Category Archives: Book Review

Review Card & Book Review- The Grown-Up To Do List By Jennifer Joyce

Her friends are bossing life – is she being left behind?

25-year-old Cleo is happy enough. She likes her job in the fish and chip shop in the North West seaside town where she grew up. But her world has become very small – all her friends couldn’t wait to leave home and are off, apparently crushing life. They have shiny careers and creative side-hustles, while she is still living with her mum and dad.

But when she learns that her dream childhood boyfriend is coming back to town for a party in three months, she decides she needs to start adulting to win him.

But what does being a grown-up really mean? And can she become one in three months?

About The Author

My Review

This book follows Cleo, a 25-year-old who feels stuck in her small coastal town life, still living with her parents and working at a fish and chip shop. When she reconnects with an old high school friend, Cleo is inspired to change and creates a “To-Do List” to become a more responsible and independent adult.Though initially immature and frustrated with her situation, Cleo’s journey of self-improvement and growth makes her increasingly likable. The story is filled with humor, charm, and relatable moments of personal development. This fast-paced rom-com, with its short chapters and engaging style, is perfect for fans of chick lit and contemporary romance, offering a delightful mix of laughs and heartfelt moments.

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Review Card & Book Review- The Start Of The Story By Jane Lovering

Rowan Thorpe can be forgiven for living with one foot in the past.

Since having to say goodbye far too young to the future she had planned, moving on still feels a daunting task. So, when historian Connor O’Keefe strides purposefully into her office and life, looking far too handsome for his own good and threatening to undermine the local legends she holds close to her heart, she is more than a little unsettled.

Connor has a past too, and his own reasons to keep his heart under wraps. But when a combination of fate and an unexpected snowstorm mean that Rowan and Connor have all the time in the world to swap stories, it may finally be time for an end and a new beginning.

About The Author

My Review

Rowan, an English folklorist grieving her husband’s death, avoids new relationships by focusing solely on work. Her life changes when Connor, a historian with his own past hurts, arrives to research a folkloric site, challenging Rowan’s comfort zone. When a snowstorm traps them together in a cottage, they share stories and slowly begin to heal.

Jane Lovering’s novel masterfully balances humor with the deep themes of grief and healing. Rowan’s complexity and Connor’s gentle patience create a touching dynamic as they help each other move forward. The story’s dual timeframes add mystery, while the slow-building romance is both sweet and heartfelt. This is a beautifully written tale of loss, remembrance, and new beginnings.

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Review Card & Book Review – Coming Home To Starr’s Fall By Kate Hewitt

The leaves are falling, with a crispness to the air, along with the scents of coffee and pumpkin spice, past a half-empty street of shuttered storefronts and a bandstand that has seen better days…

Just like the whole town of Starr’s Fall, thinks Laurie Ellis – as she and her beloved dog Max head to collect the store keys. Maybe she has seen better days, too, but she’s certainly ready for a new start—and to leave her past behind. Still Laurie wonders whether she made a terrible mistake in coming to lovable but shabby Starr’s Fall. Will she even find customers for her pet store and bakery, never mind a community to welcome and accept her?

Not according to Joshua Reilly, the handsome but grumpy manager of the bookstore across the road, who claims he’s never heard of anything so ridiculous as a bakery for dogs.

But Laurie remains stubbornly undeterred. She’s starting over, right here. Not least because she has another secret reason for being here… one she isn’t telling anybody, at least not yet, as it involves her own tragic past.

What she doesn’t yet know is that a clue to the mystery is hidden deep in Joshua’s bookstore. And he doesn’t yet realize that Laurie herself might be the key to mending his own battered heart… for Laurie and Joshua and the whole town, it’s going to be a fall to remember.

About The Author

My Review

Laurie Ellis moves to Starr’s Fall, Connecticut, to open a pet shop and search for the family she has never known. Despite her challenging past, Laurie remains optimistic and determined to find a true sense of belonging. The novel captures the cozy, autumnal charm of the small town and follows Laurie as she builds new friendships and explores a possible romance with a local bookstore owner.

Beyond its feel-good romance, the story also delves into deeper themes such as grief, parental loss, and the struggles of growing up in foster care. It is a heartwarming read for fans of clean romances centered around community and connection.

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Review Card & Book Review – A New Arrival At Duck Pond Cottage By Della Galton

It’s not just animals who need to be rescued…

Following the unexpected death of her mother, and the breakdown of her relationship, animal loving idealist Jade Foster, uses her inheritance to buy a smallholding in the beautiful Wiltshire countryside hoping to realise her dream of providing a sanctuary for unloved animals in need of a new home.

Jade employs the enigmatic Finn McTaggart to help out at Duck Pond Lane Rescue and forms a friendship with both Finn and her local Vet, Aiden Southerland. But Finn is running from his own demons and Aiden longs for a more romantic relationship with broken-hearted Jade.

Romance is not on the cards for Jade, but as both men fall for her natural beauty, the rivalry between them hots up. But can any of them heal enough to find lasting love?

What none of them realise is that a devastating secret from the past has the power to destroy the present and that love, however wonderful, isn’t always enough.

About The Author

My Review

After her estranged mother’s death, Jade Foster opens Duck Pond Rescue, an animal sanctuary, while struggling with feelings of worthlessness. Finn, an artist posing as a handyman, arrives to help with renovations, while Aiden, the local vet, believes Finn isn’t good enough for Jade. As they navigate a tangled story filled with sweet, fun moments, connections to Puddleduck Farm and a few challenges add humor and depth. The book offers a charming read, with engaging characters and anticipation for the next installment in the series.

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Review Card & Book Review- A French Country Escape By Jennifer Bohnet

A fresh start in the beautiful Brittany countryside is what dreams are made of…

Buying and relocating to the Château du Cheval in rural France has fulfilled one of Peter and Ingrid Chevalier’s lifelong ambitions. Despite never being able to trace a missing link in Peter’s French ancestry he feels he has finally come home. Now they must renovate the Château to its former glory and make it pay for itself…
With money getting tight, they take the decision to sell a couple of cottages on the estate. Can the Château begin to pay for itself and be sustainable for the future?

Divorced Sasha Heath and her brother Freddie decide to sensibly invest their mother’s inheritance into property and buy the two rundown cottages on the Château’s estate. Putting the past behind them, a new life in France beckons, but will it live up to their dreams?

As they relax and settle into their new idyllic lifestyle, their new lives throw up several surprises, and all they can do is cross their fingers and hope everything will turn out well in the end.

About The Author

My Review

Peter and Ingrid Chevalier buy the Château du Cheval in rural France, fulfilling a lifelong dream but needing funds for extensive renovations. They decide to sell two cottages on the property, which are purchased by newly divorced Sasha Heath and her brother Freddie, who are looking for a fresh start. The four become friends, and Sasha and Freddie help Peter and Ingrid prepare the château for guests, leading to personal growth and self-discovery for everyone involved. Set against a picturesque French countryside, the story explores themes of second chances, taking risks, and finding happiness. It’s a cozy, heartwarming read with a multigenerational cast, offering friendship, light romance, and a feel-good narrative.

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Review Card & Book Review – Beneath The Lemon Trees By Emma Burstall

A magical villa. A life-changing summer…

Heartbroken after the loss of a friend and the collapse of her marriage, Stella hopes that this trip to the idyllic Greek island of Crete will give her and her family a chance to heal. And when she first steps into the breath-taking Villa Ariadne, with its views over the azure waters and intoxicating scent of lemons, Stella’s troubles seem to melt away.

Until the arrival of an old acquaintance, and an unwelcome revelation, threaten to undermine the peace at the villa, and Stella is forced to make a difficult decision.

But with the help of Crete’s beautiful scenery and the kindness of its locals, Stella is about to discover that Villa Ariadne can still offer an escape… and so much more. Can she open herself up to the possibility of love and find the strength to start again?

About The Author

My Review

In this book, Stella, recently separated from her husband and grieving the loss of her best friend to cancer, decides to take a two-week vacation with her children, her second-best friend, and her friend’s children. The vacation, which should be an escape to paradise, is overshadowed by Stella’s indecisiveness, inability to say no, and her tendency to be whiny and weak. Her poor decision-making brings an unwelcome houseguest, disrupting the trip further.

While the story offers an appealing escape vibe with vivid descriptions of scenery and village life, the plot is disjointed and lacks focus. The main character, Stella, is frustratingly fragile and inconsiderate, which detracts from the overall enjoyment. There is also a missed opportunity to explore the villa’s “magic,” which could have added depth to the story. Overall, the book is an okay read with potential that wasn’t fully realized.

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Review Card & Book Review- A Christmas In Prague By Helga Jensen

What if a last wish could mean a new love?

When Olivia’s beloved Aunt Grace passes, she leaves everything to her niece, with one condition: Travel to Prague and deliver a message to Grace’s long-lost true love, Marek.

The trouble is, Olivia’s world is getting smaller. Since her husband left her one heartbreaking Christmas Eve, she has found even getting into town a challenge, let alone travelling by herself to a different country.

But this is one adventure she has to take, if she is to honour Grace.

The snowy, magical city of Prague slowly starts to awaken her festive spirit, and as Marek’s nephew, Tomas, shows her around the gorgeous Christmas markets, Olivia begins to feel she can truly live again.

Grace never had her chance at love, but might Olivia’s secret Christmas wish come true and grant her a second chance at romance?

About The Author

My Review

When Olivia’s beloved Aunt Grace passes away, she must deliver a message to her aunt’s lost love, Marek, in Prague before inheriting her estate. Reluctantly traveling to Prague at Christmas, Olivia struggles to find Marek, only to discover he passed away years earlier. However, she meets Marek’s nephew, Tomas, and begins to heal from her painful divorce, regaining her confidence through the warmth of his family and their shared history. As Olivia and Tomas grow closer, they face a choice: let love slip away like her aunt did, or embrace their chance at happiness. This heartfelt story, filled with enchanting descriptions of Prague, offers a touching blend of romance, self-discovery, and the magic of second chances.

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Review Card & Book Review – Good Boy By Elle Kennedy & Sarina Bowen

“We’re way more than friends, Jessie.”

“Blake—”

“But no worries. I’ll just sit tight until you figure that out.”

Hosting her brother’s wedding for an MVP guest list is the challenge of Jess Canning’s life. Already the family screw-up, she can’t afford to fail at this, too. Especially after the colossal mistake she made with the best man during a weak moment last spring. Nobody—absolutely nobody—can find out about that, and there will not be a repeat. Absolutely not. No matter how devastatingly sexy his smile, he’s a giant manchild who’s never been serious in his life. And if Jess wants to prove herself to her family, serious is what she has to get.

For Blake Riley, this wedding is a gift from fate itself. The girl he has his eye on is the maid of honor, and he’s the best man? Let the games begin. So what if Jess is giving him a little—fine, a lot—of resistance? He just needs to convince the stubborn blonde that he’s really a good boy with a bad rap. Beneath the flirty jokes and goofy smile, he’s got layers—even if Jess doesn’t want to see them.

Luckily, every professional hockey player knows that you’ve got to make an effort if you want to score.

And Jess is just the girl he wants to win.

About The Authors

My Review

Jess is determined to plan a perfect wedding for her brother, but her efforts are complicated by Blake, her charismatic one-night stand, who wants to reignite their spark. Initially, Blake seems pushy and immature, but as the story unfolds, his deeper layers and genuine kindness emerge, revealing a heart of gold. Despite his confident exterior, Blake is struggling with personal pain and uses humor as a defense mechanism. As Jess helps him confront his emotions, his true character shines through, showing he’s not just a “fun guy,” but a generous and sincere person who genuinely cares for others.

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Review Card & Book Review- A Mother’s Betrayal By Louise Guy

One woman. Two worlds on the verge of colliding.

When Julia Hudson is involved in a near-fatal accident, the lives of her children – nurse Flo and her twin sister, high-flying lawyer Ari – are sent into freefall.

As they sit vigil by their mother’s bedside, the sisters discover that Julia, who has always preached unwavering principles and integrity, has been keeping a terrible secret. A secret that shatters everything they’ve ever believed about their family.

But the twins have each other… or do they? Because Julia is not the only one keeping secrets…

With Julia in a coma and unable to answer their questions, her journals might provide the answers they seek. But Julia’s journals reveal yet another dark secret. One that will make the sisters question every part of the life they’ve lived.

About The Author

My Review

Julia Hudson is a strong-willed woman with a demanding job that takes her between Melbourne and Canberra. She is married to Mike, and they have identical twin daughters, Arabella (Ari) and Florence (Flo), along with a grandson named Kayden. Their lives take a dramatic turn when Julia is involved in a severe car accident, leaving her in a coma with critical injuries. As the family—Mike, Ari, Flo, and their grandmother Gigi—take turns at her bedside, they discover a shocking secret Julia has been hiding, which shatters their trust and alters the dynamics within the family.

The once-close relationship between Ari and Flo is strained further when it is revealed that Flo has been keeping secrets of her own. This revelation drives a wedge between the sisters at a time when they most need each other. The family, now in turmoil, turns to Julia’s journals, kept over 32 years, hoping to find answers. However, instead of clarity, they uncover more lies and deceit, leading them to question whether Julia had been manipulating them for years.

The novel explores the complexities of family relationships, trust, and betrayal, all set against the backdrop of Melbourne’s leafy streets. The story is gripping, full of unexpected twists, and challenges the reader to question the true nature of familial bonds. The characters are well-developed, adding depth to the emotional roller coaster of the narrative.

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