#BookReview ~ Love Blooms at the Cornish Cottage by Kim Nash ~ #Romance @KimTheBookworm

Love Blooms at the Cornish Cottage by Kim Nash

About the Book:

How do you mend a broken heart?

Michelle finally thought she’d found love with her hot Greek doctor. But when Demetri reveals he’s returning home to care for his sick mother, Michelle’s dream future crumbles. Choosing not to follow him feels like losing more than just love - it feels like losing who she’d started to become.

Determined not to fall apart, Michelle decides to throw herself into rebuilding her life in Sandpiper Shore, but then unexpectedly, Demetri’s brother, Makkis, arrives on her doorstep. Offering him a room seems like the kind thing to do… but the constant reminder of her lost love is difficult for her heartbroken soul.

And the more time she spends with Makkis, the clearer it becomes: there are parts of Demetri she never knew… Just as Michelle starts to heal with a little help from her friends, she’s faced with a decision: fight for the love she knows she deserves, or finally learn how to let go…

My Review:

Love Blooms at the Cornish Cottage is the third book in the Sandpiper Shores series. I've only read this book but will be going back to read books one and two. 

I enjoyed meeting Michelle and getting to know her and the rest of the characters from Sandpiper Shores. Michelle's story is complex with twists, turns, and surprises around every corner. I make it sound like an action/adventure but it's not. This book is about love, loss, and second chances. There are aspects that will anger you, get you excited, and encourage you. 

Michelle has a lot happen to her in this book. Some events you expect, others surprise you. Her boyfriend, Demetri, poses an impossible choice, one that will completely upend her entire life no matter which selection she makes. Follow Michelle's story as she makes choices that she thinks are best and discovers that not everything is as it seems. 

I was engaged in Michelle's story from the very beginning. The author crafted a complex novel with likeable characters, a smooth plot, and a story that's easy to follow, even if you haven't read the previous books. I love the friendship group in the story and am glad that Michelle has such a great group of friends to lean on not just during the tough times but at all times.

Review previously posted on Sapphyria's Books.

I was provided with a copy of this book. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

My Rating:

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#BookReview ~ High Spirits at the Village Inn by Sharon Booth ~ #CozyRomance #Romance #Paranormal ~ @BoldwoodBook

 High Spirits at the Village Inn

About the Book:

Spring has arrived in the Cotswold village of Rowan Vale and everyone is in an optimistic mood.

Everyone except Danny. He’s had a rotten eighteen years stuck in a village where all his hopes and dreams were shattered. His annoying ex-work colleague, who seems determined to look on the bright side of the afterlife, won't leave him alone. And – as if that wasn’t bad enough – he’s facing eternity dressed as Adam Ant.

Meanwhile, in London, Rory plans to whisk his wife Kirsty away to the Cotswolds for their wedding anniversary. But when they arrive in Rowan Vale, Kirsty is horrified. How could her husband be so insensitive?

Rory insists that they stay at The Quicken Tree Inn and face up to the issues in their marriage. Kirsty has no choice but to go along with him, hoping she can finally put what happened all those years ago behind her. But when she spots her long-dead cousin in the village, things take a decidedly difficult turn...

Will confronting the ghosts from her past be a recipe for happiness or disaster?

My Review:

High Spirits at the Village Inn is a delightfully different ghost story. 

The novel begins with a couple who've lost their way after 10 years of marriage. Cassie and Rory are at a milestone anniversary and Rory plans a trip out of town to celebrate. The town in question? The place where dear family members had passed 18 years prior. Cassie's discomfort with Rory's decision reaches a whole new level when she sees the cousin she lost. Rowan Vale is filled with spirits of the dearly department, and her cousin isn't the only one to appear. 

The novel turns into a story of second chances, unpacking of emotional baggage, admissions, and redemption. I really enjoyed this paranormal fantasy romance. I found the story unique and enjoyable. The characters are fun and entertaining. I loved meeting the living and the ghosts. Rowan Vale village is a quaint town thriving on the nostalgia. High Spirits at the Village Inn is a lovely cozy romance with paranormal elements.

Of the four books in the series, this is only the second one I've read. I'm going to read the others, don't worry. I just need to carve out some time. 

I was provided with a copy of this book. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

My Rating:

Visit the Author:

Sharon Booth is the author of feel-good stories set in charming, quirky locations, and now writes cosy romances with a magical twist for Boldwood. She lives with her husband in East Yorkshire, England.

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Thank you for supporting Reviews by Saph.

#BookReview ~ Welcome to Hollyhock Farm by Georgina Troy ~ #Romance @GeorginaTroy

Welcome to Hollyhock Farm

Set sail for the idyllic island of Jersey in this gorgeous new romance, perfect for fans of Rachael Lucas and Phillipa Ashley...

About the Book:

When Lettie’s parents call her and her brother back to Hollyhock Farm on the island of Jersey, the last thing they expect to be told is that their childhood home is up for sale.

Back on the island, with its rolling hills and golden sands, Lettie immediately remembers what it feels like to breathe in the fresh air in the green fields, and be part of this tight-knit community – a far cry from the life of events and high fashion she leads in London.

But she surprises even herself when she suggests that she instead could take over Hollyhock farm. Humouring her, her father agrees to give her a three month trial, and Lettie is determined to prove she’s up to the task.

But the summer season is no easy feat for a new farmer, and Lettie has a huge task ahead of her. And when an old flame reappears in the form of dashing local vet Brodie, Lettie’s summer is about to get even more complicated…

My Review:

Welcome to Hollyhock Farm is a wonderful novel set on the island of Jersey. I enjoyed this fresh contemporary romance set on a beautifully described island. 

Lettie's return to Jersey is actually two fold - she's called home, along with her brother, but Lettie also has returned to regroup after an unexpected turn of events at her place of employment. When Lettie and Zac learn the reason they are called home, both are in a state of disbelief. Not wanting to lose their family farm or home, Lettie asks to run the farm on a trial basis.

While trying to prove to her family that she can manage the farm, Lettie runs into Brodie, a former romantic interest. I loved watching their relationship grow from misunderstandings to romance. Their romance isn't the only theme in the book, though. Lettie's grit and determination to make the farm her own shows her drive and ambition. 

Lettie is a strong character. Brodie is kind and charismatic. Each character throughout the book is multi-dimensional and written well. The descriptions are vivid and I felt like I was in Jersey. I enjoyed the author's writing style and will definitely read more of Georgina's work in the future.

I was provided a copy of this book to read.

Previously reviewed on Sapphyria's Books

My Rating:

Purchase Link:

Amazon

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#BookReview ~ Lean On Me by Beth Moran

Lean On Me

Beth Moran

From No. 1 bestselling author Beth Moran comes a story about family, friendship and community.

About the Book:  

As Faith tries on her future mother-in-law’s wedding dress in preparation for her own wedding, her tears are not of joy. The hideous frock is nicknamed ‘The Ghost Web’ by Faith’s best friend Marilyn, who can’t understand why Faith would even consider wearing it. But there’s a lot Marilyn doesn’t know about Faith – not the least of which is that Faith is just the latest of the names she has called herself.

Faith and her brother Sam survived a traumatic childhood which included having to change their names to hide from the past, but surviving has left scars. Faith’s generous fiancé Perry doesn’t just promise to be a partner, he offers freedom and security, and enough kindness to keep Faith squashing down any doubts on what ‘being in love’ really means.

It’s not until she meets an extraordinary group of women at the Grace Chapel choir, that things start to become crystal clear. As choir-leader extraordinaire, the indomitable Hester, holds a mirror up to her ragtag group of singers, all with their own burdens and insecurities, and teaches them to see how magnificent they are, so Faith can dare to dream of a future where she and Sam can stop running and she might even be ready to accept the love that she deserves.

Number 1 bestselling author Beth Moran is back with her trademark ingredients of wisdom and warmth, heartbreak and hearts soaring. Perfect for fans of Jill Mansell, Philippa Ashley and Jenny Colgan.

My Review:

Lean On Me is novel packed full of trauma, secrets, addiction, and survival. The novel is also packed full of hope, friendship, and healing. Faith and Sam are running from their horrific past. Their names may have changed but they are still haunted by murder, abuse, and addiction. Fortunately, Faith finds hope for a better life for both of them in her fiancé, Perry, and in her new friends at the Grace Chapel Choir. 

I enjoyed Lean On Me. The author wrote a realistic book with plenty of emotion on both ends of the spectrum. Their is sadness and despair, but also love and hope. The setting and world-building were well-crafted and wonderfully described. The characters were complex and fully developed. 

I was provided a copy of this book.

My Rating:

Purchase Link:

https://amzn.to/48PmnyF

Viisit the Author:

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#BookReview ~ Don’t You Want Me Baby? by Rachel Dove ~ #GrumpySunshine #FriendsToLovers

Don’t You Want Me Baby?

About the Book:

Amber Fitzpatrick is about to hit thirty and has achieved none of the things she hoped to have done by now. Her dreams of owning her own business seem out of reach. Her boyfriend has just dumped her and now her biological clock is clanging in her head.

But maybe Amber doesn’t need a man for the next stage of her life? Maybe as an independent woman she can have a baby all by herself?

There’s only one problem. Handsome but excruciatingly annoying best friend Tyler Williams. Tyler thinks Amber’s motherhood plans are plain crazy! She just needs to wait for Mr. Right to come along…and maybe he’s closer than she thinks?

But with Amber hellbent on doing it alone, Tyler sets out to prove to her that being her best friend could also come with excellent benefits…if only she's brave enough to take the chance.

A grumpy sunshine, best friends to lovers romance, perfect for fans of Portia MacIntosh, Laura Carter and Phoebe MacLeod.

My Review:

Don't You Want Me Baby? is a cute friends-to-lovers romance. It took our characters a minute to get there but once Amber and Tyler were on the same page, I sighed in relief. During the last half of the book when Amber continued to make excuses and push Tyler away, I questioned her decision-making skills. I wasn't sure we were going to get our HEA.

Amber is a strong character but only after she finally pulls her big girl panties up and kicks her boyfriend out. I didn't like him at all, and while the backstory about Brad had him seeming to be a good guy, his character in the present was anything but. I love that Amber has goals but I hated how she thought she could only do them alone, especially when there are people who want to go along with her on her journeys. We all need people in our lives in certain capacities. I don't think everyone wants or needs a partner, mate, or spouse, but pushing away friends sets you up for a lot of loneliness. 

Amber's early mid-life crisis was concerning, as well. As someone who was with her first husband from the age of 19 - 27 (and childless) and found the love of her life at 31 (and is still childless after 17 years), I understand her want and obsession for having a child. However, Amber was newly single and her first thought was having a baby with or without a man. At this point, instead of bring another life into the mix, she really needed to figure herself out first, and get her life resettled. 

Tyler is a wonderful character. Caring, gentle, but also broody and, during some part so the book, standoffish. He's wanted her pretty much since the day he met her but then Brad got in the way so he backed off. Now that Amber and Brad's relationship is over, Tyler finally has the opportunity to make Amber his. Except, she doesn't want to ruin what they have. There's a lot of miscommunication but that just makes their HEA a lot more satisfying.

I know this seems like a very critical review but I'm not dissing the book. These are just the feelings I developed while living Amber's life with her. Grief causes people to make some drastic decisions, good and bad, and I really felt bad for her. She gave Brad a year of her life and got nowhere. At least it was only a year, though I understand her frustration. I gave my first husband eight years but it never occurred to me to try and have a baby by myself. I was in absolutely no position to take care of another human being. I could barely take care of myself and was still figuring out my own life. 

I enjoyed the author's writing style. The character development was done well and I enjoyed the world-building. Both Amber and Tyler are perfectly flawed, and I loved how the author brought them together. While I would have enjoyed seeing more of Amber and Tyler's romance and less of their angst, denial, and arguments, all of these events led to the HEA both characters deserved. This is the first book by Rachel Dove I've read and can't wait to dive into more of her work.

I was provided a copy of this book.

My Rating:

Purchase Link:

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#Review ~ Chasing a Highland Dream by Lisa Hobman ~ @LisaJHobmanAuth #Romance @BoldwoodBooks

Chasing a Highland Dream

Can you live your dreams and also find your destiny?

About the Book:

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 to top it off she’s still single, despite her Granny Isla’s best attempts to set her up with every eligible bachelor in the Scottish Highlands. Currently PA to her best friend, aka, Lady Olivia MacBain, at 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 bestfriend from a fate worse than a bad interior designer.

When Bella and her Granny 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?

My Review:

Chasing a Highland Dream is the second book in the The Highlands series by Lisa Hobman.

Chasing a Highland Dream is an emotionally-rich novel. The characters are well-written, 3-dimensional, and complex. I enjoyed Bella and the way the author portrayed her character. She is sensitive, loving, strong, and determined. I love how she puts herself out there when Olivia's design firm backs out of a contract. 

I enjoyed the author's writing style, the story, and how everything came together. I was pulled into the story from the beginning and kept thoroughly engaged. The author wove a masterpiece together, filled with romance, love, anxious moments, tenderness, frustration, and disbelief. I was captivated by this wonderful story. 

I was provided a copy of this book.

My Rating:

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#Romance #Review ~ A Midnight Kiss on Ever After Street by Jaimie Admans

A Midnight Kiss on Ever After Street

A picture-perfect town; a place where dreams come true. Welcome to Ever After Street...

About the Book:

Will a kiss at midnight change her life forever?

Sadie Winters has spent her whole life doing as she’s told. But when her overbearing aunt forbids her from going to the farewell ball at the beloved local castle, Sadie has had enough!

One magical makeover, one midnight curfew, and wearing a dress of her own creation, Sadie is unrecognizable as Ever After Street's shy seamstress.

Sadie might dream of meeting a handsome prince but the only person to cross her path is Witt – the slightly awkward estate agent intending to sell the castle and dash Sadie’s dreams forever.

As the clock strikes midnight, Sadie and Witt share a magical kiss and Sadie knows her heart is in serious danger. Surely Witt must feel the same way…? Sadie can't hang around to find out.

But as reality dawns the next day, and fate brings Witt to Sadie’s door again, Sadie realises that her mystery estate agent prince has absolutely no idea who she is!

Sadie can’t forget their midnight kiss, but is she brave enough to change her life and find love along the way…?

My Review:

A Midnight Kiss on Ever After Street is so much more than a Cinderella retelling. Loosely based on a childhood favorite fairytale, the author magnificently modernized the story. Of course, the story is similar but the author added in a few unique twists, gasp moments, and differences to bring readers a completely different tale. One I loved so much I read it in one sitting. The characters, setting, theme, and writing style had me hooked from the first page.

Sadie is a dynamic character with a great personality. She's not perfect, however, and doesn't do a lot of standing up for herself against her controlling aunt. Aunt Ebony is not a nice person and when you find out why there are the dynamics that there are between Ebony and Sadie, I guarantee you'll like Ebony even less. But then again, what's a fairy tale (or a retelling) without the evil character.

Will was fantastic. I loved everything about him. I used to date a guy with the same disorder and the similarities between the two allowed me to connect with Will as more than just a character inside a book. His backstory was interesting and I loved learning more about him.

I was provided a copy of this book.  

My Rating:

Purchase Link:

https://amzn.to/3O9cHb3

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#Review ~ Because You Loved Me by Beth Moran @bethcmoran @rararesources @BoldwoodBooks

Because You Loved Me

About the Book:

Marion Miller needs a fresh start.

Her childhood in Northern Ireland wasn’t easy, with a father who passed away when she was young and a mother who got lost in grief. Now grown-up and with family relations as tense as ever, Marion heads to England, to find out the truth about her father’s mysterious past – and hopefully an extended family who will love her as much as he did.

Scarlett Obermann runs a holiday park in Sherwood Forest with her daughter Grace, but what’s she’s best at is making people feel like they belong. With her merry band of waifs and strays, Scarlett welcomes Marion with open arms, and it isn’t long before Marion finally understands what it means to find a home.

As she tries to uncover her father’s story, Marion slowly blossoms, even daring to indulge in her crush on Reuben, the son of the Lord of the Manor, but she hasn’t quite out-run her past. And as Scarlett faces her own tragedy, it’s Marion’s turn to take care of everyone.

Because you can’t choose your family, but you can make your friends the family you choose.

This novel was first published as Making Marion.

My Review:

Because You Loved Me started off slow and I wasn't quite sure what to think. The heroine, Marion, had low-functioning anxiety. While others go through daily tasks smoothly and effortlessly, those with this type of anxiety shut down and have difficulty performing even easy, mundane tasks. I have high-functioning anxiety but I'm still affected by some of the same things as one does with low-functioning anxiety. Some of Marion's actions baffled me (not calling the police during specific events, among other things) and I found myself becoming detached. However, the story finally sunk its claws into and captivated me at about the 20% mark. 

I loved watching Marion blossom during her days at the holiday park. Scarlett took Marion in with open, unquestioning arms. She slowly encouraged Marion to engage in social settings that would normally send her running. In fact, Marion does that quite a few times. Marion is finally able to let people into her heart and make friends. This slow transformation makes it easier for Marion to talk to people, paving the way to her real reason for landing in Sherwood Forest. She lost her dad at a young age and wants to learn more about him and his family.

The setting and world-building were cleverly written and I (eventually) found myself immersed in Marion's tale. She gained a wonderful family in the secondary characters. I enjoyed the writing style of the author. The author wrote a very realistic book with plenty of emotion, passion, and realism. The characters were complex and fully developed. I enjoyed watching Marion grow and shed her childhood trauma. The trauma will never fully go away but her new life paves the way through the pain and opens her eyes to the life she deserves. 

I was provided a copy of this book to read.

My Rating:

Purchase Link:

https://amzn.to/3CQ0iTo

#Book #Review ~ Rainbows Over Puddleduck Farm by Della Galton ~ @DellaGalton @BoldwoodBooks

Don’t dream your life, live your dreams….

About Rainbows Over Puddleduck Farm:

Phoebe Dashwood is a passionately committed vet who’s living the dream. She’s about to open her own small animal practice at her grandmother’s animal shelter, Puddleduck Farm in the New Forest.

Phoebe is helped by her two oldest friends. Her best friend Tori is a mix of hard-headed journalist and hopeless romantic, who thinks love will conquer all when she finds the right man!

Then there is Sam, Phoebe’s staunchest ally, whose integrity and selflessness mean he would do anything to make Phoebe happy, no matter what the cost to himself.

Very soon Phoebe discovers that fantasy and reality don’t quite match.

An unscrupulous bunny breeder, a poisoned stream, and a complicated attraction all conspire to throw her dreams in a spin.

Events come to a shocking climax at the New Forest Show where Phoebe’s world is turned upside down and she has to make some life changing decisions.

My Review:

It's an exciting time for Phoebe Dashwood. She's settled back in at home quite nicely, and her veterinarian practice is opening up at Puddleduck Farm. Working near her grandmother will help her key an eye on things while also doing what she loves. I loved coming home to Puddleduck Farm in Phoebe's second book.

Rainbows Over Puddleduck Farm is a lighthearted book in a wonderful series by Della Galton. The author did a great job creating this world, setting it up, and developing the characters. I had fun reading about strong grandmas, supportive parents, and silly animals. There are also some sinister goings-on that pull Phoebe in several directions. Add in a potential love triangle and Phoebe really has her hands full. 

I look forward to the next book.

I was provided a copy of this book to read.

My Rating:

Purchase Link:

https://amzn.to/3i9ILhH