Dreams Come True at Glendale Hall - Victoria Walters

 

Lorna is following her dreams. But can she follow her heart?

Lorna Ferguson has dreamt of opening her own bed and breakfast in the village of Glendale for as long as she'd pictured falling in love. While her love life remains frankly hopeless, Lorna is determined to secure Dove House - the home she imagined living in as a child - to start this new venture with her family.

Along with brother Adam, Lorna starts restoring the house to its Art Deco glory, but faced with a whole host of renovation problems and their money fast running out, they worry that Dove House will never be ready to open in the New Year.

When a mystery man turns up, needing to fulfil a promise he made to his dying father and find the object he left at Dove House many years ago, Lorna's heart goes out to him. But what they find there is going to change both of their lives forever.

Facing problems at every turn, and distracted by her heart, Lorna is going to need all the magic that her beloved Glendale can supply to make all her dreams come true..

Purchase Links

AMZ: http://amzn.to/3Q90hin

Kobo: http://bit.ly/3NZfAbr

Apple: http://apple.co/3Nz562X

Hive: http://bit.ly/3QjuawG

My Review:

I have been looking forward to a return to Glendale, seems an age since the last book but this was definitely worth the wait. Back to a wonderful setting with familiar characters and a chance to catch up with their lives. We do focus on Lorna, although she had appeared before, this book is the chance to really get to know her and the rest of her family.

I enjoyed getting to learn about Lorna’s dreams, her aspirations to open her own B&B but also having the perfect location in mind that has sentimental reasons. Her relationship with her brother (who shares the dream to open the B&B) is great to read and they balance each other out well. It’s a great family, with the slight exception of their older sister who isn’t always as positive as Lorna would like her to be.

When fate and opportunity aligns, the time is right for them to take a leap and follow their dream. But.. even when dreams come true, things don’t go smoothly and both have to learn to take risks – with the B&B but also their hearts.

I love Victoria’s writing, cosy and familiar so as soon I started the first page, I felt content and happy just to snuggle up and savour every word.

A fantastic return to Glendale, a story of following your heart, understanding the past and learning to move forwards, believing in yourself but allowing other people in to help.

Dreams can come true, it may not be a smooth ride and you made have to have a whole lot of faith as well as determination but with those you love and care for around you, you can achieve all you want.

I cannot recommend anything by Victoria enough but this is a great Autumn read.

Author Bio:

Victoria Walters is a full-time author living in Surrey. Victoria writes cosy books including the bestselling uplifting and romantic series GLENDALE HALL and the new gripping and charming crime novel MURDER AT THE HOUSE ON THE HILL. She has been chosen for WHSmith Fresh Talent and shortlisted for two RNA awards. Victoria was also picked as an Amazon Rising Star.

Find out more about Victoria by following on Instagram at @vickyjwalters, on Twitter at @Vicky_Walters or by visiting her blog at:https://victoria-writes.com/.

Always And Forever At Glendale Hall - Victoria Walters

 

What if we’re all just searching for something?

Anna Stewart is lost. After barely surviving a car accident as a teenager, Anna is scared of settling. Flitting between jobs, boyfriends and homes whenever she gets bored, she has no idea what the future holds. Then her brother Brodie, minister of Glendale, suggests she moves to the beautiful Scottish village, lining up a housekeeper job for her at Glendale Hall.

Out of options, Anna agrees to the move, knowing that she can always run away again. Once at the hall, her culinary skills impress everyone, and she agrees to give Hilltop Farm’s new manager, Cameron, cooking lessons. Sparks fly between Anna and the handsome Scot, but Cameron is looking for love - something that Anna definitely isn’t.

But it's wedding season at Glendale Hall, and Anna is about to discover that her new home has a way of working its magic on even the coldest of hearts. Will she really be able to just walk away, or could Anna have finally found a place to belong?

It’s summertime in the beautiful Highlands village of Glendale – pack your bags and come on holiday with this gorgeously uplifting, romantic read. Fans of Milly Johnson, Heidi Swain and Holly Martin will love this charming romcom.

Purchase Links:

AMZ: https://amzn.to/31xhdY0

Kobo: https://bit.ly/3sCeDf8

Apple: https://apple.co/2PJNQi9

My Review:

This is one of my favourite series, and a definite go -to author for me. This is the fourth instalment in the Glendale Hall series and wow, what a smasher! The whole series of books are warm and cosy, returning feels like going back to old friends and being welcomed back in a big comfortable embrace. The books have a strong sense of community, friendship and looking out for those who need extra help or support. You can read this book as a standalone but I highly recommend you do catch up with the others too.

Each book focuses on a different ‘main’ character and this time we meet Anna. A traumatic event in her younger years has scarred her for life, mentally and she doesn’t feel worthy of anything good or that she can deserve a normal life. She is afraid to get close to people, pushing them away and keeping herself at a distance. When things go wrong, she is out of options so contacts her brother – a familiar face for those who have read the previous books – and soon finds herself heading to Glendale Hall to be the housekeeper. Although Anna is adamant this is only temporary, will being around family, a loving community and the connection with the quiet, equally distant Cameron change her perspective and her future plans?

A story about self discovery, self worth and allowing yourself to let go of the past. I adored this book, as I knew I would. Anna is an interesting character who did frustrate me as I could see the good in her, I understood why she felt that way but just wished she could see the potential. I was relieved when she started opening up and talking about things, it seemed that a weight had been lifted from her.

Cameron is a great character and so well suited to her, they both are injured souls but both can help the other.

Victoria writes so well, the story unfolds at a nice pace, and I enjoy that we get to catch up with the character we know and love. A cosy, heart warming read, great to spend a few hours in the sunshine and dreaming of being in Scotland.

I hope there is another visit, I can’t wait to see what more is in store!

Author Bio:

Victoria Walters writes up-lifting and inspiring stories. She's the author of three novels, THE SECOND LOVE OF MY LIFE, SUMMER AT THE KINDNESS CAFÉ, and COMING HOME TO GLENDALE HALL. She has been chosen for WHSmith Fresh Talent and shortlisted for an RNA award. Victoria was also picked as an Amazon Rising Star, and her books have won wide reader acclaim.

Victoria is a full-time author. She lives in Surrey with her cat Harry, and loves books, clothes, music, going out for tea and cake, and posting photos on Instagram.

Find out more about Victoria by following on Instagram at @vickyjwalters, on Twitter at @Vicky_Walters or by visiting her blog at:https://victoria-writes.com/.

Q&A with Victoria Walters

 Welcome to The Comfy Chair Blog... Victoria Walters, author of 'Hopeful Hearts at Glendale Hall.' 

About Victoria:

Victoria Walters writes up-lifting and inspiring stories. Her moving debut novel THE SECOND LOVE OF MY LIFE was chosen for WHSmith Fresh Talent and shortlisted for an RNA award. Victoria was also picked as an Amazon Rising Star. 

She lives in Surrey with her cat Harry (named after Harry Potter). Victoria is not only obsessed with books but loves buying slogan tops, mugs and notebooks, and posting them all on Instagram.

1.     What was your favourite childhood book/author? 

This is tricky as I was such a bookworm and I read so many books – some of my favourites when I was young were the Famous Five books, Roald Dahl especially Matilda, Tracy Beaker… when I was a little bit older I was obsessed with the Sweet Valley High books and I also loved Point Horror. When I was about twelve, I discovered Jane Austen and she is still my favourite to this day.

 

2.    What inspired you to start writing and how long has it taken you to get to this point? 
Just my love of books really. I was an only child and just loved reading. I think though the Twilight series gave me the real push to start – I was so hooked on that series and wanted to write a teen series myself. However, I couldn’t get my teen books published, and then I had the idea for what became my debut women’s fiction novel (The Second Love of My Life), and the rest as they say is history!

 

3.    Describe your writing space - neat and ordered or creative chaos? 
It’s neat to be honest and I’m not really a neat person but to be productive, I like my desk to just have my laptop and a notebook and a pile of the books I’ve written so far to inspire me. I also like to light a candle now the days are become darker earlier.

 

4.      What is the easiest and hardest part of the writing process? 

The best part for me is writing the first draft, I love just getting the story out on the page. I enjoy editing less and once you’ve read the book like five times, it can get a bit boring but I just try to focus on making it as best I can for readers.

 

5.      Which other authors are you influenced by?

I think I’ve been influenced by Jane Austen. With my Glendale Hall series, I like to include a letter in each book and that came from her books, often the male charters write a letter to explain themselves and I love that as a device. I also think she inspired my love of a romantic ending and happy ever afters.

 

6.      What does literary success “look” like to you?

I would love to have a Sunday Times bestseller or a TV or film made from one of my books but that feels like winning the lottery really. I would like to see the Glendale series grow and grow and maybe hit the top ten on the Kindle charts, that would be amazing. We’ve managed the top 100 so far…

 

7.      How do you select the names of your characters?

As Glendale is set in Scotland, I looked up popular names, and traditional Scottish names and picked ones that seemed to fit the characters really. It’s not easy though, male names are harder I think.

 

8.     Do you hide any secret ‘messages’ in your book that only a few people will understand? 

I definitely feed in titbits from previous books in my Glendale Hall series so if you read all the books you’ll get the little nods, I also use my favourite things in my books like movies or food or books that I’m sure you’ll notice, and of course there is that letter to look out for when you’re reading them!

9.     If your book was to be made into a film/TV programme, which actors would play which role? 

I find this so hard because I see them clearly in my head! I did kind of base the Minister of Glendale, Brodie, on James Norton who played Grantchester so that would be amazing if he took on the role.

 

10.  What do you hope your readers take away from your book?

Kindness, community, family, loyalty, believing in yourself, going after your dreams, that love comes in all different forms, and to try to always follow your heart. I hope that my books are uplifting and inspiring and leave you with a big smile on your face!

 

Lastly, Jenn (The Comfy Chair) likes to enjoy a good read snuggled up with a cup of tea and piece of cake... what cake or sweet treat would you suggest to accompany your book? 
I think a hot chocolate with lots of cream and sprinkles and some Scottish shortbread would work perfectly for the Glendale Hall books!

What happens when love takes you to unexpected places?

Heather Douglas appears to have it all. But living on a farm in the Scottish Highlands with her partner, Rory Fraser, all while bringing up their adorable toddler, Harry, isn’t easy. As a former librarian, Heather is worried that she’ll never fully fit into life on Fraser Farm. And after the death of her beloved mum five years ago, Heather feels lost, as well as guilty for holding back accepting Rory’s marriage proposal because she can’t imagine her wedding without her mother.

So when ex-boyfriend, Stewart, appears in the village of Glendale, it’s a shock to the system. The man who broke her heart years ago now has big plans for the neighbouring farm and wants Heather to be part of the development. Knowing that she’s living a very different life to the one they had planned at university leaves Heather wondering if she has made the right choices since she and Stewart broke up. Especially when things start to go very wrong on the farm ...

This Christmas, Heather will need to face her fears and let go of the past or risk losing everything. She will need love, faith, and a whole lot of hope

OUT NOW - AVAILABLE HERE 

Find Victoria on Twitter or Facebook

Hopeful Hearts at Glendale Hall - Victoria Walters

 

What happens when love takes you to unexpected places?

Heather Douglas appears to have it all. But living on a farm in the Scottish Highlands with her partner, Rory Fraser, all while bringing up their adorable toddler, Harry, isn’t easy. As a former librarian, Heather is worried that she’ll never fully fit into life on Fraser Farm. And after the death of her beloved mum five years ago, Heather feels lost, as well as guilty for holding back accepting Rory’s marriage proposal because she can’t imagine her wedding without her mother.

So when ex-boyfriend, Stewart, appears in the village of Glendale, it’s a shock to the system. The man who broke her heart years ago now has big plans for the neighbouring farm and wants Heather to be part of the development. Knowing that she’s living a very different life to the one they had planned at university leaves Heather wondering if she has made the right choices since she and Stewart broke up. Especially when things start to go very wrong on the farm ...

This Christmas, Heather will need to face her fears and let go of the past or risk losing everything. She will need love, faith, and a whole lot of hope!

Return to the beautiful Highlands village of Glendale with the latest book in the bestselling Glendale series – the perfect cosy, uplifting, romantic read for fans of Heidi Swain, Milly Johnson and Holly Martin.

My Review:

It’s always a pleasure to read the next in a series you have grown to love. Here we are with book 3 in this charming series by Victoria Walters, and Glendale is a community that I feel right at home in. This visit focuses on the story of Heather, who we have come across in the books. If you haven’t had the pleasure of reading them, don’t worry it can read as a standalone, but you’d enjoy catching up on the action from the first two so I highly recommend.

Heather, Rory and their gorgeous son are quite the adorable family unit. Heather is growing used to life as a farmers ‘wife’ and living on the farm, mucking in and helping out more and more. She is a full-on worrier, and it often weighs heavy on her; thinking things will fail, or that the worst will always happen.

I do love Heathers character but I often found myself so frustrated with her, I wanted to just reach out and tell her to open up, communicate with those she loved more and it would help no end. She is a great character though and you can’t help but love her for finding her inner strength and showing those around she is indeed tough enough and has got what it takes.

There is drama, suspense, an absolute stinker of a bad guy who could do with being taught a thing or two. I was captivated by the ups and downs of Heathers story, life certainly isn’t dull and especially not on this farm.

As with any book series, it was great to revisit old characters and see how they were getting on, it does feel like seeing old friends.

Such a charming feel to these stories, and this book is perfect for cosying up and enjoying. I read in a couple of sittings as was so involved in the story. It is such a feel good story, a lot of drama to keep you on the edge of your seat! I admit I had moments where I thought Heather was going to do something I wouldn’t be able to forgive her for.

Showing that you can push yourself and step outside of your comfort zone to find what you truly want and what can make you happy can be the last thing you think it would be. This book is a well written and heartful story that I would recommend for this upcoming season. 

Purchase Links

Amazon https://amzn.to/2Y6P1dt

Apple https://apple.co/3emKwBn  

Kobo https://bit.ly/37AMc7D

Author Bio:

Victoria Walters writes up-lifting and inspiring stories. She's the author of three novels, THE SECOND LOVE OF MY LIFE, SUMMER AT THE KINDNESS CAFÉ, and COMING HOME TO GLENDALE HALL. She has been chosen for WHSmith Fresh Talent and shortlisted for an RNA award. Victoria was also picked as an Amazon Rising Star, and her books have won wide reader acclaim.

Victoria is a full-time author. She lives in Surrey with her cat Harry, and loves books, clothes, music, going out for tea and cake, and posting photos on Instagram.

Find out more about Victoria by following on Instagram at @vickyjwalters, on Twitter at @Vicky_Walters or by visiting her blog at:https://victoria-writes.com/