Category Archives: Book Review

Review Card & Book Review- Playing For Keeps In Starr’s Fall By Kate Hewitt

As the frozen earth gives way to the first spring crocuses, pushing their way into the warmer air, Maggie arrives in Starr’s Fall. She’s looking for a new start, with her lovable but painfully shy teenaged son in tow.

It feels like the odds are against her, but she’s determined to come out winning this time, and to fulfil her dream of opening up a board game café. But not everything’s a game, and when she finds herself attracted to a man who’s known as a different sort of player, she worries she’s setting herself up to lose.

Zach is funny, surprisingly geeky, and, most importantly, bonds with her son. But Zach is also drop-dead gorgeous, has a reputation around town, and is also ten years younger than her.

When he asks her out on a date, Maggie is totally thrown. She can’t deny she’s attracted to him. But is she ready to risk her heart with another roll of the dice?

About The Author

My Review

This is a heartfelt, small-town romance about second chances, community, and the courage to open one’s heart again.

Maggie, a single mother, moves to Starr’s Fall with her teenage son, determined to give them both a fresh start. After years of struggle, she hopes her new board game café will provide stability and a sense of belonging. Adjusting to small-town life isn’t easy, but Maggie quickly finds herself embraced by the locals, especially the warm-hearted yet sharp-tongued Henrietta Starr, the town’s matriarch.

Then there’s Zach, a younger man who exudes easygoing charm. As he forms an unexpected bond with Maggie’s son, she finds herself drawn to him as well, despite her reservations. Having been burned before, Maggie is hesitant to trust again, and the age gap between her and Zach only fuels her doubts. But as she watches him support her son and bring laughter back into their lives, she begins to wonder if maybe—just maybe—she deserves a love that’s playful, uplifting, and real.

This novel beautifully captures the essence of small-town life, where neighbors rally together, new friendships blossom, and love often comes when least expected. Kate Hewitt delivers a sweet, uplifting story filled with warmth, humor, and tender emotions, making it a perfect read for fans of heartfelt, feel-good romances.

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Review Card & Book Review- Just The Beginning By Sarah Bennett

Welcome to Halfmoon Quay, the picture-perfect village clinging to the edge of the Cornish coast ⛵️🧡🌊

Everyone knows Rick Penrose is the person in the village to turn to for help. Friendly and reliable, not to mention drop-dead gorgeous, he’ll do anything for anyone. When his teenage crush Anya moves back to the quay for a fresh start, he has the perfect solution. She needs a job and his great uncle needs help to run his hotel. It’s a win-win.

Following the death of her husband, Anya Stokes discovered everything about her life was a lie. Without her beautiful home and the luxuries she took for granted, Anya and her daughter, Freya, have no choice but to move in with her aunt and uncle in Halfmoon Quay.

As she begins to turn her life around, Anya realises the perfect man might have been right under her nose all the time. But there’s a fine line between helping and taking over and Rick doesn’t always know where it is. Then Anya discovers he’s been keeping things from her and it’s like the past is repeating itself…

About The Author

My Review

Just the Beginning by Sarah Bennett is a heartwarming romance about new beginnings, family bonds, and unexpected love, set against the picturesque Cornish coast.

Anya, looking for a fresh start after a difficult past, moves to the charming seaside village of Mermaids Point. She hopes to rebuild her life and find a sense of belonging in this close-knit community. There, she meets Rick, a local man who is eager to help her settle in. However, while his kindness is undeniable, Anya finds his tendency to take control both frustrating and endearing.

As their relationship deepens, long-buried secrets from Rick’s past come to light, complicating their growing connection. Anya must decide whether she can trust him and open her heart again, while Rick struggles with his own emotional barriers.

Filled with warmth, heartfelt moments, and a beautifully described coastal setting, Just the Beginning is an uplifting story about second chances, finding home in unexpected places, and the healing power of love. Fans of small-town romances and family-driven stories will find this an engaging and feel-good read.

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Review Card & Book Review- Falling Overboard By Sariah Wilson

Lucky Salerno’s dream is to own a bakery. To earn enough money to achieve it, she has secured a lucrative job as chief stewardess on a superyacht cruising the Mediterranean. Aboard the ship, there’s one unbreakable rule: no hookups among the crew. No problem. The last thing Lucky has time for is a man. Then she meets Hunter Smith, the gorgeous new deckhand sharing her cabin. Is the universe trying to test her willpower?

Who needs the drama that comes with a relationship? Not Hunter. Who can ignore a witty, beautiful bunkmate like Lucky? Also not Hunter. There’s something just as enticing for Lucky: a tantalizing mystery behind Hunter’s piercing blue eyes she can’t wait to solve. But at what risk?

As they get to know each other, a secret romance buds at sea, and Lucky has to choose. Abide by the rules to make her career dreams come true, or pursue her love for Hunter—another dream that’s just as near to her heart.

About The Author

My Review

Falling Overboard by Sariah Wilson is a breezy, sun-soaked romance that blends humor, sizzle, and heartfelt moments. Lucky Salerno is a charming, relatable heroine—determined to build her bakery dream, yet suddenly stuck in a tiny cabin with the dangerously appealing Hunter Smith. The forced proximity and “no-crew-romance” rule create a delicious slow burn, with plenty of playful banter and stolen glances. Wilson captures the opulence of Mediterranean yacht life while grounding the story in Lucky’s relatable struggles and ambitions. The pacing balances lighthearted escapism with emotional beats, making it both fun and satisfying. It’s perfect for readers who love forbidden romance tropes, witty chemistry, and a glamorous setting that feels like a vacation in book form.

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Review Card & Book Review – A Sky Full Of Stars By Fay Keenan

Charlotte James prefers having her head in the stars to having her feet on the ground.

Moving around for her job as an astronomical archivist gives Charlotte plenty of opportunity to avoid putting down roots. When she accepts a post in the idyllic Somerset village of Lower Brambleton to archive an old observatory before its demolition, all that is on her mind is a chance to preserve the treasures of this remarkable place and another summer without having to settle down.

Tristan Ashcombe is managing the development of Observatory Field and as far as he’s concerned, the sooner the observatory is razed to the ground the better. The building holds complicated memories for him and his family, memories he’s ready to put behind him.

But as Charlotte’s work begins to unravel mysteries from a complex past, she realises that there’s more to Tristan and Lower Brambleton than first impressions would suggest. Will Charlotte discover more than she bargained for, will she manage to avoid losing her heart in the process or is her fate already written in the stars?

About The Author

My Review

This is a heartwarming contemporary romance set in the English countryside. Charlotte James, an astronomical archivist, takes on a summer job cataloging an old observatory’s contents before its demolition. She meets Tristan Ashcombe, who is overseeing the site’s redevelopment and has personal reasons for wanting the observatory gone. As Charlotte uncovers hidden secrets about the observatory and its past, she and Tristan grow closer, challenging their initial perceptions. The novel blends romance, mystery, and self-discovery, offering an uplifting story about love, community, and new beginnings.

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Review Card & Book Review- Love At First Flight By Jo Watson

Things Pippa enjoys: her job, airplanes, synonyms, and tropical fish.

Things Pippa does not enjoy: repeating patterns, tight clothes, people asking why she’s single, and school reunions.

Air-traffic controller Pippa Edwards works at a large airport guiding planes through landing or takeoff. She’s one of the best at her job, but when off the clock, Pippa struggles to manage interpersonal relationships and understand social cues.

After six months of only speaking over the intercom, when Pippa finally meets pilot Andrew Boyce-Jones face-to-face, they discover they’ve got much more in common than simply working at the same airport . . . they both need a date.

Faced with her dreaded ten-year-reunion, Pippa wants to avoid the usual questions about why she doesn’t have a boyfriend (or a relationship that lasts). And Andrew needs to get his well-meaning family off his back about settling down.

The solution seems simple. A pact—a fake-dating pact—for as long as it’s mutually beneficial. It’s perfect.

Or at least it would be if not for their very real attraction. Now Pippa’s questioning everything she thought she wanted, and how she thought people saw her. She’s wondering if there really is someone who can love her exactly as she is, and if she can let her guard down enough to let him in.

About The Author

My Review

This is a contemporary romance featuring Pippa Edwards, a neurodivergent air traffic controller, and Andrew Boyce-Jones, a pilot. Their daily professional interactions take an unexpected turn when they finally meet in person and agree to a fake dating arrangement. As they spend more time together, real feelings develop, leading to a heartfelt and humorous love story.

Set against the unique backdrop of the aviation industry, the novel explores themes of self-acceptance, personal growth, and unexpected love. With its engaging characters and slow-burn romance, it’s a charming and uplifting read for fans of romantic comedies.

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Review Card & Book Review- His Enemy’s Italian Surrender By Sharon Kendrick

There’s a fine line…
between hate and hunger!

When a raging storm strands Kelly Butler in the remote Tuscan castello of arrogant billionaire Romano Castelliari, it’s a nightmare. Each and every glare from her best friend’s brother and the subject of her youthful infatuation makes taunting desire lick at her body and soul…

Romano’s childhood taught him to ruthlessly suppress any threat to his self-discipline. So, the way Kelly gets under his skin is unacceptable. But upon discovering her innocence, his burning dislike turns to scorching need. And the only way of regaining control is his enemy’s passionate surrender!

About The Author

My Review

This is a passionate enemies-to-lovers romance set in the beautiful Tuscan countryside. Romano Castelliari, a powerful and disciplined billionaire, finds his world disrupted when Kelly Butler, his sister’s best friend, arrives at his estate during a storm.

Romano initially sees Kelly as nothing more than a reckless party girl, but as they are forced to spend time together, he discovers there’s more to her than he assumed. As tensions rise and attraction builds, their animosity transforms into an undeniable connection, leading to unexpected emotions that neither can ignore.

With vivid descriptions, emotional depth, and a classic forced-proximity trope, this novel delivers a compelling romance about love emerging from unexpected places.

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Review Card & Book Review – The Full Nest By Fiona Gibson

One family home. Three generations. What could possibly go wrong?

Carly loves her family. She really does. It’s just that now her three children are grown up, she thought it was her time.

Everyone talks about the empty nest and how difficult that can be, but Carly and her husband, Frank, have often fantasised about it – meals without arguments, conversation without shouting over the sound of the Xbox, holidays planned around the culture not the kids’ club.

But Carly’s nest is far from empty. Her elderly dad needs more support and is moving in ‘temporarily’. On top of which, Carly’s son, Eddie, is far too comfortable at home – why go out and get a job, when your parents keep you fed and your clothes laundered? And just when Carly is starting to pull her hair out, Eddie drops a bombshell that changes everything.

Is there room in the nest for one more?

About The Author

My Review

This heartfelt and engaging novel explores the complexities of family, highlighting how reality often differs from the seemingly perfect images portrayed on social media. The story follows Carly and Frank, two characters who occasionally frustrate but ultimately feel deeply real, making readers emotionally invested in their journey.

At its core, the book emphasizes the importance of communication, self-worth, and the ways in which we think we are helping others—sometimes without truly understanding their needs. With humor and poignant moments, it captures the messy, imperfect nature of family life while encouraging readers to appreciate and reconnect with their loved ones.

Despite some minor flaws, the story’s strong emotional pull, relatable themes, and engaging writing make it a compelling and memorable read.

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Review Card & Book Review – Fallen Hearts By Cissy Mecca

Rule one of the Bachelor Pact is simple: Never fall in love.

Temporarily returning home to Cedar Falls comes with mixed emotions.

But having to work alongside the distractingly beautiful Pia, hired by my father before his unexpected death to run and restore my family’s inn, is a test I could do without.

I don’t need help, especially from a stranger whose delectable body is inviting me to forget the most important rule of the Bachelor Pact.

I learned early on to avoid attachments, and Pia is completely off-limits. I’m technically her boss. Working together to renovate the crumbling inn, I try to shield my heart and ignore my body’s traitorous responses.

But Pia’s laughter fills the dusty halls, melting my defences and testing my iron-clad resolve. As each day passes, the thought of returning to my old life as a cop in the city and leaving Pia becomes more and more difficult.

Now, with my future and an age-old promise on the line, I’m left wondering if I should finally crack open the door to love I sealed so long ago.

About The Author

My Review

In this book, Mason returns to Cedar Falls with no intention of staying long. However, his plans are upended when he is forced to work alongside Pia, a determined and captivating woman his late father hired to manage and restore the family inn. While he has always been committed to the “Bachelor Pact”—a promise to himself to remain unattached—his growing connection with Pia challenges his long-held beliefs about love and relationships.

As they work together to renovate the inn, their undeniable chemistry sparks tension, banter, and unexpected emotions. Despite his initial reluctance, he begins to see Pia as more than just a business partner. But with his past influencing his fear of commitment, he struggles to open his heart.

Set in the charming small town of Cedar Falls, Fallen Hearts blends heartfelt romance with themes of personal growth, second chances, and the courage to embrace love. With Mecca’s signature storytelling, readers can expect a warm, engaging narrative filled with deep emotions, community spirit, and a romance that unfolds in a beautifully scenic setting.

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