Category Archives: Book Review

Review Card & Book Review- Falling For You Again By Kerry Lonsdale

Furniture artisan Meli Hynes still abides by her uncle’s truism: the only lasting love story is the one between artists and their creations. Having already given marriage a shot—for all of twenty-four hours during a Las Vegas fling—Meli made her choice. The wood-crafting shop that is her family legacy will always come first.

But when her uncle decides to sell to a competitor, Meli’s promised inheritance goes belly-up. She’ll do anything to muddle the deal. Including a marriage of convenience to an unforgettable and very practical old friend—the competitor’s son, Aaron. With a controlling family of his own, and every bit as impulsive as Meli, Aaron is in. After all, this isn’t the first time he and Meli got hitched on a whim.

The rules of the ruse are simple: public displays of affection and live together as happy newlyweds. The hardest rule of all? Never let real feelings get in the way of what they plan to be a purely professional second time around.

About The Author

My Review

Tis is a heartfelt and engaging second-chance romance that explores the complexities of love, family dynamics, and the courage to begin again. Meli and Aaron’s impulsive Vegas marriage and subsequent separation form a compelling foundation for a story about emotional growth and reconciliation.

Meli’s fiery independence contrasts nicely with Aaron’s gentle loyalty, creating a believable and charming chemistry. Their banter adds warmth and levity, though Aaron’s character could have used more depth beyond his devotion to Meli. The portrayal of family miscommunication — especially Meli being shut out of major decisions — felt frustratingly realistic but occasionally overdone, making the conflict feel repetitive rather than nuanced.

With strong characters, emotional beats, and a focus on healing, This book earns a solid four stars — a warm, romantic tale about finding your way back to love (and maybe booking a therapy session or two).

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Review Card & Book Review- The Magic Of Provence By Alison Roberts

Sometimes facing your fears can be the start of something wonderful. . .

Fiona Gilchrist has spent years running from her demons. But deciding to take back control, she packs up her life and makes the trip to Provence to be reunited with her sisters. And almost instantly, there is something about La Maisonette which is healing and Fi knows she’s ready for a chance to start again.

When an opportunity arises to work alongside vet Christophe Brabant, Fi, although hesitant cannot resist saying yes. Because immersing herself in what she loves is the ultimate distraction. And while Christophe may be utterly charming, he’s also committed to his job so Fi knows she’s in safe hands. Yet, what starts as a blossoming friendship quickly turns to something deeper. Because for the first time in her life, Fi begins to feel relaxed and completely at ease. Could it be that Christophe’s heart is more like hers than she realises? Or has she allowed him to penetrate the boundaries she always considered unbreachable?

Coming to France took a leap of faith, but in doing so it has allowed these two damaged souls a chance to find each other while Provence works its magic…

About The Author

My Review

The Magic of Provence is a heartwarming and emotionally layered romance that wraps readers in sunshine, secrets, and second chances. Although it’s the third book in a trilogy about the Gilchrist sisters—a fact frustratingly absent from the book’s blurb—it stands well enough on its own.

Fi Gilchrist, the youngest sister, is running from a traumatic incident in her university years that continues to shape her adult life. When she loses her job as a farrier, her path leads her to the idyllic cottage in Provence she and her sisters inherited. The charming but complicated vet Christophe, still healing from his own heartbreak, becomes an emotional catalyst for Fi. Their connection is undeniable but fraught with vulnerability and fear.

The chemistry between Fi and Christophe is gently developed and believable, with enough emotional tension to keep you invested. It’s a story of healing, trust, and the power of love to mend old wounds, all set against a backdrop that makes you want to book a trip to the South of France immediately. Overall, it is a lovely blend of escapism and emotional depth. Ideal for fans of contemporary romance with soul.

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Review Card & Book Review- The Cruise Club By Caroline James

Set sail on the Diamond Star for sunshine, romance – and just a little bit of mischief…

Cosy crime writer Carmen Cunningham is in trouble. Her inspiration has vanished, her deadline is looming, and her meddling elderly mother Betty consumes her every waking moment.

Hoping to revive her creativity, Carmen books a dream cruise, featuring workshops with her literary idol, Ruskin Reeve. It’s the perfect plan – until Betty insists on tagging along…

However, as the Diamond Star sails through sun-soaked ports and magical Mediterranean islands, Carmen finds the escape she needs as she discovers new friendships, and unexpected sparks with the grumpy, but charming, Ruskin.

But mischief is afoot on board the ship, with talk of items going missing and a secret club that’s got everyone talking… Will the cruise reignite Carmen’s writing muse or plunge her into the biggest plot twist of her life? Because, as she’s about to find out, anything can happen at sea…

About The Author

My Review

The Cruise Club is a delightful, feel-good escape that blends humour, heart, and a dash of mystery on the high seas. Cosy crime writer Carmen Cunningham is creatively blocked and emotionally drained, mostly thanks to her overbearing mother, Betty. Hoping to rekindle her writing spark, she impulsively books a place on a cruise ship writing workshop—only to find Betty has invited herself along too.

What follows is a charming, character-rich story set aboard the luxurious Diamond Star. Carmen is surrounded by a vibrant cast: the charismatic author Ruskin Reeve, celebrity chef Theo, and the lovable restaurant-owning duo Fran and Sid. As the cruise winds through stunning ports—Malta’s Valletta being a standout—Carmen begins to rediscover her voice, her confidence, and a hint of romance. Carmen’s transformation, supported by quirky friendships and laced with gentle humour, makes this an uplifting and thoroughly enjoyable read.

Overall, it is a charming voyage of self-discovery packed with laughter, lovable characters, and a warm sense of community.

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Review Card & Book Review- Cupcakes And Kisses In Micklewick Bay By Eliza J. Scott

Every night, Jasmine Ingilby dreams of delicate sugar flowers and perfectly swirled buttercream. By day, she steals moments between her cleaning shifts to craft stunning cakes from her tiny kitchen, hoping to transform her passion into something more. But as a fiercely independent single mother of two, finding time to grow her fledgling business feels like reaching for the impossible.

Just when her hard work seems about to pay off, Jasmine’s carefully balanced world begins to crumble. Her landlord puts a ‘For Sale’ sign outside her rented home. Then a figure from her past returns to town, reopening old wounds Jasmine thought had long healed and causing trouble at school for her young children.

Then Max Grainger – her childhood best friend – unexpectedly returns to Micklewick Bay after twenty-five years away, and Jasmine is blindsided by the emotions his presence stirs. Now a successful businessman with a son of his own, Max seems determined to solve all her problems. But years of self-reliance have built walls around Jasmine’s heart that even the sweetest gestures struggle to break through.

Will Jasmine’s fear of getting burned again stop her from accepting help when she needs it most? Or will the loyal support of her friends help her discover the perfect recipe for love?

About The Author

My Review

At the heart of the story is Jasmine Ingilby, a determined single mother working multiple cleaning jobs by day while nurturing her dream of running a cake-baking business by night. Life has tested her strength time and again, and just as she begins to see glimmers of progress, she faces a trio of setbacks—the threat of losing her home, her children’s growing struggles, and the sudden return of someone she thought she’d left in the past.

That someone is Max Grainger, her childhood best friend who’s now a successful businessman and single father. His unexpected return to Micklewick Bay after twenty-five years sparks a slow, tender reconnection built on shared memories and quiet understanding. Scott writes their journey with sensitivity and realism, allowing their bond to unfold naturally without unnecessary melodrama.

What makes the story shine is its emotional honesty. Jasmine isn’t portrayed as someone waiting to be saved but as a proud, resilient woman learning to trust again. Max’s steady kindness softens her defenses, resulting in a touching exploration of hope, healing, and second chances.

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Review Card & Book Review- The Twin By Amanda Brookfield

A splintered childhood.
A family divided.
An ugly past resurfaces…

From birth, twins Cath and Rob are inseparable. When their mother dies, their bond deepens as their father hastily remarries a woman with a volatile temper whose sole focus is her own baby – Oliver – who arrives nine months later.

When, aged 47, Rob tragically dies, Cath’s world begins to crumble. Her grief compounded further by Oliver’s out-of-the-blue decision to attend Rob’s funeral, opening old wounds after three decades of estrangement.

Thrown together, the half-siblings are forced to confront a past that sends shockwaves through both their lives due to the huge discrepancies in their respective recollections. But could both their versions of the truth be correct…?

About The Author

My Review

This is an emotionally rich and deeply affecting exploration of grief, identity, and the powerful connection between siblings. The story follows Cath, whose world unravels after the sudden death of her twin brother, Rob. Their relationship—defined by both unconditional love and unspoken rivalry—forms the emotional core of the novel, revealing how intertwined their lives have always been.

As Cath struggles to rebuild her sense of self, she is forced to confront old family wounds, tension with her stepbrother Oliver, and the fragility of her relationship with her partner, Alastair. Brookfield’s prose is elegant and unflinching, capturing the rawness of loss and the slow, uneven journey toward acceptance.

What makes this novel stand out is its psychological depth and compassion. Brookfield deftly portrays the complex emotions that come with losing a twin—someone who is both a mirror and a shadow. The Twin is a moving, beautifully written portrait of grief, family, and the enduring search for identity after devastating loss.

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Review Card & Book Review- Back In The Saddle By Maggie Eckersley

Saddle up for love…

Caroline swears she’s done with love. Fleeing her Scottish homeland with a broken heart for fresh start in Oklahoma is supposed to be smooth riding – until a whisky-soaked night at a local bar leads to a smouldering kiss with a devastatingly handsome cowboy. Hunter’s charm stirs something wild in her, awakening desires she thought she’d buried for good after her divorce.

Hunter has no time for distractions. With his family’s ranch on the line, he has enough on his plate. But then he meets Caroline, a sultry, sharp-tongued, whip-smart doctor. Their chemistry is electric, their connection undeniable – and that kiss? Unforgettable.

As their worlds collide, Caroline and Hunter find themselves drawn together in a whirlwind of passion and longing. But both are tied to the past and neither is ready to let go.

Can they hold the reins steady, or will they call it quits before the dust settles?

About The Author

My Review

Set in rural Oklahoma, this story captures the heart of the landscape with vivid authenticity and warmth. For locals, it feels like coming home; for newcomers, it’s an evocative introduction to wide-open skies and rugged charm.

At its core is Caroline—resilient, compassionate, and quietly strong. After enduring deep loss, she channels her pain into purpose, helping others and rebuilding her life with grace. Then there’s Hunter—a true cowboy hero with a steady heart. He’s patient, kind, and unwaveringly supportive, standing beside Caroline as she faces tough choices. Their connection is tender, built on trust, respect, and slow-burning attraction.

Eckersley crafts their “will-they-won’t-they” tension with perfect pacing, balancing emotion and restraint. Each shared moment feels earned, drawing readers deeper into their journey of healing and rediscovery.

And that ending—hopeful and heartfelt—cements this as a beautifully satisfying romance. A stunning debut, it’s perfect for fans of emotional Westerns, second chances, and stories where love grows slowly but surely.

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Review Card & Book Review- Spectacular Things: Reese’s Book Club By Beck Dorey-Stein

What would you give up for the person you love most? What would you expect in return?

Mia and Cricket have always been close. The gifted daughters of a young single mother, the “Lowe girls” are well-known in the small Maine town they call home. Each sister has a role to fill: The responsible and academically minded Mia assumes the position of caregiver far too young, while Cricket, a bouncing ball of energy and talent, seems born for soccer stardom. But the cost of achieving athletic greatness comes at a steep price.

As Mia and Cricket grow up, they must grapple with the legacy of their mother’s secret past while navigating their own precarious future. Can Mia allow herself to fall in love at the risk of repeating a terrible history? Will Cricket’s relentless chase of a lifelong goal drive her sister away? When does loyalty become self-sabotage?

About The Author

My Review

Spectacular Things is a heartfelt exploration of sisterhood, ambition, and the emotional cost of sacrifice. The story opens in 2028 with sisters Mia and Cricket, then shifts back to 1989 to reveal the story of their mother, Liz. Told through alternating perspectives, the novel weaves together the past and present, showing how family, choices, and grief shape each woman’s path.

Mia gave up a great deal so that Cricket could chase her soccer dreams, but when the roles reverse, Cricket struggles with what’s being asked of her. The writing is warm, intimate, and emotionally grounded, with characters that feel vivid and authentic.

Though I wished for more time with the sisters in the present day, this was an engaging and emotionally rich read that stays with you.
Overall, it is a beautifully written, character-driven story about the bonds and sacrifices that define family. Thoughtful, emotional, and well worth the read.

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