Book Review – Page 26

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.

My Rating

Link To Purchase

Amazon

Barnes & Noble

Kobo

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.

My Rating

Link To Purchase

Amazon

Barnes & Noble

Kobo

Review Card & Book Review- The Friends – To – Lovers Project By Paula Ottoni

If any place can turn two best friends into lovers, it’s Venice.

Well, only if you don’t have a dreamy tour guide like Lorenzo…

For LA chef Daisy Hogan, this trip to Venice is the start of her new life—inspiration for her California restaurant, saying yes to stability and basically fulfilling all her dad’s dreams. But then the trip goes sideways, and she’s left in the most romantic city in the world with her best friend, Jeremy. He’s stable, reliable. If she wants to salvage the future she planned, maybe she should fall for her friend?

So they agree to a friends-to-lovers project. What could go wrong?

Enter Lorenzo Fontana, hotel concierge by day, violinist in his dreams. He gave up music for a practical life in the city he loves, and to keep his job, he’s vowed to be Daisy and Jeremy’s personal guide to romance. Only he’s not supposed to be feeling this personal about their project…

With racing hearts, longing glances and gondola rides, Daisy begins questioning the project, her plans and even her future. Is it possible to live a life where the dreams she’s fulfilling are her own?

About The Author

My Review

This is a tender, heartfelt romance set against the romantic backdrop of Venice. After a painful breakup, Daisy joins her best friend Jeremy on a trip meant to help her heal—but the vacation soon stirs up unexpected emotions. As Daisy tries to sort through her lingering heartbreak, her friendship with Jeremy deepens in ways she didn’t anticipate. Then comes Lorenzo, a charming Italian tour guide whose easy warmth and flirtation add both excitement and confusion to her journey.

Ottoni beautifully captures the tension between comfort and desire, friendship and passion, making Daisy’s emotional turmoil feel authentic. While Daisy’s need for love can sometimes feel overwhelming and the pacing wavers in places, the story ultimately delivers a satisfying mix of heart, introspection, and sensuality. With its slow-burn triangle, cross-cultural charm, and emotional depth, The Friends to Lovers Project is a short yet engaging read that explores how heartbreak can open the door to unexpected love.

My Rating

Link To Purchase

Review Card & Book Review- Her Fairy – Tale Farmer By Elle Douglas

She’s in the happily-ever-after business

But he’s never been interested in fairy-tale endings

Divorced single mom Andie Carter is parenting nine-year-old twins, launching a fairy tale–themed children’s birthday party center and fighting lingering feelings for high school friend Knox Walker. The charming stable manager has eschewed romantic entanglements in favor of party-boy ways. But when Andie’s venue needs repairs, he volunteers his ranch for her events—and a few unexpected kisses, too! Knox doesn’t trust easily, but Andie and her kids are breaking through his guard. Will he come to terms with his fears to be the Prince Charming that Andie and her kids yearn for?

About The Author

My Review

The story follows Knox, a charming but somewhat aimless farmer who has loved his best friend, Andie, since high school. Andie, a single mother to twin boys, returns his feelings but needs proof that Knox is ready to be a true partner and father figure before opening her heart completely.

What makes this story shine is its blend of romance and personal growth. Knox’s journey toward maturity feels genuine as he learns from his wise grandparents and the colorful townsfolk of Sugar Maple Farms. His gradual realization that love requires stability and reliability adds emotional depth to his character.

Andie’s strong support network—especially her sister Mel and her close-knit group of friends—adds warmth and humor, showcasing the power of community. One standout, Maya, the local baker and aspiring romance novelist, hints at an exciting next installment in the series.

Ultimately, this is a tender, small-town friends-to-lovers romance about finding courage, stability, and love where you’ve always belonged—a cozy, heartwarming read perfect for a quiet weekend.

My Rating

Link To Purchase

Review Card & Book Review- Destination Weddings And Other Disasters By MC. Vaughan

Sun, sea, sand…and her high school nemesis.

This destination wedding is about to take a detour.

There are millions of men in Los Angeles, and somehow Julia Stone’s mother just got engaged to the worst possible option. Not that there’s anything wrong with her future stepfather. It’s his son who’s the problem. Event planner Carson Miller is six-plus feet of lean muscle and irresistible charm, and ten years ago he made Julia’s life hell.

Paired with Carson to organize the last-minute Belize wedding, Julia doesn’t intend to let him off the hook for past bad behavior. If only there weren’t surprising new feelings in the mix, like undeniable heat…

Carson claims he made mistakes; he’s a different person than he was back then. Julia’s response: prove it. Now, in between wedding planning, zip-lining and exploring waterfalls, they’re having fun falling hard and wondering if this paradise can last once the party’s over…

About The Author

My Review

This is a delightful blend of warmth, humor, and heartfelt emotion—the kind of romantic escape that feels like a deep exhale. M.C. Vaughan crafts a smart and sun-soaked second-chance romance set against the lush backdrop of Belize, where family chaos and unresolved history collide.

Julia and Carson, once high school acquaintances with a strained past, find themselves awkwardly reunited when their parents decide to marry. Tasked with planning the destination wedding, they’re forced into close quarters, sparking tension, banter, and an unexpected rekindling of connection.

What elevates this story is its emotional maturity. Carson’s genuine accountability for his past behavior and Julia’s cautious, self-assured approach to forgiveness make their romance feel both realistic and deeply satisfying. Their chemistry builds slowly but beautifully, grounded in vulnerability and respect.

Balancing heartfelt redemption with light tropical fun, Vaughan delivers a charming, feel-good read perfect for anyone craving a believable love story with depth. Fans of enemies-to-lovers, second chances, and beachy romance backdrops will find this one a winner.

My Rating

Link To Purchase

Review Card & Book Review- When I Should’ve Stayed By Max Monroe

She thought they were divorced. He never filed the papers.

Now he’s determined to prove their love story isn’t over.

Josie: Before The Moment

There are ghosts at every corner. In the stolen kisses while I waitressed at the diner, in the town festivals in the square, in the many jokes about Betty Bagley and her pie at the Fall Farmer’s Market, and in countless nights spent watching Clay make drinks with that handsome smile of his plastered on his face while I sat on a stool at the bar. It should all feel familiar and comforting, and yet, it makes it hard for the person I am now to breathe at all. I wish I’d been stronger. I wish I’d been wiser. I wish I didn’t have to do this. I wish.

Tonight will be a defining moment for the rest of my life. I have to end it now……before it ends me.

Clay: After The Moment

When Josie and I said, ‘I do’, I thought it’d be us against the world forever. But I wasn’t expecting the world to be so against us. I know I should’ve stayed that night, and I should have gone back a heck of a lot sooner. Because I don’t know how to be here. I don’t know how to be anywhere. Truth is, I don’t know how to be without Josie at all. She might think we’re done, but I’m going to spend the rest of my life making sure we’re not.

About The Author

My Review

This story follows Clay, a hero who’s completely and unapologetically in love with Josie. He’s the kind of man who makes you swoon—loyal, gentle, and devoted to the woman he never stopped loving. Josie, however, carries the weight of grief and secrets that once kept her from fully embracing their relationship. Their breakup was painful, but when Clay returns five years later determined to win her back, his quiet persistence and heartfelt sincerity make their second chance deeply moving.

The book shines through Clay’s unwavering devotion and the tender way he helps Josie lower her guard again. Their chemistry remains strong despite the years apart, and their reunion brims with emotion and hope. The themes of grief and healing are explored with care, making Josie’s journey feel authentic and touching.

Although the pacing and timeline could have been smoother, the emotional payoff and beautifully drawn characters—especially Clay—make this a memorable and heartfelt addition to the Red Bridge series.

My Rating

Link To Purchase

Amazon

Barnes & Noble

Kobo

Review Card & Book Review – Building Her A Home By Lisa Carter

Can one little girl’s wish

Bring two lonely hearts together?

When country music singer Noah Brenden walked away from fame to raise his orphaned niece, he made a vow never to stay anywhere long enough to be recognized. So when a blast from his past, music teacher Chloe Randolph, falls into his arms while trying to rescue little Lili’s cat, it’s his cue to leave. But Lili longs for a permanent home, and Chloe desperately needs Noah’s help to restore the town’s historic theater, promising to keep his true identity safe in return. Staying put wasn’t his plan, but could it lead to the future he never knew he was looking for?

About The Author

My Review

The story centers on Noah, a well-known country singer seeking peace and anonymity after becoming guardian to his young niece, Lili. Hoping for a quieter life, he settles in the charming town of Truelove, where he agrees to help restore the town’s gazebo and later its beloved old theater. What he doesn’t expect is to reunite with Chloe, the local music teacher and his former crush. Chloe is compassionate, grounded, and deeply connected to her hometown, while Noah has spent years drifting, protecting both his privacy and his heart.

Their relationship unfolds slowly and tenderly, challenged by their different lifestyles—and by Chloe’s awareness of Noah’s fame. With her protective brothers, a few meddling matchmakers, and adorable Lili adding warmth and humor, the story beautifully balances romance and community spirit.

Heartfelt and wholesome, this small-town romance celebrates love, family, and belonging. It’s filled with charm, emotion, and the kind of moments that linger long after the final page. Fans of gentle, feel-good second chances will adore this one.

My Rating

Link To Purchase

Review Card & Book Review- The Village Midwife By Tilly Tennant

When midwife Zoe Padbury moves into Kestrel Cottage, high on a misty hill above the village of Thimblebury, everyone rallies round to make sure she doesn’t feel lonely. And as she begins her job at the doctor’s surgery, dealing with expectant mums and helping to bring newborns into the world, warmth begins to flood back into her battered and broken heart.

But the evenings are long and as Zoe sits on her cornflower-blue sofa, looking at the golden peaks crowned by clouds, she can’t help but wish she had someone to share her new life with. Her ex-husband treated her badly, but it’s still hard to resist his warm and loving messages begging for a second chance.

Distraction arrives when she meets Alex out walking his shaggy grey dog, and discovers that he will be moving in next door. As she chats to Alex, Zoe finds it hard to ignore his thick dark hair and eyes the colour of chocolate, and her heart clenches at the worried frown that creases his brow.

She soon learns why Alex is anxious when she pays his pregnant daughter a home visit and learns of the tragedy that has brought them to Thimblebury. Zoe is no stranger to sadness, and as she and Alex lean on each other, a tentative spark begins to flicker.

But when Alex gets the wrong idea and thinks Zoe has betrayed his trust, followed by Zoe’s ex appearing on her doorstep, swearing he’s a changed man, will that spark be snuffed out? Coming to the Lake District was meant to be a fresh start for Zoe. But what if the pull of her old life is too overwhelming to resist?

About The Author

My Review

This heartfelt novel follows Zoe Padbury, a midwife who moves to the Lake District seeking a fresh start after the heartbreaking loss of her baby and the breakdown of her marriage. Determined to rebuild her life, Zoe continues her work delivering babies—a bittersweet act that both soothes and tests her as she grieves privately. In Thimblebury, she reconnects with her old friend Ottilie Oakcroft (from New Dreams for the Village Nurse) and finds solace in the kindness and warmth of the local community.

As Zoe settles into her new surroundings, she meets Alex, the devoted father of one of her patients. Their connection grows slowly, filled with tenderness and emotional honesty, offering a glimpse of love and hope after sorrow.

Beautifully written and deeply moving, this story explores loss, healing, and renewal with authenticity and grace. It’s a poignant reminder that even after the hardest heartbreaks, it’s possible to find comfort, community, and joy in unexpected places.

My Rating

Review Card & Book Review- A Summer Of Secrets On Arran By Ellie Henderson

Three women. One summer on Arran. And a secret that could change everything they knew about love.

Rosie, seeking solace on the quiet Isle of Arran after a heartbreaking divorce, hopes to rediscover herself in its peaceful surroundings. But as she settles into the old cottage that was once her family’s retreat, she begins to question if she’s truly left her past behind.

Isobel, her lifelong friend, arrives to support Rosie. But what begins as a simple visit soon becomes complicated. Beneath her warmth and laughter, Isobel holds secrets of her own — secrets that threaten to change everything for both her and Rosie.

Bella, Isobel’s daughter, has always wondered about her father, but her mother refuses to talk about him. When Bella stumbles upon a hidden diary, a shocking revelation sends her to Arran in search of answers. Instead, she finds herself torn between the love she’s always known and the possibility of a new and unexpected romance.

As the women confront their pasts, they learn that sometimes the truth can lead to the most surprising new beginnings — and even a second chance at love, when they least expect it.

About The Author

My Review

At the center of the story are Rosie, Isobel, and Bella—three women, each navigating a turning point in their lives. Rosie arrives on Arran after a painful divorce, hoping the island—and her family’s old cottage—can offer the peace she’s been craving. Isobel, her lifelong friend, joins her, but brings with her long-held secrets that slowly begin to surface. And Bella, Isobel’s daughter, driven by a desire to uncover the truth about her father, finds more than just answers when she follows a hidden trail that leads her to Arran—and possibly to love. Each woman’s journey feels personal and layered, exploring themes like identity, loyalty, and the long shadows cast by the past. The relationships—especially between Rosie and Isobel—are lovingly crafted, showing how friendship can both withstand and be tested by time and truth.

Though there are romantic threads in the story, this novel is primarily about personal rediscovery. The love stories are subtle and tender, complementing the characters’ emotional growth rather than dominating it. The inclusion of mature characters navigating romance later in life adds depth and a welcome layer of realism.

What makes the story even more special is its setting. The Isle of Arran is almost a character in its own right—evocative, peaceful, and quietly transformative. Henderson brings the island to life with vivid descriptions, making it an ideal backdrop for a story rooted in reflection and renewal.

One of the key plot points—Bella’s discovery of a hidden diary—adds a bit of mystery and momentum to the narrative, though some readers might find it slightly far-fetched. Still, it serves its purpose, unlocking long-buried truths and setting the characters on their respective paths to healing.

This is a tender, multi-generational story about healing, forgiveness, and the unbreakable bonds between women. Rich in atmosphere and heart, this novel is the perfect summer escape—ideal for fans of women’s fiction that blends emotional depth with a hopeful tone. This is a beautifully written, emotionally satisfying novel about starting over, finding closure, and the courage it takes to face the truth.

My Rating

Link To Purchase

Amazon

Barnes & Noble

Review Card & Book Review – King, Enemy , Husband By Jackie Ashenden

Vows will bind them…
Passion could ruin them!

After decades under Accorsi rule, King Tiberius has fought to reclaim his crown. Yet the violent coup has left his kingdom divided. To unite his people and quell any discontent, Tiberius is left no choice…but to immediately wed his enemy’s daughter, Guinevere Accorsi!

Wearing Tiberius’s ring frees Guinevere from her tyrannical family. Living life in the shadows is all Guinevere has known, so stepping into the spotlight as Tiberius’s queen is daunting. However, her biggest challenge will be ruling over her traitorous desire for her ruthless husband…

About The Author

My Review

King, Enemy, Husband opens with intensity as Tiberius reclaims his stolen throne after years in exile, only to find Guinevere—the daughter of his family’s enemies—hiding within his reclaimed castle. What follows is a marriage of necessity that becomes a journey of healing and emotional intimacy. Ashenden crafts a powerful enemies-to-lovers story that thrives on tension, vulnerability, and mutual respect.

Tiberius is a classic Ashenden hero—stoic, commanding, yet deeply wounded. Beneath his armor lies a man longing for connection, and his slow surrender to love is beautifully portrayed. Guinevere’s transformation is equally moving; after years of emotional manipulation, she learns to reclaim her voice and self-worth. Together, they navigate power, politics, and pain with honesty rather than melodrama.

The chemistry between them smolders, building from wary alliance to soul-deep devotion. Ashenden’s lush prose and emotional precision make every moment between Tiberius and Guinevere feel earned. This is a royal romance rich with passion, redemption, and emotional truth—a story where love becomes both weapon and salvation.

My Rating