A mixed bag this book, I really enjoyed reading about Cam and her work as a death doula, there was real depth in the exploration of such an important time, that was absorbing to read. This was juxtaposed by the story of Brooke, who was quite hard to like, refusing to end a relationship that she was desperately unhappy in. The way the two of them are brought together was both predictable and manipulative, which was slightly uncomfortable to read. Although, not as much as the ending which I wasn't sure about, perhaps this is what comes from comparing Brooke and Cam to the L word's Bette and Tina, who are fun to watch but not necessarily a great relationship model. I really enjoyed the secondary characters, especially the two women who ran the general store. A great read until the last couple of chapters, although the epilogue helps.

With thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

It took me a while to feel ready to read this book after the recent death of my sister due to cancer. I'm really glad I did though, as I'm the type of person that needs to push through processing feelings, rather than trying to ignore or deny. This book came to me at a significant moment, and I liked learning about 'death doulas'. In the last few weeks of my sister's life, I acted as a surrogate death doula, similar to Cam in this novel. I helped with paperwork and last wishes, as well as other things that were important to her. I feel incredibly privileged I was able to do this for her, and I know that it really helped her as well.

Cam's work as a death doula was a really interesting aspect to this novel - possibly due to my own recent experience. I flew through the first quarter of the novel, but then I found this book slowed significantly when it introduced the second chance romance. This might be due to my dislike of Brooke, who was petty and annoying. I didn't connect with her for the duration of the novel, which is a shame as it skewed my enjoyment unfortunately.

I think this book has some really interesting aspects, and I'm sure it'll work for others.

Many thanks to Netgalley and Bella Books for a copy of this novel. ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.

I'll admit I wasn't super into this book when I first started it. It felt a bit slow to me and with the name changes I was having a bit of trouble keeping up with who was who (admittedly that may have been because I started reading this while at work) but the middle and ending was very strong and I finished the book loving it. I thought the characters were all interesting and the plot was very new and different to anything that I had read before. Bonus points for it being a sapphic romance with older characters which I don't see too often.

4/5 stars. Thank you to NetGalley and the author for this copy to review.

This second chance romance provided an introspective examination of life for both Camryn Hughes, death doula with a capacity for easing pain in the transition of the dying and Brooke Ross, former restaurateur looking for what is next in her life. While reading, I thought about life purpose, death doula, and Mackinac Island. My family and I spent some time in Cheboygan, Michigan and Mackinac Island. What a fantastic family vacation! I was also inspired to watch Somewhere in Time (again!). I love the sound track.

The first part of the read was a philosophical look at life and what it takes to live a purposeful life. It is not easy and it can be confusing to feel good about who you are what drives you. The second part of the read was about the four main characters: Tenely, partner to Landon. Both caring and likable. And Cam and Brooke, figuring out that love is still alive and what are they going to do about it. What really captivated me was the agreement to be honest when communicating with each other. This story will stay with me for awhile.

Deep and Touching

Cam was a rising music star whose chaotic life caused her girlfriend Brooke to make a fatal declaration, ending their relationship. Years later and Cam has left the music industry far behind her, changing her life completely. After the pandemic, Brooke’s restaurant is floundering and she decides to finally sell it. When an unexpected call, thanks to a dying friend, summons her to Michigan, she decides to go and maybe find the pieces of her heart long thought gone….

This book was filled with pain and sorrow, hope, healing and joy. It was emotional and heartfelt. Ive never read a book that was so detailed about natural death and it brought me peace to know how and what my grandparents experienced their passings. I loved getting to know Brooke, Cam and the others in this story. I liked watching them reconnect and fall in love all over again. There’s just something special about a second chance romance that really gets to me. The book was a little slow at times but I liked it a lot and am glad to have read it.

Ten Days in May by Tracey Richardson is a second-chance romance with a twist. And a very original character profession, but I’ll get to that in a moment.

Brooke owns a restaurant and has survived the slog through Covid – but just barely. Unsure of her chosen path in life, she decides to take a leap and step right outside of her comfort zone. An email from someone from her past has her agreeing to spend ten days on the idyllic Mackinac Island. She has her reservations, but is also at a crossroads in her life, so saying yes feels right.

Cam is a Death Doula (Did we even know such things existed?) Her newest client has asked her to travel to Mackinac Island to deliver a message, and as much as the idea makes her uncomfortable, it is a part of her job to help her dying client in any way she can.
When Brooke and Cam meet, they are thrust into memories of a turbulent but loving past, where old hurts are dredged up, and emotions are left as raw as they were twenty years earlier. At first this set up is met with resistance until both women begin to question the choices they have made leading up to these ten days together.

Ten Days in May is about two women who need to find themselves again in order to live the lives they truly want. It isn’t perfect, and there were times when I questioned the authenticity of, and even the chemistry between Brooke and Cam, but the book still manages to be a sweet romance that wraps up with a feel-good happy ending.

This is a story about Camryn who is a death doula. She helps people with terminal illnesses who are nearing death. She offers all types of support to them, such as emotional, financial advise, physical comfort, help with family members. She is great at this and has a good

reputation and enjoys her work. She moved back to her hometown of Traverse City, Michigan when her mom got cancer and came there to help her out.

Brooke owns a very successful restaurant in Ann Arbor Michigan. She struggled to stay afloat during Covid and had come out it with a solid customer base. She gets an offer to buy out the restaurant and thinks long and hard about what to do. Brooke is a person with a plan for everything and likes her life as it is. She was once in love back in her twenties and has never gotten over it. On the rebound she meets a very nice man, Landon, who falls for her and they get married. The marriage doesn’t work out and they end up divorced 9 months later.

Now Landon is dying of cancer and Cam is his death doula. Cam and Landon become close friends over Cam’s care for him. Landon hatches a plan as his dying wish and Cam agrees to it.

This was a very emotional book filled with deep thoughts on the meaning of life and on what’s important and what people should just let go of. I really enjoyed everything about it, the philosophical parts, the romance and the location setting. The book does deal with death but it is very well done and most supportive of the person dying and their families. I also enjoyed the supporting characters as they each added a light hearted touch to the book.

And the second chance romance was filled with angst from their past but so deep and thoughtful it seemed very realistic and not hyped up for a story. There was great chemistry between the MCs and Richardson did a spectacular job with this book.

I look forward to reading many more of her books in the future.

Arc received for a voluntary and honest review from the publisher via Net Galley.

How could I not pick up this book knowing the setting is Mackinac Island (that cover was a dead give a way)-my dream place to live. This book will bring you both to tears and smiles, it really does cover many emotions other than a very good romance. Like many in the reviews, I had never heard of a death doula and was compelled to search it, a very interesting career choice I must say.

The main characters, Brooke and Cam, are very believable, I felt like I was right there with them. The story will pull many emotions from you (I had a small pile of tissues next to me to the end), Ms. Richardson truly pulls at our heartstrings with this one, but in the end I came out feeling like I just wanted to hug my family and friends. I highly recommend this book to read with a nice glass of Red and sitting by the fire (I did), enjoy a wonderful emotional ride to and Island I would visit a 100 times over (oh wait, I have visited that island a lot and have the fudge to prove it).

Ten Days in May is well written and I believe it accomplishes what the author intended. The plot is heavier than many of the books in this genre that I've read as of late, but the reader is warned by the author. Would recommend to readers looking for a slower pace romance that does not have your typical plot line.

Ten Days in May by Tracey Richardson is one of those stories that stays with you long after you have closed the book and moved on. The book is so well-written, and the story so touching that you can’t help but be moved by it.

This is a second chance, reunion romance about two women who were once in love but ended up separating and living for their careers. Camryn Hughes was a musician trying to reach stardom when she and her first love Brooke ended their relationship. Brooke Ross is not sorry that she left Camryn to focus on making it as a restaurateur. At least that’s what she keeps telling herself. After many years apart, they suddenly find themselves (thanks to a very special friend) spending ten days together on a beautiful island in Michigan. Can they overcome the bad feelings and the years apart in only ten days? Is there still love there?

The subject matter in this novel is quite serious. Not only does the book tell the love story of Brooke and Camryn, there are also discussions about death and dying. Camryn becomes a death doula after she leaves her music career behind, and this leads her to the special friend (Landon) who becomes one of her clients. Yes, there are some parts of this tale that are quite sad, but that’s what living is all about…the good, the bad, and everything in between. The author weaves all of this together and gives us a tale that is heartbreaking and heartwarming. It’s a story about living life in the now, loving and helping the ones around you, and making the best of the time you are given.

This is a gentle tale of love, caring, and forgiveness. I’m so glad I got the chance to read this book.

I received an ARC from NetGalley and Bella Books for an honest review.

Cam and Brooke both believe that they won’t find love like their first love again and it’s hardened them in different ways. Until of course they find themselves on a small touristy island where they meet each other. 👀

This was a unique romance and quite honestly the first time I had even heard of the concept of a “Death Doula” which drives the early part of the story.

That said, the focus of the narrative is really about the personal growth Cam and Brooke go through during the events leading to them being on the island and also whilst they are in the company of each other.

The pace of this book may seem slow, but the but the subject matter is deep and the descriptions so wonderful, that I actually found it gave me time to think about what was being said and in the end thought the pace was just right.

I have to admit I was a bit of a sniveling mess at various points in this story mainly because the words Richardson chooses to describe about being open and honest with yourself ring so incredibly true. It was quite wonderful to watch the character evolution, letting go of their anger, their regrets and preserving despite how hard this journey was for them.

I don’t want to give too much away from the plot line because the real pleasure of this book is watching how the pieces all fit together while being cocooned in the beautiful heartwarming words that Richardson uses to bring the story to life.

This may not be everyone’s cup of tea - if what you are looking for is a fluffy romance - but it certainly was mine and it was delicious. ❤️

Thank you NetGalley and Bella Books for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

A beautiful tale where loss and love are intertwined
This is a very unusual, very beautiful story. Richardson intertwines the beauty of a life well lived to its end and the continuing beauty of finding love long lost. This book has so many lovely moments, so many serious moments and is so, so positive.
The reflections on death, love, second chances and last chances give the story depth and are especially meaningful for the characters and for us readers whose lives are changed irrevocably after the pandemic and many of us might ask whether our lives are on the right course anymore or if we have to change as well. Fast forward: When we meet our last hours can we look back and say that our lives were well lived?
This exquisitely written book is full of food for thought and a joy to read. I loved the characters (including Wendy the dachshund) and their captivating journeys. Dignity and hope come to mind if I had to sum up this book in a few words. A very worthy tribute to the pandemic and how it changed lives and a very worthy tribute to love and second chances and a very worthy tribute to lives lived well.

I’ve been looking forward to Ten Days in May since I first heard about its upcoming release. The possibility of a romance set on Mackinac Island with Tracey Richardson steering the narrative—I knew it would be this Michigander’s jam! And let me tell you, it was!

I enjoyed so many things about this book. The setting is spectacularly well done. Richardson doesn’t miss a thing. Her magnificent descriptions jump off the page, perfectly conveying the beauty and splendor of this magical place. It’s very obvious she’s spent time on the island. Her fondness for it lights up the storytelling and pulls the reader into the narrative, making it a completely enjoyable read.

Though Ten Days in May follows the old tried-and-true romance formula, Richardson does get a little creative with its storyline. She manages to give Cam and Brooke’s romance a fresh angle, something that’s complex as well as powerful. Using a death doula, a dying man and a few exs is the key to it all. Cam, the death doula, and Landon, the dying man, become friends when Cam helps Landon navigate through the whole end-of-life process. As a last wish, Landon requests that Cam meet with his ex-wife on Mackinac Island to inform her of his impending and unfortunate situation. All does not go according to plan and the meeting produces nothing but double-trouble exs times two. A dying man’s simple request takes quite a turn and yields some interesting, if not compelling, twists.

Ten Days in May is a character driven story, one that is dependent on growth and change. It works because Cam and Brooke stand up to the challenge; they change in ways that engage readers’ hearts as well as their minds. That’s largely because Richardson scripts solid developments for these women. She also constructs reliable backstories, one’s that make sense for the characters as well as the story. Readers walk away with a clear understanding of who these women are and where they came from. Their pasts are neatly threaded with their present, providing readers with a full-circle romance that is heartwarming as well as endearing.

Final remarks…

This book is like a delectable piece of Murdock fudge; it hugs your senses with every page. Its writing is pure and sweet, told with such tender insight it will make you pause and appreciate the beautiful of its narrative. There is no doubt about it; Richardson has thrown herself into this one. Ten Days in May is a truly touching romance.

Strengths…

Well-developed story arc
Insightfully and poignantly written
Captivating setting
Likable characters
Heartwarming romance

Cute enough, but not Richardson's best work. I didn't really buy the renewed romance between the characters nor the coincidence of Brooke's ex becoming the death doula for Brooke's other ex. I also struggled to understand Brooke's motivation regarding her restaurant, among other character issues. Overall, it made for a quick, easy read, but not one that I would read again.

Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC.

I'm pretty sure this is the first book by Richardson that I've read. I know I've picked up at least a couple before but, for whatever reason, put them back down. I initially passed over this one when looking at releases available on NetGalley for just this reason. It was a nice surprise to be immediately pulled into the story.

While the story was good and mostly believable, it was Cam's profession that really drew me in. I had never heard of death doulas before but it makes total sense that such a thing would exist. I hope I have someone like Cam around when my time is near. And the character of Cam seemed damn near perfect - at least current Cam, not Erica-Cam.

Brooke, on the other hand, was a bit of a struggle for me to connect with. And her drastic transformation seemed a bit too drastic for the time spent working on it. But, as my wife loves to remind me, it's pretend.

The secondary characters definitely add to the reading enjoyment and my heart broke for Landon and Tenley.

All in all, Ten Days in May was an emotional and fulfilling read and I'll be much less hesitant to pick up a Tracey Richardson book in the future.

Thanks to Bella and NetGalley for the review copy!

Brooke Ross was doing the very thing she’d dreamed of, being the owner of her own restaurant. But after the pandemic she didn’t have much to show for all the cutbacks she’d had to make. Now she’s at a crossroad will she keep pouring everything she has left to see if she can make the restaurant come alive again. She’s tired of it all, the constant worry about keeping her staff and being able to buy the supplies needed for such an endeavor. Plus she’d finally broken up with her GF. Now she gets an invite from her ex-husband, Landon, to meet him and his partner Tenley at Mackinac Island, or so she thought. When they had parted they were still able to maintain a friendship, Landon even loaned her the money needed to start her restaurant, so since she had the time she decided to meet with them.
Erica Foster was one of the best up and coming singers getting applause for her extraordinary voice. But when her mother was diagnosed with cancer, Erica knew it was time to leave the touring behind, along with the stage name. Now she’d be known as Camrym Hughes. It was while she’s with her mother she finds, what she feels is her true calling, being a Death Doula. She now helps others who are dying. Helping them through their last days. She is surprised when Landon persuades her to go to Mackinac Island. He wants Cam to tell his ex-wife he’s dying.
At one time Erica and Brooke were a couple in love but as often happens life gets in the way and they break up, parting ways. Now after too many years apart and way too much damage done to their relationship they can’t see a way to go on with their lives, again as a couple. What they don’t understand is how Landon found out about their lives, together.
Very nice story but I have to admit there were more than a few pages glanced at rather than read. I can only relive their story so many times. Yes they hurt each other but I am only capable of reading about all the angst once or twice. Other than this little matter that probably doesn’t bother anyone else, ‘Ten Days’ is a very, very nice read.
ARC via NetGalley/ Bella Books

Ten days in in May! I enjoyed this, it's very different, I've never come across a book Where a character is a death doula, to be honest, never heard of a death doula, and this certainly piqued my curiosity!
I enjoyed the storyline, peculiar, but a good peculiar. I enjoyed the characters, although I found Brooke to be a tad immature in some areas. I thought the whole read would have me a blubbering mess with concept of the book but I found it very calm, relaxed and a easy read.

It's a story about someones last wishes, about finding love, understanding and excepting.

I've given Ten Days in May, a 3.7 out 5.

Good book. I wasn't sure if I would like it, because of the occupation of one of the main characters, but it was explained well throughout this book about what a Death Doula does for a terminally ill person and their families. I had never heard of one before but this book helped me understand it. The main characters relationship was really good and the supporting characters were well written and helped to make this a really interesting read. I would definitely recommend this book to my friends and family and I look forward to what's next from this author.

This is a second chance romance, and I must say I've never heard of a death Doula before, so it piqued my interest. I enjoyed the story and thought it was well written and quite believable. The communication between the main characters as well as the secondary were clear, heartfelt and believable. I recommend 4 stars

Thank you, Bella Books, and NetGalley for this ARC.

𝗗𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗵 𝗱𝗼𝘂𝗹𝗮𝘀.

The most interesting part about this book is that one of the characters, Cam, is a death doula. I've never heard of this term before and after googling it, I was intrigued to find out that it's a real thing. The book explains what death doulas do pretty well - they assist people and their families with the dying process emotionally, physically, spiritually and practically. I've had two deaths in the family this year. Two uncles, one of whom was diagnosed with terminal cancer last year and it was a difficult time for the family so I'm thinking how wonderful it could have been to have a death doula around.

While I was intrigued by Cam's profession, I didn't really connect with this book emotionally somehow even though one of the important characters (not the main characters) in the book is terminally ill. Cam's client, Landon, plays a central role in pushing the two main characters together and although he is frequently in the minds of Cam and Brooke, the romance between the two women largely takes place away from him, on some beautiful island where Cam meets Brooke. Brooke, as it turns out, is somebody from Cam's past and they were lovers in their youth. Cam and Brooke spend ten days together dealing with old emotions, clearing up misunderstandings and falling for each other again. It wasn't hard to read nor do I have issues with the characters, but honestly, I just didn't think they have a lot of chemistry and their second chance romance was really quick to conclude.

I think I would recommend this book to readers who may be interested in a story that deals with anticipatory grief in a way that isn't too heartbreaking to read, but I wouldn't recommend it for the romance.