#Bookreview The Sugar and Spice Bookshop Bakery by Jennifer Page #Romance #Netgalley

Posted on September 28, 2026 by Suzanne Rogerson Author

My first taste of Jennifer Page’s writing, and I will be back for seconds!

The Blurb

Louise Dearnley has spent her life editing perfectly neat love stories, where heartbreak leads to fresh starts, charming small businesses bloom, and happily-ever-afters are guaranteed.

But now in her forties, she’s quit her job – and no, she doesn’t want to talk about why – and returned home to Applethwaite, the small Yorkshire village where she grew up. Starting over doesn’t feel nearly so much fun in real life as it does in fiction.

It also doesn’t help that her mother is convinced she’s here to run the family bakery, especially as the locals can’t get enough of Louise’s legendary ginger cake and scrumptious scones. Between renovations, a quirky ex-stepdaughter (who’s unexpectedly come to stay) and a gorgeous Italian who seems too good to be true, Louise’s second chance begins to take shape.

After a lifetime spent polishing other people’s happy endings, will Louise finally have one of her own?

My Mini Review

I loved the premise of this book – from the main character being an editor, to the cafe setting and renovation, to the sexy Italian builder and his secrets. The unfolding story kept me turning the pages and I just had to uncover exactly how bad a mistake Louise made to run away from her editing career and return to her childhood village.

The cast of characters were charming, the food descriptions scrummy, and the bookshop bakery sounds like heaven and a place I would love to visit. Please someone make this a real thing! Overall, this was a very enjoyable read and I look forward to discovering more of Jennifer Page’s books.

Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC copy

#bookreview Postcards from Sicily by Nancy Barone #romance #netgalley

Posted on September 24, 2026 by Suzanne Rogerson Author

I’ve already enjoyed some of Nancy Barone’s books, so when this came up on Netgalley, I was excited to request a copy. I’m glad I did.

Blurb

Olivia swore she would never grow up to be like her mother, who fled to Sicily to be with her lover when Olivia was a teenager. But now in her thirties, the spark in Olivia’s marriage has been extinguished for years, she’s hopelessly pining over her attractive business partner, Markus, and her own teenage daughter barely speaks to her.

So when her estranged mother offers to pay for an eight-week trip to a luxurious wellness centre in Italy, Olivia reluctantly accepts. A break will be good for her. For everyone. There’s just one catch… Susan is staying in the adjoining room.

Fuelled by gorgeous weather, good food and even better wine, can the two women overcome their history and form the mother-daughter bond that Olivia always dreamed of? Or is it too late for second chances?

My mini review

I was intrigued to read Olivia’s story. I’m sure many people like me would dream of being offered a free eight-week holiday, but this doesn’t turn out quite how she expects. The story takes some unexpected turns when she is forced to face her mother after 22 years apart. There are some surprising revelations and deep soul searching moments for Olivia to contend with. There are plenty of emotional moments throughout the story as more of the past is revealed and both Olivia and her mother’s actions suddenly begin to make sense.

I really liked the relationship between Olivia and her business partner. I wanted them to get together and be the perfect couple they were meant to be if only she wasn’t trapped in a loveless marriage. Marcus is such a great guy and a best friend to Olivia and her children. I was rooting for them from the start. I also wanted Olivia to be able to mend her difficult relationships with her mother and her daughter before the past could repeat itself. At times the emotional moments made it a difficult read, but it was so rewarding and proves what a great author Nancy B is.

I recommend the book, especially if you fancy a getaway to Sicily.

New Release – Witchland by Juno Goldstone #romantasy #fantasy

Posted on September 20, 2026 by Suzanne Rogerson Author

I’m so excited to share this new release. Witchland is a regency romance with an enemy to lovers theme. I’m currently reading it and loving every moment. Just look at this cover – it’s beautiful.

The Blurb

A realm ruled by women.
A witch cursed to kill the man she marries.
An enemy who must wed a witch.

Those eyes. Wolf eyes, golden amber-brown, rich with the promise of wildness… but he looked at her with loathing.

It’s hate at first sight when Eliza Peverley meets Will Darsyn, an outspoken critic of Witch Society. But she needs to marry fast, so her Land will give her more magic as a wedding gift. Eliza’s vicious cousin has challenged her to a magical duel, and if she loses, her sister dies too. Will, for reasons of his own, also needs to wed quickly.

Cursed to kill her husband, the last thing Eliza needs is love. She wants a marriage of convenience with a man she won’t mourn. Will is perfect for her – perfectly disagreeable – and there isn’t the slightest chance of her growing fond of him.

Eliza and Will feign love to earn the queen’s approval to wed. And when Eliza’s rival attacks, they are forced to work together to survive. Attraction sparks, but Will has a dangerous secret. One that could change the stakes entirely.

A man who hates witches and the witch who’s going to kill him can never fall in love… can they?

_________________________________________________________________________

It’s available now on Amazon in paperback and ebook.

I’ll be sharing my review when I finish reading it, but don’t wait. Go and get your copy today!

You can also check out the author’s website here Juno Goldstone, and follow her on Goodreads and Instagram.

Oh, and here is the perfect place to read a regency romantasy – a 15th century manor house in Hanley Castle – Worcestershire.