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?
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.
Frances Mathews doesn’t get out much since her husband died, but that doesn’t stop her from jump-starting a campaign to create a hedgehog highway in Hilltop Place—feeding stations, holes at the bottoms of gates and fences, and wild garden areas for hibernation. To Frances’s delight, her neighbours are on board. Mostly.
There are Jess and Michael, whose marriage is cracking under the unanticipated strain of a recent adoption. And Ryan, a wounded war reporter struggling to connect with his son after a divorce and forced to return to an exasperating parental fold. Plus, a very forthright single mum new to the neighbourhood and an exceedingly proper couple not about to upend their picture-perfect garden for prickly nuisances.
As relationships—from the romantic to the nerve-racking—form and secrets are unearthed, Hilltop Place is threatened in ways that affect them all…unaware hedgehogs included. What Frances and her charitable neighbours soon discover about themselves and each other is hardly what any of them expected.
The book has an intriguing premise and offers a compelling narrative, particularly in the subplot about adoption. Jess’s struggle with her lack of maternal feelings towards her adopted son, Toby, and how this affects her relationship with her biological daughter, Stella, is handled with great sensitivity by the author. The characters are portrayed realistically, with flaws that make them relatable, despite their sometimes immoral actions. Notably, Tara’s affair with a married man and the impact on her daughter, Hermie, adds depth to the story. Other notable storylines include Ryan’s struggle with paralysis after a landmine accident and Frances’s efforts to build a hedgehog highway. The author skillfully intertwines these diverse narratives, enhanced by enjoyable hedgehog analogies and facts, creating a cohesive and memorable book.
This summer, save the date for Renweneth Farm’s very first wedding!
As the seasons change, so do the lives of those who call the farm home. Bustling with activity in anticipation of a busy Spring, it’s all go with Jess and Riley’s wedding on the horizon and Renweneth Manor’s restoration in full swing.
But while the farm business flourishes, Jess and Ivy need to learn to navigate unforeseen challenges – financial worries, two disgruntled locals, and even a blast from Riley’s past… In the midst of it all can Ivy juggle a new and unexpected arrival with her booming business, and can Jess keep track of her perfect day?
Join Jess and the team at Renweneth Farm as they struggle to make the pieces of the intricate puzzle that bonds them together, fall neatly into place.
A story that celebrates love, life, and the way friends become family in this growing community.
“A Summer Wedding at the Cornish Manor” follows Jess and Riley as they prepare for their wedding while renovating Renweneth Manor. Jess’s best friend Ivy and her husband Adam also face challenges with Ivy’s bakery business and an unexpected arrival. The novel explores Jess’s independent approach to life and Riley’s personal growth. Set in picturesque Cornwall, it offers vivid descriptions of the farm and countryside. Although it can be read as a standalone, reading the series enriches the experience. The heartwarming story highlights a supportive community coming together, providing a satisfying conclusion to the series.
Four exes and a wedding. And a road trip no one expected…
Jo Watters would rather do anything than go to her ex-husband Ben’s wedding to perfect Monica, and if it wasn’t for her beloved children she would already be far, far away. But having promised to be civilised for the sake of their soon-to-be-blended family she is headed to Spain with a fixed smile and hoping for a very fixed drink!
But when Jo realises that she’s on the same plane as Monica’s ex-husband, the devastatingly handsome but equally cantankerous Adrián, she thinks her trip can’t get any worse… she’s wrong. When bad weather forces the plane to land the wrong side of the Pyrenees, and the hotel they’re sent to only has one double room available Jo begins to wish she was anywhere – anywhere – but here…
Determined to get to the wedding however they can, Jo and Adrián make an unlikely team, but as their disastrous trip continues, Jo starts to wonder if fate has other ideas for her and Adrián, especially when he seems to be getting more handsome by the day…maybe this trip won’t be so terrible after all?
Jo is a fiercely independent woman who has emerged from divorce with a determination that is impossible to challenge. She is just about ready for another relationship, although walking away from her husband almost broke her. Her life is now organised to ensure everything runs like clockwork and her children come first. She certainly doesn’t need the laid-back attitude of the ex-husband of her ex’s new bride. She finds him to be unreliable and irritating beyond belief. The events that started with a seemingly straightforward flight had me in stitches as I eagerly flipped the pages. I could easily envision this story on the big screen, with Jo and Adrián’s antics providing endless laughter. As they navigated from one chaotic situation to the next, their witty banter was perfectly timed, and the growing attraction between them was palpable. Adrián, with his rugged good looks, laidback demeanour, and charming Spanish accent, had me swooning from the start. He was the epitome of a perfect book boyfriend, unflappable even in the face of adversity. But beneath his cool exterior, it was clear that his son’s happiness was his top priority, adding a layer of depth to his character that was truly endearing. This book delves deeply into the complexities of divorce, presenting a realistic and often gloomy portrayal of its impact, especially on children. Its strength lies in exploring the difficult decisions, consequences, and emotional struggles involved in splitting up and moving on. While some of Jo’s reasoning for her breakup with Ben might be debatable, the book courageously addresses the painful aspects of breaking up, making it a valuable read for those seeking an honest depiction of divorce beyond the surface-level notion of starting over.
A loving wife and a mother of three accomplished children, forty-six-year-old Trudy Marino has an uncomplicated life—until she’s blindsided by her husband’s affair. But in Trudy’s close-knit neighborhood, she’s not alone in navigating the sudden surprises in a woman’s life.
Her neighbor Roberta has just lost her husband of sixty-two years and struggles with bittersweet memories and grief. Roberta’s granddaughter Jade is a divorcée who has taken up a cathartic new hobby to get over her cheating ex. And there’s Shannelle, whose creative aspirations are fracturing her marriage.
Then Trudy meets Angel, a sensual young man with the vulnerable heart of a poet who awakens her to invigorating new sensations. With a bracing confidence and three dear friends coming together in confusion, anger, and hope, Trudy is encouraged to take control of her life, to reflect on the choices she didn’t make, and to fulfill the youthful dreams she abandoned. As a new world opens up, Trudy can only marvel at where to go from here.
This story follows four women and the men they love. Roberta, the oldest, is grieving her husband’s death, and her granddaughter Jade has come to support her. Jade, recently divorced from a man now in prison, finds her strength and more through boxing. Trudy is facing divorce from her unfaithful husband and realizes she needs to rediscover herself and stand up for what she wants. Across the road, aspiring writer Shanelle struggles with her husband’s disapproval of her dreams of being published.
This character-driven novel explores real-life situations of four women and their support system. The story focuses on their enduring friendships and mutual support. The narrator particularly struggles with Trudy’s storyline. Trudy deals with an unfaithful husband who feels neglected despite their long marriage and three children. The narrator finds it hard to sympathize with him, questioning how Trudy can forgive and move on so quickly. This resonates personally, as the narrator reflects on their own inability to tolerate infidelity.
Grace Kelly can’t escape the draws of Emerald Bay; the sweeping cliffs, the sparkling sea… and her gorgeous new flatmate. The problem is, she has to keep him a secret from her family. And she isn’t the only one in the village with something to hide this summer…
Grace really needs someone to help cover the rent for her London flat, but Christopher Dorrance? Everyone in the little Irish village of Emerald Bay knows about the feud between their families, though no one knows how it started. But, both being in a tight spot, they try and make it work, swearing to tell no one back home. Until a mutual friend and her son in the bay are left homeless after a storm. Grace and Christopher must head back to Ireland to help… together.
As they flesh out their idea to raise money for their friend with a village charity concert, Chris’s blue eyes light up. Even though they have to hide out for every planning session, and after all her father has said about the Dorrances, Grace can’t believe how kind he is. Soon sparks are flying as they laugh together, chasing dairy cows from a field to set up the stage. Could Chris be more than just a flatmate?
But their hopes that a good cause will soften the hostility between their dads are dashed. The two men still argue constantly. And with a happy future for their friend depending on the concert running smoothly, the truth behind the feud threatens to come out and destroy everything…
Could the events of the past destroy any chance of a future for Chris and Grace? Or, if Grace follows her heart, could she finally heal the rift between their families?
Grace Kelly, drawn to Emerald Bay, reconnects with childhood friend Christopher Dorrance as they become flatmates. They plan a music festival to help another friend, Clara Casey, whose home was destroyed by rain and whose son, Alfie, has leukemia. Grace hides these plans from her family due to a longstanding feud. Despite familial tensions, sparks fly between Grace and Chris. As they rekindle their friendship and navigate obstacles, they hope their fathers can reconcile. The story is compelling, highlighting the family’s history and the blossoming romance. Although part of a series, it stands well on its own.
Freakishly smart. That’s the unwelcome box Ru Evans is put into for life. After all, she taught herself Euclidean geometry at age seven, has an eidetic memory, and is about to enter college at thirteen years old.
Boarding at a house near campus 150 miles from home, Ru meets seventeen-year-old Gabriel, an outsider himself who, like Ru, has trouble making friends—until they form a fast sibling-like bond. Finding a relatable someone in the world to talk to is a first for both of them.
But when Ru’s mother dies and the threat of living with her miserable aunt looms, Ru hatches an escape. It’s an impulsive road trip that takes Ru and Gabriel from California to Canada, where Ru can fulfill her ultimate dream: to see Atlantic puffins in the glorious wild.
Mile by mile, Ru discovers the joy of friendship, found family, dark night skies, and the aurora borealis, and she basks in going from being a smart person to just a person. Though she knows they’ll be in trouble when they’re caught, for the short time they are navigating twist by twist of an unknown road, the freedom is liberating, and she is living for what feels like the first time.
Thirteen-year-old Rumaki Evans, a gifted student with an eidetic memory, starts college but moves in with Paula and Gabriel. After her mother’s death, Ru is sent to live with her aunt in Kentucky. Feeling misunderstood, Ru and Gabriel run away on a road trip to see the Northern Lights and Atlantic puffins. Along the journey, they discuss life, meet people, and contemplate their futures, highlighting themes of friendship, acceptance, and the struggles of being different.
Philanthropist Symone Bishop is the most desirable woman Jeremiah Touré has ever met. She’s also way out of his league, and he can’t get involved with his client. Jerry knows how to protect Symone from the external threats menacing her nonprofit and her life. Can he save her from the devastating secrets the Touré Security Group uncovers? He knows he has to stay close to keep her from harm, but is he in danger of getting too close?
This romantic suspense novel is packed with drama, mystery, danger, murder, twists, secrets, and betrayal. It features compelling characters and a gripping plot. Jeremiah, aka Jerry, is the youngest of the Toure’ brothers, with Hezekiah (Zeke) as the oldest and Malachi (Mal) in the middle. Jerry plans to leave the family-owned Toure’ Security Group after a failed security detail, wrongly blaming himself. His final assignment brings unexpected surprises. Symone Bishop, who runs the Bishop Foundation with her stepfather Paul after her parents’ deaths, seeks the Toure’ brothers’ help when Paul is targeted for murder. As Jerry and Symone grow closer romantically, Jerry pulls back due to a previous high-profile mishap. They soon discover Symone is also a target. The plot thickens with unexpected twists, making it easier to piece together the mystery. While Jerry and Symone’s story is engaging, the dynamic between Mal and Grace stands out. Although Jerry shines, more of his spunk and witty camaraderie would have enhanced his story.
Veterinarian Cash Cassidy and single mom Becca Calder have been each other’s best friend through everything, including raising her young daughter, Hope. But Becca has been keeping a secret from Cash. Now he’s insisting on truth from everyone in his life, and Becca knows she’ll have to confess. Can Cash move past his old wounds and see that the loving family he desires has been there all along?
Cash, a veterinarian, struggles with relationships and has a deep aversion to secrets. His childhood friend Becca harbors a secret she feels increasingly compelled to reveal. Cash’s mistrust stems from his strained relationship with his father, JJ, who concealed their true relationship until Cash confronted him and then left town. Upon returning, Cash aims to reconcile with his family and hopes to transition his friendship with Becca into a romantic relationship. The story is realistic and engaging, featuring vulnerable characters navigating past mistakes. The moderate pacing suits the family’s journey through obstacles toward a fresh start. The humor and wisdom of Sadie, the matchmaking grandmother, add charm. Cash stands out for his eagerness to make amends and seek forgiveness. This heartwarming tale of friendship evolving into romance includes some intriguing twists and a touch of mystery.
Ottilie Oakcroft never thought she’d live in a place like Wordsworth Cottage. Nestled close to the river, her new home in the tiny village of Thimblebury means all her patients are just a stone’s throw from her front door. As they drop in for cups of tea and cosy chats she ignores all the jobs on her to-do list and gets to know her new neighbours.
Yet maybe keeping busy is just what Ottilie needs, even if she’s barely had a minute to unpack her suitcase. Heartbroken after the death of her husband Josh, as she offers advice and hot soup from her kitchen to the villagers who clearly need a helping hand, she starts to feel part of a community again.
But disaster strikes when a terrible storm causes the river to burst its banks and flood Ottilie’s ramshackle cottage. She has sunk every penny she has into what she’d hoped would be her forever home, and now she’s faced with the prospect of losing it.
But the villagers have other ideas. They can’t bear to lose Ottilie and they make a plan to save her house. Leading the effort is handsome Heath, and as he rolls up his sleeves to get involved in the repairs, he and Ottilie start to open up to each other. Ottilie tells him about her loss, and he shares the pain of a marriage that ended in heartbreak for him.
Ottilie hasn’t talked to anyone like this since Josh’s death and while it scares her, a tiny grain of hope begins to grow. Could Heath be the man to make her feel life is worth living again – not just for her patients, but for herself?
Ottilie Oakcraft, a recent widow, begins anew as a nurse in Thimblebury, finding solace in her idyllic home, Wordsworth Cottage. Embraced by her neighbors and connecting deeply with geriatric patient Flo, Ottilie starts to heal. When a natural disaster threatens her home, villagers rally to help, especially Flo’s grandson Heath. Although Ottilie feels drawn to Heath, she worries about dishonoring her late husband’s memory and keeps her distance. This warm story explores Ottilie’s journey through grief, the supportive village, and a slow-building romance with Heath. It’s the first in a new series by Tilly Tennant.
My Sanctuary 