Just So Stories

Penguin Australia

May 2026

ISBN: 9781761349430

RRP: $16.99

There will be plenty of delighted fans when this one hits the shelves [my advice is to buy multiple copies] as this fabulous series continues. Josephine, often known as Jet, and her family are gearing up for the grand opening of their restored chateau hotel but there is a litany of near-disasters all seemingly designed to railroad their plans.

From orders of bedlinen and furnishings going awry, to muddled bookings, injuries and inconveniences – will the opening be a complete disaster? But that’s not all that the universe is throwing Jet’s way.

The despicable criminal, Anastasia, who has threatened revenge upon both Jet and (is he her boyfriend now?) gorgeous Gabriel is still at large. The new neighbours are not just annoying but also seem suss in spite of their gift of a kitten for Jet. But it gets worse.

Newcomer, and model-material, Maude is making a play for Gabriel big time and the boy seems bedazzled by her. Will Jet’s first kiss from Gabriel be her last as well? And then there’s the absolute catastrophe of Jet’s precious locket, the one that holds the key to the appearance of Louis’ ghost, being recognised and a scramble to identify it as belonging to the long-dead prince. Jet has to do everything in her power to keep both her family and her treasured locket, and friend, safe.

None of this is easy with so many factors impacting like a new housekeeper and gardener, and the influx of hotel guests. For Josephine there is no option. She must keep her family and Louis from harm.

What is there to say? It’s another first-class rom-com adventure/mystery from Jacqueline and one that will have her myriad fans semi-swooning at the frissons as Jet and Gabriel navigate their way into what promises to be a sweet romance. One thing to really love about this one is the developing relationship between Jet and her newly discovered grandmother as the pair begin to piece together the history of Louis, his love Madeleine, and the chateau itself. This tantalising new development paves the way for #4 and it will be difficult to contain our impatience as we await it!

As I have said previously, this series, which marks new territory for the super-talented Jacqueline, ticks so many boxes. In straddling the divide between tween and teen, Jacqueline manages to satisfy both readerships with her blend of action, humour, romance, warmth and mystery. That’s no easy task and there are not so many creators who can achieve the required balance to engage both readerships, so it’s kudos to Jacqueline for her skill in doing so.

They are going to love it and, just as I did, [Like a kid gobbling up a treat and then wishing they had taken it more slowly] eat it up in one sitting with gusto! Another resounding 5 ⛲️☕️🗼🥐🥖 – vive la romance!!