Category Archives: Book Review

Review Card & Book Review- An Italian Island Secret By Victoria Springfield

It’s time to return to the island…

Alessia knows her grandmother grew up on the beautiful Italian island of Ischia, off the coast from Naples. But Ornella seldom talks about her life there – or why she never went back.

So Alessia is amazed when Ornella reveals that as a young woman, she had worked on the set of a famous 1950s movie filmed on the island. Is there a link between the film set and the tragic death of Ornella’s teenage sister?

Ornella has kept her past – and the life-changing promise she made – a secret for over sixty years. She has tried not to think about the love she gave up. But now, perhaps the truth should finally be revealed…

Travelling to Ischia together, Alessia falls in love with the captivating island. Meeting handsome journalist Roberto helps her dig deeper into her family’s past, too. Just what happened to Ornella’s sister? What heart-wrenching secret is her grandmother hiding?

This summer, can Alessia and Ornella put the past to rest and find the happy ending they both deserve?

About The Author

My Review

This is a heartwarming and evocative story set on the picturesque island of Ischia. The novel delves into themes of family loyalty, hidden truths, and personal sacrifices, presenting a deeply emotional and authentic narrative.

Through vivid and enchanting descriptions, the island setting comes alive, showcasing the author’s intimate knowledge and affection for Ischia. The characters, particularly Ornella and Alessia, embark on heartfelt journeys—one to confront a complicated past, the other to uncover a family history filled with secrets.

The romance in the story is tender and understated, allowing relationships to develop naturally, while the narrative’s depth and emotional resonance make it a timeless and memorable read. Perfect for fans of immersive storytelling with a strong sense of place, this novel is a celebration of connection, self-discovery, and enduring bonds.

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Review Card & Book Review- Big Sky Bachelor By JoAnna Sims

Right man, right time, right place…

But for how long?

When successful real estate broker to the rich and famous Danica Brand leaves her two-timing fiancé to regroup at the family ranch, the city girl doesn’t count on a tall, handsome doctor sweeping her off her feet. Dr. Matteo Katz is the most eligible bachelor in Big Sky, Montana. And everything from his Miami good looks to his small-town hospitality temps Danica into his bed. Matteo’s endgame has always been marriage and a family, but Danica is the only woman who makes him ready to commit. Can he convince her to trade her big-city lifestyle for a small-town dream and a chance to redefine her idea of “home”?

About The Author

My Review

This book is the latest addition to the Brands of Montana series, focusing on Danica, one of the Brand triplets. After her boyfriend turns her life into a cliché, Danica retreats to her family ranch to rediscover herself. There, she finds herself drawn to Matteo, the charming local doctor. This beautifully written and heartfelt love story will have readers rooting for Danica and Matteo to find their happily-ever-after. As a delightful bonus, the story also features single mom Journey and her sweet romance with Cody, a former rodeo star who now works with the ranch horses.

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Review Card & Book Review- Brewing Up A Bad Boy By Katherine Garbera

Sometimes the second sip is sweetest.

In the cozy town of Birch Lake, tea shop owner Poppy Kitchener thought she’d left her mistakes, and her failed marriage, in the past. But when her ex-husband, Alistair Miller, turns up—as charming and irritatingly handsome as ever—those old feelings float to the surface. To top it off, he has a puzzling proposition: pretend they’re still married for his cousin’s wedding in exchange for a lucrative business deal with his family.

Easy enough, right? After all, this could be Poppy’s last chance to get closure, grow her business and use Alistair’s knowledge of microbrewing to help her finish that winning recipe for the tea competition.

But even after all this time, he still knows how to make her laugh. And he’s changed in ways that make Poppy wonder about the man he’s become… Can she trust this new Alistair with her heart, or will a second chance brew up disaster?

About The Author

My Review

This is a heartwarming tale of second chances and healing. The story follows Poppy as she bravely reconnects with Alistair, the man who once broke her heart, with both now in new phases of their lives. Their rekindled romance is a delightful blend of sweetness, charm, and passion. Beyond the love story, the novel delves into themes of personal growth, forgiveness, and moving forward. The powerful bond between Poppy and her sisters, Liberty and Sera, adds depth and warmth, making this an emotionally rich and unforgettable read.

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Review Card & Book Review- Billionaire’s Bride Bargain By Millie Adams

“I have to get married.
And I think I should marry you.”

Set the London tabloids ablaze with an engagement announcement! This is publicist Auggie Fremont’s pitch to save her boss, Matias Balcazar, from a media frenzy. She never imagined he’d insist she become his convenient bride-to-be.

If she wears his ostentatious diamond, Matias promises to secure the future of Auggie’s company. Yet, while their relationship is for show, every staged touch from the sinfully attractive billionaire leaves Auggie breathless. And as she unravels the layers of his devil-may-care facade, their faked passion begins to feel achingly and irresistibly real…

About The Author

My Review

Auggie works as a temp assistant for Matias, catering to his every need, even going so far as to sneak into his airplane bedroom while he sleeps with his latest girlfriend to check her phone for any incriminating photos.

When one of Matias’s girlfriends tries to sabotage him and his business, Auggie steps in to save him, which leads to a fake engagement.

Unfortunately, this book by MY fell short of expectations. The beginning felt slow, and the scene where Auggie sneaks into the bedroom to “save” Matias was overly dramatic. The second half had excessive inner dialogue, making it choppy and occasionally dull, while the rushed ending lacked satisfaction.

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Review Card & Book Review – A New Lease Of Life By Celia Anderson

Ingrid is desperate to sell up and move on. Recently widowed, she no longer needs the large house or the treasures (and tat) collected by her late husband, Tommy, an auctioneer. Then there’s the debt he left her with, too.

So, she jumps at the chance to downsize and move to Willowbrook on a temporary lease. She’ll open a pop-up shop for just one year – to dispose of Tommy’s accumulated goods – and then move on. No getting embroiled in village life.

But Ingrid hasn’t reckoned on Willowbrook’s extrovert local ladies (known as the Saga Louts). Or handsome local craftsman Joel, with whom there’s a definite attraction. They all want to help set up ‘The Treasure Trove’.

Surprisingly, it turns out Ingrid can also help them.

Will she ever achieve the fresh start and simpler life she craved? Or will Ingrid discover a wonderful new way to move onwards and upwards?

About The Author

My Review

In this uplifting story, recently widowed Ingrid moves to the village of Willowbrook after her husband’s death leaves her with debt and a house full of treasures to sell. Renting her aunt’s closed shop, she begins her journey to simplify her life. Along the way, she’s supported by a lively group of older women called the Saga Louts, who take her under their wing, and Josh, a kind-hearted carpenter who becomes more than just a helper.

As Ingrid navigates challenges, uncovers hidden strengths, and helps others with their struggles, she finds friendship, community, and a renewed sense of purpose. This heartwarming tale celebrates second chances, resilience, and the joy of connection in a diverse and supportive village.

My Rating

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Happy Publication Day – 5 July 2025

The Magic Of Provence By Alison Roberts

Sometimes facing your fears can be the start of something wonderful. . .

Fiona Gilchrist has spent years running from her demons. But deciding to take back control, she packs up her life and makes the trip to Provence to be reunited with her sisters. And almost instantly, there is something about La Maisonette which is healing and Fi knows she’s ready for a chance to start again.

When an opportunity arises to work alongside vet Christophe Brabant, Fi, although hesitant cannot resist saying yes. Because immersing herself in what she loves is the ultimate distraction. And while Christophe may be utterly charming, he’s also committed to his job so Fi knows she’s in safe hands. Yet, what starts as a blossoming friendship quickly turns to something deeper. Because for the first time in her life, Fi begins to feel relaxed and completely at ease. Could it be that Christophe’s heart is more like hers than she realises? Or has she allowed him to penetrate the boundaries she always considered unbreachable?

Coming to France took a leap of faith, but in doing so it has allowed these two damaged souls a chance to find each other while Provence works its magic

Review Card & Book Review – How Do I Tell You? by Nicola May

How do you rebuild your life when it changes forever in an instant?

Thirty-five-year-old Victoria Sharpe has a decent job as an illustrator, a perfectly good if predictable relationship, and great friends. So why can’t she shake the feeling that something is missing?

Keen to let off steam, she sets off on a night out with her best friends. Next morning – one reckless decision later – she resolves to make some seriously overdue changes to achieve the fulfilment she craves.

Then she gets devastating news that shatters everything she ever wanted for her future.

Or so she thinks. Because as friends and family rally around to support her, and an unexpected new romance causes her heart to skip a beat, Victoria discovers that sometimes in the deepest darkness the brightest light can shine through. But, after all she’s been through, can she let it in?

About The Author

My Review

The novel centres on Victoria Sharpe, a woman in her 30s feeling stuck—in her job, in her relationship, and in life more broadly. With an alcoholic mother and a sense of something missing, Victoria’s world feels stagnant—until a major revelation turns everything upside down. I won’t spoil it (and deliberately went in blind myself), but when the twist hit, I genuinely gasped. It’s one of those rare plot turns that feels both unexpected and deeply human.

Victoria’s journey of self-reflection and transformation is deeply moving. Her friendship circle is a particular highlight—full of warmth, support, and authenticity. The way her friends rallied around her felt incredibly real, and the emotional reactions throughout were handled with nuance and honesty. The subject matter—while I won’t name it to preserve the impact—was something I haven’t come across in fiction before, and May addresses it with impressive sensitivity.

More than just a romance, How Do I Tell You? delves into complex themes of identity, family, and personal truth. It’s a powerful, empathetic story with heart and depth—and one I highly recommend.

My Rating

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Review Card & Book Review – The Paris Chapter By Victoria Walters

Can the city of love mend a broken heart?

Romance author Tessa Elliot has writer’s block, and worse – she isn’t sure she still believes in love. To heal her broken heart, she decides to go on the romantic break in Paris she’d booked before her world fell apart.

But when she arrives at the Airbnb, Tessa is stunned to find someone is already there. Her ex’s best friend Ethan has made himself at home, being told that the place would be empty.

As it’s Paris Fashion Week, and with no other options, they agree to share the apartment. Neither will be in the place much after all, with Ethan taking a cookery course and Tessa on a hard deadline to finish her novel.

But sharing close nights in a one bed apartment, there’s an undeniable pull towards one another.

Will Tessa be able to open her heart, and her laptop, ever again?

About The Author

My Review

Tessa, a heartbroken romance author, shares a Paris apartment with Ethan, her ex’s best friend. Amidst Fashion Week and creative struggles, their undeniable chemistry grows, but complications arise when her cheating ex resurfaces. This heartfelt tale of healing and self-discovery blends love, drama, and Parisian charm. While the romance is compelling, the fast-paced attraction and dramatic twists slightly detract from Tessa’s personal growth. An enjoyable, emotional read with authentic characters and a vibrant setting.

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Review Card & Book Review – Something In The Air By Helen Rolfe

A surprise arrival

Working with the Whistlestop River air ambulance is Nadia’s whole world. She adores her job and the team – they’re family. But when a baby is abandoned on the steps of the base, Nadia is forced to confront events from her past she’d rather forget.

A difficult change

Hudson is trying to get his life back on track after his divorce. It’s not easy juggling his work as a patient and family liaison officer and being the primary parent for his children. He wouldn’t change it for the world. But when his teenage son’s behaviour spirals out of control, Hudson begins to wonder if he can really be there for everyone who needs him…

A chance for something special?

Nadia and Hudson have always been friends, but the arrival of baby Lena pushes them closer than ever, and as their feelings start to grow, they’ll have to decide – do they have space for love when their families need them? And could they put themselves and each other first, just this once?

About The Author

My Review

The story follows Nadia, a former nurse now working on the operational side of the service, and Hudson, a patient family advocate navigating his role as a social worker. Both are burdened by personal family issues they’ve kept hidden but find themselves opening up to one another as their connection deepens. Nadia is stirred emotionally when an abandoned baby is discovered, while Hudson struggles with the challenges of his ex-wife and their children, particularly his eldest son’s behavior.

The book masterfully balances medical drama, emotional depth, and romance. Nadia and Hudson’s journey is touching, with their pasts threatening to impact their future. Additionally, Nadia’s storyline with Monica adds an extra layer of emotional intensity. The fast-paced plot, relatable characters, and insights into the air ambulance world make this a captivating read, with just the right mix of drama and romance. Fans of the series and newcomers alike will enjoy this installment.

My Rating

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