Category Archives: Review card

Review Card & Book Review – This Is Not A Holiday Romance By Camilla Isley

Two sworn enemies, snowed in over Christmas with chemistry that will melt the ice!

Nina Thompson has one Christmas wish: to avoid her brother’s obnoxiously handsome best friend, Tristan, like the plague. From the moment he humiliated her as a teenager to their escalating revenge schemes, Nina and Tristan’s relationship can only be defined as an all-out prank war! And there is yet to be a winner.

But it just so happens the ghost of Christmas present has other ideas. When Tristan unexpectedly crashes her family’s Christmas, Nina’s dreams of a peaceful holiday vanish faster than Santa up a chimney. Determined to end their rivalry for good, she braces herself for one last prank-filled showdown.

But when they find themselves snowed in, with no way of avoiding each other amongst the holiday festivities, they discover their heated exchanges have been masking a different kind of sizzle. Caught in a snow globe of holiday romance, they decide to let their fiery chemistry burn bright—but this is absolutely and unequivocally nothing more than a secret fling destined to melt with the snow, this is not a forever romance…

About The Author

My Review

The story revolves around Nina Thompson, who anticipates a quiet Christmas with her family, but her plans are thrown off course when her longtime nemesis, Tristan—her brother’s best friend—is unexpectedly forced to join them due to a canceled flight. With a 15-year history of pranks and insults, their animosity slowly shifts into an undeniable attraction as they spend more time together. As the tension between them intensifies, they are compelled to face their true feelings. Overall, this book is sizzling, easy to read, highly entertaining, and packed with expertly executed favorite tropes.

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Review Card & Book Review – Just A Cowboy And His Baby By Carolyn Brown

Gemma O’Donnell was incensed when she wasn’t the first woman to win the PRCA (Professional Rodeo Championship Association) buckle for bronc riding. This year, she heads out on the PRCA ProRodeo Tour burning to be the second.

First stop is Cody, Wyoming where her stiffest competition is Trace Coleman, who already has a jump on her. A tall, dark-haired cowboy with a sexy grin and a swagger, he doesn’t really give a damn about the trophy belt buckle—he wants the purse to buy a ranch he has his eye on. He damn sure doesn’t have time for a sassy bit of Irish baggage who can evidently ride anything with four legs and make anything with two legs want to take her to bed.

Gemma wins a few; Trace wins a few. In the end they both qualify for the final cut in Las Vegas. But when it comes down to the wire, only one can win the bronc-riding competition and take home one helluva prize. But in this competition, it just might be loser takes all…

About The Author

My Review

Trace and Gemma are rodeo competitors aiming for the Las Vegas finals, with Gemma being the only woman in the competition. Their immediate attraction is tested as they navigate their relationship over several months. The author contrasts their different backgrounds, showcasing their similarities and developing their bond. A surprise pregnancy adds forced proximity, deepening their connection. The story addresses Trace’s strained relationship with his parents with nuance, making them more relatable. Gemma is strong and well-developed, while Trace, an orphan with a complicated family dynamic, is equally stubborn. The plot incorporates the challenges of rodeo life but remains a fulfilling and pleasant romance, showcasing a journey from not seeking a relationship to finding true love.

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Review Card & Book Review – Love’s Cure By Judith Keim

Love cures all …

When Emmett Chambers comes to Lilac Lake to replace Dr. Johnson, the town’s GP, Dr. Johnson asks Crystal, owner of the Lilac Lake Café, to show him around. Emmett is the son of an insufferable ambitious politician who is the reason Emmett has chosen the life of a doctor in a small town, away from politics. Just as the relationship between Crystal and Emmett heats up, Emmett’s mother finds out about it and is furious, deeming Crystal unsuitable for the family during her husband’s presidential campaign. Hoping to allow things to cool off, Crystal spends time at the Ogunquit Playhouse in Maine doing her usual summer gig as an extra in some of the plays put on there. But when she’s called upon to help Emmett’s mother with a problem there, everything changes for all of them.

About The Author

My Review

The little hamlet of Lilac Lake is growing and one of it’s new citizens is Dr. Emmett Chambers, who has come to replace long time family Dr. Johnson who has retired. When Emmett is getting to know the town, the one person he is drawn to and would like to get to know more is Crystal who owns the Lilac Cafe’. Where the towns people like to hang out for their coffee in the morning and lunch. She has grown up in Lilac Lake and everyone knows her past, but she has always been good friends with Whitney, Dani and Taylor Gilford and their GG who treated her like one of her own. They know and love Crystal for who she is and so does her ex husband Nick who is now married to Whitney. As both Emmett’s past and family’s come to light, the two want to be see if they can have a life together, despite the obstacles put in their way. Can love conquer all?

I love Crystal and who she is not who others want her to be and she knows that she has fought to be where she is today, a respected member of the community. She built her business on her own and raised her sister when there was no one else. The people that helped along the way love her. She is one of my fav people in this series. Emmett was attracted to Chrystal from the start, but was he willing to look beyond the purple hair and see her for who she was on the inside. She was willing to do the same for him.

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Review Card & Book Review – Big Witch Energy By Molly Harper

Caroline Wilton is dying to get off Starfall Point, but if she leaves, there’s a good chance she’ll literally die. For centuries, any Wilton who ventured off the island immediately perished in some freak accident. While Caroline has begrudgingly obeyed her family’s curse, she’s never forgiven all that it has cost her. After all, her high school sweetheart left for college and never came back. Until now.

Although Dr. Ben Hoult returned to take over the med clinic, in his heart, he came back for Caroline. Practical, sensible Ben was too stubborn to believe in her curse. But when his own two teenagers meddle their way into coven business, Ben’s eyes are opened to the world of magic. He quickly learns that Caroline and her friends have the power to see ghosts—like the angry woman in eighteen-century garb occupying her family’s tavern with a menacing glare—and boy, do they need managing.

As the witches dig through old spell books for insight, they discover the angry tavern ghost as one of the island’s most sinister legends—information that could be the key to breaking the Wilton curse and giving Caroline the life she’s always wanted with the man she’s always loved

About The Author

My Review

“Big Witch Energy” continues the magical tale on Starfall Point, centering on Caroline, an island resident bound by a family curse that prevents her from leaving. Caroline, who stayed to work at her family’s bar instead of attending college, reconnects with her high school love, Ben, when he returns to the island with his children after nearly 20 years. Their rekindled romance is sweet, though they must confront past issues.

Ben’s children quickly embrace Caroline and the magic of Shadow House, despite sometimes seeming overly mature. The book deepens the lore of Shadow House, adding layers to its mystery while drawing the characters closer together. Ben’s early discovery of the island’s supernatural elements, especially with his children’s potential abilities, is a welcome development. Additionally, Edison from the first book finds a new “mundane bro” in Ben to discuss the island’s magic.

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Review Card & Book Review – Royal Rising By Holly Kerr

Prince Kalle does not want to be king. But will the right queen make him change his mind?

Kalle. eldest son of King Magnus of Laandia, is expected to be crowned king at his father’s untimely death.

(Hopefully not anytime soon—King Magnus is in good health. But still… sometime in the future Kalle is supposed to be king.)

Only he doesn’t want the crown.

Kalle, Laandia’s most celebrated jock (baseball, hockey, curling and now darts), is heading into another high-profile fling with a wealthy socialite. He’s the prince who will give you a good time but not the one you settle down with. In fact, Kalle would be perfectly happy staying single, keeping out of the media spotlight, and spending his days at his bar, The King’s Hat, which is managed by his best friend, Edie England.

Edie thinks Kalle would be a great king. So does (some of) Laandia. Friends with Kalle since a rocky driving lesson, Edie is the daughter of the groundskeeper at the castle and knows Kalle would make a good king. But Kalle doesn’t agree.

But King Magnus suggests Kalle should be looking for someone to share the role with. Stand beside him to rule Laandia. Be his queen.

Kalle likes that idea. But who will be his queen?

About The Author

My Review

In the third Kingdom of Laandia book, Prince Kalle, the heir who prefers a quiet life above his bar, faces pressure to step into his royal duties after his brother abdicates. Advised by his father to choose a partner wisely, Kalle considers top model Fennella Carrington, but complications arise when his cousin pursues Edie, Kalle’s best friend and secret love. As Edie, the daughter of the castle’s former groundskeeper, starts dating his cousin, Kalle rethinks his feelings for her. The story is heartwarming and filled with family dynamics, romantic tension, and natural banter, offering readers an engaging journey of self-discovery and love.

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Review Card & Book Review – The Best Is Yet To Come By Jessica Redland

Emma is having a fresh start.

After a successful teaching career, an exciting new chapter awaits Emma – helping her fiancé Grayson run one of Beatrix Potter’s farms. While imagining days spent supporting Grayson with his dream, working the land and helping with the animals, Emma harvests a dream of her own – to set up an alpaca-walking business around the farm.

But working together isn’t as easy as Emma expected. Soon her dreams are in tatters and, broken-hearted, she must start over yet again.

When Oliver, Rosie and the team at Willowdale Hall welcome Emma with open arms, she can’t believe her luck. But starting a new business in a new place is a daunting prospect, especially when it comes with unexpected obstacles. With a reserved, prickly groundskeeper as a partner, rapidly changing family dynamics to contend with, and time running out to get her new career off the ground, Emma may have bitten off more than she can chew.

But even though things are not going to plan just yet, the best is yet to come for Emma, if she can just take a leap of faith and follow her heart…

About The Author

My Review

The book follows Emma, who is starting over in life after leaving her teaching career to work with her fiancé, Grayson, on his farm. However, things don’t go as planned, leading Emma to start over once again, this time on her own. The story highlights Emma’s journey through disappointment and resilience as she pursues her dream of caring for alpacas with the support of her friends and family. The novel captures the importance of strong relationships and shows how unexpected challenges can lead to personal growth and fulfillment. It’s a heartwarming, feel-good story with well-crafted characters that readers will connect with deeply.

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Review Card & Book Review – The Little Irish Farm By Michelle Vernal

Pursuing her dream life in Ireland, twenty-something Dublin newspaper columnist Jess is now half a world away from her family and feeling pretty lonely. At least she has her childhood collection of antique fairy tales. But she longs to be out exploring all the old stories Ireland is famed for.

So when she finds a heart-breaking dedication to a little girl in a new addition to her collection, Jess knows that the story behind it would be perfect for her next column. And, when her research takes her to a tumbledown farmhouse in a tiny Irish village, she can barely contain her joy. The endless rolling hills surrounding the small cottage are just like the scenes in Jess’s favourite novels.

She even warms to the dark and brooding farmer hosting her, Owen. He may come off a little grumpy, but it doesn’t take long for Jess to be swept up by his dark eyes and quiet charms as they walk together across the fresh green fields of the farm. And Jess’s heart melts when she discovers he is hiding a tragic secret…

One wrapped up in the history of the farm, and very same little girl Jess is here to research. But, with the demands of her job calling her back to the home she hates, she must decide: does their story end here at the farm? Or could following her heart heal the wounds of a devastating past, and set her and Owen on the path to happily ever after?

About The Author

My Review

Jess Baré, a Dublin journalist, moves from New Zealand to escape her mother’s matchmaking. She enjoys writing, spending time with friends, and collecting vintage children’s books. After discovering an inscription in one book, Jess investigates its original owner, leading her to Owen Aherne and the tragic story of his sister, Amy. Despite Owen’s moodiness, a romance develops between them. The novel also highlights Jess’s strong friendships and her evolving relationship with her mother. While the romance could have been more developed, the story balances humor with emotional depth, making it a touching small-town romance.

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Review Card & Book Review – Winter Magic On Railway Lane By Alison Sherlock

Join the residents of Railway Lane for one last magical adventure…

Globetrotting Libby Jacobs has lost her job but is looking forward to spending more time in her home village of Cranfield.

She dreams of turning her chocolate making hobby into something more permanent. There’s only one problem – Ethan Connolly.

Despite being soul mates growing up, Libby hasn’t been close to Ethan since their disastrous date at the school prom. But now he’s back and he has just what Libby needs… a large kitchen! But can they even bear to be in the same room together?

Ethan never stays in Cranfield too long as it reminds him of his parents’ terrible marriage. But when disaster strikes, he’s forced to stay and help realise his grandad’s dream of a Christmas train. Can the whole village help Ethan create a seasonal spectacular in time?

Can Libby confront her secrets and realise her dreams?

And can Ethan ever stop running from his past and trust his heart?

Perhaps the magic of winter on Railway Lane might just give Libby and Ethan a second chance after all…

About The Author

My Review

Libby Jacobs returns to her hometown of Cranfield after losing her job and dreams of turning her passion for chocolate into a business. Complicating matters is Ethan, her childhood soulmate, who’s back in town to help with a Christmas train project while dealing with his own past. As they reconnect, their old feelings resurface, but Ethan’s fear of love, shaped by his mother’s actions, holds him back. The story explores loss, illness, hope, and the magic of Christmas. Libby’s journey, mixed with chocolate-making and small-town charm, creates an uplifting, heartwarming read full of promise.

My Rating

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