Scrabble fan Jo always seems to pick the wrong guys. Now she’s moved to the Yorkshire village of Hebbleswick, and decided to give dating one last chance. This time, there’s a catch: she will only date men whose names would score highly in her beloved word game.
After Tarquin (16 points) proves just as disappointing as the rest, she meets low-scoring local doctor Ras (3 points). Her rules mean she can’t date him – but when he asks her to organise a Scrabble festival with him, she can’t say no.
As the event draws nearer and Jo and Ras grow closer, will Jo ignore her rule and let true love blossom over the triple letter scores
After reading A Little Board Game Cafe I was delighted to see another board game-based book by the author. And so quickly as well. The board game cafe idea is fresh and bright, not a subject that has been rehashed many times over in books.
From the author’s writing I’m going to make the deduction she loves writing because her books are so fun and original, she loves board games and loves to see others happy in their romance when they find the right person for themselves.
You’ve got to admit the cover is really cute and the font used to spell out ‘Love Letters’ in the title is a perfect match for a book loosely based on scrabble games.
After escaping a controlling man in her marriage Jo is ready to make a new start in the Yorkshire village of Hebbleswick and possibly give dating one last chance. She enjoys playing Scrabble, but to say that may be an understatement. She enjoys Scrabble so much she only dates guys that have names that score highly in her favorite game, Scrabble. When she becomes interested in a man with a name that scores low, she couldn’t possibly date him. Asking her to organize a Scrabble festival with him she figures, sure, what will it hurt?
I loved seeing the character growth, especially Jo, she becomes self-assured, willing to try new things and stand up for herself. Ras is such a positive influence in Jo’s life. His character is warm, compassionate and he goes the extra mile with Jo helping her to become the best person she can be.
The many Scrabble games were so fun to read about, and the town loved coming together to play. I loved seeing the fellowship the game created and how the lonely characters were no longer lonely. It was a lovely way to bond. Loved this book and all its characters and greatly look forward to more board game books by the author.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Author Bio – Jennifer Page wrote her first novel – a book about ponies – when she was eight. These days she prefers to write romance. When she isn’t writing, Jennifer can usually be found playing board games which are the inspiration for her first novel. She has worked as a television producer, a music teacher and has even run a children’s opera company. She now lives near Hebden Bridge in West Yorkshire with her husband and his large collection of games.
350 pages August 30,2022 publication date Boldwood Books grab a copy here
ABOUT THE BOOK
After the end of a long-term relationship, local weather girl Bea Armstrong has been avoiding her family, and their inevitable ‘I-told-you-sos.’ But with Christmas fast approaching, she is finally on her way home to Charis House, the school in Sherwood Forest that her mum and dad run in their old family home. And to top it all off, the insufferable Henry Fairfax – who her parents have always wanted her to marry – has also been invited.
Relief comes in the shape of a last minute interview for her dream job. There are just a few minor problems… The interview is in Scotland, Bea has no car, and the snow is falling already. The only solution is for Henry to drive her – could this Christmas get any worse…
But during an unforgettable two day interview, a stay in a log cabin and a nightmare journey through the snow, Henry turns out to be nothing like she thought. And when Bea’s first love and recent ex shows up, Bea has a difficult choice to make…
Reading Beth Moran’s fabulous novels makes every day better. Feelgood, satisfying, with smart characters and gorgeous settings, it’s impossible not to fall in love with a Beth Moran story. Perfect for all fans of Jill Mansell, Julie Houston, and Jenny Colgan.
MY THOUGHTS
A fun, festive and tender holiday read. I read this one in a day. Bea Armstrong is our main character; she is the local weather girl and just ending a long-term relationship. Out with the old and in with the new, right? Bea isn’t so sure though when her old flame keeps promising her the moon but never delivers.
What a delight, she’ll be able to spend Christmas with her family, but a last-minute interview as a weather girl is in her way and she must go. Never mind the snow is piling up on her way to Scotland.
Bea has some important decisions to make. I enjoyed the characters and plot. This festive snowy read is perfect for this time of year, and it was such an engaging story.
Pub Date: 30 Aug 2022 I was given a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
Beth Moran initially worked as a biochemist and then taught antenatal classes before becoming an author. She loves to write contemporary women`s fiction set in and around Sherwood Forest, where she lives with her family.
On the night that Trudy Asp discovers her ex is engaged to the same dental hygienist who’s been picking at her teeth for ten years, her daughter, Madison, suddenly announces that she too is getting married, in Europe.
Frumpy, floundering, and forced to live with her martini-swilling mother, Trudy is swamped by these revelations. And on top of it all, she’ll be wearing the second most scrutinized gown at the wedding.
Having packed on the pounds during the demise of her marriage, the idea of being eyeballed by her ex and his scrawny fiancée Zelda, is truly horrifying. To make matters worse, there’s the paralyzing fear of a transatlantic flight — something Trudy has avoided for decades.
When Zelda offers to stand in for her, Trudy is forced to confront the forces that stole her marriage and threaten to steal her daughter’s wedding too. With three months until the ceremony, Trudy must get to Europe, squeeze herself into a gown, and claim the role she wants more than anything: Mother-of-the-Bride.
Will this Odd Mom Out sink or swim? Or will she drown in a sea of humiliation?
Pre-order Links
Publication Date: 1st January 2024
Author Bio –
Sandy Day is a recovering chatterbox and writer of riveting slice-of-life poetry, memoir, and fiction. She has authored five books to date, with two in the works. A graduate of Glendon College, she studied creative writing under Michael Ondaatje and bp nichol. A lover of cheese, coffee shops, and illustrations, she lives on the shore of Lake Simcoe in Georgina, Ontario, Canada. You can find and follow her on Substack and sandyday.ca – it rhymes!
Productivity coach, speaker, blogger and author of Chaos to Control, a Practical Guide to Getting Things Done
1. Keep a gratitude journal and add to it every day
Keeping a gratitude journal is an effective method for cultivating gratitude. Spend a few minutes each day writing down what you are grateful for.
A good meal, a warm bed, or a kind word from a friend can all be examples of this. You can begin to shift your perspective and appreciate what you have by focusing on the positive aspects of your life.
2. Tell someone you love them and appreciate them.
Expressing gratitude to others can help to strengthen your bonds and make them feel valued. Take the time to express how much you value the people in your life and how grateful you are for their presence.
3. Notice the beauty in nature each day
Nature is full of wonders that can awe and inspire gratitude. Take a few moments each day to appreciate the natural beauty around you, whether it’s a sunrise, a flower, or the song of a bird.
4. Value your friendships; good friends don’t come along every day.
In our lives, good friendships bring us joy and support. Make time to connect with your friends, listen to them, and demonstrate your concern. Taking care of your friendships can help you recognize the positive impact they have on your life.
5. Smile more often
Smiling is an easy way to cultivate gratitude and optimism. It can boost your mood and make those around you feel better.
Even when you don’t feel like it, try to smile more frequently and watch how your mood and interactions with others improve.
6. Watch inspiring videos that will remind you of the good in the world.
In today’s world, it’s all too easy to focus on the bad news and events. However, there are many inspiring stories and videos that show the good in people.
Make time to watch these inspiring stories; they will make you feel more grateful and optimistic about the world.
7. Make it a habit to do one act of kindness every day.
Kindness, no matter how small, can have a significant impact on both others and yourself. Make it a daily goal to do something nice for someone else, whether it’s holding the door, complimenting someone, or offering to help
8. Avoid negative media and movies with destructive content
Negative media and movies can sap your energy and draw your attention to the negative aspects of life.
Choose to consume positive and uplifting media that will help you cultivate gratitude and joy.
9. Call your mom or dad more often
Your parents are most likely a source of love and support in your life, but we can all be guilty of taking them for granted at times.
Make an effort to call them more frequently and express your appreciation for everything they have done for you.
10. Cook with love, and think about those you will feed
Cooking is an excellent way to express gratitude and love. When you cook, think about who will be eating the meal and put your energy and intention into it. This can help you in appreciating the act of cooking as well as the joy it brings to others.
11. Volunteer for charitable organizations
It’s a wonderful way to give back and be thankful for what you have. It allows you to put things into perspective and appreciate your blessings.
Helping others benefits you as well as the people you help by increasing your sense of purpose and fulfillment.
12. Do not gossip or disparage anyone.
Talking negatively about others and engaging in gossip can damage relationships. Instead, look for the good in people and focus on what you can say about them.
13. Spend quality time with your loved ones
Spending quality time with loved ones is essential for expressing gratitude and strengthening bonds.
14. Compliment your friends and family when they look good
Remembering to compliment your friends and family when they look good is an easy way to show your appreciation and boost their confidence. It shows that you are paying attention to them and value their efforts.
15. Write a card to someone you haven’t seen in a while
Writing a card to someone you haven’t seen in a long time and saying something nice to them can make their day and strengthen your relationship with them.
16. Add at least one new item to your gratitude list each day.
Adding to your gratitude list at least once a day helps to cultivate a gratitude habit and trains your mind to focus on the positive aspects of your life.
17. Look for the bright side
It’s easy to focus on the negatives when confronted with a difficult situation. However, by attempting to find the positives, no matter how minor they may appear, you can shift your perspective and discover reasons to be grateful. This can result in a more optimistic outlook on life.
18. Make a weekly commitment to not complaining about anything
Complaining is easy to do, but it creates a negative energy that affects not only you but those around you. By committing to not complaining for a week, you will be forced to find solutions rather than dwell on problems, and you will begin to appreciate the good things in your life.
19. Try to notice when people do a good job and recognise them when they deserve it at work
It is essential to express gratitude to those who work hard and do a good job. This not only boosts morale but also fosters a positive work environment. You can foster a culture of gratitude and appreciation by recognizing their efforts.
20. Reward effort; if someone does something nice for you, return the favor.
It is important to express your gratitude when someone does something nice for you. One way to accomplish this is to repay their kindness with an act of your own. This can start a chain reaction of kindness and gratitude that benefits everyone.
21. Meditate with your gratitude list, giving thanks for all your good fortune.
Meditation can be an effective way to cultivate gratitude. You can develop a deeper appreciation for the good things in your life by focusing on your gratitude list during your meditation practice. This can result in a more upbeat attitude and a greater sense of well-being.
22. Live mindfully, not worrying about the past or the future.
If you’re always thinking about the past or the future, gratitude may be difficult to come by. Living mindfully in the present moment allows you to fully appreciate the good things in your life. This can result in a greater sense of contentment and peace.
23. Thank the people in your community who help you, such as the shopkeepers and bus drivers.
It’s easy to take the people who help us every day for granted. By taking the time to express our gratitude for their service, we foster a more positive interaction. This can brighten their day and contribute to a more positive community overall.
24. Thank your loved ones for the little things they do for you
We often fail to recognise the small things that our loved ones do for us on a daily basis. Thanking your partner, family members, or friends for their support, care, and love can go a long way towards strengthening your bonds.
25. Place quotes and images around your home that remind you to be grateful
Surround yourself with gratitude reminders. Print some inspirational quotes or make a vision board with images that inspire gratitude. Place them in rooms where you will see them frequently.
26. Visit an elderly neighbor and express gratitude for their presence in your life.
The elderly in our communities are a wealth of wisdom and life experience. Call or visit one of your elderly neighbors and express your gratitude for their presence in your life. You might be surprised at how much they value the gesture.
27. Call your grandparents and express your love for them.
Grandparents are often overlooked, but they can be a wealth of wisdom and guidance. Call them and express your love and appreciation for everything they’ve done for you.
28. Embrace challenges and turn them into growth opportunities
When faced with a challenge, try to see it as an opportunity for growth. Maintain a positive attitude and concentrate on what you can gain from the experience. This mindset shift can help you in finding new solutions and increasing your resilience.
29. Send love to your enemies or people you dislike
Gratitude is more than just appreciating the good things in life; it is also about finding compassion for those who challenge us. Send love to people you find difficult, and try to understand their perspective. You may find that your relationships improve as a result.
30. Be thankful when you learn something new
Learning is a lifelong process, and every new thing you learn is an opportunity to be grateful. Recognize the worth of your education and the teachers and mentors who guided you along the way.
31. See your mistakes as an opportunity for growth
We all make mistakes, but instead of dwelling on them, try to see them as learning opportunities. Consider what you can learn from your mistakes and how you can apply that knowledge to better yourself and your life.
32. Help your friends see the bright side of life
If you have friends who are prone to dwelling on the negative, be there with them and try to help them see the bright side of life. Encourage them to practice gratitude with you.
33. Remember your friends who are by your side during difficult times
Instead of focusing on what is wrong, focus on the people who are there to support you. Spend some time thanking them for their love and support.
34. Help others when life treats you well
When things are going well in your life, make time to help others. Perform random acts of kindness or volunteer to help those in need. Your generosity can make a significant difference in the life of someone else.
35. Create a gratitude collage by cutting out pictures of everything you are grateful for
Make a collage of pictures of things you’re grateful for and arrange them in a way that makes you happy. Display it in your home as a reminder of all the good things in your life.
36. Make gratitude a part of family life by sharing it with one another at mealtime
Starting a gratitude ritual during meal times is one way to incorporate gratitude into your family life. This can be as simple as asking each family member to share one thing they are grateful for on that particular day.
This will not only help everyone in the family develop a habit of gratitude, but it will also create a positive and uplifting environment during meals.
37. Practice gratitude at the same time every day to make it a habit
To make gratitude a habit, practice it consistently and at the same time every day. This could be done in the morning or before going to bed.
Making gratitude a part of your daily routine makes it easier to remember and eventually becomes a natural habit.
38. Focus on your strengths
You can cultivate a sense of gratitude by focusing on your strengths and the positive aspects of your life. This will help you appreciate and be grateful for what you have, as well as boost your self-esteem.
39. Share the benefits of gratitude with family and friends
Sharing the benefits of gratitude with family and friends can inspire and encourage others to do the same. Talk about the beneficial impact gratitude has had on your life and some ways they can cultivate gratitude in their own lives.
40. Express gratitude every day on social media
Social media is an excellent platform for expressing gratitude and inspiring others to do the same.
You can spread positivity and encourage others to focus on the good things in their lives by posting a message of gratitude on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram. This can also foster a sense of belonging and connection with others who hold similar values.
Final Thoughts
Gratitude is a powerful emotion that can bring us happiness, joy, and contentment.
We can cultivate an attitude of gratitude and abundance even in difficult times by incorporating these habits into our daily lives. Every act of gratitude, whether it’s thanking those who serve us or noticing the beauty in nature, can have a significant impact on our happiness and relationships.
So, let us embrace these simple yet powerful practices of gratitude in order to live a happier, more fulfilling life.
336 pages September 26,2023 publication date Revell publisher
ABOUT THE BOOK
Cora Matthews’s life is a mess. A broken engagement and the unexpected death of her mother have left her wondering if things will ever return to normal. Whatever “normal” is.
It certainly isn’t what she finds at Moonberry Lake. After she receives her family’s dilapidated lakefront lodge as an inheritance–with a surprising condition attached–Cora finds her life overrun by a parade of eccentric neighbors who all have something to say and something to teach her.
As Cora works to put her life back together, she must decide if she is willing to let go of the past, open her heart to love, and embrace the craziest version of family and home she could ever have imagined.
MY THOUGHTS
If you’ve been reading my blog any amount of time at all you’ll notice I read a lot of different authors. Some say they want the tried-and-true authors and won’t try a debut author. I say that’s nonsense. If I hadn’t tried this author, I wouldn’t have found a new favorite author with all the elements I love in books.
Moonberry Lake is heartwarming and charming and located in the beautiful North Woods of Minnesota. Its small-town descriptions will make you want to visit, and then stay. Cora hasn’t been in Moonberry Lake since childhood but when life doesn’t go as planned, she finds herself back there with a surprising inheritance, her family’s dilapidated lakefront lodge.
Her family has kept secrets from her and while in Moonberry she’ll try to work her way through them with some unforeseen results.
Now the characters living in Moonberry are quite an eclectic bunch. Everyone has their own opinion, and they are quite different from each other. They all openly welcome her, except for one character. I’m hoping to find out more about this character in a future book.
The renovation of the family lodge is going beautifully and while the construction is going on Cora has time to settle in and really talk to her neighbors, like so many of us don’t have time for now a day.
I have to say Cora’s character seemed a little naive, but I didn’t like her any less. Of all the characters if I had to choose a favorite I’d choose Kitty, there is something very special about her.
Let’s talk about a few other characters, the dental receptionist, she is annoying. No one would keep a dental receptionist on like that, even if you did like her and felt sorry for her. I still liked her though; I thought her character was funny. I also liked the man she helped around his house, who is so introverted. All quirky neighbors, all have a story to tell and a lesson to teach. You will fall in love with this heartwarming story and not want to leave it. I am greatly looking forward to another book in the series.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
THE AUTHOR
Holly Varni is a native Minnesotan of strong Norwegian descent, who was raised in the Lutheran Church that Garrison Keillor made a career depicting. Between the lutefisk, grumpy grandparents, and the crazy neighbor who mowed his lawn wearing pajamas, the seed to becoming a storyteller was planted. She wants to give readers characters they can connect with, admire, laugh at, and most of all love.
She is podcast host of “Moments from Moonberry Lake,” and author of the “Moonberry Lake” series.
In her personal life, she married a University Professor with the same chocolate eyes as her romantic lead. They live on the Central Coast of California with their three sons. The characters of Moonberry Lake and their unique stories came about as she was trying to survive being a boy mom. When not doing laundry or writing, she has the privilege of being a Hospice volunteer, where she sits with the dying and listens to their stories.
Have you read this book? Did you love it as much as I did?
Have a wonderful weekend and thanks for stopping in.
Welcome back to Little Woodville. Visit old friends and new in this super, summer escapist read. Morgan Rosewood finds herself at a crossroads in her life after returning home to Forget-Me-Not Cottage to care for her ailing mother. She and boyfriend Ronan, had plans, big plans, but all these hopes and dreams are put on hold when Morgan’s mum suddenly dies. Morgan’s emotions are in turmoil but she sets about the task of clearing the house and running her late mother’s vintage market stall. Nate Greene has his own reasons for staying away from Little Woodville. Nate needs to reconcile his past and tackle the long overdue task of decluttering the place he once loved – his abandoned wood workshop, filled to the brim with his creations. He secures a stall at the local market to showcase his wares and it isn’t long before the workshop reignites the passion he once shared with a special person. Thrown together Morgan and Nate have their own personal battles to overcome. Can the beautiful little Cotswold village teach two lost souls what matters, and more importantly, will it give them each something they didn’t come here for? Love…
A wonderful story of coming to terms with loss, learning to love, family and village life from bestselling author Helen Rolfe.
My Thoughts
I really was drawn to the cover of the book, it’s so beautiful. I am thinking I would love to go there for a little r and r. I just love Helen Rolfe’ books. They are the perfect escapist reads and I try not to miss any of them. A little cottage in the beautiful setting of the Cotswolds sounds so ideal. Summer at Forget-Me-Not Cottage is part of the charming, Little Woodville Cottage Series of which it is the second book. Christmas at Snowdrop Cottage is the first book and here is a link to it Link. It came out last year in July. In Summer at Forget-Me-Not Cottage, you will be welcomed back to Little Woodville with open arms. Visit old friends and make new in this new summer escapist read. The heart of the book is family and how important it is. The book is so lovingly written, the characters friends you could easily and comfortably laugh with over a cup of tea. I’ll be on the lookout for more books in this series.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
Helen Rolfe is the author of many bestselling contemporary women’s fiction titles, set in different locations from the Cotswolds to New York. Most recently published by Orion, she is bringing sixteen titles to Boldwood – a mixture of new series and well-established backlist. She lives in Hertfordshire with her husband and children.
Step into the Cornish Beach Café, where you’ll find stunning views of the sea, plenty of cream cakes and a warm welcome from the quirky locals. But will this special place help to heal Jessie’s broken heart this summer?
Thirty-year-old Jessie is heartbroken after being dumped just before reaching the altar. So she escapes to her favourite place in the world, the little Cornish Beach café in Indigo Cove. There she plans to spend her summer indulging in home-made lemonade and freshly made brownies. Except, on her first night, fate has other ideas and Jessie bumps into tall and brooding Ashton, the first guy she ever kissed…
Determined to protect her fragile emotions, Jessie swears not to get distracted by Ashton’s sea-glass eyes or the way being near him makes her heart hammer against her chest. Instead, she spends time with her beloved grandfather George, helping him to prepare for the café’s puzzle championships.
In the small community, she keeps crossing paths with handsome Ashton, who’s now a wealthy and successful businessman. They end up sharing sunny afternoons together, which turn into long evenings walking along the beach. As the temperature soars between them, Jessie’s heart begins to melt as she discovers the generous personality behind Ashton’s reserved exterior.
But when she discovers a secret from Ashton’s past, Jessie is left shaken. How much does she really know about him, and can she take a leap of faith and trust Ashton when he asks her to?
Will Jessie’s summer at the beach café in Indigo Cove be the biggest mistake of her life or will it turn out to be the fresh start she needs?
Such a heartwarming book. I loved settling into the pages of its setting in Indigo Cove with it’s pristine waters, endless sand and characters you’d love to have tea with. Nursing a broken heart after a breakup from a man who thought he was God’s gift to women Jessie needs to heal. She just knows that a family trip with Grandpa while he recreates loving memories of past wonderful times with his wife are sure to do it.
Throw in cream cakes and lemonade from the Cornish Beach Cafe and what more could you need. Past memories have never left of the first boy she fell for and kissed; how could it be possible she runs into him here? As she gets to know him again, she falls for him and it seems as though he feels the same way but when a serious secret from his past surfaces, will it drawn them together or make them go their separate ways?
So much has changed with them both in the years that have separated them. He is now a successful businessman; she was engaged to be married but is still shy and reserved. Can they let their inhibitions down around each other in this sunny paradise?
Such a lighthearted feel-good book, the perfect vacation bring along book. Emotional, with the importance of being yourself and accepting others for who they are. The ending was so fabulous!
May 12, 2023 publication date I was given a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
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The Author
Copyright VanessaChampion.co.uk
Donna Ashcroft was born in London, England and grew up in Buckinghamshire. She went to university in Lancashire and, among other things, worked as a copywriter, buyer, waitress, secretary and marketing manager.
Donna was shortlisted for the RNA Debut Romantic Novel of the Year in 2019, has had nine books published with Bookouture and her tenth is due out in September 2022.
Donna loves a happy ending and is never happier than when she’s escaping into a romance novel or movie. When she’s not reading or writing she’ll probably be found hoovering … or negotiating with her two teenagers about who is doing the washing up.
Brianna Kelly was abandoned at Ballymacool House and Boarding School as an infant. She has worked there since she was a wee girl and will likely die there. Despite a sense that she was made for something more, Brianna feels powerless to change her situation, so she consoles herself by exploring the Ballymacool grounds, looking for hidden treasures to add to the secret trove beneath the floorboards of her room.
When Michael Wray, the son of local gentry, is sent to Ballymacool to deal with his unruly cousin, he finds himself drawn to Brianna, immediately and inescapably. There is something about her that feels so . . . familiar. When Brianna finds a piece of silver in the woods, she commits to learning its origins, with the help of Michael. What they discover may change everything.
Fan favorite Jennifer Deibel invites you back to the Emerald Isle in the 1930s for this fresh take on the Cinderella story, complete with a tantalizing mystery, a budding romance, and a chance at redemption.
When I first received THE MAID OF BALLYMACOOL I was unable to read it due to prior reading obligations. Now I wish I had chucked those books out the window and gotten right to this one. I absolutely do believe this is the author’s strongest writing yet. You cannot help getting lost in the world she creates. I loved the time I spent at Ballymacool House and Wood and was fascinated to read in the author’s notes that they are still there though Ballmacool is abandoned, roofless and covered in vines. I can’t wait to do more online research on this. Though the story is fictional it is based upon many true events. Just my type of book, very well researched. Brianna Kelly has known no other life than Ballymacool House and Boarding School. Abandoned there as a baby she grew up there and is a maid there. In charge of her is Mistress Maureen Magee, the headmistress of Ballymacool House and Boarding School for Girls. Very mean, she never sees reason from anyone around her. People aren’t born mean so then you say to yourself what happened personally to make her like this? Mistress Magee absolutely hates Brianna with every fiber of her being, but Brianna can remember a time long ago when she was extremely young that she wasn’t like this towards her. As we are reading, we have to try to piece together why she hates this young lady so much. Michael Wray, the son of a local gentry is sent by his parents to the school the corral his young cousin who is a bit pranksterish and outspoken for the school. He is there to keep an eye on her and keep her inline. Upon meeting Brianna, he is drawn to her quiet, shy and reserved way. Something about her feels familiar, have they met before? Brianna spends her free time in the woods surrounding Ballymacool and has a special tree she has been going to for years for relaxation and where she has found treasure. There is in my opinion a gothic feel to the book, a slow burn romance, a headmistress who is hiding something and a mystery just begging to be solved. I could not turn these pages fast enough. There is also a glossary of terms at the back of the book which is very helpful plus the author’s notes that I’d advise because it gives helpful information pertaining to the story. Excellent book!
Pub Date 21 Feb 2023 I was given a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
About The Author
Jennifer Deibel is a middle school teacher and freelance writer. Her work has appeared on (in)courage, on The Better Mom, in Missions Mosaic Magazine, and others. With firsthand immersive experience abroad, Jennifer writes stories that help redefine home through the lens of culture, history, and family. After nearly a decade of living in Ireland and Austria, she now lives in Arizona.
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