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Pepper Bay #9
Castle on the Mead
Welcome to Pepper Bay, where you’ll find love, drama, and a happily ever after.
Snuggle down with this cosy, feel-good, comfort read that whisks you away to a beautiful bay on the Isle of Wight – Perfect for fans of Christie Barlow, Alison Sherlock, Rachael Lucas, and Holly Martin.
The Pepper Bay books are standalone stories that intertwine with recurring characters. Best enjoyed when read in order.
Castle on the Mead: Harrison Connell leads a quiet life, but Ashley Hadley is determined to get him to come out of his shell. When she gets the chance to move into his castle, she sets about putting the old building back on the map. Harrison doesn’t want his home to become a tourist attraction, but that’s the least of his worries, as someone seems determined to destroy him, or maybe it’s Ashley they want to hurt.
Snuggle down with this cosy, feel-good, comfort read that whisks you away to a beautiful bay on the Isle of Wight – Perfect for fans of Christie Barlow, Alison Sherlock, Rachael Lucas, and Holly Martin.
The Pepper Bay books are standalone stories that intertwine with recurring characters. Best enjoyed when read in order.
Castle on the Mead: Harrison Connell leads a quiet life, but Ashley Hadley is determined to get him to come out of his shell. When she gets the chance to move into his castle, she sets about putting the old building back on the map. Harrison doesn’t want his home to become a tourist attraction, but that’s the least of his worries, as someone seems determined to destroy him, or maybe it’s Ashley they want to hurt.
- GenresContemporary
233 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 1, 2023
About the author
K.T. Dady
44 books81 followersHello, I'm K.T. Dady. I write uplifting love stories filled with friendship, family, and community set here, there, and everywhere, as love happens anywhere and under all sorts of circumstances. But whatever challenges my characters face along the way, there is always a happily ever after.
Feel free to join my newsletter over at my website.
You can also find me mostly on Instagram or Facebook.
Instagram - @kt_dady
Facebook - @ktdady
Thank you so much to everyone who buys my books. I'm truly grateful.
Feel free to join my newsletter over at my website.
You can also find me mostly on Instagram or Facebook.
Instagram - @kt_dady
Facebook - @ktdady
Thank you so much to everyone who buys my books. I'm truly grateful.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
August 7, 2023
Ashley has known Harrison for several months now. He’s quiet and keeps to himself and she really likes him. After they both loose their shops he invites her to move into his castle.
I like Ashley & Harrison and how they grew as the story unfolds. It’s a quick feel good story. Thanks to Rachel’s Random Resources for the early copy
I like Ashley & Harrison and how they grew as the story unfolds. It’s a quick feel good story. Thanks to Rachel’s Random Resources for the early copy
August 8, 2023
I always love returning to Pepper Bay, each visit is like returning to some family or friends you haven’t seen in awhile, but that you fall back into place with in a few minutes, it’s like being with friends, and that’s why I keep coming back again and again. KT Dady’s books are so inviting, I really do look forward to each time she releases a new one.
As always there are familiar characters from previous books, and I loved reading Ashley’s story, I love her family as much as I love Ashley, she is so determined and steadfast , I so love that. When she decided on Harrison, you know she’ll get through to him and break down his walls. I love a slow burn relationship and this is done so well.
The Castle on the Mead is an engaging story, full of great characters, romance, a little bit of drama and mystery, that wonderful community that’s getting bigger each book but no less loveable or fantastic. I highly recommend any of KT Dady’s books, especially if you want to feel warm and happy, like a friend has just hugged you, so lovely.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
As always there are familiar characters from previous books, and I loved reading Ashley’s story, I love her family as much as I love Ashley, she is so determined and steadfast , I so love that. When she decided on Harrison, you know she’ll get through to him and break down his walls. I love a slow burn relationship and this is done so well.
The Castle on the Mead is an engaging story, full of great characters, romance, a little bit of drama and mystery, that wonderful community that’s getting bigger each book but no less loveable or fantastic. I highly recommend any of KT Dady’s books, especially if you want to feel warm and happy, like a friend has just hugged you, so lovely.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
July 30, 2023
It’s always a treat to return to Pepper Bay and catch up with the wonderful locals. This time, we returned to the Hadley family and caught up with Ashley and her costume jewellery business. Ignoring the unwelcome advances of landlord Victor Blake, Ashley finds herself to be totally smitten with the mysterious Harrison Connell and his fine jewellery business.
In what appears to be a reaction to Ashley’s determined rejections, Victor gives all the tenants notice that he is converting all the shop units into luxury flats and evicts them all. Ashley is delighted to discover that Harrison not only owns the Castle on the Mead, but that she’s invited to stay for a while.
I think that Ashley and Harrison have just climbed the rankings for favourite characters and now sit in joint first place with most of them. I know, but each book brings wonderful characters, and we even get to glimpse them in passing.
Ashley is a definite handful and a joy to be around. She spreads her contagious positivity wherever she goes and it’s impossible not to catch on to the hopeful feelings. There’s no question that she’s completely fallen for Harrison, but he cannot accept that as he’s aware of his facial disfigurement. There’s no way that someone as beautiful as Ashley could ever see him as a romantic option.
As the story proceeds, it’s lovely to see Ashley gently break down Harrison’s defences, and as they gradually grow closer, they become united in their love for the Castle.
This is another fabulous instalment and I raced through it. Each one is a novella and can be read as part of the series or enjoyed as a standalone story. Either way, I cannot recommend them enough and hope that you will love Pepper Bay as I do.
In what appears to be a reaction to Ashley’s determined rejections, Victor gives all the tenants notice that he is converting all the shop units into luxury flats and evicts them all. Ashley is delighted to discover that Harrison not only owns the Castle on the Mead, but that she’s invited to stay for a while.
I think that Ashley and Harrison have just climbed the rankings for favourite characters and now sit in joint first place with most of them. I know, but each book brings wonderful characters, and we even get to glimpse them in passing.
Ashley is a definite handful and a joy to be around. She spreads her contagious positivity wherever she goes and it’s impossible not to catch on to the hopeful feelings. There’s no question that she’s completely fallen for Harrison, but he cannot accept that as he’s aware of his facial disfigurement. There’s no way that someone as beautiful as Ashley could ever see him as a romantic option.
As the story proceeds, it’s lovely to see Ashley gently break down Harrison’s defences, and as they gradually grow closer, they become united in their love for the Castle.
This is another fabulous instalment and I raced through it. Each one is a novella and can be read as part of the series or enjoyed as a standalone story. Either way, I cannot recommend them enough and hope that you will love Pepper Bay as I do.
July 31, 2023
So good to return to Pepper Bay once more
With a romance and a mystery to explore.
This time Ashley Hadley is hoping to have a chance
With Harrison Connell to have a romance!
An attack and injury changed Harrison's ways.
Now he's quiet, a loner and never chats any days.
He inherited and moved to the Castle on the Mead,
Hoping for a quiet life but Ashley has other plans - will she succeed?
When the shops both run are forced to close down
And another home flood causes Ashley to frown,
Harrison suggests at his home she should stay
She can't resist and agrees straight away!
The Castle is need of tender loving care
And Ashley soon has plans to spare.
Can she help Harrison face life and others again
Or will he shut himself away, unwilling to explain?
There's someone who is jealous and wants to thwart their dreams
Every bit of progress brings a new disaster it seems.
With new friendships, new opportunities and even romance
Will the perpetrator endanger their every chance?
A heartwarming read involving overcoming the past
Daring to dream and look forward at last.
A story filled with family drama
And the hopes for romance - and karma!
For my complementary copy of this book, I say thank you,
As I share with you this, my honest review.
With a romance and a mystery to explore.
This time Ashley Hadley is hoping to have a chance
With Harrison Connell to have a romance!
An attack and injury changed Harrison's ways.
Now he's quiet, a loner and never chats any days.
He inherited and moved to the Castle on the Mead,
Hoping for a quiet life but Ashley has other plans - will she succeed?
When the shops both run are forced to close down
And another home flood causes Ashley to frown,
Harrison suggests at his home she should stay
She can't resist and agrees straight away!
The Castle is need of tender loving care
And Ashley soon has plans to spare.
Can she help Harrison face life and others again
Or will he shut himself away, unwilling to explain?
There's someone who is jealous and wants to thwart their dreams
Every bit of progress brings a new disaster it seems.
With new friendships, new opportunities and even romance
Will the perpetrator endanger their every chance?
A heartwarming read involving overcoming the past
Daring to dream and look forward at last.
A story filled with family drama
And the hopes for romance - and karma!
For my complementary copy of this book, I say thank you,
As I share with you this, my honest review.
August 6, 2023
Castle on the Mead by K.T. Dady
I received an advance review copy for free thanks to Rachel's Random Resources and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Blurb
Harrison Connell leads a quiet life, but Ashley Hadley is determined to get him to come out of his shell. When she gets the chance to move into his castle, she sets about putting the old building back on the map. Harrison doesn’t want his home to become a tourist attraction, but that’s the least of his worries, as someone seems determined to destroy him, or maybe it’s Ashley they want to hurt.
The Pepper Bay books are standalone stories that intertwine with recurring characters. Best enjoyed when read in order.
My Opinion
When I saw that there was another book in the Pepper Bay series, there was no hesitation - I knew that I had to read it. Returning to Pepper Bay is always a joy and it is nice to catch up with the residents. If you haven't started reading this series yet, there is still time for you to meet these fantastic characters.
This was a lovely, feel good read. At just over 200 pages, this is easy to finish over a miserable weekend. A highly recommended series.
Rating: 4/5
I received an advance review copy for free thanks to Rachel's Random Resources and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Blurb
Harrison Connell leads a quiet life, but Ashley Hadley is determined to get him to come out of his shell. When she gets the chance to move into his castle, she sets about putting the old building back on the map. Harrison doesn’t want his home to become a tourist attraction, but that’s the least of his worries, as someone seems determined to destroy him, or maybe it’s Ashley they want to hurt.
The Pepper Bay books are standalone stories that intertwine with recurring characters. Best enjoyed when read in order.
My Opinion
When I saw that there was another book in the Pepper Bay series, there was no hesitation - I knew that I had to read it. Returning to Pepper Bay is always a joy and it is nice to catch up with the residents. If you haven't started reading this series yet, there is still time for you to meet these fantastic characters.
This was a lovely, feel good read. At just over 200 pages, this is easy to finish over a miserable weekend. A highly recommended series.
Rating: 4/5
August 29, 2023
This is the 9th book in the wonderful series set on the Isle of Wight, about different people on the island who meet their soul mates.
I absolutely love this series, I've read all the books so far and couldn't put this book down, I devoured it in one day.
This book is about one of the Hadley sisters, Ashley. She runs a jewellery shop on Gem Walk and makes jewellery using beads and silver. She's become friends with a reclusive jeweller, Harrison, in another shop along the walk. When they are both given notice, Ashley is livid, especially as she has history with the landlord.
Harrison has recently inherited Castle on the Mead and decides to move his workshop there, but he doesn't want to miss seeing Ashley each day. He makes an offer, which he wonders if he should have thought about more!
A really good series, the books are all standalone stories, but as the same characters appear in the books, they are best read in order of publication to preserve continuity of the characters and bigger storyline.
I highly recommend reading this book and all the others in this brilliant series. I can't wait for the next book to be released.
I absolutely love this series, I've read all the books so far and couldn't put this book down, I devoured it in one day.
This book is about one of the Hadley sisters, Ashley. She runs a jewellery shop on Gem Walk and makes jewellery using beads and silver. She's become friends with a reclusive jeweller, Harrison, in another shop along the walk. When they are both given notice, Ashley is livid, especially as she has history with the landlord.
Harrison has recently inherited Castle on the Mead and decides to move his workshop there, but he doesn't want to miss seeing Ashley each day. He makes an offer, which he wonders if he should have thought about more!
A really good series, the books are all standalone stories, but as the same characters appear in the books, they are best read in order of publication to preserve continuity of the characters and bigger storyline.
I highly recommend reading this book and all the others in this brilliant series. I can't wait for the next book to be released.
August 6, 2023
I am a great lover of the Pepper Bay series so jumped at the chance to read this installment, which is book 9.
This one is all about Ashley, one of the Hadley sisters who we met previously and Harrison, owner of the castle.
Ashley is full of ideas on how to restore the castle and put it on the map again but Harrison takes some convincing. As they go through the project though, it's clear someone is out to destroy them, or one of them and there are certainly some dramatic and emotional moments.
I love how in this series, characters from the past make an appearance and rally round to help as it is such a close knit friendly community. Ashley's family are great and there's never a dull moment with them around.
As with the other books, this was one I couldn't put down and finished it in almost one sitting. I'm certainly looking forward to book 10.
Thank you Rachel's Random Resources for my #gifted ARC copy and spot on the tour.
This one is all about Ashley, one of the Hadley sisters who we met previously and Harrison, owner of the castle.
Ashley is full of ideas on how to restore the castle and put it on the map again but Harrison takes some convincing. As they go through the project though, it's clear someone is out to destroy them, or one of them and there are certainly some dramatic and emotional moments.
I love how in this series, characters from the past make an appearance and rally round to help as it is such a close knit friendly community. Ashley's family are great and there's never a dull moment with them around.
As with the other books, this was one I couldn't put down and finished it in almost one sitting. I'm certainly looking forward to book 10.
Thank you Rachel's Random Resources for my #gifted ARC copy and spot on the tour.
August 1, 2023
How is this the ninth book already? I absolutely adore this series as it's always a timely reminder of home for me being an Isle of Wight girl myself.
Each of the stories are standalone reads with previous characters making appearances throughout the series. I'd definitely suggest you binge the whole series as you'd be missing out on so much.
The stories are so enjoyable, the characters feel like old friends; warm, with their community spirit always at the fore.
Harrison and Ashley were great characters and by the end of the book I was rooting for both of them to get their HAE, although not necessarily together.
Pepper Bay is a series I never want to see end. If Rosie Green can be on book twenty six, so can you @ktdady.
Each of the stories are standalone reads with previous characters making appearances throughout the series. I'd definitely suggest you binge the whole series as you'd be missing out on so much.
The stories are so enjoyable, the characters feel like old friends; warm, with their community spirit always at the fore.
Harrison and Ashley were great characters and by the end of the book I was rooting for both of them to get their HAE, although not necessarily together.
Pepper Bay is a series I never want to see end. If Rosie Green can be on book twenty six, so can you @ktdady.
August 5, 2023
📚review📚 114th book finished in 2023
K. T Dady - Castle on the Mead
Thank you so much K.T.Dady and Rachel’s random resources for gifting me a digital copy of 'Castle on the Mead' in exchange for an honest review.
I adore the Pepper Bay series, I love dropping on to the Isle of White and visiting the folks of Pepper Bay and my goodness I love the Hadley family. This book took turns that I didn't predict and seeing how Ashley thought for her family and the man she loves along the way warmed my heart. I highly recommend this series, it has become my comfort read especially on days like today when the rain just doesn't stop. Also K.T.Dady I audibly gasped when I read the sneak peak of the next book with Grace, I can't wait.
#gifted #giftedbook #booktour
K. T Dady - Castle on the Mead
Thank you so much K.T.Dady and Rachel’s random resources for gifting me a digital copy of 'Castle on the Mead' in exchange for an honest review.
I adore the Pepper Bay series, I love dropping on to the Isle of White and visiting the folks of Pepper Bay and my goodness I love the Hadley family. This book took turns that I didn't predict and seeing how Ashley thought for her family and the man she loves along the way warmed my heart. I highly recommend this series, it has become my comfort read especially on days like today when the rain just doesn't stop. Also K.T.Dady I audibly gasped when I read the sneak peak of the next book with Grace, I can't wait.
#gifted #giftedbook #booktour
August 7, 2023
This is book nine in the Pepper Bay series, but they all work fine as standalones. I devoured 70% of this story in one day. This is a beautiful, romantic story told through the main characters Harrison and Ashley. Set in a beautiful small town where everyone knows everyone. But these two live in a gorgeous castle. Fancy that. Beautiful grounds and working to do it up for Christmas. Harrison is a newbie to the town, an introvert. Ashley is the opposite. With a spiteful man wanting Ashley and the castle for himself, it's a story of good vs. evil. But when the whole town comes together for the couple, surely good wins, right? I loved this story and the main characters. Really enjoyed reading it. A well-deserved four stars from me. Highly recommend.
September 22, 2023
I love returning to Pepper Bay to catch up with everyone in this wonderful community. This time it’s Ashley and Harrison’s story and it’s not been an easy time for Harrison so he decides to settle in Pepper Bay but it’s not without problems and far from the quiet life he imagined. Ashley is one of the Hadley sisters and a force to be reckoned with, when they get together sparks fly. Drama, twists and turns with a beautiful romance running throughout the story.
August 10, 2023
I have been reading this series right from the start and I always know I am in for a special treat when I start the next one in the series. Harrison is all quiet but Ashley definitely makes up for that. Ashley is definitely a sunshine type of girl, not shy or quiet in anyway, but lovely all the same and with more depth than expected. I took an instant shine to her.
Harrison is quiet, but there is also something really nice and genuine about him and I found it really easy to like him and to be rooting for both him and Ashley and their castle adventures. I loved getting glimpses into Ashley's sisters' lives, the sisters we have met in previous books in this series and seeing their parents again. Just like the other books in this story, the chapters alternate between the two main characters and their thoughts are in italics, giving us insider information that we would otherwise not have. I always like this and really feel what the characters are feeling, smiling along with them and getting moved to tears more than once. There were quite some twists and there was some scary drama in this story!
Harrison is quiet, but there is also something really nice and genuine about him and I found it really easy to like him and to be rooting for both him and Ashley and their castle adventures. I loved getting glimpses into Ashley's sisters' lives, the sisters we have met in previous books in this series and seeing their parents again. Just like the other books in this story, the chapters alternate between the two main characters and their thoughts are in italics, giving us insider information that we would otherwise not have. I always like this and really feel what the characters are feeling, smiling along with them and getting moved to tears more than once. There were quite some twists and there was some scary drama in this story!
November 30, 2025
Another brilliant book in the Pepper Bay series.
Ashley and Harrison had a drama and action packed story with a lovely ending as always.
I’ll eagerly be starting the next to read Grace’s story next.
Ashley and Harrison had a drama and action packed story with a lovely ending as always.
I’ll eagerly be starting the next to read Grace’s story next.
August 7, 2023
I just loved being back in Pepper Bay!! Although this can be read as a standalone I would highly recommend reading the series so far. Firstly because it’s a brilliant series! and secondly there are recurring characters and references to their own stories. This story follows Ashley Hadley who makes costume jewellery and Harrison Connell who is also a jewellery maker but he keeps himself to himself. Ashley ends up moving into the castle he inherited and together the work hard at making it a visitor attraction. However someone is determined to stop this happening but they hadn’t reckoned on having to come up against the residents of Pepper Bay! Great characters, a sense of community and a story that shows that love is all about what’s on the inside not what you look like.
August 2, 2023
I loved this book about Ashley and Harrison and the Castle on the Mead. There is a very jealous person who wants Ashley so he sets out to damage everything Ashley and Harrison is trying to achieve.
August 7, 2023
Love this series.
August 9, 2023
Brilliant
I loved this book just as much as K.T.Dadys others 😃 she is a wonderful writer, you get really drawn into her stories and characters.
I loved this book just as much as K.T.Dadys others 😃 she is a wonderful writer, you get really drawn into her stories and characters.
October 24, 2023
I really enjoyed Ashley and Harrison' story how their story evolved. I wanted to do something to that horrible Vik.
October 4, 2024
Magical
Really enjoyed reading about Ash & H's journey towards living in the castle. Didn't want it to end and wished we could have heard all about their Christmas wonderland.
Really enjoyed reading about Ash & H's journey towards living in the castle. Didn't want it to end and wished we could have heard all about their Christmas wonderland.
August 13, 2025
I loved Ash and H. They are a match made for each other. Really enjoying the Hadley sisters
August 9, 2023
There are currently 9 books in the Pepper Bay series that concentrate on one or another of the residents and their lives/shops etc. This one is about Ashley who has a jewellery shop in Gem Walk but finds out that the landlord is selling them to make way for luxury flats. Her own rented flat floods for the 3rd time, and she somehow talks her way into Harrison’s castle…
This was a great easy read that took no time at all, and was just as enjoyable as the others I’ve read before. There’s laughs, threats, scary moments, but lots of love all the way through. Just an adorable couple coping in the only way they can with everything life ( and nasty people) throw at them.
This was a great easy read that took no time at all, and was just as enjoyable as the others I’ve read before. There’s laughs, threats, scary moments, but lots of love all the way through. Just an adorable couple coping in the only way they can with everything life ( and nasty people) throw at them.
May 28, 2024
Yet another fab book in this series. Easy reading and very enjoyable
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews