of them are back with her again. Olivia, new divorced from her abusive husband and determined to raise her baby daughter herself returned to be with her Grandma, in time to plan her wedding to the love of her life. Looking at Charlotte who is so happy with her new husband, she is not ready to commit to a new relationship. However, her sister think otherwise. Scott, a widower with a teenage daughter is attracted to Olivia but he doesn’t have any idea about Olivia’s feeling is.

This is a story about forgiveness and rediscover yourself after being abused all these years. Love Scott for his understanding and patience for Olivia. It was an emotional and dramatic for me

My Rating

Book Review – My Big Fake Wedding By Jessica Hatch

The date is set. The guy is not.

When Bea Corbin enters a lottery to win her perfect wedding, she never imagines that her name will be picked right after she’s been cheated on, and unceremoniously dumped, by her ex-boyfriend. But when the event planner calls with the good news, Bea doesn’t say any of that. She panics and says yes.

Going against the advice of her oldest friend Oliver, Bea announces her marriage to her friends and family, and begins her hunt for a husband. Just because Oliver is an old-fashioned romantic doesn’t mean that Bea’s colour-coded binder filled with ways to find a fiancé won’t work.

As luck would have it, Bea soon has the most awkward, tequila-fuelled first kiss of all time with her gorgeous office crush, Andrew. But as Bea and Andrew’s relationship gets more serious at the exact moment her ex-boyfriend reappears declaring his undying love, things become more complicated than she could have imagined. Bea feels more lost than ever, especially because Oliver is no longer taking her calls, or answering her texts…

As the ceremony draws nearer, Bea discovers that the only thing more complicated than finding a husband on a deadline is finding the right one.

Published Date: 18 August 2022

My Review

Bea was still in relationship when she enters a competition with a dream wedding as prize. She never thought that her status in relationship changed and got a shocks when she got her dream wedding offer. So she strive to find a boyfriend and get married by the scheduled time even against the advice of her best friend Oliver. She set her sights on Andrew to pursue.

It is about the romance journey where Bea learn and evolved at the end of the journey the meaning of love. I never feel that Bea is connected to Andrew. The relationship just too fake and lacked the chemistry. Instead as I read along, I was hoping it was Oliver. Love the writing style and overall it is a fun light read for me with comes with a surprise ending.

My Rating

Book Review – Someone’s Else Honeymoon By Phoebe Macleod

When Charley finds herself suddenly single on Christmas Day it feels like her world has fallen apart.

Forced to move back in with her parents, she embarks on a journey of re-invention. When she meets Ed, who is on honeymoon alone after being jilted at the altar by a bride he’s never met, it looks like her life may be taking a turn for the better.

Fate, however, has other ideas, and she and Ed are forced apart.

Will she find her way back to him, or are they just not meant to be?

Published Date: 9 August 2022

My Review

Charlie found herself homeless on Christmas Day, it was like her world have fallen apart. She move back home with her parent and trying to move on with the help of her BFF. To help their daughter, her parent invited Charlie to join them on their annual vacation and it was there she met Ed who is on honeymoon alone after being jilted at the alter by a bride he never met before.

Overall I enjoy the simplicity of the storyline which easy to follow. However, I found that some imbalance in the plot especially the time where Charlie met Ed was too short as compared to the focus on the Charlie’s breakup.

My Rating

Book Review – The Highland Hens By Judy Leigh

‘One of those books that makes you feel good about being alive!’

In the imposing Glen Carrick House overlooking Scotland’s famous Loch Ness, lives eighty-eight-year-old Mimi McKinlay, cared for by her three adult sons. Hamish has inherited his mother’s musical talents, Fin is the responsible brother, and Angus has the complicated and brooding personality to match his dashing good looks.

But what all the brothers share is a concern that their beloved mother is living in her memories of her days on stage, while letting her present days pass her by.

Jess Oliver is at a turning point. Amicably divorced after years of being married, this trip to the Highlands is a first taste of independence. It isn’t long before the beauty and hospitality of Scotland captures her heart.

When Mimi and Jess’s paths cross, a friendship is formed that will change both women’s lives. And as together they find ways to look forward instead of to the past, long forgotten dreams are within reach, and every new day is fresh with possibilities.

Published Date: 4 Aug 2022

My Review

It is a story Mimi, an eighty eight years old and her three sons, Finlay, Angus and Hamish. Mimi lived in her last as a carefree and stage performer. As Mimi is getting uncontrollable, Finlay decided to look for a caretaker to be around for Mimi and Jess enters the McKinlay’s lives who presence becomes integral to the family.

This is a story of memories, family and relationship which on love, loss, grief and happiness. Love to read about the 3 brothers who cared so much for Mimi to ensure she have the best life possible. Overall it is a heartwarming and lovely read with wonderful characters and setting.

My Rating

Book Review – Along the Shore By Rochelle Alers

Cherie Renee Thompson is finally ready to dive into change. After two summers vacationing on Coates Island, she’s now a permanent resident, studying to be a teacher, and has formed invaluable friendships with two remarkable women, Kayana and Leah. Their summer book club, which meets weekly at the Seaside Café, has taught Cherie to seize the day. And as the ex-mistress of a powerful politician consistently unable to commit, Cherie is determined not to waste any more time—or try romance again…

When Cherie meets new sheriff and ex-army veteran Reese Matthews, there’s an immediate, undeniable spark between them. For his part, Reese has survived ongoing loss and believes that Cherie is as open and uncomplicated as she appears—until her former flame returns. Free of his responsibilities, he’s offering Cherie the luxurious life he always promised…

Now, in a summer of glowing potential, tranquil days, and book club meetings filled with insight and caring, Cherie must weigh past dreams against new chances, search her heart for what’s real—and what will fulfill her most.

Published Date : 26 July 2022

My Review

Cherie move to the island where both of friends, Leah and Kayana have settled with their husband and fiancé. Cherie comes from a poor family and meets her former rich lover at the school. Soon, they carried on the affairs for more than 10 years even when he got married. Even up to she deliver her baby boy and leave it to him as his current wife is unable to get pregnant in exchange for money. She is not happy but there is nothing she can do. Moving to the island is a way for her to let go of her past and to start life again. Here, Cherie found herself attracted to Reese but first she need to come clean to Reese on her former life. Overall, it is an enjoyable read for me.

My Rating

Book Review – Winter’s Path By Kelly Moran

My name is Matt Holcomb, and I’m the good guy. The boy next door. I’m the safe bet and I always do the right thing. Then one night two years ago, I made a terrible mistake that caused irreparable damage, and the guilt is killing me. If I’m ever to make the leap and find love again, the woman would have to be perfect. She can’t disrupt my carefully constructed control. I met my best friend Jenny Winter as a teenager and have loved her ever since. She’s gorgeous and talented. Her voice could make angels weep. Yet she chose someone else and I swore I’d never fall for her again. Until something happens between us and passion ignites. But she’s not the right girl for me, and crossing the line with her would not only change everything, it’ll take away the only good thing I have left.

Published Date: 2 August 2016

My Review

Jenny and Matt have a been best friends since teenager. They both understand that the friendship forged will not be more than that despite Jenny harbored a secret crush on Matt for years. Matt on the other hand, decided to move to Seasmoke permanently after ending a relationship which he convinced he doesn’t deserve to be love or be loved in return. It was here that Matt discover that his feeling for Jenny.

Overall, it is a heart wrenching emotional read for me especially at the ending. Love reading about Matt and Jenny carry their pasts and baggage and how they overcome it.

My Rating