Category Archives: Book Review

Review Card & Book Review- Take Me Home To Kelsea Sands By Sharon Booth

has spent years putting everyone else first. But now widowed, fed up with being taken for granted by her daughter and facing unexpected health worries, she realises she’s lost sight of the woman she used to be.

Then her cousin Rosie proposes a daring plan: move back to the coastal village where she grew up, for twelve weeks of ‘Project Alison’ – prioritising herself, for a change. Alison isn’t sure whether to laugh or cry! But the idea of going home to Kelsea Sands, back to the sea and the beautiful, wide Holderness skies, convinces her to take the plunge.

Soon she’s on a journey of rediscovery, hastened by the unexpected return of Mac – the boy she once knew, now a handsome man with a complicated past. But then come some shocking revelations. Does Alison have the courage to stand up for herself and finally seize the happiness she deserves?

About The Author

My Review

This is a refreshing and heartfelt later-in-life romance that proves love, vulnerability, and new beginnings don’t have an age limit. Alison, newly sixty-two and reeling from health scares and family pressures, retreats to her hometown seeking comfort and control. Staying with her cousin Rosie—an absolute standout and the kind of ally everyone deserves—gives her space to breathe and reassess her life.

Enter Mac, a familiar face from Alison’s past who is navigating his own grief, family strain, and self-doubt. Their connection grows gently and authentically, grounded in shared experiences: loss, complicated relationships with adult children, and insecurities about aging bodies and romance. I loved how normal and tender their bond felt, especially Alison’s first night staying over with Mac—sweet, awkward, and deeply relatable.

Both leads are compassionate to a fault, which made the harsh behavior of certain family members particularly hard to swallow. Still, this added emotional weight and realism. Warm, thoughtful, and emotionally honest, this story is a comforting reminder that it’s never too late to choose yourself—or love.

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Review Card & Book Review – Seaside Dreams On The Scottish Isle By Lilac Mills

Can Coorie Castle Crafts survive under new management, or is this the end of their community?

Giselle Ellis loves nothing better than to make gorgeous pictures out of the sea glass that she finds on the shores of the wild and beautiful Duncoorie loch. Living in a cute little cottage with a studio in the castle’s craft centre and a close-knit community of crafting friends, she’s living her best life.

Then tragedy strikes and the castle has a new owner someone she once had a brief but passionate fling with many years ago

Rocco Moore isn’t the man Gisele remembers. When he threatens the craft centre’s very existence, she knows she has a fight on her hand. But as they reconnect once more and she begins to fall in love with him, Giselle realises she risks more than losing her livelihood. She risks losing her heart.

About The Author

My Review

This is a wonderfully atmospheric second-chance romance that blends gentle heat with a dreamy sense of place. Ten years after a fleeting, unforgettable encounter in Venice, London businessman Rocco unexpectedly reunites with artsy Isle of Skye native Giselle at a funeral. Their lives couldn’t be more different, and I loved that Rocco’s polished, all-business persona fails to impress Giselle—forcing him to genuinely earn her time and trust.

The romance unfolds slowly, shaped by distance, past choices, and the reality of living in two very different worlds. What truly elevates this story, though, is the vivid setting. Skye is not merely a backdrop; it’s woven beautifully into the narrative. From Portree’s harbour and mouth-watering fish and chips to hikes across the Quiraing and the island’s rich prehistoric and Highland history, the descriptions are immersive without ever feeling heavy.

The pacing is smooth, the writing engaging, and the supporting cast adds depth—particularly Rocco’s bossy mother Beverly and the sharp, vixenish Claire. Overall, this is a heartfelt, escapist read that celebrates love, community, and the magic of reconnecting where it matters most.

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Review Card & Book Review- Game Over By Bella North

His football days might be over. But the game is just beginning…

Forced out of the game by a career-ending injury, Dylan Sullivan is busy drowning his sorrows in the local bar. Slumped a few stools down, Izzy Brooks knocks back another bourbon. Her grandpa is selling the horses she loves, meaning she’s out of a job—and a home.

The next morning, Dylan wakes groggily to the sound of horses’ hooves—with zero memory of the night before. Unlucky for him, there’s a tougher-than-nails, sexy-as-hell ranch hand with a scowl the size of Texas to fill him in… Last night, Dylan bought eighteen horses to fill his family’s empty ranch. Izzy’s horses.

Izzy’s future relies on Dylan becoming the rancher he never planned to be. As she puts him through his paces, competitive sparks—and something even more sizzling—fly. And stolen moments amongst the haystacks start to feel like a new beginning for both of them.

But when Dylan gets a chance to rejoin the world of football, the hope in Izzy’s heart flatlines. Will he prove every misgiving she had about him true? Or will he realize the path he never expected to walk is the one leading to the happy ending he was looking for?

About The Author

My Review

Dylan, once defined by stadium lights and success, must confront who he is without football. His emotional journey—grappling with loss, identity, and purpose—was one of the strongest aspects of the story. Izzy, fiercely independent and fighting to protect her ranch after losing the horses she loves, is a force of nature. Her strength is admirable, though at times her sharp edges veer into frustrating territory, especially when Dylan is genuinely trying to heal and rebuild.

The enemies-to-lovers dynamic delivers plenty of banter and slow-burn tension, capturing that irresistible “we shouldn’t, but we can’t help it” energy. Their chemistry develops gradually, making the payoff feel earned once both characters finally lower their defenses.

Set against a rugged ranch backdrop, Game Over blends grit, emotion, and heat. While Izzy made it harder for me to fully connect, the strong premise, Dylan’s growth, and a satisfying ending make this a worthwhile read for fans of slow-burn, opposites-clash romances.

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Review Card & Book Review- Magic Uncorked By Annabel Chase

A magical secret is about to shake things up for the ladies of Lake Cloverleaf…

For Libbie Stark, Friday night cocktail club is a lifeline. Whatever her problems, whether her stubborn boss, unruly teens or deadbeat boyfriend, time with the women of Lake Cloverleaf always feels like a tonic.

But when tragedy strikes on the Fourth of July, Libbie discovers a magical secret. Witches are real. Only they aren’t born – they’re created. When a witch dies, her powers pass from one generation to the next. And a local witch has chosen to pass her powers onto the ladies of the cocktail club.

With the help of a magical recipe book, Libbie must harness her new powers and use them to shake up the comfortable life she settled for. As Libbie learns to finally live on her own terms, sparks fly with handsome local lawyer Ethan Townsend, and she discovers it’s never too late to restore a little magic to your life…

About The Author

My Review

This is a delightful, feel-good surprise and a wonderfully engaging start to The Midlife Magic Cocktail Club series. Blending paranormal charm with heartfelt women’s fiction, this novel celebrates friendship, second chances, and the magic of reinvention at midlife.

When sharp-tongued, much-loved Inga Paulsen dies, she leaves behind an unexpected legacy for her Friday night cocktail club friends—Libbie, Rebecca, Kate, and Julie. Along with four cats comes a touch of magic that nudges each woman toward transformation. This first installment focuses on Libbie Stark, whose life is unraveling thanks to a deceitful boyfriend and stalled dreams. Embracing Inga’s gift awakens new strength, creativity, and confidence, leading her toward independence, self-worth, and a sweet, quietly unfolding romance with the charming and open-minded lawyer, Ethan Townsend.

Chase balances relatable struggles with whimsical magic, clever humor, and uplifting moments that make this story shine. Warm, empowering, and brimming with positivity, Magic Uncorked is a joyful reminder of the power of women supporting women—and the magic that can bloom when they do.

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Review Card & Book Review – Grumpily Ever After By Teagan Hunter

Wedding planner Odette Chambers has a knack for ruining every ceremony she touches. But her latest gig could be a curse breaker. The bride is her best friend, Izzy, and the venue is a local cidery with the Pacific Northwest mountains as a beautiful backdrop. The cidery’s only rotten apple is its owner, former NHL player Noah Stevens—Izzy’s older brother and a recently divorced, fully committed grump who doesn’t believe in happy endings.

But Noah can’t say no to his hopeful little sister. His decision sends Odette barreling into his life, and she insists on making picture-perfect renovations to his cidery. She’s demanding, irritatingly optimistic, and quite possibly the prettiest woman he’s ever seen. Noah is turning Odette’s head, too, but if she wants a wedding to finally go off without a hitch, he’s a handsome distraction she can’t afford. Right?

As Noah risks a second chance at love, Odette’s luck might change as well. For better or for worse.

About The Author

My Review

Former NHL player Noah Stevens prefers his quiet life running a cidery—until his sister Izzy persuades him to transform an old barn into a wedding venue. Enter Odette Chambers: Izzy’s best friend, a talented wedding planner, and a woman convinced she’s cursed in love.

Forced to work closely together, sparks inevitably fly. Odette has harbored a long-standing crush on Noah, while Noah has sworn off romance after a painful divorce. Their banter is sharp, their attraction undeniable, and watching their guarded hearts slowly soften is immensely satisfying. The slow-burn romance allows their connection to feel genuine, built through shared work, vulnerability, and moments of unexpected tenderness.

Hunter balances humor, emotional depth, and just the right amount of angst, keeping the story engaging without overwhelming the romance. The secondary characters add warmth and fun, while the themes of healing and second chances resonate deeply. With strong character growth, witty dialogue, and a swoony payoff, Grumpily Ever After is a charming, feel-good read that romance fans will happily savor.

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Review Card & Book Review- My Big Greek Island Ex-Scape By Sandy Barker

Ally Novak is perfectly happy being single – in fact, her career depends on it.

As the Divorced Diva – blogger, brand ambassador and businesswoman extraordinaire – she’s spun three failed marriages into gold, building a brand that celebrates single life.

So when her wealthy ex-husband Julian invites her to front his new wellness retreat, Ally jets off to his exclusive Greek island, certain it’ll be just another glamorous gig.

What she doesn’t expect is to find another ex on the island – the one who got away, and the only one she can’t forget.

Is fate handing her a second chance at love, or is it simply a case of too many exes in paradise?

About The Author

My Review

This is a sparkling romantic comedy packed with sun, secrets and sizzling chemistry.

Three-times-divorced Ally runs the hugely successful brand Divorced Diva, so when her most recent ex-husband Julian invites her to his exclusive wellness retreat on a private Greek island for a PR project, she’s intrigued. Travelling in luxury, Ally arrives to discover an ultra-wealthy paradise — and the unwelcome surprise of her first ex-husband, Tommy, already there.

As always, Sandy Barker delivers charm, humour and heart in abundance. The island setting is pure escapism and the resort so lavish you can’t help but dream of being pampered there, even while knowing you’d feel completely out of place. Alongside the simmering romance between Ally and Tommy, a gentle thread of mystery adds extra depth and intrigue to the plot.

There are some deliciously spicy moments — not for everyone, but they fit the story naturally rather than feeling tacked on. With warmth, wit and emotional undercurrents, this is a perfect poolside read or a winter warmer that brings Greek sunshine straight to your sofa.

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Review Card & Book Review – The Italian Village In The Hills By Victoria Springfield

Stella has spent decades trying to forget the heartbreak that made her flee the Italian village of her childhood. But when her new fiancé surprises her with a trip back to Liguria for her upcoming birthday, she is forced to confront the past, her first love and a tragic family rift.

Amy is mourning her beloved grandpa and curious to know more about the old coin necklace and mysterious postcard that he left her. Following his trail to the Italian Riviera, a chance meeting leads Amy to Stella’s village in the hills and to secrets that have lain buried since the war.

Against a backdrop of cobbled medieval streets, sunlit piazzas and rustic olive groves, both Stella and Amy make surprising discoveries about their families – and themselves.

By facing up to the past and opening their hearts, can Stella and Amy find happiness in the Italian village in the hills?

About The Author

My Review

This is a beautifully layered story of self-discovery, family secrets and second chances, set in the breathtaking Ligurian village of Leto.

The novel follows two women on very different journeys. Sixty-year-old Stella returns to her childhood home while visiting Italy with her new fiancé, only to find herself running her uncle’s shop after he suffers a fall. Meanwhile, twenty-something Anna arrives in Leto seeking answers about her grandfather’s mysterious wartime past, prompted by a postcard found among his belongings.

Despite the age gap, both women are immediately likeable and relatable, and their stories intertwine in satisfying and often surprising ways. The village itself feels alive — Springfield’s vivid descriptions of sun-soaked streets, close-knit locals and mouth-watering Italian food make it impossible not to wish you were there.

The exploration of Leto’s fascist history and its lingering effects adds emotional depth and quiet tension, showing how the past continues to shape the present. With romance, mystery and heartwarming resolution, this is a captivating escape for lovers of historical fiction and Italian settings.

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Review Card & Book Review- The Sweet Life Café By Helen Rolfe

When sisters Addie and Susanna receive invitations to a memorial for their Aunt Gayle, they’re heartbroken to learn the woman who raised them has passed away. But arriving on Anchor Island, they’re met with the shock of their lives: Gayle is alive and well, busily preparing her own ‘Celebration of Life’ at her beloved pudding bar, The Sweet Life Café.

Agreeing to stay for the event, the sisters begin sorting through their late father’s belongings, reopening wounds they thought long buried, and forcing them to reflect on their lives since leaving the island. Addie is struggling as a single mother, torn between love for her son and doubts about the life she can give him. Susanna’s marriage is crumbling, and being back on the island only reminds her why she couldn’t wait to escape.

But as Gayle prepares gooey brownies, steaming lattes and delicious cakes for her customers, and for her big event, she is hiding secrets of her own – including one that could change everything the sisters thought they knew about their family…

About The Author

My Review

This is a warm, emotionally layered story about family, forgiveness, and second chances. Rolfe draws readers in with a compelling premise built on missed conversations, buried truths, and the quiet damage caused when people stop truly listening to one another.

After the death of their father, sisters Addie and Susanna were sent to live with their unfamiliar Aunt Gayle on Anchor Island — a move that shaped their lives in ways they never fully understood. Years later, an invitation to Aunt Gayle’s funeral brings them back, only to discover she is very much alive. Her “living funeral,” planned so she could reunite with them before it was too late, sets the stage for reflection, healing, and long-overdue honesty.

As the sisters explore the island and uncover long-hidden secrets in their father’s belongings, memories resurface and perspectives shift. The novel gently explores how time, distance, and silence can fracture relationships, and how courage and compassion can slowly mend them.

With heartfelt twists, tender moments, and meaningful choices, this is a touching reminder that it’s never too late to choose connection — and to reshape the future.

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