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Appleby Farm #1-4
Appleby Farm: Complete Story
Appleby Farm is a charming, funny and romantic story for anyone looking for a feel-good, light-hearted read, from the author of bestselling Ivy Lane. Freya Moorcroft has wild red hair, mischievous green eyes, a warm smile and a heart of gold. She’s been happy working at the café round the corner from Ivy Lane allotments and her romance with her new boyfriend is going well, she thinks, but a part of her still misses the beautiful rolling hills of her Cumbrian childhood Appleby Farm.Then a phone call out of the blue and a desperate plea for help change everything…The farm is in financial trouble, and it’s taking its toll on the aunt and uncle who raised Freya. Heading home to lend a hand, Freya quickly learns that things are worse than she first thought. As she summons up all her creativity and determination to turn things around, Freya is surprised as her own dreams for the future begin to take shape.Love makes the world go round, according to Freya. Not money. But will saving Appleby Farm and following her heart come at a price?Praise for Cathy Bramley and Ivy ‘Delightfully warm with plenty of twists and turns’ Trisha Ashley‘A perfect blend of the two greatest pleasures in life – love and gardening!’ Fern Britton 'A witty, laugh-out-loud romantic comedy' Miranda Dickinson
Paperback
First published August 13, 2015
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1119 people want to read
About the author
Cathy Bramley
66 books1,135 followersCathy Bramley is the author of the best-selling romantic comedies Ivy Lane, Appleby Farm, Wickham Hall, Conditional Love and The Plumberry School of Comfort Food. She lives in a Nottinghamshire village with her family and a dog.
Her recent career as a full-time writer of light-hearted, romantic fiction has come as somewhat of a lovely surprise after spending eighteen years running her own marketing agency. However, she has been always an avid reader, never without a book on the go and now thinks she may have found her dream job!
Cathy loves to hear from her readers. You can get in touch via her website www.CathyBramley.co.uk Facebook page Facebook.com/CathyBramleyAuthor or on Twitter twitter.com/CathyBramley
Her recent career as a full-time writer of light-hearted, romantic fiction has come as somewhat of a lovely surprise after spending eighteen years running her own marketing agency. However, she has been always an avid reader, never without a book on the go and now thinks she may have found her dream job!
Cathy loves to hear from her readers. You can get in touch via her website www.CathyBramley.co.uk Facebook page Facebook.com/CathyBramleyAuthor or on Twitter twitter.com/CathyBramley
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May 8, 2024
Heerlijke feelgood weer van Cathy Bramley 🥰
Deze keer op een boerderij
Deze keer op een boerderij
November 24, 2015
Actual rating 4.5/5
Originally posted on This Chick Reads
*Copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review*
'Appleby Farm' was on the list of 2015 releases I've been most excited about and one I was eagerly waiting to be published in paperback. Consisted of four parts, it was previously published as a serial in e-book format. However, as I'm not the type that enjoys major cliffhangers, I waited patiently for it to come out as one complete story all while being totally convinced I'll be in for a real treat. I'm glad once again my feeling was right and the wait was completely worth it.
I've been following Ms Bramley's work ever since she self published her debut 'Conditional Love' back in 2013 (later re-released by Transworld as publisher) and it was just a matter of time when she'd snatch a publishing deal. Not long after 'Conditional Love' coming out, she published her second novel 'Ivy Lane' and continued to climb amazon charts. So what is her formula to success? What is it about her writing that makes me devour her book, feeling so much happier and full of joy than I was before starting it? I've done a lot of pondering on this, to be frank, and though it might be more a matter of heart I've come to the conclusion that the reason why her books have such huge impact on me is her sincere way of pouring every atom of her in her works. Her words feel like a ray of sun, spreading from the pages and making your heart warm. She's one of these rare authors who can use a rather simple story and make it magical! Give me a book with blank covers and I will instantly know if it's Ms Bramley's book as she's got such a unique style of writing!
What I love the most about her writing is the simple language, the lovable characters who lead a normal life and everyone can connect to and the beautiful countryside settings. Some might say it's predictable, but there's a certain comfort in knowing your heroine won't do something stupid to surprise you and you'll root for her from the beginning to the end.
In 'Appleby Farm' we meet Freya, who's working in a coffee shop and is the kindest and sweetest character that gets right under your skin the minute she's introduced. In Ms Bramley's words, 'Freya is one big ball of energy', so full of life and big dreams. She's hard to settle down, always looking for challenges and changing jobs. It's not that she's too hard to please, that's definitely not the case. On the contrary, she knows when it's time for her to make the leap and move on to new adventures. This is what I liked the most, she's so full of energy and ideas, and is not afraid to follow her dreams and heart.
Though she's in a steady relationship with Charlie, things will change once she gets a call from her aunt with the awful news her beloved Appleby Farm is in serious trouble and her uncle is injured in an accident. And it is then that the real adventure starts, taking Freya on a true rollercoaster. All of a sudden she's faced with new challenges, but now time can't be wasted. She needs to act fast, lock her feelings and see if she can save her childhood home and help the people she loves the most.
As previously mentioned, once again Ms Bramley blew me away with the way she portrayed her characters. All of them (except for Charlie) were so lovable and felt so real. As much as it's Freya's story and all the changes she's going through, it's also a book that speaks about the importance of family and how we should always be there for our loved ones. Freya is not the cliched workaholic, but once she sets her mind she simply doesn't give up.
'In The World According to Freya, everything is doable.'
This is that strong feel good factor pouring out of the pages, telling the readers everything is possible if we can only imagine it and do our very best always believing in the best possible outcome. I was in awe of Freya's enthusiasm, which was rather contagious as I immediately felt a lot better about some of my projects I'm working on.
As expected from Ms Bramley, the romance part was clean and just about the right dose. There was one specific scene which reminded me so much of my fave rom-com 'Clueless' and that brought a huge smile to my face.
To sum it up, 'Appleby Farm' is a charming, sweet, light-hearted read which I devoured in one sitting. I was completely immersed in the story, living the farm life and breathing in the smell of grass and freshly brewed tea. Wholeheartedly recommended!
June 11, 2017
The way that this book is written is so endearing. The story, characters and content are absolutely divine. Cathy Bramley is a writing genius!
August 21, 2015
http://www.pagetostagereviews.com/201...
Freya has always been restless, moving from one place to the next and trying a whole host of jobs along the way - usually not for more than a few months. When her friend Anna, who lives in the little town of Kingsfield, urgently needs someone to work in her mum's café for a short while, Freya jumps at the chance to pack in her dull job in Manchester and move to Derbyshire to help out Anna. What is supposed to be just a short stop turns into something longer when she realises she's actually enjoying working in the local café - and she finds a handsome boyfriend in the local Charlie.
However, when Freya's uncle has an accident while working on his farm, she doesn't have to think twice about temporarily moving back to Appleby Farm to help out her family until her uncle is back on his feet. But when Freya arrives at the lovely home she grew up in, she realises things are far more grave for Appleby Farm than her aunt let on, and Freya has to make the difficult decision between her life in Kingsfield with her friends and Charlie, and her life in the Lake District with her family.
This book is a big one. Without checking the page count of Cathy's other novels (because I'm writing this on Sunday morning and I'm just too lazy to get up and check my bookshelves), I think it's her biggest one thus far, yet it didn't feel that way at all. As soon as I started reading about Freya, I was swept away first back to the lovely allotments at Ivy Lane and soon after to the lush, rolling countryside of the Lake District and Appleby Farm.
For years I've been wanting to go to the Lake District myself and while I still haven't had a chance to go, the beautifully detailed descriptions within this novel have single-handedly moved it to the top of my holiday wish list. It sounds that enticing, even with the nearly non-stop rain that hits Freya during her time with her aunt and uncle. Cathy has a really wonderful way of creating atmospheric settings for her novels that make you wish you were right there with the characters, and Appleby Farm is the most magical location yet. Despite all the troubles that hit Freya and her family along the way, all you really want to do as a reader is pack your suitcase and visit this delightful place yourself.
And the characters too are utterly wonderful. Freya is a strong and likeable protagonist who has plenty of difficult choices to make on her journey to keep readers guessing until the very end. Thought it are the supporting cast members that for me make this such a fantastically written and engrossing read, from the adorable Lizzie at Appleby Farm and Harry at the neighbouring farm, right down to Charlie, Tilly and the rest of the Ivy Lane gang that make a reappearance throughout to make the novel even more exciting to those who read the previous book, as we get to find out what happened to the characters after the end of Ivy Lane.
Appleby Farm is as lovely and homely as its title. When you dive into this romantic read you'll be rewarded with a delightfully sweet story, and after finishing that final page you'll want nothing more than put on your wellies and go for a hike through the English countryside. If only the farm was a real place so I didn't have to let go of the characters upon reading 'the end'. I'll just have to console myself by finally booking that getaway to the Lake District and exploring the beautiful scenery as described so wonderfully by Cathy.
Freya has always been restless, moving from one place to the next and trying a whole host of jobs along the way - usually not for more than a few months. When her friend Anna, who lives in the little town of Kingsfield, urgently needs someone to work in her mum's café for a short while, Freya jumps at the chance to pack in her dull job in Manchester and move to Derbyshire to help out Anna. What is supposed to be just a short stop turns into something longer when she realises she's actually enjoying working in the local café - and she finds a handsome boyfriend in the local Charlie.
However, when Freya's uncle has an accident while working on his farm, she doesn't have to think twice about temporarily moving back to Appleby Farm to help out her family until her uncle is back on his feet. But when Freya arrives at the lovely home she grew up in, she realises things are far more grave for Appleby Farm than her aunt let on, and Freya has to make the difficult decision between her life in Kingsfield with her friends and Charlie, and her life in the Lake District with her family.
This book is a big one. Without checking the page count of Cathy's other novels (because I'm writing this on Sunday morning and I'm just too lazy to get up and check my bookshelves), I think it's her biggest one thus far, yet it didn't feel that way at all. As soon as I started reading about Freya, I was swept away first back to the lovely allotments at Ivy Lane and soon after to the lush, rolling countryside of the Lake District and Appleby Farm.
For years I've been wanting to go to the Lake District myself and while I still haven't had a chance to go, the beautifully detailed descriptions within this novel have single-handedly moved it to the top of my holiday wish list. It sounds that enticing, even with the nearly non-stop rain that hits Freya during her time with her aunt and uncle. Cathy has a really wonderful way of creating atmospheric settings for her novels that make you wish you were right there with the characters, and Appleby Farm is the most magical location yet. Despite all the troubles that hit Freya and her family along the way, all you really want to do as a reader is pack your suitcase and visit this delightful place yourself.
And the characters too are utterly wonderful. Freya is a strong and likeable protagonist who has plenty of difficult choices to make on her journey to keep readers guessing until the very end. Thought it are the supporting cast members that for me make this such a fantastically written and engrossing read, from the adorable Lizzie at Appleby Farm and Harry at the neighbouring farm, right down to Charlie, Tilly and the rest of the Ivy Lane gang that make a reappearance throughout to make the novel even more exciting to those who read the previous book, as we get to find out what happened to the characters after the end of Ivy Lane.
Appleby Farm is as lovely and homely as its title. When you dive into this romantic read you'll be rewarded with a delightfully sweet story, and after finishing that final page you'll want nothing more than put on your wellies and go for a hike through the English countryside. If only the farm was a real place so I didn't have to let go of the characters upon reading 'the end'. I'll just have to console myself by finally booking that getaway to the Lake District and exploring the beautiful scenery as described so wonderfully by Cathy.
September 2, 2015
*Book provided by the publisher in exchange for on honest review*
I’ve been wanting to read Appleby Farm ever since the first part was published. I don’t like reading to many series at once, because I get confused, so I decided to wait for the whole book. At the beginning of August I got surprise bookpost and this beauty was in it, I was so excited, thanks again Sarah Harwood.
Appleby Farm starts off in Kingsfield where Ivy Lane was set and that the main character Freya had a brief appearance in Ivy Lane. It was great to continue the story like this.
Freya decides to go back to Appleby Farm, because the farm is in finacial trouble. She is determined to help. As soon as Freya arrived and said hi to her aunt and uncle you could feel that this is where her heart belongs.
She leaves behind her new boyfriend Charlie. I liked the two oft hem together, but it was hard for them to find a way tob e together. Charlie with his and Freya wanting to stay with her family at the moment.
Freya is a wonderful character. She has a great heart and just wants the best for her family and friends. The relationship with her parents changes in this book and I was really happy to see this developement.
Working at the farm and securing a future for it also meant working with neighbour and childhood friend Harry. From the first moment onwards, it was clear that there was something bewteen them. What happened 10 years ago, before she left? What about her feelings back then and now? A lot of things for Freya to deal with and I was just hoping for her to find happiness.
There are so many great characters in this book. I also really like Lizzie, Freya’s new friend. A wonderful bunch of people all supporting each other and being like one big family.
Freya hast o make a big decision in this book, choose between two places and two different futures including different people. Let’s just say she listened to her heart and that’s the way it should be! The path in between was rocky and stony, but she found a way!
Cathy's stunning descriptions of the landscape and area really make me want to vist the Lake District area. It sounds so beautiful and Cathy’s vivid writing just added more magic to it. I loved every single page of this book. The atmosphere in this story is just amazing, full of romance, passion and heart!
I’ve been wanting to read Appleby Farm ever since the first part was published. I don’t like reading to many series at once, because I get confused, so I decided to wait for the whole book. At the beginning of August I got surprise bookpost and this beauty was in it, I was so excited, thanks again Sarah Harwood.
Appleby Farm starts off in Kingsfield where Ivy Lane was set and that the main character Freya had a brief appearance in Ivy Lane. It was great to continue the story like this.
Freya decides to go back to Appleby Farm, because the farm is in finacial trouble. She is determined to help. As soon as Freya arrived and said hi to her aunt and uncle you could feel that this is where her heart belongs.
She leaves behind her new boyfriend Charlie. I liked the two oft hem together, but it was hard for them to find a way tob e together. Charlie with his and Freya wanting to stay with her family at the moment.
Freya is a wonderful character. She has a great heart and just wants the best for her family and friends. The relationship with her parents changes in this book and I was really happy to see this developement.
Working at the farm and securing a future for it also meant working with neighbour and childhood friend Harry. From the first moment onwards, it was clear that there was something bewteen them. What happened 10 years ago, before she left? What about her feelings back then and now? A lot of things for Freya to deal with and I was just hoping for her to find happiness.
There are so many great characters in this book. I also really like Lizzie, Freya’s new friend. A wonderful bunch of people all supporting each other and being like one big family.
Freya hast o make a big decision in this book, choose between two places and two different futures including different people. Let’s just say she listened to her heart and that’s the way it should be! The path in between was rocky and stony, but she found a way!
Cathy's stunning descriptions of the landscape and area really make me want to vist the Lake District area. It sounds so beautiful and Cathy’s vivid writing just added more magic to it. I loved every single page of this book. The atmosphere in this story is just amazing, full of romance, passion and heart!
August 19, 2015
Let's pull out all the stops, right at the beginning - because I really don't know how I've been living before, without Cathy Bramley's stories. I can't have enough of her books and they are perfect for me. They are all down - to - earth, but still they are full of hope and positive feelings, wonderful characters and the most normal, yet exquisite settings, and laugh out loud one - liners. They have all what I am looking for in books.
And yes, you know what, it was Cathy's "Appleby Farm" that inspired me to start with my long abandoned - but not forgotten! - hobby again, horse riding. Yes. If Freya can follow her dreams, I can too, right?
As soon as I started reading, I wanted to punch the air and shout "I know her!", "I know him", "I was there!", when Cathy mentioned the Ivy Lane allotments or the lovely characters from the previous snovel. It just made me feel so in the right place, and I felt as if I have never left Ivy Lane! This time it is Freya that is our main character, and I couldn't imagine a better leading character for this book as her. She just oozes warm and good feelings, and she's more probable to step into cow's poo, gets dirty with a toothpaste or ice - cream than blow - dry her lovely red hair - absolutely my kind of girl! We get to know Freya, her background, and her family as well, and we can see that something went wrong with her relationship with her parents and brother (who, nota bene, seems to be a really jealous ass, sorry for my language, although he should be a little more wiser, as he's so much older than Freya). As Cathy already get us used to, her characters are all down - to - earth, but nevertheless exceptional, warm, friendly and so easy to like!
I think I have a little girl - crush on Freya. I just wanted to squeeze her hard, to hug her and keep her safe, protect her from all the problems that she's facing, and there are many of them in store for her. I abso - freaking - lutly adore this girl and I can easily imagine her as my friend, and as much as I'd love her to live a trouble - free life on the farm, I totally adore the way she's coping with all the problems and her fresh ideas how to save the living of her beloved Aunt and Uncle. I really fell for her, and as I accompanied her through this story, I couldn't help but feel all kind of emotions: I cringed with pain and wanted to hold her hand when she visited her parents, and I waited for an explanation why, what happened, why are they like this? I cheered up when she had some really brilliant ideas hot to help the farm, and I loved to hear her banter with all those lovely people that became her friends. There is such an incredible sense of amity, friendship between them, and it all feels so natural, not at all forced or pushy, and it really makes me want to move to a farm and go to the pub every Sunday evening.
Cathy proves every time that she is a bloody talented author by creating the most interesting, brilliant, lively, realistic characters. Only some of the authors know how to make a background character so significant, and Cathy does this with Vicky, who is not the main character, but she's so clear - cut, shaped, with her own (not necessary nice) personality and she stirs so many problems!
We quickly grow to love all the characters, even if they are not on Freya's side - well, then, actually, we quickly grow to love to hate them, because absolutely nothing and nobody should stand in Freya's way! . Auntie Sue only looks as if she's really finished with the farm and all the financial problems that they have and this only made me want to slap Julian hard few times, I can't believe how cold - hearted he is and that he was able to trick his own lovely family for some money.
Cathy's writing is - as always - amazing and her one - liners are one of the best ever. She writes in a way that makes you feel that writing is actually the easiest thing in the world (though I'm sure it's NOT!), and her storytelling is exceptional. The way she told the story made me wish I was on a farm right now, strolling through the green fields, mucking out, cleaning or collecting eggs, even with my panic fear of hens. I'm not a city - kind of girl, I love animals and you can usually see me in wellies, not high - heels, so the story couldn't have taken a better setting for me. Cathy's descriptions of the village and even the farm work are just delicious and she makes it all feel very realistic. Thanks to the warmth and magic in Cathy's writing you just feel a part of the book. Bring me more of Cathy Bramley, anytime!
I don't know how Cathy does it, but she can create not only one of the most believable, warm characters in the world, but also one of the most enjoyable plots, and with her writing even the descriptions of the everyday farm work are engaging and witty. It won't be a surprise for me if, thanks to her stories, farming will become a new trend and there will be a big interest in Tea Rooms! She packs the book with a lot of action, fun, humour, emotion and you just can't put it down and it leaves you yearning for more. "Appleby Farm" is Cathy at her best and I don't know how I lived without her books - they are my secret weapon against bad weather, bad mood and worries, as they always cheer me up, and thank you, Cathy, for this!
Freya's Vintage Tea - Rooms is the one that I would absolutely love to visit. Cathy has done a great job with describing the place and putting the miss - matching vintage tea pots, cups and plates on the shelves, and there wouldn't be anything better right now for me than to drink a strong, hot, sweet tea from a pastel - coloured cup and eat Tilly's cookie. Because yes, there is a short, but lovely, reunion with Tilly from Ivy Lane, too, as if we were not already spoiled with all the lovely people from Appleby Farm and its neighbourhood.
The story is full to brims with happenings, embarrassing situations, hope and this overwhelming feel - good factor. Cathy's writing is right on the spot and she draws the reader immediately into the heart of the story. The writing is just flowing, it's full of warmth and beautiful, detailed but not too over - detailed descriptions, and it makes the reading so effortless. It is a funny, but also touching and gentle story, especially when Cathy so brilliantly described Sue and Arthur's love to their place, to the fields, to their animals.
Yes, I have absolutely adored this story about Freya, returning to her childhood farm, seeing how much she loved her Aunty Sue and Uncle Arthur, seeing the changes in her life and in herself too, and loved to accompany her on her trips on Skye's back or making friends with her in Lovedale and absolutely dived into the atmosphere of Appleby Farm, which is right now my top place to live. Freya is really one in a million because she was able to put her own happiness and private life aside only to help her family, and I more then once thought, oh my, I'd love to have such Freya at my side. She was caring and thoughtful and only wanted best for everyone, but she was not perfect, and that's made her character so adorable. Every single character in the stories, even the most background one, has been written in a vivid way, and they all had their own personalities, and I just felt that I know this people all my life. Cathy has this incredible talent to take her readers straight into the heart of the story, and I really love this feeling!
But as much as Appleby Farm is light - hearted and funny, there is also lots of depth to it, and the author in brilliant way has described the ties among one family, showed what the real friendship is and also brilliantly passed her own love to the nature and animals. There is not a single bad word that I could say about the series (and I don't want!), it's just a perfect read for everybody.
Yes, this book ends with a big, fat happy end but this is what we always expect from Cathy Bramley, right? And this is what we wish our characters.
I can tell that "Appleby Farm" is on the top of my favourite books.
Copy received from publisher in exchange for a review.
October 5, 2024
Jaha, nu har jag fnissat, skrattat högt, snyftat och rent ut gråtit till "Hem till Appleby Farm" av Cathy Bramley. Men jag är glad att jag läste boken om Ivy Lane först, för även om den här är fristående hade jag fått veta en hel del jag inte hade velat innan jag läste den här boken. 😅
Jag blir visserligen smått stressad på Freya, men det är nog för att vi är så väldigt olika. Hon vill ha fart hela tiden och jag skulle gärna växa fast om jag fick. 😂 Men jag gillar hennes utveckling under boken och att även de andra personerna får utvecklas och alla relationer.
Det är sådär mysigt som jag vill ha det i feelgood-böcker och jag upplever inte samma kulturkrock som jag ibland kan mötas av när det känns som att det är mer stereotypt vad som är manligt och kvinnligt. Freya är en härlig frisk fläkt men det är också Lizzie, Harry, Charlie, Ollie, Sue, Arthur, Eddie och en hel drös andra som jag säkert missat att dra upp.
Som månadens framslumpade bok är jag väldigt nöjd med det val som excelarket gjorde åt mig. Men den får definitivt stanna kvar i hyllan, så ingen utrensning här. 🫣
Jag blir visserligen smått stressad på Freya, men det är nog för att vi är så väldigt olika. Hon vill ha fart hela tiden och jag skulle gärna växa fast om jag fick. 😂 Men jag gillar hennes utveckling under boken och att även de andra personerna får utvecklas och alla relationer.
Det är sådär mysigt som jag vill ha det i feelgood-böcker och jag upplever inte samma kulturkrock som jag ibland kan mötas av när det känns som att det är mer stereotypt vad som är manligt och kvinnligt. Freya är en härlig frisk fläkt men det är också Lizzie, Harry, Charlie, Ollie, Sue, Arthur, Eddie och en hel drös andra som jag säkert missat att dra upp.
Som månadens framslumpade bok är jag väldigt nöjd med det val som excelarket gjorde åt mig. Men den får definitivt stanna kvar i hyllan, så ingen utrensning här. 🫣
September 15, 2016
Such a lovely book!
It's about Freya Moorcroft (who was already introduced to us in 'Ivy Lane'). She spends almost all of her childhood on Appleby Farm in the Lake District with her aunt and uncle who own the farm. After her eighteenth birthday she starts travelling the world and working in job after job.
Now she lives in Kingsfield ('Ivy Lane' again!) and works in a cafe (just around the corner from the Ivy Lane allotments! ♥). One day though, she gets a phone call from her aunt asking for help. So she heads off to save Appleby Farm from financial ruin and begins to finally find her niche..
I loved this book so much. It was such a feel-good read, just like 'Ivy Lane'! ♥ The characters were lovely, the setting was lovely, everything was lovely. I want to live in this book. What I also loved was that I already knew a tiny bit about Freya, because she made an appearance in 'Ivy Lane'. And a bunch of people from 'Ivy Lane' had a role in 'Appleby Farm', too! Especially Tilly had a really lovely connection to Freya and the farm...
So I would definitely recommend reading 'Ivy Lane' first, otherwise you'll be spoiled big time!
I must say, I really like these books. It's not all about the guy and the girl getting together (which I also love, but still). It's way more than that, because the story focuses on something entirely different first, not necessarily the love story. But of course the blooming love story is still very much palpable! ♥
It's about Freya Moorcroft (who was already introduced to us in 'Ivy Lane'). She spends almost all of her childhood on Appleby Farm in the Lake District with her aunt and uncle who own the farm. After her eighteenth birthday she starts travelling the world and working in job after job.
Now she lives in Kingsfield ('Ivy Lane' again!) and works in a cafe (just around the corner from the Ivy Lane allotments! ♥). One day though, she gets a phone call from her aunt asking for help. So she heads off to save Appleby Farm from financial ruin and begins to finally find her niche..
I loved this book so much. It was such a feel-good read, just like 'Ivy Lane'! ♥ The characters were lovely, the setting was lovely, everything was lovely. I want to live in this book. What I also loved was that I already knew a tiny bit about Freya, because she made an appearance in 'Ivy Lane'. And a bunch of people from 'Ivy Lane' had a role in 'Appleby Farm', too! Especially Tilly had a really lovely connection to Freya and the farm...
So I would definitely recommend reading 'Ivy Lane' first, otherwise you'll be spoiled big time!
I must say, I really like these books. It's not all about the guy and the girl getting together (which I also love, but still). It's way more than that, because the story focuses on something entirely different first, not necessarily the love story. But of course the blooming love story is still very much palpable! ♥
August 25, 2016
Ein ganz toller Sommerroman. Eine ausführliche Rezension folgt bald! :-)
April 13, 2017
Enjoyed this.
February 3, 2019
Fun reading! Xx
September 26, 2015
Appleby Farm was originally released as 4 separate parts in ebook format, however I decided I wanted to hold off so I could it read it all in one go. I prayed that it would be released as a fully combined book, and my wishes were granted. And I am so glad I had my eye on this release as its a fantastic book, it is heart warming and utterly lovely.
Freya has always had itchy feet, and moved from job to job at fairly regular intervals. When we meet her she is working in a cafe near the Ivy Lane allotments (featured in Cathy Bramleys previous book Ivy Lane, and this does feature some recurring characters), and she seems happy enough. Until Freya receives a phone call from her Aunt Sue, informing her, that her uncle has had an accident.
Freya races up to the Lake District, and is reminded of how beautiful her childhood home Appleby Farm is, and just how much work it is. She decides to help her aunt and uncle to try and turn the farm's fortunes around.
There is a great feeling about of trying to triumph over adversity, and saving a failing farm from ruin and developers. It was fascinating to hear about modern farming practices, and the ideas Freya has for saving Appleby Farm, and trying to ensure her relatives can retire too, are innovative and I found myself willing Freya to succeed.
Freya's love life is present in places, and the early scenes with Charlie and Ollie are loveable, and I found myself hoping they would be together forever. Until Freya returns to Appleby Farm, and sees her childhood best friend is still working on the farm next door...
I can understand why this was released in four parts, as the book is separated into four very distinctive sections, each with a different focus in the journey.
I loved watching Freya slowly grow in cofidence at the farm and start to have belief that her plans will work. She makes new friends, both animal and human, and also attempts to mend some of her own cracked family relationships.
This was a wonderful book to read at a weekend, and made me long to live a simpler life myself, and to get together with the great outdoors. There are even a whole bunch of recipes at the back of the book, for added content.
This is a brilliant story, which left me smiling, and I can't wait for Cathy Bramley's next combined book release in January, Wickham Hall.
Freya has always had itchy feet, and moved from job to job at fairly regular intervals. When we meet her she is working in a cafe near the Ivy Lane allotments (featured in Cathy Bramleys previous book Ivy Lane, and this does feature some recurring characters), and she seems happy enough. Until Freya receives a phone call from her Aunt Sue, informing her, that her uncle has had an accident.
Freya races up to the Lake District, and is reminded of how beautiful her childhood home Appleby Farm is, and just how much work it is. She decides to help her aunt and uncle to try and turn the farm's fortunes around.
There is a great feeling about of trying to triumph over adversity, and saving a failing farm from ruin and developers. It was fascinating to hear about modern farming practices, and the ideas Freya has for saving Appleby Farm, and trying to ensure her relatives can retire too, are innovative and I found myself willing Freya to succeed.
Freya's love life is present in places, and the early scenes with Charlie and Ollie are loveable, and I found myself hoping they would be together forever. Until Freya returns to Appleby Farm, and sees her childhood best friend is still working on the farm next door...
I can understand why this was released in four parts, as the book is separated into four very distinctive sections, each with a different focus in the journey.
I loved watching Freya slowly grow in cofidence at the farm and start to have belief that her plans will work. She makes new friends, both animal and human, and also attempts to mend some of her own cracked family relationships.
This was a wonderful book to read at a weekend, and made me long to live a simpler life myself, and to get together with the great outdoors. There are even a whole bunch of recipes at the back of the book, for added content.
This is a brilliant story, which left me smiling, and I can't wait for Cathy Bramley's next combined book release in January, Wickham Hall.
October 18, 2022
Landsbygdsromantik
Freya som alltid haft en rastlös själ har äntligen hittat stabila Charlie. De trivs i varandras sällskap och allt verkar lovande. Men så hör Freyas faster av sig, hennes farbror har gjort sig illa och de behöver hjälp. Freya som är uppvuxen på gården hos dem, tvekar inte utan måste resa dit.
Återvändandet väcker många minnen och dragningen till landet blir påtaglig. Men det finns ju ingen framtid på en sliten gammal gård, och hur ska det bli med Charlie?
”Hem till Appleby Farm” är en spinoff på ”Fyra årstider på Ivy Lane” och det gillar jag. Att karaktärer i utkanten på en bok får kliva fram och ta plats i nästa. Jag älskar drivet som Freya har. Det finns inget stopp på hennes idéer och jag blir inspirerad 😊
Jag får också flashbacks till vår gris Rapida, som varje morgon fick ett nyvärpt ägg serverat i sitt hus av en höna - du kommer att förstå.
Härligt underhållande landsbygdsromantik!
🚜🚜🚜🚜 av 5 🚜
#hemtillapplebyfarm #applebyfarm @cathybramley @piratforlaget @hedviglagerkvist @storytelsverige #ljudbok #caritasläsning2022 #87
Freya som alltid haft en rastlös själ har äntligen hittat stabila Charlie. De trivs i varandras sällskap och allt verkar lovande. Men så hör Freyas faster av sig, hennes farbror har gjort sig illa och de behöver hjälp. Freya som är uppvuxen på gården hos dem, tvekar inte utan måste resa dit.
Återvändandet väcker många minnen och dragningen till landet blir påtaglig. Men det finns ju ingen framtid på en sliten gammal gård, och hur ska det bli med Charlie?
”Hem till Appleby Farm” är en spinoff på ”Fyra årstider på Ivy Lane” och det gillar jag. Att karaktärer i utkanten på en bok får kliva fram och ta plats i nästa. Jag älskar drivet som Freya har. Det finns inget stopp på hennes idéer och jag blir inspirerad 😊
Jag får också flashbacks till vår gris Rapida, som varje morgon fick ett nyvärpt ägg serverat i sitt hus av en höna - du kommer att förstå.
Härligt underhållande landsbygdsromantik!
🚜🚜🚜🚜 av 5 🚜
#hemtillapplebyfarm #applebyfarm @cathybramley @piratforlaget @hedviglagerkvist @storytelsverige #ljudbok #caritasläsning2022 #87
August 24, 2015
I absolutely loved Appleby Farm by Cathy Bramley, so much so I have rated it 5 stars and I haven't given any book 5 stars for ages.
The story focuses on Freya Moorcroft, who is a fab character. Freya is a bit of a wanderer, who flits from job to job and enjoys a new challenge. However, when her aunt and uncle need her help she returns to her family home at Appleby Farm. The farm and her aunt and uncle need her help and she realises that her place is on the farm. I loved that she opens a tea room, and it has made me want to move to a farm, have a vintage tea room and totally change my life! Lol! Add into the mix a gorgeous farmer neighbour, who happens to be Freya's best friend and it's a great story.
I must admit that I just couldn't put this down and have read it in a few days. I am looking forward to reading the next book from Cathy Bramley.
The story focuses on Freya Moorcroft, who is a fab character. Freya is a bit of a wanderer, who flits from job to job and enjoys a new challenge. However, when her aunt and uncle need her help she returns to her family home at Appleby Farm. The farm and her aunt and uncle need her help and she realises that her place is on the farm. I loved that she opens a tea room, and it has made me want to move to a farm, have a vintage tea room and totally change my life! Lol! Add into the mix a gorgeous farmer neighbour, who happens to be Freya's best friend and it's a great story.
I must admit that I just couldn't put this down and have read it in a few days. I am looking forward to reading the next book from Cathy Bramley.
January 29, 2017
I have really loved some books of this genre (like Little Beach Street Bakery or The Cake Shop in the Garden), but I just couldn't get myself to read this one until the end. The main character giggles way too much, and while the setting of the story would have been perfect for my liking, it all just went too slowly and the author added way too many unnecessary details. Such a pity, I'd thought I had found a new chick-lit author to read every book from...
October 9, 2016
Ein so süßes Sommerbuch. Hätte ich mir aufgrund des Covers und des Titels wohl nie selbst gekauft. Aber der Schreibstil und die Geschichte waren so zuckersüß. Klarer Fall von 'Don't judge a book by its cover'.
Rezension auf Booktube folgt :)
Rezension auf Booktube folgt :)
September 16, 2015
Two words..... Fantastic book!!!
July 8, 2018
an easy read when I needed to relax
February 20, 2024
Bedankt voor het recensie exemplaar Zomer & Keuning!
Freya heeft een heerlijk leven in de stad. Ze werkt in een leuk cafeetje en heeft een fijne relatie met haar vriend Charlie. Dan krijg ze onverwachts een telefoontje van haar tante Sue. Oom Arthur heeft een ongeluk gehad. Hij maakt het goed, maar kan op het moment niet werken op de boerderij. Het werk kan niet blijven liggen, dus Freya gaat halsoverkop naar Appleby Farm om haar oom en tante uit de brand te helpen. Iets wat haar vriend Charlie niet zo leuk vind. Freya begint zich langzaam af te vragen waar ze thuis hoort. Op het platteland of bij Charlie?
Appleby Farm was oorspronkelijk 4 ebooks en is nu samengebundeld in een boek. Het verhaal wordt verteld vanuit Freya’s perspectief. Het is een feelgood die zich afspeelt op het platteland en zich focust op vriendschap en familie. Ik voelde mij al snel betrokken bij Appleby Farm. Net zoals Freya wilde ik graag dat het weer goed ging met de boerderij. Het boek gaf mij tijdens het lezen een warm gevoel. Nieuwe vriendschappen werden gemaakt, oude vriendschappen werden weer hervat en Freya’s jeugdherinneringen creëerden echt het familie gevoel. Het platteland vond ik leuke setting. De meeste boeken die ik lees spelen zich vooral af in de stad dus dit was een prettige afwisseling! Appleby Farm is een boek dat je heerlijk weg leest.
Freya heeft een heerlijk leven in de stad. Ze werkt in een leuk cafeetje en heeft een fijne relatie met haar vriend Charlie. Dan krijg ze onverwachts een telefoontje van haar tante Sue. Oom Arthur heeft een ongeluk gehad. Hij maakt het goed, maar kan op het moment niet werken op de boerderij. Het werk kan niet blijven liggen, dus Freya gaat halsoverkop naar Appleby Farm om haar oom en tante uit de brand te helpen. Iets wat haar vriend Charlie niet zo leuk vind. Freya begint zich langzaam af te vragen waar ze thuis hoort. Op het platteland of bij Charlie?
Appleby Farm was oorspronkelijk 4 ebooks en is nu samengebundeld in een boek. Het verhaal wordt verteld vanuit Freya’s perspectief. Het is een feelgood die zich afspeelt op het platteland en zich focust op vriendschap en familie. Ik voelde mij al snel betrokken bij Appleby Farm. Net zoals Freya wilde ik graag dat het weer goed ging met de boerderij. Het boek gaf mij tijdens het lezen een warm gevoel. Nieuwe vriendschappen werden gemaakt, oude vriendschappen werden weer hervat en Freya’s jeugdherinneringen creëerden echt het familie gevoel. Het platteland vond ik leuke setting. De meeste boeken die ik lees spelen zich vooral af in de stad dus dit was een prettige afwisseling! Appleby Farm is een boek dat je heerlijk weg leest.
July 11, 2022
I’ve read this book but as the four part ebook series rather than this full length novel, which is why this hasn’t been included or added towards my 2018 reading challenge as the individual four ebooks have been added to it already.
To see my review for this book, then please visit the individual books on here which are as follows:
Appleby Farm
1. A Blessing in Disguise (2015)
2. A Family Affair (2015)
3. Where The Heart Is (2015)
4. Love Is In The Air (2015)
To see my review for this book, then please visit the individual books on here which are as follows:
Appleby Farm
1. A Blessing in Disguise (2015)
2. A Family Affair (2015)
3. Where The Heart Is (2015)
4. Love Is In The Air (2015)
February 29, 2024
3,5⭐
Dit ook zeker goed losstaand leesbaar boek heeft mij absoluut weten te bekoren. Nog niet eerder had ik een boek gelezen van Bramley, maar de fijne, toegankelijke en beeldende schrijfstijl maakte dat ik meer wil. Een heerlijke feelgood waarbij ook zeker serieuzere onderwerpen aan bod komen. Heerlijk om bij weg te dromen op de bank!
Hoewel het boek voor mij al best snel voorspelbaar was, vond ik het toch leuk dat Bramley steeds andere elementen toevoegde aan het verhaal. Zo werd er een diepere laag gecreëerd met aandacht voor vriendschappen, zinvulling en moeilijke maar ook mooie familiebanden.
Dit ook zeker goed losstaand leesbaar boek heeft mij absoluut weten te bekoren. Nog niet eerder had ik een boek gelezen van Bramley, maar de fijne, toegankelijke en beeldende schrijfstijl maakte dat ik meer wil. Een heerlijke feelgood waarbij ook zeker serieuzere onderwerpen aan bod komen. Heerlijk om bij weg te dromen op de bank!
Hoewel het boek voor mij al best snel voorspelbaar was, vond ik het toch leuk dat Bramley steeds andere elementen toevoegde aan het verhaal. Zo werd er een diepere laag gecreëerd met aandacht voor vriendschappen, zinvulling en moeilijke maar ook mooie familiebanden.
July 2, 2018
All I can say is that Cathy Bramley has done it again. I absolutely loved this book and couldn't put it down. I loved all the characters and each one of them had their own story to tell.
I was hooked from the first page right up until the last page. It made me laugh and cry.
I would definitely recommend Cathy Bramley books as the ones I have read are brilliant. I'm very much looking forward to reading her next book.
I was hooked from the first page right up until the last page. It made me laugh and cry.
I would definitely recommend Cathy Bramley books as the ones I have read are brilliant. I'm very much looking forward to reading her next book.
did-not-finish
August 15, 2022The plot and narration were comforting, as many reviewers wrote. I liked almost all the characters.
Yet, it was so slow... After 30% I have enough. I enjoy reading light charming woman fiction, where not much is happening. But there is a limit of slowness for me.
There is also a possibility that not the pace was the problem, if so I don't know what it was ;-)
Yet, it was so slow... After 30% I have enough. I enjoy reading light charming woman fiction, where not much is happening. But there is a limit of slowness for me.
There is also a possibility that not the pace was the problem, if so I don't know what it was ;-)
March 1, 2018
This was absolutely lovely. Points for all the believable farm stuff. Of course everything came together for them in the usual optimal way, but that's why I read these books. Very likable characters and the bad guys were balanced. Thumbs up.
June 4, 2018
This is a sequel to the Ivy Lane book and, fortunately, it does work as a standalone read as I haven't read the Ivy Lane book (yet). This time we are following the fortunes of Freya and her family, the Moorcrofts. Although it does contain spoilers for the first book there is enough in the first couple of chapters to immerse yourself in her life and figure out who is who.
Everything here centres around Freya's attempts to come to terms with her abandonment by her mother and father and to help her aunt and uncle, who more or less raised her, protect the family farm for future generations. She is also trying to balance her relationship with Charlie after moving back to The Lake District.
The descriptions of life on the farm are idyllic and definitely hark back to a different era. You do want to move in to Appleby Farm along with Freya and her Aunt Sue and Uncle Arthur but once we stray in to the saving the farm territory things become a little less enthralling. Despite setbacks a plenty for the Moorcrofts Freya's venture is an immediate success and I do find this hard to believe; it isn't exactly a novel idea and being so far from the beaten track I doubt that it would survive much less be the powerhouse it becomes days after opening. I also found it odd that a rural pub in the modern world doesn't serve a good cup of tea or coffee but there you go.
Slightly too much escapism for me in this one. I do like a decent dose of reality with my chick lit and this book delivers that in a patchy manner and I can see how this would simply deliver a warm "girl done good" hug for a lot of readers but I found myself becoming infuriated with Freya and the relative ease with which she achieves her goals. I did enjoy the rekindling of her childhood friendship with Harry and her new friendship with the delightfully batty Lizzie.
The plot is light and frothy and there are no surprises here at all - everything is flagged up for the reader well in advance so you only need to have a few braincells engaged to follow along. The characters are warm and feel drawn from life and this is what keeps you engaged and reading on. Somehow though I never got drawn in to their lives as I would expect to; something is missing to bring the whole together and I'm not sure what it is.
Everything here centres around Freya's attempts to come to terms with her abandonment by her mother and father and to help her aunt and uncle, who more or less raised her, protect the family farm for future generations. She is also trying to balance her relationship with Charlie after moving back to The Lake District.
The descriptions of life on the farm are idyllic and definitely hark back to a different era. You do want to move in to Appleby Farm along with Freya and her Aunt Sue and Uncle Arthur but once we stray in to the saving the farm territory things become a little less enthralling. Despite setbacks a plenty for the Moorcrofts Freya's venture is an immediate success and I do find this hard to believe; it isn't exactly a novel idea and being so far from the beaten track I doubt that it would survive much less be the powerhouse it becomes days after opening. I also found it odd that a rural pub in the modern world doesn't serve a good cup of tea or coffee but there you go.
Slightly too much escapism for me in this one. I do like a decent dose of reality with my chick lit and this book delivers that in a patchy manner and I can see how this would simply deliver a warm "girl done good" hug for a lot of readers but I found myself becoming infuriated with Freya and the relative ease with which she achieves her goals. I did enjoy the rekindling of her childhood friendship with Harry and her new friendship with the delightfully batty Lizzie.
The plot is light and frothy and there are no surprises here at all - everything is flagged up for the reader well in advance so you only need to have a few braincells engaged to follow along. The characters are warm and feel drawn from life and this is what keeps you engaged and reading on. Somehow though I never got drawn in to their lives as I would expect to; something is missing to bring the whole together and I'm not sure what it is.
March 16, 2017
I bought this in 4 parts like others of Cathy Bramley's.Freya returns to her aunt and uncle's farm to help out leaving her boyfriend and her job behind . She has to choose which life means most to her; Charlie and his allotment or opening a vintage tearoom in the lake district. I also enjoyed the subplot involving Freya's relationship with her parents.
Lightweight, fluffy and very enjoyable.
Lightweight, fluffy and very enjoyable.
December 23, 2018
Freya Moorcroft has wild red hair, mischievous green eyes, a warm smile and a heart of gold. She’s been happy working at the café round the corner from Ivy Lane allotments and her romance with her new boyfriend is going well, she thinks, but a part of her still misses the beautiful rolling hills of her Cumbrian childhood home: Appleby Farm.
Then a phone call out of the blue and a desperate plea for help change everything…
The farm is in financial trouble, and it’s taking its toll on the aunt and uncle who raised Freya. Heading home to lend a hand, Freya quickly learns that things are worse than she first thought.
This book was published in 2015 but for some reason I only discovered Cathy Bramley this year – what?!! I know I know, call myself a book reviewer! However the marketing around her recent book A Match Made in Devon was fantastic and definitely worked it seems. So onto Appleby Farm… again, her books are just addictive and warming. Not your typical chick literature… there are twists, turns, romantic encounters, humour and so much more. The scenery is painted perfectly and the characters are incredibly likeable. I can’t wait to read her other earlier publications..and await the next!
Then a phone call out of the blue and a desperate plea for help change everything…
The farm is in financial trouble, and it’s taking its toll on the aunt and uncle who raised Freya. Heading home to lend a hand, Freya quickly learns that things are worse than she first thought.
This book was published in 2015 but for some reason I only discovered Cathy Bramley this year – what?!! I know I know, call myself a book reviewer! However the marketing around her recent book A Match Made in Devon was fantastic and definitely worked it seems. So onto Appleby Farm… again, her books are just addictive and warming. Not your typical chick literature… there are twists, turns, romantic encounters, humour and so much more. The scenery is painted perfectly and the characters are incredibly likeable. I can’t wait to read her other earlier publications..and await the next!
January 29, 2019
Such a cute, sweet, warm, charming book. I could relate quite a bit with the main character’s professional choices. She is someone who gets excited about having to undertake 100 different projects in different areas, which is totally me 😅
Other than that, just reading about the farm - its fields, its animals, its orchards, its views, etc - and her efforts to save it, was just delightful. While it is not a book that I read in order to know what happens next (it is quite predictable), the cliffhangers at the end of each part were quite strong. But otherwise, no unnecessary drama or violence or evil people and all that. Considering the ugliness and the unfairness of life that I deal with on a daily basis due to the nature of my work, this book is one of those that I need to read once in a while to appreciate the beauty and the gentle flow of life despite everything.
All in all, I enjoyed the book for all the reasons mentioned and not mentioned. By the end of it, I didn’t want it to end (if you get what I mean) 😄. I am absolutely going to keep an eye out for this author’s works.
Other than that, just reading about the farm - its fields, its animals, its orchards, its views, etc - and her efforts to save it, was just delightful. While it is not a book that I read in order to know what happens next (it is quite predictable), the cliffhangers at the end of each part were quite strong. But otherwise, no unnecessary drama or violence or evil people and all that. Considering the ugliness and the unfairness of life that I deal with on a daily basis due to the nature of my work, this book is one of those that I need to read once in a while to appreciate the beauty and the gentle flow of life despite everything.
All in all, I enjoyed the book for all the reasons mentioned and not mentioned. By the end of it, I didn’t want it to end (if you get what I mean) 😄. I am absolutely going to keep an eye out for this author’s works.
February 28, 2024
Appleby farm is een feelgood waarin we Freya volgen. Freye is gedreven en niet vies van keihard werken. Het is een boek die gevuld is met liefde, vriendschap en familie.
Ze heeft een fijn leven met een gezellige baan in een café, waar ze zo nu en dan nog wel eens een croissant cremeert.
•
Wanneer Freya een telefoontje krijgt over problemen met haar opa op de boerderij, verandert alles. Is haar baan wel wie zij is? Waar is thuis? Wie en wat zijn nu echt belangrijk?
•
Nog niet eerder las ik iets van Cathy Bramley. Haar schrijfstijl is een stijl die ik kan waarderen. Je ziet het beschreven landschap voor je, je voelt de emoties die beschreven zijn. Al met al, je kunt je als lezer goed inleven in de situaties en gevoelens waarin de karakters zich bevinden.
•
De personages maken een natuurlijke ontwikkeling door, waarin weinig toch niets geforceerd wordt. Natuurlijk voel je sommige situaties aankomen, maar dat hoort ook wel een beetje hij een feelgood.
•
Kortom; een feelgood waar het evenwicht tussen serieuze zaken en feelgood goed is uitgebalanceerd.
Ik ben fan!
Ze heeft een fijn leven met een gezellige baan in een café, waar ze zo nu en dan nog wel eens een croissant cremeert.
•
Wanneer Freya een telefoontje krijgt over problemen met haar opa op de boerderij, verandert alles. Is haar baan wel wie zij is? Waar is thuis? Wie en wat zijn nu echt belangrijk?
•
Nog niet eerder las ik iets van Cathy Bramley. Haar schrijfstijl is een stijl die ik kan waarderen. Je ziet het beschreven landschap voor je, je voelt de emoties die beschreven zijn. Al met al, je kunt je als lezer goed inleven in de situaties en gevoelens waarin de karakters zich bevinden.
•
De personages maken een natuurlijke ontwikkeling door, waarin weinig toch niets geforceerd wordt. Natuurlijk voel je sommige situaties aankomen, maar dat hoort ook wel een beetje hij een feelgood.
•
Kortom; een feelgood waar het evenwicht tussen serieuze zaken en feelgood goed is uitgebalanceerd.
Ik ben fan!
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