Recently arrived romance fiction
Back After This by Linda Holmes
Cecily, a podcast enthusiast devoted to her friends, sister, and colleagues, swore off romance after a painful betrayal. When her toxic boss finally offers her a dream: her own show, there's a catch - it's about her dating life, guided by relentlessly optimistic influencer Eliza. Cecily is horrified but reluctantly agrees. Twenty blind dates later, her thoughts drift to Will, a charming photographer she met while rescuing a dog, but despite their connection, Will's uncertain future and Eliza's doubts cloud Cecily's judgment. Torn between the life she craves and Eliza's vision, Cecily faces a dilemma: can she pursue her passion without losing herself in the process? Readers of Emily Henry and Rebecca Serle will enjoy this outing.
Consider Yourself Kissed by Jessica Stanley
Coralie is a twenty-nine-year-old Australian copywriter who relocates to London seeking a fresh start after a difficult breakup and a problematic boss. There she meets Adam, a witty political journalist and divorced father to a charming four-year-old, Zora. As Coralie and Adam build their lives together, the initial romance gives way to the realities of raising children, managing careers, and maintaining their individual identities. Spanning a tumultuous decade, from 2013 to 2023, set against the backdrop of Brexit and the pandemic, this is a funny and honest peek at what happens after the rom-com ends
From London with Love by Katie Fforde
In 1968, Felicity arrives in a freezing cold London, intending to stay with her mother, refine her English, complete a secretarial course, and find a suitable husband. Despite homesickness for her Provençal life and her father's extended family, she views this year as temporary, anticipating a return to pursue her ambition of becoming a painter. However, her plans are disrupted by an encounter with Oliver, a captivating young man who resides on a barge and engages mudlarking along the Thames. Felicity finds herself drawn into his world, joining his expeditions. But while Oliver intrigues Felicity, is he really the 'suitable man' her mother will approve of? A gorgeously uplifting romance.
The Island Getaway by Lucy Diamond
On sun-drenched Kefalonia, at the Ionian Escape Hotel, disgraced TV star Miranda hopes for redemption, eighty-two-year-old Evelyn aims to fulfill a heartfelt promise, and the arrival of celebrity chef Frank Neale stirs speculation. As their paths intertwine on the idyllic island, as they confront their pasts, finding unexpected connections in a beautiful setting, each hopes to find solace in a fresh start.
The Secrets of Maiden's Cove by Erin Palmisano
Following her father's death, Grace leaves her controlling husband Richard and returns to her childhood home of Maiden's Cove on the stunningly picturesque Chesapeake Bay, with her daughter Bayla, inheriting the struggling Cleary's Crab Shack. Her estranged childhood best friend Isla's return reignites old mermaid rumors, giving them one last chance to mend their fractured bond. However, the summer's promise darkens as Richard's presence looms, threatening Grace's newfound independence and her reconnection with her past, where delicious food, summer romance, and a touch of local magic intertwine. Erin is a local Nelson writer and author of the hugely popular The Secrets of the Little Greek Taverna.
The Whisperer's War by Jackie French
The aristocratic Lady Deanna, daughter to the Duke of Claverton is spending the war secretly spying on Nazi sympathisers within the ranks of the British upper class. While gathering vital intelligence, she becomes entangled in a dangerous plot involving the Duke of Windsor and a potential alliance with Hitler, forcing her to risk everything. Amidst the war's devastation, she also takes in orphaned children with hidden identities and finds herself drawn to an Australian pilot, all while questioning the true identity of a wounded soldier in her home's secret caves. A delicious blend of historical fiction, espionage and romance set against the backdrop of WWII England.
Dreamer Ellen leaves her Irish hometown for Galway, where bookseller Ben enters her heart. London then calls, and she falls for charming banker Leo. Yet, childhood friend Danny remains a constant, though their timing always seems to be off. Moving On follows Ellen's quest for love and belonging across cities and relationships, allure of new beginnings and the enduring pull of unspoken connections, questioning if the right person and time can ever align.
Beth cherishes her Malibu surf shop and adores her accomplished brother Rick. Joy blooms when Rick dates her new best friend, single mother Jana, and Jana's charming brother Teddy ignites a spark with Beth. But this idyllic vision shatters when Beth witnesses Rick with another woman. Torn between loyalty to her brother and the potential loss of her best friend and newfound love, Beth faces a devastating dilemma: betray Rick or risk everything she holds dear for a secret that could unravel it all. Readers of Nancy Thayer and Jill Shalvis will enjoy this beachy read.
