A Vicarage Homecoming: The Holley Sisters of Thornthwaite, Book 4

The Holley Sisters of Thornthwaite #4

by Kate Hewitt

Can she find happiness and love in the place she once only wanted to leave?

As the youngest Holley sister, Miriam has always been a bit of a rebel. After spending several years backpacking through Europe and Australia, she’s now back home… unemployed and pregnant, with no boyfriend or husband in sight.

At first, Miriam only wants to hide away from the shocked and prying eyes of her father’s parishioners, but her sisters won’t let her. Determined to help her find her way, they urge Miriam to accept a job working as an assistant to Simon, the new vicar… and to think about what will happen when the baby comes.

As Miriam starts putting down roots, she finds an unexpected friendship in her sister Rachel’s ex-fiancé, Dan Taylor. And as she thinks about her future, she finds hope and healing in the most unexpected places. But when the past rushes up to meet both her and Dan, can Miriam stay the course?

Genres: Romance, Contemporary, Fiction, Audiobook

Audible Audio

First published May 28, 2019

About the author

Kate is the USA Today-bsetselling author of many books of both historical and contemporary fiction. Under the name Katharine Swartz, she is the author of the Tales from Goswell books, a series of time-slip novels set in the village of Goswell.

She likes to read women's fiction, mystery and thrillers, as well as historical novels. She particularly enjoys reading about well-drawn characters and avoids high-concept plots.

Having lived in both New York City and a tiny village on the windswept northwest coast of England, she now resides in a market town in Wales with her husband, five children, and two Golden Retrievers.

Reviews

[Alison · Rating 4 out of 5]

And so to the fourth and final sibling, Miriam who has returned home to Thornthwaite after travelling the world pregnant after a one-night stand. As the youngest, and in her current situation Miriam feels like the family screw up, especially since all of her siblings are happily loved up.

But support comes from the most unlikely places and Miriam's sister Rachel's ex-fiancé Dan appears to offer Miriam the non-judgemental support that she doesn't feel she can get from her family, especially when she's not even sure if she wants to keep the baby.

In this series we've run the gamut of situations. One daughter pours her heart out to a perfect stranger, only to find he is the new vicar, another loses a baby, the third breaks her engagement and the fourth, Miriam, copes with being single and pregnant. I've enjoyed these books, perhaps the angst centres too much on the effect on the siblings of the sudden death of their brother - but then again that would be a traumatic event in anyone's life.

After finishing the Willoughby Close series I was looking for something similar and this fit the bill.

[Nicola Clough · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant to go back to this series and hear more about everyone. It's full of heartache and happiness and families and finding what is for her to be happy. It's very well written and has some romance in as well. Has she made the right choice in coming home or not.
Miriam is the youngest of the Holley sisters and has always been travelling and when she returns to the village unemployed and pregnant but no boyfriend how will every one react. She's so ashamed at being pregnant she hides away but soon realises she has to try and sort herself out. She works at the vicarage doing admin work and then she finds another job working for Dan her sisters ex and she can get free accommodation with this as well. She is quite happy working and can't decide to start with if she wants to keep the baby or not but as time goes on will she change her mind. Also how will her friendship with Dan develop as well and when she goes into labour who will be there to help her. Will she keep the baby and will Dan and her get together or not.
Brilliant book.

[Kay · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Vicarage Homecoming is the fourth book in Kate Hewitt’s Holley Sisters of Thornthwaite series. Each book tells the story of one of four daughters to Thornthwaite’s vicar and wife. By book four, the vicar, Roger, and his wife, Ruth, are on mission in China, and three of the four sisters are attached and happy. Then there’s number four, Miriam Holley, 23 and pregnant after one careless night with a stranger while she was on her travels ’round the globe. We meet Miriam, five months along and miserable. She’s considering giving the baby up for adoption, pondering how her life lacks viable work and purpose, and feeling like she’s let her family, church family, and herself down: how hard will it be to make sure she doesn’t drag this baby along in her desultory wake? As it turns out, harder than she thought. You may read the rest of this review on my blog:

https://missbatesreadsromance.com/201...

[Mouse · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series was beautiful. I loved all 4 books about the Holley sisters so much. Quite clean, sweet, funny, cozy and even a lot of faith!

[Dixie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Is it just me, or is this a "read with a box of Kleenex" book for everyone? Maybe I empathized too closely with Miriam as she comes to grips with her unplanned pregnancy and struggles to sort out her feelings. What does she wants her life to look like moving forward and which choices will she make to get there? I love the world of The Holley Sisters and the way their lives interconnect and sometimes collide unexpectedly. The residents of Thornthwaite love the Holley family and insert themselves into their lives whenever they get the chance. This volume drew me in and kept me deeply involved in this chapter of the lives of these characters who have come to feel like family to me. Is it too much to hope for more stories of Thornthwaite so I can keep tabs on the Holleys?
I voluntarily read an advanced review copy provided by the publisher via Netgalley. I offer my honest opinion in response.

[Neeha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review 3.5 Stars

A slow cozy read. When reading this book I imagined myself in front of a fireplace in the dead of the night, holding a warm cup of chocolate (with a dash of whiskey). Yup, that is how I would package this book.

Miriam comes back to her small town pregnant, jobless and homeless. They say when you hit rock bottom the only way is up. Things start looking up for her when she bumps into Dan, the town Vet, and her sister's ex-fiance. She moves out of her sister's place, gets another job and stops running away from her huge (pregnant) problem.
The story is less of a romance between Dan and Miriam and more about how Miriam gets back on her feet with the help of friends and family and understanding that taking help is not a sign of weakness.

Honestly, it took me a while to get invested in the book. But I'm glad I stuck through it cause the story picks up halfway. I felt that the author focuses a little too strongly on Miriam's self-pity in the first half which can get a bit repetitive. But the book improves considerably in the second half. If you are looking for more romance then you should be warned that this is a slow burn romance. For readers of the series, this ties up all the storylines and gives the reader a satisfying happy end.

I received an ARC from NetGalley for my honest opinion.

My Blog

[Kathryn · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5*
Nice ending to the series, I do feel stories 3 and 4 were better than the beginning although still some moments of ‘really’ but it is fiction after all. An easy listen to and a nice feeling of a family in a vicarage with all the different relationships in a family, friends and romantic sense.

[Debbie Gordon · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very happy clean story I still like to read Kate Hewitt's books straight through. They are well written and intriguing stories.

[Carol (Reading Ladies) · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 Stars

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Miriam Holley is the youngest of the Holley sisters and the most rebellious. Miriam left her home and family in Thornethwaite to travel the world. While in Australia she ends up pregnant by Rory, a man she knows nothing about. She goes home to sort out her life. She has no job and no expectations of finding a husband who wants a ready-made family. This sets the stage for a charming story of finding one’s self and finding love where one least expects it.
The author created authentic characters who exhibited a deep love of all those in their little community, helping one another, giving support, and forming deep friendships. The romance that developed was the icing on the cake.
The well-scripted story was highly believable. The author gave enough background to enable the reader to fall right into the story without having to read the first three books beforehand. It details the description of the village of Thornethwaite without becoming tedious and yet allowing the reader to picture the scene.
When I want to read a cozy romance, I can always count on Kate Hewitt. I will positively delve into books 1-3 of this series. I give A VICARAGE HOMECOMING 5 stars.

[Emma · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Vicarage Homecoming by Kate Hewitt
Can she find happiness and love in the place she once only wanted to leave?
As the youngest Holley sister, Miriam has always been a bit of a rebel. After spending several years backpacking through Europe and Australia, she’s now back home… unemployed and pregnant, with no boyfriend or husband in sight.
At first, Miriam only wants to hide away from the shocked and prying eyes of her father’s parishioners, but her sisters won’t let her. Determined to help her find her way, they urge Miriam to accept a job working as an assistant to Simon, the new vicar… and to think about what will happen when the baby comes.
As Miriam starts putting down roots, she finds an unexpected friendship in her sister Rachel’s ex-fiancé, Dan Taylor. And as she thinks about her future, she finds hope and healing in the most unexpected places. But when the past rushes up to meet both her and Dan, can Miriam stay the course?
This is Miriam Holley's story.
Miriam turned back to the filing cabinet as Simon, the new vicar of her father’s old parish, ushered the bustling busybody out. How many of her father’s former parishioners were gossiping about her, the youngest daughter who had returned to the cosy village of Thornthwaite—nestled in the steep green fells of the Lake District—from travelling the world, dusty and tired, and after a matter of mere weeks, visibly pregnant?
The worst part was, Miriam couldn’t blame any of them for thinking badly of her. She thought badly of herself.
“How are you getting on, Miriam?” Simon’s tone was just a bit too cheerful as he came into the study where she’d been filing old parish magazines, flicking through the welcome letters her father had written at the start of each one. Even in the impersonal typeface she could sense his humour, almost hear his jovial voice, and it caused her a pang of bittersweet sorrow.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book."
A Vicarage Homecoming by Kate Hewitt is a 4 star book.
Kate's Books with Tule:
A Yorkshire Christmas
Christmas Around the World
Falling for Christmas
Falling for the Freemans
Falling Hard
Falling for the Freemans
A Cotswold Christmas
Willoughby Close
Meet Me At Willoughby Close
Willoughby Close
Find Me at Willoughby Close
Willoughby Close
Kiss Me at Willoughby Close
Willoughby Close
Marry Me at Willoughby Close
Willoughby Close
A Vicarage Christmas
The Holley Sisters of Thornthwaite
A Vicarage Reunion
The Holley Sisters of Thornthwaite
A Vicarage Wedding
The Holley Sisters of Thornthwaite
Cupcakes for Christmas
A Vicarage Homecoming
The Holley Sisters of Thornthwaite

[Janine · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have read all of the books in The Holley Sisters of Thornthwaite series and I found this one to be my favorite. The youngest Holley sister, Miriam, struggles with her faith and rebels. She decided to travel the world. But in Australia, Miriam ends up pregnant by a man she knows nothing about except for his first name, Rory. So, she makes her way back home to her family. Miriam is unsure if she wants to keep the baby or give it up for adoption. She worries about her reputation, and even when people try to help her, she tries to push them away. But, there is one person Miriam becomes good friends with, Dan, who was once engaged to one of her sisters. Dan offers Miriam a place to live in exchange for helping him out in his veterinary clinic. Just when Miriam and Dan’s friendship is about to move on to a new level, Rory shows up. Now, Miriam will have even more decisions to make.

This book has more of a women’s fiction feel to it than a romance. There are many real life situations that the Holley family goes through and I enjoy seeing how they work things out. I also liked catching up with the rest of the Holley family in this story. Though this book feels like it’s wrapping up the series, I sure hope there will be more books to follow.

[Paula · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Vicarage Homecoming is the fourth of the Holley sisters’ stories by Kate Hewitt. The youngest and most rebellious of the siblings, Miriam’s homecoming brings surprises and questions. It is a sweet story of finding one’s self, family support and love; especially love in an unexpected place, at an unexpected time. It reads realistically as well as thoughtful as Miriam works to sort out her life. I was more than happy to see Dan find what he had been looking for in life too. He is such a wonderful guy, the events during the snowstorm simply highlighted that fact even more.

The story gives enough background knowledge on the other sisters that it can be read as a stand-alone. It also nicely brings all their lives up to date during the epilogue. Still it is bittersweet to think that there will not be more about these four nosey, meddling, and opinionated sisters, who can get on each other’s nerves while still being extremely loyal to each other.

An ARC of the book was given to me by the publisher through Net Galley which I voluntarily chose to read and reviewed. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Shelagh · Rating 5 out of 5]

I always feel like I’ve come home when I dive into one of Kate Hewitt’s books and that has certainly been the case with A Vicarage Homecoming, the fourth book in her Holley Sisters series. Set in Thornethwaite, a village in England’s gloriously beautiful Lakes District, this book showcases all that is good about living in small rural communities. There are busybodies aplenty but really Thornethwaite is filled with people who truly care about each other, which is just as well for Miriam Holley, who has returned to the village from her travels abroad pregnant with no sign of a significant other.
This story takes readers through Miriam’s pregnancy, a time when she develops and matures and learns the true meaning of family and community. Supporting Miriam through it all is local vet Dan, former fiancé of Miriam’s sister Rachel. I loved watching these two fall in love and much of that is down to Kate Hewitt’s wonderful author voice. This story is warm and heartfelt and was an absolute delight to read.

[Jen James · Rating 5 out of 5]

A vicarage Homecoming is the fourth and final book in the “Vicarage” Holley sisters series, by Kate Hewitt.
Each book focuses on a different sister, this book is about Miriam, the youngest sister, and the circumstances that bring her back to the home village, and vicarage of Thornthwaite.
This book is similar to the others, in as much they all feature the wider family, and their ongoing back stories. For this reason I would advise reading the books in order, which is:

A Vicarage Christmas
A Vicarage Reunion
A Vicarage Wedding
A Vicarage Homecoming

Anyone who knows me, knows that this is not my usual genre of book, but there is something lovely about these books. It’s the combination of a beautiful rural location; the warm, loving, chaotic large family; and the prospect of a cup of tea and family support being all that’s needed to settle any problems.
This books feels like a big hug. Warming, comforting and guaranteed to put a smile on your face. If you’re looking for a cosy book/series to give you a warm fuzzy feeling inside, I highly recommend these. 5* from me.

[Sydney Adin · Rating 2 out of 5]

Kate Hewitt has long been one of my go to authors when I’m in the mood for a pick me up. Her book Rainy Day Sisters helped me through a bad breakup. Usually, I feel that her writing is on point with the perfect amount of raw emotion that pulls you toward the characters and connects you to the plot. A Vicarage Homecoming, however, falls flat. At its core, this novel has the potential of being quite endearing but the characters seemed to only be partially formed. This time around, Hewitt seems to struggle to round out each character, leaving dimensions of the character absent and making it impossible for this reader to empathize with Miriam. The fourth installment in the Holley sisters series, I went in hoping for an enchanting tale and closed the book feeling like there were parts of the novel that had been left out.

[Malvina · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was never going to miss this 4th and final book in The Holley Sisters of Thornthwaite. Miriam returned to Thornthwaite in book 3, pregnant from a one night stand during her travels in Australian to someone called Rory - and she doesn't know anything about him. With the other sisters going well, Miriam feels like a failure - pregnant, alone, and fairly unsure about everything in her life. So this is her story. At times I found her frustrating, a ditherer, someone who seemed uncaring of the chaos she's created in her life and the way she sort of lobs it all defiantly at her family. But then she shows her vulnerable side, and pregnancy hormones, and I was more empathetic. No doubt about it, she had a difficult journey, with herself her worst enemy. A nice way to end the series, with a surprise romantic interest.

[thewoollygeek (tea, cake, crochet & books) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this and found it to be a lovely slow burn romance. Miriam is pregnant and alone, unsure what to do she is trying to make a decision and she moves into her sisters ex fiancé Dan’s annexe trying to figure herself and her decisions out. I enjoyed this and how it did look into all her options properly and seriously, what I wasn’t so keen on was some of the religious overtones of judgement, not from the vicar/family etc, but insinuating God should be the one to forgive her, for what !! . I did enjoy it, but felt that irritated me and let the story down. Would have been 5 stars if not for that. Enjoyable read.

Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for a free copy for an honest opinion

[Kerry Croucier · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love returning to Thornwaite and the Holley sisters. Miriam is the youngest and, after traveling the world, has returned home to her family to try to figure out her next steps. An unexpected pregnancy has her feeling like a disappointment to her family. With the father not in the picture, Miriam has to decide what she sees in her future. As she sorts through her decisions, she starts to find her own way and her own friendships. I loved watching her friendship with Dan develop over time.
This was a quick and fun read for me. It is part of a series, but can easily stand alone as Hewitt provides enough information to keep a new reader from being lost. Curl up with a nice cup of tea and enjoy the visit.
#ReadzTule

[Angela · Rating 3 out of 5]

Miriam is one of the vicar’s daughters, and when she shows up at the old family vicarage single and pregnant, she expects fire and brimstone. Indeed, not everyone in the community embraces her immediately, but hearts are softened and a path forward is forged.

Kate Hewitt has done a fabulous job writing the Vicarage series, and I couldn’t wait to read Miriam’s story. Who knew there’d be a cameo (ok more than a cameo) by an ex, a wise decision by the “rebel” daughter, and a beautiful story of truth and forgiveness among the sisters.

Kate Hewitt, if you go for another book in the series, it’ll be on my shelf quicker than I can say vicar.

NetGalley provided an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Ingrid Holzman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the final book of The Holley Sisters of Thornthwaite series by Kate Hewitt. This story introduces us more to the character of Miriam who was mentioned in the earlier books as she's the youngest daughter who has spent several years away backpacking around the world. She has always felt more disconnected to the family. The tragedy that had befallen the Holley family was not felt as keenly by her due to the age at which it occurred but we discover, nonetheless, that it still impacted her. Miriam is that cool girl everyone wants to get to know. She's the one that doesn't do things by the book which ultimately lands her back home to find her way with the support of her family. Another quick and enjoyable read! I have found a new author in Kate Hewitt!

[Paula Pugh · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Vicarage series tells of the sisters of the vicarage of Thornthwaite and of their various trials. In this book, the fourth and baby sister, Miriam, has returned from many years away traveling. She is pregnant and jobless and feels like she will never lose the name of loser of the family.
This is a dilemma story well written to covey the angst of Miriam as she tries to navigate pregnancy, work and wondering what she will ultimately do. Her scatterness plays well against her well meaning sisters and the whole pregnancy dilemma.
I voluntarily read an advanced copy of the book and all opinions are my own.

[gifta alvina · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is actually 2nd book I read in Vicarage series. Same with my previous thoughts, eventhough the readers do not read previous installment, they would not feel left behind or clueless because the author leave well enough information and background.

On the story itself, I quite enjoy the plot, it takes us into the mind of somewhat rebellious young adult who suddenly have to face a big responsibility.

The love story also well timed. It absolutely do not feel rushed or too slow.

All in all it is a very good read.

[Susan Pearson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book, not only did it give us Miriam's story but helped progress the rest of the family. I was hoping that Miriam and Dan would work out as soon as I sensed that there was an attraction there. I was frustrated when Ryan showed up, but glad he bowed out himself. As soon as Lucy's birth was described it just seemed right that they were a family. I was so glad there was an epilogue to give us a snapshot of the family. I was so caught up in the story that I read until 4am.

[Nicoletta · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the fourth book in the Holley sisters series and my first book I read from this author. I liked and I think I am going to read the other books of this series: I want to know more about the other Holley sisters!
It is a nice romance; I liked the story and how the author developed the different characters. What draw me to read this book was the location of Lake District and it left me with the longing to go and visit that area.
Thank you to NetGalley and Tule Publishing for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review!

[Vikkie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an ARC of this book in return for an honest review. This was such an easy and pleasant read. The book immediately captured my attention from the very beginning. I have found out since reading this, that the book is part of a set. I’m keen to read more of these books. The plot is easy to follow, characters are likeable. Overall, this is a charming read.

[K is for Cathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is the 4th book in the series as we follow Miriam Holley. As with the previous books in this series it is well written and enjoyable. I am a big fan of Kate Hewitt. Although can be read as a stand alone, I suggest reading in order.

[Bree · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another lovely story about challenging the narratives we assign to ourselves and proving we are more capable than we believe. And Dan - I’m so pleased he gets his HEA! Sad to leave this lovely family behind.

[Kirsteen · Rating 5 out of 5]

A heart warming, easy read. Instantly fell in love with the Hollie family and couldn't wait to find out what would happen to miriam. Looking forward to more books in the series! Thanks Netgalley.

[Mia · Rating 5 out of 5]

My favorite book in this series.