REVIEW - This Changes Everything - but love changes not

This Changes Everything by Helen McGinn

Date read: 20th March 2021

My rating: 4*
Genre I reckon: Wistful family romance

Buy link: Amazon 

This author is better known to me as the cheerful wine expert who appears on TV's Saturday Kitchen. I was sort of hoping the wine choices would illustrate the story's progress more than it does tbh - but that was just me being geeky and unfair. 

This is a really lovely story. The main focus is on a couple in their sixties, which is refreshing.

Julia's two grown-up daughters follow her to Rome, fearful she's going to leap into another impromptu marriage. We are treated to a beautiful tour of the city as a result - sights, sounds and flavours. However, not everything is quite as palatable as the girls find out more than they had bargained for. 

No spoilers, but as the story unfolds from there, it gets more and more emotional. I'm not afraid to admit I cried. 

Not only do we get to 'see' Rome, but Cornwall gets a good viewing too, complete with crashing waves. 

It's a gentle saunter through a difficult topic. Very well written - hard to believe this is a debut novel. 

Just delightful!

Always in love and light,

TL

REVIEW - The Princess Trap - a right royal romp

Date read: 7th January 2021

My rating: 4*
Genre I reckon: Sexy Brit Romcom

Buy link: Amazon 

Follow the author: Talia Hibbert 

Hooray - a book with a British heroine of colour! And one of the supporting characters is Muslim. Another is mentioned as being bisexual. But they 'just are' - accepted without causing issues in the story.

Cherry is a stunning, voluptuous, confident, powerhouse of a young woman. 

OK, so she seems totally inappropriate for her HR job in a school...err...academy, but hey, it's fiction. 

Enter in damaged Prince Ruben. Of course, he's devastatingly attractive too. And from some little European island.

At the start, I thought his character was going to be into BDSM, but it's more power play. 

Still, the few sex scenes are hot af! 

I really liked how Cherry was there to rescue the prince; the reverse 'damsel in distress'. 

There was good character development and plenty of action. I cared about what happened to the characters and sped through this book. 

Talking of speed, some aspects did feel a bit rushed. A little more time to expand on some points would've set this book at a 5*.

What I really did appreciate was Cherry calling Ruben out on his errors. She was upset and he was made to know about it, but she asked why he'd acted that way to gain understanding. She showed empathy and compassion.

Trigger warning: domestic violence/abuse.

If you're after a fab, modern, sexy read, pick this book. Because who doesn't love a misunderstood guy trying to be better?

Always in love and light,

TL

REVIEW - Crime Scenes, Cats And Killer Heels - me-ow!

Date read: 7th January 2021

My rating: 3.8*
Genre I reckon: Short Story - Crime with Kitties

Buy link: Amazon 

Follow the author: Violet Schofield aka willokiwrites 

This is a fun, very short story - I managed to devour it in a day. 

A crime scene cleaner (the kind that works for the law), Alice, manages to obtain the ability to speak to cats. Although, she may regret that - they're rather uppity creatures, and even more demanding once you hear what they wish to say. 

The characters are well-written and the plot whizzed along. I just wish there had been more of a build-up of tension around the murderer. But I'm still recommending as it was a fun read and I'd like to read more. 

Now Pusskin has questions!

Always in love and light,

TL

REVIEW - Last Kiss Under The Mistletoe - full of passion

Date read: 9th December 2020

My rating: 4.5*
Genre I reckon: Christmas Romantic Suspense

Buy link: Amazon 

Follow the author: Melanie A Smith

Well, that was rather fun! I'm a complete foodie, so a chef hero is a winner from the get-go. Add in a pre-cog heroine and the book was in my basket instantly! But that's not all, the hero's life is in danger. Will CJ's foresight be a blessing or a curse? 

Packed with heat - the full-on, sizzling kind! Bit of Christmas magic. And a whole heap of action. 

The chemistry between these two is off the charts. And they're surrounded by intriguing characters. A well-written story with 'real' characters.

A very different kind of Christmas story, in all the best ways. 

Always in love and light,

TL

REVIEW - A Grim Affair - the not-so-grim reaper

Date read: 9th November 2020

My rating: 4*
Genre I reckon: Suspenseful paranormal chicklit

Buy link: Amazon 

Follow the author: Rachel Stanley

Wow, the Grim Reaper, sorry, The Keeper of Souls is kinda hot! 

But aww, he's had a lonely existence thus far. His only companion has been the oversized, also incorporeal, wolf-like being, Seith. 

Blake aka The Keeper of Souls has never been seen by any humans who aren't at death's door. So what makes Emma so different?

Explore the answers in this wonderful romance. It's about their budding relationship as opposed to hot "mature content scenes".

Blake is almost 1,000 years old yet has never truly lived. His experiences of learning about corporeal life are endearing, and sometimes reminded me of Meet Joe Black (any thoughts of Brad Pitt are always welcome). 

I really enjoyed being part of Emma's world. She's a brilliant 'girl next door'. There's nothing extraordinary about her, which is lovely in this context. And her best friend is awesome. 

All the characters are well-developed and interesting. 

And the stalker adds an intriguing element of "who is it?".

There's kitties included (Emma is a vet's nurse) and has two adorable cats herself.

And the story is set in northern England which was another fab difference. 

This is certainly a unique take on the grim reaper, and one I very much enjoyed. A great debut!

I've often said Death is only doing his job! A much under-appreciated being, imho.

The ending wraps up nicely yet also invites a sequel, which I'll definitely be reading if/when it comes out. 

Always in love and light,

TL

Staying at Daisy's - will stay in my heart

Date read: 14th September 2020

My rating: 4.5*

Genre I reckon: Chick Lit 

Buy link: Amazon 

When times are dark, there's nothing like a good chick lit novel to lift one's spirits. And this one filled the brief beautifully. 

Confession: I'd...never...read... a Jill Mansell book - shocking, I know. But there it is. So many books, so little time. And I've remedied the situation now. 

So, Staying At Daisy's - my head kept trying to place the hotel in Scotland, but no, it's near Bath (a city I love btw). Daisy helps run her father's fabulous large country house hotel. He's a larger than life character with an unfortunate fondness for karaoke. 

All the characters leap off the pages of this book. They each have their own quirks and are masterfully brought to life. And those lives interweave like a twisty turny thing. 

As the story unfolds, there's plenty of farce and action - all with a delightful British wit. 

What should be a quaint village is turned into a hotbed of scandal. Love it! 

I don't think the author specifies, but the time this book is set in is the late 1990s, I think. And it was a lovely trip down memory lane at times (this was my era!). It was fascinating to see how opinions and behaviours have changed over the not-so-many-thank-you-very-much-years. 

If you like chick lit you'll want to read this one. 

Always in love and light,

TL

REVIEW - Best Foot Forward - step this way

Date read: 24th April 2020

My rating: 4*

Genre I reckon: Romcom

Buy link: Amazon

Follow the author: on Facebook

In dark times, one felt the need to turn to a rom-com for something lighter. And this book did not disappoint. 

Reminiscent of Sophie Kinsella and similar authors, Best Foot Forward is light-hearted and witty. 

I had mixed feelings about Liberty, the heroine. She's quite judgemental and has an odd perception that she is due a promotion - this despite her clumsiness and lacklustre attitude towards her job. But it's not her fault. She's young, ambitious and has a mean boss. And accidents will happen. 

You know what, though? She's endearing too. Her heart's in the right place and she proves herself worthy of our interest as the book goes on. She's very thoughtful and caring.

Misunderstandings, accidents, theft, a puppy and designer shoes - these things combine in a delightful story which is a funny sleuthing romp. 

It's a definite must read for fans of romcoms. 

Always in love and light,

TL

REVIEW - Marriage Unarranged - as decadent as masala chai

Date read: 12th March 2020

My rating: 5*

Genre I reckon: Contemporary Indian Chicklit 

Buy link: Amazon

Follow the author on Instagram 

If you follow my reviews, you know I rarely give a 5* but this book has earned it. 

Aashi has burrowed into my heart with her excellent, demure grace. 

Where do I begin? The end! 

Oh, that Ravi!!! (*boo hiss*) 

Aashi's family are wonderful. I adore her daddy-ji - such a lovely teddy bear of a man. 

Mummy-ji is quite traditional but no less lovely. 

And her brothers? Nobody could want better - overprotective with love.

And, as if that wasn't enough, Kiran, her best friend, is wonderful if not slightly kamli. 

- a wonderful Sikh family. 

One of the beauties of this book is that includes Indian wording, specifically, Punjabi. But it's done in such a way that you easily understand. And there's a glossary of terms at the back should you get confused. 

Aashi & co. travel to India, and I felt like I was right there with them!

I could almost smell and taste everything the author described. 

I was even inspired to brew up some masala chai myself!! 

Warning - this book might make you hungry. If you're inspired to make any of the stuff mentioned, there's plenty of recipes online - do it! 

I almost got the holiday blues when the story landed back in the UK! 

So, we have some wonderful characters with amazing settings.

The plot takes you along nicely too. I was rooting for Aashi all the way. 

And the writing style is fab. 

It's also refreshing to read a book featuring Indian culture. I smiled at the phrase "chickpea curry lit"  - yep! 

Have you seen that cover? It's just brilliant! 

BUT, as good as all that is, it's not what makes this book special. And, you should already be one-click buying by now.

But it is the message which really pushes this novel up my admiration ladder. It is so brave. 

Marriage Unarranged seeks to explain, quite gently but firmly, that broken engagements should not leave the girl shamed/tainted. I think possibly more often than not, it's the boy who is culpable but who gets away unscathed.

And massive kudos for subtly addressing gay relationships too. Yes, in some cultures, this is still an issue. 

Honestly, if you're a chicklit/romance fan, you won't be disappointed! 

So good it gets its own special book review photo!

Always in love and light,

TL