Review Card & Book Review – The Wild Lavender Bookshop By Jodi Thomas

The trees that circle Someday Valley near Honey Creek are dressed in their fall finest, providing a pretty backdrop for the local businesses—including the little bookshop loved by schoolteacher Cora Lee Buchanan. There, under the watchful eye of owner Noah O’Brien, Cora Lee and her sister, Katherine, meet each Wednesday. Their talk mostly revolves around one subject: their father, known to everyone in town as Bear.

Both Cora Lee and Katherine worry about Bear Buchanan. They’ve no idea Bear has a secret life of his own. As for the sisters, Katherine, beautiful and self-absorbed, is in search of her third husband, while Cora Lee is in love for the first time. On warm nights, she climbs up to her building’s roof to chat with Noah and listen to the melody of the water below. Yet there is more intrigue afoot in Honey Creek . . .

Andi Delane has arrived in town to hear the last wishes of the father she never met. She was shocked to get a letter from lawyer Jackson Landry, and she has few expectations—of this mysterious will, or of Deputy Danny Davis who’s been assigned to protect her. But fall always brings changes, and this year there will be enough to alter not just the lives of those who call Honey Creek home, but the future of Someday Valley itself . . .

About The Author

My Review

“The Wild Lavender Bookshop” by Jodie Thomas follows the lives of six different people whose paths converge in unexpected ways, ultimately helping each other find their destinies and a place to call home.

Noah O’Brien is a reserved young man who leaves New York to move to Someday Valley, settling into the Wild Lavender Bookshop and its upstairs apartment, owned by Bear Buchanan, the local handyman. Noah is an observer of his surroundings, often watching his renter Cora Lee Buchanan, a sweet elementary school teacher and Bear’s younger daughter. They quietly watch each other as they go about their daily routines.

Andi Delane is a newcomer to town, staying in a cabin near the river. She recently learned about her birth father’s passing and the existence of half-brothers, leading to a will that complicates her life. Andi’s safety is at risk due to her involvement in a legal case, and while the local sheriff and a Texas Ranger watch over her, young deputy Danny Davis takes a special interest in her safety, determined to prove himself.

Bear Buchanan is a Vietnam veteran and versatile fixer-upper, who occasionally disappears on mysterious trips. His neighbor, Eliza Docela, is the only person who truly understands him, and their unique connection plays a crucial role in bringing this diverse group of people together.

The story explores the individual journeys of these characters as they navigate personal growth, relationships, and the challenges that bring them together. The book weaves a compelling narrative of intertwined lives in a small town, offering a fresh perspective on their journeys. With elements of suspense, romance, and community, it’s a captivating tale that brings warmth and a sense of belonging to its readers.

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Review Card & Book Review – No Place Like Home By Barbara O’Neal

Life didn’t turn out the way Jewel Sabatino planned. However long she’s been gone, home is waiting.

At seventeen, Jewel fled Colorado for New York City and didn’t look back. Now she’s raising a teenage son alone and is a loving caretaker to her one true friend when she receives a surprising inheritance: her aunt’s Pueblo farm and one hundred acres of land. After decades, it’s time for Jewel to reconnect with everyone and everything she left behind.

Her seventeen-year-old son, Shane, is finally meeting his relatives. Jewel’s soulmate, Michael, has a serene haven for his final days. And Jewel’s welcome back is one of a strong community embracing rich Sicilian traditions, three ebullient sisters preparing for a summer wedding, and a tearful and anxious mother with open arms. But for Jewel, it also means facing her father, who has never forgiven his favorite child for betraying him. And he may never forgive her.

As Jewel’s emotional journey begins, an estranged visitor turns her life around again and could heal her wary heart in ways she never expected.

About The Author

My Review

“No Place Like Home” tells the story of Jewel, who left her traditional Italian Catholic family in Pueblo at 17 to follow her rock-star partner, Billy, and her best friend, Michael, to New York. After two decades and various challenges, including raising her son Shane, she returns to Pueblo to seek reconciliation and rebuild connections with her estranged family. The book explores themes of personal growth, redemption, and the enduring strength of family ties, with richly detailed settings and believable characters. Through heartfelt moments and emotional struggles, Jewel finds new love and a sense of belonging, making it a journey of forgiveness and healing.

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Review Card & Book Review – Finding Hope In Starshine Cove By Debbie Johnson

Lucy Brown has spent years hiding from the world, as far away as she could get from her old life – and her ex-husband – back in London. But when she reluctantly agrees to leave her safe haven to attend her old friend Ella’s wedding in Starshine Cove, little does she know what’s in store for her down in Dorset…

When a chance airport encounter with a handsome stranger unexpectedly leads to a deeper connection, Lucy finds her trip becoming much more than just a last-minute holiday. But then her dark past comes knocking, just as she always feared it would. Will the magic of Starshine Cove be enough to heal the hurts that Lucy has carried with her all these years, or has this one-of-a-kind village by the sea finally met its match?

About The Author

My Review

Single mum, Lucy Brown is at the airport with her teenage daughter, Rose. Both are travelling to Starshine Cove where they are to attend the wedding of her friend, Ella. Lucy and Ella met when the two attended the same university, and together with a couple of other girls became a close-knit group of friends. When Lucy married, she dropped out of contact with her girlfriends, choosing to focus all her attentions on her husband, Robert. Sadly, the marriage ended when Lucy realised that her husband was emotionally coercive and controlling. Sixteen years later and Lucy is still dealing with the fallout of her abusive relationship. But putting her insecurities aside, Lucy is looking forward to reuniting with her friends again and having a wonderful vacation with her daughter.

Once the duo arrives in Starshine Cove, the mood lifts and it’s all rainbows and unicorns. Starshine Cove is a place where the unusual happens; a place where magical things seem to occur; it’s a place where someone might find a second chance.

Johnson has written a light and colourful story. The combination of wit and humour together with fun scenes and a little light romance hits the spot. The characters, on their face, are a little unbelievable, but when combined with the whole Starshine Cove magical element, suddenly become believable. Themes of community, hope, and love burst from the pages of this story.

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Review Card & Book Review – A Wedding At The Chateau By Annabel French

Two friends. One wedding. A love story that’s long overdue…

Olivia and Nico were once inseparable best friends with shared hopes, dreams and plans for the future. But as life took its course, they took very different paths – leaving them with a challenging long-distance friendship.

When Olivia receives an invitation to Nico’s wedding in Italy, she can hardly believe it. Despite her happiness for him, she can’t help but reflect on the roads not taken and the promises once made.

As she arrives in the picturesque Tuscany, disaster strikes. The wedding venue has fallen through and Nico’s wife-to-be is a total Bridezilla.

Love is definitely not in the air and Olivia is the only person who can help. Can she put her feelings aside for the sake of Nico’s happiness? Or will her presence cause more problems than it solves…?

About The Author

My Review

Two friends. One wedding. A love story that’s long overdue…

Olivia and Nico were once inseparable best friends with shared hopes, dreams and plans for the future. But as life took its course, they took very different paths – leaving them with a challenging long-distance friendship.

When Olivia receives an invitation to Nico’s wedding in Italy, she can hardly believe it. Despite her happiness for him, she can’t help but reflect on the roads not taken and the promises once made.

As she arrives in the picturesque Tuscany, disaster strikes. The wedding venue has fallen through and Nico’s wife-to-be is a total Bridezilla.

Love is definitely not in the air and Olivia is the only person who can help. Can she put her feelings aside for the sake of Nico’s happiness? Or will her presence cause more problems than it solves…?

My Rating

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Review Card & Book Review- High Tea At The Beach House Hotel By Judith Keim

Guests can be surprising…

Ann and Rhonda continue their work at The Beach House Hotel, always striving to make their upscale property the best on the Gulf Coast of Florida. As they’ve learned, not all guests are easy. When they receive a request from Hilda Hassel, a member of the Bavarian royal family, for a two-week stay at the hotel in January, demanding the best room and high tea every afternoon, Ann is uneasy. Other Hassel family members cancelled a large, fancy wedding at the last moment leaving a mess behind. But Rhonda convinces Ann that having a royal guest could increase important European business, and Ann agrees.

After deciding to give Hilda the Presidential Suite for two weeks during their high season and welcoming her to the hotel, Ann and Rhonda are left to wonder if they’ve made the biggest mistake of their lives when Hilda arrives with her “nephew” and strange things begin to happen.

About The Author

My Review

Ann and Rhonda manage The Beach House Hotel, known for its excellent service and privacy, while also helping family and friends. They assist Sydney and her NFL player boyfriend, Bobby, find their new home as they transition into the next phase of their lives.

The hotel hosts Hilda Hassel, a wealthy heiress with royal ties, but Ann and Rhonda grow suspicious when strange men frequently visit her private suite. They must balance the hotel’s discretion with monitoring the odd behavior. Meanwhile, an older couple who visit yearly arrives early, but the hotel is fully booked. Ann invites them into her home, strengthening family bonds as they become honorary grandparents to her son.

The story connects with previous books, creating a familiar backdrop. However, a mystery element emerges when items go missing, leading Ann and Rhonda to investigate if it’s linked to Hilda’s suspicious activities. With a mix of warmth and intrigue, the narrative keeps readers engaged as they uncover the truth.

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Review Card & Book Review – The Suite Life By Portia MacIntosh

Gigi isn’t looking for the one. Just someone…!

As she gears up for her sister’s destination wedding in Hawaii, the countdown is on for Gigi to find a date. Just someone to prove to her friends and family that she’s ok, and to stop the pitying looks would be great!

Of course she can’t wait to be bridesmaid for her sister, but it’s just not ideal that the best man is also her ex… especially when he is bringing his hot new reality star girlfriend!

But when Gigi arrives at the hotel in Hawaii to find there has been a mix-up with her room, and she’s been upgraded to a suite, things start to look up. Not only is the room bigger than her entire flat, but the staff are waiting on her hand and foot, and she’s being treated like royalty!

Something isn’t quite right, but The Suite Life suits Gigi, and why shouldn’t she pamper herself while she mends her broken heart? It may even lead to her finding the perfect date after all…

About The Author

My Review

“The Suite Life” is a romcom set in Hawaii, offering a delightful mix of travel, humor, and romance. The story follows Gigi, who needs to find an impressive date for her sister’s wedding in Hawaii, especially since her ex, Nathan, is the best man and he dumped her for a famous influencer. This leads to a series of awkward and cringe-worthy dates, providing plenty of comedy.

The setting in Hawaii is vibrant, with a luxurious hotel backdrop that enhances the story. The plot’s twist involves Gigi’s unexpected hotel upgrade, leading to humorous and intriguing situations. Although some plot elements are predictable, the overall story remains engaging.

Character-wise, Gigi is fun, but she could use more assertiveness, especially around her ex and his new girlfriend. Nathan and his new girlfriend, Sunshine, are almost caricatures with their despicable behavior. The character of Donnie, who works at the hotel, adds warmth and charm to the narrative, although the slow-burn romance is slightly slower than expected. The love triangle complicates things, and there’s a hint of cheating that could have been avoided.

Despite these minor issues, “The Suite Life” is a fast-paced and enjoyable read, ideal for a beach or vacation book. It’s a story filled with humor, romance, and the beautiful setting of Hawaii, making it a delightful summer romcom.

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Review Card & Book Review – Secretly Married To A Prince By Ally Blake

THEIR REUNION WITH A ROYAL TWIST…

To claim her inheritance, Matilda Waverly must be wed within the year. But Matilda has a secret: she’s already married! She hasn’t seen Henri since she fled their wedding night, so tracking him down is essential­—but exciting and terrifying in equal measure. Especially when she learns Henri is actually a prince! And the undeniable spark between them has never gone away…

About The Author

My Review

Matilda and her three sisters are shocked when their father’s will stipulates that to inherit his Australian estate, each daughter must marry within a year, or the property goes to a family rival. Complicating matters, Matilda is technically already married, but she doesn’t know her husband’s whereabouts.

Matilda’s backstory reveals she secretly married Henri, a young man she met while traveling, without knowing he was a prince in disguise. She rushed home due to her mother’s illness, hoping he’d follow, but he didn’t, breaking her heart. Now, she must find him to secure her inheritance.

Their reunion occurs by chance when Matilda returns to the place they met to start her search. Surprised by Henri’s true identity, she agrees to stay at his castle while they sort things out. Despite rekindling their connection, Henri’s royal duties and insecurities create tension in their relationship. Both struggle with honest communication, projecting their fears and assumptions onto each other.

Their past and present finally converge when they talk about their separation and their feelings. Henri’s failure to search for Matilda earlier causes friction, given his resources as a prince, but their reconciliation and his grand gesture at the end redeem him. Despite the complications, Matilda’s upbeat attitude and Henri’s growth culminate in a satisfying resolution to their relationship and inheritance challenge.

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Review Card & Book Review – Welcome To Hollyhock Farm By Georgina Troy

One summer can change everything…

When Lettie’s parents call her and her brother back to Hollyhock Farm on the island of Jersey, the last thing they expect to be told is that their childhood home is up for sale.

Back on the island, with its rolling hills and golden sands, Lettie immediately remembers what it feels like to breathe in the fresh air in the green fields, and be part of this tight-knit community – a far cry from the life of events and high fashion she leads in London.

But she surprises even herself when she suggests that she instead could take over Hollyhock farm. Humouring her, her father agrees to give her a three month trial, and Lettie is determined to prove she’s up to the task.

But the summer season is no easy feat for a new farmer, and Lettie has a huge task ahead of her. And when an old flame reappears in the form of dashing local vet Brodie, Lettie’s summer is about to get even more complicated…

About The Author

My Review

Lettie and Zac return to Jersey, uncertain about the future, after their parents announce plans to sell their farmland due to their father’s health issues. Lettie, facing potential redundancy at work and reeling from a recent breakup, volunteers to take over the farm and gets her father and uncle’s approval. She has three months to prove herself, one with her father’s guidance and two while he’s away. Back on the island, Lettie gains the attention of the local vet and a charming firefighter. While working tirelessly to keep the farm running, she navigates her social life and the potential for romance, with supportive friends and her two dogs, Spunky and Thistle. The story explores Lettie’s journey from uncertainty to determination, capturing her personal growth and relationships with endearing secondary characters. The author, Georgina Troy, crafts a realistic and heartwarming tale of perseverance, community, and unexpected love, culminating in a satisfying conclusion at Hollyhock Farm.

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Review Card & Book Review – A Summer Wedding at the Second Chances Sweet Shop By Hannah Lynn

Going to the chapel, but will they get married? 

After the holiday romance to beat all other holiday romances, it’s back to regular life for Holly Berry, and the sweet shop is busier than ever. With Jamie and Fin’s wedding coming up, Holly is rushed off her feet, making sure their big day is perfect.

So when her handsome boyfriend comes to visit, she is both elated to see him and overwhelmed. She wants to show Evan all the things she loves about her village, as well as introducing him to baby Hope, but how can she find the time?!

Evan offers to lend a helping hand in the shop, and as he gets to know the locals, this loud and proud American certainly makes an impression. But Holly knows she can’t get used to this – because it won’t be long until he has to go home.

Can she make the most of the summer, with everyone she loves finally in the same place, or will she let the hectic wedding planning get the better of her?

About The Author

My Review

“A Summer Wedding at the Second Chances Sweet Shop” follows Holly Berry as she manages her shop and helps her friends prepare for their wedding. Despite the joyous atmosphere, Holly feels nervous about introducing her long-distance boyfriend, Evan, to her family. Tensions rise when her mother invites Holly’s ex-husband and his partner to meet Evan. Despite some initial friction, the characters navigate their relationships with sweetness and positivity, creating a heartwarming love story. While the book touches on serious issues, Lynn’s uplifting writing style keeps the story engaging. Overall, it’s a celebration of love in all its forms, accompanied by delicious treats from the sweet shop.

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Review Card & Book Review – Fake It ‘Til You Make It By Laura Carter

Can a fake date fix everything?

On a day Abbey thought would be the best of her life – her boyfriend is surely going to propose tonight, right? – it all falls apart: he tells her he’s met someone else. And then to make things worse, she loses her job.

In an act of reimagination, she splurges her wedding savings on renting an apartment in a building she’s always dreamed of living in and kits out her wardrobe to match.

But when her family invites her ex – a close family friend – plus a date(!!) to her parents’ vow renewal, Abbey realizes her façade won’t be enough. There’s nothing for it but to fake one more thing – a romance. And she knows exactly who to ask… her hot new neighbor…

About The Author

My Review

Abbey Mitchell anticipates a proposal from her boyfriend Andrew but instead discovers he’s been cheating on her and wants to break up. Devastated, Abbey quits her job and decides to reinvent herself. She moves into an expensive apartment, dresses stylishly, and meets her neighbor Ted, who goes by the name Mike to escape his own troubles. As Abbey and Ted spend time together, they develop feelings for each other, but their relationship is complicated by their mutual deception. Despite their insecurities and past betrayals, Abbey and Ted’s bond grows, leading to a journey of self-discovery and personal growth. The story, set in Alberta with vivid descriptions of its natural beauty, explores themes of family dynamics, betrayal, self-esteem, and pursuing one’s dreams amidst challenges. Despite the initial fake premise, their connection feels genuine, making for an engaging romantic comedy with depth.

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