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The Railway Lane #3

Sunrise over Strawberry Hill Farm

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Pre-order the BRAND NEW romance from Alison Sherlock She drives a tractor. He arrives in a red Ferrari. What could possibly go wrong? Flora Barton is desperate to save her family home Strawberry Hill Farm. She only needs one thing - a great business idea to keep the farm afloat!

So, when Nico Rossi arrives from Italy with a crazy plan to save the farm, Flora should be overjoyed. The trouble is the Rossi men are infamous playboys and sensible Flora doesn’t trust impetuous Nico at all.

Nico has been trying to escape the famous Rossi surname his whole life. Arriving in sleepy Cranfield after recently losing his beloved grandfather and family vineyard, he has no intention of staying on any longer than necessary. But he soon realises how desperate the situation is and throws caution to the wind to help turn the farm into a Glamping site.

Can Flora realise her dreams to keep the farm safe for the future and can Nico ever stop running from his past?

As they try to save Strawberry Hill Farm, secrets are revealed and just maybe they’ll discover why opposites attract...

Praise for Alison

’The story is lovely. All characters were facing challenges and trying to cope with change. They were good, honorable, relatable, and I was immediately invested in their happiness.' ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Reader Review

’A great feel good read, great characters, good storyline and set in a fabulous location. Loved it.’ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Reader Review

’I love Alison Sherlock's writing style, her way with words and just lovely stories. A wonderful story to read curled up by a fire!’ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Reader Review

’This book was such a charming read.’ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Reader Review

’This is a solid 5 out of 5 starts for me and a book I will happily reread in the future to revisit these characters. I could not stop smiling when I finished this book.’ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Reader Review

’I loved everything about it!’ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Reader Review

'This was such a lovely read to snuggle up with over the weekend. The characters and setting were adorable and I really didn't want the story to end.' ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Reader Review

314 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 3, 2024

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Alison Sherlock

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews
Profile Image for Srivalli (Semi-Hiatus).
Author 23 books728 followers
December 13, 2023
Publication Date: 03rd Jan 2024

3.8 Stars

One Liner: A good read

Flora Barton is at her wit's end and desperate to save her family farm. Her granny is old, and they need a successful business idea to stay afloat.

Nico Rossi has always wanted to escape the famous family surname. However, when he has to fulfill his late grandparents' wish by visiting Grams in Cranfield, he cannot help but want to step up and support Flora to find a way to retain Strawberry Hill Farm.

As the duo put their plans into action, Flora and Nico have a lot more to consider. With some help and nudges from friends and friendly neighbors, they might find success and love in the same place if they are willing to do what it takes.

The story comes in the third-person POV of Flora and Nico.

My Thoughts:

After reading the previous two books in the series, I was looking forward to Flora’s story. She and her Grams are struggling to keep the farm going, and they need a miracle to save it.

The books in the series deal with combining small-town charm with business ventures to generate more money for their livelihood and the town. Here, Flora and Nico work hard to convert a part of the farmland into a Glamping (glamorous camping) site.

Grams (Helen) is a darling and a delight to read. She is eighty but full of life and ready to take the risk if necessary. She is loving, encouraging, sassy, and thoughtful. Tyson is a sweet little boy. I like how he blooms and grows by the end.

The setting is, of course, beautiful. How can you not want to visit the pristine hills, gentle slopes, natural lakes, and farms with lavender and strawberries? The community vibe is strong as recurring characters step in and help whenever necessary. Paddington the dog doesn’t get much space, but he does make an appearance.

Flora takes an instant dislike to Nico. There’s a bit of chemistry between the two as they get to know each other and work together to save Flora’s home. Nico is a sweet guy, the one who reformed himself well before he met a girl, and someone who loves family as much as Flora does.

The beginning is a bit slow as we get their backstories in the first two chapters (thankfully, these are shorter than the previous books). Once we get into the main plot, the story moves at a steady pace. Though some things happen easily, there are enough hurdles and doubts to keep it (borderline) believable. It’s still a sweet book, so problems are solved without too much stress.

I didn’t much like what Flora did in the last quarter of the book. Not revealing spoilers, but suffice to say, it’s not good to use another person.

The ending is, of course, HEA. Everything is sorted and tied up well. I hope the next book will finally deal with Libby. Can’t wait to read that one!

To summarize, Sunrise over Strawberry Hill Farm is an entertaining read and a good addition to the series. The book is standalone, though there may be minor spoilers for the previous books.

Thank you, NetGalley and Boldwood Books, for the eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.

#NetGalley #SunriseOverStrawberryHillFarm
Profile Image for Deanne Patterson.
2,408 reviews120 followers
December 11, 2023
Sunrise over Strawberry Hill Farm is the third book in the Railway Lane series. ❤️
This is my first read in the series though.
Flora Barton has lived with her grandparents practically all her life and now it's just her and her grandmother after her grandfather's death. She is very protective of the elderly woman and knows she can't keep the farm going like she used to in her younger years. The farm in recent years has fallen into disrepair with unplanted fields letting nature reclaim them and many repairs needing done. The farm isn't making the money it once had and the women just can't do some of the heavier chores. Flora is feeling really glum, and she wants to change this for her grandmother but isn't sure how to. One day while she's doing chores a red Ferrari pulls up and Flora knows it's not anyone she knows. Out of the car steps handsome Italian playboy Nico Rossi and he knows of Flora's grandmother. Flora's grandmother and Nico's grandfather knew each other way back when and he has come to return something of hers. He has a plan to save the farm from being bought but Flora isn't too sure she like him let alone wants to listen to any plan he has. A grumpy to sunshine story, I loved seeing the interaction between Flora and Nico and how she blossoms under his attention. The grandmother I'd say is my favorite character, she's no nonsense but yet friendly and open to new ideas. She's also a bit of a matchmaker encouraging Nico and Flora to become a couple. Will Nico's plan help this farm get back on its feet again? When Nico sees Flora dating another man will that scare him away or make him step up and let Flora know his true feelings for her? Nico is planning on leaving when the summer is over, will this romance be gone with the wind before it even gets off the ground? Warm and tender, lots of feelings in this one. It's a keeper for sure and I'm off to read the rest of the books in the series.

Pub Date 03 Jan 2024
I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.

Profile Image for Sarah.
1,617 reviews178 followers
October 14, 2024
Another enjoyable and easy novel from Sherlock, readers return to the sleepy village of Cranfield which, as the series is demonstrating, is starting to wake up with local businesses and the younger generation attracting tourists. This time, it is Flora in the limelight as readers see how she, with the help of Nico, turn around the fates of Strawberry Hill Farm.

This farm is struggling. It has been in Flora’s family for decades and, true to life, she and her grandmother are unable to make ends meet. Spiralling costs and the impact of climate change has left the fields sodden with only strawberries being able to grow. Flora and her grandmother are acutely aware that their farm is on borrowed time and the reality of having to sell up is on the horizon. When Italian hunk, Nico, arrives at the farm, his entrepreneurial ideas gives Flora and Grams hope that Strawberry Hill Farm might live on… even if it is in a bit of a different guise.

Yes, this is another boy-meets-girl romance sort of story but I really enjoyed it. Fans of Sherlock will notice that this book follows a similar formula but hey, if it works and we readers like it, what’s the problem? I was ready for an easy, spring to summer read and liked seeing the characters move from struggling farmers to successful business owners. This definitely seems to be a theme in this series and one that does not get tiresome to read about.

I liked how Nico’s character is introduced. Flora decides, for the first time in forever, to act spontaneously: shed her clothes and go skinny-dipping in the farm’s natural lake. Yet, this is the exact moment that Nico appears and this cute-meet makes Flora’s cheeks burn with embarrassment. Flora tries hard to keep her distance from Nico, believing him to be a stereotypical Italian lover who cares not a jot for women. However, Sherlock portrays Nico as far more vulnerable with a depth to his character and genuine affection for others. I really enjoyed seeing how their relationship grows, especially as Flora is so determined to keep a lid on her attraction – even if it is at the cost of her own happiness.

A great read from Sherlock, I am excited to see what happens next in this series. The story concluded with a surprise engagement, so I really hope this features in the next book. The setting of Cranfield is so pleasant to explore that these books transport readers to a quiet village that is now bubbling with life and laughter. A lovely series.

With thanks to Boldwood books and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Sheila Samuelson .
1,206 reviews26 followers
January 16, 2024
Rating: 5 Stars!!
Review:
Thank you to Rachel's Random Resources for hosting The Book Tour for this book last week. If it wasnt for that i probably wouldnt of read this one on my own.

Even tho this is only the 3rd novel ive read in this series, i can honestly say its my favorite Contemporary Romance Series so far this year.

This one reminded me alot of a Hallmark Movie especially the one where a couple tries to save their parents Grape Farm.

The Characters were so fun and enjoyable to read about. Flora was definately my favorite especially her determination to save her Strawberry Farm from Ruin.

The Setting was beautifully described which made me feel like i was actually in Cranfield while reading, especially when the scenery was described.

Overall a Phenomenal Book 3 to finish off this series even tho i HOPE there will be a Book 4 very soon!! Can't wait to read more by Alison in the future!!
Profile Image for Jennyfer.
517 reviews28 followers
January 10, 2024
Flora Barton and her grandmother are in danger of losing their family's strawberry farm due to the increasing effects of climate change that make half her fields unworkable.

Nico Rossi is the son of a famous football player, and his grandparents were once friends with Flora's family. After Nico's own family vineyard in Tuscany is sold, he arrives in Flora';s hometown of Cranfield with a red Ferrari and a reputation of a playboy.

Flora and Nico get off on the wrong foot, but soon realise they need to work together if they want to save Flora's farm from the same fate as Nico's vineyard. And so they create a "glampsite" that supports the local businesses around them for a magical camping experience for their guests.

This was a charming rural romance that covers everything from first impressions and misunderstandings, to community spirit, friendships and slow burn romances. There are lots of great characters in here, from warm-hearted Nico to "Dodgy Del" and teenage Tyson, and the banter between the friendship group is realistic and relatable. Flora herself was possibly the least likeable character, with her instant dislike and prejudice, but her pride softens through the story.

It's very much a slice-of-life story, with small quiet achievements alongside the big development of both the campsite and the romance. I wasn't aware this was book 3 in a series, but it easily works as a standalone.

A lovely summer read.

~ Many thanks to NetGalley for providing a coop of this book in exchange for an honest review~
Profile Image for Katherine Hayward Pérez .
1,675 reviews77 followers
December 2, 2023
I’m no stranger to Alison Sherlock’s books, as this is my sixth by her. I'm coming in a little late to the series as this is book 2, but I loved it! Flora and Nico are great and each has experience of difficult times in life. How they met was imaginative and powerful.

Flora’s grandmother captured my heart and her baking had my mouth watering: I wanted one of her muffins!

Alison Sherlock’s writing is gripping, emotional and comforting. Her talent with people and settings is what I love about her books. I definitely want to review the rest of the series and can’t wait for the next book.

Thanks to Alison Sherlock, Boldwood Books and Rachel’s Random Resources for my eARC in exchange for an honest and voluntary review.

5 stars.
799 reviews15 followers
November 30, 2023
I want to visit Strawberry Hill Farm! The story made me want to hop on a plane and meet Nico, Grams and Flora. It was a very sweet story!

Thanks so much to netgalley and the publisher for the arc. The opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Henriette.
920 reviews13 followers
January 8, 2024
I loved the first two books in this series and this book, book 3 was just as great. You could read it as a stand-alone as the focus is on other characters, but I would highly recommend reading the whole series in order.

This book was another great big warm hug of a book. I loved every second of it! Flora was just so lovely and selfless and her relationship with her full of energy 80 year old grandma known to all as Grams is so special! Nico, a visiting Italian was also easy to like, despite Flora being suspicious. Both Flora and Nico did not have the easiest or most loving parents, but have both turned into great people thanks to their grandparents and how they treat others shows this. I loved the adventures when they try to turn the success of the farm over and how all their friends were eager to help. It became a place I would love to visit, especially if I could also meet all the lovely people in Cranfield too.
25 reviews
May 4, 2024
Railway Lane strikes again

I become invested in the story line. The farm has to be saved or the community won’t be the same. The way it’s saved is a surprise you’ll really enjoy.
Profile Image for EVANGELIA  MARAGKOPOULOU.
722 reviews8 followers
November 28, 2023
An amazing story . The third story of the The Railway Lane series . Flora at the age of 18 had to drop out of college because her grandparents needed her at their farm . Since then she work at the farm but the last couple years the farm is having economical problems . She is one step away of losing the only home is ever knew but then like and then like Nico the grandson of an old friend of her grandparents arrives at the Strawberry Hill Farm . Nico has not lost his nonno but the place he grow up because his father just sold it . Together they find to solution to save the farm and also love .
I received this book from netgalley and the publicer as an ARC . Thank you . All thoughts and opinions are my own .
Profile Image for Colin Bell.
1,062 reviews13 followers
December 7, 2023
Just as Flora is wondering whether she can keep hold of the farm where she and her grandmother live and work they receive a surprise visitor. Nico is the Italian grandson of an old friend of her grandmother's, son of a playboy footballer but now homeless after his father sold the family vineyard. Can these two totally different characters find a way to save the farm?
This is the third book in the series, although I haven't read the previous two this didn't spoil my enjoyment of the book and I will have to go back and read those as well to learn about the other characters and their stories later. I can relate to Flora, with her more steady, considered approach to life rather than Nico, who had a reputation as a playboy, although as the story develops you see the other side of him. I'm not sure about the Glamping site, I prefer more solid walls around me, but the location is certainly idyllic. This is certainly the type of book that I enjoy reading, a small community with interesting characters, and the sights and smells of summer that it brought to me helped in the dismal winter weather whilst I was reading this.
I received an advance copy of this book from the publisher through Netgalley, however this did not influence my review of the book.
1,720 reviews110 followers
January 10, 2024
Although I guessed the outcome quite quickly, I did enjoy this book. It made me smile and i loved Gran's character as she was so feisty. This was a lovely read and I hope there is more to come. My thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.
Profile Image for RomanceByTheBook.
614 reviews14 followers
February 22, 2024
Sunrise Over Strawberry Hill Farm is a charming romance that is sure to fill your heart with joy.

I’ve been excited to read Flora’s story after meeting her and her delightful grandmother, aka Grams, in the first book in this series. Flora and Grams own a farm that has been struggling for years because of more extreme weather patterns, resulting in their fields being bogged down with excessive rain. At the beginning of this book, we learn that the farm is on its last leg, and if Flora and Grams don’t think of a way to generate an income, they will lose their beloved family farm. In comes Nico, a gorgeous Italian whose grandfather has been good friends with Grams for many years. Nico comes up with a plan to save the farm and turn it into a glamping campsite. He will help Flora get the farm’s new venture off its feet before returning to Italy, but Flora and Nico don’t anticipate the growing attraction they feel for one another.

This story has all the charm and heart I’ve come to expect from an Alison Sherlock book. It is the third book in the Railway Lane series, but it does read like a stand-alone. Alison does an amazing job at bringing her readers up to speed. I also love the fact that she includes some of her characters and places from her Riverside Lane series. I always know that excitement, or should I say disaster, is nearby whenever Dodgy Del makes an appearance in a book. I love that bumbling man. The book’s first part is a bit slower as we learn more about Nico and Flora’s background, but the pace starts to pick up once they start renovating the farm. The setting is breathtaking, and Alison’s descriptions of Flora’s farm are lush and vivid. I also enjoy spending time in Railway Lane. It just gives off those quintessential English village vibes. I loved how Alison incorporated that small-town element into her story. You get those quirky and fun characters, a strong sense of community, and coming together when someone needs help. The community rallies around Flora and Grams and lends those helping hands to help save their family farm. I need to give a shoutout to Grams. She is delightful, and I want to be like her when I’m in my eighties. She is so full of life and spunk, adding charm to this story.

I loved Flora, and my heart always went out to her in the other books because it was so oblivious that she struggled to keep her farm afloat. Anything that could go wrong does; sometimes it’s because of Mother Nature, and sometimes it’s because of Dodgy Del, who is trying to be helpful. I was excited to see where her story would take her, and I am happy to say I wasn’t disappointed. At the beginning of this book, Flora’s life feels like it’s all work and no play. She takes her responsibilities for the farm and her family very seriously, which has caused her to give up her passion for art and doing anything fun and spontaneous. Flora feels like she’s stuck and that the walls are closing in on her. Flora’s growth is slow but steady, and I loved watching her embrace her passion for art again and learn to take chances with her heart. She is a good person, and you just can’t help but want good things for her.

Everyone thinks that Nico is this Italian playboy because of the lifestyle his famous father leads. Nico feels this real sense of frustration because everyone judges him before they get to know him. Something Flora is guilty of at the beginning of this book. I loved Nico. He can be a real charmer at times, but a sweet charmer. There is this kindness to him that just warms your heart. I loved watching Nico free himself of those shackles that came from his father’s bad reputation.

The love story in this book is a sweet, slow-burn romance. This book has many fabulous tropes, such as one-sided enemies to lovers, one-bed, opposites attract, slow burn, and unconventional workplace romance. Flora does not like Nico for the first part of this book. She thinks that he is this Italian playboy who has no idea what it’s like to be responsible for something. In her mind, he is public enemy number one. She doesn’t understand why he wants to help her family out. She just does not like him. Nico is smitten with Flora right from the beginning, but he doesn’t know how to handle all the hostility Flora is showing him. But of course, we all know that as these two spend more time together fixing up the farm, those misunderstandings clear up and romantic feelings start to develop. I really like these two together. They balance each other out and bring out the best in each other. I loved those quiet moments when they would talk to each other, and Lord, Alison had me turning the page just to see if they would finally kiss.

Sunrise Over Strawberry Hill Farm is an enchanting story filled with delightful characters and a HEA that will surely put a smile on your face.

Click on the link to read more of our reviews on our blog: https://romancebythebook.com/book-rev...
Profile Image for Julie.
2,654 reviews43 followers
January 15, 2024
A gorgeous romantic escape perfect for snuggling up with, Sunrise over Strawberry Hill Farm is the enjoyable new novel by Alison Sherlock.

Flora Barton is desperate. She is in danger of losing her beloved family home and needs one good business idea to keep Strawberry Hill Farm afloat. Flora is determined to do everything in her power to keep the farm, but thus far all of her plans have failed to come to fruition and she can feel Strawberry Hill Farm slipping further and further away from her grasp. But could help come from a most unlikely source: Nico Rossi, freshly arrived from Italy with a plan that could be the answer to all of Flora’s problems?

The Rossi men are known for being ruthless playboys with a fearsome reputation. When Nico arrives at Cranfield with his crazy idea for Strawberry Hill Farm, Flora is initially hesitant. The handsome Italian is impulsive, impetuous and irresponsible, but with everything to lose, she knows that his plan is the last chance to save her home. With so much going on, distraction is the very last thing Flora needs, however, she cannot help but finds herself drawn to Nico, who has made it quite clear that he does not plan on sticking around Cranfield for longer than necessary.

Can Nico and Flora save Strawberry Hill Farm? Will Nico stop running, face his demons and put down roots in Cranfield? Or is a happy ending not on the cards for Nico, Flora and Strawberry Hill Farm?

Alison Sherlock knows how to write witty, emotional and hugely enjoyable contemporary romances and Sunrise over Strawberry Hill is another fantastic tale that will make readers laugh and cry. A wonderful story about new beginnings, second chances, healing from the past and falling in love sprinkled with hope, pathos and humour, readers will love losing themselves in this magical new novel by Alison Sherlock: Sunrise over Strawberry Hill Farm.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Kirsty (BookBlogger).
2,035 reviews63 followers
January 1, 2024
Sunrise over Strawberry Hill Farm by Alison Sherlock

I received an advance review copy for free thanks to Rachel's Random Resources and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Blurb

She drives a tractor. He arrives in a red Ferrari. What could possibly go wrong? Flora Barton is desperate to save her family home Strawberry Hill Farm. She only needs one thing - a great business idea to keep the farm afloat!

So, when Nico Rossi arrives from Italy with a crazy plan to save the farm, Flora should be overjoyed. The trouble is the Rossi men are infamous playboys and sensible Flora doesn’t trust impetuous Nico at all.

Nico has been trying to escape the famous Rossi surname his whole life. Arriving in sleepy Cranfield after recently losing his beloved grandfather and family vineyard, he has no intention of staying on any longer than necessary. But he soon realises how desperate the situation is and throws caution to the wind to help turn the farm into a Glamping site.

Can Flora realise her dreams to keep the farm safe for the future and can Nico ever stop running from his past?

As they try to save Strawberry Hill Farm, secrets are revealed and just maybe they’ll discover why opposites attract...

My Opinion

This is the third book in The Railway Lane series but it could work well as a standalone. Alison Sherlock is an author that is still quite new to me, but I am loving the writing style. I read this book over the course of a day and every time I put the book down to work on something else I was very quickly drawn back.

This is such a sweet read as Flora and Nico must work together to try and save the family farm. Cranfield is a town that I always look forward to visiting. After reading this, I wish I could visit Strawberry Hill Farm.

Rating 4/5
Profile Image for Rachel Gilbey.
3,324 reviews571 followers
September 4, 2024
I absolutely love this series, and this is another totally wonderful addition to it.

I found I couldn't read this fast enough, as I felt so at home back in Cranfield, and I love seeing how this little town keeps regenerating itself.

This time it is Flora who is taking centre stage but we see plenty of the other leading ladies of the series, and I also know I'm looking forward to reading Libby's story in the final book of the series.

Flora is trying her hardest to save Strawberry Hill Farm but is practically out of ideas. She is not a huge fan of change, nor is she that bothered about romance, so the arrival of Nico Rossi is a huge adjustment for her.

I loved Nico, he is trying his hardest to prove he isn't like his famous father, and some of his interactions with a young teen in the village are really sweet and it's clear he is a very caring person. He is also determined to help Flora save the farm.

I loved seeing the dynamics between Flora and Nico, even if I did want to knock their heads together many times.

This is heartwarming, its friendly, the sense of community is strong and its an all around pleasurable book to escape into. A total joy to read, and I can't wait until I open the next book in this series.

Thank you to Boldwood Books and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
Profile Image for Susanne Scott.
1,487 reviews20 followers
December 14, 2023
I loved being back with these great characters. Flora was an interesting character that we have met previously and I was curious as to he story, and what a story. Characters aside, I loved how the struggling farming industry was highlighted and the many ways that farmers have had to diversify and think outside the box. The glamming site that Flora and Nico create was amazing, they were great caring hosts and the views those campers would have gotten would have been amazing.

I loved the idea that Nico’s grandfather was a close friend to Flora’s grandparents and that Grams got to finally meet him and then have him in her life. Nico’s back story was a bit heart wrenching, he so wanted to fit in, he was so like his grandfather, finding his happy place took loosing everything he thought was important. I enjoyed seeing him grow, develop friendships and learning about himself and what was truly important to him. He and Flora are a great couple, each huge supporters of the other and totally dedicated to each other. The whole of Cranbridge has been transformed and a place that I get to visit again and again when reading this series.
Profile Image for Karen Huxtable .
413 reviews30 followers
January 7, 2024
Thank you to Rachel at Rachel’s Random Resources for my invitation to the blog tour and to Boldwood Books for my copy of the e book via Netgalley.

This is the third book in the Railway Lane series and I have enjoyed the previous books but this could be also read as a standalone. In this book we focus on Flora and Grams who live on a farm but the weather has been cruel and making a living has become nearly impossible. Out of the blue someone from Gram’s past the grandson of a old family friend arrives at the farm. Nico has lost his beloved Grandfather and his home and is looking for new start. Flora is very guarded about the farm but also her heart and she is not about to let an Italian playboy run wild with either. Nico wants to help and Flora begins to thaw but will she ever trust him.

I really enjoyed returning to this series, I like returning to familiar characters and settings. The characters are well developed and likeable and I was really hoping that Grams and Flora would find a solution to their dilemmas.


The author really captures a sense of community and I am always completely invested in this. A perfect uplifting new year read.
Profile Image for Patricia Holloman.
48 reviews2 followers
January 5, 2024
I received this book as an E-Arc through Netgalley... This review is solely based on my opinion and taste .

What an endearingly sweet story!!! I would love to live in a village like this in real life... somewhere that understands what community truly means. As much as I loved Flora and Nico's story and their interactions, I was just as compelled by the relationships and interactions between Nico and Ryan and Joe and Libby, Katy, and Harriet. What an amazing bond of friendship.

I will say that I found myself more interested in the character of Nico then I was in Flora and I won't give anything away but towards the last quarter of the book I found myself frustrated with flora and her choices in her personal life.

The only reason this book doesn't get a five-star rating for me is because I did find the first quarter of the book to be rather slow in pace and development.

Overall, it was a fantastic read and another gem in a wonderful series with a fictional community that I will always be interested in visiting should future books be published.
Profile Image for Elaine - Splashes Into Books.
3,883 reviews136 followers
January 5, 2024
This is an absolutely gorgeous read,
With a community and friendships helping save a farm in need!
Flora Barton is struggling to save the family farm
After repeated floods have done irreparable harm.

The visit of the grandson of her Gran's friend
Could this infamous playboy their troubles end?
Or will he bring more problems with his stay
Leaving them struggling when he goes away?

With Nico struggling with grief and feeling betrayed
This fresh start enables new plans to be made.
However, with his growing attraction to Flora, too,
And new friendships there, what should he do?

A great story with characters familiar and new
With friendships, support and community, too.
This is another gorgeous read, from beginning to end,
A book in which it is a total delight in which time to spend.

I've really enjoyed escaping to this community once more
To see how relationships have grown and new ones to explore.
For my complementary copy, I say thank you,
As I share with you this, my honest review.
Profile Image for Pam Robertson.
1,443 reviews9 followers
January 8, 2024
This is a heartwarming series with a cast of likeable characters and an idyllic setting. However, look below the surface and you discover that there are difficulties even in this gorgeous place and Flora has a fight on her hands to save the family farm. I loved the relationship between Flora and her grandmother and there some lovely friendships between the generations.
Flora has her own secret dreams as to what she wanted her future to entail and in many ways, she has put them on one side and compromised for the good of her family. Family duty is important to Nico as well and there are many similarities in their past stories. Of course at first glance they seem very different with Nico's playboy image and flashy Ferrari. Familiar characters from this series and the earlier Riverside Lane series add local colour but this can also be read as a standalone.
In short: uplifting read with gorgeous characters
Thanks to the publisher for a copy of the book
360 reviews3 followers
January 20, 2024
Book 5

Thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the chance to read this book.

This is the third book in the Railway Lane series by Alison Sherlock. This story focuses on Flora and the family farm she runs with her Grams. They have faced many struggles trying to keep the farm alfoat and are feeling very low. Their friends rally to try and help come up with ideas, but it's with the help of Nico, the grandson of one of Grams' friends, that they have a chance to diversify. There is chemistry and curiosity between Flora and Nico that they eventually give in to, even though both of them have reasons to distrust others.

Each book in this series has been enjoyable, and I've felt really drawn into the characters' lives and their daily struggles.
I love the way each story is revitalising the small town and the happiness it's bringing to the characters.

This is a fantastic series and I can't wait for Libby's happily ever after!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
194 reviews
December 15, 2023
I absolutely loved this book. I haven’t read the previous two in the series, however it still works as a stand alone story. Flora lives with the grandmother, Gramms at Strawberry Hill Farm. The farm is struggling financially, the last of the farm machinery, apart from the tractor has been sold. How can they keep the farm from going under and losing their home? An unexpected visit from the grandson of an old Italian friends marks an upturn in the future of the farm. Nico, like Flora is at juncture in his life where he feels lost and unsure of where his future lies. Following the death of his grandfather and the sale of the vineyards and home, he has nowhere to call home. Can Strawberry Hill Farm be part of his new life away from Italy? A great read. I enjoyed the story and loved th3 characters. Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for the ARC.
Profile Image for Brittany.
364 reviews54 followers
January 3, 2024
First book completed for 2024 and we are starting off strong with Sunrise over Strawberry Hill Farm. This was such a cute romance book. I loved the idea of a strawberry farm and the campsites. Their description made me want to book a reservation immediately. I wasn't a huge fan of the chemistry between Flora and Nico in the beginning. Flora's only description of Nico seemed to be that he was a playboy. However, once the playboy description finished, I enjoyed their banter and working together to save the farm.

Although this book is part of The Railway Lane series, you can read this as a standalone. I will be going back and reading the other two books in the series.

Sunrise over Strawberry Hill Farm comes out on January 3rd.

Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the opportunity to review Sunrise over Strawberry Hill Farm. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

1,995 reviews
April 21, 2024
This was a delightful story that touched my heart. I loved the way everyone pitched in to help each other.

Amazon synopsis:
Flora Barton is desperate to save her family home Strawberry Hill Farm. She only needs one thing - a great business idea to keep the farm afloat!

So, when Nico Rossi arrives from Italy with a crazy plan to save the farm, Flora should be overjoyed. The trouble is the Rossi men are infamous playboys and sensible Flora doesn’t trust impetuous Nico at all.

Nico has been trying to escape the famous Rossi surname his whole life. Arriving in sleepy Cranfield after recently losing his beloved grandfather and family vineyard, he has no intention of staying on any longer than necessary. But he soon realises how desperate the situation is and throws caution to the wind to help turn the farm into a Glamping site.

Can Flora realise her dreams to keep the farm safe for the future and can Nico ever stop running from his past?

As they try to save Strawberry Hill Farm, secrets are revealed and just maybe they’ll discover why opposites attract...
Profile Image for Sarah.
400 reviews6 followers
January 7, 2024
The third book in the Cranfield, 'Railway Lane' series and a great new installment to add to the series.

Sunrise over Strawberry Hill Farm by Alison Sherlock is a good fit for those seeking a heartwarming and uplifting story about family, love, and the power of community, with a touch of humor and a focus on overcoming adversity.

A few things that you can always count on when picking up an Alison Sherlock book, warm and fuzzy feelings, family oriented scenarios and an outcome which makes you feel generally more positive and with a better outlook than when you started reading it.

I am looking forward to the next installment, which surely must be Libby and Ethan's turn!

Thanks to Netgalley and the author and publisher for the temporary copy in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Sharon Williams.
589 reviews9 followers
January 3, 2024
I really enjoyed this book and the story of flora who is trying to save the family farm. She was brought up by her nan and grandad and now her grandad has died her and her nan.are.struggling to keep the farm going. Nico arrives from Italy who was an old family friend. He was also is a similar situation and raised by his grandparents and now his father has sold his vinyard from under him. He decides to come to the UK looking for grams for.guve her a present from his grandparents. Can he help flora and her grandmother to keep the farm going.
I loved the characters and the community feel everyone helps each other out.
63 reviews2 followers
January 14, 2024
I didn't know this book was part of a series! Oh well. It was still good and made me smile and laugh which was I needed.
Flora and Nico were a joy in getting to know. Although, I must say Gran is my favorite character. I love her because she reminds me of my own grandmother whom I dearly miss.
I'm happy with the way this story ended.
A solid 5 stars from me for the wonderful read I enjoyed. I would read this author again. She has done a wonderful job with this novel.
I highly recommend.
My thanks to Netgalley for a copy of this book. I was NOT required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.
Profile Image for Karen.
584 reviews5 followers
January 3, 2024
Sunrise over Strawberry Hill Farm is Alison Sherlock's latest novel which takes readers back to Cranfiield and to Strawberry Hill Farm where Flora, and her grandmother (known as Grams) have been struggling to make the farm profitable in recent years, due to poor weather conditions.

Enter Nico, Grams' friend Lorenzo's Italian grandson, who brings a brilliant idea and limited funds to help the team get back on their feet.

However, can Flora and Nico overcome their respective challenges, or will their efforts be in vain? To find out, grab your copy of the book today!
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