Category Archives: Review card

Review Card & Book Review- Catch and Release By Tracy Solheim

A second chance, enemies-to-lovers football romance.

He’s the pro athlete everyone wants to be.
Quarterback Trey Van Horn didn’t become the league’s MVP by accident. Years of self-discipline and iron-clad control have made him the envy of everyone in and around the game of football. But when he comes face-to-face with the one who got away, his tightly managed life is turned upside down. Now he’ll do whatever it takes to score the greatest comeback of his life.

She’s tired of being every guy’s doormat.
London Headley is on the verge of having the career she’s always dreamed of. Too bad the path to her promotion runs through the guy who broke her heart a decade earlier. So what if everything about the Milwaukee Growlers QB sets her panties on fire? She’s determined to keep things professional. Life has taught her that men will always choose something—or someone—over her. It’s going to take more than a Hail Mary to get her to buy into the fairy tale.

The only problem? Her lips don’t seem to want to follow the game plan. Not when Trey is executing an all-out blitz to prove he’s worth a second chance.

About The Author

My Review

This book follows Trey and London’s tumultuous journey to rediscovering love in the third installment of the Milwaukee Growlers Football series. Trey, the star quarterback, reluctantly agrees to chair a gala where he crosses paths with London, a PR guru with whom he shares a complicated history. Despite their unresolved past, the undeniable chemistry between them reignites as they work together. As they navigate their feelings and confront past misunderstandings, Trey and London must confront their fears and compromise to find happiness together. This heartwarming story is filled with steamy encounters, emotional depth, and charming moments, offering readers a delightful blend of romance and second chances.

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Review Card & Book Review – Living the Dream at Puddleduck Farm By Della Galton

Puddleduck Vets Practice is busier than ever.
Phoebe Dashwood is juggling the usual crazy animal antics of her quirky clients, whilst organising the wedding of her bridezilla grandmother and thankfully dating her perfect man.

Phoebe loves every minute of being a New Forest vet, even if she hardly has time to catch her breath. If only she could find some quality time for her and the man of her dreams, life would be perfect.

When an ex’s heartbreak stirs up some emotions from the past, Phoebe realises she must deal with some unfinished business. It would seem a miracle is needed to pull off a happy ending for everyone – but is it within Phoebe’s power to work miracles?

About The Author

My Review

Life remains hectic at Phoebe’s veterinary practice, leaving little time for her relationship with Sam, who is concerned about his mother’s troubling behavior. Meanwhile, Phoebe’s grandmother, Maggie, meticulously plans her wedding to Eddie, adding to Phoebe’s busy schedule. Rufus, facing changes in his life, seeks a new focus after his relationship with Phoebe ends. Amidst the anticipation of Maggie’s wedding and Phoebe and Sam’s evolving relationship, the narrative unfolds with animal-related challenges and heartwarming tales from Puddleduck Farm. Despite being part of a series, the book stands alone with engaging storytelling and a satisfying conclusion, though it hints at the possibility of future installments. With beloved characters and a charming New Forest setting, this delightful read is highly recommended.

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Review Card & Book Review – A French Adventure By Jennifer Bohnet

When your old life ceases to exist, it’s time to build a new one…

It’s early summer on the French Riviera when Vivienne Wilson arrives for a one-woman writers’ retreat after her philandering husband informs her that their 30-year marriage is over.

There to collect the shell-shocked Vivienne is recently widowed Maxine Zonszain, who is struggling to come to terms with her empty life following the sudden death of her husband.

Florist extraordinaire, Olivia Murray, shares the Villa that Vivienne is renting. She’s pretty content with life – but longs to meet ‘The One’.

Life under the summer sun in Antibes becomes a challenging time for all three women. Secrets are shared, problems are halved as they forge new and unexpected friendships and embark on new adventures.

Sometimes life’s surprises turn out to be unwanted but just sometimes the ‘new normal’ makes for a happier life than the one lost.

About The Author

My Review

Vivienne, a successful author, heads to the Riviera for solitude to finish her book, only to be blindsided by her husband’s announcement of ending their marriage for someone else. In Antibes, she finds solace in newfound friendships with Maxine, recently widowed, and Olivia, the florist downstairs. As Vivienne stands up to her husband’s demands, the story explores her emotional journey alongside her friends’ personal challenges. Set against the backdrop of the Riviera, the novel offers armchair travel with vibrant descriptions of the region’s allure. With themes of fresh starts and resilience, this beautifully written tale, complete with real characters and a satisfying conclusion, is a delightful summer read recommendation.

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Review Card & Book Review – A Greek Island Escape By Kate Frost

Can a Greek escape be the start of something special?

Xanthe Fox has it all: a famous, drop-dead gorgeous boyfriend, a dream career and bright future – until heartbreak sends her life into a tailspin.

So when Xanthe’s Greek godmother unexpectedly leaves her a villa on the sumptuous island of Kefalonia, Xanthe jumps at the chance to put her life in London on hold and escape to the island hideaway to rethink her future.

The break allows Xanthe the time to explore her passions, sift through her feelings and discover more about her estranged Greek family while renovating her godmother’s enchanting Villa Aster.

But not everyone is happy to see her. Unfazed by her hostile neighbours and after making a mortifying mistake with a sexy builder, Xanthe is equally charmed by Kefalonia and a handsome, brooding gardener.

Chasing dreams, taking chances and saying ‘yes’ has the potential to turn Xanthe’s life upside down, but will a summer escape allow her to sparkle once more?

About The Author

My Review

Xanthe, content with her life in London, inherits a villa in her mother’s Greek village after her godmother’s passing. Uncovering family secrets, she plans to visit, stirring unease in her mother Elina, who had left her past behind. As Xanthe delves into her heritage, unexpected twists and lively characters emerge, including her favorite, Jude. The narrative’s vibrancy immerses readers in Agatha’s villa and the Greek scenery, leaving them with a smile and perhaps a touch of life envy. The novel’s clever twist and vivid descriptions make it an amusing and absorbing read.

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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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