Category Archives: Book Review

Review Card & Book Review – Summer Secrets At Duck Pond Cottage By Della Galton

Can love conquer all?

Jade and Finn are idyllically happy in their little corner of rural Wiltshire. A rescue centre jampacked with animals keeps them super busy. With Finn’s art going from strength to strength, Jade can’t believe they’re living the dream until an arrogant property developer with questionable motives jeopardises their perfect lives and the future plans of the rescue centre.

Jade and Finn both have trust issues and they’ve promised there’ll be no more secrets. But keeping promises is harder than either of them imagined, especially where Finn’s past is concerned.

Living with Mr Spock the potty-mouthed parrot and Mickey the dog who barks at TV baddies there’s never a dull moment at Duck Pond Rescue. But will the humans get their ‘happy-ever-after’ too?
Can they lay the ghosts of the past to rest and find a bright new future together?

About The Author

My Review

This heartwarming novel follows Finn and Jade, an engaged couple juggling wedding planning, their bustling animal sanctuary, and their busy daily lives. Finn, an aspiring artist, gets a chance to make it big, while Jade hopes to acquire neighboring land to expand Duck Pond Cottage. However, both face unexpected challenges—personally and professionally—that could change everything.

This was a charming and quick read, perfect for a vacation or a relaxing afternoon. While the story was fairly low-key, it kept me engaged with just enough twists and turns to hold my interest. Finn and Jade’s relationship was lovely to follow, and I enjoyed seeing how they navigated their daily challenges together. Their interactions with others added warmth and depth, making the book even more enjoyable.

Overall, this is a cozy, feel-good read, perfect for those who enjoy light, low-stakes romance with an established couple working through life together. If you’re looking for an easygoing story with a touch of drama but no heavy tension, this book is a great choice.

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Review Card & Book Review – To Save My Daughters By Louise Guy

I loved him… but I loved my daughters more. I knew what I had to do. I had to protect them.

When June Marlow was arrested for the murder of her husband nearly thirty years ago, she feared she would never see her daughters again.

Terrorised by the man who claimed to love her, and too ashamed and humiliated to admit to years of abuse, June was found guilty, despite her claim that she’d acted in self-defence.

Now as June’s release date nears, while apprehensive about re-entering society, she’s excited to be reunited with her girls. But the little girls she left behind are now grown up, and while Lu is desperate for June’s homecoming, longing to feel her mother’s arms around her once again, her sister, Cole feels differently. She was there that night. And even though she was only ten years old, she has never forgiven her mother for what she did.

It’s meant to be a reunion. But the truths of the past have a way of finding their way to the surface; and June is harbouring more devastating secrets; secrets she prays will never be revealed.

Is a family wracked by lies and trauma about to find healing, or will it be destroyed forever?

About The Author

My Review

This powerful and emotionally raw story explores a mother’s unwavering love and sacrifice for her children while shedding light on the struggles of those in abusive relationships.

After years of suffering, June Marlow kills her husband in self-defense but lacks the evidence to prove it. Now, twenty years later, as she nears her release from prison, her daughters, Luella and Nicole, are forced to confront the trauma of that night and the lasting impact on their lives. Lu, an artist, channels her pain into her work, while Nicole, a trauma therapist, helps others but struggles with her own unresolved emotions. Nicole, who has no memory of the night their father died, resents her mother for breaking their family apart. However, when she counsels a young girl with a similar past, she begins to process her own experiences.

The heartfelt ending focuses on healing, resilience, and the power of family coming together after tragedy.

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Review Card & Book Review – Escape To The French Riviera By Helga Jensen

Can Lucy find her second-chance romance in the glamour of the French Riviera?

When aspiring author Lucy attends a rich friend’s 50th birthday party in glamorous Monaco, she has no idea that her life is about to change forever.

Heartsore after a broken marriage, she is not looking for love so when she meets Elias, and he offers to take her sailing on his employer’s boat, she agrees only as research for the book she desperately wants to write. They bond over their adult children – who seem to want to clip their wings and force them into living like pensioners – and the chemistry is undeniable.

But is he all he seems? And is she ready to trust again?

About The Author

My Review

This book follows Lucy, an aspiring author who attends a wealthy friend’s 50th birthday party in Monaco. Still healing from a broken marriage, she isn’t looking for love. However, when she meets Elias, a charming man who invites her sailing on his employer’s boat, she agrees—seeing it as an opportunity for book research rather than romance. As they spend time together, they bond over their adult children, who seem intent on limiting their independence. The chemistry between them is undeniable, but Lucy soon questions whether Elias is truly who he seems. More importantly, is she ready to open her heart again?

Jensen delivers a heartwarming and engaging later-in-life romance with well-developed, relatable characters. Lucy is an inspiring protagonist, and her journey—both as a writer and someone learning to trust again—feels authentic. The romance with Elias is written realistically, highlighting the challenges of dating with adult children in the picture. The setting in the French Riviera adds a rich, atmospheric backdrop, and the novel’s balance of humor, warmth, and heartfelt moments makes it an enjoyable read. Fans of uplifting, second-chance romances will appreciate this compelling and beautifully told story.

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Review Card & Book Review – Revenge Puck By L.A. Hart

After Elle Townsend is dumped by her hockey star boyfriend Christian Riley on the eve of the championship playoffs, she devises a plan for sweet revenge—a fake romance with Christian’s arch-rival.

Preston Lawrence takes his hockey career very seriously because brawling on the ice is the only thing he’s good at. With the championship trophy and his contract extension on the line, he needs to figure out a way to control his temper that always flares and gets him ejected whenever he faces his rival. So, when a heartbroken blonde asks Preston for a photo with him to try to make Christian jealous, he raises the stakes.

Known for avoiding the spotlight, Preston kisses Elle in front of a crowd of sports reporters, certain the video will go viral. Their “fake” kiss felt a little too real for Elle and Preston. It looks real to Christian too, who goes ballistic when he sees Elle in the stands wearing Preston’s jersey, and holding up a sign that insults the size of Christian’s “stick.” Infuriating Christian helps Preston keep his head in the game so his team could win game one of four.

That’s why he suggests to Elle that they keep up their charade through the championships. Christian and Preston have a complicated history.

Their rivalry intensifies further when they begin to fight over Elle. As Elle and Preston grow closer, secrets unravel, causing Elle to question if Preston’s feelings are genuine or just a part of his revenge plot against Christian.

Will Preston be able to convince Elle that his feelings for her are real, or will Christian find a way to win her back?

About The Author

My Review

After being dumped by her hockey-player boyfriend, Elle seeks revenge by taking a photo with his biggest rival, Preston. When Preston escalates things by kissing her in front of the press, their fake dating scheme takes off. As Preston plays his best game ever, he convinces Elle to keep up the act—but soon, real feelings develop. Now, Elle must figure out if Preston truly cares for her or if it’s still about getting back at her ex.

This is a fun, fast-paced hockey romance with humor, chemistry, and a bit of drama. While the fake dating setup starts off immature, the story improves as their relationship deepens. Some of Preston’s behavior toward Elle and other women is frustrating, but overall, this is an enjoyable, light read—perfect for when you want something quick and entertaining.

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Review Card & Book Review- Always By Helen Hardt

Take his breath away…

Braden and Skye have an electric connection that gets stronger with every boundary and every limit they push. There’s nothing Braden won’t explore with Skye…with one exception. Only now she’s the one who’s challenging him. Because what Skye wants is the one thing Braden can’t give her. And the only way he’ll be able to keep the woman he loves is to relinquish the one thing he’s mastered above everything else: control.

About The Author

My Review

Always by Helen Hardt is a compelling continuation of Braden Black and Skye Manning’s tumultuous love story. Told from Braden’s point of view, this installment dives deep into their emotional conflicts, exploring the challenges of a long-term relationship and the sacrifices love demands. The tension between them is palpable, especially when Braden breaks things off because he can’t give Skye what she wants. As both characters reflect on their priorities, the stakes rise when Skye’s life is put in danger, forcing Braden to confront what truly matters to him.

While this book may not have the same level of intensity as earlier installments, it plays a crucial role in rounding out their journey. The secondary characters add depth and fun, enhancing the story’s overall appeal. Fans of the series will appreciate this introspective look at Braden’s mindset, making Always a satisfying and necessary piece of their road to happily ever after.

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Review Card & Book Review – Change Of Heart By Falon Ballard

Campbell Andrews despises precisely three things in life: incompetence, lateness, and love stories. Having made partner at her law firm at thirty-four, she has no time for anything – or anyone – else. Especially after yet another disastrous first date.

But then she wakes up in Heart Springs – her own personal hell. The good news? She’s not dead. She’s just been magically transported to a small town straight out of the Hallmark channel, complete with a meddling mayor, seasonal festivals, friendly townsfolk . . . and Ben, her date from the night before.

Cam really doesn’t have time for this, but in order to make it back to her real life, she must fulfil three tasks: find a career she’s passionate about, help the community, and find true love. It really seems impossible.

But stuck in this pastel purgatory and forced to give Ben another chance, she starts to realise that maybe anything’s possible with a change of heart . .

About The Author

My Review

Campbell Andrews is a high-powered attorney with no time for love, but when her beloved grandmother insists she go on a date, she reluctantly agrees. She meets pediatric surgeon Ben Loving, assuming it will be a waste of time. However, after an inexplicable twist, she wakes up in the small town of Heart Springs—far from her old life—with Ben as her neighbor. Now, they must work together to find a way home.

This novel plays with the classic “big-city woman stuck in a small town” trope but adds a magical realism twist that makes it feel fresh and engaging. Campbell and Ben’s romance evolves from initial tension to deep emotional support, with Ben encouraging Campbell’s self-growth and Campbell making sacrifices for Ben’s happiness. The charming small-town setting, lovable side characters, and well-paced slow-burn romance make this a delightful, heartwarming read.

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Review Card & Book Review- Find Her By Katherine Garbera

A DEA agent has one goal in mind…
And getting personal could be deadly

Lee Oscar has convinced herself she can keep her past in the past until an old friend tells her that a student of his has disappeared. Lee launches a search for the missing teen, colliding with DEA agent Aaron Quentin’s investigation. Together they forge an impromptu partnership—and make a fake relationship their cover. Lee and Aaron are determined to rescue the girl in danger while bringing down a deadly crime syndicate. Posing as lovers without succumbing to the ruse may be the more difficult task.

About The Author

My Review

This book delivers an exciting mix of action, suspense, and romance, keeping readers engaged from start to finish. Aaron Quentin is a compelling hero—haunted by past tragedy yet dedicated to his dangerous undercover mission. Lee, a brilliant but reserved tech expert, steps into an unfamiliar world to help a friend, only to find herself entangled in Aaron’s operation. Their chemistry is undeniable, and the fake relationship trope adds a layer of tension and emotional depth as they navigate their growing feelings.

The dual storylines—Aaron’s cartel investigation and Lee’s search for a missing teen—are expertly woven together, leading to unexpected twists and an intense, nail-biting climax. The author does a fantastic job balancing action with character development, making both the romance and suspense equally compelling. Fans of romantic suspense will love the blend of danger, intrigue, and heartfelt connection between two strong yet vulnerable protagonists.

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Review Card & Book Review – Starting Over In Starshine Cove By Debbie Johnson

Connie Llewelyn is the beating heart of the magical seaside village of Starshine Cove. She runs the local cafe, and is everybody’s friend – always on hand with a kind smile, a listening ear and a freshly-baked scone.

Since losing her beloved husband five years ago, she’s been busy raising her children, supporting her extended family and staying positive. Now, as her kids fly the nest, she finds herself wondering what her own future might look like.

When a face from the past unexpectedly arrives in Starshine, could meeting Zack again give her a second chance at love? Will Connie be brave enough to take a risk on living life for herself?

About The Author

My Review

Starting Over in Starshine Cove by Debbie Johnson is a heartfelt story about love, loss, and second chances set in a charming seaside village. The novel follows Connie Llewelyn, a former celebrity chef who left behind her high-flying London career for a quieter life in Starshine Cove with her soulmate, Simon. Now in her fifties and widowed, Connie runs a café while navigating grief, self-doubt, and the challenge of rediscovering herself.

When Zack Harris, a charismatic TV producer from her past, arrives, Connie is faced with new possibilities—both in love and in redefining her own identity. As she grapples with the pull of her past and the promise of the future, the novel explores themes of resilience, aging, and the power of community. With its rich character development, emotional depth, and vivid setting, this uplifting tale is perfect for anyone who believes in fresh starts and the magic of second chances.

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