Book Review – Page 39

Review Card & Book Review- Sunshine After The Rain By Jessica Redland

Melanie knows she’s been running away… But maybe there really is no place like home 🌈

For the last seven years Mel has been hiding; from life, from her friends and from those who love her the most – her family. But being at home in her beloved Lake District has been far too painful for Mel to contemplate. Because seven years ago, Mel lost everything and she’s never been able to banish the dark clouds that follow her.

When Mel returns to Willowdale for a family event, she has no intention of staying. But surrounded by her family she begins to realise just how much she’s been missing and also, how much healing she still needs to do.

Starting a dream job at Willowdale Hall, going on walks with Emma and her funny alpacas and reconnecting with those she loves, Mel slowly begins to see chinks of light and a more hopeful and happier future ahead.

And as Mel begins to feel stronger, she also feels brave enough to face the most painful part of leaving home…the one man she has always loved. With his help, can she finally banish the dark clouds forever and see the sunshine after the rain? 🌧️☀️

About The Author

My Review

Mel and Flynn’s journey is moving and authentic, with no shortcuts taken when it comes to exploring grief, healing, and love. The author delves into the inner workings of Mel’s mind with incredible sensitivity, making her pain over the loss of her son profoundly relatable. Her coping mechanism—running—feels raw and genuine, and the story challenges the notion that time alone heals wounds.

Mel’s gradual awakening to the truth that she hasn’t truly moved on is both painful and inspiring. Her courage to confront the past, accept her mistakes, and open up is powerful. And Flynn is the heart of this story’s hope—steadfast, patient, and endlessly compassionate. His quiet devotion is a beautiful example of enduring love.

The secondary storyline, including the renovation project and Alice’s recovery from her own trauma, adds even more emotional depth. The friendship that grows between Mel and Alice is especially touching, showing how healing often comes through connection.

This installment in the series is a standout—emotional, honest, and ultimately uplifting. A must-read for fans of stories that tackle loss and love with grace and realism.

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Review Card & Book Review- Royal Rebel By Holly Kerr

They were always meant to be—until they weren’t.

Spencer has spent his life by Princess Lyra’s side. As the best friend of her four brothers and the son of the king’s most trusted advisor, everyone assumes he’ll one day claim her heart. He’s always believed it, too.

But when a new romance unexpectedly shakes his world, Spencer starts to wonder if Lyra was ever his destiny.

Heartbroken and determined to move on, Lyra makes a dramatic choice—becoming the next Suitorette on a high-stakes reality dating show, ready to pick her future husband from twenty-five suitors.

Spencer has one last chance to prove they belong together. But is he willing to take the risk before Lyra gives her heart away for good?

About The Author

My Review

This is a charming, clean romance that blends the brother’s best friend and royalty tropes with a delightful twist of reality TV. In this installment, Holly Kerr lightens the emotional load compared to earlier books in the series, making for a more relaxed and feel-good read.

Spencer is adorably oblivious to his own feelings, which makes his slow realization all the more satisfying. Lyra, meanwhile, steps into the spotlight as the featured contestant on The Suitorette, meeting a parade of potential matches. Yet none can hold a candle to Spencer, even if neither of them can quite admit it. Their long-standing connection, forged through years of shared events and hidden emotions, keeps readers rooting for them.

The fictional country of Laandia and its royal family continue to shine as a rich and cozy backdrop for the series. This is a well-written and thoroughly enjoyable addition, perfect for fans of sweet, royal love stories.

My Rating

Link To Purchase

Amazon

Review Card & Book Review – The Dolce Vita Divas By Maddie Please

Sunshine, Sisterhood, and Second Chances 💃🏻✨

At the ripe (and fabulous) age of 64, Joanna Dawson finds herself seeking a new adventure. Her husband, Greg, has run off with a TBT (thin, blonde, trollop, obviously), her kids have flown the nest, and her social calendar is emptier than her wine rack.

As Jo’s 65th birthday looms, she’s left wondering: Is this it?

Enter Susie, her best friend, with an offer Jo can’t quite refuse: an all-expenses-paid trip to Italy to honour their late friend Ellen. Jo’s not sure she wants to go all the way to Italy, but with nothing else to do and if only to make Susie happy, she agrees. A holiday is a holiday after all.

Capri is even more gorgeous than Jo imagined and soon she and Susie are having the time of their life, especially as Jo is reunited with her dashing first love, Paulo. The one who, most definitely, got away…

Things might have fizzled with Paulo decades ago, but in the land of sun, pasta, and far too much wine, Jo begins to wonder: Could this be her second chance at life…and amore?

About The Author

My Review

This is a wonderfully uplifting and life-affirming story that celebrates friendship, fresh starts, and the enduring magic of romance—no matter your age. Maddie Please whisks readers away to the stunning shores of Capri with Jo and Susie, two women rediscovering joy and purpose in the most delightful way.

After years of routine, Jo and Susie take a leap into the unknown with a sun-drenched escape that quickly becomes more than just a getaway. What unfolds is a charming blend of laughter, healing, and unexpected romance, all wrapped in the beauty and warmth of Italy. Paulo and his eccentric family bring added charm and hilarity, keeping the story lively and full of heart.

The author’s writing shines with humor, compassion, and a deep understanding of women at midlife who are ready to embrace the next chapter. Perfect for fans of feel-good fiction with mature heroines, The Dolce Vita Divas is a joyful celebration of love, friendship, and second chances.

My Rating

Link To Purchase

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Review Card & Book Review – Midwife’s Three- Date Rule By Alison Roberts

NO STRINGS UNTIL…

Midwife Pippa has sworn off romance. She tried the marriage-and-children path once, and it was devastating. So she’s stunned by the ferocity of her attraction to the head of department, Lachlan! And as they bond over their mutual avoidance of commitment, the flames between them only burn brighter. Giving birth to the “three-date rule”! Three dates, no expectations—then they return to being friends and coworkers. But you know what they say about best-laid plans… Because it’s soon clear that Pippa and Lachlan’s chemistry threatens to tempt them into breaking their relationship rules…

About The Author

My Review

This is a tender and emotionally layered friends-to-lovers romance that delivers heart, depth, and real-life stakes. Pippa, a midwife guarding her heart after a painful divorce, and Lachlan, a doctor burdened by the fear of a hereditary disease, are both commitment-averse. Their mutual attraction leads to a no-strings-attached “three-date rule,” a seemingly safe arrangement—until an unexpected pregnancy forces them to confront their deepest fears and desires.

Roberts does a brilliant job exploring vulnerability, choice, and the courage it takes to embrace love when the future is uncertain. Pippa and Lachlan’s chemistry is undeniable, and their emotional growth throughout the story feels both authentic and rewarding.

This is a wonderful pick for fans of workplace romances with real emotional stakes, rich character development, and a satisfying blend of romance and realism.

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Review Card & Book Review- How To Win Back A Royal By Justine Lewis

STEP ONE? A HEADLINE-MAKING REUNION!

Rowan’s romance with Princess Isabella came to a crashing halt when he was forced to end their engagement. Now a self-made billionaire, he’s handed a second chance at happily-ever-after…when he spots her sneaking out of an exclusive party—right into the paparazzi’s view! To prevent their photo causing a worldwide scandal, they must work together to avoid it being released. Quickly, they’re reminded of all the reasons they never stopped loving each other. But will they also be reminded of why she shouldn’t wear his ring again?

About The Author

My Review

This is a delightfully romantic second-chance story packed with royal charm, sizzling chemistry, and heartfelt emotion. When billionaire Rowan crosses paths with his former fiancée, Princess Isabella, sparks fly—and not just because they’re trying to dodge scandal. Their unexpected reunion forces them to confront the unresolved feelings and misunderstandings that tore them apart. What follows is a journey of personal growth, rekindled passion, and learning to fight for love despite royal expectations and public scrutiny.

Isabella is a strong, relatable heroine who learns to assert her desires, while Rowan is both swoon-worthy and emotionally grounded. Their dynamic is electric, and their character arcs feel earned and satisfying.

This is a perfect pick for fans of royal romances, second chances, and stories where love wins out against the odds.

My Rating

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Review Card & Book Review- The Lightkeeper’s Curse By Cassie Miles

With the darkness closing in around them

They’ll risk everything to bring a killer to light

Rookie FBI agent Skylar Gambel and police detective Jake Armstrong both had their lives shaped by the Lightkeeper Murders. Now, twenty years later, a new serial killer called the Shadowkeeper has emerged from foggy obscurity. Are the deaths the work of a new murderer, simply an evolved one…or a curse? Skylar is determined to crack the case, even as she fights her hidden phobias and her attraction to Jake. But when she is kidnapped along with the killer’s next victim, Jake vows to silence the violent slayer once and for all.

About The Author

My Review

This is a gripping romantic suspense that masterfully blends past trauma with present danger, delivering a twisty, emotionally satisfying story. Cassie Miles weaves a tightly plotted mystery with just the right amount of romance and intrigue.

At its core, the novel explores the long shadow of a tragic murder spree—the Lightkeeper killings—which continues to haunt Skylar, Jake, and a web of others two decades later. When a new murder mirrors those past crimes, old wounds resurface and a chilling copycat emerges, drawing everyone back to the scene of the original trauma.

The story jumps straight into the action, offering a compelling whodunit filled with red herrings and layered characters. Skylar and Jake’s relationship unfolds naturally amid the tension, culminating in a heartwarming conclusion full of hope, love, and new beginnings.

True to the Harlequin Intrigue style, this novel checks every box: suspense, emotional depth, satisfying romance, and a fast-paced plot that keeps the pages turning. A strong addition to the genre and a great pick for fans of second chances and tightly woven mysteries.

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Review Card & Book Review- Out Of The Blue By Jenny Hale

High school guidance counselor Nora Jenkins has her hands full. Her new student, Ivy Ryman, has been wreaking havoc at Oakland High and has occupied all of Nora’s work hours. With his busy schedule, music producer Blaze Ryman can’t get a handle on his daughter. But Nora has a soft spot for the girl who’s lost her mother and is now living with her mega-famous father.

When summer break finally arrives, Nora packs up and heads for the turquoise Gulf Coast to soak in the sparkling surf and sip on cocktails until she falls asleep, wrapped in sunlight on the warm beach.

She’s just about to get her wish. Until Ivy and her father unexpectedly show up at her beachfront doorstep.

About The Author

My Review

This is a heartwarming, uplifting story that blends emotional depth with feel-good summer vibes. It is a charming narrative filled with hope, personal growth, and the power of unexpected connections.

Nora Jenkins, a dedicated high school guidance counselor, is instantly relatable with her caring nature and deep commitment to her students. Her much-needed escape to the Gulf Coast quickly turns into something more complicated—and more meaningful—when Blaze Ryman and his rebellious daughter Ivy show up uninvited. What unfolds is a tender, slow-burn story about second chances, healing, and opening your heart in unexpected places. The chemistry between Nora and Blaze is warm and believable, while Ivy’s transformation adds a touching layer of emotional payoff.

This is a wonderful summer read—hopeful, sincere, and cinematic in its appeal. Perfect for fans of Hallmark-style romance with a little more emotional weight.

My Rating

Link To Purchase

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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.

My Rating

Link To Purchase

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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.

My Rating