Book Review – Page 73

Review Card & Book Review – Finding Love In Micklewick Bay By Eliza J Scott

Welcome to your happy place…

Stella Hutton has everything under control. Her high-flying career as a lawyer relies on her keeping a calm, rational head on her shoulders. She hasn’t got time for love, or space for a man in her glamorous new apartment, a converted warehouse overlooking the rugged cliffs of Micklewick Bay.

But when a handsome stranger walks into the Jolly Sailors pub, with a sparkle in his blue eyes and a head of dark curls, everything changes. Making a beeline for her, Alex Bainbridge introduces himself while a gorgeous labrador waits at his feet. Electricity instantly sparks between Stella and Alex, as her heart flips inside her chest and her usual strict rules about men fly out the window…

Stella thinks her crush will pass. But every time she bumps into Alex – on her daily jog along the promenade, at the supermarket, inside the Happy Hartes Bookshop – her feelings only grow stronger. Her close-knit group of friends have never seen her like this before. After thirty years of being happily single, has Stella finally met the one? Or will her cherished independence sabotage her chance at a forever love?

About The Author

My Review

This is a contemporary romance featuring Stella Hutton, a barrister who moves back to her hometown and meets Alex, a charming single man with a Labrador. As Stella falls for Alex, she becomes interested in uncovering the identity of her father, despite her mother Alice’s discouragement. Stella’s career as a barrister influences her tendency to assume the worst, leading to misunderstandings, such as when she mistakenly believes Alex’s female companion is his girlfriend. The novel balances romance with Stella’s personal journey. It’s recommended for fans of contemporary romance where the protagonist’s flaws drive the plot, those who enjoy a mix of romance and character exploration, and readers who appreciate small-town UK settings.

My Rating

Link To Purchase

Amazon

Barnes & Noble

Kobo

Review Card & Book Review – Summer Days At Clifftop Cottage By Eliza J Scott

Welcome to your happy place…

As summer comes to the tranquil shores of Micklewick Bay, Maggie Marsay is on cloud nine. She can barely keep up with orders for her handmade teddy bears, turning her crafting hobby into a thriving business. And after trying for a baby for some time, she has joyful news to share with her devoted husband Bear who she lives with in an idyllic clifftop cottage alongside their cheeky labrador.

But an unexpected visitor casts a shadow over Maggie’s sun-drenched bliss. Robyn, a ghost from the past Maggie hasn’t seen in twelve long years, arrives on their doorstep. What could have brought Robyn back into Maggie’s life after so long? Is she truly sorry for her past mistakes, or is she up to her old tricks?

Maggie welcomes Robyn into their home, trying her best to forgive and forget. But when Robyn starts to drive a wedge between her and Bear, Maggie’s close-knit group of friends and neighbours rally around. Can they help Maggie weather this storm and find her way back to happily ever after? Or is trouble here to stay?

About The Author

My Review

This is a contemporary novel following Maggie, her husband Bear, and Maggie’s cousin Robyn. Robyn unexpectedly arrives at Maggie’s door after years of estrangement, causing turmoil in Maggie and Bear’s lives. Robyn is the nightmare house guest, overstaying her welcome, using expensive items without permission, and even trying to cozy up to Bear. Maggie, a sympathetic character, struggles to tell Bear she’s pregnant after years of trying, while also managing a new contract for her handmade stuffed bears. The story explores themes of marriage strained by external pressures, pregnancy, and creativity. It’s ideal for readers who enjoy small-town contemporary romances with elements of family drama and personal growth.

My Rating

Link To Purchase

Amazon

Barnes & Nobleb

Review Card & Book Review- Swap and Smell the Roses By Karen Booth

When Willow Moore’s lifelong dream of music stardom goes bust, she’s burned out enough to need drastic change. As in, she’s trading her Brooklyn apartment for two months in the Connecticut countryside. Soon she’s baking bread, spending Saturdays at the farmer’s market and stopping to smell the roses, but some things in her new #cottagecore life aren’t so pleasant. Like her landlord, former chef Reid Harrell. As grouchy and reserved as Willow is chatty and outgoing, Reid is an annoyingly sexy keep-out sign. If only Willow was good at staying away.

Something about Reid, a sliver of pain poking through that flinty facade, makes her wonder if they’re more alike than she thought. Reid once chased success, too, and found it—at a price. Now all he wants is to be left alone to garden, but Willow’s not giving up so quick, especially when one of their heated arguments sparks an idea for a song. Her renewed creativity awakens them both, hurling them into a passionate vortex neither expects.

As the summer winds down, Willow is forced to confront her needs, wants and desires, not to mention Reid, the hardest puzzle of all to figure out. Maybe it’s time for the city girl to stop dwelling on dreams dashed and start following her heart—no matter where it might take her…

About The Author

My Review

In “Swap and Smell the Roses” by Karen Booth, Willow Moore, after her dream of music stardom falters, moves from Brooklyn to the Connecticut countryside for two months. Embracing the slower pace of rural life, she finds herself at odds with her grumpy landlord, Reid Harrell, a former chef who now values solitude. Despite their differences, sparks fly between them. Willow’s persistent attempts to engage Reid lead to a surprising connection. As her creativity resurges, Willow decides to pursue what she truly wants, including a potential romance with Reid. This contemporary romance blends humor, heart, and emotional depth, making it a captivating and delightful read.

My Rating

Link To Purchase

Review Card & Book Review – Sisters In Paradise By Carolyn Brown

Sometimes the only way to find true happiness is to go back home.

Ophelia Simmons is back home at the Paradise—the former brothel where her mom raised her and six sisters—contemplating her next career move and dodging Great Aunt Bernie’s matchmaking attempts. She is about to meet her match in Jake Brennan, the ruggedly handsome owner of a local winery where Aunt Bernie convinces her to take a job for the summer. At first Ophelia and Jake’s personalities clash, but soon enough sparks start flying.

Meanwhile, older sister Tertia Simmons also returns home to look for a new job. Tertia never thought she’d work for, let alone fall for, Noah Sullivan—the boy who once taunted her when they were kids. But when he offers her the job of her dreams in his new café, Tertia finds herself torn between her head and her heart.

As the sisters navigate the ups and downs of love and career with the help of their outrageous great aunt and the rest of the close-knit family, they learn that love can be found in the most unexpected of places—including their own hometown.

About The Author

My Review

This is a delightful small-town romance novel featuring the Simmons sisters returning to their family home, the old Paradise house, where Great-Aunt Bernie plays matchmaker. The story focuses on two sisters: Ophelia, a former Air Force drone operator, and Tertia, a dissatisfied substitute teacher. Set in a slowly reviving Texas town, Ophelia finds romance with her new boss, winemaker Jake Brennan, while Tertia rekindles a softened enemies-to-lovers relationship with an old school rival, Noah Sullivan.

Great-Aunt Bernie catalyzes these romances, prompting the sisters to reevaluate their desire for relationships. Meanwhile, the family is busy with Ursula and Luna’s summer wedding plans and the opening of Luna and Shane’s bait store. The novel features low conflict, focusing on family, sisterhood, and the revitalization of their town. The series continues with hints of future romances for other sisters. “Sisters in Paradise” is perfect for readers who enjoy easy-going, slice-of-life small-town romances.

My Rating

Link To Purchase

Amazon

Barnes & Noble

Kobo

Review Card & Book Review – The Second Chance By Charlotte Butterfield

Nell has always known the date she’s going to die.

After a psychic predicted her death date twenty years ago, she has lived life accepting she would never see forty – embracing adventure and travelling the world, choosing fun over commitment and laying down roots.

So, when the fateful day comes, Nell feels ready. She sends five excruciatingly honest confessions to her sister, parents and past loves, knowing she won’t be around to face the consequences. Then, with her heart laid bare, all that’s left to do is check into a glamorous hotel and wait for the inevitable…

But when Nell unexpectedly wakes up the next morning broke, single and very much alive, she must figure out exactly how to seize this second chance at life. And then it also hits her:

What on earth happens now that everyone knows how she really feels?

About The Author

My Review

Nell Graham is fully prepared to die, having spent the last nineteen years getting ready for this moment. She travels the world, sells her possessions, shuts down her bank accounts and social media, and sends farewell letters to loved ones. She even books a room in a luxurious London hotel to end her life. However, she wakes up alive the next day, with no plan and nothing to her name. This unexpected second chance forces Nell to confront what’s truly important, reconnect with loved ones, and embrace life anew. The novel follows Nell and her dear friends Tom, Greg, Jenny, Polly, and Juno as they explore what it means to get a second chance. The story combines poignant moments with hilarious scenes, like Nell’s escape from a hotel in a ballgown and a comedic Mrs. Doubtfire-like episode. The narrative is both heartwarming and humorous, celebrating the joy of rediscovering life.

My Rating

Link To Purchase

Amazon

Barnes & Noble

Kobo

Review Card & Book Review – Shielding the Innocent Target By Terri Reed

A child under his protection…

and a hit man in pursuit.

After witnessing her boss’s murder, Paige Walsh must trust Deputy US Marshal Lucas Cavendish to bring her to safety. But when a notorious assassin targets her and her son, Lucas’s short-term assignment turns into a dangerous cross-country mission. For Paige to identify her boss’s killer, Lucas must get the family into witness protection. Except the hit man knows their every move…and trusting the wrong person could get them killed.

About The Author

My Review

This book is a gripping romantic suspense novel centered on Paige Walsh, who becomes a target after witnessing her boss’s murder. Deputy US Marshal Lucas Cavendish steps in to protect Paige and her son from a relentless assassin. The story uniquely intertwines suspense with deep faith, portraying God as a comforting and guiding presence amid danger. Paige relies on prayer for strength, and Lucas frequently seeks divine intervention, enhancing their bond. The pervasive sense of threat keeps readers on edge, with danger constantly looming. This novel not only delivers intense suspense but also showcases a powerful journey of faith and resilience, making it a compelling read.

My Rating

Link To Purchase

Review Card & Book Review – In the Midnight Rain By Barbara O’Neal

Biographer Ellie Connor is in Gideon, Texas, to research blues singer Mabel Beauvais who, on the verge of fame, mysteriously disappeared more than forty years ago. Gideon holds another mystery for Ellie. It’s the truth about her parents—a restless mother who died young and a father she never knew. They are an unsettled piece of Ellie’s own past. Somewhere in this town is the answer to both of her quests.

No one is more accommodating than charismatic Laurence “Blue” Reynard, a local with deep roots in Gideon. Sexy and charming, he’s also getting under Ellie’s skin like a smooth jazz rhythm. Yet beneath his seductive facade is a soul damaged by loss. Tragic, wanting, and beautiful. So wrong for a woman just passing through town. If only his passion and vulnerability weren’t so irresistible.

As Ellie pieces together Mabel’s puzzling life and that of her father, Blue takes the surprising journey with her. What then for Ellie? Follow her instincts and say goodbye, or follow her heart?

About The Author

My Review

Dr. Laurence ‘Blue’ Reynard was a charismatic ladies’ man with a captivating voice and a passion for orchids and old music. He owned a small dog named Sasha and an elderly cat named Piwacket. Biographer Ellie Connor, a music historian, moved to his cottage in Pine Bend, Texas, to research the mysterious disappearance of blues singer Mabel Beauvais and to find her own father, who was linked to the area. Despite expecting an older man, Ellie found herself drawn to the handsome Blue. Their relationship developed amid the sultry, secretive atmosphere of the town, rich with gossip and haunting music. The narrative’s strength lay in its descriptive, engaging prose, evoking a modern-day gothic romance.

My Rating

Link To Purchase

Amazon

Barnes & Noble

Review Card & Book Review – A Little Bit of Love By Synithia Williams

Their first meeting changed her life

Their second one changes everything

Sheri “Li’l Bit” Thomas will do anything to help revitalize the community she loves—even work with Lieutenant Deandre King, the cop who once arrested her after a stupid breakup stunt. Opening her new restaurant is a great first step. Partnering with the handsome widowed dad on an outreach event for at-risk youth and businesses is an even better one. But neither counts on the attraction simmering between them—or the potential problems with Deandre’s teen son. Is Sheri’s past a bad example for him, indicative of drama to come? Or is she the mom—and wife—they never knew they needed?

About The Author

My Review

“A Little Bit of Love” is a standalone novel set in the same town as the Heart and Soul series. Sheri, a restaurant owner, returns to her hometown to escape her past. Deandre, a widowed cop and single dad, moves there for family support. Years ago, Deandre arrested Sheri for a minor incident. Now, they work together on a town revitalization committee, and their close proximity sparks a romance. Deandre’s son, however, tries to keep them apart. Williams’ storytelling and character development shine, making this a highly recommended read for new and long-time fans alike.

My Rating

Link To Purchase

Review Card & Book Review- The Forbidden Greek By Michelle Smart

He wants…
what he can’t have.

The last person Greek billionaire Leander Liassidis wants to see is Kate Hawkins. He even abandoned his convenient wedding to escape his forbidden attraction to her. She’s infuriating, irresistible…and on the doorstep of his Californian mansion!

Maid of honor Kate knows she’ll have her work cut out for her bringing Leander back to the altar. She doesn’t expect the need blazing in his gaze—or the explosive connection it ignites. Kate knows that giving in to their desire would be unforgivable. But could she ever forgive herself if she walked away from a bond this powerful?

About The Author

My Review

Leander plans a fake marriage with childhood friend Helena for her inheritance, intending to divorce later. During pre-wedding celebrations, he bonds deeply with Kate, Helena’s best friend. On the wedding day, Leander’s twin substitutes as he retreats, realizing he loves Kate. Kate finds and confronts him, enduring his hostility. Eventually, Leander admits his feelings, and they explore their mutual attraction. Their evolving relationship, built on strong communication and chemistry, makes this a heartfelt and emotional read.

My Rating

Link To Purchase

Review Card & Book Review – Dating His Irresistible Rival By Juliette Hyland

THE COMPETITION IS HEATING UP!

Foster care survivor Knox has worked hard to be the best trauma surgeon. Yet it still stings that in med school annoyingly irresistible Miranda beat him to a coveted fellowship. Now that Miranda’s returned, it’s clear the remarkable woman he knew is a shadow of her former self. Putting his competitiveness aside, Knox is determined to bring her fire back. Could a first date to rival all first dates be the answer?

About The Author

My Review

Surgeon Miranda Paulson returns to Phoenix to reconnect with her sisters and rebuild her life after burning out and getting divorced. She unexpectedly encounters Knox Peters, her fierce rival from medical school, internship, and residency, still at Hope Hospital. This medical romance, filled with chemistry, lively personalities, and hospital politics.

My Rating