Category Archives: Book Review

Review Card & Book Review – A Recipe For Love By Amelia Berry

Cinderella meets Bake-Off in this irresistible rags-to-riches feel-good romance

From the moment they meet, Bella and Adam know this is no ordinary holiday romance.

This is the real deal.

But when they find out Adam’s father has died and he has inherited the penniless Lowbridge Loch estate, their lives are changed in an instant.

Bella suddenly finds herself dealing with crumbling castles, battling baronesses and a tiny community of eccentric characters. Rising to the challenge, Bella has an idea to save Lowbridge Loch. She will create The Highland Cookery School.

But will her plans sink like a souffle when her skills are put to the test? And can Bella and Adam’s love survive the pressure of saving the estate?

About The Author

My Review

This book follows Bella and Adam, two very different people who meet in Spain and experience a whirlwind romance that quickly leads to an engagement. Expecting to settle in Edinburgh, Bella is instead swept up to the Scottish Highlands after Adam’s father unexpectedly passes away. As they adjust to life in a rural castle—referred to simply as “the house” by Adam’s family—they face the challenge of saving the estate by opening a cookery school in the castle kitchens.

Bella is pragmatic and proactive, in stark contrast to Adam, who is struggling with grief and feels increasingly isolated as life moves forward without him. Their love for each other is evident, but their relationship is tested by the weight of responsibility and emotional turmoil. A third-act breakup threatens their future together, but rather than being just about misunderstanding or miscommunication, it delves into how their past experiences shape their views on love and relationships.

The book offers rich character development, an engaging small-town setting, and a fantastic cast of secondary characters—especially the chatty but mostly incomprehensible Netty and some hilariously memorable sheep. While the third-act breakup trope may feel predictable, the emotional depth and unique setting make for an entertaining and heartfelt read.

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Review Card & Book Review- Hard To Get By Laura Moher

Everyone may know your name, but do they know the real you?

Andi Salazar’s hard work at the local women’s shelter makes a big difference in her small town, but at the end of a long day, Andi can’t wait to blow off some steam as her sexy, voluptuous bombshell singer persona. Andi burns down the stage with her fiery spirit, catching the eyes of Galway High’s popular new math teacher, Kevin Mahoney.

After his ex dubbed him as too “vanilla”, Kevin’s on a mission to find the real version of himself. One look at Andi and he nearly bursts into flame. After colliding in the hallway, their chemistry leads to a hot, sweet hookup that leaves him wanting more. But when their work brings them together again, Andi and Kevin can’t stay apart for long. Kevin is the first man Andi feels like she can trust, and conversation with Andi makes Kevin truly enjoy opening up to her.

Although friendship may be safer, romance could be everything and more, especially when an unexpected variable changes their lives in the best way possible.

About The Author

My Review

The novel follows Andi Salazar, a fierce advocate for domestic violence survivors, shaped by her own painful past. Music is her escape, and when she takes the stage with a local band, she captures the attention of Kevin Mahoney. Newly arrived in town and recovering from a tough breakup, Kevin is immediately drawn to Andi and wants more than just a fleeting connection. Though she is hesitant to start anything serious, a one-night stand unexpectedly ties them together for much longer than anticipated.

Kevin is a standout hero—patient, devoted, and willing to do whatever it takes to make Andi feel safe. His unwavering support and admiration for her make their relationship all the more compelling. The story tackles heavy themes with sensitivity, so checking the trigger warnings is recommended. Like the previous books in the series, This is an emotional read, blending heartfelt romance with meaningful representation and thoughtful handling of difficult topics.

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Review Card & Book Review- Four Steps To The Perfect Fake Date By Lilian Monroe

A notorious rule follower, the old Daphne Davis could do no wrong. But lately she can’t get anything right.

Jilted by her ex, ousted from her home, and laid off from her job, Daphne retreats to her little hometown, Fernley Island. But even there, she feels out of sync. So, bailing on her own sister’s engagement party, she suddenly embraces a brand-new philosophy: no more goody-two-shoes.

Unfortunately, Daphne’s new mantra lands her squarely in the headlights—literally—of her high school nemesis, Calvin Flint. No longer a scrawny jerk, he’s Fernley’s acting sheriff, filling out his uniform waaay better than he ought to.

He’s also Daphne’s new boss.

As Daphne balances the books after a department scandal, a series of mishaps throws her and Calvin together. The sparks that fly take them both by surprise. But will a fake dating scheme and quest for a stolen heirloom ruin their chance at something real?

About The Author

My Review

The story centers on Daphne Davis, the quiet and responsible one in her lively family. After losing her job, her home, and her fiancé—who left her for being “too boring”—she decides to take more chances. This leads to frequent run-ins with Calvin Flint, the town’s acting sheriff and her semi-co-worker. Daphne still sees him as the reckless guy from high school, but when they agree to fake date to stop Calvin’s mother from setting him up at her vow renewal, their dynamic begins to shift.

The book delivers classic rom-com elements—small-town charm, quirky family drama, slow-burn romance, and lighthearted mysteries. While the relationship between Daphne and Calvin doesn’t feel as compelling as some other romance pairings, the novel is still an entertaining read, filled with heartwarming moments, character growth, and fun twists along the way.

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Review Card & Book Review – Here Comes Trouble By Christy McKellen

Sometimes it’s fun to kiss and tell!

Sensible journalist Jess is not a rule breaker, especially where her career is involved. But trying to extract a tell-all interview from notorious artist and bad boy Xander Heaton is going to test her patience… and self-control. Because she must, at all costs remain professional, respectable and stay focused on the job at hand.

But it’s not long before Jess realizes that Xander spells trouble with a capital T and is living up to his tempting reputation! Trying to keep her distance, Jess decides that maybe she could break her golden rule, just this once to get Xander out of her system and her job back on track. But one night is never enough! And she learns that actually breaking her rules once in a while can lead to more fun than sticking to them!

About The Author

My Review

This book follows Jess, a journalist on the verge of losing her job, who gets a last chance to prove herself by interviewing the elusive artist Xander Heaton. When he invites her to Italy to observe his work, she hesitantly accepts, despite being reserved and professional. As Xander flirts with her, Jess struggles to keep her guard up, but she soon realizes they both have emotional wounds—Jess with body image insecurities and Xander with unresolved childhood pain.

Their time together helps them heal, as Xander learns to prioritize someone else, and Jess starts to see herself through his adoring eyes. Though the romance has some spice, it is woven naturally into their emotional journey. The story is heartfelt and engaging, though the ending feels a bit abrupt, leaving readers wanting more.

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Review Card & Book Review- The Art Of Starting Over by Heidi McLaughlin

Devorah Campbell’s life falls apart under the pressure of one truth: her husband is having an affair with her best friend. So Devorah packs up her daughter and their shared heartbreak for small-town Oyster Bay, where she grew up. Her relationship with her father is still on the rocks, but Devorah has her brother there—and, unexpectedly, her brother’s best friend.

Hayden McKenna lost his wife a year ago and has struggled with single fatherhood ever since. Moving back home with his son is a last but best resort, a chance to start fresh, surrounded by family and old friends. But when Hayden runs into Devorah, his childhood crush, sparks fly as bright as ever. If only he could make her see them too…

Amid a swirl of hurt and healing, Devorah and Hayden grow closer, rekindling what they had all those years ago to discover that, sometimes, a new start means going back to the beginning.

About The Author

My Review

This is a second-chance romance set in the small town of Oyster Bay. The story follows Devorah Campbell and Hayden McKenna, former high school sweethearts whose relationship ended due to life’s challenges and misunderstandings.

Now a single father and widower, Hayden returns to Oyster Bay with his son for a fresh start—only to cross paths with Devorah, who is dealing with the betrayal of her soon-to-be ex-husband. As they reconnect, old feelings resurface, but Devorah faces new heartbreak that threatens to push Hayden away again.

The novel explores themes of love, loss, family, and resilience. Alongside the rekindled romance, Devorah must navigate small-town gossip, family struggles, and emotional manipulation. The story is slow-building and character-driven, with a heartfelt and inspiring journey toward healing and new beginnings.

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Review Card & Book Review- An Alaskan Arrangement By Michelle Lindo-Rice

It was smooth sailing

Until they tied the knot.

When cruise ship assistant manager Kaylin Sampson is passed over for a promotion, she takes a break to regroup. And when her sexy ex offers to reignite their old fling and accompany her on an Alaskan adventure, Kaylin can’t say no. Ethan Harrington knows how to get her out of her funk. Fun is the theme for the week, down to the white water rafting and their fabulous old-timey fake wedding. Except the paperwork is genuine—and now two commitmentphobes are married. The real question is, will it be for better or for worse?

About Your Author

My Review

Kaylin and Ethan had a passionate but casual relationship until she ended things to protect her heart. After being passed over for a promotion, Kaylin takes a cruise to Alaska—only to be surprised when Ethan joins her, hoping for a second chance.

Forced to share a suite and spend time together, they end up stranded in a small town, where a pretend wedding turns out to be real. Though they plan to divorce, their feelings grow, but career conflicts drive them apart. In the end, they realize their love is worth fighting for, leading to a heartfelt reunion and a sweet surprise.

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Review Card & Book Review- Best Friend To Husband? By Louisa Heaton

WERE THEY ALWAYS MEANT TO BE?

GP Lorna has spent years healing from a divorce and the end of her fertility journey by throwing herself into her work at Clearbrook Medical Practice. But when Oliver—her onetime best friend and secret crush—takes a job as a doctor at her surgery, life suddenly becomes more complicated! After the breakdown of his difficult marriage, Oliver isn’t looking for romance, either. Yet old feelings soon begin to resurge. Can they risk their friendship in the hope of something more?

About The Author

My Review

This heartfelt friends-to-lovers story follows Lorna and Oliver, former medical school friends who reconnect decades later as doctors in a Cotswolds village. Despite past attraction, they prioritized their careers and later married and divorced separately. Now colleagues again, their easy friendship resumes, but as they spend time cooking, running, and reminiscing, their feelings deepen. Fear of losing their bond holds them back, but emotions intensify, leading to a touching conclusion about embracing love. The novel beautifully captures late-in-life romance, the warmth of a close-knit community, and the rewarding challenges of rural medical practice.

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Review Card & Book Review – If I Lost You by Sheila Norton

My son George is everything to me, but he’s slipping away, and no one can tell me why.

Every test comes back inconclusive, every doctor leaves me with more questions than answers. I’m terrified – each day brings new fears, and my heart aches knowing how much he’s suffering.

Then Barbara appears – my biological mother, a stranger for most of my life. She’s in poor health, struggling with the weight of her past, and her sudden arrival stirs a mix of emotions in me. Part of me wants to believe she’s here to help, but there’s a wall between us, and I can’t shake the feeling there’s something very wrong.

As George’s condition worsens, I find myself wrestling with doubt. Can I truly rely on Barbara? Will she bring comfort or complicate an already fragile situation? All I want is to protect my son and give him the love and support he deserves. I only hope that I can be the mother he needs before it’s too late. Will I find a way to save him?

About The Author

My Review

Jo is overwhelmed as her young son’s asthma worsens, her daughter feels neglected, and work pressures mount due to unsympathetic management. Struggling with marital tensions and feeling alone, she’s further shaken when her biological mother reaches out.

Sheila Norton’s storytelling kept me engaged, making me feel like I was watching events unfold in real time. The characters made mistakes, hope seemed distant, but they kept pushing forward. The novel isn’t just about a mother fighting for her son—it’s about resilience, family, and finding strength through hardship.

I won’t reveal more, but if you enjoy deeply emotional stories filled with struggle, despair, and perseverance, this book is a must-read.

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Review Card & Book Review – Not Quite By The Book By Julie Hatcher

Emma Rini is in a rut so deep she could shelve books there. While her sister awaits her first baby, and her parents kick off retirement with vow renewals and travel, Emma stays put among the stacks of the family bookshop.

In fact, she can’t remember the last time she took a vacation. Or had a romance that hovered above disappointing. When her parents assume she’ll take over the shop for them without a break, she realizes she needs to get away—back to the nineteenth century. Channeling her favorite poet recluse, Emily Dickinson, Emma rents a crumbling manor house outside Amherst where she can learn how to be quietly, blissfully alone.

But becoming a world-weary spinster isn’t easy. She can’t start a fire or reason with the bunnies that are destroying the garden. She finds herself sparring constantly with the grumpy-hot architect who is renovating the manor. And then there’s the secret admirer who keeps sending her complicated floral messages…

No matter what she does, the outside world keeps knocking, and Emma starts to dream about the future. Will she forgo love for the family legacy? And will she shrink away or become the sort of bold person fortune favors?

About The Author

My Review

This book follow the journey of Emma Rini—a woman burned out from corporate life and motherhood—who takes a bold leap into solitude, hoping to channel the spirit of Emily Dickinson in a remote Amherst mansion. What she finds instead is a chaotic garden, failed domestic experiments, and the gruff (but charming) handyman Davis Sommers.

The story shines in its emotional nuance. Emma’s attempts to disconnect and rediscover herself are portrayed with both vulnerability and humor. Her budding connection with Davis is slow-burning and satisfying, evolving naturally as both characters confront their own insecurities. With vivid prose, gentle pacing, and a strong sense of place, this novel is a cozy, uplifting read perfect for fans of character-driven fiction and second-chance narratives. It’s a tribute to the messy, beautiful process of starting over—and the unexpected joys that come with letting go of perfection.

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