Rancher Arlo Fortune is devastated when he loses his best friend in a tragic accident. The only thing that heals him is opening his heart to his friend’s adorable daughter, Aviva…and his friend’s grieving sister-in-law, the brand-new guardian to the orphaned child. Carrie Kaplan has one mission: to lavish her niece with love in a Jewish home like her sister always wanted. Her stop in Chatelaine is only temporary. Right? But as she teaches Aviva about the miracle of Hanukkah, holiday magic might just beckon from Arlo’s ranch around the bend…
Fortune’s Holiday Surprise by Jennifer Wilck is a heartfelt story about love, family, and healing after loss. Carrie, grieving the loss of her sister and brother-in-law, moves to a small Texas town to care for her niece, Aviva. Arlo, her brother-in-law’s best friend, is also mourning while uncovering secrets left behind by his late father. Together, they navigate grief and rediscover joy.
The book beautifully highlights Jewish traditions, particularly Sephardic Hanukkah customs, alongside the Fortunes’ Christmas celebrations. Carrie and Aviva help Arlo reconnect with his family’s holiday spirit, creating a charming blend of traditions. Carrie and Arlo’s romance is sweet and understated, growing naturally from their shared bond. This is a warm, uplifting holiday tale celebrating love, family, and cultural heritage.
Tessa is struggling to run her mother’s beloved book shop and the business is failing. At least she has her dear friend (and accidental heart throb) Manny, to support her. As single parents, they understand each other and their friendship is too important for Tessa to give in to the chemistry between them.
With the sudden success of his home renovation show, Manny is appalled to discover just how much the internet knows about him. While he navigates his new and strange life, his feelings only grow for Tessa as he helps her refurbish the bookshop.
But when Tessa’s ex-husband returns to Ivy Falls, she must make a decision: should she follow her heart, or does she owe it to her girls to fix their family?
This heartwarming follow-up in the Ivy Falls series highlights themes of personal growth, love, and resilience. The story follows Tessa and Manny as their friendship slowly blossoms into romance, complicated by the unexpected return of Tessa’s ex-husband. Their chemistry feels authentic, and the twists in the storyline keep the reader engaged. Amy True’s heartfelt writing and relatable characters make this a delightful addition to the series. Fans of romance and small-town stories will find this installment both captivating and uplifting.
When Gabrielle Solomon falls, she falls hard. Even if that means literally toppling over a porch railing in nothing but a flimsy towel—right in front of her sexy new neighbor.
Jay Stetson is 100 percent hero material with those arms, that chest, and his deliciously oh-so-sexy smirk. The chiseled hunk in flannel has an irresistible off-limits attitude while plucking Gabrielle out of the bushes and saving her from a snake. Unfortunately, he’s not indulging in what Gabrielle is offering—not with his emotional train wreck of a past.
Just neighbors. Just friends. Or so he says.
Secretly, he’s smitten with the single, fierce mama bear of two who plays Miss Fix-It at the house next door. He doesn’t even really mind the noise or the chaos her young sons cause. What he does mind is how his lonely heart races when looking into her emerald-colored eyes.
Can Jay let his painful memories go, or will he let the woman of his dreams slip between his fingers?
Gabrielle returned to her hometown with her sons, Dylan and Carter, seeking a fresh start after the loss of her ex, who had been her best friend. Despite her grief and her boys struggling to adjust, she remained a devoted mother, doing everything she could to ease their transition. Though witty, funny, and full of charm, Gabrielle was still grappling with her pain, and when she moved next door to Jay, the light in her soul had yet to fully return.
Jay, scarred by a past relationship with a single mother who cut him off after their breakup, had withdrawn into a solitary life of work, occasional meetups with a friend, and meaningless flings. Helping the single mom next door wasn’t something he intended to get involved with, but his undeniable attraction to Gabrielle pulled him in.
Gabrielle, longing for love and connection, found herself drawn to Jay’s protective, bossy, yet unexpectedly charming nature. He made her feel alive again. But Jay’s unresolved demons made it difficult for him to commit, and he ran when things got tough. However, he quickly realized his mistake.
Their journey from unlikely friends to lovers was filled with banter, sass, and healing. Gabrielle helped Jay confront his fears, while Jay brought love and joy back into her life. Together, they broke down walls and found the love they both deserved.
Ever since the death of their father twenty years before, beautiful thirty-two-year-old Anna has acted as her younger sister Becky’s support, playing the peace-maker in her stormy relationship with their mother, and counselling her through the traumas of a life that has always appeared charmless and problematic in comparison to her own.
Now married to wealthy, handsome David Lawrence, with a luxurious country home and a successful career in broadcasting, Anna’s good fortune looks set to continue. But when she unexpectedly falls pregnant and Becky’s marriage runs into trouble, the door to the sisters past suddenly swings open, exploding all their long-held perceptions both of each other and themselves.
Anna and Becky return to England with their husbands after their father’s death, each navigating life in their own unique way. Anna is a successful radio broadcaster, commuting to London from the countryside, while Becky juggles her role as a communications administrator and supporting her husband’s dream of running a restaurant.
The novel delves into family dynamics, exploring complex relationships and hidden struggles. Infidelity, marital issues, and the challenges of starting over create tension as the sisters and their husbands confront their imperfect lives. Despite the slow pace, the story’s depth and multilayered characters make it a compelling read.
The sisters’ bond is central, portraying sibling love at its best and worst. The unraveling of their relationships—with each other and their spouses—offers an emotional journey of self-discovery, resilience, and redefining their paths when life doesn’t go as planned. A moving, character-driven story about family, marriage, and finding a way forward.
Rosie, an idealistic and passionate Peruvian American, leaves her Tennessee hometown to pursue her dream of making it in New York as a writer. But her plan is derailed when she ends up in class with her archnemesis and ex-crush, Aiden Huntington—an obnoxious, surly, and gorgeous literary fiction writer who doesn’t have much patience for the romance genre or for Rosie.
Rosie and Aiden regularly go to verbal battle in workshop until their professor reaches her breaking point. She allows them to stay in her class on one condition: they must cowrite a novel that blends their genres.
The reluctant writing duo can’t help but put pieces of themselves into their accidentally steamy novel, and their manuscript-in-progress provides an outlet for them to confess their feelings—and explore their attraction toward each other.
When Rosie and Aiden find themselves competing against each other for a potentially career-changing opportunity, the flames of old rivalry reignite, and their once-in-a-lifetime love story is once again at risk of being shelved—unless they can find a way to end the book on their own terms.
About The Author
My Review
Not in My Book by Katie Holt is a captivating romance that seamlessly blends themes of self-discovery and love. The story follows a young woman torn between her passion for literature and the complexities of navigating real-world relationships. Holt skillfully explores the tension between fantasy and reality as the protagonist grapples with her feelings for a charming yet enigmatic love interest.
The “enemies to lovers” trope takes center stage, delivering delightful tension through sharp banter and a gradual, heartfelt evolution from animosity to affection. This dynamic is complemented by the protagonist’s “bookish heroine” persona, a relatable and inspiring character who learns to balance her literary dreams with her real-life aspirations.
Katie Holt has created a story that is equal parts entertaining and thought-provoking, encouraging readers to embrace their own journeys. Not in My Book is an excellent choice for fans of contemporary romance, humor, and stories about finding love in the most unexpected places. Highly recommended!
Lucie Marshal is absolutely furious! How did she go from being a successful wife and mother to divorced, teetering on bankruptcy, and barely speaking to her grown-up daughter? Worse, she’s just heard that her moronic ex-husband Miles is marrying a much younger woman in an influencer-style wedding in France #blessed #theone
Lucie will absolutely NOT be going. To hell with Miles, his new teeth, new hair and new wife! She’s perfectly fine…isn’t she? Except, Lucie feels lost and angry almost all of the time. Just what happened to her younger, freer wild child self, who used to live life to the full?
But then pregnant daughter Zoe needs a lift… and eccentric nephew Deva does too and now Lucie has somehow agreed to drive her Dad’s beloved old Jag all the way across France to take them to her ex-husband’s wedding.
With a pitstop in Paris, a breakdown, unexpected passengers, and miles of open road, all set to Deva’s showtunes soundtrack – could this be the journey Lucie needs to find a way back to herself?
Lucie, recently divorced and struggling with life’s challenges, reluctantly agrees to attend her ex-husband’s wedding after her daughter’s plea for help due to a train strike. She finds herself navigating a low point in her life—dealing with divorce, financial struggles, and her father’s impending death.
The story is rich with subplots, including a journey to Chanel’s birthplace, a touching side story involving refugees, and a heartfelt reconnection with a man from her past. Lucie’s estranged relationship with her daughter is sensitively explored, with their gradual rebuilding portrayed beautifully.
The romance is thoughtfully written, with a realistic balance of cautious hope and genuine connection. The narrative is full of depth and warmth, making it easy to root for Lucie and her loved ones. This is a heartwarming tale about a mature, weathered heroine facing relatable life challenges with resilience and hope.
Felicity was never meant to end up with a money-pit farmhouse to renovate and a broken heart to heal…
But when Fliss attempts to drown the sorrow of seeing her ex-fiancé and his new wife’s magazine-worthy wedding all over social media, one rash decision loses her a job and gains her a doer-upper in the blink of an eye.
The only bright spot of living in the country is the very dishy and very handy loveliest-man-ever Jesse Woods. And when Fliss’s new roof has an ill-advised meeting with a tree in the middle of the night resulting in her literally seeing stars, there’s only one thing for it. She’s going to have to accept Jesse’s help and a place to stay.
City girl Fliss is at rock bottom but if anyone can teach her to turn her gaze from the gutter to the stars it’s Jesse Woods. She’s been burnt trusting men before, but Jesse may just be worth breaking her own rules for…
About The Author
My Review
Felicity, shaped by a difficult past, is fiercely independent, making it hard for her to accept help—even from Jesse, whose steadfast support begins to break down her walls. Their evolving relationship, from tension to teamwork, is one of the book’s highlights, with Jesse standing by her side through her struggles.
As the story unfolds, Felicity’s guarded nature and trust issues become understandable, given her history. The small-town setting, though warm and welcoming, feels overwhelming for someone as private as her, adding another layer of conflict. Jesse’s protective instincts and his ability to own up to mistakes make him a compelling partner. Humor, especially in Felicity’s city-girl encounters with rural life, adds levity to the otherwise emotionally heavy narrative.
A standout moment is Felicity’s heartfelt café speech, emphasizing that self-worth isn’t tied to money. It’s a lesson that resonates deeply and underscores the book’s themes of resilience and self-acceptance.
However, the third act falters with an abrupt resolution. While Felicity’s decisions are understandable, her choice to chase after Jesse instead of the other way around feels inconsistent with their dynamic. Despite this, the story delivers humor, emotional depth, and a satisfying message about overcoming the past and finding value in oneself.
It’s been months since her dreams of forever were brutally shattered. Seven long months since her husband and soulmate, Lew, died in her arms, leaving her to carry on. Alone. And Davina Klein-Roberts still isn’t sure how to move forward.
To escape her anguish, Davina throws everything into work, pushing Golden Oil Co., her self-built skin care line, to become a viral success. Now she’s poised to clinch a major endorsement deal too. But it’s bittersweet without Lew by her side.
A meeting with Deke Bishop, the hot NBA star she’s courting for her brand, leaves Davina flustered. With his dimpled smile and warm handshake, Deke’s a natural pitchman. And he’s clearly interested—not only in her lotions.
Davina soon discovers that Deke’s more than just another player and carries his own pain. But as her feelings for him grow, so does her guilt. Will the pain of a future already lost keep her from embracing hope for a new one?
This was such a heartfelt story. After losing her husband, Davina throws herself into her skincare business. When she notices a star basketball player commenting about his dry skin, she sees an opportunity to promote her brand. She reaches out to Deke’s manager, hoping he might consider being an ambassador, though she doesn’t expect him to endorse her small company.
Deke doesn’t need the money, but knowing his sister loves Davina’s products, he agrees—thinking he might score some freebies for her. However, the moment he meets Davina, he’s captivated and eager to find ways to spend more time with her.
Davina, aware of Deke’s reputation as a player and put off by his confidence, isn’t interested in a relationship. Still grappling with her grief, she doesn’t reveal her husband’s death. Deke, unwilling to pursue a married woman, is caught off guard when he learns the truth. Having experienced grief himself, he offers his support, even if it’s just as a friend.
This beautifully written story captures love, healing, and the power of connection, making it truly unforgettable.
‘We’re celebrating life,’ Rose said. ‘Life, every single minute of it. Tell me, girls – is there ever anything better to celebrate than that?’
Five years after seventy-something Tess jetted off to Paris with her best friends, Jen, Rose, Della and Pam – the Five French Hens – for Jen’s hen do, a lot has changed. Prospective groom Eddie has been given the heave-ho, Tess’s husband has been sent packing and the Hens are making the most of their golden years.
But Tess is stuck in a rut. Rather than embrace her independence, she watches on as Rose wows Paris, Jen explores Iceland and Pam heads to Greece. But when tragedy strikes Della, Tess is shaken into action. They both need a change of scenery and longing to see the Northern Lights, they head to the Highlands of Scotland and the magical Isle of Skye.
There Tess and Della get more than they bargained for. Along with stunning scenery and breathtaking history, they find new friends, grand adventures and even romance. And when they’re joined by the other Hens, together they start plotting a fabulous new future for them all.
The protagonist is seventy-seven, supported by a vibrant cast of similarly aged friends, including eighty-year-old Rose, who refuses to let age or health challenges dampen her spirit. Judy Leigh emphasizes the importance of maintaining a positive outlook on life and seizing new adventures, regardless of age.
Aging brings its difficulties, but how we confront them defines us. Some characters face grief in different ways—one finds comfort in memories, while another struggles with survivor’s guilt and turns to alcohol. However, an epiphany inspires him to embrace change, reminding us that our worth is shaped by who we are now, not past mistakes. Leigh weaves a message of resilience: “Out of something bad, there’s always hope.”
Friendship is a central theme, celebrated as “the family you choose,” offering strength and support in challenging times. Set primarily on the stunning Isle of Skye, Leigh’s vivid descriptions immerse readers in the beauty of a snowy December landscape.
The novel highlights the power of second chances, showing that while we cannot rewrite the past, we can create a brighter future. The Silver-Haired Sisterhood is a heartwarming, uplifting story filled with hope, friendship, and the joy of new beginnings. Judy Leigh’s storytelling continues to captivate and inspire, leaving readers eagerly anticipating her next work.
Staring up at the magnificent, rose-covered walls of her grandmother’s house, Violet Fleury isn’t sure she’ll be welcome inside. After running from her hometown in Ireland to follow her dreams of acting, she’s back to play Irish legend, Kathleen O’Sullivan, in a local film. She’s vowed to tell the story of the woman her village are so proud of – and to build bridges with the family she drifted away from. But will they give her a second chance?
Violet’s sisters might be hesitant, but whilst helping with her sweet young nieces and nephews, Violet feels closer to them than ever before. Then Violet’s leading man, dangerously handsome Jack Montgomery, arrives in the peaceful countryside. The instant chemistry between them is as fiery as Violet’s flaming red hair… and discovering stories about Kathleen from the locals, Violet sees Jack’s kindness too. He even wins over Violet’s sisters. Could he help stitch their family back together?
But when Violet finds dusty, handwritten notes from Kathleen in her research, she wonders if this legendary woman was the heroine everyone thinks. And when Jack pulls out of the film, Violet is heartbroken. The villagers, and Violet’s whole family, are in awe of Kathleen’s story – and Violet had even started to imagine staying in Ireland. But without Jack by her side, could these secrets destroy the town’s reputation, and the second chance she’s been dreaming of?
In The Girl with the Irish Secret by Susanne O’Leary, Violet Fleury, an aspiring actress, returns to her family estate, Magnolia Manor, to prepare for her most significant role yet—portraying Kathleen O’Sullivan, a legendary Irish film star with a mysterious and storied past. Set against the stunning landscapes of Kerry, Ireland, the novel intertwines Violet’s personal journey with the unraveling of Kathleen’s hidden secrets, creating a heartfelt blend of mystery, self-discovery, and emotional depth.
As Violet delves into Kathleen’s life, she uncovers not only the star’s enigmatic history but also lessons about identity, perception, and authenticity. Kathleen’s story forces Violet to confront her own insecurities, especially the pressures of living in the public eye and the weight of familial expectations. This parallel exploration enriches the narrative, offering readers a touching meditation on how the stories we tell shape who we are.
The romance between Violet and Jack, a charismatic movie star, brings a lighter, sweeter element to the narrative. Though their chemistry occasionally feels understated, Jack’s charm and vulnerability make him an engaging character. Their budding relationship provides a contrast to the heavier themes of family drama and historical intrigue, adding balance to the story.
While the plot follows a somewhat predictable arc, it offers comfort and familiarity, much like returning to cherished characters in a favorite series. Fans of the Magnolia Manor series will appreciate cameos from previous characters, though some may wish they had larger roles. However, the novel stands well on its own, allowing new readers to enjoy the story without needing prior knowledge of the Fleury family’s history.
Overall, it is a warm and engaging novel that skillfully blends mystery, romance, and family drama. Susanne O’Leary’s storytelling, coupled with the charm of the Irish setting, makes this book a delightful read for fans of uplifting, character-driven fiction.
My Sanctuary 