Category Archives: Book Review

Review Card & Book Review – The Lost Letters of Evelyn Wright By Clare Swatman

Starting over can be hard to do…

So when mum of two Beth moves out of her beloved marital home and into an unloved and unkempt cottage, she can’t help but feel demoralised. Faced with months of DIY and dust, her children Jacob and Olivia aren’t impressed either. But when Beth finds a box of letters while she’s clearing out the children’s room, things start to look up.

The correspondence is decades old, between agony aunt Evelyn and those in need of solace. Intrigued as to why the letters have been kept safe all these years, Beth can’t resist reading them, and as the wisdom and kindness of Evelyn falls off the pages, so Beth starts to feel she has a friend and champion in this woman she has never met.

Good advice doesn’t age, and as life starts to look brighter, Beth begins to wonder if she could track down Evelyn and thank her for her help. But as Beth uncovers more about Evelyn’s story, it becomes clear that everything is not as it seems. And now Beth is determined to bring peace to Evelyn as she has to her.

About The Author

My Review

Stumbling upon a cache of letters from the former resident, an advice columnist, sparks Kate’s determination to infuse her new life with purpose. As she forges new connections and unravels the mystery of the previous owner’s disappearance, the plot unfolds with unexpected twists and compelling characters. The adept narrative structure, well-balanced romantic elements, and blend of poignant and lighthearted moments elevate it to a must-read status. I love how the author’s ability to capture raw emotions in a narrative where Kate, grappling with betrayal and solitude, transforms an abandoned house into a haven for herself and her children. Overall, it is a distinctive, immersive, and emotionally resonant novel.

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Review Card & Book Review – The Fixer Upper By Phoebe MacLeod

Finding a man is like buying a house: sometimes you have to look beyond the exterior to see the potential underneath.

As an estate agent, Alex’s job is to create happy-ever-afters. It’s just a shame she can’t work the same magic on her own life. Her long-term boyfriend Thomas still lives with his mother, and her hopes of them taking the next step are dashed when he announces he’s spending all his savings (savings she’d quite hoped he’d want to put towards their future home) on an ‘artist retreat’ in San Francisco.

With Thomas thousands of miles away, getting a little too friendly with his fellow artistes, Alex strikes up a friendship with her new neighbour, Callum. Taciturn, grumpy and nerdy, Callum couldn’t be more different to Alex’s bubbly personality…. So why is he the one she wakes up wanting to talk to?

As they get to know each other, Alex starts to wonder if the answer to all her problems might be closer to home than she thinks…

About The Author

My Review

“The Fixer Upper” is a romantic comedy set in England, focusing on Alexandra Griffiths, a successful estate agent, and her interactions with her best friend Emma, her boyfriend Thomas, and her new neighbors Mark and Callum. As Emma and Mark start a relationship, Alex grows closer to Callum, transitioning from friends to lovers. The story unfolds with humor and entertaining interactions, with a focus on Alex’s professional life and personal challenges. The romance develops gradually, making it a delightful read for fans of gentle romance with comedic elements.

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Review Card & Book Review – Love Between the Lines By Judith Keim

Keeping a family promise can be the beginning of a whole new life for everyone in town.

Taylor Gilford is more than happy to accept her grandmother’s gift of a cottage on the Lilac Lake Inn’s property to be shared with her two sisters, Dani and Whitney. The youngest, she’s always felt left out when the sisters got together. Living at Lilac Lake will give her a chance to know them better. More than that, it might help the “writer’s block” she’s been experiencing and help her recover from a stinging critique by her publisher’s new editor, Thompson C. Walker. After a few successful books in her fantasy series, Taylor can’t allow her career to end without fighting back. As she struggles, she learns a lot about herself and realizes that reading between the lines can bring a lot of happiness.

About The Author

My Review

“Love Between the Lines” is the second book in The Lilac Lake Inn series, offering a seamless continuation of beloved characters’ lives. Taylor, the youngest sister, navigates her role as an author and her rocky relationship with her new editor, Cooper. The story intertwines multiple plotlines, including cottage renovations, renewed friendships, and small-town dynamics. Romance blooms amidst challenges, including the disruptive presence of JoEllen. While the story flows well and offers a satisfying happily ever after, some loose ends leave readers eager for the next installment. The title’s significance is woven throughout the narrative, and the captivating cover adds to the allure of the book.

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Review Card & Book Review – Chasing a Highland Dream By Lisa Hobman

Since having to drop out of her design degree, Bella Douglas has been unlucky in just about everything life has thrown at her.

She’s lost more jobs than she cares to remember and despite her Granny Isla’s best attempts to set her up with every eligible bachelor in the Scottish Highlands and she’s still single.

Currently PA to her best friend, aka, Lady Olivia MacBain, at the 17th century Drumblair Castle, Bella is yet to find a role that sets her soul on fire. But when disaster strikes for Olivia, Bella steps into the breach to rescue her best friend from a fate worse than a bad interior designer.

When Bella and her Granny Isla find themselves homeless, they relocate to the castle where a handsome new neighbour brings mystery, intrigue and a spark of romance.

Is Bella finally on the track to find true happiness? Or do more catastrophes lie ahead? And does true love hide where you least expect it?

About The Author

My Review

In “Drumblair Castle,” Bella navigates trust issues with Kerr, saves a public event, and faces personal upheaval, finding refuge in Olivia’s apartment. Her love life takes a turn when torn between a bearded policeman and a famous author. Characterization shines, especially Bella’s growth and relationships with Olivia and Granny Isla. Kindness and forgiveness are central themes, amidst drama and warmth. Familiar characters reappear, and the Scottish Highlands setting adds charm. With a perfect ending, it’s a tear-jerking yet uplifting read, perfect for both series fans and newcomers alike.

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Review Card & Book Review – The Island of Dreams By Helen McGinn

Martha is the youngest of three sisters and, in her mid-thirties, has the dubious honour of being the only one to call off a wedding at the last moment.

Now, feeling as if she’ll be single forever, and trying to keep her low opinion of her sister Iris’s fiancé to herself for risk of looking bitter, Martha needs a change of scene.

When she is given the opportunity of a holiday to Paxos it seems too good to turn down, though the idea of travelling alone is daunting. And when the trip to the Greek island gets complicated, Martha wonders if this has all been a mistake.

But soon the island and its residents start to work their magic on Martha, and when she meets single father Harry and his adorable son Milo, a new way of living is revealed in contrast with the drab routine of her life back home. How can Martha leave behind the warmth of the people, the freedom and the fun, not to mention Harry and Milo when it’s time for her to go home…

About The Author

My Review

This book follows Martha, who faces family troubles but is offered a chance for a free solo getaway to a sunny island. A chance encounter leads to Martha finding warmth among the locals, enjoying routines like morning swims. The book balances feel-good moments with a hint of conflict and intrigue surrounding a past disappearance. Set on Paxos island, it offers readers an idyllic escape and a longing for sun and relaxation. Overall, it’s described as pure escapism and a delightful read.

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Review Card & Book Review – The Neighbor Wager By Crystal Kaswell

The science of attraction is getting seriously tested…

Meet River. He used to be the nerd next door…only now he’s all grown up, got a sleeve of tattoos, and women seem to like him. A lot.

Even Lexi, the girl of River’s teenaged dreams, all bubbly sweetness—never noticed him. Until now.

There’s only one problem. They’re not meant for each other.

Now it’s up to Deanna, the super pragmatic, algorithm-fueled brains behind the new dating app Meetcute to make sure they realize it.
River might be certain he knows true love when he sees it, but Deanna knows differently, and the future of her company is riding on it. All she has to do is prove to him that what he’s feeling for Lexi isn’t love. Not even close.

…even if it means making him fall for Deanna, instead.

Challenge accepted.

About The Author

My Review

River, a former neighbor of Lexi and Deanna, returns to town after growing up in New York with newfound confidence and tattoos. While he once had a crush on Lexi, he finds himself drawn to Deanna, who is focused on her startup MeetCute. As they navigate their changing dynamic, River’s grandmother’s unconventional profession adds a layer of humor, and Deanna’s intelligence impresses him. The story combines childhood crushes, family drama, and a unique dating app twist, though the romance didn’t fully resonate with the reader.

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Review Card & Book Review – Shout Out To My Ex By Sandy Barker

Fashion designer Elle Bliss is unlucky in love.

She’s still hung up on her first love, Leo, who ended things abruptly, then mysteriously disappeared – and a decade on, no one else can measure up.

But Elle’s all-time dream of showing in Paris Fashion Week is about to become a reality, and she has no time to dwell on her dismal love life. That is until Leo – now going by Lorenzo – comes back into her life.

An up-and-coming shoe designer, ‘Lorenzo’ is nothing like the man she fell in love with. Rude, brash and with an ego the size of Paris, he’s too caught up in his own celebrity.

But as they constantly cross paths in the city of love, Elle begins to question how much of ‘Lorenzo’ is an act – a persona for the cameras. Because deep down, she can see glimpses of the man he was, and feelings from all those years ago become impossible to ignore…

About The Author

My Review

The Ever After Agency is an exclusive dating agency operating at the top end of the market, known for its secrecy and professionalism. In this installment, the focus is on Cassie, who enlists the agency’s help to reunite her sister Elle with her first love, Leo. Set against the backdrop of Paris Fashion Week, the story delves into themes of love, betrayal, and sisterhood, with well-developed characters and intricate relationships. The author skillfully captures the glamour and chaos of the fashion world while weaving a compelling narrative of romance and friendship. With engaging characters and a satisfying conclusion, it’s a recommended read for fans of heartwarming stories.

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Review Card & Book Review – The Love Interest By Victoria Walters

No man can be as good as the one in your imagination…

Librarian Liv Jones has always dreamed of writing a romance novel. But she’s stuck when it comes to creating a romantic hero – sadly – lacking anyone in real life to base him on.

When her brother suggests his best friend stay in their shared flat for a few weeks, she can’t believe her bad luck. Aiden Rivers is irritating and pushes all her buttons. Worst of all, he’s gorgeous, has a sexy accent and reminds her of her all-time favourite character Mr Darcy.

Liv finds herself unexpectedly inspired and the leading man in her novel begins to bear an uncanny resemblance to Aiden. He can never find out though: she’d never live it down. Because Aiden can only ever be her love interest in the pages of her book – and definitely not in real life… right?!

About The Author

My Review

Liv, an aspiring romance writer, finds herself living with her brother in London, where she works part-time at a university library. When her nemesis, Aiden, her brother’s best friend, also joins the university and moves in with them, their love-hate relationship takes center stage. As Liv writes her own romance novel, she realizes she might be living her own love story. Despite a slow start and initial disbelief in their animosity, the novel becomes captivating with its mix of romantic tropes like kissing in the rain and steamy library scenes. What sets it apart is its metafictional aspect of a novel within a novel, which adds depth to the story. Liv and Aiden’s miscommunication drives the plot as they navigate their feelings while working and living together. The characters are relatable, portraying the complexity of hiding true feelings behind anger and indifference. The book also emphasizes the importance of seeing different perspectives and understanding there’s more to every story.

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Review Card & Book Review – The Year That Changed Us By Helen Rolfe

As young women, Lise and Emma had the kind of friendship people dream about. While Lise’s own family was distant and disengaged, Emma’s was welcoming and warm, and for the first twenty-six years of their life, growing up together in a close-knit community, the duo were inseparable. But when they decide to spend one year living together in Paris, what starts as the adventure of a lifetime becomes a disaster that changes everything. And when Emma returns to Bath the following summer, Lise stays behind in France, their friendship in tatters.

Now, sixteen years later, Lise has come back to their hometown, determined to put things right. But to do so, she’ll have to face up to the truth about what happened in Paris. And with Emma refusing to talk to her, can she get close enough to share her secret?

About The Author

My Review

This captivating book delves into the complexities of female friendship, exploring the strong bonds that tie Emma and Liese together and the challenges they face. Growing up in contrasting households, their vow to prioritize their friendship over everything is tested when they spend a transformative year in Paris. The dual timeline and alternating perspectives add depth to the narrative, keeping readers engaged as secrets unravel and tensions rise. With compelling storytelling and believable characters, the book skillfully navigates themes of loyalty, betrayal, and reconciliation. Overall, it’s a heartfelt and moving exploration of female relationships that readers won’t soon forget.

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