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July 2025 Books #AmReading

04 Aug 2025 9 Comments

by Ritu in Thoughts Opinions & Memories Tags: #AmReading, Am Listening, Blog, Blog Post, Blogger, Blogging, Book Review, Book Reviews, books, Goodreads, Netgalley, reading, romance

The end of July heralds the end of the school year, and as you read this, I am probably sunning myself on holiday! (I’ll chat about that in another post!) And that is also why this post is a couple of days late!

It’s been another month filled with ARCS – when will I say no to a blog tour, lol?

July started with me meeting the children whom I will be teaching next year as I head back to the school nursery, where it will be the babies of the school, the 3-to 4-year-olds who will hold my attention for the year. I am really looking forward to it. It feels like coming home, as that is where I started my teaching career properly.

It’s also been an emotional year at school. As treasured colleagues leave, the children I first taught in Nursery are flying off to their new starts at Secondary School, while my own Hoglets are moving up to the Main school. You know me. I get attached every year, and seeing these children blossom is something I feel blessed to see and be a part of.

Did I write? Er, no… but I have the get-up-and-go to start up again, thanks to the gorgeous holiday we took, so watch this space!

I have participated in charity walks, celebrated birthdays and other special occasions with friends, and navigated a few different emotional moments within my close circle, as well.

But I kept on reading and listening, thoroughly enjoying my books!

Now, back to this month’s reads/listens. There were ARCS and Audiobook listens…

True Love Again by Saz Vora
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

You know me; I love a story with a South Asian twist to it, and Saz Vora, as a fellow Indian author with a Kenyan background, and brought up in the UK, writes some heart-wrenching stories, so when I was offered the chance to read True Love, Again as a part of the blog tour, I jumped at the chance.
The story centres around two people: Meera, a divorcee who has sworn off men after a traumatic break-up experience, and Krishan, a single father who has sworn off love after losing his wife in the most tragic of ways.
They meet at a wedding, under unusual circumstances, and what sparks between them is a relationship of convenience, as they seek to escape the Masi Mafia and the aunties who are forever trying to pair them off with a suitable match.
But sometimes the lines get blurred, and feelings begin to develop where they shouldn’t—or should they?
I enjoyed reading this, especially the details about the entire Masi Mafia, and how that community’s gossip can be used for both good and disastrous results.
I almost wish that the end had stretched a bit longer, so we saw how their relationship progressed, before a lovely, happy ending!

A Scottish Teashop in Napoli by Jane Lambert
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Imagine setting off on the holiday of a lifetime, with a dream wedding planned at the end, only to have it all come crashing down when he jilts you by not even getting on the plane.
This is the situation for poor Lucy, left alone in a tropical paradise by her fiance,
She takes the bull (or should I say buffalo?) by the horns and hands in her notice at the school where she taught, after finding an interesting-looking opportunity teaching English to students in Napoli, Italy.
Elena, in Naples, is suffering her tragedy, having been suddenly widowed, with her dream English school to run, as well as her husband’s family business, a handmade mozzarella factory to contribute to, plus being there for her son.
I loved this story; a celebration of female friendship, as well as new beginnings, and learning that you have to take every opportunity that comes your way.
Lucy is someone who seems to have always pleased others, and it is beautiful to see how, with the encouragement from her new Neapolitan friends, she blossoms with ideas for herself, as well as learning to love again.
Elena’s deep love for her husband and her loyalty to the family lead her to feel like she is failing everyone, including herself. Through this story, you see her grow and develop a friendship with her new English teacher, Lucy, that is more fruitful than she ever thought it would be.
And romance? Of course, there is! Dario, the godfather to Elena’s son Stefano, is a hunky police officer who comes to the aid of Lucy in several ways, and the slow burn of this romance is gorgeously built up.
Loss is covered in different forms, and mentions of the effect of the Mafia on families in Italy ground the story in a reality not many live through.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book!

Another Lucky Number: Sun, sea and a surprising turn of events – the most entertaining sun lounger read of the year! by Nina Kaye
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I loved Lucky Number and was excited to receive the second instalment in the series, Another Lucky Number, which allowed us to continue the story of Emma as she adjusts to her life after a significant lottery win.
Emma is on a high-end luxury holiday with her friends, Cat and Amber, having handed in her notice at her job and with the possibility of a fledgling romance starting back home.
So much can happen in the few days ahead that could have a tremendous impact on Emma’s life from now on.
I loved her character arc. She went from a woman who found it hard to stand up for herself to, with a lot of support from those around her, a stronger one who had a clearer idea about where her life was going.
Emma has a cast of characters around her that make the story even more interesting. Amber is like that reality check friend with a heart, somewhere! And Emma’s best friend, Cat, is like the Ying to Amber’s Yang, offering grounding and emotional support where needed.
Then there is the ‘sexy hotelier! Sebastien and the wholesome James who vie for Emma’s attention.
Some choice hotel guests add an extra layer of tension to the story, but ultimately, it’s a feel-good tale and a perfect beach read.
And the location! The Bahamas is on my bucket list, and now I want to go more!
Although this is part of a series, I think it could work well as a standalone.

Again, Rachel by Marian Keyes
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Reading Again, Rachel was a delight. Well, I say read, but I listened to the audiobook, and that lilting Irish accent was so smooth to listen to, to start with!
It was great to be brought back to Walsh Land, with Rachel as the main character, as she was always one of my favourites.
Set more in the present, Rachel is now working in a Rehab Clinic as a counsellor, and she is doing a grand job, having come through addiction herself. With her partner Quinn, she finally feels settled, though she can’t fully let go with him.
Throughout the story, she faces several situations that test her, including seeing her ex-husband, Luke, after many years, which brings back memories of a deep loss. Her memories of that time are skewed compared to his.
Her realisations are the pinnacle of the story; however, it was good to catch up with other members of the family.
A sensitive, emotional, brilliantly written sequel.

The Village Cafe in the Loire by Gillian Harvey
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Sometimes I think Gillian Harvey is going to turn me into a Francophile, with all the gorgeous French setting books she writes, and this is one of those that makes me want to jump on the Eurostar, begin drinking coffee, and don a beret!
Becky is the protagonist, a thirty-something career woman who is on the brink of brilliant success; however, an inheritance looks set to derail all her plans.
She finds herself signed off from work, and ends up in a small village in the Loire, at the behest of her late great aunt, with a cafe for which she has no training, other than drinking coffee, and to pop the cherry on top, there is a lodger who it seems is resistant to leaving the building, even though all she wants to do is sell it.
Of course, that hunky, troublesome lodger named Pascale gives her another thing to think about.
Becky has few friends, Amber being her best friend, and her mother is there to guide her in life. But she sometimes cannot see beyond her own problems, often ignoring the SOS signs from those around her.
The storyline is one of self-discovery, and we see Becky begin to question all she has thought about her future before, and also to begin to look beyond herself, considering others, with a little romance along the way.
There is, of course, a little twist in the tale, too, to keep readers on their toes!

The Marriage Monitoring Aunties’ Association by Ola Awonubi
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I love stories steeped in cultures that are fighting to keep themselves heard while in another country, so this UK-based story with a Nigerian cast of characters was right up my street!
Sade Sodipo is a successful career woman with her own house, unmarried, and, shock, horror, fifty years of age! This is a sticking point for her mother, the various aunties of the church, and pretty much anyone in her Nigerian circle.
The story is based on Sade’s own ingrained religious and cultural beliefs, which include saving herself for ‘The One’ and true love leading to marriage and children. However, with her age against her and her health not cooperating, this is looking increasingly unlikely.
Is it a romance? Well, yes, romance 100% plays a part in this story, as Sade meets someone, but it is more about her accepting herself, as she is, and realising that maybe she needs to think a bit more about the expectations she (and the community) has put upon herself.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Harper Collins, One More Chapter, for an ARC.

Fixing a Broken Heart at the Highland Repair Shop: A BRAND NEW feel-good story of wit, romance and community spirit from Kiley Dunbar by Kiley Dunbar
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I have read every one of Kiley Dunbar’s books avidly, enjoying her story building and the way she layers her characters.
The start of this new series got me extremely excited!
Ally, the main character, lives in Cairn Dhu, a small Scottish village, with her parents. There, she has a remote day job, and she spends her Saturdays assisting her father at his Highland Repair Shop, where everyone who volunteers is an advocate for sustainability and strives to reverse the throwaway mentality that many people have nowadays, instead of simply discarding things or trying to upcycle. Imagine a barn similar to the one featured on The Repair Shop, the TV programme.
Well, repairing things is one aspect, but when happenings at the Repair Shop show signs of repairing relationships, that’s when things get exciting!
I found Ally endearing. She is capable of so much, but has no self-belief. It takes a lot for her to realise that she hasn’t been left behind in life.
And Jamie. Oh, Jamie! The gentle, considerate volunteer police constable who has his emotional repairs to navigate, as well as fighting feelings for a certain flame-haired Cairn Dhu-an.
The picturesque settings are beautifully described, as are the folklore tales, which add a hint of mystery to the different places the author mentions.
This is a true feel-good story, with so much positivity and some twists in the tale to keep you turning pages. I am glad this is the start of a series, as I want to know a lot more about the visitors and volunteers at the Highland Repair Shop!
Many thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for an ARC.

The X Ingredient by Roslyn Sinclair
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I listened to the audiobook of this with no expectations or preconceived ideas, other than what I thought from the blurb.
Southern Belle Laurie is up for a job at a lawyer’s firm for a PA role for Diana, the founder of the firm. She’s straight-laced, strict and a no-nonsense kind of woman.
Somehow, Laurie ends up with the job, and she proves herself as a hard-working, diligent PA… then the spicy stuff kicks in!
Workplace romance – Yup
FF romance – Yup
Open Door – You Open WIDE
I was listening as I walked, and the detail of certain scenes raised a flush on my face!
Still, it was a hot read!

Now and Then by Kay Bratt
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I cannot believe we are on the 13th book of the Hart’s Ridge series!
We are back with Taylor Gray and her husband Sam, where she is no longer a member of the police force. Instead, she has teamed up with Sam to start their very own PI agency, allowing for them both to be there for their baby, Lennon, and Alice, Sam’s daughter, as well as working on jobs they are passionate about.
Their first big case has a connection to Sam, as his aunt is fighting to get her husband’s conviction from ten years ago overturned with some new speculative evidence.
Alongside Taylor’s adventure, we focus on Taylor’s sister, Anna’s, life as she settles into her dream job of being a nurse now her divorce is settled and the children are happy. But Happiness is just not meant to be straightforward for her, as she finds herself in a dubious situation, all thanks to her ex.
Both storylines had me turning pages faster and faster, as usual, because I always find myself fully immersed in these books.
That there is an inkling of reality in each of the cases that are featured in the books always makes these even more interesting to read!
And I cannot wait to read #14!

On the blog tour for this Early August!

Another early August Blog tour read for me!

The Secret Diary of an Arranged Marriage by Halima Khatun
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Another one for my Audiobook reads.
I love anything with a cultural twist, and this is a brilliantly funny look at the epic ride when trying to get married as a British-born Bengali woman.
There were many laugh-out-loud moments, and I could relate to so much that was going on within this story!
The protagonist recounts her journey into finding a partner through the arranged marriage route, with a bit of help from internet dating, too, and it was hilarious!
It’s like an older, female Adrian Mole with a Bengali twist.
I’ve already downloaded book 2!

Ever After by Amanda Prowse

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Well, what can I say? That fabulous author, Amanda Prowse, has done it again with her latest book, Ever After.
Enya is a widow with one grown-up son. His life seems all set, with a fantastic girlfriend, who is also the daughter of Enya’s best friend, Jen.
A car accident causes Enya to have feelings for a person when she never thought she would feel again. Just as she is bucking up the courage to act upon this unforeseen impulse, possibly, her son hits her with another blindside, and all her thoughts of, maybe, moving on herself get put on the back burner.
As a wife and mother, this resonated with me. We sometimes find ourselves trapped in a situation that is not of our choosing, but it is the best for everyone else. As a result, many women end up in this same situation, doing nothing they wish, out of fear of rocking everyone else’s boat.
Enya has a shot at happiness, but she loses grasp of it as she fights with her inner instincts to do right by so many of the others in her life, forgoing her second chance at happiness.
However, sometimes there are others out there who do observe, and note things, and who will act in your benefit, rather than let you continue to wallow, and hold yourself back.
I thoroughly enjoyed this beautiful story.

Last Stop on the Winter Wonderland Express by Rebecca Raisin
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was a great Christmas in July story, especially as I read it in the glorious sunshine of Tunisia by the poolside!
Aubrey starts the story on the morning of her wedding, as she is getting ready to walk down the aisle to her soon-to-be husband, Miles, but for whatever reason, that walk never happens as he leaves her stranded.
Jilted, Aubrey continues with her honeymoon trip — a dream of a festive journey aboard a luxury train decked out to celebrate Christmas, with stops at many Festive fairs across Europe, and finishing in Lapland. She finds herself surrounded by loved-up couples, and somehow ends up telling people her very new husband sadly passed away, rather than face the pity of folk if they knew she had been jilted.
What makes the story, above the fabulous wintery destinations, is the group of friends she makes on board, as the singletons find themselves at a table together, away from the lovey-dovey folk.
Princess, the fabulously wealthy widow times three, and Brian the tryer. There’s Karen and CJ, and then there is Jasper. He’s a journalist, a gentleman, and rather hot…
There are some real hoots along the way, as love is found by more than one person, as well as trying to work out a mystery about a breakup, all accompanying Aubrey’s attempts to correct her friends on the real status of her love life – but no one wants to listen to her truths, insisting that she is dealing with the different stages of grief!
And, as I mentioned before, the different cities and markets mentioned make me want to board this Winter Wonderland, especially to have the chance to stay in the glass igloos in Lapland and see the Northern Lights while snuggled up with a loved one.
A great feel-good read.

Releasing 13th August, 2025

10 books this month! Which one did you fancy?

Another August blog tour for me, but a great read!

Yet another August Blog tour, but such fun!

So, that was 16 books in July, given the fantastic opportunity I had for uninterrupted reading in the sunshine! Which one caught your eye?

May 2025 Books #AmReading

31 May 2025 9 Comments

by Ritu in Thoughts Opinions & Memories Tags: Book Review, Book Reviews, books, Fiction, romance

Hello, tail end of May! The time sure is flying, isn’t it?

Yup, it’s the end of May, and my Whitsun week half term, most of which has been taken up writing the end of year reports, as well as walking and reading.

Did I write? Nothing more than the reports, unfortunately…

Now, back to this month’s reads… I even started listening to Audio books as I walk, this month, and that has been a revelation! I realised that with such a huge list of ARCS to read, my physical TBR pile would never lessen, so I found some of the books on my shelf and listened.

In fact, I read 10 books and listened to 8 this month. Pretty productive, eh?

The Midnight Library by Matt Haig
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I have just listened to The Midnight Library as an audiobook, and this was the first book I have listened to, ever!
Was it a good choice?
Absolutely!
I was immersed in the story about Nora, a woman who thinks her life is worth nothing. Taking an attempt to end it all spirals into a visit to The Midnight Library, aptly named because that is when she slips from consciousness.
Instead of finding peace in her own The End, Nora is confronted with many, many choices. The chance to wipe her regrets away.
It was both intriguing and uplifting by the end.
You know how we end up thinking ‘what if?’ regarding certain situations? This is Nora’s chance to remedy some of those regrets.
Nora’s character is battling with low self-esteem and what appears to be depression. But this brilliantly composed journey of hers shows that there is light at the end of most tunnels.
I really enjoyed listening to this.

The Santorini Writing Retreat: Escape to Greece in 2025 with this joyful new novel about friendship, lost love and hidden stories! by Eva Glyn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Having read the Dubrovnik Book Club last year, I was thrilled to read this book by Eva Glyn.
And the added plus for me was that one character was someone I had met before!
Set in Santorini, we meet Zina and Lambros, a young married couple who have shifted back to Zina’s family farm, away from Athens, to support her widowed mother and give Lambros a chance to balance his wellbeing and mental health.
He busies himself with building the farm back to what it used to be, and Zina creates a luxurious space where retreats can be held.
Her first is one for writers, hosted by a famous author who writes under a pen name and several unpublished writers looking to be tutored and guided by this person.
A colourful group of people congregate for a month-long retreat, including Karmela, whom we met in a previous book.
There are secrets, love stories, relationship difficulties, and much more tackled within the story, all set in a beautiful rural part of a country well-known for its tourism attraction beauty.
I enjoyed this read and was fully invested in the story, wanting to know what would happen to all the characters at the end!
Many thanks to NetGalley and Harper Collins One More Chapter for an ARC.

Published 22nd May, 2025

Every Little Thing by Kay Bratt
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Well, what can I say, except Kay Bratt has done it again, with another brilliant book for the ever-growing Harts Ridge series!
Two storylines work in parallel as we follow Taylor and her husband to Mexico to attend the wedding of her stepfather, Ellis’s daughter, and we are hot on the trail of Lucy, Taylor’s youngest sister, who has run away, again, leaving her son Johnny with her family.
Though Taylor is supposed to be taking a break from anything crime-related, she ends up slap bang in the middle of a double kidnapping case, which is connected to the wedding they are there to attend.
Meanwhile, Lucy is on the run, and ends up meeting folk, some kind, some unsavoury, and she ends up back in a place she thought she’d never return to.
I won’t go into more detail, but the ending was more than satisfying for more than one character whom we, as readers, have come to love, and there is scope for more of these wonderful Harts Ridge stories!

Released 5th May, 2025

The Start of Something Wonderful by Jane Lambert
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I do love a book with a relatable FMC.
Emily is a woman in her early 40s, recently single after being in a long-term relationship, and in need of a change.
She quits her career in the air as a flight attendant, and embarks upon a lifelong dream – to become an actress.
And why shouldn’t one aspire to make those dreams come true?
Emily is lucky to have supportive friends, but her mother does not necessarily believe that Emily is doing what is right for a woman of her age.
Emily meets some wonderful people who become a second family to her in a small Italian restaurant, where, like most jobbing actors, she has found a job to keep her head above water, until she lands the perfect role. And she also meets someone rather special too.
Let me not regurgitate the story here, but in a nutshell, we have a lovely story of second chances in both love and life.
Remember, it’s never too late!

Released 8th May, 2025

The Love Hypothesis by Ali Hazelwood
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Okay, hands up to being verrrrry late to this bookish party, but the book has been on my shelf for ages, and I decided to audiobook it as I walked.
The following is Olive, a PhD student, who somehow accidentally finds herself ‘fake-dating’ Professor Adam Carlson, who is not only arrogant and moody but also hot!
Olive is a bit of a nerdy character, not experienced in relationships and boy, does it show! But the fake dating allows her to build a friendship with her fake boyfriend, and in her head, it becomes more of a situationship than she intended.
It was a lighthearted read, and as the story built up, I willed for them to come clean to one another about the obvious to everyone else chemistry that they oozed!
Now, the steamy part… yes, it was built up slowly, but OMG when it hit, it was HOT!
I enjoyed the book even more than I thought I would, as is often the case with books that have been hyped up so much. I totally got the hype this time!
A slow burn stem romance with some real sizzle when it comes to the crunch!

The Tattooist of Auschwitz by Heather Morris
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

My third audiobook so far, and this was a more serious listen.
The story of Lale, the Slovakian Jew, captured in the Auschwitz Concentration Camp, was harrowing, and that it was based on a true story makes it even more heart-wrenching to listen to.
Lale was well-educated, with his wits about him in an incredibly tough situation. How he finds himself as the Tätowierer, or the master tattooist of Auschwitz, is a sad tale in itself, but how he uses his role to help his fellow prisoners is inspiring.
Inside the camp, he meets a girl, Gita, and somehow they develop a relationship despite the restrictions.
From the beginning, Lale shows a sense of positivity, even though terrible things are happening to him and around him.
These two lovers don’t know if they will depart the camp alive or dead, together or apart, but that faith is forever there.
I was so moved, listening to this beautiful account of a horribly ugly time in the world’s history.

Finding Love at the Magical Curiosity Shop by Jaimie Admans
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I loved this story of Mickey Teasdale, who owns a shop selling curiosities on the wonderfully named Ever After Street.
She’s determined to match her wonderfully odd collection of stock with the right person, and she always has a story behind each item, whether truth or fiction.
Teenager Ava tumbles into her shop one day, followed by her father, Ren. An initial clash of personalities gives way to a friendship and the possibility of something more, especially as they discover a secret in one item that Mickey sells to Ren.
A possible real diary of a mermaid piques their curiosity, as one person is desperate for it to be true, and the other is determined to disprove any thoughts of sea people being real. And the third, well, she’s just excited to be there for the ride!
I loved that we met all three characters right from the beginning, and it was wonderful to read how their relationships developed, with all the ups and downs accompanying two damaged souls.
I thoroughly enjoyed it, and then I realised it was a part of a series. This did not detract from my enjoyment of the book whatsoever.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for an ARC.

Released 26th May, 2025

The Pop-Up Cake Shop by Rosie Green
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I’ll admit to not having read any of the other Little Duck Pond Cafe books, but after reading this one, I think I will be visiting again soon, to catch up!
The Pop-Up Cake Shop can be easily read as a standalone.
I loved this story which centred around Katya, a woman who finds herself single, after discovering that her partner is not the faithful man she believed.
Ellie, her heavily pregnant boss and friend, brings her aboard on a new venture, a travelling cake van, where customers can buy lovely fresh cakes at reduced prices, to stop wastage from some of the local food businesses.
Along the way, she meets some interesting people including several new singletons, and they form a little group.
An early encounter with a stubborn bulldozer driver, Ivan, and his foreman boss, Caleb turns into something more, as the weeks pass by, and the visits to the surrounding villages become regular.
I enjoyed meeting lots of characters who I suspect, if I go back to the beginning of the series, I would learn a lot about, but I was especially glad that Katya got the ending she deserved!

Released 4th April, 2025

Cilka’s Journey by Heather Morris
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I have listened to this book on my journey to work and back, as well as while walking, and it blew me away, almost as much as The Tattooist of Auschwitz.
Cilka’s Journey looks at the life of Cilka, to whom we were introduced in The Tattooist of Auschwitz. Cilka Klein was another prisoner in Auschwitz and played a part in Lale’s journey to freedom, but her own story was intriguing, so I was so grateful to Heather Morris for doing all the research to write this next book.
The book is set in Russia, where Cilka ends up as a prisoner in a Russian camp, charged with crimes she hasn’t committed.
It is horrific to know the degradation and rape that the women in these camps were subjected to, on top of poor living conditions, barely any sustenance, and the threat of death, any day.
Cilka’s story shows how she managed to pull herself through this second round of horror, and in that time, bettered herself, and often the lives of the other prisoners who lived with her, even though she was still being subjected to horrific attacks regularly.
It did warm my heart to hear the ending. Though it is based on many facts, there are fictional elements, as Morris could not talk to Cilka herself, because she had passed away at the time of the writing of this story.
The thought of what that innocent 16-year-old was subjected to over many years doesn’t bear thinking about, but it is also important that the facts are laid out, so people like us know exactly what happened in these camps and prisons. Hopefully, this will breed some compassion into those reading or listening, given the world’s horrors.

The Woman Who Met Herself by Laura Pearson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Oh, I love these kinds of family-related stories!
I thoroughly enjoyed the last Laura Pearson book I read, so was thrilled to read this newest title from her.
Imagine getting to your 60s and suddenly being faced with a person who should have been in your life from day one?
This is what happens to Debbie Jones and Ruth Waverly.
Faced with one another, on one of Debbie’s routine door-knock visits as a part of her job, collecting donations and secular donors for a charity, the two women are shocked to see themselves.
Two people who look almost identical.
I don’t want to rehash the story, but this is the almost unbelievable story of twins, separated at a very young age, unaware of the existence of the other.
How they go about finding out their beginnings, the reason for their separation, and how each woman grows, as if by finding the other, they have finally gained the confidence to take steps they never would have before, is written so beautifully.
There is a cast of side characters that give both women extra layers to their personalities and characters.
I really enjoyed this.

Released 23rd May, 2025

The Windsor Love Pact: Can fake-dating turn into love? by Lizzie Chantree
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I enjoy a fake dating trope in my romance reads, and Lizzie Chantree has given me a wonderful one here.
The Windsor Love Pact is the first in a new series, set in Windsor. Maya, a wonderfully talented jewellery designer and artist, recently moved back ‘home’ after an unpleasant break-up. A chance encounter with Noah Benedict, a handsome and famous actor who has moved in close by, changes her life’s path.
Both characters have a lot on their plates, and the idea of fake dating seems like the perfect solution to the constant cries of ‘when will you find a partner?’ for both of them.
I thoroughly enjoyed the build-up of chemistry between Maya and Noah and the meddling from specific individuals. There are secrets and little twists that are a fantastic surprise for readers as the end of the story comes into view.
I loved all the different aspects of this book, from the colourful characters, whom I look forward to learning more about as the series progresses, to Bertha, the old ferry that Maya sometimes works on. The descriptions of the riverside views and the plants and flowers surrounding the area made me want to visit!
I’m now getting impatient to read the next one! Roll on, August!

Breaking the Rules by Kitty Wilson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Continuing my Audiobook journey, I decided to choose this book, by an author I have already read and enjoyed.
Breaking the Rules, the first in The Cornish Village School series was a fantastic listen as I strode each evening.
I even laughed out loud at several scenes, so may now look like my local village madwoman as I walk and listen!
The story centres around Rosie, the headteacher of the local school, which suddenly finds itself in danger of closure and amalgamation with other village schools, and Matt, her new rather hunky neighbour.
There are comedic meet-cute moments. Not one, but several, that really kept me listening.
Rosie has baggage of the emotional kind and she doesn’t feel ready for any sort of encounter with a male, however her body and one part of her mind insists on barraging her thoughts, filling them with Matt.
We also have the POV of Matt, who has moved for a change, and also because of his job. He has his own reasons for trying hard to steer clear, but both his mind and the behaviour of his scruff of a dog keet bringing him back face to face with Rosie.
There are some great characters introduced, who I am sure will feature in future books, and this was the epitome of a romcom!

The Anatomy of Us: A Love Story by Leah Hazard
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Another audiobook down.
Well, it was one I got free, and though it was entertaining, it wasn’t a taxing listen, and the story of two doctors who somehow become connected romantically was okay. There are lies, misunderstandings, and a theme of mental health, which I feel could have been explored more.
The narration was pretty good, though, and made the book, as the characters’ Scottish, Irish, and English accents were brilliantly done!

There will be a Blog tour in the next few days for this one, with the full review!

Releasing 28th May, 2025

The Accidental Dating Experiment by Lauren Blakely
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Remind me not to listen to Lauren Blakely books while driving my car, with passengers in!
This story of Monroe and Juliet is a steamy romance of the spiciest degree!
Both MCs are hosts on a dating podcast, and they also know each other through Juliet’s brother.
There’s a brief history there, and Munrow struggles to keep his feelings quiet.
But that gets harder when an extremely satisfied listener gifts them a house which they intend to sell, and when visiting it, they discover it only has one bed…a double bunk bed. With mirrored ceilings! And, to top it off, Juliet asks him to be her dating coach as her life is filled with failed dates.
The story is told through both Munroe and Juliet’s POV, and all I will say is that they definitely found out that they were physically compatible, as the pretend dates they went on morphed into something more.
Phew!
Grumpy sunshine/forced proximity at its spiciest!

Another June Blog tour for this one, so you will have to wait for the full review!

One Cornish Summer With You by Phillipa Ashley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A beautiful, emotional story told by Phillipa Ashley.
The story centres around two characters; Tammy, who has lived in Porthmellow all her life. She’s a sand artist and also helps at a local gallery. Having lost her father, she is a bit untethered and quite reluctant to forge relationships with people other than her most trusted friends.
The second is Ruan. He’s a solicitor, recently moved to the area, but with connections to the village and surrounding area that become more and more apparent as the story goes on.
You feel the connection between the two characters from the beginning, and feel the effects of past secrets coming out on that fragile start of something that could be so special.
I loved the story, and the cast of side characters brought extra depth to the story, especially Davey and Polly.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Penguin Random House for an ARC.

Publishing on 5th June, 2025

Escape to the Hummingbird Hotel by Daisy James
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

An easy-to-listen-to/read of a book.
Abbie finds out that she has inherited a property, not long after an embarrassing breakup, and finds herself in Corfu, where she becomes the owner of a small hotel inland.
With her dreams of finding a small cottage in the countryside, with the proceeds of the sale of this unwanted hotel, she arrives in Corfu, with the aims of a quick visit, and finds herself sucked into the small community there, and ends up honouring one of the bookings made prior to her aunt’s death.
She meets some characters, including a spiritual Aussie yoga instructor with a penchant for skintight lycra, a wonderful older woman who owns the local taverna and then there is Nikos.
Nikos, a former Michelin-starred chef, owns the vineyard next to the hotel, is young, and somewhat handsome, as well as very helpful, rescuing Abbie from all sorts of scrapes. He’s also in a place because of necessity, rather than passion.
There is romance, and lots of gigglesome moments along the way, but I cannot 5 star it as I didn’t gel with the narrator as much as I would have liked.

18 books this month! Which one did you fancy?

The Start Of Something Wonderful by Jane Lambert #BookReview @JaneLambert22 @HQStories

10 May 2025 6 Comments

by Ritu in Reviews Tags: Blog, Blog Post, Blogger, Blogging, Book Review, Book Reviews, books, Fiction, JAne Lambert, romance, The Start of Something Wonderful

Thrilled to share my review of the lovely Jane Lambert’s book The Start of Something Wonderful. This is a relaunch by Jane’s publisher, HQ, of what was previously debuted as Learning to Fly.

The Blurb

It’s never too late to follow your dreams…

Forty-year-old air stewardess, Emily Forsyth, thought she had everything a woman could wish for: a glamorous, jet-set lifestyle, a designer wardrobe and a dishy pilot boyfriend. Until he breaks up with her…

Catapulted into a mid-life crisis she wishes she’d had earlier, she decides to turn her life upside-down, quitting her job and instead beginning to chase her long-held dreams of becoming an actress!

Leaving the skies behind her, Emily heads for the bright lights of London’s West End – but is it too late to reach for the stars?

My Review

About the Author

Jane travelled the world as cabin crew before making the life-changing decision to become an actress. She has appeared in Calendar Girls, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time, Deathtrap and True West in London’s West End. She is currently adapting The Start of Something Wonderful into a 6-part comedy drama for TV.

March 2025 Books #AmReading

31 Mar 2025 9 Comments

by Ritu in Reviews, Thoughts Opinions & Memories Tags: Am Reading, Arc, Blog, Blog Post, Blogger, Blogging, Book Review, Book Reviews, books, Goodreads, Netgalley, reading

March is here. Spring is here! A time of new beginnings and, for me, a whole host of new books to read!

So, I read 9 books – A little slower than the past 2 months, but considering how manic school has been, I think that is pretty good.

Most of them were Blog tour books, so you will need to come back for the full reviews!

But, I did branch out into Sci-Fi with my last read… it might not be my go-to genre, but if I Was in a rut I wouldn’t mind picking another up!

Releasing 8th April, 2025 – Another Blog tour in April for this one!

Releasing 11th April, 2025 – Another Blog Tour one for April!

The Cornish Castle Murder by Fiona Leitch
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I’ve devoured the previous books in this series and this was no different!
Our resident nosy parker, Jodie is all set for her dream wedding to Nathan, except it’s like cases seem to follow her wherever she goes, and a murder on the first night ends up with their wedding as a sideshow to an investigation, because, quite frankly neither Jodie, nor Nathan, can stop themselves!
Another great read, though, and it’s always fun with a series , to be able to catch up with all the characters.
There were certainly some twists and turns throughout the story, and there was lots packed into what was essentially just a few days in the story.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Harper Collins, One More Chapter, for an ARC.

Releasing 29th April, 2025

Lucky Number: Life, love and a lottery win – a fun and heartfelt read for 2025! by Nina Kaye
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I’ve loved Nina Kaye’s previous novels, so I was excited to read this new book of hers (and also rather pleased to know there was a second part to the story coming not long after.
The story centres around Emma, a young woman embarking upon a celebration for her birthday, however circumstances change rather suddenly, leaving her without her boyfriend, and stuck in a convenience shop, trying to find a bottle opener to drink her sorrows away.
What follows is a string of events that somehow lead to her winning a substantial prize on the Lottery. Oh, and not to mention Jamie, a certain young man who just pops up in all scenarios, annoying the heck out of Emma!
How do you deal with a win of that magnitude after a real personal blow?
Emma lives the life of a millionaire for a week, treating herself as well as her friends, before being sensible with her winnings, and all sorts happen in the short 5 days of the week.
I loved all the characters in this story, from Emma herself to her friends Cat and the rather outspoken Amber! Emma has an older friend, Lottie, whom she trusts more than her own parents, and her interactions throughout the story were brilliant. I think we all need a Lottie in our lives.
We don’t really get to know James that well, but the times he shows up, I got to know enough to warm to him, and I was urging Emma to open her mind and eyes to the great person he was! (Unlike the ex, Dave, who , lets fact it, is a right idiot)
That ‘will they/won’t they?’ romance thread runs through the story, and the conclusion is perfect, though frustrating as it is right at the end, and now I have to wait to hear more about that part of the story.
Impatiently waiting, Nina!

Released March 27th, 2025

Releasing 1st April and there will be a Blog Tour post!

A Recipe for Love by Amelia Berry
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

What a lovely story filled with cake, castles and love!
Bella and Adam are very different characters who meet in Spain under extraordinary circumstances.
Their whirlwind romance leads to a quick proposal, and all seems terrific until they arrive back home in Scotland, where Adam learns some sad news about his father.
The thing is, he’s not told his now fiance much about his life, and he is a Laird and has his own castle (that the whole family refers to as a house).
The way Bella and Adam fall in love is cute, and how Bella, a free spirit, deals with the possibility of a future very different from anything she has ever imagined is a great story.
There’s not one, but two Dowager Lady Lowbridges to contend with, as well as a small, tight-knit community in the village of Lowbridge, where Adam’s family lives.
Bella tries her hardest to ingratiate herself into the day-to-day running of the castle, offering so much to help the family get out of a tight spot. It is great to see how her character deals with the future looking very different from what she ever thought.
An excellent cast of characters, including Poppy, the castle ghost, brings more flavour to the story.
Of course, there is plenty of mention of food and cakes in particular, which I always enjoy.
Looking forward to reading what comes next!

Published 27th March, 2025

Blog Tour post on 4th April!

Blog tour and review on 7th April!

Blog Tour on 14th April!

So, tell me what you have been reading, and what caught your eye from the above!

February 2025 Books #AmReading

28 Feb 2025 4 Comments

by Ritu in Reviews, Thoughts Opinions & Memories Tags: Am Reading, Arc, Blog, Blog Post, Blogger, Blogging, Book Review, Book Reviews, books, Goodreads, Netgalley, reading

February. That month, for me, of birthdays. Oh, so many birthdays, meals out and cake! And Romance, obviously. Plus the added bonus of our February half term where I read loads.

My plan was to, aside from any arcs, go for love stories in any form; cosy, spicy, second chance, whatever. It ended up being a whole load of ARCs, but all with some level of romance attached (apart from one).

So, I read 13 books – And most were arcs ready for blog tours!

Slow Burn Summer: A Novel by Josie Silver
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I’ve loved previous Josie Silver books, so was excited to read this one, too.
Slow Burn Summer is exactly that. A slow burn romance, that has us as readers simmering throughout, as well as the characters!
Kate is reeling from a recent divorce and trying to find her feet again. Her daughter is at university, her ex living in what was their family home with his new partner, and Kate is in a flat belonging to her sister, attempting to make sense of her new life.
She bites the bullet and contacts her old agent, from before she got married, twenty years ago, in the hope that she can rekindle her acting career as a means to an end, and finds herself with a most unexpected role. That of an author. Specifically, she is to act as the author of a book she hasn’t written because the actual author doesn’t want to have their already famous name associated with this particular story.
Oh, and her agent? He’s not the person she started out with, two decades previously, the flamboyant Jojo Fernandes. Instead he is working with Charlie Fernandes, his son. And a rather lovely looking, decent kind of man!
Without going into detail, Kate’s life is a rollercoaster as the publication day arrives and the popularity of the novel soars.
She needs all the support she can get, and her sister is one amazing character, a real momma bear, who wonn’t let anyone hurt her sister. And, of course, Charlie…
There’s a lot that goes on, and it makes for a very entertaining read, and the slow burn is brilliantly done. A fantastic summer read!
Many thanks to NetGalley and Penguin for an ARC.

Releasing 19th June, 2025

A Thread of Light by Neema Shah
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

As a British-born Indian with Kenyan-born Indian parents, I am always drawn to stories that relate to my home country and the Commonwealth countries, and the premise of this novel really piqued my interest.
I enjoy reading WW2-related stories, but I have never read one that focuses on Indians in Britain. This book shone a light on a part of the war era that I wasn’t even aware of.
The story centres around Ruby, an air raid warden, and Kitty, a lawyer. Both have connections to India.
Ruby is half Indian but has never made this public knowledge, and hasn’t had to as she favours her English mother in looks, rather than her Indian father.
Hindu Kitty moved to England with her Muslim husband from Bombay after defying her family and marrying out of her religion.
Their stories collide when Ruby finds herself drawn to the India Forum and begins attending meetings where Indians in England are supporting their home country by continuing to campaign for India’s independence from the British Empire. Kitty is already a member of the group, however she doesn’t trust the stranger in their midst, who doesn’t look like them.
I know it is fictional, but it has highlighted a situation that I was unaware of, and I feel compelled to learn more. The occupation of India, and the subsequent independence and partition are such sore topics, right to this day, and the mode of story is just one way to educate those who don’t know.
A passionately told story featuring prejudices, love, suspicion, trust, and the questioning of loyalties.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Pan MacMillan for an ARC.

Releasing 10th July, 2025

Needy Little Things by Channelle Desamours
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Gotta love a YA psychological thriller!
Sariyah, our FMC is a girl with a bit of a special power. Somehow she can sense the ‘needs’ of people around her, except those she is very close to.
It can be deafening, hearing random things in her mind, as she walks around crowds.
She does her best to help, but it can get overwhelming.
She and her friends are suddenly caught up in a missing person case, when one of their friends disappears at a music festival.
Sariyah’s life turns upside down as they try to find out what happened to Deja, especially as she lost her best friend, as a missing person, never found, a few years previously.
What is interesting, on top of all the twists and turns, which are 100% page-turning, is the theme of how a white girl’s disappearance and a black girl’s disappearance are treated. Social media traction, hashtags, news going viral…
And, I was NOT expecting that ending!
Many thanks to NetGalley and Bloomsbury Publishing for an ARC.

Released 13th February, 2025

What Happens in Paradise by Olivia Spring
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I’ve not read the first in this series and it did not detract from the enjoyment of the book, at all.
The Love Hotel in Spain is a boutique affair where singletons apply and are matched to holiday with a person who should be their perfect partner. Jasmine is one of the guest relations managers, and very good at her job. Alejandro is the sous chef, who also happens to be rather gorgeous.
One rule of the hotel is no relationships between co-workers. But there are sparks between these two that they both try hard to ignore.
Until they get sent on a work trip to Jamaica!
Sun, sand… you know what the menu holds.
The story simmers throughout as both parties try their hardest to stay professional, but boy, when the sparks fly, they are HOT!
Though, will what happens in paradise stay in paradise?
Both characters are damaged in their own way and have to learn to overcome their own flaws (which may only be flaws in their eyes) to even accept that another person would be attracted to them.
I really enjoyed this book. A light-hearted read with a huge heap of spice!
Many thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for an ARC.

Released 14th February, 2025

Blog Tour Review in March!

The Love We Found by Jill Santopolo
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A tragic love story.
Lucy is still somewhat in mourning after losing her great love, Gabe, ten years previously.
She finds a slip of paper in his things with an Italian address on it and finds herself on a trip of discovery to find out more about who lives there, why they were important to Gabe, and to finally put his ghost to rest, so she can get on with her life.
Lucy meets Dr Dax in Italy and finds her self drawn to him and some deep sadness within him.
There is the matter of being a divorced mum of 3, with a tremendous secret hanging over the family, that could make or break many relationships.
Lucy has a lot to deal with, not least the fall out of that secret becoming known, as well as navigating whether she is ready to move on, somehow, or whether she doesn’t deserve any more happiness.
It was heartbreaking but equally beautiful to read.
I’ve not read the first book The Love We Lost, but I could read The Love We Found with no issue.s I do, however, now want to read the first book to understand a bit more about how the whole situation arose!
Many thanks to NetGalley and HQ Publishing for an ARC.

Releasing 18th March, 2025

Releasing 23rd March, 2025 – Blog Tour post to follow!

Releasing in April, and yes, another Blog Tour review from me then!

Great Big Beautiful Life by Emily Henry
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Every one of Emily Henry’s books captivates me in different ways, and Great Big Beautiful Life was just simply amazing!
There is Grumpy/Sunshine in the mix, but so, SO much more in the story.
Alice is a journalist who has finally been given a chance to stretch her writing muscles on a story that is close to her heart.
Hayden is a Pulitzer prize willing writer looking to fill the gap he’s feeling after writing a biography that took his whole being to write.
She’s full of the light of life, finding the silver linings in all situations.
He’s – well – grump. Unapproachable, gruff, rude. And hot.
The story finds both of them competing in a month-long interview to see who will be granted permission to write the biography for Margaret Ives, the infamous, reclusive heiress to the tabloid conglomerate built by the Ives family.
The story is mostly told from Alice’s POV, with a subtle dual timeline that takes us back to Margaret’s past. We learn so much about all three main characters, and in between, the simmering chemistry between Alice and Hayden bubbles along in true Henry style.
There is love, loss, grief, tragedy, scandal, and an unexpected twist at the end, which brings about pain and healing all at once.
I LOVED this book.
I think this might be her best, yet, and my favourite Emily Henry read.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Penguin for an ARC.

Publishing 22nd April, 2025

Releasing 9th March, 2025. Blog tour in March!

The Orphans by Fiona McIntosh
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I’ve not read any Fiona McIntosh books before, and I do love a bit of historical fiction. This story, set in Australia in the early 1900s was another first for me.
Set in both the Outback and Flinders Range, as well as Adelaide, we start the story with a young 10 year old boy, Tom Catchlove, whose family lives among the sheep shearers. Suddenly losing his mum while she was in childbirth, and his father far away on a job, uncontactable, Tom is set on a fateful journey to Adelaide to her mother’s family, for a short while, where she meets a precocious young 8 year old, Fleur Appleby, the daughter of the undertaker looking after his mother.
She leaves an indelible mark on his memory, which doesn’t dull as he gets older. As does he on hers.
They meet, by chance, as adults, both in very different situations, and both orphans of a like.
Tom is the wool classes he always said he would be, and Fleur is striving to be the best mortician in Australia, and one of the first female ones.
What pursues is a love story that is achingly painful, and romantic, as well as a heart rending story as they fight the odds to be together.
I sped through this book over one day. Beautifully written.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for an ARC.

Publishing 21st March, 2025

Best Summer Ever by Heidi Swain
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

If you’re looking for a feel good, light summer read, then you won’t go wrong with a Heidi Swain story, and Best Summer Ever is a great choice.
Daisy is back home after a breakup with her cheating partner. She’s looking forward to a chance to reset her batteries, but not looking forward to the grilling she’ll get from her parents, having lost yet another job, and now the boyfriend they thought was the bees knees.
Before even getting home, she encounters Josh, a rather hot American tourist, several times in increasingly embarrassing situations as she reaches the Norfolk village of Wynmouth, near her childhood home.
What follows is a series of events that eventually brings Daisy back to the job she always dreamed of, but was advised against, as well as a summer fling that may be so much more.
Wynbrook Manor, the only home Daisy has ever known, is wonderfully picturesque. Its owner, Algy, is a wonderful character. He is Daisy’s surrogate grandfather, who only wants the best for her and hides his own grief.
Daisy has a wonderful cast of side characters of her childhood friends, too, who help to carry the story along, as well as a little drama of their own to add a little more flavour.
There are (not so) little secrets that all come together to a very satisfying ending,
And I cannot forget little Luna the cat who has her own starring role!
Many thanks to NetGalley and Simon and Schuster for an ARC.

Releasing 24th April, 2025

The Midnight Secret by Karen Swan
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I have followed this series with great interest over the last few years, and I was so thankful to receive this ARC.
We are back to visit the characters of the Wild Isles series, and this time, the story begins with the POV of Jayne, a woman who can foresee certain events. She’s married to Norman, a nasty piece of work, but she doesn’t have the strength to fight back in any way.
What she witnesses during her last night on St. Kilda is something she doesn’t realise will be significant until further on in the story.
Through this book, we follow Effie, Mhairi, and Flora, key characters in the first three books, and each is left with loose ends that are slowly tied up through The Midnight Secret.
As the book progresses, we visit Canada, different parts of the Highlands, and a return to St Kilda.
The stories of the fictional St Kildan community leading up to the catalyst that finds them leaving their beloved island and all they know and following them as they try to settle on the Scottish Mainland were beautifully crafted.
The entire series is just amazing. Karen Swan made me care about every character, and their stories unfolded unforgettably, so each addition to the series enhanced the previous book.
I hope we will see more series in this vein from the author.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Pan MacMillan for an ARC.

Releasing 29th April, 2025

So, tell me what you have been reading, and what caught your eye from the above!