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Primrose Woods #4

Starry Skies Over Primrose Hall

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Homes don’t come much more idyllic than Primrose Hall. Set against the backdrop of the beautiful Primrose Woods, Pia Temple still has to pinch herself that she gets to wake up there every day.

Waking up next to Jackson Moody is pretty great too. Ever since the couple rekindled their teenage romance, they’ve become an unstoppable team running Primrose Hall’s packed calendar of events, surrounded by the friends and family who make up the crew at the hall.

But not everything is perfect at Primrose Hall. Pia is beset with doubts about the future, especially when a new arrival shakes everything Jackson thought he knew about his past. And as the events come thick and fast – a literary festival, craft fayres, bonfire night and the much-anticipated Christmas Carols evening – everything Pia is juggling threatens to tumble down around her.

Will the year at Primrose Hall be a time of endings or new beginnings…

Kindle Edition

Published October 12, 2023

176 people are currently reading
90 people want to read

About the author

Jill Steeples

34 books232 followers
Author also writes as J.E. Steeples

Jill Steeples lives in a small market town in Bedfordshire with her husband. When she’s not writing, she enjoys reading, walking, crocheting, musical theatre, baking cakes, eating them and the occasional tipple.

From an early age she fell in love with the fabulously funny romances of Jilly Cooper, and vowed, one day, she would have a go at writing one of her own.

Jill started her career writing short stories, particularly those with a twist in the tail, and her work has appeared in popular women’s magazines around the world and in a number of charity anthologies.

Now she writes feel-good, uplifting fiction for Boldwood Books and her works include The Dog & Duck series and The Primrose Woods series.

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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
1,723 reviews110 followers
September 28, 2023
A quick easy festive read. I always enjoy Jill's books and this one made me start to think about Christmas. A lovely read. 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 Sarah.
1,619 reviews177 followers
December 24, 2023
Finishing with a lovely Christmas dinner surrounded by friends and family, this is a great candidate for a Christmas Eve book. I loved returning to Primrose Hall, but think reading the other books in the series does help to understand all the other character connections.

This book starts off mere weeks from where the last one concluded – we are at the wedding of one of the key couples of the series. It provokes Pia to reflect on what the future holds for her and Jackson as it seems that everyone around her is settling down and moving on in adulthood. However, this sets the theme of the story as Pia feels uncertain about whether Jackson is completely serious about their relationship, particularly when his opinions about marriage and children are revealed. Pia is naturally concerned about her suddenly rocky relationship with Jackson, leading her to make security plans in case it falls apart.

Whilst I love the characters and setting, I found I was frustrated by Pia’s moroseness in this book. I missed the happy-go-lucky attitude that she portrayed in the previous book and did not feel her doubts about her relationship belonged in this lead-up-to-Christmas story. I was yearning for bubbling optimism throughout. Furthermore, Jackson’s “spoilt brat” tendencies of running away on his motorbike grew tiring and I wanted to see him step up and face problems head on, like an actual adult. For me, it was these two aspects that made me enjoy this book a bit less.

However, I liked the journey that Steeples takes her readers on, governed, if you like, by the events that take place at Primrose Hall. With a literary festival, Halloween celebrations, craft fairs and then the ultimate Christmas celebrations, I liked the different events, feeling part of the team at Primrose Hall. Things don’t always go smoothly and I enjoyed seeing Pia and the team cope with sudden leaks and changing plans as they hope to offer more back to the local community.

Not only do we see these events taking place, the sub-plots involving Jackson’s parents added to the warming aspect of the story. I was keen to watch how Ronnie and Rex’s relationship would develop (or clash!) when living so close to one another, especially when the past catches up with Rex, changing the fragile dynamics even further. I thought Ronnie and Rex’s relationship was more stable than Pia and Jackson’s for most of the story, reflecting how their doubts really made me question their commitment to one another.

Yet, this book does end on a tinselly happy ever after – exactly what I was hoping for! Towards the end of the book, Steeples introduces some new characters, so I wonder if this is laying the foundations for another book in the series. Whilst I did not enjoy the main romance as much as I have previously, it was still a pleasant read and a great way to unwind before real-life Christmas chaos begins…

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 Annette.
2,781 reviews49 followers
October 19, 2023
This was another good book in this series. Some of the characters are dealing with some life issues. It’s a nice easy book to read. Perfect for your holiday reading too
Thanks to Rachel’s Random Resources for the early copy
Profile Image for Anne.
2,200 reviews
October 13, 2023
This was a light and really lovely read – and there are those times when that’s exactly what you need, an escape to a lovely location with a little romance, friends and family, and rounded off with the loveliest Christmassy touches. All isn’t entirely well with Pia’s relationship with Jackson though – although she’s made the job of organising events at Primrose Hall very much her own, she has reason to doubt whether they’ll be together for the long haul, and feels the need to make some plans for the possible future.

While this is very much their story – and they very much have you hoping for a happy ending, despite the various obstacles – things do become a little complicated for others too. Jackson’s mum and dad, Rex and Ronnie, have put aside their differences and are becoming rather closer – and I really enjoy every scene in which they appear – but everyone’s life is rather upset by some rather unexpected news and a new arrival.

I really enjoy the author’s storytelling – her stories are so perfectly paced and filled with warmth, and her characterisation is really excellent. It was really good to meet again some of the individuals introduced in the other books, to find out how their lives have moved on (always a treat when reading a series, but no obstacle to reading this one as a standalone) – and the various friendships are beautifully developed.

The calendar of events at the hall was fascinating too – while Jackson might not be too keen on weddings, the craft fairs are now a regular feature, and the literary festival proves to be quite a success too (despite… but no, I mustn’t spoil the story!). And then there are the seasonal events – bonfire night (without any bangs and screeches to frighten the animals), and the Christmas carols that are the centrepiece of the community’s calendar. And then there are the plans for a rather more intimate Christmas dinner, just for friends and family – but perhaps also for those whose festive season might not be quite as much fun.

With the perfect emotional touch and a particularly heartwarming ending, this was the loveliest addition to a series I’m very much enjoying – I’ll be looking forward to my next visit to Primrose Woods.
Profile Image for Book Escapes Babs.
655 reviews26 followers
October 12, 2023
When we met Pia and Jackson in Dreams Come True at Primrose Hall, it was wonderful to see their relationship blossom as they joined forces to breathe new life into the Hall. However, as we return in time for Pia’s Literary Festival, there are subtle hints that not everything in the garden may be rosy.
I found myself squarely in the Pia and Jackson camp and it would be incomprehensible for their romance to fall apart. However, some challenges were almost impossible to predict, that would add extra strain to any relationship.
Jackson’s character is a cross between a perfect leading man and a troubled outsider. His past is littered with a history of being let down and hurting the people he cares about. His relationships with both his Mum and his Dad are patchy at best, and he has real issues with trusting those who he should be able to rely on. Despite this, he’s determined to accommodate those whom form his family and those who he really wants to be part of his life.
Pia is not without her own baggage as she has to reconcile her near homelessness with now living at Primrose Hall. Her friends and family are all settling down and she is beginning to feel vulnerable because of her lack of security at the Hall.
On this visit to the Hall, we discover more about Pia and Jackson, but also about those around them. The character development is first class and I felt like I was warmly welcomed into their family. Of course, not everything is plain sailing and there are misunderstandings to tackle and reassurances to be made.
This wonderful story is filled with real warmth and characters that you will take to your heart. Complete with appearances from key characters from earlier books in the series, and brief recaps if you are starting with this one, this book is absolutely gorgeous. Also, I should mention that there is a strong animal cast to help warm even the hardest of hearts.
Profile Image for Kirsty (BookBlogger).
2,040 reviews63 followers
October 14, 2023
Starry Skies over Primrose Hall by Jill Steeples

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

Blurb

Homes don’t come much more idyllic than Primrose Hall. Set against the backdrop of the beautiful Primrose Woods, Pia Temple still has to pinch herself that she gets to wake up there every day.

Waking up next to Jackson Moody is pretty great too. Ever since the couple rekindled their teenage romance, they’ve become an unstoppable team running Primrose Hall’s packed calendar of events, surrounded by the friends and family who make up the crew at the hall.

But not everything is perfect at Primrose Hall. Pia is beset with doubts about the future, especially when a new arrival shakes everything Jackson thought he knew about his past. And as the events come thick and fast – a literary festival, craft fayres, bonfire night and the much-anticipated Christmas Carols evening – everything Pia is juggling threatens to tumble down around her.

Will the year at Primrose Hall be a time of endings or new beginnings…

My Opinion

I came to this series late, I haven't read the first book but I have read all of the others and so far this has been a lovely series, with some great characters to get to know. I believe that this book could be read as a standalone but you will enjoy it far more if you read all that the Primrose Woods series has to offer.

This is a quick and easy book to read, great for dipping in and out of. This is going to make for the ideal holiday read, things might not always go right, but overall the book is very satisfying. If a literature festival isn't enough to draw you in there is a cast of animals within these pages.

Rating 4/5
Profile Image for Henriette.
920 reviews13 followers
October 20, 2023
This was my fourth visit to Primrose Woods... so basically I have been there from the start and loved every moment of it!

This book continues with Pia and Jackson's story, so a continuation from book 3, but we still get to reconnect with all the lovely characters from the first two books. The stories work as stand-alone stories, but are even better when read as part of a series or at least read book 3 and 4 together.

Pia is a lovely character, but Jackson is just like his name rather "Moody" and unpredictable. Pia is still working as PA for Jackson at the hall and they are still together romantically when the story starts, but it seems like they have different ideas about their future and then when family secrets/surprises appear on Jackson's side how will that affect them?

This story is once again full of colorful characters like Ronnie & Rex, Jackson's parents, Christmas time and there are some dogs too! I was swept away by this story and imagining that I was there in Primrose Woods with all my friends that I had met previously.
Profile Image for Pam Robertson.
1,443 reviews9 followers
October 14, 2023
This is such an uplifting read, perfect for reading in the months before Christmas. I have enjoyed the earlier Primrose Hall novels but this one opened up on Jackson’s character a bit more and you find out more about his family. Pia is in the strange position of being where she loves to be, with the perfect job and wonderful boyfriend. However, she still feels vulnerable and cannot help but remember how different her life was twelve months ago.

Friendship and family are key to Pia and you see what a kind heart she has through her actions. She wants everyone to be happy and content. Christmas at Primrose Hall sounds wonderful and Pia enjoys getting the Hall ready. You see Pia blossom in her role and gain so much confidence in her abilities. She welcomes people in and emerges as a caring and lovely person.

In short: family and friends and festive fun
Thanks to the publisher for a copy of the book
Profile Image for Staceywh_17.
3,674 reviews12 followers
October 17, 2023
Steeples is an author whose books I've grown to love since being introduced to them by Rachel's Random Resources.

I've been onboard with the Primrose Hall series from the beginning and a new book is always much anticipated.

Continuing on from their story and blossoming romance in the previous book 𝗗𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗺𝘀 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗲 𝗧𝗿𝘂𝗲 𝗮𝘁 𝗣𝗿𝗶𝗺𝗿𝗼𝘀𝗲 𝗛𝗮𝗹𝗹, we become reacquainted with Jackson and Pia as they continue with their quest to keep Primrose Hall at the heart of the community, running and hosting events, whilst their rekindled romance is already beginning to lose it's spark. We also find ourselves catching up with some old friends from previous books too, which is always an unexpected treat.

Can they overcome the issues and challenges in their way or is a not so merry Christmas heading their way? I'm not going to tell, so you'll have to find out for yourself...

It's heartwarming, enjoyable and an absolute delight to read.
Profile Image for Colin Bell.
1,064 reviews13 followers
October 4, 2023
This is one of those books where it is best to read the previous ones in the series first, unfortunately my copies are still languishing in my TBR list but I still enjoyed this one so it's not essential. I'm not sure I could handle someone as grumpy as Jackson, but Pia seems to manage him reasonably well. There are other characters from previous books making their appearance, I will definitely have to raid my TBR list to catch up with them. The Hall itself does sound a marvellous place, I use National Trust properties that I've visited to help visualise it. There are some surprises too as well as the the romance plus the whole approach to Christmas to add to the feel. An ideal book to get you into the mood for Christmas.
I received an advance copy of this book from the publisher through Netgalley, however this did not influence my review of the book.
601 reviews9 followers
October 16, 2023
I flew through this latest book set in Primrose Hall and catching up with Jackson Moody and Pia Temple, as well as all the other residents in the village surrounding Primrose Woods. The events that they put on at Primrose Hall are all going really well and Pia loves waking up there, especially next to the gorgeous Jackson, but do they both want the same in the long term? Then there is an unexpected arrival that Jackson has to come to terms with. This just flows and I became really invested in it! With delightful characters and an amazing location this is such a lovely romantic read. Although part of a series ( I would highly recommend reading the previous books because they’re so good) this can be read as a standalone as the characters and their connections are all well covered. Thank you to Boldwood Books and Netgalley for the ARC
Profile Image for Elaine - Splashes Into Books.
3,883 reviews137 followers
October 23, 2023
So good to visit Primrose Hall once more
This time with revelations and surprises galore.
It starts with a wedding with worrying comments there
Leaving Pia doubtful of the future and trying to beware!

There are festivities, plans and uncertainty, too,
With family dramas running all the way through.
Will this be a time to rejoice and celebrate
Or will there be troubles and twists of fate?

A story of friendships, romance and community, too,
With support, love and kindness for all to view.
A heartwarming read, which I enjoyed all the way through
And have no hesitation in highly recommending to you.

For my complementary copy of this book, I say thank you,
Such an brilliant read and this is my honest review.
Profile Image for Amy Dora.
432 reviews12 followers
December 5, 2023
Thank you to Netgalley, the publishers and of course the author for gifting me this advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.

My heart is full after reading this book! This is the fourth book in the Primrose Woods series and follows Pia and Jackson and their relationship development had me hooked. I loved the warmth the story emanated page after page and it was the perfect feel good book. I love Jill Steeples books and can't wait to dive into more.
Profile Image for Rachel Stansel.
1,423 reviews19 followers
September 15, 2023
In this latest Primrose Hall novel we follow Pia and Jackson as they settle into their relationship. Other past characters peek in and Pia struggles to overcome worries of stability w.ith her boss/boyfriend. A quick read

Full disclosure - I received a copy of the book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review
165 reviews4 followers
July 9, 2024
Loved the discription of the characters, but was unable to gel with Jackson. Unfortunately this muddled with me for the story and distracted from the enjoyment of the book. I loved the story, but couldn’t get over how self centred he was, even if he came round in the end. If there’s a sequel to this book I’d feel as if they are doomed
Profile Image for Marte Haga.
602 reviews17 followers
October 17, 2023
Hyggelig gjensyn med gjengen fra Primrose. Bok nr 4, leverer veldig jevnt med de forrige tre bøkene. Lettlest og koselig om menneskelige relasjoner i en liten landsby/tettsted. Særlig iMac interesse for den som liker sjangeren og bøker som likner denne (typ Heidi Swain, Jessica Redland etcL)
Profile Image for Julie Foster.
750 reviews1 follower
October 28, 2023
Such a lovely story

I really enjoyed reading this book the fourth in this series. It was lovely to catch up with everyone. Pia found she was a little insecure in her relationship with Jackson so she tried to plan for her future. I hope there is another book in this series.
Profile Image for Tami Baker.
497 reviews6 followers
January 4, 2025
Yes, it was a good-hearted story perfect for a quick holiday read, but halfway through the book I was quite annoyed by Pia. Way too insecure at times and in a relationship with a man she really didn’t trust. I liked the other aspects of the story, though.
87 reviews1 follower
November 11, 2023
Quick and easy read, a bit predictable but it was enjoyable.
2 reviews
November 15, 2023
Rags to riches



The book is a lovely read from start to end. Love can blossom aat any point, even when you don't look for it.
933 reviews22 followers
October 14, 2023
Loved being back at primrose woods/hall and to another story in the series although this could be read as a standalone I highly recommend reading the full series for full enjoyment.

This story focused on us finding out more about the characters of Pia and Jackson and their backstories and how their relationship is evolving. We also get to see the reappearance of other characters from this series along with those of an animal variety.

This was another lovely read from this author within the beautiful setting of primrose hall and with an element of festive magic to warm our hearts looking forward to the next instalment of this series.
Profile Image for Hsiau Wei.
1,819 reviews7 followers
May 27, 2024
The book ends with a heartwarming Christmas gathering, ideal for a festive read. While revisiting Primrose Hall was enjoyable, prior knowledge of the series enhances understanding of character relationships. Pia's reflections on her relationship with Jackson after a pivotal wedding set the tone for the story, but her uncertainties felt out of place in the Christmas theme. Despite this, the narrative explores community events and challenges, adding depth to the story. Subplots involving Jackson's parents add warmth and complexity, contrasting with Pia and Jackson's uncertainties. Despite some reservations, the book concludes with a satisfying ending, hinting at future installments. Overall, it offers a pleasant escape during the holiday season.
Profile Image for Joanne Lewis.
300 reviews13 followers
February 7, 2024
This is the first book I’ve read from this author and despite being the fourth book in the Primrose Wood series, it can easily be read as a stand-alone.

It’s a warm and enjoyable easy read, filled with clearly drawn characters and the delightful backdrop of Primrose Hall and the nearby woods.

There’s also a distinctive canine theme to the tale which will appeal to animal lovers.

I enjoyed getting to know the main characters Jackson and Pia, especially when comparing how different they are in personality even though they are in a relationship together.

The family dynamics are also interesting and the author cleverly takes the reader through the range of emotions the characters are feeling.

Add in the cosiness of a village Christmas carol concert and you’ve got a wonderful seasonal read!

With thanks to the author, Rachel at Random Resources and Boldwood Books for the opportunity to participate in the tour.
Profile Image for Megan.
169 reviews
January 18, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ review for Jill Steeples’ Starry Skies over Primrose Hall. This is the fourth book in the Primrose Hall series, but I haven’t read the prior books (yet). I definitely plan to soon based on how fun this romance was to read. It definitely put me in the holiday spirit as well.

Pia and Jackson dated as teenagers and are now dating again and living and working together to run Primrose Hall, a lovely place that hosts all sorts of events. Pia has been instrumental in expanding the types of events offered but starts to question how serious Jackson is about their relationship.

This was a fun, easy read. Can’t wait to read the other books in the series.

Thanks to the author, Boldwood Books and NetGalley for the ebook in exchange for my feedback.
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