Coming Home to Starr's Fall -Kate Hewitt

 

Coming Home to Starr's Fall

Welcome to the town of Starr’s Fall, where Autumn can feel like it goes on forever, and two people have a chance to fall in love…

The leaves are falling, with a crispness to the air, along with the scents of coffee and pumpkin spice, past a half-empty street of shuttered storefronts and a bandstand that has seen better days…

Just like the whole town of Starr’s Fall, thinks Laurie Ellis – as she and her beloved dog Max head to collect the store keys. Maybe she has seen better days, too, but she’s certainly ready for a new start—and to leave her past behind. Still Laurie wonders whether she made a terrible mistake in coming to lovable but shabby Starr’s Fall. Will she even find customers for her pet store and bakery, never mind a community to welcome and accept her?

Not according to Joshua Reilly, the handsome but grumpy manager of the bookstore across the road, who claims he’s never heard of anything so ridiculous as a bakery for dogs.

But Laurie remains stubbornly undeterred. She’s starting over, right here. Not least because she has another secret reason for being here… one she isn’t telling anybody, at least not yet, as it involves her own tragic past.

What she doesn’t yet know is that a clue to the mystery is hidden deep in Joshua’s bookstore. And he doesn’t yet realize that Laurie herself might be the key to mending his own battered heart… for Laurie and Joshua and the whole town, it’s going to be a fall to remember.

Purchase Link - https://mybook.to/starrsfallsocial

 

My Review:

A cosy, heart warming story with a fantastic community feel. The start of a brand new series, I was hooked from the start and really enjoyed learning more about Starr’s Fall so I cannot wait to return.

The story focuses on Laurie, who decides to relocate to Starr’s Fall in order to follow a dream of running a pet shop/bakery. We soon learn she has another, big, reason and why Starr’s Fall wasn’t a random choice of location.

I really liked Laurie’s attitude to things, she had had a difficult life and doesn’t have many people in her corner but arriving in this small but welcoming community does her wonders. She is quick to build connections and relationships with the locals, who welcome her with open arms.

The most surprising turn of events is her relationship with grumpy book store owner, Joshua. I thoroughly enjoyed how she helped him change his ways, that instant spark growing into a adorable romance.

Settling into life in Starr’s Fall, Laurie soon makes discoveries that give her the answers she has wanted all her life, but is he prepared for what this will mean?

Brilliant writing and great characters I already adore,  Kate Hewitt has created a wonderful fictional town I’d love to visit, so I will eagerly await the chance to do so but recommend this book wholeheartedly. 

Author Bio:

Kate Hewitt is a million copy bestselling author of historical, contemporary and romantic fiction. An American ex-pat, she lives in a small market town in Wales with her husband and five young(ish) children, along with their two Golden Retrievers.

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Christmas Nights at the Star and Lantern - Helen Rolfe

 

A wonderful story of love, friendship and opening your mind and your heart to new possibilities that will enchant fans of Holly Martin and Heidi Swain.

The Copper Plough is at the heart of village life for the residents of Heritage Cove, and never more so than at Christmas, when the tree glows in the alcove and the smell of mulled wine carries out onto the street. So when new owners for the beloved pub arrive and decide to shake things up, not everyone welcomes the changes with open arms.

Local bakery owner Celeste is ready to keep an open mind. But she’s shocked to discover that one of the new landlords is Quinn, a former Navy sailor with whom she had a short but powerful romance years earlier.

Fate may have brought Quinn and Celeste back together, but life seems determined to keep them apart. Can the villagers learn to embrace the newcomers this Christmas? And will Quinn and Celeste find a way back to each other before snow falls over Heritage Cove?

Purchase Link - https://mybook.to/StarandLanternSocial

My Review:

A return trip the Cove… at Christmas… YES PLEASE!

I adore this series, the characters, the setting, the sense of community that I wish I was part of. At least while reading these books I am.

If you haven’t read any of this series you can fully enjoy this as a standalone but I do highly recommend reading others, they are fantastic.

Celeste is quite the independent woman, she knows what she wants in all areas of her life. She is happy being a businesswoman, having her sister and niece close by, and being surrounded by friends and part of a close community. A chance encounter with Quinn gave her a short, enjoyable fling; both happy with the short time they had.

When the local pub is bought and renamed, the villagers wonder how their local ‘community hub’ will change and if the new landlord will fit in. When opening day arrives, there are surprises all around and with the community’s favourite member, Barney, taking ill and being rushed to hospital, emotions and tensions are high.

Quinn is back, desperate to see the woman who captured his heart in such a small time but when he finally sees her again, she is distant and pushes him away. He is worried that anyone find out about his past and what issues he is desperately trying to hide, but could there be a way back for him?

At some points this story looked as though it may be the bleakest, saddest Christmas tale of all. Worry for one of the lovely characters I have grown to adore, Barney who is like everyone’s Grandad as well as feelings of heartache, loss, fear. A rollercoaster of emotions but wow, when those warm and fuzzies hit they warmed my heart. I liked Celeste, she is certain what life she wants to lead but it can blind her to what is in front of her. Quinn is a good man, he sounds gorgeous but is troubled; he has seen and done so much that nobody could comprehend but fear of what people may think also stops him doing what is best for him.

Mouthwatering descriptions of treats, eats and drinks yet again, it’s probably a good thing this is a fictional place otherwise I would be there and enjoy sampling everything.

Helen is a go-to author, I enjoy her writing and the characters and settings she brings to life. With the perfect amount of festive cheer to get you ready for the season.

Great read, highly recommended. 

Author Bio:

Helen Rolfe is the author of many bestselling contemporary women’s fiction titles, set in different locations from the Cotswolds to New York. She lives in Hertfordshire with her husband and children.

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Sunny Days at the Second Chances Sweet Shop - Hannah Lynn

 

A getaway to remember...

It’s Holly’s best friend’s hen do and the plan is a week away in the South of France.

With little Hope still so very young, it’s going to be difficult for Holly to tear herself away, but Ben is the perfect co-parent and her own parents are just down the road, so – Holly decides – there’s really nothing holding her back, is there?

Will the sunshine and sea air help her get back to who she really is? Or will this be the perfect distraction, a chance to have a holiday fling?

Bask in the sunny skies of France with everyone's favourite sweet shop owner - because everyone deserves a break, don't they?

Purchase Link - https://mybook.to/SunnyDaysSocial

 

My Review:

Sunny Days at the Second Chances Sweet Shop is Book 5 of in this series, although it could be read as a standalone book I think it’s even better if you have read the others too.

I had mixed feelings about book 4. Not in the writing but in I was disappointed that things had not worked out for people I had really been rooting for, more of a personal disappointment rather than issue with the story. Book 5 was like a soothing balm and whilst I’m still gutted that Hollys relationship didn’t work out I can see it was for the best.

Holly is die to go on her best friends hen/stag do in France, it being the first time she’s ;eft her baby Hope. She tried to resist going but knows Ben will keep her updated.

 What an adventure Holly ends up having, her eyes are opened to her situation, what she really is looking for and that feelings can be mistaken. I couldn’t believe which character made an appearance, he is like a bad smell! If you have read it you’ll know which character I am not a fan of!

 A great light hearted read, very enjoyable and fun!

Author Bio: 

Hannah Lynn is the author of over twenty books spanning several genres.

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The Start of Something Wonderful - Jessica Redland

 

Autumn Laine has lost her creative sparkle. After losing her grandad and her job as an illustrator in quick succession, she is at a crossroads in life and needs a break. Spending time with her parents in Paris, even in the artistic community of Montmartre, doesn't appear to be the answer.

So when her penpal, Rosie, invites her to stay in the Lake District, Autumn jumps at the chance to get away from the hustle and bustle of Paris. After all, where better to re-discover her creativity than the place which inspired her heroine, Beatrix Potter?

Arriving at the picturesque lakeside village of Willowdale, Autumn is swept up by the beauty and magic of the stunning landscape. Welcomed into the community with open arms, she slowly starts to feel like herself again as her creative instincts re-ignite.

But when she meets Dane, who has escaped to the Lakes for his own reasons, will Autumn's walls come down to let someone in again after so long? Or will the secrets of her past continue to hold her back?

A new beginning is a daunting prospect, but could it be the start of something wonderful too..?

Join million-copy bestseller Jessica Redland for a brand new series, full of love, friendship and community.

Purchase Link - https://mybook.to/Startsomethingsocial

 

My Review:

Jessica Redland is one of my “go to” authors, I have loved every book, every series, all the characters and locations, so I was really looking forward to getting stuck into another series in a brand new setting!

This new series, set in the Lake District, has started strong, I loved getting to meet new characters, fell in love with the locations (as always Jessica describes it wonderfully) and couldn’t put it down once I started!

Autumn is our leading lady, but we also get to know Dane, Rosie and Alice well too. Beatrix Potter has clearly been an influence as this book is littered with references to her life and work; which is something Autumn and Dane bond over. As you read more about Beatrix, her story is mirrored in some ways by Autumns – it’s hard not to draw comparisons.

As an Illustrator, the Lakes give Autumn inspiration but she feels something is missing, Dane is also looking for some creative inspiration and so the pair agree to help each other.

Rosie has been Autumns penpal for a very long time, having her nearby has only helped strengthen their friendship. We were given tiny glimpses into her life, but I feel (and hope) there will be more to learn about Rosie.

It’s a story with ups and downs; long lost love, poor timings, heartbreak and pain but also hope, a fresh start and new chances.

Autumn is a lovely character and I hoped her time in the Lake Distract would be the start of great things for her. I’ve never been to the Lake District but I felt like I could easily imagine the village, the walks etc.

Great start to the series, I cannot wait for the next book!

Author Bio:

Jessica Redland writes emotional but uplifting stories of love, friendship, family and community. Her Whitsborough Bay books transport readers to the stunning North Yorkshire Coast where she lives with her husband, daughter and sprocker spaniel. Her Hedgehog Hollow series, set in a hedgehog rescue centre, takes readers into the beautiful rolling countryside of the Yorkshire Wolds.

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New Beginnings on Railway Lane - Alison Sherlock

 

When high flying, workaholic Katy Smith is suddenly made redundant, she needs to find a job fast!

After mistakenly answering an advert online, she quickly realises that the rundown railway station in sleepy Cranfield isn’t the 5-star London hotels she’s used to working in!

But a job’s a job. Right?

Chef Ryan Connelly is having a crisis of confidence after his Italian dream turns sour.

Returning home to try to pick up the pieces of his parents broken marriage, he soon discovers that his family home, the railway station, is close to financial ruin

Can Katy use all of her skills and find a way to save the railway station?

And can Ryan rediscover his passion of cooking once more?

As winter in Cranfield begins to sprinkle its magic, perhaps Katy and Ryan can find their very own new beginning on Railway Lane.

Purchase Link - https://mybook.to/railwaylanesocial

 

My Review:

Having enjoyed Alisons previous books, I couldn’t wait to read New Beginnings on Railway Lane. Whilst you can read as a standalone, there are crossovers with previous books in terms of village and some of the characters. I am a huge fan of books that have strong friendships, welcoming communities and books where you can feel like you are part of things. If you have read previous books you will revisit old friends and catch up with their lives, but this time we focus on newcomer, Katy, who drunkenly takes on a position without actually realising what it entails.

A typical city girl, she is so far removed from her comfort zone, I admire her tenacity at agreeing to stick things out. As the story progresses and she gets involved with the railway station, makes friends and builds on connections, Katy soon finds the countryside might be more worthwhile than she ever imagines.

 A story about family, or creating your own family, supporting those who are in need and accepting support right back. I enjoyed the transformation in Katy, how much she changed but how much it was really what she needed. I thought it was clever that she didn’t quite lose sight of herself so much and that she brought her passion to the projects she aimed to create.

 It is warm, cosy and uplifting. A real feel good romance, that draws us in from the start and has us engrossed right until the very end. Characters who feel like friends, a village setting that I wish I could visit.

As always, I will keenly await another book, and another catch up with wonderful book friends. 

Author Bio:

Alison Sherlock is the author of the bestselling Willow Tree Hall books. Alison enjoyed reading and writing stories from an early age and gave up office life to follow her dream. Her series for Boldwood is set in a fictional Cotswold village.

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The Sweet Shop of Second Chances - Hannah Lynn

"A delightful, well written tale, full of wonderful characters in a charming setting. I loved it!" - Katie Fforde

Starting over never tasted so good

Holly Berry has it all; a good corporate career, a steady boyfriend, and enough savings that they will soon be able to buy a nice little house. But when she finds out her boyfriend has been cheating on her, she decides to retreat to the Cotswolds and a place full of far sweeter memories.

Quite literally.

However when Holly discovers the quaint village sweet shop that she worked in as a teenager is starting to crumble she decides that maybe the sensible life isn’t what she wants after all. Putting all her chocolate eggs in one basket, she says goodbye to the city, and sets her sights on Just One More.

After all, how hard can running a sweet shop be?

With charismatic Giles, ready to rescue her at every turn and the local bureaucrats breathing down her neck, it certainly isn’t the quiet life she expected. Can Holly really save the place from the the wicked developers, or will she be the reason Just One More closes its doors for good?

Full of laughter, sweet clean romance and cozy village life, The Sweet Shop of Second Chances will make you believe that the best things in life really are worth fighting for.

Purchase Link -  mybook.to/hollyberrybook1

My Review:

A mouth watering, sweet treat of a book – and a pleasure to know it’s the first in a series! Finishing this story left me with a smile on my face, a hankering for some treats and dreaming of a little trip to the glorious sounding Cotswalds.

Our main character, Holly, is a sensible young woman. Years if seeing her Mum ans Dad struggling to get by has left her working hard to save money and make sure she can invest in her future. Finding her partner in bed with another woman, Holly flees and goes back to the village in which she grew up. Holly needs to make some decisions about her future so when she’s revisiting her past, Holly looks to her former teenage place of work, Just One More; the village sweet shop. Her arrival is just in time– developers want to buy it. Holly uses those savings to try and save the sweet shop – can she turn things around for both herself and the sweet shop?

Holly has the support of friends, both old and new who help her every step of the way but for all those that want to help there is someone very keen to see her fail. Can she stop them ruining her plans and can she discover who doesn’t have her best interests at heart.  

This is funny, heart warming and enjoyable from start to finish. Holly is a really likeable character who I wanted everything to work out for.

I am really pleased there are more to follow as I’d love to know what happens next. 

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Author Bio:

Hannah Lynn is a multi award winning novelist. Publishing her first book, Amendments – a dark, dystopian speculative fiction novel, in 2015. Her second book, The Afterlife of Walter Augustus – a contemporary fiction novel with a supernatural twist – went on to win the 2018 Kindle Storyteller Award and the Independent Publishers Gold Medal for Best Adult Ebook.

Born in 1984, Hannah grew up in the Cotswolds, UK. After graduating from university, she spent 15 years as a teacher of physics, first in the UK and then Thailand, Malaysia, Austria and Jordan. It was during this time, inspired by the imaginations of the young people she taught, she began writing short stories for children, and later adult fiction.

Now settled back in the UK with her husband, daughter and horde of cats, she spends her days writing romantic comedies and historical fiction. Her first historical fiction novel, Athena's Child, was also a 2020 Gold Medalist at the Independent Publishers Awards.

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