Showing posts with label contemporary. Show all posts
Showing posts with label contemporary. Show all posts

Tuesday, January 27, 2026

My Review for Forever Starts Now by Stefanie London

January 27, 2026  , , , ,  No comments


"...family isn't just blood, it's the people you choose to bring into your life."

I’ve joined a few challenges this year, and one of them is the #kindlecrushchallenge which is being run by @hook.me.a.book 📖✨ The aim of this challenge is to finally read some of those books that have been sitting on your Kindle forever.

So, I started off with Forever Starts Now by Stefanie London 💕, which has been on my Kindle since 2021—and I’m ashamed to say it was also an ARC. 😬 I really have no excuse other than life getting in the way and new books constantly being added to the pile. 📚

Anyway, I’m here now and I’ve finally read it… and I really enjoyed it 🥰. We’re in the small town of Forever Falls 🏡, where Monroe is stuck in a rut and Ethan drops into town in an attempt to discover the truth about his father. In doing so, he also drops straight into Monroe’s life. 💫

The story is full of friendship, romance, family, and self-discovery 💖—everything that small-town life brings, including nosy residents who seem to know things before they even happen! 👀😂 It’s very much a feel-good story, and I can promise it will leave you feeling warm and happy by the end. ☕✨

A very belated thank you to NetGalley and Entangled Publishing 🙏 for the opportunity to read and review Forever Starts Now by Stefanie London. 📘💕

About the Book

What happens when two people who’ve given up on forever find it in each other…?

Single men are as scarce in Forever Falls as a vegetarian at a barbecue. That is, until Ethan Hammersmith moves in. After his fiancée gave him an ultimatum, he left Australia and never looked back. He isn’t in America to find a new girlfriend, though. He’s searching for the father he never knew. But now it’s like he has a flashing sign above his head that says “available.” Thankfully, the manager of the local diner is willing to give him cover—if only she weren’t so distractingly adorable.

Monroe Roberts, town misanthrope and divorcée, knocked “forever” permanently off her wish list ever since the love of her life skipped town with the cliché yoga instructor. And good riddance. She’s got this struggling diner to keep her busy, trying anything to boost sales…until a hot Australian strolls in and changes everything. Monroe’s restaurant is packed full of women who aren’t there to order food, unless Ethan is on the menu. This could sink her business faster than ever. So—light bulb—what if they pretend to be together?

It sounds like the perfect plan. Until they realize there is some very real chemistry in this fake relationship. But is it enough to heal two hearts that have been so deeply wounded?


About Stefanie

Stefanie London is a multi-award-winning, USA Today bestselling author of romantic comedies, cozy mysteries and pulse-pounding thrillers.

Stefanie’s books have been called “genuinely entertaining and memorable” by Booklist, and “elegant, descriptive and delectable” by RT magazine. Her stories have won multiple industry awards, including the HOLT Medallion and OKRWA National Reader's Choice Award, and she has been nominated for the Romance Writers of America RITA award.

Originally from Australia, Stefanie lives in Toronto with her very own hero and is doing her best to travel the world. She frequently indulges in her passions for good coffee, lipstick, romance novels and anything zombie-related.



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Wednesday, January 21, 2026

My Review for Tomorrow Starts Today by Jessica Redland

January 21, 2026  , , ,  No comments



‘I want you to have everything you’ve ever dreamed of.’ ✨

I don’t know what it says about me, but when I read a book like this—filled with village life, crafting clubs, 🧶 eating cake,  and drinking tea ☕ —I want to be right there in the heart of it all  This is despite the fact that I don’t particularly like “real people” and very much enjoy my own company!

Jessica has the knack of enveloping you in whatever world she’s writing about, and Tomorrow Starts Today is no exception. 💛 I totally wanted to join Yvonne’s crafting club, chat to Trevor the parrot 🦜, and go for long walks around the Lakes, 🚶‍♀️🌿 what an idyllic part of England to live in!

I loved the second-chance romance 💕, the friendships, 🤝 and the new challenges this book brought. It’s full of hope and optimism, and the reassurance that there is a brighter future out there for all of us. 🌈

Thank you to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review Tomorrow Starts Today by Jessica Redland. 📚

About the Book

It's never too late to find yourself... 💫

When she unexpectedly loses her husband, Yvonne Kellerman's world turns quiet and grey. Five years on, her days are filled with the gentle chatter of her loyal parrot, Trevor, and the comfort of her crafting table—but she can’t shake the feeling that life is slipping her by and Yvonne feels lost and lonelier than ever.

When she joins the local crafting club at Willowdale Village Hall, Yvonne expects nothing more than a few afternoons of sewing. Instead, amongst the other local crafters, she discovers friendship, laughter and a renewed appreciation for her gorgeous Lake District home. It’s a reminder that she isn’t alone and, with each new stitch, her confidence returns, and so does her belief that it's never too late for fresh starts and new beginnings.

When a familiar face from her past reappears, Yvonne finds herself standing at a will she protect her heart, or embrace the chance to love—and truly live—again?


About Jessica - by Jessica

I write uplifting stories of love, friendship, family and community set in stunning Yorkshire. My Whitsborough Bay books take readers/listeners to the North Yorkshire Coast and my Hedgehog Hollow books transport them deep into the countryside of the Yorkshire Wolds.

My books are about real people living real lives. You'll find plenty of warm and fuzzy moments between the pages but you may occasionally find yourself tearing up and reaching for the tissues. I love my characters so, no matter how tough the going gets, I make sure they get their happy ending. Of course, with a series, it may take a few books to fully get there!

My favourite subject at school was English and I always loved the aspects of my day job in HR which involved writing but I never considered writing a novel until my manager told me that my business reports read more like stories and joked that I should write a book. As soon as a plot idea presented itself, that’s exactly what I did.

















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Monday, December 8, 2025

My Review for A Ferry Merry Christmas by Debbie Macomber

December 08, 2025  , , , ,  No comments


“I have tickets to the Nutcracker. Expensive tickets.” 

A Ferry Merry Christmas was my first venture into Debbie Macomber’s books, and off we trotted to Seattle for a ferry ride across the Puget Sound. The entire story unfolds over just a few hours, as we follow the passengers aboard a rather dodgy ferry ⛴️ that decides to break down mid-journey. 😬

Avery, Harrison, Virginia, James, Beth, Logan, and Olivia are our main characters, all stranded together. And in just a short space of time, each of their lives is going to change—naturally, for the better. 💛

I love how their stories intertwine, how Debbie weaves her Christmas 🎅🏼magic throughout the ferry, and how joy, forgiveness, understanding, and love ripple through every chapter. 💫

If you’re after a cute, Christmassy 🎁 read that will leave you smiling, definitely pick up a copy of this one. 😊

Thank you to Sphere, Little, Brown Book Group, and Hachette UK for the gifted copy of A Ferry Merry Christmas by Debbie Macomber. 📚✨🎀

About the Book

When the holidays don't go to plan, can love chart a new course?

Avery and Reed Bond might drive each other up the wall, but as siblings, they've always had each other's backs - through every triumph, every heartache, and every ill-advised attempt at matchmaking.

This Christmas is their first without their beloved Gram, the woman who raised them and made the season magical. Determined to honour her memory, they plan a holiday escape together. But when their ferry breaks down mid-journey, the festive spirit is in short supply.

Then Avery strikes up an unexpected connection with a dashing sailor who reminds her what magic really feels like. And Reed finds himself seeing his workmate in a whole new - and very unexpected - way.

As the snow falls and the Christmas lights twinkle, the Bond siblings discover that life has a funny way of surprising you. So, could a holiday hiccup turn into the season that changes everything?


About Debbie

Debbie Macomber is a renowned #1 New York Times bestselling author and one of today’s most cherished writers, with over 200 million copies of her books sold globally. Her novels beautifully depict meaningful relationships, celebrating family bonds and enduring friendships, and inspire readers with stories of connection and hope. Macomber’s works have collectively remained on the New York Times bestseller list for more than 1,000 weeks, with fifteen titles reaching the top spot.

In addition to her captivating fiction, Macomber has authored bestselling cookbooks, adult coloring books, numerous inspirational and nonfiction titles, and beloved children’s books. Known as “the official storyteller of Christmas,” her annual holiday tales are adored by fans, many of which have been adapted into original Hallmark Channel movies. She is also the author of the bestselling Cedar Cove series which was adapted into the Hallmark Channel’s first dramatic scripted television series, enjoying a popular three-season run.

Debbie and her husband Wayne are dedicated parents, grandparents, and recently great-grandparents. They reside in the Pacific Northwest—the charming area that inspired many of her books.



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Tuesday, November 25, 2025

My Review for Within the Space of a Second by Elise Helliwell

November 25, 2025  , , , , ,  No comments


'I would let him take me anywhere. Past, present or future. I would give hours of my life to have seconds in his.'

OMFG this book was amazing — addictive, awesome, and such a delight to read. I need the next one right now. How am I supposed to cope until next year??!!

Within the Space of a Second is Elise’s debut novel and she has absolutely hit the ground running. I love a time-travel story (because it’s real, right? People can actually time travel? I just need to crack the method). I was fully immersed in Mariella’s world from page one, and when she starts realising her dreams are actually a form of time travel, I immediately decided that my own incredibly vivid dreams must mean I’m time travelling too. 😂

It’s a love story packed with fantasy, possibilities, choices, and so much more. It’s beautifully written, brilliantly edited, and one of those rare books I already know I’ll reread. I’ve even grabbed it on LibroFM so I can try the audio!

Buy it, add it to your Christmas wishlist, borrow it from a friend or the library — whatever you do, just read it and then tell me you didn’t love it as much as I did.

Thank you to Elise Helliwell, Atria Books, and Simon & Schuster for the gifted copy of Within the Space of a Second.

About the Book

Every morning, Mariella Adams wakes with a strange electrical energy buzzing beneath her skin. Terrified she has inherited her late mother’s mental illness, she tells no one. But when Mariella discovers her mother’s lost journals with an entry dated after her death, she’s desperate for answers.

The mystery only deepens when Mariella is approached by two strangers, Rose and Parker, who claim to be time travelers from the future. They say that interfering with the past – and Mariella – is forbidden, but they need her help to restore Parker’s ability to time travel before they’re caught in Mariella's timeline.

Shocked, Mariella agrees to help them. After all, they might hold the answers she’s looking for. And the more time she spends with them, the more she finds herself drawn to Parker. As she fights to uncover the mysteries of her past and the secrets of his future, will Mariella discover the truth before time runs out – and Parker disappears forever?


About Elise

Elise resides on the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, with her husband and two young girls. An avid romance reader, Elise writes contemporary and sci-fi/fantasy romance, juggling themes of love, anticipation and emotional angst. 

Part time scientist/radiographer and full time hopeless romantic, Elise’s writing combines her love of science and the romance genre to produce suspenseful, swoon-worthy love stories that will keep the reader falling until the very last page.

When Elise isn’t parenting or writing, she’s either in her head watching characters and storylines come to life, or curled up at home with a glass of wine in hand, reading romantasy or contemporary romance.



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Tuesday, November 18, 2025

My Review for House Party by Chloe Ford

November 18, 2025  , , , ,  No comments


'Still infuriatingly gorgeous, and still ridiculously off-limits.'

Another winner from Chloe — I adored it. Hattie and Sam as best friends were brilliant, and honestly, they made the book for me. Every year they spend their birthdays together — Sam on New Year’s Eve and Hattie on New Year’s Day — and every year they have so much fun.

Told over dual timelines, we travel back to when Hattie and Sam first met as teenagers at a party their parents were attending, as well as follow what they’re getting up to in the present day. Along with Priya and Sara, they make an awesome friendship group, and then, randomly, at a snowed-in cabin, Hattie’s cousin Dylan and Sam’s brother Freddie turn up too. Just what will happen between Hattie and Freddie — her old schoolgirl crush — remains to be seen.

I read this while lounging on my balcony on a Mediterranean cruise, so while I was soaking up the sun, I was reading about snow and freezing conditions! 😂

Thank you to Chloe Ford and Aria for the gifted copy of House Party.

About the Book

Hattie has spent half her life secretly crushing on Freddie – her best friend Sam's irresistibly gorgeous older brother. But Freddie? He's barely spared a glance for Hattie, the girl Sam befriended one fateful New Years' Eve when they discovered they were birthday twins. 

Fast-forward to Hattie finds herself single for the first time in years – just before the holidays. Enter Sam, who, in classic best-friend fashion, whisks her away to a remote cabin in the Forest of Dean to cheer her up. Snowy woodland views? Check. A crackling fire and a steamy hot tub? Check. Zero cell service, ravenous wild boars, and an incoming snowstorm of apocalyptic proportions? Also check.

And to make matters even more intense, Freddie joins them, unexpectedly. Still infuriatingly gorgeous, and still ridiculously off-limits. Except this time, he's actually noticing Hattie. But then again, maybe he's been noticing her all along. 

Fifteen years of longing. One night to change everything. This New Year's Eve, they're playing with fire.


About Chloe, by Chloe

I'm Chloe Ford. I write British set romantic comedies. I grew up in rural Sussex but am now based in Gloucestershire. I have an affinity with all things country, from riding horses to muddy walks. My love for writing began at secondary school when my English teacher would set a writing task for the whole hour. As an avid reader, I started sneaking Mills & Boon books out from under my mum’s bed as a teenager and haven't stopped devouring romance books ever since. 

Some of my all time favourite authors (who I will always recommend) include Lisa Kleypas, Emily Henry and Beth O'Leary. While I do love romance, as a reader, I will also venture into thrillers, historical fiction and huge literary masterpieces such as Barbara Kingsolver's Demon Copperhead.
























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Wednesday, November 12, 2025

My Review for Dreams Come True at the Fairytale Museum by Jaimie Admans

November 12, 2025  , , , , ,  No comments


'Today has been the draggiest day in the history of draggy days.'

I didn’t want to read this book. Not because I thought I wouldn’t like it — I knew I’d adore it — but because it’s the last book in a series I’m not ready to say goodbye to. 😢 Jaimie Admans’ Ever After Street series is one of my most favourite series ever. It’s cute, cosy and funny, and every time I read one of the books, I feel like I’ve been wrapped up in a great big warm hug — no matter which one it is — and Dreams Come True at the Fairytale Museum is no exception. 💜

I love Lissa’s enthusiasm for the museum she’s so lucky to be in charge of. All she wants is for her visitors to experience the passion she feels, as her exhibits bring joy to children and adults alike. But what she wasn’t expecting was the devastating news that it all might be taken away from her. Enter Warren! Unfortunately, I didn’t like him from the beginning because I knew a Warren at school who was a complete idiot with a stupid name (sorry to all the Warrens out there)! 😂 I can’t say he grew on me, if I’m honest — maybe he would have if he’d been called George, Brad, Tom or Hugh! Haha, I jest — he was okay really.

All the other shopkeepers on Ever After Street are amazing. They all look after each other, they have their own WhatsApp group, and I want to be friends with them all. They adore Lissa, and the things they get up to to try and help her make the museum successful are so sweet, kind and caring.

This is book six in the Ever After Street series, but it can definitely be read as a standalone — although honestly, you need to meet all the other amazing characters and read their stories too. I’ll miss them all a lot. Thank you, Jaimie, for bringing Ever After Street into my life. 💕

Thank you to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review Dreams Come True at the Fairytale Museum by Jaimie Admans.

About the Book

A BRAND-NEW joyously whimsical, utterly enchanting and totally heart-tugging tale of magic, mischief and modern-day fairytales. Perfect for fans of Sarah Addison Allen, Ali McNamara and Jenny Colgan ✨💕 A place where dreams come true...

Lissa's heart belongs to the Colours of the Wind museum, a charming haven where fairytale artifacts whisper tales of old. But her quiet magic is shattered when a sleek real estate firm buys the building, threatening to demolish her beloved museum. Lissa is devastated and ready to fight.

Enter Warren Berrington, the infuriatingly handsome developer whose modern vision clashes with her quirky world. He talks budgets; she dreams of wishing wells. Yet, Warren offers a three months to save the museum, and despite their fiery arguments, a curious spark ignites between them.

Then, true enchantment begins. Spinning wheels whir, glass slippers vanish, and enchanted objects embark on whimsical adventures, making the museum an overnight sensation. Lissa dares to hope her dreams are finally within reach.

But she can't shake the feeling Warren is playing games. Could he be orchestrating events for a clever ploy, or is Ever After Street weaving a new fairytale, one that might just involve her heart?

About Jaimie

Jaimie is a 38-year-old English-sounding Welsh girl with an awkward-to-spell name. She lives in South Wales and enjoys writing, gardening, watching horror movies, and drinking tea, although she’s seriously considering marrying her coffee machine. 

She loves autumn and winter, and singing songs from musicals despite the fact she’s got the voice of a dying hyena. She hates spiders, hot weather, and cheese & onion crisps. She spends far too much time on Twitter and owns too many pairs of boots. 

She will never have time to read all the books she wants to read.



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Thursday, October 9, 2025

My Review for Falling for You by Emily Maple, Read by Celeste Dring and Davis Brooks

October 09, 2025  , , , , ,  No comments



“Go and live out your best Hugh Grant fantasy.”

Ohhhhh — Annie and Nate, I loved them so much! Although, Annie is a bit needy, right? It wasn’t just me who thought that? Come on, girl — it’s time to get out and explore a bit more; you can’t stay cooped up in a house with your besties forever! 😂

Falling for You is a cute, fast read (or listen!) that gave me all the autumnal, cozy vibes as I popped in my earbuds and strolled along the country lanes of Norfolk — chatting with the piggies and immersing myself in Annie’s hunt for Prince Charming after he disappears into the night without a backward glance.

If you’re a fan of autumn, The Holiday, or anything starring Hugh Grant, grab yourself a copy of this one. You won’t be disappointed.

Thank you to Libro.fm and Penguin Randomhouse Audio for the opportunity to listen to and review Falling for You by Emily Maple.

About the Book

I LOVE autumn. It’s my favourite season – the crisp October air, the smell of pumpkin-spiced lattes, wearing my bright red hand-knitted scarf and beanie. But most of all, I love the costume I made for tonight’s Halloween party. I’m going as a bat, with huge, pop-out wings.

I didn’t expect to impale someone with them though… Or to become so entangled I rip the shirt of the most gorgeously warm-eyed man I’ve ever seen. Or, in fact, to spend all night talking to him before he gets an emergency phone call and dashes off without swapping numbers.

I’ve fallen for a mystery man. Now I just have to find him again…


About Emily

Emily is a writer living in Berkshire with her partner and their occasional dog, Archie the boxer! Emily has worked in casting, marketing and education, but everything always ends up boiling down to her true love... writing! 

Emily is the international bestselling author of four novels under the name Olivia Beirne.



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Tuesday, September 30, 2025

My Review for The Accidental Rewrite by Milly Johnson, read by Colleen Prendergast

September 30, 2025  , , , , ,  No comments



"Polly often wondered whether, if someone were to cut through Ward Hunt, they'd find 'greed' running through him like a stick of Blackpool rock."

Published in the UK in 2024 as The Happiest Ever After, this book has a brand-new US title—The Accidental Rewrite—and it's out today!

I absolutely adored listening to this. It was cute, sad, fun, and absolutely hilarious—I was giggling all the way through. Polly is awesome. She's put up with a lot, and now, finally, it's time for her to put herself first—though, of course, it doesn't quite go to plan.

I love books with UK references, like Mrs Bucket (Bouquet), Kew Gardens, and sticks of rock! I even had to explain to a US friend what a stick of rock is (candy found in seaside towns throughout the UK). Pink mint is the best, by the way!

Colleen Prendergast was brilliant narrating this one. With her gorgeous northern accent, her voice is still spinning through my head even as I write this review. I'm definitely going to look for more audiobooks she's narrated, even if I don't usually read that genre. 😁

I haven’t read enough books by Milly Johnson yet, but that will soon be rectified—back catalogue, here we come!

Thank you to Libro FM and Harper Muse for the opportunity to listen to and review The Accidental Rewrite by Milly Johnson.

About the Book

What if it was possible to start over again? To leave everything behind, forget all that went before, and live the life you'd always dreamed of?

Polly Potter is losing the plot of her life. At work, her jerk of a boss is making her days unbearable. At home, she's trapped in an unappreciated relationship with a man-child of a partner. She's left completely drained by always putting others first. Amid this chaos, Polly finds solace in one place: the pages of her novel, where she shapes the world of the fearless and triumphant Sabrina Anderson, a character who embodies everything Polly wishes she could be. And thus a plan is born: Polly Potter is going to stop writing the life she wants and start living it.

Just as she makes her move--quitting her job, leaving her partner, and embarking on a road trip to start over--fate turns everything upside down. A wild turn of events leaves her far from home along the Yorkshire coast, in the hospital, waking up from a concussion, believing her name is Sabrina Anderson. She doesn't know where she's come from, but she feels she could heal in that seaside town, with the fresh air, seagulls, and a few kind strangers who take her into their lives. And into the heart of their joyful, boisterous Italian family restaurant--run by Teddy, the warmhearted son of her new landlady. When the restaurant is threatened, she knows she has the skills to help--and as her memory slowly returns, she must choose between Sabrina's life or Polly's. With her identity in question, Polly wonders: what if this new life could truly be hers? What if she could rewrite her story with a happier ending?

About Milly - by Milly

Hello. My name is Milly Johnson and I’m an international novelist (Sunday Times bestseller – ahem. I would have been a number 1 and not a number 2 if Richard Osman hadn’t blocked up the top spot!), newspaper columnist, poet, after-dinner speaker, professional joke writer (and winner of a Come Dine With Me week!).

I come from Barnsley in South Yorkshire where I’ve lived all my life – apart from four years at University in Exeter doing Drama and Education (St Lukes in case you’re asking) and thirteen years in Haworth in West Yorkshire, where I went hoping to catch some Bronte writing magic. I married there, had my children before coming back to my OG home part of the county.



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Tuesday, September 23, 2025

My Review for The Honeycrisp Orchard Inn by Valerie Bowman, read by Andi Arndt

September 23, 2025  , , , , ,  No comments


“It’s not easy to say no to your ideal of success. But… sometimes your definition of success changes.”

Crisp autumn mornings, with the smell of fresh apples on the trees, cinnamon buns in the bakery, and pumpkin spiced latte to top it all off. The Honeycrisp Orchard Inn gave me Gilmore Girls vibes, along with snippets of all the other autumn books I've devoured this year. I loved it. 

The entire story is cute and heartfelt, romantic and full of humour. Ellie's ex-boyfriend is a complete knob-jockey who deserves to be pushed off the roof of the cute little inn. I'm so glad we didn't see a lot of him in the story. Pumpkin the pug was a huge hit, with me and with everyone who flocked to his Instagram account - there's just something about a dog in PJs! 😂

I felt that, despite living in the city for years, Ellie had a lot of personal growing-up to do, to realise that what she wants now, isn't necessarily the same as what she wanted when she was a kid. She found her place back in the small town on Long Island and I loved that she did.

This is a perfect read for anyone who loves cosy small-town romances with autumn vibes.

Thank you to Avon Books and Libro FM for the opportunity to listen to and review The Honeycrisp Orchard Inn by Valerie Bowman.

About the Book

Ellie Lawson’s city life was treating her just fine until a sour turn of events knocks her out in one fell swoop. Dumped by her boyfriend and fired from her event planning job, she is left with no choice but to return to her parents’ idyllic inn, nestled within a picturesque Honeycrisp orchard on Long Island. Anticipating a quiet hiatus in the attic apartment, she is instead met with Aiden, the stubborn, attractive son of the orchard owner who is currently occupying her planned refuge.

Forced together by circumstance, they find themselves not only roommates but also coworkers, when they’re put in charge by their parents of the orchard’s vital Harvest Festival, a lifeline for both the struggling orchard and the inn. Amidst the enchanting disorder of small-town life, Ellie and Aiden grapple with their conflicting values, burgeoning feelings, and an electrifying tension.

As Ellie discovers the unexpected charm of the life she left behind and Aiden learns there’s much more to Ellie than he’d first assumed, one fact the future of the orchard and the inn depends on their unlikely collaboration.

Embark on a captivating journey of rediscovery, love, and the irreplaceable magic of small-town life.


About Valerie

Valerie Bowman’s debut novel was published in 2012. Since then, her books have received starred reviews from Publisher’s Weekly, Booklist, and Kirkus. She’s been an RT Reviewers’ Choice nominee for Best First Historical Romance and Best Historical Romance Love and Laughter. Two of her books have been nominated for the Kirkus Prize for fiction.

Valerie grew up in Illinois with six sisters (she’s number seven) and a huge supply of romance novels. After a cold and snowy stint earning a degree in English Language and Literature with a minor in history at Smith College, she moved to Florida the first chance she got. Valerie now lives in Jacksonville with her family including her mini-schnauzers, Huckleberry and Violet. When she’s not writing, she keeps busy reading, traveling, or vacillating between watching crazy reality TV and PBS.



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Thursday, September 18, 2025

My Review for The Gingerbread Bakery by Laurie Gilmore, read by Savannah Peachwood and Sebastian York

September 18, 2025  , , , ,  No comments



"Annie was an on-kilter kind of girl."

Book number five in the Dream Harbor series, and finally we get to read about Annie and Mac's story. I need to say this though… am I the only one who, for some reason, thought that Annie and Mac were a senior couple?? Nope? Just me then! 🙈

Is it just characters in books who don't communicate and end up wasting months—sometimes years—of their lives? The Gingerbread Bakery was written from Annie and Mac's points of view, from both "then" and "now." I must admit I got a little lost sometimes as to what year we were in, but I soon caught up.

It was such a cute read, and I loved every minute—especially when we caught up with all the other characters from the previous books. Personally, I'd have liked to spend some more time in the actual Gingerbread Bakery and less time on the relationship, but that's just because I love cakes! The Cinnamon Bun Bookstore is still my favourite book, and Noah and Hazel are still my favourite couple. Perfect for anyone who loves small-town romances with plenty of sweetness. Now let's see what's in store for Daisy in the next book.

Thank you to Libro FM and HarperCollins for the opportunity to listen to and review The Gingerbread Bakery by Laurie Gilmore.

About the book

As owner of her beloved Gingerbread Bakery, Annie Andrews should have a love life to match her business; sugary and sweet. But instead, she’s locked in a game of words with the irritatingly upbeat bar owner down the street.

Mac Sullivan has everything he wants, except the girl he dreams of. It’s easier to argue with Annie than get her to talk to him but with Jeanie and Logan’s wedding coming up, they're about to spend a lot more time together.

As the snowflakes fall and with romance in the air, will Annie see that the one she loves to hate might just be her perfect match after all?


About Laurie/Melissa - by Laurie

As Melissa McTernan, I write sweet and steamy fantasy/paranormal romance. I love grumpy heroes, sarcastic heroines, and grown-up fairy tales. I am currently working on The Wolf Brother’s series for One More Chapter (a HarperCollins UK imprint). The trilogy follows three werewolf brothers and their (maybe if they don’t screw it up) Mates.

As Laurie Gilmore (my pen name), I write steamy small-town romance. My Dream Harbor series is filled with quirky townsfolk, cozy settings, and swoon-worthy romance. I love finding books with the perfect balance of sweetness and spice and strive for that in my own writing. If you ever wished you lived in Stars Hollow (or that Luke and Lorelai would just get together already!) then these books are definitely for you.

When I’m not writing, I’m most likely reading or wrangling my kids as a stay-at-home mom. I live in upstate New York with my husband, kids, cats, puppy, and full bookshelves. I write romance to keep my sanity.








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Thursday, September 11, 2025

My Review for Winter Nights at the Bay Bookshop by Jessica Redland

September 11, 2025  , , , , ,  No comments


'Why would anyone ever want to live a life without books?'

Jessica! You made me cry. I rarely, if ever, cry at a book, but I shed a few tears towards the end of Winter Nights at the Bay Bookshop. The entire book was gorgeous, from beginning to end. I adored Lily, I was charmed by Lars, and I adored all the book references. Yes please Jessica, will you write the Snow Dragon for us?! 💕

I learnt lots about the Icelandic traditions around Christmas time, it's so much fun to find out what other countries around the world do. I'm not sure about some of those things the Yule Lads got up to though, 🙈 but with a mother who eats naughty children, 😜 I can't say I'm surprised! They sort of reminded me of the Elf On The Shelf tradition!

Both Lily and Lars have experienced loss and heartbreak throughout the years, but together they can come to terms and deal with everything. I was especially obsessed with the Paperback Pixie — what a magical idea! I even caught myself imagining how I could do something similar in my village (though it might bankrupt me 😂).

With the many references to Anne of Green Gables, I really need to sit down and read it - I never have, even though I have a pretty copy on my shelf, just waiting. 

Thank you to Boldwood Books, Jessica Redland and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review Winter Nights at the Bay Bookshop. 

About the Book

Nestled amongst the comforting shelves of her beloved Bay Books, Lily Appleton finds the peace and quiet she needs. But with Christmas just around the corner, Lily has to find an extra pair of hands to help her share the bookish magic.

After selling his business, Lars Jóhannsson is feeling lost. A job at Bay Books would give him the space he needs to contemplate his next move, but returning would mean confronting a painful past he's been avoiding. He’s also fairly sure he’s the one person Lily would never want to see again.

Lily is torn. Lars could be the perfect fit for Bay Books, but he once rejected her friendship and the hurt still lingers. But working together, Lily discovers a vulnerability that Lars has kept hidden away, along with a few surprising secrets. And as the Christmas season sprinkles its magic, Lily discovers the warmth of renewed friendship and the joy of heartwarming traditions from Lars’s Icelandic roots.

Surrounded by the quiet magic of the season and the soft glow of festive lights, perhaps there’s even the possibility of finding a love as enchanting as the Northern Lights on a winter's night.


About Jessica - by Jessica

I write uplifting stories of love, friendship, family and community set in stunning Yorkshire. My Whitsborough Bay books take readers/listeners to the North Yorkshire Coast and my Hedgehog Hollow books transport them deep into the countryside of the Yorkshire Wolds.

My books are about real people living real lives. You'll find plenty of warm and fuzzy moments between the pages but you may occasionally find yourself tearing up and reaching for the tissues. I love my characters so, no matter how tough the going gets, I make sure they get their happy ending. Of course, with a series, it may take a few books to fully get there!

My favourite subject at school was English and I always loved the aspects of my day job in HR which involved writing but I never considered writing a novel until my manager told me that my business reports read more like stories and joked that I should write a book. As soon as a plot idea presented itself, that’s exactly what I did.

















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