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The Inn on Bluebell Lane #1
The Inn on Bluebell Lane
As Ellie gazes up at the inn, with its white walls and purple flowers, she can’t believe this charming place is her new home. It looks like an idyllic image from a postcard, but will her troubled family fit into this picture-perfect setting?
When Ellie and her family move to a tiny village in rural Wales to run her husband’s family inn, it’s meant to be a new beginning for all of them. Having left their troubles behind in America, Ellie has high hopes for a fresh start, and a chance for her family to forget the stress of the last year.
But when they arrive, Ellie realizes everything is in a far worse state than she’d imagined. And as her husband, Matthew, begins to tackle the renovations before the guests arrive, stripping flowered wallpaper and sanding floorboards, he becomes even more distant. Ellie had hoped being back in Wales would help him recover, but if anything he seems more haunted than ever. Is there something he’s not telling her? As Ellie tries and fails to reconnect to him, dodging pots of paint and ladders, she finds herself feeling lonelier.
As things go from bad to worse with the renovations, Ellie’s reality feels a million miles away from the rural bliss she had imagined for her family. Why did she think a run-down inn would be the place to reignite her marriage?
But as she stares out at the rolling fields beyond the windows, she can’t let go of the feeling that the Inn on Bluebell Lane needs her family to restore its fortunes, and that this magical place might bring the husband she remembers back to her once more…
When Ellie and her family move to a tiny village in rural Wales to run her husband’s family inn, it’s meant to be a new beginning for all of them. Having left their troubles behind in America, Ellie has high hopes for a fresh start, and a chance for her family to forget the stress of the last year.
But when they arrive, Ellie realizes everything is in a far worse state than she’d imagined. And as her husband, Matthew, begins to tackle the renovations before the guests arrive, stripping flowered wallpaper and sanding floorboards, he becomes even more distant. Ellie had hoped being back in Wales would help him recover, but if anything he seems more haunted than ever. Is there something he’s not telling her? As Ellie tries and fails to reconnect to him, dodging pots of paint and ladders, she finds herself feeling lonelier.
As things go from bad to worse with the renovations, Ellie’s reality feels a million miles away from the rural bliss she had imagined for her family. Why did she think a run-down inn would be the place to reignite her marriage?
But as she stares out at the rolling fields beyond the windows, she can’t let go of the feeling that the Inn on Bluebell Lane needs her family to restore its fortunes, and that this magical place might bring the husband she remembers back to her once more…
365 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 4, 2023
1012 people are currently reading
217 people want to read
About the author
Kate Hewitt
895 books1,722 followersKate is the USA Today-bsetselling author of many books of both historical and contemporary fiction. Under the name Katharine Swartz, she is the author of the Tales from Goswell books, a series of time-slip novels set in the village of Goswell.
She likes to read women's fiction, mystery and thrillers, as well as historical novels. She particularly enjoys reading about well-drawn characters and avoids high-concept plots.
Having lived in both New York City and a tiny village on the windswept northwest coast of England, she now resides in a market town in Wales with her husband, five children, and two Golden Retrievers.
She likes to read women's fiction, mystery and thrillers, as well as historical novels. She particularly enjoys reading about well-drawn characters and avoids high-concept plots.
Having lived in both New York City and a tiny village on the windswept northwest coast of England, she now resides in a market town in Wales with her husband, five children, and two Golden Retrievers.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews
August 25, 2023
EXCERPT: After fifteen years of marriage and a lifetime in the suburban US, Ellie wasn't at all sure she was ready to embrace country life in all meanings of the word - living deep in rural Wales, and in a foreign country to boot, where they spoke another language. What did bore da pawb mean again?
After several years of toing and froing about whether they would ever make the move, how the children would cope, Ellie was now wondering how they would cope or, more to the point, how she would. After twenty years in the States, Matthew was as American as Ellie was - or almost. He liked a latte as much as she did, certainly, but he seemed to have embraced the idea of moving with more enthusiasm and alacrity than she had. But then, he was going back to where he had grown up, the comforts of childhood, the familiarities of youth, whereas she was going somewhere that just felt strange.
ABOUT 'THE INN ONBLUEBELL LANE': As Ellie gazes up at the inn, with its white walls and purple flowers, she can’t believe this charming place is her new home. It looks like an idyllic image from a postcard, but will her troubled family fit into this picture-perfect setting?
When Ellie and her family move to a tiny village in rural Wales to run her husband’s family inn, it’s meant to be a new beginning for all of them. Having left their troubles behind in America, Ellie has high hopes for a fresh start, and a chance for her family to forget the stress of the last year.
But when they arrive, Ellie realizes everything is in a far worse state than she’d imagined. And as her husband, Matthew, begins to tackle the renovations before the guests arrive, stripping flowered wallpaper and sanding floorboards, he becomes even more distant. Ellie had hoped being back in Wales would help him recover but, if anything, he seems more haunted than ever. Is there something he’s not telling her? As Ellie tries and fails to reconnect to him, dodging pots of paint and ladders, she finds herself feeling lonelier.
As things go from bad to worse with the renovations, Ellie’s reality feels a million miles away from the rural bliss she had imagined for her family. Why did she think a run-down inn would be the place to reignite her marriage?
But as she stares out at the rolling fields beyond the windows, she can’t let go of the feeling that the Inn on Bluebell Lane needs her family to restore its fortunes, and that this magical place might bring the husband she remembers back to her once more…
MY THOUGHTS: I am delighted to see that this heartwarming read is just the beginning of a new series, one that I will definitely be reading more of. Kate Hewitt is such an accomplished writer she seems to excel at whatever genre she turns her pen to. She has a great understanding of interpersonal and family dynamics and puts that to good use in The Inn on Bluebell Lane.
The characters are oh so relatable, the storyline compelling and entertaining. From thirteen-year-old Jess to four-year-old Ava, the children find the move a bit of a culture shock! Jess is ostracised at school because she dresses differently and talks funny. The other children have a slightly easier time of it, but it is still a huge adjustment. They are swapping their much loved and frequently seen grandparents, Ellie's parents, for the 'Faraway Granny' who talks funny and makes food they don't like. And Faraway Granny really doesn't know how to cope with suddenly having a houseful of loud, unhappy children and their parents when she has lived alone for so many years, even though having them close is something she has always wanted, longed for. Even Matt starts to have doubts as to whether he has bitten off more than he can chew especially when his and his mother's ideas of renovating the B & B are poles apart. Gwen was envisaging some fresh paint and wallpaper, while Matthew has his heart set on marble ensuites for each room and a gym in the barn!
Anyone who has moved to a new town, a new country, or had to move in long term with family will be able to relate to this beautifully written story. Emotions run high as family members try to adjust to their new living arrangements and a shock medical diagnosis for one of them. There are fraught moments, tender moments and some downright funny ones.
The Inn on Bluebell Lane is an absolutely lovely read that left me smiling and content.
⭐⭐⭐⭐.3
#TheInnonBluebellLane #NetGalley
I: @katehewitt1 @bookouture
T: @KateHewitt1 @Bookouture
#contemporaryfiction #familydrama #smalltownfiction #womensfiction
THE AUTHOR: Kate is the USA Today-bestselling author of many books of both historical and contemporary fiction. Under the name Katharine Swartz, she is the author of the Tales from Goswell books, a series of time-slip novels set in the village of Goswell.
She likes to read women's fiction, mystery and thrillers, as well as historical novels. She particularly enjoys reading about well-drawn characters and avoids high-concept plots.
Having lived in both New York City and a tiny village on the windswept northwest coast of England, she now resides in a market town in Wales with her husband, five children, and two Golden Retrievers.
DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Bookouture via Netgalley for providing a digital ARC of The Inn at Bluebell Lane by Kate Hewitt for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
After several years of toing and froing about whether they would ever make the move, how the children would cope, Ellie was now wondering how they would cope or, more to the point, how she would. After twenty years in the States, Matthew was as American as Ellie was - or almost. He liked a latte as much as she did, certainly, but he seemed to have embraced the idea of moving with more enthusiasm and alacrity than she had. But then, he was going back to where he had grown up, the comforts of childhood, the familiarities of youth, whereas she was going somewhere that just felt strange.
ABOUT 'THE INN ONBLUEBELL LANE': As Ellie gazes up at the inn, with its white walls and purple flowers, she can’t believe this charming place is her new home. It looks like an idyllic image from a postcard, but will her troubled family fit into this picture-perfect setting?
When Ellie and her family move to a tiny village in rural Wales to run her husband’s family inn, it’s meant to be a new beginning for all of them. Having left their troubles behind in America, Ellie has high hopes for a fresh start, and a chance for her family to forget the stress of the last year.
But when they arrive, Ellie realizes everything is in a far worse state than she’d imagined. And as her husband, Matthew, begins to tackle the renovations before the guests arrive, stripping flowered wallpaper and sanding floorboards, he becomes even more distant. Ellie had hoped being back in Wales would help him recover but, if anything, he seems more haunted than ever. Is there something he’s not telling her? As Ellie tries and fails to reconnect to him, dodging pots of paint and ladders, she finds herself feeling lonelier.
As things go from bad to worse with the renovations, Ellie’s reality feels a million miles away from the rural bliss she had imagined for her family. Why did she think a run-down inn would be the place to reignite her marriage?
But as she stares out at the rolling fields beyond the windows, she can’t let go of the feeling that the Inn on Bluebell Lane needs her family to restore its fortunes, and that this magical place might bring the husband she remembers back to her once more…
MY THOUGHTS: I am delighted to see that this heartwarming read is just the beginning of a new series, one that I will definitely be reading more of. Kate Hewitt is such an accomplished writer she seems to excel at whatever genre she turns her pen to. She has a great understanding of interpersonal and family dynamics and puts that to good use in The Inn on Bluebell Lane.
The characters are oh so relatable, the storyline compelling and entertaining. From thirteen-year-old Jess to four-year-old Ava, the children find the move a bit of a culture shock! Jess is ostracised at school because she dresses differently and talks funny. The other children have a slightly easier time of it, but it is still a huge adjustment. They are swapping their much loved and frequently seen grandparents, Ellie's parents, for the 'Faraway Granny' who talks funny and makes food they don't like. And Faraway Granny really doesn't know how to cope with suddenly having a houseful of loud, unhappy children and their parents when she has lived alone for so many years, even though having them close is something she has always wanted, longed for. Even Matt starts to have doubts as to whether he has bitten off more than he can chew especially when his and his mother's ideas of renovating the B & B are poles apart. Gwen was envisaging some fresh paint and wallpaper, while Matthew has his heart set on marble ensuites for each room and a gym in the barn!
Anyone who has moved to a new town, a new country, or had to move in long term with family will be able to relate to this beautifully written story. Emotions run high as family members try to adjust to their new living arrangements and a shock medical diagnosis for one of them. There are fraught moments, tender moments and some downright funny ones.
The Inn on Bluebell Lane is an absolutely lovely read that left me smiling and content.
⭐⭐⭐⭐.3
#TheInnonBluebellLane #NetGalley
I: @katehewitt1 @bookouture
T: @KateHewitt1 @Bookouture
#contemporaryfiction #familydrama #smalltownfiction #womensfiction
THE AUTHOR: Kate is the USA Today-bestselling author of many books of both historical and contemporary fiction. Under the name Katharine Swartz, she is the author of the Tales from Goswell books, a series of time-slip novels set in the village of Goswell.
She likes to read women's fiction, mystery and thrillers, as well as historical novels. She particularly enjoys reading about well-drawn characters and avoids high-concept plots.
Having lived in both New York City and a tiny village on the windswept northwest coast of England, she now resides in a market town in Wales with her husband, five children, and two Golden Retrievers.
DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Bookouture via Netgalley for providing a digital ARC of The Inn at Bluebell Lane by Kate Hewitt for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
August 2, 2023
When Matthew lost his job in Connecticut and they almost lost their home, he, Ellie and the children moved across the ocean to Wales, to Matt's mum's place on Bluebell Lane in the small village of Llandrigg. Gwen had been running her B&B on her own, since David had died twenty years ago, and the building was old and tired. A renovation of their old home would be work for Matt and Ellie, they'd all be company for Gwen, and the new B&B would flourish.
But things didn't go according to plan. Jess, their eldest daughter at thirteen, hated everything - school; Wales; leaving her best friend Chloe; even her parents. Ben was fine, boys usually were, playing soccer - or football as it was called in Wales. Josh was quiet, didn't say a lot, and four year old Ava was up and down with her moods. Then there was Ellie and Gwen. The tension was high between them, and although they both wanted it to be friendly, their relationship needed some work. While Matt started pulling things to pieces in the four guest rooms. A recipe for disaster perhaps? Ellie was tired, Matt was mentally absent, the children were mostly unhappy and there was something up with Gwen...
The Inn on Bluebell Lane is the 1st in The Inn on Bluebell Lane series by Kate Hewitt and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I'm glad it's the start to a new series! It's well written, with everything described being something that happens to most families when they move a big distance from all they've known. I liked the characters, especially Ellie and Gwen, and look forward very much to the next episode in the series. Highly recommended.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
But things didn't go according to plan. Jess, their eldest daughter at thirteen, hated everything - school; Wales; leaving her best friend Chloe; even her parents. Ben was fine, boys usually were, playing soccer - or football as it was called in Wales. Josh was quiet, didn't say a lot, and four year old Ava was up and down with her moods. Then there was Ellie and Gwen. The tension was high between them, and although they both wanted it to be friendly, their relationship needed some work. While Matt started pulling things to pieces in the four guest rooms. A recipe for disaster perhaps? Ellie was tired, Matt was mentally absent, the children were mostly unhappy and there was something up with Gwen...
The Inn on Bluebell Lane is the 1st in The Inn on Bluebell Lane series by Kate Hewitt and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I'm glad it's the start to a new series! It's well written, with everything described being something that happens to most families when they move a big distance from all they've known. I liked the characters, especially Ellie and Gwen, and look forward very much to the next episode in the series. Highly recommended.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
August 4, 2023
What do you do when you feel deep within your heart that you’ve made the wrong choice for the right reason? When your “reality feels a million miles away from the idyllic rural bliss” you’d hoped to create for your family - what do you do then? What if your children's voices of regret are louder than those in your head?
You’ll read about Ellie who hesitantly agrees to her husband’s plan to relocate their family to Llandrigg, a tiny village in rural Wales. Eager for new beginnings, Ellie thinks she’s taking over her husband’s family inn and leaving her troubles behind her. She’s in for a reality check.
Ellie discovers that her vision and reality don’t align. Furthermore, she needs to deal with Gwen, the ever-so-stereotypical mother-in-law who just so happens to still live in the house!
When push comes to shove, Ellie needs to dig deep, step back, suck it up and see the big picture. Can she put personalities aside and work towards the saving of Mathew’s family’s farmhouse? Maybe the home can bring them all back together again…
You can count on Kate Hewitt to write compelling and emotional fiction. She’ll have you gasping and tearing up … and questioning if you could pigeonhole your differences to work toward a common good. It’s a good family drama with a heartwarming ending.
I was gifted this copy by Bookouture and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.
You’ll read about Ellie who hesitantly agrees to her husband’s plan to relocate their family to Llandrigg, a tiny village in rural Wales. Eager for new beginnings, Ellie thinks she’s taking over her husband’s family inn and leaving her troubles behind her. She’s in for a reality check.
Ellie discovers that her vision and reality don’t align. Furthermore, she needs to deal with Gwen, the ever-so-stereotypical mother-in-law who just so happens to still live in the house!
When push comes to shove, Ellie needs to dig deep, step back, suck it up and see the big picture. Can she put personalities aside and work towards the saving of Mathew’s family’s farmhouse? Maybe the home can bring them all back together again…
You can count on Kate Hewitt to write compelling and emotional fiction. She’ll have you gasping and tearing up … and questioning if you could pigeonhole your differences to work toward a common good. It’s a good family drama with a heartwarming ending.
I was gifted this copy by Bookouture and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.
January 28, 2024
Its called The Inn on Blue Bell Lane, but in the book its called a B&B. I liked most of the characters besides Matthew. A family of 6 from the US move to Wales, and its as hard as you think it will be.
August 3, 2023
Set in a beautiful country town in Wales, this heart-warming family story reeled me in from the first page and kept my heart emotionally raw. I could feel each person’s pain, discomfort, loneliness, sorrow, separateness and fear caused by the move and culture shock. They experience realistic growing pains which at first are severe. Trying to manoeuvre through unfamiliar territory is never easy. Matthew is returning to his home country but his wife, Ellie, and their four children are American born and raised. They lived in Connecticut but when Matthew lost his job, he decided to move the family to Wales to his mother’s home to help restore and run her B&B at Bluebell Lane. This pulling up of stakes wreaks havoc on the family members, exposing cracks in their relationships. For the Americans, it is particularly hard because everything familiar has been taken away. Gwen and her daughter are not immune either as they must learn to adjust and deal with their own personal issues.
The relationship between Ellie and her mother-in-law, Gwen, is rather tense at the start of the story. Coming from two different cultures, they bump heads on ‘words’ and ‘customs’ different in the UK from America. For Matthew it’s not as challenging (he grew up there) and he quickly slips into his old habits. Tensions increase, though, when he is injured while fixing the Bed & Breakfast. Doubt sets in, along with self-pity but a positive turn is on the horizon.
Valuable insight is provided through three viewpoints of three generations: a child, parent and grandparent. We get to see how each reacts and feels about the changes thrust upon them. Ellie has tried hard to support her husband’s vision but must work through her own disappointments and sense of loss. She is living in her mother-in-law’s residence so it is not easy for a woman used to looking after her own family and home. And Gwen, who has lost her husband, now has gained her son back along with his family. She is happy to have them but adjustments must be made for everyone to get along. Something negative happens in Gwen’s life that puts everything into perspective that becomes a catalyst for positive change.
Jess, the teenager, is the most heartbreaking. She has moved away from home to become a stranger in a foreign country. Being far from her close friends would be very hard. At that age, social contacts are quite meaningful. I believe offering her point of view was a good move. Seeing from a youth’s perspective, allows us to grasp how tumultuous a move can be.
The message of this novel to me is that home is where your immediate family are: it is not so much an address. ‘Home’ is a place of acceptance, love and shelter from the storms of change— a refuge during the upheavals of life. Moving means movement. And that can be scary. Drawing close to our family members can provide stabilisation, helping us to not feel lost when the familiar sands drift from under our feet as the tides of change come sweeping in. I was stirred watching this family trying to make sense of their new environment and at last realising communication is the key to solving their problems, to easing their fears and in drawing them together to obtain that sense of oneness and ‘home’ feeling. There are a number of events and scares that happen in the plot to bring this about.
The Inn on Bluebell Lane is also a story about uncovering and healing hurts. To acknowledge each other’s differences and desires, appreciating what you have when all that is known is taken away such as health, mobility, culture and familiar settings. Humans are resilient and exchange of environments can push us out of our comfort zone but if we allow it to work its magic, positive growth can happen. I loved this novel by Kate Hewitt. It is a strong relationship story with personable characters, relatable problems and believable solutions. The start of a great series! 5 Stars for a solid heart-centred emotionally packed positive story. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thanks to Bookouture and Netgalley for my review copy.
The relationship between Ellie and her mother-in-law, Gwen, is rather tense at the start of the story. Coming from two different cultures, they bump heads on ‘words’ and ‘customs’ different in the UK from America. For Matthew it’s not as challenging (he grew up there) and he quickly slips into his old habits. Tensions increase, though, when he is injured while fixing the Bed & Breakfast. Doubt sets in, along with self-pity but a positive turn is on the horizon.
Valuable insight is provided through three viewpoints of three generations: a child, parent and grandparent. We get to see how each reacts and feels about the changes thrust upon them. Ellie has tried hard to support her husband’s vision but must work through her own disappointments and sense of loss. She is living in her mother-in-law’s residence so it is not easy for a woman used to looking after her own family and home. And Gwen, who has lost her husband, now has gained her son back along with his family. She is happy to have them but adjustments must be made for everyone to get along. Something negative happens in Gwen’s life that puts everything into perspective that becomes a catalyst for positive change.
Jess, the teenager, is the most heartbreaking. She has moved away from home to become a stranger in a foreign country. Being far from her close friends would be very hard. At that age, social contacts are quite meaningful. I believe offering her point of view was a good move. Seeing from a youth’s perspective, allows us to grasp how tumultuous a move can be.
The message of this novel to me is that home is where your immediate family are: it is not so much an address. ‘Home’ is a place of acceptance, love and shelter from the storms of change— a refuge during the upheavals of life. Moving means movement. And that can be scary. Drawing close to our family members can provide stabilisation, helping us to not feel lost when the familiar sands drift from under our feet as the tides of change come sweeping in. I was stirred watching this family trying to make sense of their new environment and at last realising communication is the key to solving their problems, to easing their fears and in drawing them together to obtain that sense of oneness and ‘home’ feeling. There are a number of events and scares that happen in the plot to bring this about.
The Inn on Bluebell Lane is also a story about uncovering and healing hurts. To acknowledge each other’s differences and desires, appreciating what you have when all that is known is taken away such as health, mobility, culture and familiar settings. Humans are resilient and exchange of environments can push us out of our comfort zone but if we allow it to work its magic, positive growth can happen. I loved this novel by Kate Hewitt. It is a strong relationship story with personable characters, relatable problems and believable solutions. The start of a great series! 5 Stars for a solid heart-centred emotionally packed positive story. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thanks to Bookouture and Netgalley for my review copy.
August 12, 2023
This story set in Wales wasn't bad but, I really didn't like the characters much. The children seemed split and sulky, the wife didn't really understand her husband and the mother-in-law had her reasons for being miserable which I won't reveal as it would spoil it for other readers. Quite a slog reading this and it left me feeling unsatisfied. My thanks to netgalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.
August 13, 2023
BLOG TOUR REVIEW
Review for 'The Inn On Bluebell Lane' by Kate Hewitt.
Read and reviewed via NetGalley for Kate Hewitt, Bookouture publishers and Bookouture anonymous
Publication date 4th August 2023.
This is the sixth book I have read by this author. I have also read 'My Daughter's Mistake', 'When We Were Innocent', 'The Child I Never Had', 'That Night At The Beach' and 'The Wife's Promise' which I would highly recommend. It is also the first book in 'The Inn On Bluebell Lane' series.
This novel consists of a 36 chapters and an epilogue. The chapters are short to medium in length so easy to read 'just one more chapter' before bed...OK, I know yeah right, but still just in case!
'The Inn On Bluebell Lane' discusses some topics that may upset some readers or may not be suitable for others. I like to point this out ahead of time in my reviews so you can judge if this book is for you or not. In this book Kate discusses/includes cancer.
WOW!!!! What can I say?!?! One thing I have got to say before getting into my review is clear your schedules and grab the tissues as you will need them!!!
This book is beautifully written with vivid descriptions setting the picture perfectly in the readers mind. The title, description and cover works perfectly with the storyline.
This book is devastatingly heartbreaking and beautiful. It is an absolute rollercoaster ride of emotions filled with heartbreak, anger, family, love, loss, secrets, friendship and so much more. I absolutely LOVE, LOVE, LOVED the fact that it is based in Wales but not just Wales, South Wales which is where I live. I loved recognising the place names and trying to work out where Llandrigg is based on, I came up with a few ideas but would love to know if I was right!!! Kate portrayed Wales perfectly and I my sister in law is from America so I adored all the similarities I was reading. The storyline was just absolutely stunning, not that I ever expect any less from the fantastic Kate Hewitt who, whenever I pick up a copy of her book I just know I am going to fall in love with it and the characters!!! Kate's fantastic and evocative writing skills brings everything and everyone to life leaving the readers smelling the fresh Welsh (although also cold) air, hearing the (many) sheep in the field and visualising the beautiful Bluebell Inn. I completely related to the storyline having moved to a different part of Wales and feeling out of place in an area where everyone is already closely linked and a new face sticks out. I loved that we get to see and feel how each of the main characters are feeling and what they are doing and I really felt I was right next to them all throughout. Reading this book really does make you feel that you are standing with them and going through their pain, love, and suffering. While you are reading this you are going through a journey of love and loss, heartbreak, secrets, love, and anger and so, so much more. It really is a rollercoaster ride of emotions. I was utterly glued to the pages and I could not bring myself to put it down. I was carrying my phone to read it in kindle every chance that I got. I adored the gorgeous ending and cannot wait to get stuck into the next book in this gorgeous series which is called 'Christmas At The Inn On Bluebell Lane'. This book really is an absolutely gorgeous and fantastic start to a new series. You need to clear your schedules and get the tissues at the ready because you will not be able to put this book down. There are some tough topics are explored with realism and sensitivity, that all culminated in a very gripping and powerful page turner. This is one of those books that will stay with me for a long time and although it could be a difficult read at times with emotions running high I would seriously recommend it to anyone and everyone!!
The characters are strong, realistic and I became completely invested in each and every one of them. They all had their own problems, secrets, feelings and all had unique personalities and I just absolutely loved getting to know them all. I felt each of their pain, heartbreak, happiness, anger, sorrow and so much more. My heart broke for each of them who went through so much change and more (but I can't say more as I don't want to spoil the storyline for anyone). I enjoyed getting an inside look into their family lives and relationships with their husbands, children, as well as sibling interactions, that added another layer to the story. Kate does an absolutely amazing job of bringing the story to life and the characters leap out of the pages as your turning them. It is so hard to say what I feel about the characters without giving anything away so I won't say anymore about them as I don't want to go into too much detail at the risk of spoiling it for other readers but yet again Kate has done another amazing job at bringing each of the characters to life. Well done Kate!!!
Congratulations Kate on yet another absolutely gorgeous, heartbreaking beautiful book!!! I am looking forward to reading more of your previous and future books, especially the next book in this srunning series. I would absolutely love to see this book turned into a movie!!! This is why you are on my favourite author list and here's to your next success 🥂
Overall an absolutely unputdownable, thought provoking, addictive and compelling devastatingly beautiful heartbreaking book!!!
365 pages.
This book is just 99p to purchase on kindle, free with kindle unlimited and £8.99 in paperback (at time of review) via Amazon which I think is an absolute bargain for this book!!!
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Review for 'The Inn On Bluebell Lane' by Kate Hewitt.
Read and reviewed via NetGalley for Kate Hewitt, Bookouture publishers and Bookouture anonymous
Publication date 4th August 2023.
This is the sixth book I have read by this author. I have also read 'My Daughter's Mistake', 'When We Were Innocent', 'The Child I Never Had', 'That Night At The Beach' and 'The Wife's Promise' which I would highly recommend. It is also the first book in 'The Inn On Bluebell Lane' series.
This novel consists of a 36 chapters and an epilogue. The chapters are short to medium in length so easy to read 'just one more chapter' before bed...OK, I know yeah right, but still just in case!
'The Inn On Bluebell Lane' discusses some topics that may upset some readers or may not be suitable for others. I like to point this out ahead of time in my reviews so you can judge if this book is for you or not. In this book Kate discusses/includes cancer.
WOW!!!! What can I say?!?! One thing I have got to say before getting into my review is clear your schedules and grab the tissues as you will need them!!!
This book is beautifully written with vivid descriptions setting the picture perfectly in the readers mind. The title, description and cover works perfectly with the storyline.
This book is devastatingly heartbreaking and beautiful. It is an absolute rollercoaster ride of emotions filled with heartbreak, anger, family, love, loss, secrets, friendship and so much more. I absolutely LOVE, LOVE, LOVED the fact that it is based in Wales but not just Wales, South Wales which is where I live. I loved recognising the place names and trying to work out where Llandrigg is based on, I came up with a few ideas but would love to know if I was right!!! Kate portrayed Wales perfectly and I my sister in law is from America so I adored all the similarities I was reading. The storyline was just absolutely stunning, not that I ever expect any less from the fantastic Kate Hewitt who, whenever I pick up a copy of her book I just know I am going to fall in love with it and the characters!!! Kate's fantastic and evocative writing skills brings everything and everyone to life leaving the readers smelling the fresh Welsh (although also cold) air, hearing the (many) sheep in the field and visualising the beautiful Bluebell Inn. I completely related to the storyline having moved to a different part of Wales and feeling out of place in an area where everyone is already closely linked and a new face sticks out. I loved that we get to see and feel how each of the main characters are feeling and what they are doing and I really felt I was right next to them all throughout. Reading this book really does make you feel that you are standing with them and going through their pain, love, and suffering. While you are reading this you are going through a journey of love and loss, heartbreak, secrets, love, and anger and so, so much more. It really is a rollercoaster ride of emotions. I was utterly glued to the pages and I could not bring myself to put it down. I was carrying my phone to read it in kindle every chance that I got. I adored the gorgeous ending and cannot wait to get stuck into the next book in this gorgeous series which is called 'Christmas At The Inn On Bluebell Lane'. This book really is an absolutely gorgeous and fantastic start to a new series. You need to clear your schedules and get the tissues at the ready because you will not be able to put this book down. There are some tough topics are explored with realism and sensitivity, that all culminated in a very gripping and powerful page turner. This is one of those books that will stay with me for a long time and although it could be a difficult read at times with emotions running high I would seriously recommend it to anyone and everyone!!
The characters are strong, realistic and I became completely invested in each and every one of them. They all had their own problems, secrets, feelings and all had unique personalities and I just absolutely loved getting to know them all. I felt each of their pain, heartbreak, happiness, anger, sorrow and so much more. My heart broke for each of them who went through so much change and more (but I can't say more as I don't want to spoil the storyline for anyone). I enjoyed getting an inside look into their family lives and relationships with their husbands, children, as well as sibling interactions, that added another layer to the story. Kate does an absolutely amazing job of bringing the story to life and the characters leap out of the pages as your turning them. It is so hard to say what I feel about the characters without giving anything away so I won't say anymore about them as I don't want to go into too much detail at the risk of spoiling it for other readers but yet again Kate has done another amazing job at bringing each of the characters to life. Well done Kate!!!
Congratulations Kate on yet another absolutely gorgeous, heartbreaking beautiful book!!! I am looking forward to reading more of your previous and future books, especially the next book in this srunning series. I would absolutely love to see this book turned into a movie!!! This is why you are on my favourite author list and here's to your next success 🥂
Overall an absolutely unputdownable, thought provoking, addictive and compelling devastatingly beautiful heartbreaking book!!!
365 pages.
This book is just 99p to purchase on kindle, free with kindle unlimited and £8.99 in paperback (at time of review) via Amazon which I think is an absolute bargain for this book!!!
Rated 5 /5 (I LOVED it ) on Goodreads, Instagram, Amazon UK and Amazon US and on over 30 Facebook pages plus my blog on Facebook.
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August 7, 2023
I love Kate Hewitt's women's fiction novels and this one was excellent as it's life affirming and heartwarming.
It's the perfect novel to read if you want to escape to lovely places, follow the life of the characters and hope for the best.
There's drama and happiness, a cast of well plotted characters and a good story.
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine
It's the perfect novel to read if you want to escape to lovely places, follow the life of the characters and hope for the best.
There's drama and happiness, a cast of well plotted characters and a good story.
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine
January 19, 2024
Page Turner and heartbreaking. I am a huge fan of kate hewitts writing.
Thank you to netgalley for letting me read this e arc in exchange for an honest opinion
Thank you to netgalley for letting me read this e arc in exchange for an honest opinion
September 9, 2023
What a lovely, heartwarming and charming read. This is a book about family, new beginnings, life and change. This is apparently the first book in a new series and if that is the case I do look forward to seeing what comes next.
As a person who moved house, countries, schools and jobs on a regular basis I can relate to the trials and tribulations of these changes and this book. Ellie, Matthew and their family move from suburban America to Wales, a big move for the family of six and moving in with Matthew's mother Gwen makes it even harder.
This is a story that is told from the perspective of numerous members of this family and tells the story of their troubles and how they are coping. A great read and a book that has characters you can relate to and feel for. It flows well is easy to read and is a story almost anyone can enjoy. Looking forward to the second installment to see what happens next.
The Inn on Bluebell Lane
Kate Hewitt
As a person who moved house, countries, schools and jobs on a regular basis I can relate to the trials and tribulations of these changes and this book. Ellie, Matthew and their family move from suburban America to Wales, a big move for the family of six and moving in with Matthew's mother Gwen makes it even harder.
This is a story that is told from the perspective of numerous members of this family and tells the story of their troubles and how they are coping. A great read and a book that has characters you can relate to and feel for. It flows well is easy to read and is a story almost anyone can enjoy. Looking forward to the second installment to see what happens next.
The Inn on Bluebell Lane
Kate Hewitt
August 5, 2023
Kate Hewitt - The Inn On Bluebell Lane.
I’ve enjoyed a number of Kate Hewitt’s Books, but I think The Inn On Bluebell Lane may just be my favourite so far.
The story scoops up the reader very quickly and carries you along with every high and low throughout the book.
Kate Hewit’s writing style is solid and engaging.
You won’t want to put this little gem down.
#TheInnOnBluebellLane has an idyllic setting. Kate Hewitt captures the beauty of rural Wales in all its colourful glory.
There are some fabulous characters in this book. And they all had a journey to travel.
Moving from America to Wales is a massive upheaval for the whole family.
Matthew and Ellie are a great couple. Elie fought to make their new life work and to save the Bluebell Inn, despite the resistance of her mother in law and Matthew sometimes being a little distant.
The children were a mixed bunch. For some a new life in Wales was a challenge while others took to their new surroundings with more ease.
Their family dynamic and struggles were well written and often relatable.
#TheInnOnBluebellLane is a compelling read. There are many twists and turns in the story, with characters and situations that I truly felt for.
It’s an emotional story, with a big heart.
#TheInnOnBluebellLane is beautiful, and gets five stars from me.
I’m impatiently waiting for the next book in this series.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
With thanks to Netgalley and Bookouture for a digital arc of this title.
#BooksOnTour
I’ve enjoyed a number of Kate Hewitt’s Books, but I think The Inn On Bluebell Lane may just be my favourite so far.
The story scoops up the reader very quickly and carries you along with every high and low throughout the book.
Kate Hewit’s writing style is solid and engaging.
You won’t want to put this little gem down.
#TheInnOnBluebellLane has an idyllic setting. Kate Hewitt captures the beauty of rural Wales in all its colourful glory.
There are some fabulous characters in this book. And they all had a journey to travel.
Moving from America to Wales is a massive upheaval for the whole family.
Matthew and Ellie are a great couple. Elie fought to make their new life work and to save the Bluebell Inn, despite the resistance of her mother in law and Matthew sometimes being a little distant.
The children were a mixed bunch. For some a new life in Wales was a challenge while others took to their new surroundings with more ease.
Their family dynamic and struggles were well written and often relatable.
#TheInnOnBluebellLane is a compelling read. There are many twists and turns in the story, with characters and situations that I truly felt for.
It’s an emotional story, with a big heart.
#TheInnOnBluebellLane is beautiful, and gets five stars from me.
I’m impatiently waiting for the next book in this series.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
With thanks to Netgalley and Bookouture for a digital arc of this title.
#BooksOnTour
August 10, 2023
The Inn on Bluebell Lane
Kate Hewitt
4 stars
Thank you NetGalley for my copy of The Inn on Bluebell Lane by Kate Hewitt. I have not received any compensation for this review. All thoughts and opinions contained in this review are my own and mine alone.
In summary: a family drama, covering the ups and downs of family life, especially uprooting a whole family from Connecticut, US to Wales, UK while trying to renovate a bed and breakfast as a family.
I liked the idea of this story. A family drama, the husband/ father has lost his job through no fault of his own, a Welsh native who married an American, lived in America with his wife and kids. America is all the wife and kids have ever known. Uprooting the clan to the father’s home in a local village where this B&B is situated with his mother, who currently runs the inn.
The author delves into family relationships covering loss, grief, change and family dynamics. I liked how the grandmother is honest and works to make amends. I liked the mother, Ellie how she is shown as a woman who has to bear the weight of an international upheaval, the initial cool reception her mother in law gives her, her sister in law is unable to relate to her, Ellie has to support her husband despite being alien to a place her husband Matthew grew up, she has to be the strong one as her children try to adjust to their new life. The eldest daughter isn’t coping well with her new life which also adds strain to Ellie.
The story progresses well, I didn’t feel bored reading the story. That said I felt the ending was rushed and somewhat incomplete. I was left wanting more. I wanted to see more from Matthew’s point of view, but maybe it wasn’t necessary. While I liked having the inclusion of Jess as a character, I feel like her point of view did detract from the story a little. I wasn’t sure why the reader needed the teenage daughter’s perspective. To be fair, I understood (and I think other readers will also) Jess’s angst and what it was like to be a loner and unable to to make friends easily, especially on a foreign country.
There is no romance arc, however I did feel Ellie and Matthew’s story was believable and how they handled their struggles.
Would I have liked to see a romance plot in there? For this story, I don’t think it needed one. The plots carry the story forward sufficiently.
Overall 4 stars. I did actually enjoy this book.
Kate Hewitt
4 stars
Thank you NetGalley for my copy of The Inn on Bluebell Lane by Kate Hewitt. I have not received any compensation for this review. All thoughts and opinions contained in this review are my own and mine alone.
In summary: a family drama, covering the ups and downs of family life, especially uprooting a whole family from Connecticut, US to Wales, UK while trying to renovate a bed and breakfast as a family.
I liked the idea of this story. A family drama, the husband/ father has lost his job through no fault of his own, a Welsh native who married an American, lived in America with his wife and kids. America is all the wife and kids have ever known. Uprooting the clan to the father’s home in a local village where this B&B is situated with his mother, who currently runs the inn.
The author delves into family relationships covering loss, grief, change and family dynamics. I liked how the grandmother is honest and works to make amends. I liked the mother, Ellie how she is shown as a woman who has to bear the weight of an international upheaval, the initial cool reception her mother in law gives her, her sister in law is unable to relate to her, Ellie has to support her husband despite being alien to a place her husband Matthew grew up, she has to be the strong one as her children try to adjust to their new life. The eldest daughter isn’t coping well with her new life which also adds strain to Ellie.
The story progresses well, I didn’t feel bored reading the story. That said I felt the ending was rushed and somewhat incomplete. I was left wanting more. I wanted to see more from Matthew’s point of view, but maybe it wasn’t necessary. While I liked having the inclusion of Jess as a character, I feel like her point of view did detract from the story a little. I wasn’t sure why the reader needed the teenage daughter’s perspective. To be fair, I understood (and I think other readers will also) Jess’s angst and what it was like to be a loner and unable to to make friends easily, especially on a foreign country.
There is no romance arc, however I did feel Ellie and Matthew’s story was believable and how they handled their struggles.
Would I have liked to see a romance plot in there? For this story, I don’t think it needed one. The plots carry the story forward sufficiently.
Overall 4 stars. I did actually enjoy this book.
January 27, 2025
Ok att amerikaner är konstiga men att nån kan ha trott att det här skulle funka i översättning till civiliserade länder? Alltså det var trevligt berättat och så, men det är från femtiotalet? Skilj dig, människa, så kanske din karl lär sig ta hand om sina egna ungar åtminstone.
Känner mig fan smutsig efter att ha läst det här, det var länge sen.
Känner mig fan smutsig efter att ha läst det här, det var länge sen.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 22, 2025
This was a really nice story about family moving to a new place and starting over. It’s an easy to read book with delightful characters. Another good book by this author
October 16, 2023
3.5 Stars
Where ever you go, there you are.
Have you ever relocated for a fresh start?
Ellie and her family leave their less than happy lives in America to relocate to rural Wales. Ellie and her out-of-work husband intend to help his mother restore and run the family inn. Hoping for a fresh start, they discover that the inn is in worse shape than they had imagined. Despite the idyllic and charming setting, Ellie's husband is more distant that ever and Ellie is deeply unhappy and worried that she has made a horrible error in relocating her family and is incredibly unhappy, lonely, and bitter. Their older daughter is especially miserable.
Often, the mother sets the mood for her family and Ellie is whiny and wallowing in self pity for most of the story. No wonder her family is having difficulty with the adjustment! She provides minimal leadership or creativity.
The author expertly creates a multilayered and realistic story of a complicated family. A strong and relatable theme of doing what's best for your family runs throughout the story.
After a crisis or two, the ending of the story ends on a more hopeful note, but Ellie's attitude dominates most of the story, and I find it difficult to connect with her.
Fans of the author, women's fiction, and complicated family drama might appreciate this realistic story. It does have a lovely ending.
Thanks #NetGalley @bookouture for a complimentary eARC of #TheInnOnBluebellLane upon my request all opinions are my own.
For more reviews visit my blog www.readingladies.com
Where ever you go, there you are.
Have you ever relocated for a fresh start?
Ellie and her family leave their less than happy lives in America to relocate to rural Wales. Ellie and her out-of-work husband intend to help his mother restore and run the family inn. Hoping for a fresh start, they discover that the inn is in worse shape than they had imagined. Despite the idyllic and charming setting, Ellie's husband is more distant that ever and Ellie is deeply unhappy and worried that she has made a horrible error in relocating her family and is incredibly unhappy, lonely, and bitter. Their older daughter is especially miserable.
Often, the mother sets the mood for her family and Ellie is whiny and wallowing in self pity for most of the story. No wonder her family is having difficulty with the adjustment! She provides minimal leadership or creativity.
The author expertly creates a multilayered and realistic story of a complicated family. A strong and relatable theme of doing what's best for your family runs throughout the story.
After a crisis or two, the ending of the story ends on a more hopeful note, but Ellie's attitude dominates most of the story, and I find it difficult to connect with her.
Fans of the author, women's fiction, and complicated family drama might appreciate this realistic story. It does have a lovely ending.
Thanks #NetGalley @bookouture for a complimentary eARC of #TheInnOnBluebellLane upon my request all opinions are my own.
For more reviews visit my blog www.readingladies.com
August 6, 2023
The Inn on Bluebell Lane by Kate Hewitt was the perfect rainy day read, although I would have much rather have been able to sit reading outside in the garden in sunshine. But the sun seems to have left us, so the next best thing was to be curled up on the couch and enjoying the story of Ellie and her family. This is a quick read which I expected to be about a family transforming a Bed & Breakfast and trying to make a go of things. Instead, this was a really character driven story with lots going happening on individual and personal levels for all the characters. Renovating the B&B took a back seat although it was there in the background. Instead the focus is on how Ellie and her husband Matthew and their four children Jess, Josh, Ben and Ava struggle to adapt to a huge move across the ocean back to Matthew’s family home in the tiny Welsh village of Llandrigg. Not to mention how Matthew’s mother Gwen feels about having her life turned upside down with her house going from silence to being filled with the hustle and bustle of a young family.
Matthew has spent the last twenty years in America and having been made redundant he feels he wants and needs to move back to the family home in Wales where his mother Gwen still resides. Ellie is a born and bred American and is definitely not so sure about making such a radical move. She is not happy about having to upend her whole life and that of the children too but she loves her husband and knows he is unsettled and that coming back to renovate and turn the fortunes of the family guesthouse could be just what he needs. Ellie tries to remain optimistic for the sake of the children who really aren’t that over enthused about the move especially Jess aged 13 who feels she was finding her stride at school and had a good friend and now all that she knows and is comfortable with is being taken away from her. Ellie decides to view the relocation as an adventure where they can experience new things. But right from the moment they land at the door of Gwen’s home the tension between Ellie and Gwen is clear to see whereas Matthew goes off in his own world eager to rip rooms apart and get going.
Despite Ellie trying to put a brave face on things deep down she is filled with doubt and she would much rather be back in America surrounded by her home comforts and with everything she needs close to her doorstep. Rural Wales couldn’t be more different from what she and the kids are used to and they feel like a fish without water way out of their depth. It’s hard to move into a house which someone else has called their home for so many years and although there were never any troubling or harsh words spoken between herself and Gwen there is this distinct uneasiness between the pair. They tiptoe around each other and Gwen herself is always fearful of doing or saying the wrong thing. I admired Ellie in that she could see Matthew needed a complete change and that he was lost since the redundancy but I thought she should have been more vocal in how she felt. That’s actually what’s wrong with a lot of characters in the book. They never say how they feel and therefore they all think that everyone is happy and getting on great whereas inside they are racked with turmoil and in some cases even secrets.
When Matthew gets a bit too excited and adventurous in his renovation plans leading to a broken arm it means Ellie has to step up and take over and given she is struggling to adapt to the new lifestyle she finds this very challenging. Matthew was such a frustrating character and for the majority of the book I felt we needed a chapter or two from his perspective. He did get to say how he was feeling but I felt it came just that little bit too late in the overall plot because by that time I had made my mind up about him. To me he came across as selfish and he just had his own agenda which he wasn’t going to deviate from at all. He was the driving force in the move and it was as if Ellie and the children and in some ways Gwen too were just along for the ride without any proper consultation. He just seemed to wallow in self-pity once he broke his arm and the relationships within the house seemed to grow ever more fraught with the tension and struggles increasing. Poor Ellie felt like she was holding everything together by a bare thread which was in danger of snapping at any time. The raw homesickness experienced by Ellie and the children was in plain sight for all to see but Matthew was so consumed with his own self he failed to see this.
Jess, in particular, found things extremely hard and being so young and at such a crucial and impressionable age the anxiety, stress and loneliness she feels just radiates from the pages. She would give anything to be back at home with her best friend. She feels so out of place and abandoned in her new school. Similar to Ellie, she was fragile and flailing and as the grown ups were so caught up in their own issues and problems Jess was overlooked which could result in disastrous consequences. I enjoyed how such a well-balanced point of view was presented in terms of how this huge life change affected everyone involved. Gwen could have easily been forgotten and not being given a voice but thankfully she was. I will say though regarding her storyline for me it hit too close to home and it did make for uncomfortable reading. The selfish part of me wanted to gloss over those pages. Perhaps if it wasn’t too close to the bone I would have read through it fine but instead it affected me deeply. To Ellie, Gwen came across as brusque and that the family were a burden rather than a pleasure to have. But scratch that little bit deeper beneath the surface and Gwen is warm and just needs some affection and she will do anything to help her family. Each character has so many struggles and you root for them all (well in my case maybe with the exception of Matthew).With time and effort will things work out for all involved?
The Inn on Bluebell Lane was an enjoyable read but I did find the ending very abrupt. I was reading this on my Kindle and it ended at the 85% mark which I found disconcerting because in my head I thought there was 15% to go so lots more could happen. The epilogue felt rushed and I would have loved more detail about all the renovations and the ideas they had come up with to try and make the B&B a success. Yes, we did get a round up of what had gone on but I wanted another chapter or two. But at the end I was glad to discover that there will be a follow up book, Christmas at the Inn on Bluebell Lane which will be published in October. I’ve become invested in the life of this family and all the individual stories and I am keen to see what Kate Hewitt has in store for them in the future. But in the meantime, if you are looking for a read that has a good atmosphere about it along with some serious issues handled in a delicate and thought provoking manner than this is the book for you.
Matthew has spent the last twenty years in America and having been made redundant he feels he wants and needs to move back to the family home in Wales where his mother Gwen still resides. Ellie is a born and bred American and is definitely not so sure about making such a radical move. She is not happy about having to upend her whole life and that of the children too but she loves her husband and knows he is unsettled and that coming back to renovate and turn the fortunes of the family guesthouse could be just what he needs. Ellie tries to remain optimistic for the sake of the children who really aren’t that over enthused about the move especially Jess aged 13 who feels she was finding her stride at school and had a good friend and now all that she knows and is comfortable with is being taken away from her. Ellie decides to view the relocation as an adventure where they can experience new things. But right from the moment they land at the door of Gwen’s home the tension between Ellie and Gwen is clear to see whereas Matthew goes off in his own world eager to rip rooms apart and get going.
Despite Ellie trying to put a brave face on things deep down she is filled with doubt and she would much rather be back in America surrounded by her home comforts and with everything she needs close to her doorstep. Rural Wales couldn’t be more different from what she and the kids are used to and they feel like a fish without water way out of their depth. It’s hard to move into a house which someone else has called their home for so many years and although there were never any troubling or harsh words spoken between herself and Gwen there is this distinct uneasiness between the pair. They tiptoe around each other and Gwen herself is always fearful of doing or saying the wrong thing. I admired Ellie in that she could see Matthew needed a complete change and that he was lost since the redundancy but I thought she should have been more vocal in how she felt. That’s actually what’s wrong with a lot of characters in the book. They never say how they feel and therefore they all think that everyone is happy and getting on great whereas inside they are racked with turmoil and in some cases even secrets.
When Matthew gets a bit too excited and adventurous in his renovation plans leading to a broken arm it means Ellie has to step up and take over and given she is struggling to adapt to the new lifestyle she finds this very challenging. Matthew was such a frustrating character and for the majority of the book I felt we needed a chapter or two from his perspective. He did get to say how he was feeling but I felt it came just that little bit too late in the overall plot because by that time I had made my mind up about him. To me he came across as selfish and he just had his own agenda which he wasn’t going to deviate from at all. He was the driving force in the move and it was as if Ellie and the children and in some ways Gwen too were just along for the ride without any proper consultation. He just seemed to wallow in self-pity once he broke his arm and the relationships within the house seemed to grow ever more fraught with the tension and struggles increasing. Poor Ellie felt like she was holding everything together by a bare thread which was in danger of snapping at any time. The raw homesickness experienced by Ellie and the children was in plain sight for all to see but Matthew was so consumed with his own self he failed to see this.
Jess, in particular, found things extremely hard and being so young and at such a crucial and impressionable age the anxiety, stress and loneliness she feels just radiates from the pages. She would give anything to be back at home with her best friend. She feels so out of place and abandoned in her new school. Similar to Ellie, she was fragile and flailing and as the grown ups were so caught up in their own issues and problems Jess was overlooked which could result in disastrous consequences. I enjoyed how such a well-balanced point of view was presented in terms of how this huge life change affected everyone involved. Gwen could have easily been forgotten and not being given a voice but thankfully she was. I will say though regarding her storyline for me it hit too close to home and it did make for uncomfortable reading. The selfish part of me wanted to gloss over those pages. Perhaps if it wasn’t too close to the bone I would have read through it fine but instead it affected me deeply. To Ellie, Gwen came across as brusque and that the family were a burden rather than a pleasure to have. But scratch that little bit deeper beneath the surface and Gwen is warm and just needs some affection and she will do anything to help her family. Each character has so many struggles and you root for them all (well in my case maybe with the exception of Matthew).With time and effort will things work out for all involved?
The Inn on Bluebell Lane was an enjoyable read but I did find the ending very abrupt. I was reading this on my Kindle and it ended at the 85% mark which I found disconcerting because in my head I thought there was 15% to go so lots more could happen. The epilogue felt rushed and I would have loved more detail about all the renovations and the ideas they had come up with to try and make the B&B a success. Yes, we did get a round up of what had gone on but I wanted another chapter or two. But at the end I was glad to discover that there will be a follow up book, Christmas at the Inn on Bluebell Lane which will be published in October. I’ve become invested in the life of this family and all the individual stories and I am keen to see what Kate Hewitt has in store for them in the future. But in the meantime, if you are looking for a read that has a good atmosphere about it along with some serious issues handled in a delicate and thought provoking manner than this is the book for you.
October 3, 2023
The Inn on Bluebell Lane by Kate Hewitt is the first book in the new Lovely and sweet The Inn on Bluebell Lane series. This was a heart-warming and unforgettable emotional page-turner so you will need some tissues up your sleeve! All Kate's books I have read have been a wonderful read and this latest book was no different It's an absolute page-turner…........Just beautifully written and from the heart.
Big Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher Bookouture for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
Big Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher Bookouture for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
December 21, 2023
After reading so many police procedurals and dramas I wanted a lighter Hallmark sorta book for a break. Kate Hewitt can always provide that as her books are positive and heartwarming.
The Bluebell Inn is the first in her newer series. Matthew and Ellie live in the United States with their two children. When Matthew's mother Gwen needs assistance with the Bluebell Inn (as well as help with a medical condition) the couple uproot their lives and move to Wales to help. The inn is failing and is in need of many repairs. Matthew starts renovations and Ellie tries to develop a relationship with her mother-in-law.
Ellie is an over the top positive person. Matthew's sister Sarah helps with the accounts and tries to explain what needs to be done, first off raising prices for the bed and breakfast, but Ellie and Gwen keep their heads in the sand. If you ignore a problem, it goes away, right? :-)
The story is light and has some interpersonal relationship drama, nothing objectionable. If you like the Welsh setting and family stories this would be a good book for you.
Author Kate Hewitt lives in Wales with her husband and five children. She is the author of many books and I particualrly liked the Willoughby Close series and some of her stand alone books.
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August 3, 2023
The Inn on Bluebell Lane by Kate Hewitt is the first in a new series about a family, wherein Matthew, the Welsh father has lived in the United States for twenty years. He has married Ellie and they have four children. He has lost his job and his self-esteem and together they made the decision to move to Wales, remodel his mother’s bed and breakfast, and stay to help run the place. The children were not on board but the two youngest adjusted quickly, as did the second child, oldest son, because wherever there was soccer (football) he was a happy person. Ellie was having problems adjusting, too. She got along with her mother-in-law, Gwen, but there was distance between them that neither seemed to be able to bridge. Jess, the oldest, was thirteen and everything was a tragedy. Losing her best friend was the end of her world. Then, the best friend found a new best friend, before Jess did. It was an adjustment for all of them. The repercussions were many, some startling. What Matthew viewed as remodeling and Gwen’s ideas were far from the same. Matthew and Ellie had stopped communicating and Ellie felt alone. What was to be done?
This was a lovely story, told in Hewitt’s own unique style. I anticipate more stories about the family as well as stories about their guests. Ellie is a good character, embracing much with which female readers will identify. Matthew felt no longer able to take care of his family. He saw how miserable they were in Wales and he didn’t know what to do, so he just got depressed. This unemployment conundrum is something faced by families all the time so his symptoms are recognizable. Gwen has her own set of problems, including a family of six moving in all of a sudden. She was thrilled, of course, but it wasn’t always easy and it was so LOUD. This was an ordinary story, full of life’s little problems, beautifully told by Kate Hewitt and her fans will love it. It is the perfect introduction to her writing. The plot is easily identifiable, but not earth shattering. The characters are all ordinary and yet extraordinarily written. It is going to be a terrific series.
I was invited to read a free e-ARC of The Inn on Bluebell Lane by Bookoutre, through Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #Bookoutre #KateHewitt #TheInnOnBluebellLane
This was a lovely story, told in Hewitt’s own unique style. I anticipate more stories about the family as well as stories about their guests. Ellie is a good character, embracing much with which female readers will identify. Matthew felt no longer able to take care of his family. He saw how miserable they were in Wales and he didn’t know what to do, so he just got depressed. This unemployment conundrum is something faced by families all the time so his symptoms are recognizable. Gwen has her own set of problems, including a family of six moving in all of a sudden. She was thrilled, of course, but it wasn’t always easy and it was so LOUD. This was an ordinary story, full of life’s little problems, beautifully told by Kate Hewitt and her fans will love it. It is the perfect introduction to her writing. The plot is easily identifiable, but not earth shattering. The characters are all ordinary and yet extraordinarily written. It is going to be a terrific series.
I was invited to read a free e-ARC of The Inn on Bluebell Lane by Bookoutre, through Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #Bookoutre #KateHewitt #TheInnOnBluebellLane
August 19, 2023
At the start of the novel, Ellie, her husband Matthew and their four children – thirteen-year-old Jess, eleven-year-old Ben, eight-year-old Josh and four-year-old Ava – move from the United States to a small village in Wales called Llandrigg. They are going to help Matthew’s mother Gwen run her bed and breakfast there – Bluebell Inn.
The chapters are written from Ellie, Jess and Gwen’s points of view. I could sympathise with Ellie straight away, as I also have a big family and never got on with my mother-in-law. But it helped seeing things from both sides, as you get a more rounded view of what’s going on. I really enjoyed that aspect of the book, especially from Gwen and Ellie, as you can see they are both trying to be friendly, but somehow they don’t quite manage it.
It’s a huge change for all the family, except maybe Matthew who is moving back home and to his mother. But Ellie and the children struggle, finding Llandrigg a huge change from Connecticut where everything they needed was close by. In Wales, it seems everything is half an hour’s drive away.
The kids are very well described and jump off the page. Jess is a real angsty teenager, who thinks moving to Wales has ruined her life. The boys aren’t finding it too difficult, happy to just a kick a ball about with other lads. I loved little Ava, she’s so cute! There’s also a lovely dog - Toby the springer spaniel. I do like a book with a nice pet in it!
This is the first of Kate Hewitt’s books that I have read, but I’ll definitely be reading more. The Inn on Bluebell Lane is easy to get into, very well-written with beautifully described characters that draw you into their storylines. I loved the individual viewpoints as it felt like we could see into the characters’s heads and really understand what they were feeling and why.
The story is interesting and one that is easy to relate to. While not many of us will have moved from one continent to another, I’m sure most of us will have moved house, had to change schools or started at a job where we don’t know anyone. I could definitely relate to Ellie taking her kids to school and hoping another mum will talk to her, as I was in the same position four years ago.
Overall, it’s a lovely read that will take you through lots of emotions as you follow the lives of all these wonderful characters.
The chapters are written from Ellie, Jess and Gwen’s points of view. I could sympathise with Ellie straight away, as I also have a big family and never got on with my mother-in-law. But it helped seeing things from both sides, as you get a more rounded view of what’s going on. I really enjoyed that aspect of the book, especially from Gwen and Ellie, as you can see they are both trying to be friendly, but somehow they don’t quite manage it.
It’s a huge change for all the family, except maybe Matthew who is moving back home and to his mother. But Ellie and the children struggle, finding Llandrigg a huge change from Connecticut where everything they needed was close by. In Wales, it seems everything is half an hour’s drive away.
The kids are very well described and jump off the page. Jess is a real angsty teenager, who thinks moving to Wales has ruined her life. The boys aren’t finding it too difficult, happy to just a kick a ball about with other lads. I loved little Ava, she’s so cute! There’s also a lovely dog - Toby the springer spaniel. I do like a book with a nice pet in it!
This is the first of Kate Hewitt’s books that I have read, but I’ll definitely be reading more. The Inn on Bluebell Lane is easy to get into, very well-written with beautifully described characters that draw you into their storylines. I loved the individual viewpoints as it felt like we could see into the characters’s heads and really understand what they were feeling and why.
The story is interesting and one that is easy to relate to. While not many of us will have moved from one continent to another, I’m sure most of us will have moved house, had to change schools or started at a job where we don’t know anyone. I could definitely relate to Ellie taking her kids to school and hoping another mum will talk to her, as I was in the same position four years ago.
Overall, it’s a lovely read that will take you through lots of emotions as you follow the lives of all these wonderful characters.
August 6, 2023
When Ellie’s husband Matthew loses his job, it causes them to almost lose their home. Matthew and Ellie move their family from Connecticut, across the ocean, to the small village of Llandrigg in Wales. Matthew’s mother, Gwen, ran the local Bed and Breakfast for many years when Matt’s dad, David passed away over twenty years ago. The Inn was old and run down and it became too much for Gwen to continue to run by herself. Matt and Ellie believe this could be the new beginning they need for their family. Things begin to go awry when the oldest daughter Jess hates her life in Wales and misses her best friend Chloe back in the States. Ben, Josh and Ava had their own issues with their new life, and their unhappiness shows in their actions. But the biggest problem was the tension between Ellie and Gwen. They tolerated each other but they can’t seem to agree on anything and that made Matt question why they ever made the move to Wales. But not wanting to give up and not having a home to go back to in Connecticut, they have no choice but to make things work and make Wales a place they can all learn to love.
The Inn on Bluebell Lane authored by Kate Hewitt was a wonderful, heart-warming and inspiring story. I love stories of new beginnings and starting over in a new place. All the characters in the story, from Gwen, Matt, Ellie and the four children were so likable, I found myself cheering them on, and hoping that they would love each other through the hard transition. I loved every member of the family and I felt a connection to each of them. Author Kate Hewitt does an amazing job of transporting the reader from the States across the pond to Wales. Her detailed description of the beautiful setting of the small village of Llandrigg, was such a wonderful escape. I could feel the warm sun on my face and the cool breeze across my cheek as I walked through the village. I am so happy that this is the start of a new series, and I look forward to reading the next installment. The Inn on Bluebell Lane is an absolute must read that I wish I could give ten stars. I loved it and I highly recommend it.
The Inn on Bluebell Lane authored by Kate Hewitt was a wonderful, heart-warming and inspiring story. I love stories of new beginnings and starting over in a new place. All the characters in the story, from Gwen, Matt, Ellie and the four children were so likable, I found myself cheering them on, and hoping that they would love each other through the hard transition. I loved every member of the family and I felt a connection to each of them. Author Kate Hewitt does an amazing job of transporting the reader from the States across the pond to Wales. Her detailed description of the beautiful setting of the small village of Llandrigg, was such a wonderful escape. I could feel the warm sun on my face and the cool breeze across my cheek as I walked through the village. I am so happy that this is the start of a new series, and I look forward to reading the next installment. The Inn on Bluebell Lane is an absolute must read that I wish I could give ten stars. I loved it and I highly recommend it.
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December 1, 2023Did not finish. Note*
Amazon synopsis:
When Ellie and her family move to a tiny village in rural Wales to run her husband’s family inn, it’s meant to be a new beginning for all of them. Having left their troubles behind in America, Ellie has high hopes for a fresh start, and a chance for her family to forget the stress of the last year.
But when they arrive, Ellie realizes everything is in a far worse state than she’d imagined. And as her husband, Matthew, begins to tackle the renovations before the guests arrive, stripping flowered wallpaper and sanding floorboards, he becomes even more distant. Ellie had hoped being back in Wales would help him recover, but if anything he seems more haunted than ever. Is there something he’s not telling her? As Ellie tries and fails to reconnect to him, dodging pots of paint and ladders, she finds herself feeling lonelier.
As things go from bad to worse with the renovations, Ellie’s reality feels a million miles away from the rural bliss she had imagined for her family. Why did she think a run-down inn would be the place to reignite her marriage?
But as she stares out at the rolling fields beyond the windows, she can’t let go of the feeling that the Inn on Bluebell Lane needs her family to restore its fortunes, and that this magical place might bring the husband she remembers back to her once more…
Amazon synopsis:
When Ellie and her family move to a tiny village in rural Wales to run her husband’s family inn, it’s meant to be a new beginning for all of them. Having left their troubles behind in America, Ellie has high hopes for a fresh start, and a chance for her family to forget the stress of the last year.
But when they arrive, Ellie realizes everything is in a far worse state than she’d imagined. And as her husband, Matthew, begins to tackle the renovations before the guests arrive, stripping flowered wallpaper and sanding floorboards, he becomes even more distant. Ellie had hoped being back in Wales would help him recover, but if anything he seems more haunted than ever. Is there something he’s not telling her? As Ellie tries and fails to reconnect to him, dodging pots of paint and ladders, she finds herself feeling lonelier.
As things go from bad to worse with the renovations, Ellie’s reality feels a million miles away from the rural bliss she had imagined for her family. Why did she think a run-down inn would be the place to reignite her marriage?
But as she stares out at the rolling fields beyond the windows, she can’t let go of the feeling that the Inn on Bluebell Lane needs her family to restore its fortunes, and that this magical place might bring the husband she remembers back to her once more…
August 6, 2023
The Inn on Bluebell Lane is a heartwarming read with family dynamics at its heart.
When Mathew is made redundant from his job in Connecticut he has no choice but to move across the ocean to his small Welsh village alongwith his wife, Ellie and four children. He decides to help his widowed mother, Gwen to rennovate their family inn and manage it together. But not everything goes according to plan and Ellie doubts if they should have made the big move in the first place.
The book is narrated from the PoVs of Ellie, Gwen and Ellie's thirteen year old daughter Jess. The move definitely impacts their lives in different ways especially for Ellie and Jess as they try to fit in. The author Kate Hewitt has beautifully explored the tense relationship between Ellie and Gwen with both making an effort to overcome their differences and work together.
A compelling and charming story of a family who realise that communication is the key to solving their problems, letting go of their fears and staying united. With relatable characters, rich in emotions and real life situations, this book will pull you right in and not let you go till the last page. This is the first book in a new series and I am looking forward to the next book already. A perfect rainy day read!!
Thank you @bookouture for having me on the #booksontour and @netgalley for an ARC to read and review.
When Mathew is made redundant from his job in Connecticut he has no choice but to move across the ocean to his small Welsh village alongwith his wife, Ellie and four children. He decides to help his widowed mother, Gwen to rennovate their family inn and manage it together. But not everything goes according to plan and Ellie doubts if they should have made the big move in the first place.
The book is narrated from the PoVs of Ellie, Gwen and Ellie's thirteen year old daughter Jess. The move definitely impacts their lives in different ways especially for Ellie and Jess as they try to fit in. The author Kate Hewitt has beautifully explored the tense relationship between Ellie and Gwen with both making an effort to overcome their differences and work together.
A compelling and charming story of a family who realise that communication is the key to solving their problems, letting go of their fears and staying united. With relatable characters, rich in emotions and real life situations, this book will pull you right in and not let you go till the last page. This is the first book in a new series and I am looking forward to the next book already. A perfect rainy day read!!
Thank you @bookouture for having me on the #booksontour and @netgalley for an ARC to read and review.
July 29, 2023
Within The Inn on Bluebell Lane, Kate Hewitt captures so well for us the sense of culture shock present when we make big moves to another country. We all speak English - right? Well yes, we do but there are small but significant variations that make us know we are out of our usual comfortable patch in the world.
As well the children are going to have to cope with new schools and loss of previous friends. Then there is for Ellie moving in with her mother-in-law and a husband who is rather at sea with a job loss.
There is a lot going on for this family and I was soon very engrossed in their lives. The book is told from three viewpoints and this worked really well for me. We have Ellie, the mother, Kate her daughter and Gwen the mother-in-law with what is happening for each of them. Each struggles with big challenges and I was feeling for them and cheering for them as well. It would be easy to be down on any one of them but seeing it from their eyes gave that window of compassion.
I very much enjoyed the story, I thought it ended a little bit soon, however I believe that this is the beginning of a series.
As well the children are going to have to cope with new schools and loss of previous friends. Then there is for Ellie moving in with her mother-in-law and a husband who is rather at sea with a job loss.
There is a lot going on for this family and I was soon very engrossed in their lives. The book is told from three viewpoints and this worked really well for me. We have Ellie, the mother, Kate her daughter and Gwen the mother-in-law with what is happening for each of them. Each struggles with big challenges and I was feeling for them and cheering for them as well. It would be easy to be down on any one of them but seeing it from their eyes gave that window of compassion.
I very much enjoyed the story, I thought it ended a little bit soon, however I believe that this is the beginning of a series.
September 8, 2023
Ellie and her husband Matthew, and their four children, have moved from the US to Wales, Matthew’s hometown. When Matthew lost his job due to redundancy, he lost his purpose. However, moving across the pond to help his mother Gwen with their family’s bed-and-breakfast would require big changes and huge sacrifices, but Ellie and Matt felt that it was the best decision for their family.
Not only does Ellie have to acclimate to her new environment, one of their children, Jessica, misses her friend back in the States, and has trouble adjusting. Meanwhile, Matthew attempts to make repairs and update the bed-and-breakfast as they all try to make Wales their home. With tensions on the rise, this is something that is not easy.
What a thoroughly enjoyable story. It was easy to imagine what it would be like to uproot one’s life to start all over in a new country, with a moderately large family. I loved the growth that this book displayed while this family grew to love their new home and country, much more than they ever expected to.
Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
Not only does Ellie have to acclimate to her new environment, one of their children, Jessica, misses her friend back in the States, and has trouble adjusting. Meanwhile, Matthew attempts to make repairs and update the bed-and-breakfast as they all try to make Wales their home. With tensions on the rise, this is something that is not easy.
What a thoroughly enjoyable story. It was easy to imagine what it would be like to uproot one’s life to start all over in a new country, with a moderately large family. I loved the growth that this book displayed while this family grew to love their new home and country, much more than they ever expected to.
Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
August 4, 2023
THE INN ON BLUEBELL LANE by KATE HEWITT is a delightful novel that takes place in the small village of Llandrigg in Wales. Matthew Davies becomes redundant in his banking job in Connecticut and he and his wife Ellie decide to move to Wales with their four children, ranging in age from four years old to thirteen, to help his widowed mother, Gwen, with her B and B.
From Jess’s misery at starting a new school at thirteen and being separated from Chloe her BFF, to Ellie’s barrle to adapt and her rather fraught relationship with Gwen, to Matthew’s grand ideas and lack of DIY skills, one can only expect things to be difficult! Is this the place where the family are expecting to reconnect in a special way and experience new things? ………
I am not going to tell you any more for fear of spoiling the read for you.
I enjoy this author and recommend this book to anyone who enjoys this genre.
I was given a free copy of the book by NetGalley from Bookouture. The opinions in this review are completely my own.
From Jess’s misery at starting a new school at thirteen and being separated from Chloe her BFF, to Ellie’s barrle to adapt and her rather fraught relationship with Gwen, to Matthew’s grand ideas and lack of DIY skills, one can only expect things to be difficult! Is this the place where the family are expecting to reconnect in a special way and experience new things? ………
I am not going to tell you any more for fear of spoiling the read for you.
I enjoy this author and recommend this book to anyone who enjoys this genre.
I was given a free copy of the book by NetGalley from Bookouture. The opinions in this review are completely my own.
August 4, 2023
I have to say that this book made feel so many emotions. That just goes to show how deeply Kate Hewitt's books make you feel. Ellie, her husband, Matthew, and their three children move from Connecticut to Wales, where Matthew was born and raised, to help his mother run the family inn. It's supposed to be a fresh start for everyone but the children have lived their entire lives in America, so moving so far away from everything that is familiar brings lots of new problems. I wanted Ellie to speak up when her sister-in-law seemed to look down on her when she called something by an American name instead of the English version. And having never had to move or change schools growing up, I sympathized with the children, especially when things were so different. Kate's stories always have such heart and emotion. That's why I keep reading her books.
Thanks to Kate, Bookouture, and Netgalley for letting me read "The Inn on Bluebell Lane".
Thanks to Kate, Bookouture, and Netgalley for letting me read "The Inn on Bluebell Lane".
August 11, 2023
A story about a multigenerational family that try and cope with some major life strain. This is the first in a new series. A move to a new country, fitting in, illness, life stress. It’s told from three women of different generations. Gwen the mother in law, Ellie and her daughter Jess. It makes you think about what you have and what could happen. What family is and where home is.
I really liked all three women telling the story and my heart went out for them for many reasons. I rooted for them to connect and find strength in each other. The characters are well developed and grew during the book.
The author really knows how to draw the reader in and then keep them with an emotional story with ups and downs and hope. Full of adapting to real life changing situations, this resilient family comes out a little stronger by the end of the book.
If you are looking for a quick emotional read, you should pick this one up.
I really liked all three women telling the story and my heart went out for them for many reasons. I rooted for them to connect and find strength in each other. The characters are well developed and grew during the book.
The author really knows how to draw the reader in and then keep them with an emotional story with ups and downs and hope. Full of adapting to real life changing situations, this resilient family comes out a little stronger by the end of the book.
If you are looking for a quick emotional read, you should pick this one up.
August 3, 2023
The Inn on Bluebell Lane is a lovely women’s fiction story by Kate Hewitt. Ellie and family moving back to her husband’s family inn reminds us that change can be difficult not just for the older but for the younger ones too. As all including Ellie’s mother-in-law must come to terms with the change this character driven story is interesting, honest and believable.
The setting is beautifully described as well as the work that is needed completed to the inn. The characters are realistically developed with Ellie as the wife and mother many times put in the middle of all the relationships. Emotionally rich story that will keep you reading until the very end to see how this family resolves all of the difficult situations.
An ARC of the book was provided by the publisher through NetGalley which I voluntarily chose to read and review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
The setting is beautifully described as well as the work that is needed completed to the inn. The characters are realistically developed with Ellie as the wife and mother many times put in the middle of all the relationships. Emotionally rich story that will keep you reading until the very end to see how this family resolves all of the difficult situations.
An ARC of the book was provided by the publisher through NetGalley which I voluntarily chose to read and review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
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