bookescapeswithBabsW67

Another terrific instalment for Margaret Amatt’s Glenbriar series. Although this is book 17, each one can be read and enjoyed as a standalone story, so please don’t be put off if this is the first time you’ve come across her writing. I joined partway through this series. I do, however, enjoy meeting characters from both previous books and those the reader can tell may feature in the future.

Glenbriar is a fantastic community where I instinctively know I would love to live. This time, the action revolves around the local high school as the spectre of an Ofsted inspection looms on the horizon. This is a chance to catch up with staff as they navigate the challenges that are common to many UK schools.

At the forefront of the story are Clara Morgan, the school’s guidance teacher, and Sam Addison, the school’s English teacher. Neither has a simple life, but they ensure that the side they show at work is professional and caring.

Clara has been carrying a torch for another teacher, but that infatuation is one-sided, so she works hard to protect her heart while maintaining a friendly disposition. I think many of us can understand how Clara felt. The pain of unrequited love can cut deeply into one’s confidence and leave feelings of inadequacy. This sensation felt completely relatable, and my heart went out to her. Thankfully, she was surrounded by some fabulous friends who wanted nothing but the best for her. They didn’t, however, know about her crush.

Sam had his own baggage, a demanding ex-wife who used her sons as weapons in her ongoing campaign to control Sam’s life. He is the epitome of a dedicated father, teacher and friend. An absolute rock for everyone to rely on, he wants nothing but peace and happiness for everyone in his life. His friendship with Clara is entirely innocent, and when he realises the secret she is hiding, he offers her the outlet she needs, a chance to talk about her aching heart.

Margaret Amatt consistently creates relatable, admirable characters and thoroughly challenges their intentions. The slow-burning friendship ignites when the concept of fake dating is introduced. However, there may be too many obstacles for them to reach a happy ending.

Another spectacular escape to Glenbriar and highly recommended.

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Books, Life and Everything

This series shows no sign of flagging, even up to Book 17. You can read this as a standalone but as ever, you appreciate more of the details and the characters if you have read some of its predecessors. Both Clara and Sam are thoroughly likeable characters although both have issues to deal with. Both are respected teachers at Glenbriar High and brings back some characters from previous stories so it is good to see how their lives are progressing.

There is an optimistic tone in Sam and Clara's story which makes for a heart-warming read. They don't notice their feelings at first but the fake dating scenario begins to change that. I enjoyed Sam's family in particular who supported him as he wrestled with the decision of whether to move away or settle down in Glenbriar and as a reader, became quite invested in how things worked out.

In short: uplifting read.

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Bookmadjo

I was so happy to return to Glenbriar for the seventeenth book in the series, Faking the Grade at Glenbriar High. As with all the others, it works perfectly as a standalone although I do recommend reading all of the books, preferably in order. In this book we get guidance teacher Clara and English teacher Sam’s story.

Clara was such a lovely character. Always caring towards others and keen to help anyone, she is going through medical issues which she believes will mean that no one will be interested in her. Sam has a complicated life, having to move on every time his ex-wife moves on so that he can maintain a relationship with his sons. Like Clara, he is also incredibly kind and caring.

I adored their fake date (complete with the one bed/forced proximity trope) and the way in which it was clear that wherever Clara went and whoever she met, she was instantly loved, as was evident with Sam’s friends and family.

Brought together initially because Sam was the only person to notice that Clara was in love with fellow teacher Kerr who has just got engaged to former professional tennis player Georgie. He was concerned about her, and with the fake date trip to Somerset, they became close friends which ultimately turned into a beautiful slow burn romance.

The elements of school life were interesting, with problematic children and parents, a school inspection and the humorous interactions between the kids and the teachers. I also really loved the camaraderie between the teachers, and appreciated the huge personality of fellow teacher Lissa!

Faking the Grade at Glenbriar High was an uplifting romance between an adorable couple who faced enormous difficulties and obstacles.

 

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Tizi's Book Review

Clara Morgan is a guidance teacher that secretly has a crush on one of her colleagues. So when he announces his engagement, it is normal for Clara to feel down. Not only that shakes Clara, but she has also received some news that truly turns her world upside down…

Her devastation is noticed by English teacher and single dad Sam Addison. And while he doesn’t hear it from Clara, he quickly understand what turmoil Clara is in.

As Clara knows that Sam knows about her heartbreak, how ashamed Clara may feel, she finds comfort and support with Sam. And with their relationship going from colleagues to friends, when Clara discovers that Sam has to attend a wedding and will have to face remarks and comments about being single, why wouldn’t she suggest to be his plus one? So even if Sam gave up on love a long time ago, and has a lot of baggage, is there something wrong with do some fake dating with someone as lovely as Clara? Spending more time together means for the both of them seeing each other in a different light. However, Sam is in a complicated family situation and Clara was just so not long ago in love with someone else. So what are their feelings actually saying, and is there a possibility for more?

There is something about Glenbriar and its inhabitants that always make me feel so happy when I pick up the next instalment of the series. 😊

At the start of the book, it is obvious that Clara has unreciprocated feelings towards one of her colleagues. And even if she tries to hide it, to avoid any awkward situations, hearing about the engagement crushes her. Of course I could understand her developed feelings and the devastation upon hearing the happy news, because we all know how lovely and amazing Kerr is!

In itself, Clara’s broken heart wouldn’t be the end of the world for her, but the fact that she has learned some devastation news about herself, makes her now question not only herself, but also any future plans she may have envisioned.

And what Clara is going through, truly saddened me. Because she is such a lovely, warm, kind young woman who deserves someone special in her life, and the future she dreamed about. IT shows how unfair in a way Life can be, how easily it can take something from you…

But where Life takes something away, it also gives you something. And in Clara’s case, it is Sam’s friendship and support. Of course they already know each other, and there is already a sort of relationship, the colleague – type.

Yet as Sam is quick to realize what Clara’s feelings are for Kerr, Clara finds an ally in him. Because that is the kind of person Sam is… He wants to be there for people he cares about, he is kind, gentle, understanding and with his own personal issues, we see he would move heaven and earth for his children…

Where I felt sorry for Clara is going through, I felt anger with Sam’s storyline. Not because Sam is doing something wrong, but because he loves his children so much, and wants to be near them as much as possible, he is at the mercy of his ex. And let that ex be the person my anger is aimed to.

With Clara and Sam being somehow in a way kindred spirits, their relationship evolves even outside the school walls. Where they start to meet by sheer accident on their walks, they intentionally start to spend more time together.

And when Sam is going to attend a wedding, and he knows him being single is going to be subject of mocking, Clara suggests to be his plus one, and is ready to be fake – dating him. Like we don’t know that things will go through another shift there 😊.

But it isn’t the fake – dating that made me cheer for these two lovely people. It is how they are with each other, how they are around each other’s loved ones, without the need to pretend. There is an instant liking, an instant and genuine love for everyone they meet. Again a testament of their wonderful characters!

Both Sam and Clara are lovely people, but they are going through a lot in their lives at the moment. And love and romance is absolutely the last thing on their mind. But they both deserve it so much, especially with each other.

What we see with Sam and Clara, is not only compassionate they are, but they understand what the other is going through. They are there for each other when needed, but also take a step back when it is needed.

Saying this is a heart – warming story would be an understatement. Because this story emanates just so much love, warmth, kindness and gentleness, despite the turmoil the characters are going through.

Saying I devoured this story, would be an understatement, because I found myself just reading page after page after page. That much I loved reading Clara’s and Sam’s story. Their story shows us that no matter what curveballs Life has thrown us and is still throwing us, there are always people in your life that suddenly become so important and that will make you believe in love again and perhaps make you be courageous enough.

And to end my review, can I say I cannot wait to read the next instalment, involving another teacher, a frustrating student and his father! 😊

 

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Review Thick And Thin

Fake dating, unrequited crushes, and the slowest soft-burn 🖤

This cozy romance leans into emotional healing, gentle chemistry, and finding love where you least expect it. Clara and Sam’s connection grows through quiet moments, honest conversations, and a whole lot of heart—perfect if you love low-drama, feel-good romance with depth.

Tropes:

✨ Fake dating

✨ Slow burn

✨ Workplace romance

✨ Single dad

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Jen_loves_reading

Another absolutely brilliant book from Margaret and a great addition to the Glenbriar series. I work in a school and I do a very similar job to Clara so the setting of this is one I can totally relate too! Clara and Sam are colleagues at Glenbriar High. She is a guidance teacher and he is an English teacher. When Clara agrees to be his plus one and fake date at a wedding she starts to realise that she’s developing thoughts and feelings for Sam that are more than just friends……. What she doesn’t know is that Sam feels the same….. However they both have baggage which makes them convinced that there is no chance of a relationship between them working……

I really enjoyed the camaraderie between the staff at the school and loved how all the characters interacted. There is such a lovely warm sense of belonging and respect. Margaret always tackles issues in a sensitive way.

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Jessicasbookshelf

💭 My Thoughts 💭

I was worried I wouldn’t understand the world of Glenbriar with this been book 17 but you can definitely read as a stand alone.

I really enjoyed Margaret’s writing style. The chapters flowed easy and I enjoyed the chapter style/layout.

Clara was a good fmc I really enjoyed getting to know her. Sam the mmc was also interesting but I gravitated towards Clara.

I loved the setting of the book and it was a great escape in the foggy wintery days we’ve been experiencing here in Yorkshire.

It was a really easy read and I hope to visit Glenbriar again in my reading future.

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TBHonest

Faking the Grade at Glenbriar High is a great read if you’re a fan of slow-burning relationships. Margaret does a really nice job of slowly building Clara and Sam’s relationship, making it feel believable. The characters, each with their own baggage and things going on, are easy to connect with.

I really enjoyed the school setting, and as ever with the Glenbriar series, you finish reading thinking it’s a place you could easily live.

A lovely, enjoyable read that delivers whether it’s your first time reading a book in the series or if you’re an avid fan.

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Emma's books

Even though I hadn't read the other books in the series I still enjoyed it and I soon understood what was going on. This was such a beautifully written and heartwarming read. It's the perfect book to read when you want something light and easy to read. The story was well written, easy to follow, had beautiful place settings and a great cast of characters. There were also some spicy scenes. Overall, a brilliant novel that I highly recommend to other readers. I look forward to reading more by the author.

💝 Thank you to Rachel's Random Resources, the author, Margaret Amatt and the publisher for my arc ebook copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

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WildWritingLife

Who says love is easy to find, but as long as we remain open for it, it may arise from the most unexpected places. 

The characters from Faking the Grade at Glenbriar High by Margaret Amatt, an author I´ve reviewed on my blog few months ago, is built into impossible relationships. Clara is in love with someone who just gets married with someone else. Sam is a single dad with a very complex and complicated family story. All of them are working at the same school, interacting with each other but their stories may intertwin differently. When Clara accepted to ´fake date´ Sam for the one who stole your heart wedding, it didn´t sound romantic at all. But love may find its way to the most distant hearts.

I got convinced - although hardly - about the story between the two. The author gives space to both characters to grow and build their interest, while explaining their circumstances and challenges. It is not an easygoing story and this pledges in the advantage of the story that sounds relatable.

I liked how it gives love a chance, but not to any price. I also liked the local ambiance, particularly among teachers. It also raises so many important questions regarding adult dating, especially when children and second families are involved.

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April @thelarlbookworm

This is Book 17 in Margaret's The Glenbriar Series and by now EVERYONE knows how obsessed I am with this series... this book certainly hasn't stopped this obsession!

This time we follow the lovely Clara and Sam who find themselves dabbling in the fake dating realm to fox Sam's old school friend after Clara volunteers to accompany him back home and attend... naturally we see the embers of a relationship ignite and slowly a fire builds...

I absolutely love these two characters and I am now having an internal battle as to which book in this series is my favourite - this one is currently tied with Book 13 - Last Kiss at the Village Church!

Margaret is a beautiful writer and I love how she makes you become very invested in the story and you end up cheering the main characters on!

What was different with this book, was the introduction of a more sensitive health topic - perimenopause and the effects on fertility. This was woven around the character it related to and it was lovely to see how this character coped while the main story progressed with the main characters. Beautifully dealt with ❤️.

I absolutely love Margaret (plus this series as a whole) and can't wait to read the next as I feel like there will be lots of fireworks between Adele and Owen!

Beautifully written and emotional, highly recommend to all romance lovers!

 

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Kirsty_Reviews_Books

Faking The Grade at Glenbriar High is the seventeenth book in the Glenbriar series but it can easily be read as a standalone. I am really enjoying this series so I am always delighted when I see that there is an upcoming release, and Faking The Grade at Glenbriar High was a delightful addition to the series.

With some lovely and relatable characters this was another lovely novel by Margaret Amatt and I would highly recommend this series.

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Bookish Jottings

Readers will be enchanted by this uplifting and gorgeous contemporary romance by Margaret Amatt: Faking the Grade at Glenbriar High.

Guidance teacher Clara had fallen head over heels in love – unfortunately her feelings hadn’t been reciprocated and now she has to stand and watch while her romantic dreams are shattered to smithereens. Clara thought that nobody would figure out her secret – until fellow teacher Sam works it out and discovers something she had hoped nobody would ever know. Yet, Sam quickly becomes somebody Clara begins to lean in for support and when he’s invited to a wedding and he finds himself in need of a plus one, she doesn’t hesitate to offer to go with him – as friends, of course. Or at least, that’s what she tells herself…

Sam had long resigned himself to never finding love. Weighed down by baggage and with a complicated home life, Sam doesn’t think he will ever find anyone who will love him. Yet, spending time with Clara has given him a spring in his step and made him hopeful that she might see him in a completely different light. But is Sam kidding himself? Can Clara ever see him as more than a friend? And can he convince her that they can be happy together, if only they were willing to give love a chance?

Will Sam and Clara make the grade as a couple and find the happy ending they deserve? Or will it all end in tears?

Margaret Amatt’s Faking the Grade at Glenbriar High is a delightful contemporary romance that cannot fail to make readers smile. Witty, heart-warming and gloriously escapist, this fake-dating friends-to-lovers romance is the perfect antidote to the miserable winter weather and will have readers cheering on Sam and Clara on their path to their much deserved happy ever after.

A treat for romantics everywhere, Faking the Grade at Glenbriar High is another winner by Margaret Amatt.

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By The Letter Book Reviews

Even though this is part of a series, it can definitely be read as a standalone as it’s the setting that ties them together rather than the characters. It’s a beautiful setting and draws you right in.

We meet Clara and Sam who both work at the same high school. I have to say teachers are worth their weight in gold but more so ones that work with teens. It certainly can be hard work at times with not only the children to contend with but their parents also. The good thing is that it can also be very rewarding. Both the characters are having to deal with things going on in their lives which my heart went out to both of them. Whilst they have worked together for a while, it isn’t until Clara offers to be his plus one at a wedding that things start to hotten up.

Whilst there is romance and spice, the story offers a wide range of topics, I don’t want to say too much about them so as not to spoil the story for others but they are ones that certainly struck a chord and I had every empathy for Clara and Sam. Sam’s family are wonderful and you get a real homily vibe that gives off so much warmth.

Faking the Grade at Glenbriar High was such a lovely read that truly captivated me. The Scottish setting is just wonderful and the cast of characters really added to the appeal of the story. I adored the escapism the book gave me and it was a fun and endearing read with an ending that didn’t disappoint. The perfect read to chase these wintery days away!

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Staceywh_17

Easily read as a standalone Faking the Grade is the seventeen book in Amatt's Glenbriar series.

A return visit to Glenbriar is always welcome. It's so lovely there and it's fast become one of my favourite bookish haunts. I got the chance to reconnect with friends of old, and came away having made some new.

Fake dating, a sweet romance, and a touch of spice, with a tall dark stranger at its core? It got me, and it got me good!

Bingeably good.

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@bookishllly

This is the seventeenth book in the Glenbriar series and can be read as a standalone.

The book reads like a soap (cue Waterloo Road). I enjoyed it. Although set in the Glenbriar community, almost all the actions take place at the school, where we find both teachers and pupils in the spotlight.

Faking the Grade follows the story of guidance counsellor Clara and English teacher, Sam, their fake dating and their peculiar relationships.

It was a delight catching up with characters from the previous books and wondering which of the new characters introduced will be in the spotlight next.

I love that the author does not shy away from difficult topics. The issues of premature menopause, infertility and manipulative exes were treated with compassion and grace.

I love the found family that Clara has found in Sam’s family and all of the lovely characters who made this very interesting.

If you are looking for a wintry escapist book with a side of fake dating and a dash of forced proximity then I highly recommend this.

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Splashes Into Books

I've thoroughly enjoyed every visit I've made so far

To Glenbriar and the virtual friends I've met are beyond par!

The stories are so well written, it feels so real

And this one's another full of emotional feels!

Clara Morgan is a guidance teacher at Glenbriar High School

Who despite a crush on a colleague tries to act cool.

However, when that colleague celebrates his engagement to another

She knows she needs her feeling to keep undercover!

What she hadn't expected was Sam Addison to know

Just what she's feeling, offering to support her and so

When the idea of fake dating him to a wedding is made

They had no idea of the emotions about to be played!

Both had complications to deal with in their lives

But are soon feeling more than friendship they realise.

However, can they find a way to give them a chance

To develop their relationship into a heartwarming romance?

Such a fabulous read, with so many twists

It is certainly one I'm pleased I never missed.

It is a page turner read with great characters all the way through

No wonder I highly recommending it to you!

For my copy of this brilliant, heartwarming read, I say a huge thank you

As I share with you here, my honest review.

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One More Chapter

This was the prefect rainy Sunday read, I got drawn in by Clara's bubbly personality and i really loved watching the effect she had on others. We all know someone like her that just brings joy into every room she's in. It's nice to have a character that steps off the page that way. And Sam is another lovely character, I liked watching them interact with one another as they both had these complicated home lives that they tried hard to keep from everyone else.

I loved the alternating chapters, it was an easy back and forth and a precedent that @margaret_amatt_author set in her last book that I read of hers, which brings to the other thing i loved about this. I so enjoyed coming back to the same setting of Glenbriar, I think I said it last time but it makes me want to go back and read the rest of the series.

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But I Smile Anyway

I loved this gentle romance, with fake dating at the heart.

Clara is a teacher at Glenbriar High and is coping with having her heart broken by her crush, unintentionally. What makes it worse is that they work together, and their paths cross regularly.

Along comes Sam, another teacher with his own complicated personal story, and an opportunity to support one another through some complex situations.

You know when you read a book, and feel that cosy sensation, knowing you are going to love the ending, without even having read it? That. That is what I felt reading this.

Clara helps so many, and Sam does the same, so knowing they are headed towards one another is just heartwarming.

A thoroughly enjoyable book that may be part of a long-standing series, but is perfectly fine being read as a standalone.

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Bookworm86

Yet another absolute stunner from the extremely talented Margaret!!! Well done Margaret on another absolutely beautiful and perfect read!! I absolutely love getting lost in Margaret's stunning storylines. This is the ideal read to curl up on the sofa under a blanket with where you could sit there and turn around and just imagine the beautiful Glenbriar.

Do not turn a single page of this book until you have cleared your schedules and when you do get ready to go on a stunning holiday you will not want to leave!!

ANOTHER ABSOLUTELY STUNNING ESCAPISM FROM THIS INCREDIBLE AUTHOR. WHY HAVEN'T YOU RAN AND GRABBED YOUR COPY INSTEAD OF WASTING YOUR TIME READING THIS. TRUST ME READ 'FAKING THE GRADE AT GLENBRIAR HIGH' INSTEAD, IT IS A WHOLE LOT BETTER THAN WHAT I CAN WRITE!!

Congratulations Margaret on yet another absolutely gorgeous success!!! I'm definitely looking forward to my next holiday to Glenbriar!!! This is exactly why you are in my favourite author club and here is to your next success 🥂!!!

Overall this is another perfect, stunning, page turning hot chocolate and fireplace addition to a stunning series, with a great gang of characters that will sweep you away to the Scottish Highlands from the very first page to the end by the extremely talented Margaret Amatt! An absolutely gorgeous escapism!!

This is the seventeenth book in Margaret's gorgeous and addictive series but each book can be read as a standalone and each has a stunning and unique storyline. I am not normally a fan of reading books in a series out of order and always advise against it but it makes absolutely no difference in this series as although the characters are the same the storyline changes throughout the books. There is a silver lining if you have not read the previous books in this series and that is while you are waiting for the next book to come out you can go back and read the previous books in the series. The next book in the series is called 'Summer Nights at Hillview Farm' and it can be pre-ordered now on Amazon ready for its release on the 22nd May! If you are anything like me you will also discover a new favourite author as soon as you have read just one of these beautiful books! I absolutely love this stunning series and each and every adventure that Margaret takes the reader on every time they sweep them away to Glenbriar and this gorgeous book is no exception!! It has got to the point that every time I pick up one of Margaret's books in this series it feels like I am returning to a favourite holiday destination meeting with old friends again and also making new ones!! If you are looking for a gorgeous escapism then grab this beautiful page turner and discover Glenbriar for yourselves! I can promise that you will not regret it!! Grab your copy of this absolutely beautiful page turner and discover the stunning Glenbriar and all of its larger than life characters and I can promise that you will not regret it!!! With a beautiful storyline absolutely packed full of friendship, romance, happiness, joy, hope, warmth, escapism, teaching, fake dating and so very much more, what on Earth are you waiting for?

Margaret's absolutely stunning emotive and evocative writing skills and descriptions will leave you feeling the love in the air, seeing the characters come to life in front of your eyes and have you falling in love with Glenbriar at the turn of a page! I absolutely devoured it in one sitting as there was just no chance of only reading one more chapter and I was walking around with my kindle glued to my hands!! The storyline is realistic and Margaret's stunning evocative writing skills suck you deep into the book ensuring you can hear the Scottish twang in the character's voices, see the beautiful surroundings and hear the hear and see the characters surrounding you. I absolutely fell in love venturing into beautiful Glenbriar and Scottish Highlands again and felt like I was coming back to a well known and loved holiday destination after falling in love with Glenbriar in book one. I love the fact that on this holiday I get to celebrate spring with all my favourite characters!! Margaret portrays life in a small village absolutely perfectly. I became so invested in this book that it actually felt like going on a holiday and I absolutely dreaded coming to the end again where I had to unpack my suitcase and get back to reality. It was an absolutely compelling, immersive and addictive heart lifting read that kept me turning the pages until late at night. I loved discovering the pasts and histories of the characters and I was absolutely swept away in the story line. The characters and locations came to life around me and I cannot wait to return in the next book in this stunning series that I have very quickly fallen in love with. It has everything you could ask for to lose yourself for several hours. Each and every book I have read in this series I have read in one sitting and this one is no exception. I just could not put it down so make sure you clear your schedules!!!! This book and this series would make a beautiful movie!! I haven't been to Scotland for a long time but my son keeps asking to go and this book has tempted me even more.

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Eatwell2015

Just wow! While I always stress that the Glenbriar Series consists of books that can be read as standalone books in their own right – as I reader, I get so much out of the interaction of characters between the books. Sorry, I digress – the ‘wow’ – the fact that each book (I joined the party at around book 6) feels just as new and fresh as the last. What’s not to lichen about these books! Mental note to self, to get hold of the first 5 books, before my FOMO gets too bad!

Clara is the smiley happy person that everyone loves. She listens to those around her talking about their children, but is stoking some inner turmoil within? Sam seems equally adorable, but there is definitely something going on in his life that we don’t know about. He is a wise owl, perceptive beyond his years. If anyone is feeling ‘off’ you can guarantee that Sam will be the first to notice. Sam and Clara seem a bit like the proverbial ‘match made in heaven’, but is there just too much going on in their personal lived for this to be a real possibility? Can this pair make the grade?

A wonderful story, chockablock full of family, love and all-round caring, certain to give your heart a boost.