Category Archives: Book Review

Review Card & Book Review- Love And Lattes At Pumpkin Hollow By Victoria Walkers

I remembered my mum telling me that autumn was a chance for nature, and for people, to let go of anything that was holding them back…

Willow Connor has one shot to save her family’s farm – turning it into Birchbrook’s first ever pumpkin patch. There’s just one problem: she has exactly zero pumpkins and only six weeks to make it happen. Everyone in the close-knit town thinks she’s crazy, but she’s determined to prove them wrong.

Enter Dylan Henderson, a hotshot property consultant with a clipboard full of reasons why selling is the smarter choice. Determined to stand her ground, Willow makes him a bold offer – stay and watch her turn the farm around. To her surprise, he agrees.

Now, as Willow throws everything into making her pumpkin patch a success (even if it means buying every pumpkin in the county), she also finds herself learning a thing or two from Dylan – about business, about ambition… and maybe about love?

Will she save the farm and prove everyone wrong? And when the deal is up, will Dylan walk away – or has he found something worth sticking around for?

About The Author

My Review

This is an irresistibly cozy, feel-good romance that captures the essence of autumn and small-town charm. Set against the golden glow of falling leaves, pumpkin patches, and warm lattes, Victoria Walters creates a heartwarming seasonal escape that feels like a big hug in book form.

The story follows Willow, a fiercely independent woman with deep roots in her hometown, who’s determined to save her family’s beloved farm from being sold. Enter Dylan, a polished, pragmatic city consultant tasked with convincing her to let go of it. From the start, Willow and Dylan are clear opposites — she’s driven by emotion, tradition, and love for the land, while he’s focused on logic, business, and results. But what begins as tension and conflict quickly evolves into a slow, endearing build of understanding and affection.

Their dynamic is one of the book’s strongest points. Willow is easy to root for — loyal, passionate, and grounded. Dylan, though initially set up as the “enemy,” gradually reveals layers of kindness and vulnerability that make his transformation and eventual connection with Willow believable and satisfying. As he begins to see the value in what Pumpkin Hollow represents — not just to Willow but to the entire community — his character arc adds emotional weight to what could have been a predictable storyline.

The romance, while sweet and heartfelt, doesn’t always fully sizzle when it aims for steam. The more intimate moments between Willow and Dylan feel slightly rushed and lack the emotional depth or buildup that would make them feel organic. Still, the emotional journey they share — from adversaries to partners — carries enough warmth and chemistry to keep readers invested.

Overall, it is a delightful autumnal read perfect for fans of small-town romances with a strong female lead and a redemptive love interest. It offers cozy vibes, a satisfying love story, and a celebration of community, resilience, and the beauty of holding onto what matters most.

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Review Card & Book Review- One Snowy Day By Shari Low

Georgie Dern has the chance to swap her empty nest for the job of a lifetime in Los Angeles. Can she chase her dream if it means letting down the woman who has given her the world?

Jessie McLean should be counting down the hours until she jets off to spend her retirement years in the sun. But when a devastating betrayal resurfaces, she has to choose between a fresh start and staying behind to settle old scores.

Alyssa Canavan has spent years building the business she adores. Now a legal letter has threatened her home and livelihood, but how does she fight a family that doesn’t give a damn?

Lachlan Morden is forced to return to Scotland to face the people who almost destroyed him. Will coming home reopen old wounds, or will a memory from the past lead him to the perfect revenge?

About The Author

My Review

The story centers around Jessie, a woman standing on the precipice of a major life change. She’s about to leave everything familiar—her beloved hometown of Weirbridge, her eclectic beauty shop, and most heartbreakingly, her family—for a fresh start abroad. As someone who cherishes strong family connections, I deeply felt Jessie’s turmoil. Her journey is emotional and honest, and her doubts make her all the more real.

Her daughter Georgie, now expected to step into her mother’s shoes, faces her own crossroads. With the support of her brother Grant, her daughter Kayleigh, and an unexpected (and very charming) guest who crashes Jessie’s farewell party, Georgie is forced to reevaluate not only her future, but also what—and who—truly matters most to her.

What makes One Snowy Day so compelling is how much unfolds in a single, dramatic day. Secrets from the past come to light, long-held emotions rise to the surface, and relationships are tested and transformed. The fast pace doesn’t feel rushed but instead adds to the emotional tension and excitement, showing just how much life can change in a moment.

Overall, it is a warm, wintry hug of a novel, reminding us that while the past may be complicated, the future can still be filled with love, hope, and new beginnings.

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RevIew Card & Book Review- Moving On By Roisin Meaney

Three great loves. Two very different countries. One step closer to finding her way home…

As a new decade begins, hopeless romantic and big dreamer Ellen is finally moving on from her hometown.

In Galway she takes a job in a bookshop, and somewhere between the dusty bookshelves and the quiet afternoons, a bookseller named Ben finds a place in her heart.

Fast forward, and the bright lights (and cosy flats) of London are calling Ellen’s name. There she meets Leo, a charming, attentive city banker who’s everything she’s ever wanted.

And wherever she goes, her heart beats in time with her childhood friend, Danny – though they never seem to be in the right place at the right time.

About The Author

My Review

Moving On is a quiet, emotionally resonant novel that lingers long after the last page. It’s not the kind of book you rush through—it’s one you return to slowly, in quiet moments, with a cup of tea in hand and a heart open to feeling deeply.

At its center is Ellen, who steps away from the familiarity of her hometown to begin anew—first in a charming Galway bookshop, then amid the bustle of London. Along the way, three very different men represent three very different versions of love, but the question that haunts Ellen is deeper: where does the heart truly belong?

There’s no dramatic twist or sweeping climax—just the soft, steady rhythm of life, love, and rediscovery. Moving On is a story that respects the small moments: a kind gesture, a difficult choice, the slow rebuilding of a broken heart. It’s a novel about resilience, about showing up, and about finding comfort in the everyday.

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Review Card & Book Review- The Sanctuary Keepers By Alexandra Barber

When Carrie Adams flees to the remote, pretty Isle of Wight after her life crumbles, all she wants is quiet solitude to heal. Hideaway House, with its thatched roof and weathered turquoise door, seems the perfect retreat – a place where time stands still.

As Carrie settles into island life, she’s drawn into a circle of unlikely friends: apple-cheeked Rita, whose warmth feels like coming home; the prickly Major, guarding his own grief; and Guy, a tousle-haired gardener whose quiet presence stirs something unexpected in her heart.

But the house holds secrets of its own – whispers in empty rooms lead Carrie to an old tea caddy of bittersweet memories of a family who once lived here, long ago. As Carrie begins to piece together the cottage’s achingly beautiful secrets, she realises that the threads connecting past and present could be the key to finally finding her own fragile peace…

About The Author

My Review

This book is a heartwarming and emotionally rich novel that beautifully weaves together themes of romance, betrayal, healing, and community.

The heart of the story centers around Carrie, who is reeling from a painful betrayal by both her ex-fiancé and her employer. Her devastation is palpable, but the narrative quickly shifts toward hope when her best friend, Jules, sends her on a restorative getaway to Hideaway Cottage. There, Carrie finds more than just a quiet place to retreat—she discovers a village full of kind souls and personal stories, all as layered as her own.

The supporting characters are a true highlight: Rita, battling family and farm pressures; Guy, a grounded landscaper with quiet strength; Cressie, a struggling new mother; and a cast of other women who each add warmth, depth, and a sense of kinship. These characters—and the community they create—offer Carrie a space to reflect, rebuild, and reimagine her future.

Barber paints the Isle of Wight as almost magical—a sanctuary where healing feels possible, and love (in all forms) quietly finds its way in. Carrie’s budding relationship with Guy is sweetly understated, and the story leaves room for more development, suggesting future installments might delve deeper into the hidden stories of Eliza and Isaac, the mysterious tea caddy, and the unresolved lives of the villagers.

With its perfect blend of emotional depth, cozy setting, and feel-good resolution, This book is a beautiful reminder that even after deep hurt, new beginnings are possible—and sometimes, all it takes is a small cottage by the sea.

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Review Card & Book Review – Gracie Harris Is Under Construction By Kate Hash

Gracie Harris never intended to become the queen of grief. But when an essay she writes the night of her husband Ben’s memorial goes viral, she lands a popular column on love and loss and an impressive book deal.

Now, the biggest tragedy of her life is the center of her world. With a looming book deadline and her kids at summer camp, Gracie escapes for a summer of solitude to the ramshackle mountain house she and Ben bought for their family before his death. When charming contractor Josh arrives on her doorstep to help renovate the home, Gracie discovers an unexpected connection that is energizing . . . and surprisingly flirtatious.

As her feelings and resilience grow, Gracie must decide whether she’s ready to embrace a new version of her life. Gracie’s first Happily Ever After didn’t last as long as she’d expected. Now she has to wonder: Could Josh be her chance for a second great love story?

About The Author

My Review

This is a heartfelt, emotionally nuanced novel about loss, resilience, and the beautiful mess of starting over. Gracie Harris is a deeply relatable heroine—grieving, overwhelmed, and unsure of her next step, yet still managing to press forward. After her husband’s death, an unfiltered essay about her grief unexpectedly launches her into the public eye, giving her a new, if unwanted, platform. With a looming book deadline and her kids away at camp, Gracie seeks solitude—and maybe clarity—in a crumbling mountain house she and her husband once dreamed of renovating.

Enter Josh, the steady, kind contractor who brings not just skills but a quiet emotional intelligence. As the house takes shape, so too does the connection between them. Their relationship unfolds naturally, grounded in shared vulnerability rather than grand romantic gestures. The chemistry is real, but it’s Gracie’s internal transformation—raw, awkward, and ultimately hopeful—that gives the novel its emotional power.

This is a beautifully told story about letting go, moving forward, and learning that even when life doesn’t go as planned, it can still lead somewhere meaningful.

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Review Card & Book Review- Who We Used To Be By Caitlin Weaver

What if the person you trust the most did something you can’t forgive?

Dana Blair has spent her life letting others take the wheel, from her relationship with her husband to her business. Now, with her marriage unraveling, her son in crisis, and her career on the verge of collapse, Dana is left wondering whether she ever really had control of anything at all.

Padma Paulsen is the opposite: a brilliant, fiercely driven ER doctor who’s given her all to her career. Her friendship with Dana has been the one constant in her high-pressure life.

But then a tragedy on Padma’s watch leaves Dana’s daughter in critical condition and their bond in tatters.

As Dana fights for justice for her daughter, grief turns to blame. Soon she’s forced to make a decision that could either save her family or destroy the most important friendship of her life.

About The Author

My Review

Who We Used to Be is a poignant, emotionally layered novel that explores the fragility of friendship, the complexity of personal identity, and the quiet devastation that can follow misplaced trust. Told through the lens of two neighboring families, Caitlin Weaver weaves a reflective and thought-provoking narrative centered on Dana and Padma—two longtime friends whose lives are suddenly fractured by tragedy.

Dana is a woman adrift, her marriage faltering and her sense of self buried beneath years of passivity. She’s someone who has let life happen to her rather than taking ownership of it. In contrast, Padma is fiercely driven, defined by her ambition and tightly tethered to her professional identity—often at the cost of neglecting the rest of who she is. The rupture between them comes when Dana’s daughter falls into a coma, and Dana—reeling with grief—casts blame on Padma. What follows is an unraveling of long-held assumptions, painful reckonings, and the redefinition of not just their friendship, but their entire selves.

The novel shines in its exploration of family dynamics. Dana’s son, in particular, provides a touching and unexpected emotional anchor. His struggles are portrayed with tenderness and nuance, and his voice adds a deeper emotional resonance to the story. While some characters—like Dana’s husband—may feel frustrating or extraneous, the emotional authenticity of the rest makes up for it.

This is a quietly heartbreaking novel that asks important questions about how much of ourselves we give away, whether to a friendship, a role, or an ideal. It’s a meditation on identity, regret, and the difficult, necessary process of reclaiming who we really are.

A moving, worthwhile read for those who appreciate introspective fiction with deeply human characters.

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Review Card & Book Review- Biggest Player By Sara Ney

Margot’s a busy single mom juggling teaching, parenting, and trying not to die alone. Dating apps? Total nightmare. But desperate times call for desperate swipes, even if they make her break out in stress hives. When she matches with a guy who looks too good to be true, she’s convinced he’s a walking red flag—or worse—a catfish.

Dex is hot, and he knows it. A quarterback with a killer smile and looks to spare, he’s a good guy looking for a long-term relationship. He wants what his friends have: someone to come home to…and if they’re naked when he gets there, even better. When he logs on for a casual scroll, he’s not expecting to meet her. One swipe, and suddenly he’s hooked.

Margot’s convinced he’s a catfish. Dex has zero dad bod and no dad energy. But their sizzling back-and-forth leaves them both thinking “what if.” After a surprise run-in leads to a mind-blowing (and soggy AF) kiss, their opposites-attract energy skyrockets. Can they find a way to make it last?

About The Author

My Review

Dex is the kind of cocky jock you want to roll your eyes at but can’t help falling for. After a public breakup with a high-maintenance model, he’s eager to show the world—and himself—that he’s capable of more than shallow relationships. Despite his swagger, Dex has a good heart, makes mistakes, and genuinely wants to grow. Enter the dating app that connects him with Margot.

Margot is a breath of fresh air—a sharp, confident, and grounded single mom with a smart, spirited daughter. Her instincts are spot on when she initially suspects Dex might be catfishing, which makes their real-life meeting all the more hilarious and memorable. The banter between them is fast, funny, and full of flirtation. Ney absolutely nails the chemistry, and the slow build between Dex and Margot (despite the instalove undertones) feels earned thanks to their vibrant personalities and emotional connection.

The book strikes a great balance between sweet and steamy. Memorable scenes like the bath, the leaky pipe, and rock climbing aren’t just sexy—they deepen the emotional bond between the leads and highlight their compatibility in both chaotic and tender moments.

Biggest Player delivers a swoony, spicy, and heartwarming sports romance that’s hard to put down. What makes this romance stand out is how real both characters feel. Dex isn’t just a pretty face; he’s vulnerable, funny, and refreshingly earnest. Margot, with her fierce love for her daughter and her no-nonsense attitude, grounds the story with heart and maturity.

My Rating

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