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/

Rachel's Pudding Pantry - Caroline Roberts

Available here

Here's the blurb:

Primrose Farm is Rachel’s very own slice of heaven. Come rain or shine there’s always a pot of tea brewing by the Aga, the delicious aroma of freshly baked puddings, and a chorus of happy memories drifting through the kitchen.

But the farm is in a spot of trouble. As the daffodils spring, Rachel must plant the seeds of change if she wants to keep the farm afloat, and it’s all resting on a crazy plan. She’ll need one family cook book, her Mum Jill’s baking magic – and a reason to avoid her distractingly gorgeous neighbour, Tom . . .

Swapping their wellies for aprons, can Rachel and Jill bake their way into a brighter future? The proof will be in the pudding!

My Review:

YUM, YUM, YUMMY!

A delicious treat of a book from Caroline Roberts. Warning: you will scour every kitchen cupboard in sight for some kind of yummy goodness whilst reading this book.

From the start we are drawn into the lives of a clearly loving, warm, family unit – Rachel, Jill and of course, Maisy, I knew from the moment I started reading I only wanted good things to happen for them – I loved the special relationships between these characters, you really did get a sense of how much they loved each other.

The characters are down to earth, relatable and so easy to like – excellently written by Caroline. The community they are part of is very endearing, wonderful neighbours and friends who want to support and encourage, I'd love to be part of it myself. I was particularly keen on Tom, the farmer next door to Rachel and enjoyed how their relationship developed. It didn't feel rushed or forced at all. He was patient, kind and considerate, just what Rachel needs after everything they have been through.

I loved how descriptive this book is, whether about the tasty delights being created, the idyllic countryside setting or the increasing pressures of running a farm. Caroline's easy, flowing writing style made this a delight to read, it was a pleasure to sit and devour it in one sitting.

It's a wonderfully cosy book that will leave you feeling warm and fuzzy! A must read for romance or baking fans. Honestly, I was sad to finish this book – imagine my delight to discover we will be going back for another visit.

I cannot recommend Rachel's Pudding Pantry enough. Treat yourself!

Comfy Rating: 👍👍👍👍👍