Category Archives: Book Review

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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Review Card & Book Review – Before We Were Us By Denise Hunter

When Lauren Wentworth wakes up in the hospital after falling from a ladder, she has more questions than answers. Way more. She knows where she is—the wilds of New Hampshire. But she’s apparently lost the last four months of her life. Is she really contemplating forfeiting her big-city dream job for a position at a rustic resort? And how did her number one nemesis become her adoring boyfriend?

Jonah Landry is crushed to learn Lauren has forgotten their entire summer together. Terrified of losing her for good, he determines to help her remember their deep connection as she finishes her obligation to the resort. But soon it becomes apparent Lauren doesn’t want to remember falling in love with him or rethinking the entire course of her career. She wants to pretend the summer never happened and move on with her life. Without him.

As Lauren falls back into the steady routines of resort work with Jonah, she’s relieved her memories haven’t returned and remains resolute about her big-city future. But as autumn leads into winter, she begins to see glimpses of the Jonah she’s forgotten. Will she be able to resist the steady love of this patient man? Or is her heart destined for its own freefall?

About The Author

My Review

Jonah and Lauren’s love faces a heartbreaking test when an accident erases Lauren’s memories of their relationship, leaving her only with memories of when they disliked each other. The story explores the emotional complexities of love, loss, and rediscovery as Jonah supports Lauren, even if it means letting her go. Their journey, filled with pain and hope, showcases how love can endure despite the challenges of change and forgotten memories.

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Review Card & Book Review – Written In The Stars By Helen Rolfe

A hidden secret

Live every day as if it were your last – that’s the motto Bess has lived by since her father died unexpectedly. As a critical care paramedic, Bess sees every day just how easily life can be taken away. But carefree living has risks, and as Bess’s debts mount, she discovers her actions could have terrible consequences…

An unexpected arrival

Nothing gives Gio more joy than his work saving lives in the fire service. And on the days when his call-outs put him in the path of the air ambulance, and one paramedic in particular, things are pretty perfect. Until Gio’s world is spun on its head, first by the arrival of his estranged mother on his doorstep, and then by an accident that could put his career on hold indefinitely.

A new beginning?

Gio and Bess have always worked well together, but could they be the solution to each other’s problems beyond the frontline as well? And will they let their guard down enough to give each other a chance before snow falls over Whistlestop River?

About The Author

My Review

Bess and Gio, long-time friends and first responders, face mounting personal and professional challenges in this slow-paced, friends-to-lovers Christmas romance. With dual third-person limited perspectives, the story delves into their struggles—Bess’s financial burdens and grief, Gio’s injury, and his mother’s addiction. While the characters are realistic and relatable, the romance develops late, leaving some desire for more tension and depth in their relationship. Despite the slower pace, the story offers emotional depth and a warm, wintertime charm that will appeal to many readers.

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Review Card & Book Review- Christmas At Polkerran Point By Cass Grafton

Fate may have brought them together, but secrets seem destined to keep them apart…

An accident and a lost passport mean Gemma’s six-month sabbatical to go travelling is not off to a strong start. She heads to Polkerran Point to stay at her aunt’s while her new passport is processed and to find temporary work in the meantime.

Enter musician Matt. Newly moved into a secluded, renovated mill – complete with a recording studio – Matt is preparing for his band’s big reunion tour. Focused on writing new music for the album, he needs a live-in housekeeper.

Even as sparks fly, Gemma can sense Matt’s keeping secrets and with her role ending once Christmas is over, will there be anything to keep her in Polkerran?

About The Author

My Review

Gemma’s travel plans are delayed, leading her to work as a housekeeper for the reserved and troubled Matt at an isolated mill. Despite their initial clash, Gemma’s cheerfulness gradually breaks through Matt’s guarded exterior. Their relationship evolves from friendship to a heartwarming romance, complicated by Matt’s hidden struggles. Set against the festive backdrop of Polkerran, the story captures the warmth of community, the magic of Christmas, and the joy of new beginnings, including a touching wedding. This charming and festive romance, filled with well-drawn characters and a touch of mystery, makes for a delightful read.

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