A Year at Marshywood

by Marina McLune

It’s 1979 and Amanda Fernsby, nineteen and inexperienced, dreams of lasting love. She leaves London with her parents to start a new life in rural Sussex, moving into Marshywood, a charming, rustic cottage. Now, surrounded by nature, she is excited to begin her new life, but there are bumps in the road ahead.

What about Samantha, her closest friend, who she’s going to miss? And then, of course, there’s Mark, Sam’s gorgeous cousin, who, frustratingly, she’s only just met. Being miles apart, what chance do they have now? Will she find another job? And, perhaps Amanda’s biggest worry of all, does life in the countryside limit her opportunities for finding true love?

When Sam and Mark visit in the summer, a series of shocking events begin to unfold and Amanda finds herself on an emotional roller-coaster with all her hopes unravelling. What will the future hold for her now? Has her parents’ gamble to pursue the rural dream created more losers than winners, or will there still be a pathway to happiness?

Delve deep into the beauty of the natural world and get lost in the music and culture of days gone by in this refreshingly different and moving debut novel. Uplifting, real and straight from the heart, it will take you along an entertaining journey which has the potential to stay with you for years to come.

Genres: Audiobook, Romance, Historical, Historical Fiction, British Literature

351 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 27, 2023

About the author

Marina has been passionate about music and creative writing since childhood. British-born to Caribbean parents and a solicitor by profession, she left London to move to East Sussex several years ago and is now blessed to live at the foot of the beautiful South Downs National Park, where she enjoys nature and walks with her husband and three grown-up sons.

Reviews

[Carol (Reading Ladies) · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Year at Marshywood by debut author Marina McLune is an engaging, uplit story of true love and family life.

Thanks @BookSirens and the author for a complimentary e ARC of #AYearAtMarshywood upon my request. All opinions are my own.

In 1979, nineteen-year-old Amanda and her mother and father move from London to a rustic cottage in rural Sussex. She loves being surrounded by nature and is eager to find work. It’s a bittersweet move because she misses her best friend, Samantha, and worries about her budding romance with Sam’s handsome cousin, Mark. Shocking events take place in the summer when Sam and Mark come to visit Amanda. Will this ruin her chance for romance with Mark? Is there another path to happiness for Amanda?

My favorite women’s fiction/romance stories have substantial substance. Romance is only one element of this heartfelt story of complicated family drama, friendship, and racial tension. We do get our expected HEA in a friends to lovers trope, but it’s hard won.

Amanda is a strong, earnest, kind, and likeable main character whom you will cheer for as she strives to build a meaningful life and chases her HEA.

I often have a special fondness for debut novels, and I love discovering a new author I can support. There’s much to appreciate about this author’s careful character development and strong sense of place. Chaste romance is my preference and I enjoyed the old-fashioned feel of this story (closed door, no profanity). Engaging from the first page, I enjoyed the careful buildup to a later dramatic turn of events. I look forward to reading more by Marina McLune!

Thoughtful themes include coming of age, finding true happiness, rural life, family expectations and drama, prejudice and racism, inter-racial relationship, and friendship.

I’m enthusiastically recommending this heartfelt story for fans of family drama and chase romance, for readers who appreciate a rural English setting and strong sense of place, and for those looking for uplit women’s fiction with an independent and likeable main character. Also recommendable for YA readers.

For more reviews visit my blog www.ReadingLadies.com where this review was first published.

[Brianna Hart · Rating 3 out of 5]

This one covered some really tough subjects but I liked it. The main character, Amanda, really developed over the course of the book. What stated as an unsure girl ended with her feeling more confident. It was a bit predictable, but overall a pretty quick story.

[Star Gater · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you BooksGoSocial Audio for allowing me to read and review A Year at Marshywood on NetGalley.

Narrator: Lucy Scott
Published: 11/03/23

Stars: 4

Charming and rural anywhere in the world describe settings I am happy to read about and am equally happy I've been personally spared living in these places. McLune has written a lovely story. This centers around a 19-year-old young lady. She has been uprooted from London to the countryside. We get her thoughts and the inner turmoil she experiences upon meeting a boy who is engaged.

Marshywood is Little House on the Prairie in 1980 UK. The characters while slight have roles and are memorable. I don't recall names, however, I know their places in Amanda's life, and they will fondly stay with me. Okay her mother is over-the-top, but relatable.

This is a slow and steady read. Characters and situations were being developed. It was somewhere between 30 and 50% that the story took off. I was invested. I cared. I enjoyed the antics of the rural life and the sweetness of Amanda falling in love, reasonably and realistically. As stated, she is a young lady.

The story takes a turn I didn't expect, and it made me go hmmm. I like that while unexpected I was okay (unlike many times where I want to throw my hands up). I thoroughly enjoyed how the story played out and concluded.

I would recommend this to young readers transitioning to adult books; also I would gift without hesitation to nursing homes, or church exchanges and friends.

Lucy Scott was perfect.

This is a review of the audiobook.

[Trio · Rating 4 out of 5]

Marina McLune's A Year at Marshywood is an unusual tale of a nineteen year old young lady who moves from London to rural Sussex. A complex story, it is told from multiple points of view and is non-stop action! Technically a "historical" story, it is set in the late 1970's.

I enjoyed this unique novel, and all the '70's references are so much fun. I was chuckling to myself when Amanda was looking forward to watching Dallas considering all the drama and twists and turns this plot takes as well.

The audiobook is nicely performed by Lucy Scott. With the huge cast, this is quite a job! Everyone from old folks to Amanda and her friends, Londoners to the rural folks in Sussex, Ms. Scott finds a specific voice for each character.

an audiobook copy of A Year at Marshywood was provided by BooksGoSocial Audio, via NetGalley, for the purpose of my honest review, all opinions are my own

[Barbara Monaghan · Rating 4 out of 5]

The audio version of Marshywood begins somewhat slowly, but you're soon caught up in the transition from busy London to life in a rural village. Although listed as a cozy romance, this novel touches on some tough subjects like racism and depression. The lead character, Amanda, an older teenager, really grows up throughout the novel, even with one of the most annoying mothers ever. There are some twists throughout the book and the racism can be quite triggering. It's a well-written book. All of the references to life in the late 70's are charming and authentic. Would love to see a Spotify playlist of the music mentioned. Worth a read or listen!

[Deacon Tom (Feeling Better) · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was a pleasant love story that was full of many of the usual twists and turns, much like a television soap opera.

The characters were well handled. It was easy for us to follow the path of the characters throughout the book.

I think my concern was with plot. The plot was a wee bit predictable and very much like one would see in a modern, romantic movie.

It was an easy read. It had a fast pace, and I was very pleased with that.

I lightly recommend!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily

[Emily Reith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well i listen to the last 5 hours solid

This book is slow at times and has a few characters that you wonder why they are there

But worth the read and happily upon my have read list or in this case listened too

Thank you netgalley and marina mclune for my arc of this audiobook

There is much to experience with this young lady Amanda, from acceptance, belonging, racial matters, acceptance, love, lust, growth and more

Even has little twist that you don’t see happening, when it’s all too clear who she will fall in love with

[Carrie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Year at Marshywood reminded me of a Hallmark type movie. The plot was enjoyable, the friendship was cute, the romance was adorable. I enjoyed listening to the audiobook, as the narrator did a fantastic job reading the book.

The book did touch on racism and other issues, as it was set in the 1970s.

Thank you Netgalley for providing this audiobook to me for free.

#AYearAtMarshywood #NetGalley

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a great audiobook. The narrator was captivating. The author's story of Amanda moving to the country with her parents and trying to adjust to a new lifestyle was interesting and suspenseful. I look forward to reading/listening to more books from Marina McLune in the future.

Thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the copy of this audiobook.

[Monika Tomate · Rating 5 out of 5]

Received ARC through NetGalley.
This is a story about Amanda who is looking for love and is uprooted from her life in London to a small town in the countryside. It spans a year with ups and downs for her, her family, friends and neigbours. Very sweet story but with a trigger warning for assault in one scene.

[Kylie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Narrated by Lucy Scott ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
by Marina McLune 3.5 ⭐⭐⭐

Marina did a fantastic job of writing a beautiful English country romance while touching of some more serious issue for its time.

[Mariel · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Year at Marshywood
by Marina McLune

I received a complimentary copy and am voluntarily leaving a review.

It all starts when Amanda and her parents decide to uproot their lives and move to Sussex, " to pursue the country dream ". Amanda, aged nineteen, grew up in East London and the decision to move to a village in the south of England is an exciting albeit scary adventure. What if she can not find a new job? Or can not find new friends? Will Sam, her longstanding best friend, forget about her? And will she be able to see Mark, Sam's cousin again, just after they have both hit it off?
So many questions, doubts and fears rattled her brain but Amanda is determined to make a go of things, but what other choice does she have?

A Year at Marshywood by Marina McLune is a romance novel that depicts the lives of Amanda, her parents, and the people they encounter on settling in the countryside. The beginning of this novel describes a little about the lives they lived before the move. Beginning in 1979, Amanda an only child works in a large store so it is a huge change to be surrounded by nature, especially when she decides to help at the neighbour's farm. And it is there where she meets Dean. Handsome, wonderful, reliable Dean. Everything would work out if only she had not set her sights on Mark and if only Dean was not already spoken for. But as her feelings deepen and things become more complicated, how can she continue denying the feelings that confuse her? To experience the drama and get answers to the confusion of trust and relationships, grab a copy of the novel A Year at Marshywood.

The most enthralling and interesting concept of this novel is the author's narrative style; the setting of the book in the late seventies and having to remember that things weren't as they are now. Marina McLune elicits emotions from the readers while following the journey of the characters. The relationship between Amanda and Dean is what moved me most in this novel; despite her setbacks, she doesn't consider herself a lost cause and battles through without giving up. Each chapter has something new and unique to offer. I did have several predictions of how this novel would end, and I am glad it ends the way it does.

Romance, love, and drama are the major genres used in this novel, so I recommend this novel to readers who intend to experience the friends-to-lovers style. Certain parts of the book do touch on the topic of racism, and readers sensitive to this topic may wish to pass.
This novel deserves a rating of 5 out of 5 stars because of the author's storytelling ability and is exceptionally well-edited.

[Carla · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 Stars: A Year at Marshywood is a debut written by Marina McLune. This is a Christian Fiction story that tells the story of Amanda Fernsby, her family and friends during the first year of their move to a small village in Sussex. It is the spring of 1979 and it is a fresh start for the Fernsby family. Amanda's father is retired and her mother is a depressed, so living in a small village with lots of green, a beach and woods seem like the perfect spot. Amanda has chosen not to go to University, so is looking for a job. While waiting to find something, she volunteers at the farm next door where she meets Dean. Friends from London come to visit and there is a terrible situation that causes them to go back and Amanda to lose what she was hoping might be a romance. As the year progresses, they make friends, her mother has a couple of bouts of depression, there is a serious illness in their family, and Amanda falls in love. It is not an easy year, but it ends on a happy note.

There were a lot of things I liked about A Year at Marshywood. I loved the characters. They were well developed and even with their flaws, I came to like almost all of them. Amanda is young, only 19 when the story starts, so she was a bit immature. I got frustrated at times with the way she acted towards Mark, a person she had only met once, but I had to remember that she has just graduated high school and is still young. I loved watching her grow and mature as the story went on. The secondary characters were interesting and added much to the story. From the village's busy body to the shop keepers, the older poet and even the man who steals from the stores, they all add something to the story. The happy ending was a welcome delight as well. I also enjoyed the references to faith and the peace that was given when Amanda's uncle came to know God. The last half of the book was the most enjoyable to me. Now what I didn't like. I found that there was way too much dialogue that was a bit stilted and slowed down the story for me. I also thought a lot the details and descriptions were unnecessary and became tedious after awhile. Overall, A Year at Marshywood is a nice, uplifting, Christian romance.

[DustyBookSniffers - Nicole · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rating: 3.5 stars

"A Year at Marshywood" by Marina McLune, narrated by Lucy Scott, takes listeners on a captivating journey through Amanda's life as she transitions from the bustling streets of London to the tranquil countryside of rural Sussex in 1979.

Set against the picturesque backdrop of a beautiful Marshywood cottage, Amanda embarks on a new chapter of her life with her parents. However, as she navigates the challenges of adapting to her new surroundings, Amanda grapples with many emotions, from longing for her best friend Sam and harbouring unrequited feelings for Sam's cousin to forming new friendships and discovering unexpected love.

McLune's poignant storytelling skillfully captures the social dynamics and contrasts between urban London and rural Sussex, immersing listeners in Amanda's journey of self-discovery, love, and loss. Through richly drawn characters and heartfelt narratives, McLune explores themes of resilience, racism, belonging, and the complexities of human relationships.

Lucy Scott's narration adds depth and authenticity to the story. Her skilful portrayal breathes life into the characters and maintains listeners' engagement throughout. With her nuanced delivery and impeccable pacing, Scott brings Amanda's world to life, creating an immersive and memorable audiobook experience.

Overall, "A Year at Marshywood" is a compelling and emotionally resonant tale that will captivate listeners from beginning to end. McLune's evocative storytelling and Scott's masterful narration ensure that this audiobook leaves a lasting impression.

I extend my heartfelt gratitude to NetGalley and BooksGoSocial Audio for an advanced listening copy of this audiobook in exchange for my honest but very late review.

[Sally Parker · Rating 4 out of 5]

This first novel is described as a romance which indeed it is, but it also addresses more serious issues. It will be especially interesting to anyone who lives, or has lived, in East Sussex where I spent many happy years.
Amanda Fernsby, nineteen years old and born and brought up in London, is transported to Magham Down in Sussex when her parents retire and buy their dream country cottage . Amanda is both apprehensive but hopeful about the move - an artistic person who loves the natural world, she enjoys exploring her new surroundings but misses her best friend Samantha.
Unable to find paid work locally, Amanda volunteers to help on a neighbouring farm run by the Appleby family. Much to her surprise she shows a real aptitude for farm work and soon settles into a comfortable routine.
When summer arrives, Samantha and her cousin Mark - the latter much admired by Amanda ! - come to Magham Down for a visit. Sadly the cousins (of African parentage) experience the overt racism sadly still found in rural areas, and Mark is viciously assaulted.
Impossible to say too much more about the story without giving too much away, but for readers who enjoy a bit of nostalgia - the story is set in 1979 with plenty of references to the music and trends of that time- this is an enjoyable read.

[Helen Causer · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s 1979, and 19 year old Amanda is uprooted from her London home, leaving her friends, and job, when her parents move to Sussex.

The family move into a house in a village near Hailsham, and Amanda volunteers to help out at the nearby farm whilst she looks for paying work.

This lovely, gently paced tale tells their story over 12 months, and is very nostalgic if, like me, you were around at that time.

There are lots of cultural references to the times, such as Record charts, & TV shows, and events such as The Queen’s Silver Jubilee, which brought back memories for me.

Unfortunately, there are some unsavoury characters, and prejudice, which leads to a shocking incident, but overall, the village life, and people embrace the family.

I found this book to be very enjoyable, especially poignant for me, as my family holidayed regularly in Sussex when I was a child, and I recognised many of the places mentioned.

One coincidence was a wedding in January 1980 - as I was married then too.

Highly recommended!!

I received an Advance Review Copy of this book, and am leaving this honest review voluntarily.

[Vanessa · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Year at Marshywood by Marina McLune was a beautifully written uplifting love Story. Just what I needed to read and relax to on a raining day. This book was set in 1979-1980 and Amanda Fernsby is, nineteen years old, she is inexperienced, but, only dreams of lasting love. Amanda leaves London with her parents to start a new life in rural Sussex, and moving into Marshywood.
Marshywood is a charming, rustic cottage and is surrounded by nature, Amanda is so excited to begin her new life, but there will be bumps in the road ahead. for her.

Amanda knows she will miss all her friends especially Samantha, her closest friend and of course, Mark, who is Sam’s gorgeous cousin, and they have only just met!!!! But, being miles apart, what chance do they have now?

Will Amanda find another job and like it?

However, Amanda’s biggest worry is..........will this new life in the countryside limit her opportunities for finding true love?

This book was a fun read, I forgot how different it was back in the early 80's with no smart phones, internet and only pen and paper and an old landline phone. How did we survive!!! lol

I highly recommend this book I loved it.

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

In 1979, Amanda, age 19, moves from London to a country house called Marshywood. While initially apprehensive about moving to a small town, she quickly becomes part of the community, and the story follows her experiences of this new lifestyle, her friendships and romantic relationships, and other experiences of a young woman in this time.

This was an enjoyable read, well paced, with twists and turns that kept you engaged. At times I felt frustrated with the self indulgence of some of the characters, though this did add to the interest of the story. There was a warm nostalgia for the 70’s and 80’s. While this is positioned as a romance, I felt the family drama and historical fiction were also prominent themes, and I think it will be enjoyed by anyone looking for any of these genres.

Thank you to BooksGoSocial Audio and NetGalley for a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[VishReadsItAll · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5✨

I loved the story but it was so slow for me. There were approximately equal amounts of things that I liked and things I didn’t like. So, it’s a 3.5✨ for me. I really loved how this setting gives the Anne of Green Gables vibes plus the characters were very different from each other which I really loved but I hoped that the (actual plot) story started soon and goes deeper into the characters and their relationships. The relationship between the main characters didn’t seem strong to me at least and the miraculous change in the main character’s brother’s character (iykyk) was not digestible plus he was such a red flag 😭 plus I there was more depth about things that happened by the end of this book. I want to say more but I can’t really put my views without spoiling the plot so I’ll stop here 🧍‍♀️

(ARC from NetGalley)

[AshWood · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story follows one year in the life of Amanda, a nineteen year old girl who moves from London to Sussex, and goes through many changes as she finds who she is in adulthood. The year is 1979, and the author does a great job at citing things very specific to that time, and creating a vibe that just pulled me in to that era. I thought it was going to be a very smooth, chill plot that was more about the coming of age experiences than anything major, and although that was a large part of it, the plot definitely had some twists that I didn’t expect, and I stayed entertained while still staying in the cozyness of the writing. Thank you to NetGalley for the audio ARC in exchange for my honest review!

[Anne Jisca · Rating 3 out of 5]

Amanda is 19, but shy and a bit socially awkward. When her parents retire and move away from London, to the countryside, she moves with them. She volunteers at a farm until she finds a job at a cafe. She has feelings for a man from back in London. Then feelings arise for someone else in her new town. While another man pursues her (but she does not feel right about him). The story is her trying to find love while living a very calm, mild country life. The means to the ending does hold a surprising twist that I did not expect. But overall, her goal is to find love, even though she’s only 19.

The story is good, but very calm, mild, and predictable.

Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.

[Jen Aarthun · Rating 4 out of 5]

It’s 1979 and Amanda leaves London with her parents to start a new life in rural Sussex, moving into a charming, rustic cottage named Marshywood,. She is ready begin her new life, but is she ready to face the challenges that this new change will bring? An emotional roller coaster of a story as Amanda finds her place in this new life. A story of friendship, loss and love.

Marina McLune will have you laughing and crying as you experience the social differences between urban London and rural Sussex through Amanda’s eyes in the late 70’s. Her writing style will have you emotionally invested into what will happen with Amanda and the relationships she holds dear. A definite page turner

[June Mascarenhas · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book by Marina McLune. The story was an old-fashioned love twist set in the late seventies. It was an enjoyable trip down memory lane and the songs and Telly entertainment will take readers back to a nostalgic time, especially if the readers happen to be Baby Boomers. It was an easy read, like the Mills and Boon novels. Romantics will definitely be drawn into the sweet love story.

Rowanvale provided me with a free copy and I leave this review voluntary. My opinion is not biased and is honest.

[Habibah Ahmed · Rating 4 out of 5]

At first glance i did think it would be a bit too mushy and over the top (so much for not judging a book by its cover). But it was perfect, the right amount of romance too take a persons imagination to summer days with picnics and laying in the fields.
There wasn't much that seemed unexpected or cane as a real shock. It was just a feel good read of a teen going into adulthood and the exploration of love and emotions that come with it.

- i received a free copy from Rowanvale books, but that does not affect my opinion in the slightest.

[Ellah · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Year at Marshywood


This was a very cozy and heartwarming read. It follows Amanda, a 19-year old lass who was uprooted from her city home to move to the country side with her parents. This was a slow burn romance and halfway through the book, I was still guessing whom she was gonna end up with, or how will things turn out for her. This book was no mystery but it had lots of twists and turns that challenged the characters. I had a great time listening to the audiobook and I'm thankful to Netgalley and BooksGoSocial Audio for the free copy.

[Bethany · Rating 4 out of 5]

A cute and wholesome story. The narrator was great and made the story that much more enjoyable. Predictable, but the characters were charming and made me want to visit the town. Some twists that made the book a bit more exciting. Would prefer if this book was just under Women's Fiction as opposed to Romance. I wouldn't consider this a romance novel, unless you want a tame "romance" that you could read aloud without blushing to your grandmother or mom. Zero chili peppers. Give this 3.75 stars, but will round up to 4 since this is my first book from this author and didn't know what to expect.

[Carolyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Year at Marshywood by Marina McLune was like making a cup of tea and settling into your favorite comfy chair with a cozy quilt and spending time with well loved friends. As I read this novel I was reminded of those by Rosamunde Pilcher. It is enjoyable, the characters are fun to get to know and are well fleshed out and the novel is a joy to read. Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for an ARC of this novel in exchange for my honest review.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

I want to thank Netgalley and the author for gifting me the audio version.
I really really loved this book. It is very low key and perfect for fans of Jill Steeples and Jo Bartlett. I was absolutely riveted with the story, I just had to know what happened next and I listened to the novel in 24 hours ha.
The characters were all very enjoyable. I love that it took place in 1979/1980. The narrator did a really good job.

[Haris Hussnain · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book for free from Rowanvale books and I'm grateful for getting it because it is a really lovely read.

I'm not really one for love stories since they usually end the same and have the same plots. However, Marina has done a really good job at creating the characters and the storyline.

I rate this book highly and this is coming from someone who doesn't really enjoy love stories.

[Nyra Miller · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a wonderful cozy story. A Year at Marchywood by MarinaMcLune and narrated by Lucy Scott was such a heartwarming story. The narrator did a wonderful job making the characters come to life throughout this romantic novel. Engagements, charming gentlemen a beautiful ring chosen by another woman- this book has it all.