Category Archives: Book Review

Review Card & Book Review- The Next Big Thing By Erin Scoggins

She can’t cook. He won’t leave. And the hottest thing coming out of the kitchen might just be their chemistry.

When Cora Lockwood’s boyfriend betrays her by stealing her idea and tanking her career, her perfect life collapses, leaving her with a battered reputation and a one-way ticket home.

Returning to Sunrise, North Carolina, Cora plans to sell her grandmother’s café and move on. But The Salty Spoon isn’t empty—it has been taken over by Jack Harlow, the stubborn chef who’s staked his future on bringing her family’s recipes back to life. With a developer circling and long-hidden secrets bubbling up, they’ve got thirty days to fight over the café’s fate: sell it or save it. And neither plans to back down.

With the clock ticking, Cora and Jack become unlikely partners in chaos, tangled in late-night cooking lessons, small-town meddling, and one inconvenient attraction that has sparks flying both in and out of the kitchen.

About The Author

My Review

This book is about fresh starts, small-town charm, and the unexpected romance that blooms when life refuses to go according to plan. In this book, Cora Lockwood inherits her grandmother’s café just as she’s been fired from her job. Hoping for a clean slate, she plans to sell the café quickly—until she meets Jack Harlow, a brooding chef determined to convince her the café, and the town, are worth staying for.

The story shines through its warm, comforting atmosphere and the gentle slow-burn romance between Cora and Jack. Their growing connection feels natural and heartfelt, built through shared moments, playful tension, and the cozy routines of café life. Jack’s passion for food and his quiet determination balance nicely with Cora’s uncertainty and desire for change, creating a relationship that feels believable and easy to root for.

The supporting cast and small-town setting add depth and charm, making the town feel lived-in and welcoming. Light, sweet, and full of feel-good moments, this is a delightful rom-com perfect for fans of uplifting romances and comforting reads.

My Rating

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Review Card & Book Review- The Great Italian Holiday Mix-Up By Sandy Barker

What do you do when your dream holiday for two turns into an unexpected romantic mix-up? 😅

Nick and Delaney each think they’ve planned the perfect romantic getaway – a mystery holiday designed by a travel matchmaking service.

And what’s more idyllic than the sun-soaked Isle of Capri with its stunning scenery, air of romance and endless Aperol Spritzes?

But when the itineraries go astray, Nick walks into a hotel suite that’s already occupied – just not by his fiancée.

Two frantic phone calls later, Nick and Delaney discover the truth: their partners are together in Reykjavík and they’re stuck sharing a room in one of the most romantic places on earth.

As they scramble to fix the mix-up, fate steps in and they start to wonder if the wrong holiday might just be the right one after all.

About The Author

My Review

What do you do when the romantic holiday you’ve carefully planned pairs you with the wrong person? The Great Italian Holiday Mix-Up is a delightful romantic comedy that proves life’s biggest mistakes sometimes lead to its happiest surprises. Filled with humour, heart, and the irresistible charm of the Italian coast, this is the perfect feel-good escape for romance lovers.

Nick and Delaney each believe they’re about to enjoy a dream mystery holiday with their respective partners, only to discover a booking mix-up has sent them to Capri together while their partners end up sharing a trip in Reykjavík. Forced to share accommodation in one of the world’s most romantic destinations, they initially focus on fixing the mistake. But as they spend more time together, unexpected friendship, undeniable chemistry, and difficult questions about their relationships begin to emerge.

What makes this novel especially enjoyable is how naturally the romance develops. Rather than relying on instant attraction, the relationship grows through shared experiences, honest conversations, and plenty of laugh-out-loud moments. Nick and Delaney are both easy to root for, carrying their own insecurities and expectations into the holiday. Watching them slowly realise that perhaps they had been with the wrong people all along feels believable, heartfelt, and genuinely satisfying.

Capri is far more than a beautiful backdrop—it becomes a character in its own right. From sparkling blue waters and colourful cliffside villages to leisurely meals, refreshing Aperol Spritzes, and breathtaking sunsets, Sandy Barker paints such vivid scenes that I felt as though I were travelling alongside the characters. The holiday atmosphere perfectly complements the lighthearted romance while adding a touch of escapism that makes the story even more enjoyable.

Beneath the humour, the novel quietly explores themes of fate, timing, self-discovery, and the courage to embrace unexpected opportunities. It reminds us that even carefully made plans don’t always lead us where we’re meant to be, and sometimes the best experiences arrive completely by accident.

Overall, this is a warm, uplifting romance that left me smiling from beginning to end. If you enjoy forced proximity, accidental roommates, strangers-to-lovers, and destination romances filled with witty banter and gorgeous travel vibes, this is a wonderfully entertaining escape that’s sure to leave you dreaming of Capri long after you’ve turned the final page.

Accidental Roommates

Wrong Person, Right Love

Forced Proximity

Strangers to Lovers

My Rating

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Later-in-Life Fresh Start

Review Card & Book Review- Growing Old Disgracefully By Karen King

This book is a joyful, uplifting story about reinvention, friendship, and discovering that life can become wonderfully unpredictable just when you think it’s settling down.

Nancy is preparing for a peaceful retirement when her world suddenly collapses, leaving her broke and unsure of the future. Her practical decision to take in lodgers quickly spirals into chaos when Jackie, Phyllis, and Marvin arrive, transforming her quiet home into a lively, unpredictable haven. Each new housemate brings quirks, complications, and unexpected joy, pushing Nancy far beyond her comfort zone.

The novel shines in its celebration of later life as a time of possibility rather than limitation. The humour is warm and cheeky, driven by the characters’ antics and growing camaraderie, yet it never loses its emotional core. Beneath the laughs lies a heartfelt exploration of loss, confidence, and the courage to embrace change.

Ultimately, this is a charming reminder that friendship and adventure don’t have an age limit. By the end, Nancy’s journey feels empowering, proving that sometimes the best chapters begin when everything else seems to end.

About The Author

My Review

This Book is a joyful, uplifting story about reinvention, friendship, and discovering that life can become wonderfully unpredictable just when you think it’s settling down.

Found Family

Eccentric Housemates

Healing Through Friendship

My Rating

Link To Purchase

Emotional Healing & Personal Growth

Review Card & Book Review – The Life Rules Of Hilda Pride By Claudia Carroll

One Irish village, one fixer-upper & one chance to open her heart…

Sometimes friends and romance let you down but Hilda Pride knows she can face anything on her own, so why is she still feeling a little lonely…

Then life throws Hilda a curveball – an unexpected inheritance, a trip to Ireland and a huge but crumbling stately home that might just one day be hers to keep. Still stuck in her ways, Hilda is determined to tackle Mayfield Manor alone, but renovating a mansion single-handed might be beyond even her.

What Hilda needs is friends, so for the first time in years, Hilda Pride dares to lower her defences and everything in her world shifts in an instant. Hilda could never imagine what happens next, but it will change her and a community forever.

About The Author

My Review

This book is a warm and uplifting story that follows a fiercely independent woman who has built her life around the belief that relying on others only leads to disappointment. Written by Claudia Carroll, the novel introduces Hilda Pride as prickly, stubborn, and emotionally guarded, yet deeply relatable in her determination to protect her heart.

An unexpected inheritance sends Hilda to Ireland and places the crumbling Mayfield Manor in her path. What begins as a practical obligation slowly becomes a journey of transformation. Watching Hilda attempt to manage everything alone is both funny and touching, especially as the welcoming community begins to chip away at her carefully built walls.

The story shines in its gentle pacing and emotional realism. Hilda’s growth unfolds through small, meaningful moments rather than dramatic twists, making her journey feel authentic and satisfying. The Irish setting adds charm and warmth, perfectly complementing the themes of belonging and second chances.

Unexpected Inheritance

Close-Knit Community

Small-Town Charm

My Rating

Link To Purchase

Scottish Highlands Romance

Review Card & Book Review- Stirring Up A Love Story By Amelia Berry

Can he cook his way into her heart?

Darcy is still reeling after the death of her beloved husband, the Baron of Lowbridge, eighteen months ago. He is the reason she left New York for the Scottish Highlands and now she feels lost.

When feisty chef Nate arrives at Lowbridge, she takes against him immediately. He is cocky and brash and the two of them do not see eye to eye on anything. He is, however, brilliant, and over time, despite herself, Darcy feels drawn to him.

But he is 15 years her junior, and she is not ready to move on. Can she have a second chance at love?

About The Author

My Review

This book is about second chances, healing after loss, and discovering that a new life can begin in the most unexpected places. This is a sweet, closed-door romance that balances emotional depth with a light, comforting tone.

Darcy, a widow still learning how to exist in the quiet aftermath of grief, feels authentic and gently drawn. Her journey toward rebuilding a life is tender without slipping into melodrama. Nate, a talented chef forced to step away from the career path he once believed defined him, offers a compelling counterpoint. Watching his frustration, pride, and eventual softening into a new sense of purpose creates a satisfying emotional arc.

What makes this story especially charming is its focus beyond romance. While Darcy and Nate’s relationship unfolds with warmth and patience, the novel shines brightest in its exploration of community, belonging, and the courage to open your heart again. The Scottish Highlands setting adds a cozy, dreamy atmosphere that perfectly complements the themes of renewal and home.

It may not be an all-consuming read, but it is warm, hopeful, and quietly uplifting—an enjoyable story that leaves you feeling comforted and optimistic.

Second Chance at Love

Widow Finds Love Again

Healing & Emotional Recovery

My Rating

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Review Card & Book Review – New Chapters On The French Riviera By Jennifer Bohnet

Can a talented chef and a group of writers rediscover joy—and perhaps even create new beginnings?

Eight months after suddenly closing its doors, Michelin-starred chef and Villa Celestia proprietor Guy Lyon is almost ready to begin again. When his friend Sandy Thoreau asks to rent the villa on the French Riviera for a last-minute women’s writing retreat, Guy reluctantly agrees.

As Villa Celestia reopens, Guy is swept into the orbit of an eclectic group of writers. Helena and her friend Mandy are tackling their debut novels, Isobel is polishing a cosy crime novel, Liz hopes to reignite her creativity, self-published Lorraine seeks guidance, and Becky… well, Becky plays by her own rules.

Amid sun-drenched days, shared meals, and creative breakthroughs, friendships flourish and unexpected connections form. Together, they discover fresh inspiration, bold new directions, and the courage to turn the page.

About The Author

My Review

This book is about Guy, a grieving widower who has closed the boutique hotel and Michelin-starred restaurant he once ran with his late wife, unable to face life without her. When his friend Sandy needs a venue for her writers’ retreat, Guy reluctantly agrees to let her use the hotel and quietly cater for the group. The retreat brings together an eclectic mix of writers, each with their own ambitions, insecurities, and personal baggage, eager to learn and explore the beauty of the French Riviera.

Jennifer Bohnet paints the Riviera in vivid, sun-soaked detail, far from the crowded, overpriced image some may imagine, creating a setting readers will want to visit themselves. The story balances the charm of a picturesque location with insight into the struggles and joys of the writing life, showing the dedication, vulnerability, and inspiration that go into creating a book.

Amid delicious meals, budding romances, and unexpected friendships, long-buried secrets surface, bringing tension and emotional depth. This book is a warm, engaging, and feel-good read that blends romance, self-discovery, and the magic of second chances beautifully.

Second Chance at Life

Writers’ Retreat

Healing After Loss

Found Family

My Rating

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Review Card & Book Review- Can’t Shoot Whiskey By Zoe Forward

Josh Hurst was supposed to be my forever. Instead, he became the villain in my origin story. I gave him my heart. He broke it without flinching. So, I did what any self-respecting, heart-shattered girl would do—I declared war. Our revenge game? Legendary.
Until I left for college and swore I’d never look back.

But life doesn’t care about vows made in the dark. When my father dies unexpectedly, I’m dragged back to the hometown I outgrew, handed guardianship of my grieving kid brother, and forced to take over my father’s struggling veterinary clinic. And waiting for me—like karma with a smirk—is Josh. Not as a memory. Not as a ghost. But as my new business partner.

Avoiding him? Impossible. Forgetting what we were? Laughable. He still looks at me like I’m his. Like we’re a story paused instead of over. Like one spark is all it would take. And God help me, the spark is still there.But we don’t do soft. We don’t do safe. We do oil and fire. War and wreckage. Whatever we once were..Whatever we still could be— We’re enemies. And this time, nobody’s walking away unburned.

About The Author

My Review

This book is about returning home, confronting old heartbreak, and rebuilding a life while unexpected love resurfaces. In this book, Erika is forced back to her hometown after her estranged father’s death, only to discover he forged her name as guarantor on debts owed to his veterinary partner who also happens to be her ex-boyfriend, Josh. To repay the debt and care for her young brother, Erika must work at the very clinic tied to her painful past.

The emotional core lies in Erika and Josh’s complicated history. Their dynamic is full of sharp banter, unresolved hurt, and lingering affection that bubbles beneath their constant clashes. Erika’s bitterness and fierce independence contrast nicely with Josh’s patience and quiet kindness, creating a believable push-and-pull romance rooted in shared history and small-town familiarity.

The supporting cast adds warmth and charm, especially through the close-knit community and Josh’s role coaching Vinny’s baseball team. While the romance sometimes feels rushed due to their hectic lives, the story remains engaging and heartfelt. The dramatic ending leans slightly into thriller territory, but overall delivers an entertaining blend of second-chance romance, family responsibility, and emotional healing.

Second Chance Romance

Small-Town Romance

Exes to Lovers

Forced Proximity

My Rating

Link To Purchase

Found Identity & Family Legacy

Review Card & Book Review- The Islander’s Daughter By Patricia Wilson

A letter from the past. A wartime secret buried on a Greek island. A truth that will echo across generations…

When Trisha receives an unexpected letter to her Liverpool home, it opens a decades’ old mystery, drawing her back into her family’s forgotten past, the horrors of war, and a small island off the coast of Greece…

Eighty years earlier, on the island of Milos, Dora is dreaming of a better life, free from the oppression of the occupying army and, closer to home, the brutal rule of her father, an infamous horse breeder.

Then a German cargo ship is bombed in the harbour, killing dozens of the men on board. The islanders trawl the waters for spoilage from the wreckage – finding among the debris a badly injured man, who may just hold the awful truth about what happened.

Dora soon finds this man under her care, and it changes her life forever, introducing her to the possibility of love and freedom for the first time… But Dora cannot know, as she nurses the stranger back to health, that her actions will have devastating consequences for her beloved island. Consequences that will last for generations…

About The Author

My Review

This book is about a mysterious letter that pulls a woman into her family’s long-buried past, uncovering wartime secrets, lost love, and the enduring ties between generations. In this story, Trisha’s quiet life in Liverpool is upended when a message leads her to the Greek island of Milos, where an eighty-year-old story begins to surface.

The novel unfolds through a dual timeline, moving between present-day discoveries and Dora’s life during World War II. Dora dreams of freedom from her controlling father and the occupying forces, but her world changes when a German cargo ship is bombed and a wounded survivor is pulled from the sea. Caring for him sparks danger, romance, and a chance at independence she never imagined.

The pacing builds steadily, drawing readers deeper as the emotional stakes rise and hidden connections emerge. The wartime chapters are particularly compelling, rich with atmosphere, danger, and heartfelt moments. Twists, romance, and family revelations blend seamlessly with the vivid Greek island setting.

Overall, this is an emotional, well-written historical drama that combines mystery, love, and resilience into a moving, satisfying read.

Dual Timeline

Hidden Family Secrets

Wartime Romance

My Rating

Link To Purchase