Blue Wolf Reviews

Tag: romance

  • Saving Christmas at the Highland Repair Shop

    Saving Christmas at the Highland Repair Shop

    If you are in need of a seriously feel good story, full of people who care, a gentle loving storyline and a very happy ending Saving Christmas at the Highland Repair Shop is most definitely the book for you.

    Returning to the Cairngorms, to the little village of Cairn Dhu, gateway to the Cairngorm National Park, home to the slowly failing and falling into disrepair Cairn Dhu ski centre, we discover Hamish Skelton is at his wits end as the snow has not fallen, the people are all heading to the newer, classier resort further along the valley and he is facing an audit with almost definite closure on 25 December.

    Florrie Norheim has been sent by her father to do a report on the ailing business which she sees is a chance to get to know her father better; a man who broke not only her mother’s heart, but hers when he choose business over them when she was a small girl.

    She arrives in Cairn Dhu in the middle of the ‘Christmas Office Party’ lunch service, discovering she did not have a reservation the prestigious Cairn Dhu Hotel. She is now facing the fact she has nowhere to stay, she is tired, hungry, upset, has little or no phone reception and the rain is sneaking down inside her winter jacket.

    Meanwhile Rhoda Gifford, from the wonderful Repair Shop café is gently reminiscing about a time when she was young, in love and enjoying life riding down the hills of the Cairn Dhu ski centre on a new red toboggin built for her by the love of her life Eric Shaw. In love for the first and last time she still pines for a love that never became so much more.

    Once again Kiley Dunbar has set the scene for a lovely warm-hearted and enjoyable return to Cairn Dhu, where magic really does happen, love blooms and sometime more than one miracle occurs.

    Saving Christmas at the Highland Repair Shop is highly recommended for an afternoon out of the madding rush wrapped in the covers of a most enjoyable book.

  • Winter Lights in Pine Harbor

    Winter Lights in Pine Harbor

    Pine Harbour is a chance destination for Mae Sullivan after one to many deaths in her job as an ER Nurse at a busy mainstream hospital in Chicago: he was fourteen years old, stabbed when a group of young men gate crashed his bothers birthday party.

    Her life is a mess; her boyfriend has dumped her for sabbatical in Thailand and has found a new partner and she is burnt out. She arrives in Pine Harbour just as the snow is beginning to fall, it is freezing cold and her carefully chosen jacket is not warm at all.

    When a man approaches her, the first reaction is to punch him on the nose, the second is to apologise, the third is to go into the Cozy Catch with him and eat the most amazing meal of lobster stew and garlic bread she has ever eaten.

    Welcome to Winter Lights in Pine Harbour as Jonah Sawyer and Mae Sullivan get to know each other over the coming weeks. While she is relationship shy and he is totally over being forced into a position of running the family Hotel by his mother, they enjoy each other’s company.

    As the days go by Mae realises that life in a small town in Maine is anything but boring; it is peaceful, beautiful and has Jonah there to help her find her way in her new life. Jonah is beginning to understand that Mae could be the woman he is looking for to enjoy life with away from family influence.

    Sparks fly, tension builds until the night of the annual Christmas Eve Winter Formal when family matters are finally resolved as to the future of the family owned and run hotel. But all is not lost, as there is a surprise waiting for Mae outside in the crisp, cold night air that proves once again the magic a can happen, especially in Pine Harbour.

    Once again Tammy Robinson as created a charming and most enjoyable light romance for lovers of a little escapism in their life, by stepping into the little coastal town of Pine Harbour where magic and love seem to blossom.

  • A Most Unsuitable Suitor

    A Most Unsuitable Suitor

    The season is dragging on in London and Allegra Constantine is feeling the pressure as she is expected to choose a husband, or have a man choose her as his bride. It is all rather tedious and stressful.

    She often sees a man she is curious about Max Severn, a man who presents well, very well indeed but carries a hint or more than a hint of scandal about his person. She also has three suitors who dance attendance on her, but none even remotely tempt her to want to marry them. He seems to be interested in her as well, but from a distance.

    So begins Emma Orchards latest foray into the marriage mart with A Most Unsuitable Suitor which sees the world of the Ton once again put under the spotlight as Allegra and Max begin to realize that they really do enjoy each other company, perhaps a little too much.

    Max, a man who has a past that is shadowed to say the very least, does not wish to marry as he is aware that by doing so he could put both himself and his bride in danger as well as the mysterious woman who was his mother.

    As the layers of Max’s life unfold and he and Allegra fall deeply in love, even though they should not, a most enjoyable and entertaining story captivates all readers who really do enjoy regency romance with a most intriguing plot.

  • The Barefoot Bookshop on the Beach

    The Barefoot Bookshop on the Beach

    Rebeca Raisin’s latest dose of escapism The Barefoot Bookshop on the Beach is set in the wonderfully exotic location of Ésperé in the  Seychelle’s Islands, a place where dreams can come true and life can be anything you choose to make of it, even running a small bookshop in an luxury resort; a far cry from Harper’s previous part time position as a bookseller and online blogger in London.

    When Harper’s carefully structured world implodes in rapid style she is left with no job, the shame of being dumped online and facing the horrible fact that she is being trolled as she dared, inadvertently, to call out the latest chart climbing romance novel as being created by AI!

    Offered a job at The Barefoot Bookshop on the Beach she arrives in the Seychelles only to find she is being transferred to Ésperé by helicopter, piloted by a handsome young man. She is not happy and wonders just what madness led her to what will surely be her death, and this is only, but not quite, day one in her new job.

    The Barefoot Bookshop on the Beach is a lighthearted look at falling in love with serious overtones such as the effect of AI on everyday lives. Thanks to the lineup of flamboyant characters, none of whom are what they seem to be, a lightheartedness carries a slightly different style of writing from Rebecca Raisin. As always, an entertaining and enjoyable escape from daily life, Seychelle’s style.

  • The Ironbark Promise

    The Ironbark Promise

    Leonie Kelsall has written a uniquely Australian novel with splendid descriptions of the surrounds where her story is based.  Her characters and the storyline in The Ironbark Promise are believable and modern.

    Jemma is a high-flying lawyer who has had to move away from the city job she had because of threats.  The small country town she moves to has nothing about it to endear her and she is just biding her time before returning to the big smoke.

    Hamish is a local farmer who is completely charming, intelligent and a ladies’ man. He and Jemma lock horns immediately with many sparring conversations between the two. It is quite plain that they have taken each other in contempt; Jemma sees him as a man who wanders around the farm petting animals, and he see the lawyer as a high-flying city slicker.

    When danger threatens Jemma and she is at risk, it is Hamish who shows a courageous and sensitive side and helps her to safety. To unravel the mystery and uncover the perpetrator of the threatening letters will take a great deal of clear thinking and questioning of friendships.

    As always, Leonie Kelsall has written an enjoyable story focussing on the Australian way of life and the resilience of the women who live in the cities as well as the countryside.

  • Take Me Home to Kelsea Sands

    Take Me Home to Kelsea Sands

    Take Me Home To Kelsey Sands is a gentle story about love, loss, family and second chances as Alison learns that sometimes in life you simply must take a chance, face up to the fear and learn to live again.

    Widowed at a young age, Alison is at a crossroads in her life. Her Doctor wants to review her health, she needs to see an optician, her daughter seems to think she is a permanent free babysitting service for her twin Granddaughters and to top it all off, she needs to complete a Cancer screening test she received via the post after her last birthday.

    It really is all too much and when she finally makes her way to the Health Centre her results show she is pre-diabetic! Her beloved Cousin Rosie tells her she needs to go home, home to Kelsey Sands to sort herself out, be with her family for a while and enjoy a slower lifestyle.

    She reluctantly agrees, moving in with Rosie and beginning to enjoy being part of a large family group and close-knit community once again, well at least for the next few months.

    Meeting an old school friend ‘Mac’ at the Pub she finds they have a lot in common, are both looking at life somewhat sadly, both needing to face hard facts to get their life back on track and as the weeks tick past more importantly they find they enjoy each other’s company rather a lot.

    When Mac’s family situation blows wide open in a spectacular manner, Alison realises that perhaps she is the one who needs to believe what was developing between them was more than just a friendship, that maybe she is the one who needs to take a chance at beginning again, loving again and living again.

    Sharon Booth has captured the essence of family, community and the power of love in Take Me Home To Kelsey Sands.

  • A Scandal Changes Everything 

    A Scandal Changes Everything 

    Society of Women Revolutionaries Book 1.

    Set in a time period not often utilised by ‘Regency’ romance writers A Scandal Changes Everything is based in the Politics of 1770’s Britain when Lord North was the Prime Minister and England was involved in the War of Independence in America.

    Societies rules were strict and anyone, namely women, found breaking those rules was an immediate outcast, a ruined woman, a family shame and disgrace. Hanging was commonplace for a wide range of crimes and worse if you were considered as a traitor to England.

    Sophie St Clair was a social outcast, having been found standing in a garden with a very handsome man, later to give birth to a child which was then removed from her at the tender age of six months. She is known in society as the scandalous ’71. On a small inheritance she has established herself as the owner of small bookstore, writes letters and speeches for the condemned and also for a broadsheet under the pen name of Lady Sour.

    She and her sisters have formed a Society of Women Revolutionaries determined to make change; Mariah her third sister is engaged in Moneylending and other illegal but profitable enterprises, whereas Cassandra is Lady Cassandra Ellington, wife to man she cannot stand but suffers, as he gives her a place in Society which due to her birthright she deserves. Her youngest sister is yet to be launched into Society.

    Roman Montvilliers, Earl of Hazelmere is a powerful man both politically and through his title of Earl. He sits on the right hand of the prime minister, is widowed and the father to a small daughter. He has a mother who wishes him married again and has a book of likely prospects, one of whom, even though it is crossed through many times, is the Honourable Miss Sophie St Clair, daughter of Lord Oliver St Clair, respected politician, now deceased.

    When Roman and Sophie come together in a range of most unusual circumstances it is the beginning of a romance that does not proceed according to any plan, rubs dangerously up against the volatile politics of the day and could end in bliss or death.

    A Scandal Changes Everything contains a raft of entertaining issues held together with a very well researched historic background that makes the story well worth the telling. Add strong characters, a little or a lot of levity, a good sense of humour from Josie Johns and there you have an exceptionally entertaining historic romance, 1772 style.

  • Summer Nights in Pine Harbour

    Summer Nights in Pine Harbour

    Slightly irreverent, at least as far as family is concerned namely one Uncle, with a very nice underlying sense of humour, Summer Nights in Pine Harbour is story of forgiveness, understanding, love and beginning again through the eyes of Taylor and Jack, both fighting demons, both struggling to accept a past full of tragedy.

    Taylor has been more or less emotionally manipulated by her mother into coming home to look after her elderly, cantankerous Uncle while her mother goes on a long-anticipated trip with her best friends. She is not happy, neither is he!

    Dreading the three weeks she has committed to Taylor is filled with doubt, resentful, has already clashed with her Uncle over just about everything and it is only day one! As night falls, she goes to a favourite place, a small tidal pool she has always enjoyed to relax and reflect.

    Jack is cleaning up after a busy day at the restaurant he manages for Hannah, the widow of a close friend. He is tired, weary of the constant emotional struggle with Hannah who is still grieving for her husband and drinking far too much. He heads out to his favourite place to relax, the tidal pool, to find it already occupied by a woman, who he discovers is definitely not a mermaid.

    Only days later could a near disaster on the edge of a cliff be the beginning of something more or is it just one of those fleeting moments when the cause is greater than the emotions? Time will tell as they slowly and cautiously begin to get to know one another, one very small step at a time.

    Well constructed and very well presented Summer Nights in Pine Harbour is the perfect book to while away an hour or more as Taylor and Jack learn to trust again in a community, which if given a chance will help them both heal from past tragedy.

  • Winter Wishes for the East End Girls

    Winter Wishes for the East End Girls

    Winter Wishes for the East End Girls follows the life a group of young women from vastly differing backgrounds who form the ten strong team of site 312 Barrage Balloon based at Wapping in the heart of the London Docks. With Christmas fast approaching the girls are doing their best to remain hopeful that this year with rationing hitting hard, they will still be able to celebrate in style, even if it is war time style.

    Once again Jean Fullarton has created a heartwarming story that sees Alice Starling, widowed early in the War, struggling to cope with fledgling feelings for an America Lieutenant who gave her a dressing down, mistaking her for one of a group of women fighting over several young American soldiers.

    Lieutenant Brogan Rafferty is the liaison officer for the US Army’s public relations office but as it turns out he is also the nephew of Florrie, the girls land lady and owner of the Maid of Norway where eight of the team are billeted.

    As the days move towards Christmas the girls are trying their best, led by Florrie, to create a great Christmas for the families of the Shadwell Relief Centre, saving coupons and beginning to coach the children in carols and a small Nativity play.

    Brogan Rafferty is co-opted into helping out wherever possible at the Centre and as he and Alice are forced to work together, they discover they are really enjoying each other’s company, but neither one is keen to take the situation any further than friendship.

    When bombs start dropping on Wapping on the eve of the Christmas concert Alice, terrified her friend has been killed or injured, flees to rescue Effie who, heavily pregnant decided to stay behind at the Maid of Norfolk, which was badly damaged in the bombing.

    Brogan follows Alice into the badly damaged building and between them they manage to get Effie to safety with the most surprizing bonus, the birth of Effie’s babe.

    If you are looking for a feel good escape from the everyday world, Winter Wishes for the East End Girls is the prefect indulgence as the girls set about making the most out of what they have with an utterly heartwarming conclusion in the best of Christmas tradition. A new life, a new beginning and a further mystery to be solved in the next book in the series.

  • Mending Lost Dreams at the Highland Repair Shop

    Mending Lost Dreams at the Highland Repair Shop

    In this gentle and softly nuanced tale of life, love and challenge Mending Lost Dreams at the Highland Repair Shop, Kiley Dunbar has created a world that is truly lovely to visit, if even for just a short while.

    Dr Alice Hargreave has made the huge decision to move far from her family and home in Manchester to learn all there is about being GP in the very small highland town of Cairn Dhu, literally at the end of the train line. She is stressed, distressed and feels very vulnerable.

    Murray McIntyre is hiding out in his hometown of Cairn Dhu, smarting from a failed relationship, trying not to flirt with the rather handsome, teasing builder who is working on the extension to the Cairn Dhu Repair Shop of which his father Charlie is in charge.

    Finlay Morlich is the National Park Ranger who loves sweets, does not like people and lives off grid up the slopes of Cairn Dhu Mountain. He reluctantly comes into town only when his tin of treats is low, library books need replenishing and no other reason.

    Then there is the dapper Cary Anderson, first met when wheeling a large clock along the street in a wheelbarrow on the way to the Repair Shop. He stops and helps Alice find some shops, tells her the Bank is not open until Thursday and suggests she call the deli for home delivery. Alice is now beginning to wonder that she has gone and done by coming to live in this tiny little town!

    Add a few more villagers, all who are lovely, nosey and out for a good gossip and you have the basis for a warm-hearted story about discovering who you are and chasing what you really want in life, even if it is at the risk of life and limb.

    Mending Lost Dreams at the Highland Repair Shop has been spun with help from the Seelie’s of legend and a great deal of understanding about people, chasing dreams and living life.

    Book three in the Highland Repair Shop series is due out mid 2026.