Book Review – Page 44

Review Card & Book Review- Beautiful Broken Love By Shanora Williams

It’s been months since her dreams of forever were brutally shattered. Seven long months since her husband and soulmate, Lew, died in her arms, leaving her to carry on. Alone. And Davina Klein-Roberts still isn’t sure how to move forward.

To escape her anguish, Davina throws everything into work, pushing Golden Oil Co., her self-built skin care line, to become a viral success. Now she’s poised to clinch a major endorsement deal too. But it’s bittersweet without Lew by her side.

A meeting with Deke Bishop, the hot NBA star she’s courting for her brand, leaves Davina flustered. With his dimpled smile and warm handshake, Deke’s a natural pitchman. And he’s clearly interested—not only in her lotions.

Davina soon discovers that Deke’s more than just another player and carries his own pain. But as her feelings for him grow, so does her guilt. Will the pain of a future already lost keep her from embracing hope for a new one?

About The Author

My Review

This was such a heartfelt story. After losing her husband, Davina throws herself into her skincare business. When she notices a star basketball player commenting about his dry skin, she sees an opportunity to promote her brand. She reaches out to Deke’s manager, hoping he might consider being an ambassador, though she doesn’t expect him to endorse her small company.

Deke doesn’t need the money, but knowing his sister loves Davina’s products, he agrees—thinking he might score some freebies for her. However, the moment he meets Davina, he’s captivated and eager to find ways to spend more time with her.

Davina, aware of Deke’s reputation as a player and put off by his confidence, isn’t interested in a relationship. Still grappling with her grief, she doesn’t reveal her husband’s death. Deke, unwilling to pursue a married woman, is caught off guard when he learns the truth. Having experienced grief himself, he offers his support, even if it’s just as a friend.

This beautifully written story captures love, healing, and the power of connection, making it truly unforgettable.

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Review Card & Book Review- The Silver- Haired Sisterhood By Judy Leigh

‘We’re celebrating life,’ Rose said. ‘Life, every single minute of it. Tell me, girls – is there ever anything better to celebrate than that?’

Five years after seventy-something Tess jetted off to Paris with her best friends, Jen, Rose, Della and Pam – the Five French Hens – for Jen’s hen do, a lot has changed. Prospective groom Eddie has been given the heave-ho, Tess’s husband has been sent packing and the Hens are making the most of their golden years.

But Tess is stuck in a rut. Rather than embrace her independence, she watches on as Rose wows Paris, Jen explores Iceland and Pam heads to Greece. But when tragedy strikes Della, Tess is shaken into action. They both need a change of scenery and longing to see the Northern Lights, they head to the Highlands of Scotland and the magical Isle of Skye.

There Tess and Della get more than they bargained for. Along with stunning scenery and breathtaking history, they find new friends, grand adventures and even romance. And when they’re joined by the other Hens, together they start plotting a fabulous new future for them all.

About The Author

My Review

The protagonist is seventy-seven, supported by a vibrant cast of similarly aged friends, including eighty-year-old Rose, who refuses to let age or health challenges dampen her spirit. Judy Leigh emphasizes the importance of maintaining a positive outlook on life and seizing new adventures, regardless of age.

Aging brings its difficulties, but how we confront them defines us. Some characters face grief in different ways—one finds comfort in memories, while another struggles with survivor’s guilt and turns to alcohol. However, an epiphany inspires him to embrace change, reminding us that our worth is shaped by who we are now, not past mistakes. Leigh weaves a message of resilience: “Out of something bad, there’s always hope.”

Friendship is a central theme, celebrated as “the family you choose,” offering strength and support in challenging times. Set primarily on the stunning Isle of Skye, Leigh’s vivid descriptions immerse readers in the beauty of a snowy December landscape.

The novel highlights the power of second chances, showing that while we cannot rewrite the past, we can create a brighter future. The Silver-Haired Sisterhood is a heartwarming, uplifting story filled with hope, friendship, and the joy of new beginnings. Judy Leigh’s storytelling continues to captivate and inspire, leaving readers eagerly anticipating her next work.

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Review Card & Book Review- The Girl With The Irish Secret By Susanne O’Leary

Staring up at the magnificent, rose-covered walls of her grandmother’s house, Violet Fleury isn’t sure she’ll be welcome inside. After running from her hometown in Ireland to follow her dreams of acting, she’s back to play Irish legend, Kathleen O’Sullivan, in a local film. She’s vowed to tell the story of the woman her village are so proud of – and to build bridges with the family she drifted away from. But will they give her a second chance?

Violet’s sisters might be hesitant, but whilst helping with her sweet young nieces and nephews, Violet feels closer to them than ever before. Then Violet’s leading man, dangerously handsome Jack Montgomery, arrives in the peaceful countryside. The instant chemistry between them is as fiery as Violet’s flaming red hair… and discovering stories about Kathleen from the locals, Violet sees Jack’s kindness too. He even wins over Violet’s sisters. Could he help stitch their family back together?

But when Violet finds dusty, handwritten notes from Kathleen in her research, she wonders if this legendary woman was the heroine everyone thinks. And when Jack pulls out of the film, Violet is heartbroken. The villagers, and Violet’s whole family, are in awe of Kathleen’s story – and Violet had even started to imagine staying in Ireland. But without Jack by her side, could these secrets destroy the town’s reputation, and the second chance she’s been dreaming of?

About The Author

My Review

In The Girl with the Irish Secret by Susanne O’Leary, Violet Fleury, an aspiring actress, returns to her family estate, Magnolia Manor, to prepare for her most significant role yet—portraying Kathleen O’Sullivan, a legendary Irish film star with a mysterious and storied past. Set against the stunning landscapes of Kerry, Ireland, the novel intertwines Violet’s personal journey with the unraveling of Kathleen’s hidden secrets, creating a heartfelt blend of mystery, self-discovery, and emotional depth.

As Violet delves into Kathleen’s life, she uncovers not only the star’s enigmatic history but also lessons about identity, perception, and authenticity. Kathleen’s story forces Violet to confront her own insecurities, especially the pressures of living in the public eye and the weight of familial expectations. This parallel exploration enriches the narrative, offering readers a touching meditation on how the stories we tell shape who we are.

The romance between Violet and Jack, a charismatic movie star, brings a lighter, sweeter element to the narrative. Though their chemistry occasionally feels understated, Jack’s charm and vulnerability make him an engaging character. Their budding relationship provides a contrast to the heavier themes of family drama and historical intrigue, adding balance to the story.

While the plot follows a somewhat predictable arc, it offers comfort and familiarity, much like returning to cherished characters in a favorite series. Fans of the Magnolia Manor series will appreciate cameos from previous characters, though some may wish they had larger roles. However, the novel stands well on its own, allowing new readers to enjoy the story without needing prior knowledge of the Fleury family’s history.

Overall, it is a warm and engaging novel that skillfully blends mystery, romance, and family drama. Susanne O’Leary’s storytelling, coupled with the charm of the Irish setting, makes this book a delightful read for fans of uplifting, character-driven fiction.

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Review Card & Book Review – Nobody’s Perfect By Sally Kilpatrick

Vivian Quackenbush enjoys a typical life. She has winesday evenings with her two best friends. Her son is in college. She and her husband, Mitch, are planning the next move for their empty-nester future. But to Vivian’s blindsided surprise…not together.

After nearly twenty-five years of marriage, Mitch wants a divorce. He confesses that he doesn’t love her anymore. He never even liked her chicken salad! Brutal. What is Vivian to do but channel her anger, frustration, and pain into a video she posts online. Ill advised? Perhaps. Cathartic? Absolutely. Overnight, Vivian goes viral. Millions of views and counting—to Mitch’s fury, her son’s embarrassment, her mother’s support, and the media’s delight. For Vivian, it’s a moment of truth: hide or lean into it. Vivian 2.0 chooses to lean—maybe even toward the younger single father next door.

Now Vivian is wondering where she goes from here. She’s discovering that somewhere in her trending if upended life, she’ll have to figure out who she really wants to be.

About The Author

My Review

Vivian, a stay-at-home mom, is blindsided when her husband of nearly 25 years, Mitch, reveals he’s been planning a divorce for years. With her son off to college, her seemingly content life crumbles. She leans on her two best friends and her mother, though their relationship is strained due to her mom’s history of five divorces.

Vivian’s modest YouTube channel takes an unexpected turn when a drunken rant about her divorce goes viral, thrusting her into an overwhelming new reality. While she begins to prioritize herself, it sometimes comes at the cost of those around her.

The story explores themes of self-discovery, resilience, and the challenges of starting over. While the ending offers closure, it could have been more impactful with a stronger epilogue.

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Review Card & Book Review – The Broken Places By Mia Sheridan

In this twisted journey into the shadows of the Golden Gate, an inspector and an FBI agent must track down the source of an unknown drug, but their attraction and their own secrets keep getting in the way.

The streets of San Francisco aren’t as sunny as the city pretends they are. Inspector Lennon Gray has learned this the hard way, and it’s starting to wear on her. When a new case plunges her into the depths of the transient community, Lennon must once again face ugly truths about humanity.

Her new partner makes things a little easier, though.

Agent Ambrose Mars is charming—innocent, somehow, despite his own hard years in the field. The combination leaves Lennon fascinated and disturbed at the same time, and she’s even more drawn to him for it.

As they investigate the hallucinogenic drug that’s forcing homeless citizens into bizarre and dangerous role-plays, Lennon and Ambrose find their relationship intensified with every new twist. But when these revelations begin to uncover secrets she wasn’t prepared to know, Lennon will have to decide how much more she can take…before something important is taken from her.

About The Author

My Review

Set in the heart of San Francisco’s Tenderloin district, this timely and thought-provoking novel sheds light on the stark realities of extreme homelessness and the darker side of experimental treatments for PTSD. Against this backdrop of desperation and vulnerability, police investigator Lennon Gray is thrust into a case that challenges her both professionally and personally. The story begins with Lennon being called to investigate a horrific triple murder, where the victims also appear to be the perpetrators. The crime scene reveals unsettling evidence: the individuals seem to have participated in a chaotic “orgy” fueled by a potent combination of psychedelic drugs and chemicals designed to heighten aggression.

At the scene, Lennon encounters Agent Ambrose, an enigmatic figure from the FBI. Despite her initial reluctance to work with him, she finds herself both wary of and mysteriously drawn to her new partner. Their uneasy alliance grows as they uncover deeper layers of the case, which is tied to a secretive and controversial study involving regression therapy for PTSD. This experimental approach, designed to address trauma stemming from childhood abuse and neglect, involves orchestrated scenarios using illicit drug cocktails.

While one faction, led by a well-intentioned but desperate doctor, pursues these methods in secret to avoid bureaucratic hurdles, another, more sinister force manipulates the process to deadly effect. The ethical boundary between innovation and exploitation becomes a central tension as Lennon and Ambrose race to uncover who is tampering with the treatments and triggering a wave of violence.

The novel masterfully weaves its narrative through complex themes of trauma, morality, and the challenges of navigating human vulnerability in a world of scientific ambition and systemic failure. Flashbacks provide insight into the characters’ motivations and histories, though they demand careful attention to track the intertwining storylines.

With its realistic portrayal of social and psychological struggles, this gripping novel confronts the grim realities of our modern era, blending suspense with a sensitive exploration of human resilience and ethical dilemmas. The result is a powerful and unsettling story that lingers long after the final page.

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Review Card & Book Review- The Clearing By Marron Kaye

Piper is new to town and starting over alone. A terrifying encounter in the woods one day sends her stumbling into the care of a brooding stranger. Now, in an effort to protect her from an uncertain danger, they’re thrown into close quarters and spending all their time together. As their bond grows Aidan reveals the shocking connection between what she witnessed in the clearing and his tragic past. He’s been punishing himself for too long and Piper’s ready to help him finally move on.

Aidan has demons that he’s unwilling to face, but he’s determined not to let history repeat itself. He just needs to keep things with Piper distant … professional. Though he tries to fight it, the connection between them is overwhelming. Being around her has those carefully constructed walls of his coming down and his willpower waning, but is he really ready to let her in? One thing’s for certain, he’ll do anything to keep her safe.

About The Author

My Review

Piper, a shy librarian, finds herself in danger after witnessing a possible body being dumped in the woods. She crosses paths with Aidan, a handsome town detective grieving the loss of his partner and secret love. Their connection is immediate, but before Aidan can fully commit, Piper faces a life-threatening situation that only he can save her from.

This light, steamy read offers compelling characters and sizzling romance—a perfect escape after heavier, more intense books.

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Link To Purchase

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Review Card & Book Review – The Do – Over By Phoebe MacLeod

Thea Rogers has dedicated her life to her career in corporate law. Apart from her colleague and long-time friend-with-benefits Alasdair, she’s forgone friendships and relationships, and now she’s on track to become her firm’s youngest ever female partner. She should be ecstatic. But when a senior partner dies unexpectedly, Thea realises the people at his funeral are only there out of duty. Suddenly, Thea can’t shake the question: if she disappeared tomorrow, would anyone care?

As the life choices she’s made suddenly make less and less sense, Thea is forced to make a decision. Stick with the original plan or take a completely different path.

Thea has a chance to do it right this time, and fill her world with the things that matter. But can people really change? And once life starts looking up, why does it feel like there’s something… or someone she can’t seem to replace?

About The Author

My Review

The Do-Over follows Thea Rogers, a high-powered lawyer questioning her career-driven life after a colleague’s funeral prompts self-reflection. Initially focused on Thea’s inspiring journey to becoming the youngest partner at her firm, the story evolves as she begins prioritizing friendships, family, and personal fulfillment over work.

The first half captivates with themes of female empowerment and self-discovery, portraying Thea’s gradual and authentic transformation. However, the second half introduces a rushed and unnecessary romantic subplot that detracts from the narrative’s core focus on personal growth.

Despite this, The Do-Over remains a fast-paced, uplifting read, perfect for anyone seeking inspiration to reevaluate their priorities and embrace change.

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Review Card & Book Review – Still The One By Aimee Brown

Eve Cassidy thought Guy Foster was the only man she would ever love. Theirs was a whirlwind romance and marriage – until it all ended in tears…

Five years after their break-up, Eve still hasn’t found a reason to believe in true love. But when Foster has an accident and she discovers she’s still listed as his next of kin, Eve knows she can’t let him wake up in hospital with no one by his side. After all, those devilishly blue eyes have always been hard to say no to…

Foster isn’t sure if his poor battered brain is playing tricks on him when he sees the only woman he’s ever loved sitting next to his bedside. Maybe Eve never got over him like he never got over her? And when Eve agrees to him moving into her one-bedroom apartment to recover, it’s clear these exes have unfinished business.

Will weeks in close quarters be the making or breaking of this smouldering second chance love story? Up close and personal, old habits can be hard to break.

About The Author

My Review

Five years after their breakup, Eve is shocked to discover she’s still listed as the next of kin for Foster. When he’s injured in an accident, she agrees to let him move into her small apartment to recover. Foster sees this as an opportunity to reconcile their past, knowing she’s the only woman he’s ever truly loved.

This second-chance romance explores their complex history and the emotional baggage they’ve both carried over the years. The story alternates between past and present, using dual POV to reveal what went wrong in their relationship and how they still feel about each other. While their feelings are slowly unpacked, at times the story could have delved deeper into their emotions.

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Review Card & Book Review- Second- Chance Bodyguard By Patricia Sargeant

He needs her help…
And he wants her love.

Hezekiah Touré cares about two things: looking after his younger brothers and managing the Touré Security Group. To protect his family, he agrees to go into hiding with Celeste Jarrett after a serial killer threat. As a private investigator, Celeste has information Zeke’s family can use. As a woman he tried to love, she’s always been hard to reach. Sharing a safe house might lead to sharing her bed, but can he convince her to trust him? Or will the wounds she suffered in the past drive them apart again?

About The Author

My Review

In the final installment of the Touré Security Group series, Zeke Touré, the eldest of the three brothers, faces a death threat after attending a client’s funeral. Meanwhile, private investigator Celeste takes on a case involving a widow who suspects her husband’s death wasn’t a suicide. As Celeste’s investigation unfolds, she discovers a link between her case, Zeke’s client, and the threat against him.

Teaming up with Zeke and his brothers, Celeste works to uncover the truth, navigating a suspenseful case filled with twists and escalating danger. Along the way, Zeke and Celeste grow closer, but their budding relationship is tested by Celeste’s trust issues and Zeke’s protective instincts. Despite a significant setback, they ultimately overcome their challenges, culminating in a heartfelt and promising conclusion for both their romance and the series.

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Review Card & Book Review- Christmas Bride’s Stand-In Groom By Sophie Pembroke

SOMEONE BORROWED, SOMEONE NEW…?

Conveniently marrying her best friend will give florist Millie the child she craves. Yet when her husband-to-be is called away on business, best man Giles comes to the rescue… Giles doesn’t believe in marriage. He’s learned the hard way that women only want his wealth. But this pre-Christmas rehearsal isn’t real, so he’ll happily step in for practice “I dos.” Trouble is, there’s nothing fake about the connection between this bride and her stand-in groom… With the big day looming, dare they speak now and find forever—together?

About The Author

My Review

In Christmas Bride’s Stand-In Groom, Charlie and his best friend Millie agree to marry as a practical arrangement—Millie gets the family she longs for, and Charlie ensures his title is passed on. When Charlie travels to Scotland on business, his other best friend, Giles, steps in to help with the wedding planning. Longtime rivals for Charlie’s attention, Giles and Millie find themselves spending more time together, and their initial animosity turns into unexpected romantic sparks. As Millie and Giles fall in love, it becomes clear that Giles is a far better match for Millie than Charlie. This heartwarming story blends the enemies-to-lovers and fake relationship tropes, showcasing emotional depth, strong friendships, and the magic of unexpected love.

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