Book Review – Page 6 – My Sanctuary

Review Card & Book Review- Ten Christmases Without You By Jenny Hale

It’s Emmy Brewer’s tenth Christmas since she lost her mom, and without her, Emmy’s floundering. Her job is pointless, and she struggles to find direction and passion. So when her sister invites Emmy’s childhood crush and former neighbor, Charlie Russell, to their family Christmas, and he shows up, given her state, Emmy is anything but excited.

Their meeting sets off a string of events that bring them together once a year at Christmas. Through trying moments, laughter, and bad timing, Emmy must face her life’s choices and decide what she actually wants. Will it be Charlie? Or will he be the catalyst for something else entirely?

About The Author

My Review

This is a heartwarming, emotional holiday story about grief, rediscovery, and second chances. Emmy returns home for Christmas, still mourning her mother’s passing ten years earlier and feeling directionless in both her career and life. Her journey takes a tender turn when she reconnects with Charlie, her childhood friend and once-close confidant. Their friendship slowly rekindles into something deeper, and Hale beautifully captures that quiet, hopeful magic of rediscovering love right when life feels most uncertain.

Both Emmy and Charlie are at crossroads, dissatisfied with their jobs and unsure of their futures, which makes their connection feel authentic and deeply relatable. Alongside them, Hale paints a cozy, family-filled holiday backdrop—complete with laughter, bickering, and the warmth of shared memories. Emmy’s discovery about her late mother adds an emotional layer that ties the story together with grace and closure.

Tender, nostalgic, and full of festive charm, this book is a lovely reminder that healing and love often bloom in the most familiar places—just in time for Christmas.

My Rating

Link To Purchase

Amazon

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Review Card & Book Review – Still Holding Out For You By Jennifer Carr

They met chasing dreams on national TV.

What they found was something bigger than fame.

Austin Blake always thought ranch life was his future—until a chance encounter at a dusty Montana bar lands him a spot on Real American Country, a televised music competition that could change everything. When he meets Willow Gracin, a fiercely talented singer from Savannah with a heart full of lyrics and something to prove, sparks fly—on and off the stage.

As the cameras roll and the music plays, Austin and Willow find a connection deeper than either expected. But when the spotlight fades, life has its own rhythm—one that tests their strength, their love, and everything they thought they knew about purpose and passion.

When a tragic diagnosis threatens to silence their love song, country music stars Austin and Willow must fight for a future together in a way they never imagined. Spanning a decade of soaring highs and devastating lows, this is a story about the love you hold onto, the legacy you leave behind, and the music that carries you home, even after the last note has faded.

About The Author

My Review

This is an emotional and beautifully written sweet romance that strikes all the right chords. Austin and Willow’s love story begins on stage, where their connection through music is undeniable—blending harmonies, lyrics, and hearts. Their chemistry is both artistic and deeply personal, evolving into a tender marriage that seems destined for forever. But when life throws them an unexpected challenge, Willow is faced with a heartbreaking choice that tests the strength of their love and their shared dreams.

Carr masterfully crafts a romance that’s as heartfelt as it is poignant, weaving in themes of love, loss, resilience, and hope. The emotional depth of the characters makes their journey feel incredibly real, and the musical backdrop adds a lyrical quality that enhances the story’s intimacy. Readers will laugh, cry, and ultimately be uplifted by the message of courage and unconditional love.

Touching, romantic, and full of heart, this is an inspiring story that lingers long after the final note fades.

My Rating

Link To Purchase

Amazon

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Review Card & Book Review- Big Nick Energy By Kristen Bailey

One woman, two Nicks, and a Christmas season that’s about to get very complicated.

When librarian Kay bumps into her ex-boyfriend Nick at a Christmas market, she thinks fate is finally giving her a second chance with her first big love. But then she gets spectacularly tangled in a Christmas tree-netting machine and meets another Nick entirely. One who cuts her free, dresses her wounds, and makes her pulse race in ways that thoroughly confuse her.

Finance Nick is successful, settled, and ready to talk five-year plans. Farmer Nick makes handcrafted furniture, supports local charities, and sees the creative spirit Kay has kept hidden behind her library desk. But how is a girl to choose?

Soon she’s spending her days delivering books to children’s hospitals and care homes with farmer Nick, before dashing home to whip off her reindeer onesie and glam up for romantic dates at the ballet with finance Nick.

But the countdown to Christmas is on, and Kay can’t keep this up forever. Somehow she must navigate London’s most complicated love triangle, avoid getting any more pine needles stuck in her hair – and work out once and for all which Nick has her heart.

About The Author

My Review

This is a delightful, feel-good Christmas romance filled with warmth, humor, and festive charm. The story follows Kay, who’s been carrying the sting of being dumped by her boyfriend, Nick, in the middle of pub trivia night eight years ago. When fate brings them back together during the holidays, old sparks fly—but complicating matters is “New Nick,” a kind and thoughtful man she meets at a Christmas tree farm who helps her organize a local book drive.

Bailey balances the nostalgia of second chances with the excitement of new beginnings, creating a charming love triangle that feels real rather than contrived. While the plot is somewhat predictable, the cozy atmosphere, witty dialogue, and believable emotional beats make it a pleasure to read. There’s no explicit content, making it perfect for fans of clean romances with plenty of heart.

With its festive setting and relatable characters, this is a comforting holiday read that reminds readers love can surprise you twice—once from the past, and once from the unexpected present.

My Rating

Link To Purchase

Amazon

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Review Card & Book Review – The Captain By Christi Caldwell

Miss Linnie McQuoid Smith has spent a lifetime dreaming of love, but the man she’s always longed for is no longer the one she remembers. Captain Jeremy Tremaine, once a devoted family friend, is now consumed by vengeance, his heart hardened by betrayal at sea.

Lord Culross, on the other hand, offers Linnie the kind of future she ought to want. Yet his quiet devotion and steadfast affection pale in comparison to the intoxicating and undeniable pull she feels toward Tremaine.

But Tremaine’s thirst for power threatens to eclipse their desire for one another, and the demons he carries may destroy them both. As shadows close in, Linnie must decide: the safe path of a love freely given, or the reckless passion that could cost her everything.

About The Author

My Review

This is a sweeping, emotional romance that perfectly balances darkness, desire, and redemption. Captain Jeremy Tremaine is the epitome of a morally gray hero—scarred, brooding, and burdened by vengeance. Opposite him, Linnie McQuoid Smith is a luminous force of compassion and courage, determined to chart her own course even when love seems destined to wound her.

Their shared history gives this story a powerful emotional undercurrent. Linnie’s enduring affection for Jeremy and the rift between him and her cousin Arron create a web of loyalty, guilt, and longing that feels intensely human. Linnie’s emotional openness—her tears, hope, and resilience—make her a heroine easy to root for.

Caldwell excels at slow-burn passion and moral complexity, crafting a redemption arc for Jeremy that is raw, painful, and ultimately cathartic. When he finally surrenders to love, the payoff is exquisite. Though the revenge-marriage plot could have explored its darker edges more deeply, The Captain still delivers a lush, heartfelt journey of forgiveness, courage, and love’s power to heal even the deepest wounds.

My Rating

Link To Purchase

Amazon

Barnes & Noble

Review Card & Book Review – Canapés At The Beach House Hotel By Judith Keim

A surprising turn of events awaits Ann and Rhonda…

When Vice-President Amelia Swanson asks them to oversee a stay at the hotel by the Italian Ambassador to the United Nations in New York City and his family, Ann and Rhonda hope this won’t mean another problem for The Beach House Hotel. Enrico Ferrara, his wife, Catarina, and his daughter, Philippa, arrive at the hotel at the same time a young chef, Chet Waring, and a friend, Harper Lewis, seek employment at the hotel after being unfairly booted from the Miami restaurant scene by a notorious, difficult chef. The same chef, Jonny Arno, is opening an Italian restaurant close to The Beach House Hotel to compete directly with them. All of these people, and a few more, come together to create a recipe for danger, love, and loyalty.

About The Author

My Review

Judith Keim once again delivers a delightful and engaging installment in The Beach House Hotel series with Canapés at The Beach House Hotel. Fans of Ann and Rhonda will be thrilled to return to the sun-soaked haven they’ve built, where friendship, resilience, and grace shine even amid chaos.

When the Italian Ambassador and his family arrive for a luxurious stay, Ann and Rhonda are ready to deliver their signature hospitality. But with new staff members—chef Chet Waring and bartender Harper—unexpected connections, rivalries, and culinary tensions quickly stir up drama. Add a vindictive competitor and the ever-meddling Brock Goodwin, and it’s another whirlwind week at The Beach House Hotel.

Keim’s writing sparkles with warmth and humor, showcasing the strength of female friendship and the power of loyalty. Ann and Rhonda handle every challenge with elegance, wit, and heart, reminding readers why this series is so beloved. Full of charm, seaside atmosphere, and just the right mix of drama and romance, Canapés at The Beach House Hotel is a satisfying and feel-good escape that leaves you eager for the next chapter in this wonderful series.

My Rating

Link To Purchase

Amazon

Review Card & Book Review – The Spiced Cocoa Cafe By Harper Graham

Cassidy is finally opening her dream chocolate shop, inspired by her dear Grandma who made the best cocoa. Now all she wants for Christmas is to win best decorated store and show she belongs in the small-town of Maple Falls. But she’ll have to pull out all the stops to beat the handsome, loveable grinch across the street…

Liam hates the holidays—they remind him of past heartbreak. But to support his family’s llama sanctuary, he’s determined to deck out his farm shop in holiday cheer and win that prize. Then he sees her—chocolate-smeared cheeks, wide blue eyes and the warmest smile. He’s up against the cutest, most Christmas-obsessed person ever…

Their rivalry heats up as the town divides between Team Cassidy and Team Liam. But with the snowflakes falling and their stores looking all merry and bright, will the magic of the season bring them together?

About The Author

My Review

This is a heart-melting Christmas romance that perfectly captures the cozy charm of small-town life. Set in the picturesque Maple Falls, this story brims with warmth, community spirit, and a dash of festive magic. It’s the ideal pick for anyone craving a Hallmark-style holiday romance—with a generous serving of spice.

Cassidy and Liam’s rivals-to-lovers journey is both tender and steamy, filled with witty banter, longing glances, and genuine emotional depth. Harper Graham beautifully balances themes of love, loss, and second chances, all while wrapping readers in the comforting scent of cocoa, baked goods, and pine. The vivid descriptions make Maple Falls feel real and inviting—like a place you’d love to visit for hot chocolate and twinkling lights.

This is a delightful, feel-good romance that reminds readers to slow down, savor the season, and believe in new beginnings.

My Rating

Link To Purchase

Amazon

Barnes & Noble

Review Card & Book Review- A Snowy Seaside Christmas By Eliza J Scott

As snow falls over Micklewick Bay, Lark Harker is preparing for the busy festive season at her vintage clothing boutique, creating enchanting window displays of sequinned dresses and crafting handmade Christmas decorations from shimmering silk ribbon.

But her festive preparations are put on hold when Nate Wilkinson arrives at her cottage door. The owner of a local upcycling business, Nate asks for her help clearing out the long-abandoned Crayke’s Cottage – a place locals whisper is cursed and haunted by its smuggling past.

Deep within the cottage’s shadowy rooms, Lark discovers two mysterious leather suitcases. The first reveals a treasure trove of 1940s clothes that sparkle with wartime romance and mystery. But the second holds a darker collection: smuggling artefacts, cryptic coded messages and a rusty iron key that gets Lark’s mind racing.

As Lark consults the town’s museum curator to unlock the suitcases’ secrets, she finds herself torn between growing feelings for her dear friend Nate and her inexplicable intuition that warns her away from love. When the rusty key leads to a shocking discovery in the cottage, Lark must trust her instincts and overcome her fears to finally find the greatest treasure of all…

About The Author

My Review

This is a beautifully festive and heartwarming tale set in the charming coastal town of Micklewick Bay. Eliza J. Scott once again captures the magic of the season with a story brimming with romance, mystery, and community spirit. This time, the spotlight falls on Lark Harker, a vintage boutique owner whose creativity and warmth make her instantly endearing. When her friend Nate enlists her help with the abandoned Crayke’s Cottage, a simple favor unravels into an intriguing mystery involving 1940s fashion, smuggling relics, and a secret key.

Scott’s storytelling effortlessly blends cozy Christmas nostalgia with gentle suspense, crafting a narrative that feels both comforting and captivating. The slow-burn romance between Lark and Nate is tender and genuine, their chemistry deepened by a foundation of friendship. Quirky supporting characters—including the lovable Luna the cat and Bobby the dog—add humor and charm.

Rich in festive atmosphere, small-town warmth, and emotional depth, A Snowy Seaside Christmas is the perfect holiday read—one that sparkles with love, hope, and the joy of coming home for Christmas.

My Rating

Link To Purchase

Amazon

Barnes & Noble

Review Card & Book Review – Anyone But You By Olivia Spring

They say opposites attract… right?

Ex-rock star Jake used to have it all. But a fall from grace has left him with a career in tatters. Trying to salvage his reputation, his agent suggests a trip to sunny California’s brand new five-star Love Hotel. The plan is to instigate a fake whirlwind social media romance to reignite his star power. Simple. Except, Jake barely knows how to use a hashtag. And he’s definitely not looking for love.

Looking for a second chance at finding true love, Halle has categorically sworn off musicians and social media after a painful break-up. So, when matched with notorious bad boy Jake, they’re a dating disaster waiting to happen, right?

Jake’s here for the clicks. Halle is craving a connection. ¬ Except the Love Hotel’s matchmaking team are the experts for a reason. And after two weeks of forced proximity in paradise, Halle and Jake discover that the pairing which at first seemed so wrong starts to feel so right…

About The Author

My Review

Olivia Spring delivers a delightful, feel-good romance in Anyone But You, packed with laughter, heart, and irresistible chemistry. Halle and Jack are an absolute joy to root for—two broken souls who rediscover themselves and fall in love in the most genuine, hilarious, and heartwarming way. Halle’s journey from self-doubt to confidence after a toxic relationship is beautifully written, while Jack’s quiet strength and vulnerability make him the ultimate book boyfriend. Their banter is sparkling, their connection undeniable, and their emotional growth deeply satisfying.

Spring balances humor, tenderness, and heat perfectly—those spicy scenes are creative, fun, and brimming with chemistry. Fans will love the cameos from Sammie and Romeo, which add an extra touch of familiarity and warmth. The ending, complete with poetic justice for Halle’s awful ex, is both funny and triumphant.

What truly makes this story shine is its authenticity—two imperfect people choosing to love each other exactly as they are. Anyone But You is romantic, uplifting, and endlessly entertaining. A perfect pick-me-up for anyone craving laughter, love, and a swoon-worthy happily ever after.

My Rating

Link To Purchase

Amazon

Barnes & Noble

Kobo

Review Card & Book Review – Playing For Possession By Sasha Lace

“You don’t have to follow other people’s rules all the time.”

“And you don’t have to break them all the time either.”

Joanie

People assume Joanie’s a nepo baby, but they have no idea how hard she’s worked to get back on the pitch after injury.

She just wants to play football. The last thing she needs is to film an ad in Menorca with Kieran Earnshaw, the men’s team bad boy. Kieran is gorgeous, though—and he seems different with her. Maybe it’s time this good girl finally experimented with her wild side…?

Kieran

Joanie’s dad is on the board. He’s warned Kieran off his daughter, but wants him to watch out for her on their trip. He can get Kieran on the England squad, his lifelong dream, so he’ll have to play by the rules—just this once. Quiet Joanie likes to stay in the background. But Kieran’s realized anyone overlooking this woman is making a mistake. She’s the total package, beautiful inside and out. He knows what he wants on and off the pitch—and he always plays to win. He’s risking everything, but sometimes opposites attract. And together, he reckons they could rewrite the whole rulebook…

About The Author

My Review

Sasha Lace delivers another knockout in her sports romance series with Playing for Possession—a heartfelt, fiery, and deeply human story that goes far beyond the pitch. Joanie and Kieran, two fiercely talented footballers burdened by the shadows of their fathers’ legacies, are flawed yet utterly captivating. Joanie’s struggle with injury, self-worth, and public perception is portrayed with remarkable honesty, while Kieran’s quiet strength and fierce loyalty to his brother add layers of tenderness beneath his tough exterior.

Their forced collaboration on a commercial in Spain sparks a chemistry that’s both slow-burning and scorching—Lace’s trademark blend of humor and heat shines through, particularly in the hilarious “reading” scene that turns deliciously steamy. Beyond the romance, the story explores healing, identity, and forgiveness with sensitivity and realism.

The supporting cast—especially Joanie’s father, Mortimer Fox, and Kieran’s brother, Jack—add emotional richness and depth. Lace captures the messiness of family, fame, and redemption with grace. This is a moving tale of second chances, personal growth, and love that dares to look beneath the surface. A beautifully written, emotionally rewarding read with a perfect happily ever after.

My Rating

Link To Purchase

Amazon

Barnes & Noble

Review Card & Book Review- Home This Christmas By Sue Roberts

Childhood sweethearts. Second chances. And one magical Christmas…

Since chef Ruby left to chase her dreams in London and her family moved away, she’s not had reason to visit her tiny hometown… Until she’s invited to judge the charity gingerbread competition over the holidays, raising money for the local library where Ruby once loved getting cosy. But there’s Christmas mischief at work… Because her ex, Nathan, is a gingerbread judge too.

He is broodier than she remembers, and twice as handsome. Ruby’s pulse races every time their hands brush reaching for the freshly baked treats. And when their eyes meet at the prize giving, it’s even harder to remember all the reasons she left.

Ruby can’t resist staying long enough to raise more awareness for the library charity. Then snowfall traps her in the village. As the fairy lights twinkle and carollers sing, she can’t seem to escape Nathan, and his broody exterior starts to crack… Is the magic of Christmas giving them a second chance?

But Ruby must get back to London for Christmas Day for work. Faced with saying another goodbye, she isn’t sure she wants to…

About The Author

My Review

This is the literary equivalent of a crackling fire and a mug of mulled wine—cosy, heartwarming, and perfectly festive. Sue Roberts delivers a delightful tale of love rekindled in a snow-dusted English village that feels straight out of a Christmas card.

Ruby, a talented London chef nursing a bruised heart, reluctantly returns home to judge a local gingerbread competition. The twist? Her fellow judge is Nathan, her ex-boyfriend, who’s as charming—and as hurt—as ever. What follows is a flurry of witty exchanges, simmering tension, and one hilariously icy mishap that reignites old sparks.

Roberts excels at capturing the warmth of small-town life and the magic of forgiveness. The story blends humour, nostalgia, and just the right dose of romantic tension. While the plot hits familiar beats, the characters and setting make it irresistibly comforting.

Sweet, sparkling, and sprinkled with cinnamon-scented charm, Home This Christmas is a must-read for anyone who loves second chances, festive baking, and feel-good holiday romance. A cosy escape best enjoyed with a blanket and a mince pie.

My Rating