Category Archives: Book Review

Review Card & Book Review – Meet Me In Ivy Falls By Amy True

Welcome to Ivy Falls

In the gorgeous small town of Ivy Falls, Torran is putting all her passion into building her new career in house restoration, trying desperately to help the town keep its identity and charm. She has no time for love but when her childhood sweetheart, Beck, comes back to town and outbids her on her dream house at auction, sparks fly. This man broke her heart. Can she ever trust him again?

For Beck, Ivy Falls means trauma and loss. He knows his sudden departure hurt Torran badly but there are things she doesn’t know. He never intended to return to Ivy Falls so why is he there, bidding on his childhood home? His feelings for Torran are as strong as ever but Torran means Ivy Falls and Beck can’t go back there. Can he find a way to heal his past and find his future?

About The Author

My Review

Torran Wright’s life is in turmoil with her contracting business failing and her hopes of an HGTV show dashed by a viral accident. She plans to restore a historic home to turn things around, only to be outbid by her old high school boyfriend, Beck Townsend, who has returned to Ivy Falls after ten years. Beck aims to resolve old memories but didn’t expect to compete with Torran for the same house. After an accident reveals his lack of DIY skills, Torran agrees to help him. As they work together, their chemistry reignites, transforming their professional relationship into something more. They must confront their pasts and secrets to mend their relationship.

Initially, the book starts slow but quickly picks up pace, effectively depicting Torran and Beck’s rekindled desire. Their attempts to resolve past issues are compelling, though not smooth, creating tension and anticipation. The dual POV narrative helps understand their thoughts and actions. The characters develop well throughout the story, making it a sweet and engaging second chance romance, even hinting at a third chance.

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Review Card & Book Review – In The Blink Of An Eye By Kate Hewitt

It only took a moment for everything to go wrong. In the blink of an eye, the birthday party became a nightmare when we heard the screams… How did this happen? And who is to blame?

I’m so happy as I walk to pick up my son from the party. It’s his first since we moved here, and I know he’s found it hard settling in. Just as I’ve found it hard to make friends among the mothers at the school gates. But as I turn the corner, my heart stops. Instead of the picture-perfect birthday party I left earlier, there’s an ambulance.

I start to run. My son, is all I can think. I have to find my son.

As I race into the garden, desperately searching for my child, a fellow parent turns to me, her finger pointed. The words out of her mouth make my blood run cold.

“Your son did this. This is your fault.”

Surely that can’t be true? My son can be difficult, but I’d know if he was capable of hurting someone… Wouldn’t I?

As a little girl is lifted onto a stretcher, I feel my world come crashing down. My heart cracks in two for this poor child, her devastated family. Because there’s no coming back from this. An innocent girl has been hurt. My son is being blamed. And although I don’t know what really happened, I do know that this moment will tear us all apart…

About The Author

My Review

This is a novel about three mothers dealing with significant life challenges. Joanna moves her family to Wetherby, Connecticut for a fresh start, but they struggle to fit in. Her husband battles depression, and her son, Kieran, has behavioral issues. When Kieran is invited to a birthday party for Bella, the seemingly perfect daughter of Eleanor, a tragic incident leaves Bella in a coma and Kieran blamed. Eleanor stays by her daughter’s side in the hospital, while Natalie, another supervising mother, is wracked with guilt and worry for her own daughter. As secrets unravel, the mothers’ relationships are tested. The story explores the perspectives of Joanna, Natalie, and Eleanor, as they navigate the fallout from the accident and face real-life issues.

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Review Card & Book Review – Wedding Bells By The Creek By Janet Gover

Are there some things that can’t be forgiven?

Helen Walsh has never stopped searching for the daughter who ran away from home when she was just fifteen. Now Tia has found her. Helen longs for her daughter’s forgiveness. Will a Coorah Creek wedding help heal their rift?

Ed Collins has walked Helen’s path, and he knows that she needs more than her daughter’s forgiveness. Ed feels compelled to help her, as he is increasingly drawn to her kind and loving heart.

Then Ed’s wife Stephanie returns to the tiny outback town – thirteen years after she deserted Ed and their young son, Scott. Steph was his first and only love, and now Ed is being asked to forgive.

But how do you forgive what you will never forget?

About The Author

My Review

The story begins with Helen Walsh, whose teenage daughter Felicity ran away ten years ago. Helen has never stopped thinking about her, and out of the blue, she receives a letter from Felicity. Helen travels to a town where she knows no one except the daughter she lost, now a grown woman. Both mother and daughter are understandably anxious about their reunion. As the story progress we learn about the circumstances of Felicity’s disappearance and Helen’s struggles over the years. Helen soon understands why her daughter chose this remote town, appreciating its strong sense of community. Despite knowing the visit would be challenging, Helen finds support from a kind stranger, Ed Collins, a garage proprietor who has lived in the town all his life. Ed, dealing with his own emotional turmoil, feels a connection with Helen, who is hoping to reunite with her daughter. Overall it is a heartwarming read to me.

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Review Card & Book Review – Resorting To Romance By Jennifer Shirk

It was supposed to be L.A. attorney Loni Wingate’s perfect day. Instead, she got only chaos and heartbreak. Her fiancé stole her promotion and ended their engagement, leaving her career and her future dangling by a thread. Then when Loni tries to go to her safe place, her family’s quaint North Carolina resort, she finds it’s up for sale.

But Loni didn’t get to where she is without a fight. So if a developer is coming by to assess the property, the place she feels most connected to her long-gone Mama…well, Loni and her sisters will serve up a taste of Southern hospitality he’ll neverforget.

Ian Hollowell hasn’t experienced “Southern hospitality” firsthand, but he’s pretty sure this is not it. Between the storage room accommodation, the all-sugar sweet tea, and a lethally hot pepper omelet, he’s getting the sense his welcome is anything but. Still, he didn’t get his ruthless reputation by quitting when the game gets interesting.

And Loni is one adversary Ian can’t resist… especially when family revelations start pushing Loni to question her loyalties.

Now a round of “keep your enemies close” might be flipped on its head in bestselling author Jennifer Shirk’s sparkling and stirring story about reconsidering the past in order to shape the future. Because sometimes it takes one last resort to find the place—and people—that truly feel like home.

About The Author

My Review

This is a heartfelt contemporary romance set in the charming family resort of Sunny Banks. The story follows Loni, an LA attorney whose life starts to unravel as her job and engagement to Blaze fall apart. She returns to Sunny Banks to save the family resort from being sold and unexpectedly develops feelings for Ian, the developer interested in buying the property. The novel explores themes of family strength, second chances, and forgiveness, with vivid descriptions of the resort. While the pacing is sometimes uneven and some secondary characters lack depth, the chemistry between Loni and Ian and the meaningful themes make it a comforting and enjoyable read.

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Review Card & Book Review – Old Girls On Deck By Maddie Please

It’s never too late to sail a new course…

When retired Jill Parker wins an all-expenses paid mediterranean cruise for two she is thrilled! At 63 life in retirement has got a little bit bland for Jill and this might be just the holiday she and husband Eddy need to get the sparks back in their marriage.

But when Eddy admits he would much prefer to build his patio and look through the latest DIY magazine, Jill is left with only one other option – her sister Diana.

Diana has become rather reclusive since her husband, Caspar died, but perhaps this is the push she needs to bring some excitement back into her life, too?

Could this trip be just what both sisters need to reconnect and chart a new path for their futures?

Excited to be exploring new horizons and catching up, the sisters soon discover that not everything is smooth sailing on board. And as they enjoy cocktails together at sundown, they discover that they are both actually a little all at sea…

About The Author

My Review

“Old Girls On Deck” by Maddie Please is a delightful contemporary novel centered on two sisters in their sixties who embark on a cruise, where they meet an octogenarian who shows them how to enjoy life. The story emphasizes that aging doesn’t mean settling and encourages living life to the fullest. One sister, a widow of five years, learns to step out of her late husband’s shadow and embrace her own identity, while the other sister, with her newly retired husband, discovers the joys of exploration beyond domestic routines. Set against the vibrant backdrop of the Mediterranean, the novel is filled with witty dialogue and vivid sensory descriptions.

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Review Card & Book Review – Blue Skies Over Wildflower Lock By Hannah Lynn

There may be trouble ahead…

Just when Daisy thought she had canal life understood, Theo, her primary go-to for all of her boating questions has left Wildflower Lock, not to mention the budding romance that has been steadily growing.

Not one to sit and wallow, Daisy takes matters into her own hands. Who said long-distance relationships can’t work?

With the help of trusted friend Yvonne, Daisy takes the September Rose on a round trip to surprise her new boyfriend. The best thing about a home on the water? You can go anywhere!

But perhaps leaving the serenity of Wildflower Lock wasn’t the best idea. Daisy hates keeping secrets from Theo, and she’s not the only one…

About The Author

My Review

This is a charming and uplifting novel that invites readers into the picturesque world of Wildflower Lodge. With her evocative prose, Lynn paints a vivid picture of the lodge and its stunning natural surroundings, making it a perfect escape for those seeking a heartwarming read.

This instalment allows us to find out more about Daisy and Theo and the other characters but we also get to hear a bit more about Yvonne’s story and I absolutely loved the way her friendship with Daisy became cemented during the course of this story and how the bond between these two women grew as well as Daisy’s relationship with her mum changing. The descriptions of the settings and the sights and sounds make the reader think they are actually on the narrow boat doing the journey themselves and as usual with these books they transport me back to happy memories of barge holidays from my youth. I would love to go back and do another one, one day . The characters are well-developed and relatable, each bringing their unique quirks and warmth to the story. The romantic subplot is sweet and satisfying, adding an extra layer of charm to the story.

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Review Card & Book Review – Happy Ever After At Puddleduck Farm By Della Galton

When life throws up the unexpected, can Phoebe hold strong?

In the idyllic setting of the New Forest, talented vet Phoebe Dashwood envisions a picturesque life alongside her beloved fiancé. However, the course of true love is fraught with unexpected hurdles.

Career wise, Phoebe encounters a goat who is seemingly experiencing a phantom pregnancy, and a highly-strung talking parrot who pushes her professionalism to the limits.

Things take an unexpected turn for the worse when Phoebe is confronted with a glamorous love rival, and a surprise Valentine’s Day ‘date’ to see a financial advisor! Can things get any worse?

When tragedy strikes Phoebe realises that nothing in life should be taken for granted and fears she will lose everything she holds dear.

Whilst her friends find their own happy endings, Phoebe is beset with doubts that she and Sam will never find theirs. Is love enough to carry them into the future they deserve?

About The Author

My Review

This book is a delightful and heartwarming read that transports readers to the idyllic countryside of Puddleduck Farm. Galton’s storytelling shines as she weaves a tale of love, community, and second chances, creating a book that feels like a warm hug.

The protagonist, Phoebe, is endearing and relatable as she navigates the challenges of rural life while trying to restore the farm to its former glory. Her journey is filled with ups and downs, but her determination and optimism keep the story engaging. The romance subplot is charming and well-paced, with a perfect blend of tension and tenderness that will keep readers rooting for Phoebe’s happy ending.The themes of community support, resilience, and finding happiness in unexpected places are beautifully explored. Galton’s ability to balance lighthearted moments with deeper emotional undertones makes this book a satisfying read.

Overall, it is a perfect escape for anyone looking for a feel-good story with relatable characters and a picturesque setting. It’s a testament to the power of perseverance and the magic of finding love and happiness where you least expect it. Highly recommended for fans of contemporary romance and heartwarming fiction.

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Review Card & Book Review – Love Signals By Melanie Summers

Allie Cammareri is about to get her revenge. It’s been twelve years coming, but she’s finally going to defeat the ex who stole her research then dumped her.

She’s in a race against him to finish the same big project, and there can only be one winner. All she needs is a few more weeks of working around the clock, and victory will be hers.

So when her boss announces she’s being pulled off the project to mentor a Hollywood A-lister who’s preparing for an upcoming movie role, Allie is devastated. She doesn’t care that it’s People’s Sexiest Man, Hudson Finch.

Allie refuses to let him get in her way, even if Hudson is the most distracting (and delicious-smelling) man on the planet. But between the close confines of her tiny office and a night stranded together in a secluded mountain cabin, her feelings for Hudson turn into something she never could’ve predicted.

She may be falling hard for him, but can Allie really find her happily ever after in his muscley arms?

About The Author

My Review

Dr. Allie Cammareri, brilliant but unlucky in love, must prepare actor Hudson Finch for a role as her institute’s founder. Allie aims to complete her groundbreaking project solo, but unexpectedly falls for Hudson, Hollywood’s heartthrob with hidden dyslexia and self-doubt. Their journey is filled with funny, sweet moments as they overcome their past issues. Allie’s large, opinionated Italian family adds humor and complications. Hudson’s handsome image hides his self-doubt, but his genuine caring nature emerges, deepening their connection.

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