Category Archives: Book Review

Review Card & Book Review- Everything Changes But You By Sarah Bennett

Is home always where the heart is? ✨

Running a café by the sea in Halfmoon Quay should be a dream job for Issy Kernow, but the view reminds her of everything she’s lost since her parents’ death. She’s relied on no one but herself and her eccentric grandmother, Maud. But as Maud finds unexpected love, Issy begins to feel restless and lonely. Could it be time for a change?

Liam Penrose has always lived up to his family’s expectations, but after a failed relationship and a job he hates, life in London isn’t fulfilling. When a gift from his great-uncle offers the chance to take over a run-down hotel in Halfmoon Quay, Liam is torn. Returning home means a career change—and a chance to reconnect with Issy, his teenage love who slipped away years ago. Is it too late for Liam to risk everything and return to the life he once dreamed of?

In this heart-lifting story of love and second chances, will Issy and Liam discover that, when everything changes around them, some things were always meant to be?

About The Author

My Review

The spotlight falls on Liam Penrose, the eldest of the Penrose siblings. Once considered the brightest hope of the family, he was sent to an exclusive school and eventually built a successful life in London. Now, he finds himself returning to Halfmoon Quay after unexpectedly inheriting his great-uncle’s hotel.

Faced with a crossroads, Liam must decide whether to embrace life by the sea, surrounded by family and a slower pace, or sell the hotel and return to his city career. Naturally, his dilemma quickly becomes the talk of the town, with plenty of locals eager to weigh in on what he should do.

At the same time, Liam’s return stirs old emotions with Issy, his first love. Fifteen years of miscommunication and heartbreak stand between them, yet their chemistry remains undeniable. Filled with family bonds, friendship, humour, and second chances, this is a heartwarming, cosy romance that leaves you eager for the next Penrose story.

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Review Card & Book Review- Could It Be Magic? By Fay Keenan

Thea Ashcombe, a fiercely independent single mum, is about to face her toughest challenge yet: Christmas on a shoestring. As the festive season looms, Thea’s feeling a little like their old family Christmas tree – tired and lacking in sparkle! 🎄💝

Nick Saint, the quiet and devoted farm shop manager in the idyllic village of Lower Brambleton, has secretly liked Thea for years. Trapped in the friend zone since high school, he’s given up hope of Thea seeing him as anything more than reliable ‘Saint’ Nick…

But when Thea steps into Nick’s world to help at the bustling farm shop, something unexpected happens. Suddenly, her sensible head is spinning with a schoolgirl crush she never saw coming! Is it just the enchanting glow of Christmas, the twinkling lights playing tricks on her mind?

As they work side-by-side preparing for the magical Christmas market, and as Nick’s thoughtful gestures – like a perfectly fresh Christmas tree appearing at her door – begin to melt her defences, Thea starts to wonder – maybe all she really needs for Christmas… is Nick! ✨

About The Author

My Review

This is a gentle festive romance that blends small-town charm with the warmth of second chances. The story follows Thea and Nick, childhood friends who reconnect at Christmas and slowly realize that their bond runs deeper than friendship.

The childhood-friends-to-lovers trope is handled well here, making their romance feel believable and heartfelt. Flashbacks to their teenage years add depth, showing why their connection stands the test of time. This made their relationship development far more authentic than the typical “insta-love” often found in seasonal romances.

While the overall tone is cosy and light, the obligatory third-act breakup felt unnecessary and slightly contrived, especially with the return of Thea’s ex. That subplot added little and was quickly forgotten. On the other hand, Thea’s children, particularly her thoughtful daughter Cora, brought warmth and maturity, providing an endearing family dynamic.

Some of the most enjoyable scenes are the quieter moments in the farm shop, which capture the festive spirit beautifully.

Overall, it is a sweet, heartwarming read—perfect for cosy winter evenings with a hot drink in hand.

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Review Card & Book Review- A Merry Irish Christmas By Clodagh Murphy

A surprise visit home, an unexpected houseguest, a Christmas she’ll never forget… ☃️

Mary hasn’t told her family that she’s coming home for Christmas. After breaking up with her boyfriend just before the holidays, she decides to surprise them and get a last-minute flight home. But when she arrives in Ireland after a long journey, she discovers her family have had the same idea, and gone to New York to surprise her.

To make matters infinitely worse, they’ve done a house swap with grumpy (but sexy) New Yorker Evan, who makes it clear he doesn’t want her, or her Christmas cheer, around.

Mary is determined to keep the festive spirit alive, so she proposes that she and Evan each get one day where the other has to do things their way. But can Evan put aside his grouchiness to embrace a proper, Irish Christmas? And how will Mary cope with a day of sulking and moody walks on the beach?

One thing’s certain: as the temperature drops outside, things start to heat up inside the McBride house. Maybe it’ll be a merry Christmas after all …

About The Author

My Review

Clodagh Murphy’s A Merry Irish Christmas is a festive romance brimming with charm, humor, and heart. The story opens in New York, where Mary’s Christmas plans are shattered when her boyfriend reconciles with his ex, leaving her both single and suddenly without holiday plans. Hoping to salvage the season, she heads home to Ireland to surprise her family—only to find they’ve done a house swap and are spending Christmas in New York. Instead of a warm family reunion, she’s faced with an empty home… and Evan, a grumpy but undeniably handsome actor who is also staying there.

Forced to share the space, sparks soon fly between Mary and Evan. What begins as sharp banter and frosty tolerance gradually transforms into genuine friendship and undeniable attraction. Murphy balances the grumpy-sunshine trope perfectly, weaving in laugh-out-loud humor, tender moments, and just the right amount of festive spice.

With cozy Irish traditions, snappy dialogue, and standout supporting characters like Mary’s vibrant mother, this is the kind of holiday romance that’s short enough to read in a couple of sittings but warm enough to linger in your heart.

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Review Card & Book Review- Chaos Theory By Sylvia Leatham

Sometimes the future arrives whether you’re ready or not. A charmingly quirky, feel-good Irish comedy about accidentally finding yourself.

Maeve McGettigan has just landed a job as Dublin’s least prepared robot babysitter. One minute she’s coasting through her boring marketing job; the next, she’s responsible for Kobi: a well-meaning robot assistant with zero filter and a knack for publicly humiliating her. As chaos erupts around her, Maeve finds herself unexpectedly caught between two very different men: Shane – her on-again, off-again messy situationship – and Josh, Kobi’s nerdy-in-a-hot-way creator who makes her question everything she thought she wanted for her life.

But then Maeve and Kobi’s story takes a truly shocking twist, and it’s suddenly time for her to decide: what – and who – is she really fighting for?

A wonderfully heartwarming read about finding your people and embracing the unexpected, even when it’s a mischievous robot. After all, sometimes the most chaotic situations lead you to exactly where you belong.

About The Author

My Review

This is a quirky and entertaining workplace comedy with a surprising amount of heart. The story centers on Maeve, who is assigned to help a robot named Kobi assimilate into her office. Kobi quickly becomes the heart of the novel—his awkward attempts to fit in are both hilarious and touching, and his evolving bond with Maeve is a joy to watch. The alternating chapters between Maeve and Kobi add another layer of charm, offering unique insight into Kobi’s perspective and making their dynamic even more engaging.

Where the novel doesn’t quite succeed is in its romance. Maeve’s primary love interest feels underdeveloped, reading more like a casual fling than a meaningful connection. Their lack of chemistry makes the sudden leap toward love unconvincing, especially compared to Maeve’s natural spark with another potential love interest. Maeve’s reaction to Josh at the end also feels uneven, as her unwillingness to forgive him comes across as hypocritical given her own choices.

Despite these flaws, Chaos Theory shines in its humor and heart. Maeve and Kobi’s relationship carries the book, making it a fun, lighthearted, and worthwhile read.

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Review Card & Book Review- Meet Me Under The Northern Lights By Mandy Baggot

❄️💜 Can one kiss melt a cold, broken heart? 💜❄️

When career-focused Chloe Bellamy is sent to Iceland on a last-minute work trip, it’s her big chance to prove she deserves a seat at the top.

But there’s one problem, she may have embellished her CV a little… saying she speaks Icelandic when she doesn’t! And now, to add to her woes, she’s landed with no place to stay.

Gunnar Eriksson has a habit of saving people. First, when he rescued a young boy from a volcano and offered him a forever home. Then opening his door and welcoming in a spirited yet accident-prone Octogenarian. Now Gunnar has somehow tied himself to Chloe who needs all the help she can get but, for some reason, is reluctant to accept it.

Neither of them are looking for love, but under Iceland’s spell, and with a little extra help from those around them, something begins to shift. Could one kiss beneath the Northern Lights change everything?

About The Author

My Review

The story begins with a chance collision at Reykjavik airport between Gunnar Eriksson, a dependable local, and Chloe, a visitor whose work trip starts off badly when she realizes her boss has forgotten to arrange her stay. Stepping in to help, Gunnar finds her a place to stay and offers his support, setting the stage for a series of serendipitous encounters.

As Chloe explores Iceland, from boat tours to chasing the Northern Lights, she and Gunnar grow closer. Both, however, are weighed down by personal struggles: Chloe faces the heartbreak of being unable to have children, while Gunnar shoulders the responsibility of caring for a boy who isn’t his own. Their vulnerabilities add emotional depth, making their growing connection feel genuine and poignant.

With its enchanting setting, well-drawn characters, and a touching balance of humor and heartache, this book is a delightful escape, capturing not just romance, but also resilience, healing, and the power of love to shine through the darkest skies.

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Review Card & Book Review- A Winter Wedding Adventure By Leonie Mack

Adventure guide Kira Watling is not a natural with guest lists and flower arranging…

But the destination wedding agency she works for always goes above and beyond. And it’s her job to escort an important guest from Salzburg to the venue, a gorgeous chalet nestled in the mountains. It should be simple, but an overnight delay due to heavy snowfall leaves her stuck in close quarters with her very handsome, very eccentric charge, Italian opera singer Mattia.

Clumsy, yet sensitive, Mattia is unlike anyone Kira has ever met. Spending an evening exploring the Christmas markets and then making their way through the snow-covered mountains to the wedding the following day, Mattia gets under Kira’s skin in a way no one else has. They can’t ignore the very unexpected attraction, but Kira has a job to do. And whilst Mattia is open to love, bitter life experience has taught Kira to guard her heart.

Continually thrown together by wedding disasters, Kira finds her resistance to commitment sorely challenged by growing feelings for the charming Mattia – and the determination of the bridal party to make these snowbound nuptials a success. But can there be a future for a tough outdoor guide and an opera singer when the snow is finally cleared?

About The Author

My Review

This is a delightful, heartwarming romance set against the stunning backdrop of the Austrian Tyrol in winter. At the heart of the novel are Kira, a reserved outdoor sports instructor reluctantly stepping into the role of assistant wedding planner, and Mattia, a charismatic opera singer with long curls and a voice powerful enough to stir the soul. Both are scarred by past relationships and hesitant to trust again, yet their gradual, tender connection feels authentic and deeply moving. Their journey from guarded acquaintances to passionate lovers is filled with vulnerability, humor, and undeniable heat.

The supporting cast—including bride Alessandra and groom Joe—adds charm and texture, while moments of crisis allow Kira’s resilience to shine. Romantic, funny, and emotionally satisfying, this novel is an ideal holiday read brimming with warmth, passion, and the magic of second chances.

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Review Card & Book Review – If I’d Have Known By Savannah Carlisle

Gigi Franklin is planning her best friend’s wedding, and long-time friend Austin Beckett is trying to help her keep the private event top secret. As Gigi and Austin work together, their rivalry increases and sparks begin to fly, but Gigi’s too busy building her law practice to make time for dating.

If the wedding wasn’t enough to manage, she’s also tasked with finding the rightful heir to the local Salty Breeze B&B. Then, newcomer Simon Ridley arrives in town, throwing a wrench in the process.

As Gigi races against time to uncover the truth about the B&B’s ownership and pull off the perfect wedding, an old journal surfaces that might change everything she thought she knew about love.

About The Author

My Review

This is a charming, heartfelt story filled with romance, community, and cozy small-town vibes. This time, the spotlight falls on Gigi Franklin, who is juggling more than her share—planning her best friend’s wedding, advancing her law career, and unraveling the mystery of the Salty Breeze B&B’s rightful heir. Fortunately, she has Austin Beckett, her loyal childhood friend, to lean on. What Gigi doesn’t realize is that Austin has quietly loved her for years.

Their romance builds slowly and tenderly, threaded through a narrative rich with subplots. The chaos of wedding planning, the complications of family secrets, and the arrival of newcomer Simon Ridley all keep the story layered and engaging. Both Gigi and Austin are also navigating fraught family relationships, making their emotional journeys as meaningful as their growing connection.

Told in dual POV, the novel captures both Gigi’s determination and Austin’s deep, steadfast affection. With warm writing, themes of found family and healing, and a sweet romance at its heart, this is a delightful escape—like stepping into a Hallmark summer movie.

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Review Card & Book Review- Fake Off With Fate By Whitney Dineen

She’s a closet designer for the rich and famous and he’s a broken-hearted captain of a pro-hockey team. Neither of them is looking for love.

Ashlyn
An unexpected trip home to Maple Falls gets even more surprising when I inadvertently become acting mayor.

Add a huge crisis and a smoking hot hockey player, and I’m in over my head before I know it.

I’m only here for a short time, so I will not fall for Mr. Tall, dark, and adorable. I don’t care how helpful and kind he is. Long-distance never works, so the answer is no.

Jamie
I’m sick of the press hounding me about my last relationship, so when the opportunity arose to captain a new hockey team in smalltown Washington, I jumped at it.

Too bad I didn’t ask more questions before moving here, like, “Are there bears, and will they be living in my backyard?”

Then there’s Ashlyn. The last thing I expected was to meet a funny, sassy, and good-hearted woman like her. I swore off love after my last heartbreak, but my heart is acting like it missed the memo.

There’s no way I’m going to pursue her. Unless of course, fate has intervened, and we were meant to be…

About The Author

My Review

Ashlyn, raised in Maple Falls but now living in Los Angeles, returns home to help her parents and quickly finds herself caught in a tricky situation. Enter Jamie, the new captain of the town’s hockey team, freshly arrived from New York. What begins as a friendship forged to solve a problem soon blossoms into something more, with fate clearly working overtime. The story sparkles with humor, including a memorable bear incident, while the playful dialogue and gradual build of attraction between Ashlyn and Jamie make their romance feel both believable and heartwarming. The relationship develops at a natural pace, allowing readers to savor each stage of their journey. With its mix of humor, heart, and a wonderfully sweet romance, it is an uplifting, feel-good read that rom-com fans will adore.

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Review Card & Book Review- Never Been Witched By Molly Harper

Alice Seastairs is in a precarious position for a witch—isolated from her coven and regretting a lot of her choices. Keeping herself from her sisters is the only way she can protect them from a threat only she knows is coming. While Alice should be searching for the final missing Welling locks and protecting the ghostly residents of Shaddow House, she distracts herself with a job offer from Collin Bancroft. Handsome, surprisingly sweet and filthy rich, Collin needs her expertise to restore his historic Duchess Hotel from the previous owner’s ghastly citrus-toned taste. Little does he know, Alice is also the perfect consultant for what to do when you discover a ghost running nightly through the hotel hallways. Spoiler alert: The solution is almost always late night snacking and smooching.

The weight of Alice’s secrets only gets worse when her manipulative grandparents threaten to ruin her relationship with Collin. And because her life isn’t complicated enough, Collin’s delusional ex walks back into his life like she never left. And then there’s the minor problem of an ancient magical family trying to take over Shaddow House, using the ghosts within for who-knows-what to further their nefarious agenda. Alice can only avoid her coven for so long before they come looking for her… She could really use a friend—or a house full of family, both living and dead.

Will Alice break from generational toxic patterns and claim the joy that she deserves? A witch doesn’t kiss and spell…

About The Author

My Review

This is a charming blend of fantasy romance, family drama, and a historical murder-mystery. The story follows Alice, who works in her grandparents’ antique shop, and Collin, the heir to a rival family with whom hers has long feuded. Despite their complicated legacy, the two are drawn together when Collin enlists Alice’s help in restoring his family’s island hotel. Their connection deepens when they uncover a mysterious ring tied to a ghost haunting Alice’s coven, pulling them into an old tragedy that may hold the key to their families’ animosity.

Alongside the supernatural mystery, Alice and Collin face personal challenges—an insistent ex for each of them and the weight of complicated family expectations. The ghostly mystery keeps the pace brisk, with satisfying answers and resolutions by the end. Light, atmospheric, and entertaining, it is a fun fall read for fans of cozy paranormal romance.

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