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Village of Berkingsley #1
What's Handed Down
Renowned pianist Emilia Graham should feel like she's on top of the world. After all, she's living her dream of performing in one of the most prestigious music halls in Europe. But overwhelmed with grief over the death of her mother, she channels all her energy into fulfilling their shared dream, believing it is the key to finding happiness.
The quaint English village of Berkingsley quickly draws her in, with its beautiful running trails, delicious local fare (and flowing pints of ale), and friendly, though meddlesome residents, especially Theo Collins, the blue-eyed, town favorite with his own hidden past. Won over by his charm, latte-making skills, and ability to make her feel something other than sadness, Emilia's focus drifts away from her goals. She finds herself distracted by her growing feelings for a man and village she will soon be leaving, resulting in mistakes on stage in front of thousands of people.
When she discovers a decades-old village secret, Emilia must decide if there is more to life than just her music. With her piano career on the line, can she confront her past and allow love into her future? If not, her mother won't be the only one she is letting down.
The quaint English village of Berkingsley quickly draws her in, with its beautiful running trails, delicious local fare (and flowing pints of ale), and friendly, though meddlesome residents, especially Theo Collins, the blue-eyed, town favorite with his own hidden past. Won over by his charm, latte-making skills, and ability to make her feel something other than sadness, Emilia's focus drifts away from her goals. She finds herself distracted by her growing feelings for a man and village she will soon be leaving, resulting in mistakes on stage in front of thousands of people.
When she discovers a decades-old village secret, Emilia must decide if there is more to life than just her music. With her piano career on the line, can she confront her past and allow love into her future? If not, her mother won't be the only one she is letting down.
- GenresRomance
344 pages, Paperback
Published June 18, 2023
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
June 19, 2023
I always give five stars to the books that I want to reread and keep on my bookshelf. Well, seeing how I've read this about twelve times, I guess I'm allowed to give it five stars 😁
Thank you for reading the story that came from my heart. I hope you enjoy the characters as much as I did and find something relatable in Emilia's story of overcoming grief and finding happiness.
Thank you for reading the story that came from my heart. I hope you enjoy the characters as much as I did and find something relatable in Emilia's story of overcoming grief and finding happiness.
July 5, 2023
What's Handed Down is a beautiful story that interweaves music, family history, and community in such a meaningful way you can't help but get sucked in. Emilia is a pianist, dealing with both her soul crushing grief and the opportunity she has worked her whole life for. She ends up in an old English manor, full of history and the secrets that go with it. This is a stunning story about grief and growth, tragedy and redemption, friendships, family and love that I can't recommend enough! What a stunning debut.
August 22, 2023
I love reading Indie Authors' work!! This year I have been focused on reading only Indie books and this one was recommended to me. I enjoyed the slow sweet build of the romance in this story, it makes the story twist and turn with angst and sorrow.
Emalia is a professional pianist who recently lost her mother. Her mother was the driving force in her life, pushing her to excel in piano training and competitions. Emalia feels lost without her guiding voice and support. Though it has been a year since her death, Emalia is still grieving and trying to move on.
She takes a chance to perform in England and stays at a very high-end hotel. This turns out to be a life-changing event, including her discovering love, friends, and lost family. It is both heartbreaking and heartwarming, but oh so sweet.
Emalia is a professional pianist who recently lost her mother. Her mother was the driving force in her life, pushing her to excel in piano training and competitions. Emalia feels lost without her guiding voice and support. Though it has been a year since her death, Emalia is still grieving and trying to move on.
She takes a chance to perform in England and stays at a very high-end hotel. This turns out to be a life-changing event, including her discovering love, friends, and lost family. It is both heartbreaking and heartwarming, but oh so sweet.
August 13, 2023
This is more of an emotional, self-discovery story than the romance I expected, but I loved it. I related to Emilia’s pain of losing her mother. It was real and raw at times. I didn’t quite understand all of Emilia’s ticks; her ambition drives her life, fuels everything inside her. And she comes off as a person who doesn’t want to have any connections but at the same time, that is everything she yearns for.
The story started out a bit slow for me and didn’t really pique my interest until about a quarter of the way through when it became apparent that there was a love interest. Sure, I can read a book without romance in it, but do I prefer romance? Absolutely. And boy, do I love Theo. He’s a cinnamon roll who makes a mean cup of joe, and I wish there was more of him at the beginning of the book.
Before I say any more about the romance, this is a fade to black. My smut-loving self was a little disappointed, but honestly, Theo and Emilia’s love story had enough to keep me going. I couldn’t wait for the next scene with Theo, and then the next, and then the next. He is just so delectable. And I love a man who speaks from the heart!
What I love most about this story is that it’s about a girl finding out who she is to herself. At first, Emilia believes the path she is on is only to find her place in the world as a world-renowned pianist. Instead, she finds a whole other side of herself. Breaking down those inner walls we build to provide a false sense of security is probably the hardest thing a person can do. We are all afraid to open ourselves up, especially after losing someone. But when we do, the possibilities are endless.
The story started out a bit slow for me and didn’t really pique my interest until about a quarter of the way through when it became apparent that there was a love interest. Sure, I can read a book without romance in it, but do I prefer romance? Absolutely. And boy, do I love Theo. He’s a cinnamon roll who makes a mean cup of joe, and I wish there was more of him at the beginning of the book.
Before I say any more about the romance, this is a fade to black. My smut-loving self was a little disappointed, but honestly, Theo and Emilia’s love story had enough to keep me going. I couldn’t wait for the next scene with Theo, and then the next, and then the next. He is just so delectable. And I love a man who speaks from the heart!
What I love most about this story is that it’s about a girl finding out who she is to herself. At first, Emilia believes the path she is on is only to find her place in the world as a world-renowned pianist. Instead, she finds a whole other side of herself. Breaking down those inner walls we build to provide a false sense of security is probably the hardest thing a person can do. We are all afraid to open ourselves up, especially after losing someone. But when we do, the possibilities are endless.
December 2, 2023
This was a great debut book by author Joelle Cullen. In this story we follow Emilia Graham, a famous pianist who is visiting London in hopes of achieving her dream of earning a spot on the top 5 musicians under 30 award. As Emilia works towards accomplishing her dream, she is also struggling with immense grief as she tries to enjoy her success without her mother by her side to share it with. This was a beautiful story of learning to live again after loss, and a sweet romance. A journey of exploring why we are reaching towards the goals in our life, and if they are really our dreams at all. I loved the setting, the side characters, and enjoyed the playlist and recipes at the end. A great first book, and I can’t wait to see what Joelle writes next!
June 24, 2023
I really loved this book!
I was able to review it from @breysbooktours.
I instantly felt for Emilia’s character. She’s smart, talented and kind. She deserves all the good things happening for her. Of course she wishes things could be different by having her mother join her on this once in a lifetime experience playing piano abroad. She’s worked so hard for this experience.
Emilia begins to explore the beautiful countryside of Berkingsley. She befriends Alice who works within the estate she’s been staying at. You do not want to miss reading this absolutely wonderful story. You’ll uncover secrets, feelings, heartbreak and wonderment.
I was able to review it from @breysbooktours.
I instantly felt for Emilia’s character. She’s smart, talented and kind. She deserves all the good things happening for her. Of course she wishes things could be different by having her mother join her on this once in a lifetime experience playing piano abroad. She’s worked so hard for this experience.
Emilia begins to explore the beautiful countryside of Berkingsley. She befriends Alice who works within the estate she’s been staying at. You do not want to miss reading this absolutely wonderful story. You’ll uncover secrets, feelings, heartbreak and wonderment.
June 26, 2023
WHATS HANDED DOWN - JOELLE CULLEN
PLOT - Emilia Graham is a renowned pianist who gets to perform at the prestigious Royal Albert Hall in London, it would be a dream come true which she and her mother dreamt together but Emila is riddled with grief following her mother's death and now she has to channel all that she has to focus and perform her best whilst slowly try to find happiness for herself.
MY THOUGHTS -
Whats Handed Down is a beautifully written story of Emilia who inspite of a year of mother's passing is encapsulated in grief. As Emilia lands up at a small English town of Berkingsley the small town life the people living there along with Emilias music all help her little by little in her journey to find happiness and lead a new normal life. Added to this, we do have a budding small town rance and a few secrets making it a very engaging read.
The highlight for me was Joelles writing her background in grammer is clearly evident the word building, phrasing, description are so vivid transporting you in the quaint British town.
This is available on kindle unlimited so check it out.
PLOT - Emilia Graham is a renowned pianist who gets to perform at the prestigious Royal Albert Hall in London, it would be a dream come true which she and her mother dreamt together but Emila is riddled with grief following her mother's death and now she has to channel all that she has to focus and perform her best whilst slowly try to find happiness for herself.
MY THOUGHTS -
Whats Handed Down is a beautifully written story of Emilia who inspite of a year of mother's passing is encapsulated in grief. As Emilia lands up at a small English town of Berkingsley the small town life the people living there along with Emilias music all help her little by little in her journey to find happiness and lead a new normal life. Added to this, we do have a budding small town rance and a few secrets making it a very engaging read.
The highlight for me was Joelles writing her background in grammer is clearly evident the word building, phrasing, description are so vivid transporting you in the quaint British town.
This is available on kindle unlimited so check it out.
August 24, 2023
An extremely fun, emotionally-charged read that I thoroughly enjoyed. This is usually not my genre, but this was the kind of book that makes me really enjoy this genre and think: "ah, I should pick up more books like this." It has a beautifully woven world of self-discovery and romance.
Super happy and props to the author! ♥️♥️
Super happy and props to the author! ♥️♥️
August 6, 2023
I really enjoyed this book! Joelle does a wonderful job pulling you into Emilia's world. She was a relatable heroine who gave you a cute glimpse into life visiting a quaint English village. I loved the relationship Emilia developed with Alice, Trevor, and obviously Theo. I'm looking forward to seeing more from Joelle! As far as contemporary romances go...I highly recommend!
August 19, 2023
Eeee! My sweet friend Joelle @coffeeshopcorner wrote a novel and I’m so incredibly proud of her! If you love Women’s Fiction sprinkled with romance then WHAT’S HANDED DOWN is a must read 🩷
𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐈 𝐥𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐝:
-London setting
-dealings with grief
-twist I did not see coming
-character growth
I’ve loved following Joelle along on this journey and learning more about the writing and self-publishing process 🤓 I’m so happy for you friend!
You can read WHATS HANDED DOWN for free on KU or order on Amazon 🩷
𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐈 𝐥𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐝:
-London setting
-dealings with grief
-twist I did not see coming
-character growth
I’ve loved following Joelle along on this journey and learning more about the writing and self-publishing process 🤓 I’m so happy for you friend!
You can read WHATS HANDED DOWN for free on KU or order on Amazon 🩷
July 7, 2023
“My mom barely ever let the pain of her past slip beyond her eyes. But I felt the difference in that moment sitting on the bench by the river. My mom’s hope for the future had poured out of every part of her."
"The world continuing to turn, as it does, even during life’s unspeakable pain."
Blurb: Renowned pianist Emilia Graham should feel like she’s on top of the world. After all, she’s living her dream of performing in one of the most prestigious music halls in Europe. But overwhelmed with grief over the death of her mother, she channels all her energy into fulfilling their shared dream, believing it is the key to finding happiness. The quaint English village of Berkingsley quickly draws her in, with its beautiful running trails, delicious local fare (and flowing pints of ale), and friendly, though meddlesome residents, especially Theo Collins, the blue-eyed, town favorite with his own hidden past. Won over by his charm, latte-making skills, and ability to make her feel something other than sadness, Emilia’s focus drifts away from her goals. She finds herself distracted by her growing feelings for a man and village she will soon be leaving, resulting in mistakes on stage in front of thousands of people. When she discovers a decades-old village secret, Emilia must decide if there is more to life than just her music. With her piano career on the line, can she confront her past and allow love into her future? If not, her mother won’t be the only one she is letting down.
My thoughts: This one was cute! The whole time is giving me what a girl wants vibes (you know that movie with Amanda Bynes and Colin Firth in it!) I love the two worlds combining over a love for music, and the setting was perfect! Also reading about this main character trying to move on with her life even though the grief of losing her mother was so fresh and forefront in her mind was so endearing and made me feel all her heart break with her! I enjoyed the side characters and feel like there could've been so much more with them! Anyway as usual Thanks so much to @breysbooktours and @coffeeshopcorner for letting me be on this team!
I give What's handed down by Joelle Cullen ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
"The world continuing to turn, as it does, even during life’s unspeakable pain."
Blurb: Renowned pianist Emilia Graham should feel like she’s on top of the world. After all, she’s living her dream of performing in one of the most prestigious music halls in Europe. But overwhelmed with grief over the death of her mother, she channels all her energy into fulfilling their shared dream, believing it is the key to finding happiness. The quaint English village of Berkingsley quickly draws her in, with its beautiful running trails, delicious local fare (and flowing pints of ale), and friendly, though meddlesome residents, especially Theo Collins, the blue-eyed, town favorite with his own hidden past. Won over by his charm, latte-making skills, and ability to make her feel something other than sadness, Emilia’s focus drifts away from her goals. She finds herself distracted by her growing feelings for a man and village she will soon be leaving, resulting in mistakes on stage in front of thousands of people. When she discovers a decades-old village secret, Emilia must decide if there is more to life than just her music. With her piano career on the line, can she confront her past and allow love into her future? If not, her mother won’t be the only one she is letting down.
My thoughts: This one was cute! The whole time is giving me what a girl wants vibes (you know that movie with Amanda Bynes and Colin Firth in it!) I love the two worlds combining over a love for music, and the setting was perfect! Also reading about this main character trying to move on with her life even though the grief of losing her mother was so fresh and forefront in her mind was so endearing and made me feel all her heart break with her! I enjoyed the side characters and feel like there could've been so much more with them! Anyway as usual Thanks so much to @breysbooktours and @coffeeshopcorner for letting me be on this team!
I give What's handed down by Joelle Cullen ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
June 30, 2023
Hi Folks,
Its book review time today!
What’s Handed Down by Joelle Cullen is a heartwarming tale, set in the quaint English village of Berkingsley near London. It is a tale about love and loss, passion and dreams, friendship and community and more importantly overcoming grief and being happy.
Emilia Graham is a renowned American pianist who is set to perform in one of the most prestigious music halls in Europe. Ever since her childhood, Emilia & her mother had dreamt of her being named as one of the ‘TOP 5 Greatest Musicians under 30’. So, when this opportunity, strikes in Emilia is all set to achieve this with a grieving heart over the death of her mother. So when, this small scenic village and its people draw her in, Emilia resists only to fall in love with Theo Collins, the gorgeous blue-eyed, town favorite who himself has a hidden past. This distraction of loving a man and village that she will soon leave behind, results in a mistake on the stage in front of thousands of people that will be deciding the fate of her happiness.
What I really liked about the book is the picturesque setting, the character development and the simple storyline that brings out a lot of emotions from the readers. Emilia’s relationship with her mother and her grief has been sketched out really well. Nora & Alice are the friends one will always want in life. Their constant support, words of encouragement are simply what makes Emilia get going. The romance is light & cute, and you will root for the lead pair. The secrets in Berkingsley and the climax is well portrayed too.
Overall, if you are looking in for a light-cozy-romantic-quaint set-up reading, ‘What’s Handed Down’ should be your pick. I enjoyed reading this book and would like to thank @breybooktours for making me a part of the Book Review Tour.
Rating 4/5
Its book review time today!
What’s Handed Down by Joelle Cullen is a heartwarming tale, set in the quaint English village of Berkingsley near London. It is a tale about love and loss, passion and dreams, friendship and community and more importantly overcoming grief and being happy.
Emilia Graham is a renowned American pianist who is set to perform in one of the most prestigious music halls in Europe. Ever since her childhood, Emilia & her mother had dreamt of her being named as one of the ‘TOP 5 Greatest Musicians under 30’. So, when this opportunity, strikes in Emilia is all set to achieve this with a grieving heart over the death of her mother. So when, this small scenic village and its people draw her in, Emilia resists only to fall in love with Theo Collins, the gorgeous blue-eyed, town favorite who himself has a hidden past. This distraction of loving a man and village that she will soon leave behind, results in a mistake on the stage in front of thousands of people that will be deciding the fate of her happiness.
What I really liked about the book is the picturesque setting, the character development and the simple storyline that brings out a lot of emotions from the readers. Emilia’s relationship with her mother and her grief has been sketched out really well. Nora & Alice are the friends one will always want in life. Their constant support, words of encouragement are simply what makes Emilia get going. The romance is light & cute, and you will root for the lead pair. The secrets in Berkingsley and the climax is well portrayed too.
Overall, if you are looking in for a light-cozy-romantic-quaint set-up reading, ‘What’s Handed Down’ should be your pick. I enjoyed reading this book and would like to thank @breybooktours for making me a part of the Book Review Tour.
Rating 4/5
June 30, 2023
What’s Handed Down weaves a heartwarming story of a renowned pianist who embarks on a concert tour in England only to discover friendship and healing in unexpected places.
This story follows Emilia, a talented pianist whose life has been shattered by the loss of her beloved mother. Haunted by grief and struggling to find joy in performing on such a large scale without her mother there to see it, support her, and enjoy it with her, she finds herself struggling through her trip. But along the way, she makes great friends and leans on the healing power of music and time.
As someone who has lost a parent, I related to Emilia so much in her yearning to share and enjoy her success with her mother. The scene where Emilia breaks down on the phone with her best friend on the anniversary of her mother’s death struck a deep chord with me. It took me back to a time when I could see nothing beyond the pain of that immense loss.
This novel is a testament to the strength of the human spirit and the profound impact that simple acts of kindness and understanding can have on a person’s life. If you’re seeking a heartfelt story that combines music, family, love, friendship and a journey towards healing, What’s Handed Down will be a great read for you.
This story follows Emilia, a talented pianist whose life has been shattered by the loss of her beloved mother. Haunted by grief and struggling to find joy in performing on such a large scale without her mother there to see it, support her, and enjoy it with her, she finds herself struggling through her trip. But along the way, she makes great friends and leans on the healing power of music and time.
As someone who has lost a parent, I related to Emilia so much in her yearning to share and enjoy her success with her mother. The scene where Emilia breaks down on the phone with her best friend on the anniversary of her mother’s death struck a deep chord with me. It took me back to a time when I could see nothing beyond the pain of that immense loss.
This novel is a testament to the strength of the human spirit and the profound impact that simple acts of kindness and understanding can have on a person’s life. If you’re seeking a heartfelt story that combines music, family, love, friendship and a journey towards healing, What’s Handed Down will be a great read for you.
September 10, 2023
If you're looking for a sweet, angsty US-UK romance set in a quaint English village just outside of London, this is your cuppa.
While chapter 18 and a later chapter featured intense shirt-stripping make-out scenes, the only down to business scene was a fade to black.
It's heavy on the girly conversations, comfort, friends, dealing with grief, and Theo is a beautiful man. I really enjoyed the heartfelt conversations and vulnerability between characters as they offered comfort and shared their losses and heartaches.
All of the characters were well written. I loved Alice, William, Kathryn, Trevor, and Noah.
CONTENT: Religious readers should be advised that this story contains a myriad mix of US & UK swears, drinking, a nightclub scene, and a gay couple.
Even if it was a little predictable, this story featured one of the sweetest found family tropes I've ever read.
There's also a recipe at the end of the book that I cannot wait to try.
There were a handful of word-errors that fell through the proofreading cracks and stumbled my reading pace. But overall the story was captivating and well written.
While chapter 18 and a later chapter featured intense shirt-stripping make-out scenes, the only down to business scene was a fade to black.
It's heavy on the girly conversations, comfort, friends, dealing with grief, and Theo is a beautiful man. I really enjoyed the heartfelt conversations and vulnerability between characters as they offered comfort and shared their losses and heartaches.
All of the characters were well written. I loved Alice, William, Kathryn, Trevor, and Noah.
CONTENT: Religious readers should be advised that this story contains a myriad mix of US & UK swears, drinking, a nightclub scene, and a gay couple.
Even if it was a little predictable, this story featured one of the sweetest found family tropes I've ever read.
There's also a recipe at the end of the book that I cannot wait to try.
There were a handful of word-errors that fell through the proofreading cracks and stumbled my reading pace. But overall the story was captivating and well written.
February 5, 2024
3.5 stars - I enjoyed this book and Emilia's story. She's suffering from grief and has to travel to London for a piano residency for a few weeks. She's a famous pianist and is trying to win a spot in Salzburg with an orchestra, and she's determined to win. She's very dedicated to her craft and practices all the time. She gets an invitation to stay at a hotel in Berkingsley for the time she's there. The village is charming, and Emilia falls under its spell and becomes friends with Alice, Travis, Noah, and Theo. As she gets to know Theo, she starts falling for him, which is a new thing for Em. She's usually so focused on her playing. As time goes on, she starts to realize there's more to life than playing the piano. She finds out some shocking news about her mother, and it connects her to Berkingsley in a way that Emilia never knew. As her residency comes to a close, she must make the decision to stay or go back to Boston. The ending was really good and I enjoyed how the story wrapped up.
October 5, 2024
4✨️ 2🌶
TW:
• Grief and Loss
Tropes:
• Small town
• Slowburn
• London village
Review:
I loved this read and going on Emilia's adventure to Berkingsley. It also has some really good lines to self-reflect and wisdom bombs. It's full of emotions, memories and love and navigating life.
"It's funny how your perspective changes as an adult....you realize that no one really knows what the hero they are doing in life. No matter how old or wise you get. Everyone is just winging it and doing the best they can."
After her mom passes, Emilia leaves Boston to go on a tour for Paino to London (and that letter from her mom #Sobbing!) She loves a good coffee and a good pint of ice cream. Theo owns Mae's Eatery in Berkingsley, and makes a great cup of coffee, (and learning about Mae's 😭) its such a cozy quaint Small London village.
We get a fun pup, Maggie the Aussie! Always a good book with an animal sidekick! The slowburn love between Emilia and Theo was sweet! From their First kiss while baking blueberry muffins to goofy banter on their official first date.
"I love the hell out of you, and I promise to work every day to deserve you. Because you and all your quirks are pure perfection to me."
TW:
• Grief and Loss
Tropes:
• Small town
• Slowburn
• London village
Review:
I loved this read and going on Emilia's adventure to Berkingsley. It also has some really good lines to self-reflect and wisdom bombs. It's full of emotions, memories and love and navigating life.
"It's funny how your perspective changes as an adult....you realize that no one really knows what the hero they are doing in life. No matter how old or wise you get. Everyone is just winging it and doing the best they can."
After her mom passes, Emilia leaves Boston to go on a tour for Paino to London (and that letter from her mom #Sobbing!) She loves a good coffee and a good pint of ice cream. Theo owns Mae's Eatery in Berkingsley, and makes a great cup of coffee, (and learning about Mae's 😭) its such a cozy quaint Small London village.
We get a fun pup, Maggie the Aussie! Always a good book with an animal sidekick! The slowburn love between Emilia and Theo was sweet! From their First kiss while baking blueberry muffins to goofy banter on their official first date.
"I love the hell out of you, and I promise to work every day to deserve you. Because you and all your quirks are pure perfection to me."
September 6, 2023
First of all, the descriptions in this book are fantastic. The author describes foliage, humidity, and inside descriptions of watercolor portraits, banisters, and so on in beautiful detail yet not belabored. I also love the way the author notices the transformative power of travel. “…this village and these next few weeks would entirely change my life.” So, if you’re like me and love to feel like you are traveling when you read, then this book is for you. The other thing I enjoyed was the exploration of grief, but not in a bogged down, inactive sort of way. She looks at how grief can motivate us to push forward in our careers and really any goal, but is this a remnant of something undealt with that moves us? Is it always healthy? There’s just so much here to explore. The author does this and does it well. Give it a read. I think you’ll enjoy it.
August 20, 2023
A coffee-filled love story that has you dreaming of a cosy English village.
What's Handed Down by Joelle Cullen is sweet romance that will have you daydreaming about old English mansions and cafes with the best muffins and coffee around.
The story follows Emilia on a journey of self-discovery as she tries to figure out who she is and what she wants in the wake of her mothers death. She finds herself in a village outside of London where she meets a host of kind people who help her on her journey.
It's a sweet, heart-warming story and romance. The book was well written and I really enjoyed experiencing the world through Emilia. There is even a cute recipe for the in-world muffins at the end :)
What's Handed Down by Joelle Cullen is sweet romance that will have you daydreaming about old English mansions and cafes with the best muffins and coffee around.
The story follows Emilia on a journey of self-discovery as she tries to figure out who she is and what she wants in the wake of her mothers death. She finds herself in a village outside of London where she meets a host of kind people who help her on her journey.
It's a sweet, heart-warming story and romance. The book was well written and I really enjoyed experiencing the world through Emilia. There is even a cute recipe for the in-world muffins at the end :)
September 12, 2023
What a cutesy, easy read!
From the word go, this book was a page turner and I really liked the FMC, Emilia. The recent loss of her mum and the fact she was a bit of a loner-mainly due to following, what I deemed as, her mum's dream, pulled at my heart strings.
I loved the characters she met in Berkingsley, England, and the author painted a wonderfully vivid picture of the quaint village/town and the people who resided there. I laughed at the old dears in the nursing home.
The romance didn't really start until 50% of the way through the book and it was a little predictable at times, but I enjoyed it nevertheless.
If you are looking for a sweet, cosy read, with no foul language and a closed door romance, this is for you!
From the word go, this book was a page turner and I really liked the FMC, Emilia. The recent loss of her mum and the fact she was a bit of a loner-mainly due to following, what I deemed as, her mum's dream, pulled at my heart strings.
I loved the characters she met in Berkingsley, England, and the author painted a wonderfully vivid picture of the quaint village/town and the people who resided there. I laughed at the old dears in the nursing home.
The romance didn't really start until 50% of the way through the book and it was a little predictable at times, but I enjoyed it nevertheless.
If you are looking for a sweet, cosy read, with no foul language and a closed door romance, this is for you!
Read
June 27, 2023This was my first book by Cullen and it was delightful to read! It was a perfect palette cleanser for me but still had enough meat for me to enjoy. This book isn’t all fluff that you would find in a romance but tackles the feelings of dealing with grief.
I’m not sure I would categorize this as romance but there is a slight touch between Emilia and Theo. The biggest thing I did struggle with is that I found this book very dry. I think this was mostly a me problem since I felt unable to connect emotionally to the story.
Overall, this will be the perfect book for your beach trip or your summer TBR.
I’m not sure I would categorize this as romance but there is a slight touch between Emilia and Theo. The biggest thing I did struggle with is that I found this book very dry. I think this was mostly a me problem since I felt unable to connect emotionally to the story.
Overall, this will be the perfect book for your beach trip or your summer TBR.
September 14, 2023
What’s Handed Down is, in many ways, what a romance should be. The writing style is richly descriptive, the plot simple yet engaging, and the main character, Emilia, a renowned pianist, is someone the reader cares about. I particularly enjoyed how this book isn’t *just* romance — it’s also about the MC’s growth, grief, struggles, and attempts to reconcile ambition, especially in creative areas, with the need to actually live life. The story is almost too relatable. And the crown of it is all the truly genuine and supportive female relationships, with Nora, Alice, Kathryn, and others.
January 12, 2024
The author lists this book as a Contemporary Romance—and it checks all the boxes—but it is so much more than that. This novel is also a story about mother-daughter love, loss, and the challenge of carrying on after the death of a beloved parent. If you enjoy heart-warming love stories of any type, I think you’ll like What’s Handed Down. Hint: Continue reading after the last page. The author thoughtfully includes three bonuses, at least one of which is sure to appeal to readers who enjoyed the book.
June 14, 2023
The story pulled me in from start to finish. You'll become endeared to the characters as they come to life while reading the pages. Witty, clever, serious, and lighthearted at various points throughout the book. The central story will drive your curiosity to discover what becomes of Emilia on her path to greatness. Recommend this book to anyone who is looking to escape into a heartwarming world that is also relatable to each of us.
June 26, 2023
Finding yourself and also a hot guy in an English picturesque village?! Yes, please! The potential this plot and book has is huge. How Emilia cope with her grief and also embracing new relationships in her life is nothing short of amazing. I loved how the author described the quaint cozy English village. The imagination came to life. I loved how it was such a tight knit community and how helpful each people are.
August 11, 2023
What's Handed Down is a beautiful story about music, family and community. Emilia is a pianist grieving the loss of her mother, but a new surrounding gives her the opportunity to find love and friendship.
I loved everything about the story. I could relate to Emilia's pain and I felt like I was travelling and experiencing everything with her. I really enjoyed the bonding, the friendship of all the characters and the romance.
Very good book.
I loved everything about the story. I could relate to Emilia's pain and I felt like I was travelling and experiencing everything with her. I really enjoyed the bonding, the friendship of all the characters and the romance.
Very good book.
August 12, 2023
Amazing and Binge-worthy Read!
I absolutely loved this book! The slow burn small town romance was everything I didn’t know I needed! I’m not one to usually read straight up romance but I saw this on IG and it sounded too good to pass up!
It’s got everything you want in a romance and I loved the fact it wasn’t full of spice! Fade to black or closed door is so rare to find now days and the author did a fantastic job!
I will definitely read more from this author!
I absolutely loved this book! The slow burn small town romance was everything I didn’t know I needed! I’m not one to usually read straight up romance but I saw this on IG and it sounded too good to pass up!
It’s got everything you want in a romance and I loved the fact it wasn’t full of spice! Fade to black or closed door is so rare to find now days and the author did a fantastic job!
I will definitely read more from this author!
September 21, 2023
I truly enjoyed escaping to this quaint and charming English town and getting swept away in this cozy, “feel good” book. The story is character-driven and emotional as Emilia overcomes grief and opens up to others. I loved all the quirky characters, new friendships, found family and self-discovery. Theo, the blue-eyed town favorite, is perfect. He’s honest, vulnerable, caring and supportive- everything a partner should be.
I am so happy I stumbled upon Joelle Cullen I and am looking forward to escaping in her next story!
I am so happy I stumbled upon Joelle Cullen I and am looking forward to escaping in her next story!
March 4, 2026
This was actually such a cute read! It’s a closed door, slow burn romance that kept me smiling the entire time. I think there was only one time I thought, “oh my gosh girl, get over yourself already.” 🙄 And thankfully that was short lived; moments after that thought, the FMC pulled herself up and did what she needed to do!
I definitely recommend this! Specifically for like a spring/summer time read; would be perfect for a poolside book!
I definitely recommend this! Specifically for like a spring/summer time read; would be perfect for a poolside book!
June 26, 2023
Ok. So many thoughts on this one. First off, Emilia seems to be living up to dreams that aren’t her own. Doesn’t seem like she’s ever thought about what life is beyond the piano. Her relationship with her mother was deeply dependent. Having a good relationship with your mother is good but it seems it was her only constant relationship.
The romance was sloooooow going. They didn’t spend enough time together for me to justify falling in love so quickly. Guess I’m not a fall in love at first sight person. It’s too fast and not enough build up of the relationship. (Closed door sex.)
Giving 3 stars because I was able to read through it fairly easy. Kept my attention and made me think about her situation. However just not for me over all because of the things stated above.
Come read with me.
https://instagram.com/booksy.tx.ana?i...
The romance was sloooooow going. They didn’t spend enough time together for me to justify falling in love so quickly. Guess I’m not a fall in love at first sight person. It’s too fast and not enough build up of the relationship. (Closed door sex.)
Giving 3 stars because I was able to read through it fairly easy. Kept my attention and made me think about her situation. However just not for me over all because of the things stated above.
Come read with me.
https://instagram.com/booksy.tx.ana?i...
June 28, 2023
I just finished this beauty. Such a beautiful love story. Not just between a man and a woman but between a mother and daughter, a woman and her friends. I laughed and cried. It provided so many thought provoking moments. I have felt the lose of my best friend, my mom and the author hit all my emotions so accurately. Bravo for a great read. I will miss Emilia and her friends.
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