Book Review – Page 8 – My Sanctuary

Review Card & Book Review- Family Ties For The Village Midwife By Tilly Tennant

Zoe Padbury is a big believer in second chances. She’s been so happy since she started over in the village of Thimblebury. Especially now she’s moved into Hilltop Farm with her boyfriend Alex and can be on hand to help his daughter when her baby arrives.

All that changes when Zoe’s father arrives, arm in arm with his newly pregnant fiancée Chantal. Chantal is bowled over by Thimblebury’s picture-perfect charm, and before Zoe’s had a chance to draw breath, they’ve made plans to get married in the old stone church, make Zoe their future baby’s midwife and move into the cottage next door.

Worried about her mum’s broken heart and how Alex feels about having her family so close by, at first Zoe doesn’t notice that Chantal’s brother has also moved in and is determined to make trouble, ruining the lives of the people who have made her feel so welcome. With the villagers up in arms about his behaviour Zoe is torn in two. Can she protect her new life and love without losing her family?

About The Author

My Review

This book is about Zoe Padbury, a dedicated midwife who has built a peaceful life in the charming village of Thimblebury. The quiet rhythms of village life provide the perfect backdrop for Zoe as she focuses on her work, her growing family, and the community she loves. However, the calm she cherishes is soon disrupted when her father arrives with his new fiancée, Chantal who is expecting a baby.

Zoe finds herself struggling to adjust to these unexpected developments. Used to having a clear sense of order in her life, the sudden expansion of her family and the emotional adjustments it requires leave her feeling unsettled. Matters become even more complicated when Chantal’s brother secretly moves into the village, bringing with him new tensions and unexpected challenges.

As Zoe navigates these shifting family dynamics, she must balance her responsibilities as a midwife with her role as a daughter, partner, and mother. Through moments of warmth, uncertainty, and resilience, she learns that change though often daunting can also strengthen the bonds between those who care for one another.

Tilly Tennant delivers a heartfelt and engaging story filled with community spirit, family complexities, and the comforting charm of village life.

Unexpected Pregnancy

Small-Town Village Life

Complicated Family Dynamics

Found Family & Community Support

My Rating

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Review Card & Book Review- Little Miss Petty By Sally Kilpatrick

When Stella Stark discovers that her boyfriend is cheating, she also discovers that thirty-nine isn’t too old for petty revenge. Can we say…glitter bomb? She’s lost both her job and her home—why not broaden her professional horizons as Little Miss Petty, helping wronged women achieve karmic justice? Frankly, the demand is too great to ignore.

New friends rally around her: Havisham, a bar owner with a soft spot under her gruff exterior, and Salcedo, a college student with marketing savvy. There’s just one hiccup: Getting revenge on the cheating soon-to-be ex-husband of her best-paying client is supposed to be easy. After all, he’s her neighbor. But something isn’t adding up. Malone is not only intriguingly handsome. He’s also a good listener, sympathetic, and adores kittens. He may look like the ex, but he isn’t acting like him. And how can Stella, a woman on the rebound, be even remotely tempted by the pizza-with-benefits relationship he suggests? That would be so bad for business.

There’s so much for Stella to learn—about karma, the charmer across the breezeway she’s falling for, and most importantly, herself. Love, revenge, and second chances—they all come with a little risk. And a twist.

About The Author

My Review

This book is about Stella Stark, a process server whose life implodes the moment she returns home expecting a celebration—only to discover her professional and romantic partner has replaced her with someone younger. Heartbroken and furious, Stella leans on a group of fiercely supportive new friends who encourage her to turn her frustration into something productive.

That inspiration leads to the creation of Little Miss Petty, a clever side business where Stella designs entirely legal schemes to deliver well-deserved karma to people who have wronged others. Armed with determination, a sharp mind, and a hastily built website, Stella begins helping clients get satisfying—but lawful—revenge.

One case, however, becomes more complicated than expected when the target turns out to be her intriguing neighbor. As Stella spends more time observing the man she’s supposed to expose, she realizes he may not be the villain her client claims. The growing attraction between them only makes things more complicated.

Sally Kilpatrick blends romantic comedy and light mystery with charm and wit. Stella’s bold personality, investigative instincts, and emotional growth make her an engaging heroine, while the lively supporting cast adds humor and heart to a thoroughly entertaining story.

Wronged woman revenge

Neighbors to lovers

Found family

Misjudged hero

My Rating

Link To Purchase

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Review Card & Book Review – Love Grows Wild By Winter Renshaw

Wren Jensen thought she had it all—until she was left at the altar and left with nothing but writer’s block. Out of options, she packs up her five-year-old son and heads back to her hometown of Colton Valley, hoping the quiet countryside will inspire her again.

Hunter McCrae wanted that property for himself. The last thing the grumpy farmer expected was a single mom moving in next door—or how much she’d unsettle his carefully guarded solitude.

Wren isn’t looking for love. Hunter isn’t looking for neighbors. But with every stolen glance and shared moment, the walls they’ve built start to crack.

She’s haunted by heartbreak. He’s married to his solitude. Neither is ready to risk it all.

But sometimes love doesn’t follow rules. It grows wild, right where it’s not supposed to.

About The Author

My Review

This is about Wren Jensen, a romance author whose life takes an unexpected turn when she is left at the altar. Seeking a fresh start, she returns to her small hometown with her young son, Atticus, hoping the quiet countryside will help her heal and rediscover her creativity.

Her new beginning becomes more complicated when she meets Hunter McCrae, the grumpy farmer who lives next door and prefers the solitude of his rural life. At first, Hunter is reluctant to let anyone disrupt his routine, but Wren and Atticus slowly break through his guarded exterior. Hunter’s gentle interactions with Atticus add warmth to the story and highlight his softer side, making their growing bond feel genuine and heartfelt.

The romance between Wren and Hunter develops as a slow burn, built on honest conversations and growing trust. Their chemistry is clear from the start, and watching them build a potential family dynamic is one of the book’s strongest elements. However, when miscommunication and small-town rumors create conflict, the resolution feels somewhat rushed, leaving certain emotional tensions less explored than expected.

Overall, this novel offers a charming small-town setting, a tender single-mom romance, and emotional moments that make it an engaging and memorable read.

My Rating

Link To Purchase

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Review Card & Book Review- Fallen Hero By Riley Edwards

Former Navy SEAL Mason Hughes locked his heart away years ago after devastating betrayal. Now his iron control serves him well on dangerous missions…until a high-stakes operation in Dubai brings him face to face with the enigmatic Calista Ventura.

Calista is on a mission for vengeance, and the last thing she needs is the tempting distraction of the infuriating yet irresistible Mason. But when their missions become dangerously entangled, she finds herself relying on his lethal skills to stay alive.

As they work to expose an international trafficking ring, the heat between them becomes impossible to deny. Mason’s protective instincts war with Calista’s need to handle things alone. But in a world of deadly secrets and powerful enemies, trusting the wrong person could be fatal.

When Calista’s past catches up with them both, they’ll have to decide if the chance at love is worth risking everything they’ve fought to protect.

About The Author

My Review

This book is about Calista, a fiercely independent mercenary whose life is driven by a single mission—avenging her sister. Hardened by loss and used to working alone, she trusts no one and keeps emotional distance from everyone around her. But when circumstances force her to work alongside Mason and his close-knit team, her carefully guarded world begins to shift.

Mason and his crew embody a strong found-family dynamic that brings warmth and humor to an otherwise intense, action-driven story. While Calista initially resists their support, the team gradually breaks through her defenses, showing her that loyalty and trust can exist even in the most dangerous circumstances.

At the center of the story is the slow-burning connection between Calista and Mason. From their first interactions there’s a magnetic pull neither fully understands, creating a tension-filled push and pull that builds steadily throughout the novel. As they face danger together, their bond deepens, revealing vulnerability beneath their tough exteriors.

Riley Edwards delivers a gripping romantic suspense filled with action, emotional growth, and compelling relationships. With a strong heroine, engaging team dynamics, and a rewarding slow-burn romance, Fallen Hero is an exciting and heartfelt read.

Revenge-driven heroine,

Forced proximity

Found family

Slow-burn romance.

My Rating

Link To Purchase

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Review Card & Book Review- A Little More You By Jennifer Carr

Fame put her in the spotlight. It also put her in danger.

He was hired to keep her safe. Falling for her wasn’t part of the job.

Harper Lane didn’t chase fame—but when her music caught the right ears, a reality TV stage turned into sold-out shows and a life lived under a spotlight. Now, with a tour on the horizon and her star rising fast, the pressure is enough without a stalker tracking her every move.

Enter Rett Cross: former military, now elite private security. His mission is simple—keep Harper safe. But the more time they spend together, the more complicated it gets. She’s all light and heart. He’s no-nonsense and control. And neither of them is prepared for what’s building between them.

As the tour heats up and the threats close in, their connection deepens—and so do the risks. Because loving Harper doesn’t just mean lowering his guard. It means learning what it really takes to protect someone when the danger hits close to home.

About The Author

My Review

This book is about Harper, a woman surrounded by a loving but fiercely protective family, especially her three devoted brothers. Their strong bond forms the emotional core of the story, with her brothers supporting her through life’s milestones while sometimes being a little overprotective. Their presence adds warmth, humor, and a sense of security that makes Harper’s world feel deeply grounded.

At the heart of the story is Harper’s relationship with Sawyer. What begins as a sincere friendship gradually blossoms into a meaningful romance. The development of their connection feels natural and believable, allowing readers to enjoy the slow build of trust, affection, and emotional intimacy. However, as their relationship deepens, professional ambitions and personal pride begin to create tension, challenging their growing bond.

Just when the story seems predictable, an unexpected twist introduces suspense. Rett’s involvement in protecting Harper adds urgency and intrigue, particularly when the mystery behind the disturbing letters and photos is revealed. The surprise identity of the culprit adds a gripping element that keeps the pages turning.

Overall, this novel blends heartfelt family dynamics, a tender friends-to-lovers romance, and a touch of suspense into a satisfying and emotionally engaging read.

My Rating

Link To Purchase

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Review Card & Book Review- Love And Lairds At Highland Hall By Hannah Lynn

The new heir isn’t the only thing causing a stir at Highland Hall…

After an unexpected twist in Fergus’s will, Rebecca Barker is still reeling. Duncan MacDuffrey, the ruggedly handsome groundskeeper-turned-heir, is now officially the new laird of Highland Hall. And just as shocking? The slow-burn romance they thought had fizzled out seems to be rekindling.

But not everyone is celebrating. Kieron, Fergus’s great-nephew and longtime rival for the estate, is furious. Convinced the title and the land should have been his, he will not let anything – or anyone – stand in his way.

And somehow, Bex seems to be his number one target. Between handling estate paperwork, dodging village whispers and trying not to get too in her head about her relationship with Duncan, she already has more than enough on her plate.

Is love enough to weather this Highland storm? Or will Bex lose more than her heart this time?

About The Author

My Review

This book is about Rebecca, a practical accountant who once handled the finances for the late laird of Highland Hall. When Fergus dies, Rebecca returns to the estate and unexpectedly reconnects with her ex, Duncan—the quiet groundskeeper she once loved. As Rebecca studies Fergus’s will, she begins to suspect that Duncan may actually be the rightful heir to the lairdship, a discovery that threatens the ambitions of Fergus’s entitled great-nephew, Kieran. Determined to claim the title, Kieran becomes increasingly hostile, forcing Rebecca and Duncan to navigate tension, secrets, and old feelings.

The story leans strongly into Rebecca’s perspective, making her a relatable and thoughtful protagonist whose internal reasoning drives much of the plot. She approaches problems logically, yet her emotional reactions and occasional frustrations make her feel authentic and human. Duncan receives less page time, but he comes across as kind-hearted and capable, even if he seems slightly unprepared for the responsibilities suddenly placed before him.

With its gentle mystery surrounding the inheritance and the rekindling of past romance, the novel offers a cozy, character-driven Highland tale. Warm, charming, and quietly dramatic, it’s an enjoyable read for fans of small-town romance and second chances.

Second-chance romance

Hidden heir

Inheritance dispute

Small-town Highland setting

My Rating

Link To Purchase

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Kobo

Review Card & Book Review- Things That Break Us By Michelle Heard

Some happily ever afters begin in tragedy.

I’m an actor who hates the limelight. Everyone wants Easton Rowe’s attention—my money, my fame. It’s impossible to have a real relationship with a woman, so I don’t even try.

But then there’s Nova. My sister’s best friend. She’s been there our whole lives, and she’s here now to help us when we need her most. When I need her most.

I should keep my guard up, focus on my dying sister and her daughter. But I can’t ignore Nova. Not with the way she carries this grief with me. The way she flinches when I move too fast, the ghost of something lurking in her eyes. The way she blushes when I get too close, making me wonder how close I can get.

For once, I don’t want to keep my distance. Nova thinks she has nothing to give, but all I need is a chance. I know we can take our broken pieces and make something whole.

About The Author

My Review

This book is about Nova, a woman carrying the scars of a painful past, who returns to support her best friend Rachel after learning that Rachel is dying. Determined to spend Rachel’s final weeks together, Nova leaves her troubled life behind and finds herself face-to-face with Easton—Rachel’s older brother and the man she has secretly loved since she was seventeen.

Easton is a world-famous actor who keeps most people at a distance, guarding his heart carefully. Yet as he and Nova work together to care for Rachel and support Rachel’s young daughter, the walls between them slowly begin to crumble. Shared grief, quiet moments of tenderness, and their deep love for Rachel bring them closer in ways neither expected.

The emotional core of the novel lies in its portrayal of family, loss, and unwavering devotion. Easton’s fierce love for his sister and niece is deeply moving, while his protective care for Nova adds a powerful romantic intensity.

Michelle Heard delivers a heartfelt contemporary romance filled with raw emotion and healing. Through grief and vulnerability, the story beautifully shows how love can grow even in the most heartbreaking circumstances.

Brother’s Best Friend

Unrequited Love

Slow Burn Romance

Grief, Healing, and Found Family

My Rating

Link To Purchase

Amazon

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Review Card & Book Review – The Deal Maker By Louise Bay

When the maid of honor and the best man fabricate a romance to keep the peace, the only thing they can’t fake are the sparks.

Lucy Jones is tired of being the “other sister.” Elizabeth is the golden child—beautiful, serene, and engaged to the perfect man. Lucy? She’s thirty, single, and still dodging her mother’s digs about how she never quite measures up. But when Elizabeth names Lucy as her maid of honor, she vows her sister’s wedding will be her grand rebrand. She’ll prove she’s polished, sophisticated, and totally in control.

Enter Hunter Bain. Best man. Business bro. Walking scowl emoji. Also the rudest, most aggravating man Lucy has ever met—and her new partner in planning the joint bachelor/bachelorette weekend. Fantastic. Because nothing says “reinvent yourself” like clashing with a man who thinks party planning is beneath him.

From drunken disasters to shenanigans on Martha’s Vineyard, Lucy and Hunter can’t stop butting heads. Until one impulsive lie forces them to pretend they’re dating. It’s supposed to be temporary. It’s supposed to be fake. But every lingering glance, every stolen kiss, every unexpected laugh makes it harder to remember what’s real and what’s not.

About The Author

My Review

This book is about Lucy Jones and Hunter Bain, two people who reluctantly agree to pretend they are engaged while planning the wedding of Lucy’s sister and Hunter’s best friend. What begins as a practical arrangement quickly becomes complicated as their dislike slowly gives way to unexpected attraction and emotional connection.

Lucy is warm, optimistic, and eager to please, yet she quietly struggles with deep insecurity caused by years of feeling overshadowed by her seemingly perfect sister and judged by her demanding parents. Hunter, on the other hand, is a successful co-CEO who hides his own fears of failure behind a guarded, cynical exterior shaped by painful past experiences.

As they spend more time together, their fake relationship becomes an emotional journey of self-discovery. Lucy begins to question her need for approval, while Hunter slowly learns to trust and open his heart. Their chemistry is undeniable, and the tension between them creates a compelling blend of humor, vulnerability, and romance.

Louise Bay crafts a heartfelt story about healing from past wounds, embracing one’s worth, and daring to pursue happiness. Ultimately, The Deal Maker shows how love, honesty, and courage can transform two guarded hearts into something real and lasting.

My Rating

Link To Purchase

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Review Card & Book Review- If I Had My Time Again By Linda Green

How would you live your life differently, if you had a second chance?

Emily, Carl and Jules have all ‘gone before their time’. After dying on the same day in Halifax, West Yorkshire, they each wake up in a room in a hotel on the outskirts of town. They’re instructed to meet in the basement headquarters of film production company ‘End Credits’, where no-nonsense producer Suzi tells them their lives have been secretly filmed and they must edit their own biopic before they are able to move on.

There are only three rules: they can’t prevent their own deaths or anyone else’s, they can’t kill anyone but they can make a director’s cut – one change which will alter everything that comes after.

About The Author

My Review

This book is about Jules, Carl and Emily, three strangers bound together by the tragic fact that they all died on the same day. They awaken in a surreal parallel version of Halifax—no longer alive, yet still present—guided by a mysterious film production company that helps them revisit, process and reframe the most pivotal moments of their lives, including their final hours.

Linda Green crafts a moving tragi-comedy that balances heartbreak with unexpected warmth and wit. Rather than focusing on grand metaphysical answers about the afterlife, the novel centres on the deeply human task of reckoning with regret, trauma and unresolved pain. Through this unusual “epilogue,” each character is given space to confront their past and inch toward peace.

An author’s note sensitively flags themes of suicide, loss and serious illness, and these are handled with compassion and emotional intelligence. Tender, thought-provoking and quietly uplifting, this is ultimately a story about understanding, forgiveness and the fragile grace of second chances—even at the very end.

Afterlife Journey

Strangers Connected by Fate

Second Chances

Healing from Past Regrets

My Rating

Link To Purchase

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Kobo

Review Card & Book Review – Six Little Words By Sally Page

Can one small note give her the courage to find a new path?

One Note. One Act of kindness. Her new beginning is closer than she thinks.

Kate gave up her dreams of being a painter years ago. But six little words pinned to the noticeboard of her local café could change her path forever.

‘To be, or not to be…’ – printed on orange card with no explanation – appears one morning.

Each day, a new line from a different Shakespeare play is added, sparking curiosity throughout the café. Among the regulars is Bardy, a retired English teacher grappling with writer’s block.

As Kate and Bardy follow this breadcrumb trail, they discover a local community group encouraging people to rediscover their own creative spark – and the long-lost courage to chase it.

For Kate, their new group might just offer a second chance at happiness, if only Bardy can find the strength to share his story too…

About The Author

My Review

This book is about a wonderfully eclectic group of strangers who come together in a small-town creative workshop, each carrying private hopes and quiet disappointments. Bardy Shakespeare, a retired English teacher battling writer’s block, joins alongside Kate, recovering from cancer and longing to paint again; Luigi, a widowed café owner; Pia, a newly arrived Danish lawyer; a teenager, an older married couple, and an ambitious entrepreneur. What begins as a simple plan to prepare entries for a local arts competition slowly becomes something far more meaningful.

Under Bardy’s gentle guidance—each chapter charmingly introduced with a Shakespeare quote—the group begins to rediscover their artistic dreams. Through painting, writing, photography, and even musical theatre ambitions, they encourage one another through doubt and vulnerability. The friendships that form feel organic and deeply earned.

This book blends humour—particularly through an older gentleman’s hearing-aid mishaps—with heartfelt moments and a touch of romance. Uplifting and warm, it celebrates creativity, second chances, and the unexpected joy of finding your people.

My Rating