Four and a half stars Life often changes in ways we never imagined, as this group of travellers find out. Bernadette had suffered years of abuse from heFour and a half stars Life often changes in ways we never imagined, as this group of travellers find out. Bernadette had suffered years of abuse from her controlling husband. Now she is taking an expenses paid holiday despite the fact that at the last minute her best friend was unable to go with her because of her daughter’s accident. It is a big step for Bernadette to go alone. But she doesn’t stay alone long. On the plane she meets up with Hayley, a younger woman. Bernadette recognises that Hayley is the wife also of a controlling abusive husband. Her husband is a top fertility specialist.but the sad irony is they have been struggling for years to fall pregnant. And it is apparently Hayley’s fault. The holiday is meant to help them relax and conceive.. But things do not work according to plan Also on the plane is Tadgh who is on his way to his wedding with Cheryl, wh he has loved for years. But then he finds a text on his brother’s phone that sets up all sorts of questions and doubts. Dev is chasing after a woman he met and with whom he spent one night. He is convinced she is the love of his life and sets off to Ireland to find her again. Her name is Cheryl. So, lots of things going on in this book and questions raised. I loved the interaction between the four main characters and the way their stories unfolded as the novel progressed. Each of the characters stole a little of my heart. Very much rom com material particularly towards the end, though it deals with some heavy topics like abuse in a sensitive manner along the way. I could have done without the repeated use of the f word and blasphemy. But I realise this is something that I have an issue with while it may not worry other people. A recommended read. This is the first book I have read by this author, I am keen to read more now....more
4 stars Deena Clarke has been caring for her best friend’s young child, Willow, since Tammalee died. She plans to speak to Willow’s father, Luis Domin4 stars Deena Clarke has been caring for her best friend’s young child, Willow, since Tammalee died. She plans to speak to Willow’s father, Luis Dominguez, about the situation. Deena is struggling to juggle her job and caring for Willow. The problem is Luis has no idea he is a father. Tammalee had never told him she was pregnant. Their’s had not been a long time relationship just a few nights. When Luis learns about Willow he wants to step up and be a father to her. But he knows he needs help. On Teaberry Island he has his foster mother Betty and his two foster brothers. It is where he spent many happy days. But more importantly he hopes to convince Deena to stay on as Willow’s nanny. To sweeten the deal, Luis a very wealthy man buys an old bookshop on Teaberry Island when he learns Deena loves books. He hopes to convince Deena to manage it as well as help care for Willow. The idea is tempting and Deena agrees to give it a try. What he does not expect and neither does Deena, is the attraction that springs up between them. And Willow is suffering Freon Fetal Alcohol Syndrome, so that is another aspect that plays into the narrative. There is another story concerning Carol who has lost her job and her husband wants a divorce so he can marry his latest fling. Carol comes back to Teaberry Island where her sister lives, needing to find a job.. She finds one at the bookshop. I was looking for something light and uplifting. This book was not exactly that in some ways. It ended up being an emotional read, I did enjoy it though very much. The characters were great and so was the setting. Plus books about books and bookshops often make for interesting reading. A recommended read. i had not read the earlier books in this series. It didn’t matter. This stands alone fine....more
Her husband Finn died two years earlier while on a holiday jaunt, and a trip to celebrate his 30th birthday. Lexie blames his mate and fellow risk takHer husband Finn died two years earlier while on a holiday jaunt, and a trip to celebrate his 30th birthday. Lexie blames his mate and fellow risk taker Jasper Holland. Lexie blames Jasper for always encouraging Finn to take risks with his life. Lexie and Finn had run a very successful restaurant where a lot of celebrities enjoyed coming. Finn was always happy to interact with them, Lexie was happier staying in the kitchen. After Finn died, Lexie lost her passion for the restaurant business. She sells the restaurant and heads to Myrtle Cottage at Port Kara in Cornwall. It was a place she-and Fiinn had gone whenever they got a chance to take a break. She rents the same cottage for six weeks, thinking that would give her time to figure out what to do next with her life. She moves with and Albie, her special Labrador friend It is through Albie that Lexie meets Elliott. Elliott is another risk taker who left a career in finance and now owns and runs a successful adventure centre. Lexie is determined to keep her distance. from Elliott. But that is not the way things work in the end. I have read several books by this author and loved them, so I felt confident this would be the same. I was not disappointed. I never wanted to put this book down and when life forced me to, I couldn’t wait to get back to it again. I lived through everything with Lexie and Elliott. No surprise in that I adored this book as it sucked me right in. I really cared about Lexie and Elliott and powered through this story.. A heartfelt and emotional read, it certainly kept my attention, especially with the drama towards the end. Great setting, likable main characters and some interesting and fun secondary characters with Morwenna, Vyvyan and Pat plus the two canines who provide fun and drama. Definitely a recommended read. A book to enjoy and am sure many will as I did....more
1850 Sarah Hallow and Bridie Marley meet on board The Lady Susan sailing to Australia. Despite being very different, they find they have a lot in comm1850 Sarah Hallow and Bridie Marley meet on board The Lady Susan sailing to Australia. Despite being very different, they find they have a lot in common as they are both midwives. They soon become firm friends. When a woman is in labour Bridie and Sarah offer to help Dr Waterford but he refuses their help. They are appalled when he leaves the woman alone and seek to provide what comfort they can in labour. In the end he begrudgingly accepts their help. Will Waterford feels attracted to Bridie despite her brash manner and way of talking.but it seems Bridie wants little to do with ‘the doctor’s boy ‘ Her attention is elsewhere. When an outbreak of typhus occurs on board it is a case of all hands on deck. Sarah and Bridie are busy helping Dr Waterford.but can they withstand this outbreak and make it to Brisbane and start their midwifery practice? This is an interesting but not always enjoyable read, as it presents a very stark picture of life on the ship coming to Australia. There is a lot of drama and death along the way to Australia. It certainly presents a clear picture of how hard the conditions were. Although this is fiction it was inspired or based on a true story the author tells us. Not a comfortable read but definietely recommended....more
Nora Bromley has always wanted to be an architect. Only one major problem. She is a woman. And back in 1902 such a thing was unheard of. I really likeNora Bromley has always wanted to be an architect. Only one major problem. She is a woman. And back in 1902 such a thing was unheard of. I really liked Nora and her fight against the prejudices of men, even though she does get a tad whiny and self-pitying, but not without good reason a lot of the time. Interesting to read the author’s note at the end about the real historical figures. Have to say the fictional Nora was my favourite of all. Elsie is a force to be reckoned with as she undergoes a huge change of career. Elsie is pivotal to the Colony Club as is Daisy Harriman, a society Martin. It is Daisy who first comes up with the concept of a women’s club after being refused a room at the Waldorf Hotel because she is a woman on her own. She resolves to provide a club for women where they can gather, chat, dine, stay overnight, learn from others and basically relax away from the home and family for a while, as men do on their men’s clubs. Daisy hires renowned architect Stanford White to design the clubhouse. The idea gathers momentum quickly as more women hear about the club. But there are plenty who object and they hit more than a few problems along the way. But no-one is prepared for the event that nearly destroys all their hard-won plans. The story took a turn this reader definitely wasn’t expecting, but it is based on historical events, which I knew nothing about. It is Elsie who as an old lady tells the story of the inception and building of the Colony Club to the female journalist in 1963. A great read as women struggle to overcome obstacles....more
Oh dear, I don’t know where to start with what I dint like about this book so will just highlight a few things. First up, I wasn’t convinced by the biOh dear, I don’t know where to start with what I dint like about this book so will just highlight a few things. First up, I wasn’t convinced by the biting and seemingly unnecessary sarcasm Cort exhibits initially with Mina to then being attracted to and falling for her. It was unbelievable. It is repetitive in several areas. In particular I got thoroughly sick and tired of hearing how ‘sweet’ and ‘innocent’ Mina was. Same with the knitting and reading romance novel emphasis. And Mina’s. ‘pert little breasts.’ As for the sex scenes, this reader skipped over them. Although the author tried to show another side to Cort, I could not take to him at all. I disliked so much of his behaviour. To me neither Mina with her commando crew nor Cort were believable. Or maybe it was just I didn’t care enough. I would have given up but couldn’t get near the library to get another book. This author has written a lot of books, so it seems a lot of readers like her work as there are a lot of four star reviews for her books. However this is the second book I have read by this author and I rated the other one only two stars, so it appears we are not a good fit. Just shows different authors appeal to different readers . So while, I can’t recommend it, others may have a different view....more
The year is 1929. Tayler Hale is a woman who loves the outdoors. A naturalist she is happiest when out in the national park in Colorado. But then herThe year is 1929. Tayler Hale is a woman who loves the outdoors. A naturalist she is happiest when out in the national park in Colorado. But then her mother has other plans. She wants Tayler to marry Emerson. Tayler had feelings for him years earlier and they had become engaged until she found out he was a womaniser, betraying her multiple times. She breaks the engagement. But Emerson will not accept her answer. And for reasons of her own Tayler’s mother is adamant the wedding plans go ahead. Tayler decides her only option is to leave Colorado. She applies and succeeds in getting a job as a guide in McKinley National Park, Alaska and asks her boss at Yellowstone National Park not to reveal where she has gone. He agrees. She heads off to Alaska full of enthusiasm. Thomas Smith is an orphan who never really knew what it was like to have a proper home. Until he lands in Curry Hotel and meets Cassidy, Allan, John, Mr Bradley and Mrs Johnson. They became like his family. But then a newcomer arrives in Alaska and will be working with Thomas. Trouble follows in ways neither Tayler nor Thomas expect as unexpected guests bring trouble to Curry. I really liked Tayler, Thomas and the family members at Curry Hotel. There are some suitably nasty villains as well and it won’t take the reader long to figure out who they are. This novel is decidedly Christian in content with a lot about the need for salvation, trusting God and reading the Bible. For that reason is won’t appeal to everyone. I am a Christian, so I had no issue with that aspect. My quibbles were in other areas. This is a story of family, friendship, community, deception, danger and more than one romance burbling along, sometimes in unexpected places. It does get a tad repetitive some times but it an easy read, and I was able to follow easily and care for the characters without having read the first two books in the series. I enjoyed it though a couple of plots points felt a bit forced. I still would recommend it....more
Three and a half stars. Belle owns and runs a small art gallery attached to her home in New Zealand. After she experiences a tragic loss Belle connectThree and a half stars. Belle owns and runs a small art gallery attached to her home in New Zealand. After she experiences a tragic loss Belle connects online with an Italian man, Enrico. Enrico has also suffered a great loss with the death of his wife. They correspond via Zoom. It is a supportive friendship that comes to mean a lot to both of them. After some time od messages back and forth, grief followed by confinement due to the world wide covid situation, Belle is feeling restless. So when Enrico sends her a gift and scrawls on his note,’ P.S come to Italy,’ Belle closes leaves her home and best friend Greg and heads off. She is unprepared for what she encounters with the palazzo Enrico owns in Puglia. It is opulent and Enrico is surrounded by family including his mother, the elderly matriarch, who controls all things, his two sons and their wives plus various staff who look after the family’s needs. Life there is a far cry from the simple home and little gallery Belle left behind. She plans to stay the summer while she grieves and decides what to do next. The last thing Belle expects is to fall in love. This is an enjoyable read with interesting characters, stunning setting, insights into grief as well as into family dynamics. There is also a clear picture of dealing with dementia and the devastating effects it can have on families. With a couple of sets of friends in this position it resonated with me. There is also a lot about Italian food which will make mouths water. Having read other books by this author, I was really looking forward to this one. While I enjoyed this book a lot, it didn’t quite have the impact a couple of her other novels have had. But it is still well worth reading....more
Zoe is single mum to baby Hazel. She gets no help from her mother who remains distant and always busy. With maternity just about up, Zoe needs to retuZoe is single mum to baby Hazel. She gets no help from her mother who remains distant and always busy. With maternity just about up, Zoe needs to return to work for Monica, who is less than understanding, expecting total commitment to the job. But despite her best efforts Zoe cannot locate a childcare centre with a vacancy. Only years of waiting lists. When Will’s boss sees Will and Zoe and Hazel together, he assumes that Hazel is Will’s daughter and insists he take parental leave. He dangles the carrot of partnership in front of Will. Zoe has has a fraught relationship with next door neighbour Will, always finding fault with her. But she is desperate. And so they devise a plan. When Zoe is working, supposedly part time, Will becomes Hazel’s carer or her manny for those days each week. They draw up a contract to this effect. But the longer the fake relationship goes on the more complicated things become. Zoe sees a different, softer side to Will. Over time Zoe’s attitude and feelings towards Will change. But how does he feel? This is a cute read. Though it is obvious from the outset where it is going, the journey is still enjoyable getting there. I wanted a light read although this one does turn emotional as it goes on and secrets are exposed, especially the one Zoe has been keeping about Hazel’s possible father which could threaten a lot of plans. Zoe is easy to like and so is Will. Hazel is a cutie and I enjoyed the Aussie setting of Melbourne suburbs. It also deals with family and sibling issues as well as friendship. It clearly deals with the plight of the working mother and expectations of employers in ways I feel many women will relate to. Yet it manages to be a fun read at the same time. I think a lot of people will enjoy it and recommend this easy to read modern romance....more
Four and a half stars Every day for ten years Emily has been looking for that one special face. That of her older brother Stephen. What she does noFour and a half stars Every day for ten years Emily has been looking for that one special face. That of her older brother Stephen. What she does not expect is that Stephen will walk through the door of the housing office where she works. He is homeless and seeking accomodation. Emily recognises his voice as he is in the cubicle next door but she is busy trying to explain to the person in front of her why the housing office is unable to provide her with a flat or house. Her brother is being attended to by one of the other workers. By the time Emily is free, her brother has gone. Emily makes it her mission to find him. After some time she does and welcomes him back into her life. But the past and the hard years Stephen has lived cause issues which bubble to the surface. Is there any hope for this fractured family to find find its way back to each other? Or will past deeds, attitudes and choices continue to overrule? At the time of reading some of this book, it was bucketing down with rain and violent winds here in Australia. The homeless were already on my mind, more so with this book. It was even wind and rain in the book which was set in England as well for a time. Charming pictures from the past of Stephen’s and Emily’s shared childhood and their times birdwatching on the marshes of Canvey Island add light relief to this narrative. Along the way I learned a lot about different types of birds. Just as well these charming interludes are included as there are some not so charming incidents involving Stephen and Emily’s stepfather, Mitch, plus the book highlights so well with the stark reality of the homeless situation. This means the book is not always a comfortable read. It is confronting and thought provoking. An emotional read. Perhaps a bit abruptly resolved in the end but still well worth reading. You may need to be in a good frame of mind before tackling this book. Time for something lighter now for me....more
After suffering the loss of her fiancé Ted, Olivia takes up residence in the house that was left to her by a fellow artist who was enamoured by her wAfter suffering the loss of her fiancé Ted, Olivia takes up residence in the house that was left to her by a fellow artist who was enamoured by her work. The house is on Ingleside Island, a ferry journey away from the mainland. Here she can paint and grieve. But then her best friend and agent, Abby, insists Olivia cannot live there alone and hires Kelly Miller, a housekeeper., who can look after her while Olivia paints. It sounds feasible until the housekeeper arrives and Olivia discovers Kelly is a handsome man, ex army and a chef. Olivia reluctantly agrees to give the situation a two week trial. Kelly starts to repair the old house where needed as Olivia dreams of making it an artists’ retreat. However Kellly has his own dreams of opening a restaurant, so Olivia has no idea how long he will stay on the island helping her. This is a simply told, sweet story, and I liked both Olivia and Kelly. Mabel is a bundle of sausage dog mischief that steals the reader’s heart as she provides amusing situations She is used to sharing Olivia’s thoughts. Anyone who has ever owned a dog knows what good listeners they are and how they seem to understand every word. Abby, the best friend is great and has that knack real friends have of understanding so much from a tone of voice and also knowing what is needed sometimes before the person does themselves. If some things seemed a little convenient or coincidental, it didn’t stop me enjoying this book. A quick read that I whizzed right through. A nice, light romance with an interesting setting and a fun bit of escapism....more
A story told in 2 time frames. One starting in 1976 where undergraduate Alice Kenzie on as scholarship, meets PHD student Tristan Somers. A whirlwind A story told in 2 time frames. One starting in 1976 where undergraduate Alice Kenzie on as scholarship, meets PHD student Tristan Somers. A whirlwind romance that ends up with Alice pregnant and the couple married, despite his family’s disapproval since Alice, being a coal miner’s daughter, is not of their class. Grief overtakes Alice when Olivia is a few moths old and Tristan dies in a car accident. Alice, believing it is for the best takes baby Olivia to, Summer House, Tristan’s family home in Suffolk. 2018 Olivia Somers has always been told by her grandparents that both her parents died in the accident. But when her grandmother dies, Olivia discovers an envelope and some photos. Over time she learns that what she has been told by her grandparents while growing up is not the truth. Her mother did not die in the accident. She may even be still alive. If she is does Olivia want to try and find her? And why did she just disappear and leave no way of being contacted? This is an enticing read given the historical content from the 1970s and the more current 2018 story as well. Interestingly in this book I found the current day story more to my liking than the historical one, though of course that one is absolutely necessary to the whole plot. I think I was more convinced by the modern day characters rather than Alice and Tristan. But still a very good read that I am sure many other people will enjoy too....more
Although there are ten years between cousins Tabby and Ellie Mae they are close like sisters. Aunt Charlotte has decided they need a change and has leAlthough there are ten years between cousins Tabby and Ellie Mae they are close like sisters. Aunt Charlotte has decided they need a change and has left running her beachfront bed and breakfast in Sandcaste Texas to the pair. It sounds an ideal change. Until a hurricane named Delilah hits the area. With that hurricane approaching and a phone call from Aunt Charlotte Tabby and Ellie Mae suddenly find themselves providing shelter for Cleo and Maude two old age pensioners who fight like cat and dog, and Frank and Homer two Vietnam war veterans who are best friends. Aunt Charlotte also sends Alex, to help them prepare for the hurricane. Alex is happy to help caretake, cook, whatever is needed to be helpful. He is so different to Tabby’s ex husband James who had very definite ideas about what men did and didn’t do and treated Tabby like a servant during their marriage. The death of their sixteen year old daughter was the final nail in the coffin of their marriage. Tabby is not ready to trust any man again. Ellie Mae is also grieving the death of her best friend Sam, who she flatted with and who her father refused to acknowledge or welcome into their home because of his skin colour. So, a story of grieving, family, racism, friendship, romance and blessings that sometimes come from disaster bringing the most unlikely people together. Sometimes family is drawn together by circumstances and personalities rather than by blood ties. This is an enjoyable story with some quirky characters, of which Cleo is one. Her antics provide amusement, as do the feline and canine critters that appear. At times it gets a bit repetitive or just a little too convenient perhaps, but on the whole a heart warming story that I enjoyed, peopled with characters I cared about. A great setting also helped. A good bit of light fun that manages to be thought provoking at times. It made me glad I don’t live in a hurricane area....more
After shoe designer Paige Bingham is jilted by fiancé Jeremy, just prior to the wedding, Paige determines she will go to Sorrento anyway. What shoulAfter shoe designer Paige Bingham is jilted by fiancé Jeremy, just prior to the wedding, Paige determines she will go to Sorrento anyway. What should have been a honeymoon ends up being a holiday escape for one. But that is not the way it turns out. She meets the handsome and mysterious Sebastian Fielding, who seems reticent to share much about his business. He does help her enjoy the time on Sorrento. There is a definite spark between them. But when Paige gets back to Jersey she finds out it is Sebastian’s company that is taking over the struggling store in which her shoe shop is located. This completely threatens her business. How can she keep her business from going under? That’s one issue. Another is the gossip that paparazzi have unearthed and added to with lies about her fledgling romance with Sebastian. And what has gone wrong between Paige’s sister, Clem, and her boyfriend Olly? Olly is Paige’s best friend and she is concerned about him and Clem since they are acting strangely. The settings of this story set in picturesque Sorrento and also Jersey are beautifully drawn. Paige is a caring, enterprising and strong willed woman. But lately it seems life has not turned out as she had hoped. Sebastian is a determined, wealthy man used to being in control and getting his own way. He is also compassionate as the reader discovers during the course of the story. Clem and Olly are likable. There are some other decidedly unlikable characters as well. The story kept my interest throughout though it does tend to go on a bit long and get a bit repetitive before resolving issues. But still it was a nice light read. Chick lit, certainly but entertaining and with characters this reader cared about, even if at times I wanted to bop them and tell them to wake up to themselves. Though I am not a woman with a passion for shoes, it was interesting hearing about designing and selling the shoes....more
Elizabeth has lived with a secret about Petra, the youngest of her three daughters. Then when Petra finds an old diary written by her mother and El Elizabeth has lived with a secret about Petra, the youngest of her three daughters. Then when Petra finds an old diary written by her mother and Elizabeth’s wedding dress from her marriage to Hugh, it all starts to unravel. Elizabeth feels compelled to disclose the truth to her three adult daughters that Petra is not her late husband’s child but the result of an affair with Chris, Hugh’s best friend. This happened in 1991. Will Petra forgive her for her wrongdoing and her years of silence? And will Petra want to connect with her father who, to date, doesn’t know she exists. A tale of lies and more lies. Some of this story’s themes echoed that of the previous book I read. Themes of deception and betrayal . But the biggest difference is, this book is not as dark and I cared more about these characters. Although prickly, judgemental Jess was hard to like. The novel explored the deception, the guilt, the relationships between family members well, though it did become repetitive at times and go on too long.. So not a perfect read, but it did mostly keep me interested....more
After a short prologue, the book goes back to 1933. Dr Isla Fenwick is a respected doctor and a very independent woman. She dreams of going to IndiaAfter a short prologue, the book goes back to 1933. Dr Isla Fenwick is a respected doctor and a very independent woman. She dreams of going to India as her mother did and helping women there with midwifery and babies. Her father is not happy about her plans but wants to see her married before she reaches 31 to fulfil a promise he made to his wife. There are fourteen months till that date. With that aim in mind he brings Jove Mandeville back into her life. Isla had a huge crush on him when she was younger.and agrees she will meet with him. Feelings are renewed. So, if she is going to go to India it will have to be before she marries Jove. However she promises she will not go near the TB area since it was TB that took her mother’s life. Isla heads to India. When she arrives in Calcutta she hears a lot about the highly respected but abrasive Dr.Saxon Vickery. But then Isla starts to find another intriguing side to him. What will her time in India mean for her future and her marriage to Jove? Will it change her and her plans forever? This historical novel is a love story but so much more. It is obvious a lot of research has gone into this book. Beautifully written, it contains especially clear descriptions of India and in particular of the Himalayas. Descriptions of Calcutta are earthy and confronting. I learned a lot about the culture and beliefs of Hindus and especially the caste system. Also learned a lot about TB and growing and producing tea. Although there was a wealth of valuable Information the story, it did feel overly long at times. Again it could be just me feeling that way. Still a recommended read...more
Marlena Wenger’s life undergoes a radical change. She is called to leave her home town and her loved ones, including her beau, Nat, and go and help h Marlena Wenger’s life undergoes a radical change. She is called to leave her home town and her loved ones, including her beau, Nat, and go and help her Mennonite grandmother care for niece Angela Rose after her estranged sister Luella is seriously hurt in an accident. Luella had years before given up on the Amish faith. Marlena plans to spend that summer in Brownstown, Pennsylvania with her grandmother who is grieving her husband’s death. But plans have a way of changing and so does Marlena, as she seeks to reconcile her grandmother’s beliefs, faith and relationship with God with the Old Order Amish teaching. The Old Order Amish teaching is something her beau is very strong on maintaining. Marlena is anxious to get back to Nat and the familiar as soon as possible, but then eventstake a drastic turn. Along with this story is the story of neighbours Ellie and Roman, their three daughters and their son Small Jay who has a few challenges. Small Jay is used to feeling like an outsider, especially since his father seems to view him as a liability and not the type of son he wanted. But it is Small Jay who steps up and helps, Boston, a confused, homeless man. This is a beautiful story about family, choices, faith, change and friendship as well as valuing others. It is peopled with characters who touched my heart. Little Jay in particular stole my heart. When I wasn’t reading, which is all I kept wanting to do, I was thinking about all the characters. So much of it really spoke to me. I loved this quote which appears in the book. ‘Wise folk never reject the possibility of a miracle.’ Indeed. Wise words to hold onto. Interesting to see the differences in beliefs between different Amish and Mennonite groups but it was the bible teaching that often spoke to me. I adored everything about this story. Definitely a recommended thought provoking read.. For me a case of the right book at the right time....more
Years before Lorene Summerfield sacrificed her own happiness and chance at love. She married the elderly Earl of Tinmore so so her sisters and br
Years before Lorene Summerfield sacrificed her own happiness and chance at love. She married the elderly Earl of Tinmore so so her sisters and brother would have advantages they had been denied since their father left the penniless. Lorene defies her husband and goes on Christmas Day 1816 to spend the day with her sisters after Tinmore refuses to go with her. An argument ensues when she comes home escorted by Dell, the Earl of Penford. Tinmore makes accusations and goes to attack Penford, but he falls and dies. Accusations of an affair between Dell and Lorene and, worse still, of murder arise and Lorene fears for the man she has secretly loved for years. Is there any way to put the scandal to rest? Or will the Earl of Penford be convicted of murder? Scandal also comes when Lorene’s mother and the man she left her children for, arrive at Lorene’s place expecting to stay. This is book 4 in a series but I had not read the earlier books. However , it was fine to stand alone as there is always a lot happening. It is a sexy romp with its love story between Dell and Lorene, and also with the situation and antics of her outrageous and scandalous mother, who is an embarrassment to Lorene and her sisters. Entertaining and I suspect a lot of readers will enjoy it but now I think time for me to move on to something a bit more to my taste. I didn’t read the kindle edition but the harlequin mass paperback with this cover but I can’t seem to change it...more
Emily Gold is a psychologist at NYU. In her position there she helps troubled college students. Emily lives happily with her doctor husband Ezra and Emily Gold is a psychologist at NYU. In her position there she helps troubled college students. Emily lives happily with her doctor husband Ezra and they are looking forward to starting a family. Though happy, is a far cry from her life fifteen years earlier when her two passions were music and performing with and loving Rob. A tragic event in the present brings echoes from her past back. Parts of her story she has kept buried come to the fore. Her life is turned on its head, especially after she hears a song on the radio that feels like it is about her. Could it be? Though years have passed she recognises the song and the voice. It stirs up a lot of emotions, regret, among them. She realises how much she has missed music in her life. It is a side of her life Ezra knows nothing about. Emily has a choice to make. Will she make the right choice and what will her choice mean for her current lifestyle and her marriage to Ezra? At times I grew frustrated with Emily and Ezra. I really liked Ari, Emily’s sister. Ari is a great support to Emily though some words she rashly spoke years earlier still niggle at Emily. I struggled to relate to Emily or the other main characters in any meaningful way. It is a story about secrets, expectations of others and choices. However, timing can be everything with books and I am aware that for me it could be that this book suffered from being read straight after my last book which was a five star emotion packed read. In my opinion this book went on far too long, or was it my lack of real connection with the characters? The end result is I liked it but didn’t love it, though I am sure there will be others who respond better than I did....more