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Moving to Combe Tollbridge
When a cosy country cottage goes up for sale in Combe Tollbridge, a small fishing village tucked away on a quiet corner of the Exmoor coast, young couple Jane and Jasper decide to make the move. But whilst Jane is returning to the place of happy childhood memories by the sea, another recent newcomer to the village, Angela, has sadder reasons for her move. Receiving a warm welcome from the colourful residents who call the village home, all three soon become embroiled in rural life, and find it not as sedate as they might have once imagined...
231 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 3, 2023
1 person is currently reading
13 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
February 15, 2025
Had a really difficult time with this book. Started it 3 different times and found it hard to read and characters just did not pop for me
August 12, 2023
ARC🌞 DNF 15% 🚫
Maybe I just didn't know what I got myself into but it felt way too slow for my taste. I couldn't understand the direction things were taking, the point of the book, the multitude of characters etc. If it's your cup of tea, try this chill cozy town read, but don't expect to be carried by the plot.
Maybe I just didn't know what I got myself into but it felt way too slow for my taste. I couldn't understand the direction things were taking, the point of the book, the multitude of characters etc. If it's your cup of tea, try this chill cozy town read, but don't expect to be carried by the plot.
July 27, 2023
The story opens with the arrival of Angela, who shows up in a bit of a flurry. Jane and Jasper require little in the way of persuasion to embark on their new adventure in Combe Tollbridge. Events proceed from there and the reader soon discovers that much can happen in this tiny coastal village.
This book is full of colorful characters. From Barney Christmas, real estate developer, to storytellers Mickey and Mike Binns, from Miriam the weaver to Jan Bidd the pub owner and many more. All these characters form an integral part of the story to a greater or lesser degree and the story of Combe Tollbridge comes to life a little bit more with each encounter that Jane, Jasper and Angela have. Soon all three are adopted into the community and start to put their own stamp on the place.
I enjoyed this book from the first page. I found the main characters were well developed as the story opens up. Without a murder I wasn't sure how much could be said about a village but the author surprised me. Everyone had a story to tell until the village itself becomes a character. I liked how the village seems to gradually come to life as the newcomers are introduced to the community. I also appreciated how each character had a distinguishable personality that helped to keep them all straight as events escalate. While I don't claim to have any knowledge of the Exmoor coast, the author gave wonderful descriptions of the area and the challenges that the inhabitants faced with the geography of the place. Check this one out if your looking for a fun story and wash it all down with a glass of cider at the Anchor Pub.
4.5 stars
This book is full of colorful characters. From Barney Christmas, real estate developer, to storytellers Mickey and Mike Binns, from Miriam the weaver to Jan Bidd the pub owner and many more. All these characters form an integral part of the story to a greater or lesser degree and the story of Combe Tollbridge comes to life a little bit more with each encounter that Jane, Jasper and Angela have. Soon all three are adopted into the community and start to put their own stamp on the place.
I enjoyed this book from the first page. I found the main characters were well developed as the story opens up. Without a murder I wasn't sure how much could be said about a village but the author surprised me. Everyone had a story to tell until the village itself becomes a character. I liked how the village seems to gradually come to life as the newcomers are introduced to the community. I also appreciated how each character had a distinguishable personality that helped to keep them all straight as events escalate. While I don't claim to have any knowledge of the Exmoor coast, the author gave wonderful descriptions of the area and the challenges that the inhabitants faced with the geography of the place. Check this one out if your looking for a fun story and wash it all down with a glass of cider at the Anchor Pub.
4.5 stars
September 14, 2023
3.5⭐️
I’m very into genealogy and have discovered that I have a family line of ancestors from Exmoor that I can trace back for many generations. When I saw this book I thought it would be a lovely way for me to learn about Exmoor life, and I wasn’t wrong!
This is a really lovely cosy read, that focuses on the lives of three newcomers to Combe Tollbridge, a tiny harbour village in Exmoor. We follow them as they meet with a colourful cast of locals and learn about the customs, tradition as and history of the local area.
The locals are a varied bunch, and although most are related in one way or another, they all have their individual stories and personal usurped that shine through. Mike and Gabriel, the old residents who sit by the harbour making jumpers and retelling local legends to tourists, often with a little flourish of their own, were two of my favourites. Then there’s Miriam, local weaver, who makes her living selling blankets; Susan, the writer who has come to the village for somewhere peaceful to pen her novels; and Barney Christmas, local lad made good, although the source of his financial success is a constant source of gossip.
This book has a really homely feel about it, and I enjoyed the strong sense of community in this quiet little village. Overall, a nice, gentle, cosy read.
I’m very into genealogy and have discovered that I have a family line of ancestors from Exmoor that I can trace back for many generations. When I saw this book I thought it would be a lovely way for me to learn about Exmoor life, and I wasn’t wrong!
This is a really lovely cosy read, that focuses on the lives of three newcomers to Combe Tollbridge, a tiny harbour village in Exmoor. We follow them as they meet with a colourful cast of locals and learn about the customs, tradition as and history of the local area.
The locals are a varied bunch, and although most are related in one way or another, they all have their individual stories and personal usurped that shine through. Mike and Gabriel, the old residents who sit by the harbour making jumpers and retelling local legends to tourists, often with a little flourish of their own, were two of my favourites. Then there’s Miriam, local weaver, who makes her living selling blankets; Susan, the writer who has come to the village for somewhere peaceful to pen her novels; and Barney Christmas, local lad made good, although the source of his financial success is a constant source of gossip.
This book has a really homely feel about it, and I enjoyed the strong sense of community in this quiet little village. Overall, a nice, gentle, cosy read.
September 15, 2023
This is a lovely quirky novel set in an idyllic Cornish village and embracing a wide array of loveable and, at times, eccentric characters that bring these stories to life as the first in The Exmoor Harbour Tale series. For all those lovers of "Miss Seaton", which Roseanna has written under the pseudonym of Hamilton Crane, this new series will not disappoint.
Moving to Combe Tollbridge is an entertaining start ot the series, introducing you to the individual who run the shop, the pub, the various cottage industries and "The Gossip"......
From this perspective it is an ideal first novel for a series as it leaves you feeling as though you know everyone in the village, as well as some of the history surrounding Combe Tollbridge.
For those of you who love a series of books this will be one of those where you will be left waiting excitedly for the next instalment in the lives of the villagers that you have come to know personally whilst finding out how Jane, Jasper and Angela settle into their new lives, aided and abetted by the village characters.
A grreat 5 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 read for me.
Moving to Combe Tollbridge is an entertaining start ot the series, introducing you to the individual who run the shop, the pub, the various cottage industries and "The Gossip"......
From this perspective it is an ideal first novel for a series as it leaves you feeling as though you know everyone in the village, as well as some of the history surrounding Combe Tollbridge.
For those of you who love a series of books this will be one of those where you will be left waiting excitedly for the next instalment in the lives of the villagers that you have come to know personally whilst finding out how Jane, Jasper and Angela settle into their new lives, aided and abetted by the village characters.
A grreat 5 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 read for me.
September 18, 2023
I absolutely adored this book. It is an idillic story, with a village that is all but secluded from the rest of the world. It has an older population that all know each other like they are family that have been together forever. Each person seems to know everything about the lives of all the other about, they not only know but they truly care about one another. There is not always loads happening, but there is always something that seems to crop up to keep them all entertained and nattering away. It is such a sweet place an only one I could dream of retiring to one day, but it definitely is not a sedate, boring wee village.
As we get to know all the truly vibrant characters throughout the book, we soon come to find that there is quite a lot more to the village than meets the eye. There is always a bit of hustle and bustle and something happening. It’s really comes to life and the author has a way of making you part of the village, even the chats amongst patrons of the village post, as one goes to buy their paper and Pete’s peppermints.
It’s a wonderful read, not too long and the perfect pace to just enjoy and love the intricacies of it.
As we get to know all the truly vibrant characters throughout the book, we soon come to find that there is quite a lot more to the village than meets the eye. There is always a bit of hustle and bustle and something happening. It’s really comes to life and the author has a way of making you part of the village, even the chats amongst patrons of the village post, as one goes to buy their paper and Pete’s peppermints.
It’s a wonderful read, not too long and the perfect pace to just enjoy and love the intricacies of it.
September 6, 2023
Combe Tollbridge is a peaceful fishing village on the Exmoor coast. When a charming cottage goes on sale, Jasper and Jane move there from London. They are welcomed with open arms by the local community and soon become involved in parish politics. Angela, who is returning to stay with her mother Susan after breaking up with her boyfriend, has a rougher time, but soon gets back into the swing of rural life. The story centres on a dispute over a footbridge, and various other small-town dramas crop up along the way. There is a complicated network of family relationships in the village, and the residents are strongly aware of its history. Literature also gets a mention - the influential pub landlord is called Jan Ridd, a reference to the hero of Lorna Doone, a classic novel set on Exmoor. Roseanna Hall writes well, but I would have found it easier to follow the story if the characters had been introduced at regular intervals, instead of all together at the beginning. Readers who know North Devon will enjoy this book.
I received a free copy from Farrago Books in return for an honest review.
I received a free copy from Farrago Books in return for an honest review.
September 24, 2023
This is the first book in the Exmoor Harbour Tales series and also the first book I have read by this author.
Combe Tollbridge is a quiet, sleepy fishing village in the corner of the Exmoor coast. When Jane and Jasper spot a dreamy cosy cottage up for sale in the area, they jump at the chance to move there. Jane has many happy memories of her childhood spending time there by the sea.
Also moving back, is Angela. Following the breakdown of her relationship, she returns to the village to be close to her mother again.
As the three settle into village life, we discover that there's so much more to Combe Tollbridge!
I loved this quick read. The writing style enveloped you straight away and I honestly felt as though I was right there with everyone. Meeting the locals, learning about the history of the village and seeing some of the longstanding customs and traditions that are still upheld there.
I loved all the character who were relatable and totally unique. Often characters feel like a parady - but every single one here, I could quite imagine residing among the harbour cottages. Each with their little quirks, just going about their business and welcoming the newcomers.
This was such a cosy read - with no major drama - the sort of book to grab on a Sunday afternoon with a blanket and a warm drink - and just relax into a good story.
I'd love to see the series continue by exploring the lives of the locals in more detail - I'm intrigued by Mike and Gabriel and their fabulous stories - whomever it is, I'm really looking forward to revisiting Exmoor in the next book.
Combe Tollbridge is a quiet, sleepy fishing village in the corner of the Exmoor coast. When Jane and Jasper spot a dreamy cosy cottage up for sale in the area, they jump at the chance to move there. Jane has many happy memories of her childhood spending time there by the sea.
Also moving back, is Angela. Following the breakdown of her relationship, she returns to the village to be close to her mother again.
As the three settle into village life, we discover that there's so much more to Combe Tollbridge!
I loved this quick read. The writing style enveloped you straight away and I honestly felt as though I was right there with everyone. Meeting the locals, learning about the history of the village and seeing some of the longstanding customs and traditions that are still upheld there.
I loved all the character who were relatable and totally unique. Often characters feel like a parady - but every single one here, I could quite imagine residing among the harbour cottages. Each with their little quirks, just going about their business and welcoming the newcomers.
This was such a cosy read - with no major drama - the sort of book to grab on a Sunday afternoon with a blanket and a warm drink - and just relax into a good story.
I'd love to see the series continue by exploring the lives of the locals in more detail - I'm intrigued by Mike and Gabriel and their fabulous stories - whomever it is, I'm really looking forward to revisiting Exmoor in the next book.
September 13, 2023
The writing was interesting and made you feel as if you were there watching the village life happen. It felt very realistic and when the characters spoke to one another, their speech was written as they would say it. I rather enjoyed learning their lingo.
The story was also very descriptive. It was the little every day things that were picked up on and mentioned. I haven't read that sort of detail for the mundane every day before so that was a new experience for me!
Whilst there was a fair amount of detail the story didn't drag. It was well balanced. In order to keep the balance and to maintain a good flow against the amount of detail there were periods of time 'missing'. Whilst it surprised me at the time, I understood why it was done so it didn't affect my experience of the story.
The chapters were fairly long with the occasional break in them indicated by several spaces. You therefore got a big chunk of the story before the next chapter.
The characters were great. They were all interesting in their own way and together made the village come to life. The main character seemed to be the village life itself. Some characters did play bigger parts than others, but together they made the village come alive.
Lastly the settings. The story was about the village as a whole. It was well described and together with the characters the whole thing felt realistic and authentic.
Overall a light, sweet story, perfect for an in between read.
The story was also very descriptive. It was the little every day things that were picked up on and mentioned. I haven't read that sort of detail for the mundane every day before so that was a new experience for me!
Whilst there was a fair amount of detail the story didn't drag. It was well balanced. In order to keep the balance and to maintain a good flow against the amount of detail there were periods of time 'missing'. Whilst it surprised me at the time, I understood why it was done so it didn't affect my experience of the story.
The chapters were fairly long with the occasional break in them indicated by several spaces. You therefore got a big chunk of the story before the next chapter.
The characters were great. They were all interesting in their own way and together made the village come to life. The main character seemed to be the village life itself. Some characters did play bigger parts than others, but together they made the village come alive.
Lastly the settings. The story was about the village as a whole. It was well described and together with the characters the whole thing felt realistic and authentic.
Overall a light, sweet story, perfect for an in between read.
August 23, 2023
This book was a total surprise, but a good one. It starts with a young woman coming home to live with her mother, after a bad breakup, and a young couple that decided to buy a house in the small town of Combe Tollbridge. From this point we are introduced to a group of peculiar characters, all of them important to the story of this piscatory village.
This is a charming and relaxing story about a close community. I enjoyed it and recommended it.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This is a charming and relaxing story about a close community. I enjoyed it and recommended it.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 6, 2023
This was a comforting read about a close knit community with plenty of colourful and varied characters.
I loved how each person had their own story in the book and the way in which they all came together. Moving to a new area can be daunting, but the community and homely feel of the village was so lovely, even with some family feuds along the way.
The setting of the story was so idyllic, you could almost picture yourself along the coast and the cottages sound so cute and picturesque.
After a slow start, the story definitely picked up and this was a nice read and a lovely start to a series.
I loved how each person had their own story in the book and the way in which they all came together. Moving to a new area can be daunting, but the community and homely feel of the village was so lovely, even with some family feuds along the way.
The setting of the story was so idyllic, you could almost picture yourself along the coast and the cottages sound so cute and picturesque.
After a slow start, the story definitely picked up and this was a nice read and a lovely start to a series.
September 12, 2023
Combe Tollbridge sounds idyllic, a quant fishing village tucked away on the Exmoor Coast. There's a great sense of community spirit and a wonderful cast of colourful characters - whom I had trouble keeping up with at first and found myself struggling with the local dialects.
Throughout the book we become acquainted with each of the characters and get to learn more about them as individuals rather than them just being names on pages.
While it's not fast paced, it does hold your attention and is an enjoyable story of new beginnings, friendships, and feuds...it wouldn't be the same without!
Overall I enjoyed the book and am looking forwards to reading more from this promising new series.
Throughout the book we become acquainted with each of the characters and get to learn more about them as individuals rather than them just being names on pages.
While it's not fast paced, it does hold your attention and is an enjoyable story of new beginnings, friendships, and feuds...it wouldn't be the same without!
Overall I enjoyed the book and am looking forwards to reading more from this promising new series.
September 13, 2023
After hearing about a cosy cottage for sale in a small coastal village of Combe Tollbridge, Jane and Jasper decide to buy it. it brings back memories of Jane's childhood. Combe Tollbridge is a place where everything stay the same or does it? Jane and Jasper are not the only newcomers to the village, Angela has also just moved to the village, but for different reasons. We get to meet the residents of the village in this quick and light read
May 29, 2023
A nice light hearted story. Well written with some interesting characters. Just life in a small fishing village, friendships, family feuds and plenty of local words.
Really enjoyed it.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher Farrago, I read a free advance review copy of the book. This review is voluntary, honest and my own opinion.
Really enjoyed it.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher Farrago, I read a free advance review copy of the book. This review is voluntary, honest and my own opinion.
June 22, 2023
Steep your tea and cozy up for this charming tale set on the Exmoor coast. A perfect read to escape the summer heat.
Quirky characters and English village life grab your interest and provide for an enjoyable read.
Thank you to Duckworth Books and NetGalley for the eArc in exchange for my honest review.
Pub Date 3 August 2023
Quirky characters and English village life grab your interest and provide for an enjoyable read.
Thank you to Duckworth Books and NetGalley for the eArc in exchange for my honest review.
Pub Date 3 August 2023
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July 10, 2023An easy to read story about a couple's move to the Somerset coast. Primarily an exploration of a number of interesting village characters and how newcomers fit in. As I spend a lot of time in North Devon I could very much relate to the story and enjoyed the read.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
August 7, 2023
A very slow moving story with too many characters thrown into the mix right at the very start. I found it very difficult to read and did not finish.
July 31, 2023
This book had a slow start but soon improved the pace and it shows how people can move into villages and be accepted even when things seem to be going against them. An enjoyable read.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews