Category Archives: Book Review

Review Card & Book Review – Stuck In Paradise With You By Laura Carter

It’s hard to stay professional when you’re stuck on a tiny island… with your ex

Carrie Briggs is on the cusp of a career breakthrough. About to be made partner at her accountancy firm, she’s been given one more hoop to jump through before it can be made official.

And she could think of worse clients to work with – because world-renowned billionaire Joe Hettich is flying her out to his private island in the Caribbean.

But her hopes of career highs (and relaxing in the gorgeous sun in her spare time, of course!) are dashed when she meets the CFO of Joe’s company: Luke Chalmers, the man who broke her heart seven years ago when he chose his ex over her.

With a storm brewing in paradise – both in her heart and literally, on the island – she’s going to have to put her big girl pants on and get through this, before all those feelings have a chance to resurface…

About The Author

My Review

This book follows Carrie and Luke, exes forced together on a week-long trip. Miscommunication drives their conflict, dragging out tension. While the setting and side characters add charm, the unresolved issues between Carrie and Luke make the story feel longer than necessary. Both have valid reasons for their feelings, but their failure to communicate until the end frustrated the reviewer. Despite this, it’s a light and fun read with a happy ending for fans of second-chance romance.

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Review Card & Book Review – Mistletoe Magic In The Highlands By Bella Osborne

Olivia Bingham is unlucky in love…

She’s been ghosted more times than she can count, but this Christmas brings a glimmer of hope: Fraser Douglas, a Scottish chef working at an idyllic hotel in the Highlands. He’s sweet and sensitive, thoughtful and funny, not to mention incredibly good looking – but there’s a catch.

They’ve never actually met.

When Olivia tries to show her friends the hunky new man in her life, Fraser’s online dating profile has vanished, and Olivia fears the worst. Frustrated and wounded, she decides she’s going to confront Fraser – face to face, in Scotland.

But when she arrives, things don’t go exactly as planned. Worse still, Fraser doesn’t seem to have any idea who she is…

About The Author

My Review

This heartwarming rom-com set during Christmas in the Scottish Highlands follows Olivia “Liv” Bingham, who has had terrible luck in love, especially with online dating. After being ghosted multiple times, including by a man named Fraser whom she believed might be “the one,” Olivia is fed up. Encouraged by her mother, she decides to confront Fraser in person by traveling to the Highlands, only to discover that he doesn’t even recognize her when they meet.

What starts as an awkward encounter turns into a longer, unexpected stay in the picturesque Scottish Highlands, where Olivia navigates mishaps and misunderstandings. The story is full of witty banter, comedic moments, and holiday cheer, offering a sweet, clean romance without any explicit scenes. Olivia’s journey to finding love unfolds against the backdrop of Scotland’s scenic beauty, making it a perfect festive read.

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Review Card & Book Review – Christmas At The Board Game Cafe By Jennifer Page

Kate seems to have it all – wonderful friends, a successful career and an idyllic life in the quirky Yorkshire town of Essendale. But under the surface Kate’s lonely, and she longs to feel part of a family – especially during Christmas.

With the holiday season fast approaching, and the town desperate to attract more visitors, Kate conceives a brilliant plan: an enchanting living Advent calendar. Each December evening, a captivating window display will be unveiled across town. With local businesses struggling, including her best friend’s board game café, she’s feeling the pressure.

But Kate’s picture-perfect plans take an unexpected turn when her ex-boyfriend arrives in Yorkshire, insisting on creating the Christmas Eve display. Can Kate trust him to deliver a show-stopping window? And can she finally put the past behind her and embrace the future she’s always dreamed of?

About The Author

My Review

Christmas at the Board Game Café follows Kate, a skilled organizer who is tasked with reviving business in a struggling village during the holiday season. She devises the idea of a Living Advent Calendar, revealing one window each night leading up to Christmas. Despite her professional success, Kate feels lonely and unfulfilled, especially when it comes to finding love. However, this Christmas brings her a second chance at romance.

The book is a cozy, heartwarming read, perfect for fans of Christmas stories. The well-drawn characters, realistic friendships, and the charming English village setting make it feel like a Hallmark movie. Kate, an overachieving perfectionist, wrestles with feelings of inadequacy and the pressure to find a loving relationship. As she takes on the challenge of organizing the village-wide event, the story unfolds with warmth, humor, and a touch of romance, leaving readers both satisfied and longing for more.

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Review Card & Book Review- Lessons In Love At The Cornish Country Hospital By Jo Bartlett

A broken bond…

Wendy Tyler’s marriage ended when she discovered her ex-husband, Mike, had got his much younger new partner, Chloe, pregnant. Wendy’s over Mike, but suddenly she fears her own daughters will find a new baby much more exciting that their old mum…

A chance encounter…

But when Wendy bumps into Chloe at St Piran’s, it’s clear something is troubling the fragile young woman. Wendy doesn’t want to be sucked into Chloe and Mike’s relationship, but she can’t help worrying that Chloe needs someone to turn to.

A lesson in love.

And when Wendy realizes that Chloe is more fragile than any of them realised, she knows she has to step up. She might not love Mike anymore, but Chloe is about to join their family and Wendy can’t just stand by. Sometimes life is hard, but the easiest lessons are built on a solid foundation of love.

About The Author

My Review

This book centers on Wendy, a hospital housekeeper navigating life after a difficult divorce. Now in a stable relationship, she struggles with body image issues and the fact that her daughters prefer spending time with her ex-husband’s younger, pregnant girlfriend, Chloe. Despite her insecurities, Wendy steps in to support Chloe during a tough moment at the hospital, showing her compassion. Meanwhile, Danni, a senior doctor, is balancing her demanding job while preparing for motherhood, with rising stress due to her lack of a support network. The story is filled with well-written drama, heartbreaking moments, and lovely instances of lightness and laughter, making it a perfect balance of emotion. The depth of the research adds realism to the medical and personal challenges the characters face. With its strong emotional connection, warmth, and humor, the book is a true page-turner, keeping readers engaged until its uplifting conclusion.

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Review Card & Book Review – A Highland Family Affair By Lisa Hobman

Can people ever really change or are family ties always set to unravel?

After inheriting Drumblair Castle over her older brother Kerr, Lady Olivia MacBain has had to forge a new life for herself far away from New York and her dream career in fashion. She fears her brother’s bitterness has fractured their relationship to the point of no return and is still clearing away the devastation he left when he disappeared.

Kerr’s unexpected return and supposed change of heart raises eyebrows. He is now seeking forgiveness and to rebuild the bridges he previously wrecked, but can he be trusted, or is it all just smoke and mirrors?

While her friends are settling down, Olivia patiently waits for childhood sweetheart Brodie to propose and wonders if she will ever get her happy ever after.

Can Olivia find a happy future or are promises always made to be broken?

About The Author

My Review

A Highland Family Affair by Lisa Hobman is a heartwarming novel set at Drumblair Castle in the Scottish Highlands. Lady Olivia MacBain deals with the fallout from her brother Kerr’s past mistakes, while hoping her childhood love, Brodie, will propose. Kerr’s sudden return, claiming he has changed, adds tension, though he starts building a bond with a teenager named Will. The story focuses on Olivia’s relationships, offering a sweet, character-driven narrative with touches of humor, especially from the quirky Isla. Overall, it’s a light and enjoyable read, perfect for fans of family and romance-driven stories.

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Review Card & Book Review – The One That Got Away By Olivia Spring

What if the one who got away is really the one?

When Stella finds herself back home with a string of disastrous dates under her belt, she’s certain she’s hit rock bottom. Until she discovers her mother has signed her up to The Love Hotel: a luxury matchmaking service where a perfect love match is guaranteed! Stella is adamant she’ll have nothing to do with this nonsense! But then a match is found faster than she can say ‘Not. A. Chance!’ So, how bad can two weeks in the scorching Spanish sunshine be?

Very bad, actually. Because when Stella arrives, she’s mortified to learn her date is no perfect stranger. In fact she knows him a little too well. Because Max is the childhood sweetheart who broke her heart, who her heart remembers and who is more gorgeous than ever.

With no refunds, Stella reluctantly decides to stay and enjoy the holiday – all she has to do is keep Max at an arm’s length…right? Easier said than done when Max is impossible to ignore. And as the Love Hotel begins to work its matchmaking magic, Stella can’t deny that the sparks still sizzle between them. And maybe, the experts were right after all…

About The Author

My Review

This playful and spicy romance centers on Stella and Max, two former lovers who reconnect after years apart. The novel explores the idea that sometimes relationships fall apart not because of incompatibility, but because the timing isn’t right. Max ended his relationship with Stella when they were younger, and both have since struggled to find new connections.

Max’s best friend signs him up for a vacation at a hotel that promises a “love match,” while Stella’s mom arranges a surprise trip for her to the same hotel. To their surprise, they are matched with each other. What follows is a fun and steamy journey as they rekindle their romance, moving from resistance and caution to full-on sparks and fireworks.

The novel is filled with humor, charm, and plenty of sizzling chemistry between the two main characters. Olivia Spring delivers a light-hearted and enjoyable read, perfect for fans of second-chance romance.

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Review Card & Book Review- Hope Blooms In Tuppenny Bridge By Sharon Booth

The aroma of freshly baked chocolate and caramel cake wafts through the cobbled streets of Tuppenny Bridge, carrying with it the promise of new beginnings for café owner Daisy Jackson…

After years of putting others first, Daisy has found a place to call her own in the charming market town of Tuppenny Bridge. The Crafty Cook Café, her pride and joy, is a testament to her determination. But beneath her cheerful demeanour and flour-dusted apron, Daisy still carries the weight of her past.

As summer unfolds in the Yorkshire Dales, Daisy takes long hikes through wildflower meadows, gradually learning to leave her troubles behind with each step. When Daisy meets Noah Lavender, the kind-hearted local headmaster, they forge a connection that helps her more than any amount of cake therapy ever could. But it seems he’s not quite the uncomplicated Prince Charming she might have wished for – Noah carries a secret of his own…

Then, Daisy bumps into a figure from her past who forces her to confront long-buried memories. With autumn approaching, it feels time to take a leap of faith. But will the echoes of yesterday remind her that this new life is too precious to risk?

About The Author

My Review

This emotional finale to the Tuppenny Bridge series, is a powerful and moving conclusion that ties up various storylines from earlier books. Central to this story is the resolution of a plot involving a young man’s tragic death, with new revelations that bring shocking discoveries, particularly about relationship abuse. The novel explores deeper themes of emotional and physical abuse and its lasting impact.

The story alternates between the perspectives of two characters: Daisy Jackson, a newcomer who runs The Crafty Cook Café, and Noah Lavender, the local headmaster trapped in an unhappy marriage. Daisy, a kind and nurturing figure who has experienced her own traumas, forms a deep connection with Noah. Their friendship becomes a source of strength, especially as Noah’s secrets begin to surface, revealing the complexity of his personal struggles. Despite the emotional weight of these subjects, there are also moments of joy and romance, with Daisy’s café serving as a symbol of warmth and healing.

The novel skillfully addresses the darker aspects of relationships, while also providing a satisfying and hopeful conclusion. Fans of the series will appreciate revisiting familiar characters and seeing unresolved questions finally answered. The themes of personal growth, friendship, and healing are key to this heartwarming, yet thoughtful ending.

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Review Card & Book Review – A Recipe For Christmas By Jo Thomas

Take one woman longing for the perfect Christmas . . .

All Clara has ever wanted is Christmas surrounded by loved ones, full of warmth and delicious food. So when her new boyfriend asks her to move to Switzerland, she can’t help but say yes! After all, what could be more perfect than Christmas in the Alps?

Add a dash of surprise

She quickly signs up for a chocolate-making course, imagining a workshop like something out of a festive advert. Instead, it’s chocolate-making bootcamp! And her boyfriend isn’t all he seemed either . . .

And enjoy a magical festive treat!

Despite it all, Clara begins to make friends – including the aloof yet intriguing Gabriel. With all of the ingredients at her fingertips, will she finally be able to whisk up her Christmas dream?

About The Author

My Review

This heartwarming novel by Jo Thomas follows Clara, a 40-year-old woman seeking a new start after losing her job. She moves to Switzerland to join a romantic interest and takes up a professional chocolate-making course, despite it being designed for experts. Clara’s determination and resilience help her overcome challenges, and her journey through the class becomes a metaphor for her personal growth.

The book is rich in vivid, mouth-watering descriptions of chocolate, and Clara’s character shines through her perseverance and support of others. The festive setting of snowy Switzerland adds to the fairy-tale charm, making it a perfect Christmas read. While the repetition of chocolate school scenes may feel slow initially, they become a comforting aspect of the story, showcasing Clara’s development.

Ultimately, the novel is filled with hope, joy, and emotional depth, delivering an uplifting and cozy reading experience, ideal for the holiday season.

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Review Card & Book Review- Love Is For The Birds By Diane Owen Prettyman

The Texas Gulf: beautiful yet unpredictable.

A beach town destroyed. Her mother’s candy store swept away. This is what Teddy Wainsworth faces when she returns to Bird Isle. Meanwhile, Jack Shaughness, owner of a popular barbecue restaurant chain and widower still grieving the death of his wife, receives permission to cross over to the island with a smoker full of brisket to feed hurricane survivors. Soon after arriving, he meets Teddy and immediately finds himself drawn to her—which makes him feel he is betraying his wife. When the two find a lost dog, Jack convinces Teddy to take it home while they attempt to find the owner, creating a bond that brings them closer.

In the wake of the hurricane, Bird Isle residents fear the Aransas Wildlife Refuge will not be ready for the whooping cranes’ annual migration south. Seeing that Jack has important connections and a love for the island, they enlist him to help restore the habitat of the endangered cranes before they fly to Padre Island for the winter. With their rescued dog always nearby, Teddy and Jack work side by side to rebuild Bird Isle for the return of the whooping cranes. But Jack is harboring a secret that may ruin everything he and Teddy are creating—and he won’t be able to keep that secret forever.

About The Author

My Review

Love is For the Birds by Diane Owens Prettyman is a touching story set on Bird Isle, blending themes of family, friendship, and romance. Teddy Wainsworth returns to her hurricane-devastated hometown, grappling with the loss of her mother and the destruction of her mother’s candy store. Overwhelmed by grief and guilt, Teddy finds unexpected solace in Jack Shaughness, a widower and restaurant owner, who arrives on the island to help in the hurricane recovery efforts.

Their growing friendship, fueled by the shared experience of rebuilding their community, quickly blossoms into a romance. Despite the accelerated pace of their relationship, it is a heartwarming journey. One of the standout elements of the book is its emphasis on bird conservation, particularly the restoration of the Aransas Wildlife Refuge for the annual whooping crane migration, adding depth and educational value to the story.

However, Jack’s hidden secret creates tension, testing their newfound connection. The novel explores whether Teddy can overcome this challenge, adding a layer of emotional complexity to the storyline. The depiction of community resilience and environmental restoration forms the foundation of this heartfelt and hopeful romance.

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