Category Archives: Book Review

Book Review – Strawberry Lane By Jodi Thomas

Starri Knight is a big believer in fate. How else to explain the compelling connection she feels to the stranger she pulls out of a wrecked car on the very same road where her parents died twenty years earlier? Alongside Auntie Ona-May, the only mother she’s ever known, Starri saves Rusty O’Sullivan’s life—just as Ona-May once did when Starri was an orphaned babe. But convincing Rusty he has something to live for is going to take all of Starri’s faith in miracles . . .

Like a wish he hadn’t even known to make, Starri landed in Rusty’s life, filling him with a longing for a family. . . . Then Jackson Landry, a new lawyer, turns up to present a surprise that will change the direction of his life: An inheritance from the father Rusty never knew—and the promise of the family he’d never had. It’s a lot for the hard-bitten loner to accept as love rushes into his life . . .

A sense of duty has Rusty heading to Honey Creek to deal with his father’s estate—and find his lost siblings. But having family is one thing, learning to love them is another. Good thing new friends are by his side to help him along the way.

Published Date: 25 April 2023

My Review

Rusty O’Sullivan has always felt like an outsider. On a stormy evening, he crashes his car on his way home. He’s saved by his neighbors, Ona-Mae and the kind-hearted Starri Knight, who take him to their cozy cabin. The town’s doctor, alongside his close friend, lawyer Jackson Landry, rush on horseback to tend to Rusty, awaiting the ambulance which is hindered by the blocked road. This accident sparks a chain of events, forging unexpected bonds and changing Rusty’s life in unimaginable ways.

“Strawberry Lane” is a touching tale of love, sorrow, joy, despair, and ultimately, victory. It perfectly captures the essence of a heartfelt romance that’s both simple and deeply relatable. The story boasts a range of captivating characters, some instantly lovable, while others remain mysterious. Starri is truly enchanting, and Ona-Mae’s charisma is infectious. Overall, it’s a delightful read that stirs deep emotions.

My Rating

Book Review – New Beginnings In The Little Irish Village By Michelle Vernal

Welcome to the little Irish village of Emerald Bay where the sun is shining, the locals are gossiping, and romance is in the air. But will returning home be the fresh start Imogen Kelly needs?

Thirty-two-year-old Imogen Kelly is meant to be living her best life in Dublin but the bright lights of the city aren’t making her truly happy. So she leaps at the chance to take on an interior design job at the big country manor at the edge of Emerald Bay. It also gives Imogen an excuse to return to the place where she spent an unforgettable summer with her first love, Lachlan Leslie, the heir to Benmore House.

Imogen’s heart is full of hope at the thought of seeing her childhood sweetheart but on the way there she nearly has an accident on the winding, muddy country road. She arrives at Benmore House late and flustered, only to discover the builder working with her on the renovation project is none other than Ryan O’Malley – the class prankster who was forever pinging her bra strap at school.

Within seconds it’s clear he’s still a cheeky charmer, even if he’s transformed into a gorgeous guy who unexpectedly sets her pulse racing. Forced into close proximity with relentlessly cheerful Ryan, who’s forever (badly) singing rock ballads at the top of his voice, Imogen at first finds him an annoying distraction.

With St Patrick’s Day celebrations in full swing, Imogen has her work cut out to keep the job on track. Spending more time with Ryan, she discovers that, behind his warm smile and generous ways, he’s nursing heartache. But when she finally sees blue-eyed Lachlan again,Imogen has to face up to the truth about the secret summer romance they shared.

Published Date: 4 May 2023

My Review

Imogen, who now lives in Dublin with a thriving interior design business, returns to her hometown, Emerald Bay, for a design job at Benmore House. She hopes to confront past feelings for her childhood sweetheart, but on her way there, she narrowly avoids an accident when she stops for ducks crossing the road. To her surprise, the other driver involved is her former school rival, Ryan O’Malley. Though their reunion starts off tense, it turns out Ryan is also working on the Benmore project as a builder. Over time, their relationship becomes friendly, and Imogen realizes there’s more depth to Ryan than she thought. He returned to Emerald Bay from London to care for his ailing father and has embraced the comforts of village life.

The story revolves around families, self-discovery, and fresh starts, featuring a witty narrative and unique characters. Imogen, a successful businesswoman, grapples with finding her true love. Her journey is peppered with choices between various men and is backed by the unwavering support of her close-knit family and best friend. It’s a delightful read filled with heartwarming moments.

My Rating

Book Review – CEO’s Pregnant Lover By Leslie North

Never mix business with pleasure…

Klutzy, adorable Brianna Daughtry is nothing like the women Trent Caldwell is usually attracted to. The handsome, cold-hearted billionaire goes for bimbos and eye-candy who look good on his arm, women who won’t make a fuss when things end. But Brianna, his new temporary assistant, is nothing like that at all…

She’s the sort of woman who can make a man’s heart beat faster. And make him wish he were a different man…a better man. The type of woman Trent usually avoids at all costs. Except, he can’t. And even if he could, his heart doesn’t want to…

Brianna can’t believe someone like Trent could be remotely attracted to her. But she can’t deny that his smoldering looks, his lingering touches, and his intoxicating kisses tell her otherwise. Yes, he’s maddeningly overbearing and arrogant. But somehow, the alpha businessman has a sweet side as well.

Even with Trent’s old nemesis casting a shadow over their happiness, it seems her dreams of forever may come true. Until a devastating turn of events threatens to tear everything they’ve built apart…

Published Date: 20 April 2023

My Review

Briana affects Trent differently than anyone ever has. She isn’t combative or forceful, yet with her calm demeanor, she easily disarms him. Her occasional sass combined with her vulnerability awakens Trent’s protective side. She makes him desire something unprecedented for him: a commitment to eternity.

I’m captivated by how Briana, with her subtle and efficient nature, throws a usually self-assured Trent off balance. Seeing him uncertain and rethinking his moves is endearing. However, this gentle narrative takes a distressing turn, leading to a tragic event that reflects every parent’s deepest fear. This forces Trent to confront his inability to shield Briana and Faith from relentless adversaries. The story’s conclusion was a disappointment for me. The abrupt change in tone was unsettling. While I grasped why Trent became so dominant in Briana’s life, I wished she’d asserted herself more. Still, given its brevity, the story accomplishes a lot.

My Rating

Book Review – Talk Of The Town By Jennifer Bardsley

In this lighthearted romance filled with small-town humor and high jinks, an unsuspecting real estate agent becomes the wildest dream come true for all the single moms—except the one he wants.

They’re coworkers, friends, and confidants, but Peter Marshal has always pined for a little something more with Noelle Walters. As a widow and a single mom, Noelle prefers to play it safe, and falling for Peter was never part of the plan.

Then again, neither of their plans accounted for the well-meaning but meddling actions of Peter’s sister, who offers him up as their town’s most eligible bachelor in the local moms’ Facebook group. He’s none the wiser about the source of this sudden surge in attention, but he only has eyes for Noelle. And from where she’s standing on the sidelines of Peter’s popularity, it’s getting harder to pretend that she doesn’t see what everyone else sees in her best friend.

With all eyes on them, will Peter and Noelle finally see beyond the hurdles to the happily ever after that’s been there all along?

Published Date: 11 April 2023

My Review

Peter, now the town’s most eligible bachelor due to his sister’s social media antics, is a realtor grappling with hidden feelings for his best friend and colleague. Unknown to him, she might not be ready for a relationship. Noelle, a single mother since the loss of her husband, is immersed in her career and her son’s life, aiming never to revert to her old life. While she treasures her bond with Peter, seeing him chased by other women leaves her pondering ‘what if?’

This tale gently transitions from friendship to romance, showcasing a close-knit group of friends navigating life’s challenges. It’s interspersed with humorous moments that keep you eagerly flipping pages. I found it tough to set aside. The author masterfully intertwines complex narratives into a heartwarming romance. The camaraderie among the single mothers was a highlight, adding depth and charm to an already captivating tale.

My Rating

Book Review – Love Blooms At The Second Chances Sweet Shop By Hannah Lynn

Romance has never been so sweet…
While Holly Berry may have finally purchased Just One More and landed a date with one of Bourton-on-the-Water’s most eligible bachelors, it is far from plain sailing. 

A face from the past threatens to torpedo Holly’s fledgling relationship before it even gets going. 

Will everything go according to plan? Or is Holly’s dream life at risk of turning sour?

Published Date: 27 April 2023

My Review

Holly Berry’s journey at the “Just One More” sweet shop unfolds as she embraces her new world with the hint of a budding romance. Holly is fond of her new surroundings, the friendships she’s formed, and her potential romance with the stern Ben. However, when an unexpected figure from her past appears at the worst time, it threatens her budding relationship with Ben.

Distracting herself, Holly dedicates time to volunteering at the nearby elderly care home where she bonds with a lively and flamboyant resident. As her personal life becomes tumultuous, Holly organizes a community auction to fundraise for a dance at the care home, offering two hours of her expertise in a cooking masterclass to the highest bidder.

This tale offers a delightful romance sprinkled with hilarious moments, making it hard to stop turning the pages. Reconnecting with Holly felt like catching up with a dear friend. The vivid descriptions brought the characters and the world to life, immersing me in the narrative. In summary, it was a captivating read that I thoroughly enjoyed.

My Rating

Book Review – The Build Up By Tati Richardson

Rumpled and ragged was not how architect Ari James envisioned kicking off her first day at a new firm. And few things can top the horror of her new—and extremely hot—colleague walking in on her at the worst moment ever. Learning that she’ll be working with him on the project that’s supposed to get her career back on top makes it harder than ever to focus on her big comeback. 

With a partnership at his firm on the line, nothing is going to stand in the way of Porter Harrison absolutely killing it on his new project: not his obnoxious rival, not his unpredictable brother and definitely not his new coworker whose gorgeous curves he accidentally saw and now can’t get out of his head.

Though neither of them is looking for love, once their creative juices get flowing, Ari and Porter’s connection is obvious. But when their shared goal has always been winning at work, building a solid foundation for a relationship might end up costing them everything…

Published Date: 28 March 2023

My Review

Ari James is on a mission to design a soccer stadium in Atlanta, GA, collaborating closely with the captivating Porter. Their chemistry is electric from the get-go, culminating in undeniable passion.

This debut novel delves deep into the journey of rediscovery after an unexpected career setback. Ari grapples with self-doubt, wondering if she’ll ever overcome the stain on her reputation. Additionally, the narrative shines a light on the challenges she faces as a plus-sized Black woman. Ari’s character is commendable; her resilience and self-assuredness, in the face of persistent prejudice from male colleagues and some seemingly benign females, is truly inspiring. Through her sheer determination, she finds both love and professional triumph.

My Rating

Book Review – The Sweet Shop Of Second Chances By Hannah Lynn

Starting over never tasted so good

Holly Berry has it all: a good career, a steady boyfriend, and enough savings that the two of them will soon be able to buy a nice little house. But when she finds out her boyfriend has been cheating on her, she decides to retreat to the Cotswolds and a place full of far sweeter memories.

Quite literally.

However, Holly discovers the quaint village sweet shop she worked in as a teenager is starting to crumble. Putting all her chocolate eggs in one basket, she says goodbye to the city, and sets her sights on a new project.

After all, how hard can running a sweet shop be?

Published Date: 27 April 2023

My Review

Holly Berry had managed to get out of the small town she grew up in. She had a steady job and a boyfriend that she planned to spend the rest of her life with…until she caught him in bed with another woman. So she threw a few clothes in a suitcase and went home again. During a walk she saw one of the owners of the sweet shop that she’d worked at in her teenage years. The woman told her that she planned to sell the shop that had so many great memories for Holly to developers and move away. On an impulse, Holly offers to buy the shop. She soon finds out that the shop may have been more work than she planned on.

This is a lovely, heartwarming and, yes, sweet little tale. I love Holly, even if her name does make me chuckle! The sweetshop also brought back memories of my childhood, walking to the local shop with friends to buy a bag of treats.

My Rating

Book Review – A Novel Proposal By Denise Hunter

When western novelist Sadie Goodwin must pen a romance novel to rescue her lackluster sales, there’s only one tiny problem: she’s never been in love.

Desperate to salvage her career, Sadie accepts an invitation to hole up at her friend’s beach duplex for the summer and devote herself to this confounding genre. After all, where better to witness love than on the beautiful South Carolina shore?

But Sadie soon finds many ways to procrastinate the dreaded task—like getting to know the beach regulars and installing a Little Free Library on the property. She even attempts conversation with Sam Ford, the frustratingly stubborn neighbor on the other side of the duplex. But things take an unexpected turn when Sadie finds inside her library an abandoned novel with a secret compartment—and a beautiful engage­ment ring tucked inside.

Suddenly, locating the ring’s owner becomes the perfect way to put off writing that romance. Sadie draws a reluctant Sam into her mission. And as the two close in on an answer to the mysterious proposal, she discovers a tender side to him. She begins to wonder if he just might make the perfect hero for her romance novel—or maybe even her heart.

Published Date: 21 March 2023

My Review

Sadie, a western genre writer, faces a challenge when her contract ends and she’s prompted to write romance. Having never experienced love, she’s clueless about this new endeavor. To seek inspiration, she retreats to a quaint beach house. Her neighboring duplex resident, Sam, still healing from a breakup a year prior, becomes an unexpected muse. Their connection deepens when Sadie needs help with an engagement ring situation, and in exchange, Sam wants her to accompany him to his cousin’s (and ex’s) wedding. Their chemistry is undeniable.

Sadie’s lively and optimistic nature is refreshing. Although inexperienced in love, this innocence enables her to form a genuine bond with Sam before romance blossoms. Sam’s personal struggles add layers to his character. A subtle subplot about the engagement ring adds intrigue. Witnessing Sadie’s integration into the coastal community is heartwarming.

My Rating

Book Review – Playing It Tough By Amy Andrews

Cosmetic tattoo artist Orla Stewart doesn’t do anything in half measures. She went from being the ultimate party animal to living a life that’s ridiculously straight and narrow. Turns out, cancer can change a girl. A lot. Adios to delicious cheeses, boozy dance parties and easy men. Hel-lo to celibacy and a sweet house-sitting gig with a massive pool. Until one very hot, very unwelcome intruder turns things upside down.

American rugby import Ronan Dempsey’s partying is trashing both his reputation and his game—and risking his chances for making the US Olympic team. He needs to clean up, and the pool house belonging to a family friend is the perfect place to hideaway. No. More. distractions. Which is exactly when a gorgeous, pink-haired hellion knocks Ronan on his ass…

The chemistry is instantaneous, charged, and absolutely, completely, totally off-limits. Proximity makes temptation nearly impossible to resist. Now it’s a deliciously torturous game of pushing boundaries and holding out. It’s just a matter of time before someone breaks…

Published Date: 17 April 2023

My Rating

Ronan, the latest star of Sydney Smoke, curbs his wild lifestyle when he realizes it’s affecting his performance, choosing celibacy for the season. However, he didn’t anticipate his resolve being tested by his new neighbor, Orla Stewart. Formerly a party girl, Orla has led a straight life for the past three years. She’s driven by a fear of breast cancer, a disease that has affected the women in her family, and she’s determined to mitigate her risks. Her fear of loss has led her to avoid getting close to anyone, building emotional walls that seem insurmountable. But Ronan, not deterred by her aloofness, uses his charm to penetrate her tough exterior.

Falling in lust is straightforward for them, but establishing a profound and enduring relationship proves more challenging. Their physical attraction is fiery and intense, but it’s the emotional elements that make this romance compelling. Orla has endured much, and while she’s a fighter, she’s also denying herself a fulfilling life. This book encapsulates the journey of two individuals who, believing they have life figured out, realize they still have room for growth, and in the process, they find love and support.

My Rating

Book Review – The Bachelor Contract By Victoria James

New mom May Peterson can’t believe she’s back in her hometown. She has eight weeks to fix up, and sell, her childhood home. Just enough to say hello to her best friend and goodbye to her painful past. But in the warm, tightly-knit community of Maple Hill, it’s impossible to avoid anyone—especially the cute “boy next door.” And while May is definitely over the idea of love, his irresistible smile still makes her toes curl…

When they were kids, Austin Merrick only ever saw May as his sister’s best friend. Over time, they’d become friends, sharing late-night chats over cheddar popcorn. Now May Peterson has returned with an adorable baby that quickly wraps him around her little finger. But after seeing the damage a broken heart can do, Austin and his brother made an agreement: to never, ever fall in love. No marriage. No kids. Ever. 

Now they’re working together to fix up her old home, and sparks of attraction are making it almost impossible to keep to their no-romance rules. But when it comes to love, hearts never play by the rules…especially when it comes to finding “the one.”

Published Date: 17 April 2023

My Review

May Peterson is returning to the hometown she left behind a decade ago. She plans to sell the childhood home she inherited from her mother. Her lifelong friend Callie, along with her family, welcome May warmly, treating her as one of their own, just like they did during their childhood. Callie’s brothers are involved in the construction business, with Austin, the brother May has had a crush on since she was twelve, leading the renovation of her house. The age difference, which seemed too much in their youth, isn’t a hindrance now, and they both find themselves considering what could develop between them. However, May’s stay is supposed to be temporary, until the house is sold.

This is a narrative exploring the concept of family, its presence and absence, and the quest for love, underscoring the joy of entrusting one’s heart to another. It underlines how childhood events significantly shape one’s adulthood. The story is captivating with its rich characters, blending moments of heartbreak and warmth beautifully.

My Rating