Category Archives: Book Review

Review Card & Book Review- A Place In The Sun By Jo Thomas

It’s never too late to find where you belong…

Thea knew the holiday house her late husband Marco bought in Tuscany wasn’t pristine. But when she relocates to Italy for the summer with her children, she’s shocked by how much work Casa Luna needs. And she only has six weeks to fix it up ready to sell! Her only option is to ask the tight-knit Italian community for help.

In return, Thea and her children become involved in the community kitchen, working alongside handsome chef Giovanni and three very competitive nonnas. Gradually, Thea begins to open up to the people around her for the first time in a long while. But just as she’s beginning to wonder whether this small Tuscan town could become a new place to call home, a surprise visitor turns everything on its head . . .

About The Author

My Review

This is a heartwarming and uplifting story about love, loss, and finding home in unexpected places. The novel follows Thea and her two children, Luca and Aimee, as they travel to Tuscany in the wake of her husband Marco’s death. Nearly two years on, they arrive at Casa Luna—a crumbling property Marco purchased before he passed away, and a place Thea has only just found the courage to face. What unfolds is a touching journey of healing, as Thea begins to rediscover herself while restoring the house and finding her place in a close-knit Italian village. Along the way, she’s supported by a cast of vibrant characters, each bringing charm and richness to the story. The three wonderful nonnas are especially memorable, adding warmth, wisdom, and more than a few laughs. This is a lovely, feel-good read about second chances, resilience, and the bonds that hold us together.

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Review Card & Book Review- A Cornish Love Story By Cressida McLaughlin

The most romantic house in Cornwall has got a new owner…

Journalist Georgie Monroe has watched as it has been transformed into a high-tech glass palace, renovated by a mystery buyer.

When she’s invited to report on an event there, she comes face to face not only with her first love, architect Ethan Sparks, but also with their complicated past. Finding themselves trapped inside when the house malfunctions, Georgie realises that they — and the house — are still keeping secrets.

But have Georgie and Ethan left it too late to start again, or can they write the next chapter of their love story together?

About The Authoepr

My Review

This book follows Georgie Monroe, a journalist living in a quaint Cornish town who has long been enchanted by a beloved local author and the book series that shaped her teenage years. Now working for that very author, Georgie is asked to write a feature on the real-life house that inspired the novels—recently renovated and beautifully restored. But when she discovers who the new owner is, she’s faced with an unexpected reunion that brings back memories she thought were long buried.

Told through alternating past and present timelines, the story slowly reveals the connection between Georgie and Ethan, making their journey feel both romantic and real. Their shared history gives the novel emotional depth, while their present-day interactions add plenty of warmth and charm.

The house itself becomes a standout element in the book—its transformation mirroring the personal growth of the characters. It’s described so vividly, you can almost imagine yourself moving in and soaking up the Cornish air. With its engaging characters, a touch of mystery, and a good dose of humour, A Cornish Love Story is a light, lovely read that fans of cosy romance will no doubt enjoy.

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Review Card & Book Review- The Forever Cottage By Jill Steeples

🌿 It’s never too late to follow your heart… 🌿

Tess Alexander lives an enviable life with her husband Charles, at Hollyhocks Cottage in the idyllic Cotswold village of Lower Leaping. Dreaming of their early retirement, Tess’s plans are dashed when Charles shares some devastating news and suddenly she’s left alone with only Barney, her adorable Beagle dog, for company.

Facing an uncertain future, Tess tries to reconnect with her old self. She begins to transform the neglected garden office into a beautiful retreat, the perfect spot for her to indulge in her long-forgotten creative passions.

However, a chance encounter with charming but down on his luck, Rob Templeton, soon puts pay to her plans, when she offers him the place to stay, sensing a kindred spirit.

With the support of old friends, Gina and Suzy, Tess must now step out of her comfort zone and embrace a different way of life, one that is filled with secrets, possibilities and second chances, if only Tess is prepared to take them.

With so many demands on her attention, will Tess find a way to follow her heart and discover her own happy ending?

About The Author

My Review

This is a heartwarming, uplifting tale of new beginnings, personal growth, and the quiet power of friendship. When Tess’s husband unexpectedly leaves her and her daughter is off travelling, she finds herself suddenly alone—save for the comforting presence of her loyal dog, Barney. What follows is a beautifully written journey of rediscovery. Tess begins to shift her focus from the needs of her ex to her own passions, interests, and the life she wants to build for herself. As she tends to her charming garden—described in such vivid, serene detail you can almost smell the flowers—Tess also nurtures something deeper: self-worth and happiness on her own terms.

The supporting characters are a delight, particularly her neighbour Dilly and her two best friends, who bring warmth, humour, and authenticity to the story. Their evolving friendships add real heart to the narrative, reminding readers of the importance of a strong support network during life’s upheavals. Set in a picturesque village that feels like a character in its own right, this book is the perfect escape read.

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Review Card & Book Review- Dancing Under The Moon By Celia Anderson

Forty-something Molly is starting to realise – with growing horror – that life isn’t just passing her by, it has completely gone without her. Her husband, four children and large collection of animals are chaotic and demanding, and her job as a playgroup assistant has lost its power to inspire her.

When temptation strikes and Molly is desperately attracted to the charismatic village headmaster, she is outraged to discover that her husband Jake has beaten her to a fling, and even worse, has done this with one of Molly’s closest friends!

With the whole family plunged into turmoil for a variety of reasons, Molly is forced out of her comfort zone to make decisions that will affect her marriage, her children, her parents and her friends. Can she reclaim her life, and learn to love it again as she does so?

About The Author

My Review

This is an uplifting, heartwarming tale that effortlessly blends romance, friendship, and second chances into a story that’s as cozy as it is inspiring.

At the heart of the story is Molly, a woman in her forties who suddenly realizes that life hasn’t just passed her by—it’s all but vanished without her truly living it. Her journey of self-discovery is touching and relatable, reminding us that it’s never too late to chase joy, love, or personal growth.

From the very first chapter, the story grabs hold and doesn’t let go. Anderson’s writing is fluid and full of heart, making the book both easy to devour and hard to put down. The blend of romance, life reflection, and the beauty of unexpected friendships creates a feel-good read that lingers long after the final page.

Dancing Under The Moon is more than just a romantic escape—it’s a nudge to embrace life’s moments, take chances, and never stop believing in new beginnings.

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Review Card & Book Review- A Wedding Between Enemies By Lorraine Hall

Her choice:
Hate him or marry him!

Straitlaced Serena Valli didn’t expect her late father’s company to come with ruinous debts. Her strategy? Forge the merger of the century by marrying infamous rival CEO Luciano Ascione. A foolproof plan, if she can stand the maddening—and infuriatingly handsome—Italian…

Fabricating a playboy lifestyle has worked in Luciano’s favor; the world and his cruel father underestimate his every move. The pleasure he takes in vexing his alluring and steely fiancée, however, is very real. And when Serena matches his fire with her own, Luciano fears it’s not only she who’s unraveling…

About The Author

My Review

From the very first page, there’s no question that Serena and Luciano are sworn rivals—bred into hostility by the machinations of their feuding fathers. The tension between them crackles with history, pride, and deep-seated resentment, making their eventual emotional journey all the more rewarding.

When Serena proposes a marriage of convenience to save both of their crumbling family companies from a mutual threat, it sets the stage for a slow-burn transformation—one where two fiercely stubborn individuals must learn to cooperate, confront old wounds, and unearth the vulnerability beneath their hardened exteriors. Their chemistry is undeniable, but it’s their growth and emotional reckoning that truly stand out. As the story unfolds, the motivations behind both Serena and Luciano’s behaviors become clearer, and that emotional unraveling is what makes the story both engaging and at times, heartbreaking.

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Review Card & Book Review – We Both Have Secrets By Emma Robinson

What I’m about to say is going to blow our lives apart. But there’s nothing else for it. I’ve tried so hard to keep it from you, not wanting to cause you pain. But I can’t hide it any longer. You deserve the truth. But I don’t know if there’s any coming back from this. And I’m terrified you won’t ever forgive me…

There’s nothing as strong as a mother’s love. As I watch my youngest daughter stride into her new life as a student, a sob catches in my throat. It feels like only yesterday that my two precious girls were playing together without a care in the world. I sacrificed so much to give them the life they deserved and I’d do it again in a heartbeat.

Looking at my husband Robert, tears in his eyes, I realise just how far we’ve come. Our daughters have flown the nest and now it’s time to re-kindle our own flame. So, when our long-lost friend Lucy invites us to her Spanish villa, I jump at the chance.

But when we arrive, instead of it being a romantic break, Robert begins to pull away from me. His conversation is muted, he goes for long walks on the beach alone and then I find a crumpled note on the bedside table and Robert has vanished.

In that moment, my entire world shatters. My husband has been keeping a devastating secret from me. But in order to find out just how much it will destroy our family, I will have to reveal something that I too have kept hidden. And once my own secret is out, will my family ever forgive me for what I did?

About The Author

My Review

This book centering on Ellen and Robert, a couple navigating the quiet after their children have flown the nest. With their newfound freedom comes unexpected tension—Ellen suspects Robert is hiding something, and her discovery of a cryptic note only deepens her unease. But Ellen isn’t innocent either; she’s harboring a secret that could unravel their decades-long marriage. The characters are deeply relatable—flawed, loving, and layered—making the emotional stakes feel authentic. Themes of trust, vulnerability, and the enduring strength of love are woven throughout in a warm, engaging style.

Heartfelt and grounded, We Both Have Secrets is a beautifully written exploration of marriage, midlife, and the hidden truths that shape us. It’s a moving story of second chances and rediscovering each other when it matters most.

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Review Card & Book Review- No More Yesterdays By Catherine Bybee

Taking over her late father’s company was never part of Alex Stone’s life plan.

But now, sitting in the CEO chair at Stone Enterprises, she’s resigned to living her life alone. Being a high-powered, billionaire woman tends to narrow one’s romantic prospects. As Alex works relentlessly to reshape her inherited hotel empire, she’s acquired a target on her back complete with death threats.

Alex turns to Hawk Bronson, a man who is equal parts bodyguard, sexy, and completely infuriating. Especially when it comes to protecting her.

As the danger escalates, Hawk comes to terms with the fact that their connection goes way beyond bodyguard and assignment. He knows he should keep his distance—his own dark past and nightmares put her at greater risk—but he can’t walk away. Protecting Alex means everything. Putting her life in someone else’s care isn’t an option once he’s tasted their passion and depth of his feelings.

As they navigate a minefield of family secrets, past pain, and unexpected hope, Alex and Hawk must face their deepest fears and fight for a future together. But first, they’ll need to unmask whoever is behind the threats—before Alex becomes their next victim.

About The Author

My Review

At the heart of this installment is the magnetic love story between Hawk Bronson, a seasoned bodyguard with Private Security Specialists, and Alexandrea “Alex” Stone, a sharp, capable CEO stepping into her late father’s shoes at the helm of a billion-dollar empire. Their chemistry is instant, their banter endlessly entertaining, and their emotional connection feels both natural and earned. From playful snowball fights in Colorado to heart-to-heart conversations under pressure, their relationship builds with authenticity and heat.

The plot is both engaging and layered, blending corporate intrigue, family legacy, and a steady build of romantic tension. After a suspicious reception invite ends in a threatening encounter, Alex becomes the target of a series of escalating threats. Hawk’s role as her protector turns personal, and as danger looms, their bond deepens. What follows is a thrilling blend of romance and mystery, complete with FBI investigations, corporate secrets, and a chilling plot twist that puts Alex’s life on the line.

The sibling dynamics between Alex, Chase, and Max are heartwarming, often funny, and refreshingly real. Their journey from grief and confusion to unity and purpose is a highlight of the series. Longtime readers will also appreciate the satisfying arcs for beloved characters, including Piper and Chase’s wedding and Max and Sarah’s engagement. No More Yesterdays is everything about strong heroines, swoon-worthy heroes, high stakes, and an unforgettable love story.

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Review Card & Book Review- The Puck Stops Here By Rachael Stewart

Karma comes to play…

When journalist Astrid Sinclair meets her kindred spirits at a snowed-in airport, she knows she’s found her ride-or-die circle—women with a lot to love and an ex they’d sooner hate. But hating’s no fun, karma is! So they hatch a plan to go after one another’s ex…

Astrid’s target? NHL superstar Aiden Carter—the man who traded his childhood sweetheart for the bright lights of fame, tearing her new BFF’s heart in two. Astrid’s plan? For the punishment to fit the crime!

Armed with killer heels, sexy specs, and an all access press pass, Astrid infiltrates the New York Titans as a journalist writing an exclusive exposé on Aiden and his twin brother, Blake. She’s got the charm, the wit, and all the right moves to get under Aiden’s skin. But there’s a snag—brooding, maddeningly irresistible Blake keeps getting in her way.

Astrid is here to break a heart, not lose her own. But when sparks fly with the wrong twin, she’s playing a dangerously different game…

About The Author

My Review

Astrid and Blake’s chemistry had just the right amount of slow burn and spice to keep me hooked from start to finish. The setup—a woman scorned plotting a little karmic payback—felt fun, sassy, and full of emotional tension. It’s the kind of premise that can go either way, but Stewart handles it with wit and warmth, letting the story unfold in a way that’s both satisfying and entertaining.

What really won me over was how easily digestible this book was, without being shallow. As a sleep-deprived mom of five, I don’t take “one more chapter” lightly—but I tore through this in under 24 hours. The characters felt real, relatable, and delightfully imperfect. You want everyone to get their happily ever after, and that emotional investment is a testament to Stewart’s character development.

Despite those minor quibbles, this was a thoroughly enjoyable, feel-good romance that left me smiling—and curious about what’s to come next. The hint of a continuing story was well-placed and has me eager to see what Rachael Stewart brings us in future installments.

If you’re looking for a fun, fast-paced, low-angst romance with heart and heat, The Puck Stops Here is a great pick. Just be prepared for a bit of British flair in an otherwise all-American love story.

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Review Card & Book Review – The Fix-Up By Sarah M. Peterson

Ellie should probably have listened to the part where inheriting her house came with a hot, grumpy stranger and six months to figure it all out…

Ellie Sterns is a twenty-eight-year-old single mother who only ever seems to date seriously questionable men. But she’s just inherited both a home and thriving café, so life is looking up. The catch? Only half belongs to Ellie—the other half goes to the previous owner’s grandson. Gilbert Dalton may be absurdly handsome, but his frown never wavers and he has a chip on his shoulder the size of a small country.

Ellie would happily spend the rest of her life avoiding him, but to claim their inheritance, they must first live on the property together for six months. For Ellie, the house and the café are her future. For Gil, they’re part of a past he wants nothing to do with. She wants to stay, he is determined to sell. Will they be able to decide what comes next without going to war with Ellie’s whisk and Gil’s toolbelt for weapons?

About The Author

My Review

The story centers around Ellie, Gil, and little Ollie, a trio that felt so vivid and authentic, it was as though I was living alongside them. Their chemistry, individual struggles, and growth were beautifully written, making it genuinely difficult to say goodbye when the last page turned. Even the secondary characters shone brightly, adding warmth, humor, and depth to the story without ever overshadowing the central romance.

Emotionally, this book is a journey. The author manages to blend heartbreak and healing with laugh-out-loud humor so seamlessly that I often found myself in tears—sometimes from sadness, other times from sheer joy. The story doesn’t rely on spice or drama to engage the reader. Instead, it leans into emotional resonance, wit, and heart, making it a standout clean romance that still delivers all the feels.

A particularly charming touch is how each chapter begins with a quote from a child explaining what love means to them. These little gems were not only adorable but also thematically spot-on, reflecting the emotional nuances of the characters’ journeys.

My Rating

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