Today I’m thrilled to be taking part in the tour for the latest book in the Love Heart Lane series. Many thanks to Rachel’s Random Resources for having me on the tour and sending me a copy of the book to review.
The Book:
Love Heart Lane – where friends are there for you no matter what
A second chance…
When her grandfather Marley passes away Grace Power discovers she’s been left the beautiful but crumbling estate of Heartcross Castle. As a single mum of three, Grace has no idea what she’s going to do with it – but who can say no to a roof over their kids’ heads and a chance to get away from past hurts?
And a forever home
Heartcross Castle is full of secrets – especially a lost security deposit box that holds the truth to everything… But when celebrity chef Andrew Glossop sets his eyes on the castle and, to make matters worse, mistakes Grace as the new housekeeper, Grace tells him there is absolutely NO CHANCE he is getting his hands on her home.
Devastated to have got it so wrong, Andrew will do anything to make it up to her – but is she willing to listen?
Purchase Links
UK – https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B091BL4DX3
US – https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B091BL4DX3
The Review: I’ve read a couple of books by this author in the past and was in the mood for something that wasn’t crime fiction when I saw the notification for this tour. Being set in Scotland, and in a castle no less, made it something I couldn’t refuse. I really enjoyed this book, it’s got the right mixture of serious and fun running through it and it was exactly what I needed especially on these cold January days.
We meet Grace and her sons when life isn’t treating her well at all. She needs an escape from it and this comes in the form of the castle which she inherits unexpectedly. Leaving her old life behind the family of four move to Scotland and start over, with the warmth and support of the local community, and the fresh air and open space of the Scottish countryside. Unsurprisingly things aren’t simple and straightforward and Grace has to contend not only with deciding what is best for their future but also dealing with the celebrity chef Andrew Glossop next door, who is interesting but has had quite a different experience of life so far.
There clearly were characters in here that are in the other books in the Love Heart Lane series, but there is enough explanation of how they fit in that it doesn’t matter if you haven’t read the other books first. I hadn’t and didn’t find that affected my enjoyment of this book at all. There were also some other characters that added something special to the story, namely Delia (no spoilers) and Hector, who was just lovely and made the story, and Grace’s family, complete. This would be a lesser book without the lovely, grounding presence of Hector.
This is a lovely story, it transported me to another part of Scotland, complete with heather covered hills and a welcoming community. While it’s not a community that Grace is a stranger too, having lived there before, it welcomes her back without any questions and is supportive as she rebuilds her life and decides what the future holds. It’s one of those places that makes you wish it really existed. If you’re looking for a story that is uplifting and optimistic and full of warmth then this is an ideal read. Perfect for a cosy read, even better with a blanket and a warming drink.
The Author:
Christie Barlow is the number one international bestselling author of fifteen romantic comedies including the iconic Love Heart Lane Series, A Home at Honeysuckle Farm and Kitty’s Countryside Dream. She lives in a ramshackle cottage in a quaint village in the heart of Staffordshire with her four children and two dogs.
Her writing career has come as a lovely surprise when Christie decided to write a book to teach her children a valuable life lesson and show them that they are capable of achieving their dreams. Christie’s dream was to become a writer and the book she wrote to prove a point went on to become a #1 international bestseller in the UK, USA, Canada and Australia.
When Christie isn’t writing she co-presents The Book Show on Radio Northwich, enjoys playing the piano, is a keen gardener and loves to paint and upcycle furniture.
Christie is an ambassador for the @ZuriProject alongside Patron of the charity, Emmerdale’s Bhasker Patel. They raise money and awareness for communities in Uganda.
Christie loves to hear from her readers and you can get in touch via Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/christie_barlow/?hl=en
Twitter @ChristieJBarlow
Facebook page Christie Barlow author
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