Valentina’s story tugged at my heartstrings in the best way. As the eldest Wynter sister, her journey felt deeply layered—navigating single motherhood, her complicated relationship with her ex, and the lingering gap left by her unknown biological family. When her summer on Skye begins with a chaotic train ride thanks to a charming American tourist…
Rachel's Random Resources
One More Day of Us by Shari Low | Book Review
Shari Low always delivers stories that feel personal, warm, and emotionally resonant—and One More Day of Us is no exception. Told in dual timelines, this novel follows three young women in 1990 living their dream as singers in a Hong Kong hotel, and then revisits them in 2025 as they reunite for the first time…
The House at River’s Edge by Rachel Burton | Book Review
A deeply moving historical narrative, this book intertwines the lives of two generations—one navigating the idyllic yet shifting world of 1914, and another uncovering its secrets from the lens of 1997. Initially, I found the story a bit challenging to follow due to its large cast and shifting timelines, but once the threads began to…
This Thing Called Love by Debbie Howells | Book Review
They say bad things come in threes, and for Bee, that couldn’t be more true—dumped, jobless, and couchless all in one day. But life has a funny way of throwing in surprises… like a charming stranger who spills coffee on her at her lowest point. Enter Alex: devoted son, full-time caregiver, and quiet hero whose…
The Dolce Vita Divas by Maddie Please | Book Review
I absolutely adored this book! It’s rare to find feel-good fiction centered around older characters, and this story celebrates that stage of life with humor, heart, and hope. Joanne is freshly retired, newly divorced, and turning 65—trying to rediscover herself while also sharing her home with her grown son, who’s hit his own rough patch….
Shooting Stars over the Highlands by Lisa Hobman | Book Review
This is the second book I’ve read by this author, and once again, she’s completely won me over. Feel-good fiction at its finest, this novel delivers exactly what it promises—lighthearted escapism, lovable characters, and the perfect amount of romantic mischief. Esme Cassidy finds herself in a classic post-breakup trifecta: heartbroken, living with her parents, and…
Fields of Glory by Michael Jecks | Book Review
In the opening novel of his Hundred Years’ War trilogy, Michael Jecks masterfully brings the common soldiers of Edward III’s army to life, crafting a richly detailed, immersive story that lingers long after the final page. Fields of Glory follows Berenger Fripper and his vintaine of twenty archers from their landing near Cherbourg through the…
Five Things I Love About You by Clare Swatman | Book Review
Five Things I Love About You by Clare Swatman is a sweet, uplifting story about friendship, self-discovery, and the unexpected turns life can take when you’re brave enough to start over. While I’ve had mixed feelings it was a pleasant surprise, offering emotional depth and a heartwarming message at its core. The real star of…
The Resistance Girls by Alice G. May | Book Review
The Resistance Girls by Alice G. May is a captivating and emotionally driven World War II novel that shines a spotlight on the extraordinary courage of ordinary women. The story follows Serenity (Wren) Ashworth as she answers the call to serve her country in a covert resistance unit, and her journey from grief to quiet…
Jacob by VH Nicolson | Book Review
I thought Lincoln was VH Nicolson’s best, but Jacob might just have claimed the crown. The angst, the slow-burn chemistry, and the emotional weight of this story absolutely captivated me—I devoured it in less than 24 hours! Jacob is every bit the swoon-worthy book boyfriend: fiercely loyal, tattooed, and full of quiet intensity. Nicolson has…
