Category Archives: Book Review

Review Card & Book Review – One Summer In Italy By Victoria Springfield

A return to Venice. A friendship rekindled. A time for romance.

Natalie’s landed the opportunity of a lifetime hosting television show ‘Luxe Life Swap’, but she’s dreading going back to Venice, scene of the school trip that changed her life. The beauty of the floating city and handsome watch restorer Eraldo begin to win her over, however. But then glamorous contestant Cate arrives, the girl who was once plain, ordinary Cathy – the ex-best friend Natalie blames for the night that wrecked her life.

Cate’s swapping The Old Vicarage for two weeks in a Venetian palazzo, hoping she might pluck up the courage to go on the quest she’s been putting off for more than twenty years. Forced to spend time with Natalie, Cate hopes to rebuild their friendship – until Natalie makes a shocking accusation against Cate’s husband. Cate needs to find out the truth but how can she expect Phil to be honest when she’s keeping secrets of her own?

About The Author

My Review

This is a warm, heartfelt story about second chances, friendship, and rediscovery. It follows Natalie, a TV presenter sent to Venice for a new show, only to find her past — including a painful teenage betrayal — resurfacing in unexpected ways. Reuniting with her former best friend Cathy, Natalie is given a rare opportunity to heal old wounds and embrace new beginnings.

What sets this novel apart is its authenticity. Victoria Springfield captures Venice not through clichés, but with a deep love and respect for its art, architecture, traditions, and unique spirit. Every detail feels carefully researched and lovingly described, painting a vivid and genuine portrait of the city. Rich with emotion, friendship, and the timeless magic of Venice, One Summer in Italy is a beautiful, satisfying read.

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Review Card & Book Review – The Lighthouse Keeper Of Anglesey By Caroline Young

When single mother Seren Evans returns to the Welsh island of Anglesey with her five-year-old daughter Enya, she hopes to finally escape her troubled past in London. Moving into a cottage near the iconic Black Point lighthouse where she spent her early childhood, Seren reunites with her estranged father Lloyd and begins to piece together the mystery of why her mother suddenly abandoned them decades ago.

As Seren adapts to island life and takes a job at a local art gallery, she finds unexpected romance with Jamie, a Scottish journalist seeking solace from his own tragic history. But with the shadows of her past threatening to catch up with her, and with long-buried family secrets coming to light, can Seren find the peaceful life she’s always dreamed of?

About The Author

My Review

This is a deeply moving, beautifully written novel that blends heartbreak with healing in a way that’s both poignant and profoundly hopeful. Set against the atmospheric backdrop of Anglesey’s rugged coast, this story weaves themes of trauma, family, and second chances into a tale that lingers in your heart long after the final page.

At the center is Seren Evans, a woman scarred by a turbulent past and a toxic relationship, who bravely escapes with her young daughter Enya to rediscover her roots and reconnect with the father she lost decades earlier. The journey she takes—both literal and emotional—is filled with painful truths, long-held secrets, and the slow but powerful process of restoration. Seren’s reunion with her father, Lloyd, is especially touching, as their bond begins to rebuild through shared memories, emotional conversations, and a mutual longing for answers. Lloyd is a standout character—endearing, poetic, and quietly strong—and his love of Dylan Thomas adds a lyrical layer to the narrative.

Enya brings light and innocence to the story, her transformation in the nurturing seaside village a testament to the healing power of safety and love. Jamie, a gentle soul with his own wounds, is a quiet anchor of support, and the way his story intertwines with Seren’s adds depth and warmth. The community of Anglesey—compassionate, welcoming, and full of quirky charm—feels like a character itself, wrapping the protagonists in a much-needed embrace.

Though the novel touches on heavy themes like abandonment, illness, and abuse, it’s ultimately about resilience, forgiveness, and the redemptive power of love.

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Review Card & Book Review – Summer On Cape May By Monica Garner

Fast friends since forever, Lu, Kenya, and Natalia share a special love for the historical beach town of Cape May. For Lu, it was a welcome escape from the corporate arena into a simpler life—owning a B&B with her soon-to-be-husband, Zach. . . . Kenya fell for Cape May’s tranquil shores and believed she and her high school sweetheart would be there together forever. . . . And family vineyard owner Natalia feels it’s the perfect place to complete her happy marriage with the baby—or babies—she desperately longs for . . .

But as the trio plans Lu’s lavish wedding, the bride-to-be is stunned when the estranged father she thought was dead shows up to make amends—and throws her every certainty about family and love into heartbreaking doubt. Meanwhile, widowed Kenya is drawn to a kind, attractive stranger, even as she wonders if passion is enough to risk her future on. And when Natalia uncovers an unthinkable betrayal, the secrets she and her friends have kept from each other will explode across the long summer nights . . .

Moving and relatable, here is a captivating story of true sisterhood, and the ties that challenge us—and help us heal.

About The Author

My Review

Lu, Kenya, and Natalia are best friends who share not just meals and laughter, but also unspoken truths that eventually threaten to break their bond. The beachside setting of Cape May adds warmth and atmosphere, yet it’s the emotional tides beneath the surface that drive the story forward.

Garner crafts strong, relatable female leads, none of whom stand out more than the others—which works well in a story focused on the dynamics of friendship rather than individual arcs. The unfolding secrets inject just the right amount of tension, culminating in a believable, if painful, fallout.

For foodies, the vivid culinary details woven into their weekly gatherings are a treat. And for everyone else, the novel offers a comforting reminder that self-doubt and vulnerability are part of even the most seemingly put-together lives.

This is a solid, heartfelt novel—one that reflects the messiness and resilience of real relationships. A good pick for readers who enjoy character-driven stories with emotional depth.

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Review Card & Book Review- The Cornish Cottage By The Sea By Kim Nash

A new start by the sea…

For Jo Jenkins, life has always been about putting others first. But with her children grown and her ex-husband as rotten as ever, she knows it’s time to put herself at the heart of the story. So, when she inherits a beautiful beachside cottage in Cornwall, she grabs the chance to start over.

The crumbling old cottage needs a little love, but so does Jo. And with the help of her new friends – a kind-hearted jeweller, a no-nonsense businesswoman, and a local Jack of all trades with a past of his own – Jo begins to rebuild more than just bricks and mortar.

But tucked away inside the cottage is a secret that could change everything. As the waves roll in and the sea air clears her mind, Jo must decide if she’s ready to let go of the past. Will she finally learn to embrace the life she truly deserves?

About The Author

My Review

This is a heartwarming, uplifting tale about new beginnings, self-discovery, and the healing power of community. Jo Jenkins, reeling from a double betrayal—her husband leaving her for her best friend—receives an unexpected inheritance: a cottage in Cornwall from her ex-husband’s great aunt. What starts as a tentative visit turns into a life-changing journey, as Jo finds not just a charming fixer-upper, but the spark of a new future. Jo’s journey feels authentic—full of doubt, courage, small joys, and slow healing. The relationship that unfolds between Jo and Seamus, the kind-hearted handyman, is sweetly paced and grounded in friendship and trust. The seaside town is vividly drawn, with a warm cast of secondary characters who bring the setting to life. With gentle humor, moments of poignant reflection, and themes of resilience and hope, this book is the literary equivalent of a cozy blanket and a cup of tea.

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Review Card & Book Review- An Italian Wedding Adventure By Leonie Mack

When the destination wedding agency Sophie works for merges with an adventure travel company to create unique ceremonies for outdoor enthusiasts, Sophie is horrified to discover her gruff ex-boyfriend Andreas works there. Even worse: he’s been assigned as her guide for a scouting trip to Italy, in search of the perfect location for a summit-top wedding.

Thrown together to make another couple’s romantic dreams come true, all Sophie can think about are the dreams she once had for them. But when the truth of what actually happened eight long years ago finally emerges, will Sophie risk imagining a happily-ever-after and opening her heart to Andreas again…?

About The Author

My Review

Sophie is a spirited wedding planner who specializes in destination weddings and is always chasing her next adventure. When an unconventional couple approaches her with a unique wedding request set in the Italian Alps, it leads her straight back to her past—and to Andreas, the ex-boyfriend she hasn’t seen in eight years. Their relationship ended when Sophie proposed and Andreas turned her down.

Now, reunited by work, Sophie and Andreas are forced to revisit their unresolved history. As they collaborate on creating a dream wedding amidst the stunning Alpine scenery, old emotions begin to stir. Through scenic hikes, heart-to-hearts, and the magic of the mountains, the two slowly rebuild their bond and rediscover a connection that may never have fully disappeared.

This light and charming romance is perfect for holiday reading or when you’re craving a bit of escapism. While the chemistry between Sophie and Andreas is sweet, the story could have been enriched by diving deeper into their shared past. And although the setting adds charm, some inaccuracies in the use of Italian might bother detail-oriented readers. Still, it’s a cozy, feel-good tale about second chances and finding love where you left it.

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Review Card & Book Review- Under The Lemon Tree By Emma Cowell

Can one Greek summer heal the secrets of the past?

Could discovering a family secret encourage Kat to follow her heart?

Shattered by the sudden loss of her twin, Nik, Kat is lost in grief. The comfort of family feels both soothing and suffocating, but everything changes when she inherits a house on the breathtaking Greek island of Agistri from a mysterious uncle she’s never met.

Arriving on Agistri, Kat is mesmerized by its crystalline waters, lush pine forests, and the citrus-scented air. Among the white-washed houses and warm, welcoming locals, she begins to feel her heart heal. The island offers more than solace, sparking courage in Kat to face her loss — and maybe even embrace the spark of unexpected love…

But as she unearths her family’s buried past, Kat must also confront her own fears of belonging, forgiveness — and the possibility of rediscovering happiness in the shadow of heartbreak…

About The Author

My Review

Set on the picturesque Greek island of Agistri, the story centers on Kat, who is still mourning the tragic loss of her twin brother. Her path to healing begins when she unexpectedly inherits a house from an unknown uncle, sparking a journey filled with grief, self-discovery, and transformation. The vivid descriptions of Greece make the setting come alive, and Kat’s renovation of the old home is both symbolic and deeply personal. As hidden family secrets begin to surface—about her mother, brother, and mysterious uncle—Kat is forced to confront painful truths. Her emotional struggles are raw and relatable, pulling the reader into her world completely.

The book explores themes of loss, family, identity, and resilience with tenderness and honesty. The characters feel real, flawed, and deeply human, and the story is sprinkled with warmth, hope, love, and delicious Greek charm. This is a touching and uplifting novel that lingers long after the final page.

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Review Card & Book Review – The Swim By Janet Hoggarth

Everything is about to change for Cordelia Franks – she just doesn’t know it yet.

When Cordelia decides to train to swim the English Channel, she understands why no one believes she can do it. After a lifetime of never finishing anything, she doesn’t really believe she can either. But she’s determined to try.

As she strides into the Channel with hours stretching ahead of her, Cordelia swims against every milestone in her life so far. Every failed relationship, every friendship let go, every exam failed, every tricky job she quit. A life lived never giving it her all. Until now.

With every stroke, with every mile, Cordelia knows that this is finally her moment. Because if she keeps this promise to herself, if she doesn’t give up, nothing will ever be the same again.

And waiting in France is an unimagined future and someone who does believe in her…

About The Author

My Review

This is a reflective, slow-burn novel that uses the backdrop of a Channel crossing to explore one woman’s life in deeply personal detail. As Cordelia Franks swims for over eight hours, her thoughts drift through childhood trauma, controlling family dynamics, school struggles, illness, and recovery. The narrative structure—anchored in a physically grueling present while unraveling an emotionally complex past—makes for a thoughtful and layered read.

Janet Hoggarth does a commendable job weaving in vivid detail about the Channel swim, from jellyfish stings to dodging shipping lanes, grounding Cordelia’s internal journey in physical reality. While the book may take a bit to gain momentum, its emotional payoff is worth the investment.

Side characters like Desi and David bring warmth and heart, balancing heavier themes such as eating disorders and bullying. This isn’t a light read, but it’s ultimately an insightful one—about endurance, both in water and in life.

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Review Card & Book Review- Michael Without Apology By Catherine Ryan Hyde

Michael Woodbine was seven years old when a near-fatal fireworks accident scarred him and led to his placement in foster care. Now a college freshman, he is still trying to hide the effects of his trauma from his classmates, his adoptive family, and himself.

When Michael signs up for a film class, he meets Robert Dunning, a teacher who wears his own scars unapologetically. Robert encourages Michael to make a documentary that explores body image and self-perception. Michael places an ad seeking people who feel unattractive and rejected by society—and is surprised to learn that this is essentially everyone. Although some participants are recovering from injuries or surgeries, others are dealing with more everyday factors like aging or the changes to a body from giving birth.

As he collects these stories—and finally tells his own—Michael feels more connected to the world than he ever has before. But he knows his journey of self-acceptance has one more obstacle: his crushing doubts about why his birth parents wouldn’t fight to keep him.

About The Author

My Review

The story follows 19-year-old Michael, a college freshman still grappling with the emotional and physical scars from a devastating childhood accident. Removed from his home and placed in foster care after a firework incident nearly killed him, Michael has spent years hiding his body and burying his pain. But a chance encounter with a new professor—who wears his own scars without apology—begins to shift Michael’s perspective.

When Michael decides to center his student film on how people view their flaws and insecurities, it becomes a powerful catalyst for transformation—not just for himself, but for those around him. Hyde skillfully balances moments of vulnerability and humor, crafting a narrative that’s both uplifting and thought-provoking. While the plot unfolds in a quiet, introspective way, it’s Michael’s emotional journey that leaves the strongest impact. His growth is authentic, his voice sincere, and his story universally resonant. The novel reminds readers that scars—visible or hidden—don’t define us, and learning to accept them is an act of bravery. Touching and inspiring, the novel offers a powerful message about finding worth beyond appearances.

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