Category Archives: Review card

Review Card & Book Review- The Cruise Club By Caroline James

Set sail on the Diamond Star for sunshine, romance – and just a little bit of mischief…

Cosy crime writer Carmen Cunningham is in trouble. Her inspiration has vanished, her deadline is looming, and her meddling elderly mother Betty consumes her every waking moment.

Hoping to revive her creativity, Carmen books a dream cruise, featuring workshops with her literary idol, Ruskin Reeve. It’s the perfect plan – until Betty insists on tagging along…

However, as the Diamond Star sails through sun-soaked ports and magical Mediterranean islands, Carmen finds the escape she needs as she discovers new friendships, and unexpected sparks with the grumpy, but charming, Ruskin.

But mischief is afoot on board the ship, with talk of items going missing and a secret club that’s got everyone talking… Will the cruise reignite Carmen’s writing muse or plunge her into the biggest plot twist of her life? Because, as she’s about to find out, anything can happen at sea…

About The Author

My Review

The Cruise Club is a delightful, feel-good escape that blends humour, heart, and a dash of mystery on the high seas. Cosy crime writer Carmen Cunningham is creatively blocked and emotionally drained, mostly thanks to her overbearing mother, Betty. Hoping to rekindle her writing spark, she impulsively books a place on a cruise ship writing workshop—only to find Betty has invited herself along too.

What follows is a charming, character-rich story set aboard the luxurious Diamond Star. Carmen is surrounded by a vibrant cast: the charismatic author Ruskin Reeve, celebrity chef Theo, and the lovable restaurant-owning duo Fran and Sid. As the cruise winds through stunning ports—Malta’s Valletta being a standout—Carmen begins to rediscover her voice, her confidence, and a hint of romance. Carmen’s transformation, supported by quirky friendships and laced with gentle humour, makes this an uplifting and thoroughly enjoyable read.

Overall, it is a charming voyage of self-discovery packed with laughter, lovable characters, and a warm sense of community.

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Review Card & Book Review- Cupcakes And Kisses In Micklewick Bay By Eliza J. Scott

Every night, Jasmine Ingilby dreams of delicate sugar flowers and perfectly swirled buttercream. By day, she steals moments between her cleaning shifts to craft stunning cakes from her tiny kitchen, hoping to transform her passion into something more. But as a fiercely independent single mother of two, finding time to grow her fledgling business feels like reaching for the impossible.

Just when her hard work seems about to pay off, Jasmine’s carefully balanced world begins to crumble. Her landlord puts a ‘For Sale’ sign outside her rented home. Then a figure from her past returns to town, reopening old wounds Jasmine thought had long healed and causing trouble at school for her young children.

Then Max Grainger – her childhood best friend – unexpectedly returns to Micklewick Bay after twenty-five years away, and Jasmine is blindsided by the emotions his presence stirs. Now a successful businessman with a son of his own, Max seems determined to solve all her problems. But years of self-reliance have built walls around Jasmine’s heart that even the sweetest gestures struggle to break through.

Will Jasmine’s fear of getting burned again stop her from accepting help when she needs it most? Or will the loyal support of her friends help her discover the perfect recipe for love?

About The Author

My Review

At the heart of the story is Jasmine Ingilby, a determined single mother working multiple cleaning jobs by day while nurturing her dream of running a cake-baking business by night. Life has tested her strength time and again, and just as she begins to see glimmers of progress, she faces a trio of setbacks—the threat of losing her home, her children’s growing struggles, and the sudden return of someone she thought she’d left in the past.

That someone is Max Grainger, her childhood best friend who’s now a successful businessman and single father. His unexpected return to Micklewick Bay after twenty-five years sparks a slow, tender reconnection built on shared memories and quiet understanding. Scott writes their journey with sensitivity and realism, allowing their bond to unfold naturally without unnecessary melodrama.

What makes the story shine is its emotional honesty. Jasmine isn’t portrayed as someone waiting to be saved but as a proud, resilient woman learning to trust again. Max’s steady kindness softens her defenses, resulting in a touching exploration of hope, healing, and second chances.

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Review Card & Book Review- The Twin By Amanda Brookfield

A splintered childhood.
A family divided.
An ugly past resurfaces…

From birth, twins Cath and Rob are inseparable. When their mother dies, their bond deepens as their father hastily remarries a woman with a volatile temper whose sole focus is her own baby – Oliver – who arrives nine months later.

When, aged 47, Rob tragically dies, Cath’s world begins to crumble. Her grief compounded further by Oliver’s out-of-the-blue decision to attend Rob’s funeral, opening old wounds after three decades of estrangement.

Thrown together, the half-siblings are forced to confront a past that sends shockwaves through both their lives due to the huge discrepancies in their respective recollections. But could both their versions of the truth be correct…?

About The Author

My Review

This is an emotionally rich and deeply affecting exploration of grief, identity, and the powerful connection between siblings. The story follows Cath, whose world unravels after the sudden death of her twin brother, Rob. Their relationship—defined by both unconditional love and unspoken rivalry—forms the emotional core of the novel, revealing how intertwined their lives have always been.

As Cath struggles to rebuild her sense of self, she is forced to confront old family wounds, tension with her stepbrother Oliver, and the fragility of her relationship with her partner, Alastair. Brookfield’s prose is elegant and unflinching, capturing the rawness of loss and the slow, uneven journey toward acceptance.

What makes this novel stand out is its psychological depth and compassion. Brookfield deftly portrays the complex emotions that come with losing a twin—someone who is both a mirror and a shadow. The Twin is a moving, beautifully written portrait of grief, family, and the enduring search for identity after devastating loss.

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Review Card & Book Review- Spectacular Things: Reese’s Book Club By Beck Dorey-Stein

What would you give up for the person you love most? What would you expect in return?

Mia and Cricket have always been close. The gifted daughters of a young single mother, the “Lowe girls” are well-known in the small Maine town they call home. Each sister has a role to fill: The responsible and academically minded Mia assumes the position of caregiver far too young, while Cricket, a bouncing ball of energy and talent, seems born for soccer stardom. But the cost of achieving athletic greatness comes at a steep price.

As Mia and Cricket grow up, they must grapple with the legacy of their mother’s secret past while navigating their own precarious future. Can Mia allow herself to fall in love at the risk of repeating a terrible history? Will Cricket’s relentless chase of a lifelong goal drive her sister away? When does loyalty become self-sabotage?

About The Author

My Review

Spectacular Things is a heartfelt exploration of sisterhood, ambition, and the emotional cost of sacrifice. The story opens in 2028 with sisters Mia and Cricket, then shifts back to 1989 to reveal the story of their mother, Liz. Told through alternating perspectives, the novel weaves together the past and present, showing how family, choices, and grief shape each woman’s path.

Mia gave up a great deal so that Cricket could chase her soccer dreams, but when the roles reverse, Cricket struggles with what’s being asked of her. The writing is warm, intimate, and emotionally grounded, with characters that feel vivid and authentic.

Though I wished for more time with the sisters in the present day, this was an engaging and emotionally rich read that stays with you.
Overall, it is a beautifully written, character-driven story about the bonds and sacrifices that define family. Thoughtful, emotional, and well worth the read.

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Review Card & Book Review- The Friends – To – Lovers Project By Paula Ottoni

If any place can turn two best friends into lovers, it’s Venice.

Well, only if you don’t have a dreamy tour guide like Lorenzo…

For LA chef Daisy Hogan, this trip to Venice is the start of her new life—inspiration for her California restaurant, saying yes to stability and basically fulfilling all her dad’s dreams. But then the trip goes sideways, and she’s left in the most romantic city in the world with her best friend, Jeremy. He’s stable, reliable. If she wants to salvage the future she planned, maybe she should fall for her friend?

So they agree to a friends-to-lovers project. What could go wrong?

Enter Lorenzo Fontana, hotel concierge by day, violinist in his dreams. He gave up music for a practical life in the city he loves, and to keep his job, he’s vowed to be Daisy and Jeremy’s personal guide to romance. Only he’s not supposed to be feeling this personal about their project…

With racing hearts, longing glances and gondola rides, Daisy begins questioning the project, her plans and even her future. Is it possible to live a life where the dreams she’s fulfilling are her own?

About The Author

My Review

This is a tender, heartfelt romance set against the romantic backdrop of Venice. After a painful breakup, Daisy joins her best friend Jeremy on a trip meant to help her heal—but the vacation soon stirs up unexpected emotions. As Daisy tries to sort through her lingering heartbreak, her friendship with Jeremy deepens in ways she didn’t anticipate. Then comes Lorenzo, a charming Italian tour guide whose easy warmth and flirtation add both excitement and confusion to her journey.

Ottoni beautifully captures the tension between comfort and desire, friendship and passion, making Daisy’s emotional turmoil feel authentic. While Daisy’s need for love can sometimes feel overwhelming and the pacing wavers in places, the story ultimately delivers a satisfying mix of heart, introspection, and sensuality. With its slow-burn triangle, cross-cultural charm, and emotional depth, The Friends to Lovers Project is a short yet engaging read that explores how heartbreak can open the door to unexpected love.

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Review Card & Book Review- Her Fairy – Tale Farmer By Elle Douglas

She’s in the happily-ever-after business

But he’s never been interested in fairy-tale endings

Divorced single mom Andie Carter is parenting nine-year-old twins, launching a fairy tale–themed children’s birthday party center and fighting lingering feelings for high school friend Knox Walker. The charming stable manager has eschewed romantic entanglements in favor of party-boy ways. But when Andie’s venue needs repairs, he volunteers his ranch for her events—and a few unexpected kisses, too! Knox doesn’t trust easily, but Andie and her kids are breaking through his guard. Will he come to terms with his fears to be the Prince Charming that Andie and her kids yearn for?

About The Author

My Review

The story follows Knox, a charming but somewhat aimless farmer who has loved his best friend, Andie, since high school. Andie, a single mother to twin boys, returns his feelings but needs proof that Knox is ready to be a true partner and father figure before opening her heart completely.

What makes this story shine is its blend of romance and personal growth. Knox’s journey toward maturity feels genuine as he learns from his wise grandparents and the colorful townsfolk of Sugar Maple Farms. His gradual realization that love requires stability and reliability adds emotional depth to his character.

Andie’s strong support network—especially her sister Mel and her close-knit group of friends—adds warmth and humor, showcasing the power of community. One standout, Maya, the local baker and aspiring romance novelist, hints at an exciting next installment in the series.

Ultimately, this is a tender, small-town friends-to-lovers romance about finding courage, stability, and love where you’ve always belonged—a cozy, heartwarming read perfect for a quiet weekend.

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Review Card & Book Review- Destination Weddings And Other Disasters By MC. Vaughan

Sun, sea, sand…and her high school nemesis.

This destination wedding is about to take a detour.

There are millions of men in Los Angeles, and somehow Julia Stone’s mother just got engaged to the worst possible option. Not that there’s anything wrong with her future stepfather. It’s his son who’s the problem. Event planner Carson Miller is six-plus feet of lean muscle and irresistible charm, and ten years ago he made Julia’s life hell.

Paired with Carson to organize the last-minute Belize wedding, Julia doesn’t intend to let him off the hook for past bad behavior. If only there weren’t surprising new feelings in the mix, like undeniable heat…

Carson claims he made mistakes; he’s a different person than he was back then. Julia’s response: prove it. Now, in between wedding planning, zip-lining and exploring waterfalls, they’re having fun falling hard and wondering if this paradise can last once the party’s over…

About The Author

My Review

This is a delightful blend of warmth, humor, and heartfelt emotion—the kind of romantic escape that feels like a deep exhale. M.C. Vaughan crafts a smart and sun-soaked second-chance romance set against the lush backdrop of Belize, where family chaos and unresolved history collide.

Julia and Carson, once high school acquaintances with a strained past, find themselves awkwardly reunited when their parents decide to marry. Tasked with planning the destination wedding, they’re forced into close quarters, sparking tension, banter, and an unexpected rekindling of connection.

What elevates this story is its emotional maturity. Carson’s genuine accountability for his past behavior and Julia’s cautious, self-assured approach to forgiveness make their romance feel both realistic and deeply satisfying. Their chemistry builds slowly but beautifully, grounded in vulnerability and respect.

Balancing heartfelt redemption with light tropical fun, Vaughan delivers a charming, feel-good read perfect for anyone craving a believable love story with depth. Fans of enemies-to-lovers, second chances, and beachy romance backdrops will find this one a winner.

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Review Card & Book Review- When I Should’ve Stayed By Max Monroe

She thought they were divorced. He never filed the papers.

Now he’s determined to prove their love story isn’t over.

Josie: Before The Moment

There are ghosts at every corner. In the stolen kisses while I waitressed at the diner, in the town festivals in the square, in the many jokes about Betty Bagley and her pie at the Fall Farmer’s Market, and in countless nights spent watching Clay make drinks with that handsome smile of his plastered on his face while I sat on a stool at the bar. It should all feel familiar and comforting, and yet, it makes it hard for the person I am now to breathe at all. I wish I’d been stronger. I wish I’d been wiser. I wish I didn’t have to do this. I wish.

Tonight will be a defining moment for the rest of my life. I have to end it now……before it ends me.

Clay: After The Moment

When Josie and I said, ‘I do’, I thought it’d be us against the world forever. But I wasn’t expecting the world to be so against us. I know I should’ve stayed that night, and I should have gone back a heck of a lot sooner. Because I don’t know how to be here. I don’t know how to be anywhere. Truth is, I don’t know how to be without Josie at all. She might think we’re done, but I’m going to spend the rest of my life making sure we’re not.

About The Author

My Review

This story follows Clay, a hero who’s completely and unapologetically in love with Josie. He’s the kind of man who makes you swoon—loyal, gentle, and devoted to the woman he never stopped loving. Josie, however, carries the weight of grief and secrets that once kept her from fully embracing their relationship. Their breakup was painful, but when Clay returns five years later determined to win her back, his quiet persistence and heartfelt sincerity make their second chance deeply moving.

The book shines through Clay’s unwavering devotion and the tender way he helps Josie lower her guard again. Their chemistry remains strong despite the years apart, and their reunion brims with emotion and hope. The themes of grief and healing are explored with care, making Josie’s journey feel authentic and touching.

Although the pacing and timeline could have been smoother, the emotional payoff and beautifully drawn characters—especially Clay—make this a memorable and heartfelt addition to the Red Bridge series.

My Rating

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